Mr. Williams had a very detailed recitation of the orders and promotions re the arrival of the Hampton Legion in Virginia in the spring of 1864. I would add the following, which times the effective arrival of the unit in Virginia later than would at first appear.

The Legion was detached from Jenkins' Brigade near Morristown, Tenn 20 Mar 64, and marched overland via Asheville in a heavy snowstorm which blanketed the area on March 21, and arrived in Greenville, S.C., several days later [inferentially 25 Mar], at which point the men were furloughed to their homes to obtain cavalry mounts. They reassembled, generally by companies at a rendezvous convenient to their places of residence, and then reproted to Columbia. Most were concentrated at the camp in Columbia, where they were feted with a grand barbeque on April 21, put on by the ladies of Columbia, and also attended by Hampton himself, the first time they had been with him since his detachment in June, 1862, and at which time the old Legion flag was flown, before being "retired" and given to Hampton(and subsequently destroyed when his hjouse burned thirty-odd years later), anbd replaced by a new Legion flag made by the family of LCOL Thomas M. Logan.

The records are silent on the issue, but apparently the Legion was held at Columbia for several weeks due to delays in all of the men being able to provide mounts -- funds were solicited to purchases horses for those who were unable to purchase them, but eventually a fair number of men were transferrd ot in exchange for men who could provide mounts. Also, it appears that there were substantial delays in providing cavlary equippage.

When orders came to move to Virginia, abouit one fourth of the men were detaield to ride their mounts, and to lead others. Edwin H. Acker, a private in Co E, recalled long after "... all wanted to go through with the horses. One man rode his and led three and the rest went on ahead and went into camp near the city on the Charles City Road..." (Recollecitons and Reminiscences, Vol VI, p. 387.}

Some went ahead early, particularly the leaders. LCOL Thomas M. Logan spent his entire furlough with the family of his fiancee, Kate Virginia Cox, at her home in Clover Hill, Chesterfield County, Va. He then served temporarily on the staff of Beauregard at Drury's Bluff 12-16 May 64. The 7th S.C. CAV, which was formed from companies which ahd been on the Carolian coast, and the 4 company cavalry battalion of the Holcombe Legion, did not need to wait for horses and equippage, and so arrived in irginia much before the Hampton Legion (the Holcombe Legion component was already there).

I cannot identify what dazte the components of the Legion arrived. Nicholson was at Mattoax Bridge by 20 May, but other men of the dismounted contingent continued to arrive later. It is clear that although they arrived, they were not engaged before Riddle's Shop. Gary commanded the just created 7th S.C. Cavalry and elements which became part of the 24 VA CAV at Mattedequin Creek/Hawes Shop/Old Church on 30 May, but the Legion was not engaged at all. Incidentally, although the effective date of rank for Gary and Logan, his successor, is 19 May 64, the actual date of promotion was later. Gary's commission is dated in Jun 64, without giving the precise date; Logan's date of commission was 6 Jul 64. Gary issued an order 29 may 64, from "Headquarters, Cavalry, Dept of Richmond" (Special Orders No 7) which is signed by Gary as "COL." It ordered LCOL A. C. Haskell to assume command of the Holcombe Legion of Cavalry, Trneholm's squadron, Tucker's comapny, and DuBose's company. (Alexander C. Haskell Papers, South Caroliniana)
Again, on 8 June, Gary signed General Orders # 5, "Headquarters Cavalry Forces, Dep't of Richmond" as Colonel. Charleston Daily Courier, 13 Aug 64, p. 2, c. 1.

David Ballenger, a private in Co K, wrote his wife upon arrival near Richmond (he was with one of the led horse contingents) on 12 June, tellign ehr that they had been 26 days on the road. David Ballenger to Nancy Ballenger, 12 Jun 64, David Ballenger Papers, South Caroliniana Library, Univ. of South Carolina, and William L. Clements Library, Univ. of Michigan. Teh Legion went into action the enxt day at Riddle's Shop, suffering severe casualties. Alexander S. Townes, a mdmber of Co F, who kept a cryptic diary, was also with a horse contingent, which arrived at Richmond on 10 June, and finally arrived at camp enar Malvern Hill on 12 Jun. (A. S. TYownes "Diary", Duke Univ) Benjamin H. Teague of Co B, who went by train, recalled "... we camped in the suburbs until the arrival of the horses, and then began life as cavalrymen." Edgefield Advertiser, 14 Mar 83, p. 4, c. 4.

Gary's horse was killed form under him at Mattedequin Creek on 30 May, but I can find no indication that any of the elements of the Legion were engaged. There is a detailed casualty list for the incipient 7 S.C. Cavalry, but none for the Legion, nor do any of them appear as patient in the hospitals following the engagement.