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

530 SIXTY-FOURTH REGIMENT-FOURTH CAVALRY. 1864
of the enemy, whom in their partial concealment he had mistaken for his own.
He was carried from the field, and, much against his own will, nearly three
miles to the rear; but in a desperate final rally of the enemy he fell into their
hands. His wounds were mortal, and he expired on the following day. Darkness put an end to the contest, and enabled the division to retire in safety.
The Fourth lost eighty-seven in killed, wounded and missing.
A few days later the division crossed the James* near Fort Powhattan, and
during the remainder of the summer was almost constantly engaged in skirmishing, marching and picket duty. After the departure of the First and Third
Divisions of the corps for the Shenandoah Valley, the service was much increased in severity, and in this several affairs of considerable importance occurred. On the 30th of July, the division crossed to the north side of the
James, where it encountered the enemy's cavalry under Fitz Hugh Lee, at
Second Swamp. The Second Pennsylvania was in the advance, lost heavily,
and was driven back over the swamp to a point where the Fourth had advanced dismounted, and taken up a strong position. Lee was checked and
soon driven. Early in August, the regiment was again engaged upon the Jerusalem Plank Road, where it sustained some loss. In this engagement, Captain Frank H. Parke was mortally wounded. Colonel Covode was succeeded
in command by Lieutenant Colonel Young. Major Duncan was promoted to
Lieutenant Colonel, and Captains R. A. Robison and William B. Mays, to
Majors.
During the progress of the siege, the cavalry was frequently engaged along
with the infantry in advancing the lines, and extending them to the left. On
the 28th of October, in the advance upon the Boydton Plank Road, the Fourth
under command of Lieutenant Colonel Duncan, marched with the division.
The enemy was met in heavy force. The battle opened at nine in the morning
and continued until night-fall. The cavalry moved upon the left'of the infantry,
and rendered important service. The regiment lost one killed and several
wounded. At Hatcher's Run, on the 1st of December, Gregg's Cavalry and a
battery were engaged, in which the Fourth performed signal service. It was
led by Major Mays. A fort near the point where the railroad crosses the run,
stood in the way of further advance, and it was necessary to capture it. This
duty was assigned to the Fourth. Plunging into the stream. it crossed above,
and making a detour, came in upon and attacked the rear of the work, while
the front facing the river was held by the Sixteenth Cavalry dismounted. Assailed thus in front and rear, the garrison was soon compelled to surrender.
Two hundred prisoners, three cannon, with arms, equipments, and stores were
captured. The loss was considerable. Captain Francis lM. Ervay was among
the wounded.
The Bellefield raid, or second advance upon the Weldon Railroad, was made
on the 7th of December, by the Fifth Corps and Gregg's Cavalry. Near Gray's
Church, the enemy's cavalry was met and a spirited engagement ensued. The
ground was held and at night the cavalry picketed the rear, while infantry de* After crossing the James, a scouting party headed by Lieutenant John C. Paul, penetrated
the enemy's lines to ascertain the place of burial of the remains of Colonel Covode. This
having been discovered and reported to General Gregg, he ordered a party of thirty with ambulances to proceed under cover of darkness and bring in his body and any of our wounded
who could still be found. Captain Frank H. Parke volunteered to accompany the party, which
successfully accomplished the task assigned it without molestation.