114th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 114th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment from New York that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Norwich, New York, the regiment mustered into United States service for three years on September 3, 1862. The regiment was primarily composed of men from Chenango and Madison counties. It served in the Department of the Gulf and later in the Shenandoah Valley, participating in several major campaigns and engagements.

The 114th New York Infantry was noted for its heavy combat losses and was recognized as one of the “three hundred fighting regiments” of the war, based on its high percentage of casualties in action.

Organization & Service

The 114th New York Infantry was organized at Norwich, New York, with seven companies recruited from Chenango County and three from Madison County. The regiment mustered into service for three years on September 3, 1862, under Colonel Elisha B. Smith. Shortly after mustering, the regiment moved to Binghamton and then to Baltimore, Maryland.

In November 1862, the regiment sailed for New Orleans as part of General Banks’ expedition and was assigned to Weitzel’s (2nd) Brigade, Augur’s (1st) Division, 19th Army Corps. The regiment was stationed at Brashear City and nearby locations before seeing its first action at Fort Bisland, where it suffered 11 wounded, 3 of them mortally. The 114th did not participate in the Bayou Teche campaign but joined its corps before Port Hudson on May 30, 1863. It was actively engaged during the 40-day siege of Port Hudson, suffering significant casualties, especially in the assault of June 14.

In March 1864, now part of Dwight’s (1st) Brigade, Emory’s (1st) Division, 19th Corps, the regiment joined the Red River Campaign. It fought at Sabine Cross Roads (where Lieutenant Colonel Morse was wounded), Pleasant Hill, Cane River Crossing, and Mansura. In July 1864, the regiment was transferred to Virginia, marching through Maryland and joining Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign. The 114th fought at the battle of Opequon (Winchester), suffering heavy losses, and was also engaged at Fisher’s Hill, Woodstock, and Cedar Creek. Colonel Per Lee was wounded at Opequon and later promoted for gallantry. The regiment was mustered out at Bladensburgh, Maryland, on June 8, 1865, under Colonel Per Lee.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Fort Bisland
• Siege of Port Hudson
• Red River Campaign (including Sabine Cross Roads, Pleasant Hill, Cane River Crossing, Mansura)
• Opequon (Winchester)
• Fisher’s Hill
• Woodstock
• Cedar Creek

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 9 officers, 114 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 2 officers, 192 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 317
• Total killed and wounded: 422

These figures are based on official reports and regimental records.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Elisha B. Smith
• Colonel Samuel R. Per Lee (later brevet Brigadier General)
• Lieutenant Colonel Samuel R. Per Lee
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry B. Morse
• Major Henry B. Morse
• Major Oscar H. Curtiss

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 114th 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 for those who served in the regiment.

To view the complete roster, visit the 114th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XV, XXVI, XXXIV, XXXVII, XXXIX
• 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