The 47th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, known as the "Washington Grays," was formed in 1861 and served throughout the Civil War, participating in numerous campaigns across the South. Initially recruited in New York City and Brooklyn, the regiment was mustered into service in September 1861 and saw action in key locations such as Hilton Head, Edisto Island, James Island, and Fort Wagner. The regiment endured significant losses, particularly at the Battle of Olustee in Florida, and later took part in major operations in Virginia, including the battles of Cold Harbor and Petersburg. Over its four years of service, the 47th New York was involved in both combat and garrison duties, suffering a total of 250 deaths from battle and disease before being mustered out in August 1865.
During 1863, the 47th New York was stationed on Ossabaw Island, Georgia, where they were primarily engaged in constructing fortifications, performing picket and guard duty, and supporting naval operations. The regiment faced harsh environmental conditions, including disease, challenging terrain, and wildlife, which affected their ability to perform camp duties. Notable events included the construction of Battery Seymour, skirmishes with Confederate forces, and the capture of some of their men. The 47th’s time on Ossabaw Island was marked by both military activity and the daily hardships of soldiering in the coastal South during the Civil War.
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ORN Ser1 Vol15
Robert N. Scott
A document detailing Union military forces, deployments, fortifications, and operations in the Department of the South during 1863, published by the Government Printing Office in 1886.
Robert N. Scott, comp., The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, vol. 15 (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1886).
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OR Ser1 Vol14
Robert N. Scott
A document detailing Union military forces, deployments, fortifications, and operations in the Department of the South during 1863, published by the Government Printing Office in 1885.
Robert N. Scott, comp., The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, vol. 14 (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1885).
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OR Ser1 Vol28 Pt. 1
Robert N. Scott
A report written by Major Edward C. Anderson, jr. on an expedition to Ossabaw Island, written on July 6, 1863, and published by the Government Printing Office in 1890.
Robert N. Scott, comp., The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, vol. 28 (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1890).
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OR Ser1 Vol28 Pt. 2
Robert N. Scott
A document detailing Union military forces, deployments, fortifications, and operations in the Department of the South during 1863, published by the Government Printing Office in 1890.
Robert N. Scott, comp., The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, vol. 28 (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1890).
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OR Ser1 Vol53
Robert N. Scott
A document detailing Union military forces, deployments, fortifications, and operations in the Department of the South during 1863, published by the Government Printing Office in 1898.
Robert N. Scott, comp., The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, vol. 53 (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1898).
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Ossabaw 26.001
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
A dropped 3 Ring Minie Ball
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Ossabaw 26.003
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
3 ring minie ball, slightly flattened, fine parallel striations
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Ossabaw 26.004
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
3 ring minie ball with mold seam
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Ossabaw 26.005
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
2 ring Minie ball, shovel cut, small curved indent
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Ossabaw 26.006
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
3 ring Minie ball, Truncated base
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Ossabaw 26.007
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
3 ring minie ball with mold seam
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Ossabaw 26.008
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
3 ring minie ball with partial mold seam, encrusted base, shovel scape
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Ossabaw 26.030
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Hemispherical musket ball with multiple rifle flats, possible Halls rifle
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Ossabaw 26.031
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Small conical bullet, possibly for a .36 Colt Revolver
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Ossabaw 26.035
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Spent 4 flange percussion cap
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Ossabaw 26.042
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Knapsack rivet, .66" diameter button, Zinc
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Ossabaw 26.052
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
2 piece 14mm Eagle button with shield, loop intact
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Ossabaw 26.053
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
2 piece 14.6 mm Eagle button with shield, loop intact, backmarked "EXTRA QUALITY"
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Ossabaw 26.064
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Copper "T" head square cut nail
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Ossabaw 26.074
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Thin brass plate with 4 mounting holes, bent
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Ossabaw 26.075
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Brass "M" or "W" shaped flat wire
