First Brigade

In the Army of the Potomac Cavalry Corps Third Division, the First Brigade under Brig. Gen. Elon J. Farnsworth and Col. Nathaniel P. Richmond, including the 5th New York, 18th Pennsylvania, 1st Vermont, and 1st West Virginia Cavalry, arrived at Hanover about noon on June 30 and was attacked by Major Gen. Stuart's cavalry and horse artillery, which first encountered the 18th Pennsylvania in the rear of the column; later the brigade was engaged, and after Stuart was forced from the town he retired with the loss of a battle-flag and over 70 men. On July 1 and 2 the brigade was not engaged. On July 3 it moved to the left to attack the Confederate right and rear, arrived about 1 p.m., and became engaged with Confederate skirmishers, then at 3 p.m. was supported on the left by the Reserve Cavalry Brigade. At 5.30 p.m. the 18th Pennsylvania, 1st Vermont, and 1st West Virginia charged the Confederate left through woods and among stone fences held by superior infantry and artillery forces, but they were repulsed with heavy loss, including the death of Brig. Gen. Farnsworth. Casualties were 3 officers and 18 men killed, 6 officers and 28 men wounded, and 1 officer and 42 men captured or missing, for a total of 98.

Freedom Township, Pennsylvania · United States