13th Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry (117th Volunteers)

Historical Sketch:
Cols., James A. Galligher, Michael Kerwin; Lieut. -Cols., James A. Galligher, Peter C. Shannon, Garrick Mallery, Jr., Jacob H. Dewees; Majs., Henry A. White, M. J. Byrne, Michael Kerwin, Jacob H. Dewees, George F. McCabe, Timothy A. Byrne, Henry H. Gregg, John W. Berks. The 13th cavalry, the 117th regiment of the line, was recruited in Philadelphia and Pittsburg to form a squadron of Irish dragoons to be attached to the Irish brigade, and was mustered into the U. S. service at Philadelphia in the fall of 1861 for three years' service. It was ordered to Baltimore and while there was organized into a regiment by the addition of six companies in July and Aug., 1862. On Sept. 24 it left Baltimore, three companies were posted along the Potomac between Berlin and Edwards' ferry on guard duty, and the remaining companies occupied in Loudoun and Jefferson counties to prevent communication between the inhabitants and the enemy. In Feb., 1863, the 13th was sent to Winchester, where the tenth company joined it in March. Here it undertook many excursions into the surrounding country, often encountering the enemy's cavalry, and losing a considerable number. At Middletown, on June 11, it had a sharp engagement and for several days following was active at Winchester, returning to Harper's Ferry with only half of its members fit for active service. Leaving Harper's Ferry on June 30, it joined the Army of the Potomac at Boonesboro on July 8 and was assigned to the 2nd brigade, (Col. J. I. Gregg) of Gen. D. McM. Gregg's division, with which it encamped at Amissville and Jefferson and was engaged at Culpeper in September. After a month at Catlett's station, it returned to Culpeper, where it received a new company from Huntingdon county. It then moved to Jeffersonton, where it was attacked in October and forced to retire. Two more companies from Huntingdon county joined the regiment in November, as it returned from Mine Run, and the command was assigned to duty along the Orange & Alexandria railroad near Bristoe Station during the winter of 1863-64. The regiment was reorganized on Feb. 8, 1864, twelve companies being formed from the original fifteen. In the Wilderness campaign it was on duty with the 9th corps at the rear until May 5, when it went into action and was with the advance of the army for a number of days. It rejoined the brigade at White's tavern on May 26 and shared in the expedition of Gen. Sheridan toward Richmond, being engaged at Haw's shop. The next action of importance was at Trevilian Station in June, followed by fighting at Jones' bridge, and Samaria Church. In July it went to the support of Wilson's cavalry as it returned from the Danville railroad, after which it shared in the raid on the Jerusalem plank road and a movement to Lee's mill. A detail of 50 men, engaged in guarding supplies of the commissary department, was captured by a large force of Confederates. In September the regiment was closely engaged at Wyatt's farm; fought in the several engagements at Hatcher's run and Dabney's mill, where Gen. Gregg was wounded; was ordered to Wilmington, N. C, in Feb., 1865 ; thence to Elizabethtown, where it reported to Gen. Sherman and became a part of the 3d brigade, Kilpatrick's division, Col. Kerwin, being placed in command. After the surrender the 13th was posted at Fayetteville to clear the country and preserve peace. On July 14 it moved to Raleigh and was mustered out on the same day. Roster:
The Roster of this unit contains the names of 3752 men.
Source:
The Union Army by Federal Publishing Company, 1908 - Volume 1
Bibliography:

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