/.iii;:'>o ./\c:^/*->>. /.'^.:-.'^°o V » ' • °' O ^<^^X '•Ml^^^'''^ * .^ ^. *'..^* v-^ o . » " .0 \3 .V o « , '*'q \ %,^^ :?^^^' %„,.^-' A<2^^ . 0^ HISTORY OF THE THIRD REGIMENT EXCELSIOR BRIGADE 7 2d New York Volunteer Infantry 1861-1865 COMPILED BT HENRI LE FEVRE BROWN SERGEANT COMPANY B. 19 02 JOURNAL PRINTING CO. JAMESTOWN, N. Y. 1902. INTRODUCTION. In preparing this hiHtory the official war records have been carefully searched for all material that could in any way contribute to a full understanding of the events nar- rated. Wherever possible battles and movements have been described in the language of official reports. In some cases, as in that of Williamsburg, the same engagement is described in several such papers, written by the command- ers of the regiment, the brigade and the division, with often a brief recognition of the service of the regiment from still higher sources. Orders, reports and extracts bearing on this history are given word for word as written, and in many cases, without other explanations of the events referred to. Promotions and changes of command are announced in general orders. In this way the experience of the regi- ment will be more readily followed than if the narrative were cumbered with unimportant details. There can be no question that many officers and men not mentioned in this history by name, were equally worthy, and perha])s more worthy of notice than those whose names and deeds are here given. In view of the impossibility of doing exact justice to all, the rule has been followed to make honoraV)le mention only of those already named in official records. All regimental papers have been examined in detail. The personal diary of the comy)iler has l)een compared with that of the chaplain for all movements since January 1, I860, and differences have been reconciled to the satisfaction of both. One record has frequently supplied what the other 4 INTRODUCTION. * lacked. In cases of doubt on any point, other members of the regiment and of other regiments, and any persons likely to throw light on the subject have been freely consulted in an honest endeavor to learn and to tell the exact facts. It is to be regretted that no official reports vi^ere made of the services of the regiment during the Wilderness cam- paign, or the many engagements in v^^hich the regiment afterv^ards participated. These reports were not called for until the Army of the Potomac had settled down in front of Petersburg, in August, 1864. In the meantime the term of service of the early three year regiments having expired, these regiments, except a very few that re-enlisted, were mustered out and no official reports were made of the ser- vice of these regiments during that campaign. In some minor matters this history may differ from statements previously printed in other books. In every known case of this kind the account given has been the re- sult of careful investigation. The compiler would particularly ask his comrades when they discover errors or omissions to report the facts to him without delay. All such communications will be faithfully noted and used, if there should be an opportunity in the fu- ture ; and at last there may be obtained in this way a true record of the Third Excelsior. Jamestown, New York, October 1st, 1902. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Organization, May, June, 1861. CHAPTER II. Washington, D. C. July-October, 1861. CHAPTER III. Lower Maryland. October, 1861-ApriI, 1862. CHAPTER IV. Yorktown and Williamsburg. April, May, 1862. CHAPTER V. Fair Oaks or Seven Pines. June, 1862. CHAPTER VI. Oak Grove, Peach Orchard, Glendale, White Oak Swamp, First and Second Mal- vern Hill. June, July, August, 1862. CHAPTER VII. Bristoe Station, Groveton, Second Bull Run. August, 1862. CHAPTER Vlll. Alexandria, March to Fredericksburg. September, October, November, 1862. CHAPTER IX. Fredericksburg, Winter Quarters. December, 1862-April, 1863. CHAPTER X. Chancellorsville. May, 1863. O CONTENTS. CHAPTER XI. Colonel William O. Stevens. CHAPTER XII. Gettysburg, Wapping Heights. June, July, 1863. CHAPTER XIII. Culpepper, Union Mills, Mine Run, Brandy Station. September, 1863-April, 1864. CHAPTER XIV. The Wilderness Campaign, May, i864. CHAPTER XV. Petersburg, Muster Out. June, l864. CHAPTER XVI. Medal of Honor. CHAPTER XVII. List of battles and skirmishes in which the regiment participated during its term of service. CHAPTER XVIII. Roster of commissioned officers, with date of muster, etc. CHAPTER I. Organization— May, 1861. On May 8rd, 1861, President Lincoln issued his first proclamation calling for volunteers to serve three years. The Excelsior Brigade was organized under this call as United States Volunteers, at Canijj Scott, Staten Island, by Daniel E. Sickles under special authority of the President, dated May 18th, 1861. The brigade was composed of companies raised in five states, as follows: Massachusetts, 2; Michigan, 1; New Jersey, 6; New York, 36; Pennsylvania, 5. In the fall of 1861 when the Government began calling on the loyal states for their quota of troops New York State claimed the Excelsior Brigade, it having been organ- ized within the state. On December 5th, 18()1, the Secretary of War issued orders which took effect December 11th, 1861, designat- ing the different regiments of the brigade as the 70th, 71st, 72nd, 73rd and 74th Regiments New York Volunteer In- fantry. The Brigade reached Washington in July, 1861, and served as the Second Brigade, Second Division, Third Army Corps, Army of the Potomac till March 23rd, 1864, when by order of the War Dei)artment the Third Army Corps was disbanded. The First and Second divisions were consolidated with the Second Army Corps under Major Gen- eral W. S. Hancock, and became the Third and Fourth divi- sions respectively. The Seventy-Second Regiment New York Infantry was organized by Colonel Nelson Taylor, a vet^eran of the Mexi- ORGANIZATION. can War, a thorough soldier and disciplinarian, who, while he had a personal interest in the welfare of every member of the regiment, insisted on thorough drill, organization and discipline. The companies of the Regiment began to assemble at Camp Scott the latter part of May, and most of the men took their first lessons in camp life, at the same time growl- ing about army rations. They soon settled down to busi- ness, however, and then began the never ending drill, fatigue and guard duty. Although the complaints were deep and lasting regarding drill, no attention was paid to them by those in authority ; the drill was kept up, and as the men be- came hardened the hours were lengthened until it seemed as though it was company drill, battalion drill, dress pa- rade, or inspection all the time. It was hard work for all, but it was this same hard work that made the regiment a unit, and enabled it to perform the various movements and changes with the clock-like precision and steadiness for which it became celebrated. General Order,\ Headquarters Third Regiment, No. 1. / Excelsior Brigade. Camp Scott, June 3rd, 1861. The following orders are issued for the regulation of the regiment. There being eight companies now attached to this regi- ment, they will be designated by the following letters : A, Capt. Grecheneck, E, Capt. Barrett, B, Capt. Brown. F, Capt. Leonard, C, Capt. Creamer, G, Capt. Barrow, D, Capt. Stevens, H, Capt. Willis. ORGANIZATION. 9 The following are the various duties of the day: 5:00 a. m., Reveille Roll Call. 5:30 a. m., Morning drill for one hour. 7:00 a. m., Breakfast. 8:00 a. m., Surgeons' Call. 8:30 a. m., Guard Mounting. 8:30 a. m., Drill till 10. 10:00 a. m., Officers drill for one hour. 1:00 p. m., Dinner. 2:30 p. m., Non.-Cora. Officers drill for one hour. 4:00 p. ra., Afternoon drill for one hour and a half. 6:00 p. m., Evening Parade. 6:30 p. m., Supper. Sunset Retreat. 9:00 p. m., Tattoo. By order, Nelson Taylor, Col., S. M. Doyle, ^ Com'dg Third Regt. Adjutant. Companies C, G and H, mentioned in the foregoing order, did not retain their organization, at least not with the Third Regiment. The following was the permanent company organiza- tion of the regiment : COMPANY A. (A German Company.) Organized in New York City. May, 1861. Mustered into the United States service June 21, 1861 . Captain George Grecheneck. First Lieutenant, Charles Grossinger. Second Lieutenant, Edward B. Harnett. 10 ORGANIZATION. COMPANY B. Organized in Jamestown, N. Y. May, 1861. Mustered into the United States service June 21, 1861. Captain James M. Brown, First Lieutenant, Darwin Willard. Second Lieutenant, Alfred S. Mason. COMPANY C. Organized in New York City. July. 1861. Mustered into the United States service July 21, 1861. Captain Isaac L. Chad wick. First Lieutenant, Horatio B. Pennock. Second Lieutenant, Wakeman Holberton. COMPANY D. Organized in Dunkirk, N. Y. May, 1861. Mustered into the United States service June 20, 1861. Captain William 0. Stevens. First Lieutenant, Caspar K. Abell. Second Lieutenant, Hugh C. Hinman. COMPANY E Organized in Dunkirk, N. Y. May, 1861. Mustered into the United States service June 20, 1861. Captain Patrick Barrett. First Lieutenant, William J. O'Neal. Second Lieutenant, William Toomey. ORGANIZATION. 11 COMPANY F. Organized in Newark, New Jersey. May, 1861. Mustered into the Unit^'d States service June 21, 1861. Captain John Leonard. First Lieutenant, Henry J. jSTcConnell. Second Lieutenant, John W. Holmes. COMPANY G. Organized in Westfield, N. Y. July, 1861. Mustered into the United States service July 24th, 1861. Captain Harmon J. Bliss. First Lieutenant, Collins W. Bliss. Second Lieutenant, James A. Smith. COMPANY H. Organized in Dunkirk, N. Y. October, 1861. Mustered into the United States service November 1, 1861. Captain Stephen M. Doyle. First Lieutenant, I^eopold Marcus. Second Lieutenant, Daniel Loeb. COMPANY I. Organized in Delhi, N. Y. May, 1861. Mustered into the United States service June 21, 1861. Captain Robert T. Johnson. First Lieutenant, John P. Sandford. Second Lieutenant, Hugh J. Winters. 12 ORGANIZATION. COMPANY K. Organized in New York City. June, 1 861. Mustered into the United States service June 21, 1861. Captain John S. Austin. First Lieutenant, William P. Hall, Jr. Second Lieutenant, Michael McDonald. General Order,\ Headquaeters Third Regiment, No. 5. / Excelsior Brigade. Camp Scott, S. I., June 25th, 1861. Capt. Wm. O. Stevens Co, D, is hereby appointed acting Major of Third Regiment, First Lieut. C. K. Abell is promot- ed to be Captain, 2nd Lieut. H. C. Hinman to be First Lieut., 1st Sergeant John Howard to be Second Lieut., subject to the approval of the Governor of the State of New York. By order of CoL. Nelson Taylor, S. M. Doyle, Commd'g Regt. Adjutant. Fourth of July was duly observed. The brigade was formed and listened to the reading of the Declaration of In- dependence, then passed in review before General Sickles, who later made a patriotic address which created much en- thusiasm. The brigade remained on Staten Island nearly two months, drilling and preparing for the sterner duties of war, when the first battle of Bull Run was fought and lost. It was then that the Excelsior Brigade, which was fully or- ganized and equipped, and comparatively well drilled, was called to Washington. ORGANIZATION. 13 THE BAND. Early in July, 1861, Colonel Taylor was authorized to organize a regimental band for the Third Regiment, and issued the following order : General Order, \ Headquarters Third Regiment, No. 75. j Excelsior Brigade. Camp Scott, Staten Island, July 9tb, 1861. Lieut. A. S. Mason of Co. B., Third Regiment, is detailed on regimental recruiting service, and will proceed to James- town, Dunkirk, Fredonia and Westfield, in Chautauqua county and is authorized to recruit one or more complete companies, or recruits to fill up companies already mustered in, to the maximum. He is further directed to make arrangements for the en- listment of a band of musicians, to the number of twenty- four, and a chief musician, to be attached to this regiment. Transportation will be paid by the government. By order of Nelson Taylor, S. M. Doyle, Col. Commd'g Regt. Adjutant. July 17th eight members of the Jamestown Cornet Band started for Camp Scott and a few days later a number of musicians from Dunkirk and Fredonia joined them on Staten Island. A complete organization of the band was formed in Aug- ust, 1861, as follows: A. G. Peters, Leader, 1st B Flat Soprano W. B. Norris, Director, 1st E '* F. P. Boynton, 2nd " " A. H. Tew, 3rd " " J. S. Lathrop, 4th " " 14 ORGANIZATION. H. K. Willard, D. C. Smith, C. H. Warren, James W. Wheeler, A. N. Ayres, R. H. Dickenson, J. H. Blackney, M. F. Curtis, T. H. B. Chase, Ed. M. Barclay, C. Curtis, H. G. Bailey, L. L. Akin, A. M. Comstock, William Sandford, W. H. Gibson, D. C. Dinnin, M. F. Tower, A. G. Peters, President. 2nd B Flat Soprano 3rd " " 1st E " Tenor 2nd " " 3rd '' " 4th " " 1st B " 2nd " " Baritone 1st B Flat Bass 2nd •' " 1st E Flat Tuba 2nd " " " Side Drum Side Drum Bass Drum Cymbals Asst. Bass Drum J. S. Lathrop, Secretary. The band performed service with the regiment till Aug- ust, 1862, when, in accordance with an Act of Congress, ap- proved July 17th, 1862, an order was issued by the War Department to muster out all regimental bands. In com- pliance with this order, the band of the Third Regiment was discharged at Harrison's Landing, Virginia, and returned home. CHAPTER II. Washington, D. C, July— October, 1861. General OrderA Headquarters Third Reg't. No. 8. ) Excelsior Brigade. Camp Scott, Staten Island, July 2Srd, 1861. The Reji-iment being under marching orders for the seat of war will make the necessary preliminary arrangements for the march. The personal baggage of officers and men will be reduced to the minimum. Every article will be marked with the name, company and number of the owner. Tents, poles, axes, hatchets, cooking utensils, &c., &c., &c., will be distinctly marked with letter of the com})anyan(l No. of the Regt., and the tents folded with the mark on the out- side. The commandants of companies will make requisition for hams and hard bread for two days. If rations are supplied on the transports then rations will be reserved until the arrival of the Regiment at the point of destination to avoid the suffering and delay which would otherwise in all probability occur. The baggage and tents will be prepared for transjjortation immediately after Reveille. Commandants of companies will see that their men are furnished with overcoats or woolen blankets, rubber blank- ets, tin cups, plate, knife, fork and spoon. The Regiment will hold itself in readiness to march at 2 p. m. {irecisely. By order, Nelson Taylor, S. M. Doyle, Coimn'dg. Adjutant. 16 WASHINGTON. MUSTER ROLL OF FIELD AND STAFF of the Third Regiment (Excelsior Brigade), New York State Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Nelson Taylor, called into the service of the United States by General Order No. 15, dated Washington, May 4th, 1861, from the 23d day of July, 1861, (date of muster) for the term of three years, or during the war unless sooner discharged. Colonel, Nelson Taylor Lieutenant Colonel, Israel Moses Major, William 0. Stevens Surgeon, Charles K. Irwin Chaplain, Levi W. Norton Adjutant, Stephen M. Doyle Quarter Master, Thomas W. G. Fry Ass't Surgeon, Nathaniel W. Leighton Q. M. Sergeant, John McN. Grant Com. Sergeant, Isaac A. Brooks Sergeant Major, Samuel Bailey Hospital Steward, Frederick M. Fincke New York, July 23d, 1861. General S. Cameron, Secretary of War. The First Regiment of the Excelsior Brigade, 1000 strong is now in motion to Washington by the New Jersey Central Route. The Second and Third Regiments will cer- tainly leave tomorrow by the Camden and Amboy Railroad, transportation by that route being, I am advised, provided for them. Dan'l E. Sickles. (0. W. R. Vol. 122 p. 344.) The regiment left Camp Scott on the evening of July 24th, proceeding by transport to South Amboy, New Jersey, where it took the cars for Washington. Camden, New WASHINGTON. 17 Jersey, was reached early on the morning of July 25th, the regiment crossed the Delaware River to Philadelphia, Penn'a., and marched to the "Cooper Shop," where a hne breakfast was provided by the citizens, which was greatly enjoyed and appreciated by the soldiers. After a good rest the regiment again boarded a train of cars and much en- joyed the pleasant ride to Baltimore, Maryland, marching through that city in the evening, and reached Washington early on the morning of July 26th, being one of the hrst three years regiments to reach that city after the first battle of Bull Run. The baggage was soon unloaded, and break- fast served, after which the regiment was formed and marched out about two miles northeast of the Capitol, where on a hill overlooking Washington and the surrounding coun- try. Camp Marsh was established. Headquarters Third Regiment, Excelsior Brigade. Breutwood, Cmnp MursJi, July 28th, 1861. Major : In accordance with Par. 1, Genl. Orders W. D., i have the honor to report that my regiment is principally from the State of New York, about one-half from the Western part, and the other from the city. They were trans})oi-ted from the place of muster, Staten Island, New York, by the Perth Andjoy route through Phil- adelphia and Baltimore, and arrived on Friday at 5 a. m., July 26th, and are now encamped about one mile north of the City oi Washington, the encani[)ment having been (tailed Camp Marsh. Seven companies are armed with the smooth bore per- cussion musket, 1842. (Altered.) Seven companies have a fair knowledge of company and battalion drill, but are deficient in the manual of arms. 18 WASHINGTON. Three companies having joined within a week are almost raw recruits. The drill has been "Hardee" with such modifications as required by the musket. No skirmish drill has yet been practiced. No target practice has yet been commenced. No bayonet exercise has been practiced. The regiment is nearly complete on what is absolutely necessary for the field. The Commissary, Quartermaster and Medical Departments will be sufficiently complete in three days for campaigning, except in wagons and ambu- lances, of which there are none. By order, CoL. Nelson Taylor, Major Theo. Talbot, Commd'g. Asst. Adj. Genl. U. S. A. Special Orders, \ Hd. Qrs. Army of the Potomac, No. 11. ] Washington, August otli, 1861. First. The First, Second and Third Regiments, Excel- sior Brigade, and the Seventy-ninth Regiment New York State Militia will constitute a provisional brigade to be commanded until further orders by the senior colonel on duty with it. The brigade will occupy a position to be des- ignated by First Lieut. 0. M. Poe, Corps of Topographical Engineers, and will move to the same with as little delay as practicable. By command of S. Willl4:ms, Major General McClellan Assistant Adjutant General. O. W. R. Vol. 107, p. 438. WASHINGTON. 19 Headquarters Excelsior Brigade, Washington, D. C. August 6th, 1861. Colonel: Announce to the rank and file of the Third Regiment un- der your command : 1st, That Congress yesterday directed the payment of all volunteers from the time of their acceptance by the Presi- dent, which guarantees to the officers and men of this com- mand their full i)ay from the loth of May last. The Pay- master General will pay off our men immediately upon re- ceiving from the Captains of Companies through the Adju- tant properly made out Muster Rolls for payment. 2nd, Congress also yesterday passed an Act increasing the pa^' (from this date) of all non-commissioned officers, musicians and privates four dollars a month. Congratulating the troops under my command upon this merited though tardy tribute of justice, I am, Yours Faithfully, D. E. Sickles, Col. First Regiment & Act. Brig. Genl. Commanding Excelsior Brigade. To Colonel Nelson Taylor, Commdg. Third Regiment, Excelsior Brigade, U. S. Vols. Headquarters Excelsior Brigade, August 8th, 1861. Colonel : The President having expressed a desire to see the sev- eral regiments of this Brigade now in Washington, you will dispense with the Evening Parade, and rejxjrt with the 20 WASHINGTON. Third Regiment at the Executive Mansion at seven o'clock p. ni. this day. D. E. Sickles, Col. First Regt. & Act. Brig. Genl. Col. N. Taylor, Third Regiment. It was continuous drill, target practice and dress parade until August 9th, when orders were received to break camp. The regiment crossed the eastern branch of the Potomac, Avhere on Good Hope Heights, Maryland, about four miles southeast of the Capitol, Camp Caldwell was established. Here, in addition to drill and the regular routine of camp life, picket and fatigue duty were added. Companies were sent out, one at a time, for a five days' tour of picket duty, and were stationed opposite Alexandria, Virginia, guarding roads leading to Washington. Details from the different regiments of the brigade were put at work under the charge of ]\Iajor William 0. Stevens, of the Third Regiment, building two forts on the heights op- posite the Navy Yard, and commanding the approaches to Washington on the east side of the Potomac. September 8th Company D, in command of Captain C. K. Abell, with companies from other regiments of the brigade, the detachment being under the command of Lieutenant Colonel H. L. Potter, of the Second Regiment, started on a scouting expedition through some of the lower counties of Maryland. Battalion drill, w^ith knapsacks, was practiced often, while at Camp Caldwell, the regiment marching about two miles to the hills across the valley where there was a large, open field with plenty of room for the various neces- sary movements. Daniel Edgak Sickles, Major General U. S. A., born New York, October 20, 1825. Educated at Univei'sity of New York. Learned printer's trade. Studied law; admit- ted to the Bar 1846t Practiced in New York. Member Leg- islature 1847. Corporation attorney New York, 1853. Resigned to become Secretary of Legation at London until 1855. State Senator 185G-1857. Member Congress 1857- 1861. Served, Colonel to Major General through Civil War. Sent on confidential mission to South America, 1805. Com- manded military department of the South 18(55. Of Caro- linas and of the 2nd Military District, 1866-1867. Colonel 42nd U. S. Infantry, 1866. Saw much severe service. Lost a leg at Gettysburg. Continued in active service until 1869. Placed on retii-ed list with full rank of Major General April 14, 1869. Awarded tlie ''Congressional Medal of Honor" for most conspicuous gallantry at Gettysburg July 2nd. 1868. President of the New York State Gettysburg and Chattanooga Monuments Commission. Appointed Minister to Holland, 1866. Declined. Appointed Minister to jNIexico 1869. Declined. U. S. Minister to Spain, 1869-1874. Mem- ber of Congress, 1892-1894. President New York State Board Civil Service Commissioners for several years. Slieriff of New York. Address, No. 28 Fifth Avenue. CHAPTER III. LoAVER Maryland— October, 1861-April, 1862. October IStb, the sick being left in camp, the regiment marclied as an escort, and to assist some engineer officers under Captain R. S. Williamson, to make measurements of the width of the Potomac and locate some batteries erected by the rebels on the Virginia side of the river near Budds Ferrv, Maryland, about forty miles below Washington. October 21st the rebels were firing at a passing vessel, when a large shell landed on Maryland soil without explod- ing, "^rhe shell was picked up and taken to camp, the cap extracted, and it v»'as supposed all the powder as well, the shell then being used as a plaything. The next da}' John W. Rouse, of Company E, put a live coal in the opening and pushed it in with his foot, when the shell exploded, injuring ten men, of whom Michael Daly and John W. Rouse, both of Company E, died of their injuries. Headquarters Third Regiment, Budds Ferry, October 22, 1861. General : I arrived here at 12 M. and encamped about one mile south of Mr. Posey's house. This morning before leaving camp a man came to me representing himself as Charles Ben- trick, ranking as master in the Navy, and commanding one of the small steamers in the Government service called E. H. Herbert. He stated that having an intimation of my LOWER MARYLAND. 23 detachment being in that vicinity, Commodore Craven liad sent him on shore to inquire Ihe strength of the force. He also stated that the commodore desired me to arrest Messrs. Posev, ^lason and Rnnyea, but for no other reason that I could nnderstand, than that they were snspected of enter- taining- secession sentiments. This, of course, I disregarded. I should very much like to have the inquiry made at the Navy Department to know if Charles Bentrick has the i)osi- tion he represents himself to hold. Captain Williamson com- menced work on the shore this afternoon immediately in front of the battery at Shipping Point. During the after- noon five or six shots were fired at passing atsscIs, but with- out effect. The batteries appeared to be confined to a space of about one mile on the river, fronting Budds Ferry, and ranging up and down the river. The batteries are situated between Chopawamsic and Quantico Creeks. The battery at Freestone Point has been discontinued since the opening of the lower ones. I cannot learn that there has ever been a battery at Cockpit Point. A ball was thrown to the rear of Mr. Posey's house, which was supposed to have been thrown from a battery of a single gun planted at an elevation of 150 feet. The place where the gun is supposed to be is (piite vis- ible with a glass, but not the gun or at least not plainly. With a good glass six guns in the upper and five in the lower battery can be counted. It is (piite certain that there are more guns in ])()sition, as one of those fired yesterday was out of vsight. Its location was made known by the smoke. Heavy firing was heard from below lastevening, which from the direction, was supposed to have taken places at Mathias Point. Field batteries have been seen on the opposite shore, but are out of sight now. The supports of the batteries ap- peared to be at least a mile in the rear. Judging from the great quantity of snK)ke constantly rising above the timber, 24 LOWER MARYLAND. which it is supposed comes from camp fires, their force must be very considerable. Very Eespectfully, Nelson Taylor, Colonel Commanding Detatchment. Brig. Gen. Sickles, Commanding. 0. W. R. Vol. V, P. 372. October 23rd Captain Williamson and a detail of men were at work at Bndds Ferry, the rebels shelling them sev- eral times. About 4 p. m. a body of rebels embarked on a steamer and started for the Maryland shore, running into a bayou above Budds Ferry, evidently with the intention of capturing the working party. The regiment was drawn up in line of battle on a bluff on the Posey Farm with Company E deployed as skirmishers toward the river. The skirmish- ers exchanged quite a number of shots with the rebels on the steamer when they returned to Virguda without landing. The other regiments of the brigade joined the Third Regi- ment at once. There being a strong force of rebels with sev- eral well protected batteries opposite Budds Ferry, the other brigades of the division joined the Excelsior Brigade and went into winter quarters near Budds Ferry and Liverpool Point, Maryland. The camp of the Third Regiment was known as "Camp Wool." Log houses containing good fireplaces, and cover- ed with tents, were erected and everything made as comfort- able as possible for the winter which was spent in drill, picket, and the usual routine of camp life. Captain R. T. Johnson, with 50 men of Company I, crossed the rivei* to Virginia during the night of March 19th, and returned without mishap. Captain Darwin Willard, with 100 men of companies LOWER MARYLAND. 25 A, and B, embarked on the gunboat Satellite on the night of March 20th, landed and drove in the rebel pickets at Boyd's Hole, Virginia, returning without loss. About April 1st orders were received to prepare for a march. The sick were sent to Washington and prepara- tions made to break camp. During the night of April 2n(l Lieutenant Colonel Moses with a detachment of 250 men of the Third Kegiment, with similar detachments from the other regiments of the bri- gade, the whole being under command of Lieutenant Colonel C. H. Burtis, of the Fifth Regiment, crossed the Potonmc and advanced to Stafford Court House, Virginia, returning to camp after a hard march on April 5th, on which date orders were received to leave Camp Wool. CHAPTER IV. YORKTOWN AND WiLLIAMSBURG — ApRIL--MaY, 1862. The regiment reached Liverpool Point about 5 P. M., April 5th, and embarked on the steamer Elm City for the peninsula. The fleet of transports on which the division had embarked remained near Liverpool Point till 4 P. M., April 9th, when it started down the Potomac, and after proceeding about twenty miles, came to anchor near Port Tobacco, Maryland, in a severe snow-storm; ran down to Point Lookout, Maryland, on the morning of April 10th, and that night to Fort Monroe, Virginia, arriving there about 7 A. M., April 11th. The Elm City came to anchor alongside the celebrated little Monitor that did such won- derful service during her engagement with the rebel gunboat Merrimac a month earlier. While lying there waiting for orders, the Merrimac came out from Norfolk the second time, and after considerable manoeuvei'ing evidently with the ob- ject of drawing the Monitor from her position, but without success, returned to Norfolk. Those on board the Elm City had the pleasure of seeing how rapidly a man of war can prepare for action. In the afterooon the Elm City ran up to Ship Point, Virginia, where the regiment disembarked about 9 a. m. April 12th, after remaining onboard the steamer one week. April 13th the division marched up near Yorktown, re- maining there doing picket duty and working on the fortifi- cations till Sunday, May 4th, when the rebels evacuated that WILMAMSBURG. 27 place, retiring toward liichinond, with the Army of the Po- tomac in pursuit. The Third Corps left Yorktown about 1 ]). ni., advancing slowly until 11 p. m., when it stopped in the woods by the side of the road, a very heavy rain falling at the time, till about 5 a. m., Monday, May 5th, when an advance was or- dered. The Third Regiment became engaged with the rebels in front of P'ort Magruder near Williamsburg about 11a. m., and fought nearly continuously till dark. Headqtauters Seventy-Second Regi.ment, N. Y. Volunteers. Camp before Williamsburg, F/?., May 11th, 1S()2. Colonel : On the morning of the r)th instant I was ordered to re- lieve the First and Eleventh Massachusetts and Twenty- sixth Pennsylvania Regiments, avIio occupied the felled woods on the left hand side of the road, just in front of the (3pen fields in front of the enem^^'s w(u-ks near Williamsburg. The regiment was deployed in line, the first platoons being- thrown out as pickets and skirmishers along the margin, with instructions (received from General Grover) to repress any advance, to destroy the horses and gunners of a section of a rebel battery on the left, and to j)rotect a section of our own on the right, and in case of an opportunity presenting to take the section referred to; smart firing was kept up by artillery and small arms for about an houT* and a half, when heavy volleys of musketry were heard at the ])oint held by the left of the regiment. General Gi-over soon after coming \\\), informed me that it was the New Jersey Brigade advancing on the enemy at that point. Very soon this firing became more constant and incessant, and was evidently from large bodies of troo])S 28 WILLIAMSBURG. advancing toward my position, and at the same time my pickets began to retire a little, and reported that the enemy were advancing in strength. 1 had sent Lieutenant Fry back to report to you and request that a regiment might be sent to my support, and at this time the Seventieth Regi- ment, Colonel Dwight, arrived. Four companies with my own reserve, were immediately sent forward to the threat- ened point, the other six companies remaining as a reserve in the center. The enemy continued to advance and drove in my pickets, who retired fighting without confusion, the enemy following and pouring in deadly volleys. I sought still further re-enforcements, which you brought up in per- son. My regiment at this time having entirely exhausted their ammunition, after four hours fighting, withdrew into the road, after having lost severely in killed and wounded. Herewith accompanying is a list of the names of killed, wounded and missing up to 12 o'clock this date. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. MosES, Lieutenant Colonel Commanding. Nelson Taylor : Colonel Commanding, Second Brigade, Hooker's Division. 0. W. R. Vol. XI, Part 1, P. 484. LOSS IN THIRD REGIMENT. Killed 61 Mortally Wounded 23 Wounded 67 Missing 44 Total 195 WILLIAMSBURC. 29 LOSS IN hooker's DIVISION. Ist Brigade 293 2nd Brii2:ade, "Excelsior" (4 regiments) 772 3rd Brigade 539 Artillery 28 1G32 Loss in Kearny's Division 414 Total Loss, Third Army Cor])s, "Heintzelman's" 2046 The foregoing statement of losses which is official, shows that the Excelsior Brigade, of which the 72nd New York Volunteers w^as a part, bore the brunt of the fighting, and suffered much the heaviest k^ss of any brigade in the Third Army Corps. Headquarters Second Brigade, Hooker's Division, Camp before Willhiwsburg, Va., May 8th, 1862. Captain: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this brigade in the action of the 5th instant. The brigade arrived on the ground about 9 A. M., having been much hindered in its march from its last camp about three miles back, by a drenching rain, muddy road, and the frequent passing of cavalry and artillery. Receiving an order from the Brigadier General command- ing the division, I sent the Seventy-Second Regiment com- manded by Lieutemint Colonel Moses, to relieve the First Massachusetts. In about two hours the Seventieth Regi- ment, commanded by Colonel Dwight, was ordered to sup- port the Seventy-second. About 1 P. M,, under the orders of the General commanding the division, I took the Seventy- third and Seventy-fourth, respectively commanded by (Jol- 30 WILLIAMSBURG. onel Brewster and Acting Colonel Burtis, to re-enforce our left, which was being hard pressed. Having conducted the regiments on the ground indicated, an order came to march the regiments back on the road and take a position parallel to it and on the right side of the Seventieth and Seventy-sec- ond, which was immediately executed, and the regiments formed in line and advanced across the road, when they im- mediately engaged the enemy, who were now exposed to a vsevere cross-fire from the Seventieth and Seventy-second on the left and the Seventy-third and Seventy-fourth on the right. The enemy now began to fall back slowly, but des- perately contending for every foot of ground forced from. At this time a sharp, enfilading fire of shot and shell was opened on our right from a field fortification opposite. The ammunition of the troops on our left was by this time entirely expended, and they began gradually to fall back behind our batteries in the main road, and for the same cause the others on the right did the same. A few well-di- rected shots from our batteries kept the enemy in check, while the regiments were reforming and receiving fresh sup- plies of ammunition, which had just arrived on the ground. This was about 4 p. m., at which time re-enforcements ar- rived and took up the position occupied by our troops. The Seventy-second and Seventy-third Regiments were marched subsequently to the rear of the troops engaged on the left as a support, and the Seventy-fourth kept in line at the rear to answer any call that might be made u]jon it. No other dis- position was made of the troops during the last part of the day, except that the Seventy-third was marched across the road to support a battery. At dark the regiments of the brigade were assembled in the timber on the east side of the road, where they passed the night, having been relieved by the arrival of fresh troops. WILLIAMSBURG. 31 The bravery and conduct of the officers and men that fell under my observation were unexceptionable. They all did their whole duty as soldiers, and I trust to the entire satisfaction of the brigadier-general commanding the divi- sion, under whose immediate supervision and by whose direction the action was conducted. For details of the parts taken by the different regiments, I respectfully refer to the accompanying copies of reports of the regimental com- manders, and for the numbers killed, wounded and missing to the lists already ff)r warded to the headquarters of the division. In conclusion, 1 take occasion to express my satisfac- tion with the able manner in which I was assisted by my two aides. Lieutenants 0. H. Hart and H. E. Tremain, the latter during the whole day, and the former until about 4- P. M., when he was injured by the falling of his horse, and obliged to leave the field. I have the honor to be. Captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Nelson Taylor, Colonel. Commnnding Second Brigade. Cai'T. Joseph Dicklnson, Assistant Adjutant General, Hooker^ s Division. 0. W. R. Vol. X[ Pt. 1, P. 480. FROM [£i:rORT of (lENERAL HOOKER. Headquarters Hooker's Division, Third Army Corps, Williamsburg, Va., May JOtli, 1862. Captain: I have the honor to report that under the instructions received through the head(]uaT'ters Third Army Corps dated May 4th, to support Stonenian and aid him in cutting off the 32 WILLIAMSBURG. retreat of the enemy, my division marched from its camp be- fore Yorktown about noon that day. We marched toward Williamsburg. After advancing five or six miles on this road, I learned that Brigadier General Stoneman had fallen upon the rear of the enemy's retreating column, and was then awaiting the arrival of an infantry force to attack him. This was five or six miles in advance of me, and im- mediately I left my command and galloped to the front in order to see what disposition it would be necessary to make of my force on its arrival. While here I was informed that Brigadier-General Smith's division had filed into the road in advance of my command, and that in consequence my division would be compelled to halt until after Smith's had passed. I immediately returned to the head of my column, where I found my division halted, and, as Smith's was extended, it was between three and four hours in passing. As sood as this was ascertained, and feeling that Stoneman would require no additional support, I applied to Brigadier- General Heintzelman, the senior officer charged with the advance on the Yorktown road, for authority to throw my command on to the Hampton road, which intercepted that on which Brigadier-General Stoneman had halted at the identical point his enemy occupied. The angle formed by the two roads is a little less than a right angle. Obtaining this permission, the head of my division left the Brick Church about dark, and pressed forward, in order if practicable, to come up with the enemy before morning. This however, I soon found would be impossible, for the roads were fright- ful, the night intensely dark and rainy, and many of my men were exhausted from loss of sleep and labor the night before in the trenches. The troops were halted in the middle of the road between 10 and 11 o'clock P. M., resolved to stop until daylight WILLIAMSTIURG. 33 when we started a<;ain, and came in sight of the enemy's works before Willianisbui'g about 5:30 o'clock in the morn- ing-. Before emerging from the forest the column was halted, while I rode to the front to find what could be learned of the position of the enemy. The first work that presented itself was Fort Magruder, and this was standing at the junction of the Yorktown and Hampton roads, and on each side of it was a cordon of redoubts, extending as far as could be seen. Subsequently I found their number to be thirteen, and extending entirely across the Peninsula, the right and left of them resting on the waters of the York and James Rivers. Approaching them from the south, they are concealed by heavy forest, until the observer is within less than a mile of their locality. Where the forest trees had been standing nearer than this distance, the trees had been felled, in order that the occupants of the redoubts might have timely notice of the appi-oach of an enemy, and early strike him with artillery. The trees had been felled in this manner on both sides of the road on which we had ad- vanced for a breadth of almost half a mile; and the same was the case on the Yorktown road. Between the edge of the felled timber and the fort was a belt of clear, arable land, six hundred or seven hundred yards in width. This was dotted all over with rifle pits. In connection with the re- doubts themselves, I may be permitted to state that I found them near the eastern and southern verge of a slightly elevat- ed plain, the slopes of which wei-e furrowed with winding ra- vines, with an almost boundless, gently undulating plain reaching across the Peninsula, and extending to the north and west as far as the eye could reach. The landscape is y)icturesque, and not a little heightened by the large trees and venerable spires of Williamsburg, two miles distant. 34 WILLIAMSBURG. Fort Magruder appears to be the largest of these redoubts, its crest measuring nearly/ half a mile, with substantial par- apets, ditches, magazines, etc. This was located to com- mand the Yorktown and Hampton Koads, and the redoubts in its vicinity to command the ravines which the guns of Fort Magruder could not sweep. Being in pursuit of a retreating army, I deemed it my duty to lose no time in making the disposition of my forces to attack, regardless of their number and position, except to accomplish the result with the least possible sacrifice of life- By so doing my division, if it did not capture the army before me would at least hold them, in order thax some others might. Besides, I knew of the presence of more than 30,000 troops not two miles distant from me, and that within twelve miles, — four hours march, — was the bulk of the army of the Potomac. My own position was tenable for double that length of time against three times my number.'" * * * * "It was now after one o'clock, and the battle had swoll- en into one of gigantic proportions. The left had been reinforced with the Seventy-third and Seventy-fourth New York Regiments — the only remaining ones of ni}^ reserve under Colonel Taylor, and all were engaged; yet its fortunes would ebb and flow, despite the most determined courage and valor of my devoted officers and men. Three times the enemy approached within eighty yards of the road, which was the center of my operations, and as often were they thrown back with violence and slaughter. Every time his advance was made with fresh troops, and each succeeding one seemed to be in greater force and determination. At this juncture word was received from Colonel Taylor that the regiments of his command longest engaged were falling WILLIAMSBURG. 35 short of ammunition, and when lie was informed that the supply train was not yet up, a ])ortion of his command pre- sented an obstinate front to the advance of the enemy, with no cartridges other than those gathered from the boxes of the fallen." * "Between four and five o'clock Brigadier General Kearny, with all his characteristic gallantry, arrived on the ground at the head of his division, and after having secured their positions, my division was withdrawn from the con- test and held as a reserve until dark, when the battle ended, after a prolonged and severe conflict against three times my number, directed by the most ac(;omplished general of the rebel army. Major General J. E. Johnston, assisted by Gen- erals Longstreet, Pryor, Gholson and Pickett, with com- mands selected from the best troops in their army. The lists of the killed and wounded attest the charactei- of the contest. The killed of the enemy must have been dou- ble my own. Of the wounded, we cannot estimate. Eight hundred were left in hospitals in Williamsburg, and others were distributed among the private houses of the city, while all the available tenements in the vicinity of the field of bat- tle are filled with them. Three hundred prisoners were taken. As soon as darkness concealed their movements, the rebels retreated in a state of utter demoralization, leaving behintl artillery, wagons, etc." * * * * "History will not be believed when it is told that the noble officers and men of my division were ])ermitted to carry on this unequal struggle from morning until night unaided in the ])resence of more than 80,000 of their com- rades with arms in their hands. Nevertheless, it is true. If we failed to capture the rebel army on the plains of Wil- 36 WILLIAMSBURG. liamsburg, it surely will not be ascribed to the want of eon- duct and courage in my command," * * * * Joseph Hooker, Brigadier General, Commanding Division. Capt. Chauncey McKeever, Assistant Adjutant General, Third Army Corps. 0. W. R. Vol. XI, Part 1, P. 464. from report of general heintzelman. Headquarters Third Corps, Williamsburg, Va., May 7th, 1862. General : "I cannot find words to do justice to the gallantrj^ of General Hooker's division. The smoke and rain were driven by the wind into the faces of our men. Even the elements were combined against us. Notwithstanding the disheart- ening circumstances that our troops knew we had three divisions idle on their right, within hearing of their mus- ketry, they held their ground as long as they had any am- munition, with a fearful loss of life, against great odds, in a fortified position until General Kearny's division made a forced march of nine miles through rain and mud, over a road obstructed by troops going to the right, where they were not wanted. I cannot find words to express my ad- miration of their gallantry," * * * * S. P, Heintzelman, Brigadier General. General George B, McClellan, Commanding Army of the Potomac, Williamsburg, Va. 0. W, R. Vol, XI, Part 1, P. 459. WILLIAMSr.URO. 37 Camp Nineteen Miles from Williamshm^g, May nth, 1SG2. Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : Without waiting further for official reports which have not yet reached me, I wish tobeartestiuKJuy to tlie splendid conduct of Hooker's and Kearn3''s divisions under General Heintzelraan, in the battle of Williamsburg. Their bearing was worthy of veterans. Hooker's division for hours gal- lantly withstood the attack of greatly superior numbers, with heavy loss, Kearny's arrived in time to restore the for- tune of the day, and came most gallantly into action. I shall probably h.ave occasion to call attention to other commands, and do not wish to do injury to them by men- tioning them now. Had I the full information I now have in regard to the troops above named when I first telegraph- ed, they would have been specially mentioned and com- mended. I spoke only of what I knew at the time, and I shall rejoice to do full justice to all engaged. Geo. B. ^hCLELLAN, Major General. 0. W. R. Vol. Xr. Part 3. p. 164. Nelson Taylor, Brigadier General U. S. Vols., was born in South Norwalk, Conn., June 8, 1821, his parents re- moving shortly thereafter to New York City. He received a common school education. At the beginning of the war with Mexico he joined the arm}^ August 1st, 1846, as Captain of Company E of the 1st New York Volunteers (better known as Stevenson's Regiment) served through the war, and at its close settled in Stockton, San Joaquin County, Califor- nia, served as Sheriff of San Joaquin County, and as a mem- ber of the State Senate. Returning to New York City, he studied law, taking his degree at the New York University, and subsequently at the Harvard Law School in 1860. At the beginning of the Civil war he entered the volunteer ser- vice as Colonel of the 72nd New York Infantry. He com- manded this regiment, which formed a, part of General Sickles' brigade during the Chickahominy campaign. He had command of the brigade at Williamsburg, and in Gen- eral John Pope's Virginia campaign, and was appointed Brigadier General of Volunteers in recognition of his ser- vices, on September 7, 1862. He resigned on January 19, 1863 on account of physicial disability, resumed practice of law in New York City, and was elected as a Democrat to Congress, serving from December 4, 1865, till March 3, 1867. In 1869 he removed to South Norwalk, Conn., where he continued the practice of his profession. While declining public office, he actively promoted the establishment of a city water system, a free library, a building and loan asso- ciation, the last undertaking to claim his energies being the launching of one of the earliest, if not the first municipally- owned electric light plant in the country. General Taylor died of pneumonia at South Norwalk on January 16th, 1894, at the age of seventy-two. CHAPTP]R V. Fair Oaks, JrxE, 1802. Remained near Williamsburg- nntil May 10th, when the Third Army (^orps started np the Peninsula, advancing slowly until May 25th, when Hooker's division went into camp in White Oak Swam]), fourteen miles trom Richmond, guarding roads leading to the left. SpechiJ Or{Jt^rs,\ Headquarters Army of the Potomac. No. loO. j Cnnip near Cold Hurbor, MnT 24, 1862, IV. Brig. Gen. D. E. Sickles having reported to the com- manding general, in pursuance of instructions from the War Department, will re])ort to Brig. Gen. .lose])h Hooker, for the conmiand of the Second Brigade of his division, — Third Corps. * * * *■ By command of Major General McCleelax. S. Williams, Assistant Adjutant General. 0. W. R. Vol. XT, Part HI, P. 190. May 31st, at fonr P. M., marching orders were received. Marched seven miles to the front near Seven Pines, where Casey's division had been surprised and severely handled by the rebels. The front was reached at seven P. M., the bri- gade going into line of battle at once, and lay on their arms, a. very heavy rain falling all night. Sunday, June 1st, at seven A. M., the Third Regiment advanced in line of battle about one mile, the Second and Foui-th i-egim(Mits making a gallant charge on the right. General Philip Kearny, who rode across the front of the 40 FAIR OAKS. Third regiment during this advance, complimented it very highly for its steadiness, saying he had never seen a better line on dress parade. General Sickles, in his official report, says : "On the left Colonel Taylor moved steadily forward in line, as if on parade, to the edge of the timber in front, where he was directed to halt." Again, "The dashing charge of the Second and Fourth Regiments, the cool and steady advance of the Third, occurred under my immediate observation, and could not have been surpassed. The bold and vigorous movement of the Fifth and First to the right was in the main concealed from my view by the heav^^ tim- ber through which they passed, "^riie best evidence that these regiments sustained their reputation is found in the fact that they drove the enemy from his position by their sustained fire and with the unfailing bayonet." During the day an omnibus marked, "Columbus Hotel, Richmond, Va." with four horses, was captured. It was being used by the rebels to carry wounded to Richmond. The omnibus was driven to brigade headquarters, and turned over to General Sickles for his personal quarters. General Sickles sent the omnibus to General Heintzelman, with a suggestion that when he entered Richmond he pat- ronize the Columbus Hotel. General Heintzelman said, "It would seem as though those d d fellows of Sickles had got into Richmond, and were keeping hotel; if they have, they must have wings and have flown in, as they could not get there in any other way." Monday morning, .June 2nd, an advance was made, the rebels falling back into their main lines about Richmond. The brigade was on continuous duty from May 31st until the evening of June 4th, when it was relieved by the First Brigade. During this time the regiment performed the FAIR OAKS. 41 hardest, and in some respects the most disagreeable service it was ever called u])()n to do. The loss by death on both sides was very heavy on May 81st, and the rebels were driven from the field so soon that the}' had not time to care for nearly all their own dead, and of course did not try to care for the Union dead. It Avas very wet May 31st and June 1st, then very hot, and more rain, the result being- that the bodies decomposed ra[)idly, many when found, being in such condition that all that could be done was to cover them with earth, and all had to be cared for l\y the brigade in addition to skirmishing, doing ])icket duty and guarding roads in the rear; and when finally relieved, so that the regiment could go into camp, the most available ground for camp j)urpo.s'es was literally covered with mag- gots, and for several days the only water that could be had was surface water. Five men were wounded June 1st. Headquarters Lep^t of Line, June 2nd, 1862, 11:45 A. M. General Mar( y, ChiefofStaff: General Hooker reports that he is two miles in advance of Casey's camp, and about four miles from Richmond, with seven regiments of infantry and one regiment of cavalry (Gregg's Eighth Pennsj'lvania); the rebel pickets fell back as he advanced. He has seen no large body of the enemy. The roads ai-e impassable for the artillery. What orders shall I give General Hooker for to-night? He is advancing with great caution. S. P. Heintzelman, Brigadwr General. 0. W. R. Vol. 107, ]\ 654. 42 FAIR OAKS. In the Field, seven miles from Richmond, Fa., June 3rd, 1862. Colonel: In obedience to instructions from you, T start- ed from camp at 9:30 o'clock last ev^ening to do picket dut}^ in front of the lines of this corps, having- under my command the following companies of your regiment, viz: Company D, Lieutenant Howard commanding, 32 men; Company E, Cap- tain Toomey, 50 men; Company F, Captain Leonard, 48 men; Company G, Captain Bliss, 48 men; Company H, Cap- tain Doyle, 40 men; Company I, Lieutenant Fogerty com- manding, 42 men; in all, 260 men I found the redoubt and rifle pits which were formerly occupied by General Casey's division unoccupied. The following disposition of the force under my command was made for the night: Captain Bliss occupied the rifle pit to the riglit of the turnpike, with one half his company, and threw out the other half as outlying pickets upon his front and right flank, the left of these pickets resting upon the turn- pike. Company E, Captain Toomey occupied the rifle pit upon the left of the turnpike. Company D was all thrown out as outlying pickets, the right resting on the turnpike and the left reaching three hundred yards to the left of the turn- pike. One sergeant and tvro men were thrown forward up- on the turnpike one hundred and fifty yards in advance of the right of the pickets of this company. Company F, Cap- tain Leonard, and H, Captain Doyle, were posted in the re- doubt, each occupying a face looking to the front. Company I, Lieutenant Fogerty, was posted one half in the rifle pit on the i-ight side of the road, which runs in the rear of the re- doubt at right angles with the turnpike and in the direction of the James Eiver; the other half as outlying pickets, the left resting on this last road and the right stretching to a point near the woods in front of the redoubt; three men from FAIR OAKS. 43 this com] )aiiy were ])()ste(l oiie-ei,i»'litl] of a mile foi-ward upon this road. All the outlviiijj,' pickets were posted two hundred yards in advance of the su])])orts, were ])hiced in pairs, the men lying flat on the ground, with instructions not to fire unless a superior force a])proached, and in a menacing manner. During the night not a shot was fired by any of thecom- mand. The first part of the night a. bright light, as of a camp fire, \vas observed, apparently two or* three miles dis- tant, in the direction of Richmond. This light diminished much afterward. At two o'clock this morning the sound of a drum was heard for a few minutps. It came from the di- rection of the light, and was a])])ai'ently from one to two miles distant. Whether it was a long roll or a call I cannot state. In the course of the night three shots were fired, which seemed to come from the pickets of the enemy. They were in a direction a little south of west from us, and the nearest was at least three (quarters of a mile away. At the first break of dawn our outlying pickets fell back upon their supports in the rifle pits, and company I) was then posted in the rifle pit on the extreme left. At sunrise we discovered pickets from the Nineteenth Massachusetts Regiment half a mile in advance of our right wing, and coming up to the old log house on the right of the turnpike. At this time 1 re- ported to you that nearly all the force might, in my opinion, be withdrawn, and by your diiection I withdrew all but Company E, Captain Toomey, who was instructed to post two men in advance of the log house on the turnpike, six men on the road leading toward the James River and half a mile forward, and to hold the balance of his command in the re- doubt. At daylight a few shots were hred by the enemy's pickets in fi-ont, which were probably merely a discharge of their pieces. At eight o'clock Cf)m])any E was relieved by two companies of the Second Regiment of this brigade. 44 FAIR OAKS. During- the night the men were exposed to a drenching rain, but all discharged their duty with fidelity, while I am under particular obligations to the officers for their vigilance and promptness. The above are all the incidents which were observed of interest during the night. Verj respectfully submitted, William O. Stevens, Major Third Regt., Ex. Brig. Second (Hooker's) Division. CoL. Nelson Taylor, Commanding Third Regiment. 0. W. R. Vol. XI, Part 1, P. 832. HEADQUARTERS THIRD REGIMENT, EXCELSIOR BRIGADE, Camp near Fair Oaks Station, June 5th, 1862. Lieutenant : In accordance with orders, this regiment broke camp near Bottom's Bridge about 3:30 P. M., Saturday, May 31st, leaving behind the camp and garrison equipage and the knapsacks of the men. The regiment proceeded in light marching order toward the camps of Couch's and Casey's divisions, on the road leading toward Richmond, for the purpose of supporting these divisions, who were said to be engaged by the enemy. About eight o'clock P. M. I arrived at a cross road, said to be eight miles from Richmond, and receiving orders, bivouacked, lying upon our arms. On Sunday morning, June 1st, the line was formed at 7 A. M. I was ordered to march, taking the road toward Richmond. After proceeding about one hundred rods I received an order from General Heintzelman to form line and advance to a piece of woods to the left of the road, and hold that position, which was accordingly done. I deployed two FAIR OAKS. 45 companies to the front, to act as skirmishers, and remained in this position until seven o'clock on Monday morning*. About twelve M. of Sunday, the enemy opened upon us from a field battery, throwhig shell and shot into the woods to the front; also in the i-ear into the field, evidently trying to ascertain or drive us from our position. This firing was kept up at short intervals for about an hour, when it ceased entirely. About ten P. M. Sunday night the long roll Avas beat to our rear, and at the same time a noise was heard as if a body of troops were moving past our front toward our left. The line was preserved during the night, the men lying upon their arms, and with this exception nothing occured during the night. About daylight Monday, June 2, I received orders to hold my command in readiness to march. About seven A. M. I received orders to follow immediately in rear of a battery of Major Wainwright's artillery. In accordance w'ith these orders, I moved forward about eight A. M., and proceeded to the camjj lately occupied by Casey's division. In obedience to orders I placed my command in the tren- ches as a support to the battery, remaining here until three P. M., when, being ordered, I returned in rear of thebatter}'^, and bivouacked in the woods lately occupied as a camp by a part of Couch's division. At about eight P. M. 1 received an order to do picket duty with my command, to which w^as added two compan- ies of the Fifth New Jersey Regiment, Third Bi'igade, in front, and on the flanks of our position. In accordance with these orders, I directed Maj. William 0. Stevens to take six com- panies of my command, and proceed to the works lately oc- cupied by Casey's divisi(jn, and make such disposition of them as in his judgment seemed most judicious. Major 46 FAIR OAKS. Ramsey, of the Fifth New Jersey Regiment, having reported to me with one hundred of that regiment, I directed him to take charge of them with the four remaining companies of my command, and place a part as outposts on the road leading toward James River, also a few on our right flank, connecting with those thrown out by Major Stevens on his right, and the balance to be held in reserve at the rifle pits in front of the camp lately occupied by Couch's division, and close to the battery in front of our camp. The report of Major Stevens is herewith forwarded and made apart of this report. Major Ramsey made no other than a verbal report, "That nothing was heard during the night by his pickets." The night passed with no alarms. About seven A. M. Tuesday, .June 3rd, being relieved and ordered to go into camp about half a mile back, I withdrew all these pickets. About twenty minutes afterwards I was ordered with my command to the front, and placed to the right of the road leading to Richmond, and on the right of the Second Regiment of this brigade, also being to the right of the work in front of Casey's old camp. My command stood in line under arms until about four P. M., when I was ordered back to guard a road called the Mill Road, and run- ning to the left from the Richmond road, and just in rear of Couch's old camp. I sent one company out as advanced pickets about a mile to the front; I also sent another com- pau}^ on the same road about a quai'ter of a mile as a sup- port; also pickets on another road leading to the right from this road. Between eight and nine o'clock a shot was heard, immediately followed by a volley, which was soon ascer- tained to be a false alarm. With this exception all was quiet during the night, and nothing was seen indicating the presence of the enemy in this direction. The men lay upon their arms in a violent rain storm the night through. FAIR OAKS. 47 About six A. AL, Wednesday-, June 4tli, a cavah-y officer with ten men reported to nie to do picket duty on the Mill Road, and to reheve the pickets whicli I had thrown for- ward on that road. Under my directions he threw forward liis men on different roads, visiting several houses, making inquiries, etc. He rej)orted to me that at one house he found one Confederate ofhcer and three men lying wounded. I directed Surgeon Irwin to proceed to the house and attend to them. After returning, he reported that he had dressed their wounds; that none were mortally wounded, but were destitute of any conveniences. I directed him to report that fact to the brigade surgeon, that he might send an ambu- lance and remove them to a proper place. After being re- lieved by the cavalry ofhcer, I was ordered to take my command to the front as a support to the batteries at Casey's old camp, where I remained until about five P. M., when two companies of my command were sent under charge of Major Stevens to relieve two companies of the Sixth New Jersey Regiment, Third Brigade, as pickets. The balance of my command was relieved by the Eleventh Massachusetts Regiment, First Brigade, and re- turned to Couch's old camp, and went into camp for the first time since breaking up near Bottom's Bridge. I am, Sir, very res])ectfulh', your obedient servant. Nelson Tavlok, Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Lieut. H. E. Tremaix, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. Second Brigade, Hooker^ s Division. O. W. R. Vol. XI, Part 1, P. 880. The Third Brigade of Hooker's Division at this time was composed of the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Reg- iments New Jersey Volunteers, commanded by Colonel S. H. 48 FAIR OAKS. Starr, of the Fifth Eegiment. The following extract from his report, dated June 4th, 1862, gives "Officially" the ex- perience of the Excelsior Brigade, as well as that of the Fifth and Sixth New Jersey Regiments. "The Fifth and Sixth Regiments have been for four days and nights under arms in battle, reconnaisance, and in hold- ing the most advanced position on this flank of the army. They are still under arms, and see no prospects of an hour's rest for days to come. They have been exposed night and day to deluges of rain, and have suffered every species of privation incident to an army in an enemy's country; but among the greatest of their sufferings may be ranked the in- tolerable stench to which they have been and are exposed, arising from the unburied dead bodies of men and horses that were and are thickly scattered over the ground for hundreds of acres around. I have caused to be buried all my men's strength and time enabled them to bury, but I suffer many to be unburied not many hundred yards dis- tant." 0. W. R., Vol. XI, Part 1, P. 836. The Fifth and Sixth New Jersey Regiments went to the front with the Excelsior Brigade on May 31st, while the Seventh and Eighth Regiments were left near Bottom's Bridge, guarding roads leading to the left and rear. The following extract from the report of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Trawin, commanding the Eighth Regiment, dated June 5th, 1862, shows why the troops at the front were not relieved earlier. It was simply impossible to move troops across the Chickahominy River to relieve them until the bridges were rebuilt. "On Monday, owing to the heavy rains of recent date, or from some other cause, the Chickahominy became greatly swollen and the swampy ground in the vicinity overflown. FAIR OAKS. 49 The bridges were all carried away with the exception of the one over the railroad. On learning- this, forces were detailed from the Seventh and Eighth Regiments of sufficient strength to rebuild the bridges. These fatigue parties were kept at work with proper reliefs day and night, until this morning, when the work was finished. This work was considered of great importance, as without bridges the sup- plies for the army would have been materially disturbed, as well as a possible falling back be unprovided for. As it was, on Monday evening one bridge was so far repaired as to al- low the free passage of teams about six hours after their be- ing carried away. The command was relieved this morning by a brigade of Casey's division, a part of which came on the ground yesterday." 0. W. R. Vol XI, Part 1, P. 837. June 12th the Excelsior Brigade got into quite a skir- mish, during which five men of the Third Regiment were wounded. HEADQUARTERS THIRD REGIMENT, EXCELSIOR BRIGADE, Camp near Seven Pines, Va., June 19th, 1862. Captain: In res[)onse to circular dated Headquarters Army of the Potomac, June 18th, 1862, calling for report of the volun- teer officers who have proved themselves under my observa- tion worthy of special notice for rewards, I have the honor to submit the following: That the services and duties rendered and ])erformedby the officers of this regiment in this campaign have, without exception, "Proved themselves worthy of s{)ecial notice for rewards." It would be difficult to discriminate where all have done well. 50 FAIR OAKS. I therefore suggest that if rewards are bestowed, that they be distributed equally among the officers under my command. Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, N. Taylor, €apt. 0. H. Hart, Colonel. Asst. Adjt. Genl. CHAPTER VI. Oak Grove, Peach Orchard, Glenuale, White Oak Swamp, First and Second Malvern Hill. June, July, August, 3 862. It was picket dut}- and skirmishing- exevy otliei- day till June 25th, when an advance was ordered. The brig-ade was formed in line of battle, three regiments on the left of the Williamsburg- road, with two on the right. The Third Reg- iment was on the left of the brigade. With severe skirmish- ing the brigade advanced, driving the enemy through the woods, and across the open ground beyond, a distance of about one mile and a half, the line being established at the edge of the opening. After remaining here a short time orders were received to fall back to the position where the line was formed in the morning. In about two hours orders were received to again advance, tlic brigade (h-iving the enemy after a stubborn re- sistance, over the same ground as in the morning, and re- mained on the advanced line vmtil 7 P. M., when it was re- lieved by a brigade from Couch's division, and returned to camp. In this engagement, which is known as "The Orchards," or "Oak Grove," the regiment lost 2l\ men wounded, and 5 missing— total 28. At this time Richmond could have l)een taken with small loss. The enemy had been driven into their main line of works^ and the skirmishers learned by climbing trees overlooking these works that the rebels had a verv small force in theuL 52 OAK GROVE. General Sickles urged General Heintzelman, commanding the corps, to give his permission to make the attempt. The subject was referred to General McClellan, who would not permit it. That the Confederate leaders were very anxious and fearful at this time is shown by the following extract from the report of Major General J. Bankhead Magruder, com- manding the Confederate forces in front of the Third Corps : "From the time at which the enemy withdrew his forces to this side of the Chickahominy and destro^^ed the bridges, to the moment of his evacuation, that is, from Friday night until Sunday morning, I considered the situation of our army as extremely critical and perilous. The larger portion of it was on the opposite side of the Chickahominy, the bridges had all been destroyed, but one was rebuilt (the New Bridge) which was commanded fully by the enemy's guns from Golding's, and there were but 25,000 men be- tween his army of 100,000 and Kichmond, I received repeated instructions during Saturday night from General Lee's headquarters, enjoining upon ray com- mand the utmost vigilance, directing the men to sleep on their arms and be prepared for whatever might occur. These orders were promptly communicated by me to the dif- ferent commanders of my forces, and were also transmitted to General Huger, on my right. I passed the night without sleep and in superintendence of their execution. Had Mc- Clellan massed his whole force in column and advanced it against any point of our line of battle, as was done at Aus- terlitz under similar circumstances b}^ the greatest captain of any age, though the head of his column would have suf- fered greatly, its momentum would have insured him suc- cess, and the occupation of our works about Richmond, and consequently, of the city, might have been his reward. OAK GROVE. 53 His failure to do so is the best evidence that our wise commander fully understood the character of his opponent. Our relief was therefore great when intelligence reached us almost simultaneously from Colonel Chilton and one of my staff that the enemy whose presence had been ascertained as late as 3:30 A. M. had evacuated his works and was retreat- ing." 0. W. R. Vol. XI, Part IT, P. 662. June 27th the regiment was on picket with a good deal of skirmishing. On the 28th it was called to the front at 3 A. M., and again at 10 A. M. Orders were received at night to break camp and destroy everything that could not be carried. Early on the morning of the 29th the brigade occu- pied the front line. When the artillery had moved to the rear the pickets were drawn in and the division marched back to the position of June 1st. A part of the brigade had a severe skirmish at or near Allen's Farm, or Peach Orchard. Remained in this position till about 3 P. M. when the bri- gade fell back to near Savage Station, when orders were re- ceived to march to the left through White Oak Swamp, and w^ent into bivouac about 10 P. M. On June SOtli the battle of Glendale or W^illis Church was fought. General Sickles in his report says : "At this moment my Second regiment was ordered to report to General Sumner, and, learning that the First and Sixteenth Massachusetts, of this division were also sent to support our position on the right, I reluctantly relinquished the design of moving my left forward even without artillery. Each regiment, as it was successively ])Osted on my left Hank (Third Excelsior, Second New York and Eleventh Mas- sachusetts), by throwing forward skirmishers and flankers, captured numbers of prisoners — at least 150 in all — and among these the field and some of the line officers, together 54 WHITE OAK SWAMP. with the colors of Regiment. These pris- oners were sent to the rear in charge of Captain Chester, of my staff, with directions to report with them to the division or corps commander, and, in their absence, to turn them over to the nearest provost-marshal. My loss during the day was limited to a small number wounded, which is em- braced in the list of casualties heretofore reported. I regret exceedingly that Private Patrick Connor, Company E, Third Regiment, was seriously injured by falling from the tree in which he was rendering important service as a lookout. Corporal Bowen, Company D, Third Regiment, was exceed- ingly active and useful in discharging the same duties." 0. W. R. Vol. XI, Part II, P. 138. Remained in position on the field until daybreak, July 1st, when the pickets were withdrawn; the brigade joined the division and marched to Malvern Hill. The brigade lay on their arms till 2 P. M., when it was sent to support the First Brigade in front. About 5 P. M. the Excelsior Brigade was ordered to report to General Porter, commanding the Fifth corps, and was deployed to support batteries. About dark the Third Regiment was ordered to the front to relieve the Thirty-first Pennsylvania, which regiment had exhaust- ed their ammunition. Headquarters Third Regiment, Excelsior Brigade, Camp near Harrison's Landing, Va., July 4th, 1862. Captain: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the regiment under my command in the at- tack made by the enemy upon the corps of General Porter and division of General Couch on the 1st instant. At about half an hour before sunset notice was given me that the brigade was ordered to support General Porter. MALVERN HILL. 55 The Brigade, in going to support, marched left in front, my regiment being upon the left of the brigade. Upon ap- proaching the scene of action after some delay, which was occasioned by the difficulty of finding the precise point where a support was needed, General Porter appeared, and direct- ed the brigadier-general commanding the brigade to support with his command two batteries, which were then stationed to the right and rear of a large farm house. By direction of the brigadier-general commanding the brigade, my regiment was immediately formed in line to the left and rear of the left battery. In a few moments I was directed by General Porter to report to General Couch, who held the right of the position, and who, it is said, needed support. Soon several officers, representing themselves to be of General Couch's staff, appeared, and, in answer to my in- quiry where to place my regiment, commenced to give a va- I'iety of directions which were confused and confiicting. After some difficulty I found an aide of General Couch, who informed me that my regiment was to go to the front of a piece of woods behind which the artillery' was posted. I moved my regiment by the right flank up a narrow road on the left of this piece of woods, until I reached an open field on the right, skirted on three sides by woods, and in this field our forces were engaging the enemy. I was to form my regiment in line and to relieve the Thirty-first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, who were on the right of another regiment of Union troops — the Sixty-first New York, I think — and both engaging the enemy. Soon forming my regiment in line in rear of the Thirty- first Pennsylvania, they began to withdraw by the left fiank, and as soon as sufficient space was oj)ened by their withdrawal for a company to advance, I pushed forward my regiment by companies, commencing with my right 56 MALVERN HILL. company, and directed each company as it was unmasked, to commence firing by file. This was done and when the front of the whole regiment was unmasked, I advanced the line to the same ground as that occupied by the Thirty-first Pennsylvania. Having been previously directed by General Porter, in the presence of the brigadier-general commanding the bri- gade, not to advance beyond the position then held by the regiment, which I was to relieve, I maintained this same ground throughout the rest of the action. The enemy I found to be posted in my front in the edge of the woods, and also in the woods to my right and nearer to my line there than in front. I then threw back the two right companies, so as to form an oblique line, and directed them to silence the fire coming from the woods on the right, and directed the rest of the regiment to take care of the fire in front. When I reached this ground it was already dusk, and the enemy's position could only be ascertained from the flash of their pieces. I directed my men to watch the flashes and fire low. After we had been a short time engaged I found that the battery in rear of my right flank was firing canister, and aiming so low as to endanger the safet}^ of the companies on that flank. Two men were killed and one certainly wound- ed by this flre. To avoid it I threw the four right companies to the rear into column, and kept them there until the bat- tery ceased firing, when they were again deployed into line and engaged. The firing was kept up briskly on both sides for about three-quarters of an hour, when the fire of the enemy sensi- bly diminished, and only a few shots were fired by them. Believing they had concluded to withdraw, I ordered my men to cease firing, but to load. This they did, and set up a MALVERN HILL. 57 loud cheer. This seemed to provoke the enemy, who cheered in turn, and advanced out from the woods in force so near that they could be seen, and opened a destructive volley from the left and front. As they advanced I ordered the fir- ing to be renewed, and so rapidly and steadily was il kept up that the enemy withdrew in haste. As they withdrew I directed my men to aim a little higher so as to reach them as they retreated through the woods. Nothing more was heard of the enemy that night, except the slight noise of men collecting their dead and wounded. I should have stated that at the time my regiment took its place in line and commenced firing the other regiments of our troops ceased firing and rested in the field on their arms. By the time the enemy had been driven away my men had fired away in a little over an hour sixty rounds each; using the patent cartridge, they loaded and fired with great rapidity. During this action no man left the ranks. The dead lay where they fell, and the wounded were laid by the file-closers just in the rear of the line. The men kept perfectly closed up, and obeyed with alacrity every order. Of the conduct of all, officers and men, I can speak but in terms of commendation. It was most praiseworthy. When the firing was through I found that the First, Sec- ond and Fifth Regiments of this brigade were near by to support me, and my men having nearly exhausted their am- munition, I went to Major Holt, commanding tlie First Regiment, and obtained from him ten or fifteen rounds per man, which I distributed to my men. I was then directed by General Couch to withdraw my command back near the edge of the woods, leaving outlying pickets on the line I was occupying, which I did, and then 58 MALVERN HILL. we lay on our arms until withdrawn, at about two o'clock A. M."^ My list of casualties which accompanies this, is quite large, — 14 killed and 47 wounded, making the total loss 61 out of the whole number engaged — about 300. I have par- ticularly to regret the loss of Capt. Stephen M. Doyle, killed by a minie ball, who, upon this occasion, as before at Williamsburg, Fair Oaks and in the action of the 30th of June, was conspicuous for his gallantry. He was an accom- plished officer, an ornament to the regiment and to the ser- vice, and he fell as a true soldier falls. All of which is respectfully submitted. Nelson Taylor, Capt. 0. H. Hart, Colonel Commanding Regiment. Assistant Adjutant General. 0. W. K. Vol. XI, Part H, P. 145. General Sickles, in his report dated July 9th, 1862, says: "I have to regret the severe loss sustained by Colonel Taylor; Besides Capt. Stephen M. Doyle, an officer conspicuous for courage and zeal, who was killed early in the action; this regiment lost 14 killed and 47 wounded out of a force of about 300 engaged. Commendation is pre-eminently due to Colonel Taylor, Major Stevens and the officers and men of the Third Regi- ment for gallantry and distinquishedconductin this action." 0. W. E. Vol. XI, Part II, P. 142. General Hooker, commanding the division, in his report dated July 18th, 1862, says: "About half an hour before sunset orders were sent me by General Sumner to dispatch a brigade of my command to the assistance of General Porter, and immediately General Sickles' brigade moved to that point. MALVERN HILL. 59 For a full account of the important services rendered on the left I respectfully call the attention of the major-general commanding" the corj)s to the report of its chief herewith en- closed. I will especially invite his attention to that part of the report which relates to the brilliant conduct of Colonel Taylor's regiment, the Seventy-second New York Volunteers. The loss sustained by that regiment is the truest index of its services." 0. W. R. Vol. XI, Part 11, P. 116. From the report of the commanding officer Third Army Corps, July 21:th, 1862. "General Sickles' brigade w^as sent lat^ in the day to aid General Porter's command. How w^ell it was done is w^ell set forth in the General's report. The conduct of Colonel Taylor's regiment, the Seventy -second New York Volunteers, was biilliant. I beg leave especially to call the attention of the com- manding general to the loss in battle of General Hooker's division since the 1st of June, 847 men; and since the open- ing of the campaign, 2,589. As they have uniforndy slept on the field of battle, no other evidence can be required of their gallantry and that of their distinguished commander." S. P. Heintzei.man, .' Brigade General, Commanding. General S. Williams, A. A. G. Hdqrs. Army of the Potomac. 0. W. R. Vol. XI, Part II, P. 102. Harrison's Landing was reached late in the afternoon of July 2nd, and the Army of the Potomac settled down for a much needed rest. Remained quietly in camp until August •4th, when the division left camp at five P. M. and marched seven miles, lying in line of battle at night. Early on the morning of August 5th the division advanced to Malvern 60 MALVERN HILL. Hill, surprising the enemy and capturing a number of pris- oners. During this skirmish one of those strange incidents occurred that seem almost impossible. A case shot from the enemy exploded in the ranks of the regiment without in- juring a man. Lay in line of battle at night. The pickets were withdrawn at eleven P. M. August 6th, and the divi- sion started for Harrison's Landing, marching very fast, a>nd reached camp at 3 A. M., August 7th. Headquarters Excelsior Brigade, Camp near Harrison's Bar, James River, Va., August 9, 1862. Captain: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders from headquarters. Hooker's division, this brigade, took the position it was assigned in the column (which was im- mediately in rear of De Hussy's battery) and marched with the division from this camp about five P. M. August 4th, in the following order : Second Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel H, L. Potter, commanding. First Regiment, Major Thomas Holt commanding; Fifth Regiment, Captain H. M. AUes com- manding; Fourth Regiment, Captain Thomas Smith com- manding; Third Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel I. Moses commanding. Pursuant to orders, De Russy's battery was closely followed until about eleven P. M., when, by orders from General Hooker the brigade was formed in line, and the men rested on their arms until 3 A. M. August 5th. The column was then put on the march in the same order as be- fore. We passed Nelson's farm, near Charles City Cross Roads, about sunrise, and advanced from there towards Malvern Hill, where about six A. M. by orders of Major Gen- eral Hooker, it was formed in line on the left of the First Brigade, under a heavy fire of shell from a section of the en- emy's artillery in our immediate front. Just previous to MARVERN HILL. 61 marching: that mornino; two moimted scouts of the enemy, appearing* within a few lumdred feet of my line, were fired at by some of our men, and one of them, well armed and mount- ed, was captured. The line was formed skirting; a. belt of timber, and as much as possible protected from the enemy's fire by the rising ground in front. Soon after a line of the enemy's vedettas were distinctly seen on our left, when by order of General Hooker, a company of skirmishers was sent out from the Third Regiment to observe our left flank, front, and rear, A squad of our cavalry appeared at the same time on the left, the enemy retired into the woods, and did not again show himself in that vicinitv. Two of their mounted scouts, having been cut off from their company, voluntarily surrendered themselves under a white flag, and were placed under a guard from the Second Regiment of this brigade; and their horses and equipments turned over to the brigade quartermaster. About this time the firing of the enemy ceased and he retreated, leaving one caisson and all the implements of one gun in our possession. The Third Regiment was now, by order of General Hooker, sent as a picket on the left of my skirmishers, and advanced half a mile or more to the left; but saw no signs of the enemy, and they returned, by order, in about an hour. My line was then advanced near the house formerly occupied as a hospital by our troops, where, with the exception of the Fourth Regiment, the men were rested. The Fourth Regiment, by order of General Hooker, was occupied as a corps of observation in the extreme front during the after- noon. About 6 P. AI., by order of Brigadier-General Grover, commanding the division, the brigade was formed in line to the right of our i)osition in a corn field, and pickets thrown ■62 MALVERN HILL. out to the right and front several hundred yards. We re- mained in this position until after dark the next day, (Aug- ust 6), having seen no enemy meanwhile, and my pickets having been joined in the night by those under Brigadier General Abercrombie. A little after dark, under orders from Brigadier General Grover, commanding division, the regiments were ordered to be ready to move at a moment's notice, and the line was moved to the right about 100 yards. The Second Regiment was moved to the advanced picket line on the extreme right, and ordered to hold it at all hazards. In a few hours, under orders from General Hooker, the Sec- ond Regiment and my pickets were called in, and the brigade was put in march toward this camp about eleven P. M., as a support to De Russy's and Bramhall's batteries, where it arrived, without any further occurrences, about daylight on the morning of the 7th. I am happy to be able to report no casualties in the bri- gade. By the rapidity of the march the first night after leaving camp there was some straggling, scarcely avoidable, but no men are reported to me as missing. I am, respectfully your obedient servant, Nelson Tayloe, Colonel Commanding. Captain Hibbard, Ass't. Adjt. Gen. First Brigade, Hooker's Division. O. W. R. Vol. XI, Part II, P. 952. Charles K. Irwix, born Colborne, Ontario, July 8th, 1824. Practiced dentistry at Oshawa, Ontario, for several years dnring which time he stndied medicine. Took the course of study at the Rolph School of Medicine at Toronto, Ontario. Graduated from the medical college at Albany, New York, June, 185G. Settled in Dunkirk, New York, and began the practice of medicine. When the Third Regiment was organized Doctor Irwin was made Surgeon, and was the only one of the original field officers who served with the regiment during its entire service. He performed the duties of Brigade Surgeon for some time; also acted as Surgeon-in- Chief of the Second Division, Third Army Cor})s. No man was more closely identified with the service of the Third Reg- iment than Surgeon Irwin. He was discharged with the regiment in June, 1864, and resumed the practice of medi- cine at Dunkirk, New York, where he died June 27th, 18()(). CHAPTER VII. Beistoe Station, Groveton, Second Bull Run. August, 1862. Orders were received to break camp at Harrison's Land- ing on August 11th. At six A. M., August 15th the Third Corps started down the peninsula. Reached Yorktown on the 21st, and with five other regiments, embarked on the ocean steamer Vanderbilt for Alexandria. The steamer left Yorktown at nine A. M. on the 22d, ran onto a sand bar at the mouth of the York River, got off at high tide and ran up to the mouth of the Potomac; started at daylight on the 23rd, and ran up the Potomac to Acquia Creek. Left there at midnight on the 24th, reaching Alexandria at noon. Disembarked at three P. M.. marched out to Shuter's Hill and camped for the night. At six P. M. on the 25th the regiment boarded the cars and reached Warrenton Junction about midnight, going into camp about one mile south of the station. Headquarters Army of Virginia. Warrenton Junction, August 26th, 1862, 8:20 P. M. Major General Heintzelman, Commanding, &c.: Tlie major-general commanding the Army of Virginia di- rects me to send you the enclosed communication, and to request that you put a regiment on a train of cars and send it down immediately to Manassas, to ascertain what has BRISTOE STATION. 65 occurred, repair the telegraph wires and jjrotect the raih-oad there, till further orders. With great respect, Genei-al, vour obedieui Servant, T. C. H. Smith, Lieutenant Colonel and Aide-de-Canip . 0. W. R. Vol. XII, Part II, P. 70. The Third Regiment was selected for this duty, and after some delay, boarded the train and started toward JManas- sas. A strong force of the enemy was found at Bristoe Station, destroying the trains, tracks and bridges across Broad Run. Returned to Warrenton Junction about five A. M., August 27th, and found the whole army moving toward Washington. The Regiment having,by order, leftcamp with only their guns and equipments, and not returning to camp, lost everything. About 4 P. M. tlie brigade became engag- ed in a hot fight at Bristoe Station. A charge was made, driving the rebels from their position. HEADQUARTEKS THIRD REGIMENT, Camp in the field, near Manassas Junction, August 28th, 1862. In pursuance to orders received from brigade headquart- ers at ten o'clock P. ^I., August 26th, 1862, directing me to proceed at once with my command to Manassas, to ascertain what has occurred, rejiair the telegraph wirep, and protect the railroad there until further orders, I immediately moved to Warrenton Junction, where I was disappointed in finding- no transportation ready. Colonel T. C. H. Smith, Aide-de- camp to General Pope ordered me to proceed by the wagon road, but subsequently transportation was obtained. I moved my command from Warrenton Junction at two A. M. the 27th of August, to Catlett's Station, ])er order of 66 BRISTOE STATION. Colonel Smith. I called upon Colonel Pierce to approve an order for a small detachment of cavalry from Kettle Run. Colonel Pierce informed me that some of his command were at the Run. I subsequently felt the want of a few cavalry- men very much. I moved with all the dispatch possible to within half a mile of Bristoe. I moved the last mile with a company thrown forward as skirmishers and flankers. I found an intercepted train burning and the telegraph destroyed. Dis- covering the enem}^ still in the possession of the station, I ordered the regiment into line, advanced skirmishers and went to the front myself to observe the position they had chosen, their strength, etc. My own observation, confirmed by skirmishers, soon satisfied me that they were in force. It w^as just before daylight, but the reflection from the burning cars enabled me from my position to see all their movements. I distinctly heard the commands as they rapidly formed their lines. I saw one column file to the left, and had no doubt their purpose was to flank us and cut off my train at Kettle Run Bridge. I saw a body of cavalry move along the right of the road for the same purpose. I called Adjutant Hinman to my position, to confirm my opinion and to profit by his judgment. I realized my responsibility and the want of experience. My pride urged me to accept the honor of lead- ing the gallant Third into battle, but my judgment rebelled against this desire to use the accident of my temporar}^ com- mand to lead the regiment on the field, — and I reluctantly gave the order to embark again. 1 moved back to Kettle Run, where I established pickets at all commanding positions to watch and report the movements of the enemy. I in- structed the telegraph operator attached to my command to try and open communication with Warren ton Junction, I handed him the following dispatch: — BRISTOE STATION. 67 Colonel T. C. H. Smith, Aid-de-Camp to General Pope. Have proceeded to near Bristoe Station. Find a train of cars burning and telegraph wires broken, and enemy in very heavy force. Do not deem it prudent to go on without further orders. Have conductor of burned train witli me, who reports there being a hirge force of the enem}'. Have returned to this side of Kettle Kun Bridge. I ordered three companies into position at the bridge with instructions to hold it at all hazards, keeping the bal. ance of my command in reserve three hundred yards below the bridge. I personally examined the bridge with reference to holding it. I found it had no natural advantages for defense, in fact, they were all against us. The rebel skirmish- ers were rapidly advancing on both sides of the road, fol- lowed by a large force, all in plain view. I had seen the cavalry on the right, and the infantry movement on our left for three fpiarters of an hour. All the reply the telegraph operator could get was, "wait a little." Icould not consent to the useless sacrifice of my brave three hundred men. I ordered the three companies at the bridge to move back, which they did in perfect order, under the fire of theenemy's skirmishers. I waited for the str^igglers and the last of two companies of the One Hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania, there on picket. Three of the men were so closely followed that they were taken prisoners. I had only ordered the engineer to move back, when the enemy unmasked a field piece the}' had brought down there near the bridge on the track, covered by a column of troops. The first two shots ricochetted within twenty or thirty yards from the engine. I joined the brigade at five A. M. with the whole of w\\ command, and reported. 68 BRISTOE STATION. I submit that I did the best my judgment seemed to re- require, I confess, at a great sacrifice to my pride. I trust subsequent events satisfy you that I did all duty required. The regiment behaved in its usual praiseworthy manner, and I enjoyed the full co-operation of all the officers. I must speak especially of the valuable assistance rendered me by Adjutant H. C. Hinman. All of which is respectfully submitted, H. J. Bliss, Captain Commanding Regiment. CoL. Nelson Taylok, Commanding' Second Brigade, Hooker's Division. 0. W. R. Vol. XII, Part. II, P. 450. Headquarters Third Regiment, Camp near Spring Hill, September 6th, 1862. I have the honor to report that the Third Excelsior, of your brigade, under my command, on the 29th of August, took the position assigned on the right of the brigade line, and advanced into the timber, where a portion of our forces were already engaged with the enemy. My instructions were to halt behind the line engaged, and when their ammuni- tion was exhausted, take their place. I advanced skirmishers covering my whole front to this line, and dressed my regi- ment accurately on the brigade line. Our position was hardly taken, when the line of troops in our front, belonging to regiments never before under fire, gave way under a dash- ing attempt of the enem}^ to turn the left of our line. Gradu- ally the left gave way, struggling hand-to-hand for life and their colors, until the line was broken up to the left of my command, rendered almost powerless by the influence and presence of the disorganized troops breaking through my line, and preventing m^^ firing until the enemy were actually in our ranks in overpowering numbers. We fell back threa BRISTOE STATION. 69 hundred j^ards to the edge of the timber, and again formed a line and advanced skirmishers for ward to the line we had just left. The enemy had also fallen back, and seemed unwilling to improve his temporary advantage. By order, I again withdrew my skirmishers, and subsequently took position for the night with the brigade. In my commandseven were missing, and eleven wounded. Among the wounded is Lieutenant Clark. I have further to report that on the 30th my command was engaged, under your orders, in supporting different bat teries, and in taking different positions, preparatory to en- gaging the enemy. We were at no time actually engaged, but were almost constantly under fire from shot and shell. None in my command were injured. The same officers are deserving of mention as in my report of August 27th, except Lieutenant Howard, who was absent. All of which is respectfully submitted. H. J. Bliss, Captain, Conunnnding the Regiment CoL. Nelson Taylor, Commanding Second Brigade, Hooker\s Division. 0. W. R. Vol. XII, Part II, P. 451. Hdqrs. Second Brigade, Hooker's Division. Camp near Fort Lyon, Va., September 8th, 1862. Captain: I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements and services rendered by the brigade from the 26th ultimo to the third instant inclusive: At about 10 P. M. of the 2Gth ultimo I received an order 70 BRISTOE STATION. from Majoi- General Hooker to send one regiment along the railroad from Warrenton Junction toward Manassas June" tion (the brigade being then encamped near Warrenton Junction), to ascertain what had occurred, rejoin the tele- graph lines, and protect the railroad there till further orders. This order was complied with on my part by sending the Third Excelsior Regiment, commanded by Captain H. J. Bliss, on this important expedition. For the manner in which the instructions to Capt. Bliss were executed, I most respectfully refer to his report, hereunto appended. Early on the following morning the brigade was ordered to take its place in column and proceed toward Manassas Junction. On arriving near Broad Run some of the enemy's outposts were discovered, when lines were deployed, skir- mishers thrown forward, and all the precautions taken usual to be prepared for an attack or defense; the First Bri- gade being on the right of the railroad deployed, the Third and Second on the left, the Third deployed, and the Second marching by the right flank immediately behind the left of the line formed by two regiments of the Third Brigade, un- der command of Colonel Carr. Coming to a piece of woods running across the railroad, the First Brigade was halted, and the Third and Second continued to advance. As the line of Colonel Carr cleared the woods he came in contact with the enemy's skirmishers, which he at once drove in, and advanced in double quick to the middle of the field, and at once engaged the enemy's infantry, drawn up in line in a skirt of woods immediately in front. Finding no enemy on the left, and that the line of Colonel Carr was exposed to a very extended and concentrated fire, I at once brought for- ward the Second, Fourth and Fifth Regiments of the bri- gade and placed them in position on the left of the line formed bv Colonel Carr. HRISTOE STATION. 71 While doing this I observed a column of the enemy's in- antry file down the hill in frontand take a position parallel to and on the right of the railroad, and to the rear of the line formed b}' a portion of the Third Brigade, and three regi- ments of the Second. This gave them an infilading fire, and will account for the large loss of officers. To relieve the line from this destructive fire, I changed the front of the two regiments (First and Third), then forming a second line, and advanced it toward the railroad (I will remark that the track of the railroad was at this ])lace so graded as to form an excellent cover for the enemv), halted it within short musket-range, and commenced firing. At this time our lines were exposed to the concentrated fire of two sections of the enemy's artillery, besides their musketry'. To relieve the in- fantry from the fire of the enemy's artillery, I rode to the rear to bring forward (me of om* own batteries. Meeting (ieneral Grover, I explained matters to him, when he told me I might order up the Second New Hampshire Volunteers to sup})ort the battery. Finding the commandant of an un- occupied battery, I informed him of what I desired. He very reluctantly consented, and was so slow in his movements that when he got his battery in position the necessity of his services had ceased. The line which 1 had formed parallel to and facing the railroad, after firing for a time, advanced up to and drove the enemy from that position, when the enemy gave way and retreated toward Manassas Junction. The loss in this short but sharp engagement to tliis bri- gade was considerable in proportion to its numbers, being about one in three. Having disposed of the killed and wounded, the brigade line was formed on the right of the railroad, and, by order of General Grover, held in i-eserve, while the other brigades continued to advance. The brigade remained but a short time, when it was ordered forward a 72 SECOND BULL RUN. short distance, when it was ordered to the left of the rail- road, and forded Broad Run, where it bivouacked that night in line. The next morning (28th) we resumed our march and passed Manassas Junction, and bivouacked on the south bank of Bull Run. The next morning (29th)the march was resumed, pass- ing through Centerville. We arrived on the battle ground about 2 P. M. Here the brigade was halted for a short time, when it was ordered forward again about half a mile, when it was again halted. We remained here for some time, when we were ordered to support a battery; but before the brigade was got in position the order was changed, and I was directed by Major General Hooker to advance in line through a piece of woods, which seemed to be in the center of the enemy's position, to relieve the Third Brigade of the division, in command of Colonel Carr. On learning from Colonel Carr the condition of things in front, I advanced the brigade to within about fifteen paces of the line occupied by the line wdiich I had to relieve, when I halted and dressed it and sent skirmishers forward. Having everything in readiness, I gave the orders to ad- vance. The line had advanced but a few steps when the left was struck with such violence by a regiment (which con- tinued the line to the left) which had broken, that the Second Excelsior Regiment, which was on the left of the brigade line, was almost carried away with it. Seeing the confus- ion, I rode hastily to this part of the line, accompanied by my two aides. Lieutenants Tremaine and Dwight, and en- deavored to stay this disgraceful retreat; but it was in vain; the tide could not be stemmed. On they rushed over and through my line, perfectly panic-stricken, breaking and car- rying away with them the left of my line. The enemy seeing SECOND BULL RUN. 73 this, charged after them, I then endeavored to throw back my line to give the enemy a flank fire. This I found on trial, impracticable, the wood being too dense to execute the movement. By this time the enemy had availed themselves of the large interval opened on my left, and poured through in large numbers, and had got 50 or 60 paces in my rear, giving the line an enfilading and reverse fire. They, how- ever, soon ceased firing, as they were so mixed up as to en- danger their own men; they then commenced taking prison- ers. Finding my line completely flanked and turned, and in danger of being entirely cut off, I gave the order to fall back, which was done in as good shape as could be, situated as we w^ere. The loss on this occasion was not as large as I had reason to apprehend, yet it was considerable. It w^as on this occasion that my two aides, Lieutenants Tremaine and Dwight, were taken prisoners, endeavoring to overcome the disorder and confusion occasioned by the stampede of the troops on my left. After extricating the brigade from its entanglement I reformed the line and im- mediately sent forward upon the line which we had occupied skirmishers, and followed them in myself, and remained there till a regiment from General Kearny's division came and took position on the line, and engaged the enemy. I then withdrew the skirmishers and fell back to my own line, w^hen I was ordered by Major General Hooker to a position in an open field in rear of the Third Brigade, where the bri- gade bivouacked for the night. The next afternoon (August 30th) the brigade was or- dered under ai-ms, and to be held in readiness to march in pursuit of the retreating enemy. Subsequently the brigade was marched in the direction of Centerville, and ordered to support a battery on the left of our line. Soon aftei" it was ordered to follow the Third Brigade, which it did, and ar- 74 SECOND BULL RUN. rived in tlie night at Centerville, where it remained until the afternoon of the 1st instant, when it was ordered to take the road toward Fairfax Court House. The eohimn had not proceeded far on the road when heavy firing was heard on our left. The column was halted, and soon after the bri- gade was ordered to cross the road and form line, which it did, and was soon after, by Brigadier-General Grover, or- dered to advance and support the division of General Kearny. The brigade remained in line during the night in rear of General Kearny's division, and resumed its march about 2:30 A. M. toward Fairfax Court House, where it ar- rived about 8 A. M. At 11:30 A. M. the march was again resumed toward Alexandria, and the brigade, with the divi- sion, bivouacked about two miles east of Fairfax Station. The next morning (September 3) the march was again re- sumed and continued until the division arrived at this place, where it encamped. In closing this report I shall avail myself of the oppor- tunity to express m}^ admiration of Captain H. J. Bliss, of the Third Excelsior Regiment, both for the manner in which he executed the service on which he was ordered on the night of the 26th, and his gallant conduct on the field. # * « * Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Nelson Taylor; Brigadier General Commanding. To the Assistant Adjutant-General, Hooker's Division, Third Army Corps. 0. W. R. Vol. Xn, Part H, P. 443: CHAPTER VIII. Alexandkia, March to Fredericksburg. September, October, November, 1862. The Third Army Corps did not take })nrt in the Antie- tam campaign, its losses having been so great on the Penin- suLa and Second Bull Run campaign that it was left in front of Washington to rest and recruit, going into camp near Alexandria vSeptember 4th. Colonel Nelson Taylor having been promoted to Briga- dier-General, and Lieutenant Colonel Israel ]\Ioses having re- signed, the following promotions were made to the field and staff of the regiment: Major William 0, Stevens was made Colonel. Captain John S. Austin of Company K, Lieutenant- Colonel. Captain John Leonard, of Company F, Major. September 20th, 112 recruits joined the regiment. Mention should have been made under the proper dates, of the gallant conduct of Sergeant .John H. Haight, of Com- pany "G," but the writer was not in possession of the facts until too late to do so. The following letter, which was read on the coloi- line at dress parade, tells the story : Camp Third Excelsior, near Fort Lyon, Va. September SOth, 1802. Major: I would respectfully recommend the promotion of Cor- poral John H. Haight of Co. "G" to be a Sergeant. His 76 ALEXANDRIA, promotion to date from July 28rd, 1862. I recommend him for gallant conduct on the battlefield of Williamsburg, where he was wounded, and for his bravery in the engage- ment of August 27th, at Bristoe Station, and also for like conduct in the actions of August 29th and 30th at Manassas or Bull Run. Very respectfully, H. J. Bliss, Approved, Captain Commanding Co- William 0. Stevens, Major Commanding Reg' t. Hdqrs. Defences of Washington, South of the Potomac, Arlington, Fa., October 21st, 1862. Colonel: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of the Third Army Corps immediately previous to and in the recent battles in the vicinity of Centerville. * * In the encounters with the enemy at Bristoe Station General Hooker's division suffered severel}^, and again on the 29th of August; also General Kearny's on the afternoon of the 1st of September near Chantilly. * * * * General Hooker's division had above 10,000 men when it landed near Yorktown last April, and after the battle of Fair Oaks, was re-enforced by about 3,000 men. At Fair- fax Station it drew rations for 2,400 men. General Kear- ny's division suffered as much. * * * * Although we were driven back and finally to the de- fenses of W^ashington, I do not feel that the gallant veterans of the Third Corps have lost any of their well-earned reputa- tion from the battles on the Peninsula. * * * * In General Hooker's division T have no report of the losses of the Second Brigade, nor is there any report of the ALEXANDRIA. 77 losses of General Kearny's division at Chantilly. Imperfect as the}' are, they sum uj) an a^igregate of 1,491 . * * * All of which is respectfully submitted, S. P. Heintzelman, Major General Commanding. CoL. Geokge D. Rlggles, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of Virginia. 0. ^Y. R., Vol. XII, Part II, P. 415. Gen'l Orders\ Headquarters Third Regiment, No. IS), f Camp near Alexandria, October 21, 1862. Regimental line will be formed at 10:30 A. M. tomorrow, the arms will be stacked on the Color Line and ranks broken. Dinner will be at 11, precisely, the line be i-e-formed twenty minutes before twelve. Commandants of Companies will see that every man ap- pears in white gloves. W. 0. Stevens, S. Bailey, Col. Commdg. Regt. Act. Adjt. The foregoing order was issued in preparation for a re- view of the division the following day. This review was taken by President Lincoln, accom- panied by the Secretary of War and others, and was the most brilliant one in which the regiment participated dur- ing its entire service. The day was perfect, the air being clear and bracing. It was a division of seasoned veterans that marched be- fore the President, men who had passed through two se- vere campaigns within six months, and it was with sol- dierly pride that they nmrched past the reviewing stand in well alligned ranks under the kindly eye of their Comman- der-in-Chief. 78 ALEXANDRIA. General Sickles has kindly permitted the use of the fol- lowing extract from his Memoirs, which is a fine description of the day. "In the autumn of '62, shortly before the Campaign of Antietam, I had been assigned to the command of Hooker's division in the Third Army Corps. We were in camp near Fairfax Seminary and formed a part of the troops embraced in the Department commanded by Gen'l Heintzelman. I had reorganized this famous division, recalled most of the men absent on sick leave, or in the Convalescent Camp, including those who had recovered from slight wounds, and had be- sides received a good many recruits, so that my division numbered more than eight thousand infantry. General Banks, then in command of the "Defences of Washington," expressed a desire to see the troops which had gained so much fame under the brilliant lead of Hooker, and I at once designated a day for the review. As I was very strong in artillery and trains, it occurred to me that if I could borrow a few squadrons of cavaliy for the occasion, my command would be a fair counterpart in numbers and equipment to the army of General Scott, that marched from Vera Cruz and captured Mexico in '46-7. This took me to Heintzelman's headquarters, who kindly placed the cavalry at my disposal and at the same time intimated that he would be present. As he ranked Banks, of course the honors of the review would be paid to him; but on the following day I received a message from President Lincoln that he would like to see my new command before we marched to join the Army of General McClellan. This announcement, as it brought the Commander-in-Chief to the field, superseded in turn both Heintzelman and Banks. I at once arranged with General Slough, commanding at Alexandria, to receive the President at that post on his ALEXANDRIA. 79 arrival by steamer from Washington. A large number of supernumerary officers were attached to that station, and of those about a hundred were mounted and ecjuipped as an escort, besides a. regiment of infantry and a battery I sent from my camp. The President came down in his quiet way, accom- panied by General Cadwallader and a servant, nnd was not a little surprised in mounting the horse provided for him, richly caparisoned in the trappings of a General Officer, to see himself surrounded by the staff of an Emperor at the head of a Grand Army; turning to me, as the artillery fired the salute, he exclaimed : "Sickles, I am not going to take command of the Army, what is all this for?" The column was formed and we proceeded on the march to my cam J), a few miles off. A good many spectators gath- ered on the road-side, — not one of whom knew the Presi- dent, — and at length an old farmer said to his neighbor as we passed: — "I guess from the looks of that tall chap and all this fuss, that the 'Yanks' have captured a big prisoner, — who can it be?" "That's so," said the President, smiling, "I'm Jeff Davis"! The review was brilliant. The day was all tliat could be wished. Thousands of bayonets glittered in thesun,long lines of trains covering the plain in the rear of the troops, — artillery and cavalry on the flanks. When the President rode from the right to the left of the line it was a study to watch the faces of the men as they saw his awkward figure in the saddle, — but if a smile played on their lips there was love in their eyes, as they rested on that sad, eai-nest, good face most of them beheld for the first and last time. When the 80 ALEXANDRIA. ceremonies were over I asked the President to say a few- words to the troops. He replied: — "No I am not a soldier. These men are ^oing again to battle, where I cannot be with them. I could only say, 'God bless them.' " Calling me back, he added, "Tell them I think I have never seen a better show." The Second Division began an advance on November 1st, opening up the Orange and Alexandria railroad, re-building bridges, repairing the tracks and guarding the road as far as Warrenton Junction for the purpose of getting supplies to the Army of the Potomac, then on its way from Antie- tam, Maryland, to Fredericksburg, Virginia. The first Di- vision, which had been doing duty above Washington joined the Second Division near Warrenton Junction. General Orders\ Headquarters Third Corps, No. 1. j Army of the Potomac, November 16th, 1862. 1. By virtue of General orders No. 184, paragraph IV, dated Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, near War- renton, Va., November 14th, 1862, the undersigned hereby takes command of the Third Corps, Army of the Potomac. George Stoneman, Brigadier General of Volunteers, Commanding Corps. 0. W. K. Vol. 107, P. 946. The arm}^ having passed, the corps fell back toward Washington on the 18th, destroying the railroad as much as possible. Keached Fairfax Station on the 20th, and on the 21st turned south toward Fredericksburg. Stopped four days at Wolf Run Shoals, and went into camp near Falmouth, opposite Fredericksburg, November 28th. 4k ^^ V, -- i^^^^Hb Levi Warren Norton, born Attica, N. Y. October 17, 1819. Graduated at Union College, 1843, and at the General Theological Seminary, (Protestant Episcopal) New York, 1846. Ordained July 21st, 1847. Rector in Water- town and Jamestown, N. Y,, and Metuchen and Rahway, New Jersey. Mustered Chaplain 72nd Regiment, N.Y.V. July 24th, 1861. Served with his regiment at various places in Mary- land, Was sent home sick with typhoid fever, and later re- turned to his regiment, but on account of continued ill health was obliged to resign. Mustered out April 20, 1862, and returned to Jamestown, N. Y. In 1892 on account of impaired health he gave up the active work of his ministry, and returned to Jamestown, N. Y. He died while on a pleasure trip at Kemus Point, N. Y., August 23, 1900. His remains rest in Lake View Cemetery, Jamestown, N. Y. CHAPTER IX. Fredericksburg, Winter Quarters, December, 1862, April, 1863. Remained quietly in camp till December 11th, when the Battle of Fredericksburg began, the First and Second divi- sions of the Third Corps acting as "Grand Reserve" for the army. The brigade left camp about 7 A. M,, joined the divi- sion and took position near the Phillips House. Early on the morning of the 12th the division was ordered forward and halted near General Sumner's headquarters, remaining there till 4 P. M., when, with the First Division it marched down the river four miles to Franklin's Crossing, to support the left wing of the army. The First Division crossed the Rappahannock at noon on the 13th, the Second Division following at 2 P. M., pro- ceeded to the front, and at once formed in line of battle. A heavy skirmish line was thrown out, which immediately be- came engaged with the enemy. There was a good deal of skirmish firing early on the 14th, but later, an agreement was made with the enemy to stop the picket firing on our front. The stretcher bearers were not molested after this, although at work between the lines picking up the wounded and caring for the dead. No firing took place on our front on the 15th, and at 5 P. M., after holding the enemy in check, and having been 50 hours in line of battle the brigade was re- lieved, moved back into the road and bivouacked in line. About 10 P. M, the division began crossing the Rappahan- nock and bivouacked in line on the north side. On the 16th the troops returned to their old camps and settled down for the winter. WINTER QUARTERS. 83 Rev. William R, Eastman was appointed Chaplain, Jan- uary 1st, 1863, to succeed Chaplain Levi W. Norton, who resigned in April, 1862. Mud Makch. January 20tli the corps broke camp and proceeded up the Rappahannock to Bank's Ford, bivouacked for the night, and remained in the same position the next day, waiting for the pontoons, which were delayed by the bad roads. January 23rd, the pontoons being still delayed by the muddy roads, the troops received orders to march back to the old camp, where they arrived that night. 0. W. R., Vol. 21, P. 754. The brigade was formed January 20th, and marched about two miles, when a halt was ordered, to permit Frank- lin's Grand Division to pass. Returned to the old camp in the evening in a heavy rain, which continued all night. Marched about eight miles on the 21st and bivouacked in the woods. Rained all day and night. The brigade was at work on the afternoon of the 22nd and forenoon of the 23d, building corduro}' roads to enable the artillery and wagon trains to move. Returned to the old camp near Fal- mouth in the afternoon. Special Orders\ Huqks. Army of the Potomac, No. S6. j Camp neur Falmouth, Va., February Ctth, 1863. 1. Brig. Gen. H. G. Berry is assigned to the command of the Second Division, Third Corps, and will report accord- ingly. By command of Major General Hooker. Joseph Dickenson, Assistant Adjutant General. 0. W. R., Vol. XXV, Part 11, P. 52. 84 WINTER QUARTERS. February 5th the division was sent out to support a cavalry reconnoisanee, advancing about thirteen miles up the Rappahannock. It snov^^ed nearly all day, changing into heavy rain about 3 P. M., which continued all night. Advanced about three miles on the 6th, going into camp near Deep Run Ford. Orders were received about 8 P. M. to return to camp. Marched about seven miles and encamped for the night. Weather clear and very cold. Marched at 8 A. M. on the 7th, reaching camp at 4 P. M. Target Practice. General Orders\ Headquarters Third Regiment, No. 9. / Camp Nelson Taylor, Feb. 9th, 1863. On the 3rd day of March next the following prizes will be given by the Colonel commd'g, to the three enlisted men in the regiment who shall make the best three shots, at a trial which will commence at 10 o'clock A. M. of that day. Viz : To the non-commissioned officer or private who shall make the three best shots, |25. To the non-commissioned officer or private who shall make the second best shot, |15. To the non-commissioned officer or private who shall make the third best shot, |10. The distance will be two hundred (200) yards and the size of target, six (6) feet by twenty-two (22) inches. Each man to use his own musket. * * * * By command of William 0. Stevens, J.A.Smith, Col. Commanding Regt. Adjutant. WINTER QUARTERS. 85 Colonel W. 0. Stevens, Commanding Third Regt., E. B.: Sir: — The umpires appointed to award three prizes for the best strings of shots fired at a target placed at the dis- tance of 200 yards, would respectfully report : That the number of competitors was 98. That 296 shots were fired, of which 76 struck the target (size 6 feet by 22 inches), and 22 struck within 10 inches of the centre. * * * The umpires award the three (3) prizes as follows: The 1st prize to Priv. John Bourne, Co. "D," No. (55). The 2d prize to Priv. Horace Wilcox, Co. ''E,"No. (71). The 3d prize to Priv. E. F. Merrill, Co. "1," No. (75). We have the honor. Colonel, to be. Your most obt. servants, W\ R. Eastman, Chaplain Third Excelsior, J. B, O'Hagan, Chaplain Fourth Excelsior, J. H. TwiTCHELL, Chaplain Second Excelsior. Camp Nelson Taylor, March 5th, 1863. General Sickles came to look on and tried a shot. General Orders\ Headquarters Third Corps, No. 1. j Army of the Potomac, Boscobel, February 12th, 1863. In obedience to General Orders No. 6, paragraph I, head- quarters Army of the Potomac, current series, the under- signed assumes command of the Third Army Cor])s. I). E. Sickles, Brigadier General Commanding Third Corps. 0. W. R., Vol. 107, P. 987. February 22nd the regiment went on picket in a heavy snow-storm, going about six miles up the Rappahannock to the extreme right. There were eight inches of snow next morning. 86 WINTER QUARTERS. Circular. Headquarters Army of the Potomac, March 21st, 1863. For the purpose of ready recognition of corps and divi- sions in this army, and to prevent injustice by reports of straggling and misconduct through mistakes as to its or- ganization, t'he chief quartermaster will furnish without de- lay, the following badges, to be worn by the officers and en- listed men of all the regiments of the various corps men- tioned. They will be securely fastened upon the center of the top of the cap. Inspecting officers will at all inspections see that these badges are worn as designated. First Corps, a sphere. First Division, red. Second Division, white. Third Division, blue. Second Corps, trefoil. First Division, red. Second Divi- sion, white. Third Division, blue. Third Corps, losenge. First Division, red. Second Divi- sion, white. Third Division, blue. Fifth Corps, Maltese cross. First Division, red. Second Division, white. Third Division, blue. Sixth Corps, cross. First Division, red. Second Divi- sion, white. Third Division, blue. (Light Division, green.) Eleventh Corps, crescent. First Division, red. Second Division, white. Third Division, blue. Twelfth Corps, star. First Division, red. Second Divi- sion, white. Third Division, blue. The size and color will be according to the pattern. By command of Major General Hooker. S. Williams, Assistant Adjutant General. O. W. R. Vol. 40, P. 152. A beautiful silk National Flag from the city of New York was presented to the regiment April 7th. FIRST REGIMENTAL FLAG. WINTER QUARTERS. 87 Five corps of the Array of tlie Potoraac were reviewed by President Lineolii and General Hooker April 8th. On the previous day 100 picked men of the Third Regi- ment, under Captain Mann, were detailed as guard at corps headquarters during the President's visit. The Corps turned out without arms April 10th, to sa- lute President Lincoln. CHAPTER X. Chancellorsville. May, 1863. Orders were received on April 28tli to be ready to march at an hour's notice. The Third Corps left camp about 5 P. M., marched four miles down the Rappahannock, and took position near Franklin's Crossing, to support the First and Sixth Corps. The Third Corps received orders on the 30th to move to the right and join the main army. Started at 1 P. M.> marched twelve miles up the river and bivouacked for the night. Marched at 6 A. M. May 1st, crossing the Rappa- hannock at United States Ford about noon, and proceeded to the front at Chancellorsville. The Second Division under Major General Hiram G. Berry, lay in reserve near army headquarters till 5 P. M. May 2d, when, leaving knapsacks, which were never recovered, it was ordered up the plank road on the double quick, and formed in line of battle in the woods in rear of the Eleventh Corps, which had been sur- prised and was falling back in bad order. Many of the men of the Eleventh Corps formed in line and remained with the Third Corps till morning. This double quick march was made in the face of artillery trains, wagon trains, and proves of cattle going to the rear on the run, the division being forced out of the road. An attempt was made during the night to break our lines, but the enemy were repulsed without trouble. First Lieutenant Michael Cooke and Pri- CHANCELLORSVILLE, 89 vate Fred Bock, of Company E, advanced some distance in the woods and obtained valuable information regarding the enemy's position and numbers. Confederate General Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded during the night in front of the brigade. Skirmishing began at daylight, May 8rd, and soon be- came a general engagement. About 8 A. M. the rebels broke the line to the left of the Excelsior Brigade, and doubled up everything in that line of battle. Colonel Stevens had just given the command, "Change front to rear on first com- pany ! Boys, follow me ! " turned partly around to lead his men, when a ball struck him in the left breast and passed entirely through his body. Pressing his hand to his breast, he exclaimed, "0, God!" and fell. Lieutenant Yates was within a few feet of him and immediately stopped to speak to him. He was unconscious. He subsequently spoke to Captain Bailey. Captain Bailey and Captain Bliss came to his assistance, but were unable to bring him off. Captain Bliss being mortally wounded and captured in the attempt. Colonel Stevens was left where he fell, was taken prisoner and moved by the enemy to a house about one mile to Uieir rear. Corporal George Tate, of Company D, was severely wounded in the head, and left unconscious on the field. He was also taken to this house, and, regaining consciousness after a time, discovered the presence of Colonel Stevens, did all hacould to relieve the Colonel's suffering, and was with him when he died, about 8 P. M., May 4th. Corporal Tate, with others, buried the Colonel's body, and marked the grave for identification. The enemy made several desperate attempts to captui% the flag of the Third Regiment, but without success. The color bearer. Sergeant Thomas W. Auldridge, of Company K, finding himself nearly surrounded, tore the flag from the 90 CHANCELLORSVILLE. staff, and sticking it inside his blouse, reached the rear with it in safety. Sergeant James Anderson, of Company F. who was be- hind the colors picked up the staff, and getting safely out of the woods with it, the flag was again attached to the staff, and soon proudly floating from its position in line. Lay in line of battle till 2:30 A. M. May 6th, when the army began falling back, the Third Corps recrossing the Rap- pahannock at daylight, returned to its old camp near Fal- mouth, arriving in the afternoon. Major General Hiram G. Berry, commanding the Second Division, was killed May 3rd, while gallantly striving to check the flank attack of the enemy. Camp near Falmouth, Fa., May 8th, 1863. Major: In compliance w4th circular from headquarters Excelsior Brigade, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the regiment now under my command during the recent operations: On April 28th, in pursuance of orders, my command was marched to a point near the river, three or four miles below Fredericksburg, where it halted for the night, and bivou- acked in the woods. The following morning, in compliance with instructions, the command was moved about one mile to the right, where it halted and remained until the next day, when, in com- pliance with orders, received from the brigadier-general com- manding the brigade, the regiment was moved to the im- mediate vicinity of the United States Ford, where it encamped for the night. Next day (May 2) at about 11 A. M., the brigade of which my regiment constitutes a part, crossed the pontoon bridge at the United States Ford, and marched to the sup- CHANCELLORSVILLE. 91 port of the right of the army, which was then heavily engag- ed at or near Chancellorsville, where we remained under arms until the evening of May 2nd. We were then ordered to proceed up the Fredericksburg and Gordansville Plank Road, to take a position in the rear of the Eleventh Army Corps, which had been repulsed and broken, for the purpose of checking the enemy at that point. We then marched with the brigade about a mile up the road, and formed in line of battle on the right of it and nearly at right angles with it. Company D, commanded by Capt. C. K. Abell, was deployed to the front as skirmishers, and we remained prepared for any emergencies during the night. I might here mention that during the night the regiment was occupied in throwing up a breastwork, wiiich was com- pleted at daylight. At about 6 A. M. on the 3rd instant, the enemy opened a rapid and severe fire upon us, and drove our pickets in. After heavy skirmishing for some time, the enemy advanced in force, and a severe engagement ensued, which lasted for upwards of three quarters of an hour, when, owing to the left of the brigade being flanked, and the enemy advancing upon the left flank of the troops under my command with a heavy force, the regiment was ordered to change front to repel them. The movement was attempted, but the raj)id advance of so large a force of the enemy on our flank and front rendered it impossible to execute it. The^regiment was then ordered to fall back, which was done in good order by breaking by companies, successively to the rear, keeping up a galling fire upon the enemy. It was during this brief but severe engagement that our brave Colonel, William 0. Stevens, while gallantly directing our movement, fell, dangerously, if not mortally wounded. In consequence of the nearness of the enemy and the sever- "92 CHANCELLORSVILLE. ity of the engagement, it was impossible to carry him from the field. After the fall of our noble Colonel, the enemy, ren- dered bold by their momentary success, advanced more rap- idly on our flank and front, and attempted to capture our colors; but the steadfast devotion and bravery of my regi- ment repelled their attempt, and although the conflict was hand-to-hand, and their force far superior in numbers to our own, the four who successively seized our colors were made to bite the dust, and the colors of the regiment were borne in safety from the field. The regiment went into this action with 29 commission- ed officers and 411 enlisted men. The loss sustained in killed, wounded and missing was 12 commissioned officers and 92 enlisted men, making an aggregate of 104, or about one fourth of the entire command. In the afternoon of the same day my command was placed in support of the batteries in front, and there remain- ed until the evening of the 5th, when, in accordance with orders received to hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moment's notice, we formed line, and, about 3 A. M. took up our march and recrossed the pontoon bridge and returned to our former camp, where we arrived at about 5 P. M. of the same day. I cannot close this brief report without calling your at- tention to the bravery manifested by all the officers and men under my command, and especially to the coolness and bravery of Adjt. James A. Smith (whose gallant bearing in former engagements has been mentioned,) who, by his brave and gallant conduct in cheering on the men and directing their fire in our most trying moments, deserves the highest ^ward which can be given to a brave and fearless soldier. Also Lieutenant Patrick Anderson, whose conduct in the CHANCELLORSVILLE. 93 action added still greater weight to the encomiums already passed upon him. I would also call your attention to the noble conduct of Sergeant Richard W. Clark, of Company H, whose coolness and bravery elicited the warmest admiration of all his com- rades. I have attempted in the foregoing brief and barren state- ment to do justice to the brave men whose former record is so well known that comment is unnecessary^ While I can- not but feel proud of the gallant bearing of the men now under my command, I cannot but join my sympathies with those of the entire command in mourning the loss of our brave and noble Colonel, whose character as a soldier and a gentleman is unsullied, and whose many virtues endeared him to the hearts of all. Very respectfully your obedient servant, John Leonard, Major Commanding Third Regiment, Excelsior Brigade. MaJ. J. P. FiNKELMEIER, Assistant Adjutant General Excelsior Brigade. 0. W. R. Vol. 39, P. 4f)6. On May 13th an arrangement having been made with the Confederates by which our wounded could be brought across ithe Rappahannock, Surgeon C. K. Irwin, Chap- lain Wm. R. Eastman, and others, crossed the river un- der a flag of truce. During their search for wounded they learned of the death of Colonel Stevens, and where he was buried. The body was taken from the grave, placed in an ambulance, and, in charge of Surgeon Irwin, brought into the Union lines. Judge William Stevens, father of the Col- onel, met them at United States Ford, and they proceeded to regimental headquarters. 94 CHANCELLORSVILLE. On the morning of May 14th, the regiment acting as an escort, the Colonel's body was taken to Stoneman's Switch on its way home. On the 28th of May Lieutenant Colonel John S. Austin was made Colonel; Major John Leonard, Lieutenant Colonel; and Captain Caspar K. Abell, of Company D, Major; these promotions to date from May 4th, the day on which Colonel Stevens died. William Oliver Stevens, son of Judge Willinm Stevens, was born at Belfast, Maine, February 3, 1828. Graduating from Harvard College in 1848, he studied law, and settled at Dunkirk, New York, in 1852. In 1859 he was elected District Attorney of Chautauqua County. When Fort Sumter was fired upon he commanded Company D, 68th Regiment New York State MiHtia. He re-organized the company and tendered its services to Hon. Daniel E. Sickles, who was raising a brigade of United States Volun- teers. Was accepted and reported at Staten Island May 31, 1861, with 105 men, who became Company D, Third Regi- ment, Excelsior Brigade, under Col. Nelson Taylor. He was commissioned Major June 25, 1861. From this time his history was the history of the regiment. After the Peninsu- lar cam])aign, while in Dunkirk, on recruiting service, Major Stevens declined an offer of the command of a new regiment, just forming. He was promoted Colonel to date September 8, 1862. May 3, 1863, at Chancellorsville, he fell at the head of the regiment, mortally wounded, and died the next day at Dowdall's Tavern, within the Confederate lines. His body was first buried near the old Wilderness Church, but a week later was removed by Surgeon C. K. Irwin, under flag of truce, to the camp of the regiment, and sent thence to Dunkirk. It rests in the cemetery at Fredonia close by the grave of his friend and comrade. Surgeon Irwin, who died three years afterward. CHAPTER XL Colonel William 0. Stevens. Headquarters Third Eegiment, Ex. Brig., May 18th, 1863. At a meeting of the officers of the Excelsior Brigade, held at the headquarters of the Third Excelsior, Colonel William R. Brewster, commanding the Brigade, presiding, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted, as expressing the feelings of the entire Brigade. Whereas, It hath pleased God in his all wise providence to remove from us our late associate and commander. Colonel William 0. Stevens, who fell on the morning of May 3d, at the battle of Chancellorsville while nobly performing his duty, we, the surviving officers of the Regiment, and the Brigade, with which he has been so long connected, wish to pay this slight tribute to departed worth, while expressing our heart-felt sympathy for his afflicted family in bereave- ment. In the loss of Colonel William 0. Stevens this regiment, and the army has been deprived of the services of a most gallant and efficient officer, an accomplished gentleman and a true patriot, who has sealed with his life his devotion to his country, and our highest aspirations for the future shall be to emulate the noble example of his fidelity to trust that he has bequeathed to us. Through all the vicissitudes of the service in which he has been engaged, he has manifested a steady and hopeful bearing, stimulating by an exalted zeal and patriotism the COLONEL WILLIAM O. STEVENS. 97 hopes of the wavering, and encouraging all by noble exam- ple to stand firmly in the great struggle, trusting to the righteousness of their cause for the attainment of perma- nently beneficial results. To the afflicted family in their bereavement, words of condolence and sympathy are all we can offer. Our loss has been great, theirs has been greater. A parent now mourns the offering of a second son on the altar of his country, while a devoted wife with her fatherless children, deplores the loss of a loving and generous protector. We trust that a Higher Power may sustain them in their bereavement, and enable them to support with becoming fortitude their deep distress, realizing that, though he sleeps, his memory will not be for- gotten, but will descend to posterity with names of the illus- trious dead, which a grateful country will render immortal. Resolved, That copies of the above be sent to the family of Colonel Stevens, Washington Chronicle, Boston Journal, New York Herald, Chicago Times, N. Y, Tribune, Dunkirk Journal, Jamestown Journal, and Westfield Republican for publication. Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be placed in the records of the Brigade. William R. Brewster, Colonel Fourth Excelsior, James A. Smith, President. Adjutant Third Excelsior, Secretary. At a meeting of the regimental officers it was decided to offer the position of Colonel to Nelson Taylor, who organ- ized the regiment, but who at this time was not connected with the service, and the following letter was sent him : 98 colonel william o. stevens. Headquarters Third Regiment, Excelsior Brigade. May 26, 1863. General : The clash of arms and the fate of battle has caused us to moui'u the loss of a noble and brave officer, one whose mem- ory will long be cherished by the survivors of this regiment. This fatal blow has deprived us of a commander. In this, our affliction, w^e turn our thoughts to him who first gave this regiment its name; whose braver}^ and noble bearing led us through the Peninsula and other campaigns; and we, the undersigned, in behalf of the officers of the Third Regi- ment, Ex. Brig., do earnestly request that you would again assume the duties and become our commander, knowing as we do, that such would meet with a hearty approval, and confer a great favor upon your old command. Requesting your immediate attention, we remain, Yours very respectfully, (Signed) John S. Austin, Lt. Col. John Leonard, Major. C. K. Abell, Capt. John P. Sandford, Capt. (Reply) New York, N. Y., Maj 29th, 1863. To Lieut. Col. J. S. Austin, Major J. Leonard and Captains C. K. Abell and J. P. Sandford: Yours of the 26th inst. has this da}' been received, and as requested, I hasten to reply. You have indeed cause to "mourn the loss of a noble and brave officer." In the death of Col. Win. 0. Stevens you alone have not met with a great loss, but the country and the service have lost a devoted patriot and gallant soldier; one whose manly bearing, correct deportment and exem- COLONEL WILLIAM O. STEVENS. 99 plary habits endeared him to all whose ^ood fortune it was to enjoy his acquaintance, and well qualified and fitted him for a high station in life; and who, if it had been God's will to have spared, by his own intrinsic worth 1 am confident would have risen to a high position. I sincerely condole with you in the loss of one so meritor- ious and deservedly well thought of, and an , as he was so soon to be taken from us, in knowing that he died a most glorious death, defending that which is most dear to every true American heart, the preservation and per]ietuity of the government of our common country. I feel flattered and honored by the compliment of being tendered the command of the Kegt. with which originalh^ I was so thoroughh^ identified. It is an additional evidence if any were needed, that however undeserving of your contin- ued confidence and regard, that I am still favorabh^ remem- bered by those whose devotion and services to the noble cause in which they are engaged, will ever be to me a source of intense solicitude. I regret that circumstances are such that I shall have to forego the acceptance of your generous offices, and trust that the j)osition will be more .satisfactor- ily filled by one of your own number. With high respect and esteem for the officers and men of the Third Regiment, I remain most truly and sincerely, _, ^ _ Your Obt. Servant, Nelson Taylor. CHAPTER XII. Gettysburg — Wapping Heights. June, July,-1863. Remained in camp near Falmouth till June 11th, when marching orders were received. Called up at 3 A. M. June 12th. Formed in line at 5 A. M., and at 7 A. M. started on what proved to be the Gettysburg campaign, marching about twelve miles. Started at 4:30 A. M,, on the 13th, and marched to Rappahannock Station, twenty-one miles. Eai'ly on the morning of the 14th the regiment marched back about five miles, and went on picket. Called in at 7:30 P. M., rejoined the division, marched all night and went into bivouac near Cedar Run at 7 A. M. on the 15th. Rested most of the day, and marched to Manassas, reaching there at 11 P. M. On the morning of the 17th the corps moved down to Bull Run, and at 3 P. M. marched over to Center- ville, going into bivouac at 6 P. M. Moved to Gum Springs during the afternoon of the 19th. The regiment went on picket on the evening of the 21st. Relieved from picket at 6 P. M. on the 22nd, and returned to camp. Marched at 10 A. M. on the 25th. Eight companies wei'e detached from the regiment, six as guard for the division wagon train, and two for other service. Reached the Potomac at Ed- ward's Ferry, a distance of thirteen miles, at 4 P. M. Crossed to the Maryland side on a pontoon bridge, marched west- ward along the narrow tow-path between the canal and river, eleven miles to the mouth of the Monocacy, going into GETTYSBURG. 101 bivouac for the night, sifter an inuisually hard march, at 11 P. M. It began raining at 5 P. M., and continued through the night. The wagon train reached Edward's Ferry at 5:30 P. M., but was cut off by the trains of the First (\)i-j)s. Crossed the Potomac at H A. M. on the 2Gth, marched up near Point of Rocks, Maryland, and went into camp. The six companies were relieved from the wagon train on the morning of tlie 27th, and returned to the regiment. Passed thrcnigh some fine villages during the day, and camped for the night two miles south of Middletown. Sandy Hook, June 27th imS. 1 P. 3/. {Received at S P. M.) Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief. My original instructions require me to cover Harper's Ferry and Washington. I have now imposed upon me, in addition, an enemy in my front of more than my number. I beg to be understood respectfully, but firmly, that I am unable to comply with this condition, with the means at my disposal, and earnestly request that 1 may at once be relieved from the position I occupy. Joseph Hooker, Major General. 0. W. R. Vol. 43, P. 60. Washington, D. C, June 27th, 180S, 8 P. M. Major General Hooker, Army of the Potomac: Your application to be relieved from your present com- mand is received. 102 GETTYSBURG. As you were appointed to this command by the Presi- dent, I have no power to relieve you. Your dispatch has been duly referred for Executive action. H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief. 0. W. R., Vol. 43, P. 60. Headquarters of the army, Washington, D. C. June 27th, 1863. Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, Army oi the Potomac. General : You will receive with this the order of the President placing you in command of the Army of the Poto- mac. Considering the circumstances, no one ever received a more important command, and I cannot doubt that you will fully justify the confidence which the Government has reposed in you. You will not be hampered by any minute instructions from these headquarters. Your army is free to act as you may deem proper under the circumstances, as they arise. You will, however, keep in view the important fact that the Army of the Potomac is the covering army of Washington as well as the army of operation against the invading forces of the rebels. You will, therefore, manoeuver and fight in such a man- ner as to cover the capital, and also Baltimore, as far as circumstances will admit. Should General Lee move upon either of these places, it is expected that you will either an- ticipate him or arrive with him, so as to give him battle. All forces within the sphere of your operations will be held sub- ject to your orders. Harper's Ferry and its garrison are under your direct orders. GETTYSBURG. 103 You ai-e authorized to remove from command, and to send from your army any officer or other person you may deem proper, and to appoint to command as you may deem expedient. In fine, General, you are intrusted with all the power and authority which the President, the Secretary of War, or the General-in-Chief can confer on you, and you may rely upon our full support. You will keep me fully informed of all your movements, and the ])ositions of your tro(»ps and those of the enemy, so far as known. I shall always be ready to advise and assist you to the utmost of my ability. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. Halleck, Geueral-in-Chiet. 0. W. R. Vol. 43, P. Gl. General Hooker was relieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac on the morning of June 28th. For several days previous to the foregoing- correspondence Gen- eral Hooker had requested that certain troo])s in, and near the territory in which he was operating* be placed under his direct command. This was refused him, but the order plac- ing General Meade in command gave him (General Meade) the authority General Hooker asked, and more. Although this correspondence is hardly part of a regi- mental history, it is given as the older members of the regi- ment had a personal interest in the welfare of their old divi- sion commander, "Fighting Joe Hooker." Major General D. E. Sickles resumed command of the Third Gorps on the 28th. Marched at 8 A. M., passed through Frederick City about 3 P. M., receiving a very cordial reception from the citizens, who supplied many of the men with sandwiches, coffee &c. 104 GETTYSBURG. Camped for the night near Walkerville, seven miles beyond, at 9 P. M. Marched at 5 A. M. on the 29th, and camped for the night near the fine village of Taneytown, Marched at 4 P. M. on the 30th, going to Bridgeport, about four miles. Marched at 8 A. M. July 1st, stopping in Emmitsburg for the First Division, First Corps, to pass, and halted again outside the town till the other divisions of the First Corpshad passed. Marched at 3 P. M. for Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Soon after dark the head of the division crossed Marsh Creek, and turned to the left. After clearing the Emmitsburg road a halt was ordered, when some of the men at the head of the column went out to find something to eat. Seeing a light in the distance they were surprised on approaching the house from which it came, to see through the windows a number of rebel artillerymen eating supper. The Union men soon learned that they were almost in the rebel line of march. They at once returned to the division, and reported w^hat they had learned. The division returned to the main road and went into bivouac on the field of Gettysburg at 1 A. M., July 2nd. The position of the Third Corps was changed several times during the day, and the line advanced for a general engagement about 3 P. M., lying under the heaviest artillery fire the corps had ever experienced for about one hour, when the infantry became engaged. The rebels broke the line to the left and rear of the Sec- ond Division and doubled up the front line of battle. The division changed front and rallied three times, but was com- pelled to fall back to the second line, leaving several pieces of artillery whose horses w^ere disabled, in the hands of the enemv. GETTYSBURG 105 Brigadier-General A. A. Hnm])lireys, coinmandinf]^ the di- vision, assisted by Lieutenant-Colonels Leonard,of the Third, and Burns, of the Fourth Excelsior, rallied a part of the Bri- gade, and, with some members of the First Division, charged back across the field, recapturing all the artillery and a large number of prisoners, including part of the 8th Florida Regiment, with their colors. Sergeant Thomas Horan, of Company, E, Third Regiment, captured the colors. Lieutenant-Colonel John Leonard, with Sergeant Henri LeFevre Brown, and Private M. Luther Howard, of Com- pany B, were the first to reach the most advanced gun. They had loosened the disabled horses and turned the gun before assistance reached them. The prisoners were made to help drag the guns from the field. Major-General Daniel E. Sickles, while directing the movements of his command in their gallant struggle in the Peach Orchard, was severely wounded, resulting in the loss of a leg. As he was placed on a stretcher the General was informed that his men thought he was mortalh' wounded. To correct this re])ort, and cheer up the men, he re(|uested the Drum Major of the First Regiment, who had chai-ge of the brigade stretcher bearers, to take a cigar case from an inside pocket, and light a cigar for him. This having been done, the General was carried along thel ine, coolly smoking, to a road leading to the rear. After the amj)utation of his leg General Sickles was carried on a stretcher by a detail from the Excelsior Brigade, about twelve miles to the nearest available railroad. The Excelsior Brigade did its fighting in and near the Peach Orchard. On the Hrd instant the Third Corps lay in support of the Second Corps, on the left center, and although under fire, did not become actively engaged. Their position was such 106 GETTYSBURG. that the men had an excellent view of the celebrated rebel charge, now known as "Pickett's Charge." The rebels began their retreat from Gettysburg on the night of July 3rd. The Third Corps remained in this vicinity till July 7th, when it started in pursuit of the enemy, overtaking them at William sport, Maryland, on the night of July 10th. At this time the rebel army under General Lee could have been crushed. The whole Union Army realized it, and wanted to fight. It is now known that the enemy at this time was practically out of ammunition, with no means of obtaining a supply. The Potomac river was so high from recent rains that it could not be crossed; but for some reason no attack was made in force, Major-General A. A. Humphreys, in his report on Gettys- burg, says of the Second Division: "In parting from this celebrated division, after having commanded it for the brief period of fifty days, 1 trust that I may be excused for ex- pressing my admiration for its high soldierly qualities. It is impossible to pass it in review, even, without perceiving that its ranks are filled with men who are soldiers in the best meaning of the term, and that it possesses in the grade of commissioned officers men whose skill, courage and accom- plishments would grace any service." O. W. R. Vol. 43, P. 536. Major General William H. French joined and assumed command of the Third Corps July 9th, 1863. O. W. R. Vol. 43, P. 489. Brigadier General Henry Prince joined the Second Divi- sion on the evening of July 9th, 1863, and assumed com- mand on the morning of July 10th. O. W. R. Vol. 43, P. 537. WAPPING HEIGHTS. 107 Brip^adier General Frank Spinola assumed command of the; Excelsior Brigade July llth, 18G3. O. W.R. Vol.43, P. 5G0. Lay in bivouac in line of battle till the morning of July 14th, when it was learned that the rebels had crossed the Potomac into Virginia during the previous night. The army again started in pursuit, the Third Corps marching at G A. M., July 15th, and went into camp near Sharpsburg, Maryland, at 1 P. M. Marched at 6 A. M. on the 16th, going into camp near Maryland Heights at 1 P. M. Marched at 4 P. M. on the 17th, crossing the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, at 6:30 P. M., and went into camp at 9 P. M. Marched slowly till July 23rd, when an advance was made at Manassas Gap in the Blue Ridge. After a good deal of manoeuvering the Excelsior Brigade was formed in line of battle under the brow of the hill immediately in rear of the skirmish line. At 5 P. M. a charge was made at Wapping Heights in Manassas Gap, driving the rebels from their po- sition. This was the most interesting charge in which the Excel- sior Brigade ever participated. JMack-berrying was good in the "Gap," and the right of the line became so interested in picking berries, as well as driving rebels, that the Second Regiment, which had the right of the Brigade, and the right wing of the Third Regiment next it, continued the berrying about an eighth of a mile after a halt had been ordered, the left of the line having stopped on a hill behind them. Many of the men found this hill a hard one to climb, although the rebels kindly helped them with bullets from the opposite hill. The brigade formed in line of battle at 11 A. M. July 24th, and advanced through the *'Gap" to Front Royal, but 108 WAPPING HEIGHTS. could find no rebels, they having retired during the previous night. Turned back at 2 P. M. Marched about 6 miles, and bivouacked for the night. Marched about twenty miles on the 25th. Marched at 5 A. M. July 26th, passed through Warrenton City at 9 A, M., and went into camp in a fine park about two miles beyond the town. Headquarters Army of the Potomac, July 28th, 1863. Brig. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas, Adjutant-General of the Army. General : I have the honor herewith to transmit two ad- ditional battle-flags captured from the enemy at the battle of Gettysburg, on which are the following inscriptions, viz: First, "Captured from the Eighth Florida Regiment by Serg't. Thomas Horan, Seventy-second New York (Third Excelsior) Volunteers." * * * * I am. General, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORaE G. Meade, Major-General Commanding. 0. W. R. Vol. 43, P. 103. Headquarters Second Division, Third Corps, Camp near Warrenton, Va., July 29, 1863. Captain : Pursuant to your circular, I have the honor to report the operations of this division during July 23, 24 and 25 : The division marched from its bivouac at Piedmont early on the morning of the 23rd instant, following the road to Manassas Gap. At Linden we came up with the First Divi- sion of the corps, and I then formed the three brigades in three columns in mass, and was ordered in this manner to follow and support the First Division, which was deployed to the front. This was done by orders from headquarters of WAPPING HEIGHTS. 109 the corps, until the First Division had carried the high ridge crossing our course, upon which the enemy first made fight. This was a very high and steep ridge, and, being cleared, the whole mechanism of the advance was visible, furnishing a magnificent scene. When my columns arrived at the to]), 1 found the line of the First Division de|)loyed along the crest, occupying it far to the right and left. Its skirmishers ad- vanced below on the other side, were stationary, and warm- ly engaged with those of the enemy, both parties seeking the cover of the ground from each other, but perfectly in view from the top of the ridge. At this juncture I received permission from corps head- quarters to employ my division where I saw best. I then directed Brigadier General Spinola to march his brigade (The Excelsior) by the flank along the hollow, then in our view, winding to the front and center of the high ridge on w^hich we stood, keeping on the lowest ground within it, and on debouching from it by the left flank, to advance in line by his proper front up the hill, he would find himself at the base, and take it. This hill was the key of the ground occupied by the enemy's skirmisliers. The First and Third Brigades were already in position to support this charge by advanc- ing down the counter-front of the main ridge, a nearer route to the hill referred to. The line of the Second Brigade made its appearance at the base of the hill between five and six P. M., and began to ascend before its right was clear of the hollow or ravine, which did not give it so fair a start as might otherwise have been, but nothing can transcend the gallantry with which it rose to the crest and drove the enemy from it. In the moment of this success a second crest of the same hill, two hundred yards beyond the first, and confounded with it un- til this time, came into their view, behind which the enemy 110 WAPPING HEIGHTS. rose from his prone position as thick as men can stand, opening a furious fire of musketry. At the same time a six- gun battery still further beyond, opened with shell. I now advanced the Third Brigade, commanded by Colonel Bur- ling, with orders to occupy the crest just taken. It deployed, advancing, and arrived promptly and in perfect order at its position. The First Brigade, commanded by Brigadier Gen- eral Carr, I brought forward in mass to the position of sup- port for the flanks of the Third. The severest part of the charge of the Excelsior Brigade was before it, after taking the first crest, but without hesi- tation, with the determination of the Union soldier and the fury of the hurricane, it took the second crest, and exposed the enemy (scampering away from it) to fire while descend- ing the one side of a deep cleared hollow, and climbing up the other. Directions had been sent by me to the brigade, while charging the second crest, to halt upon and maintain that crest, and to restore its line there, and I arrived there with part of my staff in time to assist in doing this. The simple narrative of this infantry exploit, unaided by any other branch of the service, is the most just commendation that can be made of those who performed it. It is impossible to mention their names. Very respectfully your obedient servant, Henry Prince, Brigadier General of Volunteers, Conidg. Division. Capt. W. F. a. Torbert, A. D. C. and A. A. A. G. Third Army Corps. 0. W. R. Vol. 43, P. 538. The foregoing extract from the report of General Prince is a fine description of the part taken by the Excelsior Bri- gade in the Battle of Wapping Heights. WAPPING HEIGHTS. Ill The following extract from the report of Major General William H. French, commanding the Third Corps, is inter- esting: "The enemy was now reported as forming his line of bat- tle near the Chester Gap road, and to the left of the Pass. Continuous columns of cavalry, infantry, artillery and bag- gage-wagons were seen during the day, moving fi'om the direction of Winchester toward Strasburg, Ijuray and Front Royal; the force in front of us being evidently a large flank guard to delay our advance. The First Division was formed in line of battle, supported by the Second, and the Third Division held in reserve. The enemy had rallied his skirmishers in his front and l)ehind the slopes which descend from Wapping Heights, carried by Ward's division. I sent an order to General Prince by Lieu- tenant-Colonel Hayden, chief of staff, to send a brigade to penetrate the ravine in front, and cut the enemy's line, and to drive them away. The Excelsior Brigade was selected to carry out my orders, and moved rai)idly to execute them. Descending the ])reci[)itous slopes of Wapping Heiglits, they w^ere directed upon the valley which separated the series of knolls in our front, behind the principal of which the enemy, perceiving the object of the movement, concentrated. The brigade was at once deployed at the base of the knoll, and advanced upon the enemy. Halting for a moment upon the crest of the hill, the line rushed upon the enemy with the bayonet, giving cheer after cheer, and driving him back in confusion out of the Gap. Nothing could be more brilliant than the conduct of the officers and men in this affair, evidencing fighting qualities of the higliest order. 112 WAPPING HEIGHTS. Brigadier General Spinola, who led and commanded the brigade, was twice wounded. After the front had been en- tirely cleared, the other brigades of the Second Division moved down in rear of the Excelsior, which, being taken for a threat upon the road to Front Royal by the enemy, a few random shots from two rifled guns near the road were sent into our lines at a great range. It was now almost nightfall, and the men, exhausted by a long and arduous march and spirited attack, were permitted to lie on their arms. On the following morning the Second Division pickets being pushed out, it was discovered that the enemy had withdi-awn in the night. That division was sent to Front Royal with a battery, but finding no enemy in force, it was directed to return, and the march was resumed to Warren- ton, near which town the corps went into camp. The soldierlike spirit which entered into the performance of the duties of these troops, whether in contact with the enemy or while advancing to meet him, is worthy of the highest commendation." 0. W. R. Vol. 27, Part 1, P. 490. August 1st the Third Corps moved down near Beverly Ford on the Rappahannock, and went into camp. Headquarteks Third Regiment, Excelsior Brigade, Camp near Beverly Ford, Va. August 15th, 1863, Major: In compliance with circular from brigade head- quarters, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment during the recent movements from June 28th to July 26th: We left Middletown June 28th, passing through Freder- ick to Walkerville, where we camped for the night. COL. JOHN S. AUSTIN GETTYSBURG. 113 On the 29th we marched through Woodsborough and Middleburg to Taneytown. Left Taneytown on the morning of the oOth, marched through Bridgeport, and biyouacked for the night about three miles from the town. July 1st, we marched to Emmitsburg, and encamped about 2 P. M. Broke camp at 4 P. M., and marched to Gettysburg, arriving there at 2 A. M. We were ordered to the front about 10 A. M. on the 2nd, when our regiment was placed in reserve of the Second Bri- gade, Second Division. At 2 P. M. we were ordered to advance across an open field in line of battle, the left of our regiment, which formed the extreme left of the brigade, resting on a cross road, the line running parallel with the main road, and in rear of the peach orchard. We remained in line of battle nbout two hours, under a most terrific fire of shot and shell, when we were pressed so hard on the left flank that we were obliged to fall back. This we did in as good order as the circum- stances would permit. At this time I was wounded in the arm and side, and a few minutes after had my horse killed. 1 was now obliged to give up the command to Lieutenant-Colonel Leonard, who fought the regiment after 1 left. He and the rest of the offi- cers were indefatigable in their exertions to rally the men, who were still hard pressed and obliged to fall slowly back to the crest of the hill from which tlie brigade started in the morning, where they rallied, and, charging across the field^ retook their guns, and one battle-fiag belonging to the Eighth Florida Regiment, together with a large number of prisoners, all of which they brought from the field. It was now dark, and the remnants of the regiment were collected together, and bivouacked for the night in an orch- 1 14 GETTYSBURG. ard near the Gettysburg road. The next morning the regi- ment was marched back to the rear, for the purpose of ob- taining ammunition and rations for the men. At 2 P. M. they were again moved to the front, to sup- port a batter}^, where the regiment remained until 7 P. M., when it returned to the position that they occupied in the morning. On the morning of the 5th they were again moved for- ward, and took up a position in the second hne of battle. In about two hours the regiment was marched back into a field and encamped. On the morning of the 6th it was found that the enemy had retreated and we were at once ordered to march. We did not move over half a mile, and then returned to the same camp. It would be doing an act of injustice to the brave men of the Third if I did not speak more at length in regard to their conduct on that memorable and ever-to-be-remembered July 2nd. It would also seem like an injustice to speak of one as having done better or performed his duty more nobly than another, still, I cannot pass by in silence the manner in which Lieutenant-Colonel Leonard and Major Abell performed their duties on that occasion; also Captain Bailey and Lieutenant William McConnell. Among the men it is hard to particular- ize, but I think that our Color Corporal, Edwin H. Torry, deserves particular mention. He was ever to the front, and carried the flag through that storm of shot and shell with credit to the regiment and honor to himself. Our loss was very severe. We took 22 officers and 283 men into the fight, and had 8 officers wounded, one of whom has since died, 7 men killed, 86 wounded, and 15 missing. On the 7th the regiment marched toMechanicstown, and encamped for the night. WAPPING HEIGHTS. 1 15 Left camp on the morning of the 8th at 6 A. M., and marched about one mile beyond Frederick, where it bivou- acked for tlie night at 10 P. M. On the 9th it marched to Middletown, where it received rations for the first time in two (lavs, and encamped for the night on the battle-field of South Mountain. Moved at nine o'clock on the morning of the 10th, crossed the Antietam Creek, and halted on the old battle-field of An- tietam. Moved again at 10 P. M.,recrossed Antietam Creek ^ and marched until two o'clock in the morning. Broke camp the 11th at 6 A. M.,and marched two miles. Remained in the same position until 4 P. M., then moved across the Antietam Creek, and encamped for the night. On the 12th moved about one mile, and encam[)ed in a ])iece of woods, and remained until the morning of the l-lth, then again moved forward and occupied the position that the enemy held the day before, near Williamsport. As the enemy had succeeded in crossing the Potomac, retraced line of march of the day before, passed through Sharpsburg, and encam])ed about two miles beyond the town. On the l(jth moved to within about two miles of Harp- ers Ferry, and encamped at the foot of Maryland Heights. The next day crossed the river, and encamped in Virginia. On the 18th, 19th and 20th, on the march, arriving at Up- perville, where they remained for two days. On the 22nd, moved to Manassas Gap, and halted for the night at Piedmont Station, and on the morning of the 23rd moved up the Gap to where our troops were skirmish- ing with the enemy. The enemy had taken up their position across the Gap, and all the efforts of the skirmishers to dislodge them proved unavailing. At this time the Excelsior P>rigade, of which my regiment forms a ])art, was ordered to charge the heights, 116 WAPPING HEIGHTS. and drive the enemy from their position. With a yell that would have done credit to a band of demons, our boys sprang to their feet and rushed upon the foe. The first and second heights were carried in the face of a severe fire, when the enemy opened from the opposite hill with a four-gun bat- tery, and the men, who were now completely exhausted, were ordered to hold their position, of which they had so gallantly taken possession. The next morning at daylight it was discovered that the enemy had retreated. Moved forward to Front Royal, and remained about two hours, and then marched back through rhe Gap, and encamped for the night six miles beyond. It would not be doing justice to the regiment for me to pass by this point without making some mention of the manner in which both ofiicers and men performed their duty on that occasion; neither would it be proper for me to make any invidious distinction among men who have proved them- selves soldiers in ever sense of the word on many a hard- fought battle-field, for all did their duty nobly. Each seemed to vie with the other in his attempt to reach the enemy, thus making it a fight not onl}" for victory, but for personal honor. Owing to the uneven nature of the ground our loss was comparatively small. Eight men were wounded, one of whom has since died from the effects of the wound. On the 25th marched through Salem, and bivouacked for the night five miles beyond. The next day marched to Warrenton, encamping about two miles from the town, on the road to Sulphur Springs, I have attempted in the foregoing brief and barren sketch to do justice to the brave officers and men who form the Third Excelsior, although I know I have but partiall}'' suc- ceeded, and I cannot close without extending my heartfelt GETTYSBURG, 1 17 sympathy to the friends of those who have been called upon to mourn the loss of kind friends and brave soldiers. The above is respectfully submitted. 1 am, Major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, John S. Austin, Colonel Comninnding Third Excelsior. Major J. P. Finklemeier, Assistcint Adjutant General, Excelsior [Second) Brigade. 0. W. R. Vol. 43, P 565. There has been a great deal of controversy regarding the importance of the advanced position taken by General Sick- les with the Third Corps on the aftei-noon of July 2nd. That the judgment of General Sickles was correct, is shown by the following letter from General Longstreet, who commanded the Confederate forces opposed to the Third Corps at that time : DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Office of the Commissioner of Railroads, Washington, Sept. 19, 1902. General D. E. Sickles, Gettysburg, Pa., My Dear General Sickles : My plan and desire was to meet you at Gettysburg on the interesting ceremony attending the unveiling of the Slo- cum monument; but today I find myself in no condition to keep the promise made you when last we Avere together. I am quite disabled from a severe hurt in one of my feet, so that I am unable to stand more than a minute or two at a time. Please express my sincere regrets to the noble Army of the Potomac, and to accept them, especially, for yourself. 118 GETTYSBURG. On that field you made your mark that will place you prominently before the world as one of the leading figures of the most important battle of the Civil War. As a Northern veteran once remarked to me: "General Sickles can well afford to leave a leg on that field." I believe that it is now conceded that the advanced posi- tion at the Peach Orchard, taken by your corps, and under your orders, saved that battlefield to the Union cause. It was the sorest and saddest reflection of my life for many years; but, today, I can say, with sincerest emotion, that it was and is the best that could have come to us all, North and South, and I hope that the nation, reunited, may al- ways enjoy the honor and glory brought to it by that grand work. Please offer my kindest salutations to your Governor and your fellow-comrades of the Army of the Potomac. Always yours sincerely, (Signed) James Longstreet, Lt.-Gen. Confederate Army. CHAPTER XIIl. Culpepper, Union Mills, Mine Run, Brandy Station, September, 1863 — April, 1864. Lay quietly in camp near Beverly Ford, doing picket duty, etc., until September 15th, when an advance was or- dered. Marched at 7 A. M. on the 16th, crossed the Rappahan- nock at 9 A. M., forded the Hazel River at 11 A. M., stop- ping for dinner soon after. Marched up near Culpepper Court House, and went into camp for the night. Moved about three miles on the 17th, and went into camp, on a hill overlooking Culpepper. Renmined there until October 8th. Marched at 5 A. M., stopping for dinner at 11 A. M. and did not move again till the 10th. The brigade was drawn up in line of battle near James City at 10 A. M. There was a good deal of skirmishing, but tlie regiment did not become active- ly engaged. Began falling back at ] P. M., reaching Culpep- per at midnight. Marched all day on the 11th, crossing the Rappahannock at Freeman's Ford at 10:30 P. M., and bivouacked for the night soon after. While resting in the woods on the evening of the 11th, the brigade was charged upon, and almost stampeded, by a solitary jjack-mule, load- ed with camp kettles &c. The brigade soon rallied, how- ever, and succeeded in capturing the mule. Marched very fast all day October 13th. Halted at Gainesville at 3 A. M. on the 14th; rested until 5 A. M., marched back across Bull Run Creek and formed in line of 120 UNION MILLS. battle at 3 P. M. Marched back to Centerville at dark and encamped for the night. Marched back near Fairfax Sta- tion on the 15th, and formed in line of battle near Union Mills. Lay in line of battle all day on the 16th. Major General Daniel E. Sickles returned to the corps on the 17th, intending to resume command, but he was physic- ally unable to do so. The Second Division was drawn up in line to receive him in the afternoon. Marched at 6 A. M. on the 19th, and went into bivouac near Bristoe Station at 3 P. M. Marched at 7 A. M. on the 20th, advancing slowly and camped for the night at 6 P. M. Marched at 7 A. M. October 21st, and went into camp at 11 A. M. near Catlett's Station. The Brigade remained near Catlett's Station guarding the railroad and bridges until November 6th, when it M^as relieved and joined the division on the front. Marched very fast all day on the 7th, reaching Kelly's Ford at 3 P. M. The First Division had a severe skirmish in the afternoon driving the enemy. The Second Division cross- ed the Rappahannock at dark, and bivouacked for the night in line of battle. Marched up to Rappahannock Station on the morning of the 8th and advanced to Brandy Station in the afternoon, going into camp near there on the 11th. Remained in camp near Brandy Station until Thanksgiv- ing day, November 26th. Formed on the color line at 7 A. M., where general orders were read, announcing the grand success of Hooker's troops at Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, the previous day. Marched at 7 A. M., crossed the Rapidan at Jacob's Ford at 5 P. M., and halted for the night at 7 P. M. Marched at 7 A. M. on the 27th, advancing slowly till 3 P. M., when the brigade was sent to the front at Locust MINE RUN. 121 Grove, where a charj^e was made, driving the enemy half a mile. Left the front at o A. M. on the 28th, stopped for break- fast, and marched down to Robertson's Tavern, remaining there nntil nearly dark, when the division moved to the left of the line and went into camp for the night. Advanced slowly all day on the 29th. Called up at2 A. M. on the 30th; marched at 5 A. M., going to the left of the plank road at Mine Run, where a large bod}' of troops were massed in column bv brigade to charge the rebel works. There was a dense fog at this time, which would have made it impossible for the column to have ke])t the proper direction, therefore the order to charge was delayed. After the fog had cleared a little it was found that the rebel position was an unusually strong one, with swampy ground in fi'ont, and it did not take the men long to learn this fact. The column lay in this position all day, expecting the or- der to charge, but it was not received. The Second Division returned to the right of the line, and rejoined the corps in the evening. Started for the rear at G P. M. Dec-ember 1st, the regi- ment being guard for the division ammunition train. Crossed the Ra})idan at 3 A, M. on the 2nd, and bivouacked for the night. Started at 10 A. M. marched all day, arriving at the old camp at Brandy Station at 6 P. M., everybody tired out. Headquakters Third Regiment, Excelsior Bkigade. Camp near Brandy Station, Va. December 4th, 1863. Captain: I have the honor to submit the following 7-e])ort of the part taken by the regiment under my command dur- ing the recent operations. 122 LOCUST GROVE. On the 27th of November, about 3 P. M. I received an order to march my regiment to the support of Colonel Blais- dell's brigade. Lieutenant Lock wood, of Colonel Brewster's staff, conducted me the right of the line, where I took pos- ition in line on the right of the Eight j-fourth Regiment, Penn- sylvania Volunteers. About the time I got my regiment formed in line the Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers broke, leaving a large interval on my left unprotected, and through which the enemy were moving and attempting to turn our flank. About this time I ordered the regiment to charge, which they did driving the enemy about half a mile through the woods and across an open field, at the south side of which they had a rifle-pit. I halted the regiment at the open field, and in a short time marched back to the road, being fearful that 1 might be flanked, after having penetrat- ed so far within their lines. As I got to the road I found that they had just planted a gun a short distance from our left, from which they poured grape and canister upon us, but with little effect. We remained in this position until ordered back. All of which is respectfully submitted. John Leonard, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Major J. P. Fenklemeier, Assistant Adjutant General. O. W. R. Vol. 48, P. 772. official loss at locust grove. Killed 4 Wounded 16 Total 20 132 men of the regiment re-enlisted at Brandy Station, and on December 24th, 1863, were mustered into the ser- BRANDY STATION. 123 vice of the United States for an additional three years. The Army of the Potomac remained in camp about Brandy Station, Virginia, during the winter of 1863, and spring of 1864. A good many recruits joined the regiment in January, February and March. February 6th the regiment marched at 4:30 P. M., in support of a dash across the Rapidan by the Second Corps. Halted in the woods outside the infantry picket line, at 7:30 P. M. Returned to camp on the evening of the 7th. The Third Corps was reviewed for the last time on March 16th, near the residence of John Minor Botts, by Generals French and Sedgwick. Orders were issued by the War Department March 23rd, 1864, disbanding the "Old Third Army Corps," than which there was none better; and no corps of the army had done more, or harder fighting. This fact, however, had no weight at headcjuarters. Although the First and Second Divisions which had made a record second to none under the leadership of the lamented Phil Kearny, and gallant Joe Hooker, were transferred to the Second Corps; they continued to wear the red and white diamond badges of the Third Army Corps till the close of the war. The division which was now the Fourth Division of the Second Corps, was reviewed April 14th by General Hancock; General Meade was present. On A[)ril 20th the regiment received a second beautiful National flag from New York City. The presentation was made by the Reverend Joseph T. Duyrea, I). D. The Second Corps was reviewed April 22nd by General U. S. Grant, accompanied by Generals Meade, Hancock and others. JOHN LEONARD was born in Ireland, December 11^ 1835, and came to the United States when a child. Enlisted May 17, 1855, as a private in Company F, Ninth United States Infantry. Was promoted successively to corporal, sergeant and first sergeant, and was honorably discharged on the expiration of his term of service May 15, 1860. He commanded for two years a military post on Simi-ah-mo- bay, Washington Territory. When discharged Sergeant Leonard returned to Newark, N. J., and in December, 1860, was made Captain of a company of militia. Captain Leon- ard's compan}^ joined the 72nd Regiment New York Volun- teers when organized and became Company F of that regi- ment in June, 1861. Promoted to Major October 25, 1862; promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel May 4, 1863. When Colonel Stevens fell mortally wounded at Chancellors ville, Lieuten- ant-Colonel Leonard, then Major, took command of the regiment and led it in all its campaigns until mustered out June 22, 1864, on expiration of term of service. Appointed Captain in the Veteran Reserve corps August 26, 1864, and was honorably discharged from this service January 2, 1867. Appointed First Lieutenant 43rd United States Infantry July 28, 1866. Transferred to First United States Infantry April 8, 1869, and placed on the retired list December 15, 1870, on account of wounds. Brevetted Major United States Volunteers November 7, 1865, for gallant and meritorious services during the Civil war. Brevetted Captain United States Army March 2, 1867, for gallant and meritorious ser- vices in the battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Brevetted Major United States Army March 2, 1867, for gallant and meritorious services in the battle of Gettysburg. Died Newark, N. J. February 26, 1902. CHAPTER XIV. The Wilderness Campaign. Mav, 1864. Marching orders were received at 9 P. M. May 3rd, the regiment forming on the color line at 11 P. M. Marched at 2 A. M. May 4th, the regiment being detailed as guard for the division amnumition train. Bivouacked near Ely's Ford at midnight. Marched at 8 A. M. on the 5tli, crossed the Rapidan river at 9 A. M., and went into bivouac about 5 P. M. in the large fields near the white house at Chancellors- ville. This was the first day of the battle of the Wilderness. In the evening many of the men visited the scene of the bat- tle of May 3rd, 1863. A skeleton lying by a large fallen tree in the woods was identified as H. Heyl, a member of Company H. of the regi- ment, known to have been mortally wounded the year be- fore, by a cup, bearing his initials, found by his side. The regiment was called up at 2 A. M. jNIay 6th, relieved a.s train guard, ordered to make coffee and proceed to the front. Joined the brigade in the front line of battle near the Junction of the Orange Plank road, and the Brock Road, about 6 A. M. The regiment was at once ordered into the woods in front of the breastworks, and to deploy as skir- mishers. After {idvancing some distance into the dense undergrowth, Lieutenant-Colonel John Leonard command- ing the regiment, ordered a halt, and called for five volun- teers to advance and locate the enemy. 126 THE WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN. Sergeant-Major John Myron Lyon, Private James Marvin Young, of Company B, and three other men whose names and companies are unknown to the writer, at once re- sponded. These men advanced several hundred yards when they came into heavy open timber, and upon reaching a slight elevation, found themselves facing a heav}?- rebel skir- mish-line, which was advancing, supported by two lines of battle. Sergeant-Major Lyon was shot through the left side at the first fire, completely disa,bling him. Private Young, who was near, ran to him, and, learning Lyon's condition, man- aged to get the Sergeant-Major on his back, and although the rebels were all about them, succeeded in reaching the- thick bushes, and returned to the regiment without further injury. Lieutenant-Colonel Leonard advanced to meet them, and on learning that Lyon was helpless, ordered some men from the line to relieve Young, who was completely ex- hausted. This act on the part of Private Young, undoubt- edly saved the life of Sergeant-Major L3^on, as the woods were set on fire by shell, later, and many wounded men were burned. The other three volunteers probably lost their lives as nothing was heard of them afterwards. The regi- ment soon became hotly engaged with the rebel advance, and to avoid being flanked on the left, changed its position sev- eral times. It was important that this advanced position should be held, if possible. It was hard work, but the reg- iment held its ground till joined on the left by the 73rd New York and other troops, when an advance was made driving Wofford's brigade of Georgia troops about one mile. The rebel line was strongly reinforced, when in turn the Union line, after a sharp fight, was forced to fall back into the main line of works. THE WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN. 127 Adjutant Henry Jones Yates was severely wounded in this engagement. At 4 P. M. the rebels made a charge on the log breast- works occupied by the brigade, which were set on fire by the flame from the muskets of the men, and became so hot that the brigade had to fall back into the second line. As soon as the fire died down, the}' charged the rebels, re-capturing the front line and some prisoners. This engagement lasted one hour and three quarters. OFFICIAL LOSS FOR THE DAY. Killed and mortally wounded 4 Wounded 14 Missing 3 Total 21 Lay in reserve till 5 P. M. May 7th, when the corps moved to the right and relieved the Fifth Corps in the breast- works, that corps going to the extreme left. On May 8th the Excelsior Brigade was the rear guard for the army. Re- mained in position till 10 A. M. Marched till 2 P. M., and bivouacked near Spottsylvania Court House for the night. Marched about three miles to the left on May 9th, and were engaged in putting up breastworks, when orders were re- ceived to stop, as the rebels had gone. Moved about one mile to the right, and threw up a line of works near Todd's Tavern. Headquarters, May 9th, 1864, 12 M. CoL. John Ramsey, Commanding Provisional Brigade. Colonel: You will command a provisional brigade to consist of your own and the Twenty-sixth and Eighty-fourth 128 SPOTTSYLVANIA. Pennsylvania Volunteers, Third Excelsior and Sixteenth Massachusetts Volunteers. The First Excelsior will report to Colonel Blaisdell, when we march. By Command of Brigadier-General Mott: T. W. Eayre, Assistant Adjutant-General. O. W. R. Vol. 68, P. 573. Called up at 3 A. M. May 10th, and moved to the extreme left. About 10 A. M. the Third Excelsior, with two other regiments, the Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania, of the First Bri- gade, and a New Jersey regiment of the Sixth Corps, were sent out as a "Feeling Party," to learn what was in front. A charge was made near Spottsylvania, driving in a heavy rebel skirmish line, which retired to a strong line of works on the second ridge. "The Feeling Party," not being strong enough to carry this line of works, fell back across the fields into the woods, where they were engaged in skirmishing till 5 P. M., when they were relieved, and, going a short dis- tance to the left and rear, found the division, with other troops, formed in column by brigade, for an assault on the rebel works found in the morning. During the day these works had been heavily reinforced by the enemy and the assault was repulsed. The second charge was made at 6 P. M. That particular part of the rebel works on which this assault was directed, proved to be the key-point of the main line, and was the position of the heaviest fighting of May 12th. This point has gone into history as, "The Bloody Angle, at Spottsyl- vania." The division fell back about one mile, and joined the corps. Called up at 3 A. M. May 11th, marched two miles to the right and bivouacked for orders. Moved one mile to the left at 11 A. M., and occupied the rifle pits. At 9 P. M. SPOTTSYLVANIA. 129 the brigade moved one mile and a half to the left and front, and completed a line of works begun May 10th, near where the charges were made. At 4 A. M. May 12th the Second Corps, except the Pro- visional Brigade, to w^hich the Third Regiment was attach- ed, and which occupied the works, as a reserve, made a charge on the same point of w^orks on which the charges were made May 10th, capturing the line, about 4,000 prisoners, includ- ing Major-General Edward Johnson, with his wholedivision, 27 pieces of artillery and 32 battle-flags. The charge was a complete surprise, being accomplished without alarming the rebels, till the advance lines were inside of the works, and large numbers of prisoners were pulled from their beds by the Union troops. Lieutenant-Colonel John Leonard, of the "Third Regi- ment," who had charge of the advance picket, at this time, should have credit for having made the break in the rebel picket line, through which the head of the column passed. During the charge on the morning of May 10th, Lieutenant- Colonel Leonard, who was in the extreme advance, had gained a thorough knowledge of the lay of the land between the lines. This knowledge enabled him to surprise and cap- ture a number of rebel picket posts, thus making an opening in the rebel picket line through which the corps advanced and reached the main line of works before being discovered. About 8 A. M. the regiment was ordered into the open field to the left and front, to supj)ort a battery. In a short time the battery was sent to another position. About 9 A. M. Major-General Birney sent the regiment to support a sec- tion of artillery that had been captured, manned by volun- teers, and turned on the enemy. These guns were in the roadway at the "Bloody Angle," and but a few feet distant from two large trees that were cut down by musket-balls. 130 SPOTTSYLVANIA. The stump of one of these trees was removed to the War Department at Washington. The guns were soon disabled and the regiment being in an exposed position, where they could do nothing, as they were in the rear of two lines of battle, fell back under cover. Many of the men went a short distance to the left in front of the captured works, and fought all day. Some of the most desperate fighting of the war was done at this point, the Union men fighting without any organization, every man for himself, but the colors of many regiments, and from different army corps, were there. The rebels made repeated charges during the day to recap- ture these works, but were repulsed with heavy loss every time. The regiment was in the front line and a stead}'^ fire of musketry was kept up all night. Special Orders\ Headquarters Second Army Corps, No / May ISth, 1864. For the present the Third and Fourth Divisions of this corps will be consolidated into one command under Major- General Birney. By order Major-General Hancock. Wm. E. Driver, Acting Assistant Adjutant General. 0. W. R. Vol. 68, P. 709. Special Order\ Headquarters Third Division, No J Second Corps, Mav 13th, 1864. In the consolidation of the Third and Fourth Divisions, in pursuance of special orders from headquarters, Second Army Corps, of this date, the First Brigade, Fourth Divi- sion, will be known as the Third Brigade, Third Division; the Second Brigade, Fourth Division, as the Fourth Brigade, Third Division. Badges will remain as before. Brigadier- SPOTTSYLVANIA. 131 General Mott will resume command of his old brif^ade. All actinpj staff officers rendered supernumerary by the above orders will rejoin their regiments at once. Officers of the general staff rendered supernumerary, will report at these head(|narters for assignment. Field return of the effective strength present will be sent in to these head(]uarters at once. By Command of Major-General Birnej^, F. BiRNEY, Major and Assistant Adjutant General. O. W. R. Vol. ()8, P. 711. On the morning of May 13th the division moved one mile to the left, and went into bivouac. Called up at 3 A. M. May 14th, and moved up into the front line of rifle-pits, skirmish- ing all day. Relieved at 4 P. M., moved a short distance to the right, and threw up some breastworks. Called up at 4 A. M. May 15th, and moved one mile to the left. After breakfast moved to the right and occupied the rifle-pits. Moved a short distance to the right on the morning of the 16th, and built a line of w^orks. Lay still all day on the 17th, and it was the first day since May 5th that the regi- ment was not under fire. Called up at 3 A. M. on the 18th, and found several lines of battle in front. Went one mile to the right and occupied the rifle-pits. Relieved at 11 P. M. and marched back to the position held the day before. OFFICIAL LOSS AT SPOTTSYLVANIA. Killed and mortally wounded, 7 Wounded, 27 Missing, 6 TotaJ 40 132 NORTH ANNA. Called up at 2 A. M. May 19th, marched six miles to the left and went into bivouac. Lines were formed at 7 P. M. and the division went to the right on the double quick to repel an attack by General Early's rebel corps on the right and rear at Anderson's Farm. The division returned to the position of the previous day at 6 A. M. May 20th. Rested till IIP. M., when the corps began moving to the left. Marched all day on the 21st, crossing the Mattapony river at dark, and bivouacked for the night. Moved into the rifle- pit at 10 A. M. on the 22nd, and remained there all day. Marched at 8 A. M. May 23rd, to the North Anna river. The Second and Third Regiments were out supporting the skir- mishers till 5 P. M., when with the First Brigade, they charged the works on the north bank of the river. The Second and Third Regiments were the first into the rebel redoubt. In this charge Sergeant James Anderson, of Company F. performed an act of conspicuous gallantry. At this time Sergeant Anderson was acting as Color Bearer. He, with the color guard, and a few others, were the first to reach the redoubt, and jumping into the ditch, the men by sticking their bayonets into the bank and holding up their muskets, made steps, up which Sergeant Anderson climbed to almost certain death, as the rebels still held the redoubt. Sergeant Anderson was the first Union man, and the colors of the Third Regiment were the first Union colors that mounted these works. Corporal Milton S. Bacon, of Company G, was shot through the head and killed while helping Sergeant Anderson up the bank, by a rebel on the parapet. Captain Samuel Bailey, of Compau}^ I, acting Adjutant, assisted in this work. This redoubt was erected to protect a bridge across the North Anna river, and was supported by a line of rifle-pits and breastworks on the south side of that stream, TOTOPOTOMOY. 133 from which a heavy fire was maintained durin<:,- the charge. The regiment lay in line of battle near the river all night. The enemy began shelling the brigade at 4 A. M. on the 24th, when a line of breastworks was thrown up. Moved to the right at 11 A. M., and relieved the First Brigade. The Ex- celsior Brigade crossed the North Anna at 1P.M., and formed in line of battle in rear of the rifle-pits which were shelled twice by the rebels during the afternoon. About 9 P. M. the brigade advanced a quarter of a mile outside the woi'ks, and threw up a new line. Relieved from the front line by the First Brigade at dark on the 25th. Lay in the second line all day May 26th, After dark the division fell back across the river, and after marching about tW'O miles, went into bivouac for the night. Marched at noon on the 27th, halted for supper at 7 P. M., and bivou- acked for the night near the Pamunke}^ River. Marched at 8 A. M. on the 28th, moving slowly all day. Crossed the Pam- unke}' river near Hanovertown at 5 P. M., and bivouacked for the night at 7 P. M. Moved one mile to the front at 10 A. M. May 29th, and thi'ew up a line of works. Advanced two miles at 7 P. M., and built another line of works. Lay in the front line of rifle-i)its all day on the 30th. There was a good deal of ar- tillery fire in the evening. The men were much interested in the work of a battery of coehorns, or sumll mortars, sta- tioned in rear of the brigade. A charge was made on the morning of May 81st, cap- turing the front line of rebel works at Oak Grove, or Totop- otomoy. In this charge the colors of the Third Regiment were the first to mount the enemy's works; they were gallantly borne by Corporal Ovett Burr, of Company E, Avho was one of the first Union soldiers to reach the breastworks, and who was 134 COLD HARBOR. helped up the parapet by those with him. A new line of works was thrown up in the evening. OFFICIAL LOSS AT NORTH ANNA AND TOTOPOTOMOY. Killed 2 Mortally wounded 1 Wounded 9 Total 12 At daylight June 1st the division fell back to the posi- tion of May 30th, and occupied the front line of works all day. Moved back three miles after dark, and bivouacked for the night. Marched to the extreme left of the army at Cold Harbor during the forenoon of the 2nd. Moved into the front line of works on the morning of the 3rd. Remained there till 5 P. M. of the 4th, when the division went to the extreme left. There was a good deal of skirmishing on the morning of the 5th. Lay still till 5 P. M., when the brigade went one mile to the right, and relieved the First Brigade in the front line of works. The rebels made a night attack, but were easily repulsed. The brigade was relieved on the morning of the 6th; went to the extreme left, and threw up a line of works. The regiment was on the advance picket at night. Relieved from the picket line at 8 P. M. on the 7th, and rejoined the bri- gade. Lay in the breastworks near Cold Harbor June 8th to 12th, the regiment going on the advance picket at 7 P. M. of the 12th. The pickets were drawn in at 3 A. M. of the 13th, marched very fast, overtaking the brigade at 6 A. M. Crossed the Chickahominy at 3 P. M. and at 10 P. M. went into bivouac for the night at Charles City Court House. CASPAR K. ABELL, born Fredonia, New York, No- vember 27th, 1827. Enlisted, May 15th, 1861. First Lieu- tenant, June 20th, 1861. Captain, June 25th, 1861. Major, May 3rd, 1863. Mustered out with the regiment. He en- gaged in mercantile business at Dunkirk, New York, soon after his return from the army, which he still continues. CHAPTER XV. peteksbueg — muster out. June, 1864. The division crossed the James River at Wilcox Landing, on a pontoon bridge at 11 A. M. .June 14th, and went into bivouac for the day. Marched at noon on the 15th, arriving in front of Petersburg towards midnight after a very hard march. Had the Second Corps continued its advance at this time Petersburg could probably have been occupied with but little opposition. A division of colored troops of the Eighteenth Corps had captured the main line of rebel works, next the Appomattox River on the evening of the 15th, and developed the fact that there was but a small force of rebels in Petersburg at that time. But for the misunderstandings which held a large part of the Second Corps in idleness on the bank of the James River, waiting till a late hour of the morning for rations which did not come, and even then, but for the mistake which led their march by a circuitous route, our troops might have been in position early in the afternoon to sup- port this gallant assault, and perhaps to push it home to the capture of the city, which was but slenderly- defended till after midnight. Many have thought that even at night, under the light of a full moon, a determined advance of the Second Corps would have carried them into the city. But this service was not asked of them by the general in command on that part of the field. As lines were being formed for bivouac under PETERSBURG. 137 the sliadow of the captured works, and throughout the night, the locomotive whistles and constant rumble of trains told the story of troops being- hurried down from the direc- tion of Richmond to hold the threatened position; and there followed ten months of shai-p assault and stubborn defense before those lines were finally broken. At daylight on the IGth it was discovered that there were no pickets or skirmishers in front of the division. The corps was soon in line of battle, and breastworks thrown up under a heavy artillery fire from the enemy. There was severe skirmishing all day. Advanced and threw up another line of works in the evening. The regiment was skirmishing all day on the 17th. Advanced on the morning of the 18th, and drove the rebels from their rifle pits. Advanced again in the evening, and threw up another line of works. Lay in the rifle pits, skir- mishing all da}^, the 19th, and all day of the 20th. Relieved at night by the Ninth Corps. The division marched nearly all day on the 21st, the regiment going into line of battle for the last time, near the Weldon Railroad, at night. The term of service of the regiment having expired, it was relieved from the front on the morning of June 22nd, and went to the rear to be mustered out. At this time com- panies "C," "G" and "H," whose time had not expired, were attached to the 120th New York. On the evening of June 23rd, those men who had re-en- listed at Brandy Station, December 24th, 1863, for another term of three years, and those recruits whose time had not expired, were transferred to the 120th Regiment, New York Infantry. When this regiment was mustered out, what were left of these men were transferred to the 73rd Regiment 138 MUSTER OUT. New York Infantry, and received their final discharge with that regiment. The Regiment, having been withdrawn from the front, started for City Point late in the afternoon of June 25th, resting in bivouac near the wagon camp at the cross roads at 10 P. M. It marched at 6 A. M., June 26th, and reached the James River early in the day. It was mustered out of service June 27th. On June 28th, at 10:30 A. M., the com- mand went on board the steamboat Keyport, which then sailed down the James River, passed Fort Monroe at 5 P. M., and landed at Washington about 8 A. M. the following day. The men found quarters at the Soldiers' Rest. On June 30th they were ordered to New York for payment, ar- rived in that city July 1st, and were quartered at the Sol- diers' depot in Howard street. The regiment was paid off July 5th and 6th, and the members at once scattered to their homes. WILLIAM REED EASTMAN, State Inspector of Public Libraries, was born New York, October 19th, 1835. He is a graduate of Yale, 1854, and of the Union Theological Seminary, 1862. Married November 20th, 1807, Laura E. Barnes. Chaplain 72nd Regiment N. Y. Volunteers, 1863-4. Pastor Congregational Churches in Plantsville, Conn., Suf- field, Conn, and South Framingham, Mass., 1865-1888; Connected with State Library since 1892. Address, N. Y. State Library, Albany, N. Y. CHAPTER XVI. MEDAL OF HONOE. LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA UNDER WHICH THE MEDAL OF HONOR IS AWARDED. A RESOLUTION to provide for the presentation of "medals of honor" to the enlisted men of the Army and Volunteer Forces who have distinguished or may distinguish themselves in battle during the present rebellion. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress Assembled, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby, auth- orized to cause two thousand "medals of honor" to be pre- pared with suitable emblematic devices, and to direct that the same be presented, in the name of Congress, to such non- commissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldier- like qualities, during the present insurrection. And that the sum of ten thousand dollars be, and the same is hereby, ap- propriated out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the purpose of carrying this resolution into effect. Approved, July 12, 1862. AN ACT making appropriations for sundry civil expenses of the Govern- ment for the year ending June thirty, eighteen hundred and sixty-four, and for the year ending the 30th of June, 1863, and for other purposes. * * * * * Sec. 6. And be it farther enacted, That the President cause to be struck from the dies recently prepared at the MEDAL OF HONOR. 141 United States mint for tliat })iirpose, "medals of honor" ad- ditional to those authoi-ized by the act (resohition) of July twelfth, ei<»hteen hundred and sixty-two and present the same to such officers, non-commissioned officers, and pri- vates as have most distin<»-uished, or who may hereafter most distinguish, themselves in action; and the sum of twenty thousand dollars is hereby appropriated out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to defray the expenses of the same. * * * * * Approved, March 3, 1863. JOINT RESOLUTION relative to the medal of honor authorized by the Acts of July twelfth, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, and March third, eighteen hun- dred and sixty-three. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress Assembled, That the Secretary of War be, and he is hereby, authorized to issue to any person to whom a medal of honor has been awarded, or may hereafter be awarded, under the provisions of the Joint Resolution approved July twelfth, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, and the Act approved March third, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, a rosette or knot to be worn in lieu of the medal, and a ribbon to be worn with the medal; said rosette or knot and ribbon to be each of a pattern to be pre- scribed and established by the President of the United States, and any appropriation that may hereafter be available for the contingent expenses of the War Department is hereby made available for the purposes of this Act: Provided, That whenever a ribbon issued under the provisions of this Act shall have been lost, destroyed, or rendered unfit for use, without fault or neglect on the ])art of the person to whom it was issued, the Secretary of War shall cause a new ribbon to be issued to such person without charge therefor. Approved, May 2, 1896. 142 MEDAL OF HONOR. War Department, Washington, November 10, 1896. Orders: In accordance with the provisions of the joint resolution of Congress entitled "Joint Resolution relative to the Medal of Honor authorized by the Acts of July twelfth, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, and March third, eighteen hundred and sixty-three," approved May 2, 1896, a ribbon to be worn with the Medal of Honor, and a knot to be worn in lieu of the medal, is prescribed and established by the Presi- dent of the United States, to be each of a pattern as follows: The ribbon to be of silk one inch wide and one inch in length; the center stripe of white one-sixteenth of an inch wide, flanked on either side by a stripe of blue seven thirty- seconds of an inch wide, bordered by two stripes of red each one-quarter of an inch wide. The knot to be a bowknot of the same combination of colors as the ribbon above described. The ribbon and bowknot are shown in the designs here- to attached. * * * DANIEL S. LAMONT, Secretary of War. In compliance with the foregoing Acts of Congress the following named members of the regiment have received the Congressional Medal of Honor, The remarks following the names are from the records of the War Department : JOHN H. HAIGHT-Sergeant, Company G. "Voluntarily carried a severely wounded comrade off the field in the face of a large force of the enemy, and in so doing was himself severely wounded." Williamsburg, Va., May 5th, 1862. MEDAL OF HONOR. 143 "Went into the fight, although severely disabled." Bristoe Station, Va., August 27th, 1862. "Volunteered to search the woods for the wounded." Manassas, Va., August 29th and 30th, 1862. THOMAS HORAN— Seegeant, Company E. ''Captured the flag of the Sth Florida Regiment." Gettysburg, Pa., July 2nd, 1863. HENRI Le FEVRE BROWN— Sergeant, Company B. "Voluntarily, and under heavy fire from the enemy, three times crossed the fleld of battle with a load of ammu- nition in a blanket on his back, thus supplying the Federal forces, whose ammunition had nearly all been expended, and enabling them to hold their position until reinforcements ar- rived, when the enemy were driven from their position." Wilderness, Va., May 6th, 1864. JAMES MARVIN YOUNG-Private, Company B. "Upon call of the regimental commander with two or three comrades, volunteered to go forward in the forest and reconnoitre the enemy's position. He came in contact with the enemy, was fired upon, and one of the volunteers was badly w^ounded and helpless. Young took his wounded comrade on his back, and under fire, brought him w^ithin the Union lines." Wilderness, Va., May 6th, 1864. CHAPTEK XVII. List of Battles and Skirmishes in which the Regiment Participated During its Term of Service. The losses given in the following list are for those en- gagements only where the total loss shows ten or more men. In addition to the following named engagements the regiment participated in a large number of skirmishes and small affairs, not given a name: 1861. October 23— Budd's Ferry, Md. 1862. Night of March 19— Capt. Robert T. Johnson, with 50 men of Co. I, crossed the Potomac into Virginia. Night of March 20— Capt. Darwin Willard with 100 men of Companies A and B, crossed the Potomac and engaged the enemy at Boyd's Hole, Virginia. Night of April 2— Lieutenant-Colonel Israel Moses, with a detachment of 250 men of the regiment, with similar de- tachments from the other regiments of the brigade, crossed the Potomac and advanced to Stafford Court House, Vir- ginia. April — Siege of Yorktown, Va. May 5th — Williamsburg, Virginia. LOSS AT WILLIAMSBURG. Killed 61 Mortally wounded 23 Wounded 67 Missing 44 Total loss 195 LIST OF BATTLES. 145 June 1 — Seven Pines, Va. June 12 — Seven Pines, Va. SEVEN day's battle, VA. June 25— The Orchards, or Oak Grove, Va. June 27— Fair Oaks, Va. June 29 — Peach Orchard, Va. June 30— Glendale, Va. July 1st— Malvern Hill, Va. LOSS DURING THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLE. Killed 16 Mortally wounded 6 Wounded 61 Missing 4 Total loss 87 August 5— Second Malvern Hill, Va. GENERAL POPE's CAMPAIGN, VA. Night of August 26— Kettle Run, Va. August 27— Bristoe Station, Va. August 29— Groveton, Va. August 80— Second Bull Run, Va. September 2 — Chantilly, Va. LOSS DURING GENERAL POPE's CAMPAIGN. Killed 5 Mortally wounded 2 Wounded 23 Missing 7 Total Loss 37 December 12 — Fredericksburg, Va. 146 LIST OF BATTLES. 1863. May 2 — Chancellorsville, Va. May 3 — Chancellorsville, Va. LOSS AT CHANCELLORSVILLE. Killed 15 Mortally wounded 3 Wounded 28 Missing 55 Total loss 101 July 2 — Gettysburg, Pa. July 3— Gettysburg, Pa. LOSS AT GETTYSBURG: Killed 7 Mortally wounded 7 Wounded 72 Missing 28 Total loss , 114 July 23 — Wapping Heights, Va. November 7 — Kellys Ford, Va. November 27 — Locust Grove, Va. LOSS AT LOCUST GROVE. Killed 4 Mortally wounded 1 Wounded 15 Total loss 20 November 29— Mine Run, Va. 1864. Morning of May 6 — Wilderness, Va. Afternoon of May 6 — Brock Road, Wilderness, Va. LIST OF BATTLES. 147 LOSS IN THE WILDERNESS. Killed 2 Mortally wounded 2 Wounded 14 Missing 3 Total loss 21 May 9— Todd's Tavern, Va. Morning of May 10— Spottsylvania, Va. Afternoon of May 10— Spottsylvania, Va. May 12— Spottsylvania C. H., Va. LOSS AT SPOTTSYLVANIA. Killed 4 Mortally wounded 3 Wounded 27 Missing 6 Total loss 40 May 18— Landron House, Va. May 19 — Anderson's Farm, Va. May 23— North Anna, Va. LOSS AT NORTH ANNA. Killed 1 Wounded 9 Total loss 10 May 24— Taylor's Bridge, Va. May 31— Totopotonioy, Va. June 3 — Cold Harbor, Va. June 4 — Cold Harbor, Va. June 16 — Petersburg, Va. 148 LIST OF BATTLES. June 17 — Harrison's Creek, Va. June 18— Norfolk Kailroad, Va. June 21— Weldon Railroad, Va. LOSS AT PETERSBURG. Killed 3 Mortally wounded 1 Wounded 10 Totalloss 14 Three Companies, "C." "G." and "H." with 120th Reg- iment New York Vols. July 27— Deep Bottom, Va. August 14— Strawberry Plains, Va. Night of September 9— Foi-t Hell, near Petersburg, Va. October 2 — Poplar Springs Church, Va. October 27— Boydton Plank Road, Va. LOSS DURING THE THREE YEARS SERVICE. Killed 120 Mortally wounded 54 Wounded and recovered 354 Died of disease 86 Died in prison 10 Missing 138 Total 762 It is impossible to determine through any authority to which the writer has access, the exact enrollment of the regi- ment. Colonel William F. Fox in his admirable work, "Regimental Losses During the Civil War," which is recog- nized as standard authority, makes the enrollment of the "^^hird Excelsior" 1250 men. On this basis the percentage of loss is: — Killed and mortally wounded 13.9 Total loss ] 60.8 CHAPTEK XVIII. Roster of Commissioned Officers of the Thii-d Regiment Excelsior Brigade, during its organization. FIELD AND STAFF. COLONELS. Nelson Taylor, June 21 st, 1861. Promoted to Brig. Gen'I. Oct. 25, 1S62. William O. Stevens, Promoted from Major October 25th, 1862. Killed in action May 3d, 1863, at Chancellorsville, Va. Mustered as Col. to date from September 8th, 1862, by Captain Willian. John S. Austin, Promoted from Lt. Col. May 4th, 1863. Mustered as Colonel to date from May 4th, 1863. LIEUTENANT-COLONELS. Israel Moses, June 21 st. 1861. Resigned Oct. 4th, 1862. John 5. Austin, Oct. 25th, 1S62. Promoted to Colonel May 4th, 1863. Mustered as Lieutenant-Colonel to date from Oct. 25th, 1862. John Leonard, Promoted from Major May 4th, 1863. Mustered as Lieu- tenant-Colonel to date from May 4th, 1S63, by Captain John Willian. MAJORS. William O. Stevens, Promoted from Captain Co. D, June 25th, lS;)l. Pro- moted to Colonel Oct. 25th, 1S62. John Leonard, Promoted from Captain Co. F, Oct. 25th, 1862. Pro- moted to Lieutenant-Colonel May 4th, 1863. Caspar K. Abell, Promoted from Captain Co. D, May 5th, 1863. Muster- ed as Major to date from May 4th, 1863, by Captain Willian. 150 ROSTER. SURGEON. July 24th, 1861. ADJUTANTS. Promoted from Private Co. D, June 25th, I86l. Pro- moted to Captain Co. H, Nov. 1st, i86i. Killed inaction July 1st, 1862. Promoted from 1st Lieutenant Nov. 1st, i86i. Retired from Adjutant January 29th, 1862. Resigned May lOth, 1862. Promoted from 1st Lieutenant April 29, 1862. Resigned December 2Sth, 1862. Promoted from 1st Lieutenant Dec. 26, 1862. Retired from duty as Adjutant June 24th, 1863. Promoted from 1st Lieutenant June 24th, 1863. Mus- tered as 1st Lieutenant August 22nd, 1863, to date from January 7th, 1863, by Captain Willian. Promoted to Captain Co. D, vice Captain McDonough, killed in action, to date from Nov. 28th, 1863. Promoted from 1st Lieutenant Nov. 28, 1863. Promoted from 1st Lieutenant March, 3, 1864. QUARTERMASTERS. June 21, 1861. Promoted to Captain and A. Q. M. Oct. 23, 1862. Promoted from Q. M. Sergeant Oct. 24, 1862. Mustered as Quartermaster to date from Nov. 22nd, i862, by Lieutenant Dimmick. ASSISTANT SURGEONS. N. W. Leighton, July 24th, I86l. Resigned Oct. lOth, 1862. Edward D. Perkins, Oct. ii, i862. Promoted to Surgeon, 71 st Regiment, N. Y. Vols., May 13, 1863. George D. Townsend, Oct. 1 1 th, 1 862. Commissioned in another regiment. William M. Jones, 1862. Resigned July 28, 1863. Fred'k W. Simpson, Nov, 13, 1863. Mustered to date from Nov. 13, 1863. CHAPLAINS. July 24, 1861. Discharged April 20, 1862. Charles K. Irwin, Stephen M. Doyle, William J. O'Neal, Hugh C. Hinman, James A. Smith, Alexander M. Clark, Robert H. Savage, Henry J. Yates, T. W. Q. Fry, John ilcN. Grant, Levi W. Norton, William R. Eastman, January 1st, 1863 Mustered as Chaplain Jan. 1st, 1863. ROSTER. 151 SERGEANT-MAJORS. 1 Samuel Bailey, June 21, I86i. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company B, Nov. 1, 1861. 2 Berend Huttmann, Nov. i, i86i. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company F, Jan. 8, 1862. 3 James Fogarty, January 8, 1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company I, April 17, 1862, 4 Thomas Clark, April 17, 1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company C, May 6, 1862, 5 John S. riann, May 6, 1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company A, May 17, 1862. 6 Wm. ricQInnes, May 17,1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company G, June 2, 1862. 7 Chas. H. Hydorn, June 2, 1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company H, June 13, 1862. 8 Wm. E. Wheeler, June 13, 1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company F, June 23, 1862. 9 Henry J. McDonough, June 23, 1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Com- pany D, July 2, 1862. 10 Warren J. Stanton, July 2, 1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company A, Aug. 5, 1862. 1 1 Alexander M. Clark, Aug. 5, 1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Com- pany K, Sept. 8, 1862. 12 Samuel Howell, Sept. 8, 1862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company C, Dec. 26, 1862. 13 John ricKinley, Dec. 26, I862. Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant Company K, May 5, I863. 14 J. Myron Lyon, May 6, 1863. QUARTERMASTER-SERGEANTS. John ricN. Grant, June 21, 1861. Promoted to Quartermaster Oct. 24. 1862. Richard J. Conroy, October 24, 1862. COMMISSARY-SERGEANTS. Isaac A. Brooks, June 21, 1861. Discharged the service Feb. 22, 1864. Otis N. Shelton, Co. D, Feb. 22, 1864. Appointed C. S. vice Brooks. HOSPITAL STEWARDS. Fred'k n. Fincke, Discharged Oct. 17, 1862. Ferdinand Weiler, Re-enlisted in regular army Dec. 13, I863. Dudley B. Fuller, Appointed Dec. 26, I863. o u I— I o O 2i S >, ^ - rt o 1 i: o ^ i . 1) C > o 'S o ^ O ^ C TS <0 . .2 .2 >, b^ 3 3 3 3 vo vo f^ CO CO ^ .s c <^' ^ g >> bi -^ •-3 3 ^ S -) < >» ^ S E •". 4- p o w «^ i: >h! ^ - ^ 00 C^ aj aj ^ ci - o o VO O) •- Q. O. rt rrt U U (/) ri c^ •n TJ aj 1< n> 3 3 (/I t/5 s s -,; v'x ^ -»; c^ u 4) w u 3 4) ^ So e u j: o o « n O u a *r «- 5 « ^ 7 "5 .fi ■« .2 . Doyl Hard, tidfon -5 c J *j u J o = 4> g. 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