12th Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry (113th Volunteers)

Historical Sketch:
Cols., William Frishmuth, Lewis B. Pierce, Marcus A. Reno; Lieut.-Cols., Lewis B. Pierce, Jacob Kohler, Joseph L. Moss, William Bell, James A. Congdon, W. H. McAllister; Majs., Jacob Kohler, Darius Titus, James A. Congdon, William Bell, Nathaniel Payn, Edson Gerry, David B. Jenkins, W. H. McAllister, John Johnson, George W. Henrie. The 12th cavalry, the 113th regiment of the line, was composed of members from various parts of the state, and was organized at Philadelphia in the winter of 1861-62, when it was mustered in for three years. It left for Washington late in April, 1862, and was posted near Manassas Junction to guard the Orange & Alexandria railroad. On Aug. 26, it was ordered to White Plains to ascertain the location of the enemy, who soon afterward arrived at Manassas in force. Withdrawing to Centerville after a narrow escape at Bristoe, where a heavy loss was sustained, the regiment proceeded to Alexandria and was ordered to guard the north shore of the Potomac from Chain bridge to Edwards' ferry. It was held in reserve at South mountain and was in the rear at Antietam, but was employed after the battle in ascertaining the position of the retreating foe and then stationed along the Baltimore & Ohio railroad near Bath. Several excursions into the surrounding country were undertaken and at Fisher's hill the enemy was encountered and an engagement ensued. This duty occupied the regiment for the winter of 1862-63, its next engagement of importance being at Winchester in June, 1863, when it broke through the investing Confederate lines, sustaining some losses. After the battle of Gettysburg some of the wagon trains of the retreating foe fell into the hands of the 12th Pa. and 1st N. Y. at Cunningham cross-roads and Mercersburg. July was spent at Sharpsburg, and the regiment was then ordered to Martinsburg, in which vicinity it remained until the spring of 1864. At the beginning of the year 1864 nearly the entire regiment reenlisted, were furloughed and returned to Martinsburg in April. Upon the advance of Gen. Early's army toward Washington in July, 1864, the cavalry retired before him, disputing the way and engaging at Solomon's gap, Pleasant valley, Crampton's gap, Winchester and Kernstown. It became necessary to remount and recruit and the regiment was stationed in the autumn at Charlestown. During the following winter it was on guard duty along the railroad between Winchester and Harper's Ferry and in March, 1865, was sent across the Blue ridge to clear the country of guerrillas, engaging at Harmony with some loss on March 22. In April the 12th moved to Winchester and was assigned to the Army of the Shenandoah, the cavalry force under the command of Col. Reno. When the news of Lee's surrender was received the regiment was stationed at Mount Jackson to intercept and parole soldiers of Lee's army passing there. Returning to Winchester it was mustered out on July 20, 1865. Roster:
The Roster of this unit contains the names of 4118 men.
Source:
The Union Army by Federal Publishing Company, 1908 - Volume 1
Bibliography:

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