93rd New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 93rd New York Infantry (Union), also known as the “Morgan Rifles,” was an infantry regiment organized in New York State during the American Civil War. The regiment was recruited primarily from Washington County and mustered into United States service at Albany between October 1861 and January 1862. Serving in the Eastern Theater, the 93rd New York Infantry was noted for its extended period of provost guard duty at army headquarters and for its heavy engagement and losses in the Overland Campaign of 1864.

The regiment was recognized for its discipline and effectiveness, earning a reputation as a reliable and “fighting” unit. It served with the Army of the Potomac and participated in many of the major campaigns and battles in Virginia through the end of the war.

Organization & Service

The 93rd New York Infantry was organized at Albany, New York, with companies mustered in from October 1861 to January 1862. The regiment left Albany on February 14, 1862, with 998 officers and men, proceeding first to Riker’s Island, New York City, for final preparations. On March 7, 1862, the regiment moved to Washington, D.C., where it was attached to Palmer’s Brigade, Casey’s Division.

On March 30, 1862, the 93rd New York advanced to the Virginia Peninsula, participating in the siege of Yorktown and the battles of Lee’s Mills, Williamsburg, and the Seven Days’ Battles. After the Peninsula Campaign, the regiment was present at Antietam and Fredericksburg, though it was not actively engaged in combat at those battles, having been detailed for provost guard duty at army headquarters—a role it fulfilled for approximately two years.

At the start of the Overland Campaign in May 1864, a large portion of the regiment had reenlisted. The 93rd New York was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 2nd Corps, Army of the Potomac. It saw heavy action at the Battle of the Wilderness, suffering significant casualties, and continued in nearly constant combat throughout the month, including at Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor. The regiment participated in the initial assault on Petersburg and subsequent actions at the Weldon Railroad, Deep Bottom, Strawberry Plains, Poplar Spring Church, Boydton Road, Hatcher’s Run, and the Appomattox Campaign.

The regiment remained at Petersburg through the end of the siege and was present at the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia. The 93rd New York Infantry was mustered out at the conclusion of its service, having established a record for discipline and gallantry in action.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Siege of Yorktown (April–May 1862)
• Battle of Lee’s Mills (April 1862)
• Battle of Williamsburg (May 1862)
• Seven Days’ Battles (June–July 1862)
• Antietam (September 1862; present, not engaged)
• Fredericksburg (December 1862; present, not engaged)
• Wilderness Campaign (May 1864)
• Battle of the Wilderness (May 1864)
• Spotsylvania Court House (May 1864)
• Cold Harbor (June 1864)
• First Assault on Petersburg (June 1864)
• Weldon Railroad (June–August 1864)
• Deep Bottom (July–August 1864)
• Strawberry Plains (August 1864)
• Poplar Spring Church (September–October 1864)
• Boydton Road (October 1864)
• Hatcher’s Run (February 1865)
• Appomattox Campaign (March–April 1865)

Casualties

During its term of service, the 93rd New York Infantry lost 128 men killed or mortally wounded in action and 143 died from disease or other causes. Total deaths: 271.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel John S. Crocker
• Colonel Samuel McConihe
• Colonel Haviland Gifford
• Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin C. Butler
• Lieutenant Colonel Haviland Gifford
• Lieutenant Colonel Jay H. Northrup
• Major Ambrose S. Cassidy
• Major Samuel McConihe
• Major Henry P. Smith
• Major Jay H. Northrup
• Major George Bushnell

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 93rd New York Infantry, including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details valuable for genealogical and historical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 93rd New York Infantry Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes relevant to Army of the Potomac operations, Peninsula and Overland Campaigns
• 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, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 2