[1] It was organized under special authority of the War Department, to serve on the northern frontier of New England and New York for one year.

The 26th New York Cavalry was organized by the War Department specifically to defend the northern boarder area from attacks similar to St. Albans Raid.

[2][3] From October 1864 until January 1865, the northern frontier was guarded by a provisional force consisting, at least in Vermont, of recently returned veterans, militia, cadets from Norwich University, and other volunteers.

The subsequently moved to St. Albans on February 24, and returned to Burlington on June 27 for discharge.

The companies, 206 strong, never engaged the enemy, and only lost two men, an officer who resigned in March, and an enlisted man who deserted.