104th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 104th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the Wadsworth Guards or the Livingston County Regiment, was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized primarily from recruits in Albany, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Rensselaer, and Steuben counties, the regiment was mustered into United States service at Albany between September 1861 and March 1862 for a three-year term. The unit served in both the Eastern and Overland theaters and participated in many of the war’s major campaigns and battles.

The 104th New York Infantry was notable for its sustained service, reenlistment of veterans, and heavy engagement in key battles such as Antietam and Gettysburg. The regiment continued in service until the end of the war, mustering out in July 1865.

Organization & Service

The 104th New York Infantry was formed by consolidating the Morgan Guards, under Col. John J. Viele, with the Genesee Regiment under Col. John Rohrbach. The regiment was mustered into federal service at Albany from September 1861 to March 1862. Upon completion of organization, the regiment departed New York on March 22, 1862, and was initially assigned to General Wadsworth’s command in the District of Washington, D.C.

The regiment first saw combat as part of the 3rd Corps at the Battle of Cedar Mountain. Shortly thereafter, it was reassigned to the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac, and participated in Pope’s Virginia Campaign, engaging at Rappahannock Station, Thoroughfare Gap, Second Bull Run, and Little River Turnpike. The regiment suffered significant casualties during this campaign. In September 1862, the 104th New York joined the Maryland Campaign under General McClellan, fighting at South Mountain and Antietam, where it incurred further losses.

Following Antietam, the regiment fought at Fredericksburg and was held in reserve at Chancellorsville. At Gettysburg, the 104th New York was heavily engaged and sustained its greatest losses of the war. The regiment participated in the Mine Run Campaign, after which the 1st Corps was discontinued. In March 1864, the regiment was assigned to the 5th Corps, Army of the Potomac, and took part in the Wilderness Campaign, including the battles of Spotsylvania, the initial assaults on Petersburg, and the Weldon Railroad. After August 1864, the regiment performed provost guard duty and continued to serve through the final operations leading to Lee’s surrender at Appomattox. The 104th New York Infantry was mustered out at Washington, D.C., on July 17, 1865, under Colonel John R. Strang.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Cedar Mountain
• Pope’s Virginia Campaign (Rappahannock Station, Thoroughfare Gap, Second Bull Run, Little River Turnpike)
• Maryland Campaign (South Mountain, Antietam)
• Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville (in reserve)
• Gettysburg
• Mine Run Campaign
• Wilderness Campaign (Wilderness, Spotsylvania, first assaults on Petersburg, Weldon Railroad)
• Final operations through Appomattox

Casualties

According to official records, the 104th New York Infantry lost 5 officers and 85 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded in action. An additional 2 officers and 145 enlisted men died of disease and other causes. The total loss for the regiment during its service was 237 men.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel John Rohrbach
• Colonel Lewis C. Skinner
• Colonel Gilbert G. Prey
• Colonel John R. Strang
• Lieutenant Colonel R. Wells Kenyon
• Lieutenant Colonel Lewis C. Skinner
• Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert G. Prey
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry G. Tuthill
• Lieutenant Colonel John R. Strang
• Lieutenant Colonel H. A. Wiley
• Major Lewis C. Skinner
• Major Gilbert G. Prey
• Major John R. Strang
• Major Henry V. Colt
• Major Henry A. Wiley
• Major William C. Wilson

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 104th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and research purposes. The roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.

To view the full regimental roster, visit the 104th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes relevant to Army of the Potomac operations
• 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