82nd New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 82nd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in New York City and mustered into United States service between May 20 and June 17, 1861. Serving with the Union Army, the regiment was active in the Eastern Theater throughout the Civil War. The unit was also known as the 2nd Militia and drew its recruits primarily from New York City. The 82nd New York Infantry was noted for its participation in many major campaigns and for sustaining heavy losses in several key battles.

This unit is distinct from any other service terms or similarly numbered regiments from New York.

Organization & Service

The 82nd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized in New York City and left the state for Washington, D.C., on May 18, 1861. The regiment was mustered into U.S. service between May 20 and June 17, 1861. Company D was detached and became the 3rd Battery of Light Artillery; a new company was recruited to fill its place in September 1861. The regiment was initially quartered near the Capitol until July 3, 1861, when it was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, Army of Northeastern Virginia. It crossed into Virginia and fought at the First Battle of Bull Run, suffering significant casualties.

In August 1861, the regiment was attached to a brigade that later became the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 2nd Corps, Army of the Potomac. After wintering in the defenses of Washington, the 82nd moved to the Virginia Peninsula in March 1862 as part of McClellan’s advance. The regiment participated in the Siege of Yorktown, the Battle of Fair Oaks, and the Seven Days’ Battles. During the Maryland Campaign, the 82nd suffered severe losses at Antietam, particularly in the advance on the Dunker Church. The regiment then moved to Falmouth, Virginia, in November 1862 and fought at Fredericksburg in December. It returned to Falmouth for the winter and was engaged at Chancellorsville in May 1863.

After a brief rest, the regiment marched to Gettysburg, where it again suffered heavy casualties, including the death of Colonel James Huston. The 82nd New York participated in subsequent actions at Auburn, Bristoe Station, and the Mine Run Campaign, and spent the winter at Brandy Station. In late April 1864, the regiment joined the Overland Campaign, fighting in the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor, and was present at the initial assaults on Petersburg. On June 25, 1864, the original members not reenlisted were mustered out. The remaining men were consolidated into a battalion of five companies, and veterans from the 40th New York were transferred in on June 28. On July 10, 1864, the battalion was consolidated with the 59th New York Infantry, ending the independent existence of the 82nd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service).

Engagements & Campaigns

• First Battle of Bull Run
• Siege of Yorktown
• Battle of Fair Oaks
• Seven Days’ Battles
• Battle of Antietam
• Battle of Fredericksburg
• Battle of Chancellorsville
• Battle of Gettysburg
• Engagements at Auburn and Bristoe Station
• Mine Run Campaign
• Wilderness Campaign
• Spotsylvania
• Cold Harbor
• First Assault on Petersburg

Casualties

The total enrollment of the 82nd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was 1,452. Of these, 178 died of wounds and 89 died from other causes. The regiment suffered especially heavy losses at Antietam and Gettysburg. At Antietam, out of 339 men engaged, 128 were reported killed, wounded, or missing. At Gettysburg, 192 out of 365 engaged became casualties, including Colonel Huston, who was killed in action.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel George W. B. Tompkins
• Colonel Henry W. Hudson
• Colonel James Huston
• Lieutenant Colonel Henry W. Hudson
• Lieutenant Colonel James Huston
• Lieutenant Colonel John Darrow
• Major Joseph J. Dimock
• Major Thomas W. Baird

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 82nd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides details on company assignments, ranks, and service records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 82nd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 2, 5, 9, 11, 19, 21, 25, 27, 29, 36, 40
• 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