Overview
The 4th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), also known as the 1st Regiment, Scott’s Life Guard, was an infantry regiment organized in New York City, with Company E recruited in Brooklyn. The regiment served in the Union Army during the American Civil War, mustering in for a two-year term from May 2 to May 9, 1861. The 4th New York operated primarily in the Eastern Theater, participating in several major campaigns and battles.
This regiment is distinct from any other New York regiments with similar designations or different service terms.
Organization & Service
The 4th New York Infantry was organized in New York City, with Company E raised in Brooklyn, and mustered into United States service between May 2 and May 9, 1861, for a two-year enlistment. Shortly after organization, the regiment embarked for Newport News, Virginia, on June 3, 1861, where it was stationed until July 26. The unit was then ordered to Baltimore, Maryland, remaining there until August 31, when it was detailed to guard the railroad at and near Havre de Grace.
From March 26 to June 6, 1862, the regiment was stationed at Fort McHenry in Baltimore. It was subsequently assigned to the 7th Corps at Suffolk, Virginia. On September 6, 1862, the 4th New York was ordered to Washington, D.C., to join the Army of the Potomac. As part of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 2nd Corps, the regiment participated in the Battle of Antietam, suffering significant casualties. Following Antietam, the regiment was posted at Harper’s Ferry from September 22 to October 30, then moved to Falmouth, Virginia, where it took part in the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862.
The regiment spent the winter of 1862–1863 in quarters at Falmouth. In late April 1863, it joined the movement that led to the Battle of Chancellorsville, where it was again actively engaged. The 4th New York Infantry was mustered out of service in New York City on May 25, 1863.
Research This Regiment Further
If you’d like to explore this unit’s history in more depth, regimental histories and Civil War reference works offer valuable detail.
Engagements & Campaigns
- Duty at Newport News, Virginia (June–July 1861)
- Guard duty at Baltimore and Havre de Grace, Maryland (July 1861–June 1862)
- Assignment at Fort McHenry, Baltimore (March–June 1862)
- Operations at Suffolk, Virginia (June–September 1862)
- Battle of Antietam (September 17, 1862)
- Duty at Harper’s Ferry (September–October 1862)
- Battle of Fredericksburg (December 11–15, 1862)
- Winter quarters at Falmouth, Virginia (Winter 1862–1863)
- Battle of Chancellorsville (May 1–5, 1863)
Casualties
According to contemporary sources, the 4th New York Infantry lost 64 members killed or mortally wounded in action, and 24 died from other causes during its service. At the Battle of Antietam, the regiment suffered 44 killed, 142 wounded, and 1 missing. Total losses for the regiment during its two-year term are based on official reports and may vary slightly between sources.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel Alfred W. Taylor
- Colonel John D. MacGregor
- Lieutenant Colonel John D. MacGregor
- Lieutenant Colonel William Jamieson
- Major Alfred W. Taylor
- Major William Jamieson
- Major Charles W. Kruger
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 4th New York Infantry (Two 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 complete roster, visit the 4th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 5, 9, 19, 21
- 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, Vol. 2, Federal Publishing Company, 1908