19th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 19th New York Infantry (Infantry) was organized at Albany, New York, and mustered into United States service for a three months’ term on May 22, 1861. Composed primarily of men from Cayuga County, with one company from Seneca County, the regiment served in the Eastern Theater as part of the Union Army. The unit was also known as the “Cayuga County Regiment.” Its service included early movements in Maryland and Virginia during the initial months of the Civil War.

Organization & Service

The 19th New York Infantry (Three Months’ Service) was organized at Albany and mustered in on May 22, 1861. The regiment left New York for Washington, D.C., on June 5, 1861, and encamped at Kalorama Heights. In July, it was ordered to Martinsburg, West Virginia, and attached to General Sandford’s brigade. On July 12, the regiment was sent to Harper’s Ferry, and by August 20, it was stationed at Hyattstown, Maryland. During these movements, the regiment participated in several skirmishes with Confederate forces.

As the original three months’ term expired in August 1861, special orders were issued for the remuster of men for the remainder of a two-year period. This led to dissatisfaction and refusal of obedience by 206 members; 23 of the most recalcitrant were sent to the Dry Tortugas, while others were held under arrest until agreeing to remuster. The 23 were eventually released on condition of serving the remainder of their term in the 2nd New York Infantry. From September 6 to 25, the regiment camped near Darnestown, Maryland, then moved to Muddy Branch and was assigned to General Williams’ brigade. In December, it relocated to Hancock, Maryland, remaining there until February 17, 1862. At that time, four new companies were added, and the regiment was converted into the 3rd New York Light Artillery, ending its existence as an infantry regiment.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Skirmishes near Martinsburg, West Virginia (July 1861)
• Movements to Harper’s Ferry and Hyattstown, Maryland (July–August 1861)
• Marches and skirmishes in Maryland and Virginia (Summer 1861)

Casualties

Specific casualty figures for the 19th New York Infantry (Three Months’ Service) are not separately reported in primary sources for this term. Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel John S. Clarke
• Colonel James H. Ledlie
• Lieutenant Colonel Clarence A. Seward
• Lieutenant Colonel James H. Ledlie
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles H. Stewart
• Major James H. Ledlie
• Major Charles H. Stewart
• Major Henry M. Stone

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 19th New York Infantry (Three Months’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical research and reference. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 19th New York Infantry (Three Months’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 2, 5, 12
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Reports for 1861–1862
• 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, Vol. 2