90th Indiana Regiment / 5th Indiana Cavalry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 5th Indiana Cavalry (Ninetieth Indiana Regiment) served as a Union cavalry regiment from Indiana during the American Civil War. The regiment was organized at Indianapolis in 1862, with companies mustered in between August and October of that year. It served primarily in the Western Theater, participating in operations across Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. The 5th Indiana Cavalry is noted for its active scouting, participation in major campaigns, and its involvement in the pursuit of Morgan’s Raiders.

This unit is distinct from any other Indiana cavalry regiments and should not be confused with infantry units bearing similar numbers.

Organization & Service

The 5th Indiana Cavalry was organized at Indianapolis, Indiana, with four companies mustered in August 1862, five in September, and three in October. The initial commanding colonel, Robert R. Stewart, declined the position, and Felix W. Graham was promoted to colonel. Early in its service, companies were detached to various locations in Indiana and Kentucky for border security and anti-guerrilla operations. By March 1863, the regiment was reunited at Glasgow, Kentucky.

Throughout 1863, the regiment was engaged in scouting and skirmishing in Tennessee, including the burning of Celina and the pursuit of Morgan’s Raiders, culminating in the action at Buffington Island, Ohio. In August, the regiment moved into East Tennessee, being the first Union regiment to enter Knoxville on September 1, 1863. It participated in expeditions across the Smoky Mountains, actions near Zollicoffer, Blountsville, and Henderson’s Mill, and performed outpost duty at Jonesboro. The regiment was involved in heavy fighting at Walker’s Ford, Bean’s Station, and Dandridge, often engaging in hand-to-hand combat and rear-guard actions.

In early 1864, after a period of dismounted service, the regiment was remounted at Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. It joined Stoneman’s command for the Atlanta Campaign, participating in cavalry operations from Dalton to Decatur, Georgia. In July, during a raid toward Macon, the regiment was surrendered by General Stoneman, though part of the regiment remained at Decatur and was later reunited with the exchanged members in Kentucky. In 1865, the regiment was stationed at Pulaski, Tennessee, conducting scouting and anti-guerrilla operations until mustering out on June 16, 1865. Companies G, L, and M, along with recruits, were transferred to the 6th Indiana Cavalry and served until September 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Border security operations in Indiana and Kentucky (1862–1863)
• Skirmishes and burning of Celina, Tennessee (April 1863)
• Pursuit and engagement with Morgan’s Raiders, including Buffington Island (July 1863)
• East Tennessee Campaign, including entry into Knoxville (September 1863)
• Expeditions across the Smoky Mountains and actions near Zollicoffer, Blountsville, Henderson’s Mill, and Rheatown (Fall 1863)
• Outpost duty at Jonesboro, Cheek’s Cross Roads, Tazewell, Maynardville (late 1863)
• Engagements at Walker’s Ford, Blain’s Cross Roads, Bean’s Station, Mossy Creek, and Dandridge (Winter 1863–1864)
• Atlanta Campaign, including cavalry operations from Dalton to Decatur (May–July 1864)
• Stoneman’s Raid toward Macon and engagement near Hillsboro (July 1864)
• Guard and scouting duty at Decatur, Kentucky, and Pulaski, Tennessee (1864–1865)

Casualties

• Original strength: 1,242
• Gained by recruits: 522
• Total served: 1,764
• Loss by death: 217
• Deserted: 125
• Unaccounted for: 99

Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources regarding the breakdown of killed, wounded, and died of disease.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Robert R. Stewart (declined command)
• Colonel Felix W. Graham
• Colonel Thomas H. Butler
• Lieutenant Colonel Josiah Forth
• Lieutenant Colonel Thomas H. Butler
• Lieutenant Colonel John Woolley
• Major Felix W. Graham
• Major John S. Lyle
• Major John Woolley
• Major Joseph R. Haugh
• Major Chauncey H. Thompson
• Major Moses D. Leeson
• Major Mell H. Soper

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 5th Indiana Cavalry (Ninetieth Indiana Regiment) includes officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted men who served in the regiment during the Civil War. This roster provides valuable information for genealogical and historical research.

To view the full roster, visit the 5th Indiana Cavalry (Ninetieth Indiana Regiment) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (see reports on Morgan’s Raid, East Tennessee Campaign, and Atlanta Campaign)
• Indiana Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 3