Historical Notes:
The Virginia 53rd Infantry Regiment was organized in December, 1861, by consolidating Tomlin's and Montague's Battalions, and Waddill's Infantry Company. Many of the men were recruited in Halifax, New Kent, Charles City, and Pittsylvania counties. The unit was active from Seven Pines to Gettysburg, served in North Carolina, then fought at Drewry's Bluff and Cold Harbor. Later it participated in the long Petersburg siege north of the James River and the Appomattox Campaign. This regiment contained 468 effectives in June, 1862, lost 31 of the 128 engaged at Malvern Hill, and reported 11 casualties during the Maryland Campaign. Of the 435 who saw action at Gettysburg more than thirty percent were disabled, and there were 3 killed, 33 wounded, and 3 missing at Drewry's Bluff. Many were captured at Sayler's Creek, and 6 officers and 74 men surrendered on April 9, 1865.
Officers:
The field officers were Colonels William R. Aylett, John Grammar, Jr., Carter L. Stevenson, and Harrison B. Tomlin; Lieutenant Colonels Rawley W. Martin, Edgar B. Montague, John C. Timberlake, and George M. Waddill; and Majors Henry Edmundson and William Leigh.
Assignments:
Assigned to General Armistead's, Barton's, and Steuart's Brigade, Army of Northern Virginia.
Battles:
Seven Days' Battles
Second Battle of Manassas
Battle of Antietam
Battle of Fredericksburg
Battle of Chancellorsville
Battle of Gettysburg
Overland Campaign
Siege of Petersburg
Battle of Sailor's Creek
Appomattox Campaign
Battle of Five Forks
Rosters:
The roster of this unit contains the names of 2504 men.
Company A (Halifax Light Infantry) - Halifax County
Company B (Chatham Grays) - Pittsylvania County
Company C (Edmunds Guards) - Union Church in Halifax County
Company D (Old Dominion Riflemen) - probably from Prince Edward County
Company E (Logan Guards or Davy Logan Guards) - Richmond
Historical Notes: