MINNESOTA HATCH'S CAVALRY BATTALION (Three Years)

Hatch's Cavalry Battalion.--Maj., E. A. C. Hatch. This battalion was organized during Aug. and Sept., 1863, and left for Pembina Oct. 5, for Indian duty, accompanied by one section of the 3d Minn. light battery. It acted as escort for a transportation train from St. Cloud, and from Pomme de Terre Oct. 24 the major portion of the troops were sent to Fort Abercrombie to obtain additional ordnance, the rest of the command under Lieut. Charles Mix, continuing with the train, a junction to be effected at Georgetown. A sudden thaw compelled the train to rest days and travel nights and the road was lost, the command being thus several days late in reaching Georgetown. Animals and men suffered greatly, owing to the failure of contractors to deliver hay and grain as agreed, and only by most determined work did the expedition continue. Two hundred and fifty horses, mules and oxen died between Georgetown and Pembina, and as much of the stores as could be spared were left at Georgetown. In December a small detachment surprised and captured a party of Indians and soon afterward some 200 of Little Crow's band surrendered. Others came in until Maj. Hatch had nearly 400, and early in Jan., 1864, the Sioux chiefs, Little Six and Medicine Bottle, were captured, sent to Fort Snelling and after trial were hung for their crimes in the massacre of 1862, Little Six confessing to having personally killed 50 people. In February the battalion was joined by Maj. Joseph R. Brown, with over 40 friendly Indians. Maj. Brown left for Fort Snelling with the prisoners and on April 10, Lieut. Mix and party left for Fort Abercrombie. On May 5, the entire command moved for Fort Abercrombie. Co. C was detailed to Alexandria and Pomme de Terre and Co. D to patrol duty from Fort Abercrombie to Pembina. Maj. Hatch resigned in June because of ill health, being succeeded by Lieut.-Col. C. Powell Adams, and Cos. E and F were mustered in during Aug. and Sept., 1864. Post and patrol duty was the order until 1866, when the regiment was mustered out by companies during April, May and June.

Minnesota Hatch's Independent Battalion Volunteer Cavalry (Union)

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