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History of Cambria County, V.2

354 HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
ever fought that I would not fight over again under the same circumstances. I have always regretted that last assault at Cold Harbor was ever made.”
    Capt. David Hamilton was seriously wounded May 31, at Hanover Court House, the day before the beginning of the battle of Cold Harbor, and was never able to return to the service. He was succeeded in command of Company K by Capt. Henry J. Blough, who was within a few months transferred to the Shenandoah Valley under Maj. Gen. Sheridan, with whom he served until the end. On June 7 General Sheridan started on his famous Trevilian raid around Richmond.
    General Grant's losses from May 8 to 18 were 12,564, and Lee's 9,000. From June 1 to 12, Grant lost 14,931, and Lee, 1,700.
    Capt. Ryckman. The 21st Cavalry Dismounted in Washington. Col. Boyd to Gen. W. F. Smith.

Washington, D. C., May 22, 1864.
    Sir: I take the liberty of writing you a few lines to say I arrived here with a full regiment, over 1,200 men, fully armed and equipped, and well mounted and well drilled and disciplined, expecting to be sent to the front as cavalry. Today we were ordered to turn in our horses and arms and tomorrow to draw muskets and act as infantry.
    I have been in the cavalry service now nearly three years and have done as much as many officers more favored. I feel the humiliation very sorely. Can you do anything for me? Can you have my regiment ordered under you or even have myself with you? I am anxious to be doing something. * * If you can do anything for me with Gen. Grant I will ever feel grateful. * * *
Wm. H. Boyd. Colonel 21st Penna. Cavalry.

MAJ. GEN. WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK.

    Gen. Hancock the corps commander of Capt. Fite's Company D, was the best type of an American citizen, possessing all the elements of a gentleman. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and one of the great generals of the Civil war. He commanded the 2d Corps in which were Capt. Fite's Company of the 115th regiment.
    His skill is shown all through the war, but there are some incidents, which do not always appear in the records, which disclose the character of the man much better than official reports. His soldiers highly honored him and would follow where-


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