It was often referred to as the 17th New York Veteran Zouaves and has been erroneously reported as using mules as mounts during Sherman's March to the Sea up until the Grand Review of the Armies.
In April they moved to Decatur, Alabama, where they were engaged in skirmishing with the Confederate forces under Brigadier General Philip D. Roddy, attacking them at Pond Spring, Courtland, etc., and routing them and capturing the whole of their camp.
On September 1, 1864, at the Battle of Jonesboro they charged and fought against Confederate Major General Patrick R. Cleburne's Division, who boasted to never have been defeated, but who were then broken, routed, and had their works taken from them.
Following the surrender of the Confederate Forces under General Joseph E. Johnston on April 26, 1865, at Durham Station, North Carolina, the regiment took part in the rapid march through Richmond, Virginia, and onto Washington, D.C.
Representatives as you are of the great city of New York, your association with the men of the northwest, composing the balance of the brigade, has been of the most pleasing and genial kind.The regiment suffered the following casualties during its service.