Overview
The 168th New York Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in New York during the American Civil War. Raised primarily from Newburgh and known as the 19th Militia, the regiment entered United States service for a nine-month term. It served with the Union Army, primarily in the Department of Virginia and the defenses of Washington, D.C., participating in several skirmishes and minor engagements during its term of service.
This unit is distinct from any other New York regiments with similar designations or different service terms.
Organization & Service
On September 18, 1862, Colonel William R. Brown offered the 19th Militia (later designated the 168th New York Infantry) for federal service. The regiment was authorized to recruit up to standard strength for a nine-month term. The main body of the regiment was mustered into U.S. service on January 23, 1863, with Company K joining on February 11, 1863. The regiment departed New York for Yorktown, Virginia, on February 12, 1863.
Upon arrival, the 168th New York was assigned to Busteed’s Brigade, 1st Division, 4th Corps. It later served in King’s Brigade within the same division and corps until June 1863. In June, the regiment was transferred to the 22nd Corps, and in July, it was placed in the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 11th Corps. During its service, the regiment participated in skirmishes at Walkerton, Virginia, in May and June 1863, and at Yorktown on June 9, 1863, as well as several minor actions. The regiment was mustered out and discharged at Newburgh, New York, on October 31, 1863.
Research This Regiment Further
If you’d like to explore this unit’s history in more depth, regimental histories and Civil War reference works offer valuable detail.
Engagements & Campaigns
- Skirmish at Walkerton, Virginia (May 1863)
- Expedition and skirmish at Walkerton, Virginia (June 1863)
- Skirmish at Yorktown, Virginia (June 9, 1863)
- Other minor affairs in the Department of Virginia
Casualties
- Killed in action: 1 enlisted man
- Died of disease and other causes: 1 officer, 36 enlisted men
- Total deaths: 38
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel William R. Brown
- Lieutenant Colonel James Low
- Lieutenant Colonel James C. Rennison
- Major George Walter
- Major James C. Rennison
- Major Daniel Torbush
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 168th New York Infantry (Nine Months’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional details as recorded during the regiment’s service.
To view the complete roster, visit the 168th New York Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 18, 25
- 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, Vol. 2, Federal Publishing Company, 1908