The unit was first formed in September 1862 in response to President Abraham Lincoln's call for 300,000 men to serve for nine months.

[1] The nucleus of the regiment was the Second Battalion Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, a unit dating to 1798 known as the Boston Light Infantry and nicknamed the "Tigers."

"[2] The regiment trained at Camp Meigs in Readville, Massachusetts just outside of Boston.

The objective of this maneuver was to disrupt the Confederate supply line along the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad by destroying the Goldsborough Bridge.

During this expedition, was lightly engaged in the Battles of Kinston, White Hall and Goldsborough Bridge.