135th Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 135th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, during the first half of August 1862. Composed of men from Lancaster, Indiana, Westmoreland, and Jefferson counties, the regiment served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Its service was primarily in the Eastern Theater, with notable duty in the defenses of Washington and participation in the Chancellorsville Campaign.

Organization & Service

The 135th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was mustered into United States service at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, in August 1862 for a term of nine months. The regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on August 19, 1862, where it performed provost guard duty in the capital and Georgetown until February 16, 1863. During this period, the field officers were often detailed for special duties.

In February 1863, the regiment moved to Belle Plain, Virginia, and was assigned to the 1st Brigade (commanded by Col. James R. Porter), 3rd Division, 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac. The unit was engaged in guard and picket duty until the commencement of the Chancellorsville Campaign. During the campaign, the regiment moved to Pollock’s Mills, below Fredericksburg, and supported Union batteries along the Rappahannock River, sustaining three men wounded. Later, the regiment was relieved and covered the front of the 1st Brigade during the Battle of Chancellorsville, though it was not actively engaged in combat. Upon the expiration of its term, the regiment returned to Harrisburg and was mustered out on May 24, 1863.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Provost guard duty, Washington, D.C. and Georgetown (August 1862 – February 1863)
• Guard and picket duty, Belle Plain, Virginia (February – April 1863)
• Chancellorsville Campaign (April – May 1863)
• Battle of Chancellorsville (May 1–5, 1863; supported batteries and covered brigade front, not actively engaged)

Casualties

During its service, the 135th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) reported 3 men wounded during the Chancellorsville Campaign. Additional casualty figures, including losses from disease or other causes, are not specified in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel James R. Porter
• Lieutenant Colonel David L. McCulloch
• Major Rudolph W. Shenk

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 135th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details valuable for genealogical and historical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 135th Pennsylvania Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 25
• Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H. Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Federal Publishing Company, The Union Army, Vol. 1 (1908)