Black returned to Pittsburgh to take command of the Union Army's 62nd Pennsylvania Infantry made up of three-year volunteers, the first to leave the city to fight in the Civil War. Black was an eager commander, who died early in the war. During the Peninsula Campaign, the Sixty Second Pennsylvania Infantry was part of Charles Griffin's brigade of George W. Morell's division of the V Corps. Having led his regiment as part of a counter-offensive that turned the tide of the Battle of Hanover Court House, Black went on to distinguish himself at the Battle of Beaver Dam Creek on June 26, 1862, leading his regiment with that fervor and enthusiasm as they held their position.