MARYLAND SECOND POTOMAC HOME BRIGADE (Three Years)

Second Potomac Home Brigade Infantry. Cols., Thomas Johns, Robert Bruce; Lieut.-Cols., G. Ellis Porter, James C. Lynn; Majs., Alexander Shaw, John H. Huntley. The 2nd regiment of the Potomac home brigade was organized between Aug. 27 and Oct. 31, 1861, to serve three years. Companies A, B, C, E, G, H, I and K were recruited in Allegany county, F at Hancock, Washington county, and D at Piedmont, Va. Its first service was in West Virginia as part of Gen. B. F. Kelley's command, and it was for a short time under Gen. Lander. During Stonewall Jackson's raid through Berkeley Springs to Hancock and Romney the regiment was several times engaged in skirmishes with the enemy. Co. F was mounted as a cavalry company and under the command of Capt. George D. Summers was sent into the Shenandoah Valley in the summer of 1863, where it rendered efficient service, and subsequently, as part of Capt. G. W. F. Vernon's squadron of Cole's cavalry took an active part in the Gettysburg campaign. In the fall and winter of 1863-4 the regiment was on constant duty in West Virginia and the following spring was assigned to the army under Gen. David Hunter for the advance on Lynchburg, afterward joining in the pursuit of the Confederate forces under Gen. Early, when they were driven from Maryland. The regiment, or a part of it, was engaged at Springfield, Blue House, South Branch bridge, Great Cacapon bridge, Vance's ford, Charlestown, Burlington, Ridgeville, Moorefield Junction, Lynchburg, Snicker's gap, Martinsburg, Hancock, Green Spring run, and in a number of smaller skirmishes. Although it was always ready to do its duty on the field it suffered but few casualties, losing 10 men killed in battle, while 84 died of wounds and disease. At the expiration of its term of service the original members were mustered out, and the veterans and recruits were formed into a battalion of three companies, to which was added another company in March, 1865. The organization as thus constituted was mustered out on May 29, 1865.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 2

Maryland 2nd Potomac Infantry Brigade (Union)

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