65th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 65th New York Infantry (U.S. Chasseurs) was an infantry regiment organized at Willett’s Point, Long Island, New York, in July and August 1861 for three years’ service in the Union Army. The regiment drew its ranks primarily from eastern New York, with additional men from Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maine. Serving in the Eastern Theater, the 65th New York participated in many of the major campaigns of the Army of the Potomac and later the Army of the Shenandoah.

The regiment became known for its distinctive designation as the “U.S. Chasseurs” and maintained a notable record throughout the war, remaining active until mustering out in July 1865.

Organization & Service

The 65th New York Infantry was mustered into U.S. service at Willett’s Point, Long Island, during July and August 1861. The regiment departed New York for Washington, D.C., on August 27, 1861, and was initially attached to the 3rd Provisional Brigade. On September 19, 1861, it became part of Graham’s Brigade, Buell’s Division. In March 1862, the regiment joined the advance to the Virginia Peninsula as part of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 4th Corps.

The 65th was present at the siege of Yorktown and saw action during the Seven Days’ Battles, suffering 68 casualties. At Antietam, the regiment was engaged but did not occupy an exposed position. In September 1862, the division was transferred to the 6th Corps, becoming the 3rd Division. The regiment served in the 3rd Brigade until December, then moved to the 1st Brigade. It was present at Fredericksburg but not heavily engaged, and wintered in that area.

During the Chancellorsville Campaign, the 65th participated in the charge that captured Marye’s Heights. At Gettysburg, the regiment was held in support. It subsequently took part in the Mine Run Campaign and wintered with the 6th Corps. In January 1864, the regiment was sent to Johnson’s Island to guard prisoners, returning to the Army of the Potomac and being attached to the 4th Brigade of its old division. A large number of men reenlisted, allowing the regiment to continue as a veteran organization.

The 65th fought through the Wilderness Campaign, losing 154 men in the first week, with many casualties at Spotsylvania. The regiment was active at Cold Harbor and Petersburg. In July 1864, the 6th Corps was sent to Washington to repel Confederate forces under General Early; the 65th was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, and fought at Fort Stevens, then pursued Early through the Shenandoah Valley, engaging at Charlestown, Opequon, Fisher’s Hill, and Cedar Creek, where it suffered significant losses.

Returning to Petersburg in December 1864, the regiment was engaged at Hatcher’s Run in February 1865, at Fort Stedman, and in the final assault on April 2. In September 1864, original members not reenlisted were mustered out, and the regiment was consolidated into a battalion of four companies, later joined by four companies from the 67th New York and two companies of new recruits. The 65th New York Infantry was mustered out at Washington, D.C., on July 17, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Siege of Yorktown (April–May 1862)
• Seven Days’ Battles (June–July 1862)
• Antietam (September 1862)
• Fredericksburg (December 1862)
• Chancellorsville (May 1863)
• Gettysburg (July 1863)
• Mine Run Campaign (November–December 1863)
• Wilderness Campaign (May 1864)
• Spotsylvania (May 1864)
• Cold Harbor (June 1864)
• Petersburg (June 1864–April 1865)
• Fort Stevens (July 1864)
• Charlestown (August 1864)
• Opequon (Third Winchester, September 1864)
• Fisher’s Hill (September 1864)
• Cedar Creek (October 1864)
• Hatcher’s Run (February 1865)
• Fort Stedman (March 1865)
• Final Assault on Petersburg (April 2, 1865)

Casualties

According to contemporary sources, the 65th New York Infantry lost 121 men by death from wounds and 90 from other causes during its service. The regiment suffered significant losses in several campaigns, including 68 killed, wounded, or missing during the Seven Days’ Battles, 154 casualties in the first week of the Wilderness Campaign, and 90 at Cedar Creek. Total losses may vary slightly among sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel John Cochrane
• Colonel Alexander Shaler
• Colonel Joseph E. Hamblin
• Colonel Henry C. Fiske
• Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Shaler
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph E. Hamblin
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry J. Healy
• Lieutenant Colonel Thomas H. Higginbotham
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry C. Fiske
• Lieutenant Colonel David I. Miln
• Major Henry J. Healey
• Major Thomas H. Higginbotham
• Major David I. Miln
• Major Edmund K. Russell

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 65th New York Infantry, including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details for those who served in the regiment during the Civil War.

To view the complete roster, visit the 65th New York Infantry Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (Army of the Potomac, 4th and 6th Corps reports)
• 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