No. 346. Report of Colonel Edwin V. Sumner, First New York Mounted Rifles, of operations October 7.1
HDQRS. FIRST REGIMENT NEW YORK MOUNTED RIFLES,
In the Field, October 8, 1864.
In obedience to instructions from headquarters Cavalry Division, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the action of the 7th instant:
The command was promptly in the saddle at daybreak. On receiving notice of the attack made by the enemy on the cavalry, information
was at once to the general commanding the Tenth Army Corps. The pickets on the road leading from the right of the infantry to the Darby road were not disturbed by the enemy until after the cavalry had retreated, when they were withdrawn on the approach of a skirmish line of the enemy’s infantry to Kell’s house, where my whole command was in position. It was soon discovered that the enemy’s cavalry had passed to my right and rear, and they appeared in some force at Cox’s house, which was in rear of the right of our infantry line. This information was also sent to the commanding general of the Tenth Army Corps, and my command was withdrawn to the rifle-pits in front and to the right of the infantry line, and dismounted. This position was held by me against the enemy’s dismounted cavalry until the infantry line was formed in my rear, and I was ordered to withdraw. The command was then ordered to the New Market road to act as support for the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, then on picket, and remained there until the morning of the 8th instant. The only casualty I have to report is one man slightly wounded.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Colonel First Mounted Rifles, New York State Vols., Commanding Regiment
Major THEO H. SCHENCK,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Division.
Source:
- The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 1 (Serial Number 87), pages 844-845 ↩