Excerpt from History of the Third Regiment, Excelsior Brigade, 72d New York Volunteer Infantry, 1861-1865 In preparing this history the official war records have been carefully searched for all material that could in any way contribute to a full understanding of the events narrated. Wherever possible battles and movements have been described in the language of official reports. In some cases, as in that of Williamsburg, the same engagement is described in several such papers, written by the commanders of the regiment, the brigade and the division, with often a brief recognition of the service of the regiment from still higher sources. Orders, reports and extracts bearing on this history are given word for word as written, and in many cases, without other explanations of the events referred to. Promotions and changes of command are announced in general orders. In this way the experience of the regiment will be more readily followed than if the narrative were cumbered with unimportant details. There can be no question that many officers and men not mentioned in this history by name, were equally worthy, and perhaps more worthy of notice than those whose names and deeds are here given. In view of the impossibility of doing exact justice to all, the rule has been followed to make honorable mention only of those already named in official records. All regimental papers have been examined in detail. The personal diary of the compiler has been compared with that of the chaplain for all movements since January 1, 1863, and differences have been reconciled to the satisfaction of both. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

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This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This is the story of the men who fought and died in the 72nd New York Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. Part of Dan Sickles' famed Excelsior Brigade, the 72nd New York served in all the major actions associated with the III Corps, losing one-fourth or more of the regiment in three different engagements. The narrative of the war is told in the words of the men who were there. Drawing on soldier's letters, diaries, memoirs (many unpublished or obscure) and official reports, this work follows these men from the exciting beginnings of recruitment, the boredom and frustrations of life policing the secessionist countryside of Southern Maryland, through to the eventual disbanding of the regiment in July of 1864 after being bled white at Williamsburg, the Peninsula, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and the Overland Campaign. A final chapter offers a brief account of many of the men's lives following the war. Included in the work are photographs, period illustrations, maps and an organizational chart. A complete roster is arranged by company with chronologies of officers' service.