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3rd
Massachusetts Cavalry
in the Civil War
| Regimental History |
| Third Cavalry. — Cols., Thomas E. Chickering, Lorenzo D. Sargent,
Burr Porter, Frederick G. Pope ; Lieut.-Cols., Ansel D. Wass, Lorenzo D. Sargent, John F.
Vinal, Frederick G. Pope, David P. Muzzey; Majs., Lorenzo D. Sargent, John F. Vinal, James
McGee, Jonathan E. Cowen, S. Tyler Read, David T. Bunker, Edward L. Noyes, Frederick G.
Pope, David P. Muzzey, William M. Gifford, Charles Stone, John A. Comerford. This regiment
was formed from four organizations already in the field, viz.: the 41st infantry, and the
1st, 2nd, and 3d companies unattached cavalry. A sketch of the 41st infantry, prior to the
period of its consolidation to form the 3d cavalry, having been elsewhere given, it will
be necessary to give only an outline of the previous history of the three unattached
companies. Plans having been made to enlist two carefully selected companies of
"Mounted Rifle Rangers," the 1st was recruited in Boston during Sept., 1861, by
Capt. S. Tyler Read, and completed its organization Nov. 15 ; the 2nd was filled before
the close of the year, as was a 3d company of the same nature, the last two being finally
organized on Dec. 27, 1861. The 2nd was commanded by Capt. James McGee of Lowell, and the
3d, by Capt. Henry A. Durivage of Boston. On Jan. 13, 1862, the three companies sailed
from Boston harbor for Ship island, Miss., where they arrived on Feb. 12, and were
organized as a battalion, under Capt. Read, acting major. When Gen. Butler's division was
formed into brigades, one company was attached to each brigade. The 1st, as part of the
1st brigade, left Ship island, April 16, 1862, for New Orleans, and was stationed in its
defense until May 1, 1864. The 2nd left Ship island, May 21, joined the brigade at Baton
Rouge, under Maj.-Gen. Williams, shared in the engagement there and when the city was
evacuated, returned to New Orleans, where it remained until the spring of 1863, forming
most of the time a part of Weitzel's brigade. The 3d had the misfortune to lose its
captain, who was drowned in the Mississippi, April 23, 1862, and his place was filled by
the appointment of Jonathan E. Cowan of the 1st company, but as he was on leave of
absence, the organization served under Lieut. Perkins. The 3d was attached to Weitzel's
brigade in Sept., 1862, and was often in action, but met with slight loss. It was encamped
at Thibodeaux, La., during the winter of 1862-63. After the consolidation of the four
organizations, June 17, 1863, the companies of the 41st infantry retained their original
letters, while the 2nd unattached company was designated L, the 3d M, the 1st continued to
be known as "Read's company," and received no letter, as the regiment had
thirteen companies. The new organization remained under the command of Col. Chickering and
took part in the siege of Port Hudson, remaining at that point until the close of the year
1863, engaged in the active duties falling to the cavalry arm of the service. In the
spring of 1864, it took an active part in the Red River expedition, during which it did
its full duty, losing in the severe action at Sabine cross-roads, 9 men killed, 64
wounded, and 157 of the horses. On June 25 the regiment was dismounted and armed as
infantry and during the following month was transferred to Maryland, where it became part
of the 2nd brigade, 2nd division, 19th corps. After sharing in the various movements in
the Shenandoah Valley it was heavily engaged at the battle of Winchester, losing 104
officers and men out of about 600 in action. It was again engaged at Fisher's hill, and
Cedar creek, losing in the latter action 77 killed and wounded. On Dec. 28, 1864, it went
into winter quarters at Pleasant Valley, Md., where it was again equipped as cavalry in
Feb., 1865, and reporting to Gen. Chapman at Winchester on March 1, engaged in scouting
and other duties until April 20. Near the close of the year 1864, the three independent
companies were mustered out of service, and their places were taken by one year troops
from Mass. The original members of the 41st infantry were mustered out on May 20. The
regiment took part in the grand review with Sheridan's cavalry corps ; proceeded in June
to Fort Leavenworth, Kan. ; served in the States of Kansas and Nebraska during the summer,
and was mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, Sept. 28, 1865. It reached Boston Oct. 5, and
three days later the men were paid and discharged at Galloupe's island. The total number
in the regiment was 98 officers, 2,090 enlisted men. Its losses were 5 officers and 81 men
killed or died of wounds; 3 missing; 2 officers, 135 men died by accident or disease, and
32 died as prisoners. Beginning with the muster in of the 41st regiment, it had served
more than 35 months, traveled 15,000 miles, and was in more than 30 engagements. |
Footnotes:
Regimental history taken from "The Union Army" by Federal Publishing
Company, 1908 - Volume 1
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