25th New York Cavalry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 25th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the Sickles Cavalry, served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized in 1864 at Saratoga Springs and Hart’s Island, New York, the regiment drew its companies from New York, Delaware, Saratoga, and Sullivan counties. The unit was active in the Eastern Theater, participating in both the defense of Washington, D.C., and the Shenandoah Valley campaigns.

This regiment is distinct from other New York cavalry units and should not be confused with infantry regiments of similar designation.

Organization & Service

The 25th New York Cavalry was organized under Colonel Henry F. Liebenau and later Colonel Gurden Chapin. Companies A through F were mustered into U.S. service at Saratoga Springs between February 20 and April 23, 1864, for three years. Companies G through M were mustered at Hart’s Island from April 20 to October 20, 1864. The regiment left New York by detachments, first heading to Washington, D.C.

In June 1864, the regiment served as part of the provost guard for the Army of the Potomac and participated in actions at White House Landing, Charles City Court House, and Fort Stevens. Returning to Washington in July, the regiment was then assigned to Merritt’s Cavalry Division in August 1864. With this command, the 25th New York Cavalry took part in General Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley campaign, engaging at Halltown, Duffield Station, Leetown, Bunker Hill, Berryville, Opequan, Fisher’s Hill, Front Royal, Luray, Port Republic, Woodstock, Conrad’s Ferry, Newtown, White Plains, Upperville, Snicker’s Gap, Flint Hill, and Madison Court House. The regiment sustained its greatest loss at Newtown, with 22 killed, wounded, or missing.

In January 1865, the regiment fought at Columbia Furnace and saw its final actions in March at Mt. Jackson, Harrisonburg, Rude’s Hill, and Staunton. In April 1865, it was attached to the Cavalry Division, Army of West Virginia. The 25th New York Cavalry was mustered out and discharged at Hart’s Island, New York Harbor, on June 27, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• White House Landing (June 1864)
• Charles City Court House (June 1864)
• Fort Stevens (July 1864)
• Halltown (August 1864)
• Duffield Station
• Leetown
• Bunker Hill
• Berryville
• Opequan
• Fisher’s Hill
• Front Royal
• Luray
• Port Republic
• Woodstock
• Conrad’s Ferry
• Newtown
• White Plains
• Upperville
• Snicker’s Gap
• Flint Hill
• Madison Court House
• Columbia Furnace (January 1865)
• Mt. Jackson (March 1865)
• Harrisonburg (March 1865)
• Rude’s Hill (March 1865)
• Staunton (March 1865)

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 1 officer, 16 enlisted men
• Died of disease, accidents, in prison, etc.: 49 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 66

The only commissioned officer killed in action was Lieutenant Charles N. Howard, who fell at White House Landing on June 21, 1864.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Henry F. Liebenau
• Colonel Gurden Chapin
• Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Seeley (commanded most of the regiment’s service)
• Major Samuel W. McPherson
• Major Charles J. Seymour
• Major Clinton G. Townsley
• Major John F. L. Danesi
• Major Charles F. Willard
• Lieutenant Charles N. Howard (killed in action, June 21, 1864)

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 25th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides details on enlistment, rank, and service records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 25th New York Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 37, 43, 46
• Dyer, Frederick H. “A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion”
• Annual Report of the Adjutant-General of the State of New York, 1894
• Fox, William F. “Regimental Losses in the American Civil War”
• Contemporary wartime reports and regimental returns