' <^S .^ %J*'->-'^o* 4 o ^ ^ HISTORY §u funbreb anb ^lirtij-iJigyi) |egmtmt PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. BY OSCEOLA LEWIS. I NORRISTO WNr?"^ AVILLS, IREDELL & JENKINS. 7> - . \"'t)€*l'^ Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1SG6, by OSCEOLA LEWIS, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of tlio United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 3*2- <^.2. 7 12 Jan mi DEDICATED, WITH RESPECT AND VENERATION, TO THE SACRED MEMORY OF ^^ODnr Nobk JBmlr," WHO, AS VOLUNTEERS IN THE CAUSE OF THEIR COUNTRY'S SALVATION, AND OF LIBERTY TO ALL MEN, CHEERFULLY YIELDED UP ALL WORLDLY PLEASURES, AND LIFE ITSELF, A WILLING SACRIFICE^ CONTENTS PAGE Chapter I.— Organization, Officers, Material, &c 9 Chapter II.— The First Movement, Incidents, Promotions, Dis- cipline, The Baltimore & Ohio R. R., Antietam, &c !•'> Chapter III.—Miscellaneons Items, the Invasion of G3. ...... . 21 Chapter IV .-Battle of Wapping Heights, Warrenton, the Re- treat from Culpeper, &c ' • Chapter V.— The Advance to the Rappahannock, Battle of 4.0 Brandy Station Chapter VI.— The Mine Run Campaign 48 Chapter VII.— A Peep into Winter Quarters, Promotions, &c . . GO Chapter VIII.-Col. McCleunan, Re-equipment, Re-organiza- tion, Preparations for a new Campaign '1 Chapter IX.— Operations against Richmond— Battles of the Wil- derness Chapter X.— Spottsylvania Chapter Xl.-Cold Harbor and Across the James 103 110 Chapter XII.— Monocacy Chapter XIII.— The Shenandoah Valley 122 Chapter XlV.-Petersburg. and the Close of the War WO Chapter XV.— Names and Alterations 1^3 Chapter XVI.— Memoranda and Statistics 186 Chapter XVII.— Conclusion ' ' IJSTTRODUCTION. Header :— The writer of this record of oue of the finest volunteer organizations repre- senting the " Keystone State" in the war for the suppression of the recent great Rebellion, is conscious that he has assumed a task proportionately too great for his ability; but with an earnest desire to perpetuate, at least in the minds of their families, friends, and posterity, the names and services of a gal- lant band of men who aided in the defence of their country from the murderous attacks of domestic traitors, it is presented to the public. It has been his endeavor to embrace in this history the organization, existence and dissolution, movements and campaigns, actions and casualties, promotions and alterations of the Regiment, with a complete list of its members ; to be accurate and truthful: to avoid bombast and individual eulogies: to award credit impartially, and do justice to all. Those who have belonged to and served with the Regiment will doul.tle.ss discover many errors and deficiencies; and the disinterested reader will fiiul ample room for criticism. But the leniency of all is entreated ; and, at the saniJU time, the assurance is extended that the undersigned makes no professions nor elainis to literary capacity, and that, in compiling this work, Ije had to de- pend to a great extent upon memory to supply the matter which fills these pages. The writer trusts that his good intentions will atone for all faults am! inaccuracies, and that the result of his labors will prove acceptable. OSCEOLA LEWIS, Laic Id LuiUenanf, Co. I, l^Sth Penna, Vols. JVoRRTSTow.N. Pa.; T)ec. :n, }HC.r>. HISTORY OF THE #ne funked anir Cljirffi-^l^igft |Ugi 1. 1 CHAPTER I. ITS ORGANIZATION, OFFICERS, MATERIAL, &C. Among the first to respond to the call for volunteers made by President Lincoln in July, 1862, and the very first three years organization to leave the Keystone State under that requisi- tion, was the 138th Regiment Pennsylvania Vol- unteer Infantry. It was not recruited as a regiment, like many were at that time, but hastily organized by a con- solidation of independent companies from differ- ent portions of the State. The first Company (A) was enrolled by Captain M. R. MoCleuuau, of Korristown, and composed of men from that ob- 10 rough, Conshohocken, Barren Hill, and other towns and villages in Montgomery county. It was designed at first to serve in a nine months regiment, but not being recruited to full strength by the time limited for that purpose by the Gov- ernor, the ofiicers resolved to change the period of enlistment to three years. After so doing, their company soon increased to the required number, and left ITorristown August 16th, 1862, when it repaired to the State rendezvous at Har- risburg. Company ''B" was enlisted by Captain John F. McCreary, of Adams county, principally at Gettysburg and its immediate vicinity. Company ''C," organized by Captain George W. Guss, consisted of men residing in E'orristown, Bridgeport, and the surrounding country, and ar- rived at the rendezvous August 16, 1862. Company "D" was raised by Captain John S. Stuckey, of Bedford county, at Bedford, Schells- burg, and other places in that county. Company ''E," commanded by Captain Simon Dickerhoof, hailed also from Bedford county, and chiefly from the county seat. Company 'T," Captain Lewis A. May, came from Cumberland Yalley, Bedford Springs, and other portions of the same county. 11 Company " G," composed of Adams county boys, was enrolled by Captain James H. "Walter, at Bendersville, Heidlersbnrg, and other country towns. ^ Company ''H" was organized by Captain Laz- arus C. Andress, in Bucks county, and contained men from Doylestown, Yardleyville, and vicinity. Company ^' I" was formed by Captain Augustus Gr. Feather, of detachments from Norristown, Port Kennedy and Hatboro', Montgomery county, and a squad from Sellersville, Bucks county. Company *'K" came into organization last, and under the command of Captain Eichard T. Stew- art, of ITorristown. It contained a few men from that borough, but was principally recruited from the country, in Montgomery county. Philadel- phia and Bucks counties had also a few represen- tatives in it. After their arrival at Harrisburg, the several companies were inspected and mustered in as speedily as possible, and by the 26th of August it had been completed, with the exception of a few detachments. The ten companies, heretofore de- scribed, were then thrown together under the di- rection of the commanding officer of Camp Cur- tin, and designated the •' 138th Infantry." The organization of the regiment being com- 12 pleted, it became necessary for it to have a re- sponsible head, and soon the company officers were bustling about in search of a commander. Unlike most regiments, iWiad no embryotic Colo- nel whose "eagles" were fluttering in prospect before the muster-in rolls were filled; and the company commanders evidently being very mod- est and unambitious, not one of them showed a6j)iration to a higher position at that time. However, the Adams county officers, being es- pecially energetic, managed to secure a candidate, and presented him with many recommendations to their "brothers in shoulder-straps." The first and chief reason given why he should be well qualified for the command of a regiment was that he was a "Minister of the Gospel" and a man of fine attainments. Then, also, he had experience in military mat- ters, or, in other words, he drilled a volunteer com- pany ^in the " Zouave Manual," and to, do that he must be "posted in tactics." His intellectual ability was great, his personal appearance imposing, and the officers of the new- ly formed 138th thought him to be "just the man." They recommended him to his Excellency the Governor ; a commission was granted, and Charles L. K. Snmwalt, of Baltimore, became -Colonel commanding the Regiment." At tlie original regimental organization the following officers were in commission : — Colonel Charles L. K. Sumwalt. 1st Lient. and Qr. Mas. Edward B. Moore. (The Field and Staff had not been properly fill- ed by appointments to all the grades.) Company A. — Capt, M. E. McCiennan, 1st Lient, Charles Y. Fisher, 2d Lient. Samnel J. Targer. Cmpany -B.— J?apt. John F. McCreary, l3t Lieut. Jacob ^. Cress, 2d Lt. Geo. A. Earnshaw. Cojupaivj C. — Capt. George V. Gnss, 1st Lient ^Villiam Xeiman, 2d Lient. John A. TTills. (Jotnp.Viij D. — Capt. John S. Stnckey, 1st Lient. Josiah Banghman, 2d Lieut. John A. Gnmp. Company E. — Capt. Simon Dickerhoof, Ist Lieut. John Getty. 2d Lient. Thos. A. Prideaux. Company F. — Capt. Lewis A. May, 1st Lieut. John V. Feight, 2d Lient. (vacant.) Compaj}y G. — Capt. James H. Valter. Ist Lieut, George W. Wilson, 2d Lient. George W. Mullen. Csmpany *&— Capt. L. C. Andress, 1st Lieut. William B. Lovett, 2d Lient. John Sigofoos. Company I. — Capt. Augustus G. Feather, Is: Lient, Jonathan T. Borer. 2d Lieut. Jno. H. Fisher. Company iT.— -Cjipt. Bichorvi T. Stewart, lit 14 Lt. Amos .W. Bertolet, 2cl Lt. Jonathan P. Iredell. The material composing the rank and file ot the regiment was excellent. In point of intelli- gence and general good deportment the men could not be surpassed by those of any other organiza- tion in the army. They came, as a class, from the most respectable of families, and in their enlist- ment were not actuated either by the novelty of military life, or by any desire for gain, but entered the service of their country from motives of pure patriotism, feeling that the national Government demanded their active support, and realizing the importance of strengthening the Union armies promptly and efie ctively. It is well known that during the first year of the rebellion the people did not know whatira?' really was. It required time to develop the magnitude of the contest, and to expose the countless dan- gers and severe sacrifices, which are the inevitable consequences of civil strife, to the public eye. With these lessons before them, the men of the 138th Eegiment went forth to the field of action upon the sole conviction that duty called them ; and at a period when the iron strength and pa- triotism of the country was called forth without pecuniary or other inducements. While at Harrisburg the troops Avere confined 15 in Camp Curtin, which was in a dusty, filthy and very loathsome condition. * On the 30th of August, 1862, arms, equipage and clothing were issued, and the regiment was ordered- to prepare to move to the front. CHAPTER II. THE FIRST MOVEMENT, PROMOTIONS, DISCIPLINE, THE B. & 0. R. R., ANTIETAM, AC. Transportation being furnished on the 80th Au- gust, the regiment proceeded southward via the IN'orthern Central Railroad. Many and conflict- ing rumors were current respecting its destina- tion, but it seemed to be generally believed that Fortress Monroe was the objective point of the ^ first movement. Others thought that we were en route to join McClellan's army, or to ** guard around Washington," and so on. The fact of the matter was that no one knew, not even the commanding officer, until we arrived at Baltimore city, and were ordered by Major General Wool, commanding the " Middle Depart- ment, 8th Army Corps," to encamp at the station on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, known as 16 *' "Washington Junction" or "Relay House," wHcli is nine miles from BMtimore and thirty-one from Washington. This very unexpected command was complied with on the Slst, and the regiment was soon after comfortably situated in "A" or "wedge" tents, in a pleasant location about half a mile from the railroad station. The usual exercises and other duties of the camp, drills, police, fatigue, &c., were at once put into practice, with a view to preserve health and promote the efficiency of the regiment. A chain-guard was placed around the entire camp, and details of men were daily instructed to perform duty as sentinels. The following promotions and appointments occurred shortly after the arrival at Relay House, by which all existing vacancies were then filled :, Capt. M. R. McClennan, Co. A, to Lt. Colonel. Capt. Lewis A. May, Co. F, to Major. Dr. Charles E. Cady, of Philadelphia, to Asst. Surgeon, Sept. 7, 1862. Dr. Thos. C. Thornton, of Lewisburg, to Asst. Surgeon. Rev. J. F. Porter, of Adams co., to Chaplain. 1st Lieut. Jacob W. Cress, Co. B, to Adjutant. 1st Lieut. Charles Y. Fisher, Co. A, to Captain. 17 2d Lieut. Saml. J. Yarger, Co. A, to 1st Lieut. 1st Sergt. Jolin E. Essick, Co. A, to 2d Lieut. 2d Lieut. Geo. A. Earnshaw, Co. B, to 1st Lieut. 1st Sergt. Harvey W. McKnight, Co. B, to 2d Lieut. The non-commissioned Staff was also organized by most excellent selections from several compa- nies, as follows : — Corporal Henry C. Grossman, Co. B, to Ser- geant Major. Sergeant James W. Kennedy, Co. I, to Quarter Master Sergeant. Private David L. McKenzie, Co. B, to Com- missary Sergeant. Private James G. Wells, Co. K, to Hospital Steward. All vacancies now being supplied with occu- pants, the regiment daily became more efficient; the machinery of complete organization was start- ed, and afterward continued with satisfaction to commanding officers and all parties generally in- terested. The discipline of the regiment was of the first order. Although allowed many privileges and exposed to numerous temptations, the men were remarkable for general good behavior. ^ ISTo complaints for marauding or other abuse of 18 private property were ever entered against them by the citizens of the surrounding country, nor for neglect of duty — by the raih'oad company or Government authorities. Grave offences of any character rarely occurred, and very few punishments were inflicted. After the regiment had left' the Relay House, the B. & O. R. R. Company, and the citizens of that vicin- ity, petitioned to the War Department to have it returned, to perform garrison duty, for reasons above given. The drilling of the regiment was principally conducted by Lieut. Colonel McClennan, whose successful efforts soon rendered the military ap- pearance of the command, under arms, very cred- itable. In order that all the companies might participate and become proficient in the '* school of the battalion," those stationed at distant points were occasionally ordered to the camp at Relay House, while those previously in camp would be sent out as detachments to replace them. The protection of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road being our principal duty, it was decided to place detached garrisons at suitable points along its route ; and in obedience to orders from Depart- ment Head Quarters, four companies were detailed for that purpose. Company A was stationed at Id Jessop's Cut, or Hooversville, Company C at Dor- sey's Switch, Company E at Hanover SwitcTi, and Company D at Elk Eidge Landing, — all stations on the Washington branch. The railroad was constantly guarded and patrolled, in order to pre- vent mischief by secession sympathizers, or any interruption of travel, which might serve to em- barrass the Government in its efforts to suppress the rebellion. The stone railroad bridge known as the " Wash- ington Viaduct," spans the Patapsco Eiver at Relay House, and is a most valuable, handsome, and substantial structure. "Fort Dix," a small earth-work, mounting six or seven guns, com- mands all the approaches to it, and Company G was the first garrison detailed from the regiment to occupy it. Company B was sent to guard Elli- cott's Mills, and a detachment of Company I to Elysville, both manufacturing places on the main stem of the railroad. After the disposition of troops above described had taken place, four companies remained at Relay House, viz, F, H, I and K. The relative positions of the several companies were, however, periodically changed, to enable all to have equal participation in regimental drills, as heretofore stated. 20 At the time of the battle of Antietam the Relay House was the scene of great activity, con- sidering the strength of the force there stationed, which at that time consisted of the 118th New York Yol. Infantry, the 138th Pa. Yols. and Bat- tery B, 5th ]^ew York Light Artillery. The advance of the rebels having penetrated the State, the Marylanders began to be alarmed, the rolling stock of the railroad began to roll eastward, and the Post Commander proceeded to make preparations for the emergencies of war. The armament of Battery B, as well as that of Fort Dix, was placed in warlike position ; pickets were posted on all the roads approaching Balti- more, and everybody was on the qui vive. The 17th day of September, 1862, witnessed the great battle of Antietam : the invading foe was repelled and forced to retreat across the Poto- mac, and the loyal States were saved from his depredations by the gallant soldiers of the Army of the Potomac. The emergency having passed, the military situation at Relay House again relaxed into quiet- ness, and the troops, except the 138th Regiment, were soon after ordered to other points for service. CHAPTER ni. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS — THE INVASION OF '63. The strengtli of the regiment, p,t the date of the first monthly report made in September, 1862, was as follows : — For duty, - 36 officers and 772 enlisted men. On extra duty, - - 3 " " Present, sick, . - . 43 " " . Absent, " - - 2 " " Total, - 36 officers and 820 " " Aggregate, - 856 The Medical Department, during the first few months' service, was ably conducted by Doctor Charles E. Cady, of Philadelphia, assisted by Dr. Thomas C. Thornton, of Lewisburg. The extensive prevalence of camp fever at that season kept the officers and attaches of the De- partment almost constantly employed ; and great credit is due them for their care and vigilance, and for the amplitude and completeness of .the Hospital arrangements. In lifovember, 1862, Dr. Curtis P. Herrington, 21 22 of Ashland, Pa., was promoted from Aast. Sur- geon, 48tli P. y., to Surgeon, and assigned with that rank to the 188th P. V. He was very suc- cessful in his treatment, and became a very popu- lar officer. The neces^ry supplies of food and clothing were furnished bj Lieut. Edward B. Moore, who performed the double duties of Post Commissary of Subsistence and Regimental Quarter Master. His superior energy and ability enabled him to overcome the difficulties of his position and to do justice to his regiment. Colonel Charles L. K. Sumwalt's military ca- reer was destined to be inglorious. He proved to be a wolf arrayed in sheep's clothing. At first he announced his intention to observe the strict- est discipline, and establish for his command a good moral reputation. He was a very talented man, and having had some experience as a Minister of the Gospel, would occasionally preach, in the absence of the Chaplain, and he was always attentively listened to by an admiring audience. But his habits of pretended righteousness were- short lived. He removed his Head Quarters to the hotel at Relay House, and from that time for- ward "rode a high horse." He became addict- 23 ed to drunkenness, and lost to all sense of shame, honor or manly dignity. His course of deportment became so disgraceful that charges were preferred against him — the Col- onel was summoned as a criminal before a military court, found guilty of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, and prejudicial to good order and military disciplme, kc, and on the 30th of March, 1863, was "dismissed the military ser- vice of the United States." The following additional promotions of offi- cers occurred, which have not been previously given : — Lieut. Col. M. R. McClennan to Colonel, May 2, 1863, vice Sumwalt, dismissed. 1st Sergt. J. C. Leivelsberger to 2d Lieut, Co. B, vice McKnight, resigned, Dec. 15, 1862. 2d Lieut. John A. Gump to 1st Lieut. Co. D, vice Baughman, killed while attempting to arrest a deserter, in Bedford county. Pa. 1st Sergt. Oliver Horton to 2d Lieut., vice Gump, promoted, l^ov. 13, 1862. ' 1st Lieut. John W. Feight to Captain Co. F. 1st Sergt. C^s. P. McLaughlin to 1st Lieut. 24 1st Sergt. Martin S. Bortz to 2d Lieut. — to fill vacancies, January 1st, 1863. 2d Lieut. Jonathan P. Iredell to Ist Lieut. Co. K, vice Bertolet, resigned. 1st Sergt. Abram H. Kline to 2d Lieut., vice Iredell, promoted, Jan. 23, 1863. Rev. James "W. C^rry, of Bedford Co., Pa., was elected and commissioned Chaplain, April 5, 1863, vice Porter, resigned. The service rendered the Government at Eelay House, Md., and vicinity, although not of a na- ture to involve much personal danger and hard- ship, like that of the field, was of vast importance. The most valuable of all the railroad arteries upon which the Union armies depended for supplies was successfully guarded at vital points. Desert- ers and stragglers from the Federal army, as well as secession aiders and rebel renegades, were ar- rested and committed to justice. The regiment, with detachments stationed as heretofore explained, remained here during the winter of 1862-3 and the subsequent spring, no events, except those of a very trivial character, occurring. In the month of June, 1863, the clouds of war were unusually dark. The battles of Fredericks- 25 burg and Chancellorsville liad been fought with- out any decisive advantages to the Union forces. In fact the result had been rather unfarorable to our arms, on both occasions. The two contend- ing armies had scarcely recovered from the shock of their last combat, when the rebel commander essayed to penetratethe loyal States, and his trai- torous columns were in motion northward on a tour of invasion. The I^orth was everywhere in active preparation for the worst. The principal cities were being fortified, and military forces or- ganized. More important than that, an army of loyal veterans, with brave hearts and determined spirits, was maroitnd apples, such as Bedford county boasts of. In the next, we find, under a shingle roof, three jolly fellows wearing the insignia of officers, and with them a number of men are engaged in conversation with evident interest. We will not disturb them, but a glance at the county newspapers on the table, one a Ga- zette and another an Inquirer^ informs us that they hail from Bedford also. ISTow we arrive at a hut Avith a shed roof, and after clambering through a very narrow and limited passage, we find our- selves in, it must be, the wrong place, for we can only see the appurtenances of a cook-house, a frying-pan, a kettle, a coftee pot, some tin cans, one or two good sized boxes marked " By Adams Express," &c. We arc informed by an individual wdio seems to have charge of the establishment, and whose looks, manners and speech are those of a Dutchman, that he is the ^'boo-gler" and that the "officeres"are to be found next door. We proceed to the place indicated, and, after stooping very low and entering, w^e find ourselves in a very respectable ranche and greeted by a cour- teous young gentleman wearing the bar of a 1st Lieutenant. Surveying the room, it is evident that it has been arranared with uncommon care. The 66 walls are nicely papered, aud the floor is cleiui and tidy; on a comfortable looking couch a young man (probably a 2d Lieut., as the "straps" on the coat hanging by his bed-side would indicate,) is reclining, and asleep, too. Against one of the end walls are suspended two crossed swords and two revolvers, with two red silken sashes grace- fully twined around them. Directly opposite is a pine wreath encircling the picture of some dis- tinguished soldier. Pictures, clipped from Harper's Weekly and Frank Leslies, of great ships, famous oflicers of the army and navy, sanguinary battles, pic- turesque home scenes, &c., adorn the side walls profusely. On the desk are some letters, some of the Lieutenant's manuscript broken off suddenly by our entrance, a copy of Shakespeare, a photo- graphic album, a box of fine old " Lynchburg" and a meerchaum pipe. After a satisfactory inspection and a pleasant chat we retire and move on to the next quarters, which offer the appearance of having been con- structed with a gr«at deal of labor, and of being still unfinished to a certain extent ; but upon get- ting inside we find it quite nice and respectable ; the inmates are numerous and quite merry in the 67 indulgence of some innocent games. Nothing uii- nsiial is to ho seen here in the way of ornaments, except some empty bottles, labelled " Old Bour- bon," on the shelf; and there being no induce- ment in the fact of their emptiness, we will leave the gay Lieutenant and visit his neighbor on the left. The first object meeting our gaze in this cabin, excepting a group of persons, is a copy of the Doylestown Danocrat in the hands of a man called (by those present) "Frank," who is ex- ceedingly /ra?? A: in his way of talking and full of good Irish humor. Quite a spirited conversation is going on, in the course of which can be dis- tinguished the names, "Lieut," "Bricky," "Joe," " Canby" and others, and not wishing to become involved w^e excuse ourselves and tr}^ the next. We get in a snug little box, of dimensions about 8 by 12, and find Captain toiling over a difiicult property return. Under the circum- stances we will not be justified in staying; so, af- ter a brief exchange of words — of greeting, infor- mation and advice — we retreat and knock at the side door of the next shanty. Here we find the Captain reading as usual, but upon our appear- ance he lays aside his paper — which happens to be the Norristown Herald — and entertains us with his usual courtesy. On inquiring after his Lieut, we 68 ledrn that lie is '' up about the Colonel's quarters." The features of this building we find to be like most others, and we will not repeat a description. A peep at the adjoining hut gives us a sight of three officers, two asleep and the remaining one, the Captain, working at a hack Ordnance account. We omit calling there, and pop unceremoniously into the "last in the row." Here the room is full and the inmates are uncommonly merry and good humored. One Lieut, is singing a Dutch song, another is playing checkers with a comrade, while the remainder of the crowd of ''non-coms" and privates are chatting, laughing, humming and whistling. The profuse presence of newspapers gives the impression that there must l)e a consid- eral^le number of literary gentlemen in this com- pany. Copies of Forney s ^Var Press, New York Ledgers, Getti/sburg Stars in any number, and other journals are "lying around loose." But we have seen enough here ; let us repair to Kegimental Head Quarters, to the Adjutant's office for instance. There he is, playing checkers with the Hospital Steward ; there, lounging on the ])ed, are those Lieutenants who were not at home when we were visiting their quarters, and they are talking too, much to the annoyance of the Sergeant Major, who is very busily engaged in 69 milking up a ''Monthly" or something of that sort. This office is nicely papered, generally well arranged, and contains a comfortable camp-stove. In the commanding officers' tent we find Captain George W. Gues, who has charge of the regiment noAv, owing to the absence of Col. McClennan on account of wounds, and the detail of Major May as a member of a General Court Martial. He is sitting by the warm fire-place, and alono,. with the exception of a clerk who is engaged at the desk b}^ the window. The office is very tidy and contains three beds well supplied with blankets, two valises, and a few camp cluiirs. Two swords and belts hang against the wall, which, with a few newspaper pictures, are the only ornaments. ^N'ow, let us go and see the Quarter Master. Yes, hero he is, playing chess with a friend from another regiment, and laughing heartily when fortune fa- vors him. The Commissary Sergeant, Vvuth a copy of Blackstone before him, is watching the progress of the chess game. The Q. M. Sergeant and the clerk are making up returns of clothing, camp equipage, &c. A few visitors, called "bummers" l)y the Quarter Master, are at present occupying the beds and spare scats. We must also notice that this room is very neat in appearance, and has a large storm-fla.2,- stretched across one end, dis- 70 playing its beautiful folds to careless advantage. The reader lias now, perhaps, had sufficient in- sight into Winter-quarters. The out-door scenes are the manoeuvres of troops on drill, parade, &c., games of ball and other amusements, and the usual constant motion of mounted officers and or- derlies, and endless trains of army wagons con- veying supplies. These views are intended for the closing part of the year 1863, and will now be abandoned for other subjects. The only promotion to the rank of commis- sioned officer which occurred in the reiriment during 1863 — after its departure from the Relay House — was in the case of 1st Seri^eant Samuel W. Cloward, Co. "C," to 1st Lieutenant of that company, vice William Keiman, discharged for disability, August 22d, 1863. The strength of the regiment on the 31st of December, 1863, was Present, ... 21 com'd officers. " - _ . 579 enlisted men. Total, - - - 603 Absent, - 10 com'd officers, a - 1'21 enlisted meu^ Total, - - 131 71 Present and Absent, 34 com'd olHcers. " " '' TOO enlisted men. Aggregate, 734 CIIAPTEIi VIII. COL. m'clennan's return, re-equipment of the REGIMENT, RE-ORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY, PREPA- RATIONS FOR A NEW CAMPAIGN. March 13th, 1864, Colonel McClennan returned from his absence on account of wounds received 'Nov, 2Tth, 1863, and soon after resumed com- mand. Upon his arrival in camp he was waited upon at his quarters and greeted by the entire regiment. He hobbled forth (for he was yet una- ble to walk unaided by cratches) and acknowl- edged this complimentary action of his comrades; expressed great pleasure in being allowed to re- turn to the charge of his "good old regiment," and thanked its members for their manifestations of welcome and respect. lie soon recovered entirely from his injuries, and became fully able to perform all field and camp duties rctj^uired of his position. Originally, the regiment was provided with an 72 inferior lot of old Austrian iiiu.^kets, which proved almost worthless, and were ordered to he replaced by arms of a more serviceable class. They were accordingly turned in and in their stead the U. 8. smooth-bore muskets, calibre 69, were issued at the Relay House, Md., during the fall of 1862. These arms were borne by the regi- ment until the spring of 1864, and although they were considered very efficient in some respects, yet it was deemed advisable to make application for and if possible to procure muskets of a still better description. Col. McClennan therefore forwarded a communication through the proper military channel, asking for an exchange of arms, for the rifled musket of the Springfield pattern, which was approved and his request granted. The new arms were issued March 18th, 1864, and the old ones were collected and turned in im- mediately after. The Springfields were mostly second-hand, but were furnished in good order and found to be much superior to the old " smooth- bores" for general use. The latter, although ca- pable of doing much damage at short range, and much good service in repelling the charge of an enemy, were objectionable on account of their utter inefficiency on the skirmish line. That fault is a serious one, for all reo^imeuts are liable to be 73 placed oil sucli duty, and, upon that line, every- thing connected with the safety and success of an army almost entirely depends. On the 24th of March an order was puhlished to the army consolidating the live Corps com- posing the Army of the Potomac into three, to he known as the 2d, 5th and 6th, and commanded respectively by Major Generals Hancock, Warren and Sedgwick. The 1st and 3d Corps wore dis- continued, the former being organized and as- signed as a Division to the 5th Corps ; and the 1st and 2d Divisions of the latter transferred to the 2d Corps, while the 3d Division, 3d Corps, was transferred bodily to " Sedgwicks' old (3th," with the same number and without change of organization, excepting the consolidation of its three Brie-ades into two. This dissolution of old military connexions was not received at first by the army with universal satisfaction, ])ut it was really advantageous to the military service in many important respects. Soldiers were not sat- isfied that their old Corps and Divisions should •be broken up, and their numbers and badges of distinction, made honorable by arduous and fiiith- ful services, be discarded and forgotten ; and others again, with self-pride and prejudice, were not willing that troops from another command 74 should join theirs, and share their name, their glory, and their honor. Thus when we (the 3d Division) cast oiF the diamond-shaped badge of the 3d Army Corps, and adopted the "Blue Cross" of the 6th, we found manv veterans amons: our new comrades, who complained that we should assume that right and privilege. "What have the}/ ever done," or " where did the)/ ever see any service," they would sometimes ask, forgetting that the blood already spilled by the 8d Division, if not great in quan- tity, was very precious in qualitj^: not thinking, perhaps, that a glorious future awaited this very Division, and that the brightness of its record was destined to equal, if not eclipse, that of their own. It is singular, but nevertheless true, that soldiers are generally proud — even unto selfish- ness — of the particular command to which they belong. For instance, Infantry will disparage the services of Cavalry, to brighten the lustre of their ov/n, and vice versa Cavalry will treat Infantry in the 'same manner. A 6th Corps man believes his is the best Corps in the army ; a 2d Corps man thinks difio, excepting his own ; a 5th Corps re- presentative concludes that they are both pretty good Corps, " but they havn't seen what we have," and so on. 75 III taking farewell of the 3cl Corps Major Gen. French issued a farewell address in which he an- nounced that the order for the discontinuanca of his Corps was received by him with the " most profound regret." He said the enforcement of the order for the consolidation of the army would give it greater strength ; that the newly formed Corps would he commanded by able and experi- enced Generals; and that these^advantages would ensure success in future movements. He further said, "Being known only in the De- partment where bullets whistle, there is a strong probability that I may again be associated Avith the comrades with whom I have served so long with pride and distinction." Although the Gen- eral was rather gruff in his manner, both to his officers and men, on chance occasions he w\as very popular on account of being "always about" on the march, "always at the front" in time of bat- tle and never absent from his proper post of duty in field or camp. Hence it was that, upon oar separation with "Old Blinkey" (as he was fa- miliarly known throughout the Corps), we were enabled to reciprocate the "most profound regret" he felt upon the occasion. After this re-organization Brigadier General Henry Prince w^as assigned to the command of 76 tliu 3d Division, 6th A. C, and the 1st iind 2d Brigades composing it were severally commanded by Brigadier Generals W. W. Morris and David Russell. The latter retained charge of the Brigade but a few days, when he, being returned to duty in AYright's (1st) Division, in which he had previ- ously served, was succeeded by Col. B. F. Smith, 126th Ohio Vols. On the 13th of April Brigadier General James B. Ricketts assumed command of the Division vice Prince, relieved by orders. IsTo general movement resulted from these chan2:es in or^'anization. Some alterations in the location of camps were made, in order that each commander might have his forces well in hand ; ])ut otherwise nothing occurred to mar the still- ness of the army in winter quarters. The near approach of the season when active operations were expected to be resumed rendered some preparation necessary, and but a short time had elapsed before it was everywhere in visible oper- ation. The allowance of transportation was reduced ; extensive issues of camp equipage, subsistence and ordnance stores were made; Corps, Divisions, Brigades and Batteries wero reviewed and in- spected ; surplus property was removed to the 77 rear; and sutlers and other camp followers were required to quit the limits of the army. Lieut. General Grant, who had very recently donned the three-starred insignia, arrived and established his Head Quarters at Culpepper C. H. The General had not been familiar with the Army of the Potomac, and notwithstanding that he had been remarkably successful in his admin- istration of military aiFairs in the South-west, he had yet to win the confidence of Meade's soldiers, by showing a competency to successfully oppose their old eneni}^, Lee's army of Korthern Virginia — the muscle, spirit and courage of the South, and the main-stay of the so-called Confederacy. It was generally predicted that in his new adversary Grant would find different material from that with which he had been accustomed to contend. Ev- ery thinking soldier was cognizant that, while we were making gigantic preparations for a forward movement, our enemy, across the Rapidan, was correspondingly mustering increased strength for defensive purposes ; and that there was strife im- pending, unequalled during the war and unheard of in history. With these stern impressions, the proud and inviucil)lc Army of the Potomac was ready and willing to move on, under a new commander. 78 upon newly devised plans, and with new organiza- tion, to meet with success or grapple with defeat, as the God of battles might will it. CHAPTER IX. OPERATIONS AGAINST mCHMOND, BATTLES OF THE WILDERNESS. Long before the fourth day of May, 1864, had dawned upon the hills and plains of Virginia, the rolling of drums and the shrill of bugles had aroused the slumbering Army of the Potomac, and bade it prepare for the long expected move- ment. Winter-quarters were soon stripped of their equipage, and the troops were paraded under arms, in readiness and waiting. The following eloquent and soldierly address of the Commanding General was published to the army just prior to the commencement of the march ; and, it is believed, not in vain, for its words of caution, confidence, and earnest appeal, were deeply impressed upon 'many patriotic minds with the full weight of their truth and impor- tance : — 79 Head Quarters, Army of the Potomac, \ May 4th, 18G4. / Soldiers /—-Again you are called upon to advance on the enemies of your country. The time and the occasion are deemed opportune by your Commanding General to address you a few words of confidence and caution. You have been re-organized, strengthened and fully equipped in every respect. You form a part of the several armies of your country, the whole under the direction of an able and distinguished General, who enjoys the confidence of the government, the people and the army. Your movement being in co-operation with others, it is of the utmost importance that no effort should be left unspared to make it successful. Soldiers ! the eyes of the whole country are look- ing with anxious hope to the blow you are about to strike in the most sacred cause that ever called men to arms. Remember your homes, your wives and children, and bear in mind that the sooner your enemies are overcome the sooner you will be returned to enjoy the benefits and blessings of peace. Bear with pa- tience the hardships and sacrifices you will be called upon to endure. Have confidence in your officers and in each other. Keep your ranks on the march and on the battle-field, and let each man earnestly im- plore God's blessing and endeavor by his thoughts and actions to render himself worthy of the favor he seeks. With clear consciences and strong arms, ac- tuated by a high sense of duty, fighting to preserve the Government and the institutions handed down to 80 US by our forefathers — if true to ourselves — victor}^, under God's blessing, must and -will attend our efforts. GEO. G. MEADE, 31ajo2' General Commanding. When the sun lit up the eastern horizon with its brilliancy, and transformed the darkness into day, the sturdy columns of ^leade's Army were moving in martial grandeur towards the Kapidan. As far as the eye could reach, glistening- mus- kets, fluttering banners, innumerable animals and myriads of men, moving in perfect organization and harmony, made up the principal features of that most impressive spectacle. Sheridan's dash- ing cavahy lead the advance, followed by the well-clad and disciplined infantry, and the splen- didly equipped artillery, all of which, in the com- bination of their strength, were bent upon the same errand and the consummation of the same noble purpose. This fact lent " enchantment to the view." The holiness of motive which stimu- lated this great bod}^ of men to renewed action, and the sacred object for which they were striv- ing, made the scene itself majestic. At the close of the day's march, the army rested on the south bank of the Eapidan from the fa- tio'uo and discomforts of the inauo-urative move- ment. The morning of the 5th was bright and 81 clear, and the troops again moved forward. Ow- ing to their immense numbers, all the Corps could not be put in immediate motion ; and it was well nigh mid-day when the 8d Division, 6th Corps, took up its march. This (our) Division being temporarily in reserve, there were many irregular halts, and during one of these — while lying along the Gordonsville Plank Road — the old 9th Corps (having crossed the river in the morning and re- joined the Army of the Potomac) came up and passed us. Glorious Burnside and noble Hart- ranft were lustily cheered. Old friends — of the 51st and 138th regiments — warmly greeted each other, and then separated to share with their com- mands — in different positions — the perils of the conflict already raging. Our Brigade was sub- jected to considerable marching and counter-, marching under the direction of Brig. General Truman Seymour, who had been assigned to its command that morning ; and towards evening we w^ere separated from the remainder of the Divi- sion, and hurriedly marched to the extreme right of the Corps. We passed over the ground from which the enemy had been driven by the 1st Di- vision, and the numerous dead of both the rebel and union forces, with which the thickly wooded battle-field was strewn, indicated the desperate 8^ character of the struggle in which we were about to join. Soon we came in close proximity to the enemy, and the Brigade was immediately formed for an assault on his position. It was now about dusk, and, in two lines of battle, our little com- mand was ordered to charge, with the assurance from General Seymour that there was " but a skirmish line in our front." The attack was com- menced ; the Brigade made a left-half-wheel and moved steadily forward. (The 6th Maryland and 110th Ohio regiments formed the first line — and the 122d and 126th Ohio, and 138th Pa., with a detachment of non-veterans of the 67th Pa. Yet. Vols., composed the second.) We were thought bj^the Commanding General to be on the enemy's left, flank — and in the movement we were to *' swing our right." But instead of encountering a feeble picket line we found strong columns op- posing us. The " swinging" movement exposed the Brigade to both a front and flank fire, the se- verity of which checked its further advance. However, our ground was held amid tlie most stubborn fighting for two hours, until the front line had exhausted their ammunition, which ap- parently occurred simultaneously with that of the enemy, for all firing ceased. The worn-out troops of the first lino were relieved by those in reserve ; 83 but the fighting was not resumed by either party, being mutually satisfied at its termination. A fierce infantry engagement at night in a wilder- ness is an awful scene to behold, and a most ter- rible work in which to participate. The casualties were slight, considering the heat of the action, but nevertheless numerous. Col. J. Warren Keifer, 110th Ohio (our former Brigade Commander), had his left arm badly shattered, and the Major of his Regiment was killed. Maj. J. C. Hill, 6th Maryland, received a dangerous wound, and many officers and men of these and other regiments fell victims to death and injury. In the 138th Regiment the casualties numbered twelve or fifteen : Sergeant Biesecker, Co. B, and Corporal John H. Ashenfelter of the Color Guard, were killed, and a number wounded — among which was 2d Lieut. H. 0. Grossman, Co. B. The Brigade was reformed and ordered to bivouac, and further, to be in readiness to attack again at daylight. The troops slept on their arms that eventful night within one hundred yards of the enemy's pickets. The doleful cry of the '' whippoorwill;" the moans of the wounded between the two lines of skirmishers ; the sharp challenge of sentinels on either side ; the ominous click and sudden discharge of a musket where a 84 '•halt!" was disregarded, — were sounds heard which tended to create very solemn impressions. In the meantime the enemy could he heard chop- ping, working, and fortifying in our front and fav on our right flank, and moving artillery into position. Colonel McClennan, with other regi- mental commanders, waited on Gen. Seymour, and reported this fact, urging him to take mea- sures to prevent a flank attack hy the enemy, and at least to report to G-en. Sedgwick the folly and impracticability of an assault in the morning. "Wliat eflect these recommendations had is un- known ; hut when morning came — and with it sharp skirmishing — the order for the contemplated charge was still in existence. About 9 o'clock a. m. the final mandate was given, and the Brigade moved forward, supported on the right and rear hy Gen. Shaler's (4th) Bri- gade, 1st Division. Gen. Seymour appeared, and personally commanded that not a shot should he fired until the enemy's works were reached, say- ing, "TVe must find where those rebels are;" and, with the comforting injunction, " Give 'em the bayonet!" he w^aved the signal for the charge. The bustle of moving troops, the rustle of un- der-brush, the clanking of arms and sabres, and the commands of oflicers soon apprised the rebels 85 that they were again attacked. The volleys of skirmishers deepened into showers, and then a perfect storm of deadly missiles greeted our ad- vance. On — on — moved our lines until within fifty yards of the rebel works, and the smoke and flash of the enemy's guns were plainly visible through the trees and bushes. Felled trees and tangled branches, with the se- verity of this fire, were formidable obstacles to our success ; but just at the time when it appeared that the works would be carried, impatient sol- diers began to stop and fire, contrary to orders. It is easy to imagine that men exposed to such a deadly storm, find it difiicult to restrain them- selves from retaliatory action, but under just such circumstances, and in the same manner, many a promising attack has resulted in disastrous defeat. This assault, however, had no promises of victory, for every man who bore his part in it, from the private soldier up to the Regimental commander, knew by the experience of the previous night, and by the difiicultics already met, that such an attack in such force, was next to madness. But trusting in the sagacity of General ofiicers and hoping for success, despite of ill prospects, these men obeyed and struggled manfully. This irreg- ular firing commenced by a few, becoming conta- 86 gious spread to the many; and our lines Avere checked. The enemy from behind well-con- structed entrenchments, poured forth a most de- structive blaze of musketry, and from well trained artillery came shrieking shell and "humming'' charges of canister. We were enfiladed and al- most surrounded, but our men stood firm. Shel- tered by friendly trees and logs lying on the ground, standing unprotected except by the hand of Providence, the men of this Brigade fought gallantly and stubbornly, contended against over- whelming numbers, and the disadvantages of their situation. The 138th occupied the centre of the front line, with the 126th and 122d Ohio regiments on its right and left, and was supported by the 6th Md. and 110th Ohio Vols. • Col. B. F. Smith, 126th 0. Y. I., sat on his horse in rear of his regiment, cooly snapping his fingers and saying, '' Give it to 'em, boys!" Col. McClennan, of the 138th, and Col. Ball, of the 122d Ohio, stood calmly by their commands, anxiously watching the contest and awaiting orders. In the meantime numbers of brave' men were falling from the ranks of every company. Color Sergeant Samuel Aikens, having a hand mangled, dropped the tattered standard of the Regiment, and left the line, his face distorted 87 with pain. Sergeant Chas. H. Fitzgerald, Co. C, seized the old flag, and planting it in the gronnd before him, used his musket more earnestly than before. Lieut. J. E. Essick, Co. A, was wounded in the head, and taken from the field, and scores of others were killed and disabled, l^o partiality is meant by thus alluding to a few individual cases — and, while asking the indulgence of those who shared in the casualties of this fray — the writer is inclined to mention still another inci- dent, of which he was a witness — ^the death of 2d Lieut. John H. Fisher,- Co. I. At a time when the battle raged fiercest, the Lieutenant, while fearlessly commanding a detachment* of the 67th P. V. y. then serving with our Regiment, and behaving with cool intrepidity — was pierced through the breast by a Minie ball, and fell back- wards to the ground. The writer, at once mov- ing to his side, seized his hand and endeavored to raise him from his prostrate condition, but without avail. His heart's blood and bodily strength were fast leaving him. He gasped some- thing, and upon being asked what he was saying, he called the writer by name, familiarly, and in "^lion-veterans assigned to temporary duty with 138th P. V. during the absence of the G7th Regiment, which, having re- erjlisted, were absent on veteran furlough. m almost inaudible tones faintly whispered, "Tell mother " and sank back exhausted ; the blood gushed from his mouth, and in an instant the handsome form of this brave young officer was cold and lifeless. This is one of many like in- stances which occurred in the same battle, and it is a matter to be regretted that all cannot be re- corded. It will, however, show — to the kind- hearted — a picture both sad and noble — the heroic death of a patriot, with unfinished words expres- ing filial affection upon hie lips. The strife fiercely continued for upwards of an hour, when orders came to the several regiments to retire, there being no hope of further success. In this short time our ranks had been fearfully thinned ; and in falling back many of the dead and a number of the severely wounded were un- avoidably abandoned. Our lines were re-estab- lished in about the same location from which we started in the morning — and with the exception of skirmishing between pickets the firing in our front ceased. Far on our left the sound of battle extended, and we began to realize that our share of this great Wilderness conflict but represented in proportion of numbers the unexampled mag- nitude and sanguinary character of the whole. The command remained in quietness behind 89 temporary and hastily constructed works, until late in the evening, in expectation of an attack by the enemy. Gen. Seymour ordered that the troops be allowed " to make small fires and cook coffee" (a privilege which they had not enjoyed since the morning of the 5th), and rode off to Gen. Sedgwick's Head Quarters. This order was being gladly obeyed, and the smoke began to curl heavenward, when a rebel force came down on Shaler's unsuspecting Bri- gade, which lay upon our right, with the force of a thunderbolt, and by the time Seymour's Brigade had resumed their arms, a mingled and confused body of rebels and Yankees was surging rapidly towards our left and directly in our rear. Then came a strong force of rebel infantry and charged directly on our Brigade fiank. It was " Gordon's Georgia Brigade," of Swell's Corps, and, with their peculiar yell and a withering volley, they turned our right and '' sent us whirling." Gen. Seymour returned in time to meet his flying troops, and, with Gen. Shaler, to be captured by the rebels. The retreat extended down a narrow wagon road in the woods for upwards of two miles, when the disordered troops were reformed by Gen. Sedgwick and his subordinates. The en- emy encouraged by the failure of our assault in 90 tlie morning, by the success of his flank attack, and by loss inflicted and captures made, pushed on apparently with the determination to drive us to the Eapidan. But other portions of the 6th Corps, with troops of the 5th, were quickly sum- moned to the rescue ; the lost ground was re- taken, and our lines re-established. The scat- tered troops of the 2d Brigade and others who shared in the retreat were collected and that night bivouaced on the Chancellorsville Eoad. These troops were somewhat censured for being *' disgracefully routed" by men of other com- mands, and by certain public journals ; but those who participated in that desperate charge in the morning and were carried away in the confusion of the evening's retreat, vrell know that the dis- astrous failure of the former and the disgrace of the latter were attributable only to the imbecility of commanding ofl3.cers. The same authority that governed the unlucky day at Olustee, and led the fruitless assault on Fort Wagner, con- ducted this handful of braves in the charge of May 6th against fortified thousands,, and, by ne- glect of proper precautions, permitted their re- pulse to be succeeded by dispersion and defeat. These reflections are not intended to bring into disrepute the name of any commander, but, in 91 justice to the now living soldiers who bravely struggled in a contest almost hopeless, and to the memoiy of the lamented slain — to show that the ill-results of the battle did not ensue from any lack of enthusiasm or determined courage upon their part. LIST OF CASUALTIES m THE 138TH REGIMEI^T P. V. AT THE BATTLES OF THE WILDERNESS, VA., MAY, 1864. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 2d Lieut. J. H. Fisher, Company I, killed May 6tli. 2d Lieut.. J. E. Essick, Company A, mortally wounded May 6tb. 2d Lt. H. C. Grossman, Company B, severely wounded May 5th. ENLISTED xMEN— KILLED. Company A. Corp. J. n. Slingluff, May Gth. | Pvt. Wm. Magee, May 6th. Companrj B. Sergt. J. F. Bieseckev, May 5th ] Pvt. Chas. Dickson, May Gth. Covipany C. Pvt. Jos. R. Skean, May Gth. | Company D. Corp. E. J. Hickson, May Gth. | Corp. Jos. Price, May 6tb. Company E. Sergt Wm. B. Amick, May Gth | Corp. Wm. Ake, May Gth. Company F. Sergt. Jackson Miller, May Gth | Pvt. Henry Miller, May Gth. Company G. Sergt. Thos. F. Elden, May Gth Corp. D. H. Chronister, Pvt. James Warren, Company II. Pvt. Jno. R. Moyer, May Gth. | Company I. Corp. Geo. H. Kolp, May Gth. [ Pvt. C. Slaybaugh, May Gth. Pvt. Q. A. Linah, «' 93 Company K. Sergt. C.B.Thompson, May 6th I Pvt. Jeremiah Lesher, May 6th Corp. Daniel Kulp, <* | " Geo. Burke, *♦ Corp. J. H. Ashenfelter, May 5. I '<■ Jno. F. Miller, '* Pvt. Benj. Brayman, May 6th. | ** R. P. March, " WOUNDED. Company A. Sergfc. H. Bickel, May 6th. Corp. E. B. Buzby, " Pvt. Samuel Grubb, " Company B Pvt. D. H. Lukens, •' Chas Pugh, May 6th- Corp. D. D. Dewalt, May 6th. Corp. Geo. E. Booth, Pvt. L. Hummelbaugh, " P. DeardoflF, '* W. Cover, Pvt. D. S. Kitzmiller, May 6th. Geo. W. Miller, " E. Miller, " Jno. McClure, " H. L. Hersh, " Company C. Sergt. H. S. Smith, May 6th Sergt. Samuel Aikens, " Pvt. Henry Cornog, " «' J. F. Huston, " «« G. E. Lowery, *' *' C. W. Makens, '< Sergt. Jona. Snider, May 6th. Corp. H. McCleary, ' <' Jos. Hoffman, '' Company E. Pvt. A. B. Sutch, May 6th. '' Geo. Wilson, ** Allen Quarmby, ** C. Rodenbaugh, " Henry Fulmer, " Levi Cutler, Company D. Pvt. Geo. Hellman, May6th. " J. A. Hochard, << Pvt. John Leonard, May 6th. Biven Meloy, '* Nathaniel Kegg, " Wm. R. Smith, " Jos. Carrell, " Abram Corl, " Pvt. H. H. King, May 5th. " A. Biddle, " <« Miles Smith, " " Wm. Robinson, " " J. A. Ake, May 6th. " C. Claycomb, " " John Cook, '' | Company F. Corp. Jno. W. May, May 6th. I Pvt. Geo. W. Holler, May 6th. '< Levi Cook, <' '' Jacob Smith, ** Pvt. Henry Miller, <' | " Albert Armstrong, '* ** Frank Baner, " I 93 Corp. G. W. Barchet, May 6th. " Amos Hoffman, Pvt. Cornelius Crist, " Jesse Ebert, ** John Clever, '« John G. Scott, Company G. Pvt. Jacob Klepper, May 6th. E.N. Hartzel, May 5th. H. W. Kann, Amos Meals, *' Jacob Bushey, May 6th. Corp. G. W. Sigafoos, May 5th " Wm. W. Rogers *' J. F. Frantz, Company I. Company H. Pvt. Reuben Scheetz, May 5tli. *' Fred. Sigafoos, Pvt. Wm. W. Bennett, May 6th. " Christian Stagner, " Edward Sprogell, Pvt. Chris. Kastler, May 6th. James Parks, " John Seifert, <' Pvt. Henry Umstead, May 5th. " Thomas Whalon, «' *« J.W.Undercoffler,May6th. " Frank Walton, <' " Hiram M. Puff, " Company K. Pvt. John Cratz, May 6th. C. Hoffnagle, " S. Kingkiner, *' H. C. Moser, " MISSING. May (Sth, 1864. Pvt. Archibald Stewart, Co. A. " Wm. H. H. Stultz, «' B. " Thomas J. Miller, '< D. *' Chas. Summerville, *' " ** Joseph Loy, *♦ E. RECAPITULATION. KILLED. Officers, 1.— Enlisted men, 26. Total, AYOUNDED. Officers, 2.— Enlisted men, 92. Total, MISSING. Enlisted men, 9. Total, Pvt. Wm. Defibaugh, Co. Henry Swartley, *' Edw. W. Sterner, " Aaron C. Mattis, " E. I. K. 27 94 9 Aggregate loss, 130 Note. — In addition to the above casualties, 26 enlisted men were captured by the enemy, making ihe entire loss 165. CHAPTER X. SPOTTSYLVANIA. On the 7tli clay of Maj, the army acted princi- pally on the defensive, and the operations of the day were almost confined to skirmishing. Strong works were however erected, and the precautions taken led to the belief that the bloody Wilderness drama was to be protracted with the contending armies, in positions materially unchanged. But during the night, Grant's first flank movement in the campaign of '64 commenced. Troops who had watchfully occupied the trenches now moved quietly ofi:* to " the left," and the entire armyjoin-ed in snake-like motion via Chancellorsville, south eastward, in the direction of Spottsylvania Court House. On the 8tii the Gtli Corps reached the vicinity of that place, encountering the rebels in strong force, and in the afternoon was deployed in order of battle, a charge on the enemy's works being anticipated. It was not, however, executed, and during the night our troops were ordered to en- trench. From this day until the 14th the army 94 95 remained in the same vicinity battling with the enemy, who stubbornly maintained his position, although constantly confronted and goaded at all points. The defensive ground chosen by Lee was very much like that of the Wilderness, being densely wooded and plentifully interspersed with creeks and swamps. It was equally well adapted to the aid of the rebels, and the embarrassment of their assailants ; the contending forces were separated by but a few hundred yards, both protected by strong works ' against any assault which either might undertake. A murderous system of sharp-shooting was kept up continu- ally, and at periods heavy discharges of artillery were made, the combined sounds of which were those of prolonged and incessant battle. The sharp-shooting was especially destructive. On the morning of the 9th our Corps commander boasted by the Army of the Potomac as one of its ablest Generals, Major Gen. John Sedgwick, while at the extreme front, overlooking the loca- tion of a battery, w^as shot in the head and imme- diately after expired. It is said that but a few moments before he had rebuked a soldier working in the trenches for " dodging the minies" vvdiich were flying about in dangerous abundance. Casualties caused in this 96 manner were in constant occurrence and it was not safe to expose for a moment ones body above the shelter of the breastworks on any portion of the line. Some very heavy fighting occurred on the 10th, and our forces were successful in capturing pris- oners and cannon. Official news from General Butler, who was operating against Eichmond, from the south with the Army of the James, and from Gen Sherman in the southwest, of cheering import were promulgated on this day to the troops. These reports represented the former "in possession of Petersburg and marching on Eich- mond," and the victorious troops of the latter in close pursuit of the retreating demoralized hordes of Joe Johnson. Sheridan's official dispatch re- lative to his famous raid around Lee's army, his destruction of an immense quantities of rebel supplies, and the liberation of a large number of Union prisoners from captivity, was also pub- lished. This encouraging information from im- portant military points served greatly to inspire the army with rekindled hope and vigor, and to relieve the cares of our exhausted and war-worn soldiers. Here, at Spottsylvania, we of the 3d Division, first hum General Eicketts, our new commander. 97 He, with his staff, leaving horses, baggage, &c., in the rear, staid in the trenches with common soldiers. Assuming no false dignity, he con- ducted himself as if conscious that he *' held his life in his hand" with the humblest of his com- mand, and that he owed to his men his presence and encouragement, as well as they in return were bound to respect and obey. He mingled and chatted with the soldiers of his Division, and in the meantime watched, commanded and executed, alternately, as his duties and orders required. The care he exercised for the safety and welfare of his troops, his fearless participance in all dan- ger in which they, under his charge, were in- volred, at once admitted him into their affections. He was always ready for emergencies, prompt to act, willing to brave trouble and was always ap- proachable. These traits made him "the suc- cessful and popular General of the 3d Division." On the 12th of May the 6th Corps in con- nexion with the 2d made a heavy assault upon the rebel works, and some of the bloodiest fight- ing on record transpired. The 1st and 2d Divisions (of our Corps) bore the brunt of the battle, the 3d being held par- tially in reserve and but slightly engaged. This was on the famous " Slaughter pen" battle ground. 98 where Hancock "finished up Johnston;" where forest-trees were literally felled hj bullets; and where heaps of slain and quivering masses of the mangled strongly attested the propriety of its given name. The following day brought a mod- eration of this indecisive strife, both forces being well exhausted, and the weather proving rainy and unfavorable for operations. It will be readily remembered, by the members of the regiment, that on this (13th) day we first, after crossing the Rapidan, had an opportunity of writing home. Many a hand traced for expectant relatives and friends the welcome tidings of ''good health and still safe." Short narratives of the scenes of car- nage througli which we had passed were given, and upon many devolved the duty of reporting the sad intelligence of fallen ce>mrades. Well knowing the anxiety of loved ones, i,t was grati- fying to breathe homeward words of comfort af- ter eight days hard fighting. It was a sorrowful duty to say that was among the killedy and solemn to think that days of bloodshed were still before us, and the impressions of the occa- sion were such as to limit the letter- writer to pure saj^ings and serious truths. At 3 a. m., 14th, the army was set in motion and marched from Spott- sylvania, the enemy having retired southward ; 99 the Fredericksburg and Richmond road was the rontCj but towards evening a deviation was made, and the 'Nj river was encountered, beyond which the enemy was said to be located. A reconnoi- tring force of the 1st Division had been driven in the afternoon, from the vicinity of the "Bleak House," and just opposite this point the Corps was ordered to cross and attack, *if the enemy could be found. Luckily no opposition in force was met with, and the fording of the river was accomplished successfully. On the 15th the Corps fortified and remained quiet until the night of the ITtli, when it was ordered to march back to the old 2d Corps field at Spottsylvania, where on the 18th Hancock was again engaged with a rebel force which was attempting some diversion to cover a main movement. The regiment was here subjected to heavy fire, although not closely engaged. At night we returned to our new po- sition south of the 'Ny river. May 19th the army advanced about two miles, and the left was "swung around" considerably. Here works were again erected. On the 21st the 6th Corps retired to a new line of fortifications prepared for the purpose, a ruse which was suc- cessful in inviting an attack from Hill's Corps, which was, however, easily repulsed by our ad- 100 mirably trained batteries. After dark another march to ''the left" was commenced, and contin- ued during the night. It was extended on the day following, by way of Guinney's Station, west of Bowling Green to the North Anna river, near which we arrived on the 24th. On the 25th- our Brigade, which had been per- forming service as train-guard, crossed the river and joined the Division, which we found in works a brief distance beyond. Some fighting here oc- curred, but none with the 6th Corps, the 5th and 9tli being chiefly engaged. ]\Iay 26th a reconnois- sance was effected to Noel's Station, on the Vir- ginia Central railroad, but at dark the troops countermarched, recrossed the river, and moved to Chesterfield Station, a probable distance of eight or ten miles. This march was known as "the mud march," because of the intensely mud- dy and almost impassable condition of the roads. They were so cut up by the passage of artillery and wagon trains, that they were knee deep with mud and water, and in some places pools were encountered into which men would sink to their waists. The night w^as very dark and from all these difiiculties some confusion resulted. Un- fortunate men fell and lost their muskets, some left their shoes buried deep in the mire, and it is 101 believed that a few actually perished from pros- tration and suffocation in the mud. The march was ended at midnight and the troops rested. On the 27th the Corps moved to Sailer's Ford, on the Pamunkey, which river was crossed on the next day. A position was taken up immediately beyond, on a ridge of hills and fortified. On the 30th the march was again re- sumed towards Richmond direct, but afterward a diagonal course was adopted, which brought us in contact with the rebels on Tolopatomoy creek, some half-dozen miles from the Pamunkey. The 2d Corps had quite a spirited fight, and on the 31st the 6th joined in the action. It was not, however, extensive, and our regiment incurred but few casualties. The battle was called " Tolo- patomoy." At midnight another "to the left" movement was begun, and the remainder of the night was spent on the road to Cold Harbor. It has not been deemed necessary to particu- larize in description all the movements and skir- mishes in which the regiment shared in the month of May, after the battles of the Wilderness. The slight attention given these points does not indicate that they are topics of an unimportant epoch in the history of the regiment, for during this period untold hardships of exposure and 102 danger were endured ; but is meant onl}- to avoid repetition which would doubtless rather serve to tire than interest the reader. Therefore, to suffice all ends, the foregoing summary of operations, and the following list of casualties, is the comple- tion of the record for May, 1864. LIST OF CASUALTIES AT SPOTTSYLVA- NIA AisTD TOLOPATOMOY, MAY, 1864. KILLED — 1. Private, John 0. Staub, Co. B, May 18th. WOUNDED — 12. Private Benjamin D. Harrar, Co. A, May 12th. " Jacob A. Kitzmiller, Co. B, May 13th. " John Englebert, Co. B, May 13th. " Wilham H. Coulson, Co. C, May 20th. " James C. Saylor, Co. C, May 20th. " Daniel Price, Co. E, May 12th. " Simon M. Feather, Co. E, May 19th. " Andrew Corbet, Co. G, May 12th. " Samuel Kelly, Co. G, May 12th. Sergt. George W. Shoffner, Co. I, May 31st. Private Joseph L. Williams, Co. I, May 12th. '' George W. Dutter, Co. K, May 13th. CHAPTER XI. COLD HARBOR, AND ACROSS THE JAMES. The 1st of June, 1864, was one of the sultri- est days of the season, and we were plod- ding a weary way on a forced march to Cold Harbor. The roads were intolerably dusty, the heat of the atmosphere was intense, and the movement being rapid, was one of severe trials. About 3 p. M. the 6th Corps came up to our Cav- alry advance, who, under Custer, were skirmish- ing with the rebels in a desolate neighborhood, said to be the above-named place of our destina- tion. Almost immediately after our arrival there, the Corps, with troops under General "Baldy Smith," who had just come from Butler's army by way of White House Landing, were ordered to prepare for an engagement. A hasty disposi- tion of these commands was made ; skirmishers were advanced ; the enemy's position partially developed ; a plan of assault selected, and at 5 o'clock the attack was commenced. The 3d Division on the right of the Corps, ad- joining Gen. Smith's left, moved forward in four 103 104 lines of battle, and with great promptness. The front line of the 2d Brigade consisted of the Gth Maryland and the 138th Pa. regiments, and these two regiments were the first to encounter a galling fire from the enemy's sharp-shooters and a difli- cult swamp which had to be crossed. These ob- stacles overcome, the rebel main line, situated on a ridge thickly wooded with pine, was found de- fended by strong numbers. The Gth and 138th were the first troops to clamber the works and break the rebel front, which was only accomplished by a solid rush and hard fighting. The confusion and flight of the enemy resulting from this breach in their line was quickly fol- lowed up, and, in a short time, the two above specified regiments had captured more prisoners than their own numbers. On other portions of the line our troops had not carried the works, and we, in our zeal to drive the enemy, soon distanced all supporting columns to the jeopardy of our own safety. At one period the men of our regiment drove the gunners from a battery ; but when within a few yards of its position, and about to seize it, our scattered and weakened numbers became ajDpa- rent to the enemy, who rallied heavily against us, returned to their guns, and checked our further 105 advance by a raking charge of cannister. We were hard pressed, but the captured ground was maintained. The entire 3d Division joined in the work with ahicrity at the lirst onset, and to this command belongs the credit of being the only Division of two corps to successfully accomplish the task assigned it in this battle. This means no reflection npon other troops ; but the beha- vior of Eickett's Division was such as to elicit the commendation of the Army Commander in an official order of congratulation addressed specially to them, a very unusual compliment, viz : — Hd. Qrs. Aemy of the Potomac, ) June 1st, 1864. / Maj. Gen. Wright, Commanding QtJi Corps : Please give my thanks to Brig. Gen. Ricketts and his gallant command for the very handsome manner in which they conducted themselves to-daj. The success attained by them is of great impor- tance, and if promptly followed up will materially advance our operations. GEO. G. MEADE, 31'aJ. Gen. Commanding. This dispatch was acnt to Gen. Ricketts, en- dorsed with the words, " Major General Wright directs me to say that he transmits the above to you with great pleasure," by Gen. Wright's As- sistant Adjutant General. The Division was 106 afterwards acknowledged by the veterans, who reflected upon its record when first admitted to the 6th Corps, as an equal in valor to any like organization. If it was not entitled to this recog- nition before, it w^as fully earned at Cold Harbor, for by quickness and willingness to move, energy to seize, and stubbornness to hold, they made a victory of no trifling importance, which mate- rially injured the enemy, and gave great advan- tage to our army. The Division Commander, in an order recommending the wearing of the Corps badge, issued shortly after this battle, used the expression — that " the events of the campaign had shown the blue cross to be an honorable mark of distinction," and hoped all his men would be proud to adopt it. During the night of the 1st all scattered troops v/ere collected, our lines were reformed and strengthened, and the earthworks taken from the rebels were reversed for the defensive use of their captors. On the 2d orders were issued for an- other assault, but soon after rescinded. An ad- vance was made on the morning of the 8d, but without success, and both armies, finding each other immovable, set to ''digging." Gen. Meade ordered a temporary suspension of offensive operations, to allow his hard-taxed, sol- 107 diera a little respite from the toil of rriarch and the hardship of battle, and to provide for a re- cuperation of su]3plies. Meanwhile, the entrench- ments were made more formidable, new batteries were erected, and by a series of "zig-zag ditches," gradual approaches were being effected to the rebel lines. This latter work continued until the belligerents were within easy speaking distance, and until its practicability ceased. Very little change occurred in the position of the Union army while here, and its operations were those of a siege, close, stubborn and tedious. ' The troops were confined to the trenches for twelve days and nights, with constant cannonad- ing and sharp-shooting in progress. On the night of the 12th of June, an evacua- tion was ordered, and Gen. Grant moved his army upon another great flanking march. This was not foreshadowed by any order or manoeuvre and was totally unexpected, for we were but six or seven miles then from the rebel Capital. However, without reluctance, and with implicit confidence in the military sagacity of our Lieut. General, and in the ultimate success of his jolans, we marched at midnight from the battle-scarred ground of Cold Harbor, in the direction of the James River. 108 List of casualties at cold har- bor, VIRGINIA, JUNE, 1864. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.— killed. Company F— 1st Lieut. Charles P. McLaugliu, June Isfc. WOUXDEB. Company K — 1st Lieut. Jonathan P. Iredell, June 1st. ENLISTED MEN.— KILLED. Comjmny B — Private John Kitzmiller, June Isr. Company C — Private David L. Dotts, June 1st. Company D — Private Noah Allison, June 5th. Company E — Private Adam Beltz, June 5th. Company G — Private Edwin Brame, June 1st. Company H — Private Clayton B. Evernham, June 1st. WOUNDED. Company A. Sgt. Davis W. Roberts, June 1st Pvt. Archibald Stewart, Corp. Elbridge Griffith, Pvt. Crary Stewart, June 1st. Watson Wilde, June 4th. Hen. C. Rhoads, June 1st. Company B. Pvt. Wm. A. Hake, June 1st. I Sergt. John G. Frey, June 1st. " Joseph W. Linn, " | Pvt. Peter Miller, " " Henry J. Wortz, '< I <' John T. Crouse, <' " Wm. H. H. Stultz, '« I Company C. Pvt. Win. S. Markley, June 1st. 1 Pvt. Isaac P. Freese, June 6th. " Wm. Wills, " I " Wm. Moore, June 8th. Company D. Pvt. Nicholas W. Beals, June 1st " Josiah G. Leasure, " Emanuel Mock, Pvt. John Nycum, June 1st. Crp. Emanuel Lowrey, June 5th " H. Barkman, June 1st. Company E. Corp. F. Steckman, June 1st. I Pvt. Moses G. Bagley, June 1st. Pvt. Geo. W. Fleegle, " | " Allen Cobler, Company F. Corp. J. Moser, June 1st. I Pvt. David Rush, June 1st. Pvt. Franklin Baner, June 1st. I " Hiram May, " Company G. Sgt. D. B. Slaybaugh, June 1st. Pvt. lien. C. Sadler, June 1st. Pvt. Isaac McConly, <' " Isaiah B. Christ, «' Henry G. Conrad, " Corp. Andrew Bothel, June 1st. Pvt. James Vinson, <' Jacob D. Kindy, 109 Company II. Pvt. Lewis R. Smith, June 1st. Wm. B. Hare. Henry C. Skelton, " Company I. Pvt. W. H. Heritage, June 1st. I Pvt. Joseph D. Hagey, June 1st. " Jos. T. Michener, June (3th. | Corp. Staats V. D. Wack, " " Saml. P. Moore, June 1st. I " John Shaffncr, " " Jonas Trauger, *' | Pvt. Chas. Prinzing, " Company K. Pvt. Henry Nicholas, June 1st. I Pvt. Wm. Netf, June 1st, " James Cannon, June 3d. | MISSING. Company C — Pvt. Wm. F. Jones, June 1st. Company E — Corp. Martin L. Conly, June 1st. Company i^— Pvt. Henry Kelly, June 1st ; Pvt. Shannon E. McCoy, Jane 1st. Company G — Pvt, Martin Fehl, June 1st. Company II — Pvt. Wm. Rupel, June 1st. Company A'— Pvt. I. K. Shoemaker, June 1st. RECAPITULATION. Killed, 1 officer and G men. Total, 7 \ Wounded, 1 " " 53 " <' 54 Missing, 7 «. u 7 Total, 2 officers and GO men. Aggregate, G8 The abaiidoiiment of the position at Cold Har- bor was so skilfully managed^ that on the morn- ing of the 13th the enemy found nothing in their front hut unguarded entrenchments, and learned with chagrin that the Army of the Potomac was many miles distant on a strategic course Avhich to them was beyond comprehension. As an evi- dence of the steal thiness of this movement, an incident can here be fitly introduced. The orders 110 for the evacuation were not given to the troops until (lark of the 12th, and some of those not im- mediately at the front did not even then receive them. The mail-carrier of the regiment, Private John Harrold, Company A, popularly known as ''Billy Barlow" on account of his good singing of that ballad on jocose occasions, happened at this date to be near the Division Hospital, absent from the regiment; and early on the following morning he, mounted on his steed well known to men of the regiment as *'old Rapidan," started to the front, and rode unsuspectingly into the rebel lines, where, of course, he was at once di- vested of his horse and trappings as well as his personal effects, and sent to serve a term of misery in southern prisons. As soldiers value good mail facilities, we had learned to appreciate his punctual attendance to his duties, and after his capture we, missing the daily calls of '' Letters!" from his familiar voice, regretted the misfortune that caused his absence. The 6th Corps reached Charles City Court House on the 14th, and remained in that vicinity until other troops and the trains of the entire army had crossed the James on pontoon bridges. We embarked on steam transports on the night of the IGth, and while the remainder of the Corps Ill was shipped to City Point, the 3d Division was conveyed to Point of Rocks on the Appomattox and there ordered to land. On the 17th our com- mand was assigned a position in the trenches of Butler's army at Bermuda Hundred. We were relieved from duty here on the 19th, and rejoined the Corps then lying before Peters- burg. After this our movements were directly near that city, which was closely invested. The success here met with did not fully meet our an- ticipations, but Gen. Grant at once established his troops in^tenable positions, and inaugurated the final siege of the "Gate City," the Capital of the Eebellion. The 6th Corps marched to Ream's Station, some six or eight miles from the left of the main army, on the 29th and succeeded in de- stroying some miles of the Weldon railroad. The next day we returned to our old position, and remained quiet. We were startled and surprised at 2 jl. m. on the 6th of July, at the receipt of orders that "Eickett's Division of the 6th Corps would im- mediately proceed to City Point, to be from there transported by water and rajl to Harpers' Ferry." What necessitated the presence of additional troops at that point was unknown to us, and the question gave rise to much speculation. A march 112 of some fifteen miles brought ns to "the Point," and soon after our little iieet was steaming down the James, bound for Baltimore City. CHAPTER XII. MONOCACY. Arriving at Baltimore about 5 a. m. on the 8th of July, the 138th Regiment debarked from the transport " Jersey Blue," aboard of which it had spent some thirty-six hours ; and with the rest of the Division was hurriedly loaded upon cars of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, which had awaited our arrival and which were put in immediate mo- tion westward. Upon reaching "Monocacj," or Frederick Junc- tion, about 4 p. M., some fifty miles from the city, instructions came from Major General Wallace, commanding the Department, to disembark the troops and to proceed no further until speciall}^ ordered. That night we bivouaced on the loyal soil of Maryland. Our trip on the water and by rail had been generally pleasant, and we had passed over a route with which we were some- 113 what familiar. The country was rich with goklen harvest crops and Mature clothed the scenery with the finest garb of the season. From every house on the line of the raih'oad, as the long trains of troops rolled by, flags and handkerchiefs were waving ; old men and ma- trons, fair ladies and wondering children, farm- laborers and negroes, looked on, greeted, cheered and wished us ''God speed." The contrast be- tween these fertile fields and peaceful homes, and the barren wastes and desolated places of war- begrimmed Virginia, was so impressive that we imagined the very air was purer — the water sweeter — and that our grassy couches equalled in comfort the downy cushions of luxuriant home. To borrow an expression of Captain S , it was a consoling fact that "if a man vxcs to he killed in such a country, he would at least receive decent Christian burial." Rumors from the enemy said to be invading the IN'orth were varied and unreliable. We learned that Early with considerable force was coming, but from where or how near we knew not, except tliat he was in some part of Western Maryland. So we slept with unconcern because of ignorance of his proximity. The morning of the 0th found us in prepara 114 tion for battle, the rebels having appeared at Frederick City, about three miles distant. N"either had we much time to delay, for by nine o'clock the main body of Early's invad-ers had arrived, and skirmishing had commenced. Our lines were formed as follows : General Lew Wallace's troops, which were principally com- posed of inexperienced and undisciplined soldiers, held the right which rested on a high, fortified bluff overlooking the railroad, the Monocacy creek and the approaches to and from Frederick City; while Ricketts' Division, formed in two lines of battle, joined their left and extended southward on the east bank of the creek. The entire force held a line crescent-shaped, stretching across the Baltimore and Ohio railroad and the Washington turnpike. About 10 a. m. the skirmishing grew more brisk, and sundrj^ petty charges and manoeuvres were made by the enemy. It was soon developed that our foe was superior in numbers and we were compelled to act on the defensive. The rebels began to closely in- vest our position, and brought to bear with sur- prising accuracy his well-trained artillery. In this branch we were sadly deficient, having only ii lew mounted hoAvitzers, and a single light Battery, wliich was noticeably inefllcient, both its men and 116 officers showing inexperience and timidity. There were no entrenching tools to be had, and our com- mand stood waiting the result of the day, engag- ing an enemy at least by four times exceeding them in strength. Our regiment at first formed a part of the 2d line, near the right of the Divi- sion, and companies A, D, F and I, were detailed for duty on the skirmish line ; but about 2 p. m. the Division was stretched out into a single line of battle, without support, and with the left flank totally unprotected. This manoeuvre brought the 138th near to the left, and in time to meet at that point a heavy at- tack made by the rebels in three lines of battle. They had covered and forced us to extend our front, and now, knowing that we necessarily must be weak, designed to march directly beyond and in rear of our left flank, double it up, and by mak- ing a general onset, "gobble" or disperse our whole command. As this flanking column came nearer, the left of our line was slowly recoiled, until it could not be ''turned" without the isola- tion of the attacking party from its main body. Foiled in carrying out their original plan, the rebels now came in direct assault against us. Their three formidable lines came boldly up, with fiauntino: banners and bristling steel, as if by 116 cue gmiicl demonstration to sweep us from the field. When they had approached within one hundred and fifty yards, our troops poured into their well-closed ranks a withering fire, which, being continuously kept up, soon shattered, de- moralized and scattered the first, and alike the second column. Ours was hut a single line — and an emaciated and weakened one at that — but nerved to desperation and knowing the import- ance of the issue it was determined to hold out as long as a possibility of so doing existed. The third line of rebels came forward and the battle raged with renewed heat. All along the Division line charge after charge was made and successively repulsed. Our regiment* and a por- tion of the 9th ]^. Y. Heavy Artillery formed the extreme left of the command, and gave effective aid in administering severe punishment upon our assailants who still pressed us heavily. A single battery on the field was "pumping away" over our heads, but without any apparent damage to the enemy. We knew that if we had "McKnight's," or any other 6tli Corps l)attery. *NoTE. — In tliis battle, Col. McClonuau cxerciacd command of the 2d Brigade, being Senior oilicer protjcnt with it ; and Major Levvia A. May, that of the Regiment. 117 the day could liave been saved, and every soldier present deplored their absence. About 5 p. M. the troops (Wallace's) on the north side of the railroad gave way in confusion and our right was lost. The enemy, enabled by this mishap, pushed quickly to surround us, aiid in a few moments would have succeeded, had not Gen. Ricketts at once ordered the troops to fall back as rapidly as possible towards the Baltimore pike. Then came a hasty abandonment of the field, our dead, and many of the wounded. The rebels closely followed with skirmishers, and planting artillery on the ridge we had occupied, shelled our retreat with damaging effect. The Frederick and Baltimore pike was soon gained, and our column moved towards the latter city. The enemy did not pursue any distance, but, gath- ering anew his shattered strength, moved in the direction of Washington. This battle was one of great spirit and import- ance. The 3d Division, 6th A. C, witli trifling assistance from other troops, by a hard day's fighting, held in check a stubborn, well-chosen and overpowering force of invaders, sufficiently long to cover the IsTational Capital, and allow its reinforcement and preparation for defense. If the command had been supplied witli facilities for 118 entreiicliiiig and with good artillery the enemy could have been longer delayed, if not utterly re- pulsed and driven to rout. As it was, the Di- vision, numbering not more than 3500 (the entire force present not exceeding 5000), was engaged in close encounter with two veteran Corps of rebels, and only retreated when totally overwhelmed. Gen. Ricketts, at 2 o'clock, had orders from Major Gen. Wallace, general commander of the field, to retreat, but declined to retire until com- pulsory circumstances recpiired it. To this battle, and the Union troops who fought it, is due the safety of the National Capital and the prevention of much wholesale devastation of loyal property, which would undoubtedly have accom- panied the unhindered advance of Early's army on the 9th of July, 1864. LIST OF CASUALTIES, AT MONO C AC Y, MARYLAND, JULY 9th, 1864. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.— woundiid. Company 6'— Captain George W. Guss, severely. ENLISTED MEN.— WOUNDED. Company A. 1st. Scrgt. J. B. Ileebncr, sev'ly rvt. Vi'm. Rodenbaugh, mort'ly " Ileury Colter, Company B. Corp. Eiuory McGuiun, uiort'ly " Amos M. Snyder, seve'ly r-vt. Elias Stonesifer, Pvt. W. Coppleberger, severely David M. Snyder, " Pvt. Wm. Slrasbaiigb. ^cYerely Tohn M. Tate/ ' " "t« 119 ComiHUiy C. Corp. Jasou T. Butlor, scvev'ly I Pvt. Ab. B. Markloy, slightly *' S. B. Salsburg, sliglitly | Company E. Pvt. Jos. 0. Blackburn, severely CoDipany F. Corp. Harvey Shatter, slightly Pvt. James Kellerman, " " William Ernest, severely Company G. Pvt. George Gftllcr, severely Dan. M. Ball, Pvt. Benjamin Keller, slightly " Henry Zicgler, " Corp. Amos Huffman, mortally " C. P. K. Walter, slightly 1st Sgt. N. G, Wilson, severely Pvt. Samuel Wiegel, " " Jacob Klepper, " " Theodore Klepper, " " Wm. Sarbaugh, slightly Company II. Pvt. John McCammon, severely I Pvt. Simon Sigafoos, slightly " Frank Smith, " | Company I. Pvt. Wm. Eppright, mortally | Pvt. John F. Hay, severely Company K Pvt. Henry C. Sigfried,8ever'ly Peter L. Fluck, " Corp. Israel C. Wood, severely *' Samuel Hallman, " Pvt. Ed. D. Ervin, JIISSIXQ. Company C — Sergt. Benjamin Uebele, Private William Carson. Company D — Privates Thos. J. Miller, Charles Sammerville, George Gillem. Company E — Private Daniel Correll. Company G — Private Alfred Livingston. Company I — Private Joseph llohr. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.— captukkd. Company K — Capt. Richard T. Stewart. ENLISTED MEN.— CAFTuny!). Company B — Private George Heraminger. Company D — Sergt. Y/m. W. Ferguson; Pvt. William il. Ling. Company E — Privates William Bailey, Geo. 11. Imler, William Stineman, Isaac Gordon, Ciiarles Gardner. Company F — Corporal Martin T. Foor. Company G — Corporals William II. Reed, Auios F. Hummer; ■privates Amos B. INleals, Joua.> Frcet. 120 Company 'il — Corporal John llymond; Privates Henry Hil- bert, Abraham K. Wismer. Company I — Corporal Joseph Scattergood ; Private Augustus Scliodstadt. Company K — Privates Sylvester Merrick, John D. Kelly. RECAPITULATION. Wounded, 1 ofEcer and 38 men. Total, 39 Captured, 1 " '* 20 " '' 21 Missing, ^ a a 8 Total, 2 GO Aggregate, 68 The Division marched to Ellicott's Mills, ar- riving there on the 10th, and on the 11th moved by rail to Baltimore Cit}^, where it encamped in Druid Hill Park until the 14th. The command was on that day transported to Washington, and upon reaching there pushed on up the Potomac to join the remainder of the 6th Corps which had heen shifted^ from the Army of the Potomac in time to meet Early's army at the outer defenses of the Capital, and compel his immediate retreat. We forded the river at Edwards' Ferry on the 16th, and on the 17th overtook Gen. Wright's command, consisting of his own and detachments of the 8th and 19th Corps, in the neighborhood of Leesburg. On the 18tli the enemy was found on the west bank of the Shenandoah river, near Snickers' Gap, aiid a skirmish, which involved some of the 121 8th Corps troops, took place, which, however, was of no decisive importance. After some delay the river was crossed on the 20th, and the command pushed forward to Berry- ville ; but failed to find the enemy, who, it was reported, had gone southward. During the night the forces were ordered to countermarch and re- tarn to Washington. "We reached Georgetown, D. C, on the 23d and encamped. Orders were received that an imme- diate movement might be expected, and rumors were circulated that we were to be re-shipped to Petersburg, which, it has since been made known, was the intention of the Government. On tile 2Gth Gen. Wright moved his command on the road to Harper's Ferry, by way of Frederick City, and reached the Ferry on the 29th. Another mysterious retrograde movement was ordered on the 30th, and the last day of July found us again at Frederick City. CHAPTER XIII. THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. About the 5tli of August Lieut. General Grant visited the troops then encamped near Monocacy, and ordered Maj. General David Hunter, who had command of the department, to concentrate his forces in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, and pre- pare for active movements. The railroads were employed to effect this pur- pose, and the 138th Eegiment, with its proper command, reached the point of destination on the 6th. Orders were now issued by the War Department creating a new command, to be known as the Middle Military Division, to include the Susquehanna, Middle, West Virginia, and Washington Departments. Maj. General P. H. Sheridan was assigned to its administration, and at the same time assumed the immediate control of the troops in West Virginia, relieving General Hunter. A force of cavalry, sent from the Army of the Potomac, being added to the 6th, 8th, and 19th Corps of infantry, the whole, commanded by a 122 123 General of great energy and ability, made quite an efficient army ; and from the date of this re- organization there was hope for the redemption of the Yalle}^, which, from the opening of the war, had been a field of harvest and support, and a grand avenue of invasion for the enemy. After being well equipped and supplied, the army under Sheridan commenced its -^vst feeling move- ment against Early, on the 10th of August. Without any opposition of consequence the march was conducted by way of Charlestown, Berry ville and Winchester, to near Strasburg, where, on the night of the 12th, the rebels were found in position on Fisher's Hill. Some slight skirmishing here occurred, but no general en- gagement ensued. On the contrary a retrograde movement, said to have been caused by the com- ing of rebel reinforcements from Richmond, by way of Front Royal, with the design to outflank our position before Strasburg, was ordered on the night of the 16th, and the army retraced its route of advance as far as Charlestown. At this place, on the 21st, our pickets were ^surprised by a sudden attack by the enemy, which resulted in some fighting. Our position was" held until night, when Gen. Sheridan retired to Ilalltown, about four miles from Harper's Ferry. By so 124 doing it was intended to invite a further advance and possibly an attack from tlic enemy, with our troops in a position well selected and fortified ; but the rebels kept at a respectful distance. Our forces advanced to Charlestown on the 28th, and on the 29tli the Cavalry, under Merritt, supported by Eickett's Division, had a conflict with a rebel force, near Smithfield, in which the latter was defeated. A general advance was made on the 3d of September to Berry ville, where the troops encamped and intrenched. Early's army was at this time just lying west of Opequan Creek, about six miles distant, and the outposts of the respective armies were soon established in near- ness for mutual observation. The army was per- mitted to enjo}^ the quiet of this location until the morning of September 19th, when at 2 a. m. the entire command marched out to open in earnest the campaign in the Yalley. Early's outposts were first encountered by the Cavalry under Torbert, at the Opequan, about daylight, and driven in upon their main force with a success that enabled our infantry to cross the stream with- out difliculty, and to secure a position favorable for formation. A line was taken up about twelve miles from Berry ville, and about two and a-half from "Winchester, stretchinir across the Alexan- 125 dria and Winchester turnpike. The 6th and 19th Corps were first deployed, and about 10 a. m. an advance was ordered, before Crook's (8th) Corps had reached the fiekl. These two commands, in conjunction with the cavahy, made a bokl demon- stration, which was successful at the onset in breaking the enemy's lines ; but the connexion between the left of the 19th and the right of the 6th Corps was not properly preserved. An un- protected gap which permitted the penetration of the enemy was thus formed, and the exposed flanks of either Corps were points of imminent danger to the safety of the army. The rebels moved a flanking force to seize the advantages offered, and to avert possible disaster our lines were withdrawn, reformed and strengthened by the reinforcement of the 8th Corps, after which the attack was renewed on Sheridan's never-fail- ing battle-plan. The three infantry corps were moved in solid body against the enemy's front, while the cavalry on either front " struck well out," and came thundering down upon his rear. Then broken, disconcerted, defeated and driven, Early's army commenced a skedaddle of the wild- est disorder, and the day, with Winchester and large captures of prisoners and property, was ours. This engagement was short, sharp and de- 126 cisivc, and the losses of both armies were severe. It was, however, one of great importance, for, be- sides other advantages gained, it established Sheridan in the mastery of the Valley, and gave his army the respect and fear of their enemies. The night of the 19th was spent in bivouac in the outskirts of Winchester, and at dawn of the 20th the army pushed onward about 13 miles to Strasburg, where, at Fisher's Hill, Early was found intrenched and ready to give battle. On the 21st our troops were so disposed of as to con- front his lines within skirmishing distance, and during the night earthworks were established. On the morning of the 22d Gen. Sheridan and his corps commanders were closely inspecting the situation and devising means by which a dislodge- ment of the rebels could be accomplished. Their position was a natural one of great strength and advantage, and both their flanks rested on the mountains — the eastern and western boundaries of the Valley. These points of superiority in- spired the enemy with some degree of confidence, but failed to retard our success. In the afternoon the 6th and 19th Corps were formed as for a di- rect assault ; skirmishers were advanced, and all the artillery of the command trained on the enemy's trenches. Crook's 8th Corps was by a 127 mountain road secretly stealing upon the left of the rebel position, and by 4} p. M. it was reached and ''doubled." Rickett's Division, on the left of the 8th Corps, now charged and captured an important rebel fort mounting about a dozen guns, which pro- moted Crook's success, and enabled the whole army to "swing in" and sweep the works from left to right. In a brief space the " army of in- vaders" was efl'ectually dislodged from their boasted "haven of security," again flying south- ward in disorganized retreat, and had abandoned to our possession cannon, small arms, battle-flags and prisoners in great numbers. This second victory can be attributed to skillful planning and quickness of execution, as well as to the effect the previous engagement at Opequan had upon the morale of the enemy. It was intended by Early to have held Fisher's Hill at all hazards, but when the " ever-dreaded flank" was turned, the rebel army could have been no more easily held than a whirlwind. A story obtained circulation that after this bat- tle, upon an occasion when "old Jubal Early" was riding by on the march, some of his soldiers whose provisions were about exhausted cried after him, "Rations ! Rations !" to which "the Apple- 128 jack General" turned in his saddle, and in reply hissed with his most hitter accents, " Fisher's Hill! Fisher's Hill !" The Regimental Commander's official report of the operations from the 19th to the 22d of Sep- temher inclusive was as follows : — Hd. Qrs., 138th Pa. Vols. \ September — 1864. / ****** In compliance with orders received I have the honor to report the following operations of this com- mand in the engagements of Opequan and Fisher's Hill :— At 2 A. M. 19th inst. w^e broke camp at Clifton, and marched to the Winchester turnpike, thence to- wards the Cpequan which we reached shortly after daylight, and formed in line of battle within 2 J miles of Winchester. This regiment constituted a portion of the first line of the Brigade, and when the ad- vance was ordered, moved forward in connexion with the 6th Maryland and 67th Pa. regiments on our right and left. When the lines of the Corps fell back after the first charge, the order of battle was preserved as well as possible, but some confusion existed. The troops w^re easily rallied and when the grand advance w^as made, w^e moved forward under a terrible fire of ar- tillery and musketry, driving the rebels hefore us, inflictino; and suiferino^ severe losses. We shared in the pursuit until darkness ensued — and bivouaced for the night near Winchester. During the engagement, 'l29 Col. McClennan, commanding the regiment on foot, became exhausted from the effects of over exertion and a late sickness, and was compelled to relinquish the command to me. The behavior of officers and men was highly cred- itable. Captains John E. Stuckey, James II. Walter, John W. Feight and Lieut. J. P. Iredell fell severely wounded, while in the faithful performance of their duties. Our losses amounted to three killed, thirty- seven wounded, and three missing. On the 20th the command marched to near Strasburg, and on the 21st this Division moved to the extreme right of our lines, where after considerable skirmishing a position was taken and fortified. On the 22d about noon we moved from our works to the right and advanced up a ravine towards the rebel left, where we lay in front of a strong rebel earthwork until 5 p. M., when a charge was ordered and made simultaneously with a movement of the 8th Corps, which turned the ene- my's left flank, and resulted in his utter rout ; the capture of artillery, prisoners, &c., and another glo- rious victory for Sheridan's army — with but trifling loss. Our regiment bore an honorable part in this battle ; its colors reached the rebel works third in order ; and about seventy-five prisoners were taken and accredited it. Many others were passed by and fell into hands of other troops, as the men were more anxious to follow up the pursuit of the flying enemy than to tarry with captures. I can recommend the entire regiment engaged, for general good conduct, but would not attempt to single out individual cases of bravery, for all participated with good will and 130 determination. Our losses were, one killed and three wounded. Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant, LEWIS A. MAY, Major Commanding Regiment. LIST OF CASUALTIES, AT OPEQUAN, YA., SEPTEMBER 19, 1864. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.— wounded. Company D — Captain John S. Stuckey. Company jP— Captain John W. Feight. Company G — Captain James H. Walter. Company K — Lieut. Jonathan P. Iredell. ENLISTED MEN.— KILLED. Company A — Private Peter S. Eddleman. Company H — Private James B. Green. Company /—Private James Wilson. WOUNDED. Company A. Pvt. James Nolan, David Updegrov«. Bergt. Daniel A. Reiff. Corp. P. A. Smith, color bearer Pit. Abram Gotwaltz. Company B. Corp. Peter Thorn. I Pvt. Ephraim Herr. " Henry J. Wortz. | Company C. Sergt. Charles H. Fitzgerald. 1 Pvt. Edmund H. Smith. Pvt. Charles W. Makens. | " Jacob H. Dolts. Company D. Corp. John B. Hammer. I Pvt. Moses Shroyer. Pvt. William Lucas. | Company U. Pvt. H. H. Kin?. 1 Pvt. William G. Riffle. Company F. Pvt. Oliver Lowery. Corp. Fred. G. Ritchie. Ptt. Hiram May. " Joseph Shroyer. George W. Holler. John Valentine. 131 Company O. Ptt. Joseph Beck. | Pvt. William Sarbaugh. Company H. Sergt. Joseph B. Heaton. I Pvt. Lewis R. Smith. Pvt. Dennis Strouse. | " Samuel Hillborn. Company I. Sergt. George W. Shoffner. | Pvt. Edmund Dalbey. Company K. 1st Sergt. Stokes C. Bodder. | Pvt. Pliram M. Puff. MISSING. Company A — Private Adam Hersh. Company E — Private Samuel Clark. Company D — Private Nathaniel James. RECAPITULATION. Commissioned officers, wounded, 4 Total, 4 Enlisted men, killed, 8 ♦« 3 " wounded, 33 *« 33 " missing, 3 «• 3 Aggregate, 43 LIST OF CASUALTIES AT THE BATTLE OF FISHER'S HILL, VA., SEPT. 22d, 1864. Killed. — Corp. Daniel Dewalt, Co. B. Wounded.-^— Pvt. Tobias Shaffer, Co. F. The pursuit of the rebel army after its defeat at Fisher's Hill was continued during the night succeeding the battle, and afterwards with such vigor that Early was overtaken on the 24th at Mt. Jackson, where he made a feeble show of resist- ance. A determined advance of our troops soon *An imperfection in the records of the Regiment omits the names of two enlisted men wounded in this battle, aud prevents their publication. 132 caused a resumption of his retreat which, though hasty, was not without organization and a rear guard to cover it. The three corps of Sheridan's army marched in parallel columns, preceded by a line of skirmishers, of which, in the front of the 6th Corps, the 138th Regiment constituted a part. Some ten miles were marched in this wise, until about 5 p. M., when near a little village called ITew Market a skirmish resulted from a rebel freak to assume a temporary stand. Our Eegi- ment had a brisk share in this collision, and in- curred a few casualties, among which were Sergt. John Dalbey, commanding Company A, Corp. James E. Over, Co. E, and a few others whose injuries were slight. The army moved to Harri- sonburg, and encamped on the 25th, and the enemy at that time was supposed to have gone in the direction of Gordonsville. The movements in the Valley so far had been of the most active character. A formidable ene- my had been twice defeated in pitched battle and driven a distance upwards of one hundred miles, within the short period of a week. This exacted great endurance from the army, but elated with success and having unbounded confidence in their leader, the troops yielded cheerfully to all re- quirements of the campaign. On the 6th of Oc- 133 tober the army moved northward, the farther pursuit of Early being recognized as. impractica- ble on account of dangerous isolation from our base of supplies, which would necessarily follow the extension of a route already harassed with severity by numerous and daring guerillas. Before, and attending this movement, a systen\ of destruction was established by Gen. Sheridan in pursuance of proper military authority, which was calculated to render* the Valley useless in point of support to the Rebellion. As faj as it could be conveniently done, the live stock of the country was driven off with the army. Barns, mills, manufactories, granaries and store houses, were destroyed by fire, and the crops and pro- visions which escaped the fate of these buildings, were either spared to the use of their owners, or appropriated to that of our troops. This whole- sale devastation was a severe blow upon the in- habitants of this stricken valley, but harsh as it may have seemed, it was a necessary measure to reduce the resources of the rebel armies and to substitute suffering for bloodshed. There were some depredations committed which reflected no credit upon civilized warfare, but for these un- principled men (who are found not only in all 134 armies, but in all collections of mankind,) are solely responsible. The march was concluded by October 9th when the army halted at Strasburg. On this day a force of the enemy's cavalry, which had followed our withdrawal from Harrisonburg, was attacked and dispersed by Gen. Torbert's command, with considerable loss in cannon and prisoners. The 6th Corps marched to Front Koyal on the 10th, where it encamped, leaving the remainder of the command in the nei2:hborhood of Fisher's Hill. At daylight, October 13th, the Corps moved with orders to report at Alexandria, and proceeded as far as Millwood, near Ashby's Gap — some sixteen miles. Upon our arrival here the march to Alex- andria was recalled, and at 3 a. m. the next day we were ordered to return with dispatch to Sher- idan near Middletown. We found the troops in camp on the banks of Cedar creek, and ascertained that the rebels had been making a demonstration, and were then in occupancy of Fisher's Hill. The army was now formed in the order of a semi-circle, the 19th Corps in the centre, with the 6th and 8th Corps on the right and left. In the distance the smoke from Early's encamp- ments, and the movements of his signal corps at 135 the stations on Fisher's Hill and adjoining heights, were plainly discernible, and as if " waiting for something to turn uj^" the two armies thus re- mained with about three miles between. An offensive movement on the part of the rebel army was the least expected of all improbable things, but an interposition of that Power which governs the tide of war and the fate of the world came upon us and broke the quiet which per- vaded the Valley. On the morning of October 19th the unsuspect- ing troops of Sheridan's army_,^were aroused by heavy discharges of musketry, from the direction of Gen. Crook's position on the extreme left, and the fact that Early had, by a movement of great secrecy, stole a night march upon our flank, turned it, and was aiming at the defeat — by sur- prise — of our army, dawned upon our minds with the coming of the day. Crook's command, being out-iianked, began to retreat without regard to organization, and its disorder soon spread to the 19th Corps. The rebels were thereby enabled to sweep the earthworks and gain nearly all the artillery in position. The 6tli Corps was formed and moved with rapidity to the centre and rear of the main army, and established as a bulwark against the 136 confusion of the other troops and the advance of the enemy. They pushed desperately upon us, and the embarrassment caused by stragglers run- ning through our ranks, and the first fierce shock of the rebel assault, combined, made even the sturdy lines of the 6th Corps to quiver ; but tli.ey were preserved unbroken. Major Gen. Wright who had command of the Army (Gen. Sheridan being absent) rode along the lines in the face of the rebel storm, and with the blood trickling from a flesh wound in the face, enjoined his men to stand fast, telling them that upon their conduct depended the result of the battle. Brig. General Ricketts commanded the Corps, and with his wonted faithfulness was at the head of his troops until dangerously wounded and borne, from the field. Col. J. AV. Keifer who, throughout the Yalley campaign had commanded the 2d Brigade, had charge of the 3d Division, while the Brigade was led by Col. "W. H. Ball, 122d Ohio Vols. After a few hours' severe fight- ing our lines were slowly withdrawn to the north of Middletown, a distance of perhaps two miles, where a temporary line Avas taken up and fortified. The rebels were now checked and held at bay, and an opportunity was ofl:ered to gather together stragglers, and reform scattered commands. 137 About 3 p. M. Geu. Shericlau arrived upon the field, and after surveying the situation at once ordered a simultaneous advance of the several corps. As he rode along the line he told the troops they must retake their old camping grounds, and a general manifestation of confi- dence and willingness in enthusiastic cheering was their reply. The attack was made, the enemy routed, and the ground lost by the ill fortunes of the morn- ing regained. The whole army pursued as far as Strasburg, and the cavalry until after dark con- tinuing it further by their unexampled dash and energy, completely demoralized the enemy. His troops were scattered in all directions, and his trains and artillery were so confused and tangled together as to eftectually block up the route of re- treat. Upwards of sixty cannon, with great trains of wagons and ambulances, and thousands of prisoners were captured ; and the Battle of Cedar Creek, although its beginning was dark and disastrotis, had a glorious termination. The remnant of Early's army fled towards Staunton, never to appear or be heard of again as an invading body, and our forces remained in undisturbed possession of the Valley. In the battle of the 19th the 138th Regiment, com- 138 manded by Major Lewis A. May, bore a full and active participance, and during part of tlie day served upon the skirmish line. LIST OF CASUALTIES AT THE BATTLE OF CEDAR CREEK, VA., OCT. 19, 1864. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.— wounded. Company C — 1st Lieut. Samuel W. Cloward, severely. Company D — 1st Lieut. John A. Gump, mortally. Company II—\^i Lieut. Wm. B. Lovett, severely. Company i^— 2d Lieut. Martin S. Bortz, slightly. ENLISTED MEN.— KiLiBD. Company A — Private Sylvester Staley. Company E — Private David B. Craine. WOUNDED. Company A — Sergt. Harrison Bickel. Company B. 1st Sergt. David M. McKnight. | 1st Sergt. Basil II. Norris. C 011123 any C. Corp. Jason T. Butler, I Pvt. John Knause, Pvt. David F. Anderson, | " Richard N. Shinn. Company D. 1st. Sergt. Jonathan Snider, | Pvt. John A. Beltz. Company E. Sergt. Daniel Beard, I Pvt. Henry Speck, Corp. Abraham Carpenter, | " Samuel Ridenbaugh. Company F. Sergt. John Geller, I Pvt. Wm. Feight, *' Joseph Barclay, | " Wm. Keny, Corp. Fred. G. Ritchey, I " Daniel M. Ball, Pvt. E. B. Miller, | " Abram Miller. Company G. Corp. Isaac E. Cook, " C. P. K. Walker Pvt. Henry Ziegler, Company II, Pvt. Lewis R. Smith. Pvt. Wm. F. Sadler, John Cleaver. 139 Company I. Corp. Staats V. D. Wack, | Corp. Sylvester W. Snyder. Company K, Corp. Barclay Kenderdine Pvt. Wm. Biddle, ** George Dutter, «* Charles Magee, Pvt. George Paulis, Eli Sabold, Henry Kulp, RECAPITULATION. Commissioned officers, wounded, - 4 Enlisted men, killed, - - - 2 ** Tfounded, - - • 86 Total, 42 Brig. Gen. T. Seymour (captured at the battle of the Wilderness, May 6th, while in command of the 2d Brigade) having been exchanged as a prisoner of war, rejoined the Corps on the 28th of October, and was assigned by virtue of rank in the absence of Gen. Ricketts to the command of the 3d Division. On the 2d of November the 138th, with the 93d, 104th and 119th Penna. Eegi- ments were selected from the 6th Corps, organ- iEed as a Provisional Brigade and sent to Phila- delphia, under the command of Col. I. C. Bas- sett, of the 82d P. V. This detachment marched to Martinsburg, from which point it was shipped by rail and reached Philadelphia on the 5th. Until after the Presidential election, we were stationed at Camp Cadwallader in that city, and 140 on the lltli started to return to Sheridan's army. The 138th rejoined its proper command in camp about three miles south of Winchester, and in that location remained until about the 1st of De- cember when the 6th Corps was ordered to be transferred from the Shenandoah Valley to Gen. Grant's position before Petersburg. CHAPTER XIV. PETERSBURG, AND THE CLOSE OP THE WAR. The 8d day of December, 1864, saw the 138th en-route, by way of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail- road, from Winchester to Washington, and on the next day it reached the Capital, and with the rest of the 3d Division, 6th Army Corps, embarked on a transport fleet, bound for City Point, which left port about noon. The trip to " the Point" consumed about thirty hours, and on the 6th the troops were moved via Grant's Military Railroad to the front. The 6th Corps was assigned to that portion of the lines before Petersburg then held by Warren's (5th) Corps, which command it re- lieved of its winter encampments and duty in the 141 trenches. The Corps was formed with 1st Di- vision on the right, 3d in centre, and 2d on the left, hetween the 9th Corps on the north and 2d Corps on the south. The 138th Regiment was detailed on the 7th to garrison an earthwork on the rear line of de- fences, near the Weldon Railroad, designated as Fort Dushane, where it established quarters for the winter. The fort was one of a chain extend- ing from the left near Hatcher's Run toward City Point, and guarding the rear of the entire army from any raids or flanking movements which might he undertaken by the enemy. With a battery of artillery our regiment remained in this station until the season for active operations had returned, but did not escape an ample share of picket and fatigue duty, for which large details were furnished daily. The winter of 1864-65 Avas bleak and dreary, and the unabated vigilance they were required to preserve in the cold and in- clemency of the weather, entailed much hardship on the troops of both armies. During the holidays the regiment was re- membered by some of the good people of Mont- gomery county in the donation of a very rich and substantial repast as a Christmas dinner, which was brought to the front by a delegation of 142 citizens, and spread on the gala day before "a grateful four hundred." About the same time a beautiful stand of colors was received as a present from the " Loyal citizens of Il^orristown and Bridgeport, Pa.," which gave pride to erery member of the command. In Acknowledgment of this latter gift an appro- priate address was prepared and sent to the do- nors, of which the annexed is a correct copy : — Head Quarters 138tii Penna. Vols., ) Before Petersburg, Ya., Dec. 25, 1864. J In returning to you our acknowledgments for the beautiful stand of colors and markers, which in your appreciation of our worth and the cause in which we are engaged, you have seen fit to prevent us, we find it no easy task to appropriately express ourselves. And it is no less diflScult for us to properly say to you what the occasion and subject demands ; but having for nearly three years shared the trials and dangers and triumphs of our national arms, such kind acts as that of yours show to us that you are no less mindful of our sacrifices, than we are who endure them. It comforts us to be assured that not a cent from a disloyal person is in the silk composing those beautiful flags, and this practical assurance of your loyalty and appreciation of our triumphs and sacri- fices nerves us to greater sacrifices and grander tri- umphs ; and we wish to assure you that to us " patri- otism still wears a countenance Divinely fair as when the first gun was fired at Sumter." 143 The "twin colors" symbolize two inseparable ob- jects, our Union and our glorious old Commonwealth, and as such they present to us the history of the rise and progress of a nation, unparalleled in the annals of the world ; of privations and struggles and deedi of heroic valor unequalled even by the grandest sac- rifices recorded in ancient or classic story. They speak to us of long years of peace and prosperity at home and abroad, the development of our national resources to such a degree as to surpass eren our most sanguine expectations, and to rival the empires of the old world, who had reached almost their acme of great- rfess whilst this nation was yet in its infancy. They speak to us of our ships laden with the pro- ducts of our own and other climes, carrying our com- merce to every part of the globe, and opening even the heretofore sealed ports of China and Japan. G3hey speak to us of the addition of State after State with their teeming populations, until from thir- teen stars on that field of blue, they have increased to thirty-five. They speak to us of populous and magnificent cities, thriving towns, thrifty villages, of fertile plains, valleys and hills yielding their rich pro- ducts to award the labors of the husbandmen, of travel and trafiic upon all our great lakes, rivers and inland seas, with networks of railroads connecting us with every part of our great country — and all this Avhere but a few years ago stood mighty forests, and the red man held undisputed sway. They speak to us of the home of the free, where the down-trodden and oppressed of every land and tongue have found an asylum, and by their strong 144 arms industry and enterprise contributed no small part to^wards our national greatness. Such is briefly the history of our flag, respected by every nation as the ensign of a great and powerful people. None dared to insult it with impunity, until treason showed its hideous head in the fairest portion of our land, when it was reserved for our own coun- trymen and blood to trample upon, and trail our glo- rious emblem in the dust, and seek to destroy the noblest Government ever bequeathed to man, and rear in its stead an oligarchy having as its corner- stone a degrading system of bondage, abhorrent to every feeling of humanity and condemned by every civilized nation on the globe. From the earliest foundation of our Government, until the inauguration of civil war, we find a portion of our fellow-citizens arrogating to themselves a species of nobility, and claiming a superiority 'over their fellow-citizens in other sections, because they held as property human flesh and blood, and used and trafficked in it as so much chattel. The marriage relation was disregarded, and man and woman thrown together and separated, parents and children separated and scattered in different sec- tions of the country, as the tyranny, caprice or ne- cessities of the master demanded. No provision was made for the education of the slave ; on the contrary, in many States, laws were enacted making it a high crime to teach him to read and write, thus denying to him what was accorded to the lowest savage wdierever the gospel of Christ was carried — the privilege of reading the word of God for himself. 145 Seemingly, the system demanded tliaj the slave be reduced to the lowest state of ignorance, and but a gtep removed from the brute, in order that his master might rule supreme and exact from him the most ab- ject and willing obedience. No citizen wsis permitted to discuss the merits of slavery unless he could endorse the " Divine institu- tion" and speak in its favor, and it was only neces- sary to incur even a taint of suspicion of enmity against it, to bring down on ones head all the bru- tality and violence of mob law. Neither age nor sex were a protection against the refined cruelty of this suijerior race. Thus practi- cally w^ere banished from the loveliest portions of our land, free speech, and a free press, and in their stead the soil was polluted with the curse of slavery, in its worst form. Such is the record of a people who, without provocation or cause, and without waiting for a single overt act upon the part of the man who had been called upon by the suffrages of his fellow-citi- zens to preside over the destinies of the nation, mad- ly plunged the country into civil war, insulted the old flag, sought to destroy the Union, and made love of country and every other consideration subordinate to the one effort of perpetuating human slavery. With generous forbearance, a great and powerful section yielded every point claimed by the minority, in order to preserve inviolate the Constitution of our fathers and perpetuate the Union of the States, trusting to time and a just God to rid them of the incubus of slavery ; and it is their proud record that concessions after concessions have been made for the 146 sake of preserving the Union, and transmitting to posterity a country great and powerful. Animated by the desire to save the Union, a por- tion of the loyal men of the nation sprang to arms to avenge the insult offered to our flag, and to defend the sacred liberties purchased by the blood of illus- trious sires, and to maintain the '* Union, forever, one and inseparable." The struggle has been long, fierce and sanguinary ; privations and sufferings have been endured beyond the power of pen to describe, and sorrow and mourning have been carried into once happy homes ; but from every section of the land are heard glorious shouts of victory — the sure harbin- gers of a speedy and final triumph. It was not ex- pected that every citizen should share the dangers and privations of the battle-field. It was necessary that every branch of industry should be attended to, and that all the wealth and re- sources of the country should be developed ; and we, as soldiers, deiire to say that nobly have the loyal citizens at home seconded the efforts of the soldier in the field. Money and material have been poured forth in lavish expenditure, and by every means have the horrors of war been mitigated. Side by side will be handed down the heroic deeds of soldier and the no less noble deeds of the loyal citizen in caring for and encouraging him in the performance of his duty, and history will present no nobler record than the recital of individual and collective exertions for the soldier's welfare. Loyal citizens of Norristown and Bridgeport ! we are proud of your approbation, and you could have presented us with no higher mark of your esteem, 147 than the noble gift of which we are the proud recipi- ents, for next to our God and our Bible, the flag of our country appeals to our deepest reverence and de- votion. Wc know its history, we know what we are fighting for, and we feel assured that a righteous God has pronounced our cause just, and has stamped the seal of His approval upon our efforts. We cannot, however, find words strong enough to express our deep condemnation of the conduct of those cravens, who, enjoying all the comforts of home, and in the midst of peace and plenty, have sneered at and sought to bring reproach upon the efi'orts of the Government and of the soldiers in the field to suppress this unholy rebellion. For them the achievements which have brought renown to our arms have been failures, and in the conduct of our enemies thej have seen every- thing to approve, whilst the Government and its sol- diers hare never received their co-operation or support. Too cowardly to go where their sympathies are, and to join the ranks of our brave enemies, they content themselves with enjoying the protection and security afforded by a magnanimous Government, and in re- turn for this revile and seek to cripple the Govern- ment that protects them. To complete the sum total of their shame, they en- deavored to disfranchise the soldier, and deprive him of having a voice in the administration of the Govern- ment for which he was pouring out his life-blood to preserve. We have been told that we are largely indebted to the efforts of the loyal ladies for the magnificent gift presented to us. 148 Wc need not record the deeds of women in behalf of their country ; they have become a part of our na- tional history. Southern women boast of their sacri- fice and home-spun dresses, endured to support an unholy cause ; but whilst treason has blunted every noble feeling of their nature, and called forth unwo- manly traits, we point with pride to the culture and refinement of our fair country-women, and to the ex- hibition of all the loveliest phases that adorn the character of woman, called forth by their devotion to a just and holy cause. Mothers, like the Spartans of old, have bid their sons go forth to battle for the right and return with their shield, or on it. Wives and sisters have oifered up devoted husbands and loving brothers on the altar of their country. The fair maidens of the land have not hesitated to give their consent when their lovers, obedient to the calls of duty, asked their approbation. Far away on the battle-fields and hospitals of our country, your loved ones, the pride of households, have died the patriot's death. AYhen the news that a great battle was in progress reached you, seated in your homes, your first thoughts were of him, and anxious were the hours spent until your worst fears were realized or your hopes confirmed. In the camp, on the battle-field, in the hospital, among the dead and dying, wherever there is human suffering, there the gentle hand of woman presses the fevered brow, and offers those ministrations which only wo7na7i can offer, whilst fair ones at home are busy from morn until night in de- vising and carrying into effect everything that can contribute to our welfare. 149 Your words of cheer come to us in the camp, on the bivouac, around the camp-fire, on the lonely picket post, and on the battle-field, and we go forth better men responsive to your noble influence. Whilst every day we are the recipients of sub- stantial evidences of your interest in our behalf, such as the splendid gift from the loyal citizens of Norris- town and Bridgeport, we wish to assure those loyal citizens, that it shall always be our aim never to bring reproach upon our flag or do an act which shall cause them to regret their manifesting in this manner the appreciation in which they regard our past conduct. We cannot close this without a reference . to the tattered ensign around which -we have rallied on so many battle-fields, and which will be submitted to the view of the loyal citizens of Norristown and Bridgeport. We part from the old flag with mournful feelings, yet proud that no blush of shame need mantle our cheeks in recalling its record. Faded, bullet-riddled and torn, it speaks for itself where it has been. Our decimated ranks show how many have fallen in its defense. It has guided us in many battles, and never has it been carried back in dishonor. Our dead sleep beneath the soil of Virginia, from the banks of the Potomac to Petersburg ; on the battle- field of Monocacy, fought to save the Capital of our Country, and then again from the Potomac through the Shenandoah Valley, which under "glorious Sher- idan" was redeemed from the invader's grasp. We miss our noble dead ! In our ranks and in every part of our land the living bear honorable scars received in defense of that old flag. And now we 150 desire to embody in the following resolution the sen- timents we feel towards those who have thus honored us with the gift which has called forth this address: Whereas^ The loyal citizens of Norristown and Bridgeport, Pa., have presented to the 138th Penna. Vols., a set of colors and markers which for beauty are unrivalled in the army, therefore, Resolved^ That we return to those loyal citizens our liveliest gratitude and most profound thanks, and assure them that having successfully carried and fol- lowed the old colors through the greatest battles of the war, we hereby, pledge ourselves that, if our fu- ture conduct may be judged of by the past, these, our new and beautiful colors, will be carried in tri- umph wherever we may be led in the sacred cause in which we are engaged. M. R. McClennan, Col. Commanding Regiment Charles E. Cady, Surgeon. Simon Dickerhoof, Captain Co. E. James B. Heebner, CajHain Co. A. Henry C. Grossman, 1st Lieut. Co. B. Thomas C. Thornton, Asst. Surgeon. Committee on behalf of the Regiment. The following promotions of officers were made during the year 1864 : — Surgeon Charles E. Cady, from Assistant Sur- geon, January 22d, 1864. Lieut, and Regimental Qr. Master David L. McKenzie,from Commissary Sergt. July 6th, 1864. Com^pany A. — Captain James B. Heebner, from 151 1st Sergeant, December 2d, 1864 ; 1st Lieut. John Dalbey, from Sergeant, Dec. 2d, 1864. Comixiny B. — Capt. George A. Earnshaw, from 1st Lieut., l^ovember 30th, 1864; 1st Lieut. H. C. Grossman, from 2d Lieut., ^oy. 30th, 1864 ; 2d Lieut. II. C. Grossman, from Sergeant Major, April 9th, 1864. Gompany O. — 1st Lieut. Timothy Kane, from Sergeant Major, Dec. 1st, 1864. • Company D. — 1st Lieut. Oliver Ilorton, from 2d Lieut., Dec. 1st, 1864. Company E. — 1st Lieut. Thomas A. Prideaux, from 2d Lieut., July 1st, 1864 ; 2d Lieut. Reuben W. Cook, from 1st Sergeant, July 1st, 1864. Company F, — 1st Lieut. Martin S. Bortz, from 2d Lieut., Dec. 1st, 1864. Company I. — Capt. Jonathan T. Rorer, from 1st Lieut, Oct. 1st, 1864 ; 1st Lieut. Wm. C. Ensley, from 1st Sergeant, Nov. 1st, 1864. Appointments were also made to fill vacancies in the non-commissiolied staff, to wit : — Sergeant Major Timothy Kane, from private, Co. C, April 8th, 1864. Sergeant Major Osceola Lewis, from private, Co. I, Dec. 1st, 1864. Commissary Sergeant Frank Ramsey, from pri- vftte, Co. A, July 6th, 1864. 152 Chief Musician Lawrence Defibangh, from mu- sician, Co. E, Feb. 3d, 1864. Chief Musician William Earl, from musician, Co. I, Sept. 1st, 1864. The strength of the regiment at the close of 1864, was— Present, — 18 commissioned officers and 391 enlisted men. Total, 409. Absent, — 9 commissioned officers and 202 en- listed men. Total, 211. Aggregate, — Present and absent, 620. From the time of the arrival of the 6th Corps from the Shenandoah Valley, the comparative quiet of the armies before Petersburg was unbro- ken except by petty demonstrations and picket quarrels, until the 29th of March, 1865, when a general movement of all the troops operating against Richmond was inaugurated. The Cav- alry Corps, led by Major Gen. Sheridan in person, which had joined Gen. Grant after a series of raids uj)on the inland communications of the rebel Capital, moved with the 2d and 5th Corps towards the enemy's right. While these troops operated in that direction with the aim to turn the rebel flank and to extend and weaken the enemy's lines, the main line of works from the Appomat- tox to Hatcher's Run, was held by the- 9th and 153 6th Corps, and a detachment from the Army of the James commanded bj Major Gen. Ord. The movement on the left was not readily successful, on account of bad weather and other causes, and, until the 1st of April, when at the battle of Five Forks the enemy was badly worsted by General Sheridan's troops, seemed* to make slow if not unfavorable progress. On the night of this day all the batteries in the front of Parke's and Wright's Corps were opened upon the enemy, and the troops were marshaled for an assault. The 6th Corps, formed by Divisions in order of numbers from right to left, occupied the centre of the attacking force, and in three lines of battle was prepared for the onset shortly after mid-night. At 4 o'clock A. M., April 2d, when the signal- gun was fired, ^' Gen. Wright penetrated the lines with his whole Corps, sweeping every thing be- fore him, and to his left towards Hatcher's Run, capturing many guns and several thousand pri- soners." (Gen. Grant's Report.) By this successful charge, which Major General Meade, " without making any invidious distinc- tions between the 6th and the other Corps of the Army," termed "the decisive movement of the campaign," the rebel army was divided and in danger of immediate annihilation or capture, and 154 Leo hurriod his troops to the inner works about Petersburg, which was closely invested at once by the entire Union army south of the Appomat- tox river. COL. mcclenna:n^'s official report OF THE ENGAGEMEIS^T, APRIL 2d, 1864. Hd. Qr?. 138th Pa. Vols., \ April 2, 1865. / Captain : — I have the honor to report that my command, con- sisting of twelve commissioned officers and about three hundred enlisted men, reported to Head Quar- ters, 2d Brigade, 3d Division, 6th Army Corps, about midnight, Ist inst., in compliance with orders given by the Brigade Commander, and after some delay was formed as a part of the third line of battle prepara- tory to an assault upon the enemy's works. The 122d Ohio Vols, joined me on the right, and the 67th Pa. on the left. The lines were established under fire of the enemy's pickets, but it was accom- plished without much difficulty. About 4 a. m., at a given signal, the lines advanced in proper order, under a raking musketry and enfilading artillery fire, to the works. The difficulties found in tangled under- wood and marshy ditches caused some confusion in the darkness ; but the body of the third line came Otherwise forward with promptness, and the colors of the several regiments were in the rebel camps almost simultaneously. After crossing the works the organi- 165 zation of the Brigade appeared to dissolve, and bodies of men moved in all directions in pursuit of the flying enemy. My command advanced in a northwest direction some two miles, but after a temporary stay I marched the Regiment back to near w^here the rebel line was first broken, and where I found the Brigade becoming re-organized. My regiment participated in the charge upon the rebel fort last taken by the Division, and several casualties occurred at that time. A few prisoners were taken by men of this regiment, but I am una- ble to report the number. Two men of Co. F pene- trated the country as far as the South Side Railroad, and tore up some of the track. While engaged in this work they encountered two rebel mounted officers, who demanded their surrender. Corp. John W. Mauk immediately shot one of the officers, and Private Wolford fired at the other, but missed, and the rebel escaped. The men then came back to the regiment, and reported their ad- venture. It is supposed that the officer killed by Corp. Mauk was the rebel General A. P. Hill, as va- rious reports give the circumstances of his death as similar to those of this case. I have the honor to commend both these men for their daring bravery, and to ask that they be suitably rewarded. The gen- eral conduct of officers and men was very creditable, but other than those above mentioned I have none to specially recommend for promotion or reward, * * * * * *, . The Regiment shared in the movements of the Bri- gade during the day, and was not further engaged, 156 I am pleased to report my casualties as verj slight, considering the heat of the engagement. They amounted to two officers and fourteen enlisted men ■wounded. Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, M. R. McCLENNAN, Colonel Commanding Regiment. To Capt. W. L. Shaw, A. A. A. G. LIST OF CASUALTIES AT THE BATTLE OE PETERSBURa, APRIL 2d, 1864. WOUNDED. Capt. James B. Heebner, Co. A, severely. • Lieut. J. P. Iredell, Co. K, slightly. Sergt. Francis W. Slack, Co. E, severely. " Henry J. Worts, Co. B, severely. " George W. Gray, Co. E, severely. " D. B. Slaybaugh, Co. G. slightly. Corp. Elias B. Stuckey, Co. D. severely. " Christian Kastler, Co. I, mortally. Private Samuel L. Welde, Co. A, slightly. " David Updegrove, Co. A, slightly. " George Hellman, Co. D, severely. " Joseph D. Hagey, Co. I, severely. " Jacob Dotts, Co. C, slightly. " John Orr, Co. B, severely. " J. W. Linn, Co. B, severely. " J. H. Biesecker, Co. 0, slightly. 157 On the morning of April 3d our victorious troops marched through the streets of the " Gate City" and those of Richmond, the long-disputed goal of protracted, tedious and bloody campaigns, while Lee's army was making the best of an ig- nominious retreat into south-western Virginia. Close pursuit by our forces was made at once, and continued by way of Amelia C. H., until on the 6th, about sixteen miles west of the latter place, the enemy was brought to a stand and Longstreet's and Ewell's rebel commands, were fought by the 6th Corps and Sheridan's cavalry, with some co-operation from the 2d Corps, under Gen. Humphreys. The field chosen by the ene- my was well suited to the emergency, being an elevated position, overlooking a marshy bottom coursed by a stream known as Sailor's Creek. To reach the rebels our troops were forced to cross this difficult space and ascend the eminence beyond in face of a galling fire. The 1st and 3d Divisions of the 6th Corps were the only infantry commands closely engaged, and they, with two Divisions of cavalry, attacked, fought and drove an enemy of greater strength from advantageous ground, and captured pri- soners to an extent exceeding their own numbers. Here again the 138th and 6th Md. regiments, 158 fought side bj side, and made a charge which opened this battle. The troops had marched about sixteen miles on the Gth, and from S p. M. till dusk took part in fighting as spirited and se- vere as any they had before experienced. The rebels contended stubbornly, but our sol- diers, buoyed by the great successes already ar- rived at, and knowing that an opportunity was here presented, strove with all their might to make it a finishing stroke, which was virtually ef- fected, for it was the last important passage at arms of the campaign which finished the Rebel- lion. It was willed by Providence that it should be the last fiery ordeal to be experienced by the 138th Regiment, and conscious of having given substantial aid in the advancement of the grand result, we inscribed on our roll of honor last but not least (neither to the soldier nor the cause) the battle of Sailor's Creek. The men who fought it will not forget the presence of "Phil Sheridan," Wright, Seymour and Keifer, and how well they did their duty ; neither will they fail to remember the w^eary march, the hasty formation, the sudden charge, the awful swamp, the staggering shock, the w^avering pause, the last desperate onset, and the flight and capture of an enemy, who, gather- ing together trooper and foot-soldier, marine ancj 159 seaman, armed with sabre and rifle, carbine and cutlass, strove in the " last ditch" to render more inglorious an infamous cause, and failing, with loss of property, blood and honor, went reeling to his final fiill. LIST OF CASUALTIES AT SAILOIi'S CREEK, APRIL 6, 1865. KILLED. 1st Sergt. Stokes C. Bodder, Co. K. Corp. Morris E. Ilinlde, Co. A. Private E. IT. Hartzell, Co. G. WOUNDED. Sergt. Sylvester W. Snyder, Co. I, severely. Corp. James. Crozier, Co. A, " '^ H. H. King, Co. E, " Wm. A. Hake, Co. B, slightly. Pvt. Robt. H. Leas, Co. D, severely. " Jas. W. Undercoffler, Co. K, severel3\ " Geo. Irvin, Co. G, slightly. ' Total, 3 killed and 7 wounded. The remnant of Lee's army noAV Beemed to be aiming in their retreat for Lynchburg, but closely pursued by the Army of the Potomac, and har- assed by Sheridan's Cavalry, its escape rendered impossible, and its fighting out of the question, three days found it checked and almost sur- 160 rounded, near Appomattox Court House, and its military genius, tlie wicked idol of a deluded people, sueing from our Lieutenant General, stipu- lations for a surrender of the arms (tlie only sup- port of falsely claimed riglits) and mock princi- ples of a confederacy of treason. Following tlie truce which was allowed, and the actual surrender which ensued, came the official announcement of the latter to the troops. Camps were at once alive with indescribable ex- citement : men crazed with enthusiasm, though scarcely realizing the true aspect of the situation, shouted and leaped for joy, embraced and greeted each other, tossed up hats, and sent to the hea- vens such cheers as never before ascended from human throats. Batteries of artillery thundered forth the salute of welcome to the coming of peace, and in every bosom which loved a united country, from that of the generalissimo to the humblest soldier, throbbed with delight a patriotic heart. Men were proud they belonged to such an army ; proud of all their military achievements and the greatness of their ultimate success ; proud of their generals, their country, their flag, and themselves. The 9th of April, 1865, was a day of victory and rejoicing to the Right, and its sun shone down 161 upon a Republic saved, strengthened, and per- petuated. The great work being accomplished, the surrendered war material was received and disposed of, and the grey columns of our late ad- versary were disbanded, and the rebel soldiers sent under parole to Southern homes. The armies of General Grant marched back to railroad communication, and for a time encamped near Burkesville. The 6th Corps arrived at that point on the 13th, and remained until the 23d of April, when Gen. Wright was ordered to proceed to Danville with his command. A march of about one hundred and ten miles was accomplished in four days and four hours — an extraordinary achievement, which was congratulated in official orders — and the town was occupied on the 27th. The object of this movement was to be co-operative with General Sherman, but military affairs in Korth Carolina being brought to a satisfactory conclusion by the surrender of Johnson's army, it extended no farther. The surrender of these, the most formidable combinations of military strength upholding the rebellion, was soon followed by the similar capitu- lation of all forces arrayed in hostility to the Na- tional authority throughout the country. 162 111 a short month war had ceased its ravages, and, save one deplorable event of national be- reavement, that period was teeming with cheerful developments and the happy return of a lasting and glorious Peace. Orders were now issued to reduce the volunteer force without delay, and the armies in Virginia and JSTorth Carolina began to concentrate at Washington. The 6th Corps was transported by rail from Danville to Richmond about the IGth of May, and encamped near that city until the 24th, when it began a movement overhmd to Washing- ton. After a march of about one hundred and thirty miles by way of Fredericksburg, we arrived near the Capital on the 2d of June, and laid out our last camping-grounds within sight of the city. CHAPTEE XV. NAMES AND ALTERATIONS. List of 3Iemhers of the Field and Staff, 138^7i Regi- ment Penna. Vol. Infantry^ as mustered out Jime 23, 1865, at Washington, D. 0. Colonel Matthew R. McClennan. Lieut. Col. Lewis A. May. Surgeon Charles E. Cady. Asst. Surgeon Thomas P. Tomlinson. Adjutant Jacob W. Cress. Quar. Master David L. McKenzie. Chaplain John W. Feight. NON-COMMISSIONED STAFE. Sergt. Major Reuben Hallowell. Quar. Mast. Sergeant James W. Kennedy. Commissary Sergeant Frank Ramsey. Hospital Steward James G. Wells. Chief Musician Lawrence Defibaugh. " '' William Earle. List of the Officers and Unlisted Men ivho, after the original organizatio7i and prior to the discharge of the Regiment, ceased to belong to the Field and Staff. Col. C. L. K. Sumwalt, dismissed March 30, 1863. Surgeon C. P. Hcrrington, honorably discharged Dec. 4, 1863. Chaplain J. F. Porter, " " June 26, 1863. *' James W. Curry, " «' MarchS, 1864. 163 164 Transferred. Quar. Master Edward B. Moore, appointed Captain and C. S. Vols. August 4, 1864. Asst. Surgeon Thos. C. Thornton, promoted to Surgeon of 67th Penna. Vols. April 20, 1865. Sergt. Major H, C. Grossman, promoted to 2d Lieutenant, Co. B, April 8, 1864. Sergt. Major Timothy Kane, promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Co. C, Dec. 1, 1864. Sergt. Major Osceola Lewis, promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Co. I, May 16, 1865. Com. Sergeant D. L. McKenzie, promoted to Regimental Quar Master July 5, 1864. Total — 6 officers and 4 enlisted men, discharged and trans- ferred. List of Members of Company A, ISStJi Penna. Vols., as mustered out of service June 23, 1865, at Wash- ingto7i, D. C. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Capt. James B. Heebner, [ 2d Lieut. Daniel A. ReiflF. Ist Lieut. John Dalbey, SERGEANTS. John B. Major, Egbert B. Buzby, Adam J. Schrack, Samuel A. Moore, George W. Williams. CORPORALS. James Crozier, Joseph K. Moore, Elbridge Griffith, Crary Stewart, (Jeerge IJ. Buekj William H. Myers, Adam Hersh, Eugene Shearer, Samuel L. Welde. MUSICIANS. 1 Samuel Mitchell. 165 PRIVATES. Anderson, Samuel S. Apple, George E. Ashford, John E. Bailey, John T. Bean, Peter E. Bankis, Reuben Colflesh, Jacob Colter, Jacob Cooker, Franklin Custer, Preston Dutlinger, William Davis, James W. DeHaven, George Evans, George W. Fisher, Benjamin Griffith, John H. Hahn, Philip, jr. Harrold, John Hampton, Joseph Hunter, George Isett, William H. Jones, Joseph AV. Jones, Jeremiah Jones, Richard Johnson, Richard M. Keely, Henry S. Kreible, David K. Koplin, William H. Lukens, David H. Lyle, William R. Lukens, William K. Lynn, William Miller, Isaac M. Noblit, Joseph Noblit, James Noblit, William Nolan, James Nuss, Samuel Ortlip, Jefferson Pyle, Charles Ramsey, Thomas H. Royer, Horatio Rinehart, Joseph Rhoads, Henry C. Reigle, Levris K. Schock, Jacob Snyder, David M. Streeper, Albert W. Simpson, William Updegrove, David Wilde, Watson Wheeler, Michael Wells, Henry C. Williams, George M. Wilkinson, William List of the Officers ayid Enlisted men who, after the original organization and before the discharge of the company, ceased to belong to it. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS— 4. Capt. M, R, McClennan, transferred; promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, September 2d, 18G2. Capt. C. Y. Fisher, discharged for disability, Sept. 17th, 1864. Lieut. John E. Essick, died of wounds, May 11th, 1864. Lieut. Samuel J. Yarger, dismissed, Sept. I2th, 1864, 166 Sgt. H. Bickel, May 12, 1865. " L. D. Shearer, May 12, '65. Pyt. II. Britton, March 15, '65. *' Wm. Coppleberger, May 12, 1865. Pvt, B. D. Harrar, May 15, '65. ENLISTED MEN.— i>/6>c/tar^er?— 10. Pvt. A. Cuthbertson, May 18, 1865. Pvt. M. Murphy, May 10, 1865. " A. Newcomer, Aug. 25, '63, '« Charles Pugb, Dec. 1st, '64. " Levi Ringler, Oct. 24, '63. Transferred — 4. Pvt. W. T. Benner, Jan. 10, '65. j Pvt. W. H. Hunter, Ap'119, '64. " F. B. Bond, Jan. 25, 1865.| " F. Ramsey,'July 6, 1864. Dled—V}. Sergt. Davis W. Roberts, died of wounds, June 14th, 1864. Corp. John II. Slingluff, " " May 6th, 18G4. " Paul A. Smith, " " Oct. 19th, 1864. " Maurice E. Hinkle, " " April 6th, 1865. Pvt. Henry Colter, " " July 14th, 1864. " Peter S. Eddleman, " " Sept. 19th, 1864. " Abraham Gotwalts, " «' Oct. 1st, 1864. " Samuel Grubb, •' " June 9th, 1864. " Joseph S. Hallowell, " disease, Dec. 11th, 1862. " Jacob B. Jackson, " " Nov. 25th, 1862. " Ed. II. Linck, died -while a prisoner of war, Jan. 17th, '<)3 " William Magee, died of wounds, May 9th, 1864. " George W. Ross, died of disease, Sept. 25th, 1863. " William Rodenbaugh, died of wounds, July 20th, 1864. " Archibald Stewart, " " June 15th, 1864. " Sylvestei-Staley, " " Oct. 19th, 1864. Deserted— '2. Pvt. James Henry, from Philadolphia, Pa., Nov. llth, 1864. " Isaac P. Kennedy, from Relay House, Md., June 2d, 1863. Missing in Action. Pvt. Milton Streeper, at Wilderuess, Va., May 6th. 167 List of 3Iembers of Company B, l^Sth Peiina. Vols.^ as mustered out of service^ June 23(^, 1865, at Washingto7i, I). C. Capt. George A. Earnslla^Y, 1st Lieut. II. C. Grossman, COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 2(1 Lieut. D. M. McKaight. Isaac H. Moore, Basil H. Norris, Albert J. Routson, Peter Thorn, G«org« E. Booth, , AVilliam A. llake, Oliver C. Hartzell, SERGEANTS. I Henry J. Wortz, John M. Yeagy. CORPORALS. Charles E. Shorb, Nathaniel Butt, George W. Harper, John Orr. MUSICIANS. 1 John Davidson. Emory F. K. Will, WAGONER.— Stephen Currens. PRIVATES. Bennett, Joseph H. Bormuth, John Biesecker, William P. Biesecker, Jacob H. Beyers, Christian Crabbs, John L. Crouse, John T. Cover, Winfield Dewalt, Alexander Deardoff, Peter Detrick, Amos Eply, William H. Eltz, William Fallon, Thomas Flenner, James Groft, Thaddeus F. Houdyshell, Zachariah Houghtelin, William H. Hcmminger, George Ilamilion, Marcus J. Herr, Ephraim Hennig, John Hersh, Henry L. Heintzelman, William Kitzmiller, David F. Kennel, Samuel G. Koch, John Krause, William D. Kitzmiller, Daniel S. Linn, Joseph W. Lawrence, George AV. MoClure, John Meyers, John A. B. Miller, Israel J. Miller, George W. iMiller, John 168 Miller, Ephraim Nary, John P. Plank, Oliver F. Rahmon, Fritz Strubinger, John A. Stonesifer, Elias Sweeney, William 0. Strausbaugh, 'William Tate, Solomon A. Weikert, John T. Wagamon, John List of the Officers and JEnlisted men zoJio, after the original organization, and prior to the discharge of the company, ceased to belong to it. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS— 4. Capt. John F. McCreary, discharged Sept. 12th, 1864. 2d Lieut. Harvey W. McKnight, discharged Dec. 16th, 1862. 2d Lieut. J. C. Levelsberger, discharged Feb. 26th, 1864. 1st Lieut. Jacob W. Cress, transferred; appointed Adjutant August 30th, 1862. ENLISTED MEN 1st Sgt. J. G. Frey, June 6, '65. Corp. A. S. Snyder, Feb. 16, '65. Pvt. W: Harmon, Oct. 24, 1863. " L. W. Detrick, Feb. 2, '64. ** F. Barbraham, March 15, 1864. Pvt. J. A. Miller, Sept. 27, '64 — Discharged — 11 . Pvt. J. A. Kitzmiller, Sept. 20, 1864. Pvt. L. Hummelbaugh, March 25, 1865. Pvt. Albert Bey, May 15, 1865. " D. E. Cress, June 6, 1865. <' Peter Miller, June 10,' 65. Transferred — 6. Pvt. D. L. McKenzie, Sept. 15, Pvt. 1862. 1 1, Pvt. W. B. Zecker, Jan. 15, '64. Pvt. '« J.Englebert, Marchl5,'65.| " Died—lb. Sergt. John F. Biesecker, died of Corp. Emory McGuinn, *' " Daniel Dewalt, *< Pvt. John Osborn, <' " John T. Lookenbill, *' «« Charles F. Ogden, " '♦ Wm. A, Hennig, «• J. F. Wunderllch, March 1864. Levi Beck, Sept. 30, 1864. J. M. Tate, March 12, 1865. wounds. May 8th, 1864. <' ' July 22d, 1864. Sept. 22d, 1864. disease, Nov. 23d, 1862. wounds, Nov. 27th, 1863. Nov. 27th, 1863. Nqy. 30th, 1863. 169 Pvt. Robert Johnson, died of wounds Dec. 20th, 1863. ♦♦ Charles Dixon, " " May 6th, 1864. «' John Staub, *' " May 18th, 1864. '♦ John Kitzmiller, " " June 1st, 1864. *' H. D. Gilbert, died while prisoner of war, Sept. 28th, '64. «' B. K. Gulp, " " " Sept. 17t.h, '64. *• Elias B. Wrights, died of disease, June 1st, 1865. " Wm. H. H. Stultz, died of wounds. May 6th, 1864. Deserted — 17. Corp. E. Diehl, July 14, 1864. PTt. J. D. Slider, Feb. 7, 1863. B. Masser, May 8, 1863. J. H. Walker, July 16, '63. M. AVhalon,*Feb. 28, 1865. T. Gainey,* '< " C. Wallace,* Wm. King,* " C. Meadows,* *♦ ♦' Pvt. Ed. Kane,* Feb. 28, 1865. " C. Morton,* '' ♦♦ " J. Molony,* ** " " C. Harris,* «' C. McCormick,* '* «' *< P. Murphy,* '* '* J. Armstrong,* *' *' '« M. C. Garner,* '« «« List of Members of Company C, ISSth Penna. Vols., as milstered out of service, June 23, 1865, at Wash- ington, D, 0. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, let Lieut. Timothy Kane. SERGEANTS. Matthias T. Server, Charles R. Jones, Samuel B. Salsburg, Joseph R. Moyer, James R. Griffith, Henry H. Shainline, Jesse Slingluff, Sylvester Makens, Jason T. Butler. CORPORALS. George E. Lovrery, Chas. Pennypacker, Aaron R. Selah, Edmund H. Smith. *These men were recruits who never reported to the Begi- ment, and were consequently dropped as deserters, in accord- ance with proper authority. 170 MUSICIAN.- WAGONER.- -Edwin S. Sutch. -Ferdinand Seaman. PRIVATES. Anderson, David F. Bodey, Charles A. Cutler, Levi Coulson, y/illiam H. Cornog, Henry P. Craft, Charles Cornell, Samuel Cole, John Davis, Marpold Dean, Samuel H. Dotts, Jacob H. Dell, Charles Emery, Jacob Fullerton, William Fitzgerald, Jesse 0. Freese, Henry Fulmer, Henry Foreman, George W. Godshalk, Enos Garber, Charles Huston, John F. Ilanley, Joseph S. Jones, William H. Moore, William H. Markley, Winfield S. Markley, Abram Moyer, Jesse S. Makens, Chas. W. Mitchell, Amos Miller, James E. Noblit, Daniel M. Rhodenbaugh, Charles Sutch, Abram C. Sutch, Thomas B. Shinn, Richard N. Stiver, George Sill, Wilmer Smith, Currin F. Saylor, James C. Stewart, Thomas * Wagner, .Jesse Yost, Isaac C. Orner, .Jesse 11. List of the Officers and Enlisted 3Ien 2vJio, after the original organization and prior to the discharge of the compa7iy^ ceased to belong to it. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS— 4. Capt. Geo. W. Guss, discharged May 15, 1865. 1st. Lieut. Wm. Neiman, discharged Aug. 22, 1863. 2d Lieut. John A. Wills, " " 13, " 1st. Lieut. Saml. W. Cloward, died of wounds Nov. 1, 1864. ENLISTED MEN.— i>/sf/mr^f(/— 15. 1st Sergt. Henry S. Smith, Jan. [1st Sergt. C. H. Fitzgerald, Feb. 14, 18G5. 14, 1805. let Sergt. Samuel Aikens. May Pvt. Geo. W. Foreman, Dec. 11, 80, 1865. ' I 1863. 171 Pvt. C. Oxinger, Jan. 22, 1864. " A. Quarmby, x\pr. 10, 1865. " A. Spangler, Apr. 4, 1865. " G.W.Neiman, May 31,1865. " Wm. Wills, .June 12, 1865. Pvt. Daniel Dewecs, Oct. 7,1863. " I. Dickinson, Feb. 28, 1868. Pvt. B. Griffith, 0^. 24, 1863. " I. T.Johnson, Apr. 24,1863. Prt. .John Knause, May 15, 1865. " H. R. Lightcap, Feb.21,'63 Transferred — 2. Pvt. Geo. W.Wilson, .Jan. 7, '65,jPvt. W. F. Sensenderfer, date I unknown. Died— 6. Pvt. Leidy Cook, died of disease, Dec. 7, 1862. " Isaac P. Freese, died of wounds July 27, 1864. *' Jesse A. Myers, died while a prisoner of war, Sept. 20,1864, *' Arnold Vanfossen, jr., died while a prisoner of v/ar ; dats unknown. Pvt. Joseph 11. Skean, died of wounds May 6, 1864. Missing in action — 4. Sergt. Benj. Uebele, Monocacy, Md., July 9, 1864. Pvt. Wm. Carson, " " " "■ '^ David L. Dotts, Cold Harbor, .June 1, 1864. " Wm. F. Jones, " " " Deserted — 4. Corp. M. Lightcap, Feb. 8, 1863. jPvt. Lewis F. Ott, Nov. 6, 1862. Pvt. J. M. Jones, Dec. 25, 1862. " Chas. A. Yost, Jan. 13, 1864. List of Memhers of Company i>, 138^7i Penna. Vols.y as mustered out of service June 23, 1865, at Wash- ington^ J). 0. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Capt, Oliver Ilorton, J 1st Lieut. Emanuel Fisher. SERGEANTS. William Foster, William W. Ferguson, William S. Sleek, John B. Hammer, Elias B. Stuckev. 172 CORPORALS. John E. O'Neal, George Gillam, Isaac Ling, Allen Kinton. MUSICIAN.— Solomon R. Thorpe. WAGONER.— Thomas Kurtz. PRIVATES. Beltz, John A. Reals, Geo. W. Burket, Isaac Burket, John Bivens, James W. Corl, William Hellman, George Harbaugh, Emanuel Hochard, John A. Ickes, George Kenard, John H. Ling, William H. Lowery, Emanuel Lease, Robt. H. Miller, Thomas McVicker, William Mock, Aaron Moore, James Nangle, James Nycum, Bernard O'Neal, Emanuel Risling, Joseph Stuckey, Wilson H. Sellers, Fred. A. Shroyer, Moses Summerville, John B. Steckman, Philip H. Snyder, David Witt, Jacob Yarnell, John List of the Officers and Enlisted Men ivho, after the original organization and j^rior to the discharge of the co77ipang, ceased to belong to it. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS— 3. Capt. John S. Stuckey, discharged Feb. 3, 1865. *lst. Lieut. Josiah Baughman, died Nov. 12, 1862. l«t Lieut. John A. Gump, died of wounds Oct. 20, 1864. ENLISTED UE:^.—Discharffed—U. Sergt. Henry McCleery, May 12, 1865. Corp. Job M. Beazle, April 27, 1863. Corp. H. Barkman, Jan. 12, '65. Corp. Josiah Huffman, May 15, 1865. Pvt. N. H. Beals, May 20, 1865. * Killed by Henry Roland, a deserter, whom he was attempt- ing to arrest, near Cherneysville, Bedford Co., Pa., Nov. 12, 1862. 173 Pvt. John Mullin, March 5,18G4. " E. Mock, May 10, 1865. " Wm. Lucas, May 18, 18G5. Pvt. J. G. Leasure, Feb. 10, '65. " W. W. Ramsey, Aug. 1, '08. " M. P. Taylor, Aprill7,1864. Transferred — 3. Pvt. Fred. NeflF, Jan, 15, 1865. iPvt. John B. Kinsey, April 5, *' Jacob Thorpe, Jan. 17,1863.| 1863. Died—2\, 1st Sergt. Simon C. Stuckey, died of wounds Nov. 27, 1863. *♦ Jonathan Snider, ** " Oct. 22, 1864. <* George Baughman, died while a prisoner of war Sept. 13, 1864. Corp. Wm. H. Lowery, died of disease April 15, 1864. " E. J. Hixon, died of wounds. May 6, 1864. " Jos. J. Price, " " " " Musician John W. Thorpe, died of disease, August 2, 1864. Pvt. Noah Allison, died of wounds June 5, 1864. ** Joseph Allison, died of disease, Jan. 26, 1864. « «' March 30, " ' wounds, Nov. 27, 1863. ' disease, Nov. 14, 1862. ' wounds Nov. 28, 1863. ' disease, Oct. 6, 1864. died while prisoner of war. " John T. Dicken, <* Daniel Hellman, " George W. Ickes, " John E. Lowery, ** John Layton, ♦' Thomas J. Miller, 13, 1864. Pvt. John Nycum, died of wounds June 28, 1864. '« Hezekiah O'Neal, died of wounds Dec. 4, 1863. «' James S. Radcliff, " disease, July 26, 1864. " Philip Wentz, " wounds, Nov. 27, 1863. " Jesse Yarnell, •* disease, July 22, 1864. " Chas. Summerville, " wounds. May 6, 1864. Deserted— 10. Sept. Corp. David Cook, Jan. 16, '63. Pvt. David Barkman, Feb. 9, '63. " Elisha Devers, Feb. 6, 1863. " Harvey Evans, Dec. 20, '62. " Nathl. Imes, Sept. 19, 1864. Pvt. Jackson Lape, Aug. 1, '64. " Nathl. Leasure, Oct. 22, '62. " John Oaks, Feb. 6, 1863. " Philip Porter, Feb. 9, 1863. " Henry Roland, Oct. 22, '62. 174 List of Members of Company E, 138//i Penna. Vols.^ as mustered out of service June 23, 1865, at Wash- ington, D. 0. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Capt. Simon Dickerhoof, 2d Lieut. Reuben W. Cook. 1st. Lieut. Thos. A. Prideaux, Francis M. Slack, Wm. T. Filler, Daniel Beard, SERGEANTS. Wm. Line, Geo. W. Gray. CORPORALS. Andrew Cobler, Samuel Ridenbaugh, John Claar. James E. Over, Abraham Carpenter, Samuel Barkley, George W. Barkley, MUSICIAN.— John A. Baughman WAGONER.— Lewis Mock. Ake, John G. Benner, John Beaver, Nicholas Baily, John W. Bailey, William Burket, David Burge, Joseph Crawford, James Couch, Harry Cook, John H. Claycomb, Conrad Carrell, Joseph Cobler, Allen Carl, Jacob Carl, Franklin Claar, Jacob C. Dull, Valentine Feight, Henry H. Fait, John Fleegle, George W. Gordon, Isaac Gardner, Chas. PRIVATES. Hoenstine, F. B. Imler, Ephraim Y. Imler, Geo. R. Kegg, Nathaniel Long, George Leonard, John D. Leonard, Henry N. Lemmon, William Meloy, Biven D, Mock, Malachi Price, Jacob Riffle, William Robinson, William J. Reighard, Matthias Richey, Jacob Richey, John Stevens, Ja«ob B. Stineman, William Stiffler, Nathaniel Saupp, James Speck, Heni-y Wise, Andrew H. 175 List of the Officers and Enlisted Men ivho, after the original organization, and prior to the discharge of the corivpany, ceased, to belong to it, COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 1st Lieut. John Getty, discharged April 13, 1804. ENLISTED U^^.—Discharged—'d. Prt. John Stiffler, July IG, 18G3. " Tobias Miller, May 4, 1864. " I. Nicodemus, May 3, 1865. '■'■ Simon M. Feather, May 30, 1865. Corp. H. H. King, June 7, 1865. Pvt. Jacob Briegle, Dec. 19, '63. «' Adw. Biddle, April 22, '65. " Wm. H. Rea, Sept. 17, '63. " James Rollins, July 16, '63. Transferred — 7. Pvt. Danh J. Price, May 12, '64. " Saml. Schritchfield, April 5, 1863. Pvt. Miles N. Smith, May 11, '65. Died— 11. Sergt. Wm. B. Amick, died of wounds May 6, 1864. Corp. William Ake, " " " " " Francis Steckman, " " June 5, " Pvt. Levi Blackburn, died of disease Nov. 19, 1862. Pvt. M. G. Bagley, Jan. 15, '65. " L. Defibaugh, Feb. 3, 1864. " Josiah Glenn, Jan. 12, '64. " J. A. Gilchrist, May 2, '64. '^ Jeseph Blackburn, *' Adam Beltz, *' Abraham Corl, <' David B. Craine, " George W. Feather <' Abraham Feight, «' Daniel G. Helzel, " Simon Helzel, " David Hoenstine, *' Daniel Imler, ** AbrahaDi Price, " Wm. R. Smith, Samuel Ward " wounds Sept. 1, 1864. " " June 5, " May 10, " " " Oct. 19, " died of disease Oct. 25, 1862. " Nov. 13, » " " Nov. 1, " Nov. 9, " " " Nov. 4, «' Jan. 4, 1865. Oct. 19, 1862. Feb. 11, 1865. July 30, 1864. Corp ied while prisoner of war. Missing in Action — 5. Martin L. Comly, at Winchester, Va., Sept. 19th, 1864. Pvt. Samuel M. Clark, at Monocacy, Md., July 9th, 1864. 176 Pvt. Daniel Carrell, at Cold Harbor, Va., June Ist, 1864. " Wm. H. Defibaugh, at Wilderness, Va., May 6th 1864. " Joseph Lay, " " " " Deserted — 4. Pvt. J. Bailey, March 3, 1863. IPvt. Sierus Fickans, Nov. 9, '62. " Adam Crajle, Feb. 26, '68.1 " Wm. Helzel, June 13, 1863. List of Members of Company F, ISSth P. V., as mustered out of service, June 23c?, 1865, at Wash- ington, D. C. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Capt. Martin S. Bortz, ] 1st Lieut. C. P. Calhoun. SERGEANTS. Levi Cook, i Harvey Shaffer, Joseph Barclay, Jesse Miller, Jeremiah Moser, Daniel Wolford, Marcus May, Joseph Cobler, Armstrong, Albert Baner, Franklin Earnest, William Feight, William Geller, George Holler, George W. Holler, John Kellerman, James Kelly, William Lowry, Oliver Miller, Abraham John W. Mauk. CORPORALS. Henry C. Ritchie, ^ Ephraim B. Miller, Marian Statler, Joseph Shroyer. PRIVATES. May, Hiram Owens, Chancey Robb, Samuel Smith, George Smith, Jacob Smith, John W. Shaffer, Tobias Shaffer, Thomas Smith, Simon Valentine, John Walford, Frederick 177 List of the Officers and Enlisted 3Ien who, after the original organization, and prior to the discharge of co7nj)a7ig, ceased to belong to it. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS— 2. Capt. John W. Feight, trausferred ; appointed Chaplain Feb. 21st., 18G5. 1st Lieut. C. P. McLaughlin, died of wounds, June 1st, 1864. ENLISTED MEN.— 2)«VcAar^«/—0. Pvt. Adam Smith, Oct. 1, 18G3. " C. G. Steuby, Mar. G, 'G5. " David Bush, May 15, 18G5. " D. M. Ball, May 2G, 18G5. Sergt. F. Mowry, May 2, 1864. " John Geller, April 6, '65. Corp. J. W. May, Oct. 25, 1864. " F. G. Ritchey, May 12, '65. Pvt. Lewis Elder, Feb. 26, '63. Transferred — 1 . Pvt. Linton W. Bingham, Jan. 28th, 1865. Died— 10. Sergt. Jacob Whip, died of wounds, Dec. od, 1863. " Jackson Miller, " " May 6th, 1864. Corp. Jno. B. Steckman, died of disease, Dec. 23d, 1862. " M. T. Foor, died while prisoner of war. Mar. 20th, '65, Pvt. David Smith, died of wounds, Oct. 20th, 1862. George W. Troutman, died of disease, Nov. 29th, 1862. Abbin Boor, " " Aug. 17th, 1863. Geerge W. Robb, " wounds, Nov. 27th, 1863. Wm. Waggerman, " disease, Dec. 8th, 1863. Henry Miller, " wounds. May 20th, 1864. 3[ is sing in Action — 2. Corp. Shannon E. McCoy, at Cold Harbor, June 1st, 1864. Pvt. Henry Kelly, " " " " Deserted — 12. Pvt. F. H. Hayman, Nov. 6, '62. r Sergt. S. May, March 30, 1863 Pvt. Sam. Hunt, Sept. 1, 1862. «' J.T.Hunt, " John Deal, Oct. 23, 1862 ** D. Kingsley, " " " J. Hickman, Sept. 27, 1862 «« C. Harden, Feb. 7, 1863. " P. Reighard, Feb. 18, 1863 " N. Tipton, March 18, 1863. " R. F. Henderson, June 29, 1863. Pvt. J. R. Vickroy, Nov. 28, '63. 178 List of Members of Qomixiny (7, 138//i Pcima. Vols., as mustered out of service June 23, 1865, at Wash- ington, 1), C. Captain George W. MuUin. SERGEANTS. Nicholas G. Wilson, William Cline, Edward Detrick, William Reed, George Barchet, Amos B. Shank, Isaac E. Cook, [saiah B. !Meals, David Slaybaiigh, William A. Pitzer, CORPORxiLS. C. P. K. Walter, James A. McGrail, Henry C. Sadler, Jehn C. Shriver. MUSICIANS. I David Herman. WAGONER.— William Bolen. PRIVATES. Bender, Howard W. Brame, William IT. Black, Michael F. Bushey, Jacob Cook, Cyrus G. Conrad, Henry G. Corbet, Andrew Camp, Charles F. Ebert, Jesse Eppleman, E. G. Freet, Jonas Heller, Benj. F. Irwin, Geo. W. Johnson, Alfred D. Jacobs, Benjamin F. K. Kann, Howard W. Klepper, Theodore Kelly, Samuel Linah, Forrest McKonly, Isaac Meals, Amos Melhorn, William F. Overholtzer, Theodore Routzong, Geo. W. Starry, Amos Sadler, Wm. F. Sarbaugh, Wm. Scott, John G. Thomas, Amos R. Toot, John Weigle, Samuel M. Ziegler, Henry 179 List of the Officers and Enlisted Men ivho, after the original organization and prior to the discharge of the coynpany^ ceased to belong to it. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS— 2. Captain James H. Walter, discharged March 26, 1865, 1st. Lieut. George W. Wilson, discharged August 29, 1864. ENLISTED MY.^.— Discharged— n. Pvt. Abm. Hummer, Feb. 8, '03. " J. Klepper, April 29, 1805. " H. D. Little, Feb. 23, 1864. " J. N. Walter, Feb. 21, '63. " E. Walhey, April 29, 1864. Pvt. E. C. Blocher, May 15, '65. J. C. Cleaver, May 26, '65. Isaiah B. Crist, Dec. 15, '64. C. B. Crist, Dec. 8, 1864. Danl. Hartzell, Oct. 6, '63. J. C. Ilankey, March 13, '64. Died— 20. Sergt. Luther Y. Hoffman, died of disease Nov. 12, 1802. <' Thomas F. Elden, died of wounds June 7, 1804. Corp. Amos Hoffman, " " July 17, " " David H. Chronister, <' *« May 14, *' " Amos F. Hoffman, died while nrisoner of war Dec 13, 1864. Pvt. Edwin Brame, died of wounds, June 1, 1864. " Joseph Beck, •' <' Sept. 19, " " Jonas Eppleman, " " Nov. 27, 1863. " Martin Fehl, " " June 1, 1864. '' Elias N. Hartzell, " " April 6, 1865. " QuincyLinah, " " xMay 6, 1864. " Charles Loman, " disease July 6, 1863, " Alfred Livingston, died of wounds July 9, 1864. " John P. Slaybaugh, died of disease Dec, 6, 1862. ** Charles Slagle, died of wounds Nov. 27, 1863. *' Cornelius Slaybaugh, died of wounds May 6, 1864, *' David Stoner, died of disease Nov. 9, 1862. <• .Jacob W, Schultz, died of disease Feb, 12, 1864. " James Warren, died of wounds May 6, 1864, " William J, Walker, died of disease, Nov. 10, 1862. Deserted — 6, Corp. G.A. Thoman,Julyl5,'03Pvt. Isaac Wank, Feb. 0, 1863 Pvt. L. B. Ferree, July 10, '03. " Henry Linebaugh, *< George Warren, Fred. Warren, 180 List of Members of Gomixmy Hy 138//i P. T., as mustered out of service June 23^/, 1865, at Wash- ingtony D. C. Ist Lieut. AYilliam B. Lovett. SERGEANTS. Joseph Godshall, John Hayes, Joseph B. Heaton, Samuel Gee, William W. Rogers, Andrew Bethel, George W. Sigafoos, John H. Markley, Isaac White. CORPORALS. William P. Barber, John Rymond, Henry C. Skelton, John F. Lovett. MUSICIAN- WAGONER- -William Case, Jr. -George Doan. PRIVATES. Butler, Hugh Cooper, William Cope, Abraham Evernham, Aaron I. Hillborn, Samuel Hilbert, Henry Hibbs, Henry C. Hare, William B. Jordan, Josiah Pidcock, James Pettit, James Smith, Elias S. Smith, Francis Smith, Lewis R. Sigafoos, Frederick Sipherd, John Vausant, Thomas Vinson, James Yocum, Jonathan List of the Officers and Enlisted Men toho, after the original organization and prior to the discharge of the eomimnyy ceased to belong to it. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS— 2. Capt. Lazarus C. Andrews, died of wounds, Nov. 12th, 18C3. 2d Lieut. John Sigafoos, discharged, May 28th, 18G4. 181 ENLISTED MEN. Sgt. A. G. Rapp, Ap'l 12, 1864. Corp. S. H. Brand, Feb. 27, '63. ** W. W. Cadwallader, May 12, 1865. Corp. J. D. Kindy, May 12, '65. Pvt. H. Bissey, Oct. 26, 1863. " M. H. Bennett, Dec. 18, '63. *' A. Cadwallader, March 20, 1863. Pvt. Chas. Doan, Feb. 25, 1863. Transferred — 4. Corp. J. F. Frantz, Dec. 16, '64.|Pvt. S. Duckworth, Sept. 26, '63. Pvt. J. Butler, Jan. 1, 1865. | " C. Smith, April 19, 1864. Dicd—^. Corp. John H. Reilly, died of disease, Oct. 17th, 1862. Pvt, John H. Barren, died of wounds, Nov. 27th, 1863. —Discharged — 17. Pvf. H. H. Heaton, Feb. 26, '63. '' G. W. Lowery, Oct. 26, '63. «* T. S. Lewis, May 12, 1865. " J. McCammon, Dec. 17, '64. " S. C. Price, March 3, 1863. *' R. Scheetz, April 27, 1865. " S. Sigafoos, May 2, 1865. " J. Warford, May 12, 1865. " D. Strouse, June 6, 1865. C. B. Evernham, James R. Green, John K. Moyer, Paul Pursell, William H. Ruple, June 5th, 1864. Sept. 19th, 1864. May 30th, 1864. March 28th, 1868. June 1st, 1864. Abraham K. Wismer, died of disease, Sept. 30th, 1864. Missing in Action — 4. Pvt. Amos C. Beuley, at Wilderness^ Va., May 6th, 1864. " Chas. L. Heaton, " '* " ♦' " Jacob Nunemaker, '* " *' *' " Robert Rodgers, " ♦' '' " List of Members of Company I, 138^7i Penna. Vols.. as mustered out of service June 23, 1865, at Wash- ington, D. Q. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Captain Wm. C. Ensley, | 1st Lieut. Osceola Lewis. SERGEANTS. George H. Reess, I Sylvester W. Snyder, George W. Shofl'ncr, John Shoffner, David D. Bath, I 182 CORPORALS. Joseph Scattergood, Trustrim Connell, Staats V. D. Wack, John W. Stoker, MUSICIAN.- WAGONER.- Matthias Tyson, Edward Sprogell, John Cook, Benjamin Althouse. -Samuel M. Lewis. -John Hallman. PRIV^ATES. Bennett, John S. Batman, John Bennett, Isaac Batman, Josiah Baker, Edward Barnick, William Dolbey, Edmund Bier, Paul Deemer, William Evans, William G.. Earle, Charles H. Fry, John G. Hendricks, William W. Hagey, Joseph D. Hurd, John Hay, James M. * Hughes, Harry R, Long, Eli Moore, Samuel P. Maurer, Charles Murry, Mahlon W. Pugh, William H. Parks, James Prinzing, Charles llenner, William Reinbold, Peter Shelmire, David F. Schoenian, Otto Smith, Seth C. Schodstadt, Augustus Seifert, John Smith, George W. Tyson, Jacob Trauger, Jonas Tucker, William E. Vansant, William H. Watson, William H. Wilkinson, S. M. Williams, Joseph L. Williams, Charles L. List of the Officers and Enlisted 3Ien wJio, after the original organization and pnor to the discharge of the coni'pany^ ceased to belong to it. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Capt. Augustus G. Feather, dismissed Sept. 13, 18G4. " Jonathan T. Rorer, honorably discharged April 5, 180-5. 2d Lieut. John H. Fisher, died of wounds May 6, 18G4. 183 ENLISTED UE^.—Diseharffcd—lO. Pvt. Thos. Altemus,Feb.l8,'6S. " W. W. Bennett, Jan. 28, '05. " Peter Frey, Feb. lH, 18G3. " Joseph Holt, August 10, 'G4. " H. Hinkle, May 1(3, 18(35. Pvt. John F. Hay, May 1(3, '65. " S. K. Renner, Feb. 18, '63. " B. F. Roberts, May 5, '65. " C. Rudolph, May 12, '65. " Joshua Wood, Feb. 18, '63. Trans/erred — 7. Sergt. J. W. Kennedy, Sept. lU, 18(32. Sergt. R. Hallowell, May IG, 'G5. Corp. G. W. Callahan, March 1, 18G4. Musician Win. Earle, Oct. 30,'64 , Pvt. W. H. Heritage, Jan. 7, '65. " Osceola Lewis, Dec. 1, '64. " Reese Pugh, March 17, '01. Bied— 12. Corp. George H. Kelp, died of wounds May 17, 1864. ^' Christian Kastler, '' " April 3, 1865. Pvt. Wm. Batman, " " May 0, 1864. William Epprigbt, " " July 20, 1804. Samuel R. Ireton, died while prisoner of war, Oct. 10, '64. Joseph T. Micheuer, died of wounds June 8, 1864. Joseph J. Roberts, " disease Nov. 5, 1862. Joseph Rohr, " " July 0, 1864. Christian Stagner, " " May 6, 1864. Henry Swartley, " " •' " Eli Thomas, died (cause unknown) Feb. 11, 1863. James Wilson, died of wounds Sept. 10, 1864. Missing in Aclion — 1. Nov. '63. Pvt. Reuben F. Crouthamel, at Locust Grove, V Deserted — 2. Pvt. R. C. Clymer, Oct. 22, '64.[Pvt. Jcr. Mitchell, June 3, '03 184 List of Members of Company K^ V?>Wi Fenna. Vols.j as mustered out of service June 23, 1865, at Wash- ington^ D. C, 1st Lieut. Jonathan P. Iredell. SERGEANTS. Israel C. Wood, Jacob W. Trout, William II. Shively, Barclay Kenderdine, Charles W. Umstead, Benjarain F. Walton, John II. Smith, George R. Palmer, Lewis P. Yetler. CORPORALS. Charles R. Magee, Henry II. Umstead, John B. Undercoffler. MUSICIANS. John Lingle, | Levi P. Ilcffelfinger. WAGONER.— Josiah Emery. PRIVATES. Ashton, George V/. Allen, Pierson, Bright, Samuel E. Brey, Servatus S, Brown, George R. Blaker, John Biddle, William B. Cannon, James Cratz, John Butter, George W. Donahue, John Gebphart, Noah B. Hoffnagle, Conrad Kingkinfer, Silas Kelly, John D. Kulp, Henry Kelly, Michael Linker, Daniel Mostler, Charles McCabe, Dennis Murphy, John Neff, William Puff, Hiram M. Paulus, George K. Rhoads, Franklin Seigfried, Henry C. Sabold, Eli Undercoffler, James W. Undercoffler, Jonas Whalon, Thomas Wasser, Enos R. Weid, John Woodhust, John A. Ziegler, John C. 185 List of the Officers and Enlisted Men ivho, ctfter the original organization and prior to the discharge of the comimwj^ ceased to helony to it. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Capt. Kicliard T. Stewart, honorably discharged May 15, 1865. 1st Lieut. Amos W. Bertolet, «' " Jan. 23, 1803. 2d Lieut. Abraham H. Kline, dismissed August 17, 1863. ENLISTED ^lY,-^.— Discharged— ^. Corp. Elias Lewis, April 24, '64. " Chas. Wood, April 28, '64. " S. Ilallman, May 13, '05. Tvt. Jas. Berks, March 7, '64. Pvt. I. K. Shoemaker, Dec.22,'64. " C. T.Lukens, Aprill2, '65. " H. Nicholas, April 15, '65. " H. C. Moser, June 5, '65. Trani-> Men Officers . . . O O 00 CJi CO CO CO CI G^l CO t- I 00 T— 1 rH rH | 00 S ^ IS W EH O iz; CO -«! ^5 M M o j Men Officers ...\ 1 OCGCrHUOtO^COt-CMO CO GOCiOOOOCiCOOOCOGOOO CM 00 COCOCOCOCOCOCOCOCCOOCO ICO 1 CO 1 1 191 LIST OF PROMOTIONS OF OFFICERS MADE m THE YEAR I8G0. Lieut.-Col. Lewis A. May from Major, Feb. 12. Asst. Surgeon Thos. P. Tomlinson, appointed May 8tli. Chaplain John W. Fcight, appointed from Captain Company F, Feb. 21st. Comimny A. — 2d Lieut. Daniel A. ReiiF, from Sergeant, A.pril 3d. Comioamj ^.— 2d Lieut. David M. McKniglit, from 1st Sergeant, Jan. 5th. Comimny D. — Captain Oliver Horton, from 1st Lieutenant, Feb. 20th ; 1st Lieut. Emanuel Fish- er, from 1st Sergeant, Feb. 22d. Cojiipany F. — Captain Martin S. Bortz, from 1st Lieutenant, Feb 21st ; 1st Lieut. C. P. Calhoun, from 1st Sergeant, Feb. 21st. Company Cr. — Captain George W. Mullen, from 1st Lieutenant, May 15tli ; 1st Lieut. George W. Mullen, from 2d Lieutenant, Feb. 20th. Comj)a7iy I. — Capt. William C. Ensley, from 1st Lieutenant, May 15th ; 1st Lieut. Osceola Lewis, from Sergeant Major, May 16th. Non-commissioned Staff. — Sergeant Major Reu- ben Ilallowell, from Sergeant Co. I, May 16th. 192 APPOINTMENTS OF MEPvIT. Colonel M. R. McClennan, to be Brigadier Gen- eral^ by brevet, for gallant and meritorious services, especially' at the battles of Petersburg and Sailor's Creek, April 2d and 6th, 1865. Captain Jonathan T. Rorer, to be Major by brevet^ for gallant and meritorious services as Staff Officer to Gen. J. W. Keifer, in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign, to date from October 19, 1864. Captain Simon Dickerhoof, to be Major'^ by bre- vet, for long, faithful and meritorious services, to date from April 2d, 1865. A medal of honor and a oO-daj's' furlough were awarded to Corporal Trustrim Connell, Co. I, bj the Secretary of War, for the capture of the bat- tle-flag of a rebel (Virginia) regiment, at Sailor's Creek, April 6th, 1865. LVppointment not received until after discharge. CHAPTER XYII. CONCLUSION. In previous chapters, as readily and volumi- nously as the facilities within the grasp of the writer would warrant, and without wilful devia- tion from the characteristics promised in intro- duction, has been given a history of the organi- zation, garrison services and field operations of a command, which we, whose names appear on its record, are proud to call '^ Our Eegiment." We do not claim to have di'splayed valor or endurance in excellence of our comrades of other organizations, or from other States or districts ; nor can we boast like some of having traversed all the territory of Rebeldom — of fighting more battles than we had stars on our banner — or of experiencing more casualties in number than we had names on our rolls ; but we do profess to have performed the duties assigned us during our period of service without bringing reproach upon our name or dishonor to our flag. Towards other troops we have no selfish pride and no jealousy, for we believe in the words of 193 194 Lieut. General Grant, that ^' All have a proud record, and all sections can well congratulate themselves and each other for having* done their full share in restoring the supremacy of law over every foot of territory belonging to the United States." This, though an unhurnished and imperfect sketch — a mere summary — will shovv^ where the 138th has been, and, to a certain degree, what it has experienced. Its pages show the names of all its members in their classification ; of those who were transferred from its ranks to other branches of ser- vice ; those who were discharged by reason of in- capacity for military duty ; those whose lives were sacrificed in battle or wasted by disease ; and those who "came marching home" uninjured to enjoy the blessings their heroism purchased — to all of which we point with no little emulation. And there is still another class of a few indi- viduals to be noticed — but not with the same re- spect — those officers and men who by unmanly deportment, cowardly misdemeanor and base de- sertion, disgraced their cause and forfeited their own reputation. They are committed for such treatment as their actions deserre. To close the account of the regiment's career will now require but few additional sentences. 195 On Friday, June 23, 1865, the 138th was mns- tcred out of the miUtarj service, and ceased to exist as an organization of the National armies. Our discharge was the immediate precedent of a separation from commanders and comrades whom we had learned to both respect and love ; and before abandoning these associations, joined by patriotism, bound by hardship, and rivetted by danger, alike conceived and mutually shared, our boys to their fellow-soldiers paid the compliments of a farewell greeting. On the night of the 24th the regiment paraded in illumination, and visited the camps of all the remaining troops of the 3d Division : officers represented the sentiments of the occasion by pertinent speeches, and men by expressive cheers. June 25th we marched to the City of Washington, and started by rail to Penn- sylvania. We left the Army of tlie Potomac with gladness, because we were going from the turmoil of War to the glorious enjoyment of Peace, and with the pride and satisfaction of an honora- ble membership in its ranks. In leaving our favorite corps, the "fighting Sixth," we did not forget to hold in high esteem its memory, and to preserve its boasted badge of distinction — ''the Grecian Cross." We went to our homes with the principle "honor to whom honor is due," and 196 with " good will towards men. ' ' We removed our- selves from military jurisdiction, but for our leaders, from Grant, ^' our great captain," Meade, '' tlie riglit man in the right place," Sheri- dan, the champion of raiders and the terror of his enemies, and Wright, the able successor of the lamented Sedgwick, to Ricketts and Keifer, our popular Division and Brigade commanders, we entertained the respect and admiration due the ability and sagacity which marked their course in conducting us in camp and field. The two last named general officers were es- pecially endeared to us by their intimate relations with their troops, and in honor of this fact they have been introduced in a manner deemed appro- priate as prominent features of interest in this work. As it was determined " to avoid indb'idual eulo- gies," many compliments and credits which might have been given to their actions, as well as to the actions of numbers of our own comrades, without flattery or falsity, are omitted. But every man who fought and marched under the leadership of these gallant men, cannot fail to remember their devotion to the cause as shown upon many a bloody field. Gen. Ricketts, our hero of Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Monocacy, 197 and the Valley, foi' his bright record, the courtes}- shown his soldiers on all occasions, and the kind farewell and teaifal ^'God speed" he gave our regiment on its departure from the Capital, has a place in every heart ; and Gen. J. Warren Kei- fer, who lead us with the zeal and ability of an excellent commander, at Brandy Station, Locust Grove, Opequan, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, and in our last battles, is by us remembered not only as a gallant soldier, but as a good friend. ELut now, to all military connexions we will bid a final adieu. We arrived at the State rendezvous at Harris- burg on the 26th of June, and on the 29th re- ceived final payments and discharge. On the following day the regiment was perma- nently dissolved. Companies A, C, I and K, pro- ceeded to ITorristown; Company H, to Doyles- town ; Companies B, and G, to Gettysburg, and Companies D, E, and F, to Bedford, where they were formally and hospitably welcomed by those who, during the hour of trial, were their friends and supporters. It is a glad truth to record that the men from the several counties parted in fel- lowship, went to their homes with mutual good feeling, and returned to pursuits of industry with equanimity and with, credit to themselves. As a 198 parting tribute it can be said with justice, that equal honor can *be claimed by all soldiers, of whatever grade or capacity, who are conscio::s of having performed their duty in good faith toward the country in whose defense they rallied. The merit of commanding sagacity belongs to the officer, the virtue of faithful execution to the soldier, and the care, provision and support of both these to the non-combatant. Each are ab- solutely necessary, and without either, nothing could be accomplished. If, however, there is due any class more con- sideration or special commendation, let it be given to the private soldier who paced the lonely picket walk on the outposts of exposure and danger, plied the spade in the trenches, and wielded the rifle on the battle-line. Let the dead be honored, the maimed kindly cared for, and the uninjured survivor respected. No character can have a prouder garb than that of faithful services rendered a glorious coun- try, and the name of the Union soldier who aided in the overthrow of the Great Rebellion, deserves to be cherished by a grateful people, in this and after generations. THE END. H154 74- I fi ..^' :MMi\<^' "IS- %s^^' 'SMS^ '^ ^\ "y^ «■ ' • , 'o ^'^ c " " " * W'