178th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 178th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in New York for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment began organizing at Staten Island on June 20, 1863, through the consolidation of several independent companies and battalions, and was mustered into United States service by companies between June 18 and October 17, 1863. The unit served primarily in the Western and Gulf theaters, participating in major campaigns in Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, and Alabama.

The regiment was composed of companies recruited from various locations, including Rochester, Buffalo, Niagara, Kingston, and New York City. It was notable for its extended service, remaining in the field until April 1866, and for its participation in the Red River Campaign and the siege of Mobile.

Organization & Service

The 178th New York Infantry was organized at Staten Island beginning June 20, 1863, by consolidating the Blair Rifles, Pratt Guards, Seymour Light Infantry, Burnside Rifles, Westchester Light Infantry, and Defenders. Its organization was completed on October 14, 1863, with the addition of men enlisted for the 7th, 8th, and 31st Veteran New York Infantry regiments. Company A was recruited from Rochester, Buffalo, Niagara, and Kingston, while the other companies were raised in New York City. The regiment was mustered into federal service by companies between June 18 and October 17, 1863, for a term of three years.

The regiment left New York by detachments from June 21 to October 24, 1863, and proceeded to Washington, D.C., where it served as provost guard for several months. On October 31, 1863, the regiment was ordered to Mississippi and stationed at Eastport, near Corinth. It was attached to Mower’s Division, 16th Army Corps, and participated in operations at Camden, Jackson, and the Meridian Expedition under Sherman.

In early 1864, the 178th was assigned to the 3rd Brigade (Col. Risdon M. Moore), Mower’s Division, detachment of the 16th Corps, and took part in the Red River Campaign. The regiment was engaged at Fort De Russy, Pleasant Hill, Campti, Cloutierville, Moore’s Plantation, Bayou Rapides, Mansura, and Simsport. At Pleasant Hill, under Col. Edward Wehler, the regiment recaptured a battery and suffered 31 casualties.

After the Red River Campaign, the regiment remained with the detachment of the 16th Corps under A. J. Smith in the Mississippi Valley, missing participation in Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign. The 178th subsequently took part in engagements at Lake Chicot (Arkansas); Colliersville and La Grange (Tennessee); Ripley, Tupelo, Old Town Creek, and Hurricane Creek (Mississippi); Lexington, Independence, and Glasgow (Missouri); and Nashville (Tennessee).

In the spring of 1865, as part of the 3rd Brigade, Garrard’s Division, 16th Corps, the regiment moved to Mobile, Alabama, participating in the siege of the city and the assault on Fort Blakely. In February 1865, the regiment was consolidated into a battalion of five companies at Eastport, Mississippi. It continued in service for another year and was finally mustered out at Montgomery, Alabama, on April 20, 1866, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel John B. Gandolfo.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Provost duty, Washington, D.C. (1863)
• Eastport and vicinity of Corinth, Mississippi
• Camden, Mississippi
• Jackson, Mississippi
• Sherman’s Meridian Expedition
• Red River Campaign (Louisiana): Fort De Russy, Pleasant Hill, Campti, Cloutierville, Moore’s Plantation, Bayou Rapides, Mansura, Simsport
• Lake Chicot, Arkansas
• Colliersville and La Grange, Tennessee
• Ripley, Tupelo, Old Town Creek, Hurricane Creek, Mississippi
• Lexington, Independence, Glasgow, Missouri
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Siege of Mobile, Alabama
• Fort Blakely, Alabama

Casualties

During its service, the 178th New York Infantry lost:

• Killed and mortally wounded: 18 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 2 officers, 190 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 210 (including 35 who died in the hands of the enemy)

The high mortality from disease is attributed to the regiment’s extended service in the southern states.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Edward Wehler
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles F. Smith
• Lieutenant Colonel John B. Gandolfo
• Major Selden Hetzel
• Major Augustus B. Sage

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 178th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides details on company assignments, ranks, and service records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 178th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes (see operations in Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Alabama)
• 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