Forty-seventh New York Infantry

The Forty-seventh New York, also known as the Washington Grays, had been recruited, primarily in New York City and Brooklyn, between July and September 1861. Following its muster into Federal service, the regiment was sent to the vicinity of Washington, where it remained in camp for several months. Soon, however, the New Yorkers were transferred to the South Carolina coastal islands, recently captured by a Union expedition under General Thomas W. Sherman.

The Grays remained in South Carolina throughout 1862 and 1863, and were engaged in operations against Charleston. The regiment also participated in the battle of Secessionville, June 16, 1862. At the time of the Florida expedition, the unit was considered a veteran regiment. At Olustee the Forty-seventh, along with the rest of Barton's Brigade, was in the heaviest of the fighting, losing 313 men, the highest total of any Union regiment.

The regiment later fought in Virginia, including the battles of Drewry's Bluff and Cold Harbor, and in the long siege of Petersburg. It also participated in the attack on Fort Fisher, North Carolina. During the war the Forty-seventh suffered 565 casualties.

Pvt. Frederick Guscetti at Andersonville (Major Bogle's Adventures)
Discharge Paper of Pvt. John Smith, Company F

External Web sites related to the Battle of Olustee
Regimental History

47th New York Reenacting Units
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The Washington Grays - Charleston, S.C.
Co. K - Central Florida

Union Order of Battle
Battle of Olustee Home Page
http://battleofolustee.org/