The Virginia in the Civil War Message Board

More on Gary's Brig. at Appomattox

Message Board Fans

I offer this because it identifies the troops opposing Gary on April 9th

Bryce

The Very Last Charge

Commander Charles O. Welch, Co. M, 2nd Mass. Cav., writes from Salem, Mass.: In your issue of May 12, under heading "Just Before Lee's Surrender" was a humorous article on the last charge. While taking it in the light intended, I will give you facts which I hope will settle all controveries on this subject. I am referring to no less a authority than that of Gen. Phi. H. Sheridan. In his memoirs he gives the credit of making the last charge of the war in Virginia (at Appomattox) to the Regular Cavalry Brigade. At that time the brigade was composed of the 1st, 2nd and 6th Regularsand the 2nd Mass. Cav. We were on the firing line, dismounted, that morning, having been on picket the previous night. When relieved by a part of the Fifth Corps we mounted and went out on the extreme right, having just passed through or by our brigade battery and were preparing to dismount. Geary's Brigade of South Carolina cavalry charged us. We made a counter charge and, of course, under the circumstances, drove them back. this was somety time - one half to three quarters of an hour - after the last white flag had been shown on the rebel lines. I think my authority can not be questioned.
National Tribune, June 2, 1904, p. 2 col. 4

Messages In This Thread

More on Gary's Brig. at Appomattox
Re: More on Gary's Brig. at Appomattox
Re: More on Gary's Brig. at Appomattox
Re: More on Gary's Brig. at Appomattox
Re: More on Gary's Brig. at Appomattox