McLaughlin’s Cavalry Squadron in the American Civil War

Overview

McLaughlin’s Cavalry Squadron was an independent cavalry unit from Ohio, organized for three years’ service during the American Civil War. The squadron was mustered in at Mansfield, Ohio, in November and December 1861, and served on the Union side, primarily in the Western Theater. It is notable for its early operations in eastern Kentucky, participation in Stoneman’s Raid, and service during Sherman’s campaigns through Georgia and the Carolinas.

Organization & Service

In October 1861, the Governor of Ohio received authorization from the War Department for Major William McLaughlin of Mansfield to raise an independent cavalry command, which became known as McLaughlin’s Squadron. The unit was organized and mustered into service at Mansfield in November and December 1861 for a three-year term.

After organization, the squadron moved to eastern Kentucky to operate against Confederate forces under Humphrey Marshall, participating in actions near Paintville and at the battle of Middle Creek with Colonel Garfield’s command. The squadron later performed escort and picket duty during the siege of Knoxville, Tennessee, engaging in skirmishes with Confederate forces. On January 10, 1864, most of the men reenlisted and returned to Ohio for a veteran furlough.

Following furlough, the squadron moved through Kentucky and Tennessee, joining General Sherman’s forces at Big Shanty, Georgia. It became part of General Stoneman’s command during the raid toward Macon, suffering significant losses in killed, wounded, and missing. After Colonel Israel Garrard of the 7th Ohio Cavalry superseded Stoneman, the squadron participated in Sherman’s flanking movements toward Atlanta and continued with the Federal advance to the sea, through North and South Carolina. The squadron was engaged at Bentonville, Blackville, and other skirmishes en route to Raleigh, North Carolina. In July 1865, at Raleigh, the squadron was consolidated with the 5th Ohio Cavalry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Operations in eastern Kentucky (including Paintville and the battle of Middle Creek)
• Siege of Knoxville
• Stoneman’s Raid to Macon, Georgia
• Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign (flanking movements)
• March to the Sea
• Campaigns in North and South Carolina (including Bentonville and Blackville)

Casualties

Specific casualty figures for McLaughlin’s Cavalry Squadron are not separately reported in primary sources. The squadron is noted to have suffered severely in killed, wounded, and missing during Stoneman’s Raid. Total losses for the entire period of service are not detailed in available reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Major William McLaughlin
• Major Gaylord McFall
• Major Richard Rice

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of McLaughlin’s Cavalry Squadron, including officers and enlisted men who served during its three years’ service, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details valuable for genealogical research.

To view the full roster, visit the McLaughlin’s Cavalry Squadron Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes
• Ohio Roster Commission, Official Roster of the Soldiers of the State of Ohio in the War of the Rebellion
• Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 2