There are several  key sources of information (listed below) that you should consult.if you are researching a specific member of the 24th New York Cavalry.  In addition to these sources, feel free to contact me.  I will be happy to share all the information I have concerning particular soldiers: Contact Author  

(1)  Military Service Records.  Each soldier who served in the 24th New York Cavalry should have a folder of Military Service Records on file at the National Archives.  They are also known as "Compiled Service Records."  You can request this file from the National Archives using a NATF Form 86:  Click for More Information  The file typically contains a couple dozen small slips of paper documenting the skeletal details of a soldier's enlistment and service with the regiment.

(2) Pension Records.  A large number of 24th New York Cavalry veterans (but far from all) filed applications with the government for pensions after the war.  Over the years Congress liberalized the eligibility requirements and increased the pension rates.  With each change in the laws there was a new flood of applications, some from those already receiving pensions and some from new applicants.  Applicants had to submit detailed affidavits and supporting information with their pension requests.  A typical pension file contains dozens of letters and affidavits from the applicant, from former comrades (attesting to the applicant's service and wounds received), and from neighbors and doctors (attesting to the disabilities from which the applicant then suffered).  These files were retained by the government whether or not the applicant ultimately qualified for a pension.  The files are a treasure trove for researchers.   You can request copies of individual pension files from the National Archives using a NATF Form 85: Click for More Information  I can tell you if a pension file exists for a particular 24th New York Cavalry veteran.

(3) New York State Archives.  The State of New York also kept service records on individual soldiers.  A copy of these records (typically a page in length) may be ordered from the New York State Archives in Albany: Click for More Information  Although the information contained in the state service records tends to be meager and duplicative, I have found that occasionally they offer tidbits not found in the other records.

(4) Muster-In Rolls.  I possess a typed facsimile of the muster-in rolls of the 24th New York Cavalry, covering the formative period of the regiment (November 1863 through January 1864).  I will be happy to respond to inquiries concerning individual soldiers.

(5) Adjutant-General's Report.  In 1895, the New York Adjutant-General published a volume which contains information (typically a paragraph in length) on the service of individual 24th New York Cavalry members.  I also possess a copy of this book.

(6) The Regimental Books.  The Regimental Books of the 24th New York Cavalry are on file at the National Archives and are discussed elsewhere in this website:  Regimental Books