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7th Penna. Cavalry, Major John E. Wynkoop, Commanding.
LETTERS FROM OUR VOLUNTEERS.
From the 1st Battalion, 7th Penna. Cavalry, CAMP COOPER. } Shelbyville, Tenn., June 28th, 1862. } EDITORS MINERS' JOURNAL:--I notice in your paper a communication copied from the Cincinnati Commercial, which speaks of "Gen. Negley surprising a rebel camp. Desperate encounter. Bravery of Genl. Negley, Colonels Hambright and Wynkoop, &c., &c." In justice to the men under my command, and especially those from Schuylkill County, I would inform you that it was the 1st Battalion of the 7th Pa. Cavalry that accompanied Genl. Negley's expedition across the Cumberland, it being part of his command, in Gen. Mitchel's Division. The 2d and 3d Battalions are in the Department of Gen. Demont, and are stationed, the 2d at Nashville under the immediate command of Col. Wynkoop, and the 3d at Murfreesboro, under command of Maj. Seibert. The 1st Battalion, under my command, is composed of the following companies, viz: Co. A, Capt. Jennings, Schuylkill Co. Co. F, Capt. Newlin, do Co. I, Capt. Davis, Dauphin Co. Co. D, Capt. Newcomer, Northumberland Co. I am thus particular in stating the matter, because the 1st battalion, under my command, is frequently confounded with that part of the regiment under the immediate command of Col. Wynkoop, and a knowledge of the deep interest taken in us at home, induces me to make the correction. We do not wish to wear the laurels belonging to others, but claim only those to which we are justly entitled. In the dash into Winchester, and the "desperate encounter" at Sweeden's Cove, as well as throughout the entire expedition, the officers and men under my command displayed the utmost coolness and bravery, proving themselves equal to any emergency. We obey orders promptly, and adhere strictly to discipline. I am, with much esteem, yours, JNO. E. WYNKOOP. Major Commanding 1st Battalion, 7th Pa. Cavalry.
Source: Wynkoop, John E., "Letters From Our Volunteers, From the 1st Battalion, 7th Penna. Cavalry, Major John E. Wynkoop, Commanding," The Miners' Journal and Pottsville General Advertiser, Pottsville, Pa., Saturday, 5 July 1862, page 2, col. 7.
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