143rd New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 143rd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Monticello, New York, and mustered into United States service on October 8, 1862. Composed primarily of men from Sullivan and Tompkins counties, the regiment served in the Union Army throughout the remainder of the Civil War. It participated in operations in both the Eastern and Western Theaters, including major campaigns with the Army of the Potomac and later under Sherman’s command.

The regiment was notable for its extensive service, including participation in the defense of Washington, D.C., the defense of Suffolk, the Chattanooga and Atlanta campaigns, and the March to the Sea. The 143rd New York Infantry mustered out at Washington, D.C., on July 20, 1865.

Organization & Service

The 143rd New York Infantry was organized at Monticello and mustered in for a three-year term on October 8, 1862, under Colonel David P. DeWitt. The regiment departed New York on October 14, 1862, and was stationed in the defenses of Washington, D.C., until April 1863. It was then ordered to the Department of Virginia, where it participated in the defense of Suffolk as part of the 3rd (Hughston’s) Brigade, Gurney’s Division.

Following its service in Virginia, the regiment took part in operations against Richmond with Gordon’s Division. After the Battle of Gettysburg, the 143rd was transferred to the Army of the Potomac and assigned to the 1st Brigade, 3rd (Schurz’s) Division, 11th Corps. In September 1863, it moved with the 11th and 12th Corps to Tennessee, joining Grant’s army at Chattanooga. The regiment fought at Wauhatchie in October 1863, suffering casualties, and participated in the battles of Missionary Ridge and the relief of Knoxville.

In April 1864, the 143rd was assigned to the 3rd Brigade (Robinson’s), 1st Division (Williams’), 20th Corps, and served under Sherman in the Atlanta Campaign, the March to the Sea, and the Carolinas Campaign. The regiment sustained significant losses at Kennesaw Mountain and Peachtree Creek. After the surrender of Johnston’s army, the regiment marched to Washington, D.C., participated in the Grand Review, and was mustered out on July 20, 1865. Colonel Horace Boughton commanded the regiment at the close of its service and was later commissioned brigadier-general.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defenses of Washington, D.C. (1862–1863)
• Defense of Suffolk, Virginia (April–May 1863)
• Operations against Richmond (1863)
• Battle of Gettysburg (July 1863, after which transferred)
• Chattanooga Campaign (September–November 1863)
• Battle of Wauhatchie (October 1863)
• Battle of Missionary Ridge (November 1863)
• Relief of Knoxville (November–December 1863)
• Atlanta Campaign (May–September 1864)
• Battle of Kennesaw Mountain (June 1864)
• Battle of Peachtree Creek (July 1864)
• March to the Sea (November–December 1864)
• Carolinas Campaign (early 1865)
• Grand Review, Washington, D.C. (May 1865)

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 5 officers, 38 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 1 officer, 177 enlisted men
• Killed in railroad accident (March 20, 1863): 9 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 221

Casualty figures are based on official reports and regimental histories.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel David P. DeWitt
• Colonel Horace Boughton
• Lieutenant Colonel Horace Boughton
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph B. Taft (killed at Missionary Ridge)
• Lieutenant Colonel Hezekiah Watkins
• Major Joseph B. Taft
• Major Hezekiah Watkins
• Major John Higgins
• Major Edward H. Pinney

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 143rd 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 recorded.

To view the complete roster, visit the 143rd 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 Reports
• 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