1st Cavalry Regiment (United States)

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1st Cavalry Regiment
Image:1CavRegtCOA.gif
Active 1833 - present (Squadron is now part of US 1st Armored Division)
Country USA
Branch Regular Army
Type Cavalry for much of its existence
Nickname Blackhawk
(1st Squadron/1st United States Cavalry/1st Regiment of Dragoons/1st Armored Division)
Battles/wars Indian Wars
US Civil War
Spanish American War
Philippine-American War
World War II
Vietnam War
Commanders
Notable
commanders		 Lt. Col. Abraham Van Buren
John Buford
Henry Dodge
Stephen W. Kearny
Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright IV
U.S. Cavalry Units
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U.S. 2d Cavalry Division U.S. 2nd Cavalry Regiment

The United States 1st Cavalry Regiment is a unit in the U.S. Army that can trace its lineage to the early 19th Century when it had its genesis as the United States Regiment of Dragoons. It has served in several major wars, and continues to exist as a squadron in the US 1st Armored Division.

Contents

[edit] Origins

The "United States Regiment of Dragoons" was organized by an Act of Congress approved March 2, 1833. It soon became the "First Regiment of Dragoons" when the Second Dragoons were raised in 1836. With the outbreak of the Civil War and the War Department's desire to redesignate and reorganize its mounted units, its designation was changed to "First Regiment of Cavalry" by another Act of Congress on August 3, 1861. Headquarters were initially established at Jefferson Barracks in Missouri.

The regiment was initially organized as follows:

In June 1834, the regiment filled its complement of officers, many of whom later became noted Civil War generals:

Colonel: Henry Dodge (transferred from the Battalion of Mounted Rangers)
Lieutenant Colonel: Stephen W. Kearny (transferred from the U.S. 3rd Infantry Regiment)
Major: Richard B. Mason.

Captains: Clifton Wharton, E. V. Sumner, Eustace Trenor, David Hunter, Lemuel Ford, Nathan Boone (a son of Daniel Boone), J. B. Browne, Jesse Bean, Matthew Duncan and David Perkins.

First Lieutenants: Philip St. George Cooke (transferred from the U.S. 6th Infantry Regiment), S. W. Moore, A. Van Buren, J. F. Izard, Jefferson Davis (transferred from the U.S. 1st Infantry Regiment), L. P. Lupton, Thomas Swords, T. B. Wheelock, J. W. Hamilton (adjutant), B. D. Moore, and C. F. M. Noland.

Second Lieutenants: James Allen, Theophilus H. Holmes, J. H. K. Burgwin, J. S. Van Derveer, J. W. Shaumburg, Enoch Steen, James Clyman, J. L. Watson, and B. A. Terrett.

Brevet Second Lieutenants: William Eustis, G. W. McClure, L. B. Northrop, G. P. Kingsbury, J. M. Bowman, Asbury Ury, A. G. Edwards and T. J. McKean.

Lieutenant Jefferson Davis was the first adjutant, but resigned the staff position February 4, 1834, and was assigned to Company A.

[edit] Service overview

  • 1833 - Regiment organized at Jefferson Barracks in Missouri
  • 1856 - Regimental Headquarters moved to Fort Tejon, California
  • 1860 - Bvt. Maj. James Carleton, with reinforced Company K, attacked suspected Paiute raiders along the Mojave Road, California.
  • 1861 - 1st Dragoons was redesignated as 1st Cavalry Regiment in August.
  • 1917 - The regiment was assigned to the 15th Cavalry Division in December. This assignment was revoked in May 1918.
  • 1921 - 1st Cavalry Regiment was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division on August 20.
  • 1933 - The regiment was reorganized and redesignated as 1st Cavalry Regiment (Mechanized) on January 16.
  • 1940 - The regiment was redesignated as 1st Armored Regiment (Light), and assigned to the 1st Armored Division on July 15.
  • 1944 - On July 20, 1st Armored Regiment was reorganized (2nd Battalion was deactivated and the remainder was reorganized and redesignated as 1st Tank Battalion).
  • 1946 - On May 1, 1st Tank Battalion was converted and redesignated as the 1st Constabulary Squadron, and concurrently relieved from assignment to 1st Armored Division, and assigned to the 15th Constabulary Regiment.
  • 1948 - On December 20, 1st Constabulary Squadron was reconverted and redesignated as 1st Medium Tank Battalion, reassigned to the 1st Armored Division, and deactivated.
  • 1951 - On February 27, 2nd Battalion. 1st Armored Regiment was reconstituted, and redesignated as 100th Tank Battalion. On March 7, 1st Medium Tank Battalion was reactivated as part of 1st Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas.

[edit] Operations

[edit] Frontier duty

In October 1833, the five companies first organized were sent under Colonel Dodge to winter in the vicinity of Fort Gibson, Arkansas Territory, where they remained until June 1834. Then, the regiment was sent on the Pawnee Expedition, during which, although it ended in September, a full one-fourth of the officers and men died of fever. For the winter, Headquarters with Companies A, C, D and G, were sent to Fort Leavenworth; Companies B, H and I, Colonel Kearny, commanding, into the Indian country on the right bank of the Mississippi River, near the mouth of the Des Moines River; and Companies E, F and K, Major Mason commanding, to Fort Gibson. Throughout the summer of 1835, all the companies of the regiment were kept in the field.

The regiment became the "First Regiment of Dragoons" when the Second Dragoons were raised in 1836, however, the general disposition of the regiment remained unchanged. The various companies were employed in scouting among the Indians, especially along the Missouri frontier, with a portion of the regiment going to Nacogdoches, Texas, to keep white trespassers from the Indian lands, and preserving peace between whites and Indians and among the Indians themselves; also in building wagon roads and bridges. During the winter, the companies returned to their respective stations — Forts Leavenworth, Gibson and Des Moines.

Colonel Dodge resigned July 4, 1836, and was appointed Governor of Wisconsin. He was succeeded by Lieutenant Colonel Kearny. The regiment was not heavily engaged in the Florida war, although it did take some minor casualties, including a lieutenant. In March 1837, a regimental order designated the color of the horses of each company as follows: A and K, black; B, F and H, sorrel; C, D, E and I, bay; and G, iron gray.

In October 1837, and again in March 1838, Colonel Kearny led elements of the regiment to quell Osage Indians. In April 1839, the army created Fort Wayne in Indian Territory, and Companies E, F, G and K, were stationed there for several years, with occasional forays into the field to chase hostile Indians. Kearny was promoted brigadier general June 30, 1846, and was succeeded by Colonel Mason.

[edit] Mexican War

General Kearny was placed in command of the "Army of the West," which consisted of Companies B, C, G, I and K, 1st Dragoons, two companies of artillery, two of infantry and nine companies of Missouri volunteer cavalry, in all about 1800 men. This command was concentrated at Bent's Fort on the Arkansas River, from which point it marched for Santa Fé, August 1, 1846. The force occupied Santa Fé without much opposition, and, after leaving part of his force there, Kearny marched into California, arriving in December.

On the morning of December 6, Kearny's 200-man command was defeated at San Pasqual, about 40 miles from San Diego, by a body of Mexican vaqueros under General Andres Pico. The action was severe, with the 1st Dragoons losing 3 officers and 14 men killed, principally with lance thrusts. General Kearny himself received two wounds. His force finally reached San Diego on December 12.

Kearny, with a force consisting of Company C, 1st Dragoons, (60 dismounted men) under Captain Turner, sailors and marines with a battery of artillery and California volunteers, left San Diego for Los Angeles on December 29. Kearny's troops routed Mexicans under Governor Flores at the crossing of the Rio San Gabriel January 8, 1847, and on the plains of the Meza on the 9th. With the capture of Los Angeles the following day, all Mexican resistance to the American occupation of Southern California ceased.

Kearny had left Companies G and I at Albuquerque under Capt. J. H. K. Burgwin. When Col. Sterling Price (then in command at Santa Fé) learned of the seizure and murder of New Mexico Governor Bent and five others by the Mexicans (January 20), he moved out against them with a force of about 350 dismounted men and easily defeated them, January 24, at Canada. Captain Burgwin defeated another Mexican force shortly thereafter and rejoined Price's column for a series of further battles.

During 1847 regimental headquarters were still at Leavenworth and Companies A and E were with Zachary Taylor in Mexico. Early in the year, Company B was reorganized at Jefferson Barracks before being sent to Santa Fe in June. On June 26, while enroute, the company was engaged by Comanches at Grand Prairie, Arkansas, losing five men killed and six wounded. Upon reaching Santa Fe, Company B was retrained as a field artillery battery.

Companies D and K, as well as F, saw service on Scott's line in Mexico. Company F escorted General Scott from Veracruz to Mexico City and was present at the battles near that city. From November 1 to December 20, it was engaged on escort duty between the city and Vera Cruz. In 1848 the three companies returned to the United States and were stationed at various points on the northwestern frontier. Companies B, G, and I served with General Sterling Price in February - March of 1848 in his campaign down into the State of Chihuahua and participated in the attack upon Santa Cruz de Rosales.

[edit] Further frontier duty

During 1849, the regiment lost three men killed and two wounded (one mortally) in various Indian skirmishes.

Brevet Brigadier General Mason, Colonel of the 1st Dragoons, died at Jefferson Barracks, July 25, 1850, and was succeeded by Col. Thomas L. Fauntleroy, promoted from the Second Dragoons.

On March 30, 1854, Lieutenant J. W. Davidson, with Company I and 16 men of Company F, disobeyed his orders and boldly attacked a Jicarilla Apache camp about 16 miles south of Taos at Cieneguilla. The Indian camp was surprised and captured, while securing the camp the troops were surprised by the Indians, who attacked the Dragoon horseholders and took Davidson at such disadvantage that the command narrowly escaped annihilation. 14 men of Company I and 8 of E were killed, and Lieutenant Davidson and 14 men were wounded.

Regimental headquarters was transferred to Fort Union, New Mexico Territory, in July 1854, and throughout the following year the companies in New Mexico were almost constantly on the move. Colonel Fauntleroy made three expeditions against the Utahs and Apaches, and Companies I and K went with Colonel Nelson A. Miles against the Mescalero Apaches. Meantime, out West, Companies C and E took part in the Rogue River War in Oregon Territory, in which, at the Battle of Hungry Hill, the troops were compelled to retire with a loss of 26 killed and wounded, after fighting a day and a half.

Headquarters were moved to Fort Tejon, California, in December 1856, with the various companies scattered throughout the West. For the next 5 years, the regiment engaged in a variety of Indian fights, seeing action at various times against the Navajos and Apaches in the Southwest and several tribes in the Northwest.

[edit] Civil War

[edit] 1861 and 1862

Colonel Fauntleroy resigned May 13, 1861, and was succeeded by Col. Benjamin Lloyd Beall. On August 3, the designation of the regiment was changed to "First Regiment of Cavalry." During November and December, the regiment, except Companies D and G which were still stationed in New Mexico Territory, was transferred by steamship from the Pacific Coast through Panama and then to Washington, D.C., arriving by the end of January 1862. Colonel Beall retired February 1, and was succeeded by Col. George A. H. Blake. The regiment was attached to the 2d Brigade, Cavalry Reserve, Army of the Potomac.

In the meantime, the two companies left in New Mexico had abandoned and destroyed Forts Breckinridge and Buchanan and retreated to Fort Craig. Company D was engaged in a skirmish with Confederates near Fort Craig, February 19, and the two companies took part in the Battle of Valverde on February 21. Company D took part in the engagements at Pigeon's Ranch, March 30; Albuquerque, April 25; and Peralta, April 27.

The bulk of the 1st U.S. Cavalry, meanwhile, fought in the Peninsula Campaign in Virginia. At Williamsburg, May 4, a squadron under Capt. Benjamin F. "Grimes" Davis charged and repulsed Confederate cavalry, capturing a flag but losing 13 men. At Gaines' Mill, June 27, the regiment lost 26 more men. The regiment participated in fighting at Malvern Hill, Kelly's Ford, and during Stoneman's Raid in April and May

[edit] 1863

At the battle of Beverly Ford in June 1863, the gallant Davis was killed while in command of the 8th New York Cavalry. At Upperville, the 1st U.S. Cavalry met the Jeff Davis Legion and the 1st and 2d North Carolina regiments in a mounted charge. The regiment suffered severely, losing 53 men (most to saber cuts). At Gettysburg, its loss was 16 men. Several more men were lost in a series of skirmishes during the Confederate retreat to Virginia.

In June 1863, the two companies left in New Mexico were broken up. The officers and noncommissioned officers were transferred to Carlisle Barracks, where the companies were reorganized, joining the regiment at Camp Buford, Maryland, in October 1863. After a period of rest and re-equipping near Washington D.C., the 1st Cavalry rejoined the Army of the Potomac and was engaged at Manassas Junction and at Catlett's Station, November 5; Culpeper, November 8; Stephensburg, November 26, and Mine River. The regiment was employed during the winter doing picket duty along the Rapidan River.

[edit] 1864

In February, the 1st U.S. Cavalry engaged in a series of fights along the Rapidan line, and then accompanied Brig. Gen. George Armstrong Custer in a raid on Charlottesville, Virginia. On General Sheridan's taking command of the Cavalry Corps, the 1st Cavalry, now commanded by Capt. N. B. Sweitzer, was attached to Merritt's Reserve or Regular Brigade, Torbert's Division, and in the preparation for the Overland Campaign, the regiment was employed in picketing the Rapidan, taking part in the battles of Todd's Tavern, May 7, and Spotsylvania Court House, May 8.

The regiment subsequently accompanied Sheridan on his daring raid around Richmond, fighting at Beaver Dam Station, May 10; Yellow Tavern, May 11: Meadow Bridge, May 12; Mechanicsville, May 12; Tunstall's Station, May 14; Hawe's Shop, May 28; and Old Church, May 30.

At the Battle of Cold Harbor, June 1, the regiment saw severe fighting, losing several men and offices. The 1st Cavalry then accompanied General Sheridan on his Trevilian raid, and lost 35 men in the Battle of Trevilian Station, June 11 and June 12. The regiment was engaged in daily skirmishing during the return march to White House Landing, and was engaged there on June 17, at the Chickahominy River on June 18, and at the battle of Darby's Farm, June 28. The 1st Cavalry captured an enemy flag at the battle of Deep Bottom, July 28, where the Regular Brigade, fighting on foot, routed a brigade of Confederate cavalry.

On July 31, the 1st Division marched to City Point, embarked on ships the next day, and was transported to Washington D.C. to assist in repelling the threatened attack of General Early. On August 5 it moved towards Harper's Ferry, having been ordered to the Shenandoah Valley to rejoin Sheridan. On August 10 the Reserve Brigade routed Confederates near Winchester. The regiment was then engaged in almost daily skirmishing, and took part in all the important Valley battles except Fisher's Hill. From August 16 through August 20, the 1st Cavalry was employed, together with the whole of the 1st Division, in the destruction of all wheat and forage, and the seizure of all horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs accessible in the Valley.

The 1st Cavalry took part in the memorable charge of the Reserve Brigade at the Battle of Opequon, September 19, and, in conjunction with the 2nd Cavalry, captured two stands of colors and some 200 prisoners. Its casualties were 37 killed, wounded and missing. On September 28, in an action at Waynesboro, it suffered 18 additional casualties.

The 1st Cavalry played an important part in the Battle of Cedar Creek, October 19. After the surprise and defeat of Horatio G. Wright in the morning, the divisions of Merritt and Custer came up as reinforcements. Two squadrons of the 1st Cavalry formed perpendicular across the Valley Pike and dismounted behind stone walls, the third squadron being held in reserve. This position was held with great difficulty, the advanced squadron being subjected to an enfilading fire.

The regiment then returned to Middletown and, during the fall and winter, engaged in numerous skirmishes and took part in Merritt's raid through the Loudoun Valley and Torbert's raid on Gordonsville. In December, the regiment was assigned to duty at the Cavalry Corps headquarters in Winchester.

[edit] 1865

On February 27, Sheridan commenced his last expedition through the Shenandoah Valley, wanting to destroy the Virginia Central Railroad and the James River Canal, and capture Lynchburg. The 1st Cavalry took part in the Battle of Waynesboro, March 2, where the remnant of Early's army was captured. It was then engaged in many skirmishes during a march from Charlottesville to White House Landing, while destroying locks and the embankment of the James River Canal, railroads and Confederate supplies. It arrived at White House Landing March 17, taking part in a sharp engagement that day.

The 1st Cavalry was then present in all the major battles of the Cavalry Corps until the close of the war. On March 30 it was in the engagement on White Oak Road; March 31, at Dinwiddie Court House; April 1, at Five Forks. There, the regiment made a brilliant charge on an entrenched enemy position, carrying it and seizing 200 prisoners. It also fought April 2 in the engagement near the Southside Railroad; April 6, at the Battle of Sayler's Creek; and April 9, at Appomattox Courthouse, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia.

The regiment then returned to Petersburg, where it remained in camp until April 24, when it marched with the Cavalry Corps towards North Carolina for the proposed junction with Sherman. On the surrender of Joseph E. Johnston's army, the Cavalry Corps returned to Petersburg and the regiment, escorting General Sheridan, left for Washington May 8, arriving May 16 and taking part in the Grand Review of the Armies.

[edit] Return to the Old West

Later that month, the regiment was ordered to Louisiana, arriving at New Orleans on May 31 and remaining there until December 29 when it embarked for California via the Isthmus of Panama. It was stationed at the Presidio of San Francisco January 22, with Companies A, G and K going February 5 to Drum Barracks, where Companies C, D and E, followed them February 17, Company L going to Sacramento. In June, regimental headquarters went to Fort Vancouver and the several companies were distributed through Oregon, Washington Territory, Idaho, California, Nevada and Arizona, no two being at the same station.

Owing to the vast extent of country guarded by the regiment its service for many years following was very arduous. Scouting for Indians and escort duty of various kinds were incessant.

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1866.

  • Headwaters Malheur River, Oregon, July 18-20-22, Company I. Eleven. Indians killed and many wounded. Loss, one man killed.
  • Near Camp Watson, Oregon., September 2. Company I. One Indian killed and many women, children and animals captured.
  • Expedition from Owhyee River in September. Company M. Many Indians killed. Loss, one wounded.
  • Expedition from Fort Bidwell, Cal., October 22-29. Company A. Fourteen Indians killed, three women, four children, and entire camp captured. Loss, one wounded. *Expedition from Fort McDowell, A. T., September 22-October 3. Company E and detachment of C. Fifteen Indians killed and 10 captured.
  • Scout from Camp Watson, Ore., October 8-24. Company I. Three warriors killed, and 8, with all the women, children, stock and provisions captured.
  • Sierra Anchas, November 17. Company E. Six warriors killed and 5 captured.
  • Scout from Camp Watson, Ore., November 16-24. Lieutenant and ten men of Company I. Three Indians killed.
  • Crook's expedition against Owhyee River Indians. Battle of December. 26. Company F. Thirty warriors killed. Loss of company, one killed and one wounded.
  • Scout from Camp Wallen, A. T., December 9-15. Part of Company G. Three Apaches killed.
  • Scout from Camp Watson, Ore., December 1-7. Twenty men of Company I. Fourteen Indians killed and 5, with 28 head of stock, captured.

1867.

  • Scout from Fort McDowell, January 7-9, and again January 27-31. Company E. Forks of Malheur River, Ore., January 9. Company F. Thirty Indians and 43 head of stock captured.
  • Stein's Mountain, I. T., January 29. Company M. Band of 90 warriors attacked; 60 killed and 27 captured. Escort consisting of one officer and 21 men of Company E attacked by Indians in Arizona, February 23. Loss, one man wounded. *Scout from Camp Independence, Cal., March 7-13. Twelve men of Company D. Twelve warriors killed or wounded.
  • Dunder and Blitzen Creek, Nev. Horses and pack mules of Company H stampeded by Indians. The company was put afoot. *Scout from Camp Watson, Ore., in May Eleven men of Company I. One Indian killed and 3 captured.
  • Scout from Camp Wallen, A. T., June 9-24. Company G. Three Indians killed.
  • Malheur River, Ore., July 7 and 19. Company I. Four warriors killed and 22 captured.
  • Silver River, Ore., September 6 and 16. Company A. Twenty-four Indians killed and 19 captured. Loss, two men wounded.
  • Crook's expedition against hostiles of Oregon and northern California, August 23-October 5. Companies F, H and M. Company H in fight at "Infernal Caverns," near Pitt River, September 26 to 28. Indians completely routed. Loss of company, Lieutenant Madigan and four men killed and four men wounded.
  • October 14. During an Indian attack 1st Lt. James Pike accidentally killed by his own rifle. See [1] {Reference only}.
  • Scout from Camp Wallen, A. T., in December, Company G. One Indian killed and 4 captured.

1868.

  • Dunder and Blitzen Creek, Ore., March 14. Company H. Band of Indians exterminated. Lieutenant Parnell and one man wounded.
  • Malheur River, Ore., April 5. Company F. Thirty-two Indians killed and 2 captured.
  • Skirmish with Indians in Arizona, May 1. One man of Company C wounded.
  • Scout from Camp Lyon, I. T., May 26-31. Eight men of Company M. Thirty-four Indians killed.
  • Scout from Camp Harney, Ore. Fight on May 31 in which five Indians were killed and the remainder surrendered. Loss, one man wounded.
  • Near Camp Reno, A. T., June 16. Four men of Company E killed while escorting mail.
  • Morgan's Ranch, A. T., July 21. One man of Company K killed.
  • Scout from Fort Reno, A. T., in July. Company E. One Indian killed; loss, one man wounded.

1869.

  • Scout from Camp Lowell, January 13. Company G., One Indian killed. and one wounded.
  • Expedition against Arivaypa Apaches, February 2. Detachments of Companies G and K. Eight Indians killed and 8 captured.
  • Expedition against Apaches in March. Company G. Three Indian camps of 105 huts destroyed.
  • Fight at Mount Turnbull, A. T., April 29. Companies G and K. Twenty-eight Indians killed and 8 captured.
  • Fight with Indians in Arizona, May 11. Seven men of Company G. One man wounded.
  • Scout from Camp Grant, May 22. Company K. Four Indians killed.
  • Fights on Rio Pinto, June 2 and 4. Company E. Twenty-two Indians killed and 4 captured.
  • Scout from Camp Bowie, June 30. Company G. Four Indians captured.
  • Expedition to White Mountains of Arizona, July and August. Company L and detachment of K. Fifteen Indians killed and 3 captured.
  • Pursuit of marauders of Cochise's band, October 8. Company G. Twelve Indians killed and stolen stock recovered. *Fight with Cochise's band in Chiricahua Mountains, October 20. Company G. Twenty Indians killed and others wounded. One man killed and 1 wounded.
  • Skirmish with Cochise's band, October 31. Companies C, G and L. Two Indians killed.
  • Scout from Camp McDowell, A. T., December 9-11. Twenty men of Company E. Entire band of 11 Mojave Apaches killed.

1870.

  • Skirmish with Cochise's band, January 27. Company G. Thirteen Indians killed and two captured.
  • Attack on rancheria in Tonto Valley, A.T., May -25. Company E. Twenty-one Indians killed and 12 captured.
  • Scout from Camp Grant, June 1-9. Company K. Thirty-seven Indians killed.
  • Skirmish in the Penal Mountains, A. T., August 1. Twenty-five men of Company K. Six Indians killed. Loss, one man killed.
  • Penal Mountains, October 29. Company C. Four Indians killed. Loss, two men wounded.

1871.

Penal Mountains, January 1. Company G. Nine Indians killed. Scout from Camp Apache, A. T., February 16-27. Companies L and M. Rancheria of San Carlos Apaches attacked, capturing horses and destroying food and camp equipage. Scout from Fort Whipple, A. T., September 30. Company A. Seventeen warriors killed. Fight at Bad Rock Mountains, December 11, 1872. Detachments from Companies Land M. Fourteen Indians killed and many wounded. Attack on Apache rancheria, December 13, 1872. Detachments of Companies L and M. Eleven Indians killed and 6 captured. Scouts from Camp Verde, A. T., December 23, 1872; January 4, 1873; February 1-16, 1873; and February 18; March 7, 1873. Company I. Eight Indians killed, 3 squaws and 2 children captured. Engagement with Apaches May 6, 1873. Company A. Four Indians killed. Regimental Headquarters were transferred from Fort Vancouver to Camp Warner, Ore., in May, 1870, and thence to Benicia Barracks in October of the same year. Just two months later, — December 15, 1870, — Colonel Blake was retired from active service on his own application, and Colonel A. C. Gillem of the 11th Infantry was transferred to the First Cavalry in his stead.

The Modoc Indians were a small tribe living in northern California near Tule Lake and Lost River. Through the intercession of interested civilians orders were issued for their removal to the Klamath Indian Reservation. They went on the reservation, but, on account of ill treatment left it, and the War Department was then directed to carry out the orders. The Indians at once commenced hostilities and one of the most protracted and obstinate Indian wars of later years followed.

Company B left Fort Klamath, Ore., November 28, 1872, for the purpose of arresting "Captain Jack" and the leaders of his band of Modocs, and at daylight on the 29th surprised the Indians in their camp near Lost River, Ore. They refused to surrender and an engagement followed in which 8 Indians were killed and many wounded, and the camp, squaws, and property were captured. The company lost 2 men killed and 6 wounded, 2 of them mortally. The company then went into camp at Crowley's Ranch on Lost River opposite the Indian camp.

Company G from Fort Bidwell took station December 13, at Land's Ranch, Tule Lake, near the Indian stronghold. The Indians attacked this camp, December 21, and were repulsed, but not until 2 men and 5 horses had been killed. Company B now joined Company G and the two companies marched against the Indians, January 16, 1873, in conjunction with General Wheaton's column, with which was also serving at this time Company F and a detachment of Company H. The Indians attacked Companies B and G the same afternoon, but were repulsed, the companies losing 3 men wounded. The general engagement took place January 17, and lasted from 7.30 A. M. to 9.30 P. M., when the troops retired, going finally into camp at Applegate's Ranch, Clear Lake, Ore. The regiment lost two men killed and two officers, — Captain Perry and Lieutenant Kyle, — and 8 men wounded, one mortally.

The Indians attacked a wagon train January 22, driving away the escort, but Captain Bernard, 1st Cavalry, came up with reinforcements and the Indians were repulsed, losing one killed and many wounded.

Company K from Fort Halleck, Nev., joined the battalion February 18, which now consisted of Companies B, F, G and K, under Captain Biddle, who was soon succeeded by Captain Bernard. Colonel Gillem, 1st Cavalry was commanding the expedition, and Company H joined the column February 10.

During the night of April 14 the companies of the 1st Cavalry moved with the rest of the command to invest the Modoc stronghold, and in the "Second battle of the Lava Beds," April 15, 16 and 17, drove the Indians out of their position and into the rocks and mountains. The 1st Cavalry lost 2 men killed and 2 wounded.

On April 26 Companies B and F went to the scene of the "Thomas massacre" and brought off a number of the wounded and dead.

The same companies were attacked by Indians May 10, at Sorass Lake, Cal., but repulsed them with the loss of one warrior killed and 2 wounded. The command lost one killed and 6 wounded, 2 of them mortally.

On May 17 Companies B, G and K, with a battery (serving as cavalry) of the 4th Artillery, all under Major John Green, came upon a band of Modocs which they drove five miles, killing one and capturing several squaws and children. The troops followed the trail and on May 22, 70 Indians — men, women and children — surrendered. "Boston Charlie" was captured May 29, and on the 31st "Sconchin," "Scarfaced Charlie," and 27 other Indians surrendered.

Companies F and H were sent from Applegate's Ranch May 31 to follow up those of the Modocs who had eluded Green's command, and found them June 1, when the whole party surrendered. With the capture of "Captain Jack," the Modoc war ended, and by the end of June the companies which had been engaged in it had returned to their proper stations.

The companies left in Arizona were moved north, and by the end of October, 1873, headquarters with Companies A and D were at Benicia Barracks; B at Fort Klamath; C at Camp McDermitt, Nev.; E at Fort Lapwai, I. T. -, F, L and M at Fort Walla Walla, W. T.; G at Camp Bidwell, Cal.; H and K at Camp Harney, Ore.; and I at Camp Halleck, Nev.

Colonel Gillem died at his residence in Nashville, Tenn., December 2, 1875, and was succeeded by Colonel Grover Cuvier, promoted from the 3d Cavalry.

On June 15, 1877, Companies F and H, under Captain Perry, were ordered to proceed to Camas Prairie to the assistance of the settlers of Mount Idaho, I. T., who were threatened by the Nez Percé Indians under Chief Joseph. Learning that the Indians were crossing Salmon River and could be taken at a disadvantage, the march was given that direction and Chief Joseph's camp was found and taken by surprise, but the Indians quickly rallied and repulsed the troops with severe loss, Lieutenant E. W. Theller, 21st Infantry (attached), and 33 men being killed and two wounded.

All the companies of the regiment, except M at Colville and A at Camp Harney watching the Piutes, were now ordered into the field against the Nez Percés.

Companies E and L joined General Howard's command June 2l, and on July 1 surprised and attacked the camp of "Looking Glass" on the Clearwater, I. T. The village was entirely destroyed, several Indians killed and about a thousand ponies captured. On July 2 the same command attempted to form a junction with Company F, which was on its way from Lapwai. On the 3d the Indians ambushed the advanced guard, consisting of Lieutenant S. M. Rains, ten men of the battalion and two civilian scouts, killing them all, and were then found to be in such force and so strongly posted that it was considered imprudent to attack them. The junction with Company F was effected, however, on July 4, and the same afternoon the Indians attacked, the fight lasting until sunset. The battalion (E, F and L) joined General Howard at Grangerville, July 8. Company H had joined July 2, and the battalion was commanded by Captain David Perry.

On 11 July General Howard crossed the Clearwater with his whole command and moved down that stream with Company H in the advance. The Indian camp was discovered and at once attacked, the fight lasting two days and ending with the retreat of the Indians. Company B joined in time to take part in the fight on the 12th. The regiment lost 3 men killed and 4 wounded.

The battalion made a reconnaissance July 18, on the Lo-Lo trail, and the Indian scouts accompanying it were ambushed and met with considerable loss. One Nez Percé was killed.

Major Sanford's battalion, consisting of Companies C, D, I and K, joined General Howard on the Clearwater, July 28, and the expedition across the Lo-Lo trail began on the 30th. Companies B, C, I and K, under Major Sanford, accompanied it, and Companies D, E, G and L, with other troops under Major Green, constituted the " Reserve Column " which remained at Camas Prairie until August 5, when it moved near to Mount Idaho, and established a permanent camp called Camp Howard.

Companies F and H were stationed at Fort Lapwai.

General Howard's trying and "stern" march across the Lo-Lo trail, and the final surrender of Chief Joseph to General Miles at Bear Paw Mountains are matters of history. In the Indian attack at Camas Creek August 20, Companies B and L were engaged, losing one man killed and one wounded. At Judith Basin the battalion was detached from General Howard's command and directed to return, and all the companies had reached their stations by the end of November.

Company K and a detachment of C, attached to General Sturgis' command, took part in the engagement with the Nez Percés at Canyon Creek, M. T., September 13, 1877.

At the outbreak of the Bannock war in May, 1878, Company G was the first body of troops to reach the scene of hostilities, and Captain Bernard reported that the Indians numbered from 300 to 500. They were moving towards Stein's Mountain, Ore. The whole of the First Cavalry was at once ordered into the field and Colonel Grover sent to Fort Boise to take charge of operations there. Companies D, I and K, were with him.

Companies F and L joined Company G on the Owyhee, June 17, and the three companies reached Camp Harney on the 21st, where they were joined by Company A. These four companies were designated the "Left Column" by General Howard.

On the morning of June 23 the Left Column struck the main camp of the hostiles on Silver Creek, and drove the Indians out of it and on to a cutbank, made by the creek, which had been prepared for defense. The action lasted into the night and in the morning it was found that the Indians had gone. Many Indians were killed and the camp was destroyed. The battalion lost 2 killed and 3 wounded. Company K joined the battalion June 27, and on the 28th the cavalry cut loose from the foot troops and pushed forward on the trail of the Indians. The fertile John Day Valley was saved in great part by this vigorous pursuit, and on July 5 General Howard overtook the command, arriving with it at Pilot Rock on the 7th. Here it was joined by Companies E and H. The Indian camp was located and at sunrise on July 8 Captain Bernard moved his battalion to the attack.

The Indians, about 300 in number, occupied the crest of the high and steep hills near Birch Creek, and were at once attacked. Captain Bernard giving the first example of fighting cavalry on foot without separating the men from the horses. All the companies, except A with the pack train, were deployed and used in the engagement, and the Indians were driven from three successive positions and finally four or five miles further into the mountains. Four men were wounded, one mortally, and probably 20 horses were killed. The enemy's loss could not be told; their women, children and best horses were sent off, seemingly towards the Grande Ronde, before the action began.

Lieutenant C. E. S. Wood, A. D. C., says: "The entire fight was closely watched by the general commanding, who desires to express his opinion that no troops ever behaved better or in a more soldierly manner than did the officers and men engaged in this encounter." The command camped for the night among the rough cañons adjacent to the battle-field.

Captain Bernard was now directed to take his command, except Company K, to Fort Walla Walla to refit. Company K was sent to join the infantry column and with it moved to the Umatilla Agency, near which the hostiles were reported to be. Here the Indians made an attack July 13. In the ensuing fight Company K held the right of the line and took part in the final charge by which the Indians were driven off the field and for three miles into the hills. At the request of the Indian Agent the command moved back to the agency that night, but two days later seven dead Indians were counted upon the battle-field.

Companies A, E, F, G, H and I, now under Lieutenant-Colonel J. W. Forsyth, 1st Cavalry, left Fort Walla Walla July 13 — the day of the fight at Umatilla Agency — in search of the Indians, who were found to be travelling in the direction of John Day River. On the 20th Forsyth's scouts were ambushed, which caused a halt and deployment of the command, but when the line moved forward the Indians had gone. On the 22d the battalion reached 11 Burnt Meadows," where it was joined by Companies D and I, under Major Sanford, and on the 27th it went into camp at Malheur Agency to await supplies. The hostiles had now split up into many small parties which were followed up and nearly all ultimately captured.

During the months of September and October the companies were sent to their permanent stations, and the return for November 30 shows Companies A and E at Camp Harney, Ore.; B, D, F, K and M, at Fort Walla Walla, W. T.; C at Camp Bidwell, Cal.; G at Fort Boise, L T.; H at Fort Colville, W. T.; I at Camp Halleck, Nev., and L at Fort Klamath, Ore.

In the year 1881 Companies C, G, I and M were sent to Arizona, and on October 2, Company G, with other troops, was in action near Cedar Springs with Apaches. The hostiles fought with great boldness and desperation and the fight lasted until 9 P. M., when the Indians escaped. Company G had two men wounded and 12 horses killed.

On 4 October Companies G and I had a running fight near South Pass of the Dragoon Mountains, in which the hostiles were followed into Sonora, Mexico.

In October, 1881, the "Companies" began to be designated "Troops" on the Regimental Return.

Troop G returned to Fort McDermott, November 9; Troop I to Camp Halleck, December 27; Troop M to the Presidio of San Francisco, January 20, 1882; and Troop C to Fort Bidwell, April 16.

In June, 1884, the regiment was transferred to the Department of Dacota, after a tour of nearly 30 years on the Pacific coast, during the greater part of which time its stations were remote from civilization and its duties of a most arduous and thankless character.

Headquarters and Troops D, G 1, K and M, went to Fort Custer; A, C and F went to Fort Maginnis; E to Fort Ellis; H and L to Fort Assinniboine; and B to Fort Keogh.

Colonel Grover died at Atlantic City, N. J., June 5, 1885, and was succeeded by Colonel N. A. M. Dudley, promoted from the 9th Cavalry.

Conflict with the "Crows" came in the fall of 1887, and on the morning of November 4, Colonel Dudley left Fort Custer with Troops A, B, D, E, G and K, and Company B, 3d Infantry, with a section of Hotchkiss guns, to arrest "Sword Bearer" and the Indians who had fired into the agency buildings on the night of September 30.

On the 5th a demand was made upon the Indians for the surrender of these men, and they were given an hour and a half to comply with the demand. At the end of that time the battalion of the 1st Cavalry, with Moylan's troop of the 7th Cavalry on the right, moved out in front of camp. At the same time a 'great commotion was observed in the Indian camp, and "Sword Bearer" and another chief dashed out leading from 120 to 150 warriors equipped for battle. The Indians charged but were repulsed and fell back into the timber along, the river where they had dug many rifle pits from which they now kept up a constant fire. This fire was returned, and "Sword Bearer" was seen to fall, when all fighting quickly ceased. All the Indians whose surrender had been demanded and who had not been killed were at once brought in and delivered to the Department Commander, who sent them to Fort Snelling. The cavalry battalion returned to Fort Custer on the 13th.

Colonel Dudley was retired from active service August 20, 1889, and was succeeded by Colonel J. S. Brisbin, promoted from the 9th Cavalry. On 31 December of that year Headquarters and Troops B, D, E, G and M, were at Fort Custer; A and L at Fort Maginnis; C, F and H at Fort Assinniboine; I at Fort Leavenworth; and K at Camp Sheridan, Wyoming.

In April, 1890, the Cheyennes assumed a threatening attitude and their agent called upon the commanding officer of Fort Custer for protection, who sent Major Carrol with Troops B, D and M to the Tongue River Agency where they established Camp Crook. In September a white boy was murdered by "Head Chief" and "Young Mule," and every attempt to arrest the murderers failed. On the 11th they sent word that they would attack the agency and on the 12th made their appearance on a hill commanding the agency buildings where they opened fire upon them. They were soon dislodged and killed.

The regiment took part in the operations against the hostile Sioux in the winter of 1890-91, but was not brought into actual contact with them.

In December, 1890, word having been received that a troop of cavalry was surrounded by hostile Indians at or near Cave Hills, Montana, Troop A made one of the most remarkable marches on record in going to its relief. It marched 186 miles, 95 of which were made in 25 hours, and 170 in 53½ hours. The report which caused such tremendous exertion proved to be without foundation.

On the 22d of April, 1891, Colonel Brisbin was transferred to the 8th Cavalry with Colonel A. K. Arnold who had been the lieutenant colonel and now became the colonel of the First.

In 1892 the regiment was transferred to the Department of Arizona, relieving the 10th Cavalry. Headquarters and Troops C, E, F, H and K, going to Fort Grant, Arizona.; B and I to Fort Bayard, New Mexico; D to Fort Apache, Arizona; and G to San Carlos. Troop A was at Fort Meyer, Virginia, and was not moved. Since its arrival in Arizona the regiment has not been engaged in any serious Indian difficulties, although the several troops have been kept in practice in field work by that ever active and elusive " Kid," who has been responsible, for more movements of troops than any Indian ever known.* {See wikipetia category of "List of People from Arizona" {Old West Era}

[edit] Campaign Participation Credit

[edit] Mexican-American War

  • Buena Vista
  • Vera Cruz (Company F only)
  • Cerro Gordo (Company F only)
  • Contreras (Company F only)
  • Molino Del Rey (Company F only)
  • Chapultepec (Company F only)
  • Coahuilla 1846
  • New Mexico 1846 (except Company E)
  • New Mexico 1847 (Except Company E)
  • California 1847 (Company C only)
  • Chihuahua 1848 (Except Company E)

[edit] Indian Wars

  • Modocs
  • Apaches
  • Nez Perces
  • Bannocks
  • Pine Ridge
  • California 1846
  • California 1852
  • California 1860
  • California 1868
  • Kansas 1847 (Company B only)
  • Nebraska 1849 (Company B only)
  • New Mexico 1849
  • New Mexico 1850
  • New Mexico 1851
  • New Mexico 1854
  • New Mexico 1855
  • New Mexico 1856
  • Oregon 1851
  • Oregon 1853
  • Oregon 1855
  • Oregon 1856
  • Oregon 1860
  • Oregon 1866
  • Oregon 1867
  • Oregon 1868
  • Colorado 1855
  • Arizona 1857
  • Arizona 1859
  • Arizona 1866
  • Arizona 1867 (Company E only)
  • Arizona 1868
  • Arizona 1869
  • Arizona 1870
  • Arizona 1871
  • Arizona 1872 (Except Company B)
  • Arizona 1881 (Except Company B)
  • Washington 1858
  • Idaho 1879 (Except Company E)
  • Montana 1887

[edit] Civil War

  • Peninsula
  • Antietam (Except Company E)
  • Fredericksburg
  • Chancellorsville
  • Gettysburg
  • Wilderness
  • Spotsylvania
  • Cold Harbor
  • Petersburg
  • Shenandoah
  • Appomattox
  • New Mexico 1862 (Except Company E)
  • Virginia 1862
  • Virginia 1863
  • Virginia 1864
  • Virginia 1865
  • Maryland 1863

[edit] Spanish-American War

  • Santiago

[edit] Philippine-American War

  • Luzon 1901 (Except Company E)
  • Luzon 1902 (Except Company E)

[edit] World War II

  • Algeria-French Morocco (with arrowhead)
  • Tunisia
  • Naples-Foggia
  • Anzio
  • Rome-Arno
  • North Apennines (Except Company E)
  • Po Valley (Except Company E)
  • New Guinea (Company H only)
  • Bismarck Archipelago (With Arrowhead) (Company H only)
  • Leyte (With Arrowhead (Company H only)
  • Luzon (Company H only)

[edit] Vietnam

  • Counteroffensive, Phase III (Except Companies C, D, F, G and H)
  • Tet Counteroffensive (Except Companies C. D, F and H)

[edit] Decorations

[edit] Regimental Headquarters

  • None

[edit] Company H

  • Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered LUZON (Headquarters Troop, 1st Cavalry Brigade, cited; DAGO 33,1948)
  • Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered October 17, 1944 to July 4, 1945 (Headquarters Troop, 1st Cavalry Brigade, cited; DAGO 47, 1950)

[edit] Acknowlegements

  • In the preparation of this paper I have confined myself almost entirely to the regimental records, but have received much valuable information from General P. St. George Cooke, Colonel A. K. Arnold, Major Moses Harris, Captain T. T. Knox, Captain F. A. Edwards, Lieutenant A. L. Mills and Lieutenant W. S. Scott, to all of whom I am very grateful.
  • An abridgment of Capt. Wainwright's "History of the 1st U. S. Cavalry" was also used.

R. P. P.W.

Page updated 30 October 2002

[edit] References

[edit] External links and references

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