1st New York Battalion Sharpshooters in the American Civil War

Overview

The 1st New York Battalion Sharpshooters served as a specialized battalion within the Union Army during the American Civil War. Composed of four principal companies—the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th—this battalion was organized from various locations across New York State between 1862 and 1863. The battalion was known for its service in major campaigns of the Army of the Potomac and its attachment to several infantry regiments and corps throughout the war.

Operating primarily in the Eastern Theater, the battalion participated in significant actions including the siege of Suffolk, the Mine Run campaign, Grant’s Overland Campaign, the siege of Petersburg, and the Appomattox Campaign. Its companies were mustered out at various dates in 1863 and 1865, having sustained notable casualties in several major engagements.

Organization & Service

The 1st New York Battalion Sharpshooters was formed from four companies:

• 6th Company (flank company, 108th New York Infantry): Recruited and organized at Rochester, mustered in for three years on September 13, 1862. Mustered out June 3, 1865, at Washington, D.C., under Lieut. Philip Hysner.
• 7th Company (Company L, 112th New York Infantry): Organized at Jamestown, mustered in for three years on September 12, 1862. Mustered out June 3, 1865, near Washington, under Capt. Clinton Perry.
• 8th Company: Recruited at Buffalo, Hudson, and Chatham; mustered in for three years on January 22, 1863, at New Dorp, Staten Island. Mustered out July 10, 1865, near Washington, D.C., under Capt. John B. McDonald.
• 9th Company: Recruited at Albany, Hudson, Canaan, Hinsdale, and New Lebanon; mustered in for nine months at New Dorp, Staten Island. Commanded by 1st Lieut. Warren Blinn, mustered out August 5, 1863, at Albany.

A 10th company was briefly organized for nine months’ service under Capt. Charles M. White in January 1863, but was never completed; its members were transferred in June 1863 to the 9th company and the 178th New York Infantry.

The battalion departed New York on February 3, 1863, and initially served with the 7th Corps during the siege of Suffolk. It was later attached to the 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac, participating in the Mine Run campaign. In 1864, the battalion was assigned to Cutler’s Division, 5th Corps, and fought in the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, and the first assault on Petersburg. At the Weldon Railroad, the battalion suffered significant losses, with 49 men captured. The battalion also saw action at Hatcher’s Run in October 1864. After November 1864, it served unattached in the 3rd Division, 5th Corps, and participated in the final Appomattox Campaign, including engagements at White Oak Ridge, Five Forks, the final assault on Petersburg, and Appomattox Court House.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Siege of Suffolk (Spring 1863)
• Mine Run Campaign (Fall 1863)
• Wilderness Campaign (May 1864)
• Spotsylvania Court House
• North Anna
• Cold Harbor
• First Assault on Petersburg
• Weldon Railroad
• Hatcher’s Run (October 1864)
• White Oak Ridge
• Five Forks
• Final Assault on Petersburg
• Appomattox Court House

Casualties

• 6th Company: 10 killed and mortally wounded; 9 died of disease; total 19.
• 7th Company: 12 killed and mortally wounded; 8 died of disease; total 20.
• 8th Company: 5 killed and mortally wounded; 14 died of disease; total 19.
• 9th Company: 1 officer and 5 men died of disease.

Casualty figures are based on official reports and may not include all losses due to incomplete records.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Maj. W. S. Rowland
• Maj. Joseph S. Arnold
• Capt. Abijah C. Gray (6th Company)
• Capt. Volney J. Shipman (6th Company)
• Capt. Joseph S. Arnold (7th Company)
• Capt. Clinton Perry (7th Company)
• Capt. Edward G. Robinson (8th Company)
• Capt. Alfred Perry (8th Company)
• Capt. John B. McDonald (8th Company)
• Capt. Thomas S. Bradley (9th Company)
• 1st Lieut. Warren Blinn (9th Company)

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 1st New York Battalion Sharpshooters, including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides details on company assignments, ranks, and service records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 1st New York Battalion Sharpshooters Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (Army of the Potomac, 5th Corps, 1st Corps, 7th Corps reports)
• New York State Adjutant General’s Reports
• Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• Contemporary regimental and state histories