in late 1862 willard, by then a major in the 19th u. s. infantry, organized and became colonel of the 125th new york volunteer infantry regiment. willard was allowed to retain his commission in the regular army. he suffered misfortune while commanding his regiment at harpers ferry, west virginia, in 1862. his raw recruits did not distinguish themselves in the battle of harpers ferry, in which they fell apart under fire during the fighting on bolivar heights. they were too frightened, especially by the enfilade fire coming in from loudon heights to rally. when the garrison was surrendered to stonewall jackson by col. dixon s. miles, willard and his men became prisoners of war.