The Soldiers' journal. (Rendezvous of Distribution, Va.) 1864-1865, 1864-05-11
THE SOLDIERS JOURNAL.
LOCAL AND PERSONAL ITEMS.


THE FIRST MARYLAND VETERAN VOLUNTEERS
commanded by Lieut. Col. j. w. Wilson, arriv
ed in camp on Saturday last, having been pre-
vented from joining the army by the recent
pension of railroad communication. This regi-
ment was recruited in Baltimore and the adjoin
ing counties, in May 1861 and organized under
Col. John r. Kenly, at Washington junction in
the same month. In point of unconditional 10y
ally and fervent patriotism this regiment has few
EQUALS and, when we remember that it's organi-
cation took place at time when it was difficult
to say whether Maryland belonged to the Union
the Confederacy, no superiors, and we pay
them no undue honor when we say that wher-
ever they have met the enemy they have fully
vindicated the honor of their gallant State,
and proven the invincibility of the Union of
which it is justly termed the heart. Its his
tory may be briefly stated las follows Assigned
to Banks Department early in the summer of
'61 they performed picket duty the Upper
Potomac until March, 62, during which time
they almost continually skrmishing with
the enemy. Ordered to Balls Bluff, but was not
brought into active participation in that disas-
trous affair, but rendered efficient service in
veying our shattered forces the river at it's
close. Took part in Banks advance up the
Shenandoah, participating in all the service of
that campaign including the battle of Winches-
ter, and at its close were stationed at Front Roy
AL where, on the 23rd of May, '62, they were at
tackled by Jacksons entire army, but by most
determined and obstinate bravery checked his
advance until the safety of Banks command was
secured by orderly retreat After six hours
of hard fighting they were compelled to succomb
before superior numbers, and almost the entire
command, including the field and staff, was cap
tured, Col Kenly being severely wounded. Ex-
changed, and re-organized at Williamsport, Md,
in the following November. Col. Kenly, having
been promoted to be Brigadier General for mer
itorious services, was succeeded in command
of the regiment by Col. N. F. Dushane After
their reorganization, assigned to the defenses of
Harper's Ferry, where they remained until May,
'63, when they proceeded to Western Virginia to
intercept Imboden in his celebrated raid on the
Baltimore and Ohio railroad, after accomplishing
which they returned to Harper's Ferry where
they remained until Lee entered Maryland on
his Gettysburg campaign, when they proceeded
to Frederic part of Frenchs command, and
after the defeat of Lee took active part in his
pursuit to Virginia. After joining the Army Of
the Potomac the regiment was assigned to the
First Corps, and Gen. Henley being assigned to
the command of Division, succeeded in
the command of the Brigade by Col. Dushane
who was in turn succeeded by Lieut.. Col. Will
son, in command of the regiment Participated
in all the movements of the army since that
time, taking conspicuous part in the fight at
Thoroughfar Gap, in October last. Re-enlisted
in December and January.
LARGE NUMBERS of recruits detached vete-
rams and convalescents have arrived in camp