ain First United States Cavalry and colonel Eighth New York Volunteer Cavalry Benjamin Franklin Davis. Davis, a graduate of the United States Military Academy, born and raised in Alabama and Mississippi, stayed in the United States Army when the Civil War started. A brave, daring and resourceful officer he was instrumental in getting the United States Cavalry out of Harpers Ferry, Virginia on September 14, 1862. Viewed as one of the most capable officers in the Army of the Potomac's Cavalry Corps he was mortally wounded leading his brigade at the Battle of Brandy Station, June 9, 1863.