The rolls of Company "C" show that Merrill Franklin enlisted at Ashville AL June 13 1864. He is age 49, fair complexion, blue eyes, black hair, five feet nine inches tall, residence St. Clair County AL. He was paroled at Talladega AL May 26, 1865. Battalion CSR's also include one Bird Franklin, same enlistment information, age and description, except five feet eight inches tall. No parole data for him.

The only way I could imagine there were two men by the same name and description would be if one was a junior.

I'm guessing the cavalry unit was the 2nd New York Veteran, led by Col. Chrysler.