Notes on the NY 9th Volunteer Infantry (Hawkins’ Zouaves)

Notes on the NY 9^th Volunteer Infantry (Hawkins’ Zouaves)

Originally formed on July 23, 1860, as an “independent military organization”, as the “New York Zouaves”, for the “purpose of perfecting themselves in military science. Initial address by President, Mr. Rush C. Hawkins adopted on that date. By-laws appear in “The Ninth Regiment, New York Volunteers (Hawkins’ Zouaves): Being a History of the Regiment and Veteran Association From 1860-1900” by Lieut. Matthew J. Graham, Company “A”, Ninth Regiment, N.Y. Volunteers, and U.S. Veteran Reserve Corps. New York. 1900.
Sergeant Louis Benzoni, first drill master
First Headquarters – Mercer House, NYC; Moved to Fourth & Thompson where the NY 9^th was formed. Drill-ground across street at “Washington Parade Ground” (now, Washington Square Park).
Rush C. Hawkins was commissioned as Colonel by authority of the Governor of the State of New York on April 16, 1861. He served in the U.S. Cavalry in the Mexican War.
Six companies sworn into State service on April 23, 1861, four more on April 27.
Edgar A. Kimball (Vermont native), sworn in as Major (Mexican War Veteran)
James W. Evans, Adjutant
George H. Humphreys – Surgeon; Dr. J.P.P. White, Assistant Surgeon
Entire regiment sworn in to U.S. service by Captain Hayman (regular army) on May 4, 1861, as the 9^th NY Volunteer Infantry. Joseph Witz promoted to Corporal on May 5^th.
Reverend T.W. Conway, Chaplain
Headquarters became “Castle Garden”, NYC in 1861 (May?)
May 15, 1861 – Left Castle Garden for Riker’s Island, NYC
Cost to equip each man in June, 1861 = $21.50

First Issue Uniform – Army Blue – trousers plaited at waist w/magenta braid down outer seam; jacket/vest w/magenta trimmings; woolen magenta sash; white leggings; red fez w/blue tassel

June 1^st, 1861. Joseph Witz promoted to Sergeant.
Regiment left Riker’s Island for “Fortress Monroe,” on June 6^th, 1861. Arrived June 8^th, Newport News, VA.
First battle, June 10^th at Little Bethel, VA (Companies A, B, and G-served as rear guard for retreating union soldiers)
Colonel (later Brigadier General) Phelps christened the 9^th, the “Little Zouaves
at Newport News in June, 1861
Companies C (w/Paul Witz), G, and H under Colonel Hawkins embarked on the steamer “Adelaide” on August 26, 1861, and sailed with the fleet, arriving off Hatteras, NC on the 27^th. Men in companies G, C, and H landed on the 28^th. Confederates surrender Fort Clark and Fort Hatteras on the 29^th. Colonel Hawkins headquartered at Fort Clark, assumed command of Union forces at Hatteras on the 30^th.

February 5^th, 1862 – “the Ninth” and other union troops board transports en route to Roanoke Island, VA. Arrived at Ashby’s Landing on the 7^th. General Reno in command of all troops (9^th Regiment?); General Foster and General Parker in command of their respective brigades. Also on the Union side were the 23^rd, 25^th, and 27^th Massachusetts, the 51^st Pennsylvania, the 51^st New York, the 9^th New Jersey, and the 10^th Connecticut. Colonel Hawkins commands his zouaves, with Major Kimball leading the famous Hawkins’ Zouave bayonet charge of Roanoke Island, February 8, 1862. Union victory. Lieut.-Colonel DeMonteil of the D’Epaneuil Zouaves was killed in the battle fighting with Hawkins’ Zouaves. He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in New York.
March 5^th, 1862 – The Fourth Brigade (designated as such by General Burnside, and commanded by Colonel Hawkins), including the NY 9^th, is assigned to, and takes possession of Roanoke Island. The former rebel barracks were “the best arranged and most comfortable quarters the regiment [had] thus far occupied.” The camp was christened “Camp Reno”, and the largest fort was named “Fort Reno”.
April 16^th, 1862 – Colonel Hawkins ordered to Elizabeth City, and on to South Mills, NC with his brigade. Expedition leaves Roanoke Island for South Mills on the 18^th. A grueling march took place from Elizabeth City to South Mills, by the brigade. They were joined by General Reno commanding the 21^st Massachusetts and the 51^st Pennsylvania.
April 19^th, 1862 – The Battle of South Mills (a.k.a. Battle of Camden) ensues. Union troops attempt to blow up the Dismal Canal locks, but were unsuccessful. Union troops retreat back to transports and make way via the Pasquatonk River to Albermarle Sound and then Roanoke Island; total Union casualties = 127; 13 killed; 101 wounded; 13 missing; 75 casualties from Hawkins’ Zouaves, including Paul Witz (foot wound).
Upon return to Roanoke Island, an impromptu theatrical group (composed of Zouave members), complete with impromptu theatre (seating about 500) was formed.
May 7^th, 1862 - Company C (w/Paul Witz), under the command of Captain Parrison, embarks upon the gunboat “Shawsheen” (Captain Underwood commanding), up the Chowan River, to destroy much of the rebel stores of bacon, corn, salt, flour, etc.
June, 1862 – Town of Plymouth, SC on the Roanoke River was captured by the Union fleet, and occupied as a military post, garrisoned by Company F of the 9^th on June 15^th. Captain Hammill commanded the post, Lieut. H.C. Perley the troops, and Lieut. M.J. Graham as quartermaster/commissary/ordinance officer;
Fall, 1862 – Company F rejoins 9^th regiment
July 1^st, 1862 – 9^th regiment boards schooners at Pork Point en route to Roanoke, which was reached the next evening – regiment remains here until the 10^th
July 10^th, 1862 – 9^th receives orders to move to Norfolk. Regiment sails to Norfolk, VA., and arrives on the 12^th at Old Fort Norfolk. This ends the regiment’s North Carolina career.
Old, smooth bore “Columbiad” muskets were replaced with “Springfield” rifles at Norfolk.
July 24^th, 1862 – 9^th leaves Norfolk on the steamer “C.S. Terry” en route to Newport News – arrives there the same day around noon
August 3^rd, 1862 – 9^th leaves Newport News aboard the steamer “New York” en route to Acquia Creek via the Potomac River.
August 5^th – regiment changes ships and boards the steamer “Columbia” en route to Brent’s Point – arrived there around noon. Regiment then boards train bound for Falmouth Station (Stafford die of the Rappahannock, opposite Fredericksburg). Regiment names the encampment “Camp Park” (after the brigade commander). The 9^th conducted well-observed drill parades here, some of which were attended by General McClellan.
August 31^st – 9^th receives marching orders, marching over hill near Falmouth, on a grueling, 15 mile march in pouring rain toward Acquia Creek, where they bivouacked on bluffs overlooking the river
September 4^th - 9^th marches back to landing and boards the “Louisiana” at 8 p.m. bound for Washington – arrives there at 10 a.m. on the 5^th and bivouacs on Meridian Hill and becomes part of the Army of the Potomac – Colonel Hawkins takes leave of absence to travel to New York City, and leaves Colonel Fairchild in command – 1^st Brigade, 3^rd Division, 9^th Corps, then known as “Hawkins’ Brigade” becomes “Fairchild’s Brigade”
September 7^th, 1862 - 9th leaves Meridian Hill and marches 10 miles toward Brookville, bivouacs the night, then resumes a 12 mile march and arrives at Brooksville at 11 a.m. March continues for 10 more miles until 10 p.m., where the regiment camps near Laytonsville. Regiment marches toward Frederick on the 11^th at 9 a.m., passes Damascus at 1:30 p.m., and camped near Ridgeville at 5:00 p.m. after marching 15 more miles
September 12^th – March resumes on main turnpike across Monocacy river toward Frederick, which had been invaded by Stonewall Jackson’s men. Regiment passes Newmarket at 1:00 p.m., then halts at Monocacy ridge at 3:30 p.m.
September 13 (Saturday Morning) - Under orders by General Rodman, the 9^th was ordered to support Colonel Rush’s regiment of lancers on the road from Frederick to Jefferson, along with the 89^th and 103^rd NY. Paul Witz was with Company C of the 9^th under the command of Captain Parisen. The 9^th advances with its Division (General Rodman’s) across the Monacacy bridge and towards the outskirts of Frederick. 9^th pitches camp on rocky bluff overlooking the railroad depot in Frederick. Glorious celebration by the residents was showered upon the Union soldiers in Frederick that evening.
Companies C, H, I, and B of the 9^th were deployed on September 13^th to assist “Rush’s Lancers” in driving back the rebel’s rear guard from Frederick; the 9^th continues march toward Jefferson village (Jeffersonville); 6:00 p.m. regiment returns to Frederick by midnight after 25 mile march.

September 14: 3:00 a.m. – The 9^th regiment leaves Frederick on the way to Fairville and Jerusalem, arriving at Middletown around 10 a.m. (7 hour march). Battle of South Mountain ensues. The 9^th is ordered forward at around 2:00 p.m... A small stream at the foot of the mountain is forged. Rebels opened fire on them as they neared the peak. The 11^th, 12^th, and 23^rd Ohio regiments lead a successful charge on the rebel positions. The 9^th supported Battery E, 4^th US Artillery, and formed the base of an “L”, with the 103^rd and 89^th NY at right angles. The 9^th is relieved and placed in reserve on the 15^th. General G.L. Reno is killed on the 15^theither by a rebel sharpshooter, or perhaps by friendly fire
The 9^th Corps pursues the enemy fleeing from South Mountain, crossing Little Antietam Creek (near Keedysville), and another small stream near Locust Spring around 11:00 p.m. on September 15^th and slept without putting up shelter at the foot of Red Hill in a bivouac in a cornfield close to the enemy.
September 16^th: 8:00 a.m. – Company C of the NY 9^th Infantry is ordered out on picket; rebel batteries begin shelling Union forces and Union batteries reply – shelling stops around 11:00 a.m. The 9^th regiment was ordered forward at 5:00 p.m. Anthony Witz (age 19) deserts near Antietam.
17^th September, 1862 –. Then, the 9^th NY (part of the Ninth Corps) crosses the creek at Antietam “a short distance below the Burnside bridge” just after 2:00 p.m. Current is strong, and they were fired upon in the creek – two men are hit. Once the creek is crossed, they climbed up the steep bluff on the opposite side. General Burnside’s men crossed “Burnside’s Bridge” over Antietam Creek at this time. Burnside orders General Rodman, Commander of the 3^rd Division, 9^th Army Corps to drive the enemy from the west side of Antietam Creek; the NY 9^th Regiment was part of one Brigade of the 3^rd Division , which also included the 89^th and 103^rd NY Regiments. The 9^th “found themselves alone and entirely unsupported on the hill overlooking the village of Sharpsburg” against A.P. Hill’s rebel troops. The “ninth” led a charge toward the stone wall, during which time the “colors” of the infantry fell to the ground 8 times, finally being planted on the stone wall by Captain Librarie, who receive the Medal of Honor for this deed 35 years after the battle. The final stand of the 9^th was at a wall on the brow of the hill just beyond the stone wall in full view of the Village of Sharpsburg, where the monument to the regiment now stands. The men of the 9^th stood gallantly and fought the rebels until they began to retreat. Many of the men of the 9^th continued down the hill toward the village in pursuit of the rebels. Major Kimball formed the approximately 100 survivors of the 9^th into a company that defended a position on the hill in front of what is now the National Cemetery. Following the orders of General Wilcox, Major Kimball reluctantly, and under protest, ordered the regiment to fall back to a position near Antietam Creek, where they “re-crossed the stream and bivouacked on high ground below Burnside’s bridge”. The regiment entered the battle with eight companies consisting of 373 men. 54 men were killed, 158 wounded, and 28 missing; this represents a casualty rate of over 65 percent.
19^th September – The 9^th moves six miles up Antietam Creek, sets up camp, and resumes drills, parades, etc. A new group of recruits is received after several days at that encampment that effectively doubles the size of the 9^th. Colonel Hawkins returns from leave of absence and is in command of the 3^rd Division of the 9^th Corps.
23^rd September – Company K is detached from the regiment by General Burnside
26^th September – regiment breaks camp and moves 6 miles to location near Antietam Iron Works.
3^rd of October – President Lincoln reviews the NY 9^th near the Antietam Iron Works camp. He is very pleased with the appearance of the regiment.
October 7^th – Regiment breaks camp and crosses Elk Ridge Mountain and camps in Pleasant Valley. Major Jardine is reassigned to the 9^th after commanding the 89^th NY at the Battle of Antietam. Lieutenant Bartholemew becomes adjutant.
28^th October – The 9^th is ordered to break camp and to pursue General Lee and the army of Northern Virginia – march ends 1 month later at the campground of the previous summer, opposite Fredericksburg, VA.
November 8^th, 1862 – General McClellan relieved of command and replaced by General Burnside by Lincoln.
10^th November – The “ninth” moves forward along the Rappahannock left bank, crosses the Great River on Sunday the 16^th, and passes through Fayette & Liberty and around Warrenton Junction on the road to Fredericksburg. March continues through Falmouth on the 19^th, where they camped on the hill opposite Fredericksburg.
December 11^th, 1862 – Attack on Fredericksburg is ordered. The battle was most severe on the 13^th. The ninth sustained minimal losses as a result of not receiving an order to advance to the front before they were detached from the brigade to support the Fifth Massachusetts battery. The brigade was ordered to fall back across the river to the old camp.
February 5^th, 1863 – The “ninth” receives orders to proceed to Fortress Monroe, and on the 7^th they took the railroad cars for Aquia Creek where they boarded the transport “Robert Morris” and started down the Potomac at 2:00 P.M. toward Old Point Comfort.
February 8^th, 1863 – The “ninth” arrives at Fortress Monroe about noon, and remains on board the “Robert Morris” until about 10 a.m. on the 9^th, then proceeds to Newport News. Old stables were cleaned and remodeled by the “ninth” as the new quarters. The regiment is designated as provost guard of the post. The “ninth” plays several baseball games with the 51^st New York in March.
April 1^st – regiment receives marching orders to Fortress Monroe, camped there until the 3^rd, when they marched to Camp Hamilton and remained there until the 10^th.
April 10^th – regiment boards “Robert Morris” around sundown, and arrives at Portsmouth around midnight.
April 11^th, 1863 – regiment marches 31 miles, mostly in rain and over railroad “sleepers”, and arrives at Suffolk, where they temporarily use the vacated campsite of the 103^rd NY. That night, Lieutenant-Colonel Kimball is killed by General Corcoran. Kimball intervenes in a dispute between a sentry of the camp and a group of soldiers (including General Corcoran) that were not giving the countersign, yet wanted to pass. Kimball tried to “prevent [Corcoran’s] progress, possibly by brandishing his sword, at which point, Corcoran shot him in the neck, killing him instantly by hitting the carotid arteries.
April 12^th – General Getty orders the “ninth” to proceed to Fort Nansemond at the extreme front of the Battle, where they remained under heavy fire for 22 days. Company K manned several batteries, including one of 20-pounder “Parrott’s”. Longstreet was there with about 30 thousand men.
May 2^nd, 1863 – The “ninth” is relieved by the 6^th Massachusetts and ordered by General George W. Getty (w/commendation) to proceed to New York to be mustered out, having completed their service. About 300 of the newer recruits were “left behind to serve out their respective terms” in other regiments.
May 3^rd, 1863 – regiment leaves Suffolk for Fortress Monroe, where it boarded the “Kennebec” transport, and arrived in New York on the 5^th with much fanfare, celebration, and parade.
May 20^th, 1863, the Ninth NY Volunteers were mustered out of service. Total number of men enlisted in the regiment during its two years of service was 1,413. 539 were mustered out at expiration of term. 264 transferred to the Third New York. 610 were lost from all causes (killed, disease, etc.). 155 of the above survivors were wounded in battle and returned to service after recovering from their wounds.
Memorial Day, 1897 – Monument to the NY 9^th Volunteer Infantry is erected and dedicated at Antietam. Funded ½ by the State of NY and ½ by the Hawkins’ Zouaves Veteran’s Association, the deed to the monument and the land on which it is erected (the final stand on the hill overlooking the Village of Sharpsburg and the Antietam National Cemetery) is transferred to the U.S. Government, War Department, represented on that day by General E.A. Carman.
April 20^th, 1899 – The “colors” of the NY 9^th are deposited in the NY State Capitol at Albany. The flags were presented to Governor Theodore Roosevelt by Lieut. Matthew J. Graham, Vice-President of the Hawkins’ Zouaves Veteran Association, of which 26 members from NY were present. This was the “last official act of the regimental organization”.