The Enrollment Act Riots in New York

In response to the first lotteries of the Enrollment Act mobs in New York City began attacking facilities they saw as symbols of the draft on Monday July 13, 1863. The draft riot quickly devolved with the mobs burning businesses, assaulting African Americans, and overwhelming the police. The riots were finally quelled after three days of violence and Union troops were diverted to the city.

By the time the 20th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment arrived to enforce the draft, which was reinstated on August 19, 1863, peace had been restored. Erasmus Corwin Gilbreath enjoyed his two and half months in the city. While the majority of the troops camped in tents in Gramercy Park, the officers were invited to stay in the Gramercy Park Hotel. Gilbreath, promoted to Major during the Battle of Gettysburg, had a bed for three weeks. Gilbreath and his regiment returned to the field well rested.