148th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 148th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Geneva, New York, and mustered into United States service on September 14, 1862, for a term of three years. Drawn primarily from Ontario, Seneca, and Yates counties, the regiment served in the Union Army, operating mainly in the Eastern Theater. The 148th New York was noted for its extensive service in Virginia, including participation in major campaigns and several significant battles. Its members received multiple Medals of Honor for gallantry in action.

Organization & Service

The 148th New York Infantry was organized at Geneva, New York, and mustered in on September 14, 1862. The regiment left the state on September 22, 1862, and was initially assigned to garrison duty at Suffolk, Norfolk, and Yorktown, Virginia, where it remained until 1864. In early 1864, the regiment was attached to Wistar’s Division, 18th Army Corps, Department of Virginia and North Carolina.

In May 1864, the 148th New York, as part of the 2nd (Stedman’s) Brigade, 2nd (Weitzel’s) Division, 18th Corps, participated in the Army of the James’ campaign against Petersburg and Richmond, engaging at Swift Creek, Proctor’s Creek, Drewry’s Bluff, and Bermuda Hundred. The regiment suffered significant losses during these operations. The 18th Corps was subsequently ordered to reinforce the Army of the Potomac, and the 148th New York fought at Cold Harbor, again incurring heavy casualties.

Returning to Bermuda Hundred, the regiment moved to Petersburg and participated in the initial assaults on the Confederate works, followed by extended duty in the trenches, where it endured daily losses. In late August 1864, the 18th Corps was relieved and sent to the defenses of Bermuda Hundred. The regiment was engaged at Fort Harrison in September and at Fair Oaks in October, both resulting in further casualties.

With the discontinuation of the 18th Corps in December 1864, the 148th New York became part of the 24th Corps. It took part in the Appomattox Campaign, including the final assault on Petersburg and actions at Rice’s Station, Burke’s Station, and Appomattox Court House. The regiment was mustered out of service on June 22, 1865, at Richmond, Virginia, under the command of Colonel John B. Murray.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Garrison duty at Suffolk, Norfolk, and Yorktown, Virginia (1862–1864)
• Army of the James Campaign (May 1864): Swift Creek, Proctor’s Creek, Drewry’s Bluff, Bermuda Hundred
• Cold Harbor (June 1864)
• First Assaults on Petersburg (June 1864)
• Siege of Petersburg (June–August 1864)
• Fort Harrison (September 1864)
• Fair Oaks (October 1864)
• Appomattox Campaign (March–April 1865): Final Assault on Petersburg, Rice’s Station, Burke’s Station, Appomattox Court House

Casualties

During its service, the 148th New York Infantry lost 4 officers and 95 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded in action. An additional 2 officers and 156 enlisted men died of disease and other causes. The total number of deaths during the regiment’s term of service was 267.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William Johnson
• Colonel George M. Guion
• Colonel John B. Murray
• Lieutenant Colonel George M. Guion
• Lieutenant Colonel John B. Murray
• Lieutenant Colonel E. Darwin Gage
• Lieutenant Colonel Frederick L. Manning
• Major John B. Murray
• Major Henry T. Noyes
• Major Frederick L. Manning
• Major John Cooley

Notable acts of gallantry: Corporal E. Van Winkle, Private Henry S. Wells, and Private George A. Buchanan were awarded the Medal of Honor for actions at Fort Harrison.

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 148th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details valuable for genealogical and historical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 148th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 18, 29, 36, 40, 42
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H. Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Vol. 2