History: Local: Chapters XVI - Part V: The Great Rebellion: Bean's 1884 History of Montgomery Co, PA
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BEAN'S HISTORY OF
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
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CHAPTER XVI. PART V
THE GREAT REBELLION.
255
ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTIETH REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS,
FIFTEENTH (ANDERSON) CAVALRY (three years' service). [See NOTE 16-16.]
This regiment was recruited in the autumn of 1862, by order of the
Secretary of War, and was designed for special service. Captain William
J. Palmer, who had previously organized an independent company known in
history as the Anderson Troop, departed from the usual rule of
permitting the enlisted men to elect the line and field officers, the
recruits "having by their terms of enlistment waived their right to
choose their own officers." The duty of selecting line, field and staff
officers for a new regiment imposed a task of more than ordinary
responsibility, and the men who patriotically waived the privilege,
universally accorded to all Pennsylvania troops, subsequently learned by
a painful experience that the selection of subordinate officers is
attended with a measure of dissatisfaction not less marked than that
which prevails where they are made the subject of popular choice.
Home associations were not reorganized in the organization of this
regiment, nor in the appointment and assignment of line officers to
duty. The promotion of line officers was not by company, as was the
custom among Pennsylvania Volunteers. It was thought judicious to adopt
the rule prevailing in the regular army, and promote by seniority
throughout the regiment, the senior captain always being in command of
Company A and the junior captain in command of Company M, and the same
of lieutenants. The recruits were mustered into the service at
Carlisle, Pa. Officers were assigned them who, by the aid of the
post-officers of the regular army then stationed at Carlisle, commenced
instruction and drill. The incursion of Lee into Maryland in the month
of September, threatening Western Pennsylvania, induced great activity
among all the troops then in process of organization, and this regiment,
with those in camp at Harrisburg, were put it marching orders, and their
first-experience in the hardships of active service was.realized in
their native State.
Their historian says, "The regiment was ordered to remain in the
Cumberland Valley, and two hundred and fifty picked men, with three days
rations and thirty-six rounds of ammunition, per man, were ordered to the
front. They proceeded by rail to Greencastle, where the detachment
procured horses for one hundred and fifty of their number, and with
these they picketed all the public roads leading south, the enemy being
in force at or near Hagerstown. The outposts came in conflict with the
enemy on the 12th and 13th of September and acquitted themselves with
credit.
[NOTE 16-16.]
"The Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry (One Hundred and Sixtieth
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers) was recruited by officers of the
Anderson Troop, a company named after General Robert Anderson, the hero
of Fort Sumter, which had been in service under General Buell.
"In the summer of 1862, Captain William I. Palmer, assisted by Ward,
Verzin, Seeger and others of the old Anderson Troop, opened recruiting
offices at Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and other points throughout the
state.
"A peculiar feature at the recruiting station in Philadelphia
(corner Third and Willing's Alley) was the requirement that recruits for
the Fifteenth should furnish recommendations as to character, etc.
"It was stated at headquarters that the regiment was intended to
special duty under General Buell, who was then in command of the gallant
and successful Army of the Southwest.
"Applicants were numerous, and some of the best material of the State
was thus secured.
"The men were measured for their uniforms at Rockhill & Wilson's
Chestnut Street clothing-house, and purchased their heavy cavalry boots
of Dickerman, Philadelphia.
"It was originally intended to increase the old troop to a battalion
only, and it has been frequently urged that no sufficient authority was
given for a greater number, but a full regiment was enlisted and placed
in active service.
"The men were taken in detachments to Carlisle Barracks, in
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and were drilled there by officers of
the regular army on duty at the barracks.
"It is asserted that there was some conflict as to the regiment
between the War Department and the State authorities.
"At all events, there was some hitch or hinderance at some important
point which resulted in trouble to officers and men, and occasioned
considerable irregularity in the organization and equipment of the
regiment.
"Acting Colonel Palmer was captured at Antietam, and was afterward
succeeded in temporary command by Acting Lieutenant-Colonel Spencer.
"The officers, however were only temporary and orders were issued as
mere 'temporary arrangements.' Men not above the grade of sergeants were
in command of companies while the men of the regiment have no voice in
the selection of their noncommissioned or other officers.
"In this unfortunate condition without equipment without
commissioned officers, and apparently without remedy, all efforts to
secure a change proving ineffectual, -a condition which naturally tends
to produce demoralization and frequently lead to insubordination in any
service, military or civil -the regiment was, on short notice. They
hurried out of the grand old commonwealth of Pennsylvania, by Acting
Lieutenant Colonel Spencer, to Louisville, Kentucky, and from thence,
wretchedly mounted and inefficiently equipped, to Nashville, Tennessee,
whence, in a day or two, they were marched to the front, and under
General Stanley chief of Calvary of General Rosecrans, had the extreme
advance at the battle of Murfreeboro'.
"The loss to the regiment in that battle was heavy. After the death
of the galiant Majors Ward and Rosengarten and of the heroic Kimbes,
General Stanley said, in a voice that rang like a trumpet:
"'I will take command of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania.' With that he
drew his sword, shouted the command, 'Draw sabre! Charge! Follow me!'
It was gallantly done and the regiment marched upon the foe.
"But alas ! many of the brave and brilliant men of the Fifteenth,
whose genius, dash and courage gave promise of distinguished and eminent
service to the government were slain or crippled for life on that bloody
field in the memorable Christmas holidays of 1862.
"The great delays in properly organizing the regiment and the lack
of suitable supplies and equipment had culminated in widespread
dissatisfaction, and troubles arose which for a time seriously
threatened the organization.
"These, however, were afterwards happily adjusted.
"After the reorganization Orderly Sergeant Charles M. Betts rose
rapidly to the colony of the regiment, and its subsequent fine career
under his efficient command was due in a great measure to his noble
qualities as an officer and gentlemen.
"Alexander R Cutler,
"Late Fifteenth Pennsylvania Calvary."
[FINIS NOTE 16-16.]
These troops were on duty during the battle of Antietam, and
subsequently, on the 18th of September, Captain Palmer, who was to be
commissioned colonel of the regiment, while in discharge of hazardous
and difficult duty within the enemy's lines, was captured and sent to
Richmond. Upon the retreat of Lee south of the Potomac the entire
detachment returned to their camp at Carlisle, having returned to the
good people in the neighborhood of Greencastle the horses used in their
first campaign.
The capture of Captain Palmer at this critical juncture proved a
great misfortune, as the command was left without a head. On the 1st of
October, William Spencer, first lieutenant of the troop, was commissioned
lieutenant colonel, Adolph C. Rosengarten and Frank B. Ward, majors, and
the regiment was organized in ten companies. A full list of company
officers was presented to the proper authorities for appointment, but
only eleven of these were commissioned. On the 7th of November the
regiment moved by rail to Louisville, Ky., where, upon its arrival, it
went into camp, and was mounted. A month later it was ordered forward
to Nashville, where the main army, now under command of General
Rosecrans, was assembled. At this time the command had seven field and
staff officers, twelve line and about two-thirds of its complement of
non-commissioned officers.
On the 25th a detachment of two hundred and fifty men was sent out
as guard to a foraging train, and while beyond the lines, on the
Hillsboro' pike, was attacked and one man killed; but the enemy was
beaten back, and the laden train brought safely in.
The army was now upon the eve of advancing to meet Bragg in the
battle of Stone River. On the 26th an order was issued for the regiment
to advance with General Stanley's division of cavalry. Much
dissatisfaction had prevailed previous to leaving Louisville on account
of the want of officers and the lack of efficiency in the
organization; but the men had determined to march to Nashville, and
there lay their grievances before General Rosecrans, all appeals to
Governor Curtin and to the Secretary of War having proved fruitless.
Rosecrans was now busy with the movement of his forces, and could not be
seen. With only a single commissioned officer to the company, the
command was really in no condition to
256
move; but the order for it was peremptory. The officers, with about
three hundred of the men, under the leadership of Majors Rosengarten and
Ward, rendered prompt obedience. The remainder, to the number of about
six hundred, stacked arms and refused to go. Stanley covered the right
flank of the advancing army, and on the 27th came up with the enemy,
when brisk skirmishing opened, and the enemy was driven back nearly five
miles. On the 29th the command marched by a circuitous route to
Wilkinson's CrossRoads, where it encountered a body of rebel cavalry.
Deploying skirmishers, the enemy was driven a mile, when a charge was
ordered, and was led by Major Rosengarten and Ward. Gallantly the
command went forward, but soon encountered the enemy's infantry in
overpowering numbers. The struggle was maintained with desperate valor,
and at close quarters, the men using their pistols and clubbing their
carbines. At the height of the encounter Major Rosengarten was killed,
and Major Ward mortally wounded. The battalion was finally forced to
retire. Major Ward, who had been helped to the rear, insisted upon
another charge, though bleeding from several wounds. The attempt was
made, but the command was again repulsed. The lose was thirteen killed
or mortally wounded and sixty-nine wounded and missing. The command now
devolved on Captain Vezin, and, with the First Tennessee Cavalry, it
moved in pursuit of the enemy's horse, which had destroyed a Union wagon
train. All night long the march continued, but without avail. On the
afternoon of the 31st it joined General Minty's brigade in a charge on
Wheeler's cavalry, led by General Stanley in person, in which the enemy
was driven in upon his supports. In this charge, Private Holt, of
Company H, captured and brought off the colors of the Tenth Tennessee
(rebel) Cavalry, on which was inscribed: "Death before Subjugation." At
night the command was advanced and deployed in line of skirmishers, where
it remained until the morning of the New Year. The enemy, who had gained
a signal advantage in the morning of the 31st, routing and driving back
the right wing of Rosecrans' army, had been stopped and signally
repulsed at evening. There was little harder fighting, the enemy
retreating rapidly on the 3d, and leaving the field in the hands of the
Union army. On the morning of the 1st the battalion, with the Third
Ohio, was detailed to guard a train on its way back to Nashville, and
was twice attacked, losing four 'killed and three wounded.
In the mean time General Mitchell, in command at Nashville,
determined to compel the men who remained in camp to go to the front,
and accordingly sent General Morgan, on the 30th, to execute his
purpose. Upon the offer of General Morgan to take them to General
Rosecrans they were soon in saddle, and all, save a detachment left in
charge of the camp and the sick, were upon the march, under command of
Colonel Woods, of an Illinois regiment, who had been detailed by General
Morgan to command them. At Lavergne they were stopped by a powerful body
of the enemy's cavalry, under command of Wheeler. Unable to cope with
him, Colonel Woods was compelled to fall back. Famishing with hunger,
neither men nor horses having had regular supplies for many clays, one
hundred of the number went into camp six miles-from Nashville, and on
the following day made their way to the front, but the remainder
returned to their old camp near the city, from which they refused again
to move, and on the evening of the 31st were sent by General Mitchell to
the workhouse. On the 20th of January, 1863, General Rosecrans sent them
a proposition that if they would return to duty he, would have them
speedily reorganized and fully officered. As this was all that they
were clamoring for, they accepted it.
On the 7th of February, Colonel Palmer returned from captivity and
resumed command, when every-thing began again to wear a cheerful
aspect. Horses and a full complement of equipment were received, and
the regiment was organized in twelve companies, with the following field
officers: William J. Palmer, colonel; Charles B. Lambert, lieutenant
colonel.
Much abuse was heaped upon the men who refused to march, and the
wildest rumors prevailed concerning their motives. The rebel organs
throughout the South proclaimed that the Yankee soldiers at Nashville
were laying down their arms by regiments, in consequence of the issue of
the President's emancipation proclamation; whereas, it is probable that
not a thought of this proclamation ever entered their counsels. Charges
of cowardice and disappointment at not being taken to duty at the
headquarters of the commanding general were made, but the lack of
organization and of officers, and want of efficient leadership, seems to
have been the simple and only cause of their conduct. While the
unfortunate situation in which they were placed must ever be deplored,
and their refusal to march condemned, the conduct of the men who
followed the gallant Rosengarten and Ward, even under the most
discouraging circumstances, and met death, in the face of the foe, will
never cease to be regarded with admiration and gratitude.
Active operations commenced soon after its reorganization. On the
4th of April a detachment of three hundred, with infantry and artillery,
all under command of General I. N. Palmer, scouted in the direction of
Woodbury, the detachment having a brisk skirmish four miles beyond the
town, and on the following day took some prisoners and released some
Union conscripts near McMinnville. On the 7th it charged a body of the
enemy near the Barrens, capturing eighteen of his men. Returning to
camp near Murfreesboro', the regiment was reviewed on the 10th by
General Rogecrans.
On the 24th of June the army moved forward on the Chickamauga
campaign, when Companies B, H and K were detailed as escort to the
general com-
257
manding, and the remainder of the regiment was employed for courier duty
between the right and left wings of the army, under Generals McCook and
Crittenden. The latter was required to obtain knowledge of the
topogaphy of the country in advance of the army, requiring much
activity. On the 24th, Companies E and L, while bearing dispatches to
General Mitchell, at Rover, encountered a party of the enemy and
dispersed it, killing two and capturing several, delivering the
dispatches in safety. Again, on the 29th, nearly the entire regiment,
under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Lamborn, encountered a body of
rebel cavalry north of Tullahoma, driving them in upon their
intrenchments, and capturing fifteen. It soon after advanced with
Thomas to Tullahoma, the enemy retreating. About the middle of August
the army again moved forward, and until the opening of the battle of
Chickamauga the regiment was kept busy in scouting the country and
preparing maps for the use of the general commanding. During the first
day of the battle, September 19th, the regiment was on duty at General
Rosecrans headquarters, guarding flank-roads, watching the movements of
the enemy and carrying dispatches. When the right gave way, on the
second day, Colonel Palmer was ordered by General Rosecrans to form the
regiment so as to stop stragglers. The line was formed near the foot of
Mission Ridge, west of the Crawfish road, and had stopped a larger
number, when the regiment was ordered to the rear by General Sheridan,
moving by the top of the ridge to the left.
Following the rear of the wagon-trains and batteries to a point
twelve miles south of Chattanooga, Colonel Palmer turned to the left,
and formed his regiment across the valley, a mile south of where the
trains debouched towards Chattanooga, and sent out scouting-parties in
the direction of Pond Spring and Stevens' Gap. The smoke of Colonel
Watkins' wagons, which the rebel cavalry were burning at Stevens' Gap,
was here visible. Remaining until the cavalry of General Mitchel had
come up, the regiment moved on with the rear of the train to
Chattanooga. Company L, sent ten miles out on Lookout Mountain to watch
the movements of the enemy, was cut off, but succeeded in making its way
through his lines, and rejoining the regiment in Chattanooga.
Bragg closed in upon the army of Rosecrans, sending out his cavalry
to operate upon his communications. The animals were soon reduced to a
starving condition. Colonel Palmer was, accordingly, sent with his
calvary into the Sequatchie Valley, thirty miles away, and encamped on
Robinson's plantation, where corn and provisions were found in
abundance, and from which supplies were sent to Chattanooga.
Soon after the battle of the 25th of November, which swept Bragg
from his strongholds around the city, and gave light and life to the
starving army of Thomas, Colonel Palmer was ordered to, move to Kingston
with his regiment, and join Sherman, now on his way to Knoxville to
relieve the beleaguered army of Burnside. Sherman did not cross at
Kingston, but kept up the left bank of the Tennessee, and Palmer,
consequently, moved forward on the Right Bank, and was the first to
report at Knoxville.
On the day following its arrival General Burnside ordered it to
Sevierville to meet a body of the enemy, in part Indians, from North
Carolina, under Colonel Thomas. Sending a squadron under
Lieutenant-Colonel Lamborn to demonstrate in front. Colonel Palmer led
the main body, by night, across the mountains by a circuitous route,
coming in upon the rear of the rebel force, and by a well-concerted
action, attacking at daylight in front and flank completely routed it,
wounding seven and capturing two of the enemy, fifteen horses and twenty
stands of arms, and burning the camp. Captains Charles M. Betts and
George S. Clark were among the wounded in the engagement.
Captain McAllister, with two companies, F and G, was sent in pursuit
of the fugitives, but failed to overtake them. The regiment was now
engaged in scout ing on the left flank, and in rear of Longstreet's
army, which was leisurely pursuing its way towards Virginia, extending
along the French Broad River as far as Newport, having frequent
skirmishes with rebel cavalry, and capturing prisoners from whom
important information was gained. On the night of the 23d of December
the command crossed the French Broad, and pushing up under cover of
darkness to the rear of the enemy's cavalry corps, captured a number of
his pickets, thirteen horses and twenty-six head of cattle, and brought
them safely into camp, though closely pursued.
On the 24th the regiment participated in the battle of Dandridge,
which was fought by the brigades of Sturgis and Elliott. After a sharp
skirmish the enemy was driven, and in full retreat, but was timely
reinforced by a brigade from Morristown, and was thus enabled to make a
stand, before which the Union force was obliged to retire. In the fight
Colonel Palmer made a spirited dash, with ninety of his men, before whom
the enemy fled in confusion; but returning, he was fired on by a party
in concealment, and ten of his men were dismounted and fell into the
hands of the foe. Captain Washington Airey was among these, and for
fourteen months endured the hardships and privations of imprisonment,
being finally released to die of disease contracted thereby. The entire
loss was seventy-five in killed, wounded and prisoners.
On the 29th a sharp engagement occurred it Mossy Creek, and after a
contest lasting six hours the enemy was handsomely repulsed. Two
spirited charges were made by the Fifteenth, gaining and holding an
important position on the field, for which it was complimented by
General Sturgis. It lost one officer, Lieutenant and Acting Adjutant
Harvey S. Lingle, killed, and five men wounded.
Longstreet having put his army in winter-quarters near Russellville,
was sending his cavalry back to the
258
rich corn-fields of the French Broad Valley for supplies. The Fifteenth
had become expert in scouting to ascertain the movements of the enemy and
to harass his foraging-parties. It was, accordingly, posted at
Dandridge, and charged especially with this duty. For two weeks it
scouted the whole country on the enemy's flank, coming down upon him at
the most unexpected moments, marching day and night, picking up
prisoners and gathering stock almost within the limits of rebel
encampments. On the 13th of January, 1863, while in camp opposite
Dandridge, Colonel Palmer learned that Brigadier-General Vance, with a
force of three hundred cavalry and dismounted Indians, with two pieces
of artillery, had advanced from North Carolina, and entered Sevierville,
twelve miles in Colonel Palmer's rear, capturing twenty wagons loaded
with wheat, belonging to the army at Knoxville, and twenty prisoners.
Though a brigade of rebel cavalry was in his front, threatening an
attack, Colonel Palmer determined to go in pursuit of Vance.
Accordingly, heading a party of one hundred and twenty-five men, and
leaving his pickets out to deceive the enemy in his front, he started on
his daring mission. On the way he learned that Vance's forces had been
divided, one party, including the Indians, going toward North Carolina,
the other, headed by Vance himself, with the captured train, taking a
back mountain-road towards Newport. After a march of thirty miles
Palmer come up with the latter party at a point about eight miles from
Newport, and by a bold charge with the sabre captured the general, two
of his staff officers, a lieutenant, fifty men, one hundred and fifty
horses, the general's ambulance filled with captured medical stores,
recaptured the entire wagon-train and prisoners, and brought all back
safely to Sevierville. For his gallantry in this affair, Colonel Palmer
was strongly recommended by General Foster, in command at Knoxville,
seconded by Generals Sturgis and Elliott, for promotion.
On the 24th,Colonel Palmer's command, temporarily reinforced by
Colonel Brownlow's First Tennessee Cavalry, made an expedition into the
enemy's foraging ground, near the mouth of the Big Pigeon River, and
captured a train of eighteen wagons, ninety mules and seventy-two of the
enemy, including a captain and three lieutenants, losing one man
killed. The country around had become very familiar to the men of
Colonel Palmer's command, and full reliance was placed in them for
information by which the movements of heavy bodies of troops were
guided. They were kept constantly upon the move. The plan of the
considerable engagement at Fair Garden, on the 28th, in which three
steel guns and one hundred prisoners were taken, was based upon
information of the enemy's position and strength furnished by
scouting-parties of the Fifteenth. On the following day Colonel Palmer,
by taking a flank trail in following the retreating rebels, discovered
that they had been reinforced, and by timely warning to the main Union
force saved it from disaster. The campaign having now ended, the
regiment returned by easy marches to Chattanooga, where it arrived on
the 11th of February, and was joined by it part of the regiment which
had been left at the camp in Sequatchie Valley. During the three
succeeding months the command was kept busy in scouting on the flank of
the enemy holding position on Tunnel Hill, Buzzard's Roost and Dalton.
In reconnoissances to Lafayette, Summerville, Alpine and Lookout Valley
it gained important information and captured some prisoners.
By the hard service during the fall and winter the horses had become
completely worn out, and on the 4th of May, as the army was about
breaking camp for the spring campaign, the regiment was ordered to
Nashville to remount and refit. It was August before the requisite
horses, arms and equipment were obtained and the command was in
readiness for the field. In the mean time the men had been kept busy in
drill and target practice. Captain Betts had been previously promoted to
major.
On the 8th of August the regiment started for the front, but in
consequence of the raid of Wheeler on Sherman's lines of supply, was
stopped at Chattanooga, and scouted to Red Clay, Parker's Gap and Spring
Place, and upon the movement of Wheeler north, followed him in force,
returning finally to Calhoun, where it was employed protecting the
railroad. On the 5th of September the regiment, about four hundred
strong, was ordered to move north to prevent the return of a force of
Wheeler's cavalry, which had been cut off at McMinnville, and was making
its way, under Dibberel, to the, Tennessee River, below Kingston. It
accordingly moved to Sevierville, the enemy keeping up on the opposite
side of the river, and finally joining Vaughan near Bristol, Va.
From Sevierville, the regiment marched to Bull's Gap, and joined
General Gillem in a movement towards Virginia. At Jonesboro, on the 3d
of October, where the enemy was encountered, Colonel Palmer, who had the
advance, was ordered to develop the enemy's strength and position. He
accordingly charged the rebel rear guard, driving it ten miles to the
Wautauga River, killing one and capturing eight, where he found Duke in
force. On the 4th and 5th there was some skirmishing. But Burbridge
was now in the enemy's rear, and he retreated rapidly towards
Abingdon. Gillem did not pursue, as Forest was raiding into Tennessee,
but returned to Knoxville. Colonel Palmer was, however, permitted, at
his own suggestion, to make diversion in favor of Burbridge, and
advanced, via Bristol, to Kingsport. Here a party of nine, with
dispatches for Burbridge, who had withdrawn to Kentucky, was met.
Taking seventy-five picked men, Colonel Palmer started to carry them
through, and after five days severe marching came up with Burbridge at
Prestonburg, successfully eluding Prentiss' rebel cavalry, lying in wait
for his capture, and at-
259
tacking one of Prentiss' scouting-parties, killing a captain and one
man, and taking twelve prisoners and thirty horses.
In the mean time the remainder of the regiment, under
Lieutenant-Colonel Lamborn, was attacked by Vaughan's forces, which had
returned from Virginia. Lamborn held the ford of the North Fork of the
Holston against Vaughan for one day, and at night, having no supports,
retired towards Bull's Gap, losing in the skirmish one man wounded. On
the following, day, while crossing a difficult ford of the main stream,
he was again attacked by a large force. The command was in column,
along the riverbank, the enemy occupying a steep bluff commanding the
ford and the road, which led to it, over which the column was
advancing. A company was sent to the rear of the attacking party,
which, coming upon the enemy unawares, made a sudden dash, capturing
three officer, and eight men, and so disconcerting the entire party that
it took to its heels, leaving the Union force, of only one hundred and
twenty-five men, to cross and move unmolested to Bull's Gap. Upon their
arrival in camp General Gillem complimented them, in an order, "for their
action at Rogerville, October 7th when in the face of a rebel force much
larger than their own, they crossed the Holston River, capturing, three
rebel lieutenants and eight enlisted men, with no loss."
After this the main body of the regiment and the detachment under
Colonel Palmer assembled in camp near Chattanooga, and for two months
were engaged in scouting for a long distance on all sides, frequently
meeting bands of the enemy. On the 20th of December, Colonel Palmer,
with his own and detachment from other regiments to the number of six
hundred men, proceeded to Decatur, whence he pushed forward, on the
south bank of the Tennessee River, in pursuit of Hood's demoralized
troops, now in full retreat from Tennessee, having been thoroughly
defeated, in the battle of Nashville, by Thomas. Without attempting to
give the details of this eminently successful expedition, its character
may be judged by the following summary of results: The capture of two
hundred prisoners, including two colonels, three captains and eight
lieutenants, and the destruction of seven hundred and fifty stands of
arms; the capture, on the night of December 28th, of two pieces of
General Roddy's artillery, with horses and equipment; the capture and
complete destruction, on the 31st, of the entire pontoon bridge, having
seventy-eight boats, on which Hood crossed the Tennessee River, with two
hundred wagons loaded with tools, ropes, engineering instruments and
supplies; the capture, on the night of January 1, 1865, of a supply
train of Hood of one hundred and ten wagons, while on its way from
Benton Station to Tuscaloosa, and its complete destruction; the surprise
and complete rout, on the Tuscaloosa road, below Moulton, of the rebel
Colonel Russell's regiment of cavalry, Fourth Alabama, and the capture
and destruction of his train, with the papers and baggage of the
brigade; and the repeated defeat and route of Roddy's forces, causing
their disbandment. The entire loss of the command was one man killed
and two wounded. It successfully eluded largely superior forces of the
enemy while on its return to Decatur, and brought all its captures
safely in.
Upon its return the command was ordered to Huntsville for rest, but
on the night following it arrival Colonel Palmer was directed to take
all his available mounted men and intercept the rebel General Lyon at
Fort Deposit. Failing in this, Colonel Palmer crossed the river in
pursuit, came up with Lyon on January 16th, surprised his camp before
daylight and routed his command, capturing his only piece of artillery
and ninety-six prisoners, which were brought off. Lyon himself was
taken, but succeeded in making his escape, after shooting the sergeant
who had him in charge, the only loss. Colonel Palmer led out another
scouting-party, on the 27th, of one hundred and fifty men in pursuit of
a guerilla band, under Colonel Meade, infesting the Cumberland
Mountains, returning on the 6th of February with one captain, two
lieutenants and twenty-three privates as prisoners.
Before starting oil the spring-campaign fresh horses were supplied and
the command was completely refitted for active service. General
Stoneman was placed in command of the cavalry, and Colonel Palmer, who
had been promoted to brevet brigadier general was assigned to the
command of the First Brigade of Gillem's division, whereupon Lieutenant
Colonel Betts, who had been promoted from major. took command of the
regiment. Towards the close of March, Stoneman started oil in important
expedition towards North Carolina. On the 29th he reached Wilkesboro',
on the Yadkin River, where he had a skirmish. Here he received
intelligence which determined him to turn north towards the Virginia and
Tennessee Railroad, which he fell to destroying, the Fifteenth being
actively employed in this work. From this point Major Wagner, with four
companies, made a demonstration to within sight of Lynchburg, Va.,
destroying two important railroad bridges. He rejoined the command,
after an absence of ten days, near Salisbury, N. C., having sustained a
loss, of one killed and eight wounded and captured. On the 19th of
April a detachment of the regiment tinder Major Garner destroyed a
railroad bridge ten miles north of Greensboro', N. C., after a brisk
skirmish with the guard. At the same time Lieutenant Colonel Betts,
with ninety men, surprised the camp of the Third South Carolina Cavalry,
near Greensboro, and charged upon it, capturing the commanding officer,
Lieutenant Colonel Johnson, four of his officers and forty-four men,
with their horses, regimental wagons and camp equipage. On the
following day a detachment under Captain Kramer met and defeated a
superior force of
260
the enemy at Jamestown, destroying the depot and a truss-covered bridge
at Deep River. On the 12th, Salisbury, N. C., was captured and immense
rebel stores destroyed, when the command turned towards Knoxville.
Towards the close of April, intelligence of the surrender of Lee and
Johnson having been received, the division of General Gillem, now
commanded by General Palmer, was ordered to proceed south for the
capture of Jefferson Davis and train. Night and day, with the most
untiring energy and skill, the pursuit was pushed. On the 8th of May
seven wagons, containing the effects of the banks of Macon, were
captured. "On the morning of the 8th, instant," says General Palmer, in
his official report, "while searching for Davis near the fork of the
Appalauhee and Oconee Rivers, Colonel Betts, Fifteenth Pennsylvania
Cavalry, captured seven wagons in the woods, which contained one hundred
and eighty-eight thousand dollars in coin, one million five hundred and
eighty-eight thousand dollars in bank-notes, bonds and securities, and
about four millions of Confederate money, besides considerable specie,
plate and other valuables belonging to private citizens of Macon. The
wagons contained also the private baggage, maps, and official papers of
Generals Beauregard and Pillow. Nothing was disturbed, and I sent the
whole in by railroad to Augusta to the commanding officer of the United
States forces, to await the action of the government." Two days after,
Company G, Captain Samuel Phillips, captured General Bragg, his wife,
staff officers and three wagons, which were sent under guard to the
headquarters of General Wilson. On the 15th news was received of the
capture of Davis and party by Colonel Pritchard, of the Fourth Michigan
Cavalry, detachments from Colonel Betts' command being close upon his
trail. The regiment now started northward, and on the 12th of June
arrived at Nashville, where, on the 21st, it was mustered out of service.
RECRUITS FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
Henry K. Weand, mustered into service Aug. 24, 1862; pro. to corp. Oct.
30, 1862; to sergt. Nov. 1, 1862; to 1st sergt. March 1, 1863; to 1st
lieut. May 8, 1863; com. capt. Co. H, Feb. 20, 1865; must. out with
company June 21, 1865.
PRIVATES
Jacob Fitzwater,
Henry Cress,
Chas. H. Cress,
Robert Dager,
Theodore F. Ramsey,
Josiah C. Reiff,
0. S. Spang,
Fred. Spang,
William Spang,
Fred. S. Shrack,
Abner Evans,
John J. Shelmin,
Andrew W. Wills,
Edwin H, Hiltner
Nicholas F. Dager,
Abraham Hartranft,
Geo. W. Lukens,
Courtland F. McCarter,
Wm. Wills, Jr.,
David R. Conrad,
Samuel F. Tyson,
Joshua Johnson,
Thos. B. Tucker,
Harry Somers,
J. R. Steinmetz.
Alexander R. Cutler, of the Philadelphia bar, now residing in
Norristown, was a member of this regiment, Co. C; also John W. Eckman,
present superintendent of the Montgomery Furnace, at Port Kennedy, and
Joseph C. Weatherby, a resident of Norriton township, near Penn Square.
THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SECOND REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS
The One Hundred and Sixty-Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers
(Seventeenth Cavalry). The organization of Company L, composed of men
from Montgomery and Chester Counties, was attended with some unusual
circumstances, which seem to require special mention. David B.
Hartranft, proprietor of the Jeffersonville Hotel, Norriton township,
received authority to recruit a cavalry company, under the call of
President Lincoln, July 2, 1862, for three hundred thousand volunteers
to serve for three years or during the war. [See NOTE 16-17.] Hartranft
had been an active member of Captain Leidy's Washington Troop, a
volunteer organization in the days of peace, but which melted away, like
almost all similar organizations in the country, when active service
invited men of arms to the front. The period was favorable to
enlistments. The Peninsula campaign, with that of General Pope in front
of Washington, had closed in disaster. The ordinary channels of trade
and business were paralyzed. The fact was painfully manifest that the
struggle was still gathering fury, and, if the unity of the country was
to be preserved, men of all classes would have to fill up the dreadful
gaps resulting from the ill-fated battles fought in front of Richmond
and Washington. Hitherto the young and unmarried men largely filled up
the company and regimental organizations accredited to the county, but
this call appealed to the patriotism of men of family and those settled
in life. Fully fifty per cent. of the company were mounted men. The
call was for three years' service or "during the war," and the rough
experience of those who were then in the field had dispelled all fancy
notions of the glitter and pomp of war. Those who were now to march
felt that it was a serious matter and this feeling was fully shared by
the families of the men and the public in general.
Among those recruited by Hartranft were fifty men in temporary camp
at Zeiglersville, Frederick township. These men had been enlisted by
John B. Adams, who was authorized to organize a regiment of infantry.
Under the pressing exigencies of the public service, in the month of
August, 1862, an order was issued by the Secretary of War to consolidate
regiments in process of formation and forward them at once to Washington
for assignment to brigades. In the execution of this order the men
enlisted by Adams and Ellmaker were organized into the One Hundred and
Nineteenth regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Under this arrangement
Peter C. Ellmaker was commissioned colonel. This gave offense to Adams,
who failed to report the men in camp at Zeiglersville. Hartranft found
these fifty men, who represented that the officer recruiting them had
abandoned them, and they expressed their desire to join the company of
cavalry then forming. They were accepted, fifty in number, and about
the middle of August, 1862, the full company of one hundred men
assembled at Zeiglersville, and, after a royal breakfast, provided by
the kind-hearted people of the village, the company took carriages,
furnished by the farmers and business men of the neighborhood and
[NOTE 16-17.]
Under the call, Pennsylvania was required to furnish three regoments
of cavalry. The Sixteenth, Seventeenth and Eighteenth were organized.
(See, Bates' History, vol. iv. pp. 950, 1001, 1043).
[FINIS NOTE 16-17.]
261
drove to Pottstown, where they took the cars for Harrisburg. The
company officers upon leaving the county were as follows: First
Lieutenant, R. B. Rhoads; Second Lieutenant, Joshua Houck. Upon
arriving at the State capital the company was marched to Camp Curtin,
commanded by Captain Tarbutton, where it drew camp equipage and
provisions. The men passed the usual physical examinations and were
then tested in horsemanship, and duly mustered into the service of the
United States on the 17th day of September 1862, "to serve for three
years or during the war." Theodore W. Bean was appointed first sergeant
of the company. Clothing was issued to the men, and the work of squad
and company drill was about to commence, when an order was received from
the commandant of the camp to muster the men in the company street. The
order required the men whose names were called to step two paces to the
front. All the Adams recruits were called. They were declared under
arrest, and escorted by the provost guard of the capital to quarters in
the city of Harrisburg, there to await the further orders of the
Secretary of War.
The fact now became evident to the officers of the company that all
the Zeiglersville recruits had been regularly "mustered in" under the
order of Adams, and the rolls returned to the Secretary of War under the
order to consolidate, and that therefore their men belonged of right to
Colonel Ellmaker's command. The manner in which these men were claimed
was felt to be humiliating, and the officers and men remaining felt it
due to themselves and those under arrest to investigate the facts, and,
if possible, have them restored to the command. It is just to the great
and good war-Governor Curtin and his Adjutant-General Russel to say that
both offered every facility to fully investigate the facts and
circumstances of the case. Theo. W. Bean was designated by the officers
and men in camp and those detained to proceed to Washington to confer
with the Secretary of War and Adjutant-General of the United States
army. Governor Curtin and General Russel united in a strong appeal to
the Secretary of War for the restoration of these men to the cavalry
service, and the gentleman bearing, the dispatches pressed the request
of officers and men and the appeal of the State authorities in terms the
most considerate his address could command. The matter was referred to
Adjutant-General Thomas, U.S.A., who, in a personal interview, declined
to change or modify their original muster-in roll, but at once relieved
the men from the order of arrest, and directed them to be forwarded,
under the command of a commissioned officer, to the regiment to which
they originally belonged. Sergeant Bean returned from Washington and
reported results to the men. They were promptly relieved from arrest,
and accepted the situation without murmur or remonstrance. They were
gallant and patriotic men, and their record in the noble regiment to
which they subsequently been me attached is highly creditable to
themselves and their country.
LIST OF MEN NOT ON MUSTER ROLL, COMPANY L, SEVENTEENTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY.
Henry S. Acker,
Jacob Antis,
Joseph Aucby,
Clem. Armbruster,
Peter S. Boyer,
Jonas Boyer,
Henry Basler,
Jacob Batzel,
George Brosius,
Wm. Dearoff,
John Faust,
John Freese,
Mahlon Herbert,
Henry Herbst,
John Jenkins,
Harrison Johnson,
Jacob Johnson,
John Kohl,
Milton Krause,
Aug. Keyser,
Abr. P. Koons,
Fdwd. Kopp,
John P. Koons,
Fred. P. Koons
Philip Kline,
Saml. S. Leidig,
Albert Leidig,
H. S. Longaker,
John Lord,
Lewis D. Miller,
Adam Moyer,
John G. Miller,
John Neiman,
John Neiffer,
Daniel Puhl,
John Pool,
William D. Quigg,
Oliver Rushon,
John Sloop,
Henry Styer,
Elias Smith,
Franklin Shuler,
John Schnenk,
Samuel Schlottern,
Jacob Smith,
James Smith,
Arnold Ulmer,
Joseph Underkuffler,
Aaron Wick,
Christian Wick,
Henry Wolff.
This separation and loss of men disorganized the original company,
in consequence of which Lieutenants Rhoads and Houck lost their
positions, neither of whom accompanied the enlisted men to the One
Hundred and Nineteenth Regiment. Captain Hartranft still had fifty men
in camp, but under the altered circumstances could not be mustered.
About this time Lieutenant John Rees, with fifty men from Chester
County, reported to Captain Tarbutton; overtures were at once made for a
consolidation of the two commands, and a new company organization was
effected. The Chester County men were at once transferred to the
quarters vacated by the Zeiglersville recruits, and an election of
officers was immediately held, which resulted in the choice of the
following gentlemen: Captain, David B. Hartranft; First Lieutenant, John
Rees; Second Lieutenant, Theo. W. Bean. The non-commissioned officers
were then appointed, and the work of dismounted drill and discipline
began.
By the latter end of September the quota for the three-cavalry
regiments was in camp, the organization of twelve companies into the
Seventeenth Regiment of cavalry was effected. Captain Hartranft was
promoted first major; Lieutenant Rees succeeded to the captaincy; Second
Lieutenant Theo. W. Bean was promoted to first lieutenant, and First
Sergeant William H. Wright was commissioned second lieutenant; Edwin A.
Bean, of Company L, was appointed regimental quartermaster-sergeant.
The regimental organization [See NOTE 16-18.] was effected on the
[NOTE 16-18.]
There was an incident connected with the regimental organization,
which had such an important relation to its subsequent history that, it
deserves to be preserved. The election of field and staff officers was
effected after an active canvass, and the choice made was accepted by
all with great satisfaction. The roster was made up of colonel,
lieutenant colonel, three majors, adjutant, quartermaster and
commissary. All vacancies in the companies occasioned by promotion to
the field and stall were filled, and the papers at once forwarded to
Governor Curtin for appointments and commissions.
Upon the receipt of the roster at the executive office, the Governor
carefully examined the same, and directed a reply to be sent to the
officers of the regiment that he would appoint and commission all the
officers named except the colonel, Daniel M. Donehoo, who had been
captain of Company A. It should be added that none of the field or
staff officers elected had experienced active service except Reuben
Reinhold, the second major. The Governor's communication was couched in
the most respectful terms, and his refusal to appoint and commission
Capt. Donehoo colonel was based solely upon the fact of this officer's
want of knowledge and experience for such a responsible position. The
Governor's refusal created quite a breeze among the officers, and
especially the admirers and personal friends of Colonel Donehoo. Some
of the hasty and impulsive gave vent to their indignation in terms more
vigorous than polite, and others hinted at resignation.
These "camp growls" found their way to the Governors ear, and he was
prompt in inviting a conference with all the commissioned officers. The
day and hour were appointed; prompt to time the field, staff and line
officers to the number of forty-four marched into the executive chamber,
and received a cordial welcome. There were present his Adjutant General
Russel and Brigadier-General Andrew Porter, of the United States army.
The latter officer had been especially requested to be present and make
a statement to the officers upon the subject of the interview. We
regret that no copy of the remarks of the Governor and General Porter
was preserved, but in substance the former said : "Gentlemen, I have
invited this interview to fully and freely explain to each of you why I
have refused to appoint and commission the gentleman you have elected so
your commanding officer. I have no doubt of his patriotism or personal
bravery, but I am informed that he has never been under fire nor had any
experience in commanding troop in active service. I have been sadly
admonished of my own mistake in appointing inexperienced and untried man
as commanding officers of regiments, which has resulted to the
unnecessary sacrifice of hundreds of gallant Pennsylvanians.
"In the first days and months of the war this may have been
unavoidable, but now we have officers who have been trained for the
profession of arms, natives of our own State, officers of experience,
many of whom have been especially commended by their superior officers
for distinguished conduct and capability in active service. And I have
thoughtfully made up my official mind that I ought not, and therefore
will not, appoint any man colonel of a new regiment about to enter the
service for the period of three years who has not given the country some
practical evidence of his fitness for the responsible office."
His manner had indicated not few than his words his sincerity and
determination, and when he had briefly stated his reasons he addressed
General Porter, who was standing at his side, and requested him to
advise the visiting Officers upon the subject under consideration. The
commanding presence of this distinguished officer, who was in full dress
uniform, his age and pleasing address, and his words of wisdom resulting
from many years of public service In the then impending and prior wars,
induced the most respectful attention of every officer present. The
possible and probable duration of the conflict between the North and
South was referred to in such a manner as to dissipate all hope of a
speedy end, however much it might be desired. He spoke of the several
disasters to the Union arms, due to the incompetence of inexperienced
field officers, and of the almost irretrievable disgrace which
associates itself with the history of a regimental organization that
suffers reverses, resulting from the incapability of its commanding
officer. He impressed the importance of these considerations upon those
present and supported the Governor, especially because the cavalry arm of
the service was then about to be brought to its highest uses, and
concluded his advice by saying that it required greater skill to
successfully command and direct the movements of a full regiment of
Calvary in active service than a brigade of infantry, that they covered
more ground in their formations, were more likely to be thrown into
confusion and more difficult to withdraw in the hour of peril.
The interview closed with a presentation of all the officers to the
Governor and General Porter, and a free exchange of congratulations upon
the first lemons of duty to our country. Captain Donehoo retired with
the respect of his fellow-officers, and the Governor presented the names
of a number of officers then in the service, all of whom were graduates
of the United States Military Academy, and were Pennsylvanians by birth
or residence. After some days of deliberation and inquiry, Josiah H.
Kellogg, then captain of First Regiment United States Cavalry was
selected. The following facts will serve to illustrate the attachment
of Governor Curtin to the volunteer troops of Pennsylvania.
During the winter of 1862-63, and after the regiment had joined the
army of the Potomac, the work of officers filling themselves to
intelligently perform their duties was; rigidly insisted upon by Colonel
Kellogg. Officers' school was instituted, and gentlemen were given to
understand that unless they became proficient in the manual of arms and
in the practical knowledge and execution of all necessary commands, and
prompt in all the necessary duties of officers, they would be at once
reported to the standing board of examiners. This was eminently proper
but seriously effected fully fifty percent of the field and line
officers, who were but seriously effected fully fifty per cent. of the
field and line officer who were brave men and willing to serve their
country, but disinclined to apply themselves to study. The tasks were
distasteful, recitations unsatisfactory and the commanding officer
uncompromising. Resignations followed; the young and bright men of the
regiment were promoted. At this time a vacancy occurred on the staff of
the colonel. Lieutenant Henry M. Donehoo, commissary, was promoted to
captain Company B, and it was learned the colonel had recommended for
the office a sergeant from his old command, First United States Cavalry,
and that the recommendation was then in the hands of Governor Curtin for
commission. John P. Ross was at the time regimental commissary
sergeant, and by rank entitled to the promotion. He at once presented
his case to Governor Curtin, supported by a majority of commissioned
officers of the regiment.
The Governor, upon receipt of the sergeant's application, recalled
the appointment recommended by Colonel Kellogg, and forward the
commission of first lieutenant and commissary to John P. Ross. No
further effort was made by the commanding officer to import a foreign
element into the staff, field or line of the regiment.
[FINIS NOTE 16-18.]
262
2nd of October, and completed by the muster of its commanding officer,
November 19, 1862. It immediately broke up its dismounted camp under
Captain Tarbutton within the line of Camp Simmons, and established
itself at Camp McClellan, about two miles north of Harrisburg, where the
command received their horses, arms and equipment. A realizing sense of
work and responsibility of the cavalry officer and soldier was perhaps
here first experienced. The novelty was by no means worn away, nor had
the men become accustomed to the care and management of their horses,
when orders were received to report to the line of active service. Of
the twelve companies voluntarily composing this regiment, A Company was
from Beaver County, B from Susquehanna, C from Lancaster, D from
Bradford, E from Lebanon, F from Cumberland, G from Franklin, H from
Schuylkill, I from Perry, K from Luzerne, L from Montgomery and Chester
and M from Wayne. The letters by which companies are denoted in cavalry
regiments are not given until after the regimental organization is
effected, -at least, such was the case in the late war among the
volunteer troops entering the three years' service.
The reason for this is found in the order of assignment in the
formation of squadrons and battalions. The twelve companies of a
regiment of cavalry are formed into six squadrons of two companies each
and these six squadrons are consolidated into three battalions. As the
right of each squadron and battalion is deemed the position of honor, it
is sought after and is assigned by the commanding officer first, with
reference to seniority of captains, and second, with reference to
fitness to command. As the company organizations are complete when the
regiment is formed, there are at least four promotions from the captains
of the line, viz.: lieutenant colonel and three majors. The companies
from which these captains are promoted are therefore junior, and must go
to the left of their squadrons.
The field officers were taken in the organization of this regiment
from the following companies: Lieutenant-Colonel McAllister, Perry
County; First Major Hartranft, Montgomery County; Second Major Reinhold,
first lieutenant, Lebanon County (this was exceptional because of the
service he had previously experienced in the Eleventh Pennsylvania
Cavalry); Third Major Durlaud, Wayne County. The letters given are from
263
A to M inclusive, the letter J not being used because of the similarity
in its form to letter I, and therefore liable to be confused with it in
time of confusion or battle. The reader will therefore perceive that
letters are assigned to companies not only as a convenient manner of
denoting them, but also to give them their relative position in line.
While it is of manifest advantage to have the company represented in the
field and staff formation it is generally attended with a sacrifice of
position on the line. The first six letters designate. The right of
squadrons, and the remaining six the left, as follows:
1st Battalion: 1st Squadron, A, G; 2d Squadron, B, H.
2nd Battalion: 3d Squadron, C, I; 4th Squadron, D, K.
3d Battalion : 5th Squadron, E, L; 6th Squadron, F, M.
LIST OF FIELD OFFICERS AND BREVETS.
[See Note 16-19.]
Colonel James Anderson, Brevet Colonel Durland, Brevet
Lieutenant-Colonel William Thompson, Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore W. Bean.
[NOTE 16-19.]
Josiah H. Kellog, appointed cadet at the United States Military
Academy from Pennsylvania, July 1 1855; graduated July 1, 1860; assigned
to duty as brevet second lieutenant of dragoons July 1, 1860; served at
the cavalry school for practise, Carlisle, Pa., 1860-61; promoted second
lieutenant First Dragoons January 8, 1861; first lieutenant May 13, 1861;
captain First Cavalry May 20, 1862; served through the Peninsular
campaign and the Maryland campaign, and was appointed colonel
Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry Volunteers, November 19, 1862; breveted
major July 3, 1863, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle
of Gettysburg, Pa.; resigned volunteer commission December 27, 1864; on
duty at the United States Military Academy as assistant professor of
national and experimental philosophy, Feb. 22, 1865, to August 23,
1866; "retired from active service February 6, 1865, for disability
resulting from long and faithful service and disease contracted in the
line of duty;" professor of civil engineering and military tactics at
Rutgers College, New Brunswick, N. J., August 30, 1866, by the authority
of the law of July 28, 1866.
[FINIS NOTE 16-19.]
On the 25th of November the regiment moved to Washington, and was
encamped for several days on East Capitol Hill, after which it was
ordered to the front. On the 22d of December it reached the town of
Occoquan, where Hampton's Legion was encountered, and after a sharp
skirmish, was driven and pursued for some distance across the Occoquan
Creek. Here three companies, C, D and I under Major Reinhold, were
detained to picket the creek from Occoquan to Wolf Run Shoals. They
were much harassed by roving parties of partisan rangers, and on the
25th and 26th the right of the line was attacked by a superior force,
which was repulsed and some prisoners taken. On the 27th the detachment
was ordered to rejoin the regiment, which had, in the mean time, advanced
to near Stafford Court-House, slid moved early; but when nearing Neabsco
Creek word was brought that the enemy had attacked at Dumfries, and that
a column of cavalry and artillery was moving on the Telegraph road to
Occoquan. Major Reinhold immediately counter marched, and taking
position on the heights on the north bank, successfully foiled every
attempt of the enemy to cross. On the following morning, having been
reinforced by a detachment of the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry, it
crossed the stream to reconnoitre, and fell in with General Stuart's
command, which immediately attacked. Being overpowered, it was obliged
to retire, and recrossed the creek. On the 5th of January, 1863, it
rejoined the regiment near Stafford Court-House. The Seventeenth was
here assigned to the Second Brigade of the First Cavalry Division, where
it was associated with the Sixth New York, Sixth United States and Eighth
Pennsylvania, commanded by Colonel Thomas C. Devin, in which it served
throughout its entire term. On the 18th of February Companies C and I,
Captain Spera, were ordered to escort duty with General Meade,
commanding the Fifth Corps, where they remained until after the battle
of Chancellorsville, and during the engagement were kept busy in the
transmission of orders.
Only three regiments of cavalry, of which the Seventeenth was one,
moved with the columns of Hooker on the Chancellorsville campaign, the
major part having been dispatched under Averell and Stoneman to cut the
enemy's communications and harass his rear. When, on the evening of the
2d of May, the enemy under Jackson had driven the entire Eleventh Corps,
and was pushing on victorious to sever the Union army, and gain its only
line of retreat, few troops were in position to stay his course. At this
juncture General Pleasanton, who had been out in advance of the line on
the centre, in support of General Sickles, then demonstrating upon
Jackson's flank and rear, happened to be returning with the Eighth and
Seventeenth Pennsylvania Regiments towards the centre, and had reached
the breast-works just as hordes of Jackson's men, who were pursuing the
routed Eleventh Corps troops, were approaching that part of the field.
Divining the condition of affairs by the evidences of rout in the Union
columns, Pleasanton ordered Major Keenan, of the Eighth to charge with
all his force and with impetuosity, which he knew was an element of the
major's nature, full upon the head of the rebel advancing column, though
he knew that the execution of the order would involve the sacrifice of
that gallant regiment. This he did in order that, by checking for a
moment the rebel onslaught, he might gain time to bring his horse
artillery into position, and thus interpose some more effectual
barrier. "I immediately ran up, says General Pleasanton, "this battery
of mine at a gallop, put it into position, ordered it unlimbered and
doubleshotted with canister, and directed the men to aim at the
ground-line of the parapet that the Eleventh Corps had thrown up, about
two-hundred yards off. Our artillery, as a general rule, overshoots,
and ordered them to fire low, because the shot would ricochet. I then
set to work with two squadrons of the remaining regiment (the
Seventeenth Pennsylvania to clear this field of fugitives, and to stop
what cannon and ammunition we could, and put them in position; and I
managed to get twenty-two guns loaded, double shotted, and aiming on
this space in front of us for about a quarter or half a mile, when the
whole woods
264
appeared alive with large bodies of men. This was just at dusk. I was
going to give the word 'fire.' I had ordered those pieces not to fire
unless I gave the word, because I wanted the effect of an immense
shock. There was an immense body of men, and I wanted the whole weight
of the metal to check them. I was about to give the word 'fire,' when
one of the soldiers at a piece said: 'General, that is our flag.' I
said to one of my aids, 'Mr. Thompson, ride forward there at once, and
let me know what flag that is.' He then went to within one hundred
yards, and those people cried out: 'Come on, we are friends! He then
started to move on, when the whole line of woods blazed with musketry,
and they immediately commenced leaping over this parapet, and charged on
the guns; and at the same time I saw from eight to ten rebel battle-flags
run up along the whole line. I immediately gave the order, 'fire,' and
the fire actually swept the men away; and it seemed to blow those men in
front clear over the parapet. . . . .
We had this fight between musketry and artillery therefor nearly an
hour. At onetime they got within fifty yards of the guns. . . .
There were two squadrons of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry left.
This remaining regiment I had was composed of raw men, new troops, and
all I could do with them was to make a show. I had them formed in
single line, with sabers drawn, with orders to charge in case the enemy
came to the guns. They sat in rear of the guns, and I have no doubt
that the rebels took them for the head of a heavy column, as the country
sloped back behind them, and they could not see what was back of them."
["Conduct of War", 1865, vol. i, pp. 28, 29.] And thus was the mad
onset of Stonewall Jackson's army checked by artillery, supported by a
single line of raw cavalry. It was a trying position for the regiment,
but the firm front presented saved the day, and enabled Hooker to reform
his shattered columns, and once more present an unbroken line. Early in
the evening Sickles' troops came up and took position in support of the
guns, and the regiment was relieved. In a general order, issued
immediately after the battle, General Pleasanton guys: "The coolness
displayed by the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Regiment in rallying fugitives
and supporting the batteries (including Martin's) which repulsed the
enemy's attack under Jackson, on the evening of the 2d instant, has
excited the highest admiration."
Under Buford and Gregg, the cavalry, on the 9th of June, crossed the
Rappahannock at Beverly and Kelly's Fords, and boldly attacked the
enemy's cavalry, supported by his infantry. The battle raged during
most of the day. At length, finding that the rebels were moving up an
overpowering force, the Union cavalry retired. In this engagement the
Seventeenth participated, and in the retreat was of the rear guard,
where it was subjected to a heavy artillery fire. Two days after the
battle the regiment was posted to picket the line of the river from
Beverly Ford to Sulphur Springs, while the main body of the army was
marching northward. It was not withdrawn until the 15th, when it
rejoined the division. Early on the morning of the 21st it was formed
in line half a mile west of Middleburg, and met the enemy, repulsing his
attack, and driving him in the direction of Upperville. When arrived
near the town it was ordered to charge the left flank of the foe, and in
executing it was brought under a heavy fire of his artillery. He was
finally driven in confusion.
As General Buford, who commanded the division, moved northward
through Maryland and Pennsylvania, he was hailed with demonstrations of
rejoicing, and as he entered Gettysburg was saluted with shouts and
patriotic songs. On the night of the 30th he encamped near the grounds
of Pennsylvania College, and on the morning of the 1st of July moved out
by the Cashtown road. At a distance of a mile and a half from town be
met the enemy in force. Dispositions were immediately made to resist
his further advance, and for four hours, and until the arrival of the
First Corps, Buford held at bay a third of the entire rebel army.
"Buford, with his four thousand cavalry," says General Pleasanton,
"attacked Hill, and for four hours splendidly resisted his advance,
until Reynolds and Howard were able to hurry to the field and give their
assistance. To the intrepidity, courage and fidelity of General Buford
and his brave division the country and the army owe the field of
Gettysburg." ["Conduct of War", Supplement, part 2, p. 9., Pleasanton's
report.]
As soon, as the infantry in force had come up, the cavalry moved upon
its flanks, and during the remaining part of the battle was active in
preventing the movement of flanking columns of the enemy and in
protecting the lines of communication with the base of supply. Buford's
division retired to Taneytown on the evening of the 2d, Westminster on
the 3d and Frederick on the 5th. On the 6th it encountered the enemy
west of Boonsboro', and after a sharp fight drove him from his
position. On the following morning he renewed the attack, but was again
driven, the Seventeenth Pennsylvania and Ninth New York having a severe
encounter while upon the skirmish line. Skirmishing continued daily
until the enemy retired across the river, and the campaign was at an end.
The fall campaign was one of great activity for the cavalry. The
part taken by the Seventeenth is reflected by the following extract from
Captain Theodore W. Bean's manual of the regiment: "At Raccoon Ford," he
says, "you left your horses under shelter, and rushed to the support of
your brother comrades in arms (Fourth New York), who were gallantly
struggling against fearful odds, and under a murderous fire of grape and
canister from the
265
enemy saved them from captures, reestablished the line, and held it
until relieved by the Twelfth Army Corps, for which you received the
special commendation of the division commander. In the subsequent
movements of the same year, when the wily rebel chief proposed to flank
the army of the Potomac, and thus gain possession of the capital,
history will accord to the regiment an honorable association with the
commands that beat back his advance at Morton's Ford, Stevensburg,
Brandy Station and Oak Hill, where, holding the extreme left of the
line, you skillfully changed front as a distinctive organization, by
direction of your immediate commander, anticipating a well-intended
surprise, and repulsing, with heavy loss, a reckless charge of cavalry,
for which the enemy at that time were notorious. In the
countermovements of the campaign, closing with the battles of Bealton
Station and Rickseyville, the occupation of the line on the Rapidan, and
the indecisive engagement at Mine Run, the regiment was present, bearing
its share of the toils, and sustained its proportion of losses, and,
with the command, went into winter-quarters on the battle-beaten plains
of Culpepper."
The regiment was engaged during the winter in picket duty, holding a
long line in the direction of James City. On the 27th of February, 1864,
a detachment of two hundred men, under command of Captain Spera, was
ordered to report to General Kilpatrick, who, with a force of five
thousand cavalry, was about to start on a raid upon Richmond. The
command moved on the following day, and at Beaver Dam Station, on the
Virginia Central Railroad, the work of destruction was commenced. Here
Hall's brigade, to which Spera's detachment belonged, was sent to
operate on the Fredericksburg Railroad, and at Taylorsville met a
superior force of the enemy, which it failed to dislodge; but near
Yellow Tavern, on the Virginia Central, effected the destruction of
rolling stock, and there rejoined the main column. Kilpatrick
approached to within two or three miles of Richmond, carrying the outer
works and throwing shells into the city, but found the forces opposing
him too great to overcome, and retired ty Meadow Bridge, where a sharp
skirmish occurred. At New Kent Court-House the infantry of Butler was
met, whence some days later, the command returned by transports to
Alexandria, and thence to its old camp near Culpepper.
At the opening of the spring campaign the brigade moved to
Chancellorsville, and on the 6th of May was sent to the Furnace, on the
left of the line, where it met the enemy and fought dismounted, From
numerous attempts of the rebels to turn that flank, being heavily
engaged during the entire day. On the following morning it relieved
Greg's division on the Spottsylvania road, where the enemy was driven
with heavy loss, and at night encamped at Todd's Tavern. On the 8th the
fighting was renewed, in which the Seventeenth, holding the
Spottsylvania, road, suffered severely. Repeated charges of the enemy
were repulsed and the position held until relieved by the Fifth Corps.
On the 9th, Sheridan led the cavalry on his grand raid towards
Richmond. At Beaver Dam Station many Union prisoners were rescued and
large amounts of rebel stores were destroyed. At Yellow House serious
fighting ensued, in which the Seventeenth, dismounted, was of the
charging column, and drove the enemy. At night the regiment was put
upon the picket line stretching Out towards Richmond, reaching near to
the rebel fortifications. Meadow Bridge, which had been destroyed, was
repaired by the First Division, and in the face of the enemy, with
infantry and artillery, on the opposite side, the Seventeenth took the
lead in crossing, and delivering a most determined charge, drove him
from his works in confusion. While the battle was raging a severe
thunderstorm set in, adding to the terror of the scene. Lieutenant
Joseph E. Shultz was killed in the charge. He was shot through the
heart, expiring almost instantly. Sheridan rejoined the Army of the
Potomac near Chesterfield Station on the 25th.
Resting but for a day, the cavalry again moved forward, and crossing
the Pamunky at New Castle Ferry, engaged the enemy, and after several
charges drove him from his position. On the 28th two squadrons of the
regiment were sent towards Hanover, encountering the enemy's skirmishers
and driving them in, and on the 30th, while reaching out to open
communication with the left of the army, brought on the battle of
Bethesda Church. On the same day the regiment was engaged near Old
Church Tavern where Lieutenant John Anglun, regimental quartermaster,
was killed, and Captain William Tice wounded. At Cold Harbor the
regiment moved, dismounted, and in the charge there delivered held the
left of the line. In its first advance it was repulsed and suffered
severe loss, but renewing the charge, the enemy was routed and driven.
He subsequently made repeated attempts to recapture his lost works, but
was as often driven back with loss. At daylight of the 1st of June he
made a desperate assault, determined upon victory. He was allowed to
come within short range, when the artillery and repeating carbines were
opened on him with terrible effect, the ground being covered with his
slain. When relieved by the infantry, Sheridan led his cavalry in the
direction of Lynchburg. On the 10th the regiment was sent to the
Spottsylvania battleground, where, in a field hospital, thirty-five
wounded Union soldiers were found in a famishing condition and brought
away. On rejoining the column near Trevilian Station, Sheridan was
found hotly engaged. The Seventeenth was immediately sent to the front
and during the 11th and the following day was hotly engaged, sustaining
heavy losses. Finding the enemy in superior numbers, Sheridan
returned. The Seventeenth was again engaged near White House Landing on
the 21st, at Jones' Bridge on the 23d, and at
266
Charles City Court-House on the 24th, in each engagement sustaining
considerable losses. On the 26th, Sheridan crossed the James, but a
month later returned to the left bank and moved up towards Richmond. At
Ruffin's House the enemy's videttes were found and driven upon his
infantry supports. On the morning of the 28th the brigade, dismounted,
was sent to dislodge the enemy's infantry from a strong position on
commanding ground in front of Ruffin's. Difficult ditches had to be
crossed, but pushing resolutely forward, it opened fire from the
repeating carbines, and though losing heavily, drove him out and
occupied his ground. On the following day Sheridan recrossed the James,
and soon after retraced his steps for the purpose of misleading the enemy
as to his real strength on the Richmond side. On the 30th he returned to
the lines before Petersburg.
Early in August, Sheridan was ordered to the command of the army in
the Shenandoah Valley, and two divisions of cavalry, the First and
third, were sent to his aid. Upon the arrival of the Seventeenth in the
valley, Major Reinhold resigned and was honorably discharged, whereupon
Captain Weidner H. Spera was promoted to succeed him. On the 11th of
August the cavalry moved towards Newtown, driving the enemy, but at six
in the evening found him in position, determined to dispute further
advance. The Seventeenth was at the front and was immediately ordered
to charge. The enemy offered obstinate resistance, but was finally
dislodged and retreated rapidly up the valley. On the 16th the enemy
attacked the pickets of the brigade near Front Royal, the Seventeenth
holding the centre of the brigade line. The division was immediately
put in motion and repulsed the over-confident foe, capturing two
battle-flags and three hundred prisoners. General Devin, commanding the
brigade, was wounded in this engagement. On the 25th the command moved
forward to Kearnysville, where it came upon the enemy's infantry. Of
the battle which ensued, General Sheridan says: "This attack was
handsomely made, but instead of finding cavalry his (enemy's) infantry
was encountered, and for a time doubled up and thrown into the utmost
confusion . . . . This engagement was a mutual surprise, our cavalry
expecting to meet the enemy's cavalry, and his infantry expecting no
opposition whatever. The Union forces retired in the direction of
Shepherdstown, and when near that place the enemy attacked Custer's
division.
For the purpose of diverting attention from Custer the Seventeenth
was ordered to charge upon the enemy's flank. In column of fours it
dashed down a narrow road, and drove a body of his infantry from a wood,
creating consternation in his ranks. In this charge Lieutenant James
Potter was killed. For three weeks almost constant skirmishing was kept
up, the Seventeenth participating in the actions at Smithfield on the
29th, at White Post on the 1st of September, at the Berryville and
Buncetown crossing of the Opequan on the 7th, in which Captain Martin
R. Reinhold was killed, and at Bunker Hill on the 13th.
Sheridan was now about to assume the offensive. At noon of the 18th
the cavalry at Bunker Hill was ordered to break camp and move quietly
without sound of bugle, and at a mile east of Summit Point encamped for
the night, drawing sixty rounds of ammunition per man and sending all
regimental baggage and supply trains to Harper's Ferry. At one o'clock
on the morning of the 19th reveille was sounded, and at two the cavalry
moved towards the Opequan. Before daylight heavy firing was heard. The
First Division moved on the road towards Stevenson Station, crossing the
Opequan, and driving the enemy from his position at the ford. The
fighting was now general along the entire line, Sheridan having moved to
the attack with his entire army. Step by step the ground was disputed.
When within half a mile of the Valley pike, near the station, the enemy
was discovered massing his cavalry to dispute the advance of Averell.
At this junction General Devin was ordered to charge with his brigade.
With the Seventeenth in advance, the charge was made, and the enemy
driven in great confusion towards Winchester, opening the way for a
junction of Torber's and Averell's commands. Moving in line up the pike
towards Winchester, the enemy's line was again charged and driven from
its position. The fighting was very severe.
General Sheridan says, in his report: "I attacked the forces of
General Early over the Berryville pike, at the crossing of the Opequan
Creek, and after a most desperate engagement, which lasted from early in
the morning until five o'clock in the evening, completely defeated him,
driving him through Winchester and capturing about two thousand five
hundred prisoners, five pieces of artillery, nine battle flags and most
of their wounded."
After the battle the regiment was ordered to report for duty to
Colonel Edwards, post commander at Winchester, and was employed in
guarding against the attacks of guerillas and in keeping open
communication with the base of supplies. On the 15th of October, Major
Spera was sent with a detachment to Martinsburg, and while there was
ordered to escort General Sheridan to the front, [See NOTE 16-20.] and
was with him in
[NOTE 16-20.]
Early on the 18th of October, Major Spera, in command of a
detachment of the Seventeenth Cavalry, while at Martinsburg, whither he
had been sent on the previous day, was ordered to report to Major
Forsythe, of General Sheridan's staff, then at Martinsburg, and was
directed by him to hold his command in readiness to escort Major-General
Sheridan, in company with Colonels Thorn and Alexander, to the front.
The column left Martinsburg at nine A.M., arrival at Winchester at
three P.M., General Sheridan stopping at post headquarters, Colonel
Edwards, Thirty-seventh Massachusetts, commanding. The escort encamped
for the night at Mill Creek, a mile south of the town, with orders to be
in readiness to move at five on the following morning. very early in the
morning rapid artillery firing was heard in the direction of the front.
At about eight A.M. General Sheridan came riding leisurely along,
remarking that the artillery firing was no doubt occasioned by a
reconnaissance which had been ordered for that morning. Shortly after
passing Milltown fugitives from the field began to appear, giving
another interpretation of the firing of the morning. All trains going
to and returning from the front were at once ordered to be parked to the
right and left of the road near Milltown. General Sheridan then ordered
Major Spera to take twenty men with the best horses from the escort and
follow him, as he was going to "move lively" to the front, the reminder
of the escort being directed to report to General Forsythe, and Colonels
Thorn and Alexander to do what they could in stemming the tide of
fugitives." On the way up the pike towards Newtown the crowds of men
and wagons thickened, until the multitude became almost a jam, so much
so that it was impossible to keep the pike, and General Sheridan struck
to the left of the road, dashing through fields and over fences and
ditches. He spoke to few, occasionally crying out, "Face the other way,
boys!" A chaplain was met mounted on a mule, who seemed importaunate to
speak with the general, and beckoned him to stop; but the general told
him to face about and ride along if he bad anything to say. But the
mule-mounted chaplain was soon left behind with his story untold. On
arriving upon the field the general struck to the right of the road,
where were Generals Wright, Getty and members of his own staff, one of
whom remarked: "General, I suppose, Jubal Early intends driving you out
of the valley." "What" exclaimed Sheridan, "drive me out of the valley,
three corp of infantry and all my cavalry? I'll lick him before night."
With a lion heart he set to work disposing his forces, and by nightfall
he had redeemed his promise.
[FINIS NOTE 16-20.]
267
that ride rendered famous by the stanzas of T. Buchanan Read, taking
part in the great battle which completely crushed the enemy in the
valley, and returned to Winchester with dispatches on the 20th. Until
the 27th the regiment remained on duty at Winchester, when it was
relieved and rejoined the, division. On the 19th of December, General
Torbert led his command by Front Royal into the valley of Virginia, and
on the 22d met the enemy at White's Ford, driving him, and again on the
following day near Gordonsville, where, finding his infantry in heavy
force, Torbert was obliged to fall back. The Seventeenth was of the
rear guard in the retreat, and successfully held the enemy in check, who
made repeated attacks. in repelling one of these, Lieutenant Alfred F.
Lee was killed. Returning to the vicinity of Winchester, the regiment
went into permanent quarters, and during the winter was employed in
picket and scout duty, detachments being occasionally sent out against
roving bands of the enemy.
On the 27th of December Colonel Kellogg was honorably discharged and
Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson promoted to succeed him, Major Durland being
promoted to lieutenant colonel, and Captains Luther B. Kurtz and William
Thompson to majors. On the 31st of December the Second Brigade was sent
to Lovettsville, in the London Valley, for the protection of the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and for guarding the citizens against
lawless bands that were constantly committing depredations.
On the 24th of February 1865, Sheridan led the cavalry in a grand
raid upon the James River Canal and other rebel communications in rear
of Richmond. At Staunton the head of the column began skirmishing with
the enemy. On the 6th of March the command reached Scottsville, and the
work of destruction commenced. Locks were blown up, and mills and rebel
stores were destroyed. The First and Second Brigades went to
Howardsville, cutting and demolishing the canal and destroying supplies
destined for the rebel army.
On the 8th the Second Brigade marched via Howardsville, Scottsville
and Fluvanno CourtHouse to Columbia and thence to Goochland CourtHouse,
returning during the night to Columbia, continuing the work of
destruction. From the James River the command moved upon the Virginia
Central Railroad, which was likewise rendered unserviceable, and on the
26th rejoined the army before Petersburg. "There perhaps never was a
march," says Sheridan, "where nature offered such impediments and showed
herself in such gloom-as upon this; incessant rain, deep and almost
impassable streams, swamps and mud were encountered and overcome with a
cheerfulness on the part of the troops that was truly admirable. . . .
To every officer and man of the First and Third Cavalry Divisions I
return my sincere thanks for patriotic, unmurmuring and soldierly
conduct."
Sheridan reached the army just as it was moving on its last
campaign, and he at once took the van. At Stony Creek the cavalry
became engaged, and the Second Brigade was hastened forward to the
support of Davie's division, which was forced back, the Seventeenth
losing a number wounded and missing in the engagement.
At daylight of the 1st of April fighting was renewed, the Union
lines charging the enemy in his works, the division capturing six
hundred prisoners and two battle-flags. The loss in the Seventeenth was
severe, Captain James Ham being among the killed, and Captains English,
Donehoo, Reinhold and Lieutenant Anglun among the wounded. Rapid
marching and bard fighting continued until the 6th, when General Ewell,
with one wing of the rebel army, was captured. From that point the
cavalry kept tip a running fight with the enemy's advance until he
reached Appomattox Court-House, where the whole rebel army was forced to
lay down its arms. in securing this joyful result the cavalry, led by
Sheridan, contributed largely, the Seventeenth sustaining its
hard-earned reputation for gallantry to the last.
From the Appomattox the regiment returned to Petersburg, and after a
week's rest marched to the neighborhood of Washington, where it remained
in camp until its final muster out of service, on the 16th of June. A
detachment of this regiment was consolidated with parts of the First and
Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiments, forming the Second Provisional
Cavalry, and remained in service until the 7th of August, when it was
mustered out at Louisville, KY. in his farewell order to the
Seventeenth, General Devine says: "in five successive campaigns, and in
over threescore engagements, you have nobly sustained your part. Of the
many gallant regiments from your State, none has, a brighter record, none
has more freely shed its blood on every battle-field from Gettysburg to
Appomattox. Your gallant deeds will be ever fresh in the memory of your
comrades of the Iron Brigade and the First Division. Soldiers, farewell!"
268
FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS.
Josiah H. Kellogg, col., must, in Nov. 19, 1862; res. Dec. 27, 1864.
James Q. Anderson, col., must. in Sept. 6, 1862; pro. from Capt. Co. A to maj.
June 13, 1863; to lieut.-col. April 30, 1864; to col. Jan. 23, 1865; disch. by
G. 0. June 20, 1865.
John B. McAllister, lieut.-col., must. in Oct. 7, 1862; pro. from capt. Co. I
Nov. 6, 1862; res. May 31, 1863.
Coe Durland, lieut.-col., must. in Oct. 23, 1862; pro. from capt. Co. M to maj.
Nov. 20, 1862; to lieut.-col. Feb. 13, 1865; brevet col. March 13, 1865; disch.
by G. 0. June 20, 1865.
David B. Hartranft, maj., must. in Oct. 14, 1862; pro. from capt. Co. L
Nov. 20, 1862; res. Jan. 11, 1863.
Reuben R. Reinhold, maj., must. in Oct. 2, 1862; pro. from 1st lieut. Co. E
Oct. 22, 1862; res. Aug. 9, 1864.
Weidner H. Spera, maj., must. in Oct. 14,1862; pro. from capt. C0. C
Aug. 10, 1864; disch. by G. 0. June 20, 1865.
Luther B, Kurtz, maj., must. in Oct. 30, 1862; pro. from capt, Co. C
Feb. 13, 1865; disch. by G. 0. June 20, 1865.
William Thompson, maj., must. in Nov. 1, 1862; pro. from capt. Co. H
Feb. 13, 1865; brevet lieut.-col. March 13, 1865; disch. by G. 0.
June 20, 1865.
Perry J. Tate, adjt., must in Sept. 23, 1862; pro. from 1st sergt. Co. E
Nov. 20, 1862; res. May 31, 1863.
James A. Clark, adjt., must. in Sept. 21, 1862; pro. from 1st sergt. Co. K
Nov. 6, 1863; disch. by G. 0. June 20, 1865.
John Anglum, q.m., must. in Oct. 2, 1862; pro. from 1st lieut. Co. K
Nov. 21, 1862; killed at Old Church Tavern, Va., May 30, 1864.
Edwin A. Bean, q.m., must. in Sept. 17, 1862; pro. from sergt. Co. L
July 22, 1864; disch. by G. 0. June 20, 1865.
Henry M. Donehoo, com. sergt., must. in Sept. 6, 1862; pro. from private Co. A
Nov. 19, 1862; to capt. Co. B Dec. 29, 1862.
John P. Ross, com. sergt., must. in Sept. 6, 1862; pro. from com. sergt. Co. A
to com. sergt. Nov. 1, 1862; to com. sub. May 26, 1865; disch. by G. 0.
June 20, 1865.
Isaac Walborn, surg., must. in Jan 10, 1863; res. Sept. 28, 1863.
Thad. S. Gardner, surg., must. in Aug. 26, 1862; pro. from assist. surg. 62d
Regt. P. V. Oct. 23, 1863; res. April 6, 1864.
George B. Pomeroy, surg., must. in April 8, 1863; pro. from assist. surg. 110th
Regt. P. V. May 2, 1864; disch. by G. 0. June 28, 1865.
Jas. B. Moore, assist. surg., must. in Oct. 23, 1862; res. July 18, 1863.
J. Wilson Dewitt, assist. surg., must. in April 10, 1863; disch. by G. 0.
June 20, 1865.
Henry A. Wheeler, chaplain, must. in Nov. 21, 1862; res. March 8, 1865.
Robert S. Morton, chaplain, must. in March 24, 1865; disch. by G. 0.
June 20, 1365.
Samuel M. Drew, vet. surg., must. in June 4, 1863; disch. Aug. 7th, to date
Jan, 16, 1865.
Jerome I. Stanton, sergt.-maj., must. in Sept. 21, 1862; pro. from 1st sergt.
Co. B June 10, 1865; must. out with regiment June 16, 1865.
Isaac N. Grubb, sergt.-maj., must. in Sept. 26, 1862; pro. from corp. Co. I
Aug. 23, 1863; to 1st lieut. Co. I July 22, 1864.
Stanley N. Mitchell, sergt.-maj., must. in Sept. 21, 1862; pro. from private Co.
B Aug. 1, 1864; to 2d lieut. Co. D Dec. 28, 1864.
James Brannon, sergt.-maj., must. in Sept. 22, 1862; pro. from private Co. M
July 21, 1864; to 2d lieut. Co. M June 10, 1865.
George S. Drexler, sergt.-maj., must. in Sept. 26, 1862; pro. from q.m.-sergt.
Co. I Nov. 1, 1862; trans. to Co. I Aug. 25, 1864.
Thos. H. Boyd, q.m.-sergt., must. in Oct. 6, 1864; pro. from private Co. I
Jan. 1, 1865; disch. by G. 0. June 20, 1865.
John A. English, com. sergt., must. in Sept. 6, 1862; pro. from private Co. A
May 26, 1863; must. out with regiment June 16, 1865.
Henry J. Tarble, hosp. steward, must. in Sept. 22, 1862; pro. from private Co. M
Oct. 4, 1863; must. out with regiment June 16, 1865.
Peter F. Clark, hosp. steward, must. in Sept. 21, 1862; pro. from private Co. K
March 1, 1864; must. out with regiment June 16, 1865.
John M. Furman, hosp. steward, must. in Oct. 3, 1862; pro. from private Co. D
Nov. 20, 1862; disch. on surg. certif., April 11, 1863.
James N. Smith, hosp. steward, must. in Sept. 21, 1862; pro. from private Co. B
April 9, 1863; disch. on surg. certif., date unknown.
Thomas Lawrence, saddler, must. in Sept. 30, 1862; pro. from private Co. K
April 6, 1863; must. out with regiment June 16, 1865.
William C. Walker, saddler, must. in Oct. 3, 1862; pro. from private Co. M
Nov. 1, 1862; trans. to Co. M April 6, 1863.
James Hyde, chief bugler, must. in Feb. 28, 1864; pro. from bugler Co. B
Nov. 1, 1864; disch. by G. 0. June 21, 1865.
Jonathan M. Darrow, farrier, must. in Sept. 21, 1862; pro. from private Co. B
Nov. 1, 1862; trans. to Co. B May, 15, 1863.
COMPANY L.
David B. Hartranft, Capt., must. in Oct. 14, 1862; pro. to maj. Nov. 20, 1862.
John L. Rees, Capt., must. in Sept. 27, 1862; pro. from 1st lieut. Nov. 20, 1862;
res. May 29, 1863.
Theodore W. Bean, capt., must. in Oct. 17, 1862; pro. from 2d to 1st lieut, Nov.
21, 1862; to capt. Nov. 1, 1863; brevet maj. and lieut.-col. March 13, 1865;
disch. by G. 0. June 20, 1865.
William H. Wright, 1st lieut., must. in Sept. 25, 1862; pro. from 1st sergt to
2d lieut. Nov. 21, 1862; to 1st lieut. Aug. 8, 1864; disch. by G. 0.
June 20, 1865.
Thomas J. Owen, 2d lieut., must. in Sept. 17, 1862; pro. from sergt.
Nov. 1, 1863; disch. by G. 0. June 20, 1865.
Ellis P. Newlin, 1st sergt., must. in Sept. 25, 1862; disch. by G. 0.
June 19, 1865.
John M. Bean, q.m.-sergt., must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company
June 16, 1865.
Thomas H. Humphrey, com. sergt., must. in Sept. 25, 1862; must. out with company
June 16, 1865.
John T. Johnson, sergt., must. in Sept. 17. 1862; pro. to sergt. Oct. 30, 1864;
must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Joseph C. Jones, sergt., must. in Sept. 17, 1862; pro. from corp. Nov. 1, 1863;
must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Henry C. Yerkes, sergt., must. in Sept. 17, 1862; pro. to sergt. Dec. 10, 1863;
must. out with company June 16, 1865.
William Wright, sergt., must. in Sept. 25, 1862; pro. to sergt., date unknown;
must. out with company June 16, 1865.
George Ferree, sergt., must. in Sept. 25, 1862, pro. from corp. May 15, 1865;
must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Lewis B. Bailey, sergt., must. in Sept. 25, 1862; disch. by G. 0. May 15, 1865.
William Hunsicker, sergt., must. in Sept. 17, 1862; disch. on surg. certif.
Oct. 1, 1864.
Henry G. Hunter, sergt., must. in Sept. 17, 1862; disch. on surg. certif.
Oct. 1, 1864.
Edwin A. Bean, sergt., must. in Sept. 17, 1862; pro. to q.m. July 22, 1864.
Enos P. Jeffries, sergt., must. in Sept. 25, 1862; com. 2d lieut. Co. E
July 16, 1864; not mustered; disch. by G. 0. June 21, 1865.
Charles J. Keeler, corp., must. in Sept. 17, 1862; prisoner from
Sept. 22, 1863, to Feb. 28, 1865; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Gideon Saylor, corp., must. in Sept. 17,1862; pro. to corp., date unknown; must.
out with company June 16, 1865.
Robert Gill, corp., must. in Sept. 25, 1862; pro. to corp., date unknown; must.
out with company June 16, 1865.
Josiah Tyson, corp., must. in Sept. 17,1862; pro.to corp. Nov. 1, 1863; must. out
with company June 16, 1865.
Mahlon Kline, corp., must. in Sept. 17, 1862; pro. to corp. Dec. 10, 1863; must.
out with company June 16, 1865.
Ezekiel Fogel, corp., must. in Sept. 25, 1862; pro. to corp. March 1, 1865; must.
out with company June 16, 1865.
James M. Kennedy, corp., must. in Sept. 25, 1862; pro. to corp., date unknown;
must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Daniel Farner, corp., must. in Sept. 25,1862; pro. to corp. May 15, 1865; must.
out with company June 16, 1865.
Preston Shoemaker, corp., must. in Sept. 25, 1862; disch. on surg. certif.
Oct. 28, 1863.
John G. Tyson, corp., must. in Sept. 25, 1862; captured Sept. 6, 1864; died at
Salisbury N. C., Feb. 22, 1862; [sic] burial record Jan. 31, 1865.
John A. Ross, bugler, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; must. out with company
June 16, 1865.
Franklin A. Savage, bugler, must. in Oct. 6, 1862; must. out with company
June 16, 1865.
Andrew Irwin, blacksmith, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; must. out with company
June 16, 1865.
Samuel Linsenbigler, saddler, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company
June 16, 1865.
269
PRIVATES.
Joseph Aiken, must. in Sept. 19, 1864; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Henry S. Acker, must. in Sept 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Jacob Antis, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Joseph Auchey, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Clem. Armbruester, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Daniel Bungey, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Franklin Booth, must. in Aug. 28, 1864; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Reuben Bender, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; disch. for wounds, with loss of arm,
received at Cold Harbor, Va., May 31, 1864.
Harrison Barringer, must. in Oct. 25, 1864; must. out with Co. B, 2d Regt. Pro.
Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.
Daniel Bordman, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Peter S. Boyer, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Jonas Boyer, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Henry Basler, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Jacob Batzel, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
George Brosious, must. in Sept. 8, 1864; not on muster-out roll.
Jacob Carl, must. in Sept. 9, 1864; must. out with company June 16,1865.
W. M. Cunningham, must. in Aug. 8, 1864; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
John Clare, must. in Oct. 25, 1864.
John Cooper, must. in Sept. 25, 1862.
William Cooper, must. in Oct. 13, 1862.
William M. Davis, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; must. out with company
June 16, 1865.
Eli Dyson, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Henry Dotts, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Ellis B. Davis, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; died at Washington, D. C.,
Nov. 1, 1863; buried in Military Asylum Cemetery.
William Dearolf, must. in Sept, 25, 1862; not on muster-out roll,
Henry Erb, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
William Erb, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Amos Ecoff, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Beneville Eck, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; captured; died at Salisbury, N. C.,
Feb. 22, 1865; burial record Jan. 14, 1865. [sic]
Jacob Fox, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Frederick Ferree, must. in Sept. 1, 1864; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Patrick Ford, must. in Oct. 10, 1864; must. out with Co. B, 2d Regt. Pro. Cav.,
Aug. 7, 1865.
John Faust, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
John Freese, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
William Gayley, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; disch. for wounds received at Cold
Harbor, Va., May 31, 1864.
Samuel Garvis, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; disch. on surg. certif. Nov 1863.
James C. Grattan, must. in Oct. 14, 1864; must. out with Co. B, 2d Regt. Pro.
Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.
Leopold Gastinger, must. in Sept 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Aaron Hood, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., May 31, 1864;
must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Joshua Hauck, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; disch., date unknown.
V. J. Hummelbaugh, must. in Oct. 14, 1864; absent at muster out.
Benjamin Hosler, must. in Oct. 25, 1864; must. out with Co. B, 2d Regt. Pro.
Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.
Mahlon Herbst, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Henry Herbst, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
John R. Heard, must. in Sept. 19, 1864; disch. by G. 0. May 23, 1865.
William Irwin, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Joseph Irwin, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; disch., date unknown.
Erastus F. Johnson, must. in Oct. 6, 1862; must out with company June 16, 1865.
John Jenkins, must. in Oct. 13, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Harrison Johnson, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Jacob Johnson, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Jacob Kook, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Israel Kolb, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Edward Keegan, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; wounded at Trevilian Station, Va.,
June 12, 1864; prisoner from June 12 to Sept. 24, 1864; must. out with company
June 16, 1865.
Jefferson Kennedy, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; must. out with company
June 16, 1865.
William H. Kepler, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company
June 16, 1865.
Jacob Kline, must. in Sept. 9, 1864; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Charles Keller. [No other info.]
John Kohl, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Milton Krause, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Augustus Keyser, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Abraham P. Koons, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Edward Kepp, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
John P. Koons, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Frederick P. Koons, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Philip Kline, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
John C. Lutz, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; disch. on surg. certif. Oct. 20, 1863.
James L. Lowery, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; wounded at Wilderness, Va., May, 1864;
trans. to V. R. C.; disch. by G. 0. July 26, 1865.
John E. Lynch, must. in April 15, 1864; must, out with Co. B, 2d Regt. Pro.
Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.
Henry Loftus, must. in Oct. 7,1864; disch. by G. 0. Aug. 10, 1865.
Samuel S. Leidig, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Albert Leidig:, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
H. S. Longaker, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
John Lord, must. in Sept. 19, 1864; not on muster-out roll.
Enos F. Mack, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
William Miller, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Samuel Miller, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
David R. Martin, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Benjamin H. Markley, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; disch. by G. 0. May 23, 1865.
James F. Moore, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; disch., date unknown.
Henry March, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; died at Washington, D. C., date unknown.
Lewis D. Miller, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Adam Moyer, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
John G. Miller, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Samuel McDonald, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Joseph McGinnis, must. in Sept. 25, 1862.
John Neiman, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
John Neifler, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
John O'Neal, must. in Oct. 13, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Edwin L. Ourn, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; trans. to V. R. C.; disch. by G. 0.
July 5, 1865.
Joseph Plank, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Wilson P. Powell, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Wilson P. Pine, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; disch. by G. 0., July 28, 1865.
William C. Park, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; trans. to 69th Co., 2d Batt.,
V. R. C.; disch. by G. 0., June 15, 1865.
Daniel Puhl, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
John Pool, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
William D. Quigg, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Jeremiah Royer, must. in Sept. 17, I862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Samuel Ranisey, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Albert Roberts, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; disch. by G. 0. June 10, 1865.
William Richardson, must. in Oct. 13, 1862; must. out with Co. B, 2d Regt. Pro.
Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.
Charles Rhoades, must. in Sept 17, 1862; died, date unknown.
Oliver Rushon, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Henry Sassaman, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
270
Theophilus Sheltz, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company
June 16, 1865.
Albert Schanely, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company June16, 1865.
Jacob Schanely, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Jefferson Schanely, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company
June 16, 1865
George H. Smith, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Thomas Smith, must in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company June
16, 1865.
George W. Smith, must. in Sept, 17, 1862; must. out with company.
June 16, 1865.
Nicholas Smith, must. in Sept. 9, 1864; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
William Savage, Sr., must. in Aug. 8, 1864; must. out with company
June 16, 1865
John L. Savage, must. in Aug. 8, 1864; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Henry Souders; must in Sept. 17, 1862, must. out with company June 16, 1865.
William Souders, must. in Aug. 25, 1864; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Charles Simmes, must. in March 8, 1864; absent at must-out.
James Sherwood, must. in March 8, 1864; absent at must. out.
Patrick Skiffington, must in Oct. 10, 1864; must out with. Co. B, 2d
Regt. Prov. Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.
William Savage, Jr., must in Sept. 18, 1864; must out with Co. B, 2d Regt. Prov
Cav., Aug. 7, 2865.
John Sloop, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Henry Styer, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Elias Smith, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Franklin Schuler, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
John Schwenk, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Samuel Schlotterer, must. in Sept, 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Jacob Smith, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
James Smith, must. in Oct. 13, 1862; not on muster-out roll,
Joseph Taggert, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
William H. Thomas, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; must. out with company
June 16, 1865.
David P. Tyson, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Benjamin Thomas, must. in Oct. 12, 1864; must. out with Co. B, 2d Regt. Pro.
Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.
Arnold Ulmer, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Joseph Underkoffer, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
William R. Westler, must. in Sept. 17, 1862; must. out with company
June 16, 1865.
James L. Withorow, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; must. out with company
Jane 16, 1865.
William 0. White, must. in Sept. 26, 1862; must. out with company
June 16, 1865.
John Wildsmith, must. in Sept. 19, 1864; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Peter Wentz, must. in Sept. 2, 1864; must. out with company June 16, 1865.
Alexander West, must. in Sept. 25, 1862; disch., date unknown.
Abner W. Williams, must. in Sept. 26, 1862; wounded at White House. Va.,
June 21, 1864; trans. to 119th Co., 2d Batt., V. R. C.; disch. by G. 0.
Sept. 26, 1865.
Jos. Whittington, must. in March 5, 1864; must. out with Co. B, 2d Regt. Pro.
Cav., Aug. 7, 1865.
Aaron Wick, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Henry Wolf, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
Christian Wick, must. in Sept. 16, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
John Yohn, must. in Oct. 13, 1862; disch., date unknown.
William Yokum, must. in Oct. 13, 1862.
Martin Zindel, must. Sept, 25, 1862; not on muster-out roll.
NOTE.-The following Incident is vouched for by the editor, the facts
having come to his knowledge since being mustered out of the service:
During the winter of 1862-63, and while the regiment was encamped at and
near Acquia Church, in Stafford County, Va., the commanding officer was
required to keep the communication open to Dumfries, where was posted a
regiment of infantry, it being an intermediate post between the lines in
defense of the capital and the Army of the Potomac. The interval was
frequently visited by Confederates in small numbers, such as light
scouting-parties of fifty and sometimes in greater numbers.
At first a battalion was used, and they would leave camp every night
about half-post eleven, marching through to Dumfries, distance twelve
miles, via the old Telegraph road, starting on the return about
daylight. This routine was kept up for about a month, with only some
slight skirmishes and bushwacking to enliven these dull and monotonous
rides, and it was concluded that a squadron would do just as well as the
battalion. The squadron was used for some weeks, when the number was
reduced to a company, and nothing of a serious character occurring, the
number was finally reduced to twelve men and a corporal, all under the
care of a sergeant.
During the month of March, 1863 on one occasion Sergeant Harry G.
Hunter, of Company L, with the usual squad of twelve men, had reached
Dumfries, reported to the officer, and at the break of day started on
his return. When about midway between the outposts the sergeant passed
through a dense woods, thence out into an open space. Just as the
sergeant reached the clearing he observed a small party of horsemen some
two hundred yards distant emerging from the woods through which the road
ran, and approaching from the opposite direction. The sergeant was
leading the party; the morning was cold and the road extremely muddy.
The men rode by twos. Presently discovering that the approaching troops
were clad In gray and evidently enemies, but without a hostile-Rag, he
rode on. When within a few yards of each other, both are about equal in
number, neither drew a sabre or raised a pistol, but coming still closer,
the sergeant yielded half the road, the Confederates yielded the other
half, the officers saluted each other, and the columns passed without a
word of comment or hostility.
Sergeant Hunter made the customary report at headquarters and the
episode was a profound secret until the war closed, when the joke was
related as a part of the unwritten history of the regiment. Sergeant
Hunter is now principal of the High School, Birdsboro', Berks Co., Pa.
End Chapter XVI Part V.