He enlisted as a private in Co. B and was promoted to sergeant in the 15th Battalion, Virginia Cavalry. 15th Cavalry Battalion [also called Northern Neck Rangers] was organized during the spring of 1862 with four companies. Attached to the Army of Northern Virginia, the unit served under J.E.B. Stuart. In September it was consolidated with the 14th Cavalry Battalion to form the 15th Regiment Virginia Cavalry. Major John Critcher was in command. Upon merger, he was a sergeant in Co. D of the 15th Regiment Virginia Cavalry.

15th Cavalry Regiment was formed in September, 1862, by consolidating the 14th and 15th Battalions Virginia Cavalry. The unit served in W.H.F. Lee's, Lomax's, and Payne's Brigade, Army of Northern Virginia. It was active in the Chancellorsville Campaign and later reported 2 killed and 14 wounded during the operations around Bristoe. The regiment continued the fight at Mine Run and The Wilderness, then saw action about Cold Harbor. It moved with Early to the Shenandoah Valley and on November 8, 1864, was absorbed by the 5th Regiment Virginia Cavalry. The field officers were Colonels William B. Ball and Charles R. Collins, Lieutenant Colonel John Critcher, and Major Edgar Burroughs.