165th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 165th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the 2nd Battalion, Duryea’s Zouaves, was an infantry regiment organized in New York City and Brooklyn for Union service during the American Civil War. The regiment was mustered into United States service between August and December 1862 for a three-year term. It served primarily in the Department of the Gulf and later in the Shenandoah Valley and the South Atlantic region. The regiment is noted for its distinctive Zouave uniforms and for its participation in the siege of Port Hudson and the Red River Campaign.

This unit served on the Union side and was attached to the 19th Army Corps, Department of the Gulf, and later to the Army of the Shenandoah and the Department of the South. The regiment’s service included significant campaigns in Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, and Georgia.

Organization & Service

The 165th New York Infantry was initially recruited for a nine-month term, but this was changed to three years before mustering. Only six companies were originally formed, primarily from New York City and Brooklyn, and these were mustered into service between August and December 1862. The regiment departed New York on December 2, 1862, sailing for New Orleans, Louisiana.

Upon arrival in New Orleans, the regiment was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd (Sherman’s) Division, 19th Army Corps, Department of the Gulf. In March 1863, the regiment participated in skirmishes at North Pass, Ponchatoula, and Berwick Bay. The 165th played an active role in the siege of Port Hudson, suffering significant casualties, particularly during the assault on May 27, 1863, when Lieutenant Colonel Abel Smith, Jr. was mortally wounded.

Following Port Hudson, the regiment joined Franklin’s expedition to Sabine Pass, Texas, in September 1863, and later saw action at Vermilion Bayou. In 1864, four additional companies joined the battalion in the field, consolidating with the original six companies. The regiment, as part of the 3rd Brigade, Emory’s Division, participated in the Red River Campaign, fighting at Sabine Cross Roads, Pleasant Hill, Cane River Crossing, and Mansura. The regiment then moved north and was engaged at Berryville, Virginia, in September 1864.

In April 1865, the 165th accompanied Dwight’s 1st Division, Army of the Shenandoah, to Washington, D.C., and subsequently to Savannah, Georgia. The regiment was mustered out under Major William W. Stephenson at Charleston, South Carolina, on September 1, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Skirmishes at North Pass, Ponchatoula, and Berwick Bay (March 1863)
• Siege of Port Hudson (May–July 1863), including assault of May 27
• Franklin’s Expedition to Sabine Pass, Texas (September 1863)
• Actions at Vermilion Bayou (1863)
• Red River Campaign (Spring 1864): Sabine Cross Roads, Pleasant Hill, Cane River Crossing, Mansura
• Action at Berryville, Virginia (September 1864)
• Duty in Washington, D.C., and Savannah, Georgia (1865)

Casualties

• Killed and mortally wounded: 2 officers, 44 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 2 officers, 79 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 127 (including 18 men who died in the hands of the enemy)

Field Officers & Commanders

• Lieutenant Colonel Abel Smith, Jr.
• Lieutenant Colonel Governeur Carr
• Lieutenant Colonel William R. French
• Major Governeur Carr
• Major Felix Angus
• Major William W. Stephenson

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 165th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details for those who served in the unit.

To view the full roster, visit the 165th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XV, XXVI, XXXIV, 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, Vol. 2