2nd Massachusetts Cavalry - Trooper throws away his carbine & equipment to prevent drowning.

Item DOC-10933

Description

Camp 2^nd Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry
Near Winchester, Virginia
 
January 4^th 1865
 
I certify on honor that on the 27^th day of December 1865, while on the march form Ashby’s Gap, Virginia, to camp of the 2^nd Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry near Winchester, Virginia, the following ordnance was lost under the following circumstances.
 
On the 26^th day of December 1865 while on the march from the Rapidan River to Camp of the 2^nd Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry near Winchester, Virginia, one of the horses in my company became so fatigued and worn out.  I was obliged to abandon the horse, thereby leaving Edwin H. Brown, a man of my company, dismounted without any means of transportation.  On arriving at the Shenandoah River on the 27^th, the above said Brown jumped onto a horse that had been abandoned by someone for the purpose of crossing the river.  When near the center of the river, the water being deep and the current swift owing to the very recent rain, and the feeble state of the horse, he was overpowered by the current.  Thereby, immersing both horse and rider.  The above said Edwin H. Brown in struggling for life with the watery element, was obliged to abandon the following ordnance enumerated below:
 
One (1) Spencer Carbine
One (1) Carbine Sling
One (1) Swivel
One (1) Carbine Cartridge Box
One (1) Carbine Cap Pouch
 
 
William M. Rumery
Captain
Company H
2^nd Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry
 
The undersigned being duly sworn deposes and that he is cognizant of facts as above set forth and that they are true to the best of his knowledge and belief.
 
C. W. Berry
Acting 1^st Sergeant
Company H
 
Sworn to and subscribed to before me this 15^th day of January 1865.
 
C. Mason Kinne
1^st Lieutenant and Adjutant
2^nd Massachusetts Cavalry