 On December 20 , 1861 , the 21st was assigned to the Coast Division commanded by Maj. Gen. Ambrose Burnside for operations in North Carolina . The 21st was the first regiment selected by Brig. Gen. Jesse Reno for his brigade . The 21st Massachusetts would gain a great respect and affection for Reno , who first led their brigade and later the IX Corps of which the 21st was a part . 
