MARYLAND THIRD POTOMAC HOME BRIGADE INFANTRY (Three Years)

Third Potomac Home Brigade Infantry. Cols., Stephen W. Downey, Charles Gilpin, Henry C. Rizer; Lieut.-Col., Crawford W. Shearer; Majs., Michael Fallon, Charles L. Grafflin. Companies A, B, C, D and H of this regiment were recruited in Allegany county; Co. E at Hagerstown; F at Baltimore; G and K in Frederick county; and I in Howard county. The organization was commenced in the latter part of Oct., 1861, and as soon as the 1st battalion was mustered in it was assigned to Lander's division on the upper Potomac, where it served until March 11, 1862. The organization of the regiment was not fully completed until May 20, 1862, its term of service being for three years. It was on duty in the Mountain department until June 26, 1862, when it was transferred to the Middle department and participated in the defense of Harper's Ferry in September, where it was surrendered with the garrison. After the prisoners were exchanged the 3d was assigned to duty in guarding the line of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. When Gen. Early invaded Maryland in July, 1864, this regiment formed a part of Gen. Lew Wallace's little army that so stubbornly resisted the Confederate advance at Monocacy, and after Early was driven back to Virginia it was with Gen. Hunter in the advance up the Shenandoah Valley, taking part in the fight at Snicker's gap. It then became a part of Gen. Sheridan's Army of the Shenandoah and after the close of the Valley campaign it was assigned to the department of West Virginia, where it remained until mustered out on May 29, 1865. The regiment, or a detachment of it, fought valiantly at Franklin, Wardensville, Moorefield, Harper's Ferry, Frederick, Monocacy, Snicker's gap, Bolivar heights, Halltown, Charlestown, Berryville, and in several lesser engagements. Its loss during the entire term of service was 83 men, 9 of whom were killed in action.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 2

Maryland 3rd Potomac Infantry Brigade (Union)

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