13th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 13th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment from New York, commonly known as the “Rochester regiment.” It was composed primarily of eight companies from Rochester, with additional companies from Dansville and Brockport. The regiment served in the Union Army, primarily in the Eastern Theater, and participated in several major campaigns and battles during its two-year term of service.

This unit is distinct from any other 13th New York Infantry regiments organized under different service terms.

Organization & Service

The 13th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was mustered into United States service at Elmira, New York, initially for a three-month term, but was subsequently mustered for the remainder of a two-year term in August 1861. The regiment departed Elmira on May 29, 1861, alongside the 12th New York Infantry, and arrived in Washington, D.C., where it camped on Meridian Hill before being ordered to Fort Corcoran. There, the regiment was engaged in construction work until the commencement of the Manassas campaign.

The 13th New York was attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, Army of Northeastern Virginia, and saw action at Blackburn’s Ford and the First Battle of Bull Run, suffering significant casualties. Following the battle, the regiment was mustered for the remainder of its two-year term, a decision that was met with dissatisfaction among the ranks, leading to disciplinary actions for some members. From October 1, 1861, to March 10, 1862, the regiment performed guard and picket duty along the Potomac near Georgetown.

In the spring of 1862, the 13th was assigned to Martindale’s Brigade, Porter’s Division, 3rd Corps, and participated in the Peninsular Campaign, including the siege of Yorktown and the Seven Days’ Battles, where it sustained heavy losses. In May 1862, the regiment was reassigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Corps. After a brief rest at Harrison’s Landing, it moved to join General Pope’s forces and was closely engaged at the Second Battle of Bull Run, suffering further casualties. The regiment was held in reserve at Antietam and later engaged at Shepherdstown. It reached the vicinity of Fredericksburg in November 1862 and participated in the battle there, again incurring heavy losses. After the “Mud March,” the regiment remained in winter quarters until the expiration of its term in April 1863. The original two-year men were mustered out at Rochester on May 14, 1863, while the three-year men and recruits were consolidated into two companies and attached to the 140th New York Infantry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Blackburn’s Ford (July 1861)
• First Battle of Bull Run (July 1861)
• Guard and picket duty along the Potomac (Oct 1861 – Mar 1862)
• Peninsular Campaign (Spring–Summer 1862)
• Siege of Yorktown (April–May 1862)
• Seven Days’ Battles (June–July 1862)
• Second Battle of Bull Run (August 1862)
• Shepherdstown (September 1862)
• Battle of Fredericksburg (December 1862)
• “Mud March” (January 1863)

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 85
• Died of disease, accident, or imprisonment: 44
• Total enrollment: approximately 1,300 men

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Isaac F. Quimby
• Colonel John Pickell
• Colonel Elisha G. Marshall
• Lieutenant Colonel Carl Stephan
• Lieutenant Colonel Francis A. Schoeffel
• Major Oliver L. Terry
• Major Francis A. Schoeffel
• Major George Hyland, Jr.

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 13th 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 valuable for genealogical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 13th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 2, 5, 9, 11, 19, 21
• New York State Adjutant General’s Reports
• Dyer, Frederick H., 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