Three companies were recruited in Sussex County (D, I & K), two in Warren (B & H), two in Hunterdon (A & G), two in Morris (C & F) and one in Somerset (E), and all were composed of men of superior physical strength and capacities of endurance.

The regiment was mustered into the United States services on the 25th of August and on the 27th left for Washington, numbering nine hundred and twenty-five officers and men, Colonel Samuel Fowler commanding.

Reaching the Capital it encamped at Tennallytown, where it remained for about a month, engaged in drill and acquiring discipline for future service.

While here, the men were also employed upon the defenses of Washington, slashing timber, making military roads, and throwing up earthworks - Fort Kearny being constructed entirely by their labor.

On June 16, 1863, on the march to the Potomac, just as the order came to fall in line, a stack of arms fell, and the bullet from a musket exploded and struck William C Kelsey in the neck.

At first it was thought the carotid artery was cut and he asked the Doctor “Am I dying?” The answer came “You’ll be dead in less than 15 minutes”.

Peter Losey was an unmarried farmer in Stillwater Township, Sussex County, New Jersey, when he enlisted at Newton.