160th Pennsylvania Regiment, 15th PA Cavalry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry (160th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers), also known as the “Anderson Cavalry,” served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, the regiment was mustered into United States service from August 22 to October 10, 1862, for a three-year term. The unit was recruited from across the state under the direction of William J. Palmer, formerly of the Anderson Troop, and was noted for the select nature of its recruits, many of whom came from prominent Pennsylvania families. The regiment primarily served in the Western Theater, participating in major campaigns in Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina.

Organization & Service

The 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry was organized at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, with mustering taking place between August 22 and October 10, 1862. Initially intended for escort and headquarters duty, the regiment’s members were carefully selected. Before full organization, a detachment of 250 men was sent into the Cumberland Valley in September 1862 to help repel Confederate forces, participating in actions near Hagerstown and during the Antietam campaign. Captain Palmer was captured during this period while on a reconnaissance mission.

On November 7, 1862, the regiment departed Pennsylvania for Louisville, Kentucky, where it was mounted and subsequently joined the Army of the Cumberland at Nashville, Tennessee. Due to incomplete officer appointments, only a portion of the regiment participated in the advance with General Stanley’s cavalry division during the Stone’s River campaign. The battalion under Majors Rosengarten and Ward distinguished itself at Wilkinson’s Cross Roads, suffering significant casualties. The regiment reorganized in early 1863, with Colonel Palmer resuming command after his release from captivity.

Throughout 1863, the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry was engaged in escort, courier, and scouting duties during the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns. The regiment participated in actions at Seviersville, Dandridge, and Mossy Creek, Tennessee, and was involved in operations against Longstreet’s forces. In January 1864, the regiment conducted successful raids, including the capture of Brigadier General Vance and his command near Newport, Tennessee.

After refitting in Nashville in mid-1864, the regiment resumed active operations, conducting expeditions and skirmishes in Tennessee and Georgia. In December 1864, it participated in the pursuit of Hood’s retreating army, capturing prisoners and supplies. Early in 1865, the regiment was involved in expeditions against Confederate forces at Fort Deposit and in the Cumberland Mountains. In April 1865, the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry joined General Stoneman’s raid into North Carolina, participating in the capture of Salisbury and the pursuit of Confederate leaders. The regiment captured valuable Confederate property and notable prisoners, including General Bragg. The unit was mustered out at Nashville on June 21, 1865, with Company A mustered out on July 18, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Cumberland Valley operations (September 1862)
• Battle of Antietam (support and straggler duty, September 1862)
• Stone’s River Campaign (December 1862 – January 1863)
• Wilkinson’s Cross Roads (December 1862)
• Escort and courier duty during Tullahoma Campaign (June–July 1863)
• Chickamauga Campaign (September 1863)
• Seviersville, Tennessee (November 1863)
• Dandridge and Mossy Creek, Tennessee (January 1864)
• Expedition near Newport, Tennessee (January 1864)
• Expedition to Big Pigeon River (January 1864)
• Jonesboro and Holston River operations (1864)
• Pursuit of Hood’s army (December 1864)
• Expeditions against Fort Deposit and Cumberland Mountains (January–February 1865)
• Stoneman’s Raid into North Carolina (April 1865)
• Capture of Salisbury, North Carolina (April 1865)

Casualties

According to available records, the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry lost 13 killed or mortally wounded and 69 wounded and missing at Wilkinson’s Cross Roads in December 1862. Additional losses occurred in subsequent actions, including 75 killed, wounded, and prisoners at Dandridge. Comprehensive total casualty figures for the regiment are not fully detailed in primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William J. Palmer
• Lieutenant Colonel William Spencer
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles B. Lamborn
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles M. Betts
• Major Adolph G. Rosengarten
• Major Frank B. Ward
• Major Charles M. Betts
• Major George E. Gouraud
• Major William Wagner
• Major Abram B. Garner
• Major H. McAllister, Jr.

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry (160th Regiment) lists all officers and enlisted men who served in the regiment during its three-year term. This roster provides valuable information for genealogical and historical research.

To view the full roster, visit the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XVI, XX, XXIII, XXXI, XXXVIII
• Pennsylvania State Adjutant General’s Reports, 1862–1865
• 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, Vol. 1