Historical Sketch And Roster Of The Minnesota 2nd Cavalry Regiment

Formed in the fall of 1863, the Minnesota 2nd Cavalry Regiment and was mustered in during Jan., 1864. It was engaged in garrison duty, with occasional expeditions in pursuit of wandering bands of Indians until late in May, when it left Fort Snelling for the campaign against the Indians. The 8th Minnesota. infantry, eight companies of the 2nd cavalry, Brackett's cavalry battalion and Jones' infantry, formed the 2nd brigade of Sully's division, under command of Col. Minor T. Thomas these troops left Fort Ridgely June 5, 1864, and effected a junction with the 1st brigade at Fort Sully on the Missouri July 1. The Indians were driven from their camp on Cannon Ball river and followed to the Little Heart river. The regiment participated and did effective work in the battle of Tahkahokuty mountain, where 5,000 Indians were strongly posted in the hills and ravines. Two men of Co. D were killed the following night, while on picket, Co. D and part of Co. A being detailed for that duty. It was in the two days' engagement in early August, known as the battle of the Little Missouri, reached the Yellowstone on Aug. 13. On the return trip it had several slight encounters with the enemy. A detachment accompanied the expedition for the relief of Capt. Fisk and a party of 50 cavalrymen, who were escorting an emigrant train west. The regiment reached Fort Ridgely Oct. 8 and the several companies were on garrison and patrol duty at Forts Wadsworth, Abercrombie, Ripley and Ridgely, and smaller posts. They were mustered out as fast as regulars could take their places in the fall of 1865, except Co. A, which was mustered out April 2, and L mustered out May 4, 1866.