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56th Massachusetts Infantry

Editor’s Note: Do you have information on this unit’s role at the Siege of Petersburg?  Please contact us using the Contact button in the menu at the top of the screen.  We are happy to exchange information with other researchers.

Muster In: Organized at Readville December 26, 1863, to February 24, 1864.1
Muster Out: July 12, 18652

Commander(s):
Colonel Stephen M. Weld, Jr.
StephenMWeldJr56thMAv104p53863

Lieutenant Colonel Horatio D. Jarves
HoratioDJarves56thMAv84p4246 4

Major Zabdiel B. Adams
ZabdielBAdams56thMAv104p53865

Captain Charles D. Lamb

6

Captain Abijah Hollis
AbijahHollis56thMAv104p53867

Commander 6
Commander Image

First Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | First Division | IX Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army8,9

Second Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | First Division | IX Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army11,12

Third Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | First Division | IX Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army16,17

  • Commander:
    • Colonel Stephen M. Weld, Jr. (At least near and on July 17 and July 30, 1864) (captured on July 30, 1864)18,19
    • Captain Charles D. Lamb (after Weld was captured on July 30, 1864) (July 30-31, 1864)20,21
  • Unit Strength: ~125 officers and men PFD (July 25, 1864)22
  • Weapons:

Fourth Offensive Order of Battle: First Brigade | First Division | IX Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army23,24

  • Commander:
    • Captain Charles D. Lamb (August 1-14, 1864)25
    • Captain Abijah Hollis (at least August 14 & 31, 1864)26,27
  • Unit Strength:
  • Weapons:

Fifth Offensive Order of Battle: Second Brigade | Second Division | IX Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army28,29

Sixth Offensive Order of Battle: Second Brigade | Second Division | IX Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army31,32

  • Commander: Lieutenant Colonel Horatio D. Jarves (at least ~October 14-October 31, 1864)33,34
  • Unit Strength:
  • Weapons:

Seventh Offensive Order of Battle: Second Brigade | Second Division | IX Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army35

  • Commander: Lieutenant Colonel Horatio D. Jarves (at least November 1-14, 1864 & December 31, 1864)36,37
  • Unit Strength: ~180 officers and men PFD (November 13, 1864)38
  • Weapons:

Eighth Offensive Order of Battle: Second Brigade | Second Division | IX Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army39,40

  • Commander: Lieutenant Colonel Horatio D. Jarves (January 31 & February 28, 1865)41,42
  • Unit Strength: ~240 officers and men PFD (January 1, 1865)43
  • Weapons:

Ninth Offensive Order of Battle: Second Brigade | Second Division | IX Corps | Army of the Potomac | Union Army44,45

  • Commander: Major Zabdiel B. Adams (March 31, 1865)46
  • Unit Strength:
  • Weapons:

Dyer’s/Sifakis’ Compendium Info:
Siege of Petersburg Battles47:

  • Before Petersburg June 16-18.
  • Siege of Petersburg June 16, 1864, to April 2, 1865.
  • Mine Explosion, Petersburg, July 30, 1864.
  • Weldon Railroad August 18-21.
  • Poplar Springs Church or Peeble’s Farm September 29-October 2.
  • Boydton Plank Road, Hatcher’s Run, October 27-28.
  • At Fort Hays January 1 to April 1, 1865.
  • Fort Stedman March 25.
  • Appomattox Campaign March 28-April 9.
  • Assault on and fall of Petersburg April 2.
  • Occupation of Petersburg April 3.
  • Pursuit of Lee April 3-9.

Bibliography:

    Siege of Petersburg Documents Which Mention This Unit:

    Sources:

    1. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion by Frederick H. Dyer (Part 3)
    2. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion by Frederick H. Dyer (Part 3)
    3. Stephen M. Weld, Jr. image.  MOLLUS-Mass Civil War Photograph Collection, Vol. 104, Page 5386.  United States Army Heritage and Education Center, Carlisle, PA.
    4. Horatio D. Jarves image.  MOLLUS-Mass Civil War Photograph Collection, Vol. 84, Page 4246.  United States Army Heritage and Education Center, Carlisle, PA.
    5. Zabdiel B. Adams image.  MOLLUS-Mass Civil War Photograph Collection, Vol. 104, Page 5386.  United States Army Heritage and Education Center, Carlisle, PA.
    6. Charles D. Lamb image.  MOLLUS-Mass Civil War Photograph Collection, Vol. 84, Page 4247.  United States Army Heritage and Education Center, Carlisle, PA.
    7. Abijah Hollis image.  MOLLUS-Mass Civil War Photograph Collection, Vol. 104, Page 5386.  United States Army Heritage and Education Center, Carlisle, PA.
    8. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 1 (Serial Number 80), p. 228
    9. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 2 (Serial Number 81), p. 549
    10. Volume 13 (Ordnance Returns for the Second Quarter, April-June, 1864); 56th Massachusetts Entry, Page 88; Summary Statements of Quarterly Returns of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores on Hand in Regular and Volunteer Army Organizations, 1862-1867, 1870-1876. (National Archives Microfilm Publication M1281, Roll 7); Records of the Office of the Chief of Ordnance, 1797-1969, Record Group 156; National Archives Building, Washington, D.C.
    11. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 1 (Serial Number 80), p. 228
    12. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 2 (Serial Number 81), p. 549
    13. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 2 (Serial Number 81), p. 549
    14. Mills, Charles J. Through Blood and Fire: The Civil War Letters of Major Charles J. Mills, 1862-1865. Edited by J. Gregory Acken, Revised and Expanded ed., The Kent State University Press, 2023, p. 144: Stephen Weld was present and presumably commanding the 56th MA in late June 1864.  He visited CJ Mills often during this time.
    15. Volume 13 (Ordnance Returns for the Second Quarter, April-June, 1864); 56th Massachusetts Entry, Page 88; Summary Statements of Quarterly Returns of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores on Hand in Regular and Volunteer Army Organizations, 1862-1867, 1870-1876. (National Archives Microfilm Publication M1281, Roll 7); Records of the Office of the Chief of Ordnance, 1797-1969, Record Group 156; National Archives Building, Washington, D.C.
    16. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 1 (Serial Number 80), page 259
    17. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 3 (Serial Number 82), page 734
    18. Mills, Charles J. Through Blood and Fire: The Civil War Letters of Major Charles J. Mills, 1862-1865. Edited by J. Gregory Acken, Revised and Expanded ed., The Kent State University Press, 2023, p. 151: “…Not if the Col. chooses it, which is not generally the case; but Steve does, for which I am obliged to him…He and Aiveum are both on a Court Martial which meets at their HdQrs daily and I see much more of them, which is a great consolation, as there is no one here that I really care for.”
    19. Mills, Charles J. Through Blood and Fire: The Civil War Letters of Major Charles J. Mills, 1862-1865. Edited by J. Gregory Acken, Revised and Expanded ed., The Kent State University Press, 2023, pp. 162-163: “Consequently, the enemy attacked again and drove out the men in the works, leaving only those in the crater, who were finally obligated to surrender. Gen. Bartlett, Amory, Col. Marshall, Com’d’g 2d Brig. and Steve Weld were among these…The 56th saved their colors…were much more lucky, except the inestimable loss of Steve, than most others…We know for certain now, by flag of truce, that Bartlett, Amory and Steve Weld are prisoners and uninjured.”
    20. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XL, Part 3 (Serial Number 82), page 734
    21. Mills, Charles J. Through Blood and Fire: The Civil War Letters of Major Charles J. Mills, 1862-1865. Edited by J. Gregory Acken, Revised and Expanded ed., The Kent State University Press, 2023, p. 170: In an August 14, 1864 letter Mills writes: “The 56th has been, since the battle, under command of Duncan Lamb, who came out as Captain about a month ago. He has done quite well.”
    22. Mills, Charles J. Through Blood and Fire: The Civil War Letters of Major Charles J. Mills, 1862-1865. Edited by J. Gregory Acken, Revised and Expanded ed., The Kent State University Press, 2023, p. 154: “I went down this eve’g to see the parade of the 56th, they being in the rear for a couple of days. It was a sad sight; the last I saw was at Annapolis, with some 700 men and 20 officers. Tonight they had about 120 men and five officers. There have been 19 officers killed, wounded or captured.”
    23. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 2 (Serial Number 88), page 616: “Organization of the Army of the Potomac…August 31, 1864”
    24. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 1 (Serial Number 87), page 126: “Return of Casualties in the Union Forces (August 1864)”
    25. Mills, Charles J. Through Blood and Fire: The Civil War Letters of Major Charles J. Mills, 1862-1865. Edited by J. Gregory Acken, Revised and Expanded ed., The Kent State University Press, 2023, p. 170: “The 56th has been, since the battle, under command of Duncan Lamb, who came out as Captain about a month ago. He has done quite well. Today Hollis got back, who is senior to him and an excellent officer.”
    26. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 2 (Serial Number 88), page 616: “Organization of the Army of the Potomac…August 31, 1864”
    27. Mills, Charles J. Through Blood and Fire: The Civil War Letters of Major Charles J. Mills, 1862-1865. Edited by J. Gregory Acken, Revised and Expanded ed., The Kent State University Press, 2023, p. 170: In an August 14, 1864 letter, Mills writes: “Today Hollis got back, who is senior to (Lamb) and an excellent officer.”
    28. Sommers, Richard J. “Grant’s Fifth Offensive at Petersburg: A Study in Strategy, Tactics, and Generalship.  The Battle of Poplar Spring Church, the First Battle of the Darbytown Road, the Second Battle of the Squirrel Level Road, the Second Battle of the Darbytown Road (Ulysses S. Grant, Virginia).” Doctoral Thesis. Rice University, 1970. Print. p. 1301.
    29. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 1 (Serial Number 87), page 142: “Return of Casualties in the Union Forces (September-October 1864)”
    30. Volume 15 (Ordnance Returns for the Third Quarter, July-September, 1864); 56th Massachusetts Entry, Page 83; Summary Statements of Quarterly Returns of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores on Hand in Regular and Volunteer Army Organizations, 1862-1867, 1870-1876. (National Archives Microfilm Publication M1281, Roll 7); Records of the Office of the Chief of Ordnance, 1797-1969, Record Group 156; National Archives Building, Washington, D.C.
    31. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 3 (Serial Number 89), page 463: “Organization of the Union Forces” (October 31, 1864)”
    32. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 1 (Serial Number 87), page 158: “Return of Casualties in the Union Forces…Boydton Plank Road, Va., October 27-28, 1864”
    33. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 3 (Serial Number 89), page 463: “Organization of the Union Forces” (October 31, 1864)”
    34. Mills, Charles J. Through Blood and Fire: The Civil War Letters of Major Charles J. Mills, 1862-1865. Edited by J. Gregory Acken, Revised and Expanded ed., The Kent State University Press, 2023, p. 244: “I found the 56th immensely improved by a month with Jarves. It had got into a very bad state not having been decently commanded since Steve was captured, but now it’s considered the best reg’t in its brigade.”
    35. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 3 (Serial Number 89), page 1121: “Organization of the Union Forces” (December 31, 1864)
    36. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLII, Part 3 (Serial Number 89), page 1121: “Organization of the Union Forces” (December 31, 1864)
    37. Mills, Charles J. Through Blood and Fire: The Civil War Letters of Major Charles J. Mills, 1862-1865. Edited by J. Gregory Acken, Revised and Expanded ed., The Kent State University Press, 2023, p. 244: “I found the 56th immensely improved by a month with Jarves. It had got into a very bad state not having been decently commanded since Steve was captured, but now it’s considered the best reg’t in its brigade.”
    38. Mills, Charles J. Through Blood and Fire: The Civil War Letters of Major Charles J. Mills, 1862-1865. Edited by J. Gregory Acken, Revised and Expanded ed., The Kent State University Press, 2023, p. 244: “I found the 56th immensely improved by a month with Jarves…They have only got about 180 men though, which is bad.”
    39. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 2 (Serial Number 96), page 332: “Organization of the Union Forces” (January 31, 1865)
    40. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 2 (Serial Number 96), page 745: “Organization of the Union Forces” (February 28, 1865)
    41. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 2 (Serial Number 96), page 332: “Organization of the Union Forces” (January 31, 1865)
    42. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 2 (Serial Number 96), page 745: “Organization of the Union Forces” (February 28, 1865)
    43. Mills, Charles J. Through Blood and Fire: The Civil War Letters of Major Charles J. Mills, 1862-1865. Edited by J. Gregory Acken, Revised and Expanded ed., The Kent State University Press, 2023, p. 256: “I have just got back from a delightful day at the 56th…Rashe and Hiram were flourishing as well the reg’t which has 240 now.”
    44. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 1 (Serial Number 95), page 574: “Organization of the Union Forces” (March 31, 1865)
    45. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 1 (Serial Number 95), page 589: “Return of casualties in the Union Forces commanded by Lieut. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, March 29-April 9, 1865”
    46. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLVI, Part 1 (Serial Number 95), page 574: “Organization of the Union Forces” (March 31, 1865)
    47. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion by Frederick H. Dyer (Part 3)
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