The 119th began as a standard Union infantry regiment, with 10 companies (A through K, no J) of 100 each. Replacements for casualties totaled around 250, making the total served approx. 1,250.
My great-grandfather was assigned to Company K, along with others from his hometown, my guess is a lot of them did not speak much English.
Capt. Johnson was their elected company commander, Col. Kinney elected regiment commander.
By my estimates, over the next 34 months the 119th will:
- ride 600 miles on railroads
- march 2,200 miles on foot
- ride 3,500 miles on steamboats
- total 6,300 miles.
So far as I know, the 119th was not considered a remarkable unit in any way, strictly average, if that, but solid, imho.
They will serve in six major campaigns, fight ten battles, plus 6 skirmishes and suffer 157 died, perhaps another 270 wounded.
Three of its members will be awarded Medals of Honor.