HISTORY OF THE ORPHAN BRIGADE.

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CHAPTER II. 1861-1862.

It is impossible at this remote period to write the history of the First Kentucky Cavalry in detail. As a general thing, the reports of officers during the period of its service were nothing more than short communications to commanders, giving information as to duty performed in locating an enemy or executing other specific order; and these papers are lost.

The general reports of brigade, division, and corps commanders under which the regiment served from time to time are not found in published records to relate particularly to the part performed by it in the various battles and raids; and of regimental reports few exist. For the most part, reports were made by Wheeler and Forrest, and of course relate to large bodies of troops of which the First formed a part.

It has been found practicable, however, by comparing such records as are preserved, by the use of such printed papers as the author has collected during some years, and particularly by the generous and hearty assistance of survivors, to trace its movements from the beginning, and show that its long service was arduous from the first, almost continuous, and gallant as becomes a State famous for soldiers good and true.

From the autumn of 1861, when it was temporarily brigaded with the First Infantry Brigade, till May, 1S65, when it parted with President Davis, after having escorted him and his suite from Greensboro', N. C, into Georgia, it had few opportunities for real rest and recuperation.

When the great armies lay still the First Kentucky was on outpost    duty, generally exacting and often perilous, or operatingin the enemy's rear, breaking up his communications, and fighting almost daily. When the troops of all. arms went on long expeditions it helped to cover their front, looking out for danger ahead; and on hazardous retreats it brought up the rear, fighting by day and picketing by night, to make a show against pursuers and keep them in check. When the main army joined battle with its antagonist the ever-reliable First Kentucky fought his threatening flankers or threw its men, dismounted, into a breach, or hastened to reinforce a weak place in line;