The First Regiment, Oregon Cavalry was a regiment in the volunteer Union army that participated in the American Civil War. With many men recruited from California, the regiment primarily served to protect the state of Oregon and surrounding territories in the Pacific Coast Theater of the American Civil War.

The initial part of the regiment (companies A through F) was organized and mustered into the army in Oregon from February to April 1862. In May 1862, it was sent into the Washington Territory to the Walla Walla country to protect immigrants and miners along the Salmon River. The 1st Oregon occupied Fort Walla Walla in June 1862 and sent out various expeditions over the next two years to fight the Snake Indians and other threats. Hence, the regiment was rarely intact as a single unit for much of the war. Several companies scattered to other frontier forts, including Fort Vancouver and Fort Dalles (see also The Dalles, Oregon) for detached duty such as constructing roads through the wilderness.

In January 1863, the remaining portion of the regiment (companies G, H, I, K, and M) were authorized and activated for duty. Companies G and H served at Camp Watson on Rock Creek, Oregon; Company I was at Fort Klamath, Company K at Fort Dalles and Companies L and M at Fort Boles in Idaho Territory. The battalion came together for several skirmishes in the Harney Lake Valley and other locations with local Indians.

In January 1865, Col. Reuben F. Maury, 1st Oregon Cavalry, assumed command of the Federal District of Oregon.

At Hagerstown, on July 2d, the regiment, except one squadron, held in reserve, was advanced on the left as dismounted skirmishers.

At Gettysburg, on the 3d of July, on the extended right of our line during the early part of the day the regiment, as reserve and as a support to Battery M, occupied various positions on the field. At about 4 o’clock P. M. the regiment was ordered to charge the advancing line of the enemy’s skirmishers, who were strongly supported by their cavalry reserve. A desperate but unequal hand-to-hand conflict here ocucrred. The regiment being finally obliged to retire twice, rallied under a sharp fire from the enemy, without support or cover, and returned to the charge and held the field until the advance of the 1st Michigan.

At Monterey, on the night of the 4th of July, two companies, under command of Captain Armstrong, were detached to hold the mountain road. The remainder of the regiment fought on the right as dismounted skirmishers.

At Smithburg, July 5th, the regiment supported Battery M and occupied the extreme left.

At Hagerstown, July 6th, the regiment, having supported the battery in the early part of the affair, was afterward advanced on the right nearly past the town, when it was dismounted and thrown forward as skirmishers, driving the enemy beyond the town, and was then recalled.

At Williamsport same day, supported a battery.

July 8th, at Boonsborough, in the early part of the action, supported Battery M on the right of the Hagerstown road. As our line of skirmishers were falling back, Major Newcombe, with his battalion, dismounted and advanced to their support. The line advanced under a heavy fire and drove the enemy from the woods. Reinforcements coming up, a charge was made and the enemy was driven from the field. The remainder of the regiment supported the skirmishers, and was exposed to a heavy fire.

On the 12th of July, the regiment being attached to the 1st brigade, with it entered Hagerstown under a sharp fire from the enemy. In the afternoon the regiment was advanced to support the infantry at the extreme right of the town.

Company A having been called in from the Westminster road, joined a portion of the 5th Michigan Cavalry, and later in the day had an engagement with the cavalry force of the enemy.

On reporting to General Custer at Hanover, this regiment was at once deployed as skirmishers, forming a line of battle one mile in length, advanced upon the enemy and drove them until they withdrew.

On the evening of July 2d the regiment encountered the enemy’s cavalry at Hunterstown. Company A, under command of Captain H. A. Thompson, charged a brigade of cavalry, and though suffering great loss, so checked the enemy as to enable our battery to be placed in a position. Three other squadrons then dismounted and with their rifles drove the enemy back, when the guns of our battery caused them to hastily leave the field.

July 3d. At Gettysburg the regiment was ordered to the support of the battery, four companies being pushed forward in front, dismounted, four remaining through a great part of the engagement mounted and immediately to the left of the battery, exposed to the shot and shell of the enemy’s guns. The other companies were engaged as skirmishers to the front and right.

July 4th. At Monterey, when the attack was made on the enemy’s train, this regiment dismounted and deployed as skirmishers; fought the enemy, who were advantageously posted in the woods on either side of the road, and supported by two guns. Here, again, the enemy was driven with great loss on their part and alight on ours.

July 5th. At Smithburg this regiment was employed in supporting the battery.

July 6th. At Hagerstown the regiment, having been in rear of the column on the march, was ordered to the front, but on arriving there General Custer, having driven the enemy, ordered us back.

Same day, at Williamsport, passing the direct range of the enemy’s guns, thereby losing one officer killed, and three wounded, the regiment was posted on the front and to the right of our battery, and connecting with the skirmishers of the 1st Michigan Cavalry, protected our own guns and held the enemy, who was advancing on our right, until the remainder of our command left the position, the 1st and 6th being the last to retire.

July 8th. At Boonsborough this regiment was deployed tot he left of the Hagerstown road, and after a sharp and hotly contested engagement, lasting several hours, repulsed and routed the enemy, and drove him three miles, and until night closed the pursuit. The rebel General Stuart was in preson directing the assault in front of this regiment on that occasion.

July 11th. This regiment was ordered to do picket duty before Hagerstown turnpike on the right, towards Funkstown on the left. Here during the entire day we were engaged skirmishing with the enemy’s sharp-shooters. Our loss was only two wounded. The enemy was seen to carry several of his dead and wounded from his line.

July 12th. Participated in the capture of Hagerstown.

July 14th. At Falling Waters, the regiment being in advance of all others, came upon a division of the enemy’s infantry in a very strong position behind earth-works, on the crown of a hil.. The advance guard (Companies B and F), under Major P. A. Weber, charged them up to and within their fortifications. An entire brigade surrendered to this mere handful of men, when another brigade, drawn up in line in rear of the first, opened a murderous fire upon the gallant little band, in which the others, who had just surrendered, also joined, and the survivors were compelled to withdraw, leaving the bodies of many of their gallant and lamented comrades within rebel works, a witness of their noble and heroic daring. The remainder of the regiment, deployed as skirmishers, then engaged the vastly superior force of the enemy, but, overpowered by numbers, fell back to the cover of a hill, where there were joined by the 1st Michigan Cavalr. These two regiments then marched forward and charged the enemy, who fled with great loss. The flight soon became a rout, and soon nothing was to be seen of that division but the dead and wounded covering the fields and the crowds of prisoners in our hands.

July 20th. The regiment participated in the capture of Ashby’s Gap, and by order of Colonel Town, brigade commander, proceeded rapidly to Berry’s Ford, on the Shenandoah, where we encountered the enemy strongly entrenched on the opposite side of the river. After a skirmish, lasting some hours, there being no means of crossing the river, we were ordered to return. Our loss was three wounded.

July 10th. Proceeded to the right of Funkstown and picketed the right during day and night.

July 11th. Still on picket and support for the battery.

July 12th. Moved towards Hagerstown; charged through the city, everywhere driving the enemy. Lieutenant Colonel Gould was wounded in the charge. Two squadrons dismounted on the left of the city and drove a superior force from its position. Picketed during the rest of the day and night.

July 13th. The regiment remained on picket in and around the city during the day and night.

July 14th. Moved out of Hagerstown in the advance to Williamsport, charged into the town, met no considerable force, moved to the right of the town, and up the river bank, and drove a small force of the enemy’s rear guard across the river, capturing a considerable number of prisoners. Rejoined the brigade at Falling Waters.

July 15th. Marched to Boonsborough.

July 16th. Marched to Berlin, on the Potomac, and remained day and night.

July 17th. Crossed to Purcelville and Snicker’s Gap, arrving at the latter place about noon. Dismounted and deployed as skirmishers. After skirmishing some time, took possession of and held the Gap for the night. Several prisoners were captured.

July 18th. Remained in possession of the Gap all day, and then returned to Purcelville.

July 19th. Marched from Purcelville to Upperville.

July 20th. Moved toward Ashby’s Gap; dismounted, deployed as skirmishers, and moved up into the mountains–the advance resisting a cavalry charge while the skirmishers, driving the enemy from the Gap, took possession of it. Returned to Upperville same night.

July 21st. Still at Upperville. On the 22d moved to Manassas Railroad.

I find letters written by me to my wife of the following dates, giving our movements quite fully: Fairfax Court House, Va., June 24th, 1863; Frederick, Md., June 26th, 1863; Gettysburg, Pa., June 28th, 1863; Hanover, Pa., July 1st, 1863; Emmettsburg, Md., July 4th, 1863; Boonsborough, Md., July 8th, 1863; Frederick, Md., July 10th, 1863.

I have also official copies of the reports of General Custer commanding our brigade, and General Kilpatrick commanding our division, covering the same period, kindly furnished me by your office. I have also had the assistance of General L. S. Trowbridge, then a major in my regiment, and afterwards colonel of the 10th Michigan Cavalry, and brevet major general.

June 25th, 1863, at 3 o’clock A.M., my regiment which was brigaded with the 6th Michigan Cavalry, Brigadier General Copeland commanding, marched from Fairfax Court House, and during that afternoon crossed the Potomac river at Edward’s Ferry, and encamped during the night at Poolsville, Md.

June 26th. March to Frederick, Md., where we received a grand and loyal welcome from the citizens, thousands of whom were on the streets and in their windows, waving Union flags and making other demonstrations of joy.

June 27th. We march from Frederick to Emmettsburg, Md., and encamped.

Sunday, June 28th, we marched from Emmettsburg to Gettysburg, Pa., where I arrived with my regiment in the morning, capturing a few straggling rebels, and learned that the enemy’s cavalry had just vacated the town, and that their main army was supposed to be moving towards the interior of Pennsylvania. General Copeland, with his staff and the 6th Michigan Cavalry, arrived a few hours later.

Such demonstrations of joy as we witnessed, made by the good people of Gettysburg upon our arrival, it has never been my privilege to witness, either before or since; they almost literally covered my soldiers with flowers. How little they realized the terrible scenes that were to be enacted near their homes so soon thereafter. My regiment was greatly delighted with the honor of being the first to enter that place and learn definitely of the whereabouts of the enemy.

June 29th. We marched back to Emmettsburg. During the day General Copeland was relieved of his command, which was turned over to me temporarily.

June 30th. We marched to Littlestown, Pa., where the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, being 2d Brigade, 3d Cavalry Division, Army of the Potomac, consisting of the 1st, 5th, 6th, and 7th Michigan Cavalry, and Captain Pennington’s Battery of the U. S. Regular Artillery, was formed and placed under the command of Brigadier General G. A. Custer. From Littlestown we marched to Hanover, Pa., where my regiment had its first serious encounter with the enemy. General Stuart’s cavalry being near that place, I was left with my regiment to intercept him, should he move upon the road I was left to guard. Towards evening the enemy attacked me in quite a large force. I charged him, driving him some distance, dismounted my command fought him on foot, killing and capturing quite a number. My loss was quite severe.

It is proper here to state that my regiment was armed with the Spencer rifle, being the only regiment in the brigade, and I think in our division, then provided with that weapon. Consequently I was then and afterwards required to do very much fighting on foot.

July 2d. Was at the fight at Hunterstown, Pa., but I was not engaged, except in slight skirmishing; sustained no loss.

July 3d. At 10 A.M. our brigade, being on the right of the army, the enemy’s cavalry under General Stuart appeared in our front in large force. I was ordered to dismount my regiment to dismount and attack him, which I did, driving him back about half a mile and into a thick wood. Here he rallied, and attacked me and was repulsed, but with a heavy loss to my regiment as well as to him. Again he attacked me, moving round on my left flank, but was again repulsed. In this last attack I also sustained a serious loss, including the gallant Major Noah H. Ferry (brother of U. S. Senator Ferry), of my regiment.

Being unable to hold my position any longer, my ammunition being nearly exhausted, and while the enemy were diverted by a charge of the 7th Cavalry, Colonel Mann, on my right, I fell back and mounted my regiment. While mounting, the enemy charged past my right flank about forty rods distant, driving the 7th Michigan back in confusion; at that moment, having mounted a portion of my command, I directed Major Trowbridge to take it and charge the enemy, which he did gallantly, having his horse shot and killed under him in so doing.

A few moments later the balance of the regiment was engaged, and the enemy checked and driven from the field, only, however, to rally and come down upon our brigade in still greater numbers. This charge was met by Colonel Town with his 1st Michigan, which had been held in reserve until now, who charged, checked, and broke the enemy’s ranks, driving him from the field in confusion, assisted by the other regiments of the brigade.

I cannot pass the notice of this charge of the 1st Cavalry without adding a word to its already recorded well-earned praise. I do not believe it had its equal during the war, if ever. The squadrons, with almost faultless alignment, were hurled upon the largely superior numbers of the enemy, and as each squadron came up it was broken and forced out on either flank of the succeeding one, which filled its place, until over one-half of the regiment was broken up. But the rebels could not stand such terrible and rapid blows, and were forced to leave the field in haste and confusion, while the broken squadron of the gallant 1st formed as best they could in the rear of their regiment and joined in the pursuit.

This left our brigade in possession of that hotly contested field, and night having closed in, this terrible battle ended; and at our left, where the roar of cannon and musketry had been kept up all day, all was now quiet except occasional desultory firing along the line. My loss in killed and wounded was very severe. Major Ferry, who was cheering his battalion to hold its ground, was instantly killed. His death cast a deep gloom upon the whole brigade. He was a gallant soldier and an exemplary man, and his loss was a great blow. July 4th at 10 o’clock A.M, our division marched from Gettysburg battle-field to intercept the enemy, who was retreating along the South Mountain road towards Williamsport. We marched via Emmettsburg up the road leading to Monterey, a small place, as it appeared in the night, on top of South Mountain range, the 5th Michigan Cavalry being in the advance. As we approached the summit of the mountain about midnight (the night being very dark) we were surprised by the enemy opening fire upon us with two howitzers, charged with grape shot, at close range. The confusion following was only for a moment, and they were soon driven off and the command moved forward. Arriving at the summit of the mountain, the trains of the enemy could be distinctly heard moving along down the road which intercepted the line of our march—the road leading down the west slope of the mountain toward Williamsport. Near the junction of the two roads and between us and the trains of the enemy, was a bridge over a deep stream swollen by the heavy rains of the afternoon of the 4th, which was guarded by one thousand of the enemy’s infantry. This bridge the 5th Cavalry charged across, forming its line on the opposite side of the bridge by the flashes of its guns (the regiment being dismounted) and moved forward at a double quick upon the enemy, and was followed by the mounted escort of General Kilpatrick. This charge resulted in the capture of about fifteen hundred prisoners and a large train of wagons, the latter extending from the top to the base of the mountain, which were mostly burned, and the mules attached to them turned over to the quartermaster. I cannot speak in terms of too high praise of the behavior of my regiment in this engagement. It was the most trying place it had passed through up to that time, if not during its organization.

July 5th. We had some skirmishing with the enemy’s cavalry, who followed us, but nothing serious. We camped near Boonsborough, Md.

July 6th. We marched with the division to Hagerstown, Md. Had some skirmishing with the advance of the rebel army. From that place we marched down the turnpike to near Williamsport. My regiment being in advance, I was ordered by General Kilpatrick to charge into Williamsport, but just as we had drawn sabers and I had given the order to “Trot, march!” the order was countermanded and I formed my regiment in a sheltered place behind some rocks on the left of the road, and at the same time the enemy opened fire upon us with a battery of artillery in front. Near this place we remained until near night, skirmishing some in front with dismounted men, when it was discovered that the advance of the enemy’s infantry was close upon us.

At that moment orders were received to fall back at once, which we did under cover of the twilight, passing along within two hundred yards of the enemy’s infantry for more than a quarter of a mile, while they, with stacked arms in the road where we had passed down, saw us march by unmolested, evidently supposing we belonged to their army. This moved away much earlier, but being on our extreme right the orders had not reached me until was found that my command was missing. I was holding a position to guard the front only, supposing others were attending to the rear. We marched back to Boonsborough that night and encamped.

July 7th. We remained in camp.

July 8th. About 10 o’clock A.M. we met the enemy in large force between Boonsborough and Hagerstown, about three miles from Boonsborough. Here, again, on account of some stone walls, I was ordered to dismount my command and charge the enemy who was strongly posted in a piece of wood. We attacked him vigorously, driving him out of his lines and far beyond. In this last charge I was seriously wounded and carried from the field and did not join my command again until September, on the day our cavalry drove Stuart’s command out of Culpeper Court House.

My regiment participated in the engagement at Hagerstown on the 12th, when Lieutenant Colonel Gould was seriously wounded while leading a charge at Falling Waters July 14th, and at the subsequent battles and skirmishes had with the enemy during is retrograde movement.

I regret exceeding, that my official report, made soon after this campaign, is missing. It contained many accounts of personal bravery and daring which I cannot now relate, and to particularize at this remote date might do much injustice to many whose names would not be mentioned as they deserve.