Historical Sketch:
Col., Henry L. Cake; Lieut. -Col., John B. Selheimer; Maj., Edward B. Pearson, Jr. The 25th infantry was composed of the first five companies, who volunteered in Pennsylvania, three new companies and two companies formed from the surplus of the five original ones. At the outbreak of hostilities, the need for the immediate presence of troops in Washington was so urgent that the first five companies who responded were sent to the national capital without waiting to perfect their regimental organization. They were the Logan Guards of Lewistown; the Allen Guard of Allentown; the Washington Artillery and the National Light Infantry of Pottsville; and the Ringgold Light Artillery of Reading. They were mustered into the U. S. service on April 18, 1861, at Harrisburg for a three months' term, and the same day left for Washington. Upon arriving in Baltimore hostile demonstrations were made by the citizens and unchecked by the large body of police present, but the detachment passed through the city in safety, although almost entirely unarmed, the loaded revolvers of the Logan Guards and their muskets which were capped and carried half-cocked, though powder was lacking, being the only arms. This show of force and the calm demeanor of the men held the furious mob at bay and the troops arrived that evening in Washington, the first to reach the threatened city. Cos. E, H and B garrisoned Fort Washington during the whole term of service; Cos. A and C were assigned to guard duty at the Washington arsenal and the remaining five companies joined the Rockville expedition at Poolesville, marched to Williamsport and Martinsburg and were assigned to the 7th brigade, 3d division. They shared in the marches to Bunker Hill and Charlestown and were mustered out with the remainder of the regiment at Harrisburg on July 26.
Roster:
The Roster of this unit contains the names of 977 men. Source:
The Union Army by Federal Publishing Company, 1908 - Volume 1 Bibliography:
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