They Lost Over Half Their Strength

The 19^th Maine Infantry was discharged from Union service May 31^st 1865, after serving for three years.

The 19^th Maine Infantry was raised in Bath, Maine, and was mustered into Union service August 25^th 1862.  Most of the men came from the counties of Kennebec, Knox and Waldo.  The 19^th was in the Battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Bristoe Station, Gettysburg, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Boydton Plank Road, and many others.  These men fought on July 2^nd 1863 at Gettysburg loosing 53% of the regimental strength, when they were moved forward to the Codori Farm to cover the retreat of Sickles' Third Corps.  Their commander there was Colonel Francis E Heath from Waterville, Maine; he was wounded on July 3^rd 1863 during Pickett’s Charge just south of the Copse of Trees.  On June 18^th 1864 the remaining 277 men of the 4^th Maine were merged into the 19^th.

The remaining members of the 19th were mustered out of the Union Army on May 31^st 1865 at Bailey’s Cross Roads.  Of the 1,441 who were members of the 19^th Maine, 192 were killed in actions or died from wounds received, 501 were wounded.  184 men died from diseases and 47 died while being held in Confederate Prisoner of War camps.