V r . ylvania Veteran LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. RECEIVED BY EXCHANGE Class The Story of The Forty-Eighth A Record of the Campaigns of the Forty-Eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry during the four eventful years of its service in the war for the preservation of the Union. BY Joseph Gould Late Quartermaster Sergeant of the Regiment, Mt. Carmel, Pa. PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION Arranged by Printed ty FRANK H. TAYLOR ALFRED M. SLOCUM CO. 718 Arch Street 7** Arch Street Philadelphia Philadelphia Dcbuatrb to tijp memory of comrabes gone before, to our surbibing members anb to the lopal frienb* of the Regiment in g>chupUuU Count?, helping hanos habe eber been open in sustaining the 3U gitnental organisation anb perpetuating its fame. 188243 Joseph Gould PREFACE In compiling this volume the author has had access to many sources of information: his own and other private diaries, prepared in camp, when the events weqe fresh, at the close of a day s march, or after a battle; General Orders; Official Records of the War; historical references; extracts from articles culled from the Century and other magazines, giving reminiscences of officers on both sides of the con flict; biographies and auto-biographies of General Officers; original articles by members of the Organization; the Offi cial Report of Colonel Henry Pleasants, whose fertile brain conceived, engineered, and successfully exploded the Mine at Petersburg, that splendid operation that has given the Regiment a unique distinction, not enjoyed by any other organization in the Army of the Potomac; and last, but not least, the "Memorial of the Patriotism of Schuylkill County," compiled and published by Francis B. Wallace, associate editor of the Miners Journal, in 1865, from the files of that paper during the war. In the preparation of this work, which has required much labor and research, some slight error or misstatement of fact may have crept in; if such be found, let the reader be not too critical or severe, but remember that the events herein portrayed occurred over forty-two years ago. The object has been, in a general way, to add to the history of those stirring times the story of a Regiment proud of its achievements and inspired by the hope that its record shall not be for gotten when taps shall have been sounded over the resting place of the last survivor, but that the youth of the land who may perchance read its history may emulate its deeds by similar patriotic service should their country call them to do battle for its preservation or in defense of its flag. Th,e author extends his thanks to all those who have aided him with their advice or labor. Especially is he under obligation to the editors of the Miners Journal, who so kindly placed the files of their paper at his disposal; to Ser geant P. H. Monaghan, of Company F, and Robert A. Reid, of Company G, for original articles descriptive of some special operation observed by them; to Color Sergeant, Samuel Bed- dall, of Company E, Sergeant Daniel Donne, of Company G, and Captain F. D. Koch, of Company I; and especially to Sergeant William J. Wells, of Company F, for several origi nal articles and for his valuable services in preparing and editing the work. JOSEPH GOULD, Late Quartermaster Sergeant, 48th Regiment, P. V. V. I. Our Comrades and Our Flag AUTHORIZATION Acting under the authority and by virtue of an Act of Assembly, approved May n, A. D. 1905, to wit: "An Act to authorize the purchase of historical works relative to the services of Pennsylvania Volunteers during the late Civil War," at a regular monthly meeting of the Executive Committee of the Survivors Association of the 48th Regi ment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry, held at Potts- ville, Pennsylvania, on the ninth day of April, 1905, Joseph Gould, late Quartermaster Sergeant of the Regiment, was, by resolution, designated as the historian of the Regiment with instructions to prepare a history of the command cover ing its four years of service between August, 1861, and July, 1865, together with other matters pertaining to later events of interest to the Organization. At a subsequent meeting, held at Pottsville on the twenty-fourth day of June, 1905, the following comrades were appointed as the committee on History whose duty it was to aid the historian in collecting data, supervising the work, and correcting the Company Rolls, so as to provide a complete and reliable Roster of the Regiment, namely: Sergeant J. S. Honsberger, of Company A; Corporal Andrew Wren, of Company B; Theodore Titus, of Company C; Lieu tenant Henry Rothenberger, of Company D; Lieutenant James May, of Company E; Sergeant Patrick H. Monaghan, of Company F; Sergeant Daniel Donne, of Company G; George W. Christian, of Company H; Captain Francis D. Koch, of Company I; and Sergeant Daniel F. Bausman, of Co. K. To these comrades he is under special obligation, in connection with Comrades Captain A C. Huckey, Company A; Sergeant Samuel Beddall, Company E, and Robert A. Reid, Company G, for the valuable assistance rendered him in preparing the Roster, the basis of which is "Bates s History, Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1861 to 1865." INTRODUCTION In 1832, the State Legislature of South Carolina, under the leadership of John C. Calhoun, then United States Sen ator from that state, passed an act, known as the Nullification Act, which denied the right of Congress to pass laws forcing them to obey the recently enacted Tariff Act and declaring such Act "null and void." Military preparations were im mediately made in South Carolina, and civil war seemed inevitable. Had not President Andrew Jackson promptly met this crisis with his usual vigor, and issued a Proclamation warning them that persistence in their unlawful acts would provoke the power of the Military Arm of the Government to suppress revolt, the conflict, known as the War of Rebel lion, might have commenced at that time, instead of twenty- nine years later. During these twenty-nine years, events were constantly occurring which tended to bring the Northern and Southern sections into conflict, knowingly and intentionally on the part of the South, unconsciously upon the part of the North. Various compromise Acts were passed by Congress upon the Tariff and Slavery questions during this time, which, it was hoped, would be acceptable to both sections, but they proved to be temporary, only, in their effect. The tariff question ceased, gradually, to be the great bone of con tention, and the slavery question became the all absorbing subject of serious dispute, as the presidential election of 1860 approached. When, in 1854, Congress enacted the Kansas-Nebraska Bill, virtually repealing the Missouri Compromise Bill of 1850, which opened up to immigration the great plains beyond the Mississippi to be settled, slave or free, as the settlers themselves decreed, a determined effort was made by the South to people the new land by emigrants from that section to enslave it, while the New England States, where the anti-slavery sentiment prevailed, were as equally deter mined by emigration from that section to keep it free. Civil War in Kansas followed; the slavery question became more bitter, North and South; and the nation itself was rapidly plunging into Civil War. Political parties made the slavery question their dividing line of policy, the one advocating and the other opposing its extension. The presidential election of 1856, convinced the South that the institution of Slavery was doomed unless strenuous efforts on their part were made to preserve it. The offices of the National Government at Washington, especially of the War and Navy Departments, were filled by Southern men or men largely in sympathy with them, thus giving the South the virtual control of those Departments. Their leaders, therefore, took care to deprive the National authorities of the proper means of defense, in case of war, by stealthily removing all warlike material, possible, to Southern ports and arsenals, commanded by officers of Southern birth, largely, who had been educated at the expense of the Govern ment they were sworn to defend, but afterwards sought to destroy; likewise they arranged that the war vessels of the nation similarly officered, should be, in the event of war, located in Southern ports or on foreign stations. They knew full well that, should the coming presidential election result in the election of a President not in sympathy with the South, Civil War was inevitable, and they would be prepared for it, while the Government at Washington would be defenseless and the National Capital at their mercy. The presidential election of 1860 resulted in the election of Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, to the Presidency on a plur ality vote as the candidate of the Republican party. Three other candidates were in the field, representing different wings of the Democratic party. Throughout the campaign the Southern leaders had threatened to secede if Mr. Lincoln were elected, for, though he "held that slavery must be pro tected where it was, it ought not to be carried into the Ter ritories." This threat was carried out by the secession of South Carolina on December 20, 1860. Ten other states sub sequently passed Ordinances of Secession, and, delegates from these states met at Montgomery, Alabama, in Feb ruary, 1861, to form a government called "Confederate States of America," Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, being elected its President. Preparations for war were commenced in the secedingf states and "United States forts, arsenals, custom houses, and ships were seized by the states in which they were situated." This condition of affairs continued, the governmental offi cers at Washington appearing to be "paralyzed with fear." On March 4, 1861, Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated President amidst the plaudits of the North and the execrations of the South. He accepted his official duties "with malice toward none, with charity for all," and declared it to be his duty to defend the government "with all the means at his command." Charleston, South Carolina, was now the storm centre,, and great preparations were made there to bombard Fort Sumter, to which fort Major Anderson had retreated from Fort Moultrie upon finding his position there untenable. At 2 o clock, A. M., on April 12, 1861, the first shot was fired upon Sumter, and, after a terrific bombardment of 36 hours its gallant defenders, unable longer to maintain their defense, agreed to evacuate the fort, marching out with fly ing colors, after saluting their flag, on April I4th. Up to this time the people of the North had slumbered in their belief that their Southern brethren would not go to the extent of firing upon the flag, but this act had a "rude awakening" for them and the patriotism of the nation burst forth like a flame unquenchable. The effect was electrical. It unified the North as it did the South. The war spirit swept over the country like wild fire. Party lines disappeared. Many Union men in the South were borne into secession, while Republicans and Democrats in the North combined to sup port the government. THE FIRST DEFENDERS On April loth, Abraham Lincoln issued a Proclamation, calling upon the loyal states to furnish to the government 75,000 troops to serve for three months. Under this call Pennsylvania promptly responded with 530 officers and men, known since as the "First Defenders," because they were the first volunteer troops to reach the Capital for its defense. This was her first installment. She later responded with troops beyond her quota, the excess being called "Reserves." Of the "First Defenders," Schuylkill County furnished two- companies, viz.: The Washington Artillery, Captain James Wren, of Pottsville, 131 men, and the National Light Infantry, Captain E. McDonald, also of Pottsville, 113 men. These, together with the Ringgold Light Artillery of Reading, the Logan Guards of Lewistown, and the Allen Infantry of Allen- town, passed through Baltimore, unarmed and exposed to the insults and assaults of a secession mob, arriving at the Capital at 8 P. M. of the i8th, bivouacking in the Capital. Congress by Special Act, recognized the patriotism of these gallant men and the Secretary of War was directed to issue to each one of them the Congressional Medal, bestowed only upon those whose services merited special recognization. Many of these men, mostly of the Washington Artil lerists, afterwards served in the 48th Regiment, Pa. Vol. Inf., notably James Wren; Philip Nagle; Joseph A. Gilmour; Peter Fisher; Oliver C. Bosbyshell; William Auman; Cyrus Sheetz; and Francis A. Stitzer, all of whom, at some period of its ser vice, commanded companies, while James Wren, Joseph A. Gilmour, and O. C. Bosbyshell attained the rank of Major. The patriotism of Schuylkill County during the Civil War, 1861-5, was unsurpassed by that of any other county in Pennsylvania, even if it was not superior to any, for, out of a total population of but little over 90,000 souls, she sent to the field not counting naval or regular army enlistments, of which no record appears to have been kept as per the "Mem orial of Patriotism" of Schuylkill County, compiled by F. B. Wallace, of the Miners Journal, a grand total of 13,077 men, or about fourteen per cent. These men were scattered in many organizations, but two full regiments went from her midst, namely, the 48th, Colonel James Nagle, and the C)6th, Colonel Henry L. Cake, each of ten full companies. The events herein narrated will serve to prepare the reader for an intelligent understanding of the causes which led up to the war for the Union which resulted in the pres ervation of our national integrity and forever abolished liuman slavery from our borders, a war in which the 48th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry bore no in significant part, but added luster to the military fame of Schuylkill .County and glory to the great State of Penn sylvania. JOSEPH GOULD. LIST OF CHAPTERS Chapter I Formation of the Regiment 21 II Our First Camp On to the Front 34 " III The Hatteras Expedition and the Affair of Newberne 39 " IV Return to Virginia Pope s Campaign 61 V Second Bull Run 65 VI South Mountain and Antietam 76 " VII The Fredericksburg Campaign 94 VIII With Burnside to Lexington, Kentucky Ill " IX The Tennessee Campaign 123- X Re-enlistment and a Visit Home 155 " XI The Reorganization of the Forty-Eighth Regi ment 162 XII With the Army of the Potomac 173 XIII In Front of Petersburg 19& XIV The Petersburg Mine 208 " XV The Explosion and Its Results 230 " XVI Later Incidents and Operations Around Peters burg 277 XVII The Assault on Fort Mahone 289 XVIII The Fall of Petersburg and the End of the War 302 Addenda 312 Our Dead 316 Roster 39 Itinerary 46S LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Joe Gould 4 Brigadier-General James Nagle Major-General A E. Burnside Major Daniel Nagle 53 Captain Philip Nagle 58 John D. Bertolette 71 General Jesse L. Reno 79 South Mountain, Md Burnside s Bridge at Antietam 83 Col. J. K. Sigfried 85 Sergt. Wm. J. Wells 95 Ninth Army Corps Crossing the Rappahannock 98 David Griffiths, Co. F 100 Two Minnie Bullets 110 General Robert B. Potter 124 Sergt. William J. Wells, Co. F 149 Colonel Henry Pleasants 171 Major Jos. A. Gilmour 185 Picket Station, Petersburg 194 The James River 196 Richmond and Petersburg 198 Sergt. P. H. Monaghan, Co. F 199 Captain Joseph H. Hoskings, Co. F 202 Diagram of Mines 214 Lieut. Douty, Co. K 216 In Front of Petersburg 218 Between the Lines, Petersburg 225 Reservoir Hill, Petersburg 228 Petersburg, Va., Looking Towards Reservoir Hill 231 The Crater Immediately After the Assault 233 The Crater Occupied by Confederates After the Assault 235 Diagram of Crater 267 2nd Lieut. Harry Reese, Co. F 272 Earthworks, Front of Petersburg, Va 286 Col. Geo. W. Gowen 291 Field and Staff at Alexandria, Va., June, 1865 308 Regimental Colors at Muster Out, July, 1865 311 Philip Ledrick, Co. D Levi Nagle, Reg. Band Abraham Nagle, Drum Major James May, 1st Lieut., Co. E 315 R. A. Reid, Co. G 325 Captain Cyrus Scheetz, Co. G 329 John Lawrence, Musician, Co. F John P. Hodgson, Co. G David P. Brown, Co. G Sergt. Henry Shay, Co. H 335 Captain William Winlack, Co. E 339 George Fame, Sergt. Major and Lieut 342 Major Frank R. Leib, Chairman Monument Committee 343 Henry Krebs, Q. M. Sergt, 346 Henry James, 1st Lieut., Co. F Alexander Goven, Co. G Daniel Doone, Co. G S. A. Beddall, Co. E 347 Mine Entrance, Petersburg After Forty-two Years 350 Major Oliver C. Bosbyshell 351 Monument Erected by the Commonwealth of Penna 354 Survivors at the Dedication of the Monument at Antietam ... 357 Regimental Monument at Petersburg, Va 369 The Monument Committee at Petersburg, Va 372 Miss Bessie Reed and Mrs. Otelia Mahone McGill 380 The Marker at the Crater, Petersburg, Va 392 CONTENTS CHAPTER I. Formation of Regiment A Distinguished Soldier Recruiting Company Commanders Field and Staff The Original Muster Roll Forty-Eighth Regiment Field and Staff Band Company A Company B Company C Company D Company E Company F Company G Company H Company I Company K Recapitulation After One Year of War Our Colors 21 CHAPTER II. Our First Camp On to the Front At Camp Hamilton Pleasant Days at Fort Monroe 34 CHAPTER III. The Hatteras Expedition and the Affair of Newberne At Hatteras Our Zoo-Zoo Neighbors Fun in Camp Burn- side s Expedition The Newberne Fight A Maritime Adventure Wreck of the "Oriental" Captain Nagle Resigns Rumored Capture of Richmond 39 CHAPTER IV. Return to Virginia Pope s Campaign Brigade Changes The Ninth Corps to the Rescue An Inci dent of Battle 61 CHAPTER V. Second Bull Run An Incident of Battle Wounded Missing 65 CHAPTER VI. South Mountain and Antietam In Maryland South Mountain When Reno Fell Antietam The Fight at the Bridge Battle of South Mountain Battle of Antietam Creek Killed Wounded A Hard Fought Battle Retreat of Lee 76 CHAPTER VII. The Fredericksburg Campaign At Fredericksburg At Marye s Heights Killed Wounded .. 94 CHAPTER VIII. With Biirnsirte to Lexington, Kentucky To the Western Army At Lexington, Ky. The "Kentucky Loyalist" July 4, 1863 Resignations of General Nagle and Major Wren Good-bye to Lexington Ill CHAPTER IX. The Tennessee Campaign Blue Springs Straw-Voting for Curtin Soldiers Given the Suffrage Siege of Knoxville, Tenn. Campbell s Station Fort Saunders The Adventure of Company F Hopes of Help and Coffee -At Elaine s Cross Roads Anxiety of the President Bread Pills Like Valley Forge Weary Marching Back to Good Old Lexington and Plenty 123 CHAPTER X. Re-Enlistment and a Visit Home Homeward Bound Our Pittsburg Welcome "The Welcome Home" The Reception Again to the Front 155 CHAPTER XI. The Reorganization of the Forty-Eighth Regiment Company A Company B Company C Company D Com pany E Company F Company G Company H Com pany I Company K 162 CHAPTER XII. \Vith the Army of the Potomac The Soldier and His Burden Reviewed by President Lincoln From the Rapidan to the James Spottsylvania A Sol dier s Farewell Heavy Losses Company A Company B Company C Company D Company E Company F Company G Company H Company I Company K A Confederate Record The Marching Forty-Eighth Bethesda Church Company A Company B Company D Company F Company H Company I Company A Company B Company C Company E Company F Company G Company H Company I Company K 173 CHAPTER XIII. In Front of Petersburg In the Petersburg Trenches Gathering in the Johnnies A Charge in the Dark Spoils of War Company A Com pany B Company C Company D Company E Company F Company G Company H Company I Company K Company A Company C Company D Company F Company H Company I Company K Heavy Losses Holding the Lines 195, CHAPTER. XIV. The Petersburg- Mine The Mine Proposed The Mine as Planned Measures for Assault Improvised Tools Difficulties and Perseverance The Powder Placed Failure of the Assault General Burnside s Plan A Correspondent s Description of the Mine Confederate Artillerymen Destroyed Objections Made to an Assault by Colored Troops A Night of Waiting 208 CHAPTER XV. The Explosion and Its Results The Enemy Returns Confusion and Disaster Advance of the Negro Troops The Suffering of Those in the Crater The Enemy Retakes the Crater The Cost of Many Con fused Orders Other Movements upon the Siege Line The Responsibility Officially Placed A Confederate s Description The Scene as Witnessed by a Confederate Captain Mahone s Virginians "Lee s Last Card" Sur render of Survivors Flags of Truce Enemies Fraternize General Alexander s Narrative of the Mine Tragedy The Mine Horrors of Rebel Prison Experience Casualties in the Forty-Eighth Regiment Company A Company B Company C Company D Company E Company F Company G Company H Company I Company K 230 CHAPTER XVI. Later Incidents and Operations Around Petersburg Repulse at Hatcher s Run In "Fort Hell" A Bargain in "Purgatory" New Year s Day, 1865 Company A Com pany B Company C Company D Company E Company F Company G Company H Company I Company K Pickets Tricked New, but Gallant Pennsylvanians 277 CHAPTER XVII. The Assault on Fort Malione Death of Colonel Gowen Forty-Eighth s Last Fight Casu alties of the Forty-Eighth Regiment in the Closing Campaign Company B Company C Company G Com pany K Charge upon the Rebel Fortifications at Petersburg Company A Company B Company C Company D Company E Company F Company G Company H Company I Company K The Forty- Eighth Pa. Assault on Fort Mahone The Regimental Colors 289 CHAPTER XVIII. The Fall of Petersburg and the End of the War Final Scene of Great Struggle Down Pennsylvania Avenue. . 302 ADDENDA Casualties Taken Prisoners and Where Confined Total Enlistments The Total Number of Men Furnished by Schuylkill County During the War Our Dead Forty- Eighth Pennsylvania Regiment Company A Company B Company C Company D Company E Company F Company G Company H Company I Company K Recapitulation A Reminiscence Formation of the Sur vivors Association Forty-Eighth Regiment, P. V. V. I. The Present Officers, 1906, and Re-elected for 1907 On to Richmond Traitors Beware Captain William Winlack A Recollection Antietam Forty-Eighth Penna. Volunteer Infantry Survivors of Antietam Description of the Monument Branch Ave. Forty-Eighth Penna. Volunteer Infantry, First Brigade, Second Division, Ninth Corps Unveiling Ceremonies of an Imposing Bronze Statue, June 20, 1907, Erected by the Forty-Eighth Penna. Veteran Association in Prince George Co., Va. Forma tion of Line and Parade At the Monument Program Address of Welcome Response to the Address of Wel come Transfer of the Monument Monument Unveiled The Monument Acceptance of Monument Governor Stuart Speaks Acceptance of Custody of Monument Oration Interesting Address at the Crater 312 ROSTER Company A Company B Company C Company D Com pany E Company F Company G Company H Com pany I Company K Field and Staff of the Forty-Eighth Penna. Regiment, Veteran Volunteers Non-commissioned Staff Regimental Band Unassigned Men 399 ITINERARY 18611862186318641865 . 463 Brte.-Cenernl James IVagle First Colonel of the Regiment FORMATION OF THE REGIMENT 21 CHAPTER I. Formation of the Regiment In July, 1861, President Lincoln issued a call for six hundred thousand additional troops, and Governor Curtin promptly set about raising the quota of Pennsylvania. He invited Col. James Nagle, of Pottsville, among others, to recruit a regiment, and he immediately resolved to form a command composed entirely of Schuylkill County men. Col. Nagle had served in the three months service, responding to President Lincoln s first call for seventy-five thousand men, as Colonel of the 6th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and had in earlier life served with distinction in the Mexican War, as Captain of Company B, ist Regiment of Pennsylvania Infantry, from December 5, 1846, to July 28, 1848, and was eminently fitted for this emergency. A DISTINGUISHED SOLDIER James Nagle was born in the city of Reading, Pa., upon April 5, 1822. He became a resident of Pottsville, Schuylkill County, where, in 1842, he organized the Washington Artil lery Company. Upon the declaration of war against Mexico he tendered the services of his company to the Government and it was accepted. The company left Pottsville, December 5, 1846, and was mustered in as Company B, ist Pennsylvania Regiment, Col. Frank Wynkoop. Capt. Nagle saw service at Vera Cruz, Cerro-Gordo and Puebla, and participated in all of the prin cipal engagements until the end of the war. The company was mustered out at Philadelphia and reached Pottsville on the 28th of July, 1848. In the three months service at the opening of the Civil War he was commissioned as colonel of the 6th Pennsylvania Regiment and served in the Brigade of Gen. George. H. Thomas, and was engaged at Falling Waters, Va. At the close 22 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH of this service he organized the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment, and was prominently identified with this command until May 9th, 1863, when he was obliged to resign, owing to a disease which threatened his life. He afterward became the colonel of the 39th Pennsylvania Militia Regiment (emergency) in the Gettysburg Campaign and in 1864 of the I94th Pennsylvania Regiment of 100 days men, and commanded a brigade in both campaigns, having, in the latter campaign, been in command of some 8,000 troops located at Baltimore, Maryland. He died August 22, 1866, from an attack of his old enemy, angina pectoris. RECRUITING Recruiting of the new regiment was commenced and vigorously prosecuted. Camp Curtin, at Harrisburg, was selected as the place for assembling and forming the regiment. Early in September, so rapidly had enlistments been made, the regiment was ready for the field. COMPANY COMMANDERS Colonel Nagle had associated with him as company commanders D. B. Kaufman, Company A, whose company was recruited at Port Clinton, Hamburg and Tamaqua; James Wren, Company B, Pottsville; Henry Pleasants, Company C, Pottsville; Daniel Nagle, Company D, Pottsville; William Winlack, Company E, who found a fruitful field for volunteers in Silver Creek and New Philadelphia ; Joseph H. Hoskings, Company F, whose men came principally from Minersville; Philip Nagle, Company G, Pottsville; Joseph A. Gilmour, Company H, Pottsville; John R. Porter, Company I, Middle- port, and H. A. Filbert, Company K, from Schuylkill Haven and Cressona. FIELD AND STAFF The field and staff consisted of: Colonel, James Nagle; lieutenant colonel, D. A. Smith; major, Joshua K. Sigfried; adjutant, John D. Bertolette. Upon the resignation of Lieu tenant Colonel D. A. Smith at Hatteras, N. C., prior to mus- FORMATION OF THE REGIMENT 23 ter, Major Joshua K. Sigfried succeeded to this position and Captain Daniel Nagle was elected major. Quartermaster, James Ellis; surgeon, David Minis; assistant surgeon, Charles T. Reber; chaplain, Samuel A. Holman. On September 2nd, 1861, the Citizens Cornet Band of twenty-five members left Pottsville for Harrisburg to join the 48th Regiment. The regiment was mustered into the State service upon September iQth and into the United States service upon October i, 1861. THE ORIGINAL MUSTER ROLL As the 48th Regiment was the first of Schuylkill County s three years forces to march to the seat of war, we give the organization of the regiment as it left the State, and the muster rolls of the companies. Recruiting subsequently added to its strength, and we have embodied all the names of the members of the Regiment from the time it was mustered into- service, up to the period of preparing this over a year: On account of the discrepancy in the spelling of names arising from the four years of service of the Regiment and the lapse of time since the discharge to the date of publication, for the correctness of names and remarks see the final roster on page 399. FORTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT FIELD AND STAFF Colonel, James Nagle; Lieutenant-Colonel, Joshua K. Sigfried; Major, Daniel Nagle; Quartermaster, James Ellis; Chaplain, Samuel A. Holman; Sergeant-Major, Charles Loeser, Jr.; Commissary-Sergeant. Charles W. Schnerr; Fife-Major, James W. Sterner; Drum-Major, Abraham Nagle. Total, 9. BAND Staff-Major, William A. Maize; Leader, J. W. Souders; William J. Feger, Daniel Kopp, John T. Hays, Charles Hemming, Levi Nagle, William Birt, John Cruikshank, Thomas Severn, Charles A. Glenn, John George, John Drouble, William Lee, Edward L. Haas, James Aikman, Frederick Brown, Nicholas McArthur, Albert Bowen, James N. Garrett, John Aikman, William Hodgson, Charles Slingluff, William H. Gore, C. T. McDaniel, H. Wheat. Total, 26. 24 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH COMPANY A. Captain, Daniel B. Kaufman; ist Lieutenant, Abiel H. Jackson; 2nd Lieutenant, Henry Boyer; Orderly Sergeant, Benj. G. Otto; ist Sergeant, Lewis B. Eveland; 2nd Sergeant, Albert C. Huckey; 3d Sergeant, William Taylor; 4th Sergeant, Milton B. Nice; ist Corporal, John J. Huntzinger; 2nd Corporal, Francis M. Stidham; 3d Corporal, Peter Zimmerman; 4th Corporal John Little; 5th Corporal, John S. Bell; 6th Corporal, John Taylor; 7th Corporal, Joseph B. Carter. PRIVATES. George Airgood, George Albright, William Betz, Elias Brittain, George Briegel, Thos. B. Boyer, Chas. Brandenberg, Israel Brittain, William A. Berger, George Betz, John Cochran, John Cochley, B. F. Ctimmings, James Day, Patrick Dailey, Henry Davis, Jacob Deitrich, William Dreibelbeis, Benjamin Dreibelbeis, George Ehrgood, James S. Eveland, William Eddinger, Samuel Eckroth, Franklin Frederici, Chas. Goodman, Abram Greenawald, John Gallagher, Charles Krueger, John Hummel, William F. Heiser, Henry C. Hons- berger, Jacob S. Honsberger, William Jacob Hein, John Heck, Jordan C. Haas, Lewis Hessinger, William K. Jones, Newry Kuret, Willis L. Kerst, William H. Koch, Coleman Jacob Kramer, Benjamin Keller, Franklin Koenig, George Liviston, Daniel Leiser, John H. Leiser, William Miller, William Meek, Bernhard McGuire, Levi Morganroth, John McLain, James Meek, Samuel B. Moyer, Joel Marshall, George Miller, William Neeley, Andrew Neeley, Simon Nelson, Isaac Otto, John Pugh, George Prigel, Henry H. Price, Richard B. Perry, George Ramer, Lewis M. Reese, John Rulf, Frank W. Simon, Augustus Shickram, John Springer, Morgan Simon, Henry Schreger, John V. Spreese, Nelson Simon, David Steel, Jesse Springer, Abraham F. Seltzer, John Shenk, Henry Simpson, John Stahlnecker, Obediah Stahlnecker, Bernard West, Franklin Wentzell, John Weibels," John Whitaker, Samuel Weiser, Oliver Williams, John F. Youser. Commissioned officers, 3 ; non-commissioned officers, 12 ; musi cian, I ; wagoner, i ; privates, 88. Total, 105. COMPANY B. Captain, James Wren; ist Lieutenant, Ulysses A. Bast; 2nd Lieutenant, John L. Wood; Orderly Sergeant, Wm. H. Hume; 2nd Orderly Sergeant, Thomas Johnson; 3d Orderly Sergeant, Philip D. Hughes; 4th Orderly Sergeant, John G. W. Bassler; 5th Orderly Ser geant, Nelson W. Major; ist Corporal, Joseph Kirby; 2nd Corporal, Reuben Robinson; 3d Corporal Joseph Johnson; 4th Corporal, Andrew Wren; 5th Corporal, George Evans; 6th Corporal, Jacob Freshley; 7th Corporal, Samuel C. Stouch; 8th Corporal, Thomas P. Williams. PRIVATES. Solomon Augusta, Charles Bickley, Joseph Brown, John S. Earnhardt, Dominick Burk, Alfred E. Bendley, Rchard Brown, FORMATION OF THE REGIMENT 25 Sebastian Bickert, Clement Betzler, William Bradley, Joseph Brooks, Samuel Brooks, Lawrence Brennan, John Baker, John Collohan, Philip Carlan, Joseph Corby, Henry Copeland, Robert Campbell, Thomas Con- nell, Patrick Dorsey, Charles Dress, Jackson Delany, Michael Devine, Thomas Davidson, John Davis, David J. Davis, Wm. Davidson, Wm. Davis, Wm. Durkin, George E. Evans, Israel Eiler, William Freeman, Michael Finerty, Wm. H. Francis, Isaac L. Fritz, Edmund Gabriel, Wm. Hill, Daniel Hoffy, Matthew Humes, Cary Heaton, John Hower, John Caspar Henrie, John Howells, Wm. Harris, John Hafling, Wm. Humer, Conrad Harn, Jas. Hunter, Frederick Knittle, Pharaoh Krebs, Abra ham Kleckner, Wm. Kissinger, Peter Lufle, Peter Langton, Mark Lamb, John Lucid, Jackson Long, Thos. C. Littlehales, Jonathan C. Lewis, Lawrence Moyer, David W. Molsen, George Marsden, Anthony McNerney, Michael Malarkey, Thomas Mack, Rolandus Mayer, Rehrig, John Robinson, James Rider, Adam Rush, Paul Sheck, Nicholas Shilterhower, Jos. Sefrin, Samuel Stanley, Solomon Schaeffer, Peter Schultz, David Thomas, Thomas Taylor, John Vincent, John W. Williams, John Wadsworth, Wm. H. W T ard, John Watkins, John Wil liams, Thos. G. Williams, Philip Yost. Commissioned officers, 3; non-commissioned, 13; musicians, 2; wagoner, i; privates, 92. Total, in. COMPANY C. Captain, Henry Pleasants; ist Lieutenant, George W. Gowen; 2nd Lieutenant Thomas F. Fitzsimmons; ist Sergeant, Charles W. Erdman ; 2nd Sergeant, William Clark ; 3rd Sergeant, Charles H. Miller; 4th Sergeant, Oliver C. Hatch; Color Sergeant, Arthur P. Hatch; ist Corporal, David O Brien; 2nd Corporal, James Hood; 3rd Corporal, James Gribens; 4th Corporal Jas. Clark; 5th Corporal, Edward Monahan; 6th Corporal, John Dooley; 7th Corporal, Samuel Lewis ; 8th Corporal, Obadiah Stalnacker ; Drummer, Lewis Howard ; Fifer, William D. Williams; Wagoner, Theodore Titus. PRIVATES. Peter Bowman, Edward Brennen, Murt. Brennen, William Brennen, Thomas Burk, William Birt, Michael Condron, James Conner, Patrick Cummings, Edward Daniels, William J. Daubert, Henry Dersh, John Dougherty, William Dudley, William Degan, Henry Earley, John Eppinger, William Fitzpatrick, Daniel Flagherty, Albert T. Frazer, Jonas Geiger, Barney Gettler, Gilbert Graham, Thomas Hana- hoe, Henry Hurst, Wm. H. Hulsey, David Hamilton, James Horn Jacob Haines, George W. Hatch, Henry Casper, George Hitchings, John Harrison, Samuel Harrison, Jacob Jones, William Jones, John Jones, John W. Jones, James Lowe, William Larkin, William Liviston, Thomas McAvoy, Edward Morgan, William McFarrel, Michael McGloughlin, Henry Merlin, John Mullin, John Murray, James McElroth, Robert McElroth, John Murphy, James Nicholson, Henry 2G STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH O Connell, Thomas Owens, Edward Owens, Hugh Pickfert, Thomas Phalen, Lewis C. Quigley, Edward Rouch, William Rodgers, James Roberts, John O. Rorety, Henry Rudge, Daniel Richard, Solomon Strauser, Jacob Smith, Francis S. Smith, Andrew Scott, John Shelby, Martin Toben, Richard Toben, William Thomas, John Woll, Thomas Whalen, Charles Walker, Henry Weiser, John Weiser, Samuel Weiser. Commissioned officers, 3; non-commissioned officers, 13; musi cians, 2. ; wagoner, I ; privates, 78. Total, 97. COMPANY D. Captain, Daniel Nagle; ist Lieutenant, Wm. W. Potts; 2nd Lieutenant, Charles Kleckner; Orderly Sergeant, Henry P. Owens; 2nd Sergeant, James K. Helms; 3rd Sergeant, Alex. Fox; 4th Sergeant, Peter C. Krieger; 5th Sergeant, William Bambrick; ist Corporal, George Ramer; 2nd Corporal, Leonard F. Schrisron; 3d Corporal, James Evans; 4th Corporal, William Timmons; 5th Corporal, Peter Fisher; 6th Corporal Edward Reichard; 7th Corporal, Israel Van- cannon, 8th Corporal, Henry E. Stichter. PRIVATES. George Artz, Walter P. Ames, Charles Aurand, James Brennen, Sr.; John Bambrick, Jas. Bambrick, George Bowman, Philip Beckman, Mattis Bailey, James Brennen, Jr.; Henry Berkholter, Elias Bixler, John Bixler, Philip Henry Cantner, John W. Derr, Levi Derr, John H. Derr, Jonathan Detreich, Franklin Dorward, Jacob Derr, Solomon Eister, Henry Graeff, Henry Gottshall, Horatio Grim, William Houck, John W. Heibner, Franklin Houck, Peter Hartz, Mattis Hinan, John Hunchinger, George Hartz, William Harris, George W. James Thomas Kinney, Elias Koble, Philip H. Kanter, John Kessler, Andrew Klock, David T. Krieger, Isaiah Kline, Jarrett Kline, George W. Kline, Joseph Koons, Charles Kline, Jacob Koons, John Liercett, Edward Lenhart, Charles W. Lindenmuth, James Mangham, James D. Morgans, Charles Miller, Levi Morganrantz, John Nunemacher, Albert R. Norronger, Botto Otto, Lewis Quinn, William Ryan, Henry Rothen- berger, William Reese, George Shertle, John Sullivan, William H. Smith, David Smith, William Shaeffer, Mat. Shaeffer, George W. Stellwagon, Addison S. Seamon, Andrew Spear, Samuel Stichter, Augustus Tobergty, Solomon Ungstadt, Daniel Wolf, Thomas Whalen, Christian Wildt, Daniel Weldy, Henry Williamson, Jacob F. Werner, Henry Wahaller, Solomon Yarnall. Commissioned officers, 3; non-commissioned, 13; musicians, 3; teamster, I ; privates, 79. Total, 99. COMPANY E. Captain, William Winlack; ist Lieutenant, William Cullen; 2nd Lieutenant, Thomas Bohannan; Orderly Sergeant, Joseph H. Fisher; 2nd Sergeant, John Seward; 3rd Sergeant, Johnson Stafford; 4th Ser- FORMATION OF THE REGIMENT 27 geant, Thomas Tosh; 5th Sergeant, William Trainer; ist Corporal, John McElrath; 2nd Corporal, James Brennen, 3d Corporal, Michael Landy; 4th Corporal, Samuel Clemens; 5th Corporal, James May;. 6th Corporal, William Clemens; 7th Corporal, David McAllister; 8th Corporal, William Macky; Drummer, George Latham; Fifer, John Cameron ; Wagoner, John McSorely. PRIVATES. Alfred Barlow, James Burger, James Brown, John Becker, John Brennen, Michael Bohannan, Samuel A. Beddall, James Breslin, Michael Brennen, Thomas Brennen, John Burns, John Bread- bent, Lewis Butler, Solomon Berger, John Burns, Richard Coogan,. Peter Cresson, Jefferson Canfield, Michael Devine, John Doe, Henry Dooling, Michael Delaney, John Dooly, John Duneho, James Ervin, John Ferguson, James Farrel, James Greener, John Garrison, Thomas Griffith, John Greiner, William Hyland, Fritz Henry, Gottleib Henry,, John Jones, William Jenkins, William Jefferson, Elijah Knight, Joseph Lord, Henry Lord, Patrick Lynch, James McLaughlin, David Morgan, William Morgan, John Mercer, John McFreely, George McNeely, Sr. ; George McNeely, Jr.; Thomas Major, John Martin, Edward Murphy, James Miller, William Miller, John McGrath, Robert McRay, John McSorby, William Morse, Michael McAllister, William Morgan, John Penman, Robert Penman, Michael Poet, James Purcil, William Poet, Robert Patton, Patrick Rogers, William Robertson, James Rogers,. Daniel E. Reedy, Samuel Seward, John Sunderland, James Smith, John Schrader, James Simpson, John Spousler, Alfred Trainer, Robert Thompson, David Williams, John Walker. Commissioned officers, 3; non-commissioned 1 officers, 13; musi cians, 2; wagoner, i; privates, 79. Total, 98. COMPANY F. Captain, Joseph H. Jioskings; ist Lieutenant, Henry James; 2d Lieutenant, John L. Williams; ist Sergeant, John W. Jenkins; 2nd Sergeant, William E. Taylor; 3rd Sergeant, Chas. W. Haines; 4th Sergeant, James A. Easton; 5th Sergeant, Henry Reese; ist Corporal, Henry Jenkins; 2nd Corporal, Jeremiah Griffiths; 3rd Corporal, Wm. S.. Redner;.4th Corporal, William Hopkins; 5th Corporal, Joseph Gould; 6th Corporal, George N. Douden; 7th Corporal, David Griffiths; Musician, John Lawrence; Musician, David Fulton. PRIVATES. James Andrews, Albert Adam, John Brown, Charles Boyer, William Brereton, William Ball, John Devlin, Jr. ; Isaac Dando, John Devine, Samuel Dunkerly, George Edwards, James W. Evans, William Fulton, Richard Francis, James Glenn, Edward Griffith, Cyrus- Haynes, Francis Jones, William T. Jones, William Jenkins, Michael Killrain, William Ladenburg, Jonathan Leffler, John Lencia, Richard Littlehales, Thomas Leyshorn, Thomas Lloyd, Thomas Mooney, Pat rick Monaghan, John Morrissey, John McGee, John J. Morrison,. 28 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Morgan P. Owens, Robert D. Patton, John Powell, Edward G. Pugh, James Paully, John Phillips, Patrick Quinn, Peter Quinn, William Sedgwick, William Straw, John Starr, Thomas J. Thomas, Thomas Thomas, Stephen Taggart, Charles Treisbach, Evan Thomas, Thomas E. Taylor, Richard Williams, William J. Wells, Robert Wallace, William D. Williams, John Wilson, Daniel S. Wolff. Commissioned officers, 3; non-commissioned officers, 12; musi cians, 2; privates, 55. Total, 72. COMPANY G. Captain, Philip Nagle ; 1st Lieutenant, Cyrus Sheetz; 2nd Lieu tenant, Oliver C. Bosbyshell; ist Sergeant, Henry C. Jackson; 2nd Sergeant, Richard M. Jones ; 3rd Sergeant, Robert Smith ; 4th Sergeant, Theodore F. Patterson; 5th Sergeant, Reuben Reeser; ist Corporal, James C. Neis; 2nd Corporal, William Auman; 3rd Corporal, Curtis C Pollock; 4th Corporal, Charles F. Kuentzler; 5th Corporal Charles B. Evans; 6th Corporal George Fame; 7th Corporal William Martin; 8th Corporal, Edward H. Sillyman; Drummer, Samuel E. Banghart; Fifer, James Auman; wagoner, Henry Hablery. PRIVATES. William P. Atkinson, Lawrence Brennan; Michael Brennan, David P. Brown, Louis A. Bright, William A. Beidleman, Joseph Bell, John R. Brown, Mathusalem Berger, John Becker, Henry Burnish, Joel Betz, Patrick Cummings, Michael Clark, Thomas Clark, *John S. Clemens, James Chadwick, Daniel Donne, Philip L. Deihl, John Delaney, Henry Doolin, Henry Dentzer, David Eberly, Clement Evans, Edward Flanagan, John Fame, William Freeman, John Galli- gen, William P. Gillingham, Washington J. Glassmire, John Grace, Alexander Govern, Jr.; Andrew Galligen, John P. Hodgson, John Hutton, John Humble fCharles H. Hazzard, ?William H. Hardell, John W. Jones, John P. Kuentzler, Henry Krebs, John Kagel, Charles Loeser, Jr. ; James Muldowney, William Maurer, Edward Murphy, Joel A. Mark, George Myer, William Mason, John Muldowny, Edward McCabe, Henry W. Nagle, Patrick Nash, Abraham Nagle, Edward F. Owens, John Pugh, William Price, Louis Quinn, John Rogers, Robert Reed, Patrick Ryan, Adam Reed, Valentine G. Raush, Josiah A. Reed, John H. Smith, William Smith, John Shaw, William Stevenson, Edward Sykes, William Strauser, Monroe T. Schreffler, Daniel Smail, Charles Timmons, John Toben, George Traub, Jr. ; Jonathan Wallingham, John Wonders, Henry Yerger. Commissioned officers, 3 ; non-commissioned officers, 13 ; musi cians, 2 ; wagoner, i ; privates, 78. Total, 97. *John S. Clemens, appointed Orderly to Colonel Nagle. tCharles H. Hazzard, appointed Clerk to Major General Mansfield. ^William H. Hardell, appointed Hospital Steward. Charles Loeser, Jr., appointed Sergeant Major. FORMATION OF THE REGIMENT 29 COMPANY H. Captain, Joseph A. Gilmour; ist Lieutenant, William J. Hinkle; 2nd Lieutenant, Edward C. Baird; ist Sergeant, Daniel D. McGinnes; 2nd Sergeant, Samuel M. Ruch; 3rd Sergeant, Alexander S. Bowen ; 4th Sergeant, Thomas J. Rose; 5th Sergeant, William T. Garrett; ist Corporal, Charles C. Hinkle ; 2nd Corporal, Samuel B. Laubenstein ; 3rd Corporal, James R. Hetherington ; 4th Corporal, Raymond A. Jenkins; 5th Corporal, Alba C. Thompson; 6th Corporal, William Brown; 7th Corporal, David B. Brown; 8th Corporal, Joseph Reed; Musicians, Andrew J. Snyder, Martin Acorn : Wagoner, Charles Kyer PRIVATES. Albert Adams, Lewis Aurand, John Baer, John E. Benedict, Crawford Bennie, Henry Bensteel, William H. Berlie, George M. Christian, William H. Dreibelbeis, William Davis, Charles Dreis- bach, Richard Edwards, Charles Eberly, George T. Eisenhuth, David Everly, John Engel, Charles Focht, Samuel Fryberger, Henry Fery, Richard Forney. Alfred C. Forney, Albert Hartline, John M. Howell, Richard Hopkins, William Huber, John H. C. Heffner, Anthony Herbert, John E. Kalbach, Valentine Kimmel, Francis D. Krebs, William Lloyd, Franklin Leib, Edward M. Leib, George W. Mowry, Henry C. Mathews, John F. Kleinginna, Thomas Kelly, Benjamin Kohler, William V. B. Kimmel, Charles Knarr, Daniel Lauer, William Loeser, William A. Lloyd, William D. Lloyd, Horace Lloyd, Bernhard McGuire, James Marshall, William A. Millet, Conrard Miller, Daniel Moser, James Mulholland, Joseph Metz, Charles Metz, James Marshall, Joseph Metzinger, William Nagle, Charles Norrigan, Daniel Ohnmacht, Samuel Petit, Henry Parensteel, August Reese, William Reese, Peter Radelberger, John W. Ray, Michael Scott, Thomas H. Sillyman, Isaac L. Schmehl, George Schilthorn, John A. Sponsaler, Henry Shay, David A. Smith, Peter Smith, James Wentzell, Henry Williams, Josiah F. Wildermuth, Joseph Weise, Jacob Wagner, Jacob A. Whitman, John Winlaw, Jacob Weise. Commissioned officers, 3 ; non-commissioned officers, 13 ; musi cians, 2 ; wagoner, i ; privates, 80. Total, 99. COMPANY I. Captain, John R. Porter; ist Lieutenant, George H. Gressang;. 2nd Lieutenant, Michael M. Kistler; ist Sergeant, Benjamin B. Schuckf 2nd Sergeant, Francis D. Koch; 3rd Sergeant, Samuel F. Kehl; 4th Sergeant, Theodore Pletz; 5th Sergeant, Hugh Koch; ist Corporal, Edward Shappell; 2nd Corporal, Eli McCord; 3rd Corporal, Jacob Ungstadt; 4th Corporal, Harrison H. Hill; 5th Corporal, Oliver A. J. Davis; 6th Corporal, Benjamin B. Kershner; 7th Corporal, Joseph Edwards; 8th Corporal, Charles E. Weaver; Musicians, Allen Koch; William Faust. :30 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH PRIVATES. Isaac Arnold, Francis Allebach, Isaac Arndt, Josiah Barringer, Isaac Beltz, Alexander Boone, Anthony K. Beltz, Isaac K. Beltz, Jacob W. Bachman, Francis Boner, Harrison Bunce, John F. Bachman, Daniel S. Boyer, Thomas Coombe, Charles Curtis, John Clark, Elias Dresh, Lewis Douglass, William F. Eddinger, Levi Fisher, Eli Foust, Lewis V. Focht, Nathan Furman, John De Frehn, William Fenstermacher, Jacob Gangloff, Joseph Gilbert, Daniel Glase, William Halsey, Benjamin Hoffman, Frederick Henry, James Heiser, Josiah Hein, Barnard A. Houser, Jonas Haldeman, Wesley Knittle, Franklin Kramer, Elias Kehl, Charles N. Kretter, Peter Keller, Josiah Kramer, Henry Keyman, George Klase, Daniel Klase, Charles R. Koch, Henry W. Kreter, Israel Kramer, Hezekiah Link, Charles F. Leiser, Charles .S. Leiser, John Moser, James McReynolds, William Miller, John E. Moyer, Charles H. Millet, James Millet, William Munberger, William Owens, Henry Reinhart, Henry Reinhard, James Raynolds, Conrad Reich, Rudoph Rumble, Jacob H. Rumble, Franklin Reigel, George -Schertle, Augustus Shulther, Christian Seward, Luke Swain, William S. Snyder, George Sassaman, Elias Thresh, Alfred Trainer, John Umbenhocker, Benneville Williams, William Weiers, Franklin Yost, Benjamin Zimmerman. Commissioned officers, 3; non-commissioned officers, 13; musi cians, 2; privates, 78. Total, 96. COMPANY K. Captain, Henry A. M. Filbert; ist Lieutenant, Isaac F. Brannon; 2nd Lieutenant, Jacob Douty; ist Sergeant, Francis A. Stitzer; 2nd Sergeant, Patrick F. Quinn; 3rd Sergeant, Thomas Irvin; ist Corporal, Daniel Moser; 2nd Corporal, Thomas Brennan; 3rd Corporal, Patrick Hanley; 4th Corporal, Francis Jones; 5th Corporal, George J. Weaver; 6th Corporal, Charles D. Boyer; 7th Corporal, James Moran; 8th Corporal, George M. Dengler; Musicians, William Straw, John M. Brown. PRIVATES. David Boyer, Peter Boyer, John Berger, Joseph Burgess, Peter Burke, Daniel Bausum, Michael Brennen, John Brawn, William Bull, Isaac F. Brannan, James Brennan, Joseph Chatham, Michael Clarey, John A. Crawford, John Carr, John Campfield, Thomas Curry, John Carey, John Dechant, George Dentzer, William H. Dress, David R. Dress, David D. Dress, Jonathan Dress, William D. Dress, Charles Dress, Albin Day, James Day, Sr. ; Frederick H. Day, Michael Delaney, James Dullard, Nelson Drake, William Doubert, Adam Engly, Richard Edwards, Horatio Edinger, Edward Edwards, David Fenster- mache r, William Fenstermacher, Elias Fenstermacher, Lorenzo Focht, Arthur Grey, Christian Haertler, Adam Hendley, Nathaniel Houser, Hugh B. Harkins, Howard W. Haas, James Kavenaugh, David Long, William Laubenstein, John Lowler, Jesse Lord, Charles Long, William FORMATION OF THE REGIMENT 31 Labenberg, John Lawrence, Jacob Lettcrman, Lewis Maul, Philip McKeever, John Murphy, George F. Mains, Henry McDermot, James McDonald, Michael Mullin, Daniel Moser, Daniel Omacht, Edward P. Payne, William T. Reed, William Richards, John Rees, John Raber, Nathan Rich, Franklin Simon, Frederick W. Snyder, David H. Stitzer, Henry Shultz, John Sherman, Daniel Shanley, John Starr, Hiram Spears, Adam Scherman, Peter Stine, Edward Shappell, Thomas Toban, John Wool, John Widner, John Weaver. Commissioned officers, 3; non-commissioned officers, n; musi cians, i; privates, 86. Total, 101. RECAPITULATION Field and staff, 9 ; regimental band, 26 ; commissioned line officers, 30; non-commissioned officers, 126; musicians, 19; wagoners, 7; privates, 793. Total in regiment, 1,010. AFTER ONE YEAR OF WAR In October, 1862, when the regiment had been decimated by disease and battle, having then been more than a year in the service, its strength was reported to us* by the command ing officer at 467, of which number 357 were fit for duty. While Colonel Nagle s Regiment was lying at Harrisburg, the "Tower Guard," Captain Pleasants, of Pottsville, joined it. An exceedingly liberal and patriotic act on the part of Captain Tower in connection with the raising of the com pany, merits notice and perpetuation. It is thus spoken of by the Harrisburg Union: THE "TOWER GUARD." "On Monday afternoon Captain C. Tower, of Pottsville, who -brought one hundred and sixty men from Schuylkill County to Camp Curtin last April, and attached them to the 1 Sixth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volun teers and who served through the three months service as Captain of his company, called the "Tower Guard," which he uniformed handsomely at his own expense, in that regiment, was in Camp Curtin again, and paid five dollars apiece, or $430 in all, to eighty-six men who have come there from that county anew, and are enlisted, under the name of "Tower Guard," for three years, or during the war, in the United States service. Mr- Tower had offered this sum as a bounty, and has now paid it out of his own pocket to men who would *Editor Miners Journal. 32 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH enlist, as these have done, under the command of Henry Pleasants, also of Pottsville, his former Lieutenant, as their Captain. This company contains now eighty-nine men, officers and all, being six more than the required number. It is attached to the Forty-eighth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col. James Nagle, and is made up of young, hardy, and in every way remarkable men; and it has been assigned to bear and guard the colors of the regiment. Mr. Tower made a short and suitable address to the company after the bounty was paid. From the appearance of the men, and their enthusiastic cheering while they listened to his patriotic exhortations, we look to see this company fore most among the first in duty and skill, and always steadfast and effective around the flag of our country in battle. We are glad to see such men as Captain Pleasants brought to command our volunteers. We learn that he is a civil engineer of considerable experience, and is well educated and intelligent. We could see that he is, while modest and considerate, at the same time firm and ambitious; and we believe that with such unflinching men as are under him, he will do such service to the country as will bring him more worthy notice hereafter than we now give him. In the meantime, the country may well appreciate the services and expenditures of Mr. Tower, both heretofore and now also, in helping to enlist this new company of rare men under such a Captain as Henry Pleasants, to serve until the great rebellion is at an end, and freedom shall be endangered no more." Prior to being sworn and accepted into the United States service, every member of the command underwent a rigid examination, and a very trifling defect in physical make-up prevented acceptance of recruits by the officer making the examination. OUR COLORS At the muster into the State service two stands of colors were presented to the regiment, one of them, by Governor Andrew G. Curtin, upon behalf of the State, who made a very eloquent speech to the boys, and was heartily FORMATION OF THE REGIMENT 33 cheered at its close. The second stand was presented by John T. Werner, of Pottsville, a grand old patriotic citizen one of those men whom it was a pleasure to know and be associated with. Letter to Miners Journal: CAMP CURTIN, SEPT. 1861. DEAR SIRS: I desire to acknowledge through your valuable journal, the receipt of a beautiful flag, forwarded and presented to my regiment by our fellow townsman, John T. Werner, Esq. We feel very grateful to him, and return our most sincere thanks for the beautiful National Flag he saw fit to present to us the flag we all swore to protect and defend, and I have every reason to believe that the 48th will do its duty, knowing our cause is just. Yours very respectfully, JAMES NAGLE, Col. 34 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH CHAPTER II. Our First Camp On to the Front Sword presentation, from Miners Journal, Sept. 2ist, 1861 : The ladies of Schuylkill Haven, in consideration of the high personal character and unalloyed patriotism of Lieutenant U. A. Bast, of Captain James Wren s Co. "B," of the 48th P. V., presented him with a beautiful sword, sash and belt. The Lieutenant was ordered to the front before the sword had been received from the donors, and it was forwarded to Camp Curtin. The Lieutenant acknowledged the receipt in a very patriotic letter, addressed to Misses Fannie H. Koons, Addie Kline and Kate M. Levan, the committee in charge. On the 24th we received orders to proceed to Washington, D. C, and on Wednesday, September 25th, 1861, the Forty-eighth Regiment, P. V., left Harrisburg, for Fortress Monroe, via Baltimore. On the road between Harrisburg and Baltimore a fiendish attempt was made to throw the train from the track. Only two of the cars were thrown off, and beyond a few bruises, none of the mem bers of the Regiment were injured. Arriving at Balti more we learned our destination was Fortress Monroe, Va., and we embarked upon the steamer Georgia for that point. We kept the captain of this vessel pretty busy chasing us from one side of the vessel to the other in order to keep his boat "trimmed." It was learned afterward that the boat was not as staunch as she should have been to carry such precious freight. After an all-night run, we landed at Fortress Monroe, and went into camp near Hampton. The camp was called "Hamilton." Here we settled down into a soldier s life as naturally and contentedly as though we were old veterans. ON TO THE FRONT 35 AT CAMP HAMILTON During our stay at Camp Curtin, we had been put through but little drilling, saving squad drills once or twice daily, company drills once each day, and regimental drill but twice during our entire stay at that camp. At Camp Hamil ton, however, strict attention was given to squad, company and regimental drills, and the regiment was soon considered the best-drilled organization of the volunteers at this camp. In September, the officers and members of the late 6th Regiment, P. V., prepared for presentation to their late Colonel, Jas. Nagle, a fine field-glass, bearing the following inscription: TO JAMES NAGLE, COLONEL 481 H REGIMENT, P. V. From the Officers and Privates of his old command, the late 6th Regi ment, P. V., as a Tribute of regard for his Gallantry and Patriotism. Pottsville, October 3rd, 1861. The Regiment moved from Harrisburg to Fortress Monroe, before the glass was ready for presentation, and on the loth of October it was received with the annexed letter, by the Colonel, at Camp Hamilton: POTTSVILLE, OCTOBER 8, 1861. COL. JAMES NAGLE: Dear Sir: A number of your friends, officers and privates of the late Sixth Regiment, P. V., commanded by you during the time it was in service, desire to present the accompanying field-glass, for your acceptance, in token of our high personal esteem, and the exalted opinion we entertain of your military knowledge and capacity. Though your characteristic modesty may shrink from any public eulogy of your conduct and services, our gratitude and admiration will not permit us to pass them by, without this tribute of affection and respect. For many years past the military spirit and organization of Schuylkill County have been chiefly sustained by your exertions. When the Nation s honor was to be "maintained on the plains of Mexico, you with a well disciplined corps under your command, sprang to arms and hastened to the field of conflict; in Cerro Gordo s terrific fight you stood calm and unmoved amid the leaden storm of death which fell on every side, and by your presence of mind and courage saved many gallant men from the fearful carnage. 36 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH During the long season of peace which followed the closing of that war, in your own quiet and happy home, you faithfully discharged the duties of a husband, father and citizen, endearing yourself both to your family and the community in which you dwelt. But now the tocsin of war sounds through the land, and her valiant sons are called to defend her against foul rebellion s deadly Mows. Speedily a regiment of your fellow citizens takes the field, and confers upon you the command. During the three months we served together, though inflexibly firm and persistently industrious in the performance and requirement of every camp and field duty, yet such was the kindness of your demeanor, and your tender regard for the health, safety and comfort of your men, that we regarded you rather as a friend and father, than a mere military commander. And now, that you have, at the head of a Schuylkill County Regiment Pennsylvania s 48th again taken the field at your country s call, and may soon be in the thickest of the most eventful battle the world has ever witnessed, on the issue of which the destiny of human freedom and progress is suspended, we present you with the accom panying glass, as well in token of our esteem and admiration, as that your eye which never dimmed with fear as it gazed upon a foe, may more readily perceive his approach and prepare for victory. Praying that the God of Battles may preserve you in the midst of danger, and return you unharmed to your family and friends, when our glorious Union shall be firmly re-established, and covered with still more illustrious renown, We remain, yours truly, CAPT. C. TOWER, LT. COL. JAS. J. SEIBERT, MAJ. JOHN E. WYNKOOP, CAPT. H. J. HENDLER, LIEUT. THEO. MILLER, LIEUT. D. P. BROWN, And many others. To which Col. Nagle replied as follows: HEADQUARTERS 48TH REGT., P. V., CAMP HAMILTON, NEAR FORTRESS MONROE, October nth, 1861. Gentlemen and Brother Officers, Soldiers and Friends: Your favor of the 8th inst. came to hand yesterday, with the beautiful field- glass you saw proper to forward for presentation^ to me. I can assure you, it affords me much pleasure and satisfaction to receive and accept this tribute of affection and respect, coming from those whom I had the honor to command in the three months service. I always tried to discharge my duties faithfully, to the best of my ability, and am led to believe that you were all satisfied with my conduct. I, therefore, accept the token of respect you send me, with feelings of gratitude and thankfulness, and hope I may be able to gain the confidence of the 48th ON TO THE FRONT 37 to the extent you, gentlemen of the 6th, have expressed in your letter, and manifested in your beautiful present. It is a source of great pleasure and gratification to me to know that my services have been appreciated by the officers and soldiers of the 6th Regiment. In conclu sion, allow me again to return you my most sincere thanks for this valuable gift, praying with you, that the God of Battles may preserve us in the midst of danger, and return us unharmed to our families and friends, after our glorious Union shall have been firmly re-established, and the Stars and Stripes shall again be floating proudly over the whole of our country, I remain, Gentlemen, very respectfully, your Obedient Servant, JAMES NAGLE, Colonel commanding 48th Regt., P. V. As an illustration of the age of the soldiers and the number of very young boys in the ranks, I copy from a letter written from Camp Hamilton, October 9, 1861 : "The members of our Co. "F" availed themselves of the privilege provided them by the State laws, of voting for the county candidates, and the number of votes polled was 22, all that were entitled to a vote. The company numbered at that time 71 men." PLEASANT DAYS AT FORT MONROE We enjoyed every minute we spent at this place. We were pleasantly situated, having plenty of army rations and luxuries in lavish abundance. Fish, oysters, clams and crabs could be had with little effort, and despite a few rain-storms, accompanied by wind, which blew our tents down, and obliged some of us to sleep in a few inches of water, we were com fortable and happy. While at this camp, evidently with a view to increase the vigilance of the guards, General Jos. K. F. Mansfield, then commanding the troops at Camp Hamilton, and who was subsequently killed at Antietam, September 17, 1862, walked into the camp of the 48th, night after night, going to the Colonel s tent to let him know of his presence in camp and his manner of entry. Day after day, while on regimental drill, Colonel Nagle formed the regiment in "hollow square" and told of Mansfield s nocturnal visit to his quarters. He was greatly displeased at this seeming lack of vigilance on the 38 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH part of the guards, and demanded greater care by officers and men; but the nightly invasions continued, though not so frequently. On one night, however, the guards, instead of meeting at intervals to exchange remarks and pause a moment before marching away from each other, only to repeat the trick with the next sentinel, kept about equi-distant, and General Mansfield found so much difficulty in trying to get through the line, that his entry was under the escort of the Officer of the Guard, who conducted him to the Colonel s quarters, to whom he admitted the danger of further trying to "run the guard." Congratulations followed, and that officer never again tried to get into the 48th camp, so far as known, except in the regu lar way, and by day-light. This episode occurring just in the formative period of the regiment, the impression remained, and vigilance on camp and picket guard became a marked charac teristic of the command, as the Colonel of the First Delaware, on duty as Field Officer-of-the-Day, later discovered, at the same camp, while trying to pass a 48th picket, contrary to his own orders given at the posting of the picket, when he after ward declared: "These Pennsylvanians would as soon shoot as look at you." Hampton, just across the Back River from our camp, had been destroyed by fire by order of Gen. Magruder. The destruction was complete, scarcely a house being left standing. One large brick house upon the bank of the river, said to have been the residence of President Tyler, had not been burned, but there were visible evidences of vandalism in and around it. We visited Fortress Monroe during our stay and were interested very much in the dress-parades of the regular soldiers and the arrangement of the large cannon mounted in the embrasures. Along about the I3th of October vessels began to arrive laden with troops destined for Port Royal, S. C, until about thirty thousand troops were collected at this point, amongst them the 4th Rhode Island, ist Delaware and 55th Pennsyl vania Regiments. THE HATTERAS EXPEDITION 39 CHAPTER III. The Hatteras Expedition and the Affair of Newberne Upon October 22d we were furnished with the necessary clothing and camp equipage, and armed with Harper s Ferry muskets, carrying buck and ball" cartridge. Our first uni forms were of very ordinary quality, and it took but a few weeks of service to develop the weak spots in their make-up. Upon the 26th a review of all the troops at this point was held and was quite an interesting event. On the 29th the fleet sailed for Port Royal, and by evening not a sail was in sight. On Sunday, the loth of November, we received orders to prepare for a trip to Hatteras, N. C, and immediately all was bustle and excitement amid the packing and cooking of rations for the journey. The next morning we embarked on the steamer 5. R. Spaulding, a staunch, com fortable vessel, and were soon steaming for our destination. A very pleasant voyage it proved to be, and ended next day, the 1 2th, at about nine o clock in the morning, when we proceeded at once to disembark and get into camp. AT HATTERAS We found some difficulty here, as our camp, that was to be, was about a half mile from the wharf, and part of the distance was waist deep with water, through which we were obliged to wade and carry all our camp equipage. Hatteras Inlet, the scene of the engagement in which Gen. Butler and the fleet won their victory, is situated about twelve miles from Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. It is known to the mariner as a low, sandy island, which was formerly a rude hummock, covered with trees on the east of the entrance. As an entrance to Pamlico Sound, Albemarle and Cur rituck Sounds, the possession of Hatteras Inlet was of vast importance to the Government. With Ocracoke and 40 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Hatteras Inlets closed, North Carolina may be said to be completely shut in from the ocean. Privateers could no longer be sent through the Albemarle Sound, and all com munication between Virginia and Europe was effectually cut off. Newberne, on the Neuse river, and a number of other ports on the Roanoke and Chowan rivers were also included in the blockade. A correspondent in the Miners Journal, of the i8th of November, 1861, says, relative to our landing at Hatteras: "At eight o clock on Tuesday morning, we dropped anchor off Fort Hatteras, and succeeded, after considerable diffi culty, in getting a plank from an old wreck. Down this plank, which had an elevation of at least 45 degrees, our regiment landed one man at a time. Having at last reached shore, we formed line on the beach, and took up our line of march for Fort Hatteras, about one-fourth of a mile up the beach. When we had accomplished one-half the dis tance, the regiment halted to make preparations to wade an inlet separating us from the fort. In ten minutes we were moving again, and such a looking set of men some without breeches, in their drawers, and many without either, and it was a laughable, enjoyable sight and furnished much amuse ment to the men." A few huts stood on the sandy beach, and these were occupied by some of the officers, who shortly ascertained that other inhabitants were also residing there, and would neither move nor pay rent. Great disgust was manifested by the occupants of the huts at this time, but we all became very familiar with the same kind of tenants in greater numbers in later campaigns. Fort Clark, overlooking the entrance to the Inlet, and Fort Hatteras, on the Pamlico Sound, were earthworks that had been erected by the rebels to protect the blockade runners which infested the Pamlico Sound and ran up the Neuse River to Newberne. Gen. Butler and Commo dore Stringham had reduced the forts some time before, and the business transacted through Hatteras Inlet by the rebels was abandoned. THE HATTERAS EXPEDITION 41 Our first night on this bleak island was dreary indeed. The coffee we cooked for supper was utterly unfit to drink; the water was brackish and salty, and we were obliged to excavate new wells on the following day to procure water which could be used for cooking and drinking. These wells were made in a very simple manner, and speedily excavated. Taking a headless barrel and setting it on the sand, scooping the sand from the inside around the chine, allowed the barrel to settle, and by pressing on the upper edge of the barrel it was forced downward. Then, if sufficient water did not appear, another barrel was placed on the top of the first and both forced downward until a sufficient depth was attained, and generally a good quality of water was thus procured. In time, the water became brackish; then a new well was sunk. Extract from Miners Journal: FORT CLARK, HATTERAS INLET, N. C., JANUARY i, 1862. To THE CITIZENS OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY : Company "B" of the 48th Regiment, Penna. Volunteers, being the recipients of a handsome flag, furnished them by your generosity, set apart New Year s day to the hoisting it upon Fort Clark, which pleasing ceremony was performed in the presence of Col. Jas. Nagle, Major Daniel Nagle, the Chaplain of the Regiment, and the members of Company "B" amid a multitude of cheers and cries of "long may it wave." After the flag had been spread to the breeze, Col. Nagle and our worthy Captain made some appropriate remarks, which were attentively listened to, after which the Chaplain led in a patriotic prayer. The committee on reso lutions then withdrew and formulated the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : RESOLVED, That we, officers and men of Company " B," do offer our sincere thanks to the citizens of Schuylkill County for their extreme kindness in bestowing upon us such a beautiful emblem of our country. RESOLVED, That the members of Co. "B" in gratitude to the donors, do hereby repledge their word of honor, that they will ever be true to the Flag of Our Country, which has so ruthlessly been trampled upon by rebellious feet, in defence of which they will shed their life- blood if necessarv. 42 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH RESOLVED, That the members of Company "B" will make this flag the special object of their pride and care, so long as it shall remain in their power. RESOLVED, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the Miners Journalior publication, through which medium our friends may be made acquainted with our doings, etc. SERG T]NO. GEO. BOSSLER, WM. H. HUMES, Committee on Resolutions. Our first impressions of Hatteras were not favorable. When we relieved tne 2Oth Indiana Regiment, which had previously occupied the post, and saw their deplorable con dition, heard their tales of woe and had some experience with the troops of bugs and things they left to our care we certainly felt despondent, and many a time and oft" wondered "why we came for a soldier." But we learned to love the old place in time, and often in our after experience we wished we were back with old Caleb Stowe, Captain Ballans, Baldy Austin, Polly Miller, and the rest of them, who took us duck hunting and fishing, and baked corn pones for us. Rebel tugboats appeared occasionally in the Sound and discharged a few shots at the forts, but no damage ever resulted from their visits. A detail of forty men was made from the regiment to go a few miles up the island to erect barracks, and by the I4th of December all of the companies were comfortably quartered in wooden buildings, excepting Company B, which was left at the inlet to garrison the forts, Hatteras and Clark. We have eighteen kinds of food, Though twill stagger your belief; We have bread, beef and soup, And bread, soup and beef ; Then we separate about, With twenty in a group, And get beef, soup and bread, And beef, bread and soup; For our dessert we obtain, Though it costs us nary red, Soup, bread and beef. And beef, soup and bread." THE HATTERAS EXPEDITION 43 Correspondence of Miners Journal: CAMP WINFIELD, DEC. u, 1861. EDITOR Journal: There are two volunteer regiments and a few regular troops here, in the Fort. We have enough to keep our enemies at bay. They show themselves some times, but don t come within gun shot, and a few shells are enough to send them on the back track. Our boys are, with a very few exceptions, enjoying good health, and progressing in the drill. The weather, since our arrival here, has been delightful ; we have had but two showers since the I2th of November. Some nights have been very cold, and others quite summer like. Drills and dress parade are suspended at present, while we are building barracks for winter quarters. They will be fine quarters when completed for soldiers to live in. Each company will have its own house, with three rows of bunks. We are also building a fort, which will be called Fort Williams. We are hard at work every day, fixing up the camp around the fort, some are shoveling sand, some carrying boards, some doing carpenter work, and others rafting lumber. The water is better here than it was at Fort Clark, and the camp is very much more pleasant. Yours truly, BENJ. G. OTTO. General Thomas Williams, who was afterwards killed at Baton Rouge, La., came upon the scene to make our lives miserable, as we believed, by inaugurating five drills per day. Later we thought better of him as we grew older, and as we learned that the extra drills and discipline he enforced upon us did us a great amount of good when we were called upon to assume the heavy work attending the life we had chosen, many were the expressions of sorrow from the boys of the regiment when news came of his death. A large earthwork had been erected by the regiment at this camp Winfield and it was a very formidable looking structure. We never had any occasion to use it, and our idea at the time of its construction was that it was done to keep us employed. 44 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH OUR ZOO-ZOO NEIGHBORS General Williams was a graduate of West Point, a stern disciplinarian, and well qualified to make excellent soldiers out of the ordinary volunteers. In the same camp Winfield was the Qth New York Regiment, or "Hawkins Zouaves/ recruited largely from the "rough element" of New York City, men brave to a fault, but not easily disciplined. A constant antagonism existed between them and the General, to settle which, it kept Colonel Hawkins busy. Hand-barrows were constructed with four handles, two to a man, upon which sods of grass were carried for several hundred yards, with which the sand-fort was faced. This was hard work; and, as the huge waves came, at times, sweeping over the beach, up to and around the fort, washing away the work of weeks, and even invading the drill ground, the Zouaves could see no fun in carrying new sods to repair the damage. Their refusal angered General Williams and he threatened to have some of them shot, etc. These men, therefore, hated him and sought in every way to annoy him. In his exercise walks, stately and dignified, outside the camp proper, followed at measured distance by his equally rigid "Orderly," the General, on one occasion, plunged headlong into a hole several feet deep, dug in the loose sand, and partly filled with water, the hole having been neatly covered over with light brush and sand to hide the excavation. He heard the roar of con temptuous laughter, emanating from the "Zoo-zoos" hidden in the brush, and called loudly for help to extricate him from the quicksands into which he was rapidly sinking, and out of which his Orderly and some kindly Zouaves rescued him, wet and undignified. This regiment leaving soon after to join the fleet in its attack upon Roanoke Island, the General felt evidently much relieved. Other incidents of camp life there consisted of visits to the homes of the native fishermen, where a good meal of corn-bread and fresh fish baked in the old-fashioned "Dutch oven," heated by hot coals of charcoal, might be had; standing guard along the ocean front; visiting the light-house; gather ing beautiful ocean shells, washed up by every wave, tons of THE HATTERAS EXPEDITION 45 which were expressed home, many of which may now adorn a sewing basket, box or other receptacle in the home of some of the survivors or their friends; or of watching from the barrack roof for the S\ R. Spaulding bringing the mail, and, upon whose first appearance, the boys would hurry to write letters to be carried home when she returned. Our first Christmas in the army was spent very pleas antly, and by some of the boys, joyously, as Sutler Lipman had some "canned oysters" put up especially for the Christmas season, and those who were fond of that particular brand certainly were in a boisterous mood. January 3ist, 1862. Williams Brigade at Hatteras, N. C. ; Brig. Gen. Thomas Williams, nth Conn., Lieut. Col. C. Mathewson. 6th N. H., Col. Nelson Cerwerse; Sgth N. Y., Col. H. S. Fairchild. 48th Pa. Vols., Col. Jas. Nagle. ist R. I. Artillery, Battery "F," Capt. Jas. Belger. ist U. S. Artillery, Battery "C," Capt. Lewis O. Morris. FUN IN CAMP While we were busy attending to the daily duties incum bent upon us as soldiers, it must not be supposed that we failed to have an abundance of fun, and many are the stories that could be repeated of our days at Hatteras. In a crowd of nearly a thousand men there are usually a good many funny fellows, and some very mischievous ones. I will tell you a little story of one of them. An old, retired sea captain named Caleb Stowe (who don t recollect old deaf Caleb with his hand to his ear?) was in the habit of selling whiskey to the soldiers at a dollar per pint, and worked pretty hard to keep a stock on hand. John Devine, a member of Company F (whose members, by the way, were considered good judges of any deviltry, and generally got the blame for not only what they did themselves, but also for what was done by everybody else), who was very fond of a drop of liquor and was always laying plans to get some, paid Captain Stowe a visit, and after inviting himself to dinner, interested Caleb very much by stating that he was a whiskey merchant on a small scale, and had then several barrels of good whiskey hid at various 46 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH places on the island, and which he would sell at twelve dollars per barrel. The old captain had visions of pint bottles of whiskey at a dollar each floating before his eyes, blinding his usual cautious bargainings, and, in a moment had contracted for the delivery of one barrel that very night at the head of Ballan s Creek. Devine struck for camp immediately upon leaving Stowe and enlisted the services of some of the leading spirits of his company. They laid their plans at once and proceeded to carry them into execution. They procured an empty molasses barrel from the sutler, rolled it to the point at which the delivery was to be made, rilled it with water from a neighboring swamp, and then driving the bung tight, buried it in the sand close to the head of the creek, and im patiently waited for "taps." After they had responded to their names at roll-call, they quietly proceeded to the place designated, having previously bought, at the sutler s, a can of whiskey labelled "oysters." A gimlet, a spade and a tin-cup were also procured. Just before they arrived at the place where the barrel was concealed, they stationed one of the comrades in the bushes with full instructions how to act. About ten o clock a boat was heard coming up the creek, and in a few moments old man Stowe and his son George stepped ashore and approached the boys very cautiously. Devine now took the spade and commenced searching for the barrel; he pretended not to know exactly where he had put it, and the whiskey merchants were becoming exceedingly nervous when he suddenly exclaimed, "I have her!" and having struck it with the spade, work was at once commenced to uncover it. A hole was made at one end of the barrel sufficiently large for a man to stand in, and a proposition from Stowe to sample it was seconded by Devine; he took the gimlet and tin-cup in hand, making the Stowes believe he was getting the whis key from the barrel; but he had the whiskey can ready for use, in his blouse pocket, and, filling the tin-cup, handed it to the captain, who, after sampling it, passed it to George. They were satisfied with its quality, and ordered its removal from the hole. Devine reminded them that the cash must first be forthcoming; this was quickly done, and work to raise THE HATTERAS EXPEDITION 47 it was renewed. At the first stroke of the spade upon the barrel a noise was heard as of the approach of a guard. Right shoulder shift; file right; halt! Who goes there?" came from the bushes, accompanied by a noise as of the tread of men, made by the comrade left in reserve. The old captain did not hear it, but his son George did; and, putting his mouth close to the old man s best ear, shouted, "Here comes the guard," and the w T ay they ran for their boat eclipsed our time at Bull Run. They paddled their boat down the creek, and the boys struck for camp. Some time during the night the Stowes returned to secure the barrel of whiskey; and, having rolled it out of the hole, sampled it again; but, alas! it was now changed to water, and very bad water at that. Their final trip home must have been a very sad one, brooding over the thought of being tricked by Yankee soldiers and losing twelve dollars beside. The next morning, as soon as reveille was over, old Caleb w r as seen around camp hunting for the man who had so sadly deceived him; he soon espied Devine coming from the cook house with his cup of coffee, looking as innocent as a lamb. He approached him and putting his hand to his mouth shouted: I want my money back; that whiskey you sold me last night ain t whiskey; it s water." Devine gave him a look that almost paralyzed him and shouted back to "go to the devil, you old robber; sure I niver saw ye before in me life." Guard details were made daily for picketing the line above Winfield at Trent. Our picket line extended from the Atlantic Ocean to Pamlico Sound, the line at this point being about a half mile in length. The enemy were then occupying Roanoke Island, and this precaution was taken to prevent a surprise from that quarter. In January, 1862, Gen. A. E. Burnside was assigned to the command of the Department of North Carolina, and organized an expedition against Roanoke and Newberne. His fleet rendezvoused at Hatteras and, while making harbor, a violent storm took place, several of the vessels being wrecked, and many lives and much valuable property were lost. 48 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH BURNSIDE S EXPEDITION While encamped at Camp Winfield on Hatteras Island, North Carolina, the 48th and other troops located there, on or about the I2th of January, 1862, were surprised, on answering the Reveille Call, to see, far out upon the broad Atlantic, first one ship, then another and another, until the ocean seemed full of ships. This was the large Burnside s fleet containing, all told, something over one hundred vessels; transports, bearing troops for the Coast Expedi tion against North Carolina ; gunboats for the reduction of the rebel forts on Roanoke Island, Newberne and other inland towns, and provision vessels for the supply of the expedition. The coast of Hatteras at the best is stormy, dangerous and treacherous, even in fair weather; but, when this fleet arrived, the ocean was unusually stormy and anchorage was difficult, hence the individual ships were tossed about like toys, frequently dragging their cables, and. for safety, "running before the gale." With what interest, from our safety on shore, did we, from the roof of the barracks, watch the appearing and disappearing vessels and feel for the safety of the troops we knew to be on board. With the abatement of the storm, with what joy and pleasure did we watch their re-assembling in something like naval order. At night, this large aggregation of ships, lit "from stem to stern" with vari-colored lights, resembled a large city in the midst of the ocean, the lights dancing with the rise and fall of the ships, reminding the beholder of so many "Jack-o-Lanterns" or "Will-o-the-Wisps." Between the Ocean and the Pamlico Sound a strong, shallow, and constantly shifting sand-bar exists, making it difficult and exceedingly dangerous for vessels to attempt to enter the sound, even at full tide, but impossible for ships of large draft at low tide. Many of the vessels grounded on the bar during the attempt. Thus, this beautiful sight lasted for nearly a week, gradually diminishing as ship after ship essayed the passage. At last, all had disappeared and the 48th saw Major-General A. E. Burnside THE HATTERAS EXPEDITION 51 the fleet pass up the sound to Roanoke Island, some of the regiments that had, with the 48th, garrisoned Hatteras, accompanying the expedition. In a few days, the roar of the heavy guns was heard, as the gunboats bombarded the rebel forts, and soon the glad news reached us that "Roanoke Island was captured." The 48th had no individual share in this glory, except that the capture was effected by troops with whom our future lot was cast for four strenuous years. When Major J. K. Sigfried was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment, vice David Smith, who was unable, on account of his health, to take the commission of Lieu tenant Colonel, Captain Daniel Nagle, Lieutenant Jas. Ellis, Captain Wren and several other captains, junior to Captain Wren, were nominated. After the first ballot, the names of all the candidates were stricken off the list with the exception of two, they being Captain Nagle and Lieutenant Ellis. The result of the second ballot gave Lieutenant Ellis 10 votes, and Captain Daniel Nagle, of Co. "D," 23 votes. So he, Captain Nagle, was accordingly declared elected. A motion to make the election unanimous was defeated. While at Hatteras Inlet, Company D, 48th Regiment, presented a sword to Major Daniel Nagle. It was inscribed: Presented to MAJOR DANIEL NAGLE, By the members of Co. D, 48th Regiment, Penn. Vols., Hatteras Inlet, N. C., December 25th, 1861, as a mark of their esteem for their former Commander. Upon the I5th of January the fleet had succeeded in getting over the "swash" in the Sound, and it took its depar ture for Roanoke. A few days later we heard of the capture of that stronghold. Surgeon Minnis, of the 48th, had been detailed to accompany the expedition, and died while there from over-exertion in attending the wounded soldiers. He was an efficient officer, courteous and affable, and well- beloved by all. 52 STORY OF THK FORTY-EIGHTH The strong picket line we had been keeping at our camp was now no longer necessary and was withdrawn, making our guard duties somewhat lighter and more pleasant. THE NEWBERNE FIGHT ( )n the loth of March, Companies A, 11, C, D, H and I were ordered to accompany the I urnside expedition in an attempt to capture Newherne, at the junction of the Neuse and Trent Rivers, and they departed on the steamer Peabody, taking part in the reduction of that stronghold. Although they did not fire a gun, they carried the ammunition for miles through the heavy sand, and kept the troops that were en gaged supplied with cartridges. Gen. Burnside was so pleased with the services rendered that he ordered "Newberne" to be inscribed on the regimental colors. Upon the departure of the six companies above mentioned the four remaining com panies, viz., E, F, G and K, remained upon the island, under the command of Major Daniel Nagle; Companies G and K in Camp Winfield; while Company E, Captain Winlack, garri soned Fort Clark; and Company F, Captain Hoskings, garrisoned Fort TTatteras. This disposition of the command continued until May 23rd, when it embarked for Newberne in the steamer Massasoit, so unseaworthv that she was almost in a sinking condition on reaching her destination. ( ompaii) I brin- among lhM- left to do j^nard and garrison duty on llatteras Island, Austin Farrow, John Law rence, Evan Thomas and the writer obtained permission from the commanding officer, Captain J. II. Hoskings, for a day and a night s absence to visit Cape Hatteras, where the light house was located. A MARITIME ADVENTURE We procured a "Kunner" (canoe") from old Captain Ital ians at Winfield, and sailed away on the morning of May 19, 1862, as merry as wealthier people do in their steam yachts. Our route was up the Pamlico Sound, and we reached the light in safety and were warmly welcomed by Billy Neill and his estimable wife and charming daughter. We spent a Major Daniel Nagle THE HATTERAS EXPEDITION 55 delightful night and were stowed away very comfortably at bed-time and "slept the sleep of the just." We had a good breakfast on the twentieth and bade our friends a tearful good-bye and set sail for camp. It was a beautiful morning; the. sun was in all its splendor, the birds were singing gleefully, and everything seemed to say that we were welcome to the best that there was "help yourself and reach for more." Our course for camp lay to the south, but the wind was fresh from that quarter, and after some discussion we decided to sail northward until the wind would shift, which our sailing master, Farrow said it would do at noon. So, like Captain Kidd, "we sailed and we sailed and we sailed," until night, and the wind shifted not, and we anchored for night at a village called Chicamacomico, fifty miles from camp. We secured very comfortable quarters with one of the natives, a big, jolly sea-dog, with a large and interesting family, several nice-looking sociable girls being in the group. The next day, the 2ist, the wind was blowing "great guns," from the south, and the old man cautioned us against attempt ing to get down the sound in that "tub," as he called our boat, but we persisted in going, -Farrow, who was an experienced sailor, saying that he could navigate us safely to "port." We kissed our hands to the assembled family and departed. The sound was lumpy, our skipper soon showed his ill-temper, the wind blew, the spray flew, our boat behaved very unhand somely, and at the end of an hour we were wet to the skin and not a half mile down the coast. We tacked and tacked, but we didn t "splice the main-brace," for we had "no brace," but we battled with wind and wave for the whole day and reached Kinnikeet, another village, late in the afternoon, wet, tired and hungry, can you imagine how hungry? We anchored and secured quarters with one of the resi dents, who proved a capital fellow. He gave us a good supper, and then we went to bed in order to have our clothes dried. The old chap said that he would not have gone through our experience for all the money old Caleb Stowe was trying to get. The storm continued all the next day, and taking the 56 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH advice of the old mariner, we remained all that day and night. On the morning of the twenty-third, we started toward camp, reaching Trent just at noon, anchored there, and called on a lady friend who provided us with a very good dinner. The house and grounds were crowded with German soldiers, and I asked the lady what it all meant. She replied, "They belong to the iO2d New York, which regiment has relieved the 48th at Fort Hatteras." We shouted, "Has the 48th left?" "Yes," said she. "Then we are subjects for court-martial," we murmured to ourselves. Madam asked if we were the four men of the 48th who were drowned. It transpired that someone had reported an empty boat washed ashore up the sound and that some half filled whiskey bottles and some soldier coats, which were identified as ours, had been found in the boat. To the ownership of the coats we might have plead guilty, but the whiskey bottles, never. However, we made the best of it, ate a very hearty dinner, considering the heavy load that was on our minds, and sailed away to Winfield, where we delivered the boat to Captain Ballans, who was very glad to get it, he having also heard the story of its loss. We remained at Winfield all night, and the next morning went to Fort Hatteras and reported to Lieut. Ellis, who was in charge of the post. He turned us over to Sergeant Charles Schnerr, who died some time ago in Philadelphia poor Charley; he was a good, kind comrade. He provided us with blankets and gave us good bunks in good quarters, and plenty to eat. He gave us paper to write home, and took the letters out in the sound to a steamer that was to start north that night. These letters reached our friends in time to contradict the rumors that had been brought to them. We remained at the inlet until the afternoon of the 28th, waiting for transportation. The steamboat Hayes, a Govern ment despatch boat, took us to Newberne, where we arrived on the 29th, having been absent for ten days. Everyone seemed glad to see us, this being especially true of the members of our own company. The officers whom we had so dreaded to meet gave us a welcome hand, and the THE HATTERAS EXPEDITION 57 court-martial which we had feared never happened. The nice story of an adventure which we had agreed upon and rehearsed until we were "dead-letter perfect" was never called for. WRECK OF THE "ORIENTAL" From Miners Journal, May 24th, 1862: "Lieutenant Jas. Ellis, of the 48th P. V., rendered effi cient service last week in the case of a wreck of a Government vessel near Cape Hatteras. A despatch gives the following particulars: The Oriental, in which Brigadier General Saxton sailed for Port Royal, S. C, was wrecked on Friday night, May i6th, on Body s Island, thirty-three miles north of Cape Hatteras. The passengers and crew were saved. A portion of the cargo was lost. The remainder will be saved on the beach. Mr. J. A. Fuller, of New York, went sixty-five miles in a canoe, through a severe storm across the sound to Fort Hatteras for assistance, which by his energy he obtained. Lieutenant Ellis, acting assistant quartermaster, came with the steamer George Peabody, and Colonel Hawkins, Commander of Roanoke Island, came next day and took possession of the Government property and placed a guard over it. Lieutenant Ellis and Colonel Hawkins displayed the most commendable zeal and judg ment in preserving the Government property, and generally promoting the comfort of the ship-wrecked passengers. Both deserve the highest praise. Lieutenant Ellis is from this town, and is a young man who will make his mark in what ever position he is placed." Hatteras now became quite an important station. With the occupation of so much of the territory of North Carolina the "contrabands" poured in in great numbers. Some were employed among the shipping and others were sent to other points to work on fortifications. Large barracks had been erected for the housing of the colored people, and they were comfortable and happy. On May 23d the remaining com panies, E, F, G and K, were relieved by a German regiment from New York, and were ordered to join the command at 58 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Newberne. Shortly after their arrival the Harper s Fern- muskets were exchanged for Enfield rifles. A large water- condensing plant had been erected here, water from the sound being purified for the use of the troops and passing vessels. A member of the regiment, "Snapper" Drake, was in charge of the machinery at this plant, and, on the departure of the regiment, he was detailed to remain. He never rejoined the regiment, but married one of the "Hatteras belles" and "lived happily ever afterward." , CAPTAIN NAGLE RESIGNS When in consequence of ill health, Captain Philip Nagle, of Company G, 48th Regiment, P. V., resigned in 1862, the Captain Philip Nagle members of his company presented at Newberne, N. C, June- 9th, their portraits, numbering ninety-one, to him, handsomely framed. From the Newberne, N. C., Progress of the 24th of May, 1862, we extract the following account of the presentation of a magnificent sword, sash and belt, to Captain John R. Porter : THE HATTERAS EXPEDITION 59 Captain John R. Porter, Co. "I," 48th P. V., a gentle man, scholar, and a soldier, was presented, by his command, on Thursday morning with a beautiful sword, sash and belt from the establishment of Tiffany & Co., N. Y., costing over one hundred and thirty dollars. The sword was presented in behalf of the company by Sergeant Francis D. Koch, and accepted by the Captain in a few well chosen remarks. Communication to Miners Journal, June, 1862: "To EDITOR Miners Journal: "Charles Arndt, a private of Co. "D," 48th P. V., is quite an illustration of what is being done by some of the older citizens of the Union. Charley/ as he is familiarly termed by the boys, is sixty-seven years of age, and is quite an active man, having never missed a day s duty while in the service. He says he can stand as much as one-half of the young men. He is a native of Germany, but has resided in the State of Pennsylvania for the last twenty-one years. He has seen service in the German army, having been in the cavalry branch of the service for seven years. He has been blessed with good health all his life, never needing the advice of a physician. Mr. Arndt lives in the vicinity of Ashland, Schuylkill County, and says he has warm blood tingling in his veins, and is willing to sacrifice his all for a free government like ours and to do his very utmost to preserve the old flag that has been trampled upon by traitor ous rebels. He is a fine old gentleman, scholar and soldier, and stands high, in the estimation of the men of the regiment. "Yours, <M. " The Miners Journal of May loth, 1862, has the follow ing: "The members of Company H, of the 48th P. V., have procured for presentation to their Captain, Joseph A. Gilmour, a sword costing one hundred dollars, which is the handsomest, for the price, ever seen. The blade is of the finest temper, and the handle, which is of solid silver at the grip, is artistically chased. The scabbard is made of 60 STORY OP THE FORTY-EIGHTH shark s skin, ornamented with exquisite taste. It bears three figures on silver an eagle holding in its beak the motto, E Pluribus Unum, a figure of Liberty and one of Justice at the point oak leaves wreathed and an acorn, and below the first figure the following inscription: Presented to Joseph A. Gilmour by the members of Company H/ 48th P. V., 1862. On Wednesday last it was despatched to the company, which by this time has probably been received and presented to their Captain. We speak from personal knowledge of Captain Gilmour, as a soldier and a man, when we say that he well merits this handsome testimonial from his com panions in arms, and we are glad to see him so highly appreciated." On June 2nd, 1862, Major Daniel Nagle was presented with a beautiful sword, sash and belt by the members of Co. "D," which company the Major had recruited and com manded prior to his promotion to Major. RUMORED CAPTURE OF RICHMOND During the stay in Newberne nothing of importance happened, other than ordinary camp duty and daily drills, until June 3Oth, when orders were received to reinforce Gen. McClellan s army before Richmond. Knap sacks and baggage were stowed upon schooners, and the troops of our command on the steamer Cossack, which, with the schooner in tow, steamed to Hatteras, arriving on the evening of the 3d of July. Here the despatch boat Alice Price, from Newberne, overtook us with despatches ordering our commander to return to that place, "as McClellan had taken Richmond." We accordingly returned to Newberne, reached our old camp, brought up our tents and knapsacks and made ourselves comfortable once more. Upon the even ing of July 5th we again received orders to strike tents and embark for the James River, as Richmond was not taken. RETURN TO VIRGINIA POPE S CAMPAIGN 61 CHAPTER IV. Return to Virginia Pope s Campaign HEADQUARTERS DEP T OF NORTH CAROLINA, JULY 3, 1862. HON. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. SIR : I embarked 7,000 infantry and was on my way to join Gen. McClellan at your suggestion, when I met a messenger informing me of the successes of our army before Richmond, which, if true, rendered it unnecessary for me to join him. I accordingly brought my fleet to an anchor, and have sent a steamer through to Norfolk to ascertain the exact state of affairs, and shall hold myself in readiness to move in any direction. A E BURNSIDE, Major General. In answer to which Secretary Stanton telegraphed, "Richmond is not taken, and Burnside is to move with all the infantry force he can spare to reinforce General McClellan." BRIGADE CHANGES We again left for Newport News at the mouth of the James River, reaching there on the gfh. A change was made in the organization of the brigade at Newport News whereby the 6th New Hampshire was added to it, the Qth New Jersey and the iO3d New York being transferred to other commands. Captain Kaufman, of Company A, was ordered on duty as major on the 28th by General Burnside, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Major Daniel Nagle.* In *Major Nagle tendered his resignation very reluctantly, but was called home, due to the illness of his wife and a son, another son having died. He was unable to get a leave of absence to go home to comfort his family or to attend the funeral, so was obliged to resign in order to save his wife s life. Major Nagle afterward served as lieutenant colonel of the iQth Pennsylvania ("emergency") Regiment, and later as colonel of the I73d Pennsylvania, a nine months regiment. He was a veteran of the Mexican War, having been a member of Company B, ist Pennsylvania Regiment. 62 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH the meantime McClellan had succeeded in extricating his army from the Peninsula, and we were ordered into camp at this point. Pope s army operating along the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, in order to attract attention from McClellan, was now being pressed very hard, and was anxious for reinforcements, so our corps was ordered to his relief. We left Camp Lincoln, Newport News, on the 2d of August, upon steamers for Fredericksburg. On the way, a member of Company D committed suicide by shoot ing himself. We landed at Aquia Creek, on the Potomac River, and took freight cars for Falmouth, opposite Freder icksburg, on the Rappahannock River, Virginia, and went into camp. On the evening of the I2th we started on the march over very muddy roads. We were in light marching order, having left our tents at Aquia Creek for storage. Arriving at Bealton Station on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, we again left on freight cars for Culpeper Court House, and arrived just in time to miss the hard-fought battle of Cedar Mountain, which resulted so disastrously to the Federals, under General Banks. The evacuation of the Penin sula now became necessary in order to save the army of General Pope, which was being embarrassed by the rapid movements of Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee; and General Halleck, therefore, ordered the withdrawal of McClellan s forces. THE NINTH CORPS TO THE RESCUE The timely arrival of Burnside with the Ninth Corps, which had just been organized, and of which the 48th was a part, doubtless did much to save the left of Pope s army from being turned and entirely separated from its base of supplies. About this time Gen. John Pope issued his celebrated order to the troops "to subsist on the country," and the troops took great liberties with it. But, oh, the turkeys, chickens, geese, sheep, pigs, calves, potatoes and cabbage. Didn t the troops make them disappear? and then live on the "top o the heap." Some would think it strange that members of a regiment would be in favor of foraging, but we were none of RETURN TO VIRGINIA POPE S CAMPAIGN 63 those whose tender consciences (or tender sympathies for rebels) make them think it wrong to live off the enemy. The soldiers thought in the discharge of their duty to the Government, it was proper to take from the enemy every thing that was of use to us, as well as everything they could use against us. The nights were very cold, and the tents we had left behind at Fredericksburg were greatly missed. Upon the i8th of August all of the bands were discharged by general order from the War Department. We were all very sorry to part company with our own excellent band and missed it sadly. Upon the same night, whilst our camp fires were brightly burning, we received orders to quietly leave our camps. It was understood that our position was becom ing dangerous. We marched all night, and the next day, the iQth, passing through Stevensburg, stopping only a few minutes for dinner, crossed the Rappahannock River at Kelly s Ford, and camped on its banks at a place called Whitleyville. During this night-march, at one time, we passed between the rebel outposts and their main column, halted, secured our accoutrements so as to prevent our making noise, loaded our guns, and passed on in silence. A large wheat field was occupied by the regiment; it contained a plentiful supply of stacked wheat, and we soon had excellent houses built and comfortable beds made of this material. Here, quite a spirited skirmish took place. A portion of the regiment re-crossed the river in support of the cavalry, but nothing serious occurred, and the troops were recalled in the evening. On the morning of the 2Oth, the artillery attached to the brigade shelled the woods on the opposite side of the river and the troops kept in line of battle all day. That night we also spent in line, lying on our arms, and started out, next morning, the 2ist, on the march without breakfast, continuing 1 to Rappahannock Station, where we had breakfast and dinner together, and lay in support of the artillery, during which time it rained very hard. It continued to do so all night. The next morning, the 22nd, we were early on the march, and continued on all day and late into the night through roads ankle deep with mud. Much difficulty was experienced in getting the 64 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH artillery and wagon-trains through the mud, the troops being frequently compelled to assist in moving them during the night, huge fires being maintained in the worst places to give light for the moving trains. We were halted twice to cook rations; the first time we had nothing to cook and the second time we did not have time to cook the chickens we had "bor rowed" on the route. At White Sulphur Springs the rebel batteries opened on us from the hills across the river, and shelled us quite briskly, making it interesting and uncom fortable for us, until Durell s Battery, of our division, got "into battery" and exchanged compliments with them. They soon limbered to the rear and left us unmolested. Here, however, Lee and Jackson succeeded in getting across the Rappahannock River, and moved towards Bull Run. Our route now lay through Warrenton and Manassas Junction to Bull Run. SECOND BULL RUN 65 CHAPTER V. Second Bull Run At Manassas Junction, we arrived just as the Johnnies" had left, as the cars they had fired were burning briskly, and every evidence was seen of their hasty retreat. Every soldier of the corps thought Jackson and his "ragmufrms" were cer tainly in a tight place and sure to be captured. The sequel proved different. While on the way from Manassas Junction to participate in the second Bull Run fight, we met General Philip Kearney mounted on his favorite horse, waving his sword, and, with the bridle reins in his teeth, encouraging! some straggling troops to get into line. His efforts were partially successful, and he led them towards the enemy s lines. We passed on to a piece of elevated ground, and then received orders to unsling knapsacks, which we never saw again, as the enemy, soon after, occupied that portion of the field, and then passed through the lines of a battery that was engaged in shelling the woods in our front. As we passed through and beyond this artillery line, the shells from the guns were whistling over our heads, causing us to "juke" for fear of being struck by the shells. AN INCIDENT OF BATTLE When it was discovered that the enemy had taken position on our left rear, and we had been ordered to move off to our right rear to avoid being entirely surrounded, a portion of our men, becoming bewildered in the woods, bore off to wards the left, many of them thus falling into the hands of the rebels, while others, to avoid capture, personally contended with the Johnnies. Among this latter party, was Captain Joseph H. Hoskings, of Co. F. Comrade Wells of this company thus describes a personal encounter between the Captain and Rebel Major: "While running to the rear, I saw Captain Hoskings and a Rebel Major run into each other, both, sword G6 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH in hand; the rebel s in his left, he being left-handed, the cap tain s in his right hand. "Near me, running too, was young Dreibelbies of Co. H. I think. Both of us stood fixed to the spot, though the woods echoed and re-echoed with the whistle of passing bullets, watching the sword duel then passing between the two officers. With tense earnestness we watched the play of swords, as, with rapid parry and thrust each tried to disarm the other. The contest \vas short, sharp and determined, and ended by the Captain throwing himself forward upon the rebel officer with such force that his antagonist s sword flew from his hand over the head of the Captain. The Major immediately reached for and had his revolver in his hand, and it seemed to to be all up with the Captain, when my comrade to the right who had evidently been waiting his opportunity, fired, and down went the rebel, his blood spurting in the Captain s face and breast. This was a lucky shot, as there was great danger of shooting the Captain instead of the rebel. "By this time, things were getting pretty warm in our neighborhood, and we resumed our running to the edge of the woods where we sought our regiment, feeling only too glad to have escaped capture. The rebel line appeared at that time to be only a strong skirmishing body, otherwise we could not have extricated our column from this death-trap." Our regimental officers were mounted as we started in, but left their horses as we crossed the fence, in charge of the servants, and after the engagement it was ascertained that the horses had been captured. On the 2Qth of August at about 3 p. m., the 48th was formed, with the 6th New Hampshire and the 2nd Maryland, in line of battle, marched through an open field into the woods, and through a very heavy infantry fire. We gained an old abandoned railroad cut, and were busily engaged in our front with the enemy, when heavy firing took place on our left and rear. At first it was thought that it came from some of our own troops; but, upon displaying the colors more conspicu ously, the firing became hotter and hotter, and orders to fall back were given, Lieutenant De Kay, of the Division Staff, SECOND BULL RUN 67 having informed us that we were partially surrounded. At first the line moved slowly and in perfect order, but it soon became evident the brigade was flanked. The men began dropping in the ranks, dead or wounded, the rebels appeared and the line broke and fled in confusion to the edge of the woods, where it was again formed. By the time the regiment was re-formed it was dark, and the field comparatively quiet. The loss of the regiment, for the day, was one hundred and fifty killed, wounded and missing. Woodbury, in "Burnside and the Ninth Corps," says: "The first brigade of Reno s own division, composed of the 48th Pennsylvania, 6th New Hampshire and 2nd Maryland was conspicuous, on this day, for the persistence with which it held its ground whe n assailed, and the gallantry with which it advanced to the attack." We afterwards learned that two brigades, including General Sigel s "J ac kass" or Mule Battery, had previously been driven out of the same woods on that day. In this battery, the method was to strap tightly, on the backs of some of the mules, small cannon, which were fired from that position, while other mules carried ammunition in boxes, strapped on in a similar manner. These batteries were used for the purpose of clearing the enemy out of woods where the regular field artillery could not operate. Next day, the 3Oth, the engagement was renewed early in the morning. The regiment was ordered to the left of yester day s position and remained all day, not being actually engaged, although under fire all the time. This was the crucial point and period of the second battle of Bull Run. The 48th, during the formation of the lines of battle, prelimi nary to the final assault of the enemy upon the Union lines, lay flat upon their faces in front of a battery, supporting it in case of a charge upon the guns. This exposed position was a very trying one, as the men were exposed to the shelling of the battery by the enemy and in danger of "rotten shell" from our own guns. In front of the Union position, beyond a large open field, the infantry of the rebels were forming under the cover of dense woods, which completely hid them from view. Suspecting this operation, our batteries opened C8 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH upon them; while our troops were forming in the open plain to "resist the assault all knew to be at hand. The rebels having formed, and, seeing the Union formation in a somewhat chaotic condition, now emerged from their cover, and the last act in that celebrated battle was on. During the afternoon the engagement was terrific, charge and counter-charge, until, towards evening, the lines were broken and the victory won by the rebels. Our brigade was ordered into a dense woods at this time, to relieve the second brigade, which had lost heavily, and remained there until 9 p. m., when we left the field in good order, forded the Bull Run and reached Centreville on the morning of the 3ist in a heavy rain-storm. On the way to Centreville we passed through the division of General Fitz John Porter, which should have been upon the field during the fight. Up to this time we had had sixteen successive days of hard campaigning on short rations, with out tents, and had been living in the open since leaving- Falmouth on the I2th of August. We were a pretty hard looking lot of soldiers. At Centreville we exchanged places on the picket line with the p6th Pennsylvania Regiment, another Schuylkill County organization. Letter to Colonel Nagle (complimentary:) HEADQUARTERS, 3RD MICHIGAN VOLS. COL. COMMANDING 48th PA. VOLS.: I have the honor to make favorable mention of two officers of your command, Captain Jos. A. Gilmour, of Co. "H," and Lieutenant Wm. Cullen, of Co. "E." These two officers rallied fighters until they had quite a company of them and united with my regiment, forming on the left flank thereof, entered into the battle on Friday afternoon, August the 29th, and remained until the men gathered by them, and most of my own regiment had been killed or wounded (we having 140 killed and wounded out of 260 muskets engaged.) Their conduct was brave and highly commendable, and they were of much service. I have the honor to be, etc., S. G. CHAMPLAIN, COL. 3RD MICH. VOLS. SECOND BULL RUN 69 After the retirement from before Richmond, in July, 1862, of the army under General McClellan, the rebels became emboldened by their successes, and resolved to attempt a transfer of the war from the soil of the slave to that of the free States. Everything seemed favorable for the attempt, as the United States Government was organizing its new levies, and our armies were separated. While the Army of the Peninsula was being transferred to Alexandria, the rebels made a flank movement, in the hope of cutting off General Pope from his base; defeating him; capturing Washington, and invading Pennsylvania. Through the bravery of the forces under Pope part of the plan failed, after a number of sanguinary battles in the vicinity of Bull Run, in which the 48th, 5Oth, and other Pennsylvania Regiments, participated. Of the conduct of the 48th Regiment in these contests, Henry Pleasants, Captain of Company C, wrote as follows: CAMP NEAR ALEXANDRIA, September 4, 1862. After leaving the left of Pope s army, before the Rapidan, which position our Division (Reno s) occupied, we marched to Kelly s ford, across the Rappahannock. From this point we went to Rappahannock Station, thence along the northern side of the river to Sulphur Springs ; thence to Warrenton and on to Warrenton Junction, where we rested for three-quarters of a day. From here we marched to Manassas Junction, and on to near Centreville, wheie we turned to the left and moved towards the Gap which leads to the Shenandoah Valley. This was on Friday morning. The action had already begun. We reached the battle-field at I P. M., and at 3 our Brigade, commanded by Colonel Nagle, was ordered to attack the rebels in a thick woods. The 6th New Hampshire Regiment formed on the left, the 2nd Maryland on the right and the 48th Pennsylvania fifty paces in their rear. Hardly had the column entered the woods when the action began brisk, fiery and bloody. Our regiment was marching on with the steadiness of regulars, when the battalions in front obliquing to the left and right, permitted us to advance quickly and occupy the intervening space, promptly opening a destructive fire on the rebels. We advanced firing for about a quarter of a mile, when Lieut. Col. Sigfried halted the regi ment, and, after causing them to cease firing, ordered them to advance with the bayonet, which was done in gallant style driving the enemy out Df two ditches, (one of them an old railroad cut,) and going on beyond them. We had, however, not gone far before we received a volley of musketry from behind. Thinking that we were fired on by some of our own troops, the regiment was ordered back to the nearest ditch, 70 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH and our fire to the front resumed. From this time the fire poured on our and the New Hampshire regiment, was most terrific from the front, left and rear. The more our colors were raised and spread out to the view of our supposed friends behind , the hotter and bloodier were their discharges. At last the rebel iegiments made their appear ance on our rear, when Colonel Sigfried gave the order to retreat by the rightflank. The men stood this terrible fire without flinching, obeying the orders of their officers, and firing to the front where the enemy was supposed only to be. The regiments of the brigade were promptly reformed after leaving the woods, and soon after were relieved by the 2nd Brigade. The next day, Saturday, we were present at the battle, supporting batteries, and being continuously under artillery fire from about 3 to 9 P. M. Our division was the last to leave the battlefield, which it did about ten o clock that night. Next day, although without hardly any sleep, rest or food, we were drawn up in line o? battle until night-time. On Monday, about I P. M., our division again marched from Centreville to Fairfax, protecting the train. When about three or four miles from where we started we met the rebels, in force, posted in the woods and corn-fields, and after fighting till dark, and being re-inforced by General Kearney, we gained a complete victory, driving them for nearly a mile. Our regiment was under fire nearly the whole time, but supporting other troops in front, we could not return it. The loss of Saturday and Monday was very light, but that of Friday was terrible. The forest was converted into a slaughter-house. Some companies of the 6th New Hampshire were nearly exterminated. Some of ours lost about one-half their men. The regiment lost 152 men. The brigade, out of about 2,000, lost over 500. Captain Bosbyshell, of the same regiment, aleo wrote a letter as follows: CAMP 48m REGIMENT, P. V., NEAR ALEXANDRIA, VA., Sept. 3, 1862. A spare moment I devote to Diving you a short account of the doings of the 48th in the late battles near Bull Run. I ll not particu larize about our long and tiresome march from Fredericksburg to Culpeper, etc., but suffice it to say, that we arrived on the Bull Run battlefield last Friday morning. Preparations were being made on every side for a fight, and we expected, of course, to have a hand in it. We were not disappointed. Three o clock, Friday afternoon, Nagle s Brigade drew up in line of battle the 2nd Maryland on the right, next the 6th New Hampshire, and the 48th covering the latter regiment. Off we moved, over a clear field, to quite a dense wood, out of which we were to drive the rebels. The wood was skirted by a fence, which we had scarcely crossed in fact, our regiment was just getting over it when bang ! bang ! whiz ! whiz ! and the battle commenced. There SECOND BULL RUN 71 was no use talking, however. Our brigade went right in ; walked steadily on, driving the rebels quickly before them, but losing men fast. A ditch or embankment, in which the rebels had shielded themselves, and from out of which the brigade which entered the woods before ours failed to drive them, our brigade assailed so fiercely, that it was soon cleared. The 48th had bayonets fixed. Some of the prisoners wanted to know who they were with fixed bayonets, and what troops we were. When informed, they said they thought we must belong to "Burnside s fighting devils." John D. Bertolette Adjutant, 48th Reg t., Pa. Vols. The impetuosity of our men was great, and I believe we would have gone clear through the woods, without once halting, had not a strong flank movement been made by the rebels. They came around on our left, and opened a galling fire on our left flank and rear, which v.*e did not return for some time, mistaking them for our own. When we discovered it, how r ever, we answered lively, but they \vere too strong for us, with their raking cross-fire, and a retreat by the right fiank was ordered. This we did in good order, returning fire for fire, and w r e got out in the clearing again, where the "rebs" dared not follow us : It is difficult to note all the incidents of personal bravery. Colonel Nagle was everywhere, cheering on the men, and barely escaped cap ture. He was ordered to halt by the rebels several times, pursued and fired at, but escaped. Lieutenant John D. Bertolette, his Acting Assistant 72 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Adjutant-General, our late Adjutant, was wounded in the thigh, while ably attending to his duties. His aids, Lieutenants Blake and Hinkle, were actively engaged throughout the entire fight. Upon entering the woods, Colonel Nagle and his staff left their horses at the fence, the woods being entirely too thick to ride through, and, in the flanking by the rebels, the horses were captured. The brigade lost, in killed, wounded and missing, some 530 men. The 48th behaved exceedingly well, and did considerable damage to the "Louisiana Tigers." Lieu tenant Colonel Sigfried was in the thickest of the fray, encouraging the men by actions as well as words. He was ably seconded by Major Kaufman and Acting Adjutant Gowen. But I cannot particularize; all behaved well ; no one shirked, neither officers nor men. Our loss is heavy, some 152 in killed, wounded and missing. The following list I have taken from Acting Brigadier-General Nagle s report of the killed, wounded and missing in the 48th Regiment, P. V.: Killed, 7; wounded, 61 ; prisoners, 10; missing, 74. Total, 152. Nearly all the missing have been ascertained to be prisoners, and will be paroled and released shortly. Reno s Division our brigade included, of course was also in the action of Saturday, protecting bat teries, etc. Towards evening we were ordered into the woods, where we went, but the darkness ended the fight before we exchanged shots with the enemy. Our division was exposed to the shells and shots of the enemy nearly all day Saturday (none in the 48th hurt; two of Company H taken prisoners) and was the last Division to leave the field. We retired from the ground at nine o clock, and by five next morning were in Centreville. On Sunday, we were picketed about two miles out of Centreville, and we met the Q6th on our way out. Monday afternoon our division started for Fairfax, and was the first division engaged in the fight at Chantilly, where the gallant Kearney and Stevens fell. The brigade lost a number killed and wounded again, but the 48th escaped with two men slightly wounded, merely grazed. We were posted in a wood on the right, to prevent any flank movement the enemy might make. We remained on this battlefield until three o clock Tuesday morning, when we made for Fairfax, reach ing it by sunrise. By six o clock last night we reached our present quarters, almost fagged out with excessive marching and fatigue. The 50th, 96th, and I29th, are all near at hand. At the time of these battles, the 48th was in the First Brigade, Second Division, Ninth Army Corps the Brigade commanded by Colonel James Nagle. In his official report, Colonel Nagle placed the loss in the Br gade at 502 killed, wounded and missing, in actions of August 29th, 3<Dth and September ist. In the 48th Regiment the casualties, as offi cially stated, were as follows: SECOND BULL RUN 73 Wounded. Lt. H. P. Owens, Co. D; Lt. J. D. Bertolette, acting assistant Adjutant-General. Missing. Capt. H. A. M. Filbert, Co. K; Lieut. H. C. Jackson, Co. G. Killed. Corporal Wm. Hopkins, Co. F; Private William Nagle, Co. H; Private Paul White, Co. K; Sergeant R. D. Filbert, Co. K; Sergeant Samuel Petit, Co. H; Sergeant Thomas Kelly, Co. H. WOUNDED Company A. Privates : George Albright, William Betz, Elias Eiitton, George Miller, Andrew Neely. Company B. Sergeant Thomas Johnson, Sergeant Bassler, Cor poral Freshly; Privates: John Lucid, Nicholas Shiterour. Company C. Privates : Thomas Whalan, Jonas Geiger, Solomon Strauser, James Low, Edward Brennan. Company D. Privates: John W. Derr, Frank Dorward, Henry Gottshall, George Hartz, Philip H. Kantner, Peter C. Kreiger, David T. Kreiger. Company E. Privates : Michael Bohannan, James Bergain, Sr. ; James Bergain, Jr.; John Becker, Henry Lord, Abraham Kleckner, Robert Thompson, William Moose; Sergeant J. H. Fisher; Fifer, John Cameron. Company F. Corporal Henry Jenkins, Corporal Jno. Devine, Corporal George N. Douden ; Privates : Stephen Taggart, John Powel, Thomas Lloyd, William Jenkins. Company G. Corporal Charles Evans ; Privates : M. Berger, John Grace, James Muldowney, Lewis Quinn, Joshua Reed, William Smith, John Shaw, John Wonders, John Willingham. Company H. Privates: William Dreibelbies, J. T. Wildermuth, George T. Eisenhuth, George W. Christian. Company I. Corporal B. F. Kershner, Private Rudolph Rumble. Company K. Privates: Eli Fenstermaker, James Day, Milton Ludwig, James Cavanaugh, James Dullard, Joseph Burgess. MISSING Company A. ist Sergeant B. G. Otto, Corporal John Taylor, Corporal Brobst ; Privates : Israel Britton, Henry Davis, William H. Koch, George Livingston, Daniel Leiser, Joel Marshall, Morgan Simon, John Leiser, John Springer, F. W. Simon. Company B. Sergeant Philip Hughes; Privates: William Brad ley, Henry Copeland, John Evans, L. M. Reece, Joseph Rahny, Samuel Stamy. Company C. Sergeant O. C. Hatch, Corporal John Rorety; Privates : John Wiser, Barney Gettley, Murt Brennan, John Jones, William Larkin. 74 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Company D. Sergeant William Bambrick, Corporal George Ramer, Corporal Leonard Shrishorn, Corporal J. T. Vankannon, Cor poral William Timmons ; Privates: Mattis Bailey, Eli Derr, Isaiah Kline, Joseph Kuhns, Charles Miller, Boto Otto. Company E. Sergeant Stafford Johnson, Corporal D. McAl lister; Privates: Alfred Barlow, Jef. Canneld, James Farrell, James Greener, Joseph Lord, Thomas Major. John McSorley, Michael Brennan, Hugh McFeely, Simon S. Mover; Corporal William McKay. Company F. Privates: Thomas J. Thomas, John J. Morrison, John Morrisey, Samuel Dunkerly, Peter Quinn, John Devine, Michael Killrain, Richard Littlehales, Thomas Lyston, John Haggerty. Company G.^ Corporal Joel Betz, Private John Fame. Company H. Sergeant Samuel M. Ruch, Corporal Thomas H. Sillyman; Privates: John E. Benedict, William Huber, Daniel Lauer, John W. Ray, Isaac L. Schmehl. Company /.Sergeant Theodore Pletz ; Privates: Christopher Seward, H. Link. Company K. Corporal Thomas Brennan, Corporal Patrick Hanley ; Privates : David Boyer, W. D. Dress, Daniel Shaneby, W. Fenstermaker, Hiram Spears, William T. Reed, William Lavenberger. The 50th Regiment, Colonel Christ, also fought bravely in these battles, under the command of that officer. it was now seen, after the repulse of our troops at Bull Run, that it was the intention of Gen. Lee to force his army between our position at Centreville and the fortifications around Washington. Reno s command was moved to prevent him from accomplishing his purpose, and a sharp engagement ensued at Chantilly. The action began at 5 p. m. at Chantilly. Gen. Stevens, of Reno s forces, led a charge, and was shot dead at the head of his troops. Confused, and their ammunition being ex hausted, they gave way. "To repair this break," says the historian of the Army of the Potomac, "Kearney, with the promptitude that marked him, sent forward Birney s Brigade, and presently, all aglow with zeal, brought forward a battery, which he placed in position. A gap still remained on Birney s right, caused by the retirement of Stevens men. This Birney pointed out to Kearney, and that gallant soldier, dashing forward to reconnoitre the ground, unwittingly rode into the enemy s lines and was killed." The 48th formed the right of SECOND BULL RUN 75- the brigade, which occupied the right of the entire line. It was exposed to heavy fire during the engagement, but escaped with a slight loss. The contest ended amidst rain and dark ness a victory to the Union arms, inasmuch as the enemy s plans were entirely frustrated. Following this disaster through the inevitable confusion there occurred much suffering to men and horses for want of rations, and some high officials were bitterly criticised. One of the ultimate results was the court-martial of Gen. Fitz John Porter, who was dismissed from the army, under the stigma of which he remained for many years. Our assignment, September 2nd, 1862. 2nd Div., Maj, Gen. J. L. Reno. (Not attached to any corps, at this time): 6th New Hampshire, 48th Penna. Vols., 2nd Maryland, the ist Brigade, Col. Jas. Nagle. General Pope warmly eulogized that portion of the Ninth Corps which had come to his assistance, under the command of Gen. Reno. "I cannot express myself too highly," he wrote in his report, "of the zealous, gallant and cheerful manner in which he (Reno) deported himself from the beginning to the end of the operations; ever prompt, earnest and soldierly, he was the model of a soldier and a gallant gentleman." 76 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH CHAPTER VI. South Mountain and Antietam The army fell back to Washington; the 48th being stationed for part of a day at Fairfax Court House to prevent the stragglers from getting through, and held them up until they could join their commands. Our march of thirteen miles was made without a halt for rest. The condition of the regiment on its arrival was deplorable. Hungry, foot sore, and almost famished; dirty and verminized, if I may be permitted to use the word, to such a degree that it would seem almost impossible to get into normal condition again. A few days, however, accomplished wonders. New clothes were furnished us. Every stitch of our wardrobe was cast aside. We had nothing except what we wore, as our knap sacks had been left, as before stated, on the battlefield. Shelter or dog tents were furnished, the first we had used in our experience, and we were soon in condition for the Maryland campaign. From the Century Magazine: Immediately after the collision of the armies of Lee and Pope at Chantilly, September i, 1862, Lee set his columns in motion to invade the North. At that time the forces under Pope and those previously commanded by McClellan, were encamped around Alexandria, Va. McClellan had been assigned to the command of the defenses of Washington. On September 3rd he moved three corps to the Maryland side of the Potomac to guard Washington from an attack on the Northwest. Lee s advance reached Frederick, Md., Sep tember 5th and on the 8th a proclamation to the people of Maryland was issued by the Confederate leader. By the 7th, the remainder of the Union Army assigned to active service against Lee had crossed into Maryland, and, on the 9th, began to march to meet the enemy. That day Lee issued his famous "Special Order No. 191," dividing his forces with a view to invading Pennsylvania, which included the capture of Harper s Ferry, Va., by Jackson, and the re-assembling of SOUTH MOUNTAIN AND ANTIETAM 77 his army in Maryland for the march northward. This "Special Order" fell into the hands of McClellan on September I3th. The Union Army was at that time approaching South Mountain, Md., from Washington. The I2th Corps halted at Frederick on the I3th, while the gth Corps passed on to Middletown. On the I4th the Qth Corps, supported by the ist., drove D. H. Hill s rebel division from Turner s and Fox s Gaps, while the 6th Corps, constituting the left wing of McClellan s army, carried Crampton s Gap. Both passes had been occupied by Longstreet s troops, who held their position against vigorous assaults until night covered their retreat. The next day, the ist, 2nd, 5th, gth and I2th Corps crossed over South Mountain at Turner s and Fox s Gaps in pursuit of Longstreet and D- H. Hill, who retired to the west bank of Antietam creek, where he awaited the return of Stonewall Jackson from Harper s Ferry. The 6th Corps crossed at Crampton s Gap and followed the other corps to Antietam, acting as rear-guard. IN MARYLAND Starting immediately upon the Maryland campaign, our troops marched rapidly through the city of Washington, Leesboro, Brookville, Haymarket, Kemptown and Frederick City, and reached Middletown, Md., on the I3th of September. Gen. Burnside had the advance, in command of the right wing, formed of the First Corps, Gen. Hooker, and the Ninth Corps, Gen. Reno. Gen. Sumner commanded the centre and Gen. Franklin the left. Our reception by the people of Frederick City was an ovation. They illuminated their houses, the Stars and Stripes was thrown to the breeze, patriotic songs were sung; and refreshments were urged upon officers and men. Gen. Burnside s passage through the streets was blocked up by citizens, eager to thank and bless him as their deliverer; ladies crowded about and insisted upon kissing his hands, and from the balconies of private residences bouquets rained upon him. SOUTH MOUNTAIN After passing Middletown the army proceeded up the road leading to Fox s Pass, and, when near the top of the 78 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH mountain, we turned from the road by the left, into a field of growing corn, and advanced in line of battle, in and through, a wood, until a low rail fence was reached. Here we became the right of the brigade, and soon exchanged volleys with the enemy, and exhausted our forty rounds of ammunition. Our loss was light, owing to our protected position. The enemy retreated some time during the night, and, in passing over the ground next morning, we found that the lane immediately in our front was absolutely full of the dead rebels. They lay, actually two and three deep. One fellow hung upon the fence opposite, an arm and leg on either side, literally riddled with bullets. In a log house near by, another one sat with his eye to a chink between the logs with a bullet through his head. A detail was made to bury the dead, as the hot weather tended to make the bodies unfit to handle in a few hours. Trenches were dug along the side of the hill bordering the road, and the earth pulled down upon the bodies after they had been laid therein. A well close to the house was filled with the bodies of those that lay in the lane in front of our line. At Sharpsburg, Md., in 1895, the writer was informed by one who was an eye-witness, that forty bodies were taken out of the well, and carried south for burial. WHEN RENO FELL General Jesse L. Reno, the commander of our corps, the 9th, was killed on the evening of the I4th. At the close of the battle, the firing having ceased, he, with his usual vigi lance, personally attended to the placing of the pickets for the better security of his tired troops. This placed him outside of his main lines. Having accomplished his object, it being now quite dark, on returning to his quarters, he rode almost into a body of rebels in ambush. They fired a volley, and he fell mortally wounded. General Samuel Sturgiss, who com manded our division and who was a bosom friend of the dying General, on learning of the affair, hurried to his side, where the surgeons were dressing his wounds, and asked: "Is it anything serious, Jesse?" Reno replied: "Sam, it s all up with me;" and later, "Tell the boys I shall always be with U N I V E R S I OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN AND ANTIETAM 79 them in spirit, though not in body," and soon breathed his last. Thus, like a pure, noble, and true hero, this gentleman, friend, and gallant soldier, passed away, his work being done. His bravery had never been doubted, for it was of that cool, deliberate, but cautious character, that inspired his troops to General Jesse L. Reno Killed at South Mountain, Sept. 14th, 1862 deeds of daring, ever-confident of his care for them in camp or in field, which endeared him to them, and, in future battles, his dying, prophetic words nerved their hearts to heroic effort. He was succeeded temporarily in command of the Corps by General J. D. Cox, who in turn was succeeded in October, 1862, by General O. B. Wilcox. The Ninth Corps bore the brunt of the battle at this point, having 144 men killed and 546 wounded. The great loss was that of Gen. Reno, a dauntless soldier and a gallant SOUTH MOUNTAIN AND ANTIETAM 81 gentleman. "I will not attempt in a public report," said Gen. Burnside, in his report of the operations at South Mountain, "to express the deep sorrow which the death of the gallant Reno has caused me. A long and intimate acquaintance and extended service in the same field, and an intimate knowledge of his high and noble character, had endeared him to me, as well as to all with whom he had served. No more valuable life than his has been lost during this contest for our country s preservation." McClellan concentrated his entire forces and reorganized his commands, placing Gen.- Burnside in command of the Ninth Corps. He was received by his old command with shouts of the wildest delight, to which he responded in his usual happy manner. On the 1 5th the regiment moved, with the rest of the army, westward, passing over the battlefield of the day before. The houses along the roadside were filled with rebel wounded, and all bore every evidence of a hasty flight. ANTIETAM The battle of Antietam, fought on Wednesday, Septem ber 17, 1862, made the little village of Sharpsburg, Md., memorable thenceforth in our national history. It is situated on Antietam Creek, which rises in Central Pennsylvania, and after running in a southerly direction, mingles its stream "The army has met with a grievous loss in the death of Maj. Gen. Jesse L. Reno, who fell in the battle of South Mountain, while gallantly directing the movements of his corps. He was a native of Virginia, but a resident of Pennsylvania in 1842, when he was appointed to a cadetship at West Point. He graduated high, in 1846, receiving a commission in the ordnance corps. He was distinguished in the battles of the Valley of Mexico, from Cerro Gordo, to Chapultepec, receiving a severe wound in the last-named battle. From January to July, 1849, he was assistant professor of mathematics at West Point. In 1854 he was engaged on the coast survey. "When the Southern Rebellion broke out Reno was a captain of ordnance. In November, 1861, he was made a brigadier of volunteers, and he was put in command of a brigade under Burnside, in the North Carolina expedition. In the battles of Roanoke Island and Newberne he proved himself a general of great bravery and skill. He had the love and confidence of those serving under him, and from the private in the ranks to the highest officer there will be sincere sorrow at his death. Gen. Reno was killed by the fire of the 2$rd N. C. troops." Miners Journal. 82 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH with the Potomac River, about five miles above Harper s Ferry. The stone bridge across the creek, which Gen. Burn- side was ordered to take, is in a deep ravine. The face of the hill on the opposite side of the bridge, is too steep to be ascended by a horse, and must be literally climbed to be surmounted by man. The roadways from the bridge turn abruptly to the right and left, and rise along the hillsides very gradually. On this steep hill, commanding the bridge, was a Confederate battery, and there were also rifle pits, stone walls and earthworks, filled with a determined lot of the enemy s sharpshooters. Our brigade had been formed in a corn field opposite the creek, a little below the bridge, and then received orders to carry the bridge. THE FIGHT AT THE BRIDGE The line advanced by the right flank and was exposed to a withering fire of infantry and artillery from the heights on the other side of the creek, but we kept right on until the head of the 2nd Maryland regiment struck the bridge. They then balked and lay down. The fire at this point was fearfully destructive. Our commanding officer, finding we could not get past this obstacle, broke us a little to the right, and we gained cover opposite the bridge. The Second Brigade, with the 5 ist Pennsylvania in advance, led by the intrepid Hart- ranft, followed us as far as the head of the bridge. The 2d Maryland, in the meantime, had cleared the roadway, and the bridge was carried, Hartranft s brigade passing to the right. Our right followed immediately and took the road to the left, capturing quite a number of prisoners. The ammunition of the division was exhausted, but the hill was held against every assault. The loss of the regiment in this engagement was eight killed, fifty-one wounded, and one missing. Among the killed was Lieut. William Cullen, of Company "E." Captain Wm. Winlack, of Company "E," in writing home in October, 1862, of the death of Lieutenant Wm. Cullen, says : "He was for a number of years a resident of Valley 0) 73 84 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Furnace, Schuylkill County, and a member of the Wynkoop Artillery of Silver Creek, from 1855 until the breaking out of the rebellion. At the first call of the President, he was among the first to respond, and to sacrifice the comforts of home to serve his country. His acquaintance with military duties was such as to qualify him for the position of Orderly Sergeant of Company "E," Captain Winlack, i6th Regi ment, P. V., commanded by Colonel Zeigle, and during the three months service his faithful performance of duty and gallant conduct won for him the esteem of all who knew him. When the company was reorganized for three years service, he was unanimously elected ist Lieutenant of the company, which office he filled with honor to himself and his country, up to the period of his death upon the battle field of Antietam. "At Bull Run and Chantilly he distinguished himself for true bravery and again at South Mountain, and Antietam where he fell he showed the true spirit of loyalty. The loss of this gallant officer is a serious one to his company and the regiment. "WILLIAM WINLACK." Colonel James Nagle, of the 48th, here received his com mission as brigadier general. Lieut. Col. Sigfried was pro moted to colonel, Capt. Henry Pleasants, of Company C, to lieutenant colonel, and Capt. James Wren, of Company B, to major. General Nagle praises his troops in a letter to the Miners Journal. HEADQUARTERS IST BRIG., 20 Div., QTH ARMY CORPS, CAMP NEAR ANTIETAM, SEPT. 2IST, 1862. MESSRS. EDITORS: Enclosed please find a list of killed, wounded and missing, during the engagements of the I4th inst, at South Mountain, and I7th and i8th inst., at Antietam Bridge and vicinity of Sharpsburg. I would have sent it before, but was unable to do so, on account of our continual marching, fighting and skirmishing. I just finished my official report to-day, and sent it to headquarters, and I immediately had a copy of casualties made from it for the information of many anxious and bereaved friends, with whom I deeply sympathize. The particulars of the engagement you have had before this, so I will not trouble you with them again; but, in justice to my command, I Colonel J. K. Sigfried SOUTH MOUNTAIN AND ANTIETAM 87 would briefly say that they have done nobly, and marched up to the work like old veterans. And I feel proud of my command. The 48th has gained a high reputation for its gallantry, and old Schuylkill need not be ashamed of her representatives in the field. You will see, by a copy of General Orders No. n, that the left wing saved the day. I take pleasure in informing my friends at home that I received my appointment as brigadier general, from the hands of Gen. Cox, on the battlefield on the ipth inst. I am, very respectfully, your obt d servant. JAMES NAGLE, * Brig. Gen. commanding 1st Brig., 2d Div., Qth Army Corps. A letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Pleasants to the Miners Journal. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 17, 1862. MESSRS. EDITORS : Amidst the din of battle and thunder of artillery which is echoed again and again by the surrounding mountains, I hasten to inform you of the glorious victory achieved by our forces on Sunday last, and of the gallant behavior and slight loss sustained by the 48th Regiment. After leaving Washington, our regiment (forming part of Burnside s forces), marched to Brookville, thence to New Market, thence to Frederick City. Here there was a cavalry and artillery fight, in which the rebels were defeated and driven off. From Frederick we marched to Middletown McClellan fighting and driving the rebels before him. On Sunday we marched to South Mountain, where the rebels were posted in force. The fight lasted from the forenoon until about ten o clock that night, resulting in a complete and glorious victory for the Union troops. The rebels were outflanked and routed by Hooker, and repulsed and driven off by Reno. Our regiment was under fire from early in the afternoon until late that night, and was engaged in a hot contest with the rebels at short range, from about ? l /> to 10 p. m., when our ammunition being exhausted, we we-re relieved by the 4th Rhode Island, and the fire ceased at once. Our loss was very slight; this was on account of our fine position behind a rail fence. Next morning we examined the place from which the rebels were firing on us and on the 5ist New York (which occupied our right), and there lay from 100 to 150 dead bodies. The loss of the Union army was but slight, but from what we actually saw, I can state that the rebels were terribly slaughtered. At no point was the enemy successful, but everywhere defeated. Their retreat continued all that night and next day, our artillery continuing in pursuit. (We are ordered to march, so I leave this unfinished.) FRIDAY, SEPT. IQTH. Our regiment has gone through a most fiery ordeal been under infantry, shell, grape and canister, solid shot and spherical case artillery fire four distinct times. We were in three engagements or battles on 88 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH the i/th, and on picket on the i8th, and I can say the regiment behaved nobly; firing coolly and collectedly, and marching in perfect order under the most fierce and bloody artillery fire of spherical case-shot. Both officers and men behaved well, and Lieut. Col. Sigfried was attentive to his regiment and did his duty faithfully. I send you a full list of our loss in the battles since leaving Washington. We are ordered to march in 15 minutes, and must therefore close this letter at once. Yours truly, H. PLEASANTS. P. S. The 48th has been (with the rest of our corps) in the advance since we left Washington, and has never flinched, nor even wavered, in the fierce contests in which it has been engaged. H. P. The 48th was in the battle of South Mountain, and in the engagements at Antietam, September 17 and 18, and behaved nobly. The following account was furnished to us by Captain Bosbyshell: Miner s Journal: ANTIETAM, NEAR POTOMAC, MD., September 21, 1862. Two more fights to record, in which the 48th participated the battle of South Mountain or Middletown Heights, and that of Antietam Creek Bridge. The former took place last Sunday, I4th inst. We took up our position behind a small fence in a cleared field, facing a wood from which the enemy had been driven in the afternoon, and where it was feared he would attack again. It was fast growing dark, and appearances seemed to indicate that we would have to remain and watch where we were all night. But no, our skirmishers (Company B, Captain Wren) soon were attacked, and shortly our regiment became engaged. Here, to use a vulgarism, we had the "dead wood" on the enemy, and could pop away in grand style. The firing of the rebels was fast and furious, but we returned it as lively, until our ammuni tion became expended, when we retired by the left flank, firing all the way. Our place was immediately occupied by the 2nd Maryland, of Nagle s Brigade. The enemy "skedaddled" after a few rounds from the 2nd, and did not disturb us any more that night. We remained close to the field all night. Some three or four in the regiment were slightly wounded. The rest of Nagle s Brigade also participated, and the loss in the other regiments was pretty considerable. The next morning we moved off after the rebels, passing over the battlefield, where piles and piles of dead rebels lay, evidences of the accuracy of our firing. They were strewn around thick where we had been firing the night before, and we received the credit of having piled them up so famously. At the battle of Antietam Creek bridge the brigade be came engaged about 10 o clock in the morning, and continued in the SOUTH MOUNTAIN AND ANTIETAM 89 action until it ceased at nightfall. About n o clock, Companies B, G, K and E, of the 48th, got into the fight the nature of the ground being such as to prevent the balance of the regiment participating. This was on the east side of the creek, and our boys did nobly. The sport here was so keen, that I noticed Captain Wren and Lieutenant Douty bang ing away with spare rifles, evidently enjoying the fun. Soon the "bridge was charged by the 5ist Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel Hart- ranft, (as brave a regiment, with as brave a Colonel as ever existed) <ind carried, the rebels leaving in double-quick time. Over to the other side we followed, and our regiment was thrown forward to skirmish. We gained the summit of some of the little hills, when the rebels opened a terrific fire of grape, canister and spherical case from several batteries in front, causing us to shelter ourselves under the hill. Twas not long before the infantry became engaged, and at 5 P. M., we were ordered forward to support the 5ist Pennsylvania Volunteers. We hurried up the hill (taking our position immediately in the rear of the 5ist, lying flat on the ground. The artillery firing was terrible, and the range awfully accurate. The Sist s ammunition giving out, we crawled up into its place, while it took ours, determined to support us. Finding our "batteries could not get a position to support us, we were ordered to retreat, which we did in good order, to the bridge, where fresh ammuni tion was obtained, when we returned and slept on the battlefield. The loss in the brigade I cannot give our regiment s amounts to some 58 killed and wounded. Among the killed is Lieutenant William Cullen, of Company E, a brave man, much esteemed by all. Lieutenant M. M. Kistler, of Company I, was wounded pretty severely in the shoulder. Col. Nagle, who now ranks as Brigadier General, having been so com missioned by President Lincoln, behaved as usual, with great bravery in these engagements, and our gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Sigfried deserves great praise for his conduct during the actions. He was constantly on hand cheering the men on. I can occupy no more of 3 our space in recounting the praises bestowed on the 48th and the entire brigade by General Sturgis and others. McClellan says the carrying of the bridge won the battle, and it was Sturgis division that did it. The number of killed, wounded and missing, in the brigade commanded by Brigadier-General Nagle, was as follows : Killed, 34; wounded, 153; missing, 15. Total, 202. The casualties in the 48th Regiment were as follows: BATTLE OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN Sunday, September 14. Wounded. George Brigle, Company A ; Sergeant Wm. Clark, Company C; James McElrath, Company C; J. Kline, Company D; 90 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Corporal Jeremiah Griffith, Company F; James Paully, Company F; John F. Kalbach, Company H; Michael Scott, Company H; Benjamin Hoffman, Company I; Israel Kramer, Company I; John F. Boch- man, Company I. Missing. Martin Toben, Company C. Recapitulation. Wounded, n; missing, I. Total, 12. BATTLE OF ANTIETAM CREEK September i/th and iSth. KILLED Alexander Prince, Company B; Alva F. Jeffries, Com pany D ; Lieut. William Cullen, Company E ; John Broadbent, Company F; Charles Timmons, Company G; Corporal Lewis A. Focht, Company I; Corporal Daniel Moser, Company K; George Dentzer, Company K. WOUNDED Company A. Corporal H. H. Prince, Charles Krieger, B. F. Dreibelbeis, George Betz, John Whitaker. Company B. Mathew Hume, Frederick Knittle, Lorentus Moyer, John Robison, John R. Simpson. Company C. Sergeant W illiam Clark, Sergeant Edward Mona- han, Corporal Samuel Wallace, Corporal James Gribons, Robert Rodgefs, James Horn, Henry Dersh, John Dougherty, John Shenk. Company D. Corporal Rothenbergcr, George Artz, Walter P. Aimes, James Evans, John Sullivan, George W. Stillwagon, Samuel Stichter, Franklin Hoch. Company E. Sergeant John Seward, Sergeant William Trainor, Corporal John McElrath. Company F. ist Sergeant John W. Jenkins, Sergeant William E. Taylor. Company G. Corporal Charles F. Kuentzler, John Pugh, John Rodgers, Henry W. Nagle. Company H. Richard Forney, Jacob A. Witman, Daniel Ohn- macht, William Davis, Samuel Fryberger. Company I. Lieutenant M. M. Kistler, Charles Millet, Peter Keller, Matthew Fierman. Company K. David Fenstamaker, Edward Payne, Francis Simon, John Shaw, Peter Boyer, Sergeant P. F. Qtiinn. Recapitulation. Killed, 8; wounded, 51. Total, 59. Extract from Chas. A. Cuffel s address at Antietam, describing the part taken by Durell s Battery, in which he mentions the 48th Regiment: "In meditating upon the stirring scenes which occurred at this point, I have speculated as to what might have been the result if our SOUTH MOUNTAIN AND ANTIETAM 91 gunners Conrad, Burden, Bender, Buckman and Carver had not been the excellent marksmen they were; or, if the cool sagacious, gallant Durell and his efficient lieutenants had not been able, on the instant, to note the distance to the point to be aimed at, the result might have been a scene similar to that which took place on yonder crest cannoneers driven from their guns, artillery carriages crushed, and the battery horses cut down; but the dexterous handling of our guns and the accuracy of our shots enabled our, Durell s Battery to withstand the superiority of the enemy s guns, which bore upon this point from three different quarters Wise s Battery in front, the Washington Artillery from the Cemetery, and the Battery upon the heights above Snavely s Ford until Clark s Battery came to our support and the enemy s fire was slackened. "Then followed that spectacular scene enacted by the Hawkins Zouaves who passed through the line of our guns and advanced to charge Wise s Battery. How steadily and strenuously the well- nigh perfectly aligned ranks moved forward, the regimental flags proudly floating in the hot September breeze, the landscape here and there dotted with the red-trousered heroes who fell as the line advanced up yonder higher crest, the men closing up, shoulder to shoulder, as fast as a vacancy occurred in the line, until within a hundred yards of the enemy s battery, when the pace was increased to a rush, the battery was captured and its guns turned upon the foe. "But, alas! those gallant zouaves received no infantry support and were soon driven back by superior numbers who were pouring an enfilading fire into their ranks such as no troops, however brave, could face. "The artillery frre again waxed hot, in which Durell s Battery acquitted itself with credit. The enemy s infantry advanced and a shower of bullets flew thick through the battery. The gallant Schuylkill County miners the 48th Pennsylvania held the line of the stone wall in the ravine in our front while our battery hurled time-shell and shrapnel over their heads into the advancing enemy. This advance was checked and our line was substantially maintained until night came on and stopped further operations." A HARD FOUGHT BATTLE The battle of Antietam is considered by many the hardest- fought battle of the war, in view of the casualties and time employed. After the bridge was carried and we occupied the ground on the plains beyond the creek, we were subject to a fierce storm of shot and shell, and it was with the utmost difficulty and determination the troops held the ground. Gen. Burnside sent to McClellan for troops and guns, saying that unless these were sent he could not hold his position for half $2 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH an hour. Fifteen thousand men, constituting the division of Gen. Fitz John Porter, were massed idly in the valley, and their commander was with McClellan when Burnside s staff officer rode up to deliver the message. McClellan s reply was, "I have no infantry; tell Burnside that if he cannot hold his ground, to then hold the bridge, to the last man always the bridge. If the bridge is lost, all is lost." The bridge was not lost. Every foot of ground was hotly contested, and when the sun went down, it was a source of great gratification to Gen. Burnside to know that the Ninth Corps, after a hard day s fighting, held the bridge, and thus secured victory by remaining on the ground which the Con federates had occupied. Pollard, in his "History of the War," said: "If we had had fresh troops to hurl against Burnside, at the bridge of Antietam, the day would have been ours." Among those who fell in this engagement was Gen. Isaac P. Rodman, a pure-hearted patriot, and a brave, competent officer. RETREAT OF LEE That night Gen. Lee quietly returned into Virginia, leaving his dead unburied, and some two thousand of his wounded behind him. Captain Dryer, commanding the 4th Infantry, regulars, a brave and experienced officer, made a dash to the front, entering the enemy s line, and reported that the rebel centre could be broken in front of Sharpsburg, where at that time but one battery and two regiments of infantry opposed us. We expected from the activity of staff officers that we should be ordered to attack, but no such orders came. On the i8th of September the rebels shelled our lines severely, but did not do a great amount of damage. We re-crossed the creek in the evening, being relieved by fresh troops, and had a good fresh beef supper. On the iQth we marched over the battle ground, the rebel army having left on the night of the i8th. At this point, Sharpsburg, we met another lot of Schuylkill County boys, the i2Qth Pennsylvania, and spent a short time with them. They received their first baptism of fire here, when, with the Corn Exchange SOUTH MOUNTAIN AND ANTIETAM 93 Regiment, (the n8th Pennsylvania) they attempted to- cross the river after Lee, and were badly beaten. The i2Qth did not get much of it, but the Corn Exchange suffered severely. On the 23d, we were ordered up at daylight, struck tents, and ordered to march, but lay around until noon, then the order was countermanded. On the 24th we lay in camp all day; on the 25th we struck tents and lay all day in a broiling hot sun, and then pitched tents again. On the 26th we packed up and marched two miles and went into camp. October 3d the army was reviewed by President Lincoln and Gen. McClellan. The troops gave them a very enthusiastic reception. On the 7th the camp was again broken, marched over the South Mountain through Solomon s Gap to Pleasant Valley, only a short distance from Harper s Ferry. Here our brigade was enlarged by the addition of the 7th Rhode Island Regiment. We remained here until the 27th, when, in a heavy wind and rain storm, we started on a new campaign. We crossed the Potomac River at Berlin, Md., on pontoon bridges, and went into camp at Lovettsville, Va. On the ist day of November we heard heavy firing in our front all day. We were soon on the move, and passed through Union, Bloomfield and Upperville, Va.,. and on the night of the 5th camped at Oak Hill Station, on the Manassas Gap Railroad. On the 9th we reached Amis- ville, and were sent out to reinforce the cavalry, who were having a skirmish with the enemy. Next morning the rebels opened on us pretty briskly. The brigade was drawn up in line, and advanced for business, which compelled the enemy to fall back, as it appeared they did not wish to bring on an engagement. We were aroused at one o clock in the morning and marched to the camp we had left the Saturday previous,, and again encamped, but were immediately ordered on the march and joined the Second Brigade at Sulphur Springs. Here we were very short of rations; very little to eat but persimmons. The mule s rations of corn were in some instances appropriated by the troops. This condition of affairs continued for several days, when we received rations of bread. 94 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH CHAPTER VII. The Fredericksburg Campaign On the 1 5th of November, the rebels opened on us with artillery from the south side of the Rappahannock River, doing a lot of injury to the wagon-train, beside killing and wound ing many men, until our batteries got into position and quieted them. This was the very same spot where, in the preceding August prior to the Bull Run engagement, we received just such a warm reception. We passed through Fayetteville, crossed the Orange and Alexandria Railroad and camped. Here it was that the announcement was made that Gen. Burnside was in Command of the Army of the Potomac, relieving Gen. McClellan. The next two days were spent upon the road on a forced march, three divisions abreast, and on the I9th reached Falmouth, Va., opposite the city of Fredericksburg, where it was expected pontoon bridges would be laid ready for the army to cross and occupy the city. Little was done, as there were no boats in readiness to make a bridge, nor apparently any effort being made to get any in readiness. In the "Official Records" is found a paper, dated Nov. 3Oth, 1862, from General John Gibbons, which contains the following passage, relative to the crossing of the Rappahan nock river, before the battle of Fredericksburg, Va. : "The original intention on our part, in changing our line of operations, was, undoubtedly, to surprise a passage of the river, and at least get a position on the other side before the rebels could be apprised of our intentions, and get down there from Culpeper, and then push on to Hanover Junc tion on our way to Richmond, cutting their line of retreat, interrupting their supplies and re-inforcements, and perhaps fighting one great battle. "On our arrival here, no means of crossing were at THE FREDERICKSBURG CAMPAIGN 95 hand; the surprise failed, and the railroad being out of order, we were obliged to wait for supplies and the bridge train until the enemy, apprised of our movement, was enabled to throw his whole army around Fredericksburg." Sergeant William J. Wells, of Company F, says: "Upon arriving at Fredericksburg we first encamped near the Lacy House which was but little back from the Northern side of the river. Here, along the banks, within sight and hearing of the Sergeant Wm. J. Wells, Co. F. rebel pickets on the right bank, our picket line was established, the river at this point being narrow. To cross and capture the town and Marye s Heights, back of it, at that time, would have been an easy task, as but few rebels had yet arrived. How anxiously we waited the arrival of the pontoon bridges ; but day succeeded day and yet they came not. Full well we knew the task awaiting us when they did come, which was not until a few days before the battle, but by that time the rebels were well fortified upon and around the heights in the rear. Later on the infantry were moved back beyond the Phillips House, situated about one and a quarter miles from the river and which was used by General Burnside as his Head Quarters. While encamped here, in a depression of a somewhat elevated plain we were subjected to occasional plunging solid shots in camp, which 9G STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH came from a large rebel gun aimed at the large gas-filled balloon of Professor Lowe, which was used by General Burnside and others of his staff in observing what was going on within the rebel lines. The balloon was firmly held to the earth by long ropes passing over it and attached to windlasses for safety, the gas used being made in ovens erected nearby. As our camp was in direct line with it, whenever we saw it rising we left the tents for safety. While here, much visiting was done between the 48th, 5oth, 96th, and I2pth Pa. Regiments, each of which contained Schuylkill County men. While here, also, we witnessed and took part in an event which, probably, was never elsewhere attempted. This was a Division drill by command of voice by General James Nagle, late Colonel of the 48th. The Division was composed of two brigades, each regiment being closed enmasse and moving as a solid body. This drill attracted many general officers to witness it, and created much enthusiasm by its evident success. The General s voice was distinctly heard by the intently listening soldiers, and the 48th felt proud of its old Commander." About the 28th of November the pontoon train began to arrive, each boat being drawn on wheels by eight mules. Meanwhile, the Confederates had thrown up batteries com manding the spaces where bridges could be laid across the river, and their earthworks began to be seen on the crest of the ridges around the old town of Fredericksburg. It was very evident that Gen. Lee was concentrating his forces, and preparing for a desperate resistance against any attempt to cross the Rappahannock, or to advance towards Richmond. On the night of the loth of December, after counseling with the President and leading bureau officers at the War Department, the engineer corps was ordered to lay three pontoon bridges across the Rappahannock, upon which the army was to cross, occupy Fredericksburg, and carry the fortifications by assault. A dense fog filled the valley and hung over the river. The three lower bridges were laid by eleven o clock in the morning, and Gen. Franklin reported to Gen. Burnside that he was ready to cross with his com mand. The three upper bridges could not, however, be laid, owing to the enemy s sharpshooters, who poured in a merci less fire, and Gen. Woodbury was compelled to report to the commanding general that the bridges could not be built. "They must be built," replied Burnside; "try again." THE FREDERICKSBURG CAMPAIGN 97 The engineers returned to their work, but it was impos sible for them to finish it, and when the fog lifted at noon the fire of the rebel sharpshooters became more deadly. Going down to the river bank, Gen. Burnside saw the situation, and called for volunteers to cross the river in pontoon boats, drive the riflemen from their entrenchments, and hold the town until the bridges should be laid. Soldiers from the 7th Michigan and I9th and 2Oth Massachusetts Regiments sprang forward with alacrity, and they were rowed across the river by men of the 5Oth New York. A desperate conflict took place as they landed, but they soon secured the Confed erate riflemen as prisoners of war, and the engineers were enabled to finish the bridges. It was four o clock in the afternoon, however, before the troops began to cross, and the next day was occupied in moving over the army. AT FREDERICKSBURG On the nth of December a heavy artillery duel took place, and the troops on our side of the river were moving towards the bank ready to cross. Our brigade did not take any part in the movement until the I2th, when we crossed the river on a pontoon bridge opposite the city, and lay in the streets all that day and night. The shells from the enemy were exploding all around us while occupying this position, and quite a number of the regiment were disabled. On the 1 3th our brigade, now consisting of the 48th Pennsylvania, 2d Maryland, 6th and 9th New Hampshire and 7th Rhode Island, was ordered to the assault at 2 p. m. Prior to this we had been in an exposed position, the right wing lying up one street northward and the left wing on another street east ward. Directly in front of the right wing was a large brick barn, behind which Gen. Sturgis and staff were standing, until a solid shot came flying clean through the walls, scattering the bricks and debris in all directions, and with it scattered the general and his staff. Sergeant Wells of Co. F, says : "Just prior to this inci dent, while General Sturgis was seated upon a camp-stool Ninth Army Corps Crossing the Rappahannock on Pontoon Bridge at Fredericksburg, Va., December 12th, 1862. THE FREDERICKSBURG CAMPAIGN 99 and leaning against the barn, General Ferrero, commanding the 2d Brigade of his division, came in from the front, much excited, and told Sturgis that his brigade was all cut up, and demanded to know why in the he did not send them re-inforcements. Sturgis replied: Oh, I guess not, General; keep cool; take a little of this/ lifting the canteen to his lips. While so engaged, the shot came through the barn, just over his head, but he never lowered it until he had finished his drink; then, handing the canteen to Ferrero, he rose, went to the corner of the barn, looked over the field, and then said to Col. Sigfried, who was standing near, Now is your time, Colonel; go in. " Attention ! Right face ! Forward, march ! and the 48th quickly moved to the right, until the barn was uncovered, when the Colonel commanded: By the left flank; march/ and the regiment swung into line, rapidly marching to the front, then to the right, then again to the front, when we halted, the right companies finding themselves for a short time lying flat on their faces behind a frame house and a long pale fence, while grape and canister played a tattoo through the same. We had been carried tco far to the right and could not advance farther to the front from that position. Up again, then to the left until the house was cleared, then by the front; forward, with a rush, into shelter under the brow of a slight elevation, when our advance was impeded by a mass of men, many deep, seeking similar shelter. Here we stayed, doing sharp- shooting, picking off the officers and gunners from the batteries upon the heights until night-fall, when we were withdrawn under the cover of darkness." To the left and front of the regiment a section of Battery E of the 5th United States Artillery was fighting like tigers to maintain their position on a little commanding knoll. The sergeant of the section rode like a demon, with blood flowing from a wound in his head, encouraging his men and directing their aim, but nothing living could withstand the shower of shot and shell that literally rained upon that band of heroes, and they reluctantly and sullenly limbered to the rear. 100 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH We marched a short distance by the right flank, until opposite Marye s Heights, and then advanced in battle line, to occupy the summit of a knoll, south of the railroad cut; our right resting near a small frame house, fronting the steepest place of Marye s Heights. Ten men were detailed from each company to pick off the rebel artillerymen from the batteries immediately in front, which were sweeping the Union ranks with fearful effect. AT MARYE S HEIGHTS It has been truly said that only those who participated in the contest know how much and how little they heard. We remember how the smoke, the woods and the inequalities of David Griffiths, Co. F. the ground limited our vision when we had leisure to look about us, and how every faculty was absorbed in our work; how the deafening noise made it impossible to hear orders; what ghastly sights we saw, as men fell near us, and how peacefully they sank to rest when a bullet reached a vital spot. Farrow and Griffith of Company F stood in the ranks to THE FREDERICKSBURG CAMPAIGN 101 deliver their fire, though repeatedly commanded to lie down, until Griffiths was shot through the left lung and carried to the rear. Wounded men shrieked and others lay quiet; the singing and whistling of the balls from muskets was incessant; and we knew very little of what was going on a hundred yards to right or left. Participants in real fighting know how limited and confused are their recollections of the work, after it has become hot. All efforts to dislodge the enemy were unsuccessful, and the losses very heavy. Night put an end to the contest, and, having exhausted our ammunition, we were relieved by the I2th Rhode Island Regiment and marched back to the town. Cannon and musketry ceased their roar, and in a few moments the silence of death succeeded the stormy fury of the ten hours battle. We were soon fast asleep in the streets of the town, tired out. On the 1 5th we were engaged in building rifle-pits on the edge of the city, and during the night quietly left the place by the same route we had come into it, having muffled the pon toon bridges with brush and dirt to prevent the rebels hearing our retreat. The pontoons were lifted and we settled back again into our old camp on the heights above Falmouth. The loss of the regiment in this engagement aggregated sixty men. Extract from the report of the commander of the ist Brigade, 2nd Division, 9th Corps, of the battle of Fred- ericksburg: "From 12.30 p. m. until 2.30 p. m. the 48th Penna. Vols. was held in reserve. It was then ordered to the front. The men marched under a most galling fire like true veterans. The whole of my brigade remained in the front until after sixty rounds of ammunition had been expended, and until they were relieved by other troops, when by your order, my command was withdrawn in good order to the position occupied on the previous night. My brigade remained on the same position until Monday evening, when I was again, by your order, moved to the front, with instructions to hold the city at all hazards. I placed my troops in position on the left of the railroad, and commenced to strengthen and 102 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH fortify by throwing up intrenchments and digging rifle-pits. At 11.30 that night, by your order, I withdrew my command across the river to my former camp. "Too much praise cannot be given to the officers and men of my command, especially to the 6th New Hampshire, 7th Rhode Island, Qth New Hampshire and the 48th Penna. regiments. It is unnecessary for me to speak of the 6th N. H. and the 48th Penna. ; they, as upon all other occasions, never flinched. "My brigade went into action with 2,700 men and my total loss was 522." Very respectfully, JAS. NAGLE, Brig. Genl. To Brig. Genl. Samuel Sturgis. The Miner s Journal: HEADQUARTERS 48x11 REGIMENT, P. V., NEAR FREDERICK SBURG, VA., December 16, 1862. As you have no doubt received a full account of the battle of Fredericksburg and of the evacuation of the city by our forces last night, I will confine myself chiefly to my own command in the engagement. We bivouacked in the street on the right of the city the preceding night; towards noon on the I3th marched toward the left and to the support of the 2nd Brigade of same Division. At one o clock P. M., received orders from General Nagle to march to the open field in the rear of the city, when my regiment was kept in reserve (while the rest of our brigade marched forward) until half-past two o clock, when General Sturgis ordered me to forward my command to assist in repelling a charge the enemy was about making on our line. We started and went at double-quick (a distance of half a mile) under a most terrific fire of shell, grape and cannister from the enemy s bat teries. Arriving at the hill (about four hundred yards from the enemy s breastworks), I was requested by Colonel Clark, of the 2ist Massachusetts Volunteers, to relieve his regiment; their ammunition was nearly expended ; I did so ; when we remained on the crest of the hill until our ammunition was exhausted (sixty rounds per man), when Colonel Brown, of the I2th Rhode Island Volunteers, relieved us. At dusk the hill became crowded, and seeing other regiments still coming up, Colonel Clark and myself concluded best to return to the city for ammunition, and give room for fresh troops to get under the Shelter of the hill. THE FREDERICKSBURG CAMPAIGN 103 Too much praise cannot be given to all the soldiers (and the following officers who were in the battle, viz. : Lieut.-Colonel Pleasants, Major J. Wren, Adjutant D. D. McGinnes, Captains U. A. Bast, G. W. Gowen, Winlack, Hoskings, O. C. Bosbyshell, J. A. Gilmour, John R. Porter, Isaac Brennan, and Lieutenants H. Boyer, Eveland, John Wood, Humes, Chas. Loeser, Jr. ; Bohannan, Fisher, James, Williams, Jackson, Pollock, A. Bowen, Schuck, Douty and Stitzer), for their gallantry during the entire engagement. Their line was steady and unbroken while advancing under the most murderous shelling of the enemy, and their fire deliberate, well-aimed and effective. I deeply sympathize with the families and friends of those who have fallen, but it is a source of great gratification to know that they fell while gallantly defending a just and holy cause. The following is the list of killed, wounded and missing: KILLED Company A. Private James Williams. Company B. Corporal Reuben Robinson, Michael Divine, John Williams, William Hill. Company D. Sergeant Henry Williamson, Thomas Kinney. WOUNDED Company A. Joseph B. Carter, William F. Heiser. Company B. Sergeant N. W. Major, William Brown, Clemens Betzler, Clarey Heaton, Philip Carling, Lieut. John S. Wood. Company C. Corporal Henry Weiser, Samuel Harrison, Charles Walker, Andrew Scott, Michael McLaughlin, John Murray. Company D. Corporal John H. Derr, H. C. Burkholter. Company E. Robert Hughes, Edward Murphy, John Sunderland, Corporal Michael Sandy, Corporal Samuel Clemens. Company F. David Griffith, Evan W. Thomas, William Fulton. Company G. Sergeant James C. Nies, Daniel Dunn, John Tobin. Company //.Captain Joseph A. Gilmour, Corporal Alba C, Thompson, Valentine Kinswell. Company L Sergeant Francis D. Koch, Corporal James Miller, Wilson Kerns, Edward F. Shappelle, Jacob Gongluff, Charles E. Weaver, Anthony Beltz, Joseph Gilbert, Elias Faust. Company K. John Currey, Thomas Currey, Frank Simon, Michael Delaney. Missing. George Ayrgood. Recapitulation. Killed, 7; wounded, 43; missing, i. Total, 51. Yours respectfully, J. K. SlGFRIED, Colonel Commanding Regiment. 104 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH When we first came to Fredericksburg on the iQth of November the hills upon which we were encamped were covered with large trees, and by cutting them down we had an abundance of firewood. Now the stumps of the trees had been trimmed close to the ground, and the roots followed down into the ground as far as a root could be found. The hills were converted into vast clearings, and wood squads were formed every day, hauling the wood, for cooking purposes, from a distance of seven to eight miles. About the 3ist of December, Burnside had arranged for another move against the enemy. The cavalry, under Gen. Averill, was already in motion when a telegram was received from President Lincoln announcing to Gen. Burnside that he must make no movement without first consulting him. The General at once stopped the movement and immediately repaired to Washington. The President informed him that the reason of his despatch was that some of Burnside s sub ordinate officers had protested strongly against the movement. From the Miners Journal. To the brave and accomplished Colonel of the 48th Regiment, P. V., we are indebted for the annexed brief but eloquent history of the services in the field of this gallant regiment, and for a full and minute account of the loss sustained by the command during its first seventeen months of service. Both will be read with great interest by thousands in this community who have watched with pride the conduct of the regiment in the many engagements in which it has participated, and by those whose fathers, sons and brothers are in its ranks. Col. Sigfried will receive the thanks of every person who has a relative in his regiment for the care and trouble he has taken in the preparation of his interesting statement : HEADQUARTERS 48 rn REGIMENT, P. V. NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, VA., Jan. i, 1863. EDITORS Miners Journal: This being the first day of the new year, I concluded to write a communication to the Journal, and with it send a list of the loss in my regiment since its organization at Harris- burg, Pa., one year ago last August. The old year is numbered with the past. To us as a nation it has been indeed an eventful one. Thousands of our brave sons and comrades in arms have yielded up their lives as willing sacrifices that the nation might be preserved. We enter to-day upon the new year 1863. What shall be its THE FREDERICKSBURG CAMPAIGN 105 history? May we hope ere its close to see peace restored to our now distracted country a peace founded in justice, righteousness and uni versal liberty. May all the benign influences of good government enfold our nationality, and all the horrors cease. This day one year ago we were stationed on the isle of Hatteras, N. C. We then num bered in this regiment about eight hundred and fifty officers and soldiers. To-day not half remain fit for duty. We were engaged in the following memorable battles, viz. : Bull Run No. 2, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg. It is due to both officers and men who remain, as well as to the memory of those who have fallen in battle and by disease, that I should state, I have been with the regiment upon all marches as well as in the different battles. In August last we arrived here from Newport News, remained a short time, then left for Bealton Station on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. We left here in the evening at dusk, marched all that night until about three o clock a. m. At daylight we started again, marched all that day until dark, when we encamped for the night. Next morning we took up the match again, arrived at the station at eleven o clock a. m., remained there several hours, when we took the cars for Culpeper. On arriving there, we were ordered to march south of the town (about two miles), where we encamped for that night and the next day. Thence we marched to Cedar Mountain, near the Rapidan River, where we remained for another day, but on the following day we received orders to move that evening at eleven o clock. We took up the march at the hour named, marched all that night and next day until five o clock in the afternoon without halting over an hour at any one time. We crossed the Rappa- hannock River at Kelly s Ford, where we remained two days, after which we left for Rappahannock Station again thence along the Orange and Alexandria Railroad to Manassas Junction, thence to Bull Run, and after the battle, on the night of 30th August, we left for Centreville, thence to Chantilly, where we had the second engagement. Left there about two o clock at night for Alexandria, where we encamped and remained for some four days, when we went a short distance beyond Washington, on the Maryland side of the Potomac, a distance of some sixteen miles, where we again encamped and remained for several days. We started from here toward Frederick City, Md., South Mountain. Here the regiment was under fire from about ten o clock a. m. until about the same hour in the evening. At nine o clock the next morning we left for Antietam, where we arrived about the same hour that evening. Next day, September i6th, we remained in camp until two o clock p. m., the shells of the enemy constantly passing over our heads, so you may judge the men did not rest much. Then we marched further to the left. Upon the I7th came the battle. I have given you a random sketch of the marches, battles, etc., for a period of about six weeks. During the whole of this time we were on the march with the excep- 106 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH tion of about eight days, plodding through rain as well as sunshine, roads often very muddy, and it so happened that when the roads were in their worst condition, we were often not only compelled to march by day, but all night. The greater portion of the time (we being constantly on the advance) we were short of rations, very seldom any meat, and if we did get it, had but scant time to cook it. We were often out of bread for nearly a whole day and sometimes longer. In justice to Lieut. Keys, acting brigade commissary of subsistence, I must say, that he made every effort possible to have the men fully supplied ; but it was impossible for him to succeed in doing so, owing to the long and rapid marches, and our advanced position, the supply train being in the rear. Water very often being very scarce. Repeatedly did I see men drink water from mud-puddles and stagnant pools by the side of the road. At the battle of Bull Run they had lost their blankets and all their clothing except what they had on. Their shoes being worn out, some of the men walked literally barefooted from Bull Run to Washington. Yet with all the severe marching, lying out without tents, short rations, want of clothing and bad roads, I am proud to say we had scarcely any stragglers. I have repeatedly seen both officers and soldiers really staggering from sheer exhaustion, yet they would keep up with their companies, determined not to stay behind as long as it was possible for them to keep up. They were cheerful and ever ready to do their duties, and in the several engage ments I must say, that they behaved most gallantly. At South Moun tain, Antietam and Fredericksburg, while advancing in line of battle from a quarter to a half mile under the most terrific fire of the enemy, I did not observe a single one that did not march steadily to the front, obey every command, fire deliberately when engaged, and when the ammunition was exhausted (which was in each case sixty rounds per man) and I was relieved, they retired in perfect order under the most severe fire from the enemy, when I could scarcely have expected them not to break. A large number who were not severely wounded, instead of going to and remaining in the hospitals, had their wounds dressed and at once entered the ranks again by the side of their comrades I must say (and I do it not to flatter) I am proud that I have command of such soldiers; men who will not flinch in the hour of trial and danger. H. Hardell, hospital steward, deserves great praise for his attention to his responsible duties. He is courteous, and always ready to attend to the wants of the suffering, and his long experience as hospital- steward has made him very useful, indeed. Many in the regiment are willing to be treated by him when sick, having not only confidence in him as a steward, but as a surgeon. Dr. Morrison, our assistant surgeon, has not been with us for any length of time yet, but I think he will prove himself what I much hope for in the regiment a good and efficient surgeon. THE FREDERICKSBURG CAMPAIGN 107 Quartermaster Sergeant J. Wagner and Commissary Sergeant Charles Schnerr both deserve great credit for their strict attention to their duties. Quartermaster J. Ellis, having been sick for a long time, resigned, not wishing to occupy the office when he was unable to discharge the duties of the same. I was very loath to have, him leave, but could not advise him to stay when I believed that for him to remain in the service would result in permanent disability. My thanks are due to Lieut. Col. H. Pleasants, Major James Wren and Lieut. D. D. McGinnis, adjutant, for their assistance upon the march and in camp, and for their noble conduct in the engagement at Fredericksburg. As to my line officers I cannot particularize, for all who have been in the various engagements have behaved bravely and with great credit, proving themselves fit and competent for the positions they occupy. In conclusion, I would add that I should like to see some plan adopted by which all the old decimated regiments could be filled up. I would not be able, to-day, to take more than 300 men into an engage ment. Other regiments are the same. It would take three of the old regiments now to make one. If they cannot be filled by new recruits, it strikes me that it would be a good plan to consolidate them. It would certainly be a great saving to the Government, and at the same time would prove more efficient. I must not close without naming the fact that we have not been paid since the 3Oth of June, a period of six months. I am satisfied that many of the families at home are suffering in consequence. This should not be. It should be enough, when men are willing to sacrifice their business, leave their homes, families and friends and, if need be, sacrifice their lives for their country s good, without having their families suffer by delay in payment. To the friends of those who have died, or fallen in battle, I would say, you have my dearest condolence, and to those who have been wounded, or are sick, you have my sympathies in this, the hour of your suffering. Entering upon the new year, as we do to-day, I wish you, and the many readers of the Journal, all a hearty and happy New Year. I remain yours, with respect, J. K. SIGFRIED, Col. commanding Regt. (The list of casualties spoken of in the above letter appears in the roster.) Upon February 7, 1863, in Port Carbon, a sword was presented to Col. J. K. Sigfried, of the 48th Regiment. The scabbard bore the following inscription: 108 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Presented to COLONEL J. K. SIGFRIED, 48th Regiment, P. V., by his friends of Port Carbon, for gallantry and efficiency as an officer in the battles of Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antic tarn and Fredericksburg. On January the igth, 1863, the citizens of Schuylkill Haven, Pa., presented Lieut. Jas. K. Helms with a very handsome sword, sash and belt. A National flag was presented to Co. "A," 48th P. V. from the ladies of Port Clinton, Pa., on the 1st of January, 1863, accompanied by a presentation address by Rev. F. F. Kolb. Lieut. Eveland was selected to deliver it on behalf of the donors, and was responded to in behalf of the com pany by Chaplain S. A. Holman. The flag is a beautiful one, and bears the honorable inscriptions of the various battles in which the company participated, viz : "Newberne," "Bull Run," "Chantilly," "South Mountain," "Antietam," and, last of all, the memorable Battle of Fredericksburg. CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, YA. JANUARY 24, 1863. WHEREAS, We, the officers and members of Company " B," 48th P. V., having presented Major James Wren with a sword, while com mander of this company, for his undaunted courage and gallantry ex hibited in the several battles in which this regiment participated, do therefore, Resolve, That we will have engraved upon said sword, the follow ing engagements : Bull Run, August 2Qth and 3oth, 1862 ; Chantilly, September ist, 1862; South Mountain, Md., September i4th, 1862; Antietam, Md., September lyth, 1862, and Fredericksburg, Va., Decem ber I3th. 1862. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be presented to the Major, and one sent to the Miners Journal for publication. ^CAPTAIN U. A. BAST, SERGEANT N. W. MAJOR, CORPORAL A. E. BINDLEY, Committee. THE FRBDERICKSBURG CAMPAIGN 109 About the 2Oth of January, 1863, another movement was commenced. Burnside had prepared it with great care. He had personally examined the ground on which it was to be executed. He had fixed the position which each division was to occupy on crossing the river, and was confident of success. Hooker s and Franklin s divisions were marching towards the right. Our division, Sumner s, immediately in front of the city, did not move out of our camps, it being the general s plan to throw us acioss the river here, when the other divisions made a crossing on the right. It rained the night of the 2oth and all day and night of the 2ist and again on the 22d. The artillery could not budge a wheel, the supply and ammunition wagons were hub-deep in the roads. The troops almost drowned, most of them being without a particle of shelter. It was cold weather, too, being the middle of January. So the movement came to an end right there, and was always designated as the "Burnside stuck in the mud" movement. It was said that the rebels had large sign-boards stuck up on their side of the river, rudely lettered with the above inscrip tion. The troops all returned to their camps, and shortly afterward Burnside was relieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac, and General Joseph Hooker placed in charge. His first movement was made exactly in accordance with Burnside s plans, and resulted in disaster at Chancellors- ville. Simultaneously with Burnside s withdrawal from the command came Sumner s withdrawal from the command of the right grand division. As a result of the Fredericksburg action, representa tions were made at Washington by a number of Federal generals inimical to General Burnside. General order No. 8, dated Jan. 23rd, 1863, appears in the "Official Records" from General A. E. Burnside, but was not approved by the President, and was, therefore, never issued. It dismissed General Jos. Hooker, Brig. Gen. W. H. T. Brooks, Brig. Gen. Jno. Newton, Brig. Gen. Jno. Cochran, and relieved from duty Maj. Gen. W. B. Franklin, 110 STORY OP THE FORTY-EIGHTH Maj. Gen. W. F. Smith, Brig. Gen. Samuel Sturgis, Brig. Gen. Samuel Ferrero and Lieut. Col. J. L. Taylor. The order was issued subject to the approval of the President. He disapproved of it, and Gen. Burnside was relieved at his own request by General order No. 20, Jan. 25th, 1863, and Gen. Jos. Hooker placed in command of the army. In a letter to Secretary Stanton, April 3Oth, 1863, General Burnside retracted as much of the order as related to General Ferrero. Two minnie bullets. Centre section showing as they met. WITH BURNSIDE TO LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY 111 CHAPTER VIII. With Burnside to Lexington, Kentucky On the 26th of January, 1863, Gen. Burnside withdrew from command of the Army of the Potomac and Gen. Joseph E. Hooker was appointed in his stead, and assumed command immediately. On the next day, the 27th, General Sumner withdrew from command of the Right Grand Division. Letter of President Lincoln appointing Gen. Hooker to succeed Gen. Burnside: "I have done this upon what appears to me sufficient reasons, and yet I think it best for you to know that there are some things in regard to which I am not quite satisfied with you. I believe you to be a brave and skillful soldier, which, of course, I like. I also believe you do not mix politics with your profession, in which you are right. You have confidence in yourself, which is a valuable, if not an indispensable quality. You are ambitious, which within reasonable bounds does good rather than harm. But I think that during Gen. Burnside s command of the army you have taken counsel of your ambition and thwarted him as much as you could, in which you did a great wrong to the country, and to a most meritorious and honorable brother officer. I have heard in such a way as to believe it of your recently saying that the Govern ment and the army needed a dictator. Of course it was not for this, but in spite of it that I have given you the command. "Only those generals who gain success can set up as dictators. What I now ask of you is military success, and I will risk the dictatorship. "The Government will support you to the utmost of its ability, which is neither more nor less than it has done and will do for all commanders. I much fear that the spirit whicfi you have aided to infuse into the army, of criticising their commander and withholding confidence from him will now turn upon you. I shall assist you as far as 1 can to put it down. Neither you nor Napoleon, were he alive again, could get any good out of an army while such a spirit prevails in it. And now, beware of rashness. Beware of rashness. But with energy and sleepless vigilance, go forward and give us victories." General Burnside being thus relieved, was soon afterwards appointed by the President to the command 112 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH of the Department of the Ohio. The General especially requested that he should be allowed to take the Ninth Corps, of which the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment was a part, to the West. We therefore prepared to depart for our new field of operations. It was very cold, and severe snow storms were frequent, and the troops were suffering quite considerably from the inclement weather. Company and regimental drills were held almost every day, and contributed very much in the solution of the question of keeping warm. On the 6th of February the Ninth Corps received orders to report to General John A. Dix, at Newport News, Va., and the news was received joyfully by the command. We went by rail, in freight cars to Aquia Landing, on the Potomac River, and were there consigned to the United States steamer North America; remained at the wharf all night. There were four regiments of troops on this boat, making it decidedly uncomfortable. At five o clock the next morning we pro ceeded down the river, thence into the Chesapeake Bay, and came in sight of Fortress Monroe just at nightfall and anch ored. The next morning was very cold, and the vessel was headed for Newport News, where we arrived safely, were disembarked, and went into camp. On the I4th Comrade Hatch, of Company C, died in his tent, very suddenly, and his death was very much regretted by his comrades. Along from the I5th to the 2^d it rained almost every day, and as we were living in shelter tents, our lives were not supremely happy, and drills were not inflicted upon us with the usual regularity. We drew the common or wedge tent here about the 25th, after which we were more comfortable. A grand review was held at this time, and the Ninth Corps was very highly complimented by General Dix. TO THE WESTERN ARMY On the 1 3th of March the third division of the corps was sent to Norfolk, Va., and on the iQth of the month the first division was ordered to Kentucky. On the 25th our division, WITH BURNSIDE TO LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY 113 the second, was sent by Transport John A. H arncr to Balti more, Md., and from there on to Kentucky, to join the De partment of Ohio, under General Burnside. We remained on the steamer until early the next day, the 26th, when we were put ashore and marched to the Northern Central Depot and took cars via York and Harris- burg and Altoona to Pittsburg. The temptation to go home for a few days was so strong that some few members of the regiment took French leave when passing Harrisburg, and visited their folks at home. At Pittsburg the citizens of the city had a grand supper prepared, and we left the cars and were soon on the outside of the good things they had kindly prepared for us. We were again marched to the cars and were soon on our way through Ohio. Upon our arrival at Cincinnati we were marched to the Fifth Street market house, where an elegant dinner was in waiting, and to which we did full justice. At this point we crossed the Ohio River on the boat Queen City to Covington, Ky. Here a train was in waiting which conveyed us after an all-night s ride to Lexington, Ky. On the ist of April we went into camp near the Fair grounds and fixed ourselves up in great shape. Just about this time we received four months pay, and the city of Lex ington received a coat of red paint, whether it deserved it or not. Some of the members received several days in No. 3 jail, which they fully deserved. AT LEXINGTON, KY. The regiment was now detailed as city provost guard, with Col. J. K. Sigfried as commandant, and was marched down into the city into comfortable wooden quarters. On the 1 3th, camp was changed to an abandoned hemp ware house, just on the outskirts of the city. The change was a very good one, as it kept the boys from frequenting the saloons so much, and gave us a good drill ground. It was close to the toll-gate dairy farm, and the two pretty milkmaids kept our camp in a plentiful supply of milk. Lexington was a very pretty city and contained many loyal people, and our stay was very pleasant. Quite a number of the men of the 8 114 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH regiment fell in love with a corresponding number of the ladies and were married. Towards the end of April General Grant was busy draw ing his lines close around Vicksburg, and sent for the Ninth Corps to re-inforce him. Oh! how we hated to receive this order; we did not want to leave Lexington with its brave men and pretty girls, but it seemed that the fates were against us, and on the 3Oth orders were received to leave the next morn ing. On May ist the ist East Tennessee Regiment relieved us and took our places as provost guard. In the meantime some of the citizens of the city had drawn up a petition and gone to Cincinnati asking Gen. Burnside to retain the 48th Regiment as guard, and it resulted in their prayer being granted. The next day we started in and relieved the ist East Tennessee. They didn t like it any better than we had the morning before. On the following day, it being Sunday, at company inspection each company was interviewed by Lieut. Col. Pleasants, and whilst every company received a reprimand, Company "F" was dreadfully slandered by being pronounced the worst company in the regiment. How we repudiated the statements of Col. Pleasants, under our breath, of course, and when he was out of sight, every man of the company voted him a poor judge of well-behaved soldiers, and hoped he would never make public the opinion he pro mulgated that day. He never did, or at least nothing further was heard of it. Our duties consisted of furnishing guards for the railroad stations, ordnance depots and jails, also in patrolling the city day and night to preserve order. That we did this to the satisfaction of all concerned was evidenced by the petition which was presented to the commanding general. How we loved to be doing duty in this city plenty to eat and to wear, little or nothing to do in the way of duty, amusements of all kinds and everything that could be of service to make a soldier happy. Our dress parades each evening were poems, so to speak. Every man had his clothing, arms and accoutrements in first-class shape. Our drills were perfect, and round after round of applause greeted our manual of arms from the WITH BURNSIDE TO LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY 115 crowds of visitors who came to camp to view the evolutions of the troops and listen to the music of our very excellent band, which had been maintained by the officers. The band was composed of the following men: Horace S. Walbridge, leader; Nicholas J. Rehr, Andrew Smith, A. B. Walbridge, Amos F. Walbridge, Samuel T. Skeen, Fidel Fisher, Wm. H. Hodgson, J. Boedefeld, Charles Smith, Lewis Legler, Henry Downing, Alfred Bowen. THE "KENTUCKY LOYALIST" Comrade William P. Atkinson, of Company G, a printer by profession, started the publication of a weekly paper and named it the Kentucky Loyalist. He was placed on special duty by the general commanding the department, and his paper was productive of great good. This paper was published until the close of the war. Comrade Atkinson removed to Erie after the close of the war and died there in 1904. Lexington was the home of Henry Clay and General John H. Morgan. Henry was dead, but John was alive, very much so, and was cutting up monkey-shines, ever and anon, to worry us and make us afraid. On the i$th of June we had our first Morgan scare, which passed off without much noise or incident, except sending Companies "H" and "B" to garri son Fort Clay, an earthwork just outside the city limits. The drummer boy of Co. "H," A. J. Snyder, writes from Lexington, Ky., May 27th, 1863, as follows: "We have a nice place here, and are well contented. The people like us very much, and say that this is the best behaved regiment that has ever been here. A short time ago our regiment received marching orders and the ist East Tennessee Regiment relieved us of this duty, but when the people found out we were going to be sent away, they got up a petition signed by the Mayor, Judge and hundreds of the best citizens, and took it to General Wilcox and asked him to keep us here, because we kept ourselves so clean and behaved so well. General Wilcox telegraphed to General Burnside to know whether he could let us stay, and Gen. Burnside tele- 116 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH graphed that he might. We had our knapsacks packed and everything ready to march, but when they told us that we were to stay, we rent the air with cheers. The ladies give us lots of milk and flowers every day. The girls give us drummer boys lots of pretty flowers. I never saw such a pretty place as this is. It is just like a garden all about here ; we had a big fire last Friday which destroyed one of our largest hospitals, but we got all the sick and wounded out safe. The ladies helped to carry them out of danger, and were very kind to them. We worked very hard, but could not save the building. We have a great many rebel prisoners in our jail. They are a hard looking lot, dirty and lousy as can be. Our boys go out scouting and capture lots of horses and "rebs." Major Wren resigned and went home the other day; we were very sorry. He was a good, kind officer and a brave man, too. I have my drum painted and varnished; it looks like new. I keep hearty and am growing fat." JULY 4, 1863 We celebrated the 4th of July with a very pretty street parade through the city during the day and fireworks at night. Our camp was crowded with the elite of the city, and everybody went away happy. Sunday, the 5th, was a very quiet day, but at twelve, midnight, the long roll was sounded and we sprang out of our blankets, and, hastily dressing ourselves, were soon in line. "Morgan has come, is now on the out skirts of the city," was the news that greeted us. Sixty rounds of cartridges were provided to each man, and, early on the morning of the 6th, we marched to Fort Clay, prepared to give John a warm reception. We barricaded all the roads leading into the city and made every preparation to give him a "stand off" if he came our way. We loafed around all day waiting for him to come and wishing he wouldn t, which he didn t, and in the evening we learned he had gone clear around us; we were marched back to camp in the hemp factory, and on the 26th we learned that Morgan had turned up in Ohio and had been captured. Again on the 28th of WITH BURNSIDE TO LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY 117 July we had another scare; then it was General Pegram who had been sent on a raid through Kentucky in order to attract attention from Morgan. The regiment was again sent to Fort Clay, and, after lying around all day, returned to camp in the evening. During the scare of "Rebels in Kentucky," on July 8th, 1863, Companies "A" and "F" were sent to provision Col. Saunders and his Brigade near Laurenceburg. Col. Saunders was killed in the Kentucky and East Tennessee campaign afterward, and, at the siege of Knoxville, a fort was named in his honor. We had a hard march that day, going by way of Versailles, and camped near Laurenceburg that night. The next day, the Qth, we reached the Ken tucky river, and raised the ferry boat that the rebels had sunk, and ferried over the ammunition and rations we had brought to their relief, which occupied the whole day. We camped .upon the river bank, and next day reached our camp at Lexington. During our stay in Lexington, a detail was made of a lieutenant and five men to collect contrabands from the plan tations to work upon the fortifications. This detail was mounted and visited all the plantations. A large place, said to contain 1000 acres, owned by one Alexander, was visited, but no hands were taken from him, as he proved to be a British subject, and claimed protection. He was very proud of his position, and was quite loud in his denunciation of the Government. If the detail would have had the problem to solve, Alexander would have been a wearier, if not a wiser, man before sundown. During this month the regiment re ceived its State pay, which was due from September ipth to October i, 1861. On the night of June 27th, 1863, two members of Co. "C" were stabbed during a brawl in one of the down town saloons. One of them, named Scott, died the same night. No arrests followed this affair, as it was never ascertained who the murderers were. Company "C" was peculiarly unfortunate at Lexington, as another one of its members, named William Burke, was shot by Corporal Isaac Barto, 118 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH of Co. "F." Burke had been arrested for being disorderly, and placed in No. 3 jail. The next morning Barto, who was corporal of the guard, was ordered to take Burke to camp, a distance of about a mile, with positive orders not to allow his prisoner to escape, and the corporal started with the full intention of delivering his prisoner. Burke kept threatening he would never go to camp, and made several attempts to take the gun from his guard, and pestered him to the limit of endur ance. Finally, he started to run away, and after calling upon him to halt, and being refused, Barto shot and killed him instantly. He was arrested, a Court Martial was held, and the Corporal was released with the compliments of the members of the Board, for doing what they termed his bounden duty. On the ist of August a man named Hart was hung for murdering his wife. The murder had been committed two years prior to his execution. The hanging took place just back of our camp, and was witnessed by the whole command. On the nth of July, 1863, a detail was made to dismantle a house close to camp, the inmates of which had become a menace to the discipline of the troops. The dis mantling party did their work very effectually. They took all the doors off the hinges, removed all the windows and carried them to a neighboring barn, and made the house unfit to live in, and it was thought the problem had been solved and no more trouble would ensue. On the I3th, two days afterward, this same detail had orders to replace every article they had removed, P. D. Q., and so twas done, and the same conditions prevailed as before the removal. A sample of "red tape." RESIGNATIONS OF GENERAL NAGLE AND MAJOR WREN While the 48th Regiment was stationed at Lexington, Ky., in 1863, Gen. James Nagle and Major James Wren resigned. The events were thus noticed at the time by the Lexington (Ky.) Loyalist: WITH BURNSIDE TO LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY 119 General James Nagle, who, ever since its formation now more than a year has commanded the 1st Brigade of the 2nd Division, pth Army Corps, and has led it through all its battles, has resigned on account of ill health. The General was beloved by all his command, possessed the confidence and esteem of his superior officers, and more than once received proof of his acknowledged ability from Gen. Burnside himself. He was the embodiment of a true soldier, a strict disciplinarian ; he was humane and kind as a father, or dear friend, approachable at all times by even the lowest; he was brave, prudent, honest and good, and his form, countenance, and bearing inspired the beholder with the belief that he was born to command. In the closing of his military career our country loses one of her bravest, most honest, patriotic and faithful officers. Major James Wren of the 48th Penn a Vols., has also resigned and gone home. The Major commanded one of the first companies that reached Washington City at the outbreak of the war, and has been doing honorable service ever since. He was deservedly popular with the regiment, and the boys would have done anything for the Major. On Sunday evening last, at dress parade, he took a formal leave of his old companions. After making a few most affecting remarks, he began on the right of the regiment, and taking every man by the hand, bade him good-bye. His feelings bore him out until he came to his old company, (B,) when he burst into tears. He was now to part with men whom he had trained and taught to be soldiers, watched over, and led in battle. The images of many of their dead companions must have come to his mind at this moment, and with them the thought that he might never again see many of the brave fellows now before him. This parting was like the disruption of a family one of the most affecting scenes in life and there were few dry eyes present, even the spectators giving way to the infection. Early on Monday morning the Regiment, without arms, escorted the Major to the depot on his way home. They deeply regret his leaving them, and can never forget him. GOOD-BYE TO LEXINGTON On the 8th of September, we received orders to leave Lex ington to join our corps, which had just returned from the capture of Vicksburg, and was on the way to East Tennessee. On the loth, the 7th Rhode Island relieved us, and we took cars to Nicholasville, Ky., and then marched to Camp Parke, a distance of five miles, which made us very tired and very much disgusted with the whole business, after having such a "snap," for such a length of time. We got over that before a great while, and, with new excitement, almost forgot we had been there. 120 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH August 3 ist, 1863, Lexington, Kentucky. Attached to the 23rd Army Corps, Maj. Gen. Geo. L. Hartsuff command ing: ist Division, Brig. Gen. J. T. Boyle; Brigade Com. Col. J. K. Sigfried; 6th Indiana Cavalry, 4 companies; ist Ohio Heavy Artillery, 2 companies; 48th Penna. Vols., Maj. Jos. A. Gilmour. The Lexington (Ky.) Loyalist of Saturday last says: "When the 48th left here they were in considerable debt to some of the citizens. Being ordered away without being paid off, they were unable to pay these debts, but as soon as they were paid, they, with the same honesty that distinguished them while here, sent over $3000 by Mr. Lipman, their sutler, to pay all their honest debts. They, unlike some soldiers, that would have taken advantage of their absence, and allowed the debt to remain, were not indifferent to the kindness ot our citizens, but honestly liquidated all their debts. Such soldiers are ornaments to the American army." Clipped from the Loyalist, published in Miners Journal: DEPARTURE OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH PENNSYLVANIA REGIMENT. This regiment, which has been doing Provost duty in this city for the past five months, has been relieved and moved off to the front. They received orders on Tuesday last to prepare for marching, and on Thursday morning were relieved by the 7th Rhode Island Regiment. At nine o clock the regiment fell into line and, after being briefly addressed by the Colonel upon their conduct while here, and their duty upon leaving, they marched to the Covington Depot, with colors flying and band playing. They were greeted, while passing through the city, with the waving of handkerchiefs, numerous shaking of hands, bidding of "good-byes," and in many instances, by the shedding of tears. Several times the band struck up with the "Girl I left behind me," at which many of the boys would assume a melancholy look, and some would apply the hand kerchief to their eyes, which bespoke that truth was issuing from the horns with telling effect. When the column reached the Court House the Colonel proposed "three cheers for the people of Lexington," which was given with a hearty good will, and three more were. as cheerfully given some distance further down the street. Upon reaching the depot they were met by quite a large number of citizens who had congregated there to take a final leave of "soldiers who are gentlemen in all they do and say." After waiting nearly an hour, the train was pronounced in readiness, the regiment got aboard, and the train started. As they were moving away, the boys off with their caps and cheered vociferously until they were out of sight, thus bidding adieu to attachments that will not be forgotten as long as life lasts. WITH BURNSIDE TO LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY 121 The 48th Pennsylvania Regiment has had the charge of this post for nearly six months, and the efficient, quiet and orderly manner with which it has been conducted has won praise from all even rebel sympathizers have admired them, and spoken of them in the highest praise. Many attachments have been formed by them between both young and old of both sexes, which will never be blotted from memory. They parted and were parted with as reluctantly as if they were leaving their homes and kindred in fact, some were doing so, several having married since their arrival here and others were on the eve of doing so. Many were the parting words and tears that fell from lips and eyes as the boys lingered at the gates, as if it were almost impossible to go, but "duty called and they must obey," and bid good-bye to "all they held dear." Colonel J. K. Sigfried, the relieved post commandant, having business to be attended to, did not leave with the regiment, but remained until about six o clock that evening. Ere leaving he gave a dinner at the Phoenix Hotel to a number of his friends, where an hour was passed in pleasant conversation and in drinking toasts, one of which we cannot forbear giving, "The Ladies of Kentucky." After dinner the Colonel bade his friends adieu and proceeded to Nicholasville on horseback, where he rejoined his regiment. The Colonel was the recipient of numerous presents. The band which the regiment has supported since its arrival here could not go along on account of not belonging to "Uncle Samuel," and after escorting the regiment to the depot, they bade it farewell and left for home the same day. Below we give a communication from one of the 48th, and can assure our readers that it is the universal feeling in the regiment: "LEXINGTON, Sept. 10, 1863. "MR. EDITOR: We cannot leave this place without expressing some of the feeling that is stirred within us as we say our farewells, and good-byes to the good people of Lexington. "We have been treated most kindly by nearly all ; we have become acquainted with many; admitted to the homes and shared the hos pitalities of some, and formed friendships that are as warm, and shall last as long as any of life. And while we have been treated kindly by some who have avowed themselves of rebel sympathies, it is to the strictly loyal men and women that we owe our deepest gratitude. They are to us as brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, and it seems as hard to say the little, sad and mournful good-bye, as when we left our own homes. We part from them with regret. Their many deeds of kindness, words of cheer, and their many blessings shall be deeply engraven on our hearts, and often, in the busy and crowded future that is before us, we shall love to think of the noble girls who say : 122 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH " But your country called you, darling, Angels cheer your way; While our nation s sons are fighting, We can only pray. Nobly strike for God and liberty, Let all nations see How we love the starry banner, Emblem of the free. "And the kind and glorious mothers who have treated us as sons, ministered to wants only dreamed of by mothers, and who have shed the halo of that mysterious and unaccountable influence over every word and deed, that seems as the reflected image of our own fond, dear mothers. And God will surely bless you. Who shall say the right is not with us ? Who shall say that the ultimate triumph of this war can be other than the return of peace with the Union of our country unimpaired? "The prayers of the mothers and fair daughters of our country, their heroic self-sacrifices and noble words of sympathy, cheer and love infused into the hearts of its brave defenders, rekindling the fires of patriotism with a deeper intensity. We must save our country from the hands of the destroyer. "The women of Kentucky send their greeting to the mothers and daughters of Pennsylvania through the affections of their sons and brothers. "We say to them to-day Farewell, and God bless you ! Kind friends, farewell! "We commend the 7th Rhode Island Regiment to the citizens of Lexington with the hope that they will be treated as well as the 48th was, which we can assure them if they behave themselves as well as the relieved regiment has done. Kentuckians are a fine people and treat everyone very kindly." "FORTY-EIGHTH." THE TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN 123 CHAPTER IX. The Tennessee Campaign On the I2th we reached Camp Dick Robinson in a very heavy rain-storm. The 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, Qth Corps, was here re-formed, to consist of the 48th Pennsyl vania, 2nd Maryland, 6th New Hampshire, and 2ist Massachusetts, Colonel Sigfried, of the 48th Regiment, com manding. We were on the march now every day passed through Lancaster over their beautiful limestone pike, then to Crab Orchard and reached Mt. Vernon on the i6th. The i7th and i8th were spent upon the road marching towards our destination; on the night of the i8th we camped in sight of Loudon, and received our pay for July and August. On the 21 st we crossed the Cumberland River and the following day climbed the Cumberland Mountain over very rough roads, and passed through Cumberland Gap. While crossing 1 over the Wild Cat Mountain, Ky., we passed the spot where the rebel General Zollicoffer was killed in a fight with General Nelson Sharpp, on October 21, 1861. On the summit of this mountain the States of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia join, and twas said that at a point on the road a person could stand with one foot in Tennessee, another in Kentucky and buy pies in Virginia. We passed through Tazewell, Tenn., a nice little village, and crossed the Clinch River just beyond. In crossing the mountain before reaching Morristown we en countered the worst roads ever experienced. The troops and heavy supply trains were sent around through the Gap and the wagons that made the trip over the mountains were let down by ropes fastened to the hind axles and around trees to control their descent. Our route from Morristown led through Strawberry Plains and Panther Springs. On the 28th Knoxville was reached and all hands prepared to make themselves comfortable. We had now been nineteen days on the march, and had traveled two hundred and twenty-one 124 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH miles and were in good trim, but not overly anxious for any more marching". On the 2gth Generals Burnside and Parke rode through the camp and were cheered by the tired men. A visit through Knoxville was made in a few days, and we found everything up to our taste and as good as we de served or expected. We had a breathing spell here until the morning of October 4th, when orders were received to have our brigade in readiness to move at 9 a. m. At noon, we were General Robert B. Potter Wounded at Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865. on the cars, going toward Morristown; reached there at 8 p. m., and camped for the night. Next morning we marched to Lick Creek and remained until the loth, when we again took up our line of march, preceded by a brigade of cavalry and the first division of our corps. Arrived at Blue Springs at i p. m., where we found the enemy, variously estimated at from four to ten thousand strong, the advance skirmishing THE TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN 125 with them. An order was received from Gen. Robt. Potter, commanding the corps, to lead forward the largest regiment in the brigade to occupy a hill on our right flank and front. BLUE SPRINGS The 48th was at once sent forward at a double quick and then the 2ist Massachusetts to support a battery. As soon as we got near the woods, a charge was made and we drove the enemy back, killing and wounding quite a number and taking a number of prisoners. Aft?r driving- the rebels from this point it was getting dark and the country being hilly and thickly wooded, the conflict ceased for the night. Next morning, when our pickets advanced, it was ascertained that the enemy had left during the night. Pursuit was at once ordered, and we followed them for twenty miles, stopping to rest but twice in all that distance, and then but a few minutes. This was probably the hottest marching day the regiment ever experienced. We went into camp a few miles above Reatown. During the night a farmer in the neighborhood lost a large bee-hive filled with honey, which was brought into camp on a stretcher, covered with a shelter tent, and, when challenged at brigade headquarters, as to what was being carried past, the reply was, "A wounded man; we are taking him to the field hospital." "The Commander" publishes another order in last Saturday s Lexington (Ky.) Loyalist. It is as follows: HEADQUARTERS, LAND OF PIES N THINGS, PORK, SORGHUM, SNUFF- EATERS AND REFUGEES. October 21, 1863. General Orders: The "Commander" desires to praise in the highest terms the celerity of movement shown by the soldiers under his command in the recent pursuit after (a long way after) the rebels in the direction of Jonesboro. The pine-knots can out-march an empty forage-train or an ambulance with perfect ease. Neither are cavalry nor mounted infantry at all to be compared with them. On the march from Blue Springs to Bull s Gap they actually came in ten minutes ahead of a steam engine, after a fair start, and didn t puff half as much as the engine, either. Your Commander congratulates you on your improvement in the art 126 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH pedestrian. You are of the Army of Tennessee! Your Commander believes that with proper practice you may be able in a short time to eclipse all your former feats and beat the telegraph in a fair race. When that degree of proficiency is attained you will be sent after the rebels again. Experience having taught that unless you can attain that speed, pursuit is useless as well pursue the "fleeting phantom of a dream." II. All venders of pies n things (if the short ning is put in cross- ways) will receive every encouragement at "these headquarters," and will be treated with the respect due to distinguished refugees. But all biscuits and pies n things with the short ning put in lengthwise are contraband of war. The "rally" will be beaten on the appearance of any impostor in camp attempting to palm off the spurious article on the innocent and unsuspecting (oh!) troops of this command. III. East Tennessee is a very desirable place of residence, but looks best at a distance; therefore: IV. The 48th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, will immediately take up its line of march for Lexington, Ky., with twenty-six (26) days rations in haversacks subject to the approval of Maj. Gen. Burnside. No fresh pork or apple-jack will be transported in the teams, as those articles can be obtained in sufficient quantities along the road. By command of THE COMMANDER. We passed through the village of Greenville, Term., made famous first by being the home of President Johnson, and afterwards as the scene of the death of the rebel general, John H. Morgan, who was killed in Mrs. William s cabbage patch some time after our visit there. We could not catch up to the rebel army; they ran too fast for us, and we were ordered to return to Knoxville. We marched to Morristown, and took cars from there to Knoxville, having, in eleven days, marched over seventy miles and ridden in cars over ninety. STRAW VOTING FOR CURTIN While in camp near Greenville, on October i3th, the troops took a vote for Governor. In the 48th, Curtin had 264, Woodward none; in the 45th Pennsylvania Volunteers, Curtin 268, Woodward 14. Every officer and soldier entitled to vote in the 48th did so with but one single exception. An drew G. Curtin was a very popular man among the soldiers; it was but a short time after this that Curtin s election was announced. Our vote didn t count; it was only taken to get the sentiment. THE TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN 127 The 75,000 soldiers in the field from Pennsylvania were generally devoted to Curtin. They had learned to speak of him as the "Soldiers Friend." Every Pennsylvanian in the field, however humble, who addressed the Governor on any subject, however trivial, received a prompt answer bearing the Gov ernor s signature; and he always heartily aided the soldier s wishes or fully explained why they could not be acceded to. The Pennsylvania soldier, sick or wounded in a hospital, even though far off in the Southwest, felt the sympathetic touch of Curtin s devotion to the soldiers by the kind ministrations of the Governor s special agents assigned to the task of caring for the helpless in the field. He had announced his purpose to have the State declare the orphans of our fallen soldiers to be the wards of the Commonwealth, a promise that was more than generously fulfilled, and the Pennsylvania soldiers killed on the field, or dying from sickness or wounds, were always taken possession of by officials representing the pa triotic philanthropy of the Governor, and their bodies brought home, at the expense of the State, for sepulture with their loved ones at home. Thus had Curtin not only won the personal affection of Pennsylvania soldiers by his practical devotion to their in terests, but he was known to be in earnest sympathy with their cause, and even Democratic soldiers, of whom there were many, believed that the issue directly affected their attitude as soldiers and the care of the State for themselves and their families, and their party prejudices largely perished. These Pennsylvania soldiers were disfranchised when the "Soldiers Friend" was upon trial before the people of the State for the continuance of his loyal and humane Administration. The election was held early in October, a period very favorable for military operations, and it was not possible to expect any considerable number of them to be furloughed home to vote. The great problem that Chairman Wayne Mac- Veagh had to solve was how to bring the influence of the disfranchised soldiers in the field into practical effect upon the fathers, brothers and immediate friends at home. There were very few families in the State which were not more or 128 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH less directly interested in individual soldiers in the field. Most of them had fathers, sons or brothers offering their lives in the flame of battle for the preservation of the Union, and the hearts of every one at home, of fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, were ever thoughtful of their friends at the front, and ready to do anything within their power to add to their comfort and strengthen their hopes of success. One of the duties performed by Chairman Mac- Veagh s committee was to ascertain every Democratic family that was immediately represented in the field, and there were thousands of Pennsylvania soldiers, officers and privates, who needed no special appeal to make them take up the cause of the "Soldiers Friend" in the contest. In their midst, around the camp-fire, the question was discussed by the Pennsylvania soldiers, and, certainly, three-fourths of them sent home the most urgent appeals to their fathers, brothers and friends to vote to sustain the patriotic and philanthropic Governor of the State as a matter of duty in support of the soldiers cause. Not only did the soldiers appeal to the members of their immediate families, but to their many personal friends whom they knew at home, .and the result was a mute, but omnipotent, expression from our soldiers in the field to their relatives and friends at home, that turned the scales and made Pennsylvania, with not less than thirty thousand majority of Democratic voters at the polls, re-elect Curtin by over fifteen thousand majority. SOLDIERS GIVEN THE SUFFRAGE Curtin had also strengthened his cause with the soldiers by pressing upon the Legislature of 1863, that had adjourned before he was renominated, an amendment to the State Con stitution, authorizing the soldiers to vote in the field, and it had been passed by both branches, but without cordial support from the Democratic party. It was well understood that, if the Republicans carried the Legislature at the election of 1863, the new Legislature, to meet in January, 1864, would pass the proposed amendment the second time, as required by the fundamental law, and thus bring about the right of the soldiers to vote in the field. The Republicans carried the THE TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN 129 Legislature along with Curtin; the proposed amendment to the Constitution, relating to soldier suffrage, was promptly passed, and a special election was called for by the Legisla ture for its ratification by the people in midsummer, so that, at the Presidential election of 1864, the soldiers were given the right of suffrage in the field. Clipping from the Miners Journal: HEADQUARTERS IST BRIG., 2D Div., PTH A. G, KNOXVILLE, TENN., Oct. 17, 1863. EDS. Miners Journal: On the morning of the 4th inst, at eight o clock, I received orders to have my brigade in readiness to move at nine o clock; in obedience to orders, we were ready, and at i2 l / 2 o clock p. m., on the cars for Bull s Gap. Reached there at eight o clock in the evening bivouacked for the night. Next morning we marched to Lick Creek, where we encamped (if I may so call it, for we had no tents with us) and remained until the loth, when we again took up our line of march, preceded by a brigade of cavalry and the first division of our corps. Arrived at Blue Springs at one o clock that afternoon, when we found the enemy variously estimated at from four to ten thousand strong, and the advance skirmishing with them. I received an order from Gen. R. B. Potter, commanding the corps, to send forward the largest regiment in my brigade at once to occupy a hill on* our right flank and front. I at once ordered the 48th forward at a double-quick, and next I sent the 2ist Massachusetts forward to support a battery. By order of Gen. Burnside the first division was formed in two lines of battle, and the 2d Maryland, of my command, on the left of the front line, in which position we remained for an hour or so, when it was ordered to advance, and the 2d Maryland posted on a hill to the left of the 48th. After the first division advanced about a mile, they again formed in line of battle under cover of the woods, perhaps five hundred yards from the enemy, and then advanced on the enemy s strong position on a hill and in the woods. Soon as they got nearly up to the woods they made a charge drove the enemy, killing and wounding quite a number, and taking some few prisoners. Several of the cavalry officers who saw the charge made, remarked that they never saw any troopb equal the Ninth Corps that those men advanced in line without a waver, into what they at that time considered certain death, as though there was no enemy near. After driving the rebels from this point it was getting dusk, and the country being very hilly, and a great deal of timber land, the conflict ceased for the night. Next morning when our pickets advanced, it was soon ascertained that the enemy left under cover of night. We were at once ordered to pursue them; the cavalry and a few batteries were sent in our advance, and we followed as 130 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH rapidly as possible for twenty miles, during which time we only stopped to rest twice, and that only for a very short time. Went into camp at dusk, three miles above Reatown; our cavalry being some ten miles in our advance, but as yet had not caught up to the rebels. They had some seven hours start of us, and when their infantry got above where we were now encamped, they took the cars. Gen. Burnside concluded that it was useless for the infantry to pursue them further, and we were permitted to rest here, the cavalry still following them up. The last I heard of them they had got as far as Bristol, which is on the Virginia line, and only twenty-five miles from the Salt Works, when they had a little brush with the enemy and routed them. We remained here all day, and on the I3th we started for this place, leaving some troops under command of Brig. Gen. O. B. Wilcox, about two miles above Greenville, where they still remain. We came fourteen miles when we expected to take the cars, but the railroad being so very poor at this end of the line, Gen. Burnside sent an order for the corps to march to Morristown, and then take the cars. I left camp with my brigade on the morning of the I4th, at 7 o clock, marched nineteen miles, when I encamped for the night. The first division did not start as early, and encamped five miles further back. Left again next morning at seven o clock, and arrived at Morristown at eleven o clock. Em barked on train which was in waiting, and reached our present camp at six o clock the same evening. Going and coming the distance is 173 miles traveled ninety-seven on cars and seventy-six on foot. Yeste rday Parson Brownlow and family arrived here. They were very warmly greeted on their arrival here by their numerous friends. I understand he is to address the people of Knoxville on next Friday afternoon at the Court House. I will now give you the result of a vote taken for Governor of Pennsylvania near Greenville, Tenn., October 13, 1863, by the legal voters in the 48th and 45th Regiments, Pennsylvania Volunteers: Curtin 48th Reg., P. V., 264; 45th Reg., P. V., 268; total, 522. Wood ward 48th Reg., P. V., none ; 45th Reg., P. V., 14 ; total, 14. I would here state that every officer and soldier present with the regiment entitled to vote did so, with one exception. A number were left in camp when we started on our march, and some doing duty away from the regiment. Had they been with us it would not have altered the result, but would have increased the vote for the "Soldiers Friend." The soldier has cast party issues aside. The only question he asks is, who is our friend and the friend of the cause we are fighting for? Is he the one who says the soldier who is fighting to sustain the laws and uphold the Government shall not vote? The 48th Regiment to a man, answers, No! The soldier justly believes and contends that if any one is entitled to a vote it is he who is willing to leave family, friends, and all the comforts of home, and if need be, die in sustaining and in carrying out the laws. Are those men not better calculated, and THE TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN 131 have they not a better right and a stronger claim to the right of suffrage than the Copperheads? The one is doing all he can to sustain the Government, while the other is trying to destroy it; yet the decision by the aspirant to the gubernatorial chair of Pennsylvania is, that the one who is willing to fight to put down this infernal rebellion and carry out the laws, he "is disfranchised, while the other is permitted to vote. Shame ! shame ! on any one that would advocate or even hint at such an infamous doctrine. But I cannot believe that the good people of the old Keystone State will elect Woodward in place of Curtin, our tried, true and faithful .friend of the Government and its soldiers. With the hope soon to hear of the re-election of Governor A. G. Curtin by an overwhelming majority, I am, Yours, &c., J. K. S. P. S. Just as I was going to mail this I was greeted with the glorious news that Governor A. G. Curtin was re-elected by a majority of over twenty thousand. Had the opponent of the "Soldiers Friend" not debarred those in the army from voting, it would have been sixty instead of twenty thousand; but the result as it is is a rebuke to all traitors in our rear that will not soon be forgotten by them. Ohio has also spoken in tones of thunder. -Where does Vallandigham stand to-day? The people have decided that he is a traitor, and that all traitors, whether North or South, shall be crushed and brought to submit to the laws of the land. Your vote on last Tuesday has given new life to the soldier and given him more encouragement than any victory that has been achieved since the commencement of this war. J. K. S. SIEGE OF KNOXVILLE, TENN. On the 22nd we were sent by rail to Loudon, below Knoxville, and remained there until the 28th, when it was learned that Longstreet had been sent with a large body of troops from Chattanooga to capture Burnside and his entire army. When General Longstreet crossed the Tennessee River, some seven miles below Loudon, his whole available force amounted to about 28,000 men; while General Burnside s total efficient force was but little over 8,000, consisting of the remains of the much decimated 9th Army Corps and a few regiments of western six months troops, designated the 23rd Army Corps, who had seen no active service of any account. The rebels were in fine condition; healthy, well clad, and well fed. Longstreet had much advantage over Burn- side, having railroad communication from Chattanooga to 132 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Loudon, being- well supplied with food, clothing and ammuni tion, and outnumbering Burnside three to one; while the latter lacked all these, and had nothing but the courage of his old corps, the 9th, practically, to sustain him. Longstreet and Burnside s men were destined, apparently, to meet in battle, for they opposed each other in Virginia in 1862, Tennessee in 1863-4, and again in Virginia in 1864-5. Orders were given to fall back to Knoxville. On the morning of October 27th, a portion of Longstreet s men occupied Loudon, on the south side of the river, our forces having withdrawn on their approach, taking up our pontoon bridge, which had served to connect both banks, after having run at full speed an engine and four freight cars into the river, where the bridge had been destroyed, to prevent their falling into the hands of the enemy. Next morning, the 28th, we fell back towards Knoxville, reaching Lenoir Station on the morning of the 29th. Here we remained in camp, awaiting the movements of the enemy until the morning of the I4th of November, when we moved back towards Loudon, reaching* there on the I5th. During the morning the 23rd Army Corps commenced skirmishing with the rebels. Our brigade, the 1st, soon relieved these new troops, with orders to hold the enemy in check long enough to enable the artillery and wagon-trains time to fall back, on account of the bad condi tions of the roads, the result of heavy and continued rains. This being accomplished, we fell back slowly about 4 p. m., and was relieved by the 2nd Brigade of our division. About 6 p. m. we again reached Lenoir. Then commenced our constant movement towards Knoxville, marching by night and fighting by day, the object being two-fold: to retard the advance of the enemy to Knoxville, and to save our trains and artillery, the roads being so bad that the latter was only saved through the aid of the infantry. We passed Lenoir s without being molested by the enemy, but at Campbell s Station the supply and ammunition trains were somewhat slow in getting over the muddy roads, and the rebels were pressing us pretty hard and a line of battle was formed to check the advance of the enemy until the trains THE TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN 133 should be at a safe distance. Maj. Gilmour was in command of the regiment and Col. Sigfried in temporary command of 1st Brigade, 2nd Division. To him the task of checking the enemy s advance was given, and he had scarcely got his cavalry skirmishers forward the required distance until they became engaged. It was a critical point and was stubbornly pressed. The engagement continued during the entire day, beginning early, and ending only when darkness rendered it impossible to distinguish friend from foe. CAMPBELL S STATION In the engagement of Campbell s Station a fine view of a battlefield was presented. The field was clear for many miles around, so that from the elevations interspersed throughout the surrounding country, the opposing forces could view each other s movements without any difficulty. The battle was skillfully conducted, and, though Longstreet was watchful to take advantage of any false move upon the part of our commanding officers, he was baffied and at night had gained no advantage. Our losses in this engagement were very slight and the retreat was resumed after dark and Knoxville was reached on the morning of the I7th. Having arrived in the city, preparations were at once commenced to fortify the place. The pick and shovel were used to great advantage, and the city was soon encircled with a strong line of earthworks extending from the Holston River below the city, clean around it to a point on the same river above. Many dwellings that presented a good view of the country, looking toward the rebel lines, were destroyed. A pontoon bridge spanned the river opposite the city, by which communication was kept up for the purpose of procuring forage for the horses and mules. This portion of the country had not been visited by either army to any great extent, and was pretty rich in corn and oats. Our forage trains made daily trips across into the surrounding country, a train of eight or ten six-mule teams, in charge of a forage master, with a driver and guard of two men to each wagon, would proceed out into the country for a distance, where forage was to be had, and would drive up to 134 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Long Jim Davis corn crib and halt. The forage master approached the owner of the plantation and announced his business. Long Jim would usually say he did not have suf ficient corn to feed "his critters" till next "crap"-making time, and didn t see how he could spare any of his corn, but "Tad Bogle lived right out thar at Lyburn s Mill, had a big planta tion and a right smart lot of corn and not as many critters to care for." The forage master experienced this at every plantation he visited. He didn t care much about objections of this kind, but didn t like a safeguard stuck under his nose when about to load his wagons. This is a document given by a general, protecting a resident s property from all comers. To break a safeguard is cause for severe punishment. After the pre liminaries were concluded, the wagons were arranged along the corn cribs and as much of the grain taken as in the forage master s judgment the farmer should part with. A receipt was given for every bushel, and if he provided any meals or lodging to the foraging party, this receipt would include allowance for it by increasing the number of bushels of corn, according to the value. When we were first besieged in the city we received fairly good wheat bread, but each day it grew worse and less of it, and, finally, the troops were living prin cipally upon corn meal. It was 200 miles across the mountains to Nicholasville, which was the nearest point for supplies, and the wagon trains made very few trips, owing to the great distance, poor roads and the frequency of attacks by guerillas. The road from Nicholasville to Knoxville was lined with dead mules and broken wagons in consequence thereof. We were subsisting almost upon "wind pudding," no coffee, or sugar, and but little salt. Fort Saunders had been erected just on the edge of the city, and a large ditch was dug around the side towards the enemy, and outside the ditch stakes had been driven into the ground firmly and left protrude about ten or twelve inches, and then telegraph wires were strung to the tops of the stakes. This fort was occupied by Lieutenant Benjamin s Regular Battery of six 2Opound Parrot guns, the 1 5th Indiana Battery of six lo-pound Parrot guns, and several THE TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN 135 companies of infantry, the 79th Regiment of N. Y. High landers, who picketed in front of the fort, and whose orders were, in case of an attack upon the fort, to break to the right and left, fall back into the fort and protect the gunners, thus leaving an open space in front for the play of the guns. FORT SAUNDERS Just before daybreak on Sunday, the 29th of November, the rebels made a fierce charge upon this work. It was quite unexpected just at this time, but the guard alarmed the garrison of the fort, and they were soon prepared to welcome the intruders. When they reached the wires, previously spoken of, they were tripped up and fell over one another in the dim light of daybreak, the lines became terribly broken up and in confusion. Some adventurous spirits reached the ramparts, only to be bayonetted by the troops. Others rolled headlong into the ditch. The line to the right and left of Saunders enfiladed them. The battery could not serve their guns to any great extent, but cut short fuse in their shells and used them as hand grenades, lighting the fuse and tossing them into the ditch. The regimental poet says: "The rebels made a bold advance, to bag us they intended, And up the hill on double quick their chivalry ascended ; The battery s fire and Burnside s wire caused some of them to stumble, And head and heels into our ditch like bullfrogs did they tumble. Our boys did on them quickly fall, amid their great confusion, Resolved that they should pay the cost for such a bold intrusion ; And my friends, if I have received the proper information, The rebs will never charge again who charged on that occasion." The enemy pressed on; they cut away the abatis; they filled the ditch, and a few made their way to the top of the parapet. There a terrible hand-to-hand contest ensued; clubbed muskets, bayonets, sabres, even spades and axes were employed in the dreadful work, and not a score of the brave storming party escaped. A sortie was made on the rear of the assaulting column, which faltered, stopped and at last 136 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH retreated in great confusion. General Longstreet lost, that day, upwards of one thousand men. The engagement was altogether in favor of the Union side, and was soon terminated. The field in front of the fort was thickly strewn with the misguided men in gray, and a great many were made prisoners. A flag of truce came from Longstreet the next day for permission to bury their dead. The request was granted and the duty performed. Sergeant Wells says: "During the siege of Knoxville the enemy frequently attempted to drive in our pickets, who were posted in the outskirts of the city on the "plain" or level portion where the houses, mostly of wood, had been burned to prevent Longstreet s men getting shelter, should they advance nearer to our works, situated on a low elevation within the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad. On one occasion, the night being dark and stormy, the pickets of the enemy advanced rapidly, and, though, our pickets when hard pressed, retreated from chimney to chimney of the burned houses, tried hard to hold their ground, they were slowly forced back to the shelter of the main line, notwithstanding the heroic efforts of that gallant officer, Major Gilmour, to prevent it. Later in the night he forced their line back some distance, but could not entirely recover his position. "The following morning at day-dawn, Col. J. K. Sigfried, of the 48th Pa., temporarily commanding the brigade, led an attack upon the entire rebel picket-line, the 48th being a part of the attacking column. THE ADVENTURE OF COMPANY F. "During the night the rebel pickets had intrenched a portion of the ground captured, and many of them had occupied some houses that had not been burned. The advance was rapid until the enemy w^as met ; then ensued a hand-to-hand battle, the greatest difficulty being to dislodge them from the houses. The entire line was soon recaptured, but, in the advance, Qaptain Hosking s Co. "F," of the 48th, THE TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN 137 not hearing the command to halt, advanced with others, beyond the old picket line and found themselves in or near a cemetery when they were almost up to the rebel line and almost within their grasp. The rest of the line fell back, the ground favoring the movement, but Co. "F" was so stationed that any concerted attempt to retire would have endangered them to attack and probably capture. In this dilemma, Captain Hoskings wisely remained where he was until the excitement of battle had ceased or until night should favor his removal in darkness. The enemy knew his position and hoped, evidently, to affect his capture, should occasion offer. After waiting for hours, he spoke to his men and told them his plan. He said that but one man at a time should go out, he himself to be the last. The distance was short, but over rising ground. He warned them that brave men respect brave men/ and if each man leisurely walked out, showing no fear, nor looking back, he would probably not be molested; but, on the contrary, any exhibi tion of speed or fear may cause the rebel pickets to fire upon them. His plan was adopted and worked well until some fellow got "weak in the knees," when the "Johnnies" would laugh and fire, evidently not intending to kill, but crying "Run, Yank, run." In this way all got out except the Captain. The writer never saw him so cool as upon this occasion, for, when he came out, he walked leisurely and deliberately, and, when upon the rise, he as deliberately halted, turned about, and looked towards the "Johnnies," who cheered his brave act; he then lifted his cap in salute and continued his walk. There were in the 48th, as in all regiments, officers equally as cool and brave, and enlisted men, too; still it is no disparagement of others to do justice to a brave officer, who not only cared for the lives of his men, but showed them by his own act he was just what he wanted them to be." At the attack on Fort Saunders, at Knoxville, Tenn., November 29th, 1863, our troops gained a great victory. Lieutenant Samuel Benjamin, of the 2nd U. S. Artillery, had less than 250 men in the fort, and he took 250 prisoners, 138 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH unhurt, seventeen of them officers ; over 200, dead and wounded, lay in the ditch, among them being three Colonels ; also captured 1000 stand of arms and three colors. HOPES OF HELP AND COFFEE We now began to have rumors that Grant was sending reinforcements to us from Chattanooga, and oh! how anxious we were to see them, not that we wanted their help to fight our battles, as we were fully able to do that, but we thought with their coming would be a supply of hard tack and "Lincoln coffee." (Rebellion Records.) KNOXVILLE, TENN., DEC. 4th, 1863. COL. JOHN F. HARTRANFT, Commanding 2nd Division, pth Army Corps: COLONEL: Captain Jos. H. Hoskings, 48th Penna., commanding picket line of the ist Brigade, reports to me where had been previously seen the enemy s camp from the top of the Suck saw-mill, has now disappeared ; he also reports at 10.30 p. m. a move of artillery or heavy wagons, and trains were heard distinctly moving towards the right; also at 1.30 o clock this morning two rockets were seen on the hills opposite his centre, and one blank shot fired. Teams and artillery moving on our right and left. W. J. BOLTON, Major and Div. Officer of the Day, $rd inst. Nearly every day we were skirmishing with the rebels after the Fort Saunders engagement, and on the night of December 3d there was some very brisk infantry firing and artillery practice. On the 5th the siege was raised, being nineteen days in length. Longstreet left in the night. Grant had sent Sherman with a corps of troops to our relief, and, as they came closer and closer, Longstreet, the rebel general, deemed it wise to depart towards Virginia. The troops pur sued some distance, our division going as far as Rutledge, and from there to Elaine s Cross Roads. THE TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN 13 AT ELAINE S CROSS ROADS BURN SIDE S GENERAL ORDERS HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, IN THE FIELD, Dec. 5th, 1863. General Field Orders, No. 34. The Commanding General congratulates the troops on the raising of the siege. With unsurpassed fortitude and patient watch fulness they have sustained the wearing duties of the defense, and,, with unyielding courage, they have repulsed the most desperate assaults. The Army of the Ohio has nobly guarded the loyal region it redeemed from its oppressors, and has rendered the heroic defence of Knoxville memorable in the annals of the war. Strengthened by the experiences and the successes of the past, they now, with the powerful support of the gallant Army which has come to their relief and, with undoubting faith in the Divine protection, enter with the brightest prospects upon the closing scenes of a most brilliant campaign. By command, MAJOR-GENEEAL BURNSIDE. LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General. ANXIETY OF THE PRESIDENT President Lincoln was very anxious about Burnside s position and condition at Knoxville, Tenn., and was remind ing 1 General Grant, occasionally, of the probability of disaster to Burnside s army. General Grant, in his memoirs, states that he had made preparations for sending troops to the relief of Burnside at the very earliest moment after securing Chattanooga. General Thomas was instructed to have a boat loaded with rations and ammunition and move up the Holston, keeping* the boat all the time abreast of the troops. General Gordon Granger, with the 4th Corps, reinforced to twenty thousand men, was to start the moment Missionary Ridge was carried. General Granger, however, did not start as promptly as he (General Grant) had desired and expected he would do, and at least a full day was lost in determining the fate of Knoxville. Granger was aware that on the 23rd Burnside had telegraphed that his supplies would last for ten or twelve days and during that time he could hold out 140 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH against Long-street, but, if not relieved within the time indicated, he would be obliged to surrender or attempt to retreat. "Finding that Granger had not only not started, but was very reluctant to go, he having decided for himself that it was a very bad move to make, I sent word to General Sherman of the situation and directed him to march to the relief of Knoxville. I also gave him the problem we had to solve that Burnside had now but four to six days supplies left, and that he must be relieved within that time. "I was loath to send Sherman, because his men needed rest after their long march from Memphis and hard fighting at Chattanooga. But I had become satisfied that Burnside could not be rescued if his relief depended upon General Granger s movements." General Grant further states that, "I was so very anxious that Burnside should get news of the steps being taken for his relief, and thus induce him to hold out a little longer if it became necessary, that I determined to send a messenger to him. I therefore sent a member of my staff, Col. J. H. Wilson, to get into Knoxville if he could, report to Gen. Burnside the situation fully, and give him all the encouragement possible. Chas. A. Dana, who was at Chattanooga at the time, volunteered to accompany Col. Wilson, and did accompany him. I put the information of what was being done for the relief of Knoxville into writing, and directed that in some way or other it must be secretly managed so as to have a copy of this fall into the hands of Gen. Longstreet. They made the trip safely. Gen. Longstreet did learn of Gen. Sherman s coming in advance of his reaching there, and Gen. Burnside was prepared to hold out even for a longer time if it had been necessary. "Upon the raising of the siege of Knoxville I, of course, informed the authorities at Washington the President and the Secretary of War of the fact, which caused great rejoicing there. The President especially was rejoiced that Knoxville had been relieved without further THE TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN 141 bloodshed. The safety of Burnside s army, and the loyal people of East Tennessee had been the subject of much anxiety to the President for several months, during which time he was telegraphing me daily, almost hourly, to do something for Burnside, remember Burnside, and other appeals of like tenor. He saw no escape for East Tennessee until after our victory at Chattanooga. Even then he was afraid that Burnside might be out of ammunition, in a starving condition, or overpowered, and his anxiety was still intense, until he heard that Longstreet had been driven from the field." On the I4th we received a* ration of hard tack, coffee and sugar, and what a treat it was to be sure. The men were usually ordered to fall in, marched to the corn crib for their rations, each man getting two ears and a nubbin. It was made into meal by the use of "Armstrong" mills. There was no patent on these mills that I ever heard of. They were made of a tin plate, punched full of holes, or, if no tin plate could be had, a canteen was thrown into the fire and the solder melted, giving two tin plates. By taking the ear of corn, and rubbing- it on the rough side of the perforated plate, using a strong arm, you got your meal. BREAD PILLS Dr. W. R. D. Blackwood, our regimental surgeon, now a resident of Philadelphia, was as short of medical supplies as he and the rest of us were short of rations, but he must have medicine, and he knew how to make it. The bread that was made of bean flour, or putty, or -something, he formed into pills, and it made little or no difference if a man had a head ache, bellyache, fever or sore toe, he got the same old pills, with directions to take one every two hours and keep his feet dry. The doctor didn t lose a case under this treatment, and if the boys would have known at the time the sort of medicine that was in the medicine-chest, there would not have been a man fit for duty all would have reported on the sick list. December, 1863. 9 tn Army Corps, Brig. Gen. R. B. Potter; 2nd Div. Col. Jno. F. Hartranft; ist Brigade, Col. J. K. Sigfried; 48th Penna. Vols., Lt. Col. H. Pleasants. 142 STORY OP THE FORTY-EIGHTH From the Miner s Journal: From the pen of Maj. O. C. Bosbyshell, dated Dec. I2th, 1863: MESSRS. EDITORS : It may not be uninteresting to give you a resume of the doings of this brigade, but more particularly the 48th, during the last month. At the risk of wearying you somewhat, here s at it. Let me preface my jottings down of the last month s actions, with a remark or two concerning the activity of the Union forces since their first occupation of East Tennessee. This brigade left Camp Nelson on the I2th of September, 1863, and since then to the present time, just three months, has marched 364 miles and traveled by railroad 128 miles, making 492 miles in all, besides having engaged in three fights and as many skirmishes, and being besieged twenty days. Whoever declares that the campaign in East Tennessee has been an inactive one, deserves to be conscripted into a negro regiment and fed on quarter rations for the period of three years. On the I4th of November orders to break camp reached us at our beautiful camping ground near Lenoir. On the 15th we were at Loudon skirmishing with the rebels all day this brigade being the last to leave, and in part protecting the rear of the Army of the Ohio in its retreat toward Knoxville. Upon being relieved the brigade was pushed forward to the front (stopping long enough at Lenoir to be fresh rationed) to take up a position on the Kingston Road, which leads into the Knoxville Road near Campbell s Station, and upon which there was every reason to believe the enemy would come in on to cut off our retreat towards Knoxville. It was daylight when the brigade reached the spot designated. Col. Sigfried, to whom the task of preventing the enemy s approach in this direction had been assigned, had scarcely thrown forward his cavalry skirmishers half a mile when they became engaged with the rebel skirmishers. It became evident that much depended upon our holding this position, Gen. Burnside s orders being to hold it at all hazards, until reinforced, and well was it held, although the brigade was severely pressed on all sides. The fighting at the junction of the roads was sharp and savage. Receiving orders to fall back we did so in good style. Thus opened the battle of Campbell s Station. It was an all day s fight, commencing early on the I5th, and darkness put an end to it. The fight after the affair in the woods at the junctions of the roads became one of the grandest sights in military display. The battlefield was clear from woods or obstructions of any kind, so that the participants could view the move ments of each other without difficulty. We could plainly discern the enemy s movements, and then all our own were visible also. It was a grand military drill, and beat all the evolutions of a battalion day one could imagine. Some say Gen. Burnside is incapable of handling a large body of troops. An eye-witness of his skillful maneuvering on the battlefield at Campbell s Station will say differently. It is the opinion of those that ought to know that there have been few if any battles UNiVERS or THE TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN 143 fought during this war in which so many evolutions had to be per formed, and in which troops had been so skillfully handled. Your correspondent does not pretend to set up his own opinion, but he made good use of his eyes, and certainly never beheld a grander picture, or never noticed how beautifully every movement coincided with a coun ter-movement of the enemy. Maj. Gilmour arrived from the east in time to participate in this engagement, and commanded the 48th during it. The regiment behaved well and lost one killed (Sergeant Joseph Reed, Company H), one wounded and a prisoner (Private Isaac Arndt, Company I), and one missing (Private George Livingston, Company A). After dark the retreat was continued to Knoxville, where we arrived early on the morning of the I7th. Knoxville Gen. Burnside determined to hold, so the pick and the shovel were put into requisition, and digging and shoveling became as regular a habit as drawing one s breath. Finally we succeeded in be coming strongly entrenched impregnable as was afterwards proven. One of the most severe duties to be performed was picketing. Scarcely a day passed but some of our men were killed or wounded on the picket line, and indeed so close did the rebel pickets get that it was unsafe for a head to appear above our line of entrenchments, as was demonstrated by the killing and wounding of several of this brigade. On the night of the 23d of November the picket line in front of this brigade, was driven in by a strong column of the enemy. Col. Sigfried determined to re-establish his line, so he selected for that purpose the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment, and the 2ist Massachusetts Regiment. At daylight on the morning of the 24th these two regiments made a most gallant charge (the 48th being led by Maj. Gilmour, who managed the affair most handsomely), driving the rebels back in great confusion, killing and wounding a number, and capturing some prisoners. Our line was re-established. The 48th behaved most nobly. Its conduct not only on this occasion, but many others, deservedly stamps it as a veteran organization. Be it understood that the 2ist did well also, but I speak particularly of the 48th, because the people reading this feel more interest in it. On one other occasion our pickets were driven in, but the line was re-established by the second brigade. The picket line of this brigade at the end of the siege remained in the same place it held at the opening of the siege. It would render my letter of an almost interminable length were I to describe the many scenes and incidents attending the siege of Knoxville. Never were troops called upon to endure greater hardships, or placed in more perilous situations, and not once did they shrink from doing their duty. Of the assault on Fort Saunders you have already better accounts than I can give. It clearly demonstrated to Longstreet that our works, were going to be defended and that our position was impregnable. The anxiety attending the siege was keenly visible on all countenances, but one could plainly discern the determination of holding out to the bitter 144 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH end. This feeling all possessed ; not a man in the trenches but said we could hold our position. Longstreet held out as long as he safely could, but deeming it politic to escape the snare being laid for him, pulled up stakes and left on the evening of the 5th inst. About nine o clock the same morning Col. Sigfried took his brigade out to gather up whatever stragglers could be found in the neighborhood. The 48th did the skirmishing and brought in a number of prisoners. By four in the afternoon we returned to Knoxville, having scoured quite a con siderable part of the country. Monday last we started after the rebels and reached this point -on Wednesday, where we are at present resting from the severe trials of the last month. I have given you but the mere skimming better pens than mine must describe the realities we have passed through. In justice to the noble soldiers of this army it should be done. Braver men never drew the breath of life they are soldiers, every inch of them. From the Miner s Journal: Before entering upon a review of the operations of the great campaign of Gen. Grant in Virginia, in 1864, as far as the regiments from Schuylkill County are concerned, we must glance at the attempt of the rebels under Longstreet, in November, 1863, to capture Knoxville. They were, however, signally defeated by the 9th Corps, of which the 48th and 5oth Pennsylvania Regiments formed part. The endurance and valor displayed by our troops on that trying occasion, make a bright page in the history of the war. Colonel H. Pleasants, of the 48th Regiment, wrote to us under date, "Knoxville, Nov. 27, 1863," as follows: The rebels had arranged a well concerted plan to drive out or capture General Burnside s army. They sent Wheeler s cavalry across the Little Tennessee river, and attacked our forces south of the Holston river, driving them back to the hills opposite Knoxville. They were here checked and repulsed by General Saunders. Simultaneous with this movement, Longstreet, with his corps, crossed below Loudon and attacked the Qth Army Corps and General White s division of the 23d Army Corps. Our forces fell back to Knoxville, but at Campbell Station there was quite a little fight, where the 48th behaved well, and lost two of its men Sergeant Joseph Reed, Co. H, killed, and Private Isaac Arndt, Co. I, who was wounded seriously by a shell and left in a house. The siege of Knoxville began on last Tuesday, a week ago ; since that time there has been continued skirmishing, and three hard fights. The 2nd Michigan Regiment on the left of the line, made a sortie and drove the rebels out of their rifle-pit". On the south side of the river Colonel THE TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN 145 Cameron s brigade, 23d A. C, drove the rebels back with heavy loss, and the 48th Pa., with the 2ist Mass. Regiment, three days ago sallied out and drove the rebels from their rifle-pits in gallant manner. From another correspondent we received the following-: KNOXVILLE, Dec. 5th, 1863. The siege of Knoxville was raised rhis morning the last of the rebel rear guard leaving our front about day-light. The cavalry has started in pursuit, and squads of prisoners are being brought in every few minutes. From them we learn that Longstreet s force was greater than was supposed ; the reinforcement of three brigades from Buckner s corps, under Bushrod Johnson, which reached him some ten days ago, having increased his army to 30,000 men, and caused the assault of last Sunday. The battle at Campbell Station was a short but brilliant affair. Our brigade of the 23rd, and a part of the Qth Corps repulsed the rebel attack in a handsome and effective manner. The siege of Knoxville has been a signal failure ; it did not pre vent us from obtaining forage and provisions from the country south of the Holston river, and the several attacks, commencing with the one south of said river and ending with that on Fort Sanders, were met with determination and ended in complete and bloody defeats. The 48th Regiment has, during the whole of this campaign, at Campbell Station and in their charges on the enemy s rifle-pits, behaved well. The officers and men have borne the privations and hardships of the siege without a murmur, and their commander has been constantly at his post of duty. Colonel Sigfried s brigade went out this morning in pursuit of the enemy, and no doubt they will bring back some prisoners. General Sherman s advance, consisting of about a thousand cavalry, arrived here yesterday morning at three o clock ; and Long- street having heard of the defeat of Bragg, and the arrival of reinforcements, immediately commenced his retreat. General Grant s management of this campaign has been masterly. He ordered Burnside to let Longstreet cross the Tennessee River and to hold him in East Tennessee until he would attack Bragg. He crushed the rebel army of the west and immediately dispatched Sherman and Granger to our assistance. Thus by this strategy 30,000 of Bragg s best troops were detained here, while he did not spare one single man of the Army of the Cumberland until the great struggle was over. The next letter we received was from Major Joseph A. Gilmour, who commanded the 48th with consummate judg ment and ability, during the entire operations. He very kindly and thoughtfully, furnished us with a list of the casualties of his command. The Major s letter is as follows: 10 146 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH HEADQUARTERS 48111 REG., P. V., KNOXVILLE, TENN., Dec. 6, 1863. I have the honor to transmit the following list of casualties in my command, since Nov. 15th, to date: Sergeant Joseph Reed, Co. H, wounded at Campbell Station, Tenn, Nov. i6th, died Nov. i6th, 1863. Corporal John Sponsler, Co. H, wounded at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 29th, died Nov. 29th, 1863. Private Joseph Weise, Co. H, wounded at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 24th, died Nov. 28th, 1863. Private Jonas Haldeman, Co. I, killed at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 29th, 1863. Private Charles Weaver, Co. I, wounded at Knoxville, Tenn., Dec. 3rd, died Dec. 5th, 1863. ist Lieut Jacob Douty, Co. K., wounded at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 24th, 1863. 2nd Lieut. Henry C. Jackson, Co. G, wounded at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 29, 1863. Private Martin Tobin, Co. C, wounded at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 24th, 1863; severe. Private J. F. Wildermuth, Co. H, wounded at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 22nd, 1863. Private James Heiser, Co. I, wounded at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 29th, 1863. Private John Murphy, Co. K, wounded at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 23rd, 1863. Private Austin Farrow, Co. F, wounded at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 28th, 1863. Private George Livingston, Co. A, missing in action at Campbell Station, Tenn., Nov. i6th, 1863. Private Daniel Root, Co. B, missing in action at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 29th, 1863. Private Robert McElrath, Co. C, missing in action at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 24th, 1863. Private James Brennan, Co. E, missing in action at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 29th, 1863. Private Isaac Arndt, Co. I, missing in action at Campbell Station, Tenn., No. 16, 1863 severely wounded in hip; left on field. Private J. K. Sherman, Co. K, missing in action at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 29th, 1863. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. GILMOUR, Major Commanding. THE TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN 147 A partial description of the campaign of East Tennessee is here given as contributed by Sergeant William J. Wells, of Company "F." Comrade Wells is now a resident of Norristown, Pa., and present Recorder of Deeds of Mont gomery County, Pa. During the encampment of the 48th at Elaine s Cross Roads, in East Tennessee, from December 7th, 1863, to January I3th, 1864, the condition of the men was deplorable in the extreme. Probably no troops of the Union Army, during the entire war prisoners of war excepted suffered so much from lack of supplies as did those of the Burnside forces during that dreary winter in that barren, mountain ous region. The cause of this in no way reflected upon the War Department nor any of its officers, the conditions surrounding the situation being alone responsible. Being over two hundred miles from the base of supplies at Hickman Bridge, Kentucky, it was utterly impossible for the Commissary and Quartermaster s Departments to procure anything like adequate supplies of food or clothing for the Army of East Tennessee, as almost the entire distance lay over a succession of mountains, steep, high and rocky, as the Wild Cats, the Cumberland, the Clinch, and inter vening ranges, besides rivers and mountain streams. The roads during the summer were bad enough, but almost impassable for teams in winter. To add to the difficulty, forage for the mules, from start to finish except a few days supply at the start was unobtainable, both armies having devastated the country for many miles, so that at the finish they scarcely had strength enough to move their loaded wagons. At places on the Clinch mountains the descent was so steep that the only way to get the wagons down was by the use of ropes coiled about the trees. Besides this method of obtaining supplies, the otherwise useless teams were sometimes sent out into the surrounding country on foraging expeditions, under strong guard, returning to camp, perhaps empty, or with a small supply of corn-on-the-cob so ancient that, to reduce the corn to an edible condition, the boys were kept busy. At any time, 148 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH day or night, an old coffee mill or other improvised grinder might be heard grinding away. Two ears of corn, or eight ounces of flour, generally constituted a day s rations. Occasionally when a drove of cattle, sleek and fat at the start, but fatless on their arrival in camp, made their appearance, they were soon slaughtered and we had a little fresh meat. A little hard tack and "salt horse" now and then, varied the diet, and sometimes the memory of yester day s meal must suffice. Most of the men at the close of this arduous campaign, in that wintry camp, the cold north wind sweeping around them, were tentless, blanketless, many without overcoats, and but few had any change of underclothing. LIKE VALLEY FORGE For shelter, two heavy logs, placed slightly apart, gave support for fence rails, which, inclining forward, served as a support for a thick covering of pine boughs, of which the woods gave a plentiful supply. Underneath this shelter additional pine boughs served for a bedding. To keep warm at night, heavy logs were laid in front of the shelter to form the fire-bed, which was kept burning by one comrade while the others slept. Thus the time passed, while the camp and picket guard "kept up their dreary rounds." To-day it seems a dream, yet what a stern , reality ! The lack of proper clothing, for want of a change, was a source of much annoyance to the men ; but there was no remedy, as soap in that camp was almost an unknown commodity. Many tried, covered only with a thin blouse, to wash their shirt in the mountain streams, using clay as a substitute for soap, but with poor results. As "Cleanliness is next to Godliness," they, succeeded but poorly in living up to the adage. Their feet were in but little better condition than their bodies and stomachs, for many a foot was but poorly clad, some wrapped in rags. Raw beef-hides, when* obtainable, cut into moccasin form and tied with strips of the same, Sergeant William J. Wells, Co. F. THE TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN 151 or string, covered many a foot to keep it from the biting cold or frozen ground. Yet but few complained, complaint being useless, no betterment being in sight. Never did men bear greater hardships in camp life than did the troops in East Tennessee in the winter of 1863-4. Hungry, half clad, shelterless and footsore, they bore all uncomplainingly for the land they loved so well and the flag they followed. WEARY MARCHING Then that long march back to Hickman Bridge in that condition ! Over that long, weary road, frozen at nightfall and early morn, and snow-slushed by day, must these men march in nine short days at the rate of twenty miles a day. Hope alone sustained them. Footsore, hungry and tired, they trudged along, cheering each other by talks of home and friends so soon to meet. The condition of the road and its surroundings had not improved since their summer march over it. Dead mules and broken down wagons marked almost every mile ; it was desolation complete. No cheerful light of homelike fireside ; no kindly face to greet them ; only long, weary, dreary marching. On either side of the road for hundreds of yards no fence rail or other wood, suitable for making fire, was obtainable, the frequent passing of wagon-trains and troops having used it up. Indeed, there was but little need of wood for cooking purposes, as there was little to cook. Only for warmth, at night, was a little with difficulty gathered, and to cook their coffee that good friend of the soldier of which there was usually a good supply. It was impossible in the enfeebled condition of the men to keep the regiment together as a unit. At times, they were strung out on the road for miles, many straggling into camp hours after the main body. The orders were: "Do the best you can, but keep a strong guard about the colors." This was important, as bushwhackers frequently showed an inclination to fire at small squads. 152 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH BACK TO GOOD OLD LEXINGTON AND PLENTY The news of the coming of the 48th had reached Lexington, and many of its citizens, of both sexes, drove out to meet the boys miles beyond Hickman Bridge. . Oh, what cheers and greetings as old friends met ! What a changed condition met their view ! On leaving Lexington, the year previous, for Tennessee, the regiment looked "spick and span ;" now, in rags they view their return. Renewed energy was thus infused into their drooping spirits ; and, ere long, the welcome flow of the old Kentucky River and Hickman Bridge signalled the end of that long, weary march. Never did men more long to view some old familiar spot, and here was plenty of food, shelter and supplies. After the issue of clothing, complete as to outfit, every thing new but the old gun, it was a grand sight to see, midwinter as it was, squads of men in rags, rush to the icy waters of that noted stream with their good, clean clothing, plunge into it, soap in hand, strip in the water and wash, allowing their old clothes full consent to "float down the stream," (body-guard and all) they felt renewed in manhood; when re-dressed in good, clean, pure clothing, they again stood on the bank. Towards evening the report was circulated that two propositions would be placed before the regiment, viz., March, starting at three o clock A. M., next morning, Saturday, to Lexington, remain there over Sunday, and entrain on Monday for Cincinnati, or remain at Hickman Bridge until Monday morning, march six miles to Nicholas- ville, and entrain for the same city. Upon taking a vote, viva voce, a majority decided in favor of the Lexington march; and, accordingly, that plan was carried out to the great joy, both of the regiment and the good people of dear old Lexington. No one will ever forget the pleasant time spent there during that short stay nor the grand farewell at the station when the engine whistle signalled the departure for "home, sweet home." To emphasize what has been written of the winter THE TENNESSEE CAMPAIGN 153 campaign, (by Sergeant Wm. J. Wells) I quote from General Grant s memoirs: "It was an intensely cold winter, the theremometer being down as low as zero for more than a week while I was at Knoxville, and on my way from there on horse-back to Lexington, Ky., the first point I could reach rail to carry me back to my headquarters at Nashville. "The road over Cumberland Gap, and back of it, was strewn with debris of broken wagons and dead animals. The roa.d had been cut up to as great a depth as clay could be by mules and wagons, and in that condition frozen, so that the ride of six days from Strawberry Plains to Lexing ton over those holes and knobs in the road was a cheerless one, and very disagreeable." If the ride was so cheerless, it can easily be imagined that the two hundred mile walk would be more so. ELAINE S CROSS ROADS, EAST TENNESSEE, DEC. 9, 1863. MAJOR GENERAL GEO. H. THOMAS, Commanding Dept. of Cumberland: GENERAL: The sufferings and privations now being undergone by our troops are most cruel, I assure you. We have been without tents and clothing, and being obliged to live on the country, our rations have been very irregular and limited. We are now bivouacking at this place, 22 miles east of Knoxville, in mud and rain, and many of the command are falling sick with pneumonia, diarrhoea, etc. Respectfully, etc., GORDON GRANGER, (From Rebellion Records.) Maj. Gen. commanding. Burnside s Farewell order in surrendering the command of the Army of the Ohio in East Tennessee: HEADQUARTERS DIVISION ARMY OF THE OHIO, General Field Orders, No. 38. KNOXVILLE, TENN., Dec. n, 1863. In obedience to orders from the War Dept., the Commanding General this day resigns to Major General John G. Foster the command of the Army of the Ohio. 154 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH On severing the tie which has united him to this gallant Army he cannot express his deep personal feeling at parting from men brought near him by their mutual experiences in the eventful scenes of the past campaign, and who have always, regardless of every privation and of every danger, cheerfully and faithfully performed their duty. Associated with many of their number from the earliest days of the war, he takes leave of this Army, not only as soldiers, to whose heroism many a victorious battle-field bears witness, but as well tried friends, who, in the darkest hours, have never failed him. With the sincerest regret he leaves the Department without the opportunity of personally bidding them farewell. To the citizen soldiers of East Tennessee who proved their loyalty in the trenches of Knoxville he tenders his warmest thanks. With the highest confidence in the patriotism and skill of the distinguished officer who succeeds him, with whom he has been long and intimately connected in the field, and who will be welcomed as their leader by those who served with him in the memorable cam paign in North Carolina, and by all as one identified with some of the most brilliant events of the war, he transfers to him the command, assured that under his guidance the bright record of the Army of the Ohio will never grow dim. By command of, MAJOR-GENERAL BURNSIDE. (Official). LEWIS RICHMOND, A. A. G. RE-ENLISTMENT AND A VISIT HOME 155 CHAPTER X. Re-enlistment and a Visit Home During the latter part of December, 1864, while in camp at Elaine s Cross Roads, the subject of re-enlistment became the all-absorbing theme, and the old pth Corps regiments eagerly canvassed the matter. The Government offered, as inducements, to give all those who re-enlisted an additional bounty of $300, with a thirty-day furlough, dating from their arrival at Cincinnati, Ohio, and 316 men of the 48th accepted the proposition and re-enlisted on January ist, 1864. Preparations were immediately made for the march home, and, on January I3th, they took up their long, weary march back to Lexington, Ky., where, on the 25th, they took cars for Covington. Those not re-enlisting remained in Tennessee until after the Regiment had been recruited, when they rejoined us at Annapolis, Md. The distance to Camp Hickman, our objective point, was about 200 miles, and we went by almost the very same roads we had come last fall, via Cumberland Gap, Mt. Vernon, Barboursville and Loudon, and arrived at Hickman on the morning of the 22d. We went into camp in the Government barracks at this place for the day, and at three o clock the next morning started for Lexington, Ky., about 20 miles, to pay a visit to our old friends. We arrived there at eleven the same morning, spent that day and the next renewing old acquaintances. That the people enjoyed our coming goes without saying, as every evidence was given us of their delight, and that we were glad to be there was made manifest by the manner in which we enjoyed ourselves, especially as the "freedom of the town" was extended to us. When we entered the town, the entire population turned out to meet us, as, with fife and drum, we marched out to our old camp-ground, where, before dismissing the regiment, Colonel Sigfried stated that he was going to place no restrictions on the men. 156 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH trusting that every man would guard, as sacred, the good name we bore in Lexington. All he asked was, that enough men would remain in camp to guard the arms and regimental property. HOMEWARD BOUND On the morning of the 25th we left by rail for Covington, Ky. At Paris, Patrick Brown, of Company "F," was killed while the train was at a stop, the engine taking water; he was attempting to cross the track by crawling under the car when the train started and resulted as above stated. Covington was reached at midnight, and we went into camp. The next day the work was commenced on the muster and payrolls, and upon their completion on the 3ist we marched over to Cincinnati and were paid off and mustered. The same evening we boarded the train at the little Miami Depot, changed cars at Columbus, Ohio, and reached Pitts- burg at 10 o clock that night. OUR PITTSBURG WELCOME A committee was at the depot, and upon our arrival escorted us to the Volunteer Refreshment saloon and intro duced us to a fine supper, that made us feel good, and we rendered thanks to the good people of Pittsburg for the manner in which they evidenced their appreciation of our services. We ran all that night, and reached Altoona in time for breakfast, and leaving that point arrived at Harrisburg at five in the afternoon. Here the clerical force was started in to work on the furloughs, the captain of each company super intending the work for his own command. A committee of citizens from Pottsville came on here to meet and escort us home. On the 3d of February a special train was provided for us, and we were soon on the way. All along the route the people turned out to welcome us, and our trip was one con tinuous ovation. Pottsville was soon reached, a line formed, and, after a short parade through the streets and a flag pre sentation, a good substantial repast was provided for us, ranks were broken and each soldier repaired to his home and loved ones. RE-ENLISTMENT AND A VISIT HOME 157 From the Miner s Journal: The 48th Regiment, P. F. When the 48th arrives home it will experience a hearty reception. The regiment enjoys the distinguished honor of being the first in the corps to re-enlist as veterans for an additional three years service. In all cases, when three-fourths of the men re-enlist they will be entitled to a furlough of some thirty days and the regular bounty. There were two hundred and seventy-five men of this regiment present when the terms of renewal were presented to them, and immediately two hundred and thirty of them gave in their names, their enlistment to date from January I, 1864. Colonel Sigfried, Lieutenant-colonel Pleasants, Dr. Blackwood and the other veteran officers who have passed through all the trying scenes of the siege of Knoxville, and the exhausting toils and dangers of the defense of Holston and the retreat from the river, the action at Camp bell s Station, at Greenville and the repulse of Longstreet after he retired in the direction of Virginia, continue with the men, to their great delight. It is to be hoped that this veteran body will speedily be raised up to the standard of a full regiment. It is all important that young recruits should be associated with men who know their duty, and who, in circumstances of danger or want, know how to face danger without fear, and to make the best of difficulties. The inhabitants of Pottsville recently procured a magnificent and costly flag for the 48th, having a list of the engagements inscribed on it through which the men have passed. In addition to the long list with which the flag is covered, Gen. Burnside, who is idolized by the regi ment, has authorized the addition of the words "East Tennessee," a phrase which covers a wonderful amount of cold, hunger, danger and suffering. "THE WELCOME HOME" On Wednesday morning, February 3d, 1864, it was announced by Gen. James Nagle, Chief Marshal, that the Veteran Regiment, the 48th, would reach Pottsville during the day. Every preparation was at once made by our citizens to give the regiment a hearty welcome home. Private residences were decorated with streamers of red, white and blue, while flags, large and small, were displayed everywhere throughout the borough. Along the route over which the procession would pass were displayed the names of the battles in which the regiment had participated. On Mahantongo street, at the residence of Mrs. Sillyman, three medallions suspended in the middle of the street bore the 158 STORY OP THE FORTY-EIGHTH names of Burnside, Sigfried and Nagle, under whom the regiment had served with distinguished honor. At 3.30 o clock p. m., the train containing the regiment reached Mt. Carbon, and the men were drawn up in line to receive the beautiful stand of colors prepared by the ladies of Pottsville for presentation to the regiment. The standard was made of heavy blue silk, with the State arms of Pennsylvania on one side, and the arms of the United States on the reverse, both of which were surrounded by scrolls containing the names of the following battles in which the regiment had been engaged: Bull Run, Aug. 29, 1862. Chantilly, September 14, 1862. Antietam, September 17, 1862. Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. The guidons were four in number, a small American flag, and three, red, white and blue, made of stout twilled silk. On each was inscribed: "48th P. V." Hon. James H. Campbell, member of Congress, of that district, made the presentation in an eloquent and patriotic speech, as follows: Officers and Soldiers of the 48th Regiment: I have been honored by the ladies of Pottsville, your sisters, wives, and mothers, with the pleasing duty of presenting this flag, guidons and markers, as their testimonial to and appreciation of your patriotism, bravery and devotion to the cause of the Union. You bring with you tattered flags from glorious battle-fields flags rent in conflict, but of stainless honor. The ladies of Pottsville beg leave to place by the side of these, this beautiful flag, the work of their fair hands. Where the white horses romp in the azure field, you see inscribed Chantilly, Antietam, South Mountain and East Tennessee, one and all recalling memories of heroic deeds that will live while time endures. The fair donors have watched with sympthetic bosoms, your trials, bravery and suffering the deadly struggle, the sufferings in hospitals, on the weary march and by the dreamless bivouac, all heroically borne by you. While they have shed tears for the gallant dead, they come to-day, with words of welcome and smiles of gratitude to greet their returning brothers and husbands. Soldiers, you have registered a vow in Heaven that the old flag shall fly in all its original splendor over every inch of territory the Nation ever possessed and that too, over free territory. A few years since it was loved and respected everywhere, for it was RE-ENLISTMENT AND A VISIT HOME 159 everywhere, by glacial pinnacles, and under the suns of the tropics in the marts of the old world, and the wilderness of the new. It must not now be shorn of its glory. Soldiers, you carry peace on the points of your bayonets, and true diplomacy in your cartridge boxes. We can have no true, lasting or honorable peace until the rebels submit to the laws of the country. We as good citizens, cheerfully submit to constituted authority. We ask no more of them; we will submit to no less. Mr. Campbell concluded by welcoming the soldiers of the 48th home, in the name of the ladies of Pottsville. At the conclusion three hearty cheers were given for the ladies. Col. Sigfried replied in a neat and appropriate speech. He sincerely thanked the ladies for the honor conferred upon his command by them, in their beautiful gift, and promised that the colors should be brought back from the field of battle in honor, or not at all. At the conclusion of his response, Col. Sigfried was the recipient of a beautiful wreath, handed to him by a young lady. The procession then formed and proceeded up Centre street in the following order: THE RECEPTION > Gen. Jas. Nagle and aids, Col. Oliphant and staff, Battalion of Invalid Corps, Pottsville Band, 48th Regiment, under Col. Sigfried; Honorably discharged and convalescent soldiers, under command of Major James Wren ; 7th Penna. Cavalry, under command of Major Jennings; 1st N. Y. Artillery, under command of Lieut. Hall ; Miners Lodge, No. 20, I. O. O. F. ; carriages containing committee of arrangements, citizens on horseback. As the procession commenced moving a National salute was fired by the New York Battery. The veterans were greeted all along the route by cheers and the waving of handkerchiefs. The streets were filled by thousands of people. A more animated spectacle is rarely witnessed here. The tattered battle flags of the 48th Regiment were objects of great interest. After passing over the route designated by the Chief Marshal, the veterans 160 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH halted in front of the Union Hotel, when they were welcomed to their homes by John Bannan, Esq., on behalf of the citizens. After a fervent, patriotic prayer by Rev. Mr. Koons, Col. Sigfried thanked the citizens for their kind reception, and spoke of the spirit that animated his men in re-enlisting. He hoped that the command would return to the front recruited up to its full strength. A collation was prepared by the ladies at the Union Hotel, of which the regiment partook. The regiment had 340 men on its return, and we hope to see this gallant Schuylkill County regiment not only re-enlisted here, but to see it return under its able officers recruited up to its original strength. The 48th is unquestion ably one of the finest infantry regiments in the service. No better material ever left any community to fight for freedom and the rights of men. From the Miners Journal. Our reception was warm and evidenced the great sym pathy the loyal people felt for the soldier and the cause for which he was enlisted. If monuments and pensions had been in order at this time every member of the 48th could have had a monument twelve feet high, with an eagle on top of it, promised to him when he would die and a pension of $20 or more per month for the balance of his natural life. Recruiting progressed lively upon the return of these veterans, enabling the commands to which they were attached, to return to the field in a few weeks, recruited up to more than the maximum number required by the regulations. While at home "the boys" enjoyed the relaxation from their nearly three years of hard and dangerous service, hugely. From Miners Journal, March 5th, 1864: "On Saturday night last a tragic affair happened at the house of Mrs. Hannah Shields in Silver Creek, this County, involving the death of a soldier of the 48th Regiment and also a resident, named John Stinson. The murders were committed about ten o clock last night and information received here about eleven o clock, Constable Chrisman RE-ENLISTMENT AND A VISIT HOME 161 obtained a warrant for the arrest of the men charged with the crime. "With a squad of the ist N. Y. Artillery he went up and arrested four men, named Patrick Goldey, Hugh or Peter Curren, Charles Ryan and Peter Hagans. The accused were brought to Pottsville, and had a hearing before Justice Reed at three o clock Sunday afternoon. The men murdered were James Shields, a member of Captain Winlack s com pany, 48th P. V., and John Stinson. The principal witnesses examined at the hearing were Airs. Shields, a sister-in-law of James, and David McAllister, of Co. "E," of the same regiment. Shields was stabbed in the heart, and received several gashes in his abdomen. "At the trial of the murderers, Curran got five years, and the rest were allowed their liberty." AGAIN TO THE FRONT Our furlough expired on the 4th of March, and on the 5th the regiment assembled in Pottsville to go to the front, but were greeted by the welcome intelligence that the time was extended to the 7th. Upon that date, when again assemb ling at the rendezvous, word was again received that we had a respite until the I4th. On that date we left Pottsville and reached Camp Curtin, at Harrisburg, with full ranks, recruited by enlistments during our furlough. On the i8th we left, via Lancaster, for Philadelphia, and from there to Baltimore by rail. We left Baltimore by steamer for Annapolis, Md., and went into wooden quarters at Camp Parole, the next day changing to canvas quarters, as w>e found the barracks con tained inhabitants that did no talking, but kept the soldiers scratching. We were still in the ist Brigade, 2nd Division, Qth Army Corps, commanded by General Burnside. The brigade was changed somewhat. It now consisted of the 7th and 4th Rhode Island, 35th, 36th and 58th Massachusetts, 48th and 45th Pennsylvania Volunteers. We exchanged the Enfield rifled muskets that we had obtained at Xewberne, N. C, for the more modern Springfield rifled muskets, a much better gun. TT 1G2 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH CHAPTER XL THE REORGANIZATION OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT, PENNSYLVANIA VET. VOLS. ROSTER FIELD AND STAFF Colonel, J. K. Sigfried; Lieutenant-Colonel, Henry Pleasants; Major, J. A. Gilmour; Surgeon, W. R. D. Blackwood; Chaplain, Rev. L. B. Beckley; Assistant Surgeon, J. B. Culver; Adjutant, D. D. Mc- Ginnes; Quartermaster, Thomas Bohannan; Sergeant-Major, D. B. Brown; Q. M. Sergeant, C. W. Schnerr; Com. Sergeant, J. F. Werner; Hospital Steward, W. H. Hardell. (FROM MUSTER ROLLS IN FRONT OF PETERSBURG). COMPANY A. Captain, Henry Boyer; ist Lieutenant, Levi B. Eveland; 2nd Lieutenant, Albert C. Huckey; 2nd Sergeant, William Taylor; 3rd Sergeant, Abraham F. Seltzer; 4th Sergeant, Henry H. Price; 5th Sergeant, John Galagher; ist Corporal, John Taylor; 2nd Corporal, Franklin Frederici ; 3rd Corporal, Jacob S. Honsberger ; 4th Cor poral, Charles Brandenburg; 5th Corporal, Monroe Heckman; 6th Corporal, James S. Eveland; 7th Corporal, James Meek; 8th Corporal, Thomas B. Boyer; Musician, William H. Hinkley; Wagoner, William D. Martin. PRIVATES. George Airgood, John Adams, James D. Ash, Elias Britton, Israel Britton, William Booth, James Becker, William Beltz, George Bond, *Wm. Bachman, James Baker, George Betz, Thomas Carter, John Cochran, B. F. C. Dreibelbeis, W T illiam Dreibelbeis, Joseph Dreibelbeis, Henry Davis, William Eddinger, Samuel Eckroth, Fred erick Ely, Christian Ferg, Charles Goodman, Edward Galagher, Abraham Greenawaldt, David Houser, M. J. Hunsberger, John J. Huntzinger, Lewis Hessinger, John Hegg, Hiram Hail, Philander N. Hause, Jordan C. Hause, William J. Huckey, Wiloughby Hine, Elias Hoffman, John Holman, Charles W. Hillegas, Franklin Halderman, George Hendricks, John Hugg, Charles Jones, William Knapp, Benja min Keller, William A. Koch, Henry E. Kerst, Charles Krueger, Willis L. Kerst, Franklin King, James Kelcliner, Jacob Kershner, Daniel H. Koch, William Kaufman, Morgan Leiser, Lewis R. Loye, George Livingston, Joel Lins, Elias Lins, *Marcus M. Mallard, William H. Meek, David Meek, John McClean, Robert McClean, Samuel B. Moyer, REORGANIZATION AND ROSTER 163 Jacob W. Moyer, Jacob M. Moyer, George Miller, Joel Marshall, John C Medler, Monroe Martin, Jabez McFarlin, Isaac A. Otto, Richard B. Perry, Philip Richards, Lewis M. Robinhold, John Richelderfer, Francis M. Stidham, Frank W. Simons, Nelson Simons, H. Lewis Sterner, James W. Sterner, Simon Snyder, Thomas P. Smith, J. Lewis Smith, Jonas Sigfried, Jacob D. Sigfried, Nathan Sitler, John H. Sheaffer, John W. Sheaffer, Chas. Abel J. St. Glair, Nicholas Snay- berger, Henry Schreyer, Jesse Springer, Samuel Schollenberger, Augustus Shickman, Oliver Williams, John Weibel, F. H. Wagner, Simon Whetstone. *Deserted. Sergeant Henry Honsberger appointed Sergeant-Major. Dismissed. Captain D. B. Kauffman. Recapitulation. Commissioned officers, 3; non-commissioned officers, 12; musician, i; wagoner, i; privates, 99; dismissed, i. Total, 117. COMPANY B. Captain, Ulysses A. Bast; ist Lieutenant, William H. Hume; 2nd Lieutenant, Thomas Johnson; ist Sergeant, Thos. P. Williams; 2nd Sergeant, John Watkins ; 3rd Sergeant, Robert Campbell; 4th Sergeant, Wm. Kissinger; 5th Sergeant, John Homer; ist Corporal, Wm. H. Ward; 2nd Corporal, David J. Davis; 3rd Corporal, Clemence Beltzer; 4th Corporal, Sebastian Rickert; 5th Corporal, Joseph Rarig; 6th Corporal, James Rider; 7th Corporal, Isaac L. Fritz; Musician, George W. Johnson. PRIVATES. Henry Atman, William Atkins, George Albright, John Barren, William R. Brooks, John E. Bubeck, Alfred E. Bindley, John Brown, Garner Bell, *Daniel M. Bankes, David Deitz, John Deitz, William Engle, John D. French, Benj. Glouser, Thomas Griffiths, Samuel Heckman, Carey Heater, *John Haker, Jacob Hammer, Chas. H. Kershner, Christian Louer, Abraham R. Markle, Laurentus C. Moyer, Thomas J. Muldoon, William Reppert, William Stevenson, Albert J. Shifferstein, Gotleib Shoufler, William Schwartz, Lewis Stein- hour, Henry Shoppel, William Williams, Jacob Wigner, William Wise, Daniel Way, John Yonker. *Deserted. Recapitulation. Commissioned officers, 3 ; non-commissioned officers, 12 ; musician, i ; privates, 37. Total, 53. COMPANY C. Captain, George W. Gowen; ist Lieutenant, Charles Loeser; 2nd Lieutenant, William Clark; ist Sergeant, James Clark; 2nd Sergeant, Henry Weiser; 3rd Sergeant, Jonas Geier; 4th Sergeant John Rorety; 5th Sergeant, Samuel Wallace; ist Corporal, Samuel 164 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Weiser; 2nd Corporal, John Shalvey; 3rd Corporal, Henry McDernold; 4th Corporal, John Shalvey; 3rd Corporal, Henry Rudge; 6th Corporal, James Nicholson; 7th Corporal, William Livingston, Musician, Lewis Howard, Musician, Robert Rogers, Wagoner, Gilbert Graham. PRIVATES. Abraham A. Acker, Dennis Adam, Harrison Betz, Thomas Boyle, Murt. Brennen, Daniel Brown, Robert Clark, James Coakley, William Daubert, Andrew Dunleavy, William Demmerce, John Daugherty, John Dolan, Henry Earley, Michael Earley, William Fitzpatrick, Patrick Farrel, Jacob A. Gruver, John Harrison, Sam uel Harrison, John F. Hartman, Jacob Haines, Casper Henry, George W. Hatch, James Horan, William J. Haines, William John ston, Allen A. D. Long, Enoch Lambert, Anthony McCoy, Edward McGinnis, Alfred W. Miller, Michael Mohan, William Neeley, Andrew Neeley, Richard Ryan, William Sweeney, Edward Sweeney, George C. Seibert, Isaac Straugh, Toban Martin, John S. Wheatly, John Whitaker. Recapitulation. Commissioned officers, 3; non-commissioned officers, 12; musicians, 2; wagoner, i; privates, 43. Total, 61. COMPANY D. ist Lieutenant, James K. Helms; 2nd Lieutenant, Henry E. Stichter; ist Sergeant, Henry C. Graeff; 2nd Sergeant, George Bowman; 3rd Sergeant, H. C. Burkhalter; 4th Sergeant, H. Rothen- berger; 5th Sergeant, Albert R. Navinger; Sup. Sergeant William Timmons; ist Corporal, Boto Otto; 2nd Corporal, Franklin Hoch; 3rd Corporal, Walter P. Aims; 4th Corporal, Jonathan Deitrich; 5th Corporal, Philip Beckman; 6th Corporal, Franklin Dorward; 7th Corporal, Edward Lenhart; 8th Corporal, David Smith; Musi cian, Charles Brobst; Musician, Jeremiah Meinder; Wagoner, John W. Derr. PRIVATES. George Artz, Charles Arndt, James L. Baum, Chas. W. Baum, Orando Baum, John B. Boyer, Joseph Buttinger, Jonathan Bower, * John Brown, George S. Beissel, Patrick Covligan, Jackson L. Casper, G. W. H. Cooper, Jackson Derr, Levi Derr, John Dolan, Charles Deitrich, Lewis Deitrich, Daniel Deitrich, John Deitrich, James J. Dalious, Henry Dorward, Edward J. Ebert, Samuel Eppley, Solomon Eyster, Frank B. Graeff, Horatio Grim, George Hartz, Mattis Hinan, Charles F. Hesser, John Hoover, Thomas Jones, * Stacy Johnston, Isaiah Kline, Daniel Knarr, Jonathan Kauffman. Nathan Kessler Samuel Kessler, James Klinger, Francis J. Krieger, John Kehler, Andrew Knittle, Jacob Klauser, Charles Kline, Joseph Lindemuth, Philip Lettrick, Jonas Miller, Gust. H. Miller, Zachary F. Mover, Henry D. Moyer, William F. Moyer, David Maury, Daniel Merwine, *James Nolan, Daniel Okom, Jonathan Okom, REORGANIZATION AND ROSTER 165 Simon Ritter, Jonas Z. Raber, Samuel Reeser, William Ryan, P. L. Strausser, Alfred J. Stichter, Frank B. Shriver, William H. Smith, David Williams, William H. Williams, Daniel Weldy, Amos Wai- bridge, Daniel Wolf, William Weikel, John D. Weikel, Samuel Wenrich, Aaron B. Wagner, Solomon Yarnell, Joseph Zeigler, Elias Zimmerman, Peter C. Krieger. *Deserted. Commissioned officers, 2; non-commissioned officers, 14; musicians, 2; wagoners, i; privates, 77. Total, 96. COMPANY E. Captain, William Winlack; 1st Lieutenant, Thomas Bohannan; 2nd Lieutenant, Charles A. Schnerr; ist Sergeant, John C. McElrath; 2nd Sergeant, James May; 3rd Sergeant, William C. Cinens ; 4th Sergeant, Thomas Tosh; 5th Sergeant, David McAllister; ist Cor poral, Samuel Clemens; 2nd Corporal, Samuel Beddall; 3rd Corporal, Patrick Lynch; 4th Corporal, James Greener; 5th Corporal, William J. Morgan; 6th Corporal, Robert Penman; 7th Corporal, John Mercer; 8th Corporal, John Penman; Musician, George Latham; Musician, George J. Heisler; Wagoner, William Jefferson. PRIVATES. Henry Auman, Frank Boyer, Daniel Boyer, Joshua Boyer, Daniel D Barnett, Robert Beverage, Michael Brennan, Michael Bohannan, James Brown, John Brennan, Patrick Brennan, James Conners, Lindsey H. Campbell, Albert Cumings, Thomas Clemens, John Clemens, Jerome Castle, John DeFrain, Cornelius Dress, Thomas Devine, *Robert Devine, John Dooley, Archibald Dunlap, John Danagh, William Evens, William Evens, Thomas Evens, Lawrence Farrel, William J. Fager, Valentine Frantz, Patrick Grant, Martin Gutschall, William Gaynor, William Hodget, Thomas Hobwood, Isaac Hardee, Thomas Hall, John Jones, George A. James, William C. James, John Judge, William B. Kane, Alexandria Kelly, Michael Landry, Joseph H. Lord, John Lyons, Timothy Leary, George McMily, Robert McElrath, William McElrath, David Morgan, John Murry, John Major, James Mercer, William Mullen, Robert Meredith, Jr., Robert Meredith, Sr., Thomas McGee, James McLaughlin, James Meighan, John McRay, Thomas McClennan, John McSorely, Edward McGinnis, Michael Muir, Mungo Penman, John D. Pocket, Henry Pierce, David Quinn, Charles Quinn, David E. Reedy, Patrick Rodgers, William Reasons, James Regan, Daniel Ramsay, Abraham Sigmund, George Stout, James Schields, Alfred Spotts, William Simmers, George W. Schaeffer, Robert B. Thomp son, Thomas Whaland, Benjamin Woomer, David Williams, Anthony Wade, John Watson, Jeremiah Weaver, William Young. *Deserted. Commissioned officers, 3; non-commissioned officers, 13: musi cians, 2; wagoner, i; privates, 89. Total, 108. 166 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH COMPANY F. Captain, Joseph H. Hoskings; ist Lieutenant, Henry James; 2nd Lieutenant, John L. Williams; ist Sergeant, James A. Easton; 2nd Sergeant, Henry Reese; 3rd Sergeant, Joseph Gould; 4th Sergeant, Richard Hopkins; 5th Sergeant, George Edwards; 6th Sergeant, Charles W. Haines; ist Corporal, Robert D. Paden; 2nd Corporal, Wm. J. Wells; 3rd Corporal, Patrick Monaghan; 4th Corporal, John Powell; 5th Corporal, Austin Farrow; 6th Corporal, Robert Wallace; 7th Corporal, Isaac Barto; 8th Corporal, Samuel Glenn; Musician, John Lawrence; Musician, David Fulton; Wagoner, William Holsey. PRIVATES. Isaac Ackley, James Andrews, William Ackenbach, Richard M. Adams, William Ball, James Brennan, James Brennan (two in the Company of the same name ; we designated them as No. i and No. 2 on the First Sergeant s roll-book), Patrick Boren, Murtough Brennan, James Bradley, William Burland, James Bambrick, William Bush, Anthony Carrol, * Thomas Curry, William Carroll, Patrick Carroll, John Carroll, James Carr, John A. Crawford, John Crawford, Samuel Dunkerly, John Devine, William E. Duffy, John Devlin, Simon Devlin, William H. Davis, Elijah Defrehn, Henry Dillman, Thomas Davis, John E. Davis, Patrick Dolan, David Davis, John Eddy, William Fulton, Henry Ferrick, Joseph Finley, Thomas Garlan, David Griffiths, John Griffiths, Henry C. Heisler, John Hosgood, Henry Holsey, James Houte, Hamilton Hause, Cyrus Haines, Thomas James, George H. Jones, Sampson Jenkins, David T. Krieger, Jacob Kuhns, George W. Kohler, William H. Kohler, Thomas D. Lewis, *John Lyng, Peter Litchfield, Cornelius Leary, Thomas Lyshon, Isaac Lewis, John Lawless, Michael Lavell, John Morrissy, * John McGee, Thomas Murphy, Israel Manning, James Murphy, David McElvie, William Moors, George Manders, James W. Manning, John McVay, Henry McCann, Patrick Mallen, William Murphy, James Paully, Hugh Pickford, Edward G. Pugh, John Phillips, Frank Queeny, Edward J. Robson, John J. Reese, George Ramer, Michael Ryan, George Sheridan, George W. Stellwagon, William Smith, Edward L. Shissler, Timothy Shaeffer, Horace F. Straub, Thomas M. Thomas, David F. Thiel William E. Taylor, Edward Turner, Andrew Werner, Michael Welsh, Richard Williams, Lewis Woods, Edward R. West, Michael Wilson, Benjamin F. Wiest, Thomas J. Williams, Augustus H. Witman, Robert Wallace, * Thomas Wilson. *Deserted. Commissioned officers, 3; non-commissioned officers, 14; musicians, 2; wagoner, i; privatees, 104. Total, 124. REORGANIZATION AND ROSTER 167 COMPANY G. Captain, Oliver C. Bosbyshell; ist Lieutenant, Curtis C. Pollock; 2nd Lieutenant, Henry C. Jackson; ist Sergeant, Richard M. Jones; 2nd Sergeant, Robert Smith, 3rd Sergeant, William Auttman; 4th Sergeant, Chas. F. Kuentzler; 5th Sergeant, Charles B. Evans; ist Corporal, George Farns; 2nd Corporal, Edward H. Sillyinan; 3rd Corporal, Edward Flanagan; 4th Corporal, John W. Smith; 5th Corporal, Daniel Donne; 6th Corporal, Monroe Schreffler; 7th Corporal, Alexander Govan; 8th Corporal, Samuel Banghart; Musician, David Eberle; Wagoner, Jacob Dietrich. PRIVATES. James Auman, William P. Atkinson, John Arm strong, Abraham Abrahams, James Allison, John Becker, John R. Brown, David P. Brown, Robert D. Brown, Daniel Boyer, Patrick Boyle, Michael Clark, Joseph Cheatham, Patrick Cunningham, Andrew Colihan, Charles Clark, John Drobel, Harrison Dates, John Delaney, Patrick Daley, Clay *W r . Evans, William Fame, James Frazier, Benj. Flickenger, John Galligan, Matthias Goodman, Jacob Gwinner Nicholas Gross, Patrick Grant, John Humble, Adam Hendley, John P. Hodgson, Howard J. Jones, John P. Kuentzler, John Kautter, Henry Krebs, Jr., David Lechler, George W. Law rence, William Maurer, William Martin, Charles H. May, Jonathan Mover, Winfield S. McDaniels, Patrick Nash, Peter Norrigang, John Reppert, Dewald Schrow, James Sennett, Christian Schaeffer, William Shaw, Patrick Savage, William Stall, Patrick Smith, James R. Spencer, William Simpson, John Wright, Adolphus Wolbridge, William Williams, John Frazier, Patrick Galligan, John Ragang, William Slatterly. Commissioned officers, 3; non-commissioned officers, 12; musicians 2; wagoner,! ; privates, 62. Total 80. Clay W. Evans, who originally belonged to Co. "G," of the 48th Regiment, was promoted to 2nd lieutenant in the 3ist U. S. Colored Troops, on Dec. ist, 1864, while the 48th Regiment was in camp in Fort Sedgwick. He joined his regiment and was assigned to Co. "E" and the command was detailed for duty in the Army of the James, under the immediate command of General E. O. C. Ord, and performed picket duty along General Butler s famous Dutch Gap Canal, being under fire almost continuously the entire winter of 1864. In March, 1865, Evans was promoted to ist lieutenant and placed in command of Co. "G," of the 168 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH same regiment. The division to which this regiment belonged was transferred to the army of the Potomac just previous to General Grant s final campaign, and participated with the 24th Army Corps in all the engagements and marches up to and including the surrender at Appomattox. Subsequent to the surrender of the Army of General R. E. Lee, the regiment was ordered to Texas, and after a stormy voyage of thirty-two days landed at the mouth of the Rio Grande river and did duty from Brazos de Santiago to Eagle Pass until November, 1865. Lieut. Evans was mustered out and discharged at Hartford, Conn., Dec. 3rd, 1865. He was promoted to captain in Nov., 1865, but was never mustered. COMPANY H. Captain, William J. Hinkle; ist Lieutenant, Alex. S. Bowen; 2nd Lieutenant, Samuel B. Laubenstine; ist Sergeant, Alba C. Thompson; 2nd Sergeant, Thomas H. Sillyman; 3rd Sergeant, Peter Radelberger; 4th Sergeant, Henry Bernsteel; 5th Sergeant, Daniel Moser; 6th Sergeant, *David B. Brown; ist Corporal Henry Foy; 2nd Corporal, Anthony Herbert; 3rd Corporal, Charles Norrigan; 4th Corporal, Charles Focht; 5th Corporal, William Burlee; 6th Corporal, William A. Lloyd; 7th Corporal, Henry C. Mathews; 8th Corporal, Jacob A. Witman; Musician, Andrew J. Snyder, Musician, James Marshall; Wagoner, George W. Christian. PRIVATES. Lewis Aurand, Charles Aurand, Joseph Alexander, Martin Acorn, Crawford Bennie, John Baer, Isaac Bannon, James Batdorf, James Mulholland, Joseph Metz, Charles Meter, Edward Metz, Charles DeLong William Donnelly, John Donnelly, Morris Everly, Charles Eberle, Edward Edwards, Joseph Edwards, George T. Eisenhuth, Charles Fetterman, Isaac Fetterman, Emanuel Fox, Samuel Fryberger, Alfred C. Forney, John Gallagher, Anthony Gallagher, Thos. Gannon, John M. Howell, John H. C. Heffner, Win. H. Haley, Jos. S. Hayes, Philip Heffron, Geo. Halladey, David Baker. William Barr, John C. Benedict, Abraham Benscoter, Harrison Bright, Daniel R. Bright, Thomas Beagley, Jefferson W. Beyerly, James Wentsell, James Welsh, John Wineland, Josiah F. Wildermuth, Jacob Weise, Anthony Yeick, Job Hirst, Jas. R. Hetherington, William Huber, John Jennings, Harry Jones, Wm. V. B. Kimmell, Frank Krebs, John F. Kalbach, John F. Klienginna Benjamin Roller, Lewis W. Kopp. Charles Kyer, William Loeser, Daniel Latter, REORGANIZATION AND ROSTER 169 George E. Lewis, William D. Lloyd, John Lloyd, Arthur Murphy, Joseph Moore, George W. Morey, John Carroll, Henry F. Christian, Joseph, Chester, Daniel Cooke, John Cruikshank, Thomas Davis, Albert Davis, William Davis, Joseph Metzinger, Michael Melarkey, Conrad Miller, Adam Moy, Daniel Ohnmacht, John H. Olewine, Michael O Brien, Anthony O Donnell, Thomas Palmer, John Prit- chard, John W. Ray, Henry Reb, David Slenker, Reuben Snyder, Wm. Schnieder, John Stevenson, Samuel T. Skeen, Thomas Severn, John Spears, Michael Scott, George Shilthorn, Peter Smith, Henry Shay, Ambrose H. Titus, Jonathan Tillett, George Uhl. *Sergeant Major. Commissioned officers, 3; non-commissioned officers, 14; musi cians, 2; wagoner, i; privates, 102. Total, 122. COMPANY I. Captain, B. B. Schuck; ist Lieutenant, Joseph Edwards; 2nd Lieutenant, Francis D. Koch; ist Sergeant, Oliver Davis; 2nd Sergeant, Luke Swain; 3rd Sergeant, Jacob Ongstodt; 4th Sergeant, Frank Allebach; 5th Sergeant, James McReynolds; ist Corporal, Geo. W. Klase; 2nd Corporal, James Miller; 3rd Corporal, Daniel Klase; 4th Corporal, Henry W. Crater; 5th Corporal, Wesley Knittle: 6th Corporal, Benj. Williams; ;th Elias C. Kehl; Musician, William Faust; Musician, Jacob Bechman; Wagoner, Israel Kramer. PRIVATES. Isaac Beltz, Isaac K. Beltz, Frank Boner, Herman Buntz, John F. Bechman, John Brown, Cyrus Derrick, John Daleus, Benj. Drehrer, S. T. DeFrehn, Geo. Dresh, Martin Dooley, David Deitz, John Deitz, Abraham Eisenhower, William Engel, Henry J. Ege, John Frehn, Lewis Fauss, Albert Fritz, Nathan Fourman, Joseph Gilbert, Henry Goodman, Lewis J. Garber, David Garber, Chas. H. Good, Josiah Hein, Henry H. Hill, Frederick Henry, James Heiser, B. A. Houser, Charles W. Horn, Washington Horn, Samuel Hollister, Thomas Jones, Wm. F. Beyerle, Daniel Bankis. James Boner, Lewis Blablehamer, John Barren, Chas. Curlis, Charles Krater, Peter Keller, B. B. Kershner, Daniel J. Kehl, Samuel F. Kehl, Hugh Koch, Charles R. Koch, Allen Koch, William Kramer, Charles S. Leiser, Charles Lindemuth, John Link, Adam Lengert, Henry Madenfort, Lucien Monbeck, Albert Mack, Jonathan Mowrey, John R. Mauger, Barney McArdel, John S. Moycr, William Mar- berger, Daniel Neyer, Samuel Neiswender, Henry A. Neyman. Nathan Nelfert, William Owens, William J. Price, Theodore Peltz, John Clark, John H. Cooper, Patrick Crowe, Joseph Cobus, Elias Dresh, Charles DeLong, Conrad Reich, Rudolph Rumbel, Amos Rumbel, Henry Reinhard, Albert Reinhard, Frank Reigel. Frank E. Ringer, Thomas J. Reed, William Reppcrt, Jacob Reichwern, Christian Seward, Henry Schappcl!. Thomas Shall, William F. 170 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Scheur, Edward Shoener, Joseph Shoener, William S. Snyder, Mad. K. Smith, William Tyson, John Umbenhocker, William Weiers, William Wheeler, Jerry Willower, Charles C. Wagner, Reuben Watt> Frank Yost, Benj. Zimmerman, Albert Zimmerman. Commissioned officers, 3; non-commissioned officers, 12; musi cians, 2; wagoner, i; privates, 103. Total, 121. COMPANY K. Captain, Isaac F. Brannon; ist Lieutenant, Jacob Douty; 2nd Lieutenant, Francis A Stitzer; ist Sergeant, Thomas Irwin; 2nd Sergeant, John C. Hinchclifr; 3rd Sergeant, George M. Dengler; 4th Sergeant, William Laubenstine; 5th Sergeant, Christ N. Haertler; ist Corporal, George J. Weaver; 2nd Corporal, John Degant; 3rd Corporal, David H. Stitzer; 4th Corporal, Horatio Edinger; 5th Corporal Daniel F. Bausum; 6th Corporal, John C. Berger; ;th Corporal, Henry Shultz; 8th Corporal, John M. Brown; Musician, William Straw; Musician, Henry Yost; Wagoner, Warren Carey. PRIVATES. Martin Adams, John Adaman, Samuel Bossier, Nicholas Delaney, Albin Day, John F. Dentzer, David R. Dress, Nelson Drake, William M. Dress, Edward Edwards, Franklin Ehly, Jacob Ebert, Thomas Fougherty, Fertenline Felty, Elias Fenster- maker, Henry Fenstermaker, Arthur L. Gray, John Gillinger, George H. Gross, Henry Grim, Howard W. Haas, Wellington P. Haas, Nathan Houser, David Houser, Thomas E. Hudson, William Heisser, Simon Hoffman, Joseph Burgess, John Bartolet, Wesley Belford, John W. Henn, Allen Hine, Daniel Haas, Hugh B. Harkins, John Jones, Francis Koch, John King, James Kavanaugh, Benjamin F. Kline, Charles Long, Lewis Lebengood, Henry Lord, John Little, Thomas Leonard, Lewis Luckenbill, Jacob Lauby, John N. Laur, Lewis A. Moul, John C. Moul, Wilson W. Miller, John Mulhall, George F. Morgan, John Mbrphy, Philip McKeaver, Richard Bar tolet, Michael Cashan, Jonathan Dress, Milton Nagle, Charles Osterhout, Edward P. Payne, David H. Phillips, William F. Pelton, John Patry, William T. Reed, Henry Reader, Jeremiah Reed, Nathan Rich, William P. Shaffer, Augustus Shollenberger, Oliver W. Schwartz, George Showers, Frederick W. Snyder, Gottlieb Schack, Casper Shut, John A. Sherman, Paul Snyder, Henry Trough, Paul White, John Widner, Andrew Weaber, Ephraim Whetstone, Commissioned officers, 3; non-commissioned officers, 13; musi cians, 2; wagoner, i; privates, 81. Total, 100. Recapitulation. Company A, 117; Company -B, 53; Company C, 61; Company D, 96; Company E, 108; Company F, 124; Company G, 80; Company H, 122; Company I. 121; Company K, 100. Total, 982. REORGANIZATION AND ROSTER 171 While occupying this camp we saw the first colored troops, having a full division in our corps, one brigade being commanded by Col. J. K. Sigfried, of the 48th, Lieut. Col. Henry Pleasants being in command of the regiment. During our location here we received a great many recruits. A new chaplain was assigned to us, the Rev. L. B. Beckley, of Colonel Henry Pleasants, Originator and Engineer of Mine at Petersburg, Va., June 1, 1864. Schuylkill Haven, who proved to be an able parson, a fluent, emphatic expounder of the Gospel, and an intensely loyal, patriotic man. He was always a welcome guest among the boys of the regiment, and, after the war closed, was conspicu ous at all the camp-fires of the soldiers, and his eulogies to our Starry Banner were always productive of hearty applause. His death some years ago was sincerely mourned by those who knew him intimately. 172 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH A band which had been organized for the regiment by Mr. Wm. J. Feger, left Pottsville on the I3th of April to join the command. Before Col. Sigfried left Pottsville to join his regiment, the 48th, a number of ladies presented him with a field glass. The presentation took place at the residence of Lieutenant Bohannan, on the evening of April i8th. A silver plate on it bore the following inscription: "Presented to Col. J. K. Sig fried, 48th Pennsylvania Vols., by the ladies of Pottsville." Hon. C. W. Pitman made the presentation on behalf of the donors. The Colonel made an appropriate and touching reply. The entire affair was one of those pleasant social reunions which are rarely forgotten by the participants. The Colonel left town on the 25th. The same week the regiment moved from Annapolis into Virginia, with the 9th Corps. WITH THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 173 CHAPTER XII. With the Army of the Potomac A great many changes had been made in the personnel of the Army of the Potomac; chief among them being that Gen. Grant had been created a Lieut. General and was taking the field in person, casting his fortunes with the Army of the Potomac. The sequel showed the wisdom of his resolve. Preparations were daily going on for a new movement against the rebellion; and, on the 22nd, our command turned over all our tents to the resident quartermaster, and cooked rations, preparing to move. On the 25th, reveille was sounded at 4 a. m., but we did not leave camp until nine. It was a very hot day, and we marched eleven miles before going into camp. The next day eighteen miles were made, and the road was strewn with blankets, overcoats and other clothing, from Annapolis to this point. THE SOLDIER AND HIS BURDEN When a soldier is in camp for a few days he uses all the means at his command to make himself comfortable; gets every imaginable thing obtainable to add to his ease; and, when camp is broken, he does not intend to leave anything behind, as he doesn t see how he is going to get along without everything he has; he thinks he can carry it all, at least he is going to try. Usually, on the start, he has his musket ; cartridge box with forty rounds of ammunition; cap box; body belt and bayonet scabbard; canteen full of water; haversack with five days rations; tincup strapped to haversack; frying pan or skillet thrown over his knapsack. This trunk contains, at the very least, one pair of socks; one shirt; one pair of drawers; a few handkerchiefs; needles and thread; and writing materials; Testament, sometimes; overcoat; dog tent and gum blanket; also a woolen blanket; and a picture or two of his mother and sister; and, possibly, some other fellow s sister. Now, after a march of five miles or more in the hot sun, he begins to wonder what he can spare, as 174 STORY OP THE FORTY-EIGHTH the load begins to feel very heavy. The days are hardly cold enough for an overcoat; and, for guard duty at night, maybe, he can borrow one, or do without, and he tosses his away. His load feels light now, and he jogs along very comfortably for the next spell of four or five miles. Then, perhaps, his blanket is thrown away, or, maybe, cut in two; then, if the march continues lengthy, the knapsack is thrown away with all its contents, except a change of clothing, dog tent, and gum blanket. These are made into a roll and slung over the shoulder; and he is in light marching order, and will so remain as long as the hard campaigning lasts. REVIEWED BY PRESIDENT LINCOLN On this march, at this early stage, some of our troops were in the condition described. On the 25th we passed through Bladensburg and Washington and camped to the right of Alexandria, Va. At Willard s Hotel, standing upon the balcony, stood President Lincoln and General Burnside. surrounded by many other distinguished men ; and the compli ment of a marching salute was paid to the Chief Magistrate of the Nation. The 48th passed about noon, feeling the importance of the occasion. All day long, tramped the men of the old Qth Corps before the great Lincoln and their old Commander whom they all loved; their splendid bearing calling forth enthusiastic cheers from the multitude assembled to view the pageant. On the 27th, we marched through Fairfax Court House, the same place we had occupied after the Bull Run battle, twelve miles. On the 28th, we marched through Centreville and Manassas Junction, to Bristoe Station, on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, fourteen miles, and went into camp. Here we relieved the Pennsylvania Reserves, and were mustered for pay on the 3Oth. General Grant s movement upon Richmond was thus fairly inaugurated. On the 3rd of May the advance of the Army of the Potomac crossed the Rapidan without serious opposition. On the 5th of May, however, a series of battles com menced, which lasted until Gen. Grant had his army firmly WITH THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 175 established in front of Petersburg, running over a period of two months. They were sanguinary contests, which tested the valor and endurance of our soldiers to their utmost. This campaign is unparalleled in the military history of the world for continued and persistent fighting. Gen. Grant was uniformly successful in his strategy, out-generaling Lee in every movement, and compelling him to abandon strongly fortified positions and fall back until finally he rested within his defences at Richmond. We lay quiet in this camp until the 4th of May, when we again started on the tramp. FROM THE RAPIDAN TO THE JAMES On the way to the Wilderness the regiment crossed the Rapidan River on May 5th, and about two hundred veterans of the regiment were sent to the right of the army, and deployed as skirmishers and fought the enemy as such, nearly all day, losing some men killed and wounded. About five o clock in the afternoon they rejoined the regiment, went into line of battle and became engaged just at dark. Captain J. H. Hoskings, of the 48th, now a resident of Birmingham, Ala., says: "After crossing the Rapidan, a detail of 200 men was made and put under my command: Lieut. Pollock, of G, and Lieut. Eveland, of A; Sergeant Al Huckey, of Company A, with a full complement of non-commissioned officers. The names of all but a few have escaped my memory. I recall Bob Reid and Clay Evans, Sandy Govan, David Thiel and Adam Hendley. We left the regiment and moved to our right, and in a very short time came into contact with a line of the enemy s skirmishers ; they gave us a volley and their peculiar yell, expecting to start us on the back track; but, instead, we advanced and drove them out of the woods ; and, on reaching the open field, we came to a halt. The enemy fell back to a rail fence, some fifty yards to our front, and there we held them until relieved by a Michigan regiment. We then moved to the rear and buried David Thiel, who had been killed in the advance. We then joined the main body of the regiment. 17G STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Heavy firing was in progress all day, and on the 6th, the 9th Corps, to which we belonged, was engaged almost the entire day in the Wilderness fight, under infantry fire, losing heavily." On the 7th but little hard fighting was done as we were moving about all day for position. It was hard to determine just how our army was fronting and the lines running. Some troops were marching towards Fred- ericksburg on the left and others to Chancellorsville on the right. The woods \vere still burning from the effects of yesterday s firing, and many of the wounded were burned to death ere they could be removed. All our sick and wounded were being sent to Fredericksburg, from where they were shipped North as fast as their condition would warrant. On the 9th there was very heavy firing on the right, but the 48th did not become actively engaged. On the loth we were held in reserve under a very heavy artillery fire all day. Gen. Sedgwick was killed during the engagement of yesterday. The Rebel General, Ned Johnson, and his whole division, were captured by Hancock s 2nd Corps. SPOTTSYLVANIA On the 1 2th, early in the morning, we were moved on to the left of Hancock s Corps. Our division was formed in two lines of battle. The ist Brigade constituted the second line; the 2nd Brigade, the first line. In front of our regiment was the I7th Vermont Regiment, which had exhausted its ammunition after fighting bravely, and was relieved by us. Our position was on the top of a hill, in front of which was an open field and swamp, through which ran a small creek, and, beyond, another hill, where the rebels had erected a strong line of rifle-pits. On our left was a thick wood extending beyond the swamp to the line of the enemy. As the fog rose, a regiment of rebels was discovered occupying a pit formed by the banks of the creek. The left of the brigade was thrown forward into the woods, cutting off their retreat, except by the open field up the hill in front of our works, which, if attempted, would be certain destruction. A desperate effort WITH THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 177 was made to drive us out of our position, but it was steadily maintained under a destructive fire of musketry and artillery. During this attempt the regiment captured two hundred prisoners of Gordon s division. Along in the afternoon the troops made another assault on the rebel line. The regiment charged forward to the swamp, but discovered that it was unsupported. It moved then by the left flank into the woods under a galling fire; and, later, reached its folrmer position. The report of Major W. B. Reynolds of the I7th Vermont, in speaking of the Spottsylvania engagement, says : "At 7 a. m., having exhausted 40 rounds per man, as well as all that could be procured from the dead and wounded, we were relieved by the 48th Penna. Vols. and withdrew about twenty paces, where we remained with fixed bayonets while ammunition was being brought forward. During this time, about fifty of the 26th Georgia, who had been in our front, were sent back as prisoners of war. The few survivors of the regiment made good their escape from the ravine, leaving in our hands a number of dead and wounded. At n a. m. I was ordered to support the 48th Penna. Vols. in an advance upon the enemy s works, having to advance across an open field about one hundred yards under fire from the enemy s intrenchments. The 48th Pa. formed in my rear as a support during the remainder of the day." An incident occurred just here that shows the inventive genius of some of the regimental commanders. A soldier had not stood up to his work as he should have done, had shown the white feather during this encounter, and, upon his return to his company, after the danger was over, the colonel of his regiment, being made acquainted with these facts, had the culprit brought to his headquarters. Then he was bucked and gagged. This operation is performed by tying the hands tightly at the wrists, seating the person on the ground, putting his hands over his knees low enough down to insert a strong stick or musket under the knees and over the arms. This is the bucking part of it. The gagging consists of inserting a strong piece of wood, or, in lieu of that, a bayonet, into the T2 178 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH mouth and tying it tightly around the neck by both ends. In this position, he is at the mercy of any one desiring to have fun at his expense. The colonel now summoned the captain of the company to which the "shyster" belonged and ordered him to fall in his company, single file, and commanded them to march by the comrade seated at their feet, and; as each one filed by, he was to spit in his face. Some of the comrades gave him the full benefit of all that tobacco chewing could bring forth, others scarcely reached his face with any spittle, but the colonel stood by, and as the men filed past ordered them to spit lively. Our regiment suffered very severely in this fight, and the writer paid a visit to the field hospital to look -after some friends, and, while there, came across some cf his own company, one, named Lewis Woods, a great, big, noble-hearted fellow, from the northern part of the State, who now lay in a cow stable with his brains oozing from a ghastly bullet hole in his head. As I took the gallant fellow s hand and asked him if he recognized me, his only reply was a smile, and my mind went back to the trip on the steamer from Newport News to Baltimore, when, as he lay asleep on the deck, in a -moment of boyish deviltry, I clipped one-half of his moustache completely off. What I would have given at that moment if I had never been guilty of this mischievous act! I had heard of people being shot to pieces, but never saw it until at this hospital. Just outside the fence surrounding the house a battery of artillery was stationed, and one of the artillerymen lay there torn limb from limb, and the sight was a sickening one to those passing by. Sergeant William J. Wells, of Company F, relates the following: A SOLDIER S FAREWELL "In this fight I was one of the Color Guard of the regi ment. Comrade John Moirrisey, of my company, came to me just before our charge across the swamp and bade me good-bye. Inquiring why he did so, he replied: I shall be killed to-day. I chided him, and tried to cheer him; then suggested that he remain out of the fight, which we all felt WITH THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 179 to be at hand. He indignantly refused, and said: I have never yet shirked my duty, and will not do it now. After I am dead, write to my sister, Mary, and tell her I died facing the enemy. Just then the bugle sounded the advance. He ran to his company, and, immediately fell, shot through the forehead. After returning to our position, subsequent to the charge, we dug a hole with the bayonet; wrapped him in his blanket and buried him- Then, upon a piece of cracker-box, we wrote, with a charred stick, his name, company and regiment. While lying in the hospital at Chestnut Hill, Pa., his sister, finding my name among the new arrivals, visited me, and I delivered his dying message to her. She was a poor servant girl in the City of Philadelphia, but I shall never forget her distress." HEAVY LOSSES Since crossing the Rapidan on the 5th the regiment had been under heavy fire every day, and had lost, in killed and wounded, one hundred and eighty-seven, amongst the killed being Lieut. Henry C. Jackson, of Company G, who fell on the 12th. Lieut. Jackson was a noble fellow, and idolized by his men; his loss was deeply felt. The Spottsylvania engagement of May I2th became intensely interesting to us, and Comrade Bob Reid, of Com pany G, gives a very interesting description of it: "It was a very foggy morning when Captain McKibben of General Potter s staff ordered Col. Pleasants to follow him with the 48th, and it will be remembered that McKibben rode a very dilapidated plug of a horse that day, but he rode right to the front, leaning forward on his horse, as he led us up the hill, until he had us under fire, when we formed line of battle behind one of the advance regiments. There was a rebel regiment behind the brow of the hill, directly in our front, and our position did not suit our Colonel. We moved forward past the right of the advanced regiment until we got about half way between it and the enemy, which proved to be the 1 3th Georgia. Before we commenced firing about twenty of the rebel troops came in and surrendered. When within about seventy-five yards of the enemy we were ordered to 180 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH halt, and commence firing, when for a short time the engage ment was very lively. The enemy were at a decided disad vantage, they being down the slope of the hill, we at the top. About the time we opened fire another, or part of a rebel regiment, came to their support. We hammered away at them until some one from the centre of our regiment called out that they wanted to surrender, but Col. Pleasants ordered us to continue firing, which we did until the rebels threw down their arms and came in in a body. We captured fully two hundred prisoners. They left one colonel, three line ofBcers and seventy-five men killed, and a large number of wounded on the field. "I claim that this was the regiment of the enemy which Grant in his memoirs claims to have captured on the same day that Hancock captured Johnson s division. "Among the many killed in this engagement, none was more deeply regretted than Lieut. Henry Jackson, of Com pany G." Correspondence of Miners Journal: Wm. Auman, Co. "G," writes as follows : SPOTTSYLVANIA C. H., MAY i5th, 64. This is the tenth day of the fighting, and from present appearances it will last for some days yet. The 48th has been under fire for seven days, and were severely engaged twice. At the Battle of the Wilderness, we were engaged and lost three killed and twelve wounded. On the I2th, we had a hard fight on the ground we now occupy. Our regiment was in the thickest of the fight and lost heavily. Lieut. Henry Jackson was killed beside me. He was struck in the neck by a rifle ball. I helped to carry him out. He died while we were carrying him to the hospital. When he was struck he fell against me. I asked him where he was hit; he whispered, "I don t know," and then his head fell to one side, and I saw that he was dying. He never spoke again. The loss in the regiment in that day s fight was one hundred and thirty-seven, killed, wounded and missing. WITH THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 181- We drove the enemy a mile, when we met the I3th Georgia Regiment. We completely annihilated that regi ment, taking many prisoners and killing and wounding nearly all the rest. We then charged on the rebel works, but not being supported by the regiment on our right, and being exposed to a terrible cross fire from the lines of rifle pits and a battery, we were compelled to retire to the left into a wood. Here the left of the regiment was run close to the enemy s earthworks, and a number of our men were shot. We fell back, formed line, and took position on the same ground we were on before we charged. Here we put up breastworks and have been fighting ever since. While I am writing, the bullets are whistling over my head, but as long as we do not expose ourselves, we are quite safe. Yours, etc. WM. AUMAN. Wm. Auman served through the rebellion and came out Captain of his company, and after the war received a Lieu tenant s commission in the Regular Army, was promoted to the rank of Major, and led his regiment during the Spanish- American war and did valiant service at the charge on Santiago. He was subsequently made Lieutenant Colonel and finally promoted to Brevet Brig. Gen., and retired and is now residing at Buffalo, New York. SPOTTSYLVANIA C. H., MAY i5th, 1864. EDITOR Miners Journal: DEAR SIR: I send you a list of the casualities in the 48th P. V. from the 6th of May to this date. In the Battle of the Wilderness the regiment was hotly engaged on the 6th, and skirmished in the front on the 7th. On the 6th, 350 men, including nearly all the veterans, skirmished all day on the right, and the rest of the regiment moved with the main portion of the Qth Corps, and were hotly engaged in the centre. The rebel army having fallen back, the gth Corps was moved to Chancellorsville on the 8th. The 48th was not again engaged until the I2th, when our division 182 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH advanced towards Spottsylvania on the evening of the nth, but the battle was not begun until the morning of the I2th. We fought all day, and our regiment having caught three Georgia regiments in a little hollow, with rising ground behind them, which prevented them from retreating, com pletely annihilated them. We took over two hundred prisoners. One squad of them, which I sent to the rear under Lieut. Bowen, amounted to forty eight. Afterwards all the troops of the divison were ordered to charge, and the 48th advanced in excellent style through an open, marshy ground under heavy fire, but the troops on both flanks giving way, the regiment was moved by the left flank into a ravine in the woods and shielded from the destructive fire of the enemy. Our loss has been heavy, but the 48th has behaved well, and in the action of the I2th, owing to our position on the brow of the hill, five rebels were killed, wounded or taken prisoners for every man lost by us. Since the I2th, a few men have been wounded by sharpshooters and we still ^remain on the front line. We have to mourn the loss of many brave men, and one of the best and bravest of officers is 4 Lieu tenant Henry Jackson. Yours, etc. HENRY PLEASANTS. The list of casualties referred to by the Colonel from the 6th to the I5th of May is as follows: COMPANY A. Killed. Lewis M. Robinhold, Isaac Otto, John J. Huntzinger, Abel C. T. St. Clair. Wounded. Sergt. A. C. Huckey, Corp. Charles Brandenburg, Corp. Jacob S. Honsberger, Morgan Leiser, Benjamin F. C. Dreibelbeis, Chas. Hillegas. COMPANY B. Killed. Corp. David J. Davis, Matthew Hume, Frederick Knittle, Laurentus C. Moyer, Daniel Wary, John Deitz. Wounded. Sergt. Thomas B. Williams, Sergt. Wm. Kissinger, Gottlieb Schaufler, David Deitz, John Brown. COMPANY C. Killed. Daniel Brown. WITH THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 183 Wounded. 2nd Lieut. Wm. Clark, Sergt. Jones Geier; Michael Mohan, Wm.~Neely, Wm. J. Haines, Murtz Brennan, James Coakly. Missing. George C. Seibert. COMPANY D. Killed. J o n a 1 h a n Kaufman. Wounded. 2nd Lieut. H. E. Stichter, Sergt. Henry Rothen- berger, Corp. Edward Lenhart; James Deitrick, Botto Otto, Perry L. Strausser, Geo. S. Beissel, Wm. F. Moyer, John Kehler, Jonas Miller, Joseph Zeigler, Pat. Cooligan, Andrew Knittle, Gustavus. H. Miller, Henry D. . Moyer. Missing. Edward H. Ebert, John D. Weikel. COMPANY E. Killed. Lawrence Farrel. Wounded. Sergt. John C. McElrath, Corp. Samuel Clemens; James McLaughlin, Geo. W. Schaffer, David Williams, W. Simmons, G. W. James, W. C. James, James Meighan, Robert Penman. Missing. Wm. Gutshall. COMPANY F. Killed. David F. Thiel, John Morrissy, Lewis Woods, Richard Williams. Wounded. Sergt. Richard Hopkins, Corp. John Powell; Wm. E. Taylor, Israel Manning, Anthony Carroll, Wm. S. Wright, James Brennan, And. Westner, Henry Holsey, Wm. H. Kohler, John Eddy, John T. Reese, John Crawford, A. H. Whitman. Missing. George Kramer. COMPANY G. Killed. 2nd Lieut. H. C. Jackson; William Williams. Wounded. Serg. R. M. Jones, Corp. George Fame; John Becker, Adam Hendley, James Spencer, M. Berger, John Armstrong, Clay W. Evans, Patrick Grant, Wm. Maurer, John Kautter, Patrick Savage. COMPANY H. Killed. Abraham Benscoter. Wounded. Samuel Frybeger, William Donnelly, Wm. Huber, Benjamin Koller, John Klinegina, Daniel Ohnmacht, Albert Davis, John Stevenson, Michael Melarkee, Daniel Cooke, John Cruikshank, Michael O Brien, Charles Focht, John Olewine, Joseph Edwards, Thomas Palmer, Joseph Chester. Missing. Harrison Bright, Michael Scott, Lewis Aurand, James Wentzell. 184 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH COMPANY I. Killed. Henry J. Ege. Wounded. Sergt. L. Swain, Sergt J. Ongstodt, Corp. D. Klase, Corp. W. Knittle; Charles Lindemuth, F. Boner, C. W. Horn, M. Dooley, W. Tyson, C. DeLong. Missing. W. B. Beyerle, B. McArdel, W. B. Shearer. COMPANY K. Killed. John W. Henn. Wounded. Corp. George J. Weaver; David R. Dress, Elias Fenstermacher, Thomas Fogerty, Henry R. Schulze, Franklin Ehly, Simon Hoffman, Andrew Weaber. A CONFEDERATE RECORD Brig. Gen. Harris, of the Confederate Army, in his report of the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, May I2th and I3th, 1864, says: "Thus from 7 a. m. of the I2th to 3.30 a. m. of May I3th (twenty hours), my men were exposed to a constant and destructive fire, both from front and flank, and during the hours of the day to a heavy artillery fire, in which mortars were used by the enemy for the first time during the campaign. A cold, drenching rain fell during the greater portion of the day and night and the trenches were filled with water. Great difficulty was experienced in procuring supplies of ammunition, man after man being shot down while bringing it in. As an instance of the terrible nature of the fire, trees twenty-two inches in diameter were hewn to splinters and felled by the musketry." General S. McGowan, also of the Confederate Army, says : "To give some idea of the intensity of the fire, an oak tree twenty-two inches in diameter, which stood just in rear of the right of my brigade, was cut down by the constant scaling of musket balls." The next few days were spent in this position and we were under fire all the time, but no engagements took place until the 1 8th. Early in the morning the firing began and a charge was made upon the rebel works in our front, by the entire 2nd Division. The first line was carried without much loss, but the position was strong and protected by heavy abattis, and Major Jos. A. Gilmour Died June 8, 1864 Result of wounds received May 31, 1864 WITH THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 187 the second line was not reached. On this same day we buried eighty dead rebels in the swamp where we had fought on the I2th. On the ipth the enemy attempted to break ttirough the right. The firing was very heavy, troops were quickly sent to strengthen our position and the rebels were repulsed. THE MARCHING FORTY-EIGHTH On the 2 ist we again started on the march, continued all day and night and also on the 22d. We had positive orders to march fast. On the 23d a hard fight was going on in our front, as was evidenced by the firing we could hear so dis tinctly. We marched up to eleven that night, and camped on the banks of the North Anna River. The troops crossed to the south side of the river on the 24th and assaulted the rebel works, but every attempt to dislodge them was futile. The next few days were spent in moving about and in artillery practice. At nine at night on the 26th all troops were withdrawn, and we marched back the way we had come, for about six miles, then struck to the left and marched all day on the 27th until eleven at night. On the 28th we had a forced march, and crossed the Pamunkey River. Here the enemy s skirm ishers were met and driven back on their main line. On the 3Oth and 3ist the regiment was engaged at Armstrong s farm and lost very heavily. About the 24th of May the Ninth Army Corps was attached to the Army of the Potomac. Up to that time it had been an independent command under General Burnside. On the 3ist of May the regiment sustained a heavy loss in the wounding of Maj. Jos. A. Gilmour, originally Captain of Company H. He was an excellent officer, quiet, unas suming, and as brave as man could be; a perfect soldier. The Major was wounded, suffered amputation and died on June the 8th in the hospital. Of the operations of the army at and near the Totopotomy Creek, May 28th to 3ist, 1864, General Potter, in his report to General Meade, says: "On the 3ist, I advanced about 188 STORY OP THE FORTY-EIGHTH three-quarters of a mile, over the worst ground I ever knew, having a brisk fight, and meeting with some loss, including Major Gilmour, of the 48th Penna. Regiment, an invaluable officer, mortally wounded." Official Records. Lieutenants Samuel Laubenstein and William H. Hume, two gallant officers, were killed by sharpshooters. On the 3rd of June the battle of Bethesda Church, or Totopotomy Creek was fought in which the regiment bore a very im portant part and rendered efficient service, our losses being ten killed and fifty-eight wounded. A rebel battery in our front was almost annihilated, almost every horse belonging to it being killed. The guns remained on the field and fell into our possession. BETHESDA CHURCH In this connection, Sergeant Wells, of Company F, says: "We had fallen back from Armstrong s farm, where Major Gilmour had been wounded on May 3ist, in accordance with Grant s inevitable movement, from right to left, and on June 2nd, stacked arms in a large open field, near a fine country mansion, standing back some distance from a well-defined country road. Batteries, baggage wagons and ambulances were parked back of, and around, the mansion, while General Officers, probably Grant and Meade, and their staffs, unmounted, stood around. If I remember rightly, a violent storm, accompanied by much lightning and thunder, burst upon us early in the afternoon. In the midst of this, a heavy discharge of shot and shell poured into us from the woods beyond the road, showing that the enemy had followed our line of march, and had opened upon us with the intention of surprising and stampeding the entire combination, troops, batteries, ambulances, wagons, etc.; but they were soon unde ceived, for, as by magic, everything became active. The horses had not been detached from the guns, wagons, nor ambulances; therefore, it was the work of a few moments for the latter to move to the rear, and the former to the front. Mounted officers flew over the field from right to left, muskets .were unstacked, and the troops were moved rapidly to the front : a rapid transformation from peace to horrid war, as the WITH THE ARMY OP THE POTOMAC 189 entire surroundings evidently indicated as much surprise to general officers as to the men. It seemed but a few moments before we were lying along the road, some firing and others, with the small intrenching shovels, bayonets, tincups, anything that could remove dirt, throwing up intrench- ments,for the troops had learned their value by sad experience, while our batteries in the rear literally filled the woods with bursting shells. The enemy evidently failed in their object, for they soon gave up their attack, but not before we had a strong work erected. The next day, the 3rd, the entire line was advanced, as the enemy had fallen back to a strong line of works erected during the night. "As Comrade Bob Reid, of Company G, has described this severe fight, I only add that in no engagement of the 48th did they expend more ammunition than in this; besides, our line was so close to that of the enemy s battery that we were subjected to the bursting of our own shells; so much so, that our batteries were compelled to move their position further to the right, where the fire enfiladed the enemy s guns, with the result, that, at dusk, every gun but one had been destroyed, and, to finish the job, a gun was drawn by hand around the right of the 48th and soon dismounted this one. With nightfall the battle ceased. In one company of the 45th Pennsylvania, on our left, all the officers had fallen, a corporal alone being left to command. The 48th in this fight was on the extreme right of the army. Advancing on the 4th, thirty-nine dead horses and the dismounted battery, together with several hundred small arms, were found behind the rebel works; while the dead, wounded and dying, lay thick around. The enemy had fled during the night, evidently in haste, though they had tried to remove their disabled guns by hand. To increase the efficiency of their works, they had placed many of their dead on top, the commander of the battery among 1 them. Our fire must have been very effective, for the trees in the woods behind them showed our firing to have been very low. These facts demonstrate the severity of the battle and the good work done by the 48th and its fellow regiments on that day." 190 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Comrade Reid says: "Skirmishing and artillery firing took place daily, and on the 3d of June we were very actively engaged at Shady Grove Church. It rained a little the night before, and after a break fast of coffee and hard-tack we dried our blankets at the fire, and at seven o clock in the morning had formed line of battle, Company "E" being deployed as skirmishers to the front. The ground over which we had to advance was a clear field, and at once we were ordered to advance, guide centre, the skirm ishers in our front. They crossed the gully which intervened between us and the enemy; we followed closely after; and, as the skirmishers arose on the high ground again, they met those of the enemy, drove them back on their entrenched line of battle and took a few prisoners out of an old log house, who had not had time to get away. Before we got into action we could see Winlack s heroes, the skirmishers, dropping fast from the destructive fire of the enemy. Company "E" falling back into line, we were ordered to halt and commence firing, the enemy being about eighty yards to our front, behind a line of breastworks, with a battery. Things soon became lively for all hands. "In addition to the heavy infantry firing from the enemy, we were subjected to a galling fire of grape and canister. We threw up a line of breastworks in a very short time, and occu pied them the rest of the day. The following morning, June 4th, Companies "G" and "F" were ordered by Col. Pleasants to cross our breastworks, deploy as skirmishers and advance to the enemy s line, which, on reaching, we found evacuated, and saw nothing but some new-made graves, many dead battery horses and a limber chest, left by the enemy. We advanced as skirmishers for a mile beyond, and found nothing but one lonesome straggler in a farm-house, and then returned to the regiment." From this date until the loth of June, the army lay in the vicinity of Cold Harbor and we were under fire the entire time. A charge was made by the rebels on the part of the line held by us, but it was easily repulsed. WITH THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 191 From the Miner s Journal: Col. Pleasants again placed us under obligations by furnishing us with the following- account of the operations of the Regiment and its casualties, from the I5th to the 3ist of May: HEADQUARTERS, 48111 REGT., P. V.-V., Field South of Pamtmkey River, Va., May 3ist, 1864. I have the honor to inform you of the casualties of the Regiment since the I5th inst to date, and its present situation, which is within a gun shot of the enemy, supporting a battery. The Regi ment had been engaged this morning on skirmish line, and an hour ago was relieved by some other troops, and ordered to support our Brigade battery. While I am writing our troops are keeping up a very heavy and continual fire on the line. We are three miles from the Pamunkey River and twelve miles from Richmond, advancing slowly towards the latter place. We have been under fire every day but three since the I5th, moving gradually to the left on the enemy s flank. The boys stand it very well. Wounded. Major Joseph A. Gilmour, left leg amputated shortly afterwards. COMPANY A. Wounded. Jacob Kerschner. COMPANY B. Wounded. ist Lieut. William H. Humes; John Barren, Samuel Heckman, James Frazier. COMPANY D. Wounded. John B. Boyer, Henry D. Moyer, Charles Deitrick. COMPANY F. Killed. Patrick Doolin, Henry McCann. Wounded. Sergt. Richard Hopkins, John Crawford, Henry Dillman, David Kreiger. COMPANY H. Killed. 2nd Lieut. Samuel B. Laubenstine, Corp. Charles Norrigan. Wounded. John Gallagher. COMPANY I. Wounded. Sergt. Francis Allebach, Christian Seward, Fred erick Henry, Herman Buntz, James Boner. Very Respectfully, your Obedient Servant, HENRY PLEASANTS, Lt.-Col. Commanding Regt. . 192 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH In addition to the above we had the following- letter from a member of Company D, 48th Regiment, dated: CAMP 48-TH REGT., P. V. V. June 2nd, 1864. We are about five miles from the Pamunkey River and twelve from Richmond. The Regiment is building rifle pits about thirty yards in front of an orchard. The sun is very hot and it is quite a luxury to be able to be in the shade. Major Gilmour was wounded in the leg day before yesterday, and had it amputated. The boys are all very sorry because it happened to be his fate to be hit. He was beloved by the whole regiment, for he was a kind and good officer and a gentleman. Lieutenant Samuel Laubenstine was killed, and Lieutenant W. H. Hume wounded in the arm. These three officers were all shot at nearly the same spot. I suppose some rebel sharp shooter had range of that particular piece of ground. Last night a man by the name of Koch of Co. A, had his skull fractured by a piece of one of our shells. We had a pretty sharp fight at dusk all along the line, and tremendous cannonading on our left, toward the Chickahominy. Our regiment was not actively engaged, but it was a wonder that no more were hurt by our shells, for they burst right overhead of the right wing of the Regiment. On the 4th of June, Colonel Pleasants again wrote as follows : BATTLE-FIELD, NEAR GROVE CHURCH, VA., June 4th, 1864. Yesterday our Division had a very severe engagement with the enemy on the extreme right of the Army. We drove them over a mile, but our loss was heavy. Last night the Rebels retreated, and, judging from the number of dead and quantity of arms left on the field, their loss in our immediate front must have been over one thousand. We exploded one of their caissons; another was left behind, and over thirty artillery horses lie dead in front of the 48th. There was a general engagement along the line, and I under stand we were successful everywhere. I send you a list of our killed and wounded from the ist of June. Yours, truly, H. PLEASANTS. COMPANY A. Wounded. William Koch, George Betz, serious, John Hugg, Simon Snyder, Elias Linns, Corp. Heckman, J. D. Ash, Samuel Eckroth, Israel Britton. COMPANY B. Wounded. Sergeant Samuel C. Strauch, Sergeant Robert Campbell. WITH THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 193 COMPANY C. Wounded. ist Lieut. P. C. Loeser, 2nd Lieut. William Clark, Patrick Farrell, John Dolan, Thomas Boyle. COMPANY E. Killed. David Williams. Wounded. Daniel Boyer, by cannon ball on breast, severe, Daniel E. Reedy, mortal, Sergeant E. Tosh, serious, John Clemens, Robert Beverage, severe, Patrick Brennan, Chas. Quinn, Albert Cummings. COMPANY F. Killed. Edward G. Pugh, William Smith. Wounded. Sergt. Jas. N. Easton, Corp. Robert D. Paden, George H. Jones, J. Kuhns, W. E. Duffy? severe ; Cyrus Haines, James Bradley, severe; James Hoult, severe. COMPANY G. Killed. Corp. Alexander Govan, Private James Allison. Wounded. Sergt. C. F. Kurntzler, Corp. John Hatton, William Martin. COMPANY H. Killed. Joseph Alexander. J bounded. John C. Benedict, Sergt. Henry Bernsteel, Corp. Henry C. Matthews, Corp. William A. Lloyd, Joseph S. Hays, Anthony O Donnell, James Welsh, William Davis, Edward Metz. COMPANY I. Killed. William J. Price, Benjamin B. Kershner, George Dresh. Wounded. ist Sergt. Oliver Davis, Sergt. Jacob Ongstadt, Corp. E. C. Kehl, severely, Peter Keller, John Clark severe, William Owens, severe, John H. Cooper, J. Willour, severely, William Kramer. COMPANY K. Killed. Jacob Lauby. Wounded. II. W. Hass, Milton Nagle, William G. Keiser, Thomas Hudson. Headquarters 2nd Division, Ninth Army Corps, Woody s House, June 8th, 1864. MAJOR GENERAL A. E. BURNSIDE, Ninth Army Corps : GENERAL: I wish some regiment could be sent to take the place of the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Vols. My line is entirely too weak, and unless more force can be put upon it, it will be endangered by a strong attack. The posi tion of the Forty-eighth is one that should be held by the first division, as it covers nearly the whole of the left and 13 194 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH centre of that line. I have put the second mounted rifles in line, but even with them I have not force enough to fill my single line, and if I am to trust any artillery on that hill the line certainly ought to be strong enough to hold until I can get it out. At present I am not willing to trust any guns there, although I think it would be a great relief to the whole line. I really think my whole division should be relieved, but I do not feel like asking for it without seeing you. Some of my men have been on the skirmish line forty- eight hours without being relieved, and my whole force has Picket Station, Petersburg. been at work all night every night since they have been here, and are getting used up. If the First Division would relieve the Forty-eighth Penna. Vols. and connect with my skirmishers to the left of the Bosher house, it would not only give them no more duty, and would considerably relieve me. Very respectfully your obedient servant, Official Records. ROBT. P. POTTER, Brig. Gcnl. The Ninth Corps, which, during this time, had lost in killed, wounded and missing over seven thousand five hundred men, had done all that had been required of it promptly and gallantly. IN FRONT OF PETERSBURG 195 CHAPTER XIII. In Front of Petersburg General Grant now put into execution the plan he had agreed upon with Gen. Butler. Finding it impossible to get to Richmond by the Peninsular route, another flank movement was put into motion, and the whole army was started for the James River. On the I2th we passed through a little settle ment called Burhamville, crossed a little stream called Diaskin River, and on the I4th crossed the Chickahominy on pontoons, and on the morning of the i6th crossed the James River on a pontoon bridge composed of one hundred and four boats, and were in front of Petersburg on the afternoon of the i6th. On the i6th of June, 1864, the 48th Regiment, after a month s hard fighting in the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, etc., crossed the James River, and about 4 p. m. arrived in front of Petersburg, just in time to see the 7th New York Heavy Artillery Regiment of the 2nd Corps make an unsuccessful assault on the rebel works, in which they lost many men in killed, wounded and prisoners, also losing their colors. About two hours later we were thrown forward in front of the same rebel position to, as we believed, assault the same but instead of doing so, we were led past the front of their position down the bed of a creek until we came to the left, and at an angle of, the enemy s line. About this time it became dark, and we were in an old line of the enemy s works captured, a few days previous, by Butler s colored troops. IN THE PETERSBURG TRENCHES Although we could not now see the rebel position, we- all knew that we were very near them. In fact too near for comfort, so, at about ten o clock and it was as dark as pitch Col. Pleasants ordered Company G and Company B, of which last company Andrew Wren was a sergeant, to cross the creek to the enemy s side to reconnoitre; and, when within about 196 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH fifty yards of their line, they received a volley which spoke vol umes to us. They were ordered to fall back, but before doing so Sergeant Wren, who was on the extreme left of Company B s line, got to within a few feet of the enemy s works, and, seeing men pass along behind and on top of them, he so reported to his captain (Bast), who sent the same information to Col. Pleasants, there being some doubts by all as to The James River whether these men were friends or foes- Wren was ordered forward to find out; and, in company with Jacob Wigner, also of Company B, went to these works, and, leaning over, was just about to ask whose troops these were, when a big Johnnie grabbed the Sergeant by the collar of his blouse, unceremoni ously, and, calling him a Yankee - , made him a IN FRONT OF PETERSBURG 197 prisoner, at the same time also gobbling up Wigner. Wren was at once taken to the centre of the rebel regiment, where their colonel plied him with questions as to what troops he belonged to, whose corps, etc. This was the beginning to Comrade Wren of a period of ten months as prisoner of war, the most of the time being spent at Andersonville, Ga.; his comrade being a younger man and a new recruit, not being so well inured to hardship, soon succumbed and died there. The scenes witnessed by Comrade Wren during these ten months in prison cannot be described; and if they could, the people of to-day would not believe them. The wonder now is that a comrade is still alive who went through these privations, and there is not much doubt but our comrade is very much alive, as the moulders in the upper foundry of the Philadelphia & Reading shops, of Pottsville, can testify, and he is numbered as one of the honored survivors of the 48th Regiment. GATHERING IN THE JOHNNIES About daylight on the i7th, the 48th and the 36th Massa chusetts crossed a swamp in single file, in -perfect, silence, the line formed and joined to that of the second brigade, and, by a quick movement, carried the works in front. It was a com plete surprise; the enemy was driven in confusion, four pieces of artillery and six hundred prisoners were captured. In the charge on the rebel line on the morning of the 1 7th of June, 1864, the 48th Regiment captured the whole line in their front, and had more prisoners to take care of than there were men in the regiment, besides having captured the colors of the 44th Tennessee Rebel Regiment, and the 7th New York captured from them the day before. Our victory was very complete. Just after daylight another advance was made, and we captured two brass field pieces, with the gunners belonging to them, and sent them to the rear. These guns belonged to Pegram s Battery, and the remaining four guns and the men belonging to them were buried at the crater on the 3Oth of July following, the entire battery being thus destroyed by the 48th. 198 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Meade to Grant, June I7th, 1864: "The Qth Corps captured two redoubts, with an advanced work around a house, four guns, four hundred prisoners, and three sets of colors. The Corps deserves great credit for their attack this morning, as they were marching all yesterday and the night before, and had no rest last night, being formed preparatory to attacking." Comrade Reid says: "From June the 4th to the i5th we were continually under fire, always moving to the left; and on the evening of the Principal* 3? nads- .JvCwAKFr Richmond and Petersburg 1 5th, we arrived at the James River, where we received a much needed supply of hard-tack, and with it a bountiful supply of ammunition. On the morning of the i6th bright and early we crossed the pontoon bridge and struck out direct for Petersburg. About noon we passed some dead colored Sergt. P. H. Monaghan, Co. F. IN FRONT OF PETERSBURG 201 troops from Butler s command, who had been killed the day before, the first we had seen of that kind. We arrived in front of the enemy s works at Petersburg at five o clock in the afternoon just as some troops of the Second Corps were making a charge on the enemy. The assault was not suc cessful and our troops lost some prisoners. A little later our regiment was ordered forward out of a strip of woods where we had rested after our hard march; and we formed line of battle directly in front of a small fort with artillery. We all expected we were going to make an assault, but, in place of charging, after we advanced fifty yards out of the woods, we formed column and, getting into a gully through which a small creek ran, we followed it to the right, leaving the enemy to our left. Here darkness came on ; and we were in an abandoned part of the enemy s works. A CHARGE IN THE DARK "At ten o clock that night Companies "G" and "B" were ordered over the little creek to reconnoitre, supported by the rest of the regiment. We deployed as skirmishers and advanced almost to the enemy s works. They gave us a volley, and we were ordered to retire; but, before doing so, "Andy" Wren and a member of Company "B" were taken pris oners. At three o clock on the morning of the i/th, while we were snatching a few moments of sleep in the works, the Colonel came along and informed each company commander that we were going to assault the enemy s works, and were to charge with fixed bayonets; we were also told to remove the caps from our guns so as to insure against any one firing, to attract the notice of the enemy. We also secured our tincups to prevent any rattling. We were then ordered to fix bayonets and to uncap our pieces; then we moved out of the works and crossed the creek again, left in front. After getting the whole regiment over, we silently formed line; then, in utter darkness, ,moved to the right about one hundred yards, when, in a whisper, the command forward was given. Just at this time, some troops on our right opened fire, which the enemy returned at once along their whole line, of which we could see only the flash of their guns. We went at them squarely, right 202 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH into their firing line. Not one of our regiment returned a shot until we reached their works, when there was a short, sharp contest, and the line was ours. I still remember how my heart beat when starting on the charge, but it was for gotten in the glorious rush of the fight. We captured a great many prisoners and sent them to the rear. Amongst the trophies of the fight were the colors of the 44th Tennessee Rebel Regiment captured, and the colors of the 7th New Captain Joseph H. Hoskings, Co. F. First President Survivors Association York Heavy Arillery re-captured; also two pieces of artillery.* "Our regiment lost very heavily in this engagement, and my company, in particular, was very unfortunate in the loss of Lieut. Curtis Pollock, a very capable officer and an excellent man." SPOILS OF WAR Captain Joseph H. Hoskings, of Company "F," Acting Major, says: "I had been acting major of the regiment from the time Maj. Jos. A. Gilmour was wounded up to the i8th of June. *The 44th Tennessee s colors were captured by Robert Reid, of Co. G, and the 7th New York s colors by Sergeant P. H. Monaghan, of Co. F. Both of these gallant fellows have the Congressional medal. IN FRONT OF PETERSBURG 203 We charged the morning of the I7th of June and took 200 prisoners and the colors of the 44th Tennessee, besides re capturing the colors of the 7th New York Heavy Artillery, which they lost the day before; also two cannons, three caissons and their whole line on our front. On the morning of the 1 8th, Gen. John I. Curtin was wounded in the right shoulder. Col. Pleasants took command of the brigade, and I was put in command of the regiment, which I retained until the 3d of August, the day I was wounded through the left chest and left arm, just seventeen days before the expira tion of my commission."* From the Miner s Journal: On the I7th of June a gallant and successful assault of a portion of the enemy s works near Petersburg, Va., was made by the ist Brigade, 2nd Division, pth Army Corps, of which the 48th Regiment formed part. During the charge the regi ment re-captured the colors of the 7th New York Regiment, of 2nd Corps, which had been captured by the enemy the day previously while on a charge, also, the rebel colors of the 44th Tennessee Regiment. The brigade took 1.170 prisoners and two pieces of artillery. The casualties of the regiment in this charge were as follows: COMPANY A. Wounded. Elias Britton, mortally; John Holman, John McLean, John Cochran, William Huckey, John H. Shaffer, Joel Lins. COMPANY B. Wounded. Sergt. R, Campbell, Corp. James Rider. Missing. Corp. A. Wren, Jacob Wigner. *Captain Hoskings was a thorough military man. Before the war he was a member of the Minersville Artillery, from 1848 until 1653, then he was orderly sergeant of the Ringgold Rifles up to 1857, when he was elected their captain, and his Company F in the 48th was, in a large measure, made up from that command. In the three months service he served under Col. Oakford, of Scranton, in the I5th Penn sylvania Regiment, as first lieutenant of the Curtin Guards, of Centre County, Lieut. Nichols, of Company G, and he raised the United States flag on the Court House at Martinsburg, Va., on the 4th of July, 1861. 204 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH COMPANY C. Wounded Sergt. H. Weiser. COMPANY D. Wounded. Lieut. J. Helms, severe; Corp. Jacob Deitrich, severe; L. Deitrich, severe; J. D. Casper, Joseph Berlinger, severe. COMPANY E. Killed. John Major. Wounded. William Rasons, severe; Thomas Clemens, severe; James Regan, severe; James M>ercer, severe; R. B. Thompson, severe. COMPANY F. Killed. H. F. Straub, Isaac Lewis. Wounded. Murt Brennan, Pat Boran, Corp. Robert Wallace, E. L. Shisskr. COMPANY G. Missing. Mike La veil, William Auchenback. Wounded. Lieut. C. C. Pollock, severe; Howard Jones, severe; Joshua Reed, severe. COMPANY H. Killed. George W. Morey, Jefferson W. Beyerle, James Mulholland, Anthony Gallagher. Wounded. Lieut. D. B. Brown, Charles Eberle, Lewis Aurand, Jonathan Dillet. COMPANY I. Wounded. Lieut. Joseph Edwards, severely; Frank E. Ringer, William Kramer, severe. COMPANY K. Killed. Nathan Rich. Wounded. Sergt, Thomas Irwin, severe; John Gillinger, Oliver W. Schwartz, David Houser. The following were the casualties on the following day, the i 8th: COMPANY A. Wounded. Henry Schreyer, Francis M. Stidham, severe; James W. Sterner, William Dreibelbeis, Joseph Dreibelbeis. COMPANY C. Wounded. Gilbert Graham. COMPANY D. Wounded. Joseph Lindemuth, severe. IN FRONT OF PETERSBURG 205 COMPANY F. Killed. Simon Devlin. COMPANY H. Killed. Thomas Davis. COMPANY I. Wounded. Corp. Benjamin Williams, Chris. Seward, Samuel T. DeFrehn, severely; Jacob Reichwein, Charles R. Koch, severely. COMPANY K. Killed. Arthur L. Gray. Meade to Burnside, June I7th, 1864: It affords me great satisfaction to congratulate you and your gallant corps on the assault this morning, knowing the wearied condition of your men from the night march of over twenty-two miles, and the continual movement this last night ; their persistence and success is highly creditable. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, JUNE 22, 1864. ADJUTANT GENERAL OF THE ARMY: SIR : I have the honor herewith to transmit four flags, captured from the enemy during the operations before Petersburg by troops of the Ninth Army Corps. The flag of the Forty-fourth Tennessee Regiment was taken by the Forty-eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. Your obedient servant, GEORGE G. MEADE, General Commanding. Official Records. HEAVY LOSSES The loss in our command in this assault was seventy-five killed and wounded. Amongst the killed I call to mind par ticularly a young boy from Minersville, named Horace Straub, who in a conversation with the writer the evening before the assault had a presentiment of his death, saying that in the attack to be made in the morning he felt certain he would be amongst the killed. In the assault that followed his present iments were verified. He fell at the first discharge. Another instance comes forcibly to my mind, that of 200 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Isaac Lewis, who was killed at this time, and it was reported and vouched for, that directly opposite to the spot where Lewis was killed on our line a rebel soldier was shot in their line, and each killed the other. Sergeant W. J. Wells, of Company F, says: "After the capture of the rebel line on the morning of the 1 7th, by the 2nd Division of the pth Corps, commanded by General Potter, Colonel Curtin commanding the ist and Colonel Griffin the 2nd Brigades, efforts to re-capture the line were made by the enemy, which, though not successful, resulted in almost continuous firing all along the line through out the day; not accompanied by much loss, however, as our troops were well protected by using the reverse of the enemy s old line as a breastwork. Batteries were rapidly brought from the rear and placed in prominent positions for the support of the division. "General Burnside now determined to continue his success of the 1 7th by advancing his ist and 3rd Divisions on the morning of the i8th, the 2nd Division, ours, to act in support. Accordingly, at clay-dawn, the attacking columns moved forward, the 2nd in support of the 3rd Division. As the battle developed, the 48th (a part of the ist Brigade) found itself in front of what was afterwards designated, "Elliott s Salient," with a deep railroad cut between them and the enemy, who were in position in front of the Salient and near the cut. Led by the gallant Curtin, we made a vigorous charge down to, and across the cut, through a ravine beyond, driving the rebels before us, almost into their works. The point gained was nearer the main line of the enemy than that secured by any other portion of the army. Finding their position too strong to assail successfully, the line halted, and immediately com menced to fortify. The 48th continued to hold this position until after the successful explosion of their mine on July 3Oth. General Curtin having been seriously wounded in this charge, Colonel Henry Pleasants took command of the brigade, and Captain Joseph H. Hoskings that of the regiment." IN FRONT OF PETERSBURG HOLDING THE LINES 207 General Burnside, in his report of these operations, said: "No better fighting has been done during the war than was done by the divisions of Generals Potter and Wilcox during the attack," while General Potter (Robert B.) in concluding his report of the operations of the 2nd Division from the Wilderness, to and including the investment of Petersburg, says as follows: "From the iQth of June to the 2Qth of July, nothing very marked occurred, each day being a repetition of the preceding. During the fifth epoch, (from June I2th to the 2Qth) my losses were: 173 killed; 744 wounded, and 22 missing; total, 939. During the entire period, from May 5th to June 29th, 1864, inclusive, embraced in the foregoing report, the losses in action in the division, were 542 killed: 2,505 wounded, and 384 missing; a total of 3,431." 208 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH CHAPTER XIV. The Petersburg Mine Skirmishing took place daily. Some of the collisions were pretty heavy, and the list of killed and wounded \vas enormous. These encounters were for the purpose of gaining ground to straighten the line now encircling Petersburg. Directly opposite the position occupied by the second division of the Ninth Corps, the enemy had constructed a strong redoubt, a short distance below the crest of Cemetery Hill. To carry this position by a direct assault would require a terrible sacrifice of life. THE MINE PROPOSED Official Records. HEADQUARTERS 2ND Div. pxn ARMY CORPS, JUNE 24TH, 1864. MAJOR GENERAL JNO. G. PARKE, Chief of Staff pth Army Corps: GENERAL : Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pleasants, of the Forty-eighth Penna. Veteran Volunteers, commanding First Brigade, has called upon me to express his opinion of the feasibility of mining the enemy s work in my front. Colonel Pleasants was a mining engineer in charge of some of the principal works of Schuylkill County, Penna. He has in his command upwards of eighty-five enlisted men and four teen commissioned officers who are professional miners. The distance from inside our work, where the mine would have to be started, to inside of enemy s work, does not exceed one hundred yards. He is of the opinion that they could run a mine forward at the rate of twenty-five to fifty feet per day, including supports, ventilation, and so on. A few miners picks, which I am informed could be made by any blacksmith from the ordinary ones ; a few handbarrows, easily constructed ; one or two mathematical instruments, which would be supplied by the engineer department, and THE PETERSBURG MINE 209 the ordinary entrenching tools, are all that are required. The men themselves have been talking about it, and are quite desirous, seemingly, of trying it. If you desire to see Col. Pleasants I will ride over with him or send him up to you. R. B. POTTER, Brig. Gcnl. June 30th, 1864, pth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. A. E. Burnside 2nd Div., Brig. Gen. R. B. Potter; 1st Brigade, Lt. Col. H. Pleasants; 48th Penna. Yols., Captain Jos. H. Hoskings. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES, CITY POINT, VA., JULY 3RD, 1864. LIEUT. COL. PLEASANTS: In order to be enabled to have a clear judgment of the progress of the mining work in front of General Burnside s rifle-pits, I would like to be furnished with : First. A rough longitudinal section made after a certain scale through our works neighboring the mine, through the mine gallery, and through the enemy s works, to be attacked by the mine. This section with all important numbers inscribed, will show, besides profiles of the mine gallery entrance with reference to our own defense line ; the arrangement of the entrance, whether by shaft or by an incline gallery, etc., the height of the gallery in both the places not framed and such as are supplied with frames ; the length of the intended gallery; its depth under the natural horizon near the entrance, and near the powder chamber, and finally the location length, and height of the latter. Second. A profile of the gallery showing its width in framed and unframed places and the width of the powder chamber. Third, (a) When was the mining work begun? (state day and hour.) (b) Has it been continued night and day without any interruption, and how many men were and are engaged on it at the same time? (c) When will the gallery be finished? Fourth. What kind of soil is probably to be expected around the powder chamber? 210 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Fifth. What is the intended weight of the charge, and Avhat is the expected diameter of the crater measured on its surface? Sixth. By what means shall the mine be fired, sup posed that it shall be fired as soon as possible and with the least loss of time? Seventh. What means shall be used for tamping the mine, and at what length shall this be done? Eighth. Where shall the standpoint be of the miner firing the charge? Ninth. At what time in the day shall the mine be fired? Tenth. What measures are premeditated by the engi neer department in accordance with the commanding General to secure the possession of the crater affected by the mine and to facilitate its defense? The questions above should be answered without delay and as shortly as possible, only with reference to its numbers, i. e., answers to 3rd, a, b, c, etc. J. G. BARNARD, Brig. Gen. Chief Eng. U. S. Armies in the Field. THE MINE AS PLANNED HEADQUARTERS 48 PENNA. VET. VOLS. NEAR PETERSBURG, VA., JULY 7x11, 1864. BRIG. GEN. J. G. BARNARD: Answer to question 2nd: The gallery or tunnel is supported by props along its whole length at a distance from each other ranging from three to thirty feet, according to the nature of the roof. When the tunnel reaches a point immediately underneath the enemy s breast-works it is proposed to drive two galleries, each about one hundred feet in length, whose position will be immedi ately underneath the enemy s breast-works and fort. Answer to question 3 (a) : At 12 m. on the 25th of June, 1864. (b) The mining has been carried on without interruption since it was begun. There are 210 men employed every twenty-four hours, but only two can mine at a time at the extremities of the work, (c) The tunnel will reach the enemy s work in about seven or eight days. THE PETERSBURG MINE 211 Answer to question 4: Sandy soil. Answers to questions 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 still under consideration. The mine is ventilated by means of an air shaft, with a furnace to rarify the air and boxes to carry the gases from the interior of the gallery to the shaft. HENRY PLEASANTS, Lieut. Col. 48th Pa. Regt. Rebellion Records. HEADQUARTERS QTH ARMY CORPS, JULY 28TH, 1864, 1.45 A. M. GEN L. HUMPHREYS: Before the dispatch of the com manding General could be communicated to Col. Pleasants the charges had all been placed, and the tamping had progressed so far that he deems it best to keep on, as the present stage would not serve to keep the mine dry any more than if tamping were finished, besides, the air in the mine is, for some reason, becoming very bad, so much so that it makes it difficult for the men to work. He, as well as the miners, say the powder will keep dry for a week. Shall he keep on? A. E. BURNSIDE, Major General. MEASURES FOR ASSAULT Extract from Orders, July 2Qth, 1864. Official records: "8. At 3.30 in the morning of the 3Oth, Major General Burnside will spring his mine, and his assaulting columns will immedately move upon the breach, seize the crest in the rear, and effect a lodgment there. "He will be followed by Major General Ord, who will support him on the right, directing his movement to the crest indicated, and by Major General Warren, who will support him on the left. Upon the explosion of the mine the artillery of all kinds in battery will open these points of the enemy s works whose fire covers the ground over which the columns must move, care being taken to avoid impeding the progress of the troops. "Special instructions respecting the direction of fire will be issued through the chief of artillery. 212 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH "10. Promptitude, rapidity of execution, and cordial co-operation are essential to success, and the commanding General is confident that this indication of his expectations will insure the hearty efforts of the Commanders and troops. "By command of MAJOR GENERAL MEADE." "Promptitude and rapidity of execution" were lacking, and the result was a dismal failure. As early as the 2ist of June Lieut. Col. Henry Pleasants, of the 48th, then in command of the 1st Brigade, conceived the idea of excavating a mine underneath this fort which so temptingly loomed up in his front and of opening up the enemy s line by means of an explosion. On the 24th he stated his plans to Gen. Potter, who, in turn, proposed it to Gen. Burnside. At a subsequent interview with Generals Burnside and Potter, in which Col. Pleasants fully presented his views, it was decided to attempt the execution of his designs, and he was ordered to proceed with his work. "It was commenced," says Col. Pleasants in his official report, "at 12 m., the 25th of June, 1864, without tools, lumber or any of the materials requisite for such work." IMPROVISED TOOLS The committee on the conduct of the war, Volume I, pages i and 2, say that "Lieut. Col. Pleasants labored under disadvantages in the successful accomplishment of this im portant work, which would have deterred a man of less energy. It was not merely the evident lack of faith in the success of the enterprise shown by all officers of high rank, except his division and corps commanders, but the lack of faith was accompanied by an entire failure to furnish the assistance and implements necessary to the success of the undertaking within a reasonable time. The testimony of Col. Pleasants shows that he had to dig and toil with only the men of his own regiment, that the dirt had to be carried out in cracker boxes, slung on poles for lack of wheelbarrows, that he was refused the use of an instrument at headquarters wherewith to make the necessary triangulations, but that THE PETERSBURG MINE 213 Gen. Burnside had to send to Washington for an old-fashioned theodolite. Gen. Meade and Maj. Duane, ^chief engineer of the Army of the Potomac, said the thing could not be done ; that it was "all clap-trap and nonsense, that such a length of mine had never been excavated in military operations, and could not be." Colonel Pleasants official report continues: "The mining picks were made out of those used by our pioneers; plank I obtained at first by tearing down a rebel bridge and after wards by sending to a saw mill five or six miles distant. The material excavated was carried out in hand-barrows, con structed of cracker boxes. The work progressed rapidly until the 2nd of July, when it reached extremely wet ground; the timbers gave way, and the roof and floor of the mine nearly met. I retimbered it and started again. From this point I had to excavate a stratum of marl, the consistency of putty, which caused our progress to be very slow." DIFFICULTIES AND PERSEVERANCE "To avoid this, I started an inclined plane, and, in about one hundred feet, raised thirteen and one-half feet perpendicu lar. On the 1 7th of July, the main gallery was completed, being five hundred and ten and eight-tenths feet in length. The enemy having obtained information of the mine, and having commenced searching for it, I was ordered to stop operations, which were, however, recommenced on the i8th of July by starting the left lateral gallery. At 6 p. m., July i8th, I started the right lateral gallery, but, as the enemy could be plainly heard working over us in the Fort, I caused this gallery to be excavated a little beyond and to the rear of their works, and gave it a curved line of direction. The left lateral gallery being thirty-seven feet long, was stopped at midnight July 22d; the right gallery being thirty-eight feet long, was stopped at 6 p. m., July 23d. The mine could have been charged and exploded at this time, but I employed the men from that date in draining, timbering and placing the magazines in position. The mine was ventilated, at first, by having the fresh air go in along the main gallery as far as ! ICO SO 60 40 20 100 SCO 300 400 Feet. Horizontal Scale Plan. THE PETERSBURG MINE 215 it was excavated, and return charged with all the gases liberated from the ground and generated in the mine in a square tube made of boards, whose area was sixty inches. This tube led to a perpendicular shaft twenty-two feet high, out of which the vitiated air escaped. At the bottom of this shaft a grating was placed on which a fire was kept continually burning, which, by heating the air, rarified it and increased its current. Afterward I caused the fresh air to be led in the above-mentioned tube to the end of the work and the vitiated air to return by the gallery and out at the shaft, placing a partition to prevent its exit by the entrance of the mine. The latter plan was the better, because the gases had to travel a less distance in the mine before they left it than before. "The mine was excavated by the enlisted men of the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment. As the excavation progressed the number required to carry out the earth increased, until, at last, it took nearly every enlisted man in the regiment, which consisted of nearly four hundred men. The whole amount of material excavated was eighteen thousand cubic feet. The great difficulty to encounter was to obtain the exact distance from the entrance of the mine to the enemy s works, and the course of these works. This was accomplished by making five separate triangulations with a theodolite and taking their mean. The triangulations were made in our most advanced line of works, and within one hundred and thirty- three yards of the enemy s line of sharpshooters. THE POWDER PLACED "Having received the order to charge our mine on the 27th of July, I commenced putting in the powder at 4 p. m. and finished at 10 p. m." The lights used while putting in the powder were bulls-eye lanterns, one of which is now in possession of the writer. "The charge consisted of three hundred and twenty kegs of powder, each containing twenty- five pounds four tons. It was placed in eight magazines, connected by wooden tubes, half filled with powder. These tubes met from the lateral galleries at the inside end of the main gallery, and from this point I placed three lines of fuses 216 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH for a distance of ninety-eight feet. Not having fuses as long as required two pieces had to be spliced together to make the requisite length of each of the lines. The tamping, which consisted of bags of earth, was begun at 10 p. m., July 2/th, and completed at 6 p. m., July 28th. Thirty-four feet of main gallery was tamped and ten feet of the entrance of each of the lateral galleries, but the space between the magazines was left clear of tamping. I received orders from corps head- Lieut. Douty, Co. K. quarters on the 2Qth of July to fire the mine at half-past three, and July 3Oth I lit the fuse at a quarter past three a. m., and having waited until a quarter past four without any explosion having taken place, Sergeant Harry Reese, of Company F, accompanied by Lieut. Jacob Douty, of Company K, volun teered to go in the mine and ascertain the cause of the delay. It was found that the fire had stopped where the fuse had been spliced. They were re-lighted, and at sixteen minutes of five a. m. the powder exploded. The size of the crater formed by the explosion was two hundred feet long, fifty feet wide THE PETERSBURG MINE 217 and twenty-five feet deep. I stood on the top of our breast works and witnessed the effect of the explosion on the enemy. It so completely paralyzed them, that the breadth of the breach, instead of being only two hundred feet, was practically four or five hundred yards. The rebel troops in the forts, both right and left of the explosion, ran away, and for over an hour, as well as I could judge, not a shot was fired by their artillery." The work was divided into "shifts," and these were in charge of trusty men who had had experience in the mines and management of this class of work. They all reported progress to Col. Pleasants, so that complete harmony pre vailed to its completion. The assault failed of success, and the losses to the Union forces were heavy, being about 5,000 in killed, wounded and missing. Our dead and wounded lay in our front until August ist, when the dead were buried and the wounded brought within our lines. Permission was asked from the rebel authorities on the morning of the day after the assault to perform this duty, but it was inhumanly refused. The dead were buried in a large ditch in front of our line. FAILURE OF THE ASSAULT The fourth division of the Ninth Corps, composed of colored troops, had been selected and specially drilled to lead the assault upon the crater after the explosion; but this arrangement having been abandoned prior to the explosion, General Ledlie s first division of that corps was selected for that purpose. Probably at no other time during the war was there a better opportunity for a successful operation and ending of the war than at the* springing of the mine in front of Petersburg July 30, 1864. July 3 ist, 1864. 9th Army Corps, Major General A. E. Burnside; 2nd Div., Brig. General Robert B. Potter; ist Brigade, Col. Zenas R. Bliss ; 48th Penna. Vols. Lt. Col. H. Pleasants. Notwithstanding the adverse circumstances at the outset, Col. Pleasants had the whole mine, lateral galleries and all, ready to put in the powder, on the 23d of July, 1864. With proper tools and instruments it could have been done in one- In Front of Petersburg THE PETERSBURG MINE 219 third of the time. The greatest delay was occasioned by the work of taking the material out. This had to be carried the whole length of the gallery, which was 510 feet long. Every night the pioneers of the 48th Regiment were obliged to cut brush to cover the fresh dirt at the mouth of the mine; otherwise the enemy could have observed it from outlooks inside of his lines. GENERAL BURNSIDE S PLAN When the mine was ready for the explosives Gen. Meade requested Gen. Burnside to submit a plan of attack. This was done in a letter dated July 26, 1864, in which Gen. Burn- side said: "It is altogether probable that the enemy is cognizant of the fact that we are mining, because it is men tioned in their papers, and they have been heard at work on what are supposed to be shafts in close proximity to our galleries. But the rain of night before last has, no doubt, much retarded their work. We have heard no sound of workmen in them either yesterday or to-day; and nothing is heard by us in the mine but the ordinary sounds of work on the surface above. This morning we had some apprehension that the left lateral gallery was in danger of caving in from the weight of the battery above it and the shock of their firing. But all pos sible precautions have been taken to strengthen it, and pre serve it intact. The placing of the charge in the mine will not involve the necessity of making a noise. It is therefore probable that we will escape discovery if the mine is to be used within two or three days. It is nevertheless important, in my opinion, that the mine should be exploded at the earliest possible moment consistent with the general interests of the campaign. "My plan would be to explode the mine just before day light in the morning or at five o clock in the evening, to mass the two brigades of the colored division in rear of my first line in column of division double-columns close in mass the head of each brigade resting on front line, and as soon as the explosion takes place, move them forward, with in structions for the division to take half distance, and as soon - 220 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH as the leading regiments of the two brigades pass through the gap in the enemy s line, the leading regiments of the right brigade to come into line perpendicular to the enemy s line by the right companies on the right into line, wheel the left companies on the right into line, and proceed at once down the line of the enemy s works as rapidly as possible; and the leading regiment of the left brigade to execute the reverse movement to the left, moving up the enemy s line. The re mainder of the columns to move directly towards the crest in front as rapidly as possible, diverging in such a way as to enable them to deploy into column of regiments, the right column making as nearly as possible for Cemetery Hill; these columns to be followed by the other divisions of the corps as soon as they can be thrown in. This would involve the neces sity of relieving these divisions by other troops before the movement, and of holding columns of other troops in readi ness to take our places on the crest in case we gain it and sweep down it. It would, in my opinion, be advisable, if we succeeded in gaining the crest, to throw the colored division into the town. There is a necessity for the co-operation, at least in the way of artillery, by the troops on our right and left. Of the extent of this you will necessarily be the judge. I think our chances of success, in a plan of this kind, are more than even. I propose to put in each of the eight magazines from twelve hundred to fourteen hundred pounds of powder; the magazines to be connected by a trough of powder instead of a fuse. I would suggest that the powder train be parked in a woods near our ammunition train, about a mile in rear of this place. Lieut. Col. Pierce, Chief Quartermaster, will furnish Captain Strang with a guide to the place. I also beg to request that Gen. Benham be instructed to send us at once eight thousand sand-bags, to be used for tamping and other purposes." A CORRESPONDENT S DESCRIPTION OF THE MINE The following letter from a correspondent of the New York Herald, is a narrative of the commencement and progress of the mine: THE PETERSBURG MINE 221 NINTH -ARMY CORPS, BEFORE PETERSBURG, VA., JULY 27, 1864. No feature of the siege of Petersburg has been more interest ing, and no undertaking more important, than the construction of the mine under the rebel fortifications. So extensive had been this work, so difficult the obstructions overcome, so complimentary its success to the genius and perseverance of our soldiers, that more than a passing notice is due to it. After the investment of the city, about the 2Oth of June last, when our further approach was disputed by the formidable character of the rebel works, our officers began to look about them for the means of accomplishing, with the least possible sacrifice of life, what then would have required the most desperate and bloody valor on the part of our troops, viz: the successful assault of these works. The expedient of a mine originated with Lieut. Col. Pleasants. of the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment. Not that others did not think of it; but by most of our engineers the idea was not entertained. The distance between our first line and the nearest important rebel fort was over four hundred feet too long to hope for success when all the difficulties to be encountered in the way of quicksands, underground marshes, and discovery by the enemy, were taken into consideration. Col. Pleasants, however, cherished the idea. The rebel fort loomed temptingly up in front of his line, and being a man of considerable natural energy, and possessed of much practical experience in mining operations, and knowing that he would be ably supported by his regiment, which is mostly composed of miners from Schuylkill County, the coal region of Pennsylvania, he, with permission, commenced operations. The Colonel had been engaged in the mining business in his native State previous to the outbreak of the rebellion. The work was commenced on the 25th of June last as previously stated. Such was the secrecy with which it was conducted that for a long time the project was unknown even to those at whose side it was going on. It is true that reports were in circulation of a mine, but nobody could speak certainly of the matter. So much doubt was there, indeed that for a time it was disbelieved that any such undertaking was on foot. One soldier in the breast works, by whose side a ventilating shaft emerged, told his comrades in the most suprised manner, that "there was a lot of fellows under him a doing something; he knew there was, for he could hear em talk." To guard against indiscretion on the part of the pickets, to prevent any meeting of our soldiers with the rebels, whereat the secret of the mine might be boastingly or imprudently disclosed, our pickets were ordered to fire continually. Hence the never-ending fusilade on the front of the Qth Corps, so incomprehensible to the other corps, and which was often referred to in newspaper paragraphs. The enemy, doubtless, suspected at first that the undermining was going on, but 222 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH when several weeks elapsed without any demonstration their suspicions began to vanish, especially as their engineers must have thought the plan unfeasible. The progress of the work was necessarily very slow, and it was not until the 25th instant just one month after inception that it was completed. At the outset one of the most important points was to ascertain the exact distance and bearing of the rebel fort. Working under ground is literally working in the dark. By that particular pro cess of surveying called "triangulation" these were arrived at. To be more explicit: distances were laid off upon the ground behind our works. From these lines as bases, and with the angles formed by lines extending in the direction of the fort, a simple geometrical problem was formed, the solution of which gave the required distance. Five different trinagulations gave a result of five hundred and ten feet. The excava tion was commenced in the side of the hill whereon our exterior line of works runs. The tunnel, or, to use the technical term, "gallery," is about four and a half feet high, nearly as many feet wide at the bottom, and two feet wide at the top. The usual army pick was not suited to the work, as its flukes were too broad to permit their swinging in the tunnel. This difficulty was easily overcome by filing down the flukes to the size of the regular mining pick. Water was met with not far from the entrance, and for a time gave no little trouble. The floor, however, was planked, and the sides and ceiling shored up. A quicksand was met with, and, to obviate it, the range of the tunnel was curved upward, so that the latter half was several feet higher than at the entrance. The oozing of the water formed mud in several places, so that the regiment came from their daily labors bespattered and stained. In fact, it was easy during the past month to recognize a 48th man by his muddy boots. The earth, as fast as excavated, was conveyed in handbarrows, made of cracker boxes or half barrels, to the mouth, where it was emptied into bags, which were afterwards used on the top of the breastworks. In this manner no betraying accumulation of earth took place. The ventilation of the tunnel was most ingeniously effected. Just within our exterior line of works a shaft was sunk to the side of the tunnel, at its junction with which a fire-place was built, with a grating opening into the gallery. One end of a series of tubes made of pine boards, was inserted through the earth into this fire-place, where, as the air became rarified and ascended, it created a "suction" or draft in the tubes connecting with the gallery. As fast as the tunnel progressed, additional tubing was jointed on, and followed the workmen step by step. The smoke from the fire could not, of course, be concealed; but, to withdraw attention from it, fires were kept burning at various points along the line. The lighting of the tunnel was effected simply by placing candles or lanterns along the walls at a distance of about twenty feet apart. THE PETERSBURG MINE 22:j At length the end was reached, and the triangulation was abun- dantly verified by the noises overhead. The nailing of timber and planks could be distinctly heard, and left no doubt that the men were directly beneath the rebel fort. The enemy were evidently making a flooring for their artillery. As near as could be ascertained, the distance from the tunnel to the fort was twenty feet. After it was sufficiently evident that a point directly under the fort was reached, the construction of the mine was commenced. The angle of the fort projects toward our lines, and under this angle the tunnel diverged into two galleries, each running as near as could be ascertained, under each side. It was the intention to make the mine consist of eight magazines, placed at intervals along these branch gal leries, so that the entire length of the fort might be blown up, in place of one spot. The mines are eight in number four in either blanch gallery. In some cases they are built in niches, and again right across the tunnel. They are two by two, and the explosion will result in four craters, tangent or intersecting each other. The explosion of the magazines will be effected through tubes of pine wood, six inches square, lialf filled with powder. They run along the bottom "of the tunnel, and enter the magazine through openings made for them. Between each pair of magazines and over the tubing is the "tamping" of sand bags and logs. The tubes extend only one hundred feet from the mine ; thence they are connected with the mouth of the tunnel by fuses, the regular "sure fire" coal mining fuses of Pennsylvania being procured especially for the purpose. The mine was charged to-day. The quantity of powder used was six tons! Pause, and think of it. Six tons, twelve thousand pounds! Imagine eight dry goods boxes (the magazines resemble them in size or shape) filled with powder, and you will have an idea of the mine. What a terrific spectacle is in store for us. The following is an account of the explosion : HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, IN FRONT OF PETERSBURG, SUNDAY, JULY 31. The main feature of yesterday s operations was the blowing up of a rebel fort early in the morning, within three-quarters of a mile of Petersburg, to the southeast of that place, which is described as a scene of most terrific grandeur. The fort had been undermined at the distance of 500 feet by a shaft, under the superintendence of Lieut. Col. Pleasants, of the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment, who is a practical miner. The fort was occupied at the time of the explosion by four companies of the i8th South Carolina Regiment with six 12-pounders brass cannon, gun-carriages, caissons, heavy ammunition, etc. 224 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH The cross chamber of the shaft running along under the fort at a depth of some twenty feet, was charged at three different points, centre and each end, with in all about ten thousand pounds of blasting powder. The first attempt to touch off the mine failed, on account of some defect in the fuse, caused by dampness, which delayed operations an hour or two. This defect being remedied, the fatal match was applied, and up went, with a jarring, dull thud, an oblong acre or more of ground, in three distinct earth-spouts, to a distance of a hundred feet or so, mingled with the guns, gun-carriages and caissons, and the mangled forms of the gunners, all coming down in a common sepulchre, men and machinery being buried, from a partial covering to a depth of twenty feet. The explosion has left a deep oblong excavation, some hundred yards long and fifty wide, which is called the "crater." Our troops subsequently charged, but it was after a delay caused by the change of plan. It was too late. The enemy recovered from the panic into which they had been thrown by the explosion, rallied to their guns, and poured upon our advancing lines such a withering fire, that they were repulsed. The golden opportunity was lost through the fatal action of a general officer. There were some interesting incidents preceding the explosion. Four o clock in the morning of the eventful day found Colonel Pleasants with watch in hand, mounted on our earthworks, waiting for the grand explosion. Anxious with excitement he waited, for the fuse had been lighted by his own hand, and a few seconds would prove the truth or incor rectness of his theory. The time for the explosion had passed, when Lieut. J. Douty and Sergeant H. Reese, of the 48th, volunteered to enter the gallery and ascertain the cause of the delay. The fuse which was ninety-eight feet in length, was extinguished. Fifty feet had been burned, but the remainder was intact. A knife being necessary, Sergeant Reese hurried to the entrance, and, obtaining one, returned. Everything was finally adjusted. At 4.30 the fuse is again lighted, and the men in the trenches clench their guns with a tighter grasp, and await the explosion. Five minutes passed, and all remains silent. The rebels in the fort, unconscious of their doom, sleep on; the sun, as if anxious to witness the spectacle, mounts the horizon, and at that moment the earth ?5Af4 K^\. 0. IV:J if , .j^jj ** 226 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH heaves and trembles as if shaken by an earthquake. An instant and then a terrific explosion; huge masses of earth, lifted as a child would toss a marble, men, cannon, caissons, limbers, forges, guns and timbers are belched forth high in air, and descend with a heavy "thud," a shapeless, chaotic mass. CONFEDERATE ARTILLERYMEN DESTROYED It is doubtful whether any of the occupants of the fort made their escape from death or capture. Numbers were doubtless engulfed in the yawning crater when the huge mass descended, and if alive, were so deeply entombed as to render extrication impossible. Shapeless masses, once men, were found in the debris, and some were found half buried, and were dug out with bayonets, sticks and swords. An officer, while sitting in the ruins, resting his hand on the loose earth blown up by the explosion, fancied that he discovered a motion beneath. Taking a piece of board, he explored the dirt, and in a moment uncovered the face of a rebel who had been buried in the ruins. He was uninjured, although nearly suffocated by his premature burial. The crater formed by the explosion was oblong in shape, about one hundred and fifty feet in length and twenty-five in width. The destruction of the fort was complete. Four companies of the 1 8th South Carolina Regiment, with a portion of another, were buried in the debris. OBJECTIONS MADE TO AN ASSAULT BY COLORED TROOPS With a view of making the attack a certain success, the division of colored troops, under Gen. Ferrero, had been drilling for several weeks, Gen. Burnside thinking that they were in better condition to head a charge than either of the white divisions. They had not been in any very active service. On the other hand, the white troops had performed very arduous duties since the beginning of the campaign, and before Petersburg had been in such close proximity to the enemy that no man could raise his head above the parapet without being fired at. They had been in the habit of using every possible means for covering themselves from the enemy s fire. THE PETERSBURG MINE 227 Gen. Meade objected to the use of the colored troops, on the ground, as he stated, that they were a new division and had never been under fire; while this was an operation requiring the very best of troops. Gen. Burnside, however, insisted upon his programme, and the question was referred to Gen. Grant, who confirmed Gen. Meade s views, although he subsequently said in his evidence before the committee on the conduct of the war: "Gen. Burnside wanted to put his colored division in front, and I believe if he had done so it would have been a success. Still, I agreed with Gen. Meade as to his objection to that plan. Gen. Meade said that if we put the colored troops in front (we had only one division) and it should prove a failure, it would be said, and very properly, that we were shoving these people ahead to get killed, because we did not care about them. But that could not be said if we put the white troops in." The mine was charged with only eight thousand pounds of powder, instead of the fourteen thousand pounds asked for, the amount having been reduced by order of Gen. Meade; and, while awaiting the decision of Gen. Grant on the question of the colored troops, precise orders for making and supporting the attack were issued by Gen. Meade. In the afternoon of July the 2Qth, Generals Potter and Wilcox met together at Gen. Burnside s headquarters to talk over the plans of the attack, based upon the idea that the colored troops should lead the charge, and, while there, the message was received from Gen. Meade, stating that Gen. Grant disapproved of that plan, and that Gen. Burnside must detail one of his white divisions to take the place of the colored division. This was the first break in the original plan. There was then scarcely twelve hours, and half of that at night, in which to make this change, and no possible time in which the white troops could be familiarized with the duties expected of them. Gen. Ledlie s division, the ist, was selected to lead the attack. He received special instructions from Gen. Burnside, and proceeded to his brigade commanders to acquaint them of the change in affairs, and to ascertain the way to the point 228 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH of attack. This was not accomplished until after dark on the evening before the mine was to be exploded. The order of attack, as proposed by Gen. Burnside, was also changed, by order of Gen. Meade, with the approval of Gen. Grant. In stead of moving down to the right and left of the crater of the mine, for the purpose of driving the enemy from their entrench ments, and removing to that extent the danger of flank at tacks, Gen. Meade directed that the troops should push at once for the crest of Cemetery Hill. The approaches to the Union line of entrenchments, at this particular point, were so well covered by the fire of the enemy that they were cut up into a net-work of covered ways almost as puzzling as the catacombs of Rome. Reservoir Hill, Petersburg Upon Gen. Ledlie s return from the front orders were issued, and the division was formed at midnight. Shortly afterwards it was advanced through the covered ways, and .was in position some time before daybreak, behind the Union breastworks, and immediately in front of the enemy s fort, which was to be blown up. The orders were that Ledlie s division should advance first, pass over the enemy s works, and charge to Cemetery Hill, four hundred yards to the right, and approached by a slope" comparatively free of obstacles; the 3rd Division (Wilcox s), as soon as the ist Division should leave the works, was to advance to the left of Ceme tery Hill, so as to protect the left flank of the first division ; and the 2nd Division (Potter s), was to move in the same way THE PETERSBURG MINE 229 to the right of Cemetery Hill. The Ninth Corps being out of the way, it was intended that the Fifth and the Eighteenth Corps should pass through and follow up the movement. A NIGHT OF WAITING At 3.30 a. m., Ledlie s division was in position! the 2d Brigade Col. Marshall, in front, and that of Gen. W. F. Bart- lett, the 1st, behind it; the men and officers were in a feverish state of expectancy, the majority of them having been awake all night! Daylight slowly came; and still they stood with every nerve strained, prepared to move forward the instant the order should be given. Four o clock arrived; officers and men began to get nervous, having been on their feet four hours; still, the mine had not been exploded. It was at this time that Gen. Ledlie directed Maj. H. Powell, aide-de-camp on his staff, to go to Gen. Burnside and report that the command had been ready to move since 3:30 a. m. and to inquire the cause of the delay of the explosion. Maj. Powell found Gen. Burnside in rear of the 14-Gun Battery; delivered his message; and was told by the General that there was some trouble with the fuse; but that an officer had gone into the mine to ignite it again; and that the explo sion would soon take place. 230 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH CHAPTER XV. The Explosion and Its Results Just as Major Powell returned to the rear of the ist Division the mine was sprung. It was a magnificent spectacle; the mass of earth went up into the air, carrying with it men, guns, carriages and timbers, which spread out like an immense cloud, as it reached its altitude. So close were the Union lines that the mass appeared as if it would descend immediately upon the troops waiting to make the charge. This caused them to break and scatter to the rear, and about ten minutes were consumed in reforming for the attack. Meanwhile, the vast cloud of dust was disappearing. The order was then given to advance. As no part of the Union line of breastworks had been removed (which would have been an arduous as well as a hazardous undertaking), the troops clambered over them as best they could. This, in itself, broke the ranks, and they did not stop to reform, but pushed ahead towards the crater, about one hundred and thirty yards distant; the debris from the explosion having covered up the abatis and chevaux de frise in front of the enemy s works. Little did the men anticipate the sight they would see upon arriving there an enormous hole in the ground about thirty feet deep, sixty feet wide, and one hundred and seventy feet long; filled with dust, great blocks of clay, guns, broken carriages, projecting timbers and men buried in various ways, some up to their necks; others- to their waists; and some with only their feet and legs protruding from the earth. One was pulled out, and he proved to be a second lieutenant of the battery which had been blown up. The fresh air revived him, and he soon was able to walk and talk. He was very grateful and said he was asleep when the explosion took place, and only awoke to find himself wriggling up in the air, followed by the descent and loss of consciousness. THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 231 The whole scene of the explosion struck every one dumb with astonishment upon arriving at the crest of the debris. It was impossible for the troops of the 2nd Brigade to move forward in line, as they had advanced; and, owing to the broken state they were in, every man crowded up to look into the hole; and, being pressed by the ist Brigade, which was immediately in rear, it was equally impossible to move by the flank, by any command, around the crater. Before the brigade commanders could realize the situation, the two brigades became inextricably mixed, in the desire to look Petersburg, Va. Looking towards Reservoir Hill Entrance to Mine in Ravine down into the hole. However, Col. Marshall yelled to the 2d Brigade to move forward; and the men did so, jumping, sliding arid tumbling into the hole, over the debris of material, and the dead and dying men. They were followed by Gen. Bart- lett s brigade. Upon the other side of the crater they climbed; and, while a detachment stopped to place two of the dis mounted guns of the battery in position on the enemy s side of the crest of the crater, a portion of the leading brigade passed over the crest and attempted to reform. It was at this period that they found they were being killed by musket shots from the rear, fired by the Confederates who were still STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH occupying the traverses and entrenchments to the right and left of the crater. These men had been awakened by the noise and shock of the explosion, and during the interval before the attack had recovered their equanimity; and, when the Union troops attempted to reform on the enemy s side of the crater, they had faced about and delivered a fire into the backs of our men. This coming so unexpectedly caused the forming line to fall back into the crater. After falling back into the crater a partial formation was made by Gen. Bartlett and Col. Marshall with some of their troops; but, owing to the precipitous walls, the men could find no footing except by facing inwardly, digging their heels into the earth, and throwing their backs against the side of the crater; or, by squatting in a half sitting, half standing posture. Some of the men were shot, even there, by the fire of the enemy in the traverses. It was at this juncture that Maj. Powell was again sent to Gen. Ledlie to explain the condition of affairs, which he having seen, understood perfectly well. While the above events were taking place the enemy had not been idle. They had brought a battery from their left to bear upon the position, and the crest of the crater was being swept with canister. Special attention was given to this battery by our artillery; but, for some reason, the enemy s guns co uld not be silenced. Major Powell found Gen. Ledlie and part of his staff ensconced in a protected angle of the work. He gave to him Col. Marshall s message; explained to him the situation ; and Col. Marshall s reasons for not being able to move forward. Gen. Ledlie then gave orders that Col. Marshall and Gen. Bartlett must move forward imme diately. THE ENEMY RETURNS The firing on the crater was now incessant, and it was as heavy a fire of canister as was ever poured continuously upon a single objective point. Whether Gen. Ledlie had informed Gen. Burnside of the condition of affairs as reported by Maj. Powell is not known ; but it is altogether likely, as, shortly after his return, a brigade THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 233 of the 2nd Division, (Potter s) under the command of Gen. S. G. Griffin, advanced its skirmishers and followed them immediately, directing its course to the right of the crater. Gen. Griffin s line, however, overlapped the crater on the left, where two or three of his regiments sought shelter in the crater. Those on the right passed over the trenches; but, owing to the peculiar character of the enemy s works, which The crater immediately after the assault were not single, but complex and filled with pits, traverses and bomb-proofs, forming a labyrinth as difficult as the passage of the crater itself, were unable to advance further. This broke up the brigade. Every organization melted away, as soon as it entered this hole in the ground, into a mass of human beings, clinging by toes and heels to the almost per pendicular sides. If a man was shot on the crest, he fell and rolled to the bottom of the pit. 234 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH From the actions of the enemy, even at this time, as could be seen. by his moving columns in front, he was not exactly certain as to the intentions of the Union commander. He appeared to think it possible it was but a feint and that the main attack would come from some other quarter. He, how ever, massed some of his troops in a hollow in rear of the crater and held them in that position. Meantime, Gen. Potter, who was in the rear of the Union line of entrenchments, being convinced that something ought to be done to create a diversion and distract the enemy s attention from this point, ordered Col. Zenas R. Bliss, com manding his first brigade, to send two of his regiments to support Gen. Griffiin; and, with the remainder, to make an attack on the right. Subsequently, it was arranged that the two regiments going to the support of Gen. Griffin should pass into the crater; turn to the right, and sweep down the enemy s lines. Col. Bliss was partly successful, and obtained possession of some two or three hundred yards of the enemy s lines; while one of the regiments advanced to within twenty or thirty yards of the battery whose fire was so severe on the troops; but could make no further progress for lack of sup port, its progress being impeded by slashed timber, while an unceasing fire of canister was poured into the men. They, therefore, fell back to the enemy s traverses and entrenchments. At the time of ordering forward Col. Bliss s command Gen. Potter wrote a dispatch to Gen. Burnside, stating that it was his opinion, from what he had seen, and from the reports received from subordinate officers, that too many men were being forced in at this point; that the troops there being in confusion, it was absolutely necessary that an attack be made from some other point of the line, in order to divert the enemy s attention and give time to straighten out our line. To that despatch he never received an answer; orders were, however, being constantly sent to the three division com manders of the white troops to push the men forward as fast as could be done, and this was, in substance, about all the orders received by them daring the day, up to the time of the order for withdrawal. THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 235 When Gen. Wilcox came with the 3rd Division to support the ist, he found the latter and three regiments of his own, together with the regiments of Potter s 2nd Division, which had gone in on the right, so completely filling up the crater that no more troops could be gotten in there; and he, therefore, ordered an attack with the remainder of his division on the works of the enemy to the left of the crater. **asr- The crater occupied by Confederates after the assault This attack was successful, so far as to carry the en trenchments for about one hundred yards; but they held them only a short time. CONFUSION AND DISASTER Previous to this last movement Major Powell had been sent toGen.Ledlie and had urged him to try to have something done to the right and left of the crater, saying that every man who got into the trenches to the right or left of it used them 236 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH as a means of escape to the crater, and the enemy was reoccu- pying them as fast as our men left. All the satisfaction he received was an order to go back and tell the brigade com manders to get their men out and press forward to Cemetery Hill. About two hours after the explosion of the mine, Gen. Ferrero, commanding the colored division, the 4th of the Qth Corps, received an order to advance his division; pass the white troops which had halted, and move on to carry the crest at all hazards. Gen. Ferrero did not think it advisable to move his division in, as there were three divisions of white troops already huddled together; so he reported to Col. Charles G. Loring, of Gen. Burnside s staff, who requested Ferrero to wait until he could report to Gen. Burnside. Gen. Ferrero declined to wait; and then Col. Loring gave him an order, in Gen. Burnside s name, to halt without passing over the Union works, which order he obeyed. Col. Loring then went to report to Gen. Burnside; came back; and reported that the order was peremptory for the colored division to advance at all hazards. ADVANCE OF THE NEGRO TROOPS The division then started in; moved by the left flank, under a most galling fire; passed around the crater on the crest of the debris; and all but one regiment passed beyond the crater. The fire upon them was incessant and severe ; and many acts of personal heroism were performed by officers and men. Their drill for this object had been unquestionably of great benefit to them; and, had they led the attack, fifteen or twenty minutes from the time the debris of the explosion had settled would have found them at Cemetery Hill, before the enemy could have brought a gun to bear upon them. But the leading brigade struck the enemy which was massed in rear of the crater; and, in a sharp little action, the colored troops captured some two hundred prisoners; and re-captured a stand of colors belonging to a white regiment of the pth Corps. In this almost hand-to-hand conflict, the colored troops became somewhat disorganized, and some twenty min utes were consumed in reforming; then they made an attempt THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 237 to move forward again. But, unsupported, subjected to a galling fire from batteries on the flanks and from infantry fire in front, and partly on the flank, they broke up in disorder and fell back to the crater, the majority passing on to the Union line of defenses, carrying with them a number of the white troops who were in the crater and in the enemy s en trenchments. Lieut. Col. John A. Bross, of one of the colored regiments, seized a stand of the United States colors as he saw his men faltering when they first met the withering fire of the enemy, and, mounting the very highest portion of the crest of the crater, waved the colors zealously amid the storm of shot, shell and canister. The gallant fellow was soon struck to the earth. The annexed report of Col. Sigfried, who commanded a brigade of colored troops in the assault, shows how they behaved on the occasion: HEADQUARTERS, IST BRIG., 4x11 Div., QTH A. C. BEFORE PETERSBURG, VA., JULY 31, 1864. SIR : In obedience to orders I moved my brigade on the morning of the 30th inst, down the covered way immediately in the rear of Col. Humphrey s Brigade of the 3rd Division. On arriving at the meadow I was halted by the stopping of Col. H s Brigade. After remaining here sometime, I, in accordance with orders, moved by the Brigade of the 3rd Division at a flank as directed across the field through the crater made by the explosion of the mine. Great difficulty was experienced in passing through the crater, owing to its crowded condition; living, dead wounded and dying crowded so thickly that it was very difficult to make a passage way through. By the great exertions of the officers and heroic determination of the men my brigade finally made its way through, and was halted beyond by the Rebel line of entrenchments, which was filled with troops of the ist, 2nd and 3rd Divisions; behind this line it formed in good order. The 43rd Regiment, U. S. C. T., moved over the crest of the crater towards the right, charged the enemy s entrench ments and took them, capturing a number of prisoners, a rebel stand of colors, and recapturing a stand of national colors. This line was part of the continuous line connecting with the crater. The balance of my brigade was prevented from advancing into this line by the number of troops of the ist, 2nd and 3rd Divisions in front of them. This position left my brigade very much exposed to the fire of the enemy, and it was so exposed at least an hour. Owing to the crowded lines of troops of the stated divisions immediately 238 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH in front, it was impossible to get my brigade on. Just as the troops in front were about to make a charge, a white color-bearer, with his colors, crossed the works in retreat, and the troops gave way and sought shelter in the crater where was concentrated a terrific fire from the enemy s batteries and entrenchments. My brigade held its position until pushed back by the mass of troops which rushed back upon it, and until the enemy occupied the works to its left and the opposite side of the entrenchments, where becoming exposed to a terrific flank fire, losing its numbers rapidly, and in danger of being cut off, it fell back behind the line temporarily occupied by a part of the i8th Corps, where it originally started from. Here it was rallied and placed in position on this line. Too much praise cannot be awarded to the bravery of both officers and men. The former fearlessly led, while the latter fearlessly followed through a fire hot enough to cause the oldest of troops to falter. # * * * * * Had it not been for the almost impassable crowd of troops of the leading divisions in the crater and intrenchments, Cemetery Hill would have been ours without a falter on the part of my brigade. I am, Sir, very respectfully your obedient servant, (Signed) J. K. SIGFRIED, Col. Commanding. The rout of the colored troops was followed up by a feeble attack from the enemy, more in the way of a reconnais sance than a charge; but the attack was repulsed by the troops in the crater and the entrenchments connected there with. It was now evident that the enemy did not fear a demonstration from any other quarter; as they began to collect their troops for an assault. THE SUFFERING OF THOSE IN THE CRATER About 9.30 a. m., Gen. Meade had given positive orders to have the troops withdrawn from the crater. To have done so under the severe fire of the enemy would have produced a stampede, which would have endangered the Union lines, and might have possibly communicated itself to the troops that were massed in rear of the Ninth Corps. Gen. Burnside thought, for these and other reasons, that it was possible to leave his command there until nightfall, and then withdraw it. There was no means of getting food and water to them, for which they were suffering. The midsummer sun shone upon THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 239 their heads; and wounded men died there begging piteously for a drink of water, a drop of which was not to be had, for the men had long since drained their canteens. Soldiers extended their tongues- to moisten their parched lips until they seemed to hang from their mouths like those of thirsty dogs, and yet they were kept waiting in this boiling cauldron, suffering with thirst and worn out with their all-night prepara tions and their fearful morning s work. While the hours were thus wasted in the time and means necessary to extricate the human mass from its now perilous position, the enemy, having taken advantage of our inactivity to mass his troops, was seen to emerge from the bushes which grew in the swale between the hill on which the crater was situated and that of the cemetery. On account of this de pression they could not be detected by our artillery, and hence no guns were brought to bear on them. The only place where they could be observed was from the crater. But there was no serviceable artillery there, nor no sufficiently organized infantry force to offer resistance when the enemy s column pressed forward. All in the crater who could hang on by their elbows and toes lay flat against its conical wall and delivered their fire; but not more than a hundred men at a time could get into position; and these were only armed with muzzle-loading guns; and, in order to re-load, they were compelled to face about and place their backs against the wall. The enemy s guns suddenly ceased their long-continued fire on the crater, and the advancing column charged in the face of the feeble fire offered by the Union troops. At this stage they were perceived by our artillery, which opened a murderous fire, but too late. THE ENEMY RETAKES THE CRATER Over the crest and into the crater they poured, and a hand-to-hand conflict ensued. It was of short duration, however; crowded as our troops were, and without organiza tion, resistance was vain. Many men were bayoneted at that point, some, probably, who would not have been, except 240 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH amid the excitement and heat of battle. About eighty-seven officers and 1652 men of the 9th Corps were captured; the remainder retiring to our own lines, to which the enemy did not attempt to advance. THE COST OF MANY CONFUSED ORDERS In the engagement of July 3Oth the four divisions of the Ninth Corps had 52 officers and 376 men killed; 105 officers and 1556 men wounded; and 87 officers and 1652 men missing (captured); total, 3828. Gen. Meade reported the losses of his army in the assault on the crater at 4400 killed, wounded and missing, all except about 100 being in the Ninth Corps. Gen. Mahone states that the number of prisoners taken was IIOI. The loss in Lee s army is not fully reported. Elliott s brigade lost 677, and that was probably more than half of the casualties on the Confederate side. It was provided in Gen. Meade s orders for the movement that the cavalry corps should make an assault on the left. Two divisions of the cavalry were over at Deep Bottom. They could not cross the river until after the Second Corps had crossed, so that it was too late in the day before they came up. Indeed, the head of the column did not appear before the offensive opera tions were suspended. OTHER MOVEMENTS UPON THE SIEGE LINE As Gen. James H. Wilson had been ordered to be in readiness, and in view of the unavoidable delay of Gen. Sheri dan, orders were sent to Wilson not to wait for Gen. Sheridan, but to push on himself to the Weldon Railroad. But the length of the march prevented success, so no attack was made by the cavalry, except at Lee s mills, where Gen. Gregg, encountering cavalry, drove them away in order to water his horses. The Fifth Corps and the Eighteenth Corps remained inert during the day, excepting Turner s division of the Eighteenth, which made an attempt on the right of the crater, but it happened to be just at the time that the* colored troops THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 241 .broke up; so his command was thrown into confusion, and fell back to the trenches. In this affair, the several efforts to push fresh troops forward to Cemetery Hill were as futile in their results as the dropping of handfuls of sand into a running stream to make a dam. With the notable exception of Gen. Robert Potter, not a division commander was in the crater or connecting lines, nor was there a corps commander on the immediate scene of action; the result being that the subordinate com manders attempted to carry out the orders issued prior to the commencement of the action, when the very first attack developed the fact that a change of those plans was absolutely necessary. At twenty minutes after seven o clock, Gen. Burnside telegraphed to Gen. Mtade: "I am doing all in my power to push the troops forward, and, if possible, we will carry the crest. It is hard work, but we hope to accomplish it." Ten minutes later Gen. Meade sent the following written answer: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 7.30 A. M., July 30. 1864. Major Gen. Burnside: What do you mean by hard work to take the crest? I understand not a man has advanced beyond the enemy s line which you occupied immediately after the explosion of the mine. Do you mean to say your officers and men will not obey your orders to advance? If not, what is the obstacle? I wish to know the truth and desire an immediate answer. . GEORGE G. MEADE, Major General. General Burnside promptly replied to this as follows: HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS. BATTERY MORTON, July 30, 1864. General Meade: Your despatch by Capt. Jay received. The main body of Gen. Potter s division is beyond the crater. I do not mean to say that my officers and men will not obey the order to advance. I mean to say that it is very hard work to advance to the crest. I have never in my report said anything different from what I conceived to be the truth. Were it not insubordinate, I would say that the latter remark of your note was unofficerlike and ungentlemanly. Respectfully yours, A. E. BUKNSIDE, Major General. 16 242 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH President Lincoln, at Gen. Burnside s request, ordered a court of inquiry "to examine and report the facts" attendant upon the assault of July 3Oth. The action of the Board of Inquiry/ said Mr. Stanton, "will be merely to collect facts for the President s information." The court was in session seventeen days, and delivered an elaborate finding, which completely exonerated Gen. Burnside. Report of Committee on Conduct of the War: The difficulties under which Col. Pleasants labored in executing his plan the opposition which he met from general officers, would have deterred a less resolute man from pro ceeding. Had not Gen. Meade fatally interfered at the last moment, the entire affair would have been brilliantly successful. The reader can glean a fair idea of the cause of the failure from the following abstract of a report, made to Congress, by the Committee on the Conduct of the War, after a full and fair investigation: THE RESPONSIBILITY OFFICIALLY PLACED WASHINGTON, FEB. 6, 1865. The Committee on the Conduct of the War made a report to-day on the unsuccessful movement which followed the explosion of the mine before Petersburg on the 3Oth of July last. It covers fifty pages of foolscap, and is accompanied by a large quantity of evidence. It appears from the report that the idea of the mine originated with Lieut. Colonel Henry Pleasants, 48th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and met the approval of his superior officers, Major-General Potter, commanding the Division, and Major-General Burnside, com manding the Corps. The Committee say that Lieut. Colonel Pleasants labored under disadvantages in the successful accomplishment of the important work which would have deterred a man of less energy. It was not merely the evident lack of faith in the success of the enterprise shown by all the officers of high rank, except his Division and Corps Commanders, but that lack of faith was accompanied by an entire failure to furnish the assistance and implements necessary to the success of the undertaking, within a reasonable time. The testimony of Lieut. Colonel Pleasants shows that he had to dig and mine with only the men of his own regiment, that the dirt had to be carried out in cracker boxes, slung between poles, THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 243 for lack of wheelbarrows, and that he was even refused the use of an instrument at head-quarters wherewith to make the necessary triangulations, and that General Burnside had to send to Washington for an old fashioned theodolite. General Meade and Major Duane, Chief Engineer of the Army of the Potomac, said the thing could not be done; that it was all clap-trap and nonsense; that such a length of mine had never been excavated in military operations and conld not be. Generals Burnside and Potter were the only high officers who believed in it under these disadvantageous circumstances. The main gallery was dug five hundred and ten feet in length. The left lateral gallery was thirty-seven feet in length, and the right lateral gallery was thirty-eight feet in length. The magazines were placed in the lateral galleries. The average size of the gallery was four and a half feet high and wide. After reviewing the different orders for the movement, and narrating the final failure with the loss of between four and five thousand in killed, wounded and missing, the disaster is thus summed up: Your Committee cannot, from all the testimony, avoid the conclusion that the first and great cause of the disaster was the change made on the afternoon preceding the attack, in the arrange ment of General Burnside to place the division of colored troops in the advance; the reason assigned by General Burnside for not taking one of the divisions of white troops for that purpose was fully justified by the result of the attack. Their previous arduous labors and peculiar position, exposed continually to the enemy s fire, had, as it were, trained them in the habit of seeking shelter, and true to that training, they sought shelter the first opportunity that presented itself after leaving our lines; and it is but reasonable to suppose that the immediate commander of a Corps is better acquainted with the condition and efficiency of particular divisions of his Corps than a General further remote from them. The conduct of the colored troops, when they were put into action, would seem to fully justify the confidence that General Burnside reposed in them; and General Grant, himself, in his testi mony, expresses his belief that if they had been placed in advance, as General Burnside desired, the assault would have been successful, although at the time the colored troops were ordered in, the white troops already in were in confusion, and failed in the assault upon the crest beyond the crater, and the fire of the enemy had become exceedingly destructive. The colored troops advanced in good order, passed through the enemy s lines and beyond our disorganized troops there, and stopping but a short time to reform made the charge as directed. But the fire of the enemy was too strong, and some other of our 244 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH troops hurrying back through their lines, they were thrown into confusion and forced to retire. The Committee disapprove of General Burnside deciding by lot whether the Division of Potter, of Wilcox or of Ledlie should lead the assault, but there was but little time for selection after General Meade had changed the progamme. General Burnside testified that : "Each of the Division Commanders as well as every officer in the command who had given his attention to the subject in the least degree, was fully aware of the condition of the white troops, as I had previously stated it to General Meade, and were fully impressed with the conviction that the colored troops were in much better condition to lead the attack, and of the wisdom of using the white troops as support. There was no time to be lost, however, and I decided that I would allow the leading division to be decided by lot." The committee dwell on the fact that the order of attack as proposed by General Burnside was also changed by direction of General Meade, with the approval of General Grant. They also show by the testimony, that when the order to withdraw was given by General Meade against the representation made by General Burnside, orders were also issued by General Meade for offensive operations to cease on the right and left of General Burnside s position, and General Ord s troops were at the same time withdrawn from the position where they had been placed in support of the Qth Corps ; the enemy were thus left entirely free to make such dispositions as they chose against General Burnside s force within their lines. The committee also call attention to the fact, that General Grant attributes the disastrous result of the assault, to a greater or less extent, to the troops having been sent in unaccompanied by the division com manders. How far the division commanders would have been able by their presence to have overcome the confusion and disorganization into which the troops were thrown from the causes heretofore referred to, the committee are unable to say, but they refer to it as the opinion of the highest officer in the service. The committee also positively disclaim any desire to censure the conduct of the white troops engaged, although they confidently think that the original selection of the colored troops was the best that could have* been made. In conclusion, the committee say, that, in their opinion, the cause of the disastrous result of the assault of the 3Oth of July last, is mainly attributable to the fact that the plans and suggestions of the General who had devoted his attention for so long a time to the subject, who had carried to a successful completion the project of mining the enemy s works, and who had carefully selected and drilled his troops for the purpose of securing whatever advantage might be attainable from the explosion of the mine, were entirely disregarded by a General who had evinced no faith in the successful prosecution of that work, had aided it by no countenance or open approval, and had assumed the entire direction and control only when it was completed and the time had come for reaping any advantage that might be derived from it. THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 245 This somewhat extended account of the crater and the assault is prompted because of the great opportunity it af forded for the closing of the war, right then and there. The great care manifested by Col. Pleasants, who planned the mine, and the interest taken by expert miners, such as Capt. Winlack, of Company E; Lieut. John Watkin, Company B; John Watson, of Company E; and Sergeant Harry Reese, of Company F; and the sufferings of the men of the regiment who carried out their orders, and underwent all the hardships attending the driving of the mine and carrying out the dirt, exposed to all the dangers of mining, bad air, insufficient timber for safety, and the hard labor attending it all, merited a more successful conclusion of this unparalleled military mining operation. During the prosecution of the work, every man was a general, and planned just how the assault must be made to be successful, and all were intensely dis gusted with the result.* A CONFEDERATE DESCRIPTION In Gordon McCabe s "Defense of Petersburg," a lecture delivered to the Confederates at Petersburg, he makes the statement that the loss of life at the explosion of the mine were 256 officers and men of the i8th and 22d South Carolina Regiments, and two officers and twenty men of Pegram s Petersburg Battery. This battery was commanded by Capt. Richard G. Pegram, who was absent on duty, and thus escaped what befell his two lieutenants, Hamlin and Chandler. Dr. Tolan, surgeon of the Confederate brigade, says the 22d South Carolina had lost its gallant colonel, Fleming, and many brave soldiers. The regiment, he says, lost 163 men; two whole companies, A and C of the i8th South Carolina, had not a man left who was on duty to tell the tale. "One hundred and *In the court of inquiry held at the headquarters of the Second Corps, August 10, 1864, relative to the assault on Petersburg, Gen. Burnside testified that Col. Pleasants, in the course of conversation, remarked that the first idea of running a mine under the rebel fort was suggested by the men of his regiment. Official War Records. General Potter before the same court of inquiry speaks of the 48th as being excused from active participation in the assault, and acting as a sort of a provost guard. Official War Records. 246 STORY OP THE FORTY-EIGHTH one of my men," he says, "including Capts. McCormick and Birdgis, were dead buried in the crater or scattered along the works and sixty-two missing." This same Dr. Tolan locates the i8th South Carolina on the left or north side of Pegram s battery, and the 22d South Carolina as on the right or south side of the battery. At the celebration of Lee-Jackson Day, at Staunton, Va., held on the 22nd of January, 1906, Captain John C Featherstone, of Lynchburg, Va., who was a Captain in the Alabama Brigade, that fought at the crater, gives a very graphic account of the fight: THE SCENE AS WITNESSED BY A CONFEDERATE CAPTAIN "That those of this audience who were not participants in the Civil War may better understand the situation at that time, it may not be amiss for one to describe the location of the hostile armies immediately preceding and at the time of this hand to hand fought battle of July 3Oth, 1864. General Lee with about 60,000 men, poorly fed but courageous, was confronting General Grant with 150,000 men supplied with all the necessaries and many of the luxuries of camp in front of Richmond and Petersburg. Both armies were entrenched in fortifications extending about 200 miles in length and varying in distance apart from half a mile to eighty yards. "The nearest approach to each other was immediately in front of and one mile distant from the city of Petersburg. After repeated assaults, made on the attenuated lines of Lee by Grant, all of which resulted in disastrous failures, the Federals conceived the idea of tunneling under, and blowing up one of the Confederate forts, then known as Elliott s Salient/ but subsequently called the Crater, because of its resemblance to the crater of a volcano, and, during the battle, like one in active operation. "This fort was located in the main line of the Confed erates, which was eighty yards from the main line of the Federals. They commenced digging a tunnel or gulley just in rear of their breastworks, dumping the dirt in a deep ravine in their rear. THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 247 This operation could not be seen from our works; hence, the presumption is, that though General Lee knew the enemy were attempting to undermine his line, he could not determine the exact point of attack. "He, therefore, ordered his engineers to sink counter mines in front of several of his forts, so that he might inter cept them, but his engineers sank their shafts only fifteen feet deep, while the enemy s were thirty feet deep. In order that this new plan of war might be carried into execution, General Burnside, who commanded a Yankee corps, the 9th, immediately in front of the Crater, ordered Colonel Pleasants, who commanded the 48th Pennsylvania regiment, which was composed principally of miners, to dig this tunnel, extending from their lines to and under our fort. This occupied several weeks, during which time an incessant fire was kept up that they might shield their works from the observation of the Confederate soldiers. "When they had completed their task, Lieut. Colonel Pleasants, of the 48th Penna. Regiment, the officer in charge of the mining operations, in his report says : The charge of powder placed under the Confederate fort consisted of 320 kegs, each containing twenty-five pounds, aggregating about eight thousand pounds. "He further says: I stood upon the top of the breast- works and witnessed the effect of the explosion. " "It was a magnificent spectacle, as the mass of earth went up into the air, carrying with it men, guns, carriages and timbers, and spread out like an immense cloud as it reached its altitude. Another Federal officer says: J ust about sunrise a trembling of the earth was felt and a dull roar was heard. I looked to the front and saw a huge column of dirt, dust and smoke and flame of fire apparently two hundred feet high, which, on reaching .its highest point, curled over like a plume, then came down with a dull thud. While in the air, I could see in the column of fire and smoke the bodies of men, arms and legs, pieces of timber and a gun carriage. I felt very weak and pale and the faces of comrades never looked paler, while our troops in front broke 248 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH back and became intermingled. They were soon rallied and moved forward. In the meantime our forts all along the line opened out with every gun and they were immediately answered by the Confederates. The solid shot and shell howled and shrieked over our heads and ricocheted along the ground. The air seemed to be full of flying missiles. " "At the time of the explosion, about five o clock a. m. f the fort was occupied by Captain Pegram s battery of artillery, with four cannon supported by the i8th and 22nd South Carolina Regiments. The loss of life caused by the explosion of the mine was 256 officers and men of the South Carolina Regiments and two officers and twenty men of the artillery. Two entire companies of the i8th South Carolina Regiment had not a man left to tell the tale. The Confederate troops on each side of the wrecked fort shrank back from this awful explosion, leaving about two hundred yards of our works unoccupied. The Federals, anticipating the destructive and demoralizing effect of such a surprise, concentrated a force estimated at 45,000 men near by and in rear of their works, with which they expected to rush through the opening thus made and capture Petersburg and cut in twain General Lee s army. They then rushed into the crater and adjacent breastworks, twelve thousand of their infantry, one division of which was composed of negroes, but, strange to relate, these they hated, which proved fatal to their enterprise. There was not an organized body of Confederate infantry between General Grant s main line of battle and the City of Petersburg. They would have had only unsupported artillery to oppose their advance. But artillery was probably never more effectually used than on that occasion. "This delay gave General Lee time to prepare to meet this emergency. Anderson s division of A. P. Hill s corps was at that time commanded by General Wm. Mahone, and was the supporting division of Lee s army while in front of Petersburg. It was in the breastworks about three-fourths of a mile to the right of the Crater, at a point known as the Wilcox farm. THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 249 "As soon as General Lee took in the critical condition of affairs, he dispatched one of his staff to General Mahone to send at once two of his brigades to the point of attack. Mahone withdrew the Virginia brigade, commanded by General Weiseger, and the Georgia brigade, commanded by Colonel Hall. These two, being on the right of the division, were most accessible and moved by a circuitous route to the scene of action. To have gone direct would have exposed his command to the fire of the entire line of the enemy, which would have meant destruction. "When General Mahone arrived at a point in front of the Crater and was preparing to make his assault, General Lee appeared on the field mounted on "Traveller," his \var- horse, that, by his courage, seemed to be conscious of the fact that he bore on his back the fate of the nation. MAHONE S VIRGINIANS "Soon the Virginia brigade was in line of battle, fronting our captured breastworks on the left of the Crater, then filled with Yankee soldiers. The Georgia brigade was filing out of the covered way preparing to extend the line so as to cover the Crater and the works on the right, but the Virginians seeing that the Yankees were preparing to emerge from the works and charge them, anticipated their charge and at once gave the order to forward, and made a most gallant and determined dash for the enemy, going into the works, and there engaged in a hand to hand struggle, finally recapturing that portion of our line. The gallant Georgia brigade was soon in position and made a determined charge on the Crater and the remainder of the works. The fire of the enemy was so terrific and deadly that they swerved too far to the left, rushing in with and near the Virginia brigade, after losing nearly or quite all of their field officers and very many of their men. This all occurred by and before 9.30 o clock a. m. "Those two brigades had made superb charges, losing very heavily of their men, and literally covered the ground and partly filled the trenches with the enemy s dead and wounded. 250 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH "The crater and the works to the right o f it were still occupied by the enemy. "General Mahone sent back and ordered up Wilcox s (old) Alabama brigade, then commanded by General J. C. C. Saunders. "That you may have some idea of the attenuated line of General Lee at this time, I will state that when this brigade was withdrawn from the breastworks at the Wilcox farm to be sent to do battle at the Crater, the entire space formerly occupied by these three brigades was left without soldiers, except a skirmish line consisting of one man every twenty paces. "The Alabama brigade soon appeared on the scene. (I had the honor to command a company in the brigade.) "As soon as we emerged from the covered way into a ravine or swale running parallel with the works held by the enemy, we there met General Mahone himself on foot. He called the officers to him, explained the situation and gave us orders for the fight. , "He stated that the Virginians and Georgians had by a gallant charge captured the breastworks on their left of the Crater, but the enemy still held the fort and a short space of the works to the right of it. "He ordered us to move our men up the ravine as far as we could walk unseen and then crawl still farther, until we reached a point as near opposite the fort as possible, then order our men to lie down on the ground until the artillery posted in our rear could draw the enemy s fire from a part of their artillery, said to contain fifty pieces, posted on a hill in rear of their main line and covering the fort. When this was accomplished we should rise up and move at a trail arms/ with guns loaded and bayonets fixed, but not fire a gun nor yell until we drew the fire from the fort. Then yell and make a dash for the fort before the enemy could open on us their fifty pieces of artillery. "As we were withdrawing from the presence of the General, he said, General Lee is watching the result of your charge. THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 251 "We then returned to our men and ordered them to load and fix bayonets. "We then moved up the ravine as ordered. As we were starting a soldier, worse disfigured by dirt, powder and smoke than any I had before seen, came by my side and said : "Captain, can I go in this charge with you?" I replied, "Yes; who are you?" He said, "I am (I have forgotten his name) and I belong to South Carolina regiment. I was .blown up in that fort, and I want to get even with them. Take my name and regiment and, if I get killed, inform my officer of it." I said, "I have not time for writing. How high up did they blow you?" He said, "I don t know, but as I was going up I met the company cook coming down. He said he would try to have breakfast ready by the time I got back." "According to the morning report of Captain Clark, A. A. General, this brigade carried into battle 628 men, practically the same as the Light Brigade which Tennyson immortalized. "Our guns in the rear soon ceased firing over us. We then knew the crisis had come. "LEE S LAST CARD" "The Crater was 200 yards distant from where we lay down. By slightly raising our heads we could see the fort and the many flags of the enemy, which indicated their numbers. We knew the odds were greatly against us, but it was not ours to ask the reason why, only ours to do and die/ We knew that we were General Lee s last card that he was playing on the checkerboard of war, as we were the last reserves. "Our General gave the command, Forward, and on we went. Soon we 1 saw the flash of the sunlight on the enemy s guns and bayonets as they leveled them over the walls of the fort. Then a sheet of flame flashed out as they fired. Then followed the awful roar of battle. This volley seemed to awaken the demons of hell. It seemed to be the signal for everybody within range to commence firing. We 252 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH raised a yell and made a dash to get under the walls of the fort before their artillery could open on us, but in this we failed. They, too, joined in the awful din, and the air seemed filled with missiles. But on the 600 Alabamians went, as it seemed literally into the jaws of death, into the mouth of hell. "As we reached the walls of the wrecked fort we dropped on the ground to get the men in order and let them breathe. As soon as this was accomplished, we pushed up hats on bayonets, and, as we expected, they riddled them with bullets, and immediately our men sprang over the walls and were in the fort. Then commenced that awful hand to hand struggle that history tells you about. "Whites and negroes were indiscriminately mixed, and it was the first time that our troops had encountered the negroes, and they could only with difficulty be restrained. "The work was soon finished. The fort was blown into two compartments ; those in the smaller one cried out that they would surrender. SURRENDER OF SURVIVORS "We told them to come over the embankment. Two of them started over with their guns in their hands, and were shot and fell back. We heard those remaining cry, "They are showing us no quarter ; let us sell our lives as dearly as possible." We then told them to come over without their guns, which they did, and all the remainder, about thirty in number, surrendered and were ordered to the rear. In the confusion and their eagerness to get beyond that point, they went across an open field, along the same route over which we charged them. Their artillery, seeing them going to the rear, as we were told, under the flag of truce, thought it was our men repulsed and retreating, and they at once opened fire on them, killing and wounding quite a number of their own men. One poor fellow had his arm shot off just as he started to the rear, and returning said, T could bear it better if my own comrades had not done it. "This practically ended the fight inside the fort, but the THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 253 two armies outside continued firing at this common centre and it seemed to us that the shot, shell and musket balls came from every point of the compass and the mortar shells rained down from above. They had previously attacked us from below. So this unfortunate fort was one of the few points of the universe which had been assailed from literally every quarter. "The slaughter was fearful. The dead were piled on each other. In one part of the fort I counted eight bodies deep. There were but few wounded compared with the killed. "There was an incident which occurred in the captured fort that made quite an impression on me. Among the wounded was the Yankee General Bartlett. He was lying down and could not rise. Assistance w r as offered him, but he informed those who were assisting him that his leg was broken, and so it was, but it proved to be an artificial leg, made of cork. "One of our officers ordered a couple of negroes to move him, but he protested, and I believe he was given white assistance. "This General afterwards, so I have been informed, became an honored citizen of Virginia, though at that time, I must say, I never would have believed such a thing possible. One of our soldiers, seeing the cork leg and springs knocked to pieces, waggishly said, "General, you are a fraud; I thought that was a good leg when I shot it." "As the dust and smoke cleared away the firing seemed to lull, but there was no entire cessation of firing that evening. Indeed it was continued for months by the sharp shooters. "After dark tools were brought, with which we reconstructed the wrecked fort. In doing this, we buried the dead down in the fort by covering them with the earth. The fire of the enemy was entirely too severe to carry them out. We were therefore forced to stand on them and defend our position while we remained in the fort, which was until the following Monday night. "As we went over the embankment into the fort, one of 254 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH my sergeants, Andrew McWilliams, a brave fellow, was shot in the mouth; the ball did not cut his lips. It came out of the top of his head. He was evidently yelling with his mouth open. He fell on top of the embankment with his head hanging in the fort. We pulled him down in the fort, and that night carried him out and buried him. During the night we strengthened the wrecked fort, and, in doing so, unearthed numbers of Confederate soldiers who were killed and buried by the explosion. I remember in one place there were eight poor fellows lying side by side with their coats under their heads. They seemed never to have moved after the explosion. "The recapture of the fort restored our lines in statu quo. "That night we slept in the fort, over those who slept the sleep that knows no waking, and with the living who slept the sleep caused by exhaustion. The morning came, was clear, and the day was hot and dry as the preceding one. The sharpshooters were exceedingly alert, firing every moment, each side momentarily expecting active hostilities to be renewed. While the wounded in the fort and our trenches had been removed during the night and were being cared for, the ground between the main lines of the two armies was literally covered by wounded and dead Federals, who fell advancing and retreating. We could hear them crying for relief, but the firing was so severe that none dared go to them either by day or night. "About noon or a little after, there went up a flag of truce immediately in our front. The flag was a white piece of cloth about a yard square on a new staff. General Saunders ordered the sharpshooters to cease firing. Then a Yankee soldier with a clean white shirt and blue pants jumped on top of their works holding the flag and was promptly followed by two elegantly uniformed officers. General Saunders asked of those near him if we had a white handkerchief. All replied, No. A private soldier near by said to the men around him, Boys, some of you THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 255 take off your shirt and hand it to the General, to which another replied, Never do that ; they will think we have raised the black flag. FLAGS OF TRUCE "The General finally got a handkerchief, which, though not altogether fit for the drawing room, he and Captain George Clark, A. A. General, tied to the ramrod of a musket, and Captain Clark, with one man carrying the improvised flag, went forward to meet the Yanicee flag. (I have frequently thought that the get up of these flags of truce illustrated the condition of the armies.) They met half way about forty yards from each line. After a few minutes interview they handed to Captain Clark a paper. Then they withdrew to their respective sides. In handing the communication to General Saunders, Captain Clark said: They are asking for a truce to bury their dead and remove their wounded/ The communication was forwarded to the proper authorities and proved to be from General Burnside, who commanded the Federal troops in front, but not being in accordance with the usages and civilities of war, it was promptly returned with information that when ever a like request came from the General commanding the Army of the Potomac to the General commanding the army of Northern Virginia it would be entertained. Within a few hours the Federals sent another flag of truce, conveying a communication, which was properly addressed, and the terms of the truce were agreed on. These terms were that they could remove their wounded and could bury their dead in a ditch half way between the two lines. They brought in their details, including many negroes, and the work was commenced and was continued for about four hours. In that ditch, about one hundred feet in length, were buried seven hundred white and negro soldiers. The dead were thrown in indiscriminately, three bodies deep. ENEMIES FRATERNIZE "As soon as the work was commenced, I witnessed one of the grandest sights I ever saw. Where not a man could be seen a few minutes before, the two armies rose up out of 256 STORY OP THE FORTY-EIGHTH the ground, and the face of the earth seemed to be covered with men. It seemed an illustration of Cadmus sowing the dragon s teeth. Both sides came over their works, meeting and chatting, and exchanged courtesies as though they had not sought in desperate effort to take each others lives but an hour before. "During the truce I met General Robert B. Potter, who commanded, as he informed me, a Michigan division in Burnside s corps. He was exceedingly polite and affable, and extended to me his canteen with an invitation to sample its contents, which I did, and found it nothing objectionable. He then handed me a good cigar, and for a time we smoked the pipe of peace. In reply to a question from me as to their loss in the battle of Saturday, he replied that they had lost five thousand men. While we were talking a remarkably handsome Yankee General in the crowd came near us. I asked General Potter who he was, and was informed that he was General Fererro, who commanded the negro troops. I said, I have some of his papers which I captured in the fort/ and showed them to General Potter. He then sai<4, Let me call him up and introduce him, and we will show him the papers and guy him. I replied, however, that we down South were not in the habit of recognizing as our social equals those who associated with negroes. He then asked me to give him some of Fererro s papers. He wanted them for a purpose. I did so. The others I kept, and they are now lying before me as I write. "He also asked me to point out to him some of our Generals, several of whom were then standing on the embankment of the wrecked fort. (I noticed that none of our Generals except Saunders, who had charge of affairs, came over to mingle with the crowd.) I pointed out to him General Harris, of Mississippi ; A. P. Hill and finally pointed out General Mahone, who was dressed in a suit made of tent cloth, with a round-about jacket. Be it remembered that General Mahone was quite small and did not weigh much, if any, over one hunderd pounds. Potter laughingly said : Not much man, but a big General/ THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 257 "When the dead were buried, each side returned to their entrenchments, and soon the sharpshooters were firing at each other when and wherever seen. Truly, War is hell. "Saunders Alabama brigade continued to occupy the Crater/ which they had captured on Saturday about two o clock, until Monday night, August ist, when under cover of darkness we were relieved by another brigade, as was also the gallant Virginia brigade, which had, by a superb charge, captured the entrenchments on the left of the Crater. " Although this address was delivered a long while after the event happened, over forty years, it tells some important historical facts, which I think have never been set forth either by participants on our side or that of the Confed erates. The fact is, that the rebel lines were denuded almost of men on their right at Wilcox s farm by the withdrawal of Mahone s division to resist our forces at the Crater, and that General Lee himself superintended the movements of these, goes to prove very clearly that our mine explosion caused deep consternation and alarm within the enemy s lines that morning, and had our Generals, who were supposed to be in command of our troops, shown as much interest and energy in the attack as the enemy showed in the defense, there would have been a glorious victory, and the war would have in all probability ended a year sooner than it did. GENERAL ALEXANDER S NARRATIVE OF THE MINE TRAGEDY Extracts from an article in Scribncr s, of February, 1907, contributed by General E. P. Alexander, commander of a Division of the Army of Northern Virginia: * * * * * * It was under these circumstances that Grant made his first move after the week of indecision which followed the battle of Cold Harbor. The most natural movement, and the one which Lee expected, was that he would merely cross the Chickahominy and take position on the north bank of the James at Malvern Hill, adjoining Butler on the south bank at Bermuda Hundreds. This would unite the two armies at the nearest point to Richmond, and they would have the aid of the monitors on the river in a direct advance. But Grant determined to cross the James at Wilcox s Landing, ten miles below City Point, 258 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH and entirely out of Lee s observation, and to move thence directly upon Petersburg with his whole army. He would thus pass in rear of Butler and attack the extreme right flank of the Confederate line, which, it was certain, would now be held by only a small force. It involved the performance of a feat in transportation which had never been equalled and might well be considered impossible without days of delay. It was all accomplished, as will be seen, without mishap and in such an incredibly short time that Lee refused for three days to believe it. During these three days, June I5th, i6th and I7th, Grant s whole army was arriving at and attacking Petersburg. Lee, with Longstreet s and Hill s corps, for the same three days, lay idle in the woods on the north side, only replacing some of Beauregard s troops taken to Peters burg from in front of Butler. On Saturday, June nth, the 5th Corps was moved down the Chickahominy, about ten miles, to the vicinity of Bottom s Bridge. The next night it crossed on two pontoon bridges and inclining to the right, it took position east of Riddle s shop, where it intrenched to cover the passage of the other corps. All of the other corps moved at the same time. The 2nd Corps crossed at the same bridge and marched to Wilcox s Landing on the James. The 6th and pth Corps crossed the Chickahominy at Jones Bridge and marched to the same place. The i8th Corps, under Smith, was sent back to the White House, where it took transports for City Point, and was landed there the night of the I4th. Here it was joined by Kautz s cavalry, about 2,400 strong, and by Hink s colored division, 3,700, making in all about 16,000 men, who were ordered to march at dawn on the I5th for Peters burg, about eight miles, which they were to attack. Here we may leave them for a while. Hancock s 2nd Corps reached Wilcox s Landing at 6 p. m. on Monday, the I3th, after an all-night march of about thirty miles. The 5th Corps, under Warren, held its position, covering the passage of other corps until night of the I3th, when it followed Hancock and reached Wilcox s Landing the next noon. The cavalry and infantry had had some sharp skirmishing, and reported their casualties as three hundred killed and wounded. The 6th and pth Corps, whose marches had been from five to ten miles longer than Hancock s, arrived in the afternoon of the I4th. During the I4th the transports, which had brought the i8th Corps around from the White House to City Point, were employed in ferrying Hancock across the James. By the morning of the isth his whole corps was across, with most of its artillery, and at 10.30 a. m. it set out for Petersburg, following Smith, who had gone from City Point for the same destination about sunrise. Hancock had about twenty thousand men, and about sixteen miles to go. All the complicated movements involved in this manoeuvre, and in the capture of Petersburg THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 259 at which it was aimed, had been as usual well thought out, and covered in the orders and instructions to the different commanders, with a single exception. This exception was very serious in its results, as it postponed the capture of Petersburg for over nine months. It had its rise in the division of command and responsibility between co-operating armies. This, in its turn, had arisen from the political necessity of placing Butler in command of the Army of the James. Smith s corps was a part of that army, and Grant, feeling that secrecy was essential to success, visited Butler on the I4th, and at his quarters prepared the orders for Smith s advance and attack on Petersburg the next day. When he returned to the Army of the Potomac he failed to notify Meade of the hour of Smith s march and other details, and Meade, of course, did not inform Hancock. It resulted that Hancock was not ordered to march until 10.30 a m., when he might just as easily have marched at sunrise, and he was directed by a route an hour or two longer than he might have used. Finally he came upon the field at Petersburg after dark, when he might have arrived in time to unite in Smith s assault. Meanwhile the 5th, 6th, and Qth Corps, on the banks of the James, awaited the construction of the greatest bridge which the world has seen since the days of Xerxes. At the point selected the river was 2,100 feet wide, ninety feet deep, and had a rise and fall of tide of four feet, giving very strong currents. A draw was necessary for the passage of vessels. The approaches having been prepared on each side, construction was begun at 4 p. m. on the I4th by Major Duane, simultaneously at both ends. In eight hours the bridge was finished and the artillery and trains of the gth, 5th, and 6th Corps began to cross in the order named, that being the order in which the corps would follow. For forty-eight hours with out cessation the column poured across, and at midnight on the i6th Grant s entire army was south of the James. During these three days, the I5th, i6th and I7th, Beauregard, while defending Petersburg with great skill and tenacity, had repeatedly reported to Lee the arrival of Grant s army at Petersburg, and begged for re-enforcements. Lee s replies were as follows: June i6th, 10.30 a. m. "I do not know the position of Grant s army and cannot strip the north bank of troops." June I7th, 12 m. "Until I can get more definite information of Grant s movements I do not think it prudent to draw more troops to this side of the river." On this day, Grant s entire force being now on the field, his attacks were urged with increasing vigor, and at 6.40 p. m. Beaure gard telegraphed Lee as follows: "The increasing number of the enemy in my front, and inadequacy of my force to defend the already too much extended 260 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH lines, will compel me to fall back within a shorter one, which I will attempt to-night. This I shall hold as long as practicable, but, with out re-enforcements, I may have to evacuate the city very shortly. In that event I shall retire in the direction of Drury s Bluff, defending the crossing of Appomattox River and Swift Creek." After the receipt of this dispatch, Kershaw s division was ordered to proceed during the night to Bermuda Hundreds and a little later the order was extended to continue the march to Peters burg. The fighting on Beauregard s lines lasted until nearly midnight. But when it was over and the transfer of his troops to their new line was fairly under way, he began to take more radical measures to convince Lee of the situation. He sent three of his staff, one after the other, within two hours, with details about the prisoners captured from different corps of the Federal Army, with the stories told by each of their marches since leaving Cold Harbor on the I2th. The first messenger was Beauregard s aide, Col. Chisolm, who interviewed Lee, lying on the ground in his tent near Drury s Bluff, between I and 2 a. m. on the i8th. Lee seemed very placid and heard many messages, but still said he thought Beauregard mistaken in supposing that any large part of Grant s army had crossed the river. He said, also, that Kershaw s division was already under orders to Petersburg, and he promised to come over in the morning. Chisolm was soon followed by Col. Alfred Roman, but he had to leave his messages, as Lee s staff would not disturb him again. About 3 a. m. Major Giles B. Cooke arrived and insisted upon an interview. He brought further statements by prisoners, which, laid before Lee, thoroughly satisfied him that Grant s army had now been across the James for over forty-eight hours. The following telegrams, which were immediately sent will indicate his change of view. June i8th, 3.30 a. m. "Superintendent R. & P. R. R. Can trains run to Petersburg? If so, send all cars available to Rice s Turnout. If they cannot run through, can any be sent from Peters burg to the point where the road is broken? It is important to get troops to Petersburg without delay/ * "To General Early, Lynchburg. "Grant is in front of Petersburg. Will be opposed there. Strike as quick as you can. If circumstances authorize, carry out the original plan or move upon Petersburg without delay." At the same time orders were sent Anderson for Field s division and the corps headquarters and artillery to follow Kershaw s division into Petersburg. Kershaw arrived there about 7.30 a. m.; the rest of us about nine. After the fighting began, Beauregard had recognized that he would need every available man to defend the city, and he ordered THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 261 Johnson to leave only Grade s brigade in his lines, and to come to Petersburg with the rest of his division. Johnson brought about 3,500 men, which, with Hoke, gave Beauregard in the morning an effective force of about fourteen thousand infantry. During the night he built a |emporary line, throwing out the captured portion, while his efficient chief engineer, Col. D. B. Harris, laid out and commenced a better located permanent line at an average distance of a half mile in the rear. On the i6th, Hancock was in command, and the Qth Corps arrived on the field, giving him about 48,000 effectives. He devoted the day to attacks upon each flank of the broken line and succeeded in capturing one redan, No. 4, on Beauregard s left, and three, Nos. 12, 13 and 14, on his right. On the I7th, the fighting began at 3 a. m., and was continued until ii p. m. The attack at 3 a. m. was conducted by Potter s division of the Qth Corps, and was a complete surprise. Extraordinary precau tions had been adopted to make it so. No shot was fired. Canteens had been packed in knapsacks, and all orders were transmitted in whispers. The Confederates were so exhausted by their incessant fighting by day and working by night that they were sound asleep, with arms in their hands, and double canister in their guns. Only a single gunner was waked in time to pull a single lanyard before the enemy swept over and got possession of redan No. 16, with four guns and six hundred prisoners. Nowhere else during the long day were they able to make any headway. The 5th Corps had now arrived, and one division of the 6th. About dark in the afternoon, redan No. 3 on the left had been taken and held temporarily by Ledlie s division of the 9th Corps. Gracie s brigade, which had just come in from Bermuda Hundreds, was put to charge them, and drove them out, capturing over one thousand pris oners. After the fighting ceased, Colonel Harris superintended the withdrawal of the troops from the temporary line to the new location which had been prepared in the last forty-eight hours. At 4 a. m. on the i8th, a general advance was made by the 2nd, 5th and 9th Corps, the 6th and i8th supporting in. reserve. The ground in front of the points which had been assaulted was thickly strewn with the Federal dead, and the slight trenches, from which they had fought so long and desperately, were filled with the slain there had been no opportunity to bury or remove. Humphreys states that about mid-day the 2nd Corps made two assaults, "both repulsed with severe loss." Later Meade again ordered "assaults by all the corps with their whole force, and at all hazards, and as soon as possible. All the corps assaulted late in the afternoon, and at hours not widely apart. Birney with all his disposable force. Mott from the Hare house . . . supported by one of Gibbon s brigades, Barlow on Mott s left but were repulsed with considerable loss. Burnside found the task of driving the enemy out of the railroad 262 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH cut a formidable one, and, assaulting, established his corps within a hundred yards of the enemy s main line .... Warren s assault was well made, some of Griffin s men being killed within twenty feet of the enemy s works, but it was no more successful than the others. His losses were very severe. . . . On the right, Martindale advanced and gained some rifle oits, but did not assault the main line." In brief review, it must be said that Grant successfully deceived Lee as to his whereabouts for at least three days, and this at the most critical period of the war. THE MINE Our first days in the Petersburg trenches were exceedingly busy ones. From June igth to 24th, a daily entry in my note-book was: "Severe sharpshooting and artillery oractice without intermission day or night." Our whole time was spent in improving our lines and getting our batteries protected and with good communications. Never until in this campaign had the enemy used mortar fire in the field, but now Abbott s Reserve Artillery Regiment of seventeen hundred men brought into use sixty mortars, ranging from twenty-four-pounder Coehorns to ten-inch Seacoast, which caused us great annoyance, as we had to keep our trenches fully manned and had no protection against the dropping shells. Fortunately I had ordered some mortars constructed in Rich mond about two weeks before, and they began to arrive on June 24th, and were at once brought into use. They were only twelve-pounders, but were light and convenient and at close ranges enabled us to hold our own with less loss than might have been expected. The cannoneers in the batteries and the infantry in the lines who were exposed to this mortar fire managed to build little bomb-proofs and a labyrinth of deep and narrow trenches in rear of the lines. Abbott s siege train also included six 10 pounder and forty 30-pounder rifles besides their regular field artillery. Many of the heavy calibres were mounted on the permanent forts erected in the outer line already referred to. These constituted a sort of intrenched citadel, consisting of isolated forts connected by infantry parapets with ditches and abatis .and impregnable to any assault. Here a small fraction of the army could securely hold its line for days and continue to threaten Peters burg, leaving the rest free to extend lines on the south or to threaten Richmond on the north. Meanw 7 hile, in front their offensive system of trenches and redans was pushed as close as possible to ours and we were constantly menaced with assault should we weaken our garrison. One point in our front, called Elliott s Salient, was recognized as particularly weak. The edge of the deep valley of Poor Creek, approximately parallel to our general line of works, here approached within 133 yards of the salient, which was held by Pegram s battery, Elliott s brigade occupying the adjacent lines. Along the near edge of the valley the enemy built strong rifle pits, with elaborate head-logs THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 263 and loopholes, from which a constant fire was kept up upon our works. In the valley behind was ample room for an unlimited force, which could be collected and massed without our knowledge and would have but 133 yards to advance under fire to reach our works. We soon man aged to place obstructions in front of the parapet at this point and watched closely, confidently expecting that the enemy would here begin soon to make zigzag approaches as in a siege. * ***** On June 30th, I became convinced that the enemy were preparing to mine our position at the Elliott Salient. At that point incessant fire was kept up by their sharpshooters, while a few hundred yards to the right and left the fire had been gradually allowed to diminish and men might show themselves without being fired at. That indicated that some operation was going on, and for several days I had expected to see zigzag approaches started on the surface of the ground. When several days had passed and nothing appeared, I became satisfied that their activity was underground. On my way home I was that day wounded by a sharpshooter and received a furlough of six weeks to visit my home in Georgia. On my way to the cars next day I was driven by Lee s headquarters, where I reported my belief about the mine. There happened to be present Mr. Lawley, the English cor respondent of the London Times, who was much interested and asked how far it would be necessary to tunnel to get under our works. I answered about five hundred feet. He stated that the longest military tunnel or gallery which had ever been run was at the siege of Delhi, and that did not exceed four hundred feet. That it was found impos sible to ventilate for any greater distance. I replied that in the Federal army were many Pennsylvania coal-miners, who could be relied on to ventilate mines any distance that might be necessary, and it would not do to rely upon military precedents. It proved that my suspicion was correct. It was June 3oth when I guessed it. The gallery had been commenced on June 27th. It was undertaken in opposition to the advice of all the military engineers at Federal headquarters by Lieut. Colonel Pleasants of the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment, a cqal-miner, who saw the opportunity which the situation offered. A gallery was successfully extended 511 feet, with two branch galleries at the end, to the right and left, each thirty-seven feet long. These branch galleries were charged with gun-powder in eight parcels of one thousand pounds each, connected by open troughs of powder to be fired by safety fuses coming through the tamping and along the gallery. His method of ventilation was very simple. When the tunnel had penetrated the hill far enough to need it, a close partition was built across it near the entrance with a close-fitting door. Through the partition on the side of this door was placed the open end of 264 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH a long square box, or closed trough, which was built along on the floor of the tunnel, conveying the fresh outside air to the far end of the tunnel, where the men extending it were at work. To create a draught through this air-box a fireplace was excavated in the side of the tunnel, within the partition, and a chimney was pierced through the hill above it. A small fire in this chimney-place, and the outside air would pass through the air-box to the far end of the tunnel, whence it would return and escape up the chimney, taking with it the foul air of the tunnel. This tunnel was finished July i7th, the galleries on the 23rd, and the mine was charged and tamped on the 28th. Lee, on receipt of my message on July ist, ordered our engineers to start counter-mines at the Elliott Salient. Two shafts were sunk about ten feet and listening galleries were run out from each. Unfortunately the shafts were located on the right and left flanks of the battery, and the enemy s gallery passed at a depth of twenty feet under the apex, and was so silently built that our miners never knew of their proximity. Had they detected it they would have hastened to explode what is called a camonfiet, an undercharged or "smothered mine," which does not disturb the surface, but caves in adjacent galleries. By July loth our miners had done enough work, had it been done at the apex of the salient, to have heard the enemy, who would have been directly beneath them. Work was not only kept up, how ever, on the flanks, but at two other positions farther to the left, known as Colquitt s and Grade s Salients. Countermines were also begun; at Colquitt s on the loth and at Grade s on the iQth. All four of our mines were constantly pushed until the 30th, when the explosion occurred, the total length of our galleries being then about 375 feet. Of the two galleries on each side of the mine, one, which was unoccupied, was destroyed by the explosion. In the other miners were at work, but, though much shaken up, the galleries were not crushed and the miners climbed out and escaped. Meanwhile, in spite of predictions of failure, the mine had been constructed, and though we were known to suspect it, and our countermining operations could be heard, it was now determined to delay the explosion until preparations could be made to have it followed by a grand charge, supported by the concentration of a great force, both of infantry and artillery. That it might be the more effective Grant determined to combine strategy with main force, and first endeavor to draw a large part of our infantry to the north side of the James. At suitable points he had already built signal towers overlooking our lines and some of our most important roads, and now the artillery officers were directed to prepare specially to concentrate fire upon every gun in our lines which could be used for the defence of Elliott s Salient. In obedience to these instructions, THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 265 Humphreys reports, "heavy guns and mortars, eighty-one in all, and about the same number of field guns," were prepared with abundant ammunition. At Deep Bottom, Butler maintained two pontoon bridges across the James, with part of the Tenth Corps on the north side, under cover of his gunboats and ironclads. Of course we had to maintain a moderate force in observation, which under General Conner, was located near Bailey s Creek. Grant could cross both the Appomattox and the James and go from his lines around Peters burg to Deep Bottom by a march of twelve miles, all of it entirely concealed from our view. Lee could only send troops to meet him by a march of twenty miles. On the afternoon of July 26th Hancock with about twenty thousand infantry and Sheridan with two divisions, about six thou sand cavalry, were started to Deep Bottom. It was expected that this force, aided by the Tenth Corps, would surprise the Confederate brigade (Conner s) and would then make a dash toward Richmond. Sheridan was directed also to endeavor to cut the railroads north of Richmond. During the night this force crossed the river, and at dawn on the 27th moved upon our lines and captured four 20-pounder Parrotts in an advanced position. It happened that Lee had noted the activity of the enemy in that quarter. Wilcox s division was already at Drury s Bluff, and on the 24th it and Kershaw s division were sent to re-enforce Conner. This force made such a show that Hancock, finding it there before him, did not deem it wise to assault their line. On their left Kershaw even advanced against Sheridan s cavalry and forced it to retreat. It took a position behind a ridge, where it dismounted a considerable force armed with the Spencer magazine carbines. Ker shaw unwisely attempted a charge and was quickly repulsed, losing 250 prisoners and two colors. On hearing of Hancock s crossing on the morning of the 27th, and that prisoners had been captured from the 2nd, loth, and i8th Corps, Lee immediately sent over W. H. F. Lee s division of cavalry and Heth s infantry of Hill s corps. Later in the day he arranged to have Field s division of infantry withdrawn from his trenches at dark, to follow during the night, and Fitz Lee s cavalry the next morning. President Davis was also advised, and on the 2pth the Local Defence troops in Richmond were called out to the defence of the Richmond lines. These troops were never called out except in the gravest emergencies, which indicates the importance Lee attached to the demonstration. But it was only a demonstration designed to be abandoned if it failed to make a surprise of our lines at Deep Bottom on the 27th. As this became apparent on the 28th, orders were issued from Deep Bottom to prepare the mine for explosion on the morning of the 30th. 266 STORY OP THE FORTY-EIGHTH Orders were also given for the 2nd Corps, with a division of the i8th Corps, and one of the loth, to return and take part in the assault. Sheridan s cavalry was also to return, and passing in rear of the army, to take position on its left, to threaten our extreme right and prevent our re-enforcing the vicinity of the mine. The explosion might have been arranged for the afternoon of the 2Qth, but the morning of the 30th was chosen, as it permitted the placing of more heavy guns and mortars for the bombardment, which would follow the explosion, as well as preliminary arrangements, such as massing the troops, removing parapets and abatis to make passages for the assaulting columns, and the posting of pioneers to remove our abatis and open passages for artillery through our lines. Depots of intrenching tools, with sand-bags, gabions, fascines, etc., were established, that lodgments might be more quickly made, though the pioneers of all regiments were already well supplied with tools. Engineer officers were designated to accompany all columns, and even pontoon trains were at hand to bridge the Appomattox in pursuit of fugitives. Finally/ Meade personally impressed on every corps com mander the importance of celerity of movement. Briefly, no possible precaution was omitted to be carefully ordered, and the success of the Deep Bottom expedition, in drawing Lee s forces to that locality, had exceeded all expectations. On the morning of the 3Oth Lee had left to hold the ten miles of lines about Petersburg but three divisions, Hoke s, Johnson s and Mahone s, about eighteen thousand men, most of the rest of his army being twenty miles away. Hoke and Johnson held from the Appomattox on the left to a little beyond the mine. Mahone held all beyond, one brigade being four miles to the right. The 2nd, 5th, Qth Corps, and parts of the loth and i8th, with two divisions of Sheridan s cavalry, sixteen divisions in all, nearly sixty thousand men, were concentrated to follow up the surprise to be given by the explosion under Johnson s division. That it should be the more complete, for two days no heavy guns or mortars had been fired, that the Confederates might believe that the Federals were preparing to retreat. . Everything now seemed to be working exactly as Grant would have it, and it is difficult to entirely explain how the attack came to fail so utterly. Doubtless several causes co-operated, which will be presently referred to, but among them was doubtless the same cause which, on May I2th, nullified the Federal surprise at the Bloody Angle at Spottsylvania. Too many troops had been brought together and they were in each other s way. On a smaller scale, in the assault on Fort Saunders at Knoxville, three Confederate brigades got mingled in the assault, which at once lost its vigor, though it did not retreat until after receiving severe punishment. The brigadier in command on this occa sion ascribed his failure to the presence of the two other brigades, who should have been upon his flanks. THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 267 The assault was to be led by Ledlie s division of the Qth Corps, a selection made by lot, and a very unfortunate one, as Ledlie and Ferrero, who commanded the colored division, which was to follow Ledlie, both took shelter in a bomb-proof, where they remained during the entire action. The mine was ordered to be fired at 3.30 a. m., but the fuses had been spliced, and, when fired, failed at the splice. After an hour an officer and sergeant entered the tunnel and relighted the 20 SO 40 50 60 Feel. Scale. Crater Diagram of Crater fuse. The explosion occurred at 4.40. As the sun rose about 4.50, the delay had been advantageous, as it gave daylight for the movements of the troops and for the artillery fire. The explosion made a crater 150 feet long, 97 feet wide and 30 feet deep, the contents being hurled so high in the air that the foremost ranks of the assaulting columns, 150 yards away, shrank back in disorder in fear of the falling earth. The bulk of the earth, however, 268 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH fell immediately around the crater, mingled with the debris of two guns, twenty-two cannoneers, and perhaps 250 infantry (nine companies of the ipth and 22nd South Carolina, which had been carried up in the air). Quite a number of those who fell safely were dug out and rescued alive by the assaulting column. Some, not yet aroused, were lost, covered up in the bomb-proofs of the adjacent trenches by the falling earth. This formed a high embankment, as it were, all around the crater, with one enormous clod, the size of a small cabin, perched about the middle of the inside rim, which remained a landmark for months. A high interior line, called a trench cavalier, had been built across the gorge of the salient enclosing a triangular space, and the left centre of this space about coincided with the centre of the explosion. The parapets were partially destroyed and largely buried by the falling earth. Into this crater the leading division literally swarmed until it was packed about as full as it could hold, and what could not get in there crowded into the adjacent trenches, which the falling earth had caused to be vacated for a short distance on each flank. But, consider ing the surprise, the novelty of the occasion, and the terrific cannonade by 150 guns and mortars which was opened immediately, the coolness and self-possession of the entire brigade was remarkable, and to it is to be attributed the success of the defence. This was conducted principally by Colonel McMaster, of the I7th South Carolina, General Elliott having been soon severely wounded. The effect of the artillery cannonade was more moral than physical, for the smoke so obscured the view that the fire was largely at random, at least for one or two hours, during which it was in fullest force. The effort was at once made to collect a small force in the trenches upon each flank, and one in an intrenchment occupying a slight depression which ran parallel to our line of battle some 250 yards in rear of it, the effort being to confine the enemy to the crater and the lines immediately adjoining. The multiplicity of the deep and narrow trenches, and the bomb-proofs in the rear of cur lines, doubtless contributed to our success in doing this on the flanks, but there was also decided lack of vigor and enterprise on the part of the enemy, which oermitted us to form barricades which were successfully defended to the last. Meanwhile the re-enforcements to the storming column, instead of spreading to the flanks, massed outside of our lines in rear of the storming column, which had made no further advance, but had filled the crater and all the captured lines. Several efforts were made to advance from time to time, but the first were feeble, and could be checked by the remains of the brigade under McMaster, until two regiments of Wise s brigade and two of Ransom s were brought up from the left. With their aid the situation was made safe and held until about 10 a. m., when Mahone arrived at the head of three brigades of his corps THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 269 drawn from the lines on our right. A regiment of Hoke s from the left also came up later. In the meantime a few of our guns had found themselves able to fire with great effect upon the enemy massed in front of our lines. The left gun in the next salient to the right, occupied by Davidson s battery, was in an embrasure which flanked the Pegram Salient, but was not open to any gun on the enemy s lines. This gun did fearful execu tion, being scarcely four hundred yards distant. It was fired by Major Gibbes, commanding the battalion, for perhaps forty rounds, until he was dangerously wounded, after which it was served by Col. Huger and members of my staff, and later by some of Wise s brigade of infantry. A tremendous fire was turned upon it, but it was well protected and could never be kept silent when the enemv showed himself. Five hundred yards to the left was a four-gun battery, under Captain Wright, of Coit s battalion in a depression behind our line and masked from the enemy by some trees. But it had a flanking fire on the left of Pegram s salient and across all the approaches and a number of infantry of Wise s brigade could also add their fire. Wright s fire was rapid, incessant, and accurate, causing great loss. The Federal artillery made vain efforts to locate him with their mortar shells, which tore up the ground all around, but could never hit him or silence him. Besides these a half dozen or more of Coehorn mortars, under Colonel J. C. Haskell from two or three different ravines in the rear threw shell aimed at the crater. And finally six hundred yards directly in the rear of the mine was the sunken Jerusalem Plank Road, in which I had placed Haskell s battalion of sixteen guns about the 20th of June, and he had been kept there ever since without showing a gun or throwing up any earth which would disclose his position. He had suffered some loss from random sharpshooters bullets coming over the parapets at the salient five hundred yards in front, but it was borne rather than disclose the location. This morning, on one occasion, a charge was attempted by the colored division, part of which was brought out of the crater and started toward the plank road. Then Haskell s guns showed them selves and opened fire. The charge was quickly driven back with severe loss among its white officers. A single private, with his musket at a support arms, made the charge alone, running all the way to the guns and jumping into the sunken road between them, where he was felled with a rammer staff. Meanwhile, our guns across the Appo- mattox on the Federal right and from our left near the river had kept up a reply to the Federal cannonade to prevent their concentration opposite the mine. Lee and Beauregard had early come to the field, which they surveyed from the windows of the Gee house, where Johnson made headquarters, on the Jerusalem Plank Road near Haskell s guns. Hill had gone to bring up his troops. 270 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH On the arrival of Mahone he at once prepared to attack, and had formed Weiseger s brigade, when a renewed attempt to advance was made from the enemy s lines on our left of the crater. He at once met this by a counter-charge of Weiseger s with a portion of Elliott s, which drove the enemy back and which caused the retreat from the rear of their lines of many who had been sheltered within them. These suffered severely by our fire from the flanks as they crossed the open space behind, under fire from the guns upon both flanks and infantry as well. This retreat under such severe fire was seen in the Federal lines just in time to put a stop to an attack upon our right flank about to be made by Ayres division of Warren s corps, which had been ordered to capture the "one-gun battery" on our right, as they called the one at which Gibbes had been wounded. Humphreys calls this a two-gun battery. There were two embrasures and two guns, but only one used. The other did not bear when desired. There was very little infantry supporting this gun, or able to reach it, without exposure. Ayres attack would probably have been successful. He was about to go forward when Meade directed all offensive operations to cease. Wright s brigade arriving about half-past eleven, Mahone made a second attack, which was repulsed principally by the Federal artillery bearing upon the ground. Between i and 2. p. m., Sanders brigade having arrived, and also the 6ist North Carolina from Hoke, a combined movement upon both flanks of the crater was organized. Mahone attacked on the left, with Sanders brigade, the 6ist North Carolina and the I7th South Carolina. Johnson attacked on the right with the 23rd South Carolina and the remaining five companies of the 22nd, all that could be promptly collected on that flank. This attack was easily successful. Mahone has stated that the number of prisoners taken in the crater was 1,101, including two brigade commanders, Bartlett and Marshall. The tabular statement of the medical department gives the Federal casualties of the day as killed, 419; wounded, 1,679; missing, 1,910; total, 4,008. Elliott s brigade reported the loss by the explosion as: Killed. Wounded. Total. In iSth S. C., 4 companies 43 43 86 In 22nd S. C., 5 companies . . 170 In Pegram s Battery out of 30 present . . . . 22 Total 278 Including these, Johnson reports the casualties in his division (Elliott, Wise, Ransom, Gracie) as follows: Killed, 265; wounded, 415; missing, 315. Total, 938. THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 271 The mine was a great success, and its effects exceeded the expectation of the designer. The regiment did not par ticipate in the battle which followed the explosion, being excused by special order, but was peculiarly interested in its success, and although not ordered in, was continually under fire, a number of the officers and men being in the thickest of the fight. Gen. Meade promptly acknowledged the services of the regiment in the following order: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. General Orders No. 32. August 3, 1864. The Commanding General takes great pleasure in acknowledging the valuable services rendered by Lieut. Col. Henry Pleasants 48th Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers and the officers and men of his com mand in the excavation of the mine which was successfully exploded on the morning of the 3Oth ultimo under one of the enemy s batteries in front of the second division of the Ninth Army Corps. The skill dis played in the laying out and construction of the mine reflects great credit upon Lieut. Col. Pleasants, the officer in charge, and the willing endurance by the officers and men of the regiment of the extraordinary labor and fatigue involved in the prosecution in the work to completion are worthy of the highest praise. By command of S. WILLIAM s, Asst. Adjt. Gen. MAJOR GENERAL MEADE. Abstract from General orders, September I3th, 1864, from General R. B. Potter, commanding 2nd Div. gth Army Corps. "Lieut. Col. Henry Pleasants, Forty-eighth Penna. Vet. Vols., is recommended for brevet for the successful manage ment of the mine which was sprung on the 3Oth of July in front of the 9th Army Corps." Throughout the construction of the mine, Col. Pleasants placed great dependence upon Capt. Winlack and John Wat son, of Company "E," and Sergt. Henry Reese, * of Company *The death of Lieut. Harry Reese, which occurred at Shamokin May 12, 1892, removed one of our best and bravest Schuylkill County veterans of the war, than whom there were no better in the armies of the Union when the fate of the Republic hung in the balance. Lieut. Reese s skill and heroism at the Petersburg mine immortalized his name, notwithstanding it failed of the full results his commander had planned and hoped for, yet Reese did his work well and fearlessly, for which he received the thanks of the nation. He goes to join the silent majority regretted and mourned by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Shamokin, Pa., Herald. 272 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH "F," who had charge of the mining. He was on duty continually, never leaving the mine during its construction. His meals were taken at night on the grounds, and he kept his blankets at the mouth of the mine and slept there and could be found and consulted by day or by night. Being a practical miner, his advice and assistance were of material aid to Col. Pleasants r and were promptly acknowledged by that officer. 2nd Lieut. Harry Reese, Co. F, 48th Regt., P. V. V. An incident occurred about the I5th of July that occasioned considerable comment among the enlisted men of the army stationed here. It was the execution of two men of the 72d New York by hanging. They were tried by a military court-martial and sentenced, the charge being rape. Their accuser was a middle-aged lady who resided in the neighborhood, and did not bear a very good reputation. The execution took place at what was called the corduroy crossing, a point between Meade Station and City Point, and was witnessed by the whole body of troops who camped in the vicinity. THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 273 In regard to the execution of the two members of the New York who were convicted of rape, it was learned that they were innocent of the charge. A few years before the death of Col. Henry Pleasants, Capt. J. Frank Werner read a newspaper statement made by the woman who had been the prosecutor in the case. She was very ill and about to die, and acknowledged that she swore the lives of these men away in order to contribute her mite towards the exter mination of the Yankee army. This newspaper clipping was handed to Col. Pleasants and was lost, therefore, cannot be inserted here. From Miners Journal, Aug. 2nd, 1864: Regarding the death of Captain Benj. B. Schuck, which occurred June 27th, 1864, from wounds received on the 25th, Lieut. F. D. Koch says, "In losing the Captain, we are deprived of a good officer, and above all a brave soldier. He was never wanting in time of battle, but always at the head of his men, leading them against the enemy in every encounter. "Captain Schuck was formerly from Milton, Pa., but had resided in Middleport, Schuylkill County, for a number of years. He entered the U. S. service as First Sergeant, Co. I, August 1 5th, 61, and commissioned First Lieut. October, 62, and afterward commissioned as Captain, August 28th, 63. "During his stay with the company and regiment, he won the esteem and admiration of all who knew him, for none knew him but to honor and praise him for his manly actions and the noble service he has rendered in the defense of his country s cause. Peace to his ashes." Yours, etc., F. D. KOCH. The regiment now resumed its duties on the line, and on the 3d of August, Captain J. H. Hoskings, of Company F, who was in command of the regiment, which was temporarily attached to the 2nd Brigade, under Col. Pleasants, tempo rarily, was wounded while in charge of the picket line by a 18 274 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH rebel sharpshooter, whose bullet passed through the fleshy part of his left breast, at an angle, passing through the muscles of his left arm, making four distinct holes." On the 5th, Lieut. David Brown, of Company H, was killed whilst lying in his tent, a minnie ball piercing his body. Our lines now extended from the James River on our right to the Weldon Railroad, and two miles beyond on the left, and daily skirmishes were taking place. September I5th, 1864. Qth Army Corps, Jno. G. Parke, Maj. Gen.; 2nd Div., Brig. Gen. R. B. Potter; 1st Brigade, Brevet Brig. Gen. Jno. I. Curtin; 2ist Mass., 3 companies: 35th Mass., 36th Mass., 38th Mass., 5ist N. Y., 45th Penna., 48th Penna., Major O. C. Bosbyshell; 4th R. L, ;th R. I. Formation of Brigade at battle of Pegram s farm, in which the regiment lost 2 killed, 8 wounded and 44 captured. On the 3Oth of September the battle of Pegram s Farm took place, in which the regiment was very actively engaged, and lost sixty men, principally in prisoners. At the opening the regiment was held in reserve. In the progress of the fight the line of the brigade was broken, which resulted very nearly in the capture of the entire regiment. By skillful maneuvering the command preserved its organiza tion, although its lines were thrice broken by frightened troops pouring through them. The company (F) to which the writer belonged lost seven men, taken prisoners. They were sent to Salisbury, N. C., and five out of the number died there through the inhuman treatment experienced by all Union prisoners in rebel prisons.* HORRORS OF REBEL PRISON EXPERIENCE *With reference to the mortality in the Salisbury rebel prison, I quote from Richardson s testimony, given before the committee on the conduct of the war, on January 30, 1865 : "I am a Tribune correspondent, and was captured by the rebels May 3, 1863, at midnight, opposite Vicksburg. After confinement in six different prisons I was sent to Salisbury, N. C, February 3, 1864, and kept there until December i8th, when I escaped. Early in October 10,000 regular war prisoners arrived there ; it was then densely crowded, and a scene of cruelty and horrors. "Rations were cut down and issued very irregularly; friends out side could not send in a plate of food. The prisoners suffered con- THE EXPLOSION AND ITS RESULTS 275 CASUALTIES IN THE FORTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT Miner s Journal: Lieut. Col. Pleasants sent us the following list of casualties sus tained by the 48th Regiment in battle, September 3Oth, before Petersburg : Sergt. Major Henry C. Honsberger, wounded. COMPANY A. Missing. Lewis H. Sterner, Frank W. Simons, Samuel Shol- lenberger. COMPANY B. Missing. John E. Bubeck, Gardner Bell, Jacob Hammer, Thomas Griffiths, William Stevenson. stantly and often intensely for want of water, bread and shelter. The rebel authorities put all the prison hospitals under charge of my two comrades (Brown and Davis) and myself. Our position enabled us to obtain exact and minute information. Those who had to live or die on the prison rations always suffered from hunger. Very fre quently one or more divisions of a thousand men would receive no rations for forty-eight hours. The few who had money would pay from five to twenty dollars, rebel currency, for a little loaf of bread. Though the weather was inclement and snows frequent, some sold their coats and shoes to procure money to buy food. "Yet I was assured on authority entirely trustworthy that the great commissary warehouse near the prison was filled with provisions; that the commissary found it difficult to find storage for his flour and meal ; that when a subordinate asked the post commandant, Maj. John H. Gee, shall I give the prisoners full rations?" he replied, No, God damn them! give them quarter rations. I know from personal observation that corn and pork are very abundant about Salisbury. For several weeks the prisoners had no shelter whatever. They were all thinly clad; thousands were barefooted; not one in twenty had either over coat or blanket; many hundreds were without shirts, and hundreds were without blouses. At last one Sibley tent and one "A" tent were furnished to each squad of one hundred. With the closest crowding these sheltered about one-half of the prisoners. The rest burrowed in the ground, crept under buildings, or shivered through the nights in the open and upon the frozen, muddy or snowy soil. If the rebels at the time of their capture had not stolen their shelter tents, blankets, clothing and money, they would have suffered little from cold. If the prison authorities had permitted a few hundred of them, either on parole, or under guard, to cut logs within two miles of the garrison, the prisoners would gladly have built comfortable and ample barracks in one week. "The hospitals were in a horrible condition. They were always full to overflowing with thousands seeking admission in vain. More than half who entered the hospitals died in a very few days. The dead, always without coffins, were loaded into a dead cart, piled upon each other like logs of wood, and so driven out to be thrown in a trench. "The simple truth is that the rebel authorities at Salisbury are murdering our soldiers by cold and hunger, while they might easily supply them with ample food and fuel. They are doing this systematic ally, and, I believe, intentionally, for the purpose of either forcing our Government to an exchange, or forcing their prisoners into the rebel army." 276 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH COMPANY C. Missing. Sergt. Samuel Wallace, Murt Brennan, Charles Dintin- ger, William Larkin. COMPANY D. Wounded. Sergt. George Bowman. Missing. Sergt. Henry C. Graeff, George W. H. Cooper, William H. Williams, Daniel Deitrich. COMPANY E. Killed. John Darragh; Daniel Boyer, killed by a sharpshooter, October 5, 1864. Missing. John Dooley, Edward Magginnis. COMPANY F. Wounded. William Ball. Missing. Sergt. Robert Paden, William Fulton, Joseph Finley, William Moore, Michael Walsh, William Koehler, David Miller, Elijah DeFrehn. COMPANY G. Wounded. Patrick Galligan. Missing. Patrick Grant, Nicholas Gross, Joshua Reed. COMPANY H. Wounded. Corporal Henry Fry. Missing. Henry Jones, Joseph Moore, John Halladay, Philip Heffren. COMPANY I. Killed. James Heiser. Wounded. Benjamin Williams, Henry Goodman. Missing. First Lieut. O. A. J. Davis, Patrick Crowe, Joseph Cobus, Lucian Monbeck, Nathan Neifert, Henry A. Neyman, William Weirs. COMPANY K. Missing. George Cross, Thomas Leonard, John Patry, Thomas Fogarty. OPERATIONS AROUND PETERSBURG 277 CHAPTER XVI. Later Incidents and Operations Around Petersburg About the 4th of October, Colonel Sigfried, Major Bosbyshell, Lieut. Loeser, Adjutant; Lieut. Eveland, of Com pany A, and Lieut. Boyer, of the same company, left for their homes, the time for which they had been commissioned having 1 expired. On the expiration of the commission of Col. Sigfried, October n, 1864, Lieut. Col. Pleasants was commissioned Colonel; Geo. W. Gowen, of Company C, Lieutenant Colonel, and I. F. Brannan, of Company K, Major, in place of O. C. Bosbyshell. On the i8th of December, Colonel Pleasants commission expired, Lieut. Col. Gowen succeeding him, and Major Brannan was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel. On October nth we had an election. Mayor Strouse, Democratic candidate for Congress received thirty-five votes out of a total of two hundred and seventeen. On the I4th, the whole division was ordered out to wit ness the execution, by shooting, of a deserter. The victim was Charles Merlin, a member of the 26. Maryland, of our brigade. It was a very sad and impressive sight. He had deserted to the enemy and been captured. He was tried by court martial and sentenced to be shot. It was said at the time that his first offense was pardoned by the President, and he was restored to his command; but the very first night he was stationed on picket, he deserted to the enemy again and was captured in the rebel ranks by Sheridan in the Valley, and recognized, by some person, as being the same man that had been recently pardoned. He was again tried and sentenced as stated above. The division was formed in an open square and, at nine o clock in the morning, the prisoner was brought from his place of confinement, accompanied by the Chaplain. A band led the 278 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH procession, playing a funeral march. In the rear of the band was a file of guards, then the prisoner, then four men bearing his coffin, and after the coffin, another file of guards. The pro- cesssion marched all around the inside of the square to the open end, where the grave had been dug. Here the band was dismissed, the coffin placed near the open grave, and the prisoner then listened to the charges, findings and sentence read to him by the provost marshal. He was then left with the Chaplain, who seated him upon his coffin, bandaged his eyes, prayed with him, shook him by the hand and walked to the head of the square. A detail of twelve men with eleven muskets, loaded with ball, and one with blank cartridge, were drawn up within twenty-five paces of the victim. The idea of having one musket loaded with a blank cartridge, was, that each one of the men might console himself with the thought that his was the blank cartridge. The muskets were loaded by a sergeant and distributed to the men, so that even he did not know who held the musket containing the blank cart ridge. At the word "fire" from the officer in charge of the squad, the poor fellow fell back upon his coffin, riddled with the bullets of his comrades. The division was then marched by the body, whilst it still lay upon the coffin, and it was a piti ful sight to witness. On the 1 5th, with that fearful example so fresh in the memory, six men of the 6th New Hampshire were reported as having deserted to the enemy. On the 1 7th President Lincoln, Secretary Stanton, ac companied by Gen. Grant and other officials, rode along the line and were accorded a hearty welcome. On the i8th and iQth there was very heavy firing on the left, caused by the Fifth Corps coming into contact with the rebels. On the 26th a big move was in progress, all the forts on the line being manned and supplied with provisions and ammunition. The wagon-trains were all ordered to City Point, and the train-hands were mustered and ordered to be ready to take up arms in defense of the trains if attacked. OPERATIONS AROUND PETERSBURG 279 ^HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS. OFFICE CHIEF QUARTERMASTER, Oct. 28, 1864. Lieut. Thos. Bohannan, A. R. Q. M. 48th Pa. Vols.: You will report to Maj. Henry Bowman, Q. M. first division (com manding military organization of this corps), for duty as adjutant of the command. Respectfully, L. C. PIERCE, Lt. Col. and Chief Q. M. Ninth Corps. REPULSE AT HATCHER S RUN On the 28th of October a fierce engagement took place at Hatcher s Run, on the left, in which our troops were re pulsed, and in which the 48th was engaged. The movement to break the rebel right was a failure, and all the troops were ordered back to their original camps, the 48th to Pegram s farm. The bulk of the fighting was done by the 2d Corps, and they suffered very heavily. On the i8th of November, we held an election for President, and the 48th polled two hundred votes for Lincoln and thirty for McClellan. The weather was very cool now at night, and every morning our pickets reported great numbers of rebel deserters. They were a sad looking lot, their appearance indicated the hollow condition of the rebellion. They all expressed views that proved the hopelessness of their cause and were glad to quit. On the 24th was Thanksgiving Day, and we had been promised a feast of turkeys through the Christian and Sanitary Commission agencies. The promised *The Col. Bowman referred to was the major of the 35th Massa chusetts Regiment before going into the Quartermaster s Department. After the war he came to Northumberland County, Pa., and the writer renewed his friendship first made in front of Petersburg. Maj. Bow man was originally an officer in one of the Massachusetts regiments that fought at Balls Bluff, early in the war. He was there taken prisoner and taken to Libby prison, and held as one of the hostages for the rebel privateer Savannah, captured by the Union forces. The prisoners from the Savannah were arraigned and some of them tried as privateers, but not convicted. Jefferson Davis declared in a letter to President Lincoln, dated July 6th, that he would retaliate upon our prisoners any ill-treatment that might be inflicted upon them. The crew was ultimately exchanged, and Maj. Bowman and other officers held by the rebels exchanged. 280 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH goodies failed to materialize, but next day they all came to hand, lots of em, with doughnuts and crullers and other "fixin s," and a good time was had in putting them out of sight. IN "FORT HELL" On the 29th of November, our corps relieved the 2d Corps and were put on the line from the Jones House to the Appo- mattox River, the 48th being stationed in Fort Sedgwick. It was called "Fort Hell" more frequently, having been so christened by the rebels, owing to its very warm climate. A BARGAIN IN "PURGATORY" Our first day in the place was interesting, but in no way amusing. The fort was a large and strongly-built structure, with bombproofs erected for the protection of the troops. These were excavations in the ground, seven to nine feet in depth, and then covered with heavy logs, and these with tree- boughs, and the whole with from three to seven feet of earth. The rebels had two forts opposite to the one we occupied named Mahone and "Damnation," and they let loose to wel come our coming, to give us a house-warming, as it were. They commenced early and quit late. In Fort "Damnation" the rebels had two batteries of ten-inch and twelve-inch mortars, which kept us busy. Our first impressions of "Hell" were not favorable, though no casualties were reported. There were many nervous men in the regiment that day. To complete the simile, another, smaller fort than "Damnation," on the rebel s side, was called Mahone, or "Heaven," on account of the little injury it did us. These forts ("Hell," "Damnation" and "Heaven") lay across the Jerusalem Plank Road, while the picket lines of both armies "Purgatory" lay between them, the forts being but a few hundred yards apart, while the picket or "vidette" lines, at this point in the lines, were about eighty yards apart. A compact was entered into by the pickets of both armies, to the effect, that firing in day-light should cease, to be resumed at night-fall. This was faithfully kept, while conversation, trading, etc., were fre quently indulged in by the pickets. OPERATIONS AROUND PETERSBURG 281 The bombs could be plainly seen the moment they left the mortar on a clear day and blue sky. If you could not see it at once as it rose in the air, the peculiar wobbling- sound it made soon directed your eyes to its location, and then you began to speculate how close it would come to you without hitting you. We kept close to the bombproofs on the first day s shelling, as we thought they were what their name implied, "bombproof." A little experience taught us the truth. After the first day s shelling, almost every exhibition they afterwards gave us sent one or more of the large ten-inch shells through the roofs as a knife would penetrate butter. The "bombproofs," so called, were strongly constructed and useful; at night, to sleep in; by day, to pro tect the men from fragments of bursting mortar-shells. Usually, the enemy fired but one or two mortars at a time; sometimes, the whole battery. One man or more, when they commenced firing, leaped upon the works; caught the flash of the gun or guns; looked to the sky; caught the shell sailing- along; noticed where it may drop; gave warning; and, with others, sprang into the "bomproofs" for shelter. In time, how ever, the men got used to this shelling, and paid but little attention to it, with sometimes fatal results. On December 1st a new division was added to our corps. It was composed entirely of Pennsylvanians and commanded by Gen. John F. Hartranft. On the 3d, at least thirty shells from the rebel mortar batteries exploded in Fort Hell, and strange to say, no one was reported injured. On the 8th, the Second and Fifth Corps and part of the Ninth were moved to the rear for the purpose of making an attack on the Weldon Railroad to our left. On the I2th, we heard that the Weldon Railroad from Ream s Station to Weldon had been destroyed by our troops, and they returned to their former positions. On the loth, we had another execution, this time by hanging. Two soldiers of the i/9th New York Regiment deserted to the enemy; were apprehended; court-martialed; and sentenced to be hung. A gallows had been erected near division headquarters, and the troops were all formed about it. The prisoners were marched past the division on to the 282 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH gallows; one of them coolly smoking a cigar. They were led on the trap; the finding and sentence read to them; black caps placed on their heads ; and the drop fell. As the trap fell, on which they stood, their names, company and regiment, and the cause for which they were executed, were seen painted in bold letters, so that all could plainly read. The execution was very artistically performed; and, after the division was marched past the suspended bodies, we were conducted to camp. On December the I4th, 1864, in front of Petersburg, Va., a sword, sash and belt was presented to Captain F. D. Koch, of Company "I," by the members of his company, bearing the following inscription : "Presented to Captain F. D. Koch, by the members of Co. "I," 48th Penna. Vet. Vols., Dec. I3th, 1864." Charles C. Wagner presented the sword in behalf of the company; and it was received by the Captain in a very appropriate speech. On the i6th, we had lots of good news: Sherman was in Savannah; Thomas had annihilated Hood s army at Nashville; and Butler was shoving his powder boat off at Fort Fisher. By General order, dated Dec. 24th, 1864, issued by General Parke, commanding Qth Army Corps, the following named soldiers were awarded medals of honor by Congress, for "gallant and meritorious conduct in the field:" Corporal Patrick Monaghan, Co. "F," 48th P. V. V. ; Private Robert Reid, Co. "G," 48th P. V. V. These medals are indeed a permanent and substantial honor, of which the wearers may be ever so proud. We had hard shelling all afternoon of the iQth. A large shell exploded in one of the "bombproofs" of Co. D, wounding quite a number of the men, one of them, named George Harts, who died on the following day. Again, on the 28th, they treated us to liberal doses of ten-inch mortar "pills," and ten men of the regiment were wounded: one, named George Deutzer, of Co. K, died the same evening. December 3ist, 1864. Qth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. O. B. Wilcox. 2nd Division, Maj. Gen. R. B. Potter. 1st Brigade, Brevet Gen. Jno. I. Curtin. 48th Penna. Vols., Lieut. Col. Geo. W. Gowen. OPERATIONS AROUND PETERSBURG 283 NEW YEAR S DAY, 1865 The new year opened up very cold; but we were very comfortable, as far as the weather was concerned. Not a shot was fired by our side on this day, by order of Gen. Grant. The following additional casualities we received from the officers commanding companies, after the regiment reached Petersburg: COMPANY A. [The following are up to September I2th, 1864.] Killed. Lewis Hessinger, at Petersburg, June 22nd. Wounded. Lewis R. Loye, severely, Aug. loth, in front of Petersburg. Israel Britton, June 7th, at Cold Harbor. Jabez McFarlin, Tune 7th, at Cold Harbor. COMPANY B. [The following are up to September :2th.] Wounded. William R. Brooks, June 25th, before Petersburg. Henry Shoppel, May 6th, Battle of Wilderness. COMPANY C. [The following are up to September I2th.] Killed. Abraham A. Acker, June 23rd, in front of Petersburg. John Whittaker, June 23rd, in front of Petersburg. Wounded. Andrew Dunleavy, June iQth, near Petersburg. Wil liam Demmerce, August 3rd, in front of Petersburg. COMPANY D. Killed. Henry Dorward, Daniel Okon. Wounded. James L. Baum, Jacob Derr, Nathan Kessler, John D. Weikel. COMPANY E. [The following are up to October.] Killed. Daniel Boyer, Oct. 5th, at Pegram s Farm. John Danagh, Sept. 30th, at Pegram s Farm. Wounded. Corporal Samuel Clemens, May 16, before Peters burg. Corporal Wm. J. Morgan, May 12, at Spottsylvania. Corporal Robert Penman, June 8, near Cold Harbor. Corporal John Mercer, June 7th, near Cold Harbor. Cornelius Dress, June 6th, near Cold Harbor. Patrick Grant, June 27th, Wore Petersburg, leg amputated. Wm. McElrath, Sept. nth, near Weldon Railroad, Va. John Murry, June I7th, before Petersburg. John McRay, June i8th, near Peters burg. Daniel E. Reedy, June 3d, at Shady Grove Church, Va. [The report to us of the case of Reedy, is as follows: "Supposed to have died on board the steamer, bound north from White House, Va. Five Minnie balls pased through him, two through right leg, one through left 284 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH leg, one through right arm, and one through right breast; right leg amputated below upper wound."] Abraham Sigmund, June 3rd, at Shady Grove Church, Va. Anthony Wade, June 8th, near Cold Harbor. John Watson, June 27th, at mine before Petersburg. COMPANY F. Killed. Wm. Smith, June 23rd, at Shady Grove. Wounded. Captain Joseph H. Hoskings, August 3rd, before Petersburg. Wm. Duffy, June pth, at Shady Grove, Va. Hamilton Hause, July 2nd, before Petersburg. COMPANY G. Killed. William Simpson, June 26th, before Petersburg. Wounded. Patrick Cunningham, May I2th, at Spottsylvania Court House. COMPANY H. [The following are up to September 8th.] Killed. Second Lieut. David B. Brown, August 5th, near Petersburg. Wounded. Job Hirst, June 26th, before Petersburg. John Lloyd, August 3rd, before Petersburg. Wm. Schneider, July 29th, near Petersburg. Samuel T. Skeen, June 23rd, near Petersburg. COMPANY I. [The following are up to August 26th.] Wounded. Isaac Botz, June 3rd, at Shady Grove. Charles H. Good, June 3rd, at Shady Grove. Martin Dooley, June 3rd, at Shady Grove. Thos. J. Reed, June 3rd, at Shady Grove. Jos. Gilbert, June 15. John Umbenhocker, July 30th. COMPANY K. [The following are up to January I, 1865.] Killed. John F. Dentzer, Dec. 28th, at Fort Sedgwick, Va. Wounded. Sergt Wm. Laubenstine, August Qth. John Bartolet, June 27th, before Petersburg. Ephraim Whetstone, June 23rd, near Petersburg. On Jan. 2nd, however, we had a perfect shower of shells, wounding quite a number of the 48th and several members of the 96th Pennsylvania, who were paying a visit to some of their acquaintances, and were in the fort at the time. William Livingstone, of Company C, of the 48th, was killed during- the shelling. On the 3d and 4th, it snowed pretty hard, and on the 5th, there came a thaw which made life pretty miserable in the OPERATIONS AROUND PETERSBURG 285 camps and trenches. On the night of the 24th, there was heavy firing in the direction of the James River, and we ascertained the next morning that it was caused by an attack of a rebel ram on our fleet at City Point. The attack was a very weak one, it was reported, and easily repulsed. During the last week news was received of the fall of Wil mington, N. C., and the capture of Charleston and Columbia, with a large number of prisoners and quantities of ordnance. Every night, the half-frozen and repentant rebels, in large numbers, made their appearance on our picket line, and were sent to the rear. The picket lines at this point are very close together, and a person could with ease throw a brick from one line to the other, and, for this reason, the desertions were more numerous just at this point. On the 25th, a shotted salute of one hundred guns was fired by order of Gen. Grant to celebrate the fall of Wilmington, N. C. This salute was responded to by the rebel artillery, and a lively time was had, during its continuance, in "dodging" mortar shells. There was hardly a day passed but what we were under fire. The rebels seemed to take a special delight in showing their skill in artillery, firing for our especial benefit, and we were disgusted with their attention, and had no admiration for the accuracy of their aim. On the 9th of March, the 35th Massachusetts relieved the 48th in Fort Hell, and we then occupied the place they vacated on the line. After leaving the fort, the Regiment went into camp in the rear of the line, about an eighth of a mile, near Hancock Station on Grants Railroad, while it still did duty in the front, sending out details for that purpose. Great activity prevailed along our front about this time. Our lines were lengthened and strength ened, and a move of some moment seemed about to be inaugurated. Many rumors were flying about, but nothing of any interest took place until the 25th, when the rebels undertook to destroy Grant s army by breaking the lines at Meade Station and then to capture City Point, the base of supplies, and destroy the shipping. Just at daybreak they penetrated our lines at Fort Steadman, directly in front of OPERATIONS AROUND PETERSBURG 287 Petersburg, which was held by a portion of the first division of the 9th Corps. The blow was struck by Gen. Gordon with two divisions, while 20,000 more men were massed to follow up the assault in case an opening was made at Fort Steadman, and the crest in its rear was gained. Early in the morning an officer had made the rounds and found the men on the picket line alert, and unsuspicious of any attack. Gordon s troops were assembled at a point between Fort Steadman and Battery 19, where the lines were very close. Gen. Gordon knew that this was a favorable place for deserters making their way to the Union lines, and he sent his pickets, with their arms, creeping through to the Union pickets. PICKETS TRICKED Squad after squad passed through, announcing them selves as deserters; and, when a sufficient number of them had accumulated, they dashed upon the pickets, overpowered and sent them to the rear as prisoners. This line, from the Appomattox on the right to Cemetery Hill on the left, was garrisoned by the first division of the Ninth Corps, commanded by Gen. O. B. Wilcox. The fort facing Cemetery Hill was Morton, a bastioned work high and impregnable. The next one down the line to the right was Haskell, a small field redoubt, mounting six guns, and holding a small infantry garrison. Eighty rods still farther to the right was Steadman, stronger than Haskell. Two hundred rods from Steadman was McGilvery, near the river, and out of range of Lee s heavy ordnance. These works were connected by trenches, and the picket line outside of this line, about forty rods from the rebel picket line at Fort Steadman, was selected by Gen. Gordon as the most favorable place to make the assault. NEW, BUT GALLANT, PENNSYLVANIANS They took several batteries and turned the guns upon our troops and had things pretty much their own way. For an hour or so it looked as though they were going to succeed in their attempt; but our troops were getting into position 288 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH for an assault, and the fourth division, composed entirely of Pennsylvania troops, led by the intrepid Hartranft, made, at the proper time, an assault upon them that sent them howling to their lines and glad to get there. This was a splendid and well conducted movement of Hartranft s division. His men were composed of new regiments, unused to battle; but under this splendid officer s handling, they performed their work like veterans and won imperishable renown. He worked them in by echelon, regiment by regiment, cutting the enemy out as he advanced, until, getting partly in their rear, he charged Fort Steadman, recaptured it, and the work was done. A great many of them, about three thousand, were captured, and hundreds of their dead and wounded strewed the field. It was a very .costly experiment for them, and added great lustre to Hartranft s reputation as a commander and a fighter. General Grant and President Lincoln, when the fight com menced, went down to the left, to Hatcher s Run, in a railroad car, leaving Hartranft to fight it out; when they returned, it was all over, and, before the smoke of battle had been washed from his face, the gallant and modest Hartranft had been complimented by Lincoln, and made a Major General on the field a very unusual compliment. The rebel troops that made the assault were of Gordon s division, and had been brought from Hatcher s Run the night previous. On the 2Qth, at about ten o clock at night, the rebel batteries on Cemetery Hill, Chesterfield, and the "Gooseneck," opened upon us with all their available artillery. Our bat teries promptly responded and kept it up until about twelve o clock; when a heavy rain set in, and put an end to the duel. While it lasted it was a beautiful display of fireworks. Every shell could be traced in its course through the sky by its burning fuse. Though attended by some danger, the sight was enjoyed by all who witnessed it. On the 30th, the regiment presented Col. George W. Gowen with a beautiful horse and full set of equipments. The Colonel in a short speech thanked the donors and said he would try to deserve the good opinion the regiment expressed in the presentation of the very useful gifts. THE ASSAULT ON FORT MAHONE 289 CHAPTER XVII. The Assault on Fort Mahone On the 3 ist, hard fighting was going on and was con tinued until the ist of April. We had no part in this conflict, it being confined to the extreme left of our line, but, on the morning of the 2d, our time had come, and, at daylight, an advance was ordered upon the rebel fort, Mahone, imme diately in our front. Col. Gowen led the regiment in the attack, being well to the front, and had gone but a short distance when he was struck in the face by a shell and instantly DEATH OF COLONEL GOWEN killed. One side of his head was completely torn away. His body was carried back to his quarters, where his faithful body- servant, Billy Fitzpatrick, safely guarded it until it was taken in charge by Lieut. Parry, of the navy, who was an intimate friend of the family. He delivered his body to his friends in Philadelphia for burial. I. F. Brannan was now colonel; Richard Jones, lieutenant colonel, and Jacob Wagner, major. Brannan had gone into the service as first lieutenant of Company K. Jones was originally a sergeant of Company G, and Wagner enlisted as a private in Company H. The fighting continued lively all day, but as night approached had about ceased, leaving our army victorious at every point. Our regiment lost very heavily in killed and wounded and had a warm place during the whole fight. The final assault and capture of Petersburg commenced in our front, at daybreak of the 2d of April. The greater portion of the Army of the Potomac had moved to the left, leaving the 9th Corps alone on the Petersburg front. On the day previous Sheridan had defeated a strong rebel force at Five Forks, and Gen. Parke had orders to assault from his position at daybreak. Parke commanded the Qth Corps. 19 290 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Orders had been issued on the night of the 1st that all batteries on the line should open their guns to cover the advance of the infantry. The roar of the signal gun at the Avery house found all the artillerymen at their posts and anxious to end the war. The bombardment grew furious as it increased along the whole line, from north of Petersburg to Hatcher s Run. The rebel guns replied with vigor, and this bombardment was the most terrific experienced on that front. The sight was one rarely seen. From hundreds of cannons, field guns and mortars came a stream of living fire as the shells screamed through the air in a semi-circle of flame, the noise was almost deafening. The Ninth Corps had orders to assault at four o clock, but it was yet so dark, at that time, that the troops could not see to move; so the bombardment was kept up until it was light enough for the movement. Potter s Division, the 48th Regiment leading, assaulted to the left from Fort Sedgwick; each column was accompanied by pioneers with axes, to cut away the abattis and chevaux- de-frise. The troops, eager to be avenged for the repulse at the explosion of the mine eight months before, fought like demons; and, in the teeth of the storm of grape, canister and musketry, plunged into the field and charged without flinching, until they reached the inside of the enemy s lines. The assault by Sheridan on the far left, and Wright between, had met with such success that there was no need for the 9th Corps to carry the lines opposed to them at that time, as the fate of Petersburg had already been sealed. Parke was directed not to advance unless he was certain of success; but to hold what ground he had, and to strengthen it. Col. G. W. Gowen, of the 48th, was killed in this assault. Sergeant P. H. Monaghan, of Co. F, says: "In the doubling up on the centre, I found myself with the colors, and, on reaching the abattis in front of Fort Mahone, we halted to remove the obstructions; and, while doing this, our regimental front was rapidly diminishing. I saw. Col. Gowen step to the side of Sam Beddall, one of the Color Sergeants, lean over, and speak to him. My impression was that Sam was hurt, and I Col. Geo. W. Gowen. Killed April 2nd, 1865. Petersburg, Va. THE ASSAULT ON FORT MAHONE 293 stepped to the side of the Colonel to take the colors, if such was the case. The Colonel straightened up, and I moved a step out of his way, when a shell, hot from the mouth of one of the rebel guns of Fort Mahone, exploded in our midst. The Colonel fell on his face ; I turned him over on his back, and saw that half of his face was carried away. He was killed instantly. Myself and two others of the regiment carried him back to the rebel picket line, where we were relieved by others, and returned to the front; joined the colors, and entered Fort Mahone by way of the embrasure from which the shell had been fired that killed Colonel Gowen." THE DEATH OF COLONEL GEO. W. GOWEN On the evening of April ist, 1865, General John I. Curtin, now living 1 at Bellefonte, Pa., commanded the ist Brigade, 2nd Division, of the 9th Corps, to which our 48th Regiment, P. V. I., Colonel George W. Gowen commanding, belonged. At that date, the regiment occupied a strong fort on the Union lines around Petersburg, Va., known as Fort Sedgwick. This position they held the whole of the previous winter. Immediately in their front, the Confederates held a likewise strong and commanding fort, known as Fort Mahone. These two forts were only a short distance apart, and about twenty-five yards in front of each was a strong line of abattis, which was made from trees set in the ground at an angle, the limbs being pointed and facing outward and held together in various ways, and when well constructed with an alert enemy at a suitable distance behind they are very formidable. Besides this abattis, was an additional obstruction of chevaux-de-frise, which is constructed as fol lows: good sized timber round or square through which are bored holes, some six or eight inches apart and in opposite directions. When bored, stout sharp-pointed wooden bars, about two inches thick, were forced, forming, when complete, a four-pronged obstruction resting upon two of the prongs. To complete the obstructive line, these were wired together at the ends of the logs, forming a very strong defense and hard to remove. 294 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH On the night of April 1st, 1865, General Curtin sum moned the commanding officers of the different regiments of his brigade to his headquarters, and there told each one of the duty assigned them on the following morning, when it was the intention to storm Fort Mahone and break the enemy s lines around Petersburg. After all arrangements had been completed for the morrow and these officers, before leaving for their various commands, shook hands with their General, Col. Gowen, who had served on staff duty during the whole of Grant s campaign, and being personally well acquainted with Curtin, also bade him good-bye and told him in doing so, that to-mor row would be his last battle. The General tried to disabuse his mind of this feeling and offered to place him with his 48th Regiment on reserve, and put another regiment to lead the assault, but Gowen would not have it so, and insisted in taking the place assigned. On the following morning, April 2nd, at the appointed time, about daylight, all were ready for the fray. When the signal was given, the brave regiment with its young Colonel rushed through its own abattis, which had been prepared with openings, made during the night, and in a few minutes were over the intervening s-pace and up against the abattis of the enemy. When the men of the regiment became somewhat confused by the enforced halt in removing the obstructions, during all of which time the enemy poured a destructive fire both from infantry and artilhry upon them, the Colonel in their midst was encouraging them to move forward when a shell exploded directly over him, killing him on the spot. A few brave spirits succeeded in entering the fort, but were taken prisoners by the enemy. It was only after further severe fighting that the fort was finally taken and held against repeated efforts of the enemy to retake it. FORTY-EIGHTH S LAST FIGHT This was the last battle of the 48th Regiment in the Civil War, as well as that of its much beloved Colonel. THE ASSAULT ON FORT MAHONE 295 Here it met its saddest and greatest loss, and, as he told General Curtin the night before, it was indeed his last battle, and it is near the spot where he fell in front of Fort Mahone where the survivors of the gallant regiment have secured ground and propose erecting a monument in memory of their dead comrades and their brave Colonel, who was indeed "above fear and beyond reproach." R. CASUALTIES OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT IN THE CLOSING CAMPAIGN Miner s Journal: On the 29th of December, 1.864, Major I. F. Brarman, commanding in regiment, wrote to us as follows : HEADQUARTERS, 48x11 REG T., P. V. V. FORT SEDGWICK, VA., DEC. 29, 1864. Yesterday afternoon our regiment received a very severe shelling from the rebel mortar batteries in our front. The following is a list of our casualties : COMPANY B. Wounded. Corporal Joseph Rarig, John Yonker. COMPANY C. Wounded. Robert Rogers. COMPANY G. Wounded. John Kauter, Charles H. May. COMPANY K. Killed. Corporal John F. Dentzer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. F. BRANNAN, Major Commanding Rcg t. JANUARY 2, 1865. Corporal William Levison, Co. C, was instantly killed by a sixty-four pound mortar shell coming through his quarters in Fort Sedgwick. Fragments of the same shell wounded Lieutenant James Clark of the same company. CHARGE UPON THE REBEL FORTIFICATIONS AT PETERSBURG On Sunday, April 2, 1865, the Forty-eighth led the charge made by the Ninth Corps upon the earthworks defending the City of Petersburg. The Regiment was led by its brave 296 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Colonel, Geo. W. Gowen. As he reached the obstructions of Fort Mahone waving his sword, he was instantly killed by a piece of shell. The grief of the officers and men of the Forty-eighth, at the death of their Colonel, found expression in the following preamble and resolutions adopted at a meeting held at Farm- ville, Va., April i5th, 1865: WHEREAS, It has pleased Almighty God to remove from our midst, our late Colonel, George W. Gowen, who was killed while gal lantly leading his command in the assault upon the rebel works before Petersburg, Va., April 2d, 1865, therefore be it Resolved, That although we bow with submission to the Divine will, which has taken him from amongst us, yet we cannot restrain an expression of the feeling of deep regret entertained by this regiment at his death. Resolved, That in the death of Colonel Gowen, this regiment has sustained a loss which can never be repaired, inasmuch, that he pos sessed the rare qualities of the perfect gentleman, united with those of the brave and efficient officer. Ever attentive to the innumerable wants of his command, courteous to those with whom he had intercourse, and displaying to all a kindness of heart seldom to be met with in the army. Resolved, That the sincere sympathies of this command are hereby tendered to the family of the deceased. CAPT. R. M. JONES, Co. G, " F. D. KOCH, Co. I, " F. P. WILLIAMS, Co. B, Committee. The casualities sustained in the charge by the regiment were as follows : Killed. Col. George W. Gowen, struck with piece of shell. COMPANY A. Wounded. John Adams. COMPANY B. Killed. Sergeant John Horner. Wounded. First Sergt. John Watkins, Sergt. Robert Campbell, William H. Ward, Robert Jones. Missing. Sergt. Isaac L. Fritz, William Reppert, Michael Kings- ley, Nicholas Stephens, Lewis Kleckner, Henry Rinker, Daniel Hurley. COMPANY C. Wounded. George S. Seibert, Corp. James Nicholson, Casper Groduvannt, Albert Kurtz, James F. Martin, Paul Dehne. Missing. Corp. James Hanan. THE ASSAULT ON FORT MAHONE 297 COMPANY D. Wounded. Sergt. Henry Rothenberger, Corp. Levi Derr, Aaron P. Wagner, Jacob Schmidt, E. McGuire, Joseph Buddinger, Chester Phillips, Thomas Whische. Missing. Samuel Kessler. COMPANY E. Killed. Daniel D. Barnet. Wounded. Corp. Wm. I. Morgan, Wm. C. James, Robert Meredith, Frederick O. Goodwin, Thomas Hays. Missing. First Sergt. John C. McElrath, Corp. Geo. W. James, Daniel McGeary, John O Neil. COMPANY F. Killed. David W. McElvie. Wounded. Second Lieut. Henry Reese, Sergt. William J. Wells, Corporal John Devlin, James Dempsey, John Crawford. COMPANY G. Wounded. Peter Bailey, John Droble, Patrick Daley, Nicholas Feers, Thomas Howell, Thomas Smith, John Wright, George Kane, First Liuet. William Auman. Missing. Patrick Galligan. COMPANY H. Killed. James King, William .Donnelly, George Uhl. Wounded. Sergt. P. Radelberger, Willoughby Lentz, Geo. E. Lewis, Benjamin Koller, Corp. Henry C. Matthews, 2nd Lieut. Thomas H. Silliman. COMPANY I. Killed. Albert Mack, Albert Zimmerman, Wesley Boyer. Wounded. Jonathan Mowery, Charles C. Wagner, Joseph Shoener, John Road, Henry Goodman. Missing. Sergt. James McRevnolds, James Mullen, Theodore Pletz, John Oats, Thomas J. Reed, Jacob Reichmine. COMPANY K. Wounded. S. Hoffman, Benjamin Kline, Paul Snyder, Jacob Ebert, David Philips, Jno. Williams, Joseph Wildermuth. Missing. William Pelton, John Marshall, George Showers. The first regiment to enter Petersburg was the 5oth Pennsylvania, in which there were quite a number of men from Schuylkill County. 298 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH P. S. This battle was fought on Sunday, early in the morning. When preparing and about ready to start on the charge, when every man was silent and had his own serious thoughts, some irrepressible Irishman from Co. "C" sung out, so that almost every man in the regiment heard, "Bys, we re going to early mass," which caused the boys to laugh when they did not feel much like it. R. THE FORTY-EIGHTH PA. ASSAULT ON FORT MAHONE Sergeant Wells says: "Shortly after midnight of April ist, a general alarm opened all along the line from right to left. This was evi dently a movement of the enemy, who, being so fiercely at tacked on their right by the flanking movement of the Cavalry under Sheridan and the Fifth Corps under Warren, determined to ascertain the strength of the Union force in his front. The long roll was sounded, and the 48th, aroused from their slumbers so suddenly, soon, very soon, sprang into line and were quickly moved forward from their camp in the rear to a position on the main line to the right of Fort "Hell" (Sedgwick), where they lay strung along the line. During the two or three hours thus located, a most terrific Artillery duel took place, the infantry of both sides doing practically no thing. While thus engaged two mortar shells, one union, one rebel, met in midair, just in side-contact evidently, as both were seen, by the burning fuse, to whirl in a circle, then to burst between the lines. The sight was significant and portended the bloody scenes so soon to follow. "The 48th was relieved by a portion of Hartranft s Division and returned to camp, but only to receive three days rations of sugar, coffee and hard bread. 7 The cooks had hurriedly prepared the coffee and the men eagerly tried to drink it burn ing hot, but, before being enabled so to do, were compelled to fall in and move through the dug-out wagon-way, march ing through water and mud up to their knees, the result of recent heavy rains; then, moving rapidly forward, the Union line of abattis and cheval-de-friese \vas soon passed, and, in line of battle, quickly advanced to their own picket line, THE ASSAULT ON FORT MAHONE 299 purgatory, which was soon reached, being impeded, however, by a temporary delay caused by a depression in the field in which many sought shelter from the terrific storm of shot, shell, and bullet which now so continously swept the field, the enemy evidently divining the movement. After a brief rest, the regiment again advanced on the jump for the rebel picket line and as promptly captured it, using the refuse side of the works as a temporary shelter. "Now came the tug of war. Directly in front was Fort Mahone, and about two hundred feet in advance. After a short rest the regiment sprang forward with their usual celerity square up to a double line of clieval-de-friese and abattis which formed a very formidable obstruction. Here the regiment was massed, seeking a passage and forcing their way through as fast as the pioneers cut away the ob structions, the most forward, gallantly leading his men, being; Colonel Gowen who, as elsewhere described, fell at the mo ment of contact, nobly, gallantly fell in the expiring throes of armed rebellion. "The inevitable ensued. Unable to pass beyond the obstructions, the men assisted in removing them, while most fell back to the enemy s picket line for re-formation. "While thus engaged, General John I. Curtin, commanding the Brigade of which the 48th formed part, apparently ex hausted, and leaning upon his sword, in the effort to rally the troops for another charge, called out. Let us make one more charge for the honor of the Old Keystone State/ and directed the writer and Howard W. Haas, Corporal Co. K, to bring the Colors up to the front, around which to rally. This duty was performed and the writer bears cheerful testi mony to the fact that Sergeant Taylor of Co. A, and Sergeant Sam Beddall, of Co. E, two of the best and most gallant men in the regiment, promptly rallied around the gal lant Curtin ready to advance. With the nucleus thus formed the men, without much regard to Company formation, soon advanced with loud and continuous cheering to the assault, determined to avenge Colonel Gowen s untimely death. Over, around, and through the remaining obstructions with wild 300 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH shouts they fly, and over the moat, already filled with dead and dying, they reach the glacis of the fort, and, muzzle to muzzle, patriot and rebel, blaze into each others faces, the guns in the fort being now useless. "While thus engaged, victory hanging in the balance, up comes the 39th New Jersey to the rescue, their color-bearer bounding into the fort. Seeing this gallant act, Captain John L. Williams of Co. F, called out: "Forward, boys, and save the Jersey Colors," which order was promptly obeyed. Hand to hand, butt to butt, bayonet to bayonet the fight continued, resulting in the retreat of the enemy and the fort was ours. Promptly, Generals Curtin and Potter of the Brigade and Division respectively sprang into the fort, and, with their own hands, turned the unspiked guns upon the enemy, General Potter being subsequently wounded. "Shortly after the capture, the writer was wounded and left the field." THE REGIMENTAL COLORS There has been considerable discussion about the colors at the Petersburg assault as to whether there were two or only one stand in the fight. From the very best evidence that can be had it has been proven that both stands of colors of the 48th Regiment were in the fight; the one carried by Sergeant Taylor, of Company A, a grand, good soldier, who had carried it on many fields, and the other by Sergeant Sam Beddall, of Company E, as good as Taylor, and that is good enough for any purpose, and they brought them out without any mishap. Sheridan s victory at Five Forks and Wright s success in piercing the rebel lines, had solved the problem of the siege of Petersburg. It was a serious task for Parke to turn the lines which he had captured to the defense of his own troops and to hold them. Lee made frantic efforts to recover this portion of the line. He assaulted repeatedly with reinforcements, but every effort was repulsed. In one of these assaults Fort Mahone fell again, temporarily, into the hands of the enemy. These assaults were so threatening that troops were ordered up THE ASSAULT ON FORT MAHONE 301 from City Point, and one division from the Sixth Corps to reinforce the hard-pressed line. The H4th Pennsylvania (Collis Zouaves) was amongst the troops ordered to our relief. Fort Mahone was re-captured, and Parke intended to renew the assault, but his troops were exhausted and he decided to. await further developments. During the night additional troops came to the front, and arrangements were made to advance the whole line at daybreak. All felt that an important movement was at hand, and that the dissolution of the army of Northern Virginia was absolutely certain. There was but very little sleep for the men in the trenches that night. All were expecting hard work in the morning, with great prospects of ending up the war . During the night the wounded between the lines were brought in and hurried to the rear. The night had almost ended before any movement was discovered that hinted at the evacuation of Petersburg. By three o clock their troops were all across the Appomattox River and the bridge was in flames, while the sky was lit up by the burning of the warehouses, indicating that the rebel army was in full retreat. 302 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH CHAPTER XVIII. The Fall of Petersburg and the End of the War At last, after nearly ten months of hard work, the troops of the Ninth Corps had the proud privilege of marching into the City of Petersburg. All rejoiced that the end was near. This corps was the first of the troops of the Army of the Potomac to assault Petersburg, and it was fitting it should be the first to enter the city. The infantry of the corps went forward and was met by the Mayor and Common Council, who said the city being evacuated, it was formally surrendered, and they asked for protection of the persons and property of its inhabitants. At 4:30 a. m. on the 3d the flag of the 1st Michigan Regiment was raised upon the Court House. Extract from report of Brevet Brig. Gen. John I. Curtin, commanding First Brig., 2nd Div. Qth Army Corps, at assault, April 2nd, 1865 : "In compliance with orders, from Brevet Maj. Gen. Potter, commanding 2nd Div., Qth Corps, four regiments of my brigade were massed in column of regiments in the following order to the left of Fort Sedgwick, at three o clock Sunday morning, 2nd inst.: 39th N. J. Vols.; 48th Pa. Vet. Vols.; 45th Pa. Vet Vols.; and 58th Mass. Vols.; with orders to support the 2nd Brigade (Gen. Griffin) in the assault on the enemy s works, which was made at 4,30 a. m. "The fort being isolated from the main works, open in the rear, and completely commanded from front and flanks, the advance was compelled to retire in some confusion to the outer part; yet at the same time they held the fort. The 48th P. V. V., and the 58th Mass. Vols. were then ordered forward, charging over and through the fort, which charge was successful only so far as getting possession of the traverse and covered way leading to their main work. "The four regiments comprising the charging column, FALL OF PETERSBURG AND END OF THE WAR 303 from the time their advance commenced and until they reached the fort, were exposed to a very galling fire of artillery and musketry, particularly at the time that they were obliged to change direction, keeping well the line and the regimental organization. "In expressing my entire satisfaction of the gallant con duct of officers and men of the regiments engaged, I refrain from mentioning any one especially. I have to mention, and deeply regret, the loss of two valuable ofHcers, Col. G. W. Gowen, of the 48th Pa. V. V., and Major P. E. Peckman, A. A. General." Official Records. HEADQUARTERS QTH ARMY CORPS, APRIL 2, 1865. COL. O. E. BABCOCK: I have just come from Potter; he is doing well and in good spirits ; shot through body, low down, probably escaped the intestines, but passed through the bladder. He is at the Jones House and well cared for. We have lost Gowen, of the 48th Pennsylvania, killed instantly at the head of his regiment. All our people did splendidly to-day. JOHN G. PARKE, Major General. Official Records. HEADQUARTERS 9TH ARMY CORPS, ALEXANDRIA, VA., MAY 29, 65. COL. GEO. D. RUGGLES, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Army of the Potomac. COLONEL: I have the honor to recommend for pro motion the officers here named : First Lieut. Wm. Auman, 48th Penna. Vols., as Brevet Captain, for gallant and meritorious conduct April 2nd, 1865. First Lieut. Thos. H. Sillyman, 48th Regiment, Penna. Vols., as Brevet Captain for gallant and meritorious conduct April 2nd, 1865. Second Lieut. Francis Allebach, 48th Regiment, Penna. Vols., as Brevet First Lieut, for gallant and meritorious conduct April 2nd, 65. By command of MAJOR GENERAL JNO. G. PARKE, Commanding pth Corps. 304 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH FINAL SCENE OF GREAT STRUGGLE The army now took up the march in pursuit of the fleeing rebels, Sheridan with the cavalry and the Fifth Corps wheeling to the right, bringing them in the advance, the Sixth Corps and the Eighteenth Corps in the centre, and the Ninth Corps the extreme right of the Union Army. On the night of the 4th we camped at Sutherland. At every stage of the march were seen evidences of the hasty flight of the rebel army, baggage wagons, artillery caissons, and all the belongings of an army were scattered by the roadside. On the 5th we passed Fords and Wellville and camped near Nottoway Court House. On the 7th, we reached Farm- ville, and escorted Generals Ewell, Kershaw, Curtis, Lee and some other notables of the rebel army, together with 8000 other prisoners, who had been captured by our army. We conducted them to Burkeville Junction, and were doing guard duty over them when, on the morning of the loth, we heard the joyful news of the surrender of Gen. Lee the previous day. This news created the greatest enthusiasm amongst the troops. Great, strong, bearded men embraced, and, in many instances, kissed each other and shouted. The bands tried to make as much noise as the men, and the greatest joy pre vailed. All suffering and hardships that we had undergone tvere forgotten, every heart was full to overflowing. Even the Confederate prisoners gave vent to their feelings, for the most of them were tired of the war, and so expressed them selves. On the nth, Gen. Grant and his staff passed our camp on the way to Washington, and on the I2th, the rebel prisoners were paroled at this camp and started for their homes. On the i6th, we heard of the assassination of President Lincoln. It would be an utter impossibility to express the feelings of the soldiers of the Union Army when this news was heard. The wild exultations of the prospects of peace were quenched in shame and sorrow. "Thus this great and good ruler of our reunited people was foully stricken down in the very moment of his triumph; when the Union troops were everywhere victorious, when Lee FALL OF PETERSBURG AND END OF THE WAR 305 had surrendered the chief army of the downfallen Confed eracy; when Johnson was on the point of surrendering the only remaining 1 rebel force which could be termed an army; on the self-same day, which saw the identical flag of the Union, that four years before had been sadly hauled down from the flag staff of Fort Sumter, triumphantly raised again over that historic fort; when the war, being at an end, everything looked hopeful; at the very time when his merciful and kindly mind was doubtless far away from the mimic scenes upon which he looked, revolving plans for reconstructing and rebuilding the waste and desolate places in the South which war had made; at this time, of all times, when his just and clear per ception and firm patriotism were most needed, alike by con querors and conquered, to guide and to aid the nation in the difficult task of reconstruction and of a new departure, loom ing up before it, with newer, and broader, and better political issues upon which all the old issues of State-rights, secession, free trade and slavery, and all the mental and moral leprosy growing out of them, should lie buried, far out of sight as dead-and-gone relics of the cruel and devastating war which the South was alone responsible for. Abraham Lincoln had been assassinated. The assassina tion was but a part of the plot of the murderous Rebel sym pathising conspirators, and that cowardly "fire in the rear" which had been promised to the rebel leaders by their North ern henchmen. It was their purpose also to kill Gen. Grant, Secretary Seward, and other prominent members of the Cabinet. That the rebel authorities were aware of, and encour aged this dastardly plot, cannot be distinctly proven, but there will ever be a strong suspicion that they were not innocent. In July, 1862, a Georgian named Burham, wrote to Jefferson Davis, proposing to organize a corps of five hundred assassins, to be distributed over the North, and sworn to murder Presi dent Lincoln, members of his Cabinet, and leading Republican Senators, and other supporters of the Government. This proposition was made in writing, and was regularly filed in the "Confederate War Department;" indorsed "Respectfully 20 306 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH referred to the Secretary of War by order of the President/ and signed J. C. Ives. All the denials, therefore, of the rebel chieftains, as to their complicity in this assassination, will not clear their skirts of the odium of that unparallelled infamy." On the 2ist we commenced the march back to City Point. On the 23rd, we reached Petersburg and remained all night, and took advantage of the occasion to pay a visit to the crater made by the explosion of the mine on July 30, 1864. We marched to City Point, and, on the 26th took the steamer Starlight and proceeded by way of the James River and Fortress Monroe to Alexandria, Va., arriving there on the 28th, and went into camp near Fort Lyons. On the 22d of May we participated in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C., having marched from Alexandria the night previous. At review in Washington May 23rd, 1865. Qth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. Jno. G. Parke; 2nd Div., Brig. Gen. S. G. Griffin (Gen. Potter being absent, wounded) ; ist Brigade, Col. Summer Carruth ; 48th Penna. Vols., Col. I. F. Brannan. The 48th had 15 officers and 450 men in ranks. DOWN PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE 1865. "Sweet peace at last ! And home once more The veteran ranks began to pour. Dearer the fields about home s door Than fields of fame by valor won! Ah, then how long seemed each delay That kept them lingering on the way! How glorious was that crowning day The last review at Washington. "More proudly in that grand review They wore those faded coats of blue Than when those uniforms were new And first admired by loving eyes. More proudly flung on freedom s air Those smoked and riddled banners there, Than when their silken colors fair First floated under Northern skies." FALL OF PETERSBURG AND END OF THE WAR 307 The army, its task fulfilled, now took its joyful, tri umphant march for home. But, before these brave troops melted away into the common mass of citizens, it was deter mined that they should once again pass in review before their great leaders, in the capital of their country. It was a noble spectacle, as, with the President and Cabinet and the foreign ministers around them, Gen. Grant and other noted generals looked down on these bronzed veterans who had moved at their bidding, and had been the instruments to execute their will, as the hosts of the Rebellion were pressed back, the Republic rescued from destruction. For two days this mighty army marched. Great and touching memories clustered around them, for they marked the final steps of the wondrous path they had trod for four years. Soldiers and officers had become endeared to each other by a common toil, a common danger, and a mutual triumph. They had never failed in the hour of peril. Manly men were they all, who had stood shoulder to shoulder on many hard-fought fields. Not one drooping banner had been disgraced on the contrary they were covered all over with noble inscriptions, the mere men tion of which was a history of gallant deeds. Although the air was tremulous with triumphant music and loud shouts, a sad, mournful feeling filled all hearts as the swiftly- marching columns disappeared in the distance, for they were parting forever. But over all swelled emotions of joy, that the Union was saved the country rescued from ruin, and a happy, united people would, ere long, forget the past, in the enjoyment of peace and prosperity. "And so at last when the fighting was done And the battle-scarred banners were furled, The men who had lived by the sword and the gun Must find a new task in the world." While we were in camp at Alexandria, awaiting discharge and muster out, a rumor was circulated that a portion of the 9th Corps was to be sent to Mexico, and that the officers of the 48th had petitioned the War Department to select this regi ment as part of the command to make the trip. When this report was made known to the enlisted men, a petition was FALL OF PETERSBURG AND END OF THE WAR 309 drawn up and signed by the orderly sergeants of the different companies, representing all of the men, stating that they did not wish to go to Mexico, or anywhere else, except home, and they insisted on being discharged and mustered out. This petition was sent to Governor Curtin, at Harrisburg, who sent it to army headquarters, and from there it was sent on down to corps, division and brigade headquarters, and finally to regimental headquarters, where it caused quite a surprise and a lot of indignation, as it seemed there was not the least disposition on the part of any of the officers to be retained in the service, but that the report was unfounded and untrue. Measures were taken at once by Col. Brannan to ascertain the author of the petition. John Cruikshanks, of Company H, was, at last, blamed for its circulation, and being accused of it, neither affirmed nor denied its authorship. He was put under arrest and means taken to force him to ac knowledge his connection with the writing of the petition, or divulge the name of the person who did so. He remained obdurate, and the enraged Colonel had him strung up by the thumbs until he was exhausted. After two attempts to force the secret from him, Brannan, the Colonel, ceased his persecutions and allowed "Crooky" to go to his quarters. The authorship was never made known, and nothing more ever grew out of the matter. On the I7th of July, 1865, we were mustered out of the United States service and left Alexandria on the igth, arriving at Harrisburg on the 2Oth. We received our final pay and discharges on the 22d, and reached our homes the same day, after nearly four years of service. Our Corps, the Ninth, was always styled the "Big class in geography," from the fact of its many movements by land and sea. A synopsis of its wanderings is made a portion of this history, and can be intelligently followed. As the 48th Regiment was always connected with this corps, a record of its travels and campaigns is a record of the corps, excepting, only, the Vicksburg campaign of the corps, in which the 48th and the 2d Maryland Regiments did not participate. 310 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH The route of the extraordinary marches of our troops presented for many long and weary miles the touching pic tures of the trials of war. At night time they might be found asleep in every conceivable attitude of discomfort on fence rails and in fence corners some half bent, others almost erect, in ditches and on hill sides, some without blankets or overcoats. Daybreak found them drenched with dew, but strong in purpose; sometimes with half rations of bread and meat, still they went cheerfully forward. No nobler spectacle was ever presented in history. These beardless youths and gray-haired men, who thus spent their nights like beasts in the field, were the best in the land of all classes, trades and professions. The spectacle was such as to inspire the prayer that ascended from the sanctuaries of the North that God might reward the devotion of these men to principle and justice by crowning their labors and sacrifices with that blessing which always brings peace." -- Regimental Colors at muster out, July, 1865. 312 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH ADDENDA Battles, Casualties, Total Enlistments, Our Dead. The Survivors Association. Dedication of Monuments at Antietam and Petersburg and Stories Around the Camp-Fire. The engagements in which the regiment actively partici pated were as follows: Newberne, N. C, March 13, 1862. Second Bull Run, Va., August 29 and 30, 1862. Chantilly, Va., September I, 1862. South Mountain, Md., September 14, 1862. Antietam, Md., September 17, 1862. Amisville, Va., November 10, 1862. Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862. Blue Springs, Tenn., October 10, 1863. Loudon and Lenoirs, Tenn., November 15, 1863. Campbells Station, Tenn., November 16, 1863. Siege of Krioxville, Tenn., from Nov. 17 to Dec. 5, 1863. Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. Spottsylvania Court House, Va., May 10, n and 12, 1864. North Anna River Crossing, Va., May 23 and 24, 1864. Armstrong Farm, Va., June i, 1864. Shady Grove Church or Tolopotomy, Va., June 3, 1864. Cold Harbor, Va., June 8 and 9, 1864. Petersburg, Va., June 17 and 18, 1864. Petersburg Crater, July 30, 1864. Weldon Railroad, August 19, 1864. Poplar Spring Church, September 30, 1864. Hatchers Run, October 27, 1864. Fort Sedgvvick or "Hell," November 27, 1864, to March 9, 1865. Petersburg, April 2, 1865. Pursuit of Lee s army and end of war. ADDENDA 313 CASUALTIES KILLED. WOUNDED. DIED. CAPTURED. TOTALS. Field and staff 2 .. i .. 3 Company A 16 16 n 4 47 Company B 22 7- n 5 45 Company C 9 21 10 5 45 Company D 15 18 14 3 50 Company E 23 41 7 6 77 Company F 22 36 8 8 74 Company G 14 n 6 2 33 Company H 23 28 16 7 74 Company I 26 20 8 4 58 Company K 13 10 6 2 31 Totals 185 208 98 46 537 TAKEN PRISONERS AND WHERE CONFINED DIED. Salisbury, N. C 23 16 Libby, Richmond, Va 9 4 Andersonville, Ga 14 8 Totals 46 28 TOTAL ENLISTMENTS Field and staff and non-commissioned staff 40 Company A 199 Company B 200 Company C . . . , 190 Company D 200 Company E 178 Company F 1 185 Company G 180 Company H 185 Company I 176 Company K 171 Unassigned men 23 Total 1927 The above figures are compiled from the regimental records. The .War Department records credit the command with 1889 men. 314 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MEN FURNISHED BY SCHUYLKILL COUNTY DURING THE WAR From the Miner s Journal: Hardly had we finished copying the last list of volunteers, in April, 1865, when an order from the War Department, consequent upon the fall of Richmond and surrender of General Lee s army, to the Provost Marshal of the Tenth District, Captain Bowen, stopped recruit ing. No more men were ivanted the war was over. From April 17, 1861, to April 13, 1865, the number of men furnished by Schuylkill County, in response to the calls of the National and State Governments, was as follows: Three months service 1,795 Three years troops, recruited in 1861 4,007 Nine months troops, 1862 786 Militia for State defence, 1862 647 I73rd Regiment (drafted men) nine months service. . 310 Emergency militia, 1863 1,576 Drafted men who entered the service under draft of 1863 72 Re-enlisted veterans and volunteers recruited in winter and spring of 1864 1,864 Vounteers under call. July, 1864 351 One hundred days men, 1864 175 Ii6th Regiment 71 Volunteers under deficiency call, December 19, 1864. . 681 Total, 12,335 If we add to this the number of citizens who furnished substitutes, we find that Schuylkill County sent, during the war, into the field between thirteen and fourteen thousand men, a record of which a county of but ninety thousand inhabitants, need not feel ashamed. Philip Ledrick, Co. D. Levi Nagle, Regimental Band. Abraham Nagle, Drum Major. James May, 1st Lieut. Co. E. 316 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Our Deafc Upon the saddest chapter of this work we now enter. It is to give a record of the names of the Sons of Schuylkill of the 48th Regiment who died that their country might live. They yielded up their spirits in the noblest cause, and while we mourn, we are consoled by the reflection that their mem ories will be embalmed in the national heart while Freedom claims a votary on our continent. FORTY-EIGHTH PENNSYLVANIA REGIMENT FIELD AND STAFF. Colonel George Gowen killed April 2, 1865, before Petersburg. Major Joseph A Gilmour died June 9, 1864, in Seminary Hospital, Georgetown, D. C. of wounds received in battle, May 3ist COMPANY A. William Miiller died November 26, 1861, on Hatteras Island, N. C. John N. Spreese died January 21, 1862, " Bernard West died May I, 1862, at Newbern, N. C. Frank Wentzel drowned in the Potomac River, August 12, 1862. John Springer died in hospital from wounds, October 3, 1862. B. G. Otto, died in hospital from wounds, October 15, 1862. John Brobst, died in hospital from wounds, September 12, 1862. John H. Leiser killed at Bull Run, Va., August 29, 1862. James Williams killed at Fredericksburg, Va. December 13, 1862. Lewis M. Robinhold killed in battle, May, 1864. Isaac Otto killed in battle, May, 1864. John J. Huntzinger killed in battle, May, 1864. Abel C. T. St. Clair killed in battle, May, 1864. Lewis Hessinger killed in battle at Petersburg, June 22, 1864. Henry Simpson killed in battle. David Krieger died in Washington, September, 1862. John Ruff died in Washington, December, 1862. George Bright died in Philadelphia, January, 1863. John Springer died in Washington, October, 1862. Richard Lee died near Pottsville, March, 1864. George Betz died in Washington, June 17, 1864, of wounds received at Shady Grove, Va. ADDENDA 317 Peter Zimmerman died in Annapolis, Md., March, 1864. Simon Snyder died June 16, 1864, of wounds received at Shady Grove, Va. George Airgood died August 15, 1864, of wounds received in front of Petersburg. Nelson Simons died in Minersville, July, 5. 1864. David Houser died in City Point Hospital, July, 1864. Samuel Schollenberger died in Salisbury, (N. C.) rebel prison, January 15, 1865. Total, --_--___ 27 COMPANY B. Thomas Davidson died at Fort Clarke, Hatteras, N. C. November 28, 1861. Thomas G. Williams drowned by sinking of a steamer, August, 1862. Isaac Eiler died in New York, August 7, 1862. Abe Forrer (wagoner) died in Newbern, N. C. August 7, 1862. L. M. Reese killed at Bull Run, Va., August 29, 1862. Alexander Prince killed at Antietam, Md., September 18, 1862. Corporal Reuben Robinson killed at Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862. Michael Divine killed at Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862. John Williams killed at Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862. William Hill killed December 13, 1862 by fall of chimney in Fredericksburg. Thomas Connell died December 18, 1862. John Robson died in Sharpsburg, Md., December 20, 1862. Corporal David J. Davis killed in battle, May, 1864. Matthew Hume killed in battle, May, 1864. Frederick Knittle killed in battle, May 1864. Laurentus C. Moyer killed in battle, May, 1864. Daniel \Vary killed in battle, May, 1864. John Deitz killed in battle, May, 1864. Sergeant John Homer killed in battle, Petersburg, April 2, 1865. John Coalts killed in battle, Petersburg, April, 1865. Abraham Wadsworth died in Port Carbon, December, 18, 1862. Nicholas Shitehour, died in Washington, January, 1863, of wounds received in battle. Lieut William H. Hume died in Washington, June 30, -1864, of wounds received in battle. Samuel Heckman died June 12, 1864, of wounds received at battle, May 31. Christian L. Lauer died June 10, 1864, of wounds received at battle of Cold Harbor, Va. William Schwartz died 1864. 318 STORY OP THE FORTY-EIGHTH William Kissinger died May 24, 1864, of wounds received in the battle of Spottsylvania. Total, 27 COMPANY C. Daniel Reighard died at Camp Hamilton, Va., November n, 1861. Thomas McEvoy died at Camp Winfield, N. C, January 14, 1862. John Weiser killed at Bull Run, Va., August 29, 1862. Barney Getler killed at Bull Run, Va., August 29, 1862. Corporal A. T. Frazier died in Alexandria, Va., October 14, 1862. Joseph Lorr died in Alexandria, Va., October 29, 1862. Edwards Daniels died in Alexandria, Va., November I, 1862. Daniel Brown killed in battle, May, 1864. Abraham A. Acker killed before Petersburg, June 23, 1864. John Whitaker killed before Petersburg, June 23, 1864. Patrick Farrell died in Washington, September 21, 1864. Michael Crintin died in Salisbury Prison, November 29, 1864. Michael Mlohan died in Washington, May 20, 1864, of wounds received in battle of Spottsylvania, May 12. Charles Dintinger died in Salisbury Prison, February n, 1865. Corporal William Levison killed in Fort Sedgwick, January 2, 1865. Total, 15 COMPANY D. Lieutenant Alexander Fox died December i, 1861, on steamer Spaulding near Fortress Monroe. Andrew Spear died April 15, 1862, at Newbern, N. C. Andrew Klock died June 30, 1862. Addison Seaman died July 16, 1862. Mattie Sheafer died August 4, 1862, on board steamer Cossack. Charles Miller killed at Bull Run, Va., August 29, 1862. George Ramer died September 6, 1862, of wounds. William Bambrick died September 12, 1862, of wounds. Alva F. Jeffries killed September 17, 1862, at Antietam. John Sullivan died October 8, 1862, of wounds received at Bull Run. Henry Williamson killed at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. Thomas Kinney killed at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. Jonathan Kaufman killed in battle, May, 1864. Henry Dorward killed in battle, September, 1864. Daniel Okon killed in battle, September, 1864. Corporal J. H. Dorr died in Washington, January, 1863. William H. Smith died in Annapolis, April 7, 1864. John Deitrich died March 22, 1864. Solomon Eyster died in Philadelphia, August 22, 1864. David Miller died in Annapolis, November 6, 1864. ADDENDA , 319 C. Philip Becman died in Baltimore, February g, 1865. Charles F. Hesser. Jonas Z. Raber. ist Lieutenant Henry Graeff died in Pottsville, March 26, 1865, of disease contracted in rebel prisons. Total, - 23 COMPANY E. John Morton died in Alexandria, Va., September 5, 1862. John Broadbent killed at Antietam, September 17, 1862. James Farrall died in Washington, September, 25, 1862. Thomas Major died in Washington, October 31, 1862. Lieutenant William Cullen killed in battle of Antietam. Lawrence Farrel killed in battle, May, 1864. David Williams killed in battle of Grove Church, Va., June I, 1864. John Major killed before Petersburg, June 17, 1864. Daniel Boyer killed at Pegram s Farm, Va., October 5, 1864. John Danagh killed at Pegram s Farm. Va., September 30, 1864. Daniel D. Barnett killed before Petersburg, April 2, 1865. James Shields murdered in Silver Creek, Schuylkill County, Feb ruary 26, 1864. Anthony Wade accidentally shot and killed near Cold Harbor, Va., June 8, 1864. Sergeant Thomas Tosh died in Washington, July 7, 1864, of wounds received at Shady Grove, Va. Williams Evans died in Philadelphia, June 22, 1864. Valentine Frantz committed suicide at Fort Albany, Alexandria, April 28, 1864. William Reasons died in Annapolis, June 23, 1864, of wounds received before Petersburg, June 17. James Regan died in Annapolis, June 23, 1864. of wounds received before Petersburg, June 17. George Welsh died in Salisbury Prison, February 6, 1865. Patrick Rogers died in Washington, March 25, 1865. Daniel E. Reedy died en route to Washington, of wounds received June 3. at Shady Grove Church, Va. Total, - 21 COMPANY F. Michael Wilson died March 24, 1864, Annapolis, Md. Patrick M. Brown killed January 24, 1864, on railroad at Paris, Ky. William Brereton died at Fort Clarke, N. C., December 12, 1861. Charles Treisbach died in Newbern, N. C. July i, 1862. Corp. Henry Jenkins died August 29, 1862, of wounds received at Bull Run, Va. 320 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Corp. William Hopkins killed at Bull Run, August 29, 1862. Daniel Fenstermacher died in Washington, February 11, 1863. James Evans died in Washington, March 3, 1863. John J. Morrison died in Columbia College Hospital, Washington, October 23, 1862, of wounds received at Bull Run. David F. Thiel killed at Spottsylvania, Va., May, 1864. John Morrissy killed at Spottsylvania, Va., May, 1864. Lewis Woods killed at Spottsylvania, Pa., May, 1864. Richard Williams killed at Spottsylvania, Va., May, 1864. Patrick Doolin killed near Pamunky River, Va., May, 1864. Henry McCann killed near Pamunky River, Va., May, 1864. Edward G. Pugh killed at Shady Grove Church, Va., June 23, 1864. William Smith killed at Shady Grove Church, Va., June 23, 1864. Horace F. Straub killed before Petersburg, June 17, 1864. Isaac Lewis killed before Petersburg, June 17, 1864. Corp. John Powell died May 12, 1864, of wounds received at Spottsyl vania. John Bradley (2nd), died June, 1864, of wounds received at Shady Grove Church. David McElvie killed before Petersburg, April 2, 1865. Peter Litchfield died June, 1864, at Annapolis, Md. Israel Manning died May, 1864, of wounds received at Spottsylvania. Frank Queeney died August 30, 1864. Andrew Wessner died June, 1864, of wounds received at Spottsyl vania, May 12. Jacob Wagner died in Pottsville, January 3, 1865. Elijah DeFrehn died in Salisbury prison, December 30, 1864. William Fulton died in Salisbury prison, February n, 1865. Simon Devlin killed before Petersburg, June 18, 1864. Total - 30 COMPANY G. Philip L. Diehl died December 13, 1861, at Hatteras, N. C. William Smith died September 14, 1862, of wounds received at Bull Run. Charles Timmons killed at Antietam, September 17, 1862. Henry Burnish died in Pottsville, December 20, 1862. John Fame died November 8, 1862, of wounds received in battle. Second Lieut. H. C. Jackson killed near Spottsylvania, May, 1864. W illiam Williams killed near Spottsylvania, May, 1864. Corp. Alex. Govan killed near Grove Church, June 23, 1864. James Allison killed near Grove Church, June 23, 1864. Wm. Simpson killed near Grove Church, June 23, 1864. Edward McCabe died in Washington, November 12, 1862. John Armstrong died July i, 1864, of wounds received at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. Charles Clark died in Annapolis, Md. ADDENDA 321 J. Howard Jones died July 13, 1864, of wounds received June 17, before Petersburg. Jas. R. Spencer died May 31, 1864, of wounds received at Spottsylvania. Charles Hesser died in Washington, July 8, 1864. First Lieutenant Curtis C. Pollock died in Washington, June 23, 1864, of wounds received before Petersburg, June 17. Total, - 17 COMPANY H. William Nagle killed at Bull Run, Va., August 29, 1862. Thomas Kelly killed at Bull Run, Va., August 29, 1862. Samuel Pettit killed at Bull Run, Va., August 29, 1862. Sergt. Wm. T. Garrett died at Fortress Monroe, Va., Nov. 23, 1861. Sergt. Charles C. Hinkle died in Hatteras Inlet, N. C., Nov. 23, 1861. R. A. Jenkins died at Ascension Hospital, D. C., Dec. 24, 1862. Charles Knerr died in hospital, December 7, 1862. Sergt. Joseph Reed died November 16, 1863, of wounds received at Campbell Station, Tenn., November 16. Corp. John Sppnsler died November 29, 1863, of wounds received at Knoxville, Tenn., November 29. Joseph Weise died November 27, 1863, of wounds received at Knoxville, Tenn., November 24. Abraham Benscoter killed near Spottsylvania, Va., May, 1864. Second Lieut. Samuel B. Laubenstine killed near Pamunky River, Va., May, 1864. Corp. Charles Norrigan killed near Pamunky River, Va., May, 1864. Joseph Aexander killed near Grove Church, Va., June, 1864. George W. Morey killed before Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864. Jefferson W. Byerle killed before Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864. James Mulholland killed before Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864. Anthony Gallagher killed before Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864. Thomas Davis killed before Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864. Second Lieut. David B. Brown killed before Petersburg, Aug. 5, 1864. Charles Driesbach. William A. Millet accidentally killed on railroad at Harrisburg, Pa., September 7, 1861. Thos. Lewis died at Islington Lane Hospital, Philadelphia, April 2, 1864. Charles O. De Long died May 8, 1864, near Bristow Station, Va., en route from the Army of the Potomac to Alexandria, Va. Isaac Bannon died July 26, 1864, in Alexandria. Joseph Chester died in Fredericksburg, Va., May 24, 1864, of wounds received May 15. John Donnelly died in Annapolis, Md., April 21, 1864. Edward Edwards died April 23, 1864, near Annapolis. Job Hirst died in Washington, July 3, 1864, of wounds received June 26, 1864, before Petersburg. 21 322 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Lewis W. Kopp died in Washington, October i, 1864. Wm. D. Lloyd died in Lincoln, Hospital, Washington, January 19, 1865. P. Heneran died November 25, 1864. Charles Aurand died in Pottsville, February 9, 1865. James King killed before Petersburg, April 2, 1865. Wm. Donnelly killed before Petersburg, April 2, 1865. George Uhl killed before Petersburg, April 2, 1865. Total, 36 COMPANY I. Alexander Boone died in Fredericksburg, Va., August II, 1862. Charles F. Leizer killed in action at Bull Run, Va., August 29, 1862. Corp. Lewis V. Focht killed at Antietam, Md., September 17, 1862. Lieut. George H. Gressang drowned in Potomac River by sinking of steamer West Point, August 12/1862. Jonas Haldeman killed at Knoxville, Tenn., November 29, 1863. Charles Weaver died December 5, 1863, of wounds received at Knox ville, Tenn., December 3. Henry J. Ege killed near Spottsylvania, Va., May, 1864. William J. Price killed near Grove Church, Va., June, 1864. Benjamin B. Kershner killed near Grove Church, Va., June, 1864. George Dresh killed near Grove Church, Va., June, 1864. James Heiser killed before Petersburg, September 30, 1864 Charles E. Weber died in Knoxville, Tenn., December 5, 1863. First Lieut. Joseph Edwards died in Washington, July 2, 1864, of wounds received before Petersburg, June 17. Capt. B. B. Shuck died in Washington, July 27, 1864, of wounds received before Petersburg, June 25. Reuben Watt died in Annapolis, March 31, 1864. Lewis J. Garber died in Annapolis, April 23, 1864. John Clark died June 8, 1864, of wounds received June 3. Jerry Willouer died June 22, 1864, of wounds received June 3. James Boner died June 22, 1864, of wounds received May 30. Daniel J. Kehl died June 26, 1864, at City Point, Va. Lewis Beablehamer died July 26, 1864, of wounds received July 24. Isaac K. Beltz died August 10, 1864, of wounds received August 10. Daniel Nayer died August 22, 1864, at City Point. Albert Zimmerman killed before Petersburg, April 2, 1864. Albert Mack killed before Petersburg, April 2, 1864. Wesley Boyer killed before Petersburg, April, 2, 1864. Total, 26 COMPANY K. Sergt. R. D. Filbert killed at Bull Run, Va., August 29, 1862. Corp. Patrick Handley died In Washington, October 25, 1862. Corp. Daniel Moser killed at Antietam, Md., September 17, 1862. ADDENDA 323 Peter Boyer died in Cressona, Schuylkill Co., Pa., October 22, 1862. Peter Burke died in Frederick, Md., November 14, 1862. George F. Maines died on Hatteras Island, November 30, 1862. George Dentzer killed at Antietam, September 17, 1802. John W. Henn killed near Spottsylvania, Va., May, 1864. Jacob Lauby killed near Grove Church, Va., June, 1864. Nathan Rich killed before Petersburg, June 17, 1864. Arthur L. Gray killed before Petersburg, June 17, 1864. John L. Dentzer killed at Fort Sedgvvick, Va., Dec. 28, 1864. Total, 12 RECAPITULATION Field officers, 2; Company A, 27; Company B, 27; Company C, 15; Company D, 23; Company E, 21; Company F, 30; Company G, 17; Company H, 36 ; Company I, 26 ; Company K, 12. Total, 236. A REMINISCENCE (Contributed by Robert A. Reid.) As the 48th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, has the honor of digging and exploding successfully the greatest military mine known in history, it was decided, by the survivors of this regiment in September, 1905, when their number was reduced to less than four hundred comrades, that it would be most proper, ere these few passed to the other side, to see that some memorial was erected near the scene of the celebrated mine, commemorative of the great event. Accordingly, a committee of three were sent to Peters burg, Va., to secure a site for this monument near the "Crater" made by the mine explosion. Not being able to secure the ground desired there, they, after some negotiation, procured a plot of fifty square feet, near where their Colonel, Geo. W. Gowen was killed, in front of Fort Mahone and only a short distance from the former place. Here it was decided to erect a granite monument with bronze statue of Col. Gowen and the money for the purpose to be raised by private subscription. The survivors of this regiment claim, and we think justly so, as proven by historical facts coming to light since 324 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH the Civil War, that had the explosion of the mine, and thereby the breaking of the enemy s lines around Peters burg, been properly followed up and taken advantage of on that morning in July, 1864, that the War of the Rebellion would have ended there and then. It has been proven conclusively and satisfactorily that on the morning of the explosion, General Lee s lines around Petersburg were very weak, the most of his troops at that time were operating north of the James River, and to repel an attack at the Crater after the explosion, General Mahone s division was taken from his (Lee s) lines on the right at the Wilcox farm, and only a skirmish line left to protect it at the time being, and, to show the seriousness of the enemy s position, General R. E. Lee in person directed the move ments of Mahone and his division during the battle and the re-taking of the Crater, while the supreme moments, after the explosion, were allowed to pass and fritter away before a forward movement was made by our troops. And, when that movement was made, the enemy was prepared for it, in the front and on both flanks, and the event which promised so much success in the early morning was but the prelude to a day of blood and disaster to the Union troops. At the time of the explosion the "Boys" of the 48th Regiment, as well as the gallant Pleasants who engineered the mine, knew who was responsible for this failure, and after the lapse of over forty years, the survivors, now a small band of heroes, have discovered no reason to change that opinion. The boys of the 48th Regiment went through the whole gamut of a soldier s experience. The ideal life on Hatteras Island with its fishing and boating, with but few families living there was thoroughly enjoyed. Then our grand time in Lex ington, Ky., with the ladies who sang the "Bonnie Blue Flag," and worshipped it. Then our experience on the field; our long march from Culpeper Court House to Kelly s Ford; our march from there along the Rappahannock to Sulphur Springs. The comrades will remember the severe thunder storm that broke on us just above Rappahannock Station R. A. Reid, Co. G. ADDENDA 327 during this march when the lightning struck and killed a colored teamster of our wagon-train; and, when the wagon- master came to Co. "G" asking for a volunteer to take his place, good old Val Rauch, of that company, after saying, "Lightning never strikes twice in the same place," took the job, and who, himself, was drowned \vhen going down the Mississippi River wdth his wagon-train to participate in the siege of Vicksburg just one year later. Then our battle under Pope at Bull Run and Chan- tilly, with McClellan at South Mountain and Antietam, and with Burnside at Fredericksburg. In some of these we drank of the bitter cup of defeat to the last drop. Our never-to-be-forgotten experience in East Ten nessee, which, with cold and hunger, rivaled Valley Forge itself. Then the great Campaign of the Wilderness under Grant, when every day during the whole summer there was a battle, big or little, sometimes losing men by the score, and at other times just having one or two picked off by sharp-shooters, until we arrived in front of Petersburg on the afternoon of June i6th ; the tiresome night of reconnoissance; then the brilliant charge before daylight of the 1 7th when the 48th captured the 44th Tennessee, two battle flags and two pieces of artillery. On the night of the i8th of June, we advanced to the inner lines of works held by the enemy and were up against the afterwards celebrated "Elliott s Salient." The following morn ing after a careful and dangerous reconnoissance, Pleasants decided that the enemy could be dislodged from their strong position only by mining; and after carefully formu lating plans for the same, they were submitted to Generals Robert A. Potter and A. E. Burnside, of the Qth Corps, who approved the same and allowed Pleasants to go on with the work that was to make the 48th Regiment the most famous in the Union Army of the Potomac during the Civil War. The other deeds of the Regiment during its term of service were duplicated by many of the others, but the 328 STORY OF THE FORTY EIGHTH Petersburg mine was the most successful one dug during the whole war. No other regiment could have done it, as none had the experienced miners in its ranks and none had the practical mining engineer for commander that this regiment had in their commander at this time, Col. Henry Pleasants. It is to commemorate this event and the death of Col. Geo. W. Gowen, almost one year later, and in memory of all our dead comrades, wherever they may be buried, whether in the "Balmy South," or in their own "North Land" in the graves which are decorated each year by loving ones at home, that this monument is to be erected which will tell the "American boy" of the future of the bravery, endurance and skill of the soldiers of old Schuylkill County. FORMATION OF THE SURVIVORS ASSOCIATION, FORTY- EIGHTH REGIMENT, P. V. V. I. (Contributed by Robert A. Reid.) The Survivors Association of the 48th Regiment, P. V. V. I., was organized in Pottsville, Pa., on July 26th, 1899, by electing Captain Joseph H. Hoskings, of Co. F, president; Captain Cyrus Scheetz, of Co. G, treasurer ; and R. A. Reid, of Co. G. secretary. It was detided by the comrades present, that the Survivors Association attend the Grand Army of the Republic National Encampment to be held in Philadelphia on September 6th, 1899- This first meeting was held at the Exchange Hotel, North Centre Street, kept by Mr. Dinger; at this meeting William Stevenson was appointed a com mittee of one to solicit subscriptions towards a fund to be used to procure transportation to and from Philadelphia to all comrades who may be desirous to< attend. Comrade Scheetz reported having $25.00 in his possession from the proceeds of our last reunion, held in Pottsville some years previous. At a subsequent meeting, Comrade Stevenson reported having collected and turned over to our treasurer the sum of $120.25, which, with the $25.00 already in his possession made a fund of $145.25. ADDENDA 329 With this fund, tickets were secured for over sixty comrades to and return from Philadelphia; these comrades leaving Pottsville on September 5th, 1899. At 10 o clock A. M. next day, September 6th, the Association met at Odd Fellows Temple, Captain Joseph H. Hoskings, president, in the chair. The meeting was opened with prayer by our esteemed comrade Chaplain Rev. Mr. Holman who last met with us in reunion at Pottsville on September 3, 1906, during the "Old Home Week," and died in Philadelphia on January 31, 1907, aged 76 years. Captain Cyrus Scheetz, Co. G, First Defender, and First Treasurer of Survivors Association. The following officers were elected to serve for the ensuing year: President, Lieut. Geo. Fame; treasurer, Sergt. Daniel Donne, and secretary, Private R. A. Reid. The following comrades were appointed as an Executive Com mittee: Co. A, Philip Richards; Co. B, Major James Wren; Co. C, Theo. Titus; Co. D, Major Daniel Nagle; Co. E, Lieut. John McEllrath; Co. F, Patrick H. Monahan; Co. E, 330 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Clay W. Evans ; Co. H, Major F. R. Leib ; Co. I, Captain John I. Porter; Co. K, Daniel Bausum. Short addresses were made by Comrades Bosbyshell, Blackwood, Auman Wren, and others, when, after a very enjoyable time, all moved the Association adjourn, to meet at Pottsville next year. On September 3rd, 1900, the Association met in reunion in Pottsville, Pa., at Centennial Hall. Lieut. Geo. Fame, President, of Minersville, called the meeting" to order, which was opened by prayer by Comrade, Chaplain S. A. Holman. The following named comrades were elected as officers to serve the following year: Major James Wren, Boyers- town, Pa., president; Col. Daniel Nagle, Pottsville, Pa., vice-president; R. A. Reid, Pottsville, secretary, and Daniel Donne, Palo Alto, treasurer. There were over two hundred comrades present, many with their wives and daughters. There was also present four sons of our first Colonel, James Nagle, who be came members of our Association, and, in behalf of their family presented to the Association a beautiful silk American flag. Of this family there was also present Mrs. Link Philips and Mrs. James Bowen. On motion of Allan Koch, of Omaha, Neb., it was decided that the next annual reunion be also held in Pottsville, Pa. After the business meeting, the comrades and their wives adjourned to the Exchange Hotel where a sumptuous banquet was served, after which a program of speaking was carried out, when addresses were made by General St. Clair Mulholland, of Philadelphia; Col. O. C. Bosbyshell; Allan Koch; Captain Leib, of Harrisburg; James W. Nagle, of Philadelphia; and others. The amount collected as dues, etc., $43.40; expenses of reunion, $43.84; previous in treasury, $30.07. At 4 P. M. the survivors of the 48th Regiment, P. V. I., and their friends adjourned, to meet again in Pottsville next year. September 2nd, 1901, the Survivors Association of the ADDENDA 331 48th Regiment, P. V. V. I., met at the Lyceum Hall, Potts- ville, Pa., at ii A. M., Col. Daniel Nagle, the vice-president, in the chair, Major James Wren, president, having died since our last reunion. The meeting was opened by prayer by Chaplain S. A. Holman. At this meeting it was explained by Secretary Reid that a balance of $43.83, which had been deposited in Pottsville Safe Deposit Bank, the proceeds of a previous reunion, be turned over to the fund now in the hands of Treasurer Donne, which, on motion, was done. The articles of our by-laws were amended to read as follows : "That the officers of this Association shall consist of a president; three vice-presidents; treasurer; secretary; finan cial secretary, chaplain and three trustees, to be elected annually," the following comrades being unanimously elected to serve the ensuing year : Col. Daniel Nagle, Pottsville, Pa., president; Comrades Gould, Winlack and Blackwood, vice-presidents ; Comrade Haerter, treasurer, and Comrades Reid and Neice, secretary and financial secretary respectively; Comrade S. A. Holman, chaplain, with Comrades Kellar, Donne and Fame, trustees. After the business meeting the committee of citizens of Pottsville took charge of the proceedings, and promptly at 1.30 P. M., on Market street, the comrades formed line, headed by Col. O. C. Bosbyshell, Dr. Blackwood, and Chaplain Holman and escorted by the military, the fire companies and civic societies, a short street parade was indulged in, when they were escorted by the citizens to the Union Hall, where a banquet was served to the survivors and friends, at which were seated over four hundred persons, after which speeches were made by Hon. Judge Bechtel, Hon. James B. Reilly and others, in which all paid tribute to the glorious record of our old 48th Regiment. There was received as dues from comrades $156.05 Previously in treasury 119.41 Total in treasury to date $275.46 The expense of this whole affair was paid by the citizens of Pottsville, who have always had a warm feeling for any 332 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH and everything connected with our old 48th Regiment. Thus ended the most successful and enjoyable reunion we ever had in Pottsville. The reunion of 1902 was held also in Pottsville, the business meeting and banquet both being held in Hummers Hall, when the old officers were duly elected to serve the ensuing year. A fine banquet was served, it being noticeable that a large number of the wives and daugh ters were present, who seemed to enjoy themselves almost as much as the comrades themselves. Comrade Frank Lieb, of Harrisburg, acted as toastmaster. The speakers were Comrades Bosbyshell; Blackwood; Major Thompson, of the 7th Penna. Cavalry; Gould; Monahan; Prof. Thurlow; Squire John Conrad; and others. After a very enjoyable occasion we again adjourned, to meet in Pottsville next year. The trustees report: Balance in treasury to date, $230.80. On September 7th, 1903, the Association met in Potts ville again in annual reunion, when the old officers were unanimously elected to serve another year. The trustees report having audited the account of the treasurer and found the same correct, with a balance on hand, August 29, 1903, of $262.65. The other business of this meeting was in connection with the Antietam Monument, a bill appropriat ing funds for that purpose being passed by the Pennsylvania State Legislature on the 2nd of March, 1903. It was unanimously resolved at this meeting that this monument be a statue monument and the figure thereon be that of our first Colonel, James Nagle. After partaking of the banquet prepared and some entertaining stories being told, we again adjourned for another year. On September 5th, 1904, the Survivors Association met in annual reunion, the business meeting being held in G. A. R. Hall. This meeting was called to order at 10 A. M. by the President, Col. Daniel Nagle, when one hundred and thirty comrades answered to their names, many wives and daughters of the comrades being present. ADDENDA 333 There was present Comrade Lem Buch, of Reading; Senator Quail, of Auburn; Mr. A. B. Cochrane, Squire John Conrad and others. After a long and acrimonious discussion relating to the 48th Regiment and Antietam monument, no final action was taken on the matter of unveiling the same on the 1 7th inst. The present officers of the association were again re-elected for another year. On motion of Comrade Donne resolutions were passed taking the preliminary steps towards the erection of a memorial in honor of the dead of the 48th Regiment at Petersburg, Va. The trustees- reported the treasurer s account correct and the balance on hand to date, $234.47; when the meeting adjourned to repair to the banquet to be held at Hummers Hall, North Centre Street. After the banquet, Major Frank R. Leib, as usual acting as master of ceremonies, introduced the following list of speakers: Comrades O. C. Bosbyshell; Blackwood; Gould; Monahan, Winlack, James and John Nagle, Squire John Conrad, and others, each helping to make the occasion very enjoyable. After a pleasant time spent together, the sur vivors again adjourned, to meet in Pottsville, Pa., next year. On September 5th, 1905, the Association met again in reunion, the business meeting being held in the G. A. R. Hall, Pottsville, Pa., with President Col. Daniel Nagle in the chair. The secretary reported having sent a circular letter to each surviving comrade, asking their help towards raising a fund for the erection of a monument to the dead of the. Regiment at Petersburg, Va. The Ladies Auxiliary of Gowen Post, G. A. R., presented the sum of $25.00 towards the Petersburg monu ment fund, which gift was properly accepted by Major F. R. Leib in behalf of the Association. Comrade Joe Gould was unanimously authorized to write the history of the regiment, to be known as "The Official History of the 48th Regiment," also the action of this Association at their monthly meeting on Memorial Day was indorsed unani- 334 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH mously, when it was resolved that a granite monument with a bronze statue of Col. Geo. W. Gowen be erected in front of Petersburg, Va., on ground selected by this Association, this monument to be in memory of all the dead of our beloved regiment, the money to be raised by public subscription. THE PRESENT OFFICERS, 1906, AND RE-ELECTED FOR 1907 At the Reunion held at Pottsville on Sept. 3rd, igo6, the following officers were elected to serve for the ensuing year : President, Col. Daniel Nagle ; vice-presidents, Joe Gould, Captain Winlack, Captain Albert Huckey ; treasurer, Christian Haerter; secretary, R. A. Reid; sur geon, Dr. Wm. R. D. Blackwood ; assistant surgeon, Eugene Smyser, M. D. ; chaplain, Rev. S. A. Holman ; assistant chaplain, Rev. A. A. DeLong, the old trustees being duly elected, who reported the treasurer s accounts correct, with a balance in the treasury to date of $232.20. After this business meeting the comrades and their friends and ladies repaired to Hummers Hall, where a bountiful banquet was spread and enjoyed by all present, after which the usual program of speakers were enjoyed. While discussing their different subjects and when all was over, this last reunion was voted as the most successful and enjoyable of any in our series. Since the organization of the Survivors Association the comrades have paid dues annually at the rate of ten cents per month, or $1.20 a year, and this sum has been paid in regularly by each one when at the reunion, and this > amount is always sufficient to pay the expenses of banquet and all the other necessary expenses, such as printing, send ing invitations, etc. The surviving comrades from Pottsville and vicinity meet regularly in Dinger s Exchange Hotel on the last Saturday of every month. The Association has not missed above one of these meetings since its organization in 1899. These meetings are of a very enjoyable character, and as the comrades in their sociable talks after the meetings let themselves loose, there is always some new story of the war John Lawrence, Musician, Co. F. John P. Hodgson, Co. G. Sergt. Henry Shay, Co. H. (Now on police force) Pottsville, Pa. David P. Brown, Co. G. (Deceased) 336 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH brought forth which otherwise would be buried in oblivion. Landlord Dinger, of the Exchange Hotel, has placed our Association under lasting obligations for his kindness all those years in giving us the use of his room, with heat and light free of cost. R. A. REID. In order to illustrate and strengthen the statement of the cruelties practiced upon Union soldiers, prisoners of war, I quote from the report of an inspector of rebel prisons at Danville, Va., to Col. R. H. Chilton, Asst. Adjt. General, Richmond, Va. The report is signed by A. S. Cunningham, Inspecting Officer, and is published in the Official Records, January 27, 1865 : "The prisoners at this post are in a very bad condition, dirty, covered with vermin, little or no ventilation, and there is an insufficiency of fireplaces for the proper warmth of the Federal prisoners therein confined. This could be easily remedied by. a proper attention on the part of the officers in charge and dictated by a sense of common humanity. It is a matter of surprise that the prisoners can exist in the close and crowded room, the gas from the coal rendering the air fetid and impure. "The prisoners have almost no clothing, no blankets, and a very small supply of fuel. In some of these cases, perhaps the state of things can be remedied by the officers in charge. The mortality at the prison, about five per day, is caused, no doubt, by the insufficiency of food (the ration entire being only a pound and a half of corn bread a day), and for the reasons in addition as stated above. This state of things is truly horrible, and demands the immediate atten tion of higher authorities." If there are any readers of this book who entertain any doubts of the justice of the execution of Captain Henry Wirz, who was tried by a military commission, August 23rd, 1865, they should read the evidence as partly presented in the Official Records, series 2, volume 8, pages 775 to 791. He was executed as per sentence, between the hours of 10 and ii A. M., Nov. loth, 1865, and his body interred by the side of "Atzeroth." ADDENDA 337 Official Records War Department: The Andersonville prison records contain a roster of over 13,000 dead, buried naked, maimed and putrid, in one vast sepulchre. Of these, a surgeon of the rebel army, who was on duty at the prison, testified that at least three- fourths died of the treatment inflicted on them while in confinement, and a surgeon of our army, who was a prisoner there, states that four-fifths died from this cause. Under this proof, which has not been assailed, nearly 10,000, if not more, of these deaths must be charged directly to the account of Wirz and his associates. This widespread sacrifice of life was not made suddenly or under the influence of ungovernable passion, but was accomplished slowly and deliberately, by packing upward of 30,000 men like cattle in a fetid pen a mere cess pool there to die for need of air to breathe, for want of ground on which to lie, for lack of shelter from sun and rain, and from the slow, agonizing processes of starvation, when air and space and shelter and food were all within the ready gift of their tormentors. This work of death seems to have been a saturnalia of enjoyment for Wirz, who, amid these savage orgies, evidenced such exultation and mingled with them such nameless blasphemy and ribald jests as at times to exhibit him rather as a demon than a man. It was his continued boast that by these, barbarities he was destroying more Union soldiers than rebel generals were killing on the battle-field. He claimed to be doing the work of the rebellion, and faithfully, in all his murderous cruelty and baseness, did he represent their spirit. Sample of advertisement appearing in papers during the war: ON TO RICHMOND TRAITORS BEWARE Captain J. B. Adams, of this city, is now here for the purpose of raising a new regiment for the war, to be called the Union Guards. 22 338 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Five companies of the regiment are now full and ready to be mustered into the service. Full bounty guaranteed; no clique for the purpose of controlling officers in this regiment ; each captain appoints and controls his own officers; captains elect the field officers. This regiment is guaranteed all the influence of State and National authori ties. Pay from the hour of enrollment. By order of J. B. ADAMS, Captain and Recruiting Officer. This regiment may, perhaps, have had the field officers elected in the manner set forth in the advertisement, but some regiments had a different plan. CAPTAIN WILLIAM WINLACK Captain William Winlack was born on the ninth day of September, 1826, in Londonderry, Ireland. His schooling was very limited and he was put to work when very young on the farm ; tiring of this occupation, he came to America on the 3Oth day of August, 1843, having left home the 3Oth day of July. He landed in New York City, and hearing of the development of the anthracite coal industry in Pennsyl vania he immediately started for that region and arrived in Pottsville and was at once employed at the Black Heath mines. By strict attention to all the duties that were imposed upon him and keeping his eyes open, he soon learned all about the mechanism of the collieries and secured a good position as engineer, being placed in charge of the machinery, receiving good wages. In 1854, he was promoted to the superintendency of a colliery at Silver Creek, Pa., and while engaged there organized a volunteer company, known as the Wynkoop Artillery. This company was in existence at the time of the President s call for 75,000 men in 1861, and promptly responded to that call, and, commanded by our noble Winlack, took the field and was attached to the i6th regiment, Col. Zeigler, and served the term for which they had enlisted, three months. The 48th was about being organized on their return, Captain William Winlack, Co. E. ADDENDA 341 and the company almost to a man, through the persuasion of the gallant captain, who, also, again enlisted, were mustered on the 2ist of August as Company "E," of the 48th Pa. Vols. and served all through the rebellion. The Captain at this writing is not in the best of health, but is as full of love for his adopted country as any man in the land. He is now serving his second term as postmaster of Coaldale, Pa., and has, and deserves to have, the respect of all in the community. He died at Coaldale, Pa., June 6, 1907. The following is an extract from a communication just received from Headquarters, ist Division: HEADQUARTERS 2ND BRIGADE, IST DIVISION, 2ND CORPS. (Orders.) JUNE i, 1864. The Brigadier General commanding Division desires that Capt. F. R. Leib, u6th Pa. Vols., and Lt. Lynch, Co. "A," 69th N. Y. Vols., be in some way commended for their gallantry, while on the picket line lately. It is with the greatest satisfaction that the Col. commanding the Brigade communicates the above to the command, and he hopes that for the creditable manner in which those officers have con ducted themselves, they may be duly rewarded whenever an occasion may present itself. By order of COL. R BYRNES, Commanding Brigade. The above bore the following endorsement: This is a case worthy of attention. Captain F. R. Leib s recommendations are such that I have no hesitation in endorsing them, and recommending a favorable result to his application. Respectfully yours, W. S. HANCOCK, Major General. The within order complimentary to Captain F. R. Leib, late of the n6th P. V., is heartily endorsed. U. S. GRANT, General. 342 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH George Fame was born at Minersville, Penna., on July 1 7th, 1842. He enlisted as a private at St. Clair, Schuyl- kill County, in Co. "B," I4th Pa. Infantry, Captain W. H. Jennings, and mustered into the U. S. service at Harrisburg, Pa., on April 3Oth, 1861, for three months. Served in General Patterson s column and was discharged August 6th, 1861. Re-enlisted in Co. "G," 48th Pa. Vols., Sept. Qth, George Fame, Sergt. Major and Lieut. 1861, and discharged Dec. 31 st, 1863, at Elaine s Cross Roads, Tenn., and immediately re-enlisted as a veteran and a corporal in the same company. Promoted to sergeant July, 1864; to sergeant major December, 1864; to 2nd Lieut. June, 1865. Was wounded at Spottsylvania, May I2th, 1864. Was mustered out with his company, at Alexandria, Va., July 1 7th, 1865. Samuel A. Beddall was appointed color bearer on Sunday, October 2nd, 1864, i n camp at Poplar Grove Church, Va., relieving Sergeant John Roarty, of Co. "C," one of the former color bearers. He carried the flag from then until the end of our service term and brought it home to Pottsville, Pa., July 2oth, 1865. He was in the assault Major Frank R. Leib, Chairman Monument Committee iir FORNt* ADDENDA 345 on Petersburg and among the first to reach Fort Mahone in the early dawn of April 2nd, 1865. When they entered the fort it was still occupied by the enemy, and they were unable to hold this advanced position, and with a few others came out safely. The most that had entered the fort with them were killed, wounded or taken prisoners. In the last charge he carried his colors to victory. He was in every engagement that the regiment partici pated in and was never sick a day while in the army or incapacitated in any manner from doing duty; was struck by a shell at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. I3th, 1862, but not injured sufficiently to be sent to the hospital. He is at this writing living at Tamaqua, Schuylkill County, Pa., an honored and respected member of that community. Major Jos. A. Gilmour was a native of Nova Scotia and came to this country when quite young. He learned the hat and cap manufacturing business with Mr. Oliver Dobson, of Pottsville, with whom he was associated for about ten years. At the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in one of the first companies to reach Washington at the call of the President, and was consequently one of the "first defenders." He was thirty years of age at the time of his death, June 8th, 1864. In all the relations of life he was highly esteemed. As a friend, he was true ; as a soldier, faithful to his duty. (See portrait on page 185.) Quite a few of the members of the regiment were recommended for promotion as commissioned officers in the colored regiments as they were being recruited and organized for service, and among the most meritorious of those was Harry Krebs, Jr., who had enlisted at the first alarm of war, in the gth Penna. Vols., which followed the 346 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH fortunes of General Patterson. After his time had expired in the three months service he again enlisted in the 48th Regiment, in Co. "G," as a private, and was promoted to corporal and then to quartermaster s sergeant of the regiment. In September, 1864, he was commissioned as first lieutenant in the 35th U. S. Colored Infantry, and joined the regiment in the field near Jacksonville, Florida. He was wounded at Honey Hill, S. C, during that Henry Krebs, Q. M. Sergeant. engagement. He served with distinction on the staff of Brig. Gen. Smith, U. S. Army (regulars), Military District of Georgetown, S. C. ; also as A. D. C. on the staff of Brevet Major Gen. Chas. Devens, Military District of Charleston, South Carolina. He was mustered out of the service June ist, 1866, by reason of the muster out of the organization. Now residing in San Francisco, California. Henry James, 1st Lieut. Co. F. Alexander Goven, Co. G. Daniel Donne, Co. G. S. A. Beddall, Co. E. 348 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH A RECOLLECTION By GENERAL HORACE PORTER (In Philadelphia Press Sunday Magazine.) One of the greatest disappointments ever experienced by General Grant in his military operations was the failure of the famous mine in front of Petersburg. The mine was not begun by his orders. It was rather the voluntary work of the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment, composed of men from the mining districts of that State. The enemy s fortified line opposite was on a hill, and, with a miner s instinct for burrowing into the earth, the men began running a gallery into the hill, in the belief that it could be made useful in blowing up the earthworks that confronted them. It had advanced for sometime before it was reported to the General. He let the work continue, and finally decided to make its explosion the occasion for a movement to pene trate the enemy s lines at that point. Then began a display of strategy for the purpose of decoying the enemy to the nofth side of the James River and weakening its line on the south, which in ingenuity and perfection of detail equals the devices that made the reputation of Hannibal. The General and staff moved from the headquarters camp the evening before the attack, and bivouacked in rear of the troops who were to make the assault. The mine was to have been exploded just before the dawn on July 30, 1864. At the appointed hour the General and his staff were up, and listening eagerly to catch the first sound of the explosion. The watched-for hour passed, daylight began to break ; but no sound from the mine. The gray of the morning had disappeared, and the light of the sun was breaking upon the scene, when a message came that the fuse had failed, it was supposed from an imperfection in the connection at the point where it had been spliced. Every moment now became an hour of anxious suspense. Lieut. Jacob Douty and Sergt. Henry Reese, of the Miners Regiment, with a fearlessness which challenged the admira- ADDENDA 349 tion of the whole command, entered the long gallery, reached the splice in the fuse, perfected the connection, and the fatal train now did its work. But over an hour had elapsed, and that was the hour which lay between success and failure. For an instant there was a low rumbling noise, then a sudden flash, followed by a sound that shook the ground like an earthquake. Then the earth rose in the shape of an inverted cone, carrying up with it infantry and artillery, guns, carriages, and ammunition. Our troops were now pushed forward to pass through the breech that had been made in the works ; but there had been a failure to obey the orders to clear away the abatis and other obstructions in our own front. The movement was slow and irregular, and the enemy lost no time in throwing up a second line of defense and rushing its troops back to the threatened position. It was the old story: some one had blundered. The General rode forward to get a better view of the situation. He saw at a glance the mistakes that were being made, and determined to go to the front and give directions in person. Jumping from his horse and throwing the reins to an orderly, he motioned to the writer to accompany him, and with only a single officer started off on foot for the point of assault. It was one of the hottest days of summer. As the General edged his way through the assaulting columns while they poured out of rifle-pits and covered ways and crawled over the abatis, the heat was suffocating. He wore a single-breasted blue blouse, with no conspicuous insignia of rank. For a time none of the men seemed to recognize him, and they were no respecters of persons as they crowded to the front. They little thought that the plainly dressed man who was elbowing his way past them so vigorously was the chief who had led them from the Wilderness to Petersburg. Seeing that the crater left by the mine was becoming a slaughter-pen, and that the lives of the troops must no longer be wasted in an attempt that would only prove 350 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH fruitless in the end, his sole anxiety now was to communi cate with the officers who were in immediate command of the movement, and direct them to withdraw their men. He saw these officers standing on the parapet of a field-work, about six or eight hundred yards to the left. To reach them by passing inside of our rifle-pits would be a slow process, as the place was crowded with troops ; so he decided to keep in front of the line of earthworks and take Mine Entrance, Petersburg, after forty-two years. the chances. The shots were flying thick and fast, and what with the fire of the enemy and the heat of a July sun, there was a warmth about the undertaking that ought to have satisfied the cravings of the most advanced cremationist. The very recollection of it, more than forty years after, starts the perspiration. Scarcely a word was spoken in crossing this distance. Sometimes the gait was a fast walk, sometimes a dog-trot. The officers were not a little astonished to see the General-in-Chief approaching on foot from this direction, and no time was now lost in sending orders for the withdrawal of the troops. Major Oliver C. Bosbyshell. or THE UNIVERSITY ADDENDA 353 ANTIETAM FORTY-EIGHTH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY The dedication services were held at twelve o clock noon of the seventeenth of September, 1904, and were attended by some thirty-six survivors of the command, besides being honored by the presence of Governor Pennypacker of Penn sylvania, the members of his military staff, and many ladies and gentlemen visitors. The following programme pre viously arranged was carried out in detail: PENNSYLVANIA DA Y Antietam, Maryland Saturday, September i?th f 1904 48th Regiment, Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry ORDER OF EXERCISES Dedication of Monument, Saturday, September I7th, 1904, at 11.30 a. m., Oliver C. Bosbyshell, late Major, presiding. Prayer Rev. Samuel A. Holman, D. D., late Chaplain. Remarks by Chairman and Unveiling of the Monument, by Cadet Frank Lincoln Nagle, U. S. M. A., Grandson of General James Nagle. Address Major William R. D. Blackwood, late Surgeon. Singing of "America," by the audience. Benediction. In accordance with this programme Oliver C. Bosbyshell, called the meeting to order in the following remarks: Comrades: Acknowledging the great goodness of the Divine Power in permitting me to be in the enjoyment of health, with all my faculties alert, forty-two years after the mighty deeds enacted on this historic field, I am profoundly grateful in presiding at this meeting. This magnificent tribute to the valor of the 48th made possible through the generous contribution of the grand old Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, touches the hearts of the few survivors of the beloved Regiment as no other action of our noble State could do. It emphasizes the fact that notwithstanding the years that have passed the deeds of its citizen soldiery are in- 23 Monument erected by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in Branch Avenue, Antietam Battlefield, to commemorate the services of the Forty-eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers. Dedicated September 17th, 1904. ADDENDA 355 tensified in the minds and hearts of its people, and prompts this exhibition of its gratitude. It tells the present generation of the loyalty displayed, and teaches future generations that the Commonwealth does not forget the sacrifices made by its sons in defending its interests unto death a lesson to strengthen patriotic love of State and Country an outward and visible sign of great and glorious principles vindicated by the deeds here performed by the men of Pennsylvania in the shedding of their blood and shattering of their health. The man the 48th honors by placing his statue to mark the spot it maintained in the fight, honors the 48th in turn. The organizer and disciplinarian who brought his command to the highest point of efficiency amongst the Ninth Corps organizations, the foremost soldier of old Schuylkill County, Brigadier General James Nagle, well deserves this meed of praise bestowed upon him. Let all assembled here renew, with the added fervor of the blessed years added to our lives, allegiance to that flag of the dead of Antietam upheld and maintained. My duty is not to recite the wonderful tale of endurance through the terrible battle we do honor to-day that story is left to abler hands; but I am to see that these proceedings are conducted in a proper manner. Rev. Samuel A. Holman, D. D., formerly Chaplain of the regiment, offered the following prayer : O, God, Our Heavenly Father, Thou art the source of all our blessings, and the Sovereign Ruler over all Thy crea tures. As Thou dost control the destiny of nations, we thank Thee that Thou hast placed us under a government which pro tects our life and property, which has established peace and liberty throughout the land, and which enables us to worship Thee according to the dictates of our conscience. These bless ings have been secured to us through the courage and patriotism which Thou gave to those who imperilled their lives to secure the heritage we enjoy. We come to Thee on this battlefield, the scene of bitter struggle, in which those who fought for the unity and integrity of these United States were triumphant; and on this forty-second anniversary of that 356 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH eventful day, we are assembled here to commemorate the victory which was then achieved. As we are taught to look to Thee for guidance and assistance in the discharge of every duty, we envoke Thy divine blessing as we engage in the ser vice of dedicating this monument, erected by the Common wealth of Pennsylvania to the memory of the soldiers of the 48th, Pennsylvania Regiment of Volunteers, who participated in the sanguinary battle of Antietam. May this monument with the other memorials which are placed here by a grateful people, endure through the coming years of time, and teach those of future generations, who may tread this hallowed ground, that those who suffer or die for their country shall ever be held in grateful remembrance and that their sacrifice shall not have been in vain. We thank Thee for the gallant com mander who organized the regiment, who led it in the earlier battles of the war, who was commissioned as a General on this field the day it was won, and whose statue surmounts the monument before us. We thank Thee, that he was a brave soldier and a sincere Christian, and that he left such a legacy of his character to his comrades, to his family and to his country. Graciously remember the widows and orphans of the soldiers of this regiment which we have come to honor. Comfort them by Thy grace in their bereavement and min ister to their temporal and spiritual wants. Remember the survivors of this regiment in their declining years. Wherever they are to-day, may they recognize Thy providence in sparing their lives through the perils of war; and as they are now permitted to see the prosperity and peace of a united nation, may they acknowledge that they were instruments in Thy hands in securing in some measure, the blessings we possess. Ere long they shall follow their departed comrades to the eternal world, grant that they and we, through repentance toward Thee and through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, may be made partakers of the inheritance of the saints of light. Amen. SURVIVORS OF ANTIETAM Major William R. D. Blackwood, Surgeon of the regi ment, made the following address: ADDENDA 357 Forty-two years ago, yesterday and to-day, the hills and vales around this historic spot resounded with the whiz of the bullet and the shriek of the shell as two of the greatest armies which till that time had fought, faced each other on the field of battle. Upon the issue of that struggle depended much more than had in any previous encounter, a question mo mentous not alone to the troops engaged but to the Nation itself. Were the soldiers under General Robert E. Lee Survivors of the Forty-eighth Regiment at the Dedication of the Monument at Antietam Battlefield, September 17th, 1904. victorious (and we have learned, my gallant comrades, to recognize the bravery of our enemy, although that bravery was held in a bad cause), then the fate of two dominant cities Philadelphia and New York must have been sealed unless through a miracle they would have been wiped off the face of the earth in the then spirit of the foe. Washington would, of course, have fallen, and, thus losing our Capital, the outcome of such a calamity would have gone hard with us through the action of foreign nations. The 358 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Southern Confederacy would undoubtedly have been recog nized. Many of us may not subscribe to this view nay, some of my most captious critics may hold that such could not transpire with the Army of the Potomac at hand, but the opinions of able students of war hold to this opinion. Until the struggle at Antietam had actually began, and for many anxious hours during the fight the authorities at Washington were largely in the dark as to the aim of the enemy, just as afterward at the so called "turning point" of the war Get tysburg they did not know precisely what the Confederates had in view, and these two battles, Antietam and Gettysburg, were fought largely as an accident, although for a time both armies had been marching in parallel lines, and the engage ments were brought more to determine the then situation than to engage in a conflict on ground previously selected by either army. McClellan "Little Mac," the idol of the army, had now assumed command, and with his great power* of organization much was expected from him. In but little over two weeks after the disastrous combat at Groveton the second Bull Run, he had now to win or lose the great battle of Antietam one of the bloodiest of the war, and one passed into history as one of the greatest of modern conflicts. Under his reorganization the men were in high spirits, particularly the regiments from Pennsylvania, who believing that the in vasion of their State would be a disgrace if permitted to be come an assured fact, girded themselves for the fray, and well it was so, for the real brunt of the trial at arms was borne by the men of the Keystone State. Time does not admit of a generalization. I consider at once the part borne in the immortal struggle by our Penn sylvania men, and not the least of these was the famous regi ment formed largely by those who, forsaking their labor far down beneath the surface of the earth crept up from the stygian darkness to the blinding glare of the exploding can non, shell and bullets, and who bore in the four years fray their full share of all that mortal man could do for the pre servation of the land they loved, and the honor of their glorious flag the flag that knows no stain. ADDENDA 359 Antietam followed closely after the second Bull Run and South Mountain engagements which were especially hard upon our men, who were somewhat discouraged by the loss of two grand heroes, Kearney and Reno. The opening of the battle was substantially on the afternoon of the sixteenth, when Hooker crossed the creek on the extreme Confederate left flank. Meeting with little opposition he established his posi tion so as to be ready for the morning, when something was expected to be done. Mansfield followed Hooker and estab lished himself about a mile to the rear. Hooker opened early on the seventeenth by an attack upon Jackson, strongly posted in a dense woods. He drove the Confederates back promptly with a severe loss to them, but they took position in another block of timber and an outcrop of rocks scat tered over the field gave them considerable protection. Being strong in artillery, the enemy was able, soon after Hooker started, to drive him back, together with part of Mansfield s corps the General being killed and Hooker wounded. The tide, however, changed about ten in the morning when Sedg- wick reoccupied the ground lost by us early in the day in fact, regained somewhat, and drove Jackson and Hood to the rear. By noon the fight had become quite warm on the centre, when Barlow, with his gallant New York regiments had won the sunken road an important position, and now we know, whether or not we did then, that a prompt charge along the whole line would have settled the victory then and there, but it was not done. During the early part of the day the Qth Corps had been holding the left of our line, and the action, though not continuous, was hot at times. McClellan saw that only prompt and decisive work upon our part against the Confederates right would avail, hence he ordered Burn- side to attack with all his force. It will be remembered that we were on what might be called the eastern bank of the creek which resembles the loosened string of a bow, the Potomac being the bow with its apex at Shepherdstown. The original plan of the commanding General had been to make the attack on both flanks of the enemy at once, and when an apparent unsteadiness was ascertained in their 360 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH ranks, then to throw our whole force against the rebel centre, but unforeseen delays prevented the success of this plan. Adverse comment has been made against the energy of Burn- side in his operations against the Confederate flank, but it is not known that the noble commander of the Ninth Corps was not to blame for any delay, if such there was, because Franklin should have been within supporting distance long prior to the attack upon the historic bridge, but when he did not show up till fully four hours after he was looked for, and when the Qth Corps received orders to go in for the cap ture of the other side of the field across the creek, it did its work, and did it well. To cross the Antietam one has to traverse quite a crooked road before reaching the bridge, which is about 150 to 175 feet long, It is of rubble stone, having three arches, the general aspect of the structure being) in itself an arch supported by two piers and the long abut ments. Room for troops crossing the structure is lacking, because it is not over fifteen feet wide in any part, but the road which runs parallel to the creek on the eastern side is much wider than that. Hence the troops had to decrease their front, after getting actually on the bridge, and the at tacking force became a column instead of a deployed front in line. , The obvious advantage to the enemy is at once apparent. In addition to this the formation of the ground on the western slope was greatly in favor of the Rebels, the land rising sharply to a height of some hundred feet or more. The ascent is over a stony cliff probably the place was used formerly as a quarry evidences looking that way. The rocky formation afforded a complete shelter to the enemy, and they were in strong force with artillery posted upon the crest, the defenders having some four to six good regiments commanded by Toombs. They claim to have had but two small commands to oppose us, but the fallacy of this attitude is shown by the loss they sustained even giving them the advantage of the works thrown by nature, for if their story is true, then they lost every man, as the ground after we took it was lit tered with dead, and more than that number of Johnnies was ADDENDA 361 found by us after we captured the position. The Rebels were brave but not so brave 1 as all that infers. The 48th Regiment before the historic charge, was posted in a corn field, not far above the stream, this field being fenced in with the usual snake arrangement, and a couple of corn sheds afforded some shelter whilst quiescent, but the descent to the water side was open and free from cover of any sort. The 6th New Hampshire, and the 2nd Maryland began the attack on the bridge, supported by the 48th, the 5ist Pennsylvania and the 5ist New York. These regiments drew the attention of the Confederates away from the charg ing lines to some extent, but not enough to prevent a galling fire upon the line of attack, and the gallant men were driven back by terrifiic storms of lead and iron. As soon as the confused troops were gotten out of the way a second attack was made, this time by the 5ist New York, and the 5ist Pennsylvania under General Hartranft that splendid soldier whom we all loved so well. Instead of charging along the tortuous road he sent the line directly down from behind the position of the 48th which afforded the attacking men cover for a short while. This time the attack was a success, and the 48th, was close behind the column as it shot over the bridge, and it did its full share in driving the enemy from their pits and works, on the face of the hill and from their tenable position on the crest of the eminence. Had the enemy stubbornly maintained their advantage it would have taken an army corps instead of part of a brigade to dislodge them, to say nothing of driving them so far behind the lines west of the declivity. Having gained the top of the hill the Federal troops were scattered out as skirmishers to a large extent, and for a while the conflict did not partake of more than a duel between the lines, the artillery being quite active, and doing considerable harm to us. Soon after a short rest a New York regiment went in at a charge in our front and established a new line forward of the crest, and in a short time the 48th was slated for another effort. Relieving the 9th New Hampshire it crawled up the rising grounds slowly, aided by the 5ist Pennsylvania, but the ammunition of this 362 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH regiment giving out we were placed in front of it, and not long afterward our supply gave out, too, and a retrograde movement took place to the other side of the creek, but as soon as the cartridge boxes were replenished the boys went back to the extreme front and stayed there all night. The 48th and the 5ist were supported by Hartranft s regiments, and we looked anxiously for the promised reinforcements which McClellan said would relieve us, but they did not eventuate. On the eighteenth the 48th was in about the same position as on the day previous, but the firing was mostly of skirmishing. The battle of Antietam was prac tically over, and we now had time to look up our losses. The brave boys found many vacant places in the ranks, we had a full share of casualties to prove where we had been, and what we did. The Federal loss was 1 1,426 killed and wounded the Confederates somewhat lower about 10,000. The Qth Corps fared the worst because of its exposed positions throughout the fray, and from the nature of the ground charged over at the critical points during the engagement. On the nineteenth the 48th moved once again over the site of the previous two days fighting, and marched closely up to the village. At this time the merited and (for ourselves), the coveted promotion of Colonel Nagle eventuated he won his star as a Brigadier General. Never did a soldier win the distinction through a harder road for his whole time of ser vice this more than brave gentleman and splendid soldier devoted his every energy to the cause for which he left his home and family, and supported by his gallant men, he won imperishable fame. May his Almighty Father perpetuate his glorious deeds as long as the records of war shall survive, to cause others to emulate his magnificent example. To-day we celebrate the attainment of his glory a glory to him and a glory to us who can never forget his leadership may the granite which we now dedicate to his memory remain till time shall be no more on this historical field where so many Pennsylvania heroes gave their all to the defence of the land they loved and the Flag they adored. Very much might be told about the gallant conduct of ADDENDA 36S the noble men of our "Schuylkill County Miners," in this great conflict much more than the time allotted to me will permit. But, with so many brave boys around us as we talk, it would be invidious to praise one regiment when others who feel that they were equally good are just waiting for the opportunity to jump on us and to show beyond the ability of myself your dreadfully inefficient representative this time for you know, my friends, that I was not much of a talker or those who more ably can present our indubitable claims to doing what saved the day had we not done it, and now that we are in such a happy frame of mind it would be cruel to take from the other Pennsylvania boys the slightest meed of praise simply to boost our own no; my comrades, there was glory enough on this day forty-two years ago to go round, and to make us all feel that we were not the only peb ble on the beach, even if we don t say so out loud. The 48th has the cinch elsewhere how about that hole in the ground before Petersburg? Didn t the great engineer at the head of the corps of so-called sappers and miners say that we couldn t go fifty feet into that hill-side, and when I laughed in his face, didn t he want to know what caused my risibility? You bet he did, but he didn t learn it just then for having within a few minutes prior to this lucubration come out after measuring the drift I found that we were in precisely two hundred and sixty-four feet, to say nothing about the odd five-eighths of an inch. None of the Keystone troops can share in that ar rangement which "raised" more Johnnies for the time than all their recruiting officers did in a year. I do; but, as our worthy Chaplain is more of an expert on that question than myself, I will leave the explanation to him, whatever he says about matters of faith and morals goes. Whilst carrying a message as a volunteer aide-de-camp from one part of the field to another I met a general officer (who I think was Ferrerro that paragon of neatness,) and in company with him for a few yards we passed a soldier who was ardently hugging a fallen log from one of the revet ments of the rifle-pits. Ferrerro in a tone of thunder ex claimed, "What in thunder are you doing there? Go to your 364 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH post at once, you so and so:" Did he go? not much. He replied putting the fingers and thumb of his right hand to his nasal appendage, and wiggling them vigorously "I don t guess not ; yer want to get here yerself." As it was hot just then, both in the way of temperature and projectiles, too, I leave the propriety of the answer to yourselves for eluci dation. The General passed, and the Yankee held the pot Many ludicrous things of this sort could be referred to, but I don t care to tire you by extended remarks. As we lay upon the ensanguined field the melody of that beautiful war song thrilled our souls: We are tenting to-night on the old camp ground, Give us a song of cheer, Our weary hearts a song of home And friends we love so dear. Many are the hearts that are weary to-night, Waiting for the war to cease, Many are the hearts looking for the right To see the dawn of peace. Tenting to-night, tenting to-night, Tenting on the old camp ground. We ve been fighting to-day on the old camp ground, Many are tying near; Some are dead, and some are dying, Many are in tears. Many are the hearts that are weary to-night, Wishing for the war to cease, Many are the hearts looking for the right To see the dawn of peace. Dying to-night, dying to-night, Dying on the old camp ground. Through the dim vista of years gone by I remember the night when, wearied by the strenuous work of the week just past I lay down to rest, if rest we might, amid the snipping bullet and the murmur of the mighty host, simulating the ever active voice of the restless sea, and when the darkness came I lay thinking of the days now gone, and the maybe anxious to-morrow, adding, it might be, to the ensanguined horrors of the hours just past. The watchful picket trod ADDENDA 365 his weary round, and soon, as though in answer to man s fratricidal fray the artillery on high in fury rent the clouds in bursts of lurid flame; and crashing thunder reverberating with deafening echo through the glen from peak to peak, and rock to rock, shook all the hills afar. Then cutting sheets of pitiless rain hid the wild scene from view, yet, through it all, the wearied army slept. But now in wild rage, the flying storm passed on, and through the lowering darkness pierced the pale rays of the harvest moon, as slowly it rose above the hilly crests, driving before it as it crept down the crags the shadows, till with flood of silver light it illumined, brighter and brighter, the now brilliant scene in radiant glory, for on bush and tree pellucid raindrops as they hung were, as by enchantment, turned to myriad glittering jewels, reflecting in their crystal depths the royal zone of twinkling stars above that span the firmament with lambent flame, to light the way from earth to Heaven. "Forever singing as they shine the hand that made us Divine." The birds that frightened cowered to the earth as the mighty wind rushed through their leafy coverts now sought again their nest; the startled game which driven from their wildwood fastness by tearing shot and crashing shell amid the battle crept stealthily to their hidden lair to lick the wounds, perhaps received from cruel man in maddening strife; the cricket chirped; the muffled note of horned owl was heard ; from dense thicket came the plaintive note of gentle dove a grateful calm o er- spread the land and still the weary army slept. As thought now drowsy, flitted through the mind, of weary watchers waiting the dawn of peace of homes once happy, yet now for ever wrecked of void in loving heart from which the light had fled I was glad for this, at least, that some of those so dear to us afar would, in mercy mayhap, see not the blight and horror of dread war, and as slumber came at last to tired brain I dreamed: Then let the stricken deer go weep, The heart ungalled play; For some must watch while others sleep, So runs the world away." And now when time approaching the span of a lifetime S66 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH has elapsed since we met in anger upon this fateful ground, let us, Federal and Confederate, thank the Almighty God who controls the affairs of men that peace abounds through out the land from centre to circumference, and that in our united brotherhood we know no North no South no East no West we are one in all that makes our nation great. "The close of the day is coming on, a gentle stillness falls Upon the landscape as we gaze the whippoorwill now calls, Its plaintive note unto its mate a tender, loving lay, The silken clouds trend toward the west the blue fades into gray. Again, the dawn of morning comes, the rising sun appears, The scene is gilded brilliantly, each bush is hung with tears Of diamond dew, which on them fell before the daybreak new, The stars dissolve amid the light the gray fades into blue. Sunset and dawn recur each day, and days fall into year-i, And life and death are ever here it may be joy, or tears, Then let us live as live we should fraternal, loyal, true; Past enemies are now our peers the gray fades into blue. Four decades long have passed away since war engulphed our land, Prosperity rules everything our honor it is grand ; Then, Comrades of the North and South, clasp hands forget the fray We re brothers now in war or peace the blue blends with the gray." DESCRIPTION OF THE MONUMENT BRANCH AVENUE The 48th statue is of bronfce, cast at the foundry of Messrs Bureau Brothers, Philadelphia, and is an excellent portrait of Brigadier General James Nagle, U. S. V., who was the organizer and first Colonel of this regiment, and com manded the ist Brigade, 2nd Division, 9th Army Corps, at this battle. Mr. Albert T. Bureau, the artist, has faithfully copied the details of features, and uniform of General Nagle, being fre quently in touch with his sons particularly Mr. James W. Nagle, who in the uniform his father wore when serving in the Civil War, posed for the model of this statue. The pedestal for this memorial is composed of three stones, and is seven feet square at the base, and ten-feet high, and together with the seven-foot four-inch tall bronze statue of General Nagle, is seventeen feet four inches high over all. On the front face of the die stone is a large bronze regi ment inscription tablet bearing the following: ADDENDA 367 FORTY-EIGHTH PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION, NINTH CORPS LOCATION 385 YARDS SOUTH, 70 DEGREES EAST. CASUALTIES AT ANTIETAM Killed 8 Wounded 51 Missing I Total 60 Organized, August- September, 1861 Mustered out, July I7th, 1865. Recruited in Schuylkill County BATTLES PARTICIPATED IN Newberne Spottsylvania Second Bull Run North Anna Chantilly Totopotomv South Mountain Bethesda Church Antietam Cold Harbor Fredericksburg Petersburg Blue Springs Weldon Railroad Campbell s Station Poplar Spring Church Siege of Knoxville Boydton Plank Road Wilderness Assault on Petersburg Dug Petersburg Mine Commenced June 25th Exploded July 30, 1864. On the rear panel of the die stone a small bronze tablet recites the following services of General Nagle. to wit: JAMES NAGLE, Organiser and First Colonel of this Regiment. Received Commission as Brigadier General of Volunteers on the Battlefield of Antietam, September 17, 1862. Captain Company B, 1st Penna. Regiment, War with Mexico. Colonel 6th, 48th, sgth Penna. Militia, 194th Regiment, Penna. Volunteers, War of the Rebellion. Born April 5th, 1822 Died August 22nd, 1866. All exposed surfaces of the pedestal of this monument is fine hammered work. On the second base or plinth stone can be seen the Qth Army Corps badge in bold relief. 368 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH UNVEILING CEREMONIES OF AN IMPOSING BRONZE STATUE, JUNE 20, 1907 ERECTED BY THE FORTY-EIGHTH PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN ASSOCIATION IN PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA. The monument erected on the Davis Farm in Prince George County, on the Jerusalem Plank Road, near Fort Mahone, by the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment Veterans Association to the memory of Colonel George W. Gowen, and other members of the regiment who were killed in battle durnjing the Civil War. At 5 130 o clock A.M. Governor Edwin S. Stuart, of Pennsylvania, arrived on a special train from Washington, accompanied by his staff officers, in full uniform. Governor Stuart s Staff present at the unveiling was: Adjutant General Thomas J. Stewart, Colonels Frank K. Patterson, Sheldon Potter, Albert J. Logan, and Edward Morrell; and Lieutenant Colonels, Lewis T. Brown, Walter T. Bradley, Fred Taylor Pusey, C. A. Rook, H. L. Haldeman, Lewis E. Beitler, John R. Wiggins, J. Warner Hutchins, and James Archibald. Also Color Sergeant Jacob Greene. The Governor and his staff stopped at the Stratford Hotel. Later, another train brought a party of three hundred or more, two hundred of whom were members of the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment Association, the others being ladies and other friends of the Association. About half-past nine o clock Governor Swanson arrived from Richmond and rode up from the Union station in a carriage with Congressman Francis Rives Lassiter to the Stratford, where Governor Swanson met Governor Stuart, and Lieutenant Governor Murphy. FORMATION OF LINE AND PARADE About 9:30 o clock the line for the parade was formed on Bollingbrook Street, between Sycamore . and Second Streets, and half an hour later the march was taken up in the following order: General Stith Boiling, Chief Marshall, and aides, A. P.Hill Regimental Monument at Petersburg, Va. 24 370 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Camp drum corps, Petersburg- Greys, Governor Stuart and Governor Swanson in a carriage, carnages in which were seated Governor Stuart s and Governor Swanson s staff officers. (Governor Swanson s staff officers were: Adjutant General Chas. J. Anderson, Eugene Massuchip; Chief of Staff, Colonel George Cameron; James V. Bickfield, Colonel A. R. Moody, Colonel Charles Bowie.) Next came two carriages in which were seated Mrs. Otelia Mahone McGill, Miss Bessie B. Reid and Congressman Francis Rives Lassiter, A. P. Hill. Camp Confederate Veterans, White Ribbon Cadet Band, members of the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment Association. The line of march was up Bollingbrook Street to Syca more Street to the corner of Sycamore and Wythe Streets, where the Pennsylvania Veterans and the A. P. Hill Camp took the electric cars for the terminus of the electric railway line in Blandford, from which point they were taken in tally- hos and wagons to the monument grounds. Those in car riages rode out to the grounds in the vehicles they occupied. The sidewalks all along the line of march were blocked with people, who cheered the two Governors and the Veterans lustily. AT THE MONUMENT The exercises at the monument were attended by about twelve hundred people who paid the strictest attention to the speakers. The assemblage was called to> order by Major Frank R. Leib, chairman of the 48th Pennsylvania Veteran Asso ciation, who presided. The exercises were opened with prayer by Rev. A. A. DeLong, chaplain of the 48th Re giment. PROGRAM UNVEILING OF MONUMENT OF THE 48TH PA. REGT. V. V. INF. AT PETERSBURG, Va. THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1907. Music, .... Selected Petersburg Band ADDENDA 371 Prayer . . Rev. A. A. DeLong, Chaplain of the 48th Regiment Address of Welcome, . . General Stith Boiling, of A. P. Hill Camp C. V. A. Response, . . Adjt. General Thomas J. Stewart, of Pennsylvania Music .... Selected Petersburg Band Transfer of the Monument by the Committee to the 48th. Regt. P. V. Asso., . . Frank R. Leib, Chairman Unveiling, . . Miss Bessie B. Reid, daughter of R. A. Reid, 48th Regt. Penna. Vet. Vols., and Mrs. Otelia Mahone McGill, daughter of General Mahone. Acceptance of Monument and Presentation of Same to the State of Penn., Col. Daniel Nagle, Prest. 48th Regt. Asso. Acceptance of Monument and Placing Same in Custody of State of Virginia, . Hon. Edwin S. Stuart, Gov. of Penna. Acceptance of Custody of Monument . . Hon. Claude A. Swanson, Gov. of Virginia Music, .... Selected Petersburg Band Oration, . . . Comrade Prof. S. A. Thurlow Prayer and Benediction, . . Rev. W. MaC. White, D.D. ADDRESS OF WELCOME This was followed by the address of welcome by General Stith Boiling, who spoke as follows: Mr. Commander, Comrades of the Blue and the Gray, Ladies and Gentlemen: Standing upon these lines made historic by the gigantic struggle of two armies commanded respectively by the two greatest captains of this or any age, and upon this spot made memorable by the name of one of the most brilliant Major Generals of the Army of Northern Virginia, who for more than thirty years was a distinguished and honored citizen of Petersburg, General William Mahone, I am almost amazed at the position I now occupy before you, for on that fatal day, April 2, 1865, when these lines were broken, and our decimated army gathered itself together for its last retreat, only to surrender seven days thereafter at Appomattox, my wildest dreams could not have conceived the idea, that forty-two years after I had sheathed my sabre forever that I should here upon this spot welcome with heartfelt sincerity the faithful soldiers of the 48th Regiment from the Keystone State, who come here to honor a gallant soldier, who fell upon this field. But I am here in discharge of that pleasant duty which I most cheerfully perform. As evidence that the van- ADDENDA 373 quished are as honest in their acceptance of defeat as they were in the long conflict which they waged against you, and although this union was made indissoluble by blood and iron against their will, R. E. Lee told them that it must be their country, its flag their flag, and that they should live and labor for its honor and welfare. They have obeyed the injunctions of their beloved chieftain since the close of hostilities with the same faithfulness they were wont to obey his battle orders. They are now heroes in peace as they were heroes in war, and as such and in their name I extend to you a most cordial greeting and hearty welcome. And I extend to all others who have assembled here to-day to unite with you in paying tribute to that gallant officer whose monument you have assembled here to-day to unveil, Colonel Gowen, a cordial welcome. And we feel especially honored at the presence here to-day of the Chief Executive of the Keystone State and the Chief Executive of this Old Dominion, each ready to pay tribute to the brave, regardless of the side on which they fought! My comrades, do we need any better evidence of the greatness of the American soldier than we have presented here to us to-day, by the mingling together of the old soldiers of two of the greatest armies known to the world, who a few years ago were on this same field in deadly combat, seeking each other s blood in defence of a cause which each believed to be right. And as a further evidence of the absence of all sectional feeling between the sol diers of these great armies we have here to-day the accomplished daughter of that Confederate soldier, General Mahone, who by his unerring generalship and his brave men rendered such valuable service in checking for months the advance of that magnificent army of General Grant. She is here to-day as a representative of her father and the brave men he led, to unite with the accomplished daughter of that gallant Union soldier, Mr. Reid, in paying tribute by aiding in removing the veil from the statue of that gallant officer, Colonel Gowen, who for months faced her father in deadly strife. My friends, what a subject this would be for some great artist who could catch the situation in all its details and put in enduring shape this happy representation of a joyous consummation of a reunited country, in which there is a generous mingling upon the old battlefield of Peters burg, of those who wore the blue under the magnanimous Grant, and those who wore the gray under the peerless Lee. As you stand to-day upon this historic spot and recall those days of martial strife in which many of you were participants, what a flood of memories are awakened, and how the recollections of the past come up before you. How the scene is changed, and how unlike the picture now to what it was when the artillery echoed over these plains. Then you were received in the face of shot and shell, and when you did force your unwelcome visit on us, we considered you intruders and left 374 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH you in disgust, and made our way to Appomattox where you over took us and by your persuasive manner induced us to make friends. And I must say that your terms for friendship were the most liberal ever granted a defeated army. And I am glad to know both sides carried out the agreement there made. And from then until now we have lived under that flag in peace, and union, and prosperity, and with increasing glory. But I must say that if you had not carried out your part of the bargain, I feel very much like saying as an old Confederate soldier did after getting his parole at Appomattox. You now come as welcome guests, and are received by the hands of your former foes, who give you a cordial grasp and are ever ready to seal their welcome with comrade love and affection. The prophecy of that gallant Federal officer, General Horace Binney Sergeant, has been fulfilled. He said in a speech on a memorial occasion in Boston more than forty years ago, that the day would come when that anniversary would be celebrated after some day of glory, when the sons of the South and the sons of the North shall have fallen side by side in some common cause of foreign war, as our sires anH their sires fell side by side under the eye of the great Virginian, Washington. That prophecy was fulfilled in the late Span ish-American War. There the sons of the North and the sons of the South fell side by side and poured out their blood not under two flags as 6i- 65, but under one flag for the glory of a united country. And, my friends, I want you to take back to your homes the message that those old Confederate soldiers whose forms are bent by the weight of years, and whose locks are silvered by time, are as loyal to the Union and the Flag of our Country as are those who fought for it. But while true to the Union and the Flag of our Country, I thank God that, he will ever remain loyal to his old comrades. He yet dearly loves the sunny land he lives in, and ten derly cherishes the memories and traditions of the South, and is proud of his history, and achievements of her noble men and women, his tattered banner and his sword have been laid away forever, but his army record will always be his pride. Such he is and such he will ever be, and as such he will ever meet you and cordially greet you as his friend and fellow countryman, with whom he has a com mon interest in the greatness and glory of our common country. A.nd while he ever prizes his army record and the privilege of meeting his old comrades around the camp fire and talking over the four most eventful years of his life and paying tribute to his dead and living comrades, he will ever remain loyal to his country and his country s flag. Who knows better than yourselves, my friends of the Union army, that commemorating the brave days of your military youth and honoring the brave men who touched elbows with you and the gallant officers who led you are among the sweetest ADDENDA 375 privileges of your declining years. You meet, you gather around your camp fires and sing your war songs, you honor your leaders and weep your tears of memory. But it is not to revive dead issues, it is not to gloat over your once enemies, it is not to taunt a fallen foe, it is to gratify one of the deepest and most honorable feelings of man, the desire to cherish and preserve the memories of the brave days and brave companions of youth. And I want to see these reunions and camp fires kept up by both sides until the last old soldier has answered to his last roll call. Nothing has done more to obliterate sectional feelings between the North and South than the exchange of visits and the mingling together of the soldiers of the blue and gray. And we are pleased to see you erecting monuments here to the memory of the gallant men who fell in honorable combat with us. I want to see them erected by both sides all over these his toric battlefields around Petersburg, whose soil nearly every inch of which has been consecrated to history by the best blood of America. My friends, and while erecting monuments to our great leaders, let us not forget the private soldier, the bone and sinew of all countries, the most precious possession it is a country s honor to hold, he fought for no private gain, he seldom got praise or glory, and in thinking over his lot, I am reminded of a seamen, who, when his ship had stripped for battle, fell upon his knees and offered up this prayer, "O Lord, don t let any shells hit this ship. But if any must hit it, O Lord, I pray you to distribute them as all prize money is distributed, mostly among the officers." And so was the glory of hard fought battles too often distributed. These monuments are not only a tribute to the dead, but a source of pride and inspir ation to the living. Lord Macauley never uttered a more important truth than when he said that, "A people who take no pride in the achievements of their ancestors will never achieve anything worthy to be remembered by their descendants." And I say in the language of Senator Lamar, of Mississippi, in the hall of Congress soon after the war, when Mr. Sumner, of Massachusetts, had favored amnesty to his vanquished brethren of the South and graciously proposed that the names of the fields where the Union forces triumphed should be stricken from their flags. Mr. Lamar expressed the gratitude of the Southern people for such an act of self-renunciation and voiced the sentiment of the Southern people when he said : They do not wish, they do not ask the North to strike the mementoes of their heroism and victories from their records, or monuments, or battle flags. They would rather that both sections should gather up the glories won by each section not envious, but proud of each other s records, and regard them as a common heritage of American valor. And so we say to-day, yes, both sides have a record that every American soldier can point to with pride. Yes, a record for valor and dauntless 376 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH heroism that not only won the admiration of all the people, but made our country the pride and fear of the whole world. To neither side belonged all the valor and victories, both won victories and both suffered defeats. We old soldiers on both sides know that if we had not sometimes run, many of us would not be here to-day. We are now all Americans, and this is our country, and after living more than forty years of peace and happiness under the flag, such changes have been wrought in our hearts that when we meet we do not question each other very closely as to which side we fought on, but rather do we try to emulate the example of our great command ers, who have passed away, their dying hands outstretched in bene diction upon friend and foe alike. And the two men who merits and receives our contempt, is the one that asks an apology and the one that makes an apology for the side on which he fought. I have read an old German legend, that long after a fierce and deadly battle, in which the heroism and bravery of the Teutons knew no bounds, the spirits of the dead slain in battle fought in the clouds, and the sounds of their clashing arms echoed back to earth to cheer the drooping spirits of the living and urge them to never despair. You and I, soldiers of the North and soldiers of the South, as we stand upon this old battle ground to-day, listen not for such echoes from the sky above to urge us to continued conflict. But rather do we hail the soft still echoes of that voice, which just before hushed in death, and as the warrior soul, weary of conflict, and anxious for all bitterness, all sorrow and tears to be wiped away, exclaimed with last expiring gasp, "Let us have peace." And so say we all to-day. RESPONSE TO THE ADDRESS OF WELCOME The following is the address of Thomas J. Stewart, Adju tant General of Pennsylvania, in response to the address of welcome delivered by General Boiling, at Petersburg, Virginia, June 2Oth, 1907: Mr. Chairman, General Boiling, Soldiers of Virginia and Pennsylvania, Ladies and Gentlemen: If General Boiling had nothing credited to him in the way of a victory, he certainly has one "Yank" pretty badly scared just now, by his magnificent eloquence; but amid the fear that possesses and that somewhat unnerves me, I have nerve enough left to express my appreciation of the high honor that comes to me in being desig nated to speak for, and represent these survivors of the 48th Regiment, Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, and these men and women of Pennsylvania, who are here to-day, and who have just been so eloquently welcomed by General Boiling, on behalf of the people of Virginia. ADDENDA 377 Many of us have been here before, under very different circum stances. These survivors of the 48th Regiment tried to get into Petersburg forty-three years ago; they knew they were forcing themselves upon you, and they did not expect any such welcome as they received to-day: As a boy, sixteen years of age, wearing 1 the uniform of a private soldier in the Union Army, the badge of the old 6th Corps shining on my cap, I lay in the line of blue, ready for the assault upon the Confederate works, waiting for the signal gun to be fired from Fort Fisher, on that fateful morning in April, 1865. I confess at that time, I did not see any use of being in such a hurry to get into Petersburg. I would have been willing to wait until now; and how much more pleasant this would have been for all of us. Those days of the early sixties were fateful days now happily passed. To-day we journey here in peace, to raise a memorial and a tribute to the days and men of war: days rich in heroic achievement, days of unsurpassed bravery, out of whose mighty tumult and carnage there was wrought and shaped the undying fame and glory of the American volunteer soldier, both in blue and in gray. Round about us are heroic fields. Round about us the dead of both armies sleep, while the living survivors of the war-worn and veteran legions of Grant and Lee are gathered here fraternally, recall ing the incidents of that great struggle. These men gaze again upon the unforgetable pictures that have hung these many years upon the chamber walls of their memory; and to-day, they and we thank God that the sword has been sheathed, the cannon silenced, the muskets stacked, the war-flag^ furled, and that once again, in glorious Virginia, Pennsylvania is welcome. Here are "Yank" and "Johnnie," but no picket to fire a hostile shot, no mine to be dug, no charge to be made or repulsed, no line forming for a bloody assault, no defiant flags, no planning for battle, no hissing bullet, screaming shell, or flashing blade. "The war cries of the captains give place to happy reapers shouts; The clover whitens bastion, and the olive shades redoubts." You have your graves, your shrines, your holy places; and we have ours. Hard by are the graves of your dead and hard by are the graves of our dead. "Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment day; Under the one the Blue; Under the other the Gray." Touched deeply, as we are, General Boiling, by your magnificently 378 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH eloquent address of welcome, we do not forget that we are within the gates of the "Old Dominion" of Virginia ; that Virginia over whose bosom and through whose valleys the tide of mighty battle ebbed and flowed for four long, bloody years ; that Virginia that gave to the cause we opposed its greatest leader and the mightiest chieftain; that Virginia whose mountains raise their heads more grandly because of great achievements wrought upon their side, and of the mighty dead who sleep upon their very crest; that Virginia whose rivers flow with more majestic sweep to the sea, because of the sacrificial blood that has mingled with their waters; that Virginia within whose keeping we shall leave our memorial and tribute, confident no vandal hand will mar .its beauty, none will fail to understand its meaning and signifi cance, or to divine its purpose. Men of Virginia, you and we, marching south and north from Appomattox, have been for more than four decades, marching away from war; and, paradoxical as it may seem, yet we have been coming closer and closer together, year by year and day by day. Pennsylvania has journeyed in peace to Shiloh and Chickamauga,. to Fredericksbnrg and Antietam, to Vicksburg and Gettysburg, and has placed there, in enduring form, the tribute of the Commonwealth to her warrior sons, living and dead. To-day we are at Petersburg, and with us, the Chief Executive oi the State; and he is met by the Chief Executive of Virginia; they the chosen representatives of the people of both Commonwealths. The story of this day, with its tribute and its ceremonies, with its- gl<3rious welcome and its generous and unstinted hospitality, will be read and re-read by the men of the days yet to be; and they will no- doubt wonder why it was and how it was that such men, framers of the same laws, sons of the same soil, sharers of the same glories, early followers of the same flag, ever drew apart and for four long years sought each others lives and waged a war, the story of which is the most tragic in the world s history. The more they wonder, the more they will be impressed with the high character and unmatched bravery and comradeship of the American soldier, both in Blue and Gray; the more and the better will they understand and know that the wjhite heat of battle and the fiery furnace of war were the refining and purifying processes that have made us all better men and women, better citizens, and better Americans. With the past behind us, its grief swept away, its wounds healed,, its scars smoothed out a smile on war s wrinkled front we turn our faces to the coming days that shall gather the sons of the North and the sons of the South, the veterans of the South and the veterans of the North, under the Star Spangled Banner of the Fathers, and recognize it as the banner of a united people, with one God, one flag,, one hope, one destiny; a banner, that, if unfurled in war, will be ADDENDA 379 defended by not only the sons of Virginia and Pennsylvania, but by the sons of all the States, an army and a people invincible and unmatched, and before whom, like the heart of Bruce, will always be the inspiration of those fateful days of war, out of whose mighty achievements you gathered your heroes, and we gathered ours. To-day the descendants of Grant and Lee, of Jackson and Sheridan, carry the nation s sword under the authority and commis sion of the President of the United States. To-day the men of the 48th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and their foes of other days are laughing and glad in the enjoyment of that fraternity and comradeship known only to brave men, all full of gratitude for the safety in our homes, for the glory in our flag, for the peace in our land, for the hope we have in the future, and for the blessings secured, and the glorious institutions saved and made permanent and enduring. And now, in the presence of these living soldiers of both armies, and in the presence of that silent host, invisible to our eyes, but who in garments of purity and peace always attend the gatherings of their comrades of the brave days of old, I accept your most generous and cordial welcome, and for the living and the dead soldiers, I thank you. Oh! that the men who fell on this and those who fell on other fields, and whose young and promiseful lives went out amid the tumult and the carnage of those awful. days were here in body, as we know they are in spirit. If it is given to the departed, as we believe it is, to revisit former scenes, they are with us, and with us rejoice in this reunion and they will receive our message of love and know they are not forgotten. I bring to Virginia, the greetings of Pennsylvania. Their stars crept into the blue field of the nation s flag, when first its fojds were kissed by heaven s sunlight. They were there in the early morning of the nation s day of glory, and they are there yet, two of the original thirteen. Others have followed, and more are coming; and from Pennsylvania I bring the prayer that the Star Spangled Banner may be the flag of all the people; that the memories and glories that cluster round it may keep us united in that great spirit of national unity and national brotherhood, united in one great purpose; and that the growth, the honor, the glory of this Republic may be perpetu ated; and may Virginia and Pennsylvania, sanctified by sacrifice, purified by trial, inspired by the glories of the past, move forward with confident and steady step into that future that shall cherish the memory of the brave men whose doing, daring, and dying are the nation s heritage of glory, and whose deeds of valor are the pride, the strength and the glory of their State. Again, Governor, General Boiling, people of Virginia, for those I represent, I thank you. X! ADDENDA 381 TRANSFER OF THE MONUMENT The transfer of the monument by the committee to the 48th Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Association, was made by Major Frank R. Leib, chairman, who spoke as follows: Colonel Daniel Nagle, Prest. 48th Regt., P. V. V., and Comrades : About two years ago, you appointed a committee to devise ways and means to erect a monument on this spot in honor and in memory of your comrades, who fell on April 2nd, 1865, in the charge on Fort Mahone. Through the efforts of you, comrades, and the good people of Pottsville, the school children of Schuylkill County, Penna., and with the kind assistance of Captain Featherstone, of Lynchburg, Va. who visited us in our mountain home and delivered a lecture on the "Battle of the Crater" for the benefit of monument fund, we were able to secure the amount necessary. Then again, we are indebted to the State of Pennsylvania for transportation here and to our Governor for honor ing us with his presence to take part in the ceremonies to-day. We are also under obligations to the entire State of Virginia, for the honor conferred upon us by its Governor, who is present to-day to take part in these exercises in honor of the brave men of our Regiment, who fell on this field in battle. We are under obli gations to Captain Bishop, General Boiling, Mr. Walsh, Major Lassi- ter and in fact to the good people of Petersburg for their many acts of kindness and services to help make this occasion a success. We are especially indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Griffith, and Mr. Gray, who so kindly gave us the ground on which to erect our monument and the markers. Your committee in planning for the erection of this monument, about to be unveiled and the two tablets at the Crater and the entrance to the Mine, have discharged the duty assigned to them to the best of their ability and now, Mr. President, it affords me pleasure to turn over to you this monument. MONUMENT UNVEILED At the close of Mr. Leib s address, the monument was unveiled by Miss Bessie B. Reid, daughter of Mr. R. A. Reid, 48th Pennsylvania Regiment, and Mrs. Otelia Mahone McGill, daughter of General William Mahone. After the monument had been unveiled, the Petersburg Grays fired three rounds. THE MONUMENT The monument is 20 feet 8 inches from base to the top of the figure. The granite base is 12 feet square; 2nd base 382 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH 8 feet 4 inches square; the die is 6 feet 7 inches high by 4 feet square, surmounted by the bronze figure of an officer, at parade rest, 8 feet high. The monument faces north, looking toward Fort Ma- hone. On the north side is a bronze tablet containing this inscription: "Erected by the surviving comrades, school children and citizens of Schuylkill County, Pa., and dedicated to the memory of the 48th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volun teers." "Colonel George W. Gowen, killed in action in front of Fort Mahone, April 2nd, 1865. Aged 25 years." On the east side of the monument is the following in scription on a bronze tablet: "48th Regiment, Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry, ist Brigade, 2nd Division, Burnside s gth A. C. Mustered in September 3rd, 1861, mustered out July I7th, 1865." And around a bronze medal lion: "Brevet. Brigadier General Henry Pleasants, of the 48th Regiment, Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers," with the Pennsylvania coat of arms beneath. On the south side of the monument is a bronze plate, containing a representation of the opening of the mine at the Crater. The monument cost approximately $5,000, and is the handsomest memorial of the kind in this section. Major Frank R. Leib, of Harrisburg; Mr. Robert A. Reid, of Pottsville, and Colonel Daniel Nagle, of Pottsville, were the chairman, secretary and treasurer, respectively, of the monument com mittee, and to them, is due the lion s share of praise for its successful erection. ACCEPTANCE OF MONUMENT The monument was accepted and the same presented to the State of Pennsylvania, by Colonel Daniel Nagle, Presi dent of the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment Association, who spoke as follows: Mr. Chairman: It affords me much pleasure at this time to receive this beautiful memorial from your hands, in behalf of the Survivors Association of the 48th Regiment, Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers. ADDENDA 383 Our thanks are due the Petersburg monument committee for their untiring and successful efforts, in erecting this monument to the memory of the fallen heroes of our regiment. And, although you, Mr. Chairman, in behalf of our Association, the public school children, the public press the patriotic citizens, our comrades of Sdhuylkill County, Pennsylvania, and our friend, Captain John C. Featherstone, of Lynchburg, Virginia, who by his excellent lecture on the Crater, delivered in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, the headquarters of the regiment, very materially increased the funds, thus enabling us, before we too joined the silent army, to pay tribute to our dead, by placing on this historic and hallowed ground of old Virginia, this monument. And to his excellency, Edwin S. Stuart, Governor of Pennsyl vania, it is my pleasure and duty on behalf of our Association to transfer this plot of ground and monument, that you may in turn transfer the same to His Excellency, Claude A. Swanson, Governor of Virginia, to remain in the care of the State, when in some future time the national government shall purchase this historic ground for a National Park, when the same shall be placed in the care of the nation as a memorial for all time to come of the heroism and valor of the American soldier. GOVERNOR STUART SPEAKS The monument was accepted and placed in the custody of the State of Virginia by Governor Stuart, who spoke very briefly. He said he knew the monument would be as safe in Virginia from the hands of vandals, as it would be in Penn sylvania. The Governor expressed his highest appreciation of the hospitality which has been extended to him and the visitors from his State by the people of Petersburg, and said as the Governor of Pennsylvania, he wished to return the thanks of that State to the people of this city, for their great courtesy and kind treatment. Governor Swanson, General Boiling, Soldiers of Virginia, Soldiers of Pennsylvania, Ladies and Gentlemen: I have pleasure in being here to-day as Govenor of Pennsylvania, to transfer to the Governor of Virginia, for safe keeping, this magnificent testimonial to the heroism, bravery, and patriotism of the men of the 48th Regiment of Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry. The thought which impresses me greatly at this time is the splendid recep tion which has been tendered to-day to the people of Pennsylvania by the Governor and the people of Virginia, and, for the Commonwealth of 384 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH Pennsylvania, I return sincere thanks for the courtesies received at your hands. After listening to the speech of welcome from General Boiling, I think, if such a thing were possible, we will return to our homes better Americans than we ever were before. Governor Swanson, it is my pleasure to transfer to your keeping this memorial erected in honor of the soldiers of Pennsylvania, those who died on this field, and those who survived, knowing that you will have the same regard and pride in looking after, and watching over, this monument, as though it were your own, and confident that the people of Virginia will cherish it as a tribute to the valor of the American soldier, and will find in its purpose and meaning a lessening of the breach that once existed between the sections of our land, and thus bring the brave men, North and South, together under one flag. To the care and keeping of Virginia, we leave this tribute; and, as we return to our homes, we shall cherish the fraternal hospitality and association of this occasion and hold in sweet remembrance the welcome we have this day received at your hands. ACCEPTANCE OF CUSTODY OF MONUMENT The custody of the monument was accepted by Governor Claude A. Swanson in a most excellent speech, which was loudly applauded. Governor Swanson told his hearers that the monument would be absolutely safe here, and that no hand would deface it. Address of Governor Claude A. Swanson, of Virginia, at the unveiling of the monument of the 48th Regiment, Penn sylvania Veteran Volunteers, at Petersburg, Va., June, 20, 1907: Ladies and Gentlemen: This is indeed a pleasing task which is assigned to me. If there is anything a Virginian worships, if there is anything a Virginian loves, it is heroism, valor, and courage, and a man ever willing to give all for his convictions and beliefs. The history of this Commonwealth from Jamestown to Appo- mattox shows, for his convictions, that a Virginian is willing at all times to sacrifice life and property that is the most a man can give and I am proud of America, proud of North and South, be cause each was brave enough to make immense sacrifices for its convictions and beliefs. I am glad to have in Virginia this beautiful memorial of valor and courage, erected in memory of your fallen comrades, and I promise you that it will be cherished by our people, that it shall be well taken care of, not only as a monument to your Regiment, but to Virginia and the nation. I would feel that I had but poorly ADDENDA 385 represented my State, if, after listening to the magnificent addresses of the Governor of Pennsylvania and Adjutant General Stewart, I did not tell them that their eloquent remarks strike a responsive chord in the heart of every true Virginian. The nation is more united at this time than it has ever been before in its entire history. It was one of Virginia s noble, favorite sons, Patrick Henry, who, when a member of the First Continental Congress held in Philadelphia, in 1774, declared, "I am not a Vir ginian, but an American!" the first utterance of National patriotism and for a National Union. I am constrained to believe that Grant, grasping the hand of Lee, at Appomattox, instead of taking his proffered sword, was a prophecy of President McKinley s Address at Atlanta when he said: " That the time has come for the United States Government to care for the graves of the Confederate soldiers who sleep in North ern cemeteries." In the furtherance of this thought, and to show that the animosities of the war days are passing away, and that the sol diers of the South with those of the North are National in charac ter, I am reminded of a modest little man weighing scarcely ninety pounds Major General Joseph Wheeler of Alabama, who served valiantly in the Confederate army, who also fought just as bravely under the Stars and Stripes at Santiago. My friends, in the late Civil War there were 2661 battles fought with over 500 men engaged on each side. After the war got fairly started the number of battles averaged about two a day for the entire four years of warfare. During these four years there were 1404 battles mentioned in the records of the Confederate and Fed eral Armies, many more of a minor character were not so mentioned. On the soil of Virginia there were, so to speak scarcely a hill top, scarcely a village, scarcely a city, upon or around which some heroic blood has not been shed by brave men from nearly every State in the Union. There is scarcely a family from Maine to California of those living in this nation at that time that has not in this State some sacred spot, made so on account of some brave soldier: husband or son; brother or friend, to whom their hearts fondest recollections go out with love and esteem. Virginia is proud to have been the stage for this heroic struggle, and upon her soil in some spot around Petersburg nearly every state in this Union could place a memorial to testify to the bravery and chivalry of her soldiers. Virginia loves valor, heroism, and courage, and these memorials of deeds of valor unveiled and dedicated by you to-day shall be cherished and taken care of by loving hands and with tender hearts, and we will see that they remain here as monuments to give inspir ation to our descendants and aspiration to the youth of the land 25 386 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH when deeds of valor are demanded of them in the preservation of our National liberties. All people who have ever achieved much for humanity have been noted for some peculiar virtues. The peculiar virtues of the Anglo- Saxon Race from whom we Americans are descended, the race which to-day holds in its hands the destiny of the world are, the purity of its womanhood and the courage of its manhood; with these virtues it has nearly conquered the world. We of Virginia can never forget that it was in your beautiful city of Philadelphia, in the "Old Keystone State," that they met who framed and adopted the Declaration of Independence, and in which was written the American Constitution. Mutual action in the preparation and adoption of these immortal papers by Pennsylvania and Vir ginia, in which the names of Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Frank lin appear as co-patriots, has formed between our States a bond which should never be broken. Now, my friends, there was a little incident in connection with the "Crater" and in the explosion that caused it, that strikes me as much as anything else in the entire Civil War, when those gallant men, Lieutenant Jacob Douty and Sergent Henry Reese of the 48th Regiment, volunteered to ascertain the cause of the delay in the explosion of the "Mine." These two brave men offered their lives in going into the mine for this purpose. I thank God that here was bravery and courage willing to lose all for the cause they were serving ! To-day let us salute these two noble men who had the courage to offer their lives for the sake of the cause they loved ! Again, my friends, in conclusion, Virginia gives to you, one and all, a hearty welcome to feel the liberty of the State extended to you to-day. Do as you please, don t get off the street for anybody, and, if you have any trouble come to the Governor of Virginia who will exercise the pardoning power in your behalf. ORATION The oration was delivered by Comrade S. A. Thurlow, who spoke as follows: Ladies and Gentlemen: It hardly seems necessary that anything further should be said to make this day and this occasion complete. The monument has been erected on the spot selected for it, and His Excellency, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, has placed it in the care and keeping of His Excellency, the Governor of the Common wealth of Virginia, and it is safe. The events leading up to this day, and the day itself, are unique in the history of this country, indeed, I believe I am safe in saying ADDENDA 387 in the history of the world. Captain Featherstone, an officer from your own State, but in command of a force from Alabama, in the charge at Petersburg, upon invitation of the Monument Association, came North and rendered valuable service in securing the funds needed to pay the purchase price, and, to-day in the presence of this as sembly, a lady from the South, daughter of one who fought for the South on that terrible day, joins hands with a lady from the North, a daughter of one who fought for the North, in unveiling this monument to our view. Search the history of this country or the history of any country for a parallel, and you will search in vain. Quite aside from the interest connected with the occasion which calls us here to-day, I find myself hardly able to suppress the emotions which cry out to be heard. As a school boy, way up among the moun tains and pines of Maine, I was taught to revere the name of Virginia. To me, it meant the name of princely men, the names of statesmen, of warriors and presidents, it meant the name of the immortal Wash ington. And in all the years that have passed since then, even during the dark days of the war between the States, although my heart and sympathies were fully enlisted on the other side, yet the name of Virginia would bring a flush of pride to my cheeks. To-day, I am trying to realize in some degree that I am standing in the very pres ence of the men and the women who trace their ancestry back to those illustrious names which I learned to love and revere in the far off days of my boyhood. Ladies and gentlemen, I bring you the greetings of the North, to you and to all the South, but particularly to old Virginia. We are here to-day, on a peculiar mission, one that brings to us pleasure and one that brings pain. It gives us pleasure to honor the memory of those who were our comrades in the war. It gives us pain to know that they are no longer by our side. It gives us pleasure to honor the memory of brave men of that war, whether they were our comrades and wore the blue, or your comrades and wore the gray. The man who is true to his convictions of right, whether for me or against me, is the man whose hand I will grasp when the contest is over and call him my friend. You see, unveiled before you, the statue of Colonel George W. Gowen, Commander of the 48th Regiment of Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers at Petersburg. In that dreadful charge, he lost his life. A young man of twenty-live, who left u beautiful home in the mountains of Pennsylvania, left his loved ones and all that was dear to him in life and joined the Federal service. No braver commander ever drew a sword, no more courteous a gentleman ever welcomed a guest to his home, no truer friend ever came to the assistance of another in his time of need. It is in his honor, and in honor of his brave comrades who fell with him, that we have erected this monument. 388 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH These men who have come down from the North to render this honor are the survivors of his own regiment. In the war between the States, Pennsylvania had many regiments of which she was justly proud, but no more valiant band of men came out from that State, or from any other State of the North, than the illustrious 48th. In its number you will find many of the very first to respond to the call of arms when the war began, and many who were the last to leave when the war was over. Oftimes but few in number, made so, however, not by disease or by the hospital, but by the bullet and the bayonet of your own equally valiant forces of the South. One incident connected with the history of this regiment will show you with what esteem its men were regarded in the cities of the South where they were stationed. It was at Lexington, Ky., while on provost duty that the citizens on several occasions petitioned General Burnside to allow this particular regiment to remain to guard and protect the interests of the city, when it had been ordered elsewhere. One much-envied young officer, Colonel, afterwards General, Pleasants gained the good will, not only of the citizens gen erally, but the special good will of one of Lexington s fair daughters, a queenly woman, and afterwards took her to his home in the North as his bride. Had I the time and did the occasion warrant it, I should take great pride and pleasure in giving you the history of this regiment, and the brave soldiers, officers and men, who composed it. I should tell you of its first commander, Colonel, afterwards General James Nagle, and also of Colonel Daniel Nagle, who is with us to-day, both soldiers in the Mexican War, who, with three other brothers, served in the war between the States. I could tell you of Reid and Monahan and Blackwood who wear special badges of honor, given them by the government for special acts of bravery. I would tell you of Douty and Reese, who, at the risk of almost certain death, re-entered the mine, and relighted the fuse. I would take you to the second battle of Bull Run, where the division of which this regiment formed a part, was the last to leave the field in that dreadful struggle. You will find a monument erected in honor of this regiment, at Antietam, where their brave commander, General Mansfield, fell. They did noble service under General Williams, who was afterwards killed at Baton Rouge, and also under the valiant General Reno who lost his life at South Mountain. They were with Grant in theWilderness. They marched from the Rapidan to Petersburg and took their position on the inner lines nearest to the limits of the city and opened their dreadful mine. Yes, these men are the men that did it, the men of the 48th regiment, of PennsyVania Veteran Volunteers, made famous the world over by that achievement. It was aimed at the downfall of Petersburg. It was a terrible deed made necessary by a terrible war. But to-day, let me tell you, and tell you truly, that should a like ADDENDA 389 danger ever again threaten your fair city, these very men, and every other man who ever wore the blue, in all the North, if needed, would come to your rescue and shed his last drop of blood in your defence. The war is over. It was carried on at a tremendous cost of treasure and blood. It was brought about in an apparently vain endeavor to settle disagreements and disputes of many years standing. It became necessary because in that day no better way was known. God grant that now and in all coming time, the sons of those who fought in that war, their sons, and their sons sons, in the better and grander life of the oncoming centuries, may be so fair-minded, so keen in their discernment of what is just and right, so great-hearted and broad-rninded, that they may settle all differances without bring ing harm to their homes and to those whom they love. Gentlemen of the 48th, do you realize with me that we are on historic ground to-day? Whichever way we may turn, we can almost see the faces and here the voices of the historic dead. I can see in review, passing before me the form of Captain Smith and the beauti ful Indian maiden, Pocahontas ; the immortal Washington and the lady fitted to be his bride, Martha Custis; Randolph and Clay, Jeffer son and Madison, Lee and Grant, Hampton and Sheridan, Mahone and Hancock, and scores of others whose names will live in history. "Give me the land that hath legends and lays, That tell of the conflict of long vanished days. Yes, give me the land with a grave in each spot, And names on the graves that will not be forgot. Yes, give me the land of the wreck and the tomb, There s glory in graves, there s grandeur in gloom, For out of the gloom, future brightness is born, As after the night, looms the sunrise of morn." In the defence of this goodly city, which suffered a longer and a tighter siege than any other during the war, old men and school boys vied with each other and gave their lives a willing sacrifice. Here it was, after the explosion of that mine, unequaled in the history of warfare, that both armies fought with such terrific force that it has been called the bloodiest battle of the world. Here it was that commander and soldier did such deeds of valor that their names should go into history with the brave 600 when "cannon at the right of them, cannon at the left of them, cannon in front of them vollied and thundered." The old Swiss Guard of France, or Leonidas, with his three hun dred at Thermopylea, holding in check the hordes of Persia, did no more valiant deeds than were done here by the soldiers of both armies. But to-day, gentlemen, the smoke of battle has cleared away. 390 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH The roar of the cannon is nc longer heard. Fort Sedgwick, and Fort M ahone, known no longer, I trust, by their fierce and fiery war time names, may still exist, but no harm from them can come to us. The arts of war long since gave way to the arts of peace, and in peace may they always remain. Grave problems in sociology are yet to be solved, both in the North and in the South. But we can safely leave those problems for solution to the States in which they arise, with the fullest assurance that each State will best understand its own problems and best know how to solve them. I rejoice with you, ladies and gentlemen, in the marvelous pros perity of our country of which you in the south have a large share. The balance of trade in favor of our country this year, when counted in dollars and cents, will run up into two hundreds of millions. Owing to your mines and your mills, hamlets are giving way to prosperous cities and great business centres all over the South. Beautiful buildings, are lifting up their magnificent proportions everywhere. With the exception of New York, nearly all the great centres of export trade are in the South. Your products of agricul ture last year passed the limit of a thousand millions, more than three times as great as was the value of the same fifteen years ago. We of the North rejoice with you in all this wonderful prosperity, but we rejoice far more in the better feeling that is coming to the front between the North and the South. Old lines of demarkation are being rapidly obliterated and new lines of good fellowship and common interests are taking place. Particularly, do I rejoice to-day in the fact that without engendering any feeling of bitterness, or, without arousing in the least degree, any suspicion of political plot ting, we may erect a monument in Petersburg, and you another in Richmond, to honor the memory of those who became dear to us in the war. I rejoice with you in the fact that the rush and worry, so characteristic of the age, has not been able to crush out all sentiment from our lives, that there is still a place in our hearts where we cherish the names and deeds of those who stood with us in that dreadful contest. We thank you, ladies and gentlemen of Virginia, for the courtesies which you have this day extended to us. We have fulfilled our mission. We have erected a monument to be a lasting testimony of the bravery of Colonel Gowen and his equally brave followers who -fell at his side. Yes, we have done that and more, as you will see when you read the inscription at its base. We have erected a monument in honor of every soldier who fell here fighting in defence of the principles which he believed to be right, whether he wore the blue or the gray. ADDENDA 391 "Oh, the roses we plucked for the blue And the lilies we twined for the gray, We have bound in a wreath And in silence beneath Are sleeping our heroes to-day. Over the new turned sod, The sons of our fathers stand, And the fierce old fight Slips out of sight In the clasp of a brother s hand. For the old blood left a stain That the new has washed away, And the sons of those" That have faced as foes Are marching together to-day. Marching in line with an even step, And a heart-beat warm and true, Forgetting the frays Of the by-gone days In the better life of the new. Oh, the roses we plucked for the blue, And the lilies we twined for the gray, We have bound in a wreath And in glory beneath Slumber" our heroes to-day. Yes, on the hillside and in the valley, Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the Judgment Day, Under the roses the blue, Under the lilies the gray. Yes, under the sod and the dew Waiting the Judgment Day, Tears and love for the blue, Love and tears for the gray." INTERESTING ADDRESS AT THE CRATER After the unveiling ceremonies the Pennsylvania Vet erans and others visited the Crater where a most interesting address on the blowing up of the mine was made by Mr. William J. Wells, of Norristown, Pa. Mr. Wells is Recorder ADDENDA 393 of Deeds, for Montgomery County, Pa., and was a sergeant of Company F, 48th Pennsylvania Regiment. In his address at the Crater, Sergeant Wells spoke as follows: Nearly a half century ago, we men of the Northland struggled here against the brave men of the Southland in trying to gain pos session of this hill crest ; but we struggled in vain. Had our opponents been men of inferior civilization or race, our task might have been accomplished; but we contended with men who were nurtured as we were nurtured, imbued with like impulses, possessed of similar aspir ations, descendants of the same original ancestry, each contending for that, which with different surroundings, he believed to be right. Time, that healer of all dissensions among men has, during the forty- three years which have intervened since we last stood here, face to face, thrown the mantle of charity and partial forgetfulness over these stirring events; and the bitterness of those days in which brother fought against brother, and father against son, has happily passed away, we hope and believe, never to return, while a new generation, with new ideas, new aspirations, new ideals, has come upon the scene of our activity, nd we who fought here are enabled without the loss of manly dignity, to grasp each other s hand in national pride, and to recall the events of 1861-1865, in which we took so conspicuous a part, only to laud each the deeds of the other. Thus we assemble upon this historic spot to unveil to the gaze of generations as yet unborn, a monolith to mark the spot which might, and perhaps should, have been the crucial event in the campaign before Petersburg, and which, peradventure, might have been the initial movement looking to the rapid close of that terrible strife for which we all longed; but fate, however, decided otherwise; and the contest was continued. This, I believe is now the generally accepted opinion of the leaders on both sides. It is not my province here to-day, to enter into a discussion of the causes which led to the failure to take advantage of the opening made in the Confederate lines by the explosion of the "mine," for history has recorded them; nevertheless, a brief reference pertaining to them may not be inappropriate. It may be well at this time to give a brief review of the operations of the 48th Regiment, Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry, from its arrival in front of Petersburg on the evening of June i6th, 1864, to the explosion of the mine on July 3Oth. On that evening, June i6th, we arrived from City Point and took position near the Shand house, about nine o clock, being in close proximity to the Confederate line. At 3 a. m., of the I7th, we sprang forward, at first stealthily, then as our approach became known, with great impetuosity, quickly enveloping the force in our front, 394 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH capturing two guns; the flag of the 44th Tennessee; recapturing the flag of the 7th New York Heavy Artillery (captured the night before) and more men than we had on the firing line, giving to us a glorious victory, and inflicting upon our foes a serious loss, as their line was forced back beyond their outer line of fortifications, which, thereafter, became our permanent line. On the morning of the i8th, the 48th was again engaged, this time in front of Elliott s Salient, the position where we now stand. The engagement was sharp and short, resulting in our driving those in our front across the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad, out of the ravine beyond, up almost to their intrenchments, when they made a determined stand and held their ground bravely. This perhaps, the most advanced position along the entire line, was immediately fortified, and became our main line, won by hard fighting and serious loss, for in the ranks of our foes, we found men "worthy of our steel." Prior to, and throughout the operations thus briefly described, the command of the 48th devolved upon Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pleasants, a soldier of great merit, and possessed of more than ordinary skill and ability as a civil mining engineer, who, though but thirty-one years of age at that time, had, since his eighteenth year, been actively engaged in the prosecution of his profession, gaining much and valuable information in mining operations, up to the breaking out of the war. From the Rapidan to the close of his military career, his watchful care in seeing that suitable fortifications were promptly constructed for the protection of his men at every opportunity, resulted in saving many lives and endearing him to his comrades. With this knowledge and experience, it is little wonder that he should have noted the topography of the land in his immediate front and conceived the probability of successfully placing a mine under the fort, which, exploded, must open a way to successful assault, and, through its success, to a final close of the war. That Colonel Pleasants originated the idea of mining, no one can for a moment doubt, notwithstanding suggestions or claims to the contrary. I had been, throughout the campaign, detailed as one of the color guard of the regiment; and, a few days after gaining our position of the i8th, the Colonel, in his impetuous way, seeing me near him, said: "I can blow up that fort," pointing towards the front, and asked me for my bayonet and cartridge box. He then selected a spot behind the ridge where we lay, excavated a small space, charged the hole with the powder taken from the cartridges, (extracting the balls) laid a train thereto, and exploded it, but not to his satisfaction, for, excavating another similar space and making two chambers instead of one, he repeated the operations with better results, remarking, "Two is better than one." ADDENDA 395 From this time, about the 2oth or 2ist of June, the pages of history record the operations, which are doubtless familiar to all present. West Point pride, however, was slow to admit that volunteer skill could succeed in such a gigantic operation and denounced the project as "impracticable." Nevertheless, relying upon his own opinions, and the practical knowledge of his men, and, having gained the consent of Generals Burnside and Potter, he, with inferior tools, or practically no tools at all, compared with those used for that purpose, commenced operations on the 25th of June, selecting as his immediate and responsible leaders, Lieutenant Jacob Douty, of Com pany K, and Sergeant Henry Reese, of Company F, men skilled in mining operations From that time forward these two brave men rarely left the mine, day nor night, eating and sleeping therein or near by until the excavations were complete, the mine charged, and exploded. What shall I say of the marvelous courage of those heroes? What tongue or pen can do them justice? Their heroic deed in re-entering the mine to investigate the cause of the delay in exploding the powder is beyond all praise. They knew not the moment they might be blown to atoms; yet, we who knew them, know that they thought only of duty. They were men not capable of seeking self-glory, nor of posing as heroes; yet their modest sim plicity does not for a moment detract from their unselfish bravery. They even ran a double risk; for, after relighting the burned-out fuse, they had no assurance that they would not be caught in the explosion. Brave men! You are not here to-day to receive the plaudits of your comrades for your brave act, nor those of your former foes, for all must concede, friend and foe alike, that the whole range of history, ancient or modern, does not contain an account of more heroic proportions than yours! You have gone to the great encampment beyond ; but your names and your act will live so long as heroism is cherished by heroic men! A few words as to the mine itself. I have not time, nor you patience, to go into the construction of it, nor is it necessary for our purpose here to-day. The length of the excavation, including the lateral galleries, was 586 feet, or 195 yards, and the material excavated amounted to some 18,000 cubic feet, or 667 cubic yards. The labor required to mine and remove this mass of earth, to provide against caving in, and to preserve proper ventilation, was enormous and required the services of almost every man in the regiment. Begun on June 25th, the mine was ready for charging on July 23rd, less than one month ; thus demonstrating the ability and skill of its originator, and the devotion and energy of the men who performed the labor. Commencing at 3.00 p. m., July 27th, during the night 8,000 pounds, or four tons, of powder were carried in, in bags, deposited in the laterals, and by 6.00 p. m. of the 28th, forty feet of sand tamping 396 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH cxmveyed in bags, had been placed in the inner part of the gallery, the fuse laid in the ventilating tube, and all was ready for firing. At 3.30 a. m., July 3oth, Colonel Pleasants entered the mine and lit the fuse, then waited, how anxiously, for the expected explosion, but in vain; minute followed minute, until nearly an hour had passed; then, almost maddened by the delay, he called for volunteers, and the gallant Douty and Reese sprang forward, entered the gallery, speedily found the defective fuse, relit it, ran for the entrance at the risk of being caught, and had just emerged when the earth shook, the air was filled with men, guns and masses of earth, and all was over. The enterprise pronounced by eminent engineers to be "imprac ticable" had been accomplished, the judgment of Colonel Pleasants had been verified, and the arduous, skillful work of the men of the 48th was over. Then commenced the blunders of some general officers in not acting promptly and intelligently, and the incompetency of another in not leading his assaulting division into the abandoned works. Valuable time was lost, and when at last the Union troops were where they should have been almost an hour before, their efforts were ineffective because of their massed condition and the return of the Confederates to their abandoned line. Men never fought braver than did they, but without avail, for the day was lost, and retreat, almost ignominious retreat, alone was left to them. It is but fair to the men of this regiment and to the memory of its gallant Colonel who conceived, engineered, and exploded this mine, to say that had the harmony which was exhibited by the general officers of the Confederate army at Gettysburg prior to and during the celebrated charge of Pickett s division, prevailed in the Army of the Potomac from the inception to, and after the explosion of this mine, the result would have been far different to what it was. First, unbelief in its successful accomplishment by the commander and engineers upon his staff, then unwilling support during its con struction in not furnishing proper facilities for the work; and, lastly, in the arbitrary decision, when success seemed assured, to substitute a division of white troops for the division of colored troops selected by General Burnside to lead the assault. In the pth Army Corps were four divisions, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of white troops, commanded respectively by Generals Ledlie, Potter and Wilcox, and the 4th. or colored division, commanded by General Ferrero, to which division, according to the plan of General Burn- side, was assigned the task of assaulting the works immediately after the explosion. The reason given for this assignment by General Burnside was that the white troops had for six weeks been constantly accustomed to seek shelter behind their defences; that this may, in case of serious opposition, cause them to halt when the works had been reached, instead of advancing beyond them ; that the colored ADDENDA 397 troops who had not as yet been on the firing line, and who had since the commencement of mining, been specially trained with a view towards making the assault, in the belief that they would not be subject to seeking protection behind the works when reached, but would, by the force of the charge, advance beyond the crater to the crest of the hill, to be immediately sustained by other charging lines of the white troops, who were intended to follow up the advantage thus gained, and press on to victory. General Mleade, however, differed with him and insisted that the assault should be made by white troops. This decision having been sustained by General Grant, to whom the dispute had been referred, the question arose as to which division should be selected. Lots were drawn and the choice fell to the ist, or Ledlie s division. Valuable time had been lost by this change of plans, the impact of the advance was feeble, the broken lines of the Confederates, who had temporarily abandoned their works under the possible belief that other mines might be sprung, were being reformed and advanced to their old position; their artillery, on the flanks of the crater, were concentrating an enfilading fire upon the advancing column, and, what Burnside feared, actually occurred, for when the old works were reached, the line sought shelter, and the beginning of the end had come. Prompt, energetic action on the part of the division commander might have had a different result, but it was not given. The men were brave, but were poorly led. Oh, for some "Sherman," "Stonewall Jackson," "Stuart" or "Custer" at this moment! But the die was cast; the opportunity lost, and the rest was simple sacrifice of human life with but one result failure. Huddled together in masses, 10,000 men, unable to advance or form continuous line, were compelled to remain on the defensive, while the returning Confederates were pouring volleys into the disorganized mass of humanity, who were unable to give effective resistance, and, when recalled from what, under proper management, should have been a glorious victory, they sullenly, stubbornly, gave up the field, and resumed their old lines, leaving thousands of their gallant comrades dead, dying, wounded, or prisoners, in the hands of the victors. "Theirs not to reason why; theirs but to do or die, though some one blundered." Comrades, friends and former opponents, why should I linger longer upon this episode in our and our nation s history? The explosion, the consternation resulting therefrom, the failure of our generals to profit thereby, the useless charges that followed when too late, the bravery of men caught in a trap of their own setting, the rally of the panic-stricken Confederates, the wild charges to regain their lost works, the cruel enfilading fire of the Confederate batteries, the maddened hand to hand conflict, the capture of prisoners, the cries and moans of the wounded and dying, the stubborn, yet chaotic 398 STORY OF THE FORTY-EIGHTH retreat, the shouts of Confederate victory; these, all these, have been told and re-told, over and over again, and will be told till time is no more; but, in connection therewith, will also be told the whole story of the "mine," and in the telling, will shine out the record of the 48th Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry, whose history in the Army of the Potomac is unique, in this, that from the Peninsula to the Appomattox no other regiment performed any similar act. We did our part, and the failure to profit by it was no fault of ours. In the unveiling of this marker and that at the entrance to the mine, we do it not as an act of glorification, nor as a reminder to the good people of Petersburg, or of Virginia, or of the sunny Southland, that we once sought to subdue them;- but that the descendants of the brave men of the South and of the North may ever remember the struggle which took place here on the thirtieth day of July, 1864, in which those who fought for the possession of this hill-crest, and those who successfully held it, were men of the same blood, of the same nation, and equally brave. May these markers and that monument to-day unveiled on the Jersusalem plank road, near Fort Mahone, by the survivors of the 48th Pennsylvania Regi ment, ever remind our people that, forgetting the past, we are to-day one people, with one flag, and having a common destiny. The author is under obligations to the Misses M. L. Branch and sister, of Petersburg, Va., for their kindness in stenographing the addresses of Governor Stuart, Governor Swanson and Adjutant-General Stewart, on the day they were delivered at the unveiling of the monument there. From the formation of the Regiment to the date of its final discharge at the close of the Civil War Company A o u E > ? ss f* Tl.c c _- 2 ~ 8 37, ". g I . ^ 3t CCO M <_, o ~T3 r o 4 is I *?j"ll8*|afiS.j-i H ZJgi ^o^ _O(N J5 . or^ < I 5g - -H >c* 3 3 1 3 H!- a "O-O~ V ,; j- St S3 g e- n^t ----- ^.a ^c! f>^ ^pf r " "JE!JB wg.TE^^SrS ^ o o p - o. o o i c .S <?o"oogJ B 6osis r lspy P j* c r ^ ~ " ? j=V5 * 5 - 2"^ 2- c w)i3 i^g^;^^ oooowhr?- w ^ ^.^^ ,2 3 :05 .".g ? S c 111 3 -S o ilggll^iSSlI 5 ?S&a&S^^^an : o C&C o w"9^-=: > i_ o o u k" w i > ^ i *- o c.o. o, aa, a a aa cflcfi t/3 tr.cn c/)c/) a a 1 B I "^ 1) , V J yj- M : 1 i^ S X Aii] iJ I slJlllr.il flM p riJj spl||: ^*^!!s]!l!!%i5?.!^r ai 1 I ! I .fifiS^ *J b.o.o o< JS > <U U Shh. 26 o U ss a o u p "5iK -- Eg S , " -.. <u o o 5-T3T! "gllll ^llrg-g g g DdiniiLiii^ajaJ^Daj^ ^tn ^rtC-05 ? B 11111 8|I-| r ?11 a 1ll1 W5l)a;a;il)iU n<UGj(U4><UQiUCIU4> <n w S M S ^ S !9 2 * " ffft rH r-l t-l I i-l rH r-l i-l i-l i-l ,-lrlr-l gjCOrH a-g^^^^ j aj -g aaaaaaaaaas a c -g o U j! ! :! ! .2.C S3 B rt o s .cJ o . - N 2 U 4> iJ3 . ID 75 I^^I| f.K .^ M^.t^ M SpSSpp _:5 rt 2,2 .,2 E*-3S*.SJa5?s 8"-*; -^S<C^5C^D ,-r -r *-> *-CT> .CJ^j- rt r e Company B ffi ss ^ O u 2 > 8 S e V "3 > J3 s- I ^ cd K Sss o 3 y | "9 & 3s w ^ Us IglgS >S-alll-i ." o.P 5 J w5 5p^5>o BjsfS SlssS S ot aaa S.D. "G. .2 S u rt . . en -Ifs .2= o S a*J8 -: I ~ - v S ~ i ,_ r^ .C r-- g S e i> ^ SS5S S UlSlL M - (LI ^s-Es SSjlQ tttfP^ v g^Sj ^, O f-T r-T*^ -T*^. . d TI "* gS|8S* 8 Jsl3 (U^^^O- S.rt-^S ll??l!!!liL 3 3Df 333^--^0 gl g -a-rn g^5 tS>> .,ti >, SsSsgifas dUi^-s* "nn-l TIj a 3 a ;?-5rjaSSK > w C^gS . Sc,2 J -g c >. a a rSSnal*:- ^s<s-^, I <n .. T3 >gjrsjT-0<o& 5 C 3 3 3 0) t> J-Ti ,111^5^ "ij^!^ i^ssoa O U PQ PH O illlliliiililllillllililli|g|iililillillli g H Z U S o U 111 I*?J "Sfcfgg til Si V. -SA5B _; J3 J3 J3 S O o^^^ Si S g .>.> >H2 8 "JOOOrtg--" l-O O dar.Si! SSc ^ < 9 8 2 C 1 0) 4> c <U 2 "S slllllll S|S1 = J|^U1= P .54 THE UNIVERSITY Company C r-1 Ctf u ss s o u Q s o 5^; 1 p J 1* PS a i-i lO <_, is ^g ?! S2 55 J3 I i> J .. -oS * e O /-a t> M <J - "-S c s<5 .- (*J <uS :J M *|" P| 2^ .rJ --S .-^ "i c/: ^ ^ O ^o- S^2i^ -- c^vv -> ISls ^1 -iEs!- . ^ Frt 7 rH *i > s, o "ss. . -2 2 1 , C/3 Q 3 5 SI S-S S S E^lj-f. 83 ^ ^ ^111 J - ".MS ElMffl. gs| i?S5 PS ^5 ^iT = ^ u-ug .2,i SS esSsS.-Ssrig ig|S ** i= |l!-Pj- ^| 11!-^- s^o ^* : 6 li^tf* ^|1 to|^ s53 -= s^i^ir 1 1 1 ^ 1 1^1 i i 222 22 IT)T I T o.o. o, o.*^ aaaaa a "a a a a "a a c. a, a; .^ tia<u4JO> a><uiiaj4<uiiaja; c/2O c/5 c/} en c/) c/) in crc c/) a) tn t/) c/) en c/) j{ rt oJ2 ^OU OH -fe Ha S,Si^ ,-5^!I?J . rjISll^lllliif ^o S 3 |=SS= U=l5?l|S HlaiSSlal^S^a CJ 6 ^ fjj- lfbkh *.*3 *sjg fsil^l^ll ?o * *rfs -S,S.*ot5a^ e !*i s|l^f||<S|| 6SJ , $&&&&*& & $#<*% !}* " W-Ojg s,?^jfroj{a:.?Sfl?Sa iol|l|ff<||^l| s g S si 5 1 1 i 3 " I 1= ^ U I s - SS c o 1 I 1 I I S g. 5 o 8 d w a - X . = 2 s > S tj e* 2 a S "^ | i 1 s | 5 siJ I 2 o 1 ~- * ! S-S I a .! p e ><- 1 -lC?r- . l( 6/3 ** ^ C S ^.StJ -S 3 rt % " rt iaj>, *S I o ^ I s > || g- ^ s -3 0.2" 2 .|* 53 "g 5 . TJ^ SSS EtS>n . = T, n? ^1 fe S |s Z~ - .J3 j= - "^^-C^^ ^^ - U .^fe C j 5-5^ 2 ajJ=o s * >P S 2 III i ra *-s la ^ lC^t ^fOOTf+ l jp jp jc jc P i 2 ^^ >s| aj^-glfiQlttj 6-SffJ 35JHii3llll&ill u ss s o u Company D Q > X ss s o U ismissed Nov. 28t iment, P. V. Dec. 62. 63; commissioned Capt. ne 64. at Petersburg, Va , 64 ; mustered out Oct t, 64 must uly , 6 Aug. 29th, 62, at Bull Run 2nd Lieut. May 22nd, 65 metery Washington, D. C ut Sept. 30th, 64 ; end o must tered ; apt. , reg . 1st, ded J . 22nd 7th, ded t. to eran. m ce red o eon ergt. t. Ma , 65 ; July un. 172nd . Sept. woun Sept. 1 ulv ound Serg Vet sylu e . Se 6 an. 8th, 6 62; Capt. Sept. 12th Col. Lieu , 64 Lieut ; to Oct. to , t. S 1st 62 O. 63 4 ; . 25t ered out Ju 1. 27th, 62 ; oted from arch 29 July 1 in M cor 9th, 65 ; 17th, 65. ilitary a poral ; m on Surgeo Certificat poral ; Set. April 1st, to Sergt. ay 1st, 65 muste th, 61 ov. 2 pro ; 5t N M out uried fro , De igned g, Va. Pa. red . ; b te 3th, 65 ed to co ge n ; u era . 65 m ; mustered out J y 17th, 65; Vete gt. May 22nd, mustered out , 62, Bull Ru ried roll. 64 ; Cold Harbor, V Veteran. Va. ; promoted to Ser moted June 16th, 65; ed in action Aug. 29t on muster out roll. t on muster out roll. m ; not on muster out roll ksburg, Va; died Jan. 2nd, ll Run, Va. ; not on muste s Certificate. 6th, 65 ; sing in action June tered out July 17th, re, Md. ; Veteran. , Bul rd, ound 6th, 29th, 2, at , at F 29th, 64 ; S , 6 64. 2 ; 4 ; alti h, 62 g. 23 of wo v. 16 ug. h, 62 , 62, ug. th, 6 17th, th, 6 h, 62 ; mi h, 64 ; mu at Baltim to Majo to Capt from Co from co ly 17th, from 2n from Se stered J from co 64; end o d from Se from Se from 1st Dec. 13t red out J Sept. 30i to 1st S c. 13th, Aug. 2 oted oted oted oted ut Ju oted oted ot m oted th, 6 oted oted oted nded uste tured oted d De nded erm. oted ing i out J nded uly 1 nded in ho Sept in ho ing i nded nded ing i harge tered rted nded nded Feb. SsllllllIfllllEirpS oooo o o o oooo SpS3.o 222 SoS o. . J! rt >>$a c ~=-c c-s > O S 3 r- 3 E S o 31-. o.2 o A p 1 in a Se De in ed o Ma Se Ju . 9t CO CO CO CO COCO CO S CO CO CO CO cp tp CO CO CO CO CO cp cp cp S 3 CO CO CO cp CO CO CO CO 13-v-o-v 13-3 -a" r g "2"T 3 P H pf^ p -s T 3 ""?" ?" H H H P, p E" p H H - -"p"^ " a, a a "a "a a, a a.aa.a "a^ao. "aa "a "a a c. a. a a H. as.- 3 o. o. o, $$$ $c/) c/5 $$$ L a nil h i m i a I- H 25 O O u I < i o S^g 2S> .. 1 JiiiS S .sg^ % 3 3 ?|- ;r ^^ > ;=<S!^>V^ rt ss 3 .Q .31 5{3<5E -i w C^* v< 3 Own ^ ^-A;^ 2 rt : >^ c AJ e?> TI - r ^ -..>a- icg^v H:-. P-^S Sjl>X*8- Si SSSgSSSSSSrt .j^^.rf.k-.iJ.CCJ.. ,_ - X" rs.-"-------- S ^ 3 S p 3 S g 3 3 3 S S 3 S S 3 3 -3 3 S 3 3 S S S 3 cl I* 3 .- D " tn 5 3 6S.5 ti s .s rt o a 111 igg N!"- 2^ SfltfJP Stf&i ^""SsP c ^ u bi ELc SSOsx >, -TJ^x; 60 !lll! 5 . o as s Si I lis ! .=&< o T3 C < S -S M ^ 1 j^ cd 1 ^ QQ ; >^ ; 2 <" *J 8 r-" ? " 3^0 s^ s^r W^ 0^03 >-> O rt ^ b/i v. "^ <u S .n <u 3 a; ->-. l||i<i B*6|E| -^cc-ac^ >^=" ?s I o >> M S . c/) c . ^. ^~o* nx g-gSl s|%sS^ l s 5 5 5^3^ g-g > g *;, !79S?l?S-S^2l>jii?i S^ ^Sijrirllltt^? -^ sflfiSflfiSiJI^ oS --ct-^ss 00 ^ ""3 " - 0(S "^ -_>>- fe^^^SlS. S^l^g^s SS^fiss^^s^ ^Oi. r 003 ? 0^ C t!t-,=^ S 5 5J H ^ O t O u Company E Ill" >te3*8g$iK, C ^ crt a .- *j ~ - _ ** ;3 T3 * ^ ? -S -S 5 ^6 -5-5 5 5 5 -s" "S " V. = 5 . 5 5 5 5 -5 5 ssss^s^ssss^sssS^^^ 05 ^-^-^^^?:^ 10 ^^^ ssssj ss 3 w I O u i ! o || .c ..2-5 % f, S"3 i -^.fl^kP jSSS.^rt^ ^^3SSS J3 O 3 3 ;|i!s|l< fs S slli 1 - lgaJfe^d< J2 on tn U^T) 3 i n 3 3 0= W O in ^^^3 e >>>,e 5 oS^^a^ S ,*- - > n , X5 - 567, ti au- -n^^Soo<^2 i^^S S S^^ .-^uS-ogo ^sallilS XTJOO. ->.</: iggre,^"^ -a l^ll2wl5 Kc 5 -22 = Tj S S! i/)vt-,<*H 3 w l5l5^J|g|S rilfil * J iPS -SS 3 .5Pc,- S5P^g^x^ O U w ;* O u . ed - r r 1 r r - - o - _ r -0 ^; ^ . : s|^i s< r /a*^l l ? rSi^ /i^gl* *y&l 8 r i j?.!%iaii-j^t^ cc ri>^ c<rr^- s S^ * S(S|^oii|1j^4ij ^7^^?^^|7 !r, S?.9 3t32\rj5^aeSg3 Company F K - * fe 2S s o u 3 ^ s I s U .o ja =fl^ j, 11 i li^U^S^SiahSgss 8i;si5s^,s|&S5!^t s -<^ 0) O OOO SO O O OO S 5O CO 3 O S CO 5O COO CO CO coco CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO ^O CO CO CO CO CO CO o> 01 o> to -5 5 5 ~ ( aiCTia5a5 bb bi bi bi bo bi bi bi bebi) bo bib bo bo bibBbJClibJjirbbbilM ^ jDb)b)bo 33 33 3 333 33 3 3 33 33333^3333 S <U SI II 1 1 11 111! ^? "3 3 o TJ s 1 ? B ^ to rt | "o P^^fe -c eo"^ ^ <u - S5 i55w S^^t^S^^ O 3 7* 3 ., ? " r;. ^H x .- >* l. S ^-c >s s a; 2 5 1^ g 1 50-1 O ic^S^Srt ^^ C o o> S^ 5 ^3^- r <C I 5 ^ rtl s 9 o 1 I *J2 s ?l 8 1* I |sL. 5 p "" S2 5s5s^! O^ 3^<! 3 3 3 w o O v O O O O S5 -a 33 ^ T-, -H * ^r s * " K 6 O "g aj c OJ 0) O w c/: : 55 M - ^ &oi & I 82?- 1! ^ 5 K^ sS^gj^^S ^S l^-l^ 1 ^ -7>,J !w-5<Uj_i4->rt ti rt T^ -^^ CU 3 35; .55 - 1 QooJs cJ* i|iiii1;-lll B *. j s a - <L> OJ I I rt {i 5 > c = c x s S rt "5 4 1) .0 "5: rt 3 r rt r. > rt P" liSSSS>|S| S^^^^o.^ 5 ^^ 3 33 3-- 1 ^P K C P.8 38 s 3 3 -^^^ c ^2^ ^5; 3 3 3 3 3- *Q J<5 o O O O -.Jj^^ :-iiini : d i :caj_4j_aj_oc/-j(/! C ^O 3 3 3 SO gS "d||c||c aj i/i " = O II fift KSiS |s|< ^H^^-T3 TJ OJ "^ OJ sisi*-2 ? I 3 en V *! g Ss r-( W 1 1 i > K *- U a | 3 ^ -fi j 0^ -S j.i ^ 3 2 rt |> s-stf 4) S &4J8. s1P sWs|l -.-.--. ^r w t! S*S5565S -33 ^- B5g5 -"J ^^ ,tfs* ^.2,353333 -ir*" 5 ^^O 1 ^ O O O^ ^W fe S 2 S S S S S Ssl, ^cacfesSSs-g^ 03033330:=:= H I m *:S o^ Ij 3 "3 8 E ? C/5 - . 2| 11 >> CJ " - 1 &> 1 n"3 |l in 1 1 5"" 1 5| c u aj to w w t! 3 .s * rt w s rt > a; ^ w ^ o ^ > _ Wig 3 rt rt 3 K^ "* >>.* ii !ii^ M y ?3 ^ 5 rt *. > 15 1 . - oi - P w - "53 F 3 <xn .pq ^^;>q;vl^|^fe> Isilll^illll^i-gill --c > i : |rt>^^ii^^r;o > 5rt3 ^5^.H ss g 8 -S^S *itt 3-^u.iii pj^j&^iiaisi y a-fAol ^Mi^Ss^si 9 -3 (S C ^^ U S - j g C J ^1" s22 3 s 3 "55 >>S^i3^S feCc SOft, &,d,eL,&,aHaOi ^^^^S^SSS^c/)^ II II 0.0 30 i! * si t .s- l se 5 SB Cfl C g S3 c n 8^ 1 | -I ,1 1 ffi ^ |l I | 5f= Q Q lj 111 ^ s i2 ir II <I . xl ft 2=s 5 II *-,, - Su lh -y 3 o > & < PH s o u 64 h, 64 to Major July 23 64; to Capt. Sept Sept. 12th, 64; t 65- d in 7th th, 64; b d out Ju ne 2nd July 1 1st Li June 2 Capt. Ju t Lieut. h, 64; t 62; ; to ly ra of term. 64; mustered , 64 te 62 ; to 2nd Lieut. Sept. 15th, 64; to d t Spottsylvania Court Hous to t ta . t to 64 17 , a t Sept. 30t rd Sep 61; ille d, 6 red e Sec rtific ered pital f th Ce ust ho teran. 65; Vetera 65; Vetera scharged F om corporal; mustered out July 17th, 65; corporal to Sergt.; mustered out July 17th corporal to Sergt.; mustered out Julv 17th er hospital, Washington, Sept. llth," 62; d quarter Sergt. March 17th, 64. t Oct. 1st, 64; end of term. spital at muster out. rd, 64, Bethseda church; Veteran. t July 17th, 65; Veteran. t July 17th, 65; Veteran. t July 17th, 65; Veteran. t July 17th, 65; Veteran. t July 17th, 65; Veteran. t July 17th, 65; Veteran. t July 17th, 65; Veteran. ital at muster out. d r d o d o v d o d ou n ho ne d ou ed ou ed ou red ou red ou red ou red ou t in ho P M D Disc Pro Pro Promoted Promoted Promoted Sick in Ca Promoted Mustered Absent in Killed Jun Mustered Muste Muster Muste Muste Muste Muste Abs p p o o cp p ppp ppp p cp p p PP P p p p p p p p p p 5 55 5 "^ "^ "" 3J 5 "tn tf3 5) I/: tie In tr; t/3 .C ^ ^ ^ ^ 5 In In 1/3 5 5 O. O< O. O, OH O. Oi O.^ OH O, OH O. O. O. O, O, 4 -* O. O.- 4 -* O--^ O.O.O en ccc/} W W tf5 cT!c/:O t/3c/3Cfl (/) $ t/3 c^ c^ O c/) c^ O t/3 fc clo cK c/) 1 3 65 S III o oj t3 <*N s Sir ti- o = frl ire ? Ill ff 3 4l^ * H x C o u .s: o u so S3 ill HI Jig ,11? ^ en v - a! .- tn J3 UO J UJ -^ y-5T3 ^ H H ^"S @ ^fc igtilAl - - giii#ri ^ ^IsLlI -il^ ^3 V- J3 C,Si i (flC^ ^^S ScSp^ T ,t :; ^ScN.c T3 ojt: Bl s ssss -^rS 5- ja"55555 -S5 ^=55^5 --S j- j- ^5 j-55-55 -- 5 5 j-^s^ S 2SS5S4liSSSS^ai558l88a285l5^3Si2Ss* S ^^^S^.-SS O O u -s . _C.C "S *- " N T3 " II l^i s$ 1H1S, - |a :... .554I 1 ssMS fc p s > p p p %2 ^ g - =J.| ^ 55 2 5~5~5"s * 3 >| % |> P *2 t 5E:J: l - * se ^ "bS^tBrSes" - "< I ~ " H J.irf3 Z-c* ^ cc--c^ ^^r-^^^a.-^ spec o^ r ^ S/> o y( ?s _C W >w te ^W tc MK-Btf^ggi 5<rti^Q2 l f,^ OJ CU.S 0> (U (U <L>^ ST3^ 2^ S-0 5 int/) " (/3"c/)tn D5o3^;T3 Co^!3 3 3.2 3333"> O:~ <U tn rt 71= O 3-S8 tllsi 11^.* 4Ssg C rt_. rt .0 tS-H <3*?. ><? OT3 ^T as^i S.i2^ -5 3 T3 .-O 14J 0_ 3^ .S-SS cs w -= w ^ ^ Company H S c u _ - Q n <-! ^ O pT rT-r-i C 2 c 5- 4T-w = : dl!J344*iB32ttJl8l!i ^u__,j)coo-w rtoo ^ ^^ r- oi^Q ^i?2 cS^ii^ 22io223- s T3T)^ JOES 5 gUfi.2Pg_ 22 -5 2 2 2^22 CL.&H ^ Ok dHtfCU&H SP - 5555555 OSOS O^>CiO^ OiCiO^>C5O5CiO^Ci^5<Ji OiOS^^OiO^Ci "a a "a, "a a, "a a "a a a* "aaaa&a.aa S.a, "a. a a, a, a a a aj<L ti<ua^ Da ccc/2 cncocn coc M c r rt 0) - OJ^ w * f" *J 4 " CO B 2 S g. . 15 g , " " c c 5.2f- 5.i:.2 S^^S S 5 53 oTrt 5^=^ S 6 Ki * w ^ o w rt o c >j3^ CQ pq pg PQ pq P5 P3 M 05 PQ M U U U U U U Q G Q Q Q Q Q Q W W W Q W tD X H & Z O x O U 5 I 11 <S 3 c = S -=5 "f/JS O O *-* j-t ^ - J2 3,C -~ ,53 o 3 5bi^7 M l> 3 *f. 3 ^;^.< 3 o ^ss-s < i, -i c - ,<< v CS o ..-** -^^(U a; 1 " 1 X-HTT-^W * : ||||^^J3p I45^s||i|ws^ ife/sKlillisI ^1111^-1111^1 Ci5*j acOJj-i (DJ5 <U J7 ^ *^t^ M 4-> >* * * i-i B< fl S<" " S *< ^jjjj-i-i-w-fc- 5 *JS^ >rt c< ^ >- *- gs^ili^si^|iali5^*li?-!illlllfia^rf:il 111 cl c|llll^"1lH &%$$ sll a111111!2<|H V s <C ^ s <L> <U E H oo 22 si > .- ?s as CJ 0) c n Z2 ro; *3 ,c 8 s >S *Z 11 Ji a 2.S S5 ^> CJd rt - rt ^S^rtT^ ^l c ~ o>(j , , a g beb&a^ - e " a H 1C -J ir> ~ SO 4; " Jn ^ w> >>>>. * lPS^5% t: <3 1^ ri^ tils ?-p i ~ 2^ OJJ2 S 3 5|,-2 >.>2 ^ = ii | ->^; 3 5 5o S v..."--Vi"- s"8 a -S-~3 rt-r?^^^ fe - S .t^ iti .*^ i^_ " x* _ ^ u - - c P 1^2 N^^^xBSJx-g *J 3 "3 32 ^ 3 O ^ i-5J "-"-"^ =^u QoiN-ti*- *- a *i^ TJ ^3 o o o S2 &lll?7S5-ol i^-^aiwajssi;^ 5T3i>4>a-St3io555;4>c p ^^^^^H^f-K^^^S^Bs^-Ko^^ _ _ ^_ _ =~-* 5 i*-; 1 w; rj-Q 333-S-3o3S~S C OO^S^a]-^^ ?^5^Q555S<SS^542i55S552SS5S5SSSS^S^^SSD55 7?t:^^ s iJ-^s 5 333 3^ 3^ S- .^T O O O O <! hr, 1 ^ - OT) _ ^-0 SS onB C tJ uTJ K^tntJS^ ^ OOtnOOWcn^JJggawSSS < ^ n ^ ^ >N n n o ^ ^ "2 "^ ^ > >> I E I o u o t .3 u S .: 2 rt Ofc~S B ^ E Hog > gOrtO^ &gS-g S ***f,4 id ?1 "S < i >; >- v- rt | S s -g c^j ? ^-"S ^| ..^ ^ 7^ ^ . --^ ^- 3 - gs iii^^i C3 ^|> ^U ^3 S-g ,i*S ^ < ^ -3 - 3 |g 2 S 5 gScc .o^gv U SiQS^oi h-S. - -Cl SS <5os-c". g, in Or$I <U .-GJ3 C* IH IH gjjV- w t; .r >^ >. U 3 -^ Company I o u biti ti tic si: to M bio blc bi b bi btbi fcijs be be MtijD X S, bio, Q, t> ^ bi ^"5. 33 3 33 3 3 3 33 33333o;3333D5t JJ"3j7nJ 3333i7 " s : : - & B ? M a; ,-c h ;r ft e- -> i.Bt/3^, B W ~~ rt -"jj" ~ KS^x^-^^ - ^ Sb^uu^^ ^0* :^ .-* % ^<j-- UJ "" K||-g N -3^ s i5flfeS.S^S|liill|||^|*N2-|-gl" SS^g|S -S &ife^8SjIll52*l||.|&:clfi2 29 3 S 1 f ~- 0) 2 > 5 E 1 3 f. Q H H u > & < PH S O u a; ,0 73^ m ^ <" ^ ^i j= 5J e^S ^ ^ D ^r^ ^^ P* H-gl II! 4^=- B?JS It? S rt C/J W Q M "- 3 ? -s; - -3 3 Pr: 6^-^ 3 3 " o o o o o o o o o o bi a, a MJD x> j= *j -i-J *- biui S 0> 4J 3 0) (D<uacj03<l) Kfc m r^ ^ ^ TO O rtH _<ui-> >,<u r- J - 1- i Cfe f & 8 rt ~ - - --A ^ - - tf l^-S rtpS ^^fe^-g! J 6- c ~f M ~ 2 ^ rt c^t;^ a S^ S u -ek> f 2 -DH i-rc . "-^ es!3rt JS - -> cj ii^C-14 s& ra --"i ""^P ffi - i^ - J ii" "" "01 o o o o_a>_aj o -l^rt V V C -O w 5 -wwwwwo^ -^.g - O ^1313^- 3 -O "O -U T) T3 T3 "O T3 T) * J 3^ T:! S ^ Stu^^t-,^ 1 - ^^^; ) 2ii-C" KKl*$Ktt&&5* i?.i5i;ll5ll|l li^llid |||| {-SOT js-s-s ?S<ll11lS s i 1 >> 1 | ji g ^ -c 2 r^ 5 -{ft dj - S W Q * S = 2 * -S |- & S *: A S |< ^ &5 | ^>- cu o . <u C/3 ^ = o -c -o > 5I - -cS U! < 3 M < z : <^s 1 -?.-s S a * ! c5 U c D= J .2 a 04 J2 x2 oS ^ S w rt J3 ^ -aj^:_: 3 - - - - i x - 3 rt "> ^ "^ ^> > - o^ w 5 Q -^ q3"S ^0^*0 ^^C 4 1 *Sl ! o^a *^\* " ~ 5 J^ ^O.2 Qg * J H " ?1 fc ^ ; ssSp^l^i ^tf|^-JSl^^^ H H F ttliiifll^ip!?} = " " : s ^| O O f- O O S"uTJ^ O O U - = O "C^"S O^ B H o T3 S -o "O^^ ^STJ-C t: o a ^ Scs c5 c T3 < ^ - S u-| v U.STJ S g S ^"c ^ = ^^"^ S S-o*! 3 - 3 : r : 5 ^-g w^ si 5 ol 1 w S S s s rt ; ^^(/5^^(^ Q^^Sr-^So-iGQQ^^^r- 1 p SSSSSS SSSSSdSSSSSSSS u H W .c|666| ||5|5||||||- 6 J O^COC^C^ C^ QO C^r- iC^T-HC^C^IC^ z M M 2 g OH .^ . . . r U " c" - " r xT --a" -^ - ^ - - S " >; " S < fc III ifi P/SI I illflrtllW tefi fl sl iisiii ci^hhhm^iiiitiiitQS Wfc Company K o u sccneecc"- eM33ineBoc < v w v_n* SSSuS ^ ^^ 33300 ^ - ---^ 41 ^ ^ 3P;P pp;- ; ; ~;r~ "- ^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^ r^ ^ ^ , r; - - ^ *- - ~ ^ ^ r? ^ Ji = S a^ <, 3 ijj j-ji** JJ * 15 a v^ " B u o o o o ^ o S 5 v w o o & o o o p o o u o o o ,y TJ o o rrj; fctL<<p;SQOOOOOO^^OOOOOOOOO^OOOOOOOSfcOOcr.SS H 25 O U O u > P5 3 C-) .^K^ ^ a t> p XTJ" a 3 ^ ^-9^ T3 >J D -3 s. - - o <D i ^ - 8 s g i 1> ^ll 1 ^s!ps^l||l p^il sspss| : !-- " -^-tn^ - ^ _S^ .-.. , ^ 3 I V 35 - _-- - -- - - O -C Q. *J ,0" V ^ S O V PH o u M 2 33 ) rn O X O .X CJ "^ iC >;" iC iO irj ^ _: : u a. o o <o J oto">socog^ ! U {/3^ " J""^O ,"_ - . ,CC ^ > jf 2 o "3 ^ "3 C o ^^^^^H, oSooooo 5 J-g 0,^x1 J3J3 J3^D c tJ S *jXJ-OXJ J3 *J-5 J3j0^2 a a^2 J3 jf "g J= J5 J2 - -M *j X: XJ S E ." -.|E|^ u .5S, : o *txV,V> = p S8 >;> g-o cj 5J CCTJ g-=j: d SS.aJS, d C S^-r-ojS.i I- </3 ;> ^ ? o o =- u S3 S ^ .jj -4 -d" -J-r) ^ 3 a, TTS s ^ - -s :.D en P W OT3 T3 T3 i> T3 "w "O I /. C T3 "O "O T) 7t T3 4ia)O<u>Sa;a; ^w _u i> w a;F a> {) "oo u o ooo2o oooo r , o * esjj,QESS-geessE5S ^ 0,6, a< ,M*J *J O-t^^CliCXCXO-^"*^ *^ OO O </)OO(/)c/>c/3(/;O O S ^ eg M a u ffi I C e M o uQ o ,J;<offi fc W S HH o : ; s : 3 3 s 3 of; cn O t/3 ,e.n.fl.CpC .c.e .e.c .c .c .c x J x ffi ii ii 1*1 1 lifiiiiipii ITtinerarv 5 S 1 ll I ~ E j. i rt o rt I "S & a u I E CO ^ rt o U -: S I E o rt o = rt * "> 2 S 5? ^ o "S ? 1H s a W ^ ^4 !1J .2 -0 rt _o ^ 5 | S . c rt U > S 3 "rt g f 5 a o c c . TJ u ,>> a C rt J u u o ^ B IH nT S U< O l , Zj rt M 3 S J5 2 5 "Q td o- TJ o ,0 2 VH u rt 1 J S d | 3 "a .S +7 o 5 +1 Q, * ft iy M ^ | | "o .S v * > "SpS 1* NERAR 1 rH w *d -C i) s i> < 51 t 1 00 11 | S O. oj M "O .862 in the taking < swberne went ; Monroe, on tl mac river to A dy roads. to Culpepper, tramped all n ich. Forded is were out of t ^ji i> * ^t <" o-c rt a rt i_ ! ! o -^tt CO "tf H t i H ;: M ^ C 1 ^s 15 ||| i -if n S 2-c a rt rt p S 1 | 3 |o| o 2"^ 1 111 i g.a Sc.S S S o S >% s j rt ^ O E t s !|i *-> ^ oi cd x .3 u "3 1= s ^ u *- n;"5 gjjc/J counter S|is5i .gu*Sg|| 111!!!!! g|^>1i si s^J S?2 a s z -o a ed on steamer Peabi it to Newberne, N. ( mer, Cossack, returned same night n the morning, and :nt into camp, ills and Warwick C( ort News, 30 miles, ction. >ssack, up Chesapea Falmouth, Va.,and clock in the evenini : Orange & Alexand 3ed on Cedar Run. iment started on ma iburg, only a few mi ild the enemy in che day. .orning and on marc it all day and part c i and hungry, throu* /arrentori Junction, renton, 2 miles then . fe S o i "U s 52g*||| i ^ SeS *| au2 5 |g f *S|o| ^ rt ^llKlf regiment regiment icrne, on J latteras, lerne at ni all day. e Wfc; "fl C/3 O s li ^ G y j- *!&&,! a ^" u 1* ^3 s^ S *j C "Q J ^ c rt ^ t inarched t owards V ock at nig S B^^S^S^ "o o Is" t*S*a T3T3^ a o tn-a U.C s "o ^ u *" , ~~ "o i- ^T3T3 1/; T 3^, T S||JJ5|& ffic s Eorto c o t ||| Mi-si ill ^ s is rt = 3^*1^ g-Sa|j i s| o ,Sj<<HjiSW Jp^J^ 52 |||5|g H 1SI ^^^ SN^^ P5 ThrfS 5 00 O I "^ ^ ^56 S s sS a Ii .^. T L t fci ^ c^ ^ <*^ f ^-~* O "" "" OJ K ^ ~~ 3 3 - - - - p 2 3 333333 3 33333 3 3 <(% 2 Q s 1 " % _O J5 T! * o 2 7: T3 IN 111 w i| o 1 5 c I! o_. 1 - o ~ a oj d ^ gd h be s g a a 3 Cfl 1 3 C/3 c - O B 11 1 | rt 5 - 3 1 rt to 3 60 3 Cd *-* ~ ^j r: c rj o < T3 t/3 11 ~ B Bl CO ng nigh a rt O en afterno , and se cd 01 ^ a re last . 10 ;o Tf< O C | _s JU S (C E-o T3 % a ^ S rr! ~ 3 13 O II K * j3 O. 2 o <J *** X c rt V .3f c C <J p: <y rt cc *J E 1 * o > a ed g o a <U -tl """ a, "3 rt" ^ c "3 j 3 S J -o % ~ rt Q E o> o 3 3 8 G < .S > - *J *T3 x 1 > j r f 1 1 E 1 1 ^ ^ - *"O 3 ,*; o . C "^ r "^ >> i-i s E ^ 4> rt ^^ 3 1 -5| 1 | cd e "H i 4 } D 3 1 *S 1 -J"O h/j <U "> "^ .S 3 S ^ c ^j W H rt.^ 3 -c 5 - 2 ^ c .52 1 igi -| - A | I "H l Kg ^ co^ .- rtT3 g ft H 2 2<2 c >>Ji E > ^ -2 ^"S -g a^ a. I r *iii! II ^" S ^ - " s ^ So o a in T3 . >> -3 i x j f! jjlj H H Started early through Fox Gap crossed the Oranj Burnside in command of the Army of Potomac, m Still on the tramp. Reached Falmouth, and camped opposite the city Then changed camp. Terrific artillery firing at river, left camp and ma; Crossed Rappahannock river on pontoon bridge, Battle of Freclericksburg. On city streets, waiting for events. Throwing up rifle pits during the early portion of Inspection. Regiment supporting the llth, New Hampshire, r On picket on river bank. Regiment again on picket. Orders for rations and forty rounds of ammunitic Muster for pay. , Review of the Ninth Army Corps. , Regiment on picket guard. Marching orders, three days rations and sixty roi Orders countermanded. Preparations for moving. Troops on march all d; Rained the entire night, all drowned out, rain all still raining. , Still in camp. Troops returning toold camps, movement postpoi Regiment on picket guard. Withdrawal of Burnside from command of the Ar , Regiment on picket guard. Snow and very cold. Packed up and board of freight cars and reached Sailed at five o clock in morning, reached Hampt Started for Newport News and went into camp. Inspection and rain. Grand review of all troops, rain or snow every da Packed and stowed on steamer Jno. R. Warner, s; All day on Chesapeake Bay, arrived at Baltimore, Troops loaded on freight and flat cars at Northel Stopped at Altoona a few minutes, Reached Columbus, Ohio. .fl.c.c.c.fl.s.G.G.s.e.c.e-^.c.c-j;- &&.& f, T3-T3.C r:-^T3x:^!j3x:xiX^:j:j=43 SSgS5M3S*Xfiti **&* MMaMffasiItfll " 2 "o, w 5 S S Ma <r> o fcN crQjO^ ^ < --} l - J ""r-<O U O C - 1 - .*- g lfc-lf|J H^ tils > "5* rtajS^g^o.^ -^.s "*3 a^ ._ *j E^ ^2& C S. > 5i^ l E-2 ^ 2 H = J3 i- w g -r = w . J= W is^a o lji^ M *t m tn .^ ^CC^OQ^ ". pQi2 2^ W ^ C S^s ^-S > SM "" bo I 2^-g I fl H IE" I lit l| 1 I M .S.-t| : SS d I ^ - ^|= -^| I f |||a I ||| 1 1 1 I 1|| a| I si ?iii i*i^^ ^ .is B Dvi Ui^ J GCXi- -O*- 1 ui -4-ajrt s ^ ^li^llo^g 8 p2 g 1 i2^222 .E^2g| *.13si M _gS Sv.- 1.^1^ ^ o -Hb^i^sg, &c^=^t5i l3.sl SluSgwi: _^^=^i: *& S =55"Hf2 .c u^.2us5S<3s^Ji ( S5s3ogS(Si6S^^iH^5^5l5o ( 2S<2SSagli5 3 .2 1 *"* *j 3 In u J3 o T3 5 e g ^ 3 O d "S rt *$ 5 E t! "3 CD r^ o H S 4 | 1 00 55 c * - at rH 1 1 > rt H ^ o , 4 .- c <u a rt 5 -gl bo c - ~?l H rt _ c rt M fi o _- 3 rt 3 _O ^ a 5 o "^ idon, rain, muddy roads. >ressing Union Army, orders to fa Lenoirs, rainy weather, marching npbell s Station. Union army fel le city, all communication cut off, firing the entire day. ses to get range. ; charged and repulsed, e charged rebel line. : Fort Saunders and repulsed. ;1 all along the line, ishing all day. )xville raised. Sherman from Ch ongstreet, reached Rutledge. /I Hole Gap. larch reached Knoxville. "ross Roads, ebel troops, -enlisted for three years, r the term, r pay. First snow, mrch for home, on thirty days fur ich river at Walker s ferry, igh Tazewell. aherland river. day. : entire day, stopped at London. Ml. Vernon. hard and Bryantsville. Oman s Bridge and camped until Lexington. i for Covington, arrived morning y and took train at Little Miami c reached Pittsburg. ched Harrisburg in afternoon, ottsville, remained on furlough ui ^ %v O u w cq g - elllulrt!llll rtbh^rrt 1 -. UiiiuCOu .T3 S O - 5.22 tlington and camped near Alexandria xl ^ 3? ^ fc* -c 4_1 O 0) rt 3 ss -2 12 8 rt r/l U 1(3 S be 5 S - > rt .1 57 S^l ^ beS >t > rt U ,C 60 ^ mt on the front, ough Burhamville. in river, on pontoon bridge i pontoon, urg. * "o rt a </i rt !^ ^^3 1 "= 1 .2 5 >, ^ > SB 2^ C M <r ^ ^ ^ ^ S^u u v *-" rt > -s CQ ri 3 S S< > "So ll i i J 1 Is = *- L. SE^ 52-a "H a f STlSt 2 1^1 !l Ft for Harrisburg. Camp Curtin. ncaster, Philadelphia, s :amer Georgia reached march. rching all day. idensburg, passed throi pfl ^ S O! " y ^SSolSl^ftS-gl ^ Kfclrt o ^ = rt=^o = 3 S .cg : i^ H-c i -S--rt E^j r^ <U S -"3 rt U . V) -J 2 - W! G ^5^|4lM!|!l| ilniiii^ipjiii rched all day and nigh imped all day. rched until 11 o clock a iched North Anna rive der fire all day, started rched the entire day ur O .ri >s S > be "p camp, rched to Shady Grove, g-6 uES- Sl** tl^ IgitISS = ij c Ccrto-n= T. S -S3 U 2 en- i-S|5c-oS-gaWl^ 1 g>i ^ o- S E< 2 2 |5j B !U^ggl - be-^"j; ~ (flu-, 1 ^ B *j CA D^; Sso^Hc2- a * =!oll|9l^-il -o >-S-g^i -l^f I M J^Ju^O 5 Sr 3c?HSo2i<Kl^ifc5w5 2 H ^ ^ h r 5 ^ g DCK rt O._^2 rt = rt 33Ufco5^<S CJ< U > ti < & w " c <u 1 .2 - jn^: o <U 0- >- ", E "5 o3-5"u-* ay no attox natio d Bla OBJ! 3 C"5 ti Z. 5^ Ct3 a! rt - S ^ Sl5 o 5 m o - ,0 ^ E-- a-cw r? c NIVER8 Of ^J/pRN\. "An oft-told tale". RETURN CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT TO ^ 202 Main Library LOAN PERIOD 1 HOME USE 2 3 4 5 6 ALL BOOKS MAY BE RECALLED AFTER 7 DAYS 1 -month loans may be renewed by calling 642-3405 6-month loans may be recharged by bringing books to Circulation Desk Renewals and recharges may be made 4 days prior to due date DUE AS STAMPED BELOW AUG 281975 AUG 4 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY FORM NO. DD6, 60m 11/78 BERKELEY, CA 94720 $ ru . 527 188243