2nd New York Mounted Rifles in the American Civil War

Overview

The 2nd New York Mounted Rifles (Three Years’ Service), also known as the Governor’s Guard, was a Union regiment organized in New York State during the American Civil War. Raised primarily in Erie, Niagara, Wyoming, Orleans, Allegany, and Wayne counties, the regiment was formed at Lockport and Buffalo in the summer and early fall of 1862. Initially authorized as an infantry regiment, its designation was changed to mounted rifles a month later. The regiment served in both infantry and cavalry roles, participating in major campaigns in the Eastern Theater.

The regiment mustered into United States service between October 1863 and February 1864 for a term of three years. It saw significant action with the Army of the Potomac and was notable for its heavy casualties in several major battles, including Cold Harbor and Petersburg. The 2nd New York Mounted Rifles remained active through the end of the war and was mustered out in August 1865.

Organization & Service

The 2nd New York Mounted Rifles was organized at Lockport and Buffalo, New York, beginning in the summer of 1862. Colonel John Fisk was initially authorized to recruit an infantry regiment, but the unit’s designation was changed to mounted rifles shortly after recruitment began. Companies were principally raised from Erie, Niagara, Wyoming, Orleans, Allegany, and Wayne counties. The regiment was mustered into federal service from October 1863 to February 1864 for three years.

After completing organization and mustering, the regiment left New York in March 1864. Upon arrival in the field, it served as infantry attached to the 22nd Corps at and near Washington, D.C., until May 1864. The regiment then joined the Army of the Potomac and participated in the Overland Campaign, initially assigned to the provisional brigade, 1st Division, and later to the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 9th Corps. The 2nd New York Mounted Rifles saw its first combat at Spottsylvania Court House, followed by heavy fighting at Cold Harbor, where it suffered 64 casualties. The regiment also took part in the assaults on Petersburg in June 1864, with further significant losses.

During the Petersburg mine explosion, the regiment served with Potter’s Division and again sustained losses. At Poplar Spring Church, casualties numbered 76. Later, the regiment was mounted and assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division (Crook’s), Army of the Potomac. It participated in actions at Hatcher’s Run and Nottoway Station, with 33 casualties. The regiment was engaged throughout the final campaign leading to Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, suffering 62 casualties from March 28 to April 9, 1865. After the war, the regiment served in the Department of Virginia until mustered out at Petersburg on August 10, 1865, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph H. Wood.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defense of Washington, D.C. (Spring 1864)
• Overland Campaign (May–June 1864)
• Spottsylvania Court House
• Cold Harbor
• Assaults on Petersburg (June 1864)
• Battle of the Crater (Petersburg Mine Explosion)
• Poplar Spring Church
• Hatcher’s Run
• Nottoway Station
• Appomattox Campaign (March–April 1865)

Casualties

• Killed and mortally wounded: 8 officers, 97 enlisted men
• Died of disease, accidents, or in prison: 1 officer, 112 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 218

Casualty figures are based on official reports and Dyer’s Compendium.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel John Fisk
• Colonel Louis Siebert
• Lieutenant Colonel Jasper N. Raymond
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph H. Wood
• Major William H. Mapes
• Major John D. Numan
• Major Joseph M. Rushmore
• Major John H. Fralick
• Major Henry Runyan
• Major Henry G. Stebbins
• Major Nahum Ward Cady
• Major James M. Watson
• Major Henry F. Pierce

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 2nd New York Mounted Rifles (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, 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 2nd New York Mounted Rifles (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XXXVI, XL, XLII, XLVI
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Reports for 1864 and 1865
• Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• Contemporary regimental and state histories