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2nd New
Hampshire Regiment Infantry
| Regimental History |
| Second Infantry. — Cols., Thomas P. Pierce, Oilman Marston, Edward
L. Bailey, Joab N. Patterson; Lieut. -Cols., Frank S. Fiske, Edward L. Bailey, James W.
Carr, Joab N. Patterson, John D. Cooper, Jr., Levi N. Converse (not mustered) ; Majs.,
Josiah Stevens, Edward L. Bailey, James W. Carr, Samuel P. Sayles, John D. Cooper, Jr.,
Levi N. Converse, George T. Carter (not mustered). The 2nd regiment, composed of
volunteers from all parts of the state, was mustered into the service of the United States
at Portsmouth, from May 31 to June 10, 1861, except its band, which was mustered in Aug.
7, 1861, at Washington and mustered out Aug. 8, 1862, near Harrison's landing, Va. The
recruits transferred from the 17th N. H. infantry, April 16, 1863, were mustered out at
Concord, June 21, 1864, the reenlisted men and recruits on Dec. 19, 1865, at City Point,
Va. The regiment's original members numbered 1,022, transferred 1, recruits 1,144, band
recruits 22, recruits gained by transfer 366; making a total of 2,555. The losses include
159 killed or died of wounds, 178 deaths from other causes, making a total loss of 337. A
large proportion of the members of the 2nd enlisted for three months in April, 1861, but
reenlisted for three years when the second call for troops was sent out. The regiment left
Portsmouth for Washington June 20, via Boston and New York, receiving ovations all along
the route. On arriving in Washington it became a part of the 2nd brigade of Hunter's
division and opened the fight at Bull Run, July 21, 1861. The winter was spent at Budd's
ferry, Md., and in the spring the regiment took part in the siege of Yorktown, after which
it pursued and attacked the Confederate rear-guard at Williamsburg. On May 31, 1862, it
was at Poplar hill and participated in the fight at Fair Oaks. Two days later they fought
at Oak Grove. For bravery in action at Williamsburg and Oak Grove, Private Michael Dillon,
Co. G, was awarded a medal by Congress. Skirmishes followed at Peach Orchard, Va.,
Glendale, Malvern hill and Kettle run and, on Aug. 29, the regiment was again at Bull Run.
At Chantilly it was not brought into action and at Fredericksburg its duties were
comparatively light. The 2nd wintered in New Hampshire. At Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, the
2nd made a historic defense at Sherfy's peach orchard. It joined Grant at Cold Harbor in
June, 1864, having made a noble record at Front Royal, Warrenton, Point Lookout,
Petersburg and Fort Darling, and finished its active service with the Army of the Potomac.
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Footnotes:
Regimental history taken from "The Union Army" by Federal Publishing
Company, 1908 - Volume 1
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