Lamon's Brigade

Lamon's Brigade was the unofficial designation for a military brigade organized for the Federal government during the American Civil War by Ward H. Lamon, the U.S. Marshall for the District of Columbia and a friend of President Lincoln.

It was originally intended to be composed of Unionist Virginians, but mostly contained men from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.

Lamon, Marshall of the District of Columbia, calling upon all loyal Virginians to rally and form regiments under the command of Phillip Pendleton.

Sixty Virginians, who left the Confederate troops and came over to avoid the Virginia military requisition, have gone into camp at Williamsport, under Col. Lamon's proclamation, elected a captain, and form the nucleus of a regiment.

[2]The Baltimore Daily Exchange, an anti-administration newspaper, reported On July 22- "The much-talked-of regiment of Col. Lamon, pretended to be recruited from the Union men of Berkeley county and the vicinity, has proved a perfect failure.

Under the terms of military service companies of less than 85 men could not be officially mustered and equipped by the government and Lamon was faced with the prospect of equipping the men from his own funds, but a personal exception was made for him and Lincoln cautioned Lamon on June 25 "I spoke to the Secretary of War yesterday, and he consents, & so do I, that as fast as you get companies, you may procure a U.S. officer, and have them mustered in.

The resulting expense of transporting the regiment drew a congressional inquiry and criticism of Lamon, as the cost was estimated to be about $30,000.

"[7]Congressional testimony of railroad employees stated that Lamon was presented to them as a brigadier general and was wearing the uniform.

The committee suggested that Lamon should reimburse the government for the costs of transportation, but the matter was not pursued.