High Bridge Battlefield Museum - "Independent Battalion" Massachusetts Cavalry

High Bridge Battlefield Museum

272 Bradshaw Road
Rice, VA 23966
ph: (434) 392-1865
curator.historian@highbridgebattlefieldmuseum.com

"Independent Battalion"

Massachusetts Cavalry

"The Independent Battalion Massachusetts Cavalry "

The 4th Massachusetts Cavalry regiment was formed late during the war, though most of the regiment consisted of the two battalions of new recruits. The third battalion was already in the field, a veteran cavalry unit formerly known as the Independent Battalion, the battalion was augmented in forming the 4th Mass Cavalry regiment.

The “Independent Battalion”, originally began its service in September of 1861, as the third battalion of the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry, companies I, K, L, & M. The 1st Regiment of Massachusetts Cavalry was indoctrinated for service at Camp Meigs, Readville, Massachusetts. Their first duty assignment was with the “Southern Expeditionary Corps,” commanded by Gen. David Hunter, in the initial invasion of the coast of South Carolina. The regiment encamped on the barrier island of Hilton Head and Beaufort, South Carolina. The 1st Mass, was detailed mostly with duties, as couriers, and pickets, making occasional expeditions and scouting forays inland.

As Union operations in Virginia intensified, the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry, received orders to join the Army of the Potomac. The 1st and 2nd battalions were able to ship to Virginia without much delay. The 3rd battalion however was unable to depart with the rest bythe time they were underway. Word had reached Operation Headquarters and the 3rd battalion was stopped en-route and ordered to return to Hilton Head. The 3rd battalion was ordered to remain behind, being essential to that department’s command, as they were the only cavalry available on hand. You can imagine the frustration of the men, even though efforts to reconsolidate the regiment were made they proved unsuccessful.

It eventually became obvious that the 3rd, battalion would not be rejoining the 1ST, regiment in Virginia. A new 3rd, battalion for the 1st, regiment was formed thus replacing the former. The old 3rd, battalion were officially on their own, formerly designated there on as the “Independent Battalion Massachusetts Cavalry” assuming new company letters as a first battalion would being companies A, B, C, & D, commanded by Maj. Atherton Stevens. The unit remained attached with their headquarters at Hilton Head South Carolina, having minor participation in battle while scouting on inland forays.
On August 4, 1863, the state of Massachusetts authorized the formation of the 4th Massachusetts Cavalry Regiment. The “Independent Battalion” would be augmented within this regiment. While the Fourth Regiment was formed in Massachusetts in the fall and winter of 1863, the “Independent battalion” took part in the Florida campaigns to capture Jacksonville. The Independent Battalion, fought notably in the battles of Gainesville and Olustee in February 1864.

On February 12, official orders arrived for their assignment with the 4th Massachusetts cavalry, commanded by Col. Arnold Rand. Col.Rand was well acquainted with these men having served with them in the First Regiment before they became separated. In April of 1864, the “Independent Battalion” shipped back to Hilton Head South Carolina, to unite with the other companies of the 4th Massachusetts regiment. Since the regiment had already formed with a first battalion of companies A, B, C, and D. The Independent Battalion, re-assumed their original company letter designations of I, K, L, & M, being the veteran battalion they were detailed as the first battalion of the 4th Mass. Cav.

Corporal Gabriel (Gerry) Strang

CO. L

One of four brothers from New Salem Mass., who served in the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry. They were originally from Nova Scotia, Gerry was a laborer by trade, he was a bugler and had been promoted to the rank of Corporal in February 1865.

He was 21yrs old, killed April 6, 1865.

Buried at Poplar Grove National Cemetery.

Private Richard Cunningham

CO. I

Residence Somerville Massachusetts, age 25; glassblower;

He was noted for being the only member of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry to escape after being taken prisoner on April 6, 1865. likely he managed his escape somewhere in the following days during the retreat possibly near New Store.

Image courtesy of Matthew Gross his Great Great Great Grandson

Post War Veterans Medal Grouping clockwise from the right:

Independent Battalion Medal, the obverse reads; THEY FOUGHT FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE UNION U.S.A.

Massachusetts Cavalry Badge

Sheridan Cavalry Corp Badge, the red center may represent the 1st Division.

Unidentified Cavalry Reunion Badge,

4th Massachusetts Cavalry Medal with respective Corps badges which they served under, 10th Corps, 18th Corps, 24th Corps, and 25th Corps.

Special Thanks for Scott Macomber's gift of The Independent Battalion Medal.

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272 Bradshaw Road
Rice, VA 23966
ph: (434) 392-1865
curator.historian@highbridgebattlefieldmuseum.com