The Tenth Cavalry organized at Camp Butler, in the latter part of September 1861, and was mustered into the service of the United States on the 25th of November 1861, under command of Colonel James A. Barrett.

Lieutenant Colonel Dudley Wickersham became Colonel May 15, 1862. Colonel Wickersham was much of the time in command of a Division, Brigade or important posts, and in every position was efficient and worthy-esteemed by all who knew him and very greatly respected by the officers and men of his Regiment. Upon his resignation, May 10, 1864, he was succeeded by Colonel James Stuart, an accomplished officer, to whom much credit is due for the efficiency of the Regiment in drill, in which it was excelled by few, if any, in the service.

The Regiment was fortunate in having for its chaplin, Reverend Francis Springer, D.D., who was one among the most efficient chaplains of the armies; preaching to the command whenever an opportunity afforded; at all times visiting and looking after the comfort of the wounded, sick and dying soldiers. Doctor Springer is remembered with kindest regards and esteem by all.

Immediately upon the organization of the Regiment a Band was formed, and continued through many adversities, a pleasant feature to the end. The Regiment was mounted on horses owned by the individual members until in 1864, when the Government by purchase and supply became owner.

In the latter part of January 1862, the Regiment moved to Quincy, where it was occupied in drill and learning the duties of soldiers, until March 13, 1862, when it moved to Benton Barracks. The Regiment left Benton Barracks by rail about the first of April 1862, the Third Battalion, Major Marshall L. Stephenson, going first; followed in a few days by the Second, Major Joseph S. Smith, and a few days later the First, Major E. P. Shaw. Upon its arrival at Rolla, Mo., the Third Battalion was immediately marched to Springfield, Mo., the other Battalions following as the necessary transportation for baggage could be furnished, and where all had arrived by the first of May.

At Benton Barracks and Rolla the Regiment had been partly armed and equipped, and after arrival at Springfield a full supply of sabers and revolvers, together with six two pound howitzers, were obtained. About the first of July 1862, a few hundred rifles were issued it, but as these proved worthless they were soon disposed of and never reckoned in the armament of the Regiment.

The First Battalion, companies A, D, G and K, under command of Major E. P. Shaw, left Springfield, Mo., June 15, 1862, to join General Curtis in Arkansas.

The Second and Third Battalions marched to Keitsville, Mo., July 8, and returned to Springfield on the 20th. Moved to Vera Cruz, Mo., on August 10 and to Marshfield, Mo., on the 16th, where the headquarters remained until November following. After the arrival of the Regiment at Springfield, Mo., it was almost constantly on duty. Expeditions by detachments were made in May and June to the west, and as far south as Yellville, Ark. Early in July 1862, a detachment was at Cane Hill, in Arkansas, and on July 7 engaged a very superior force, killing one and taking many prisoners. A few days later, near the line of the Indian Territory, a skirmish was had, in which two of the enemy were killed and a number of prisoners taken.

From Marshfield detachments were stationed at Sand Springs, Hartsville and Clark's Mills, Mo., and the Regiment was constantly employed in guarding the road between Springfield and Lebanon, Mo., scouting the country, dispersing bands of guerrillas, protecting so far as possible the Union people and aiding in the formation of the Missouri State Militia. A successful expedition, under Major Stephenson, was made to Carrollton, Ark,; several scouts made to Forsythe, Mo., and other points were visited until Southwest Missouri became almost as well known to the men of the Regiment as the prairies of Illinois.

October 20, 1862, Lieut. Colonel James Stuart with 105 men attacked a camp of 300 rebels on Niauqua creek, Mo., killing four, wounding many and capturing one captain with twenty six men, totally dispersing the remainder, with a loss of one killed and one wounded.

On November 7th about seventy men of companies C and M with two howitzers and a few Missouri State Militia, under command of Captain Hiram E. Barstow, stationed at Clarks Mills, Mo., were attacked by a force of about 1200, with two pieces of artillery, under Colonels Burbridge and Green. After a fight of several hours, with prospect of success, Captain Barstow, subsequently dismissed the service, acceded to a demand for surrender, the officers and men being immediately paroled.

November 14 the two battalions were made part of the Army of the Frontier and moved to Wilson Creek, Mo., where Colonel Wickersham assumed command of a Cavalry Brigade composed of the 1st Iowa, 2d Wisconsin, 8th Missouri, and 10th Illinois. In the latter part of November this Brigade made a raid to Yellville, Ark., and returned to Wilson Creek, having marched 250 miles in five days.

On the 4th of December, as part of the army commanded by General Herron, this cavalry Brigade commenced the march to reinforce General Blunt in Arkansas. On the 6th the Brigade left the infantry column and making a march of over 50 miles, reported to General Blunt at Cane Hill, Ark., at 10 o'clock that night. On the morning of the 7th, when it was ascertained that the enemy had passed to the north of Cane Hill, Colonel Wickersham was ordered with his command to Rhea's Mills, Ark., where General Blunt's supply train was. Soon after arrival at that place this cavalry Brigade was directed to go to the assistance of General Herron, then for the first time known to be engaged in battle. The Brigade reached the battle field of Prairie Grove, Ark., on the rear left flank of the enemy's line of battle about 3 o'clock P.M. A section of the howitzers from the Tenth was ordered to the front, where by a few rounds the presence of assistance to General Herron was made known. General Blunt with his command arriving shortly afterwards, the cavalry Brigade being armed with sabres and revolvers only, was used as a support to the artillery, placed in open field and prairie, and later, on the left of the line of battle. On the 8th the Regiment protected General Blunt's supply train to Fayetteville, Ark., afterwards joining in pursuit of the rebel army to Van Buren, Ark.

Returning to Fayetteville, Colonel Wickersham was placed in command of the post, with the Regiment as part of his force.

In January 1863, the Second Battalion, companies B, E, H and L, Major Jos. S. Smith, joined the Division of General Totten at Huntsville, Ark., and shortly after moved with it to Flat Creek, Mo.

The Third Battalion, remaining at Fayetteville, was occupied in scouting the country, detachments making several expeditions south of the Boston Mountains, defeating the enemy in skirmishes at Van Buren, Frog Bayou and other places. In March it joined the Second Battalion in Missouri, when together they moved to Rolla, Mo., where carbines were procured, thus completing its armament as a cavalry regiment.

From Rolla these Battalions in April participated under command of General Vandeveer in an expedition to the relief of Cape Girardeau, Mo., and the expulsion of the rebel invading force from Southwest Missouri.

In May the two Battalions were at Pilot Knob, as part of the cavalry Division, being collected for an expedition into Arkansas. Here the two-pound howitzers were exchanged for two twelve-pound mountain howitzers. These were in a few weeks transferred to another command.

On July 1, the Battalions under Lieut. Col. Stuart, as part of the Second Brigade, Colonel Wickersham, 1st Cavalry Division, Department of the Missouri, Brigadier General J. W. Davidson, left Arcadia, Mo., for the march culminating in the taking of Little Rock, Arkansas.

Near Witsburg, Ark., August 1, the First Battalion joined them, once again uniting the Regiment.

The First Battalion joined General Curtis at Jacksonport, Ark., July 4, 1862. Was assigned to the Third Brigade, Colonel Hovey, commanding, First Division, Brigadier General Fred Steele commanding, and participating in the engagement at Cotton Plant, Ark., July 7, arrived at Helena, Ark., July 12, 1862. August 7, it moved to Old Town Landing; on October 6, returned to Helena and was assigned to First Brigade Colonel J.B. Wyman, Second Division Brigadier General E. A. Carr.

The Battalion participated in two lengthy expeditions under Generals Hovey and Washburn; the capture of Arkansas Post, Ark., the Yazoo Pass expedition to Fort Pemberton, besides smaller scouts, and was in the engagement at Richmond, La., June 6, 1862, where it lost two killed and one lieutenant with twenty-one men prisoners; the companies of the Battalion were separated much of the time as escorts to various Generals.

The Regiment with the Division reached Clarendon, Ark., August 7, 1863, and Brownsville, Ark., with the train, one day later than the Division, on the 26th. On August 27, as the advance of a reconnoissance by the Division, met the enemy a few miles from Brownsville, and driving him to his rifle pits, which he was soon forced to leave and retreat with his artillery to Bayou Metoe, later participating in the engagement at that place on the right of the line of battle, losing one lieutenant and one private killed.

On September 10 the Regiment took an active and honorable part in the engagement at Bayou Fouche and capture of Little Rock, Ark.; on the 11th and 12th were with the column pursing the enemy, returning to Little Rock on the 13th. October 7 went to Pine Bluff, Ark., and returned to Little Rock on the 15th.

January 12, 1864, the Regiment received, by the hands of Lieutenant Robert J. Bellamy, company D, from Mrs. E. S. Turner, of the Soldier's Christian Association, Chicago, a beautiful silk National flag, which upon the disbandment of the Regiment was deposited with the Adjutant General of the State.

The Regiment having re-enlisted was sent home for furlough, arriving at Camp Butler February 28, 1864. Its members were welcomed home by Governor Yates in a speech delivered in Representative hall of the Capitol, and after enjoying a dinner given by their lady friends of Springfield, dispersed to their various homes. Upon the expiration of furlough the men of the Regiment reunited at Camp Butler. It left Camp Butler, March 17, 1864, for Nashville, Tenn. Remained at Nashville but a short time when it was moved to Little Rock, Ark. Arriving at Little Rock without arms or horses, during the absence of General Steele on his expedition to cooperate with General Banks' Red River expedition, the Regiment, in the emergency for the defense of the place, was armed with muskets supplied with a six-gun rifled battery. Owing to the small number of troops present, it was on duty almost without rest day or night, until General Steele's return.

The non-veterans of the Regiment accompanied the expedition under General Steele, and actively participated, in its various engagements.

The Regiment was stationed at Huntsville, Ark., in July, at Austin, Ark., in September and at Brownsville, Ark., in November, where it remained until the following March.

During the summer and fall of 1864 and winter of 1864-65 detachments were absent almost all the time on various expeditions. July 14, 1864, 225 men being surrounded and attacked at Bayou Des Arc, near Seacry, Ark., by about 1200 rebels, cut their way out with a loss of two killed and twenty prisoners, a number of the latter being wounded. Successful skirmishes were had by detachments at Cypress Bayou, Austin, Cotton Plant, Springfield, West Point and other places.

January 27, 1865, the veterans and recruits of the Regiment were consolidated into nine companies and those of the 15th Illinois Cavalry into three companies and all reorganized into the Tenth Illinois Veteran Volunteer Cavalry.

The Regiment being ordered to New Orleans, La., left Brownsville, Ark., March 16, 1865, and taking boats at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., was at Greenville, La., April 1.

Upon receipt of intelligence of the assassination of President Lincoln, April 15, the Regiment was ordered into the city of New Orleans and as a police force was given complete control. Its prompt and energetic action doubtless prevented a scene of confusion and bloodshed and made the city one of the most quiet in the Union on that eventful day, winning from the Commanding General a high compliment in general orders.

While at Greenville the rebel ram Webb passed New Orleans in its endeavor to get to sea; finding this impossible she was run ashore about ten miles below the city, where her crew, attempting escape in the swamps, was with one exception captured by a detachment from the Regiment in pursuit.

June 6, 1865, the Regiment was ordered by boat up Red River and on the 17th was at Shreveport, La.

It left Shreveport July 8, 1865, under command of Lieut. Col. Carmichael, as part of the Second Brigade, Colonel James Stuart, First Cavalry Division, Major General Merritt, and arrived at San Antonio, Tex., August 1 following. From San Antonio several lengthy expeditions were made into the surrounding country after Indians, but its stay there was one of general idleness.

November 22d, 1865, the Regiment was mustered out of the service and being sent North via Galveston and New Orleans, reached Camp Butler, January 1, 1866, where, the members receiving their final pay and discharge January 6, it was disbanded, thus ending the career of a Regiment, that not being placed in the theater of war where brilliant actions are shown. It at all times performed faithfully and well whatever duty was given it to do. It traveled as many miles, was without rations as many days, built as many miles of corduroy road, and cheerfully bore as many hardships as any regiment.

Special Orders No. 24, Extract

IV. The original service term of the Tenth and Fifteenth Regiments Illinois Cavalry Volunteers having expired, the re-enlisted men and recruits of the same will, under the supervision of the Commissary of Musters for the Department, he formed into twelve companies, of the maximum strength, and re-organized as the Tenth Regiment Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, to be officered as follows, viz:

James Stewart........................Col. 10th Ill. Cav.....................................................to be Colonel
L. Carmichael.........................Major 15th Ill. Cav.................................to be Lieutenant Colonel
Thomas D. Vredenburgh........Captain Co. D, 10th Ill. Cav.......................................to be Major
George A. Willis....................Captain Co. I, 15th Ill. Cav.........................................to be Major
William A. Chapin..................Captain Co. F, 10th Ill. Cav........................................to be Major
Augustus A. Shutt..................Surgeon 10th Ill. Cav...............................................to be Surgeon
J.H. Shilling............................1st Asst. Surgeon 10th Ill. Cav..................to be Assistant Surgeon
Edwin L. Lathrop...................2d Asst. Surgeon 10th Ill. Cav...................to be Assistant Surgeon
Lonis Souther........................1st Lieut. And Adj. 15th Ill. Cav..............................to be Adjutant
John G. Springer....................1st Lieut. Co. I, 10th Ill. Cav...........................to be Quartermaster
William King..........................Sergt. Major 10th Ill. Cav..................................to be Commissary
G.A. Bruce............................Capt. Co. L, 10th Ill. Cav...............................to be Captain Co. A
Byron L. Crouch...................Capt. Co. B, 10th Ill. Cav................................to be Captain Co. B
Edwin R. Neal.......................1st Lt. And Co., 10th Ill. Cav..........................to be Captain Co. C
George W. Curry...................1st Lieut. Co. K, 10th Ill. Cav.........................to be Captain Co. D
William H. Stout....................Capt. Co. E, 10th Ill. Cav................................to be Captain Co. E
J.S. Vredenburgh...................1st Lieut. Co. B, 10th Ill. Cav..........................to be Captain Co. F
William T. Wooten................1st Lieut. Co. C, 10th Ill. Cav..........................to be Captain Co. G
Turner B. Pierce....................Capt. Co. H, 10th Ill. Cav...............................to be Captain Co. H
William H. Coffman...............Capt. Co. I, 10th Ill. Cav................................ to be Captain Co. I
Wm. Duncan.........................Capt. Co. K, 15th Ill. Cav...............................to be Captain Co. K
Albert Collins........................Capt. Co. F, 15th Ill. Cav................................to be Captain Co. L
Daniel Dynan.........................2d Lieut. Co. I, 15th Ill. Cav...........................to be Captain Co. M
Samuel F. Russell..................2d Lieut. Co. A, 10th Ill. Cav.....................to be First Lieut. Co. A
Jerome Ross..........................Sergt. Co. K, 10th Ill. Cav.........................to be First Lieut. Co. B
Sardius Smith........................1st Lieut. Co. M, 10th Ill. Cav...................to be First Lieut. Co. C
William H. Summy.................Sergt. Co. K, Ill. Cav................................to be First Lieut. Co. D
Samuel B. Garber..................1st Lieu. Co. E, 10th Ill. Cav.....................to be First Lieut. Co. E
Casper Britt...........................1st Sergt. Co. F, 10th Ill. Cav....................to be First Lieut. Co. F
Augustus F. Myers................Com. Sergt. 10th Ill. Cav...........................to be First Lieut. Co. G
William A. Keith....................1st Lieut. Co. H, 10th Ill. Cav....................to be First Lieut. Co. H
William Kelier.......................Sergt. Co. H, 10th Ill. Cav...........................to be First Lieut. Co. I
Charles M. Harvey................1st Lieut. Co. K, 15th Ill. Cav....................to be First Lieut. Co. K
John Moonehan.....................1st Lieut. Co. F, 15th Ill. Cav.....................to be First Lieut. Co. L
Jerome B. Marlett.................Sergt. Co. I, 15th Ill. Cav...........................to be First Lieut. Co. M
D. Dempster.........................2d Lieut. Co. D, 10th Ill. Cav.................to be Second Lieut. Co. A
Isaac N. Watts......................Sergt. Co. B, 10th Ill. Cav......................to be Second Lieut. Co. B
George B. Taylor..................2d Lieut. Co. C, 10th Ill. Cav.................to be Second Lieut. Co. C
G.H. Sturdevant....................Sergt. Co. K, 10th Ill. Cav.....................to be Second Lieut. Co. D
William J. Dorman................2d Lieut. Co. E, 10th Ill. Cav.................to be Second Lieut. Co. E
Edward Jageman...................Sergt. Co. F, 10th Ill. Cav......................to be Second Lieut. Co. F
Fred R. Spriggs....................1st Sergt. Co. G, 10th Ill. Cav................to be Second Lieut. Co. G
Fred H. Miller......................Chief Trumpeter 10th Ill. Cav..................to be Second Lieut. Co. H
Simon Baltzell......................2d Lieut. Co. I, 10th Ill. Cav....................to be Second Lieut. Co. I
John A. McQueen................2d Lieut. Co. K, 15th Ill. Cav..................to be Second Lieut. Co. K
William H. Huddleston..........Sergt. Co. E, 15th Ill. Cav.......................to be Second Lieut. Co. L
George Gunter......................Sergt. Co. I, 15th Ill. Cav.......................to be Second Lieut. Co. M

All commissioned officers of the Tenth and Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, not herein designated, will be mustered out of service.

The consolidated command will embrace all enlisted men of said regiments retained in service under War Department Circular 36th, of 1864, except members of Company M. Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers. No reports having been received, the station and status of this Company is unknown. It is supposed to have been mustered out of services and should any men belonging thereto report for duty, they will be attached, as "unassigned," to Company M, Tenth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers.