Many Connecticut residents had anticipated a call to arms, and, as a result, several companies had already reached their manpower requirements by the 16th. The 1st Connecticut Infantry Regiment was organized in
Hartford, Connecticut, and was mustered in for three months service on April 22, 1861, under the command of
Colonel Daniel Tyler. John Speidel was elected Lieutenant Colonel. Their rifle companies were issued Sharps rifles from state stocks. The regiment left for
Washington, D.C., on 18 May on the steamer
Bienville and served at
Fort Corcoran as part of the capitol garrison. It was attached to Mansfield's command in the
Department of Washington until 1 June. The regiment was assigned to Key's 1st Brigade, Tyler's Division, McDowell's
Army of Northeastern Virginia on 1 June and advanced to
Vienna and
Falls Church in northern
Virginia between 1 and 8 June. It served on picket duty there until 16 July, then participated in the advance on
Manassas, occupying
Fairfax Court House on 17 July. The regiment fought in the
First Battle of Bull Run on 21 July, and was lauded for maintaining discipline during the retreat of the Union troops. It spent the next few days packing up the abandoned camps of other regiments. The 1st began to march to New Haven on 27 July, and was mustered out of service on 31 July. During the unit's service, 6 men were wounded, 6 were captured, and 25 were discharged for disability. ==See also==