2nd Delaware Infantry Regiment

Posted on January 2, 2009 by Michael Noirot

The 2nd Delaware Infantry Regiment fought in many of the most significant battles in the Eastern Theater.  Organized in Wilmington, Delaware, it had a unique mix of soldiers, from Delaware, Philadelphia, PA and Elkton, MD.  Initial organization of the regiment started in June, 1861 with Colonel W.H. Wharton in command.

The 2nd Delaware would be mustered into Federal service at Camp Andrews, in New Castle, Delaware, on October 17, 1861.  The regiment would be assigned to Dix’s command at Baltimore, Maryland.

During the Peninsula Campaign, it would be assigned to the US Major General Edwin Sumner’s II Corps and would fight in the Third Brigade of the First Division.  It would see action at Savage Station, Gaines’s Mill, Glendale and Malvern Hill during the Seven Days.  After retreating from the Peninsula, at Harrison’s Landing, they would support John Pope’s retreat from Second Manassas.

The 2nd Delaware monument at the Sunken RoadArriving, at Sharpsburg, Maryland, on September 15, the regiment would be under the command of US Captain David L. Strickler.  The 2nd Delaware would participate in some of the hottest fighting at the Battle of Antietam, in the reserve brigade of Israel Richardson’s division.  The brigade would fight at the Bloody Lane and would take part in the capture of the buildings on Piper Farm.  At Antietam, the 2nd Delaware would suffer 58 casualties.

During December 1862, the regiment would participate in the fighting at Fredericksburg, Virginia and Ambrose Burnside’s Mud March in January 1863.  In May 1863, the regiment would participate in the Battle of Chancellorsville.

In July 1863, the 2nd Delaware would fight bravely at the Wheat Field, in Gettysburg.  US Colonel William Baily would command the regiment, until he was wounded with command passing on to Charles Christman.  The regiment would bring 280 men to battle, at Gettysburg and would suffer 83 casualties.

Later in 1863, the 2nd would participate in the Mine Run Campaign.  1864 brought a new level of fighting, and a new commander of all armies – Ulysses S. Grant.  The 2nd Delaware would participate in the Battle of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, North Anna River, Cold Harbor and a portion of the siege on Petersburg including the battles at Jerusalem Plank Road and the Weldon Railroad.

The 2nd Delaware would muster out on July 1, 1864 with the expiration of their enlistment term.  Those soldiers that stayed on as veterans would be assigned to the 1st Delaware.  The regiment would suffer a total of 201 casualties, during the Civil War.

About Michael Noirot

I grew up in the Central Illinois farming community, of Dunlap. Growing up, I played sports, tinkered with cars and enjoyed photography. While I did well in school, I did not become passionate about history until my early 30's. I have built a large library, of books on early America, politics and the Civil War. I am an avid reader. Fortunately, I have had plenty of opportunities to travel, over the years, and have been to most of the Civil War battlefields. I work while I travel, so more often than not, I am up, in the middle of the night, to get sunrise pictures, or I will be out until well after dark, exploring Civil War battlefields. I have other hobbies, and passions, that I really enjoy. Number one on the list would be guitar. I play my guitars on a regular basis, and enjoy the Bluegrass, and Contemporary Christian (CCM) genres. I play a style of guitar, called FLATPICKING, where using a flat pick, you play lead solos, similar to the way a fiddle would have been played during the 19th and early 20th Centuries. Laura, my wife, and I also enjoy scuba diving, travel and spending time at our property, in the country. Lastly, we spend as much time with our families, as possible. Thanks for stopping by.
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