Wilson's Zouaves
NOTE: The 6th NY had a pet goat for a mascot that they named "Billy" after their Colonel. He marched in parade with the 6th on their return to NY after their enlistments ran out, and was decorated by bows on his neck and horns. He lived, whilst on campaign, on a steady diet of hardtack and tobacco!
Organized at New York City as follows: Companies "A," "B," "C," "D" and "E" April 30, and
Companies "F," "G," "H," "I" and "K" May 25, 1861. Left State and moved to Santa Rosa Island,
Fla., June 15-23, 1861. Attached to Santa Rosa Island, District of Florida, Dept. of the South,
to May, 1862. Arnold's Brigade, District of Pensacola, Fla., Dept. of the South, to September,
1862. Wilson's Brigade, District of West Florida, Dept. of the Gulf, to November, 1862. Grover's
Division, Dept. of the Gulf, to January, 1863. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, 19th Army Corps, Dept.
of the Gulf, to June, 1863.
SERVICE.--Duty at Santa Rosa Island, Fla., June 23, 1861, to May 9, 1862. (3 Cos., at Fort
Jefferson, Fla., January to March, 1862.) Action at Santa Rosa Island October 9, 1861. Engagement
with Confederate works at Pensacola November 22-23. Bombardment of Forts McRae and Barrancas
January 1, 1862. Reconnaissance on Santa Rosa Island March 27-31 (Co. "K"). Duty at Pensacola,
Fla., May 9 to November, 1862. Expedition to Milton, Fla., June 14-15 (Cos. "B," "C," "E" and
"H"). Reconnaissance from Pensacola to Bagdad and Milton, Fla., August 7-10 (Cos. "A" and "E")
Ordered to New Orleans, La., November, 1862. Occupation of Baton Rouge December 17 and duty there
until March 13, 1863. Operations against Port Hudson March 13-27. Moved to Donaldsonville March
28. Operations in Western Louisiana April 9-May 14. Teche Campaign April 11-20. Fort Bisland
April 12-13. Porter's and McWilliams' Plantations at Indian Bend April 13. Irish Bend April 14.
Bayou Vermillion April 17. Opelousas April 20. Moved to Barre Landing May 11, thence with trains
to Berwick May 21-26. Action at Franklin and Centreville May 25. Ordered home for muster out,
Mustered out at New York City June 25, 1863, expiration of term.
Regiment lost during service 14 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 32 Enlisted men
by disease. Total 46.