This regiment is not to be confused with the 5th Massachusetts Colored Cavalry. The 5th United States Colored Cavalry was one of the more notable black fighting units. It was officially organized in Kentucky in October 1864, after its first two battles. It was commanded by Colonel James Brisbin until February 1865, when he took over the 6th US Colored Cavalry. His executive officer, Louis Henry Carpenter, commanded the regiment until 20 March 1866.
The regiment was composed of ex-slaves, freedmen, and slaves who had escaped to Union lines. Many white officers from the unit were later assigned to the famed Buffalo Soldiers cavalry units who operated during the Indian Wars in the West. Many USCC soldiers (later called troopers) volunteered for further service after their Civil War units were retired.
The Regiment lost during service 35 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer and 151 Enlisted men by disease. Total 187.
OFFICERS:
James Sanks Brisbin
Louis Henry Carpenter
ASSIGNMENTS:
Attached to 1st Division, District of Kentucky, Dept. of Ohio, to February, 1865.
Military District of Kentucky and Dept. of Arkansas, to March, 1866.
BATTLES:
1864
2 October - Saltville, Virginia - Battle of Saltville I
21 October - Harrodsburg, Kentucky - an engagement
12 December - Hopkinsville, Kentucky - an engagement
13 December - Kingsport, Tennessee (flanking movement & skirmishing)
17–18 December 1864, Marion, Virginia - Battle of Marion
20–21 December - Saltville, Virginia - Battle of Saltville II
1865
25 January - Simpsonville, KY - an ambush
ROSTER:
The roster of this regiment contains the names of 1048 men. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion. Vol. 2. Davenport, IA: Eastern Digital Resources, 2003.
Rigdon, John C. US Colored Troops Civil War Soldiers Index. Davenport, IA: Eastern Digital Resources, 2011.
DVD - $50.00 DOWNLOAD- $20.00 COMBO - $65.00 SAVE $55 when you purchase The Service Records of U. S. Colored Troops Civil War Soldiers, Heitmans Historical Dictionary of U.S.Army Officers and Dyers Compendium CDs together. This bundle also includes The U. S. Colored Troops Civil War Soldiers Index - a $15 value.
HISTORICAL NOTES:
