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Thread: 1st Virginia Cavalry - Co. F and Co. K - "Shepherdstown Troop" and "River Rangers"

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    1st Virginia Cavalry - Co. F and Co. K - "Shepherdstown Troop" and "River Rangers"


    About the 1st Virginia Cavalry "Shepherdstown Troop & River Rangers"


    The 1st Virginia Cavalry are a well-trained cavalry regiment specializing in reconnaissance and skirmishing in the game War of Rights. It is run by myself, Major Winn, a 4.5-year veteran of this game and commander of the vaunted 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters for 2+ years that fought for the Union with distinction. The 2nd gained a fearsome reputation as 'crack shots' and some of the best in the Union army. I look to use those same aggressive and smart tactics for the Confederacy.

    During drill we will work strictly on field tactics, maneuvering, hand-to-hand and sharpshooting. We will emphasize and practice our shooting skills on the move, while standing and while kneeling behind cover. Armed with the Sharps Carbine Rifle, a revolver, and a cavalry sword, we will be the ultimate fighting force on the field of battle. Once cavalry is introduced, we will be an aggressive fighting force flanking and maneuvering into advantageous positions, and most importantly we will scout.

    We are unique in that we will not fight in line formation but rather will fight as skirmishers in looser formations (for the most part) and look to work closely with other regiments when the strategy calls for it. At other times we will work independently specifically in the areas of reconnaissance and a general harassment of the enemy wherever we can.

    Fast, maneuverable, and always fighting with good tactics...we will prevail.

    The 1st Virginia Cavalry is a mature-minded unit and will not tolerate flaming, trolling, racism or immature behavior in-game or in the forums. With that said we’re not a bunch of ‘stiffs' either and look to make this a fun experience for all involved.

    We will always strive for realism and an authentic experience in-game and you can expect that we will often be aggressive in seeking out the enemy and doing our part to whittle them down whenever possible. This means fighting in small groups and often alone and separate from the main battle lines.

    If it's a good fit apply below and we look forward to serving with you out on the fields of glory.




    The Historic 1st Virginia Cavalry

    Formation

    The 1st Virginia Cavalry completed its organization at Winchester, Virginia, in July 1861, under the command of Colonel (J.E.B.) Stuart at the command of General Thomas Jackson. Co. F - which we portray - was mustered into service in Shepherdstown in Jefferson County, VA on April 18, 1861. Company F boasted a namesake to Abraham Lincoln, a private from Jefferson County. Co. K was mustered in McGayheysville, VA in Rockingham County on May 28, 1861. Both are located in the famed Shenandoah Valley.



    Unlike most regiments, the 1st contained twelve companies from the counties of Amelia, Augusta, Berkeley, Clarke, Frederick, Gloucester, Jefferson, Loudoun, Rockbridge, Rockingham, and Washington.


    Fighting History

    The 1st Virginia Cavalry participated in more than 200 engagements of various types throughout the American Civil War, during which it was reorganized several times. Its significant casualties at the First Battle of Bull Run led to reorganization and placement under the command of Brigadier General J.E.B. Stuart.

    John Singleton Mosby served with the 1st Virginia Cavalry his first year of war and quickly learned the tactics that would make him a legend in his own right.

    However, members were allowed to elect their lower officers, and they failed to re-elect career U.S. army officer and future Confederate general William E. "Grumble" Jones, who was then transferred to lead the 7th Virginia Cavalry. Thus, Gen. Stuart relayed his orders to Lt. Col. (and future Virginia governor) Fitzhugh Lee. In 1863, further Confederate Army reorganization placed the First Virginia Cavalry under the command of General Williams Carter Wickham (formerly of the 4th Virginia Cavalry).

    Although decimated by casualties and surrenders under General Jubal Early as it defended the Shenandoah Valley at the war's end, the First Virginia Cavalry technically ended the war under the command of Gen. Thomas T. Munford (formerly of the 2nd Virginia Cavalry).




    Uniforms
    A unique shell jacket was worn by the 1st Virginia Cavalry under J.E.B. Stuart. The single biggest distinguishing factor of a typical 1st Virginia Cavalryman is the shell jacket with striped facings, or "Hussar Bars" on the front. This reflected the American fascination with European styles in pre-war militia units.

    Although the traditional trim color for cavalry was yellow, the 1st Virginia wore black-trimmed uniforms instead, including a broad-brimmed black hat, often with a black plume.

    This Early War shell jacket features "Hussar Bars" on the 9 button front, has epaulettes, square sleeve trim on a straight cuff, belt loops, is lined with a cotton lining and has one inside pocket. The jacket is made of Medium Gray wool.


    Weapons
    The 1st's private and NCO's are outfitted with the versatile Sharps carbine rifles that can be fired from horse or on the ground Privates, NCO's and officers are all outfitted with a pistol and a cavalry sabre providing it with deadly firepower at medium distance and up-close and personal. The modern 1st WILL take advantage of this firepower once we get to the point where we can consistently play our unit.




    Flag
    The 1st VA rode into battle with the State Flag of Virginia that bears the Great Seal of the Commonwealth on a field of blue. The seal depicts the goddess "Virtus." She is dressed as an Amazon, armed with a spear, sword and stands over a defeated despot. Adopted in 1776, the two figures are acting out the meaning of the motto. Both are dressed as warriors. The woman, Virtue, represents Virginia. The man holding a scourge and chain shows that he is a tyrant. His fallen crown is nearby. The seal displays the State Motto, "Sic Semper Tyrannis," which is Latin for, "Thus Always to Tyrants."


    Event Schedule

    Saturday - 8 EST Battle
    Sunday - 7 EST Drill followed by 8 EST Battle.



    Volunteer

    Step 1: Click the graphic below to volunteer on Company Tool for either Company F or Company K. We use historical sounding names. You can change your name by clicking on 'view enlistment papers' and modifying your name there.








    Step 2: Join our Discord, announce who you enlisted as, and we'll get you situated.


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    Last edited by Shiloh; 03-16-2021 at 11:43 PM.

  2. #2

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    reserved

  3. #3

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    Congrats.

    Welcome to the CSA!

  4. #4

    USA Major

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    Quote Originally Posted by A. P. Hill View Post
    Congrats.

    Welcome to the CSA!
    Thanks A.P. it’s good to be here!

  5. #5

    USA Major

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  6. #6

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    We're 5 men strong and building fast. We need good men now to take up arms and fight for Old Virginia!

  7. #7

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    Just a half mile from my current home in Shepherdstown, WV is the Elmwood Cemetery started in the late 1860s to provide a burial ground for many of the Confederate soldiers that we’re treated here for their injuries following the Battle of Antietam. The battle took place less than 5 miles away and just across the Potomac River in Sharpsburg and the residents of Shepherdstown could hear the booming artillery from their homes. Back then Shepherdstown was part of Virginia. Many companies were formed here including the 1st Virginia Cavalry Company F that we portray. Here’s a quick peek inside the cemetery and you’ll see at the very front are the graves of 122 Confederate soldiers from privates right up to officers.

    Once it is warm - it was frigid today - I'll see how many 1st Cavalry troopers I can identify and according to the last plaque the Co. F captain and later Colonel William A. Morgan is buried here along with Colonel William Fitzhugh Lee. After the war, Morgan served as the sheriff of Jefferson County, WV for 26 years and was a prominent citizen overall.

















    Last edited by Shiloh; 02-17-2021 at 09:29 PM.

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    John Singleton Mosby was a Confederate colonel during the American Civil War (1861–1865). As a private in the 1st Virginia Cavalry, Mosby chose his commander, General J. E. B. Stuart, as his role model and mentor. Stuart and General Robert E. Lee came to value Mosby’s skills as a scout and raider. In June 1863 Confederate secretary of war James A. Seddon permitted Mosby to form and recruit soldiers for Company A, 43rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry (Partisan Rangers) and the rest is history.

    Last edited by Shiloh; 02-18-2021 at 09:19 PM.

  9. #9
    Very nicely done!

  10. #10

    USA Major

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    Quote Originally Posted by Lord Drax View Post
    Very nicely done!
    Thanks Drax! It’s great to be able to research a local company where the history is literally all around me. I’ve gone as far in my short time with the 1st to potentially locate descendants of the captain of company F, and later Colonel, William A. Morgan.
    Last edited by Shiloh; 02-21-2021 at 02:09 PM.

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