Patrick Larkin, 5th US Cavalry

Patrick Larkin was born in Galway, Ireland in 1843. He enlisted as a bugler in Company F, 2nd US Cavalry when it was forming in 1855.

He was reenlisted into the same company by Captain Richard W. Johnson at Fort Mason, Texas on June 1, 1860. He was 27 at the time of his reenlistment, and the papers describe him as 5'8" tall, with a dark complexion, dark hair and blue eyes.

Bugler Larkin escaped Texas with his company in early 1861, and was remounted at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania prior to the first battle of Bull Run. He continued to serve with his company until the winter of 1862-63. He was discharged for disability on February 24, 1863 at the regiment's Camp near Falmouth, Va.

(source: enlistment documents)