2d Dragoons

Site Index

TacomaDave — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:34:21 +0000

The following is a listing of all the sections contained on this site, for the most part in a time-line, and all the stories in each section, also for the most part in a time-line.

You can pick a particular section to browse, or a specific story, or better yet start at the beginning and work your way up through history to the present with the oldest continuously serving mounted regiment in the US Army today.

DRAGOON 1836-1861

SEMINOLE WAR 1836-1842

2D REGIMENT OF RIFLEMEN 1843-1844

Louisiana and the Dismounting of the Dragoons

MEXICAN WAR 1846-1848

MORMON CAMPAIGN 1848-1858

CIVIL WAR 1861-1865

INDIAN WARS 1866-1869

INDIAN WARS 1870-1875

INDIAN WARS 1876

INDIAN WARS 1877-1883

POST-INDIAN WARS 1884-1897

SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR

PHILIPPINE INSURRECTION

War in the Philippines

1906-1909

PHILIPPINE INSURRECTION 1910-1912

1912-1916

WORLD WAR I 1917-1919

1919-1936

FORT RILEY 1853-1936

Cavalry School

MEXICAN BORDER 1942

Old 2nd Cav Trooper’s Rememberance

WW II 1942-1945

WW II OCCUPATION 1945-1946

CONSTABULARY PERIOD 1946-1948

2nd Constabulary Regiment

COLD WAR 1945-1989 (future project)

DESERT STORM 1990-1991

FORT LEWIS 1992-1993

UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN HAITI 1995

Operation Uphold Democracy

BOSNIAN WAR 1997

Fort Polk 1994-2005

Back to Louisiana

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM 2003-2004

CURRENT

COLONELS OF THE REGIMENT

REGIMENTAL SERGEANTS MAJOR

REGIMENTAL BATTLES AND ENGAGEMENTS

REGIMENTAL DESIGNATIONS AND DEPLOYMENTS

REGIMENTAL CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

REGIMENTAL MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS
FIDDLER’S GREEN

THOROUGHBRED NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES
OLD FIELD MANUALS

WW II INDEX Contained here is a listing of all the stories in...

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2d Dragoon Tribute

David.Gettman — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:46:01 +0000

A tribute to the troopers of the 2d Dragoon’s, past, present, and future.

This is a Windows Media File of about 30mb. It may take a few minutes to load. If you don’t have a high speed cable connection, it is recommended you save the file and to your computer for play.

Click here to view video: OLD SOLDIER

Many of these photos I “pilfered” from members photo albums on DRAGOON BASE. Several were sent to me by veterans of the regiment, or by their surviving relatives, and then some have just been laying around the house forever. I hope you enjoy them.

To see information on each photo:

Index of Old Soldier photos:
click on each thumbnail to see a larger photo

Depicts the ever changing 2d Dragoon trooper.
Roy Franke, C Company/HQ Co, 1st Bn, 1959-61. b. 9/23/1939 – d. 5/1/2007. We miss your wit and wisdom R.A.
Bruce Sorge, on his second deployment to Iraq, this time with his Texas National Guard Unit, but still sporting his Toujours Pret patch from the first tour. At last report, Bruce had put in his paperwork to go active again, and is pushing for 19D with the 2nd Cav.
Gene Beck, C Trp, 1st Sqdn, 1975-79. The days of the M551 Sheridan, when the black beret helped set the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment apart from the rest of the Army.
Chris Golden (left) and other members of the 2nd Cavalry Association attending the Association’s 2007 reunion. They are visiting the Virginia Museum of Military Vehicles.
Major General (Ret.) Robert E. “The Dueler” Wagner, 60th Colonel of the Regiment, leads the gathering at the 2007 Association reunion in a hearty “Toujours Pret!”.
Honored guests seated in front of members of the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment and Honorary Regimental Piper at the Bela Nad Radbuzou memorial honoring Raymond Manz and Owen Sutton, two 2nd Cavalry troopers killed near there just days prior to the end of WW II in Europe, while on a secret mission miles behind enemy lines to rescue a large group of allied POW’s and hundreds of the finest horses in Europe from the Germans and advancing Russians.
Francis McGroary (left), F Co, 42nd Reconnaissance Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Group (Mecz), and his friend “Red”, on the banks of the Moselle River, enjoying a bottle of French wine as artillery shells land on the hill behind their M8 armored car.
Patrick Biddy, former 2ACR medic, at a monument in the Czech Republic from former WW I 2nd Cavalry trooper and father of the US Constabulary, Major General Ernest N. Harmon, presented by General Harmon to the city of Dysina in August 1945.
Pvt. Bob Simon (left), Pfc. Howard Tucker and Pfc. Lenny Leonard, 3/2ACR 1977-78.
Wendell. S. Young (right), awarded the Silver Star for gallantry while serving with B Trp, 2nd Reconnaissance Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Group, and his best friend Leroy Bertram. Leroy earned the Purple Heart and an early ticket home. Wendell has carried this picture in his wallet for over 60 years. The two were reunited for the first time since WW II at the Second Cavalry Association 2007 Reunion.
Pfc. Alexander, K Trp 1990-92, on the plane home from the regiments first deployment to the Gulf.
Tim Adams, K Trp, 3/2ACR, 1981-83, proudly displays his certificates earned while with the regiment.
Members of the Military Car Club Pilsen at the Manz-Sutton memorial in Bela Nad Radbuzou, Sept. 16, 2006.
Grafenwohr, a Howitzer Battery mortarman displays a round with a special message scrawled on the side that was very popular at the time…..”die commie scum”.
Dan Martin, F Troop, 2/2ACR, 1973, at OP30.
Vito Spadafino, Trp A, 42nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Group (Mecz), WW II.
Vito Spadafino was an honored guest at a special showing of the Lipizzan Stallions in 2006. Vito was part of Operation Cowboy, the secret mission at the end of WW II in Europe to rescue the Lipizzan breeding herd from the Germans and Russians in Czechoslovakia.
Two former 2nd Cav troopers at the Orlando 2003 reunion, Glen Back (left), Second Cavalry Association board member, and Honorary Regimental Bagpiper Merritt Powell. Merritt was with the original Howitzer Battery back in 1952, thus the red cord on his Cavalry Stetson for Artillery.
Bruce Odom, Tank Section, HQ Trp, Merrell Barracks, 1961-63. The world was on the brink of nuclear war, and the 2nd Armored Cavalry was on the leading edge.
Part of an old farmhouse foundation where the village of Rosendorf, Czechoslovakia, once stood, is now a monument to Raymond Manz and Owen Sutton, two 2nd Cavalry troopers who fell during the battle here. Members of the Military Car Club Pilsen stand honor guard during the ceremony unveiling the plaque April 28, 2006, the 61st anniversary of the battle.
Ready for a snowy night patrol along the Czech border, a thankless job made obsolete by the fall of the Iron Curtain.
Dave Cox, Steve Fortson and Dan Matthews, K Trp, Pond Bks, 1980-82, survey equipment in preparation of a long weekends training.
Squadron S-2 Intel at Amberg, 1982.
Dave Gettman, C Trp 1974-75, showing signs of Border Madness at Camp Pitman.
“Wild Bill” Hurley, C Trp 1985, showing signs of Border Fatigue.
To those who have gone before us….
Cary Ley, C Trp 1974-76, showing signs of Border Control.
The “short-timers” from HOW Battery, 2/2ACR 1974, showing signs of Border Bon Voyage.
Pfc Collier, K Trp 3/2, Pond Bks, showing signs of Border Decor.
Eight previous Colonels of the Regiment at the 2007 Association reunion. Left to right: Retired General John H. Tilelli, Jr., 63rd COR; Brig. Gen. Terry A. Wolff, 71st COR; Retired Lieut. Gen. Don Holder, 65th COR; Retired Col. Thomas M. Molino, 67th COR and President of the Second Cavalry Association; Retired Maj. Gen. Robert E. “Dueler” Wagner, 60th COR; Lieut. Gen. Douglas E. Lute, 70th COR; Brig. Gen. Bradley W. May, 72nd COR; Retired Col. John C. Eberle, 66th COR.
Jesse Kelly, F Trp, 2/2ACR, 1972-75.
1Lt Samuel and members of the MCCP at the Manz-Sutton Memorial in Rosendorf, 9/16/06.
2nd Cav troopers love their bier! I think this is George Sasser, L Troop 1981-86.
“Kentucky Jim”, K Trp 3/2ACR, 1980.
Sgt. Gonzales, K Trp, 3/2ACR, 1980.
Sgt. Smith (left) and Robin Johnston digging their tank out of the Hohenfels mud, 1969-70.
George Sasser, L Troop 1981-86, on his first day with the regiment at Pond Bks.
Old Bill grooming the parade field.
David Gettman, sporting my 2nd Cavalry beret at the 50th and final reunion of my dad’s WW II outfit, the 99th Cavalry Recon Troop, with the three remaining members, Ray Ritter, 3rd platoon, Chuck Dempewolf and George Bubash, both who served under my dad in 1st platoon.
Richard Tanner, HOW Battery, 1/2ACR, 1970-73.
David Gettman, defending the backyard BBQ.
The oldest and youngest 2nd Cav troopers at the 2003 Orlando reunion, Cpt. Todd Clark, just returned with L Trp from Iraq, and WW II vet Henry Carmona.
A 2nd Cavalry mortar crew in Bosnia, sending one down range.
Cpt. Jensen shows the frustration often encountered in Iraq.
Owen Sutton (right) and an unknown friend anticipate going to the Pacific theater after Pearl Harbor. Instead the 2nd Cavalry Regiment enters the war in Northern France, and Owen loses his life to the German’s in Czechoslovakia a week before V-E Day.
The 152mm main gun from M-551A1 Sheridan C-15, where it landed after a massive explosion destroyed the vehicle during exercises in Germany, July 1974.
The monument for Manz and Sutton in Bela Nad Radbuzou, 9/16/06.
The mixing of the Regimental Punch, a time honored tradition in the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, with ingredients steeped in history.
Raymond Schultz (left) and friend during a break in combat, in front of their M8 armored car C-17.
Steve Irons, L Trp 1973-75.
Members of the MCCP at the Manz-Sutton Memorial, Bela Nad Radbuzou, 9/16/06.
My dad Henry Gettman and I, when he was a WO-2 with HHC, 1st Bn, 2nd ACR in Bayreuth/Bindlach, 1953-55.
Ruddy Bayer, President of the MCCP, at the Manz-Sutton memorial in the Czech Republic.
A young 2ACR trooper unloading vehicles at the port during the regiments second deployment to the Gulf.
A Bradley fighting vehicle of I Trp, 3/2ACR at Camp May, 1987.
Spc. Avealalo Milo, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, killed by small arms fire Oct. 4, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq.
2nd Cavalry troopers team with Grenze Polizei to patrol the Czech & East German borders. Know anybody?
A 2nd Constabulary Regiment trooper guards a crossing at the end of the American zone during post-WW II occupation duty in Europe. Except for a few short stateside stays and several deployments to war torn areas to lend support, the 2nd Cavalry has remained in Germany since 1945.
The 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment is officially welcomed back to Germany in a ceremony held 9/15/06. The unit is currently HQ’d in Vilseck.
Gaylord Jerry Toole, Patrick Biddy and Ruddy Bayer at the first Manz-Sutton Memorial in Rosendorf 4/28/06, 61 years to the day from the beginning of the mission that took the lives of Manz and Sutton.
Camp Muleskinner, Baghdad. Home to the 2nd Cavalry during their second deployment.
Raymond Manz, Trp A 42nd Recon, 2nd Cavalry Grp, takes a break from the fighting in Europe. Manz would later be posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Matt Vitkevich, C Trp, 1984-86, in the armor’s cage.
Cpt. Tullius Tupper (left), commander of Trp E, 2nd Sqdn, and his brother William Tupper, prior to entering the European war.
Len Dyer, current curator of the Reed Museum, the 2nd Cavalry Association museum for the regiment. Photo taken at Ft Lewis, prior to packing up and moving back to Germany. The museum was also at Ft Polk for a few years while the regiment was there and in the Gulf.
William “Neck” Garrett, in the field somewhere with A Trp, 1st Sqdn, 1971-74.
Louis Stanton, Iraq, 2003.
My dad, then M/Sgt. Henry Gettman, sometime after returning from Vietnam in 1967.
Manz-Sutton Memorial, Rosendorf, Czech Republic, 4/28/2006.
Raising the 2nd Dragoon flag over Baghdad, Iraq, 2007.

Memorial to Fallen Troopers Memorial to Pfc Raymond Manz and T/5 Charles Sutton, Trp...
The Dragoon Bold Oh, the Dragoon bold, he scorns all care,As he goes...
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Dragoon Tactics and Early Weapons

David.Gettman — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:50:40 +0000

Researched and Written by Wally Tomtschik

Dragoons used different tactics than Cavalry. In the old history of the 2d Dragoons, very few of their number actually were killed. They were masters of using the land and could live off the land very comfortably.

The horses were treated with loving care and protected from harm, being used for transportation rather than in battle, with a horse holder holding the horses out of sight, hidden in the background. The horse holder would hold 4 horses. Dismounted, the other 3 Dragoons would fan out and cautiously approach the enemy.

Unlike light Cavalry, that went in with sabers clanking and the bugler blasting away, Dragoons went in very heavily armed and were masters of stealth, kind of like the “Navy Seals” of the Everglades. The Dragoons took great pride in their orange piping and hat cords, which differentiated them from Cavalry.

Learning their trade from the Seminoles in Florida, the Dragoons would quietly sneak up on an enemy, many times surrounding them. They would find cover and wait. When the time was right, they would close in and “tighten the noose” in unison with massive firepower, subduing the enemy. It was not easy for a white man to sneak up on an Indian, but the Dragoons could. Being the original policemen of new territories, there was not wanton killing of innocents, but those that chose to not live peaceably were killed in battle or brought to justice.

In 1836, the 2d Dragoons were issued the .54 cal. 1817 Common (Derringer) rifle, which was converted to percussion, and the .36 cal., 5 shot Colt Patterson with loading lever (the same as the Texas Rangers). The rifle was effective to over 100 yards and the Colt Patterson could quickly be reloaded in the field. This gave the Dragoon five times the firepower at close range than that of a single shot pistol.

Some were issued the 1819 “Hall” breech loading carbine which was not very popular due to gas leakage. Some were also issued the Kentucky long rifle, either .38 or .50 cal. Although .50 cal. was standard for the Kentucky long rifle, the Ordnance Department ordered some in .38 cal. with a side patch box in the stock. This was an attempt to standardize ammunition, where the round ball used for the Colt Patterson pistol could be wrapped in a patch and used in the rifle. Since their lives depended on it, they were expert shots, making each round count.

In 1842, some 2d Dragoons were issued test models of the new Sharps rifles. They were allowed to keep their Common rifles until they became acclimated to the new Sharps. This earliest model of Sharps contained a “box lock” mechanism like a shotgun, and not the “falling block” mechanism of the 1848, 1855, and 1859 models. The 1842 model had problems with gas leakage around the breech and misfires, and was not well accepted.

In 1846-47, during the Mexican War, the 2d Dragoons were reissued the Walker Colt (again being allowed to keep their Colt Patterson’s as backup). After the Mexican War, the 2d Dragoons were given the task of subduing the Comanche raiders in the New Territories. This was not an easy task. The Comanche were also masters of stealth, the best light Cavalry in the world at that time. They had raided the Spanish for over 300 years and knew their trade. Unlike Cavalry, the Dragoons approached quietly, surprising the Camanche in their villages. Although the Dragoons loved their horses, the Dragoons had little respect for Texas ponies or AKA “Indian ponies.” If attacked by Camanche’s while mounted, the 2d Dragoons would pull out their Walker Colts and shoot the ponies, hopefully killing or wounding the Camanche. The story of the 2d Dragoons using this tactic is engraved on the cylinders of all Walker Colts.

Once a village was surrounded, the first and main targets were the ponies used to carry out the raids. Some Comanche would try to ride off, and the 2d Dragoons would chase, aiming for their horses with their massive Walker Colts. Known as the “first horse pistol”, the Walker, with it’s tight twist barrel, massive powder charge of 60 grains per shot and .44 cal. bullet, would burn a hole right through a horse, killing the horse with one shot, and either killing, wounding or dismounting the Comanche. You see, the Comanche didn’t ride on top during battle, but hung from the side of the horse, and could fire arrows from under the horses neck at full gallop with deadly effect. After shooting the horse, the trooper would keep riding off into the distance. They would then pull out their Mississippi rifles or Sharps, and shoot any of the Comanche on the field from a distance.

J.E.B. Stewart once made an almost fatal mistake, by riding up to and surrounding a Comanche that appeared dead. The Comanche jumped up and fired off four arrows before he was shot dead. The first three arrows killed three troopers. The fourth arrow hit Stewart, going through his shoulder and coming out through part of his neck. Stewart learned not to get too close or underestimate his enemy after that.

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TROUBLE IN FLORIDA

David.Gettman — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:18:23 +0000

Spain ceded Florida to the United States on July 17, 1821. Emigration from adjoining states began at once, but it was found by the new settlers that the most desirable land was occupied by the Seminole Indians, who were originally Creeks from Georgia. According to the census by the superintendent of Indian affairs in 1822, there were less than 5,000 of these aborigines, including 800 negro slaves. Their village consisted of log or palmetto huts surrounded by cleared fields of less than twenty acres.

After much insistence by the white people, a commission was appointed to make a treaty with the Indians in 1823. Under this treaty they were specifically limited to certain areas, and placed under the patronage of the federal government. The Indians did not like the provisions of the treaty, saying they were not given enough land upon which to live decently. There was much ill feeling between them and the settlers because of the difficulty of the latter in inducing the Indians to give up runaway slaves. After much persuasion, the chiefs reluctantly signed a treaty in 1833, whereby they agreed to remove to Arkansas and live among the Creeks. Their own people repudiated this treaty and positively refused to move to the new land. The chiefs were called together again in 1835, and when five refused to agree to the treaty, they were told by the commission that their names had been stricken from the rolls as chiefs. This of course heightened the ill feeling and suspicion of the Indians. In October, 1835, one of the friendly chiefs was murdered when he attempted to flee to the troops for protection. In December the Indian Agent, General Thompson, and an officer accompanying him were murdered just outside Fort King. A detachment of one hundred men, under Major Dade, while marching from Fort King to Fort Brooke, together with eight officers, was ambushed December 28, 1835, and all of the party killed, except two men who escaped. Plantations were attacked, and much of the state was soon laid waste by the bloodthirsty Indians.

Micanopy was the legitimate head of the Seminole nation but, being lazy and fat, he was more inclined to peace than many of the more active chiefs. Coacoochee was considered the most dangerous chieftain in the field because of his cunning manner of evading pursuit and his fleetness of rushing from one place to another. The most famous chief was Osceola, or Powell, a half breed born of an English father and Seminole mother. After his father and mother separated, he was reared by his mother among the Indians. By his aggressive spirit he had much influence among the chiefs and did much to persuade his people to strike the first blow. Arpeik, or Sam Jones, was chief of the Mickasukie branch of the Florida Indians. Because of his advanced age, said to be seventy, he planned war parties, accompanied them to the scene of action, and from afar witnessed their conduct, giving encouragement by incantations.

War was inevitable now and the government began assembling more troops in the territory. The general object was to quell the outbreak in order to give peace and security to the citizens, and to move the Indians to Arkansas. A system of calling into service untrained volunteers and militia prolonged the war and increased the expense. Between December 20, 1835, and December 31, 1840, there were called into service for various short periods 20,026 of these men. Results were not obtained by their services and by 1840 there were only 1,784 Florida and Georgia militia in the field, and none during the following year. At the beginning of the campaign the regular troops amounted to 1,681 only, including 303 marines. By November 30, 1837, the force consisted of the Second Dragoons, 563 men, the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Artillery dismounted, the First, Second, Fourth, and Sixth Infantry, a detachment of marines and recruits, total 4,322, and volunteers and militia numbering 3,825. After various difficulties in getting the force organized, Major General Jesup was placed in command in November, 1836.

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SEMINOLE WAR Even before the arrival of the Regiment for its first...
DISEASE RAVAGES THE REGIMENT During the fall of 1841, operations were partially suspended due...
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THE REGIMENT IS FORMED

David.Gettman — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:36:07 +0000

Until the year 1833 our cavalry had an uncertain existence, the troops being raised for emergencies and disbanded when their services were no longer necessary. After the Revolutionary War, the first mounted troops to be organized in this country were four companies of light dragoons in 1792. This was later reduced to two companies and then under the act of 1798 increased to a regiment of eight companies. But this was short lived, for it was reduced again to two companies in 1800 which were mustered out in 1802. Another regiment of light dragoons was organized in 1808, and in 1812 a second regiment was organized. In 1814 these two regiments were consolidated into one, and in 1815 the men and officers retained were merged with the artillery. The cavalry ceased to exist until the First Dragoons was organized in 1833. At this time a system of promotion was established whereby officers could expect to remain permanently in the service and gain increased rank with the passing years.

To augment the force being assembled in Florida to fight the Seminole Indians, the Second Dragoons was organized in 1836. Following is an extract from the act of Congress raising the new regiment:

An Act authorizing the President of the United States to accept the services of volunteers, and to raise an additional regiment of dragoons or mounted riflemen….

Sec. 6 And be it further enacted, That there shall be raised and organized, under the direction of the President of the United States, one additional regiment of dragoons or mounted riflemen, to be composed of the same number and rank of the officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates composing the regiment of dragoons now in the service of the United States, who shall receive the same pay and allowances, be subject to the same rules and regulations, and be engaged for the like term and upon the same conditions, in all respects whatsoever, as are stipulated for the said regiment of dragoons now in the service.

Sec. 7 And be it further enacted, That the President of the United States may disband the said regiment, whenever, in his opinion, the public interest no longer requires their service; and the sum of $300,000, required to carry into effect the provisions of this act, is hereby appropriated out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated….

Approved May 23, 1836.

Officers were appointed and later assigned to companies as follows:

Colonel David E. TWIGGS
Lieutenant Colonel Wharton RECTOR
Major William S. HARNEY
Major Thomas T. FAUNTLEROY
First Lieutenant Lloyd J. BEALL, Adjutant
Co. A – Captain William GORDON; First Lieutenant Thornton GRIMSLEY; Second Lieutenant William H. WARD
Co. B – Captain John DOUGHERTY; First Lieutenant Horatio GROOMS; Second Lieutenant Croghan KER
Co. C – Captain John F. LANE; First Lieutenant John GRAHAM; Second Lieutenant Zebulon M. P. MAURY
Co. D – Captain James A. ASHBY; First Lieutenant Charles SPALDING; Second Lieutenant Seth THORNTON
Co. E – Captain Jonathan L. BEAN; First Lieutenant James W. HAMILTON; Second Lieutenant William GILPIN
Co. F – Captain Samuel H. ANDERSON; First Lieutenant Marshal S. HOWE; Second Lieutenant John W. S. McNEIL
Co. G – Captain William W. TOMPKINS; First Lieutenant George A. H. BLAKE; Second Lieutenant John H. P. O’NEALE
Co. H – Captain Henry W. FOWLER; First Lieutenant Townshend DADE; Second Lieutenant Charles A. MAY
Co. I – Captain Benjamin L. BEALL; First Lieutenant Erasmus D. BULLOCK; Second Lieutenant George FORSYTH
Co. K – Captain Edward S. WINDER; First Lieutenant Thomas S. BRYANT; Second Lieutenant Charles E. KINGSBURY
Theophilus H. HOLMES, unassigned

Wharton Rector declined the appointment to lieutenant colonel and the vacancy was given to Major Harney; other officers declining the appointment were Dougherty, Holmes, Grimsley, and Ward.

Colonel Twiggs, a native of Augusta, Georgia, was a veteran of the war of 1812 and since that time had served in the infantry, having attained the rank of lieutenant colonel in that branch. He was second in command of the expedition into Florida under General Gaines in the early part of the year 1836. Of a definite and positive nature, he impressed his personality upon the regiment, originated certain regimental characteristics and customs, and developed an admirable esprit de corps. Lieutenant Colonel Harney, a native of Louisiana, and later colonel of the regiment, had nearly twenty years’ service, part of which was in the Black Hawk War under General Zachary Taylor. He had a fine physique and was a good horseman and an experienced Indian fighter.

Regimental Headquarters of the Second Dragoons was organized in June, 1836, and took station in Washington D.C. Companies A and I began recruiting and assembling recruits in the vicinity of Fort Monroe, Virginia. Company B obtained recruits in Virginia and Louisiana and established camp at Washington D.C. Company C secured the new men in Tennessee and also brought them to Washington. Company D was organized from a detachment of the First Dragoons in Florida and began active service at once. Companies E, F, G, and H got their recruits mostly from New York and assembled them at Fort Columbus, N.Y. Company K was not organized until March, 1837, at New Orleans, La. Although recruiting began at once for them, Companies B and C were not listed on the regimental returns as active until April, 1837.

Headquarters of the Army, A. G. O.
Washington, D. C., June 15 1836

GENERAL ORDERS No. 38
I. The Second Regiment of Dragoons will be recruited and organized with as little delay as practicable, and the several officers appointed will report for orders and recruiting instructions to the Colonel of the regiment, who will establish his recruiting headquarters at some central position and report to the Adjutant-General.

The lieutenant colonel and the compliment of officers for three companies will recruit west of the mountains; the major and officers for three companies will recruit in Virginia; and the other captains and subalterns will recruit under the immediate instructions of the colonel, except Captain J. A. Ashby, First Lieutenant Chas. Spalding, and Second Lieutenant S. Thornton, who will proceed to Fort Drane, Florida, and there receive the detachment of dragoons serving in that Territory from the officer of the First Regiment, which will be organized, armed, and equipped as one of the companies of the Second Regiment of Dragoons.

II. The organization of companies and final assignment of officers will be made by the colonel at the proper time, with due regard to the interests of the service. The established recruiting regulations will be strictly observed by all officers, and all the required returns, muster and descriptive rolls, reports, etc., will be regularly made and transmitted, through the proper officer, to the Adjutant-General, who will furnish the required blanks.

IV. The officers appointed will immediately assume their respective duties and proceed in the discharge of them. It is expected that the regiment will be recruited, organized, instructed, and equipped for service in the field by the earliest day practicable.

By order of

ALEXANDER MACOMB
Major-General Commanding-in-Chief

ROGER JONES,
Adjutant-General

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SEMINOLE WAR

David.Gettman — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 07:14:41 +0000

Even before the arrival of the Regiment for its first assignment, the men who became Company D had their first encounter near Micanopy, Florida on 10 June 1836. They drew “first blood” as members of the Regiment in July 1836 in a spirited engagement at Welika Pond, near Fort Defiance, Florida, on 19 July 1836.

In December 1836, the first four Company’s sailed from New York to Charleston, South Carolina, for immediate service in Florida. Company I joined them in Charleston, and Harney took command. The Regiment arrived at the mouth of the St. John’s River, Florida, in January 1837 and marched to Fort Mellon on Lake Monroe, arriving on 6 February. This post fell under attack only two days later, embroiling the Company’s almost immediately in the war.

On 9 September 1837, three Company’s of the Second Dragoons and two of Florida volunteers surrounded an Indian village. At first light, the force captured the village, including the important chief, King Phillip.

This action represented a shift in tactics. Garrisons had previously waited in forts and responded when attacked, only to find that the Seminoles had melted back into the Florida Everglades. Though some experts doubted the wisdom of employing mounted troops in that terrain, the Second Dragoons pioneered the practice of taking the battle to the enemy. The Indians responded by signing what would be a short-lived peace treaty.

Chiefs Coacoochee and Osceola, however, did not sign the document and persuaded the rest of the members to return to the Everglades and continue the fight. This pattern of warfare would be repeated so often that a poet wrote:

“And yet – tis not an endless war,
As facts will plainly show,
Having been ended forty times,
In twenty months or so.”

Harney would go to any length to defeat the enemy. In March 1838, the Regiment took delivery from Samuel Colt of 50 Patterson Patent revolving carbines. Legend has it that Harney purchased these weapons with his own money. Fifty selected troopers were equipped with this new carbine and formed a Regimental corps of sharpshooters. Some say that the sharpshooters were so successful that Harney bought 50 more carbines in 1839. Thus, the Regiment earned its reputation both for daring new tactics and the use of new technology.

The Regiment earned one red and black battle streamer for its participation in the Seminole War.

COLONEL HARNEY LEAVES THE REGIMENT Colonel William S. Harney was promoted to be a brigadier...
BROKEN TERMS Colonel Twiggs and his staff remained in Washington until April...

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MICANOPY

David.Gettman — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:16:18 +0000

The first baptism of fire for the regiment occurred at Micanopy, Florida, on June 10, 1836. Company D, under Lieutenant Wheelock, First Dragoons, was stationed at the stockade at this place as a part of the garrison under Major Heiliman, Second Artillery. About 200 Seminole Indians led by Osceola attacked early in the morning, hoping to draw out the troops and then capture the stockade. Lieutenant Wheelock mounted his dragoons and enveloped the enemy right, while one of the companies of artillery moved around the enemy left. Meanwhile another detachment of the Second Artillery held the front with a six-pounder. After severe fighting the enemy was driven away and the troops returned to the stockade. For great courage in their first fight the men were commended by the President.

Micanopy, June 10, 1836.

GENERAL-“I have the honor to report that yesterday morning a party of Indians, estimated at one hundred and fifty or two hundred, made their appearance in front of this place, at the distance of about three-quarters of a mile. Their objective was evidently to draw us out; and not having any disposition to balk their views, I directed Captain Lee to take his company and skirt a hammock on the right of this post, and gain the left of the enemy. At the same time I directed Lieutenant Wheelock to mount with his dragoons, and make a corresponding movement on the left; and Lieutenant Humphreys, with a detachment of D and E Companies of Second United States Artillery, to move across the field in front, holding a six-pounder, with a few men in reserve.

The promptitude with which my orders were complied with, brought the three detachments immediately in contact with the enemy. Seeing the heavy fire of the enemy, I became at once satisfied they were treble our numbers, and immediately moved forward with the six-pounder. The horses being well broke, I was obliged to cast loose the prolonge. I had hardly done this, and while waiting a flank movement of Lieutenant Wheelock to unmask the six-pounder, when I received a message that the Indians were coming on the rear of this place. Having left a few teamsters and citizens in charge of the work, I deemed it proper to move back with the gun, and gave the directions accordingly. Taking myself a shorter route across the field, I arrived a few minutes before the gun; and finding the report to be untrue, I directed Lieutenant Talcott, 3d Artillery, to return to the field at full speed, while, with a few men, I reconnoitered the rear of our position.

After an hour and twenty minutes’ hard fighting under a broiling sun, our troops returned, having driven the Indians two miles into their strongholds. The gallantry and good conduct of both officers and men is beyond all commendation I am able to bestow; and it is with deep regret I report Captain Lee, 3d Artillery, severely, but not dangerously wounded (he received two wounds; one from a rifle ball, and the other from a musket). He was shot early in the action, but directed his men to push forward, which they did manfully.

I enclose Dr. Maffit’s report: and let me express my acknowledgment to Mr. Center, a resident of this place, for his unremitting kindness and attention to our wounded men, and ourselves generally.

Some individual acts of gallantry will form a special report, from the officers immediately in command of the troops.

I received 800 rounds of cartridges last night from Fort Drane, and shall move tomorrow morning. Lieutenant Burke, 3d Artillery, with his company, reached that place at 11 o’clock last night. I shall write to you on my arrival there.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. F. HEILEMAN,
Major, 2d Artillery, U. S. A.

War Department, Adjutant-General’s Office
Washington, June 25, 1836

GENERAL ORDERS No. 42
The gallantry and good conduct of the officers and troops in the action of the 10th of June with the Seminole Indians, near Micanopy, in Florida, where they met and defeated a very superior force of the enemy, merit the thanks of the President.

By order,

R. JONES, Adjutant-General

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WELIKA POND

David.Gettman — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:12:12 +0000

Again on July 19, 1836, Company D, under Captain James A. Ashby, who had just joined the day before, took an important part in the fight at Welika Pond near Fort Defiance. With twenty-six men from his company and a detachment of artillery, Captain Ashby was escorting a train from Fort Drane to Fort Defiance when attacked by Indians just outside the latter place. In the first part of the fight Captain Ashby was severely wounded but refused to leave his post until the battle was won. After arrival of reinforcements from the fort, the Seminoles were driven from the vicinity and the train proceeded to the post. For this gallant conduct here Captain Ashby was breveted to major.

Fort Defiance, Micanopy, July 19, 1836.

SIR: In obedience to your instructions to evacuate the post at Fort Drane if the commanding officer, in exercising a sound discretion, should deem it necessary, I have the honor to report that the commanding officer, Captain Merchant, of the Second Regiment of Artillery, in consequence of the large and increasing sick report, determined to remove the troops to this place. The movement commenced this day at eight o’clock, consisting of twenty-two wagons loaded with commissary and quartermaster’s stores, with an escort of a detachment of twenty-six dragoons of the Second Regiment, under Captain Ashby, and thirty-six men detailed from the different artillery companies at the post; also a five-and-a-half-inch howitzer, under the charge of Lieutenant Whitby, Second Artillery, making a force of sixty-two men. On our arrival at the Welika Pond, within one mile of this place, the discharge of several rifles apprised us of the presence of the enemy. Captain Ashby immediately went with his dragoons in that direction from which the firing was delivered and scoured the neighboring hummocks, without finding the enemy. It is proper to state here that in the first fire Private Holmes (since dead) of the Dragoons was dangerously wounded in the abdomen. Proceeding on our route, opposite a long hummock, within a quarter of a mile of Micanopy, we were attacked by a body of Indians estimated, from what we saw of them and from their firing, to be about two hundred and fifty strong. The firing commenced near the front and on the right of the train, and was continued through its whole length, a quarter of a mile. The men returned the fire with spirit and promptness. During the engagement Captain Ashby (who, I regret to say, was soon after the commencement of it severely wounded, but refused to leave the field until loss of blood compelled him) finding the enemy in great strength and pressing on us, despatched a dragoon to this place for a reinforcement.

On his way he met two detachments under Lieutenants Temple and Talcott, thirty-one strong, on their march to assist us. They arrived at an important moment and did us a good service. Lieutenant Temple reached us, having scoured on his approach a point of hummock from which the enemy had very much annoyed us.

As soon as Lieutenant Temple and his command had taken their position in the line, Captain Ashby ordered a charge in the hummock, which was instantly executed, and the Indians driven beyond reach of our fire. During this time Lieutenant Talcott was actively employed in removing the wagons in their direction to this place.

Of the good conduct and courage of the troops, it is sufficient to say that every man did his duty. My gallant commander, Captain Ashby, distinguished himself by his courage and activity, and did not leave the field, even after having received a severe wound, until feebleness from loss of blood made it absolutely necessary.

I regret to say that Assistant-Surgeon Weightman received a severe wound in his left thigh.

Sergeants Smith and Johnson, Company D, Second Dragoons; Smith, Company F, First Artillery; Hall, Company I, Third Artillery; and Boyden, Company H, Third Artillery, all distinguished themselves by their courage and good conduct in discharging the duties that devolved upon them.

Report of the killed and wounded at the battle of We-li-ka, East Florida, 19th of July, 1836:

Dangerously wounded, 5 (two since dead).
Severely wounded, 5.
Slightly wounded, 1.
Total, 11.

We had three horses killed in the field, and several severely wounded.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

M. S. MAITLAND,
First Lieutenant Commanding

General Roger Jones,
Adjutant-General, U. S. A.

MICANOPY The first baptism of fire for the regiment occurred at...

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ATTACK ON CAMP MONROE

David.Gettman — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:07:41 +0000

Having been organized pursuant to G.O. No. 80, W.D., November 30, 1836, Companies E, F, G, and H left Fort Columbus, N.Y., December 27, on the transport America for Fort Monroe, Virginia, where they picked up Companies A and I. After stopping on the way at Charleston, S.C., the transport arrived at the mouth of the St. Johns River in east Florida about the middle of January, 1837. Company A now took station at Fort Micanopy; Company E, at Fort Mellon; Companies F, G, and H at Fort Call; and Company I at Fort Heileman, all in east Florida. Company D, which was already a veteran organization when the other companies arrived, had been stationed at Fort Heileman, east Florida, since August, 1836.

Shortly after reaching Florida, Companies A, E, F, G, H, and I began active operations. On February 8, 1837, about 200 Indians under Coacoochee attacked Camp Monroe (Fort Mellon), east Florida, thinking the garrison was weak. Companies E, F, G, and H, Second Dragoons, were stationed there at this time under Lieutenant Colonel Harney, along with some artillery. The enemy threw a ring of skirmishers around the little fort on the landward side, reaching from the shore of Lake Monroe on one side to the shore on the other side. Although most of the soldiers were recruits, they soon became steady under fire. The contest lasted about three hours, when the enemy was severely repulsed and withdrew. Six men of the Second Dragoons were wounded in this fight, which was the first these companies had experienced. Much praise was bestowed upon officers and men for their gallant conduct.

Camp Monroe, on Lake Monroe, Florida.
February 9, 1837.

GENERAL-“On yesterday morning, a little before daylight, we were aroused by a warwhoop all around us. The enemy’s right rested on the lake above us, and his line extended round our front, his left resting on the lake below. Our men sprang to their breastworks. A sharp contest ensued. Second Lieutenant Thomas was directed to go on board the Santee (steamboat), serve the six-pounder, and direct his fire upon the right of the enemy. Our flank in that direction was soon cleared. The enemy pertinaciously hung upon our front and right flank for nearly three hours, and then retired, wearied of the contest. Our men, being recruits, at first wasted a great deal of ammunition, and it was with much difficulty the officers prevented them from throwing away their shots. They soon, however, became collected, and in the end behaved extremely well. In fact, the enemy was handsomely repulsed. The extensive fire of the enemy, and the traces he has left behind show him to have been about from three to four hundred in force.

The brave Captain Mellon, of the Second Regiment of Artillery, a few minutes after the combat commenced, received a ball in his breast, and fell dead at his post. We last night gave to his remains all we could give, our tears and a “soldier’s gave.” Captain Mellon entered the service at the commencement of the last war with England, and has ever since remained in it. He has left no property, and I know he has left a widow and four children to deplore his loss. [Their pension will be but twenty-five dollars per month for five years. Now I think too well of my countrymen to believe it is their will that this should be the limit of the nation's gratitude.]

Passed-Midshipman McLaughlin, serving with the army, ready by my side to convey orders, received a ball in his breast. The surgeon cannot yet pronounce his fate, but has strong hopes of his recovery. This gentleman had charge of the supplies for the detachment, as well as of those for the army expected here. He has performed his duties with great zeal and ability. On every occasion of apparent danger, I have found him on the spot, ready to perform any service of hazard. Let us hope he may yet live to grace the profession he has chosen.

On examining the ground, we found no dead enemies, yet we found several trails, apparently made by the dragging off of the dead bodies. We also found several belts and straps covered with blood, a small pouch of bullets, and some scalping-knives. It is most probable the enemy suffered more than ourselves. It is true that we are without the trophies of victory; but this is no reason that the officer whom I have had the honor to command and whose gallant bearing I have witnessed, should not receive honorable mention. Lieutenant-Colonel Harney, commanding the four companies of dragoons, displayed during the contest the greatest boldness and vigor, and inspired his newly enlisted men with great confidence. With the officers of his battalion I have every reason to be well satisfied. My eye was upon every one, and I discovered nothing but firmness and confidence in all. In justice to them their names must be mentioned: Captain Gordon, Captain Bean, First Lieutenant John Graham, First Lieutenant Blake, Second Lieutenant McNeil, Second Lieutenant Thornton, Second Lieutenant Kingsbury, and Second Lieutenant May.

On the fall of Captain Mellon, Captain Vinton, of the Third Artillery, assumed the command of the two companies of artillery. I have long known his great military attainments; on this occasion I witnessed his conduct and courage. First Lieutenant Davidson took the command of Mellon’s company during the engagement. It could not have fallen into better hands. I have already spoken of the service rendered by Second Lieutenant Thomas, of the Fourth Artillery. He has always volunteered his services on every dangerous scouting party. Lieutenant Piercy, of the navy, captain of the friendly Indians, with his Indian force, fought among the regular troops; and he is always foremost in danger. He has at all times volunteered his services for any difficult or hazardous enterprise.

Assistant-Surgeon Laub dressed the wounded under the fire of the enemy. In fact, I have never seen the sick soldier more promptly or faithfully attended to, than since this detachment left Volusia. Lieutenant Dusenberry, quartermaster to the expedition, had been sent previously to the attack to Volusia, and could not be present at the time. His duties have been very arduous, and he has discharged them with vigor, zeal, and ability. Paddy Carr, the Creek chief, fought well. He has generally headed the scouting-parties, and had performed those laborious and dangerous duties with great promptitude and cheerfulness.

I cannot end this letter without publicly expressing my thanks to Captains Brooks and Peck, of the steamboats Santee and Essayons. They have unhesitatingly pushed their boats through difficult channels, and unknown waters, into the heart of the enemy’s country. I must be pardoned this prolixity. If I have mentioned all, it is because all deserve mention. Never was officer, charged with a delicate and hazardous enterprise, served with more zeal and promptitude.

You will herewith receive official lists of the killed and wounded. To the wounded, Passed-Midshipman McLaughlin should be added. The “John Stoney” is just arrived. Lieutenant Dusenberry hands me a letter from Lieutenant Chambers, aid-de-camp. By this I learn that hostilities are to cease for the present, and that this detachment is directed to fall back upon Volusia.

Report of the killed and wounded in the affair with the Seminole Indians at Camp Munroe, Florida, on the morning of the 8th of February, 1837: Killed: Captain Charles Mellon, of the 2d Regiment of Artillery. Wounded: Fifteen; Passed-Midshipman J. T. McLaughlin of the navy; one corporal and two privates of E, two privates of G, and one of H Companies, 2d Dragoons – 6; one sergeant and three privates of C Company, 2d Artillery, and four privates of B Company, 3d Artillery – 8.

I have the honor to be, etc., etc.,

A. C. W. FANNING,
Brevet Lt.-Col. Commanding Detachment.

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BROKEN TERMS

David.Gettman — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:55:44 +0000

Colonel Twiggs and his staff remained in Washington until April 1, 1837, when they moved the headquarters to New Orleans, La. After a month at this place, they sailed up the Mississippi River to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, where they arrived May 30. Companies B and C also left Washington in April for New Orleans, where they were organized as units upon arrival. Company K was organized in that city during the month of March. All three of these companies sailed for Jefferson Barracks in the latter part of May. The men of these organizations together with a number of recruits now began intensive training for field service both in mounted and dismounted tactics.

After several engagements in which they were defeated, the Indians requested an armistice in March, 1837, and later agreed to move to Arkansas as they had done before. The time of year had arrived when they must plant their crops, and it is believed that they sued for peace merely to accomplish this, and by friendly acts to obtain more supplies and guns from the government. In June the Indians suddenly fled from the concentration camps, led by Osceola and Coacoochee, and the war was started again.

On September 7, 1837, Brigadier General Hernandez, U.S.V., left Fort Peyton, east Florida, with a force made up of Companies E, F, and H, Second Dragoons, under Lieutenants McNeil and May, and a detachment of the Third Artillery. The command marched secretly to Mosquito Inlet, where it surrounded a Seminole village at dawn, September 10. The dragoons charged the enemy, capturing thirty-five Indians, including King Philip, the father of Coacoochee, and a number of the negroes. In this combat Lieutenant McNeil, while leading his men, received a mortal wound.

After the capture of his father, Coacoochee asked for an armistice. On October 21, 1837, he and Osceola appeared at Fort Peyton seven miles south of San Augustine, with seventy well-armed warriors to talk terms of surrender. By direction of General Jesup, who was tired of the Indian duplicity, there suddenly appeared 150 dragoons under Captain Ashby, who surrounded the Indians and made them prisoners. General Jesup complimented the work of the dragoons here, stating that it was so expeditiously done that the savages did not have time to fire a shot. The chief, Coacoochee, soon afterward made his escape.

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