In 1855, 14th president Franklin Pierce appointed him colonel of the new 2nd U.S. Cavalry (the unit that preceded the modern 5th U.S.), a new regiment, which he organized, his lieutenant colonel being Robert E. Lee, and his majors William J. Hardee and George H. Thomas. Other subordinates in this unit included Earl Van Dorn, Edmund Kirby Smith, Nathan G. Evans, Innis N. Palmer, George Stoneman, R.W. Johnson, John B.
In 1855, 14th president Franklin Pierce appointed him colonel of the new 2nd U.S. Cavalry (the precursor to the modern 5th U.S.), a new regiment he organized, with Robert E. Lee as his lieutenant colonel and William J. Hardee and George H. Thomas as majors. Other subordinates in this unit included Earl Van Dorn, Edmund Kirby Smith, Nathan G. Evans, Innis N. Palmer, George Stoneman, R.W. Johnson, and John B.