D'Epineuil Zouaves--53rd New York

Their uniforms were based on the French 6th Regiment Imperial Zouaves and were manufactured by Brooks Brothers in New York City. It consisted of a red fez cap with long yellow tassel, dark blue jacket trimmed with bright yellow braid, blue sash, yellow and black leather leggings and canvas gaiters.

The men came mostly from Brooklyn, but were also recruited from upstate in Poughkeepsie.

The Poughkeepsie Eagle reported on 18 September 1861,

"Another recruiting office - By the advertisement in another column it will be seen that a new recruiting office had been opened at 277 Main Street for the D’Epineuil Zouaves; a regiment to be commanded by officers who have served in the French army.

D’EPINEUIL ZOUAVES
The magnificent regiment is commanded by Field Officers of long experience in the French Army, and is now in camp on Staten Island. The uniform is the most splendid and durable of any yet furnished in this country. Recruits are mustered in and receive uniforms, rations, etc. immediately. Men wanted to complete Capt. Chester’s Company in this regiment. Recruiting office No. 277 Main Street, Poughkeepsie. George F. Chester, Captain Wm. H. Burgess, 1st Lieutenant. "

From August through November of 1861 the unit was stationed on Staten Island to conduct further organization and drilling.

On 18 November 1861 the Regiment was sent to Washington DC and then to Annapolis, Maryland where they were placed under the command of Brigadier General Ambrose E. Burnsides North Carolina Expeditionary Corps and assigned to John G. Parkes Third Brigade.

Colonel D'Epineuil insisted on strict discipline, Officers and Enlisted men were arrested for the slightest infractions.

On 3 January 1862 the Regiment left by ship to North Carolina to assist in Burnsides expedition to take Roanoke Island. By the time they left Annapolis there were 300 deserters. Morale on the voyage plummeted due to poor accomodations.

The unit was mustered out of service on 21 March 1862