16th New York Cavalry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 16th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the Sprague Light Cavalry, served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized primarily at Plattsburg, New York, with additional companies mustered at Staten Island, the regiment drew recruits from Clinton, Erie, New York, Westchester, Monroe, Oswego, Rensselaer, and St. Lawrence counties. The unit was mustered into federal service between June and October 1863 and served principally in the defenses of Washington, D.C., as part of the 22nd Army Corps. The regiment is noted for its frequent skirmishing and active service in Northern Virginia and the defense of the capital.

Organization & Service

The 16th New York Cavalry began organizing at Plattsburg, New York, with the first eight companies (A–H) mustered into U.S. service from June 19 to August 1, 1863. Companies I, K, L, and M were mustered at Staten Island between September 2 and October 18, 1863. The regiment was recruited from several counties across New York State. Companies A, B, C, and D departed New York on June 19, 1863, and participated in the Gettysburg campaign. Companies E, F, G, and H, under Lieutenant Colonel Spencer H. Olmstead, left on August 19, 1863. Companies I, K, and L followed in September, and Company M in October.

The 16th New York Cavalry was attached to the cavalry brigade of the 22nd Army Corps, serving in the defenses of Washington, D.C., throughout its existence. The regiment was engaged at Lewinsville in 1863, and also saw action at Bristoe Station and near the Blue Ridge. In 1864, the regiment was repeatedly engaged, with notable actions at Centerville, Falls Church, Rapidan Station, and Lewinsville. The regiment’s final combat occurred in March 1865 at Warrenton, Fairfax Court House, and Vienna. On August 17, 1865, under Colonel Nelson B. Sweitzer, the 16th New York Cavalry was consolidated with the 13th New York Cavalry to form the 3rd Provisional Regiment, New York Volunteer Cavalry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Gettysburg Campaign (1863)
• Lewinsville (1863, 1864)
• Bristoe Station (1863)
• Near the Blue Ridge (1863)
• Centerville (1864)
• Falls Church (1864)
• Rapidan Station (1864)
• Warrenton (March 1865)
• Fairfax Court House (March 1865)
• Vienna (March 1865)

Casualties

During its service, the 16th New York Cavalry lost 1 officer and 20 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded in action. An additional 119 enlisted men died of disease, accidents, or while in prison, making a total of 140 deaths. Captain James H. Fleming was the only commissioned officer killed, falling at Fairfax Station.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Henry M. Lazelle
• Colonel Nelson B. Sweitzer
• Lieutenant Colonel Spencer H. Olmstead
• Lieutenant Colonel George S. Hollister
• Lieutenant Colonel John Nicholson
• Major Morris Hazzard
• Major George B. Bosworth
• Major Giles G. Horton
• Major John Nicholson
• Major Lawrence Leahy
• Captain James H. Fleming (killed at Fairfax Station)

Regimental Roster

The full roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 16th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details valuable for genealogical and historical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 16th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XXVII, XXXVI, XLVI
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Reports for 1863–1865
• 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