159th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 159th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in New York State for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was mustered into United States service at New York City on November 1, 1862, for a term of three years. Its companies were principally recruited from Dutchess, Kings, and Columbia counties. The 159th New York served primarily in the Department of the Gulf, the Shenandoah Valley, and later in Georgia and North Carolina, participating in several major campaigns and engagements.

The regiment is noted for its heavy losses at Irish Bend and its active participation in the siege of Port Hudson, as well as its service in the Red River Campaign and the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864. It was mustered out at Augusta, Georgia, on October 12, 1865.

Organization & Service

The 159th New York Infantry was organized with companies raised in Dutchess, Kings, and Columbia counties. Companies B, F, H, and K were recruited at Hudson by Lieutenant Colonel Edward L. Molineaux and joined the other companies at East New York. The remaining companies were formed from men originally enlisted by Colonel Homer A. Nelson for the 167th New York. The regiment was mustered into service at New York City on November 1, 1862, for three years.

On December 4, 1862, the regiment departed New York for New Orleans, Louisiana, where it was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 4th (Grover’s) Division, 19th Corps, Department of the Gulf. Its first major action occurred at Irish Bend in April 1863, where it suffered significant casualties, including the loss of Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert A. Draper and several other officers. Colonel Edward L. Molineaux was severely wounded in this engagement.

The 159th New York participated in the siege of Port Hudson, taking part in the initial assault on May 27, 1863, and sustaining further losses during the siege. After the surrender of Port Hudson in July 1863, the regiment performed post and garrison duty in Louisiana until the following year.

In March 1864, now part of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd (Grover’s) Division, 19th Corps, the regiment joined the Red River Campaign, seeing action at Alexandria, Mansura, and Morganza. In July 1864, the regiment moved to New Orleans and then embarked for Washington, D.C., joining the 10th Corps before Richmond and Petersburg. It was engaged at Deep Bottom in August 1864.

Later in 1864, the 159th New York served with the Army of the Shenandoah under General Sheridan, participating in the campaign against Confederate forces under General Early. The regiment suffered losses at the battles of Opequon (Winchester) and Cedar Creek, where Major Robert McD. Hart was killed. After the conclusion of operations in the Shenandoah Valley, the regiment was ordered to Savannah, Georgia, and subsequently to North Carolina, where it was temporarily attached to the 10th Corps. The regiment was finally mustered out at Augusta, Georgia, on October 12, 1865, under the command of Colonel William Waltermire.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Irish Bend (April 1863)
• Siege of Port Hudson (May–July 1863), including assault of May 27
• Red River Campaign (March–May 1864): Alexandria, Mansura, Morganza
• Deep Bottom (August 1864)
• Opequon (Winchester) (September 1864)
• Cedar Creek (October 1864)
• Post and garrison duty in Louisiana, Georgia, and North Carolina (various dates)

Casualties

According to official records, the 159th New York Infantry lost during service:

• Killed or mortally wounded: 10 officers, 76 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 1 officer, 130 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 217

These figures are based on regimental and federal reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Homer A. Nelson
• Colonel Edward L. Molineaux
• Lieutenant Colonel Edward L. Molineaux
• Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert A. Draper
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles A. Burt
• Lieutenant Colonel Edward L. Gaul
• Lieutenant Colonel William Waltermire
• Lieutenant Colonel Wells O. Pettit
• Major Gilbert A. Draper
• Major Charles A. Burt
• Major Edward L. Gaul
• Major William Waltermire
• Major Robert McD. Hart
• Major Joseph G. McNutt
• Major Wells O. Pettit
• Major William F. Tieman

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 159th 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 159th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XV, XXVI, XXXIV, XXXIX, XLIII
• 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, Volume 2