First Penna Cavalry! Col. J. C. HESS, Comd'g. RECRUITS WANTED FOR CO. E. [Philadelphia]: Ringwalt & Brown, [July 1863]. Visible 22 3/4 x 31 in., framed  24 1/4 x 32 5/8 in.

An attractive illustrated recruitment broadside featuring a finely detailed vignette of a cavalry charge. A very rare survivor for an emergency cavalry regiment recruited in the wake of the Gettysburg campaign. 

A notice in the 2 July 1863 issue of the Reading Times, signed in type by J.C. Hess, reads "Recruits Wanted for the 1st Cavalry Reg't, 1st Brigade, Rendezvous, Yeager's Hotel...Reading, PA. $112 Bounty! $50 Cash! Horse and Equipments Furnished when Mustered." As this broadside advertises an increased bounty, it was likely printed slightly later than July 2nd. 

Importantly, this newspaper article also helps us to correctly identify the regiment. The First Cavalry, First Battalion, was a cavalry regiment recruited for a six-month enlistment, sometimes known as Pennsylvania Dale's Cavalry after their commander, Lt. Colonel Richard C. Dale. Not to be confused with the First Pennsylvania Cavalry, which was also designated the 44th Pennsylvania Infantry, but preferred their original designation, the 15th Pennsylvania Reserves. The 1st Cavalry, 1st Battalion, consisted of six companies and was commanded by Lt.-Col. Richard C. Dale. Raised as an emergency regiment in response to the Battle of Gettysburg, they were engaged in the defenses of Pennsylvania. 

Richard Colgate Dale (1838-11864) was the son of a physician and benefitted from a comfortable upbringing and classical education. At Lincoln's call for troops, he enlisted with the Pittsburgh Rifles (9th Pennsylvania Reserves), but was detached for service with the Signal Corps. He served under McClellan until the end of the Seven Days' Battles. He returned home on an extended furlough to raise a signal company; however, the 123rd Pennsylvania Infantry was in the middle of its recruitment drive, and he was elected First Lieutenant of Company G. Aiding in recruitment, the 123rd entered the field in the fall of 1862, where they fought at Mayre's Heights during the Battle of Fredericksburg, where Dale demonstrated exceptional leadership. Although his haversack was full of bullet holes, he emerged from the battle unwounded. Shortly after, he was elected Lieutenant Colonel at the opening of 1863. After Chancellorsville, they completed their 9-month term of service and were mustered out in Pittsburgh on 13 May 1863.

Dale's patriotic enthusiasm had not yet been satisfied. Upon hearing of the Battle of Gettysburg, he rushed to the Pennsylvania capital. Although no immediate opportunities to reenter the field were available, he was offered the command of an emergency cavalry battalion, the regiment being advertised in this excellent broadside. In the aftermath of Lee's Invasion, tensions remained high, and the regiment was placed on Pennsylvania's southern border in Fayette County to guard against further Confederate incursions. When it was determined that the threat of invasion had passed, the men were mustered out of service on 29 December 1863. 

Still unsatisfied, Dale went on to raise and command the 116th Pennsylvania Volunteers, where he would fight at Fredericksburg and the Wilderness, where he was grazed by a bullet. At the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, he led his men on an advance of rebel breastworks. Encouraging his men with his sword raised, he was killed at the front lines of the battle, a commander until his last breath. 

VERY RARE. At the time of cataloging, only one other copy was located, held at the Library of Company of Philadelphia ((1)5777.F.16d (McAllister)).

References

Samuel P. Bates. History of Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: B. Singerly, 1869. Vol. 5, p. 1327. 

Chris Rasmussen. "Strike for Your God and Country: Richard C. Dale." P.R.V.C. Historical Society. 10 March 2023.

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