Download or read book Sykes' Regular Infantry Division, 1861-1864 written by Timothy J. Reese and published by . This book was released on 1990 with total page 496 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The history of Sykes' Regular Infantry Division chronicles the hitherto unknown career of the Regular U.S. Infantry troops who fought in the eastern theater of the Civil War. Despite regional prejudice, recruitment difficulties, and ghastly casualties, the Regular Division formed the backbone of the Army of the Potomac, setting an enviable example for the volunteer regiments. Under the command of General George Sykes, the division figured prominently in the battles of Gaines' Mill, Second Manassas, Gettysburg, and the Wilderness. At Gettysburg half their number were casualties. By 1864, the division had been fought to near extinction, prompting their removal from the field. As professionals their service spanned the years both before and following the war, but never received the level of recognition comparable to that of the volunteer army. Appendices include tables of regimental representation by companies stating when each joined or left the division; orders of battle by companies for each engagement; Medals of Honor awarded; classification of officers; Roll of Honor; and regimental casualties by engagement.