the units of the "harper's ferry brigade" joined the army of the potomac on june 28, 1863. they were assigned to ii corps, where they became the 3rd brigade, 3rd division under general hays. the veterans of the corps did not greet the "harpers ferry cowards" kindly until they had proven their courage in combat. the division commander maj. gen. william h. french had been assigned to the middle department and hays replaced him. willard duly succeeded by seniority to command of the brigade; which now consisted of the 39th, 111th, 125th and 126th new york regiments.