27th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 27th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Elmira, New York, and mustered into United States service for a two-year term on July 9 and 10, 1861, with service dating from May 21, 1861. The regiment drew its companies from Broome, Westchester, Wayne, Monroe, Wyoming, Orleans, and Livingston counties. Serving in the Union Army, the 27th New York operated primarily in the Eastern Theater and participated in several major campaigns and battles of the Army of the Potomac.

This regiment is distinct from any later formations or service terms bearing the same designation.

Organization & Service

The 27th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was organized at Elmira and mustered in for two years’ service in July 1861. The regiment departed New York for Washington, D.C., on July 10, 1861, and was initially quartered at Franklin Square. On July 17, it advanced toward Manassas, assigned to the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, and saw its first combat at the First Battle of Bull Run, where it suffered significant casualties, including the wounding of Colonel Henry W. Slocum.

After Bull Run, the regiment withdrew to Washington and returned to Franklin Square until late September 1861, when it was ordered to Fort Lyon and attached to Slocum’s Brigade, Franklin’s Division. On March 13, 1862, the 27th became part of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac, and in May 1862, the division was reassigned to the 6th Corps. The regiment participated in the Peninsula Campaign, including the Battle of West Point, the Siege of Yorktown, and the Seven Days’ Battles, with heavy losses at Gaines’ Mill and Malvern Hill. It was present but not heavily engaged at the Second Battle of Bull Run.

Subsequently, the 27th New York took part in the Maryland Campaign, fighting at South Mountain and Antietam, and later at Fredericksburg. The regiment wintered at Belle Plain, endured the “Mud March,” and was engaged in the Chancellorsville Campaign in May 1863, suffering additional losses. The regiment returned to New York and was mustered out at Elmira on May 31, 1863.

Engagements & Campaigns

• First Battle of Bull Run (July 1861)
• Peninsula Campaign (Spring–Summer 1862)
• Battle of West Point
• Siege of Yorktown
• Seven Days’ Battles (including Gaines’ Mill and Malvern Hill)
• Second Battle of Bull Run (August 1862)
• Battle of South Mountain
• Battle of Antietam
• Battle of Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville Campaign (May 1863)

Casualties

During its two years of service, the 27th New York Infantry lost 74 members by death from wounds received in action and 74 by accident, imprisonment, or disease. At the First Battle of Bull Run, the regiment reported 130 killed, wounded, or missing. In the Chancellorsville Campaign, 19 members were killed, wounded, or missing. Total losses for other engagements are not specified in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Henry W. Slocum
• Colonel Joseph J. Bartlett
• Colonel Alexander D. Adams
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph J. Chambers
• Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Duncan Adams
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph H. Bodine
• Major Joseph J. Bartlett
• Major Curtiss C. Gardiner
• Major Joseph H. Bodine
• Major George G. Wanzer

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 27th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides details on the individuals who served in the regiment during its term of service.

To view the complete roster, visit the 27th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 2, 5, 9, 11, 19, 21, 25, 27
• 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, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)