It left the state on 15 September with 678 members, for Washington, and with the 1st brigade of Sherman's division, embarked for Hilton Head in October.

In April the regiment was ordered to Virginia and assigned to the 2nd brigade, 2nd division, Army of the James, at Bermuda Hundred.

On 25 May, the division was assigned to the 18th corps and after several encounters near Bermuda Hundred, notably at Port Walthall Junction, the regiment joined the Army of the Potomac just before the battle of Cold Harbor.

On 15 June it took part in the first assault on Petersburg; was present at the mine explosion, on 30 July and was active in engagements at Strawberry Plains, Fort Harrison and on the Darbytown road.

The 47th passed the remaining months of its service in the Carolinas, being present at Smithfield, Fort Anderson, Wilmington, Cox's bridge and Bennett's house.