In response to Lt. Gen. Longstreet's Siege of Suffolk, The 2nd Brigade was detached on 15 April 1863, from XXII Corps and sailed down the Potomac to Hampton Roads as part of the relief force.Arriving at midnight on the 17th,the 40th and its brigade became 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, VII Corps, Department of Virginia. After Longstreet lifted the siege to rejoin Lee, the 40th moved across the James to Newport News where it remained for the remainder of May.