Head Quarters 162nd NY Vols

near Winchester, VA 14 Mar 1865

Colonel: In accordance with the provisions of the Act, establishing a Bureau of Military Statistics in New York, I have the honor to transmit herewith the Regimental Colors of my command. At the organization of the Regiment, 8 Oct 1862, these Colors were presented to it by the State of New York.  They are two in number; and consist of the National Flag, and a blue silk flag, on the center of which is painted the National Coat of Arms.

The Regiment was raised in the City of New York and formed on of the Metropolitan Brigade.

The original Field Officers were Col Lewis Benedict, Lt Col JW Blanchard and Major James H Bogart.  In Nov 1862, it was sent to New Orleans on Gen Banks' Expedition; the troops of which were afterward organized as the 19th Army Corps.

The Colors were carried through the siege of Port Hudson, in the summer of 1863, and it was there that a charge of grape tore the Union out of the National flag.  They were borne in the following engagements; At Fort Bisland, on the 13 and 14 Apr 1863; in the assault on Port Hudson on 27 May 1863, where the Regiment lost 2 officers and 33 men, killed and wounded; in the second assault, on 14 June, where its loss was 2 officers and 60 men; and at Springfield Landing, on 02 Jul 1863.  In the Red River Campaign, of last spring, the Colors were present at the fight of Sabine Cross Roads, 08 Apr; at Pleasant Hill, 09 Apr, where Col Benedict, commanding Brigade, was killed and the Regiment lost 7 officers and 114 men, killed, wounded and missing; and at Cane River Crossing, 23 Apr, where 2 officers and 35 men were killed or wounded.

Four times have these Colors been shot down in battle, two of their Bearers killed and two wounded. But, they have never been out of the Regiment's possession, and are now returned to the original donor.

I have the honor to be, Colonel, with great respect,

Your Obedient Servant

JW Blanchard Commanding 162nd NY Vol

Col Lockwood L Doty, Albany, NY

_____________

Note: The State Colors of the 174th NY consolidated with 162nd on 17 Feb 1864, were thereafter carried with the Colors of the 162nd

Inscriptions on the Colors of 162nd NY Vol Infantry

Presented by the City of New York, May 1865

*These engagements were participated in by the 174th NY Vol Inf, prior to its consolidation with the 162nd