Ninth Cavalry: One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteers

"Ninth Cavalry: One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteers" by Daniel Webster Comstock is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work chronicles the experiences of the 9th Indiana Cavalry during the American Civil War, highlighting key battles, individual narratives, and the overall impact of the regiment's actions. Comstock provides a vivid portrayal of the soldiers' bravery and camaraderie in the face of adversity, focusing on specific events such as the battle at Sulphur Branch Trestle. The opening of the book introduces the context of the collected writings, which were read at annual reunions of the regiment. The author explains the purpose of these narratives as a means to document the significant but often overlooked contributions of the soldiers, particularly the privates, in various skirmishes against Confederate cavalry leaders. The narrative shifts to a specific incident—the forced march to defend Sulphur Branch Trestle, detailing the precarious situation faced by Major Lilly and his men as they prepared for an overwhelming Confederate assault. The passage describes the grim reality of battle, emphasizing the chaos, sacrifice, and valor demonstrated by the troops as they bravely defended their position despite being significantly outnumbered.