26th New York Cavalry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 26th New York Cavalry (One Year’s Service), also known as the Frontier Cavalry, was a Union regiment organized during the final months of the Civil War. It was formed under special authority from the War Department to serve along the northern frontier, with companies raised in New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont. The New York battalion consisted of Companies G, H, I, K, and L, recruited from St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, Franklin, Clinton, Essex, and Erie counties. The regiment was mustered into United States service between February 11 and February 24, 1865.

This unit was intended to provide security along the border with Canada following the St. Albans Raid and concerns about Confederate activity in the region. The 26th New York Cavalry served for one year, but its active service was brief due to the war’s end in April 1865.

Organization & Service

The 26th New York Cavalry (One Year’s Service) was organized in early 1865, with the New York battalion mustered in at various locations between February 11 and February 24, 1865. The regiment was composed of companies from New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont, and was raised under direct authority from the War Department to serve on the northern frontier. Governor Fenton of New York appointed the field officers for the New York companies, following War Department directives.

The regiment’s primary duty was to guard the northern border, particularly in response to fears of further raids or incursions from Canada. The companies were stationed at various points along the frontier, but saw no major combat action before the war’s conclusion. The New York battalion, under Colonel Ferris Jacobs, Jr., was mustered out of service between June 29 and July 7, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Guard duty along the northern frontier (February–July 1865)

Casualties

The New York battalion of the 26th New York Cavalry lost 3 men who died of disease during its term of service. No battle casualties are recorded for this unit.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Burr Porter
• Colonel Ferris Jacobs, Jr.
• Lieutenant Colonel Ferris Jacobs, Jr.
• Lieutenant Colonel William E. Beardsley
• Major William E. Beardsley
• Major Charles E. Rice
• Major Josiah Grout, Jr.
• Major Edward T. Bouve

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 26th New York Cavalry (One Year’s Service), including officers and enlisted men from the New York battalion, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details for genealogical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 26th New York Cavalry (One Year’s Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, relevant volumes
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H. Compendium of the War of the Rebellion