103rd New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 103rd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the Seward Infantry, served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized primarily in New York City with recruits from New York and Chemung counties, the regiment was mustered into federal service between November 1861 and March 1862. The unit served in several major theaters, including North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina, and was attached to various brigades and divisions throughout its service. The regiment is noted for its participation in significant engagements such as Antietam, Fredericksburg, the siege of Suffolk, and the siege of Petersburg.

Organization & Service

The 103rd New York Infantry was organized at New York City and mustered into United States service from November 1861 to March 1862 for a three-year term. Company C was mustered out on May 8, 1862. The regiment left New York on March 5, 1862, and was stationed briefly in Washington and Norfolk. It was then assigned to the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, Department of North Carolina, participating in actions at Foy’s Plantation, Fort Macon, Gillett’s Farm, Haughton’s Mill, and Dismal Swamp.

In July 1862, with the formation of the IX Corps, the regiment was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, and participated in the Maryland Campaign under Major General Reno. At the Battle of Antietam, the regiment suffered heavy losses, particularly during the charge at the stone bridge. The 103rd New York was engaged at Fayetteville in November and at Fredericksburg in December 1862, where it again sustained casualties.

During the spring of 1863, the regiment, as part of the VII Corps, took part in the siege of Suffolk and saw action at Providence Church Road, where Colonel Ringold was killed. In August 1863, the regiment was ordered to South Carolina, participating in the siege of Fort Wagner and subsequent operations around Charleston Harbor. The unit was active on James Island during May, June, and July 1864, incurring further losses.

In December 1864, the regiment was assigned to the 1st Brigade, Ferrero’s Division, Army of the James, at Bermuda Hundred, Virginia, and participated in the siege of Petersburg until its capture in April 1865. On March 4, 1865, the original members (except veterans) were mustered out at New York City under Colonel Heine, and the remaining veterans and recruits were consolidated into a battalion of three companies. This battalion remained in service until December 7, 1865, when it was mustered out at City Point, Virginia, under Captain William Redlich.

Research This Regiment Further

If you’d like to explore this unit’s history in more depth, regimental histories and Civil War reference works offer valuable detail.

Engagements & Campaigns

  • Foy’s Plantation, North Carolina
  • Fort Macon, North Carolina
  • Gillett’s Farm, North Carolina
  • Haughton’s Mill, North Carolina
  • Dismal Swamp, North Carolina
  • Maryland Campaign (including Antietam)
  • Fayetteville, Virginia
  • Fredericksburg, Virginia
  • Siege of Suffolk, Virginia
  • Providence Church Road, Virginia
  • Siege of Fort Wagner, South Carolina
  • Operations around Charleston Harbor, South Carolina
  • Actions on James Island, South Carolina
  • Siege of Petersburg, Virginia

Casualties

  • Killed or mortally wounded: 4 officers, 61 enlisted men
  • Died of disease and other causes: 3 officers, 100 enlisted men
  • Total deaths: 7 officers, 161 enlisted men

Field Officers & Commanders

  • Colonel Baron Fred W. Von Egloffstein
  • Colonel Benjamin Ringold (killed at Providence Church Road)
  • Colonel Wilhelm Heine
  • Lieutenant Colonel Kasper Schneider
  • Lieutenant Colonel Julius C. Kretschmar
  • Lieutenant Colonel Julius E. Quentin
  • Lieutenant Colonel Andreas Wettstien
  • Major Julius C. Kretschmar
  • Major Julius E. Quentin
  • Major Benjamin Ringold
  • Major Joseph Morrison
  • Captain William Redlich (commanded at mustering out in 1865)

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 103rd 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 complete roster, visit the 103rd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

  • Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts
  • 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
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