22nd Massachusetts Infantry Regiment

Discovering the Unyielding Spirit of the 22nd Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry

Imagine a group of men, united by their resolve to defend their nation during one of its darkest hours. The 22nd Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, formed in Boston on September 28, 1861, was just such a group. Senator Henry Wilson, a key figure in the formation and early leadership of this regiment, saw it as more than just soldiers; he envisioned them as the backbone of a nation fighting for its very survival.

These men were not merely cogs in a machine but individuals with stories, dreams, and fears. They came from different walks of life, united by their commitment to serve their country. The regiment was initially composed of 10 companies recruited from around Massachusetts, each bringing unique skills and backgrounds that would prove invaluable on the battlefield.

As they arrived in Washington in October 1861, the 22nd became part of the Army of the Potomac. Their journey was fraught with challenges, but their spirit remained unbroken. They saw action during various battles, including Yorktown and Gettysburg, where they faced some of the fiercest fighting of the Civil War.

How did these men endure such trials? The answer lies in their training and discipline. At Hall’s Hill, they honed their skills, learning the intricacies of military drill and tactics that would later save lives on the battlefield. Their rigorous training prepared them not just for physical combat but also for the psychological challenges they faced.

The regiment’s first major engagement came near Yorktown on April 5, 1862. As skirmishers under fire, they demonstrated their courage and determination. The 22nd was encamped near Wormley Creek during the month-long siege, ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice.

What did this mean for them? It meant living in constant readiness, knowing that danger could come at any time. Their bravery and resilience were tested daily as they prepared for an attack that never came but was always looming on the horizon.

The Battle of Gaines’ Mill

On June 27, 1862, during the Seven Days Battles, the 22nd faced one of its most significant challenges. Colonel Gove led the charge and was the first Union soldier to mount the Confederate works. The regiment’s flag was planted on the ramparts outside of Yorktown, a symbol of their bravery and sacrifice.

But what did this battle mean for them? It meant that every man in the 22nd had lost a comrade by nightfall. Colonel Gove’s death was one of the greatest disasters of the day, leaving a void that could not be easily filled.

The regiment suffered heavy casualties, with 71 killed, 86 wounded, and 177 captured. The historian’s words ring true: ‘It was a sad night for the Twenty-second.’ Not a man but had lost a comrade, for one-half of those who marched in the morning were no longer in the ranks.

The Long March

After the Battle of Gaines’ Mill, the 22nd played little role in the next three days of fighting. They remained encamped near Malvern Hill with the rest of the V Corps, where they finally stopped Lee’s offensive.

What did this mean for them? It meant that their efforts had not been in vain; they had contributed to a significant victory. The regiment was then shifted to several different defensive entrenchments outside of Arlington, Virginia, as the Army of the Potomac prepared for further battles.

The 22nd Massachusetts Regiment left Arlington on September 12 and marched through Maryland, approaching Lee’s army at Sharpsburg. They took part in the Battle of Antietam but didn’t participate in assaults due to McClellan’s uncoordinated attacks.

Challenges and Triumphs

The regiment remained in camp for over a month before breaking camp and marching south into Virginia on October 30. They arrived just as Ambrose Burnside took command of the Army of the Potomac and began preparations for the Battle of Fredericksburg.

What did this mean for them? It meant that they were part of a larger strategy, one that aimed to bring an end to the Confederate threat. The 22nd crossed one of the pontoon bridges on December 13 and suffered heavy casualties under intense artillery fire before being relieved by the 20th Maine around nightfall.

The regiment was exposed to Confederate artillery and took cover, waiting for dawn to issue ammunition. They spent another day pinned down due to constant fire but eventually retired to the city of Fredericksburg, then crossed pontoon bridges to Falmouth.

Enduring Through Adversity

The 22nd set up winter camp on December 22, 1862, about 1 mile northeast of Stoneman’s Station. They built log huts and improvised chimneys and remained for approximately six months during the first half of 1863.

How did they endure? Through sheer willpower and a sense of duty. They participated in the Mud March, a failed attempt to attack the flank of the Confederate army, and the Battle of Chancellorsville, where they secured the fords along the Rapidan River.

The Final Years

During this time, Colonel Tilton was promoted, but Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Sherwin took command of the 22nd soon after. The regiment packed up on May 28 and left Camp Gove to be deployed as an observation force along the Rappahannock River.

What did this mean for them? It meant that they were part of a larger strategy, one that aimed to detect Lee’s army movements. They were unsuccessful in doing so but remained vigilant until June 3, when Lee’s army marched from Fredericksburg and met Union forces at Gettysburg.

The 22nd arrived at Gettysburg around dawn on July 2 and was deployed to support the III Corps. They engaged Confederates in the Wheatfield, but were ordered by Brig. Gen. Barnes to withdraw, leaving a gap in the Union line. The regiment retreated across the Wheatfield to Trostle’s Farm and eventually took new positions along a stone wall and in Devil’s Den.

The 22nd Massachusetts Regiment remained in its position during Pickett’s Charge while suffering heavy casualties. The regiment suffered 15 killed and 25 wounded or 60% casualties during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Continuing the Fight

In September 1863, the regiment was reinforced with 200 draftees and participated in minor engagements along the Rappahannock River. In March 1864, Colonel Tilton was relieved of command, and the regiment marched southeast from Rappahannock Station under Lieutenant General Ulysses Grant’s leadership.

What did this mean for them? It meant that they were part of a larger strategy, one that aimed to bring an end to the Confederate threat. The regiment took part in several battles during the Overland campaign, including the Battles of Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Totopotomoy Creek, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg.

Advancing at a run in the face of heavy canister fire, the 22nd reached the ravine but were subjected to severe musket and artillery fire. They pushed forward to the Norfolk Railroad cut, forcing the Confederates back to their entrenchments. The regiment lost seven killed and 14 wounded during the assault on Petersburg.

The 22nd was marched to several positions along the siege lines outside of Petersburg in June 1864. On August 8, they were posted on guard duty at City Point, Virginia, until October 3, when their three years of service expired.

Aftermath and Legacy

The regiment remained in Boston for a short time before being officially mustered out on October 17, 1864. Notable members included Senator Henry Wilson, who became one of the leading Radical Republicans in Congress and published his History of the Rise and Fall of the Slave Power.

What does this legacy mean for us today? It means that their sacrifice and bravery are remembered and honored. The regimental association was formed after the war, with reunions that eventually opened to enlisted men. The purpose was to preserve history and perpetuate [the 22nd’s] deeds and their men.

The association organized projects including a bust of Henry Wilson in the Massachusetts State House and a regimental monument near the Wheatfield on the Gettysburg battlefield. A reenactment group, the 22nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Inc., portrays Company D of the regiment at various events and re-enactments based on the South Shore of Massachusetts.

The 22nd Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who fought for their country. Their legacy lives on through their stories, their sacrifices, and the monuments that honor them. As we remember their bravery, let us also reflect on the importance of unity, resilience, and service.