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99th
Pennsylvania Infantry
Online Books
99th
Pennsylvania Infantry Soldier Roster - History of Pennsylvania
Volunteers, 1861-5, Volume 3 by Samuel P Bates, 1869
View Entire Book
| Regimental History |
| Ninety-ninth Infantry. — Cols., Thomas W. Sweeny, Peter
Fritz, Jr., Asher S. Leidy, Edward R. Biles ; Lieut-Cols., William P.
Seymour, Asher S. Leidy, Edward R. Biles, John W. Moore, Peter Fritz,
Jr.; Majs., Asher S. Leidy, Henry A. Read, John W. Moore, Peter Fritz,
Jr., G. W. Tomlinson. The 99th regiment, composed of Philadelphia men,
most of whom had served in the 22nd, was organized at Philadelphia and
mustered into the U. S. service at different times from July, 1861, to
Feb., 1862. The first three companies left for Washington on Aug. 8,
1861, and camped near Alexandria, where they were joined by the other
companies as they arrived. On Feb. 19, 1862, the regiment was ordered to
Washington for garrison duty at various forts, and in April it was
assigned to similar duty along the Anacosta river from Burning bridge to
Alexandria. On July 4, at Harrison's landing, it was assigned to the 2nd
brigade, 1st division, 3d corps, with which it had taken part in the
campaign on the Peninsula and was active at the second Bull Run battle.
It was engaged at Chantilly, but was not called into action at Antietam,
being next closely engaged at the battle of Fredericksburg. In May,
1863, at Chancellorsville, the regiment shared in the famous charge made
by Gen. Kearny. It remained in this vicinity until the opening of the
Gettysburg campaign. On July 2 the regiment was hotly engaged, but held
its ground with great loss of numbers until relieved. For its heroism it
was highly complimented and thanked by Gen. Ward and Gen. Birney. Moving
southward with the army, the 99th went into camp near the Warrenton
sulphur springs, where it was stationed until Oct. 10. On Nov. 7 it
captured a large body of prisoners at Kelly's ford on the Rappahannock,
where it was sent to clear the way for the troops. It participated in
the Mine Run campaign, then established winter quarters at Brandy
Station, where in Feb., 1864, a large number of the regiment reenlisted
and were furloughed. On April 7 they returned to Brandy Station, when
the Army of the Potomac was reorganized, the 99th forming part of the
1st brigade, 3d division, 2nd corps, which left Brandy Station on May 3
and was called into action at the Wilderness. It held its ground during
the night of May 5 and advanced the next day, displaying great bravery,
holding its position until all the other troops except the 20th Indiana
had been forced back. It was thanked for its heroism by Gen. Birney. At
Spottsylvania it participated in the gallant charge of the 2nd corps,
capturing 2 battle-flags and 2 pieces of artillery, besides its share of
the prisoners. Another successful assault was made by the 99th Pa. and
the 20th Ind. on the 17th, and on the 29th the regiment received the
veterans and recruits from the 26th Pa. Moving to Petersburg it was
engaged at Deep Bottom in July, capturing a battery and on its return to
Petersburg the troops were complimented by Gen. Hancock in special
orders. Again, for gallantry in capturing a picket line on Sept. 10, the
99th was mentioned in special orders by Hancock. Early in October it had
several skirmishes with the enemy about Poplar Grove Church and a few
days later met the enemy on the Boydton plank road. It took part in the
raid on the Weldon railroad, going into winter quarters at Fort Seibert
near the Vaughan road, along which it spent considerable time on picket
duty. It engaged at Hatcher's run in Feb., 1865, and near the Davis
house in March. Advancing with the army it was active at Sailor's creek
and at Appomattox Court House, where it received the welcome news of
Lee's surrender. Returning to Richmond and then Washington it took part
in the grand review of the Union armies, and was mustered out on July 1,
1865. |
Footnotes:
Regimental history taken from "The Union Army" by Federal Publishing
Company, 1908 - Volume 1
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