Very nice full standing view of a very young cavalryman wearing an issue shell jacket with shoulder scales, sky-blue trousers with leg stripe and sword belt. On his head, at a rakish angle, he wears a Hardee Hat with crossed sabers and Company letter “I” with Regimental number “16.” He stands at the position of “Parade Rest” with his hands resting on the hilt of his drawn saber. Photographer’s imprint on back is Thwaites & Co., New York City and Brooklyn. Image is clear and clean.

The 16^th New York Cavalry was also known as the Sprague Light Cavalry and was raised and organized from June to October of 1863. Company I was mustered in between September and October of 1863 at Staten Island, New York. Companies A, B, C and D managed to reach the Army in time for the Gettysburg Campaign. Once the rest of the regiment arrived it was then assigned to the 22^nd Corps and saw action at Bristoe Station, Centerville, Falls Church, Rapidan Station, Lewinsville and Warrenton. It was a detachment of the 16^th New York who tracked down and captured John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, at Garrett’s farm on April 26, 1865. Booth’s accomplice, David E. Harold was also captured at the same time.