PENNSYLVANIA ONE HUNDRED and SIXTY-THIRD INFANTRY (EIGHTEENTH CAVALRY) (Three Years)

Eighteenth Cavalry. Cols., Timothy M. Bryan. Jr., T. F. Rodenbough; Lieut.-Cols., James Gowan, William P. Brinton, John W. Phillips; Majs., Joseph Gilmore, William B. Darlington, Henry B. Van Voorhis, John W. Phillips, William H. Page, John Britton. The 18th cavalry, the 163d Pa. regiment, was recruited from the state at large, rendezvoused at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, and was mustered into the U. S. service from Oct., 1862, to Feb., 1863, for three years. When only partially organized and equipped, it moved from Harrisburg to Bladensburg, Md., and on Jan. 1, 1863, it moved to near the head of Long bridge, Va.; about the middle of the month to Germantown on the Little River turnpike, where early in February it was joined by Cos. L and M, hitherto wanting, and was fully organized. It was at first brigaded with the 5th N. Y. and 1st Vt. cavalry, under command of Col. Wyndham, and early in the spring was assigned to Gen. Custer's Michigan brigade of Brig.-Gen. Stahel's division. After five months' service in this locality, covering the defenses of Washington and guarding the gaps of the Blue ridge it moved with its division to Middletown, and became a part of the 3d division, cavalry corps, Army of the Potomac, under Gen. Kilpatrick, who relieved Gen. Stahel. Marching through Littlestown and Hanover, the regiment formed the rearguard being attacked by Stuart's force at Hanover. A sharp skirmish ensued which accounted for the absence of the Confederate cavalry from Gettysburg, where it was so greatly needed. On July 3 the 18th was closely engaged at Gettysburg throughout the entire day and in the evening the 1st brigade charged under the leadership of Col. Farnsworth, who was killed. In the pursuit which followed the cavalry overtook and captured 1,000 prisoners and 2 pieces of artillery at Monterey Springs. At Hagerstown the enemy was found in force and in a charge made by Cos. L and M to test the strength of the opposing forces, a large proportion of the two companies was killed or captured. In continuing the pursuit engagements followed at Brandy Station and Culpeper in September, at Brandy Station in October and at Buckland mills and New Baltimore in November. Winter quarters were established early in December at Stevensburg. In Feb., 1864, the regiment shared in the raid upon Richmond under Gen. Kilpatrick and at the beginning of the Wilderness campaign had a narrow escape from capture. After a charge at Spottsylvania on May 7 the cavalry under Gen. Sheridan moved toward Richmond and rejoined the main body of the army at the South Anna. Picket and scouting duties followed, with engagements at St. Mary's Church, Yellow House, and in the Shenandoah valley, where the regiment was ordered early in August. At Fisher's hill, Winchester and Cedar creek the 18th fought valiantly and in November went into winter quarters at Harper's Ferry. It participated in the raid on Waynesboro and was detailed to guard the prisoners to Winchester. Here it remained until May, 1865, when it moved to Cumberland, Md., where Co. E was mustered out on June 14 and the remainder of the regiment consolidated on June 24 with the 22nd Pa. cavalry to form the 3d provisional cavalry, which was stationed at Clarksburg, West Virginia, until mustered out on Oct. 31, 1865. Source: The Union Army, vol. 1 Gettysburg after battle report: Reports of Maj. William B. Darlington, Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Stafford Court-House, Va., August 9, 1863. Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of the battles in which this regiment has been engaged since June 29: On June 30, while passing through the town of Hanover, Pa., it was attacked by a brigade of rebel cavalry under Gen. Stuart. Several squadrons had formed, when some ambulances, which were in the rear, were driven by the frightened drivers through our ranks, creating so much confusion that we were compelled to retreat through the town, when we reformed. We were not afterward engaged during the day. This is the only engagement in which the regiment has been broken. Lieut. T. P. Shields, with some 25 men, received the enemy's charge on our flank bravely, but was overpowered and captured. Casualties, 4 killed, 27 wounded, 50 missing; total, 81. On the evening of July 2, in the skirmish at Hunterstown, Pa., the regiment was again under fire. It was assigned to the support of the battery. We lost only 1 man wounded. On July 3, were moved to the left of the line of the Union army at Gettysburg. The regiment was employed in skirmishing during most of the day. At about 5 p. m., it was recalled, formed, and ordered to charge, which it did with energy, and remained under fire until recalled. Casualties, 1 killed, 5 wounded, 16 missing; total, 22. On the night of July 4, in connection with the rest of the division, it captured the train of Gen. Ewell's (Confederate) corps. Casualties, 1 man missing. On July 5, at Smithsburg, the regiment was deployed as skirmishers, and remained in position till recalled. Casualties, 3 men missing. On July 6, was in the engagement at Hagerstown. The First and Third Battalions charged through the town; drove three times their number back to the enemy's batteries on the hill, when they were ordered back. They retired in good order. In this charge they captured several prisoners, among them a rebel colonel. Subsequently, when the division retired, the regiment was assigned to the support of a battery, and, though hard pressed, held its position, and brought off all the guns. Casualties, 8 killed, 18 wounded, 65 missing; total, 91. On July 8, when Stuart attacked the First and Third Cavalry Divisions, our regiment was deployed as skirmishers, and subsequently supported a battery. We suffered no loss. On July 12, we again entered Hagerstown, and on it and the following day skirmished at long range. No casualties. At the battle of July 14, at Falling Waters, but not engaged. On July 24, the regiment present at Amissville, but not under fire. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. DARLINGTON, Maj., Comdg. Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Capt. L. Siebert, Assistant Adjutant-Gen. Stafford Court-House, Va., August 9, 1863. Sir: I have the honor to report that, on the night of July 2 and 3, the regiment moved from Hunterstown to the rear center of the Union army at Gettysburg. Early in the forenoon of July 3, we were moved to the left in line of battle. During the afternoon the regiment was deployed as skirmishers. At or about 5 p. m. it was recalled, formed in column of squadrons, and ordered to charge a chosen and naturally strong position of the enemy in the woods and to the left of Round Top Mountain. The charge was made with energy, and, although checked by a strong force of rebel infantry, posted behind a stone wall, yet the squadrons were not broken, but remained under a heavy fire until recalled. Casualties, 1 killed, 5 wounded, 16 missing; total, 22. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. DARLINGTON, Maj., Comdg. Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Capt. L. Siebert, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 27. Part I. Reports. Serial No. 43

Pennsylvania 18th Cavalry (Union)

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