The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Saturday, December 31, 2011

The US Army's Second United States Cavalry-- Part 1

From the Texas State Historical Association.

The famous 2nd cavalry was one of four new regiments approved by Congress on March 4, 1855, and organized specifically for service on the Texas frontier.

This was an elite organization, whose troops only rode the finest horses and were issued the latest equipment.  Officers were hand-picked by Secretary of War Jefferson Davis.  The regiment became known as "Jeff Davis' Own." Most officers were West Point graduates and Southern.

Although it existed for just six and a half years, sixteen officers went on to become generals, eleven Confederate.

Four of the eight full Confederate generals: Albert Sidney Johnston, Robert E. Lee, Kirby Smith and John Bell Hood, came from the unit.

At various times, it was commanded by Johnston, Lee, Earl Van Dorn and George H. Thomas.

More to Come.  --Old B-Runner (Soon to be Old Secesh)

No comments: