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2nd Virginia Cavalry Co. C
History:
June 22, 1863, General James Ewell Brown Stuart, commander of the Confederate cavalry in Virginia, secured permission from General Lee to cut loose from the main army. He intended to raid through Maryland and link with the advance wing of the Confederate forces in Pennsylvania. With 3,500 troopers, "JEB" Stuart rode through the elongated lines of the Union army. En route to their destination along the Susquehanna River, the riders were slowed by the integration of 125 captured supply wagons and then further delayed by Union cavalry. June 30, Judson Kilpatrick's division, barred Stuart's path outside Hanover Pennsylvania, just 12 miles east of Gettysburg. The Confederates were pinned down for several hours before they could break free and resume their march in search of comrades (whose location remained a mystery to them). Stuart proceeded North instead of East, to avoid further contact with the Union troopers, delaying his rendezvous with Lee until 2 July, 24 hours after the battle of Gettysburg had begun.
Meanwhile, General John Buford led his troopers on a reconnaissance out of Emmitsburg, Maryland, and into Gettysburg just shy of noon, 30 June. As commander of the advanced element of the Union army, Buford scrutinized the presence of Confederate infantry west and north of town. He correctly surmised that Lee was concentrating his far-flung forces in and near the road hub the Federal cavalry had occupied.
This Reenactment is an attempt to recreate these great events that led to the Battle of Gettysburg!
Reenactment:
Blue and Gray, we have an opportunity! On behalf of both the 2nd US Cavalry Regiment Co A and the 2nd Virginia Cavalry Regiment Co C, I would like to invite you and your horse, to take part of a dual ride entitled Stuart’s Delay & Buford’s Reconnaissance. With the help, resources, and energy of some fine folks in Adams County, Pennsylvania and Union Mills, Maryland, this ride has come to life. This will be a main stream Cavalry event at which women riders are welcome and we observe basic authenticity requirements (see the Equipment list).
Stuart’s Delay will start at the original Union Mills Homestead (See Directions) on 2 July with arrival of reenactors and movement of trailers. Both Union and Confederate will start the ride on 3 July. The Confederate Cavalry under the overall command of Mr. David Hauser of the 2nd Virginia, will ride approximately 8-10 miles to Sheppard Farm. Here those in the Union cavalry will change uniforms and both sides will reenact the 145th Anniversary of the Battle of Hanover. This Battle will feature Cavalry, Artillery and some infantry as militia. Evening Camp will be on Sheppard Farm. At dawn on 4 July, 2008 we will pack our horses on our trailers and convoy across to the Dr. Bill and Cassandra Pulig Farm, nestled in the Quaker Valley area near Biglerville, Pennsylvania, 4-6 miles from the 145th Gettysburg event site. All Cavalryman will be dressed in Federal Blue uniforms in preparation for the Buford’s Reconnaissance phase of the event. At a determined time, the call “to horse” will be given and we will be lead across the Pennsylvania country side in a single blue column by General John Buford as portrayed by Colonel Darrell Markijohn, USV Cavalry Commander, to open the 145th Battle of Gettysburg with Buford’s Stand.
Schedule:
2 July 08
- Arrive at Union Mills Before 7PM
-- VALID COGGINS PAPERS ARE REQUIRED and need to be presented at the Vet Check when you arrive.
- Unload horses and shuttle trailers to Sheppard's Farm
- Evening night
meal is provided by the Union Mills Folks (at your own
expense).
- Camp the night
3 July 08
- Morning Breakfast - Pancakes and Sausage, coffee (Just like was given General Stuart at that same Homestead 145 years ago) Included
- Ride to Sheppard's Farm
- Lunch- (1-2PM) 145th Hanover Battle site -Sheppard Farm- Top of Long Arm Creek Reservoir, Adams County, PA Included
- Battle of
Hanover
- Evening Meal- (7:30PM)145th Hanover Battle site. Included
- Camp the night
4 July 08
- Trailer Horses to Pulig Farm
- Morning Big Country Breakfast- (7-7:30 AM) at the Pulig Farm. Included
- Move Trailers to Gettysburg event site
- Ride to Gettysburg event site
Buford's Reconnaissance ends when the Union cavalry column arrives at the Gettysburg event site. Once the column arrives, it falls into battle positions and begin the first battle of the 145th Anniversary of Gettysburg "Buford's Stand."
POC for this event is:
Charlie Doutt
(Last update 07/28/08)