NINETEENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY, U. S. COLORED TROOPS,

MARYLAND VOLUNTEERS.

THE Nineteenth Regiment Infantry, United States Colored Troops, Mary-
land Volunteers, was organized by Brig. General Birney, U. S. V., at
Benedict, Md., December 15, 1863.

It was composed largely of colored men from Southern Maryland and
the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

The regiment remained in the camp of instruction at Benedict, Mary-

land until ordered to Baltimore City, March 1, 1864, It acquired great
proficiency in discipline and drill, and performed provost duty at Baltimore City, which
notwithstanding the prejudice against the colored troops, their bearing and military qualities,
challenged, merited and obtained general approval and great credit.

March 22, 1864, a Battalion of the regiment was ordered to Harper's Ferry, Va.,
thence marched to Winchester, Va.; whilst en-route thereto the battalion was attacked by
the enemy's cavalry near Berryville, who were repulsed with serious loss.

The battalion proceeded thence to Winchester, Va , and having accomplished the
purpose of the expedition, returned to Harper's Ferry, pursued by the enemy's cavalry.

In the latter part of April 1864, the regiment was ordered to join the army of the
Potomac then under the immediate supervision and control of General Grant. The regiment
marched via Washington and Alexandria to Manassas, Va., which point they reached May 1,
1864, and on the 6th day of May 1864, received their first baptism of fire, in the battle of
Wilderness. The regiment was assigned to the 9th army corps. Gen. A. E. Burnside in
command.

On the 13th day of May 1864, whilst the regiment was assigned to duty guarding the
trains of the army of the Potomac, it was attacked by Hampton's Legion of Confederate
Cavalry which it handsomely repulsed.

The regiment remained with the 9th army corps throughout all of the vicissitudes,
hardships, trials, tribulations and battles, incident to the campaign of Grant's Army that
culminated in the Siege of Petersburg, Va.

On the 27th day of November 1864, the 19th regiment was transferred to and consoli-
dated with 25th army corps.

The regiment took a very active part in the series of engagements, incident to the Siege
of Petersburg and the capture of Richmond, Va. The regiment being amongst the first
troops to enter the Confederate Capital.

The gallantry of the regiment at the battle on Cemetery Hill near Richmond, Va., was
conspicuous and the losses very severe, one half of the number engaged were killed and