58th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 58th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the Morgan Rifles, was an infantry regiment from New York that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was organized in New York City and mustered into United States service in November 1861 for a three-year term. It was composed of several companies with distinct identities, including the United States Rifles, Polish Legion, Gallatin Rifles, Morgan Rifles, and Humboldt Yeagers. The 58th New York served primarily in the Eastern and Western Theaters and was notable for its diverse composition and participation in several major campaigns.

Organization & Service

The 58th New York Infantry was mustered into service at New York City in November 1861. Shortly after organization, the regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on November 7, 1861, and was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, Blenker’s Division, Army of the Potomac. The regiment remained stationed near Washington until April 1862, when it was ordered to join the Mountain Department. It reached General Fremont’s command in time to participate in the Battle of Cross Keys in June 1862.

On June 26, 1862, the regiment was reassigned to the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 1st Corps, Army of Virginia, which was later redesignated as the 11th Corps. The 58th New York participated in General Pope’s campaign, being present at Fox’s Ford, Sulphur Springs, Waterloo Bridge, Groveton, and the Second Battle of Bull Run, where it suffered significant casualties. The regiment was in the vicinity of Fredericksburg but was not engaged in the battle. During the winter of 1862–1863, it was stationed at Stafford, Virginia.

In May 1863, the regiment took part in the Chancellorsville Campaign and subsequently marched to Gettysburg, where it was actively engaged in the battle. After Gettysburg, the regiment moved south through Boonsboro and Funkstown and was ordered west in September 1863, arriving at Bridgeport, Alabama, in early October. It was present at Wauhatchie and participated in the Chattanooga and Rossville campaigns. In March 1864, the regiment was attached to the 4th Division, 20th Corps. A significant number of men reenlisted in December 1863, received veteran furloughs, and rejoined the regiment in Tennessee. The 58th New York completed its service in the Department of the Cumberland, stationed at Nashville from June 1864 until its muster out on October 1, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Battle of Cross Keys (June 1862)
• Pope’s Campaign: Fox’s Ford, Sulphur Springs, Waterloo Bridge, Groveton, Second Bull Run (August 1862)
• Chancellorsville Campaign (May 1863)
• Battle of Gettysburg (July 1863)
• Boonsboro and Funkstown (July 1863)
• Wauhatchie (October 1863)
• Chattanooga and Rossville Campaigns (Fall 1863)
• Department of the Cumberland duty at Nashville (June 1864 – September 1865)

Casualties

During its service, the 58th New York Infantry lost 32 men killed or mortally wounded in action and 95 men who died from other causes, including disease. Total losses for the regiment were 127 men. If casualty figures differ in other sources, these numbers are based on the most widely cited official reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Wladimir Kryzanowski
• Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Gellman
• Lieutenant Colonel August Otto
• Lieutenant Colonel Adolphus Dobke
• Major Theodore Lichtenstein
• Major William Henkel
• Major George N. Harvey
• Major Adolph C. Warberg
• Major Michael Esenbean

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 58th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 58th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XII, XIX, XXVII, XXXI
• 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