Fifty-seventh Infantry.-Cols. Samuel K. Zook, Alford B. Chapman, James W. Britt; Lieut.-Cols., John A. Page, Philip J. Parisen, Alford B. Chapman, James W. Britt, Augustus M. Wright, George W. Jones, James C. Bronson; Majs., Philip J. Parisen, Alford B. Chapman, N. Garrow Throop, John H. Bell, William A. Kirk, George W. Jones, James C. Bronson, George Mitchell.

The 57th the "National Guard Rifles," contained companies from the National guard Rifles, the Clinton Rifles, the United States Voltigeurs, the Washington Zouaves and the Manhattan Rifles, and was mustered into the U. S. service at New York city, Aug. 12 to Nov. 19, 1861, for three years.

It left for Washington on Nov. 19, was assigned to French's brigade, Sumner's division, Army of the Potomac, and passed the winter in the vicinity of Washington. In March, 1862, it was attached to the 3d brigade, 1st division, 2nd corps, and joined in the general advance to Manassas Junction.

It then moved to the Peninsula, participated in the siege of Yorktown; was present at the battle of Fair Oaks; active in the Seven Days' battles, after which it proceeded to Harrison's landing. It went to the support of Gen. Pope at Bull Run and arrived just before the battle of Chantilly, but was not actively engaged.

At Antietam the regiment lost 98 in killed and wounded and 3 missing. After the battle it moved to Halltown Snicker's gap and Falmouth and suffered severely at Fredericksburg, where the division, under Gen. Hancock made a gallant but unsuccessful assault on Marye's heights.

The regiment here lost 87 out of 192 engaged. The winter was passed near Falmouth and in the Chancellorsville campaign in the spring of 1863 the regiment was active. At Gettysburg the loss of the depleted command was 34 and then moving southward with the army, the 57th was active at Auburn, Bristoe Station and in the Mine Run campaign.

Winter quarters were established near Brandy Station and occupied until the opening of the Wilderness campaign, during which the regiment was repeatedly in action. In the battle at the Wilderness the loss was 58, and in the assault on Petersburg, June 15, the action at the Weldon railroad and at Reams' station the loss was 63.

Co. C was mustered out on July 14, 1864; Cos. F, D and I in August; Cos. K, A and B in September; Co. H on Oct. 15; and the reenlisted men and recruits were transferred to the 61st N. Y. infantry on Dec. 6. The regiment during its term of service lost 103 by death from wounds and 91 from other causes.

Source: The Union Army, Vol. 2, p. 92

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New York FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY. National Guard Rifles; Clinton Rifles; United States Voltigeurs; Zook's Voltigeurs. (Three Years)

This regiment received its numerical designation October 19, 1861;; was organized and mustered in the service of the United States at New York city for three years between August 12 and November 19, 1861. It was formed by the consolidation of several organizations recruited under special authority from the War Department. The National Guard Rifles or Zook's Voltigeurs, Col. Samuel K. Zook, formed Companies A, B, C, D and E; the Clinton Rifles, Col. J. A. Page, became Companies F, G and H (A and E=F and G; D, F and G= H); the United States Voltigeurs or Volunteers (Companies B and C), Col. Albert C. Ramsay, formed Companies I and K; and Samuel K Zook was appointed Colonel of the regiment. Before this consolidation the Washington Zouaves, Col. James H. Romain, had been merged into the Voltigeurs, and the Manhattan Rifles, Col. George W. Vanderbilt, in the National Guard Rifles. During the summer of 1864 the companies, being small in numbers, were, for tactical purposes, consolidated, the company organization on paper remaining intact. Company C was mustered out July I4, 1864; Companies F, I and D August 11, 13 and 14, 1864, respectively; Companies K, A and B September 3, 10 and 23, respectively, and Company H October 15, 1864; the men not entitled to be discharged were transferred to Companies E and G; the last regimental commander was Capt. Orlando F. Middleton; honorably discharged September 24, 1864.

The companies were recruited principally: A, D, E, F and G in New York city; B in Utica; C in Kings county; and H, I and K in Dutchess county.

The regiment left the State November 19, 1861; served in French's Brigade, Sumner's Division, Army of the Potomac, from November, 1861; in the same, 3d, Brigade, 1st, Richardson's, Division, 2d Corps, Army of the Potomac, from March 13, 1862; commanded by Zook, Caldwell and Hancock respectively, at Gettysburg; it was part of the Consolidated Brigade, same division and corps, from July to November, 1864; and the two companies remaining in the field, E and G, were, December 6, 1864, transferred to the 61st Infantry.

Source: Phisterer, p. 2,489

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Antietam after battle report:

Report of Maj. Alford B. Chapman, Fifty-seventh New york Infantry, of the battle of Antietam.

CHAMP ON BOLIVAR HEIGHTS, September 24, 1862. Lieut. : I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements of my command during the action of the 17th instant near Sharpsburg:

About noon of that day we became actively engaged with the enemy, our brigade having relieved that of Gen. Meagher. This regiment and the Sixty-sixth Regiment received orders to march on the enemy, who were at that time drawn up in a deep ditch at the foot of the hill on which we were, and from whence they were pouring a galling fire into our ranks. Animated by the presence of both their brigade and division commanders, the regiment moved forward with a determined enthusiasm I have never seen excelled. In a few minutes we had cleared the ditch of every living enemy, and were driving them in great disorder through the corn field beyond. It was during this period of the action that we lost our noble and gallant Lieut.-Col. Parisen and several valuable line officers. We took the colors of the Twelfth Alabama and many prisoners. I am unable to form any very correct estimate of the number of the latter, but they considerably exceeded the number of men in the ranks of my regiment.

Remaining a short time in line at the farther end of this corn field, I received orders to move the regiment to the support of a battery on our left and rear. I filed round the foot of the hill under a terrible fire of grape and canister, which fortunately caused us comparatively slight loss, being aimed too high.

Arriving on the left of the battery, I found Gen. Richardson, who was in the act of assigning me my position, when he was badly wounded and carried from the field. I then formed to the right of Caldwell's brigade, and remained in that position until I received orders from the colonel commanding this brigade to form on the left of the Second Delaware, then posted on the hill, on which we remained during the two succeeding days.

It is with gratification that I have to speak of the general conduct of my command, both officers and men. They acted nobly throughout. I would especially mention Capt. N. Grarrow Throop (severely wounded); Capt. James W. Britt (who, although wounded, refused to leave the field); Capts. Kirk, Curtiss, and Mott; Lieut. John H. Bell (severely wounded), Lieuts. Jones, Wright, Higbee (killed), and Folger (killed). The medical officers of the regiment, Surgs. Robert V. McKim and Asst. Surgs. Henry C. Dean and Nelson Neely, are deserving of all praise for their care and attention to the wounded, and the promptness with which they caused them to be removed from the field.

Among the enlisted men I would especially mention First Sergeant Finlason, of Company F (killed); First Sergt. John S. Paden, Company A (killed); Sergeant Stobbe, Company A (wounded), and Kelly, Company A; First Sergeant Hall, Company I, and Alcoke, Company K, and Sergeant Brower, Company K. These last three I placed in command of companies which had lost officers and sergeants.

I have considered it unnecessary to submit a more elaborate report, inasmuch as every movement was made under the immediate supervision of the colonel commanding this brigade, who on that day seemed omnipresent.

We took into the battle 309 officers and men, and lost during the day 97 killed and wounded and 3 missing. A detailed list of casualties has already been sent in.

I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant,

A.B. CHAPMAN, Maj., Commanding Fifty-seventh New York Volunteers.

Lieut. CHARLES P. HATCH, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 19. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 27

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Chancellorsville, VA after battle report:

No. 75.

Report of Lieut. Col. Alford B. Chapman, Fifty-seventh New York Infantry, Third Brigade.

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 7, 1863. LIEUT.: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment int he late movement of the army:

On the morning of the 28th ultimo, we broke camp at this place, took up the line of march, and crossed the Rappahannock at the United States Ford on the evening of the 30th; arrived at or near Chancellorsville late the same night.

On the 1st instant, this brigade having been thrown forward ont he Plank road to a position about a mile beyond the Chancellor house, formed in two lines to the right of the road, this regiment taking position on the left of the second line, in double column. Shortly afterward, I was ordered by the general commanding the brigade to form in line of battle on the right of, and nearly perpendicular to, the first lien, pending which movement I received orders to withdraw from the woods, which was done, and, with the rest of the brigade, retired to, and formed line in front of, the Chancellor mansion, shortly afterward changing front, and forming line in the woods beyond and to the left of that house.

On the morning of the 2d, the regiment was detailed to picket the angular line forming the connection between the Second and Twelfth Corps. During this day the enemy made repeated attacks in heavy force on this line, which were successfully resisted in every instance. Having been relieved in the evening by Col. Morris, with the Sixty-sixth New York Volunteers, and a small detail of the One hundred and fortieth Pennsylvania, I withdrew the regiment to the intrenched line and formed on the left of the Fifty-second New York Volunteers, which position the regiment occupied on the morning of the 3d instant. On this morning I received orders to withdraw rapidly and report my regiment to Gen. Caldwell, which I did, and formed on the left of the troops then under his command. This provisional brigade was then advanced through the woods in front of the position afterward occupied by the Third Corps, under a heavy fire, and succeeded in checking the advance of the enemy in that direction. It was then withdrawn from the woods, and I was directed to rejoin my brigade, which formed the second line in the position occupied by this division until the withdrawal of the army from the south side of the Rappahannock.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. B. CHAPMAN, Lieut. Col., Cmdg. Fifty-seventh New York Volunteers.

Lieut. J. M. FAVILLE, Acting Assistant-Gen.

Source: Official Records Series I. Vol. 25. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 39

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Gettysburg after battle report:

Report of Lieut. Col. Alford B. Chapman, Fifty-seventh New York Infantry.

Camp near Morrisville, Va., August 5, 1863. Capt.: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the recent actions near Gettysburg, Pa.:

This brigade, having been detailed the day previous as guard to the wagon train, did not arrive on the scene of action until the morning of July 2. On the afternoon of that day, the division was moved rapidly to the left, to the support of the Third Corps, then engaged in repelling a severe attack of the enemy on that point. This regiment brought up the rear of the brigade, which was then the rearmost of the division, but in taking position in line was moved to the right. I was directed by Gen. Zook to take a position in supporting distance of the front line. I moved into the position assigned me, within a few rods of the front line. The firing at this time was very severe, and Gen. Zook was soon after mortally wounded and taken from the field. Shortly afterward, a staff officer rode up to me and stated that the right of the line had broken, and that the enemy were coming in rapidly on that flank, advising me to move my regiment to the rear to avoid being taken. I determined and was about to change front forward to the right and endeavor to protect the right flank of the brigade, when the whole line in front of me suddenly gave way, breaking through the ranks of my regiment in considerable disorder. I held my men together until the greater part of the front line had broken through, and then moved to the rear in line and in good order, the enemy following closely.

During this retrograde movement I halted my regiment several times, and endeavored to rally men enough on its flanks to check the advance of the enemy, but without success. Another line of our troops soon after moved into action, and I reported to Gen. Caldwell, and joined other regiments of the division then collecting together.

On the morning of July 3, I was directed to erect slight breastworks in front of my regiment, the division being then in line to the right of the field in which it was engaged the day previous. This was done in a short time, and proved of great service during the day in protecting the men from the fire of artillery. During the day we sustained the most severe and long-continued artillery fire of the war, followed by a most determined infantry attack, which was successfully repulsed. In our immediate front the enemy's infantry did not succeed in advancing beyond our picket line excepting as prisoners of war.

The list of casualties in my regiment has been heretofore forwarded.*

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. B. CHAPMAN, Lieut. Col. Fifty-Seventh New York Vols., Comdg. Regt.

Capt. George W. Jones, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 27. Part I. Reports. Serial No. 43

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Report of Lieut. Col. Alford B. Chapman, Fifty-seventh New York Infantry.

NEAR BLACKBURN'S FORD, VA., October 17, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the recent movements of this corps, while covering the retirement of the army from the Rappahannock River to its present position:

On the morning of the 15th instant, the enemy opened on this division, then massed on a hill near Auburn, with several pieces of artillery at short range. I received orders to deploy skirmishers and advance on the battery, which I was proceeding to no, but found that a regiment from the Third Division of this corps had already been sent forward. I was then directed to deploy skirmishers on the right flank of our position, connecting with the Second Delaware on my left, and was placed under the command of Colonel Brooke, commanding Fourth Brigade, who sent the Sixty-fourth New York Volunteers to the support of my line. Light skirmishing ensued, and finding that the enemy were moving troops to our right, I deployed my reserve and two companies of the Sixty-fourth, forming a line nearly at right angles with the first, and extending across the road leading to Catlett's Station. On the highest point of this road they had placed a section of artillery in position, which, however, my skirmishers had prevented them from working at this time, and had formed a brigade of infantry in the edge of the woods fronting me.

Shortly afterward I received orders to withdraw my men, as soon as relieved by the cavalry, who proceeded to deploy a line about 100 yards in my rear. I recalled the skirmishers as rapidly as was possible for so long a line, but found that the cavalry had commenced to retire before I had reached the line on which they had deployed and that I was covering their retreat instead of they mine. I made every effort to keep up with them but I soon found myself cut off from the road on which the division had retired and compelled to strike off across the fields toward the woods on the left.

I was at this time exposed to a very severe fire from the enemy's skirmishers on the right, and the section of artillery on the road in the rear, and notwithstanding every effort was made to screen the men by taking advantage of every cover the ground afforded, I regret to report that I officer and 20 men are supposed to have been wounded and fallen into the hands of the enemy. Proceeding through the woods for some distance, I found a by-road which appeared to lead in the right direction, and which eventually brought me out in rear of the division, which was then drawn up in the second position which it held on that day. I then reported my command to Colonel Brooke and when the division moved off, brought up the rear of the Fourth Brigade, which formed the rear guard.

On reaching Bristoe Station we formed the left of the line of battle, taking position on the railroad. As the enemy did not seriously attack this portion of the line we were not engaged.

At night we moved to the position we now occupy, and on the following morning I again reported to Colonel Frank, commanding Third Brigade, in compliance with orders from the division headquarters.

I inclose list of casualties.*

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. B. CHAPMAN, Lieut. Col. 57th New York Volunteers, Comdg. Regiment.

Capt. GEORGE W. JONES, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

Source: Official Records CHAP. XLI.] THE BRISTOE, VIRGINIA, CAMPAIGN. PAGE 268-48 [Series I. Vol. 29. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 48.]

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Report of Lieut. Col. Alford B. Chapman, Fifty-seventh New York Infantry.

HDQRS. FIFTY-SEVENTH N. Y. VOL. INFANTRY, Camp near Stevensburg, Va., December 4, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the recent operations:

Upon arrival at Germanna Ford, on the Rapidan, on the afternoon of the 26th of November, I was directed to deploy my command on the banks of the river, to aid in the laying of the pontoon bridge. As no opposition to the crossing was made, our services were not called into requisition, and I rejoined the brigade. In the movements then ensuing my regiment took no prominent part until the 29th, when I was ordered to drive in the enemy's skirmishers, and develop their position on the Fredericksburg turnpike, approaching Verdierville. Details from the Second and Fourth Brigades were added to my command, and that portion of the line extending from the turnpike, on the right, to the unfinished railroad, on the left, was placed in my charge. Although the enemy were aided by artillery, their skirmishers were steadily driven in to within a few hundred yards of their intrenched position, which was fully developed. I remained in this advanced position until the following morning, when I was relieved by details from General Prince's division of the Third Corps, and rejoined the division. Nothing of importance occurred until the return of the army to this side of the river. I send herewith a list of casualties.+

I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. B. CHAPMAN, Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Fifty-seventh N. Y. Vols.

Capt. SAMUEL R. BEARDSLEY, Assistant Adjutant-General.

Source: Official Records PAGE 712-48 OPERATIONS IN N. C., VA., W. VA., MD., AND PA. [CHAP. XLI. [Series I. Vol. 29. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 48.]

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Report of Capt. I Hart Wilder, One hundred and twenty-sixth New York Infantry, Cmdg. Fifth -seven the New York Infantry.

HDQRS. FIFTH-SEVENTH NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, October 12, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report concerning the part taken by this regiment in engagement from May 1, 1864, to July 30, 1864:

The regiment broke camp at Stevensburg. Va., May 3, 1864, crossed the Rapidan May 4, and was engaged with the enemy on the 5th in the Wilderness, in which fight the regiment was also engaged on the 6th. Is losses during the two days were about 60. From thence the march was continued to Todd's Tavern, where the regiment was ordered to Fredericksburg, for provost duty, where it remained until the 20th day of May, when it was ordered to Port Royal; from thence was ordered to rejoin the division, which it did at Cold Harbor June 5, and was engaged with the enemy June.*

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. H. WILDER, Capt., Cmdg. Regiment

Lieut. GEORGE MITCHELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

Source: Official Records PAGE 402-67 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. XLVIII. [Series I. Vol. 36. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 67.]

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Report of Capt. I Hart Wilder, One hundred and twenty-sixth New York Infantry, commanding Fifty-seventh New York Infantry, of operations June 17-July 30.

HDQRS. FIFTY-SEVENTH REGT. NEW YORK VOLS., October 12, 1864. Sir:+ The regiment was next engaged June 16 in a charge upon the enemy's works before Petersburg, Va. In this charge the regiment lost 10 officers out of 12. The regiment was also engaged on the 17th, 21st, and 22d of June, losing in all about 55 men in killed, wounded, and missing.

The regiment marched to Deep Bottom July 26, but was not engaged. marched back to before Petersburg July 30, 1864.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. H. WILDER, Capt., Cmdg. Regt.

Lieut. GEORGE MITCHELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

Source: Official Records PAGE 347-80 OPERATIONS IN SE. VA. AND N. C. [CHAP. LII. [Series I. Vol. 40. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 80.]