[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 119 (Tuesday, September 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1866]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING SHELDON'S HORSE, THE SECOND CONTINENTAL LIGHT DRAGOONS

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                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 1999

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pleasure that I 
rise today to revisit the proud and distinguished history of one of 
General George Washington's first commissioned cavalry units, Sheldon's 
Horse, the Second Continental Regiment, and to recognize the efforts of 
the members of the current-day Sheldon's Horse for their efforts in 
keeping their history alive.
  During the War of Revolution New York Campaign of 1776, the 
usefulness of a detachment of Connecticut militia troopers under the 
command of Major Elisha Sheldon and the intimidation of some of the 
Continental Army infantrymen by similar British units led George 
Washington to call for the addition of light horsemen to the 
Continental Army. Congress directed Major Sheldon to raise a light 
dragoon regiment and appointed him lieutenant colonel commandant of 
calvary.
  Consisting of troops from Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, 
Sheldon's Horse participated in engagements in Northern New Jersey, the 
defense of Philadelphia, New York (1779), Connecticut (1779), New York 
(1780), New York (1781), and Connecticut (1781). The unit served as 
Washington's ``eyes,'' scouting and skirmishing with the British 
advance forces and denying the British supplies and forage. The unit 
was recognized by our French allies as the best equipped and best 
trained regiment in the American Army. After the war, the Regiment was 
disbanded on November 20, 1783, after being furloughed five months 
earlier with General Washington's last encampment at Newburgh, New 
York.
  By act of the Governor of Connecticut, the Second Continental Light 
Dragoons has been reactivated in 1980, as a representative ceremonial 
unit of the State of Connecticut to serve as historic functions. Under 
the leadership of Commander Salvatore F. Tarantino, present day 
Sheldon's Horse is worthy of its proud legacy. Great effort is made to 
observe actual historical data to ensure authenticity of appearance and 
purpose. Sheldon's Horse is recognized as one of the finest reenactment 
units in America. Sheldon's Horse continually wins awards for best 
military appearance, best drill, best field (battle) performance, and 
best historical demonstration.
  Mr. Speaker, historical perspective of our national experience and 
its accurate preservation are a vital part of that which defines us as 
a nation. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the work of 
today's Sheldon's Horse in preserving the unit's distinguished history 
and in perpetuating it for current and future generations of Americans.

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