118th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry

Historical Sketch:
Cols., Charles M. Prevost, James Gwyn; Lieut.-Cols., James Gwyn, Charles P. Herring; Majs., Charles P. Herring, Henry O'Neill. The 118th, known as the Corn Exchange regiment, because a bounty of $10 for each man as well as the funds necessary for raising the regiment were furnished by the Philadelphia Corn Exchange, rendezvoused at Camp Union, Philadelphia, where it was mustered into the U. S. service on Aug. 30, 1862, for a three years' term, and ordered at once to Washington. With the 1st brigade, 1st division, 5th corps, it reached Antietam on Sept. 16 but was held in reserve during the ensuing battle. At Blackford's ford, near Shepherdstown, it received a baptism of blood on Sept. 20, and left 282 men on the field. Col. Prevost was made brevet brigadier-general for gallantry in this battle. The regiment moved south in early November and took part in the battle of Fredericksburg, where it joined in the assault on Marye's heights and suffered severely. After the "Mud March," it returned to camp at Falmouth, which it occupied until April 27, 1863. It was closely engaged at Chancellorsville and was in camp at Falmouth until June 10, when the northward movement was commenced. It acted as support in the cavalry engagements of Aldie, Upperville and Middleburg and reached Gettysburg early on July 2. At 4 o'clock that afternoon it went into action in support of Gen. Sickles' corps and was closely engaged with considerable loss, but was inactive on the 3d. It then joined in the pursuit which followed the battle and encountered the enemy on July 4. At Warrenton in August and September about 300 recruits were received, and after participation in the Mine Run campaign the regiment went into winter quarters at Beverly ford. On May 1, 1864, it started for the Wilderness, where it was engaged. It also fought at Laurel Hill, the North Anna river, Mechanicsville, at Bethesda Church and at Petersburg. During the siege of Petersburg the 118th remained in the trenches until Aug. 15; then joined in the movement upon the Weldon railroad; was posted near Yellow house in September; joined in the Hatcher's run movement in October; the raid on the Weldon railroad in December and the engagement at Dabney's mill in Feb., 1865. On April 1, it participated in the battle of Five Forks and continued the pursuit to Appomattox Court House, where its brigade received the arms and flags of Lee's army. On April 15 it started for Washington, where it was mustered out on June 1, 1865. The recruits were transferred to the 91st Pa. infantry. Roster:
The Roster of this unit contains the names of 2115 men.
Source:
The Union Army by Federal Publishing Company, 1908 - Volume 1
Bibliography:

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