History of the Second West Virginia Cavalry

 

History of the Second West Virginia Cavalry

The Second West Virginia Cavalry played a significant role in the Civil War, serving primarily in Virginia for four years. The regiment, initially known as the Second Regiment Loyal Virginia Calvary when Governor Pierpont accepted their services in 1861, had its name changed to the Second West Virginia Cavalry Volunteers following the establishment of West Virginia as a state. The regiment was distinct from the Second West Virginia Mounted Infantry that fought at the Battle of Droop Mountain.

Formation and Early Actions

• The Second West Virginia Cavalry was mustered into service at Parkersburg.
• During their first winter, they served under Colonel James A. Garfield in Kentucky.
• In the fall of 1862, they were stationed at Fort Platt, twelve miles east of Charleston, under the command of General Crook.

Key Engagements

The sources describe several engagements involving the Second West Virginia Cavalry:

• Sinking Creek, November 26, 1862: Colonel John C. Paxton led the regiment on a mission to break up the Fourteenth Rebel Virginia Cavalry, which was recruiting in the Sinking Creek Valley. During a heavy snowstorm, Major William H. Powell and Lieutenant Jeremiah Davidson, with twenty men, rode ahead and captured the Confederate regiment. While they initially took a large number of prisoners, many escaped, leaving them with 111 by the time they returned to the main command. This action earned General Powell and the regiment a Congressional Medal.
• Tuckwiler Hill, May 1-2, 1862: The regiment, under Colonel Paxton, engaged in a night-time battle with Colonel Edgar’s Battalion at Tuckwiler Hill. While they initially suffered losses and were forced to retreat, they used a truce to regroup and ultimately escaped a potentially disastrous situation.
• Tuckwiler Hill, May 12, 1862: The regiment, divided into battalions and operating alongside the 47th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, again encountered Edgar’s Battalion at Tuckwiler Hill. This time, the Federal forces successfully charged the Confederate camp, forcing their retreat. Captain Powell pursued the fleeing Confederate cavalry as far as White Sulphur Springs, taking several prisoners.
• Tuckwiler Hill, April 19, 1863: Colonel Paxton led the regiment on a reconnaissance mission to Lewisburg and once again clashed with Edgar’s Battalion at Tuckwiler Hill. This encounter, also known as the Battle of Brushy Ridge, resulted in significant losses for the Union forces, including the capture of numerous soldiers. General Scammon, angered by the defeat, dismissed Colonel Paxton from service.

Leadership

• Colonel William Bolles: The regiment’s first colonel, resigned on June 25, 1862.
• Colonel John C. Paxton: Served for nearly a year before being dismissed from service on May 7, 1863, following the defeat at Tuckwiler Hill.
• Colonel William H. Powell: Promoted to command the regiment on May 18, 1863, and served until his promotion to brigadier general on October 19, 1864. He was a highly respected leader and a "steady fighter". Powell was captured at Wytheville in 1863 and endured harsh conditions during his 37 days of confinement in Libby Prison. He was eventually exchanged for Confederate Colonel Richard Henry Lee.

The Second West Virginia Cavalry's story is a testament to the contributions of West Virginia troops to the Union cause during the Civil War. Their engagements at Sinking Creek and Tuckwiler Hill highlight their courage and resilience in challenging circumstances.