38th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 38th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), also known as the 2nd Scott’s Life Guard, was an infantry regiment organized in New York City for Union service during the American Civil War. The regiment was composed of seven companies from New York City, one from Geneva, one from Horseheads, and one from Elizabethtown. It was mustered into United States service on June 3 and 8, 1861, for a two-year term. The 38th New York served primarily in the Eastern Theater, participating in several major campaigns and battles with the Army of the Potomac.

Organization & Service

The 38th New York Infantry was organized in New York City and mustered into service on June 3 and 8, 1861. The regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on June 19, 1861, and established camp on Meridian Hill. On July 7, it moved to Alexandria, Virginia, and was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, Army of Northeastern Virginia. The regiment saw its first major action at the First Battle of Bull Run, suffering significant casualties.

During August and September 1861, the regiment was engaged in construction duties at Forts Ward and Lyons as part of Howard’s Brigade. In October, it was reassigned to Sedgwick’s Brigade, Heintzelman’s Division, and established winter quarters on the old Fairfax Road, remaining there until March 1862. With the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 3rd Corps, the regiment embarked for Fortress Monroe in March 1862 and participated in the Peninsula Campaign, including the Siege of Yorktown and the Battle of Williamsburg. The regiment also fought at Fair Oaks and in the Seven Days’ Battles, after which it encamped at Harrison’s Landing until mid-August.

After leaving Harrison’s Landing, the regiment moved to Yorktown and Alexandria, and was engaged at the Second Battle of Bull Run and at Chantilly. It reached Falmouth, Virginia, in late November 1862 and participated in the Battle of Fredericksburg. On December 21, 1862, the regiment was consolidated to six companies, and on December 22, four companies from the 55th New York Infantry were added. The regiment took part in the “Mud March” in January 1863 and the Chancellorsville Campaign in the spring. Following duty at Acquia Creek, the regiment returned to New York and was mustered out on June 22, 1863. Three-year men were transferred to the 40th New York Infantry, becoming Companies A, E, and H of that regiment.

Engagements & Campaigns

• First Battle of Bull Run (July 1861)
• Siege of Yorktown (April–May 1862)
• Battle of Williamsburg (May 1862)
• Battle of Fair Oaks (May–June 1862)
• Seven Days’ Battles (June–July 1862)
• Second Battle of Bull Run (August 1862)
• Battle of Chantilly (September 1862)
• Battle of Fredericksburg (December 1862)
• “Mud March” (January 1863)
• Chancellorsville Campaign (April–May 1863)

Casualties

The 38th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) had a total enrollment of 796 men. The regiment lost 75 men killed or mortally wounded in action and 46 died from other causes, including disease. Total deaths: 121.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel J. H. Hobart Ward
• Colonel James C. Strong
• Colonel Regis De Trobriand
• Lieutenant Colonel Addison Farnsworth
• Lieutenant Colonel James C. Strong
• Lieutenant Colonel James D. Potter
• Lieutenant Colonel Robert F. Allison
• Major James D. Potter
• Major William H. Baird
• Major Augustus Funk
• Major George H. Starr
• Major Francis Jehl

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 38th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 38th 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, 12, 19, 21, 25
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H. 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