Cole's
Cavalry; or Three Years in the Saddle
In the Shenandoah Valley
By C. Armour Newcomer
Read Chapters Nine-Twelve
Chapter 13: The Visit to Berryville
Our scout informed us he had left the enemy's camp
several hours before, near Berryville. The rain had
ceased falling, but heavy clouds still continued to hang
over the Valley. Vivid flashes of lightning would
occasionally light up the heavens. Major Cole informed
the men of the true condition of affairs and said it was
necessary to have a detachment of the command visit
Berryville, and have the men mingle with the enemy, if
any should be in the town, and if possible ascertain the
strength of the Confederates reported there by our
scout. We should get all information possible, at the
same time to use the utmost caution not to disclose our
identity. Captain Frank Gallagher was to be in charge of
the squad.
Major Cole informed the men it was a hazardous
undertaking, he would not have any one detailed, but
wanted five men from each one of the four Companies to
volunteer. It is useless to say that a majority of the
men in the command rode to the front; and as but twenty
men were wanted it was decided to take the first five
men in each Company's file. The writer made one of the
number from his Company. Our orders were to go to
Charlestown, after leaving Berryville, providing we were
fortunate enough to get out of the town.
Captain Gallagher gave the order to "fall in" and we
moved off by "twos." It was night and very dark, but we
were familiar with the road, and felt easy on that
point. It would take two hours before we could reach
Berryville, and the Captain would have ample time to
explain to each man his plans and what to do in the
event of being discovered that we were Union troops. A
word was agreed upon and given to us, and an. answer to
the same to be used in the event we became scattered and
should come across one-another. It had now become
intensely dark and the frequent flashes of lightning
were blinding. We had now gotten to within one mile of
the town and had not yet come upon the enemy's picket
post. It was decided if any one inquired to what command
we belonged, we were to tell them a detachment of
Gilmor's. The edge of Berryville was now reached, many
houses were lit up, and whilst we did not come upon the
enemy's pickets, we soon discovered that the town was
full of Rebel soldiers, many of them no doubt visiting
their friends in the town; the sidewalks were lined with
armed men. In front of the Union Hotel and in the
building, there could not have been less than one
hundred Confederates, some with their muskets on their
shoulders and others with their sabers clanking by their
sides; naturally, when we rode up and halted, they not
dreaming we were any but their friends, commenced
talking and asking the prospects of meeting the "Yanks."
We soon learned from their conversation that we were
talking to Imboden's men, and they were moving on
Charlestown, and perhaps Harper's Ferry. Captain
Gallagher had dismounted and entered the hotel, and it
was impossible to see his blue uniform as the poncho he
had on covered him almost to his heels. The proprietress
of the hotel was in the dining room, in the back part of
the house, and when the Captain entered the room she
looked up and at once recognized him, and as she
remarked afterwards, she came near fainting, as she at
first supposed he had been captured and his captors were
bringing him in to get something to eat. The tables in
the room were crowded with Confederate officers eating
their supper, and the landlady, whose name I regret I
have forgotten, but suffice to say, she was a loyal
woman and had frequently given Cole's men information on
former occasions. She took in the situation and informed
the Captain she had room for just one more if he did not
object to eating in the kitchen; the Captain kindly
thanked the lady and accepted her invitation, and in the
far corner of the room, at a small table, she placed a
plate for the Captain, and at the same time remarked she
would sit down for a few minutes and rest herself, as
she was most tired to death. It was a ruse of hers to
have an opportunity to speak to Captain Gallagher
privately. She gave him all the information he desired
to know and let him out of a side door where he joined
his men who had been waiting on the outside, and had
become very impatient at his seemingly long absence;
myself, with one of the men, had gone to the farther end
of the town and we inquired from a Rebel soldier who was
coming up the sidewalk where the camp was located, he
gruffly replied "damn the camp, but do you know where I
can get a canteen full of apple jack?" I informed him I
thought General Imboden might have some at headquarters.
The "Johnnie" mumbled a reply and continued on up the
street. Captain Gallagher had remounted his horse as I
came up and the column moved slowly through the town; I
rode by the side of the Captain, at the head of the
line. The Captain informed me that we should get to
Charlestown as soon as possible, and notify Colonel
Simpson, who was in command at that point. Imboden, with
two thousand Confederates, was in and around Berryville,
and had gone out of town on two different roads, one
being the White Post road; the camp fires could be
distinctly seen from the town, in that direction. The
lady at the hotel was unable to state in what direction
the second column of Rebels had gone.
Our little squad, under Captain Gallagher, had now
come to the road leading to Charlestown, and after a
short consultation we concluded that it was the better
policy to get out of Berryville as speedily as possible,
as we had accomplished our object. Our next intention
was to warn Colonel Simpson, who was stationed at
Charlestown, in command of the 9th Maryland Infantry
Regiment. This Regiment had not yet seen much service,
and it was evident that it was Imboden's intention to
attack Charlestown. After leaving Berryville some three
miles in our rear, and not yet coining upon any pickets,
we concluded General Imboden felt perfectly secure and
had no thought that an enemy was so close to his camp,
and that he purposed starting for Charlestown early in
the morning. On leaving Berryyille we had taken the
precaution of sending three men as an advance guard. The
clouds in the heavens had passed away and the moon shone
bright; we were now thankful it had not cleared off
whilst we were in Berryville, as our identity might have
been discovered. Corporal Gibbons, with privates Mills
and McGregor, who were in the advance, came dashing back
and said they had been halted by a picket guard
stationed some distance down the road. After a hasty
consultation we concluded to flank the picket post, and
started through a dense woods; we had not proceeded far
before our Captain uttered a cry of pain, myself, with
others, hastened to his side and discovered that he had
been kicked by one of the horses. His leg was broken and
he was suffering great pain. Being a non-commissioned
officer I assumed command and placed a man on either
side of the Captain, to prevent him from falling off his
horse. We were compelled to move slowly and with great
caution through the woods. After some time we came to an
opening, and seeing a farm house in the distance I
concluded to apply to the farmer, and if possible get
information that would place us on the road leading to
Charlestown; on arriving at the house the column was
halted, and myself with Sergeant Alpheus Stansbury, of
Company D, entered the gate, and from the size of the
mansion we concluded the proprietor must be a person of
some means and decided we would be more successful in
getting information at the negro quarters than from the
master of the house. I rode with Sergeant Stansbury
across the lawn without attracting attention from the
inmates of the dwelling. On ransacking the quarters I
dismounted and gained admittance; an old negro answered
my call and after being informed we were Union soldiers
who had lost our way and wished to be shown the right
road, the old man woke up one of the younger boys who
was very anxious and willing to act as our guide. After
traveling several miles, we reached a road that our
colored escort said would take us into Charlestown. It
was now long after midnight, and Captain Gallagher was
suffering great pain. Every man in the squad was anxious
to get the Captain where he could get medical
attendance; day was breaking when we came upon the
pickets of the 9th Maryland, at Charlestown. We
immediately took the Captain to Colonel Simpson's
headquarters and it was determined that he must be taken
to Harper's Ferry to have his broken leg set. The
Captain was placed on a mattress and made as comfortable
as circumstances would permit; he was given an
opportunity to rest, having been in the saddle for over
eight hours since the time his leg was broken.
The horses and men required food and rest, having
been on the move and the men in the saddle for
twenty-four consecutive hours; we concluded to remain in
Charlestown for a short time. Saddles were removed from
the horses and the faithful animals given a feed and a
good rub down, after which the men rolled themselves
into their blankets and were soon enjoying a much needed
sleep. After allowing the men to sleep four or five
hours, they were awakened and we continued on our way to
camp at Harper's Ferry; Imboden. had not yet attacked
the town.
Sergeant Alpheus Stansbury had been untiring in his
devotion to Captain Gallagher, never leaving his side,
and on arriving at Charlestown refused the rest he so
much needed, and procured an ambulance from the Surgeon
of the 9th Maryland Regiment. After the Captain rested
for a short, time he took him to Harper's Ferry, where
he had his broken leg set and properly cared for.
Chapter 14: Engagement at Charlestown
Major Cole, with the Battalion, did not arrive at
Charlestown until late in the evening, and then
proceeded to camp, at Harper's Ferry. Major Cole
insisted upon Colonel Simpson, commanding the 9th
Maryland Regiment, to vacate Charlestown and fall back
with his Regiment several miles on the Harper's Ferry
road as soon as night approached; Cole telling him he
would have a better chance to handle his men, instead of
having them cooped up in the Court House, a position
they were then occupying. Simpson refused to accept the
Major's suggestions, saying he would not leave his post
until driven out. Major Cole advised that in the event
of an attack he (Simpson) should take possession of the
houses on both sides of the street, as the enemy would,
not shell the town and relief could come from Harper's
Ferry, Simpson replied he could take care of himself if
the enemy came down upon him. Major Cole reported to
General Sullivan the true state of affairs, on his
arrival at headquarters. General Sullivan did not send
reinforcements to Colonel Simpson, and on the following
morning, Sunday, October 18th, 1863, General Imboden had
surrounded Charlestown, and after a feeble resistance
the 9th Maryland Infantry surrendered. Colonel Simpson,
with his entire staff, except his Adjutant who had been
wounded, mounted their horses, dashed through their own
lines and made their escape, leaving the men to their
fate. Had Colonel Simpson taken the advice of Captain
Gallagher and Major Cole, the 9th Maryland would never
have been taken prisoners and many lives saved, as they
were confined at Andersonville for more than a year;
when the time came for the members of the 9th Regiment
to be exchanged, not one-third were living to return to
their homes.
The noise of the firing at Charlestown, eight miles
distant, was no sooner heard at Harper's Ferry, than the
Battalion's bugles sounded " boots and saddles," and in
a few minutes Cole's rough riders were galloping swiftly
toward the echoes of battle. Captain Minor's Indiana
Battery and the 34th Massachusetts Infantry, with the
10th Maryland Infantry, followed. Cole's men, without
waiting for the supports, charged Imboden and drove him
out on the Berryville road. Imboden's Artillery of six
pieces opened upon the command with grape and canister,
which caused a check in our advance. Our support of
Infantry and Minor's Battery had not yet come up, and
the Battalion deployed as skirmishers and fought
Imboden's Brigade until they arrived; Imboden fell back
on the Berryville road and our forces continued
following until after dark. Our loss was very heavy. The
officers and men of the command deserve the highest
praise for their gallant conduct in this engagement, and
in justice, I should particularly mention Captain George
Vernon, Lieutenant Samuel Sigler, Lieutenant John
Rivers, Sergeant O. A. Horner, Captain Hunter, Sergeants
Stansbury, L. M. Zimmerman, and Private Smith, of
Company D, were conspicuous for their gallantry and
bravery; private Thomas Smith dashed into the enemy's
line and brought two prisoners off of the field with
him. It would be an injustice to others to attempt to
individualize those who did more than their fellows,
although Private A. C. Roland, of Company A, who
sacrificed his life for his Captain, certainly deserves
special mention. Lieutenant Link was leading his men
when his horse was shot from under him, and in falling
the Lieutenant was severely injured. Captain Vernon who
had been on the other end of the line now dashed up in
front of his men, not knowing a company of the enemy's
sharp-shooters were behind a stone wall not two hundred
yards distant, shooting any one exposing himself at that
dangerous point. Young Roland grasped the horse's bridle
in expostulation, at the same time a bullet struck the
faithful soldier, who died a moment later in the arms of
a comrade. Roland had never missed a fight the Battalion
had been engaged in; he was of an unusual happy
disposition and was liked by the entire command.
Major Cole had concentrated a number of men on the
main road preparatory to making a charge upon the
enemy's battery, and we had advanced to within a few
yards of their line, when the writer of this book was
struck in the head by a rifle ball, knocked down and the
entire front portion of his hat shot away, and strange
to say no abrasion of the skin was made; the hat being
drawn tightly over the head when the ball struck, it
glanced off. The bugle sounded "charge;" I was again in
the saddle, following our gallant leader, charging the
Rebel Battery; they opened upon us with grape and
canister and we were met by the enemy's infantry, who
checked our advance; after emptying our revolvers in
their faces we fell back, to give the 34th Massachusetts
Infantry an opportunity to meet the enemy's column.
Imboden withdrew. It had become too dark to follow, and
our forces slowly returned to Charlestown, where we
encamped for the night. The command had been fighting
since early morning, and our forces had killed and
wounded a number of Confederates, had taken seventy-five
prisoners and five army wagons loaded with provisions.
The Battalion had lost some of their best and bravest
men, and on the following morning when the Orderly
Sergeants called the roll, many comrades who had
answered the day before failed to respond; they had
answered to their last roll call.
The excitement of a Trooper's life soon "Makes the
living forget the dead."
Casualties in Company A. Charlestown, W. Va.,
October 18, 1863.
Corporal Henry H. Koland, killed.
Casualties in Company B. Charlestown, W. Va.,
October 18, 1863.
Loss two men killed and three wounded, but are
unable to give the names.
Casualties in Company C. Charlestown, W. Va.,
October 18, 1863.
Corporal W. A. Mcllhenny, wounded. Edward Jourdon,
killed. John Brown, wounded. John. Sites, wounded.
Casualties in Company D. Charlestown, W.
Va., October 18,1863.
George Bartholow, killed. William Black, killed.
William Carr, killed. Henry Hoffman, killed. Louis
Dawson, killed. George Earl, wounded. C. A. Newcomer,
wounded. Theophilus Brown, wounded.
Chapter 15: Strasburg, Mt. Jackson, and The
Confederate "Independant Maryland Line"at New Market
Cole’s Cavalry had removed their camp from Harper’s
Ferry to Charlestown. One or more of the companies would
go out on a scout daily; none of the enemy had been seen
since the fight with Imboden, and a number of new men
having joined the command, the different companies had
their full quota. The new men were anxious that they
should get into a fight, they had not long to wait
however, as orders were received to prepare fifteen
days' rations for a raid up the Valley.
General Averill’s Cavalry Brigade was moving on
Lynchburg and destroying the Railroad between that point
and Knoxville, Tennessee, in order to prevent the
forwarding of reinforcements by Lee to the besieged
Confederates at 'Knoxville. The old Battalion Brigade,
with the 1st New York Lincoln Cavalry, 21st Pennsylvania
Cavalry, 34th Massachusetts Infantry, Minor's Indiana
Battery, and one Battalion each of the 13th and 14th
Pennsylvania Cavalry, had been ordered to protect
Averill’s raiding brigade by interposing themselves
between that gallant leader and Lee's Army. They moved
down the Shenandoah Valley to a point beyond
Harrisonburg; after Averill had accomplished his
purpose, the brigade retreated before Fitz Lee's
division of Confederate Cavalry, .bringing in a large
number of prisoners without sustaining any great damage.
During the retreat from Harrisonburg the Battalion
covered the brigade and was under constant fire.
The command left camp at Charlestown the first part
of the month of December, 1863, with the 21st
Pennsylvania Cavalry, Colonel Boyd, the 1st New York
Lincoln Cavalry, 34th Massachusetts Infantry, Minor's
Indiana Battery, and two Battalions of Pennsylvania
Cavalry, one from the 13th and one from the 14th it may
be possible that I am mistaken in the number of the
regiments the two battalions belonged to; they were new
men and had seen but little service. At Winchester the
1st New York left the main body and joined the brigade
further up the Valley. Perhaps it may be proper to state
that Cole's Cavalry and the 1st New York Lincoln Cavalry
were fast friends and had the greatest confidence in the
fighting qualities of one another; if a fight was on
hand each command could rely upon the other to stand by
them to the last.
Cole's men were in the advance through Strasburg,
where we came upon a small body of Confederate
Cavalrymen, who fell back at our approach. The advance
had a skirmish at Woodstock; at Edinburg the
Confederates were increasing in numbers. The Major of
one of the Pennsylvania Battalions came to the front and
requested that his men be given an opportunity to go in
the advance and have something to do; Major Cole granted
his request and permitted the Pennsylvanians to pass to
the front; an hour had perhaps passed by, when, in
turning an angle in the road, the advance came upon the
enemy who had dismounted and entrenched themselves
behind logs and rails. The Rebs opened a lively fire
upon the advance, who "right about faced" and came to
the rear somewhat hurriedly. Major Cole deployed one of
his companies as skirmishers, who drove the enemy from
behind their entrenchments; the other three companies
charged down the road and we soon had them on the run.
Before Mount Jackson was reached, Major Cole, with
thirty men, left the command. Galloping down the road a
small body of the enemy's Cavalry were noticed on our
flank; we got in the rear of them before being observed,
capturing half a dozen, the others making their escape.
Two men took the prisoners to the rear, and the Major
with the remainder of his squad struck the main pike and
was at least one mile in advance of the Battalion; the
column was fully five miles in the rear. At Mount
Jackson the Rebels saw the small number of men in the
advance and made a stand; they had partially destroyed a
small wooden bridge crossing a stream, and when Major
Cole's men charged down the hill the horses jumped over
the chasm, which was fully eight feet wide. The most of
us got over in safety; as the Major's horse jumped the
ditch he stumbled and threw the Major completely out of
the saddle on the horse's neck, and the horse going at
full speed towards the enemy, he having lost all control
over him. Private Charley Fosler, known as "Cole's
forager," and called the "flying Dutchman," took in the
situation at a glance, and galloping up to the side of
Major Cole's horse he grasped the bridle and succeeded
in checking him.
The Battalion had driven the enemy through Mount
Jackson and were advancing upon New Market. Any one
standing at the latter place can look down the Valley
pike for a distance of ten miles; before we had gotten
to New Market the Confederate Cavalrymen could be
plainly seen forming in line of Battalion on the
outskirts of the town, and we knew a warm reception
awaited us. There had been several prisoners captured,
and from them we were informed that the troops we were
fighting called themselves the "Independent Maryland
Line." We had never heard of this command before, and
after this particular day at New Market they were never
heard from again.
On entering New Market from the north side, it is
necessary to ascend a steep hill. The Rebels commenced
shooting at long range, our command advancing steadily
to within several hundred yards without firing a shot;
Major Cole then gave the order to "charge." The enemy
continued firing and stood their ground until we were
almost among them, when they broke and through the town
they went at breakneck speed; for over four miles we
kept up the chase. It reminded one of a great Derby
race; the men were scattered over the road for a great
distance. A number of prisoners were captured and half a
dozen of the enemy killed and wounded. After discharging
our pieces we did not take time to reload, but continued
following the fleeing Confederates, who would turn off
the road at every convenient point, scattering through
the fields. Captain Vernon, Bugler Thomas Angelberger
and myself sat upon our horses and looked at the Rebels
running with no one in pursuit, our men having been
halted, we watched them until they disappeared over the
hills in the distance.
The Maryland Line was certainly greatly panic
stricken, and it is a, question if the commander,
Colonel O'Farrell, was ever able to get them together
again. Colonel O'Farrell is now the Governor of the
State of Virginia. I captured a man by the name of
Chambers, whom I knew in Baltimore before the war, and
strange to state, I met this same gentleman but a few
weeks ago, thirty-one years since the above occurrence.
Mr. Chambers had his horse shot from under him in the
fight, and it was he that informed me that Colonel
O'Farrell was in command of their forces. The only
person on our side that got hurt was a correspondent of
the "Philadelphia Bulletin" who was in the advance with
the command; he was shot through the body on our
entering the town. I never found out whether the
correspondent died or recovered from his wound.
We returned to New Market, where the main column had
gone into camp for the night.
Chapter 16: Harrisonburg & Staunton Road
Bright and early the following morning, "boots and
saddles" was sounded by the buglers. Colonel Boyd, of
the 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry, who was in command of the
expedition, ordered Cole's Cavalry in the advance,
towards Harrisonburg, which place was reached in the
afternoon, not having seen one Confederate in our front.
A detachment of Gilmor's Rebel Cavalry were following in
the rear of our column, which had the effect of
preventing any straggling. On reaching Harrisonburg the
Battalion charged through the town, the 1st New York and
21st Pennsylvania had come up, Minor's Battery and 34th
Massachusetts Infantry had halted and gone into camp
some miles back; the two Battalions of Pennsylvania
Cavalry had gone on a reconnaissance to our right and
did not arrive at Harrisonburg until late in the
evening; one of our scouts reported to Colonel Boyd that
the enemy were coming down the Valley in considerable
force; Colonel Boyd concluded to go into camp at this
place.
Major Cole was ordered out on the Staunton road,
after going a short distance from Harrisonburg the
command came upon several companies of Confederate
Cavalrymen, and after a lively skirmish they retired up
the Valley. Major Cole, after tearing down the telegraph
wire, returned to Harrisonburg and went into camp for
the night. The pickets were thrown out and at night the
enemy's camp fires could be seen in the distance. There
was every prospect of a fight in the morning. Colonel
Boyd destroyed a large amount of forage that had been
stored in a warehouse. Some of his men raided a number
of stores in the town, the latter without orders.
On returning to Harrisonburg after our skirmish on
the Staunton road, the writer rode down a side street in
the suburbs of the town, the inhabitants appeared to be
very poor people, the houses were small frame
structures. I noticed in coming down the street a
soldier with a large package on his back and apparently
trying to avoid me. I demanded him to halt. He dropped
his bundle and made off; what was my astonishment to
find he had thrown down a large full bolt of muslin,
evidently a part of the booty taken from the store that
the Pennsylvania Cavalry had looted. I dismounted, and
whilst wondering what disposition I should make of the
goods, two poorly clad women, with some half a dozen
children clinging to their dresses, came to the door of
one of the houses. A happy thought came to my mind that
perhaps these poor people needed this muslin, and I
determined to let them have it instead of turning it in
at headquarters. I called the women to me and they told
me their husbands were in Jackson's Army. I gave them
the bolt of muslin and advised that they should make it
up into clothing for their children. They thanked me,
and with tears in their eyes saying, "God bless Cole's
Cavalry, if our husbands are in Jackson's Army." I have
often wondered if these two Stonewall Jackson's men
lived to return to their families. I started down
through the town to join my command; in passing the
hotel, Colonel Boyd, who was standing on the porch,
called me to him and informed me that I should accompany
a gentleman whom he had been speaking to, and he (the
gentleman) would direct me to a house where a Mrs.
Johnson lived, one mile down the road, to whom I should
report and remain at her house until relieved; I should
permit none of the soldiers to molest this lady's
property. I obeyed the Colonel's orders so far as
reporting to Mrs. Johnson, but I must confess that I
left the following day without being relieved. If I had
not done so I would have been picked up by Fitz Lee's
Cavalry. Mrs. Johnson and her daughter were two ladies
who had lived in Alexandria, Virginia, and their strong
Southern feeling, and giving expression to the same, was
the cause of their being sent through the lines; they
had located at Harrisonburg. I remained at the house of
these ladies until the following morning; at early dawn
the reports of firearms could be distinctly heard; a
detachment of Cole's men, under Captain Vernon, had made
an early start and come upon the enemy in greater
numbers than they had yet seen; it proved to be Fitz
Lee's Division of Cavalry sent from Lee's Army. I bade
Mrs. Johnson farewell, she kindly thanked me for what
she supposed a service I had rendered her, and I
hastened to join my command.
The object of our expedition up the Valley had been
accomplished, and we were ordered to fall back. Fitz Lee
was following us and getting further away from
Lynchburg. General Averill, seeing his opportunity,
destroyed the Railroad between Lynchburg, Virginia, and
Knoxville, Tennessee.
Cole's Cavalry, whilst having the advance in going up
the Valley, were now transferred to the rear guard, in
falling back, and were fighting constantly for several
days. The expedition had been successful, a large amount
of property had been destroyed and over one hundred
prisoners captured.
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Solders of Company C, Cole’s Cavalry 1861-1865
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