132nd New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 132nd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the Hillhouse Light Guards, was an infantry regiment organized for Union service during the American Civil War. The regiment was recruited primarily in New York City, Brooklyn, and across New York State, and mustered into United States service for three years on October 4, 1862, at Washington, D.C. The unit served almost exclusively in North Carolina, performing outpost and garrison duties, and was at times attached to the XVIII Corps. The regiment is notable for including a portion of Company D composed of Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Tuscarora Indians, with both the first lieutenant and first sergeant being full-blooded Native Americans.

Organization & Service

The 132nd New York Infantry left New York State on September 27, 1862, with approximately 900 men. Upon arrival in Washington, D.C., the regiment was mustered into federal service on October 4, 1862. The unit was then sent to North Carolina, where it spent nearly its entire term of service. The regiment performed outpost and garrison duty, sometimes unattached and at other times as part of the XVIII Corps. The 132nd participated in several engagements, including actions at Pollocksville, Trenton, Young’s Cross-Roads, New Berne, Blount’s Creek, Sandy Ridge, Batchelder’s Creek, Southwest Creek, Jackson’s Mill, Gardner’s Bridge, Foster’s Mills, and Butler’s Bridge.

During the Carolinas campaign, the regiment was engaged at Wise’s Forks, Snow Hill, and Bennett’s House. The most severe loss occurred at the battle of New Berne in February 1864, where the regiment lost 91 men killed, wounded, or missing. Companies D, E, and G notably defended the bridge on the Neuse River for four hours against repeated attacks before being forced to withdraw. The regiment is credited in contemporary accounts with helping to save New Berne from capture during this engagement. The 132nd New York Infantry was mustered out of service under Colonel Peter J. Claassen on June 29, 1865, at Salisbury, North Carolina.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Pollocksville
• Trenton
• Young’s Cross-Roads
• New Berne (February 1864)
• Blount’s Creek
• Sandy Ridge
• Batchelder’s Creek
• Southwest Creek
• Jackson’s Mill
• Gardner’s Bridge
• Foster’s Mills
• Butler’s Bridge
• Wise’s Forks
• Snow Hill
• Bennett’s House

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 1 officer, 13 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 1 officer, 159 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 174 (including 71 who died in the hands of the enemy)

Casualty figures are based on official reports and regimental histories.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Peter J. Claassen
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles E. Prescott
• Lieutenant Colonel George H. Hitchcock
• Major George H. Hitchcock
• Major John Waller, Jr.
• Major John B. Houstain
• Major Thomas B. Green
• Lieutenant Arnold Zenette (killed at New Berne, February 1864)

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 132nd 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 132nd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

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