47th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 47th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), known as the “Washington Grays,” was an infantry regiment organized in New York and Brooklyn. It was mustered into United States service at East New York on September 14, 1861, for a three-year term. The regiment served in the Union Army, primarily in the Department of the South and later in the Army of the James, participating in major campaigns in the Carolinas, Florida, and Virginia.

The 47th New York Infantry was notable for its early deployment to the South Atlantic coast, its heavy losses at the Battle of Olustee, and its participation in the assaults on Fort Wagner and Fort Fisher. The regiment remained active until the end of the war, mustering out in August 1865.

Organization & Service

The 47th New York Infantry was recruited in New York City and Brooklyn and mustered in at East New York on September 14, 1861. The regiment left the state the following day with 678 members, proceeding to Washington, D.C. It was attached to the 1st Brigade of Sherman’s division and, in October 1861, embarked for Hilton Head, South Carolina, arriving on November 3. The regiment was stationed at Hilton Head until January 1, 1862, when it was ordered to Beaufort, South Carolina, to participate in operations against Port Royal Ferry. Afterward, it returned to Hilton Head.

In early February 1862, the regiment moved to Edisto Island, remaining there until June, when it was ordered to James Island. There, as part of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, it was engaged at Secessionville. On July 1, 1862, the regiment returned to Hilton Head, performing guard and picket duty through the fall and winter. In July 1863, the 47th participated in the assault on Fort Wagner and remained in that vicinity for the rest of the year.

During the Florida expedition in February 1864, the regiment suffered significant losses at the Battle of Olustee. The unit then advanced up the St. John’s River as far as Palatka before returning to Hilton Head. In April 1864, the 47th was ordered to Virginia and assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 10th Corps, Army of the James, at Bermuda Hundred. On May 25, the division was reassigned to the 18th Corps. The regiment saw action near Bermuda Hundred, notably at Port Walthall Junction, and joined the Army of the Potomac just before the Battle of Cold Harbor.

On June 15, 1864, the regiment was transferred back to the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 10th Corps, and participated in the first assault on Petersburg. It was present at the mine explosion on July 30 and engaged at Strawberry Plains, Fort Harrison, and on the Darbytown Road. The original members not reenlisted were mustered out in July 1864, but veterans and recruits continued in service.

In December 1864, as part of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 24th Corps, the regiment was ordered to Fort Fisher, North Carolina, and took part in its reduction. The 47th then served in the Carolinas, being present at Smithfield, Fort Anderson, Wilmington, Cox’s Bridge, and Bennett’s House. On April 2, 1865, it was attached to the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 10th Corps. The regiment was mustered out at Raleigh, North Carolina, on August 30, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Port Royal Ferry (January 1862)
• Secessionville (June 1862)
• Assault on Fort Wagner (July 1863)
• Florida Expedition and Battle of Olustee (February 1864)
• Port Walthall Junction (May 1864)
• Battle of Cold Harbor (June 1864)
• First Assault on Petersburg (June 1864)
• Mine Explosion, Petersburg (July 1864)
• Strawberry Plains (August 1864)
• Fort Harrison (September 1864)
• Darbytown Road (October 1864)
• Fort Fisher (January 1865)
• Smithfield, Fort Anderson, Wilmington, Cox’s Bridge, Bennett’s House (1865)

Casualties

During its service, the 47th New York Infantry lost 93 men killed or mortally wounded and 157 men died from other causes. Total losses, as reported in primary sources, were 250 men.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Henry Moore
• Colonel James L. Frazer
• Colonel Henry Wood
• Colonel Christopher R. McDonald
• Lieutenant Colonel James L. Frazer
• Lieutenant Colonel Pierce C. Kane
• Lieutenant Colonel George B. Van Brunt
• Lieutenant Colonel Albert B. Nicholas
• Lieutenant Colonel Christopher R. McDonald
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph McDonald
• Major Daniel Lloyd
• Major Pierce C. Kane
• Major George B. Van Brunt
• Major David Allen
• Major Christopher R. McDonald
• Major Edward Eddy, Jr.
• Major Charles A. Moore
• Major Frank A. Butts

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 47th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 47th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 6, 14, 28, 35, 36, 40, 46
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Reports for 1861–1865
• 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