History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5; prepared in compliance with acts of the legislature, by Samuel P. Bates.

1864 WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN. 529
unlooked for, the division being stretched out, covering a line of many miles
in extent. The enemy attacked with cavalry and mounted infantry; but with
a tenacity of purpose for which he became famous, Gregg held his ground and
successfully repelled every advance. Lieutenant Francis P. Bowen was here
mortally wounded. In the engagement of the infantry at Cold Harbor on the
first of June, the force of the enemy's blow was greatly lightened by the nerve
and steadiness of the cavalry in preventing him from turning the left flank of
the army.
Sheridan's second raid, the objective point of which was Lynchburg, on account of the delay, as in the first, culminated at Trevilian Station. In the early
part of the engagement, the Fourth and Second regiments coming upon the
rear of a body of the enemy's troops which had cut off Custar's command, by
a vigorous charge of dismounted men scattered the foe, stampeding their horses,
and giving them an easy prey to Custar. Immediately after, the Fourth was
separated in the thick woods; one squadron under Colonel Covode taking the
right of the First Division, the remainder under Major Biddle, moving to the
centre of the brigade and holding the line near the railroad, where it successftlly held the enemy at bay. At four P. M., the regiment being again united,
a charge was ordered. With a yell the squadrons advanced at a run, losing
forty-five men in passing a distance of one hundred yards, but bearing down all
before them. Driven from his first position, the enemy took shelter behind the
railroad embankment. For a few minutes the contest raged with great fury,
and it seemed doubtful whether the position could be held, when Captain Martin, with the reserve squadron, arrived most timely upon the left rear of the
enemy's line, attacking it in flank. His line wavered and.the Fourth with renewed energy pushed forward to the railroad, driving his forces in rout and
confusion. The following day was given to the destruction of the railroad.
The enemy appearing in too great force to warrant further advance, Sheridan
retired.
At White House the army trains were met, and with them in charge, the
corps started for the James. When arrived near Charles City, the Second Division, leaving the trains, took the road leading to Haxalls Landing. Near
St. Mary's Church, the enemy appeared in force, where he had taken position,
and was busily engaged in fortifying it. Supposing this to be the advance of
the corps he anticipated a heavy engagement. The Second was rapidly thrown
into position, the First being held in supporting distance. Beyond slight ski:rmishing, little was done, Gregg knowing well his inability to cope with the
overwhelming force opposed to him. Message after message was sent to Sheridan for reinforcements, but these were all captured by the enemy, who was
thus apprized of the weakness of the force in his front. Leaving his earthworks, he immediately assumed the offensive and opened a vigorous attack..
The ground on which Gregg stood proved unfavorable, and the position was,
soon forced. As the enemy pushed forward in pursuit, a charge was made by
a squadron of the Eighth, and Captain Smith's squadron of the Fourth, which:
checked his advance, and by drawing his attention from RandallPs Battery which
was in peril, enabled him to withdraw his guns. Each new position taken by
Gregg was quickly flanked; but the men contested the ground with great gallantry, falling back sullenly, and always keeping a determined front to the foe.
Nearly two miles of the retreat had been successfully made, when Colonel Covode, while issuing his orders and directing the fight, was shot down by a party
67 -OL. II.