Overview
The 14th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the Metropolitan Cavalry, served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized in New York City as part of the Metropolitan Brigade, the regiment was primarily recruited from New York, Erie, and Queens counties. Companies mustered in at Riker’s Island between November 24, 1862, and July 18, 1863, for a three-year term of service. The regiment operated mainly in the Department of the Gulf and participated in numerous engagements, including the Red River campaign and the siege of Port Hudson.
The 14th New York Cavalry was notable for its service in both the Gulf region and in response to the New York City draft riots. Over its term, the regiment was attached to various commands, including Arnold’s Division, 19th Corps, and at times the 16th Corps. The unit was eventually consolidated and transferred to the 18th New York Cavalry in June 1865.
Organization & Service
The 14th New York Cavalry was organized at New York City, with companies mustering in at Riker’s Island from November 24, 1862, to July 18, 1863. The regiment was chiefly recruited from New York, Erie, and Queens counties. Five companies departed New York on February 8, 1863, followed by four more in April, and the remainder in October of that year.
Early in its service, a portion of the regiment participated in the siege of Port Hudson, Louisiana, while another detachment was active during the New York City draft riots. Most of the regiment’s service was in the Department of the Gulf, where it was attached to Arnold’s Division, 19th Corps. During the Red River campaign, the regiment served part of the time with the 16th Corps. Company M was detached for duty at Fort Barrancas and in the District of Florida from September 1863 to March 1865.
On August 1, 1863, Companies A through I were consolidated into three companies (A, B, and C), forming a battalion of six companies. The heaviest losses occurred during the Red River campaign. After returning from that expedition, the regiment was stationed at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for several months. From January 1865, it was part of the forces defending New Orleans, participating in raids and scouting expeditions. The regiment suffered losses at Davis Creek near Mobile, Alabama, in December 1864, and at McCullom’s Point, Louisiana, in March 1865. Some men were lost when the steamer North America foundered on December 22, 1864.
On June 12, 1865, the remaining battalion, under Colonel Abraham Bassford, was transferred to the 18th New York Cavalry. The portion of the regiment transferred was mustered out on May 31, 1866, at Victoria, Texas.
Research This Regiment Further
If you’d like to explore this unit’s history in more depth, regimental histories and Civil War reference works offer valuable detail.
Engagements & Campaigns
- Siege of Port Hudson, Louisiana (1863)
- New York City Draft Riots (1863, partial detachment)
- Red River Campaign (1864)
- Engagement at Davis Creek, near Mobile, Alabama (December 1864)
- McCullom’s Point, Louisiana (March 1865)
- Numerous raids and scouting expeditions in the Department of the Gulf
- Various skirmishes and actions (approximately 50 engagements reported)
Casualties
- Killed or mortally wounded: 2 officers, 18 enlisted men
- Died of disease, accidents, or in prison: 3 officers, 140 enlisted men
- Total deaths: 163
- Heaviest losses occurred during the Red River campaign (62 killed, wounded, and missing)
- Additional losses at Davis Creek (10 men) and McCullom’s Point (15 men)
- Some men drowned in the sinking of the steamer North America (December 22, 1864)
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel Thaddeus P. Mott
- Colonel Abraham Bassford
- Lieutenant Colonel John W. Cropsey
- Lieutenant Colonel John Ennis
- Major William D. Morton
- Major John Ennis
- Major Abraham Bassford
- Major Collins Chesebrough
- Major James A. Duffy
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 14th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) includes officers and enlisted men who served during the regiment’s term. For researchers and genealogists, the complete roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details.
To view the full roster, visit the 14th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XXVI, XXXIV, XLI
- Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
- Annual Report of the Adjutant-General of the State of New York
- Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
- Contemporary regimental and brigade reports