104th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry

Historical Sketch:
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 James island was held against the attack of the enemy on July 16, but the troops were withdrawn to Folly island the next day.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. Roster:
The Roster of this unit contains the names of 3005 men.
Source:
The Union Army by Federal Publishing Company, 1908 - Volume 1
Bibliography:

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