4th Kentucky Cavalry

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Fourth Kentucky Cavalry

Recruiting for this regiment began in September, 1861, under the call of Col.

Jesse Bayles, who organized the regiment at the fair grounds at Louisville.

Associated with him were Lieut. Col. Jacob Ruckstul, Capt. John F. Duncan and

James O’Donnell, who afterward became captain and was also active in the first

week of organization and remained with the regiment during its entire career,

though sometimes serving on brigade staff. The companies came from Louisville

and Jefferson county, and from Spencer and Bullitt. The regiment was first sworn

in by Maj. John W. Barr, and first paid off in its camp at the fair grounds by

R.J. Menefee, of Louisville. It was held at Louisville until January 6, 1862,

when it marched to Bardstown and went into a camp of instruction, being in the

brigade commanded by Gen. Wm. H. Lytle.

On the 26th of March it left Bardstown and proceeded to Nashville. >From thence

it went to Wartrace, Tenn., April 8th. It remained in that part of the state

during the summer of 1862. In May, 1862, Col. Green Clay Smith became colonel of

the regiment, but in the same month he was promoted to brigadier general. While

he was in command the 4th was in several engagements with the Confederate

cavalry in Tennessee: particularly one at Lebanon with Morgan, and for gallant

service there Col. Green Clay Smith was made brigadier-general. July 13th the

regiment marched to Tullahoma, where it remained until August. It was then sent

to Manchester, and from thence to Murfeesboro, being all the time actively

engaged in scouting and reconnoitering. While at Murfreesboro Gen. Bragg’s

movement to Kentucky began, and the 4th was employed to cover the movement of

Buell’s army in pursuit as far as Bowling Green. It was held at that place with

other troops for the protection of the railroad and that section of the country,

while the main army proceeded on to Louisville. After the expulsion of Bragg

from Kentucky the 4th continued in service along the southern border of the

state until February, 1863. During this period it was at Bowling Green, Glasgow,

Russellville, Hopkinsville and many other points, and was in the division

commanded by Gen. Dumont, the regiment being under Col. Bayles.

February 9, 1863, the 4th moved from Bowling Green to Nashville; from thence to

Murfreesboro. At that time it was in Col. Minty’s brigade, Stanley’s division.

February 27th, it marched to Franklin, being employed with other troops to guard

the right flank of Rosecran’s army, then lying at Murfreesboro. In March it was

engaged in several spirited contests with Van Doren’s and Forrest’s troops.

Among these may be mentioned the fight at Thompson’s Station, March 5th; the

expedition to Columbia under Gen. Green Clay Smith, March 19th, and the fight at

Brentwood, March 25th.

April 14, 1863, Col. Bayles resigned and was succeeded by Col. Wickliffe Cooper,

who had been a lieutenant in the 20th Ky. Infantry, and had been

lieutenant-colonel of the 4th Cavalry. Being now made colonel of this regiment

he proved himself a most gallant and efficient cavalry officer.

Let Us Pray Our For Troops In Foreign Lands

The Civil War in Morgan County 2003