26th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 26th New York Infantry was an infantry regiment from New York that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized at Elmira, New York, the regiment was initially mustered into United States service on May 21, 1861, for a three months’ term, but was subsequently remustered for a two years’ term. The regiment drew its companies primarily from Oneida County, with additional companies from Monroe, Tioga, and Madison counties. The 26th New York Infantry served in the Eastern Theater and participated in several major campaigns and battles.

This regiment is sometimes referred to as the 2nd Oneida Regiment. It was mustered out of service at Utica, New York, on May 28, 1863.

Organization & Service

The 26th New York Infantry was organized at Elmira and mustered into service on May 21, 1861. The regiment left New York for Washington, D.C., on June 19, 1861, and camped for about a month on Meridian Hill. It then moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where it was stationed at various points during the fall of 1861. The regiment established winter quarters at Fort Lyon and was attached to Wadsworth’s brigade.

In March 1862, as the Union Army advanced, the 26th New York was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, Department of the Rappahannock. After about a month, it became part of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 3rd Corps, Army of Virginia. On August 21, 1861, the regiment was remustered for the remainder of a two years’ term under special orders from the War Department. The regiment was present at the Battle of Cedar Mountain and participated in the Virginia campaign under General Pope, suffering significant losses at the Second Battle of Bull Run.

On September 12, 1862, the regiment was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac. It was engaged at South Mountain and Antietam, and later at Fredericksburg, where it sustained its heaviest losses. The regiment established winter quarters at Belle Plain, remaining there except during the “Mud March,” until the Chancellorsville campaign in the spring of 1863, where it performed advance picket duty. The 26th New York Infantry was mustered out at Utica, New York, on May 28, 1863.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Cedar Mountain
• Second Bull Run
• South Mountain
• Antietam
• Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville Campaign (advance picket duty)

Casualties

The 26th New York Infantry lost a total of 108 members by death from wounds and 42 by death from other causes during its service. At the Second Battle of Bull Run, the regiment lost 169 men killed, wounded, or missing. At Fredericksburg, out of 300 men engaged, 170 were killed, wounded, or missing, with 51 mortally wounded. Total losses are as reported in official records and regimental histories.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William H. Christian
• Colonel Richard A. Richardson
• Lieutenant Colonel Richard A. Richardson
• Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert S. Jennings
• Major Gilbert S. Jennings
• Major Ezra F. Wetmore

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 26th New York Infantry, including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and other service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 26th New York Infantry Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 5, 9, 12, 19, 21
• 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”
• “The Union Army,” Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 2