17th New York Cavalry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 17th New York Cavalry (not fully organized) was a cavalry regiment authorized for Union service during the American Civil War. Recruitment was initiated in New York State in the summer of 1863, with the intention of raising a full regiment for Federal service. The unit was intended to serve in the Union cavalry arm, but it never reached full regimental strength.

This unit is distinct from other New York cavalry regiments that served during the war. The 17th New York Cavalry’s brief existence is notable for its incomplete organization and subsequent consolidation with another unit.

Organization & Service

On June 30, 1863, Colonel Henry D. Townsend received authority to organize the 17th New York Cavalry. Recruitment began, and two companies were enlisted. However, the regiment was never completed. On September 17, 1863, the authorization to organize the regiment was revoked. The two companies that had been raised were transferred to the 1st New York Veteran Cavalry, which was then in the process of organization. The 17th New York Cavalry did not serve as a distinct regiment in the field and was not assigned to any brigade, division, or corps.

As a result, the 17th New York Cavalry did not participate in any campaigns or see active service as a separate unit. Its brief history is limited to the recruitment period and the transfer of its enlisted men to another regiment.

Engagements & Campaigns

The 17th New York Cavalry did not participate in any engagements or campaigns as a regiment, as it was never fully organized and its companies were transferred before seeing active service.

Casualties

No casualty figures are recorded for the 17th New York Cavalry, as the regiment was not mustered into active service and did not participate in any battles.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Henry D. Townsend (authorized to organize the regiment)

Regimental Roster

The 17th New York Cavalry did not complete its organization, and only two companies were recruited before being transferred to the 1st New York Veteran Cavalry. The names of men who enlisted for the 17th New York Cavalry may be found in the records of the 1st New York Veteran Cavalry.

For further details, visit the 17th New York Cavalry (Not Fully Organized) Roster page.

Sources & References

• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Report of the Adjutant-General of the State of New York for the Year 1894, Vol. 3, p. 1556
• Dyer, Frederick H. “A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion” (1908)
• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series III, Vol. 3