5th South Carolina Cavalry Regiment

The 5th South Carolina Cavalry, also known as "Ferguson's Cavalry Regiment", was Confederate States Army Cavalry regiment in the American Civil War.

5th South Carolina Cavalry
Flag of South Carolina
Active	January 18, 1863 to May 3, 1865
Country	Confederate States of America
Allegiance	Confederate States Army
Branch	Cavalry
Type	Regiment
Engagements	American Civil War Battle of Grimball's Landing Bermuda Hundred Campaign Battle of Chester Station Battle of Swift Creek Battle of Proctor's Creek Overland Campaign Battle of the Wilderness Battle of Haw's Shop Battle of Cold Harbor Battle of Trevilian Station Beefsteak Raid Siege of Petersburg Carolinas Campaign Battle of Monroe's Crossroads Battle of Bentonville
Commanders
Notable commanders	Brig. Gen. Samuel W. Ferguson Brig. Gen. John Dunovant

Formation and Early Service

The 5th South Carolina Cavalry was formed in January 1863 when several independent cavalry commands were combined. These included the 14th and 17th South Carolina Cavalry Battalions, Capt. Joseph Gist Harlan's Cavalry Company, and Capt. Louis A. Whilden's Cavalry Company (St. James Mounted Riflemen). Lt. Col. Samuel W. Ferguson of the 28th Mississippi Cavalry, then recovering at home in Charleston from an injury received when he fell from his horse, was appointed colonel of the regiment. However, Ferguson's appointment was never confirmed, and he returned to his command in Mississippi without ever joining the regiment. In his absence, Lieut. Col. Robert J. Jeffords took temporary command of the regiment until John Dunovant, previously dismissed as major of the 1st SC Regulars, was appointed colonel in July 1863. Although officially designated a regiment, the companies remained dispersed at various locations along the South Carolina coast.

Transfer to Virginia

In March 1864 the 5th was ordered to assemble in Virginia, which they completed in April. WIP

See also

• List of South Carolina Confederate Civil War units