24th New York Cavalry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 24th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) was a Union regiment organized in Auburn, New York, during the winter of 1863–1864. Serving in the cavalry branch, it was mustered into United States service between December 28, 1863, and January 26, 1864, for a three-year term. The regiment drew its companies from the counties of Oswego, Erie, Monroe, Chemung, Oneida, Otsego, Ontario, Onondaga, Livingston, and Albany. The 24th New York Cavalry participated in both dismounted and mounted operations, serving primarily in the Eastern Theater with the Army of the Potomac.

The regiment is notable for its heavy combat losses during the Overland Campaign and the Siege of Petersburg. Private George Schmal of the regiment received the Medal of Honor for capturing a flag at Paine’s Cross Roads in April 1865.

Organization & Service

In the fall of 1863, Colonel William C. Raulston, formerly of the 81st New York Infantry, was authorized to reorganize the discharged 24th New York Infantry as the 24th New York Cavalry. The regiment was organized at Auburn, New York, and mustered into service between late December 1863 and late January 1864. After mustering, the regiment left New York on February 23, 1864, and was stationed in Washington, D.C., for several months, serving dismounted.

During the spring of 1864, the 24th New York Cavalry joined Marshall’s Provisional Brigade, 9th Army Corps, and later the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 9th Corps. The regiment fought in the Wilderness Campaign, including actions at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Totopotomy, Cold Harbor, and Bethesda Church. At Cold Harbor, the regiment suffered 84 casualties. Arriving before Petersburg on June 16, 1864, the regiment participated in the assault that day, incurring 197 casualties—one of the highest losses for any regiment engaged. The unit also fought at the Battle of the Crater (mine explosion), Weldon Railroad, Poplar Spring Church, and Peebles’ Farm.

In late 1864, the regiment was mounted and assigned to the 1st Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Army of the Potomac, under General Crook. It participated in actions at Hatcher’s Run, Prince George Court House, Stony Creek Station, Three Creeks, Halifax Road, Lee’s Mill, and the Appomattox Campaign. Colonel Raulston was captured on September 29, 1864, and died in Confederate captivity in December. The regiment was consolidated with the 10th New York Cavalry on July 10, 1865, forming the 1st Provisional Regiment New York Volunteer Cavalry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Wilderness Campaign (May–June 1864): Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Totopotomy, Cold Harbor, Bethesda Church
• Siege of Petersburg (June 1864–April 1865): Assault on Petersburg (June 16, 1864), Battle of the Crater (July 30, 1864), Weldon Railroad (August 1864), Poplar Spring Church (September 1864), Peebles’ Farm (October 1864)
• Mounted operations (late 1864–1865): Hatcher’s Run, Prince George Court House, Stony Creek Station, Three Creeks, Halifax Road, Lee’s Mill
• Appomattox Campaign (March–April 1865): including Paine’s Cross Roads

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 7 officers, 113 enlisted men
• Died of disease, accidents, or in prison: 1 officer, 133 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 254

Casualty figures are based on official reports and Dyer’s Compendium.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William C. Raulston
• Colonel Walter C. Newberry
• Lieutenant Colonel Walter C. Newberry
• Lieutenant Colonel Melzer Richards
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles B. Coventry
• Major George G. Wanzer
• Major Mark L. Scoville
• Major Albert Taylor
• Major Charles E. Martin

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 24th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and service details valuable for genealogical and historical research.

To view the full roster, visit the 24th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XXXVI, XL, XLII, XLVI
• Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Reports for 1864 and 1865
• Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• Contemporary regimental and state histories