The Cavalry

Company "K" 5th United States Cavalry Regiment

Early History & Indian Wars

The early history of 5th Cavalry Regiment was closely tied to the movement of people and trade along the southwest and on the western plains. These routes, a result of perceived "manifest destiny", extended the domination of the United States into the far reaches of a largely unsettled western plains and southwestern territories. Indians were attacking more and more wagon trains loaded with settlers, rolling west. The Army, having large areas of territory to protect, established a number of military posts at strategic locations throughout the West.

On 3 March 1855, the 5th Cavalry Regiment, originally designated as the 2nd Cavalry, was activated in Louisville, Kentucky with troops drawn from Alabama, Maryland, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Virginia.

The regiment soon became a crack outfit with some of the best horsemen and soldiers in the mounted service. Each company rode mounts of one color; a colorful sight during regimental dress parades. Company "A" rode grays; Company "B" and "E" rode sorrels; Company "C", "D", "F" and "I" had bays; Company "G" and "H" rode browns and Company "K" rode roans.

Fort Belknap, Texas

On 27 September 1855, after training at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, the regiment, under the command of Colonel Albert Sydney Johnston, received orders to ride southwest to Fort Belknap, Texas. The line of march of the 700 men with 800 horses carried them through the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, through Arkansas and into Indian Territory. The long hard march of the regiment depended on the resources of the surrounding country for meat, flour and forage. On 27 December, the entire regiment arrived at the post during a severe blizzard. The temperature dropped below zero, ice froze six inches thick and horses on the unprotected picket line died from the extreme exposure. Established in 1851, Fort Belknap was one of the largest posts in North Texas prior to the Civil War. It was built to protect early settlers, travelers moving on west and was a stop on famous Butterfield Overland Mail Route.

Upon arrival at Fort Belknap, Colonel Johnston received orders to set up Headquarters along with Companies "B", "C", "D", "G", "H" and "I" at Fort Mason, Texas. On 2 January 1856, Johnston's group negotiated the icy waters of Clear Fork, the Pecan, the Colorado and the San Saba Rivers in their journey to Fort Mason. On 14 January, they arrived at their assigned station, which had been abandoned for nearly two years. The troopers were soon put to work repairing old buildings and constructing new ones. By late spring, a new Fort Mason flourished atop Post Hill. On 22 February 1856, Company "C" of the 2nd Cavalry, under the command of Captain James Oaks, engaged the Waco Indians in their first battle just west of Fort Terrett.

General John Bell Hood

In July 1857, LTC Robert E. Lee arrived at Fort Mason to take command of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. In the same month, Lieutenant John Bell Hood led his company of the 2nd Cavalry on a dramatic foray in Texas. Spotting a band of Indian Warriors, Hood moved ahead to parley, stopping nearly 30 yards from five Indians who were holding a white flag of truce. At this point, the Indians dropped their flag of truce and set fire to rubbish, which they had previously collected to provide a smoke screen. Thirty Indians, hiding within 10 paces of the troops, began an attack on their flank with arrows and firearms. The troopers charged and a hand-to-hand battle ensued. Outnumbered two to one, the troopers withdrew, covering their retreat with revolver fire. Wounded in this action, Lieutenant Hood recovered and later, went on to join his old 2nd Cavalry Commander.

For the next four years of service in the southwest, the regiment fought some 40 engagements against the Apaches, Bannocks, Cheyennes, Comanches, Kiowas, Utes and other fierce tribes along with the Mexican bandits. The old frontier policy of passive defense against the Indian aggression was quickly abandoned as the regiment rode patrols, pursued and attacked. On 15 February 1858, Major Hardee was instructed to proceed from Fort Belknap with Companies "A", "F", "H" & "K" to Otter Creek, Texas and establish a Supply Station. On 29 February, they came upon a large encampment of Comanche Indians near Wichita Village. On 1 October, the troops made a charge against the Indians and after a two hour hand-to-hand fight; soldiers of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment routed the enemy, and were able to inflict the greatest single defeat against the Comanches.

Fort Mason, Texas

On 13 February 1861, Colonel Robert E. Lee left Fort Mason, the last command that he held under the United States flag to resign his commission and join the confederate Army. With Colonel Lee gone and Major Van Horn committed to the confederate cause, the command of the 2nd Cavalry and Fort Mason went to Captain Richard Johnson. On 29 March 1861, the day set by the Committee of Public Safety (Texas) for Fort Mason to be turned over to the Texas Confederate Authorities, the 2nd Cavalry, with Captain Johnson in command, moved off Post Hill and headed south along the Fredericksburg Road. The Confederates guaranteed safe passage for the regiment on their leaving. Thus ended the most important and most interesting phase of the history of Fort Mason - the era of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

"Army of the Potomac Scouts/Guides"

Arriving at their destination of Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment was rebuilt with new officers and recruits and was assigned to the Union "Army of the Potomac" that was organized under General George McClellan. The regiment fought its first battle of the Civil War and its last designated as the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, at the first Battle of Bull Run (1st Manassas) on 21 July 1861. By an act of congress dated 3 August 1861 and a general order dated 10 August 1861, the 2nd U.S. Cavalry Regiment was redesignated as the 5th U.S. Cavalry Regiment.

During the Civil War the regiment fought valiant battles at Gaines Mills, Fairfax Courthouse, Falling Waters, Martinsburg, the Wilderness, Shenandoah Valley and numerous others. In the end, superior manpower and supplies of the Union won out. On 27 June 1862, the most memorable feat of the regiment came at Gaines Mill when they charged a Confederate Division commanded by a former comrade in arms, General John Bell Hood.

During the Civil War, the troopers of the 5th Cavalry made a gallant charge at Gaine’s Mill on 27 June 1862, saving the union artillery from annihilation. This battle is commemorated on the Regimental Crest by the black cross, the Cross-Moline, in the yellow field on the lower half of the crest. The Regiment fought in a total of thirteen Indian Campaigns, symbolized by the Arrow Head shaped Regimental Crest.

This charge against a numerically superior force, stopped Hood's division and saved the artillery of the Army of the Potomac from capture. On 09 April 1865, troopers of the 5th Cavalry sat astride their horses as an honor guard at Appomattox, Virginia as their former commander, General Lee, surrendered to end the Civil war.

In July 1865, the regiment received orders to prepare for duty against hostile Indians in the Dakota Territory.

		Major Richard Hunt - Commander Commander of Fort Bloodworth, he is fanatical regarding the following of orders. His experience was honed under the command of Colonel John Chivington at Sand Creek, standing at his side, volley for volley as they decimated the Cheyenne in the battle known as "The Sand Creek Massacre". Chivington declared that his forces had fought a battle with hostile Indians and the action was initially celebrated as a victory, with some soldiers displaying Indian body parts as trophies. He was engaged to Chivington's niece, Marisol until she was brutally murdered by the War Chief Black Cloud in retaliation for the crimes committed against the Cheyenne people in Colorado. His motto is Speed, Surprise, and Violence of Action. He follows orders above all else.
Klaus Hollenstein - CO of Fort Bloodworth Klaus Hollenstein was born into a middling Black Forest family in Germany. Through the connections of his grandfather, he was enrolled in one of the top Prussian cadet schools, with the eventual goal of becoming a Prussian cavalry officer. All that died during the 1848 revolution, when his family suffered and he was sent to America to escape certain retribution. Adrift in a new land, Klaus joined the only thing he understood: the Army. He lied about his age, and served for 10 years with the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen before the Civil War. With the coming of War, he left the Regulars and accepted a commission with a regiment of Pennsylvania cavalry, where he rose to the rank of major. That also ended when, his honor stained by accusations of a fellow officer, he fought a duel. He killed the man, but was faced with a reduction in rank. Sadly, he resigned his commission and rejoined his old regiment, now the Third Cavalry, as a private. After the War, Klaus served in New Mexico before being sent to Sabre Squadron. He has close to fifteen years of experience fighting Indians, and is a hardened veteran of many campaigns. He is also known to Philip Sheridan, the commander of the Department of the Missouri, who asked him to accept an officer's commission again to better serve his regiment in this time of need.
	Rules for Army Personnel This manual is intended to give players a quick feel for the cavalry and US army at the time setting of this game. It is meant as a player guide and assistant, not the set in stone law. I used information gathered from websites and books from your local library so the information is as accurate as I can get it. If you have any dispute on the accuracy of anything contained in here, feel free to message, page, @mail or email me. Also, feel free to contact me with comments, suggestions, and complaints. I hope you find this manual useful, whether you are a cavalry character or even as an Indian or townsfolk. In addition, remember, try to have fun and enjoy this game and make it better for all. Thanks for your time, good luck and have fun out there. Ranks are set up within the military to designate leaders, both on and off the battlefield. I am not going to get into the history of the ranks and things like that. I will keep it simple. The higher the rank the more personnel a person commands and has at his disposal. In addition, higher ranks have more benefits and bonuses than the lower ranks. Consider the enlisted personnel as the workers and the officers as the managers. NCO ranks are worn on the upper sleeve. CPL - Corporal SGT - Sergeant OSGT - Ordnance Sergeant* 1SGT - 1st Sergeant QSGT - Quartermaster Sergeant** SGM - Sergeant Major Officer ranks are worn atop the shoulder. 2LT - 2nd Lieutenant 1LT - 1st Lieutenant CPT - Captain MAJ - Major LTC - Lieutenant Colonel COL - Colonel BGEN - Brigadier General MGEN - Major General LGEN - Lieutenant General * - Ordnance Sergeants had to have eight years in the army and show proficiency in repairing various types of Army weapons. ** - A Quartermaster is were senior enlisted personnel not selected for Sergeant Major and where assigned a staff job maintaining equipment and supplies. The structure of the Army varies with the units and their type and purpose. Therefore, in this section I will be discussing the structure of the Cavalry unit. The purpose of the cavalry is to gather intelligence information and to quickly traverse terrain. Most cavalry units were not intended as mainstay front line battle units, but are trained in the event that they are required to do so. Squad - The cavalry did not field the Squad. As noted above, they were grouped into "sets of four." These would be led by a corporal or sometimes a sergeant and would often be known by the name of their senior member. Ex: "Corporal Jones! Bring Harris' four and Grossman's four at the gallop!" Platoon - Contained around 20-30 men and commanded by a 2nd or 1st Lieutenant. Sergeants could also lead platoons, and did so on many occasions when the officers were absent. Company - Also known as a Troop. Such as D Troop, or F Troop. Lead by a Capt., a cavalry company typically had about 70 men, although they could be as small as 30 or as large as 100. A company also had a First Sergeant, also known as 'Top" as he was the top enlisted man in the company. Regiment - A large unit of cavalry consisting of twelve companies. Lead by a Colonel. Often a portion of a Regiment would man a garrison away from the main body; these Detachments where not that uncommon. The top NCO in a regiment was picked by the colonel - the Sergeant Major. There were other larger units but I do not think that we need to get into that for this MUSH. This section covers the uniforms and some equipment used by a cavalry soldier. Though most of this can also apply to a regular infantryman, save but the color being blue instead of yellow. Kepi - Also known as a forage cap or hat. This is the one shown on most movies and TV. It is the cap that has the forward slanting top and a small black leather bill and chin strap, the strap usually cinched tight across the top of the bill. A yellow band circles around it signifying the cavalry color. On the front of the cap was usually an embroidered and shown in or a brass emblem of two crossed sabers. Shell Jacket - this was a single-breasted waist length jacket with brass buttons and a high collar. It was normally made of a dark blue material. The dress version had gold piping on the neck, cuffs, and button area. There was also a double-breasted version that officers wore at times. Kersey Trousers - The trousers were a light blue cloth. Corporals and Sergeants had a yellow stripe down each leg, about an inch in width. The were made of a rugged material. Most cavalrymen wore them loose fitting to allow extra movement while on horseback. Hardee Hat - An actual cowboy hat style hat. Usually worn with one side turned up and fastened to the main body of the hat. It had a rope around it in of course the yellow color of the cavalry and the insignia of the cavalry went on the front. Normally only worn by officers, though in some units the NCOs were authorized to wear them. Overcoat - A light blue cavalry overcoat was issued to protect the cavalryman from the elements. It consisted of a long double-breasted coat portion that came to the knees, that was intended to be worn buttoned up with the gun belt outside the waist. The second part draped over the shoulders and came down to the forearms; it could be buttoned but rarely was. Sack Coat - The standard single breasted, Army issue, thigh length, and dark blue flannel coat worn by soldiers in the field though most cavalrymen preferred the shell over this coat. Frock Coat - A dark blue, high collared coat that came to mid thigh. It came in two versions, a single breasted, worn by Captains and below, and a double breasted, worn by Majors and above. Sash - A crimson sash was authorized for wear at anytime, other than, in the field or stable, by First Sergeants and above. It was tied around the waste on the left side with the fringe of the pendant portion barely past the knees. In addition, as the officer of the day, see Military Etiquette for more, the sash is to be worn scarf fashion, across the body from right shoulder to left hip. The sash was normally only worn by the officer of the day or perhaps during a parade. Cavalry Sabre - A typical sword with hand guard. Pistol - The pistol used by the cavalry was the Colt Army Model 1861. A heavy caliber pistol that was well made and very rugged. Enlisted men in the infantry didn't carry pistols. Rifle - The cavalry at this time was armed with a mix of long arms, including a single shot carbine and a lever action repeating carbine. The rifle used by the cavalry was the Sharps Carbine Model 1859ish. This rifle was unfortunately single load, but was considered more reliable than a repeater. The repeating carbine used by cavalry during this period was the Spencer .56 caliber. A seven shot repeater, it was slightly less reliable due to its ammunition than the Sharps. The infantry at this time carried either a muzzle-loading Springfield rifle of Civil War vintage or, after 1866-7, a version modified to be a breechloader and use metallic cartridge ammunition. The other various pieces of gear were the pistol belt that contained the holster, a cartridge pouch that could hold up to 40 shells for rifle and or pistol. There was also a carbine sling that was worn across the body that had a fast hook on the end that fastened to the carbine, so one could be hands free at times and also kept the rifle from slipping and falling to the ground during a mounted battle. The Army maintains rules and regulations to foster obedience, loyalty, and discipline without those factors an army is destined to failure on the battle field. However, this is a MUSH so there is no need to go into great depths on the rules and regulations of the Army of the times. However, I am going to give general information so that one may Roleplay an army soldier, NCO, or officer better. Of course, this general information may be ignored, as the army of the time was nowhere near as rigged and intolerant as it is today. Officer of the Day - The officer of the day conducted the changing of the guard and handled minor complaints etc. This allowed other officers time to rest, study, or plan. The officer of the day could normally be assigned from any officer on the post however it was not uncommon that senior enlisted would also serve this role during times of officer shortages. Sergeant of the Guard - This was the enlisted assistant to the officer of the day and normally came from the enlisted ranks. Though if the officer of the day was a senior enlisted then the Sergeant of the Guard would never be assigned that outranked the Officer of the Day. Officers - Officers where normally appointed after attending a four year college or West Point itself. They were the leaders, planners, and thinkers for units. This did not mean they were always right though. Junior persons should normally refer to officers as Sir. Junior personnel should salute officers whenever they are seen. First person to see an officer enter an area or gathering of men should call the group, squad, or room to attention. Disobeying and order from an officer was a serious thing, it could lead to being locked up on bread and water, lashing, discharge or even a hanging if the order was given during a battle. Most officers demanded respect due to their rank, but some never earned it Enlisted - Enlisted personnel was comprised of two groups, your Privates, and your Corporals and above or Non-Commissioned Officers. These where the workforce and main stay fighting force. The NCOs would lead, supervise and assist the men in carrying out the orders of the officers appointed over them. NCOs did not command a salute or coming to attention. Disobeying an NCO was a different story than an officer. It could lead to official punishments such as confinement but a majority of the time it resulted in a beating. If an NCO could not dish it out and take it, he usually did not last long as an NCO, at least not one that the men would trust or fight for. Chain of Command - This was a succession of leadership within a unit that worked both up and down. It was used as a way of handling in house situations as well as defining who took over when comrades fell in battle. It worked something like this. The Post or Garrison Commander was in charge of and ultimately responsible for everything and everyone at a post. He had a Sergeant Major that works for him, with the enlisted personnel. Next in line was the most senior Troop Commander on the enlisted side was the senior 1st Sergeant. Then it was the Platoon leader and his platoon sergeant. This section is to give characters an idea of life in the military as well as to give some information to aid in role-playing here on this MUSH. A typical day in the army would be something like this. Reveille, with a bugle call. Breakfast Choirs around the camp or garrison. Lunch Patrol or Training Evening Chow Taps Of course, the patrol and choirs could be switched; choirs could be anything from mending the buildings to fixing weapons and cleaning them. Training might be marching drills, weapons practice or an informational class on something. Now your average soldier's pay around this time was $16 a month with Cpl's and Sgt is getting a little more. Officers started at about $50 a month and went up from there. Officers were expected to buy everything they needed, including uniforms but not weapons. The enlisted man was issued a basic set of clothing and equipment and was issued replacements yearly, though anything beyond his replacement allowance would come from his own pocket. Of course, room and food was provided for the soldier at no cost. To give an example of pay compared to other jobs, here is a list of monthly salary of other jobs: Assayer.............$30 Bartender..........$35 Blacksmith.........$30 Carpenter..........$30 Cowboy............$25 - They also usually had room and board. Demolition Expert...$50 Engineer.............$40 Horse Trainer.....$30 Justice of the Peace. $50 Lawmen: Sheriff.............$40 Deputy Sheriff.$30 Federal Marshal. $60 Territorial Marshal. $50 Deputy Marshal..$40 Ranch Foreman.....$45 Saloon Girl............$15 + "entertainment fees" Undertaker............$40 Waitstaff................$15 - They sometimes had room and boared at the facility they worked. Specific firearms are not listed, just a general idea based on its caliber, Heavy being .44 and above and light .38 and below, and ammunition type: Derringer One shot............$8.00 Two shot............$12.00 Small Caliber Pistol Cap and Ball.......$10 Metallic Cartridge. $20 - Not available until 1868 Heavy Caliber Pistol Cap and Ball..........$15 Metallic Cartridge.. $25 - Not available until 1868 Small Caliber Rifle Cap and Ball..........$18/6 shot - $12/7 shot Metallic Cartridge.. $35/9 shot -$45/15 shot. Not available till 1862 Heavy Caliber Cap and Ball..........$23/6 shot - $25/7 shot Metallic Cartridge. $40/9 shot - $50/15 shot. Not available till 1862 Buffalo Rifle...........$30/Cap and Ball - $35/Metallic - Met N/A until 1866 Carbine versions of the above are $5 cheaper. Carbine being a shorter weapon that traded range for ease of handling. Single Shot Rifles Carbine................$15/Cap and Ball - $20/Metallic. N/A until 1866 Rifle.....................$20/Cap and Ball - $25/Metallic. N/A until 1866 Shotgun Single Barrel.........$25 Double Barrel.......$35 Ammunition For a box of 100 shells: Small Caliber Cap and Ball.........$1.00 Metallic Cartridge. $2.00 Heavy Caliber Cap and Ball..........$1.50 Metallic Cartridge. $2.50 Shotguns Shotgun Ammo......$1.50 Weapon Accessories Gun Belt..................$2 Gun Grease.............$.25 Gun Holster.............$2.50-$5.00 Rifle Scabbard.........$3 Carbine Scabbard...$2.50 Shotgun Thong........$.20 Other Weapons Bayonet...................$1 Bowie Knife............$4 Brass Knuckles.......$1 Knife.......................$1 Lariat......................$2 Machete..................$2 Rapier.....................$5 Saber......................$7.50 Saber Scabbard......$1 Straight Razor.........$2 Throwing Knife.......$1.50 Whip......................$10 This section is to show you the pay scale used by the army around that time. This scale is actually an 1865 scale so the pay might be a little higher, but not much. Rank Monthly Pay Private.......................$14 Bugler/Musician.........$14 Corporal....................$15 Sergeant/Scout...........$18 1st Sergeant...............$21 Reg QM/Sgt Major....$22 Hospital Stewards.......$30 Female Nurses............$40 plus per day 1 ration Cooks.........................$15 2nd Lieutenant.............$114 1st Lieutenant..............$118 Captain........................$131 Major..........................$165 Lieutenant Colonel.......$189 Colonel.......................$213 Brigadier General........$302 Major General.............$448 Officer pay is notably higher, the reason for this is that officers where expected to pay for their own food, clothing, and weapons, including uniforms. The only thing provided by the cavalry was the mount and equipment. However, upkeep was the responsibility of the officer.

May 9, 1867, 17:30:17

Company "K" 5th United States Cavalry Regiment

Major Richard Hunt - Commander

Klaus Hollenstein - CO of Fort Bloodworth

Rules for Army Personnel