Dedicated to maintaining the history and life of the cavalry

James R. O'Connor

Trooper Trotten

Allow me to introduce myself I am James R. O’Connor, Private. I was born in a small farming community in Avoyelles Parish , Louisiana . I found myself on an east bound train in my early years. My family felt that I should be properly educated in an eastern boarding school. I finished my childhood in Benjamin Hallowell's Alexandria Academy , Alexandria , Virginia . While at the Academy I spent the majority of my time in the stables, enjoying the company of the horses. I much preferred them to the fellow students I was forced to associate with.

After graduation, I returned home for a short time. My father, aside from his small tobacco farm, specialized in raising Saddlebred horses to sell to the plantation owners. Much to my father’s displeasure I was consumed with the horses, father’s plans were for me to return east and continue my education. After much persuasion, I relented and returned to Virginia . However, my father’s plans were squandered with the outbreak of the great war and my eager enlistment with the Virginia cavalry.

During my first week with the unit I found myself without a horse, awaiting the arrival of a mount from my father. While attending morning drill, I found that I could trail behind the riders on foot and memorize the drills. This, of course, caused much amusement for my fellow troopers, despite my taking the drills very seriously. They dubbed me, Trooper Trottin, since that day I cannot recall a single trooper or officer among the ranks that has used my given name. I have begun to believe that most of the new men will never know me by any other name. Despite the humble beginnings as an unmounted cavalry trooper, I have found myself gifted with a superb mount and we are proving ourselves on the battlefield.

It has been many months into the fighting, and the post is slow, but I just received a letter from Father. He said that while visiting our Aunt in the north my younger sister fell in love and eloped with a young Union soldier. I pray, for her sake, that I never have to face him across the field.