68th Pennsylvania Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 68th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in the summer of 1862 in Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Chester counties, Pennsylvania. Mustered into United States service in August 1862 for three years, the regiment served in the Army of the Potomac and participated in major campaigns in the Eastern Theater. The unit was composed of many officers and men with prior military experience, including service in the Mexican War and the early three months’ campaign of the Civil War.

The 68th Pennsylvania Infantry was notable for its heavy engagement at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, where it suffered significant casualties. The regiment also performed provost guard duty at army headquarters and was involved in the final assault on Petersburg. It was mustered out at Hart’s Island, New York, on June 9, 1865.

Organization & Service

The regiment was raised in Philadelphia and surrounding counties during the summer of 1862 and mustered in at Frankford in August for a three-year term. Before reaching full strength, the 68th Pennsylvania was ordered to Washington, D.C., on September 1, 1862, and assigned to Robinson’s Brigade, Stoneman’s Division. In October, the regiment moved to Poolesville, Maryland. During a march south, 40 men were captured while guarding the baggage train.

With the reorganization of the Army of the Potomac under General Burnside, the 68th was assigned to the 1st Brigade (Gen. Robinson), 1st Division (Gen. Birney), 3rd Corps (Gen. Sickles). At Fredericksburg in December 1862, the regiment lost 40 men killed and wounded, including Major Hawksworth (mortally wounded) and Lieutenant J. E. Davis (killed). The regiment was heavily engaged at Chancellorsville in May 1863, suffering severe losses.

At Gettysburg, the 68th arrived on the evening of July 1, 1863, and was posted at the Peach Orchard on July 2, where it sustained heavy casualties—of 17 officers present, only Colonel Tippin and four others escaped injury. The regiment’s total losses at Gettysburg reached approximately 60 percent of those engaged. Following Gettysburg, the 68th participated in the campaign in Virginia, including actions at Wapping Heights and Auburn, where Colonel Tippin was captured and confined in Libby Prison for nine months. The regiment was also engaged at Kelly’s Ford, Locust Grove (with heavy losses), and Mine Run.

After wintering at Brandy Station, the regiment reenlisted in January 1864, and returning veterans, along with new recruits, restored its numbers. The 68th was then assigned to Hancock’s 2nd Corps and performed provost guard duty at General Meade’s headquarters for the remainder of the war. The regiment was called upon for various duties, including cavalry raids and work in the entrenchments. Colonel Tippin, after being exchanged, resumed command on June 25, 1864.

In the final assault on Petersburg, the regiment served in the storming party and lost several men, including Major Gallaher (mortally wounded). After the battle of Sailor’s Creek, the 68th was detailed to guard Lieutenant General Ewell and other captured Confederate officers and men, escorting them to City Point. The regiment then returned to headquarters and was responsible for overseeing approximately 6,000 recruits. Subsequently, it was ordered to Hart’s Island, near New York City, to guard prisoners until its final muster out on June 9, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville
• Gettysburg
• Wapping Heights
• Auburn
• Kelly’s Ford
• Locust Grove
• Mine Run
• Brandy Station (winter quarters)
• Petersburg (final assault)
• Sailor’s Creek

Casualties

At Fredericksburg, the regiment lost 40 men killed and wounded. At Gettysburg, losses reached approximately 60 percent of those engaged, with only 5 of 17 officers escaping injury. Additional heavy losses occurred at Chancellorsville and Locust Grove. Precise total casualty figures for the regiment are not specified in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Andrew H. Tippin
• Lieutenant Colonel A. H. Reynolds
• Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Winslow
• Major Thomas Hawksworth
• Major Robert E. Winslow
• Major John C. Gallaher
• Major Michael Fulmer

Regimental Roster

The full roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 68th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster includes names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 68th Pennsylvania Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts (Army of the Potomac, 1862–1865)
• Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Report
• 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, Vol. 1