rm^m fl.« t w. liP^^'/ is 8 1 > ] fTCls^ Mvt r^^ iu/ ^ mw MONUMENT OF THE 124th PENNA. VOLUNTEERS ANTIETAM, MD. DEDICATED SEPT. 17th, 1904 PHOTO. BY LOUIS G.GREEN HISTOEY OF THE One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Regiment PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION— l.S(i2-18(>3 PvEGIMENTAL RE-UNIONS 1885-] !)()(! HISTORY OF MONUMENT COMPILED BY ROBERT M. GREEN APPROVED BY THE REGIMENTAL COMMITTEE PHILADELPHIA : Wake Bros. Company, Printers, 1010 Arch Street 1907 \, ^ To perpetuate the memory of those who enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Regiment, Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, in ihe War of the Rebellion. This volume is fraternally dedi- cated to their descendants by the HISTORIAN PREFACE To THE Survivors of the One Hundred and Twenty- fourth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers : At the first Reunion of the Regimental Association in 1885, Chas. D. M. Broomhall, who had been a Sergeant in Company D, was appointed Historian of the Regiment in anticipation that sufficient records could be collected and published as would transmit to coming generations a memorial of the services rendered and the hardships endured by the 124th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, during the War of the Rebellion. The 124th was recruited under the proclamation of Presi- dent Lincoln for nine months' service to commence in August, 1862, and end in May, 1863, making the campaign practically a winter one. In the opinion of the Committee and of historians in general, there was no more critical period during the entire War than at the time when the 124th was recruited, and while it is true that the losses of the Regiment in battle were com- paratively few, exposure, disease and death depleted the ranks from 925 to less than 600. The death of Sergeant Broomhall took place before he had accomplished the work assigned him, but the records secured by him are published herein. At the Reunion of the Regimental Association in 1904 the uncompleted work was assigned to Comrade Robert I\I. Green, Vice-President of the Association, and he has gratui- 9 tously given much time and labor in collecting and arranging the details contained herein. It is sincerely hoped by the Committee that the work of Comrade Green will be appreciated by those who contributed toward its publication, and be of interest to the descendants of those who took part in the great struggle that this Nation might be preserved. Respectfully submitted, Col. Jos. W. Hawley, John Pugh, John D. Howard, Joel Hollingsworth, Henry C. Warburton, Coinniittcc. lO CONTENTS PAGE The 124th : How Recruited 17 Proclamations of Governor Curtin 17. 191 Records of Lieut. C. D. M. Broomhall 19 Major Haldeman's Report of Battle of Antietam 33-37 Welcome Home of Regiment 49 Records from Bates' History 56 Roster of 124th 61-81 Diary of David S. Wilkinson no " " KdwardT. Harlan 129 " " Henry J. Stager 151 Reminiscence of George D. Miller 105 " " William G. Knowles 109 " " David S. Wilkinson no •' " Joel Hollingsworth 112 " " William W. Potts 117 " " Chaplain Jos. vS. Evans 148 " " Col. Jos. W. Hawley 200 Organization of the Society of 124th 206 First Annual Reunion, 1885 : West Chester 207 Second " " 1S86 : Media 208 Third " " 1887: Antietam 212 Fourth " " 1S88: Chester 214 Fifth " " 18S9: Wilmington 215 Sixth " " 1890: Oxford 237 Seventh " " 1891 : Coatesville 242 p:ighth " " 1892 : Klwyn 243 Ninth " " 1893: Westchester 247 Tenth " " 1894: Antietam 249 Eleventh " " 1895: Valley Forge 253 Twelfth " " 1896: Chancellorsville ... .... 259 1 1 CONTENTS— Continued PAGE Thirteenth Annual Reunion, 1897 : Paoli 266 Fourteenth " " 1.S98: Gettysburg 273 Fifteenth " " 1899: Reading 277 Sixteenth " " 1900: Antietam 284 Seventeenth " " 1901 : Castle Rocks Park 289 Eighteenth " " 1902 : Downingtown 295 Nineteenth " " 1903 : Castle Rocks Park 303 Twentieth " " 1904: Antietam 313 Twenty -first " " 1905 : Brandywine Springs Park . . . 320 Twenty-second" " 1906: Lenape Park 329 Song, " The Old Coffee Kettle " 337 Battlefield Commission 342 History of Monument 343 Description of Monument 349 Preparing for Excursion 352 The Trip to Antietam . 352 Dedication Program 353 Prayer of Chaplain Joseph S. Evans 354 Address of Colonel Joseph W. Hawley 355 Address of Robert M. Green 356 Program of General Exercises 353, 366 Comrades at Dedication 365 Transfer of Monuments to Governor Pennypacker by Col. Hawley . 367 Gov. Pennypacker's Acceptance and Transfer to General Oliver . . 367 General Oliver's Acceptance 368 Address of Rev. J, Richards Boyle 373 Address of General W. W. Black mar 387 Address of General Thos. J. Stewart 387 Letter from John W. Marshall 388 I 2 ILLUSTRATIONS Monument of 124th Frontispiece Abraham Lincoln 16 Gen'l Geo. B. McClellan 2; Gen'l Joseph Hooker 28 Gen'l Jos. K. F. Mansfield 35 Flag of 124th 50 Col. Hawley and StafF 82-86 Members of 124th 87-102 George D. Miller, 1861-1906 104-105 Lieut. Col. Simon Litzenberg 107 Gen'l George Gordon Meade 113 William W. Potts, 1S63-1906 • ■ 116-117 Edward T. Harlan 128 Gen'l John W. Geary 140 Gen'l Samuel W. Crawford i44 Chaplain Joseph S. Evans '46 Gen'l Thos. Leiper Kane 160 Andrew G. Curtin 19' Col. Joseph VV. Hawley, 1863-1906 196-197 Capt. Norris L. Yarnall 203 William P. West 245 Section of Fence, Antietam 248 National Cemetery, Antietam • -5' Chancellor House 260 Capt. Chas. W. Roberts 264 Monument at Paoli . 266 13 ILLUSTRATIONS— Continned David W. Eyre 270 Trees Shattered by Bullets 272 Chas. P. Keech 28c Lieut. William C. Dickey 282 Meditation 288 Henry C. Warburton 293 Col. Benj. Brooke, 1863-1900 301 John W. Marshall 308 Burnside Bridge, Antietam 310 Jos. R. Brensinger 312 Dunker Church 318-319 John L. Grim, 1861-1907 327 Thomas H, Kay 335 Gov. Samuel W. Pennypacker 340 Statue of 124th Monument 348 Robert M. Green, 1862-1904 361 Survivors at Dedication of Monument 364 Rev. J. Richards Boyle 372 14 "--^TUr^^-fL^^ ^^^iuC^r^ THE 1'2-tTH REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY How It Was Recruited — The Character of the Men who Composed Its Ranks President Lincoln, on July 2, 1862, issued a call for three hundred thousand additional troops to assist in bringing the rebellion to a close. On July 7, 1862, C. P. Buckingham, Brigadier-General and Assistant Adjutant-General of the United States Army, sent a dispatch to Governor Andrew G. Curtin, requesting him to raise in Pennsylvania, as soon as practicable, twenty-one new regiments of volunteer infantry. In response to the call of the President, recruiting became active throughout all the loyal States, and on July 21st, Governor Curtin issued a proclamation as follows : — Pennsylvania ss : In the name, and by the authority of the State of Pennsylvania, Andrew G. Curtin. Governor of the said Commonwealth. 2 17 A PROCLAMATION. To sustain the Government in times of common peril l)y all his energies, his means and his life, if need be, is the duty of every loyal citizen. The President of the United States has made a requisition on Pennsylvania for twenty-one new regiments and the regiments already in the field must be recruited. Enlistments will be made for nine months in the new regiments and for twelve in the old. The existence of the present emergency is well under- stood. 1 call on the inhabitants of the counties, cities, boroughs and townships throughout our borders to meet and take active measures for the immediate furnishing of the quota of the State. I designate below the number of companies which are expected from the several counties in the State, trusting the support of her honor in this crisis, as it may be safely trusted, to the loyalty, fidelity and valor of her freemen. Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State, at Harrisburg, this 21st day of July, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixtv-two, and of the Commonwealth the eighty-seventh. A. G. CURTIN. By the Governor : Eli Sltfek, Secretary of the Coiniiioiiicealtli. By virtue of this proclamation three companies were rer[uired of Delaware County and seven of Chester County, and in these two counties, the 124th Regiment was almost entirely recruited. The enlistment of the various companies required about two weeks time, and had in their ranks men representative of all walks of life; manufacturers, merchants, professional men, mechanics, farmers, day laborers. Possibly no other regiment ever enlisted from more patriotic motives than did the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth. A few of the men had been in the three months service in 1861, some had belonged to local military organizations, a few had drilled, armed with wooden imitations of guns, but the great majority of its members and all of its officers, with one or two exceptions, had never had any previous military experience. 18 HISTORY OK THE ONE HLWDRED AND TWENTY- FOURTH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. Fkom Notks ()1< Lieutknaxt C. D. M. I'.roomhai.i,. Reiiscd by Robert M. Crcoi. Pursuant to a call for troops made by President Lincoln, July 2. 1862, and by proclamation of Governor Curtin, July 21, 1862, the 124th Regin:cnt. Penna. X'olunteers, was recruited to serve for a period of nine months. Companies A, C, E, F, G, I and K were recruited in Chester County, and Companies D, P and H in Delaware County. They rendezvoused at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, and were mustered into the United States service from the 8tli to the 1 2th of August, 1862. C)n August 13th the men received their uniforms, and on the 14th were armed with Springfield riiles and other military equip- ments, and about sunset, under command of Senior Captain Joseph W. Hawley, marched to the railroad station and engaged in clean- ing freight and cattle cars, which had been assigned for trans- portation of the regiment. At i A. M. of the 15th it started over the Northern Central Railroad for Baltimore, arriving there at 7 A. M. Upon leaving the train, forty rounds of amnuniitidn were issued to each man, and the regiment marched through the city to the Washington depot, leaving there at 2 P. M.. and arriv- ing at Washington at 6 P. j\I. Supper was furnished at a place called "Soldier's Rest," the meal consisting of bread and black cofifee ; a hint to the fastidious boys of soldiers' fare. This place was near the Capitol, and the regiment remained there over night. On the morning of the i6th Captain Hawley reported to Brigadier-General Silas Casey, and received orders to take the regiment to camp in Virginia. At 10 A. M. it marched through Washington over the Long liridge into \'irginia, along very dusty roads and under a burning hot sun to a jilace about five miles from Long Bridge, in sight of Washington and Alexandria, and partly encompassed by Forts Scott, Richardson and Albany ; here it encamped and in the evening Captain Hawley reported to General Whipple. Guards were mounted and the regular duties of camp life entered upon. 19 The next day (Sunday) visitors came from Pennsylvania and Washington ; and the boys refreshed themselves b}' bathing in the Potomac. The regiment was organized with Joseph W. Hawley, Colonel, to date from August i6th ; W. B. Waddell. Lieutenant-Colonel ; who, after finding the regiment incensed over not having one of its own members appointed, declined, and Captain Simon Litzen- berg, of Company B, was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel ; Lieuten- ant L Lawrence Haldeman, of Company D, was appointed Major; Joseph S. Evans, Chaplain ; William T. Haines, Quartermaster ; J. Carpenter Worth, of Company C, Adjutant ;Chas.W. Houghton, Surgeon, and Abram Harshberger and Jos. R. ALirtin, Assistant- Surgeons. The regiment was assigned to a provisional brigade under the command of Brigadier-General Silas Casey; and on the i8th of August was ordered to drill four hours a day. A school of instruction was instituted for the officers, and Captain Carroll H. Potts, Assistant Adjutant-General, was given charge. From the i8th to the 21st the men were instructed in companv and squad drills, and, at times, an effort was made at regimental drill. On the 21 St camp was moved westward about a mile to a small vallev, where tents were pitched and drill duties performed until the 24th, when it was moved two miles and a half south- ward, near to Fairfax Theological Seminary, and in close prox- imity to Forts Blenker, Ward and Bernard ; this was an elevated position and commanded a view of Munson's Hill to the south- west, and the Capitol at Washington to the north. At this camp the daily routine of drill, guard mounting and dress parade was continued with variations of picket duty from fort to fort at night ; the monotony was relieved by the debarka- tion, at Alexandria, of a part of General McClellan's army, from Harrison's Landing on the James River. Lieutenant Woodcock of Company B, having ridden out toward Fairfax, brought word that General Pope's army had fallen back towards Washington. Company and regimental drill was continued and on the morn- ing of the 29th, the regiment, except the camp guard, was sent on picket duty about two miles out on the road to Fairfax Court House. Heavy firing of artillery was heard from 10 A. ]\L 20 until night in the direction of Centreville (being the second battle of Bull Run). It was renewed earlv on the mornins- of the 30th, and continued until late in the afternoon, and was again renewed near sunset for about half an hour. The last tirine beine the action at Chantilly where the nation lost one of its most daring and courageous generals — the one-armed, fearless Kear- ney. The weather for weeks had been dry and the roads very dusty ; during the evening, near the close of the battle, a thunder storm passed over ; the noise of the thunder blending with the reports of the artillery. ' ' On August 31st the regiment was assigned to the Fifth Brigade of General AMiipple's division in the reserve army corps. The brigade was composed of the 107th N. Y., 35th IMass., and the 124th and 125th Penna. On September 2d canip was moved a mile northward to a hill- side close to Fort Blenker. It was reported that this last move was made so that the 124th might reinforce the troops in the Fort if it should be necessary. Many wagons of Pope's army passed towards Alexandria. Lieutenant-Colonel Bell, Colonel Hartranft, of the 51st Pennsylvania, and several soldiers of the First Regiment of Pennsylvania Reserves called on friends in the 124th and gave the first particulars we had heard of the late battle. The next day all was conjecture in camp as to the result of the battle, and niglit picketing about the forts was continued until the morning of September 6th, when orders were received to pack up all superfluous baggage for shipment to Washington, so as to be ready to march in the afternoon. The regiment marched at six o'clock in the evening under command of Colonel Hawlev. in the direction of Arlington : en- route for the field of x\ntietam, as it afterward developed. The route was across fields (giving the roads to the artillery and wagons) until opposite Washington, where the road was taken that lay between the late residence of Confederate General Robert E. Lee and the Potomac ; we crossed the river on the Aqueduct bridge to Georgetown, passing through there about 10 P. I\L During the march many of the men became exhausted and a halt was made at 2 A. M. The march was resumed with depleted ranks at 7 A. ]\t. of the 7th and continued until 11 A. ]\I., when a halt was called and 21 arms stacked in a shady grove, until 3 P. M. ; it was then again resumed and continued until 5 P. M., when the regiment arrived at Rockville and encamped in a potato patch ; dust everywhere. The regiment was now without a quartermaster and the rations were running short, with no wagons to haul supplies, etc. Tres- passes were committed upon the corn and potato fields and orchards, and bountifully they yielded. On the 8th, the 124th. together with the loth Maine, 5th Connecticut, 28th N. Y., 46th, 125th and 128th Penna., were combined and formed the First Brigade of the First Division, Second Corps ; the Brigade being commanded by General Samuel W. Crawford and the Division by General A. S. Williams. On the 9th, the brigade moved at i P. M., and for the next three days was kept on the march from morning till night. On *he 1 2th, the Second Corps was designated the Twelfth Corps and General Joseph King Fenno Mansfield was assigned to the com- mand. On Saturday, the 13th, about noon, the brigade arrived at Frederick City, Md., where many men and some of the officers went into the town without leave, causing vexation and indig- nation on the part of the Colonel and other officers at such a wanton breach of discii)line. The Confederates had vacated Frederick City the day before our arrival and our regiment encamped on ground which had evi- dentlv been occupied by the troops of Confederate General D. H. Hill as late as the night before. An incident occurred here worthy of notice. Shortly after the arrival of our division, Private B. W. Mitchell, of Company F, 27th Indiana, (which formed a part of our division) picked up a piece of paper wrapped around three cigars. Upon examination it was found to be a special order of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Mitchell and Sergeant Bloss, of the same company, took it to Colonel Colgrove, of their regiment, who at once carried it to General Williams' headquarters, and delivered it to Colonel Pitt- man, General Williams' Adjutant-General. The order was signed by Colonel Chilton, General Lee's Adju- tant-General, and the signature was recognized by Colonel Pitt- man, who had served with Colonel Chilton at Detroit. Michigan, prior to the war, and who was acquainted with his hand-writing. The order was as follows : 22 Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia, September g, 1862. The army will resume its march to-morrow, taking the Hagerstown Road. General Jackson's command will form the advance, and, after passing Middletown with such portion as he may select, take the route towards Sharpsburg, cross the Potomac at the most convenient point, and by Friday night take possession of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, capture such of the enemy as may be at Martinsburg, and intercept such as may attempt to escape from Harper's Ferry. General Longstreet's command will pursue the same road as far as Boonsborough, where it will halt with the reserve supply and baggage trains of the army. General McLaws, with his own division and that of General R. H. Anderson, will follow General Longstreet ; on reaching Middletown, he will take the route to Harper's Ferry, and by Friday morning possess himself of the Maryland Heights and endeavor to capture the enemy at Harper's Ferry and vicinity. General Walker, with his division, after accomplishing the objects in which he is now engaged, will cross the Potomac at Check's Creek, ascend the right bank to Lovettsville, take possession of Loudon Heights, if practicable, by Friday morning. Keys Ford on his left and the road between the end of the mountain and the Potomac on his right. He will, as far as practicable, cooperate with General McLaws and General Jackson intercepting the retreat of the enemy. General D. H. Hill's Division will form the rear guard of the army pursuing the road taken by the main body. The reserve artillery, ordnance and supply trains, etc., will precede General Hill. General Stuart will detach a squadron of cavalry to accompany the commands of Generals Longstreet. Jackson and McLaws, and with the main body of cavalry will cover the route of the army and bring up all stragglers that may have been left behind. The commands of Generals Jackson, McLaws and Walker, after accom- plishing the objects for which they have been detached, will join the main body of the army at Boonsborough or Hagerstown. Each regiment on the^ march will habitually carry its axes in the regimental ordnance wagons, for the use of the men at their encampments, to procure wood, etc. By command of Gener.\l R. E. LeK- R. H. Chilton, Adjutant-General. Major-General D. H. Hill, Commanding Division. The findings of this order was a stroke of fortune for McClellan, rarely allotted to a general in supreme command. If all the spies employed by the commanders in the Army of the Potomac and by the War Department, had reported at headquarters of the army at that hour, they could not have furnished the infor- 25 mation so much needed. The various commands of General Lee's army had been executing this order ahnost four days, and were beyond immediate recall . It evidently aroused General McClellan to the greatest exertion, for a portion of the army was put in motion that afternoon, and our brigade was ordered to be ready to march at daylight of the morning of the 14th (Sunday). The brigade was aroused at 3 A. AI., and before sunrise, started on the march through Frederick, (where, it was said, Confederate General Jackson attended church one week before and listened to the sermon of a loyal minister), thence out the turnpike road, where a halt was made until about 10 A. M., when it was resumed in a roundabout way for Turner's Gap in the Blue Ridge. At about 3 P. M. the brigade arrived at a point on the south side of a high hill from which a good view of the valley below, across to Turner's Gap, four or five miles distant, was had, and where the battle of South Mountain was being fought ; the firing of the artillery being plainly visible and distinctly heard. The Union forces under General Miles at Harper's Ferry were engaged at the same time, with those under Confederate General Jackson, and the booming of those one or two heavy guns on the side of Maryland Heights which the Union forces were firing, could be heard far more distinctly than the field guns in sight at South ^fountain. The march w^as continued, but owing to the roughness of the route, in climbing stone walls, rail fences and crossing ditches, the brigade made but slow progress, and did not reach the foot of South Mountain until near midnight, and then in a disjointed condition ; on the way, ambulances loaded with wounded were met. and one conveying the body of ]\Iajor-General Jesse L. Reno, who was killed about sunset, while watching the enemv through a glass. Our regiment was without tents, and the men slept on the porches of houses, and wherever a convenient place could be found. By 7 o'clock on the morning of the 15th, the stragglers had generally come in, and the march was resumed for a half mile, a halt was made until near noon, then the division moved through the mountain gap, arriving at Boonsborough about 3 o'clock. The enemy had retreated from this place in the morning, after a skirmish between the Union Cavalry and Hill's rear guard. General McClellan passed the division about 2 o'clock in the after- 26 noon, and he was enthusiastically cheered by both officers and men. The march was continued during the afternoon, and on the way many Confederate stragglers were captured and some voluntarily surrendered. (Jn the morning of the K th, the entire Twelfth Corps moved forward, about two miles, to near Antietam Creek; (where the enemy was disputing the apjiroaches to that stream, and con- siderable cannon firing was being done on l)()th sides) where it halted and stacked arms under the protection of a hill that afiforded a safe and comfortable bivouac. Shells from the enemy's batteries were bursting two hundred feet in the air. In the evening cattle were slaughtered and fresh beef dis- tributed, and soon after the men laid down, General Mansfield received orders to cross Antietam Creek to the support of General Hooker on the extreme right of the Union Army. Williams' Division crossed the creek by the bridge at Keedys- ville. This movement took until near midnight. The 124th bivouaced near the Smoketown road ; arms were stacked and the men lay in a plowed field the remainder of the night, about a half nile from the enemy's pickets. During the latter part of the night an occasional shot was heard and shortly before five o'clock the pickets of the Pennsylvania Reserves (a half mile to the left and front of our regiment) commenced a scattering fire with the enemy, and in five minutes this had increased to a brisk skirmish, and in less than as many minutes more had become a wild rattle of musketry, then a single cannon was fired ; a shell went scream- ing through the air, followed by the fire of a dozen pieces of artillery, and the great battle of Antietam was opened. The proxnnity of Hooker's Corps (the Penna. Reserves) and of Jackson's Confederate Corps, was the cause of the sudden outburst of musketry fire, which in a few minutes had spread along the right of our army for nearly half a mile. As soon as the men of the 124th heard the firing, each one sprang to his feet, rolled up his blanket, seized his gun and awaited com- mand. The whole brigade was in close proximity. The 124th was assigned the extreme right of the brigade, which was on the right of the division and the right of the corps. The regiment moved at about 5 A. I\I. to the right, first by 29 column, for a (juarter of a mile, then by double column of com- pany front forward, about 50 yards, and halted for nearly an hour. A deployment was made which brought one company to the west of the Hagerstown turnpike at the northern line of Mil- ler's farm. Before advancing from this point, General Mansfield rode over to where the regiment was in line, and held a short interview with General Crawford, both looking earnestly south- eastward, where the firing was heavy, and General Mansfield said to General Crawford, "General, hold this woods, we are hard pressed in the centre." The halt at this place was not over ten minutes. The regiment advanced parallel with the pike, southward. The left companies and the middle companies could not see the right of the regiment during this forw^ard movement until Miller's spring-house was reached, on account of the land sloping abruptly westward. This forward movement was made quickly for about 500 yards, past Miller's house, to near the north side of the cornfield to a gutter or wash. A halt was made and knapsacks and blankets were thrown ofif for the purpose of enabling the men to make a charge into the cornfield, wdiich was occupied by Confederate General Hood's command of Jackson's Corps. Batteries of artillery had been brought to the elevated ground east of Miller's liouse, in our left rear. The 27th Indiana, 26. Massachusetts, 3(1 Wisconsin, (part of the Third Brigade), came up in our rear to the support of our regiment and the artillery, and while the 124th was tearing down the fence along the cornfield, these regiments, being on the higher ground, opened a rapid fire over the left of the 124th into the enemy in the cornfield. At this time the 46th Penna. joined the left of the 124th. As Colonel Knipe says, his regiment (46th) came through the woods, advanced as far as the cornfield fence and would have held the position "had it not been for the 27th Indiana forming in our rear and exposing us from a quarter unexpected," wdien he ordered his regiment to fall back into the woods. Excepting this incident, the 124th was detached from the rest of the brigade, and in advance of it. In relation to this matter. General Crawford says : "During this movement" (up to 6.30 A. M.) " the 124th Penna. was detached from my brigade by some superior order unknown to 30 me, and sent in advance dirough the woods on our right to Miller's farm, to hold that position." While the cornfield fence was being- torn down, a Confederate battery which had just been driven awa\- from the Miller barn to a high ridge of ground on our right flank, opened fire on the regmient. Company A passed to the west of the barn and halted, and the balance of the regiment advanced a short distance into the corn, where, at 8.45 A. M., Colonel Hawley was wounded and carried from the field. Lieutenant-Colonel Litzenberg succeeded to the command, and the advance was continued about fifty yards into the corn, and another halt was made ; then the rig-ht of the regiment was moved back a short distance so as to face southwest and Companies F and D were shifted bv the right flank across to the west side of the turnpike into a clover field adjoining the barn, near to which were some wheat stacks. Com- panies A, F and D, were thus separated from the balance of the regiment. The other seven companies advanced through the cornfield to a grass field near the Dunker Church, and in holding this position they assisted in repelling the advance attempted by the enemy from the West Woods. (It was about this time that General McClellan came to that part of the battlefield, and doubtless saw the three companies in the cloverfield, by the West Woods, for he says in his report of the battle: "The 124th Penna. \'olunteers were pushed across the turnpike into the woods beyond J. Miller's home with orders to hold the position as long as possible." ) While thus engaged a brigade of Union troops charged into the West Woods and were repulsed and driven back across the turnpike in such confusion, over and through the seven com- panies, that they were carried away in the rush to the East Woods. Company H and Company I succeeded in extricating themselves and retired behind the batteries north of the corn- field and soon after advanced into the cornfield and maintained that position until late in the afternoon. The three companies. A, D and F, on the west side of the turn- pike, advanced about a hundred yards when they became exposed to the enemy on the right as well as in the right front. They were ordered to lie down and return the fire as fast as possible. The enemy had a great advantage of position ; clouds obscured the 31 sky ; the smoke hung near the ground, and the gloom in the woods was so increased that it was difficuh to see one of the enemy even when he stepped from cover, while the Union troops could be distinctly seen on their elevation against the horizon. Perceiving they were fighting at a great disadvantage, and not receiving orders to advance, the men fell back to the turnpike and wheat stacks, where the crest of the hill and the slight bank along the side of the turnpike afforded some protection, and from this point they fired when any of the enemy appeared in sight. While the three companies were thus engaged, a brigade of Union troops crossed the turnpike to charge into the woods and they called on some of our men to join them. William G. Davidson and Elias Eckfeldt, of Company D, did so, and formed a file on one of the ranks. The brigade charged through the woods and drove the Con- federates out, but at the west side they were met by fresh lines of the enemy and were in turn driven back to the pike. After this repulse. Captain Yarnall marched his company (D) along the north side of the cornfield to a point opposite the batteries, and entering the corn continued southward for a hun- dred yards or more, and thence eastward to the edge of the East Wood, where he met General Williams (who had succeeded to the command on the death of General Mansfield), who ordered him to take charge of the scattered troops and form a line in the edge of the woods opposite the open fields in front of the Dunker Church, to resist an anticipated attack from that quarter. These other troops consisted principally of members of the regiment, that had become separated from the seven companies that previously occupied the same ground. The line thus formed also engaged in supporting a battery in the edge of this field fronting the church. Bloody Lane was but a short distance south of this position, and desperate fighting was being done there ; this created anxiety among our men for fear the Confederates would come up the steep hill on the south of the woods and flank our position ; this did not occur, however, and the position was held until relieved and the regiment re-joined. In this charge, Wm. G. Davidson was shot through the thigh, and Elias Eckfeldt was never again heard of and his resting place remains unknown. 32 In the afternoon in the East Woods, and at evening the entire regiment was reheved and withdrawn to the northern end of the same woods. As the sun sank behind the western hills a few shells were thrown from a battery above Miller's house and eliciting no replv, all tiring ceased ; the battle of Antietam was ended, and thousands of brave men had been sacrificed upon the Altar of their Country, the Twelfth Corps having contributed its Commander (General Mansfield) and 1,745 of its members. The morning after the battle was clear and the troops were early astir. Excepting a flag of truce from the enemy, for the purpose of burying the dead, all remained quiet. By the morning of the 19th it was discovered that the enemy had retreated. The brigade, now under command of General Knipe, was moved south- westward, along the East Woods, and remained there until 4 P. M., when the entire division, under command of General Wil- liams, was ordered to march, and, starting at once, they passed through Sharpsburg about sunset, crossed Antietam Creek on the Burnside bridge and continued until midnight. Resumed march at seven on morning of 20th, and arrived on the mountain overlooking Harper's Ferry about noon. Finding no enemy, it moved down the precipitous side of the mountain into Pleasant Valley and encamped. The brigade remained here cleaning arms. etc.. until the morning of the 23d, when it was moved up on the west side of the mountain, and the 124th encamped on Bolivar Heights, 8oc- feet above the river, overlooking Harper's Ferry, and having a beautiful view of Shenandoah A'alley. While encamped here. Major Haldeman, of the 124th, made report of the regiment's participation in the battle of Antietam. as follows : Headquarters 124th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Maryland Heights, September 2f„ 1862. Dear Sir: I would beg leave to report that on the morning of the 17th inst. the 124th Regt. Penna. Vols., commanded by Col. Joseph W. Hawley. was ordered to the front about 7 o'clock. On reaching the extreme edge of the wood on the north of the cornfield, our line was formed and stationed m a position behind the fence. We were then ordered to advance, a portion of our right , e.xtending across the turnpike road and beyond the gram stacks. We were led in line into the cornfield about 20 paces, and 3 .33 GENERAL MANSFIELD. Joseph King Fenno Mansfield was born in New Haven, Con- necticut. December 22cl, 1803. At the age of fourteen, entered the Mihtary Academy at W^est Point and graduated in 1822. For two years following graduation, was an assistant to the Board of Engineers. In 1832 was promoted to First Lieutenant, and in 1838, to Captain. Served in iVlexican War under General Taylor and was brevetted Major in 1846 for- distinguished services in defence of Fort Brown, Texas. In September of same year was brevetted Lieutenant-Colonel for gallant conduct in battle of ^lonterey, where he received seven wounds. In 1847, ^"^'^^ brevetted Colonel for meritorious services at Buena Msta. In 1853, was appointed Inspector-General of Ignited States Army with rank of Colonel. In May, 1861, was commissioned Brigadier-General and given command of Depart- ment of Washington. On May loth. commanded a division in attack on Norfolk, and, after the capture of the place, was assigned to command of Suf- folk, Mrginia. After the second battle of Bull Run, was appointed on a board of inquiry at Washington, but, becoming impatient for active duty, was assigned to the command of Twelfth Corps (of which the 124th formed a part), assuming the duties of command on September 15th, 1863: was wounded on morning of the 17th, at Antietam. and died at i P. J\I. of same day. The body was car- ried that afternoon to Monocacy Junction in one of the ambu- lances of the 124th Regiment. ?A BRIGADIl-R-GKNERAL JOSEPH KING FENNo MANSEIELD. ordered to halt, as we could not distinguish our own troops. It was here our colonel was wounded. We were then ordered to fall back to the edge of the cornfield and take position behind the fence, which was done in good order. We were again ordered to advance, when the right, advancing about lOo yards, received a raking fire from the enemy in the West Woods, which was responded to by repeated volleys from our men, but the fire from our left and the battery of the enemy on the right compelled us to again fall back to the stacks. A battery now planted on the hill between the East Woods and the cornfield and opposite the stacks; this portion of our right was ordered to its support; the balance of the regiment followed up the advance through the cornfield, making many successful charges upon the enemy, until they were also ordered back to the support of the batteries at the west side and near the southwest corner of the East Woods. The enemy's batteries were being silenced at this point; our regiment was ordered, about 5 P. M., to the rear of General Hancock,' with instructions to hold ourselves in readiness to support the batteries on the right. Receivng no further orders, we remained in our positions with the 125th Penna. Vols, during the night. I am, Yours very respectfully, I. L. Haldem.\n. Major 124th Pciiiia. I'ols. Col. J. F. Knipe, Commanding First Brigade, First Diz-ision, Tzvclfth Corps. The regiment remained on duty at Bolivar Heights until the 28th (Sunday), when, after divine service, conducted by Captain Yarnall, it was marched to Pleasant Valley again, and went into camp at foot of the mountain on very rough, stony ground. Many of the regiment were on the sick list, and it remained at this place until October 2d, when it was again marched back over the same mountain to a valley on the west side of Maryland Heights, and there went into camp. The next day, the regiment received their tents and knapsacks from which they had been separated since September 6th, in the meantime having been without shelter. Many friends visited the regiment at this time, among them the venerable Judge Haines, of West Chester ; father of Lieutenant Philip D. Haines, of Company G. From the third to the twelfth of October the resfiment was kept busy clearing camp and policing streets. On the 12th, Com- pany D, while on picket on Maryland Heights, witnessed the artillery firing at Edwards Ferry, where the Confederate General J. E. B. Stuart was crossing with his cavalry into Virginia, after having made a successful raid into Maryland. 37 ( )n ( )ctober 13th Colonel Samuel 15. Thomas, in the name of Governor Curtin, presented the 124th with the regimental flag furnished by the State. Major Haldeman received it on behalf of the regiment. At this time balloon ascensions were frequent in the Shenandoah Valley. Several of the men died while the regiment remained at this camp. Among them was James B. Aitken and John M. Pyle, of Company D, and Charles T. W'orrall, of Company I. On October i8th camp was moved a half mile northward and nothing of importance occurred until the 24th, when the regi- ment was in line a half day for general inspection and was reviewed by Generals Slocum and Geary. On the 28th, after funeral services at the grave of John ^l. Pyle, at the foot of the mountain, the regiment again marched over Maryland Heights to Pleasant \'alley, and with the 125th Penna., 123d N. Y. and the 20th Connecticut, formed a brigade under the command of Brigadier-General Thomas Leiper Kane. On the afternoon of 30th the brigade crossed the Potomac, passed through the old U. S. Armory Yard, by John Brown's Fort, through Harper's Ferry, across the Shenandoah, down the river road, and out into Loudon Valley and encamped, and the next day were mustered for pay. ( )n Sunday, November 2d, a detachment from the regiment, in command of Lieutenant Strickland, was sent on a scout along the mottntain, and met twenty of the enemy's cavalry, upon whom they fired, and whom they routed in confusion. As the enemy passed over a distant hill it was noticed that two horses were without riders. About 9 o'clock in the evening the whole camp was thrown into wild excitement by a guard, at a farm-house a mile away, shoot- ing at a night prowler, and a picket at a bridge a half mile from camp, increased the alarm by firing his piece, this was taken up by the camp guards, and a general fire from them ran around the camp. All was confusion in a minute, men fell over one another in their haste to get out of their tents. Sergeants were shouting "Company into line!" All believed the camp was attacked by a guerilla band. As soon as quiet was restored, a detachment of twenty men from Company D was sent along the mountain road to ascertain the cause of the alarm, but failed to learn anything. 38 On the 7th the weather hecame very cold— snowed all dav, from 9 A. M. General McClellan was relieved from commaiid and General lUirnside appointed Commander of tlie Army of the Potomac. On the 8th two Confederates were taken on the picket line and sent to brip^ade headqnarters. In the evening- a detail of one hnndred men was made from the regiment and placed under com- mand of Capt. Yarnall. and with two pieces of artillery and a squad of cavalry, all under command of General Kane, went up the valley (Loudon) seven or eight miles, to destroy, or bring in, some stores lately left there by Union troops. They left camp at dark and returned at four in the morning, having accomplished their mission. On the 15th. thirteen men from each company were detailed to assist in building forts on Alaryland Heights. [Note: — The following letter, written by a member of the 124th, is copied from a Philadelphia paper.] Loudon Valley, December 15, 1862. As yon are probably aware, the brigade under command of Genera! Thomas L. Kane, of your city, moved southward on Thursday last, leaving as a garrison only the sick and a small "camp guard." Of this, the rebels were undoubtedly informed, and taking advantage of this state of affairs, they sent a detachment of White's Cavalry to commit depreda- tions upon and arrest stragglers from the abandoned camps. On the morning of the 14th, four guards who were guarding a number of tents in an open field about one-half mile from the camp, were surprised and captured by a squad of the cavalry (probably 12 in number), and the Rebels were firing the tents when David F. Houston, of Co. F, and si.x others from the 124th Penna. Vols, marched to the relief of the guards, and to save the property. After a few rounds without damage on either side, the Rebels withdrew, leaving one of their captives to our brave command. The bravery displayed by Comrade Houston and his men is worthy of the highest praise. Sunday, i6th. Inspection. Divine service, conducted by Capt. Yarnall. November 17th. About eleven o'clock at night one of the pickets on the mountain was wounded by bushwhackers who infested that region, and the regiment was called out and marched to the top of Loudon Mountain in the midst of a violent rain, and stationed there until the 20th. On the 29th, Colonel Hawley returned and assumed command of the regiment. The boys gave him a hearty reception, this being the first time they had seen him since he was wounded, at the Battle of Antietam ( Sep- tember 17th). The first week of December was so cold that the camp guards had to be relieved every hour during some of the nights. From the 20th of November until the 10th of December, when the 39 weather permitted, the men were kept at company, regimental and l)rigade drill, and clearing of ground for a fortified camp at the foot of Loudon Mountain. After much timber had been cut and dragged down the mountain, the whole Twelfth Corps received orders to move, on the morning of the loth, with three days' rations. Owing to other troops having the road, our brigade moved out and waited in the fields until 3.30 in the afternoon, when General Kane ordered them back into camp to spend the night. On the nth of December the brigade moved, at 7 A. M., up Loudon Valley, through the mountain gap at Hillsborough to Wheatland, and on the I2th continued through Leesburg, crossing Goose- Creek ; the next day the march took them past Gum Spring, and at u A. M. artillery firing was heard at Fredericksl)urg ; encampment was made for the night on the Fairfax and Little River Turnpike. On the 14th of December the march led past Chantilly, through Fairfax Court House, past Fairfax Station, and, crossing the Occoquan, continued in the direction of Stafiford Court House. At noon of the i6th we were ordered to return to Fairfax Station, reaching there on the evening of the 17th after a very fatiguing march since 4 o'clock in the morning. On the 20th, the men each received $27 bounty. Camp was made in a pine grove of young timber, and shelter tents were pitched over log basements. Dress parades and brigade drill were the principal diversions until the 27th, when J. E. B. Stuart, the Confederate cavalry leader, made a raid around the Potomiac, causing great excitement. The regiment was ordered to be ready to march the next morning, and the brigade started on the 28th in the direction of Dumfries. After crossing Occoquan Creek, a halt was made, and after dark Co. D was detached from the regiment and deployed as skirmishers. [NoTH. — The historian herewith inserts a copy of a letter re- ceived by him while in the hospital, Newark, New Jersey.] Camp near Fairfax Station, December 29, 1862. Esteemed Friend : Yours of the 5th came duly to hand ; I was surprised yet pleased to hear from you. I have inquired in almost every letter I have written home about you. Since we last met, I have seen a good deal of hardship. I do not mean to complain — it is what I expected. I have not had it as hard as some of the rest. My duties as commissary-sergeant entitle me to a great many privileges ; I have never carried a knapsack, and now I have a horse to ride. When we left you delirious under the trees at Fort Blenker, on Septem- ber 5th, we marched steadily until about the 20th. During that time, as you know, the Battle of Antietam was fought. Our regiment was in it. Zebley, of our company, was killed, and Colonel Hawley and Sergeant Knowles were wounded. We were in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry from September 20th until December loth. It is a pretty place to be, but not so nice as near Washing- 40 ton. We fully expected to stay at Harper's Ferry all winter and had our winter quarters partly erected, Init a soldier never knows where he will be the next hour. We were ordered to march and to take nothing but our knapsacks. Before we arrived here, many of the boys threw everything away except an overcoat, woolen and gum blanket. We have a new quartermaster — George Malin ; he was a private in Co. A. Quartermaster Haines never was with us after we left Fort Blenker. I have spoken to Captain Barton about your descriptive list. A few days ago we received our $25 bounty and $2 premium, Init we have not received any pay up to this time. Our regiment now numbers 651 men. When we left you at Fort Blenker it numbered 925. Our regiment is very much changed since you saw it ; Captain Litzenberg is our lieutenant-colonel. We have a new surgeon, Houghton by name. Surgeon Harshberger was promoted, and joined the 176th Penna. We are in the Second Brigade (General Kane), First Division (General Williams), Twelfth Corps (General Slocum). I must close, as I am getting cold ; the fire has gone out. I tent with the quartermaster. Jake Rice is my assistant. I remain, Your true friend, Wm. p. West. 124th Regt. P. V. To Robert M. Green, Centre Street Hospital, Newark, N. J. Oil December 29th, the brigade returned to camp and learned that part of the enemy's forces had passed in sight of the camp of the 124th, the day before. Regimental and brigade reviews were the principal features for several days, and on January 8th, at 3.30 P. M., the entire regiment, under command of Col. Hawley, started on a recon- noissance and marched until after dark. A light snow was falling, and, after waiting two hours, word was received from Brigade Headquarters to return to camp. The regiment remained in camp until the morning of the 19th, when the corps marched in the direction of Stafford Court House, and on the next day passed through Dumfries. During the night of the 20th, a violent rainstorm set in and continued all forenoon of the next day. The march was resumed and it proved to be the wettest and muddiest that the regiment had experienced up to that time. Artillery, caissons, wagons and ambulances stuck in the mud. Cannon had to be taken off the carriages and dragged through the mud like logs. The division made about four miles when it was stopped by an overflowing stream. 4T Bridges had to be built, which required all nij^ht and |)art of next day to complete. The division started again at noon of the 23(1 and arrived at Stafford Court House the same day. On the 24th, while the regiment was out on drill. General Slocum and staff came along the road near by. General Kane ordered the regiment into line and Slocum was invited to witness the manoeuvres and the review. On the 26th the men were paid to November i, 1862. On the 28th, snow fell to the depth of seven inches. On Sunday, February ist, the regiment was inspected by Lieutenant-Colonel Hawley, of the 3d Wisconsin V^olunteers, who reported it unfit for duty. The inspection was made soon after the regiment had returned from a long, wet and muddy march, in which they had been exposed to a snowstorm for two davs, so that the men had but little chance to burnish guns and accoutre- ments and brush clothing. On the 8th, Harry W. Wilkinson, iifer of Company D, died. His mother was with him wdien the end came. On Washington's Birthday snow fell to the depth of 12 to 15 inches. A part of the regiment was out on picket without shelter, except such as the boughs of trees afforded. On March 5lh the division was reviewed by General Williams, and after the review General Kane ordered the 124th and 125th to the parade grounds, where he addressed them by saying that he understood a certain officer had said, "he felt sorry for General Kane, for the General must feel ashamed at having a part of his brigade condemned." The General then said, "I say, here, before the honorable officers of the 124th and 125th Pennsylvania Regiments, I am not ashamed of you. You have done too much work in the dark, too much work in the mud, building and making roads, and have marched too much in the mud and slush for me to be ashamed of you. I am your General, and as your General I will see justice done you yet." He thereupon put spurs to his horse and, with his staff officer, Thomas Leiper, left the field, followed by the cheers of the whole command. On the nth camp was moved from the muddy hillside (which it had occupied since the 23d of January), to a hilltop near Kane's Landing at Acquia Creek. On the 17th General Williams reviewed the brigade. And 42 on tlie i8th General Slocum reviewed the division, and on the 19th General Hooker reviewed the Twelfth Corps about as quickly as it was possible to do it. He rode a white horse at a very rapid rate. On the 22d (Sunday) ]\Iajor Buckingham, of the 20th Con- necticut, inspected the regiment and made a very favoral^le report of it. On the 24th, the 124th and 125th Penna. moved to Acquia Creek Landing. Here another brigade was formed for General Kane, consisting of the 109th, iiith, 124th and 125th Penna. Regiments and the brigade was assigned to Geary's Division. On April loth, the Twelfth Corps was reviewed by President Lincoln. From this date until the 25th of April the brigade w^as kept busy, clearing ground for camp, repairing and building a rail- road about the Landing and in being schooled in various military movements ; Companies C and D were especially taught the skirmish drill by General Kane, with the extra manoeuvres he had devised. On the 25th orders were given to prepare for a march. On the 26th everything pertaining to a soldier's wardrobe was put in order and eight days' rations were distributed. On the morning of the 27th, at 7 o'clock, the brigade moved promptly, and passed Stafford Court House at 11 o'clock, and after a march of 16 miles, halted for the night; the march was resumed next day, and the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps reached Kelly's Ford in the evening. The Eleventh Corps crossed the river at 10 at night, and the Twelfth, next morning. The route was now for Germania Ford, on the Rapidan. and by rapid marcli- ing that place was reached at 4 P. AL ; here the Twelfth Corps halted for coffee ; the Eleventh Corps crossed the river and the Twelfth followed after dark. On the 30th the march was resumed on the plank road leading to Fredericksville. The Twelfth Corps arrived at Chancellorsville at I P. I\L, and captured a company of the enemy who were throw- ing up intrenchments. Line of battle was formed in a woodland of small, scrubby timber interlaced with green briars which formed a perfect wilderness. The two corps having cleared the south bank of the Rappahannock of the enemy, the balance of Hooker's forces ( except Sedgwick's Corps, yet at Fredericks- 43 burg, it having crossed below the town) were enabled to cross at the United States Ford. In the evening General Hooker established his headquarters at the Chancellor house and congratulated the army on the great success so far achieved. The 124th was on the right of Kane's Brigade and on the right of the plank road which branched off the main road leading to Fredericksburg. Next day the bushes and small trees were cut and bent over about two and one-half feet from the ground along the front of Geary's Division and the division was advanced a mile. The 109th Penna. Volunteers, together with Companies C and D of the 124th, were advanced in skirmish line another mile. The enemy were found advancing and the division was ordered back to the main line. The 124th was kept in the rear by General Kane, in a clearing, after repeated orders had been sent by Geary to bring the regi- ment away, so that when orders were received to march, it was at double quick, out a half mile, along a wagon road, northward to the plank road, thence westward three-quarters of a mile to the main line. At the junction of these two roads the enemy's skirmishers were seen firing at the mounted men guarding that point. After nearly the whole regiment was out of breath from double-quick step for so long a distance, loaded down with a week's provisions and 60 rounds of ammunition, it was turned into the bushes, and Company D was ordered to deplov as skirmishers, but this order was soon after countermanded and the company recalled. The regiment remained stationed in its original line, and the men threw up a moderate breastwork by digging with their bayonets and using tin plates as shovels. General Geary gave orders to General Green ( whose brigade joined to the right of the 124th) to have his men intrench, but he complained that they had no intrenching tools, and Geary and Kane brought Green up to the 124th to show him how intrench- ments were being thrown up. Geary remarked to him, "See here. General, they are digging with their bayonets and scooping it up with cups and plates." In a few minutes picks and shovels arrived and intrenching proceeded more rapidly. During the day Confederate General Lee sent General Stuart around on the extreme right of Hooker's Corps, to ascertain its location and protection. 44 Early in the morning of May ist a few shells from Geary's Division, thrown where the enemy was snpposed to be, in front, was the only event that broke the quietness. About the same time Confederate General Jackson's forces moved around" one to two miles in front of the Twelfth, and three miles out from the Eleventh Corps, and formed in three lines, and came down about sunset on Howard's flank, and turned his whole line. General Sickles took a division and charged on the enemy's column and drove them ofif, but they only moved out on a wider detour. General Pleasanton has the credit of staying the enemy's advance for the time with 22 pieces of artillery ; unaided, except by a gallant charge of some companies of the 8th Penna. Cavalry. After the break of the Eleventh Corps, Pleasanton, who had been out with General Sickles, came back to the main line to find the right in full flight, except two brigades that held the enemy m check for a little while, until their lines were somewhat adjusted. General Pleasanton soon succeeded in getting one battery in position, in front of an open space two hundred yards in width, and ordered the 8th Penna. Cavalry to charge. They were led into the woods, and then by column in a wild charge along a cart road in which it happened was a line of the enemy. This route brought them in a clearing, wdiere they received the open fire of a line of the enemy and many of the command fell, but this charge of five hundred horsemen staggered the whole Rebel line and enabled Pleasanton to get two batteries and ten other guns into position. The enemy was in the opposite w^oods, but they soon came out displaying three Union flags (which the Eleventh Corps had dropped- ; this ruse was Cjuickly unveiled and they received such a volley from the batteries Pleasanton had placed in position, that they again took shelter in the woods. Twice afterward they tried to take these guns (once coming, it is said, within fifty yards of them ) . but they were driven back with fearful slaughter. General Sickles' force was now arriving, and soon a new position was taken at the upper end of the cleared land which extended down in front of the Chancellor House. Forty lunettes were thrown up during the night and General Sickles had many pieces of artillery behind them before morning, and his corps well 45 posted. This position was about a quarter of a mile to the right rear of the position, held by the 124th, and a quarter of a mile from the spot where Confederate General Stonewall Jackson was killed the evening before. The fighting on the morning of May 2(1 raged with terrific fury around this point. General J. E. B. Stuart ( who succeeded Stonewall Jackson) urged the Confederates on. They were repulsed repeatedly. And General Sickles, with 18,000 men, held his position as long as the ammunition lasted. Confederate General Mahone says, "The Yankees fought like devils." Sickles sent repeated word to headquarters that his ammunition was nearly exhausted ; receiving no reply he sent his chief of stafif, who found that General Hooker had been wounded by a shell. He soon partially recovered and sent orders to Sickles to retire across to the north side of the road. This was done, and in the movement the artillerymen lost forty-five horses, but the harness and all the cannon, except one disabled gvm, were saved. Geary's Division was now ordered to fall back, and General Green's Brigade led ofif, and followed by Kane's Brigade, they passed the Chancellor House and went into the woods. Scarcely had they reached the woods when General Hooker con- cluded to hold the point, just vacated, and General Geary was ordered to retake the intrenchments, Hooker promising to sup- port him on the right. Geary looked about him and could find only one brigade, but the men hearing Hooker's order gave a cheer and retook the woods. A messenger arrived telling Geary to hold on a little while. Geary returned the reply, "Tell the General I cannot stay here ten minutes." After waiting a few minutes and seing no signs of support, he brought the brigade out and the battle was virtually ended on this part of the field. /Vnother line was now formed north of the pike, but excepting a half dozen shells, which were thrown into the regiment about I o'clock, this was the last fire the 124th was subjected to. At ten o'clock in the evening the regiment was moved a mile farther north, and, after considerable marching and retracing, finally settled for the night. Next morning the 124th and the 125th Regiments were moved farther towards the river, in the direction of the United States Ford. On the morning of the 5th, at 2 o'clock, rations were distributed 46 to the regiment, and the day was spent in cutting trees, carrying logs and building breastworks. A violent thunderstorm, at 5 P. M., stopped work. Tents were soon pitched, but after the men had lain about an hour, they were aroused quietl}- and told to pack up. The brigade was kept standing until half past three in the morning, when a start was made through the mud on a quick-step march for the river. The regiment made good time on that dull morning and reached the river at daylight, crossed on pontoons, and con- tinued for two or three hours, when a halt was made for coffee. Encamped for the night at 5 P. ^I. ( )n the /th arrived at Stafford Court House, at 11 A. M., \\here orders were given for the Twelfth Corps to return to their old camps. General Slocum made a speech to the officers and men telling them they had done all that had been required of them. The regiment arrived at the old camp about 4 o'clock. Tired and footsore they remained here until Sunday, Alav loth. when General Slocum reviewed the division and bade the 124th and 125th Regiments of Pennsylvania \'olunteers good-bye. The next morning these two regiments marched to the landing at the mouth of Acquia Creek, and the 124th boarded the steam- boat John A. Warner, and after a pleasant ride up the Potomac, arrived at Washington at i P. J\I., and in an hour after they were on their way by railroad to Baltimore, reaching there at about nine in the evening. The regiment marched through the city without incident, and the night was spent in the cars of a waiting train. On the afternoon of the next day they pitched tents in Camp Curtin. at Harrisburg. and went to work making out muster rolls. On Sunday morning, May 17th. the regiment was formed in line, and Lieutenant Chas. D. j\I. Broomhall. on behalf of the regiment presented Colonel Hawley with a handsome gold watch, on the inside case of which is inscribed : A tribute of respECT TO COLONEL JOSEPH W . HAWLEV, FROM THE ENLISTED MEN OF THE I24TH REGT. PENNA. VOLUNTEERS. ^L\V I/, 1863. On the evening of the 17th. the members of the regiment pres- ent were paid oft' and discharged, and on the following day were brought to West Chester. Pa., where they received a hearty wel- come by the citizens, the home soldiery ami the militar_\- cadets. 47 T- '^'•est Cbeir-"'- oaper. i^suei siiortly after the recepdon, pttfa- die i "Z T'T'err^ and report: — h-:vj:e again l : cured tu dte t^jtk. Rcgim^Ttx. P. F. "-•el wrdcome Bcme. brave scifiers --. oar kindreii sprriis glow I Ye ha-Te gnarded as diDjag&: dan^r la oar Xarion:'? cfirefC wee Tliroa^ die iatanm. wtdi its ticwers. Thrr^agfi the w L at er, c&ill and Lone, Efaue we watdied tfrroagfc weary tiotrrs — Welcome- aoldiers. welcome heme. I/Ed ftcpes. oar fear?- oar sorrows^ AEL the sad. areweCs were said. Trembling Ie;?t tiie new to-morrow Bring: the tLdmgS- "fee is dead.'* \Miere t&e bayonets are gleaming- To t&e forest lone retreat. Hcptnj^ fijarirr^ Longing, dreamm^ Have we paced t£re 5<:Ldier'5 beat. Praying in t&e fessmiine bowers. "Xeatit t6e soft ligtit of tire moon- Throngfr t&e Lon^ sdil mbdnigbt boars. In tfce Lone deserteii n:om. ^lien the wintry lights are bar rrirr ^ F alling - slow the pattering: rain. M<:st oar hearts are deeply yearning For oar brr^diers home again. One by one tie Leaves were talTnTg In the chrELy autirmn breath. One by one our Loved were Lying In the peacrfd arms of dearh. - we gave then. — fathers- brothers^ ■ -t to "do or die.."^ .. ,, .. ..c ...::^j^n of weeping mothers Pierceti the bLoe depths ot the sky. Home again I thrice welcome soldiers. Wijm and weary with the &ay ! Home agTiJTT, brave-hearted warrrors. Fn:m TOur camp fires or away! Hark! the forest binis are singing tn their sweia:. magnetic tone - -•: .i_ - .-"r are ringing v\' eiconxe ■i<:LTnpathizing hearts. The market house was a spread from one end to the other, and it bore up such a substantial and plentiful supply of good things as would have e.xciied the palate of an epicure. The procession, under the efficient Chief Marshalship of Cap- tain William Apple, was quite imposing. It was led by Beck's Philadelphia Brass Band, playing inspiring music — then came the Marshal and his aides, mounted, with citizens on horse-back — then the Burgess. School Board, Officers of the Union League, and 4 49 Flag of the ]24Th. Presented to the Regiment October 13, 1862. By Governor Andrew G. Curtin. The above illnstration shows its tattered condition when the Regiment returned. other citizens on foot ; then the fire companies with their engines and hose carriages gayly decked with wreaths of evergreens and spring flowers ; then \'okmteers who had previously returned, next a battery of six brass field pieces from Col. Hyatt's Military Academy, manned by the Cadets of that establishment ; then Wyer's finely drilled Academic Cadets ; then, preceded bv the Coatesville Ih-ass Band, came the great and attractive feature of the procession, the soiled and weather-beaten men of the 124th, fresh from their perilous position in the late fight at Chancellors- ville, Col. Hawley and his staff of regimental officers riding at the head of the regin:ent. The streets along the line were crowded with spectators, while the balconies of the hotels and windows of private residences were filled with ladies waving their hand- kerchiefs and smiling a glad welcome to their soldier friends, who returned their salutations with the wildest and heartiest cheers. The procession halted in front of the residence of our townsman, David ^^deconkey, Esq., from the steps of which Judge William Butler delivered the following brief, but eloquent and touching, speech of welcome, which w-as responded to by the soldiers with shouts of grateful appreciation : — "Soldiers : I am here, as the representative of these people, to welcome yon to yonr homes. I have no language fitting on this occasion — no words which will express the feelings that swell our hearts. At a dark, sad hour, after rehellion had raised the parricidal arm, when it was dripping with the blood of the patriot soldier, and knocking at the very gates of the Capitol, you, turning your backs upon the peaceful enjoyments of home, marched with unfaltering step to the battlefield. Untrained, inexperienced in the new and severe duties which were thus cast upon you, on the banks of the Potomac you met the insolent foe, flushed with the triumph ot recent victory, and there at Antietam you proved yourselves to be soldiers — soldiers worthy to have been born within the hallowed precincts of Valley Forge and Brandywine ! Since that time you have made long and weary marches, have suffered many privations, and endured severe toil. And now you are just from the gory field of Chancellorsville, where you assisted to inflict upon the enemy the severest punishment he has yet received. "During all your absence we have watched — looked after you with anxious, paternal eyes. O, with what solicitude did we await the tidings from Antietam! It was your first battle; but yesterday j'ou had been called from the peaceful occupations of rural life, unaccustomed to camp, and unused to the terrilile scenes of the battlefield. But when the message came, it brought us tidings of your gallantry, and filled our hearts with gratitude and joy; we thanked Almighty God that He had nerved your 51 arms and strengthened }'our hearts, had enabled you to stand hrni amid the shock of I)attle, and to cover yourselves with unfading honor. "But, soldiers, there are some who went out with you whom I do not see. They are not present to hear our greeting. But, O, God! in this moment of joy they are not forgotten; they have had our warmest tears, and their memories are enshrined in our inmost hearts. They have achieved immortal fame ; they are martyrs in the cause of human rights ; they have become the seed from which liberty will reap an abundant harvest; their example, the recollection of their virtues, their deeds and their sacrifice, will raise up armies in her cause; their graves are shrines, over which we, with you, will pledge ourselves, our lives, and all we have of earthly hope, in support of the great cause for which they died. "Again, soldiers, in the name of these people, I welcome you to your homes in our midst ;, with the prayer that .vour future lives may be pros- perous and happy, the government which you so deeply love may prevail over all its enemies, that you and all men may here enjoy the blessings of the free and benign institutions which we now possess, and which have made this Nation the wonder of mankind throughout the world. "In the language of the poet : "Warm welcome home, ye noble Northern band, We bid you welcome with the heart and hand. Always our dear, but now our dearest ones. Our closest kindred — fathers, brothers, sons. Warm welcome, soldiers, howso'er you come, Whether you keep step to the stirring drum. Or, maimed and feeble, faltering and slow. Sad victims of the contest and of the foe. The dear survivors shall have love and fame — The loyal dead a consecrated name ! Nor only now, for after years shall tell The story of your deeds and triumphs well. The generations that are yet to be. With glowing eyes our country's flag shall see, Emblem of joy, pride, glory and success. Without one stripe erased, one star the less, As all its dazzling hues and dots expand From sea to sea o'er one united land. Shall canonize your memories late and long. Subjects of eloquence and themes of song. Martyrs and patriots, whose deaths sublime, Have made our Union holy for all time." Judge Townsend Haines had also prepared an address of wel- come, which he intended to deHver at the close of Judge Butler's remarks, but the soldiers being tired and weary with their ride 52 from Harrisbnrg and their long march in procession, he decHned to deUver it, but he kindly furnished us a copy for publication, with which we conclude our account of a day long to be remem- bered by all loyal men and women who participated in its inspiring ceremonies. The soldiers immediately marched from Mr. Meconkey's to the market house, where our noble-hearted women had prepared for them a collation worthy of their generous im- pulses, and which was heartily enjoyed by the gallant officers and men of the 124th. Judge Haines' address is as follows: — "Soldiers op the Union : Some nine months ago you were citizens of Chester and Delaware Counties, pursuing the ordinary employments of civil and social life, and enjoying the endearments of home, of kindred and friends. At the call of the Natio'nal Government, attacked by traitors who threatened its overthrow, you took up arms in its defense, and, leaving your peaceful pursuits, hastened to its rescue. The period of your service having expired, and an honorable discharge having been granted to you, once more you tread the hallowed soil of freedom amidst the memories of bygone years. If words of anguish at your separation from home fell upon your ears, you cannot fail to notice the tears of joy which greet your return. "You do not, however, present yourselves to us in the same character in which you left us. The 124th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, is indeed before us, but there are openings in its columns, which speak of disease and battles, of wounds and death. Climate, exposure, fatigue, and the bullets of the rebellious foe have thinned your ranks, and, although yet strong in numbers, there are aching hearts among us, who might look in vain for cherished sons, brothers, and friends who went forth with you, but do not witness your return. "In another aspect your characters are changed — you have proved your- selves, on the battlefield and in the camp, lovers of your country, attached to the National Government, and resolutely devoted to the Union and the Constitution. Yours has been no lip service, no home bravado, seeking popularity for temporary profit and civil honors, but a service of nobler aims and higher aspirations, willing to risk life in defense of republican institutions and American liberty. You went forth to defend that Union which your ancestors had cemented, that National Constitution which their wisdom had formed, that problem of free government which they had entrusted to your keeping, and you have nobly risked your lives in defense of these immortal principles. "The world has witnessed innumerable wars. In all wars, the oppressed and down-trodden have struggled against the oppressor, and human arteries in all countries have been drained of their life-blood in the support of human rights. The records of mankind compose a history of 53 luinian slaughler, wIktc inlelligcnce and genius, learning and piety, domestic repose and general Ijenevolence have Ijeen indiscriminately butchered to swell the ephemeral renown. The war in which you have been engaged, presented, and yet presents, features which no former conflict ever disclosed. You have not been engaged in an endeavor to overthrow a government or to establish human rights, but to support free institutions which are reared on the basis of enlarged political and civil liberty, and which guarded under a v.'ritten Constitution a scheme of rational freedom such as had never been equaled or thought -of in former ages, and which had been considered an impracticaljle theory. You went forth from your peaceful homes to defend a country which had for almost a century spread over its citizens, with a lavisli hand, all the blessings which civil and political government can bestow. You have witnessed, under the influence of Constitutional freedom, every social interest promoted; equality of rights secured; the onward step of civilization and Christianity advanced; and the whole of those elements which constitute wdiolesome progress regulated and harmonized ; and you have seen the government to whose wisdom and justice these countless blessings belong, fiercely attacked, its overthrow attempted, its legitimate rights trampled under foot, in order that infidels to God and to freedom, to justice and to liberty should rule and ruin with despotic will. It was this Government you went forth to defend, and these enemies to the human race that called you to arms. The malcontents of the Southern States had but a slight grievance. They had no fault to find with the Government, for the system whereon it was founded was of their own selection; they could not complain of its administration, for it had been substantially administered liy themselves; but they saw in the onward march of enlightened civilization, in the practical operation of free principles, the certain, inevitable destruction of their peculiar form of social existence. They did not, therefore, rebel against the Government nor the administration of the Government, Ijut their conflict was against the wholesome progressive principles of the human race. To strike at these they were under the necessity of over- throwing the government which made them the foundation stone of its structure. Under the influence of a sound social system, the Xorth held out to all nations an example of thriving industry, of largely increasing population and general prosperity, while the South stood still amidst its terrible desolation. This was the grievance — and the only grievance of which these Southern traitors had to complain. They made war against a fundamental law of nature which provides by the gradual progress of intelligence for the emancipation from ignorance, barbarism and idolatry, and to make the conflict efYectual, the destruction of American liberty became a necessity. In the fullness of their hate of the logical destiny of human existence, they resolved that sooner than abandon their pernicious social system they would inaugurate a scheme of universal carnage, out of which they hoped this glorious country would emerge with its industries paralyzed, its prosperity destroyed, its energies relaxed, and its convictKins in the wisdom of republican freedom abandoned. It was a war of this natiu-e that induced you to leave your homes, to buckle on your armor, 54 and to face death on the battlefield. Your countrymen will kjng remember your valor, your fatigue, and, above all, your love of country, your manly devotion to the Government and the principles whereon it is founded. "It is true, the war still rages. The foe to free principles is yet in the field. Your commanding general, however, has noticed, in a public order, his appreciation of your efforts and devotion, and directs that this order shall be promulgated to the troops with his best wishes for their welfare. This expression of feeling from such an officer as General Hooker, the patriot, the soldier, the commanding general who, from personal observa- tion, knows how his regiments fight, is no faint praise. It will endure. "One thing, however, you and your comrades in arms have certainly achieved, although the war is not ended— you have thus far saved the Government of the country. The Stars and Stripes yet float from the dome of the National Capitol, and the free States of the Union have not been visited by the foot of the destroyer. We, your fathers, brothers, sons, mothers and sisters, knowing that you stood between us and the enemy, have pursued our ordinary business in peace and have slept soundly. The homes you left still stand, with their decorations and adornments; the groves and the green fields around you have not been wasted nor overrun by the embittered foe, for your valor has shielded them from harm. Their richness and verdure belong to you, for you have saved them from desolation. "Soldiers of the Union, we thank you — from our hearts we thank you !" At the close of the feast in the market house, it soon became evident that the boys were anxious to proceed to their homes, to greet their loved ones from whom they had so long been sep- arated — they shook hands and parted ; some never to meet again. Many of them re-enlisted and joined military organizations in distant fields, some to fall a prey to the enemy's bullets at Chat- tanooga, some to help capture Fort Fisher, some to accompany Sherman from Atlanta to the sea, others to pass through the Wilderness and dreadful Cold Harbor, and be with Grant at Appo- mattox. The majority of the regiment, after a few weeks sojourn at home, were again called upon to assist in driving the enemy from our own State, and, under command of Col. Hawley, they were sworn in to the United States service and became the 29th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Alilitia, to serve throughout the threatened emergency. :io RECORD OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. (Copied from Bates' History of Pennsylvania Volunteers.) Seven companies of the 124th Regiment, A, C, E, F, G, I and K were recruited in Chester County, and three, B, D, and H, in Delaware County. They rendezvoused at Camp Curtin near Harrisburg, but before an organization could be effected, they were ordered to Washington, and proceeded thither on the 12th of August, 1862, under command of the senior captain, Joseph W. Hawley. Upon their arrival, they went into camp near Fort Albany, two miles southeast of the Capital, and on the 17th a regimental organization was effected, with the following field officers : Joseph W. Hawley, of Chester County, colonel ; Simon Litzenberg, of Delaware County, lieutenant-colonel ; I. Law. Haldeman, of Delaware County, major. On the 7th of September the regiment was ordered to Rockville, Maryland, where, upon its arrival, it was assigned to the First Brigade, First Division, of the Eleventh Corps. Having been but little more than three weeks recruited, and most of this time having been given to change of camps, requiring heavy details for fatigue duty, little attention had been given to drill, when, on the afternoon of the Qtli, it was ordered upon the march to meet the enemy. Crossing South Mountain on the evening of the 15th, it followed up the retreating foe to the banks of Antietam Creek, where he was found strongly posted. As the regiment moved rapidly in advance of the trains, rations in haversack soon became exhausted. Fresh beef was delivered during the evening of the i6th, but scarcely had it been received when the regiment was ordered into line, and moved rapidly to the support of General Hooker, in command of the right wing of the army. "It was ordered to the front," says Major Haldeman, in his official report, "at 7 A. M. On reaching the extreme edge of the woods on the east side of the cornfield, our line was formed and stationed in a position behind the fence. We were then ordered to advance, our right extending across the road, and beyond the grain-stacks. We were led in line into the cornfield about twenty paces, and ordered to halt, as we could not distinguish our own troops. We were then ordered to fall back to the edge of the cornfield, and take position again behind the fence, which was done in good order. We were again ordered to advance, when the right, after proceeding about 100 yards, received a raking fire from the enemy in the woods, which was responded to by repeated volleys from our men ; but the fire from our left, and from a battery of the enemy on the right, compelled us again to fall back to the stacks. A battery was now planted on the hill, between the wood and the cornfield, opposite the .stacks, and the right wing of the regiment was ordered to its support. The left wing followed up the advance through the cornfield, making successful charges upon the enemy, until it was also ordered to the support of the batteries. The enemy's guns were silenced, and at 3 P. M. the regiment was ordered to the rear, where it was directed, by General Hancock, to remain in readiness to support batteries upon the right ; but not being required, it bivouacked upon the field during the night." The 56 loss in tliis engagement was 50 killed and wounded. Lieutenant Isaac Finch received a mortal wound, from which he died on the 20th of October. ' Colonel Hawley was among the wounded. On the day following the battle, the regiment was employed in burying the dead, and on the 19th started for Pleasant Valley, reaching it on the 20th, after a severe march. It was subsequently posted on Maryland Heights, but again returned to its old camp at Pleasant Valley, where it was transferred to a brigade commanded by General Kane. On the 30th of October, Kane's Brigade was ordered to Loudon Heights. On the 8th of November a reconnoissance was made, up the valley, by a detachment of the regiment consisting of 100 men, with two pieces of artillery, which returned at daylight on the following morning, bringing in abandoned stores of the enemy. In consequence of the alarm of the pickets on the mountain, on the night of the i6th, the regiment was ordered, with a portion of the brigade, to the support of a battery posted thereon, remain- ing until the 19th. The heavy guns which had been mounted on Maryland Heights sufficiently commanding the position, the garrison was relieved, and returned to camp. Whilst here, drill and discipline were studiously prosecuted. On the loth of December, upon the eve of the movement upon Fredericksburg, the Twelfth Corps, which had been held in the neighborhood of Harper's Ferry, was ordered forward, and by forced marches over almost impassable roads and swollen streams, in the bleak wintry weather, arrived across the Occoquan on the 15th. The fighting at Fredericksburg being over, it was ordered to recross the Occoquan on the 17th, the regiment returning to Fairfax Station. On the 28th it was again put upon the march to meet Stuart's Cavalry, but failed to find it. On the 8th of January the brigade made a reconnoissance to the vicinity of Wolf's Run Shoals, returning without encountering opposition. On the 19th the brigade again broke camp, and, crossing the Occoquan, joined with the army in Burnside's second campaign, and after toiling painfully through the mud and under drenching rains, the trains and artillery being moved only by the most vigorous efforts, it finally rested at Stafford Court House, the campaign having been abandoned. On the 21 st of March, the 124th, and the 125th, which had been brigaded with it, were transferred to Geary's Division of the Twelfth Corps, General Kane being transferred with them and taking command of the brigade to which they were assigned. At daylight of the 27th of April, the regiment, with eight days' rations, marched on the Chancellorsville campaign. Crossing the Rappahannock in rear of the Eleventh Corps, the Twelfth moved on to Germania Ford, where its progress was impeded by the troops in advance, and did not reach the Chancellor House until 3 P. ^I. of the 30th. Line of battle was immediately formed, the position of the regiment falling in the right wing of the corps. On the following morning. May ist, the l)rigade advanced, and soon encountered the enemy's pickets, pushing them back into the woods beyond. Having attained a position considerably in advance of the main line, its safety was much endangered by a tlank movement of the enemy, and it was withdrawn to the original position of the previous evening, where, during the night, it was busily employed in throwing up breast-works, being compelled, for want of intrenching tools, 57 av- to use bayonets and tin plates. During the early part of the following d the enemy shelled the line at intervals, and at 3 P. M. the brigade was again ordered to advance, the regiment moving along the Fredericks1)urg Plank Road, and forming line of battle in the woods, where the enemy, concealed from view, had fortified. Unable to move him from his pi^sition, the brigade fell back, and at 5 o'clock returned to the breast-works, reach- ing them just as the broken troops of the Eleventh Corps came pouring in froni the extreme right. Geary's Division was at once faced, under a heavy artillery fire, to meet the threatened storm, and succeeded in holding its position until 10 on the morning of the 3d, wdien the enemy, having outflanked it on the right, compelled it to fall back to a second line of defense which had been taken up, more contracted, and easily held. On the 6th the regiment recrossed the river, and returned to its camp at Acquia. On the gth, the term of service having expired, it was relieved from duty, and returned to Harrisburg, where it was mustered out of service. A RE.MINISCEXX'E OF THE WAR. AS PUBLISHED IN THE "DELAWARE COUNTY AMERICAN," AUCUST 13, 1862. DESCRIBES THE RECRUITING OF COMPANY D, OF THE I24TH. Captain Yarnall's Company. — In oiir last we noticed that a committee of young" men, some of the leading citizens of this place, had waited upon Sheriff Yarnall and tendered him the captaincy of a new volunteer company which they were forming for nine months' service. We were then unable to state the decision of the sheriff, as it was not determined upon at the time of our going to press. He finally accepted, giving the duties of his office in the hands of his son, the only one remaining of a sufficient size, who is not in the army, and on Wednesday afternoon the bills were issued from this office giving notice of the fact and the desire of having the company filled immediately. Recruiting by those who had brought about the project was carried on with an earnest- ness through the week never before excelled, and by Saturday night a surplus of names was on the roll. In fact, when the word first went out that a company of the character specified was to be got up, and that Sheriff Yarnall was to be its leader, the call was ans.wered from every quarter of our county, with a spirit which will long be remembered by our people, and it was at once demon- 58 strated, practically beyond question, that the thin.;- was a success. As the name was enrolled, each man was made to understand that he would be expected to be at the Court House in Media on Monday, to be sworn in, and at the hour specified, ten o'clock, the building- was filled with young, brave and willing hearts, readv to join solemnly and sincerely, the cause of their country. To keep order and facilitate the object designed Hon. Ed. Darlington was called to the chair, and Joseph G. Cummins, chosen sec- retary. Business was inimediately proceeded with by calling the names upon the roll, when upwards of a hundred answered, quite a number remaining silent from the fact that they knew there were more than enough, and of the excess they hoped to have enough to put another company upon such a basis as to insure its com- pletion by the loth inst. How many names they received we did not understand, but they are at work on the same plan as Capt. Yarnall's men adopted. Their headquarters is at the Charter House, in Aledia, where all necessary information can be obtained of James Barton, Jr., one of the members. But to return to the proceedings of the meeting. The proper officer not being present to administer the oath, it was stated that this would be put ofif until three o'clock in the afternoon. Then there was a little time for speechifying, and the large audience would be pleased to listen. Rev. Mr. Gracey was called upon, who eulogized the great cause in which we were engaged. He believed the present war was for a righteous purpose, and thanked God that he lived in a community so full of patriotism as this. ^Ir. Jno. M. Broomall was the next speaker. He said that he was a conservative and that he would explain what he meant by that term. It was the fulfillment of the law without regard to consequences — crushing out a rebellion whether of one person or many — and to do it in the present instance he would take the sword in one hand and the fire l)rand in the other, and he would leave no foe behind, even if the result was extermination. He had a word to say about ]:)arties. There were two Governments in this country, and those who were not fully committed to the fortunes of the one at Wash- ington were for the one at Richmond, and those who seek to detract from the operations of the former were worse, far worse, than the men who are now engaged in murdering our fathers, sons and brothers ; they were the meanest creatures on God's 59 footstool, and ought to be hung like clogs, every one of them. If thev succeeded in their plans, the war would be here without a doubt, and it is well that the people were aware of this fact. Dr. Parrish was next called. We have only room to allude to his remarks. In speaking of disloyalty in this section, he related a case in point. A lady of his acquaintance, in seeking aid for the sick and wounded soldiers, had called upon a man in Middle- town, who refused to give, and ordered her gruffly to go to the Black Republicans, as he had nothing to give in such a cause. This language was that of a traitor. We are in possession of his name and we would not be surprised if he is visited by a vigilance committee before many days. He ought to have the oath of allegiance administered to him at once or be sent south. At twelve o'clock the meeting adjourned, when the volunteers dined at the Charter House, where dinner had been expressly prepared for them. Immediately after this they searched for a man suspected of disloyaltv from Aliddletown, who had been about the borough in the forenoon, but they failed to find him. At the hour named they again appeared at the Court House, where the oath was administered by William McCormick, Esq., of Upper Darbv, and the company christened "Gideon's Band." I. Law- rence Haldeman was chosen as ist Lieutenant, and Joseph Pratt, 2d. Jos. G. Cummins was recommended by a vote of the company to the appointing officers as ist Sergeant. A sword was then presented to the Captain by John M. Broomall, on behalf of the citizens, in an appropriate address. The scene will long be remem- bered in Media. It was one of great solemnity and earnestness. The reply of Air. Yarnall elicited the admiration and applause of all present. He was willing to devote his life and all he had to his country — that sword should never be sheathed as long as we were assailed by foes from within or without. This company, with Captain Litzenberg's, which is also filled, will go into camp at Harrisburg this week. Sherifif Yarnall preached in the Media Al. E. Church, on Sun- day morning last, for the last time, for awhile, at least, and perhaps forever. That he may return amongst us unscathed and unharmed are the sincere wishes of his fellow-citizens. 60 ROSTER OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. AS RECORDED IN BATEs' HISTORY OF THE WAR. The * indicates deaths on record to April i, 1907. Those not otherwise accounted for in column of remarks were mustered out with the regiment when term of service expired. FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS, NAME Joseph W. Hawley. RANK Colone. REMARKS. *3imon Litzenberg... Lt. Col. *I. Law. Haldeman... .Major. *J. Carpenter Worth. ..Adj... *George Malin, Jr O. M C. W. Houi^hton Suri Joseph R. Martin... *Theodore J. Jung Ab'm Harshberger.. Joseph S. Evans John Haines Long... Jesse Taggart Wm. Pusey West... T. Benton Aitkeu... As.vSur. .do.... .do.... Chap'n Sr.Maj. O.M.Sr Coni.Sr Hos.vSt Promoted from Captain company A, Aug. 16, 1862— Wounded at Antietam— mustered out with regiment, May 17, 1S63. Promoted from Captain company B, Aug. 16, iSt32 — mustered out with rcg"t,'May 17, 1S63.' Promoted from 1st Lieut, company D, Aug. 16, 1862— mustered out with reg't, May 17, 1S63. Promoted from ist Lieut, company C, Aug. 23, 1862— mustered out with reg't, May 17, 1863.' Promoted from Corporal company A, Oct. 30, 1862— mustered out with reg't, May 17, 1863. Promoted fromAss't vSurg. 91st reg't P. V., Sept. 15, 1862— mustered out with reg't May 17, '63. Mustered out with reg't. May 17, 1863. Mnstered out with reg't, May 17, 1S63. Promoted to Surg. i66th reg. P.D.M., Dec. 5,'62. Resigned Jan. 9, 1S63. Promoted from Sergeant company F, Aug. 25, 1862 — nmstered out with reg't, May 17, 1863. Promoted from Sergeant company G, Aug. 25, 1S62 — mustered out with reg't, May 17, 1S63. Promoted from Sergeant company IL vSept. i, 1862 — mustered out with reg't. May 17, 1S63. Mustered out with reg't. May 17, 1863, * Deceased. 61 Co. A. Joseph W. Havvley.. *Allen "SI. Davis *Charles \V. Roberts. *Saniuel (t. Smith... *John A. Groff. *Isaac Finch JohiiM. Windle...... *Edward White *John J. Glissou *Jos. N. Woodward... David H. Steitlcr.... Joseph Davis *Heiiry B. Wynn *Wni. S. Wetherall... *Albauos H. Bicking *Jacob H. Way * Powell Baily Richard F. Hill *Saniuel B. Smiley... William R. Thomas David S. Wilkinson *George Malin,Jr Ringgold Carman... Artes, James *Baily, William H... *Bentley, William H. ^Baldwin, Hli H Bvers, Samuel Bond, Harmon G..., *Brown, Townsend... Chambers, John F... Carman, John L *Collier, William H.. *Collier, Hosea A Davis, Edward G.... *Durnell, Wesley Epright, William.... Emery, Samuel B... Ford, Rufus D *Farra, Lewis *Faust, Daniel H Farren, George *Gill, Andrew J........ Griffith, Evan Glisson, Wilmer W. Hawley, Bernard Henderson, Alex Hanley, Edward B.. Heck, Edwin Captain do.... ..do.... I£t Lt. 2d Lt.. ..do.... istSg:. Serg't. ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... . Corp.. ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ..Muc. Private ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... Promoted to Colonel, Aug. i6, 1S62. Promoted from istLt., Aug. 16, 1S62 — discharg- ed on Surgeon's certificate, Feb. 17, 1863. Promoted from 2d to ist Lt. , Aug. 16, i 62 — to Captain, F~eb. 17, 1863. Promoted from ist Sgt. to rd Lt., Oct. 20, 1862 —to istLt., Feb. 17, 1863. Promoted from Sgt. to ist Sgt., Oct. 20, 1862 —to 2d Lt., Feb. 17, 1863. Promoted from Sergeant, Aug. 16, 1862 — died Oct. 20, of wds. received at Antietam. Promoted from Sergeant, Feb. 17, 1863. Promoted from Corporal, Aug. 16, 1S61. Promoted from Corporal, Oct. 2^, 1^62. Promoted from Corporal, Feb. 17, 1863. Promoted to Corporal, Oct. 20, 1862. Promoted to Corporal, Oct. 30, 1862. Promoted to Corporal, Jan. i, 1S63. Promoted to Corporal, Feb. 17, 1&63. Promoted to Corporal, Feb. 17, 1863. Promoted to Corporal, Feb. 17, 1S63, Disch'gdon Surgeon's certificate, Dec. 18, 1862. Disch'gdon Surgeon's certificate, Nov. 15, 1C62. Promoted to Quartermaster, Oct., 30, 1862. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate, Mar. 31, 1863. Died Oct. 22, of wounds received at Antietam. Disch'gdon Surgeon's certificate, Mar. 13, 1863. Wounded Jan. 10, 1S63. Disch'gdon Surgeon's certificate, Dec. 18, 1862. Co. A — Continued. Harp, William II... Hoobcr, John Hall, Lewis R Hill, Charles C *Hartnian, Morgan.., *Hughcs, Joseph John, Kclwin B Jester, John F *Johnson, Wni. H Jones John Kamerer, Henry M. Laniborn, F. H Law, Robert C ' Lloyd, John L *Morris, Joseph E Morgan, John *Mul!en, Alfred Mercer, Joseph W... *M'Farland, Geo. W. Nichols, Lewis B Patterson, Chas. D.. Pratt, John R *Peart, Roland M *Peirce, Joseph T, Peirce, Wni. H. H... Pickhaver, Wni. B.. •^Pinkerton. M. H *Rambo, Thomas Reynolds, Sam'l B.. Rushton, Charles P. *Rickord, Leonard V Rodenbaugh, W. L. *vStott, Jacob S Stamp, William *Speakman, James.. Steele, Canby S Steitler, George J.. Steitler, William D Sullivan, John *Strong, Edward Smith, Acker *Thorn Samuel R. Tyson, George W Thompson, Henrv B *Treen, Charles W.. Terry, Edwin F *Valentine, Jonathan *Walker, Plumer E. Wilson, William G Walker, John W Wagner, Wm. H.... Yoder, John Private ...do... ...do... ...do... ...dc... ...do... ...do... ..do... ..do... ..do... ..do... ..dj... ..do... ..do..., ..do..., ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ...do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do... ..do... ..do... ..do... ...do... do..., do..., do.... do.... do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ..do... Died at Harper's Ferry, Va., Oct. 23, 1S62 Deserted Nov. 10, 1862. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate. Mar. 9, 186-^. Wounded at Autietam. Died at Acquia Creek, Va., April 5, iS6^ Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate, Dec. 20, 1S62. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate, Mar. 9, 1S6: Missed in action at Chancellorsville, Va. Died Oct. 20, of wounds received at Antietam. Deceased. 63 Co. B. *vSiiiion lyitzenberg... *Tohii Woodcock Captain ...do.... *Ralph Buckley Win. H. Litzenberg R. T. Williams *Alex. E. Crozier James Carrick .1st Lt. .2dU.. 1st Sgt. Serg't. ..do.... George Fildes ...do.... Tolin Shaw .do.. *Daiiiel Crowder *John B. vSilbey William Major .Corp.. ...do.... ...do.... * Edwin Bouden ...do.... L,ewis P. Watkins... John B. Trainor ...do.... ...do.... *Joseph M'Coy ...do.... *John Ashworth ...do.... ^Thomas H. Kay ...do.... *Israel L,. Thomas ...do.... *George Heath ..Muc. *Albert M. Neal .do.... Ayres, George W... Abernathy, R. Jas... Baggs, John Private ...do.... do.... Barlow, Jacob ...do.... Blakely, Edwin...... *Bvre, Jerome ...do.... do.... Brensinger, Jos. H.. Broadbent, Chas. W. Brands, Peter ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... *Brewster, Wni do.. Brewster, Abraham. *Baggs, William ...do.... ...do.... ■*Barlow, Joseph .do.... *Cooper, Edward ...do.... ^Chambers, Thomas.. Creamer, Charles ...do.... ...do.... Dobbins, Wm. A ...do... Button, Thomas H.. Daniels, Wm. E ...do.... ...do.... Doran, John M. T... *Edwards, Elmer ...do.... ...do.... Fitzgerald, Michael. *Farra, Wm. B ...do.... do. Fildes, John ...do.... Fryer, John do Greenwood, Samuel *Green, Morris ...do.... do... Herron, Thomas J... Hill, Thomas ...do.... ...do.... Henrv, William ...do.... Hiyer, Hiram Hizer, Wm. H ...do.... ..do.... Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, Aug. i6, 1S62. Promoted from 1st Lieutenant, Aug. 16, 1862 Promoted from 2d Lieutenant, Aug. 16, 1862. Promoted from ist Sergeant, Aug. i5, 1S62. Promoted from Sergeant, Aug. 16, 1862. Promoted from Corporal, Aug. 16, 1S6:. Promoted from private, Oct. 10, 1862 — wounded at Chancellorsville. Promoted to Corporal, Aug. 16, 1S62. Promoted to Corporal, Dec, 6, 1862. Promoted to Corporal, Mar. 10, 1S63. Promoted to Corporal, Mar. 28, 1863. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate. Mar. 28, 1S63. Disch'gdon Surgeon's certificate, Mar. 10, 1S63. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate, Apr. 16, 1863. Disch'gdon Surgeon's certificate, Dec. 31, 1862. Wounded at Antietam. Wounded at Chancellorsville. Killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate, Feb. 28, 1S63. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 16, 1863. Deserted Aug. 14, 1862. Deserted Sept. 17, 1862. 64 Co. B — Continued. *Henderson, Win. H Henderson, John L. Honnatt, George. *Hunter, Abrani... Hoofstitler, John.. Haas, Win. H Hacknian, Henry Johnson, Joseph vS Johnson, Wni. H.., *Kinkade, Andrew. *Kelley, Gardner.... *Kugler, S. Crawford *Kents, Thomas W.. *Kay , Edward Loniax, Thomas Loinax, Matthew... Logan, James Leib, John A *Laniy, William , *Lear, Rufus K Major, John Marshman, Chand... Martin, Minshall.... Melloa, Jonas *Makin, James M'Conville, Arthur. Nicholson, William. *Paist, Jesse W Patterson, John... Pyott, Richard Pilling, Thomas. Robinson, George... Roelnick, Alfred Siplcr, Edward D... *Shillingford,Geo. H. Schofield, John Shaw, Henry Stirk, Samuel Squibb, Samuel Shennik, George... Taylor, William Toomes, James Tooines, Richard... *Trainor, James Wilkinson, John J.. Walraven, Benj Worrell, Edward.... * Waddle, Joseph Young, Frederick.. *Yates, Enos Private ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do..., ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ..do.... ..do.... ...do.... do.... do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do... ..do... ...do... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do... ..do... ..do... ..do... ..do... ..do... ..do... ..do... ..do... ..do., .do... .do... .do.... .do.... .do.... .do.... .do.... .do.... .do.... .do.... .do.... .do.... Missed in action at Chancellorsville. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate, Nov. 5, 1862. Died at Washington, D, C, Jan. 20, 1863. Died at Harper's Ferrv, Nov. 24, 1S62. Deserted Nov. 28, 1S62. Died Mar. i, 1863, at Washington, D. C. Heceased. 65 Co. C. *James B. Whitcraft. *J. Carpenter Worth. *Wm C Dickev Captain .1st Lt. ...do.... *L,evi Crowl *J. Frank Bowman... *Francis P. Andrews. Tarob Z Webb .2dLt.. 1st Sgt. Serg't. ...do.... George G. Taylor... *Iohn M Rhoads ...do.... ...do.... *Samuel B. Walton... *Charles W. Wilson.. *Tas H. Broomell .Corp.. ...do.... ...do.... *Thomas Dihvorth... *Tohn A. Smith ...do.... ...do.... Tohn M. Irvin ...do.... *Wm. A. Fleming... *John T. Broadway... *Thomas W. Riday... *Eli Gatchell ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... *H. W. Livingston... Beverly T. Gause ..Muc.. ..do... Aiken, James C Bowers, Thomas Private ...do.... *Bootli Toshua M do.... *Benderman, T.J ...do.... Bayard, George F... Brown, Thomas ...do.... ...do.... *Broomell, Wm. C... Baker Georee L ...do.... ...do.... *Bates, William ...do.... * Brown, John M Coates, Samuel ...do.... ...do.... *Cowan, Richard F... *Cole, Amos ...do.... ...do.... *Cooper, Thomas L... Corkadale, Geo. F... Crossley, Henrv ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... CooDer. Lewis R do... *Campbell, Robert H Campbell, John C... Cumins, Thos. W... Craig, William B.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... Cresswell, Sam'l W. Coleman Toseoh ...do.... ...do.... *Deever, Lewis G ...do.... *Dickev, Samuel H.. Dihvorth, Rich'd B. *Fuller, James R ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... *Ford, James ...do.... Garrettv, Daniel ...do.... Garver, Samuel H... Greenfield, Joel S... Greenfield, John H. Gyles, EbenezerT... ...do.... ...do.... ..do.... ...do.... Promoted to Adjutant, Aug. 23, 1862. Promoted from 2d Lieutenant, Aug. 23, 1862. Promoted to Corporal, May 6, 1863. Promoted to Corporal, May 6, 1862. Disch'gdon Surgeon's certificate, Apr. 10, 1863. Killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. Disch'gdon Surgeon's certificate, Dec. 12, 1862. Disch'gdon Surgeon, s certificate, Feb. i, 1863. 66 Co. C — Coiitiiiucii. Gyles, William G *Hayes, Gibbons... Hughes, Joshua... *Hardee, Caleb P.. *Iford, William Jones, Richard.... Kirk, David E.... ^Kennedy, Amos... *Lynch, James, Jr. Leek, John A Law, Henry H *Messimer, John B Mershon, John H. M' Donald, David. M' Garten, Sani'l H. M'Cullough, W. R. *M'Donald, Richard. *M'Fadien, Thomas.. M'Fadien, John R... M'Clurg, James H... M'Clurg, Daniel H. M'Laughlin, Corn.. *M'Intire, John T.... M'Clean, Allen M'lntyre, John P.... *Newell, John K *Pugh, Townsend.... *Pearson, William.... Pearson. David T Price, William H.... Powell, Allen Rupert, John A Rigdon, Charles H.. *Robinson, Alex'r Rcvburn, Geo. W... *Rigg, Peter C *Spear, CharlesJ Showalter, Jos. M... *Smith, William T... *Stevens, Wm. H *Thomas, Lambdon.. Taylor, John L Worth, W. Harrison *Woodside, Robt. G. *Winger, Bernard.... Walker, Samuel Webster, Alfred Williamson, James.. Private ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ..do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ..do.... ...do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ...do.... do.... Disch'gdon Surgeon's certificate, Jan, lo, 1863. Died at Washington, Sept. 21, 1862. Deserted Dec. 11, 1862. Died at Washington, Peb. i, 1863. Disch'gdon Surgeon's certificate, Oct. 4, 1862. Killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. Disch'gdon Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 25, 1863. Wounded at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1S63. * Deceased. ERRATA. William Pearson should be William H. Pierson. Thos. McFadien should be Thos. McFadden. John R. McFadien should be John R. McFadden. 67 Co. D. *Norris L- Yarnall.... *I. Law. Haldeman... Joseph Pratt *Jos. G. Cummins-... *C. D. M. Broomhall. John Frank Black... Wm. B. Broomall... *Benjamin Brooke.... *Benjamin T. Green., Frederick Eckfeldt., *Edward \V. Lewis... W. J. MacPherson... *W. Wa_yne Vogdcs.. William H. Beatty.. *David\V. Eyre William T. Innis.Jr. John F. Worrelton. Joel HoUingsworth *JosephJ. Hall *James Crozier *Wm. H. Howard.... *H. W. Williamson... *Aitken, James B Brooke, Hunter Boker, Samuel Brinton, Joseph A... Blazier, Stephen M. Black, Harry H *Batting, William *Baker, Cvrus *Bittle, William L.... Bradbury, David *Baker, Daniel B *Cheetliam, James... Cummins, Ric'd R. Cowan, George W.. *Cochran, John R. . . . Crouse, Michael *Davis, Lorenzo P\.. Darlington, Jesse, Jr *Doughty. James *Davidson, Wm. G.. *Duey, Harry R Darlington, Jesse... . *Eckfeldt, Elias *Esben, William Y.. Esry, Charles J Fairlamb, vSalkeld L *Fryer, Jabez F Flounders, Isaac N.. *Ford, Milton Fields, Thomas ^Fielding, Anderson. Captain ist Lt. ..do.... 2dLt.. 1st Sgt. Serg't. ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... Corp.. ..do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ..do.... ..Muc. ...do.... Private ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do. ...do. ...do.... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... Promoted to Major, Aug. i6, 1S62. Promoted from 2d to ist Lieut., Aug. 16, i 62, Promoted from ist Sergeant, Aug. 16, 1862. Promoted from Sergeant, Aug. 16, 1862. Promoted from Corporal, Nov. i, 1862. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 19, 1863 Promoted to Corporal, Aug. 16, 1862. Promoted to Corporal, Aug. 16, 1862. Promoted to Corporal, Aug. 16, 1862. Promoted to Corporal, Aug. 16, 1862. Promoted to Corporal, Oct. 2, 1862. Promoted to Corporal, Oct. 2, 1862 — wounded at Chancellorsville. Promoted to Corporal, Oct. 2, 1862. Promoted to Corporal, Nov. i, 1862. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 15, 1S63. Died Sept. 21, of wounds received at Antietam. Died at Stafford C. H., Va., Feb. 8, 1S63. Died at Bolivar Heights, Va., Oct. 27, 1862 Wounded at Antietam. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate, Feb. 5, 1863. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate, Mar. 21, 1863. Missed in action at Antietam. 68 Co. D — Continued. Griimn, John L, Gamble, William.... Garrett, William H. Gardner, George W. Green, Edward B *Henderson, John H. Howarth, Wm. G... *Heyhurn, BrintonJ. *Ha\vs, Andrew J *Hannum, AlferdJ... Howard , John D Heacock, James H *Hoopes, William H. Hance, Thomas, Jr *Heyburn, William., *Johnson, Philip R.. *Jackson, Edward *King, Rufus *Longmire, N. C *Lintou, James D Miller, George D.... Moore, Charles Martin, William L.. *Moore, James, Jr.... Millson, Millson L. *Newsoni, James *Pike, Casper *Passmore, Rich'dA *Price, Caleb T Pugh, John *Palmer, Samuel H.. Paulding, Henry.... *Palmer, John *Pyle, John M ^Richards, Jacob B.. *Slack, Menanda Stackhouse, Penel.. *Springer, George F *Sorber, James C Smith, Stephen Smith, Mifflin W... Thomas, Benj. F.... Wells, Walker Y.... Waters, James * Watson , Joel E Watkins, Chas. W.. Warburton, Henry., Wall, Christian A'.. Private ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do. ...do. ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... do.... do.... do.... do.... do.... do.... do.... do.... do.... ...do.... do.... do.... do.... do.... do.... do.... do.... do.... do.... do.... Died :\Iar. 12, 1863. Wounded at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863 Wounded at Antietam. Died Oct. 27, 1S62. * Deceased. ERRATA. John F. Worrelton should be John F. Worrilow. John ly. Grimm should be John L. Grim. Casper Pike should be Casner Pike. James Newsom should be James Newsome. Stephen Smith should be Stephen T. Smith Penel Stackhouse should be Pennell Stackhouse 69 *Eciwin Otlcy *Rich. I>. Townscnd. *\Villiain I,yiu-h. Josiali Burnett.. Captain ..do... I St Lt ..do... Thos. J. Townscnd... William H. Burns... Sani'lJ. Thompson. *Williaiii Rodgcrs William Otlcv *Willia:n Kccch David K. Pierce * Franklin Frame *Tolin (j. Hoopes William INIouldcr William Auld George F. Baily ^Thomas W. Taylor.. ^"Andrew Johnson ■'Thomas S. Foster Barton, Josej)!! *Bonncr, James Brown, Moses M *Clia:nberlin, Palme: ^Copeland. Elias W.. *Cox, David *Conway, Thomas *Cooper, Clement ^Cunningham, Wm... *Davis, Henrv M *Dihvorth, Chas. H.. Dugan, Michael *Epright, John J *Fntrican, James Ferrell.John W Ford, Peter Foreman, George B. *Frame, Isaac T *Farra, George D Frame, Gibbons Griffith, Ezekiel R.. Griffith, I'ernandoJ. Gutley, Joseph *Greentield, Jesse Harvev, Isaac L Hall, Joseph W Hampton, Joseph. . . . Ilanna, William H.. *HotTman, Thomas R. Harlan, Edward T... *Howarth, Nathaniel *Heuthorue, Isaac, .2dLt. 1st Sgi vSerg't ...do... ...do... ...do... . Corp. ...do... ..do... ..do... ...do... ...do... ..do... ..do... .Muc. Private ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ..do... ...do... ...do... Co. E. Disch'gdon Surgeon's certificate, Oct. 31, 1S62. Promoted from 2d to ist Lieut., Sept. 15, 1S62 — to Captain Oct. 31, 1S62. Disch'gdon Surgeon's certificate, Sept. 15, 1S62. Promoted from ist Sgt. to 2d Lt., Oct. 17, 1862 —to 1st Lt., Oct. 31, 1S62. Promoted from Sgt. to ist Sgt., Oct. 17, 1S62 — to 2d Lt., Oct. 31, 1862. Promoted from Sergeant, Oct. 31, 1862. Promoted to Corporal, Oct. 17, 1862. — wounded at Chancellorsvillc, May 3, 1863. Promoted to Corporal, Oct. 31, 1S62. Promoted to Corporal, Oct. 17, 1862. Promoted to Corporal, Oct. 17, 1S62. Promoted to Corporal, Oct. 31, 1S62. Died at Washington, D. C, ^lar. i, 1S63. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate, Dec. 9, 1862. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate, Dec. 9, i8d2. Died at Alexandria, Va,, Jan. 25, 1863. Died at Alexandria, Va. , Dec. 29, 1862. Co. E — Coiiti)tin\i. Ingram, Frederick... PriTate *Jester, Vincent do. . . . Jetferson, William do.... Johnson, S. S do.... Kearns, Chas. S do.... Kitzelmau, Chas. H. ...do... ♦King, Temple do... *Mealey, James do... *Mercer, Thomas B do... Mercer, William do... Mendenhall, Clark do... *Miles, Emmor do... Monlder, David do... Marrion, Peter do... Mullen, John do..., *.vrFall, Franklin do.... *M'Collough, Chas do.... M'Fadden, Jacob E do.... M'Nelly, Jesse K do.... M'Fadden, Joseph do M'Connathy, Dan'l. ...do.... Nethery, Byard B do.... *0'Neil , James do Patterson, Frazier do.... Patterson, Oliver R. ...do.... Pierce, Jonathan do.. *Passmore, Jones R do.. Rox, Joseph do.. Rumcr, Wm. H do.. Roberts, Jehu do.. Robb, James do.. *3ourmilk, Valent'e do.. *vStarr, Samuel do.. *Talley, Emmor L do.. *Thorn, Henry do.. Thompson, Geo. ]M. ...do.. Townsend, Wm do.. Tucker, Francis do.. Taylor, Joseph B do.. *Taylor, Chalkley do.. Vincent, Levi do.. nVhitcraft, John G do.. *Williams, Henrv do.. *Windle, Taylor.'. do.. *Wilson, James do.. Williamson, Morris. ...do.. *Woodward, Ryle do ♦Worth, Joseph do.... Williamson, C. C do. Died at Harper's Ferry, Nov. 29, 1S62. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate, Jan, 25, 1863. Deserted Sept. 17, iSb2. Missed in action at Chancellorsville. Missed in action at Autietam. Deserted Sept. 17, 1S62. Deserted Sept. 17, 1S62. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certilicate, Jau. 13, 1S6: Deserted Dec. 10, 1862. Young, Isaac. .do.... Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate. Mar. 9, i86-^. Died at Stafford C. H., Va., Feb. 28, 1863. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate, Jan. 29, 1S63. Deserted Dec. 10, 1862. * Deceased. ERRATA. William Moulder should be Wilmer Moulder. Joseph Gutley should be Joseph Girtley. David Moulder should be Davis Moulder. Ryle Woodward should be Pyle Woodward. Co. r, *Frank Crosbv Captain ...do.... .1st Lt. .2dLt.. 1st Sgt. Serg't. ...do.... *James A. Eicholtz.... Wni. D. Christnian.. W. H. Whitehead... *vStephen Blatchford. Geo. R. Maxton Wni. B. Bunker *Taiiies K.eech ...do.... *Tehu Brooke ...do.... Wm. W. Potts ...do.... *William Gratz ...do.... T Haines Lone'' do.... Patrick Bcriger. *Wm. P. Stephenson. *Tlioiiias T. Smith. .Corp.. ...do.... do. *William Williams... Richard Mercer ...do.... ...do.... Reuben M. Mercer.. *Joseph P. Way ...do.... ...do.... *J. Albert :\Iilner. ... ...do.... *James Maitland ...do.... Joseph W. Martin... *Allison, Joseph F.... *Bedlow, John ..Muc. Private do. Bailey, Mifflin W... *Bailev, Reese M ...do.... do... Baldwin, John S.... do. Battin, Wm. H do.... Beatty, Andrew H... Bride, Robert ...do.... ...do.... ^Brubaker, Abraham. *Burnett, Cyrus J ...do.... do. *Bush, WilHam H ...do.... Bloom, Ingram P ...do.... *Burnett, James ...do.... Chalfant.John J *Daller, Charles ...do.... ...do.... *Daller, William T... Dowlin, Thomas P.. Eyans, Allen ...do.... ...do.... do. Eavenson, R. E ...do.... Fritz, Christian ...do.... *Guest, William A.. . ...do... *Gamble, Peter Hall, Joseph H Hoffecker, Henry... *Houston, Dayid F... Hood, Joseph ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... Hopkins, John .. do.. Hutton, Benj. R . do. Ingram, Albin ...do.... James, Caleb S ..do.... Discharged Sept. 24, 1862. Promoted from 1st Lieutenant, Sept. 24, 1862. Promoted from 2d Lieutenant, Sept. 24, 1S62. Promoted from ist Sergeant, Sept. 24, 1862. Promoted from Sergeant, Sept. 24, 1862. Promoted troin Corporal, Sept. 24, 1862. Promoted from Corporal, Sept. 24, 1S62. Promoted from Corporal, Sept. 24, 1862. Promoted from Corporal, Sept. 24, 1862. Wounded at Antietam — Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate, Feb. 10, 1863. Wounded at Antietam — Disch'gd on Surgeons certificate, Feb. 12, 1863. Promoted to Sergeant Major, Aug. 25, 1862. Wounded and missing at Chancellorsville. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate, Sept. 24, 1862. Absent, sick, at muster out. Discharged Feb. 20, 1863. Co. F — Coiitiiuicd. *Keech, Charles P.... *Kenible, John \V Private ...do.... Kemble, Bushrod H. Leech Michael ...do.... ...do.... T.nve Tames ...do.... Lahay, Michael .... *Loughrani, Michael. *Laird, David *Milligan, Lewis T... *\Tnorp F)avid ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... Marshall, John W... Mercer Evan A ...do.... ...do.... Mercer, Towns'd E.. Mercer F Wills ...do.... ...do.... Martin, I. Walton... ATcvers Tolin ...do.... ...do.... *Monaghan, Hanii'n. M'Clintock, James.. Padan Huph ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... Penniger, Samuel... Pennypacker, A. F.. Parker Robert H ...do.... ...do.... ...do... *Potter. Henrv ...do.... *Pr"ce Issacker ...do.... On inter Creortre. .. ...do.... Reed William ...do.... Root Peter ...do.... Rambo Mahlon, ...do.... Ramstine, Thomas.. Rambaugh, Abram.. Rntherford Tohn... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... *Rennard Wm. H.. ...do.... *Roxborough, Chas,. *Siverd William ...do.... ...do.... Smith, Frank C. ... *Simmons, George B. Snrinp'er W. (t ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... Thomas Tohn ...do.... *Vandever, William.. Wack . Tames ...do.... ...do.... *Wack, Benjamin B.. Weio^les Charles.. ...do.... ...do.... Warner, Napoleon B *Warner, Henry C... White Tohn W ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... Windle, David C Yocum, William ...do.... ...do.... * Deceased. Absent, sick, at muster out. Deserted Aug. i6, 1862. Deserted Oct. 11, 186-'. Deserted Nov. 11, 1862. Died at Frederick, Md., Mar. 11, 1863, of wounds received at Antietam. Died at Frederick, Md. , Sept. 22, 1862. Deserted Oct. 13, 1862. ERRATA. Abram Rambaugh should be Abram Rambo. Hugh Padan should be Hugh Paden. George B. Simmons should be George H. Simmons. 7.1 Co. G. *Edward F. James.... *Philip D. Haines.... nVilliam S. Able *Jas. H. Naylor Joseph N. Marshall.. Henry J. Stager Charles J. Murray.... Markly Davis Jesse Taggart *John W. Crothers.... Alfred Briiiton *Samuel Naylor Jacob E. James Gil'nB. Underwood. *Evan E. Woodward. Lorenzo D. Farra Isaac N. Evans *Ellis W. Ford *Wm. H. H. Smith... Addleman, Wm. H.. Boyer, Collins ^Baldwin, Bird L Baldwin, William P. Bishop, Wavne M... ■^^•Breckenridge, G. W. *Brinton, Thomas *Brosius, Robert H... Buclley, Jesse Collins, Thomas *Carver, Nelson Cool, Mordecai J Care, Henry Connor, George M.. *Dillinger, Samuel L. Dailv, Thomas Daily, John Forbes, Raymond... Frailey, Charles W. Guinney, Jefferson.. Grier, William Guinney, Franklin.. *Gordon, Morgan *Holmes, Philip *Houck, William H. *Holmes, Daniel Herri ngton, Corn's. Hughes, Jacob Ingram, John B Ingram, James H Irwin, Sanford *Jardine, Bethel N.... Jester, Edward B *Jardine, Amos C *Kaiser, George Kent, Samuel R Captain .ist Lt. .2dLt.. 1st vSgt. Serg't. ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... . Corp.. ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ..do.... ..do.... ..do.... .Muc. ..do.... Private ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... ...do.. ...do.. ...do. ...do.... ...do. ...do. ...do.... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ..do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... Promoted from Corporal, Aug. 25, 1S62. Promoted to Quartermaster Sgt. , Aug. 25, 1862. Promoted to Corporal, Aug. 25, 1S62. Promoted to Corporal, Dec. 25, 1S62. Died at Acquia Creek, Va. , April 10, 1S63. Died at Washington, D, C, Apr. 25, 1863. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate, Apr. i, 1863. Died at Penningtonville, Pa., Mar. 19, 1863. Deserted Sept. 17, 1S62. Missed in action at Antietam. Disch'gd on Surgeon's certificate, Dec. 11, 1862. Deserted Sept, 17, 1862. Deserted Sept. 17, 1862. Died Sept. 24, of wounds received at Antietam. 74 Co. G — Continued. *Kcely, Enos Private ...do.... Kerr, Joseph *Lawrence, George... *L,animv, Joseph R.. Lonsr. Robert W.. ...do.... ...do.... ...dc. anils, Thomas R ...do. Mills, John ...do. Mercer, Tosenh .. do. *Martin, Edward N.. Mendenhall, Wni... ...do.... ...do.... *M'Elhaney, Jacob.... *M'Elhaney, James... M'Cue. Amos W.. ...do.... ...do.... ...do... M'Cafferty, Howard. *Newbronj M z; ^,y 1 ^W. 2; -I = 2 '•~> 3 2 C — X 1:-" M) o 2: ,c y. a "3. o PR! Ma li . ._- ^^^^^^^m^ >AB-a ^if '''' ^i It- f X 1 ^^>^' tr 1 i^ 1 ■fi z o c u u in m eft > O U rt V M -n P E o U < < o >> u ^ W < c E »^ C8 r- 14 E o> ;: V N O 3 Ol V a ^^^^^^^^^^M '^ ■i ^^m^^mai W* J '^1 A 1 ip. ^h" d^'^m wK .^ m H' > HLJIM l\.»S% W' i^Hr. ^ "^ m :-^IP! o 60 u . IJ ^ P J -1 -^ ~ n 'X cj - o ci >. U ni ^ )— 1 F S ^ U ra ^ a. u o (J 3 p. >. eg ^ U 5 ^ . V ^ bo P C-i ■" •■ OSS I— ' 3 i u e u :5 W S O £1* Ch CO 2. Qi = U WILLIAM S. ABLE Second Lieute;iant, Company G. WM. H. LITZKNBERG Second Lieutenant, Company B. JOS. G. CUM.MIXS Second Lieutenant, Company D. :5 a 5 ^ ^ 'w) J 5 W.M. S. SNARE Second Lieutenant, Comjiany I. HENRY C. WEr.LS Second Lieutenant, Company K. W M. H. HOWARD. Ir. Musician, Company I). BENJAMIN T. GREEN Sergeant, Company D, i24tli. Captain, Independent Company. WAI^KER Y. WEEES Comjiany D. JOHN PUGH Company D, I24tli. Corporal, Company I, 29th Penna. Emergency. 1. WALTON MARTIN Company F. HARMON G. BOND Company A. \VM. II. BEATTY Corporal, Comjiany D. , ^/^ [P mmmn ''y/3M ^^^^^^^K,__^ HHB - U -J J 5 ■n > t STEPHEN T. SMITH Company D. WM. A. DOBBINS Company B. JOEL. S. GREENFIELD Company C. . c w ^ o ;/) < >. > c -» c tr c c o o w o . 3 >^ c 14 ^ >. E o U O C - i o o C/) U a y >, < c fa S W o N ^- W o ^ s* O o u •►4 H-; u g i-r w D 72 o o < AND GRANDSON, GKO. P. BIODLi:, IQOO. REMINlSCExXCES OF COMRADE GEORGE D. MILLER. Cu.MKADii George D. Mie- i.i:r, of Company D, in De- cember, 1906, related to the historian the following inci- dent : — At Sonth Mountain, while on the march from X'irginia to Antietam we saw a cartload of limbs — mostly legs that had been taken oft" above the knee; it made a great impression un me, as losing a limb was the onlv thing 1 dreaded when 1 decided to enlist. At Antietam, on the 17th of September, when I was wounded and saw the hole in the front of my coat, and put my hand to my back, I thought it was all up with me, and for a month it seemed impos- sible that I could get well, and when I took a turn for the better it was a great disappointment, as I was in. hopes 1 was through m\- earthly troubles. I still have the blouse, with a half moon out of the front and a large hole in the back. The ball entered above the stomach, coming out between the lower two ribs, cutting the c(^lon, from which it discharged for ten days or so. Dr. Linton, of our com- panv. drew a silk handkerchief through the opening, which was about all that could be done. This would not be considered scientific treatn:ent in these "microbe days." After receiving m\- wound Conn"ade Charles Eckfeldt, at my solicitation, hel]^ed me oft' with my belt and knapsack, and as the barrel of his gun had been flattened by a ball, he took mine, and when I left the gutter on the pike, he was firing away, but was never heard of again. His father searched every place; opening- graves, etc. 1S61. 105 SIMON LITZENBERG, LIEUTENANT-COLONEL. Son of Major George Litzenberg, an ofificer in the War of 1812, was born June 26th, 1815. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he recruited a company in the Borough of Media, Pennsylvania, under the name of the "Media Guards," and when the 124th was organized, this com- pany became Company B of that regiment, and he was commis- sioned Captain August 9th, 1862, and Lieutenant-Colonel August 1 6th, 1862. A letter written after the battle of Antietam by the Deputy Secretary of State, which enclosed his commission, says: "I do not know but you should feel a little proud to have received it on the field ; upon a proof of your true soldiership, than to have obtained it in advance of any opportunity to have displayed your qualities. I cannot refrain from saying to you what has been reported to me by many in your regiment, privates and officers, that your conduct and valor were praised by all." At the expiration of term of service, he returned to Chester and resumed his profession as architect. He was a member of Wilde Post, No. 25, G. A. R., and served the city of Chester as Chief of Police for two terms. He died in Chester, November 27th, 1884, and was buried with military honors at Media Cemetery. Litzenberg Post, No. 480, of Clifton Heights, was named in his honor, and as a mark of appreciation, his family presented the Post with his cherished sword. Upon the disbandment of the Post this relic was deposited with Bradbury Post, No. 149, of Media, where it now remains. 106 "V^-^^^^^^p-^^ LIEUTENANT-COLONEL, I24TH REGT. REAIIXISCE.XCE. William G. Kxowles. Sergeant of Company H, under date of lanuarv 12, 1907. furnished the historian with the followino- : As we approached the Antietam battletield, he was so much inipressed with the behef that he would be wounded in the fighi, that he took up the different parts of his body in detail, selecting the part that would inconvenience him least front a wound, and finally selected the left arm. We had just arrived at the front ; the regiment was on its knees, and as we turned to look down the line, the enemy opened an enfilading fire from a battery on right of our line, got our range at once, and a shell in passing grazed his left arm. breaking the bone and bruising the fiesh to the bone, the circular motion of the shell tearing his clothing into strips. He was taken to the rear and lav twenty-four hours without attention ; becoming so stififened he was unable to move his body, proving to him the left arm theory was a fiction. He was carted to a grist mill at Sharpsburg, where he received medical attention. On the first visit of the doctor to him he was surprised to hear him call a consultant, when others he thought more seriously wounded were passed with single attention. He found it was a question whether amputation was necessary, but the wound being so near the shoulder socket rendered amputation dangerous, and he was passed for the time. That afternoon he was transferred to the Court House at Hagerstown. and in a few days, after special treatment and the infiuence of friends, was fortunate in reaching his home with orders to report to the nearest hospital. Sergeant Knowles considers the saving of his arm and. perhaps, his life, due to the kinthiess and interest of Dr. Kerlin, of Media, whose treatment enabled him to reach home. The injury to his arm was such as to prevent him from rejoining the regiment. ICQ REiMINISCENCE. Danid S. Wilkinson, Cor- poral of Company A, furnished the following extracts from his diary, telling of the march to An- tietam, and how he was wounded in that battle. 6th. While in camp near Fort Blenker, in Virginia, we received marching orders, with instructions to leave tents and knapsacks in camp. We started about sundown, and crossed the Potomac at Georgetown into Marjdand, and kept on the march until 3 o'clock 1862. next morning. I will never forget that night, /th. We took up the march about 7 A. M. ; marched all day, and slept in a potato patch. I had boiled potatoes for supper. 8th. We left potato camp in forenoon, and marched through Rockville; we only made about 3 miles. 9th. We started at 10 A. M., and marched aliout 10 miles. I saw a whole lot of soldiers. loth. I was on guard all day; we marched about 15 miles, and I went to sleep without any supper. nth. Started on march without breakfast; we passed through the town of Damascus and encamped for the night. It rained all night and I got wet. I was so hungry that Morgan Pinkerton and I broke camp and found an old house in which an aged couple lived ; they baked us a great, big corn cake and boiled string beans and potatoes. We furnished cofifee and sugar and we had a good time, and gave the old folks a dollar. We ate so much that we could hardly get to camp in the dark and rain. I2th. Started in morning and marched all day; stopped near the Blue Ridge Mountains. I will never forget that day — tired, hungry, and not enough water to drink. I came near giving out, but I stuck to it. 13th. Started at sunrise; marched all day, and stopped near Frederick City for the night. Lieutenant Isaac Finch and I went into town and found an old Chester County man, and he gave us a first-class supper. 14th. Sunday. Started in morning, marched through Frederick City. and crossed Blue Ridge Mountains. We could hear the booming of cannon most all day. After a very hard day we stopped for the night about ic o'clock. no David S. U'i kinsdii. 15th. Marched a short distance early in morning, and stopped to get something to eat. 1 found a cornfield, made a fire, and filled myself full of corn and coffee. Started again about 10 A. M., and passed through Boonesborough to about 2 miles beyond; stopped for the night in a very pretty part of the country. i6th. Started in morning and could hear cannon booming in direction of Harper's Ferry; shells were flying through the air, and I saw one burst and kill two men. All 1 could get to eat during the day was a few army crackers, but in the evening live steers were driven into camp and killed. Started march again at 11 P. M., and marched until 3 A. M., when we lay down in the mud in a plowed field. 17th. As soon as daylight came the ball was opened; a shot was fired and I heard a soldier say: "Hello, do you hear that? Some fellow is out shooting squirrels this morning." But that single shot was soon followed by a volley, and we knew that a fight was on and that we were near it. We were hurried forward, and Company A passed through Miller's yard, crossed the pike, past the barn into the field, advanced part way up the hill, and lay down. We were soon ordered up, and the Rebs fired at us ; one ball took off my cap and nearly took my little finger, and one passed through the right sleeve of my coat. We were again ordered to he down, and in a few^ minutes were ordered forward. I had fired about three loads when a ball went through my leg. Some comrades helped me to the rear of a farm-house about 2 miles away. From there I was taken to Hagerstown. 26th. I was taken to Chambersburg, and on the 29th to Harrisburg. My leg gathered and I had intermittent fever. Noz'ember. 15th. I was discharged, and on November 21st was sent home to Coatesville. The doctor said I would never get well. [Note: — When Corporal Wilkinson sent the above records to the historian in December. 1906, he said, "the doctor evidently didn't know, for I am here yet."] Ill REAIIXISCEXCE. JoKL HoLLixcsw'ORTH, Coi'poral of Company D, relates the followiiii;" incidents : The comrades who took part in the march from Viri^inia to Antietam will, no donht, reniember that we were withont tents, and that when we halted, near Frederick City, with a prospect of a few hours' rest, some hustled for water to wash with, and others for fence rails, straw, etc., to make beds. Among the fortunate ones (or rather unfortunate as it afterward proved to be) was Jack, who had spied a straw stack, and the way to it was up a steep hill ; Jack made the climb and was almost back to camp with two large bundles when he met General Meade. The General said, — "Young man, where did you get that straw?" Jack replied, "up there on the hill." The General said, — "Well, you take it back." Jack said, — "General, I suppose I will have to obey your order, but if you were not wearing shoulder straps, I'll be d if I would." The General dismounted, pulled off his coat, threw it on the saddle, turned to Jack and said, "now, young man, the straps are out of the way, you take that straw back." Jack took the straw back, and had to make two trips to doit. It is needless to say that there was niore than a little profanity used in the two trips, and I doubt if the old fellows at the present time could fill it in properly. During the Chancellorsville campaign. General Slocum and staff were standing on a bluft' near Germania Ford, looking; at the engineer corps throwing a pontoon bridge across the Rap- ]3ahannock River. I walked over to see what was going on. While there a small pig came running up the bank in front of me. I ran my bayonet through it, and, shouldering my gun, was marching off with the pig, wdien one of the staff officers spied me and said, — Young man, it is very evident you have done that trick before. I told him that I had often practised it, but this was the tirst time I had been successful, and I told him if he would examine the pig he would find that it wasn't a tame one, but was a "razor back" that had been scared out of the woods. J 12 C^^/^^U/ .Vv /^^<^-^t_<^/<_ MAJOR-GENERAL GEO. G. MEADE. i9o6. REMINISCENCES OF WILLIAM W. POTTS, SERGEANT COMPANY F. \\OUNDED AT BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. \\'hen the 124th Regiment was en- camped at Arhngton, the night after the second battle of Bull Run, orders were received to send a detail under a commissioned officer to form a picket line in the rear of Arlington. A tletail was made from Company F, under comn^'and of Captain Crosby — the line was formed as ordered. It was a rainy night and at about 10 o'clock I was ordered to report to the Captain ; he said "Sergeant, I am going back to camp. I'll be ■ if I 1863. will stay out here in the rain, and if a commissioned officer is needed dur- ing the night. I order you to represent me." About midnight there was an alarm on the line. I went to investigate and found a Brigadier-General in command of a brigade, who wished to pass through the lines. He told me that he was just in from Bull Run and had orders to report to Chain Bridge. I asked for the countersign. He said he hadn't any. I asked him what regiments were in his brigade, and he told me what they were ( I think they were mostly New England regiments). I went along the line and questioned the men and found his statements correct. I told him that I found everything all right, but as I couldn't give him the countersign, I would lead him through the lines, which I proceeded to do, and as we were halted by the guards, I went forward and gave the countersign and told them what was com- ing. When we got through the lines and I was about to bid him good night, he asked me what regiment I belonged to. I told him Company F, 124th Penna. He said, "Sergeant, you should have a commission, and I will see that you get one." He had been drowning his sorrow at the defeat at Bull Run and was slightly elated as a result. I haven't received that commission vet. 117 I heard the next clay that the 53CI Pennsylvania Regiment (Col, John R. Brooke), was camped in our vicinity; as the Colonel and I were comrades in the first call for 75,000 troops, I went over to see him. I found him stiff and ragged ; one eagle shot from his shoulder, and the other hanging by the tip of its wing. While we were talking, a motley, ragged crowd came marching past, some of the men leading one and two-year-old colts, and an old fellow on a horse leading some ; the man and the horses were in keeping with the crowd that was following ; he wore an old straw hat, with a loose crown and a tuft of hair sticking through the opening. I asked Col. Brooke if that motley crowd was the ragged militia. His reply was "don't you say anything against those boys — that is fighting Dick and the Irish Brigade." Fight- ing Dick was General Richardson, who was wounded at Antietam, and died shortly after. Col. Brooke is now Major-General John R. Brooke, retired. He was one of the volunteer officers of the Civil War, and as one of his men expressed, "he was one of the kind that said come on." Shortly after the above, we started on the march for Antietam ; we halted at Rockville to let Burnside's Corps pass. I remember the halt at Frederick, and the wading through the IMonocacy Creek. How we marched up the valleys, and down the valleys, and had constantly in sight that bald-headed mountain, sometimes march- ing toward it and sometimes away from it, the boys asking what they were trying to do with them. The only solution we could get was that it was some of McClellan's strategy — that he was march- ing us around to fool the Rebs. We could hear the cannons boom- ing in the distance. I remember how slippery the soles of our shoes got from tramp- ing through the fields and how, when our toes would catch in a dew-berry vine, we would pitch headlong, too tired and stiff to recover, and how when we halted for a rest, we would stretch out on our backs, and when the order was given to "fall in," we wofild roll over and climb u]) our musket to get on our feet again. We marched from 7 A. M. until 2 A. ]\[. before going into camp. Some of our mess were completely played out, and their feet were bleeding. They begged us to fall out as they could not go any further. About 10 o'clock P. M. a number of us fell out and got together in a worm fence corner. We laid there, intending to wait for the troops to pass so that we might cook 118 some coffee, but we soon fell asleep, showing that we were more tired than liunyry. About midnight we were awakened by some- thing tramping over us. We thought we had the night-mare, but it proved to be an army mule ; we heard a party searching for it and we prodded it with our bayonets, as we did not wish to be found in such company ; in fact, we didn't want to be found at all. When daylight came, not having any toilet to make, we cooked some grub and started to find our regiment. We had not gone far when we were overtaken by Lieutenant Whitman, ot General Crawford's stafif. I had partaken quite freely of cider, having some left in niv canteen, I treated the Lieutenant, and appointed him "Gigadier Brindle" to take us into camp. Aftei he had drained the canteen he seemed c^uite elated over the appointment, and we started ; we gathered up stragglers as we marched along, and when we arrived at camp we had more men than the Colonel went into camp with the night before. We learned that the cannons we heard the day before were at the battle of South ^Mountain, and that we were the reserve, and that it was a part of little Mac's strategy to tire us out so that we would have to fight if we got into it as we were too tired to run away. I must tell you more about the cider incident. Before the Lieutenant had caught up to us, we passed an orchard, and a lot of us went for the apples. We had been subsisting on green corn for several days and we thought a change of diet would be bene- ficial, especially as the corn had got too old to eat. When I went into the orchard, I found something I had never seen before — a large tub on a bench, with one thick stave and a plug in tlie stave; an earthen crock and a hammer were near by. ( )n investigating, I discovered that the plug had been hammered. and by gently tapping it upward a small stream of cider came out. On tasting it I found it O. K. and partook freely of it. 1 then filled my canteen and after that the crock. By that time the boys had gathered a goodly pile of strawberry apples. I yelled to them that I had found some bully cider — they left the apples and made for the cider. I gave them the crock, and while they were enjoying themselves over it I went for the apples, and soon had my haversack full. We marched so fast the dav before that our wagon train coul\d me there was a barrel there for me; I went with him. Everything in it was splendid. It 1.35 contained a turkey- (roasted), boots, gum overcoat, apples, sausage, scrapple, etc., etc. 17th. Cold this morning; two hours on guard seemed long. I went into camp. Had roast turkey for dinner; it was fine. There were four of us ; we had a good time. We received orders to march hy daylight ; we cooked some meat. Orders have been flying around lively to-day. i8th. Orders to move countermanded until to-morrow morning. Clark and I did some washing; made a cap cover apiece out of my gum blanket. We cooked some meat and fixed up ready for marching. 19th. The drivers connnenced feeding their horses and nnilcs and bringing them over to the wagons ; some of the mules hard to catch ; swearing done to perfection. We expected to start early, but did not get off until I P. M. We crossed the Occoquan again, and went beyond about 4 miles; we made 12 miles in all. 2Cth. Started at 7 o'clock this morning; went through Dumfries, and continued 2 miles. Made 10 miles to-day ; rained, and we got some wet. Dumfries is a very poor place, only a few houses in it. Roads are frozen with deep ruts in places ; horses and mules got their feet fast, fell down, and had a gay time. 2ist. Rained all night and day; were late starting. Roads awful bad; wagons stalling all the time — had to pull each other out ; some of the teams hardly got started. We only went 4 miles. 22d. We sat up all night l)y the fire in the rain and mud, the mud aljout half knee deep. Raining this morning; we unloaded some of the wagons and sent them back to help others along. The roads are still awful; the teams stalled so often that we could not get along; only made 4 miles. Our rations gave out this evening — and no signs of getting more. 23d. It looks like clearing off. but does not get it done. Wagons did not all get up last night. Wc unloaded some and sent them back to help others ; part of the train went on ; the Connecticut boys went with them ; the rest of the train: came in the evening, we stayed all night. Got no rations yet ; we begged some crackers, 1 parched some corn, had Itean soup for supper. News came that Burnside was 20 miles below Fredericksburg. 24th. Started again this morning; had nothing for breakfast except a little coffee without sugar. Went about 4 miles to Stafford Station; halted a little while by the brigade commissary, where we begged a few crackers. We soon corraled and stopped for the night. We got a few rations from camp. 2Sth. Got some breakfast and five pounds of crackers ; signed the pay rolls this evening, are to be paid to-morrow. Jesse Greenfield, of Companj^ E, died of typhoid fever to-day in hospital at Alexandria. 26th. Paymaster is in camp at last; paid us three months' wages. I was paid from July 2Sth to November ist. I received $40.73. and sent home $30. 27th. About half our regiment went out 3 miles on picket duty ; wet all dav; had an unpleasant time picketing for deserters. 136 28th. Commenced snowing about 4 o'clock this morning: \vc were relieved at noon, went back to camp ; had a wet tramp. 29th. Continued snowing initil noon; it is about 6 inches deep. I'l'hniary. 4th. One of the coldest days we have had. I went to Ijrigade commis- sary for some things; all I could get was five pt)unds of hardtack — ratiotjs rather scarce. 5th. Snowed in morning, turned to rain in afternoon. I was on camp guard; we had six relieves; very unplea.sant standing. 7th. Harry Davis and 1 went to the shoemakers in the 82d Ohio Regiment to get our boots mended; I had burned mine at the toe. 8th. A splendid day; birds singing, very spring-like. Our company went out on picket this morning; did not go far, as our line is changed. The password to-night is "Old Point." 9th. We were relieved early this morning. Quite a talk in camp about the regiment being brigaded again. Some say we will be sent to the front, and others say we are going back toward Washington. Had regimental drill. Ilth. Company F and ours went to work on a corduroy road. It commenced to snow and rain about i P. M. ; we quit and went back to camp. General Kane is having the road made to his landing, about 3 miles. It is quite a job, and will take some time to finish it the way we work ; we do not go at it very hard. I2th. Was out drilling to-day. Lieutenant Newlin took command of our company while we tried the skirmish drill, the first time I had drilled it ; our captain does not understand it — he knows nothing but the old- style of forward march, etc. 13th. Company F and ours went out on picket ; the password for to-night is "Hambleton.'' 14th. Last night, while on picket, I slept on two logs in front of the fire; burned one side, froze the other; no one came along to bother us. Relieved this morning, went into camp. Nothing new to be heard or seen. Corporal Taylor got a furlough to go home for ten days; several are going home from the regiment; the adjutant and a captain or two are now at home. 15th. Rained most of the day; very dull in camp; we lay in our tents, get lonesome this kind of a day ; do not know what to do or how to do it. i6th. We went out on corduroy road again ; I did not feel very well and did not do a bit of work. Soldiers will not work hard. 17th. Snowed all day; about 6 inches fell, mixed with rain. Very unpleasant and dismal in camp on such a day. i8th. Stopped snowing and turned to rain, a very disagreeable day. Our company ordered out on picket. I had the good luck to miss it. 19th. On camp guard to-day ; we have eleven reliefs, only two on at a time. Bought a pound of butter for 65 cents; quite a good price, and a little strong. The picketers came in; it rained hard all night, and they had a bad time of it. 20th. Cleared off. Harry and T did some washing — two shirts, one 137 pair drawers, and one pair of hose each; do not think nuich of being washerwoman. 2ist. Our company went on fatigue dutj' on that corduroy road. I had the good luck to miss going. 22d. Commenced snowing last night and continued through to-day; snowed fast ail the time, keeping us in our bunks most of the day. Heard a great number of guns fired off in honor of Washington's Birthday; had it been a fine day, a greater demonstration would no doubt have been made. 23d. Company F and ours received orders to get three days' rations, take shelter tents, and report for three days' fatigue duty ; we w^ent to Captain John P. Green, of General Kane's staff, and he said that he had received a telegram that we were not wanted. We went back to our quarters, all well pleased. Snow is about 8 inches deep. 24th. Snow is not melting much. We cut and brought in a lot of wood; it is getting scarce near camp. We drew three loaves of soft bread to-day. 25th. Company F and ours went out on picket. I got on the post with the lieutenant and sergeant, tei* of us together next to the landing; we stood about one and a half hours each. The captain of the picket came at 8 o'clock. He said that he had received orders from the general that three brigades of Rebel cavalry were in our rear, and that it was thought they intended to make a raid on the landing. 26th. It conunenced to rain at 2 o'clock this morning; we were relieved at 9 o'clock ; when we started for camp it was foggy and we got lost, and came out below the 125th Pennsylvania. The Rebel cavalry did not put in an appearance. The 125th Regiment was out watching for them. 27th. I took one of my boots to the shoemaker ; it is burned. We drew three days' rations of fresh bread again to-day. Received orders to be ready to go on picket duty in the morning. 28th. Company F and ours went on picket this morning. We got at the farthest post up the creek. Our regiment was mustered for pay; the orderly gave an account of where we were, which made us all right. Chalkley Taylor died in his bunk this morning of typhoid fever; he had not been sick long. March. 1st. Commenced to rain about i A. M., continued until we were relieved; had a bad night of it. We were not troubled with any visitors. James Entrikin died to-day in the hospital in Washington. 2d. All of our regiment that were able and not on other duty went out to work on our new bunks ; we are going to move to a splendid place, about 2 miles from our present camp. T worked with John W. Ferrill and Joseph Girtley; we had but one a.xe between us; we carried logs enough for two liunks. 3d. Company A and ours went out on picket ; they changed the picket line this morning, putting it farther out. General Williams re\iewed the division to-day; we missed it. 4th. Company K, of our regiment, relieved us this morning. We went in by our new camp ground. General Kane had the brigade out on review. We received orders to be ready for inspection to-morrow. T received a 138 box from home; everything is splendid. Jake and Bill also got theirs, and the things are good. We will live fine for a while. 5tli. We formed in line for inspection, bnt no inspection officer came, and we were dismissed and ordered to be ready for to-morrow. 6th. Lay all day in readiness for inspection, bnt it did not come off. Our company received orders to be ready for picket to-morrow. Company A presented their captain (Roberts) with a sword; it is a splendid one. 9th. The pickets did not go out, ordered to stay in for inspection. Lieutenant-colonel of the 46th Pcnnsjdvania Volunteers came in afternoon and inspected us; our company took the "rag off the bush" — had the best guns. Company H buried one of their men (J. Ephraim Lobbj to-day; a great many of the regiment went up to see him buried. loth. Snow-ed and rained. The pickets went out this morning. Orders came to move to new quarters ; some of our company got moved. nth. Nearh' all the regiment moved into the new quarters. I2th. The regiment was called into line at 3 o'clock this morning and kept in line until daylight; the Guerillas are in our rear; the whole division was up, as an attack was feared. 13th. As a precaution against an attack, the regiment was ordered into line at 4 A. M.. and kept there until daylight. 14th. I did some washing; we fixed our chimney, building it higher; it would smoke ; it does finely since we fixed it. We received orders to be ready to go on picket duty to-morrow morning. 15th. Company A and ours went out on picket; they went to the mill and we to the landing. Much thundering and lightning in the evening and at the same time it was snowing and hailing right fast. The Yorkers had oysters for sale at the landing; we captured some during the night, had a good time eating them ; some were frozen, but they were real good. i6th. Company G relieved us this morning. When McNelly and I came off guard, at i A. M., we went to the oyster bed and got about half a bushel ; we took them up to the fire and had a good feast. Taylor got a box from home ; the things kept good in it. I went after my boot that I had given the shoemaker to mend, but did not get it ; he had lost it. 17th. A pleasant day for St. Patrick. Early this morning we received orders to clean and pack up and be ready to be reviewed by General Hooker. We formed in line at 2 P. ]\L, and went to the drill ground. General Kane put us through for a while, then General Williams reviewed us. General Hooker did not come. We had a fine breakfast and dinner out of Taylor's box. i8th. We went out to drill this morning. General Kane took charge for a short time, when we received orders that we were to be reviewed at noon ; we went to camp, got our knapsacks, fixed up, and went out near Stafford ; the wdiole division was out there, and we were reviewed by General Slocum. We expected to see General Hooker, but he did not come. A short while after we returned to camp, the officers all along the line shouted "fall in, fall in ;"' we were soon in line. igth. Company D and ours went on picket this morning; they went to the mill, and we to the landing. The division was reviewed by General 139 1 looker. 1 did not gel to see him. There are a great many ducks tlying about tile landing. Jolli. We were relieved l)y Company 1 this morning; we did not receive any countersign last night. It C( mmenced to snow at 7 A. JM. and kept it up all day. 2lst. Snow and rain. It is reported that we are to he brigaded again, the r25lh Pennsylvania \'ohmteers and our regiment to leave this brigade. 22(1. Report this morning said we are to go in General Geary's Division ; his headquarters are now at Acqnia Creek Landing, and we are to move in a few days. We received orders about noon to clean our guns and be ready for inspection at three. We are still condemned, so we are going to try it again. The major of the 20lh Connecticut reviewed us; our guns looked hue. 23d. Our company and 1) went on picket; we got to the mill this time. We received orders to be ready to march to-morrow morning. 24th. We formed in line and started about g this morning. Lieutenant- Colonel Lil/ccnberg led us; he got lost, and the regiment became divided. We had a gay time getting to Acquia Landing; reached there about i P. M. We are now in General John W^ Geary's Division, the Second. 25th. General Kane had the brigade out on review ; he has five regiments now — jgth, logth, I nth, 124th, and 125th, all Pennsylvania troops. The general made a speech to the officers, shook hands with them, and made quite a fuss. Some of the boys are log- ging up; we cut and carried' ours. 2()th. We logged our bunk up, four logs high; did not put any fireplace in il this time, thought it wouKl not pa\'. Harry was detailed as clerk for Cap- tain John P. Green, assist- ant adjutant-general of General Kane's stafif. Our captain then detailed me as his clerk, in Harry's place; it exempts me from picket and guard duty, etc. 27th. General Geary re- viewed our brigade; after that, General Kane put us through several times, passing review, etc. Had dress parade in afternoon, 140 JOHN VV. GEARY, MAJOR-GENERAL. and the colonel told us that we would be reviewed to-nKirrow by Andrew G. Curtin, Governor of Pennsylvania. 28th. Captain and 25 men of our company went cut on fatigue duty, to work on llie railroad; it rained so hard that they came in aliout noon. The review did not come off. 29th. Had company inspection by Lieutenant-Colonel Litzenberg. 30th. Were inspected in morning by Lieutenant Thomas Lieper, of General Kane's Staff. General Kane was also there, and had us go through the manual of arms, etc. Regimental drill and dress parade in afternoon. Snowed in evening. 31st. Snow continued this morning, then turned to rain. Cleared off in evening, and we had parade. April. 1st. Ball playing the leading amusement this morning. Company D had a sham dress parade; it was right good. Regimental and brigade drill in afternoon. 2d. Regimental drill in forenoon. Generals Slocum and Geary inspected the camp in the afternoon. A man is going through the regiment getting subscriptions for a soldiers' memorial ; nearly all of our company subscribed. 5th. Snowed in the morning and continued until nearly noon. Captain and 40 men of our company were on fatigue duty at the landing. This is Easter Sunday, but we had no eggs, and had to be satisfied with hard- tack. President Lincoln went down the railroad towards Falmouth. 9th. The regiment was out drilling in the forenoon and cleaning up camp in the afternoon. The President is to review the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps to-morrow near Stafford Court House. loth. We started early this morning for the review; we reached Stafford Court House some time before the President made his appear- ance. He came on the field with General Hooker; his wife and son were there, also Generals Slocum, Geary, Williams, Kane, Green, Knipe, Gordon, and others. The President reviewed us and we passed in front of him, and when we returned to camp it was nearly sundown ; we were quite tired. nth. We were mustered this forenoon by Lieutenant-Colonel Litzen- berg. About noon there was quite a volley of musketry, with some artillery, towards the front. We heard it very plainly. The whole brigade was called into line, our regiment w-ent to the front of the camp of the 125th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and stacked arms; it proved they had no use for us, and we went back to our quarters. I2th. The regiment was inspected this morning by our lieutenant- colonel, and in the afternoon by General Kane; it was not very satisfac- tory, and it is to be done over again to-morrow. 13th. The boys busy all forenoon cleaning their guns, etc. Had regimental inspection in afternoon. T4th. We received orders to prepare to march by to-morrow nnon. with five days' rations in knapsack and three in haversack; also ordered to 141 send a\va\' our surplus clothing. I sent my overcoat, dress coat, and two pairs hose ; took them to the quartermaster — they were sent to Washington. 15th. Preparing for the march ; some very strict orders read in regard to straggling, etc. \\'e are to have five days' rations of hard bread, sugar, coffee and salt in our knapsacks by taps to-night. i6th. Rained harder at times than it has before since we have been out. Expected orders to march, Init none came ; we were well pleased. Report says we are to be paid to-morrow. ijtii. Xo marching orders yet. The paymaster (Major Sherman) came to headquarters about noon; he paid the 125th, then ours. We received four months' pay ($52). Captain is going to send the money to Chester County Bank and give checks to the men. iSth. Captain and I counted the money to be sent home; there was $3,161, of which the captain sent $500, first lieutenant, $300, and second lieutenant. $370. We sent it by express. igtii. The knapsacks of regiment were inspected by Captain Bailey; he wanted to see if all had five days' crackers in them. General Hooker had consultation with President Lincoln, Secretary Stanton and General Halleck on a boat at the lanxiing. 20th. An order came into camp from General Hooker to be read to every company of nine months' and two years' men, now in the field, in reference to re-enlisting, promising a furlough of thirty days to all who would re-enlist; it had little eft'ect in our company, as all want to go home too badly. 21 St. We were called into line early this morning, without guns, etc., marched out, and formed three sides of a hollow square; the major made a few remarks relative to our time being nearly up and the dutj- we still owe our country, etc. He then read the order of yesterday again, also a report of the line officers as to the feelings of the men in regard to it, which was unanimously adopted. 22d. Regimental and company drill and target practice. 23d. Rained hard at times; nothing going on, kept close to our bunks all day. 26th. Orders to march to-morrow morning with eight days' rations of hard bread, coft'ee, sugar, salt, and three days' of pork. [Note by Historian — The records from this date to ^^lay 6th iiicltide details of the march and the part the 124th took in the battle of Chancellorsville.] 27th. We started at 7 this morning, marched through Stafford Court House, and on toward the Rappahannock ; did not stop for dinner, but continued on until 6 o'clock. Made about 15 miles. 28th. The adjutant came around at 3 o'clock to wake the men. He said we w-ere to start at 4.30. We marched by Hartwood and Grovewood churches, halted an hour to cook coft'ee, then marched on, quite fast at times; halted in a woods at 5.30 for the night; marched about 20 miles, some say more. 29th. Called up at 4 this morning; starting at 6, we cr(5ssed the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford early in the forenoon, marched very hard part of the time. While stopping in the afternoon for dinner, the Eleventh Corps passed us. We crossed the Rapidan at 10 o'clock in the evening — it was a splendid sight. We took ahout 60 prisoners, they heing engaged in building a bridge over the river. Marched 12 miles; rained at times. 30th. Started at 8 this morning, our regiment heing in the advance; heavy skirmishing in our rear. Rel)els shelled our train with two pieces of artillery, but did no harm. We took several prisoners; they talk very spunky. Stopped at 4 o'clock along a cart road in the woods. Made about 15 miles. May. 1st. Inspected and mustered in the morning. Our division went out about ir o'clock, had a skirmish, and took a ford. We came back to where we stayed last night; the Rebels following us, had quite a skirmish. We put up breastworks in the night with our bayonets and plates; it was a splendid sight. 2d. Worked and lay on our arms all night. Commenced fighting at sunrise. The Rebels came up the plank road in solid column ; our artillery opened on them, and mowed them down awfully. They fell back; it was sharp while it lasted. We were ordered out in the afternoon, went down the plank road, had quite a heavy fight ; we fell back in our intrenchments. 3d. Artillery fighting kept up all night ; it was splendid. The Rebels opened on our center at daylight ; hard fighting ; the Eleventh Corps broke, and we had to retire from our intrenchments. I got lost from the company. The Rebels shelled and burned our hospital and came nearly up to our cannon. William Otley was wounded. I left my knapsack, the bullets coming too thick and fast for me to bother with it. Several of us fell back toward the river. Had no coffee, not allowed to make a fire. 4th. The Rebels opened with a battery at daylight; they tried to shell our hospital across the river ; our cavalry soon captured the battery. Our squad, that had remained near the river all night, went down to the ford, got crackers, and then returned to our regiment. We lay quiet until evening, when Colonel Higgins. of the 125th Pennsylvania, marched his and our regiment to the rear of Green's Brigade. 5th. We remained in rear of Green's Brigade all night, firing at times, but not close. Cannonading kept up all night about Fredericksburg. We lay by our guns ready to move at a moment's notice. This morning we were ordered to build breastworks. Xot much firing to-day; could see a Rebel battery and plenty of Rebs. Had heavy thunder-gust in afternoon. We were ordered to hold ourselves in readiness to move at a moment's warning; fell in line about 10 in the evening. Rations rather slim. 6th. Rained during the night and was quite cool. We stood in line and around fires from 10 last night till 4 this morning, when we started, and marched over the river at United States Ford; was broad daylight when we got over. The army was crossing all night. We marched by 143 Hartwood Church and on to where we stopped on the night of April j/lh. Marched about i8 miles; part of the time it rained and was unpleasant. jth. Started about 7 this morning, marched to Stafford Court House, stopped and got crackers. Generals Slocum and Geary were there. Geary made a short speech. We then went on to our old camp near Acquia Landing, reaching there at 4 P. M. Very glad to get back, and quite tired. I had a cracker and a half-tin of coffee, without sugar, for my breakfast. 8th. All appeared to he tired enough to lie quiet to-day. 9th. We received orders to-day that we were discharged, our term of service having ended, and were to start for Harrisburg on Monday. 1 lost 7 pounds on the last march. [Note by Editor — The records from this date until arrival of regiment in Harrisburg, are similar to those of Broomhall and Stager.] S.VMUEL W. CRAWFORD, BRIGADIER-OENEKAL. 144 lO ■^' izC/^^^^^^^^^^ • RE\'EREXD JOSEPH S. EVANS. Son of Thomas and Phebe (Spragg) Evans, was born in Mount Holly, New Jersey, September 15, 1831. When two years of age, his parents moved to Chester County, Pa., where his youth and early manhood were spent in farming and teaching in the township school. In 1855. he matriculated at what is now- Buckncll L'niversity, Lewisburg, Pa., but, owing to ill health, was unable to linish the course. Feeling that he was, in an especial manner, called to the Lord's work, he took charge of the services of Goshen Baptist Church, in November, i860, as a licensed preacher, and in November, 1861, w^as regularly ordained into the ministry of the Baptist denomination, preaching his first sermon as pastor of the Goshen church on the third Sunday of the same month. When he felt it his duty to answer his country's call, he offered his resignation to the church, but it was not accepted, and he was asked to go into the army as its pastor. On September 13, 1862, he was mustered into the 124th as chaplain, and in four days thereafter ministered to his wounded and dying comrades at the Battle of Antietam. On account of ill health, he was honorably discharged January 9, 1863. Return- ing home, he resumed the pastorate of his church, and at this writing, January, 1905, he occupies the pulpit when his health will permit, thereby making a continuous service of forty-three years. He has been chaplain of the 124th Regimental Association since its organization, and has always taken an active part in its work. A noble, Christian character. 147 c REMINISCENCES OF CHAPLAIN JOSEPH S. EVANS. I was appointed Chaplain of the 124th Regiment by Governor Curtin, September 11, 1862; this was ahnost a month after the regiment had left West Chester for Harrisburg, to be mustered into service. Immediately after my appointment, I left West Chester and proceeded to Washington, D. C, expecting to find the regiment there. Arriving in that city in the afternoon, I found, to my dismay, that, owing to General Lee's invasion of Maryland, the 124th had started on its march toward Frederick City, Md. It was necessary for me to remain in Washingon until the next morning and I stopped at Willard's Hotel. Here I had th pleasure and privilege to see, for the first time, Major-General Mansfield, who had recently been appointed Commander of the corps of which our regiment formed a part. He was a fine speci- men of the true soldier ; his hair was snowy white, his bearing that of the true and noble man. C)n Friday morning, September 12th, Joseph P. Wilson, a relative of Major-General McClellan. and I started in a buggy to overtake the regiment, which we did at Frederick City next morning. On Sunday morning the whole division started on a march toward South ^lountain, where it was expected that a battle would soon take place between the two armies. After marching until noon and gaining the apex of the range of hills beyond Frederick City, we beheld a most wonderful panorama on the opposite side of the beautiful valley lying between the two ranges of mountains. We could see thousands of men marching across the vallev, which lay, as it were, at our feet, while the battle was raging on the mountain beyond. This continued until darkness compelled the two armies to desist ; this they did not do until it was so dark that all w^e could see, as we neared the foot of the mountain, was the continued flashing fire from General Burn- side's batteries, located on the right, well up the mountain side. Soon these became c|uiet, but as we lay along the turnpike we could hear the rattling of the ambulances and the groans of the wounded who were being taken off the field to the improvised hospitals below. This continued until early dawn, when the whole LTnion Armv was astir expecting to renew the battle at daylight, 14S Chaplain Jnscpli S. I^tviis. when, to our suqjrise, it was found that General Lee had with- drawn his whole army, and was moving toward Antietam, along the Boonesboro road. On the afternoon of the i6th, the Rebel army, having taken a stand on the hills and ridges surrounding Sharpsburg, skirmishing between the two armies commenced; and not until darkness again reigned over us. did it cease. During the night General McClellan was arranging for the deadly conflict which all knew must come in the morning. At midnight the order came for that portion of the army to which the 124th had been assigned, to march in silence about two miles, until it had reached the right wing of the line. Here, about three o'clock in the morning, we halted and' the men lay down on the wet ground ( for it had rained in the early morning) to get a little rest. At break of day of the 17th, and before the men could prepare anything to eat. the tremendous attack of the Rebels, who were strongly intrenched, commenced. The men of the regiment were marched into line at the edge of the famous cornfield, where thev met the deadly fire of the enemy. They held their ground and valiantly repulsed the fierce onslaughts. During the whole day. from daybreak until dark, they were never, except temporarily, driven back of the line that they had assumed at daylight, although they had driven the Rebels back for quite a distance. Quite early in the fight our noble Commander. General Alans- field, was killed, while riding his horse m front of his troops. Our Colonel, Joseph W. Mawley, was grievously wounded earlv in the conflict and was carried from the field. Brigadier-General Crawford, who succeeded General Mansfield, was also wounded and compelled to leave the field. The battle raged until darkness compelled a cessation. This, in brief, was the experience of the Chaplain within six days after he had left his quiet and peaceful home and family, in West Chester, to perform his duties amid shot and shell and bloody carnage during that fearful day. when one of the greatest and most decisive battles of the war was fought. 149 Glenside, Pa., November 26, igo6. Mr. Robert M. Green. My Dear Comrade: In compliance with your request for information pertaining to the 124th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, I take pleasure in sending herewith extracts from my daily records of events as they transpired during the entire nine months' service of the regiment. As you are aware. I was sergeant of Company G. I enclose, with my diary extracts, my recollections as to how that company was recruited. You are at liberty to use the enclosed records or an\' portion of them that in your iudgment will be appreciated by the survivors or their descendants. I remain, Yours fraternally, Henry J. Stacer. 150 RECRUITING OF COMPANY G, OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOURTH. FROM MEMORANDA OF HHXRY J. STAGER. In the summer of 1862. while tlie Army of the Potomac was fighting on the X'irginia peninsula, and the Union troops had met defeat after defeat in their attempt to reach the Rebel capital, the news of the big battle struck the patriot hearts of the North- ern people with sympathy and anxiety, and when steps were being taken to respond to President Lincoln's new call for troops, some of the bovs in the J'illas[c Record office, at West Chester, Pa., started to organize a company, and styled it the Junior Sons of America ; these were re-in forced by some of the boy members of the Fame fire company, of the same town. Quite a following was secured, and they were about to tender their services to Governor Curtin when Parson Brownlow, of Southern loyal fame, came to West Chester and addressed a mass meeting in the Court House, upon the issues of war. The Boy Company attended the meeting, and at its close, when a call was made for volunteers, thev responded to the appeal, and amid much enthusiasm and applause, signed the roll, and in a few days thereafter the company was complete, and it became Company G, of the 124th, and Edward F. James its Captain. EXTRACTS FROM DIARY OF HENRY J. STAGER. SERGEANT COMPANY G, I24TH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. Enlisted in Captain James' Company at West Chester. Pa., July 31, 1862, furloughed until .\ugust 6th. August. gth. Saturday. Six full companies left West Chester for Harrisburg at 2 P. M. Arrived there at 9 P. M., and quartered in State Capitol. loth. Breakfasted at depot refreshment saloon, then marched to Camp Curtin, and began camp life; salt pork and hardtack tirst rations. nth. Waiting general muster. Night cool, no blankets. I2th. Examined by surgeons in afternoon and sworn into United States' service for nine months, or sooner if discharged. 1 was appointed third sergeant of Company G. 13th. Drew our military dress, canteens, haversacks, etc. 14th. Armed with Springfield rifles and full accoutrements. .At 4.30 formed into regiment— the 124th Pennsylvania Volunteers. Boarded freight and cattle cars at 10 P. M. for Washington, D. C. 151 I5th. Passed York at daybreak; arrived at suburhs of Baltimore at 7 A. M. ; on dismounting from train, 40 rounds of ammunition were dis- tributed to each man. Marched through the City of Baltimore to Washington depot, arriving there at noon. Train was taken, and arrived at National Capitol at 6 P. M. Supper consisted of bread and black cofifee. Stayed in barracks near the Capitol over night. i6th. Marched from Washington about 10 A. M.. over Long Bridge into Virginia ; camped on the heights near Fort Scott. 17th. Camp called Camp Stanton. We have wedge tents. [XoTK — Before proceeding with the diary, the historian takes the Hberty of introducing a letter written on August 24th, 1862, by Jos. Ad. Thompson, to the DcJaicare Coiniiy American, and pubhshed in that paper on August 27, 1862. Before this letter was written Mr. Thompson had visited Camp Stanton to which the diarist has just referred. The letter is as follows:] Washington, D. C, August 24, 1862. D. A. Vernon : After finishing my last letter to you, I sauntered down to Pennsylvania Avenue, for the double purpose of seeing the bulletin and getting my dinner. Having seen the former, I was just starting for the latter, when a halloa from behind lirought me to a halt, and I found myself taken by Major Haldeman, Captain Crosby, and Lieutenant Roberts, all of the 124th, so we dined together at the St. Nicholas; after the major (who was then acting quartermaster) had finished his requisitions for next day's supplies, we took a carriage and started over to camp, where we arrived about 6 o'clock, just in time for supper. L'pon alighting from the carriage I descried in the distance the majestic outlines of a personage who, in point of specific gravity, bears quite a resemblance to your correspondent, and who .should it be but our fellow-townsman, J. G. Haddock, while beside him stood our postmaster, Innes, and Thomas Haldeman. who had arrived a few hours before. It seemed to me, as I stood there on the sacred soil, with so many of our citizens about me, that the place should have been named "Camp Media." The boys had erected their tents, and already had grown from amidst the Inishes a canvas city containing about live regiments. The name given to the camp was Camp McCall, which has just been changed to Camp Stanton. It was a comical sight to see the boys with their blue blouses (and the Government should iind better ones) so completely covered witli dust that in many cases it was difficult to determine the color, as they fell into line to the stentorian tones of the orderly (who is now a lieutenant), and then broke away at the close of roll call. I have seen many of them issuing from their homes in your borough on a Sunday, at the call of the church-going bell, with beaver on one extremity, patent leathers on the other, and the intermediate part encompassed with fine broadcloth, and 152 as I beheld them c(Jining from their tents on this Sunday morning the contrast was so great as to be ahnost ludicrous, and I laughed most heartily. And then again, when I saw them going up by twos with their tin cups to get their supply of coffee, I could not help thinking of times when it was lobster salad, "chafes," or a dozen on the half-shell. I do not believe, however, that they ever enjoyed a meal at home more than they did this homely one. I noticed Richard Cummins sauntering around with a huge loaf of Government bread, which rapidly grew smaller as it received the imprint of his dentals, and which he handed to your corre- spondent with the invitation to partake thereof in a manner really irresistible, and so 1 aided him in the reductir.n thereof. Many of the boys already had incidents to relate, and although but a day in "Dixie," they had made certain inhabitants thereof aware of their presence. Some of them related to me a reconnoissance that they had made upon a farm-house near by. It seems that the proprietor was not considered sound upon the leading questions of the day, whereupon they commenced an attack upon his outposts, consisting of a cornfield, a chicken-house, and a spring-house. Without going into particulars, as they were related to me, I will merely say that there were milk, butter, poultry, and corn in camp that night. The latter article seemed to pre- ponderate, and, as I knew from observation, it made an excellent pillow. It might be well to state in this connection that as soon as said articles were carefully stored in camp, a guard was put over the depleted farm- house. About dark Major li. came along and announced that supper was ready, whereupon we repaired to his quarters, and found the table groaning with good things. Bolt, the cook, had evidently done his best to please the distiiiguishcd guests, and I can, while speaking for myself, also vouch, for Messrs. H., H. and J. that their appetites were only exceeded by the welcome that appeased them. The good housewives of Media would have smiled had they seen us around that table, and soiiic wives would have found a text for a future sermon for their husbands when they would (as they sometimes do) grumble at the table. Since m\- last the field officers have been selected, of which you have been advised. Gideon's Band gives a major, and a good one, too, while our friend Joe takes off the guidon and puts on the straps of a lieutenant. He will be the adjutant, I think. I notice less complaining and fault finding in this regiment than any of the new ones I have seen, and the men composing it seem to be inspired with but one idea — to put down rebellion. They have, it is true, all the privations and labors of camp, and I was really astonished at the willingness with which they endure and perform them. I suppose some member will give you the pai^ticulars, so I need not attempt that in my letter, but shall endeavor to say in mine what most likel.v would remain unsaid in others. The health of the men is excellent, and as long as they remain in their present locality it will be good, for the ground is high and dry and the water excellent, and they appear, owmg to their indefatigable quartermaster, to have everything necessary for 153 their ccmfurl that llic army rcgiilalitnis iicrniil. Hc'^i(k■s that, their proxitnity \v the eity en; to-day. 2d. Exciting day on picket. Troops, wagon trains, etc.. on way to Washington. 3d. Released off picket. Regimental drill. Rumor of fight at Harper's Ferry. 4tb. Three drills. Word as to fight at Williamsport. 5th. Company G detailed to aid in digging rifle pits in front of Fort Ward. 6th. Struck tents, and left camp at 6 P. M. for Rockville. Aid. Halted at 12.30 .-\. M.. and camped in cornfield. Last of the wedge tents at Fort Blenker. In starting on this march the regiment numbered about 925. 7th. Resumed march at 6.30 A. ]\I. Two hours' stop at noon. .Arrived at Rock\ille in evening. 8th. In afternoon resumed march and bivouacked on high hill at night. Qtli. 124th added to Crawford's Brigade, also two other new regiments. Marched 12 miles, and at night joined Banks' old corps. In early evening 153 the camptires of abmit 40.001) marching troops wore in view where we bivouacked. loth. Marching all day. Arrived near Damascus. Out of rations. Forced march. We feed on green corn and apples, here abundant. Tith. Marching. Drew new rations. Received mail. I2th. Marching, passed New Market zig-zag route. 13th. ^larching, camped at night near Frederick City. 14th. Early start, passed through Frederick. Firing all day. We arrived on South Mountain battlefield at night. Rebels routed. Union victory. 15th. Marched from near ]Middletown to Boonsboro and beyond two miles. Rebel prisoners plentiful along road. i6th. Advanced toward Antietam Creek. Army en masse. Artillery shelling in front. Advance again after nightfall. Lay on arms all night in a plowed field. 17th. Battle cif Antietam. Our brigade ordered to advance at break of day. Regiment became separated, in the fog, part of it advanced through cornfield to a point nearly in front of Dunker Church, and while lying here in support of a battery the shells from a rebel battery were passing over our heads at a lively rate, but the screaming of them indicated that they were at a safe height ; a few. however, dropped close to our ranks, bur fortunately did not explode. While we remained there the experience was not pleasing, as we momentarily expected a rebel battery to open directly in front of us. Our regiment at the commencement of the battle occupied the extreme right of the Union line, and during the entire forenoon the battle seemed to be concentrated in close proximity to us. In the afternoon it was transferred to the left of the Union line. Colonel Hawley v.as wounded shortly after we entered the cornfield, and was immediately carried to the rear. Lieutenant-Colonel Litzenberg assumed command, but the regiment did not become concentrated until late in the afternoon. i8th. On the battlefield. Awful sights and horrible stench. 19th. In the afternoon marched through Sharpsburg to Rohrersville to Brownsville and camped for night. [XoTk: — The following extracts from a letter written by Lieutenant Joseph G. Cummins, of Company D. to the Dchncarc County American, and published in that paper September 24, 1862, will no doubt prove of interest to many.] Near Sharpsburg. M.\ryi..\nd, Frtd.w, Sept. 19, imo)id ivas almost destitute of troops. He had joined Dix, and apprised our forces in that vicinity. He had opened the desired communi- cation. The propitious moment had arrived. Longstreet was with Lee, and the door was open to the Rebel capital for our forces below. What was to be done? Why Lee must be kept busy and our men rested. They must not go toivards Richmond. Accordingly Hooker apparently retreats — the enemy presses nearer to him — he crosses the stream — and they are employed for three days in the solemn work after battle of caring for the wounded and burying the dead. All this is precious time for us, and the people soon will see how we used it. Again Hooker throws men across and threatens another battle, thus holding the Rebels where they are. If they retreat Stoneman has impeded their progress and Hooker is on their rear. If they remain, Richmond falls. More than this, if Lee retreats, our army from below can threaten him on his front, at the same time that Hooker pursues, and we obtain the double prize ; the capital and the enemy's army. Perhaps you may think this a wild theory, but let us wait and see. For my part I believe it all. Victorious armies do not retreat but for a purpose. I have dwelt so long on this matter that I have room for but little else. I presume ere long the 124th Regiment will be home and disbanded. The boys did well in the recent engagement, and deserve, as they will no doubt receive, a glorious welcome. The casualties in the regiment were light, and those wounded not seriously so. I found William T. Innes and Philip Johnson in the Judiciary Hospital, wounded in the arm slightly. They bear their scars like soldiers which they are,' every inch of them. Major Haldeman's wound was also very slight. They all agree that "Fighting Joe" deserves that cognomen. The regi- ment is now at Acquia Creek. Yesterday Mr. Thomas J. Haldeman and John C. Beatty went down to see them. When the boys come home, in the vvords of Cov.'per in the John Gilpin tale, "may I be there to see." "Steele Penne.'' DIARY RESUMED. May. loth. Division review by Generals Slocum and Geary. The men of regi^ ment highly complimented for good conduct while on the march and in the field. 189 iith. Proccfded up llie Potomac by boat to Washington, and from thence by usual freight cars to Harrisburg, Pa., for muster out. I2th. Arrived at Harrisburg, Pa., and marched to Camp Curtin. 13th. Waiting for discharge. [Note by Historian — While the member.s of the regiment were awaiting discharge, their friends at home were arranging to give them a soldier's welcome. The following extract is copied from the Delaware County America)! of May 13th, 1862:] At a meeting of the friends of the 124th Regiment, P. V., on last Thursday evening, Hon. John M. Broomall was called to the chair, and after an interchange of sentiment, Messrs. F. M. Brooke, D. R. Hawkins, D. A. Vernon, John M. Hall, C. R. Williamson, Peter Worrell and John C. Beatty were appointed a conmiittee to arrange and conduct an appropriate reception for our returned volunteers. DIARY RESUMED. 14th, 15th, i6th. Making up papers. 17th. Mustered out. i8th. Home, at Schuylkill Haven, Pa. Re-enlisted in Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia, June, 186.3 ; served as Orderly Sergeant Co. I, in Gettysburg Emergency campaign. April 28th, 1864; appeared before General Silas Casey's Examining Board at Washington, D. C, passed Second Lieutenant, and on August 9th, 1S64, was assigned to Twenty-ninth U. S. C. T., but did not get into active service. 100 The proclamation of Andrew G. Cnrtin, under which the second enUst- ment was made, was issued a few days prior to the Bat- tle of Gettysburg-, and is as foUows : The enemy is advancing in force into Pennsylvania. He has a strong cohnnn within J3 miles of Harrishurg. and other columns are moving by Fulton and Adams counties, and it can no longer be doubted that a formidable invasion of our State is in actual progress. The calls already made for volunteer militia for the emer- gency, have not been met as fully as the crisis recjuires. I. therefore, now issue this, my proclamation calling for 6o,coo men to come promptly forward to defend the State. They will be mustered into the service of the State for the period of ninety days, but will be required only to serve out so much of the period of muster as the safety of our people and honor of our State may require. They will be rendezvoused at points to be designated in genera! order to be issued this day by the Adjutant-General of Pennsylvania, which order will also set forth the details of the arrangements for the organization, clothing, residence, equipment, and supplies. I will not insult you by inflanmiatory appeals. A people who want the heart to defend their soil, their families and firesides, are not worth}- to be accounted men. Heed not the councils of evil disposed persons, if such there be in your midst. Show yourselves what you are — a free, loyal, spirited, brave, vigorous race. Do not undergo the disgrace of leaving your defense mainly to the citizens of other States. In defending the soil of Pennsylvania we are contributing to the support of our National Government and vindicating our fidelity to the National cause. Pennsylvania has always heretofore responded promptly to all the calls made by the Federal Government, and I appeal to you now not to be unmindful that the foe that strikes at our State, strikes, through our desolation, at the life of the Republic. Our people are plundered and driven from their homes solel\- because of their lovaltv and fidelitv to our free institutit)ns. ANDREW G. CUKTIN. 191 People of Pennsylvania, I owe to you all my faculties, my lalxjrs, my life. You owe to your country your zealous services and efforts. The time has now come when we must all stand or fall together in the defense of our State and in the support of our Government. Let us so discharge our duty that posterity shall not blush for us. Come heartily and cheerfully to the rescue of our noble Commonwealth. Maintain your honor and freedom. Given under my hand and the great seal of the State at Harrisburg, this, the 26th day of June, the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Commonwealth the eighty-seventh. A. G. CURTIN. By the Governor, Eli Slifer, Secretary of the Conunonn'calth. The following, copied from the Delaware County American, of July 1st, 1863, refers to the re-enlistment of the 124th : — The news — GREAT EXCITEMENT. — The excitement again runs high. This time it is not from our armies advancing on the enemy, but from theirs threatening the State of Pennsylvania, which they have already invaded, and marching in triumph northward. The proclamations of the President and Governor Curtin, urgently calling for the people to rise up and defend their homes, and drive back the foe, warn us of the imminent danger of the moment. Let every man gird himself for the contest. Let every patriot shoulder his gun and buckle on his sword. Let the minions of slavery be "welcomed with bloody hands to hospitable graves.'' The forward movements of the enemy were commenced on Sunday, on which day they first attacked some of our detached forces near Winchester, to which place they fell back, and where, after a bloody contest, after having become partially surrounded by the superior numbers of the enemy, they succeeded in cutting their way through, and joining the garrison at Harper's Ferry. Whatever is done by our people will have to be done promptly. Already the tocsin of war is sounded, and tens of thousands are rushing to grapple at the throats of the enemy. Delaware County is alive to the crisis, and is moving as a single man to strike down the invaders of the soil of our State. The 124th Regiment will reorganize at once. A meeting of the Delaware County miembers will take place at the court house to-day. Others are invited to join them. Colonel Wiicrx has also promptly called a meeting of the commissioned officers of the i6th Pennsylvania Militia. They will meet at the court house on Thurs- day (to-morrow). A full regiment, beside the 124th, will doubtless go from this county. General Hooker is on the move. He is in the best of spirits, and is con- fident of crushing Lee's Army. The latest intelligence from Vicksburg is that the lines of General Grant were daily contracting around the enemy. 192 The lieadquarters of Major-General Couch are for the present at the State Capitol Building, in Harrisbnrg. All interested in the organization of troops under the late call should report to him. The reported death of General Sherman, from wounds received in the desperate assault upon Port Hudson, has been contradicted. We notice, by a Washington despatch, that it has been determined that while all persons coming within the provisions of the act of enrollment, m calling out the National forces, are to be enrolled, nevertheless, under the first enrollment, those who were in the military service at the time the act went into effect, namely, the 3d of March, last, are not to be included in that class which is subject to the first draft. Those of the second class are not to be called out until those of the first class shall have been exhausted. [Note: — Joseph Ad. Thompson (who had been correspondent for the 124th while in service) remained in Washington, and shortly after the regiment was mustered out he wrote the follow- ing letter to the Delazvarc County American, which was published in that paper June 3, 1863 •] Washington, D. C, June i, 1863. D. A. Vernon. Dear Sir— The war news for the past week has been very exciting, indeed. The indomitable Grant has been operating, in conjunction with Commodore Porter, against Vicksburg, with what success your readers have been already informed. The place is one of great importance both to the Rebels and ourselves, and the furious fighting there shows how anxious each is to become possessor of the place. With it in Rebel hands, the navigation of the Mississippi is retarded, and the great Northwest is prevented from communication with the ocean. With it in our hands, that noble river becomes an open highway, and the Rebel States are com- pletely disjointed. Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas become separated from the rest of the belligerent States, and must then soon return to the Union. 'Tis no wonder, then, that there should be a desperate fight for the place. So far, the attack has been eminently successful, as the great number of prisoners and artillery captured attest, and we have only to wait for a short time for the glorious news that the place is captured, and the foe prisoners of war. Although we have suffered reverses, and had whole armies wasted through the "masterly inactivity" of our generals, although more than two years have elapsed since this rebellion burst upon us, and is as yet unconquered, although during that period we have spent hundreds of millions of money, and lost tens of thousands of noble men, yet, if we carefully and dispassionately review that period, and properly estimate our labor and its results, we shall find every inducement to hope for the future, and every reason to be content with the present. The results of battle are not immediate, not really understood, and it very often happens that a seeming defeat bears the fruit of a great victory. It is wrong to 13 193 estimate the result by counting the slain and the prisoners, or by obtaining possession of the l)attlefield. We should look at the combination of results that follow, and form our opinion upon those. One fact alone we do not properly appreciate. If'e arc fighting the battles in the enemy's eountry. While throughout the North agricultural, mercantile, and manufacturing pursuits still go on as prosperous as ever, while the sickle and the loom still gather and prepare for us almost unbounded comfort, while our homes are secure from the pillage of war, and we provide not only for our own comfort, but also for others, let us turn the picture, and look at the condi- tion of the rebel South. Take Virginia for an instance. Look at that grand harlot of the States, made by nature as rich and as great as any of her sisters. Behold there the desolation wrought by the contending armies — her fertile fields blasted, her noble waters, that once bore away her surplus stores, now a chain to bind them fast from the world, her industries paralyzed, her commerce destroyed, and her citizens, in many cases, fugitives from, their homes. How many who were wealthy are now poor? How many who were happy are now miserable? And how many who, in the mad hour of their frenzy, struck at our Flag, now await its coming again with as much anxiety as the condemned felon awaits the promised pardon that shall strike ofif his fetters and unlock his prison door. How many mothers have taken in their arms their little ones and fled to the cave or the forest, where, careworn, hungry and despairing, they have awaited for a propitious moment when they could flee to our lines. And to-day. after two years of war, we behold the North, as peaceful, as flourishing, and with better credit than ever before, while the South is barren and blood-stained, without sufficient resources and without credit. So I say that when we look upon both pictures, we have little cause for regrets, and many for gratitude. We are doing the great work of crushing out this damnable rebellion, slowly, perhaps, in the estimation of some, but well, and we can already see the "beginning of the end." We are the only nation that could do such a gigantic work, and when we shall have accomplished it, we shall be greater than before. The nations of the earth have already become acquainted with our greatness and our power, and when we come out of this war, it will not be with ruined credit, embar- rassed finances, or injured National reputation, but we shall be the first amongst the great nations of the earth. We no longer tremble for fear of foreign influence, of which we had such fears some time since, for in this great struggle we have become acquainted with ourselves, and know our own great power. It has seldom, or never, happened that a nation has been at war for a period of two years without a foreign power interfering, and the reason why this has been an exception is not because other governments love us, but because they fear our gigantic power. I give them no credit for their forbearance, for they have done secretly what they dared not do openly. Great as we have been in feeding the nations and abundantly as we have supplied distant climes with the necessities of life, we are yet greater when we rise to protect the institutions under which we have prospered. 194 You may realize the fact that the City of Washington has undergone a change in pubHc sentiment since the commencement of the war when 1 tell you that Mrs. Harriett Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin," drama- tized, has been, and is still being, performed in one of our theatres, and to overflowing houses. When we consider that it is about a year since slavery was abolished here, and that for years a petition could not be read in Congress asking for it, and that now in the same city this piece, showing the immorality and inhumanity of slavery, is creating a sensation, it is, to say the least, "passing strange." When I first came here and beheld my surroundings, I did not dare to think that in so short a time men and women would gather in a public house to kindle with indignation at the story of George Harris, to laugh at the eccentricities of Topsy, and to weep over the beautiful, precocious Eva and pious Uncle Tom. As the honest Dutchman said, "So much longer a man lives, so much more he finds out." Many of our wounded are being .sent to their respective States now, and it is cheering to see how joyful they are, although crippled, to get back to their homes. Yet there are hundreds who must remain for a long time yet ere they can hear that joyous order. Considerable anxiety has been felt of late for the safety of the city, as since Hooker's Army has been reduced by the expiration of service of so many regiments, it was feared that Lee would take advantage of his weakness and put himself on the offensive. I do not think that there is any danger of this, as I have good reason to know that our army is quite as large in that locality as it was prior to the return of the nine months' men. I am glad to observe that in all parts of the State the people are begin- ning to see that we must renominate Governor Curtin, and that upon his renomination in a great measure depends our chance of success. Keep the ball rolling; hold up the hands of that great patriot, and give him the guidance of the Ship of State for another term. Because he does not solicit it is no reason why he should not have it, but, on the contrary, it shows that his modesty is only exceeded by his efficiency. The idea of sending such a man abroad is wrong. In these times we need them at home. Yours truly, Steele Penne. 193 1 862. JOSEPH WILLIAMSON HAWLEY. Son of Joel and Catherine B. (Williamson) Hawley, was born at Lionville, Chester County, July 14, 1836. His early life was passed at school and in the country store owned by his father. From 1857 to i860 was instructor in West Chester Academy. In 1860, he received appointment as paying teller in National Bank of Chester County, and remained there until the call for troops was made by President Lincoln in summer of 1862 ; wdien he obtained permission from the Board of Directors to re- cruit a company of soldiers. In ten days he had enlisted 100 men. They met at Downingtown and organized by electing Mr. Hawley as captain. The company proceeded to Camp Curtin at Harrisburg, and Captain Hawley received his commission August 12. 1862, from Governor Andrew G. Curtin. While there, six other companies from Chester County and three from Delaware County arrived and the ten were combined and formed the 124th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, to serve for nine months. The regiment under command of Captain Haw- ley was transported to Washington, and on i6th of August, he received from Governor Curtin, a commission as colonel. On September 17th he led the regiment into the Battle of Antietam, where by 9 o'clock in the morning, it was under a heavy fire in what is now spoken of as the "Bloody Cornfield ;" the regiment lost many killed and wounded ; among the latter was Colonel Hawley, who received a bullet in the neck. He was car- ried from the field and finally removed to his home in Lionville. Upon recovery, he rejoined the regiment at Harper's Ferry. De- cember 3d, and continued with it (except for a short interval while in hospital) until the expiration of term of service May 17, 1863. Returning to his duties with the Bank of Chester Countv he remained but one day when Governor Curtin telegraphed him to get the members of the 124th together and proceed to Harris- 196 ^^^^^^^^^H BHE^^'^^^H ■ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^1 ffi[mS??S^ ^j^^^^^^l ■ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^1 ^^^V'v ■ ^^^^^^H F^^ ^ ^ i' fl 1 1 1 ^^^ri ^^^jBH II^^B!^^^ "■ H^V^ « ^^^^^^^^^^^Hhi-^^ ^^^^^1 1 ^^^^^^^^^^^^Hk-. ri -^'^ ^■^^^w '^H 1 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ta^ 1906. Colonel Joseph Jl\ Hawlcy. burg to assist in repelling an invasion which General Lee was projecting northward. Colonel Hawley sent couriers to summon the members of his old regiment, and a majority of them responded so promptly that, together with new recruits, one thousand were enrolled in one day in Chester and Delaware Counties and for- warded to Harrisburg the same evening. These were organized as the Twenty-ninth Emergency Regiment and on June 19th, Colonel Hawley was again commissioned colonel. He was as- signed to the command of a brigade consisting of his own and two New York regiments, and to him General Couch committed the protection of the bridges of the Pennsylvania Railroad, which were threatened with destruction. Upon retreat of the defeated Confederate forces from Gettys- burg, Colonel Hawley was ordered to follow and harass the rear of Lee's Army, and he moved with such celerity that he reached the Potomac the day prior to Lee's crossing and his troops engaged with them in a skirmish at Clear Spring. The emergency having passed, he returned home and resumed the duties of his old position in the bank and remained there until January i, 1864, when he accepted a similar position with the First National P>ank of West Chester, then just organized. On February ist, he was invited to assist in the organization of the First National Bank of Media, and on ^ larch 21, 1864. the bank was opened with Colonel Hawley as cashier, which position he held until the death of its president in 1894. when he was elected to fill that vacancy. This position he held until his resig- nation was accepted in December, 1906. In addition to the office of bank president, he served as director in various other institutions. One of his favorite fields of use- fulness is the "Glen Mills Reform School" in Delaware Countv. In this institution he has for many years been an active director in its management and one of its most liberal and zealous patrons. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Commandery of the Loyal Legion, a past commander of Bradbury Post G. A. R. of Media, and a member of the Union League of Philadelphia. From the time of the organization of the Regimental Asso- ciation of the 124th, he has been its honored president and has attended each annual reunion except that of 1906. 199 REMINISCENC]<: OF COL. JOS. W. II.WVUEY. Meui.\, V.\., :\\}v\\ 1, li;07. Mr. Rol.cn M. C.vwn: My I >f(ir Cdiiiriidr: ^'t)U ask nic if 1 liavc any data conccTiiiiit; tlie Twcnty-nimh I'onnsylvaiiia Hnicrgcncy Rc^inu'iii, whicli was conipi.scd largely oi tlic mcnihcrs of the l2-|lh Reginunt, whose lernis of sirviee had expired. 1 am unable lu hjcale the regimental hl)llk^ (if the Twenty-nmth, as the adjnlant is deceased, hut I will give you from memory a short sketch. Soon after returning home from service with the i_'4ili I resumed duties in the Piank of Chester County in West Chester, where I had been employed for several years — this was en a Monday morning, and on the next day between the hours of g and lO A. M. Mr. William Darlington, a director of the bank, came to my desk and said to me, "You go over to the court house; you can do more good there than here, and 1 will occupy your place." Ceneral Lee was then on his way north for the second time, and ti'.e excitement was intense. 1 went to the meeting, and a telegram from Governor Curlin was handed me, requesting that 1 get together as many of the 124th as could be reached and i)roceed with them at the earliest possible moment to llarrisl)urg. By telegrapliing and sending couriers through Chester and Delaware Counties, a sutlicient number of the i_'4th were secured to form the nucleus of a regiment, and these were so rap- idly joined by new recruits that almost a full regiment was seciu-ed, and at J. 30 oi the same afternoon we started on a special train for 1 larrisbtn-g, arriving there in time to go into camp at Camp Curtin that night. The (lay following Major llaldeman came to llarrisburg with another regiment from Delaware County. The proposition as understood l)y the recruits was that the term of service would be for the "Emergency," but tiiat term was so uncertain as to duration that much objection to enlisting was manifested, the men claiming that it might last until the war was over. vSeveral days elapsed, the Governor coming to camp and using every argu- menl in his power to have the enlistment made, but without success. Find- ing that the 124th members were becoming tired of waiting 1 went to the Governor and stated that 1 had about 500 of those who had served in the I24lh Regiment who were willing to enlist for the emergency as they understood it, and if we could be of any use to him we would be ready to march at 4 o'clock that afternoon. His answer was, "For God's sake get those men out of camp," and he issued the order and I returned to camp, reported the result of my visit, and there was much confusion among those who were in camp, not of the 124th; many of those who had expected to be officers, accepted positions of lower rank or joined as privates, so that when the time came to take the train we had a full regiment, and were sent to Mount Union to be scattered along the I'ennsylvania Railroad to prevent the destruction of the high bridges liy the raiding Rebel cavalry. A day or two afterward General Couch sent me the 74th and the iJ.^d Regiments of New York INlilitia, he no doubt realizing the necessity of holding the positions to which we had been assigned. We remained tlu're until the last day of the battle of Gettysburg. When General Lee started on his retreat 1 was ordered to leave sufficient force at Mt. Union to jiro- tect that high bridge against any roving band of cavalry and to take the rest of my force and start after General Lee and harrass the rear of his army. We overtook his rear guard at Clear Spring, and they formed in line, for the i)uri)()se, as we supposed, of making an attack on us. but they 200 Rcininiscciicc of Col. Jos. //'. Ilaivley. evidently tlii)ii<)ht. we were an advance party of sonic larger force, and they mounted llieir horses and wilhch'ew. On our arrival at ISurnt Cabins the only information we could obtain was that we were surrounded by General Imboden's Cavalry, and would most likely be gathered up before morning. A very funny thing happened during the night. All of our men had the same information that the officers had, and projjably the same fears. 1 took the precaution to protect our camp for the night by ordering two liickel lines, one to be one-half mile and the other one mile outside; these were in addition to three reliefs of two men each for guard duty at the camp. When the first relief on camp guard had served their allotted time, instead of returning to their quarters, laid down near where they had been stationed, the two who relieved them knew they were there, but when the third relief went on duty, they were not aware that the first relief was so near them, and when one of them turned over in his sleep, the one on duly thought it was one of the enemy, and he ran hastily to where 1 was sleeping and told me that the Rebels were crawling in on us. 1 asked him whether there had been a shot fired by the outer pickets, and he said there had not been, then 1 told him there was not a Rebel within a mile of him, .md 1 sent the officer of the guard to ascertain wdiat had ^.o badly scared him. Fortunately we were not dis- turbed, and the following day continued our journey, reaching the Potomac the day before (V'neral Lee crossed and at a point but a few miles from his main army. Had his men known how few we were it is likely that we would have had a free passage to Richmond. Shortly after that we re- turned to Loudon, and while there Colonel Mulligan passed by with an army corps, and seeing our small force there alone, he asked who was the com- manding officer, and when informed, it is rejjorted he said that the com- manding officer either was a d — n fool or had more courage than he had, for he had been lying back at Hancock with a whole army corps and did not consider it safe to venture over the mountain. The emergency for which we had enlisted having passed, we were ordered back to llarrisburg and discharged August ist. I remain yours fraternally, Jos. W. H.\wi.i;v. REMIXISCluXCE FROM THE '-MEDIA AMERICAN." The following article by the editor of the Media American, relates to the Twenty-ninth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia, during the Gettysbm-g campaign of 1863. This regiment was largely cornposed of the former nu-mbers of tlie iJ4th: From a long and wearisome march, greatly fatigued and foot-sore, we have arrived at home, JKirely in time to give a few words of the where- abouts of Colonel Hawley's command, and of what it has been doing since leaving Loudon, on the 8th in-^t., from which point, as also from Mount L^nion, letters will be found in the Ai)icrican. From Loudon we proceeded via Mercer.sbnrg, lately occupied by the Rebels, where we en- camped for a single night, within three miles of a village in ^Maryland, on the Williamsport pike, called "Clear Spring." At this place we halted for a day for further orders, as it was ascertained that the enemy was but a short distance ahead in considerable force, and, we having but some 700 men in ad, it was necessary to move with caution. We continued our advance on Friday afternoon, but had not made over a mile when word 201 Ri')iiiiiiscciicc tram the "Media Ainciicaii.'' reached us thai a lieavy force of Rebel cavalry was rapidly approaching to attack us, and that our danger was imminent. The men were ordered to load their guns, when our forces were divided and deployed to the right and left along roads, around the base of a small mountain, until the most advantageous position had been gained, when after throwing out pickets, we waited for the apjjcarance of the enemy. Colonel Hawley kept his men almost entirely secreted within the wood from the view of an ap- proaching force, and acted with the greatest discrimination and judgment throughout. It was ascertained after waiting in this position for half an hour, that the alarm was false. Those who had been deployed to the lelt were ordered back to advance with the force on the right, which was done. An encampment was selected in the wood, a few hundred yards from the VVilliamsport pike, and about a mile from Clear Spring, and at the foot of a mountain called "Fair View," the summit of which commands a view of the country for miles in all directions. We had hardly stacked arms before another alarm was given. It came so sudden and was communi- cated to the men in such a manner by those who brought it, that we had no hope of ever reaching our guns, to say nothing of getting into posi- tion before the enemy would be upon us. The men, however, were not of the scary kind. They acted with the greatest coolness, under the circum- stances. Col. Hawley quickly formed tnem in line, and we advanced to the edge of the Williamsport Pike; no enemy greeted us. Our men retired, much disappointed in not getting a shot at the Gray Barks. A cavalry fight had just been going on in a field adjoining Clear Spring, in which three or four were wounded on both sides, some of whom have since died. In the meantime, or at the time of the last alarm, Capt. Woodcock had advanced, from a mistaken order, to the town and took possession of it just as the enemy were retiring, and at once prepared to hold it, and repel an attack of three times his number if made by cavalry. His position, over the brow of a hill, behind a toll-gate at that point, was well chosen, and from the fearless front he presented may doubtless be ascribed the fact of his not being attacked. The enemy were close by in heavy force, the right wing of General Lee's army resting within three m les. Had not Colonel Hawley's strength been kept well concealed, there is not the least doubt but that the whole of us would have been captured. Nothing could have prevented it. We held the place until Sunday morning, when Colonel Mulligan and General Kelly's force arrived and took possession. Colonel Hawley was highly complimented by them for the manner in which he managed. On Sunday morning we started back to Loudon. This was regretted by the men generally. We left them at INIercersburg on Sunday evening; they probably reached Loudon by Monday noon. It was pre- sumed that they would be ordered from there to Chambersburg, or the vicinity of Hagerstown. Since leaving Mount LTnion we have marched over eighty miles, over bad roads, and the men may be said to be tired and foot-sore. Hardly any escaped blistered feet, and in many instances bloody ones. They perform their duties cheerfully. Some who had left their families unprovided for and seemed down-hearted in consequence, liave cheered up wonderfully since they learned of the fifty-dollar hnunty. During this long journey we never got a sight of a newspaper. It seemed like being out of the world. We cannot close this without giving due praise to Colonel Hrnvlcy, Major Haldeman. and others of the stafif, for the gentlemanly manner in which thev acted towards the troops, and the efficiency with which they performed their duties. Lieutenant-Colonel Yarnall arrived with his command at Sliippensburg. on Monday. Captain ISlack's compan}-, frcjm Marple, is at Chambersburg. 202 cU^ (^(C^^^^uoM CAPTAIN CO. D, I24TH P. V. LIEUTENANT-COLONEL 29TH P. V. M. BORN AUGUST 23, l8l2. DIED DECEMBER 28, I9OO. MUSTER ROLL OF CO. A, THIRTY-SEVENTH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEER MILITL-V, IN WHICH SOME OF THE MEMBERS OF THE I24TH RE-ENLISTED JUNE, 1863 : Captain — William Frick, Lieutenants — Edward M. Lyons, William G. Price. Sergeants— John E. Shaw, Thomas Donechy, Charles D. Pennell, William C. Dubree, George Baker. Corporals— Charles A. Story, John ]\IcFall, John Atkinson, David M. Johnson. Henry Hinkson, Robert M. Green, Charles Hinkson, Frederick Engle. Musicians— Hamilton Sample, James Rawcliff. PRIVATES Aaron Allen, David Appleby, James R. Abernathy, Abram Blakely, Thomas W. Boker John Boon Peter Boon, Jacob Boon, William Blakely, Joseph Blakely, Christopher Blakely, Thomas Berry, George F. Brinton, Henry Bradley, Abram Birtwell, John Birtwell, Thomas Chambers, James Cochran, Alfred O. Deshong, James Dunkerly. William P. Derr, Julius A. Dutton, George P. Dale, William Ewing, Samuel Etchells, Peter H. Engle, Joseph Eckersly, Edwin E. Elavil], John Gartside, James Gartside, Thomas Gibbs, J. Marshall Garrett, Peter Goff, Charles L. Grubb, George Gorby, Robert C. Gorby, William H. Geary, Jonathan Grant. James Llause, Henry ]\L Hinkson, Alfred Huff, William Harrison, Jesse Hicken, Joshua Hibberd, J. Washington Irving, Henry Larkin, Thomas Lee, James Hause, John Holt, John P. Jones, Jacob B. Kitts, Joseph Ladomus, David W. Morrison, William P. Morrison, Jonas Miller, William Moore, Robert Mirt, James Montgomery, William Mills, Daniel McKinney, Benjamin Mason, James ]\Iorgan, William J. Oglesby, William Patterson, Andrew Phillips. Geo. H. Ridgeway, William R. Rice, Jacob B. Stewart, Robert Smith, Jr., Charles Sweeney, William Schofield, Arnold Shaw, John Slawter, Thomas O. Stephenson, Henry Sutliff, Richard T. Turner. Richard E. Turner, George Turner, William H. H. Taylor, Thomas Wood, William Wilkinson. Joseph Weaver, George H. Ridgeway, Jacob B. Yates, 205 ORGANIZATION OF THE SOCIETY OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. On the evening of September 7th, 1885, there assembled at West Chester, Pennsylvania, in the photograph parlors of Com- rade Thomas W. Taylor, Lieutenant W. D. Christman, George G. Taylor, Captain R. D. Townsend, Lieutenant Josiah Burnett, Lieutenant Thomas J. Townsend, Thomas W. Taylor, D. E. Townsend, and Charles P. Keech. The question of a reunion of the survivors of the 124th Regiment was discussed, and a temporary organization was formed, with Lieutenant Christman, chairman ; Charles P. Keech, secretary, and Thomas W. Taylor, treasurer. On motion of the secretary, it was Resolved, That an invitation be extended to the survivors of the regiment to meet at Paoli Monument Grounds on Monday, September 21st. On the evening of September 14th, a second meeting was held at same place, and John Crothers and D. E. Townsend were appointed to act in conjunction with the temporary officers to aid in the work preparatory to the meeting announced for the 21st. REUNION. The first gathering of the survivors of the regiment took place on Paoli's historic ground, September 21st, 1885. There were present eighty-five comrades. Colonel Joseph W. Hawley was elected president ; Chas. P. Keech and Joseph G. Cummings, secretaries. An executive committee was appointed and authorized to frame a Constitution and By-Laws for the action of the next meeting, and to complete arrangements for a general reunion of the regiment in West Chester, on November 19th, 1885. 206 WEST CHESTER REUNION. (First Annual.) November 19th, 1885. The meeting was called to order by President Colonel Joseph W. Hawley, and prayer was offered by Chaplain Joseph S. Evans. The minutes of the preliminary meetings were read by Secretary Keech. The Executive Committee submitted a Con- stitution and By-Laws, which were adopted and signed by the members present. The following officers were chosen by acclamation : President Colonel Joseph W. Hawley Vice-President Captain Charles W. Roberts Secretary Charles P. Keech Treasurer Captain W. W. Stott The president appointed Rev. Joseph S. Evans chaplain, and Charles D. M. Broomhall, historian. Present, one hundred and twelve comrades. The orator of the day was Thomas J. Stewart. Adjutant-Gen- eral of the Department of Pennsylvania, Grand Army of the Re- public. It was decided to hold the next reunion at Media, on Septem- ber 17th, 1886, the anniversary of the battle of xA.ntietam. 207 MEDIA REUNION. (Second Aiiiiiial.) September 17th, 1886. Tlie survivors of the regiment formed in line at the depot and marched to the Court House, headed by the drum and fife corps of Bradbury I'ost, No. 149, Grand Army of the Repubhc. The old battle flag of the regiment was carried by John Underwood, who was color-bearer of the regiment during its service in the war. The meeting was called to order by President Colonel Joseph W. Hawley. The chaplain of the regiment, Rev. Jos. S. Evans, offered prayer and asked Divine aid for the survivors. The officers of the preceding year were re-elected by acclamation. It was decided to hold the next reunion on the Battlefield of Antietam, September 17th, 1887. The president appointed the following committee to make arrangements : William C. Dickey, D. F. Houston, Charles W. Roberts, Hunter Brooke and Ralph Buckley. C. D. M. Broomhall, the historian of the regiment, read a care- fullv prepared history of the 124th from its inception until the day it was mustered out of service ; entering into minute details and describing the scenes in camp and battle. He reviewed the history of the regiment from the day of its arrival in Washing- ton, on August 17th, 1862; their creditable share in the great battle of Antietam on September 17th, in which they had more than sixtv killed and wounded ; how they went through mud and rain on the march toward Fredericksburg, arriving too late, how- ever, through these adverse circumstances, to participate in that terrible engagement ; also how they dug intrenchments at Chan- cellorsville with bayonets and tin plates, and further detailing the share of fighting done by the regiment in that battle. Dinner was served at the Charter House to about one hundred and fifty members and guests. After dinner, speeches were made by Robert E. Monaghan, E. P. Needles, Smedley Darling- ton, J®hn B. Robinson, John A. Groff, Captain Isaac Johnson and Joseph Ad. Thompson. Corporal Tom Kay sang "The Old Coffee Kettle" and gave flute imitations on a cane. 208 Media Reunion, i8S6. Chaplain Rev. Joseph S. Evans made the following remarks : "Mr. President and Comrades : I feel impelled to speak of a matter to-day which, while it may be of interest to my comrades, I trust it may also be explanatory to our friends who welcome and honor us with their presence. It is in reference to the strong ties which weld the hearts of veteran soldiers together. There is a generation of men and women in our midst to-day, of ages of thirty years and downward, who can have no adequate conception of the true cause that binds the heart of one veteran soldier to another. They were too young during the war to com- prehend what their fathers and mothers, who sent loved ones to the field so well knew. There are men and women in our midst who had scarcely seen the light of day when the war closed. These look upon reunions like this with a feeling of wonder; they cannot understand why there is such an utter absence of all caste or conventionalities, why the eye that begins to grow dim from weight of years should light up with an unwonted sparkle, and sometimes be diffused with manly tears as old comrades meet and grasp each other's hands with a long, strong, firm grasp. No, nor is it possible for them to fully comprehend it. unless at some future day in their lives such a dire calamity as war should call some of them to pass throngh similar scenes and experiences. No tongue so eloquent, no pen sketch so vivid as to unfold in its true character and force the realities which some of us have known. But in order to explain in some degree the reasons of such manifestations, may I not be indulged for a few moments while I try to relate to you some of the emotions which filled my soul with a strange thrill a few day's since as I passed along and through a part of that famous in history, and never to be forgotten in the hearts and memories of the 124th Regiment — battlefield of Antietam, where you, my brave comrades, received your first baptism of fire in the evermore historic cornfield. And well do you know that it was no Pedo-Baptist baptism either. Tn this brief description I shall seem to live over again some of the scenes through which we passed. It was my pleasure a few days ago to pass along the railroad running down the Cum- berland Valley from Harrisburg to Hagerstown, and from thence on the Shenandoah Valley Railroad to Luray and Natural Bridge in Virginia. All along the whole route my mind could not but dwell upon the scenes and incidents of the war. Chambersburg, Hagerstown, Shepardstown, and the place of old John Brown's martyrdom, Charlestown and a score of other points brought vividly to my mind the scenes and incidents which played such an important part in the great struggle to put down foul rebel- lion. But it was when I came in sight of Antietam, South Mountain and Maryland Heights, all taken in at one sweeping glance, that my soul was thrilled with emotions which almost unnerved me. I could see the smoke and fire, and hear the terrible roar of musketry and artillery which were dealing destruction and death to friend and foe alike. I could see again the long colunms of the blue-coited loyal sons of the North as they 14 209 Media Reunion, iS86. wended their way toward their struggling comrades across the valley by Middletown, I saw the dark shades of night gather around us, and the roar of the battle was hushed. I saw our brave boys with thousands of others drop down by the roadside supperless and weary ; only a few days from their comfortable, sweet homes and loved ones. All that night until morning dawn the lumbering ambulances were rattling by, freighted with the wounded and dying, their shrieks and groans piercing my heart afresh with inexpressible anguish. I saw the morning dawn, and then our first sight of heaps of the slain of both Blue and Gray. I saw the long trenches being dug to be a receptacle for those lifeless forms, but we dare not tarry. I saw again the breakfast which our faithful cook furnished to your Colonel and myself, to each of us a blackened and charred ear of new corn which had been roasted in the embers of a camp-fire ; that was all — the enemy were moving ; we must follow, our march has been forced ; the provision trains are not up, we must go hungry. From the railway I could see the mountain house on the battlefield where Generals Lee and AlcClellan had successively their headquarters. Though miles away, it stood out in its whiteness, to me a sacred landmark. Then I saw the long lines or columns of the Army of the Potomac stretching away down the mountain side and across the Valley to Boonesboro, and as we were passing down the mountain road I again heard the cheering from thousands of throats, as the cry came like lightning down the line, "Here comes little Mac." Then he was the idol of the Army of the Potomac ; then, and there, he received such an ovation as niust have cheered his soul, and whatever others may think, I have never lost my admiration for him as a brave and loyal soldier and commander. Peace be to his ashes and glory to his fame. Like that other grand old comrade and general, the hero of Gettysburg, Hancock, the dirty scum of political slander, while it dis- turbed their peace for a time, has left no tarnish upon their military glory. "When the brave and noble Hancock died, if ever I felt thankful to my God it was, that, setting aside every vestige of political bias, he had not been made President of the United States. He died with glory and honor untarnished. But I digress; I must hasten on. I see again the shades of night and the bivouac in the great, broad field at Nicodemus Mills. I hear again General Crawford's order promulgated, "The fence must not be disturbed," and yet in half an hour those very fences had boiled thousands of cups of cofifee and fried hundreds of pounds of bacon, and by their smouldering ashes lay whole brigades of weary, sleeping men. The next evening, Tuesday, September i6th, I see the brigade along the pike near Sharpsburg; tlie thunder of conflict is coming across the hill which hides it from our view; we wait in suspense. I see again, just across the pike on the other side in that orchard, comrades of another brigade, who, like ourselves, are waiting. I see that spent cannon ball cut off the head of one of tho.se men as quickly as by a stroke of lightning. Midnight comes. Again the wearied men lie sleeping all around ; and the whispered orders 210 Media Reunion, 1886. to move come witli strange, startling awe to my ear. No word to be spoken aloud; no drum to beat; no noise, the enemy are just beyond. With silent tread we wend our way through the darkness, we know not where. The rattle of the musketry of the pickets is near by, and then afar off, away down the line. We halt quiet as before. A drizzling rain o'er head, a plowed field beneath our feet ; there we lie down, resting awhile as we await the storm of death. Soon the faint streaks of daylight appear ; the din and strife increase; the order comes to move. Without a mouthful of breakfast the brave boys of the 124th, only four weeks' soldiers, marched untlinchingly forward to the line of fire. There, shoulder to shoulder, they marched into the storm of death in the cornfield. I need not tell you the rest ; I cannot describe the thunder and crash of battle ; the roar of the artillery; the fiendish yell of the Rebel charge; the awful sight of wounded and dead comrades on every hand. I see again the white-haired, noble Mansfield, with the fatal bullet in his heart. I see Colonel Croasdale. of the 128th, with the sickly bullet hole in his forehead, carried to the rear a lifeless corpse, a few minutes after he went into the fight. I see again cur brave Lieutenant Finch as he lies upon the straw in the barn with a death wound through his body. I see others of our regiment dead and wounded all around. But as I turn back I see the kind face of our tender- hearted but now departed comrade, Tom Foster, with face pale as ashes and tears running down his cheeks, he cries, "My God, chaplain, here is our Colonel wounded." Tenderly we carried him to the old farmhouse; with bated breath we wait as the surgeon tries to probe the wound ; sor- rowfully we place him again in the ambulance, and wend our w^ay in the twilight hour toward Boonesboro. On the morrow we bade him, what we then thought, the last sad farewell ; to-day we praise the name of the God of battles, who spared his life to attend this reunion. We wend our way back to the field of carnage. The dark shades of gloomy night have again settled over our brave and shattered army. By the flare of the flickering light we see our boys gathered in the woods ; the unburied dead are all about them. All expected that the morrow's dawn would bring on the dreadful carnage again. We held our little prayer-meeting over again. I received again messages from officers and men to loved ones at home in case they should fall in the to-morrow's battle. My friends, these were times that tried men's souls. These were the scenes and experiences which welded men's hearts together in an eternal bond of friendship. This is why we greet each other so heartily and lovingly. Do you understand it better than before? Souls welded together in scenes like these lose all sense of difference of station, education or nationality. As each looks in the face of the other, they see only the face of a brother." 211 ANTIETAM REUNION. (Third Aiiiiiial.) ■ September 29th, 1887. ."•■ In consequence of the Constitutional Centennial being held in Philadelphia. September 15th, i6th and 17th, the contemplated trip to Antietam was postponed to the 29th, on which date the rain made the outlook very gloomy for a pleasant trip. Owing to the inclement weather, it was decided to stop at Hagerstown until morning. The Baldwin House placed their parlors at the disposal of the Association, and the meeting was called to order by President Colonel Joseph W. Hawley. The officers of the previous year were elected, except that Captam W. W. Stott was succeeded as treasurer by Captain Joseph Pratt. Chester was decided upon as the place for the next annual reunion, September 17th, 1888. Roll-call showed the following members present: George F. Bailey C, H. Dilworth George ]\I. Thomson Mifflin W. Bailey Charles Daller Col. Jos. W. Hawley George J. Steitler , Lieutenant Ralph Buckley George W. Ayres Gardiner Kelly Jacob Barlovv; Thonaas H., Kay , Captaip, Joseph Pra,tt . Lewis Farra John ^L Windle Wilmer Wood Benjamin Brooke Robert ]\I. Green John S. Baldwin Charles P. Keech Captain James Barton William Trainer, Jr. William F. Shaw William D. Wilkinson Lewis Wilson Lieutenant William C. Dickey Joel Hollingsworth Thomas T. Smith Abraham Brubaker W. W. Potts I. Walton Martin Jesse Darlington Edward B. Green C. D. M. Broomhall Lorenzo F. Davis Benjamin T. Green Thomas Chambers Joseph B. Hinkson Lieutenant Harry C. Wells Jo'^eph M. Showalter Milton INIcFadden Rev. Joseph S. Evans Captain Charles W. Roberts Lieutenant John A. Groff Bernard Hawlcv After supper, Reno Post, G. A. R., Department of :\laryland. tendered the use of their Post room, where a camp-fire was 212 Aiiticlain Kcnniou, 1S87. Started, Colonel Hawley presiding. Commander G. L. Fisher, of Reno Post, extended a cordial welcome to the members of the Association, to which Colonel Hawley responded. Speeches were made by Chaplain Evans, Lieutenant Groff, Captain Barton, Lieutenant Buckley, Lieutenant William C. Dickey, of the Asso- ciation, and Captain Boward, of Reno Post. Corporal Tom Kay filled in the space with his "Old Coffee Kettle" and other well- known selections. After a night's rest, the journey was resumed to Antietam, arriving there at 8.45 A. M. Carriages were in waiting, and a pleasant day was spent visiting the various points of interest on that memorable field. As we gazed on the fields surrounding Bloody Lane, now giving forth their fruits of peace, it was hard to give expression to our thoughts. If those old trees could speak, what an experience they could tell of twenty-five years ago, when the dead — man and beast — dying and wounded, lay side by side beneath their spreading, shot-ridden branches, which to-day are outstretched over fields ripe for the harvest of peace. The sacri- fice, indeed, was great beyond computation, but the result was a benefaction to mankind, the salvation of the greatest government on earth. 213 CHESTER REUNION. (Fourth Annual.) September 17. 1888. The meeting was called to order by President Colonel Joseph W. Hawley, and prayer offered by Chaplain Joseph S. Evans. Roll call showed 100 members present. The officers of pre- vious year were re-elected, except that Captain Joseph Pratt was succeeded as treasurer by Joel Hollingsworth. A committee was appointed to secure ground on which to erect a tablet on Antietam battleground. The committee consisted of David F. Houston, Charles W. Roberts, Edwin F. James, Benjamin Brooke, Joseph Showalter, Ralph Buckley. George M. Thomson, Robert j\I. Green, Joseph B. Hinkson, Milton McFadden. A committee was also appointed to print a history of the regiment. It consisted of W. W. Potts, Thomas Chambers, George M. Thomson, David F. Houston, and Thomas T. Smith. An invitation was extended by Admiral S. F. Dupont F'ost, No. 2, G. A. R. of Delaware, to hold the next annual reunion in Wilmington. The invitation was accepted. The Committee of Arrangements had made preparations for the society to visit the various industrial establishments of the city, but the inclement weather prevented that part of the program from being carried out. 214 WILMINGTON REUNION. (Fifth Annual.) SEPTEMBER 17, 1889. At the annual reunion lield in Chester, Pennsylvania, Septem- ber 17, 1888, Wilmington, Delaware, was decided upon as the place of meeting for this year, by invitation of Admiral S. F. Dupont Post, No. 2. Grand Army of the Republic. The members and friends, of the Association assembled at the Philadelphia, Wilmington and r)altimore Railroad Station, Wilmington, Delaware, at 9.30 A. Al. Each comrade of the Association was presented with a badge by Dupont Post, inscribed as follows : Admiral S. F. Dupont Post No. 2, Department of Delaware, G. A. R., to the Survivors of the 124th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, September 17, 1889. After some time spent in greetings and introductions, we were escorted to the Opera House by the comrades of Dupont and other posts, members of city councils, and a fife and drum corps of 20 pieces ; in the procession was Governor Biggs and statT, of Delaware, and many of the leading citizens of W'ilmington and Chester. One hundred and fifty-six of the comrades of the regiment were present, and when Colonel Hawley led them down the central aisle of the Opera House auditorium, there was a roar of applause from the large audience as the tattered battle-flag of the regiment fluttered its thin remnants to the swinging march of the men who had followed it to victory in days gone by. The platfonu was decorated with flags and bunting, among the former being that of Dupont Post and the 124th Regiment. 215 Wiluiiiigtou Reunion, 1889. Captain Edward F. James, of Company G, 124th, on behalf of the Committee of Arrangements, introduced, as "the soldier's friend," Washington Jones, Esq., as chairman of the meeting. Mr. Jones, in expressing his appreciation of the honor, said he hoped the day would never come when he would fail to honor the memory of those who gave their lives for the maintenance of the Union. The Rev. L. E. Barrett, of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church, offered an eloquent and appropriate prayer. A quartette sang "We Old Boys." " 'Twas side by side as comrades dear, In dark days long ago, We fought the fight without a fear, And rendered blow for blow. In battle, march or prison pen, Each unto each was true. As beardless boys became strong men, And brav'd the long war through." Governor Biggs, of Delaware, being introduced, said, in part : "Through the partiahty of Du Pont Post, I appear to welcome to the State of Delaware the 124th Regiment. I welcome you with open arms and with a warm heart. The State of Delaware has a history. The State of Pennsylvania has a history. And these histories have been made side by side by men of the Keystone and Diamond States. "A Franklin and a Rodney together signed that immortal bill of rights which has been liberty's beacon light down the years of a century — the Declaration of Independence. "While we of Delaware were the first to ratify that Magna Charta of human liberty — the Constitution of the United States, the men of Penn- sylvania quickly fell into alignment, and together on almost every field of strife during the long, dark and bloody years of the Revolution, side by side they bled, fought and died that America might be free. "In the earlier days of the legislative history of our country, Pennsylvania and Delaware were one and inseparable in the support of measures which tended in the greatest degree for the upbuilding of this God-given, sublime governmental superstructure, which is to the nations of the earth as was the Ark of the Covenant to the Israelites of old, leading them to the prom- ised land of independence and happiness. "In every struggle in the subsequent history of our Nation together we fought, side by side, for the honor of the flag and the perpetuation of our common country. 216 Wilmington Reunion, i88g. "And so to-day, while we recognize you as Pennsylvanians, and as . such bid you welcome to our State, yet we would greet you in a higher sense as citizens of our greater commonwealth — as soldiers of the Republic, tried so as by fire — as men weighed in the balance in the hour of the Nation's peril and not found wanting. "My life is behind me. and I thank God for His goodness and mercy to me. As I look backward, the years of the history of your country and nnne are crowned with blessings. Standing here to-day, on this Pisgah point, glancing backward over the marvelous history of this Nation, vvc: can but exclaim, 'What hath God wrought?' and catching an inspiration from the glorious past, we cast our eyes forward to an unlimited expanse of progress and glory which shall eclipse in its grandeur the greatness of all the nations of the earth. "We are proud to welcome you to-day, brave men of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth. As a regiment you did noble service. At Antietam, amid the storm of shot and shell, in which the brave Mansfield fell and before which your gallant Colonel went down, you so well and fearlessly dischargee) your duty, that your Commander. General McClcllan, has spe- cially commended you. What a high and proud position you and your comrades of the Grand Army have won. What a legacy you have made for your children !" Turning to the battle-flag of the regiment, the Governor said: "Unfurl that flag. (Amidst cheers the flag was unfurled.) God bless its tattered and bullet-riddled folds! What a history it has! Cherish it, boys of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth! In its defense and under its leadership many of your comrades died in that field of death, the historic cornfield of Antietam. "Again, I bid you welcome. You are prisoners of war. Consider your- selves for the present Delawareans. Presently, under the leadership of the gallant Captain James, chairman of the committee, you will be led to an attack to which we hope you will do full justice as you did on the field of battle. Do your duty as men — as hungry men." It is to be regretted that the remarks of Governor Biggs cannot be e-iven at ereater length, as his address was an admirable one. O c^ O ^ ^ He stirred the heart of every soldier present by his patriotic utterances and his generous words of welcome. Colonel Joseph W. Hawley was called upon to respond to the governor. In a few appropriate words he returned thanks for the honor, and introduced the Hon. John M. Broomall, Media. Delaware County, Pa. Remarks of Hon. John M. Broom.\ll. In part he said : "Having obeyed the Colonel's orders a number of years ago. it would not be well for me to shirk now. The Colonel, however, did 217 Jl'i.iningtnii Rcioiiini, iSSg. not ask me to do his fighting. It affords mc pleasure on behalf of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Regiment to thank the Post and the Governor for their kindness. I am a peace man, and have always been. I do not believe in settling questions of law on the battlefield, and soon questions will be settled differently. Sometimes there is a necessity for war. When that necessity for war was over we settled other questions in a different manner. Before the Rebellion, American patriotism had almost been forgotten. When it came, party questions were forgotten and a rebellion put down that would have upset any other government in the world. I thank the Governor for his warm words of welcome." Captain Isaac Johnson, Media, Pa., was introduced. "I am absolved," he said in part, "from any reply to the "^Mayor. When I saw the flags as we marched up the streets of this city I thought the day would not soon come when the men who risked their lives for their country twenty-five years ago will forget the flag. It is right that Delaware should welcome a Pennsylvania regiment. Delaware was a border State, and had ihe Rebellion succeeded this would have been a battle ground. It is right that Delaware should welcome the One Hundred and Twenty- fourth, and she has done it nobly. Let me say on behalf of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth, that we thank you for this royal welcome. We will welcome you in some future time as you have welcomed us to-day." The song, "Dying Bugler," was next sung, with admirable efifect, by Prof. N. D. Cloward. He held the audience spellbound. Department Commander Captain Peter B. Ayars, being intro- duced, said, in part : "Mr. Ch.-mrman : As so many speeches of 'welcome' have been made, and I am expected to make another on the same line, I am reminded of the story of a poor fellow who was unfortunately kicked to death by an army mule, and we all know they w^ere 'kickers.' A telegram announcing the sad event was sent to the parents of the deceased. An answer was received: 'Send the remains home.' The circumstances were such that but one reply could be sent: 'There are no remains.' (Laughter.) "After listening to the speeches of the eloquent gentlemen who have preceded me, there seems to be 'no remains' for me on the 'welcome' line. "I have always been grateful that my services in the Army of the Union during the Rebellion entitled me to comradeship in the Grand Army of the Republic, and am doubly grateful to-day to be privileged not only to greet you as comrades of the war, but to extend to you officially the warm soldierly greetings of the Grand Army of Delaware. This day of all other days, and Wilmington of all other places, it seems to me to be the very time and place for holding your reunion. 2l8 jrihiiiiigtoii Reunion, 1889. "A little more than a quarter of a century ago to-day, on the field of Antietam. you received your first baptism of fire from the enemy's guns, and your brave Colonel Hawley went down while leading you to victory. Your regiment presented a magnificent spectacle, as steadily through the smoke of battle you advanced to the front and engaged the enemy in the cornfield above the sunken road, and when the harvest of death seemed greatest, and your thinned lines were wavering under the galhng fire, then that noble old regiment, the First Delaware (then, too, to receive its bap- tism and make its first sacrifice), came to your support, and together the men of Pennsylvania and Delaware, aj in the days of '76, mingled their blood in defense of their country. "To-day those who fell, sleep side by side in the beautiful National Cemetery on the hillside, till the last reveille shall be sounded. Therefore, I say, this is the proper time, Septemb-r 17, and Wilmington, our beautiful city, the proper place for your reunion. "Ours is a great order, consisting, as it does, of thirty-si.x departments and four thousand si.x hundred posts and a total membership of over four hundred thousand, all touching elbow to elbow to-day as they did from '61 to '65. There was expended last year over one million dollars in charity; not given, as the world understands it, in a spirit that makes a poor man feel poorer, but in that spirit that was taught us by the Great Teacher of old, who went about over those Judean hills doing good to the aftiicted people. "And so the fellowship of suffering continues, and we go down to the edge of the border land with our sick. "In all this broad land of ours to-day there is not one comrade in an alms- house, unless of his own volition. Thanks to the efforts of the Grand Army of the Republic and a generous Government, homes have been pro- vided where all the "old boys," who. by reason of wounds, or whose health has been impaired by hard, arduous service during the Rebellion, can go and be made comfortable the remainder of his life, and they are homes indeed. "A friend asked me some few days ago why. in the three cardinal words of our association, the word 'Loyalty' was engrafted. Was it necessary to pledge the old boys to renewed loyalty for the flag? "1 said: Oh, no! They have attested that on every battle-field of the South,' and to my idea that would be about as silly as the pension law that makes an applicant for pension, after four years' hard service, go back and prove that he was an able-bodied man before he entered the service. "But a different teaching than this of loyalty is intended. Loyalty to each other and each other's interest. With no sect, no creed, no politics, and no rank but the broad platform of comradeship. "I knew two comrades who had braved the perils of the second battle of Bull Run together. One of them was badly wounded just as the break came on the afternoon of the third day's fighting, and 'Tom' braved again a hundred deaths in carrying his comrade off the field. All through the 219 Wiliniiigtoit Reunion, iSS(^. long night of that retreat towards Centreville Heights he stayed by him trying to get him to a place of safety. At last he was forced to rest with him by the roadside, blocked with debris of all kinds. 'Tom,' spake Bill, iet me lie here and you save yourself. You can't do any more for me. I shall die, anyhow.' Tom wiped the great beads of sweat from his face, and the tears from his eyes, and said : 'Bill, if there's anybody saved, there'll be two of us or none !' and with the daylight he trudged up tlie heights of Centreville with his friend, saved from death or a Southern prison. "That is 'loyalty,' and the pledge that one comrade gives to another in our association. "I knew two comrades who were captured and taken to Andersonville. One was married, the other single. After seven long, weary months the name of the single one was called for exchange. He had stood the fearful tortures of that 'hell on earth' better than his comrade, who was fast fail- ing, and if he remained there must soon die. The unmarried one compelled him to take his name and place when the roll for exchange was called, and thus sent him back to life and liberty, and to the arms of his wife and companionship of his baby girl, while the other remained to suffer and perhaps die. "That was loyalty. It was such substitution for a friend as Christ on the cross exemplified by his awful death to save humanity, and I rejoice, my comrades, that nearly seven hundred thousand of us still remain that have learned those sweet and holy loyalties, so closely allied, that were learned in the rude school of war." The Rev. David Tully, chaplain of Bradbury Post, Media, Pa., was then introduced, and said : "After all that has been said it will be hard for any one of us chaplains to find anything to say. I believe in calling things by their right names. When a person fires on a flag of his country he is a traitor. The heresy of State rights may have been the cause, but people must understand that a government is a government. That was what the Grand Army of the Republic fought for. All the great rivers, all the mountain ranges run North and South. We could not afford to allow another country to own the mouths of all the rivers, and the Grand Army of the Republic saved them. We thank you for the welcome we have received." Post Chaplain James McCoy, of Dupont Post, followed with a short address replete with wit and humor. He simply captured the audience. The chaplain made a tremendous hit in blaming Governor Biggs for one great omission in his speech. He made the strange omission (for Governor Biggs) of omitting to pay his respects to the ladies. The governor seemed taken by 220 H'ihningfoii Rciiiiioii, /i'i'p. surprise. The incident was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience, and none laughed louder than the governor himself. The chaplain continuing said : "I was invited to address you to-day, and was told it would he well to prepare myself. I said I would gladly say a word to our guests, but I should do it as I fought the Rebels, from the shoulder. "Brevet-Corporal James and the ladies of DuPont Post have made ample arrangements for appeasing your appetites, which by this time must be pretty well sharpened, and I won't detain you. But we shall expect yon to charge the breastworks — of chicken — as bravely as you fought this day twenty-seven years ago." The last speaker was Chaplain Evans. As he was the last speaker, he said that he would have to restrict his remarks to a general expression of thanks to Dupont Post, the State of Delaware, Governor Biggs, to the mayor and the city of Wil- mington, and the hundreds of ladies and gentlemen gathered to honor a regiment of Pennsylvania soldiers. Professor Cloward then sang, as a solo, the ''Battle Hymn of the Republic," the "boys" and the audience uniting in the chorus with a will that recalled the days of the past, when the grand anthem sung on the march and around the "watch-fires of a thousand circling camps" stirred the hearts of men "to die to make men free." Flag Presentation. Reverend David Tully appeared on the stage with a handsome new silk flag, bearing, in gold letters, the inscription: "From the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Pennsylvania Regiment to Du Pont Post, No. 2, Department of Delaware, G. A. R.," In part, he said : Comrade;- of DuPont Post: — You have overwhelmed us with your kindness to-day. We gratefully accepted your invitation to hold our reunion with you. We were thankful for the extended courtesy — and we felt we wanted in some w^ay to show the appreciation of 3'our fraternal spirit; to leave with you some memento of the occasion that you could treasure. As such, we have had prepared the beautiful flag which T have the honor to be delegated to present to you to-day on behalf of the survivors of the I.^4th Regiment. 221 Wibningtou Rcitiiioii, 18S9. What more appropriate gift could we bring you? We are sure none would be more highly prized. Comrades, you represent to-day individually, as members of DuPont Post, vctemns who have served in nearly every battle of the war. You have known what it is to follow the flag to victory and to ofifer up your lives and limbs in its defense. You have seen your comrades fall, bleeding, wounded, torn, dying and dead, under its folds. For it >ou gave up home, father, mother, wife, children and sweetheart. Oh, the pain of those partings ! oh, the long tedious days and nights of separation! oh, the suffering and deprivations of those weary years, when we made of disease a bed-fellow, and of death a daily companion that this flag might still wave over a united people. Comrades, you love this flag. We all love this flag. It stands to-day for all that men love best. Under its folds man can find all that God designed him to have. It stands for happy homes and a Christian Sabbath, for the elevating of human character, for all that is good and noble, brave and pure. To-day it represents a nation of si.xty-five millions of people — a united, happy people ; and these, under God, owe this greatness and this happiness to the sacrifices made by men such as are represented here to-day by the Grand Army and the veterans of the 124th Regiment. And so, in the name and by the authority of the 124th Regiment, I present you this flag. I need not urge you to cherish it. Ere long, as the years roll round in their rapid flight, we shall be mustered out. Life's battle will he over. Let us see to it, comrades, that we "fight a good fight," and then beyond the darkness of death we shall be awakened by the reveille of a glorious morning. Post Commander Dufify received the flag from the hands of Chaplain Tully, and said: "On behalf of DuPont Post I ask our friend. Senator Higgins, to respond for us." Senator Higgins in part said : "It gives me great pleasure on behalf of DuPont Post to tender the vet- erans of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Regiment their sincere and hearty thanks for this beautiful flag. It is the emblem of all that men hold most dear, of all that government and civilization conserve, of the security of person and property, of morality and religion, of liberty and law. It was that flag that was fired on at Sumpter, an act resented by the gallant men, some of whom I see before me. "There was but one war in all history as worthy as the war in which you fought. That was the war of the American Revolution that secured the independence of this people. As .it the end of that war there was no one to gainsay what our fathers fought for, so at the end of that great conflict which shook the continent, and in which you took so conspicuous 222 Wihiiingtoii Reunion, i88g. and so honorable a part, there was no one who was not thankful for its result. The Rebellion was precipitated in the interests of slavery. Indeed, the Rebellion was slavery, and slavery the Rebellion. But you will to-day look in vain throughout the entire South to find one man who would restore slavery, or who is not profoundly thankful that it was destroyed, and that the Union represented by that flag was preserved. "That flag was unfurled by the order of George Washuigton. You fought for it under Abraham Lincoln. The country owes the men who fought for it a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. The nation will not let them sink into a pauper's grave. Their path will be smoothed by the Government's bounty, and they will live among the plaudits of their countrymen." The remarks of Senator Higgins were received with cheers by the boys of Du Pont Post. As the cheers died away, Professor Cloward rang out the familiar and stirring words of "Rally Round the Flag," and beckoning to the audience, they rose to their feet, and, joining with him in the chorus, made the welkin ring with its soul- stirring and patriotic strains. The audience was dismissed with a benediction by the Rev. J. D. C. Hanna, pastor of Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church. At the conclusion of the exercises at the Opera House, the regiment was escorted by the drum corps and Du Pont Post to the Post room, at Tenth and Market streets. BUSINESS MEETING. The Association was called to order by Colonel Hawley, and after prayer by Chaplain Evans the secretary announced the following as having answered roll call. STAF?. Colonel Joseph W. Hawley, Chaplain Joseph S. Evans, Hospital Steward T. Benton Aitken, and Commissary Sergeant W. Pusey West. COMPANY A. Samuel P). Smiley, Eli H. Baldwin, Bernard Hawley. William H. Harp, Alfred Mullen, Charles D. Patterson, Joseph T. Pierce. 223 irHiiiiiigloii Rciiiiioii, jSSg. William H. H. Pierce, Charles P. Rushton. Jacob S. Stott, William Stamp, George J. Steitler, Henry B. Thompson, Charles W. Roberts. COMPANY 15. Ralph Buckley, John B. Silvey, Charles W. Broadbent, Jacob Barlow, Edwin Cooper, Thomas Chambers, Charles Creamer, Elmer Edwards, Gardner Kelley, Jesse W. Paist, Edward D. Sipler, George H. Shillingford, John J. Wilkinson. COMPANY c. James B. Whitcraft, William C. Dickey, Jacob Z. Webb, George G. Taylor, John A. Smith. Richard F. Cowan, David E. Kirk, John A. Leek, John R. McFadden, William H. Pierson, Lambdon F. Thomas, W. Harrison Worth, Robert G. Woodside. COMPANY D. Norris L. Yarnall, Joseph Pratt, C. D. M. Broomhall, J. Frank '■'Black, Benjamin Brooke, Benjamin T. Green, W. Wayne • Vogdes, William H. Beatty, William T. Innes. Jr., John F. Worrilow, Joel Hollingsworth, Hunter Brooke. James Cheetham, Lorenzo F. Davis, Jesse Darlington, Jr., William G. Davidson, Harry R.' Duey, Anderson Fielding, John L. Grim, William Gamble, Edward B. Green, John H. Henderson, William G. ' Howarth, Brinton J. Heyburn, John D. Howard, Philip R. Johnson, George D. Miller, Charles Moore, Pennell Stackhouse, Stephen T. Smith, Walker Y. Wells, Charles W. Watkins, Henry C. Warburton. , ; i COMPANY E. ■"''■• 'Edwin Otley, Richard D. Townsend, Josiah Burnett, George F. Baily, Thomas W. Taylor, Moses M. Brown, Elias W. Copeland, David Cox, John J. Epright, George B. Foreman, George D. Farra, Ezekiel R. Griffith, Joseph W. Hall. Edward T. Harlan, Frederick Ingram, S. S. Johnson, Davis Moulder, Emmor L. Talley, Joseph B. Taylor, James Wilson, Davis E. Townsend. COMPANY F. William W. Potts, Thomas T. Smith. William Williams, Mifflin W. Bailey, Reese M. Bailey, John S. Baldwin, William 224 Jl'ihniiiiiton Rniiiion, i8Sg. H. Bush. John I. Chalfant, Charles Daller, Peter Gamble, Michael Longhran, Townsend A. Mercer, I. Walton Martin, James McClintock, Samuel Penniger, David C. W'indle. Charles P. Keech. COMPANY G. Edward F. James, Joseph N. Marshall, John W. Crothers, Jacob E. James. Gilpin B. Underwood, William Mendenhall, J. Underwood, Jr., \\^illiam D. Webster, Wihner Woods. COMPANY H. Samuel K. Crozier, William Trainer, Jr.. James C. Hinkson, Charles Bonsall. Jr.. Robert Casey, Jr.. Robert M. Green, Benjamin F. Hirst, Harvey E. Pierce, Horatio N. Piatt, Isaac E. Price, Moses Williams, Samuel W. Neeld. COMPANY I. Joseph B. Hinkson. Nicholas Garrigan. Lewis T. Johnson, Enos W. Ross. COMPANY K. William W. Stott, Henry C. Wells, Lewis Wilson. Enos C. Baker, Joseph C. Freel, John T. Garrett, David E. Gordon, George Harkins, John Judge, William Kane, Milton McFadden, Elisha H. Newlin. Chaplain Evans then offered the following report: To the OMccrs and Members of the Association of the Siir7'i7'ors of the 124th Regiment, P. V.: Comrades: Your Committee on Obituaries, appointed at our last reunion, held at Chester, Delaware County, Pa., beg leave to submit the following: Second Lieuten.\nt John A. Groff. Was mustered into Company A, 124th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volun- teers, August 8. 1862, as Sergeant. On October 20. 1862. was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant, and on February 2. 1863. to Second Lieutenant. He served faithfully and honorably for the full term of his enlistment, and was honorably mustered out with his regiment, May 17, 1863. by reason of expiration of term of service. Comrade Groff being left at a tender age an orphan, by the death of 15 225 iribiiiiigton Rcuiiioii, 1SS9. his father, was compelled by force of circumstances to seek his own living. He spent several years of his early life with an honored member of the Society of Friends, Norris Maris, near Chester Springs, Pa. While there he acquired an education which fitted him for places of honor and usefulness in after life. Notwithstanding the peculiar influences which surrounded his early life. which were of a non-combative character, his heart was fired by a spirit of patriotism when the flag of his country was fired upon l)y rebel traitors. These impulses led him to enlist in defense of that dear old flag. After the close of the war he became a teacher in the Soldiers' Orphans' School, at Chester Springs, near his old home. He did faithful service in this capacity to those whom the dead, who had sacrificed their lives in the same holy cause in which he had served, had left to the care and protection of the living, until in 1869, he was elected to the office of Recorder of Deeds of Chester County, Pennsylvania, which office he filled with honor and credit. At the close of his term of office, feeling he must seek a broader field for his talents and energies, he entered upon the study of law in the office of the late lamented Hon. Judge Futhey. After his admission to the bar of the courts of Chester County he con- tinued in practice in his chosen profession up to the time of his death. Comrade Grof¥ ever had a warm place in his heart for the soldiers' orphans. Pie paid frequent visits to his former school at Chester Springs Invariably on each succeeding Fourth of July, as the years passed away, he w^ould gather about him some of his old comrade? of the war, and, with a generous supply of fireworks, would proceed on the evening of that day to the school, and there have his own heart rejuvenated and made glad at the manifestations of delight and true enjoyment by the children. Conu-ade Grotif. after a painful and lingering illness, died in the borough of West Chester, Pennsylvania, on December 13, 1887. His remains, accompanied by a number of his late comrades in arms and his relatives and friends, were interred in Fernwood Cemetery, Delaware County, Pa. Sergeant John Middleton Clayton. Was mustered in as First Sergeant of Company H, 124th Regiment. Pennsylvania Volunteers, on August 9, 1862. He served honorably and faithfully in this capacity until the end of liis term of enlistment. He was mustered out with his company, on May 16, 1863, by reason of expira- tion of term of service. He was born in Bethel, Delaware County. Pa., October 13. 1840. His father, John Clayton, was an earnest Whig, and was a delegate to the National convention that nominated General Harrison in 1840. During that most remarkable campaign the twin brothers John and William were born. William was named after the President and John after the Vice-President. Their names as recorded in the family Bible were William Henry Harrison Clayton and John Tyler Clayton. After Tyler's treachery and desertion to the Democrats, a family counsel was called and the name "Tyler" was 226 irihiiiiigtoii Reunion, iS8q. stricken out of John's name and the name of "JNIiddleton" substituted. The intention was that instead of being named after Vice-President Tyler, he should be named after Hon. John M. Clayton, then U. S. Senator for Delaware. John had a good English education, and was also a fair Latin scholar. He was remarkable for his gentle but firm disposition. He had perfect control of his passions, and was never known to speak loud or lose his temper. He was a forcible debater and a good public speaker. He was, from his youth, a consistent member of the AI. E. Church and stood high in the Masonic Fraternity. After the termination of the war, at the suggestion of his brother. General Powell Clayton, he removed to Arkansas and became extensively engaged in planting cotton in Jefferson County, near Pine Bluff". He soon took a prominent position in public affairs. He served with credit in the Legislature of the State, and was five times elected sheriff of Jefferson County. At the earnest solicitation of his political friends he consented to become a candidate for Congress from the Second District of Arkansas, and was regularly nominated for office, his Democratic competitor being Hon. R. C. Breckinridge. Soon after the polls had closed it was conceded that he had been elected by a majority too large to be overcome by a fraudulent manipulation of the counting officers. To overcome the difficulty it was necessary to throw out the entire vote of the county of Conway, where he had his greatest fol- lowing. While the officers of this county were preparing their return, a party of masked and armed men entered the room, captured the ballots and all papers and burned them in the public highway. Notwithstanding this outrage and the fraudulent tampering with the returns in other districts, Mr. Breckinridge's majority was only a few hundred. Clayton's friends insisted upon a contest for the purpose of exposing the disgraceful frauds, and although warned that his life would be the price of the contest, he determined to prosecute it. While taking depositions at Plummersville on the evening of January 29, 1889, he was assassinated by being shot through the window where he was seated conversing with a friend. A full charge of buck shot was fired into his head and neck, causing instant death. To the disgrace of the State of Arkansas, the perpetrators of this crime, although w-ell known, have not been brought to justice, and in all probability never will be. Socially John M. Clayton had no enemies in Arkansas; his assassination was the outcome of a purely political conspiracy. Upon his father's side John M. Clayton was descended from the same common ancestor as the one for wdiom he was named, Hon. John AL Clayton, of Delaware. His mother was a blood relation of Commodore Decatur; she left four sons. Thomas J. Clayton, President Judge of the Thirty-second District of Pennsylvania ; General Powell Clayton, late Governor and U. S. Senator from Arkansas, and Judge William W. H. Clayton, at present \J. S. Attorney at Fort Smith, Ark., he having resigned his office of Judge to accept his present appointment. He was also a mem- ber of Company H. 124th Regt.. Pa. Vols. 227 U ihniiigtoii Rciiiiioii, iSSt). David F. Houston. Was mustered into Company F, 124th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volun- teers, on August II, 1862. He served faithfully in the capacity of private for the full term of enlistment, and was honorahly mustered out with the surviving members of his regiment on May 16, 1863, by reason of expiration of term of service. Comrade Houston, who was present at our reunion held in the city of Chester, one year ago, and who was at that time appointed chairman of a committee to consider the propriety of making an efifort to erect a memorial tablet on the Antietam battlefield, was the very picture of health and happiness. He was a man of fine physique, and possessed of remark- able traits of mind and character, which fitted him in an eminent degree for places of honor and usefulness among his fellows. After the close of the war he held several responsible positions at different periods in the Government service, which he filled with honor and integrity. Possessed of rare business qualifications, he was called and chosen to fill many positions in business circles and places of trust in his native State, and at the time of his death he stood at the head of vast iron and coal interests in the town of Roanoke, Virginia, which place he had chosen and occupied as his residence for some years past. He at one time filled the position of councilman of the borough of Roanoke, and was chosen the first president of the new City Council of Roanoke in 1885. So genial was his character, and so conspicuous his varied talents, that he was chosen in the autumn of 1887 to occupy a position as a legislator in the Senate of the great State of Virginia, in a district that strongly opposed him in political faith, which position he honorably filled to the day of his lamented death. Comrade Houston was fatally injured l)y a fall upon the ice as he was about to enter the door of his brother's home, in the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he w'as visiting on Saturday, February 16, 1889, from which injury he died in a few moments after entering the house. His remains, attended by a large concourse of relatives and loving friends, were interred in the cemetery at Upper Octoraro Church, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, beside the grave of his mother, on Wednesday, February 20, 1889. Comrade Houston was born in Colerain, Lancaster County, Pa., July 16, 1843. He was in his forty-sixth year at the date of his untimely death. Lewis Farra. Was mustered into Company A, 124th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volun- teers, on August 13, 1862. He served faithfully as a good soldier through- out the entire term for which he enlisted, and was mustered out with his company. May 17, 1863, by reason of expiration of term of enlistment. Conirade Farra was a man of genial disposition, and made friends wherever he was known. After the war he engaged m his chosen occupa- tion of blacksmithing. He was thus engaged when his last sickness, whicli resulted in his death, overtook him. 228 Wilmington Reunion. 1889. He was present at our reunion at Chester, Pennsylvania, last year. He always manifested a warm interest in the affairs of our organization. His death was the more to be lamented from the fact that he left a widow and several children who were dependent upon his efforts for support. His death took place May 24. 1889. His remams were accompanied to their last resting place in Greenmount Cemetery, West Chester, by a detail from General George A. McCall Post, No. 31, Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Pennsylvania, of which he was an honored member at the time of his death. He was born April 26, 1841, and was in the forty-ninth year of his age at the time of his death. First Sergeant J.^mes H. Naylor. Was mustered into Company G, 124th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volun- teers, on August 12, 1862. He served faithfully and effectively in his posi- tion during the whole period of the regiment's service, and was mustered out with his company, on IMay 16, 1863, by reason of expiration of term of service. Comrade Naylor was a man of uncommon firmness of conviction. When his mind was satisfied that a thing was right nothing could move him from tliat conviction. He was an exemplary citizen, an honest and indus- trious tradesman, and could be depended upon to fulfill any engagement that he might enter into. He was for many years a contracting plasterer, and was much sought after in that line by those who knew him. His death occurred in the city of Philadelphia, on February 5, 1889. His remains, attended by a delegation of General George A. McCall Post, No. 31, Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Pennsylvania, were interred in Greenmount Cemetery, West Chester, Pennsylvania, on Feb- ruary 8, 1889. Lieutenant Joseph G. Cummins. Was mustered in as first sergeant of Company D, 124th Regiment, PeniLsylvania Volunteers, on August 9, 1862, and was promoted to second lieutenant of same company, August 16, 1862. He served faithfully and effectively with his regiment during the term of its enlistment. While in Virginia he acted as quartermaster of the regiment in October and November of 1862. He was mustered out with his company on May 16, 1863, by reason of expiration of term of service. Shortly after his return from the army he was appointed Deputy Provost Marshal for the counties of Chester and Delaware, which position he held with honor until about the beginning of the year 1S65. He was postmaster of the borough of Media, Delaware County, under the administration of President Andrew Johnson, for about three years. Comrade Cummins was a man of genial disposition, of correct business habits, and unflinching integrity of character. Up to within about one year of his lamented death he was engaged in the stationery and news agency business, in the borough of Media. He 229 JJ'ihiiiiigtoii f-^ciinioii. iSSc;. relinquished business on account of failing health, and died at his home of pulmonary consumption, on December i, 1887. He left a widow and four children to mourn his loss. His remains, attended by a large concourse of relatives and friends, and by the members of Bradbury Post, No. 140, Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Pennsylvania, of which he was a member, were interred in Media Cemetery, Delaware County, Penn- sylvania, on December 4, 1887. Joseph S. Evans, Robert M. Green, Coiinnitfec. Committee to Secttre Grottiul for Tablet on Antietam Battle- field reported having written to the party owning the desired site, but received no reply. The committee, on motion, was discharged. Nominations of officers being in order, the following were elected : President, Colonel Joseph W. Hawley. Vice-president, Captain Charles W. Roberts. Secretary, Charles P. Keech. Treasurer, Joel Rollings worth. The following places were named for meeting in 1890: Oxford, Coatesville, Media, Conshohocken, and West Chester. On vote being taken, Oxford was unanimously named. Oil motion of Comrade Harry Thompson, each member was requested to notify the secretary of his post office address, with such other addresses of members of the regiment as they might know of, also the date of death and place of burial of all deceased members. On motion of Robert M. Green, the president was authorised to appoint a Tablet Committee. The president made the following appointments : Chaplain, Rev. Joseph S. Evans. Historian, C. D. M. Broomhall. Committee on Obituary : Joseph S. Evans, Thomas T. Smith, Robert M. Green. Committee on Tablet : Robert M. Green, Company H ; Captain Charles W. Roberts, Company A ; Lieutenant Ralph Buckley, Company B ; Lieutenant William C. Dickey, Company 230 ll'ihiiington Reunion, jS8(^. C ; Colonel Benjamin Brooke, Company D ; Thomas W. Taylor, Company E ; Charles P. Keech, Company F ; Captain Edward F. James, Company G ; Joseph Hinkson, Company I ; Captain \V. W. Stott, Company K. At the Banquet. At the conclusion of the business session, at 2.30 o'clock, the regiment, escorted by Du Pont Post and its fife and drum corps, proceeded to the banquet in Institute Hall, where they were joined by a host of invited guests, who had been escorted from Judge J. Frank Ball's office by the Reception Committee. The hall was set with six long tables, five of which extended east and west and one north and south. All were handsomely decorated, and the food and choice morsels with which they were loaded delighted the appetite. Captain Edward F. James, chairman of the Reception Com- mittee, presided. At his right were Colonel Joseph W. Hawley, Judge John M. Broomall, Senator Higgins, George H. Bates, Washington Jones, Rev. L. E. Barrett, Judge Ball, Rev. David Tully, F. Eden Bach, Rev. Joseph S. Evans, and Captain J. W. De Witt. On the left were Governor Biggs, City Auditor Newell, Colonel Layfield, Department Commander Ayars, Post Com- mander Dufify, Chaplain McCoy, President of Wilmington Council, Mr. Farra, and Colonel Norton. Fully 500 people attended the bancjuet. Remarks oe Joseph Ad. Thompson. Joseph Ad. Thompson, editor of the Chester Et'eiiiiig News, being called upon, said, substantially: ''I did not expect to be called on for a speech on this occasion, and I will commence by saying I am both snrprised and delighted — surprised that I should have the honor of making a little after dinner speech, and delighted with the grand ovation you have given the 124th Regiment. It is a rousing reception, such as we have never before realized, and you have overwhelmed us with your magnificent welcome. It is a genuine, substantial, cordial welcome all along the line, and it does credit to your State, your city and all your people. "We are not used to such marked attentions, and that must excuse us for our awkwardness in acknowledging them, but I assure you if you could look into our hearts you would discover that you had struck the bull's eye 231 U'ihiiiiighni Reunion, iSSg. of our gratitude. When it was proposed to hold this reunion in another State I thought it was a mistake, for I imagined you would say, as wc marched along your streets. "What do these Pennsylvania Dutchmen want in Delaware?' and that you would give us a slice of cold shoulder. But I was mistaken — very much mistaken, for I find that the farther we go from home the better they like us, and on that theory I favor Baltimore or Richmond for a future occasion. "Why, Mr. Chairman, when we came here this morning, we found all Wilmington waiting to receive us, with a big slice of the State as an annex. The streets were decorated v>ith National bunting, and between the red and white stripes was the warm word of welcome. The maj-or of your beauti- ful and prosperous city and the members of the City Council gave us greet- ing to the city, and your Governor gave us the whole Commonwealth for the day. The Grand Army boys touched elbow and gave fraternal greeting, and the people on the sidewalks and at the windows all said 'Welcome !'' "If the President of the United States had come here, I do not believe he would have had such a reception as we are having. No, sir, we don't get such receptions at home. When we meet up there it does not cause a ripple. They don't turn out and make it lively as you do. They don't drape their houses with bunting as you do. Why, there is nothing there to show we are coming — no bunting, not even a shirt-tail waving in the breeze. "That scene at the Opera House was a grand one. The whole proceed- ings were warm and enthusiastic. Tlie Governor, who sits on your right, made a rattling speech, and it did the boys good. I did not believe there was so much fire in the old gentleman. .\nd this banquet ! Look at it, with its long tables filled with delicacies, and surrounded with more than five hundred happy people, provided by the generosity of the citizens and served by beautiful girls and comely women. And all this without money and without price. "1 cannot do justice to the occasion. I am thrice full — lull of astonish- ment, of gratitude and dinner. Isn't that a happy trinity? 1 can find no words to thank you for this reception. It is beyond cold paragraphs, but I do assure you we appreciate it, and thank you, one and all. Some day it may be our privilege to make a return for all this, and while we should not be able to do so in the princely style you have shown, we will do our best to show our remembrance of this pleasant occasion. We '^hall leave you with the reflection that you have made this reunion the best one in our history. God bless you all." Hon. George H. Bates was called tipon, and said: jMr. Chairman : It would be much more agreeable for me to hear others than to speak myself upon this occasion, but I certainly do not regret the opportunity which is afiforded me; to express the pleasure which it has given me to meet the members of the 124th Regiment under such propitious circumstances. 232 W'limington Reunion. 1SS9. I hope that Wihnington is entitled to be characterized as a city given to hospitahty under any circumstances, but our near neighbors of Chester and Delaware Counties are always expected to feel themselves especially at home here. We have so many interests in common, and there are so many ties which bind our people together, that I hope it is impossible for you to feel yourselves strangers here upon this, or any other occasion. Inasmuch as no special sentiment has been assigned to me 1 feel at- liberty to select my own ; and it is suggested by the unusual oppor- tunity which I have had during the past summer to observe the working of the system of keeping large standing armies for maintenance of the peace. During two months that 1 spent in the capital of the German Empire, which claims to have, at this time, the strongest and best disciplined army in Europe, my mind was constantly drawn to the radical difference between our system and theirs, and 1 am free to say that the result of my observation is, that for a Republic the system which we have adopted is the one which affords the greatest security for the future. Their system is to withdraw from the occupations of peace a very large proportion of their able-bodied men to constitute a standing army of immense proportions. Our system is to maintain a small standing army to serve the purpose, in case of war, of furnishing trained officers for the prompt organization of a large volunteer force. This system has in this country already been subjected to a severe trial, and you who stand before me, most of you veterans of the late war, are living witnesses of the successful result of that trial. During my recent visit to Berlin we were invited to witness the blessing of a flag and its presentation by the Emperor to the regiment of which he had been Colonel before he came to the throne. The religious ceremonies of blessing the Hag took place in the great hall of the old palace of Frederick the Great, at Potsdam, in the presence of all the high officers of the German Army and Navy and also of the royal family. After the prayer and an address by the clergyman we proceeded to the parade grounds where, awaiting the Emperor, the regiment stood at parade rest three thousand strong. There was present, as a spectator, an enthusiastic American, who was asked by one of the Germans present if we had anything like those splendid troops in America. Determined not to lower the American flag on that occasion, he responded: "Oh, yes: we have millions of them, and after the late war I saw them take nearly a week to pass in review." This boastful remark that we have in this country an army of millions was not, after all. so far from the truth. By virtue of our admirable militia system, which, owing largely to the interest taken in it by our present Governor, has been developed to most excellent results in our own State, we have always available an immense body of men which the quickness of resource of our people could, in a week or a month, transform into an efficient and well- disciplined army, to which I would not hesitate to trust the defense of our flag either against sedition at home or aggression from abroad. The W'ihu'ni'^toii Reunion, jS8q. patriotic spirit and the natural capacity to deal with emergencies which have always distinguished our people, will be found in the future, as in the past, equal to any and every demand vvhich may be made upon them. It is because of the necessity of our relying upon these characteristics that I welcome the recurrence of occasions like this, the tendency of which is to encourage the maintenance of these organizations, to which we may be obliged to look at any time for protection and defense. Let us then look with indifference upon the mailed hosts which Europe requires to keep the peace, and for ourselves continue to rely upon the citi- zen-soldier, in time of peace ; engaged in the arts of peace and contributing to the aggregate wealth of the nation, but ready, at any moment, to respond to a call to arms from the government, and to rally to the defense of the flag of his country. Captain Albert ]\Iagnin, of the 99th Pennsylvania A'olunteers, a visitor with the 124th Regiment, was called on, and spoke in part as follows : Mr. Toastmaster and Comrades: The hour is late for me to attempt a speech. We are getting too old to stay out very late at nights. The time was when we were expected to stay up late and get up very early in the morning, or be routed out by a shell or solid shot. However, those days are over, and their memory alone remains ; and in the retrospect we believe the North is better for the war. The North needed the discipline of vic- tory. The South is better for it; the South needed the discipline of defeat. We have tears for the fallen and for those who mourn them still ; and we have sympathy for our comrades who go through life suffering and under disadvantages on account of their wounds. No man except he who has been compelled to undergo it can imagine what it is to have lost a limb; and my old comrade Captain Ayars, your Department Commander, with nhom I served four years during the war, said to me that there is scarcely a moment but that he suffers pain from the loss of his arm, and I have to say that when the Department of Delaware, Grand Army of the Republic, elected and honored Captain Peter B. Ayars by making him their Department Commander, they honored themselves, because he came from the ranks, from the boys, won his way up and secured his promotion by courage and bravery on almost every battlefield in which the Army of the Potomac was engaged. I am glad to be with you to-day to witness the loyalty of your people, their warm greeting, and to hear words of encouragement spoken everywhere. It is a kind of reunion we do not often witiTess, and makes us feel good to know that we are yet remembered and appreciated. The men who bore the brunt of the war for the preservation of the Union and lifted the ''Old Flag" above the clouds, so that the nations of the earth could see and be impressed with the truth that we wer? a nation of giants and could govern ourselves, sent a ray of light and a benediction to every enslaved people on the face of the earth : and I 2.14 Jl'iliiiiiigton RcHiiuni, i88g. believe this Republic that we have saved will yet attend the funeral of every monarchy, and the burial of every governmental despotism under the skies of God. Governor Biggs being called on, made a most humorous and happy speech. It is impossible to give a correct rendition of it. It was replete with wit and humor, happy hits, and timely his- torical references. The Governor ably defended himself from the charge made by Chaplain AlcCoy, in the Opera House, of a want of gallantry to the ladies. Department Commander Ayars offered the following resolu- tion : Rcsok'cd, That our thanks and three rousing cheers be tendered to Captain Edward F. James, the chairman of the Comm.ttee of Arrangements. The resolution was unanimously adopted, and the cheers and a "tiger" given with a will. In response to a chorus of calls, Captain James responded : "Comrades : If 'brevity is the soul of wit,' my speech will lie witty. I thank you most heartily for the words of commendation which you have so generously expressed in the resolution just passed. I thank you for the endorsement of those cheers, and particularly the 'tiger.' "If I were to attempt to give expressions to my feelings, I could do no better than to echo an expression Colonel Hawiey made use of in my presence this morning: 'This is one of the proudest and happiest days of my life.' "I will not attempt to deny that I have labored hard and made some sacrifices to render this reception a success. But it has been a labor of love. I am repaid a thousandfold by the expressions of gratitude and pleasure which have met me on every side from my comrades of the 124th. "But let me not magnify my office or my service. I have been but a small factor in the success which has crowned the labors incident to this day. "To DuPont Post as a body, whose membership so generously and enthusiastically entered into and supported every effort put forth to make this reception worthy of the occasion, to my colleagues of the Committee of Arrangements, every one of whom worked with a will ; to our citizens who so patriotically and cheerfully furnished the 'sinews of war;' to the merchants and residents of the line^ of parade, who so profusely and elegantly decorated their homes and places of business: to His Excellency, Governor Biggs, Senator Higgins. Hon. George H. Bates, and His Honor, Mayor Harrington, and the members of our City Council, and tc Prof. 235 iriliiiiiigto>i Reunion, 1S89. Dushane Cloward and his quartette and accompanist, who have aided us so greatly in honoring our guests ; to the press of our city, who have lent their aid in every way to arouse public interest, to the proprietor of the Opera House, and last, but far from least. ABOVE ALL, to the Ladies' Aid Society of DuPont Post for this elegant repast, which appeals as nothing else does or can appeal to the hearts of men, are we indebted. To these so named belong the honor of the day — not to your chairman. "But, comrades and gentlemen, the hour is late. Many of our guests have been compelled to leave, and the last of my duties as chairman devolves upon me — to adjourn these festivities. It is with a feeling of regret that I do so. In spite of the gladsome spirit which has prevailed all day, there has been in my heart an undercurrent of sadness. As I sat on the stage of the Opera House and looked in the faces of my comrades of the 124th, I was thankful so many were spared and permitted to be with us. But the thought would shape itself, "How long will these reunions last?" Our ranks are rapidly thinning. Life has gone hard with many of us. The exposures incident to a soldier's life left seeds of disease which have served to shorten the lives of many. "Before many more years shall roll aw-ay the battle of life will be fought out, and it will be 'taps' and 'Lights out' for us all. But reunions such as we have enjoyed to-day will make the journey more pleasant, and the spirit of comradeship will lighten many a load and assuage many a sorrow. "Again thanking you for the honor you have done me, I declare this meeting adjourned." After spending some time in social intercourse and leave- takings, we took up our line of march for our homes, with grateful feelings for the attentions wdiich had been showered upon us and the hospitalities we had received. The day will always be a bright spot in the memory of every member of the Association who was permitted to be present. 2;,6 OXFORD REUNION. (Sixth Aiiiiiial.J September 17, 1890. Upon arrival at the station, the regiment was met by the Oxford Band and Thompson Post, G. A. R., who acted as escort. The survivors of the regiment were followed by Du Pont Post, No. 2. and Phil Sheridan Post, No. 23, G. A. R., Wilmington, Del., Sons of Veterans Camp, No. 247, and the Nottingham Band, K. G. E., of Oxford. The line marched to the fair grounds, and the reunion was held in the grand-stand. Dr. J. Willis Huston, of Oxford, chairman of Committee on Reception, spoke as follows: "Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow Soldiers : As we stand and gaze into each other's faces to-day, surrounded as we are by pleasant, peaceful scenery, happiness depicted on every countenance, the knowledge that we are at peace with all mankind, no entangling alliances nor threatening calamities overhanging us, the angel of peace hovering over our altar with outspread wings, under such environments, how like a frenzied dream reappear through memories the scenes of this day, this hour, twenty-eight years ago. But we know it is not a dream ; the traces of the havoc of war have only been erased by the onward march of time. Twenty-eight years ago, at this hour, many of the fathers, brothers, husbands and sons of this community were standing shoulder to shoulder upon the sanguinary field of Antietam, the recipients of a soldier's baptism with their own blood, enveloped with a smoky darkness their vision could not penetrate, deafened by the roar of artillery and the rattle of musketry, belching forth their cyclones of shot and shell, carrying death and mutilation to our fast deci- mating ranks, and sorrow, anguish and despair to dear ones at home, many of whom were assembled in their churches, their chapels, others in their closets, all mvoking and supplicating the God of battles for the success of om- cause and the safety of their loved ones. "To-day fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, have assembled here to extend a glad welcome to the survivors of the 124th Regiment, P. V., in recognition of the deep debt of gratitude we owe them. And at the same time we hold out the olive branch of peace to our former erring brethren of Seceshia and gladly welcome them back into the fold of a common political brotherhood. We meet to-day not to recall memories that will revive buried animosities, bitter passions or sec- tional issues — but especially to do honor to these brave soldiers, who when the unity, integrity and prosperity of our country were threatened ; when 237 Oxford Reunion, 1890. diplomacy had failed to heal the widening breach; when naught but the arbitrament of arms could stay the progress of the heresy of secession, then you left the plow in the furrow, the hammer on the anvil, the jack plane on the bench, leaving everything loved behind you, and mustering in your mighty strength went forth to offer your lives as sacrifices, that the noblest and best government on the face of God's green earth should not perish, but be preserved and transmitted to generations yet unborn. It is not my province to speak for the citizens of Oxford and vicinity in extendmg our welcome to the survivors of the 124th Regiment of Pennsyl- vania Vohmteers, and their distinguished guests. That honor and pleasure has been delegated to those equal to this or any other occasion. But for myself I cannot forego the opportunity of tendering to you my individual, heartfelt, welcome greeting, to this town of my adoption. Having wit- nessed the heroism displayed by you on the blood-drenched field of Antietam, I would be recreant to the obligations of manhood did I fail on this occasion to bear testimony thereto. Bound to many of your members' by all the ties that bind society I cannot but be proud of the records for bravery of your Lynch, Coates, Webster, Broomall, Worth, Baker, Martin, Fleming, Houston and others, former comrades in times of peace. How well the regiment of v.hich you formed a part deserved the compli- mentary report of General McClellan can only be appreciated by those who shared the dangers and braved the terrors of the historic cornfield. [Note bv Editor: Page 202, of McClellan's report, says: "The 124th Pennsylvania Vokinteers were pitshed across the turnpike into the woods beyond J. Miller's hottse, with orders to hold the position as long as possible."] But a few days in the service your were hurriedly thrown into the breach made in our lines by the retiring of that superb body of troops, the Penn- sylvania Reserves. Nobly you performed the duty assigned you ; not a man hesitated or faltered, but amid a blighting storm of iron hail and leaden rain at fearful cost of life and limb in which your gallant colonel and many others were stricken down, some to rise no more on earth, you advanced and not only recovered your former lines, but placed your standard where veteran troops had failed to penetrate. This position you held with Spartan bravery until relieved by the Philadelphia Brigade. It is no disparagement of your bravery to say the Philadelphians (many of whom were Chester and Delaware County boys and some were Blue Hen's Chickens) charged onward in your advance and broke the Confederate lines, thus deciding the fate of the day on the right. These troops were the veterans of the Peninsula, the heroes of the Seven Days' Fight, the flower of the chivalry of the Army of the Potomac, and at Gettysburg the victors of the Bloody Angle and the Devil's Den. Yet their brilliant charge at Antietam might not have been a success had not a handful of heroic 238 Oxford Rcniuun, iSgo. boys detached from the 124th, and led by the brave and lamented late Colonel D. F. Houston, silenced the Confederate battery which was doing such fearful execution in checking any attempt made to advance across the cornfield. To these ])rave fellows much of the credit of the Confederate repulse is due, and historians say, it was here that the fate of the day was decided. Doubtless some of these brave fellows are with us to-day. But I am transcending mj- limit, as I am neither biographer nor historian for this occasion, only directed to organize the meeting." Dr. Huston then introduced Rev. W. R. Bingham, of Oxford, who said, in part : "We welcome you, dear comrades, to-day to our homes and our hearts. Among men I know, and those I do not know, I know not where to find men better than those we welcome here to-day. Furrows mark your faces, many a winter's blast has left its mark, and many a summer's heat has bronzed your faces. But I do not look for beauty, but for the brave men who stood and fought while the cowards ran. Oxford stands to-day where she ought always to stand — first in welcoming the brave. I am sorry I am not a soldier, but if I was, all the money in this world would not buy the name." Mr. Bing-ham went on to describe the battles of Antietam, Chancellorsville, and others, and pictured to the soldiers their bravery and the hardships they had to endure. He concluded by denouncing the man who is not the friend of the soldier, as what this nation's got to-day was bought by blood. He also spoke at some length on "pensions," and said there was talk about some crowding in and trying to get pensions who were not entitled to them, and said that it would be better to pay ten that were not soldiers than to cheat one that was a soldier. "In order to give these brave men pensions they should tax my property and every one's else, but that they should succeed, as it is to them we owe our present prosperity." Colonel Hawley, president of the Association, was next intro- duced, and spoke as follows : "Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : It is a task beyond my power to make a proper reply to the eloquent address of welcome of Rev. Mr. Bingham, to which you have just listened, but I can at least say that I 239 Oxford Rcuidou, iSgo speak the sentiment of the T24th Regiment when 1 say we most heartily appreciate this royal welcome from the citizens of Oxford. 1 will not be so selfish, however, as to claim all the honor for the 124th Regiment and the members of the Grand Army with us to-day, but will accept it as the loyal feeling of these good people towards each and every one who wore the Blue, whether he be the humblest soldier in the ranks or the ablest general in command. "Twenty-eight years have passed by since Company C left this borough. Those years have changed us from boys to old men ; death has also reduced our number, and this year we mourn the loss of Lieutenant Crowl among those who have been mustered into the Grand Army above. "Business duties have so scattered us that the numbers at our annual gatherings is small, but the letters received from the absent ones show they are with us in spirit if not in person. "While we had our share of the sufferings and privations incident to camp life, still we had an equal share with others of the pleasures, and if you could but listen to the stories that will be told after the adjourn- ment of this meeting you would imagine army life to be one continued picnic, time having worn off the rough places and preserved only the bright spots. "It is useless for me to say that we soldiers enjoy these reunions, but when our friends give us such a welcome as we received last year at Wil- mington, and this to-day by our friends of Oxford, these days become the brightest of our lives. "Last year we were made to regret we had not enlisted as soldiers from Delaware, so kind was that little State to us on September 17, 1889; but now we come back, and are glad to claim Chester County as the home of our birth, and hope she may ever be proud of the soldiers who fought under her banners. As there is mucn in store for you I will no longer detain you, but will close as I began by thanking you all for your kind remembrances of our earnest endeavors to serve you in the face of the enemies of our country." Colonel Hawley introduced Rev. Joseph S. Evans, Chaplain of the regiment, who spoke as follows : "Ladies and gentlemen, citizens of Oxford and vicinity : As the years roll by, the hearts and souls of the old soldiers become more and more drawn toward each other. "There is a strange, mysterious influence, I cannot understand or explain it, that tends to bind more closely together, in true manly affection, those who have shared the toils, trials and dangers of soldier life, such as we experienced in the late war. And hence it is that we look forward to these annual reunions with deep interest and pleasant anticipations. For sev- eral years past we have had with each recurring year, a warm, pressing invitation to come to Oxford. At our meeting in Wilmington, Delaware, 240 Oxfuid Reunion, i8go. last year, where we enjoyed such a generous and royal reception and ovation, we resolved to hold our next annual reunion at Oxford. "To-day we are here. And on behalf of our president, Colonel Hawley, and in the name of tlie menil)ers of the 1241)1 Regimenl, I extend to you our most sincere and heartfelt thanks for the magnificent welcome and recep- tion which we have received at your hands. As we passed through your streets on our way to this place and witnessed the manifestation of cor- dial welcome in the flags and i)unting decorating your dwellings and places of business, and the smiling faces of the ladies and children upon the verandas and porticos greeting us at every step of our march, we could but feel that we were having a magnificent welcome. "We have looked forward to this meeting to-day, with very pleasant anticipations ; we have not been disappointed. We are more than gratified. As each year rolls by as we are on our onward march to the great eternity before us. some of our comrades are mustered out of our ranks by the hand of death. During the past year but two of our number, so far as I am aware, have been taken away. They were both members of Company C, and both formerly residents of Oxford and vicinity ; I allude to Lieu- tenant Levi Crowd and comrade Lambdbn F. Thomas. While we mourn the loss of these comrades to-day, yet we are here, inspired by the fond anticipations of the past year, the inspiring words of Dr. Huston and Dr. Bingham, in their kindly and patriotic allusions to the old soldiers, and to the survivors of the 124th Regiment, in particular, as well as by the manifestations of the citizens to which I have already referred, to have a pleasant and joyous reunion, and know that we shall not be disappointed. Again 1 thank you for this grand reception." After an elaborate banqtiet, prepared by the Women's Christian Temperance Leagne, was partaken of, addresses were made by Hon. Theodore K. Stnbbs, Peter B. Ayars. Captain Norris L. Yarnall, Governor Benjamin T. Biggs, of Delaware, Colonel John Wainwright. John A. M. Passmore, of George G. Meade Post, No. I, of Philadelphia, and George W. Channell. superin- tendent of schools at Pine Grove. At the conclusion of the speeches, the members of the .\ssocia- tion assembled in business meeting, and were called to order by President Colonel Joseph W. Hawley, and prayer was offered by Chaplain Rev. Joseph S. Evans. Present. 180 comrades. The officers of the preceding year were re-elected. A vote of thanks was extended to the ladies, comrades, and citizens of Oxford for the magnificent welcome and reception received at their hands. 16 241 COATESVILLE REUNION. (Sci'ciitli Annual.) September 17, 1891. The day was a perfect one, not a cloud to mar the pleasure of the survivors and friends who assembled there. The parade was composed of the Society of the 124th, Brandywine Post, No. 54, G. A. R., Daniel C. Reed Post, No. 599 (colored), Camp No. 172, Sons of Veterans, and a delegation of the P. O. S. of A. The meeting was called to order in the Opera House, and • Rev. M. M. Finch, Camden, N. J., offered prayer. Ex-Burgess Thomas H. Windle welcomed us to the borough and its hospi- talities. This was responded to by Colonel Joseph W. Hawley, president of the regimental association. Hon. Harriot Brosius, of the 97th Pennsylvania A'olunteers, in a stirring speech recalled some of the trials, hardships and pleasures of army life. Chaplain Evans related some of his experiences among the dying, dead and wounded. Rev. M. M. Finch, on behalf of T. E. Frame, presented Captain Norris L. Yarnall with a framed photograph of the members of Ricketts' Battery, to the aid of which he took his com])any at the 1 battle of Antietam. A sumptuous dinner was served, under the auspices of the Women's Relief Corps of Brandywine Post. G. A. R. After the appetites of the comrades were appeased, the business meeting of the Association was called to order by President Colonel Joseph W. Hawle3^ and prayer w^as oiTered by Chaplain Rev. Joseph S. Evans. The officers of the preceding year were re-elected. A resolution was tendered the citizens of Coatesville for the hospitable treatment accorded us. It was resolved to hold the next reunion in picnic style, the place to be selected by the Executive Committee. 242 ELWYN REUNION. (Eighth Annual.) September 17, 1892. The survivors to the number of about 150 met and renewed old acquaintances. The meeting was called to order by President Colonel Joseph W. Hawley, and prayer was offered by Chaplain Rev. Joseph S. Evans. The officers of the Association were re-elected. A Funeral Committee, consisting- of Colonel Joseph W. Hawley. Colonel Benjamin Brooke, Robert M. Green, Charles P. Keech, Gilpin B. Underwood, was appointed. The dutv of the committee, to provide a fund for and attend to the proper burial of any member of the Association. A feature of the occasion was the excellent music by the band of 22 boys from the Glen Mills School. After the banquet had been partaken of, speeches were made by Colonel Hawley, Chaplain Evans, John L. Grim, Captain Norris L. Yarnall, Jesse M. Baker, and others. The following resolution was unanimously adopted : Elwyn, Sept. 17. 1892. Resolved, That we, in our Regimental Association meeting held this day, extend our heartfeU sympathy to our aged and honored comrade. Captain Townscnd, of Company E, who, because of severe affliction, is deprived from meeting with us. Resolved, That the survivors assembled this day at Ehvyn. Delaware County. Pa., hereby express our appreciation of the services of the boys' band, from the Glen jNIills School for the appropriate music discoursed by them, and that we extend to the band and their courteous leader our sincere thanks. A resolution was also adopted thanking Secretary Charles P. Keech for his efficient work. It was decided to hold the next reunion at \\'est Chester, Pa., on Saturday. September 16, 1893. 243 WILLIA.M PUSEY WEST. He was born February 6th, 1840, on a farm now adjoining the Borough of Upland, in Dela- ware County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of William and Martha (Button) West. His grandfather was Samuel West, his great grand- father, William West ; his great great grandfather, John West, called by the descendants, the emi- grant, who came from England in 1715; the wife of John was Sarah Pearson, and one of their sons was Benjamin West, the celebrated painter, he being a younger brother of William West, who was the great grandfather of the present William Pusey West. The house in which Comrade West was born was built in 1696, and it and the adjoining farm were purchased by William W^est (his great grandfather), and it remained in pos- session of the family until a few years ago. Comrade West enlisted in Company H, of the 124th, and was promoted to Commissary-Sergeant of the regiment Sep- tember 1st, 1862, and served in that capacity until the regiment was mustered out ; he re-enlisted in the 29th Pennsylvania Volun- teer Militia and served as Commissary-Sergeant until the regi- ment was dischargea. Comrade West has in his possession a gold medal that was presented to Benjamin West (the painter) when he was presi- dent of the Royal Academ}- in London. The medal is to descend to the oldest son (by name of West) in each succeeding generation. 1862. 244 WEST CHESTER REUNION. (N^iiith Ainuuil.) September 16, 1893. One hundred and fourteen survivors of the regiment assemhled at the Tattersah Liuilding-, accompanied hy a band of 29 musicians from the school at Glen Mills. Colonel Joseph W. Hawley called the meeting to order, and Chaplain Rev. Joseph S. Evans led in prayer. In the course of the prater he referred to the storm which the regnnent passed through many years ago. His plea that all might be ready when mustered out by death, to enter the army of the redeemed in heaven, was pathetic and touching. The Obituary Committee reported 24 deaths that had not been previously reported, as follows : Thompson L. Alexander George B. Shillingford William S. Brewster Valentine Saurmilch John S. Sibley W. Wayne Vodges George S. Benson Henry M. Worth Captain W. W. Stott Joseph Hughes Elmer Edwards J. J. Gibbons James Trainer J. Rowland Cochran Plummer E. Walker Jacob H. Way Andrew J. Haws J. Bedlow J. Albert ^liller Jerome Byer Richard T. Cowan Harry C. Valentine William Rogers James B. Gordon It was decided that the next reunion be held at Antietam, and Colonel Hawlev named the following committee to take charge of the arrangements. Captain Charles W. Roberts Th(imas W. Taylor Thomas T. Smith Joseph Showalter Robert Woodside Lieutenant William C. Dickey Dimier was served at the Eagle Hotel, and the thanks of the Association was extended to the superintendent of the Glen Mills School and to the leader of the band from that institution. 247 s '5b Pi O 03 ^y. 0^ -a ■ ' <^ ^ ^ 03 hr tc fT. ■ ^H r- 1; ^ ^ ; — : -a --r- ^ — a; < -t '-i: o r- u. IJ. ■*"' ■ ^ -o ;-^ rt in 1~ ^ . ^ ,- o -o ^^ ?. -2 o "z: o o o O AXTIETAM REUNION. (Tciit/i Annual.) September 17, 1894. On Saturday morning, the survivors of the regiment to the numljer of 86, many of them accompanied by friends and members of their families, started on the pilgrimage to Antietam. Harper's Ferry was reached at 1.30 P. M.. and the party was driven through the picturesque old town to th.e Hill Top House. Colonel Hawley was then called upon, and spoke as follows : Comrades : It seems but a few months since we were marching over these grounds with an enemy in front of us, watching every movement we made, liut in those months what changes have taken place. To-day we are tendered a cordial wek'ome, and freely roam over tliis beautiful country, accompanied l)y our wives and chikiren. No bristling guns appear on the surrounding heights as they did then. No guard stands at the pontoon bridge to examine our pa.sses. No provost guard warns us to return to our regiment. The railroad trains no longer carry muni- tions of war, but are loaded with the product of these fertile valleys. Nice, fresh bread and ] nicy chicken have taken the place of hard tack and salt pork on our tables, and the old coffee kettle no longer hangs on the pole. But comrades, the intervening years have also worked changes in us ; then we were all boys together, the hardships were but play to us. Now. however, picket duty on stormy nights, long marches and short rations and the excitement of the battle would soon place us where the bugle call would not be heard. I need not tell you what pleasure it affords me to meet with you on these historic grounds. It was not my privilege to accompany you here from .\ntietam. Owing to the good marksmanship of one of General Lee's followers, I was requested early in that engagement to retrace my steps to Pennsylvania, taking a bullet in my neck as a souvenir. You were here when I rejoined the regiment, and the reception you gave me will ever stand as one of the bright spots on my journey through life. It seems I can still hear the echo of your cheers given as you marched past me that evening after dress parade. Our visit to Loudon valley and the battlefield of Antietam will recall many incidents of pleasure and sadness. Our Commanders, Gen- erals Slocum, Geary and Kane, together with Lieutenant-Colonel Litzen- berg, Major Haldeman, and many of our comrades, have answered the last roll-call, and they will be niissed from our company, but w'ill still have a pleasant place in our memory. A few years more and we will join them. Brief remarks were made by Chaplain Evans, Colonel l^)enia- min Brooke, Robert M. Green, and Captain Charles W. Roberts. 249 Aiitictam Rciiiii.ni, 1SQ4. On Sunday morning- a pleasant drive was had to Loudon \'alley. where the 124th was encamped for several months in the fall of 1862. After dinner, some visited Maryland Heights and some drove to Charlestown. where John Brown and several of his followers were hung. In the evening religious services were conducted on one of the porches of the hotel. Chaplain Evans preached very acceptably from First Timothy. 6:12. "Fight the good fight of Faith." Early Monday morning preparations were made for the trip to Antietam battlefield. Carriages conveyed the party to the railroad station, where the special train was in waiting. Arriving at Keedysville, 12 miles from Harper's Ferry, the delegation was loaded into about 30 wagons and driven to the Miller farm, where, in the cornfield, the 124th received its first experience in actual warfare on that memorable day. the 17th of Septeniber, 1862, and where Colonel Joseph W. Hawdey, the commander of the regiment, was severelv wounded. The business meeting of the Association was held near the spot where the colonel was wounded, the thirty-second anniver- sary of the regiment's baptism of fire. Chaplain Evans ofifered praver, and the officers of the preceding year were re-elected. On motion, it was decided to place the monumental tablet of the regiment as near as possible to the spot where Colonel Hawley was w'ounded. The thanks of the Association were given Colonel Benjamin Brooke for the excellent manner in which he had perfected arrangements for the comfort of the excursionists. The committee in charge, in addition to Colonel Brooke, was Captain Charles W. Roberts, Robert 'SL Green, Joseph Showalter, Robert G. \A'oodside, Lieutenant William C. Dickey, and Thomas T. Smith. Re-entering the carriages after the business meeting, we visited the old Dunker Church, Bloody Lane, Sharpsburg, Burnside's Bridge, National Cemetery, General McClellan's Headquarters, and back to Keedysville, where dinner was served. At 5 P. M., the special train steamed homeward, reaching Washington at 7 V. Al., and Philadelphia at 11 P. ^M. ^.iO s n m 1-5 > Z PI > VALLEY FORGE REUNION. (Blci'cnt/i Amnial.) September 17, 1895. Upon arrival of the train at \'alley Forge, there was a jolly season of handshaking and enthusiastic greeting between those who had come on the train and those who had arrived in car- riages. Proceeding to Washington's Headquarters, the assem- blage was called to order by President Colonel Joseph W. Hawley, after which Lieutenant Harry Wells, of the Committee on Arrangements, introduced General B. F. Fisher, of \'alley Forge, who delivered an address of welcome, as follows : Comrades: It is with unfeigned pleasure that I arise in obedience to the instructions of the citizens in this vicinity to extend to the surviving vet- erans of the 124th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers and their friends a most cordial welcome to Valley Forge. These grounds, hallowed as they are by the sufferings, endurance and devotion of that little army of patriots that was encamped upon these surrounding hills in the winter of 1777 and 1778 may add but little zest to the spirit of devotion and loyalty to the Government and the flag of our country w hich has marked your past history. But there is no spot that can by its memories and past associa- tions give purer inspiration to the American soldier; and we feel that' even your loyalty to the Flag and the Union may receive new strength and fervor by being here. You by your valor aided to preserve to your children to remotest ages the Constitutional liberty, to lay the foundations of which these hills bear silent witness to the sacrifices of your fore- fathers. Lexington and Bunker Hill witnessed the first struggle, and Yorktown the final triumph of the revolution, but it was at Valley Forge that the indomitable will of the American people to do and to sufi^er in the cause of lii)erty left its impress for all ages. Yonder little stone-house, where convened most important councils of war, presided over by the immortal Washington, and yonder hills, upon which the army of patriot? lay half-fed, half-clad, poorly armed, and yet a menace to the whole British army during the long terrible Winter, should be held sacred by every American citizen. Though these heights are but bleak and bare, unmarked by monument or care, though they rear their fronts heavenward in silence and are mute, they teach more eloquent and purer lessons of patriotism than do the well-rounded phrases of the Governor of the State in vetoing the few paltry dollars voted by the Legislature for the pur- chase, marking and preservation of these scenes around which cling the tenderest and hdliest memories of the days of the Revolution. 25.3 I'allcy I'orgc Rcuhinii. iS(j^^. That Revolution gave to us freedcni tnni a fore gn yoke and the consti- tutional blessings and li])erties enjoyed. Think of it, soldiers of the Republic — the amounts reciuired to assure ownership and preservation to the people of the entire site occupied by the Continental Army at Valley Forge would not exceed a charge of two cuts a person cf the population of the State. Yonder lines of rifle pits with their earth works at salient points may in themselves present little of value to the State — but what a wealth of interesting associations cluster around them. Every foot of them was familiar to the presence and care of the grand heroes of the heroic army that built them. Could they speak, what thrilling tales of comradeship, of earnest soul-stirring words and acts, of great cause of country, they could unfold. Who can describe or measure the character and strength of the patriotism of the men who day in and day out — during those long weary months — manned those defensive works await- ing attack by the flower of the English army lying in Philadelphia? But save to the people, to the future generations of the State those reminders of the past, and they will be an inspiration to the highest, the noble?t and truest citizenship. Student, poet, orator and statesman will all gather from the sermons taught by these rude monuments of earth and stone. What a wealth of the highest patriotic sentiments is exhibited upon the field of Gettysburg. What the wonderful bravery, the fierce charges, the gallant resistances of attack, the personal courage and deadly blows to the enemy at Gettysburg effected for the war against rebellion, the exhibi- tion of patience, of endurance, of tenacity of purpose and undaunted American manhood and courage at Valley Forge in the face of all that tried men's souls, did for the cause of the Revolution. The poverty of the one age left these scenes as the Continental army left them when it. marched forth in the summer of 1778 to drive the enemy from the land. The wealth of the later age has made the fields of Gettysburg a spot of art. No truer exemplars of the changed condition of 117 years ago now could be found than the Valley Forge hills and Gettysburg. The men who trod these hills are gone. There remains no regimental organization to rear monuments and to inscribe thereon the virtues of the departed. Rut they have left to us the rich heritage of a Government estaldished by their sacrifice and by their wisdom which yields to all law-abiding citizens the fullest opportunities for individual happiness and prosperity. In the enjoyment of the rich fruits of their valor, their sufferings and their wisdom, this age cannot longer withhold to make of this place an imperish- able monument to their virtue, their valor and their patriotism. To these scenes, comrades and veterans of the 124th Regiment, you are welcome, and I can assure you the pure air. pure water and the good cheer that ^"alley Forge cari now furnish, will make your stay one more pleasant to be rcmemliered than was that of your prototypes 117 years ago." After the address. Chaplain Rev. Joseph S. Evans offered a fervent and approi)riate prayer. The Inisiness nieetins^ of the 254 I'allcy Forge Rninion, i8gj. Association was called to order by Colonel Joseph W. Hawley, president, who delivered an address, as follows : Comrades, survixing members of the 124th Regiment, P. V. : I con- gratulate you that so many of us are in the providence of God permitted to celebrate the thirty-third anniversary of the Battle oi Antietam. We meet on historic grounds, and it seems well that we who fought to perpetuate the Union established by those who suffered here so terribly over a century ago, should meet on these hallowed grounds and renew our vows that this country one and undivided should remain as our inheritance to our children. More than a century has passed since our Revolutionary ancestors camped en these grounds, and it seems a long time, but when we recall that thirty-three years have passed since the Battle of Antietam it reminds us that we are no longer boys, and should the bugle call us to assemble on the battlefield, I fear we would move with less enthusiasm than in 1862, and I even doubt whether Uncle Sam's rations of hard-tack, pork and beans would be eaten with equal relish; but increasing years should impress upon us the necessity of guarding the treasures secured by those who suffered here and for which the soldiers of the Rebellion fought so bravely. I can say nothing more appropriate than to quote from an address of Abraham Lincoln, delivered at Gettysburg, when he said: "The brave men who died here dedicated these grounds more sacredly than any words of ours; and it remains for us to dedicate ourselves by the inspiration of their example to the work that still lies before us." So let us to-day carry from this place of tender and thrilling memories a new devotion to all that pertains to an enlightened patriotii-m and an intelligent faith. The officers of the preceding year were re-elected. The following" named committee was appointed to make the necessary arrangements to hold the next reunion at Chancellorsville : Colonel Benjamin Brooke, Robert M. Green, Colonel Joseph W. Hawley, Lieutenant \\'illiam C. Dickey, Charles P. Keech, John Pugh, Thomas T. Smith, Joseph T. Pierce. Dinner was served at several large tables on the lawn of Washington Inn, 286 participating. A committee was appointed to memorialize the next State Legislature for an appropriation to procure suitable mon.umental tablets to he placed on the Antietam battlefield in honor of the Pennsylvania regiments which fought at Antietam but did not participate in the strtiggle at Gettysburg. The committee was as follows : John W. Marshall. Colonel Jose]^h \\'. Hawley, Benjamin Brooke, \\'illiam B. Broomall. 255 I'allcy Forge Reunion, iSq^. Washington's Headquarters. This is decidedly the most interesting place at Valley Forge. This old pointed stone house was built by John Potts, in 1759, ■ and at the time it was occupied by Washington, belonged to Isaac Potts. The house and about 5 acres of ground are owned by the Centennial and Memorial Association, which was formed in 1878. The house and grounds are kept in good order. In front of the house is a large cannon, said to have been captured at Yorktown, and on the steps is a little cannon. A large cherry and maple tree are in front of the house, and a wooden covering projects over the door. There are only two rooms on the first floor, both on the right as you go in. The first of these was the reception or consulting room. In front of the fireplace are an old reel and spinning wheel. There is a large case containing many interesting relics, among which are noticed a bracelet with Washington's hair in it, which was presented by Aliss Ellen Sergent. of Philadelphia. Her relatives objected to the becjuest, but the Orphan's Court sustained the will. In this case is also a handsome old pewter dish of large size, once the property of William and Mary Plumstead, and one can see their initials upon it. Plumstead was mayor of Philadelphia from 1750 to 1755. Here is also a large hammer, once owned by William Holstein. Holstein (then a boy), at the time a baggagemaster of the Conti- nental Army came along, was cracking nuts with the hammer ; the hammer was borrowed to break open the lock of the baggage wagon, as the key had been lost. It was never used afterwards, but was always treasured, and was presented to the Association by a direct descendant. In this room hangs a picture of Dr. Bodo (3tto, which is exactly duplicated in Independence Hall. He was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1709, and obtained his curious Christian name from Baron Bodo von Oberg. He left Rotterdam, October 7, 1752, and located in Philadelphia. Afterwards he removed to Berks County, and was chosen to represent it in the Provincial Congress in 1776. When Washington came to \^alley Forge, Otto volunteered to act as surgeon, and with his two sons did noble service. 256 Valley Forge Reunion, i8qj. Relics of thk War of the Revoel'tion. The back room was Washington's private room, and no one was ahowed to enter unless his business was of great importance. In one of the window seats is a (h"awer where Washington kept his books and papers. Over one door hangs a gun. carried by Isaac AIcGlathery, who was only fifteen years old. Over another is a sword captured from the Hessians. On the wall is a letter from Washington to Samuel Powell, in a splendid state of preservation. In a case is a powder horn, with the following inscription upon it : "Jabez Rockwell. Ridgburg. Connecticut. His horn, made in camp at \'alley Forge, June 28, 1778. Lost at Yorktown, 1781." His grandson has written on a piece of paper attached to it: "May it be sacredly kept is the wish of his grandson. C. F. Rockwell." A tradition connected with this horn is that there were only six horns to be divided among ten men, and that while an. argument was going on Washington came up. asked the cause of the discussion, and settled the matter by saying that he would give a number to each horn, and that the men guessing the nearest would get the horns. The numbers were 1776. 1777, and 1778, and Rockwell secured his by naming 1778. A fine piece of pewter ware is noticed, with the inscription upon it, "Rescued from th.e British at the liattle of Brandywine." This pewter, and more of the same kind, was greatly valued by its owner. John Tones, who lived near the Brandywine battlefield. It had been brought from England in i(;20. At the time of the Battle of IJrandywine, Jones hid his pewter in the loft over the barn. A number of Hessians came into the Ijarn. and Jones, fearing the}' would discover his cherished ware, climbed up the slide where hay was thrown down, and began to throw large quantities upon the heads of the Hessians underneath. They were startled, and thought the barn was falling down on their heads, and beat a hasty retreat, leaving a sword behind in their flight. This sword was mentioned a short time before. Airs. Hannah ( )gden. a direct descendant of John J(,)nes, liveci in this house until her death, which occurred in 1878. after which it was purchased by the Association. ^7 257 rallcy forge Rciiiiiuii, iSgj. At the back of this room is a httle hall over 3 feet wide, by which you get out of the house by a back door. In the hall hang-s a piece of the old water wheel which formed the power of the original Potts' forge in 1757. Ascending the fine old stairway — as firm to-day as in Washing- ton's time — we come to the second story, in which the rooms are wired ofi^, as they are furnished. One of them is a copy of Washington's bedroom at Mount Vernon. This was done by the Valley Forge Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. In another room is represented a colonial bedroom, the bedstead with old sacking bottom. In the closet is a warming pan. In front of the fireplace are colonial chairs, reel and spinning wheel. This room was the work of the W'est Chester Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The third room on this floor contains an old bedstead, once belonging to the family of Charles Thompson, who was the first secretary of the Continental Congress. There is also a large spinning wheel which was used to spin wool. In the hall are chronological photographs of paintings of Washington, from 1772 to 1798. The thanks of the Association were voted to General Fisher for his address of welcome and to the Memorial Commission of Valley Forge for the use of the grounds. At 4.30 P. M. the veterans and guests started for home, after a very enjoyable' outing. 258 CHANCELLORSVILLE REUNIOX. (Ticclft/i Annual.) September 17, 1896.. The members and friends of the Association left Broad Street Station, Philadelphia, at 7.20 A. M., September i6th, arriving ar Fredericksburg at 12.46. Dinner was served at the Exchange Hotel, after which the party visited the home of Mary Washing- ton (the mother of General George Washington), then to the handsome marble monument recently erected to her memory, to St. George's Church, Cobb Monument, Confederate IMonument, Stevens House, and the battlefield and intrenchments on :\Iarves Hills; then halted for a while at the National Cemetery, where are buried 15,243 soldiers, about 12,800 of them being imknown. Most of the visitors then returned to the hotel, while others drove to the Salem Church, the old flour mill at the railroad bridge, the Lacy house, and the Phillips house, which was General Burnside's headquarters. A pleasant feature was the courteous reception in the handsome rooms of Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4, Free and Accepted Masons, organized in 1752. In it George Washington v/as crafted, and raised in 1753; afterward he became master of a lodge at Alexandria. The visitors were shown a lock of his hair, enclosed in a case, two old chairs formerly owned by his mother, an old Bible, dated 1616. on which he took the oath. On the following morning (the 17th). after breakfast, cars were taken at the depot of the Potomac, Fredericksburg & Piedmont Railroad ; upon arriving at Furnace Station, carriages were in waiting to convey the party to the historic Chancellor House, where the 124th had such a bloody conflict with the Confederates on May 2, 1863. Arriving at the Chancellor house, they were warmh- welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. A'es. Chancellor and their aged colored servant. A short time was spent in viewing the old house and numerous relics, after which Comrade C. D. M. Broomhall, ^ledia. Pa., the historian of the regiment, with the aid of a well-prepared map. gave an interesting account of the Battle of Chancellorsville. 259 o 1^ cd •"^ U » tt . Comrade Marshall was declared elected, and at once assumed the duties of the ofifice. The secretary read an interesting account of last year's re- union, after which Thomas T. Smith, chairman of the Execu- tive Committee, stated that Colonel Benjamin Brooke and Com- rade Marshall were entitled to all the credit for having arranged the details for the success of the present reunion. The Obituary Committee reported the deaths of the following comrades since the last reunion : Clement Cooper, of Company E Died .March 22A. ih'cjy. John IMott, of Company H " " 13th, 1899. Charles W. Wilson, of Company C " Nov. 13th. iSoS. Joseph Baldwin, of Company I " Ang. nth. i8()9. Lieutenant Wihiam C. Dickey, of Company C " April 18th, 1899. Charles P. Keech, of Company F " Jime 4th, 1899. In connection with the death of Comrade Keech, the com- mittee sulimitted the following: Your committee, while conscious that each brave comrade that bared his breast to the shaft of death in defense of our glorious Reading Reunion, rSpQ. flag" ami country in the time of her greatest peril, is entitled to all glory and honor from a grateful nation when the silent mustering officer Death comes with his discharge, and while we do. with intense sympathy, desire to convey to the relatives and friends of those departed ones our fraternal interest in their bereave- ments, yet we cannot but feel that among all those who have been mustered out of our ranks during the past year, no one \j entitled to more honor than our faithful, tireless secretary, Charles F. Keech. From the time of our organization as a Regimental Association, at our first meeting held on historic ground at the "Paoli jNIonument" where our noble, self-sacrificing revolutionary fathers gave up their lives in behalf of our National independence - — to the time of his sudden death, he was the secretary of our Association, chosen from year to year, because of his untiring efiforts to fill the place to the best interests of the Association. Many of us well know that when the time of our annual gathering drew near he was instant in season and out of season in his efforts to make the meeting a successful one. I am very sure that most of our members, if not all, will bear me out in saying that he was indefatigable in trying to have each and all members notified, asking them to manifest their interest in the regiment and the Association, by paying their annual dues, and by attending so far as possible the annual gatherings. He was also anxious that we should, as an Association, have compiled a true history of the regiment that might go down to posterity as a record of which no member could be ashamed. But in the midst of the earnest desires of his heart, the silent officer Death came in a moment least expected, and mustered him out of our ranks. To-day we sincerely mourn his loss. We honor his memory. We desire to place on record our unfeigned appreciation of his faithfulness to all that he deemed to be for the best interests of our Association. We also desire to express the heart-felt sym- pathy of this Association for the beloved wife and daughter of our deceased comrade, in their sad bereavement. We recommend that a copy of this report be sent to the widow of our comrade, and that a record of the same be inscribed upon our riiinutes. 278 Reading Reunion, i8(jg. On motion of John L. Grim, tlie following officers were elected : President. Colonc! Joseph \V. Hawley. Vice-President, Colonel Benjamin Brooke. Secretary, John W. ]Marshall. Treasurer, Joel Hollingsworth. Chaplain, Rev. Joseph S. Evans. The president being- called upon spoke as follows : "I suppose at this time a speech of some sort is expected from some of us who have just been elected. I thank you, comrades, for the honor of again becoming president of the Association. I have been colonel of your regiment, and am an official of a bank. I am told we are ii,-ioo feet above sea level, so I can say that this is the highest elevation to which I have ever been elected. It gives me great pleasure to accept the honor." It was decided to hold the next retmion at Antietam. Historian, C. D. Isl. Broomhall, was called upon and started to read that portion of the history of the regiment pertaining to its participation in the Battle of Antietam, but shortly after he com- menced to read the trolley cars arrived to take the party back to Reading and the meeting was abruptly brought to a close. Ar- riving at Reading, the excursionists took the 6.30 train and were soon homeward bound, delighted with the day's pleasures. s4y 279 WB/f' l3^^ t ^taf^^^^i^ r ST > ^^^^^^^^^IP^^ <^» X 19^^r ■ ^^^^^^^^^^^^ ■ m sR^ ^Jr^B^H^^^if*^-^^'^^^! n .^i^^Lu.^.^^ f ^C^^, Born at Marshallton, Chester county, Pennsylvania, April 30, 1843. 0\\^ of the originators of our Regimental Association, he faithfully served as its secretary until death suddenly removed him on the 24th of June, 1899. and when the Silent Mustering Officer came with his discharge, we sincerely mourned his loss. We still honor his memory, and we pay this tribute to his untiring efforts for the best interests of the Association and to his loyalty to his comrades. The records of the Regimental Association reunions con- tained herein are largely due to his fidelity as secretary. He was a member of the Monument Committee appointed at the reunion of the Association September 17, 1889. 280 LIEUTENANT COMPANY C, I24TH. CAPTAIN COMPANY A, 2gTH P. V. M. WILLIA^I C. DICKEY. Born at Hopewell, Chester county, Pa., ]ylarch 31, 1840. En- listed August 13, 1862, as second lieutenant of Company C of the 124th. Promoted to first lieutenant of the same company August 23, 1862. Served with distinction dur- ing: the entire term for which the regiment enlisted and was mustered out with his command May 17, 1863. Re-enlisted in June, 1863; was jgg2, • commissioned captain of Company A, Twenty - ninth Pennsylvania Emergencv Regiment and served with the regiment until it dis- banded in August of the same year. A brave and efficient officer, his promotions were won by merit. From the date of its organization to the time of his death (April 18, 1899), he was an active member of the 124th Regi- mental Association and was one of the committee appointed at the reunion in Wilmington, Delaware, September 17, 1899, to secure ground for the erection of a tablet at Antietam. Like manv other of his comrades, he was called to answer the final roll-call before the fruition of our hopes could be realized. The thanks of the survivors are due to his widow, ]\Irs. ]\Iary A. Dickey, for her generous contribution in aid of the Alonument Fund. When participating in the excursion to dedicate the monument she expressed her pleasure in having assisted in its erection. 283 AXTIETAM REUNION. (Si.vtcciitli Annual.) September 17. 1900. Arriving- at Harper's Ferry September 15th. headquarters were established at the Hill Top House and the Association was called to order at 8 P. ^i. by President Colonel Joseph \V. Hawley, and prayer was offered by Chaplain Rev. Joseph S. Evans. ^Minutes of the last reunion were read by Secretary Marshall and approved. Colonel Benjamin Firooke made report of the work of the Executive Committee. The report of the C)bituary Committee showed the loss of seventeen comrades by death since the last meeting-. The otftcers of the preceding year were re-elected. The meeting closed after benediction by Captain Norris L. Yarnall, 88 years of age. Sunday dawned brightly, and after the party had been photo- graphed, carriages were taken for Loudon \^alley, where the regiment was encamped for several months after the Battle of Antietam. After dinner, some visited the lofty Maryland Heights and viewed the site of the old batteries. In the evening Chaplain Evans conducted divine services in the pavilion on the lawn at Hill Top. Colonel F. H. Nibecker, superintendent of Glen Mills School, gave an instructive and entertaining address on "The Power of God" with reference to the recent calamity at Galveston. Texas. After breakfast on the I'th, the route to Antietam was re- sumed by train to Keedysville, thence by carriages to the many points of interest on that memorable battlefield, where the 124th within five weeks after having left their peaceful homes were ushered into the awful realities of actual war, with a loss of 64 killed and wounded, among the latter being Colonel Hawley. The Association gave Colonel Benjamm Brooke a hearty vote of thanks for his services in arranging so satisfactorv an excur- sion for the reunion, and Colonel Hawley apjiointed him chair- man of the Executive Committee with power to select his asso- ciates to arrange for the reunion to be held at Castle Rocks Park on September 17, 1901. Subsequently he named the following 284 Aiitiilaiji Rcuiiimi, kjoo. as his co-workers on the committee : Thomas T. Smith, Robert G. Woodside, E. H. Baldwin, Robert M. Green, Henry C. War- burton, Joseph Pratt, John Pugh, Joel Hollings worth, John D. Howard, William W. Potts. The following" is a copy of circular distributed to the excur- sionists by Colonel Benjamin Brooke, chairman of the Executive Committee in charge of the excursion : PROGRA^I AND CARRIAGE ROUTE. Of the Survivors and Friends of 124th Pennsylvania Regiment over Antietam Battlefield on MOND.W MORXING, SEPTEMBER I/, IQCO. Carriages from Keedysville Station through the town, passing the Reformed Church, huilt on the site of the old one that was fdled with Union soldiers who were wounded at the battle of Antietam; to the edge of town where you have a view of the greater portion of the ground occupied as a camping ground on the nights of the 15th, i6th, and a part of the 17th, also where the main part of McClellan's wagon train lay during the battle, the 2\lcClellan Headquarters building (known as the Philip Pry House) just on tlie hill, but can't be seen until crossing the Antietam. Leaving the pike and taking the road to Samuel Pry's mill and house, and the old wagon shed where a number of soldiers had limbs amputated. The Sumner Ford is but a short distance south of this point, where the greater part of the right of the Union Army crossed — the Little Antietam empties into Big Antietam between the Ford and the Hooker Bridge. The Dr. Joe Smith (now Bovey) farm extends down to the Ford. The old buildnigs which were used as a hospital have been torn down. The brick house that stands near the Hooker Bridge, on the southwest side, is the old log house that formerly belonged to George Line and was pur- chased by Mr. Bovey, removed, rebuilt and brick-cased, and was the house in which General ^lansfield died. Mr. George Line built a new house on the site of the old one. The road to the left (southwest") of the Hooker Bridge was, during war times, only a private farm road, but now is a county road. The road to the right is the old road running through Bakersville to Williamsport ; a portion of the army took this road before the battle to get on the right. All the buildings as you pass along were, for a short while, filled with wounded soldiers until they could be placed in the regular hospitals. The Hoffman farm buildings were quite well known among the soldiers, the Smoketown Hospital being on a part of the farm. In the edge of Smoketown Woods hundreds lay and died, and the old log school-house that stood about a quarter of a mile farther on, where a numlier had wounds dressed, has been torn away. We pass on through the remaining woods to the George Line farni, where the First 285 Antictam Reunion, igoo. Brigade (Crawford's) lay on the morning of the ijih, having moved tliere during the night. It consisted of the loth Maine, 28th New York, 46th. 124th, 125th and 128th Pennsylvania Regiments, extending from the Line house across the Smoketown road — the road south through the East Woods, to the Dunkard Church. Before entering East Woods we take Mansfield Avenue to the right of where Colonel Croasdale, of 128th Pennsylvania, was killed. It is now called Croasdale Knob. Just as you leave the Smoketown road, the loth r^Iaine crossed the road near this point, and in entering East Woods they met the enemy. General ]\Iansfield received his mortal wound at this point, near where his monument stands, and was carried back to the old Gorge Line house, where he died the same day, the loth IMaine being on the left of the advance of Crawford's Brigade and the 124th Pennsylvania on the right, extending across the Hagerstown pike by the Miller house, with the other named regiments between ; the 125th Pennsylvania reaching the Dunkard Church Woods, where they intend erecting a monument in the near future. The advance of the brigade was made from the camping ground of the i6th over the open fields by the Middlekauff and Poffenberger farms near the Hagerstown pike to North Woods, the 124th Pennsylvania pass- ing through this and by the D. R. IMiller House and up the hill, some reaching a point near where the new Nicodemus house now stands. Their colonel, Joseph W. Hawley, was badly wounded, also a number of others, who were carried ])ack to the Ivliller house. The loss of the 124th was 64 and the brigade lost 430, the 125th being the greatest sufiferer, losing 145. This same ground was the advance of General Hooker, who commanded the First Corps and opened the fight at daybreak on the morning of the 17th. The Confederates had been driven over a portion of the same ground from the North and East Wood on the evening of the i6th, Iiut advanced during the night and were ready for the attack at daylight on the 17th. From this point to the Potomac River is about half a mile, and the Union lines extended to the river. The hills west of the pike (of which you have a view) were the left of the Confederate lines. Stuart's Cavalry Division lay in the low ground in rear of northern end of the Dunkard Church Woods (known in history as Locker Woods). The natural breastwork used by the Confederates after they were driven across the Hagerstown pike, and extended from the southern end of the Miller barn to the angle of the Dunkard Church Woods in rear of Philadelphia Brigade Monument. The corps were in the following order: First, Gen- eral Hooker, on the extreme right, extending into East Woods; Twelfth. General Mansfield, about the same ground, but extending farther into East Woods; Second, General Sunnier, extending from the Iiloody Miller corn- field, southeast, to the Bloody Lane Tower, with General Franklin, of the Sixth, closing in, the latter part of the day. A portion of the Fifth Corps, Syke's Division, during the day came up from holding the Middle 286 Anfietaiii Reunion, 1900. Bridge, in wliich tlioy were assisted by what was called the U. S. Horse Batteries. From the east side of the creek, at JNIcClellan's headquarters, long-range guns were firing across the Antietam and the rangs of hills on the southeast side of the pike were covered with Federal guns nearly to Burnside Bridge. The Ninth Corps, Generals Bumside and Cox, occupy- ing the left and extending a mile south to Snavely's Ford, where General Rodman's Division crossed during the 17th, and also one Brigade of the Kanawah Division of Ohio troops. Their object was to cross at the Ford and get upon the Confederate right, and around General Jackson's left and force them back to what is known as "the neck" on the Potomac, where General Lee's Army could be captured, but owing to AlcClellan's slow^ move in getting across Burnside Bridge, by the time Burnside got the Confederates back to Sharpsburg Lee was reinforced by General Hill from Harper's Ferry who struck the left of Burnside's command and forced him back to the bridge, but not across. By this time it was nearly night, and the fight ended, both armies resting on their arms. During the i8th General Lee awaited a renewal of the fight, but during the night, under a fiag of truce, he crossed the Potomac with his army. General Fitz John Porter, with a few regiments, was ordered to follow, but on reaching the Virginia shore, and advancing up the cliff they were met by the Confederates, who drove them back with great loss. The '"Corn Exchange" (118th Philadelphia Regiment), being one to follow, lost very heavily. After the battle most of the Union Army lay around Sharpsburg for a month or longer, and some went to Maryland Heights, near Harper's Ferry, the 124th going there. After services near the Miller house carriages will drive by the Dunkard Church to Bloody Lane and Tower, thence to Burnside Bridge and return to the Memorial Church, where the 124th has a window, from there to National Cemetery, then to Keedysville, past ]\lyers' mill and the new iron bridge. The stone bridge over which Lee's army passed from South IMountain collapsed a few years ago and was , replaced with iron. After crossing the bridge, a short distance is Porterstown, where General Porter's reserve of 18,000 lay, and where General Burnside's forces left the pike to go to the bridge. A little farther on is McClellan's head- quarters, and where General Richardson died, and t> the right, on the highest peak of Elk Ridge is where McClellan's signal corps was stationed, and at the foot of the mountain you will see the Geeting farm buildings that were used as a hospital for several months after the battle, and next you are back to Keedysville for dinner. After a botmtiftil repast at Keedysville, the train was taken for the homeward jotirney. The business of the Association was finished on the trip home. Colonel Benjamin Brooke was ap- pointed chairman of the Exectitive Committee and it was de- cided to hold the next rettnion at Castle Rocks Park in Dela- ware County, Pa., on September 17, i<)Oi. 287 (U O rt O C tn Z E C rt o U CASTLE ROCKS PARK REUNION. {Sci'ciilcciifh .hiiiuai.) September 17, 190 i. Headquarters of the Association was established in the pa- viHon and the business meeting was called to order by President Colonel Joseph \\\ Hawley, and prayer oiTered by Chaj^lain Rev. Joseph S. Evans. The Obituary Committee reported the death of the followino- named comrades : T. Baker Alercer Sergeant Stephen Blateliford A. Jaekson Gill Captain John Woodcock Captam Norris L. Yarnall William C. Broomell Lieutenant Harry C. Wells Leonard V. Rickford Adjutant J. Carpenter Worth William H. Henderson Taylor Windle Joseph Waddell Joseph F. Allison James Wilson Harry Dewey John Nichols The death of President McKinley was included in the report and the following resolutions to his widow were unanimously adopted : Whereas, In the wisdom of our Supreme Commander, who directs all things justly and ruks all nations wisely, this Republic has for the third time been called to mourn the loss by violence of an honored and beloved Chief Magistrate- and, Whereas, President William AJcKinley, the Christian, patriot, soldier, statesman, has been suddenly removed from among the people and fromh's great labors by the cowardly act of that foulest of human forms, the dastardly assassin ; and, Whereas, Our deceased comrade and President met his first baptism in the fire of battle at Antietam, where this day thirty-nine years ago, the members of the 124th Regiment, P. V., for the first time stood amidst the shriek of shot and shell. Therefore, be it Resok'cd, That it is fitting for us to have thus assembled, on the anniver- sary of that first mutual experience in the tumult and horrors of war, that we may manifest our profound sorrow and mingle our tears with those of the Nation. Thus with heads bowed down in submission to God"s will, with hearts stunned by the suddenness and awfulness of the death, we reverently declare our faith in God and in the goodness and greatness of our country. 19 289 Castle Rocks Park Reunion, ic^oi. Resolved, That we are ricii in the privilege of keeping green the memory of onr distinguished comrade and in the glorification reflected by his wise, loving and eminently just conduct of tliose great responsibilities that came to him in the administration of the afifairs of that office — the highest in the gift of his countrymen. Resolved, That the sympathies of the Society of the 124th Regiment, P. v., are hereby extended to Mrs. William ]\IcKinley, the beloved wife and sorrowing widow of our deceased President, in this hour, when alone, she treads the darkened path of a supreme sorrow and irreparable loss. Resolved, That for all that class of men and women who, while enjoying the blessings of peace, freedom of action, the comforts of home and the prosperity in this country, to a degree unknown under the flag of any other nation, but who by their acts have proved themselves ingrates. dis- turbers of peace and destroyers of law and order, we do hereby emphati- cally declare the greatest abhorrence. Resolved, That it is our deep conviction that all teachers of anarchy and all advocates or adherents of the foul doctrine should by law be for- bidden to land on our shores, and that all such now in our borders should be forever vigorously dealt with by a law sufficiently strong to suppress or expel, and for the speedy enactment of a strong, restraining and govern- ing law in this respect we ever pray and pledge our support. Resolved. That we hereby express our affectionate sympathy for and con- fidence ill the ability, patriotism and wisdom of President Theodore Roose- velt, vvho has had so suddenly and painfully thrust upon him the grave responsibilities and management of the affairs of State, and that we have faith in his purpose to carry to a full fruition the expanding legislative, commercial, financial and industrial interests of the country, that have been so wonderfully developed under the strong guidance of the martyred and immortal McKinley. Regimentai, ]\Ionument. At the last session of the Pennsylvania State Legislature, an appropriation of $1,500 was made for the erection of a monu- ment for the 124th Regiment on the battlefield of Antietam, but Governor Stone cut down the appropriation to $750. In view of that reduction, the Association adopted the following resolutions as submitted by Secretary Marshall : Whereas, It is desirable, without longer delay, to secure the proper recognition of the services of those Pennsylvania regiments that took part in the Battle of Antietam, and which are without monumental representa- tion there or elsewhere ; and. Whereas, The sum of $750 was set apart by our recent Legislature for the purpose of procuring sites and erecting thereon a monument to each of 290 Castle Racks Park Reunion, 1901. the following organizations, to wit: The 45th, 48th, 50th, 51st, looth, 124th, 125th, 128th, i30tli, 1x26. and 137th, Pennsj'lvania Infantry; and, WherLas, The survivors of the 124th Regiment, P. V., and many others who are interested, have strongly indicated their approval of the move- ment, and expressed a willingness to render financial aid for a monumental representation that will be commemorative of the services of the 124th Regiment, P. V., in the war for the preservation of our country and the maintenance of our flag; therefore, be it Resolved, That the president of our society. Colonel Joseph W. Hawley, do now appoint a committee for the purpose of obtaining the long desired end, and further Resolved, That said committee be, and is hereby empowered, to raise funds other than the amount provided by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, to select and secure a proper site for a monument on the battlefield of Antietam, and to procure a suitable monument that w^ill be an honor to the regiment and a fitting recognition of its valor, and to substantially erect the same on said site. President Hawley appointed the committee as follows : Captain Joseph Pratt David Wilkinson Robert M. Green Amos Bonsall James Cheetham John L. Grim Rev. Joseph S. Evans Robert Woodside Hunter Brooke J. Frank Black John Pugh George W. Roberts Henry B. Black Henry C. Warburton C. D. M. Broomhall Colonel Benjamin Brooke Joseph T. Pierce David Cox The following named officers were re-elected : President, Colonel Joseph W. HawL-y. Vice-President, Colonel Benjamin Brooke. Secretary, John W. Marshall. Treasurer, Joel Hollingsworth. The president with his characteristic modesty thanked the society for the honors once more placed tipon him. and an- nounced the following appointments : Chaplain, Rev. Joseph S. Evans. Historian, C. D. M. Broomhall. Obituary Committee, Rev. Joseph S. Evans, Robert M. Green, Thomas T. Smith. 291 Castle Rocks Park Rciiiiion, njoi. Executive Committee: For faithful and meritorious labors in the past. Colonel Benjamin Brooke was continued as chair- man, with power to select the balance of the committee. Dinricr was served in the grove, after which a camp fire was held in the pavilion, presided over by Colonel Joseph W. Hawley. The band from Glen Mills School, under the leadership of Pro- fessor S. S. Smith, gave a very enjoyable concert of populai music. Addresses were made by Hon. Thomas \\ Cooper, oi ISIedia, Robert M. Green, of Philadelphia, Captain Albert Magnin, of Darby, John L. Grim and Captain Amos Bonsall, of Philadel- phia, the last survivor of the Dr. Elisha Kane expedition to the Arctic regions in 1854. Corporal "Tom" Kay entertained with vocal solos, among them being, "The Old Coffee Kettle." [XoTE nv Editor. — In the appointments made at this reunion by Colonel Hawley, president of the Regimental Association, is that of Colonel Benjamin Brooke as chairman of the Executive Committee and a member of the committee to devise w^ays and means for the erection of a regimental monument on the battle- field of Antietam. A\'hen the pleasing exercises of the day closed and we bid each other good-bye, little did we think that before another anniversary would be held our beloved comrade and co-worker would be called to answer the final roll call. Prior to his death, March 12, 1902, he had met with his fellow members of the Monument Committee, and expressed the hope that a monument would be erected that would be a fitting memo- rial of the services of the regiment. It was at his suggestion that Robert M. Green was made treas- urer of the fund, and he subscribed one hundred dollars toward it. This was paid by his executors. In the work that afterward devolved upon the treasurer the loss of Colonel Brooke was deeply deplored.] 29: DOWNINGTOWN REUNION. {Eighteenth Annual.) September 17, 1902. Upon arrival at the station, the society was met by a delegation of Winfiekl Scott Post No. 255, Grand Army of the Republic, who tendered the use of their Post Hall, but, owing to the large number in attendance, this proved inadequate and Odd Fellows' Hall was substituted. President Colonel Joseph W. Hawley called the meeting to order, and the band of twenty-two pieces from Glen Mills School rendered "The Star-spangled Banner," followed by divine invocation by Chaplain Joseph S. Evans. The Obituary Committee reported the deaths of the following named comrades: Colonel Benjamin Brooke, vice-president of the Association and chairman of the Executive Committee ; Joseph T. Pierce, Henry C. Cornog, Corporal Joseph J. Hall, William H. Howard. James Cheetham. William B. Farra. John F. Duffy, Corporal John J. Glisson. John L. Lloyd, James E. Wilson, George Lawrence, William H. Henderson, Enos Yates, James Bonner, William Siverd. On motion of John L. Grim, the officers of the preceding year were re-elected, excepting that Robert M. Green, of Philadelphia, was chosen to succeed the late Colonel Benjamin Brooke as vice- president. Comrade Green thanked the Association for the honor, and assured the members he would help them in any movement for the welfare of the society. After balloting for the place of next meeting, Washington was decided upon ; the business meeting adjourned and dinner was served at the Pennsylvania House to 267 members and friends. After dinner, the exercises attending the usual campfire were held in Odd Fellows' Hall. Colonel Hawley presided, and the first speaker introduced was Rev. T. G. Eiswald, pastor of the Downingtown Baptist Church, who said, among other things : "It gives me great pleasure to be with you to-day. Great deeds have been done by men being true to the small things. The smallest order had to be implicitly obeyed by the soldier. 295 Dowiiiiigtowii Rciiuion, igoj. "Great issues hang in the balance and come to us to be decided by their uprighteousness and purity. As we see the ranks thinning as the days are passing away, it should mean more spiritual and moral life in the country. You did not struggle to unloose the devil, or to give monopoly power. Your hair is thinning; your eye is dinuning, so we must now invite you to lean upon our younger arms, and we must take up your labors. "Hasten the day when the tongue shall cleave to the roof of the mouth that would object to pensions for you old veterans. "Comrade D. ]\1. Cox is a hard man to kill. He was left for dead on Antietam battlefield, and he has been ntarly dead with sickness here, so he has invited me to welcome you to ihis town. I can say that we have the fairest women here, if you don't place them in too strong light. Our town is peculiarly situated; geographically, it is one yard wide and five miles long. We regret that you are going to stay here but a few hours. The regiment is an honor to the flag, and may God bless you." Responding to the cordial welcome of Pastor Eiswald, Colonel Hawley spoke as follows: "On behalf of the 124th Regiment I thank the citizens of Downingtown for the kind recepiion they have extended to us, and for the words of welcome by Rev. ^Nlr. Eiswald. "Forty years ago last month one hundred boys, for we were mere boys, met in this town and formed a company in answer to the call of Andrew G. Curtin. Pennsylvania's great war Governor. We met in the hall in the western end of the town and organized by the election of your speaker as captain, and about 4 o'clock in the afternoon took the train for Harrisburg, where we soon became Company 'A' of the 124th Regiment of Pennsyl- vania troops and left for the Army of the Potomac. In a few weeks we were engaged with the enemy at Antietam, where many lost their lives and many more were seriously wounded. Many incidents occurring the day we met here are still plain in my memory; one was an act of kindness of Mr. Ashbridge, who belonged to a religious organization opposed to war, still he felt kindly towards my boys and asked those who had enlisted from the township of Whiteland to step to the front that he might see them, tlicn passing down the line he presented each of them with a five-doliar note. How sorry we were that we were not all from his home. A father of one of the boys was standing on the hotel porch when we were marching by and looking with pride on his boy, was angered by a loafing cowardly fellow who said 'look at those Lincoln hirelings and nigger worshippers.' The words were scarcely out of his mouth when the father said 'one of those boys is my son,' and accompanying the words with a blow from his fist landed the fellow in the middle of the street, and if Sheriff Heffilfinger had not interfered there would have been an undertaker needed. "Many changes have taken place since then. The loving parents who 296 Dozciiingtozvii Reunion, igo2. sadly bid us adieu on that day and who so gladly welcomed us back, those of us who returned, have passed away, and we who were but boys then have whiter heads, showing that time is leaving its mark on us, and each year it is our solemn duty to record the death ol many of our memljers, but as this is a day of pleasure I will not dwell on the sad side of life, but will introduce those who have so kindly offered to address us." Robert M. Green, treasitrer of the committee to secure funds for the erection of a regimental monument at Antietam, reported that (Utring- the past year he had received $575 in cash, and sub- scriptions amounting to $350. Secretary John \\'. ]\Iarshall was caUed upon, and said : "One year ago we had with us one who could never do too much for his fellowmen. Col. Benj. Brooke was a man of big heart, with warm interest in our liehalf. He always had in consideration the comfort of our mem- bers. His work in the past is commemorated by the placing of his portrait upon our badge to-day. There was no heart so loyal and true as his. His heart was in all institutions looking to the welfare of mankind. We can- not say too much of praise for so great a man as our departed friend." Comrade John L. Grim was cahed for. and, upon arising-, he asked what he was to talk about, when Comrade Green called his attention to the much-desired monument. Comrade Grim prefaced his address by the narration of several amusing stories, including that of the boy and his dog. Con- tinuing, he said : 'to' "Are these the men who went forth with elastic step forty years ago, from Chester and Delaware counties, who left their plows, work benches, and business desks, even the boys who left their books in the schools — the harvest soldiers of the world, meeting the enemy in the corn-tields and in the woodlands, driving Lee back beyond the Potomac? These are the boys who followed Burnside through the mud of spring time, to Chancel- lorsville. Under the Star Spangled Banner they rushed onward that not a star should be taken from the old flag. With determined brow they were always ready for the conflict. But now they are passing down to the sunset of life. In the Southland are many mounds indicating that wdien the country needed them they gave up their lives. And in these later days our beloved Colonel Brooke has gone to join them. We recall the terrible sufferings and the awful wounds, and so we demand that our great country nmst remain united. We have the laurels because we have the victory. 297 Dozi'iiiitgiozcii Reunion, igo2. We want to maintain the principles for which we foughl. There is noth- ing which can surpass the monument in granite, which will stand for what has been so nobly won. I appeal to you to contribute to the fund for this proposed monument which we can leave in honor of our brave boys. There is no more honorable spot upon which it can be erected than at Antietam. I know that our children will gather there and praise us for what we have done. The handshake among you which I have seen to-day was welded in the camptires of years ago. "The foreign countries are now sending their offsprings here to learn what we know. Aren't you proud of it?" The exercises ended with music by the band and a hitmorous song by Corporal "Tom" Kay, and the Eighteenth Annual became a part of the past. Circular sent to Survivors of Regiment. Philadelphia, July 27th, 1903. Dear Comrade : The members of our society have reason for indulging in sentiments of congratulation, because of the enactment of the "]Monumental Appropria- tion Bill" by the late Legislature of Pennsylvania, and in consequence your Executive Committee fraternally addresses you relative to the place for holding our reunion this year. Under the provisions of this Act the survivors of the 124th Regiment are now assured that such monumental recognition will be given the regi- ment on the battlefield of Antietam as will worthily commemorate its par- ticipation in that battle September 17, 1862, and for other services gal- lantly rendered the country in the War of the Rebellion. There is every assurance that this memorial will be completed September, 1904, thus affording the opportunity for our members to participate in the unveiling ceremonies and attending our Twentieth Annual Reunion at the same time. To the thirteen interested commands the 17th of September, 1904, will be a memorable occasion, and one that will occupy a place in our thoughts next to the memories of that day it commemorates, and it is confidently expected that each comrade of our society will desire to witness and enjoy the consummation of this long-anticipated and hard-worked for result. Antietam, with its environments of historic scenes, is the ideal place, and the unveiling ceremonies, being the fruition of our hopes, will be the appropriate time for the survivors of our regiment, with their recollections of forty-two years ago, to assemble with their families and friends in one more grand rally on grounds hallowed by the blood of our comrades. 298 Circular to SiiriTZ'ors. It will be the one time when we may enjoy the sight of gratefully wit- nessing "Old Glory" gracefully lifting its beauteous folds, revealing a bright shaft of enduring granite that is to be a reminder to the distant future generations of our regiment's valor in the smoke-laden air of that field of death and destruction midst the cannon's roar, the shriek of shell and the whirr of bullets. Your Executive Committee, having in mind the highest degree of pleas- ure for our membership, have given a thoughtful consideration to the ques- tion of location for this year's reunion, and in a special meeting, held the third day of July, did unanimously adopt the following resolution, and now most earnestly hope for your full approval. Whereas, Since the reunion of the Society of the iJ4th Regiment, P. V., held at Downingtown, Pa., September 17, 1002, when Washington City was named as the place for holding our then next meeting, conditions now strongly indicate that a change of place for meeting this year is most desirable; therefore, Rcsolz'cd, That as a majority of the Society will desire to visit Antietam September 17, 1904, it is, m the judgment of this committee, not desir- able to attempt to carry out the vote which named Washington, D. C, as this year's meeting place, and we do hereby substitute for that the name of "Castle Rocks," at which place the Nineteenth Annual Reunion of the Society will be held September 17, 1903. Approved, Joseph W. Hawley, President. Attest: John W. Marshall, Secretary. Robert AI. Green, Joseph Pratt, Joel Hollingsworth. John Pugh, John L. Grim, Coiiiinittce. 299 BENJAMIN BROOKE. Soil of the late H. Jones and Jemima E. Brooke. Was born in Radnor Township, Delaware County, Pa., December 13, 1840. Enlisted in the 124th Pennsylvania Volun- teers, and was appointed sergeant in Company D. He participated in the battles of South Mountain, Antie- tam and Chancellorsville, on each attention for occasion bravery. When attracting the term of the 124th jgg, expired, he re-enlisted in the 29th Pennsylvania Emergency Regiment, and became second lieutenant of Company I. After the discharge of this regiment, he recruited Company B, of the 203d Pennsyl- vania Infantry, and v/as elected captain. Although severely wounded in the charge of the regiment at the storming of Fort Fisher, he refused to leave his command, was complimented in general orders for bravery, and elected lieutenant-colonel of the regiment. He was again wounded in front of Wilmington, N. C, in one of the last battles of the war. At the close of the war, was mustered out, with the rank of colonel, and was offered a commission in the Regular Army ; this he declined, preferring to enter upon a business career. He was a popular comrade and past commander of George G. Meade Post, No. i. Grand Army of the Republic, of Philadelphia, a member of the Loyal Legion, the Sons of the Revolution, an active director of the Glen Mills School, in Delaware County, a member of the Union League, of Philadelphia, a director of the First National Bank, of Media, and at the time of his death was vice-president of the 124th Regimental Association. Colonel Brooke had a host of friends, who highly esteemed him for his noble character and manly worth. His brother, Mr. Hunter Brooke, was also a member of Company D, of the 124th, sergeant of Company I, 29th Pennsyl- vania Emergency Regiment, and lieutenant Company E, i92d Pennsylvania ^'olunteers. His brother, Mr. Frank Brooke, was a member of the 29th Pennsylvania Emergency Regiment. 300 Sergeant Company L), iJ4t!i Pennsylvania. Second Lieutenant Company I, Twenty-nintli Pennsylvania Emergency. Captain Company B, 203d Pcnnsylvan'a Volnnteers. Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel 203d. Mustered out with rank of Colonel. Died Alarcii 12, 1902. CASTLE ROCKS PARK REUNION. (Nineteenth A)iinial.) September 17, 1903. At the reunion last year it was agreed that the meeting of to-day should be held at Washington, D. C, but the Executive Committee changed the program, owing to the fact that next year the reunion is to be held at Antietam battlefield, to dedicate a monument to commemorate the gallant services of the regiment in that battle. The business of the meeting was called to order by President Colonel Joseph W. Hawley, followed by a rendition of patriotic airs by a band of 30 performers from the Glen Mills School, under the leadership of Prof. P. P. Brown. An appropriate and fervent prayer was offered by Chaplain Rev. Joseph S. Evans. Owing to the absence of the secretary, John W. Marshall, in Mexico. Prof. George \V. Channell, princi- pal of the Port Carbon High School, was chosen as temporary secretary to record the proceedings. A handsome badge of white satin was distributed, upon which was embossed, in gilt letters : Nineteenth Annual Reunion of the Society of the 124th Pa. Vols. Castle Rocks Park, September 17, 1903. In addition to the above inscription was an engraving of the Soldiers' Monument, recently erected at Media, Pa. The Obituary Committee submitted the following report: Our annual meeting has come once more, and with it comes the sad duty devolving upon your committee to present the mortuary list of the past year. The Silent Reaper has not been idle, the list will show the names of a number of our noble and brave fellow-members who have been mustered out of our ranks since last we met. We might speak of them as individuals, or of their individual lives and service, but your committee deem it wise to speak of them as a company of noble patriots, each and all of whom laid their lives in sacrifice upon the country's altar in her hour of need. Each one gave all that he had to his country ; he was prepared to die, if Castle Rocks Park Reunion, 1903. need be, in defense of her glorious flag. In the battle's territic roar and carnage, eacl; and all of them stood shoulder to shoulder as they faced the foe. We remember them all in this \v?.y, as standing upon a common, yet a noble level, and to-day we think of them as sleeping their last sleep •vith the canopy of a true soldier's honor o'er each sacred grave : James Bonner Died August 25, 1902. Chas. D. ]\I. Broomhall " October 24, " Emmor L. Talley " November 4, '' Cyrus J. Burnett " November 25, "■ David AI. Cox " December 8, " Reese ]M. Bailey " December 20. " Robert G. Woodside " January 23, 1903. Thomas T. Smith " February 4, William H. Bentley •' February 5, " William H. Pierson " ]\Iay 12, " Lorenzo F. Davis " June i, '' Samuel C. Smith " June 27, " Lewis T. Johnson " July 5. " Marshall Lamborn " August 20, " Jesse W. Paist " October 21, " William Y. Esben " IMay 9, " THE REGOIENTAL MONUMENT. On behalf of the committee, Robert M. Green reported on the plans prepared, and exhibited two designs to be passed npon by the members present. Among other things he said that the committee is desirons of having the monument completed in time for unveiling on September 17, 1904, when the twentieth reunion will be held at Antietam. He referred to the need of more funds for the purpose, and appealed for aid from all the survivors of the regiment, the families of deceased comrades, and all who are in any way interested as descendants or friends of those who composed the regiment. The recent Legislature of Pennsylvania appropriated $2,500 for a moimment, and the members and friends have donated or subscribed $1,000. Of the plans submitted, the one favored by the committee will cost $5,000 to erect. He urged for more liberal response from the meiubers, if a memorial is desired that will tell of the trials and hardships of army life, a monument that will be a fitting recognition of the heroic work and valor of the regiment in defence of flag and country, and be to future generations a patriotic reminder to which they may point with pride. 304 Castle Rocks Park Rcuiiioii, IQOJ. Colonel Hawlcy and others spoke earnestly on behalf of more liberal donations for a desirable monument. Henry 15. Ulack, of Chester, an honorary member, said : "I am iiiKrested in this Association's work and also in tliis monument, and I am in favor of a fine and credital)le shaft. 1 am willing to contribute."' George W. Channell said : "Let us erect a mcnument that will reflect honor upon the Association. Let every comrade do what is possible to encourage the committee. Let us support then], and commence at once." Comrade John Pngh. of Conshohocken, was in favor of the best monument and one that will stand for generations, and of which all will be proud. Comrade Pugh was requested to make personal canvass for subscriptions among those present. Having secured quite a sum in cash and over $400 in subscriptions, it was decided to adopt the $5,000 monument, favored by the committee. The former ofificers were re-elected. President, Colonel Joseph W. Hawley, of Media. Vice-president, Roljert M. Green, of Philadelphia. Secretary, John W. Marshall, of Philadelphia. Treasurer, Joel Hollingsworth, of Wallingford. Colonel Hawley thanked the Association, and announced these appointments : Chaplain, Rev. Joseph S. Evans, West Chester, Pa. Hi.storian, Prof. Geo. W. Channell. Port Carbon, Pa. Obituary Committee, Rev. Joseph S. Evans, Robert M. Green and David S. Wilkinson. Executive and [Monument Committee — Robert M. (M-een, Henry C. War- burton. John Pugh, Joel Hollingsworth, John D. Howard. Dinner was announced, and was partaken of by more than 200, after which a campfire was held in the jiavilion. The band opened with a pleasant melody that was warmly applauded. The first orator presented by Colonel Hawley was Captain Isaac Johnson, late of the 29th P'ennsylvania Emergency Regiment, now judge of tlie Delaware County C\^urt, who said : "It gives me much pleasure to mingle with the 124th Regiment survivors here to-day. It gives me pleasure to 4iake bands with you old veterans. 20 305 CastU- Rocks I'liik Reunion, J<^0S- We do not yet estimate the importance of that great struggle of forty years ago to determine the great (luestion tliat this government of the people shall perish from internal disorder. Our nation is now the peer of the greatest nations of the earth. The nation that sits between the oceans commands the attention of the world. We are exerting more influence upon the civilization of the world. We now represent the very highest standards, and we are playing an important part in the movements for civil and religious liberty. Since you inarched shoulder to shoulder under the old flag, we have made progress, and only yesterday the banner of our Republic was unfurled in Pekin. We represent the greatest influence for all that is good — the liberty of the law. Let us use it for the benefit of the human race and all mankind." Hon. Thomas V. Cooper, of Media, was introduced as an old soldier, and a warm friend of old soldiers. He was given a cordial greeting, and, among other things, said : "1 have always liked to be introduced by Colonel Hawley. I am inter- ested in this regimep.t, for at Chancellors\'ilIe when I was attempting to escape capture by the fastest run ever made by mortal man, I was rescued by the 124th, and in gratitude to them I was instrumental in securing the pa-^sage of the monument bill in the State Legislature. I like to meet sol- diers, because they represent our Government more than any other class of citizens. The achievements of the Union Army were something wonderful. 1 he boast of this nation goes up and up, but never comes down, and we are continually adding to the greatness of our country."' Corporal Tom Kay then amused with a song, and gave some flute imitations on a cane. Comrade Robert JM. Green was called upon, and said: "I did not expect to say anything to-day except to make an appeal in behalf of our [Nlomunent Fund. I do not feel qualified to make a speech such a* we have listened to from Judge Johnson and 'Tom' Cooper." He then recited in stirring manner the famous speech delivered by President Lincoln at Gettysburg, and described vivid pictures of the soldiers' life in camp and on the march, and in conclusion said h(tw grateful we should be that we have lived to see our flag float from the highest peak of the Mountain Range of Nations, and respected by all mankind. At 4 P. M. the benediction was pronounced by Chaplain Evans, and the pleasant reunion was at an end. 306 ^^^/^^^^^^ JOHX W. MARSHALL. Was born Novemljer i6, 1842. Son of Cloud and ]\Iary (Woodward) Marshall, who resided in West Bradford town- ship, Chester county, Pennsylvania, on the west branch of the Brandywine ; the farm comprised several hundred acres, pur- chased from the In.dians in 1703. by Abraham ^larshall. who came from Derbyshire, England, and settled on said tract. The boyhood of John \W was spent in attending the public school at Marshallton and in such work as was incident in a "country lad's life." On August 5, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, of the 124th, and served with it until January, 1863, when he was discharged from a hospital in W'ashington, D. C, for disability caused by typhoid fever. On August 7, 1862 (two days after his enlistment), he married Mary Ellen, only daughter of Robert Emmit and Eliza Smith. In i8(j5 he was elected commander of George G. JNIeade Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and for several years thereafter was adjutant of the post. He has long been a member of the 124th Regimental Associa- tion, and was elected its secretary, to succeed the late Charles P. Keech, and the duties of this position he faithfully performed until his removal to Parral, IMexico. where he is now engaged as manager of the United States Mining Co. On another page is a letter written by him. congratulating the Regimental Association on the completion of their monument. 309 < < c Z o ^/K-d^%^^ Co. B, 124th Penna. Vol. Co. F, 2gtli Penna. Militia. Co. G, 97th Penna. \'ol. Wonnded in front of Petersburg, May 18, iK()4. In 1907. Col. Fourth Regt., National Guards, N. J. AXTIETAM REUNION. (Tii'cntictli Annual.) September 17, icp4. Business Meeting and Campfire. Through the courtesy of Christ Reformed Memorial Church, of Sharpsburg, the business meeting and campfire was held in that edifice in the evening, the spacious building being crowded. This church was built in 1832. It was used as a Federal hos- pital in 1862. Colonel Hawley presided, and Chaplain Evans being absent, on account of illness, the exercises were opened \\'\i\\ prayer by Rev. S. T. Wagner, of Boonesboro, followed by a short address of welcome from Rev. B. R. Carnahan, pastor of the church, who wished the visitors a pleasant time. The Obituary Committee, consisting of Rev. Joseph S. Evans, Robert M. Green, and David S. Wilkinson, made report of the following deaths : Corporal Samuel K. Crozier, Company H, November 23d, 1903, aged 67. Corporal Arnold M Nichols, Company I, December i6th, 1903, aged ~t,. William H. Hoopes, Company D, :\Iarch 24th, 1903, aged 60. Corporal Thomas W. Taylor, Company E, April 3d, 1904. Corporal Joseph ]\[cCoy, Company P.. June iStli, 1904, aged 70. Edward Cooper, Company B, March i8th, 1904, aged 78. Corporal Henry B. Wynn, Company A, October 30th, 1902, at Yankton, South Dakota (fourth attack of paralysis), aged 61. Sergeant Joseph N. Woodward, Company A, killed by express train on Pennsylvania Railroad at Coatesville, Pennsylvania. In addition to his services in the 124th, he also served in 1863 in an Independent Cavalry Com- pany, and in 1864, as captain I92d P. V.. 100 days' service. Charles H. Dilworth, Company E, died March 8th, 1904. at Des Moines, lov.a. At time of death he was president of the West Des Moines School Board, and of the Valley Savings Bank. Samuel P. Conner, Company K, at Coatesville, June 13th, 1904. Enos W. Ross, Company I, June 17th, 1904. Eli PI. Baldwin, Company A, July 28th, 1904, aged 6~. Joseph M. Drake, Company H, ]\Iarch 24th, 1904. William T. Daller, Company F, September 3d, 1904, aged 71. Wesley Durnell, Company A. Corporal William Williams. Company F. 313 .liiticlaui h'runioii . Ujo I. Marsliall l.anilxini, Company K. Licuttnanl Frank M. Nagiec, Ccmpanv \\, November 20, 1903. Charles Daller, Company F. Jonathan Heaeoek, Company H, June 9, 1904. John Pelcrs, Company H. "Thus are we reminded once again tliat nur ranks are Ix'ing decimated \ear by year. Loved comrades have fallen hy the wayside as we have marched along life's pathway. Fresh mounds have been raised to mark the restin.g place of the bodies of brave and honored men who once stood shoulder to shoulder with those who Lire here to-day. Their precious lives have gone back to God, who gave them. With them, 'life's fitful dream is o'er.' For them time, with all its cares, its labors, and its sorrows, is forever past ; they have entered into their eternal rest. Their vacant places forcibly remind us that the allotted space for our life's work is, at the best, but a span. INlany of us are already nearing its close. Which of us can tell who next shall be summoned to cross the narrow stream which separates the known from the unknown, the finite from the infinite. Let it be the aim of each and all of us to perform the duties assigned to us, that when the final sunmions shall call us hence, when the places, the pursuits, and the friends which have once known us shall know us no more, it may be said of us that 'tlie world has been better for our living in it.'" Er,KCTi().\ oF Off'ickrs. Tlie animal election of officer.s re.'sulted as follows : President — Ci^lonel Joseph W. Hawky, Vice-President — Robert M. Creen. Treasurer — Joel Hollingsworth. Secretary — Edward T. Harlan, vice John W. Marshall, who is now gen- eral manager of the United States r\ lining Co., at Parral, ^lexico. Colonel Hawley, in a brief speech, thanked the survivors for the continued honors, and announced as the Executive Com- mittee: John Pugh, Henry C. W'arhurton, John D. Howard, Joel Hollingsworth, George M. Thomson, vice Roliert M. Green, who declined reappointment. The Ohittiar\- Committee a])])()inted was John D. Howard, R()])ert M. Green, David S. Wilkinson. Xk.xt Rkuxiox. The following ])laccs were named for the next reunion: Coatesvillc, Media, l*)rand}-winc S]M-ings, X'orristown, West Chester, and Xallc}- Forge. The Exectitive Committee was ,^14 Antictaiii Reunion, 1W4. empowered to make selections from the places and notify the members. Robert M. Green, chairman of the Monument Committee, reported that he had sufficient funds in hand to pay for the monument, and all expenses connected therewith, but that an additional sum mig;ht be required for the completion of the souvenir book that he had in preparation. Comrade John Pugh moved that thanks of the Association be extended Chairman Green for his efficient and faithful labors, and that he l)e authorized to complete the history of the regiment and of the Association. The motion was adopted. Chairman Green was called on for a speech, and said: '■] ihank you for tliis eviderce of your esteem, l)ul mi account of the arduous duties pertaiiTing to the excursion and the dedication of the monu- ment, 1 must ask you to pardon me from making a speech. I am sure that I caimot say anything that \vould be ;.if interest at this time. If the work that you gave me to do has been satisfactory, that is all the thanks 1 want." Thk Camp-firi:. The business having been attended to, the camp-fire exercises were inaugurated by Corporal "Tom" Kay, of Cotnpany B, who entertained with a song. "From '61 to "65,'' and in response to the encore, gave a fiute solo on a walking stick borrowed from the audience. Comrade John L. Grim, of Company D, expressed his pride of his old regiment. He contended that no nation showed such affiliation with Christianity as ours. "We have never suffered defeat from the Revolution to the war with Spain. This is truly God's country. The Rebellion was a war in which an etTort was made to tear asunder the Flag. God was back of us. The American conquest resulted in greatest fatality, with the right against the wrong, and God was with the right. The merchant, the minister, the lawyer and mechanic lay aside their work and took to the field. History cannot record the story, even if written in the blood of the fallen. Mam- a mother has awaited the return of her son, who fills an unknown grave. We have gone up the ladder of fame, until now we stand as the dictator to all the world at the very pinnacle of fame. The American Xatinn has gone 315 Aiifii'lam Rciiiiidii. i(;04. continuously forward, until the Stars and Stripes wave where the sun never sets." George W. Channell, of I'ort Carbon, said, among other things : "I am the bashful, timid soldier of the regiment. I)ut will obey orders. You have heard so much patriotism to-day that it is unfitting for me to take your time. I am glad to meet with jou. I am pleased to see so many \\i\es of the comrades grace these occasions with their presence. The suffering and the sacrifices made by the women of our land were as great as that of the soldiers on the field. This Nation has reached an advanced position not reached by any other nation. We have said to the foreign nations to extend certain rights to the people of the Antilles. We have always stood in behalf of downtrodden humanity." Rev. Dr. Boyle, of the iiith Pennsvlvania \ ohmteers, said: "I greet the men of the Twelfth Corps, and am proud of your record on the battlefield. Your monument lepresents the American \'olunteer. more particularly the patriotism of the 124th Regiment. The great intel- ligence of the American soldier is a matter of universal record." He made comparison between the Civil War and the present conflict in the far East. He was proud of the personnel of the 124th. Colonel Oliver C. Bosbyshell, of the Antietam Battlefield Commission, and late of the 48th Pennsylvania A^olunteers, expressed great satisfaction in meeting with the 124th Regiment. Colonel John P. Nicholson, of the Gettysburg Battlefield Com- mission, said : ''I would like to be a speechmaker and talk to you with lips and heart ot flame. ]\Io?es never carried to his people a more perfect solution than did Lincoln bear to the people at Gettysburg. I am opposed to all things that deprive us of power with God, the love of family, greed for money and the problem of graft. I want you to feel that this Government of the people, for the people, and by the people, must not perish from the earth." Captain Charles Lawrence, United States Xavy. said : "Is it surprising that the people of this nation are heroic, when we know them as descendants of those people who four hundred years ago left their homes in Europe to establish a home in the Western Wilderness. The Infant Republic then founded now stands a giant among nations. God inspired the French aid given the Colonies in Seventy-six. I have great 316 Antictam Reunion, 1904. admiration for the American soldier. I am not a soldier, but served in the navy under Farragut. God's hand lias been forever shown in the affairs of this great country." The Association passed a vote of thanks to the church officials for the use of the building, and after the benediction the meeting adjourned. Among those present were three surviving members of the first Mointment Committee, appointed September 17, 1888. They were Robert M. Green, Joseph Showalter. and George M. Thomson. The other seven members of the committee, consisting of Colonel Benjamin Brooke, David F. Houston, Captain Charles W. Roberts. Captain Edward F. James, Lieutenant Ralph Buckley, Joseph B. Hinkson, and ^lilton ^IcFadden, had passed to the Great Beyond. Of the Monument Committee of ten, appointed September \y, 1889, Robert AI. Green was the only surviving member at the time of the dedication. Of the thirteen regimental organizations whose monuments were dedicated at this time. Colonel Hawley, of the 124th, is said to be the only surviving field officer. On Sunday morning, the various places of interest on the battlefield were visited by the excursionists, and at 1.30 P.^ M. the special train left Antietam Station for the return trip. Upon reaching Gettysburg, many of the excursionists stopped, for the purpose of visiting that sacred spot. The train, with those remaining in it, arrived in Philadelphia at 8.00 P. M. All who participated in the excursion expressed pleasure for the excellent arrangements that had been made for their comfort, and thus ended^ one of the most enjoyable pilgrimages ever made by the Association and its friends. [Note: On other pages will be found a detailed account of the excursion to Antietam. the dedication of monument of the 124th, the names of members of regiment who participated, a photograph of the survivors present, the prayer of Chaplain Joseph S. Evans, addresses of Colonel Joseph ^^^ Hawley and Robert M. Green. Also the details pertaining to the transfer oi monuments to the I'nited States Government.] 317 ^ 03 < TD , o >■ u ^^ ^ r-< CJ X ^ o a d; O Z "^ - Q. X 'J BRANDYVVIXE SPRINGS PARK. (Tzvciify-first Reunion.) Septemt.Kk i6, 1905. The twenty-first annual reunion of the survivors of the 124th Regiment, Pennsylvania \olunteers (marking the forty-third anniversary of the Battle of Antietam), was held at Brandy wine Springs Park, near Wilmington, Del. The turnout of memhers and their families numbered more than 200. They came to the park from Philadelphia, Chester, Wilmington, Coatesville, West Chester, Media, and other nearby points, and all were provided with badges, commemorative of the occasion. The members from Philadelphia and Chester were accom- panied by the Boys' Band, of the Glen Mills School, numbering 35 pieces, under direction of Prof. P. P. Brown. The; Business Meeting. Was called to order at 11 A. M., in one of the commodious pavilions, with Colonel Joseph W. Hawley presiding, and was opened with music, "The Star Spangled Banner," by the band, followed by a medley, after which an appropriate prayer was ofifered by Rev. Joseph S. Evans, chaplain of the Association and formerly of the regiment. The complete and interesting minutes of the trip to Antietam and the reunion there, last year, were read by Secretary Edward T. Harlan, after which Colonel Hawley made his annual address, as follows : Comrades and Friends of the 124th Regiment, Pennsjdvania VoUm- teers : We meet here to-day on the forty-third anniversary of the most severe day's battle of the Rebellion. The Battle of Gettysburg was a greater battle, but it extended over three days, while the battle of Antietam was fought on one day and shows, as I have said, the greatest loss in killed and wounded on one day of any battle during the rebellion. General Longstreet says in his history that the number killed and wounded on the Confederate side was 10,746. and he gives our loss at 11,657. You may not know it, but your regiment is noticed in Longstreet's history as one that he was compelled to front in that battle. We entered into this battle with but a few days' experience as soldiers, as but a few days over a month had expired since we were quietly engaged 320 Braudya'iiic Spriiii^s Park Reunion. 1903. in our daily roiuine of business at home. I may he wrong, but I have always thought it was not the intention to place us at the front, but hold us in reserve until a later time in the day and for whatever emergency might occur, but instead of that we were in the thickest part of the battle in the famous bloody cornfield, on the extreme right of the line very early in the morning, and before 9 o'clock our wounded, including myself, were being carried off the field. I am happy to say our regiment remained on duty all day. and with the rest of the new troops were complimented for their good work. A year ago we completed our work of several years, and erected a beauti- ful monument on the battlefield of Antietam, worthy of all the labor and money expended in its erection, and the committee in charge well deserve the thanks of this Association for having so well performed their arduous duty. We have stiTl unfinished another duty, namely, the publication of the history of the regiment. Comrade Robert ]M. Green, the chairman of com- mittee in charge of this publication, in fact, the one who has sole charge of the work and has spent months collecting and arranging matters of interesting and historical facts connected with the. service of the regiment, becomes thoroughly discouraged with the little interest the members of the Association exhibit in the desire we have to hand down to our children a history of what service their fathers lendered to our Government in the daj's of her great struggle for existence. Nearly every member will sit down and tell an interesting V'^rsonal experience to a friend, but you cannot get him to put it on paper and send it to Comrade Green. Our number is slowly decreasing, and each year we read the names cf our comrades who have crossed the great divide, and but a few years remain to the few who arc left, so I m-ge again if you have anything that will be of interest to those we leave behind us let it be printed in our his- tory and be preserved. I am sorry to inform you tliat Comnide Green was in a railroad wreck a few days, ago in Colorado, and only reached home this week, and is not able to join with us to-da}-, which he greatly regrets, as it is the only meet- ing he has missed. We will send him our sympathy and wish him a speedy recover)'. Report of the Obitu.\ry Committee. The Obittiary Committee reported the deaths of the following members since the last retinion : Peter Gamble, of Company F, died May 4. 1905. Jacob S. Stott, of Company A, died July 23. 1905. John W. Walker, of Company A, killed on Pennsylvania Railroad, October 29, 1904. James Speakman, Company A. died in Kansas. James ]\IcElhaney, of Company G. Philip Nawn, of Company H. 21 321 ISraiidyxciiic Sfriiii^s /'ark l\cituinn. 1(^05. Other deaths were reported by several members, but no data were given, so it was urged ui)on all members learning of the death of a eomrade to notifv Secretary I larlan. so that the records may be kept accurate and complete. ElJ'XTlON Ol' Ol'l'lCKKS. The following officers were re-elected for the ensuing year: President, Colonel Joseph W. Hawley, Media, I'a. ; vice-president. Robert M. Green, 1415 \'ine Street. Philadelphia: treasurer, Joel PTollingsworth. W'allingford, Pa. : secretary. Edward T. TIarlan, 2444 North Seventeenth Street. Philadelphia. Colonel Hawley then announced the following appointments : Executive Committee : Jesse Darlington, John Standring, George D. Miller, William Trainer, Jr., Charles Moore. Penjamin T. Green, Charles Broadbent. Obituary Committee: Jnhn 1). Ploward, Robert '\\. Green, David S. Wilkinson. Placiv or' Xkxt ]\Ieetixg. The following places were nameil at which to hold the reunion on ''Antietam Day" next year: Richmond, \'a. ; Washington. D. C. ; Gettysburg, Oxford, West Chester, and A^allev Forge, Pa. ; Antietam, Md. ; Atlantic City, N. J. ; it was also suggested that a steamer be chartered, and the regiment spend the day in a trip down the Delaware River. The matter of selecting the place of next meeting was referred to the Executive Committee, with power to act. The Regimental History. Colonel Hawley again called attention to the fact that the aid of all the members was solicited in the work of the proposed publication of the regimental history, imder the direction of Comrade Robert M. Green. This book will contain over 200 pages, with the roster and history of the regiment, records of all the annual reunions, history of the handsome monument erected last year on Antietam Battlefield, the addresses of Colonel Hawley, Comrade Robert M. Green, Governor Pennypacker. Secretary of War, Rev. J. Richards Poylc, Thomas J. yStewart, '222 Bi-aiidyi\.'iiic Spriiii^s ['ark Rcmiiuit, lyo^. and many other items of interest, together with nearly lOO ilKistrations and portraits ; among them are those of President Lincohi, General McClellan, General Meade, General Hooker, General Mansfield, General Kane, Governor J'ennypacker, Colonel Hawley, Lieutenant-Colonel Litzenberg, Lieutenant William C. Dickey, Colonel Benjamin Brooke, Captain Norris L. Yarnall, Charles P. Keech, John W. Marshall, and others, the old Dunker Church, I'urnside Bridge, National Cemetery at Antietam, Chancellor House, etc. MusTC Axn SpfjvCti. An enjoyable concert was given by the band, including the rendition of "Marching Through Georgia," "Tenting To-night on the C)ld Camp Ground." and other war-time songs, hx a chorus of mixed voices. Rev. John W. Say res, chaplain-in-chief of the G. A. R., Department of Pennsylvania, was called upon for an address, when, among other things, he said that he was pleased to be with the survivors of the 124th Regiment, and was proud of the record they had made. His reference to President Roosevelt's interest in behalf of peace in the far East evoLed loud applause. He said there was "Providence in the adoption of our flag, the stars of heaven being linked to the rainbow ; victory has ever followed our flag, and none had been so honored as our banner. There is no better class of men anywhere than the citizen soldiers of this Republic. Tiiii Dinner. Music by the baud followed, and then dinner was served. The Camp-fire. Soon after all had partaken of the l)ountiful repast, the camp- fire was started by Colonel Hawdey, when Corporal "Tom" Kay, the well-known entertainer, gave his flute solo on a cane borrowed from a spectator. Rev. ]\lr. Thatcher, pastor of the Baptist Church, of Chester, was called upon for an address. He spoke briefly, and expressed his regrets that his youthful age had pre- vented his participation in the \\'ar of the Rebellion. Brandyii'inc Spriiv^s Park Reunion, 1905. "Every American citizen can l)e proud of his citizenship, for tlie veterans have left us a rich heritage, an unrivaled nation, with territorial integrity. We have the principle of human brotherhood. Here are all men regarded in equality. We thank the soldiers for an undivided country, and now peace encircles the whole world. We thank you tor your devotion." John L. Grim, of Philadelphia, a former drummer boy of the 124th Regiment, and at present a member of the Pennsylvania G. A. R. Staff, was the next speaker. He referred to several reminiscences of Chancellorsville and other campaigns. Con- cluding, he said : "It is the duty of the old soldiers to close up the gap with fraternal feel- ing. Comradeship was welded in the fires of battle. God intended this nation to be the greatest in the world. We have taught other nations sciences, etc., and we now stand on the pinnacle of education." He made a stirring appeal for patriotism, and was greeted with a continued storm of applause. Rev. William H. Shaffer, of the Chester M. E. Church, paid a glowing tribute to the dear, old flag and the devotion of the soldiers of the Republic who saved the Pinion. In conclusion, he said : "May God bless you and aid you to live long." Prof. George \V. Channell, Company K, now of the Port Carbon public schools, made a few remarks, and introduced his son, Rev. G. Wayne Channell. pastor of the Trinity ]\P E. Church, Philadelphia, who made a ringing speech. He said that he was always glad to express his thankfulness to the old veterans for the blessings now enjoyed through their sacrifices. He alluded to the bravery of the troops in the nuiuerous struggles on the battlefields of the South. "All glory, then, to the old Flag, which should never be disgraced nor dishonored." Rev. John W. Sayres, chaplain of the Departiuent of Pennsyl- vania, Grand Army of the Republic, made a few reminiscent remarks, and after a song or two by Corporal "Tom" Kay, assisted by the assemblage, the reunion exercises came to an end. After a short session of renewing old acquaintances and forming new ones, the assemblage departed, all greatl} pleased with the day's outing and its varied enjoyment. 324 Brandyzvinc Springs Park Reunion, 190$. The Roster. Following is the register of those present, so far as could be obtained, but does not include all who attended the reunion : Staff. — Col. Joseph W. Hawley ; Chaplain, Rev. Joseph S. Evans ; Sur- geon, Dr. Joseph R. Martin. Company A — Harmon G. Bond, George W. Tyson, John M. Windle, David S. Wilkinson, Samuel B. Smiley, Wilmer W. Glisson, Samuel Byers. Company B — George W. Ayres, Charles W. Broadbent, Thomas H. Kay, John J. Wilkinson. Company C — George E. Taylor, Thomas McFadden, David Picrson, J. Z. Webb, Joel S. Greenfield, John R. McFadden. Company D — John L. Grim, Benj. T. Green, John D. Howard, Wm. T. Inries, Charles Moore, George D. Miller, Henry C. Warburton, Pennell Stackhouse, Edward B. Green, Stephen T. Smith, Jesse Darlington, B. F. Thomas, Charles Watkins. Company E — Wm. H. Burns, Elias W. Copeland, Ezekiel R. Griffith, Edward T. Harlan, secretary. No. 2444 North Seventeenth Street, Phila- delphia ; S. S. Johnson, William Mercer, Oliver R. Patterson, George M. Thonr^on, Samuel J. Thompson, Fred. T. Ingram, Josiah Burnett, Wm. B. Hanna, Jos. W. Hall, Isaac L. Harvey, Charles S. Kearns, Charles H. Kitzleman, Joseph Hampton. Company F — John S. Baldwin. Caleb S. James, George R. Maxton, I. Walton Martin, Joseph W. Martin, Townsend [Mercer, WMliam W. Potts, Evan A. Mercer, George F. Bailey. Company G — Wilmer Wood. William Mendenhall, Lorenzo D. Farra, W. H. Houck. Company H^Joseph Arment, Charles Bonsall, James C. Hinkson, Sam- uel Heacock, John Standring, Wm. Trainer, Jr.. Benjamin F. Hirst, Robert Casey. Company I — N. G. Garrigan. James Cunningham. Company K — Enos C. Baker, George L. Osborne, George W. Chaunell, William Kane, Andrew Yoder, W. S. Miller. .?25 JOHN L. c;rim. When the Civil War broke out John L. Grim was a boy of seventeen livino- with his father on a farm near Mecha, Pennsyl- vania. At the hrst call for three months" men, he tried to enlist, but was rejected three times on account of a,^e. iMually he was ac- cepted in Company D, Fifth Pennsylvania Cav- alr\-, Cameron Dragoons, at Paoli. Pennsylvania, July 30th, 1861. He served in that ret;iment until December. i86t, when he was discharged for disability by reason of typhoid fever. He re- enlisted August 4th, 1862, in Company D, 124th Penn- s}lvania, and served until the muster out of the regiment. May, 1863. On June 17th, 1863, he re-enlisted in the 29th Pennsylvania Volunteer ]\lilitia. Colonel Joseph W. Hawley, commanding, and served until the regiment was discharged. He then entered the United States Military Construction Corps, and while serving in that department was captured l)y Moseby's guerillas ; escaping from them, he served with the corps until the close of the war and was discharged at the age of twenty-one as su]ierintendent of one of the divisions. Although but a drummer boy, he was ordered by General Kane at the battle of Chancellorsville to take the drummers, pack mules and cooks to the rear ; he disobeyed the order and went into the fight, and was afterwards presented with a drum major's sword for bravery, with the inscription, "Drummer Poy of Chancellors- ville." Comrade Grim is Past Commander and an active worker in Courtland Saunders l\)st, \o. 21, Grand Arm\- of the l\cinil)lic. 326 1861. igo;. LENAPE PARK REUNION. ( Ti^'cu ty-scco ud A n n iiaJ.) September 17, 1906. The twenty-second annual reunion of the survivors of the 124th (marking the forty-fourth anniversary of the Battle of Antietam) was held at Lenape Park, a few miles from West Chester, Pa. Members of the regiment and friends, numbering more than 200. were transported from the West Chester Station to and from the park by electric cars. The Boys' Band, of 35 pieces, of Glen Mills School, in charge of Prof. P. P. Brown, was in attendance. The roster of the veterans present follows : Staff — Chaplain, Rev. Joseph S. Evans; Surgeon, Dr. Joseph R. [Martin. Company A — Harmon G. Bond, William Epright, David S. Wilkinson, Wilmer Glisson, Samuel B. Smiley, George W. Tyson. Company C — George G. Taylor, David Pierson, John H. Greenfield, Joel Greenfield, W. Harrison Worth. Company D — John D. Howard, J. Millson, Charles Moore, George D. Miller. Joel Hollingsworth, Edward B. Green, Jesse Darlington, Stephen T. Smith, John Pugh, John F. Worrilow, Henry C. Warburton, Jesse Darling- ton, Jr. Company E — Fred. T. Ingram, Joseph Hampton, Wm. Y. Townsend, Joseph W. Hall, Josiah Burnett, Ezekiel R. Griffith, William H. Burns, Joseph B. Taylor, Edward T. Harlan, William Mercer, Isaac Harvey, Samuel J. Thompson, George ]\I. Thomson. Company F — I. Walton Martin, Townsend ]\Iercer, Joseph W. ^Martin, Evan A. Mercer, George R. Martin, John S. Baldwin, Caleb S. James. Company G — William ^lendenhall, Wilmer Woods. Company H — William Trainer, Samuel Heacock, George W. Poole, Joseph Arment, William T. Chandler, John Standring, Robert M. Green, Lewis C. Megonigal, Charles Bonsall. Company I — William Hampton. Company K — Joseph C. Freel, Jesse Walter, Jacob Berkeheizer. James F. Cunningham, Enos C. Baker, John Holstein, George Harkins, George L- Osborne, Henry S. Burns, B. Frank Sharp. Business ]\Ieetixg. Comrades and friends, escorted by the band, assembled in the dancing pavilion, and the meeting was called to order at 11 A. M., by Comrade Robert M. Green, vice-president of the Association. 329 I.ciiapc I'iirk Reunion, /yo6. J le announced that Colonel Hawley (president) was unavoidably detained in Europe, and expressed his regrets that he could not be with us. and that it was the first reunion he had failed to attend since the organization of the Association. Rev. Joseph S. Evans, chaplain of the Association, and formerly of the regiment, offered an appropriate prayer. The minutes of last year's reunion were read by Secretary Edward T. Harlan, and were approved. Comrade Green stated that he was still suffering from the injuries received in a railroad wreck of a year ago, and asked to he excused from making any extended remarks. He called the attention of the comrades to the fact that sufficient subscriptions had not been received to justify him in printing the records which he had ])repared at the direction of the Association at its meeting in Antietam, in 1904. The Obituary Committee reported the following deaths: Casncr Pi^e, at Alljion, Midi., August 8. 1904. Menaiida Slack, at Golden, Colorado), May 5, 1905. Rev. John W. JNIiles, at Romansville, Septem1)er 26, 1905. James Lynch, at Oxford, Pa., Septemlier 28, 1905. John W. Kenible, at Asbury Park, N. J., Octol)er 2, 1905. David Laird, at Downingtown, Pa., February 23. 1906. Thomas H. Kay, at Philadelphia, March 22, igo6. Gardner Kelly, at Wallingford, Pa., April 8, 1906. William Keech. at Downingtown, Pa., April 19. 1906. Brinton J. Heyburn, at Concord. Pa., April 28, 1906. Edward Jackson, May 11, 1906. Elias W. Copeland, in Highland Township, ^iay 29, 1906. Benjamin T. Green, at Cumberland, July 6, 1906. Ellis W. Ford, in Valley Township. July 18, 1906. .After the report was read, the chairman requested Chaplain hA'ans to make some remarks as a supplementary report ; the chaplain paid a high tribute to the deceased comrades, and referred especially to the death of Corporal Thomas H. Kay, who- he said, had met with us in so many of the reunions of the past, and had rendered innocent amusement that he was so peculiarly adapted for. Comrade John Pugh spoke in favor of printing the records that Comrade Robert AT. dreen had given so much time in pre- .^30 Loiapr f'arlc Reunion, i(^o6. paring. He aroned that as the work liad l)ecn authorized by the Association, comrades should subscribe hberally for the books, and thereby aid in its pubUcation. The followino-named officers were unanimously re-elected: President, Joseph \V. Haw ley. Vice-President, Robert 3^1. Green. Secretary, Edward T. Harlan. Treasurer, Joel Hollingsworth. Chaplain, Rev. Joseph S. Evans. The ( )bituary Committee was appointed, as follows : John D. Howard, John Pugh, David S. Wilkinson. TiiK Xkxt Reunion. • For some vears past the Executive Committee had selected the place for holding the reunions, but, on motion, it was decided that the members of the regiment present should vote on the question. Several places were named, and the balloting resulted as follows : West Chester, Pa i-^ Antietam, ^\d i° Richmond, Va -U The latter place was decided upon, with a possible side trip to the Jamestown Exposition, the arrangements to be completed by the Executive Committee. Chairman Green stated that he would defer the appointment of the Executive Committee until the return of President Hawley. When the business meeting adjourned. Chairman Green stated that, owing to his feeble condition, he would ask Comrade Jesse Darlington, chairman of the Executive Committee, t& take charge of the camp-tire, to be held after dinner had been partaken of. Tilt: C.\.Mi'-FiKK Was held in the dancing pavilion, commencing at 2.30 o'clock, and was opened by a pleasing concert by the Glen Mills Band. In the absence of Colonel Hawley, and \'ice-President Green Lenapc Park Reunion, iqo6. not feeling able to preside at this meeting. Comrade John Pugh. of Conshohocken, was selected to preside, and, in a brief address, thanked the Association for the honor conferred. He then intro- duced, as the first orator, Walter S. Talbot. Esq., of West Chester, who, in opening his address, said it was fitting that these old soldiers should meet in reunion on the banks of the historic Brandywine, and within a short distance of the battlefield at Chadd's Ford. He reviewed, in eloquent terms, the services of the heroic 124th at Antietam, Chancellorsville, and other fields of carnage. He referred to the brave boys in blue who fill the graves in Dixie land, where the pines sift the moonlight over their mounds. The veterans are models for the rising generations, who will receive their lessons of patriotism from the valorous deeds of the soldiers. The address was punctuated with veins of patriotic reference, which were vigorously applauded by the audience. "The Star Spangled I'>anner" and other selections were then played by the band. Francis Fisher Kane, of the Philadelphia Bar. a nephew of General Thomas Leiper Kane, commander of the brigade to which was attached the 124th Regiment after the Antietam Battle, was introduced, and gave some reminiscences of his honored relative, and concluded with a brief oration on the theme of "Comradeship." Following another pleasing selection by the band. Colonel John Wainwright, Wilmington, Del., late commander of the Ninetv- seventh Pennsylvania \'olunteers, was called upon, and expressed pleasure in being present. He paid a tribute to the Union soldiers, and especially to the valor of the 124th Regiment. By request. Comrade John A. Chambers, of Company A, con- tributed a vocal solo, "Tenting on the Old Camp Ground." Rev. Wayne G. Channell. pastor of a Philadelphia M. E. Church, and son of Comrade George W. Channell, of Port Carbon, Pa., made a brief address on "Patriotism," teeming with eloquent oratory. He spoke of the brotherhood of man. and the freedom obtained by the devotion of the soldiers to this great Government. His allusion to the labors of President Roosevelt was vigorously applauded. The unlimited resources of our country received sf^nic attention by the speaker. 332 Lciiapc Park Reunion, iqo6. Norbert B. Hamilton, of West Chester, entertained with a vocal solo, "Tlie Holy City.'' Music, "Rally Round the Flag," by band. Recitation, "Blue and Gray at Antietam," by Miss Alartin, of Christiana. ' . \'ocal solo. "I am just as young as I used to be," by James Fryer, of Chester. Solo, John Pugh, of Conshohocken. ]\lany citizens visited Lenape during the afternoon, and attended the camp-fire. After music by the band, the assemblage dispersed. [Note by Editor: The reunion at Lenape Park was the last one held by the Regimental Association prior to the printing of this history. The records of the various reunions as published herein are largely due to the efficiency of the secretaries of the Association and to Mr. Geo. B. McCormick, an associate member. When we started out on our annual pilgrimages, the faces that had upon them the bloom of youth have now become seamed with the weight of years, and the annual reports of the obituary com- mittee show that our ranks are rapidly diminishing and that many loved comrades have gone to their eternal rest. But, beauti- ful and sweet is the memory of the dead when the remembrance ot their lives comes back to us, fragrant with gentle words and unselfish acts.] 333 THOMAS II. KAY. r>orn in Edinburgh, Scotland. May 14, 1836. Emigrated with his parents, and landed in Chester, Pa.. September 17th. of the same year. He was known in the regiment as Corporal Kay, of Company B. After the term of service of the 124th had expired, he re-enlisted with the Ttj/th 1 Pennsylvania \olunteers. He was a member of Philip R. Schuyler Post, Xo. 51, Depart- ment of Pennsylvania. Grand Army of the Republic. Pie was an active member of the Regimental As.sociation of the 124th from the date of its organization until the time of his death, March 22, 1906. Bv reference to the records of the annual reunions, it will be seen that at the camp-fires connected with those occasions, he added much to the enjovment bv singing comic songs and giving flute imitations on a cane. His most popular song, and one that has delighted thousands, is the "Old Cofifee Kettle," published on another page. He was verv ]iopular as a humorist among the membership of the Grand Army of the Republic throughout tb.e State of Penns\l\-ania. 334 THOS. H. KAY. THE OLD COFFEE KETTLE THAT HUNG OX A POLE. Siinn hy Corporal Tho)iios H. Kay at rciiiiioiis. How (k-ar tu dur licarts arc the days when we soldiered, As fond recollection presents them to view ; The long line of earthworks, the deep tangled thickets And every rough spot that our army life knew. The long parks of cannons with harness and saddles, The picket-roped horses oft trying to roll; The cook-house, the guard-tent, the muskets stacked nigh it. And the t)ld cofifee kettle that hung on a pole. Chorus. The sheet-iron kettle, the smutty old kettle. The old cofifee kettle that hung on a pole. Thirteen dollars a month for standing as targets, For heaps of cold lead and old iron and steel ; But Grant says we're better for what we endured then, And we can't make a point on the general's deal. We ate "salt horse" and hard tack in all kinds of wenlher. Some rations we drew and some others we stole ; But still, my old chums, we will always remember The old coffee kettle that hung on a pole. How dear to this day are the forms and the faces Of those v\ ho stood by us in those trying times ! But so many are gone from the ranks and their places, That it mightily shortens the c riginal lines. But marching and fighting we all well remember. And everything trying to body and soul; But one thing we had that was genuine pleasure. 'Twas the old coffee kettle that hung on a pole. Now most of us, comrades, arc feeble and cripples. Our heads growing gray with the fast fleeting time; But though in this world still our muster roll shortens, We know it grows long in a happier clime. Soon all of us, comrades, must pass over Jordan, And leave all we have for the ferry-man's toll, But never till then can you make us surrender. The old cofTee kettle that hung on a pole. 22 337 A Prominent Grand Army Post Honors Members oe the 124TH. George G. Meade Post, No. i, of F^hiladelphia, Department of Pennsylvania. Grand Army of the Republic, had on its roll of mem- bership the following named com- rades who had belonged to the 124th: Colonel Benjamin Brooke, Hunter Brooke, William B. Bunker. Lorenzo F. Davis. William T. Innes, Robert M. Green, William G. Knowles, John W. Marshall, W. Wayne Vogdes, William Pusey West, Charles J. Esrev. Of these, W. Wayne Vogdes, Robert M. Green. John W. Mar- shall and Benjamin Brooke became commanders of the post. In the year 1894, when Robert M. Green was commander, John W. Marshall was senior vice-commander, and Benjamin Brooke, junior vice-commander, so that during that year, the three import- ant offices of that great post were filled by comrades who had been members of the 124th. Meade Post has the honor of having on its roll the name of General Ulysses S. Grant, and on its roll of honorary members, that of President Theodore Roosevelt. When the Grant Memorial, on Riverside Drive, New York, was dedicated, April 2y, 1897, Col. Benj. Brooke and Robt. M. Green were selected as part of the committee from Meade Post to escort Mrs. Grant and family during the ceremonies. 3.^8 x^>-<-4A>/ SAiAlL'EL WHITAKER PENNYPACKER. GO\"KRXOR OF rKXNSVIAAXIA. Was born in Phoenixville, Pa., April 9, 1843. Enlisted in 1863, joined Company F, of the Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Emer- gency Regiment, and was an active participant in the battle of Gettysburg". In 1866 graduated in the law department of the University of Pennsylvania, and at once engaged in the practice of law. In 1887 was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States; in 1889 was appointed Judge of Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia by Governor Beaver, and in same year, was elected lo the same position for a term of ten years ; in 1899, was re-elected for a similar term. In 1902, was elected Governor of Pennsylvania, and on April 14, 1903, signed the bill appro- priating $32,500 for the erection of thirteen monuments on the battlefield of Antietam, among the number that of the 124th Regiment. In addition to his own military record, his grandfather, Joseph Whitaker, w^as a private in the War of 181 2. His great grand- father, Isaac Anderson, was a lieutenant during the Revolution, his great, great grandfather, Patrick Anderson, was a captain in the French and Indian War, and commanded the Pennsvlvania Musketry Battalion in the Revolution and was a Major in \\^ayne's Chester County Regiment. Plis great, great grandfather, Edward Lane, was a private under General Braddock in the expedition to Fort Duquesne in 1775. Three of his forefathers were killed at At>incourt. 341 THE BATTLEFIELD COMMISSION. On April 14, 1903, Governor Pennypacker approved the bill appropriating $2,500 for each of thirteen monuments to be erected on the battlefield of Antietam, and appointed the following com- mission : Colonel Joseph W. Hawley, president ; Colonel Oliver C. Bosbyshell, secretary, and General William J. Bolton. The commands whose deeds of valor it was decided to com- memorate are given on another page. The commission, soon after its appointment, conferred with the committees of the survivors' associations of the dififerent regiments ; designs were submitted and a contract for the thirteen monuments was awarded to the Van Amringe Granite Co., of Boston, Mass., at the price of $2,500 each. The 124th Regimental Association (having collected funds from members and others ) had previously decided upon a design for their monument and it was approved by the commission, con- ditionally that the Regimental Association should pay the addi- tional cost over and above the $2,500 appropriated by the State. Chairman Robert M. Green, on behalf of the Monument Com- mittee, accepted this condition and signed the contract recited upon another page. The price agreed upon in the contract was four hundred dollars less than the same company had otTered to build the monument for, prior to the time when the commis- sion decided to give it the contract for the entire thirteen. The comrades of the 124th, felt so grateful to Governor Penny- packer for having signed the appropriation bill that the writer deemed it but just that his portrait and a short sketch of his life should be jniblished herein. 342 HISTORY OF THE MONUMENT OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOURTH. At the fourth annual reunion of the Regimental Association, held at Chester, September 17, 1888, a committee was appointed to secure ground on which to erect a tablet in honor of the regi- ment on Antietam battlefield. The committee named was David F. Houston, Chas. W. Roberts, Edward F. James, Benjamin Brooke, Jos. Showalter, Ralph Buckley, Robert M. Green, Geo. M. Thomson, Joseph B. Hink- son and Milton McFadden. Comrade Houston, the chairman of the committee, was a man of fine physique and the picture of health, but on the 16th of February of the year following his appointment, he was injured by a fall and died a few minutes thereafter. The committee failed to obtain the desired ground and at the reunion of the association held in Wilmington, Del., Septembei 17, 1889, a new committee was appointed as follows: Robert M. Green, Captain Chas. W. Roberts, Lieutenant Ralph Buckley, Lieutenant Wm. C. Dickey, Colonel Benjamin Brooke, Thos. W. Taylor, Chas. P. Keech, Captain Edward F. James, Joseph B. Hinkson, Captain W. W. Stott. No further mention of the tablet is made in the records of the association until the reunion at Antietam, September 17, 1894, when it was decided to place the monumental tablet as near as possible to the spot where Colonel Hawley was wounded. At the reunion held September 17, 1895, at A'alley Forge, Com- rade John W. Marshall moved that the next State Legislature be memorialized for an appropriation to procure suitable monumental tablets to be placed on Antietam Battlefield in honor of the Pennsyl- vania regiments which fought at Antietam and did not participate in the struggle at Gettysburg. The motion was carried, and John W. Marshall, Colonel Jos. W. Hawley, Colonel Benj. Brooke, Wm. B. Broomall and Thos. T. Smith were named as a committee to prepare suitable memorials to submit to the Legislature. This committee was continued at the reunion held September 17. 1896, 343 History of Moiiuiiicnt. at Chancellorsville. No report was made by it until, at the reunion held at Castle Rocks Park, September 17, 1901, when it reported that at the last session of the State Legislature, an appropriation of $1,500 was made to each of the following- regimental asso- ciations: Forty-fifth, Fiftieth, Fifty-first, looth, 124th. 125th, 128th, 130th, I32d and 137th Pennsylvania Infantry. Governor Stone reduced the appropriation to $750. The following resolu- tion was then adopted : That Colonel Hawley appoint a committee and that it be empowered to raise funds (other than the amount provided for by the Legislature) to select and secure a proper site for a monument for the 124th on the battlefield of Antietam, and to procure a monument that will be an honor to the regiment and a fitting recognition of its valor, and to substantially erect same on said site. The following named connnittee was appointed : Captain Joseph Pratt, chairman; James Cheetham. David Cox, Robert Yl. Green, Col. Benj. Brooke. Henry C. Warburton. George W. Roberts, J. Frank Black, Robert Woodside, Amos Bonsall. David S. Wilkinson, John L. Grim, Rev. Joseph S. Evans, John Pngh. Henry B. Black, Hunter i'.rooke, C. D. M. Broomhall. During the following winter the committee met, and, on motion of Colonel Benjamin Brooke, Robert M. Green was elected treasurer of the fund. A circular was sent to the members of the association requesting contributions, and at the eighteenth annual reunion, hekl at Downingtown. September 17, i<)02. the treasurer reported having received $575 in cash and ]:)romised subscriptions of $350. The committee announced that it had declined to accept the State appropriation, which Governor Stone reduced from $1,500 to $750. In the early spring of 1903, Col. Jos. W. Hawley, Captain Jos. Pratt and Robert M. Green were appointed a sub-committee with instructions to visit the battlefield at Gettysburg and examine the monuments there, and prepare plans to be submitted to a future meeting- of the general committee. They did as directed and Com- rade Green was authorized to prepare plans for a monument. As soon as these were completed, a meeting of the general committee was held, and on motion of Comrade John Pugh, it was agreed to recommend the plans to the Association at its reunion to be held at Castle Rocks Park on the 17th of September. 344 History of Monuuioit. IVior to this meeting. Captain Pratt became ill and Robert M. Green was elected chairman of the committee. At the reunion of the Association. September 17, 1903, Chair- man Green submitted the two plans he had prepared and an- nounced that the last Legislature had passed a bill (introduced by the Hon. Thos. V. Cooper of :\Ledia) appropriating $2,500 and that same had been approved by Governor Pennypacker. Comrade John I'ugh moved that the design prepared by Comrade Robt. M. Green (estimated to cost $5,000) be adopted. This was agreed to and the following Committee on Monument was ap- pointed : Robert JNL Green , J<,Iin Pugh Jolin D. Howard Joel Hollingswortii IJLMiry C. W'arburlon A canvass among those present resulted in securing $75 in cash and $400 in subscriptions. On September 19th, Comrades John Pugh, John D. Howard and Chairman Green visited the Antietam battlctield and together with the Battlefield Commission, selected a site for the monument at Starke Avenue and Hagerstown Pike, near the Dunker Church. This location, in the opinion of the committee, is one of the most desirable on the battlefield, and being located on a Government avenue, there was no cost for the ground. A short time after returning home, Chairman Green issued another circular to the survivors of the regiment and their friends, ap])ealing for contributions and stating that if the funds in hand February i, 1904. were sufficient to justify him in making a contract, he would agree to have the monument ready for dedi- cation on the 17th of the following September. This appeal was liberally responded to and on the first of Feb- ruary, 1904, the Battlefield Commission having approved the plans, the chairman entered into a contract with the Xtxu .Vmringe Granite Co., of Boston, as follows : Contract for the AIonument. This Memorandum of agreenunt. made at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this first day of February. 1904. between the \'an Amringe Granite Co . of Boston. Mass.. and Robert M. Green, acting for and on behalf of tlie Society of the 124th Pennsylvania Regimental Association. 345 Contract foi Moumnciii. WITNESSETH : Said Van Amringe Granite Co. agrees to fnrnish and set complete, npon foundation provided by said Van Amringe Granite Co. in Antietam ( Sharpshurg), Maryland, a statue memorial to he in accord- ance with design furnished by the committee of the 124th Pennsylvania Regimental Association, and approved by the Antietam Battlefield Com- mission of Pennsylvania. The foundation of said memorial to be of such height above present level of ground as may be directed ; the general dimensions above founda- tion being : Base, nine feet long, nine feet wide, with total height over all of nineteen feet seven inches ; the pedestal of granite being eleven feet seven inches high, in six courses, and each course a single stone. The bronze statue to be eight feet to top of cap. In addition to the bronze statue there are to be one bronze plate of standard size, with Pennsylvania Coat of Arms thereon, and four round bronze plates eighteen inches in diameter, with such inscriptions in raised letters as may be approved by the Pennsylvania Commission. All bronze plates to be sunken three- eighths of an inch from lace of granite to face of plates, and to be securely fastened therein, and the sharp edges of granite around them to be slightly chamfered. Three gables on third course from bottom to be polished, and in the fourth is to be inserted the bronze plate of Pennsylvania coat of arms, and on the other three gables and on such other parts as may be directed, there is to be such lettering as may be approved by the Pennsylvania Com- mission. A star, indicating corps badge, to be (cut raised) on upper course of pedestal as may be directed. It is understood by both parties to 'his agreement that the total- cost of said memorial is to be four thousand, six hundred dollars ($4,600.00) com- plete, as per the above requirements. That the State of Penn.sylvania, by act of appropriation, has contracted to pay the sum of two thousand, five hundred dollars ($2,500.00), and that Robert M. Green hereby binds the Society of the 124th Pennsylvania Regimental Association to pay the bal- ance of two thousand, one hundred dollars $2,100.00). All the materials and workmanship are to be of the best quality, free from iron, rust, knots, or other defects. The bronze to be of the best Government standard. The pedestal lo be of Westerly granite of best se- lected stock ; all to be approved by the Penn.sylvania Commission. And in consideration of the faithful performance of the foregoing, the said Society of the 124th Pennsylvania Regimental Association herebj agrees to pay to the order of said Van Amringe Granite Co. the sum of two thousand, one hundred dollars ($2,100.00), as follows: One hundred dollars ($100.00) upon signing hereof (the receipt of which is hereby, acknowledged), and two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) upon the completion of said memorial in accordance herewith ; and it is hereby agreed and understood that the said memorial is to be completed not later than the eighth day of September, IQ04, contingent only upon strikes and labor troubles beyond the control of the said Van Amringe Granite Co. Upon receipt of personal or written notice of completion of said 346 History of Monument. memorial, the Society of the 124th Pennsylvania Regimental Association agrees to have its representative inspect same, and failure to do so within ten days shall constitute its acceptance. (Signed), The Van Amringe Granite Co., SEAL W. B. Van Amringe, President. of the For the Van Amringe Co. Van Amringe (Signed), Granite Co. Robert M. GrEEN, For the Society of the 124th Pennsylvania Regimental Association. After thr Contract was Signed. At the request of Chairman Green, Mr. Van Amringe consented to let the Henry-Bonnard Bronze Co., of New York, model and cast the statue. This company at once proceeded with the work and upon information that the clay model was ready for inspection, Comrade John Pugh and Chairman Green, on behalf of the com- mittee, visited the studio of the bronze works in New York. Upon arrival they were informed that Mr. Van Amringe had preceded them and had given the sculptor positive orders that any changes that the committee might recommend were to be adopted. Several pleasant hours were spent with the genial manager, Mr. W. F. Aucaigne, who graciously asquiesced in making numerous changes (in the uniform and accoutrements) that the committee suggested. The same two members of the committee visited the studio on several subsequent occasions, and when the model was trans- ferred to plaster of paris. they accepted the design and had it photographed, and the picture on another page is an exact reproduction. The Philadelphia Piihlic Ledger, learning of the model, sent its representative to New York, and, in its Sunday edition, published an illustration of it, with the following comments : "The soldier lad with grounded musket has been modeled for the 124th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and will be unveiled this summer on the field of Antietam to commemorate an engagement on the spot during the famous- battle of the Civil War. It is called 'At Ease Rest.' The sculptor, in accordance with the wishes of the veterans of the regiment, has followed faithfully the uniform and accoutrements of the winter campaign when they were in service, and. in the handsome face, he has presented a fine type 347 I'liofo by Louis O. Green. Sciil/itor, Pierre Feitu. Statue of Monument ok thk 124TH. Dcscnptio)i of Moiiuiiicnt. riKTL- i> imicli iiKirc life to this soldier than one xiys in blue' surmounting the war monuments of a of Young America, finds in the ordinary thousand towns and villages, — "boys in blue' turned out by the hundreds in all sorts of materials — marble, granite, limestone, bronze, spelter and lead. May new monument committees come into being and replace these machine-made soldiers with figures in which the imagination and person- ality of a real sculjilor can display themselves.'' DESCRIPTION OF ^lONUMENT OF THE ONE HIXDRED AND TWENTY-FOURTH l^EXXSYUANIA \'OLUNTEERS. The pedestal is of Westerly granite, eleven feet seven inches liigh. in six cottrses, each cotirse consisting- of a single stone, the base being nine by nine feet, six- teen inches thick and weighing betwen nine and ten tons. ( )n the third course from bot- tom are four gables ; in the one facing Starke Avenue, a bronze plate with the Pennsylvania Coat of Arms is inserted ; on the one facing Hagerstown Pike is en- graved : It was near this spot that the regiment within six weeks after leaving home took an active part in this great struggle. ( )n opposite side is engraved : Recruited in Chester and Delaware Counties August, 1862. For nine months' service. 349 Description of Monument. And on the one in rear is engraved : Casualties At Antietam Killed 5 Wounded 42 Missing 17 In the body of the shaft, four bronze plates, eighteen inches in diameter are inserted. A copy of the one on the left face is shown herewith. SEPT 17 1862 ANTJETAM CHANCEUORSVILLE MAY 123 1663 i The one in front has on it in raised letters : 124th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. The one on right face having on it : 1st Brigade ist Division 1 2th Corps. The one on rear face having on it : Erected by State of Pennsylvania and Survivor's Association 1904. Colonel Hawley's name is engraved on front of fourth course from bottom, and the badge of the Twelfth Corps, a star, is cut raised on the upper course on front. 350 Description of Momitiicnt. The bronze base of the statue is 28 x 28 x 4 inches and the height of the statue is 8 feet 4 inches to top of cap. It is made of Government Standard bronze and weighs more than 2,500 pounds. The uniform and equipments are a correct representation of those worn by the regiment during its winter campaign, and the object of the committee in making such selection was that they might be preserved as a matter of history. The chairman of the committee received many flattering com- ments on the beautiful proportions of the monument, but it must be seen to be properly appreciated. The Antietam Battlefield Memorial Commission, in its report to the Hon. Sanutel W. Pennypacker, Governor of Pennsylvania, pays the following tribute to The Monument of the i24Tn. "An 8-foot bronze statue of a volunteer infantryman of '61 to '65, in full uniform and with fixed bayonet, represents the 124th Infantry Regiment. Heavy top-coat and cape, full regulation equipment, even to the detail of the familiar tin-cup, is accurately shown in this statue, and the composition and carefully worked out details reflect great credit on the artist, Mr. Pierre Feitu, a French sculptor of wide reputation in his own country, France. "The pedestal of this memorial is of Westerly, R. I., granite, the only pedestal of the thirteen not composed of the Barre, Vt., granite. This pedestal has six stones in its makeup, three bases, a plinth, die and cap. "The bases and die stone are rough quarry, faced with hammered margins, while the plinth and cap stones are fine hammered. This contrast of surfaces of granite in this particular pedestal affords a most striking and effective contrast, and with its size, 9 feet square at base, and 11 feet 7 inches high, together with an 8-foot 4-inch bronze statue, making a total height of 19 feet 11 inches, makes it the most imposing regimental memorial on the Antietam fields." [NoTi' — The historian takes great pleasure in saying that of the thirteen designs for monuments and inscriptions submitted to the War Department at Washington for approval, that of the 124th was the only one of the thirteen in which no chances were made. This should be satisfactory evidence of the good judgment exercised by the committee in the work assigned them, and it ought to prove very gratifying to the members and friends of the regiment who contributed to the erection of the monument.] 351 PREPARING FOR EXCURSION TO DEDICATE MONUMENT. In the latter part oi May, 1904, Chairman Green was assured by the president of the \an Amringe Company that the monu- ment of the 124th would be completed in time to be dedicated on the 17th of September. Acting on this assurance, Comrade John Pugh, of Conshohocken, and Chairman Green proceeded to Sharpsburg (arriving there at one o'clock in the morning) to ascertain what accommodations were available for excursionists who would take part in the dedication ceremonies. After a canvass of the town, they engaged rooms in twenty-four promi- nent private houses ; sufficient to accommodate two hundred per- sons. Being the first of the regimental associations to visit the town for the purpose, desirable rooms were secured and favorable rates obtained. THE TRIP TO ANTIETAM TO ATTEND DEDICATION OF MONUMENT W'siS by special train of the Pennsylvania Railroad, leaving Broad Street Station. Philadelphia, at 9.15 A. M., September T6th. stopping at Paoli, Frazcr. Downingtown. Coatesvdle. Lancaster and Hagerstown, arriving at Antietam Station at 4.15 P. M. The excursionists numbered more than 200, and Robert ^F. Green, chairman of the Executive Committee, was in charge. The trip was an enjoyable one and upon arrival at station, car- riages were in waiting to convey the members to Sharpsburg; each had been furnished with a ticket and the name of the house to which they were assigned, and in a few minutes after arrival at the village, all were comfortably provided for. The carriages to meet the train had been engaged by Comrade Joel Hollmgs- worth and Robert M. (ireen, Jr., they having gone to Sharpsburg on the preceding day for that purpose. The souvenir badges that had been prepared by the chairman and distributed to the excursionists on the train, consisted of white satin ribbon, three inches wide and six inches long, con- taining two crossed flags in colors and embossed, and the words — "20th Annual Reunion, 124th P. V. Association." Attached to the top of the badge was a medallion, with a picture of the monu- ment, and the words, "Dedication of Monument at Antietam. September 17, 1904." 352 PROGRAMME OF SERVICES Pennsylvania Day ANTIETAM. :: :: :: MARYLAND Saturday^ September ijth^ 1904 124th SURVIVORS' ASSOCIATION ©r&cr of JExercisee The Monument of the 124th will be dedicated and unveiled at 9.30 A. M. The Ceremonies will take place at the site of the Monument on Starke Avenue and Hagerstown Pike, near the Dunkcr Church. Joseph W. IIawley, Colonel of the 124th, and President of Survivors' Association, Presiding. PRAYER— Rev. Joseph S. Evans, Chaplain of the 124th. ADDRESS — Robert M. Green, Chairman of Monument Committee and Vice-President of Survi\-ors' Associatitm. UNVEILING— Mrs. J. M. Thompson, Daughter of Col. Joseph W. Hawley. "AMERICA"— Singing by Audience. PHOTOGRAPH— Survivors of Regiment. Camp Fire and Business Meeting of Association on Saturday evening. Time and place to be announced at Dedication of Monument. ANTIETAM BATTLEFIELD COMMISSION OF PENNSYLVANIA. Joseph W. Haw^lEy, 124th Regiment. President; Oliver C. Bosbyshell, 48th Regiment. Secretary, William J. Bolton, 51st Regiment. -> ■» T - ■> DEDICATION CEREMONIES. The thirteen monuments were dedicated between the hours of nine and twelve, each regimental association holding its own exercises. Dedication oi" the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth. The dedication of the 124th attracted the largest number; nearly one thousand persons congregated about the shaft, which was veiled with two large American flags. The occasion was honored by the presence of Governor Pennypacker and staff, the Antietam Battlefield Commission of Pennsylvania and other dis- tinguished visitors. Joseph W. Hawley, Colonel of the regiment and president of the Survivor's Association, presided. Rev. Joseph S. Evans, of West Chester, Pa., former chaplain of the regiment, offered prayer as follows : "Eternal and Ever-Blessed God : We approach the throne of grace, this day, with feelings of deep gratitude and thanksgiving. As we stand upon this hallowed ground, we come with vivid memories of Thy good- ness to us in the past. "We gratefully praise Tliy holy name that we can ascrihe to Thy pro- tecting care, our preservation from the shafts of death, on the dark day of the fierce hattle's strife, when numbers of our comrades gave their life blood that our gkirious Nation might live. We praise Thy name that the sacrifice was not in vain. We praise Thee for the sweet, blessed peaceful ness of our surroundings this day. We thank Thee for the joy that thrills our hearts as we gaze upon our l)eautiful flag, the eml)lem of peace throughout this great Nation and the wonder and admiration of the nations of the world. "We beseech Thee, O God, to bless and keep this great Nation in the hollow of Thy hand. Rule and overrule in all that pertains to the peace and welfare of the people. Be pleased to guide by Thine unerring wisdom, those who make and those who administer our laws, that peace and prosperity may be the portion of this Nation in all the future. "And now we come with tender memories of the past to invoke Thy special blessing upon us, as we dedicate this monument to the memory and honor of those of our comrades whose life blood stained the hal- lowed ground upon which we stand ; to the memory of those who have been mustered out of our ranks by the silent messenger during the years that have intervened since the days of our struggle for right against 354 Address, Col. Jos. ff. flazi'lcy. wrong on this field, and whose bodies repose beneath the hallowed ground made sacred by their lives Bless us as we dedicate it to our beloved State of Pennsylvania and to our great Nation as a token of the patriotism of those that went forth in the 124th Regiment, to die, if need be. that our glorious flag might be kept unsullied and our country undivided. May this monument prove to future generations that the sacrifice has not been in vain. "And now, God of all grace and goodness, accept our heartfelt grati- tude and praise for Thy loving care over us;for this day and th's hour; for this gathering. "Still be our God and the God of our Nation, and when our service here is finished, and we are all mustered out of the ranks of the 124th Regi- ment, may we all be found enlisted under the glorious banner of Thy dear Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. "We ask it in His name. "May grace, mercy and peace from God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, go with us and abide with us forevermore. Amen." At the conclusion of the prayer Colonel Hawley spoke as follows : "As President of the 124th Regiment Association, it seems proper that I should say a few words before passing this monument over to the State authorities, not, however, giving you a history of the services of the Regiment, as that will be done by others, but merely to say a few words of congratulation that we have been able, with the $2,500 appropriated by the State of Pennsylvania, and the generous contri1)utions by inembers of the regiment and kind friends to erect such a magnificent monument to commemorate the services of our comrades as the one we are now dedicating. "Forty-two years have elapsed since we clashed arms on this ground. and only a remnant of that regiment of young men are living to-day. and it becomes our pleasant duty to dedicate this memorial in the name of all who took part in that great struggle. "I have had many pleasant messages from our comrades, who, on account of infirmity or other unavoidable circumstances, could not be with us on this happy occasion, and they all send congratulations to this Association, that we have accomplished our desires as expressed at our many reunions, and that the monument of the 124th Regiment is an accom- plished fact. "I now take pleasure in introducing to you as orator of the day. Com- rade Robert M. Green, of Philadelphia, chairman of the committee for the erection of the monument, and vice-president of the Survivors' Association." 355 ADDRESS OF ROBERT M. GREEN. "Governor Pcnnypackcr and Staff, Comrades and Friends of the I24lh: Unfortunate is said to be the nation that does not mourn over the tombs of its defenders, or in some way manifest its remembrance of the lives and deeds of its heroes. The placing of flags and flowers upon the graves of our comrades on Memorial Day is symbolic of our Nation mourning, and the monuments that have been erected upon this and other battle- fields throughout our land are emblematic of our Nation's gratitude to its heroes. If our Nation were to erect a granite shaft or bronze statue to perpetuate the memory of the deeds of each and every one who gave his life in its defense, it would never want for patriots in its time of need. "A few years ago I stood on the old stone bridge at Concord, Mass., and I saw there the monument that had been erected to the memory of the Minute Men, who, on the first day of the American Revolution, checked the march of the British soldiers from Boston. On that monu- ment was this inscription: " 'By the rude bridge that arciied the flood, Their flag to April's breeze unfurled. Here, once the embattled farmers stood, And fired the shot heard round the world.' "One hundred atul tliirty years have passed since those farmers left their plows in the furrows to fire that shot, but from that day until the present the echoes of it have reverberated from every hilltop, throughout every valley, and in every hamlet upon the face of the globe where liberty- loving men are found. From the day that shot was fired uiuil the present, each and every monument that has been erected to commemorate the valor, the patriotism, the loyalty of an American soldier or sailor, has constituted a bulwark upon which those echoes will continue to resound, so long as the love of lil)erty burns within the human breast. "Comrades, forty and two years ago to-day you were here, face to face with all the horrors of war, an armed foe ruled by the mad pa-ssions of hate was in front of you, the glitter of bayonets, the rattle of musketry, the roar of camion, tiie shriek of flying shells, the groans of wounded and dying, and upturned faces of the dead (both friends and enemies) were all around you. "The battle of Antietam was, in some respects, the greatest and most momentous of all the battles of the Civil War ; the Union loss in killed and wounded, within the sound of a gun shot from this spot, is said to have been greater in that one day than in any two days of any other battle ever fought upon the American continent ; and Horace Greeley said that, 'When the sun set on the 17th of September, 1862, it shut from sight the bloodiest day in American history.' "I will not attempt to describe the part the 124th and other Pennsylvania commands took in that great conflict. One more capable than I has been selected for that purpose, and I advise you to attend the general dedica- 356 Address, Robert M. Crcoi tion services in the National Cemetery this afternoon to hear him. When you were ordered into that hattle you were new recruits, untrained in the arts of war; in front of you was the left wing of the army of the South, composed of veterans of many battles. Less than five weeks had elapsed since you left your peaceful homes, and much of that time had l)een spent in marching, so that little opportunity had been given you for drilling, and you scarcely knew the company commands. With your colonel wounded early in the battle, and your officers knowing but little more of military movements than you yourselves knew, you were expected to do the work of veterans in assisting to prevent the right flank of our army from being turned. That you acted the part of brave men and won for yourselves an imperishable record of glory is evidenced by the fact that General McClellan made favorable mention of the regiment in his report to the War Department, and that the histories of the South record your bravery. "But, comrades, what a change in your ranks since that day forty-two years ago; when you went into battle almost one thousand strong and were in the full vigor and strength of young manhood, filled with the ambitions of youth ; your steps elastic and your eyes undimmed ; but now your lives are behind you, the shadows have grown longer, the infirmities of age are fast coming upon you, the evening is setting across the valleys, and a maiority of our comrades have crossed the river to answer the final roll- call on the other shore. But, as we stand here to-day upon this sacred spot and look backward, we cannot fail to realize the marvelous growth of our Nation during the years that have intervened, and glancing back- ward, catching an inspiration from the past, w^e look forward with the eye of faith to the time when in grandeur and glory, it will eclipse all the nations of the earth. "It is sometimes said by the older nations that we are a country without a history, but I claim that we have a history more remarkable than was ever before recorded of any other nation. When we take into considera- tion the great underlying principles upon which our Government was established, it stands unique among the countries of the world. Founded as it was upon the basis of hutnan liberty and equal rights to all, there were none others to copy from. Founded as it was upon principles never before adopted by any other nation, it did not even enter into rivalry with the in.stitutions of other lands, and so firmly did our forefathers estab- lish its foundations, and so wisely and carefully have their descendants continued to erect the structure, that to-day the voice of the United States is heard and listened to in the consideration of every question in which the civilized nations of the globe are interested. "Tt has been your privilege and mine to live in a period of time not only the greatest in the history of our own Nation, but in many respects the greatest in the history of the world; we have seen our country grow and develop from an experiment, as it were, to that of a power fearing none, but feared and respected by all. and respected because it is feared. 357 Address. Robert M. Great. When you and 1 were young, the term "frontier" was apphed to all that part of it west of the Mississippi, but to-day it has no frontier; a new power has been given to it, welded by the blood of four hundred thousand of its loyal sons, and its possible dominion and inHuence is as wide as the world and as universal as the atmosphere. "The world is to be congratulated that this new birth (as it were) has been given to us, and mankind cannot comprehend the great part this Nation is destined to fulfill in the uplifting of humanity ; and, let me say to you that what you and your comrades did from 1861 to 1865, so changed conditions as to make this new birth possible. In my opinion, the transi- tion period wherein we passed from an almost unrecognized force among nations to that of world-wide power and influence, was the period em- braced by the Civil War, and the work that you and your comrades did has been instrumental in placing our flag upon the highest peak of the mountain range of nations, there to float as the emblem of a power that commands the respect of all mankind, so that under its folds every citizen, even to the humblest toiler, shall have protection throughout the whole world. "President Roosevelt, in his letter of acceptance of a few days ago, paid a worthy tribute when he said : 'The man who fought for Union and for liberty in the years from 1861 to 1865, not only saved this Nation from ruin, but rendered an inestimable service to all mankind. We of the United States owe the fact that to-day we have a country to what they did." "Now, comrades, I know you are anxious to see your monument, but before we unveil it, let us for a few moments forget the present and permit our thoughts to go back, and live over again in memory the sacred events of our army life. As we go back to the scenes of '61 to '65, we hear again the stirring music of fife and drum, we see the great assemblages of people and listen to the patriotic addresses of orators as they plead for volunteers, we see our young friends as they boldly step forth from the crowd and enroll their names for enlistment ; we see them as they stand with uplifted hand and take the oath of allegiance to support the Government ; we see them as they part from those they love, some receiving the blessings of fathers, some parting with mothers who hold them to their breast and cannot speak for weeping, some bending over cradles and kissing babes that are asleep, some bidding farewell to wives and sweethearts and striving with brave words to drive the awful sorrow from their hearts; we see them as they start away with waving banners, trying to keep step to the martial music of war. "As we follow them, we see them on their weary marches through sun- shine and rain, through dust and mud, sleeping upon the bare ground with no covering but the bending sky. We see them as they stand guard under the summer's sun and in the cold winter's storm. We see them in the hospitals maimed and crippled, burning with fever, we see them in prison pens enduring agonies that cannot be described, we see them upon the 358 Address, Robert M. Green. decks of our men-of-war and upon bloody battlefields (such as this was), torn with shot and shell, wild with thirst, and as their brave lives- ebb away, we see their eyes open, and stooping to listen, we hear them say, 'Comrade, write and tell them I died for my country,' and as the gray pallor of death settles over their faces we see their lips move, and, stooping again, we hear them with their last expiring breath asking heaven to bless and comfort their loved ones at home. "Can we forget the scenes I have described? Are they not indelibly written upon the pages of our memory, there to remain so long as memory remains with us? "Now, our main object in assembling here to-day is to dedicate this monument that kind friends and a grateful Commonwealth have assisted in erecting. It is made of granite and bronze that will for ages to come resist the elements of nature, and long after you and I have passed to the great beyond, it will remain as a reminder to future generations of the dark hours ; of the terrible conflict ; of the great contest that you here participated in, and in which so many of our young comrades shed their blood for the life of the Nation. As we stand here to-day in its presence, and look back through the years that have passed, our hearts are filled with emotion as we sigh for the touch of vanished hands and for the sound of voices that are still, and to the memory of our departed com- rades, and in honor of the glorious record of the 124th, I now dedicate it, and, on behalf of the committee, present it to you." As Comrade Green ceased speaking, J\[rs. Justice M. Thompson, of Media (datighter of Colonel Hawley), assisted bv Robert M. Green. Jr., of Philadelphia, pulled the cord that bound together the flags, and they, falling apart, displayed the beautiful shaft to the assemblage. When the cheering had ceased, and the audience had sung the National anthem, "America,'' the survivors of the regiment assembled around the monument, and were photo- graphed by Mr. W. H. Tipton, of Gettysburg, after which a photograph of all the excursionists was taken. This concluded the ceremonies, and it is but just to say that the oration of Comrade Green was listened to with close attention, and during its recital many of the old veterans shed tears as he related the reminiscences of the army days of 1861 to 1865. 359 ROBERT M. GREEN. 1862. Son of Peter Wickershani and Rachel McCav Green, was Ijorn in Chichester Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, March 26, 1842. His early life was spent on a farm in Chester Township adjoining^ the village of Upland. When seven- teen years of age, he engaged with William Gamble, of Brandywine Summit, as an apprentice to learn the carpenter trade, and a few months prior to the expiration of his term enlisted in Company H. of the T24th. Shortlv after enlistment he was prostrated by typhoid fever, and after spending four months in hospitals, was discharged for disability. Upon restoration to health, he located in Chester, and engaged in building. When the call was issued for volunteers to serve during the emergency of 1863, he enlisted as corporal of Company A, Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Militia, and served with it until the regiment was discharged. May 27, i860, he married Miss Louisa B. Gelston, of Chester. In 1874 he moved to Philadelphia, and engaged in the manufac- ture of soda water apparatus, and at this writing his four sons are associated with him. In 1894, was elected commander of George G. Meade Post, No. 1, Department of Pennsylvania, Grand Army of the Republic. In 1902, was elected treasurer of the monument fund, and vice- president of the 124th Regimental Association, to succeed the late Colonel Benjamin Brooke. In 1903, was appointed chairman of the committee to prepare plans and superintend the erection of the regimental monument at Antietam. On September 4. 1905, was severely injured in a collision of railroad trains near Denver, Colorado. He is a member of the Masonic F'raternity, of the I'nion League, of Philadelphia, and of the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution. 360 '^r ^^k^^^^r 1904. VICE-PRESIDENT I24TH REGIMENTAI. ASSOCIATION. CHAIRMAN AND TREASURER MONUMENT COMMITTEE. HISTORIAN OF THESE RECORDS. #^1 H ^ O w H fa O cn PS o > CO o 0\ P-, W 1/5 ^; w o O o < U a w Q -< Tlie survivors of the regiment present at dedication were C"('l. Josrpli W. 1 law ley Ciiiiplain Joseph S. Evans CdMl'ANV A. Hi-rmon C llond John T. Cliambcrs George W. Tyson F.dward G. Davis John U. Windle j)avid S. Wilkinson COMI'A.NV B. Geo. W. Ayres Company C. David E. Kirk Joseph M. Showaller COMl'ANV D. J. Frank Black Jvdward B. Green John L. Grim Jknjamin T. Green John D. Howard Jot-l Hollingsworlli CoMPA^"^ E. William 11. Burns Elias W. Copeland Ezekiel R. Griffith William H. Hanna Edw. T. Harlan S. S. Johnson Charles H. Kitzclman William Mercer Oliver R. Patterson William H. Rumer Erazer S. Patterson ]3avid E. Townsend George M. Thomson Jos. H. Brensinger Charles W. Broadhent William Henry Thomas H. Kay Edward D. Sipler Edw. Worrall John J. Wilkinson John Fryer William A. Dobbins William Major John ]\Iajor William T. Innes Charles Moore George D. Miller James Newsome I iuiry S. Paulding Jolm Pugh B. Frank Thomas Charles W. Watkins Hairy C. Warburton Pennell Stackhouse Samuel J. Thompson Franklin Frame Fred. T. Ingram Company F. Mifflin W. Bailey John S. Baldwin Peter Gamble Caleb S. James George R. Maxton I. Walton Martin Joseph W. Martin Townsend A. fiercer Wm. W. Potts Company G. W'ilmer Wood Wayne M. Bishop Lorenzo D. Farra Ellis W. Ford Company H. Joseph L. Armcnt Charles Bonsall Robert M. Green James C. Hinkson Samuel F. Heacock Benjamin F. Hirst John Standring William T. Shoemaker William Trainer, Jr. Company I. S. Frank Pennell Company K. Enos C. Baker James F. Cunningham George L. Osborne B. Frank Sharp George W. Channell William D. Wilkinson William S. Miller 3^5 ORDER OF EXERCISES. The following is a copy of program issued by the Battlefield Commission for the transfer of monuments to the United States Government. PENNSYLVANIA DAY AnTIETAM, r\[ARYLAND. Saturday, Septcinbcr ij , 11)04. Transfer of the Monuments to the United States Government In the National Cemetery. Sharpsburg, at 2 o'clock P. M. Joseph W. Hawley, late Colonel i24tli Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Presiding. MUSIC — "The American Overture" B. Cat tin Carlisle Indian Industrial School Band. PRAYER— Rev. Samuel A. Holman, D.D. Late Chaplain 48th Pennsylvania Volunteers. MLTSIC^"Star Spangled Banner" Carlisle Indian Industrial School Band. TRANSFER OF THE MONUMENTS TO THE GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA. Colonel Joseph W. Hawley, President of the Commission. ACCEPTANCE OF SAME AND TRANSFER TO THE GOVERN- MENT OF THE UNITED STATES. Hon. Samuel W. Pennypacker, Governor of Pennsylvania. RECEIPT ON BEHALF OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. General Robert Shaw Oliver, Acting Secretary of War. MUSIC— Grand Selection of War Songs Pd Beyer Carlisle Indian Industrial School Band. ADDRESS "Pennsylvania at Antietam." Rev. John Richards Boyle, D.D., Late iiith Pennsylvania Volunteers. MUSIC— "America." Audience led by the Carlisle Indian Industrial School Band. BENEDICTION— Rev. Joseph S. Evans, Late Chaplain T24th Pennsylvania Volunteers. Informal Reception by the Goz'ernor of Pennsylvania and Other Pistingiiished Guests. Antietam Battleeieed Commission of Pennsylvania. Joseph W. Hawley, 124th Regiment, President. Oliver C. BosbyshELL, 48th Regiment, Secretary. William J. Bolton, 51st Regiment. 366 Transfer of Monuments. Colonel Joseph W. Hawley, chairman of the Battlefield Com- mission, in transferring the monuments to Governor Pennypacker, spoke as follows : Governor of Pennsylvania : By an act of the Legislatnre of the State of Pennsylvania, approved by you on ihe fourteenth clay of April, 1903, you were authorized to appoint thiee commissioners, whose duty it should be to erect thirteen monuments on the battlefield of Antietam, to commem- orate the valor of those Pennsylvania soldiers who took part in that battle, but had not the opportunity to participate in the battle of Gettysburg, and have no other monuments to conunemorate their services on any battlefield. The honor of that appointment you conferred upon General W. J. Bolton, Colonel Bosbyshell and myself. We have to the best of our ability faithfully carried out the object of that appointment, and have erected thirteen monuments, and the survivors of the various regiments to whose honor these monuments have been erected have this day, with befitting ceremonies, dedicated them, and we now ask you, as the Governor of ihe State of Pennsylvania, to accept them in the name of the State, and place them under the control of the United States authorities for their future care and protection. In our contracts with the builders we restricted ourselves to the $2,500 appropriated, but the members and friends of the Forty-eighth and 124th Regiments, l)y liberal contributions, enabled them to add to the $2,500 appropriated l^y the State, the Forty-eighth expending $500 and the 124th Regiment al)out $2,500 additional, which has added very much to the beauty of those two monuments. We hope that your visit of inspection this morning was satisfactory and that the monuments erected met with your approval. I think I express the sentiment of all the survivors of the thirteen regi- ments to whose honor these memorials have lieen erected when I ask you as the representative of our State to accept their thanks for the liberal appropriation that has enabled them to be represented on this battlefield. Reception of the Monuments on Behalf of the State r>Y Hon. Samuel W. Pennypacker, Governor of Pennsyl\'.\nl\. Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen: It is a noteworthy fact that the State which was settled by a people devoted to the ways of peace, who taught the doctrine that a civil answer turneth away wrath, who opposed every aspect of warfare, and who tried to carry their principles even into their dealing with savage tribes, should have reached highest fame and distinc- tion in l)attles on sea and land. No Oiher State save \'irginia can vie with 367 Addrrss. Haroiutr Pciinypackcr. Pennsj'lvania in the number of distinguished niihtary commanders given to the National Government. We have come now from our Northern State into this, our Sister State on the borderland of the South, to commemorate here the achievements of Pennsylvania's sons. The boundary line which separates our State from yours is the most famous in all this Union. It is only an imaginary line, however, and as our people and yours pass back and forth across it, there has been bred in the heart of either a feeling of mutual love and respect. Wc of Pennsylvania do not forget that in the Revolutionary War, Ram- say, who gallantly led the Maryland line at Monmouth, was born in our town of Lancaster, nor do we forget that your towns of Frederick and Hagerstown were largely settled by people that came from our State. Neither do we forget that your great Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, was educated in our Stale at Carlisle, or that our great Chief Justices, Benjamin Chew and Edward Tilghman, and my predecessor, Robert E. Pattison, were born in your State. And so wc sing with you, "Maryland, My Maryland," and you sing with us, "John Brown's Body." We have come here to-day to commemorate the part our soldiers played in the greatest battle of the Civil War, and here, upon this field, where victory was won under the commandership of a son of Pennsylvania, we greet you. Antietam had a greater significance than any tether battle of the War, for, when we heard the news of it Abraham Lincoln issued his Emancipa- tion Proclamation. It was due to what was done here that the pall, whicli had hovered over our country for 157 years, was dissipated, I accept these pretty monuments, beautiful and impressive as they are. and to you, General Oliver, I now deliver them, to be cared for forever by the National ( lovcrnmcnt. General Robert Shaw Oliver. Assistant Secretary of War, in acceptinj^ the monuments in behalf of the United States Govern- ment, said : "At no period in the history of our Civil W'ar were there more gloomy forebodings, more doubts of the success of the Union cause than in the late summer of i(S62. The Union victories of the early months of the year, in the west, at Mill Springs, Fort Donaldson, Pea Ridge and down to the capture of Corinth, had been followed by the victorious march of the Confederates into Kentucky and the retreat of Buell's L^nion army toward Ohio. The L^nion campaign on the Peninsula for Richmond had failed and the campaign abandoned. Pope's army had been defeated and driven within the defenses of Washington, and in the first week of September the Confederates, under General Robert E. Lee, flushed with victory and high hope crossed the Potomac into ^Maryland for the first invasion of the North, the i)rtifessed purjiose beiiiL; to raise a revolt in Maryland, ally 368 Address, Gcii. Robert Sluiw Olii'er. it with the Southern Confederacy, sei/.c Harrisburg, Pa., and demand the recognition of Southern independence from both the Unicin (lovcrnment and Great Britain and France. "The more than decimated Army of tlic Potomac, tlic shattered battalions of Pope and new regiments from the North, many of them from Penn- sylvania, were wisely put under the command of General George B. McClellan, who marched against Lee, defeated him at South Mountain, September 14th, followed him to this tit Id and jomcd battle on the 17th in the most sanguinary one day's contest of the entire war, and on the night of the i8th Lee recrossed the Potomac into Virginia. "The discussion of the strategy of the campaign and the tactics on this field is beyond our purpose, sufSce it to say that both sides. Union and Confederate, did their whole duty as they understood it, as Americans do everywhere. The immediate result of the less than tw^o weeks' campaign was the defeat of the invasion of Pennsylvania and expulsion of the Con- federates from Maryland. "The secondary results, swiftly following, were far reaching and mo- mentous. Great Britain and France paused in their almost completed arrangements to recognize the Southern Confederacy, and from the fresh- made graves on this field Aliraham Lincoln put in action his high resolve and gave to the world his immortal Proclamation of Emancipation, the greatest act of the nineteenth century, and one of the greatest acts of all time. "Here America established one of the great landmarks of its history, and in the doing of which Pennsylvania contributed its full and generous share. She gave to the Union army its commander, one of her great and loved sons — George B. McClellan — and among his subordinates were Meade, the hero of Gettysburg; Hancock, the 'Superb;' the unflinching Brooke ; Hartranft, Wistar, Coulter, Baxter, Oakford, Christ. Nagle, Zinn, .Hawley, and others, many of whose names are household words, and whose deeds are an inseparable part of the Nation's history and glory. Of the 152 Lhiion regiments engaged here, forty-three, or more than 35 per cent., were from Pennsylvania. Of the 12,410 Union killed, wounded and missing, Pennsylvania gave 2,953, or about one-fourth. "It is well that a State with such a record should come to this field and set up enduring memorials to her sons who so nobly did tlieir duty here. To you. Governor Pennypacker, to your Legislature, to the commissions, who, under your direction have so well done their work, and to others who have assi.sted, is due the gratitude of your State, of its people, and of the patriotic people everywhere, for these beautiful monuments this day dedicated with interesting and pathetic services. "In behalf of the United States, and of the Nation, it is with great pleasure that I receive from your hands these memorials for perpetual care and preservation." 24 369 MOXUMENTS DEDICATED. List of the thirteen monuments erected by the State of Penn- sylvania, and dedicated September 17, 1904: 45th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry 48th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry 50th Pennsylvania Volunteer- Infantry 51st Pennsylvania \'olunteer Infantry 1 00th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry 124th Pennsylvania A'olunteer Infantry 125th Pennsylvania X'olunteer Infantry 128th Pennsylvania A olunteer Infantry 130th Penns}-lvania A'olunteer Infantry I32d Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry 137th Pennsylvania A^olunteer Infantry 1 2th Pennsylvania A'olunteer Cavalry Durell's Battery of Artillery At the session of the Pennsylvania Legislature, following the dedication of the above monuments, an appropriation was made to the regiments named below, and their monuments were dedicated at Antietam in September, 1906: 3d Pennsylvania Reserves 5th Pennsylvania Reserves 7th Pennsylvania Reserves 8th Pennsvlvania Reserves 370 ■ ^^^H >^«. ^ I ^iiP^f 1 ■ 1 L^^^^^^l ~^^r~viA^ y^^T^^jT^^ <'^^ Address op Rev. J. Richards Boyle, D.D. Late Adjutant iiith Regiment, Pa. Vet. Vols.; On the Battlefield of Antietam, Md., September 17, 1904. PENNSYLVANIA AT ANTIETAM. Pennsylvania has a right to be heard on every battlefield of the Civil War, for she helped to give them their glory. When the great conflict came she sent three hundred and sixty thousand of her brave sons to the front, and had it been necessary she would have furnished as many more. On every ensanguined field, during those four terrible years, her beautiful banner, with its inspiring escutcheon, floated beside the still more glorious flag of the great Republic. On every firing line, from the first defiant gun at Bull Run to the last expiring shot of the rebellion at Appomattox, her volunteer soldiery stood like a living Gibraltar against the country's foes. In every battle their blood hallowed the soil. In every military prison they heroically bore sufferings worse than death. Her great War Governor, and his counsellors, consecrated their tireless energ}' to the Union cause. Her business men devoted their fortunes to it. In the church and the home, her God-fearing people prayed for it. One of her sons led the first fully equipped army of the Union into the field. Another of them fought and won on her own soil the magnificent battle that decided the issue. In the ranks her splendid soldiers com- pelled first the admiration and then the fear of her foes. Defeat did not dishearten, nor victory unduly exalt them. Together with their com- rades from the other loyal States, with sublime composure they willingly floundered in the swamps of the Chicahominy or gloriously scaled the rugged heights of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, or tri- umphantly won at Gettysburg, or jubilantly swung from Atlanta to the sea, or patiently waded the endless morasses of the Carolinas, or respect- fully received the surrendered arms of their adversaries at Appomattox and Raleigh, or uncomplainingly died in the trench or on bayonet charge. Pennsylvania is justly proud of the services of her citizen soldiery in the war for the Union. Fully and freely according the most generous measure of praise to the troops of her sister States, she supremely loves and cher- ishes her own. Therefore, on the fields of Gettysburg, Chickamauga and Chattanooga she has munificently raised her memorial shafts to their fame, and therefore through these chosen representatives, our Common- wealth is here to-day. As Abraham Lincoln said at the dedication of the National Cemetery, at Gettvsburg, "The world will little note, n^r long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what our l:)rave men did here." In the great deeds of valor performed on this field on Wednesday, September 17, 1862, the soldiers from Pennsylvania were everywhere conspicuous. A Pennsylvanian commanded the L^nion .\rmy on that fateful day. That .vo Address, Rcx'. J. Richards Boyle. nol)le Pennsylvania soldier, who, less than ten months later, was to win the most important battle of the whole war, and become one of the tri- umvirate of greatest of American captains — George Gordon Meade — commanded first a division and then an army corps, on this ground. The Pennsylvanian who was to achieve the proud distinction of being one of the best corps commanders in the Union Army, Hancock, "the superb," was here. Another Pennsylvanian, who was to become a division-general, and who, after the war, was to twice be elected to the executive chair of his State, John F. Hartranft — carried Burnside's bridge at the head of his regiment. One entire division and another brigade of the army were all Pennsylvanians, and at least eight or nine brigades were commanded by Pennsylvania officers in this battle. In all forty-four regiments of infantry, eight batteries and five cavalry battalions from that State fought on that day, and fifteen other Pennsylvania regiments were within sup- porting distance. They were in every corps and were posted on all parts of the field, and their aggregate losses were twenty-nine hundred and sixtj'-four officers and men. or almost exactly 24 per cent, of the casualties of the entire army. In these casualties forty-three officers were either killed or mortally wounded. It is my responsibility and honor in this hour to outline the service rendered by these troops on one of the most crucial days of the war, and I think this will sufficiently appear in the general resume of the operations which I shall present. Lee invaded Maryland on September 5 and 6, 1862, with an army of sixty-one thousand men. He had beaten Pope back from the line of the Rapidan to the defenses of Washington, and that officer had been relieved of command, and his army of Virginia merged into the Army of the Potomac, with McClellan again at its head. Lee believed that the hour had come for the final success of the Southern Confederacy. He persuaded himself that he could keep the Lhiion Army beaten, and by the bold and swift invasion of I\Iaryland, so influence the approaching elections in the North as to compel the United States Government to listen to a proposal for peace on the basis of independence of the insurgent States. He therefore suggested that Jefiferson Davis should publicly and officially demand these terms from the head of his conquering army on Northern soil But the battle of South Mountain, on September i-|th, in which his forces were signally defeated, and driven west of the Blue Ridge, shattered his plans, and compelled him either to retreat into Virginia, or risk a gen- eral engagement near the banks of the Potomac. He had detached a large force of four divisions under Jackson to capture Harper's Ferry, which result was promptlj^ accomplished, and Jackson's divisions countermarched to Sharpsburg, two of them arriving on the i6th, and the others, under McLaws and A. P. Hill, reaching the field in time for the battle on the following day. Lee, meantime, had withdrawn the remainder of his army from South Mountain, via Keedysville to the Antietam line. He posted his entire command west of the Antietam Creek, in a strong position, from a 374 Address. Rev. J. Ricliards Boyle. point one mile southwest of the village of Sharpsburg to another nearly two miles north of the town, his extreme left being held by Stuart's cavalry. Below, and about the village, are the Sharpsburg Heights, the highest ground on the field. Toward the north from the town, the Hagerstown turnpike extends to and beyond a crest on which stands a white brick Dunker church, which at the time of the battle was surrounded on three sides by a thick woods. From this turnpike north of the church the Smoketown road diverges northeasterly, and south of it an ancient sunken road, known since the battle as Bloody Lane, leads eastwardly at a sharp angle to Newcomer's Mill on Antietam Creek. Beyond the church, a half mile or less, on elevated and rocky ground, the Confederate line bent backward to the northwest to a point only a few hundred yards from the Potomac River, which at this place makes a deep westward curve to the mouth of the Antietam Creek. Longstreet's Corps, of nineteen brigades, held the right of this line, and Jackson, commanding the same number of brigades, was on the left— in all more than thirty-seven thousand men. Artillery was skillfully posted at every available point to command the undulating front along the entire line and the hills beyond the creek. The Antietam Creek itself winds sluggishly through the field of operations, and is crossed by four bridges, the third one of which only, on Burnside's front, assumed any importance in the engagement. But at this crossing the creek is narrow and the hills are sharp and steep. McClellan had seven army corps in his command, numbering in all eighty-seven thousand men. But of these, the Fourth Corps, under Couch, had been detached towards Harper's Ferry, and did not return until the evening of the 17th; Humphrey's Division of the Fifth Corps did not reach the field until the morning of the i8th, and only a small part of the re- mainder of the Fifth, and but one division of the Sixth Corps, the latter arriving at 10 o'clock, took an active part in the battle. The cavalry, under Pleasanton, supported the horse artillery at the center. The First Corps, under Hooker and jNIeade; the Second, under Sumner, the Ninth, under Burnside and Cox, and the Twelfth, under Mansfield and Williams, fought the battle of Antietam, they having in all but little more than fifty-five thousand men. These corps were posted from right to left in the following order: The First, Twelfth, Second and Ninth, with the Sixth and Fifth behind the center in artillery support and reserve. The heavy guns and the field batteries were carefully placed in position along the creek hills, and all suitable points in the line, and by the night of the i6th all the necessary dispositions were made. ^klcClellan was compelled to attack. His plan was to assail the enemy's left, then his right, and if successful, to deliver a final assault on his center. It was admirably conceived, and was identical with Grant's plan of battle in November, 1863, at Chattanooga. Had it been carried out, as it should have been, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, with the help of the Fifth and Sixth Corps, there can be no reasonable doubt that the Army of Northern Virginia would have been destroyed. But the battle as fought consisted of 375 Address, Rcr. J. Richards Boyle. attacks on the enemy flanks only, those on liis left l)eing made by the First, Twelfth and Second Corps in detail. The center was never seriously molested, although it was attenuated beyond the danger point by the strug- gle on Lee's left in the morning, and on his right in the afternoon after Burnside had crossed. On the afternoon of the i6th Hooker crossed the creek near Keedysville, and shortly after 2 o'clock threw his divisions into line; Meade, with his thirteen regiments of Pennsylvania Reserves having the advance. He met Jackson's troops in a severe skirmish, but no definite results were obtained. At midnight Mansfield also crossed from Keedys- ville, and with columns closed in mass, took position on Hooker's left and rear, and both armies bivouacked in a drizzling rain on a field which within a few hours was to be indented with their struggling feet and drenched with their blood. With early daylight Hooker opened the battle. He was in position about one mile north of the Dunker church. His right rested on the Hagerstown pike, with Meade and Ricketts in front and Patrick's Brigade of Double- day's Division refused to the right rear^ and his left brigade, under Rick- etts, overlapping the Smoketown road. Seymour's Brigade, of Meade's Division, containing the First, Second, Fifth, Sixth and Thirteenth Penn- sylvania Reserves, under Col. R. Biddle Roberts, Capt. James N. Byrnes, Col. Joseph W. Fisher, Col. William Sinclair and Capt. Dennis McGee, respectively, was thrown well to the front, with Cooper's battery, the Thirteenth Regiment being scarcely one thousand yards from the Dunker church. Hoffman's Brigade, containing the Seventh Indiana, the Seventy- sixth and Ninety-fifth New York and the Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania Regi- ments, the latter under Capt. Frederick Williams of Doubleday's Division, was posted to protect the extreme right. As the day dawned Hooker per- ceived that the rough and wooded crest surrounding and extending north from the church was the strategic key to the whole field in his front, and his problem was to take it. The position was defended by Jackson's, Ewell's, Hoods and D. H. Hill's Divisions, strengthened liy Lawton's Divisions from Lee's right, and supported by S. D. Lee's artillery. Double- day and Ricketts advanced through the open ground and the east woods to a cornfield, and were at once furiously engaged. ]\Ieadc. with Seymour's Brigade in advance on their left, held IMagilton, with the Third, Fourth. Seventh and Eighth Pennsylvania Reserves commanded by Lieutenant- Colonel John Clark, Major John Nyce, Col. Henry C. Bolinger, and r^Iajor Silas M. Baily, on his left, and Anderson, with the Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth Pennsylvania Reserves, under Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Anderson, Lieutenant-Colonel A. J. Warner, Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel M. Jackson and Captain Richard Gustin, on his right, in close support of the advancing line. The east woods was an open grove in whicli the ground burst into rocky ledges, forming admirable protection to infantry, and from behind these natural ritle pits and from the open field, the enemy delivered a galling and destructive fire upon Doul^leday and Ricketts. The smoky air blazed with flame and crashed with exploding shells. In the 376 .-Address, Rc2'. J. RicJuirds Boyle. open the growing corn was cut from the stalks as with knives, and within the woods Hmbs of trees were torn c.way and rocks were splintered by the deadly fire. Lawton's troops charged on the supporting Union batteries, but were repulsed with double shots of canister. Meade with his two sup- porting brigades and his batteries came in between Ricketts and Doubleday. and Hooker's entire corps was in a death grapple for the possession of the all-important crest. On both sides of the pike the battle raged with tre- mendous and increasing fury. General Starke, on the Confederate side, was killed. General Hartsuff fell severely wounded, and General Hooker himself was borne disabled from the field, and Aleade assumed command of the corps. Doubleday was halted and pressed back for a little distance, but Ricketts slowly gained ground until he reached the west of the woods, where he held his position firmly until his ammunition was exhausted. He called for aid, and Magilton was sent him by JMeade. In his division, the Eleventh Pennsylvania, Col. Richard Coulter, the Eighty-eighth Pennsyl- vania, Lieutenant-Colonel George W. Gile; the Nineteenth Pennsylvania, Colonel Peter Lyle, and the 107th Pennsylvania, Captain James ^lacThomp- son, all performed valiant service. Colonel Lyle's color-bearer dying bravely, and Lieutenant-Colonel Gile being severely wounded. Their losses were one hundred and twenty-four, seventy-seven, ninety-eight and sixty-four men. respectively. Nine hundred and fifty-six men from the eighteen Pennsylvania regiments in the corps had fallen. But Hooker's progress was by this time halted. The lines in his front, reinforced by Walker from Longstreet on the right, were too strong to be broken, and as if by mutual consent a lull occurred in the battle, and on both sides the contending gladi- ators paused for breath. At 6.30 o'clock Mansfield had called the Twelfth Corps from its bivouac and marched it forward on both sides of the Smoketown road in support of Hooker's left. Its First Division under Williams, and subsequently under Crawford, contained among its other regiments the Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania, Col. Joseph F. Knipe ; the 124th, Col. Joseph W. Hawley; the 125th, Col. Jacob Higgins, and the 128th, Col. Samuel Croasdale, and in its Second Division, under Greene, were the 28th Pennsylvania, Major Ario Pardee. Jr., and the iiitli, ^Major Thomas M. Walker, with Knap's and Hampton's Pennsylvania batteries. Two companies of the Zouaves d'Afrique from Pennsylvania were also with Crawford, but without officers, and were temporarily attached to the Second Massachusetts Regiment. Mansfield fell, mortally wounded, as he was deploying his connnand into line, and Williams took the corps. The First Division, Crawford, in advance, passed Magilton and Anderson of Aleade's Division, and came into line to the right, Knipe's First Brigade leading. The Forty-sixth Pennsyl- vania, now under Lieutenant-Colonel James L. Selfridge, advanced, firing as it went, until it faced Ripley's Brigade of D. H. Hill's Division, which it promptly engaged. The i2Stli Pennsylvania, a new regiment of the same brigade, came into line on the right, ])ut 1)efore its formation was completed, its Colonel, Sanuiel Croasdale, was killed, and its Lieutenant-Colonel, 377 Address. Rcz'. J. Richards Boyle. William .M. Hammersly, was wounded. The Major, Joel B. Wanner, suc- ceeded to command, and led it gallantly throughout the action. Its loss was one hundred and eighteen men. The 125th Pennsylvania, Col. Jacoli Hig- gins — another new regiment — received its baptism of fire with a cheer, and drove the enemy into the woods on the right of the Smoketown road, capturing some prisoners. It supported a battery until the enemy's fire slackened, and then sending out skirmishers under Captain ^IcKeage. of Company G, it again advanced, and with great spirit delivered its fire in exposed line, until it was called to the support of a second battery. Its Adjutant, Lieutenant R. M. Johnston, was mortally wounded, and the regi- ment sustained a total loss of one hundred and forty-five men. The 124th Pennsylvania, Col. Joseph W. Hawley, also in the field for the first time, with its right on the pike, received a raking fire from the woods on both flanks, to which it valiantly responded. Its commanding officer was wounded, but it advanced with the division, gaining with it the field, north- east of the church. Its casualties included sixty-four men. By this time it was g.30 o'clock. General Crawford had been wounded, and Gen. G. H. Gordon had replaced him in command of the First Division. At S o'clock Greene's Second Division had come gallantly into the seething conflict on each side of the Smoketown Road, to the right of the burning Mumma buildings, and the small Twelfth Corps was to its last man struggling to secure the crest that Hooker was unable to take. The Third Brigade, under Goodrich, was detached to strengthen Patrick, and Tyndale's First Brigade had the right of the division line, and Stainrook's Second Brigade the left. The only Pennsylvania troops present with the division were the Twenty-eighth, Major Ario Pardee, Jr., and the iiith. Major Thomas M. Walker, and these veteran commands stood side by side throughout the morning and fought the battle in their front from an unpro- tected line. Knap's and Hampton's Pennsylvania batteries also were witl; the division and did noble service during the entire day. The men had leaped to arms before sunrise without breakfast, or even coffee, and advanced over the fields and from the east woods, firing, and capturing squads of prisoners. They were still as far from the church as Hooker had been, though further eastward, and had Ripley, Colquitt and Garland in their front, Jackson and Early on the west of the pike to their right, and Hood concealed in the west woods behind the church itself. From their shortened and compact lines these Southern troops concentrated on Greene's advancing men a withering fire, but his steady battalions pressed resolutely up the gentle slope, though with greatly decimated ranks. Hamp- ton, Knap, Tompkins and Cochran galloped up, wheeled their batteries into line, and filled the woods about the church with exploding shells. Two sections of Napoleon guns aided the artillery attack until they failed of ammunition and were withdrawn. Still the line advanced toward the pike, and at last the crest so long and so stubbornly contested was beneath the Union colors. But it was not yet yielded. As severe fighting as was possible for desperate men was still to be done. Stainrook's Brigade was 378 Address, Rc7'. J. Richards Boyle. now soutlieast of the clnircli, firing as rapidly as the men could load, and supported liy Tompkin's Rhode Island battery. Kershaw's Confederate Brigade burst from the woods south of the church, leaped the stout post and rail fence at the pike, and with a wild yell rushed for Tompkin's guns. With fixed bayonets, ihe 28tii and iiith Pennsylvania and the Third Maryland awaited them. When they were within fifty yards of the battery the iiith sprang among the axles of the guns, the cannoneers dis- charged double-shotted canister into the faces of the foe, and with an answering cheer these regiments and the Fifth and Seventh Ohio counter- charged against Kershaw's brave battalions. Flesh and blood could not withstand their impact. The enemy's line halted, swayed a moment under the staggering blow and broke to the rear, followed by the commands just named. Up to the fence, across the pike, and into the woods south of the church the victorious boys in blue dashed, and facing their lines west and south, successfully held their new position during the remainder of the forenoon. It was the most advanced ground gained during the day on that part of the field, and it threatened Lee's whole left flank. If Green had been permanently supported in it, Lee's left would have been turned and driven from the field. The Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania captured a battle flag. Its casualties were two hundred and twenty-six, and the I nth Regiment lost one hundred and ten men, out of two hundred and thirty engaged. Its colors were pierced by twenty-five bullet holes ; its color-bearer was shot; its commandant, ^lajor Walker, was wounded, and it was presented on the field with a flag by the brigade commander. Colonel Stainrook. Lieutenant-Colonel Tyndale, commanding Greene's First Brigade, was also wounded. All along the Twelfth Corps front the slaughter had been frightful, and especially where the enemy had attempted to cross the pike, the bodies of the slain, as another has said, had fallen in windrows. Lee's left was so disabled that General Jason D. Cox declares that another concerted movement by our available forces would have finally crushed it before McLaws or A. P. Hill could have reached the field, and Longstreet admits that such a movement would have penetrated that point to the river bank. While Williams' successful battle was in progress, Sumner was bringing up the Second Corps on the left and right of the Twelfth. Sedgwick's Division w'as in advance with Gorman_'s, Howard's and Dana's Brigades. In his Second Brigade (Howard's) were the Sixty-ninth, Seventy-first, Seventy-second and io6th Pennsylvania Regiments, under Col. Joshua T. Owen, Col. Isaac J. Wistar, Col. DeWitt C. Baxter and Col. Turner G. ]\Ioorhead, W'hich troops were known as the Philadelphia Brigade. The division dashed into the west woods in three lines on the north of the church, and found Early rallied behind its outcropping ledges of rock. McLaws also arrived with his fresh Confederate division at this opportune moment, with Walker to support him. Sedgwick drove Early back upon these rein- forcements, but was caught on the flank l)y McLaws and Walker and two concealed regiments under Cols. Griggby and Stafford. Howard's Brigade 379 Jddrcss. Rev. J. Richards Boyle. changed front to meet this attack, but was forced to the right and rear in some confusion, Gorman and Dana sheltering themselves behind the same outcropping of rock that Early's men had abandoned, halted the enemy for a time, but Sedgwick and Dana were wounded, and before noon the division was retired to Joseph Pofifenberger's farm, near which the battle had begun, and where Meade with the First Corps was preventing Jackson and Stuart from resuming offensive operations. The losses of the Sixty- ninth, Seventy-first, Seventy-second and io6th Pennsylvania Regiments were ninety-two, one hundred and thirty-nine, two hundred and thirty- seven, and seventy-seven, respectively, a total of five hundred and forty-five men from the brigade. Greene was now alone and unsupported in his advanced position in the woods on the south and west of the church. D. H. Hill, finding the way clear, marched out of the church woods by Greene's left flank, with his own and Walker's Division ; in front of what was soon to be the Bloody Lane, towards the Roulette house. Sumner, who had accompanied Sedg- wick into his fight, did not retire with that division, but hastened to join trench's Division, which, with Brooke's Brigade of Richardson's First Division, was at this time appearing" in Hill's new front. Meantime he signalled to McClellan for reinforcements, and by virtue of his seniority to Williams ordered the First Division of the Twelfth Corps again to charge the pike in an effort to regain Sedgwick's lost ground. This was gallantly done by Crawford's weakened brigades, but the weight of the enemy was too great for them. French and Brooke, however, engaged Hill's troops about the Roulette house, and after a desperate encounter, drove them back over ascending ground on Bloody Lane, which afforded them a natural breastwork. Here the brigade of Colquitt, Garland, Rodes, G. B. Anderson and Wright, were closely posted, and some of the most terrific fighting of the day took place. Richardson, with the First Division of the Second Corps, came up in good time on French's left, and these two commands presented per- haps the most spectacular sight of the battle. From the Roulette house they advanced through the open and rising fields, swinging compactly for- ward in brigade front, with colors flying as if on parade, and under a murderous fire they reached the cre.st of the low hill and faced Bloody Lane. The Fifty-third Pennsylvania, Lieutenant-Colonel Richards McMichael, and the Eighty-first, Major H. Boyd McKean, were with Richardson, and the 130th, Colonel Henry L Zinn, and the I32d, Col. Rich- ard A. Oakford — the latter new regiments — were under French. With their intrepid comrades, these troops .inswered the enemy's deadly fire with great precision and effect. As they advanced the Eighty-first, of Cald- well's Brigade, and the Fifty-third of Brooke's performed excellent and timely service in checking a flank movement against Richardson, and frc^n the finally established lines, these splendid divisions for two hours upheld the final struggle on the right of the field of Antietam. Line after line charged the Lane, and sortie after sortie was attempted from it. Gen- eral Richardson and Colonel Barlow were wounded, the former mortally. 380 Address, Rcz\ J. Richards Boyle Colonel Oakford, of the I32d Pennsylvania, was killed. Still our lines pressed nearer the Lane. Scarcely seventy-five yards separated the furious hosts. As the guns fouled the men wiped out their barrels or snatched up the arms of their fallen comrades and continued to fire without intermis- sion. The Confederate ranks were melting away. D. H. Hill seized a musket and fought like a private soldier to steady his wavering men. Longstreet, from the west woods beyond the pike, held the horses of his staiif while those officers served a battery as cannoneers. G. B. Anderson fell mortally wounded, and Wright and R. H. Anderson were borne bleed- ing from the field. Col. John B. Gordon, of the Sixth Alabama, was rid- dled with five wounds and barely escaped with his life. Ammunition was running low. "Lee's lines," exclaimed Longstreet, "were throbbing at every point." The brigades defending Bloody Lane were fragmented and exhausted. Some of them contained scarcely one hundred men. The Lane itself was heaped two or three bodies deep, and its banks were smeared w'ith blood. It was no longer tenable. By 12 o'clock Caldwell, Meagher and Brooke were in possession of it, and the field near Hagers- town pike, with its important crest, was ours to within three-quarters of a mile of Sharpsburg. But the determined brigades of the veteran Greene had, alas, been forced, for lack of iidequate support, from the ground beyond the pike and the church, which they had so tenaciously held since 10 o'clock. The two divisions of the Sixth Corps, under Slocum and Smith, had been ordered into the breach on Greene's right, but only Irwin's Brigade, of the Second Division, reached his side. These troops did some effective service in which the Seventh Maine Regiment. Major Hyde, was especially distinguished. This command charged beyond the brigade lines, with the bayonet, driving the enemy several hundred yards, when it found itself enclosed on front and left by a greatly superior force. Then it closed in upon its colors and fought its way out with a loss of ninety-five men out of one hundred and eighty-one engaged. The ^lajor and Adjutant had their horses shot under them, and no officer of the regi- ment escaped without bullet marks. Irwin's relief was, however, entirely insufficient, and Greene retired to the line on Pofifenberger's farm. Morrell's Division of the Fifth Corps, about 4 o'clock, was ordered to relieve Richardson's troops in support of the batteries near the pike. The brigades of Griffin and Stockton, of this division, were moved to the right toward Sumner, but while en route were halted by General McClellan personally, and except for artillery fire, were not engaged. Griffin's Bri- gade contained the Sixty-second Pennsylvania, under Colonel J. B. Sweitzer, and Stockton's the Eighty-third, under Captain O. S- Woodward. In the First Brigade (Barnes) was the 118th Pennsylvania, Colonel Charles M. Prevost, which escaped losses here, but performed gallant ser- vice under trying conditions, and suffered severely at Shepherdstown three days later. Franklin had in the First Division of his Sixth Corps, the Ninety-fifth and Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania, under Cols. G. W. Town and Henry L. 381 Address. Rc7\ J. Ricluirds Boyle. Cake, and in his Second Division, the Forty-ninth and 137th Pennsylvania, the latter a new regiment nnder Lieutenant-Colonel William Brisbane and Colonel Henry M. Bossert, but these commands were afforded no oppor- tunity for positive service during the day, and their losses were inconsiderable. Later in the afternoon Lee ordered Jackson's troops to attack the Union right, but the heavy artillery fire which was maintained by our batteries, rendered a renewal of hostilities unfavorable and the movement did not lake place. The battle on that part of the field was ended. The casualties of the 130th and I32d Pennsylvania were one hundred and seventy-eight and one hundred and fifty-two respectively. While those of the three corps who had fought on the right reached the appalling aggre- gate of nine thousand, three hundred and eighty-four men. In addition to these the Sixth Corps lost four hundred and thirty-nine men, of which the casualties in its Pennsylvania regiments were sixteen. At I o'clock the scene of the battle shifted from the right to the left of the Union line. Burnside was in command on that part of the field, and had with him the three divisions of the Ninth Corps, under Willcox, Stur- gis and Rodman and the Kanawha Division of two brigades under Colonel Scammon. Five Pennsylvania regiments were in the Ninth Corps, with Wiilcox and Sturgis, the Fiftieth, ^lajor Edward Overton being in Christ's Brigade ; the Forty-fifth, Lieutenant-Colonel John L Cur- tin, and the looth. Col. David A. Lackey, in Weber's ; the Forty-eighth, Lieutenant-Colonel Joshua K. Sigfried, in Nagle's ; and the Fifty-first, Col. John F. Hartranft, in Ferero's. Captain George W. Durrell's battery was also attached to Willcox's Division. The corps commander. General Reno, had been killed at South Mountain, three days before, and Brigadier- General Jacol) D. Cox was at its head. Burnside's whole force was posted en the east side of the creek near the bridge that has since borne his name. This is a stone structure, about twelve feet wide and more than one hundred in length, w-ith parapets at each side, and is one mile south of Sharpsljurg. The hills on each side of the creek are steep and high, and at the time of the battle those on the west bank were densely wooded. The Rohrersburg pike, which crosses at this point, winds down a ravine through the Sharpsburg Heights, -and approaches the liridge under the shoulder of these hills from the north. These bold 1;)luffs had part way up their side a stone quarry, which afforded a safe hiding place for sharpshooters, and along their crest a stone fence extended that formed a strong protection to the infantry line. They were defended by Confederate artillery and Walker's and D. R. Jones' Divisions of Longstreet's Corps, Munford's Cavalry extending the line to the south of the Harper's Ferry road. Toombs' Brigade, with skirmishers at the creek, and Eubank's, Richardson's and Eshleman's bat- teries, in support, directly defended the bridge. Burnside's artillery, con- sisting of Benjamin's twenty-pound parrott guns, and ^IcMuIlen's, Clarke's, Cook's, ]Mulilenlnn-g's, Simmond's and Durell's batteries, were .382 Address. Rcz'. J. Richards Boyle. posted opposite, and his infantry was in close support — Sturgis and Rod- man l:)eing in front, and Willcox in reserve. Fitz John Porter's Fifth Corps. Sykes' Division, connected on his right and guarded the crossing at the Boonsboro bridge. In the morning the enemy promptly opened a heavy artillery fire on Burnside's position, the reply to which blew up two caissons and silenced the attack. At 8 o'clock Burnside was directed to carry the bridge, but he claims that the movement was to await additional orders. At lo o'clock his order to assault was imperative. He at once threw Crook and Sturgis forward on the high ground facing the bridge, with the Eleventh Connecticut, Colonel Kingsbury, deployed as skirmishers, and sent Rod- man and Scammon three-fourths of a mile down the creek to find Snavely's ford, with instructions to cross and protect the movement from the left. Crook advanced cautiously down the slope, but on entering the narrow, open ground beside the stream, found himself in the center of a tremendous converging cyclone of musketry and artillery fire. His lines were within easy rifle shot, and as his men bent their heads to the storm and charged toward the bridge, they were deluged in the narrow gap, with a concentrated fire of the enemy. Colonel Kingsbury, who was a near relative of Gen. D. R. Jones, the Confederate commander in his front, fell dead on the skirmish line, and after great slaughter. Crook found it impossible to reach and cross the narrow bridge, oh which was falling a hail of lead and iron. Sturgis hurried forward to his aid with the Sixth New Hampshire and the Second Maryland Regiments of Nagle's Brigade, supported by the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania, Lieutenant-Colonel Sigfried, the Union batteries covering his advance, but the plunging shot of the enemy, some of which came through ihe ravine from Cemetery Hill, and the centralized volleys from Toombs' Brigade could not be withstood. Nagle's men, unmindful of danger and odds, made, however, a deter- mined and persistent efifort to gain the bridge. With fixed bayonets, at double time, and with cheers, they dashed down the steep face of the hill and over the narrow open ground at its base, in a torrent of fire, reached the bridge, crowded upon it. and almost gained the western end before the smothering deluge of shot and shell halted their brave advance, and swept them back. Burnside, beholding their repulse and thoroughly aroused, declared that the bridge must be carried at all hazards, and ordered up fresh troops. Ferero's Brigade responded, Init as only two regiments could be utilized, the Fifty-first Pennsylvania. Col. John F. Hartranft. and the Fifty-first New York. Col. Robert B. Potter, were detailed for the heroic task. Approaching the bridge by a shorter and partly protected route, they leaped into the breach, sprang upon the coveted structure, and with defiant shouts, and with lungs choked by smoke, and feet stained and slipping in the blood of their fallen comrades, they seized the long-contested prize, passed it on a run in a sheet of flame, and rushed into line on its further side. The entire division, with Crook's Brigade, quickly followed in double time, and dividing right and 383 Address, Re:'. J. Richards Boylc. left, clambered up the precipitous heights on which the enemy had l)een posted, drove him from every position, and in a few nnnutes were firmly lodged on Lee's right flank. But it was now i o'clock. Rodman's Division, after a sharp engagement, had effected its crossing below at Snavely's ford, and promptly joined Sturgis and prolonged the line to the right, and all of Burnside's troops were in position on the first ridge beyond the creek. The enemy immediately retired, and the batteries of Durell, Clarke, Cook, Muhlenburg, and part of Simmond's guns were crossed and posted, and the battle was renewed under new and inspiring conditions. Battalions of the First, Second, Fourth, Tenth and Fourteenth Regular Infantry, with three batteries under Randol, Van Reed and Tidball, supported by Pleasanton's Cavalry, had crossed at the Boonsboro bridge on Burnside's right from the Fifth Corps, and the line of the Army of the Potomac was continuous west of the creek in envelopment of the enemy. Having perfected his formations at 3 o'clock, Burnside ordered a gen- eral advance of his whole line on the heights and village of Sharpsburg, holding Sturgis in reserve. Filled with enthusiasm and confident of great results, Rodman and Willcox pressed forward and carried the second ridge, which commanded the field. Fairchild's Brigade, and Welch's Bri- gade of Willcox's Division, in which were the Forty-fifth and looth Pennsylvania Regiments, Lieutenant-Colonel John L Curtin and Colonel David A. Lackey, gained the outskirts of the town, with Christ's Brigade, containing the Fiftieth Pennsylvania, Major Edward Overton, close behind them, and it seemed as though Lee's right would be driven through the village and doubled up in confusion upon his center. Victory was clearly in sight and almost in hand. Lee was fought to disaster. If Burn- side's progress had continued, if Fitz John Porter had supported it, as he could and should have done, and if Franklin's fresh Sixth Corps had been put in on the right in conjunction with the other corps that were hold- ing that part of the field, it cannot be rationally doubted that the Army of Northern Virginia would have been captured or driven into the Potomac river on the afternoon of September 17, 1862. But this was not done. The Union commander was too far away from the field which his vic- torious battalions was conquering, to feel the magnificent opportunity of the crucial hour. The splendid and still effective troops who had won the success of the morning were not called for ; Morrell's strong division, part of Sykes', and all of Franklin's Corps lay on their arms. The hour so pregnant with tremendous possibilities was unimproved. For the second time that day overwhelming success slipped from our grasp. And just at this moment, as if in retribution for these errors, by a stroke of good fortune, so rare as to be well nigh incredible, Lee's critical emergency was relieved. A. P. HILL'S DIVISION ^lARCHED UPON THE FIELD. It had left Harper's Ferry at 7.30 o'clock that morning, and arrived on the battlefield at 3 o'clock in the afternoon by a road that brought it in directly on Burnside's left, at precisely the wavering point. The Lhiion lines were quickly disposed to meet the fresh troops. Rodman seized 384 .Iddifss, Kcz'. J. Riclhiiils Boyle. ground on the left, but was mortally wounded while leading his attack. Scammon changed front to rear to protect the right flank. Sturgis was ordered up, following Ferero, and held the enemy back in his front until sunset, fighting at short range, all his regiments exhibiting great bravery. But the augmented foe was too strong. Mcintosh's Confederate battery that the Ninth New York had captured was retaken. Burnside's Division could not withstand the impact of the enemy's reinforced line, and about dark they withdrew in good order from their advanced positions to the second line of hills he had taken, where they remained until the 19th. His total loss was twenty-three hundred and forty-nine men. The Forty- fifth, Fiftieth and One Hundredth Pennsylvania did commendable work in Willcox's Division, and sustained losses of thirty-eight, fifty-seven and eight men respectively. The Forty-eighth, of Nagle's Brigade, lost sixty men, and the Fifty-first one hundred and twenty. Thus ended the hard-fought and sanguinary battle of Antietam. Nearly twenty-five thousand men had fallen on both sides, and the casual- ties in each army were practically equal. The full fruits of the awful contest were not garnered, but it was the most signal and important vic- tory that the Union arms had to that time achieved. Its results ended for the time Lee's bold project of an invasion of the North, and they astonished and dismayed his generals. Longstreet says of them : ''The razing of thi' walls of Jerico by encircling marches of priests and soldiers, at the signal of long-Ijlown blasts of sacred horns and shouts of the multi- tude, v\as scarcely a greater miracle than the transformation of the con- quering army of the South into a horde of disorganized fugitives, before an army that two weeks earlier was flying to cover under its homeward ramparts." The battle left Lee's army seriously crippled. Generals G. B. Anderson and Branch were among the killed, and Generals Lawton, Ripley and J. R. Jones, with others, suffered severe wounds. Gen. D. R. Jones, one of Long-street's division commanders, never recovered from the strain of the (lay, and died soon after. One-third of Lawton's, Trimble's and Hay's Brigades were killed or wounded, and all of Colquitt's field officers were either killed or disabled. Jackson, for the only time in his life, was fought to exhaustion and inaction, and was not in evidence in the battle after its early hours. Lee's position in the evening was hazardous in the extreme. He was practically out of ammunition and was hemmed closely in by his victorious foes with the river at his back. He expected and dreaded a renewal of hostilities on the i8th. and when they were merci- fully withheld by the Union commander, he thankfully and quickly with- drew his shattered ranks across the Potomac under cover of the night. The North took new courage and hope from the battle. Its loyal people hailed Antietam as the turning point of the war. It was to them as a microcosm of the whole great conflict. As McClellan's Brigades and Divisions tightened themselves about Lee's legions on that eventful day. drawing their coils closer and closer, in deadly embrace, so the Northern people beheld in their quickened faith the power of the Republic surely 25 .385 Address, Rcz'. J. Richards Boyle. closing in upon the Rebellion for death. It was the beginning of the end. Gettysburg, Chattanooga, the Wilderness, Atlanta, Petersburg, were yet to become necessary, but Antietam was tlie morning star of a new and glori- ous day of peace and National reconciliation. It seems but yesterday that these tragic scenes were here enacted, but more than a generation has passed since they thrilled the world with their history. The commanders of these contending armies have gone from us. Every corps commander, on either side, has passed away. Almost every general officer who took part in this battle rests with his comrades who fell upon this field. I know of but three general officers on the Union side — Howard, Dana and Willcox — who remain. The great mass of the stal- wart young men who filled these surging battle lines, are no longer mortal. A remnant only of them, bowed and grey with years, lingers on earth. A new generation, to whom the great war is but a tradition, and who can never realize its sacrifices and its horrors, are enjoying the blessing which the valor of these heroes purchased for them and their posterity. But time, which hurries men away, does not dim the luster of their great deeds, and the work that these men did is the imperishable heritage of the Republic. It remains forever written upon the flag and ingrained in the National life. To voice this great fact Pennsylvania comes upon this field to-day. Thirteen of her commands w'ho fought here and else- where, with devotion, upon the battlefields of the Civil War, have had as yet, no visible memorials to mark their service. Eleven of these organiza- tions were infantry regiments, one was a cavalry battalion, and the other was a battery of artillery. The State that sent them forth, by an act of Assembly and through her duly constituted commission, has caused these belated memorials to be erected, and to-day, completed and beauti- ful, they are transferred to the United States Government, to be safe- guarded forever. It is a fitting tribute of public respect to brave men liv- ing and dead, and I profoundly honor my native and beloved Common- wealth for such a just and worthy recognition of the service of these her sons. I congratulate the Antietam Battlefield Commission upon the ability and care with which they have brought their responsible labors to such a happy termination. I earnestly trust that every other State, whose soldiers fought on this field for the preservation of the Union, will follow her example in this regard, and that very soon a permanent monu- ment will mark the site of every Northern command that shared the glorious scenes of that crucial day of which this is the anniversary. And most of all, I reverently beseech Almighty God that these, and all similar battle monuments, may teach to our children's children lofty lessons of American patriotism, so long as their chiseled shafts and sculptured statues shall be hailed by the morning sun and kissed by the evening stars. 386 General W. W. JJlackmar, of Massachusetts, Commander-in- Chief of the Grand Army of the Repubhc, was invited by Colonel Hawley to address the audience, and responded as follows : Comrades of the Grand Army, Citizens, Friends, all — This is indeed an unexpected honor, and is not tendered to me personally^ but to the two hundred and fifty thousand old comrades of the men whose gallant deeds you have listened to to-day, still living and members of the Grand Army of the Republic. 1 will not at this time, and following such a magnificent oration, attempt to say anything adequate to this glorious occasion. I merely, and cheerfully and proudly, my comrades, bring you the blessing, the loving Godspeed of two hundred and fifty thousand old comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic, whom 1 have the honor to command. Colonel Hawley announced that the commission had expected Governor Warfield, of Maryland, to deliver the address of welcome, but he was in St. Louis, and unable to be present. General Thomas J. Stewart, Adjutant-General of the State of Pennsylvania, was called for by the comrades, and responded as follows : Mr. Chairman and Comrades : After all that has been said from this rostrum this afternoon in the way of oration and address, I am sure that nothing can be said that will add anything to the interest of this occasion. I am glad to be here, and I would have been very glad to have responded to the address of welcome, if the distinguished gentleman of ^Maryland had been here to deliver it. I congratulate you all most heartily on the great success that has attended the ceremonies of the day. The audience united in singing- the hymn "America," led by the band of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. Rev. Joseph S. Evans, former chaplain of the 124th Regiment, Pennsylvania \'olunteers, pronounced the following benediction : God, our Heavenly Father, accept our thanks for this beautiful day, for the blessings we have received, for all the goodness that is manifest to us as we meet here ; and may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God our Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit go and abide with us evermore. Amen. 387 LETTER FROM JOHN W. ^lARSHALL. VlI