147th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 147th New York Infantry (Union) was an infantry regiment organized in Oswego County, New York. It was mustered into United States service at Oswego on September 23, 1862, and served in the Army of the Potomac throughout the war. The regiment was known for its heavy engagement at Gettysburg and its participation in major campaigns of the Eastern Theater. It was mustered out near Washington, D.C., on June 7, 1865.

The 147th New York Infantry was initially assigned to the defenses of Washington, D.C., and later served in the 1st Division, 1st Corps, and subsequently in the 3rd Brigade, 4th Division, 5th Corps. The regiment received the remnants of the 76th New York Infantry by transfer in January 1865.

Organization & Service

The 147th New York Infantry was organized at Oswego, New York, and mustered into service on September 23, 1862. The regiment departed New York State on September 25, 1862, and was first stationed in the defenses of Washington, north of the Potomac River. It served for a period in the provisional brigade as part of the provost guard for the Army of the Potomac.

After its initial service in Washington, the regiment was assigned to the 1st Division, 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac. Its first experience under fire occurred at Fitzhugh’s Crossing below Fredericksburg during the preliminary operations of the Chancellorsville campaign. The regiment was in reserve at the Battle of Chancellorsville and did not sustain losses there.

At Gettysburg, the 147th New York, as part of the 2nd (Cutler’s) Brigade, 1st (Wadsworth’s) Division, 1st Corps, played a significant role. The brigade was the first infantry to arrive on the field and opened the battle. The regiment, under Lieutenant Colonel Miller, held its ground even after the order to retire failed to reach them due to Miller being wounded. The regiment suffered severe casualties at Gettysburg.

Following Gettysburg, the regiment participated in the Mine Run campaign and then wintered at Brandy Station. In March 1864, after the dissolution of the 1st Corps, the 147th was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 4th (Wadsworth’s) Division, 5th (Warren’s) Corps. It was engaged in all major battles of the corps during the Overland Campaign and the final operations leading to Lee’s surrender at Appomattox. The regiment received the remnants of the 76th New York Infantry on January 25, 1865. The 147th New York was mustered out near Washington, D.C., on June 7, 1865, under Colonel Francis C. Miller.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defenses of Washington, D.C. (1862)
• Fitzhugh’s Crossing (April 1863)
• Chancellorsville Campaign (May 1863)
• Battle of Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863)
• Mine Run Campaign (November–December 1863)
• Overland Campaign (May–June 1864): Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna River, Totopotomoy, Cold Harbor
• First Assault on Petersburg (June 1864)
• Siege of Petersburg (June 1864–April 1865)
• Weldon Railroad (August 1864)
• Poplar Spring Church (September 1864)
• Boydton Plank Road (October 1864)
• Hatcher’s Run (February 1865)
• White Oak Ridge (March–April 1865)
• Five Forks (April 1865)
• Appomattox Campaign (April 1865)

Casualties

• Total enrollment: 2,102
• Killed or mortally wounded: 9 officers, 159 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 2 officers, 177 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 11 officers, 336 enlisted men
• Total killed or wounded: 581
• Gettysburg losses: 76 killed or mortally wounded, 146 wounded, 79 missing (total 301 out of 380 engaged)
• Casualties from May 1864 to April 1865: 477 killed, wounded, or missing

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Andrew S. Warner
• Colonel John G. Butler
• Colonel Francis C. Miller
• Lieutenant Colonel John G. Butler
• Lieutenant Colonel Francis C. Miller
• Lieutenant Colonel George Harney
• Lieutenant Colonel James Coey
• Major Francis C. Miller
• Major George Harney
• Major Dudley Farling
• Major Alexander R. Penfield
• Major James Coey

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 147th New York Infantry, including officers and enlisted men who served during its term, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the full roster, visit the 147th New York Infantry Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 19, 27, 36, 40, 46
• 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