Seven Days Battles

The regiment lost about half its strength in the fighting.

Battle of Cedar Mountain

Second Battle of Manassas (Bull Run)

Colonel Brockenbrough took temporary command of the brigade when General Field was wounded. Lieutenant Colonel Fleet Cox took over command of the regiment.

Battle of Chantilly

Siege of Harpers Ferry

Battle of Sharpsburg (Antietam)

Lieutenant Colonel Fleet Cox commanded the regiment while Colonel Brockenbrough commanded the brigade as senior colonel.

From the War Department tablet for Field’s Brigade number 349 on the Antietam battlefield:

Field’s Brigade left Harpers Ferry at 7:30 A.M. of September 17, reached this point about 3 P.M. and was put in position to guard the approaches to the field by Snavely’s Ford and the lower Antietam.

The Brigade was not actively engaged, and recrossed the Potomac early on the morning of September 19.

Battle of Shepherdstown Ford

Battle of Fredericksburg

Commanded by Captain T. Edwin Betts.

Battle of Chancellorsville

Lieutenant Colonel Cox was wounded, losing his eye. He would be absent through August recuperating. Captain Thomas E. Betts took command of the regiment.

Battle of Gettysburg

At Gettysburg Captain Thomas E. Betts commanded the regiment while Colonel Brockenbrough commanded the brigade as senior colonel. The brigade was last in the line of march of Heth’s Division and did not arrive in time for the morning actions. In the afternoon fighting it was not particularly aggressive, losing only a hundred casualties in the otherwise fierce fighting on Seminary Ridge. Colonel Brockenbrough’s brother was killed at this time, which probably affected his effectiveness.

On the third day during Pickett’s Charge the brigade, under the temporary command of Colonel Mayo of the 47th Virginia Infantry, was placed on the extreme left flank of the assault. It was exposed to intense fire from both front and flank. They collapsed and ran to the rear, the first brigade in the attack to do so. Captain Betts was wounded and captured, and Captain R. B. Davis took command of the regiment.

From the monument to Brockenbrough’s Brigade on the Gettysburg battlefield:

July 1. Crossed the Run at 2 P.M. between Chambersburg Pike and Reynolds Woods. Engaged Union forces on McPherson ridge and with other troops on left drove them back to next ridge capturing two flags and many prisoners with some sharpshooters in the barn. Soon afterwards the Brigade was relieved by Pender’s Division.

July 2. Lay in the woods west of the Run. In the evening took position near here.

July 3. In Longstreet’s assault this Brigade was on the left flank of the column and as it approached the Union position was exposed to a severe fire of musketry on the left flank and artillery and musketry in front. It pushed beyond the Emmitsburg Road but was met by a heavy front and flank fire from the Union lines north of the Bryan Barn and compelled to fall back.

July 4. After night withdrew and began the march to Hagerstown.

Battle of Williamsport

The regiment was attacked while serving as rear guard for the army crossing the Potomac and suffered heavy losses in prisoners.

Bristoe Campaign

Mine Run Campaign

Battle of the Wilderness

Battle of Spotsylvania Court House

Battle of North Anna

Battle of Cold Harbor

Siege of Petersburg begins

Battle of Sayler’s Creek

Appomattox Court House

The 40th Virginia Infantry Regiment surrendered.