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128th New
York Infantry
Online Books:
128th New York
Infantry Soldier
Roster - Annual Report of the Adjutant General of the State of New York For the Year
1893, Volume 37 View the Entire Book
| Regimental History |
| One Hundred and Twenty-eighth New York Infantry. — Cols., David S. Cowles,
James Smith, James P. Foster; Lieut.-Cols. James Smith, James P. Foster, Francis S. Keese;
Majs., James P. Foster, Edward Gifford, Francis S. Keese, George M. Van Slyck, Robert F.
Wilkinson. This regiment, recruited in the counties of Columbia and Dutchess, rendezvoused
at Hudson, and was there mustered into the U. S. service for three years, Sept. 4, 1862.
The following day it left for Baltimore, whence it sailed for New Orleans a few weeks
later. In Jan., 1863, it was assigned to Sherman's division, 19th corps, and was
complimented by Gen. Sherman for the success of its first achievement — the capture
of a large quantity of property at Gainesville in April. The regiment took a gallant and
conspicuous part in the long siege of Port Hudson, fighting desperately during the
assaults of May 27 and June 14. The splendid service rendered by the 128th is well
attested by its casualties during the siege, which amounted to 22 killed, 100 wounded and
6 missing, a total of 128. Col. Cowles fell while gallantly leading his regiment during
the assault of May 27, the command suffering its heaviest losses on this occasion. After
the fall of Port Hudson, the regiment was ordered to Baton Rouge, where it arrived on the
22nd after a fatiguing march, and the next 9 months were chiefly spent in post and
garrison duty, with occasional reconnoissances and minor expeditions. On March 15, 1864,
in the 3d brigade, 2nd (Grover's) division, 19th corps, it started on Banks' ill-fated Red
River expedition. During the battle of Cane river crossing, the 128th was the first to
cross the river and plant a flag upon the hill. It also made a brilliant charge driving
the enemy and taking many prisoners, its loss being 10 killed and wounded. It was also
present at Alexandria and Mansura. In July it proceeded with the division to New Orleans,
whence it sailed under sealed orders for Washington. On its arrival it was ordered into
Maryland to confront Early's invasion and took part in the subsequent famous campaign
under Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. At the battle of the Opequan the regiment lost 57
killed, wounded and missing, Maj. Keese and 4 other officers being among the wounded. At
Fisher's hill its loss was 20 killed, wounded and missing, and the regiment was handsomely
complimented by Gen. Emory for its services. At the battle of Cedar creek it lost 95
killed, wounded and missing. During the next two months it was engaged in garrison duty at
Winchester and New Berne, and was ordered to Savannah with its division in Jan., 1865. In
March it was ordered to North Carolina, where it was temporarily attached to the 3d
brigade, 1st division, 10th corps, participating in the campaign of the Carolinas until
Johnston's surrender in April. It returned to Savannah in May and was mustered out in
Augusta, Ga., July 12, 1865. The regiment returned home with only 400 men of the original
960 and 173 recruits. It lost during service 2 officers and 61 men killed and mortally
wounded; 3 officers and 203 men died of disease and other causes; total deaths, 269, of
whom 41 died in the hands of the enemy. |
Footnotes:
Regimental history taken from "The Union Army" by Federal Publishing
Company, 1908 - Volume 2
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