The Eighth Regiment was organized at Camp Buckingham, Hartford,
in September, 1861. It was commanded by Colonel Edward Harland
of Norwich, who had recently returned from a three months'
service in the field as a Captain in the Third Regiment. The
regiment left Hartford October 17th, and for a fortnight was in
camp of instruction at Jamaica, L.I. November 1st it proceeded
to Annapolis. Early in January, 1862, the Eighth sailed with the
Burnside Expedition. The Confederate forces on Roanoke Island
were attacked February 7th, where the Eighth suffered no loss,
being held in reserve. After a month's stay at Roanoke Island,
Burnside's forces moved toward Newbern, by transports to
Slocum's Creek (about eighteen miles below the city), thence
marching up the south bank of the Neuse to the city's line of
defense. The attack upon the defenses of Newbern (March 14th)
was made at an early hour, and the Eighth assisted in the
capture of about five hundred Confederate troops. This was the
regiment's first baptism of blood.