Here is some material from the book regarding Robert Gapin.

Otho Gapen Co. B/K Saddler In hospital November ’62 to February ’63. Mustered-out June 19, 1864 at dismounted camp near Washington.

Robert Gapin Co. A/I Robert lived in Harrison Township, Vigo County near Terre Haute. The 1850 census lists 8 year old Robert living with his mother, Charlotte. He enlisted as a recruit Private on July 1, 1862, in Co. A/I. Five months later he was killed during the raid on Fredericksburg and buried on the bank of the Rappahannock River.

November 24, 1862 Daily Wabash Express
We have been handed the following letter from a member of Captain Sharra’s cavalry company, giving a description of the recent dash into Fredericksburg. Although a private letter, it contains much of interest to the many friends and relatives of that company, and shows the boys had some warm work:

Gainesville, Va. Nov. 12th.

Dear Father: You will probably hear of our reconnaissance to Fredericksburg. There were 29 of our company. We left here at 10 o’clock A. M. and arrived there at 5 A.M. the next day Sunday, resting four hours on the way. The town of Falmouth is on this side of the Rappahannock River. We crossed with about 54 men and charged the town, a place almost as large as Terre Haute, guarded by about 2,000 rebels, 500 mounted being in the place. An advance of 8 men was ordered, Lieut. Carr of Company B, in command, with orders to fall back on the main body if we found the enemy too strong. After turning the second corner, 300 or 400 yards ahead of the main body, we found the street full of rebels and 25 in our immediate front. I did not think that was too many for us eight and I went in. the Lieut. Though different and went back for more men. I shot 3 shots with my revolver and finding they were routed and I among them I put it up and used my sabre. I cut one down with a right, cut another with a left knocking both out of the saddle and then parried a blow made at myself. The fellow’s horse stumbled throwing him and broke his leg. I then drew my revolver and shot twice, my second taking effect in the fellow’s right side. By this time I had 5 prisoners, I returned my revolver, keeping my last load to save my own life in case I should need it. I was still right among them I caught up my sabre and made a rear cut at one to split his mouth wide open but he parried it. I then made for an officer giving orders. A private standing in the way I made a blow at him, intending to take his head square off, but he dodged it and I hit the horse just behind the ears, knocking him flat. I demanded the officer to surrender. Says he ― “are you indeed Yankees.” I told him we were and demanded his revolvers. He refused coolly informing me he was not prepared to fight, his men not being in line. He took the matter so cool neither would run nor fight, I could not fight, I could not strike him I then for the first time looked around and found I was surrounded by secesh cavalry and none of my companions in sight I turned my horse’s head (some would say fall back in good order) and I run for life using my sabre as I went. Turning the first corner I found Sergeant Warren and Rowland and 3 privates guarding about 20 prisoners. I then went back after more but when I got there I found prisoners and others forming on my right, a company in my front, and going back to Warren I seen another forming up the street. Says I, boys we must get out of this. Run to the ford. Just then the cavalry charged on us and we run for life, but they brought away two prisoners losing Warren and Bartlet before gaining the ford, three quarters of a mile, the women and children throwing stones and shouting “Catch the Yankees!” Our company, instead of following us, kept straight down the road, thereby separating themselves from us. I, not seeing any way that they could not, returned and reported accordingly. They did cut their way out, loosing Bob Gapin killed, Warren, wounded, Corporals ? and Rea, and Private Turner (new recruit) prisoners. Our Captain left a flag ? saddler, Corporal Bart-? Of our company (newspaper damaged).

Sergeant Warren turned his horse, while they was pursuing us, and deliberately shot down a rebel, thereby saving Sergeant Rowland’s life but losing his own liberty. There was six of our men guarding fully sixty prisoners when they were charged upon and the prisoners taken, we bringing away forty of them. The account I have given you about myself may seem incredulous, but it is true, word for word. E. T. H. (Edward T. Hebb)