PAPERS OF THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF -DELAWARE.
V.

HISTORY

OF THE

FIRST REGIMENT,

DELAWARE VOLUNTEERS,

FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE "THREE MONTHS' SERVICE
TO THE FINAL MUSTER-OUT AT TliE CLOSE
OF THE REBELLION.

BY
WILLIAM P. SEVILLE,
CAPTAIN COMPANY " E," FIRST RRGIMENT OELAWAkB VOLUNTEERS.

THE HISTORICAL SO C I ET Y O F D EL A W A RE.
WILMINGTON: .
1884. ^

PAPERS OF THE HISTORJVAL SOCIETY OF DELAWARE.
V.

HISTORY

OF THE

FIRST REGIMENT,

DELAWARE VOLUNTEERS,

FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE " THREE MONTHS* SERVICE"
TO THE FINAL MUSTER-OUT AT THE CLOSE
OF THE REBELLION.

BY
WILLIAM P. SEVILLE,
CAPTAIN COMPANY "e," FIRST REGIMENT DELAWARE VOLUNTEERS.

THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF DELAWARE.
WILMINGTON: 1884.

On the 22d of April, 1873, the colors of the Second,
Third, Fourth, and Fifth Delaware Regiments, which
served in the War of the Rebellion, were turned over to
the Historical Society of Delaware for safe custody. The
colors were presented by Major- General Hancock, on be
half of the regiments, and were received by William C.
Spruance, Esq., as the representative of the Society, in the
presence of a large assembly in the Opera-House in the
city of Wilmington.
On the 29th of January, 1884, the colors carried by the
First Delaware Regiment during the last three eventful
years of the war, were deposited in the Rooms of the
Society, subject to the orders of the Regimental Asso
ciation. The ceremony of delivery was informal, and, in
consequence of inclement weather and defective notice,
very few persons were present on the occasion. At a
subsequent meeting of the Society, on motion of Dr.
L. P. Bush, a resolution was adopted to the effect that
the Council of the First Delaware Regiment Association
be requested to prepare a brief history of the regiment
for the use of the Society. Captain W. P. Seville was
selected by his comrades for the performance of this duty,
and on May 19, 1884, that gentleman read the material
portions of the following paper before the survivors of
the regiment, the members of the Society and invited
guests. 3

4
Captain Seville was well qualified for the task assigned
to him from the fact that he took a prominent part in
organizing the First Delaware Regiment for three months'
service, and also in its reorganization for three years. He
was adjutant of both regiments, was afterwards appointed
captain of Company E, and from the spring of 1862 served
on the staffs of General T. A. Smyth and Colonel Allbright
until his discharge, October 30, 1864.
A complete Muster- Roll of the First Regiment, made
under the supervision of General J. Parke Postles, was also
deposited with the colors.

HISTO%Y OF
THE FIRST REGIMENT,
DELAWARE VOLUNTEERS.

THE THREE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
In the spring of 1861, when the forebodings ofthe people
that the political differences of the nation would culminate
in civil strife had settled into a hopeless conviction, the
citizens of Delaware were enjoying a reasonable share of
prosperity, and, if we except the excitement of party issues,
were comparatively tranquil.
The question of slavery, the rock on which our ship of
state had struck, was, however, one of too great magnitude,
and was too deeply rooted in its principles, not to affect very
seriously the feelings and interests of the people of Dela
ware. Its citizens were closely united in habits, sympathies,
and interests with that portion of our people dwelling in the
gulf and cotton-raising States. Delaware itself was, in fact,
a slave State at this time, and nearly all of the customs ap-
pertaining to this " peculiar institution" still exercised potent
sway, although the signs of the times during thej twenty S

6 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1861
years then closing clearly indicated that the slave-holding
system had fallen into a rapid decline, and, at no very dis
tant day, would be completely eradicated through the opera
tion of natural causes alone.
The first census tak^ in Delaware, in 1790, showed the
number of slaves in t" State to be 8887. This number
gradually diminished, and the census of i860 disclosed the
fact that the entire State then owned but 1798 slaves. Of
these, 1 341 were held in Sussex County, 254 in New Castle
County, and 203 in Kent County, showing that the favorite
institution of the South had a much firmer hold in Sussex
than it had in either of the other counties. And thus it
was that Sussex County exercised a powerful and almost
controlling influence in the politics of the State; so that
when the momentous questions involved in the fierce sec
tional quarrel obtruded themselves on the attention of the
people in i860, and reason abdicated its throne in despair of
reaching either a satisfactory settlement or an honorable
compromise, — when the tumultuous passions which reigned
supreme abandoned the forum and sought the sanguinary
field, the State of Delaware, though the best interests of its
citizens were identified with the free principles which ob
tained throughout the North, was influenced to some extent
by the positive utterances and defiant conduct of a few men
whose hopes of gain and preferment were bound up in the
fate of the South, and fears were entertained that disloyalty
would raise its head in the halls of the Legislature and an
act of secession be passed.
It was in these troublous times, when loyalty seemed
to pervade the hearts of the people, and all eyes were

i86i] THE THREE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN. 7
strained to welcome the men who should step forth and
disclose the requisite boldness and ability to resist the
undercurrent that was drifting the State towards certain
destruction, that the much-needed patriots appeared. Sev
eral among the more prominent -citizens in all parts of the
State, but more particularly in New Castle County, ven
tured to discuss the vital question in a public manner,
setting clearly before the people at public assemblages, and
through the mediumship of the press, the undeniable ad
vantages that would accrue to the State by continuing true
in its allegiance to the established government, appealing
to the patriotism of the people, and depicting in faithful
colors the horrors and suffering that would overtake the
citizens of Delaware if the State should attempt to leave
the Union, and be made the battle-ground of the contending
armies. These manifestations of loyalty began to take form in
the efforts made in April, 1 861, to organize a regiment for
the defence of the Union. For some weeks there had
been a growing conviction that the great national trouble,
then Hearing a crisis, would scarcely be dispelled without
some effusion of blood in the duty of suppressing insurrec
tion; but the most extreme among the prophets of evil
hardly ventured to predict such madness on the part of the
secession leaders as would drive them to indulge in any act
of opposition to the general government of a more serious
nature than that of threatening disruption of the Union by
force of arms. Such demonstrations were regarded as
mere brutum fulmen, the intemperate vaporings of a disap
pointed political clique ; but when State after 'State adopted

8 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [«86i
ordinances of secession ; when armed bodies were organized
and drilled ; when the note of hostile preparation rose on
every hand in the rebellious States; and, finally, when a
furious force set itself in battle array before Fort Sumter,
and the dreadful overture to civil war was begun on the
morning of Friday, April 12, 1861, by the opening of the
rebel guns on that work and the revered national flag, all
doubts were instantly dissipated.
The patriots of Delaware, with those of the other loyal
States, accepted the wager of battle thus thrown down Jjjts
the infatuated foe. Burning with indignation at the outrage
committed upon the national government and a desire to
avenge that disgrace, they rallied to their country's defence.
Throughout the Northern States the initiative in organ
izing troops was taken promptly and effectively by their'
respective State governments, which at once provided
officers to organize the volunteers, and made the necessary
arrangements for furnishing them with arms, provisions, and
clothing. This timely action resulted in placing in the field
a respectable force within a fortnight after the call of the
President for volunteers, on the 15th of April, 1861, and
by this means the patriotic earnestness of the people was
quickly utilized, and the first quota of troops was concen
trating at the national capital on the i8th, just three day^
from the date of the proclamation.
The loyal men of Delaware, however, had not the assist
ance of the State government in preparing to defend the
country. With an intense desire to be among the first to
plant their standard before the defiant foe, they were pre
vented from the accomplishment of this patriotic purpose

l86i] THE THREE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN. g
through want of the requisite aid in the work of organiza
tion. To men actuated by the liveliest patriotism and the
most indomitable zeal, the lack of official aid could not
long prove an obstacle to success. Measures having once
been taken to form a regiment for national defence, many
warm-hearted and loyal men and women came forward to
assist in the laudable work ; and, while men engaged them
selves in the labor of finding means of supplying subsistence
through the liberality of the patriotic citizens, the ladies
were equally earnest and successful in furnishing clothing
and other necessary stores for the support ofthe volunteers.
The laws of Delaware contained no provision for main
taining militia organizations, and when the Governor was
called on by the Secretary of War to furnish one regiment
as the quota of the State, the following proclamation was
issued by Governor Burton, April 23, 1861, viz.:
" Whereas, a requisition has been made upon the undersigned, as Executive
of the said State of Delaware, by the Secretary of War, for one regiment,
consisting of seven hundred and eighty men, to be immediately detached
from the militia of this State, to serve as infantry or riflemen for the period
of three months, unless sooner discharged; and, whereas, the laws of this
State do not confer upon the Executive any authority enabling him to comply
with said requisition, there being no organized militia, nor any law requiring
such organization ; and, whereas, it is the duty of all good and law-abiding
citizens to preserve the peace and sustain the laws and government under
which we live and by which our citizens are protected : — Therefore, I, William
Burton, Governor of the said State of Delaware, recommend the formation
of volunteer companies for the protection of the lives and property of the
people of this State against violence of any sort to which they may be exposed.
For these purposes, such companies, when formed, will be under the control
of the State authorities, though not subject to be ordered by the Executive
into the United States service, — the law not vesting in him such authority.

IO FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1861
They will, however, have the option of offering their services to the general
government, for the defence of its capital and the support of the Constitution
and laws of the country. " William Burton."
In response to this call three companies were imme
diately enrolled, and, as a large number of men were ready
to volunteer, who were prevented from organizing only
through the lack of qualified and capable leaders, the more
thoughtful and energetic of those who had been intrusted
with the direction of affairs addressed themselves to the
duty of seeking for men possessed of sufificient military
knowledge to form these volunteers into companies and
organize the regiment ; their efforts were at length success
ful, and by the end of April four companies were formed
in Wilmington and New Castle, and several others had
begun the work of enrollment.
The Governor, having been informed that the required
regiment could be speedily obtained, issued the subjoined
order, viz. : "Dover, Delaware, May i, 1861.
" The undersigned, the constitutional commander of the forces of the State
of Delaware, directs that those volunteer companies of the State that desire to
be mustered into the service of the United States, under the call of the Presi
dent, will rendezvous to the city of Washington with the least possible delay,
where they will be mustered into the service of the United States by Major
Ruff, who has been detailed by the War Department for that purpose, and
who has reported himself to me and received my instructions. The regiment
will consist of ten companies, to serve for the period of three months.
" William Burton,
" Governor and Commander-in-Chief."

l86i] THE WORK OF ORGANIZATION. n
THE WORK OF ORGANIZATION.
During the political campaign of i860 party spirit, as
before remarked, ran very high. The most determined
efforts were used by popular leaders to spur every man up
to the performance of his duty. One of the prominent
features of the campaign was the formation of clubs, famil
iarly known as " Wide Awakes," " Bell Men," and " Minute
Men." These bodies, besides being distinguished by pe
culiar uniforms, were thoroughly exercised in tactics similar
to those used in military service. From these bands sprang
the enrollment of the first companies of volunteers in the
city of Wilmington, and thus the First Regiment of Dela
ware Volunteers had its birth.
One of these Bell and Everett clubs was commanded by
Robert S. La Motte, and another by Charles E. La Motte.
When the call of the President was published, on the 19th
of April, these gentlemen promptly responded, and at once
commenced to raise companies from among the members
of the before-mentioned clubs. Two companies were
speedily filled to their maximum strength, and were desig
nated as Companies A and B, the former commanded by
Robert S. La Motte, and the latter by his brother Charles.
Through the exertions of the Messrs. La Motte, and
other patriotic citizens of Wilmington, the " Institute Build
ing," on Market Street, was secured as an armory and
quarters for the troops. Here the duty of drilling and
disciplining the men was at once entered upon, which,
owing to the want of arms, was necessarily confined to the
movements and evolutions of the squad and company.

12 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1861
About the same time the formation of these companies
was begun the nucleus of another company was formed in
Wilmington by Joseph M. Barr, which, having soon after
reached its full strength, was assigned as Company C in
the regimental line. Several other companies were in
course of formation in the lower counties, the commanding
officers of which were eagerly inquiring at Dover and
Wilmington in what manner they were to proceed to
Washington with their companies.
The State of Delaware was in the district commanded
by General Robert Patterson, whose headquarters were in
Philadelphia, Pa. This officer having been apprised of the
formation of three or four companies at Wilmington, issued
an order placing Captain R. S. La Motte in command of
the battalion, and directing him to proceed with all possible
diligence to organize the regiment. At this time, the work
of consolidation was retarded by the want of some person
having a knowledge of army organization to combine the
several companies into a regimental body, and the friends
of Captain Alfred J. Pleasonton, of Delaware (an officer in
the United States Army, who was the choice of many
officers for colonel), were endeavoring to obtain the consent
of the War Department to his acceptance of the command
of the regiment. Captain Pleasonton, who was extremely
desirous of obtaining the command of the first regiment
from Delaware, was in Philadelphia in the latter part of
April seeking to further the object in view, and hasten to
Wilmington to engage in the work of organization.
It was at this time that Captain Pleasonton made the
acquaintance of Captain WiUiam P. Seville, who com-

i86ij THE WORK OF ORGANIZATION. 13
manded a company in Philadelphia then waiting to be
mustered in. As Mr. Seville had received a military
ediication in the army, and was fresh from West Point,
where he had been attached to the Engineer Corps, Captain
Pleasonton induced him to resign his command in Philadel
phia and cast his fortunes in with the Delaware troops, and
furnished him with a letter of introduction to acting Major
R. S. La Motte, at the same time informing Mr. Seville that
he hoped and expected to command the regiment.
Mr. Seville proceeded to Wilmington on the 2d of May,
and was received with great cordiality by acting Major
La Motte, who at once issued an order announcing his
appointment as acting adjutant of the battalion. For two
weeks the drills and instruction of Companies A and B at
the Institute were carried on with unflagging teal, and the
" Fair Grounds" in the suburbs of the city having been
secured for a camp-ground, and named Camp Brandywine,
on the 22d of May three companies. A, B, and C, were
marched out and quartered in tents and some sheds that
had been hurriedly erected for their accommodation. On
the same day, the officers assembled and held an election
for field-officers. It having been authoritatively announced
that Captain Pleasonton could not secure the permission of
the Secretary of War to take the command, the election
resulted in the choice of Henry H. Lockwood, then a
Professor of Mathematics, and Instructor of Infantry Tac
tics in the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md.,
as Colonel; John W. Andrews, Lieutenant-Colonel, and
Henry A. Du Pont, Major.
On the 23d of May all the other companies came to the

14 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1861
camp but Company D, which did not report until the next
day. The task of drilling, pitching tents, military arrange
ment of camp, and instruction in guard duty was imme
diately begun, and the men, profoundly impressed with
the noyelty of their new life and the difficulties of study
ing an entirely new profession, took an ardent interest in
their duties and made rapid progress in the sdhool of the
soldier. The night of the 23d of May was made memorable by
one of those panics which are so liable to seize bodies of
newly-instructed troops. A great commotion was created
by some wags outside of the inclosure throwing stones
into the camp. By the time the officers reached the scene
of confusion several hundred men were rushing toward the
spot from which the missiles came, guns in hand, fully de
termined to wreak dire vengeance on the disturbers of their
peace and dignity. A few words sufficed to induce them
to return to their quarters and intrust the duty of discover
ing and punishing the offenders to their officers.
Sunday, May 26th, the regiment attempted its first full
dress-parade before an immense concourse of the citizens
of Wilmington, and the nervousness of many ofthe officers
to acquit themselves with credit in front of such a danger
ous battery of fair eyes as then confronted them is, doubt
less, an experience that will long linger in their memory.
Lieutenant-Colonel Andrews arrived in camp on the 27th
and assumed the command.
The regiment being now completed, excepting the staff,
the following list comprises its officers as they were at that
date:

i86l] THE WORK OF ORGANIZATION. jg
Colonel, Henry H. Lockwood.
Lieutenant-Colonel, John W. Andrews.
Major, Henry A. Du Pont.
Company A. — Captain, Robert S. La Motte ; First Lieu
tenant, Evan S. Watson; Second Lieutenant, Franklin
Houseman. Company B. — Captain, Charles E. La Motte; First
Lieutenant, James Plunkett; Second Lieutenant, Alfred
Vandever. Company C. — Captain, Joseph M. Barr; First Lieutenant,
W. C. McKaig; Second Lieutenant, R. J. Holt.
Company D. — Captain, James Green ; First Lieutenant,
Enoch J. Smithers ; Second Lieutenant, Samuel Simpson.
Company E. — Captain, Robert Milligan ; First Lieu
tenant, Benjamin Nields ; Second Lieutenant, Leonard E.
Wales. Company F. — Captain, Thomas Crossley; First Lieu
tenant, Richard Duncan; Second Lieutenant, William
Plunkett. Company G. — Captain, C. Rodney Layton; First Lieu
tenant, David W. Maull; Second Lieutenant, William Y.
Swiggett. Company H. — Captain, Samuel H. Jenkins ; First Lieu
tenant, John H. Knight; Second Lieutenant, Daniel Woodall.
Company I. — Captain, James Leonard ; First Lieutenant,
John Daugherty; Second Lieutenant, Daniel Langdon.
Company K. — Captain, George F. Smith; First Lieu
tenant, Charles Bird ; Second Lieutenant, W. H. Cleaden.
On May 28th we were thrown into a high fever of ex
citement by the receipt of marching orders for a portion of

l6 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1861
the command. The instructions were to station two com
panies at Aberdeen and two at Bush River, on the Phil
adelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad, to relieve
companies of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col
onel Jarratt. For this service Companies A, B, E, and D
were selected, and marched through the city to the depot
on the same afternoon, conducted by acting Adjutant
Seville. Companies A and B were stationed at Aberdeen,
and b and E at Bush River. The latter detachment did
not reach their destination until quite late; the Pennsylvania
men had retired for the night in the only building that
would afford shelter, and our newly-fledged soldiers were
compelled to roll themselves in their blankets and take to
the ground, much to their surprise and disgust.
The following day the Pennsylvania troops departed and
vacated the quarters, and the day was spent in issuing
rations and instructing the men and officers in guard duty.
Great pains had been taken to have them fully understand
the necessity of repeating the call for the sergeant of the
guard by another sentinel, adding the number of the post.
In the dead of the night a most deafening uproar arose,
bringing every man out of bed in an instant. The sentries
were firing at will and yelling like demons, while the men
were tumbling out of the barracks in the direst confusion,
each calling for some article of clothing or equipment that
could not be found in the dark. When they rushed out of
the building in wild excitement and found their officers
standing there perfectly calm and collected, quietly direct
ing them to fall into the ranks and finish dressing, they too
• sobered down, but showed in every action that they would

l86i] DEPARTURE FOR THE FRONT. i»
give their knapsacks to know what, in the name of " old
Nick," was going on. By the time the ranks were formed the
racket among the sentries had been quieted down, and their
officers, Captains Milligan and Green, availed themselves of
the opportunity to deliver a lecture on discipline and self-
possession, assuring them that, thereafter, they should bear
in mind that no matter how vigorously the sentries called,
it was the sergeant of the guard who was wanted, and not
them. It was then explained to them that one of the sen
tries on the bridge had ordered a negro in a boat to stop,
which he neglected to do, and so excited the. sentinel that
he fired at him and fairly howled for the officer of the guard,
all the others repeating the alarm as well as they could
hear it.
In the mean time Colonel Lockwood had reached the
camp at Wilmington, and on the 31st of May appointed the
staff, commissioned and non-commissioned. These were as
follows, viz. :
Adjutant, William P. Seville.
Quartermaster, W. Hill Alderdice.
Surgeon, Robert P. Johnson.
Assistant Surgeon, James Knight.
Chaplain, Rev. George M. Condron.
Sergeant-Major, John G. Saville.
DEPARTURE FOR THE FRONT.
June 7th and 8th arms and accoutrements were issued to
the compsinies last to arrive, and the remaining companies
were inspected. The regiment left camp on the 9th, and
marched through Wilmington to the depot, where it took

1 8 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1861
the cars at 3 p.m. for its post of occupation along the rail
road through Maryland. Company G, Captain Layton,
was dropped at Elkton ; Company K, Captain Smith, was
left at North East ; and Companies C and H, Captains Barr
and Jenkins, were dropped at Perryville. The other com
panies, F and I, continued to Havre de Grace, and went into
camp and barracks.
From day to day the companies stationed nearest to
Havre de Grace (which became headquarters) were brought
in for battalion drill. One day an enterprising quartette,
consisting of. Captain R. S. La Motte, Chaplain Condron,
Sergeant-Major Saville, and the adjutant, went on a forced
march three miles down the railroad, surrounded the house
of a farmer and captured a flag, which proved to be a
home-made banner lacking the proper number of stars and
stripes. The farmer explained that it was intended for the
United States flag, and it was, if his daughter knew how
to make one. The assailing party concluded that it looked
enough like a secession flag to do duty for one, and so
brought it along as a trophy.
June I Ith it was announced to the regiment that Major
Du Pont, who was an officer in the regular army, would not
be allowed to accept the commission to which he was
elected, whereupon an election was held, and Captain R. S.
La Motte was promoted to fill the vacancy. Lieutenant E.
S. Watson became captain of Company A, and Sergeant
Ezekiel C. Alexander was elected first lieutenant.
A band was organized on the i8th of June, for which
Lieutenant-Colonel Andrews purchased the instruments
and this musical attachment did more to subdue the dis-

lS6i] DEPARTURE FOR THE FRONT. ig
loyal stubbornness of the dwellers in Havre de Grace than
all the bayonets of the command. About this time a small
steamboat was placed at the order of Colonel Lockwood,
to facilitate the sending of expeditions to points along the
shores of the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay ;
and the first use made of it was to set out on a reconnois-
sance up the river to Port Deposit, the force consisting of a
dozen officers and the band. As no rebel works were en
countered during the trip, a serenade was given to Mr.
Tomes, residing there, who was evidently taken by sur
prise, for, on responding to his invitation to enter, a large
table bountifully spread with choice refreshments, both
edible and potable, was presented to view.
The next expedition steamed down the bay, and did not
stop short of Annapolis, where a sumptuous supper was
enjoyed at the house of Mr. Sprogle; after which a visit
was paid to the executive mansion, and having, as usual,
been introduced by the band, the expeditionary force was
cordially invited in, heard from Governor Hicks his very
interesting account of the exciting times when the seces
sionists of the State tried to run away with it, and drank
success and prosperity to him, and plenty of it.
All the companies at Havre de Grace left on June 24th
and went to Harewood, between Gunpowder River and
Stemmer's Run ; Companies B and K were stationed at
Back River, and the others, F, H, C, and I, pitched their
camp in a dense wood. Headquarters continued at Havre
de Grace, and the band was carried up and down the
road, spending a day with each of the detachments, to help
mitigate the rigors of camp-life. On one visit it made to

20 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1861
Bush River, a sloop was obtained by the officers, and a
militaiy expedition was planned to scout up the river,
accompanied by the band; as no enemy was met with
prepared to do battle, they went ashore at a mansion,
which proved to be the house of a Mr. Wainright, and
fired away (uselessly, as it turned out) several of their
very best tunes ; for neither Mr. Wainright nor any of his
family appeared to have any soul for music, — that is, the
music of the Union.
The first loss to the regiment occurred on the nth of
July: Major La Motte received an appointment as captain
in the regular army, and left us for his new field of duty.
We felt his loss deeply, for his genial and soldierly qualities
had endeared him to all his comrades, both officers and
privates. An election resulted in the promotion of Captain
C. Rodney Layton to fill the vacancy.
For a week or two at this time the monotony of camp
duty and drill was relieved by a succession of exciting
events. On the 19th the Sixth Maine Regiment passed
through Havre de Grace on its way to the front. Some
of them conceived that a German baker, named Harpst,
wanted to poison them with the bread he sold them, and
we had much difficulty to save the poor frightened Teuton
from instant destruction. Then one of the members of the
Maine regiment was accidentally shot, and was left at the
hotel, where he died next day, and was buried with all the
honors by our regiment. On the 22d of July we heard
the news of the disaster at Bull Run, which sadly depressed
our spirits, and greatly elated the majority of the dwellers
in Havre de Grace. The animated discussions over this

I86i] DEPARTURE FOR THE FRONT. 2I
sad reverse to our arms invariably resulted in a vehement
expression of opinion that we had no business to be left
idling our time away guarding a railroad track when we
were so badly needed in the field. Colonel Lockwood did
make an eloquent and urgent appeal to the War Depart
ment, beseeching that the First Delaware might be ordered
into action before the expiration of our time, and was
informed in reply that the duty the regiment was perform
ing was quite as valuable to the couhtry, and fully as
honorable to the men engaged in it, as any that could be
rendered elsewhere. As a climax to these sensations, one
of another character was furnished by Company I on the
23d of July. That company having had a short interview
with the paymaster, found nothing of any value to them
jn the vicinity to purchase excepting an article which was
commonly known among them as "eye-water;" and, to
judge from the quantity of this medicine they laid in, one
would have thought their barracks was a blind asylum, for,
to tell the truth, many ofthem were "blind" before the day
closed. As is usual with men of the nationality which
furnished most of the membership of Company I, a jolly
time would lose half of its enjoyment without a fight, and
they had one, — a regular family row. This was summa
rily suppressed by the guard, and the cellar of the building,
which was used by the field and staff as a mess-hall, was
turned into a guard-house, and well filled with these roys-
tering boys. A day or two after, when their money was all
gone, the colonel sent Company I to Back River, and
brought Companies B and K to headquarters.
The time of service of Companies A, B, C, D, and E

22 FIRST DELA WARE REGIMENT. [1861
expired on August 2d, and the men were seized with an
intense desire to go home. They requested the colonel to
relieve them and permit them to return to Delaware at
'once ; but he endeavored to persuade them that it would
have a far better appearance if they would tarry two weeks
longer and march home with the entire regimental organ
ization ; they persisting, however, the colonel surrendered
the point, and, on the following day, these five companies
left the tented field and hastened home ; not to relapse into
inglorious ease, and participate in the great national struggle
for human liberty and free government, only by reading the
accounts of battles in the newspapers, — not they : but to
enter again into the work of recruiting companies for
another bout with the enemy, where they could give and
take hard blows, instead of mounting guard over a lot of
switches and rotind-houses.
The time of Company F expired on the 8th of August,
and they also turned their faces homeward. The regiment
was honored at this time by the appointment of Colonel
Lockwood to be brigadier-general of volunteers. The
officers, as well as the rank and file, felt a just pride in
furnishing from the regiment a general officer after but
three months' service; and, being full of enthusiasm and
military ardor, they doubtless thought that if generals were
to spring from the, Delaware troops in future every three
months, there was a wide field for ambition, and an addi
tional incentive to re-entering the service for three years.
Colonel Lockwood, however, had won his promotion by
able and faithful service. A highly-educated and refined
gentleman, of dignified mien and commanding presence the

iS6i] DEPARTURE FOR THE FRONT. 23
few months during which he commanded the regiment
were sufficient to reveal his efficiency as a military leader,
and to demonstrate the wisdom of selecting him for the
exercise of more important commands. As the first citizen
of Delaware to reach the distinction of brigadier-general,
the State naturally felt proud of him. His subsequent
service in the field showed him to be a brave oflScer, and
his administrative ability gained him the honor of com
manding the Middle Military Department.
Reports having been received at headquarters from one
of those prolific sources of startling intelligence which
came to be so well known during that period of the war
("a reliable gentleman") that a large collection of arms
and ammunition was concealed in the vicinity of the Sassa
fras River near the bay, it was determined to send a force
to scour that neighborhood, and, if the military stores could
be found, to capture them. Accordingly, seventy men,
principally volunteers, with the proper quota of officers,
embarked on the steamboat in the middle of the night of
the nth of August (this time without the band), steamed
quietly down the bay, and approached their point of destina
tion in the gray dawn. The officers and men were kept
concealed, and none were visible but the pilot and two or
three men attired in the peaceful uniform of roustabouts.
The force landed and marched three or four miles into the
enemy's country, but no battery, arms, ammunition, nor
enemy of any description were discovered, and the expedi
tion returned to camp to relate what would have been done
had any opposition been encountered.
At last the day arrived which witnessed the close of our

24 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1861
bloodless though active campaign. On August 13th the
Fourth New York (Scott Life Guard) came to relieve us,
and the men at once began preparations for marching on
Wilmington and once more rush to arms, — the arms of
loved ones at home.
The following day, August 14, 1861, saw the battalion
paraded for the last roll-call, with clean uniforms, brightened
arms, polished ornaments, and gleeful faces. The distance
by railroad from the place of regimental rendezvous was
but a few miles, consequently the command soon reached
the city of Wilmington, and found their late comrades and
a vast concourse of admiring friends assembled to give
them a welcome and to listen " with bated breath" to their
tales " of moving accidents by flood and field."
Thus ended the first term of service of the First Dela
ware Regiment ; and if we brought not back with us deci
mated ranks and honorable scars, we were, at least, the
proud recipients of warm commendations from officers of
the government, who spoke in praise of the faithfulness
with which the duty imposed upon the regiment had been
performed ; and one official of which, then high in command,
had said, when the regiment was forming, " I would rather
have one regiment from Delaware at this time than two
from any other State." REORGANIZATION.
As before intimated, recruiting-stations for the formation
of companies for three years, unless sooner discharged
sprang up on every hand, opened by some of the commis
sioned officers of the three months' organization, and by

i86i] REORGANIZATION. 25
several non-commissioned officers who aspired to the dig
nity of epaulets.
Lieutenant-Colonel Andrews, whose patriotism and whose
martial proclivities led him to take a predominating interest
in the labor of getting another regiment into the field from
Delaw^are, was untiring in his efforts, and ever ready, with
his knowledge of military affairs, to assist in completing
the companies. Towards him, therefore, the eyes of the
prospective line-officers naturally turned for a commanding
officer. Colonel Andrews gratefully acknowledged the
preference so generally expressed, accepted the responsi
bility, and entered zealously into the work before him. It
was the unanimous wish of those who had served three
months that the new organization should bear the old title,
" First Delaware." This desire was inspired by the fact
that more companies were in the field than could be em
braced in one regiment ; and it soon became evident that
there would be two or more regiments ready for muster
nearly about the same time, all of the competing companies
having, among their officers or in their ranks, many mem
bers of the organization so recently disbanded.
At this juncture of affairs. Colonel Andrews applied to
the War Department for authority to reorganize the First
Regiment for the long term, which was promptly granted.
A regimental camping-ground was then secured at Hare's
Corner, which was forthwith named Camp Andrews. To
this pleasant grove each company proceeded as it reached
the maximum, tents were pitched, and squad-drills com
menced. On the last day of September all the companies
had reported in camp, and an election was held for field-

26 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1861
officers, all of whom were chosen excepting the lieutenant-
colonel, which position, it was agreed, should be left vacant
for a few days. After the field-officers had been selected
the colonel appointed his staff and the non-commissioned
staff. The officers of the regiment were then as follows,
viz. : Colonel, John W. Andrews.
Lieutenant-Colonel,  .
Major, Thomas A. Smyth.
Adjutant, William P. Seville.
Quartermaster, Thomas Y. England.
Surgeon, David W. Maull. •
Assistant Surgeon, Samuel D. Marshall.
Chaplain, Thomas G. Murphey.
Sergeant-Major, James Lewis.
Quartermaster-Sergeant, Frank Wilson.
Commissary-Sergeant, Charles S. Schaeffer.
Hospital Steward, Archibald D. O'Mera.
Drum-Major, Patrick Dooley.
Principal Musician, John B. Ritchie.
Company A. — Captain, Evan S. Watson ; First Lieuten
ant, James Parke Postles ; Second Lieutenant, Franklin
Houseman. Company B. — Captain, James Leonard ; First Lieutenant,
James A. Oates ; Second Lieutenant, James Rickards.
Company C. — Captain, Neal Ward; First Lieutenant,
Frank McCloskey ; Second Lieutenant, Hugh Sweeney.
Company D. — Captain, Enoch J. Smithers; First Lieu
tenant, David S. Yardley ; Second Lieutenant, William F.
Smith.

i86i] REORGANIZATION. 27
Company E. — Captain, Edward P. Harris ; First Lieuten
ant, William Y. Swiggett; Second Lieutenant, Albert S.
Phillips. Company F. — Captain, Daniel Woodall ; First Lieuten
ant, Benjamin E. Adams ; Second Lieutenant, John W.
Williams. Company G. — Captain, Allen Shortledge; First Lieu
tenant," Alfred Gawthrop; Second Lieutenant, John L.
Sparks. Company H. — Captain, John B. Tanner; First Lieuten
ant, John R. Vanloan ; Second Lieutenant, Ezekiel C.
Alexander. Company I. — Captain, Charles Lespes ; First Lieutenant,
Thomas B. Hizar ; Second Lieutenant, Isaac Van Trump.
Company K. — Captain, Thomas Crossley; First Lieu
tenant, William C. Inhoff; Second Lieutenant, Henry H.
Burton. On the evening of October 8th the regiment had its first
parade in undress uniforms, arms and equipments not hav
ing yet arrived, and next day orders were received to re
port to General John E. Wool, at Fort Monroe, on the
earliest day practicable. Arms and accoutrements were
received sufficient to equip eight companies on the 12th of
October, and drilling at ihe manual of arms was begun.
Inspection on company parade-grounds was held on the
13th, and a color-guard was selected. October 15 th an
election for lieutenant-colonel was held, and Mr. Oliver P.
Hopkinson, of Philadelphia, Pa., was elected. Arms were
furnished for the remaining companies, and the entire time
was occupied in drill and camp duties until the 20th, on

28 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1861
which day it had been determined by the colonel that the
command should leave for the front. The 19th was a day
of great activity and excitement in and around Camp An
drews, for not only was the regiment packing up for the
move, but a host of self-constituted sutlers, who had spread
their canvas and located their sheds outside of the camp
limits, were also making preparations to remove their
stocks of goods to safer and more profitable neighborhoods
than Hare's Corner was likely to be in future. The camp
was filled all day and the following night with crowds of
inconsolable friends, who seemed determined to see the
very last of each loved one who was about to depart,
perhaps never to return.
At sunrise on the 20th tents were struck, camp-equipage
was stowed in the wagons, knapsacks were packed, — and
most of them were plethoric with a sort of luggage not
countenanced in army regulations, — the assembly was
beaten, the regiment formed, and the line of march taken
up through deep mud for the town of Newport, where
a train was in waiting to convey it to Baltimore. At
Baltimore the regiment took the steamboat " Louisiana"
for Old Point Comfort, and spent a jovial night on the
waters of Chesapeake Bay.
The morning of October 21, i86i, when the command
disembarked at Fort Monroe, was chilly and rendered
dismal by a fine drizzle of rain (which sort of weather by
the way, continued for several days thereafter), and the
regiment stood upon the wharf while Colonel Andrews
went to report to General Wool. Very soon an aide was
sent to conduct us to our camping-ground at Camp Ham-

i86i] THE FIRST WINTER CAMP. 29
ilton, about a mile from the fort, whither we soon arrived,
and all hands set to work to lay out the ground and pitch
tents. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather,
dress-parade was gone through with, much to the surprise
of pther regiments situated near us.
We found ourselves to be a portion of General Mans
field's brigade of General Wool's division, and were asso
ciated with the following-named regiments, viz. : Twentieth
New York (German Turners), Colonel Max Weber; Six
teenth Massachusetts, Colonel Wyman ; Ninety-ninth New
York (Union Coa.st Guard), Colonel Wardrop; and Forty-
eighth Pennsylvania, Colonel Nagle.
THE FIRST WINTER CAMP.
The camp-ground was low, and the long-continued rains
had turned it into a marsh ; but one day's work sufficed to
cure the evil by draining, ditching, and elevating company
tent floors and parades.
For several months following the regiment was enabled
to profit by the constant exercise of every kind of field
duty, guard, picket and camp, and daily drill by company,
battalion, brigade, and skirmishing. During this period,
also, the officers were instructed in the perplexities of morn
ing reports, monthly and quartermaster's returns, muster-
rolls, clothing-rolls, descriptive lists, etc. Strict disci
pline, combined with judicious instruction, through these
months of preparatory schooling, made our regiment one
of the best volunteer organizations in the service, and
inspired each man with a just pride in it that proved a most
excellent esprit de corps throughout its succeeding severe

go FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1861
campaigns of marching and fighting. Colonel Andrews had
secured brass shoulder-scales and white gloves for the men,
required the officers to provide themselves with epaulets
and the regulation felt hat and plumes, and had furnished
Drum-Major Dooley with the tallest and most gorgeous of
shakos, with trimmings to match. Our dress-parades had
become a fine military pageant to the other regiments of
the brigade, some of which changed the time for their own
evening parade to a later hour that they might have the
opportunity to witness ours. Frequently among the spec
tators that honored our parades were seen Generals Wool
and Mansfield, with their staff-officers, and these commanders
paid us many compliments on the appearance and discipline
ofthe regiment and the fine military bearing of officers and
men. One day we learned that President Lincoln was at the
fort and would inspect us at dress-parade. It is needless
to say that every man exerted himself to make as im
posing a martial appearance as possible. The adjutant's
call sounded, and the companies formed for parade the
men noting with observant eyes the unusually great con
course that surrounded our regimental parade-ground
As the band was "beating off," the President, accom
panied by a very large escort, all mounted, arrived upon
the ground and, turning his horse's head to the rieht
followed directly behind the band, with his entire escort
mostly civilians, following after; but when the band had
.reached the left of the regimental line and had turned to
the right-about to march back to its position, and Drum-
Major Dooley, with his glittering staff presented at an

l86i] THE FIRST WINTER CAMP. gi
angle of forty-five degrees from his manly breast, had ad
vanced with martial stride through the midst of the mu
sicians, he suddenly came face to face with the President,
and all were brought to a dead halt. The situation was
growing serious. There sat the President, looking some
what embarrassed, and there stood Dooley, firm as the rock
of Gibraltar; the equestrian brigade supporting the Presi
dent, and the band resolutely backing up the drum-major,
" marking time" and playing away with their best energy.
After a few moments of hesitation, which provoked a
hearty peal of laughter from all, the President finally real
ized that he was in the enemy's country, where martial law
was supreme, and that, therefore, the civil branch of the
government should give way to the military ; and, doubtless,
recognizing the drum-major's determination to do his duty
or die in his tracks, turned out of the way with all his fol
lowers, and opened, the road for Dooley and the band out
of their dilemma.
The usual monotony of a winter camp did not manifest
itself to any great extent in our regiment, for the energy of
the men was as conspicuous in devising methods of passing
the time profitably and agreeably as it was in perfecting
themselves in their duties. The religious element (and it
seemed to be quite large) soon organized a Soldiers'
Christian Association, under the direction of Chaplain
Murphey, the frequent meetings of which were numerously
attended, and were conducted with spirit and' fervor. This
society existed in the regiment until its muster-out. For
those who were more mirthfully inclined the requisite
talent was found for the emergency; and to those enter-

32 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1861
prising spirits the entire division was greatly indebted for
many pleasant hours. A number of the officers, under the
lead of Lieutenant Oates and Lieutenant Rickards, ob
tained the colonel's permission to employ detachments of
volunteers in cutting and hauling logs and building a
theatre. In the course of a few weeks a building was
completed large enough to seat four hundred persons, pro
vided with a roomy stage, shifting scenery, a drop-curtain,
appropriately painted, an orchestra inclosure, chandeliers
equipped with tin sconces for candles, foot-lights, and
dressing-rooms. About the time this building was ready for occupation
the Army of the Potomac had landed and gone up the
Peninsula to Yorktown. The opening entertainment was
a ball, given by the regiment to the officers of the fort
and the camp and their wives. For this occasion the
theatre was beautifully decorated with flags and ever
greens, and a brilliant and distinguished company enjoyed
the dancing until a late hour. Among the guests were
the officers of a French war-vessel and several of General
McClellan's staff-officers. Refreshments were liberally pro
vided in the officers' mess-tent, and Lieutenant Oates dis
tinguished himself in dispensing the hospitality of the
regiment by plying the Duke de Chartres with too much
eggnog. Some of the wags amused themselves by nailino-
tree outside the picket-line a paper containing an in > y
to General Magruder and staff to attend this ball- V," \i
they said, was a polite recognition of General Maerud ' '
attentions to us, by sending in a flag of truce reeul ^

l86i] THE FIRST WINTER CAMP. 33
once a week summoning us to surrender Fort Monroe
forthwith or remain in it at our peril.
A dramatic company was formed also, and the first per
formance was given early in the spring, all the costumes
having been sent for to Baltimore, and some of the scenes
obtained from the Boothenian Dramatic Association of
Wilmington. The first programme presented " La Tour
de Nesle," in which Lieutenant Oates played Captain
Burridan, Corporal Norris P. Eccleston personated Queen
Marguerite, and Adjutant Seville took the part of Count
Savoisy; Lieutenant James Rickards as Gaultier d'Alnay,
Lieutenant E. C. Alexander as Sierre Roual, Lieutenant T.
B. Hizar as Enguerrandde Marigny, Lieutenant J. P. Postles
as Orsini, Captain D. S. Yardley as Jehan, Sergeant John L.
Brady as Philip d'Alnay, and Private A. Lockwood as Landri.
This was followed by a farce entitled " B. B., or the Benicia
Boy;" and between the pieces Sergeants C. S. Shaeffer-and
Allen Tatem sang a duet, palled " Eighty Years Ago."
The audience which assembled to honor this first rep
resentation was, to use the well-worn phraseology of the
newspapers, a large, fashionable, and intelligent one, em
bracing as it did all the officers of the fort and camp not
on duty, with many ladies ; and loud and earnest were the
plaudits bestowed on the enterprising members of the
Delaware Regiment for such a valuable contribution to the
amusements of camp-life. Lieutenant James Rickards won
for himself quite an enviable reputation as a comedian
in. the part of Diggory in the " Spectre Bridegroom," and
in the comic roles of other pieces. The theatre proved
quite an efficient means for the preservation of discipline

34 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [r86i
and strict attention to duty among those men who need
some extraneous aid to conscience to enable them to
properly acquit themselves in that respect; for, as there
was not room for more than a hundred of the non-commis
sioned officers and privates in the space allotted to them,
ten tickets for admission were daily placed at the disposal
of each company commander, to be given to those men
who stood highest for obedience of orders and were cleanest
on and off parade.
On the 1st of November it fell to the lot of Captain
Tanner and his company to go out on a scout to Fox Hill
Station, the extreme outpost, and to receive a flag of truce
accompanied by seven rebel officers, — they had brought
the usual summons from General Magruder " to get out."
This meeting with rebel officers proved a lively theme for
conversation among the men, and the members of Company
H were desirable acquisitions to all circles for some days
thereafter, having beheld and talked with genuine " Johnny
Rebs." It was quite evident that the main object of this strong
delegation of rebel officers was to gain information, for they
desired to go into Hampton on the pretext of wanting to
find a colored woman ; but Captain Tanner detained them
at the outpost and sent word to General Mansfield, who was
at the time near the picket-line. The general came to meet
the fla:g of truce, sent the rebel officers back and com
mended Captain Tanner for his discretion.
Permission having been obtained from General Wool to
bring to camp boards and scantling from the burnt houses
in Hampton, details were sent out daily for this purpose

1 86 1] THE FIRST WINTER CAMP. 35
and the quarters of officers and men were much improved in
comfort. A neat frame building was erected for the adju
tant's office, which, as it was also the regimental post-office,
soon became the favorite lounging-place of the officers, and
many a humorous story was told and many a hearty laugh
was heard around the sheet-iron stove that then was the
centre of attraction.
A pioneer corps was formed on the 7th of November,
and for several weeks much attention was given to teach
ing the men the bayonet exercise and drilling them in
skirmishing, which instruction rendered the regiment so
efficient in this kind of service as to make it nearly certain
to be called on for that duty in the later days of active
campaigning. Quite a furore of excitement was raised on the 21st of
November by the arrival in camp of a messenger from
Captain Watson, who had been sent out with his company
scouting. It appeared that the enemy had been of the
same mind, and had also despatched a scouting-party, or,
rather, a reconnoissance in force, consisting of infantry,
cavalry, and two guns. This was the force that Company
A encountered, and at once availing themselves of their
lately-acquired knowledge of skirmishing, deployed, and
kept the enemy amused at long range for several hours,
until word was brought to camp, and reinforcements in the
shape of three companies of the Twentieth New York,
under the command of no less a personage than General
Mansfield himself, with about forty staff-officers, volunteers
from the other regiments, came to their relief, and the
enemy was bluffed.

«5 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1861-62
The canvas bag for receiving the mail hung outside of
Major Smyth's tent, and was under his care. For a few
days, in the latter part of November, letters had been
abstracted and their valuable contents, principally money,
were stolen. Major Smyth set himself to discover the
thief, so arranging his plans that any person coming from
the outside to dishonestly tamper with the mail must
inevitably be detected. A close watch was kept up for
several days and no discovery made, though other let
ters were missed from the pouch. At length the major
solved the mystery by finding that the pilferer was his
own colored servant, whom he promptly sent into durance
vile. Through December and January a great deal of sickness
prevailed in the camp, in the nature of fevers and diarrhoea,
and Surgeon Maull took active and efficient measures to
meet the emergency. A large stone mansion close to the
camp was turned into a hospital and comfortably fitted up
with beds and other needful furniture, and a supply of
medicines was secured. The hospital was soon filled with
patients, and although the sick numbered upwards of a
hundred, not more than nine members of the regiment
died of disease prior to the ist of May.
About the 23d of March, Captain Neal Ward, of Company
C, was missed from camp, and as he did not appear within
the next day or two, it was feared that he had wandered
beyond the lines and had been captured; but all suspense
was set at rest on the 26th, when the body of a man was
found in the water not far from the camp and identified as
the remains of Captain Ward. A day or two afterwards his

l862] THE FIRST WINTER CAMP. 37
body was sent home to Delaware in charge of an escort
from his company.
Previous to this time several changes had already oc
curred among the officers of the line. Lieutenant Francis
McCloskey, of Company C, resigned November i, 1861,
and on December 20th Captain Enoch J. Smithers, of Com
pany D, tendered his resignation. On the same date First
Lieutenant David S. Yardley was promoted to be captain
of the latter company, Second Lieutenant William F.
Smith was advanced to be first lieutenant, and Sergeant-
Major James Lewis was promoted to be second lieutenant.
Sergeant Joseph C. NichoUs, of Company E, was appointed
sergeant-major on the same day. Second Lieutenant Eze
kiel C. Alexander, of Company H, was promoted to first lieu
tenant of Company C December 27th, and Sergeant-Major
NichoUs to second lieutenant of Company H. Sergeant
Charles B. Tanner, of Company H, was also made sergeant-
major. March 31, 1862, First Lieutenant John R. Vanloan,
of Company H, resigned.
On the 8th of March we were witnesses for the first time
of an engagement with the enemy. On this occasion the
battle was a naval one, in which the enemy possessed such
an overwhelming advantage that, deeply interested as we
were in the issue, we could not fail to be greatly depressed
in spirit and wofully discouraged as to the results. About
mid-day a mysterious-looking craft that resembled a huge
roof came from the direction of Norfolk, and proceeded
towards the " Cumberland" and " Congress," two war-ves
sels, which were anchored near together off Newport
News. This, we were soon informed, was the wonderful

38 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1862
ironclad that we had so often heard the rebels were build
ing at Portsmouth, and with which they threatened to
crush our men-of-war like egg-shells and capture all our
seaports, finishing with the Federal capital. It was, in
truth, the redoubtable " Merrimac." Crowding the roofs of
the houses along the shore, and other eligible points of
observation, we witnessed this marine monster ram to de
struction those two noble vessels, the " Cumberland" and
the " Congress," treating with utter contempt the shower
of heavy shot that was poured against her iron ribs. This
completed the havoc of that day, for the " Minnesota" had
grounded in water too shallow to permit the " Merrimac"
to approach her with safety, so she steamed back to Nor
folk triumphantly, as the shades of evening were falling on
the burning wreck of the " Congress" and the shattered
spars of the " Cumberland" projecting but a few feet above
the surface of the water, with the stars and stripes still
floating from the mast. ^
The night of anxiety that followed brought no rest to
the occupants of the fort and camp. It was known that a
large force was co-operating by land under the command of
General Magruder, and, as it was certain that the narrow
and flat peninsula we occupied would be utterly untenable
under the fire the enemy could bring to bear upon it from
Hampton Roads, our only alternative was to cut our way
through any force the foe might oppose to us beyond
Hampton. During the night a detachment was sent to
Newport News, under the command of Major Smyth, with
ammunition for the troops there. Towards morning our
hopes were revived by a rumor that an ironclad called the

iS62] THE FIRST WINTER CAMP. 30
" Monitor" had arrived to encounter the dreaded " Merri
mac." At the first streak of dawn thousands of anxious
eyes swept the broad expanse of water in search of the
promised succor, but to our grievous disappointment no
thing that bore the shghtest resemblance to an ironclad
capable of trying conclusions with the " Merrimac" could
be descried.
About nine o'clock the "Merrimac" was seen coming
down the Elizabeth River, and in due time she appeared,
accompanied by the rebel sloop " Jamestown" and a steam
boat loaded with excursionists from Norfolk to see the fun.
The ranv steered at once for the " Minnesota," which was
still aground on the bar. Then we heard a muffled report,
and observed a puff of white smoke afar off in the direc
tion of Pig Point, and, on levelling our glasses upon the
spot, we could make out a dark streak on the water sur
mounted by what seemed to be a black bandbox. The
rebel ram paused in its onward rush, appeared to recon
noitre the singular craft that had the impudence and temer
ity to send so defiant a challenge, then opened on it vigor
ously, at the same time altering her course, in order to
close with her mysterious antagonist. This strange speci
men of naval construction at length approached near
enough to enable us to observe its shape and size, and one
of the facetious boys of Company F pronounced it " a
cheese-box on a raft." At length the battle grew hot and
furious, the " Merrimac" rushed at the " Monitor" to ram
it, and her long prow passed over the "Monitor's" low
deck, doing no injury; but before the ram could disengage
itself from its agile foe several shots were fired under the

40 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1862
roof of rolled iron, doing fatal execution, and one or two
directly into its port-holes. When, at last, the " Merrimac"
succeeded in escaping from her perilous situation, much of
her appetite for gore seemed to be appeased, and she drifted
away apparently, not firing a shot, while the plucky little
" Monitor" followed, firing with regularity and precision.
Finally, as it appeared, the monster had decided what to
do, and turned her bow towards Norfolk, making off with
all the speed at her command.
This action put an effectual stop to the destructive ex
ploits of the " Merrimac" (or the " Virginia," as the rebels
had named her), for as often as she appeared she ventured
out no farther than was sufficient to get sight ofthe " Mon
itor," at which she would return to safe harbor.
Second Lieutenant James Rickards, of Company B, was
promoted to be captain of Company C on April ist; Second
Lieutenant J. C. NichoUs, of Company H, was transferred to
Company B; Sergeant-Major Charles B. Tanner was pro
moted to second lieutenant of Company H ; First Lieu
tenant E. C. Alexander, of Company C, was transferred to
Company H ; and Sergeant David W. Gemmill, of Company
I, was appointed sergeant-major. ACTIVE OPERATIONS.
At length the time arrived when we were to have our
share in active operations. Early in May, 1862, President
Lincoln came to Fort Monroe, and, in conjunction with
General Wool, planned an attack on Norfolk. On the 9th
we received marching orders, and made preparations by
cooking rations and issuing ammunition. During the night

1 862] ACTIVE OPERATIONS.

41

we marched quietly to the fort and embarked on steamboats
and barges; and at daylight on the loth we crossed the
channel and landed at Ocean View, took up the line of
march over dusty roads for Norfolk, distant seventeen
miles. This proved to be a severe trial to the men, encum
bered with heavy knapsacks, blankets, overcoats, and
cartridge-boxes, sweltering with the heat and stifled with
dust, and a large number of overcoats and blankets were
left scattered by the way. A slight opposition to our
progress at Tanner's Creek by the enemy was a welcome
relief to the weary men, who enjoyed an hour's rest in the
shade while the rebel battery that disputed our. crossing
was being persuaded to retire. We reached the suburbs
of Norfolk in the evening, inside the formidable and well-
constructed earth-works built by the enemy for the defence
ofthe city, where Mayor Lamb and a deputation of citizens
were in waiting to surrender the city.
That night our tents were pitched upon the terreplein
of the rebel fortifications, our pickets were set and our camp-
guard posted, and all retired to much-needed rest; but
about midnight everybody was suddenly aroused by a loud
explosion. The camp soon became thronged with men
eager to learn the cause of the terrible report, the violence
of which shook the earth. All the information that could
be gathered was from the sentries on post, who said that
when the explosion was heard a tall column of fire shot
into the air in the direction of Craney Island. After sun
rise we learned that our dreaded enemy, the " Merrimac,"
had been blown up by the rebels, and her once almost
invulnerable hull now lay at the bottom of the roadstead.

42 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1862
Near noon on that day the army marched into Norfolk,
and the First Delaware was selected to act as provost-guard
in the city. The companies were quartered in several build
ings, and headquarters were established in the offices of the
jail. The citizens kept themselves secluded for a few days,
and acted spitefully for a time, but gradually they appeared
in the streets and opened their houses as they found that
their fears of the Yankees were groundless, and that the
hated foe were nothing of a more formidable character than
well-behaved and tolerably handsome soldier boys. The
practice of holding dress-parades in the public square,
which was commenced about a week after the occupation,
entirely broke the shyness and reserve of the citizens, who
gathered in great numbers, a majority of whom were ladies,
to witness our military displays and listen to the excellent
music our band always furnished. Indeed, before the regi
ment was relieved from provost duty in Norfolk the men
had grown to be great favorites with many of the citizens,
and when they departed they left many sore hearts and sad
faces behind them, and not a few matrimonial engagements.
During the month of July Major Smyth was provost-
marshal of Portsmouth, and won many warm and substan
tial friends among the citizens by his manly and courteous
behavior. On the 25th of June Lieutenant Van Trump, of Com
pany I, resigned, and Commissary-Sergeant Charles S.
Schaeffer was promoted to fill the vacancy.
Colonel Andrews became quite anxious concerning the
health and discipline of the regiment after several weeks'
sojourn in the city. He often remarked that six months of

1862] ACTIVE OPERATIONS. 43
that kind of duty would forever ruin the organization,
morally as well as physically, and begged to be sent into
the field. This petition General Viele and Provost-Marshal
Lamson were loath to grant, as the men were orderly and
obedient, the officers zealous and capable, and the citizens
desired them to remain; but early in July the colonel's
wishes were gratified, and the regiment was ordered to
Suffolk, a small village on the Nansemond River, about
twenty-five miles from Norfolk. Here we went into camp,
and drilling and other hardening exercises were resumed,
and the men speedily regained their former efficiency.
As the location of the camp was on the border of the
great Dismal Swamp, it was not long until malarial dis
eases began to manifest themselves among the men, and
the hospital was full to overflowing throughout the follow
ing month of August. Fully three-fourths of the regiment
suffered with fevers in some form or another, and this evil
became so distressing that the colonel was more anxious
to escape the miasma of the swamp than he was to break
loose from the demoralizing effects of Norfolk.
During our stay at Suffolk a great many changes took
place among the officers. On the 17th of July Second
Lieutenant James Lewis, of Company D, was promoted to
first lieutenant of Company C, Sergeant-Major David W.
Gemmill to second lieutenant of Company K (Lieutenant
Burton having gone to the Signal Corps), and Sergeant
Andrew Walls, of Company C, was made sergeant-major.
On the 2 1st Captain Charles Lespes, of Company I, resigned,
and on the 23d Second Lieutenant Hugh Sweeney, of
Company C, also resigned. These vacancies brought more

44 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1862
promotions, and on the 24th First Lieutenant Thomas B.
Hizar was advanced to the command of Company I, and
Second Lieutenant Albert S. Phillips, of Company E, to be
first lieutenant of Company I. Then Sergeant-Major Walls
was promoted to be second lieutenant of Company C, and
Sergeant John T. Dent, of Company G, was made ser
geant-major. On August 5th Second Lieutenant Joseph C.
NichoUs, of Company B, was promoted to be first lieu
tenant, vice First Lieutenant James A. Oates resigned.
August 1 8th the regiment met with a lamentable loss in
the discharge of our excellent band. In compliance with
an economizing order from the War Department, we were
compelled to part with Principal Musician John B. Ritchie
and the following-named musicians of our band, viz. : Philip
Cahill, Albert T. Hyatt, William A. Parker, John Worth,
Augustus M. L. Groff, Henry Haddock, Charles H. Hen
derson, John Parker, James B. Walls, Charles E. Condon,
Holton Yarnall, Matthew Croft, Thomas M. Hoyle, John
P. Coverdale, Levi Sylvester, James T. Haddock, Richard
H. B. Wisdom, John T. Yates, John H. Walls, and Joshua
Hoyle. The departure of these well-beloved comrades was
quickly followed by another serious loss, jn the death,
on the 30th of August, of First Lieutenant Benjamin E.
Adams, of Company F, who had been sick for a long time
in Norfolk.
Doubtless the surviving comrades of ot(r regiment will
remember the excitement in the camp at Suffolk when
the news was received relative to the threatened proc
lamation of emancipation and the project of organizing
black regiments. Some of the Hotspurs became quite in-

1 862] THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 45
dignant, and indulged in a little intemperate language ; but,
to the credit of the First Delaware, it can be said that no
overt act of insubordination occurred, though some were
heard of in other regiments. Our men assembled together
and discussed the proposition with much calmness and
good sense, and reached the conclusion that the slaves
ought to be freed at all events as a war measure, and that if
they were, they were as good food for rebel bullets as white
men, and then contentedly turned their attention to their
duties. THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM.
The hot month of August at Suffolk waS a sore trial to
the men of the regiment, principally on account of the
interminable succession of drills and inspections, an,d the
monotony grew to be almost intolerable to the men who
carried the muskets. Lieutenant-Colonel Hopkinson would
take the command through a lively battalion drill in the
morning, his favoritfe exercises being movements "left in
front," and Major Smyth would take the regiment out for
another airing in the afternoon, and give it a season of
skirmish-drill or the firings, with blank and ball cartridges,
and Colonel Andrews would perform his share by parading
the companies for inspection. This round of duties became
so wearisome to the men that they sighed for a little ex
citement of some kind for a variety. The excitement so
much desired was not long coming. On the 6th of Sep
tember General Max Weber, who commanded the brigade,
received orders to proceed with his command to Washing
ton and join the Army of the Potomac, then on its way
into Maryland to repel Lee's invasion. All was bustle and

46 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1862
activity in th^ camp thenceforth, and never did soldiers
pack their knapsacks for a march to meet the enemy with
lighter hearts or more genuine enthusiasm than did the
men of the First Delaware on this occasion.
Camp was broken on the morning of the 8th of Sep
tember, the command marched to the railroad and took
the cars for Norfolk, where they embarked on the trans
port " State of Maine," and steamed up Chesapeake Bay
and the Potomac River to Washington, where we arrived
on the evening of the 9th, and, for want of suitable quar
ters, were compelled to make our beds in the streets of the
city. Notwithstanding the rudeness of our couches and
the lack of comforts and conveniences for making our
toilets, the regiment presented a fine and imposing appear
ance on the morning of the loth as it marched along
Pennsylvania Avenue with full ranks, company front. We
passed through Georgetown, and went into bivouac at
night near the village of Rockville, Md. The line of
march was resumed next morning, and for several days it
continued through Urbana, Poolesville, and Frederick,
arriving at Middletown on the afternoon of the 15th, hav
ing overtaken the army that led the advance. On the i6th
we passed through Turner's Gap, crossing the field on
which the battle was fought on the 14th, where burial-
parties were still engaged in burying the dead, and passing
through Boonsborough and Keedysville, we halted for the
night on the west side of Antietam Creek. Here we were
assigned to the Third Division, Second Corps, commanded
by General W. H. French, the corps being under the com
mand of General E. V. Sumner. The enemy lay quite

i862] THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 47
close, and a lively artillery fight was going on, but, in spite
of this, the commissary -train proceeded to the front and
issued rations, which came none too soon for our men,
who had been marching away from the supply-train for the
past two days, and whose haversacks were sadly collapsed.
This' duty was entered upon by the men with hearty zeal,
and for a time withdrew their attention entirely from the
artillery practice. At this time, among the provisions
taken from the wagons was a barrel of beans, upon which
one of the men of our regiment took a seat. A few min
utes later a shot from the enemy struck the barrel, scatter
ing the beans, as well as the occupant of the barrel. Gath
ering himself up, he remarked, " If that is the way rations
are issued here, I don't want any. I am not at all hungry,
thank you." While this artillery duel was raging. Lieu
tenant James Lewis, who was acting as adjutant (Adjutant
Seville having been left at Fort Monroe sick with bilious
fever), while lying on the hill-side a short distance in front
of the lines, was struck in the foot by a piece of shell and
carried to the rear. Thus Lieutenant Lewis was the first
man in the regiment who shed his blood in the war of the
Rebellion. Early on the morning of the 17th of September the
troops were under arms, and brigades and regiments were
moving to different parts of the field. Our regiment, with
its brigade and division, crossed the creek by fording and
marched about a mile, when it was halted and faced to the
left. Then was heard the command, " Fix bayonets !" and
every man knew that at last he was about to meet the
enemy in a deadly encounter.

48 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1862
The line of battle pressed forward through a cornfield,
under a brisk fire of batteries and small-arms, no skir
mishers having been advanced. On emerging from the
cornfield the line was thrown into some confusion by scal
ing a post-and-rail fence on the edge of the field, and being
under a galling fire, was hurriedly formed while moving
rapidly forward. The enemy's position was but a few
rods away, and his line ran obliquely to ours, so that in the
charge the right of our regiment was much nearer the
enemy than the left. One line of rebels was posted in a
sunken road, while across the road, on rising ground, was
a second line and their batteries. The fire the enemy was
thus able to bring to bear on our single line was so de
structive that even veteran troops would have been re
pulsed. As it was, the right of the division, which ap
proached nearest the sunken road, was staggered and
recoiled, and the right of our regirrient was forced back to
the edge of the cornfield, while the remainder could make
no farther advance. At this moment the supporting troops
behind us, instead of charging through our line upon the
enemy, halted in the cornfield and fired on us from the
rear, thereby forcing the command to retire a few yards
to avoid the fire from our supports. Here our regiment
rallied and returned the enemy's fire with telling effect.
On the ground, a few yards in advance, where the line was
first arrested, lay a large number of our men, killed or
wounded, and among them lay the colors of the regiment,
one of which was held by Lieutenant-Colonel Hopkinson,
who was wounded. Major Smyth, Captain Rickards, Lieu
tenants Postles, Tanner, and NichoUs, Sergeants Dunn and

l862] THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM.

49

McAllister, with several other non-commissioned officers,
rallied a larg^ number of the men for the purpose of return
ing to the original line, recovering the colors, and holding
the position, if possible.
They sallied gallantly to the front under a terrible tor
nado of shot, and held the position for a considerable time,
in connection with a company of the Fifth Maryland Vol
unteers, commanded by Captain Faehtz. While holding
this front line Captain Rickards was killed. A rebel sol
dier was seen approaching with a limping gait, and using
his musket as a support. Sergeant Dunn raised his mus
ket, saying, " I'll drop that fellow," but before he could fire,
his piece was struck down by Captain Rickards, who ex
claimed, " You wouldn't shoot a wounded man !" At that
instant the advancing rebel levelled his gun and shot Cap
tain Rickards, who died a few minutes afterwards. The
dastard rebel fell in his tracks, riddled with bullets.
When the regiment retired from the field both colors
were brought with it, one by Lieutenant C. B. Tanner and
the other by Sergeant Allen Tatem, one of the color-guard.
The bravery and self-possession of the officers and men
who thus represented the First Delaware on this front line
excited the admiration of the regiment, and thenceforth
they were held in the highest esteem as soldiers.
When Lieutenant Lewis was wounded, Lieutenant J. P.
Postles was appointed acting adjutant, and performed the
duties of that position with much credit to himself and to
the entire satisfaction of the colonel. Lieutenant Postles,
during the battle, rode " Calico," the piebald horse belong
ing to Chaplain Murphey, which rendered him a conspicu-

eo FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1862
ous target for rebel bullets, and, though the horse was
wounded. Lieutenant Postles escaped to render other dis
tinguished services on later fields as a gallant and dashing
staff-officer. As it is important, in a sketch as brief as this must
necessarily be, to preserve the official reports, which set
forth the movements and events with great accuracy, the
part taken by the regiment in this sanguinary action shall
be told in the report of Colonel Andrews, which is as
follows, viz. : Headquarters First Delaware Infantry,
Third Brigade, Third Division, Second Corps,
Near Sharpsburg, Md.
Captain Burleigh, A.A.G., on the Staff of Brigadier-General
Max Weber.
Captain, — The first Delaware Infantry, forming the right of Brigadier-
General Max Weber's brigade, after fording Antietam Creek, marched in
column for a mile, then facing to the left, advanced in line of battle, forming
the first line of General French's division. The enemy's batteries now opened
a severe fire. Having advanced steadily through woods and cornfields, driving
all before us, we met the enemy in two lines of battle posted in a road, or
ravine, four feet below the surface of the adjoining field, with a third line in
a cornfield in the rear, the ground gradually rising, so that they were able to
fire over the heads of those in the ravine ; our right was also exposed to the
sudden and terrible fire from the troops who succeeded in breaking the centre
division of the line of battle. We were at this time about twenty paces ofiF
the enemy, and returned their fire for some time with much coolness and
effect. A charge was then ordered and attempted, but our second line, com
posed of new levies, instead of supporting our advance, fired into our rear.
We had now lost one-third of our men, and eight officers commanding com
panies were either killed or wounded. Under these circumstances, we fell
back gradually to a stronger position, until relieved by our third line, com
posed of veterans, under General Kimball. This was our first battle and I
cannot speak in too high praise of the conduct of the officers and men.

i862] THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 51
The following officers, all commanding companies, were killed or wounded :
Killed, Captains Watson, Leonard, and Rickards. Wounded, Captains
Yardley, Woodall, and Shortledge, and Lieutenants Swiggett and Tanner.
In fact, but few escaped. The color-guard were all killed or wounded; the
field-officers' horses killed.
The command exhibited a degree of gallantry, efficiency, and personal
bravery seldom equalled. I must also particularly mention the services of
Lieutenant-Colonel Hopkinson, Major Smyth, and acting Adjutant Postles,
who behaved with exemplary coolness and bravery.
John W. Andrews,
Colonel First Delaware Infantry.
September 18, 1862.
Of the six hundred and fifty men that entered this en
gagement with the regiment, two hundred and eighty-six
were either kiUed or wounded. The colonel's horse, " Spot,"
was killed, and some of the men used his body as a breast
work. The names of the non-commissioned officers and privates
who were kiUed in this action, or who died of the wounds
received therein, are as follows :
Company A. — Killed, Corporal John Brierly, and Privates
Thomas Haskins, Joshua Kelly, Benjamin F. Lee, John
Lindsey, John McGarrity, Edward Mosely, and Eli Shep
herd. Died of wounds. Privates John Crow and William
Lock. Company B. — KiUed, Corporal Nelson Wood, and Privates
Samuel Laughlih, William Shaw, and Bayard M. Wilson.
Company C. — Killed, Privates Manus Boyle, Sr., Hugh
Connor, Daniel Duffy, Charles Igiams, Jonathan Jerels,
David Lawrence, and John O'Neal. Died of wounds,
Private Patrick O'Brian.

£2 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1862
Company D. — Killed, Privates John Carlan, Hugh Con
nor, John George, William Lewis, and Edward Quinn.
Died of wounds. Private Major G. Blades.
Company E. — KiUed, Privates Minos J. Melson, John H.
Smith, and Nicholas R. Watson. Died of wounds. Privates
Joseph P. McCoUey and Samuel Mumford.
Company F. — Killed, Corporal James H. Lucas, and Pri
vates John H. Johnson, Eben Scott, and James Simpson.
Died of wounds, Privates James P. Dickson, Barnard Mc-
Geehan, and Thomas A. Simpson.
Company G. — Killed, Private Thomas Senn. Died of
wounds. Sergeant Philip R. Spicer, and Privates William
Seville, Thomas M. Sweeney, and Charles H. Robelen.
Company H. — Killed, Privates Alexander Baxter, Wilson
Meally, and John J. Walker. Died of wounds. Privates
Philip Gregory and Jehu Porter.
Compa7iy I. — KiUed, Private William Guthrie.
Company K. — Killed, Privates George Jerrell and Thomas
Likens. When the command was ordered to the Army of the
Potomac Captain Evan S. Watson was absent on duty in
Wilmington, but hastened to reach his company, and led
them into action. He fell while gallantly encouraging his
men in the advance. Captain James Leonard was instantly
killed in the close contest near the enemy's line.
The entire color-guard were shot down, either killed or
wounded, and the colors were so torn and tattered that
they were never carried into another fight. With the
losses in this engagement, and with seventy-three men on
the sick-list, the noble regiment that made such a fine dis-

1 862] THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 53
play a few days previously while passing through Wash
ington was reduced in size to not more than four full
companies. On the 19th the regiment marched with the entire army
to Harper's Ferry, and went into camp on Bolivar Heights,
where the work of recuperation was begun, and where the
army waited to supply deficiencies in men and material.
General Weber having been wounded. Colonel Andrews
succeeded to the command of the brigade, and devoted
himself zealously to repairing the losses" and restoring the
morale of the command.
Dr. Joseph W. McCuUough was appointed assistant sur
geon August 25, 1862, and on the 6th of September Second
Lieutenant John W. Williams, of Company F, was pro
moted to be first lieutenant. On the 1 6th, .First Lieu
tenant Alfred Gawthrop, of Company G, whose health had
given way, resigned on surgeon's certificate of disability.
Second Lieutenant John L. Sparks was advanced to first
lieutenant, and Sergeant-Major John T. Dent was appointed
second lieutenant of that company. At the same time.
Sergeant Henry H. Darlington, of Company K, was pro
moted to be sergeant-major. On the i8th. First Lieuten
ant NichoUs was made captain of Company B, and Ser
geant Henry Curry was promoted to first lieutenant. First
Lieutenant Postles was advanced to the command of Com
pany A, and Second Lieutenant Houseman raised to first
lieutenant of that company. On the 21st, First Lieutenant
William F. Smith, of Company D, was made captain of
Company C.
The remainder of September and nearly the whole month

C4 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1862
of October, were passed in camp at Harper's Ferry, replen
ishing stores, recruiting the army, and improving its effi
ciency. On the nth of October Adjutant Seville returned
to duty, and was appointed acting assistant adjutant-gen
eral on the staff of Colonel Andrews. During all this
time the picket-line of the enemy was kept in close prox
imity to our own, and the two armies watched each other
with the utmost vigilance. At length General McClellan
felt himself in a condition to resume the offensive, and on
the 26th of October camp was once more broken, and the
army moved into Virginia to seek another engagement
with the foe. Lee retreated before us, or, rather, kept on
the western side of the mountain-range, and marched par
allel with us, thus causing frequent skirmishes at the sev
eral passes between Harper's Ferry and the Rappahannock.
Throughout this march the First Delaware had a liberal
share of flanking and skirmishing, owing to its efficiency
in that sort of service.
When the army arrived at Warrenton a halt of two days
was made, for the apparent purpose of exchanging com
manding generals, for, after a review of the entire army by
General McClellan, he was relieved from the command on
November 7th, and General Ambrose E. Burnside succeeded
him. The line of march southwardly was then resumed, and
terminated at Falmouth, opposite the town of Fredericks
burg, on the Rappahannock River. It had been General
Burnside's intention to at once attack the enemy at this
point, south of the river, but the tardiness in the arrival of
the bridge-trains prevented the accomplishment of his pur
pose, and before the army was ready to make the crossing

1 862] FREDERICKSBURG. 55
the enemy had thrown up formidable intrenchments on a
naturally strong site for defensive operations. The delay
necessary to develop some other plan of campaign, and the
approach of winter, gave the army a long rest in camp,
and tents of all shapes and sizes, log shanties, and mud
mansions sprang up in a few days, covering the country
from above Falmouth for a distance of three miles along
the road to Belle Plain.
On October ist Second Lieutenant Charles B. Tanner, of
Company H, was promoted to first lieiitenant of Company
D; on the 24th, Second Lieutenant William Ellison, of
Company D, resigned ; next day, Sergeant-Major Henry H.
Darlington was promoted to fill the vacancy, and Sergeant
John W. Eckles, of Company F, was appointed sergeant-
major. During November and part of December the army was
kept constantly exercised in brigade and division drills,
interspersed with frequent corps reviews, in addition to the
usual picket and guard duties.
FREDERICKSBURG.
The monotony of camp-life in winter quarters was
interrupted on the evening of the loth of December, when
orders were issued commanding a movement on the enemy,
to commence early next morning. Accordingly, on the
morning of the nth, we strapped on our knapsacks again,
and moving very slowly, with frequent halts, night found
the army massed in the valley and woods bordering on
the river, opposite the town of Fredericksburg. The delay
in crossing was occasioned by the sharpshooters of the

e5 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1862
enemy, concealed in the buildings of Fredericksburg along
the shore, opposing the construction of the bridge. A
heavy cannonade was opened on these houses, and volun
teers crossed the river in boats and gallantly drove the
enemy from their covert, after which the engineers laid the
bridge late in the afternoon. During the night, working-
parties cut down the bluff near the Lacey House, to allow
of the entrance to the bridge of the artillery and wagons.
About sunrise on the 12th we passed over and occupied
the town. The enemy was ominously silent, and, appre
hending sudden attack, the roll of companies was called
every hour during the day, to keep the men from wander
ing from the command. The night was spent in the houses
of the city, nearly all of which had been deserted by their
disloyal owners.
On the morning of the 13th the troops were ordered
to stand to arms, and be ready to move at a minute's
notice. Just previous to the movement on Fredericksburg Col
onel Andrews was again placed in command of the brigade,
he having been relieved during the march from Harper's
Ferry by Colonel Dwight Morris, of the Fourteenth Con
necticut Volunteers, whose commission antedated that of
Colonel Andrews, and the regiment was under the command
of Major T. A. Smyth, Lieutenant-Colonel Hopkinson hav
ing been left on the north side of the river, disabled by
sickness. About noon the command was heard, " Fall in !" followed
by " Load at will !" At this moment the First Delaware
was ordered to proceed by the right flank at double-quick

l862] FREDERICKSBURG. r-j
up a street running towards the rebel position, file to the
right when the canal was crossed, face to the left at the
foot of Marye's Hill, deploy as skirmishers, and lead the
advance line of attack on the enemy's work. This was
felt to be, in truth, the post of honor, and right nobly did
the regiment respond to this call to perform such a perilous
duty as to lead the van in an assault of the enemy's strong
hold. This attack was made in connection with a regiment
from the First Brigade, the Eighth Ohio Volunteers, and,
under the command of Major Smyth, the men bravely
dashed up the hill through a perfect storm of bullets, shot,
and shell, to the very rifle-pits of the enemy, where they
were compelled to seek such shelter as they could find,
since very few men of the several divisions that followed
them up that awful slope reached as advanced a position
on the field as did the skirmish-line.
In this gallant charge of the skirmishers, Captain Cross-
ley distinguished himself by his bravery and self-pos
session ; for, above the roar and rattle of cannon and
musketry, his voice could be distinctly heard, shouting,
" Steady, men, steady !" and his tall form could always be
seen in the front of his company line. At dark the regi
ment escaped from its hazardous situation and fell back to
the town.
As before, we shall let the official report of Colonel An
drews tell the story of this engagement. Our revered col
onel had become helpless from exposure and fatigue during
the battle, though he ably commanded the brigade until
its close, and was so ill that he was compelled to go home
with the sick and wounded. The following is his report :

e8 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1862
Wilmington, Del., December 27, 1862.
Captain Joseph W. Plume, A.A.G. French's Division.
Captain, — I have the honor to report the following as the part taken by the
Third Brigade, under my command, in the attack on the enemy's works near
Fredericksburg. On the morning of the 12th of December, at 7.30, the command, following
General Kimball's brigade, and advancing by the left flank, crossed the pon
toon bridge and formed line of battle in the main street of Fredericksburg,
the men keeping near their arms and the roll being called every hour. This
evening the Fourth New York Volunteers performed picket duty. On the
morning of the 13th I received marching orders from division headquarters,
and formed the brigade in rear of Kimball, in the following order, in a street
running parallel with Main Street : Tenth New York Volunteers, Colonel
Bendix ; One Hundred and Thirty-second Pennsylvania, Lieutenant-Colonel
Albright ; Fourth New York Volunteers, Colonel McGregor. The First
Delaware Regiment being now detailed as skirmishers in advance of Kim
ball's brigade, and the column formed, right in front, I reported to Brigadier-
General French as being ready to move, and received my final instructions.
The men seemed full of enthusiasm and eager to meet the enemy. At this
time Colonel Bendix received a shell wound, and Captain Salmon Winchester
assumed command of the Tenth New York Volunteers.
At 12 a.m. the command, "Forward!" was given. My instructions were
to move by the flank to the position indicated, face to the front, thus forming
the brigade in line of battle, and keeping one hundred and fifty paces in the
rear of Kimball, to support him. We accordingly advanced briskly, under a
heavy artillery fire, until we reached the position indicated, then, facing to
the front, marched steadily up the slope and took a position in Kimball's
rear. We remained here a short time, until finding that his ranks had be
come reduced, and that, although he held his ground nobly, he was unable
to improve his position, I ordered my men forward to support him. The
commanders of regiments led on their men in a manner worthy of all praise,
and remained engaged until relieved, in turn, by the next advancing brigade.
They then retired and were reformed, in the second street from the river,
under their regimental commanders. Having myself become disabled during
the action, I did not leave the field, and finding myself, on my return, unable
to perform duty, I turned over the command to Lieutenant-Colonel Marshall,

1 862] FREDERICKSBURG. gg
Tenth New York Volunteers, who had been detailed on special duty on the
other side of the river, with the pioneers, and was not present in the action.
In conclusion, I beg leave to state that the officers behaved with exemplary
coolness, and the men with the steadiness and courage of veterans. I wish,
also, particularly to mention the efficient services of Colonel John D. Mc
Gregor, Fourth New York Volunteers, wounded in the arm; Lieutenant-
Colonel Charles Albright, One Hundred and Thirty-second Pennsylvania;
Lieutenant-Colonel William Jameson, Fourth New York Volunteers ; Major
Thomas A. Smyth, First Delaware Volunteers; Major Charles Kruger,
Fourth New York Volunteers ; and Captain Salmon Winchester, an accom
plished gentleman and a true soldier, who fell mortally wounded while com
manding and leading on his regiment, the Tenth New York Volunteers-
Also, to the valuable aid afforded me by the gentlemen of my staff, Lieutenant
William P. Seville, A.A.G. ; Lieutenant Theodore Rogers, A.D.C., severely
wounded by my side while the command was under a heavy fire of mus
ketry ; and Lieutenant William C. Inhoff', A.D.C.
Having already testified to the good conduct of those under my immediate
command, it becomes my duty also to state that the First Delaware Regiment,
detached as skirmishers, were reported as having behaved with great courage
and endurance ; that, after driving the enemy's skirmishers, they sustained
alone their fire for a considerable time before the supporting column arrived,
and, after spending all their ammunition, they retired in good order. Major
T. A. Smyth, in command, is represented as having displayed much coolness
and ability. The list of casualties will be reported by Lieutenant-Colonel
Marshall, now in command. Very respectfully. Your obedient servant,
John W. Andrews,
Colonel Commanding Third Brigade.
Lieutenant-Colonel John W. Marshall, who succeeded to
the command of the brigade immediately after the close of
the battle, in his official report, thus alludes to the conduct
of the First Delaware :
" The several regiments of my brigade stood up to their work nobly. The

6o

FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1862

First Regiment, Delaware Volunteers, deserves particular mention for the
manner in which, as skirmishers, it opened the engagement, and remained on
the field until every cartridge was expended."
He also reported the casualties in the First Delaware as
ten killed, seventy-four wounded, and nine missing; but
the muster-out rolls report that seventeen members of the
regiment were killed at Fredericksburg, and that five
others died of wounds received there, as follows : KiUed,
Lieutenant Henry H. Dariington, of Company D; Cor
poral Samuel Weir, Company A ; Privates William Smith
and Thomas Sinnox, Company B ; Privates Manus Boyle,
Jr., and William Henry Beggs, Company C ; Private John
C. Abel, Company D ; Private John C. Carey, Company E ;
Corporal George W. Reice and Private John Cline, Com
pany G; Sergeant George C. Semple, Musician Robert
Long, and Private John MiUer, Company H; Privates John
P. Money and George Sneider, Company I ; and Privates
Frederick B. Ennis and Thomas Holmes, of Company K.
Those who died subsequently of wounds were First Lieu
tenant Albert S. Phillips, Company I ; Sergeant Henry H.
Higgins, Company G; Corporal Lemuel J. Green and
Private Napoleon Adams, Company E; and Private Rob
ertson W. Plummer, Company D.
One other officer was wounded in this assault, — Captain
William F. Smith, of Company C.
After retiring from the field at dark, the regiment was
reassembled in a street next to the river, and the rolls were
called to ascertain who were killed, wounded, or missing.
The men were then dismissed, with the injunction to re
main near the stacks of arms ready to fall in at call, as an

1 862] FREDERICKSBURG. gj
attack was expected during the night. But the enemy
made no more serious demonstration than that of throw
ing an occasional shell into the town. About ten o'clock
the ammunition-train crossed over and our cartridge-boxes
were replenished. The next day was Sunday, which we
spent in caring for the wounded and repairing the damages
of the previous day. At night we were ordered to recross
the river with all possible silence, and the last man was out
of the town before daylight on the 15th, and the various
divisions were on their way to their former camping-
grounds. We were scarcely settled in our old quarters before very
cold weather set in, and we comforted ourselves with the
reflection that no more movements could be made until the
return of spring.
On December r4th Lieutenant-Colonel Oliver P. Hopkin
son resigned on account of ill health, and the command of
the regiment fell to Major Thomas A. Smyth, who was
promoted to the vacancy on the i8th. On the same day
Sergeant-Major John W. Eckles was made second lieu
tenant of Company D, Sergeant Samuel A. McAllister,
of Company F, was appointed sergeant-major, and on the
24th he was further promoted to be second lieutenant
of Company B, and Sergeant John L. Brady, of Company
C, advanced to be sergeant-major, while Captain Daniel
Woodall, of Company F, was promoted to be major. On
the 26th, Second Lieutenant Eckles was raised to first
lieutenant of Company F; on the 28th, Second Lieutenant
Charles S. Schaeffer, of Company I, was promoted to be first
lieutenant of Company K; on the 3tith, First Lieutenant

62 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1863
John W. Williams, of Company F, died of disease, and
next day. First Lieutenant Franklin Houseman, of Company
A, resigned.
Not long did we enjoy the rest and relaxation • of our
winter quarters, for early in January, General Burnside
having formed another plan for a campaign, the usual order
to hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moment's
notice was received, and next day the army began to pass
through our camp towards the upper fords. A steady rain
set in soon after the movement commenced, and, as but one
road could be used without exposure of the enterprise to
the enemy, by the time night arrived the artillery and
wagons were hopelessly mired, and the campaign was
abandoned. This flurry did not affect us, for, as the Second
Corps, which was to have acted as rear-guard, lay on the
right of the army, we should not have broken camp until tbe
entire army had gone by. On the 24th of January General
Burnside was relieved from the chief c6mmand at his own
request, and General Joseph Hooker was appointed in his
stead. General Hooker at once set to work to improve the
condition of the army ; he instituted a few welcome changes
in the rations, granted short leaves of absence, and reorgan
ized the cavalry. During our encampment here a curious
sort of intimacy sprang up between the men of the op
posing armies. The river was fordable at several places
above Falmouth, and the pickets were stationed on each
shore, the distance across the stream being so short that
conversation was carried on with ease. One day, after the
battle of Fredericksburg, a rebel called out to one of our
picket-guard, " Say, Yank, when are you all goin' to come

1 863] FREDERICKSBURG. 63
over agin ?" " Don't know," answered the Union picket.
" Pretty soon, I guess." " You 'uns 'U never git to Rich
mond ; d'ye know why ?" asked the rebel. " No, why ?"
" Because you 'uns '11 have two big Hills to git over, a
Longstreet to go through, and a Stonewall to cross," was
the reply.
Every day exchanges of tobacco and other articles were
made by the pickets, until, at length, the men used to visit
each other, play cards, and pass newspapers back and forth,
which having been discovered by General French, a sudden
stop was put to these civilities.
In the first four months of 1863 many changes took
place among the officers ofthe regiment. January 3d Com
missary-Sergeant Edwin H. Byran was made second lieu
tenant of Company A ; on the 6th, Sergeant-Major John
L. Brady was made second lieutenant of Company D, and
Sergeant Allen Tatem, of Company B, was appointed ser
geant-major; on the 14th, First Lieutenant Albert S. PhiUips
died of his wound in the head ; on the 17th, Captain Thomas
Crossley, Company K, resigned on account of disability;
First Lieutenant WiUiam C. Inhoff, Company K, was made
captain, and next day he resigned from disability. First
Lieutenant William Y. Swiggett, Company E, was promoted
to captain of Company F; on the 19th, Dr. Samuel Mar
shall, assistant surgeon, resigned because of disabUity ; on
the 20th, Second Lieutenant Samuel A. McAllister, Com
pany B, was made first lieutenant Company F ; First Lieu
tenant John W. Eckles, Company F, was transferred to
Company I; Sergeant J. Hart, of Company F, was made
second lieutenant of that company ; Sergeant-Major Allen

64 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1863
Tatem was advanced to second lieutenant Company H ;
and Sergeant James D. Simpson, Company F, was appointed
sergeant-major. On February 6th Colonel John W. Andrews
resigned on account of disability ; on the 7th, Second Lieu
tenant Martin W. B. EUegood, Company H, was promoted
to captain Company E, and Second Lieutenant John L. Brady,
Company D, was advanced to first lieutenant of the same
company; on the 8th, Sergeant-Major Simpson was made
second lieutenant Company D, and Sergeant Benjamin Y.
Draper, of Company D, was appointed sergeant-major; on
the 9th, Second Lieutenant Andrew Walls, Company C, was
made first lieutenant Company I; on the 1 8th, our prize
drum-major, Patrick Dooley, was swept away by the gen
eral order to muster out that regimental ornament; on the
20th, First Lieutenant John L. Sparks, of Company G, was
made captain of Company K ; Second Lieutenant John T.
Dent was promoted to first lieutenant; Sergeant Charles
W. Davis, Company D, was made second lieutenant Com
pany G ; and Sergeant Aquila M. Hizar, first lieutenant of
Company K; Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas A. Smyth was
advanced to the command of the regiment on the 23d, and
Captain Edward P. Harris, of Company E, was elected
lieutenant-colonel. March 1st our quartermaster, Thomas Y. England, a
very courteous and efficient officer, was promoted to be
commissary of subsistence, with the rank of captain, and
on the next day Second Lieutenant Edwin H. Bryan, of
Company A, was raised to the grade of first Ueutenant, and
appointed regimental quartermaster ; and Sergeant William
Smith, of Company A, was made second lieutenant of that

1863] CHANCELLORSVILLE. 65
company; on the 3d, Captain John B. Tanner, of Company
H, resigned on account of disability, and First Lieutenant
Ezekiel C. Alexander became captain of the company ; on
the nth, Sergeant-Major Benjamin Y. Draper was made
second lieutenant of Company D, and Sergeant John W.
Barney, of Company F, was appointed sergeant-major ;
Second Lieutenant William Smith, Company A, was made
first lieutenant, and Sergeant G. T. Price, Company G, was
promoted to second lieutenant Company A.
CHANCELLORSVILLE.
The men were once more growing somewhat weary of
the monotonous round of duties incident to life in camp,
when, on the 27th of April, the order for another movement
was received. On the morning of the 28th we marched
about three miles up the Rappahannock, and were set to
work making roads and throwing up a small battery, the
latter, probably, to deceive the enemy as to our real inten
tions. Next day we moved on a few miles farther and again
encamped ; and on the 30th we took the road again, and
halted at United States Ford, where we remained till nearly
sunset. As the shadows were lengthening we once more
started forward, crossed the bridge, and then marched down
the river until midnight, when we were halted, massed in the
fields, and dropped upon the ground to sleep just where we
stopped. The battle opened early next morning. May ist, by a
desperate attack on the left of our army posted near the
Chancellor House, and towards noon we were ordered to
proceed in that direction. We had gone about a mile in

^(^ FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1863
the direction of Todd's Tavern when our orders were
countermanded, and we hurried back to our former posi
tion. The enemy had occupied in strong force the range
of hills we had started out to take. Having reached the
spot where we had spent the previous night, our little
brigade (the First Delaware and One Hundred and Thirty-
second Pennsylvania) was instructed to act in support of the
line in the wood on our front.
On the morning of the 2d a dropping fire, interspersed
now and then with a few volleys, was carried on during the
morning until about ten o'clock, at which time the enemy
made a vigorous attack on our centre, and was repulsed.
Late in the afternoon Stonewall Jackson's corps turned the
right flank of the Eleventh Corps and completely routed it.
Our brigade, leaving our knapsacks, overcoats, and blankets,
was hurried forward to check the retreat of the Eleventh
Corps. This we did by arresting their flight, forming them
into companies, and sending them to the rear. Having
accomplished this, we were countermarched in some haste
back to our old bivouac to uncover Ames' battery, which
was planted ready to welcome Jackson's men if they
should break through the Third Corps. The close prox
imity of the hostile lines, and the nervousness of the men
in the front of each, caused a rapid succession of volleys,
cannonades, and scattering shots throughout the whole
night, caUing the troops into line every hour, and seriously
interrupting our rest.
At daylight on the morning of the 3d the contest began
in grand earnest on our front, and soon extended all along
the line. About noon our little brigade was again ordered

1863] CHANCELLORSVILLE. Qn
to advance and " hold the enemy." That was our mission,
and we moved in without delay, drove the rebels to the
plank road, and, finding ourselves in advance of our line,
and connections broken on each flank, we fell back, when
the firing had ceased, to our former position. The enemy,
thinking our retrograde movement a retreat, made another
furious charge, this time enveloping our right flank, which
was held by the First Delaware. The cry at once arose,
" We are outflanked !" The situation was a critical one,
but was speedily rectified by the presence of mind of
Colonel Smyth, who commanded a change of front to
the rear on the tenth company. This order was executed
in fine style by the regiment, thus facing the foe, who were
quickly repulsed, and we were left in possession of the
wood. Our situation was rendered more hazardous at this
time by our own batteries opening on the wood we occu
pied, thinking, doubtless, that we were all captured. This
fire from our own guns determined Colonel Albright, who
commanded the brigade, to leave the wood and retire
to our original line. The men were cautioned to move
slowly to the rear, and when outside of the wood to reform
the line left in front. This was done, and our appearance
in the field, with our colors flying, caused a cessation of the
fire from our batteries. The line formed, the command
" About face !" was given, and at the words " Forward,
march!" we moved forward in ordinary quick time, and
with almost as much precision as if on review. This sudden
appearance and deliberate retreat so greatly amazed our
commanders, who were looking on, that a staff-officer was
sent galloping towards us to learn who we were, and

68 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1863
report in time to sweep us out of existence if we should
prove to be enemies carrying the national flag. " Who
commands these troops?" demanded the officer. "I do,"
replied Colonel Albright. " What troops are they ?" asked
the officer. " First Delaware and One Hundred and Thirty-
second Pennsylvania, Third Brigade, Third Division, Sec
ond Corps !" was the reply, and away sped the officer with
his report, which seemed to create some excitement and a
little merriment among the group of generals when he
reported to General Couch. " Why, general," said General
Couch to General French, " that is one of your brigades."
General Howard remarked to General French that we
made the laziest retreat he ever saw.
The part taken by the Second Corps and its subdivisions
in this battle has not been faithfully set forth in official
reports and in history generally, for the reason that the
corps was so scattered that the operations of its divisions
and brigades were merged in those of the larger bodies
they acted with. The First Division fought, most of the
time, away on the left; the Second Division remained at
Falmouth to support General Sedgwick. One regiment of
our brigade (the Fourth New York Volunteers) was de
tached as a hospital guard, and the other brigades of our
division were supporting the main line on our left-centre.
General French, who commanded our division, was ill part
of the time, and when General Hooker was disabled by the
shock occasioned by a shell striking a pillar of the Chan
cellor House piazza, against which he was leaning, the
command of the army fell to General Darius N. Couch
who was our corps commander. Thus it happened that

1863] CHANCELLORSVILLE. 69
the part taken by our brigade and regiment in this action
was not fully described in the official reports of any gen
eral or acting general officers excepting that made by
Colonel Albright, which will be given entire, following
those of Colonel Smyth and Lieutenant-Colonel Harris.
The following is the official report of Colonel Smyth :
OFFICIAL REPORTS OF CHANCELLORSVILLE.
Headquarters First Regiment, Delaware Volunteers, May 7, 1863.
Lieutenant W. P. Seville, A. A.A.G. Third Brigade, Third Division.
Sir, — I have the honor to report that, in obedience to General Orders, No.
37, from headquarters Third Division, Second Corps, the regiment under my
command marched from its camp near Falmouth at sunrise on the morning of
the 28th of April, having position in the centre of the Third Brigade. We
moved up the road toward Bank's Ford, near which place we halted at II
o'clock A.M., and bivouacked for the remainder of the day and night. At 2
p.m. on the following day the march was again resumed, and we halted for
the night about two and a half miles from United States Ford. On the
morning of the next day the march was resumed, and crossing the Rappa
hannock early in the evening at United States Ford, we moved up the road
to Chancellorsville, halting within a mile of that place about 11 p.m. On the
1st of May the regiment remained in column, under arms, without moving.
On the morning of the 2d the enemy began shelling our position, but without
effect. Late in the afternoon the regiment was formed in line of battle,
facing the right. About six o'clock in the evening, the Eleventh Army Corps
having given way on the right, the regiment was moved to the left of the
Chancellorsville road, four companies being thrown across the road to aid in
arresting the stragglers.
After the panic had somewhat abated, we received orders from Major Nor-
val to support Captain Frank's battery, posted in the open field to the right of
the headquarters of General French, one company, under the command of
Captain Smith, being thrown forward to the edge of the woods as a picket-
guard, where they remained during the night. On the morning, of the 3d we

70

FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1863

were moved, by an order from General French, a short distance to the left,
ready to advance to the support of the First Brigade, then moving to rein
force the Third Corps, heavily engaged with the enemy in front. While in
this position a temporary breastwork, formed of knapsacks, fence-rails, and
bags of earth, was erected as a protection against the fire of the enemy's
infantry. About 7 a.m. the Third Corps, being hard pressed in front, gave
way, and, in company with the One Hundred and Thirty-second Pennsyl
vania Volunteers, we advanced to the edge of the woods, when we encoun
tered the enemy in considerable force, and drove him for a distance of half a
mile. Then, the enemy having been reinforced, we halted, and held him in
check for about three hours, when the brigade on our right gave way, allow
ing the enemy to gain a position on our right flank and rear. Being thus
exposed to a galling fire from three directions, the regiment changed front to
the rear on the tenth company, in perfect order, and, assisted with the fire
from one of the batteries, repulsed the enemy, when, having received orders
to retreat, we fell back in good order, and took our position in the rear of the
First Brigade. The enemy having range of our position, opened upon us
with shell, upon which we retired, in obedience to orders, into the woods.
Having rested for about half an hour, we were ordered to the front to support
the First Brigade. ' Taking a position in the second line of battle, we re
mained there, frequently exposed to a hot fire of shell and musketry, until
three o'clock on the morning of the 6th, when we took up our line of march
for the river, marching left in front, and following the One Hundred and
Thirty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. Without halting, we crossed the
pontoon bridge at United States Ford, and reached our old camp about noon.
Our loss in the five days, during which time we were exposed to the fire of
the enemy, was six killed, thirty-three wounded, and ten missing. Among
the wounded is Major Woodall.
The conduct of the regiment, both officers and men, is worthy of all praise.
The men who fought so bravely at Antietam and Fredericksburg forgot not
their record, nor failed to add to it another page inscribed with glorious
deeds of patriotic valor. Where all acted so nobly it would, perhaps, be
invidious to merition any -one particularly, yet the coolness under fire
evinced by Lieutenant-Colonel Harris, Major Woodall, and Acting Adjutant
Tanner, and the bravery of Captains Smith, Yardley, Hizar, Sparks, and
Lieutenant Draper, as shown not only at the battle of Chancellorsville, but

1863] CHANCELLORSVILLE. »i
in previous engagements, entitle them to especial notice. Particularly would
I call the attention of the colonel commanding to the gallant conduct of
Captain Smith; always brave, at the battle of Chancellorsville his bravery
was more than usually conspicuous. By liis example he encouraged the
men, and by his coolness aided materially in repulsing the enemy upon our
flank. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Thomas A. Smyth,
Colonel Commanding First Regiment, Delaware Volunteers.
Immediately after the return to camp the command of
the brigade devolved upon Colonel Smyth, by the muster
out of service of the regiments commanded by Colonels
Albright and McGregor ; and an order having been issued
that regimental commanders should forward a list of the
names of non-commissioned officers and privates whose
behavior under fire was deserving of praise, the subjoined
report was rendered by Lieutenant-Colonel Harris :
Headquarters First Delaware Regiment, May 27, 1863.
Lieutenant William P. Seville, A.A.A.G.
Sir, — I have the honor to make the following report of enlisted men in
this command, according to General Order No. 53, paragraph one, as reported
by their commanding officers :
Corporal William Anderson and Private Joshua Green, of Company C. The
latter was wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville, both having been in all
the battles in which the regiment was engaged. They have always behaved
well, but more particularly in the battle of Chancellorsville, by volunteering
to go to the front and find the enemy's position, which they did successfully.
Sergeant William Birney, Corporal William Murphey, and Private George F.
Jones, of Company D, all behaved with the utmost coolness and bravery,
thereby showing a good example to their comrades and , the regiment in
general. These three behaved very well in all former engagements in which
the regiment was. Corporal Murphey was not in Fredericksburg. Sergeant

72

FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1863

Birney was wounded at Fredericksburg in the foot. Private Richard Cox, of
Company H, has behaved well in all the battles in which the regiment was
engaged. He deserves particular notice for his volunteering and accompany
ing Corporal Anderson and Private Green, of Company C, to the front.
First Sergeant David Challenger, Sergeants William D. Birch and Henry
G. Cavanaugh, Corporal Jacob H. Thompson, Privates Robert Wright,
Benjamin Derity, Andrew Wilkinson, and Gardner Sands, of Company I,
all deserve special notice for their bravery and coolness under fire. Sergeant
Challenger was in Antietam and Chancellorsville ; Sergeants Cavanaugh and
Birch were in all the battles in which the regiment was engaged. Corporal
Thompson was in Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Privates Wright,
Derity, and Wilkinson were through all engagements with the regiment.
Wright and Wilkinson were wounded at Fredericksburg; also Gardner
Sands was in all engagements. The above-named members of Company I
all did their duty, and showed great coolness and bravery, thereby encouraging
all near them to stand fast. They have behaved so in all engagements, and
all deserve special notice.
Corporal D. G. Smith, of Company D, deserves great credit for the example
he showed in all the engagements the regiment has been in ; was wounded at
Chancellorsville in the breast.
Sergeant Charles J. Steel, Corporals William C. Joseph and Robert F.
Burrows, and Private Peter W. Vincent, of Company E, all deserve special
notice for their daring, bravery, and coolness in the battles in which the
regiment has been engaged.
Corporals James H. Barbour, Isaac P. Nickson, and Charles B. Parry, and
Orderly Sergeant William H. Ferguson, of Company K, all deserve special
notice for the good example they showed to their company in the different
actions in which the regiment has been engaged.
First Sergeant Matthew Rodgers, Privates William B. Murry, James Simp
son, and Bernard Morris, of Company B, deserve special notice for their good
conduct in different engagements ; they have always been conspicuous ; also
Private Martin Daily, who went on the field and brought several wounded off
after the regiment had . been ordered off. Privates James Gamble, Joseph
Schaffner, and Jacob Schaffner deserve to be mentioned, for encouraging the
men to never run by their example, and while so doing were all killed.
Corporal Henry Roberts and Private Isaac Scott, of Company F, deserve

1863] CHANCELLORSVILLE. 73
great credit for their bravery at Antietam and Chancellorsville, both having
been wounded by so doing in each battle.
First Sergeant William Caywood, Sergeant William Warren, and Corporals
William Hanson and Adam Kinsler, of Company A, deserve great credit for
their daring bravery, thereby encouraging the men to remain fast and keep
.cool. They have been in all the engagements in which the regiment has.
Sergeant William K. McClurg, of Company H, should also be mentioned
for his good conduct; he was wounded at Chancellorsville while encouraging
his men to do their duty.
Corporal Samuel L. McElwee, of Company K, deserves great credit for his
Jieroism in all the engagements he was in ; he was one of the bravest men of
\his command, and was killed at Chancellorsville.
I remain, very respectfully,
1 Your obedient servant,
' E. P. Harris,
Lieutenant- Colonel Commanding Regiment.
\ In order to preserve as full an official account of this
action in which the First Delaware rendered such valuable
service and won merited distinction, the report of Colonel
Chalrles Albright, who commanded the brigade, is added :
Headquarters Third Brigade, Third Division, May 7, 1863.
Major J. M. Norvell,
Assistant Adjutant-General Third Division, Second Corps.
Major, — I have the honor to make the following official report of the part
taken by this brigade in the series of actions which occurred in the vicinity
of Chancellorsville from the 1st to the 6th of May, 1863, inclusive.
On the evening of April 27th an order was received to be in readiness to
march at an early hour the next day. Everything was prepared and the wagons
packed before daylight. On the evening of the 28th an order was received
from Major-General French commanding the division to march to the Fal
mouth road, which was executed. The brigade remained bivouacked on an
opening in the wood, about four and a half miles from Falmouth, until 2 P.M.
on the 29th, when the march was resumed, and the troops halted for the

74

FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1863

night near Bank's Ford. On the morning of the 30th, at nine o'clock, we
took up the line of march for United States Ford, where the brigade crossed
at 7 P.M., and continued the march to near Chancellorsville, where it arrived
at twelve, midnight.
On the morning of May 1st an order was received from General French for
the brigade to fall in under arms. The Fourth Regiment, New York Voluur
tears, was here assigned to special duty as a guard to the corps hospital
located at this spot. The brigade, which then comprised the First Regiment,
Delaware Volunteers, and the One Hundred and Thirty-second Regiment,
Pennsylvania Volunteers, was marched half a mile on the road to Chancel
lorsville and halted. An order was received through Lieutenant Russell,
A.D.C, to fall in, and when the column started to follow, keeping the right-
hand side of the road. When the brigade started, an order was given by
Li'eutenant Burt, A.D.C. to General Couch, not to move until a battery was
brought in front. About 11 a.m. an order came through Lieutenant RusssU,
A.D.C, to move forward, which we did, keeping on the plank road to Chan
cellorsville. Having passed the cross-road about two hundred yards, an
order arrived to return in double-quick time and retire to our former camp at
the hospital. On the evening of the 1st we were under arms during several
attacks upon our lines. During the attack on our centre, on Saturday even
ing. May 2d, the brigade was formed near and facing the wood. Directions
were received through Lieutenant Torbert, A.D.C, to move more to the right
and rear, and subsequently to move far enough to the rear to unmask Ames'
battery. Finally it was again moved, by Major Norvell, A.A.G., across the
road, and I was directed to support Colonel Carroll. The brigade here inter
cepted all stragglers, and sent them to rejoin their respective corps. Colonel
John D. MacGregor, Fourth New York Volunteers, who had so ably com
manded the brigade, was compelled to retire early in the afternoon, being too
ill to perform duty, and the command devolved upon me. Vigorous assaults
were made by the enemy on our centre at 10.20 p.m., 11.35 p.m., and 1.15
A.M. At every attack the brigade was promptly under arms. At 5.25 A.M.
on the 3d the brigade was under arms, another attack having been made on
the centre. The brigade was moved by an order through Major Norvell,
A.A.G., to the edge of the wood. I reached the skirt of the wood and gave
the order to commence firing, as the enemy had charged, and were then in
sight. The brigade delivered a well-sustained fire, and I then gave the order

1 863] CHANCELLORSVILLE. 75
to advance. The brigade moved rapidly in good order, driving the enemy
before them in great confusion, and cheered most lustily. My men captured
a good number of prisoners, whom I sent to the rear by themselves, so as not
to lessen my effective force. I kept my men well together, presenting a close
line. The men were quite cool, and obeyed every order with enthusiasm and
alacrity. In advancing through the wood I tried to keep up communication
with the First Brigade, commanded by Colonel Carroll, and General Tyler's
brigade, on my right, and threw out a number of skirmishers to feel the
ground in my immediate front, to prevent any surprise. A number of the
enemy were found concealed behind bushes, and, in some instances, fired from
trees ; placed there, doubtless, to pick off our officers. I continued to advance
cautiously in this manner, driving the enemy before me, until I found my
communications broken on both my right and left. I then deemed it prudent
to retire until I could make a union with the other lines. I accordingly fell
back about one hundred yards and took position. A furious charge was
then made on our line, and I directed the men to hold their fire until the
enemy came in sight, and then to let every shot tell. The brigade received
this assault and checked the enemy. While the men of my command were
repelling this attack the batteries in our rear were throwing shells, which ex
ploded directly over my line. As the enemy were repulsed, and no troops
could be seen on either my right or left, I gave the word to retire, fearing
that my command might be outflanked, which, indeed, came very near oc
curring. The enemy appeared on the right of my command, but they were
prevented from turning our rear by the timely precaution of Colonel Smyth,
of the First Delaware, who changed front to the rear on his tenth company.
I was careful that this was done without confusion, and, crossing the plain
between the wood and hospital, again occupied the line formerly held by
my command where the men's knapsacks were left. The brigade was no
sooner on this line than I was directed by an officer to move my command
by the right flank at double-quick to unmask the batteries, as they were
about to open. I marched the command across the road, and took position as
directed by General French, through Major Norvell, A.A.G., with orders to
construct rifle-pits. Before this could be commenced, however, the enemy's
batteries opened upon us with shell, wounding Major Dahiel Woodall, First
Delaware, and a few men. I received an order then to march my com
mand into the wood on my right, where it was assigned a position to sup-

^6 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1863
port Colonel Carroll, commanding the First Brigade. I at once had the
roll called and casualties ascertained. I received an order to fill up to the
usual amount of ammunition, and sent details to draw the required ammu
nition. On the evening of the 4th an attack was made upon our line, and
our position in the wood shelled. I had the command immediately under
arms, and the men sustained the fire with great fortitude. Captain Hall, One
Hundred and Thirty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, and three men of my
command were wounded by this fire. On the morning of the 5th the enemy
made another attack on our front of the line. As the command was ex
posed to a fire of musketry without the satisfaction of returning it, I directed
the men to collect the scattered logs and lay them in front, and, after the
action was over, had it turned into a breastwork. At 8 P.M. on the 5th I
received an order to prepare the brigade to march at 10 P.M., without noise.
At the appointed time my command was in line and ready to move. At 3
A.M. on the 6th the command marched to the United States Ford and re-
crossed the bridge, and 7 o'clock p.m. found the brigade on its old camp
ground, rectifying the confusion occasioned by the week's active service.
The losses of the brigade were as follows : First Regiment, Delaware
Volunteers, five men killed, one commissioned officer and thirty-nine men
wounded, and eleven men missing; total, fifty-six. One Hundred and Thirty-
second Pennsylvania Volunteers, two commissioned officers wounded, two
men killed, thirty-hine wounded, and one man missing; total, forty-three;
aggregate, ninety-nine.
The conduct of both the First Delaware and One Hundred and Thirty-
second Pennsylvania Regiments was splendid, and too much credit cannot
be bestowed upon the officers and men for their gallant conduct displayed in
this action. I cannot close this report without thanking Lieutenant William
P. Seville, Assistant Adjutant-General; Captain H. F. Chew, Acting Assistant
Inspector-General; and Lieutenant D. R. Mellick, Aide-de-Camp, for their
very efficient and able services. I wish, particularly, to call your attention to
Lieutenant Seville ; he is an excellent officer, brave and cool in danger, and
I earnestly recommend him for promotion. I am, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Charles Albright,
Colonel One Hundred and Thirty-second Pa. Vols., Commanding Brigade.

l863] THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. yy
The muster-out rolls show that the number of men killed
at Chancellorsville was nine; four more than Colonel Al
bright reports, and three more than the number stated
by Colonel Smyth. The following are their names : Cor
poral Samuel L. McElwee, Company K; Privates James
Gamble and Joseph Schaffner, Company B ; George H.
Howard, John Poore, and Erasmuth Wolfe, Company D ;
William D. Vaughan, Company E; Richard W. Fisher,
Company G ; and John Dougherty, Company H.
Having once more reoccupied our old camp and quarters,
the work of reorganization and invigoration was recom
menced that the army might be ready for the field at the
earliest day possible, as the season for activity was then at
hand, and the enemy was so little crippled by the late contest
that aggressive measures on his part were expected within
the month of May.
On the 7th of May the Third Brigade was broken up
by the discharge of the Fourth New York and One Hun
dred and Thirty-second Pennsylvania Regiments, and the
First Delaware was assigned to the Second Brigade, of
which Colonel Smyth became the commander.
Dr. Frederick J. Owens was appointed assistant surgeon
May 8th ; Second Lieutenant David Gemmill, of Company
E, was dismissed on the 15th of May, and on the 20th,
First Lieutenant Henry Curry, of Company B, resigned.
THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG.
About the middle of June a startling rumor became
current throughout the army that General Lee had marched
a few days previously up the valley, and that Washington

78 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1863
was his objective-point. We surmised that our camp
duties and amusements would suddenly be interrupted, and
so it proved, for on the 13th the order for marching was
received, and at the same time we heard that the rebels
had not secured much of a lead, for a portion of our army
had started after them on the 12th, and that the Second
Corps was designated as the rear-guard.
The command spent all next day wandering aimlessly
•about the devastated camp, fully equipped for marching
at a moment's warning. At 9 p.m. our share in the great
movement began, and the troops filed out on the road and
turned their faces northward. Several long halts in the first
five miles of the route gave an opportunity to a detachment
of the regiment which had been on picket the night before
to overtake the command. Sunrise found us at Stafford
Court-House, the enemy close at hand and apparently in
a pugnacious mood. An advantageous position was chosen
and line of battle formed, but, as the enemy did not seem
disposed to attack, the line of march was resumed. On
the i6th the corps was halted at Dumfries to replenish
the haversacks, after which the route was taken, and the
command went into bivouac at night on the Occoquan
Creek. This march proved very exhausting, owing to the
intense heat, the long-continued drouth, and the suffocating
dust. The energies of the men gave way before noon
each day under this accumulation of evils, and the army
of stragglers brought into camp every night by the provost-
guard seemed larger than the part that limped in, with the
colors and heard the most cheerful of all the commands
laid down in the tactics : " Break ranks, march 1" We

1863] THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG.

79

passed through Fairfax Station, Centreville, over the battle
field of Bull Run, and went into camp at Gainesville, where
we lay four days to recruit strength and repair damages.
Then the route was resumed, and the command marched
through Sudley Springs and Gum Springs, and arrived at
Edwards' Ferry on the Potomac on the 26th of June. After
crossing, the line of march laj' through Poolesville, Barnes-
ville, Urbana, and Frederick City. At this point. General
Hooker was relieved from the command of the army and
General George G. Meade became our chief On Monday,
the 29th, the column took to the road at 8 a.m., and
passed through Mount Pleasant, Liberty, Johnstown, Union
Bridge, Middletown, and finally halted late at night at
Uniontown, having marched thirty-two miles. Long before
night fell most of the troops were fagged out and kept
moving only under great suffering. They were informed
that it was regarded as of the utmost importance that the
command should reach Uniontown that night, and the men
endured their hardships with commendable fortitude. At
one time, near the close of this memorable march, the
column was halted for a brief rest, and as a general and his
staff passed by, one ofthe men called out, "Oh, don't stop!
Get fresh horses and let's go ahead. We are not tired."
This was greeted by laughter loud and long, in which the
general joined. After this, whenever the column halted,
many voices would shout, " Why don't you get fresh
horses ?" But the long march came to an end, and when
the command " Break ranks !" was heard, the worn-out
men dropped down where they halted, wholly indifferent to
the usual refreshment (a cup of hot coffee), and slept till

8o FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. _ [1863
morning. This was not generally the case with the Dela
ware men. It was remarked, with much surprise, that
while nearly aU the men were asleep the First Delaware
men were scouting after wood and provisions, and that
lusty camp-fires were blazing among them until after mid
night. The regiment was also complimented at the close
of this march for their hardiness and power of endurance,
because, among the immense force of stragglers gathered
up that day, very few were members of the First Delaware.
The command remained in bivouac all day on the 30th,
and marched at 7 a.m. on the ist of July about six miles, to
Taneytown, where a halt was made until near noon, at
which time an aide brought orders to hasten forward, as
General Reynolds was killed and the battle was going
adversely. We halted for the night about two miles from
Gettysburg, and during the latter part of the march the
sound of cannonading had been heard until nightfall.
At daylight next morning the command was moved into
line of battle on the left of Cemetery Hill, overlooking the
town of Gettysburg, and a line of skirmishers was deployed.
The regiment was on the skirmish-line all day, but in the
evening it was placed in position behind a low stone wall at
the edge of an apple-orchard, and about three hundred yards
west of General Meade's headquarters. The line fronted
northwest, and faced the Emmittsburg road. In the after
noon our skirmishers were driven in by a strong line of the
enemy, and while retiring. Captain Martin W. B. EUegood,
of Company E, fell mortally wounded. A sanguinary
struggle then ensued in the peach-orchard on our left,
which resulted in our favor, and at night a vigorous attack

1863] . THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 8 1
was made by the enemy upon the Twelfth Corps, posted
on Gulp's Hill, at our right.
On the morning of the 3d a dropping fire of skirmishers
began at daylight, and continued, with an occasional shot
from a battery, until ten o'clock, when all firing ceased, and
an ominous quiet fell upon both armies. This silence was
suddenly broken at half-past one o'clock by the report
of a gun from the neighborhood of the seminary building,
followed immediately by a simultaneous discharge from
many batteries planted north, east, and west of our position.
This fearful cannonade, and the charge that followed it, is
called, and will always be known in history as the " high-
water mark of the Rebellion." For three hours the enemy
kept up an incessant fire of shot and shell on the centre,
held by the Second Army Corps. About half-past four
o'clock the fire of the batteries ceased, and the enemy's
infantry marched across the plain and charged our line.
We were cautioned to hold our fire until the rebels began
to climb the fence along the Emmittsburg road. When this
obstacle was reached their ranks were thrown into some
confusion, when, at the word " Fire !" shouted by General
Hays, commanding the division, such an appaljing sheet
of flame burst from our line that the rebel ranks melted
away like wax, and none of them reached a point in our
front nearer than fifty yards, though they succeeded in
penetrating the line a few hundred yards on our left, near
Little Round Top. The dreadful execution in our front
was owing to the fact that the men of the First Delaware,
Fourteenth Connecticut, and Twelfth New Jersey had col
lected all the spare guns, had prepared a large supply of

82 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. . [1863
cartridges, and laid them in rows beside them, and the men
in the rear rank loaded the muskets as fast as those in front
could fire them, and to the further fact that the Twelfth
New Jersey Regiment was armed with smooth-bore Spring-
fields, carrying buck and ball.
During this charge Colonel Smyth, commanding the
brigade, was slightly wounded in the face by a piece of
shell while restoring order in the ranks of a New York
regiment which had given way on the right of their line.
He went to the hospital after the firing had ceased, to
have his wound dressed, and Lieutenant-Colonel F. E.
Pierce, One Hundred and Eighth New York Volunteers,
took command, and was in turn relieved by Colonel Dwight
Morris, of the Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteers.
When the regiment entered the engagement at Gettys
burg, it was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Harris ;
but before the battle ended it was commanded by a first
lieutenant. Colonel Smyth was commanding the brigade,
the lieutenant-colonel was placed in arrest for withdrawing
from the skirmish-line with part of the regiment. Major
Woodall was absent, wounded, and all the captains were
absent, sick or wounded. Captain Hizar was wounded,
and Captain EUegood was killed, in the skirmish on the
second day. First Lieutenant William Smith, of Com
pany A, was in command of the regiment when he was
killed by a cannon-shot during the charge on the 3d while
carrying to brigade headquarters a rebel flag he had taken.
This flag was stolen by a man of another regiment from
the dead body of Lieutenant Smith after he fell, and was
not included in the number of colors reported as cap-

1 863] THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 83
tured by the regiment. The command then devolved
upon Lieutenant John T. Dent, of Company G.
When the rebel charge was broken and their ranks fell
into disorder, the First Delaware sprang over the stone
wall en masse and charged with the bayonet upon the rebel
fugitives, headed by Color-Sergeant John M. Dunn with
the national flag. A hand-to-haiid conflict ensued, in which
numberless instances of gallantry occurred, and hundreds
of prisoners were sent to the rear.
It is simply impossible to conceive of a degree of bravery
or efficiency on the part of soldiers more exalted than that
shown by the entire brigade in meeting and overthrowing
this most desperate assault of the enemy, whb manifested a
courage and skill no less admirable. Not a straggler nor a
skulker could be seen ; every man was in the ranks, and,
when the masses of the enemy had crossed the fence on
the Emmittsburg road, although ordered to crouch close
behind the low stone wall, most of the men stood up
right, as unsheltered as the enemy, and fired with regularity
and deadly precision.
The enemy's skirmishers occupied a house and barn near
the skirmish-line, about four hundred yards in front of our
position, and on the second day, the fire from these build
ings becoming quite annoying. General Hays directed
Colonel Smyth to send a force and drive them out, which
was done, and nearly a hundred rebels captured ; but later
in the day the enemy returned, announcing the fact by a
destructive fusilade from their shelter. General Hays
then ordered that the buildings should be retaken and
held, and for this duty the First Delaware and four com-

84 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1863
panics ofthe Twelfth New Jersey Volunteers were selected.
Under a steady fire of sharpshooters they charged on the
run, and captured another detachment of the enemy. The
four companies of the Twelfth New Jersey Volunteers,
under the command of Captain Richard Thompson, were
left- to hold the house, but were forced to retire on the
approach of a strong body of the enemy, who again took
possession of the stronghold. The Fourteenth Connecticut
Volunteers was now ordered to dislodge the enemy and
keep them out, which service they bravely executed.
While this detachment was charging on the buildings,
and the fire from the enemy's line was exceedingly hot.
General Hays called for a volunteer to carry an order to
the commanding officer to burn the house and out-build
ings. Captain J. Parke Postles, of the First Delaware,
acting assistant inspector-general of the brigade, sprang on
his horse, saying, " I will go, general !" and, bending for
ward, he rode in the face of that storm of lead, delivered
the order, and, to the astonishment of all, returned unhurt.
There was little firing on the morning of the 4th, and
plain indications were observed that the enemy was retreat
ing. Our cavalry went in pursuit of them, while we spent
the day in making field reports and inspections, burying
the dead, bringing in the wounded, and collecting prisoners
and arms.
The following is the report of Colonel Smyth of the part
taken in the battle by the brigade :

1863] THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 85
Headquarters Second Brigade, Third Division, Second Army Corps,
July 17, 1863.
Captain G. P. Corts, A.A.G.
Captain, — I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken
in the action at Gettysburg, Pa., by this brigade from the 1st to the 4th of
July, 1863.
Being in camp at Uniontown, Md., on the morning of July i, 1863, I
received an order to march at 6.30 a.m. Marched to Taneytown and halted
until 12 m., when the command resumed the march towards Gettysburg, and
encamped about three miles from the town. At 4 A.M. on the 2d the brigade
was placed in position on the hill overlooking the town, my command being
placed on the left of the First Brigade. This position we occupied until the
termination of the action on the night of the 3d. Skirmishing commenced
briskly along our front at 8 a.m. The First Delaware Volunteers was sent
out as skirmishers, and the One Hundred and Eighth New York Volunteers
was assigned to the support of Woodruff's Battery. At 2 P.M.. the enemy
opened upon us with a severe fire of artillery, accompanied by an advance of
infantry, which drove in our skirmishers. They were, however, immediately
replaced, and the enemy's skirmishers retired to their original position, ex
cept that a force of them retained possession of a large barn about four hun
dred yards in front of our line. Four companies of the Twelfth New Jersey
Volunteers were sent to retake the barn and to dislodge the enemy's sharp
shooters, which they succeeded in doing, capturing ninety-two prisoners,
including seven commissioned officers. The enemy advanced, in turn, and
reoccupied the barn. The First Delaware Volunteers and four more com
panies of the Twelfth New Jersey Volunteers, under the command of Captain
Thompson, Twelfth New Jersey, were subsequently sent to again take posses
sion of the barn, which they did, having taken ten prisoners, one of whom
was a major. Observing that the enemy was moving in force along a raving
towards the barn. Captain Thompson thought proper to retire. Firing ceased
about 9 P.M., the remainder of the night being quiet. Artillery-firing from
both sides began at 4 A.M. on the morning of the 3d, the heaviest firing being
on our right. Skirmishing with artillery and infantry continued all along the
line until 10.30 A.M., when a lull ensued which lasted up to 2_P.M. The
barn and house near it being reoccupied by the enemy's sharpshooters, an
order was received from General Hays, commanding the division, to take

86 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1863
the house and barn at all hazards, and hold it. The Fourteenth Connecticut
Volunteers was detailed on this service, which it gallantly performed. Soon
after an order came from General Hays to burn the house and barn, and
they were accordingly fired. At 2 P.M. a most terrific cannonading was
opened upon our front by the simultaneous discharge of a whole battery.
This fire from an extended line of the enemy's batteries concentrated on the
small space occupied by our troops, and continued without intermission until
nearly 5 P.M. The officers and men behaved with the greatest coolness, and
endured this terrible fire with much fortitude. As the fire frora the enemy's
batteries slackened their infantry moved upon our position, their line pre
ceded by skirmishers. My men were directed to reserve their fire until the
foe was within fifty yards, when, so effective and incessant was the fire deliv
ered from my line, that the advancing enemy was staggered, thrown into con
fusion, and finally fled from the field, throwing away their arms in their flight.
Many threw themselves on the ground to escape our destructive fire, and
raised their hands in token of surrender. The number of prisoners captured
by this brigade is estimated at from twelve to fifteen hundred, and the num
ber of small-arms collected by them is estimated at two thousand. This com
mand captured nine battle-flags, as follows, viz. : the Fourteenth Connecticut
Volunteers, four; First Delaware Volunteers, three; and the Twelfth New
Jersey Volunteers, two. The One Hundred and Eighth New York Volun
teers rendered very efficient service while supporting Woodruff's Battery, and
lost heavily, the casualties being one-half of the regiment in action. The
men assisted in manoeuvring the guns when so many of the horses were
killed that the guns, limbers, and caissons could with difficulty be moved.
During the cannonading, having received a wound, I was obliged to quit
the field, and surrendered the command to Lieutenant-Colonel F. E. Pierce,
f
One Hundred and Eighth New York Volunteers.
The casualties in my command were as follows, viz. : On the brigade staff,
two commissioned officers wounded. First Regiment, Delaware Volunteers,
two commissioned officers killed, two wounded, and one missing ; seven en
listed men killed, forty-one wounded, and ten missing. One Hundred and
Eighth New York Volunteers, three commissioned officers killed and ten
wounded, and thirteen enlisted men killed and seventy-six wounded. Four
teenth Connecticut Volunteers, ten commissioned officers wounded, and ten
enlisted men killed, forty-two wounded, and four missing. Twelfth New

1863] THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 87
Jersey Volunteers, two commissioned officers killed, four wounded, and
twenty-one enlisted men killed, seventy-five wounded, and eleven missing.
Battalion, Tenth New York Volunteers, two enlisted men killed and four
wounded. Total, seven officers killed, twenty-eight wounded, and one
missing; fifty-three enlisted men killed, two hundred and thirty-eight
wounded, and twenty-five missing. Aggregate, three hundred and fifty-two.
I desire to call the attention of the general commanding to the bravery,
self-possession, and energy of Lieutenant-Colonel Francis E. Pierce, com
manding the One Hundred and Eighth New York Volunteers, who through
out the heaviest of the fire showed the greatest unconcern, passing along his
line and encouraging his men. Major John T. Hill, commanding the Twelfth
New Jersey Volunteers, who directed his men to retain their fire during the
charge of the enemy until they were within twenty yards, when at his com
mand so tremendous a fire of buck and ball was poured into their ranks as to
render it impossible that one of them could reach the breastwork. Major
Theodore G. Ellis, commanding the Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteers, who
led the last attack on the house and barn occupied by the enemy's sharp
shooters in a very spirited manner, completely routing them. Lieutenant
William Smith, who commanded the First Delaware Volunteers during the
attack upon our front. He was a brave and efficient officer, and was
instantly killed, with one of the enemy's captured flags in his hand.
I would also particularly mention the able and efficient services of the
gentlemen composing my staff: Lieutenant William P. Seville, Acting Assist
ant Adjutant-General; Captain James Parke Postles, Acting Assistant In
spector-General; Lieutenant Charles S. Schaeffer, Aide-de-Camp, who was
wounded; and Lieutenant Theron E. Parsons, Aide-de-Camp. These offi
cers are deserving of much credit for their conduct during the whole action.
Lieutenant W. P. Seville and Captain J. P. Postles I wish especially to
recommend to your notice as really meritorious officers.
I am, sir, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
Thomas A. Smyth,
Colonel First Delaware Volunteers, Commanding Brigade.
Owing to the fact that the officers in command of the
regiment at Gettysburg were so frequently changed by the

88 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1863
casualties of the action, no official report from the regiment
was made before its discharge from the service ; but when
Colonel Batchelder was appointed by the War Department
to prepare an official history of this celebrated battle, he
called on Lieutenant (then Major) Dent for a report, and
the following was submitted, viz. :  , 1863.
Sir, — I have the honor to submit the following as the report of the part
taken by the First Regiment, Delaware Infantrj', at the battle of Gettysburg :
On the evening of July ist the regiment, under command of Lieutenant-
Colonel E. P. Harris, bivouacked to the right of the Taneytown road, within
three miles of Gettysburg.
Early on the morning of July 2d the line of march was resumed. We
arrived on the field about 4 A.M., when we were massed in column behind
Woodruff's Battery, in which position we lay for about an hour. We then
moved a short distance to the left, when wg were deployed as skirmishers,
some five hundred yards in front of the main line, where we remained
actively engaged during the entire day.
About 4 P.M., the ammunition of the men being exhausted, Lieutenant-
Colonel Harris withdrew the right wing of the regiment from the skirmish-
line, for which he was placed under arrest by General Hancock. The com
mand then devolved on Captain Thomas B. Hizar, of Company I. We were
then assigned position in the line of battle behind a fallen stone wall, to the
left of Woodruff's and right of Arnold's batteries. About dark the left
wing of the regiment was driven in off the skirmish-line. Captain Hizar,
commanding the regiment, was about this time wounded. He remained in
command until 1 1 P.M., when he retired. The command then devolved on
Lieutenant William Smith, Company A.
During the day the regiment lost in commissioned officers one killed (Cap
tain M. W. B. EUegood), three wounded, and one taken prisoner; four
enlisted men killed, thirteen wounded, and ten prisoners.
During the night of the 2d and the day of the 3d the regiment remained
in the same position, and it was there it received the united attack of Pickett's
and Pender's columns. These columns overlapped in our immediate front
and made the pressure on our line very heavy, the Pickett column moving

1863] THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 89
on us in an oblique direction from the left, the Pender column moving on us
in an oblique direction from the right, both columns converging in our
• immediate front.
The regiment, however, with iron will, stubbornly maintained its position
and repulsed the combined attack. As soon as the charge of the enemy was
broken the regiment sprang over the wall aitd gave them a countercharge,
capturing many prisoners and five battle-flags. It was in this charge that
Lieutenant William Smith, commanding the regiment, fell, and when picked
up, his sword was found in one hand and a captured rebel flag in the other.
The command then devolved upon John T. Dent, the first lieutenant of
Company G. Late in the afternoon of the third day the regiment was
ordered to charge on the ruins of the burnt barn in our front, and dislodged
a small body of the enemy who were occupying the same, and annoying our
relief-parties engaged in bringing in and relieving the wounded. This
object accomplished, the command returned to the main line, where they
remained during the night.
On the morning of the 4th Lieutenant-Colonel Harris was restored to the
command. Special mention should be made of Captain M. W. B. EUegood,
Company E, who fell on the skirmish-line, and Lieutenant William Smith,
who commanded the regiment during the charge, and fell mortally wounded
with a captured flag in his hand, and of First Lieutenant Andrew Wall, who,
though not on duty, by his coolness and presence gave encouragement to the
men. Also of Color-Sergeant John M. Dunn, who, colors in hand, led the
regiment across the stone wall in its countercharge ; and of Color-Sergeant
Thomas Seymour, who was cut in two by a shell ; and Privates William Wil
liams, of Company A ; B. McCarren, of Company C ; and J. B. Mayberry,
of Company F, who each captured flags.
During the two days' fight the regiment lost, commissioned officers, two
killed, four wounded, and one taken prisoner; enlisted men, ten killed,
forty-one wounded, and ten taken prisoners; total, twelve killed, forty-five
wounded, and eleven prisoners.
The enemy's losses in our front were very severe. The ground was
literally black with killed and wounded. Your obedient servant,
John T. Dent,
Late Major First Delaware Volunteer Infantry, and Lieutenant Company
G, Commanding Regiment at battle of Gettysburg.

OQ FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1863
The official report of Colonel Smyth gives the number
of enlisted men killed at Gettysburg as seven, but the
muster-out rolls show ten killed, and that three others
died of wounds shortly after the action, as follows : Cor
poral Adam Huhn and'Private William Williams, of Com
pany A; Sergeant Thomas Seymour and Private James
Simpson, of Company B ; Private James Dougherty, of
Company C ; Privates William D. Dorsey and John Shulty,
of Company D ; Private Thomas P. Carey, of Company
E ; Corporal John Stein, of Company H ; and Private John
S. Black, of Company K. Those who died afterwards
from the effects of wounds were Sergeants Benjamin B.
Sempler and David M. Sempler, of Company E, and Ser
geant Wellington G. Lloyd, of Company G.
THE PURSUIT TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK.
Our corps did not start in pursuit of the flying foe until
four o'clock on the sth, and then it marched but a short
distance, to Two Taverns, where it encamped. Learning
that the heavy rains that followed the battle had so swollen
the Potomac that the rebel pontoon bridge had been swept
away and that the river was too hjgh to ford, the ardor of
the pursuit was abated in some degree; at all events, the
Second Corps remained in camp all day on the 6th. The
command marched at 5 a.m. on the 7th, and halted at
Taneytown for a fresh supply of rations. Next day the
route was again taken, and in that ' and the two days
following we passed through Frederick, Bruceville, Jeffer
son, Burketsville, Rohrersville, and Keedysville, and en
camped about three miles from the field of Antietam, where

i863] THE PURSUIT TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK. gj
as an attack from the enemy was apprehended, we took up
a defensive position. On the nth our route lay through
Tilghmanton to Jones' Creek, where we again made prepa
rations to receive an attack. During the afternoon heavy
skirmishing occurred on our left, and after dark the com
mand moved a mile farther to the front, and took position
in line of battle at two o'clock on the morning of the 1 2th.
Then followed what seemed to be undecided movements,
marching to and fro in the drenching rain until night, when
we began vigorously to work at throwing up intrench
ments, at which labor the entire night was spent, only to
abandon them in the morning and move nearer to the
enemy's lines, where our brigade was held in reserve
throughout the 13th.
About ten o'clock at night an order was received directing
a general charge on the rebel works at daylight in the
morning, in which no other weapon was to be used than
the bayonet ; the men being required to take out of their
cartridge-boxes all the ammunition and turn it in. This
order was countermanded just before daylight, in all re
spects excepting that in regard to marching. The troops
moved forward in line of battle, passed through the deserted
earth-works of the confederates and continued to Falling
Waters, where we went into camp, possessed of the unques
tionable fact that the rebel army had just completed a
successful crossing of the river, with the comparatively
trifling loss of about two thousand prisoners.
The army marched early on the morning of the iSth,
passed through Downsville, Fairplay, Bakersville, Sharps
burg, Harper's Ferry, Sandy Hook, and encamped near

92

FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1863

Maryland Heights, where the 17th was spent in drawing
supplies and making out returns and muster-rolls. The
Potomac was again crossed on the i8th, and the column
halted for the night at Hillsboro'. Thus the army followed
Lee, passing through Woodbury, Bloomfield, UppervUle,
Ashby's Gap, and reaching Manassas Gap on the 23d.
While marching up and down these mountain roads on
the 23d and 24th, endeavoring to get a chance to catch the
enemy in flank through one of the gaps, the suffering of
the men can scarcely be depicted. During these two days
the First Delaware marched altogether as skirmishers or
flankers. The roads were rough and rocky, the streams to
be forded were numerous, much of the ground passed over
was wet and boggy, the rations were exhausted, and every
body was out of humor and hungry. At this time an
order was published cautioning the troops to economize
their rations, which produced no little grumbling and pro
fanity, since they had no rations to be economical with.
In the evening a facetious member of the First came to the
colonel and asked permission for himself and five comrades
to make a short circuit in the neighborhood for the purpose
of economizing their rations.
The line of march was continued through Springfield,
Rectortown, White Plains, and the column arrived at War
renton Junction on the 26th, where a halt of several days
was made to issue rations and send details north for con
scripts. On the 27th of July an order was received to consolidate
the regiment into a battalion of five companies, and to
muster out the colonel, major, five captains, and ten lieu-

l863] THE PURSUIT TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK. 03
tenants, together with all surplus non-commissioned officers
and musicians ; but when it was shown to the commander-in-
chief by the division and corps commanders what injustice
this would be to several excellent and valuable officers, and
that they would rather have the regiment filled up than re
duced, the order was temporarily countermanded. At this
time Colonel Smyth was recommended very warmly for pro
motion to the rank of brigadier-general of volunteers, and
Adjutant Seville for appointment as captain and assistant
adjutant-general. Major Woodall was assigned to com
mand the Thirty-ninth New York Volunteers (which was
attached to the Third Brigade) on the 30th of July, but
returned to the regiment a few weeks afterwards.
August 1st the division marched through Morrisville to
Elktown, and the Third Brigade kept on to Bristersburg, and
there encamped, furnishing a picket-line from that town to
Cedar Run. It became evident that a prolonged stay was
intended at this place, for orders were given to permit the
troops to make themselves as comfortable as possible, and
a detail of three officers and six men was sent to Smyrna,
Del., for drafted men to fill the depleted ranks of the regi
ment. The brigade remained in camp here until September
1 2th, when marching orders were received, and the com
mand proceeded through Rappahannock Station, Culpeper
Court-House, and on to Cedar Mountain; and on the
i8th, to the Rapidan River, where once more our picket-
line confronted that of the enemy posted on the other side.
Here the brigade was encamped, keeping watch of the
enemy until the 4th of October. But few changes had
taken place among the officers of the regiment since July.

Q4 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1863
Second Lieutenant George T. Price, of Company A, was
advanced to first lieutenant on July 3d; on the i8th of July
First Lieutenant Andrew Walls was discharged, and on the
31st, Captain Allen Shortledge, of Company G, was trans
ferred to the Invalid Corps, and First Lieutenant John T.
Dent was promoted to captain. Second Lieutenant Benja
min Y. Draper, of Company D, was transferred to Com
pany H, as first lieutenant, August 8th, and September
13th, First Lieutenant Charles B. Tanner resigned. On the
2ist, Adjutant William P. Seville was promoted to captain
of Company E, and First Lieutenant Charles S. Schaeffer, of
Company I, was appointed adjutant. Second Lieutenant
John Hart, of Company F, was dismissed on the 22d, Sec
ond Lieutenant James D. Simpson, of Company D, was
advanced to first lieutenant on the 23d, and Sergeant
Matthew W. MaCklem, of Company B, was promoted to
second lieutenant, and again, on the 28th, to first lieutenant.
The brigade broke camp at 7 a.m. on the 4th of October,
and marched beyond Culpeper, and on the loth orders for
marching were received, accompanied by signs of either an
extended march or a battle. It was soon known that the
rebels had set out again, bent on northern invasion, and
were endeavoring to gain as much distance in advance of
us as they had in June; but on this occasion they failed, for
their advance had not taken the route more than six hours
before our army was in pursuit, and the entire movement
became a foot-race for possession of the strong battle
heights along Bull Run, and, as usual, the Second Corps
had the post of honor as rear-guard of the army.
The command started on the loth, and marched but a

1863] THE BATTLE OF BRISTOE STATION. ge
few miles, and next day it crossed the Rappahannock and
pressed forward to Bealton Station. On the 12th we sud
denly turned backward and recrossed the river, where we
stood in order of battle all day, as the rebels had appeared
on our rear in strong force, and 'had fought a desperate
battle with General Kilpatrick's cavalry. At midnight,
instead of the sleep and rest we so much needed, we
marched again, once more crossing the Rappahannock,
moving northward, and skirmished with the enemy until
dark. THE BATTLE OF BRISTOE STATION.
The column moved at the break of dawn, and immedi
ately ran against the enemy at Auburn, where we had a
sharp skirmish for about two hours, when the rebels con
cluded to take another road. The march was resumed,
but did not continue long, for at BristoeStation the column
was attacked on the left flank by the enemy, who was
posted in force on a hill overlooking the railroad. The
column formed line of battle, facing the left, and took pos
session of -^the railroad embankment. Our brigade ad
vanced through a thick wood toward the enemy's position,
and was directed to halt in the wood until the line in an
open field on our left could connect with us. While wait
ing here for the word to advance. Captain William F.
Smith, of Company C, and Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas H.
Davis, of the Twelfth New Jersey, asked and received
permission to take parts of the two regiments and charge
upon a battery the enemy had posted on the hill to the
right near the edge of the wood. They made the attack in
fine style, simultaneously with a force from the First Di-

g6 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1863
vision, and captured the battery. This detachment joined
the command just in time to move forward. The action
soon grew quite hot with musketry-fire, but the enemy
steadily and slowly fell back, and finally retreated in haste
and confusion, and our forces took possession of their camp
ground, and captured one hundred and fifty prisoners of
Hill's corps.
The following is Colonel Smyth's report of this action :
Headquarters Second Brigade, Third Division, Second A. C,
October 17, 1863.
Captain George P. Corts,
Assistant Adjutant-General Third Division.
Captain, — I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken
by this brigade in the actions of the 14th of October, at Turkey Creek and
Bristoe Station :
The command marched from camp on the Warrenton road at daylight on
the morning of the 14th of October. While crossing Turkey Creek the enemy
opened on the column with artillery. An order was received from Brigadier-
General Hays, commanding the division, to deploy skirmishers on the right
and left flanks of the column. I accordingly deployed five companies of the
First Delaware Volunteers, under the command of Major Woodall, and the
One Hundred and Eighth New York Volunteers, under the command of Col
onel Powers, — the First Delaware on the left and the One Hundred and
Eighth New York on the right. The Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteers was
formed in line of battle with the right resting on the road ; and, as the enemy
commenced a fire of musketry farther to the left, the First Delaware skir
mishers were extended by the left flank, and the Twelfth New Jersey Volun
teers was formed in line of battle facing to the left, with the right resting on
the left of the Fourteenth Connecticut. Receiving an order from General Hays
to send a regiment to the support of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New
York Volunteers, I sent the Twelfth New Jersey Volunteers for this service.
The order was then given by General Hays to advance by a flank on the road
and throw flankers out on the right. The skirmishers of the First Delaware

l863] THE BATTLE OF BRISTOE STATION. gj
i
were withdrawn from the left and. deployed as flankers on the right. The
column then moved on.
About 3 P.M., as the command was marching by a flank from a wood to
ward the railroad, near Bristoe Station, the enemy suddenly attacked the
column with artillery. General Hays ordered me to form line of battle to
the left and advance. As the brigade debouched from the wood I marched
it by the left flank. Owing to the right of the brigade marching in line of
battle while the left was obliged to move forward into line as it came out of
the wood, some little disorder- was occasioned, which was, however, soon
rectified, and the brigade was formed into line along the railroad. A column
of the enemy appeared on a hill in our front and a little to our right, and
opened a fire of musketry. An order w^s received from General Hays to
move forward through the wood and charge that column of the enemy on
their right flank. I ordered my command to fix bayonets and advance
through the wood. The line was formed in the wood, the First Delaware on
the right, and the following regiments in succession to the left : Fourteenth
Connecticut, Twelfth New Jersey, and One Hundred and Eighth New York.
A regiment of the Second Division, the Seventh Michigan, came to the front
' at this point. They had been deployed as flankers. As there was an interval
between the Twelfth New Jersey and One Hundred and Eighth New York,
I placed the Seventh Michigan there to complete the connection, thinking
that more service could be obtained by forming it in the line here than by
permitting it, in the emergency, to fall back to seek its brigade. This regi
ment was commanded by Major S. W. Curtis, who seemed anxious to perform
his share in the action wherever circumstances might place him. His regi
ment fought well. Colonel C J. Powers, One Hundred and Eighth New
York Volunteers, reported a force of the enemy moving toward our left, and
several musket-shots were fired into the One Hundred and Eighth New York,
wounding one or two men. I reported this to General Hays, who directed
me to make such disposition as would meet the enemy. I then ordered the
One Hundred and Eighth New York, Seventh Michigan, and two companies
of the Twelfth New Jersey to file to the left. Finding that skirmishers from
the First Division were deployed in our front, I cautioned the command
against firing unless they were sure they saw the enemy. About this time the
skirmishers of the Third Brigade were advancing to capture one of the
enemy's batteries, and in order to prevent the enemy in our front from moving
7

q8 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1863
to the rescue of the battery, my line was advanced to the open space on the
side of the wood toward the enemy. A rebel line then made its appearance
about four hundred yards from my line, their line of battle running diagonally
to mine, their right being closer to us than their left, at which my command
opened a severe fire of musketry upon them, and arrested their progress.
Receiving an order from General Hays to halt my command and hold the
position, I did so. Soon afterwards I received an order from General Hays to
fall back and take position along the railroad. This was accordingly exe
cuted, the brigade retiring to its new position in good prder. About dark the
enemy opened upon us with a battery, which did but little injury, however,
before it was silenced.
About 8 P.M. an order was received to prepare to resume the march, fol
lowing the Third Brigade. At 10.30 the march commenced quietly and in
perfect order, and the command continued to Bull Run, where it bivouacked
at 3 A.M. on the morning of the 15th.
One hundred and thirty-five men of different regiments of the Second
Division, Third Corps, who had straggled from their commands, were assem
bled at Turkey Creek, and assigned temporarily to this brigade. I attached
them to the Twelfth New Jersey Volunteers, and they were joined to several
companies. Many of these men again dropped out from the regiment when
going into action, but the majority of them remained and fought bravely. Of
these, one man was killed and three wounded, but, owing to the activity of
the day, no opportunity offered to get their names, company, or regiment.
In concluding my report I deem it but justice to mention to the general
commanding the division the efficient services and gallant conduct of Colonel
Charles J. Powers, commanding the One Hundred and Eighth New York,
Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas H. Davis, commanding the Twelfth New Jersey,
Colonel Theodore G. Ellis, commanding the Fourteenth Connecticut Volun
teers, and Major Daniel Woodall, of the First Delaware. Each of these offi
cers are entitled to much credit for the promptness with which they executed
my orders, and the energy and zeal with which they labored to secure suc
cess. Considering the suddenness of the attack, the difficulties under which the
command was formed, the density of the wood through which it moved, and
remembering that a large portion of it were untried soldiers, I think the troops
behaved very well indeed.

1863] OPERATIONS ON MINE RUN, ETC.

99

I would also respectfully recommend to your notice the gentlemen of my
staff. Captain William P. Seville, A.A.A.G,, Captain John L. Sparks, A.A.I. G.,
Lieutenant Theron E. Parsons, A.D.C, and Lieutenant Edward M. Dubois,
A.D.C Their conduct was cool and self-possessed and their services meri
torious. I have the honor to forward herewith a nominal list of the killed, wounded,
and missing of my brigade. I am, captain, very respectfully. Your obedient servant,
Thomas A. Smyth,
Colonel First Delaware Volunteers, Commanding Brigade.
The only member of the regiment killed in this action
was Corporal William Darlington, of Company F.
About 9 p.m. the command again took the road in a steady
rain, and marched rapidly, notwithstanding the depth and
tenacity of the mud, reaching the hills on Bull Run before
daylight. Fortunately, the Army of the Potomac had out
marched Lee's veterans and won the race. Our lines were
advantageously posted in the vicinity of the old battle
grounds, and after two or three spirited attacks on the 15th,
and several efforts to out-manceuvre us on the i6th, 17th,
and I Sth, the rebels became discouraged and commenced
their retreat on the 19th, followed closely by the Federal
army, the Second Corps in advance, and our brigade,
throughout the whole day's march, nearly a mile in advance
of the corps.
OPERATIONS ON MINE RUN AND RE-ENLISTMENT.
The brigade arrived at Warrenton on the 23d of October,
and laid out a formal camp, everything indicating that a
prolonged stay was intended at this place, and these indica-

lOO FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1863
tions were verified by the army lying at rest for two weeks.
Marching orders overtook us, however, on the 6th of Novem
ber, and next ra orning the command set out, our brigade again
leading the corps. The enemy was found at Kelly's Ford
on the Rappahannock, and a brisk engagement occurred, in
which the rebels seem to have been taken by surprise, for
they were speedily routed and about four hundred pris
oners of North Carolina troops were captured. The river
was crossed on the Sth, and the line of march pursued to
Mountain Creek, where the corps went into camp on the
loth, and continued there until the 26th. On that day the
command once more started southward, crossed the Rapidan
River at Germania Ford, and encountered the enemy next
day at Robinson's Tavern, where we formed line of battle;
the First Delaware were thrown forward as skirmishers, and
were constantly engaged with the enemy's line until night.
Before morning the rebels had fallen back, and we started in
hot pursuit, the First Delaware again in advance as skirmish
ers. This was an extremely fatiguing march to our regi
ment, passing for several miles in an extended line of battle,
over all kinds of obstacles, always on the very heels of the
retreating foe, and when, at length, the rebel position was
reached late in the afternoon, the men were relieved from
their exhausting and perilous duty by the One Hundred and
Eighth New York Volunteers. But little time was allowed
them for rest ; before daylight on the 29th the corps set out,
making a wide detour through woods and valleys, until late
in the afternoon we reached New Verdiersville, on the ex
treme right of the rebel line. It was intended that the Sec
ond Corps should reach the right and rear of the enemy on

1863] OPERATIONS ON MINE RUN, ETC. iqi
Mine Run about noon and attack, in co-operation with the
rest of the army, which was to charge in front ; but the muddy
wood-roads over which the command had to pass so delayed
our progress that our destination was not attained until it
was too late to attack. Orders were received that the works
of the epemy should be stormed at half-past four o'clock next
morning, and that no fires should be made. This latter
portion of the order was very severe on the men, as the
night was so cold that ice was formed.
At early daylight line of battle was formed in silence at
the edge of the narrow skirt of wood which separated us
from the rebel line, and the troops were kept in line in
readiness for the word to move forward. Bayonets were
fixed, knapsacks were unslung and stacked in piles by
companies. Nearly every man of the First Delaware had
a piece of paper pinned on his breast, containing his name,
company, and regiment, in order that his body might be
known in case of his death. This precaution was adopted
without orders by the men themselves, who well knew the
unusually perilous nature of the charge then about to be
made. There was much delay about making this assault.
The enemy had discovered our presence early the pre
vious night, and had been working with desperate en
ergy all night long, building breastworks and slashing
the timber to construct abatis. At daylight their works
were reconnoitred, and found to be too strong to attack
with any hope of success. Finally the charge was aban
doned, and the troops withdrawn to the ground which they
occupied the preceding night. During the day the rebels
made a movement looking to an attack on the rear of our

I02 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1863
position, whereupon the First Delaware was deployed in
the rear as skirmishers.
On the evening of the 2d of December the command
received orders to march at once, leaving the camp-fires
burning, and the First Delaware Regiment to hold the
skirmish-line, and follow the column about midnight, act
ing as rear-guard. Colonel Smyth remained with the regi
ment and took charge of withdrawing the skirmish-line in
the darkness, and in the face of a wary and watchful foe,
which duty was successfully accomplished, the regiment
overtaking the brigade just before sunrise.
Corporal Evan P. Grubb, of Company H, behaved in a
very gallant manner in the dangerous duty of maintaining
and withdrawing at the proper time the strong picket-line,
after the troops had silently departed from the enemy's
front, and was warmly commended by Colonel Smyth.
The army returned to its former camp near Mountain
Creek, and on the 4th it took up a line of occupation, which
changed the position of our brigade to Stevensburg, where
we settled down into winter quarters, and a city of huts
and adobe houses sprang into existence within the next
fortnight. December iSth two hundred and ten officers and men of
the regiment were discharged, and remustered as veterans
for three years or during the war. Some weeks previously,
before the Mine Run campaign, the government had pub
lished to the army an offer to grant all veterans whose term
of service had not expired a bounty of three hundred dol
lars and thirty days' leave of absence if they would volun
teer for another term of three years. The First Delaware

1 864] OPERATIONS ON MIN^ RUN, ETC. 103
Regiment was the first organization in the Army of the
Potomac to embrace this offer, and on the 29th of Decem
ber that part of the regiment which had re-enlisted started
home, with instructions to report to the Governor of Dela
ware. Those of the regiment who declined to re-enlist
marched on the same day with the brigade to Stony Moun
tain, where it occupied an isolated position, charged with
the duty of guarding Morton's Ford.
The regiment arrived in Wilmington, January i, 1864,
and was most enthusiastically received by the warm-hearted
and patriotic citizens ; marched through the city amid the
firing of cannon, the ringing of bells, and through streets
densely thronged, to the town-hall, where an elegant and
bountiful dinner was spread for them. A splendid set of
colors was presented to the regiment on this occasion,
which, after passing through the storms of many fierce and
bloody battles, was brought back with the survivors of the
regiment, bearing the stains and rents of the terrible strug
gles through which it had passed, and is now consigned
to the care of the State Historical Society, in whose custody
it will rest in peace until crumbled to dust by the destroy
ing hand of time.
At the close ofthe public dinner and reception the arms
and equipments were stored away, and the command was
dismissed for the remainder of the month's furlough.
Captain William Y. Swiggett, of Company F, was trans
ferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps October 12, 1863, and
on the 28th Lieutenant-Colonel Edward P. Harris resigned
on account of disability. On November 6th Major Daniel
Woodall was promoted to lieutenant-colonel ; Captain Wil-

I04

FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1864

liam F. Smith, of Company C, was promoted to major ;
First Lieutenant George T. Price, of Company A, was
made captain of Company C ; First Lieutenant Matthew
W. Macklem, of Company B, was raised to captain of Com
pany F; and Quartermaster-Sergeant Washington F. Wil
liamson was made first lieutenant of Company A. On
November 20th First Lieutenant James Lewis, of Company
C, was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps.
At the expiration of the veteran furlough the officers and
men reported to Colonel Smyth, at Wilmington, for duty
from a week before the time fixed upon for returning to the
front up to the very moment of taking the cars, and few
failed to return, as several of the absentees joined the
regiment after it had reached the army. The regiment
went into camp on the 5 th of February, and on the 9th
started on its return to the field, where it arrived on the
1 2th, and found the brigade encamped on Stony Mountain.
Our return to camp was the occasion of quite a jubilee of
welcome, discipline being considerably relaxed to permit a
free expression of the pleasure old comrades felt in the
reunion. Not all the members of the regiment that we
parted from in December were there to greet us, for there
had been a sharp action with the enemy, brought on by a
reconnoissance in force at Morton's Ford, February 6th,
and several men of the regiment had been wounded and
were sent away to hospitals.
The Second Army Corps gave a ball at Brandy Plains
on the evening of the 22d, which was a grand affair, and
was attended by many civil dignitaries from Washington,
accompanied by their ladies, and on the following day a

r864] THE WILDERNESS AND SPOTTSYLVANIA. 105
grand review of the corps was held, in honor of our
distinguished visitors.
With the approach of spring a perceptible increase in ac
tivity was observable among the staff departments, and the
signs of the time denoted an early opening of the campaign.
Portions of the army were in motion as early as the 28th,
and our brigade was ordered to be in readiness for moving
with three days' cooked rations.
March 26th the First and Second Brigades were consoli
dated; Colonel Smyth was assigned to the command of the
Irish Brigade, and our brigade received for its commander
Colonel Samuel S. Carroll, of the Eighth Ohio Volunteers,
formerly of the regular army, a brave, genial, and able offi
cer, and the following regiments were henceforth associ
ated with us : Eighth Ohio, Fourth Ohio, Twentieth Massa
chusetts, Seventh West Virginia, and Fourteenth Indiana.
April 14th the brigade was reviewed by Brigadier-General
Gibbon. General Hancock reviewed the division next
day, and on the 22d the corps passed in review before
General Grant. THE WILDERNESS AND SPOTTSYLVANIA.
At midnight on May 3d the first movement in the grand
campaign began. Our brigade marched to join the division,
and the column continued on its route to Ely's Ford, where
we crossed the Rapidan and bivouacked at night on the
battle-field of Chancellorsville.
Next morning the troops were in motion at half-past four,
the Second Corps marching to Todd's Tavern, where line
of battle was formed to support the cavalry, but about noon

Io6 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1864
orders were received to march with all speed back to the
Plank Road, and report to General D. B. Birney. On
arriving by the Brock Road, the brigade was ordered to
advance on the right of the Plank Road, the left of our
line on the road. The brigade advanced in the following
order, running from left to right : first line. Tenth New
York and Twelfth New Jersey; second line. Fourteenth
Connecticut, First Delaware, and One Hundred and Eighth
New York ; third line, Seventh West Virginia, Fourteenth
Indiana, and Eighth Ohio. The Nineteenth Maine Volun
teers, a very large regiment, was ordered to report to
Colonel Carroll, and was placed in the fourth line. . Our
lines had not moved more than fifty yards down a gentle
slope towards a swamp, and through a dense thicket of
scrub-oak and dwarf-pine, when the enemy, who were in
position on the opposite edge of the swamp, opened upon
us a terrific fire of musketry by volleys. This fire thinned
our ranks very perceptibly ; but we returned it with inter
est. No artillery or cavalry could be brought into action,
owing to. the closeness of the wood and thickness of the
undergrowth ; the only weapon used was the musket, but
this was handled with deadly effect, because of the near
proximity of the opposing lines. A continuous fire, varied
at intervals with volleys, was kept up until sunset, when
the fire from the enemy slackened. An immediate forward
movement was ordered, the rebels retreating before us, and
night overtook us, closing the action, and leaving us in
possession of the field.
In this action Colonel Carroll was slightly wounded in
the arm, but would not quit the field. That night we slept

iS64] THE WILDERNESS AND SPOTTSYLVANIA. 107
on our arms upon the ground we held when the battle
ceased. At half-past four o'clock on the morning of May 6th we
formed our line for an advance, and pushed forward over the
crest of the hill, the enemy retiring. On the rise of the next
hill the line was moved by the left flank across the Plank
Road. While making this changeof position our left was
suddenly charged by an overwhelming force of the enemy,
and forced back upon the centre. Here the confusion was
checked, and the rebels were held at bay by continuous and
desperate exertions. Our ranks were growing thin and
our ammunition was almost exhausted, when, a little past
nine o'clock, we were relieved by the Ninth Corps, and
directed to retire to the Brock Road and remain in reserve.
The brigade halted about three hundred yards from the
road, stacked arms, rested, refilled cartridge-boxes and
canteens, made out casualty lists, and looked after the
wounded. About three o'clock in the afternoon the troops in the
front gave way, Longstreet's corps having charged the
temporary breastwork which had been thrown up along
the Brock Road; they were held in check for some time,
but they finally succeeded in breaking our line near and on
the left of the Plank Road, and capturing two or three
batteries. At this moment orders were received by Col
onel Carroll to charge the enemy and retake our breast
works; the men hurried into line at the command "Fall
in !" and when Colonel Carroll's stentorian voice rang out,
" Forward, double-quick, charge !" the brigade swept down
the hill like an avalanche. A few minutes' bloody work

loS FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1864
and the rebels were routed, pursued to the edge of the
woods, and several of our guns recaptured. Thus ended
the battle of the Wilderness.
The good conduct of Sergeant William Caywood, of
Company A, during the engagement was generally re
marked, and after his return to the regiment from absence
on account of wounds received in this action, he was
rewarded with well-merited promotion to a commission.
Lieutenant Charles J. Steel, of Company E, was con
spicuous for bravery in the first day's struggle, and was
mortally wounded. Though commissioned but a few weeks
previously, he was a promising officer, and his loss was
deeply felt.
The gallantry of First Lieutenant James Kettlewood, of
Company C, won him the warm commendations of his
superior officers ; he, also, was badly wounded on the second
day of the battle.
The loss of the brigade in the fighting of the 5th and
6th was seven hundred and twenty-seven, and in the First
Delaware the following-named enlisted men were killed, or
died subsequently of wounds then received : Killed, Ser
geant John Webb, and Privates Jacob D. McKee and Robert
Shaw, of Company A ; Corporal Nicholas P. Howard, and
Privates Enoch Chaffins and Martin Daily, of Company B ;
Sergeant John Carey, Company E ; Corporal John Rhoads,
Company F ; Private Thomas Thornton, Company I ; and
Privates William C. Foreaker and George McColen, Com
pany K. Died of wounds. Private Benjamin Cox, Company
A ; Private Joshua C. Aurtisto, Company D ; Private Wil
liam Weigle, Company G ; Private Douglass White, Com-

i864] THE WILDERNESS AND SPOTTSYLVANIA. 109
pany H ; and Private John Berwagner, Company I. Six
teen in all.
We set out at 6 a.m. of the Sth on the flanking move
ment, endeavoring to get upon the enemy's right and rear.
Formed Hne of battle at Todd's Tavern, but shortly after
noon received orders to make a forced march to Spottsyl-
vania Court-House, where the Fifth Corps had grappled with
Longstreet. We reached our destination at sunset and
bivouacked for the night. Next day was spent in manoeu
vring for the advantage, in which our share was to march
back to Todd's Tavern, then away to the right four or five
miles, and at last, about four o'clock, to the Po River, where,
in support of the First Division, we charged the enemy's
rifle-pits, took them, and spent the night at Amity. During
the afternoon our brigade was honored by the presence of
Generals Grant, Meade, Hancock, and Gibbon.
From this time until the fall of Petersburg and Richmond
some portions of the army were almost constantly engaged,
and all were more or less under fire. On the loth we
stormed the enemy's works at Spottsylvania and were
repulsed, though our line retained its position within fifty
yards of the rebel intrenchments through the night, the
picket-lines being so close that the men of the two armies
held conversation, and sang their favorite songs for each
other's entertainment.
Marching orders came on the evening of the i ith to
move to the left with all possible silence, and a night march
brought us at the early dawn to the Landrum House,
where we quietly formed line behind a range of hills which
concealed our movements from the enemy. The First

no FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1864
Division formed double column of battalions, and our
division formed in line as support. In the gray dawn we
advanced, taking the double-quick across a valley, and, with
a tremendous cheer, charged the rebel works on the oppo
site crest; passed over their intrenchments, turning upon
them their own guns, rushed directly into their camp and
took them completely by surprise. Our captures included
two brigadier-generals, Edward Johnson and G. H. Stew
art, nearly all of an entire division, " Stonewall" Jackson's
old brigade, sixteen flags, and eighteen cannons.
In this charge Sergeant David Riggs, of Company D,
was color-sergeant, and just before the advance began he
said, " I'll plant this on the rebel breastworks or die in the
attempt." He was killed near the slope of the enemy's
work, and another member of the color-guard carried the
flag upon the crest.
A field-officer of one of the regiments in our (Third)
brigade reported to brigade headquarters at the close of
this action, that " the First Delaware captured a whole rebel
regiment, colonel and all, with his sword and colors ; that
they had also captured a battery, but could not get the
guns over the breastwork, so they cut all the horses loose,
ran off all they could, and shot the rest."
Captain Matthew W. Macklem, of Company F, won much
praise for his bravery and efficiency during the battles at
Spottsylvania Court-House, where he received a severe
wound. On the I3thj while making a reconnoissance in force
with the brigade. Colonel Carroll was badly wounded in
his other arm, and was carried from the field. Before

i864] THE WILDERNESS AND SPOTTSYLVANIA. ^W
departing for the hospital. Colonel Carroll requested that
Colonel Smyth be restored to the command of the brigade,
and a promise was given him that his wishes should be
complied with, which was done four days afterwards. On
the departure of Colonel Carroll, who was much esteemed
and respected by his brigade, Colonel T. G. Ellis, of the
Fourteenth Connecticut, was placed in command.
For a few days we were shifting position, at least once
every day; on the 15th we were posted as a guards to the
rear of the army; on the i6th we marched to the Second
and Fifth Corps hospitals and brought away about six
hundred wounded men. Colonel Smyth resumed com
mand of the brigade on the 17th, and Lieutenant Benjamin
Y. Draper was appointed an aide-de-camp on his staff.
The command was aroused at 10 p.m. on the night of the
I Sth with orders to march. The column started at midnight
for the Landrum House and formed by battalions in mass,
and at early daylight we deployed into line by battalions in
mass to support the Corcoran Legion, which formed the
first line to storm the works of the enemy. Just before
sunrise the charge was made, but the rebels were wary this
time and on their guard, and the attack was repulsed with
serious li)ss. We lay under a fire of artillery and musketry
until 12.35 P-M-, when we withdrew beyond musket-range,
reformed, and rested; but at 10 p.m. we started again, and
made a night march to Anderson's Mills, about four miles
to the left, where we took a position that indicated another
charge. The First Delaware was sent on picket duty, but
the brigade did not march until 6 p.m., at which time we
received sudden orders, and were hurried off to the right to

112 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1864
look after Ewell's corps, which had attempted a flanking
movement to our rear on the Fredericksburg pike. The
Fourth Division of our corps had met Ewell, and showed
such a determined spirit that the rebel commander changed
his mind about marching any farther in that direction,
leaving us free to return to our old camp.
FIGHTING OUR WAY TO PETERSBURG.
It was found that the enemy's works at Spottsylvania
were too strong to allow of the possibility of bringing on
an action that could be made decisive, so another flanking
movement began at 11.20 a.m. on the 21st, and marching
left in front, we passed Guiney's Station, Milford, through
Bowling Green, crossed the river Ny, and intrenched.
Next morning the First Delaware and One Hundred and
Eighth New York Regiments were left to hold the line and
complete the intrenchments, while the rest of the brigade
pushed three miles to the front on a reconnoissance, re
turning to camp at night. The line of march was taken
up at seven o'clock next morning, and the enemy was
found posted in force in a strong position on the North
Anna River. The artillery directed upon them an effective
fire during the afternoon, and in the evening we made a
demonstration on the bridge, at which the rebels set it afire
and it was consumed from shore to shore.
At 7 A.M., May 24th, orders were received to construct a
bridge, which was soon completed ; the Eighth Ohio Volun
teers crossed, deployed as skirmishers, and took possession
of the enemy's earth-works with little opposition. The
brigade then passed over and another advance was made to

1 864] FIGHTING OUR WAY TO PETERSBURG. 113
find the enemy. They were encountered about a mile from
the shore, and an engagement commenced which lasted
until dark. During this contest regiment after regiment
was sent to Colonel Smyth from other brigades, so that by
nightfall Colonel Smyth was in command of an entire divis
ion. The action closed with the field in our possession,
and during the night our lines were much strengthened.
In the morning another forward movement was made in
force, and the rebels were pushed over a mile farther, but
at dark the whole command returned across the North
Anna River.
The route towards Richmond was resumed at 9 a.m. on
the 27th ; the army crossed the Pamunkey River at noon
on the 28th, and at 9.25 a.m. on the 30th we reached Tolo-
potomoy Creek, where a large force of the enemy was
found in battle array. The day was spent in getting into
position on our front, though there was severe fighting on
our left. About sunset our First Division charged the
enemy and was repulsed. We marched at midnight of
June 1st a short distance to the front, to support a charge
by the First Brigade, which failed, and next afternoon the
march was continued to Cold Harbor, which was reached
just before dark, the brigade taking its position in the
general line of battle under a steady fire of small-arms.
At daylight next morning another of the famous battles
of the great rebellion was fought at this place. The rebels
were advantageously posted and strongly intrenched. At
half-past four o'clock on the morning of the 3d of June
the army moved to a general assault. Our brigade was in
the first hne deployed, and the Second Brigade was formed

114 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1864
in column of battalions about fifty yards in our rear, with
instructions to charge right into the rebel works. Through
a most destructive fire of artillery and musketry we reached
to within seventy-five yards of the rebel fortifications, but
the Second Brigade changed its direction to the left of our
line and the assault failed. Our men held the position
they had gained, however, and gradually intrenched them
selves. At 8 P.M. the enemy opened upon us with a tre
mendous cannonade, followed by a vigorous sortie, which
we, in turn, signally repelled, and held our position. After
this one-half of the command was kept awake and under
arms throughout the remainder of the night. At 10
A.M. First Lieutenant Benjamin Y. Draper, of Company H,
serving as an aide to Colonel Smyth, was killed while
carrying an order to the front line, and his body was
brought to brigade headquarters.
The enemy made another furious attack on our front at
half-past ten on the 4th, and was again terribly defeated.
In reference to the attack upon us on the evening of the
3d, General Grant sent a despatch to the War Department,
saying, " About 7 p.m. yesterday, Friday, 3d of June, the
enemy suddenly attacked Smyth's brigade of Gibbon's
division. The battle lasted with great fury for half an hour.
The attack was unwaveringly repulsed. Smyth's losses
were inconsiderable."
At half-past eight o'clock on the evening of the sth the
rebels made another desperate assault on our brigade, only
to meet with the same success as in the former attacks. A
truce was agreed upon on the 7th to bury the dead, which
lasted from 4 to 8 p.m.

1864] FIGHTING OUR WAY TO PETERSBURG. ng
The army quietly withdrew from the trenches' at dark on
the 1 2th and marched all night, crossed the Chickahominy
River about noon next day, reached Charles City Court-
House at night, and encamped. At noon on the 14th we
arrived at the James River, and crossed to Windmill Point
in steamboats. On the 15th we marched rapidly towards
Petersburg, and at dark relieved a brigade of the Eigh
teenth Corps, which had that afternoon captured a strong
line of the rebel fortifications, with seventeen guns and
about seven hundred prisoners. It was two o'clock on the
morning of the i6th when we got into position.
On the 17th our brigade was ordered to report to Gen
eral Barlow, commanding the First Division, and took .part
in an assault on the enemy's line, which resulted in no other
ad«^antage than a gain of a hundred or more yards. Again,
at dawn next morning, our division assailed the enemy,
drove them a mile and held the ground we took. We were
relieved on the 20th by the Sixth and Ninth Corps, and
moved two miles farther to the left.
In the several battles fought after the struggle in the Wil
derness the losses in killed among the enlisted men of the
regiment were as follows: In the battles at Spottsylvania
Court-House those who were killed or died of wounds
were. Company B, Privates David S. Riggs, Samuel Creller,
and Charles McCuUen ; Company E, died of wounds. Cor
poral Robert F. Burrows; Company F, died of wounds.
Private William C. Lewis; Company I, killed. Private
Edward Rogerson; Company K, killed. Sergeant James
Crossley. In the battle on the North Anna River the only man kiUed

Il6 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1864
was Private Jasper Calhoun, of Company A, and at Tolopo-
tomoy Creek the only one killed was Private Gustave A.
Wallace, of Company E.
In the battle of Cold Harbor there were killed Sergeant
William Warren, of Company A; Private Robert Thomas,
of Company B ; Corporal Charles P. Prettyman, of Company
E; Private James Mick, of Company F; and Private Hud
son Carr, of Company I. Died of wounds. Privates David
Guessford, of Company F, and Samuel Alexander, of Com
pany I.
During this time but few changes occurred among the
officers. February 17th, Commissary-Sergeant James Ket
tlewood was promoted to be first lieutenant of Company
C. March ist. Sergeant William J. Birney, of Company F,
was appointed commissary-sergeant. April i6th. Sergeant
William H. Ferguson, of Company K, was promoted to
second lieutenant of Company F, and on May 20th he
died of wounds, and on the 2 1st First Lieutenant James D.
Simpson, of Company D, died of wounds. June 3d, First
Lieutenant Benjamin Y. Draper, of Company H, was killed.
On the morning of the 21st of June the command started
again, and marched to the Jerusalem Plank Road, where we
set to work building intrenchments more in accordance
with the principles of military engineering than were the
rude and hasty breastworks heretofore constructed without
any other guiding rule than chance direction. The enemy,
whose works across the narrow vale that divided them from
us were of quite a substantial character, evidently had re
solved that we should not effect our lodgment on the
hills opposite, for, on the afternoon of the 22d, they made

l864] THE BATTLES AT DEEP BOTTOM. ny
a furious charge in masses on the divisions of Generals
Barlow and Mott, on our immediate left, and before they
could be driven out had captured many of our Second Bri
gade, with McKnight's battery. Three charges were made
before dark to recapture the lost ground, but they all failed,
though the rebels were summarily ousted next day. The
First Delaware and the Third Brigade did not share in this
sudden attack of the enemy, being in the second line, more
retired in the wood, but they had their full share of the
subsequent fighting in the attempt to recover the lost earth
works. General Gibbon fell sick on the 24th and Colonel Smyth
was assigned to command the division, which honor he
enjoyed but a few days. On the 27th the division was
relieved from the trenches and sent two or three miles
to the rear of the army to meet an expected raid of
the enemy's cavalry; they merely skirmished around | us
enough to find that we were ready and too strong for them.
Back to the trenches again on the 29th to relieve a part of
the Sixth Corps, which had gone out in support of Wil
son's cavalry; they returned, however, on the 2d of July,
and we were moved to the right to make room for them.
THE BATTLES AT DEEP BOTTOM.
We were becoming quite comfortable in our spacious
trenches, or " gopher-holes," as the men termed them, after
a few days' rest, although constantly under fire, when, on the
nth of July, we were astounded by an order to level our
breastworks, fill the trenches, and move to the rear. We
felt sure that the siege of Petersburg was about to be raised.

Il8 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1864
but we soon found that we were only to act as reserve, do
picket duty, and level the fortifications built by the rebels.
This duty we continued to perform until the 2Sth, when
marching orders came, with the significant warning to
provide three days' cooked rations. This we knew meant
serious work. Next day, at half-past three o'clock in the
afternoon, the entire corps marched towards City Point, on
the James River. The march continued throughout the
night, and at daylight on the 27th we crossed James River
in steamboats, formed line of battle, and advanced against
the enemy at Deep Bottom. We charged their works,
captured a battery, and drove the rebels about two miles
towards Richmond. At night we intrenched and made
every necessary preparation for holding the ground we had
taken. On the morning of the 28th our division withdrew
from the trenches, and lay in reserve until afternoon, when
we were hurried away to the right to support our cavalry,
which was getting badly handled by rebel infantry. We
attacked the enemy, broke their line, and followed them
for nearly a mile; but receiving reinforcements, the rebels
made a counter-charge, drove in our skirmish-line, and
pounded away at our front until dark, with but little advan
tage. After night we fell back to a more secure position
and went to digging again. Here we waited all day on
the 29th, very desirous of having a call from our Confed
erate friends, but not relishing our hospitable preparations
to receive them, they disappointed us ; so, after dark, we
recrossed the river and executed another night march back
to a ravine in the rear of the Ninth Corps, and at daylight
witnessed the explosion of the mine, and the disastrous

1864] THE BATTLES AT DEEP BOTTOM. i jq
failure to properly support the storming force that charged
into the crater. At dark we returned to our former camp.
This evening General Gibbon departed on sick-leave, and
Colonel Smyth again took command of the division.
A season of rest was allowed the command, which la.sted
for two weeks, when, on the 12th of August, it was sud
denly interrupted by orders to march immediately. At 3
P.M. the Second Corps set out once more for City Point and
encamped for the night. At noon on the 13th the troops
marched on board of an immense fleet of steamboats and
transports with no effort at secrecy, and proceeded some
distance down the river for the information of the enemy,
but turned about and steamed up the river at 10 p.m. for
their discomfiture.
We landed, proceeded to the Newmarket Road, and
formed our line for the attack at Strawberry Plains, on
Deep Bottom Run. The First Brigade led the assault;
gained nothing, but lost heavily.. Our attack was made to
draw the enemy to our front, while the real attack was
made by the Tenth Corps, which carried the enemy's first
line, capturing six guns, two mortars, and many prisoners.
On the 1 6th the Tenth Corps made another assault, took
the two remaining lines of the rebel works, but, after five
successive charges by the enemy, were compelled to relin
quish part of the second line. In the afternoon our bri
gade was sent to General Birney, to act in support of a
division of colored troops. The enemy massed in front of
the Tenth Corps on the morning of the iSth, and made a
desperate attack to recover lost ground, but met with a
terrible defeat. Brisk skirmishing was carried on along

I20 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1864
our front all day, and at night we moved to the left into the
trenches made by Mott's division, our left at the Pottery
and our right resting on the Ne^vmarket Road. This posi
tion we occupied during the next day, and at night we
kept fires burning along a portion of the line where there
were no troops to deceive the enemy.
On the night of the 20th the entire detachment returned
to the trenches before Petersburg. Next day General Gib
bon resumed the command, and we marched to the left of
the Jerusalem Plank Road, in support of the Fifth Corps,
which had been attacked by the enemy. The battle re
sulted in a decided repulse for the assailants, and we were
held in reserve.
We were marched out again on the 23d, and moved
southward on the road to Ream's Station, on the Weldon
Railroad, and next day took position at the station, where
the First Division went to work tearing up the track.
About noon the enemy advanced upon us in heavy force,
drove in our skirmishers, made three furious charges on
the First Division, the last of which broke our line. Our
division was hurried to the support of the First, when the
rebels assaulted the line we had just left, and which was
held by only a skirmish-line and Gregg's cavalry. These
were forced to give way, and our division was sent back on
the run to meet this charge of the enemy. We succeeded
in arresting the progress ofthe rebels, and held the line
intact; but at this time the rebels opened upon our con
tracted position (which was something in the form of an
irregular letter U) a most destructive fire of artillery and
musketry, which lasted for over an hour, and from which

1 864] THE BATTLES AT DEEP BOTTOM. X2\
the troops were ordered to take such shelter as they could.
This, however, was very inadequate, for the long sides of
our imperfectly-intrenched position were not more than five
hundred yards apart, so that the reverse, or inner side, of
each line was exposed to this terrible tornado of missiles.
The line was held, nevertheless, excepting a portion of
about two hundred yards on the right,' which was retained
by the enemy. After dark our forces were withdrawn into
a small, thick wood at the centre of our position and
massed. Before midnight the corps returned to Peters
burg, the enemy retiring at the same time and in the same
direction. But one member of the regiment was killed at Ream's
Station, — Private Nathan Rash, of Company K. Two
others died of wounds received there, however, — Corporal
James Mclntyre, of Company G, and Private Henry J.
Parvis, of Company D. Sergeant John M. Meacham, of
Company G, died of wounds received at Deep Bottom on
August 15th.
In June, July, and August a few changes took place
among the officers. On June 12th Sergeant Theodore
Palmatary, of Company F, was made first lieutenant of
Company B; on the iSth, Captain J. Parke Postles, of
Company A, resigned; on the 27th, Adjutant Charles S.
Schaeffer resigned on account of disability ; and on the 30th,
Second Lieutenant Allen Tatem, of Company H, was dis
charged. Captain Thomas B. Hizar, of Company I, was
appointed on staff duty July 26th, and his brother, Aquila
M. Hizar, first lieutenant of Company K, was promoted to
captain of Company I, and Commissary-Sergeant William

122 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1864
J. Birney was made first lieutenant of Company D. On
August 22d First Lieutenant Theodore Palmatary, of Com
pany B, was appointed adjutant; on the 23d, Sergeant-
Major John W. Barney was appointed second lieutenant of
Company B; on the 24th, Sergeant Evan P. Grubb, of
Company H, was made sergeant-major; and on the 30th,
Assistant Surgeon Frederick J. Owens resigned because of
disability. COLONEL SMYTH'S OFFICIAL REPORT.
August 29th, Colonel Smyth rendered his official report
of the operations of the Third Brigade, which is as follows :
Headquarters Third Brigade, Second Division, Second Corps.
In the Field, August 29, 1864.
Captain A. H. Embler, A.A.A.G.
Captain, — I have the honor to submit the following report of the opera
tions of the Third Brigade, Second Division, Second Corps, from May 17,
1864, the date upon which I assumed command, to July 30, 1864, divided
into four epochs, pursuant to Special Order No. 209, Headquarters of the
Army of the Potomac :
First. — I assumed command of this brigade by order of Brigadier-General
Gibbon, May 17, 1864, the army then being in the vicinity of Spottsylvania
Court-House. About 8.30 P.M. I was ordered to mass the brigade in front of
the Landrum House, and near the vacated line of the enemy's intrenchments,
before daylight, which was accomplished, the brigade being in column of
battalions between the Landrum House and the road. Subsequently it was
deployed into line by battalions in mass, and I was ordered by Brigadier-
General Gibbon to move forward in support of the Corcoran Legion.
At daylight the Legion moved forward, and I followed at a short supporting
distance. The first line was repulsed, and my brigade, taking position in a
ravine, covered their retreat. I at once deployed a line of skirmishers, and
held this position until 12135 p.m., when, in obedience to orders from General

1864] THE BATTLES AT DEEP BOTTOM. 123
Gibbon, I withdrew to the second line of intrenchments, where my command
formed line of battle and rested. At 10 p.m. the brigade moved to Ander
son's Mills, where it took position. On the morning of May 19th the com
mand went into camp, the First Delaware Volunteers being detailed for
picket. At 6 p.m. an order was received for the brigade to march at once.
The brigade moved quickly to the Fredericksburg Road. The order was
soon countermanded, and the command returned to camp at Anderson's
Mills. Second, — -May 20th I received an order to move with my command at 1 1
P.M. I moved at 11.20 p.m., taking the road towards Mattapony Church,
continuing the marching May 21st, passing Grimes' Station, passing through
Milford and Bowling Green, etc., crossing the Ny River, where the command
went into position and threw up intrenchments, the Eighth Ohio Volunteers
being detailed for picket.
May 22d I received orders from General Gibbon to take my brigade and
make a reconnoissance to develop the strength and position of the enemy.
The regiments composing the force were the Fourteenth Connecticut, Seventh
Virginia, Fourteenth Indiana, Tenth New York, Twelfth New Jersey, and
Fourth Ohio Volunteers. The First Delaware and One Hundred and Eighth
New York Volunteers were employed in erecting earth-works. I deployed
the Fourteenth Indiana and Fourth Ohio Volunteers as skirmishers. One
lieutenant and twenty men of the Tenth New York Volunteers were placed
on the right and rear of the skirmishjine to protect that flank, and two com
panies of the Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteers were similarly placed to
protect the left flank.
Colonel T. G. Ellis, Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteers, and Lieutenant-
Colonel Carpenter, Fourth Ohio Volunteers, were assigned respectively to the
command of the left and right wings of the skirmish-line. Two companies
of the Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteers were sent to reconnoitre the Han
over Junction Road. The Twelfth New Jersey and Tenth New York Volun
teers were placed in support of artillery near the cross-roads, and the Seventh
Virginia stationed near the cross-roads. The skirmish-line was then pushed
forward about two miles, finding nothing but cavalry or mounted infantry to
oppose them.
About 3 P.M. I received orders from General Gibbon to halt, and I was
subsequently ordered to assemble my command and return to camp. On

124 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1864
May 23d the command marched, at 7 A.M., to the North Anna River, where
the enemy was discovered to be posted in force. At noon my brigade was
massed behind a ridge of hills. At 4 P.M. the Fourth Ohio Volunteers was
deployed as skirmishers, and moved to the river-bank, where it became
engaged at once with the enemy on the opposite shore. It was relieved at
dark by the Seventh Virginia Volunteers. At 7 P.M. I was ordered by Gen
eral Gibbon to make a demonstration against the railroad bridge across the
river. I moved the Eighth Ohio and Fourteenth Indiana Volunteers to the
bridge, where they opened fire on the enemy's skirmishers. During the night
my brigade intrenched itself.
Shortly after midnight the enemy succeeded in burning the bridge. At
7 A.M., May 24th, I received an order from General Gibbon to construct a
rough bridge and cross a regiment as skirmishers. About 10.15 ^•^- '^^
bridge was completed, and the Eighth Ohio Volunteers moved to the opposite
side, deployed and advanced to the enemy's earth-works, which they occu
pied, the enemy having fallen back. The remainder of the brigade was then
crossed and took position in line of battle. At 3 p.m. I was ordered to
advance and ascertain the position of the enemy. The First Delaware and
One Hundred and Eighth New York Volunteers were deployed as skirmishers,
and advanced about half a mile, the left swinging forward. At this point
the enemy offered a strong resistance, and I deployed the Fourteenth Connec
ticut Volunteers to strengthen the line. I then moved forward again, but, as
the enemy were posted in rifle-pits, in the edge of a wood, while my skirmish
ers were obliged to pass on an elevated ploughed field, the line was again
brought to a halt. I then addressed the Twelfth New Jersey Volunteers to
charge the enemy's rifle-pits, which was done in fine style, the enemy being
driven about five hundred yards. The enemy having been reinforced, I
brought up the Seventh Virginia and Tenth New York Volunteers to
strengthen the left centre of my line. The pressure still continuing strongest
at this point, and the Nineteenth Maine Volunteers having reported to me, I
ordered it also to that part of the line.
Learning that the enemy was moving troops towards my right, I directed
the Eighth Ohio, Fourth Ohio, and Fourteenth Indiana Volunteers to take
position to cover the right flank of my line of battle. . At 5.30 P.M. the
enemy made a determined attack on my centre.
The Sixty-ninth and One Hundred and Seventieth New York Volunteers

1864] THE BATTLES AT DEEP BOTTOM. 125
which had reported to me, were brought in to strengthen this part of the line,
and the Fourth Ohio, Eighth Ohio, and Fourteenth Indiana Volunteers
were moved from the right to the centre. This attack of the enemy was
handsomely repulsed. The Fifteenth and Nineteenth Massachusetts Volun
teers having reported to me, I directed them to form on the right, relieving
the Twelfth New Jersey, First Delaware, One Hundred and Eighth New
York, and Seventh Virginia Volunteers, which regiments were formed in the
rear and resupplied with ammunition. The Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volun
teers reporting to me at this time, was formed on the left of my line of battle.
Just at dark a vigorous attack was made by the enemy on my left, which
threw the Sixty-ninth and One Hundred and Seventieth New York Volun
teers into considerable disorder, which resulted in their falling back. I
succeeded in rallying them, however, and formed that part of the line at
right angles with the main line. During the night ray command threw up
intrenchments. On the morning of the 25th the first line was pushed for
ward with but little opposition, and, on the right, breastworks were erected
in advance of the previous position. The first line now consisted, from
right to left, of the Seventh Virginia, One Hundred and Eighth New York,
First Delaware, Eighth Ohio, Twelfth New Jersey, Fourteenth Connecticut,
Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania, and One Hundred and Seventieth New York Vol
unteers. The Fourth Ohio, Fourteenth Indiana, and Tenth New York Vol
unteers were in the second line. At dark the Fourth Ohio and Fourteenth
Indiana Volunteers were moved by me to the Doswell House to cover the left
flank of my position. At 5 p.m., May 26th, I received orders from General
Gibbon to advance my skirmish-line by swinging forward the left, and to
dislodge a force of the enemy who held a salient near the left of my line.
At dark I pushed forward the Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania, One Hundred and
Seventieth New York, and two companies of the Fourteenth Connecticut
Volunteers, who charged the enemy and drove him from his position. Soon
after I received an order from General Gibbon to be prepared to recross the
North Anna. At 8 p.m. the brigade moved across the river and bivouacked
until morning.
Third.  On May 27th the command marched to within a mile of Haun-
quartus Creek, where it bivouacked for the night. At noon. May 28th, we
crossed the Pamunkey River. At l p.m. I received an order to follow the
cavalry, which was subsequently countermanded, and my brigade filed into

126 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1864
the field on the left of the road and took position in two lines of battle. On
May 29th I was directed to swing forward the left of my command, move
about half a mile to the front, form line of battle, and intrench. Subse
quently I was ordered to hold the command in readiness to march at short
notice. At 5.30 A.M., May 30th, the command marched, acting as a reserve.
At 9.25 A.M. I was ordered to move farther to the front. My brigade was
then formed in line of battle near the Jones House. The Seventh Virginia
Volunteers was directed to drive the enemy's sharpshooters from a house
about five hundred yards in front of my left flank, which they quickly accom
plished. On May 31st I received orders to be in readiness to support the
First Brigade. At l p.m. the command was marched across Tolopotomoy
Creek and massed in rear of the First Brigade. At 2 P.M. the One Hundred
and Eighth New York and Seventh Virginia Volunteers were sent to the
support of the right.
At dark the Fourteenth Connecticut, Eighth Ohio, and Twelfth New Jersey
Volunteers were formed in an interval between the First and Second Brigades.
Soon after dark the Eighth Ohio Volunteers was relieved and returned to its
original position. At 12.25 p.m., June 1st, I was ordered by General Gibbon
to be in readiness to march at once. This order was subsequently counter
manded, and the brigade threw up intrenchments. At dark I was directed to
occupy the earth-works and relieve the First Brigade. At 9 p.m. the brigade
marched, taking the road to Cold Harbor, which place it reached June 2d.
At 2.20 P.M., June 2d, my brigade was deployed in line of battle, and, by
order of General Gibbon, advanced to a vacated line of rifle-pits, where it
took position under a severe fire from the enemy's skirmishers, who were con
cealed in rifle-pits, within short range of my right. At 5 p.m. I was ordered
to attack the enemy's position, but the attack was subsequently deferred. The
One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers reported to me,
and was placed on the extreme right of my line. During the night sharp skir
mishing occurred on my right. At 4.30 a.m., June 3d, I was ordered to attack
the enemy. I formed my brigade in line of battle, and at 4.30 A.M. advanced
and charged the enemy's works. When the command arrived at from sixty
to one hundred yards from the enemy's works the ranks became so thinned,
and the fire from the enemy's artillery and musketry was so destructive, that
the men were compelled to halt and seek such shelter as presented itself. In
this position the command soon erected a rude breastwork. At 9 a.m. Ber-

1864] THE BATTLES AT DEEP BOTTOM. 127
dan's Sharpshooters and a battalion of the First Massachusetts Heavy Artil
lery reported to me. I deployed part of the Sharpshooters in front as skir
mishers, and held the battalion of First Massachusetts Heavy Artillery in
reserve. At 4 p.m. the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth New York Volunteers
and the remaining battalion of the First Massachusetts Heavy Artillery re
ported to me, which regiments I formed on the opposite side of the ravine,
on my extreme right. My line strengthened their works, and was arranged
from right to left, as follows: First Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, One
Hundred and Sixty-fourth New York, Fourteenth Connecticut, Eighth Ohio,
Fourth Ohio, Seventh Virginia, Twelfth New Jersey, Tenth New York, First
Delaware, and Fourteenth Indiana.
About 8 p.m. the enemy opened upon us a terrible artillery fire, which
lasted about thirty minutes, after which they charged along my whole line.
They were repulsed with considerable loss. During the night one-half the
command was kept awake and under arms. In this action Lieutenant Ben
jamin Y. Draper, A. A.D.C, on my staff, a brave and gallant young officer,
was killed. At 10.30 a.m., June 4th, the enemy opened on us a heavy artil
lery fire, which continued until 11.35, doing ^^'^ little injury. Sharp skir
mishing was kept up all day. At 8.40 P.M. the brisk skirmish changed to a
very heavy musketry fire on both sides, followed by a short artillery duel,
which did no damage to my brigade except the wounding of one of my staff
orderlies, Private James Kay, Tenth New York Volunteers. Severe skir
mishing continued all day. June 5th, in the afternoon, my standard-bearer.
Private Elliott, Tenth New York Volunteers, was mortally wounded whilst
carrying an order.
At 8.30 P.M. the enemy commenced a vigorous attack with artillery and
musketry, which lasted twenty-four minutes, without doing injury. Heavy
skirmishing continued during June 6th, and until 4 P.M., June 7th, when a
cessation of hostilities was ordered to give opportunity to bury the dead.
During the Sth and 9th of June there was very little skirmishing, and on the
lOth my command was relieved from duty in the intrenchments. There was
skirmishing all day June nth. At dark, June 12th, the command marched
to the left.
Fourth. — The brigade marched all day June 13th, and encamped near Wil
cox's Landing, on James River. About dark, June 14th, we crossed James
River on transports and encamped at Windinill Point. At 10.30 A.M.,

128 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1864
June 15th, the brigade moved towards Petersburg, and, about 10 P.M., re
lieved the troops of the Eighteenth Army Corps. Skirmishing during the 1 6th.
On June 17th I was ordered to report with my command to General Bar
low. On June l8th I took position at daylight, and at 4 A.M. advanced upon
the enemy's position, and discovered that he had fallen back about half a
mile. During the day the brigade charged twice. After skirmishing during
the 19th and 20th the command was relieved, and marched to the left about
three miles and encamped. At -8 a.m., June 21st, the brigade marched, and
took position on the left of the Jerusalem Plank Road, where the enemy was
found intrenched. In this position we threw up breastworks.
At 3 P.M., June 22d, the enemy attacked the troops on our left, turned the
flank of the first line, and captured a battery and many prisoners. On the
23d the enemy vacated the line of works they had captured. On June 24th
my command moved to the rear and relieved some of the Fifth Corps. We
remained in this position until June 27th, when the brigade was deployed to
picket the rear of the army, remaining on picket until June 29th, when I was
ordered to move to the intrenchments of the Sixth Corps.
On July 2d the command moved to the right, and on the nth commenced
tearing down the breastworks in front of them. On July 12th my brigade
was on picket, and continued on that duty until the morning of July 15th,
when they were relieved by troops of the Fifth Corps, and went into the rear
of the Southall House. In the evening of the 15th the command marched to
Haines's House, and commenced to tear down the old rebel works in the
vicinity, returning to camp on the morning of the 1 6th. The brigade re
mained in camp until July 21st, when they were set to work making a covered
way in the rear of the Fifth Corps' intrenchments.
On July 22d the brigade moved into the intrenchments previously occupied
by Ferrero's division of colored troops, remaining in these works until July
26th, when, at 3.30 P.M., the command was massed near corps headquarters,
and at 4.25 moved off towards the Appomattox, which river we crossed on
pontoons during the night. At daylight on the 27th the brigade crossed the
James River, and were soon engaged in skirmishing with the enemy. On
July 28th my command marched to support the cavalry, and at dark took up
a new position and intrenched. During the night of the 29th we marched
back to the vicinity of Petersburg, and at daylight were massed in the
rear of the Fifth Corps. After the explosion of the mine and the failure of

l864] THE FALL OF RICHMOND AND PETERSBURG. 120
the assault on the enemy's works, the command returned to camp near the
Sout;hall House.
The loss of the brigade during the campaign, including the battle of the
Wilderness, when Colonel Carroll was in command, is as follows :
Commissioned officers killed  22
" " wounded ..... 72
" " missing ..... 9
Enlisted men killed  254
" " wounded ...... 1320
" " missing  278
Total number of casualties.
Commissioned officers  103
Enlisted men  1852
Grand total  1955
The conduct of both officers and men during the campaign has been in
every respect unexceptionable. It is a source of extreme gratification to me
to be able to recommend to the major-general commanding the division the
gentlemen of my staff for the prompt and efiicient manner in which they
executed all my orders. Their gallantry on the field of battle has seldom
been surpassed.
, Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Thomas A. Smyth,
Colonel Commanding Third Brigade, Second Division, Second Army Corps.
At 10 A.M. on the 26th we marched from Ream's Station
to the Williams House, where we encamped. The loss of
the division in the battle of Ream's Station was eleven
hundred and seventy-eight.
THE FALL OF RICHMOND AND PETERSBURG.
Moved again on the 30th to the trenches, where the bri
gade was placed in the third line of breastworks. Septem
ber 4th, General Gibbon was ordered to take temporary

Ijo FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1864
command of the Eighteenth Army Corps, and Colonel
Smyth once more took command of the division.
The enemy opened upon our front with shot and shell at
3.30 P.M., and in the midst of this attack the division was
moved in rear of the Jones House and put to work throw
ing up intrenchments. At this work we were kept, marching
and digging, until the 1 6th, when considerable alarm was
created by a sudden raid of the rebel cavalry upon the rear
of our army and the capture of twenty-five hundred cattle.
Our division was hastened off to Prince George's Court-
House, where the Third Brigade was left to guard the rear,
accompanied by Ames' battery. Thus matters stood until
the 24th, when we were ordered to the front again, to relieve
the Tenth Corps in the trenches, and our line occupied from
the Norfolk Railroad on the left to Battery No. 13 on the
right. Here we were under an almost constant skirmish
fire, frequently aggravated by cannonading at very short
range ; but we were well covered by earth-works. General
Gibbon relieved Colonel Smyth, and resumed the command
on the 25 th.
On the 28th orders were received to leave the garrisons
in the forts on our front, and, with the rest of the men, march
at 4 A.M. next morning. At the appointed hour the com
mand was ready, but no further orders were received, until
October ist, at which time we were moved once more to
the front, and relieved General Mott's division.
Colonel Thomas A. Smyth received his promotion to the
rank of brigadier-general on the 4th of October, and was
the recipient of many ceremonial calls and much congratu
lation. October 6th we moved to the right, and occupied

i864] THE FALL OF RICHMOND AND PETERSBURG. 131
the works from Fort Sedgwick to Fort Morton. For more
than two weeks the brigade was emploj'ed in defending
the outer line of intrenchments.
The officers of the brigade had with great secrecy made
up a purse of about twelve hundred dollars, and had de
spatched a messenger to Washington to procure a mounted
outfit as a present to General Smyth ; and the officers and
men of the First Delaware had purchased for him a fine
horse. On the morning of the 22d General Smyth was in
duced to go out for a ride, and in his absence the presents
were brought to his tent. They consisted of a saddle,
saddle-cloth, saddle-bags, holsters, bridle and martingale,
belt, sword, sash, and shoulder-straps. The horse was
saddled and the other articles arranged about the tent.
Shortly after everything was fully prepared for the cere
mony of presentation, the general returned, and was amazed
to see the vast concourse that was gathered about his head
quarters. He was highly gratified with this manifestation
of the esteem in which he was held by his comrades in
arms, and expressed his thanks warmly and gracefully.
On the 25th orders came to withdraw from the trenches
and mass the command in the rear, and on the morning of
the 26th the entire corps marched to the left, crossing the
Weldon Railroad, and at night bivouacked near Gravelly
Run, the First Delaware being thrown to the front to fur
nish a picket-line.
The command had hardly commenced a forward move
ment on the morning of the 27th, when they met the enemy
near the Boydton Plank Road, prepared to dispute the way.
The battle opened at once hot and furious, and our brigade

132 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1864
came in for a liberal share of the hard fighting; but, though
the destruction of life was very great on both sides, the en
gagement was of short duration, the enemy finally giving
way and opening the road to our troops.
In this battle the regiment lost one of its best officers.
Major William F. Smith, who was mortally wounded while
leading the regiment to engage the rebel line, he being in
command. He died of his wounds on the nth of Novem
ber. Colonel Smyth's diary furnishes an account of this action,
from which the following extract is taken :
" Orders to march at 3 A.M., my brigade in advance; rode with a squad of
cavalry, leading ; surprised and drove the rebel vedettes in. At Cedar Creek
we were checked by a strong force of rebs. My brigade formed in line of
battle and charged, wading the creek to their arm-pits, and carried the works
in fine style, pushing the enemy and advancing in good order. After crossing
the open field, we halted the command and formed the line again, putting the
First Delaware out as skirmishers, who advanced and drove the enemy three-
fourths of a mile. We then took the road to Anderson's Mills, the First Bri
gade in advance. Were put in position by Major-General Hancock, and de
ployed the fourth company of the Fourteenth Connecticut as skirmishers,
and charged a battery, which limbered up and left. I soon after received
orders to support the Second Brigade, and advance to the mill on the right of
the road. Orders to form on right of Second Brigade, and while perform
ing this movement the rebels advanced and drove the cavalry back. I or
dered the First Delaware by the left flank and charged the rebel line, following
them to the creek and taking their works. This position I held all day, sub
ject to a fire from all flanks."
This last charge was led by General Smyth in person.
With this battle ended the active campaigning of the year
1864. During the winter the troops were employed in

i864] THE FALL OF RICHMOND AND PETERSBURG. ^XX
skirmishing, and in gradually extending our line of earth
works farther to the left. Before the close of the year Gen
eral Hancock left the Army of the Potomac to take com
mand of the First Veteran Corps, and General Humphreys
was placed in command of the Second Corps. General
John Gibbon was assigned to command the Twenty-fourth
Army Corps, and General Smyth took command of the
division. While encamped here in winter quarters several changes
occurred in the regiment. September 4th, Second Lieuten
ant John W. Barney, of Company B, was advanced to first
lieutenant ; on the loth. Sergeant Louis J. M. Pennington,
of Company I, was appointed commissary-sergeant ; on
the 15th, Sergeant William Caywood, of Company A, was
promoted to first lieutenant of Company H ; First Lieu
tenant John W. Eckles, of Company I, was discharged on
expiration of service, and First Lieutenant Henry G. Cava
naugh, of Company H, was transferred to Company I ; on
the 24th, Hospital Steward Archibald D. O'Mera was
discharged on expiration of enlistment, as was also First
Lieutenant James Kettlewood, of Company C.
October 2d,, Sergeant Joseph E. Booth, of Company H,
was appointed hospital steward, and Sergeant Emanuel W.
Hilt, of Company C, was made second lieutenant of that
company; on the sth. Captain Ezekiel C. Alexander, of
Company C, was discharged at the close of his term of ser
vice ; and on the Sth, Captain Aquila M. Hizar, of Company
I, and First Lieutenant John L. Brady, of Company E,
were discharged for the same reason. On the same day
Second Lieutenant Charles W. Davis, of Company G, was

134 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1864
made first lieutenant of Company E, Quartermaster-Ser
geant James M. Bryan was made second lieutenant of
Company A, and John G. Raymond, who had been trans
ferred from the Second Delaware Regiment, was appointed
quartermaster-sergeant. On the nth of October Captain
William P. Sfiville, of Company E, was discharged on
expiration of service.
On October 26th Captain J. M. Wenie, from the Second
Delaware Volunteers, was assigned to the command of
Company A.
On November loth Sergeant-Major Evan P. Grubb was
made first lieutenant of Company K, and Sergeant James
H. Barbour, of Company K, was appointed sergeant-major ;
on the nth. Major William F. Smith died of wounds; on
the 17th, Captain Joseph C. NichoUs, of Company B, was
promoted to major; First Lieutenant Charles W. Davis,
of Company E, was advanced to captain ; and Sergeant
John M. Dunn, of Company K, was promoted to first lieu
tenant of that company on the 20th ; on the 24th, First
Lieutenant Washington F. Williamson, of Company A,
was discharged at the close of his service.
December 23d, Lieutenant-Colonel Daniel Woodall was
promoted to colonel, and on the 26th Major NichoUs was
again raised, to the rank of lieutenant-colonel ; First Lieu
tenant Henry G. Cavanaugh, of Company I, was made
captain; Second Lieutenant Emanuel W. Hilt, of Company
C, was made first Ueutenant; Sergeant-Major James H.
Barbour was made first lieutenant of Company I ; Hospital
Steward Joseph E. Booth was promoted to second lieuten
ant of Company B; Sergeant W. N. Meacham was pro-

i865] THE FALL OF RICHMOND AND PETERSBURG. 135
moted to second lieutenant of Company G ; and Sergeant
W. Murphey, of Company F, to second lieutenant of his
company. The extension of our lines of circumvallation to the left
was continued at intervals through January and February,
1865 ; and on the 5th of February our left was near Hatch
er's Run. Here the enemy showed a decided disposition to
put a stop to further encroachments. Early on the morn
ing of the 5th the Second Corps set out to feel the way
still farther to the left, the enemy making fierce attacks at
intervals throughout the day. Of the movements of this
and the day following General Smyth's diary contains
these notes :
" On the 5th, at 7 A.M., we took up our line of march. First, Second, and
Third Brigades. Three hundred cavalry reported to me, and the Tenth New
York Battery. We took the road to Armstrong's Mills, driving the enemy's
vedettes and skirmishers across Hatcher's Run. I took up position with my
left resting on the run and right on the swamp, with the Twentieth Massa
chusetts and Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers on the right. The enemy
opened several times through the day with artillery, but we did not reply to
them. In the afternoon, at 4.30, they made a fierce attack on the Twentieth
Massachusetts and Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania, driving them in ; the Third Bri
gade of the Third Division formed in their rear, with the Twelfth New Jersey ;
the attack was gallantly repulsed.
" February 6th, at 4 P.M., the Fifth Corps made a reconnoissance to Burgess's
mill, and, after a sharp fire of musketry, they fell back to their old position,
followed closely by the enemy, when my left became engaged. Smyth's battery
did good execution."
In regard to this series of actions. General Humphreys,
in general orders, said, " The enemy concentrated a pow
erful force, composed of parts of two corps (Hill's and Gor-

136 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT, [1865
don's), on the right of Smyth, Murphy's brigade, and the
artillery, and in front of McAllister, and made a determined
effort to break our line. They were skilfully and gal
lantly met, and repulsed with severe loss to them ajid
slight to us."
Then followed what was, comparatively speaking, a long
rest for the command, lasting from February 7th until
March 2Sth, during which little more was done than keep
ing the enemy in a continual shiver of apprehension with
unexpected gusts of skirmishing and mysterious move
ments of bodies of troops. As the roads were now dry,
and the weather quite favorable for active operations, the
order to march on the 25th of the month was generally
anticipated. Early on the morning of the 2Sth of March the order to
be in readiness to move was received, and in the afternoon
our brigade, led by General Smyth, assaulted the rebel
works and carried a part ofthem, capturing a large number
of prisoners. At this time General William Hays, of the
regular army, was assigned to the command of the division,
and General Smyth resumed command of the brigade.
At 6 A.M. on the 29th the command stretched out on
the Vaughn Road, and after marching a short distance
formed in line on the right of that road. On the morning
of the 30th a general advance was made against the
enemy's position, the Third Brigade being held in reserve.
The rebels offered little opposition, but fell back beyond
Hatcher's Run. Shortly after midnight the brigade moved
farther to the left and took position in the rear of McAllis
ter's brigade. The battle opened at early daylight on the

i865] THE FALL OF RICHMOND AND PETERSBURG. 137
left, in an effort to obtain possession of the White Oak
Road. The Fifth Corps assaulted, and was pressed back
towards the Second Corps, which also gave way for some
distance on the left. At 1 1 a.m. our line advanced to re
lieve the pressure on the Fifth Corps. The men charged
gallantly, capturing the first lines of rifle-pits, and drove the
enemy to their main works, but failed to carry these, owing
to their great natural strength and the obstructions placed
in the way. In the evening the brigade fell back to the
road. The diversion in favor of the forces on the left enabled
them, however, to drive the enemy in turn, and resulted in
securing possession of the White Oak Road.
The gallantry of Major John T. Dent, who commanded
the regiment in this engagement, contributed largely to the
success of the day. The charge of the regiment upon the
rifle-pits of the enemy, driving the rebels out and far be
yond them, added fresh laurels to its well-earned reputation
for warlike prowess. In this bold charge. Major Dent was
ably supported by Captain Charles W. Davis, of Company
E, and Captain James Kettlewood, of Company H.
April 1st the brigade was ordered to report to General
G. E. Mott, but, before proceeding far, was ordered back to
its old position as a reserve. This afternoon General
Sheridan and the Fifth Corps captured an important work
of the enemy, with many guns and over five thousand
prisoners. It was a cheering spectacle to us, this full
division ofthe enemy, as they passed through our camp on
their way to the rear, for it gave promise of the rapid dis
integration of the rebel army and of the near prospect of
peace and rest. Certainly the Rebellion was nearing its

138 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1865
" last ditch," — a few more gasps and the dying cause would
be forever lost.
On the morning of the 2d orders came to charge the
enemy's works again at four o'clock, and every disposition
was made to carry the order into effect, but before the time
arrived it was changed, and the brigade was again instructed
to report to General Mott. The reason the order to charge
was countermanded was that during the night the enemy
on our front had deserted their works and retreated towards
Petersburg. In the afternoon the division moved to the
left on the Fox Hill Road, to unite with Sheridan's force,
halting at night on the South Side Railroad.
Orders were received during the night to return to Peters
burg in the morning, which were changed, however, and the
entire command started off at n.30 a.m. on the road towards
Lynchburg instead. Here we learned that the rebels had
evacuated Petersburg, and that Richmond had at last fallen,
and the enemy was marching rapidly in the direction of
Danville. The brigade went into bivouac late at night,
started again next morning, finally moving into position
near the Danville Railroad, subsequently changing position
to the left of the Fifth Corps at Jetersville Station.
In order to reach the bridge over the Appomattox in
time to prevent its destruction by the enemy, it was neces
sary to make a long and a forced march. The First Delaware
was near the head of the column to which was intrusted
this difficult enterprise, and the duty was fully and success
fully executed.
During this march considerable merriment was indulged
in at the expense of Lieutenant John M. Dunn, of Company

i865] THE FALL OF RICHMOND AND PETERSBURG. 135
E. Lieutenant Dunn seemed very desirous of knowing the
distance to the Danville Railroad, and made so many in
quiries in regard to it that the matter became somewhat of
a joke to several of the officers, among them Captain John
W. Barney, of Company B. At length an aged negro was
seen by the roadside.
" Now, then,'' said Lieutenant Dunn, " you fellows may
laugh, but I am going to find out how far it is to the Dan
ville Road."
When they reached the old negro, the lieutenant asked
him the well-worn question, and, by the look of deep wis
dom that lit up the old man's face, they saw at once that
they had found one who could give them the desired infor
mation. " De Danville Railroad," said he. " Yes, sah 1 Hit's jes'
fo' miles f 'm John Thompson's, sah."
For the rest of the day there was not much peace for
Lieutenant Dunn; and next day, when the troops had
attacked the enemy at High Bridge, charged across the
bridge through a perfect tornado of shot, and were reform
ing under a brisk fire on the other side, Captain Barney
shouted to Lieutenant Dunn, " I say, Dunn, how far is it
to the Danville Railroad ?"
Marched again at S a.m. on the 6th, under orders to assault
the enemy's works. The route lay along the High Bridge
road, reaching High Bridge about eight o'clock in the
morning. The rebels were posted here in strong force and
disputed the passage of the stream with great stubbornness,
setting the bridge on fire; but we succeeded, by an effort of
great daring, in taking the bridge in time to save it from

I40 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1865
destruction, thus preventing much delay in crossing the
Appomattox, and increasing the pressure on the already
demoralized rebel rear-guard.
In this gallant charge across the railroad bridge. Lieu
tenant John M. Dunn, in command of Company G, rendered
important service in leading the assault. General Barlow
was urging the troops that had reached the end of the
bridge to charge through the carriage-way beneath the rail
road track, which was defended at the other end by the
enemy with artillery and musketry, and there was some
hesitation about taking the lead, when a part of our regi
ment supporting the skirmish-line arrived on the spot.
Seeing the reluctance to enter the bridge. Lieutenant Dunn
asked Lieutenant-Colonel NichoUs if he should take his
company and charge across the bridge, at which General
Barlow said, " Yes, lieutenant, I wish you would." Company
G at once plunged into the bridge, led by the lieutenant,
and followed by many others of the First Delaware and
other troops. The charge was successful, and the bridge
was saved, though at the sacrifice of many brave men, for
the fire that swept it was terrible. For this gallant deed
Lieutenant Dunn and the noble company which he tempo
rarily commanded were highly complimented by General
Barlow and Lieutenant-Colonel NichoUs.
The charge upon the enemy holding the bridge was
made just in time to defeat their attempt to destroy this
important means of reaching the farther side of the river;
and the bridge once in our possession, the entire Union
army hastened across and recommenced with vigor the
pursuit of the flying enemy towards the town of FarmvtUe,

l865] THE FALL OF RICHMOND AND PETERSBURG. 141
capturing several guns, which, in their hasty retreat, they
yielded with but feeble resistance.
It was in the engagement that took place near Farmville
that General Thomas A. Smyth received his mortal wound.
The occurrence is described by Dr. D. W. Maull, in " The
Life and Military Services of the late Brigadier-General
Thomas A. Smyth," in the following words :
" A short distance from that town our forces had been temporarily checked
by the heavy fire from the rebel artillery and sharpshooters. The general was
in advance, with the skirmish-line, as was his frequent custom, as he always
wished to form an intelligent conception as to what was transpiring. He was
mounted, with his staff about him. It was now about eleven o'clock in the
morning, with a cold, disagreeable rain falling. There was an irregular fire
of musketry going on. Suddenly he was seen to fall on the right side of his
horse. His staff quickly dismounted and caught him. He was laid down,
and it was discovered that he had been hit by a rebel sharpshooter. A small
conical ball Jiad entered the left side of his face, about an inch from the
mouth, cutting away a tooth. The ball continued its course to the neck, frac
turing a cervical vertebra, 'and driving a fragment of the bone upon the spinal
cord. Entire paralysis resulted. He was at once placed upon a stretcher
and tenderly moved by a relay of sorrowing men to a farm-house in the vi
cinity, where the corps hospital was established, and where he received all the
attention possible."
Next day he was sent in an ambulance to Burkesville
Station, accompanied by two of his aides (Lieutenants
Tanner and Nones), but, as it was found that he was grow
ing worse, he was taken to the residence of Colonel Burke,
where, at 4 a.m. on the 9th, he died. His body was em
balmed at Burkesville and forwarded to Wilmington for
burial. Thus passed away a noble man, an able soldier,
and a loved comrade of the regiment, on the very day that

142 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1865
witnessed the surrender of the main army of the Confed
eracy ; he being the last general officer killed on the Union
side. Surgeon Maull was constantly in attendance on the
wounded general, and all that the highest surgical skill
could accomplish was done to relieve from pain his passage
to the shadowy shore, for the character of the wound was
fatal beyond all doubt. For his tender devotion on this
among numerous other occasions, Surgeon Maull won the
highest respect and affection of the men of the regiment,
as he did the esteem of all those of the division who had
need of his professional aid while he was surgeon-in-chief
of the division. His conscientious devotion to his duties,
his prompt willingness to sacrifice his own personal ease
and comfort to relieve suffering, the earnestness with which
he studied every case which came under his care, his ex
tended knowledge of prophylactics and therapeutics, his
gentle manner and sympathizing voice, together with his
genial social qualities, all combined to make him what our
men, with much pride, pronounced a very model of an
army surgeon.
The following extract from General Smyth's diary is the
last entry made by him :
" April 2d I received orders to assault the enemy's works at 4 o'clock A.M.
Three o'clock orders countermanded: orders to report to General Mott.
Heavy arlillery and musketry along the line all night. The enemy left the
works at ten o'clock; marched to near Petersburg. At two o'clock took the
Fox Hill Road to Sheridan and the Fifth Coips ; bivouacked on the South
Side Road. April 3d; orders to return towards Petersburg at sunrise; re
mained until 11.30, and then took the road towards Lynchburg; at 10 P.M.
bivouacked. April 4th, orders to march at 6 A.M. ; took up our line of march

1865] THE FALL OF RICHMOND AND PETERSBURG. 143
at seven. April Sth, at eight o'clock took up the march for the Danville
Railroad, and took up position at the left of the Fifth Corps, at Jetersville
Station. April 6th, orders to march at 5 A.M., and at six o'clock to assault
the enemy's works."

While the regiment was deployed as skirmishers at
Farmville, and was pressing the enemy hard. Colonel
Daniel Woodall and Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph C. NichoUs
rode in advance of the left wing, and their cool and ener
getic behavior afforded a fine example to the command. It
was during this advance that Lieutenant-Colonel NichoUs
was severely wounded in the face by a piece of shell, and
Colonel Woodall's horse was shot.
Lieutenant-Colonel NichoUs and Major Dent both reached
their exalted stations in the regiment by promotion from
the ranks, owing to their bravery and efficiency as com
manders, and both were great favorites with their com
rades. The command marched with the corps to the vicinity of
Appomattox Station, but the only fighting that occurred
was on the morning of the 9th, in General Sheridan's front,
brought on by the enemy making a desperate attempt to
break through the cavalry by charging with masses of in
fantry. General Ord's division arrived in time, however, to
defeat their object, and overtures were immediately made
by the enemy looking to surrender. Negotiations were
soon completed, and the Army of 'Northern Virginia, com
manded by General Robert E. Lee, surrendered on that
day, thus virtually closing the war and ending the great
Rebellion.

144 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1865
THE SURRENDER OF LEE.
As the movements of the two opposing forces and the
negotiations for surrender at Appomattox Court-House
will ever be one of the brightest pages in the history ofthe
war, and as it is a fitting and satisfactory close of the ser
vice for which the First Delaware Regiment had volun
teered, an extract from the official report of Lieutenant-
General Grant is added here, that these valuable papers
bearing upon the history of the nation may form a part (as
of right they should) of the history of our regiment.
Referring to the rapid concentration of our forces near
Farmville on the 7th of April, and the failure of Lee to
preserve a road on which to escape the toils by which he
was surrounded. General Grant says :
" Feeling now that General Lee's chance of escape was utterly hopeless, I
addressed him the following communication from Farmville :
" ' April 7, 1865.
" ' General, — The result of the last week must convince you of the hope
lessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia in
this Struggle. I feel that it is so, and regard it as my duty to shift from myself
the responsibility of any further effusion of blood by asking of you the sur
render of that portion of the Confederate States army known as the Army of
Northern Virginia. " ' U. S. Grant, Lieutenant- General.
" ' General R. E. Lee.'
" Early on the morning of the Sth, before leaving, I received, at Farmville,
the following : " '  , 1865.
" ' General, — I have received your note of this day. Though not enter
taining the opinion you express on the hopelessness of further resistance on

186.5] THE SURRENDER OF LEE. 145
the part of the Army of Northern Virginia, I reciprocate your desire to avoid
useless effusion of blood, and therefore, before considering your proposition,
ask the terms you will offer on condition of its surrender. " ' R. E. Lee, General.
" ' Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant.'
" To this I immediately replied : " ' April 8, 1865.
" ' General, — Your note of last evening, in reply to mine of the same
date, asking the conditions on which I will accept the surrender of the Army
of Northern Virginia, is just received. In reply I would say that peace being
my great desire, there is but one condition I would insist upon, — namely, that
the men and officers surrendered shall be disqualified for taking up arms
against ^the government of the United States until properly exchanged. I
will meet you, or will designate officers to meet any officers you may name
for the same pui'pose, at any point agreeable to you, for the purpose of ar
ranging definitely the terms upon which the surrender of the Army of
Northern Virginia will be received. " ' U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.
" ' General R. E. Lee.'
" Early on the morning of the Sth the pursuit was resumed. General
Meade followed on the north of the Appomattox, and General Sheridan, with
all the cavalry, pushed straight for Appomattox Station, followed by General
Ord's command and the Fifth Corps. During the day General Meade's ad
vance had considerable fighting with fhe enemy's'- rear-guard, but was unable
to bring on a general engagement. Late in the evening General Sheridan
struck the railroad at Appomattox Station, drove the enemy from there, and
captured twenty-five pieces of artillery, a hospital-train, and five trains of cars
loaded with supplies for Lee's army. During this day I accompanied Gen
eral Meade's column, and about midnight received the following communica
tion from General Lee : " 'Aprils, 1865.
" < General,  I received at a late hour your note of to-day. In mine of
yesterday I did not intend to propose the surrender of the Army of Northern
Virginia, but to ask the terms of your proposition. To be frank, I do not

146 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1865
think the emergency has arisen to call for the surrender of this army, but as
the restoration of peace should be the sole object of all, I desire to know
whether your proposal would lead to that end. I cannot, therefore, meet you
with a view to surrender the Army of Northern Virginia, but as far as your
proposal may affect the Confederate forces under my command, and tend to
the restoration of peace, I should be pleased to meet you at 10 a.m. to-mor
row on the old stage-road to Richmond, between the picket-lines of the two
armies. R. E. Lee, General.
" • Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant.'
" Early on the morning of the 9th I returned him an answer, as follows,
and immediately started to join the column north of the Appomattox :
" • April 9, 1865.
" ' General, — Your note of yesterday I received. I have no authority to
treat on the Subject of peace ; the meeting proposed for 10 a.m. to-day could
lead to no good. I will state, however, general, that I am equally anxious
for peace with yourself, and the whole North entertains the same feeling.
The terms on which peace can be had are well understood. By the South
laying down their arms they will hasten that most desirable event, save
thousands of human lives and hundreds of millions of property not yet
destroyed. Seriously hoping that our difficulties may be settled without the
loss of another life, I subscribe myself, etc.,
" ' U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.
" ' General R. E. Lee.'
" On the morning of the 9th General Ord's command of the Fifth Corps
reached Appomattox Station just as the enemy was making a desperate effort
to break through our cavalry. The infantry were at once thrown in. Soon
after a white flag was received, requesting a suspension of hostilities pending
negotiations for a surrender. Before reaching General Sheridan's headquar
ters I received the following from General Lee : " ' April 9, 1865.
" ' General, — I received your note of this morning on the picket-line,
whither I had come to meet you and ascertain definitely what terms were
embraced in your proposal of yesterday with reference to the surrender of

1865] THEnsURRENDER OF LEE. 147
this army. I now ask an interview in accordance with the offer contained in
your letter of yesterday for that purpose. " ' R. E. Lee, General.
" ' Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant.'

" The interview was held at Appomattox Court-House, the result of which
is set forth in the following correspondence :
" 'Appomattox Court-House, Va., April 9, 1865.
" ' General, — In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of the
Sth instant, I propose to receive the surrender of the Army of Northern Vir
ginia on the following terms, to wit : Rolls of all the officers and men to be
made in duplicate, one copy to be given to an officer to be designated by me,
the other to be retained by such officer as you may designate. The officers to
give their individual paroles not to take up arms against the government of
the United States until properly exchanged, and each company or regimental
commander sign a like parole for the men of their commands.
" ' The arms, artillery, and public property to be parked and stacked, and
turned over to the officer appointed by me to receive them. This will not
embrace the side-arms of the officers, nor their private horses or baggage.
" ' This done, each officer and man will be allowed to return to his home,
not to be disturbed by the United States authority so long as they observe
their paroles and the laws in force where they reside.
" ' U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.
" • General R. E. Lee.'
" ' Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia,
" < April 9, 1865.
" ' General, — I received your letter of this date containing the terms of
the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia as proposed by you. As
they are substantially the same as those expressed in your letter of the Sth
instant, they are accepted. I will proceed to designate the proper officers to
carry the stipulations into effect. R. E. Lee, General.
" ' Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant.'
"The command of Major-General Gibbon, the Fifth Army Corps, under

148 FIRST DELAWARE REmMENT. [1865
Griffin, and McKenzie's cavalry were designated to remain at Appomattox
Court-House until the paroling of the surrendered army was completed and
to take charge of the public property. The remainder of the army returned
to the vicinity of Burkesville."
After the surrender was concluded the troops were drawn
up, and the commanding generals rode along the lines,
congratulating the men on the complete success of their
labors and the approaching dawn of a permanent peace.
They were lustily cheered by each organization as they
passed, and general joy and jubilation reigned supreme,
which was also shared in, to a great extent, by very many
of the captured rebels.
As soon as the terms of the surrender were arranged and
the overthrow of ou'r old and brave antagonist, the Army pf
Northern Virginia, was an actual fact, our corps marched
back to Burkesville, where we enjoyed over two weeks of
grateful rest, untroubled by the constant apprehension of
orders to march or to attack.
During the active campaign around Petersburg the fol
lowing-named men of the regiment were killed or died of
wounds received in action : at Petersburg there were killed
Sergeant Edward Maull, of Company F, and Private John
T. Groves, of Company I. At Hatcher's Run, Sergeant
Lewis Correll, of Company H, was mortally wounded. At
High Bridge, Privates Samuel Cochrane, of Company B,
and Peter Shrout, of Company I, were killed, and Privates
William Algier, of Company A, and George Wilkins, of
Company D, were mortally wounded.
Since December, 1864, the changes among the commis
sioned officers were as foUows ; January i, 1865, First Lieu-

l86s] MUSTERED OUT. 140
tenant John W. Barney, of Company B, was promoted to
captain, and Alfred Nones was appointed first lieutenant of
the same company; on the sth, James Kettlewood was ap
pointed captain of Company H ; and on the 9th, Captain
David S. Yardley resigned.
February ist. First Lieutenant William J. Birney, Com
pany D, was promoted to captain ; on the 1 3th, Captain John
T. Dent, of Company G, was promoted to major, and Sec
ond Lieutenant Henry H. Burton was raised to first lieu
tenant of Company G; March iSth, Robert E. Russell was
made principal musician.
April 20th, Surgeon David W. Maull resigned, feeling
that the active work of the regiment was finished, and with
his usual modesty, having no desire to share in the popular
ovations awaiting the regiment " When Johnny comes
Marching Home." All parted from him with sincere re
gret, even though but few weeks, as it then appeared, would
elapse before we should join him at home. On the 29th,
Second Lieutenant William Murphey, of Company F, re
signed. MUSTERED OUT.
On the 1st of May the command left Burkesville on its
homeward march, — the last long tramp of the war. The
column passed through Richmond and Fredericksburg, and
went into camp near Munson's Hill on the 15th. The
weather was very warm, and this long march was exceed
ingly severe on the men, many of those who had not been
in the service long becoming exhausted and dying, as it
were almost on the very threshold of their homes. This

1 50 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1865
long and fatiguing march at the close of the war was wholly
unnecessary. No plea of economy can justify the measure
that resulted in the death of so many of the gallant men
who had survived the perils of the battle-field. They
should have been transported to their homes by water and
rail, as they were carried to the front.
At the end of May the Army of the Potomac and Sher
man's army marched through Washington in review before
the President and all the civic heads of the nation. This
was the grandest military pageant the' civilized world ever
witnessed; for nowhere in the annals of modern history
can we find an instance where nearly two hundred thousand
victorious veterans marched in review previous to disband
ing to the occupations of civil life. The column Vas so
long that two days were required for it to pass a given point,
moving in quick time.
The regiment lay in camp in Virginia, nearly opposite
Washington, through the month of June, engaged in the
preparation of muster-out rolls and returns of public prop
erty. In the last two months a number of changes oc
curred among the commissioned officers: May 15th, Cap
tain George T. Price, of Company C, was discharged ; on
the 17th, Assistant Surgeon Joseph W. McCuUough was
promoted to surgeon; on the 20th, Caplain William J.
Birney, of Company D, resigned; on the 25th, Sergeant
William W. Davis, of Company H, was appointed sergeant-
major; on the 27th, First Lieutenant Alfred Nones, of
Company B, resigned-; on the 30th, Sergeant Thomas Rus
sell, of Company B, was promoted to second lieutenant of
Company K; and on the 31st, Thomas D. G. Smith was

1865] MUSTERED OUT. 151
appointed first lieutenant of Company D, and William
McCoy second Ueutenant; First Lieutenant James M.
Bryan, of Company A, was promoted to captain of Com
pany G ; Second Lieutenant Joseph E. Booth, of Company
B, was advanced to first lieutenant of Company A; Ser
geant Michael Dooley, of Company H, was made second
lieutenant; and Moses Magee was appointed hospital
steward. On June 9th, Second Lieutenant Russell, of Company
K, was transferred to Company H ; on the 3d, Second
Lieutenant Michael Dooley, of Company H, was trans
ferred to Company K; on the 9th, Sergeant William
Marsh, of Company C, was made second lieutenant of Com
pany F ; William H. Vining was appointed second lieuten
ant of Company I, and Dr. Benjamin B. Groves was
appointed assistant surgeon; and on the i6th. First Lieu
tenant Evan P. Grubb, of Company K, was promoted to
captain of Company D, and Second Lieutenant William
N. Meacham, of Company G, was promoted to first lieuten
ant of Company K.
All the preparations having been completed, on the 12th
of July, 1865, the regiment was mustered out of service at
its camp near Munson's HUl, and, under orders from the
War Departmeiit, took the cars for Wilmington on the
14th of July, where, after being honored by an enthusiastic
reception, it was disbanded.
By order of the War Department the following were an
nounced as the battles in which the First Delaware Regi
ment was engaged: Fair Oaks, Gaines' MiU, Peach Or
chard, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill,

152 FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1865
Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg,
Bristoe Station, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania,
North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg,
Deep Bottom, Ream's Station, and Boydton Road.
To this list should be added Auburn, Locust Grove, Po
River, Morton's Ford, Strawberry Plains, Hatcher's Run,
High Bridge, and Lee's Surrender. The first six battles
mentioned in official orders are accredited to the First Dela
ware by reason of the consolidation with it, July i, 1864, of
a portion of the Second Delaware Regiment, which bore an
honorable share in those engagements.
Sergeant John B. Mayberry, .of Company F, received a
medal of honor from the War Department for gallant and
meritorious service.
To those who feel an interest in the first organization
that went from Delaware to support and defend the Gov
ernment, and which furnished so many valuable officers to
other regiments from the State, all of which won for them
selves a high reputation for patriotism and bravery, the
following tables showing the number of commissioned offi
cers borne on the muster-in rolls who were killed, died of
disease, resigned, were discharged or transferred, and pro
moted, and the number that remained to the close of the
war; and the number of enlisted men of each company
whose names were on the muster-in rolls who were com
missioned, killed, died, were < reported missing, deserted, or
were transferred or discharged; and of those who served
until mustered out, will be of great value in disclosing the
fate of a thousand men who entered upon a career of such
unusual hardship and peril.

1 i86s]

MUSTERED OUT.
Commissioned Officers.

153

•0
¦?
3
5 0
I
13 1
fi
1
a
Q
1
S
^
2
19
2
3
5
3
4
38
Enlisted Men.
Company.
¦ffi 1 2
3
4 3 2924 i
10
¦d
135
n
.2
1
T3 te
1
S
•3 e3
A 
49 19
203746 28
40 37
25 31
77778 628
10 I
1813 9
iS 1510IS12 98
3
,4 8968 6 762
59
6
10
22 7 S5
4 6
72 I
10 6
IS12 13
21
^ 67
26 IS
628S
93
102 89788184 69
B 
c 
D 
E 
F 
G 
H 
I 
K 
38
332
63
127
78
10
131
838
These tables are compiled from the muster-out rolls, and
it will be readily seen that, in most of the companies, all
the men who marched from Wilmington with the regiment
have not been accounted for, and their fate is not shown.
In these statistics none of the men who joined the regi
ment by transfer, or as recruits, substitutes, or conscripts,
have been taken into account, the object being to show
IS4

FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT. [1865

only what became of the officers and men of the organiza
tion as it was mustered in.
The story "of the achievements and sacrifices of the First
Regiment Delaware Volunteers in the great war of the
Rebellion is now told, briefly and imperfectly, since the
limits of a historical sketch are too narrow to permit the
glorious deeds these heroic men have carved upon the
tablets of our national history to be recited in the glowing
word-pictures they so eminently deserve.
Let us hope that coming generations, when they as
semble to congratulate themselves on the liberty, happiness,
and prosperity they enjoy, will not fail to honor the mem
ories of the daring men who paused not to consider selfish
interests, who hesitated over no personal sacrifices, with
nothing mercenary to tempt them in the form of large
bounty, no State military laws, even, on which to depend
for clothing, shelter, and subsistence while organizing ; yet,
when powerful and thoroughly-organized treason clutched
the throat of the nation, and it cried out in its agony,
" Save me or I die !" they sprang to the front, seized their
weapons, fought the traitors to the death, aided in the
delivery of their country, and when the enemy was
stretched, out exhausted and harmless, they laid down
their arms and returned modestly to their former stations
of industrious and law-abiding citizens.

INDEX.

" A" Company, ii, 13, 13, 16, 18, 21, 26,
35. SI. S3. 60, 62, 63, 64, 65, 73, 82, 88,
89, 90, 94, 104, 108, 116, 121, 133, 134,
148, 151, 153.
Abel, John C, 60.
Aberdeen, Md., i5.
Active operations, 40.
Adams, Benjamin E., 27, 44.
Adams, Napoleon, 60.
Advance-guard duty, 99, 100.
Alarm in the camp at Bush River, 16.
Albright, Charles, 58, 59, 67, 68, 69, 71,
73. 76. 77-
Alderdice, W. Hill, 17.
Alexander, Ezekiel C, 18, 27, 33, 37, 40,
65, 133.
Alexander. Samuel, 116.
Algier, William, 148.
Ames' battery, 66, 74, 130.
Amity, Va., 109.
Anderson, William, 71, 72.
Anderson's Mills, Va., iii, 123, 132.
Andrews, John W., 13, 14, 15, 18, 25, 26,
28, 30, 42, 45, so, 51, S3, 54, S6, 57. 59.
64.
Annapolis, Md., 13, 19.
Antietam, The battle of, 4s.
Mentioned, 46, S". 7°. 72. 73. 90.
152-
Appomattox Court-House, Va., 144, 147,
148.
Appomattox River, The, 128, 138, 140,
14S1 146.
Appomattox Station, Va., 143, 14S, 146.
Armstrong's Mills, Va., 135.
Arnold's battery, 88.
Artillery captured, 95, no, 118.
Ashby's Gap, Va., 92.
Attack on the camp with stones, 14.
Auburn, Va., 95. 152-
Aurtisto, Joshua C, 108.
" B" Company, n, 13. I5. 16. 19. 21,26,
40, 44, SI, S3. 60. 61, 63, 72, 77. 90. 94.
104, 108, IIS. ii6, 121, 122. 133. 134.
139, 148, 149. ISO. 151. 153-

Back River, 19, 21.
Bakersville, Md., 91.
Ball given by the regiment, 32. 1
Ball of the Second Army Corps, 104.
Baltimore, Md., 28, 33.
Band organized, A, 18.
Band mustered out, The, 44.
Bank's Ford, Va., 69, 74.
Banquet to the regiment, 103.
Barbour, James H., 72, 134.
Barlow, Francis C, 115, 117, 128, 140.
Barnesville, Md., 79.
Barney, John W., 65, 122, 133, 139, 149.
Barr, Joseph M., 12, 15, 18.
Batchelder, J. B., 88.
Battalion's return to Wilmington, The,
24.
Battle-flags captured, 86.
Baxter, Alexander, 52.
Bayonet charges, 50, 83, 84, 85, 89, 107,
109, no, 118, 120, 132, 137, 140.
Bealton Station, Va., 95.
Beggs, William H., 60.
" Bell Men," The, n.
Bdlle Plain, Va., 55.
Bendix, John E., 58.
Berdan's Sharpshooters, 127.
Berwagner, John, 109.
Birch, William D., 72.
Bird, Charles, 15.
Birney, David B., 106, 119.
Birney, William, 71, 72.
Birney, William J., 116, 122, 149, 150.
Black, John S.,90.
Blades, Major G., 52.
Bloomfield, Va., 92.
Bolivar Heights, 53.
Boonsborough, Md., 46.
Booth, Joseph E., 133, 134, 151.
Boothenian Dramatic Association, The,
33.
Bowling Green, Va., 112, 123.
Boydton Plank Road, The battle of, 131.
Mentioned, 152.
Boyle, Sr., Manus, 51.
Boyle, Jr., Manus, 60. iSS

iS6

INDEX.

Brady, John L., 33, 61, 63, 64, 133.
Brandy Plains, Va., 104.
Brierly, John, 51.
Bristersburg, Va., 93.
Bristoe Station, The battle of, 95.
Mentioned, 96, 152.
Bruceville, Md., 90.
Bryan, Edwin H., 63, 64.
Bryan, James M., 134, 151.
Bull Run, The battle of, 20.
Mentioned. 79, 94, 98, 99.
Burgess's mill, Va., 135.
Burke, Colonel, 141.
Burkesville, Va., 148, 149.
Burkesville Station, Va., 141.
Burketsville, Md., 90.
Burnside, Ambrose E., 54, 62.
Burrows, Robert F., 72, 115.
Burt, Lieutenant, 74.
Burton, Henry H., 27, 43, 149.
Burton, William, 9, 10.
Bush River, i5, 20.
" C" Company, 12, 13, 15, 18, 19,21, 26,
36.37.40. 43.44. 51.53.60,61,64,71,
72, 89, 90, 95, 104, 108, 116, 133, 134,
150, 151, 153.
Cahill, Philip, 44.
Calhoun, Jasper, 116.
" Calico," The chaplain's horse, 49.
Camp Andrews, Del., 25, 28.
Camp Brandywine, Del., 13.
Camp Hamilton, Va., 28.
Capture of a battery, 95.
Carey, John, 108.
Carey, John C, 60.
Carey, Thomas P., 90.
Carlan, John, 52. '
Carpenter, Leonard W., 123.
Carr, Hudson, 116.
Carroll, SamueUS., 74, 75, 76, 105, 106,
107, no. III, 129.
Casualties of battle. The, 51, 60, 70, 76,
77, 86, 89, 90, 99, 108, ns, 129, 148.
Casualty tables, 153.
Cavalry raid. A, 130.
Cavanaugh, Henry G., 72, 133, 134.
Caywood, William, 73, 108, 133.
Cedar Creek, 132.
Cedar Mountain, Va,, 93.
Cedar Run, 93.
Cemetery Hill, Pa., 80.
Centreville, Va., 79.
Chaffins, Enoch, 108.
Challenger, David, 72.
Chancellor House, The, 65, 68.
Chancellorsville, The battle of, 65.
Mentioned, 69, 71, 72, 73, 74,. 105,
152-
Charles City Court-House, Va., 115.

Chartres, Duke de, 32.
Chesapeake Bay, 19, 28, 46.
Chew, Henry F., 76. v
Chickahominy River, The, 115.
City Point, Va., 118, 119.
Cleaden, W. H., 15.
Cline, John, 60.
Cochrane, Samuel, 148.
Cold Harbor, The battle of, 113.
Mentioned, 113, 116, 126, 152.
Collision between the civil and military
governments, 30.
Color-guard appointed. A, 27.
Colors captured, 82, 86, no.
Colors presented to the regiment, 103.
Colors, Recovery of the, 48.
Commendations 0/ the regiment, 24, 30,
33. 50. 51. 59. 60, 70, 76, 80.
Concert on the picket-line. A, 109.
Condon, Charles E., 44.
Condron, George M., 17, 18.
" Congress," Tlie frigate, 37.
Connecticut Volunteers, 'Hie Fourteenth
Regiment, 56, 81, 82, 84, 86, 87, 96,
97, 98, 106, III, 123, 124, 12S, 126,
132.
Connor, Hugh, Company C, 51.
Connor, Hugh, Company D, 52.
Consolidation of the brigade, 105.
Consohdation threatened, 92.
Corcoran Legion, The, in, 122.
Correll, Lewis, 148.
Corts, George P., 85, 96.
Coucli, Darius N., 68.
Coverdale, John P., 44.
Cox, Benjamin, 108.
Cox, Richard, 72.
Craney Island, Va., 41.
Creller, Samuel, 115.
Croft, Matthew, 44.
Crossley, James, 115.
Crossley, Thomas, 15, 27, 57, 63.
Crow, John, 51.
Culpeper Court-House, Va., 93, 94.
Culp's Hill, Pa., 81.
" Cumberland," The frigate, 37.
Curry, Henry, 53, 77.
Curtis, Sylvanus W., 97.
" D" Company, 14, 15, 16, 21, 26, 37,
43. 52. S3. 55. 60, 61, 63, 64, 6s, 71,
72. 77, 90, 94, 108, no, 116, 121, 122,
143, 149, ISO, 151, 153.
Daily, Martin, 72, 108.
Danville, Va., 138.
Danville Railroad, The, 138, 139, 143,
Darlington, Henry H., 53, SS. 60.
Darlington, William, 99.
Daugherty, John, 15.
Davis, Charles W., 64, 133, 134, 137.

INDEX.

157

Davis, Thomas H., 95, 98.
Davis, William W., 150.
Deep Bottom, The battles at, 117.
Mentioned, 118, 119, 121, 152.
Delaware State Historical Society, The,
103.
Delaware Volunteers, Second Regiment,
134. 152. .
Dent, John T., 44, 53, 64, 83, 88, 89, 94,
137, 143, 149.
Derity, Benjamin, 72.
Dickson, James P., 52.
Dismal Swamp, Va., 43.
Dooley, Michael, 151.
Dooley, Patrick, 26, 30, 31, 64.
Dorsey, William D., go.
Doswell House, The, 125.
Dougherty, James, 90.
Dougherty, John, 77.
Dover, .Del., 10, 12.
Downsville, Md., 91.
Drafted men as recruits, 93.
Dramatic company formed, A, 33.
Draper, Benjamin Y., 64, 65, 70, 94, in,
114, 116, 127.
Du Pont, Henry A., 13, 15, 18'.
Dubois, Edward M., 99.
Duffy, Daniel, 51.
Dumfries, Va., 78.
Duncan, Richard, 15.
Dunn, John M., 48, 49, 83, 89, 134, 138,
139, 140.
" E" Company, 15, 16, 21, 27, 37, 44,
52, 60, 63, 64, 72, 77, 80, 89, 90, 94,
108, 115, 116, 133, 134, 137, 139, 153.
Eccleston, Norris P., 33.
Eckles, John W., SS, 61, 63, 133.
Edwards' Ferry, Va., 79.
Eighteenth Array Corps, The, 113, 128,
130.
Election of officers, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27.
Eleventh Army Corps, The, 66, 69.
EUzabeth River, The, 39.
Elkton, Md., 18.
Elktown, Va., 93.
EUegood, Martin W. B., 64, 80, 82, 88,
89.
Elliott, Private, 127.
Ellis, Theodore G., 87, 98, in, 123.
Ellison, William, 55.
Ely's Ford, Va., 105.
Emancipation excitement. The, 44.
Embler, Andrew H., 122.
Emmittsburg, Md., 80, 81, 83.
Engineer Corps, The, 13.
England, Thomas Y., 26, 64.
Ennis, Frederick B., 60.
Ewell, Richard S., 112.
Executive mansion, Annapolis, Md., 19.

" F" Company, 15, 18, 19, 22, 27, 39, 44,
52. 53. 55. 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 72, 89, 94,
99, 103, 104, 108, no, 115, 116, 121,
135. 148. 149. 151. 152. 153-
Faehtz, Ernest F. M., 49.
Fair Grounds, The, 13.
Fair Oaks, Va., 151.
Fairfax Station, Va., 79.
Fairplay, Md., 91.
Falling Waters, Md., 91.
Falmouth, Va., S4. 55. 62, 68, 69, 73.
Farmville, Va., 140, 141, 143, 144.
Ferguson, WiUiam H.,72, 116.
Ferrero, Edward, 128.
Field and line officers. Roll of, 15.
Field, staff, and line officers, Roll of, 26.
Fifth Army Corps, The, 109, in, 120,
128, 13s, 137, 138, 142, 143, 145, 146,
147.
Fine dress-parades, 30.
First dress-parade. The, 14.
First Veteran Corps, The, 133.
Fisher, Richard W., 77.
Flag of truce from the enemy. A, 34.
Flank movements, 109, 112.
Foot-race with the enemy, A, 94.
Foreaker, William C, 108.
Fort Monroe, Va., 27, 28, 33, 40, 47.
Fort Morton, Va., 131.
Fort Sedgwick, Va., 131,
Fort Sumter, S.C, 8.
Fox Hill Station, Va., 34.
Frank's battery, 69.
Frederick City, Md., 46, 79, 90.
Fredericksburg, The battle of, 58.
Mentioned, 54, 55, 56, 58. 60, 62, 70,
71, 72, 112, 123, 149, 152.
French, William H., 46, 50, 58, 63, 68,
69. 70, 73. 74. 75-
" G" Company, 15, 18, 27, 44, 52, 53, 60,
64, 65, 77, 83, 89, 90, 94, 108, 121, 133,
135, 140, 149, 151, 153.
Gaines' Mill, Va., 151.
Gainesville, Va., 79.
Gamble, James, 72, 77.
Gawthrop, Alfred, 27, 53.
Gemmill, David W., 40, 43, 77.
George, John, 52.
Georgetown, D. C, 46.
Germania Ford, Va., 100.
Gettysburg, The battle of, 77.
Mentioned, 80, 82, 85, 87, 88, 89,
90, 152.
Gibbon, John, 105, 109. 114, 117, 119.
120, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 129, 130,
133. 147-
Gordon, General, 135.
Grand campaign, The, 105.
Grand review, The, 150.

IS8

INDEX.

Grant, Ulysses S., 105, 109, 114, 144,
145. 146. 147-
Gravelly Run, 131.
Green, James, 15, 17.
Green, Joshua, 71, 72.
Green, Lemuel J., 60.
Gregg, David McM., 120.
Gregory, Philip, 52.
Griffin, Charles, 148.
Grimes' Station, Va., 123.
Groff, Augustus M. L., 44.
Groves, Benjamin B., 151.
Groves, John T., 148.
Grubb, Evan P., 102, 122, 134, 151.
Guessford, David, 116.
Guiney's Station, Va., 112.
Gum Springs, Va., 79.
Gunpowder River, 19.
Guthrie, William, 52.
" H" Company, 15, 18, 19, 37, 34, 37, 40,
52. 55. 60, 64, 65, 72, 73, 77, 90, 94, 102,
109, 114, 116, 121, 122, 133, 137, 148,
149, 150, 151, 153.
Haddock, Henry, 44.
Haddock, James T., 44.
Haines House, The, 128.
Hall, Philip S., 76.
Hampton Roads, 38.
Hampton, Va., 34,35, 38.
Hancock, Winfield S., 88, 105, 109, 132,
133-
Hanover Junction, Va., 123.
Hanson, William, 73.
Hare's Corner, Del., 25, 28.
Harewood, Md., 19.
Harper's Ferry, Va., 53, 54, 36, 91.
Harpst, Mr., 20.
Harris, Edward P., 27, 64, 69, 70, 71, 73,
82, 88, 89, 103.
Hart, John, 63, 94.
Haskins, Thomas, 51.
Hatcher's Run, The battle of, 137.
Mentioned, 135, 136, 148, 152.
Haunquartus Creek, 125.
Havre de Grace, Md., 18, 19, 20.
Hays, Alexander, 81, 83, 84, 85, 86, 96,
97. 98.
Hays, William, 136.
Held in reserve, 66, 70, 76, 103, in, 118,
129, 136, 137.
Henderson, Charles H., 44.
Hicks, Governor, 19.
Higgins, Henry H., 60.
High Bridge, The battle of, 140.
Mentioned, 139, 148, 132.
Hill, John T., 87.
Hill's corps, 96, 135.
Hillsboro', Va., 92.
Hilt, Emanuel W., 133, 134.

Hizar, Aquila M., 64, 121, 133.
Hizar, Thomas B., 27, 33, 44, 70, 82, 88,
121.
Holmes, Thomas, 60.
Holt, R. J., 13.
Hooker, Joseph, 62, 68, 79.
Hopkinson, Oliver P., 27, 45, 48, 51, 36,
61.
Hospital established. A, 36.
Houseman, Franklin, 13, 26, 33, 62.
Howard, George H., 77.
Howard, Nicholas P., 108.
Howard, Oliver O., 68.
Hoyle, Joshua, 44.
Hoyle, Thomas M., 44.
Huhn, Adam, 90.
Humphreys, Andrew A., 133, 133.
Hyatt, Albert T., 44.
" I" Company, 13, 18, 19, 21, 271 40, 42,
43, 44, 52, 60, 61, 63, 64, 72, 88, 94,
108, 109, lis, 116, 121, 133, 134, 148,
151. 153-
Igiams, Charles, 51.
Indiana Volunteers, The Fourteenth
Regiment, 105, 106, 123, 124, 123,
127.
Inhoff, William C, 27, 39, 63.
Institute Building, The, n, 13.
Intelligent "contraband," An, 139,
Invalid Corps, The, 94.
Irish Brigade, The, 103.
Issuing rations under fire, 47,
Jackson, Thomas J., 66, no.
James River, The, 113, 118, 127, 128.
Jameson, William, 39.
" Jamestown," The rebel sloop, 39.
Jarratt, Colonel, 16.
Jefferson, Md., 90.
Jenkins, Samuel H., 13, 18.
Jerels, Jonathan, 31.
Jerrell, George, 32.
Jetersville Station, Va., 138, 143.
Johnson, Edward, no.
Johnson, John H., 32.
Johnson, Robert P., 17.
Johnstown, Md., 79.
Jones, George F., 71.
Jones' Creelc, 91.
Jones House, The, 126, 130.
Joseph, William C, 72.
Jubilation review, A, 148.
" K" Company, 13, 18, 19, 21, 27, 43,
32, 53, 60, 61, 63, 64, 72, 73, 77, 90,
108, 115, 116, 121, 134, 150, 151, 153.
Kay, James, 127.
Keedysville, Md., 46, 90.
Kelly, Joshua, 51,

INDEX.

159

Kelly's Ford, Va., 100.
Kent County, Del., 6.
Kettlewood, James, 108, 116, 133, 137,
149.
Kilpatrick, Judson, 93.
Kimball, Nathan, 30, 58.
Kinsler, Adam, 73.
Knight, James, 17.
Knight, John H., 15.
Kruger, Charles W., 59.
La Motte, Charles E., 11, 13.
La Motte, Robert S., n, 12, 13, 15, 18,
20.
Lacey House, The, 56.
Lamb, Mayor, 41.
Lamson, Daniel S., 43.
Landrum House, "The, 109, in, 122.
Langdon, Daniel, 15.
Last long march. The, 149.
Last parade of the three months' service,
The, 24.
Laughlin, Samuel, 51.
Lawrence, David, 51.
Layton, C. Rodney, 15, 18, 20.
Lazy retreat. A, 67.
Lee, Benjamin F., 51.
Lee, Robert E., 43, 34, 77, 92, 99, 143,
144, 145, 146, 147.
Lee's surrender, 152.
Leonard, James, 15, 26, 31, 52.
!Lespes, Charles, 27, 43.
Lewis, James, 26, 37, 43, 47, 49, 104.
Lewis, William, 32.
Lewis, William C., 113.
Liberty, Md., 79.
Likens, Thomas, 32.
Lincoln, Abraham, 30, 31, 40.
Lindsey, John, 31.
Little Round Top, Pa., 81.
Lloyd, Wellington G., 90.
Lock, William, 31.
Lockwood, A., 33.
Lockwood, Henry H., 13, 13, 17, 19, 21,
22.
Locust Grove, Va., 132.
Long march. The, 79.
Long, Robert, 60.
Longstreet, James, 107, log.
" Louisiana," The steamboat, 28.
Lucas, James H., 52.
Lynchburg, Va., 138, 142.
McAllister, Colonel, 136.
McAllister, Samuel A., 49, 61, 63.
McCarren, Bernard, 89.
McClellan, George B., 32, 54.
McCloskey, Frank, 26, 37.
McClurg, William K., 73.
McColen, George, 108.

McCoUey, Joseph P., 52.
McCoy, William, 151,
McCuUen, Charles, 115.
McCuUough, Joseph W., 53, 130.
McElwee, Samuel L., 73, 77.
McGarrity, John, 51.
McGeehan, Bernard, 32.
McGregor, John D., 38, 59, 71, 74.
Mclntyre, James, 121.
McKaig, W. C, 15.
McKee, Jacob D., 108.
McKenzie, General, 148.
McKnight's battery, 117.
Macklem, Matthew W., 94, 104, no.
Magee, Moses, 151.
Magruder, John B., 32, 34, 38.
Maine Volunteers, The Sixth Regiment,
20.
The Nineteenth Regiment, 106, 124.
Malvern HiU, Va., 151.
Manassas Gap, Va., 92.
Mansfield, Joseph K. F., 29, 30, 34, 35.
Marching orders, 15, 17, 27, 40, 45, 34,
55. 65. 78, 91, 93, 94, 100, 105, 109,
III, 118, 119, 130, 136.
Marsh. William, 151.
Marshall, John W., 58, 59.
Marshall, Samuel D., 26, 63.
Marye's HiU, Va., 57.
Maryland Heights, 92.
Maryland Volunteers, The Fifth Regi
ment, 49.
Massachusetts Volunteers, The First
Heavy Artillery, 127.
The Fifteenth Regiment, 125.
The Sixteenth Regiment, 29.
The Nineteenth Regiment, 133.
The Twentieth Regiment, 105, 135.
Mattapony Church, Va., 123.
MauU, David W., 15, 26, 36, 141, 142,
149.
Maull, Edward, 148.
Mayberry, John B., 89, 152.
Meacham, John M., 121.
Meacham, William N., 134, 151.
Meade, George G., 79, 80, 109, 143.
Meally, Wilson, 32.
Mellick, D. Ramsey, 76.
Melson, Minos J., 52.
" Merrimac," The ironclad, 38, 39, 40,
41.
" Merrimac," Destruction of the, 41.
Michigan Volunteers, The Seventh Reg
iment, 97.
Mick, James, 116.
Middle Military Department, The, 23.
Middletown, Md., 46, 79.
Milford, Va., 112, 123.
Military funeral. The first, 20.
MiUtia laws, Lack of, 9.

i6o

INDEX.

Miller, John, 60.
Milligan, Robert, 13, 17.
Mine explosion. The, 118.
Mine Run, Operations on, 99.
Mentioned, 100, 102, 152.
" Minnesota," "The frigate, 38, 39.
" Minute Men," The, n.
Money, John P., 60.
" Monitor," The ironclad, 39, 40.
" Monitor" and " Merrimac," Battle be
tween the, 37.
More hungry than tired, 80.
Morris, Barnard, 72.
Morris, Dwight, 56, 82.
Morrisville, Va., 93.
Morton's Ford, Va., 103, 104, 152.
Mosely, Edward, 31.
Mott, Gershom, 117, 120, 130, 137, 138,
142.
Mount Pleasant, Md., 79.
Mountain Creek, 100, 102.
" Mud march," "The, 62.
Mumford, Samuel, 32.
Munson's HiU, Va., 149. 151.
Murphey, Thomas G., 26, 31, 49.
Murphey, William, Company D, 71.
Murphey, William, Company F, 135, 149.
Murphy, Colonel, 136.
Murry, William B., 72.
Mustered out, 149.
Muster-out of companies, 21, 22, 24.
Nagle, Daniel, 29.
Nansemond River, The, 43.
Naval Academy, "The United States, 13.
New Castle, Del., 10.
New Castle County, Del., 6, 7.
New Jersey Volunteers, "The Twelfth
Regiment, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86, 87, 93, 97,
98, 106, 123, 124, 125, 126, 135.
New Verdiersville, Va. , 100.
New York Volunteers, 'The Fourth Reg
iment, 24, 38, 59, 68, 74, 77.
The Tenth Regiment, 38, 59, 87,
106, 123, 124, 125, 127.
The "Twentieth Regiment, 29, 33.
The Thirty-ninth Regiment, 93.
The Sixty-ninth Regiment, 124, 125.
The Ninety-ninth Regiment, 29.
~ The One Hundred and Eighth Reg
iment, 82, 85, 86, 87, 96, 97, 98,
100, 106, 112, 123, 124, 125, 126.
The One Hundred and Twenty-
sixth Regiment, 96.
The One Hundred and Sixty-fourth
Regiment, 127.
The One Hundred and Seventieth
Regiment, 124, 125.
The Tenth Battery, 135.
Newport, Del., 28.

Newport News, Va., 37, 38.
NichoUs, Joseph C, 37, 40, 44, 48, 53,
134, 140, 143.
Nickson, Isaac P., 72.
Nields, Benjamin, 15.
Ninth Army Corps, The, 107, 113, 118.
Nones, Alfred S., 141, 149, 130.
Norfolk, The occupation of, 40.
Mentioned, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43,
44,46.
Norfolk Railroad, The, 130.
North Anna River, The battle of, 113.
Mentioned, 112, 113, 113, 124, 123,
152.
North CaroUna troops, 100.
North East, Md., 18.
Northern Virginia, The Army of, 143,
144, 143, 146, 147, 148.
Norvell, John M., 69, 73, 74, 73.
Ny River, The, 112, 123.
Oates, James A., 26, 32, 33, 44.
O'Brian, Patrick, 31.
Occoquan Creek, 78.
Ocean View, Va., 41.
Off to the wars, 28.
Ohio Volunteers, The Fourth Regiment,
103, 123, 124, 125, 127.
The Eighth Regiment, 37, 103, 106,
112, 123, 124, 123, 126.
Old Point Comfort, Va., 28.
O'Mera, Archibald D., 26, 133.
O'Neal,. John, 31.
Ord, E. O. C, 143, 14S, 146.
Organization for three months, n.
Organization of volunteers, 8.
Owens, Frederick J., 77, 122.
Palmatary, Theodore, 121, 122.
Pamunkey River, The, 113, 123.
Parker, John, 44.
Parker, William A., 44.
Parry, Charles B., 72.
Parsons, Theron E., 87, 99.
Parvis, Henry J., 121.
Patriotism of the citizens of Wilmington,
7,9-
Patterson, Robert, 12.
Peach Orchard, Va., 131.
Pender, WiUiam D., 88, 89.
Pennington, Louis J. M., 133.
Pennsylvania Volunteers, The Eleventh
Regiment, 16.
The Forty-eighth Regiment, 29.
The Sixty-ninth Regiment, 123, 133.
The One Hundred and Thirty-
second Regiment, 58, 59, 66, 68,
70, 74, 76, 77.
The One Hundred and Eighty-
fourth Regiment, 126.

INDEX.

t6l

Perryville, Md., i8.
Petersburg, The fall ot, 129.
Mentioned, 109, 112, 115, 117, 120,
. 121, 128, 138, 142, 148, 132.
Petition to be assigned to the fighting
forces, 21.
Philadelphia, Pa., 12, 13, 27.
Philadelphia, Wilmington and Balti
more Railroad, The, 16.
PhiUips, Albert S., 27, 44, 60, 63.
Picket duty, 69, ni, 118, 123, 128, 131.
Pickett, George E., 88.
Pierce, Francis E., 82, 86, 87.
Pig Point, Va., 39.
Pioneer corps formed. A, 35.
Pleasonton, Alfred, 12, 13.
Plume, Joseph W., 38.
Plummer, Robertson W., 60.
Plunkett, James, 13.
Plunkett, William, 13.
Po River, The, 109, 152.
Political clubs, 1 1.
Political excitement, 6, 11.
Poolesville, Md., 46, 79.
Poore, John, 77.
Port Deposit, Md., 19.
Porter, J^u, 52.
Portsmouth, Va.figS, 42.
Post-ofiSce, The regimental, 35.
Postles, James Parke, 26, 33, 48, 49, 50,
sr, S3, 84, 87, 121.
Potomac, "The Army of the, 32, 45, 52,
^ 99. 103, 122, 133, 150.
Potomac River, The, 46, 79, 90, 92.
Powers, Charles J., 96, 97, 98. -.,
Preseintation to General Smyth, 131.
Prettyman, Charles P., 116.
Price, George T., 65, 94, 104, 130.
Prince George's Court-House, Va., 130,
Provost-guard duty, 42.
Quini, Edward, 52.
Rapijlan River, The, 93, 100, 103.
Rappahannock, The pursuit to the, 90.
Rappahannock River mentioned, 34, 65,
69/95. 100.
Rappahannock Station, Va., 93.
Raslj, Nathan, 121.
Rations, Economizing, 92.
Raymond, John G., 134.
Ream's Station, The battle of, 120.
Mentioned, 120, 129, 132.
Rear-guard duty, 94, 102, in, 130.
Recruiting for the long term, 24.
Rectoiitown, Va., 92.
Re-eniistment, 99, 102.
Reice, George W., 60.
Reorganization of the regiment, 24.
Return to the front, 104.

Review of the army, 34.
Reynolds, John F., 80.
Rhoads, John, 108.
Richmond, The faU of, 129.
Mentioned, 63, 109, 113, 118, 138,
146, 149.
Rickards, James, 26, 32, 33, 40, 48, 49,
Riggs, David S., no, 115.
Ritchie, John B., 26, 44.
Robbing the mail, 36.
Robelen, Charles H., 52.
Roberts, Henry, 72.
Robinson's Tavern, Va., 100.
Rockville, Md., 46.
Rodgers, Matthew, 72.
Rogers, Theodore, 59.
Rogerson, Edward, 115.
Rohrersville, Md., 90.
Russell, Harvey Y., 74.
Russell, Robert E., 149.
RusseU, Thomas, 150, 131.

Sands, Gardner, 72.
Sandy Hook, Md., 91.
Sassafras River, The, 23.
Savage Station, Va., 151.
SaviUe, John G., 17, 18.
Schaeff'er, Charles S., 26, 33, 42, 61, 87,
94, 121.
ScBaffner, Jacob, 72.
Schaffner, Joseph, 72, 77.
Scott, Eben, 52.
Scott, Isaac, 72.
Scouting expeditions; 33, 34, 33, no.
Secession flag captured, 18.
Secession of the State feared, 6.
Second Army Corps, The, 68, 69, 73, 78,
81, 85, 90, 94,96, 99, 100, 104, 103, in,
119, 122, 133, 135, 137.
Secretary of War, The, 9, 13.
Sedgwick, John, 68.
Semple, George C, 60.
Sempler, Benjamin B., go.
Sempler, David M.,90.
Senn, Thomas, 52.
Serenade to Mr. Tomes, 19.
Serenade to Mr. Sprogle, 19.
Serenade to Governor Hicks, 19.
Serenade to Mr. Wainright, 20.
Seville, William, 52.
SeviUe, William P., 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 26,
33. 47. 54. 59. 69. 7i. 76, 87, 93, 94, 99,
134-
Seymour, Thomas, 8g, 90.
Sharpsburg, Md., 50, 91.
Shaw, Robert, 108.
Shaw, WiUiam, 51.
Shepherd, Eli, 51.

1 62

INDEX.

Sheridan, Philip H., 137, 142, 143, 145,
146.
Sherman, WiUiam T., 150.
Shortledge, Allen, 27, 31, 94.
Shrout, Peter, 148.
Shulty, John, go.
Sickness in the camp, 36, 43.
Simpson, James, Company B, 72, 90.
Simpson, James, Company F, 52. ¦
Simpson, James D., 64, 94, 116.
Simpson, Samuel, 15.
Simpson, Thomas, A., 52.
Sinnox, "Thomas, 60.
Sixth Army Corps, The, 115, 117, 128.
Skirmish beyond Hampton, 33.
Skirmishing, 54, 36, 59, 80, 85, 88, 92, 96,
100, 102, 132, 143.
Slavery, 5.
Slaves in Delaware, Number of, 6.
Smith, D. G., 72.
Smith, George F., 15, 18.
Smith, John H., 52.
Smith, Thomas D. G., 150.
Smith, William, Company A, 64, 65, 8a,
87, 88, Sg.
Smith, WiUiam, Company B, 60.
Smith, WiUiam F., 26, 37, 53, 60, 69,70,
71, gs, 104, 132, 134.
Smithers, Enoch J., 15, 26, 37.
Smyrna, Del., g3.
Smyth, Thomas A., 26, 36,38,42,45,48,
51. 56. 57. 59. 61, 64, 67, 69, 71, 75777.
82, 83, 84, 87, 90, 93, 96, 99, 102, 104,
105, in, 113, 114, 117, 119, 122, 129,
130, 131, 132, 133, 13S, 136, 141, 142.
Sneider, George, 60.
Social intercourse with the enemy, 62.
Soldiers' Christian Association, "The, 31..
South Side Railroad, The, 138, 142.
Southall House, The, 128, 129.
Sparks, John L., 27, 53, 64, 70, gg.
Spicer, Philip R., 52.
"Spot," the colonel's horse, 51.
Spottsylvania Court-House, The battles
at, 105.
Mentioned, 109, no, 112, 115, 122,
152.
Springfield, Va., 92. .
Sprogle, Mr., ig.
Staff-officers appointed, 17, 26.
Stafford Court-House, Va., 78.
" State of Maine," The transport, 46.
Steel, Charles J., 72, 108.
.Stein, John, 90.
Stemmer's Run, 19.
Stevensburg, Va., 102.
Stewart, G. H., no
Stony Mountain, Va., 103, 104.
Strawberry Plains, Va., iig, 152.
.Sudley Springs, Va., 79.

Suffolk, Va., 43, 44, 43,
Sumner, Edwin V., 46. '
Supporting batteries, 6g.
Surrender of General Lee, The, 144.
Susquehanna River, The, 19.
Sussex County, Del., 6.
Sweeney, Hugli, 26, 43.
Sweeney, Thomas M., 52.
Swiggett, William Y., 15, 27, 31,63, 103.
Sylvester', Levi, 44.
Taneytown, Md., 80, 85, 88, go.
Tanner, Charles B., 37, 40, 48, 4g, 51, 55,
70, g4, 141.
Tanner, John B., 27, 34, 65.
Tanner's Creek, 41.
Tatem, AUen, 33, 4g, 63, 64, 121.
Tenth Army Corps, The, iig, 130.
Theatre erected. A, 32.
Third Army Corps, The, 66, 70.
Thomas, Robert, 116.
Thompson, Jacob H., 72.
Thompson, John, I3g.
Thompson, Richard S.,84, 85.
Thornton, Thomas, 108.
Tilghmanton, Md., 91.
Todd's Tavern, Va., 66, 105, 109.
Tolopotomoy, The battle of, 113.
Mentioned, 113, 116, 126, 152.
Tomes, Mr., 19.
Torbert, WiUiam. F. A., 74.
Truce declared. A, 114.
Turkey Creek, 96, 98.
Turner's Gap; Md., 46.
Twelfth Army Corps, The, 81.
Twenty-fourth Army Corps, The, 133,
Two Taverns, Md., 90.
Tyler, General, 75.
Union Bridge, Md., 79. ¦"
Uniontown, Md., 79, 85.
United States Ford, Va., 65, 6g, 70, 74,
76.
Upperville, Va., 92.
Urbana, Md., 46, 79.
Van Trump, Isaac, 27, 42.
Vandever, Alfred, 15.
Vanloan, John R., 27, 37.
Vaughan, William D., 77. 1
Veteran furlough. The, 103. |
Veteran Reserve Corps, The, 103, 104.
Viele, Egbert L., 43. I
Vincent, Peter W., 72,
Vining, William H., 151.
Wainright, Mr., 20.
Wales, Leonard E., 15.
Walker, John J,, 52.
Wallace, Gustave A., 116.

INDEX.

163

Walls, Andrew, 43, 44, 64, 89, 94.
Walls, James B., 44.
Walls, John H., 44.
War Department, The, 12, 21, 25, 44,
88, 114, 151.
Ward. Neal, 26, 36.
Wardrop, David W., 2g.
Warren, William, 73, 116.
Warrenton, Va., 54, g6, gg.
Warrenton Junction, Va., 92.
Washington, D. C, 12, 45, 46, 53, 77,
104, 131, 130.
Watson, Evan S., 13, 18, 26, 35, 51, 52.
Watson, Nicholas R., 52.
Webb, John, 108.
Weber, Max, 2g, 45, 50, 53.
Weigle, WUliam, 108.
Weir, Samuel, 60.
Weldon Railroad, The, 120, 131.
Wenie, Thomas M., 134.
West Point, N. Y., 13.
West Virginia Volunteers, The Seventh
Regiment, 105, 106, 123, 124, 125 126.
White, Douglass, log.
White Oak Swamp, Va., 151.
White Plains, Va., g2.
" Wide Awakes," The, n.
Wilcox's Landing, Va., 127.
Wilderness, The battle of the, 105.
Mentioned, 108, 115, 129, 132.
Wilkins, George, 148.

Wilkinson, Andrew, 72.
Williams, John W., 27, 53, 62.
Williams, William, 89, 90.
Williams House, "The, 129.
Williamson, Washington F. , 104, 134.
Wilmington, Del., 10, n, 12, 13, 14, 17,
24. 33. 52. 58. 103, 104, 141, 151, 153.
Wilson, Bayard M., 51.
Wilson, Frank, 26.
Wilson, James H., 117.
Winchester, Salmon, 38, 59.
Windmill Point, Va., 115, 127.
Winter camp. The first, 29.
Winter quarters. Building, 34, 102.
Wisdom, Richard H. B., 44.
Wolfe, Erasmuth, 77.
Wood, Nelson, 51.
Woodall, Daniel, 15, 27, 51, 6i, 70, 75,
82, 93, 96. 98, 103, 134, 143.
Woodbury, Va., 92.
Woodruff's battery, 85, 86, 88.
Wool, John E., 27, 28, 2g. 30, 34, 40.
Worth, John, 44.
Wright, Robert, 72.
Wyman, Powell T., 2g.
Yardley, David S., 26, 33, 37, 51, 70,
149-
Yarnall, Holton, 44.
Yates, John T., 44.
Yorktown, Va., 32.

3 9002