The United States Army 18th New York Infantry descriptive book contains records relating to the officers and enlisted men in the 18th New York Infantry, whose term of service was from May 17, 1861, to May 28, 1863. The first 25 pages in the volume (pp. 4-28) contain the names, ranks, dates of appointment, and remarks for the regiment's commissioned officers, organized by company. The remarks primarily note casualties and promotions.
The second part of the volume (pp. 37-263) lists the names of the enlisted men in the regiment, along with age, height, complexion, eye and hair color, birthplace, occupation, enlistment information, and remarks for each. This detailed information shows that many of the soldiers were immigrants from Germany, England, Ireland, and Russia. The volume also provides information on where casualties were suffered and which soldiers deserted. An unknown person used pages 197-200 as a diary for January to August 1900.
The 18th New York Infantry was organized on May 17, 1861, at Albany, New York, and left for Washington on June 19, 1861. They participated in the battles of Bull Run, West Point, White Oak Swamp, Glendale, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Marye's Heights, Salem Heights, and Banks' Ford. The regiment mustered out May 28, 1863, upon the expiration of their term. During their service, 4 officers and 34 enlisted men died in battle or of wounds, and 1 officer and 32 enlisted men died of disease.
