148th Infantry Regiment

Mustered in: September 14, 1862
Mustered out: June 22, 1865

The following is taken from New York in the War of the Rebellion, 3rd ed. Frederick Phisterer. Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1912. 

Colonel William Johnson received authority, August 20, 1862, to recruit this regiment in the then 26th Senatorial District of the State; it was organized at Geneva, and there mustered in the service of the United States for three years, September 14, 1862. June 22, 1865, the men not to be mustered out with the regiment were transferred to the 100th Infantry.
The companies were recruited principally: A at Seneca Falls, Fayette, Geneva and Canoga; B at Dundee, Starkey, Barrington and Milo; C at Plielps, Hopewell and Geneva; D at Geneva, Fayette and Varick; E at Ovid, Lodi, Romulus and Covert; F at Geneva; Rushville, Gorham, Rotter Center, Penn Yan and Middlesex; G at Geneva, Can-andaigua and Naples; H at Waterloo, Seneca Falls and Tyre; I at Benton, Milo, Jerusalem, Torrey, Seneca, Branchport and Geneva; and K at Manchester, Bristol, East and West Bloomfield and Hopewell.
The regiment left the State September 22, 1862; it served at Suffolk, Department of Virginia, from September, 1862; at Norfolk, Va., 7th Corps, from October, 1862; at Yorktown, Va., from October, 1863; in Wistar's Division, 18th Corps, from January, 1864; in the 2d Brigade, 2d Division, 18th Corps, from April, 1864; in the 1st Brigade, 2d Division, 18th Corps, from September, 1864; temporarily with 3d Brigade, 2d Division, 18th Corps, in October, 1864; in the 4th Brigade, 1st Division, 24th Corps, from December, 1864; in the 3d Brigade, 1st Division, 24th Corps, from March, 1865, and, commanded by Col. John B. Murray, it was honorably discharged and mustered out June 22, 1865, at Richmond, Va.
During its service the regiment lost by death, killed in action, 2 officers, 63 enlisted men; of wounds received in action, 2 officers, 42 enlisted men; of disease and other causes, 2 officers, 156 enlisted men; total, 6 officers, 261 enlisted men; aggregate, 267; of whom 24 enlisted men died in the hands of the enemy.

The following is taken from The Union army: a history of military affairs in the loyal states, 1861-65 -- records of the regiments in the Union army -- cyclopedia of battles -- memoirs of commanders and soldiers. Madison, WI: Federal Pub. Co., 1908. volume II. 

One Hundred and Forty-eighth Infantry.—Cols., William Johnson, George M. Guion, John B. Murray; Lieut-Cols., George M. Guion, John B. Murray, E. Darwin Gage, Frederick L. Manning; Majs., John B. Murray, Henry T. Noyes, F. L. Manning, John Cooley. This regiment, recruited in the counties of Ontario, Seneca and Yates, was organized at Geneva and there mustered into the U. S. service on Sept. 14, 1862, for three years. It left the state on the 22nd and was chiefly engaged in garrison duty at Suffolk, Norfolk and Yorktowii, Va., until 1864, when it was placed in Wistar's division, 18th corps. In May, 1864, then in the 2nd (Stedman's) brigade, 2nd (Weitzel's) division, 18th corps, it took part in the short campaign of the Army of the James under Gen. Butler against Petersburg and Richmond by way of the James river, being engaged at Swift creek, Proctor's creek, Drewry's bluff and Bermuda Hundred. Its loss during this campaign was 78 in killed, wounded and missing. The 18th corps was then ordered to reinforce the Army of the Potomac and the 148th was heavily engaged at Cold Harbor, losing 124 killed, wounded and missing. Returning with the corps to Bermuda Hundred, it moved to Petersburg and took part in the first bloody assault on the works, losing 16 killed, 74 wounded and 26 missing. After the failure of the assaults, the regiment went into position in the trenches on the right of the line, where it suffered daily from the incessant firing, its losses throughout the siege amounting to 124 killed, wounded and missing. In the latter part of August the 18th corps was relieved by the 10th, and the former was ordered into the defenses of Bermuda Hundred. In the latter part of September the regiment was engaged at Fort Harrison with a loss of 24 killed and wounded, and in October it was heavily engaged on the old battlefield of Fair Oaks, where it lost 84 killed, wounded and missing. When the 18th corps was discontinued in Dec., 1864, the 148th became a part of the new 24th corps, with which it participated in the Appo-mattox campaign, sharing in the final assault on Petersburg and the engagements at Rice's station, Burke's station and Appomattox Court House. The regiment by its signal gallantry displayed on many occasions had gained a well earned reputation for courage and efficiency. Corp. E. Van Winkle and privates Henry S. Wells and George A. Buchanan distinguished themselves at Fort Harrison and were the recipients of medals of honor from the war department. The regiment was mustered out on June 22, 1865, at Richmond, Va., under command of Col. Murray. It lost by death during its term of service 4 officers and 95 men killed and mortally wounded; 2 officers and 156 men died of disease and other causes, a total of 267.

148thInfRegColor1995.3592.jpg

148th Regiment NY Volunteer Infantry | Regimental Color | Civil War

This painted silk Regimental Color carried by the 148th New York Volunteers includes the Arms of the United States, gold-colored stars in two arcs,…

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NYSMM Online Resources

Battles and Casualties from Phisterer (pdf)
Battles and Casualties from Phisterer (spreadsheet)

Muster Roll

Unit Roster

Newspaper Clippings

Civil War Research Guide

Search the Museum catalog for this unit

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Other Resources

This is meant to be a comprehensive list. If, however, you know of a resource that is not listed below, please send an email to ng.ny.nyarng.list.historians@army.mil with the name of the resource and where it is located. This can include photographs, letters, articles and other non-book materials. Also, if you have any materials in your possession that you would like to donate, the museum is always looking for items specific to New York's military heritage. Thank you.

"Ball Cartridges for the first time." Neighbor’s Home Mail. 2 :7 July 1875. 102-103.

"The Campaign at David's Mills, Va.." Neighbor’s Home Mail. 1 :8 August 1874. 115.

"Captain Edward Cole." Neighbor’s Home Mail. 2 :6 June 1875. 89.

"Civil War soldier leaves behind a story : His diary on the war." The Chronicle Express (Penn Yan, NY). (Summer Issue, ?) 105-117.

"Col. Wm. Johnson." Neighbor’s Home Mail. 1 :7 July 1874. 97.

"Companies in the 126th and 148th Reg'ts. as they entered service." Neighbor’s Home Mail. 1874. various.

"Co. I, 148th N.Y. - First Hardtack." Neighbor’s Home Mail. 2 :6 June 1875. 85.

Crocker, William H. Letter, 29 January 1863.
One 2-page letter to his sister.
Electronic copy donated by The Rev. Julie Blake Fisher, Christ Episcopal Church.

Foster, Joseph C. Joseph C. Foster Diary, 1863.
Description:    1 volume
Abstract:    Diary of a Civil War soldier in the Union army. Also includes one photograph of a young woman.
Held by Syracuse University.

Fuller, M. H. "Camp Naglee" Norfolk, Va. 1863. 148th N.Y. Vols. Col. Wm. Johnson. [New York] : Endicott & Co. lith. 59 Beekman St. N.Y.,1863. 
Civil War print of the Union Army encampment surrounding the Norfolk Military Academy building, which flies the U.S. flag. Army tents are pitched in rows around the large Greek Revival school building. Soldiers can be seen standing, talking, cooking over a campfire, and on sentry duty around the building and in front of the camp. In the background are other Norfolk buildings, including two churches with tall spires. In the foreground, African Americans bring supplies balanced on their heads or loaded into carts. 
1 print : lithograph, tinted ; image and text 31 x 37 cm., on sheet 33 x 42 cm. 
Located at the American Antiquarian Society.

"Gala Day in Phelps." : 148th N.Y. Regt. Reuion, Aug. 22, 1876." Neighbor’s Home Mail. 3 :8 September 1876. 128.

Gardner, Harvey R. Harvey R. Gardner Civil War papers.
Description:    8 items.
Abstract:    Quartermaster's monthly returns of clothing, camp and garrison equipage. Records kept by Captain Gardner of Company F, 148th Regiment, New York Volunteers while stationed in Virginia.
Held by Cornell University.

Gillet, Charles A. Letters, 1864.
8 pages. 
Letters, 1864, from Charles A. Gillet (1841-1917) of Company K, 148th New York Infantry, to his parents James McB. (1816-1884) and Eliza Gillet (1818-1887) of Ontario County, New York, discussing his reasons for enlistment and serving, camp life, and the effects of Francis J. Lee (ca. 1828-1864) who was killed in action.
Accession 45423. Located at the Library of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia.
Thank you to Ed Worman for pointing out this resource.

Graham, Robert H., b. 1865. Yates County's "boys in blue", 1861-1865 : who they were, what they did. Penn Yan, N.Y. s.n, 1926.

Grand Army of the Republic. Cross Post No. 78. Grand Army of the Republic. Cross Post No. 78 records, 1862-1918(ca.).
Description:    22 volumes, 100 items, 0.2 cubic ft
Abstract:    Membership applications; report of post quartermaster; record of dues; roster, 1920; constitution and by-laws of the Seneca Falls Memorial Day Association; G.A.R. rules and regulations, 1873; minutes of encampment, 1873-1917; monthly post expense accounts, 1897-1906; membership lists and records for Companies A - K, 148th Regiment, New York Volunteers; biographical sketches by the post historian; and miscellaneous materials.
Held by the Seneca Falls Historical Society, 55 Cayuga Street, Seneca Falls, New York 13148.

Guion, George Murray. Six months under fire. Chicago : [s.n.], 1901. [3], 20, [2] leaves, [1] leaf of plates : col. ill. ; 19 cm. 
Located at Duke University.

Hoffman, George W. Letter, 15 August 1864.
4 pages. Letter, 15 August 1864, from George W. Hoffman (b. ca. 1842), 148th New York Volunteers near Petersburg, Virginia, to Reuben Reichenbach (b. ca. 1812), Fayette, Seneca County, New York. Hoffman writes about the delays in receiving mail, his illness and confinement at a military hospital, and he describes the underground mining of Confederate lines, later known as the Battle of the Crater, and the large number of troop losses on both sides. Hoffman also offers his sympathy concerning the death of Reichenbach’s son Philip (ca. 1843-1864).
Accession 43041. Located at the Library of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia.
Thank you to Ed Worman for pointing out this resource.

Hopkins, H. H. (Harrison) "Army Life." : as seen and experienced during the late war in connection with the 148th Regiment New York State Volunteers." Neighbor’s Home Mail. 1874. various.

Hoster, John L.. Correspondence of John L. Hoster, 1860-1867.
88 items.
Hoster writes to his sweetheart, Josephine (Josie) Cole, describing action of the 148th in Virginia, particularly around Porthsmouth, Norfolk, Yorktown and Williamsburg. He discusses life in camp and freqeuntly mentions low moral character of Union soldiers and Southern civilians. Several letters mention African Americans, including a description of a church service. There are references to the progress of the war and prominent generals. A letter to a Mr. andd Mrs. Vincent concerns the death of their son, George, in Andersonville. Josie's letters describe daily life in Seneca County, N.Y. A few pre-war letters refer to schooling and one refers to "excitement about South Carolina and secession."
Located at the University of Virginia.

Hoster, John L. John L. Hoster diary,1862-1865. 
The collection consists of a bound typescript copy (137 pages) of the diary of John L. Hoster with entries between September 22, 1862 and April 14, 1865. Hoster's diary chronicles his military service and imprisonment (June - September 1864), his move to Charleston and Florence, South Carolina, then to Goldsboro, North Carolina, and his exchange near Wilmington, North Carolina. There are regular daily entries, some of considerable fullness, during the months at Andersonville, giving details about food, health, morale, and general treatment at Andersonville. His comments are restrained and remarkably detached. He thought Savannah a pretty place and was grateful to the citizens of Charleston for their kindness to the prisoners, particularly the sick. 
1 bound volume. 
Located at Emory University.

Hoster, John L. Sergeant John L. Hoster collection, 1862-1906 (bulk 1862-1865).
Description:    0.25 cu. ft
Abstract:    The Sergeant John L. Hoster Collection consists of five diaries, 1862-1865, a sergeant's roll book, 1862-1863, two contemporary photographs, and a box containing two medals, ca. 1906. The diary entries are made regularly, over a period of four years, and describe Hoster's life as a Union soldier in great detail. They begin with his departure from New York State with the 148th Regiment, on September 22, 1862, and end with his re-entry into civilian life after the war. During the intervening years, Hoster saw much active combat, and was a prisoner of war for over four months. His diary contains many action packed descriptions, as well as accounts of daily life in a Union Army company.
Held by the Fenimore Art Museum.

Hoster, John L. Sergeant John L. Hoster diary, 1862-1865.
Description:    5 file folders (137 p.)
Abstract:    The collection consists of only the transcripts of the diary. The diary contains information on military duties and activities of the 148th New York Volunteers, including major campaigns in the eastern theater of the Civil War. Sergeant Hoster mentions the assault of Cold Harbor and is very descriptive of his imprisonment in Andersonville, Georgia following his capture during a skirmish before Petersburg, Virginia.
Held by SUNY Oswego.

Insse, Telesphor. Telesphor Insse Papers, 1858-1868.
Description:    .25 linear ft
Abstract:    Correspondence, financial documents, and miscellaneous items of the Canadian immigrant and Union soldier during the Civil War.
Held by Syracuse University.

Johnson family.  The Johnson family papers,1860-1934. 
Contains the following type of materials: correspondence. Contains information pertaining to the following war and time period: Civil War -- Eastern Theater; 1865-1897. Contains information pertaining to the following military units: 1st New York Sharpshooter Battalion; 4th, 8th, and 16th New York Heavy Artillery Regiments; 44th, 126th, 140th and 148th New York Infantry Regiments; Dept. of Virginia; Army of the Potomac (either the II or the VI Corps and probably the V Corps). General description of the collection: The Johnson Family papers include enlisted man's letters; letters from camp, Petersburg, Centreville, Suffolk, Norfolk, Yorktown, Warrenton; letters from civilians, during and after the war, around Naples, Ontario County, New York letter about Confederate money. Campaigns: Suffolk, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Appomattox; unknown New York unit (V), 1863 and Corps II, VI, 1865. 
1 box. 
Located at the Military History Institute in Carlisle, PA.

Military Collection -(ca.), 1861-1865 (bulk). 
Numerous commissions, discharges, a few photographs, and pension papers. There are rosters, orders, returns, and other papers for companies of the 14th, 43rd, 81st, 89th, 115th, and 121st Infantry Regiments, N.Y. Volunteers; letters, orders, rolls, returns of Capt. Harvey R. Gardner, Co. F, 148th Volunteers, 1862-64; book of memoirs, letters, and clippings concerning Civil War service of Major Nicholas J. DeGraff, 115th N.Y. Volunteers; enlistment roll, Co. K, 37th Artillery Regiment, 1863-69; and a photograph album of high officers at Camp Nelson, Va., Army of the Potomac. Letters of Samuel D. French, 121st Volunteers and U.S. Army Signal Corps; Daniel Davis, William H. Lewis, John J. McDonald, and George Maret, 44th Volunteers; John Cook, 51st Volunteers; John Tidd, 109th Volunteers; Gilbert Parshall, 42nd Illinois Volunteers; and Lemi Crary, 86th New York Volunteers. Also several scrapbooks of Civil War covers, and a letter book of Gen. Samuel S. Burnside, both incoming and outgoing, 5th Division, New York National
Guard, showing strong Democratic sympathies; a lecture by Myron Adams on involvement of the U.S.S. Perry in the Battle of Mobile Bay, 1864; and ms. poem.
1.5 cubic ft. 
Located at the Fenimore Art Museum.

Military Records, 1862-1908.
Description:    3 volumes and 11 items
Abstract:    Enrollment records of persons liable for military duty in the town of Waterloo, 49th Regiment, 1862; veteran enlistment rolls of the 148th New York Volunteers, 1908.
Held by the Waterloo Library and Historical Society, 31 East Williams Street, Waterloo, New York 13165.

Oaks, Mabel E. "Oaks Corners and War." The corners [Trumansburg, N.Y. ] The Free Press, 1958. 27-36.

Peck, Henry J. 148th New York Infantry, Co. I. Correspondence (1864-1865). 
1 box (.25 cu. ft.).
A group comprised of letters between Henry J. Peck and his wife, Mary, while he served in the army. Peck's letters discuss his involvement with the company band, his experiences of life in an army camp, and the rigors of long marches. He also recorded the events and emotions of the Confederate Army surrender at Appomattox Court House. Mary Peck's letters provide information about life on the homefront as well as the experiences of a soldier's wife. 
Located at the New York State Library Manuscripts and Special Collections. 
Copies are available at the New York State Military Museum.

"Re-Union of the 148th N.Y.V.." Neighbor’s Home Mail. 2 :11 November 1875. 168.

"Recollections of Co. H, 148th N.Y.S. Vols." Neighbor’s Home Mail. 1874-1875. various.

Roberts, Thad, (Thaddeus). Finding Aid for the Thad Roberts Letter.
Abstract:    In this letter, Thad Roberts of the 148th New York Infantry writes home to cos. Roberts discusses the spread of disease through Nashville, Tennessee where the 148th is stationed. He also mentions the conditions of the regiment's weapons as well as their prisoner of war and death counts. MS.2900
Held by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Scott, Ferris. "Army Pictures." : Drawn from the diary of Rev. Ferris Scott, Chaplain of the 148th Regiment N.Y.S. Volunteers and Embellished with Reminiscences furnished by comrades in tent and field." Neighbor’s Home Mail. 1874-1876. various.

Shadman, George, Jr. The Marched on Washington: The Story of the 148th New York Volunteers. Watkins Glen, NY: 1996.

Stubbs, George.  Letters,1864. 
4 AlsS (autograph letters signed)to his sister, Eli Jefferson -- 2 ALsS from his sister to George Stubbs -- 3 ADs one of which is a death notice (1865 March 30,. Letters describe battles and camp life of a Union soldier. letters posted from camps near Bermuda Hundred, Point of Rocks and the James River. 
9 items (in folder) ; 26 x 38 cm. + 3 envelopes. 
Located at the Boston Public Library.

Treat, Richard S. "Extracts from a Civil War Diary." Naples Record. 4 March 1925 to 19 August 1925.
Resource submitted by Noah Andre Trudeau, who also wrote:
In researching archival newspapers online for a project not directly related to this regiment I came across something that seems pretty remarkable to me, the Civil War Diary for 1863-1865 written by Richard S. Treat in Company G of the 148th New York. What made it remarkable was that it was serialized over a period of 25 weeks in the Naples (New York) Record, a weekly newspaper, in the year 1925.  Here's an index to that collection, with NR=Naples Record issue, and DI=diary days published in that issue. I'll also 
note that the odd jump in chronology in the June 17 and 24 issues is not a typo. I found all issues using the fultonhistory site.
[note: all issues 1925]
NR: 3/4 - DI: 3/24/63 to 4/22/63
NR: 3/11 - DI: 4/25/63 to 6/29/63
NR: 3/18 - DI: 6/30/63 to 8/28/63
NR: 3/25 - DI: 1/4/64 to 2/1/64
NR: 4/1 - DI: 2/2/64 to 2/16/64
NR: 4/8 - DI: 2/17/64 to 3/21/64
NR: 4/15 - DI: 3/22/64 to 4/28/64
NR: 4/22 - DI: 4/30/64 to 5/19/64
NR: 4/29 - DI: 5/20/64 to 6/13/64
NR: 5/6 - DI: 6/14/64 to 7/9/64
NR: 5/13 - DI: 7/10/64 to 8/6/64
NR: 5/20 - DI: 8/7/64 to 9/5/64
NR: 5/27 - DI: 9/6/64 to 9/30/64
NR: 6/3 - DI: 10/1/64 to 11/2/64
NR: 6/10 - DI: 11/3/64 to 11/25/64
NR: 6/17 - DI: 12/5/64 to 12/29/64
NR: 6/24 - DI: 11/26/64 to 12/31/64 PLUS 1/1/65 to 1/5/65
NR: 7/1 - DI: 1/6/65 to 1/27/65
NR: 7/8 - DI: 1/28/65 to 2/23/65
NR: 7/15 - DI: 2/24/65 to 3/17/65
NR: 7/22 - DI: 3/18/65 to 4/2/65
NR: 7/29 - DI: 4/9/65 to 4/26/65
NR: 8/5 - DI: 4/27/65 to 5/13/65
NR: 8/12 - DI: 5/14/65 to 6/2/65
NR: 8/19 - DI: 6/3/65 to 7/1/65

United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 148th. Records of the 148th Regiment of New York State Volunteers, 1863-1866.
Description:    0.5 cu. ft.
Abstract:    Records of the 148th Regiment of New York State Volunteers (infantry), who served during the U.S. Civil War. Includes correspondence, reports, orders and instructions, receipts, documentation of promotions; and lists and rolls -- members of different companies, casualties, and missing in action. Much of the material is connected to Colonel John B. Murray, commander of the regiment from December 1864 to June 1865.
Held at the Fenimore Art Museum.

Gardner, Harvey R. and United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 148th. Records of Company F of the 148th Regiment of New York State Volunteers, 1862-1864.
Description:    0.25 cu. ft
Abstract:    The papers of Company F of the 148th Regiment of New York State Volunteers consist primarily of forms, filled out by Capt. Harvey R. Gardner, used to keep track of the number of enlisted men and officers in the company, and the amount of clothing and equipment they were given by the U.S. Army from 1862 to 1864, when Gardner was discharged for disability. Papers recording soldiers numbers begin with the sub-muster rolls from September of 1862, in which Gardner recorded the names, ages, and ranks of men as they enlisted, and include other forms used to keep track of the number of soldiers still with the company, those deceased, and those who deserted. Forms recording the issuance of clothing and equipment to soldiers were also kept by Gardner. In most cases, these were signed by Gardner, the soldier receiving supplies, and a third person, who served as a witness, to prove that the soldier had received what he was supposed to receive. The collection also contains a few letters sent by Gardner to his superiors concerning the loss of clothing or equipment, as well as a letter from a doctor notifying Gardner of the death of one of his men, and another letter in which Gardner asks to know the circumstances under which one of his men deserted while in the hospital.Held at the Fenimore Art Museum.

Waldron family. Waldron family 1846-1904. papers.
Description:    0.1 cubic feet (4 folders)
Abstract:    This collection contains deeds, mortgages, tax receipts, and a diary (1878) of Aaron K. Waldron, a prominent farmer of Tecumseh, Lenawee County, Michigan. Also included is family correspondence (1863-1879) including two Civil War letters (1863) to Waldron's wife, nee Sarah Gunderman, from her brothers John, 126th New York Regiment, and Abram, 148th New York Regiment.
Held by Michigan State University.

Wolcott, Walter, 1859. The military history of Yates County, N.Y. : comprising a record of the services rendered by citizens of this county in the army and navy, from the foundation of the government to the present time. Penn Yan, N.Y. Express Book and Job Print. House, 1895.

Worman, Edward (compiler). 148th NY Regiment captured at Petersburg, VA on June 15-16, 1864.

Worman, Edward (compiler). 148th NY casualties at 2nd Fair Oaks, VA on October 27, 1864. 2016. 11 pages.

Wright, Russell F. Letters, 1863-1864.
36 pages.
Letters, 1863-1864, of Russell F. Wright (ca. 1834-1864) of Company K, 148th New York Infantry, to Euphemia O. Gillet of Ontario and Broome Counties, New York, detailing camp life and campaigning in and around Norfolk, Yorktown, and Richmond, Virginia, as well the battle of Cold Harbor and the siege of Petersburg, Virginia. Wright asks about Euphemia’s health and comments on her brother Charlie serving in the same company. A couple of letters have coded messages.
Accession 45311. Located at the Library of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia.
Thank you to Ed Worman for pointing out this resource.

 

Unit bibliography from the Army Heritage Center

Items in the museum collection are in bold.