20th New York Cavalry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 20th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the McClellan Cavalry, served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Sacket’s Harbor, New York, in the summer of 1863, the regiment was mustered into United States service in September 1863 for a term of three years. Its companies were recruited from Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Onondaga, and Albany counties. The 20th New York Cavalry primarily operated in the Department of Virginia and North Carolina, participating in both garrison and field operations.

This regiment is distinct from any other New York cavalry units with different service terms.

Organization & Service

Recruitment for the 20th New York Cavalry began in June 1863 under Colonel Newton B. Lord, who had previously commanded the 35th New York Infantry. Many veterans from the 35th reenlisted in the new cavalry regiment. The unit was mustered into service at Sacket’s Harbor during September 1863, reaching a strength of approximately 1,200 men. The regiment departed New York on September 30, 1863, and was initially stationed at Portsmouth, Virginia, as part of the 22nd Corps.

In January 1864, the regiment was assigned to Heckman’s Division, 18th Corps, and remained at Portsmouth until April. It was then transferred to the District of East Virginia, Department of Virginia and North Carolina. In December 1864, the 20th joined the 1st Brigade, General Kautz’s Cavalry Division, Army of the James, where it served until the end of the war. During its service, several companies were detached for duty at various posts: Company D at Fort Pocahontas, Company F at Fort Powhatan, Company G with Mackenzie’s Division, and Company I with the Provisional and 10th Corps. The regiment was mustered out on July 31, 1865, with Companies E and H at Fortress Monroe and the remaining companies at Manchester, Virginia.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Suffolk, Virginia
• Currituck
• Chuckatuck
• Wood’s Mills
• South Quay
• Winton, North Carolina
• Guiam’s Ford, North Carolina
• Jamestown Island
• Murfree’s Depot
• Smithfield, Virginia (February 1864)
• Siege of Petersburg
• Darbytown Road
• Campaign of the Carolinas
• Appomattox Campaign

Casualties

• Enlisted men killed or died of wounds: 7
• Officers died of disease, accidents, or in prison: 2
• Enlisted men died of disease, accidents, or in prison: 121
• Total deaths: 130

Casualty figures are based on official reports and may not include all minor losses.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Newton B. Lord
• Colonel David M. Evans
• Lieutenant Colonel David M. Evans
• Lieutenant Colonel Jacob S. Gates
• Major Charles F. Smith
• Major John G. Cudworth
• Major John Bower Preston
• Major Hiram H. Carpenter
• Major Jacob S. Gates
• Major John O’Hara
• Major Patrick Fitzpatrick

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 20th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and other service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 20th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, annual volumes 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