Joining the Confederacy 1st Maryland Infantry, CSA
arnold elzey, colonel of regiment, promoted president jefferson davis brigadier general after first battle of manassas.
during summer of 1861, several thousand marylanders crossed potomac river join confederate army. of men enlisted regiments virginia or carolinas, 6 companies of marylanders formed @ harpers ferry maryland battalion. among them members of former volunteer militia unit, maryland guard battalion, formed in baltimore in 1859.
captain bradley t. johnson, commander of company a., refused offer of virginians join virginia regiment, insisting maryland should represented independently in confederate army. when regiment organised first commander colonel francis j. thomas, graduate of west point in class 1844. choice commander vocally objected several company commanders, , on june 8 relieved of command. agreed arnold elzey, seasoned career officer maryland, take command. executive officer marylander george h. steuart, later known maryland steuart distinguish him more famous cavalry colleague jeb stuart.
the 1st maryland infantry regiment officially formed on june 16, 1861, and, on june 25, 2 additional companies joined regiment in winchester. initial term of duty twelve months.
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