139th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 139th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Brooklyn, New York, and mustered into United States service on September 9, 1862, for a three-year term. Composed primarily of recruits from Kings and Queens counties, the regiment served with the Union Army in the Department of Virginia and the Army of the James, participating in several major campaigns and engagements throughout the war.

The regiment was attached to various brigades and corps, including the 4th and 18th Corps, and later the 24th Corps. It was notable for its active service in the Richmond and Petersburg campaigns and was among the first Union regiments to enter Richmond in April 1865.

Organization & Service

The 139th New York Infantry was organized at Brooklyn and mustered in on September 9, 1862. The regiment departed for service on September 11, 1862, numbering about 1,000 men. Initially stationed at Camp Hamilton in the Department of Virginia, it spent the winter of 1862–1863 in that area.

Throughout 1863, the regiment served in West’s Brigade, 1st Division, 4th Corps, at Yorktown, and later in Wistar’s Brigade, Department of Virginia. During this period, it participated in actions at Fort Magruder, Crump’s Cross-Roads (with 11 men wounded and missing), Chickahominy, and Forge Bridge. In early February 1864, the regiment was engaged at Bottom’s Bridge, though it sustained no losses.

In March 1864, the 139th was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division (Brooks’), 18th Corps. It took part in General Butler’s campaign against Richmond and Petersburg in May, engaging at Swift Creek, Proctor’s Creek, Drewry’s Bluff, and Bermuda Hundred, with 19 men wounded or missing. The 18th Corps was then ordered to reinforce the Army of the Potomac, arriving in time for the Battle of Cold Harbor, where the regiment suffered significant casualties: 33 killed, 118 wounded, and 2 missing, including the loss of Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Perry.

After Cold Harbor, the regiment withdrew on June 12, 1864, and returned to Bermuda Hundred. Shortly thereafter, it participated in the assault on Petersburg, losing 9 men killed and wounded. The regiment then occupied trenches on the right of the line, where it sustained daily losses due to constant skirmishing and enemy fire. In late August, the 139th was relieved and moved within the defenses of Bermuda Hundred.

Under General Stannard, the 1st Division took part in the assault on Fort Harrison, where the regiment lost 41 killed and wounded. It was lightly engaged at Fair Oaks in October 1864. When the 18th Corps was discontinued in December 1864, the regiment was attached to the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division (Devens’), 24th Corps, remaining in the Army of the James. The regiment spent the winter of 1864–1865 on the north bank of the James River in front of Richmond. On April 3, 1865, the 139th New York Infantry entered Richmond without opposition, being the third regiment to enter the city. The regiment was mustered out on June 19, 1865, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Mulcahy.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Fort Magruder
• Crump’s Cross-Roads
• Chickahominy
• Forge Bridge
• Bottom’s Bridge
• Swift Creek
• Proctor’s Creek
• Drewry’s Bluff
• Bermuda Hundred
• Cold Harbor
• Assault on Petersburg
• Trench duty before Petersburg
• Fort Harrison
• Fair Oaks (October 1864)
• Occupation of Richmond (April 3, 1865)

Casualties

According to official records, the 139th New York Infantry lost during its service:

• 5 officers and 70 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded
• 2 officers and 78 enlisted men died of disease and other causes
• Total deaths: 155

Casualty figures are based on compiled regimental and official reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Anthony Conk
• Colonel Samuel H. Roberts
• Lieutenant Colonel Samuel H. Roberts
• Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Perry (killed at Cold Harbor)
• Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Mulcahy
• Major Andrew Morris
• Major Thomas Mulcahy
• Major Embre Rogers
• Major Theo. Miller

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 139th 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 as preserved in official records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 139th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XXV, XXXVI, XL, XLII
• 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