After Adrian Fay's release from captivity on March 3, he went on furlough for thirty days from March 18 to April 17. On April 12, he married Sarah Flint in Great Valley, N.Y. Fay returned to Camp Parole on April 17 near Washington, D.C., and rejoined the 94th regiment May 14, 1865. Fay spent the remaining days of the war patroling the capital's defenses. On June 12, Fay was honorably discharged from the Union Army in Washington, D.C.

Fay's last war time letter was written on June 13, 1865 to his wife Sarah Fay telling her that he had arrived in Elmira, N.Y. and he was headed home. Adrian Fay served for four years in the Union Army. During his time he was wounded twice, re-enlisted twice and was captured. Most importantly, Adrian Fay survived the bloodiest war in American history.

The state of New York sent 370,000 men to fight for the Union in the American Civil War. Each man has a story to tell and our collection of Fay's letters help us to tell his story. To go back in time this way, placing ourselves in the shoes and lives of infantry men serving in the American Civil War, is astonishing.

Back to Adrian Fay Home Page. Civil War Home Page SBU Archives Guide Page

The Army of Northern Virginia, like the rest of the Confederacy, was on its last legs. The 94th Regiment participated in its last campaign of the war, the Appomattox Campaign, finally bringing the Army of Northern Virginia to bay.

On April 2, the Army of the Potomac captured Petersburg during the Third Battle of Petersburg (Breakthrough at Petersburg) and opened the way for Grant's Appomattox Campaign. The 94th was involved in minor battles such as Sailor's Creek and eventually participated in the climax of the way at Appomattox Courthouse.

The men of the 94th Regiment were among the 145,000 soldiers who marched in the Grand Review in Washington D.C. The regiment was mustered out of service at Ball's Cross Roads, Va., July 18, 1865. The regiment was the last volunteer regiment in the Army of the Potomac to be mustered out. Having been mustered out of service the regiment proceeded to Albany, N.Y., where it was paid off and disbanded July 31, 1865.

During its service the regiment lost 116 killed and mortally wounded, 352 wounded, 103 who died of disease or exposure, and 449 missing or captured; total, 1,020 men. Regardless of their age, rank or social status all of the men in the 94th proudly served, defended and preserved the Union.

Credit to: http://www.civilwardata.com/active/hdsquery.dll?SoldierHistory?U%3E&1798699

Picture of the Grand Review of infrantry regiments in Washington D.C.

May 31