1st NYSS Name Confusion

In NO WORD OF THEM I have culled as much historical data as I could find which addresses why this unit of New York State Sharpshooters has been confused since at least the late 1890s as being part of Berdan's United States Sharpshooters. Last night I came across this comment: "Berdan assumed command of J. H. Hobart Ward's brigade when the latter was wounded, and led it throughout the rest of the campaign, as well as during the subsequent Bristoe and Mine Run Campaigns."

This is perhaps another source of confusion, since the First Battalion New York Sharpshooters were engaged at both Bristoe and Mine Run. They were organizationally part of Gen. Lysander Cutler's "Iron Brigade", not J. H. Hobart Ward's brigade. The OR does not indicate that the NYSS were ever under the command of Berdan.

By the way, in the 1850 US census, Hiram Berdan, of New York, was located in Kenosha Wisconsin working as a machinist.

Culpeper Va 1864 First Battalion NYSS 7th Co

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This is a portion of a very damaged photo of the First Battalion's 7th company in winter camp, early 1864, at Culpeper Virginia. At this time they were part of Gen. Lysander Cutler's "Iron Brigade." Photo is from the private collection of the Stearns family.

Undated 112th Reunion Jamestown

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I doubt I will use this photo for either No Word of Them or its study guide.

Its an undated photo, probably mid 1890s of a reunion of the 112th Regiment and the 7th company sharpshooters. The white bearded gentleman standing by the cannon is Sharpshooter James D. Stearns who died in 1899. Photo is in the private collection of the Stearns family

If you are interested in the history of the 112th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, here is their link: http://www.112thnyvi.com/