The South Carolina 4th Cavalry Regiment, also called Rutledge's Regiment of Cavalry and Rutledge's Cavalry, was organized in January, 1863, by consolidating the 10th and 12th Battalions South Carolina Cavalry. Some of these Cavalry companies existed prior to the war as Militia Companies. An earlier date, 16 December 1862, has also been suggested for organization. The South Carolina 4th Cavalry Regiment served in South Carolina for the first part of the war. After Gettysburg they were transferred to Virginia where they participated in the Wilderness Campaign and Petersburg Siege. They returned to South Carolina in the early part of 1865 with General Wade Hampton, The regiment surrendered on April 26, 1865 with the Army of Tennessee in North Carolina.Companies of the SC 4th Cavalry Regiment Company A – Chesterfield County Company B – Chesterfield & Fairfield Counties Company C – Oconee, Pickens & Anderson Counties Company D – Santee Mounted Riflemen – Georgetown County Company E – Marlboro County Company F – E. M. Dragoons – Marion County Company G – Orangeburg & Colleton Counties Company H – Catawba Rangers – Lancaster County Company I – Williamsburg Light Dragoons – Williamsburg County Company K – Charleston Light Dragoons – Charleston County
John Rigdon has authored a number of books on the American Civil War and is the manager of the web site, Research OnLine, (www.researchonline.net) the premier site for researching Civil War ancestors in the Civil War. His titles include the Historical Sketch and Roster Volumes (1100 plus titles) and a dozen volumes in the "We Fought" series focusing on particular battles and commanders. Additionally John works in translation of materials in several languages and maintains the website, www.wordsrus.info. John resides in the foothills of the Appalachians outside Cartersville, GA. where he enjoys gardening and aquaponics. You may reach him at jrigdon@researchonline.net.