Regimental History of the 84th Infantry - Pa. Volunteers.84th Infantry.- Cols., William G. Murray, Samuel M. Bowman; On Dec. 31, 1861, it left for Hancock, Md. and arrival there on Jan. 2, 1862, crossed the Potomac and moved to Bath. Here it was confronted by the enemy under Stonewall Jackson and fell back to
Hancock. They then moved to It served on provost duty at Berryville until May 2; skirmished on the 31st at Front Royal and again at Port Republic in June. The 84th then remained encamped at Alexandria until July, when under the commend of Col. Bowman it joined Pope's army, and was assigned to Carroll's brigade, Ricketts' division, McDowell's corps. It was only slightly engaged at Cedar mountain, but fought bravely throughout the day at the second battle of Bull Run. Only a fragment of the regiment was fit for duty when it reached Washington, and on account of its reduced condition it remained at Arlington Heights during the Antietam campaign. While here its ranks were filled by about 400 recruits and returning convalescents. At Fredericksburg it formed part of Gen. Whipple's independent division and with its brigade rendered conspicuous service during the battle. When Gen. Hooker took command of the army, the 84th was assigned to the 2nd brigade (Col. Bowman), 3rd division (Gen. Whipple), 3rd corps (Gen. Sickles). Its losses were very heavy at the battle of Chancellorsville - 219 out of 391 engaged. Despite its own heavy losses it succeeded in bringing off 33 prisoners. The 84th now became a part of Gen. Carr's brigade of the 2nd corps. In the Gettysburg campaign it was detailed to guard the corps train and did not share in the great battle. In the Virginia campaign which ensued it was active at Wapping heights, Thoroughfare gap, Freeman's ford, Bristoe Station, Kelly's ford, Jacob's ford, Locust Grove and Mine run, and then went into winter quarters at Brandy Station. Many of the command reenlisted in Jan., 1864, and were given a veteran furlough. It assisted in driving the enemy at Morton's ford, Va., in February, and shared with the 2nd corps in the almost constant fighting from the Wilderness to the James. Lieut-Col. Opp was mortally wounded at the Wilderness while bravely leading a charge, and
in a skirmish at Pleasant hill the gallant Lieut. Nixon, who saved the command from capture at Bull Run, was severely wounded. It shared in the siege of Petersburg until June 27, when it recrossed the James and took part in the action at Deep Bottom. It then reengaged in the work of the siege until
Aug. 14, when it was again in action at Deep Bottom and Strawberry Plains. Once more it returned to the work of the siege, was engaged at Yellow tavern, where Lieut.-Col. Zinn was
severely wounded, and in October the original members, except veterans and recruits, were mustered out of service. Sources: |
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