1864 Civil War Letter Col. Keily 2nd LA Cavalry Mutiny Court Martial

Historical 1864 Civil War Letter - Colonel Daniel J. Keily, 2nd Louisiana Cavalry (Union) - Regiment Consolidation & Court Martial Drama

This is an exceptionally rare and historically significant original Civil War letter written by Colonel Daniel Joseph Keily, commanding officer of the 2nd Louisiana Cavalry (a Union regiment raised in occupied Louisiana). The letter is dated October 17, 1864, written from "Headquarters, 2d Reg't La. Cavalry, New Orleans" on extremely rare printed official regimental letterhead featuring an embossed crest.

The content of this letter is remarkable, detailing a dramatic internal military crisis within the Union Army's Department of the Gulf. Colonel Keily writes to a "Dear Doctor" about the forced consolidation of his regiment with the 1st Louisiana Cavalry, the subsequent revolt of his officers who refused to appear before an examination board, their resulting dishonorable dismissals, and Keily's own court-martial and acquittal.

Key Historical Content:

Colonel Keily bluntly states: "The 2d La Cav. has given up the Ghost, and no longer exists..." He describes the August 27th order consolidating them with the 1st Louisiana and how "All the officers (except two) of the 2d La refused to be examined as competing with the officers of the 1st La... were dishonorably dismissed the service - and I was courtmartialed which has just terminated acquitting me of all charges."

He further notes the public outrage ("a gross outrage") and mentions that Major Penn-Gaskell has gone to Washington D.C. to appeal directly to have the dismissal orders revoked for himself and his brother officers. He also names the two officers who were retained, referring to them as the "Bete-noire of the Reg't."

About the Author:

Colonel Daniel J. Keily was a highly notable Irish-American officer. Prior to the Civil War, he fought in the Papal Army in Italy and was decorated by Pope Pius IX. During the Civil War, he served on the staffs of Generals Wadsworth and Shields, was severely wounded in the face at the Battle of Port Republic, and later took command of the 2nd Louisiana Cavalry.

This is an outstanding piece of primary source military history regarding unit politics, courts-martial, and the Union occupation of Louisiana. Ideal for collectors of rare Civil War correspondence, Union Cavalry history, or Irish-American military figures.

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