Great photo Mike ! Another photo of this proud papa :
Robert Meyhew West (183)4 - 1869
Born: 09/16/1834 in Newton, NJ
Died: 09/03/1869 in Fort Arbuckle, OK
HDQRS. FIFTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY,
In the Field, Va., October 10, 1864.
COL.: I have the honor to report the following operations of my
regiment in the engagement of the 7th instant:
Firing was heard on the picket-line at about 7 a.m., which indicated an
attack. I at once ordered all my men (with the exception of the proper
detail to lead the horses) to the breast-works. About fifteen minutes after
the picket-firing commenced the enemy (one regiment of infantry)
appeared on my front, and attacked my line with great fury,
but were promptly repulsed. Shortly after this another regiment attacked
the picket reserve of the Third York Cavalry, some distance from my
extreme right, and drove them back. By this movement the enemy got
on my right flank and rear, and I was obliged to charge front. The
regiment, which was at first repulsed, now joined the one which had
flanked me. Both regiments I held in check until the Third New York
Cavalry, on my right, was again flanked and driven back, and finding
myself nearly surrounded, I ordered my men to fall back. When near
the woods I ordered a halt, in order to confront the enemy once more
and to enable the men with the led horses to get off, but here again I
found the enemy's cavalry on my left flank and in full charge. I found
it hopeless to form the regiment under those circumstances, and directed
my men to take to the right. Here it was that the regiment lost heavily
in horses and men, the road being completely blockaded with the
former. Inclosed please find the list of casualties.
I have the honor, colonel, to be, most respectfully, your obedient
servant,
CHRIS. KLEINZ,
Lieut.-Col., Cmdg. Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry.
Col. R. M. WEST,
Cmdg. First Brigade.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. LIV.] THE RICHMOND CAMPAIGN. PAGE 831-87
[Series I. Vol. 42. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 87.]
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