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right. Colonel Kerwin with his own, in connection with the Fourth cavalry, combated the head of Ewell's columns for six long hours, giving time for Meade to recross the Rappahannock and get his army into position to checkmate the wily scheme of the rebel chieftain. Gallantly was this duty executed, but at the sacrifice of these two noble commands, large numbers of both being killed, wounded and taken prisoners.
During the year 1864, Colonel Kerwin led his forces with Sheridan in his operations with the Army of the Potomac, for a time being in command of the Second brigade of Gregg's division. In February, 1865, he went with his regiment from before Petersburg to City Point, where he proceeded by transport to Wilmington, North Carolina, to meet Sherman, who was marching up from Georgia. On joining the grand column at Fayetteville, Colonel Kerwin was assigned to the command of the Third brigade of Kilpatrick's division. After the surrender of Johnston, Colonel Kerwin was ordered to Fayetteville with his regiment, and placed in command of the post. He had seven counties under his control, and managed the affairs of his department with singular skill and ability. After the conclusion of hostilities he returned to Philadelphia, where, near the close of July, he was mustered out of service, having been on duty continuously from the opening to the conclusion of the war.
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