The 1st Rhode Island Infantry Regiment was originally called the 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia. It was organized in Rhode Island, April, 1861. for 3 months service. It moved to Washington, D. C., April 20 and 24, 1861.
During its service, the regiment lost a total of 25 men.
OFFICERS:
June 19, 1861 - J.S. Pitman was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment but was assigned to detached duty at Providence.
June 27, 1861 - J.P. Balch was appointed Major of the regiment.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Attached to Burnside's Brigade, Hunter's Division, McDowell's Army of Northeast Virginia, June-July.
Duty at Camp Sprague, Defenses of Washington, till July 16.
Advance on Manassas, Va., July 16-21.
Battle of Bull Run July 21. Left Washington for home July 25.
Mustered out August 2, 1861.
BATTLES:
Bull Run July 21, 1862.
ROSTERS:
The composite rosters of this unit contain the names of 1284 men.
Company A – “National Cadets – Captain A.F. Dexter
Company B – “Providence Artillery – Captain N. Van Slyck
Company C – “First Light Infantry No. 1 – Captain W.W. Brown
Company D – “First Light Infantry No. 2 – Captain N.W. Brown
Company E – “Pawtucket Light Guards” – Captain S.R. Bucklin
Company F – “Newport Artillery” – Captain G.W. Tew
Company G – “Mechanic Rifles No. 1” – Captain J.T. Pitman
Company H – “Mechanic Rifles #2” – Captain C.W.H. Day
Company I – “Westerly Rifles – Captain H.C. Card
Company K – “Woonsocket Guards” – Captain P. Simpson, Jr.
“American Brass Band” – Chief Musician J.C. Green
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion. Vol. 2. Cartersville, GA: Eastern Digital Resources, 1998. Ref. See p. 1222 (1 photocopied page) for a concise summary of the regiment's service.
HISTORICAL NOTES: