18th New York Cavalry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 18th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the Corning Light Cavalry, was a Union regiment organized in New York City during the summer of 1863. The regiment was composed primarily of recruits from New York City, with additional men from Albany, Jefferson, Lewis, Franklin, Herkimer, and Erie counties. It served in the Department of the Gulf and participated in several significant campaigns and engagements in Louisiana and Texas during the Civil War.

The regiment was mustered into United States service at various locations, including Staten Island, Fort Columbus in New York Harbor, and Elmira, between July 18, 1863, and February 3, 1864. The 18th New York Cavalry remained active until its final muster out at Victoria, Texas, on May 31, 1866.

Organization & Service

The 18th New York Cavalry was organized for three years’ service in the summer of 1863. Companies were mustered in at Staten Island, Fort Columbus, and Elmira from July 18, 1863, to February 3, 1864. The regiment left New York by detachments between September 1863 and January 1864, initially serving in the defenses of Washington, D.C.

In February 1864, the regiment was ordered to the Department of the Gulf and assigned to the 5th Cavalry Brigade, Arnold’s Division, 19th Corps. The 18th participated in the Red River Campaign, engaging in several actions, with its heaviest losses at Sabine Cross Roads and Yellow Bayou. At Sabine Cross Roads, a squadron under Captain William Davis was heavily engaged, suffering 12 casualties. At Yellow Bayou, the regiment lost 40 men, with 33 reported missing. After the campaign, the regiment was stationed at La Fourche, Louisiana, until the following spring. Companies A and F were detached for duty in Texas during part of 1864.

The regiment was active at Morganza, Centerville, and Franklin, Louisiana, as well as Parish Vico, Pattersonville, Rancho San Pedro, and Clarksville, Texas. In January 1865, the regiment was dismounted and ordered to Bonnet Carré, Louisiana, in March. Following the end of hostilities, the 18th New York Cavalry performed duty in Mississippi and Texas until its final muster out at Victoria, Texas, on May 31, 1866.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defenses of Washington, D.C. (1863–1864)
• Red River Campaign (1864), including Sabine Cross Roads and Yellow Bayou
• Operations at Morganza, Centerville, and Franklin, Louisiana
• Actions at Parish Vico, Pattersonville, Rancho San Pedro, and Clarksville, Texas
• Postwar duty in Mississippi and Texas (1865–1866)

Casualties

• Killed or died of wounds: 1 officer, 14 enlisted men
• Died of disease, accident, in prison, etc.: 2 officers, 202 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 219
• Additional loss: 1 officer and 23 men drowned in the sinking of the steamer North America off Florida, December 22, 1864

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel James J. Byrne
• Lieutenant Colonel Stephen W. Stryker
• Lieutenant Colonel John Tracy, Jr.
• Lieutenant Colonel Edward Byrne
• Major Gaza Haraszthy
• Major Edward Byrne
• Major John Tracy, Jr.
• Major William H. Davis
• Major Brockholst L. Power
• Major Albert A. Pitcher
• Major John F. Porter, Jr.
• Major John Ennis
• Notable: 1st Lieutenant Alvaro Hammond (killed at Sabine Cross Roads)

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 18th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 18th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XXXIV, XL, XLI, XLVI
• Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Reports for 1863–1866
• Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• Contemporary regimental and state histories