Unit History – 2nd New Hampshire Infantry

Cols., Thomas P. Pierce, Gilman Marston, Edward L. Bailey, Joab N. Patterson; Lieut.-Cols., Frank S. Fiske, Edward L. Bailey, James W. Carr, Joab N. Patterson, John D. Çooper, 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 reënlisted 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 reënlisted 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.

From The Union Army, Vol. 1, pp. 81-82