Abstract of Henry Capron's Military Record

With copy of letter to Colonel Capron from George Stoneman 1/23/65

Horace Capron Raised his cavalry regiment in Illinois in 1862 at a period the most difficult for recruiting. The formation of his regiment was commenced as the 18th Illinois but went into service as the 14th. All the attempts at organization of the Regiments under the intermediate numbers having failed though authorized six months previous to General Capron's earliest efforts. In the fields he commanded his 1st Brigade under General Judoh in pursuit of John Morgan, was 26 days in the saddle, at the battle of Buffington Islands, and at Morgan's capture and was one of the field officers who accompanied General Shackelford to Cincinnati to deliver the prisoners to General Burnsides. (see Burnside's and Shackleford's Reports) Went into Knoxville Tennessee with the advanced guards of General Burnside's Army, and the first Federal picket for that city. Served through the whole campaign, participating in nearly every battle,

and at its close, was ordered back to Kentucky to remount and re-arm several Regiments. On General Stoneman being ordered to the front General Capron was left in command of the forces, and on completing his reorganization joined General Sherman's command near Chattanooga where he was complimented for the fine appearance of his men after so long a march. Went immediately into active service with the army of General Sherman and served through the campaign in all the battles to the taking of Atlanta where General Capron furnished the advanced guards of the 20th Corps from his old regiment, driving the enemy's cavalry through the city. (see General Ward's Report) Was selected by General Stoneman to command a Brigade called "Capron's Brigade" in his famous raid through Georgia. Was with General Stoneman at his capture, but with about 300 men General Capron cut through the enemies lines being closely pressed for six days succeeded in reaching the Federal lines at Marietta Georgia

when he was complimented in a dispatch from General Sherman upon his safe arrival through so many difficulties and dangers, he was then ordered back to Kentucky with five Regiments to remount and re-arm but had scarcely reached there when he was ordered to report to General Thomas at Nashville, and was sent by General Schofield to Wainesborough to cover the right of Columbia (see Thomas' Report and Report of Secretary of War) Met Hood's advanced guard at that place. skirmishes and slowly fell back before the enemy. holding him in check for two nights and one day to allow General Schofield's time to fall back from Pulaski on Columbia and was driven into that place followed closely by the enemy. meeting General Schofield's advanced guards coming through the city on double quick to form line of battle.(see Schofield's Report). Was injured in a night charge at the battle before Franklin and after the relief of Nashville resigned on Surgeons Certificate of disability from that injury being then unfit for service.

General Capron had three sons who entered the service at the opening of the War. The eldest was killed at the head of his command in the charge upon the enemy after having received a medal of honor with the most honorable mention, and been once promoted for his gallantry. The second son was made prisoner and taken to Charleston, South Carolina. Neither of the surviving sons has yet recovered from the effects of exposure and hardship on the field and in rebel prisons

Abstract of General H Capron's Military Record