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104th
Pennsylvania Infantry
Online Books
104th
Pennsylvania Infantry Soldier Roster - History of Pennsylvania
Volunteers, 1861-5, Volume 3 by Samuel P Bates, 1869
View Entire Book
| Regimental History |
| One Hundred and Fourth Infantry. — Cols., William W. H.
Davis, Theophilus Kephart ; Lieut. -Cols. John W. Neilds, Thompson D.
Hart, Theophilus Kephart, J. McD. Laughlin, T B. Scarborough; Majs.,
John M. Gries, Edward L. Rogers, Theophilus Kephart, J. McD. Laughlin.
The 104th, all of whose members came from Bucks county except one
company, was organized at Doylestown in Sept. and Oct., 1861, and
mustered into the U. S. service for a three years' term. The loyal
ladies of Doylestown presented the regiment with a beautiful stand of
colors, and many comforts were furnished the soldiers by the inhabitants
of the city. It proceeded to Washington on Nov. 7 and was quartered
during the winter at Georgetown. As part of the 1st brigade, 3d
division, 4th corps, it took part in the siege of Yorktown early in
1862, and the actions at Savage Station and Fair Oaks. In the latter
engagement the conduct of the regiment was most gallant, but it paid the
penalty of the loss of many brave men. The regiment was in reserve
during the Seven Days' battles and arrived at Harrison's landing on July
3. It was next stationed at Gloucester point through the autumn and
there winter quarters were established, but on Dec. 28, the 104th was
ordered to Beaufort, N. C. Soon afterward it proceeded to Hilton Head to
join in the operations against Charleston. Camp was occupied on St.
Helena island until April, 1863, when an unsuccessful movement against
Charleston was made. The regiment then went into camp at Beaufort where
it remained until July 6, Cos. C and H having been in the meantime
transferred to Battery Taylor and Co. B to Battery Brayton. Leaving
Beaufort, the regiment moved to Folly island and thence to James island
to threaten Charleston by way of Secessionville. James island was held
against the attack of the enemy on July 16, but the troops were
withdrawn to Folly island the next day. In the siege of Fort Wagner
which followed, much arduous duty was the portion of the troops and Aug.
29 the brigade was ordered to Morris island. The island was evacuated by
the enemy early in September and the 104th was stationed there during
the winter of 1863-64. In Dec, 1863, a large number of the regiment
reenlisted. On April 26, 1864, Col. Davis was placed in command of the
district between St. Helena sound and the mouth of the Savannah river
and various details occupied the regiment during the early summer. In
June the troops concentrated for an attack upon Charleston, but
encounterd the enemy upon John's island, which they were obliged to
evacuate, and the expedition proved fruitless. The regiment then
returned to Hilton Head, where it remained until the end of July, when
it was ordered to Florida and guarded the railroad between Jacksonville
and Baldwin for a month. On Sept. 1 it returned to Alexandria and the
original members not reenlisted were mustered out at Philadelphia on
Sept. 30, 1864. The veterans and recruits were consolidated into a
battalion of five companies, which was ordered to Harper's Ferry and
formed part of Heine's brigade. In November the regiment was ordered to
Philadelphia to preserve order at the presidential election, but soon
after returned to Harper's Ferry. On Nov. 22 it joined the Army of the
Potomac at Petersburg and remained there during the winter of 1864-65.
In April, 1865, five new companies were received and the organization of
the regiment was once more complete. It joined in the final assault on
Petersburg and followed the retreating force as far as Chesterfield
Station, when it returned to Petersburg and remained there until ordered
to Fortress Monroe on April 20. The men were posted at Norfolk and
Portsmouth until mustered out of the service at the latter place on Aug.
25, 1865. |
Footnotes:
Regimental history taken from "The Union Army" by Federal Publishing
Company, 1908 - Volume 1
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