6th New York Cavalry ( 2nd IRA HARRIS GUARD )

6th New York Cavalry ( 2nd IRA HARRIS GUARD ) 2ND BRIGADE, 1ST DIVISION CAVALRY CORPS




History:


This regiment was organized originally by Col. O. De Forrest for the Ira Harris Cavalry Brigade, under special authority from the War Department, at New York city, and was, after having been turned over to the State, November 20, 1861, designated the Sixth Regiment of Cavalry, with Thomas C. Devin as Colonel. The companies were mustered in the service of the United States: At New York city, Company A September 12th. At the expiration of its term of service, those entitled thereto were discharged and the regiment retained in service.

The regiment left the State December 23, 1861, commanded by Col. Thomas C. Devin, appointed in November 1861, and served at York, Pa., from that time. Company A was with the 6th Corps in September, 1862, in the 2d Brigade, Pleasanton's Cavalry Division, Right Grand Division, Army of the Potomac, from December, 1862; in the 2d Brigade, 1st Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, from February, 1863; with the Army of the Shenandoah from October, 1864; and with the Army of the Potomac from March 26, 1865.

During its service the regiment lost, by death, killed in action, 5 officers, 49 enlisted men; of wounds received in action, 4 officers, 24 enlisted men; of disease and other causes, 133 enlisted men; total, 9 officers, 206 enlisted men; aggregate, 215; of whom 36 enlisted men died in the hands of the enemy.