The Fourth Alabama Painting by Don Troiani

McCunn's Reserve Brigade

Major C G Colgate, 15th New York Infantry

Major C G Colgate, 15th New York Infantry

Fifteenth New York Infantry (Fifteenth New York Engineers)

Mustered in United States service for two years 17 and 25 June, 1861. Arrived at Washington, D. C., 30 June, 1861. Did not participate in the first battle of Bull Run. Redesignated Fifteenth New York Engineers 25 October, 1861

COLONEL J M MURPHY
J M Murphy was appointed colonel, 15th New York Infantry, at New York City, New York County, New York, on 20 June, 1861, dated 11 May, 1861, and was mustered in United States service for two years at Camp Morgan, Willett's Point, Newtown, Queens County, New York, by First Lieutenant M Cogswell, 8th United States Infantry, Company E, on 17 June, 1861,

LIEUTENANT COLONEL F B O'KEEFE
F B O'Keefe was appointed major, 15th New York Infantry, on 20 June, 1861, dated 11 May, 1861, and lieutenant colonel, 15th New York Infantry, on 28 June, 1861, dated 25 June, 1861. Lieutenant Colonel F B O'Keefe, 15th New York Infantry, was mustered in United States service for two years at Camp Morgan, Willett's Point, Newtown, Queens County, New York, by First Lieutenant M Cogswell, 8th United States Infantry, Company E, on 17 June, 1861. Lieutenant Colonel F B O'Keefe, 15th New York Infantry, was dismissed on 2 September, 1861.

MAJOR C G COLGATE
C G Colgate was appointed major, 15th New York Infantry, on 28 June, 1861, dated 25 June, 1861, and lieutenant colonel on 19 September, 1861, dated 14 September, 1861.

Company A: CAPT. T BOGAN
The company was accepted in state service for two years at New York City, New York County, New York, on 9 May, 1861, and was mustered in United States service for two years at Camp Morgan, Willett's Point, Newtown, Queens County, New York, by First Lieutenant M Cogswell, 8th United States Infantry, Company E, on 17 June, 1861.
Company B: CAPT. J MCQUEEN
The company was accepted in state service for two years at Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, on 9 May, 1861, and was mustered in United States service for two years at Camp Morgan, Willett's Point, Newtown, Queens County, New York, by First Lieutenant M Cogswell, 8th United States Infantry, Company E, on 17 June, 1861. Captain J McQueen, 15th New York Infantry, Company B, died at Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, on 18 September, 1861.
Company C: CAPT. J J REILLY
The company was accepted in state service for two years at Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, on 9 May, 1861, and was mustered in United States service for two years at Camp Morgan, Willett's Point, Newtown, Queens County, New York, by First Lieutenant M Cogswell, 8th United States Infantry, Company E, on 25 June, 1861, dated 17 June, 1861.
Company D: CAPT. J C HICKS
The company was accepted in state service for two years at New York City, New York County, and Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, on 9 May, 1861, and was mustered in United States service for two years at Camp Morgan, Willett's Point, Newtown, Queens County, New York, by First Lieutenant M Cogswell, 8th United States Infantry, Company E, on 25 June, 1861, dated 17 June, 1861.
Company E: CAPT. E C PERRY
The company was accepted in state service for two years at New York City, New York County, New York, on 9 May, 1861, and was mustered in United States service for two years at Camp Morgan, Willett's Point, Newtown, Queens County, New York, by First Lieutenant M Cogswell, 8th United States Infantry, Company E, on 17 June, 1861.
Company F: CAPT. J GARRETT
The company was accepted in state service for two years at New York City, New York County, New York, on 9 May, 1861, and was mustered in United States service for two years at Camp Morgan, Willett's Point, Newtown, Queens County, New York, by First Lieutenant M Cogswell, 8th United States Infantry, Company E, on 17 June, 1861.
Company G: CAPT. J LALOR
The company was accepted in state service for two years at New York City, New York County, New York, on 9 May, 1861, and was mustered in United States service for two years at Camp Morgan, Willett's Point, Newtown, Queens County, New York, by First Lieutenant M Cogswell, 8th United States Infantry, Company E, on 17 June, 1861. J Lalor was appointed captain, 15th New York Infantry, Company G, on 4 July, 1861, dated 9 May, 1861.
Company H: CAPT. W A KETCHUM
The company was accepted in state service for two years at New York City, New York County; Brooklyn, Kings County; and Flushing, Queens County, New York, on 9 May, 1861, and was mustered in United States service for two years at Camp Morgan, Willett's Point, Newtown, Queens County, New York, by First Lieutenant M Cogswell, 8th United States Infantry, Company E, on 17 June, 1861.
Company I: CAPT. G W WARNER
The company was accepted in state service at New York City, New York County, and Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, on 9 May, 1861, and was mustered in United States service for two years at Camp Morgan, Willett's Point, Newtown, Queens County, New York, by First Lieutenant M Cogswell, 8th United States Infantry, Company E, on 17 June, 1861. Captain G W Warner, 15th New York Infantry, Company I, resigned on 19 December, 1861.
Company K: CAPT. J DODD
The company was accepted in state service for two years at New York City, New York County, and Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, on 9 May, 1861, and was mustered in United States service for two years at Camp Morgan, Willett's Point, Newtown, Queens County, New York, by First Lieutenant M Cogswell, 8th United States Infantry, Company E, on 17 June, 1861. Captain J Dodd, 15th New York Infantry, Company K, resigned on 11 November, 1861.

Organisation of 15th New York Infantry at the first battle of Bull Run, 21 July, 1861: Colonel J M Murphy, Lieutenant Colonel F B O'Keefe, Major C G Colgate; Company A, Captain T Bogan; Company B, Captain J McQueen; Company C, Captain J J Reilly; Company D, Captain J C Hicks; Company E, Captain E C Perry; Company F, Captain J Garrett; Company G, Captain J Lalor; Company H, Captain W A Ketchum; Company I, Captain G W Warner; Company K, Captain J Dodd

Sources

"Colonel J. McLeod Murphy, commanding the Fifteenth regiment (engineers and telegraphers), has issued the following order: Headquarters Fifteenth Regiment Infantry, New York, 12 May, 1861. The companies of this regiment will be mustered by their captains at company headquarters, at 10 A. M., tomorrow (Monday). Immediately after each Captain will march his company, without waiting for any other, to the Bellevue Garden, foot of Eightieth street, East river, and report his arrival and the strength of his command to the Adjutant who will be in waiting there. The companies will as son as possible after their arrival at Bellevue be mustered into the service of the United States, and receive their arms and equipments. By order Jno. McLeod Murphy, Colonel, Walter L. Cassin, Acting Adjutant."

New York Herald, Morning Edition (New York City, New York County, New York), 13 May, 1861 - The Fifteenth regiment

"Colonel Jno. McLeod Murphy, now stationed at Fort Schuyler, had a visit yesterday from the Vice President who was accompanied by Colonel Winslow, of the Maine volunteers."

New York Herald, Morning Edition (New York City, New York County, New York), 27 May, 1861 - The Fifteenth regiment volunteers

"Colonel J. McLeod Murphy's command, which took possession of Fort Schuyler, at its evacuation by Colonel Duryee's advanced guard, was on Saturday transferred to Willett's Point, almost directly opposite Throggs Neck, where it is now encamped in the place of the second Maine regiment, Col. C. D. Jameson."

Commercial Advertiser (New York City, New York County, New York), 7 June, 1861 - The Fifteenth Regiment

"The Fifteenth New York (largely Irish) arrived at 6 1/2 o'clock and proceeded to quarters on Pennsylvania avenue. This regiment is full; is composed of men representing all kinds of trade, and is called the regiment of Sappers and Miners."

Evening Star (Washington, D. C.), 1 July, 1861 - Fifteenth New York Regiment

"The Fifteenth New York regiment, Colonel J. McLeod Murphy, struck their tents at Willett's Point on Saturday, and were taken in a steamer to Elizabethport, where the cars of the Central Railroad were in waiting for them. The train, consisting of seventeen cars, started at a late hour in the evening, going by the way of Reading and Harrisburg to Baltimore."

New York Herald (New York City, New York County, New York), 1 July, 1861

"The Fifteenth Regiment (sappers and miners), Col. McLeod Murphy, broke camp during yesterday afternoon, and went to Alexandria."

Evening Star (Washington, D. C.), 22 July, 1861 - Advanced into Virginia

"Col. McLeod Murphy's regiment moved yesterday from Alexandria College to Hunter's Church, a point two miles north-northeast of Bailey's Cross Roads."

Chicago Daily Tribune (Chicago, Cook County, Illinois), 17 August, 1861 - Extending outposts

Books/ Manuscripts

Life in the Union Army; or, notings and reminiscences of a two years' volunteer, a rhythmical history of the Fifteenth N.Y. Volunteer Engineers, Colonel John McLeod Murphy, during its recent two years' campaign in and about Washington, and in the State of Virginia, by Don Pedro Quarendo Reminisco, a private in the Ranks

Third Annual Assembly of the Bureau of Military Record, State of New York, transmitted to the legislature, Albany, 2 February, 1866: Historical sketches of the first thirty-eight regiments New York Volunteer Infantry, pp122-125

New York in the War of Rebellion, 1861-1865, Volume 2, by Frederick Phisterer

Notes

The 15th New York Infantry, acting as sappers and miners, was authorised to serve two years, unless sooner discharged, by General Orders Nos.13 and 17, General Headquarters, State of New York, Adjutant General's Office, Albany, Albany County, New York, on 18 and 25 April, 1861, and was organised at Brooklyn, Kings County, and New York City, New York County, New York, on 11 May, 1861.

Note: The 15th New York Infantry was authorised by a proclamation calling for 75,000 militia to serve three months on 15 April, 1861, and was accepted in state service for two years at Brooklyn, Kings County, and New York City, New York County, New York, on 9 May, 1861.

Inspection of New York Light Infantry (Sappers and Miners), Companies A, D, E, F, G, H, I, & K, dated May, 1861: The New York Light Infantry (Sappers and Miners), Company A, under the command of Captain T Bogan, was inspected by First Lieutenant R I Dodge, 8th United States Infantry, Company G, at Headquarters, No.178 Prince Street, New York City, New York County, New York; Company D, under the command of Captain J C Hicks, at Headquarters, No.814 Broadway, New York City, New York County, New York; Company E, under the command of Captain E C Perry, at Headquarters, corner of Grand and East Broadway, New York City, New York County, New York; Company F, under the command of Captain J Garrett, at Headquarters, No.814 Broadway, New York City, New York County, New York; Company G, under the command of Captain J Lalor, at Headquarters, No.600 Broadway, New York City, New York County, New York; Company H, under the command of Captain W A Ketchum, at Headquarters, No.814 Broadway, New York City, New York County, New York; Company I, under the command of Captain G W Warner, at Headquarters, No.814 Broadway, New York City, New York County, New York; and Company K, under the command of Captain J Dodd, at Headquarters, No.814 Broadway, New York City, New York County, New York, dated May, 1861.

Accepted in state service for two years, New York City, New York County, & Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, 9 May, 1861: The 15th New York Infantry, Companies A, D, E, F, and G, were accepted in state service for two years at New York City, New York County, New York, on 9 May, 1861; Companies B and C for two years at Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, on 9 May, 1861; and Companies H, I, and K for two years at New York City, New York County, and Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, on 9 May, 1861.

Bellevue Gardens, on Eighteenth Street & East River, New York City, New York County, New York, 13 May, 1861, dated 12 May, 1861: The 15th New York Infantry was ordered to Bellevue Gardens, on Eighteenth Street and East River, New York City, New York County, New York, in the morning on 13 May, 1861, dated 12 May, 1861.

Note: The 15th New York Infantry was stationed at Bellevue Gardens, on Eighteenth Street and East River, New York City, New York County, New York, on 14 May, 1861, and was mustered in state service for two years at Bellevue Garden, on Eighteenth Street and East River, New York City, New York County, New York, on 21 May, 1861.

Bellevue Garden, on Eighteenth Street & East River, New York City, New York County, New York, to Fort Schuyler, Throggs Neck, Westchester County, New York, 23 May, 1861: The 15th New York Infantry arrived at Fort Schuyler, Throggs Neck, Westchester County, New York, on 23 May, 1861, and was stationed at Fort Schuyler, Throggs Neck, Westchester County, New York, between 23 May and 3 June, 1861.

Note: The 5th New York Infantry, under the command of Colonel A Duryée, was stationed at Fort Schuyler, Throggs Neck, Westchester County, New York, on 22 May, 1861, and was ordered to proceed by steamer on the East River to the foot of Fourteenth Street, New York City, New York County, New York, in the afternoon on 23 May, 1861. The 71st Pennsylvania Infantry, Company C, was stationed at Fort Schuyler, Throggs Neck, Westchester County, New York, in the evening on 26 May, 1861.

Fort Schuyler, Throggs Neck, Weschester County, to Willett's Point, Newtown, Queens County, New York, 3 June, 1861: The 15th New York Infantry was ordered to Willett's Point, Newtown, Queens County, New York, on 3 June, 1861.

Note: The 2nd Maine Infantry was stationed at Willett's Point, Newtown, Queens County, New York, between 17 and 30 May, 1861 (See the 2nd Maine Infantry).

Mustered for two years, Camp Morgan, Willett's Point, Newtown, Queens County, New York, 17 & 25 June, dated 17 June, 1861: The 15th New York Infantry, Companies A, B, E, F, G, H, I, and K, were mustered in United States service for two years at Camp Morgan, Willett's Point, Newtown, Queens County, New York, by First Lieutenant M Cogswell, 8th United States Infantry, Company E, on 17 June, 1861, and Companies C and D on 25 June, 1861, dated 17 June, 1861.

Organisation of 15th New York Infantry, Camp Morgan, Willett's Point, Newtown, Queens County, New York, 29 June, 1861: Colonel J M Murphy, Lieutenant Colonel F B O'Keefe, Major C G Colgate; Drum Major/ Principal Musician G Schlosser; Fife Major Mearn; Company A, Captain T Bogan; Company B, Captain J McQueen; Company C, Captain J J Reilly; Company D, Captain J C Hicks; Company E, Captain E C Perry; Company F, Captain J Garrett; Company G, Captain J Lalor; Company H, Captain W A Ketchum; Company I, Captain G W Warner; Company K, Captain J Dodd

Note: Captain R I Dodge, 8th United States Infantry, Company G, declined his appointment as lieutenant colonel, 15th New York Infantry, on 17 June, 1861, and the 15th New York Infantry was stationed at Camp Morgan, Willett's Point, Newtown, Queens County, New York, between 1/3 and 29 June, 1861 (See the United States Battalion Infantry).

Willett's Point to Washington, 29-30 June, 1861

The 15th New York Infantry (777/800) was ordered to proceed by the steamer Thomas Ward on the East River at White's/ Whitestone Landing, on the East River, half a mile east of Whitestone Point, Queens County, New York, to South Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey, at 6 PM on 29 June, 1861, and arrived on New York Bay, opposite The Battery, on State Street and Battery Place, New York City, New York County, New York, at 7.30 PM the same day. The regiment was ordered to proceed by the Camden & Amboy Railroad at the Camden & Amboy Ferry Terminal, northwest of South Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey, to Washington, D. C., in the evening on 29 June, 1861.

Note: The 15th New York Infantry was ordered to White's/ Whitestone Landing, on the East River, half a mile east of Whitestone Point, Queens County, New York, in the morning on 29 June, 1861.

South Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey, to Washington, D. C., 29-30 June, 1861: The 15th New York Infantry arrived by the South Camden Ferry on the Delaware River at Washington Street Wharf, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, in the morning on 30 June, 1861, and was ordered to proceed by the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad at Broad Street Station, corner of Broad and Washington Avenue/ Prime Street, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, at 5 AM the same day. The regiment arrived by the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad at President Street Station, corner of President Street and Canton Avenue, Baltimore City, Maryland, at 1 PM on 30 June, 1861, and was ordered to proceed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad to Washington, D. C., at 2 PM the same day. The 15th New York Infantry arrived by the Washington Branch, Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, via Annapolis Junction, Howard County, Maryland, at 6.30 PM on 30 June, 1861.

Department of Washington, 30 June-21 July, 1861

The 15th New York Infantry was stationed at Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C., on 30 June, 1861, and at Camp Welch, Meridian Hill, west of Fourteenth Street Road, D. C., on 6 July, 1861.

Note: The 15th New York Infantry was ordered to Harpers Ferry, Jefferson County, Virginia, in the evening on 20 July, 1861, but the order was countermanded and was assigned to McCunn's Brigade, McDowell's Army, under the command of Colonel J H McCunn, 37th New York Infantry, in the evening on 20 July, 1861 (See the 37th New York Infantry).

Department of Northeastern Virginia, 21 July-17 August, 1861

The 15th New York Infantry was ordered to proceed by steamer on the Potomac River to Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, in the afternoon on 21 July, 1861, and was ordered to Fort Ellsworth, on Shuter's Hill, one mile west of Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, at 2 AM on 22 July, 1861.

Disposition of McCunn's Reserve Brigade, McDowell's Army, 21 July, 1861: Colonel J H McCunn, 37th New York Infantry, Headquarters, Camp Mary, on the Eastern Branch of the Potomac/ Anacostia River, on East Capitol Street, half a mile northeast of the Congressional burying ground/ Cemetery, between South E and G Streets and East Eighteenth and Nineteenth Streets, Washington, D. C.; 15th New York Infantry, Colonel J M Murphy, Camp Welch, C Mills' farm, Meridian Hill, west of Fourteenth Street Road, D. C.; 25th New York Infantry, Colonel J E Kerrigan, Camp Mansfield/ Scott, east of the Capitol building grounds, on Pennsylvania Avenue and North/ South Capitol Street, Washington, D. C.; 26th New York Infantry, Colonel W H Christian, Camp Van Valkenburgh, Meridian Hill, west of Fourteenth Street Road, D. C.; 37th New York Infantry, Lieutenant Colonel J Burke, Camp Mary, on the Eastern Branch of the Potomac/ Anacostia River, on East Capitol Street, half a mile northeast of the Congressional burying ground/ Cemetery, between South E and G Streets and East Eighteenth and Nineteenth Streets, Washington, D. C.

Note: Private G H Smith, 15th New York Infantry, Company E, deserted at Camp Welch, C Mills' farm, Meridian Hill, west of Fourteenth Street Road, D. C., on 21 July, 1861, and the 15th New York Infantry was stationed at Fort Ellsworth, on Shuter's Hill, one mile west of Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, on 22 July, 1861.

Fort Ellsworth, on Shuter's Hill, one mile west of Alexandria, Alexandria County, to Fairfax/ Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary, Fairfax County, Virginia, 22 July, 1861: The 15th New York Infantry was ordered to the Fairfax/ Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the afternoon on 22 July, 1861, and was stationed at Camp St John, grounds of the Fairfax/ Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary, Fairfax County, Virginia, between 22 July and 16 August, 1861.

Rendezvous at the corner of F Street, opposite the Treasury building, on West Fifteenth Street, Washington, D. C., 24 July, 1861: The 15th New York Infantry, the 25th New York Infantry, the 26th New York Infantry, the 37th New York Infantry, the 40th New York Infantry, and the 27th Pennsylvania Infantry were ordered to rendezvous at the corner of F Street, opposite the Treasury building, on West Fifteenth Street, Washington, D. C., at 12 PM on 24 July, 1861.

Note: The 15th New York Infantry, the 25th New York Infantry, the 26th New York Infantry, and the 37th New York Infantry were stationed between Powell's/ Bellevue, east of the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike, two miles northwest of Alexandria, Alexandria County, and Bailey's Crossroads, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 29 July, 1861, and the 1st New Jersey Infantry, the 2nd New Jersey Infantry, and the 3rd New Jersey Infantry, under the command of Brigadier General P Kearney, Jr., United States Volunteers, arrived at Camp St John, the grounds of the Fairfax/ Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary, Fairfax County, Virginia, on 13 August, 1861 (See the Fourth (Reserve) Division, McDowell's Army).

Camp St John, grounds of the Fairfax/ Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary, Fairfax County, to Fort Ellsworth, Shuter's Hill, one mile west of Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, 16 August, 1861: The 15th New York Infantry arrived at Camp Misery, northeast of Fort Ellsworth, on Shuter's Hill, one mile west of Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, in the morning on 16 August, 1861.

Note: The 18th New York Infantry arrived at Camp Misery, northeast of Fort Ellsworth, on Shuter's Hill, one mile west of Alexandria, Alexandria County, Virginia, in the morning on 15 August, 1861, and the 31st New York Infantry and the 32nd New York Infantry in the morning on 16 August, 1861.

Redesignated 15th New York Engineers, 25 October, 1861: The 15th New York Infantry was redesignated the 15th New York Engineers on 25 October, 1861.

Mustered out, New York City, New York County, New York, 25 June, 1863, & Washington, D. C., 13, 14 June, & 2 July, 1865: The three years' men of the 15th New York Engineers were assigned to Companies A, B, and C on 18 June, 1863, and the two years' men, under the command of Colonel C G Colgate, 15th New York Engineers, were mustered out at New York City, New York County, New York, on 25 June, 1863. Company D was assigned to the 15th New York Engineers on 9 October, 1863; Company E in March 1864; and Companies F, G, H, I, K, L, and M in November 1864. The 15th New York Engineers, Companies E, F, G, H, I, K, and L, under the command of Colonel W Brainerd, 15th New York Engineers, were mustered out at Washington, D. C., on 13 June, 1865; Company C on 14 June, 1865; and Companies A, B, and D on 2 July, 1865.

Colonel J H McCunn, 37th New York Infantry, McCunn's Reserve Brigade, McDowell's Army, 20 June, 1861: Colonel J H McCunn, 75th New York Militia, was appointed assistant engineer, 69th New York State Militia, by General Orders No.1, Headquarters, Sixty-ninth Regiment, New York State Militia, New York City, New York County, New York, on 20 April, 1861, and was assigned to the 69th New York Militia between 20 April and 6 May, 1861. Judge J H McCunn was appointed colonel, 37th New York Infantry, on 20 June, 1861, dated 28 May, 1861, and acting brigadier general, United States Volunteers, on 20 July, 1861.

Organisation of Brigadier General W B Franklin's brigade, Division of the Potomac, 4 August, 1861: Brigadier General W B Franklin, United States Volunteers; 15th New York Infantry, Colonel J M Murphy; 18th New York Infantry, Colonel W A Jackson; 31st New York Infantry, Colonel C E Pratt; 32nd New York Infantry, Colonel R Matheson; 1st New York Cavalry, Company C, Captain W H Boyd; 2nd United States Artillery, Light Company M, First Lieutenant E R Platt

Note: The 15th New York Infantry was assigned to Brigadier General W B Franklin's brigade, Division of the Potomac, by Special Orders No.10, Headquarters, Division of the Potomac, Washington, D. C., on 4 August, 1861.