Clark County WI, Civil War History, 2nd New Hampshire Infantry

2nd New Hampshire Volunteer Regiment

2nd New Hampshire Volunteer Regiment was the longest-serving volunteer regiment of the State of New Hampshire in the American Civil War. The 2nd New Hampshire was organized in early 1861 and mustered in June 4, 1861.

The 2nd NH fought at First Bull Run until the occupation of Richmond approximately four years later. The regiment was led by Colonel Gilman Marston, United State congressman who represented the state in the 51st Congress (1889-1891).

The 2nd New Hampshire wore the Union gray uniforms with "spiketail" dress coats trimmed in red cord, and "jaunty forage caps" with "2nd NH" on the crown.

Of the of the 900 who fought in regiment's first battle at the First Bull Run, seven were killed, 56 wounded (seven mortally), and 46 missing (many of them wounded and all of them captured by Confederates). Marston had his arm shattered and refused amputation. He went on to recover and lead the 2nd New Hampshire at the battles of Williamsburg.

At the Gettysburg, the 2nd New Hampshire entered that battle with 353 solders. In under three hours, 47 were killed, 136 wounded and 36 men went missing; of the 24 officers, only three were not killed or wounded. Due to their high losses, the 2nd New Hampshire was assigned to guard duty at Point Lookout, Maryland with the 5th and 12th New Hampshire Volunteer Regiments. The 2nd New Hampshire returned to battle in time for Cold Harbor where it suffered heavy casualties of nineteen killed and 54 wounded.

Shortly after Cold Harbor, 223 had completed their enlistments and returned home. Of the original members, 70 reenlisted and with recruits, continued to be the 2nd New Hampshire. However, many who returned home enlisted in other units. During the Civil War it had 178 men killed or mortally wounded in action and another 172 deaths by disease, accidents, or as a result of being prisoners of war.