168th Service: Jacob was known as John on all his records. This group was organized at Pittsburgh and then moved to Washington D. C., on to Newport News, and then to Suffolk, Virginia. This regiment joined other groups and then moved into North Carolina in 1863. They moved around in Virginia and then back to Harper's Ferry, West Virginia in July 1863. This group had several expeditions against the enemy, but did not come to battle. The regiment skirted around Gettysburg battle, and as the army under General Meade approached the Potomac, they were in pursuit of Lee; This regiment went after the enemy as it escaped into Virginia. This regiment was then ordered back to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and they were mustered out of service on July 25, 1863 before the war was over.
It is noted that no men were lost in battle, but 25 men died of disease.
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206th Service: The majority of the men in this regiment had served in other organizations. They were ordered to Washington D. C., but while in route were diverted to Baltimore. They then moved on to City Point, then with a couple more moves were ordered to duty with the Engineer Corps and put to work on Fort Brady. Working under fire of enemy's guns, they were given a commendation for their energy and skill displayed.
In October, the Engineer Corps were engaged in fatigue duty at Dutch Gap, Virginia. They were placed in comfortable winter quarters to work on the lines north of Fort Harrison. In December, more Corps were merged, comprised of all white troops. They had duty in the trenches as they marched into Richmond. They enemy had evacuated and set the city on fire. The regiment was assigned occupation duty in the city of Richmond, from April through May 1865. They were moved to Lynchburg and Richmond, and then ordered back to Pittsburgh. On the 26th of June, no more service was required; and by July the regiment was disbanded.
The farewell order from General Dandy is noteworthy: "Under your gallant commander, Colonel Hugh J Brady, you were the first to enter Richmond, and to display in the capital of traitors, the Stars and Stripes of your country. Carry home with you, and bequeath it to your children the red heart, and the badge of the First Division. It is the symbol of deeds that will live when this present, and many succeeding generations, have passed away."