31st New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 31st New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), also known as the “Montezuma Regiment,” was an infantry regiment from New York that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized primarily in New York City, with one company from Williamsburg, the regiment was mustered into United States service for a two-year term between May 14 and June 13, 1861. The unit participated in several major campaigns and battles in the Eastern Theater, including Bull Run, the Peninsula Campaign, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville.

The 31st New York Infantry was attached to various brigades and divisions within the Army of the Potomac and was mustered out in New York City on June 4, 1863. Its three-year men were transferred to the 121st New York Infantry upon expiration of the regiment’s service term.

Organization & Service

The 31st New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was organized in New York City, with one company from Williamsburg and the remainder from the city itself. The regiment was mustered into federal service for two years on May 14, May 27, and June 13, 1861. It departed New York for Washington, D.C., on June 24, 1861, and soon after moved to Virginia as part of the 2nd Brigade, 5th Division, Army of Northeastern Virginia. The regiment saw its first combat at Fairfax Court House and participated in the First Battle of Bull Run in July 1861.

After returning to Washington, the regiment was attached to the 3rd Brigade of Franklin’s Division. On September 28, 1861, it moved to Munson’s Hill, then to Springfield Station, and spent the winter of 1861–62 at Fort Ward. In early 1862, as part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac, the regiment advanced to Manassas and then returned to Alexandria in March. During the Peninsula Campaign, the regiment suffered significant losses at West Point. In May 1862, the division became part of the 6th Corps and participated in the Seven Days’ Battles, camping at Harrison’s Landing until August 15. The regiment was then ordered to Newport News and later guarded the Fairfax railroad at Burke’s Station.

The 31st New York was closely engaged at Crampton’s Gap and Antietam in September 1862, and later fought at Fredericksburg in December. The regiment wintered at White Oak Church, briefly leaving for the “Mud March” in January 1863 before returning to camp. In May 1863, the regiment was engaged at Chancellorsville, particularly at Marye’s Heights, where it suffered heavy casualties. The regiment returned to its old camp until May 21, 1863, then moved to New York City, where it was mustered out on June 4, 1863. Remaining three-year men were transferred to the 121st New York Infantry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Fairfax Court House (July 1861)
• First Battle of Bull Run (July 21, 1861)
• Peninsula Campaign (Spring–Summer 1862)
• Battle of West Point (May 7, 1862)
• Seven Days’ Battles (June 25–July 1, 1862)
• Battle of Crampton’s Gap (September 14, 1862)
• Battle of Antietam (September 17, 1862)
• Battle of Fredericksburg (December 11–15, 1862)
• “Mud March” (January 1863)
• Battle of Chancellorsville, including Marye’s Heights (May 1863)

Casualties

According to official records, the 31st New York Infantry lost a total of 68 men who were killed or died of wounds, and 30 who died from other causes during its two-year term of service. The total strength of the regiment up to January 1863 was 923 members. At West Point, the regiment suffered 83 killed, wounded, or missing; at Marye’s Heights during the Chancellorsville campaign, it lost 142 killed, wounded, or missing.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Calvin C. Pratt
• Colonel Francis E. Pinto
• Colonel Frank Jones
• Lieutenant Colonel William H. Brown
• Lieutenant Colonel Leopold C. Newman
• Major Addison Dougherty
• Major Alexander Raszewski
• Major R. R. Daniells
• Major J. Barnett Sloan

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 31st New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster includes details on enlistment, rank, and service records as preserved in official state and federal documents.

To view the full roster, visit the 31st 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)