128th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 128th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Hudson, New York, and mustered into United States service on September 4, 1862. Composed primarily of men from Columbia and Dutchess counties, the regiment served in the Union Army, participating in operations across the Gulf, Department of the South, and the Shenandoah Valley. The 128th New York gained distinction for its actions at Port Hudson and throughout the Red River and Shenandoah Valley campaigns.

This unit is distinct from any other New York regiments with similar designations or service terms.

Organization & Service

The 128th New York Infantry was mustered in at Hudson, New York, on September 4, 1862, for a term of three years. The regiment departed for Baltimore on September 5, 1862, and soon after sailed for New Orleans. In January 1863, it was assigned to Sherman’s Division, 19th Army Corps. The regiment’s first notable action was at Gainesville, Louisiana, in April 1863, where it captured a significant quantity of property and was commended by General Sherman.

The regiment played a prominent role in the siege of Port Hudson, Louisiana, particularly during the assaults of May 27 and June 14, 1863. Colonel David S. Cowles was killed leading the regiment on May 27. After the fall of Port Hudson, the 128th New York moved to Baton Rouge and spent the following nine months on post and garrison duty, with occasional expeditions and reconnaissance missions.

On March 15, 1864, the regiment joined the Red River Campaign as part of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd (Grover’s) Division, 19th Corps. At the Cane River crossing, the 128th New York was the first to cross and plant its flag, later making a successful charge and capturing prisoners. The regiment also participated in actions at Alexandria and Mansura. In July 1864, it returned to New Orleans and then sailed for Washington, D.C., under sealed orders. Upon arrival, the regiment was sent to Maryland to counter Early’s invasion and subsequently took part in Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign.

The 128th New York fought at the battles of Opequon (Winchester), Fisher’s Hill, and Cedar Creek, suffering significant casualties. Afterward, it performed garrison duty at Winchester and New Berne, North Carolina, before being ordered to Savannah, Georgia, in January 1865. In March, the regiment was attached temporarily to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 10th Corps, and participated in the Carolinas Campaign until the surrender of Johnston’s army in April. The regiment returned to Savannah in May and was mustered out at Augusta, Georgia, on July 12, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Gainesville, Louisiana (April 1863)
• Siege of Port Hudson (May–July 1863), including assaults on May 27 and June 14
• Red River Campaign (March–May 1864), including Cane River crossing, Alexandria, and Mansura
• Defense of Washington, D.C. (July 1864)
• Shenandoah Valley Campaign (August–October 1864), including battles of Opequon (Winchester), Fisher’s Hill, and Cedar Creek
• Garrison duty at Winchester and New Berne
• Campaign of the Carolinas (March–April 1865)

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 2 officers, 61 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 3 officers, 203 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 269 (including 41 who died in the hands of the enemy)

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel David S. Cowles (killed at Port Hudson, May 27, 1863)
• Colonel James Smith
• Colonel James P. Foster
• Lieutenant Colonel James Smith
• Lieutenant Colonel James P. Foster
• Lieutenant Colonel Francis S. Keese
• Major James P. Foster
• Major Edward Gifford
• Major Francis S. Keese
• Major George M. Van Slyck
• Major Robert F. Wilkinson

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 128th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details for all members of the regiment.

To view the full roster, visit the 128th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XV, XXVI, XXXIV, XXXVII, XXXIX, XLVI
• 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, Vol. 2, Federal Publishing Company, 1908