2nd New Hampshire Infantry Regiment facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 2nd New Hampshire Infantry Regiment |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1861 - August 1864 |
| Country | United States of America |
| Allegiance | New Hampshire & Union |
| Type | volunteer infantry |
| Size | 1,013 |
| Engagements | Bull Run Williamsburg Fair Oaks Second Bull Run Malvern Hill Fredericksburg Gettysburg Cold Harbor |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Colonel Gilman Marston |
The 2nd New Hampshire Infantry Regiment was a group of brave soldiers from New Hampshire. They served for the longest time among all volunteer groups from their state during the American Civil War.
Contents
The 2nd New Hampshire in Action
The 2nd New Hampshire was formed in early 1861. They officially joined the army on June 4, 1861. These soldiers fought in many battles, starting with the First Battle of Bull Run. They continued fighting for about four years. Their service ended when they helped take over Richmond, Virginia.
The regiment was led by Colonel Gilman Marston. He later became a congressman for New Hampshire. He served in the US Congress from 1889 to 1891.
At first, the 2nd New Hampshire soldiers wore gray uniforms. Their coats had red trim and a special "spiketail" design. They also wore cool "jaunty forage caps" with "2NH" on them.
Early Battles and Challenges
The regiment's first big fight was at the First Battle of Bull Run. About 900 soldiers from the 2nd New Hampshire were there. Seven soldiers were killed in this battle. Fifty-six were wounded, and some of them later died. Forty-six soldiers went missing. Many of the missing were wounded and captured by the Confederate soldiers.
Colonel Marston was badly hurt in this battle. His arm was shattered. But he was very brave and refused to have his arm removed. He recovered and later led the 2nd New Hampshire in other battles, like the Battle of Williamsburg.
Major Battles and Losses
At the famous Battle of Gettysburg, the 2nd New Hampshire had 353 soldiers. In less than three hours, they faced terrible losses. Forty-seven soldiers were killed. One hundred thirty-six were wounded. Thirty-six men went missing. Out of 24 officers, only three were not killed or wounded.
Because they lost so many soldiers, the 2nd New Hampshire was sent on guard duty. They went to Point Lookout, Maryland. They served there with the 5th and 12th New Hampshire regiments.
The 2nd New Hampshire returned to fighting in time for the Battle of Cold Harbor. Here, they again suffered many casualties. Nineteen soldiers were killed. Fifty-four were wounded.
End of Service and Legacy
Soon after the Battle of Cold Harbor, 223 soldiers finished their time in the army. They returned home. Seventy of the original members decided to join again. With new recruits, they continued to be the 2nd New Hampshire. Many who went home later joined other army units.
During the Civil War, 178 men from the regiment were killed or died from their wounds in battle. Another 172 soldiers died from sickness, accidents, or while being held as prisoners of war.
Notable People from the Regiment
Some important people served in the 2nd New Hampshire Infantry Regiment:
- Gilman Marston (1811–1890): He was a congressman and a senator. He also became a US Army general.
- Harriet Patience Dame (1815–1900): She was a volunteer army nurse. She helped soldiers from April 1861 until after the war ended. New Hampshire honored her as a state hero. She received a pension and her official portrait hangs in the New Hampshire State House.
- Joab N. Patterson (1835–1922): He was also a congressman. He served as the treasurer and commander of the regiment during the Siege of Petersburg.
