MARYLAND PURNELL LEGION CAVALRY (Three Years)

Purnell Legion Infantry. Cols., William H. Purnell, William J. Leonard, Samuel A. Graham; Lieut.-Cols., John G. Johannes, Benjamin L. Simpson; Majs., E. R. Petherbridge, William I. Taylor, William T. Fulton, Robert G. King. The Purnell Legion really consisted of nine companies of infantry, two companies of cavalry and two batteries of light artillery, recruited during the months of Nov. and Dec., 1861, under the direction of Col. Purnell, who was then postmaster at Baltimore. The infantry legion was organized at Pikesville, near Baltimore, Companies A, B, C, H and K coming from the city of Baltimore, Co. E from Cecil county, F from Baltimore county, D and G from Somerset and Worcester counties. It was mustered in for three years about the close of the year and until March, 1862, was attached to Dix's division of the Army of the Potomac. It was then assigned to the middle department of the 8th corps where as part of Lockwood's brigade it assisted in driving the armed Confederate bands from the eastern shore of Virginia. When Gen. Banks was driven from the Shenandoah Valley in May the regiment was hurried to Harper's Ferry to check the advance of the Confederate army, after which it was assigned to the 2nd division, 2nd corps, served under Gen. Pope in his campaigns in Virginia, and later was in the battle of Antietam. After that engagement it was made a part of the 2nd brigade, 2nd division, 12th corps, with which it remained until in Dec., 1862, when it was returned to the 8th corps. In May, 1864, it was assigned to the 2nd brigade, 2nd division, 5th corps with which it took part in the Wilderness and Petersburg campaigns under Gen. Grant. It fought at Harper's Ferry, Antietam, Shady Grove, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, the assaults on Petersburg, Weldon railroad, Peebles' farm, Poplar Spring church, and in a number of minor actions during the operations about Richmond and Petersburg. On Oct. 24, 1864, the original members, except those who re-enlisted, were mustered out, and the veterans were consolidated with the 1st Md. infantry. While in service the legion marched 811 miles, traveled by rail 316 miles and by water 653 miles. It lost 43 men killed in battle and 74 who died of disease. Source: The Union Army, vol. 2 Antietam after battle report: Report of Lieut. Col. Benjamin L. Simpson, Purnell Legion, Maryland Infantry, of the battle of Antietam. LOUDOUN HEIGHTS, VA., September 27, 1862. Report of the proceedings of the Purnell Legion during the battle of Antietam: We entered the field about 7 o'clock, and were immediately detached from our brigade, by order of Gen. Williams, and sent to the support of the One hundred and twenty-fourth Pennsylvania Regiment, which position we held until ordered away. It entered the woods on the right of a white school-house, where it formed in line and went into action, where it remained until the enemy appeared in overwhelming numbers and compelled it to retire. If fell back to the woods on our right, where our artillery were stationed, when we again formed in line, and went into camp with the brigade. All of which is respectfully submitted. B. L. SIMPSON, Lieut.-Col., Commanding Purnell Legion.

Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 19. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 27

Maryland Purnell Legion Infantry (Union)

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