Active 1861-1863 Allegiance United States | Country United States Branch Infantry | |
Engagements Lee's House, Occoquan Bridge
Mason's Creek
Battle of Williamsburg
Battle of Seven Pines
Charles City Cross Roads and Glendale
Battle of Groveton
Battle of Fredericksburg
Battle of Chancellorsville | ||
The 37th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment or the "Irish Rifles" was formed accepted by the State on May 25, 1861, and organized in New York City. The regiment mustered in the service of the United States on June 6 and 7, 1861 for two years of service to June 22, 1863.
Contents
The 75th Militia formed the nucleus of the regiment. Several companies were recruited: H at Allegany, I at Ellicottsville, K at Pulaski, and all others at New York City. Men from the 101st New York Volunteer Infantry joined this regiment by transfer on December 24, 1862. An on May 25, 1863, men who had served were consolidated into two companies and these were transferred to the 40th Infantry as Companies I and K.
Service
The 37th New York Volunteer Infantry had its roots in the 75th New York State Militia, organized in 1856 by John H. McCunn, colonel; James Haggerty, lieutenant colonel; and Dennis C. Minton, major. The 75th was disbanded in 1856, but was revived in April 1861 when President Abraham Lincoln issued his call to arms.
After leaving the State of New York on June 23, 1861, the regiment served at and near Washington D.C. until March 1862. They camped at the foot of East Capitol Street. An incident between Colonel John H. McCunn and 1st Lieutenant Robert F. Hunter who was then serving with the provost guard. McCunn was found guilty of conduct "prejudicial to the good order and military discipline" though also directed to "resume his sword and duties." Their service continued in Col. John H. McCunn's Brigade in the Army of Northeastern Virginia from July 21, 1861.
The regiment continued in Hunter's Brigade, Division of the Potomac from August 4, 1861. Next they served in Richardson's Brigade from August 22, 1861; in same brigade, Heintzelman's Division, Army of the Potomac, from October 15, 1861.
The regiment participated in the First Battle of Bull Run in Gen. McDowell's reserves and went into winter quarters near Bailey's cross-roads. After several temporary assignments the regiment finally became a part of the 3d brigade, 1st division, 3d corps from March 13, 1862.
Companies H and I served detached from the regiment at Fort Washington, D. C., from August, 1861, to March, 1862. The regiment embarked for Fortress Monroe in March 1862. It was active in the Siege of Yorktown (1862). While at Williamsburg they received a complimentary mention from General Philip Kearny for gallantry in action. During this battle 95 were killed, wounded, or found to be missing.
At the Battle of Fair Oaks and in the Seven Days' battles the regiment was closely engaged, after which it went into camp at Harrison's landing; moved from there to Alexandria; was present at the battles of Bull Run and Chantilly; reached Fal-mouth Dec. 6, 1862; was active at Fredericksburg with a total loss of 35 members; and encamped near Falmouth during the rest of the winter.
On Dec. 24, 1862, the regiment received the veterans of the 101st N. Y. The heaviest loss was suffered in the Chancellorsville campaign in May, 1863, when 222 of the 37th were killed, wounded or missing. A report from Major William DeLacy recounted the actions of this encounter in detail. The regiment struck tents the morning of April 28 and marched about 6 miles toward the Rappahannock River where they encamped. They crossed the river on May 1 at about 11am. They defended a battery on the front and then to connect with the left of General Howard's command. A night attack was undertaken at around 11pm. DeLacey recounted how the regiment "Drove some troops from the rifle-pits on our right." On May 3 while the brigade was moving to the rear of the Union lines, a deadly attack on the front and left flank caused confusion and forced the regiment to fall back. ?The regiment was later reformed and fell back.
The three years men were transferred to the 40th N. Y. on May 29, 1863. On June 22, 1863, the regiment was mustered out at New York City under the command of Col. S. B. Hayman.
Total strength and casualties
During its service the regiment lost by death, killed in action, 3 officers, 52 enlisted men; of wounds received in action, 2 officers, 24 enlisted men; of disease and other causes, 1 officer, 57 enlisted men; total, 6 officers, 113 enlisted men; aggregate, 119; of whom 2 enlisted men died in the hands of the enemy.