9^th Virginia Cavalry

 

By Robert K. Krick; 1982, 4^th edition; published by H. E. Howard, Lynchburg, VA.; 132pp.; in good condition. Part of the Virginia Regimental Histories Series. Inscribed by the author on the title page (see photo 3); former owner’s imprint stamp present on the front free end-paper (see photo 2).

 

The 9^th Virginia Cavalry was composed of men from the Fredericksburg area and Virginia’s Northern Neck, plus a lone company from Lunenburg County. The regiment served under William W. F. “Rooney” Lee for much of the early war period, and remained in Lee’s Brigade when that officer became a brigadier general. The brigade later came under control of John R. Chambliss, and finally of R. L. Beale, who had also been the colonel of the 9^th Cavalry.

The 9^th fought in all the major battles of the Army of Northern Virginia, including the great cavalry battle at Brandy Station, and the massive assault of dismounted cavalry at Ream’s Station. During the last months of the war, while Confederate armies where melting away, the 9^th maintained an amazing degree of strength.

Considerably more than one-tenth of the men who served in the 9^th Virginia Cavalry gave their lives; more than 130 were killed, and 81 died of disease. Almost half the men were casualties. The long and hard service prompted a grudging compliment from one of the most hated Northern enemies, Judson Kilpatrick: “… they were the best Cavalry regiment in the Confederate service.”

 

Contains a full annotated roster of the regiment!