Overview
Harlan’s Light Cavalry was an independent cavalry company organized in Ohio for Union service during the American Civil War. Raised at Camp Chase under the authority of the Secretary of War, it was intended to be part of a multi-state regiment under Col. Josiah Harlan. Ultimately, the company was mustered into service on September 1, 1861, and attached as Company M to the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. The unit served primarily in the Eastern Theater and participated in several significant campaigns and actions.
Organization & Service
The company was organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, by Captain Noah M. Runyan, following an order from Secretary of War Simon Cameron. The original plan was to form an independent regiment with companies from twelve different states, but Congressional law did not permit the recruitment of single companies in a state. As a result, the Ohio company was attached to the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry and designated as Company M.
After mustering in on September 1, 1861, at Camp Chase for a three-year term, the company proceeded to Hesterville, near Philadelphia, to join the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. The regiment moved to Ball’s Cross Roads, Virginia, for encampment. Active campaigning began in the spring of 1863. During the siege of Suffolk, Company M was stationed at South Mills as an outpost, guarding approaches in that direction. The company participated in the attack near Hanover Court House, resulting in the capture of Confederate prisoners, including Brigadier General W. H. F. Lee, as well as horses, mules, wagons, and other property.
After reenlisting in May 1864, the company joined Brigadier General A. V. Kautz in operations against the Weldon and Danville railroads. At Jarratt’s Station, the company suffered casualties, and at Reams’ Station, the regiment engaged in three days of continuous fighting. In March 1865, the company crossed the James and Appomattox Rivers and remained with Sheridan’s command through the surrender at Appomattox. The company was mustered out on August 13, 1865.
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 Suffolk (spring 1863)
- Outpost duty at South Mills
- Attack near Hanover Court House
- Operations against Weldon Railroad (May 1864)
- Operations against Danville Railroad
- Action at Jarratt’s Station
- Battle of Reams’ Station
- Campaigns with Sheridan’s command leading to the surrender at Appomattox (March–April 1865)
Casualties
At Jarratt’s Station, the company lost 1 man killed and 11 wounded. Additional losses occurred at Reams’ Station and during other engagements, but complete casualty figures for the company are not specified in available primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain Noah M. Runyan
- Captain Gerard Reynolds
- Captain Samuel N. Titus
- Captain Irvin Bacon
- First Lieutenant William H. Kilmer
- First Lieutenant Hiram H. Eggleston
- First Lieutenant J. Samuel Weaver
- Second Lieutenant Isaac A. Smallwood
Regimental Roster
The full roster of Harlan’s Light Cavalry, including officers and enlisted men who served in the company, is available for genealogical and historical research. For a complete list of members and additional service details, please visit the regiment’s roster page.
View the Harlan’s Light Cavalry Regimental Roster
Sources & References
- The Union Army, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I
- Ohio Adjutant General’s Report
- Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion