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The 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry At The 135th Gettysburg Reenactment By Thomas McLellan Just moving to Connecticut, my family and I have not been able to attend many reenactments this year However there was one thing for certain we would not miss the 135th Anniversary of Gettysburg. After a lengthy wait at registration we were finally able to make it to the cavalry camp. There we found ourselves attached to the 4th battalion, 2nd platoon, 2nd company and 3rd and 4th sections with units from Alabama, West Virginia and Tennessee. Never have I witnessed so many dismounted cavalry about 250 intotal, I knew this weekend would truly be special. Morning came quickly with reveille at 6:00 AM. and it was truly exciting to drill with so many troopers and learning their different techniques and styles. The first battle for our unit occurred at 11:00 am. We formed and marched out to the battlefield. I later learned Colonel Beachler exclaimed when he first saw us moving onto the field, "who the hell is that infantry regiment" that was trying to get into a cavalry battle. When told that it was his dismounted he paused, smiled and then retorted, "Gd darrin but there's a bunch of 9 to expend much of our energy saving it for Buford's later in the afternoon but the Reb's kept exposing their flank to us At our insistence our commander, Capt. Dubose, finally gave in to us and we flanked them. it in to them. He later said pouring his behind was about four pounds lighter for allowing us. But we would be given a great opportunity to redeem ourselves during Buford's battle. As we formed to march to the field Captain Dubose said he had a surprise for us. As we moved to the battlefield and down the long dusty path our spints were lifted for several fifes and drums lined the way as we passed playing"Gary0wens". It was truly inspiring. As we moved into position our battalion was directed to form a single rank into the ditch before the Emmitsburg road and get down as low as possible. The battle began and we waited. Finally the skirmishers from the other battalions fell back behind us and the command was given. We stood and the advancing Rebels came to a screeching halt, their eyes as big as their gapping mouths (SUPRISEI). Captain Dubose later voiced that he had never seen cavalry stop infantry like that in the ten years that he has been involved in reenacting. The first platoon swung out and we had the Rebel infantry caught in a crossfire. It took them a good fifteen minutes to get reorganized to continue their advance. That night I had a greater appreciation for what those men and women went through during the war being on half rations and out on the fieldall day, and yet I could never fully understand, nor comprehend, the hardships they had to endure. The battle on Saturday was the Baffle of Hanover. We were held in reserve for most of the battle andsadly there was several injuries that held up the battle. Once we finally engaged the enemy we foundourselves facing an artillery piece across the ditch. we advanced to the ditch several times and fell back due to the Confederate mounted cavalry. At this time General Custer arrived and began to yell commands for us to capture the artillery piece We charged the piece and captured it then recall was suddenly played by the bugler. This was not real amazing to say the least but we responded without thinking and we are not accustomed to bugle calls which impressed this trooper. That night it sprinkled a bit and ruined our time to play on Sunday but I was able to watch Pickett's Charge from the hill. This was truly an awe inspiring sight and brought tears to my eyes as I watched. Every person in infantry accounted for themselves gallantly and we would like to personally thank them for putting on such a spectacular demonstration of courage and endurance. To add to the 16th's article The 1st W.VA Cav. Was truly honored to be with the 16th in 2nd company of the 4th Battalion. The time spent with everyone in 2nd company is a memory that will long linger in our hearts and the battles in our thoughts. To all the ditch fighters, a job well done Byrdie |
