The Virginia 4th Cavalry was also known as The Black Horse Regiment. It completed its organization at Sangster's Cross Roads, Prince William County, Virginia, in September, 1861. Its members were recruited in the counties of Prince William, Chesterfield, Madison, Culpeper, Powhatan, Goochland, Hanover, Fauquier, Buckingham, and the city of Richmond.
The unit was assigned to General J.E.B. Stuart's, F.Lee's, Wickham's, and Munford's Brigade, Army of Northern Virginia. It participated in the Battle of Williamsburg, the Seven Days' Battles, and the Second Bull Run and Maryland campaigns. Later the unit was involved in the conflicts at Fredericksburg, Kelly's Ford, Chancellorsville, Brandy Station, Upperville, Gettysburg, Bristoe, Mine Run, The Wilderness, Todd's Tavern, Spotsylvania, Wilson's Wharf, Haw's Shop, and Bethesda Church. The 4th went on to fight in the Shenandoah Valley with Early and around Appomattox.
It totaled 450 effectives in April, 1862, and lost about three percent of the 544 engaged at Gettysburg. After cutting through the Federal lines at Appomattox, it was broken up. Only 2 members were present at the surrender.
Future Virginia governor Philip W. McKinney was an officer in Company K of the 4th Virginia.
VMI Superintendent Scott Shipp is said to have served as a private in the 4th Virginia, though no official record exists.
Beverley Randolph Mason, the future founder of Gunston Hall School for Young Women in Washington, D.C., became a captain in command of a company of the 4th Virginia.
FIELD OFFICERS:
Colonels Stephen D. Lee, William H. F. Payne, Beverly Robertson, William C. Wickham, and W.B. Wooldridge; Lieutenant Colonels Charles Old and Robert Randolph; and Majors Alexander M. Hobson and Robert E. Utterback.
BATTLES:
Peninsula Campaign
Seven Days' Battles
Second Manassas
Battle of Sharpsburg
Battle of Fredericksburg
Battle of Chancellorsville
Battle of Brandy Station
Battle of Gettysburg
Bristoe Campaign
Overland Campaign
Siege of Petersburg
Valley Campaigns of 1864
Appomattox Campaign
ROSTERS:
The rosters of this unit contains the names of 2748 men.
Company C (The Madison Invincibles) - Men from Madison County
Company D was known as the Little Fork Rangers after the Little Fork Church in Culpeper County
Company E - Men from Powhatan County.
Company F was known as the Goochland Light Dragoons.
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