The Fourth Alabama Painting by Don Troiani

Second Brigade, Second Division

Lieutenant Colonel F K Wheaton, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry

Lieutenant Colonel F K Wheaton, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry

Second Rhode Island Infantry

Mustered in United States service for three years 4 June, 1861. Arrived at Washington, D. C., 22 June, 1861

COLONEL J S SLOCUM
First Major J S Slocum, 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia, resigned on 8 May, 1861, and was appointed colonel, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, by General Orders No.27, State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Adjutant General's Office, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, on 1 June, 1861, dated 18 May, 1861. Colonel J S Slocum, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, was mortally wounded at the first battle of Bull Run on 21 July, 1861, and Lieutenant Colonel F K Wheaton, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, was appointed colonel, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, on 22 July, 1861. Colonel J S Slocum, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, died at 1 AM on 23 July, 1861.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL F K WHEATON
Brigadier General C T Robbins, Rhode Island Militia, was temporarily appointed acting lieutenant colonel, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, by General Orders No.38, Paragraph II, State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Adjutant General's Office, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, on 19 June, 1861, and Captain F K Wheaton, 1st United States Cavalry, Company B, was appointed lieutenant colonel, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, on 14 July, 1861. Lieutenant Colonel F K Wheaton, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, was appointed colonel, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, and Captain W H P Steere, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company D, was appointed lieutenant colonel, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, on 22 July, 1861.

MAJOR S BALLOU
S Ballou was appointed major, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, on 11 June, 1861, and was mortally wounded at the first battle of Bull Run on 21 July, 1861. Captain N Viall, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company C, was appointed major, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, on 22 July, 1861, and Major S Ballou, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, died on 28 July, 1861.

Company A: CAPT. C G DYER
The company was accepted in state service for three years at Natick, Phoenix, and Apponaug, Providence County, Rhode Island, on 7 May, 1861, and First Lieutenant & Quartermaster C G Dyer, 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia, was appointed captain on 1 June, 1861. The company was mustered in United States service for three years at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, by Colonel G Loomis, 5th United States Infantry, on 5 June, 1861.
Company B: CAPT. J WRIGHT
The company was accepted in state service for three years at Scituate, Johnston, and Cranston, Providence County, Rhode Island, on 7 May, 1861, and was mustered in United States service for three years at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, by Colonel G Loomis, 5th United States Infantry, on 5 June, 1861. First Lieutenant S T Arnold, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company A, was assigned to command the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company B, and wounded at the first battle of Bull Run on 21 July, 1861.
Company C: CAPT. N VIALL
The company was accepted in state service for three years at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, on 7 May, 1861, and First Lieutenant N Viall, 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia, Company B, resigned and was appointed captain, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company C, on 4 June, 1861. The company mustered in United States service for three years at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, by Colonel G Loomis, 5th United States Infantry, on 5 June, 1861, and Captain N Viall, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company C, was appointed major, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, and First Lieutenant O P G Clarke, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company K, was appointed captain, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company C, on 22 July, 1861.
Company D: CAPT. W H P STEERE
The company was accepted in state service for three years at Scituate, Providence County, Rhode Island, on 7 May, 1861, and was mustered in United States service for three years at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, by Colonel G Loomis, 5th United States Infantry, on 5 June, 1861. Captain W H P Steere, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company D, was appointed lieutenant colonel, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, and First Lieutenant E H Sears, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company D, was appointed captain, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company D, on 22 July, 1861.
Company E Narragansett Guards: CAPT. I P RODMAN
The company was accepted in state service for three years at Peace Dale District, South Kingstown, Washington County, Rhode Island, on 7 May, 1861, and was mustered in United States service for three years at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, by Colonel G Loomis, 5th United States Infantry, on 5 June, 1861.
Company F: CAPT. L A TOWER
The company was accepted in state service for three years at Pawtucket, Valley Falls, and Central Falls, Providence County, Rhode Island, on 7 May, 1861, and Ensign L A Tower, 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia, Company E, resigned and was appointed captain, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company F, on 1 June, 1861. The comapny mustered in United States service for three years at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, by Colonel G Loomis, 5th United States Infantry, on 5 June, 1861, and Captain L A Tower, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company F, was killed at the first battle of Bull Run on 21 July, 1861. First Lieutenant G W Weeden, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company G, was appointed captain, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company F, on 22 July, 1861.
Company G: CAPT. N GOFF, JR.
The company was accepted in state service for three years at Bristol and Warren, Bristol County, Rhode Island, on 7 May, 1861, and was mustered in United States service for three years at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, by Colonel G Loomis, 5th United States Infantry, on 5 June, 1861.
Company H Kentish Guards: CAPT. B S Brown
The company was accepted in state service for three years at East Greenwich, Kent County, Rhode Island, on 7 May, 1861, and was mustered in United States service for three years at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, by Colonel G Loomis, 5th United States Infantry, on 5 June, 1861. Captain C W Greene, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company H, was appointed captain, 19th United States Infantry, by General Orders No.33, Paragraph I, War Department, Adjutant General's Office, Washington, D. C., on 18 June, 1861, dated 14 May, 1861, and resigned on 27 June, 1861. First Lieutenant B S Brown, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company H, was appointed captain, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company H, on 28 June, 1861, and was captured at the first battle of Bull Run on 21 July, 1861.
Company I: CAPT. S J SMITH
The company was accepted in state service for three years at Smithsfield and Woonsocket, Providence County, Rhode Island, on 7 May, 1861, and was mustered in United States service for three years at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, by Colonel G Loomis, 5th United States Infantry, on 6 June, 1861. Captain S J Smith, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company I, was killed at the first battle of Bull Run on 21 July, 1861, and First Lieutenant S B M Read, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company E, was appointed captain, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company I, on 22 July, 1861.
Company K: CAPT. C W TURNER
The company was accepted in state service for three years at Newport and Middleton, Aquidneck Island, Newport County, Rhode Island, on 7 May, 1861, and was mustered in United States service for three years at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, by Colonel G Loomis, 5th United States Infantry, on 5 June, 1861.
Band: Band Ldr. P Kalkman
The band was mustered in United States service for three years at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, by Colonel G Loomis, 5th United States Infantry, on 5, 6, and 12 June, 1861.

Organisation of 2nd Rhode Island Infantry at the first battle of Bull Run, 21 July, 1861: Colonel J S Slocum, Lieutenant Colonel F K Wheaton, Major S Ballou; Company A, Captain C G Dyer; Company B, Captain J Wright*; Company C, Captain N Viall; Company D, Captain W H P Steere; Company E, Narragansett Guards, Captain I P Rodman; Company F, Captain L A Tower; Company G, Captain N Goff, Jr.; Company H, Kentish Guards, Captain B S Brown; Company I, Captain S J Smith; Company K, Captain C W Turner

*Not prsent at the first battle of Bull Run on 21 July, 1861

Sources

"The Company formed from the Mechanics Rifles and the Providence Artillery have received their uniform. They will be commanded by Nelson Viall, late First Lieutenant of the Providence Artillery."

The Providence Evening Press (Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island), 1 June, 1861 - Capt. Viall's Company

"This Company was notified by telegraph on Thursday evening to report themselves in Providence immediately. They came up yesterday morning and were quartered at Railroad Halls, taking dinner at the Aldrich House."

The Providence Evening Press (Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island), 1 June, 1861 - Kentish Guards

"Four companies, the marine Artillery, Capt. Dyer's company, Capt. Viall's company and Capt. Goff's company, are provided with temporary tents. Barracks are being erected on the open lot, about 100 feet square, on the corner of Dexter and Division street, in which the remaining companies will lodge tonight."

The Providence Evening Press (Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island), 8 June, 1861 - Camp Burnside

"A long train of cars arrived here at 21/2 o'clock this morning, bringing the splendid second Rhode Island regiment."

National Republican (Washington, D. C.),, 22 June, 1861 - Arrival of the second Rhode Island regiment

"The Second Rhode Island Regiment arrived here this morning at half past two o'clock. They are three year's men. They number 1,228 me, inclusive of their artillery company, which numbers 150 men, and the fine brass band, numbering 20 pieces."

Evening Star (Washington, D. C.),, 22 June, 1861 - More troops: Arrival of the Second Rhode Island Regiment

"The delay in leaving the wharf at Providence prolonged our voyage so that we did not reach Elizabethport, about ten miles from New York, until nearly noon, when a further delay was caused by the grounding of our boat; but once landed, our battery, camp equipage and troops were, with remarkable expedition, transferred to the cars provided for them, and we were soon en route for Easton, Pennsylvania."

"We reached Reading at about 1 o'clock a. m., and, to our surprise, found a large gathering of the citizens with a band of music to welcome us."

"On Friday morning we reached Harrisburg, when we got breakfast."

"At Baltimore, which we reached at 8 o'clock on Friday, a large concourse of people were assembled, and, as soon as the troops could be formed, the regiment led by Gov. Sprague, with its fine band playing, marched through the city, warmly cheered at every step by the crowds in the streets and the people from their houses."

"We were detained here several hours to transfer our long train, which consisted of 22 passenger and 51 freight cars, but once moving, we made no further stops, and reached Washington at 3 o'clock on Saturday morning."

"To leave Providence at 7 o'clock on Wednesday, and reach Washington on Friday night, without an accident or the loss of any property, was certainly creditable to Col. S. P. Sanford who had the entire management of transportation."

"Scarcely ten minutes elapsed before the regiment was formed, when, proceeded by its band, we set of for the camp of the first regiment, which was reached in half an hour."

"The baggage wagons came up an hour or two after bringing the tents, when the camp was established in a beautiful grove adjoining the camp of the first regiment, completely shut out from the sun. This camp was subsequently called Camp Clark, in honour of our Bishop who accompanied the regiment, and who was then its guest."

Manufacturers' & Farmers' Journal (Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island), 1 July, 1861 - Journey of the Second Rhode Island Regiment to Washington

"This splendid brigade, consisting of the two Rhode Island regiments, with their batteries, (one of which is now in Western Virginia,) the New York seventy-first, and the second New Hampshire regiments, yesterday afternoon took its departure for the seat of war."

National Republican (Washington, D. C.), 17 July, 1861 - Departure of Burnside's brigade

"During yesterday, the following, among other troops, returned to Washington, some by companies and others straggling, having walked all the way from the field of battle. About 350 of Fire Zouaves; the second New Hampshire; the first and second Rhode Island regiments, with the gallant Burnside at their head, and accompanied by Gov. Sprague; the Garibaldi Guard; the New York second and twenty-ninth regiments, and stragglers from the 1st Michigan."

National Republican (Washington, D. C.),, 23 July, 1861 - The returning troops

Books/ Manuscripts

Personal narratives of the battles of the Rebellion, being papers read before the Rhode Island soldiers and sailors, Historical Society No.1: The first campaign of the Second Rhode Island Infantry, by Elisha H Rhodes

The Second Rhode Island Regiment: A narrative of military operations in which the regiment was engaged from the beginning to the end of the war for the Union, by Augustus Woodbury

Annual Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island for the year 1865, Providence Press Company, Printers to the State, 1866

The Union Army: A history of military affairs in the loyal states 1861-65, records of the regiments in the Union Army, cyclopedia of battles, memoirs of commanders and soldiers, Volume 1, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware

Notes

The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry was authorised by a proclamation calling for 42,034 volunteers to serve three years, unless sooner discharged, by General Orders No.15, War Department, Adjutant General's Office, Washington, D. C., on 4 May, 1861, dated 3 May, 1861, and was accepted in state service for three years at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, on 7 May, 1861.

Note: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company C, was accepted in state service with detachments of the Providence Artillery and the Mechanic Rifles Nos.1 and 2, and Company D with detachments of the 1st Light Infantry and the City Guards on 7 May, 1861.

General Orders No.27, Headquarters, Rhode Island Militia, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, 18 May, 1861: Brigadier General C T Robbins, Rhode Island Militia, was appointed colonel, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, by General Orders No.24, Headquarters, Rhode Island Militia, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, on 29 April, 1861, and was countermanded by General Orders No.27, Headquarters, Rhode Island Militia, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, on 18 May, 1861.

Note: Major J S Slocum, 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia, arrived by the Worcester & Providence Railraod at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, in the morning on 13 May, 1861, and was appointed colonel, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, by General Orders No.27, Headquarters, Rhode Island Militia, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, on 18 May, 1861 (See the 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia).

East Greenwich, Kent County, to Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, Company H, 31 May, 1861: The Kentish Guards arrived by the Stonnington & Providence Railroad at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, in the morning on 31 May, 1861.

Note: The Kentish Guards was ordered to Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, in the evening on 30 May, 1861, and was stationed at the Railroad Halls, Union Station, opposite Exchange Place, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, on 31 May, 1861.

Bristol & Warren, Bristol County, to Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, Company G, 3 June, 1861: The company, under the command of Captain N Goff, Jr., arrived by the Boston & Providence Railroad at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, in the morning on 3 June, 1861.

Peace Dale District, South Kingstown, Washington County, to Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, Company E, 4 June, 1861: The Narragansett Guards was ordered to proceed by the Stonnington & Providence Railroad to Providence, Providence County, via West Kingston, Washington County, Rhode Island, in the morning on 4 June, 1861.

Note: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Companies A, F, G, and H, were stationed at the Railroad Halls, Union Station, opposite Exchange Place, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island; and Companies E and I at Eddy Street, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, on 4 June, 1861.

Organisation of the 2nd Rhode Island Detached Militia, 4 June, 1861: Colonel J S Slocum; Lieutenant Colonel/ Senior First Lieutenant A R Eddy, 1st United States Artillery, Light Company G; Major Vacant; Company A (83), Captain C G Dyer; Company B (79), Captain J Wright; Company C (83), Providence Artillery & Mechanic Rifles Nos.1 & 2, detachments, Captain N Viall; Company D (83), National Cadets (55), First Light Infantry (25), & City Guards (3), detachments, Captain W H P Steere; Company E (83), Captain I P Rodman; Company F (83), Captain L A Tower; Company G (83), Captain N Goff, Jr.; Company H (83), Captain C W Greene; Company I (82), Captain S J Smith; Company K (82), Captain C W Turner; Providence Marine Corps Artillery (138), Captain W H Reynolds

Mustered in three years, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, 5 & 6 June, 1861: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Companies A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and K, were mustered in United States service for three years at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, by Colonel G Loomis, 5th United States Infantry, on 5 June, 1861, and Company I on 6 June, 1861.

Note: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company A, was stationed at Eddy Street, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, on 6 June, 1861.

Camp Burnside, Dexter Training Ground, between Dexter & Parade Streets, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, 8 June, 1861: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Companies A, C, and G, arrived at Camp Burnside, Dexter Training Ground, between Dexter and Division Streets, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, in the morning on 8 June, 1861, and were accompanied by the 2nd Rhode island Light Artillery (See the 2nd Rhode Island Light Artillery).

Note: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Companies B, D, E, F, H, I, and K, were stationed at Camp Burnside, Dexter Training Ground, corner of Dexter and Division Streets, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, in the evening on 8 June, 1861.

Camp Burnside, Dexter Training Ground, between Dexter & Parade Streets Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, 8 June, 1861: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry arrived at Camp Burnside, Dexter Training Ground, between Dexter and Parade Streets, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, on 8 June, 1861.

Note: Camp Burnside, Dexter Training Ground, between Dexter and Parade Streets, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, was named in honour of Colonel A E Burnside, 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia, by General Orders No.1, Headquarters, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, on 8 June, 1861.

Organisation of 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Band, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, 12 June, 1861: Band Leader P Kalkman, Drum Major J S Potter, Fife Major J H Tennent; Musicians (24)

Note: Colonel W Goddard, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, was relieved from duty with the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry by General Orders No.38, Paragraph I, State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Adjutant General's Office, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, on 19 June, 1861.

Providence to Washington, 19-21 June, 1861

The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry (1,025) was ordered to proceed by the steamer State of Maine to New York City, New York County, New York, at 7.30 PM on 19 June, 1861, and was accompanied by Governor W Sprague, State of Rhode Island. The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Companies B, E, G, and K, arrived by the steamer Metropolis on the North/ Hudson River at Pier No.3, southwest of Morris Street, on West Street, New York City, New York County, New York, at 9 AM on 20 June, 1861, and Companies A, C, D, F, H, and I, under the command of Colonel J S Slocum, by the steamer State of Maine on the North/ Hudson River at Pier No.4, junction of Morris and West Streets, New York City, New York County, New York, at 11 AM on 20 June, 1861.

Note: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry embarked on the steamer State of Maine at Smith's Wharf, on South Water Street, Fox Point, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, at 6 PM on 19 June, 1861, and the 2nd Rhode Island Light Artillery arrived by the steamer Kill von Kull at New York City, New York County, New York, at 11.30 AM on 20 June, 1861 (See the 2nd Rhode Island Light Artillery).

Long Wharf, on Thames Street, Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island, Companies B, E, G, & K, 19 June, 1861: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Companies B, E, G, and K, embarked on the steamer Metropolis, due to overcrowding, at Long Wharf, on Thames Street, Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island, at 10 PM on 19 June, 1861.

Note: The 2nd Rhode Island Light Artillery was ordered to proceed by the steamer Kill von Kull to New York City, New York County, New York, at 6.20 PM on 19 June, 1861, and the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Companies B, E, G, and K, embarked on the steamer Kill von Kull at the North/ Hudson River in the morning on 20 June, 1861.

New York City, New York County, New York, to Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, 20-21 June, 1861: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry was ordered to proceed by the steamers State of Maine and Kill von Kull on the North/ Hudson River to Elizabethport, Elizabeth, Union County, New Jersey, at 12 PM on 20 June, 1861, and was accompanied by the 2nd Rhode Light Artillery. The regiment was ordered to proceed by the New Jersey Central Railroad to Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, at 4 PM on 20 June, 1861, and arrived by the Lebanon Valley Railroad at Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, at 8 AM on 21 June, 1861.

Note: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Companies B, E, G, and K, were ordered to proceed by the steamer Kill von Kull on the North/ Hudson River to Elizabethport, Elizabeth, Union County, New Jersey, at 12 PM on 20 June, 1861, and the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry arrived by the East Pennsylvania Railroad at Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania, at 1 AM on 21 June, 1861.

Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, to Washington, D. C., 21-22 June, 1861: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry arrived by the Northern Central Railroad at Bolton Station, corner of Bolton and North Howard Streets, Baltimore City, Maryland, at 8 PM on 21 June, 1861, and was ordered to proceed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad to Washington, D. C., at 10 PM the same day. The regiment arrived by the Washington, D. C., Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, at Washington, D. C., via Annapolis Junction, Howard County, Maryland, at 3 AM on 22 June, 1861.

Note: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry arrived at the steamboat landing, on Front Street, Elizabethport, Elizabeth, Union County, New Jersey, in the afternoon on 20 June, 1861.

Department of Washington, 22 June-16 July, 1861

The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry arrived at Camp Clark, J Gales' woods, northeast of G W Keating's farm, 700 yards north of Boundary Street, west of North Capitol Street, Washington, D. C., in the morning on 22 June, 1861, and was accompanied by the 2nd Rhode Island Artillery.

Note: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry was ordered to the United States Arsenal, Greenleaf Point, Washington, D. C., on 26 June, 1861.

Special Orders No.167, Paragraph I, Headquarters, Department of Washington, Washington, D. C., 2 July, 1861: The 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia, the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, the 71st New York State Militia, the 2nd New Hampshire Infantry, and the 2nd Rhode Island Artillery was assigned to Colonel A E Burnside, 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia, by Special Orders No.167, Paragraph I, Headquarters, Department of Washington, Washington, D. C., on 2 July, 1861.

General Orders No.13, Headquarters, Department of Northeastern Virginia, Arlington, Alexandria County, Virginia, 8 July, 1861: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry was assigned to the Second Brigade, Second Division, McDowell's Army, under the command of Colonel A E Burnside, 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia, by General Orders No.13, Headquarters, Department of Northeastern Virginia, Arlington, Alexandria County, Virginia, on 8 July, 1861.

Disposition of Second Brigade, Second Division, McDowell's Army, 15 July, 1861: Colonel A E Burnside, 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia, Headquarters, Camp Sprague, G W Keating's farm, 700 yards north of Boundary Street, west of North Capitol Street, Washington, D. C.; 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia, Major J P Balch, Camp Sprague, G W Keating's farm, 700 yards north of Boundary Street, west of North Capitol Street, Washington, D. C.; 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Colonel J S Slocum, Camp Clark, J Gales' woods, northeast of G W Keating's farm, 700 yards north of Boundary Street, west of North Capitol Street, Washington, D. C.; 2nd New Hampshire Infantry, Colonel G Marston, Camp Sullivan, north of J A Smith's Park, east of Seventh Street Turnpike, D. C.; 71st New York State Militia, Colonel H P Martin, Washington Navy Yard, on South M Street, between East Sixth and Ninth Streets, Washington, D. C.; 2nd Rhode Island Artillery, Captain W H Reynolds, Camp Clark, J Gales' woods, northeast of G W Keating's farm, 700 yards north of Boundary Street, west of North Capitol Street, Washington, D. C.

The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry was stationed at Camp Clark, J Gales' woods, northeast of G W Keating's farm, 700 yards north of Boundary Street, west of North Capitol Street, Washington, D. C., between 22 June and 16 July, 1861.

Department of Northeastern Virginia, 16-22/23 July, 1861, & Advance to Centreville, 16-18 July, 1861

The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry was ordered to Washington, D. C., at 1 PM on 16 July, 1861, and across the Long Bridge, on the Potomac River, Washington, D. C., at 2.30/3 PM the same day. The regiment arrived by the Columbia Turnpike at Holmes Run, one mile southeast of Bailey's Crossroads, Fairfax County, via Arlington Mills, Alexandria County, Virginia, at 7 PM on 16 July, 1861.

Note: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry was ordered to rendezvous on Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C., at 12.30/1.30 PM on 16 July, 1861.

Order of march, Second Brigade, Second Division, McDowell's Army, 16 July, 1861: Colonel A E Burnside, 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia; 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Colonel J S Slocum; 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia, Major J P Balch; 2nd Rhode Island Artillery, Captain W H Reynolds; 1st United States Artillery*, Light Company G, First Lieutenant J Edwards, Jr., 3rd United States Artillery, Company B; 2nd New Hampshire Infantry, Colonel G Marston; 71st New York State Militia, Colonel H P Martin

*Two 20 pounder Parrott rifles of the 1st United States Artillery, Light Company G, under the command of First Lieutenant J Edwards, Jr., 3rd United States Artillery, Company B, was stationed at Fort Runyon, at the junction of the Columbia and the Washington & Alexandria Turnpikes, Alexandria County, Virginia, between 14 and 16 July, 1861, and accompanied the Second Brigade, Second Division, McDowell's Army, to Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the afternoon on 16 July, 1861 (See the 1st United States Artillery, Light Company G).

Note: Brigadier General I McDowell, United States Army, accompanied the Second Division, McDowell's Army, to Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the afternoon on 16 July, 1861.

Holmes Run, one mile southeast of Bailey's Crossroads, to Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, 17 July, 1861: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry was ordered to Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 7 AM on 17 July, 1861, and arrived by the Little River Turnpike at Fairfax Courthouse via Annandale, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 12.30 PM the same day.

Note: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry was stationed west of Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, between 12.30 PM on 17 July, 1861, and 7.30 AM on 18 July, 1861.

Fairfax Courthouse to B D Utterback's/ Willow Spring farm, two miles east of Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, 18 July, 1861: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry was ordered to Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 7.30 AM on 18 July, 1861, and arrived at B D Utterback's/ Willow Spring farm, north of the road between Fairfax Courthouse and Centreville, two miles east of Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 6.30 PM the same day.

Note: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry was stationed on the Little River Turnpike, one mile west of Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, between 11 AM and 3.30 PM on 18 July, 1861.

First battle of Bull Run, 21 July, 1861

The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry was stationed at Brush/ Bush Camp, B D Utterback's/ Willow Spring farm, north of the road between Fairfax Courthouse and Centreville, two miles east of Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, in the morning on 21 July, 1861.

Advance to Sudley Ford, on the Bull Run River, 21 July, 1861: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry was ordered to Sudley Ford, on the Bull Run River, at 2 AM on 21 July, 1861.

Advance to Matthew's Hill, one mile southeast of Sudley Spring, Prince William County, Virginia, 21 July, 1861: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry was ordered across Sudley Spring's Ford, on Catharpin Run, to southwest of E Matthew's, on Matthew's Hill, one mile southeast of Sudley Spring, Prince William County, Virginia, in the morning on 21 July, 1861.

Note: Colonel J S Slocum and Major S Ballou, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, were killed on Matthew's Hill, one mile southeast of Sudley Spring, Prince William County, Virginia, in the morning on 21 July, 1861.

Dogan's/ Rosefield, on Dogan's Ridge, half a mile northeast of Groveton, Prince Willaim County, Virginia 21 July, 1861: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry was stationed half a mile north of Dogan's/ Rosefield, on Dogan's Ridge, half a mile northeast of Groveton, Prince Willaim County, Virginia, in the afternoon on 21 July, 1861.

Withdrawal to Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, 21 July, 1861: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry was ordered to B D Utterback's/ Willow Spring farm, north of the road between Fairfax Courthouse and Centreville, two miles east of Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 4 PM on 21 July, 1861.

Retreat to Washington, 21-22 July, 1861

The 2nd Rhode island Infantry arrived at Brush/ Bush Camp, B D Utterback's farm/ Willow Spring farm, north of the road between Fairfax Courthouse and Centreville, two miles east of Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 9 PM on 21 July, 1861, and and was ordered to Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax County, Virginia, at 11 PM the same day. The regiment was ordered across the Long Bridge, on the Potomac River, at Washington, D. C., at 8 AM on 22 July, 1861, and arrived at Camp Clark, J Gales' woods, a quarter of a mile west of the old Bladensburg Road, D. C., in the morning the same day.

List of killed, etc, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, at the battle of Bull Run, 21 July, 1861: w Colonel J S Slocum, Major S Ballou, c Quartermaster Sergeant H C Jenkins, Assistant Surgeon J Harris; Company A, w 7, c 1, t 8; Company B, w 5, t 5; Company C, w 4, w/c 4, c 1, t 9; Company D, k 3 w 2, w/c 2, c 1, t 8; Company E, k 2, w 2, w/c 3, c 1, t 8; Company F, k 2, w 4, w/c 4, c 1, t 11; Company G, w 3, c 2, t 5; Company H, k 2, w 1, c 3, t 6; Company I, k 3, w 3, w/c 2, c 1, t 9; Company K, k 4, w 4, w/c 7, t 15; Killed 16, wounded 37, wounded/captured 23, captured 12, total 88

Return of casualties in the 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia, Second Brigade, Second Division, Army of Northeastern Virginia, at the battle of Bull Run, 21 July, 1861: Killed 23, wounded 49, captured/missing 26, total 98

Note: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel F K Wheaton, was stationed at Camp Clark, J Gales' woods, northeast of G W Keating's farm, 700 yards north of Boundary Street, west of North Capitol Street, Washington, D. C., on 23 July, 1861.

Camp Sprague, G W Keating's farm, 700 yards north of Boundary Street, west of North Capitol Street, Washington, D. C., 25 July, 1861: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry was ordered to Camp Sprague, G W Keating's farm, 700 yards north of Boundary Street, west of North Capitol Street, Washington, D. C., on 25 July, 1861 (See the 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia).

Camp Sprague, G W Keating's farm, 700 yards north of Boundary Street, west of North Capitol Street, to Brightwood, two & a half miles north of Washington, D. C., 6 August, 1861: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry arrived at Camp Brightwood, Brightwood, two and a half miles north of Washington, D. C., on 6 August, 1861.

Note: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Company K, under the command of Captain C W Turner, was assigned to guard public property at Camp Sprague, G Keating's farm, west of North Capitol Street, D. C., on 6 August, 1861.

Mustered out, 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, 17 June, 1864: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, under the command of Colonel S B M Read, was mustered out at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, on 17 June, 1864, and the men of the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry not entitled to be mustered out were reorganised as the 2nd Rhode Island Veteran Infantry (325), under the of Captain E H Rhodes, at Cold Harbor, Hanover County, Virginia, on 5 June, 1864.

Mustered out, 2nd Rhode Island Veteran Infantry, Hall's Hill, one mile northwest of Ball's Crossroads, Alexandria County, Virginia, 19 June & 13 July, 1865: The 2nd Rhode Island Veteran Infantry, Company E, was mustered out at Hall's Hill, one mile northwest of Ball's Crossroads, Alexandria County, Virginia, 19 June, 1865, and Companies A, B, C, D, F, G, H, I, and K, under the command of Brevet Colonel & Lieutenant Colonel E H Rhodes, on 13 July, 1865.

Colonel A E Burnside, 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia, Second Brigade, Second Division, McDowell's Army, 17 April, 1861: A E Burnside, Esq., was appointed colonel, 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia, on 17 April, 1861, and was assigned to command the Second Brigade, Second Division, McDowell's Army, by General Orders No.13, Headquarters, Department of Northeastern Virginia, Arlington, Alexandria County, Virginia, on 8 July, 1861. Colonel A E Burnside, 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia, was appointed brigadier general, United States Volunteers, by General Orders No.62, War Department, Adjutant General's Office, Washington, D. C., on 20 August, 1861, dated 6 August, 1861.

United States Military Academy, south of West Point, Orange County, New York, to Washington, D. C, detachment of United States Military Academy Cadets, 5-8 May, 1861: A detachment of United States Military Academy Cadets (43), under the command of Cadet H W Kingsbury, United States Military Academy, was ordered to Washington, D. C., in the afternoon on 5 May, 1861, and was stationed at New York City, New York County, New York, on 6 May, 1861. The detachment of United States Military Academy Cadets arrived at Walnut Street Wharf, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, at 9.45 PM on 7 May, 1861, and was temporarily arrested and detained at Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, between 7 and 8 May, 1861. The detachment of United States Military Academy Cadets was ordered to proceed by the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad to Perryville, Cecil County, Maryland, in the morning on 8 May, 1861, and was ordered to proceed by the steamers Ariel and Georgeanna on the Susquehanna River to Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, at 5 AM on 8 May 1861. The detachment of United States Military Academy Cadets was accompanied bythe 20th New York State Militia and arrived by the Washington Branch, Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, at Washington, D. C., via Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and Annapolis Junction, Howard County, Maryland, in the evening on 8 May, 1861.

Note: Cadet E B Beaumont, United States Military Academy, was ordered to Washington, D. C., in the afternoon on 5 May, 1861, and was appointed second lieutenant, 1st United States Cavalry, Company H, by General Orders No.21, War Department, Adjutant General's Office, Washington, D. C., on 17 May, 1861, dated 6 May, 1861. Second Lieutenant E B Beaumont, 1st United States Cavalry, Company H, was appointed aide de camp to Colonel A E Burnside,1st Rhode Island Detached Militia, at the first battle of Bull Run on 21 July, 1861.

Colonel D Hunter, 3rd United States Cavalry, Second Division, McDowell's Army, 18 June, 1861, dated 14 May, 1861: Major & Paymaster D Hunter, United States Pay Department, was appointed colonel, 3rd United States Cavalry, by General Orders No.33, Paragraph I, War Department, Adjutant General's Office, Washington, D. C., on 18 June, 1861, dated 14 May, 1861, and was assigned to command the Second Division, McDowell's Army, by General Orders No.13, Headquarters, Department of Northeastern Virginia, Arlington, Alexandria County, Virginia, on 8 July, 1861. Colonel D Hunter, 3rd United States Cavalry, was appointed brigadier general, United States Volunteers, by General Orders No.62, War Department, Adjutant General's Office, Washington, D. C., on 20 August, 1861, dated 17 May, 1861, and major general, United States Volunteers, by General Orders No.62, War Department, Adjutant General's Office, Washington, D. C., on 20 August, 1861, dated 13 August, 1861.

Note: Cadet D W Flagler, United States Military Academy, were ordered to Washington, D. C., on 30 June, 1861, and arrived in the morning on 3 July, 1861. He was appointed brevet second lieutenant, United States Ordnance Department, by General Orders No.41, War Department, Adjutant General's Office, Washington, D. C., on 3 July, 1861, dated 24 June, 1861, and were assigned to special duty as a drill instructor at Washington, D. C., in the afternoon on 3 July, 1861. Brevet Second Lieutenant D W Flagler, United States Ordnance Department, was appointed aide de camp to Colonel D Hunter, 3rd United States Cavalry, at the first battle of Bull Run on 21 July, 1861.

Organisation of Colonel D N Crouch's brigade, Division of the Potomac, 4 August, 1861: Colonel D N Crouch, 7th Massachusetts Infantry; 7th Massachusetts Infantry, Lieutenant Colonel C W Greene; 10th Massachusetts Infantry, Colonel H S Briggs; 2nd Rhode Island Infantry, Colonel F K Wheaton; 36th New York Infantry, Colonel C H Innes

Note: The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry was assigned to Colonel D N Crouch's temporary brigade, Division of the Potomac, by Special Orders No.10, Headquarters, Division of the Potomac, Washington, D. C., on 4 August, 1861.

Reports

OFFICIAL REPORT NO.41: Series I, Volume 2 (Serial No.2), Chapter IX, p400
Lieutenant Colonel F Wheaton, Second Rhode Island Infantry, Camp Clark, J Gales' woods, northeast of G W Keating's farm, 700 yards north of Boundary Street, west of North Capitol Street, Washington, D. C., 23 July, 1861

OFFICIAL REPORT NO.39: Series I, Volume 2 (Serial No.2), Chapter IX, pp395-399
Colonel A E Burnside, First Rhode Island Detached Militia, Second Brigade, Second Division, McDowell's Army, dated Washington, D. C., 19 August, 1861

OFFICIAL REPORT NO.31: Series I, Volume 2 (Serial No.2), Chapter IX, pp382-383
Colonel D Hunter, Third United States Cavalry, Second Division, McDowell's Army, dated Washington, D. C., 5 August, 1861