David McM. Gregg

David McMurtrie Gregg (April 10, 1833 – August 7, 1916) was a farmer, diplomat, and a Union cavalry general in the American Civil War. April 10 is the 100th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (101st in leap years). ... Events January 3, Britain seizes control of the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic. ... August 7 is the 219th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (220th in leap years), with 146 days remaining. ... 1916 is a leap year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar) Events January-February January 1 -The first successful blood transfusion using blood that had been stored and cooled. ... The Union Army refers to the United States Army during the American Civil War. ... An army unit consisting of mounted soldiers are commonly known as cavalry. ... General is a military rank, in most nations the highest rank, although some nations have the higher rank of Field Marshal. ... The American Civil War was fought in the United States from 1861 until 1865 between the United States – forces coming mostly from the 23 northern states of the Union – and the newly-formed Confederate States of America, which consisted of 11 southern states that had declared their secession. ...

Gregg was born in Huntington, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1855 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 2nd U.S. Dragoons (heavy cavalry). During his tenure at West Point, he interacted with two classmates who would become great cavalry generals—an opponent and a commander, respectively: J.E.B. Stuart, class of 1854, and Philip Sheridan, class of 1853. Alternate meanings: West Point (disambiguation). ... Events January 23 - The first bridge over the Mississippi River opens in what is now Minneapolis, Minnesota, a crossing made today by the Father Louis Hennepin Bridge. ... Second Lieutenant is the lowest commissioned rank in many armed forces. ... An army unit consisting of mounted soldiers are commonly known as cavalry. ... Alternate meanings: West Point (disambiguation). ... James Ewell Brown Stuart (February 6, 1833 – May 12, 1864) was an American soldier from Virginia. ... Events January 13 - The accordion is patented by Anthony Faas. ... Philip Sheridan Philip Henry Sheridan (March 6, 1831 – August 5, 1888), a military man and one of the great generals in the American Civil War. ... Events January 19 - Giuseppe Verdis opera Il Trovatore premieres in Rome January 21 - Russell L. Hawes patents the envelope folding machine January 29 - Napoleon III marries the Spanish Countess Eugènie at the Tuileries March 4 – Inauguration of US president Franklin Pierce June 7 - Franklin College of Lancaster, Pennsylvania merges...

His first real assignment was in the New Mexico Territory, as a company commander in the 1st U.S. Dragoons. His unit was ordered to California and he traveled with his friend Dorsey Pender; they later bought a racehorse together. His company then marched to Fort Vancouver, in Washington Territory. During this tour of duty, Lt. Gregg had his first taste of combat, engaged with 160 men against 1,000 Indian warriors, who had surrounded them. The fighting lasted for three days, although casualties were minor, and Gregg managed a fighting retreat. The New Mexico Territory became an organized territory of the United States on September 9, 1850, and it existed until New Mexico became the 47th state on January 6, 1912. ... State nickname: The Golden State Other U.S. States Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Official languages English Area 410,000 km² (3rd)  - Land 404,298 km²  - Water 20,047 km² (4. ... William Dorsey Pender William Dorsey Pender (February 2, 1834 – July 18, 1863) was one of the youngest, and most promising, generals fighting for the Confederacy in the American Civil War. ... Fort Vancouver Fort Vancouver was a 19th century fur trading outpost along the Columbia River that served as the headquarters of the Hudsons Bay Company in the Oregon Country. ... Categories: Historical stubs | Washington history | U.S. historical regions and territories ...

At the start of the Civil War, Gregg returned to Washington, D.C., where he was promoted to captain in the 3rd U.S. Cavalry, followed soon by a transfer to the 6th Cavalry. He developed typhoid fever and barely escaped death when his Washington hospital caught fire. In January, 1862, he became colonel of the 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Aerial photo (looking NW) of the Washington Monument and the White House in Washington, DC. Washington, D.C., officially the District of Columbia (also known as D.C.; Washington; the Nations Capital; the District; and, historically, the Federal City) is the capital city and administrative district of the United... Captain is both a nautical term and a military rank. ... This is about the disease typhoid fever. ... January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... Events January-March January 10 - End of term for John Gately Downey, 7th Governor of California. ... A Colonel is also a non-military honorary title awarded by some U.S. Southern states. ...

Gregg and the 8th Pennsylvania fought in the Peninsula Campaign, where he distinguished himself in the Seven Days Battles, expertly screening retreating Union infantry. The Battle of Antietam was his next engagement, but cavalry played little role. He received a furlough and married Ellen F. Sheaff on October 6, 1862, in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; the couple honeymooned in New York City. Map of the events of the campaign. ... The Seven Days Campaign (June 25–July 1, 1862), or Seven Days Battle, of the American Civil War was a successful effort by the Confederate commander Robert E. Lee to turn back the Union general George McClellans Army of the Potomac in its attempt to capture Richmond, Virginia in... The Union Army refers to the United States Army during the American Civil War. ... Battle of Antietam Conflict American Civil War Date September 17, 1862 Place Near Sharpsburg, Maryland Result (Union strategic victory) The Battle of Antietam (known as the Battle of Sharpsburg in the South), fought on September 17, 1862, near Sharpsburg, Maryland, part of the Maryland Campaign, was the first major battle... October 6 is the 279th day of the year (280th in Leap years). ... Events January-March January 10 - End of term for John Gately Downey, 7th Governor of California. ... Montgomery County is a county located in the state of Pennsylvania. ...

Gregg was promoted to brigadier general just before the Battle of Fredericksburg. As at Antietam, the cavalry was underutilized and held in reserve. He assumed command of his cavalry brigade when its commander was killed by an artillery shell that reached behind the infantry lines. After Joseph Hooker assumed command of the demoralized Army of the Potomac, he shook up the cavalry organization, because the mounted arm had not been used effectively. He removed cavalry units from corps and divisions and consolidated them as a separate Cavalry Corps, under Major General George Stoneman. Gregg assumed command of the 3rd Division in February, 1863. (Although infantry divisions are typically commanded by major generals, few Union cavalry division leaders rose above brigadier general, and Gregg was no exception.) A Brigadier General, or one-star general, is the lowest rank of general officer in the United States and some other countries, ranking just above Colonel and just below Major General. ... The Battle of Fredericksburg, fought on December 13, 1862 between General Robert E. Lees Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac commanded by Maj. ... This article is about Joseph Hooker, the U.S. Civil War Major General. ... Generals Burnside, Hancock, Couch, Ferro, Patrick, Wilcox, Cochrane, Buford and others. ... This article is about a military unit. ... A division is a large military unit or formation usually consisting of around 10,000 soldiers. ... Insignia of a United States Air Force Major General German Generalmajor Insignia Major General is a military rank used in many countries. ... Categories: Stub | 1822 births | 1894 deaths | Governors of California ... February is the second month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1863 is a common year starting on Thursday. ...

At the Battle of Chancellorsville, Stoneman's corps, including Gregg's division, was dispatched on a raid around Lee's left flank to destroy facilities in his rear. The raid lasted nine days and caused a lot of destruction in the rear of the Army of Northern Virginia, but it accomplished little strategically and Stoneman was widely criticized for lack of aggression and not being able to draw any Confederate forces away from the main battle. Major General Alfred Pleasonton replaced Stoneman in command of the Cavalry Corps. Battle of Chancellorsville Conflict American Civil War Date April 30 – May 6, 1863 Place Spotsylvania County Result Decisive Confederate victory The Battle of Chancellorsville was a major battle of the American Civil War in 1863. ... The Army of Northern Virginia was the primary military force of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War in the eastern theater. ...

During the start of the Gettysburg Campaign, Lee's stealthy troop movements away from the Fredericksburg area caused Union consternation and Pleasonton was ordered to find out where they were going. Launching a surprise attack on J.E.B. Stuart at Brandy Station resulted in the largest cavalry engagement of the war. The initial assault crossed the Rappahannock River at Beverly Ford under command of Brig. Gen. John Buford. While Buford attacked, Gregg led the 2nd and 3rd Divisions across Kelly's Ford to attack the flank and rear of the Confederates on Fleetwood Hill, where Stuart's headquarters were located. The fighting was fierce, saber-wielding, and hand-to-hand. The Confederates managed to repulse Gregg. The battle overall was essentially a draw, although it surprised and humiliated Stuart, and orders left behind provided valuable intelligence about Lee's intentions to invade Maryland and Pennsylvania. Battle of Gettysburg Conflict American Civil War Date July 1–3, 1863 Place Adams County Result Union victory The Battle of Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863), which took place in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was one of the largest battles ever conducted in the Western Hemisphere, and... Battle of Brandy Station Conflict American Civil War Date June 9, 1863 Place Culpeper County Result Inconclusive The Battle of Brandy Station was the largest cavalry engagement on the North American continent. ... For the river in New Zealand, see Rappahannock River, New Zealand The Rappahannock River is a river in eastern Virginia in the United States, approximately 184 mi (294 km). ... John F. Buford (March 4, 1826 - December 16, 1863) was an American cavalry officer during the American Civil War. ... State nickname: Old Line State; Free State Other U.S. States Capital Annapolis Largest city Baltimore Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Official languages English Area 32,160 km² (42nd)  - Land 25,338 km²  - Water 6,968 km² (21%) Population (2000)  - Population 5,296,486 (19th)  - Density 165 /km² (5th) Admittance into... State nickname: The Keystone State Other U.S. States Capital Harrisburg Largest city Philadelphia Governor Ed Rendell Official languages None Area 119,283 km² (33rd)  - Land 116,074 km²  - Water 3,208 km² (2. ...

In the middle of the Gettysburg Campaign, Pleasonton reorganized his corps and Gregg now commanded the 2nd Division. He led it in cavalry engagements at Aldie, Middleburg, and Upperville. While his fellow division commander John Buford was initiating the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1, 1863, Gregg was still moving north. His division arrived mid-day on July 2 and took up positions to protect the right flank and rear of the Union Army. On July 3, Stuart started a large raid to flank the Union right and hit their trains and lines of communications, hoping to exploit Pickett's Charge on the Union center, which had just started. Three miles east of Gettysburg, in what is now called "East Cavalry Field", Stuart's forces collided with Gregg's division and George A. Custer's brigade of the 3rd Division. A lengthy mounted battle, including hand-to-hand saber combat, ensued. Both sides claimed victory, but Stuart was blocked from achieving his objectives in the Federal rear. Battle of Aldie Conflict American Civil War Date June 17, 1863 Place Loudoun County, Virginia Result Inconclusive The Battle of Aldie took place on June 17, 1863 in Loudoun County, Virginia as part of the Gettysburg Campaign of the American Civil War. ... Battle of Middleburg Conflict American Civil War Date June 17-19, 1863 Place Loudoun County, Virginia Result Inconclusive The Battle of Middleburg took place from June 17-19, 1863 in Loudoun County, Virginia as part of the Gettysburg Campaign of the American Civil War. ... Battle of Upperville Conflict American Civil War Date June 21, 1863 Place Loudoun County, Virginia Result Inconclusive The Battle of Upperville took place on June 21, 1863 in Loudoun County, Virginia as part of the Gettysburg Campaign of the American Civil War. ... John F. Buford (March 4, 1826 - December 16, 1863) was an American cavalry officer during the American Civil War. ... Battle of Gettysburg Conflict American Civil War Date July 1–3, 1863 Place Adams County Result Union victory The Battle of Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863), fought in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as part of the Gettysburg Campaign, was the largest battle ever conducted in North America... July 1 is the 182nd day of the year (183rd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 183 days remaining. ... 1863 is a common year starting on Thursday. ... July 2 is the 183rd day of the year (184th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 182 days remaining. ... July 3 - Wikipedia /**/ @import /skins/monobook/IE50Fixes. ... George Armstrong Custer George Armstrong Custer (December 5, 1839 - June 25, 1876) was an American cavalry commander in the Civil War and the Indian Wars who is best remembered for his defeat and death at the Battle of the Little Bighorn against a coalition of Native American tribes, led by...

In October, 1863, Lee attempted to flank the Union army near Warrenton, Virginia. Gregg's division delayed Lee until the II Corps under Major General Gouverneur K. Warren arrived to block the movement. Gregg caused an incident when, after this engagement, he didn't get adequate mention in George G. Meade's after action report and demanded a court of inquiry to correct the record. October is the tenth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1863 is a common year starting on Thursday. ... Warrenton is a town located in Fauquier County, Virginia. ... There were five corps in the Union Army designated as II Corps (Second Corps) during the American Civil War. ... Gouverneur K. Warren Gouverneur Kemble Warren (8 January 1830 - 8 August 1882) was a civil engineer and prominent officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. ... George Gordon Meade (December 31, 1815 - November 6, 1872) was an American military officer during the American Civil War. ...

Gregg commanded the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac from January, 1864, although he would not be promoted to the appropriate rank of major general until August. Phil Sheridan commanded all Union cavalry, but he was engaged in the Shenandoah Valley while Gregg joined Meade and Ulysses S. Grant in the Overland Campaign. The most important use of Gregg's cavalry during this campaign was to screen Union movements southward, battle to battle, but a significant raid was staged that culiminated in the Battle of Yellow Tavern, where J.E.B. Stuart was mortally wounded, dealing the Confederacy a hard blow. January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... Events January - March January 21 - Maori Wars: The Tauranga Campaign starts. ... August is the eighth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... Canoeing on the Shenandoah River near Winchester, Virginia. ... Ulysses Simpson Grant ( April 27, 1822 – July 23, 1885) was an American Civil War general and the 18th ( 1869– 1877) president of the United States. ... Ulysses S. Grant Robert E. Lee The Overland Campaign, or Grants Overland Campaign, was a series of battles fought in Virginia during May and June, 1864, in the American Civil War. ... On May 11th, 1864, Confederate General Jeb Stuart was shot at Yellow Tavern by a Union sharpshooter at a distance of 30 feet (10 m). ...

David Gregg resigned his army commission, in a letter dated January 25, 1865: January 25 is the 25th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1865 is a common year starting on Sunday. ...

Having for more than three years been on uninterrupted service in the field, commanding cavalry in the Army of the Potomac, I at this time find such an imperative demand for my continued presence at home that my personal attention may be given to pressing private duties and business, that I can no longer defer action to secure my discharge from the service.

Gregg's real reasons for resigning before the end of the war are lost to history. He missed exciting cavalry actions in the Appomattox Campaign. He settled in Reading, Pennsylvania, his wife's home. He farmed near Milford, Delaware, but his life was dull and he apparently regretted leaving the army. In 1868 he applied for reinstatement, but the cavalry command he wanted went to his cousin, John Irvin Gregg, so he remained an unhappy civilian. In 1874, he was appointed by President Grant to be U.S. Consul to Prague, Austria-Hungary, but soon returned home because his wife was homesick. Reading is the county seat of Berks County, Pennsylvania. ... Milford is a city located in Kent County, Delaware. ... 1868 was a leap year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Events January - April January 1 - New York City annexes The Bronx January 23 - Marriage of the Duke of Edinburgh, second son of Queen Victoria, to Grand Duchess Marie Alexandrovna of Russia, only daughter of Emperor Alexander III of Russia. ... Seal of the President of the United States, official impression The President of the United States is the head of state of the United States. ... For modern diplomatic consuls, see Consulate general. ... Prague (Praha in Czech) is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. ... Austria-Hungary, also known as the Dual monarchy (or: the k. ...

Gregg was active in state and local affairs and raised funds to preserve Valley Forge as a national shrine. He visited Gettysburg Battlefield numerous times and gave speeches at events. In 1891, he became active in politics and was elected to a term as Auditor General of Pennsylvania. Valley Forge is also the name of a nearby town: Valley Forge, Pennsylvania Recreation of officers cabins at Valley Forge. ... The Gettysburg Battlefield is the site of the Battle of Gettysburg, fought in 1863 in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the county seat of Adams County, which had approximately 2,400 residents in 1863. ... 1891 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ...

Gregg died in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1916, one of the oldest survivors of the war in the state, and is buried there in Charles Evans Cemetery. He is memorialized with a bronze equestrian statue in Reading and the American Legion Post there is named "Gregg Post" in his honor. Reading is the county seat of Berks County, Pennsylvania. ... 1916 is a leap year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar) Events January-February January 1 -The first successful blood transfusion using blood that had been stored and cooled. ... The American Legion is an organization of veterans of the United States armed forces who served in wartime. ...

External links

• Gregg home page (http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/7117/GenGregg.html)

References

• Eicher, John H., & Eicher, David J.: Civil War High Commands, Stanford University Press, 2001, ISBN 0-8047-3641-3