PENNSYLVANIA THIRTY-FIRST INFANTRY (EMERGENCY TROOPS of 1863)

Emergency Troops of 1863. Early in the summer of 1863, rumors were constantly afloat concerning a threatened invasion of border states by the Confederates and in June two new departments were established by the war department the Department of the Monongahela and the Department of the Susquehanna in order that the state might be protected from any such movement of the enemy. Volunteers were called for by Gov. Curtin to serve 'During the pleasure of the president or the continuance of the war.' Slow to believe that their homes were really endangered, the greatly reduced number of men available for military service hesitated to respond. On June 12, the governor published the notice that the troops requested would be mustered into the service of the United States for six months, or during the existing emergency, as they should themselves elect. In a short time eight regiments were mustered in for the 'emergency' and became the 20th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st and 33d emergency regiments. Other companies and organizations volunteered their services and need for them was soon found. The Confederates had occupied Chambersburg and Gettysburg and when it was discovered that the main body of their forces had actually crossed the Potomac, another proclamation was issued by Gov. Curtin on June 26, calling for 60,000 men at once to be mustered into the state service for a term of 90 days and to be discharged as soon as the danger was over. To this urgent message twentyeight regiments responded and were organized in the two departments previously mentioned, at Huntingdon, Reading, Philadelphia and Harrisburg. A force under Gen. Knipe approached Chambersburg, but found it in the hands of the enemy and was obliged to retire gradually before the advance of Johnson's division of Ewell's corps. The Confederates reached Oyster point, but were withdrawn to Gettysburg on account of the advance of the Army of the Potomac and within a few days was fought the battle of Gettysburg. A portion of the militia joined the Army of the Potomac in Maryland after the battle, but were soon afterward returned to Harrisburg. The emergency regiments were mustered out soon after the battle of Gettysburg, the regiments of militia a little later, various duties within the state requiring their services for a short time. Some were employed at Gettysburg, some at Philadelphia in preserving order, and at other points they rendered valuable service. Thirty-first Emergency Infantry. Col., John Newkumet. This regiment was organized at Harrisburg on June 30, 1863, to serve during the 'Existing emergency' and was mustered out at Harrisburg Aug. 8, 1863.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 1

Pennsylvania 31st Militia Infantry (Union)

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