17th Illinois Cavalry

Regimental History and Service Record

Organized at St. Charles. Ills., and 8 Companies mustered in January 28, 1864. Four Companies mustered in February 12, 1864. Moved to St. Louis, Mo., May 3, 1864. Equipped at Jefferson Barracks and moved to Alton, Ill. Guard prisoners there until August. 1st Battalion, Cos. "A," "B," "C," "D," ordered to St. Louis June, 1864, thence to District of North Missouri. Engaged in Escort and Provost duty at St. Joseph and Weston, Mo., until June, 1865. Cos. "C" and "D" moved to Jefferson City September, 1864. Defense of Jefferson City October 6-7. Joined Regiment. 2nd Battalion--"E," "F," "G" and "H"-- ordered from Alton, Ills., to Glasgow, Mo., June, 1864, and duty there operating against Thornton's Command until September. Skirmish at Allen July 23 (Co. "G"). Huntsville July 24 (Co. "F"). Dripping Springs August 15-16 (Co. "F"). Columbia August 16 (Co. "F"). Rocheport August 20 (Co. "F"). Battalion moved to Rolla, Mo., arriving September 23, 1864. 3rd Battalion at Alton, Ills., until August, 1864. Moved to Benton Barracks, thence to Rolla, Mo., arriving there September 19. Operations against Price's invasion of Missouri September to November. Cover Ewing's retreat from Pilot Knob to Rolla, September 27-30. Moved to Jefferson City, Mo. Defense of Jefferson City October 6-7. Moreau Bottom October 7. Booneville October 9-12. Glasgow October 15. Little Blue October 21. Independence October 22. Hickman's Mill October 23. Mine Creek, Little Osage, Marias Des Cygnes, Kansas, October 25. Returned to Springfield, Mo., thence moved to Cassville and Rolla, arriving November 15. Duty there until January, 1865. At Pilot Knob, Mo., until April, and at Cape Girardeau until June. Moved to Kansas and duty on the Plains until November. Mustered out Companies "C," "E," "I" and "M," November 23, and rest of Regiment December 15 to 22, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 7 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer and 86 Enlisted men by disease. Total 94.