This regiment was recruited at Grand Rapids, September 1862 under Colonel Francis W. Kellogg. Eight companies left for Washington, February 23, 1862. In May following, its strength was increased by addition of recruits and the regimental roll call raised to one thousand and twenty eight officers and men. Its first services rendered in connection with the army of the Potomac, and in November, 1863, advanced with that army corps toward the Rappahanmock. With the aid of the Sixth Michigan Cavalry, it repelled the large rebel force at Winchester, August 11, 1864 and again at Cedar Creek, October 19, performed gallant service. Towards the close of 1864, it was still with General Sheridan army of the Shenandoah and with it moved on Staunton, February 27, 1865. This formed the first move in Sheridan’s ride to James River. The discomfiture of rebel Rosser’s cavalry troops at Louisa Court House March 8; the capture of that position and the destruction of everything useful to the enemy along the James River canal, closed its course under Sheridan as a raider. On March 22^nd, the regiment crossed over to the army of the Potomac, participated in almost all of the affairs characterizing the close of the war, completing a grand record of service in defense of the Union at Appoomattox Court House, April 9, 1865.

Its subsequental service through Virginia and North Carolina, and its participation in the great review of the army of the Potomac May 23, 1865 may be said to close its war record proper but the command was ordered west for service with the Michigan Cavalry brigade at Fort Leavenworth, arriving at the destination, it was sent to Fort Collins. There the troops learned that the command they had served so faithfully during the Rebellion, were treating them miserable, denying them of every privilege which they asked. Major General Upton, commander at Denver, declined to make any provision for transportation. The men hired transportation in mule trains, of which they were several, returning to Fort Leavenworth and which the government might have hired. Upon arriving at the Fort, the regiment was mustered out; the final plans were made and ordered to Michigan, arriving at Jackson on the 20^th and paid off on the 25^th of December 1865.