2nd New York Cavalry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 2nd New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the “Harris Light Cavalry,” was organized at Scarsdale, New York, in the summer of 1861. The regiment served in the Union Army, primarily in the Eastern Theater, and gained distinction for its extensive service and high casualty rate among mounted regiments. Its companies were recruited from various locations, including New York City, Long Island, Rensselaer and Washington counties, as well as Hartford, Connecticut, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The regiment was mustered into United States service between August 9 and October 8, 1861, for a three-year term.

The 2nd New York Cavalry was recognized as one of the “three hundred fighting regiments” by Col. Fox and ranked eighth among mounted regiments for men killed and mortally wounded in action. The regiment participated in numerous campaigns and engagements, and several of its members received the Medal of Honor for their actions during the war.

Organization & Service

The 2nd New York Cavalry was organized under the authority granted to Col. J. Mansfield Davies on July 25, 1861. Initially designated as the 7th Regiment of Cavalry in U.S. service, it was later renumbered as the 2nd New York Volunteer Cavalry when turned over to the state. The regiment was mustered in from August 9 to October 8, 1861, for three years’ service. After leaving New York in September and October 1861, the regiment was attached to McDowell’s Division, Army of the Potomac.

Throughout its service, the 2nd New York Cavalry was attached to various brigades and divisions, including the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division (Gregg’s), Army of the Potomac, and later Wilson’s and Custer’s Divisions. The regiment participated in Pope’s Campaign in August 1862, suffering significant losses. It saw heavy action at Beverly Ford and Aldie in June 1863, Liberty Mills in September, and Buckland Mills in October. In March 1864, the regiment took part in Kilpatrick’s raid near Richmond, during which Maj. Cook was captured. The unit also participated in Wilson’s Raid to the South Side and Danville Railroads in June 1864.

In the fall of 1864, the original members’ service terms expired, and most were mustered out, except for about 350 men who remained as a battalion. Eight new companies, recruited mainly from Cortland and Onondaga counties for one year’s service, joined the battalion, restoring the regiment to full strength. The 2nd New York Cavalry continued to serve with the Army of the Shenandoah from October 1864 to March 1865 and with the Army of the Potomac during the final campaign, culminating in the surrender at Appomattox. The regiment was mustered out on June 23, 1865, at Alexandria, Virginia.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Pope’s Campaign in Virginia (August 1862)
• Beverly Ford (June 1863)
• Aldie (June 1863)
• Liberty Mills (September 1863)
• Buckland Mills (October 1863)
• Kilpatrick’s Raid on Richmond (March 1864)
• Wilson’s Raid to South Side and Danville Railroads (June 1864)
• Operations with the Army of the Shenandoah (October 1864 – March 1865)
• Final Campaign of the Army of the Potomac, including Appomattox (Spring 1865)

Casualties

• Killed and died of wounds: 9 officers, 112 enlisted men
• Died of disease, accidents, in prison, etc.: 2 officers, 234 enlisted men
• Wounded and recovered: 20 officers, 226 enlisted men
• Reported missing: 14 officers, 545 enlisted men
• Total enrollment: 2,528

Figures are based on Fox’s “Regimental Losses” and New York State records.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel J. Mansfield Davies
• Colonel Judson Kilpatrick
• Colonel Henry E. Davies, Jr.
• Colonel Otto Harhaus
• Colonel Walter C. Hull (killed at Cedar Creek)
• Colonel Alanson M. Randol
• Lieutenant Colonel Edwin M. Cook (captured during Kilpatrick’s Raid)
• Lieutenant Colonel Mortimer B. Birdseye
• Major Joseph O’Keefe (killed during the final campaign, 1865)
• Other Majors: Henry Grinton, Alfred N. Duffie, William H. Mallory, John E. Naylor, Walter Clark Hull, Samuel McIrwin, John F. L. V. Danesi, Enos B. Parsons, Andrew S. Glover, William B. Shafer

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 2nd New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details valuable for genealogical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 2nd New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 12, 19, 27, 29, 36, 40, 46
• 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”
• Regimental and state histories published in the 19th century