41st New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 41st New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the De Kalb Regiment, was an infantry regiment organized in New York City for Union service during the American Civil War. Composed primarily of German immigrants, many of whom were veterans of the Prussian-Danish War of 1848–51, the regiment included companies from New York, Philadelphia, and Newark, New Jersey. Mustered into United States service between June 6 and June 9, 1861, the regiment served in both the Eastern and Southern theaters and was noted for its participation in several major campaigns and battles.

The 41st New York Infantry was mustered out of service at City Point, Virginia, on December 9, 1865, after more than four years of active duty. The regiment is recognized for its significant contributions and losses in key engagements, including the Second Battle of Bull Run and Gettysburg.

Organization & Service

The 41st New York Infantry was organized in New York City and mustered into federal service from June 6 to June 9, 1861, for a three-year term. The regiment departed New York for Washington, D.C., on July 8, 1861. Upon arrival, it was stationed at Camp Runyon and assigned to the 4th Division of the Army of Northeastern Virginia. The regiment was present at the First Battle of Bull Run, held in reserve.

On August 4, 1861, the regiment was assigned to Sherman’s Brigade, and later, on October 15, to Martindale’s Brigade. In March 1862, it became part of Blenker’s Brigade, Sedgwick’s Division, Sumner’s Corps. By April 1862, under General Blenker, the division was attached to General Fremont’s forces. During the reorganization under General Pope in August 1862, the regiment was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corps, and participated in actions at Strasburg and Cross Keys, where it sustained its first significant losses.

The regiment was engaged at Rappahannock Station, Sulphur Springs, Waterloo Bridge, Groveton, and the Second Battle of Bull Run, suffering 103 casualties in the latter. Subsequently, it was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 11th Corps, and held in reserve at Fredericksburg. The regiment wintered at Falmouth and took part in the Chancellorsville Campaign in May 1863. At Gettysburg, the regiment lost 75 men killed, wounded, or missing.

In September 1863, the 41st New York was ordered to the Department of the South, stationed at Folly Island, South Carolina, and assigned to the 1st Brigade, Gordon’s Division, 10th Corps. The regiment participated in operations against Fort Wagner and further actions in Charleston Harbor, spending about a year in this theater. Non-reenlisted original members were mustered out at Hilton Head, South Carolina, on June 9, 1864. The remaining veterans and recruits were consolidated into a battalion of six companies, stationed for a time on John’s Island.

In August 1864, the battalion was ordered back to Virginia, joining the Army of the Shenandoah on September 27. During the winter of 1864–65, the regiment served in the 1st Brigade, Ferrero’s Division, and was posted in the defenses of Bermuda Hundred. The 41st New York Infantry was mustered out at City Point, Virginia, on December 9, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• First Battle of Bull Run (reserve)
• Strasburg
• Cross Keys
• Rappahannock Station
• Sulphur Springs
• Waterloo Bridge
• Groveton
• Second Battle of Bull Run
• Fredericksburg (reserve)
• Chancellorsville Campaign
• Gettysburg
• Operations against Fort Wagner
• Charleston Harbor operations
• John’s Island
• Army of the Shenandoah operations
• Bermuda Hundred defenses

Casualties

During its service, the 41st New York Infantry lost 72 men by death from wounds and 73 from other causes, for a total of 145 deaths. These figures are based on official reports and regimental records.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Leopold Von Gilsa
• Lieutenant Colonel Emil Duysing
• Lieutenant Colonel Ernst Von Holmstedt
• Lieutenant Colonel Dettler Von Einsiedel
• Major Ernst Von Holmstedt
• Major Dettler Von Einsiedel
• Major Frederick Menshausen

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 41st New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 41st 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