An Historical Sketch of the One Hundred and sixty second Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry.... Albany, NY: Weed and Parsons, 1867.

The 162nd Regiment was the third of those organized under the auspices of the Police  Commissioners of the City of New York.

In addition to the U.S. Bounty of $100, and $3 hand money, the State and the City and County of New York, each offered a bounty of $50 per man; Which was paid until Sept 6th, when the State bounty was withdrawn. It is not known that any bounties were paid by private persons.

The Police Department signalized its loyalty and patriotism by resolving itself into an instrumentality for recruiting, and adopted a policy by which every member of its force became, practically, a recruiting agent, and every station house a recruiting office; and all without charge to the General Government. Besides,  the Department was as liberal in contributing its money as its services to this patriotic purpose.

Recruiting was embarrassed by the interference of those pests of the service, recruiting brokers, whose sole aim was to defraud the recruit of the bounty to which he was entitled; and by the incompetence or corruption of the examining surgeons, who did not scruple to pass invalids, the subjects of loathsome diseases, and unable to march a mile. The Regimental Surgeon, Dr William B.Eager Jr, discharged numbers who had been passed by the U.S. Examining Surgeons. Under the regulations of the War Department, Regimental Surgeons had no part in the examination of recruits

Recruiting for this Regiment commenced August 26, 1862 - the term of enlistment being 3 years.

On the 16th Sept. Col. Lewis Benedict, of Albany,  formerly Lt.-Col. of the 73d N.Y. Vols.(2d Fire Zouaves), arrived, with Maj. James H. Bogart,(formerly Adj't of the 43d N.Y. Vols.), and assumed command of the forces on Rikers Island. Lt.-Col Justus W.Blanchard, formerly Capt. 3d N.Y.Vols., reported Sept. 21st, and succeeded Col. Benedict in command,whose presence was required in the City.

Oct. 14th Lieut. R.B.Smith, 11th U.S. Infantry, mustered in companies B and C; and on the 18th he mustered in the remaining Companies and their officers, except F, late K, 53d N.Y.V. ,which had been mustered in Aug.22d, by Capt T.P. Mott, 19th U.S. Infantry. Number of non-commissioned officers and men, 795; absentees,150. Total, 945.

Oct. 24th, the War Department ordered the 162nd to the field. It was presented with a stand of Colors by the Corporation of New York. The history of these Colors may be found in the Appendix.

About 5 P.M. one-half of the 162d embarked in a small steamboat for Port Monmouth, N.J., and at 11 P.M. the remainder followed. In landing, one man fell into the water, and drowned before any aid could reach him. Between Port Monmouth and Philadelphia the train parted, in consequence of the breaking of a coupling, detaching three cars, which, by some means, became so damaged that it was necessary to transfer their contents to other cars and abandon the injured ones. At Philadelphia, where it arrived at daybreak of 25th, the 162d enjoyed the hospitalities, now famous, of the Soldiers' Relief Committee of that city; and upon reaching Baltimore, at 11 P.M. of the same day, where it bivouacked in the market-place, the Relief Committee of that city also kindly provided it with refreshments. Owing to various detentions, the 162d did not reach Washington until the evening of the 26th, when it arrived in the midst of a furious storm of rain, and found shelter in the Soldiers' Retreat.

Oct. 28th, the 162d marched through Washington, and , crossing the Long Bridge, proceeded to Camp Seward, about four miles from the city, where it pitched its tents and resumed drilling. On the 30th, it was ordered to the Chain Bridge, some 7 miles above Camp Seward, to report to Brig-Gen. Abercrombie, commanding the Provisional Division, and join the 133d N.Y. (2nd Metropolitan).

Nov. 4th the 162d, together with the 133d N.Y.V., were ordered to Alexandria,Va., 14 miles below, to report to Brig-Gen. John E. Slough, and to hold themselves in readiness to embark on transports at a moment's notice, these regiments having been detailed for service in the Bank's Expedition.

On the morning of Nov. 10th, Lieut-Col. Blanchard, in command of the six right companies, A,C,D,F,H,I embarked on an old propeller, called the "George's Creek," which had been imposed upon the Government, Col. Benedict and the remaining four companies were detained at Alexandria until the 16th, when they embarked upon a diminutive propeller, called the "City of Bath," constructed originally to ply between Boston and Bangor, Lieut-Col. Blanchard and the six companies arrived in Hampton Roads on the 12th, Col. Benedict and the four companies on the 17th, and lay there waiting further orders for some days. About three- quarters of the fleet belonging to the Banks Expedition were assembled in the Roads. The 162d reported to Brig.-Gen. Wm.H. Emory, commanding the forces afloat. During the time of this detention the Regiment disembarked and drilled daily. Finally, at 8 P.M. Dec.3d, the gunboat Augusta, convoy of this division of the fleet, fired a signal gun, and the fleet got under way, The destination of the expedition remained a secret until the mouth of the Mississippi was reached.

When the fleet weighed anchor the sky was overcast, a gusty wind had sprung up, causing a short chopping sea that rapidly destroyed the comfort of the landsmen on getting outside, Off Cape Hatteras, the wind freshened to a gale. The "City of Bath" lay on her beam-end for some hours, after which the gale abated, though a heavy sea continued, On the night of Dec. 5th, 2d Lieut. James De P. Wilkes of Co, H, nephew of Com. Wilkes, was lost overboard, He left the cabin to go on deck, and was never seen again.

Dec.11th, the "City of Bath" made Key West and took in coal and water, The officers and men had suffered severely during the passage, on account of most of the water having been put in casks  which had previously contained oil. As the "City of Bath" was going out of Key West, the "George's Creek" was coming in. Dec 15th, The "City of Bath" arrived at New Orleans, having touched at Ship Island, when the sealed order were opened and her destination ascertained. Col. Benedict reported at the Head-Quarters of the Department of the Gulf, and , under orders, proceeded with the vessel to Carrollton, a small place in the suburbs of the town, and six miles above the city proper, On arriving there, Gen. T. W. Sherman, commanding the post, ordered him to disembark his men at Camp Parapet, some two miles above Carrollton, and there go into camp.

Camp Parapet is a line of earthworks extending from the Mississippi River to an impenetrable swamp, lying between it and Lake Pontchartrain, and distant for the river about a mile. They were constructed, under the direction of the Rebel Gen. Beauregard, to protect New Orleans against attack form above; Forts St.Phillip and Jackson being supposed to be a sufficient defense against attack from forces approaching by sea.

The forces at this post, at this time, were the 25th and 26th Conn., 16th N.H., a detachment of the 12th Maine, 4th Wis., and 1st Vermont Batteries, and the four companies of the 162d. Col. Benedict took command of the post. Day after day passed without tidings from Lieut.-Col. Blanchard and the six companies with him. The character of the transport filled the Colonel's mind with anxiety concerning the fate of the looked for officers and men, at length, on the 24th Dec., the wretched weather beaten hulk slowly steamed up to the Parapet and landed her precious freight, to the general delight of the garrison and the special joy of the 162d.

Dec 31st, in pursuance of orders from Gen. Banks, Major Bogart and three companies,B., Capt. King, C., Capt. Wunder, and E., Lieut.Curtis, were dispatched, by Col. Benedict, to Plaquemine, a small town 110 miles above New Orleans, to dislodge any force of the enemy found at that point; information having been received at Head-Quarters that a battery had been planted there to intercept communication between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Major Bogart not finding any enemy there, quietly, occupied the town and threw out pickets, Capt. Wunder, of  Co, C, was officer of the day, and, at about 11 P.M. he reported a large force of enemy to be advancing, -his fears having multiplied a few guerrillas to an overwhelming body of troops, Upon receiving such alarming intelligence, Maj. Bogart hastily withdrew his command to the bank of the river and posted it behind the levee; designing to use it as a breastwork in case of an attack, After some firing the pickets emulated the general example and withdrew to the main body, The gunboat Catawba then commenced shelling the woods, By the premature explosion of a shell, 1st Sergt, J.A. Baker was  instantly killed, one private severely wounded, and one corporal slightly. No damage was received from the enemy. Maj. Bogart called a council of his officers, and the result was that the town was abandoned.  (Original Report of Maj Bogart)

About the 8th Jan. 1863, Col. Benedict was ordered to move the 162d to Donaldsonville, 60 miles above New Orleans, and hold that place, while Gen. Godfrey Weitzel, who had been lying at Thibodeaux, moved on Brashear City and other points on Bayou Teche; it being apprehended that during Weitzel's employment elsewhere, the enemy might get in his rear, and endanger both him and our possession of the Mississippi River, Col. Benedict extended his pickets  15 miles, to Napoleon. The 162d remained at Donaldsonville until the 25th, when, by the success of Weitzel's expedition, the necessity for strengthening the regular garrison having ceased, it returned to its camp at the Parapet.

Feb.2d, the 162d broke camp and went into quarters at Camp Mansfield, half a mile from Carrollton, -Col.Benedict turning over command of Camp Parapet to Gen.Neal Dow. It was there brigaded with the 16th N.H.,110th N.Y. and 4th Mass.,constituting the 1st Brig., 3d Div. of the 19th Army Corps, under command of Brig.-Gen. Andrews of Mass.; and remained there until March 6th. At this time, Col Benedict, who had been suffering for some weeks from an ailment, to be relieved only by a surgical operation, received leave of absence to enable him to go North in order to obtain the necessary treatment.

March 6th, the army embarked for Baton Rouge; the 162d from Carrollton, on the steamer "Time and Tide," a demonstration against Port Hudson being contemplated, to favor the passage of the batteries by Farragut's fleet. A few days  before, Gen.Andrews had been appointed Chief of Staff to Gen. Banks, and Col. Ingraham, 38th Mass., was put in command of the Brigade.

March 14th, the Army left Baton Rouge, moving toward Port Hudson in two columns; one taking the Port Hudson turnpike and the other  the Clinton road, in order to get in the rear of and between Clinton and Port Hudson. The 162d and one company of Cavalry, under the command of Lt.-Col. Blanchard, were detached by Gen. Emery to make a reconnoissance upon a road in the rear of  the Clinton road. Arriving, at daylight on the 15th, at certain cross-roads, three companies where detached, to proceed some four miles and burn certain bridges, which otherwise might enable the enemy to gain our rear and enter Baton Rouge. This was accomplished, not without some skirmishing, in which, however, the companies did not lose a man, Lt.-Col. Blanchard was to proceed by a plank road as far as White Bayou, there to join a part of Grover's Division, taking care to apprise that General that he was in his rear to aid in any service that might present itself; which notice was given by  Adjutant Leonard. The 162d remained there until night, when all went into camp on the Clinton Plank Road. The next morning Lt.-Col. Blanchard was ordered to report back at the cross-roads, and await further orders, After remaining there one day and night, the 162d was ordered back to its camp.

The various reconnoissances having developed a great disparity in the numbers of the opposing forces- not less than 50,000 Rebel soldiers being in and about Port Hudson, while Gen. Banks army was less than 30,000, all told, and Farragut having executed his famous attempt to run the batteries - it was determined to postpone, for the time, further demonstrations against the formidable defenses of the place. The Army was, accordingly, withdrawn. April 1st, the 162d left Baton Rouge for Algiers, by the steamer St. Maurice, where it arrived on the following day, and remained until the 8th, when, with the army, it was transferred by the New Orleans,Opelousas and Great Western Railroad, to Brashear City, the terminus of the road. On the morning of the 9th,the 162d crossed to Berwick City, opposite Brashear City.

Here was organized the well known Tech Expedition. April 11th, the Army, Gen. Weitzel's Brigade leading, moved on Fort Bisland, 15 miles above Berwick City. Fort Bisland is a line of breastworks thrown up between Bayou Teche and a swamp, about half a mile distant; protected by a ditch, 15 feet wide, which made scaling difficult.

On Sunday, April 12th, the 162d was deployed as skirmishers along the edge of the woods on the left. It advanced in this manner several miles, through corn and canefields, or over ploughed ground, most fatiguing to the men, who carried heavy knapsacks, not having yet learned how expedient it was to carry on such service only overcoats and blankets.Line of battle was formed several times, in expectation of attack from the wood. Finally, all the Brigades were formed in line of battle- each extending over half a mile of ground- Weitzel's Brigade in the advance, Paine's 2d, Ingraham's 3d, and Gooding's 4th, About 4 P.M. the action fairly commenced, the batteries being in position on each flank of the first 3 Brigades, After an Artillery duel of a couple of hours' duration, firing nearly ceased, At 7 P.M. the 162d was ordered to support Mack's Battery (the 18th N.Y.), in a grove on the edge of the Bayou, as it was apprehended that the Diana, a gunboat captured from us, might come down the Bayou and annoy us during the night. She had, in fact, done a principal part of the fighting on the Rebel side during the afternoon. Piles had been driven across the Bayou by the Rebels, to prevent our gunboats coming to us.  The Rebel sharp-shooters had occupied, and still continued to occupy a number of negro cabins and other outbuildings, this side of their fortifications.  The Diana, from half a mile up the Bayou, kept up a desultory firing through the night.  In the mean time, Gen. Grover had crossed the Teche and gone up on the other side, intending to recross at some convenient point above, and march down.  Mistaking the road, he did not cross just where he had contemplated, and was, moreover, somewhat delayed, and found himself constrained to fight a severe battle at Irish Bend, a little above Franklin.  At daybreak the action was resumed by the Artillery.  During the morning the sharp-shooters of the enemy were dislodged, by the demolition of the buildings that had sheltered them.  About 3 P.M. the Infantry commenced firing, and made an unsuccessful assault.  At 6 P.M. the 162d was detached from the Brigade, and ordered to report to Gen. Weitzel at the extreme front.  Lt. Col. Blanchard, who commanded, directed Adjutant Leonard to report to Gen. Weitzel and receive his orders which were,  to deploy four companies as pickets, along the edge of the woods, and the remaining six companies to be held in reserve; establishing themselves on the left of the first line of battle.  The enemy threw a few shells, to oppose the regiment in taking its position.  During the night the enemy made a hurried retreat, abandoning provisions, and nearly every thing besides.  The camps were left standing, and some of the officers' quarters, built of cane, were quite commodious, and exhibited decided pretensions to elegance in construction.  Between Gen. Banks' close pursuit of the enemy and Gen. Grover's convenient position at Franklin, about 2,000 prisoners fell into our hands.  Halting for the night at Franklin, where four companies of the regiment were detailed for provost duty in the town, preparations were made for a vigorous pursuit of the enemy.  At this place Col. Ingraham was obliged to turn back, on account of severe and increasing illness.  He had been compelled to travel in an ambulance the day previous.  

Just above Fort Bisland the Diana was found, totally destroyed, and further up, the Hart was discovered in a similar condition - the Queen of the West was captured.

Texans, and troops raised in Western Louisiana, constituted the Rebel army doing duty in this part of the State.  The prisoners exhibited a most hostile and revengeful disposition.  So many sullen and vindictive countenances have rarely been seen together.  There was much ill-feeling apparent between the Texans and Louisiana troops; the Texans not relishing fighting for the Louisianians. There were a number of half-blood Indians among the Texans.

The Brigade at this time was reduced to two regiments - the 110th and 162d N. Y., Col. Sage commanding, - the 4th Mass. and 16th N. H. having been left to garrison Brashear City. 

Adjutant Leonard picked up in one of the abandoned quarters an order, signed by the Rebel Chief of Artillery, in which, after expressing regret for the defective character of the shells, he directed that perfect ones only should be used at short range.  This may, to a degree, account for the small loss sustained by our troops - very few of the shells thrown by the enemy exploded.

At 4 A. M. of the 16th, the Army was again in motion, and about mid-day reached New Iberia, picking up on the way about 300 prisoners.  After halting for an hour, the Infantry pushed on, the Cavalry in the mean time having had a skirmish in front, losing three or four, the enemy ten or twelve.  At the cross-roads, one of which led to the Salt Works, and the other to Opelousas, and on which the skirmish occurred, the 162d was ordered to report to Gen. Grover, who took the road to Opelousas and marched to Vermilion Bayou, Gen. Emory taking the other in order to destroy the Salt Works, 7 miles from New Iberia.  At Vermilion Bayou the bridge was found burning, and the enemy was shelled across the bayou.  Two days and one night sufficed to rebuild the bridge, and on the 23d the troops entered Opelousas.

On the 24th Gen. Banks ordered the 162d, under command of Lt. Col. Blanchard, to proceed to Barre's Landing on Bayou Courtableau, about 8 miles from Opelousas, and occupy the place.  A section of Artillery and a company of Cavalry accompanied, for the purpose of making captures in the adjacent district.  On information furnished by colored spies, Lieut. Neville and a detachment was sent some five miles down the Bayou, where they seized a small steamer called the Ellen, used for navigating the Bayou and transporting stock and produce for the Rebels.  The capture was reported to Gen. Banks, who sent an officer to survey the vessel, and being found staunch and in good order, she was sent to Brashear city, where she was put to service under the name of Col. Chandler.  By aid of the Cavalry, the country was swept through a circuit of eight or nine miles.  During the five days the 162d remained at the Landing, it captured more than 3,000 bales of cotton, a large quantity of sugar, and 110 horses and mules.  The cotton and sugar were turned over to Gen. Grover on his arrival, and the horses and mules, by order, sent to Gen. Banks. On the 30th the 162d was relieved by Gen. Grover's division, and returned to Opelousas.(Original Report from Lt.Col Blanchard )

May 5th, the Army resumed its march for Alexandria, which was reached on the evening of the 11th, and found to be in the possession of our Naval Forces.  On the 11th, Col. Benedict rejoined the 162d, to the great joy of every man in it.  As he came on shore, and was receiving the congratulations of his friends on his return to health and the service, a passing wagon startled the horse of one of the officers, which knocked him down and so injured his leg, that he was obliged to return to the boat and remain on it while he made a trip to Brashear city and back.

The march to Alexandria was supposed to be a ruse on the part of Gen. Banks, to induce the Rebels to think Shreveport was his objective point.  On the 17th, however, the Army retraced its steps to Cheneyville, and thence made a forced march to Semmesport, on the Atchafalaya, about ten miles from the Red River.  Here Col. Benedict overtook the Army and assumed command of the remnant of his Brigade.  The troops moved up to the source of the Atchafalaya, and to the junction of the Red and Mississippi Rivers, thence down the Mississippi to Morganzia, where the Army crossed by steam to Bayou Sara, 10 miles above Port Hudson.

On the 23d, orders were received through Gen. Andrews, Chief-of-Staff, directing the 162d to proceed to St. Francisville, two miles inland, to join Gen. Paine, and thence southwardly to a point in the rear of Port Hudson, where it was to await the coming of Mack's Battery; the further purpose being to picket a certain road, to prevent the escape of the enemy.  At 1 A. M., the point indicated was reached, and the 162d bivouacked in a church-yard; it raining heavily and the mud knee deep.  The battery came up about daylight, and the regiment, under command of Lt.-Col. Blanchard, proceeded to join the 2nd Division, to which it was temporarily attached, arriving in the midst of a severe action in which it participated, and suffered some loss.

The enemy having been driven from his outer line of works, and our own forces being strengthened by the arrival of Weitzel's division, on the 26th, a general assault upon the enemy's works was ordered on the 27th.  On this occasion the 162d was in Gen. Grover's line, and assaulted on the right of the enemy's works, crossing Sandy creek and driving the enemy through the woods into their fortifications.  The 162d remained three days unrelieved, within a hundred yards of the enemy's works, suffering loss in killed and wounded.  The fight on this line begun at 10 A. M., lasting until 4 P. M., and was severely contested throughout.  Gen. Banks greatly commended the behavior of the troops, and expressed his belief that the post would have been captured but for their limited knowledge of the ground, and the character of the works which were hidden from observation until the moment of approach.  On the 30th, the 162d was relieved, marched some miles to the rear, and encamped for the night.

June 1st, the 162d moved to the extreme left of the lines, and with the 175th N. Y., reported to Gen. Wm. Dwight, who assigned them to the 1st Brig., 2nd Div., and at once sent them to position in front, where they remained some days intrenching, skirmishing and supporting batteries.  June 13th, the 162d demonstrated heavily before the enemy, and lost some men.  It returned to bivouac, and was transferred to 2d Brig., 2d Div. (Gen. Dwight's), preparatory to the general assault along the entire line of investment, which it has been decided should take place the next day.

This evening Col. Benedict arrived in camp, having been relieved of his command at Hermitage, or Fausse Point, directly opposite, Port Hudson, where he had been stationed since the 23d of May, with a regiment of Infantry (110th N. Y.), two companies of Cavalry and a section of the 6th Mass. Artillery, in order to prevent the occupation of that point by the Rebels, egress from the fortifications of Port Hudson, or the receipt of communications or supplies by the garrison within them; and also to keep the county in his rear free from guerrillas or small hostile parties, and obtain information for use at headquarters. (Original Report from Col Benedict)

Immediately upon his arrival, Col. Benedict was put in command of 2d Brig., 2d Div., which consisted of the 162d N. Y., under Lt.-Col. Blanchard, the 175th N. Y., Col Bryan, the 28th Maine and 48th Mass.  At 12, midnight, orders were issued for an assault at daybreak.  At 1 A. M., Col. Benedict moved the Brigade still farther to the left, opposite the lower sally-port of the enemy.  On information received from a deserter, that there was a straight and plain road to the sally-port and that the works were quite practicable at that point, the left, under Gen. Dwight, was ordered to assault there.  By some miscarriage, orders failed to reach the 28th Maine, and the Brigade went into action with three regiments, numbering only 582 men.

The attack was commenced by the 1st Brigade, under Col. Clark of the 6th Mich., which in a few minutes, was thrown into disorder. Gen. Dwight then ordered Col. Benedict to advance his Brigade, the 162d having the right, to the assistance of Col. Clark, and to march to the attack "in column of companies!"  On reaching a level plateau, upon which the column entered from a wood, under cover of which it had formed, it was met by a terrific fire of shot and shell, and a little father on it came under a cross-fire of artillery that was nearly insupportable. Passing Clark's Brigade, the column pressed on to the verge of the plateau, only, however, to find itself confronted by a ravine, made impassable by felled timber, lying between it and the enemy's works, and exposed to a withering fire of all arms.  Col. Benedict halted the column and ordered the men to seek cover; retreat, on account of their proximity to the enemy, threatening annihilation, while further advance was absolutely impossible   After coolly surveying the enemy's works from the edge of the ravine,  Col. Benedict retraced the perilous road; for, being without an Aid for the purpose, he reported in person to Gen. Dwight the critical situation of his command, who, recognizing the necessity of the case, ordered the Brigade to lie where it was until the darkness of night might favor its withdrawal.  After reporting, Colonel Benedict rejoined his men, having gone and returned on foot, through a hurricane of shot and shell, untouched. (NOTE.- For gallant conduct in this action, the Government, July 23, 1866, conferred on Colonel Benedict the rank of Brevet Brig.-General, to date from March 13, 1865.)

The sufferings of that day will never be forgotten by any who survived or witnessed them.  From morning till night the men lay under a burning sun, exhausted by fatigue and hunger, maddened by thirst, and many agonized by wounds.  The slightest manifestation of life made the exhibitor a mark for a volley from the sharp-shooters of the enemy, who crowded the works that commanded the field, and many, in efforts to simulate death, endured more than its agonies.

The attack failed elsewhere throughout the lines as it did here, and, as might be expected, the casualties were numerous and severe.  In this advance the brave Col. Bryan, of 175th N. Y., was killed.  The 162d led the Brigade, and lost in killed, wounded and missing 51, out of 173, in action Among the killed was Major Bogart, whose body was nearly sundered by a shell, which also passed through a Sergeant, a Corporal, and then exploded, carrying away the leg and arm of another Corporal.

The gallant Lieut. Neville, of Co. I, was wounded mortally, dying in hospital, at Baton Rouge, on the 16th of July following.  Lieut. Col. Blanchard, commanding the regiment, escaped, though exposed to the hottest of the fire.

At 7 P. M. the Brigade was withdrawn, and the 162d was ordered to the support of a Mortar Battery, established about a mile to the right of the point it had assaulted in the morning.

The following day, June 15th, in General Orders, Gen. Banks called for a thousand Volunteers, to form a column to storm the enemy's works.  Officers who might lead were assured of promotion, and both officers and privates were promised Medals of Commemoration, and that their names should "be placed in General Orders upon the Roll of Honor."

The response of this reduced regiment to this appeal was creditable.  It offered the largest contingent of Volunteers to the Forlorn Hope of any regiment in the Department, and had the only complete company furnished by any one to the Battalion.  Colonel Benedict volunteered to lead a Battalion.  Adjutant Robt. W. Leonard, and three of the four line officers of the 162d, fit for duty, and fifty privates, out of one hundred and forty-nine, fit for duty, also volunteered.

The names of these officers and men were:

Capt. William P. Huxford,          Co. G.         Private  Patrick Ginety         Co. E.

Lieut. William Kennedy,              "     E.             "       Daniel Gray,            "     E.

Lieut.  John H. Van Wyck,         "     G.              "      George Larimore,    "     E.

Serg't  John H. McCormick,       "     A.             "      James McCall,         "     E.

  "       John E. Burke,                 "     B.             "     Thomas Perry           "     E.

  "       Henry Landt,                    "     C.            "     Patrick Sweeney,      "     E.

  "       Frederick Schellhaus,        "     C.            "     Matthew Mullen,       "    E.

Private Anton Blustein,                "      C.       Corp.  Gustavus Norman,    "    F.

   "      William F. Eiselo,              "      C.       Private John J. Thallman,      "    F.

   "      John Engel,                       "       C.      Serg't George W. Gibson,    "    G.

   "      Alexander Hermann,         "       C.        "      Edmund Nourse,        "    G.

   "      Leo. Kalt,                         "       C.      Private William Ferguson,    "    G.

   "      Conrad Seagel,                 "       C.        "          William Keating,     "    G.

Serg't William Kelly,                    "       D.      Corp.   Edward Murphy,     "     I.

    "     Theodore Churchill,           "       D.      Private David Hart,             "     I.

Corp.  Thomas McConnell,          "      D.         "        Max Miller              "     I.

Serg't   James Stack,                    "      E.         "        Joseph Martinese,    "     I.

    "      George W. Kelly,             "       E.         "       George Welsh,         "     I.

Corp.   James Ball,                      "       E.       Corp. Peter Sherry,            "     K.

    "       Daniel D. Dunn,               "       E.       Private James Brady,         "     K.

    "       Lorenzo Lally,                 "       E.          "        Eugene Dietrich,     "     K.

    "       John McLaughlin,            "       E.          "        John Frazier,          "     K.

    "       George W. Waite,           "       E.          "        Joseph Gity,           "     K.

Private  Peter Corbett,                 "       E.          "        Fleming Knipe,       "     K.

    "       Thomas Clary,                 "       E.          "     Dominick McConnell,"    K. 

     "      Thomas Duff,                   "       E.          "        Lewis Young,         "     K.

June 20th, the 162d, under command of Lt.-Col. Blanchard, was sent to garrison Springfield Landing, on the Mississippi River, four miles below Port Hudson, the depot of supplies, which was threatened by raiders.  On the morning of July 2d, about 300 of Logan's Cavalry made a descent upon the Landing.  They captured the pickets before the could give an alarm, and nearly surprised the garrison.  The 162d formed quickly, however, and, after a short but sharp contest, the enemy retreated with the loss of 2 officers killed, and upward of 20 private killed or wounded.  The 162d had but 190 men fit for duty at the time, and lost in killed 1, wounded and missing 8.

The 162d found this a most unwholesome locality, the necessities of the situation requiring it to encamp on swampy ground, an unfailing cause of fever throughout this country.  

July 5th, Col. Benedict was relieved of the command of the Brigade and joined the 162d at Springfield Landing, on the 6th.  On the morning of the 7th, information of the fall of Vicksburg was communicated to Gen. Gardner, the Rebel commander at Port Hudson.  On the 8th, negotiations were entered into which resulted in the formal surrender of the works and garrison of Port Hudson on the 9th, to Gen. Andrews, Chief-of-Staff to Gen. Banks.  This led to the disbanding of the Forlorn Hope and the breaking up of its camp, and the men composing it were returned to their respective regiments.

July 14th, the 162d left Springfield Landing and returned to Camp Nickerson, within a mile of Port Hudson, doing picket duty there until Aug. 22d.  The health of the regiment improved here, its camp camp being on elevated ground.  The sick list declined to an average of 70 per day.

About the middle of August, Gen. Banks reorganized the army, and the 162d, 110th and 165th N. Y. and 14th Maine, were constituted the 1st Brig., 3d Div., 19th Army Corps.  Col. Benedict, who was serving at the time on Courts-Martial in New Orleans, was assigned to command the Brigade.

Aug. 22d, Lieut.-Col. Blanchard and a detail, consisting of Capt. Huxford, Lieut. Seaman and six enlisted men, went North to receive the quota of drafted men allotted to the 162d.

At the same time the 162d marched to Baton Rouge and reported to Gen. Franklin.  The camp of the 162d was unfavorably located, and again it was smitten by disease. Pestilential exhalations from the swamp in which the men lay, the extreme heat and hard duty, soon left scarcely a hundred effective men in the regiment.  (Original Report from Gen. Emory)

At this place Adjutant Leonard was commissioned and mustered in as Major of the 162d.

Col. Benedict returned to the regiment Sept. 1st, and, according to orders, embarked it at Baton Rouge, on the 2d, on the steamer North America. This craft had been built, originally, for the navigation of the Hudson River, and many years before had been pronounced unsafe for even its placid waters.  In the fitting out of the Banks Expedition, this old hulk had been imposed on the Government, and actually brought troops to New Orleans!  On this occasion the 162d, by incessant pumping, kept her afloat until New orleans was reached, when Col. Benedict refusing to proceed any farther in her, a survey was called which condemned her, and soon after she sunk quietly at the dock.  The regiment was transferred to the steamship R. C. Winthrop, belonging to an expedition then preparing, the destination of which, however, was kept secret.

Sept. 4th, the ship sailed for the place of rendezvous for the vessels of the Expedition, off Berwick Bay, which made it apparent that Texas was the quarter in which it was to operate.  The land forces consisted of the 19th Army Corps; and the fleet was convoyed by a naval force of four light-draft gunboats, the Arizona, Clifton, Granite City and Sachem, the whole under command of Maj.-Gen. Franklin.  It turned out that the expedition was designed to capture and occupy Sabine City, at the mouth of the river of that name, and the entire fleet was ordered to arrive off Sabine Pass by midnight of the 7th, in order that the attack might be made early on the morning of the 8th.  This, however, was not accomplished, because, owing to the absence of the blockading vessel, which was relied upon to indicate the point, the fleet ran by in the night, and the attack was finally made toward evening of the 8th.  The Pass seemed to be well fortified and was certainly audaciously defended, so that after the total loss of two of the gunboats, the Clifton and Sachem, the most serviceable of all considering the shallowness of the water, the fleet returned to New Orleans.  It is said this ill-fated enterprise was not favored by the most experienced soldiers in the Department, and that the Commanding General, as well as Gen'ls Emory and Weitzel, preferred Brownsville as an objective point.

On the 11th, the 162d went into camp at Algiers, where Col. Benedict assumed command of the Brigade, Gen. Nickerson repairing to New Orleans.  On the 15th, the 162d left Algiers for Brashear City , whither it had been preceded by a portion of the Army, and was followed by the remainder.  Two divisions of the 13th Corps had come down the river and were attached to the 19th Corps, in order to strengthen it for a second Campaign through Western Louisiana.  On the 18th, the 162d crossed to Berwick City, and on the 24th, the 19th Corps moved up to Camp Bisland, about a mile above the remains of the fort of that name.  The ground seemed not to have been trodden by human foot since the battle there nearly six months before.  Skeletons of horses lay where they had fallen, immense flocks of carrion birds hovered over the place, a luxuriant growth of weeds, ten feet high, covered the canefields, the sugar houses remained unrepaired - the whole scene was one of utter desolation.  Oct. 2d, the Army moved toward Opelousas, where it arrived on the 14th, having marched leisurely, occasionally skirmishing.  At Opelousas, Grover's Division occupied the town, and Weitzel's Division  and the 13th Corps, Barre's Landing.  Nov. 1st, the Army fell back to Carrion Crow Bayou, the object of the march being accomplished; which was to create a diversion in favor of another portion of the Army sent to seize Brownsville on the Rio Grande, by drawing Confederate troops from Texas to oppose the advance of this one.

After an unimportant skirmish at this Bayou, the 19th Corps moved to Vermilion Bayou, leaving the 13th Corps behind, which was surprised by the enemy a few days after, and lost a number of men and one piece of artillery. Weitzel's Division was at once sent to the rescue, and brought the 13th Corps to Vermilion Bayou, where it was put in a position of safety.

Nov. 11th, it was reported to Maj.-Gen. Franklin that a large force of the enemy was concentrating at or near Carrion Crow Bayou, and he directed Brig.-Gen. A. L. Lee, Chief of Cavalry, to make a reconnoissance in force with all his available Cavalry, in order to ascertain the numbers and position of the enemy.

The Cavalry Division, consisting of two Brigades of eight hundred each, started from Vermilionville for Carrion Crow Bayou, (distant twelve miles due North), at 6.30 A. M., and soon commenced driving the pickets of the enemy back to their reserve of six hundred.  A running fight then ensued for some eight miles, ending in General Lee's charging them vigorously and driving them in confusion into a dense wood.  Nimm's battery of light flying artillery was quickly brought up, and, after shelling the woods, General Lee advanced his whole force in line of battle through the woods, and found the enemy also drawn up in line of battle on the opposite side of a prairie, about two miles in width, numbering, as near as could be estimated, about seven thousand.  Upon discovering that the enemy outnumbered his force four to one, and having accomplished the object of his reconnoissance, General Lee ordered his Cavalry to retreat.

The enemy, apprehending his intention, sent a large force to make a demonstration on Lee's left flank, upon which the Gen. dispatched the 1st (Col. Lucas') Brigade, to protect the left flank, while he himself, in person, remained with the main column on the road.

Col. Benedict had been ordered to advance with his Brigade about a mile beyond Vermilion Bayou, and hold himself in readiness to support Gen. Lee.  After having been abut an hour in position, an order came from Gen. Lee that the Brigade should proceed up the road.  About four miles up, Col. Benedict was met by a message that Gen. Lee was retreating before a superior force, and directing him to take a position where his troops would be masked, in order that Gen. Lee might turn and make a dash at the enemy's cavalry.  The Colonel selected the East side of a prairie about 1,200 yards wide - posting the men in the ditches, Nimm's Battery in the rear of the left flank, and Trull's of the right - a position in which his eight hundred and odd could have fought five thousand.  Gen. Lee retired behind him, in order to entice the enemy into the open prairie, but they were too wary, and opened with artillery.  This was replied to with vigor, and for an hour the fire was pretty hot; the Rebels suffering severely.  Then, after failing in an attempt to outflank, they sought cover behind fences and in ditches, and retired.  The Brigade was so well protected that it had but 1 killed and 4 wounded, one of the latter belonging to the 162d.     (Original Report from Col. Benedict)

Dec. 1st, the 162d went into winter quarters at New Iberia.  It having been greatly reduced by disease and casualties, and the 174th N. Y. being also in a similar condition, an application was made to consolidate the two regiments.

Dec. 5th, Lieut.-Col. Blanchard returned from the North, bringing with him Capt. Frank T. Johnson and a company of drafted men.  These men, 46 in number, were drafted in the 18th Congressional District, N. Y., August 11, 1863, and joined the 162d at New Iberia, La., Dec. 10, 1863.

Dec. 15th, the 162d went to Franklin, La., to relieve Col. Fearing of the 8th N. H., Lieut.-Col. Blanchard taking command of the post.

Feb. 17th, 1864, consolidation took place under Gen. Order No. 47, H'd-Qrs. 19th Army Corps, of that date, by which each company of the 174th was merged in the corresponding company of the 162d, thus raising the effective strength of the regiment to 576 officers and men; 914 present and absent.

By this consolidation, the services of Surgeon William B. Eager, Jr., were lost to the 162d.  He had earned the approbation of Gen. T. W. Sherman, at the Parapet (Defenses of New Orleans); of Gen. Dwight (at Port Hudson), and of Maj.-Gen. Franklin (on the Teche).  Upon leaving the regiment he received a written testimonial from Col. Benedict, who affirmed that for "skill, energy and faithfulness," he had not met the equal of Surgeon Eager, neither "in the service here, nor in the division to which he was attached on the Potomac."

From the same cause the retirement of the faithful  and popular Major Robert W. Leonard proceeded.

Early in Jan., 1864, the Army was concentrated at Franklin, La., and what is known and generally deplored as the Red River Expedition, was organized.  The 162d was assigned to the 3d Brig., 1st Div., 19th Army Corps. Col. Benedict commanding.  Maj.-Gen. Franklin commanded the Corps, and Gen. Emory the Division.

March 15th, the Division moved to enter upon the Red River Campaign, and, traversing the rich flats of Lower Louisiana, reached Alexandria on the 25th - a distance of one hundred and sixty miles - skirmishing lightly on the way.  On the 27th, the march was continued to Natchitoches, where the Army encamped on the 31st, to await the arrival of the provision transports.  Gen. Banks, and Com. Porter with his fleet, were at Grand Ecore, four miles above.  A reconnoissance having been made in order to ascertain the strength and position of the enemy at and beyond Pleasant Hill, the whole Army marched from Natchitoches on the morning of April 6th.  After a tedious march through rain and mud, the Brigade arrived at Pleasant Hill on the evening of the 7th, and bivouacked, the wagons not having come up.  At 8 o'clock, the next morning, the march was resumed, and in the afternoon it encamped at Mill Spring, some 11 miles Northwest of Pleasant Hill.  At 4:30 P. M., the men being engaged in cooking rations, orders came to prepare to move forward and the Brigade, third in the Division column, soon commenced a march at double quick toward Sabine Cross Roads, near Mansfield, a distance of six miles, arriving there at 6 P. M., just in time to cover the retreat of the 13th Corps, which had been routed, and check the advance of the enemy.   On approaching the position chosen by Gen. Emory for these purposes, the Brigade was met by a demoralized mass of flying Cavalry, infantry, artillerymen and camp followers, crowding together in the midst of wagons and ambulances, which indicated the serious condition of affairs.  Entering the field to the left of the road, the troops were instantly deployed in line in the following order:  the 162d, under command of Lt.-Col.. Blanchard, on the right of the Brigade, resting on the left of the 2d Brigade; the 173d N.Y. on the left of the 162d; both regiments being on the crest of a hill, the enemy behind a similar crest opposite.  The 30th Maine was deployed in the rear of the 173d N. Y., with the 165th N. Y. on its left and a few rods in advance.  The Brigade was scarcely in position when it received the fire of the enemy, who, encouraged by previous successes, came on, as if already the field was won.  They were received, however, by such a fire as put further advance out of the question, although they continued the attack with bravery and perseverance, at a great cost of life.  The maintenance of his position by Emory was indispensable to the safety of the Army, of which emergency the enemy appeared to be as conscious as himself.  Hence their desperate determination to turn his left, held by Col. Benedict's Brigade.  One vigorous effort that was made towards night, was so bloodily repulsed, that the Rebels not only recoiled, but fled, leaving their dead and wounded where they fell.  In this repulse the 162d and the 173d New York were mainly instrumental, and it closed the fighting at this point.

The glory of saving the day was then, and still is, conceded on all hands to Emory and his Division of the 19th Corps, and was earned by as desperate fighting as was witnessed during the war.  Col. Benedict was much commended for the manner in which he fought his Brigade.

Toward midnight the Army took up its march for Pleasant Hill, a better position; and it was understood, besides, that Gen. A. J. Smith's command, the 16th Corps, had reached there, while it was obvious that the forces had better be concentrated as much as possible.  Arriving there early the next morning, the Brigade took its final position behind a ditch at the foot of a slope in front, another slope rising in the rear, and awaited the coming of the enemy.  It was not until after 4 P. M. that the skirmishers were attacked and driven in, and very soon after, the Brigade, which was posted 500 yards in advance of the second line of battle, with its left in an open field and wholly unprotected, received the brunt of the Rebel charge.  Outflanked and outnumbered, slowly but steadily, the men were forced back and up the acclivity, suffering heavily from the fire of the enemy, until they filed in behind Gen. Smith's men, where they re-formed.  The Rebels, confident in their numbers and exhilarated by success, came on exultingly, but were met by a tempest of shot, shell and bullets, that nearly annihilated their first line of battle, and, before they had recovered from the shock, Gen. Smith's men and ours were upon them in a charge led by Gen. Mower.  The Rebels recoiled - they were pushed down the slope and up the opposite acclivity, until they reached the woods, when they broke and fled, the Brigade pursuing them some miles.

In the conflict down the slope, and while rallying the men to the charge, Col. Benedict fell.  His conspicuous bravery made him a mark for the enemy, and according to their tactics, he must have been the target for a volley.  He received five balls; one through each arm, one through the leg, above the knee, on in the left foot, and one through the head.  A superior officer said truly, "Of those who fell that day at Pleasant Hill, there was no one so universally regretted.  His great gallantry in the field and his courtesy in camp had won him many friends, as well among the troops he commanded as the officers with and under whom he served." (Original Report from .Col Fessenden)

The 162d lost, also, Capt. Frank T. Johnson, Co. H, a true patriot and most efficient officer; 2nd Lieut. T. A. Scudder, Co. D; Color Serg'ts James Ball, Co. F, and John A. Homann, Co. K.

Capt. Eugene S. Eunson, Co. C, was wounded; also 1st Lieut. Henry P. Fisher, Co. I, and 2nd Lieut. Madison K. Finley, Co. F.

George w. Gibson, 2nd Lieut. Co. G, and Serg't-Major H. P. Fitch, were taken prisoners.

The loss of the 162d in this action was 7 officers and 114 men, killed, wounded and missing.

At 3 A. M., of the 10th, the line of march was taken up for Grand Ecore, which was reached on the second day thereafter, where the army reposed some days, the Brigade, meanwhile, building a superior breastwork.

April 20th, the army left Grand Ecore on its return to Alexandria.  Everything necessary in order to a prompt evacuation of the place having been prepared, at 5 P.M. all moved at once; Gen. A. J. Smith's, the 16th Corps, bringing up the rear.  The Army marched all night.  The next day the rear guard skirmished with the enemy.  All the mills and barns on the route were given to the flames. The next day, 23d, marching five miles, to the ford of Cane River, a Rebel force was found posted on a high bluff on the opposite side, commanding the ford, which made it impracticable to lay the pontoons.  The Brigade was ordered to ford the river about a mile above and attack the rebels in the rear; which was done.  The position was one of great natural strength, but our men bravely pressed  forward.  At the commencement of the action, Col. Francis Fessenden, of the 30th Maine, was badly wounded in the leg, and the command of the Brigade devolved upon Lt.-Col. Blanchard, who gallantly led the charge.  The enemy were driven from the hill, and the Colors of the 162d, closely followed by the 30th Maine, planted on the works.  Lt.-Col. Blanchard retained command of the Brigade until Semmesport was reached.(Original Report from Col.Blancard)

Here Sergeant Williams, another color-bearer, was badly wounded, after having placed his colors on the summit of the hill.  Lieut. Wm. C. Hawes, Co. I, a brave and intelligent officer, was mortally wounded; and Lieut. Stack, Co. E, severely.  The loss of the 162d was 2 officers and 35 men killed and wounded.

Remaining on the field that night, the next morning the march to Alexandria was resumed; encamping there the next day in a position to protect the gunboats, which were hard aground above the rapids.  This fleet was finally extricated by the genius and skill of Lieut.-Col. Bailey, (since Brevet Brig.-General), who threw a dam across the river, which raised the water and enabled the vessels to float.  On May 13th, the retreat was continued toward the mouth of Red River, with incessant skirmishing.  On the 16th, the enemy were encountered at a small town called Mansura, in a position provided with heavy batteries.  An artillery duel was kept up for some five or six hours, when the enemy retreated, the infantry on neither side having fired a shot.  The march was resumed, and, on the 17th, Semmesport, on the Atchafalaya, was reached, and the 162d assisted in building a bridge of steamboats, on which the army crossed.  From Semmesport the route was to Morganzia, on the Mississippi, which was reached on the 22d; and the 162d went into camp on the bank of the river, and remained there until the evening of the 2nd of July.

June 18th, while at Morganzia, Lieut.-Col. Blanchard was mustered in as Colonel of the 162d, with rank from April 9th, the day of the battle of Pleasant Hill; and, on the 26th, Capt. J. D. Vandenburgh as Lieut.-Col., vice Blanchard promoted. (Original Report from General Emory)

July 2d, the 162d embarked on transports with the rest of the Brigade, and on the 4th of July landed and encamped at Algiers, opposite New Orleans, where it remained until ordered to embark for Virginia.  July 8th, the 162d went on board the steamer C. C. Leary, and after a stormy passage of eleven days, reached Fortress Monroe, where it was ordered to report to Maj.-Gen. Butler at Bermuda Hundred.  On arriving there, Col. Blanchard, who was sick, obtained leave of absence for twenty days.  The 162d landed and encamped, remaining some three days, when it was ordered to Deep Bottom to report to Gen. Foster.  Arriving there, it crossed the James River on pontoons, and at once proceeded to dig trenches and throw up fortifications.  The 162d had out a strong picket on the New Market road, which was attacked by the enemy in force.  The 162d went up about dark, under command of Lt.-Col. Vandenburgh, to strengthen it, and fell into an ambuscade at the point where the pickets had been captured.  Nearly one company belonging to the right of the 162d had been captured, together with Capt. William P. Huxford, Co. G.  The 162d fell back, posting the left as skirmishers, and held the ground the next day and night.  On the morning of the second day, 26th, the Rebels opened on the camp with four 20-pound Parrott guns, and, having a whole division of troops, would have captured the regiment entire but for the timely arrival of Hancock's (2d) Corps, which had crossed during the night.  The enemy were soon routed, losing the four pieces of artillery.  The 162d lost more than one-third of its effective strength present, viz.: 16 killed and wounded, and 44 taken prisoners.

The next day, 27th, the 162d embarked for Washington, arriving there on the 29th; and encamped one night at Chain Bridge, when it was ordered to Monocacy, Md.  Taking the cars at Washington, it reached its destination on Sunday night, July 31, and went into camp.  Aug. 5th, the 162d went by cars to Harper's Ferry and encamped on Maryland Heights. The next day it crossed the Potomac and encamped at Halltown.  The day following it marched via Charlestown, Berryville and Bunker Hill, to Winchester.  Thence it went to Cedar Creek, 13 miles beyond, from which point, closely followed by the enemy, the Army fell back to Summit Point; the 162d forming part of the escort of the Army train.  Halting one day, the Army fell back to Flowing Spring, about 8 miles from Harper's Ferry, where Col. Blanchard, having regained his health, rejoined the regiment.  On the 21st, the 162d went to Bolivar Heights, where it threw up breastworks and remained until the 28th, when the Army advanced to Winchester; the Brigade remaining to escort trains to and from Charlestown.  Oct. 5th, the 162d went to Martinsburgh and encamped, it having been detailed to escort prisoners from Winchester to that place, and return with trains.  Oct. 19th, the day of the Great Battle, the Brigade was in line on the lower side of Winchester to intercept stragglers from the front, and be ready to act in any emergency that might arise.  The services of the Brigade in the Valley were, perhaps, more useful than conspicuous - still they were not light appreciated by the commanding General.  In his judgment they were important enough to entitle it to share in the glory of his campaign and it is by his special order that the several regiments of the Brigade bear upon their colors the proud inscription, - "Sheridan's Campaign in Shenandoah Valley, 1864."

Nov. 6th, the Brigade rejoined its Corps at Cedar Creek, which fell back to Camp Russell, near Newtown, on the 9th, and remained in camp until Dec. 29th, when it moved to Camp Sheridan, Stevenson's Depot, and proceeded to build winter quarters.  It was beginning to be comfortable in them when the Brigade was ordered to garrison Winchester, 5 miles distant.  The 162d encamped on the high ground, half a mile South of the city.   Its principal duty was to guard the roads in that section of country, although it performed much picket duty also.

April 2d, 1865, Col. Blanchard was ordered to make a reconnoissance of Snicker's Gap and Barry's Ford on the Shenandoah river, 26 miles from Winchester.  Leaving at 6 A. M. on the morning of the 2d, he returned on the 3d, having made a thorough survey of the country indicated. He was then ordered to join the Brigade at Camp Russell, 10 miles from Winchester, the point at which Gen. Hancock was concentrating a force preparatory to a march down the valley, with the ultimate purpose of joining Gen. Grant before Richmond.  The 162d reached its destination early on the morning of the 4th, to meet the news of the fall of Richmond, and to share the joy it occasioned.  April 6th, it marched and encamped at Mill Creek, 2 miles from Winchester.  April 8th, it left for Summit Point on the Potomac and Winchester Railroad, and arrived there at about 9 P. M.  April 12th, it was ordered to guard the Railroad from Charlestown to Wood's Station, a distance of about 8 miles.

April 20th, the 162d, together with the whole of Dwight's Division, left for Washington, performing the distance by railroad, and arriving there the next day.  On the 22d the encampment was on the National Race Course grounds.  April 25th, the 3d Brigade changed its encampment to ground near Fort Meigs, a pleasant location in a fine field falling to the lot of the 162d.  The Brigade guarded the country from Fort Meigs to the high grounds opposite Alexandria, a distance of some 8 or 10 miles, by a continuous line of pickets.  May 23d, the 162d participated in the Grand Review, and occupied a prominent position in the line, - the right of the 9th Corps.  While at Fort Meigs, the 162d was presented by the City of New York with a new stand of Colors, consisting of 2 flags and 2 guidons.  These replaced the war-worn Colors of the regiment, which had been forwarded to the Bureau of Military Record, at Albany, March 4, 1865.  After the 162d was mustered out, these Colors were also deposited in the Bureau of Military Record, Nov. 27, 1865. ( Original Report  for the order of March in the Grand Review)

June 27th, the 3d Brigade embarked on the steamship Northern Light for Savannah, Ga., where it arrived July 1st, after a pleasant voyage, and encamped on grounds just outside of the city defenses.

Early on the morning of July 24th, the 3d Brigade, Col. Blanchard commanding commenced its march for Hawkinsville, Ga., a distance of 200 miles, the route, being mainly through pine forests.  At 9 A. M. of Aug. 5, the Brigade reached Hawkinsville,  The 162d was detailed for provost duty in the town.  It went into camp on the lawn in front of the Court House.  The regiment, at this time, was under command of Lieut.-Col. Vandenburgh, Col. Blanchard, according to orders, having assumed command of the Third Sub-District of Ocmulgee, Ga. (See General Orders, No. 4, 1st Dis, Dep't Ga., Dist. of Savannah.)  While in this command, Col. Blanchard visited Andersonville, and discovered the grave of Private A. Amigh, Co. K, 162d, but failed to identify those of two members of Co. H, of the same regiment, reported as having perished in the prison at that place.

Sept. 24th, orders were received, directing the 162d to proceed, by railroad, to Savannah, in order to be mustered out of service.

Sept. 26th, the 162d left Hawkinsville for Savannah by the Macon R. R., via Augusta.

Oct. 2d, it arrived at Savannah and encamped on grounds near the City Jail, and on the 12th was mustered out of service.

Oct. 14th, it sailed for New York, on the Steamer Chase, and, arriving on the 18th, was ordered to Hart's Island, N. Y. Harbor.

Oct. 21st, the 162d was paid off, by Paymaster Phelps, and its property turned over to the United States.

On the Rolls, 473.  Present, 353.

The service of the 162d was faithful and efficient enough to entitle it to share in the secure fame of the Nineteenth Army Corps, and to justify the expressions of appreciation the Regiment received in high quarters; and the honors conferred upon its officers, earned by valorous conduct in more than one Military Department, were worthily bestowed.

The General Government, in recognition of the services of Col. Blanchard, made him Brevet Brigadier-General of U. S. Vols., Sept. 28th, 1865, with rank from March 13th, 1865.

The Governor of New York breveted Major John B. Babcock Lieut.-Colonel, for gallantry at Port Hudson, in the Red River campaign, and the Shenandoah Valley.

The Governor bestowed the Brevet rank of Major upon Capt. Eugene S. Eunson, for gallantry at Pleasant Hill, La., and for general meritorious services; and the Brevet rank of Major upon Capt. John G. Leefe also, for gallantry in Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley campaign, and for general meritorious services.

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