The Virginia 5th Cavalry was organized in June, 1862, using six companies of scouts under Lieutenant Colonel H. Clay Pate known as the 2nd Battalion Virginia Cavalry as its nucleus. These men who had been serving since May and the additional four companies added in June were from Petersburg and Fairfax, Gloucester (Co. F, the Mathews Light Dragoons), King and Queen, Mathews, Randolph, and James City counties.
It was assigned to W.H.F. Lee's, F. Lee's, Lomax's, and Payne's Brigade, Army of Northern Virginia. The unit participated in the Seven Days' Battles, the Second Bull Run and Maryland campaigns, and the conflicts at Fredericksburg, Brandy Station, Upperville, Gettysburg, Bristoe, and Mine Run. Later it was involved at The Wilderness and Cold Harbor, and in Early's Shenandoah Valley operations.
On November 8, 1864, it was consolidated with the 15th Virginia Cavalry and redesignated the 5th Consolidated Regiment Virginia Cavalry. This command took part in the defense of Petersburg and saw action around Appomattox.
Only 150 men were engaged at Gettysburg and 2 surrendered at Appomattox as most cut through the Federal lines and disbanded. The field officers were Colonels Reuben B. Boston, H. Clay Pate, and Thomas L. Rosser; Lieutenant Colonel James H. Allen; and Majors Beverly B. Douglas, John Eells, Cyrus Harding, Jr., and John W. Puller.
