HEADQUARTERS FIRST REGIMENT DELAWARE VOLS.,
(Camp hamilton, November 23, 1861.
We, the undersigned, officers commanding companies in the First Delaware Regiment, respectfully represent that the muskets in our possession are so defective that frequently one-third of the guard are unable to fire at the target, and on picket the sentries are obliged to take the arms of those relieved, thus leaving a portion of the guard defenseless. We believe that such arms impair the confidence of the men, and that their use is detrimental to the public service

[Signed by all the company commanders.]

Approved:
MAX WEBER,
Colonel, Commanding Camp Hamilton.

Approved: They are old flint locks, altered; very inferior.
JOHN W. ANDREWS,
Colonel First Regiment Delaware Volunteers.

From Official Records Vol. 4 pages 631-632

Battle of Antietam

The 1st Delaware was commanded by Colonel John W. Andrews and Lieutenant Colonel Olver Hopkinson, both of whom were wounded in the fighting at the Sunken Road. The 1st had 708 men engaged, of whom 29 were killed and 182 wounded. Eight of ten company commanders and the entire color guard were also killed or wounded.

Second Lieutenant Charles B. Tanner was awarded the Medal of Honor for rescuing the regimental colors, which had fallen within twenty yards of Confederate lines at the Sunken Road, in spite of being wounded three times during the attempt.

From the brigade marker at Antietam:

Weber’s Brigade, forming the advance of French’s Division, encountered the enemy near Roulette’s house at about 9:15 A.M., pushed them back to the Bloody Lane and gained a position on the high ground about 60 yards north of this point. Here the Brigade became engaged in an obstinate contest with the enemy which was maintained until, having lost one third of its numbers in killed or wounded, it was relieved by Morris’ Brigade and withdrawn to the vicinity of Roulette’s house where it remained until the close of the day.

Monument to the 1st Delaware Infantry Regiment at Antietam

Battle of Fredericksburg

Colonel Andrews was wounded by a shell while commanding the brigade. Major Thomas Smyth commanded the regiment, which lost 10 killed, 74 wounded, and 9 missing.

Battle of Chancellorsville

Battle of Gettysburg

While Colonel Smyth was in command of the brigade, Lt. Col. Edward P. Harris commanded the regiment. He was put under arrest on July 2nd for withdrawing from the Bliss farm buildings without authorization. Capt. Thomas Hizard then took command until he was wounded on July 2nd. Lt. William Smith took command until he was killed on July 3. Lt. John Dent then took over until Col. Harris was restored to command on July 4.

The regiment brought 288 men to Gettysburg, of whom 10 were killed, 54 wounded and 13 missing. Lieutenant James P. Postles, Corporal Bernard McCarren and Private John B. Mayberry were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions at Gettysburg, Postles for a wild 600 yard ride carrying orders under intense fire and McCarren and Mayberry for capturing the flag of the 7th North Carolina (or according to some sources, the 13th Alabama).

Monument to the 1st Delaware Infantry Regiment at Gettysburg

Battle of the Wilderness

Battle of Spotsylvania Court House

Battle of Cold Harbor

Appomattox Court House

Surrender of Lee and his army