Cooke’s Handy-Book for U.S. Cavalry — 1863 Civil War Cavalry Manual

Cooke’s Handy-Book for U.S. Cavalry — 1863 Civil War Cavalry Manual - Inventory Number: HIS 271

This is an original 1863 edition of Cooke’s Handy-Book for U.S. Cavalry, a compact field manual authored by Philip St. George Cooke and published in Philadelphia by J. B. Lippincott & Co. during the height of the Civil War.

Designed as a practical guide for mounted troops, the handbook covers essential cavalry tactics, formations, weapon use, and horsemanship. Its convenient pocket-sized format made it ideal for officers and troopers in the field. The vividly illustrated cover features mounted Union cavalrymen in combat, rendered in period hand-colored style.

Brigadier General Cooke, a West Point graduate and career cavalry officer, was a key figure in shaping U.S. cavalry doctrine. Though controversial for remaining loyal to the Union despite his Virginia roots and Confederate-aligned son-in-law, J.E.B. Stuart, his influence on mounted warfare remained significant.

This well-worn but complete copy provides a fascinating glimpse into the practical military education of Civil War cavalrymen and remains an important artifact of mid-19th century U.S. military history.

Deassessed from Texas Museum

Comes housed in 14 x 8 riker display case with red velvet and descriptive card.

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Inventory Number: HIS 271