65th Pennsylvania Regiment, 5th PA Cavalry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 65th Pennsylvania Regiment, also known as the 5th Pennsylvania Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) and originally designated the Cameron Dragoons, served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. This cavalry regiment was primarily recruited in Philadelphia, with two companies from Pittsburgh. The unit was mustered into service in August 1861 and served in the Eastern Theater, participating in numerous campaigns and engagements throughout Virginia and North Carolina. The regiment was noted for its extensive scouting, raiding, and combat operations, and was among the earliest three-year cavalry regiments raised in Pennsylvania.

Organization & Service

The 65th Pennsylvania Cavalry (5th Cavalry) began organizing in Philadelphia, with ten companies recruited locally and two from Pittsburgh. As companies were formed, they assembled at a camp near Girard Avenue, Philadelphia. On August 22, 1861, the Philadelphia companies departed for Washington, D.C., where they were joined by Companies L and M from Pittsburgh. Initially operating independently, the regiment was later assigned to Pennsylvania’s quota and officially numbered as the 65th, with officers commissioned by the governor.

In September 1861, the regiment performed scouting duties by detachments, and in October was posted at Camp Griffin near Lewinsville, Virginia. During the 1862 Peninsular Campaign, most of the regiment was engaged in rear-area scouting, with Companies I and K at the front. On September 9, 1862, the regiment was attacked at Fort Magruder near Williamsburg, suffering significant losses, including the capture of Colonel Campbell. After receiving 300 recruits in October and November, the regiment’s strength rose to 1,200 men.

Throughout the winter of 1862-63, detachments were frequently engaged in scout duty. Notable actions occurred at Burnt Ordinary on January 19, 1863, and again on February 6 and 7, with Companies L and M suffering heavy losses. In March 1863, the regiment helped repel an attack on Williamsburg by Confederate forces under General Wise. The summer months saw continued scouting and detached service, with the regiment’s strength reduced by sickness and casualties.

In September 1863, the regiment reported at Norfolk, Virginia. One battalion was sent to South Mills, North Carolina, while the remainder performed scout and picket duty along the Albemarle & Chesapeake Canal. The regiment reunited at Great Bridge in October and entered winter quarters, with 250 men reenlisting and receiving veteran furloughs. In November, most companies joined General Getty’s cavalry brigade, and later participated in General Wistar’s expedition toward Richmond.

In early 1864, the regiment received 231 recruits. In May, it joined General Kautz’s expedition to destroy the Weldon Railroad, then participated in raids on the Richmond & Danville Railroad, skirmished at various points, and was dismounted to serve in the trenches at Bermuda Hundred. On May 22, Colonel West assumed command. The regiment took part in assaults on Petersburg in June and joined Wilson’s Raid on the South Side and Danville Railroads, suffering heavy losses at Reams’ Station.

From July to September 1864, the regiment was active in skirmishing and scouting along the James River. It participated in actions with General Butler’s army, reconnaissance at Charles City Cross Roads, and suffered severe losses at New Market in October. Further engagements occurred on the Charles City Road in December, where the regiment was commended for gallantry.

In March 1865, the 65th Pennsylvania Cavalry joined General Sheridan’s command for the final campaign of the war. The regiment fought at Five Forks, capturing prisoners, and was active in the pursuit to Appomattox Court House, participating in the final actions leading to the Confederate surrender. After moving to Lynchburg and returning through various Virginia towns, the regiment was mustered out in stages: 331 officers and men on May 19, 1865, with the remainder consolidated with the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry and finally mustered out at Richmond on August 7, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Peninsular Campaign (1862)
• Action at Fort Magruder, near Williamsburg (September 9, 1862)
• Burnt Ordinary (January 19 and February 6–7, 1863)
• Defense of Williamsburg (March 29, 1863)
• Expedition to Weldon Railroad (May 1864)
• Raids on Richmond & Danville Railroad (May 1864)
• Assaults on Petersburg (June 9 and 15, 1864)
• Wilson’s Raid: Roanoke, Stony Creek, Reams’ Station (June 1864)
• Skirmishes along the James River (July–September 1864)
• Reconnaissance at Charles City Cross Roads (September 1864)
• Engagement at New Market (October 1864)
• Action on Charles City Road (December 1864)
• Five Forks (April 1, 1865)
• Gravelly Run, Amelia Court House, Burkesville (April 1865)
• Appomattox Court House (April 7–9, 1865)

Casualties

During its service, the 65th Pennsylvania Cavalry suffered significant losses in several actions. At Fort Magruder (September 9, 1862), the regiment lost 6 killed, 15 wounded, and 33 captured. In the engagement on the Williamsburg state road (February 7, 1863), Companies L and M lost 35 killed, wounded, and prisoners. During Wilson’s Raid in June 1864, the regiment lost approximately 300 men and an equal number of horses. At New Market in October 1864, losses included 14 killed, 27 wounded, and 72 captured. In December 1864, the regiment lost 7 killed and 14 wounded. Comprehensive total casualty figures for the entire service term are not specified in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Max Friedman
• Colonel David Campbell
• Colonel William E. Doster
• Colonel R. M. West
• Lieutenant Colonel Stephen E. Smith
• Lieutenant Colonel William Lewis
• Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Kleinz
• Major E. M. Boteler
• Major William E. Henser
• Major Jacob P. Wilson
• Major Joseph C. Hess
• Major Christopher Kleinz
• Major W. G. McCandless
• Major Timothy Hennessey
• Major D. Hagermeister
• Major Justinian Alman
• Major H. W. Paul

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 65th Pennsylvania Regiment, 5th Pennsylvania Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) includes the names and service details of its officers and enlisted men. This information is valuable for genealogical and historical research.

To view the complete roster, please visit the 65th Pennsylvania Regiment, 5th Pennsylvania Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (see Peninsula Campaign, Petersburg, Wilson’s Raid, Appomattox operations)
• Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 1