9th New York monument at Antietam
Right behind it is the marker were
Brigadier General Isaac P. Rodman
was Mortally Wounded | History Before Antietam
The 9th New York originated from the "New York Zouaves" who were a pre-war military club. The regiment was recruited principally in New York city; but some of its members were enrolled at Albany, Brooklyn, Hyde Park, Green Point, Mamaroneck, Mt. Vernon, Newburgh, Staten Island, Sing Sing and Williamsburgh; in Connecticut, New Jersey and Canada with 1 company from the 18th regiment state militia, was there mustered into the U. S. service on May 4, 1861, for a two years' term. It embarked for Fortress Monroe, 800 strong on June 6; was quartered at Newport News until August 27, when 3 companies were sent to Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina, under General Butler and there joined by the remainder of the regiment on Sept. 13. With General Burnside's force, the regiment arrived at Roanoke island, early in February 1862, and was actively engaged in the battle there, losing 17 members. It participated in an expedition to Winston; returned to Camp on Roanoke island; was brigaded with the 89th New York and 6th New Hampshire under Colonel Hawkins; was in expeditions to Elizabeth City, and lost 75 men at the Battle of South Mills. On July 10, the regiment was ordered to Norfolk, Virginia, with the 12th brigade, 3rd division, 9th corps, camped at Newport News, until September 4th, when it moved to Washington, and to Frederick, Maryland, on the 12th. Here it became a part of the Army of the Potomac and was engaged at the Battle of South mountain in Turner's Gap before the Battle of Antietam.
History During Antietam
The regiment was commanded at Antietam by Lieutenant Colonel Edgar A. Kimball while Colonel Hawkins was absent on leave. On the morning of September 17th, the 9th NY moved from its position southeast of the Burnside Bridge, down the left bank of the Antietam, which it crossed at Snavely’s Ford about 1 P.M., and forced the right of Toombs’ Confederate Brigade from its position on the high ground above the ford and, moving up the right bank of the creek, and formed a line on the left of Willcox’s Division a short distance northwest of the bridge. About 3 P.M. the 9th NY, under a heavy fire of Artillery from Cemetery Hill and the adjacent heights, advanced from the ridge 450 yards east of Branch Avenue, reached the open fields west and gained the high ground about 400 yards northwest of Branch Avenue. Colonel Kimble called for a charge and forced the Brigades of Kemper and Drayton through the streets of Sharpsburg. The 9th would capture a South Carolina battle flag during the charge. Its position being endangered by the advance of A.P. Hill on its left and rear, it was withdrawn by the ravines to the Sharpsburg Road and thence to the bank of the Antietam near the Burnside Bridge. Of the 373 men present for duty that day there was 54 killed, 158 wounded, 28 missing, 240 total casualties. Two Companies were detailed and engaged elsewhere and did not participate in the advance. Captain Adolphe Libaire of Company E received the Medal of Honor for his actions at Antietam. Libaire picked up the regiment’s colors after the color bearers had been killed or wounded and led the charge up the hill.
History After Antietam
After the Battle of Antietam the 9th New York would be engaged at the Battle of Fredericksburg from December 12-15, 1862 with 1 enlisted man killed, 8 enlisted men wounded, and 6 enlisted men were missing. They would join General Burnside's famous "Mud March" from January 20-24, 1863. They would see no action at the Siege of Suffolk from April 12-May 4, 1863. However, Lieutenant Colonel Kimball was killed at Suffolk by Brigadier General Michael Corcoran. Corcoran was inspecting his lines at 3 in the morning during a threatened Confederate attack when he was accosted by Kimball, who demanded the countersign. The two got into a violent confrontation which ended when Kimball advanced on Corcoran with his sword and “an impolite statement” and Corcoran shot him in the neck. A court of inquiry found that Kimball had not been on duty or at a picket post, had used abusive language and threatened the general, and may have been drunk. It was ruled that Corcoran acted in self defense. From May 3-5, 1863 they would return to New York City. On May 6, 1863 the men who signed 3 year contracts were assigned to 3rd New York Infantry. On May 20, 1863 the regiment mustered out of service under Colonel Hawkins and Major Jardine.
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