Many troopers experienced their first saber combat at Kelly’s Ford

Since the 17th century, the saber - a curved sword used for both slashing and thrusting - has been a standard cavalry weapon. However, by the 1860s, horse soldiers had started to favor revolvers and other small-caliber weapons more.

Averell deliberately decided to reintroduce the saber into the battle at Kelly's Ford. Gunshots, saber fights, and chants of "To the death!" broke up the tumultuous melee. The Confederates were forced to follow suit since they had to face the weapon up close. Men on both sides were shocked by the wounds the blades left behind. The demoralizing effects of the saber played a crucial influence in the outcome of the conflict given the nature of cavalry shock action, in which hand-to-hand encounters resulted in one side immediately gaining the upper hand and compelling their opponents to flee in terror within minutes.

"At Kelly's Ford, several troopers engaged in their first swordfight. The two lines clashed in a hand-to-hand battle, split up, then reunited and charged once more. Who would surrender first depended greatly on the terrible results of saber wounds." Courtesy Library of Congress wrote.