The regiment left New York on September 3, 1862, to take up their assignment of guard and provost duty in Washington, D.C. with the Provisional Brigade, Abercrombie's Division, Defenses of Washington. In February 1863, while continuing their duty in the federal capital, the regiment was assigned to the XXII Corps (ACW). The following April, the New Yorkers were sent Suffolk, VA and attached to the Reserve Brigade, 3rd Division, VII Corps (ACW), under the command of Brig. Gen. George W. Getty, just in time to see action at the Siege of Suffolk. In May, the regiment moved to Portsmouth, VA, and spent much of the month in reconnaissance and skirmishing. During June and July, 1863, the regiment participated in Dix's Peninsula Campaign and fought at the South Anna Bridge (July 4, 1863), suffering 11 casualties.