Overview
The 4th New York Provisional Cavalry was a Union cavalry regiment formed late in the Civil War. It was organized in Virginia in July 1865 by consolidating the 3rd New York Cavalry and the 1st New York Mounted Rifles, in accordance with War Department orders dated May 8, 1865. The regiment served under the command of Colonel Edwin V. Sumner and was mustered out at City Point, Virginia, in November 1865.
This unit was part of the United States Army’s efforts to streamline and consolidate forces following the end of major hostilities. Its service was brief and primarily administrative, reflecting the winding down of military operations in the Eastern Theater.
Organization & Service
The 4th New York Provisional Cavalry was officially organized on July 21, 1865, at City Point, Virginia. The regiment was created by merging the 3rd New York Cavalry and the 1st New York Mounted Rifles, as directed by the War Department’s order of May 8, 1865. Colonel Edwin V. Sumner, formerly of the 1st Mounted Rifles, was appointed to command the new regiment. Lieutenant Colonel James M. Wheelan and Majors Henry Terwilliger, Edgar A. Hamilton, and Minott A. Pruyn served as field officers.
The regiment’s duties were largely related to post-war occupation and administration in Virginia. The 4th New York Provisional Cavalry did not participate in any major campaigns or battles, as it was organized after the Confederate surrender. The regiment remained at City Point until it was mustered out of service on November 29, 1865.
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
The 4th New York Provisional Cavalry did not participate in any campaigns or battles, as it was organized after the conclusion of active hostilities in the Civil War.
Casualties
The regiment lost a total of 10 men to disease and other causes during its brief period of service. No battle casualties are recorded for this unit.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel Edwin V. Sumner
- Lieutenant Colonel James M. Wheelan
- Major Henry Terwilliger
- Major Edgar A. Hamilton
- Major Minott A. Pruyn
Regimental Roster
The complete roster of the 4th New York Provisional Cavalry, including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details for members of the regiment.
To view the full roster, visit the 4th New York Provisional Cavalry Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, relevant volumes.
- New York State Adjutant General’s Report.
- Dyer, Frederick H. Compendium of the War of the Rebellion.