42nd New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 42nd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the “Tammany Regiment,” was an infantry regiment organized in New York City for Union service during the American Civil War. The regiment was mustered into United States service at Great Neck, Long Island, between June 22 and June 28, 1861, for a three-year term. Serving in the Army of the Potomac, the 42nd New York participated in many of the major campaigns and battles in the Eastern Theater and was recognized for its fighting record.

This unit is distinct from any other New York regiments with similar designations or service terms.

Organization & Service

The 42nd New York Infantry was recruited primarily in New York City and mustered in at Great Neck, Long Island, in late June 1861. After a brief period quartered on Long Island, the regiment embarked for Washington, D.C., on July 18, 1861. It was initially assigned to Stone’s brigade and soon after moved to Poolville, Maryland. On October 15, 1861, the regiment became part of Gorman’s brigade, Stone’s division, Army of the Potomac.

The regiment saw its first major action at the battle of Ball’s Bluff, suffering significant casualties, including several officers. In January 1862, it was attached to Burns’ brigade and, by March, to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 2nd Corps, Army of the Potomac. The 42nd participated in the Peninsular campaign, including the operations before Yorktown, the battle of West Point, and the Seven Days’ battles, notably at Glendale. The regiment endured heavy losses at Antietam in September 1862, and later fought at Fredericksburg in December.

In 1863, the 42nd New York was engaged in the Chancellorsville campaign, including actions at Marye’s Heights and Salem Church. At Gettysburg, under Colonel James E. Mallon, the regiment was commended for its conduct but suffered further losses. The regiment continued to serve in subsequent campaigns, including actions at Auburn, Bristoe Station (where Col. Mallon was killed), Mine Run, and Robertson’s Tavern, before wintering at Brandy Station.

Many men reenlisted in December 1863. The regiment broke camp on May 3, 1864, for the Overland Campaign, participating in the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Laurel Hill, North Anna, Totopotomoy, and Cold Harbor. On July 13, 1864, the original members not reenlisted were mustered out at New York City. The remaining veterans and recruits were transferred to the 82nd New York Infantry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Ball’s Bluff
• Peninsular Campaign (including Yorktown, West Point, Seven Days’ Battles, Glendale)
• Antietam
• Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville Campaign (Marye’s Heights, Salem Church)
• Gettysburg
• Auburn
• Bristoe Station
• Mine Run
• Robertson’s Tavern
• Wilderness
• Spotsylvania
• Laurel Hill
• North Anna
• Totopotomoy
• Cold Harbor

Casualties

The total enrollment of the 42nd New York Infantry was approximately 1,210 men. Of these, 152 were killed or died of wounds, and 106 died of accident, disease, or imprisonment. The regiment suffered a total of 718 killed, wounded, or captured during its service. These figures are based on regimental and official reports; some variation may exist in other sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William D. Kennedy
• Colonel Milton Cogswell
• Colonel Edmund C. Charles
• Colonel James E. Mallon
• Colonel William A. Lynch
• Lieutenant Colonel Michael Doheny
• Lieutenant Colonel James I. Mooney
• Lieutenant Colonel George M. Bomford
• Lieutenant Colonel William A. Lynch
• Lieutenant Colonel Robert C. Wright
• Major Peter Bowe
• Major James E. Mallon
• Major Patrick J. Downing

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 42nd New York Infantry (Three 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 and historical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 42nd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 5, 9, 11, 19, 21, 25, 27, 29, 36, 39, 40
• 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, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 2