The 2nd Maine Cavalry in the Civil War

This book follows the 2nd Maine Cavalry from their muster in the late winter of 1863 through their action against Confederate forces in Louisiana, Florida and Alabama. While giving the details of the many scouting expeditions, raids and battles in which the regiment participated, it also includes the more personal stories of several of the young soldiers involved. In addition, a complete regimental roster gives details of enlistment, illness, death from various causes, promotions, demotions, etc.

Ned Smith is a military veteran and a long time educator who teaches college history courses in Bangor, Maine.

Ned Smith
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 240
Bibliographic Info: 67 photos, 10 maps, appendices, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2014
pISBN: 978-0-7864-7968-9
eISBN: 978-1-4766-1656-8
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments vi
Preface 1
One—Slavery’s Influence in the United States and Maine 3
Two—Florida: Slavery, Political Power and Secession 11
Three—Winter 1863: Forming the 2nd Maine Veteran Volunteer Regiment 23
Four—Spring 1864: Mustering the Regiment and Action in the Red
River Campaign 37
Five—Summer 1864: Detachments in Action in Louisiana and First Actions in Florida 57
Six—September 1864: General Asboth’s Raid and the Battle of Marianna 78
Seven—Late 1864: Dissension Regarding Promotions and Raids on
Pollard and Milton 93
Eight—Early 1865: Promotions, Further Raids, and Difficult Times for
Florida’s Civilians 106
Nine—March 1865: Raids on the Confederate Railroad and Action Near Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely 122
Ten—To the End: The 2nd Maine Cavalry at Montgomery and
Reconstruction Duty in Florida 134
Appendices:
A. Roster of the 2nd Maine Cavalry 151
B. Causes of Death in the Different Theaters of the War 199
C. General ­Courts-Martial for Members of the 2nd Maine Cavalry 200
D. Men of the 2nd Maine Cavalry Held at Andersonville Prison 214
E. Officers Mustered out in Florida 216
Chapter Notes 217
Bibliography 225
Index 227

• “Valuable reference tools…useful insights into the leadership and operations of a little know regiment”—Civil War Books and Authors
• “Another fine addition to the Union bookshelf…a readable and interesting book…lavishly illustrated…heavily researched”—Blue & Gray Magazine
• “Smith brings the men who served in the 2nd Maine to life…an impressive array of photographs…the interesting story of a regiment that served in the backwaters of the Civil War”—Civil War News