United States. Continental Army. Light Dragoons Regiment, Second.

The Second Dragoon Regiment was organized on December 12, 1776 and was the first cavalry regiment directly organized by the Continental army. The Continental Congress appointed Elisha Sheldon lieutenant colonel and commanding officer of the regiment. He was ordered to enlist six troops to form his regiment at Wethersfield, Connecticut. One of the first officers chosen by Sheldon was Major Benjamin Tallmadge (1754-1835). Tallmadge led the fifth troop of the regiment in the battles of Short Hills, Brandywine, Trenton, Saratoga, and White Plains.

From the description of Second Dragoon Regiment orderly book, 1782-1783. (New Jersey Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 53116102