History of the 159th Regiment, N.Y.S.V

Orders, drill and river transport shape Edward Duffy's account of service with a New York volunteer regiment during the American Civil War. Compiled from his diary, the history opens with the consolidation of two regiments in October 1862. The resulting 159th moves from New York camps to New Orleans and Baton Rouge, where training prepares recruits for the demands of campaigning. Duffy records changes of command alongside dates and routes.

At Irish Bend, an advance across a rough cane field becomes a costly encounter with concealed opposing troops. Other passages describe guarding supplies, collecting cattle and rebuilding bridges, giving practical duties a place beside battle. The later excerpt follows the regiment toward Sheridan's forces in the Shenandoah Valley, with hurried marches and improvised defences. Readers studying military experience can trace how movement, equipment, discipline and changing orders affected the men through Duffy's closely dated record.