ABOUT THIS BLOG:
A website focusing on Civil War cavalry, primarily oriented on the Union regular cavalry regiments. Will feature biographical sketches, discussions of engagements, unit histories, letters, journals, and a database of those who served in the regiments during the Civil War as I’m able to compile them.
ABOUT ME:
I am a retired Army officer and amateur Civil War historian. I focus my studies on the Regular cavalry regiments because I served in one of them and because they haven’t received the in-depth coverage that their volunteer brethren have. My first book, The 6th U.S. Cavalry in the Civil War, partnered with Jimmy Jones, was released in 2013. I am currently working on projects concerning the 2nd U.S. Cavalry and the Reserve Brigade.
Regular Cavalry in the Civil War 
Just a quick note – came upon this blog just recently, and am thrilled and amazed with the content, reserach and professionalism of it. I’m making my way up from the start of the blog on up as I do not wish to miss a word of your blog !! Thanks for your great effort – and a Salute for your military service – enjoy every minute of retirement !!
Tom, thank you, I’m glad you’re enjoying it.
Can you tell me who manufactured the sabers for the 21st PA Cavalry? If not, can you direct to source where I might find the answer? Many thanks
Chris, I have absolutely no idea. I would start with what cities are near where they were raised. My guess would be they were made in Pittsburgh, but it’s just that, a guess.
I am looking for john Ferguson …… and found that you have one in B company and deserted 2 November 1862 …… my 3rd great grand mother Laura Ferguson father is John Ferguson ….. Laura Ferguson was born 3rd November 1862 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania ….. could the john you have and the one I’m after be the same guy , my john was married to a Margaret ( no last name yet ) could you please help me .
thanks … tony
Tony,
He might be, I would need more specifics to be sure. John Ferguson of B Company of which regiment? I think each one had at least one John Ferguson. Do you know anything else about him? Where he was from, for example? I need a little more info in order to try to help you narrow this down.
Looking for confirmation of an 1891 obituary claim that Pvt.Edward Whelahan of Co. B, 5th U.S. Cavalry, was personal orderly to Gen. Grant in 1864 when Co. B and others were assigned to Grant’s hq.
Neil,
Will look into this, though it’s a bit of a long shot. I’ll have to see if he’s mentioned specifically in the monthly returns. I did find his enlistment docs, if you’re interested. Just shoot me an email.
Don
I believe I have an image of a Michigan soldier in the 2nd US Cavalry. Contact me if you need it for your book and I will dig it out.
Just curious, I happen to have a 1865 5th Calvert muster roll. I have never seen one of these prior to obtaining the one I have. What can you tell me about it and do you happen to have am approximate calue?
Rich,
I have no idea on the value. The only ones I have seen were in the National Archives. If you can send me a picture of it I may be able tell you a bit more about it. Dccaughey @ gmail dot com. For example, does it have pay data on it? Physical descriptions?
Best,
Don
I found your site through the photo in the header — I was looking online for a photo of the 1st Regiment, New York Veteran Cavalry Military Company: L. My two 2nd great-granduncles (the brothers of my great-great grandmother) enlisted at allegedly age 18, though I know through genealogy that one was only one day older than 16. He was the first to enlist, and I think that must have forced the hand of his elder brother, who enlisted soon after. They were put into the above company, and were active less than a year. George Hawks (the military misspelled it as Hawkes) , the 16 year old, deserted the Army at Camp Sullivan on March 15, 1864, just 5 days after the capture of his older brother John Hawks (Hawkes) in Cabletown, VA (my source is the Adjutant-General report). John died as a POW in Andersonville Prison. He was only 19 years old.
I thought you may think our family story interesting. I am new to Civil War research, but I do genealogy research regularly, so I’m hot on the trail of these boys. Do let me know if you have any tips on researching any part of this. I’d like to fill their genealogy page so they are not forgotten, as they left no family of their own.
p.s. in Family Search, they are MTGW-2DL (George Hawks) and MTGW-25C (John Hawks) . This is where I’m currently placing the research I collect.
Lori,
I’m sorry, I’ve neglected the site for the last several months and am just seeing this. My best luck with New York units has been here: https://museum.dmna.ny.gov/unit-history/conflict/us-civil-war-1861-1865/civil-war-muster-rolls/cavalry-regiments The site has copies of records for every regiment for free. My experience has been with infantry units, but I think you’ll find it very helpful.
Please contact me at FirstNYVetCav@gmail.com