83rd New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 83rd New York Infantry (also known as the 9th Militia) was an infantry regiment organized in New York City for Union service during the American Civil War. Mustered into United States service for a three years’ term on June 8, 1861, the regiment was initially recruited and assembled in New York City before departing for Washington, D.C. on May 27, 1861. The 83rd New York served primarily in the Eastern Theater and was engaged in many of the war’s major campaigns and battles, earning distinction as one of Fox’s “three hundred fighting regiments.”

Organization & Service

The 83rd New York Infantry was organized in New York City and mustered into federal service for three years on June 8, 1861. Upon arrival in Washington, the regiment was attached to Colonel Stone’s command and subsequently served in Hamilton’s and Stiles’ brigades along the Potomac in Maryland and at Harper’s Ferry. In the spring of 1862, the regiment was stationed near Warrenton Junction and along the Rappahannock River, serving under various assignments.

During the summer of 1862, the 83rd participated in General Pope’s Virginia campaign as part of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 3rd Corps, suffering significant losses at the Second Battle of Bull Run. In September 1862, the brigade and division were transferred to the 1st Corps, and the regiment fought at South Mountain and Antietam, with heavy casualties at the latter. The regiment was also engaged at Fredericksburg, where it again sustained severe losses, including the wounding of Colonel Hendrickson.

After wintering at Falmouth, the 83rd New York was not heavily engaged at Chancellorsville but played a notable role at Gettysburg, particularly in the capture of Iverson’s North Carolina brigade. The regiment subsequently served at Hagerstown, Maryland, and Liberty, Virginia, and participated in the Mine Run campaign before establishing winter quarters near Brandy Station.

In the spring of 1864, the regiment took part in the Overland Campaign, serving in the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 5th Corps, and later in the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 5th Corps. Colonel Joseph A. Moesch was killed in action during the Wilderness campaign. The regiment’s original members who did not reenlist were mustered out at New York on June 23, 1864, while veterans and recruits were transferred to the 97th New York Infantry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Operations along the Potomac in Maryland and at Harper’s Ferry (1861–1862)
• Pope’s Virginia Campaign (Second Bull Run, August 1862)
• South Mountain (September 1862)
• Antietam (September 1862)
• Fredericksburg (December 1862)
• Chancellorsville (May 1863, not heavily engaged)
• Gettysburg (July 1863)
• Mine Run Campaign (November–December 1863)
• Wilderness Campaign (May 1864)

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 164
• Died of disease and other causes: 91
• Total enrollment: 1,413
• Notable losses: 75 at Second Bull Run, 114 at Antietam, 125 at Fredericksburg, 128 at Wilderness (killed, wounded, or missing)

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel John W. Stiles
• Colonel John Hendrickson
• Colonel Joseph A. Moesch
• Lieutenant Colonel William H. Halleck
• Lieutenant Colonel William Atterbury
• Lieutenant Colonel Allen Rutherford
• Lieutenant Colonel John Hendrickson
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph A. Moesch
• Lieutenant Colonel William Chalmers
• Major William Atterbury
• Major Allen Rutherford
• Major John Hendrickson
• Major Dabney W. Diggs
• Major Henry V. Williamson

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 83rd New York Infantry, including officers and enlisted men who served during its three years’ term, is available for research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details valuable for genealogists and historians.

To view the complete roster, visit the 83rd New York Infantry Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 5, 9, 12, 19, 21, 25, 27, 29, 33, 36
• 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