Overview
The Oneida Cavalry (Independent Company), New York, was an independent cavalry unit organized at Oneida, Madison County. It was mustered into United States service for three years on September 4, 1861, under Captain David P. Mann. The company served with the Union Army, primarily attached to the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, where it performed escort, guard, and courier duties throughout the Eastern Theater. The Oneida Cavalry is notable for its continuous presence with the Army of the Potomac during all major campaigns from 1862 through the end of the war.
Organization & Service
The Oneida Cavalry was raised and organized at Oneida, New York, and mustered into service on September 4, 1861. Shortly after organization, the company departed New York and joined the Army of the Potomac, where it was assigned to headquarters duty. Its primary responsibilities included serving as escorts for commanding officers, providing guards, and acting as couriers during campaigns and battles.
The company remained with the Army of the Potomac throughout its service, participating in all major campaigns and battles from the siege of Yorktown in 1862 through the surrender at Appomattox in April 1865. Upon the expiration of its original three-year term, non-veteran members were mustered out, while veterans and recruits continued service. The company was finally mustered out near Washington, D.C., on June 13, 1865, under Captain James E. Jenkins.
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 Yorktown (1862)
- Seven Days Battles
- Second Bull Run Campaign
- Antietam Campaign
- Fredericksburg Campaign
- Chancellorsville Campaign
- Gettysburg Campaign
- Bristoe and Mine Run Campaigns
- Overland Campaign (including Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor)
- Petersburg Campaign
- Appomattox Campaign
Casualties
During its service, the Oneida Cavalry lost 11 enlisted men to disease and other causes. No further breakdown of casualties is provided in available primary sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain David P. Mann
- Captain James E. Jenkins
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the Oneida Cavalry (Independent Company), New York, including officers and enlisted men who served during its term, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.
To view the complete roster, visit the Oneida Cavalry (Independent Company), New York Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes (Army of the Potomac headquarters reports)
- New York State 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
- Contemporary reports and muster rolls from Madison County, New York