THIRTEENTH REGIMENT HISTORY  & ROSTERS  (pg3)

On the 17th, a forced march was made to Charlestown, nearly the whole distance over dusty roads was performed at a “double quick”.

At a crossroads called Smithfield a halt was made by order of Gen. Patterson, a line of battle formed, the artillery placed in battery, and everything put in readiness for action.  This maneuver was executed with the design of protecting the column against a sudden dash of the enemy’s cavalry, which hung upon the flank and rear of the army in considerable force.  The regiment remained in camp in Charlestown until the 21st, when it was ordered to Harper’s Ferry.  Starting without guides and mistaking the way, it made a wide detour of some half dozen miles, and arriving at the Potomac late at night, was obliged to ford the river in the darkness, leaving some of the wagons in the middle of the stream until morning.  On the evening of the 22nd, it again struck tents and marched to Hagerstown, whence, on the 25th, it moved by the Cumberland Valley R. R. to Harrisburg, and when upon the point of taking the cars, homeward bound, were called on to repress a disturbance occurring near the headquarters of the Division Commander, at one of the principal hotels in Harrisburg, and arrived so promptly in such good order, exhibiting such good discipline, that further action was unnecessary.  As soon as transportation was furnished, the regiment moved to Pittsburgh where an ovation awaited it.  On the 6th of August it was paid and mustered out of service.  Previous to this it had been determined to organize a new regiment for three years or the war.

      On August 6th, 1861, the Colonel and several field officers were immediately sworn into the service for three years and the enrollment and muster of the 12 companies was rapidly completed and they were sent to the front.  The regiment was numbered the 102nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.

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