MARYLAND PURNELL LEGION CAVALRY (COMPANY B) (Three Years)

Purnell Legion Cavalry. This was a battalion of three companies, two of which A and B were organized at Pikesville in the fall of 1861, at the same time the Purnell Legion of infantry was formed, and Co. C was organized at Baltimore in Sept., 1862. Co. A was on duty on the eastern shore of Virginia and in St. Mary's county, Md., until the Gettysburg campaign, when it joined the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac and took part in the battle of Gettysburg. It was mustered out on July 28, 1865, having served as a cavalry company during its entire term of enlistment. Co. B was on special duty in various parts of Maryland and Delaware, under the immediate orders of Gov Bradford, until May 28, 1864, when it was dismounted and the following month joined the Purnell Legion infantry, and served with that regiment until mustered out. Co. C was on duty in Maryland and Delaware from the time of its organization until Oct. 26, 1864, when it was consolidated with the veterans andrecruits of Co. B, and the consolidated company was made a part of the 8th infantry on Nov. 17, 1864. Of the three companies Co. B saw the most arduous service, taking part in the battles around Petersburg, the Weldon railroad, Poplar Spring Church and Peebles' farm, as well as numerous minor skirmishes.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 2

Maryland Purnell Legion Volunteer Cavalry, Company B (Union)

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