The New York British Volunteers

Within days of the outbreak of the Civil War, a number of ethnic regiments were being organized to fight for the Union. Among them was a unit often referred to as the British Legion or the New York British Volunteers. Although recruiting primarily took place in New York City, the regiment reportedly took on men from several states, as well as Canada. There are conflicting reports as to the success of the recruiting campaign, but whatever the case, by late May the New York British Volunteers was still understrength. Five companies were therefore assigned to the Washington Volunteers, Col. Innes commanding, in order to form the 36th New York Infantry. This decision was unpopular among the officers and men of the former British Volunteers, and those that could resigned or deserted. An unfortunate end to what no doubt would have been a distinguished fighting unit.

Roster of Known and Probable Members

Austin, H. W.--For 16 years a member of H.B.M. 56th Regiment, after which he served a number of years in the General Staff. Served in the Crimean War and was awarded the Crimean and Turkish medals. Austin was residing in Chambly, Canada East when the war began, but was nevertheless elected commander of the regiment. In early May he arrived in New York, but after failing to make arrangements to his liking, he returned to Canada.

Briggs--Ensign.

Broomhead--Ensign.

Browning, Lawrence T.--Lieutenant. Elected regimental Quartermaster. Likely served as a lieutenant with the 1st New York Marine Artillery.

Chappell--Lieutenant.

Crookes--Lieutenant.

Daniel, J. Townsend--Captain.

Darwent--Captain.

Elliott--A resident of Kingston, Canada West when the war broke out, Elliott had just left the British Army after 16 years service with H.B.M. 15th Regiment. He was elected Major of the British Volunteers; he therefore travelled to Chambly, Canada East, and together with Colonel Austin proceeded to New York in early May. Elliott evidently returned to Canada along with Colonel Austin. He was a veteran of the Crimean War.

Frye.--Lieutenant.

Gray--Lieutenant.

Hagerr--Ensign.

Hammond--Served as the regiment's Lt. Col. following the departure of Colonel Austin; resigned not long afterwards.

Hazell--Spelling of name varies. Served as the regimental adjutant.

Hughes--Lieutenant.

Lord--A former member of the Montreal Light Infantry, he was reportedly given command of of a company. Upon Colonel Austin's departure, he was promoted to Major. With the creation of the 36th New York Infantry, he again assumed command of a company, but shortly afterwards resigned.

MacDonald, W.R.--Captain. Listed on the roster of the 36th New York Infantry, but did not muster with regiment.

Martin--Lieutenant.

Nash--Lieutenant.

Owens, John--A resident of Chambly, Canada East, he was reportedly a company commander.

Phillips--Surgeon.

Piggott--Ensign.

Robinson--Lieutenant.

Saunders, S. M.--Lieutenant. Elected regimental paymaster. According to the Montreal Gazette of August 14, 1861, Saunders was arrested "for appropriating funds collected from the Merchants of New York and others, to his own private use, and refusing to pay over the sum so collected, amounting $500." What became of this is not clear, but there was an S. M. Saunders who subsequently served with the 42nd New York Infantry.

Scott--Lieutenant.

ten Broeck, Roland--Law student and resident of St. Catharines, Canada West, Roland ten Broeck was the decendent of a United Empire Loyalist who had settled in the Niagara Peninsula following the American Revolution. He reportedly was accompanied by a cousin when he left to join the regiment. There is no indication that he succeeded in reaching New York prior to its being disbanded, but he did eventually enlist under the name Charles Rolland Tenbroeck with the 101st New York Infantry and served as a 2nd Lieutenant in Company D until he died of wounds on September 4, 1862.

Torre--Formerly of the H.B.M. 17th Regiment, Torre served as commander of the British Volunteers until the arrival of Colonel Austin; upon the latter's return to Canada, Torre resumed command. When the British Volunteers were absorbed by the 36th New York Infantry, Torre joined another unit.

Walsh--Lieutenant.

Contemporary Sources