127th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 127th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in New York City and on Long Island, New York. Mustered into United States service for three years on September 8, 1862, the regiment was also known as the “National Volunteers” or “Monitors.” The unit served with the Union Army in the Eastern and Southern theaters, participating in operations in Virginia and South Carolina. It was noted for its discipline and was selected as the permanent garrison for Charleston, South Carolina, following the city’s evacuation by Confederate forces.

Organization & Service

The 127th New York Infantry was principally recruited in New York City and Long Island and mustered in on September 8, 1862. The regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on September 10, 1862. In the spring of 1863, it served during the siege of Suffolk, Virginia, as part of Hughston’s (3rd) Brigade, Gurney’s Division. In June 1863, the regiment was engaged in minor actions at Diascund Bridge and Nine-mile Ordinary, Virginia.

In August 1863, the regiment was ordered to South Carolina, where it participated in operations around Charleston Harbor, including the siege of Fort Wagner and the bombardment of Fort Sumter, while attached to the 1st Brigade, Gordon’s Division, 10th Corps. The regiment was present at Bull’s Island in March 1864 and at Fort Johnson in July 1864. It sustained its first significant losses at the Battle of Honey Hill, South Carolina, in November 1864, while serving in Potter’s (1st) Brigade, Hatch’s Division. The regiment was again heavily engaged at Deveaux Neck in December 1864.

After the evacuation of Charleston, the 127th New York was detailed by order of General Sherman as the permanent city garrison, with Colonel William Gurney appointed post commander. The regiment was mustered out of service in Charleston on June 30, 1865. The unit began its service with approximately 1,000 men and returned with 25 officers and 530 men.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Siege of Suffolk, Virginia (Spring 1863)
• Affairs at Diascund Bridge and Nine-mile Ordinary, Virginia (June 1863)
• Operations around Charleston Harbor, South Carolina (August–September 1863)
• Siege of Fort Wagner, South Carolina (1863)
• Bombardment of Fort Sumter, South Carolina (1863)
• Bull’s Island, South Carolina (March 1864)
• Fort Johnson, South Carolina (July 1864)
• Battle of Honey Hill, South Carolina (November 1864)
• Deveaux Neck, South Carolina (December 1864)
• Occupation and garrison duty in Charleston, South Carolina (1865)

Casualties

• Killed in action: 35 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 1 officer, 94 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 130

Casualty figures are based on official reports and regimental histories.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William Gurney
• Lieutenant Colonel Stewart L. Woodford
• Lieutenant Colonel Edward H. Little
• Major Edward H. Little
• Major Frank K. Smith

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 127th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides details on enlistment, rank, and service history for each member of the regiment.

To view the complete roster, visit the 127th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes
• 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