61st New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 61st New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in New York City for Union service during the American Civil War. Known as the “Clinton Guards,” the regiment included companies from Madison University in Hamilton, the vicinity of Albany, and the remainder from New York City. Mustered into United States service between September and November 1861, the regiment served primarily in the Eastern Theater as part of the Army of the Potomac. The 61st New York participated in many of the war’s major campaigns and engagements, earning a reputation for gallantry and sustaining heavy losses.

Organization & Service

The 61st New York Infantry was mustered in at New York City from September to November 1861 for a three-year term. After organization, the regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on November 9, 1861, and was initially stationed there. On November 28, it moved with Howard’s Brigade, Sumner’s Division, to Manassas. In March 1862, the regiment became part of the 1st Division, 2nd Corps, Army of the Potomac.

In the spring of 1862, the regiment moved to the Virginia Peninsula, participating in the siege of Yorktown and seeing its first major action at the Battle of Fair Oaks, where it suffered significant casualties. The regiment endured even greater losses during the Seven Days’ Battles, and its numbers were notably reduced by the time it regrouped at Harrison’s Landing after Malvern Hill. Throughout 1862, the regiment underwent several brigade assignments within its division. In September, Company I from Albany joined, replacing a consolidated company.

The 61st New York fought at Antietam, where it was heavily engaged, and at Fredericksburg, serving in Hancock’s Division during the assault on Marye’s Heights. In May 1863, under Colonel Nelson A. Miles, the regiment distinguished itself at Chancellorsville and again suffered severe losses at Gettysburg. The regiment remained active through the autumn campaigns at Auburn, Bristoe Station, Rappahannock Station, and the Mine Run Campaign, before wintering near Brandy Station.

Many men reenlisted during the winter of 1863–1864. The regiment was reunited in the spring of 1864 and participated in the Overland Campaign, including the battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania (notably the “Bloody Angle”), and Cold Harbor. The 61st New York joined the first assault on Petersburg on June 15, 1864, and was engaged at Deep Bottom, Strawberry Plains, Reams’ Station, and Hatcher’s Run. On December 20, 1864, it received veterans and recruits from the 57th New York Infantry. The regiment was present at the fall of Petersburg, participated in the pursuit to Appomattox, and fought at Sailor’s Creek and Farmville. The 61st New York Infantry was mustered out at Alexandria, Virginia, on July 14, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Siege of Yorktown (April–May 1862)
• Battle of Fair Oaks (May 31–June 1, 1862)
• Seven Days’ Battles (June 25–July 1, 1862)
• Battle of Antietam (September 17, 1862)
• Battle of Fredericksburg (December 11–15, 1862)
• Chancellorsville Campaign (April 30–May 6, 1863)
• Battle of Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863)
• Bristoe Campaign (October 1863)
• Mine Run Campaign (November–December 1863)
• Overland Campaign (May–June 1864), including Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor
• Siege of Petersburg (June 1864–April 1865)
• Deep Bottom, Strawberry Plains, Reams’ Station, Hatcher’s Run (1864–1865)
• Appomattox Campaign, including Sailor’s Creek and Farmville (April 1865)

Casualties

According to official records, the 61st New York Infantry lost 193 men by death from wounds and 123 from other causes, including 46 who died in prison. The total enrollment was 1,526 members. Detailed breakdowns by battle or cause may vary in different sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Spencer W. Cone
• Colonel Francis C. Barlow
• Colonel Nelson A. Miles
• Colonel K. Oscar Broady
• Colonel George W. Scott
• Lieutenant Colonel Francis C. Barlow
• Lieutenant Colonel William C. Massett
• Lieutenant Colonel Nelson A. Miles
• Lieutenant Colonel K. Oscar Broady
• Lieutenant Colonel George W. Scott
• Lieutenant Colonel Richard A. Brown
• Major William C. Massett
• Major Arthur L. Brooks
• Major Edward Z. Lawrence
• Major William H. Spencer
• Major George W. Scott
• Major Henry B. Todd
• Major Willard Keech
• Major Richard A. Brown
• Major George W. Schaffer

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 61st 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 full roster, visit the 61st 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, 23, 25, 27, 29, 36, 40, 46 (reports and correspondence involving the 61st New York Infantry)
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Reports for 1861–1865 (rosters and summaries)
• 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)