12th New York Cavalry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 12th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the 3rd Ira Harris Guard, was a Union cavalry regiment organized in New York City. Its companies were recruited from New York, Columbia, Albany, Rensselaer, Clinton, Franklin, Oswego, Onondaga, and Erie counties. The regiment was mustered into United States service between November 19 and 24, 1863, for a three-year term. The 12th New York Cavalry served exclusively in North Carolina throughout its existence, participating in numerous engagements and campaigns in the Department of North Carolina and later under the 18th and 23rd Army Corps.

Organization & Service

The 12th New York Cavalry was organized at New York City and mustered in by companies from November 19 to 24, 1863. The regiment departed New York by detachments from May to December 1863 and was sent to North Carolina. It was attached to the 18th Army Corps under Major General John G. Foster. In July 1863, the regiment participated in Foster’s raid to Tarboro, suffering casualties. In August, it was engaged near Washington, North Carolina. In February 1864, the regiment assisted in repelling a Confederate attack on New Berne, and in April, it took part in the defense of Plymouth, where it sustained significant losses, including many men captured and later dying in Confederate prisons.

Throughout 1864, the 12th New York Cavalry was active in various raids and skirmishes across North Carolina. A howitzer section, manned by members of the regiment, was attached during this period. In early 1865, the regiment was assigned to the Provisional Corps and, from April, to the 23rd Army Corps under Major General Schofield. In March 1865, the regiment led the advance of Schofield’s column during the Carolinas Campaign, fighting at Wise’s Forks and skirmishing from Kinston to Goldsboro. After the surrender of Confederate forces under General Johnston, the regiment performed guard duty near the Tar River until it was mustered out at Raleigh, North Carolina, on July 19, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Foster’s Raid to Tarboro (July 1863)
• Engagements near Washington, North Carolina (August 1863)
• Defense of New Berne (February 1864)
• Defense of Plymouth (April 1864)
• Raids and skirmishes throughout North Carolina (1864)
• Carolinas Campaign (March–April 1865), including Wise’s Forks and actions from Kinston to Goldsboro

Casualties

• Killed and mortally wounded: 3 officers, 36 enlisted men
• Died of disease, accidents, in prison, etc.: 5 officers, 178 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 222
• Died in Confederate prisons: 1 officer, 84 enlisted men

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel James W. Savage
• Lieutenant Colonel Philip G. Vought
• Major J. Ward Gaspar
• Major Rowland R. West
• Major Floyd Clarkson
• Major Rodney M. Taylor

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 12th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides details on the individuals who served in the regiment during its term of service.

To view the complete roster, visit the 12th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 33, 35, 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
• Contemporary reports and regimental returns