81st New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 81st New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in New York for Union service during the American Civil War. Raised primarily in Oneida and Oswego counties, the regiment was mustered into United States service at Oswego and Albany between December 1861 and February 20, 1862. The 81st New York served in the Eastern Theater, participating in major campaigns with the Army of the Potomac and later in North Carolina and Virginia. The regiment was also known as the 2nd Oswego Regiment.

Organization & Service

The 81st New York Infantry was organized at Oswego and Albany, New York, and mustered in for three years’ service from December 1861 to February 20, 1862. The regiment departed New York for Washington, D.C., on March 5, 1862, and was initially quartered at Kalorama Heights. It was assigned to Palmer’s Brigade, Casey’s Division, 4th Corps, Army of the Potomac, and soon after joined the Peninsula Campaign.

The regiment was present at the siege of Yorktown and engaged at Williamsburg and Savage Station. At the Battle of Fair Oaks, the 81st New York suffered significant casualties, including the death of Major John McAmbly and the wounding of Lieutenant Colonel Jacob J. DeForest. During the Seven Days’ Battles, the regiment was tasked with guarding trains. Following the evacuation of the Peninsula, the unit was stationed at Yorktown until December 1862, conducting several expeditions in the region.

In December 1862, the regiment was assigned to the 1st Brigade, Peck’s Division, 4th Corps, and transferred to North Carolina, where it was stationed at Beaufort and Morehead City as part of the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 18th Corps. In October 1863, the 81st returned to Newport News, Virginia, and performed outpost duty along the Dismal Swamp Canal. In December 1863, enough men reenlisted to continue the regiment as a veteran organization. Upon returning from veteran furlough, the regiment was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 18th Corps, and participated in actions at Swift Creek, Drewry’s Bluff, and Cold Harbor. The regiment suffered its heaviest losses during the assaults on Cold Harbor in June 1864.

The 81st New York continued to serve before Petersburg and was sent to New York Harbor in November 1864. In December, it was attached to the 24th Corps and took part in the assault on Fort Harrison. The regiment was mustered out of service at Fortress Monroe, Virginia, on August 31, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Siege of Yorktown (April–May 1862)
• Battle of Williamsburg (May 5, 1862)
• Battle of Fair Oaks (May 31–June 1, 1862)
• Battle of Savage Station (June 29, 1862)
• Seven Days’ Battles (June–July 1862, train guard duty)
• Expeditions from Yorktown (late 1862)
• Duty at Beaufort and Morehead City, North Carolina (1863)
• Outpost duty along Dismal Swamp Canal (late 1863)
• Swift Creek (May 1864)
• Drewry’s Bluff (May 1864)
• Cold Harbor (June 1864)
• Siege of Petersburg (June–November 1864)
• Assault on Fort Harrison (September 1864)

Casualties

According to official records, the 81st New York Infantry lost 107 men killed or mortally wounded in action and 99 men died from disease and other causes during its service. The regiment suffered particularly heavy losses at Fair Oaks and Cold Harbor. Total losses are based on compiled regimental returns and may vary slightly between sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Edwin Rose
• Colonel Jacob J. DeForest
• Colonel John B. Raulston
• Colonel David B. White
• Lieutenant Colonel Jacob J. DeForest
• Lieutenant Colonel William C. Raulston
• Lieutenant Colonel John B. Raulston
• Lieutenant Colonel David B. White
• Lieutenant Colonel Lucius V. S. Mattison
• Major Byron B. Morris
• Major John McAmbly (killed at Fair Oaks)
• Major William C. Raulston
• Major David B. White
• Major Edward A. Stimson
• Major Lucius V. S. Mattison

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 81st New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides details on enlistment, rank, and service history for each member of the regiment.

To view the full roster, visit the 81st New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XI, XVIII, XXXVI, XL, XLII
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Reports for 1862–1865
• Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 2