CHAPTER XIII.
PATRIOTISM OF SHELBY AND MOULTRIE COUNTIES.

FIFTH CAVALRY REGIMENT

     The Fifth cavalry regiment was organized at Camp Butler, Ill., in November, 1861, and Hall Wilson appointed Colonel.  In the Fifth Moultrie county furnished about one third of the men in company B, and was also well represented in companies E, adn H.; Shelby county contributed a number of men to companies D, G, and I.  The persons from these counties who were members of this regiment is shown in the subjoined Roster.  On the 20th f February, 1862, the regiment proceeded to Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., and on the third of March moved to Pilot Knob, thence to Doniphan, and on the first of April following, had a skirmish with the enemy, capturing their camp, killing three and taking seven prisoners; on the 17th of April marched to Pocahontas; June 27th started for the Mississippi river, arrived at Jacksonnport on the 29th, and joined Curtis' army and marched to Helena July 13th.  October 22d, a forage train was attacked by the enemy, and Lieutenant Elliott and seventy-eight men of the Fifth Cavalry captured, after losing 1 killed and six wounded.  On January 11th, 1863, the regiment made an expedition to Duvall's Bluff, and, in April, pursued Marmaduke who was retreating from Missouri, May 29th, 1863, embarked for Vicksburg, and landed at Snyder's Bluff on the first of June, made reconnaissance to Mechanicsburg; drove the enemy ten miles, skirmishing heavily, capturing forty-three prisoners, losing one killed and seven wounded.  In July was with Sherman's army at Jackson, Miss., was in the expeditions to Meridan Canton, and Grenada.  In August, at the Yellowbush, destroyed 40 engines and 320 cars by burning, which could not be saved, as the bridge over the Yellowbush was destroyed.  On the nineteenth moved toward Memphis.  On the 21st encountered Blythe's rebel cavalry at Coldwater, and defeated them, the regiment losing one killed and five wounded, arrived at Memphis on the 22d of August, 1863, embarked for Vicksburg and encamped at Black River, August 29th, where they remained until May 1st, 1864, then moved to Vicksburg.  In October with General McPherson's 17th corps at Jackson, took part in a cavalry charge at Brownsville, rounting General Adams, January 1st, 1864, many of the regiment re-enlisted as veterans; on Feb. 3d moved with Sherman's command on the Meridian raid.  March 175h, the veterans were furloughed, returning to the command May 10th, 1864.  On the 27th Colonel John McConnell of Springfield arrived, was mustered and took command of hte regiment.  At this time eight companies were dismounted and did garrison duty.  Companies A, B, and C, were fully mounted and equipped.  During the months of July and September the Battalion was a Jackson and Port Gibson, skirmishing and fighting frequently.  Subsequently moved to Natchez, thence to Tonica Bend, landed and moved to Woodville, surprised and captured a rebel camp; during the night the enemy advanced with three guns and six hundred men.  The Fifth Cavalry and Third United States Cavalry, under Colonel McConnell, charged the enemy the next morning, driving him in confusion, and captured three cannon; returned to Vicksburg October 11th.  After this the regiment spent several months skirmishing.  In January went on an expedition to Southern Arkansas and Northern Louisiana, returning February 13th.  On the first of July moved to Texas via Red River.  The regiment was assigned to General Forsythe's brigade, Second Division, Major General Curtis commanding.  Arrived at Hemstead, Texas, August 26th, remained at this past until October 16th, then ordered to Springfield, Illinois.  Mustered out October 27th, and received final payment and discharge Oct. 30th, 1865.

FIFTH CAVALRY REGIMENT.
- (Three years' service.)
MUSTER ROLL COMPANY "B."

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