82nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry

Historical Sketch:
Cols., David H. Williams, Isaac C. Bassett; Lieut.-Cols., Frank Vallee, John M. Wetherill, James R. Neiler; Majs., John M. Wetherill, Isaac C. Bassett, Lyon L. Emanuel, William Clark. The 82nd regiment, numbered the 31st until after the battle of Fair Oaks, was recruited from Philadelphia, with the exception of Co. B, which was recruited in Pittsburg, in the late summer of 1861. The men rendezvoused at Suffolk Park, and in July, August and September were slowly mustered into the U. S. service for three years. On account of the threatened danger to the national capital the first four companies assembled were ordered to Washington and the other companies joined them there as fast as they were organized. The regimental organization was effected in Washington. It was assigned to the 1st brigade (Gen. Graham), 1st division (Gen. Buell and later Gen. Couch), 4th corps (Gen. Keyes). It occupied the defenses of Washington for a period of 6 months, engaged in drill, guard and fatigue duty, but March 9 it advanced with the army to Manassas. It returned again after a few days to its old quarters and two weeks later proceeded to Fortress Monroe, whence it moved upon McClellan's Peninsular campaign. The first month was passed at Yorktown, where it crossed the Chickahominy on May 22 and on the 31st engaged the enemy at Fair Oaks, its first serious battle, displaying commendable coolness and bravery. Its loss here was 8 killed and 24 wounded. On the retreat to Harrison's landing it was engaged at Charles City cross-roads and Malvern hill, suffering severely in the latter battle. It was in line, but not active, at Chantilly and was only slightly engaged at Antietam. Shortly after this battle it encamped at Downsville, where it was attached to the 6th corps, with which it continued throughout the remainder of its service. It was active at Fredericksburg, but was protected by a deep ditch from the heavy fire of the enemy and suffered only small loss. The winter was without especial incident, except Burnside's Mud March in Jan., 1863. In the Chancellorsville campaign the corps was commanded by Gen. Sedgwick and the division by Gen. Newton. It was heavily engaged at the battle of Chancellorsville, where it formed part of the column which stormed Marye's heights, and it also shared in the desperate fighting at Salem Church. Moving in June on the Gettysburg campaign, it arrived on the field of battle after a hard forced march, on the afternoon of July 2, and went into position on the left of the line near Little Round Top. The fighting had nearly ceased at this point and it was not engaged, but on the third day of the battle it was shifted to the extreme right of the line in support of Gen. Geary and was exposed to a severe artillery fire. It was then moved to the left and finally to the center, where it was in reserve until the close of the battle. In the pursuit of Lee which followed it had a sharp skirmish with the enemy at Funkstown, Md. When the army returned to Virginia it shared in the ensuing campaign of maneuvers ; acted as support to a battery at Rappahannock Station ; participated in the abortive movement upon Mine run ; and went into winter quarters at Brandy Station upon the abandonment of the campaign. While here, about one-half the regiment reenlisted and was given a veteran furlough. It was ordered with its brigade at this time to Johnson's island, opposite Sandusky, Ohio, as it was thought best to strengthen the guard over the Confederate officers there confined until the ice on Lake Erie should break up. On May 6 it proceeded to Washington and thence to Belle Plain landing, where it was engaged in guarding prisoners for a time. It rejoined the brigade at the North Anna river, but was not heavily engaged until the army reached Cold Harbor, where it lost 173 in killed, wounded and missing, more than half its effective strength. Among the wounded was Col. Bassett. It crossed the James river on June 16; was engaged in a brisk skirmish with the enemy's cavalry on June 29, and on July 6 hastened with the 6th corps to the defense of Washington, then threatened by Gen. Early. It was active at Fort Stevens in July and again at Summit Point in August. While at Berryville, Va., the original term of enlistment expired and the regiment, except veterans and recruits, was ordered to Philadelphia, where it was mustered out on Sept. 16, 1864. The veterans and recruits were organized into a battalion of five companies, which were subsequently joined by the veterans of the 23d Pa. and the regimental organization was maintained under the command of Col. Bassett. It now shared in the successful campaign of Gen. Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, after which it returned with the 6th corps to the trenches in front of Petersburg. In the final campaign of 1865 it was engaged with loss at Sailor's creek and was at the extreme front when Lee surrendered. The regiment was finally mustered out on July 13, 1865, at Hall's hill, Va. Roster:
The Roster of this unit contains the names of 3342 men.
Source:
The Union Army by Federal Publishing Company, 1908 - Volume 1
Bibliography:

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