[2][3][4] Within the regiment, a full company of natives from the Tuscarora Reservation in Western New York was formed.

[2][3] The regiment's uniform was very elaborate compared to other regiments, it was based on the 6th Regiment of Zouaves of the French Army (6éme Régiment de Zouaves), the uniform consisted of the following: 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.

On arrival in Maryland the regiment joined Parke's (3rd) Brigade part of Burnside's North Carolina Expeditionary Corps.

After the expedition, the regiment remained on duty at Fort Monroe, Virginia, later, Annapolis, Maryland, and later the District of Columbia until March.

They wore the distinctive short Zouave jacket with yellow trim and matching vest underneath.