39th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 39th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), known as the “Garibaldi Guard,” was an infantry regiment organized in New York City for Union service during the American Civil War. Mustered in on May 28, 1861, the regiment was notable for its diverse composition, including companies of Hungarian, German, Swiss, Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese origin, many with prior military experience. The 39th New York served primarily in the Eastern Theater and participated in numerous major campaigns and battles throughout its service.

Organization & Service

The 39th New York Infantry was organized in New York City and mustered into United States service on May 28, 1861, for a three-year term. The regiment departed for Washington, D.C., the same day and established Camp Grinnell near Alexandria, Virginia. Initially attached to the 1st Brigade, 5th Division, the regiment participated in the movement toward Manassas in July 1861, though it was only lightly engaged at the First Battle of Bull Run.

After a period at Alexandria, the regiment encamped near Roach’s Mills and later established winter quarters at Hunter’s Chapel. In spring 1862, the brigade was under General Stahel in Blenker’s Division, Sumner’s Corps, and was reassigned in April to General Fremont’s command. The 39th joined Fremont’s forces in May and took part in the engagements near Strasburg and at Cross Keys. On June 26, 1862, it was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 2nd Corps of General Pope’s army, encamping at Middletown, Virginia, through July and August.

During the surrender at Harper’s Ferry in September 1862, 530 members of the regiment were captured and paroled, later proceeding to Camp Douglas, Chicago. After exchange in November, the regiment returned to Washington and established winter quarters at Centerville, joining the 3rd Brigade, Casey’s Division, 3rd Corps in January 1863. In June 1863, the 39th became part of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 2nd Corps, and fought at Gettysburg, where it suffered heavy losses and received official commendation for valor.

The regiment continued with the Army of the Potomac, engaging at Auburn Ford, Bristoe Station, and during the Mine Run campaign. Winter quarters were established at Brandy Station, and in December 1863 and January 1864, the regiment received six new companies, having previously been consolidated into a battalion of four companies. In February 1864, it was active at Morton’s Ford and, in March, assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 2nd Corps. The 39th participated in the Wilderness Campaign and subsequent battles, including Todd’s Tavern, the Po River, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Totopotomoy, and Cold Harbor.

On June 25, 1864, original members not reenlisted were mustered out in New York City. The remaining companies continued in the field, moving with the Army of the Potomac to Petersburg. Seven companies, known as the 39th Battalion, were assigned to the consolidated brigade, 2nd Corps, and fought at Petersburg, Deep Bottom, Reams’ Station, Hatcher’s Run, White Oak Ridge, and in the final assault on Petersburg’s fortifications on April 2, 1865. The battalion joined the pursuit of Lee’s army and performed duties near Richmond until mustered out at Alexandria on July 1, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• First Bull Run
• Strasburg
• Cross Keys
• Harper’s Ferry (surrendered)
• Gettysburg
• Auburn Ford
• Bristoe Station
• Mine Run Campaign
• Morton’s Ford
• Wilderness Campaign
• Todd’s Tavern
• Po River
• Spotsylvania
• North Anna
• Totopotomoy
• Cold Harbor
• Petersburg
• Deep Bottom
• Reams’ Station
• Hatcher’s Run
• White Oak Ridge
• Final Assault on Petersburg (April 2, 1865)

Casualties

The 39th New York Infantry lost during its service:

• 119 killed or mortally wounded in action
• 159 died from accident, imprisonment, or disease (including 94 who died in prison)

Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Frederick G. D’Utassy
• Colonel Augustus Funk
• Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Repetti
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles Schwartz
• Lieutenant Colonel James G. Hughes
• Lieutenant Colonel John McE. Hyde
• Lieutenant Colonel David A. Allen
• Major Charles Wiegand
• Major Anton Vekey
• Major Charles Schwartz
• Major Hugo Hillebrandt
• Major Charles C. Baker
• Major John McE. Hyde
• Major David A. Allen
• Major Charles H. Ballon

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 39th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details valuable for genealogical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 39th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts
• New York State Adjutant General’s Reports
• 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