49th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry

Historical Sketch:
Cols., William H. Irwin, Thomas M. Hulings, B. J. Hickman, A. W. Wakefield; Lieut.-Cols., William Brisbane, Thomas M. Hulings, John B. Miles, B. J. Hickman, A. W. Wakefield, James T. Stuart; Majs., Thomas M. Hulings, John B. Miles, B. J. Hickman, A. W. Wakefield, James T. Stuart, F. W. Wombacker. The 49th was recruited in the counties of Center, Chester, Huntingdon, Mifflin and Juniata, and was mustered into the U. S. service at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, Sept. 14, 1861, for a three years' term. It was ordered to Washington on Sept. 22, assigned to the 1st brigade of Gen. W. F. Smith's division, 4th corps, and camped during the winter near Lewinsville. It joined in the campaign on the Peninsula early in 1862, performing various siege duties at Yorktown, and fighting at Williamsburg, Garnett's and Golding's farms, White Oak swamp and Malvern hill. On Aug. 16, the regiment was sent to Alexandria, where it was attached to Franklin's corps, which joined the Army of the Potomac at Centerville and proceeded to Antietam, engaging the enemy on the way at Crampton's gap. During this battle the 49th was held in reserve, as it was also at Fredericksburg in December. Winter quarters were established at White Oak Church and on Jan. 9, 1864, the regiment was consolidated into a battalion of four companies, which participated in the "Mud March." Col. Irwin added enough new recruits to the regiment in April to restore it to its old organization and it was assigned to the 3d brigade, 1st division, 6th corps, with which it remained until the end of its service. It was active at Salem Church, present at Deep run, active at Gettysburg, and then joined in the southward movement of the army. It was engaged at Rappahannock Station, and was mentioned in orders for gallantry. It joined in the Mine Run movement, after which it went into winter quarters at Hazel Run, where 260 of its members reenlistcd and with the addition of recruits and drafted men the regiment was continued as a veteran organization. On May 4, 1864, it broke camp and the next day the command was in the heat of the action at the Wilderness. At Laurel hill the regiment made a most daring assault, but at fearful cost. Col. Hulings, Lieut-Col. Miles, 2 other officers and 61 men being killed and 5 officers and 195 men wounded or missing. The next engagement was the assault on the angle at Spottsylvania. The loss up to the 14th of the month when only 130 men were able to report for duty, was 392 killed, wounded or missing. At Cold Harbor the loss was 8 killed and 20 wounded. The regiment proceeded with the army to Petersburg and on July 11, was ordered to Washington, which was threatened by Gen. Early. It followed Early to the Shenandoah river and then returned to Washington, but had scarcely arrived when news of Early's advance upon Crook caused it to return to Harper's Ferry. It was active at the battle of Winchester; was posted on guard in the city for a time; then ordered again to Petersburg; shared in the action at Hatcher's run, and made its winter quarters at Fort Wadsworth. It took part in the final assault on Petersburg; was in the cavalry fight at Sailor's creek; was then detailed to guard prisoners to Appomattox; next ordered to Danville, where it remained for a month, and then returned to Washington, where it arrived June 2 and remained until mustered out at Hall's hill, July 15, 1865. Roster:
The Roster of this unit contains the names of 2798 men.
Source:
The Union Army by Federal Publishing Company, 1908 - Volume 1
Bibliography:

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