MAINE NINETEENTH INFANTRY (Three Years)

Nineteenth Infantry.--Cols., Frederick D. Sewell, Francis E. Heath, Selden Connor, James W. Welch, Isaac W. Starbird; Lieut.-Cols., Francis E. Heath, Henry W. Cunningham, Isaac W. Starbird, Joseph W. Spaulding; Majs., Henry W. Cunningham, James W. Welch, Isaac W. Starbird, Joseph W. Spaulding, David E. Parsons. A large portion of the men in the 19th came from Sagadohoc, Waldo, Knox and Kennebec counties and the regiment was mustered into the U. S. service at Bath, Aug. 25, 1862, to serve for three years. On the 27th it left for Washington, numbering 39 officers and 969 enlisted men, having been raised, organized and equipped in less than four weeks. It remained in garrison at Washington until the end of September, when it went to Harper's Ferry, and was assigned to the 1st brigade, 2nd division, 2nd corps. During a reconnaissance in force Oct. 16, to Charlestown, it was under fire for the first time, the men behaving with the coolness which ever afterwards characterized the regiment. During its term of service, it saw an unusual amount of active duty, and, in addition to innumerable skirmishes, was engaged in the battles at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Bristoe Station, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Mine run, Spottsylvania Court House, Po river, Totopotomy, North Anna river, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Deep Bottom, Reams' station, Strawberry Plains, Hatcher's run, Boydton plank road, Fort Powell, Amelia Springs and High bridge. At Gettysburg it went into action with 440 officers and men and lost during two days 12 officers and 220 enlisted men. Its losses were also very severe at the battle of the Wilderness, on the Jerusalem plank road, and in front of Petersburg. It was exposed to the fire of artillery and sharpshooters in the immediate front of Petersburg both night and day, from Oct. 20 to 26, 1864. Its casualties during the year 1864 were as follows: killed in action, 61; wounded, 16 officers, 283 men; captured, 1 officer, 133 men. On June 18, 1864, 277 men were transferred to this regiment from the 4th Me. infantry, and on Oct. 22, 1864, the 5th unassigned Me. infantry, organized at Augusta, Oct. 4, 1864, to serve one, two and three years, joined this regiment. On May 2, 1865, it left Burkesville, Va., for Washington, and was mustered out on May 31 at Bailey's cross-roads. The officers and men whose term of service did not expire prior to Oct. 1, 1865, were transferred to the 1st Me. heavy artillery. Source: The Union Army, vol. 1 Gettysburg after battle report: Report of Col. Francis E. Heath, Nineteenth Maine Infantry. Near Gettysburg, Pa., July 4, 1863. I have the honor to make the following report of the share taken by my regiment in the late engagements: On the afternoon of the 2d, my regiment was placed in position, under the eye of the general commanding, to the left, and supporting Brown's Rhode Island battery. At a little past 6 p. m. the enemy advanced and my regiment became engaged. After firing about 10 rounds, I ordered an advance, and took quite a number of prisoners. I also retook four Napoleon guns that had been abandoned by some of our forces that had been posted to my left and front. The guns were sent immediately to the rear, after which I fell back to our old position. On the following day my position was on the left of the Eighty-second New York Volunteers, and, when the enemy advanced, I was ordered with the rest of the brigade to the support of the Second Brigade. While there engaged, I lost very heavily, especially in non-commissioned officers. Two battle-flags of the enemy were taken by men of my regiment, but were torn from the lances by men of other regiments. Of the conduct of the officers and men of my regiment, I cannot speak too highly. I would gladly particularize, but any distinction would be invidious, for all did nobly. I have already forwarded a list of casualties.* Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. E. HEATH, Col., Comdg. Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen., First Brigade. __________

Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 27. Part I. Reports. Serial No. 43

Maine 19th Volunteer Infantry (Union)

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