Independent Corps New York Light Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The Independent Corps New York Light Infantry, also known as the “Enfans Perdus,” was an infantry regiment organized in New York City during the winter of 1861–62. It served in the Union Army as part of the infantry branch. The regiment was mustered into United States service for three years, with initial companies entering service on April 18, 1862. The unit served primarily in the Eastern and Southern theaters, including operations in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

This regiment is distinct from other New York infantry units and should not be confused with the 1st New York Engineers or other numbered regiments.

Organization & Service

The Independent Corps New York Light Infantry was recruited and organized in New York City. Six companies (A to F) were mustered into service on April 18, 1862, for a three-year term. The regiment left New York State on the same day and was initially stationed on the Virginia Peninsula, serving at Gloucester and Yorktown until the end of 1862. In August 1862, an additional company joined the regiment in the field, followed by two more companies in March 1863, bringing the total to nine companies.

During its early service, the regiment was attached to the 1st Brigade of Peck’s Division, 4th Corps. In December 1862, it was ordered to North Carolina, where it became part of Naglee’s Brigade, 1st Division, 18th Corps, and was later assigned to Davis’ Brigade, Naglee’s Division, in the same corps. Early in 1863, the regiment moved to Beaufort, South Carolina, and then to Charleston Harbor, joining the 10th Corps. Throughout the summer and fall of 1863, the regiment participated in operations around Charleston Harbor, including duty at St. Helena, Morris Island, and Folly Island.

The regiment took part in the engagements on Morris Island in July 1863, the siege of Fort Wagner, the bombardment of Fort Sumter, and the battle of Olustee, Florida. On January 30, 1864, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Simon Levy, the regiment was consolidated with the 1st New York Engineers and the 47th and 48th New York Infantry, and discontinued as a separate organization.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Peninsula operations at Gloucester and Yorktown (1862)
• North Carolina operations (late 1862–early 1863)
• Beaufort, South Carolina (early 1863)
• Charleston Harbor operations (summer–fall 1863)
• Engagements on Morris Island (July 1863)
• Siege of Fort Wagner
• Bombardment of Fort Sumter
• Battle of Olustee, Florida

Casualties

• Enlisted men killed in action: 7
• Enlisted men died of wounds received in action: 2
• Enlisted men died of disease and other causes: 52
• Total deaths: 61

Field Officers & Commanders

• Lieutenant Colonel Felix Comfort
• Lieutenant Colonel Simon Levy
• Major John Carter Brown
• Major Michael Schmidt

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the Independent Corps New York Light Infantry, including names and service details of its officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides valuable information for those tracing ancestors or studying the regiment’s composition.

To view the complete roster, visit the Independent Corps New York Light Infantry Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts covering operations in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina (1862–1864)
• 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
• Contemporary regimental and state histories