13th New York Cavalry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 13th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the Seymour Light Cavalry, served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized primarily in New York, Albany, St. Lawrence, Franklin, and Erie counties, the regiment was formed in June 1863 by consolidating several incomplete cavalry organizations. The unit was mustered into Federal service at Staten Island, Riker’s Island, and Hart’s Island between February 25 and March 1864. The regiment served chiefly in the defenses of Washington, D.C., and participated in numerous engagements in the Eastern Theater.

The 13th New York Cavalry was attached to the 22nd Army Corps and was notable for its involvement in the Pennsylvania campaign of 1863 and for its actions at Falling Waters, Aldie, Piedmont, and Lewinsville. The regiment was consolidated with the 16th New York Cavalry on August 17, 1865, forming the 3rd Provisional Regiment, New York Volunteer Cavalry.

Organization & Service

The 13th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) was organized in June 1863 by merging the Davies Light Cavalry, Horatio Seymour Cavalry, Tompkins Cavalry, New York Brigade, and Seymour Light Infantry. Companies A through I were mustered into U.S. service at Staten Island from February 25 to November 23, 1863. Companies K and L were mustered at Riker’s Island, and Company M at Hart’s Island in March 1864.

The first six companies departed New York on June 23, 1863, with Companies G and H following on August 14, and the remaining companies joining during the winter of 1863–1864. The regiment’s initial service was during the Pennsylvania campaign in June and July 1863, where it distinguished itself by destroying Confederate pontoon bridges and trains at Falling Waters. Subsequently, the regiment was assigned to the 22nd Army Corps and served in the defenses of Washington, D.C., for the remainder of its term. The 13th New York Cavalry participated in more than 30 engagements and skirmishes, including notable actions at Aldie, Piedmont, and Lewinsville. On August 17, 1865, the regiment was consolidated with the 16th New York Cavalry at Washington, D.C., and the combined unit became the 3rd Provisional Regiment, New York Volunteer Cavalry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Pennsylvania Campaign (June–July 1863)
• Falling Waters
• Defenses of Washington, D.C.
• Aldie, Virginia
• Piedmont, Virginia
• Lewinsville, Virginia
• Over 30 additional engagements and skirmishes

Casualties

• Killed and died of wounds: 31 enlisted men
• Died of disease, accidents, in prison, etc.: 1 officer, 98 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 130

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Henry E. Davies
• Colonel Henry S. Gansevoort (brevetted Major-General for gallant and meritorious service)
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry S. Gansevoort
• Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Coles
• Major Nathaniel Coles
• Major John Birdsall
• Major Douglass Frazer
• Major Charles H. Hatch
• Major Augustus P. Green

Regimental Roster

The full roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 13th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster includes details on company assignments, ranks, and service records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 13th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 27, 29, 33, 37
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• Contemporary regimental and state histories