9th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 9th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), also known as “Hawkins’ Zouaves,” was an infantry regiment organized in New York City for Union service during the American Civil War. Mustered in on May 4, 1861, the regiment was primarily composed of recruits from New York City, with one company drawn from the 18th Regiment State Militia. The unit served in the Eastern Theater and was noted for its distinctive Zouave uniforms and active participation in several major campaigns and battles.

The regiment served for a two-year term, seeing action in North Carolina and Virginia, and was attached to various brigades and divisions within the Union Army. Its service included notable engagements at Roanoke Island, South Mills, Antietam, and Fredericksburg.

Organization & Service

The 9th New York Infantry was organized in New York City and mustered into United States service on May 4, 1861, for a two-year enlistment. The regiment, numbering approximately 800 men at departure, left for Fortress Monroe on June 6, 1861, and was stationed at Newport News, Virginia, until late August. On August 27, three companies were detached to Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina, under General Butler, with the remainder of the regiment joining them on September 13.

In early February 1862, the 9th New York, as part of General Burnside’s force, participated in the expedition to Roanoke Island, where it was actively engaged and suffered losses. Following the battle, the regiment took part in an expedition to Winston, returned to Roanoke Island, and was brigaded with the 89th New York and 6th New Hampshire under Colonel Hawkins. The regiment participated in expeditions to Elizabeth City and sustained significant casualties at the Battle of South Mills.

On July 10, 1862, the regiment was ordered to Norfolk, Virginia, and attached to the 12th Brigade, 3rd Division, 9th Corps. It camped at Newport News until September 4, then moved to Washington, D.C., and on to Frederick, Maryland, on September 12. The 9th New York became part of the Army of the Potomac and fought at South Mountain and Antietam, suffering heavy losses at the latter engagement. Afterward, the regiment was stationed in detachments at various locations before regrouping at Fredericksburg and participating in the December battle there.

Following the Fredericksburg campaign, the regiment camped at Falmouth, Virginia, until February 1, 1863, except for Company F, which served as garrison at Plymouth, North Carolina, rejoining the regiment on January 26. In February, the 9th was ordered to Suffolk, Virginia, where it remained until May 1863. Upon the expiration of its two-year term, the regiment was mustered out at New York City on May 20, 1863. Three-year enlistees were transferred to the 3rd New York Infantry. Over its service, the regiment mustered a total of 1,380 members.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina (August–September 1861)
• Roanoke Island (February 1862)
• Expedition to Winston, North Carolina
• Elizabeth City, North Carolina
• South Mills, North Carolina (April 1862)
• South Mountain, Maryland (September 1862)
• Antietam, Maryland (September 1862)
• Fredericksburg, Virginia (December 1862)
• Garrison and expeditionary duties at Plymouth, North Carolina, and Suffolk, Virginia (1863)

Casualties

The 9th New York Infantry lost a total of 71 men killed or mortally wounded in action, and 29 died from disease or other causes, according to contemporary reports. The regiment’s total enrollment was approximately 1,380 men.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Rush C. Hawkins
• Lieutenant Colonel George F. Betts
• Lieutenant Colonel Edgar N. Kimball
• Major Edgar A. Kimball
• Major Edward Jardine

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 9th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 9th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 4, 9, 12, 19
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 2