99th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 99th New York Infantry (Union Coast Guard), also known as Bartlett’s Naval Brigade, was an infantry regiment from New York that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized in New York City, the regiment was initially intended for naval operations along the Atlantic coast but was reorganized as infantry in 1861. The unit served primarily in the Department of Virginia and North Carolina, participating in both land and naval operations throughout its service.

The regiment was mustered into state service on May 14, 1861, and later into U.S. service between June 14 and October 21, 1861, for a three-year term. The 99th New York Infantry was notable for its early service as a coast guard and for its participation in several significant engagements in Virginia and North Carolina. It mustered out on July 15, 1865, at Salisbury, North Carolina.

Organization & Service

The 99th New York Infantry began as the Union Coast Guard or Bartlett’s Naval Brigade, with six companies mustered into state service on May 14, 1861. The original plan was to equip the brigade with gunboats for coastal operations. The unit left New York on May 28, 1861, reporting to Major General Butler at Fortress Monroe, Virginia, but was not accepted as a brigade. By order of the War Department, it was reorganized as an infantry regiment in August 1861. Eight companies were mustered into U.S. service between June 14 and October 21, 1861, with two additional companies organized in September 1861 and March 1862.

On June 14, 1864, as the original three-year term expired, non-veteran members were mustered out. Veterans and recruits were consolidated into a battalion of four companies (A, B, C, D), which was further reduced to three companies in September 1864 and to two companies in February 1865. The regiment participated in early skirmishes near New Market Bridge, Virginia, in July 1861, and detachments saw action at Fletcher’s Wharf, Pocomoco, Cherry Stone Inlet, and the capture of Forts Clark and Hatteras. Company B joined Burnside’s North Carolina expedition, fighting at Roanoke Island and Elizabeth City in February 1862, and at New Berne and Fort Macon in April 1862. Company D participated in the naval engagement at Hampton Roads in March 1862.

Throughout late 1862 and early 1863, the regiment served by detachments at Fortress Monroe, Norfolk, Fort Wool, and Sewall’s Point, Virginia. In spring 1863, it took part in the defense of Suffolk, suffering significant casualties. The regiment was attached to the Reserve Brigade, Peck’s Division, 7th Corps, and later to Wistar’s Brigade in the Department of Virginia. It participated in actions at Antioch Church, Baker’s Cross-Roads, Franklin, Walkerstown, and South Anna Bridge. In October 1863, the regiment moved to New Berne, North Carolina, joining the 18th Corps and later Palmer’s Brigade, Peck’s Division. It saw further action at Smithfield and during the attack on New Berne in early 1864.

After consolidation into a veteran battalion, the 99th New York continued service in North Carolina, including a skirmish at Beech Grove, and joined the Carolinas Campaign in 1865 as part of Carter’s Division, Provisional Corps, later the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 23rd Corps. The regiment was present at the surrender of Johnston’s army and was mustered out on July 15, 1865, at Salisbury, North Carolina.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Skirmish near New Market Bridge, VA (July 1861)
• Fletcher’s Wharf, Pocomoco, and Cherry Stone Inlet, VA
• Capture of Forts Clark and Hatteras, Hatteras Inlet, NC
• Skirmish at Beacon Island, NC
• Battle of Roanoke Island, NC (February 1862)
• Action at Elizabeth City, NC (February 1862)
• Naval engagement at Hampton Roads, VA (March 1862)
• Battle of New Berne, NC (March 1862)
• Siege and capture of Fort Macon, NC (April 1862)
• Skirmish at Tranter’s Creek, NC
• Occupation of Norfolk, VA
• Skirmishes near Windsor Shade, Chickahominy River, and James River, VA
• Defense of Suffolk, VA (Spring 1863)
• Skirmishes on South Quay Road and at South Quay Bridge, VA
• Skirmishes at Antioch Church, Baker’s Cross-Roads, Franklin, Walkerstown, and South Anna Bridge, VA
• Affair at Smithfield, VA (January 1864)
• Attack on New Berne, NC (February 1864)
• Skirmish at Beech Grove, NC
• Carolinas Campaign (1865)
• Present at Johnston’s surrender (April 1865)

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 2 officers, 37 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 3 officers, 161 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 203
• Died in the hands of the enemy: 71 enlisted men

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel David W. Wardrop
• Lieutenant Colonel Gustave B. Helleday
• Lieutenant Colonel Richard Nixon
• Major Richard Nixon
• Major John Franklin Bates
• Major T. Edward Rawlings (killed at New Market Bridge, July 1861)

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 99th New York Infantry, including officers and enlisted men who served during its term, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides details on enlistment, service, and other pertinent information for each member of the regiment.

To view the complete roster, visit the 99th New York Infantry Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (see reports on operations in Virginia and North Carolina, 1861–1865)
• 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, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)