PENNSYLVANIA ONE HUNDRED and TWENTY SIXTH INFANTRY (Nine Months)

One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Infantry. Col., James G. Elder; Lieut.-Col., D. W. Rowe; Majs., James C. Austin, Robert S. Brownson. In response to the call of July, 1862, the 126th was recruited in Juniata, Fulton and Franklin counties and mustered into the U. S. service at Harrisburg early in August for a nine months' term. It moved to Washington on Aug. 15 and was sent to Cloud's mills, where it was attached to the 1st brigade, 3d division, 5th corps. On Sept. 12, it started for Antietam, but was held in reserve during the battle, afterward encamping at Sharpsburg, where many of the men were near home. The next post was at Warrenton, Va., and then the army moved to Falmouth. In the battle of Fredericksburg, the regiment participated in the ineffectual charge of Humphrey's division upon Marye's heights, sustaining severe loss. The charge of the division was highly complimented by Gens. Hooker and Tyler. After sharing in the discomforts of the futile "Mud March," the regiment established winter quarters at Falmouth and remained there until the opening of the Chancellorsville campaign at the end of April, 1863. It was closely engaged on May 2, the brigade holding its ground until its ammunition was exhausted, when, failing to receive support, it was obliged to fall back after suffering heavy loss. For its courage and steadiness it was highly praised by Gen. Tyler. On May 20, 1863, the 126th was mustered out of service at Harrisburg.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 1

Pennsylvania 126th Volunteer Infantry (Union)

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