32nd New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 32nd New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), also known as the “First California Regiment,” was an infantry regiment organized in New York City for Union service during the American Civil War. Mustered in for a two-year term on May 31, 1861, at New Dorp, Staten Island, the regiment drew its companies from New York City, Amsterdam, Ithaca, Tarrytown, Johnstown, and Tompkins County. The unit served in the Eastern Theater, participating in several major campaigns and battles as part of the Army of the Potomac.

The regiment was notable for its early and sustained involvement in key operations, including the First Battle of Bull Run, the Peninsula Campaign, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. Its service concluded in June 1863, with the two-year men mustered out and the three-year men transferred to another New York regiment.

Organization & Service

The 32nd New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was organized at New York City and mustered into United States service on May 31, 1861, at New Dorp, Staten Island. The regiment consisted of companies recruited from various parts of New York State, including three from New York City, two each from Amsterdam and Ithaca, and others from Tarrytown, Johnstown, and Tompkins County.

Departing New York for Washington, D.C., on June 29, 1861, the regiment was initially quartered in the capital before encamping near Alexandria, Virginia. It was first attached to the 2nd Brigade, 5th Division, Army of Northeastern Virginia, and participated in early actions at Fairfax Court House, the First Battle of Bull Run, and Munson’s Hill. During the winter of 1861-62, the regiment was stationed at Fort Ward as part of Newton’s Brigade, Franklin’s Division.

In March 1862, the 32nd joined the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac, moving to Manassas before returning to Alexandria and embarking for the Peninsula Campaign. The regiment fought at West Point, suffering significant losses, and was soon after assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 6th Corps. It participated in the Seven Days’ Battles and then encamped at Harrison’s Landing until mid-August 1862, when it returned to Alexandria.

The regiment subsequently took part in the battles of Crampton’s Gap, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. After wintering at Belle Plain and participating in the “Mud March,” the 32nd joined the Light Brigade of the 6th Corps for the Chancellorsville Campaign, where it again sustained losses. On May 8, 1863, the regiment returned to Belle Plain, and on May 25, the three-year men were transferred to the 121st New York Infantry. The two-year men were mustered out at New York City on June 9, 1863.

Engagements & Campaigns

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

Casualties

According to available primary sources, the 32nd New York Infantry lost a total of 99 men during its two-year term of service. Of these, 45 died from wounds received in action, and 54 died from disease or other causes. These figures reflect losses up to January 1863; more detailed breakdowns by battle are not consistently available in official reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Roderick Matheson
• Colonel Francis E. Pinto
• Lieutenant Colonel Francis E. Pinto
• Lieutenant Colonel George F. Lemon
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles Hubbs
• Major George F. Lemon
• Major Charles Hubbs
• Major Russell Myers

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 32nd New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details for those who served in the unit.

To view the complete roster, visit the 32nd 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
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Reports for 1861–1863
• 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)