The Second Massachusetts Cavalry included the only organized group (5 companies totaling 504 men) from California to fight in the east during the Civil War. This book tells what these men from California and Massachusetts accomplished, how they communicated, and how they viewed themselves.
The Second Massachusetts Cavalry included the only organized group (5 companies totaling 504 men) from California to fight in the east during the Civil War. These men began their careers in Northern Virginia in 1862, clashing with the rangers of Major John S. Mosby, in a deadly world of guerrilla warfare. In August of 1864, the regiment was assigned to Sheridans Army of Shenandoah and served through all of the battles in the campaign to clear the valley of Confederates, witnessing the final surrender at Appomattox Courthouse.
