97th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry

Historical Sketch:
Cols., Henry R. Guss, Galusha Pennypacker, John Wainwright.; Lieut.-Cols., Augustus P. Duer, Galusha Pennypacker, G. W. Hawkins, John Wainwright, William H. Martin; Majs., Galusha Pennypacker, Isaiah Price, William H. Martin, L. R. Thomas. The 97th was composed of two companies mainly from Delaware county, and the remainder from Chester county, a great many of its members having previously served in the militia and in the three months' service. It was organized at Camp Wayne, West Chester, from Aug. 22 to Oct. 28, 1861, and mustered into the U. S. service for a three years' term. It left for Washington on Nov. 12, was ordered to Fortress Monroe and embarked for Port Royal, S. C. In Jan., 1862, it embarked on an expedition to Warsaw sound, near Savannah, proceeding thence to Fernandina and Jacksonville, Fla., returning to Hilton Head in March. On April 19 it was ordered to Edisto island and in June to Legareville, where two companies were detailed, while the remainder camped before Secessionville and was warmly engaged in the battle of June 16. In July it returned to Hilton Head and was posted in September at various points on Broad river, where the men suffered so terribly from fevers that it was found necessary to order them to St. Helena island, which was done on Nov. 20. The regiment participated in the expedition to Charleston in April, 1863, but returned to Hilton Head, where it was transferred from the 1st to the 3d brigade and sent to Seabrook island. It joined in the siege of Fort Wagner and in October was ordered to garrison Fernandina. In March, 1864, 337 men reenlisted and were furloughed. In April the 97th was ordered to Fortress Monroe and assigned to the 1st brigade, 3d division, 10th corps, Army of the James. It was active at Swift creek, Drewry's bluff, and Ware Bottom Church. On May 27, part of the 10th corps was sent to the support of Gen. Grant at Cold Harbor, where it remained until June 12. Moving to Petersburg it was in action repeatedly. In December the white troops of the 10th and 18th corps were reorganized to form the 24th, and in December the 97th, with the 2nd division of the 24th corps, joined in an expedition to Fort Fisher, N. C, but returned without making an assault. In Jan., 1865, a second expedition composed of the same troops, with some additions, succeeded in capturing the fort after a desperate struggle. Wilmington next fell into their hands and on March 15, they joined Gen. Sherman at Goldsboro. After being posted for a time at Raleigh and Gaston, the regiment was finally mustered out at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, 1865. It lost during service 136 killed in action or died of wounds out of a total number of 1,794. Roster:
The Roster of this unit contains the names of 3326 men.
Source:
The Union Army by Federal Publishing Company, 1908 - Volume 1
Bibliography:

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