Corporal Antoine Perry

Antoine Perry was born in June 4, 1841 in Quebec, Canada. He died on 26 Aug 1894 in North Bangor, NY. Antoine enlisted with the 5th NY Volunteer Cavalry on the 9th of January 1863. He probably was mustered in in New York City. His first duty assignment was probably on picket duty around Washington, DC. For most of 1863 and the first half of 1864 the 5th NY Cavalry was assigned to the Army of The Potomac protecting the approaches to Washington. The 5th NY Calvary was involved in many skirmishes with Colonel Mosby and his Rangers in the Northern Virginia Area.
In September/October 1863 the 5th NY Calvary saw battle against the Confederate forces of Gen Longstreet at Brandy Station, Va. At the conclusion of the battle the 5th NY Calvary was returning to Manassas and then to Washington with units of the 5th NY Infantry, when on the afternoon of October 3rd at Bristoe Station, Va. they were attacked by Gen, Longstreet’s forces coming from Warrenton. The battle lasted just the afternoon. Antoine Perry’s unit, Company K was assigned to provide protection for the supply wagons returning from Brandy Station and followed a slightly different route that the rest of the 5th NY Calvary. Company K and the supply train followed Cedar Run into Brentsville, VA and stayed there the afternoon of the Bristow Station skirmish. What makes this interesting is that Chuck Quigley in the late 1970’s purchased a home on Cedar Run very near to Brentsville, Va. It is highly probable that Company K and Antoine in 1863 passed over the land that was later to be purchased by his great grandson.
The New York Town Clerks Register of Men who served in the Civil War stated that Antoine saw action in at least the following battles – Battle of Travillion Station, Louisa Co, Va, Jun 11-12, 1864, The Battle of Cold Harbor on May 31, 1864 and the Battle of Snickers Gap on June 3, 1864.
In the fall of 1864 his unit was assigned to the Army of the Shenandoah and saw duty in the Shenandoah valley with General Sheridan He was promoted to Corporal in December 1864 and to Sergeant in May 1865. He was mustered out in July 19, 1865 at Winchester, Va. The 5th NY Cavalry was returned to New York City on July 21, 1865 and the unit disbanded. Antoine then returned to Franklin, Co, NY.