5th Regiment Michigan Cavalry

5th
Regiment Michigan
Volunteer Cavalry

1862-1865

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"Regimental Roster"
The Fifth Cavalry was raised under the authority given by the War Department to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph T. Copeland, of the 1st. Cavalry, with the sanction of the Governor of Michigan.

Its rendezvous was at Detroit, where they were mustered into the United States service on August 30,1862.

The Regiment, under the command of Colonel Copeland, left its rendezvous on the fourth of December, 1862, with orders to proceed to Washington, having a strength of 1144 officers and men.

They had been subjected to a long delay in procuring arms and equipments, having finally to leave Detroit only partly armed, but fully equipped, mounted and clothed.

A Battery of Artillery was raised in connection with the Regiment, classified as the Ninth Michigan, originally know as "Daniel's Artillery", but was afterwards designated as Battery "I", 1st. Michigan Light Artillery.

During its entire time in the service of the United States, they were assigned to the famous, Michigan Brigade, under the command of Brigadier General George A. Custer.

The Fifth's history is found under that Brigade's history.

ORGANIZATION

Regiment organized at Detroit, Mich., and mustered in August 30, 1862.
Left State for Washington, D.C. December 4, 1862.
Attached to Provisional Cavalry Brigade, Military District of Washington to February, 1863.
Provisional Cavalry Brigade, Casey's Division, 22nd Army Corps, Dept. of Washington to March, 1863.
1st Brigade, Stahel's Cavalry Division, 22nd Army Corps to June, 1863.
2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac to March, 1864.
1st Brigade, 1st Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac and Middle Military Division to June, 1865.
Mustered out June 23, 1865.

1862-1865
Total Enrollment1198
Killed in Action98
Died of Wounds24
Died of Disease236
Total Casualty Rate29.8%

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