(Company C, Cole’s
Cavalry)
Private John Sponcler: Letters for Proof of
Service From Albert Hunter
Submitted by
Gary Zeller
Gettysburg June 2nd 1871
This is to certify that John Sponcler was a
private of Company "C" Battalion P.H.B. Cav. Maryland Vols. And
that he was a good soldier, and that he was wounded at Rectortown
Va. In the line of duty as a soldier that in our opinion he has
justly earned his pension.
A.M. Hunter, Late Capt.
O.D. McMillan, Late 1st Lieut.
Department of the Interior
May 17, 1878
Pension Office
Albert M. Hunter, late Captain Co. C 1st
Bat. P.H.B. Cav. Md. Coles (Coles Md. Cav.) Afterwards recruited
to a Regt. Do certify that John Sponcler was a private in my said
company C that he was wounded in a skirmish with Rebel cavalry at
Rectors Cross Roads on the first day of January 1864 on this line
of duty, he was thought to be mortally wounded. He was wounded on
the left side, I can not describe the course of the ball. He fell
into the hands of the enemy and was a prisoner. I have every
reason to believe he was taken up by a scouting party of U.S. Cav.
And taken to Warrenton. Upon his return to our command he was
still unable to perform the duties of active service and was
continued in the hospital as attendant. He claims to have recieved
a commision as hospital steward, this I did not know.
I have no interest direct or indirect in this
claim.
A.M. Hunter
Late Capt. Co C 1st Bat. P.H.B.
Md. Cav. Coles
County of Adams
State of Pennsylvania
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st
day of May 1873 and I know that A.M. Hunter is a credible witness.
A.J. Cover
John Sponcler was a private in my company
(Company "C" Coles Maryland cavalry) and previously Company "C"
Battalion P.H.B. Cav. Md. Vols. A detachment of above organization
while on a scout as is near Rectortown Va. On the 1st
day of January 1864 were in an engagement with Col. John Mosby
when the above named John Sponcler was wounded while in the line
of duty, by a bullet striking him in the left side near the hip
bone. My command was defeated and the said John Sponcler was left
on the field. This happened about 2 o’clock pm. The afternoon and
night following was intensely cold. I was out the whole night and
know it from experience to have been as cold if not the coldest
night of the whole war.
He returned to the regimental hospital two or
three months afterwards badly crippled. He told me the following
which I have every reason to believe is true.
That he was wounded by being struck by a bullet
in the left side while in the engagement with Col. Mosby. It
occured around 2 o’clock pm. That he was not taken from the
battlefield until nearly 9 o’clock that night. That his feet were
wet and during the intense cold that followed his foot was frozen.
That he remained at Rector’s house over four
weeks without treatment his being taken away by a scouting party
of Pa. Cavalry, taken to Warrenton, Alexandria, Sandyhook and to
our regimental hospital.
His crippled condition when he returned was, to
my mind, good evidence of the truth of his statement. I do not
recollect that he ever done a days active duty after his return.
He was a good soldier, always ready for duty when called upon.
I further state I have no interest in the
prosecution of this claim.
A.M. Hunter
Late Capt. Co. "C" Coles Md. Cav.