The following is taken from New York in the War of the Rebellion, 3rd ed. Frederick Phisterer. Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1912.

June 30, 1863, Col. Henry D. Townsend received authority to recruit this regiment. This authority was revoked September 17, 1863, and the men enlisted thus far, two companies, were transferred to the 1st Regiment Veteran Cavalry.

The following is taken from The Union army: a history of military affairs in the loyal states, 1861-65 -- records of the regiments in the Union army -- cyclopedia of battles -- memoirs of commanders and soldiers, Volume II: New York, Maryland, West Virginia and Ohio. Madison, WI: Federal Pub. Co., 1908.

Seventeenth Cavalry.—This regiment was never fully organized. Col. Henry D. Townsend was authorized on June 30, 1863, to recruit it, but the authority was revoked on Sept. 17, and the two companies enlisted were transferred to the 1st veteran cavalry, then being organized.