Historical notes and Reports:

Second Cavalry
WISCONSIN
(3-YEARS)

Second Cavalry. -- Cols., Cadwallader C. Washburn, Thomas, Stephens Nicholas H. Dale; Lieut.-Cols., Thomas Stephens, Levi Sterling, William H. Miller, H. Eugene Eastman, Nicholas H. Dale, William Woods Newton De Forest, Majs., William H. Miller, Nicholas H. Dale, Myron W. Wood, H. Eugene Eastman, William Woods, John Whytock, Edwin Skewes, Levi Sterling, Edward D. Luxton, George N. Richmond, Newton De Forest, George W. Ring.

This regiment was organized at Camp Washburn, Milwaukee, between Dec. 3, 1861, and March 12, 1862. It left the state March 24 for Benton barracks, St. Louis, where it was mounted and equipped and was ordered to Springfield in May.

The 2nd and 3rd battalions were sent to join Gen. Curtis' army at Augusta, Ark., from there to Helena, where they remained until Jan., 1863, when they moved to Memphis, and in June to Snyder's bluff, Miss., where they remained during the siege of Vicksburg. They joined Sherman's expedition to Jackson in July and then returned to Redbone, 10 miles from Vicksburg.

The 1st battalion was stationed at Springfield and Cassville, Mo., alternately until Oct. 1862, when it went to Osage Springs, Ark., and remained there until December. It was stationed at Forsyth, Mo., until the latter part of March, 1863, going from there to Lake Springs, and in Sept., 1864, joined the other battalions at Vicksburg.

The regiment was on picket duty until Nov. 6, when it joined an expedition to Gaines' landing, Ark. Subsequently it made a 300-mile expedition, destroying bridges, railroad track, cotton and supplies, and a detachment of 240 men engaged a considerable force of the enemy near Yazoo City.

The regiment was ordered to Memphis on Dec. 10 and joined an expedition under Gen. Grierson unto Mississippi, destroying much railroad property, bridges and stores, defeating the enemy in a severe action at Egypt Station and capturing 500 prisoners, who were placed in charge of the 2nd.

The command then marched through to Vicksburg, destroying the enemy's line of communication, then returned to Memphis and soon after made two similar expeditions without notable incident. On May 9, 1865, a detachment of 330 was sent to Grenada, Miss., for garrison duty and remained until June 24, when it rejoined the regiment at Alexandria, La.

It was assigned to the 2nd brigade, 2nd cavalry division, Department of the Gulf, and marched to Hemstead, Tex., where it went into camp. It was mustered out at Austin, Tex., Nov. 15, 1865.

Its original strength was 1,127. Gain by recruits, 979; substitutes, 18; draft, 1; veteran reenlistments, 385; total, 2,510. Loss by death, 271; missing, 1; desertion, 103; transfer, 33; discharge, 557; mustered out, 1,541.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 4, p. 75


Prairie Grove, AR after action report:

No. 28.

Report of Maj. William H. Miller, Second Wisconsin Cavalry.

HDQRS. FIRST BATTALION, SECOND WISCONSIN CAVALRY, Camp of Prairie Grove, Ark., December 9, 1862.

CAPT.: I have the honor to submit the following report, pursuant to orders received from Col. Wickersham, commanding First Brigade, Third Division, to which brigade my command was attacked. We marched from Camp Curtis, near Wilson's Creek, on the 3d of December at 12 m.; encamped for the night on Crane Creek, resuming our march next morning (December 4), arriving and encamping for the night on Crane Creek, near Cassville. December 5, we marched to Sugar Creek. December 6, with the cavalry of the brigade in advance, made a forced march, separating ourselves from balance of the division; reached Cane Hill; joined Gen. Blunt's forces at 11 p. m. Sunday, December 7, at daylight, we were ordered to a position on the field, making a few slight preparations for battle, and remaining until 9 a. m., when we were ordered forward on the road leading in direction of Fayetteville. We marched until 1 p. m., and halted at Rhea's Mills. At 1.30 we marched to the battle-field, arriving and taking a position on right of cavalry; deployed as skirmishers, watching the enemy on that flank, pursuant to orders received from Gen. Blunt. We remained in the position until recalled at the close of the battle. During the day a few slight demonstrations were made upon us by small numbers of the enemy, but without effect. No casualties occurred.

Yours, to command,

WM. H. MILLER,
Maj., Cmdg. First Batt. Second Wisconsin Vol. Cavalry.

WILLIAM HYDE CLARK,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second and Third Divs., Army of the Frontier.

Source: Official Records
CHAP. XXIV.] BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, ARK. PAGE 127-32
[Series I. Vol. 22. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 32.]


JANUARY 12, 1863.--Skirmish at Lick Creek, near Helena, Ark.

Report of Lieut. James B. Bradford, Second Wisconsin Cavalry.
HELENA, ARK., January 13, 1863.

COL.: I have the honor to state that, by order of Col. Powell Clayton, of the Fifth Kansas Cavalry, commanding the expedition which left Helena, Ark., on Sunday, January 11, for White River, I was detailed by Col. Thomas Stephens, commanding Second Wisconsin Cavalry to convey dispatches to the commanding officer at Helena, Ark., and was furnished with a command, consisting of 1 sergeant and 24 men, for that purpose from the Second Wisconsin Cavalry.

The command left Big Creek, the camp of the above-named regiment (a point 18 miles west of Helena, on the Saint Charles road, I believe), on Monday, January 12, at 3 p. m. A small party of rebels having been reported to me as seen a short distance in the advance, I used the utmost caution, keeping 3 men well in advance, but in sight of myself and command.

On arriving at a point called Lick Creek, about 6 miles east of Big Creek and 12 miles from Helena, I found that the bridge across said creek, constructed by the Federal troops the day previous, had been destroyed. Thinking it necessary that I should advance as rapidly as possible, I immediately gave orders to cross the creek at a ford a short distance from the bridge. I had succeeded in crossing about 10 of the command (including myself and sergeant), and while on the east bank superintending the crossing of the balance (the ford being very deep and muddy), we were attacked by a body of rebel cavalry from the west creek, having reasons to believe that we might be attacked at that point, some of the command had examined a road and the surroundings leading into the one upon which I had advanced at a distance of about 40 rods from the creek. They reported that no enemy were visible. I now think that the above-mentioned cavalry were secreted in the woods between the roads.

On being attacked, those of the command who had crossed the creek immediately commenced pouring a very effective fire (with their revolvers, not having any carbines) into the enemy, and succeeded in unhorsing 5 or 6 of them. We continued to fire until our revolvers were exhausted of their loads, when my men commenced to retreat, having seen that those who were in the creek and on the west bank were either killed, wounded, or prisoners.

I succeeded in rallying those remaining of the command after retreating about 30 rods, and commanded them to reload their revolves and endeavor to assist those who were on the east side of the creek unhorsed or wounded; but, while preparing to load, we were fired upon by a party of about 30 men, commanding us at the same time to surrender. The said men were concealed about 4 rods north of the road leading to Helena. Not deeming it safe to attack (our arms being unloaded), and their party numbering at least four to one of my command, I gave the order to follow, and succeeded in passing the enemy, after receiving two volleys from them at a distance of about 10 and 4 rods. I immediately pursued my way to Helena with what remained, consisting of myself, sergeant, and 3 privates. We succeeded in securing 4 horses and equipments belonging to those who had been unhorsed, and brought them to Helena, at which point we arrived at 7 p. m., when I immediately reported myself and command, and delivered the dispatches as ordered.

At about 10 o'clock on the same evening, four more of the command reported at Helena, having succeeded in evading the second ambush by taking a circuit to the right, their firing on the advance having warned them of the position of the rebels.

On this day, January 13, about 10 a. m., one more man came in, having remained secreted in the neighborhood of the fight until evening, when he succeeded in making his way to Helena, and reported that, as well as he could judge, he saw about 9 or 10 of our men taken prisoners, and supposed that the balance were either killed or wounded.

It gives me pleasure to state that the men under my charge behaved admirably.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES B. BRADFORD,
Lieut. and Reg. Com. of Sub., Second Wisconsin Cav.

Col. CYRUS BUSSEY, Cmdg. Post at Helena, Ark.

P. S. -- Since writing the above, 5 paroled prisoners have reported to me, who state that our loss was 1 killed, 2 badly wounded, besides several slightly, making 14 who have returned. Capt.'s Cawley and Clifford, commanding rebels, admit that they were 200 strong, and that they lost 1 lieutenant killed; also others killed and wounded, which my men corroborate.

Source: Official Records
PAGE 215-32 MO., ARK., KANS., IND. T., AND DEPT. N. W. [CHAP. XXXIV.
[Series I. Vol. 22. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 32.]


MAY 18, 1863.--Skirmish on Horn Lake Creek, Tenn.

Report of Capt. Arthur M. Sherman, Second Wisconsin Cavalry.

CAMP SECOND WISCONSIN CAVALRY, May 18, 1863.

SIR: I have the honor to submit this my report of the result of the expedition under my command, which left our camp at 1 p.m. To report to brigade commander, Col. Moore, Twenty-first Missouri Infantry.

I received instructions to proceed upon the Hernando road 10 or 12 miles with 75 men, and dispatch 25 men by the Pigeon Roost road to intersect the Hernando road and form a junction with me again, and, if the enemy were discovered in any force, to hold them in check, and report the fact to brigade headquarters.

After proceeding some 4 miles beyond Nonconnah, the advance discovered two pickets and gave chase. After running half a mile, one of them abandoned a United States horse and saddle and fled into the woods, the horse falling into our hands. We proceeded then near unto Horn Lake Creek, and discovered a picket of some 8 or 10 men, who seemed reluctant to abandon their post; whereupon I halted my command, without showing its strength, and advanced Lieut. Showalter, with 20 men, for the purpose of charging them, after becoming convinced they had no reserve to support them; but, if such should be the case, to feint being unsupported, and fall back and draw them out. He advanced upon them, they retreating beyond Horn Lake Creek. He discovered at this time a squad on his right and left, which he immediately engaged, they as soon giving way, and returning into the timber. He immediately communicated to me the facts of his engagement, whereupon I advanced with one-half of the 50 men I had left, the 25 sent by the Pigeon Roost road not yet having overtaken us. About the time or a little before my arrival to the front, the enemy had all fled and abandoned their post.

It being now nearly dark, and my men without either food or blankets, I decided to return to camp.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

A. M. SHERMAN,
Capt., Commanding Company L, Second Wisconsin Cavalry.

Lieut. Col. L. STERLING.

P. S. -- I met one of our spies coming in from Hernando, who reported Gen. Chalmers' presence there with 400 men, and that Maj. [G. L.] Blythe is this side with 300 men.

Source: Offical Records
CHAP. XXXVI.] SCOUTS FROM LA GRANGE, TENN. PAGE 144-37
[Series I. Vol. 24. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 37.]


MAY 23-24, 1863.--Expedition from Memphis, Tenn., to Hernando, Miss.

Report of Col. Thomas Stephens, Second Wisconsin Cavalry.
MEMPHIS, TENN., May 25, 1863.

CAPT.: I have to report that, in accordance with orders received, I left camp at daybreak of the 23d of May, with about 400 men from the Second Wisconsin Cavalry Regiment, Fifth Ohio, and First Missouri, and moved out on the Hernando road, closely reconnoitering the country for an enemy, reaching Hernando, Miss., about 6 p.m., where I camped for the night.

During this day's march we encountered numerous squads of the enemy, belonging principally to Capt. Manning's company, attached to [G. L.] Blythe's regiment of Mississippi cavalry. Of these, we captured 3, and 1 man of the First [Seventh] Tennessee Cavalry, and also a lieutenant of Chalmers' battalion of sharpshooters. A scout of Gen. Chalmers was also chased and killed.

At daybreak of the 24th, we moved from Hernando to Pounder's Ferry, on the Coldwater River, for the purpose of obtaining intelligence of Col. Hatch's command. Nothing was seen of him, however. Citizens stated that a large Federal force was at a point 8 miles from Coldwater on the night of the 22d of May, and moved in a southerly direction next morning. Chalmers is said to have moved south from Panola with his command. I did not, therefore, deem it necessary to cross the Coldwater. Blythe has crossed the Coldwater, and was at Hickey Haley when last heard from. He has left Capt. Manning with one company in the country between Memphis and Hernando. This company was discovered by our advance - Squadron H, Second Wisconsin Cavalry - on our return, on the Horn Lake road, near Col. Blythe's plantation, drawn up in line in the brush about 20 yards from the road. The advance charged them, killing 3 and scattering the remainder in all directions. No prisoners were taken, on account of the thickness of the brush giving them every opportunity to escape. We reached camp at about dusk last evening without loss of any kind.

The following is a list of property captured: Nine horses, 2 mules, 6 saddles, 3 revolvers, 3 double-barreled shot-guns, 1 rifle, 1 musket, and 1 saber.

I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOMAS STEPHENS,
Col. Second Wisconsin Vol. Cavalry, Comdg. Expedition.

Capt. F. W. Fox,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

Source: Official Records
PAGE 429-37 WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI.
[Series I. Vol. 24. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 37.]


MAY 26, 1864.--Affair on Lane's Prairie, Maries County, Mo.

Report of Lieut. George B. Davidson, Second Wisconsin Cavalry.

HDQRS. COMPANY K, SECOND WISCONSIN CAV. VOLS., Rolla, Mo., May 30, 1864.

MAJ.: I have the honor to report that on the 27th instant I was ordered to proceed in command of a scout of 30 men, belonging to the First Battalion, Second Wisconsin Cavalry, in search of Sergt. Legrand Carter and 4 men of this command, who were sent out by the provost-marshal District of Rolla, Mo., on the 26th instant, and who were supposed to have been taken prisoners. I left camp at 9 a. m. and proceeded in a northwest direction some 20 miles, until I struck the Waynesville and Vienna road, near the house of Mr. Bull, on Maries Creek. I then learned from citizens then assembled that the sergeant, together with his 4 men, were all lying about a mile from that place in the woods, having been shot and left there by some party, supposed to be bushwhackers, on the evening of the 26th instant. I took the statements of some citizens who seem to know but little of anything about who the perpetrators of the deed were or the circumstances. I, however, learned from a colored woman that she saw our men about sundown in the road near Mr. Bull's, and saw a party of men dressed in Federal uniform, numbering about 15, meet them, and heard each party tell the other to halt. She said some loud talk then took place, when the smaller party, together with the large party, went up into the woods together; in short time she heard firing. A lady who afterward saw the same party, and met them in the road going in the direction of Waynesville, said they told her they were soldiers from Jefferson City, and made inquiries if she had seen any bushwhackers around in that section. I found the bodies near each other, with signs of a desperate struggle for life by the unarmed men, and the sergeant was stripped of his pants and boots, and had an old pair of worn-out shoes on his feet. After sending the bodies to camp I thoroughly scouted the country from the point on Maries Creek, where the bodies were found, to the Gasconade River, and on and around Matthews' Prairie, but hearing nothing sufficient to warrant my longer delay, and having been informed that a scout was out from Waynesville, in which direction the best information led me to believe the party had gone, I returned to camp on the 28th instant. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. B. DAVIDSON,
Second Lieut. Co. K, Second Wisconsin Cav. Vols.

[Maj. MYRON W. WOOD,
First Battalion.]

Source: Official Records
PAGE 953-61 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. XLVI.
[Series I. Vol. 34. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 61.]


JULY 30--AUGUST 1, 1864.--Scout in Phelps and Maries Counties, Mo.

Report of Lieut. Charles Adamson, Second Wisconsin Cavalry.

HDQRS. COMPANY A, SECOND WISCONSIN CAVALRY, Rolla, Mo., August 1, 1864.

In accordance with orders received from Col. A. Sigel, commanding Post of Rolla, I started July 30 with a scout of thirty men from the Second Wisconsin Cavalry. I divided my command into three parts, one taking the Vienna road, another the Lane's Prairie road, myself the Dillon road; scouted the by-roads and country thoroughly for several miles. Heard no reports of disturbance by guerrillas. Command rejoined and camped for the night at Dillon. July 31, divided my men as before; started at daylight, one party taking country between Vienna and Lane's Prairie roads; another the country immediately east; myself taking the Borbeus Bottoms, still farther east. We traveled mostly on by-roads and in the brush. Heard of guerrillas being on the Vienna road and on Spring Creek three days before. Camped for the night on the outskirts of the prairie. Arrested one man on suspicion. August 1, started at daylight; divided my command as before, one party taking the Vienna road, another the Spring Creek, and myself the country near the Gasconade River. Heard the same reports as before stated. Command rejoined at Dyer's farm, five miles from Rolla, and reported in to my command at 3 p. m., and delivered my prisoner to provost-marshal.

I remain, respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHARLES ADAMSON,
Lieut. Company A, Cmdg. Scout.

COMDG. OFFICER,
Post of Rolla.

Source: Official Records
PAGE 186-83 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. LIII.
[Series I. Vol. 41. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 83.]