ILLINOIS 5TH CAVALRY (Three Years)

Fifth Cavalry.-Cols., Hall Wilson, John McConnell, Lieut.-Cols., Benjamin L. Wiley, Thomas A. Apperson, Abel H. Seeley; Majs., Speed Butler, Thomas A. Apperson, Abel H. Seeley, James Farnan, Horace P. Mumford, George W. McConkey. This regiment was organized at Camp Butler in Nov., 1861, and mustered in for three years. On Feb. 20, 1862, it moved to Benton barracks, St. Louis Mo., and on March 27, marched to Doniphan, arriving there on April 1, driving out the enemy, capturing his camp, killing 3 and taking 7 prisoners. In October, a forage train was attacked by the enemy and 79 of the regiment were captured, after losing 1 killed and 6 wounded. In the spring of 1863 it entered the Vicksburg campaign and on June 3, made a reconnoissance to Mechanicsburg, drove the enemy 10 miles, skirmishing heavily. On the following day it formed a junction with two regiments of infantry and 8 pieces of artillery, attacked the enemy and defeated him, the regiment losing 1 killed and 7 wounded. In July, it accompanied an expedition to Canton, Miss., arriving there after some fighting, and after destroying the public workshops, railroads, etc., returned to the main army at Jackson. On Aug. 21, it encountered and defeated Blythe's Confederate cavalry at Coldwater, the regiment losing 1 killed and 5 wounded. In October it took part in a cavalry charge at Brownsville, routing the Confederate Gen. Wirt Adams, and driving him from his position, the regiment losing 2 wounded and 1 prisoner. On Jan. 1, 1864, many in the regiment reenlisted as veterans, and in March, were furloughed home, returning to the command on May 10. The remainder of the regiment's term of service was spent in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, engaged in scouting and guard duties. It was mustered out at Springfield, Ill., Oct. 27, 1865.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 3

Illinois 5th Volunteer Cavalry (Union)

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