Historical Sketch:
Cols., Robert E. Patterson, F. A. Lancaster, William C. Ward ; Lieut. -Cols., Robert Thompson, William C. Ward, John P. Dunne; Majs., F. A. Lancaster, John P. Dunne, William A. Reilly. The 115th was recruited in Philadelphia and the counties of Cambria, Lebanon and Lancaster and was organized early in the year 1862. It encamped at Diamond Cottage, Camden, N. J., where it was mustered into the U. S. service for three years, and until June 25 it guarded prisoners at Harrisburg, when it moved to join the army on the Peninsula. At Harrison's landing, where it arrived on July 4, the regiment was assigned to the 3d brigade, Hooker's division, 3d corps, with which it was engaged at Malvern Hill in August. It was active at Kettle run, and the second Bull Run; was in support at Chantilly, after which Hooker's division was ordered to Washington, where it remained until November. It then rejoined the army, being encamped during November and the first part of December, at Catlett's station, Bristoe Station, Manassas Junction and Falmouth, leaving the last camp to participate in the battle of Fredericksburg and the "Mud March," and returning to occupy it until the Chancellorsville movement. In this action the part of the 115th was an important one and it sustained heavy losses. Again the camp at Falmouth was occupied until the troops left for Pennsylvania, arriving at Gettysburg on the evening of July 1. The next day the regiment was first posted in advance of the line of battle near Round Top, which position proved too exposed to be held and the troops were obliged to withdraw to the main line. Here they withstood steadfastly the terrific onslaughts of the enemy until relieved. The regiment sustained severe losses on this bloody field. Returning southward with the army, the 3d corps met the enemy at Wapping heights and went into camp at Bealeton Station. September was spent in camp at Culpeper and on Oct. 15, the regiment engaged at McLean's ford, where it moved to relieve the 6th N. J. It was next in action at Kelly's ford and Mine run and it went into winter quarters at Brandy Station. With Birney's division of Hancock's corps, it fought at the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, the North Anna, Totopotomy, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. By this time the ranks had become so thinned by the arduous service of the campaign that it was considered advisable to consolidate the 115th with the 190th Pa. infantry, which was accordingly done by special order of the war department on June 22, 1864. The field and staff were mustered out on June 23, the company officers retained in service, and the enlisted men were mustered out with the 190th at Washington on June 28, 1865.
Roster:
The Roster of this unit contains the names of 1257 men. Source:
The Union Army by Federal Publishing Company, 1908 - Volume 1 Bibliography:
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