>I would think that a cavalry unit would be designated Hussars, such as the 3rd NJ Cavalry, instead of Chasseur or Zouave. The "Pittsburgh Zouaves" were probably designated as such when they were 2nd VA (Union Infantry) & the name stuck with them even after the unit became cavalry & the uniform became non-Zouave.

Yes, that makes sense, though there was some discussion about "mounted infantry" at the start of the war. This, coupled with an American tendency to mix together the various arms of service, unlike the European models they were based on. For example, fighting on the frontier pretty much blurred the previous distinction between light cavalry and heavy cavalry or dragoons, so that when the war started, there was only "cavalry," though they were armed with a wide variety of weaponry, especially in the South.

Bill Cross

To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at
http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html