83rd Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Pennsylvania for service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was principally composed of men from Erie, Crawford, Warren, Venango, and Mercer counties. It was mustered into United States service between July 29 and September 8, 1861, at Camp McLane near Erie, Pennsylvania, for a three-year term. The 83rd Pennsylvania served in the Eastern Theater and became known for its discipline and heavy engagement in major campaigns of the Army of the Potomac.

This unit is distinct from any other Pennsylvania infantry regiments of different service terms.

Organization & Service

The 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry was recruited by Colonel John W. McLane, who had previously commanded the Erie regiment in the three months’ service. Nearly 300 men from his former command joined the new regiment. The 83rd left Pennsylvania for Washington, D.C., on September 18, 1861, with about 1,000 men. It was assigned to the 3rd Brigade of Porter’s Division, which later became the 1st Division of the 5th Corps, Army of the Potomac. The regiment remained in the Washington area through the winter, undergoing rigorous training and discipline.

In March 1862, the regiment participated in the advance to Fairfax Court House and then moved to the Virginia Peninsula for General McClellan’s campaign. The 83rd was engaged at the Siege of Yorktown, the action at Hanover Court House, and the Ashland road skirmish. At Gaines’ Mill, the regiment suffered severe losses, including the deaths of Colonel McLane and Major Naghel. During the Seven Days Battles, it was engaged at Glendale and Malvern Hill, sustaining further casualties. After the Peninsula Campaign, the regiment joined General Pope’s forces and fought at Second Bull Run, where it again lost heavily.

The 83rd Pennsylvania saw limited action at Antietam but was engaged at Fredericksburg in December 1862. It spent the winter near Stoneman’s Station and participated in the Mud March and the Chancellorsville Campaign in 1863. In July 1863, the regiment arrived at Gettysburg on July 2, taking a key position on Little Round Top, where it fought with distinction. After Gettysburg, the regiment received about 400 drafted men and substitutes, though many deserted.

During the fall of 1863, the regiment was engaged at Rappahannock Station and Mine Run. In the spring of 1864, it joined Bartlett’s Brigade, Griffin’s Division, 5th Corps, and fought at the Wilderness and Laurel Hill, suffering over 300 casualties. The regiment participated in the North Anna, Totopotomy, and the initial assaults on Petersburg. When the original term of service expired in September 1864, about 100 men were mustered out, and the remainder formed a battalion of six companies, which continued to serve actively, including at Peeble’s Farm and Hatcher’s Run.

In March 1865, Companies G, H, I, and K were reassigned to the regiment, restoring it to full strength. The 83rd participated in the Appomattox Campaign, engaging at Jones’ Farm, White Oak Road, Gravelly Run, Five Forks, Sutherland’s Station, and Jetersville, and was present at the surrender at Appomattox Court House. The regiment was mustered out at Washington, D.C., on June 28, 1865, and finally discharged at Harrisburg on July 4, 1865. The 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry was engaged in 25 battles during its service, more than any other Pennsylvania infantry regiment.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Siege of Yorktown (April–May 1862)
• Hanover Court House (May 1862)
• Gaines’ Mill (June 1862)
• Glendale (June 1862)
• Malvern Hill (July 1862)
• Second Bull Run (August 1862)
• Antietam (September 1862, slight engagement)
• Fredericksburg (December 1862)
• Chancellorsville Campaign (April–May 1863)
• Gettysburg (July 1863)
• Rappahannock Station (November 1863)
• Mine Run (November–December 1863)
• Wilderness (May 1864)
• Laurel Hill (May 1864)
• North Anna River (May 1864)
• Totopotomy (May 1864)
• Petersburg (June–September 1864)
• Weldon Railroad (August 1864)
• Poplar Grove Church (September 1864)
• Peeble’s Farm (September 1864)
• Hatcher’s Run (February 1865)
• Appomattox Campaign (March–April 1865): Jones’ Farm, White Oak Road, Gravelly Run, Five Forks, Sutherland’s Station, Jetersville, Appomattox Court House

Casualties

According to Fox’s Regimental Losses and state records, the 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry suffered significant casualties:

• Killed or mortally wounded: 282
• Died of disease: 152
• Total deaths: 434

The regiment lost heavily at Gaines’ Mill, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, Wilderness, and other major engagements. Figures may vary slightly in different official reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel John W. McLane (killed at Gaines’ Mill)
• Colonel Strong Vincent (mortally wounded at Gettysburg)
• Colonel O. S. Woodward
• Colonel C. P. Rogers
• Lieutenant Colonel Hugh S. Campbell
• Lieutenant Colonel DeWitt C. McCoy
• Lieutenant Colonel William O. Colt
• Major Louis H. Naghel (killed at Gaines’ Mill)
• Major William H. Lamont (captured at Second Bull Run)
• Major W. H. Dunbar
• Major Amos M. Judson

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and service details valuable for genealogical and historical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 11, 12, 21, 27, 36, 40, 46 (various parts and pages)
• Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report, 1861–1865
• Dyer, Frederick H. “A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion”
• Fox, William F. “Regimental Losses in the American Civil War”
• “The Union Army,” Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 1