YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

3 9002 06422 8399

This book was digitized by Microsoft Corporation in
cooperation with Yale University Library, 2008. You
may not reproduce this digitized copy of the book for
any purpose other than for scholarship, research,
educational, or, in limited quantity, personal use. You
may not distribute or provide access to this digitized copy
(or modified or partial versions of it) for commercial purposes.

~uyi/J

HISTORY

SEVENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
MWYORKYOLUNTEERS;
WHAT IT ENDURED AND ACCOMPLISHED ;

CONTAINING DESCRIPTIONS OF ITS TWENTY-FIVE BATTLES ; ITS MARCHES ;
ITS CAMP AND BIVOUAC SCENES ; WITH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
OF FIFTY-THREE OFFICERS, AND A COMPLETE RECORD
OF THE ENLISTED MEN.

BY
J±. IP. SMITH,
LATE FIRST LIEUTENANT AND Q. M., SEVENTY-SIXTH N. Y. VOLS.

v ILLUSTRATED WITH FORTY-NINE ENGRAVINGS ON WOOD,
BY J. P. DAVIS & SPEER, OP NEW YORK;
AND A- LITHOGRAPH, BY L. N. ROSENTHAL, OF PHILADELPHIA.

CORTLAND, N. Y.
PRINTED FOE THE PUBLISHER.
1867.

Z.-J cn , IH
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866,
By A. P. Smith,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Northern
District of New York.

TRUAIK, SMITH & MILES, PRINTERS, JACOB MILLER, BINDER,
JOURNAL OFFICE, SYRACUSE, N. Y. SYRACUSE, N. Y.

TO
THE MEMORY OF THOSE HEROES OF THE
SEVENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS,
WHO, ON THE MARCH, IN THE CAMP, AND ON THE STORMY BATTLE-FIELD,
GAVE UP THEIS UNSULLIED LIVES THAT THEIR COUNTRY MIGHT LIVE,
THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED,
BY THE AUTHOR.

PREFACE.

No apology were necessary for writing the history of such an organization as
the Seventy-sixth Regiment, were it well written. Nor can the writer claim
credit for it except as credit is given for the attempted performance of duty.
Intimately connected with the organization and early experiences of the Regiment,
intensely interested in everything pertaining to it, and looking back with unal
loyed pleasure to every day of his association with the officers and men, the
writer had half written this book before he ever dreamed of its assuming a book
form. Great men — as men are estimated by thei.r eagles and stars — will easily enough
find their way into history ; shining quite too frequently with a light emanating
from a patriotism farther down in the scale of promotion, while the patriotic
private who endures the hardships and does the fighting, dies in obscurity. With
the sincere desire that patriots in the rear rank, as pure as ever shouldered a mus
ket in defense of the right, may be awarded, their meed of fame, and that a
Regiment which hewed its way to glory, may not be forgotten in the multitude
of similar organizations of Freedom's defenders, this volume is sent forth.
The pressing demands of an arduous profession, must plead in mitigation of
the sentence of a discerning public for the imperfect manner in which this duty
has been done. The effort has been made to make this work a truthful record of
the doings of this Regiment ; exact in detail of incidents, times, places and per
sons. That errors have crept ^in is quite likely. The facts have come from a
great variety of sources, and it would be, indeed, surprising should there prove to
be no inaccuracies.
In this connection the writer desires to tender his warmest acknowledgements

6 Preface.
to Major-General Abner Doubleday for diagrams and descriptions of the early
battles in which the Regiment was engaged, and the free use of his Order and
Scrap Books so kindly tendered. Also, to Colonel William P. Wainwright, who
has added to his kindly interest in the work, over fifty pages of personal reminis
cences ; and to Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel A. L. Swan, Major John W. Young,
Adjutant H. F. Robinson, Captains Fox, Byram, Sager, Pierce, Potter and Jarvis,
and Lieutenants Myers, Edgcomb and Stebbins, who so kindly furnished inci
dents ; Private William J. Mantanye, of Company D, who furnished personal
incidents, and numerous official reports from Brigade Headquarters ; and H. Perry
Smith, Esq., of Syracuse, who translated the diary of Adjutant Carpenter, kept
for the first year and a half, in Phonography. The men who furnished facts and
diaries so liberally, will each accept the profound gratitude of the writer. With
out their co-operation, these facts could not have been collated.
It is with regret that the valuable article on " Prison Life," furnished by Cap
tain B. B. Porter, of the Tenth New York Cavalry, has been compressed into the
biography of Lieutenant Myers. The press of matter connected with the Regi
ment alone prevented its insertion entire.
This work is now given to the public, asking that the criticisms may be tem
pered by a recollection of the difficulties under which such a work is compiled.
If it shall prove instrumental in bringing to light the heroism of one deserving
patriot, and giving to a meritorious Regiment even an humble niche in the tem
ple of fame, it will amply repay the effort.
Cortland, N. Y., January 1, 1867. A. P. S.

ILLUSTRATIONS.

A. P. Smith, 
Camp Doubleday, D. C, (Fort Massachusetts)
Colonel N. W. Green,
Colonel W. P. Wainwright,
Lieutenant-Colonel John d. Shaul,
Lieutenant-Colonel A. J. Grover,
Lieutenant-Colonel C. A. Watkins,
Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel A. L. Swan
Major John W. Young,
Surgeon J. C. Nelson,
Chaplain H. S. Richardson,
Adjutant H. F. Robinson,
Adjutant H. Carpenter,
Quartermaster U. A. Burnham,
Sergeant-Major Thomas Martin,
Captain H. W. Pieboe,
Lieutenant W. H. Ripley,
Captain O. C. Fox,
Captain Robert Story,
Lieutenant C. D. Crandall,
Lieutenant W. S. Walcott,
Lieutenant William Cahill,
Lieutenant A. L. Carter,
Lieutenant M. P. Marsh,
Lieutenant M. M. Whitney,
Lieutenant Cablos Baldwin,
Lieutenant T. F. Weldon,
Captain S. M. Byeam,
Captain J. M. Waterman,
Lieutenant E. D. Van Slyck,
Lieutenant W. H. Tabeell,
Lieutenant L. Dayis,
Lieutenant B. Phenis,
Lieutenant Wm. Strinqham,
Lieutenant T. C Guernsey,
Captain N. G. Bartholomew,
Captain Ira C. Potter,

Frontispiece.
Facing page 48
Page S45
" 849
" 350
" 352
" 355
" 357
" 358
" 860
" 363
" 864
" 365
" 367

370
370 872 373374375 377
377

3S4
385

390

Battles.

Lieutenant John H. Ballabd,
Captain John H. Baenabd,
Captain J. L. Goddard,
Lieutenant W. W. Geeen,
Lieutenant W. H. Myers, .
Lieutenant H. Cliff,
Captain A. Sager,
Captain J. C. Hatch,
Lieutenant John Fisher, .
Lieutenant W. E. Evans,
Lieutenant B. W. Carrier,
Lieutenant M. Edgcomb,
Captain E. J. Swan, .

Page 392

400 401
403 404
405
406407408

BATTLES
PARTICIPATED IN BY THE SEVENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.

Rappahannock Station, Va., .
Warrenton Sulphur Springs, Va.,
Gainesville, Va., .
Second Bull Eun, Va.,
South Mountain Md.,
Antietam Md.,
Snicker's Gap, Va.,
Fredericksburg, Va.,
Chancellorsville, Va.,
Gettysburg, Penn.,
Mine Eun, Va.,
Wilderness, Va.,
Laurel Hill, Va., .
Spottsylvania, Va., .
North Anna, (Jericho Ford),
Tolopotomoy Creek, Va.,
Coal Harbor, (Bethesda Church),
Petersburg, Va.,
Weldon Eailroad, Va., .
Poplar Grove Church, Va.,
First Hatcher's Eun, Va.,
Hicksford Raid, Va.,
Second Hatcher's Eun, Va., .
Five Forks Va.,
Lee's Surrender at Appomattox Court House, Va.,

Va.,

Va.,

August 21st, 1862.
August 26th,
August 28th,
August 29th & 30th,
September 14th,
September 17th,
November 1st to Sd,
December 12th & 13th,
May 1st to 5th, 1863.
July 1st to 4th,
November 27th,
May 5th & 6th, 1864.
May 8th,
May 12th,
May 24th,
June lBt,
June 3d to 5th,
June 18th,
August ISth to 21st,
September 30th,
October 28th,
December 6th to 12th
February 6th, 1865.
April 1st,
April 9th,

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

The Bull Run Disaster — North Unprepared — The People Aroused — Organization
of the Seventy-sixth in Cortland County— First "Hair-breadth 'Scape"—
McNett and his .Allegany Company — Colonel Green Shoots Captain McNett —
General James Wood — Orders to March to Albany — Arrival at Albany — Indict
ment and trial of Colonel Green. ...... 17
CHAPTER II.
Arrival at Albany— Court of Inquiry— Colonel Green Restored to Command— New
Year's Parade — Recruiting the Otsego Regiment— Ordered to Albany — Consoli
dation of the Two Regiments — Flag Presentation — Speeches — Orders to March
— Riker's Island — Introduction to the Paymaster — Orders to March to Wash-
ignton. .......... 27
CHAPTER III.
Orders to March— Sail Down the Bay— Reception at Philadelphia— Influence of
Woman— The "March through Old Baltimore "—Change of Sentiment in Bal
timore—Washington—First Camp on Meridian Hill— Camp Trials— First Death
in the Seventy-sixth— McClellan Moves— Difficulty in the Regiment— Occupy
the Forts— First Battle of the Seventy-sixth. .... 39

CHAPTER IV.
Camp Life around Washington— Discipline— Cal. Totman— Standing on a Barrel
—Pat. MeKone— Fire in a Powder House— Marching— Fight on Pennsylvania

10 Contents.
Avenue — Slave Catchers Foiled — Sailing Down the Potomac — Aquia Creek —
Tracks of the Rebellion. ....... 51
CHAPTER V.
March to Fredericksburg— Virginia Shower— Fording— Arrival at Fredericksburg
Movement on Foot — Rumors — General McDowell — The Lacy House — Abraham
Lincoln, Secretary Stanton', and the Generals in Council— The Seventy-sixth to
Remain at Fredericksburg. ....... 63
CHAPTER VI.
Fredericksburg — Changing Camps — A Reconnoisance in Force — Diabolism of the
Rebels — Explosion of a Magazine in Fredericksburg by a Rebel Torpedo — Rebel
Sentiments — Lawyer Wallace — The Women of Fredericksburg — Shunning the
Flag— " Stonewall " Jackson Expected — Preparations for His Reception — Major
Livingston as Governor — Capture of Major Lacy, of the Lacy House — Smug
gling — Remarkable Cures of Dropsy. ..... 69

CHAPTER VII.
General McCall Leaves Fredericksburg— General Pope Takes Command of the
Army of Virginiar-Number of Troops in that Army— Movements of the Troops
— Doubleday's Brigade Assigned to King's Division— Another Wallace—" Joe,"
the Contraband— Foraging on the Enemy—" Slow Note." . . 81
CHAPTER VIII.
Colonel Wainwright assumes command of the Seventy-sixth— Drill— Sunday Ser
vices—Celebration of the Fourth of July in Virginia— Truth Spoken in a New
Locality— Battle Impending— Organization and Movements of the Army— March
from Fredericksburg to Culpepper— Eagerness of the mon— Death from Ex
haustion—In Search of the Enemy— Fording the Rapidan— A Night March—
The Army of Virginia Concentrated at Culpepper. . . 87
CHAPTER IX.
A Fight Imminent— Cartridges Distributed— No Enemy Appears— Foraging—
Battle-Field of Cedar Mountain— " Fall In"— Retreat of General Pope Com
menced—The Seventy-sixth under Fire for the First Time— Battle of Rappahan-

Contents. 11
nock Station— Improper Liberties with a Rail Pillow— Arrival at Warrenton—
Bold Instance of Foraging. ....... 99
CHAPTER X.
Battle of Warrenton Springs — The Lady and False Flag of Truce — Retreating at
Double-Quick — Reinforcements Promised, but Not Received — Battle Imminent
— Fire upon the Ambulances — Dr. Metcalfe Induces Bravery in a Teamster — Bat
tle of Gainesville — Terrible Slaughter — Instances of Bravery — Retreat of Our
Army — Sufferings of Our Wounded Prisoners — Feasting and Resting are Sud
denly Terminated in the Army. ...... 113

CHAPTER XL
Fighting Renewed — Second Battle of Bull Run — "Following a Retreating Foe,"
and What Came of It—" Don't Fire on Your Friends "—Major Livingston Ral
lies the Second Mississippi — The Colors of the Seventy-sixth — "Confusion
Worse Confounded " — Death of Lieutenant Williams — Between Two Fires —
"Be Quiet, Men! God will do with Us as He Will!"— Wading through the
Mud— Terrible Night Duty— The Regiment Reaches Upton Hill— Forgiving
Spirit of Mr. Lincoln  129
CHAPTER XII.
A Short Rest — March through Washington — Seventh Street—Fort Massachusetts
— March through "My Maryland" — Frederick City — Cordial Welcome by the
People — Battle of South Mountain — Death of Charles E. Stamp — Colonel Wain-
wright Wounded— Rebel Ruse— They are Severely Punished— Union Victory. 145

CHAPTER XIII.
After the Battle of South Mountain— Decided Union Victory— Appearance of the
Battle-Field— Pursuing the Rebels— Ben Van Valkenburg Captures Nine Pris
oners—Battle of Antietam— Terrible Slaughter— Another Victory— Description
of the Field after the Battle— Failure to Reap the Golden Harvest. . 159

CHAPTER XIV.
On the March— John Brown— Jeff. Davis— Rainy Experiences— Return of Cloth
ing Left at Alexandria— Confiscation in the Army— Capture of the Blue Ridge

12 Contents.
Passes— Fight at Ashby's Gap— Guarding Rebel Property— Foraging— Honey-
Chickens — Marching Orders. ...... 171
CHAPTER XV.
March to Warrenton— " What Guns do You Carry?"— Snow Storm— General
McClellan Leaves the Army— Colonel Wainwright Returns to the Regiment—
Warrenton to Falmouth— Continually Changing— Arrive at Fredericksburg—
Another Battle Imminent. ....... 183
CHAPTER XVI.
Crossing the Rappahannock— Battle of Fredericksburg— Heroic Charge of Double-
day's Division— Lieutenant Crandall Killed— The Rebels Driven from a Strong
Position— Seventy-sixth Guards the Battery— Night Fight— Incidents and In
stances of Bravery— Skillful Retreat of General Burnside— Tom sees "De Ole
House Agin" — Getting into Camp — Winter Quarters — General Doubleday
Transferred to Another Command— His Farewell Address— Corduroying. 187

CHAPTER XVII.
A Forward Movement — The " Mud March " of Burnside — Incidents and Descrip
tions— Discipline— Furloughs— The Sick Sergeanl^General Burnside Relieved
by General Hooker— Review of the Army by President Lincoln. . 199

CHAPTER XVIII.
Battle of Chancellorsville — General Wadsworth Crosses the River in a Boat in the
Face of the Enemy — A Dead Rebel — Building Breastworks — Between Two Fires
— Sergeant Baker, of Company H — Perilous Condition of the Seventy-sixth —
A March of Twenty Miles — Entering the Battle — Shameful Conduct of the
Eleventh Corps — John Smith Arrests the Dutchman — Inefficiency of Undrilled
Nine Months Men— A Third Retreat  207

CHAPTER XIX.
The Seventy-sixth Recruiting— Ann Redmond— Trading Between the Pickets-
March of Thirty-five Miles in One Day— Colonel Wainwright Takes His Leave
of the Seventy-sixth — Heat, Dust, and Sun-stroke — Again in Maryland — Camp
ing in the Mud— March Past South Mountain— Reception at Frederick City—

Contents. 13
Change of Commanders— Acts of Generosity by the People— Amusing Incident
— Muster for Pay— The Rolls Never Signed  333

CHAPTER XX.
March to Gettysburg— The Seventy-sixth Given the Post of Honor— Major Gra
ver's Order— Battle of Gettysburg— Details and Incidents— Half the Seventy-
sixth Killed and Wounded in Half an Hour— Instances of Heroism— Recruiting
from the " Wounded " on the Field— The " Nameless Heroine " of Gettysburg
—The Aged Volunteer of Gettysburg— Sergeant Cliff, of Company F— Union
Victory— Old Archie— Ann Redmond. . . . . 235

CHAPTER XXI.
Victory at Gettysburg answered by Victory at Vicksburg — An Advance Ordered
— Crossing South Mountain — Watching the Enemy to See Him Safely Across
the Potomac — Following the Rebel Army — Guarding Rebel Property — General
Wadsworth Takes a Temporary Leave — Reminiscences — Picket Duty on the
Rappahannock — Night Experience in Camp— March to Culpepper — The Pay
master Comes — Flag Presentation in the Second Corps — Drunken Seene — Large
Profit on Whisky — Execution of Winslow N. .Allen, of Company H, for De
sertion. ......... 351

CHAPTER XXII.
The Seventy-sixth Recruited to One Thousand Men — Building Winter Quarters —
March and Leave Them— Night March— On the Retreat— Marching Thirty
Miles in Eighteen Hours — Visit to the Battle-Fields of Gainesville and Bull
Run— Sickening Sights— Retreating and Advancing— Wading Broad Run— An
Important Capture — John Minor Botts, the Loyalist — Dark and Dangerous
Night March-r-Battle of Mine Run — Building Winter Quarters Again — Another
March— Winter Quarters in Earnest. ..... 263

CHAPTER XXIII.
Winter Quarters— Re-enlisting— Furloughs— Theater Established— Presentation
of a New Stand of Colors by the Ladies of Cherry Valley— Parting with " The
Old Flag"— A March— Engagement at Raccoon Ford— Return to Winter Quar
ters—General Grant Assumes Command— General Wadsworth Returns— Re-Or
ganization of the Army— Preparations for a Grand Advance. . . 275

14 Contents.
CHAPTER XXIV.
On the March— Battle of the Wilderness— Three Companies of the Seventy-sixth
as Skirmishers— Interminable Forests— A Clearing in the Wilderness— Falling
into an Ambush — The Three Companies Captured by the Rebels — Confusion in
the Rebel Ranks— Brigade Commander's Opinion of the Seventy-sixth— Severe
Fighting— Death of General Wadsworth— Death of Adjutant Carpenter and
Captain Bartholomew— Off for Spottsylvania. .... 283
CHAPTER XXV.
Battle of Spottsylvania— General Rice Killed— "Turn Me with My Face to the
Enemy"— "This is an Unhealthy Country, Captain"— Continuous Night Filing
— Terrible Slaughter — Appearance of the Ground the Next Morning — A Camp
of Dead Heroes— Battle of the North .Anna^On the Plantation of Patrick Hen
ry — Battle near Bethesda Church — Captain Goddard and Lieutenant Baldwin
Wounded — Losses in the Seventy-sixth — March to the Chickahominy — Deserted
ViUages  295
CHAPTER XXVI.
Crossing the James River— Fighting South of the James — Captain Byram Wound
ed — Battle at the Weldon Railroad — Lieutenants Phenis and Weldon Killed —
Captain Hatch Captures a Rebel Stand of Colors — The Enemy Throw down
Their Arms — Report of the Battle — Death of D. Webster Smith — Dangerous
Service — Consolidation of the First Corps into One Division — Voting in the
Army.  305
CHAPTER XXVII.
On the March — First Hatcher's Run — Distributing Clothing — Sad Reminiscences
— The Re-Eleetion of Abraham Lincoln in the Army — "Worth More to the
Country than a Victory Won" — How the Rebels Relished it — Fort Hell — The
Truce Terminated— Thanksgiving and the Northern Turkeys. . 313
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Another Advance — Hieksford Raid — Report of General Hofmann — March of Fifty
Miles — Consolidation of the Seventy-sixth with the One Hundred and Forty-
seventh New York — Farewell to the Sacred Number. . . . 321

Contents. 15
CHAPTER XXIX.
The Army in Winter Quarters— Negotiations of President Lincoln for Peace-
Orders to Advance— Flanking the Enemy-Second Battle of Hatcher's Run—
The Third Division, Fifth Corps, Suffers Severely— Summary of Casualties-
Changing Camp— Third " Winter Quarters." .... 327
CHAPTER XXX.
Another Advance— Battle of Five Forks— Repulses and Successes— Brilliant
Charges— Important Captures— A Lull in Battle— Petersburg Evacuated— The
Rebels Retreat from Richmond— Pursuit of the Rebel Army— " In at the Death"
Lee Surrenders — Rejoicing. ... . . . . 333
CHAPTER XXXI.
The Surrender of Johnston— Murder of President Lincoln— Homeward Bound-
March to Petersburg—" On to Richmond "—Fredericksburg— Crossing the Old
Camp— March to Arlington Heights— The Grand Review— Coming Home—
"Expended in the Service." ...... 341

BIOGRAPHICAL.
Colonel Nelson Winch Green, 345. Colonel William P. Wainwright, 348. Lieu
tenant-Colonel John D. Shaul, 350. Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew J. Grover, 351.
Lieutenant-Colonel Charles A. Watkins, 355. Lieutenant-Colonel John E.
Cook, 356. Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Amos L. Swan, 357. Major John W.
Young, 358. Surgeon Judson C. Nelson, 360. Surgeon George W. Metcalfe,
362. Chaplain H. Stone Richardson, 363. Adjutant Heman F. Robinson, 363.
Adjutant Hubert Carpenter, 365. Lieutenant U. A. Burnham, Q. M., 367. Ser
geant-Major Thomas Martin, 367. Captain H W. Pierce, 369. Lieutenant W.
H. Ripley, 369. Captain O. C. Fox, 370. Captain Robert Story, 371. Lieuten-
nant C. D. Crandall, 372. Lieutenant W. S. Walcott, 373. Lieutenant Wm. Ca-
hill, 374. Lieutenant A. L. Carter, 376. Lieutenant Moses P. Marsh, 377. Lieu
tenant Moses M. Whitney, 378. Lieutenant Carlos Baldwin, 379. Lieutenant
Thomas F. Weldon, 379. Captain Charles L. Watrous, 381. Captain Samuel
M. Byram, 381. Captain John M. Waterman, 382. Lieutenant Edward D.
Van Slyck, 383. Lieutenant William H. Tarbell, 384. Lieutenant Lucius

16 _ Contents.
Davis, 385. Lieutenant Barnard Phenis, 386. Lieutenant William Stringham,
387. Lieutenant Theron C. Guernsey, 387. Captain Norman G. Bartholomew,
388. Captain Ira C. Potter, 390. Lieutenant John H. Ballard, 391. Captain
John H. Barnard, 392. Captain James L. Goddard, 393. Lieutenant William
Wallace Green, 394. Lieutenant William H. Myers, 396. Lieutenant Henry
Cliff, 400. Captain Aaron Sager, 401. Captain J. Church Hatch, 403. Lieu
tenant John Fisher, 403. Captain Warren Earle Evans, 404. Lieutenant Ralph
W. Carrier, 405. Lieutenant Martin Edgcomb, 406. Lieutenant Richard Wil
liams, 407. Captain Edwin J. Swan, 408. Lieutenant Job Norwood, 409.

ROLLS OF FIELD, STAFF AND COMPANIES.
Field and Staff, 411. Company A, 411. Company B, 413. Company C, 415.
Company D, 416. Company E, 418. Company F, 420. Company G, 431. Com
pany H, 423. Company I, 425. Company K, 426.

THE SEVENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT N. Y. V.

CHAPTER I.
The Bull Hun Disaster— North Unprefabed— The People Aroused— Okganiza-
tion of the seventy-sixth in cortland county— first " haie-breadth 'scape"
—McNett and his Allegany Company— Colonel Green Shoots Captain MoNett
— General James Wood— Orders to March to Albany— Arrival at Albany-
Indictment and Trial of Colonel Green.
The Twenty-first day of July, 1861, will ever be re
membered in the history of the United States. Warlike
preparations had been made previous to that date, and the
country was filled with inflammatory, speeches and prophecies,
but so much had been said by the'' rebellious leaders in the
South whenever they had been defeated in their schemes ; so
much belligerent spirit had for a time shown itself, only to
ooze out at their fingers' ends, that -the North had come to
believe all the talk at the South about war was only a repeti
tion of the bravado which had characterized that section in
other contests. The apparent warlike preparations and the
actual taking of Fort Sumter, were considered mere menaces
to frighten the timid, and thus aid the time-serving, self-styled
n

18 The Seventy-sixth Eegiment N. Y. Y.
Conservatives of the North, while the whole insurrection
would be quelled in a month or two, and nobody would be
hurt. This feeling was all but unanimous at the North.
President Lincoln was considered hasty and unnecessarily
frightened when he issued his call for seventy-five thousand
men, and the tax-payers already began to fear that keeping so
many men, even for a few months, would overwhelm the
country with taxation. They little realized the vast and inex
haustible resources of this country. The collection of an
army around Washington was looked upon more in the light
of a marshal or sheriff' calling a posse comitatus to quell a
riot, than the commander-in-chief marshaling an army to de
fend the very existence of the Government. On the part of
the North no need was felt for drill or other preparation. It
was only deemed necessary to arm a few men, march to
the camp of the rioters and disperse them ; and when fifty
thousand men were said to be in arms, in and around Wash
ington, the masses considered the army of the North invincible.
" Our army is beaten !" " Total rout !" " The Federal army
flying in disorder upon Washington !" " The Capital in dan
ger!" These were the first greetings flashed from this
invincible army by the telegraph.
Then it was that little groups of men were seen, hurriedly
canvassing the best methods of sending aid to the Govern
ment. The supposed invincible army had been defeated.
The North was for the time crushed. The riot had proved a
rebellion, and the North, though but partially aroused, caught
a glimpse of the [herculean task before it. Old men shed
tears; young men rushed to the Capital; companies were
formed in every county, city and village, for the purpose of
discipline and drill ; and everything bespoke the intense feel
ing of the people, as the cloud of defeat darkened the political
horizon.

Organization at Cortland. 19
It was in this dark and trying time that a few men assem
bled in a law-office, in Cortland Yillage, to consider the
question, what could be clone by Cortland county to aid the
Government. A great diversity of opinion existed. One
full company— Captain Clark's — had been sent out in May,
with the Twenty-third New York Volunteers. Several
thought another such drain upon the young men, would leave
us sadly in want of help. Others were more hopeful, and
estimated the number at five hundred, that, by proper exer
tion on the part of every loyal man, might be raised. One
man — Nelson W. Green, afterwards Colonel, in whose sanguine
temperament faith and confidence bore a more conspicuous
part — alone suggested that a regiment might be raised in this
vicinity. Even the awkward pretense of the old-fashioned
" general trainings " had passed away, and the people had very
little idea of military life or of their military strength. Mr.
Green had been partially educated at West Point, from which
he had been discharged on account of a wound, and was,
therefore, supposed to understand the science of arms better
than the denizens of a strictly agricultural community. lie
had consented to drill a company once or twice a week at the
village hall, and consequently in a short time had become the
military man of tlie village. For these reasons chiefly he was
chosen at this informal meeting as the leader in the experi
ment of raising a company or companies, and, if possible, a
regiment, in Cortland and the adjacent counties. On a more
thorough canvass, it was determined to attempt the organiza
tion of a full regiment. Hon. Edwin D. Morgan, then
Governor, authorized Mr. Green to raise a regiment, with its
headquarters temporarily at Cortland, with the assurance that,
when a sufficient number of men were enlisted to justify the
establishment of a camp there, he would order that one be
established. The following circular was immediately sent to
every leading citizen in the county : —

20 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
FREEMEN TO THE RESCUE!
To the Citizens op Cortland and Adjoining Counties : —
Loyal Friends: — It behooves us to address to you a few earnest and
practical words in behalf of our disturbed country.
It cannot be unappreciated by you that at this moment the greatest issue
of the age is pending; that the best, and mildest, and freest Government
ever knqjf n to mankind is in imminent peril ; that the national enemies are
fully armed, alert, banded and desperate, while the peaceful and home-
loving loyalists ot the great and powerful North are comparatively
unaroused ; that within the next ninety days tlie enemy must be crippled,
or otherwise this great people, now familiar only with the arts of peace,
must know also the arts as well as the calamities of war ; that nothing but
a prompt rally to the nation's standard, to the flag of our fathers, can avert
the necessity of passing this war down to the next generation, when it
should be only a war of to-day. Delay does but invite foreign interference.
With these evident and startling facts before us, and impelled by duty, it
has been deemed advisable to make a strong and united effort to organize,
arm, equip and bring to the field, at once, a well-drilled regiment of infantry
from these central counties ; and looking into our own hearts and knowing
the tone and character and the patriotism of these counties — the heart of
the Empire State, whose great past has so well illustrated its motto of " Ex
celsior," — it has not been doubted that to open the way for such an enterprise
would be to insure its success.
Having this end in view, the undersigned have procured from the Adju
tant-General of the State the necessary authority and made the followm"
arrangements, viz: — "That whenever eight companies for the force now
organizing under General Order No. 78, of not less than 32 men each, shall
have assembled at (Cortland Village), and shall have been inspected and
mustered into the service of the United States, that said point of rendez
vous shall be considered a branch of the Depot at Albany, and 30 cents per
day for subsistence shall thereafter be allowed for each recruit, until the
regiment shall be organized or ordered into service."
Therefore the attention of our fellow citizens is called to the following
DIRECTIONS.
Any and all persons wishing to organize a company for the above regi
ment will
First— Ascertain how many able-bodied men, between the ages of 18 and
45 can be enrolled in their locality.
Second— Ii 64 men cannot be so enrolled, (exclusive of officers, of whom
there will be 10, to wit;—8 corporals, 5 sergeants, and 3 commissioned

Call to the Rescue, 21
officers), then to unite with one or more other towns or neighborhoods,
until the requisite number can be made up.
Third — When 32 of the said number are so enrolled, to report the fact
immediately by mail to Nelson W. Green, Cortland Village, N. Y., and pro
ceed at once to enrol the remaining number of 64 privates, and when that
number is completed, to also report that fact as above.
Upon application, the necessary papers of enlistment will be sent to
those wishing to organize companies.
The undersigned would add that they have entire confidence in the com
petency of Nelson W. Green, Esq., to whom the reports of enrollments are
asked to be made, he having received a military education at West Point.
The volunteers, as they arrive will have the benefit of a perfect drill
under Mr. Green.
Bated Cortland Village, Cortland Co., N. Y., Sept. 2, 1861.
Hiram Crandall, County Judge, Henry Stephens,
R. H. Duell, M. C, Henry S. Randall,
H. J. Messenger, Banker, Horatio Ballard,
Wm. R. Randall, Banker, Charles Foster,
A. W. Ogden, County Clerk, Arthur Holmes,
Silas Baldwin, Sheriff, J. T. Davidson,
A. J. Grover, Pastor M. E. Church, Daniel Nye,
Geo. B. Jones, District Attorney, Josiah Hart, Jr.,
Charles P. Cole, Editor Gazette, M. M. Waters,
E. D. Van Slyck, Editor Banner, A. P. Smith,
Fred A. Gee, P. B. Davis,
Frederick Ives, H. A. Jarvis,
H. P. Goodrich, Anson Fairchild,
Josiah Hart, L. H. Utley,
E. H. Doud, F. Goodyear, M. D.,
J. S. Barber, G. N. Copeland,
M. Goodrich, D. C. Cloyes,
S. Brewer, M. Goodyear, M. D.
Persons wishing to form companies will be furnished with speakers to
address public meetings, upon application to N. W. Green.
Pursuant to this call, meetings were held in every town,
addressed by the patriotic of all professions ; the people be
came thoroughly aroused, and the work of recruiting went so
rapidly forward, that an order soon came to form a camp at
Cortland. The Fair Grounds were leased of the Cortland

22 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
County Agricultural Society, and on the twenty-sixth day of
September, 1861," the enlisted men were called together. A
large tent was procured and erected upon the Grounds ; the
open sheds of the Agricultural Society were enclosed, new
barracks erected, and, in a very short time, the Fair Grounds
presented the appearance of respectable regimental winter
quarters. The nights were becoming cool, and the recruits,
unaccustomed to the hardships and privations of camp life,
began to feel keenly the need of fuel and clothing. The
patriotic ladies contributed freely of blankets, coverlets, towels
and such other things as were needed to make the camp seem
homelike, while each company was gratuitously furnished
with one or more stoves.
The twenty-seventh of September, the second night in
camp, as the men had fallen asleep on their loose straw upon
the ground, suddenly there came a crash, and, as they awoke,
they found themselves in a drenching rain, with their tent
prostrate upon them, and the wind blowing almost a gale.
At eleven o'clock at night, with scarcely a dry thread upon
them, these unfledged warriors were obliged to seek shelter
from the rain in the barracks. This was the first instance of
" hair-breadth 'scapes " experienced by the recruits, and fur
nished the text for many a discourse upon the adventures of
the soldier, as their friends came to visit them.
It had now become very cold. Meetings had been held in
nearly every school-district; young men, with enlistment
papers, had visited every man capable of performing military
duty, each ambitious to procure as many men as possible
prompted by patriotic motives and stimulated by the pros
pect of a commission or other honorable position; and
altogether about eight hundred and forty men were enlisted
by the first of December, with a fair prospect of filling the
regiment to its maximum number during the month. It had

Green and McNett. 23
already received the name of the Seventy-sixth — an honorable
number in the estimation of every loyal American — and
several of its companies were properly organized and mus
tered. Clothing had been furnished by the Quartermaster's
Department, and though no arms had been received, the men
presented a soldierly appearance as they formed in line on
dress parade.
At this time, (December sixth), an incident occurred which
entirely changed the prospects of the Regiment, and blighted
the hopes of its friends for its complete and harmonious or
ganization and equipment, before leaving the county.
Mr. Green, who had now become Colonel of the Regiment,
had made an arrangement with Mr. Andrew J. McNett, of
Allegany county, by which McNett, who had seventy men or
thereabouts, was to recruit his company to the maximum
strength and join the Seventy-sixth Regiment as Captain, and
on the performance of certain conditions, McNett was to be
made Major of the Regiment. Captain McNett joined the
Regiment sometime in October with about seventy men.
Colonel Green assisted in raising the number to upwards of
ninety, by adding to the company certain men who had been
brought by H. W. Pierce, of Dundee, Yates county. These
men — about twenty-five in all, fifteen or twenty of whom
were put into Captain McNett's company — were brought by
Mr. Pierce, who was to be Captain ; but failing to procure the
required number, he was made Lieutenant in Captain Grover's
company, and his men distributed between Captain Grover's
and Captain McNett's companies. The latter part of Novem
ber, Captain McNett procured a leave of absence to go to
Syracuse to purchase his uniform, and to Allegany county to
procure more men. On his return, a few days after this,
Colonel Green charged him with having used his leave of
absence to go to Albany, to stir up strife, in violation of the

24 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
understanding when he received it, and ordered him to give
up the paper as fraudulently obtained. This Captain McNett
.refused to do. Colonel Green then ordered it taken from
McNett by Captain Grover. McNett made a formal resist
ance, but unbuttoned his coat and Captain Grover took the
document from McNett's pocket. Colonel Green then ordered
Captain McNett in close arrest in the officers' quarters, with
orders that he be permitted to communicate with no one,
except by permission from the commandant of the post. This
created some feeling in Captain McNett's company, and gave
rise to much angry discussion in camp.
On the sixth of December, Colonel Green had been to Cap
tain McNett's company, to adjust some difficulty, and on his
return, when riding past the officers' quarters, saw Captain
McNett standing in the door-way. Colonel Green claims the
Captain was outside the door, shaking hands with his men, in
violation of orders. Captain McNett claims he was inside the
door, though near it, where he had resorted to get fresh air.
We give both versions, as this history is not written with the
view of vindicating or condemning either party, and this inci
dent is only mentioned as one that had something of a
controlling influence upon the subsequent history of the Regi
ment. As Captain McNett was thus standing in or near the
door, Colonel Green rode up and the following dialogue, in
substance, took place :
Col. Green. — The prisoner should not leave his quarters.
Retire to your quarters.
Capt. McNett. — I shall not, sir.
Col. Green.— Do you refuse to obey my orders, sir 2
Capt. McNett. — I do, such' orders.
Col Creen. — (Dismounting and drawing a small Smith &
Wesson pistol), Will you retire to your quarters ?
Capt. McNett.— I will not, sir !

Shooting oe McNett. 25
Colonel Green, at this point, fired over the head of the Cap
tain, the ball lodging in the roof of the quarters.
Col. Green. — Retire to your quarters, sir !
Capt. McNett.— (Straightening up), I will not, sir ! Shoot
me if you dare !
The Colonel then lowered the pistol and fired, the ball taking
effect in the Captain's chin, and lodging in his neck. McNett
immediately turned around and sat down in a chair. The
Surgeon of the post, Dr. J. C. Nelson, was called, and the
wound dressed.
This very naturally created great excitement in camp and
the vicinity. Colonel Green had, by his patriotic course, en
deared himself to many of the loyal people. Captain McNett
was not without friends, who gathered around him, and, in the
discussion that followed this affair, excitement ran high. The
Governor was informed of the affair, and sent General James
Wood to Cortland to ascertain the facts, and in the meantime
to take command of the Regiment. General Wood arrived
December ninth, and on the evening of that day, met the
officers of the Regiment, when a full interchange of opinion
was had. The officers were nearly or quite unanimous in
approval of the course taken by Colonel Green, and so
expressed themselves. The next day the General visited the
camp and possessed, himself of all the material facts connected
with the history of the Regiment. On the thirteenth of De
cember, General Wood again met the officers at the house of
Colonel Green, when the matter was again fully canvassed.
The next day Colonel Green was arrested on a criminal war
rant, for the shooting, and gave bail before the County Judge
for his appearance at the Oyer and Terminer, to be held
in January following, to answrer an indictment to be found
against him for an assault with intent to kill.*
o 
•An indictment was found for said offense at said Court, and Colonel Green gave bail for his
appearance at tlie next Court. Since writing the above, he has been tried (at the Cortland Oyer

26 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
After giving bail, on the fourteenth Colonel Green and Gen
eral Wood set out for Albany to confer with the Governor.
On the sixteenth orders were telegraphed from Albany to be
in readiness to proceed (by rail) to Albany on the following
day. Colonel Green and General Wood returned, and on
Wednesday, the eighteenth day of December, 1861, we took a
tearful leave of the friends, with whose welfare and very life
ours was so firmly woven, and entered the cars for Albany.
Talking patriotism is all very pleasant ; Artemus Ward may
even be willing to sacrifice all his wife's relatives upon the
altar of his bleeding country ; this was a fashionable senti
ment in 1861 ; but if one would test his loyalty let him shake
the hand of a weeping wife, and give a parting blessing to his
little ones, and, bidding adieu to his friends, turn his face to
the scene of bloodshed and carnage, without bounty, on a cold
December day, with nothing to cheer him on but love of
country, and if he does not repent his enlistment, set him
down foj at least a prima facie patriot. We had rode on
parade through Homer and Cortland, been toasted and feasted,
but what was all that gaudy show, now that we were to meet
the reality of war ?

and Terminer, held by Judge Boardman in April, 1806), and after a fair trial for Ave dnv> (lip
Jury, on the morning of the sixth day, reported their inability to agree. Thev were tliereiinnii
discharged and a ¦nolle prosequi entered upon the indictment. Tlie case was verv fnliv KS
ably tried on both sides, upon the question of the legal right of Colonel Green to shoot the rim
tain, under the circumstances. Judge Boardman laid down the law with great clearnpw nnri
impartiality, deciding that willful and persistent disobedience, of orders, in the nrpsenep nf
enlisted men, is mutiny ; that in cases of mutiny, the amount and kind of force neppwnrv to
suppress it is in the discretion of the superior officer, that this camp was at that time iinrW
military authority, and this shooting was {o be judged by military law.

CHAPTER IT.
Arrival at Albany— Court or Inquiry— Colonel Green Restored to Command-
New Year's Parade — Recruiting the Otsego Regiment — Ordered to Albany —
Consolidation of the Two Regiments— Flag Presentation— Speeches— Orders
to March— Bikers' Island— Introduction to the Paymaster— Orders to March
to Washington.
The Regiment arrived at Albany on the evening of the
eighteenth of December. The wind blew cold and dreary
over Capitol Hill as we marched from the depot to the bar
racks, some two miles distant. As the wind whistled through
the rough wooden quarters that night, and the men, under
their scanty covering, felt the biting of that December air,
they could not but think of the warm beds they left in Cort
land county, and hopefully look forward to the time when,
the rebellion crushed, the country saved, they should again
enjoy the comforts of those homes, now fully appreciated. The-
measles had broken out in camp previous to leaving Cortland,
and many of the men were weak and illy prepared for the
exposures that awaited them. A severe snow storm soon set
in, and in a few days the snow was piled so high that drilling
was impossible. General Rathbone, in command of the post,
did all in his power to make the men comfortable, but not
withstanding this, many suffered severely.
Colonel Green had requested the Governor to convene a
Court of Inquiry in his case, which was done, and on the

28 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
twenty-first of December the hearing commenced. The Court
was presided over by Lieutenant-Colonel LaFayette Bingham.
Judge- Advocate-General Anthon conducted the prosecution,
and Clark B. Cochrane and A. P. Smith the defense. The
investigation consumed three days, when tlie findings of the
Court were submitted to the Governor. On the twenty-eighth
of December the Governor announced the decision by placing
Colonel Green in command of the Regiment. This announce
ment was received with many cheers by the officers and men,
and the prospects of the Regiment seemed to brighten.
New Year's immediately followed the restoration of Colonel .
Green to command, and was a gala day for the troops sta
tioned at Albany. The Seventy-sixth was drawn up in line,
with the Ninety-third New York Yolunteers, and a battery of
artillery, in all about twenty-five hundred men, Colonel Green
commanding the battalion. It formed at the barracks and
marched to the Capitol, where each man was received and
warmly shaken by the hand by Governor Morgan. Thence
the battalion marched to the Delavan House, where they
were addressed by Hon. Horatio Ballard, Secretary of State,
and by the heroic Colonel Mulligan ; thence to pay their re
spects to Hon. C. B. Cochrane, who had so ably defended the
Colonel, and thence to the barracks. Albany wore her holi
day dress, and the parade was enjoyed by both citizens and
soldiers. While the Cortland branch of the Seventy-sixth Regiment
was being recruited, as we have related, a similar effort was
being made to raise a full regiment in Otsego and Schoharie
counties, with headquarters at Cherry Yalley. In September
1861, the Thirty-ninth Regiment New York State National
Guards, at a general parade, overcome by the sentiment of
loyalty which pervaded the country, had authorized their
Colonel, John D. Shaul, to tender the services of the regiment

Organization of the Cherry Yalley Branch. 29
to the Governor for active service in the field. About the first
of October, General George E. Danforth, of Middleburg,
commanding the brigade of militia to which the Thirty-ninth
was attached, received orders to proceed at once to recruit and
organize the Thirty-ninth Regiment for active service. The
order established a branch depot at Cherry Yalley, and made
General Danforth commandant of the post. Many of the offi
cers of the Thirty-ninth Regiment tendered their resignations.
But on the fourteenth of October, about seventy-five men were
waiting to be mustered into service at Cherry Yalley, being
parts of the companies of Captains A. L. Swan, John E. Cook,
and John W. Young. An officer was sent from Albany to mus
ter such companies as contained the minimum number — thirty-
two. There not being enough present for three companies,
two, Captain Cook's (company B), and Young's (company C),
were filled to the requisite number, and mustered on the four
teenth of October. Captain Swan's company was mustered
on the twenty-second. Meetings were held in all parts of the
counties of Otsego and Schoharie, and recruiting went on brisk
ly for a time, with a fair prospect of ultimately filling the Reg
iment to its maximum strength. This was the first Regiment
raised in Otsego county, and was the pride and pet of the people.
Dr. George W. Metcalfe was appointed Surgeon of the Reg
iment, and Examining Surgeon of the post. Andrew R.
Smith was made Quartermaster, and by his faithful attention
to the duties of his office — an office the duties of which are
not surpassed in difficulties during the organization — won
golden opinions from his brother officers.
- The Regiment was quartered in a large stone hop house, and
the Colonel gave daily lessons in company and regimental
drill. Armed sentries, with flint-locks from the State arsenals,
paced their " beats," military rules and regulations were en
forced in camp, and everything that could be done was

30 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
brought into requisition to make true soldiers of the yeomanry
of Otsego and Schoharie. The liberal sums of money expended
by General Danforth, Colonel Shaul and Quartermaster
Smith, with their influence and advice, had greatly aided the
company officers in forming and recruiting their companies.
Adjutant James Davenport, of Richfield Spa, and the other
field and staff officers had bestoM^ed much time, money and
influence upon the organization, but on the eighth of January,
1862, only six companies, in all about five hundred men, had
been mustered into service. At this time an order was re
ceived for the Regiment to proceed to Albany. The order
was as unexpected as it was unwelcome. The troops and
the people had fondly hoped that they would be permitted to
send out a full regiment, armed and equipped. Each county
in the country felt a proper desire to send out a complete or
ganization which should represent the loyalty of that partic
ular locality, Avhose achievements and glory should belong
exclusively to such locality. But military orders must be
obeyed, and on the eighth day of January, the six companies — ¦
now consolidated into five, and commanded by Captains A. L.
Swan, J. E. Cook, J. W. Young, E. N. Hanson, and N. Bow-
dish — left Cherry Yalley in upwards of fifty sleighs furnished
by the citizens of that vicinity, and proceeded to the railroad
at Canajoharie, a distance of thirteen miles. They arrived in
Albany after dark by a special train, and were escorted to
camp by company A, of the Seventy-sixth. The Otsego Reg
iment passed a cold night in their barn-like barracks, without
fire, and many without blankets. Poor fellows ! they after
ward found that what now seemed " grievous to be borne,"
was but " the beginning of sorrows."
At the time the Cortland branch of the Seventy-sixth Reg
iment reached Albany, it numbered about eight hundred men.
The Governor considered it improper that Colonel Green and

Consolidation of the Two Regiments. 31
Captain McNett should longer be associated as officers of the
same regiment, and of the correctness of that conclusion no
one acquainted with the facts and the men could have any
doubt. They are both positive men, of unyielding will, and
diametrically opposed on almost every question that would be
likely to arise. Looking at the war, its causes, its objects, and
the manner in which it should be prosecuted, from entirely
different and opposite stand-points, it would have been as dif
ficult to harmonize their views, and bring them to act together,
especially after what had already transpired, as it would be to
unite oil and water. The Governor, therefore, preserved the
organization of the Seventy-sixth Regiment, with Colonel Green
as its commander, and transferred McNett and his company to
the Ninety-third Regiment New York Yolunteers, then sta
tioned at Albany, and commanded by Colonel Crocker. At
the same time, Captain J. Y. White, who had joined the Sev
enty-sixth with about forty-five men, requested to be trans
ferred to the Third New York Artillery, which request was
granted. The remaining companies of the Seventy-sixth were
consolidated into seven — A,. B, C, D, E, F and G. Three
companies were transferred from the Otsego Regiment to the
Seventy-sixth, as follows : — The company commanded by
Captain A. L. Swan became company H ; the company com
manded by Captain Cook became company I, and the company
commanded by Captain Young became company K. Each
company, so far as possible, retained its company officers. The
field and staff were distributed as follows : —
Colonel — N. W. Green, of Cortland.
Lieutenant-Colonel — John D. Shaul, of Springfield!
Major — Charles E. Livingston, of New York city.
Surgeon — J. C. Nelson, of Truxton, Cortland county.
Assistant-Surgeon — Geo. W. Metcalfe, of Otsego county.
Chaplain — H. Stone Richardson, of New York Mills.

&

32 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
Adjutant — Heman F. Robinson, of Cortland.
Quartermaster — A. P. Smith, of Cortland.
Quartermaster-Sergeant — Albert J. Jarvis, of Cortland.
Commissary Sergeant — William Storrs, of Allegany.
The two Otsego companies, commanded by Captains Han
son and Bowdish, were transferred with Captain White to the
Third New York Artillery. Thus the Seventy-sixth had
passed through the formation state, the tendency of which is
to engender ill feelings between the officers, and before it was
as fair a prospect of unity and usefulness as the most sanguine
could desire.
On the sixteenth of January, 1862, orders were received to
be ready to march to New York City on the following day.
All was tumult and confusion. The Regiment had not yet
been provided knapsacks, haversacks, or camp and garrison
equipage, and the day was busily occupied in distributing
these necessaries to the men.
When the time arrived to march, everything was in readi
ness, and at two P. M., on the seventeenth, the Regiment left
the barracks and marched to the Capitol. Here a beautiful
stand of colors was presented to the Regiment by S. R. Camp
bell, Esq., in behalf of his mother, Mrs. Samuel Campbell, of
New York Mills. Mr. Samuel Campbell, a man of wealth and
character, had been a sort of god-father to the Seventy-sixth
Regiment, presenting the Colonel and Chaplain each with a
splendid black war steed, with equipments complete, and in
many other ways at great expense and trouble aided the Reg
iment. This would it is believed be deemed a sufficient
apology, if apology were needed, for printing entire the ad
dresses made on that occasion. It will be remembered that to
speak of " liberty and equal rights to man" was, at that time,
considered " radical." It was at a time when the poor African
came to us torn and bleeding, with hands and eyes uplifted

Address of Mr. Campbell. 33
imploring for protection, and the privilege of aiding in defense
of the government that had wronged him, only to be sent back
to his bondage and his scourgings ! This fact adds significance
and value to words which now seem common place : —
Gentlemen Soldiers op the Seventy-sixth :— Before turning your
footsteps away from the Capital city of your native State, you have assem
bled to receive from my hands the emblem of our common country ; and I
know you will the more gladly welcome me when I tell you that I bring it
not in my own name, but as a "mother's gift"— an earnest of that protection
which our country gladly extends over all her obedient children ; and sure
I am it will prove no idle ornament to grace your ranks, but will be borne
aloft, if need be, over victorious fields, a terror to traitors and tyrants — a
presence where loyalty may find shelter and protection — a fit symbol of the
majesty of our Government.
Soldiers, many of you, perhaps, are entering upon a new and untried
life — a soldier's life. You have left your peaceful avocations, and are about
to meet the enemies of your country in the field. I know not what form
in the workings of "military necessity" this struggle may assume. Coming
events are but dimly foreshadowed. Your part in the great struggle for
the unity of this people is yet to come ; but I do know that when that an
ticipated time shall come, when you are permitted to clothe your thoughts
and aspirations in deed, they will be such as shall electrify the nation, and
bring joy and gladness to the hearts and homes of those who claim your
deepest regard and warmest affection.
You are of that number, now a great multitude, who, scorning alike the
dangers of the battle-field, and the siren whispers of peace— peace, when
there is no peace, — whose only ambition is the privilege of sacrificing your
all to insure the perpetuity of our free institutions, and the stability of our
benignant Government. To your care I consign your " country's flag," and
I doubt not you will prove as worthy of fighting under its " Stars and
Stripes " as were the heroes of '76. In your hands it will not, like that re
bellious standard of a treasonable foe, carry chains and captivity with it,
but its coming will be the herald of liberty and equal rights to all men.
Then, in the hour of danger and peril, let every man do his whole duty in
protecting that flag which has so long been our pride and shelter.
Officers and privates, you have a common object ; your interests are one ;
the mutual respect and affection which I know exists between you, are pro
pitious of a brilliant career ; that Regiment which bears the number of
honor will never be appealed to in vain ; you will always find your chief
joy in the discharge ot these active duties, whether upon the Gulf or the
c

31 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
Potomac, in that part of our country through which the Mississippi rolls
its band of waters, and, by its shining link, proclaims us one and indivisi
ble, or upon the shores of that State whose very name is an insult to loyalty.
Wherever you may go, there shall our sympathy and best wishes follow
you. The Empire State has already spoken in thunder tones ; you may
listen and hear her words of endearment to you. You shall always hear
her voice of defiance to the enemies of our country.
" Startling and stern! the northern winds shall bear it,
Over Potomac's to St. Mary's wave,
And buried freedom shall awake to hear it
Within the grave."
Colonel Green replied as follows : —
Mr. Campbell — Sir : — In the name of the Seventy-sixth Regiment of
New York State Volunteers, I accept the colors now presented by your
excellent mother.
It is hazardous for untried men to undertake to say what they may do in
the future. We have no promises to make. We only know how much we
wish to do for our bleeding, struggling country. If our heart's and our
hopes were accepted as an index of what we are to achieve, these banners
will never be dishonored.
The embarrassment of this moment is this— that we so little deserve the
favors which the confidence of our friends has vouchsafed us. But in
accepting these banners, we somehow lose sight of ourselves, and only re
member how beautiful is the soul that has prompted so magnificent a tribute
to the defenders of our country, and how great the peril which gives char
acter to this occasion.
Our poor country ! Our imperiled flag! What bitter fears, what anx
ious misgivings oppress the heart as wo look upon these symbols of our
Nationality ! The flag of our fathers— God defend it !
It is fitting, and quite in keeping with the sublime significance of this
hour, that fair hands should deck and elaborate our coat of arms and our
national flag ; that gentle hearts are prompted to niake more beautiful these
symbols of our great past, and we are thus reminded how much they have
a right to expect at our hands, and how sacred the trust committed to us.
That country must not despair whose soldiery goes to battle under the in
spiration of such encouragement. The gentle heart which thus cherishes
her country's flag, must love that country with no ordinary devotion.
We may not tell what deeds of daring we propose to do, but it is per
mitted to hope that at least somebody is to wage this warfare until this most
unnatural treason shall find an utter end. Extermination alone can meet
the ill-deserving of the race which would deface the Stars and Stripes. But

Arrival at New York. 35
whatever may be the result of this war, or whatever our fate, we shall never
forget this noble proof of the patriotism of your family ; nor that " '70 is
on our banners." The heroic memories which cluster about that number
shall inspire us, and when disasters or dangers shall thicken around us, we
shall take courage in remembering the kindness of your mother, in whom
we recognize one of the representative women of America.
Upon the presentation, and after they had been formally
accepted by Colonel Green, the Regiment loudly called for
Governor Morgan. His Excellency speedily answered the
summons, and upon appearing upon the steps of the Cap
itol, was vociferously cheered by the soldiers. Owing to the
prevalence of a snow storm, his address was short, but the few
well-timed words he uttered were gladly, nay, thankfully re
ceived by the volunteers.
He assured them that they enjoyed the confidence of the
people and expected them not to betray that confidence ; for
evidence as to how faithfully they heeded that exhortation,
they point with pride to their record. At the close of Governor
Morgan's speech, the Regiment moved down State street,
through to Broadway and Hamilton streets, over the bridge to
the Pier, and thence across the Hudson on the ice to the Hud
son River Railroad Depot.
The Albany Evening Journal of that day, speaking of .the
Seventy-sixth said : — " This Regiment is composed of as fine
appearing and as intelligent a body of men as has been gath
ered together since the breaking out of the rebellion."
At seven o'clock the regiment was aboard the cars for
New York, where we arrived about noon the next day
(eighteenth). Marching to City Hall Park Barracks, we went
into quarters, where we remained until Tuesday, January
twenty-first, when we were taken to Riker's Island, about ten
miles up the East River from the Battery.
Riker's Island contains about one hundred and fifty acres of
land, is low, and, being a mile from the main land, is much ex-

36 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
posed in winter. Besides the barracks, which were cheaply
constructed wooden buildings, there was but one house. This
was an old tavern, occupied by a low family, who eked out a
miserable existence by selling cheap whisky to the lower class,
who resorted thither to fight men and dogs, run horses, and
enjoy such other sports as the roughs of New York city in
dulge in.
Through the carelessness of the Post Quartermaster at New
York, the stoves and coal did not go up on the boat with the
Regiment, but were sent up on a lighter the next day. The
night was very cold, the wind whistled through the crevices in
the barracks, the ground was covered with ice and snow, the
quantity of snow being materially increased during the night
and next day, and the men suffered severely.
The Regiment had not, at this time, received any pay,
though many of the men had been in the service nearly four
months. Many of them had families depending upon their
earnings for support, and when it is remembered that the Sev
enty-sixth received no local bounty, and the Government
bounty of $100 was only payable at the end of two years'
service, it will be understood that the men were very anxious
to make the acquaintance of a paymaster.
The twenty-third day of January, 1862, will be long re
membered by the members of the Seventy-sixth as the day
which, through the medium of greenbacks and silver, brought
happiness to their soldier hearts. Few of them slept that
night until some portion of their pay was on its way to the
loved ones at home. Probably forty thousand dollars was
thus sent home at this time.
This was the first time we had seen salt water, and the men
made the most of their opportunity. If oysters and clams
hand down their history, there will be a number of its pages
devoted to a description of the depreciations of the Seventy-

Ordered to Washington. 37
sixth New York Volunteers. Hoes, picks, shovels, sticks,
anything that could dig for clams or rake for oysters, were
brought into requisition, and the " boys " ate oysters and clams
until their stomachs rebelled under the tyrannical oppression
of their appetites. But soldiers are not long permitted to
remain in statu quo. Rumors had enlivened the camp, of pro
jected expeditions to Kentucky, then to Charleston. But now
the orders came to march directly to Washington.

CHAPTER III.
Orders to March— Sail Down the Bat— Reception at Philadelphia— Influence
of Woman— The " March Straight through Old Baltimore"— Change of Sen
timent in Baltimore— Washington — First Camp on Meridian Hill— Camp Trials
— First Death in the Seventy-sixth— McClellan Moves— Difficulty, in the
Regiment— Occupy the Forts— First Battle of the Seventy-sixth.
To the uninitiated the movement was one of great magni
tude, as the knapsacks were packed and horses loaded upon
the government transport that was to convey us to Amboy, on
our way South. It was a lovely day, and as we sailed down
the beautiful bay, covered with its steamers and other craft of
every description, soldiering assumed the pleasing garb of a
picnic excursion. We lost sight, for the time, of the fact that
we were going to the theatre of war, and indulged only in the
unalloyed pleasure of sight-seeing. At Amboy we were
shipped upon the cars of that huge monopoly, the Camden &
Amboy Rail-road, and were soon steaming away toward the
Capital. We arrived at Philadelphia about midnight of Jan
uary thirtieth. Here we met the first act of hospitality, which,
during the war, made the women of the North so enviably con
spicuous. No sooner had the Regiment reached the wharf,
than we were met by an escort from each of two benevolent as
sociations, which conducted the Regiment to their headquarters
and furnished a meal to which the supperless regimental
stomach was not long in doing justice. Now that the

40 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
war is ended, and we come to understand the true elements of
our success, we must give woman a prominent place in the
ranks of those who saved the country. She has not herself
gone to the field to spread death and destruction over the land ;
but she it was who breathed the encouraging word in the ear
of the patriot that she loved, awakening within him the pa
triot's ambition. She buckled on the armor with more
than Spartan fidelity. She fed and cheered the soldier
onward, giving him the cup of cold water with such smiles of
encouragement as rendered it nectar to his lips, and more
strengthening than wine to his heart. She it was, who, in the
darkest time, while the tear trickled down her face, wrote those
words of comfort to her soldier friend, which prompted him to
deeds of nobler daring, and when the call came for those things
which made the sick and wounded soldiers comfortable, she it
was who, through the lonely day and weary night, picked the
lint, and sewed the garments, and pickled the fruit. We can
not too much honor her.
Again, after breaking down, starting, halting and starting
again, the troops were on their way to Baltimore. Here we
arrived at about four P. M., January thirty-first. On the
nineteenth of April before, the Sixth Massachusetts had been
assailed by a mob in the very streets through which we were
to pass, and several of them killed, and the boys considered
themselves pretty brave as they sang on nearing the city : 
" We'll march straight through old Baltimore."
" We'll hang Jeff. Davis on a sour apple tree," &c.
But a radical change had taken place in Baltimore. With
martial music the Regiment marched unarmed through the
city, welcomed in every part by the waving of flags and hand
kerchiefs, and the approving smiles of the loyal of both sexes.
To be sure, now and then a rough old customer, in whom
whisky had usurped the domain of loyalty, frowned and in-

Arrival at Washington. 41
wardly swore at the Yankee horde that had usurped the reins
of the Government, so long controlled by secessionists and
traitors ; but the feelings of the masses were changed for the
better. Here another collation was served up for the Regi
ment by the citizens. It was impromptu, they not having
had any notice of the expected arrival ; but it nevertheless did
great credit to the loyal citizens of Baltimore. Here, in the
midst of a miscellaneous crowd, at the depot, the Chaplain
of the Regiment sang the favorite song, " We'll take our gun
and go," and received the hearty applause of the crowd.
Public sentiment had, even at that early day, began to im
prove. Again on the cars, we reached Washington about midnight.
The men were soon asleep in the " Soldier's Retreat," lying
about promiscuously upon the floor, no bedding of any kind
being furnished, except the soldier's single blanket. The offi
cers, and the wives of such as accompanied them, slept upon
the floor in another room. The next morning was rainy and
dreary. In the place of tbe snow and ice which the soldier
had left at the North, came the Washington mud. Snow, water,
clay and sand, trodden up and mixed into mortar by thousands
of loaded army wagons, and mules and cavalry horses, until
the road, as far as the eye could reach, was one belt of liquid
mortar. Washington is situated on the Potomac river, where. two
branches meet. On the north it is surrounded by. ranges of
hills, rising from one hundred to four hundred feet above the
level on which the city stands. The first hill, or range of hills,
is called Meridian Hill, being the national point from which
Americans reckon their longitude. Two days were spent by
the Regiment at the " Soldiers' Retreat," when we were or
dered into camp on Meridian Hill. The tents had at this time
never been opened ; the arms were in the boxes as delivered

42 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
to us at New York, and the Regiment had, as yet, no ex
perience in putting up tents or cooking their rations. The
mud was deep, snow had fallen and was still falling; the
ground was covered with water and snow intermingled, and
the prospect before our raw recruits was anything but inviting.
But orders in the army are peremptory, and not to be post
poned on account of the weather. The Regiment, therefore,
on the fourth day of February, 1862, went into camp on Me
ridian Hill. It was well for the Regiment that veterans did
not stand by to enjoy the mistakes on that occasion of our first
tent-pitching. A camp laid out according to " regulations " is
a somewhat regular arrangement. This, our first effort, was
to be laid out according to regulations. A long street was
therefore marked out along the brow of the hill, which was to
be the Broadway of the camp. From this, and at right angles
to it, ran ten streets to the west, on each side of which were
arranged the tents of the respective companies, each facing the
street. Each company occupied one street, and were allowed
from twenty to twenty-five tents, according to the number of
men. On the opposite side of the main street were ranged
the tents of the field and staff officers, according to their rank.
Straw could not be procured, wood was furnished in insuffi
cient quantities, owing to the blockade of the Potomac, and
orders were given that no trees should be felled by the soldiers.
Inclined, as we were, to obey orders, Yankee ingenuity was
taxed to solve the problem of how to keep warm in the cold
month of February, without wood; and if wood is not furnished,
how is the fire to be kept aglow without felling the trees ; and
how are the trees to be felled without disobeying orders ? "Ne
cessity is the mother of invention," somebody said. Down
came a tree. Every limb and chip was precious. Soldiers
are brotherly, and there was an equal distribution. A luckless
chap is called before the Colonel for disobedience of orders,
and the following colloquy takes place : —

Camp Trials. 43
Colond.—'Who cut that tree down, sir ?
Private. — I did, sir.
Colonel. — Did you not know that it was against orders to
fell these trees ?
Private. — I did, sir.
Colonel. — Then why did you fell the tree '.
Private. — You know, Colonel, that last night the wind
blew very hard from the northwest. This tree stood near
your horse's shed. I went out to see to your horse several
times, and every time this tree creaked as though it was com
ing down. Your horse, sir, reared, and I resolved that if I
lived till morning I would prevent him a like sleepless night
and so this morning I felled it, sir. I trust, sir, I have vio
lated no orders in saving the life of your noble horse.
Colonel. — Your intention was praiseworthy, and, after all,
intent must govern. You are excused this time, but see to it
that you cut no more trees unless absolutely necessary.
The Colonel had scarcely finished his trial of the first of
fender, when the boys were seen running to their tents, with
arms full of wood, from the direction of the cook-tent of com
pany A. It was very cold, but one of the men was ordered
to put his wood in his tent, and report to the Colonel. The
investigation failed to convict him of felling the tree. He
found it down, and deemed it no violation of orders to indulge
in the luxury of a fire. After a long investigation, however,
the man who cut the tree was ascertained, when the following
facts were elicited : — The tree had been about half cut down
before the order against felling trees was promulgated. It
had all night threatened to fall upon the cook-tent. If it fell it
would be likely to fall upon a whole row of tents, and cause
a fearful loss of life. Its beauty and very life were already de
stroyed, and so he cut it down to save life. The argument in
favor of human life was certainly stronger than that in favor

44 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. ^Y. Y.
of the one who had saved the horse's life, and so the Colonel
being confronted by a staro decisis, as the lawyers say, dis
charged the culprit with an admonition against further similar
acts, without a special order from headquarters. These exam
ples illustrate the manner in which Commodore Porter's
magnificent oaks kept us warm for the first week of our camp
life, and until the Government began to supply the fuel.
Sickness now appeared in camp, in the form of typhoid
pneumonia, induced by our camping in the snow and mud,
and our want of the necessaries to keep warm and dry. The
first death that occurred in the Regiment, was that of William
B. Potter, a private in company A. He died at Meridian Hill,
D. C, February nineteenth, 1862. It is a solemn reality to
die, even among friends. The solemnity is greatly heightened
by the absence of those we love to smooth the dying pillow.
With sad hearts we followed his body to the depot, and he
sleeps now in his native town (Taylor), the first offering of
the Seventy-sixth at the bloody shrine of this unholy rebellion.
At this time, General McClellan was marshaling his hosts
in and around Washington, with a view to attacking the rebels
in the direction of Richmond, as soon as the weather mio-ht
permit. He had already gathered a large army, and the hills
and valleys about Washington were literally covered with
camps for miles on both sides of the Potomac. Look which
way you might, and the Stars and Stripes were seen to float
from some fort, or regimental, brigade, or division headquar
ters, while the bands were playing almost continually in every
direction. To the unfledged warrior, just out from civil life,
these scenes were very inspiring, and conveyed to his mind
rather the idea of a pleasure excursion, or extensive parade of
the uniformed militia of other days, than a serious and
extensive preparation for actual warfare, and scenes of blood
shed and carnage, of which this grand marshaling was the
precursor.

Opening of the Campaign. . 45
McClellan was, at this time, the Commander-in-Chief of all
the forces of the United States, and it was confidently asserted
that when he should move upon the enemy, no force which
they could oppose against him could impede his progress to
the rebel Capital. The people were anxious that he should
move, and this feeling was shared in by the soldiery to an
almost incredible extent. They longed to march against the
enemy, and the days wore heavily on, while they lay about
the Capital, inactive. Camp life is ever irksome to the raw
recruit. There is a sameness, an uninviting routine of which
he tires, and he actually thirsts for new excitements and new
scenes, and deems the battle-field preferable to the monotony
of the camp. Older soldiers change their views, and many
of the Seventy-sixth afterwards, when on the march, the
bivouac, or the battle-field, looked back upon the encampment
about Washington, as the old man tottering down the declivity
of life, halts for a moment to recall the pleasant recollections
of the sunshine and happiness of boyhood.
Everything was now put in readiness for the forward move
ment of the Army of the Potomac.
The plan of General McClellan was, to attack Richmond by
way of the Rappahannock. About the middle of March, the
grand movement commenced. As far as the eye could reach
in every direction, the troops came pouring from every hillside
and valley, into Washington, and as we gazed southward over
Long .Bridge and Georgetown Aqueduct, as far as our vision
extended, could be seen the long solid ranks of infantry, with
their bright bayonets and polished guns gleaming in the sun,
and as we looked into those manly faces, we observed that
unselfish patriotism and stern, unyielding determination which,
properly appreciated and directed, would have made this army
invincible. On the twenty-fourth day of February, the Seventy-sixth,

46 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
at this time unbrigaded, moved from Meridian Hill, to occupy
forts De Rnssey, Massachusetts, Totten and Slemmer, with
headquarters at Fort Totten.
A serious difficulty had arisen in the Regiment, and it was
considered by the military authorities to be in an unfit
condition to take the field. The officers, with very few
exceptions, had preferred charges against Colonel Green, and
those charges were being investigated by a military commission
then convened in Washington. This placed Lieutenant-
Colonel Shaul in command of the Regiment. After a
somewhat protracted hearing, Colonel Green was ordered to
Washington, and thence to his home in Cortland, N. Y.,
where he was afterwards, by order of the Secretary of War,
dismissed from the service. The controversy growing out of
the trial of Colonel Green for a time nearly paralyzed the
Regiment, and destroyed its usefulness. Good men found
themselves differing with equally good men, upon the merits
and demerits of the prosecution, and skillful tacticians con
fessed that the only way to harmonize the feeling was to bring
the Regiment into action.
The headquarters of the Regiment were now, March twen
ty-fourth, established at Brightwood, at Fort Massachusetts,
(since changed to Fort Stevens), formerly the headquarters of
General Keyes.
General McClellan having drawn off his forces to Fortress
Monroe, a very small force was left about Washington, chiefly
occupying the chain of forts which, at a distance of about five
miles, entirely surrounded the Capital.
We felt the loss of so many men, and it seemed almost as
quiet about Washington as in our northern homes. For a
time the men found employment in the erection and repara
tion of tents, ornamenting of grounds, and those other little
improvements which make the camp homelike. This was

The First Battle. 47
interspersed with that continuous and ever-present drill, which
was to make the Regiment what it afterwards proved to be,
©ne of the most effective in the field.
Whatever may be the experience of the soldier, though he
may wade through blood, and bullets be showered upon him
on a hundred battle-fields, he still looks back to the first con
test, bloodless though it be, as the great battle of his soldier
life. The first charge of the Seventy-sixth was a bloodless
one, yet summoning the courage, and planned with all the
skill of its commander. Headquarters were about two miles
from the Maryland line, near by which, and just in the State
of Maryland, were four corners. A little group of buildings
had grown up, and with them one of those pests of any com
munity, and especially detrimental to military discipline — a
whisky shop. During the quiet period following the exodus
of General McClellan's army, several of the men had in
strolling about the country, found this pot-house, and the
result was an extensive replenishment of the guard house.
Colonel Shaul believed this the work of the enemy. Rumors
circulated that we were to be attacked from the direction of
Maryland. No one could tell but this house had been estab
lished with a double purpose ; to weaken our forces and from
the inebriated soldiers ascertain our actual strength. It was
even reported that rockets had been observed in that direction,
at night, answered by and answering rockets in other directions,
and in the opinion of the regimental commander, the time
had come to " strike for our altars and our fires, God and our
native land." The cannon in the forts had been shotted, and
proper sentinels stationed ; but this was only a preparation for
a defensive warfare. Colonel Shaul determined upon taking
the offensive. An expedition was, therefore, fitted out under
the immediate command of the Colonel. It consisted of a
detachment of about three hundred men, well armed and

48 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
equipped, attended by the regimental drum corps, and an
army wagon drawn by four horses, and intended as a convey
ance to camp of the vanquished foe. It was a clear, pleasant
April day. The soft southern wind fanned the heated brows
of the excited braves, as they rushed forward to their first
charge upon the enemy's works. The time ordinarily given
by the then commanding general of the Army of the Potomac
for a two mile march had not elapsed, ere this miniature army
had formed itself into a hollow square about the obnoxious
house. Having carefully disposed his troops, the Colonel dis
mounted, and, with his aids, demanded admission. This
accomplished, he followed it with a demand for an uncondi
tional surrender. The owner in vain pleaded his loyalty to the
Government, the number of his family, and his inabilit}7 tos
support them in any other way. The Colonel was inexorable.
It was hard, he admitted ; but it was a " military necessity,"
and arguments which might touch his heart in the civil walks,
fell powerless when judged from a military stand-point. Noth
ing but surrender of the contraband article would prevent a
resort to extreme measures. The poor Marylander looked out
of his window, then his door ; wherever he turned his eyes,
on every side, he was hemmed in by double ranks of the " boys
in blue," each possessed of a shining piece of infantry arms.
There was no escape ; resistance would be worse than useless ;
so with many a demurrer, and much semi-loyal argument
against confiscation, the owner of the pot-house surrendered.
A detail of men conveyed the suspicious casks and flasks to
the army wagon, which was soon on its triumphant march
back to Camp Brightwood. The Colonel marched his men
back in rear of the wagon, with feelings akin to those of a
certain general at that time high in command, who, it is said,
always requested the band to play, on his appearance in camp,
" See, the' conquering hero comes." It may not be amiss to

Captured Whisky. 49
say, that the Colonel saw that the suspicious enemy was stored
safely in the cellar of his boarding-house, where he could have
a personal supervision of it, and a perfect personal control of
this destructive agent. It was soon after, however, removed
to the cellar of the store at Brightwood, and undoubtedly
finally proved a large if not valuable accession to the hospital
stores of the post.
We shall have occasion hereafter to note the doings of this
" thing of evil," yet the " whisky invasion," as it was face
tiously termed, proved a most salutary movement to the
Seventy-sixth. The men accustomed to intoxication saw that
the regimental commander was determined to prevent it ; the
liquor-sellers entertained that respect for. him which they ever
do for those who do them full justice, and the guard-house
soon began to furnish unmistakable evidence of an improved
condition of the temperance cause in the Regiment, The mis
erable pot-house keeper was seen on divers days, hanging
about camp, and it was whispered that he advocated the doc
trine of payment of damages caused an enemy. The records,
however, fail to show that he convinced Colonel Shaul of the
justice of his claim.

CHAPTER IV.
Camp Life around Washington— Discipline— Cal. Totman— Standing on a Barrel
—Pat. McKone— Fire in a Powder-house— Marching— Fight on Pennsylvania
Avenue— Slave Catchers Foiled— Sailing down toe Potomac— Aquia Creek-
Tracks of the Rebellion.
No army ever occupied pleasanter quarters than those con
nected with the defenses of Washington. A belt of young
chestnut forest nearly half a mile in width, with a diameter of
ten miles, had been felled about Washington, leaving ample
material of the finest quality for tents. These were split into
planks and slabs, and placed on end in a square or circular
form, according to the kind of tent that was to surmount
them, or laid up into log houses, after the manner of primi
tive civilization. Over these were stretched the cloth tents.
The internal arrangements varied with the ingenuity, taste
and enterprise of the occupants. As the spring wore away,
these tenements became more and more homelike. The sol
diers had retained sufficient of the money paid them at Riker's
Island to rkirchase a small sheet-iron camp stove for each tent,
and many of the latter were furnished with board bunks and
floors. Conveniences for writing were erected, and the long
months of March, April and May were well improved by
the men in writing their friends at home.
Nothing disturbed the monotony attendant upon the regular
drill, drawing rations and putting the arms in order for in-

52 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
spection, except now and then a case of discipline, or one of
those exciting rumors which, with or without foundation,
always find currency in camp.
Much as soldiers become endeared to each other, it is some
times really a relief to witness a case of discipline, providing
it is not too severe in its nature. Discipline in the army is
generally summary, and apparently arbitrary. No trial, (except
for more heinous offenses), is had ; but the commanding officer
punishes " on view," as the parent does the wayward child.
A case falling under my observation will illustrate : —
" Cal. Totman," of Company E, was about sixty-five years
of age. He, of course, appeared but forty-four on the rolls.
He boasted of having been a soldier in 1812 ; but so much
time had elapsed between 1812 and 1862, that Cal. forgot
to some extent the difference in position between a private and
the regimental commander. He had been tutored for the last
fifty years under those free institutions, where every man is
equal to his fellows, especially if his skin is white and his hair
straight, and he had forgotten that " military necessity " which,
by putting shoulder straps upon his neighbor, made him an
autocrat, while he (Cal.) remained a plebeian.
Alike to the evil customs of society, and to Cal's weak
ness, be it charged, that he had learned to imbibe too freely of
liquor, and when well charged with this inspiration, he had
not the fear of man before his eyes. He was neither malicious
nor vindictive on these occasions, but simply free. On this oc
casion Cal. had met a man such as hang about camps, who,
for a dollar, conveyed the precious intelligence to him
where he could find a quart of whisky under the roots of a
stump. The whisky was found, and Cal. was not long in
getting happy. But a quart will not last always, and he,
therefore, soon found it necessary to replenish. His mind nat
urally turned to a sutler's tent about twenty rods off. Thither

Discipline in the Army.

53

he turned his steps, making, in the meantime, a path imitating
a Virginia rail fence. As he neared the coveted spot, he met
a guard, who stood in the way more effectually than the lion
in the path of Bunyan's pilgrim. To pass was an impossi
bility. Cal. was in a belligerent state of mind and as he
turned from the guard, he stopped to give him a parting salu
tation. Then on he went towards camp, halting at regular
intervals to give the guard a reminder of the great injustice
he had done him, and continually muttering oaths against
those who, in this free country, would rob a soldier of his
God-given right to get drunk. He had proceeded but a short
distance towards camp, when he met Colonel Shaul, who
called out : —
" What are you saying, sir ?"
Cal., a little mixed, lifted his free American head and
replied : —
" Who in h — 1 are you ?"
" Take that fellow to camp and place him on a barrel for
an hour," shouted the Colonel to the guard.
Cal. was accordingly treated to a barrel for an hour.
This punishment may not be understood by all. It is a very
simple process of chastisement. A barrel is placed upon one
end, and the criminal is required to stand upon the other end
the length of time requisite to execute the sentence or order.
Cal. was placed upon the barrel, and there, with his white
locks playing in the breeze, he delivered, in the presence of
about two hundred soldiers, an oration by no means flattering
to the" Colonel, ever and anon descending to give emphasis to
. his harangue by kicking the barrel a rod or more, after which
he would mount it again and proceed with his oration.
Cal. survived the war and draws a pension ; but he has
never been known to acknowledge the right of any man to
place a soldier of 1812 upon a barrel for an hour, because he

54 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
disapproved of the interference of the guard in the exercise of
his natural right to get drunk.
Another case of punishment came near resulting in an ex
plosion of Fort Slocum. Pat. McKone, of Company F, aged
about fifty, had formed the same habit as Cal. He was an
excellent hostler, but could not go to the city to get the Quar
termaster's horse shod without returning elated with unnatural
spirits. "Who are you?" said the officer of the day, as Pat. stag
gered toward him.
" Ah ! indade, and am I not Misther McKone ?"
" But, you are drunk !"
" Indade, and Captain Barnard tells me that ivery time I
sees him ; but he has searched me many a time and niver
found a bottle."
" Guard, put this man in the bomb-proof. I will see what
dungeon life will do for him."
Pat. was put into the bomb-proof, located in the center of
the works, (there being, at that time, no guard-house connected
with the fort). The proof had just been well replenished with
loaded shells, kegs of powder, pails of loose powder, and all
the other varieties of the combustible materials of war. All
was still for a time. Presently the guard heard a sound in
the proof.
" Murther ! Murther !" shouted Pat., and then came a sound
as of some one falling. The door was opened, and there lay Pat.
in the last stages of suffocation. On coming to himself, he
explained the smoke and the suffocation thus : —
" That's a very damp place, Capt'in, very. Well, I thought
the Gover'ment ought to warm its soldiers at public expinse,
and so I scraped what I could togither, and built me a little
fire on the floor, and soon I couldn't brathe. I can't tell you
any more, Capt'in."

Orders to March. 55
It was fortunate that this fire in a powder-house was discov
ered in time.
McClellan had now (May, 1862), crept his slow way up the
peninsula. The rebels were fleeing before him, and the gene
ral impression prevailed, both in camp and about Washington,
that the Seventy-sixth would never see any fighting. It was
thought that McClellan could not fail to take Richmond, and
then, by common consent, the war was to close. Though the
termination of the war, and the return of peace was desired
by aH, yet the " boys " were not a little chagrined at the
thought of a six months' campaign, and a return to their
friends without having seen the enemy ; and if a vote had at
that time been taken in the Regiment, upon the proposition
of going into battle, or returning home without a fight, the
battle would have received a large majority.
Poor fellows ! They afterwards learned to judge differently
of fighting. Fighting in theory scarcely equals the reality of
war, and though a man may be thoroughly convinced that he
would like to try his hand once, he is seldom, if ever, known
to try it the second time, simply for the sport of it.
But strategy did not always win the day, even for McClellan.
The battles at Seven Pines and Fair Oaks tested the general
ship of the Commander of the Army of Virginia, and he was
found wanting.
In the midst of public expectation, when the capital of the
rebellion was to fall a prey to the victorious conqueror, the
exultant hopes of the loyal North were blasted, and General
McClellan and his splendid army were hurled back to the
James, and took refuge beneath the guns of our men-of-war.
The policy of President Lincoln required a force between
Richmond and Washington sufficiently strong, in case of the
defeat of McClellan, to protect the latter city.
The orders finally came on the twenty-first day of May,

56 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
1862, for the Seventy-sixth New York to proceed to Frede
ricksburg. The men were all elated with the idea of a change
of scenery; anything was preferable, they thought, to the
monotony of camp life. Knapsacks were quickly filled, tents
struck and packed, the little conveniences for camp life that
had been gathered together, were assorted, and those packed
which were to be taken, and the balance thrown away; and
when the morning of the twenty-second dawned, it found the
Seventy-sixth in line ready for the march. The day was very
warm, and to soldiers unaccustomed to inarching, the five
miles to Washington seemed ten ^before it was accomplished,
and the knapsacks grew to be very heavy burdens. .But, tired
as were the men, they never forgot those principles of justice
and equal rights which called them from their peaceful homes
to engage in a death-struggle with treason.
However much this war has been misunderstood by some of
the commanding generals, judging from the kid-glove style in
which they fought it, and the general tone of their orders and
speeches, the common soldier has not failed to come to a cor
rect understanding of the issues involved. Men high in
position, have had ambitions to gratify, and a name to write
in living letters on the scroll of fame, and in the writing have
not unfrequently overlooked the cause of the rebellion ; but
the soldiery left home and all that was dear, not for fame, not
that they might secure a name as tactician or strategist ; but
that they might write, though in humble letters, upon their
country's escutcheon, those inspired words, " All men are free
and, before the law, equals," and to the credit of the Ameri
can soldiers be it said, they never forgot to act upon that
principle. While encamped at Fort Massachusetts, the Maryland seces
sionists assisted many of the soldiers to desert, by the aid of
money and citizen's clothes, and those who remained true had

Protecting " Contrabands." 57
few scruples against helping off the colored servants of the
traitors residing in the vicinity of the Regiment. The num
ber of colored attaches became greatly augmented. Being
against orders, few, however, but privates and non-commis
sioned officers were aware of the number.
One day, Stephen Bennett, a little private about sixteen
years of age, appeared at the tent of Captain Fox, with a col
ored boy about his own age, and thus introduced him in his
own peculiar dialect : —
" Cap'n, you see, I have invited this young gentleman down
to see you, and I want to have you look 'im over. Bill's 'is
name. I told Bill 't I could n't afford to keep 'm any longer,
an' I reckoned we 'd better come down 'n' see the Ca^'n, an'
see 'f 'e could n't stay with us. I've had 'im some time (a day
or two), — he's a good feeder, Cap'n — up in our tent I've had
'im." Bill stayed as the Captain's second steward, until subse
quently turned over to Lieutenant Walcott. He went with
Company B to Fredericksburg and Cedar Mountain.
At this time slavery had been abolished in the District of
Columbia. By act of Congress, the famous, or infamous,
" Order No. 3," of General Halleck, remanding the panting
slaves to the scourging of an enraged master, had been
annulled, yet the virus of slavery not unfrequently broke out,
and numerous attempts had been made while in the defenses
of Washington, to abduct slaves found in our camps.
Let it be written, that coming ages may read it and blush
for an institution that demanded a rebellion to sustain it, —
that, after the war for the preservation of our Government had
progressed a whole year, the abettors of the institution, and
the officers elected in the District of Columbia, under the very
eye of Congress, sought to wrest from the Union Army those
who, with uplifted hands, implored their protection ! and that

58 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
at a time when those same fugitives were marching with the
army to the scene of conflict and of death !
John Burch and Charles Burch were two African slaves,
who, having escaped from their master in Maryland, had taken
refuge in the camp of the Seventy-sixth. When the Regi
ment left the forts on its way to Fredericksburg, these men
went with it, lending their aid wherever needed, in carrying
the baggage of the officers, or performing any other duty that
might be imposed upon them. They were black, but they
loved the smell of that air of freedom which gives spirit and
hope to the white man.
As the Regiment came down Seventh street to Pennsylvania
Avenue, in Washington, these men were marching with Com
pany D, and carrying the officers' baggage, when an attempt
on the part of their owner (just think of that, American citi
zen, man-owner}, was made to arrest them. This was sternly
resisted by the men of Company D. A policeman of the city
of Washington lent his aid to the attempt ; but no sooner had
he seized one of them by the collar, than Jay Webster, of Com
pany D, gave the order, "charge!" The whole company
immediately obeyed, but before the bayonets were in position
for the charge, the officer lay upon the ground, senseless from
the effects of a blow from the butt of Jay Webster's gun.
Jay has since died in the service, but his glorified spirit Avill
never tire of contemplating this daring assertion of the doc
trine that human freedom is above all the pomp and show of
power, and its vindication the first duty of every patriotic cit
izen of the Republic.
A strenuous effort was made on the part of the semi-seces
sion officers of Washington, to arrest those who took part in
this defense ; but to the credit of the officers of the Seventy-
sixth, and of their gallant, true-hearted commander, General
Abner Doubleday, be it said, no arrests were made, and the

Landing at Aquia Creek. 59
would-be slave-catching officers of Washington returned to
their illy-performed duties with a clearer appreciation of
Northern character than when they first met the Seventy-
sixth. This daring act of heroism went the rounds of the
papers, and found its way into the London press.
At length, after that delay which always attends the em
barkation of a regiment of troops, with baggage, horses, tents,
&c, the Seventy-sixth was on its way down the Potomac,
leaving the secure and safe defenses of Washington for scenes
of battle and carnage. The day had been exceedingly warm,
and the men, unaccustomed to marching, found it no light
task to walk the seven miles from camp to the landing, and
though a few were kept awake by the change of scene, yet by
far the greater part were asleep soon after the boat left the
wharf. About midnight the boat reached Aquia Creek. The
sleeping soldiers were awakened, the knapsack strapped upon
the back, the haversack, gun and accoutrements seized, and
soon the Regiment was formed on shore and marched over a
sandy road a distance which appeared five miles, but was, in
reality, less than two, to an adjacent hill, where it bivouacked
for the remainder of the night. It. was a lovely, balmy night,
though there was no moon, and sweet sleep soon carried the
weary soldier, in dreams, to those much-loved friends at home.
This was our first entrance upon the theater of war. The
Seventy-sixth had never before trod upon soil that had been
polluted by rebel feet.
Upon awaking in the morning, the men were surrounded
on every side by evidences that rebels had once occupied the
ground. On every hand were deserted rebel fortifications,
bomb-proofs, rifle pits and habitations. Here were the plat
forms upon which the rebels had moved their heavy artillery,
in blockading the Potomac, which, could they have spoken,

60 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
might have explained why we were so long deprived of wood
on Meridian Hill. There, down the bank, were the remains
of gun-carriages, dismantled, the brand " U. S." showing rebel
thrift, alias theft ; while in every direction the deserted camps
and roofless tents presented a more dilapidated and home
sick appearance than did the " deserted village " of Goldsmith.
Climbing high up the cliff, the Potomac, confined in its
winding course by high green bluffs, dotted here and there with
groves of young trees, this morning, (May twenty-fourth), pre
sents a truly magnificent landscape. There are few better
harbors than that at Aquia Creek, and at this moment it
seems dressed in its holiday garb. The river, as far as the eye
can reach, is dotted with vessels of all descriptions — the steam
er, with its accompanying barges, the government transport,
the stately ship and the low, froAvning gun-boat, while ever
and anon, floating on the sweet morning air, comes the ever
welcome and soul-stirring strains of music from the bands and
drum corps. The weariness of yesterday has worn off i na
ture is refreshed, and now is no time for gloomy meditations.
What if we have left our friends behind us ? What if this
sunshine precedes a storm, and the battle's fury may be in re
serve for us but a short way ahead ? The God who made this
landscape, and fills us with pleasurable emotions as we
contemplate it ; He who gave us ears to hear, and an appreci
ative nature to be made happy by these strains of sweet music,
will surely protect them and us. Such were the meditations
after breakfast that morning ; but they were of short duration
— all too short.
Before noon the order to " fall in " was given, and soon the
Regiment was in line ready for marching. Then the order
to " break ranks " was given, and thus the Regiment awaited
the arrival of several men who had been left behind, but who
were now approaching, on board a vessel which brought down

March to Fredericksburg. 61
the One Hundred and Second New York. Soon all was
ready, and the Regiment took up its line of march to Frede
ricksburg, eighteen miles distant.

CHAPTER V.
March to Fredericksburg— Virginia shower— Fording— Arrival at Fredericks
burg — Movement on Foot— Rumors— General McDowell— The Lacy House-
Abraham Lincoln, Secretary Stanton and the Generals in Council— Conclu
sion of the Council— The Seventy-sixth to Remain at Fredericksburg.
The day, like its predecessor, was extremely hot, and there
was scarcely a dry garment in the Regiment, when, at length,
the order was given to bivouac for the night.
The country from Aquia Creek to Fredericksburg, presented
a desolate appearance. All along the railroad, now torn up
and impassable, were to be seen the deserted rebel camping-
grounds, dismantled fortifications, dilapidated rebel huts ; and
everything bore unmistakable evidence of the ravages of war.
Scarcely a fence was to be seen ; the country was thinly pop
ulated, and to add to the general desolation, the stumps of
imperfectly cleared tracks of country, gave to the landscape
an uninviting aspect. Judging from the appearance of the
country from Aquia Creek to Fredericksburg, the " mother of
Presidents " will require some time to arrange her toilet be
fore she will again become presentable.
The first night of this march the Regiment encamped in an
open meadow, about six miles from Aquia Creek. Scarcely
had they retired upon their blankets, which were spread upon
the ground, before the rain came down in torrents, and the

64 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
Regiment came to a full appreciation of the magnitude, if not
the beauty, of a Virginia shower.
The soldier of several campaigns comes to view everything
as natural and endurable that may befall -him ; but the soldier
who has just left a comfortable camp and tent, considers such
a storm as an unusual catastrophe.
The night, though sleepless to the unfledged soldiery, finally
passed away, and again the march was resumed.
The rain had raised Potomac Creek almost to a river. The
rebels had destroyed the bridge, and here the Regiment ex
perienced that other unpleasant feature, the fording of a
turbulent stream.
This done, on went the Regiment, each man's load growing
heavier as his body became more wearied, and the rain more
thoroughly saturating every garment upon him, until about
10 o'clock P. M. Covered with mud, wet to the skin and
nearly exhausted, the Brigade arrived in sight of Fredericks
burg and encamped for the night. Only about four tents
were provided for a company, and when we consider that a
small tent will protect but about four, it will be understood
that most of the men were unprovided for,
The best of feeling usually prevails among the soldiers.
They are cemented together by their common dangers, priva
tions and experiences, and the weary and sick are always first
provided for. On this occasion the exhausted and sick would
more than fill the tents, so that the healthy found themselves
out in the cold and rain.
The morning of the twenty-sixth was ushered in by the
reveille, not of a regiment alone, but of regiments, brigades,
divisions and corps. We were reminded of those days when
we first entered .Washington, before General McClellan had
left for the peninsula, with his grand army. In every direc
tion as far as the eye could see, nothing was to be seen but

Opposite Fredericksburg. 65
men and the materials of war, while everywhere the indica
tions satisfied the unpracticed eye that some great movement
was on foot.
Scarcely had the roll been called when the rumbling of
artillery and baggage wagons gave rise to the rumor that a
forward movement was being, even at that time, made. Then
came a rumor, such as always finds credence in camp, that
General Shields's division had been ordered back to Winches
ter, to reinforce General Banks, who was said to have been
driven back by the rebels. Then the story received sanction
that the rebels had recaptured Manassas.
But little time was given to ascertain the truth of rumors,
for, early in the afternoon, orders were received to march
again, and take a position near the site of the camp just evac
uated by a regiment of General Ord's Brigade. Unaccustomed
to the experiences of actual warfare, the soldiers would have
much preferred to inarch across the river, where they might
be in closer proximity to the rebels.
General Shields's men had been six months or more in the
field, and were looked upon by the young soldiers who had
never smelled powder, with as much respect as civilians con
template the browned and scarred veteran of a hundred
battle-fields; They could even cook their rations and make
palatable coffee without the aid of camp stoves, and could
cleanse and polish their warlike weapons while cooking over
a fire between two logs, seeming perfectly at home.
Everywhere the ground was covered with soldiers and ma
terials of war. Here, long rows of army wagons, forming a
regular village of canvas covers ; there a park of artillery.
Yonder a corral of army horses, and, further on, of mules,
while hurrying to and fro rode the orderlies, carrying dispatches.
Everything bespoke business — business of a serious character.
General McDowell was in command of the forces there

66 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
assembled and assembling. He occupied the Lacy house as his
headquarters. This is a brick building, near the left or
northern bank of the Rappahannock, in plain view of Fred
ericksburg, and about two miles from Falmouth. The
grounds surrounding it, which had been tended with so much
care', were now covered with the tents of staff" officers and
orderlies ; the fences were gone, the shrubbery destroyed, and
the whole plain, now covered with troops, was, aside from the
bustle of marshaling hosts, a barren, uninviting waste. Down
the walks, which the proprietor had laid out with so much
taste, the sentinel now paced, with his gun at a shoulder ;
where once the petted daughter admired her bright flowers,
the " contraband " now held the war steed of the hated
Yankee general or colonel; while in the parlor and halls
where the fashionable " F. F. V's " were wont to congregate,
perchance to sing themselves happy over
"The bonnie blue flag of a single star,"
now assembled the hero generals who were striking a
blow at that very flag, and the infamous institution
which sustained this scene of aristocracy, and pricking the
bubble which, broken would show the " F. F. V.'s " to be
really something other than the first families of Virginia.
And there, in the midst of this group, counseling and being
counseled, in this rebel mansion, was the hated rail-splitter,
Abraham Lincoln, whose very election had been seized upon
as a pretense for secession.
Mr. Lincoln and his Secretary of War, Mr. Stanton, had
arrived upon the ground about the same time with the Seven
ty-sixth, and was now in close consultation with the leading
generals, at the Lacy house.
It is generally understood that Mr. Lincoln was never satis
fied with the manner in which General McClellan had left
Washington unprotected when he went upon the peninsula.

President Lincoln in Council. 67
He had, therefore, ordered General McDowell to remain with
his troops to defend Washington in case of a repulse of Gen
eral McClellan's army ; and the wisdom of this course has
been approved by the events which have already passed into
history. With that ever-watchful eye with which our mar
tyred President guarded every movement of the army, he had
now come to the front to see with his own eyes that all was
being done that was possible, to protect the Capital and save
the country.
It was a proud sight to see his tall form surrounded by the
best generals in the country, receiving and giving counsel as
to the future movements of the army. While there was a de
termined look, confidence beamed also upon every countenance.
Though the President could not have felt otherwise than a
foreboding of the evil that was about to fall upon the country,
yet he displayed ho symptoms of distrust. There was that
same calm, assured air that ever marked his bearing, and he
animated rather than depressed his generals, as they discussed
the weighty subject before them, and occasionally the council
was enlivened by one of his dry jokes, or one of those never-
failing " that reminds me of a story," with which he was wont
to preface a happy illustration.
Judging from the external appearance of that council, an
inexperienced observer would have seen nothing tending
to induce the belief that those very men who seemed to
drink in the counsels of each other, and to heartily sympathize
each with the other in every sentiment expressed, were
inwardly rankling with jealousies, which, in three short
months, would permit one portion of the army to be cut in
pieces, while the other portion was within supporting distance,
disengaged. And yet, such is the fallibility of human nature,
that the goddess of history has blushed while she has been
forced to write it down against them. More than to any other

68 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
one cause, the prolongation of this war was due to the jeal
ousies, rivalries and envies of the commanding generals.
This, with that other idea of President-making by the kid-
glove style of fighting, may be set down as the reason for the
rebellion lasting beyond the limits of a single year. The
North was strong enough, and anxious to crush it in six
months, but its strength was neutralized by being divided
against itself.
The result of the consultation was, that General Doubleday's
Brigade was to remain at Fredericksburg to guard that city,
while the other troops went on to win laurels in a more active
field. Though it may seem incredible to those who are unaccus
tomed to the monotony of camp life, yet it is true that the
recruit who has never seen battle, but has spent several months
in camp, considers it a misfortune to be thus confined, and, if
left to choice, would prefer the march or the field to the se
clusion of camp life. This feeling, however, is changed by
one active campaign.
The officers and men of the Seventy-sixth were disappointed
when notified of the conclusion of the council.

CHAPTER VI.
Fredericksburg— Changing Camps— A Reconnoissance in Force— Diabolism of the
Rebels— Explosion of a Magazine in Fredericksburg by a Rebel Torpedo-
Rebel Sentiments— Lawyer Wallace — Thb Women of Fredericksburg— Shun
ning the Flag — "Stonewall" Jackson Expected— Preparations for His
Reception— Major Livingston as Governor— Capture of Major Lacy, of the
Lacy House— Smuggling— Remarkable Cures of Dropsy.
It is no small matter to settle a family in a strange house,
and get things set to rights, so that the place will seem like
home. The shelf where the clock is to stand, is on the other
side of the room, as you enter, from that on which it was
accustomed to stand ; the stove does not look familiar where
necessity compels us to locate it ; we look in vain for the mir
ror where it used to hang by the clock, and so on ; but
changing quarters in civil life is not to be compared, in point
of vexation, with the " change of base " in the army. This
was amply illustrated on the arrival of our Regiment opposite
Fredericksburg. We have already spoken of the bivouac the first night.
The next morning the men were aroused from their slumbers
on the ground, by the reveille. Soon the roll of wheels and
the bustle in camp betrayed a movement. Vague rumors of
defeat at Winchester, and then of victory, agitated the camp.
Sunday, May twenty-fifth, orders were received to march to
a hill about a mile distant. While this was being done by
the Seventy-sixth, a reconnoissance in force was being made

70 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
on the south side of the Rappahannock, with a view to ascer
tain the position and strength of the rebels. Though the
Seventy-sixth took no part in this reconnoissance, the general
commanding the Brigade, and Jiis staff, rode to the front and
participated in it.
These reconnoissances are very exciting, requiring all the
courage necessary in battle, and adding the excitement and
interest of an ordinary hunting excursion in an extraordinary
degree. In this case the demonstration was made upon two
roads leading from Fredericksburg nearly south. First came
the Harris cavalry, filling the roads with gallant troopers, as
they galloped forward in search of danger. These were closely
followed by the infantry, which was to support them in case
of a collision.
The rebels had made a demonstration upon Fredericksburg
but a short time before, and a fight was expected ; but the
reconnoissance only established the fact that the rebels had
placed a respectful distance between themselves and the Union
army. This reconnoissance was made upon the day on which prep
arations had been made for General McDowell to leave
Fredericksburg, to join General McClellan. But the enemy
were not followed in their retreat from Fredericksburg, for
just at this time Stonewall Jackson commenced his expedi
tion down the Shenandoah Valley, and General McDowell
was sent, in connection with General Fremont, from West
Virginia, to the assistance of General Banks, and to intercept
Jackson in his retreat. This departure of General McDowell
set at rest all idea of a general forward movement by the
troops about Fredericksburg.
To the Brigade of General Doubleday was assigned the duty
of guarding and repairing the railroad from Aquia Creek to
Fredericksburg. All this foreboded a repetition of camp life

Explosion of a Magazine. 71
experiences, without the excitements of the inarch and the
field. On the day of the reconnoissance, an incident occurred
which illustrates the utter recklessness with which this war
was carried on by the rebels. • They had but recently occupied
Fredericksburg, and the city was at this time inhabited by an
intensely bitter rebel population. Yet, not only regardless
of the rules of civilized warfare, but disregarding the safety
of their own friends and property, the rebel army, on leaving,
planted torpedoes in different parts of the city, and especially
about the magazines connected with the fortifications.
On the Sunday spoken of, as a guard from the Twenty-
third New York was on duty, he chanced to step a little one
side from his accustomed path, when his foot came in contact
with one of these torpedoes. In an instant he was blown into
the air, and his body torn to atoms. The fire communicated
with the magazine, causing a most terrific explosion. The
earth and timbers were thrown into the air above the highest
buildings, and the shock, as of an earthquake, was felt for
miles around.
Had this been done in an enemy's country, it might have
been paliated, though not justified, as a war measure ; but
when we come to realize that the enemy planted these mur
derous engines in their own city, at their own doors, where
their families and friends were the imperiled parties, we can
not conceive a more fiendish act.
After marching, halting and counter-marching for a week,
the Brigade finally settled down, and the old routine of camp
life followed.
Brigade headquarters were established at the house of a law
yer named Wallace. He was a most bitter secessionist. With
two sons in the rebel army, his slaves all escaped to the North,
his farm completely desolated, stripped of everything upon

72 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
which he had set his heart, he remained true to the cause of
secession. He was one of those men who could not play a
double or a doubtful part ; but, whether surrounded by his
friends in gray, or his enemies in blue, he was the same firm
supporter of the rebellion, and he more than once asserted to
the staff officers who occupied his mansion, that if the United
States Government should require him to take the oath of al
legiance, on pain of confiscation of all his property, he should
choose the confiscation, rather than violate his obligations to
his State.
No better illustration is needed of the proposition that per
sistency, and even conscientiousness, is not always an evidence
of right. Here was a man who had spent a lifetime in sur
rounding himself with all the attractions that make this life
desirable. Under his personal supervision, his ample fields
had been enclosed with fences and hedges ; his house had been
neatly and tastefully adorned ; his yards were laid out with
care, and planted with the choicest trees, shrubs and plants ;
he had reared his two sons to be the support of his declining
years ; yet now, as he cast his eye over his former Eden, he
saw his broad fields one vast camping ground, not of friends,
but of foes ; his trees and hedges cut down, and his fences
burned by what he deemed a horde of invaders ; the hated
African, the cause of all his woes, held the war steeds of the
officers on the broad walk to his mansion ; his two sons were
fighting to defeat the very flag that now floated from his own
house-top ; they had not been heard from for several months ;
no friends surrounded him ; the Union officers were occupying
his best rooms, and their subordinates swarmed on every hand.
And yet, in his despair, crushed and broken, he never for a
moment faltered in his attachment to the cause he had
espoused. Nor was the case of Wallace a solitary instance. Frede-

The Women of Fredericksburg. 73
ricksburg was one hot-bed of secession. The women, as they
passed the " boys in blue," drew their dresses closer about
them, and not unfrequently left the sidewalk, lest perchance
they might be contaminated by a touch of the garments of
their enemies. Did a flag wave from headquarters, fort, guard
house, or sutler's tent, the " chivalry " would cross the street
to avoid the shadow of the banner of the invaders, and in all
manner of ways, which could not and were not intended on
the part of the secessionists to be mistaken by the Union men,
did the inhabitants of this city show their disrespect and utter
abhorrence of everything that favored the United States.
This feeling was confined to no particular class, (if we except
the colored race), but was shared by the merchant, mechanic,
professional man, and reached the climax in the female popu
lation, who were frequently more forcible than elegant in their
expressions regarding the hated " Yankees."
Captain Pierce had been lamed while working upon the
bridge. Shortly afterwards while walking along the street
with a brother officer, they discovered a group of women in a
parlor. " There come two damned Yankee officers, and one of them
is limping," remarked one of the " F. E. V.'s," in tones
intended for the officers' ears.
" It is a pity he is permitted the luxury of limping," re
plied one of the bevy.
" Oh, dear ! I wish Stonewall Jackson would come and
clear these scoundrels out," chimed in a third.
By this time the officers were opposite the window.
" Zadies," remarked the Captain, rather sarcastically, " we
heard your exclamations. Yon were right about our being
Yankee officers ; but the Yankees have come to stay, and it is
to be hoped that your acquaintance with them will improve
both your morals and your manners."

74 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
The officers passed on, and " Southern aristocracy " discussed
" Northern mud-sills."
At this time General Doubleday's Brigade had not been
attached to any division, but remained a separate organiza
tion. For two weeks after the arrival at Fredericksburg, nothing
occurred to disturb the routine of marching and changing po
sitions, with now and- then a little drill.
Frequent and very exaggerated stories were circulated in
reference to the whereabouts aud intentions of Stonewall
Jackson. Scarcely a day passed but some " loyal refugee," or
"intelligent contraband," came to camp direct from the neigh
borhood of Jackson's army, with the startling intelligence
that Fredericksburg was sure to be attacked in force. These
announcements were usually followed by orders to be ready to
move at an hour's, and sometimes a moment's notice. Knap
sacks were packed, haversacks stored with rations, arms put in
readiness for a fight, but no enemy came ; until finally the
army of "loyal refugees " and " intelligent contrabands," who
had brought the intelligence of our danger, nearly equaled
the imaginary army of the threatening Jackson.
These rumors were at first very exciting ; but when a month
or more had elapsed, and no Jackson made his appearance,
they were made the occasions of jests, and Jackson became to
the Union army a sort of mythical or harmless ghost, with
no power, nor, indeed, any intention, to inflict evil upon us.
After remaining on the north bank of the Rappahannock
about a week, the Seventy-sixth was sent over the river to
guard the city, the depot, the bridge, and other important
points. Major Livingston was made Military Governor, and no one
familiar with his characteristics, will question the propriety of
the selection. To the best order of executive ability, Major

Capture of Major Lacy. 75
Livingston added a large and varied experience with men,
with something of a military education. In the city of Fred
ericksburg, these qualities were put to the severest test. If a
horse disappeared mysteriously from its owner's possession, the
Major was supposed to be able, not only to determine its
whereabouts, but to convict the offender of the taking. For
the time being, he was the supreme dictator. His word was
the essence of the law, and never was law more effectually
administered. The rebels themselves were compelled to admit
that their city was better governed under the administration
of the Major, than while occupied by their own troops. The
liquor-sellers were greatly restrained ; the soldiers were em
ployed in building bridges, repairing roads and fortifications ;
the streets were policed, and lounging and the necessary con
comitants — street brawis and riots — were prevented, and the
citizens of this rebel city had many occasions to thank the
Military Governor for the peace and quiet which reigned, and
the protection which, in person and property, they enjoyed.
The first day after the installation of the Major as Governor,
an important capture was made — one that filled the city with
excitement. Major Lacy, the owner of the Lacy house, situ
ated on the north bank of the river and opposite Fredericksburg,
had ventured too near the Federal lines, and had been cap
tured. A squad of about forty men, under a lieutenant, was sent
out to reconnoiter the country, and ascertain whether there
were rebels in the vicinity. Observing a smoke a short dis
tance ahead, the Lieutenant called for volunteers to act as an
advance, and learn the cause. D. C. McGregor, of Company
F, Seventy-sixth Regiment, and six others of the party volun
teered. Stealing up cautiously to near the place whence came
the smoke, they discovered a fine horse, saddled and hitched
to a tree, and farther on a camp fire, and the rebel Major and

76 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
two men evidently cooking their coffee. The scouts managed
to get between the Major and his horse, when they no longer
attempted to conceal their movements. Discovering our party,
the Major arose, and with great assurance of manner, ex
claimed : —
" You are my prisoners !"
" I guess not. You surrender !" replied the leader.
" Come on, boys ! Take these men into your charge !"
shouted the Major to his two men.
The men not readily obeying, the Major sprang for his
horse ; but the boys in blue presented the ugly ends of their
Enfield rifles, and the Major surrendered unconditionally, and
was taken to camp. McGregor was soon after promoted to
sergeant. Major Lacy was one of the wealthiest and most popular
men in the county. A man who had spared no effort to bring
about the secession of his State, and now that it had seceded,
he avoided no responsibility or danger, but threw himself
heartily into the work of aiding the military forces by his per
sonal presence and labors. He was a man of ability and
character, and felt most keenly the tortures of that fate which
confined him a common prisoner in the guard-house of the
enemy in sight of his own mansion. " Alas ! how are the
mighty fallen !"
What severer punishment could be inflicted upon a sensitive
man ? It was, however, of short duration, for in a few days
he was sent North, and in due time exchanged.
Those familiar with the devices of smugglers on our north
ern frontier, will understand some of the difficulties
experienced by our gallant Major. Every day, and several
times in thexlay, cases of a suspicious character came under
his observation, or before him, as Governor, for his adjudica
tion. Did a female set out on a journey over the lines, the

Smuggling Detected. 77
size of her trunk could not fail to attract the attention of the
guards, who, ignorant of the wants of " F. F. V.'s," would
frequently indulge in suspicions that led to the opening of the
package. The obtrusive guard would convey the trunk to the
Governor, and direct the suspected female to convey herself
thither, when a trial something like the following would take
place : —
Governor. — Madam, what is your name, and where do you
reside ?
Female. — My name is  and I live in Fredericksburg,
sir. Governor. — Is that your trunk ? (pointing to the package
mentioned). Female. — It is, sir.
Governor. — Where were you going ?
Female. — I have a pass to Richmond, sir.
Governor. — What does your trunk contain ?
Female. — Articles of clothing, sir.
Governor. — The size of the trunk, madam, indicates that
the contents cannot be all clothing. It is- my duty to have
them examined.
Female. — (Indignant). What ! search my trunk ? Would
you be so vulgar, sir, as to pry into the private wardrobe of
a lady ? I assure you, sir, that that trunk contains nothing
but my clothing, and I protest against its being disturbed.
Governor. — My duty, madam, demands that this matter be
investigated. Have you the key ?
Female.- — (Excitedly rummaging her pocket). I have lost
my key, sir. I implore you not to disturb my wardrobe !
¦Governor. — Guards, open that trunk with as little damage
as possible.
Female.— Oh, Governor, I've found the key ; but I conjure
you, by your respect for my sex, do not permit a public exam
ination of my traveling wardrobe !

78 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
Governor. — Guards, do your duty.
Then came the opening of the trunk. Of course the ward
robe was the first thing that met the eye ; but as, to the
astonishment and contempt of the fair owners, these " vulgar
soldiers " proceeded to remove the clothing, huge packages
and large bottles were discovered, while the odor of the apoth
ecary's shop confirmed the idea that something was enclosed
beside those articles, the safe transportation of which is guar
anteed by the ordinary contract of the common carrier.
Whisky, quinine, liniment, rolls of lint, packages of bandages,
etc., — these were the chief articles, varied in the proportions,
but invariable as to the specific articles.
Governor. — (Sarcastically). Madam, do the contents of
those packages and bottles constitute a portion of your ward
robe %
Female. — But, sir, may not a lady prepare herself against
those diseases incident to a change of climate ?
Governor. — If eighty miles' travel brings you into such a
malarious climate, I advise you not to leave Fredericksburg.
Your pass will, however, be so amended as to permit you to
pass through the lines without baggage. Guards, convey
those hospital stores to the chief surgeon for the use of the
sick Union soldiers. Here, madam, is your pass, corrected.
And so the female left the Governor, sadly reflecting that all
her efforts to assist the rebel army had proved abortive,
and forming new plans to forward her favorite project.
A more ingenious method of smuggling was, however, car
ried on, until vigorous measures were adopted to prevent it.
Females, young and old, who were naturally tall and slender,
when seen upon the streets of Fredericksburg, were observed
to become suddenly corpulent. This transformation frequently
occurred in a single night, and was finally brought to the at
tention of the Governor. Without female assistance, the

Report of "Contraband" Committee. 79
investigation would be very painful to a sensitive gentleman,
like the gallant Governor. Yankee ingenuity, however, soon
suggested that a committee of female contrabands might be
trusted to investigate and report as to the cause of the unnat
ural metamorphosis. The examination made, the report,
though informal, was nevertheless to the point, and clearly
demonstrated the secretive capacity of the *' double elliptic
steel spring skirt."
" Lor', massa Gov'ner, we'se found dese articles all under de
skirt ob dis woman," reported the committee as they presented
the governor with an armful of " goods, wares and merchan
dise." Not unfrequently were whole pieces of cloth proper for
soldiers' clothes, sheets for bandages, packages of lint and
medicine, and even the indispensable bottles of quinine
whisky included in the inventor}'. These took the direction
of the other " medical stores," and the thin female reduced to
her normal condition, cured of her dropsy without medicine,
returned to her home, or went over the lines, to relate to her
secession friends the ungallant conduct of the Governor in so
suddenly depriving her of all her greatness.-
The darkey population were not long in fully appreciating
these cases, and many a joke arose among them based on these
investigations. "Missus 's gwine to die !"
"Whatforyoutinkso?"
" Oh ! Lor', she's swellin up — she's got de dropsy, shure ! "
" You go long, now. I know a doc'r '11 cure her in no
time." "Who's dat?"
" Why, de Gov'ner. Yah ! yah ! yah ! "
At a later period, during the war, this system of imparting
assistance to the rebels, became greatly extended, and although

80 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
the strictest surveillance was exercised, on the part of our
Government officials to prevent it, large quantities of medical
stores, the scarcity of which made them worth their weight in
gold, in the rebellious States, surrounded, as they were, by a
cordon of argus-eyed detectives, were very ingeniously
smuggled through the lines, into the possession of the enemy.
And, though we write it with shame, the chief headquarters
of these double-traitors was in the city of Washington, where
many, filling important positions of trust with apparent hon
esty, were secretly engaged in affording " aid and comfort to
the enemy." The most successful agents of these traitor-serv
ing smugglers were females, and numberless instances might
be cited where more ingenious methods and devices were
adopted for accomplishing their objects, than those given above.

CHAPTER VII.
General McCall Leaves Fredericksburo — General Pope Takes Command of the
Army of Virginia— Number of Troops in that Army— Movements of the Troops
—Doubleday's Brigade Assigned to King's Division— Another Wallace—" Joe,"
the Contraband— Foraging on the Enemy—" Slow Note,"
June tenth, General McCall's Division left Fredericksburg
to reinforce General McClellan on the peninsula, and General
Doubleday's Brigade was left alone at Fredericksburg.
June twenty-sixth, General Pope took command of the
Army of Virginia, by a special order from President Lincoln.
His command included the First Corps under Major-General
Fremont, about eleven thousand five hundred strong; the
Second Corps, under Major-General Banks, reported at four
teen thousand five hundred, but really only about eight
thousand ; the Third Corps under Major-General McDowell,
eighteen thousand five hundred ; with a small unorganized
force under Brigadier-General Sturgis, near Alexandria, then
in process of being organized for field service. The forces in
the entrenchments around Washington were also included in
his command ; but all the disposable available forces for active
operations, consisted of the three Corps named, amounting to
thirty-eight thousand men. Doubleday's Brigade was in
cluded in McDowell's Corps.
General Fremont was afterwards relieved by General Siegel,
in the command of his Corps.

82 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
At this time the Corps of General Banks and General Fre
mont were in the Shenandoah Valley, between Winchester
aud Middletown. One division of McDowell's Corps was at
Manassas Junction, with its advance thrown forward to Cat
lett's Station.
Jackson had retired from the Shenandoah Valley with his
forces, and was rapidly inarching towards Richmond, so that
there was no force of the enemy, of any amount, within a
week's march of any portion of the Army of Virginia. The
President had directed General Pope to cover Washington so
that in case of a disaster to McClellan, the Capital should be
protected. The first effort of General Pope was to concentrate all the
movable forces under his command, and while he covered
Washington, so to operate upon the enemy's lines of commu
nication in the direction of Gordonsville and Charlottesville,
as to draw off, if possible, a considerable force of his troops
from Richmond, and thus relieve the operations of General
McClellan against that city.
Orders were, therefore, sent to General Siegel, who had now
relieved Fremont in the command of the First Corps, to move
forward, cross the Shenandoah at Front Royal, and, pur
suing the west side of the Blue Ridge, passing through
Luray Gap, to take post at Sperryville. General Banks was,
at the same time, directed to cross the Shenandoah at the
same place, and take a position between six and ten miles east
of Sperryville. General McDowell was ordered to move
Rickett's Division of his Corps from Manassas Junction to
Waterloo Bridge, the point where the turnpike from Warren
ton to Sperryville crosses the Upper Rappahannock.
At this time, General Doubleday's Brigade had been
assigned to General King's Division, and it was thought best
by the War Department, that this Division should be left at

General Pope's Idea of War. 83
Fredericksburg to cover the crossing of the Rappahannock at
that point, and to protect the railroad to Aquia Creek, and
the public buildings which the Government had erected at
that place. This latter arrangement of dividing General
McDowell's Corps, separating King's Division so far from the
main army, and thus making it possible for the enemy at any
time to cut it off, by interposing between it and the remainder
of the army, gave General Pope serious uneasiness, and
engaged his earnest attention.
General Pope was very unlike many who have been high in
command in the Union army. He had an idea, not always
possessed in the army, that war means fight, and that the best
time to parley with the enemy and try to woo him back, is after
you have whipped him, and he has begun to implore rather
than exact terms. He had another idea well received by the
loyal masses at the North, but not at all favorably received by
the bulk of commanding generals of that time, and most vio
lently opposed by secessionists both North and South. He
thought that the Union army might very properly forage and
subsist on the enemy's country. An order was finally issued
by him to that effect, which, though it created a howl among
the enemy, brought blessings upon him from the Union army.
This is not the only time that a howl by the rebels was an
swered by a shout from the " boys in blue," and an instance
might be cited where the Union army regretted an occurrence
at the North, which sent up a shout all along the rebel lines.
But the people of the North silenced that shout at the ballot-
box. Several incidents occurred in the Seventy-sixth to illustrate
the benefits of this order to subsist on the enemy. We give
one: —
The Wallace mentioned in a preceding chapter, had a brother
about fifteen miles below Fredericksburg, on the Rappahan-

84 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
nock. He was a rich farmer, and, though a gentleman in
appearance, like his brother, he was a most violent and un
compromising secessionist. " Joe," an intelligent contraband,
who had " served massa dese forty long years," used to bring
vegetables and provisions to Fredericksburg for sale. Like all
his race, he was loyal to " Massa Lincum's guv'ment," and the
intelligence was conveyed by him to the officers of the Seven
ty-sixth, that " Massa Wallace got heaps o' perwisions to his
house ; heaps ob sheep, and mules, and cattle."
A foraging party, headed by Lieutenant Goddard, and com
posed of his company (G), accompanied by Lieutenant,
(afterwards Lieutenant-Colonel) Watkins, the Quartermaster
of the Seventy-sixth, and his Quartermaster-Sergeant, (after
wards Captain Jarvis), proceeded to make a visit to " Massa
Wallace." Accompanied by the means of transportation, the
party presented themselves to Mr. Wallace, and requested a
donation, or at least a sale on credit. He demurred ; declared
he was the poorest man in the county. His slaves had all run
away, and left him without help ; the Confederate army had
encamped upon his lands, and a general blight had scarcely
left him enough to carry his little family through the next
winter. His story was well told, and emphasis duly given 'by
a meek countenance and honest tone ; but Lieutenant God
dard had traveled, and knew that honeyed words and long
faces are not infallible indices of truth. The Lieutenant pre
ferred to believe loyal " Joe," who had no interest in
equivocating, to " Massa," who, besides being a rebel, had a
little interest, which might obscure his vision, or blunt his
judgment. A squad was, therefore, sent out to reconnoiter, and take an
inventory. The result was the return of the party to camp
with one pony, eight mules, six fat cattle, several good sheep,
a large wagon-load of potatoes, and as many cabbages, turnips,

The "Slow Note." 85
and other varieties of garden vegetables, as the Regiment
could consume before they would spoil ; and left Mr. Wallace
more personal property than he professed to own when they
visited him. "These articles were paid for in what one of the
brigade staff-officers called a " slow note," which read in these
words, varied to suit the facts : —
" The undersigned freely acknowledges to have received, on this first day
of July, 1862, from  Wallace, of King George county, Va., for the use
and service of the United States of America, one pony, eight mules, six fat
cattle, ten good sheep, one wagon-load of potatoes, one wagon-load of veg
etables, which I have valued at one thousand dollars. This voucher will
be payable at the conclusion of the war, upon sufficient testimony being
presented that said Wallace has been a loyal citizen of the United States
trom the date hereof. By order of
Brig.-Gen. Abneh Doubleday."
" Charles A. Watkins, A. Q. M. U. S. A."
If the truth ever appears before the tribunal that passes
upon this claim, and the tribunal possesses the semblance of
integrity, this document will never prove very valuable to Mr.
Wallace ; for dark days to the Union cause soon succeeded,
when every rebel sympathizer became emboldened, and made
no concealment of his sympathies for the rebel cause. If, how
ever, we take the trials in the court of claims, in Washington,
as a test, we can readily believe that when fully " reconstructed"
according to " My Policy," Mr. Wallace will find ample proof
to show that he was never out of the Union ; and could never,
by any sort of inducement, be seduced from his allegiance to
the United States. And the thousand dollar certificate of the
Quartermaster wiil be shown to cover at least five thousand
dollars worth of property, and Wallace will forget to prove
that Colonel Wainwright sent back the Shetland pony to its
master, because Tt could be of no use to the service.
Those who have lived on hard tack and salt junk, will-
readily appreciate the fresh beef, mutton and vegetables which

86 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
this excursion gave to the Seventy-sixth.
lieved " those which had been worn out in the regimental
teams, and all ranks of officers and soldiers inwardly thanked
General Pope for his foraging order.
I am informed by a gentleman who was engaged as a clerk
in the office of the Quartermaster-General, in Washington, at
the close of the war, that large numbers of these " slow notes "
and similar " promises to pay " were presented to that depart
ment for settlement. One illiterate old rebel from Dinwiddie
county, Virginia, came all the way to Washington, in June,
1865, to present his claim for adjustment ; and the laugh that
greeted him was a hearty one, when the chief clerk of the
division of "Quartermasters' Stores" read the document upon
which the old fellow based his claim, and which was noth
ing more than an order on the Quartermaster for pay for a
bushel of oats ! signed by a sergeant of a Wisconsin regiment.
The old man insisted that the Yankees had devoured and
destroyed all he had, and that the " officer " who gave him the
order told him that the paper would secure him full pay for
all that had been taken.

CHAPTER VIII.
Colonel Wainwright Assumes Command of the Seventy-sixth— Drill— Sunday
Services— Celebration of the Fourth of July in Virginia— Truth Spoken in
a New Locality— Battle Impending — Organization and Movements of the Army
—March from F'redebicksburg to Culpepper— Eagerness of the Men— Death
from Exhaustion— In Search of the Enemy— Forddxg the Rapidan— A Night
March— The Army of Virginia Concentrated at Culpepper.
On- the second of July, Colonel William P. Wainwright hav
ing been assigned to the Seventy-sixth, assumed command.
From this time until the Regiment went into battle, all the
time that could possibly be devoted to drill was thus improved.
The Regiment had been employed in building bridges, and
doing guard duty, greatly to the neglect of that drill which
alone can make a regiment effective in battle. It was a favor
ite theory with the Colonel, that to secure any certainty of
success, the men must become acquainted with all the move
ments required of them, until every one was as familiar as
household words.
Less than two months elapsed after Colonel Wainwright
assumed command, before the Seventy-sixth was engaged in
battle — 0ne of the severest of the war — and we shall have
ample occasion to record the benefits that resulted from that
two months' drill.
The first day that Colonel Wainwright commanded the Reg
iment, a careful personal inspection was had, and the defective
guns condemned and replaced by perfect ones; old clothes

88 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
were relieved by new ones, and soon the Seventy-sixth pre
sented itself in a new dress. To those who have been in the
army, the weariness of squad, company, battalion and
skirmish drill day after day, will be readily appreciated ; and
if the boys did not consider their new Colonel an arbitrary and
cruel officer, it might be set down as a new wonder. But
those same men, in many a subsequent battle, as they have
seen the lines of other and poorer drilled regiments waver and
finally break, while the Seventy-sixth remained firm, have
inwardly, and many of them openly, thanked the officer who
forced them to a drill thus beneficial.
The first Sabbath that Colonel Wainwright was in the Reg
iment, he requested one of the Captains, whose avocation in
civil life was ministerial, to conduct religious services, the
Chaplain being absent. This the Captain declined. .The
Colonel, ready for any emergency, gave notice that at a cer
tain hour religious services would be held under a specified
tree. At the appointed time, when the men and officers had
seated themselves upon the grass, the Colonel stepped forward
and read a prayer. He then read a hymn, which was sung
by the Regiment, when he proceeded to read a sermon. Un
like many as high in command, the influence of Colonel
Wainwright upon the men was most excellent.
July Fourth was celebrated at Brigade headquarters,- at the
Phillips house, in true Northern style. Captain Noyes, of
General Doubleday's staff, delivered art eloquent and patriotic
address. It was one which would hardly have been listened
to by the degenerate sons of the " Old Dominion," but was,
nevertheless, one well adapted to the locality and the times.
Such truths were not usually spoken in any part of the country
covered by the dark pall of slavery. Could the ashes of the
mother of Washington, then sleeping across the river in view
of the speaker, and almost within the sound of his voice, have

PrEPARATIONS FOR BATTLE. 89
revived at that moment, she would alone, of all the white
Virginians in that vicinity, have shouted amen to these patriotic
utterances. The soldiers who volunteered to put down this
rebellion, heartily responded to the sentiments, and consecrated
themselves anew to their holy mission.
While General Pope was concentrating his forces, the series
of battles commenced, which preceded and attended the
retreat of McClellan from the Chickahominy towards Harri
son's Landing.
It was the policy of the Government and General Pope, in
case of the defeat of the army under General McClellan, and
iu case the rebels made an attempt upon Washington, or in
that direction, to throw such obstacles in their way as was in
the power of the Army of Virginia, and thus hold the enemy
in check until the arrival at Aquia Creek, or Alexandria, of
the Army of the Potomac. To accomplish this the more
effectually, General Pope ordered General King at Fredericks
burg, to send forward detachments of his cavalry to operate
upon the line of the Virginia Central Railroad, and as far as
possible to embarrass and destroy communication between
Richmond and the Valley of. the Shenandoah. General King
accordingly dispatched several cavalry expeditions for that
purpose, which were completely successful and succeeded on
different occasions in breaking up the railroad at several
points. General Pope at the same time ordered General
Banks to send forward an infantry brigade, with all his cav
alry, to march rapidly upon Culpepper Court House, and after
taking possession of that place, to push cavalry forward
towards the Rapidan, in the direction of Gordonsville.
On the fourteenth of July, after this movement was success
fully accomplished, General Pope directed General Banks to
move forward during the night of that day the whole of his
cavalry force, under General Hatch, and take possession of

90 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
Gordonsville, and destroy the railroad for ten or fifteen miles
east of that place, with a portion of his forces, while -all re
maining hastened on in the direction of Charlottesville,
destroying the railroad bridges, and interrupting that line of
communication as far as practicable. At that time there was
no force of the enemy at Gordonsville. Before General
Hatch reached Gordonsville, the advance of Jackson's forces
under Ewell had reached that place, and the proposed move
ments, as ordered, became impracticable.
General Banks was ordered by General Pope to pro
ceed on the seventh of August, and take post at the point
where the turnpike from Sperryville to Culpepper crosses Hazel
river. General McDowell was also ordered to move forward
with Rickett's Division, from Waterloo Bridge to Culpepper
Court House ; so that on the seventh day of August, all the
infantry and artillery forces of the Army of Virginia were
assembled along the turnpike from Sperryville to Culpepper,
and numbered about twenty-eight thousand five hundred men.
This did not include King's Division at Fredericksburg, and
which was not available for active operations in the direction
of Gordonsville.
On the fourth of August, General Burnside arrived with his
army from North Carolina. He was to hold Fredericksburg.
This indicated that King's Division was to make its long con
templated forward movement.
That the reader may more clearly understand the part which
the Seventy-sixth took in the battle to be hereafter described,
it may be well here to state the different organizations coin-
posing King's Division, as it is often necessary to speak of
brigades and divisions instead of regiments. A regiment in
civil life is considered an important and imposing organization ;
but it is quite likely to be lost sight of in the reports of battles
in which from fifty thousand to one hundred thousand men are
engaged.

Organization of King's Division. 91
At the time of which we are speaking, Major-General
Rufus King commanded the First Division of the First Army
Corps. Four or five regiments, as the army was organized,
constituted a brigade ; three or four brigades a division ; and
three or four divisions an army corps. The First Brigade of
King's Division was under command of General Hatch, and
consisted of the Second Regiment of United States Sharp
shooters, and four regiments of New York troops. The
Second Brigade was under General Doubleday, and composed
of the Seventy-sixth and Ninety-fifth New York Regiments,
and the Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania, to which was afterwards
added the Seventh Indiana. The Third Brigade was under
General Patrick, and composed of four New York regiments.
The Fourth Brigade was under General Gibbon, and com
posed of one Indiana and three Wisconsin regiments.
On the seventh of August, General Pope inspected the
troops under General Siegel, at Sperryville, and, while there,
learned that the enemy was crossing the Rapidan at several
points between the railroad crossing of that river, and Liberty
Mills. He proceeded to Culpepper Court House, which he
reached the next morning. This place had been occupied
several days by Crawford's brigade, of Banks's corps, and on
the day before, Rickett's division of McDowell's corps had
also arrived. On the eighth reports continued to come in
from General Bayard, who was slowly falling back in the di
rection of Culpepper Court House, the enemy advancing ;
and from General Buford, who also reported the enemy ad
vancing in heavy force upon Madison Court House. General
Pope was in doubt from the reports whether the enemy's
movement was in the direction of Madison Court House, or
of Culpepper. His instructions, however, requiring him to
keep his communications good with Fredericksburg, and by
no means to permit the enemy to get between him and that

92 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
place, he deemed it advisable to concentrate his whole force in
the direction of Culpepper, so as to keep his whole force be
tween the enemy and the lower fords of the Rappahannock.
Early in the day General Crawford's Brigade was pushed for
ward in the direction of Cedar or Slaughter Mountain, to
support General Bayard, who was falling back in that direc
tion, and to assist him in determining the movements and
forces of the enemy. General Banks was also ordered to move
rapidly from Hazel river to Culpepper Court House, and Gen
eral Siegel was ordered to march at once to the same place
from Sperryville. Siegel did not arrive as early as was
expected, which rendered it impracticable for that Corps to be
pushed forward to that point on the afternoon of the next day,
as General Pope had intended.
Early on the morning of the ninth of August, General Pope
directed General Banks to move forward towards Cedar
Mountain, with his whole Corps, and to join General Crawford
who had been sent there the day previous.
Thus much has been stated of the forces, that the reader
may have some idea of the condition of affairs two or three
days afterward, when the Seventy-sixth arrived at Culpepper.
On the ninth of August, orders were received for King's
Division to leave Fredericksburg and join the First Corps at
Culpepper. At four P. M., all was ready. The men were
heavily laden with knapsacks, extra ammunition, and three
days' marching rations in their haversacks. As the Regiments
wheeled into line, the band struck up a spirited air, and the
Brigade was soon crossing the pontoons into Fredericksburg.
The bridge which the Seventy-sixth had built, had been
carried away by a recent freshet.
Aftej the troops came the long train of brigade and regiment
al wagons, carrying officers' baggage, camp kettles and other
cooking utensils, followed by the supply train laden with

Leaving Fredericksburg. 93
forage and subsistence, and the whole followed by the rear
guard. Never were men more anxious for a inarch than were those
stationed around Fredericksburg. The summer months had
dragged their slow length along, and it was with difficulty
that the sick and convalescent troops were kept from following
their regiment.
I have before me now the diary of a Sergeant of Company
D, who was prevented from marching with his company, and
the " burden of his song " each day, is a hope that the next
day he will be able to join the Regiment. As it was, he went
as far as Chancellorsville, but was obliged to return to Frede
ricksburg, greatly to his disappointment.
The clay was very hot, and as an illustration of the eager
ness with which the troops pressed forward, it is proper to
state that one man, at least, whose anxiety to get along was
greater than his physical strength, actually fell down exhausted,
and expired on the sidewalk, before his regiment had left the
city. It was a beautiful evening. The polished barrels glistened
in the moonbeams, as onward the column rushed, till, finally,
as the first excitement wore off, and the troops began to weary,
they calmed down to a sober walk, and at about midnight
came to a halt for the remainder of the night, nine miles from
Fredericksburg. When we consider that these troops were unaccustomed to
inarching, and that the common load for a soldier, fully
equipped, is about eighty pounds, we are enabled to under
stand that they marched a good distance, and made good
time this first day.
The troops were bivouacked in the fields on either side of
the road, and there, wrapped in their blankets upon the ground,
with the broad canopy of stars above them, they slept the re
mainder of their first night in search of the enemy.

94 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y- V.
At sunrise the next day, they were up and cooking their
coffee, cracking their jokes, and questioning each other as to
the probability of being blessed with a sight of game, in the
persons of " Johnnies " in grey.
There is no class of persons who bear privations with a bet
ter grace than the soldier. After he has been out six months,
with a few hard biscuits, a cup of coffee, and sticks enough to
make a fire, he will make a satisfactory meal ; and while he
blows the smoke from his face with one hand, and holds the
cup of coffee over the fire with the other, he will sing and joke
with a better relish than when eating a well cooked dinner in
his quiet home.
In the course of an hour after daybreak the troops were
again on their way in seareli of the enemy.
The roads were good, but the day was extremely hot, and'it
was necessary to make frequent halts to prevent the men falling
out from sheer exhaustion. The men were permitted to carry
their arms as was most convenient, and were marched at the
" rout step," the only requirement being that they should keep
in line with their companies. There wras no martial music ;
nothing but the steady tramp, tramp, from morn till night.
The Regiment arrived at Chancellorsville about ten A. M.
At this point stood one of General Doubleday's staff officers,
who informed Adjutant Robinson that the object of the march
was to reinforce General Banks, who was even then hotly en
gaged with Stonewall Jackson some distance beyond the
Rapidan. The General's instructions were to hurry up the
troops as fast .as the great heat of the day would admit, but
not to let the men know that fighting was going on, lest they
should exert themselves too much. The Adjutant, in speak
ing of this, says : —
" Murder will out, though, and the men seemed to have an ,
intuitive perception, from the appearance of things, that gun-

On the March to Culpepper. * 95
powder was being burned not a great way off ; for I very soon
observed many knowing winks, a sort of stiffening of the
back, a throwing back of the head and elevation of the nose,
together with an evident desire to rid themselves of some of
their extra traps, which convinced me they understood matters
as well as though the same had been explained to them in
' special orders.' "
By noon large numbers had fallen out from exhaustion ;
some because they preferred resting to marching. These
latter were brought up by the rear guard, and the former were
helped into ambulances and brought on. Many, however,
evaded the guard; some to return to their regiments after
they had halted for the night, and many have never, been
heard from since.
At six o'clock P. M., the Division reached Ely's Ford. Here
it was necessary to cross the Rapidan, at this point about two
hundred feet in width. A recent heavy shower had raised the
stream to the waist, and yet it must be forded before camping
for the night. In rushed the men, nothing daunted, even at
the idea of a severe drenching.
The Brigade was halted for the night in the field ; arms
stacked; boughs obtained for beds; the camp-fires lit; the
evening meals soon in course of preparation, and again the
jokes and the stories were passing around, and, though wet to
the skin, our boys were again happy.
Orders were given by the Commanding General, that the
troops should retire immediately after their evening meal ;
that the camp remain absolutely quiet, so that the faintest
sound of a distant engagement, or the slightest movement of
an approaching enemy, might be heard. The only persons,
except the guard, allowed to be up, were the company cooks,
who were ordered to have cooked rations prepared for their
respective companies, for the ensuing day's inarch. The bugle

96 • The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
call to fall in would be sounded at headquarters at precisely
one o'clock in the morning, and at the second call the Seventy-
sixth was to immediately file into the road and take position
at the head of the column.
One by one our brave boys stretched themselves upon the
" heather " and slept as well as their aching limbs would
permit. To-morrow was to bring them face to face with the
enemy, they supposed, and the near approach of the event
robbed it of many of its charms. It is all pleasant in war
meetings, a thousand miles from danger, to talk of the glory
of dying for one's country ; we can almost envy Leonidas and
his brave three hundred, as we read of their deeds in rh-yme
and prose ; but arrived almost face to face with the enemy,
we think of friends at home, and the air castles we have built
for the future, and which one stray bullet may cause to topple
and fall, the poetry of fighting loses much of its bewitching
sweetness ; and a man is a little other than natural if he does
not wish that the difficulty might be settled without the effu
sion of blood. Strange misgivings — not of cowardice, but a
sort of repugnance of nature to the idea of having ourselves
set up as a mark to be shot at, found entertainment in many
of those patriotic bosoms that night ; but sleep came at last,
and transported them from the impending crisis of the mor
row, to friends, and social gatherings, and heart-communings
with those they loved in their Northern homes.
One o'clock soon arrived, however, and all was activity
again. The coffee was hastily swallowed, and on went the
Division towards Culpepper.
The advance guard was under the command of Captain
Grover of Company A, of the Seventy-sixth, who, three weeks
later,' at Gainesville, fell pierced by five bullets, and lay for
weeks upon his weary bed, to be at length, on recovering, pro
moted to the position of Major, and then offer up his life at

Fredericksburg to Culpepper. 97
the bloody field of Gettysburg. At three o'clock, all things
being ready, the column moved, and in. the strictest silence,
marched until daylight. No one who participated in that
night march will soon forget it. It was a lovely night—
neither so light nor yet so dark but that the waving branches
cast their tremulous shadows over the roadway, now and then
of a figure resembling an imaginary concealed enemy in the act
of springing from his ambush— for which this timber land
afforded many fine locations— no sound heard but the steady
tramp, tramp, tramp, the smothered word of command, as it
was passed from the front down the left of platoons, to the
extreme rear, the rumbling of carefully-driven ambulances,
the situation, the time, the accompaniments, and above all,
the cause, taken together, were enough to photograph a never-
fading impression on the mind of any ordinary subject.
About daybreak Richard's Cross Roads was reached. Here
the Brigade came to a halt, and remained for three hours,
while crowding the roads with cavalry, artillery and infantry,
the other three Brigades of the • Division passed. They had
come by another road, which, at this point, joined the road
over which our Brigade had marched.
Towards night, orders came for a forced march, as General
Pope intended to attack the enemy the next day. The men,
therefore, unslung their knapsacks, and, leaving them in care
of a guard, rushed forward without them.
At night the men rolled themselves in their blankets, and
the teams and rations being several miles behind, they went
supperless to bed on the ground.
The morrow was sure to bring a bloody battle, and with
nothing but this contemplation to disturb their slumbers, they
slept. Morning at last came, and found the men refreshed. Or
ders for the fight were expected, but instead game the
G

98 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
intelligence that a bloody battle had been, fought at Cedar
Mountain on Saturday, and Jackson had withdrawn his army
and was marching towards Gordonsville.
The Brigade of General Doubleday was now bivouacked in
an open field near the highway, and about half way between
Culpepper Court House and Cedar Mountain.
The entire Army of Virginia under General Pope, before
scattered over Northern Virginia from the Shenandoah to
Fredericksburg, was now concentrated in and about Culpep
per. On every hand all was life and activity. The fields
were filled with artillery, cavalry and infantry — not encamped
as when about Washington ; but in a state of unrest. The
roads were crowded with army wagons, going to and from the
station at Culpepper ; nor were the ambulances idle." A
severe battle had been fought by General Banks, at Cedar
Mountain, and large numbers of the wounded were being con
veyed from the field. The weather was extremely hot, and
many of our men had fallen, and several died from sun-stroke.
The men had brought their shelter tents, and now that
marching was ended, and fighting for the time suspended,
these little tents were soon erected, and thus furnished a par
tial defense to the scorching rays of the sun.

CHAPTER IX.
A Fight Imminent— Cartridges Distributed— No Enemy Appears— Foraging— Bat
tle-Field of Cedar Mountain— " Fall In"— Retreat of General Pope Com
menced—The Seventy-sixth under Fire for the First Time— Battle of
Rappahannock Station— Improper Liberties with a Rail Pillow— Arrival at
Warrenton— Bold Instance of Foraging.
August 12th. — Considerable excitement prevailed at Brigade
headquarters this morning. Colonel Wainwright called our
officers together, and informed them that the enemy was near
and liable to attack in force at any moment, and that he
trusted every man would do his whole duty, placing his reli
ance upon the God of battles.
Every man was at once supplied with his full number of
rounds of ammunition. This done, events were quietly,
though somewhat nervously, awaited. The enemy, however,
did not attack, and the Regiment remained in camp until the
fifteenth. After resting the twelfth, the boys began to feel the need of
fresh meat, vegetables, and such things as give relish to hard
tack, and nothing could have been deemed more apropos than
General Pope's foraging and subsistence order.
This part of the State was well supplied with corn, pigs,
sheep and cattle, and the men made hunting a profitable as
well as pleasant recreation.

100 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
" Halt ! Where did you get that fowl, sir ?" shouted the
guard, as a private tugged along the game cock of a neighbor
ing rebel.
" Down yonder at that plantation."
" But, don't you know it is against orders to interfere with
private property ?"
" I know it was, once ; but, you know, General Pope says
that it is always proper to forage upon the enemy, and thus
weaken him. We train under a different General now, and
old rules don't apply."
" But," replied the guard, " to make foraging legal it must
be sanctioned by the order of a commanding officer. Where
is your foraging order ?"
" Oh, but I put the little matter on a different footing from
ordinary foraging. I'll tell you how it was. You see, I went
down to learn if there was anything on which to base a for
aging order. An order, you know, don't amount to anything
unless there is something to enforce it upon. Well, as I was
looking about a tree, I heard a shout for Jeff'. Davis. In my
loyal wrath I threw a stone into the tree and down came this
cock. Anybody wasting good rations is liable to court mar
tial, and so I concluded to preserve him."
" The argument is unanswerable, pass on," said the guard,
expecting the favor would be reciprocated on the morrow,
when the parties to the colloquy were transposed.
Every day squads of foragers would go to the neighboring
plantations and return with a fat pig, sheep, or beef, while
green corn and apples, just at this time in their glory, added
their share to the temptations of army life in Virginia.
Whether General Pope's order improved the sanitary condi
tion of his army is not so clear ; but that it materially aided
in making camp life seem homelike, can be proven by all the
survivors of the succeeding campaigns.

Battle-Field of Cedar Mountain; 101
Just enough of the orders to be in readiness to march at an
hour's notice were indulged in by the commanding officers to
give zest to the brief stay at Culpepper.
August 16th. — Orders were received to march, tents were
struck, and the Regiment in line at eight o'clock ; but owing to
one of those inevitable delays usually witnessed in the army,
the Regiment did not move until eleven.
This march was over the battle-field of the previous Satur
day. The field was about three miles in extent, and every
where the sickening evidences of the late- battle presented
themselves. The horses and mules killed in the battle were
yet unburied, and though an effort had been made to bury the
soldiers who had fallen in that terrible struggle, it had been so
hastily and imperfectly done that now and then a body was
found lying upon the field. The stench was almost suffocating,
and the buzzards swarming in the air plainly told of the aw
ful carnage which war had made within one short week.
Here was the introductory lesson. Jackson had presented
his problem ; Banks had solved it, and all around lay the an
swer for us to contemplate. It would be folly to expect any
man possessing sensibilities keener than those of a brute, to
look such a scene squarely in the face, and say he did not
dread such a conflict. The more honor to our noble farmer
boys who were sustained on such terrible occasions by a holy
love of country — a due appreciation of the great principle for
which they were fighting, and for which their fathers fought
before them.
At one o'clock the Regiment halted and went into camp at
the foot of Cedar Mountain. On Monday, the eighteenth, the
mail was received — the first since the Regiment left Frede
ricksburg. None but those who have been in the army can
duly appreciate our postal facilities, as, after being cut off from
the loyal world, it brings words of cheer from the loved ones
at home.

102 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
The letters had hardly been distributed, when the order to
" fall in " rang out through the camp. No one knew the ob
ject or destination. Tents were struck, and at five P. M. the
Regiment was in marching order. Then came the order to
break ranks, and soon the boys were encamped- for the night.
In the face of the enemy, in sight of the battle-field of a
week before, these orders to march will be readily understood
to have been very exciting, summoning all the courage which
an enlightened patriotism could inspire.
At eleven o'clock the orders came again to fall in, this time
awakening the men from a sound slumber. All along the
line, at each tent, the sergeant or corporal shouted " fall in !"
"fall in !" The men, half aroused, rushed out, and, stumbling
along through the darkness, were soon formed in line in a
little hollow back of the camp.
As they became more awakened, the anxious inquiry was
made, " Where now ?" but no one could answer. They only
knew that marching orders were received and whether they
should march, or again break ranks was all unknown.
The wagons in the advance had been moving to the rear all
the evening.
The Regiment was finally, after some delay, marched about
twenty rods, and halted an hour ; then a little further and
halted again. At last, at three o'clock, the order was given
to break ranks. The night was very cold ; at least, the con
trast between the night air and the excessively warm days was
severely felt. Many of the men had thrown away their
clothing to lighten their loads, on the march, and now suffered
from the loss.
A large pile of rails and wood was collected and a fire
built, around which, upon the ground, the men slept the re
mainder of the night.
At sunrise they were awakened with the orders to get

Pope's Retreat Commenced. 103
breakfast and prepare for a march, and at nine o'clock they
were recrossing the battle-field in the direction of Culpepper.
The day was intensely hot, and the march was continued
until about eleven that night, when the Regiment encamped
in a piece of " scrub-oak " woods.
At day-break the next morning, the men were ordered to
get ready to march. A hasty cup of coffee and a few hard
tack constituted the breakfast, which was barely disposed of,
when the Regiment was again in motion.
This was the turning-point in the forward movement of
General Pope upon Richmond.
The battle of Cedar Mountain was fought on Saturday,
August ninth. The next day was too hot, and the men too
much exhausted on both sides, to renew the fight. In conse
quence of the vigorous resistance of the night previous, and
the severe loss of the enemy in attempting to advance, before
daylight of the tenth, Jackson drew back his forces towards
Cedar Mountain, about two miles from the front of our army.
Our pickets were immediately moved forward, supported by
Milroy's Brigade, and occupied the ground.
General Pope's whole army, exclusive of General Banks's
Corps, which was in no condition for service, numbered about
twenty thousand, artillery and infantry, and about two thou
sand cavalry. General King, as we have seen, had been
ordered forward, and after a prompt and very fatiguing march,
arrived on the ground late in the evening of the eleventh.
The day was occupied by both armies in burying the dead and
bringing off the wounded.
Although after General King joined the main force, Gene
ral Pope's army only about equaled that of Jackson, he
determined, after giving King's Division one night's rest, to
fall upon the enemy at daylight of the twelfth, on his line of
communication, and compel him to fight a battle which must

104 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
have been decisive for one army or the other. But during the
night of the eleventh, the enemy evacuated his position in
front, and retreated rapidly across the Rapidan in the direc
tion of Gordonsville, leaving many of his dead and wounded
on the field and along the road from Cedar Mountain to
Orange Court House. The losses on each side were severe ;
but no baggage trains or material of war were sacrificed by
either army.
A strong cavalry force, under Generals Buford and Bayard,
pursued the enemy to the Rapidan, and captured many strag
glers. This was the condition of things at the time mentioned
above, when the Seventy-sixth was disappointed on the morn
ing of the twelfth, on finding they were not to go into battle.
On the 14th of August, General Reno, with eight thousand
men, of the forces which had arrived at Falmouth with Gene
ral Burnside, joined General Pope.
From the twelfth to the eighteenth of August, reports con
stantly reached General Pope of large forces of the enemy
reinforcing Jackson from the direction of Richmond, and by
the morning of the eighteenth he became satisfied that nearly
the whole force of the enemy from Richmond was assembling
in his front along the Rapidan.
From the capture of General Stuart's Adjutant-General,
made by our cavalry in the direction of Louisa Court' House,
and from papers found with him, including a letter from Gen
eral Robert E. Lee to General Stuart, dated at Gordonsville,
August fifteenth, General Pope became satisfied as to the
position and force of the enemy, and their determination to
overwhelm the army^under his command before it could be
reinforced by the Army of the Potomac. He saw that it
would be presumptuous for him to attempt a battle with his

At Rappahannock. 105
small force against such overwhelming numbers, and decided
to withdraw as rapidly as possible behind the Rappahannock.
The trains of the different Corps were ordered across that
stream at different fords, to be followed by the respective
corps. During the day and night of the eighteenth, and'day
of the nineteenth, this was accomplished, so that on the night
of the nineteenth the whole army, with its trains, was posted
behind that stream upon the north bank.
On the morning of the twentieth our pickets were driven in
at Kelly's Ford and Rappahannock Station, but finding those
fords covered by our troops, and that it would be impractica
ble to force a passage of the river without great loss, the
advance of the enemy halted, and the main body of his army
was brought forward from the Rapidan.
At this time, (August twentieth), the Seventy-sixth was
encamped about half a mile from the river, upon a knoll, from
which was plainly visible the whole of General Banks's Corps.
Batteries were planted all along the river ; the infantry was
forming in line of battle ; the rebels' advance was in sight on
the other side of the river ; our rear guard of cavalry were
crossing the river northward, many of them wounded during
their late skirmishes, and altogether the appearances indicated
pretty strongly that a battle was imminent.
On the twenty-first, General Pope was assured that if he
would hold his position for two days, he would be so strongly
reinforced as not only to be secure in his position, but would
be able to resume operations ; but after having held his posi
tion until the twenty-fifth, no forces reached him, except
twenty-five hundred of the Pennsylvania Reserves, under
General Reynolds, which had arrived at Kelly's Ford, and the
Division of General Kearney, consisting of four thousandjfive
hundred men, which had reached Warrenton Junction.
August 21st.— This morning the cannonading commenced,

106 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
and an artillery duel was kept up most of the day. To-day
the Seventy-sixth marched about a mile, and took position
about fifty rods in rear of a battery. In doing so it passed in
plain sight of a rebel battery, by which it was shelled. Ex
cept killing a mule, no damage was done. This was the first
fire under which the Seventy-sixth was placed.
The next morning, the rebels having learned our positions
during the night, from our camp fires, commenced a vigorous
shelling as soon as it was daylight. The position being
exposed, the Seventy-sixth was moved towards the battery, and
lay down behind the ridge on which the guns were planted.
Immediately in front of the Seventy-sixth, not forty rods
distant, lay the remains of two of our sharpshooters, who had
that morning given up their loyal lives in defense of country.
Their bodies were horribly mangled, and the fact being known
that the rebels had obtained a perfect range of the position,
driving off one battery, and killing the men and horses indis
criminately, the introduction was anything but pleasant.
Here sixty additional rounds of ammunition were distrib
uted, making in all one hundred rounds.
The infantry took no active part in the fight, except to sup
port the batteries, and be ready at any moment to arise and
meet the enemy, in case they should silence the battery, and
attempt to effect a crossing ; yet it was not a little exciting to
listen all day to the whizzing of the balls and the screaming
of the shells overhead, while ever and anon one of the latter
would burst in mid air, scattering its fragments all too care
lessly among the men. Most of the shot and shell, however,
passed over the infantry supports, and plowed the " sacred soil "
of the Old Dominion far to the rear.
Nobody getting hurt, and a sense of security gradually
gaining upon the men, this listening to the " music in the air "

The Seventy-sixth First Under Fire. 107
at length became dull and uninteresting, and the troops thought
more of the stories they were telling, and the cards they were
playing, than of the missiles of death upon the effects of
which their enemy was reckoning.
As we were the assaulted, and not the assaulting party, the
fact that nothing had been accomplished, but everything re
mained very much at night as it was in the morning, in no
way very seriously disturbed the equanimity of the Union
army. General McDowell made his appearance about nine A. M.,
and ordered up fresh batteries, which being posted, General
Doubleday, assisted by his gallant brother, Major Doubleday,
took charge of two pieces, and did much damage to the ene
my's batteries on the opposite side of the river.
" There are a couple of pieces doing splendid execution," said
a staff officer riding hastily up from the river. " What batte
ry is it that possesses such superior gunners ?"
" General Abner Doubleday sighted those guns," replied an
officer. " Oho ! that accounts for the close shooting. Why, he
made one rebel battery shift position three times, and finally
draw off entirely !"
This, spoken in presence of the men, could not fail to fill
them with admiration for their General, — a feeling to this day
indulged by every remaining member of the Seventy-sixth.
As a general rule, the higher in rank the officer, the less ex
posed to danger. If the movement be an advance, the colonel
goes behind his regiment, the brigadier-general behind his
brigade, and the major-general behind his division or corps.
This is also the case in battle. But on this occasion, when the
artillery and sharpshooters were the only men exposed, the in
fantry being shielded by the ridge, the hero of Fort Sumter,

108 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
who fired the first gun against the rebels in this war, actually
went upon the ridge and sighted the guns of the battery under
his command. It is no wonder that the man who could thus
override custom to imperil his life for the cause he was serving,
was willing to blow up Fort Sumter, without regard to per
sonal safety, rather than disgrace his country by its surrender.
This artillery duel was kept up for three days, the Seventy-
sixth occupying nearly the same position behind the ridge. No
men were killed in the Regiment, though several were more
or less severely wounded.
The first night after crossing the river, a heavy shower had
rendered the ground wet and muddy. Several of the men had
placed a rail upon the ground, with a view of using it as a
pillow to keep them out of the mud. It had, however,
scarcely been dedicated to its intended use, when a shot from
the enemy's battery sent it whirling through the air, wounding
several of the men, some severely. As may well be imagined,
rails for pillows were soon dispensed with in that Regiment.
Here was displayed the good effect of that drill which Col
onel Wainwright had so strenuously insisted upon, and which
in the after history of our Regiment, gave it such an enviable
notoriety. Orders were given to change the position of the Regiment
for one farther up the river. In doing so it became necessary
to pass over a plain, within sight and fair range of a rebel bat
tery, which fired a full broadside into the Regiment. The air
was vocal with shrieking shells, and the ground was plowed in
every direction by the solid shot which fell like rain, and
yet, while other regiments broke in disorder, the Seventy-sixth
kept in line, each officer and man keeping his place as on dress
parade, following the example of cool indifference, (externally,

March to Warrenton. 109
at least), displayed by their intrepid Colonel, who had been in
battle before.
The enemy had now commenced a flank movement in the
direction of Sulphur Springs, farther up the Rappahannock.
General Pope had three remedies in this dilemma. First — to
abandon the line of the Rappahannock, and push forward to
Warrenton. Second — to move towards the base at Fredericks
burg, thus leaving the approaches to Washington open to the
enemy. Third — To recross the Rappahannock and fall upon
the rear of the rebel army which was now on its way to Sul
phur Springs.
It was finally decided to adopt the latter course, on the
twenty-third. But during the night of the twenty-second, a
heavy rain so raised the water in the river that the bridges
were carried away, and the fords rendered impassable. Gene
ral Pope had learned from General Siegel, who commanded
the right, that the enemy had crossed part of his forces at
Sulphur Springs and Waterloo Bridge.
On the morning of the twenty:third, General Pope massed
his forces near Rappahannock Station, with the view of falling
upon that portion of the rebel army which had crossed the
river, and probably could not recross in consequence of the
sudden rise of the stream. McDowell's Corps was directed to
march directly upon Warrenton, while Siegel proceeded to
Sulphur Springs.
Early in the morning the men were quietly and quickly
called up to repel an anticipated charge of the enemy, who
were reported to have forced the passage of the river, and to
be near at hand. This proved to be a false alarm, but the
men were kept under arms until daylight. At nine A. M.,
the march was taken up for Warrenton.
When late at night the Seventy-sixth arrived within a mile

110 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
of that place, it was halted in the midst of a shower, approach
ing a deluge: Completely drenched, and almost exhausted
with marching through Virginia mud, averaging nearly a foot
in depth, the men sank down upon the wet ground, to pass the
remainder of the night, but not to sleep.
The next morning the Division resumed its march, passing
through the main streets of Warrenton with banners unfurled,
and bands discoursing loyal music, where the day before the
rebels had taken a hasty leave.
Passing about two miles beyond Warrenton, the Regiment
was halted and went into camp. The rebels had effected a
crossing at Warrenton (Sulphur) Springs, and the hotel regis
ters under date of the day before, exhibited the names of
many officers of the rebel army. Their stay must have been
so brief as scarcely to permit them to make a very extended
acquaintance with their Warrenton friends ; for on the same
register, immediately following these names, were certain
other autographs to which were annexed the significant letters,
" U. S. A.," plainly indicating the rapid exit of the one, about
the time of the entrance of the other.
A rest of one day and night was here given to the men, and
after the excitements and marches of the last two weeks, this
respite was warmly appreciated by both officers and men. I'he
troops had been continuously marching and fighting night and
day for two weeks, and when not fighting, they were in con
stant expectation of it. They had enjoyed very little sleep —
one day marching through the scorchings of an August
sun, and at night drenched with the severe storm, which com
pletely inundated the camp ; the next, marching through mud
nearly to the knee, and when we add to all this the fact that
the men had but little time to properly prepare what scanty
food came to them from the disorganized, retreating commis
sariat, we have rather a disheartening picture for the young

Foraging. Ill
soldier just from a summer residence in camp about Washing
ton and Fredericksburg.
The poorer the commissariat, the more important the for
aging order of General Pope. The men had scarcely gone
into camp, before foraging parties were again in full operation.
Daniel. Carr, A. F. Smith, B. F. Watrous, and Wm. J. Man-
tanye, of Company D, concluded to try their hands. General
McDowell never permitted his troops to draw rations, except
according to regulations, and the country about Warrenton
was full .of poultry. Darkness had set in, and the four started
on their expedition. It was intensely dark, but after wander
ing about for some time they came to a barn, and were not
long in finding the hen-roost. Mantanye was to climb up and
catch the fowls and hand them to Carr, while Watrous and
Smith stood guard at the doors to notify of any approaches.
Scarcely had Mantanye seized a hen, when his foot slipped and
he fell upon a pile of loose boards, setting the poultry in a
cackle, to which the watch-dog added a chorus. Smith soon
notified the others of an approach, when, with one hen, they
beat a hasty retreat.
Not satisfied with the result, and seeing a light in the dis
tance, they traveled in that direction. On nearing the house
they found the door and windows open, and the fowls in a tree
about two rods from, and nearly in front of the door, and the
family engaged in a chat with a neighbor.. An empty stom
ach gives a person great courage. Seizing a pole, Carr struck
a limb, and down fell two or three chickens, which fortunately
failed to give an alarm. The house stood about two feet from
the ground upon stone abutments. The chickens ran under
the house. Now came the test of courage ; but Carr, resolved
on succeding, crawled under the house and soon returned with
two ducks. Looking into the door to assure themselves that
their "secesh" donor was properly entertaining his neighbor,

112 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
the boys returned to camp well satisfied with the addition to
their scanty rations.
Numerous incidents have been related to me, detailing the
different methods in which General Pope's order was carried
out. Unless the forage was seized in the night, unbeknown to
the owner, the soldiers were generally met by entreaties, at
tended with protestations of loyalty to the Federal Government,
to spare the little the rebels had left. In some cases, these
stories of destitution told by the rebels, were believed; but
after a time, the soldiers found these pleas and prayers to be
only a ruse to further the safety of property and provisions
hidden in out-of-the-way places, for preservation against the
" Yankee thieves."

CHAPTER X.
Battle of Warrenton Springs— The Lady and False Flag of Truce— Retreat
ing at Double Quick— Reinforcements Promised but not Received— Battle
Imminent— Fire upon the Ambulances— Dr. Metcalfe Induces Bravery in a
Teamster— Battle of Gainesville— Terrible Slaughter— Instances of Bravery
—Retreat of Our Army— sufferings of Our Wounded Prisoners— Feasting
and Resting are Suddenly Terminated in the Army.
Only twenty-four hours were given for rest, before (August
twenty-sixth), the order came to march to Sulphur Springs,
about seven miles distant, with two days' rations and an extra
supply of ammunition.
General Siegel had had a skirmish with the enemy at that
point, and the column had not proceeded more than a mile
when heavy cannonading was heard in that direction, and all
now expected something beside a protected support of bat
teries. Through picturesque scenery, too beautiful for the destruct
ive car of war, onward rushed the column, to find on its
arrival, that, with the exception of skirmishing parties, the
enemy had again placed the Rappahannock between him and
the Union army.
As the column neared the artillery duel being carried on ,
the bursting shells, with their wreaths of smoke, were plainly
visible, and their unearthly screams could be distinctly heard
as they rent their way through the air.
h

114 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
The different Brigades were turned from the road into the
fields, and so disposed as to secure, as far as practicable, the
safety of the troops, and yet be in a position, in case the bat
teries proved insufficient, to aid in preventing any attempted
crossing of the river.
Here the Seventy-sixth witnessed one of those dodges which,
all through the war, the enemy invariably employed to save
himself from capture or destruction. A company of rebel
skirmishers had become so hemmed in by our troops that they
could neither fight their way out nor retreat without the risk
of capture or destruction. They accordingly started the white
flag of truce towards our men, accompanied by a lady. Of
course firing on our part was discontinued until the occasion
of sending the flag was ascertained ; but no sooner had the
firing ceased than the skirmishers started off on a brisk double-
quick, and were soon out of range of our angry men, not,
however, without a parting salute.
All day and into night was this artillery fighting kept up.
Major Doubleday, brother to the General, stood in full view of
the rebel battery, with his glass, noting the effect of the firing,
and, by the motion of his hand, causing our pieces to be ele
vated or depressed, as our shot and shell over-reached or fell
short of the enemy, until they were sent with such precision
that they fell directly among the enemy's batteries, many of
the guns of which were silenced.
Most of the enemy's shots were fired at such a range as to
pass harmlessly over the heads of the Union army — not only
the batteries, but also their infantry supports, with scarcely
enough of danger to make the position interesting. None of
our Regiment were killed, and but two or three wounded.
The next morning (twenty-seventh) came the order to "right
about face," and off went the column through Warrenton,

General Pope Disappointed. 115
almost on a run, and still on, on swept the regiments until
late at night, when they were halted beyond New Baltimore.
General Pope had, on the twenty-second, received a dispatch
from the General-in-Chief, informing him that heavy reinforce
ments would begin to arrive at Warrenton Junction the
succeeding day ; and on the twenty-fourth he received dis
patches from Colonel Haupt, the Railroad Superintendent, at
Alexandria, informing him that thirty thousand men ordered
forward to join General Pope, had demanded transportation of
the Superintendent, and that they would all be shipped that
afternoon or early the next morning.
The force which General Pope thus expected consisted .of
the Division of General Sturgis, ten thousand strong; the
Division of General Cox, seven thousand strong ; the Corps
of General Heintzelman, ten thousand strong, and the Corps
of General Franklin, ten thousand strong.
General Pope disposed his troops with the expectation that
these promises would be kept ; but we shall have occasion to
record with regret the shameless abandonment of the gallant
Army of Virginia, in its extremity, by the very General whose
army was saved from destruction by the advance of the army
thus abandoned.
When the impartial history of this war is written, the Com
manding General of the Army of the Potomac, who quietly
sat down in Alexandria, while the gallant Pope, with his tried
but heroic troops were being cut to pieces by the overwhelm
ing rebel hosts, will receive at the hands of the Goddess of
Liberty a condemnation equal in bitterness to that which an
outraged people have already pronounced upon him at the
ballot-box. Up to this time the men had been induced to believe that
the enemy was being hemmed in, and this idea was entertained

116 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
by officers high in command ; but now, as the retreat became
more marked and rapid, all sorts of rumors of disasters threat
ened and partially realized, found credence in camp — as that
Lee's forces had cut them off, and that General was with a
large army between them and Washington; then, that the
comparatively small army of General Pope was lost, and the
first contact with the enemy would surely overwhelm it. In
the language of the Captain of Company H : —
" Things did look bad ; in fact there seemed to be great
doubts in the minds of the leading officers what we ought to
do. The very air seemed to whisper, ' danger ! danger !' "
The march towards Washington was renewed on the morn
ing of the twenty-eighth. At noon a halt of two or three
hours, near a little creek that crossed the road, enabled the
men to rest and make coffee. Here were found four dead and
mortally wounded soldiers, belonging to a preceding regiment,
killed by a rebel shell which had exploded as it "dropped into
the regiment. This added to rumor indubitable evidence that
the enemy was near, and had sent a messenger to apprise them
of the fact.
As the Brigade again took up its line of march, evidences
were multiplied that things were coming to a crisis. Con
stant cannonading was heard in different directions ; squads of
cavalry rode furiously through the cross-roads and fields, while
the smoke of battle could be seen rising in ominous clouds in
the distance. These scenes were sufficiently exciting for the
most fastidious.
After passing Gainesville a mile or two, as the Brigade, and
more particularly that part formed by the Seventy-sixth, was
moving over a level tract of half a mile in extent, with a
wood in their front, and a hill at their left, they were nearly
paralyzed for a moment by a terrible discharge of artillery

Bravery oe Colonel Wainwright. 117
from the hill on their left, and so near that the flash from the
guns dazzled their eyes. Not the most interesting feature of
the position, was the fact that this was a rebel battery, which had
not until that moment been discovered. Self-preservation is
the first law of the nature of heroes as well as cowards ; and
the first impulse on this sudden introduction to the minions of
Jefferson Davis, was to obey the injunction, " every man for
himself." Some dropped down ; others rushed forward upon
those in advance, while others still were inclined to turn back.
Never was the example of a cool and courageous man more
opportunely set, than by Colonel Wainwright at this critical
juncture. Riding at the head of his Regiment, he instantly
turned his horse, and coolly riding back toward the rear of the
column, between it and the batteries, as well by his easy and
unconcerned manner, as by his words, allayed the excitement,
and brought every man to his place.-
" Oh, my boys, don't run, don't run. Think a moment how
it would sound to say, ' the Seventy-sixth ran !' "
No pen can describe the magic effect of those few words,
and that collected self-possession. The tone and manner were
more potent even than the words. Quietly turning his horse,
he allowed him to almost walk toward the head of the column ;
and, although the shells came thicker and faster, and with a
more dangerous and destructive aim, the men kept steadily on
until the wood was reached, and they in comparative security.
Several horses were killed, but the men escaped as by a mira
cle. As the rebels opened this fire upon our Regiment, a shell
passed through the ambulance train, causing great consterna
tion among the drivers and teamsters. The ambulances were
immediately ordered to the rear. Just as they were wheeling
for that purpose, a frightened teamster on a baggage wagon
put his whip to his horses in the act of forcing his way up the

118 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
narrow road, without regard to ambulance loads of sick and
wounded. Surgeon Metcalfe, of the Seventy-sixth, realizing
the danger from such conduct in the crowded highway, quickly
drew his pistol, and in his convincing style, informed the
driver if he moved another inch he would end his fears. This
had its desired effect. The teamster, finding himself be
tween two fires, concluded to take the chances of the most
remote, and thus a panic was avoided.
But a few moments elapsed after entering the wood, before
sharp and continuous musketry firing was heard very near,
and up the hill hidden by the woods.
A strange mounted officer came riding down through the
woods, shouting —
" Come on ! Come on ! Quick ! Quick !"
The Seventy-sixth was immediately in motion — over fences,
through the bushes, around the trees, over logs — the bullets
and shells tearing through the woods like a hail storm
through a wheat field, on rushed the Regiment. Several of
the men were killed and wounded before leaving the wood.
After going about twenty rods, the Regiment emerged into
an open field. Here was battle in real earnest. Just in front
and a little to the left were the gallant boys of the " Iron
Brigade," (composed of three Wisconsin and one Michigan
regiments), fighting and falling in a manner terrible to behold.
Just at this juncture, as the rebels were preparing in great
numbers in the woods beyond, for a charge upon our lines,
the Seventy-sixth New York and Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania
were ordered into line to fill a gap between the Sixth and Sev
enth Wisconsin. By this timely movement, the noble " Iron
Brigade " was saved from total annihilation.
This movement not only saved this Brigade, but was the
commencement of a friendship between the Seventy-sixth and
the Wisconsin regiments, which was never forgotton by either

Instance of Bravery. 119
party. This timely aid was reciprocated at South Mountain,
when the Seventy-sixth was saved by similar assistance on the
part of these same Wisconsin men.
On coming near the enemy, Colonel Wainwright thought it
prudent to deploy a few files as skirmishers, a most dangerous
duty, when the enemy were known to be so near. He called
up Captain Grover, of Company A, whom he supposed well
fitted for the duty, and told him what he wanted. How well
and nobly it was performed was evidenced by several wounds
received on that occasion, from one of which, in the chest, it
was supposed he .would never recover.
Captain Grover ordered out a file of eight men, as follows :
— Whitney, Knapp, Fox, John W. Seeber, Ripley, Moore,
Marvin Mynard, and Norman Mynard. These skirmishers
moved promptly to the front to ascertain the position of the
enemy. It had now begun to be dark. The skirmishers hav
ing reached a rail fence about ten rods in front of the main
line, were within plain hearing of the enemy in the edge of
the wood. They distinctly heard the orders given, and, at the
risk of their lives, communicated as fast as they heard to Gen
eral Doubleday, which enabled him to properly understand the
enemy's intentions. Nor was this the only service performed
by the skirmishers. Lying upon the ground they fired volley
after volley into the rebel ranks, thus drawing their fire from
our line, and thwarting their design to make a charge upon
and break it.
During a lull in the action, a body of men was seen moving
on the extreme left flank. As they came forward they
shouted, —
" Don't shoot your own men !"
At that distance it seemed doubtful whether they were
friends' or enemies, and it was not without much hesitation

120 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
that the Colonel gave the order, " By the left oblique ! Aim !
Fire !"
No rebel of that column who escaped death, will ever forget
that volley. It seemed like one gun. So well was it directed
by our men, as could be judged by the immediate results, that
there can be no doubt it very materially contributed to the
repulse of this attempted flank attack.
The Regiment had been thoroughly drilled in firing and
target practice, and it seemed as though every man took
deadly aim, and brought down one or more of the enemy.
When the smoke cleared away a little, the few left of that
mass of human beings who had so rapidly left the woods a
few moments before, had disappeared, but the ground was lit
erally covered with their dead and wounded.
Here the rebel General Ewell lost his leg, and, as he con
templates that battle in the future, he will have detached from
his person the best of evidence of his contiguity, on that
occasion, to the Seventy-sixth !New York.
During the fight, the skirmishers under Captain Grover
were placed in a sad .plight.
While drawing the fire of the enemy, which, under the cir
cumstances, and considering the short distance between them
and the enemy, was about as much as could well be relished,
our men on the right of the line opened upon the enemy, thus
placing the skirmishers between the two fires. Corporal,
(afterwards Lieutenant,) Whitney undertook the dangerous
task of notifying Colonel Wainwright of the condition, when
the firing on the right was ordered to cease. Captairj Grover
and two of the skirmishers were wounded.
Before the firing ceased it had become quite dark, and the
officers hardly knew how to communicate with the remainder
of the Brigade. On calling for some one who would under
take the dangerous duty, (for they were within a very short

Honorable Mention. 121
distance of the enemy, and might stumble upon him anywhere)
of ascertaining where they were, Corporal, (afterwards Cap
tain) Bartholomew, of Company C, and private Redmond, of
Company I, promptly and coolly stepped forward and tendered
their services. Hi
Bartholomew was afterwards killed in battle, at the Wilder
ness, May fifth, 1864. Private Redmond was an old soldier,
having served twelve years in the English army, and been
present at the attack upon Sebastopol during the Crimean
war ; a man who, though from want of education unfitted for
the position of ah officer, was, on several other occasions con
spicuous for his bravery. No one connected with the Seventy-
sixth will ever forget Thomas Redmond, or his wife Ann, who
was ever with him, on all occasions, marching by his side,
and sharing all his joys and sorrows, and by her lively conver
sation, helping to drive away many a gloomy reflection
incident to the life of a soldier. Though Ann did not shoul
der a musket, she should be set down as much more useful to
the army than many a one who did. Could clothing speak,
many a blood-stained garment would testify to Ann's industry,
as day after day she labored over her half-barrel wash-tub to
keep the Seventy-sixth comfortably clean.
When we begin to particularize in such a Regiment as the
Seventy-sixth, we run great risk of neglecting very many as
meritorious as those we mention ; and let it be distinctly under
stood that whenever, in the progress of this work, honorable
mention of names is made, it is not done with any intention of
making a comparison favorable to one man or unfavorable
to another ; but such cases of meritorious conduct are men
tioned as have been related to me by those who were present.
And if any errors appear in this book, as there undoubtedly
will, they are errors of my informants, and not of my own ;
for the facts are written as they come to me from a multitude
of sources.

122 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
I give a few instances of heroism in this, the first real battle
in which the Seventy-sixth was engaged — give them as sam
ples : —
In the early part of the fight, William H. Miller, a private
of Company H, was wounded through the foot. He refused
to be carried off the field, though unable to stand ; but lay
upon the ground loading and firing until darkness closed the
scene. John L. Wood, a private in Company C, and not quite
eighteen years of age, had his thumb shot off, but continued
firing until he received a mortal wound in the shoulder.
Daniel McGregor, of Company C, received a wound in his
thigh, from the effects of which he died. Yet he continued to
load and fire, resting on the other knee, until from loss of
blood he was unable to hold his gun. Though wounded in
the early part of the battle, he fired thirty-three rounds.
Sergeant Lawrence M. Banker, Company F, fell mortally
wounded. On hearing of the casualty, his brother Isaac, of
the same Company,' obtained permission of Colonel Wain
wright to see him. The two brothers had scarcely met — the
last sad meeting — when the bugle sounded, denoting some new
crisis in the battle. "Leave me and rush to the front!"
shouted the dying Sergeant, and two hours later his voice on
earth was silenced !
Thomas H. Hoffman, of Company F, was mortally wounded.
As he lay covered with blood, Captain Barnard called to see
him. As he recognized the Captain, Hoffman, bringing up
his hand, exclaimed : — " Captain, if I ever get over this, won't
I give it to them though ?" Brave boy ! He never lived to
perform the coveted duty.
Albert Olin, of Company G-, wounded in the arm, contin
ued firing until disabled by another shot in the shoulder.
James J. Card, of Company F, although covered with

Losses op the Seventy-sixth. 123
blood from a wound in the head, continued to fire until he re
ceived another ball in the arm, making a further continuance
impossible. Darkness, and the sudden and timely repulse spoken of
above, soon put an end to the battle of Gainesville. There
seems to have been a studied effort to make this battle a mere
skirmish — possibly to cover a defect in the military skill of
our division commander ; but time, which at length reveals
history in its true light, will yet write it down as an important
battle, in which a small force, in its first experience, stood
up coolly and bravely against the flower of the rebel army.
The Seventy-sixth went into this fight with one hundred and
twelve files, or two hundred and twenty-four men, and some
idea of the strugle of an hour may be gathered from the num
ber of casualties. There were ten killed, seventy-two wounded,
and eighteen missing. Five officers, four of whom were cap
tains, were wounded. Most of the wounded were prevented
from ever taking the field again.
We have mentioned Captain Grover, who fell on this occa
sion. Captain Fox, of Company B, a most excellent officer, was
severely wounded by a ball in the lungs, from which it is
feared he will never fully recover. His men fairly worshiped
him, and his fall caused some confusion on the left, occupied
by his company ; but they were immediately rallied by Major
Livingston, and remained steady throughout the remainder of
the battle.
Captain Sager, of Company G, while bravely leading his
men, received a terribly severe wound, the ball passing entirely
through his body. He was also wounded in the ankle. His
life was for a long time despaired of; but he finally partially
recovered — never, however, to join his Regiment for duty.

124 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
Captain Swan, of Company H, was also wounded, but re
mained with the Regiment.
All the officers on this occasion displayed remarkable cool
ness, under a severe test, and, in the language of Colonel
Wainwright in his report of the battle, " I cannot too much
praise the men who supplied want of previous military prepa
ration by their own nerve and resolution."
When it became too dark longer to continue the battle, the
Regiment withdrew in perfect order ; and the rebels, having
become satiated with their communings with the Seventy-sixth,
also retreated during the night.
As soon as the battle was over, a detail was sent out to bring
off the wounded. Before they had completed the task, the
rebel skirmishers opened fire upon them and drove them away.
It being dark, several brought lanterns with them to .aid in
finding and identifying the wounded ; but with skirmishers iu
close proximity, it became necessary to dispense with so good
a mark, and find the wounded as best they might in the dark
ness. The wounded were taken to a hospital established about a
hundred rods in rear of the battle-field. When our army,
during the night, retreated, they took all the wounded with
them that could be carried in their ambulances, but were
obliged to abandon quite a number. In the morning the rebel
skirmish line advanced and took prisoners those thus aban
doned. As soon as the rebels discovered that our troops had fallen
back from the line they had held so stubbornly the night be
fore, they made a general advance. All day the troops poured
past in a continual stream.
In one hospital thus captured, were about twenty of the
men of the Seventy-sixth, most of them severely wounded.
This day, (twenty-ninth), they were placed in an unpleasant

Sufferings oe Our Wounded. 125
position. The battle of Bull Run was raging so near that the
shells from our own guns fell among these wounded men. At
one time a line of our skirmishers passed through the woods
within ten rods of our wounded boys, but with no power to
render them assistance. Both lines kept up a continuous fire,
but fortunately the wounded escaped any further injuries.
Eli E. Peck, of Company B, was severely wounded, the ball
passing nearly through his body at the hips. In the course of
the afternoon, two surgeons, one belonging to the " Iron
Brigade," and one a rebel surgeon, came to him and com
menced searching for the ball. They found it necessary to
extract it — a most painful operation, now that nearly twenty-
four hours had elapsed since the wound was made. They had
no chloroform, and it was important that he should remain
perfectly quiet. They told him to show himself a man by
holding still, and if clenching the teeth and remaining stoical,
while your devoted self is being cut and mangled by the sur
geon's knife, is an evidence of manhood, Eli E. Peck is a model
man. " Take that," said the surgeon, handing him a large-sized
spherical ball, bruised by his own bones, " and show your
sweetheart." Peck carries the ball to this day, as a memento
of Gainesville.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday were passed by our
wounded men without a mouthful of food. Most of them were
severely wounded, and yet, though burning with fever, no
water was given them. Friday and Saturday they heard dis
tinctly the roar and rattle of the second Bull Run battle. Sun
day they heard the battle of Chantilly, farther in the distance, _
and as the sound receded, came the unpleasant reflection that
our army was retreating, and they who had fallen were being
left to die of thirst and starvation in the hands of their
enemies.

126 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
To add to their miseries, the rebels stole everything not ab
solutely a fixture to the body of a live soldier. No sooner did
a soldier die than they stripped him of his clothing. While
one of our surgeons was performing an operation upon a rebel,
they stole several of his instruments.
Among the dead at the hospital was Colonel O'Connor of
the Second Wisconsin. Soon after his Regiment became en
gaged he had received a severe wound, but refused to leave
the field. He was killed shortly after, and taken to the
hospital and placed upon a stretcher. While lying there, the
rebels relieved him of his boots, and, though they were too
small for any one present, they had a quarrel as to who should
own the prize.
On Sunday, September first, Edward Kelley, of Company
E, was brought to the hospital from the battle-field, having
lain there since Thursday night, without a mouthful to eat or
a drop of water to quench his thirst or cool the fever of his
wound, and to add to his horrors, he had been compelled to lie
in the rays of a scorching sun, unable to remove to the shade.
As he thought of his loving wife and six small children at
home, depending upon him, who was now dying of thirst,
hunger, fever, a painful wound, and the scorching sun, in rebel
hands, with balls falling, and shells bursting around him, his
patriotism was put to a severe test. The surgeon, on exam
ining his wound, and finding the bone broken, decided that
the amputation of his leg was necessary. Those who wit
nessed the utter prostration of his very spirit at this
announcement, will not soon forget it.
" How can I support my wife and six little children when
thus crippled ?" the patriot had only strength to ejaculate.
His leg was amputated, and a short time after, burning with
fever, and talking of his family, the spirit of the hero departed,

Parole of Our Wounded Prisoners. 127
and his family was cast upon the cold charities of the country
he had died to save !
The condition of these wounded heroes will be better ap
preciated, perhaps, when it is stated that on the fifth day after
the battle, Sergeant Wildman, who was severely wounded,
succeeded in procuring a small piece of meat, which, having
become tainted, bad been thrown away by the rebels. This,
with the generosity of a true soldier, he divided among his
companions, and they devoured it with much better relish than
in better days they would have eaten of the choicest viands.
To add to their tortures, on Monday it rained severely, and,
having no tents or other cevering except the bushes, these men
were exposed all through that long night to a drenching storm.
At length, on Wednesday morning, the pleasant announce
ment was made, that all who could walk might start for
Centreville, where they would be paroled. Peck, and several
others, were unable to walk ; but every one who could was
soon in line and on his way North.
The rebels had often been requested by the prisoners to fur-.
nish them something to prevent actual starvation, but were
answered that they had nothing for their own men. It is not,
therefore, to be wondered at, that every one who could possi
bly get along by aid of sticks, or otherwise, joined the company.
One man, wounded so that he could not touch his foot to the
ground, hobbled along. Another, Wm. H. Ripley, of Com
pany K, shot through the arm, marched all day, though his
arm was amputated on arriving at Washington.
It was a sad-looking company, and their spirits were only
kept alive by the contemplation of the fact that they were
marching towards Washington instead of Richmond.
On their way to Centreville they passed the battle-field of
Bull Run, where, in one place, on less than half an acre, ninety

128 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
of our dead heroes still lay unburied, having been stripped of
their clothing by the rebels. There is no good reason to sup
pose that the enemy were compelled by necessity to commit
this barbarous outrage upon our dead ; and no other excuse in
the least plausible could be made for such a brutal act. And
an endless amount of undeniable evidence exists to prove that
they persisted in the practice all through the war — often not
waiting for death to seal the remonstrating lips of the suf
ferers, before stripping them of every garment upon their
bodies ; and instances, the truth of which cannot be doubted,
are furnished, where wounded men, offering a feeble resistance
to these robberies, were murdered in cold blood.

CHAPTER XI.
Fighting Renewed— Second Battle of Bull Run—" Following a Retreating Foe,"
and What Came of It— "Don't Fire on Your Friends "—Major Livingston Ral
lies the Second Mississippi— The Colors of the Sevety-bixth— " Confusion
Worse Confounded "—Death of Lieutenant Williams— Between Two Fires—
" Be Quiet, Men ! God will do with Us as He Well "—Wading through the
Mud— Terrible Night Duty— The Regiment Reaches Upton Hill— Forgiving
Spirit of Mr. Lincoln.
Friday, Aug. 29tk. — Notwithstanding the severe fighting
of yesterday, the Regiment was ordered to march at one
o'clock this morning.
Fighting till late in the evening, going supperless to sleep,
with an enemy within a few rods, and an order to march at
such an hour, does not greatly conduce to the rest of an army,
or the fitting of it for a fight the next day ; but in such a
position as General Pope's army was placed at this time, com
fort and ease are not expected. The march was, therefore,
commenced at one o'clock A. M., and continued to Manassas
Junction, a distance of ten miles.- Owing to the circumstance
that the wagons had been sent on, and did not meet the Regi
ment, provisions could not be procured, good water was not to
be had, and when the Regiment reached Manassas the men
were nearly exhausted. At this place a few crackers were
obtained, when, after a few hours rest, the Regiment was
ordered toward Bull Run. Here they were scarcely halted
before orders were given to take a position, and after a short

130 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
time the Regiment, with others, was hurried some two miles,
mostly at double-quick, to a point on the brow of a hill, to
check the advancing enemy. On the way up, the Regiment
passed General McDowell, who inquired : —
" What regiment is this ?"
" The Seventy-sixth New York," was the reply.
" Well, boys," said he, " you are following a retreating foe !
Push 'em like h— 1 !"
The men gave a shout, and one of those yells of triumph
which no one can appreciate until he hears it in battle, and on
they went over the rolling ground, until they came to a hill
larger than the others, and a mile in advance of the main
army. They had nearly reached the summit, when they re
ceived a destructive volley from the enemy on the other side
of the ridge. Doubleday's Brigade was in the advance, and
this unexpected attack by the " retreating foe," produced con
siderable confusion for a moment. The Brigade finally swung
into line and commenced firing. Hatch's Brigade came up on
the left, and Patrick's on the left of Hatch's. Our line now
extended from the road on the right, to a piece of woods on
the left. The rebels were sheltered and hidden from sight by
the woods, stone walls, and natural rifle pits, from which,
while protected, they poured a most destructive fire.
There may be sport, at least there is fair play, in standing
up and fighting an open enemy equally exposed with yourself;
but to stand a target, in an open field, for a concealed and
protected enemy, has more of the disagreeable than the pleas
ing. The officers stood up bravely with their men, and such cour
age in a fair fight could have had no other than a successful
issue. In the hottest of the fight, as the colors of the Seventy-
sixth fell, they were seized by Colonel Wainwright, who

Retreat at Bull Run. 131
rushed to the front, and by his manly and timely exhibition
of courage, infused new spirit into his men.
Close to the left flank there was a dense wood, from which
there had been no firing. Orders were at length given to fire
into this wood, to ascertain whether the enemy were there,
when the cry came, —
" Don't shoot here ! You are firing on your friends !"
Supposing our skirmishers had probably entered there, and
were being fired upon, the firing was ordered to cease. Si
lence reigned for a moment, when suddenly a terrific volley
was poured from the wood, making 6ad havoc in our ranks.
Nothing is so demoralizing to troops as an unexpected at
tack on the flank and rear. Men who can face a foe without
an emotion, will often break in confusion when attacked by
an unseen foe, from an unexpected quarter. It was soon as
certained that instead of pursuing a retreating foe, the
alternative was presented to the Union troops to retreat or be
annihilated. From every quarter the unseen foe poured the
deadly volley — front, flank, rear ! No army could stand in
such a death-angle. The enemy must be driven from his
hiding-place at the point of the bayonet, or the Union forces
must retreat. General Doubleday, always averse to a retreat,
was about to order a charge ; but just at this point, Patrick's
brigade broke and fell back upon Hatch's, which, in turn, broke
upon Doubleday's. As the surging masses came doubling
back upon Doubleday's Brigade, one grand effort was made to
push forward and prevent a stampede. Colonel Wainwright
requested the officers, by an exhibition of personal courage, to
inspire their men. Captains Barnard and Young rushed for
ward in advance of their men, whom they called upon to
follow ; but the pressure of the retreating brigades was too
strong, and soon the whole advance was retreating to the
main line in wild confusion.

132 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
It was now dark. The enemy, finding our forces were re
treating, sent up a shout, unmasked his forces and rushed
impetuously forward. Confusion became worse confounded.
In the darkness, regiments became divided and mixed, and
even the enemy and the Union men were mingling together
promiscuously. This was pretty well illustrated by the experiences of Major
Livingston. His horse had been shot, and the Major's hip in
jured by the fall. He was very anxious to change the retreat
into an advance, and thus, on foot, swinging his sword, he or
dered everybody to " right about, face !" but his orders were
unheeded. At length, coming up to a regiment marching in
tolerable order, in the same direction with the general current,
and concluding they were sufficiently strong, at least, to cover
the retreat of the wounded and exhausted, he ordered them to
halt and face to the front, giving emphasis to the command by
earnest gesticulations with his sword, and insisting that it was
a shame to see a whole regiment running away. At this
juncture, an officer demanded: —
" Who are you, sir ?"
" Major Livingston, of the Seventy-sixth."
" Seventy-sixth what ?" asked the stranger.
" Seventy-sixth New York," replied the Major.
" Well, then you are my prisoner, for you are attempting to
rally the Second Mississippi."
The Major did not appreciate the obedience to his orders,
as they faced about and took a southerly direction. There
was, however, no alternative, and the gallant Major was taken
to the rebel headquarters, in the rear, and there subjected to
the usual examination as to his identity. The straps of a
major are the same, except in color, as those of a surgeon, and
on the examination, the Major, not having his commission
convenient, seemed to forget his rank, and insisted that he

Major Livingston as " Doctor." 133
was a surgeon. The ruse de guerre was so well played that
he was paroled, put in command of a squad of paroled men,
and ordered to march them to our lines and give an account of
them. The Major promptly and cheerfully obeyed the order,
but took good care to yield the command to another as soon as
out of sight of the rebel headquarters, taking " French leave,"
and passing unobserved by the shortest route to our lines.
The result justified this disobedience of the orders of his cap
tors ; for no sooner had he left the command, than it was
overtaken by a squad in search of the " doctor," with orders
to bring him back at once.
While Military Governor, at Fredericksburg, Major Living
ston had caused the arrest of a notorious rebel, Colonel
Slaughter, who, on hearing a description of the " doctor,"
recognized in him an old acquaintance, and had obtained an
order for the " doctor's " delivery into his hands. The proba
bility is, that to the timely escape of the Major from his
command, he must ever attribute his escape from tortures
more horrid, if possible, than the Inquisition, and his reunion
with his comrades in arms, and finally his little family and
numerous friends in his northern home. He was affection
ately welcomed to the Regiment, and the officers did not
permit him soon to forget the important, command which he
had voluntarily assumed in the Second Mississippi.
During the retreat, Major Doubleday, of the Brigade
staff, recognized, in the darkness, the color-bearer of the Sev
enty-sixth staggering along under the weight of the colors,
and unable to carry them, and most thoughtfully took them
from the staff and buttoning them in the breast of his coat,
brought them in.
The retreating force finally came to the main lines. Here
the men were for the most part asleep, and nothing was astir
except the sentinel, whose voice was now and then heard

134 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
challenging some party presented for admittance to the lines.
This, however, soon changed, and the gpnfusion communicated
itself to the main line. The regiments were all mixed ; men
trying to find their comrades, and calling out, " Where is the
Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania?" "Where is the Seventy-sixth
New York ?" and the officers endeavoring, in the darkness, to
get their men together. " Men of the Twenty-third this way !"
" The Twentieth to the right," all making " confusion worse
confounded," and tending very slightly, if at all, to the proper
organization of the respective regiments.
Nearly exhausted, the men finally sank supperless upon the
ground and found that relief which nature alone administers
to the weary and disheartened.
, On the retreat, Captain Barnard, of Company F, becoming too
much exhausted to accompany the men, Colonel Wainwright,
with that kindness of heart which ever characterized him,
kindly insisted upon the Captain's riding his horse ; and thus,
alternately riding and walking, the two officers reached the
main lines.
In this battle the Seventy-sixth had fifteen wounded and
twenty-four missing. Among the wounded were three officers.
Lieutenant Richard, Williams, of Company I, was severely
wounded, and died of his wound shortly after. He was a
brave and efficient officer. As he received the wound, he fell
against Sergeant Martin Edgcomb, and begged to be carried
off the field ; but the Regiment was hastily retreating, and
he was of necessity left. He was engaged in the first Bull
Run battle, in the Seventy-first New York volunteers, and
did himself great credit on that occasion, as one of the few
who stood their ground to the last. He was often heard to
say :— " I have come out to fight, and I expect to have plenty
of it to do ; but I hope and pray I may never be called upon
to fight on that accursed Bull Run field again I I have a per-

Death of Lieutenant Williams. 135
feet dread and horror of it!" It seemed as though a
premonition of what was to be his fate continually warned
him of the dangers of that fated field. It was a strange coin
cidence that he fell mortally wounded upon the very spot he
so much dreaded ! He was brought to Centreville the next
day, where he died, and at the hands of a mourning Regi
ment received a soldier's burial. No officer in the Regiment
bade fairer to become a shining ornament to the service than
Lieutenant Richard Williams. He sleeps in the soil he died
to consecrate to freedom ; and though the rebel States may be
come " reconstructed " and again take their places in the
glorious constellation of united, free republics, the graves of
Lieutenant Williams, and the thousands who, with him,
offered their lives, upon the altar of human equality, will be
silent but eloquent warnings against ever again placing the
reins of government in the parricidal hands dripping with
their patriot blood.
Captain Charles L. Watrous, of Company D, was severely
wounded in the arm, and did no further duty in the Regiment.
He received his wound in the first line before the retreat.
Lieutenant R. W. Carrier, of Company H, was wounded in
the leg, above the knee.
Thomas Redmond, of Company I, mentioned in the last
chapter, here again displayed his soldierly qualities, by seizing
the colors and carrying them to the front, in the hottest of the
fight, an honor which a little musician, Dorsey D. Case, of
Company D, formerly Company C, begged the privilege of
sharing. Saturday, August 30th. — Shortly after sunrise, the frag
ments of regiments in the Brigade were drawn up in line ;
and it was truly heart-rending to witness the change which, in
twenty days, had come over that noble Brigade. When it
left Fredericksburg on the ninth, it numbered about fifteen

136 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
hundred men, and now there were not to exceed five hundred !
So much had twenty days of continuous marching and fight
ing done for this one Brigade.
When we consider the vast amount of severe marching,
and great number of battles fought during this war, we come
to understand why so many and such seemingly enormous calls
were made by the President for men. One vigorous cam
paign oi fighting scarcely leaves enough for drill sergeants for
the new levies necessary for the next.
But the Regiment was not long idle. The order was given
to move forward across the - creek, which, in the confusion of
last night, had been recrossed, and take a position as reserves.
The other Brigades of the Division were engaged, but, although
within range of the artillery, the Seventy-sixth, on this occa
sion, did not come under the infantry fire. The grape, shells,
and solid shot came through the woods like hail ; but being
fired too high, no casualties occurred in the Seventy-sixth.
During all the excitement, as the iron hail rattled among the
trees, Colonel Wainwright sat upon his horse, apparently as
unconcerned as to his personal safety, as if he were reviewing
his Regiment on dress parade ; every now and then, as a ball
came whizzing past, coolly advising his men to lie closer to
the ground.
The fighting on the left was terrific, but in this the Seven
ty-sixth was not engaged. It had been acting, however, as a
reserve to a line which had been under heavy fire in the woods
and repulsed. The Brigade was then withdrawn to a plain.
At this time, the shattered remains of the Twelfth Massa
chusetts which had apparently, in some way, been left behind,
came up to us. Its Adjutant, De Hone, a fine fellow, who
was afterwards killed at the storming of the heights near
Fredericksburg, came up to Colonel Wainwright with the
colors in his hands, and asked if General Doubleday would

The Seventy-sixth Between' Two Fires. 137
permit them to join his command. His request was granted.
The Brigade had been stationed to secure a deep ravine.
After some time a man accidentally climbing up one bank,
reported that the troops supposed to be close by on the bank,
were gone. Immediately another. was sent up the opposite
bank, and on his return reported none there. It was evident
the Brigade had been forgotten. Just then, to add to the
excitement of the position, the enemy opened fire upon them
with artillery. General Doubleday managed the retreat very
skillfully, availing himself of the turns in the ravine, and the
Brigade at last came in sight of our own army in retreat, In
stead of security, they now opened upon the Brigade,
mistaking it for a rebel force, and it was only by signs, and
presenting the colors, thus showing their political status, under
some danger to the bearer, that the firing was stopped. This
gave the rebels a fair mark, and they opened upon it, and for
a few moments things were slightly mixed.
These fires from different- directions are not_ pleasant to con
template. A shell was thrown by the rebels, striking a few
feet from the flag, killing one and wounding another, of the
Ninety-fifth New York. Just at this time, Colonel Wain
wright rode up, and, as he saw an indication of uneasiness,
said, calmly, " Be quiet, men. God will do with us as he
will," and he had no occasion to say it again. This was
Colonel Wainwright's belief — a short, but very encouraging
and sustaining creed in battle. He firmly believed that God
would, in his own appointed time, take men to himself, and
that, whether in the fiercest struggle of battle, or the quiet
seclusion of home, there was no occasion to fear, for the issues
of life and death are in His hands who knows when is the fit
and proper time to call for us. Such men not only never
indulge in fear, but generally succeed in dispelling the fears of
those with whom they mingle.

138 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
From a regimental stand-point, there was very little in this
day's operations calculated to dispel apprehensions or encourage
hope. General Pope, however, as, with his generals gathered
upon a commanding eminence, he looked down upon the
furious battle, and saw our brave warriors steadily repel the
rebel hosts, ever and anon sending up the shout of victory, as
they drove the enemy from some entrenched position, indulged
the belief that we had really won a victory, and that our
retreat which had continued from Cedar Mountain, would now
be changed to an advance. Then it was that his celebrated
dispatch was sent to Washington, which, for a brief period,
lifted the cloud of despair enshrouding the Capital, and per
mitted the sunshine of hope to warm the loyal Northern heart.
But this sense of security and success was not long enter
tained. On came the rebel reserves, and, as our brave handful,
with Spartan courage, stood their ground, mowing down the
regiments with which they were engaged, each hour expecting
reinforcements from General McClellan — expectations only
indulged to be blighted — the rebel hosts were continually
strengthened by fresh arrivals, until finally the strength of
numbers and unspent physical force, pressed back the Union
army, which took up again its line of retreat upon Centreville,
and Bull Run witnessed the repetition of the retreat of thir
teen months before. In this instance, however, owing to
the good effects of discipline, the retreat was orderly, and
though the troops were tired and weak, there was none of that
demoralization witnessed on the former occasion.
The retreat was continued until late in the night, when the
Seventy-sixth arrived within about a mile of Centreville, ex
hausted and nearly disheartened. As they came to Bull Run,
they halted to fill their canteens with the muddy water, and
then waded the stream, at this point about three rods in width,
with two feet of water, under which was another foot of mud.

On the Retreat. 139
In these three days' of fighting, the Seventy-sixth lost in killed
and wounded, nine officers and eighty-nine men, with one
officer and forty-eight men missing.
August Zlst. — This morning it commenced to rain — one of
those drizzling rains that gives an unpleasant aspect to every
thing, and even in a comfortable house, by a cheerful fire,
with one's wife and little ones, is well calculated to breed the
"blues." But retreating from a victorious enemy knows no ob
stacles. If the sun shines, all the better ; it helps keep one's
courage up, and gives us fortitude with which to bear the
disgrace ; but whether the sun shines or the clouds lower, the
retreating army must plod its way onward to a place of safety.
To-day the roads would have seemed impassable for any
aggressive movement, yet the Seventy-sixth, in common with
its fellows, waded on until about noon, when the welcome
order, " stack, arms," was given, and the men were once more,
at last, in bivouac.
General Franklin had been stationed in the defenses of
Centreville, and within those defenses, as the Seventy-sixth
passed through, was one scene of confusion. Fragments of
regiments of infantry, mingled with batteries of artillery and
battalions of cavalry, all conglomerated into one heterogenous
mass, clearly illustrated the effects of a hasty retreat even of
disciplined troops. They had retreated to that place in tole
rable order ; but now that the necessity of maintaining their
organization had in some measure passed away, the different
regiments and arms of 'the service became commingled until
one almost felt the loss of his personal identity.
On arriving in camp, the Regiment was mustered for pay,
and the hope was fondly cherished that there would be a cessa
tion of hostilities for a season, and the troops be permitted to
recruit their wasted energies.
September 1st.— All human hopes are evanescent, and es-

140' The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
pecially is this true with the soldier. Does he meet the foe
and fight manfully, just at the point where he is to press for
ward to victory, the order to retreat is given ; does he
anticipate a march and change of scenery and experiences, he
is ordered into camp to endure that routine so much dreaded ;
does he reach a camp tired and disheartened, and anticipate a
few days of rest, no sooner does he pitch his tent than the
order comes to march. This last was verified by the Seventy-
sixth to-day. The men had pitched their tents, and were
casting about for those little conveniences which make camp
life pleasant, when, about three o'clock in the afternoon,
marching orders were received, and, after the usual prepara
tions, the Regiment moved on towards Fairfax, and at night
encamped just west of the village. Soon after arriving there,
a heavy musketry and artillery fire commenced about a mile
to the north, and lasted about an hour. A severe thunder-
shower in the mean time set in, but it apparently had no effect
upon the combatants. The flash of the cannon and musket
answered the forked lightning, and the heavy thunder was
re-echoed from the cannon's mouth ; and thus on the bloody
field of Chantilly, amid the thunder and the lightning, the
roar of cannon and the death-rattle of musketry, many a hero
sank down to that sleep which knows no waking !
A hospital had been established at Chantilly, and several of
the men of the Seventy-sixth had been placed there for treat
ment. Among the number was Jay Webster, who " com
manded," as we have seen, in the first armed fight, at
Washington. When the enemy attempted to flank our army
to-day, a battalion was organized from the convalescents,
under Major Sukely. Jay Webster was among the number,
and on that occasion received a wound in his knee. It was
here that the noble Generals Kearney and Stevens were killed.
General Kearney had lost an arm in the Mexican War. He

Severe Marching and Picket Duty. 141
was one of those few generals who believed that war means
fight, and it is to this article in his military creed that he owes
his death. Ordinarily, the higher the command of the officer,
the farther he is removed from danger. The private goes
ahead and does the fighting, and the commanding general
scarcely hears the guns that are to write his name in charac
ters of light, or hand it down to posterity as an ambitious
humbug. But General Kearney reversed the order. With
the reins in his mouth, and swinging his sword with his single
hand, he dashed forward towards the enemy, calling upon the
men to follow. Then, finding himself several rods in advance,
he would dash back to his troops, and urge them to greater
speed, when away he would rush at the enemy again, only to
repeat the scene again and again. Finding the rebels in a
cornfield and entrenched behind a stone wall, he ordered a
charge, and, leading the men, when near the wall, a rebel ball
pierced the brave General, and he fell lifeless to the ground.
Our army, however, was victorious, and the enemy, unable to
flank Pope's little handful of troops, fell back, while the Union
army held the field.
The march of this last day of the retreat, was the. most
severe of the campaign. The rain having thoroughly satu
rated the soil, the heavy trains had converted the roads into
streams and lakes of thin mud. Shoes afforded no protection,
as the mud was, most of the way, knee deep. A more dismal
scene cannot well be imagined. The men were obliged to
retreat ten or twelve miles, wading the whole distance, while
their loads were continually augmented by the storm of rain
and sleet which continued through the day and night. This
day's march was truly terrible, but nothing compared with the
night's work that followed. On reaching what they supposed
would be their camp for the night, General Doubleday was
ordered to send out his best regiment to guard an important

142 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N- Y. V.
point. He chose the Seventy-sixth, saying he could rely upon
that in any emergency. Orders were, therefore, received, for
the Seventy-sixth to march about four miles to the left, and
do picket duty during the night. The men had, during the
hot days, thrown away every garment they could spare, and
many were now only protected from the weather by a thin
blouse, not wearing even a shirt. They were so thoroughly
drenched that there was scarely a dry thread in the Regiment.
The night was so intensely dark, that an object could scarcely
be seen five paces distant. The rain and sleet continued una
bated, while the north-west wind sent it with almost fatal-
effect against the shivering and nearly paralyzed forms of the
men ; and to add to and intensify the horrors of the night, no
fires, not even a match, could be lighted. And thus, through
that long, dreary night, shivering and almost freezing, did the
officers and men of the Seventy-sixth watch and wait for the
enemy. Severer tests of courage may have been made upon
the Regiment ; but never again did the men suffer as during
that night. The morning finally came to the relief of the
suffering heroes, and the Seventy-sixth continued the retreat
with the Brigade to Upton Hill.
Thus ended the campaign. It had been short, but more
than usually severe. Beginning with the retreat from Cedar
Mountain, and, in the case of the Seventy-sixth, with the
march from Fredericksburg, it is seldom that an army has
been required to undergo more than our men performed.
With scarcely a day's intermission, the Third Corps, to which
this Regiment belonged, was either making forced marches,
often in the night, and through the hottest days of August,
frequently without proper water, much of the time without
food, or engaged in battles as severe and destructive as have
taken place during this war. The Regiment had already
been under fire at five different battles. It left New York

Wo Rest for the Army. 143
with nearly one thousand men. The exposures of camp, and
those diseases incident to acclimation, had so reduced it that
when it left Fredericksburg it contained but about four hun
dred and fifty officers and men ; and now, after the' struggles
of this campaign, though several had rejoined it from Frede
ricksburg and elsewhere, it only numbered about two hundred
and twenty -five. Of the thirty line officers, only six remained
— a fearful reduction in both officers and men. The men
left were so worn out by the long marches and severe priva
tions that they were entirely unfit for duty. This report
was made by Colonel Wainwright, with a request that the
Regiment be recruited, and supplied with officers, and a little
rest allowed to put it in condition to take the field. The only
answer to this request was ¦ an order to march, half-equipped,
to South Mountain, Antietam and elsewhere !
All the evidence concurs in proving that had General Pope
been cordially supported by General McClellan, the enemy
would have been immediately hurled back upon Richmond,
or almost totally cut up and destroyed.
The Army of the Potomac, under General McClellan, was
comparatively fresh. The Government distinctly understood,
and early notified him of the critical situation of affairs,
repeatedly urging him forward. Whenever he sent an excuse
for delay, the Government immediately removed the difficulty
or suggested its solution. When he halted, Government
urged him to immediate action. But still, knowing that Pope
was in the very vortex of ruin, overwhelmed by the whole
rebel army, being literally crushed by the force of numbers,
he yet persistently withheld any and all support, but stood
and watched the surging mass of overpowered and disheart
ened patriots, as they were driven by their triumphant foe
into the defences of Washington.
A terrible reckoning is in store for those generals, who with

144 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
troops at their command, comparatively fresh — generals and
troops who had been saved from annihilation by the timely
aid of General Pope, and yet who, from jealous envy, could
thus sacrifice their protector upon the shrine of their own un
hallowed ambition. That such misplaced confidence was ever
renewed argues volumes for the forgiving spirit of our mar
tyred President !

CHAPTER XII.
A Short Rest— March through Washington— Seventh Street— Fort Massachu
setts—March through "My Maryland "—Frederick City— Cordial Welcome
by the People — Battle of South Mountain— Death of Charles E. Stamp —
Colonel Wainwright Wounded— Rebel Ruse— They are Severely Punished— A
Union Victory.
September 2d, 1862. — The armies of the Potomac and of Vir
ginia are now united and within the defenses of Washington.
No one well informed will question the assertion that had* they
been thus united at Gainesville five days ago, there would
have been no necessity for their occupying defenses. The two
armies combined could have hurled back the rebel hosts, and
not only avoided the second defeat at Bull Run, but saved the
necessity of the Maryland campaign. This war would then
have terminated in 1862 instead of 1865. But God had a
great problem to solve, and, with our finite judgment, we
must not declare that He did not make these bickerings and
jealousies of commanders, which seem to so disgrace them, to
serve His holy purpose. Great reforms require time. He
who can jump astride a hobby, and deem himself able to work
a wonder in a day, will, on the second day, find himself won
derfully mistaken. Slavery was to be abolished. The foul
cancer was eating the life out of the nation. It was sapping
the foundation of our national prosperity. Its growth had
been gradual and slow ; it had struck its roots deep into a
portion of the national heart ; upon it parties had been reared

146 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
and nourished, and when it demanded new guaranties, or the
destruction of the nation, a powerful party was drawing its
inspiration, if not its very existence from it ; the institutions,
civil, social, and religious, of nearly half the Union, were
based upon and shaped to this one institution, aad we could
not reasonably expect its overthrow without an effort, and
without time for its accomplishment. Had the war ended
with this campaign, it would be difficult to see how slavery
would have been abolished, and without that result, the war
would, indeed, have been a failure. A Union in form we
might have had ; but a rope of sand would have bound us
together, and though this is not said with a view to a justifi
cation of any narrow-minded general, who would, from
personal motives, suffer the flag of his country to be disgraced,
when he had the power to prevent it, yet there is no doubt
that the very defeat described in the preceding pages, con
tributed, in the end, to the advancement of the best interests
of the country. So little do we know of the use which Prov
idence is making of us all in working out the problems of His
own infinite mind.
The men were now confident they were to enjoy rest. The
long marches which they had performed, night after night de
prived of sleep, and continually excited by those rumors which
ever infest a camp, and especially when situated like this
army on the retreat, were enough to induce a desire for quiet ;
but, added to this, and the want of provisions — the trains hav
ing been frequently far from the troops — was the more
disheartening fact, that during all those long, sultry days, and
weary, wakeful nights; they had been on a retreat. To fight
and retreat, and retreat and fight, in the face of a superior
force, is a very severe test of the soldier. This they had done
for the last fifteen days, and, though many broke down under
the fatigue and exposures, and many straggled from the ranks,

Again on the March. 147
the troops, as a general thing, behaved most creditably, and,
though sadly depleted in numbers, and the remainder tired
and reduced from marching and fasting, they preserved their
discipline to a remarkable degree.
The men had just mustered for pay. A portion had been
reclothed;' most of them had- already the comforts of camp
life, when, after a short stay of four days, the orders were
given (September sixth) to march.
The rebels, appreciating their inability to capture Washing
ton from the south, had commenced a flank movement, which
brought the army into Maryland, across the Upper Potomac,
with the evident design, either to march into Pennsylvania,
as they subsequently did in 1863, or attack Washington or
Baltimore, or both, from the north and west.
The men had, in these four days, considerably revived in
body and spirit. For the first time in twenty days, the
rations were regularly issued, which, with the sense of
security which pervaded the camp, had brought the men back
to nearly their normal condition.
At six P. M., September sixth, the Division was ordered to
march through Washington into Maryland. The men had
seen sufficient fighting to deprive it of all the novelty with
which it presents itself to the unfledged warrior, and yet it
was not entirely with regret that the Regiment bade adieu to
Upton Hill. Before them arose bright visions of the time
when, with their combined forces, they should meet and van
quish the foe which had so severely treated them, and not a
few anticipated rather than dreaded the trial which was to
make them conquerors.
The whole army was now in motion. Many of the same
guns that flashed in the sunlight, as they crossed the river the
March before, in pursuit of the enemy, in the direction of
Richmond, were now in pursuit of the same enemy on the
northern side of the Potomac.

148 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
Many thousands of that noble army had fallen in the
swamps of the Chickahominy, and in the battles of the Pe
ninsula ; but their places had been more than filled by the
battle-scarred veterans of the Army of Virginia, and they
now felt invincible.
The strength of an army is measured not only or chiefly by
its numbers, but by its morale. If it is confident of its
strength, and of success, a small army will accomplish much
more than a larger army wanting this confidence.
As usual, the road was blocked up by troops that had pre
ceded. The Regiment, after going a mile or two, stacked
arms and rested until the roads should be cleared. The ob
structions removed, the order was given to forward, and on
went the Regiment. The march was continued all night. At
two o'clock in the morning, the Seventy-sixth stopped for a
short time in front of the White House, in Washington, and
the men welcomed the opportunity to throw themselves down
to rest a few moments upon the stone sidewalk. Then,
through Washington, up Seventh street, where on their way
to war, the Seventy-sixth had so forcibly inculcated its doc
trines of human rights ; past Fort Massachusetts, where the
fore part of summer was spent, until a march of about a
dozen miles had been accomplished.
The officers and men could not avoid observing the change in
their condition, as they passed their former headquarters.
Less than four months had elapsed since they left the fort
nearly eight hundred strong, with clean, new uniforms ; the
men in excellent condition, with happy faces, and panting for
a fight ; now, ragged, gaunt, foot-sore and jaded, with scarcely
two hundred men fit for duty !
The march was continued until September fourteenth, when
the Regiment passed through Frederick City, Md. Soon
after leaving the city, cannonading could be distinctly heard

Reception of Loyal Maryland. 149
at the front. The march was quickened, and kept up al
most at double-quick, until about noon, when Middletown
was passed, and South Mountain arose to the view but a mile
or two in advance. The inspiring intelligence had been con
veyed to our men before this, that Burnside had occupied
Frederick City, and now, as the brigades passed through that
place they enjoyed an inspiring ovation. The people of Ma
ryland, cursed to a less extent by slavery, than had been most
of the Southern States, had succeeded in retaining its loyalty
to a greater degree. Loyalty and slavery are directly antago
nistic, and by conning the census tables showing the white
and slave population, one might very nearly arrive at the
character of the reception that awaited the advent of the
Union army into any particular city or locality.
The weather was excellent for marching. Evidences multi
plied that the enemy were retreating, and we occupying the
ground they had just left, and added to this inspiriting fact
was the cheering reception given by the loyal people, as the
troops marched along. There were many surly secessionists,
who illy concealed their rage at this " invasion " of their State
by the " Yankee horde ;" but all along the march were unmis
takable evidences that the people of Maryland were much
more loyal, as a whole, than those with whom the Seventy-
sixth had mingled for the last four months. In Frederick
City, especially, was this loyalty manifested. Flags were
waving throughout the day, from almost every house ; hand
kerchiefs were fluttering, while ever and anon a beautiful
bouquet would be tossed by the fairest hands of Maryland's
loyal daughters. These were answered by cheer upon cheer
from the happy patriots, until they cheered themselves hoarse
in the attempt to show their appreciation of the reception.
One can scarcely estimate the value of such a reception, upon
the very eve of the terrible battle of South Mountain. The

150 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
men not only had friends at home to protect with their lives ;
but a new inspiration urged them forward, as they thought of
these loyal daughters of a State around which the monster of
secession had attempted to wind his deadly coil. They con
sidered themselves no longer on an enemy's soil, but as the
defenders of Maryland's honor, to drive from the soil an
enemy who had invaded a State, the allegiance of which
they had vainly attempted to sever.
" None but a coward will boast that he was never afraid,"
once remarked a celebrated officer ; and, though the men were
steady and determined, there were many who gazed upon the
curling wreaths of smoke, as they arose from the mountain
side before them, and as they listened to the roar of cannon
and the clatter of musketry, and thought of the dear ones in
their distant homes, saw and heard nothing that would not
have been gladly silenced and avoided could they as well have
saved their country without as with a battle. We may talk
of that patriotism which willingly offers up life and all upon
the country's altar, and write poetry and sing peans to per
petuate the memory of the dying martyr. It all sounds well
in declamation, and reads well in verse, and is all correct in
theory ; but the practice of being shot is not only" dangerous,
but painful, and human nature, at its best estate, recoils from
contact with cold lead, when it comes at a velocity sufficient
to penetrate the casement, and the truest soldier, in view of
impending battle, inwardly repeats, "If it be possible, let this
cup pass from me ; nevertheless, not my will, but thine be
done, oh, my country !"
Up the steep mountain-side rush the long line of skirmish
ers, now halting, as if to hear the approach of the enemy,
with gun in hand, awaiting his advance, and then rushing
forward to find and uncover his masked position.

Up the Sides op South Mountain. 151
The duty of the skirmisher is a very hazardous one,
especially on such a field as South Mountain. The side of the
mountain is very steep ; so much so that it was almost impos
sible to carry the gun at a " charge," as at that angle the
bayonet would frequently pierce the ground. The surface,
except here and there a cornfield, was covered by a dense
growth of pine and cedar. The summit was skirted with
forests, and from the wreaths of smoke, and other unmistaka
ble signs, it was supposed that the rebels were here in mass.
General Hooker, the hero who afterwards fought in the
clouds at Lookout Mountain, was in command of the Corps to
which was attached the Seventy-sixth, and to him had been
assigned the task of storming the hill on the right of the pass,
known as Turner's Gap. While the roar of artillery and the
puffs of smoke indicate a battle is raging, the hosts are form
ing at the foot of the mountain, for the dangerous attempt to
drive the enemy from the summit, if need be, at the point of
the bayonet. The column is finally started. The men have
been severely marched to-day ; it is exceedingly hot, and under
other circumstances, rest and quiet would be sought ; but now
that mountain must be cleared of the rebel hosts ; those dark
woods which bellow and belch forth their fire and iron hail,
must be carried, and the enemy punished for the deeds of the
past month. Straggling is less frequent than usual. Every
man owes that rebel army a debt which must now be paid,
and, regardless of fatigue, up the steep acclivity, through the
corn and wheat fields, up, up goes the grand army. A more
impressive "sight than that witnessed by these troops as they
ascended the mountain-side, is seldom or never seen. The
beautiful, quiet and smiling valley behind, as it lay basking in
that clear September sunset, on that lovely Sabbath eve, and
in front the smoke and roar of battle.
As the troops were halted to take breath, and cast their

152 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
eyes over the quiet loveliness of the valley below, they thought
of the loved ones at home, who, this beautiful Sabbath after
noon, were doubtless penning letters to them — letters which,
perhaps, might never reach them, and then the order, " for
ward," placed before them the contrast, which made them for the
time forget that this was the Sabbath day, and on they went
to the deadly conflict. For an hour and a half was the Regi
ment thus engaged in ascending this mountain, before it came
within range of the enemy's musketry fire. As the Brigade
neared the summit, the firing became more distinct, until the
troops entered the last skirt of forest that crowned the sum
mit. Before entering this wood, a halt was made and
bayonets fixed, and thus prepared for any emergency, forward
into the treacherous woods moved the intrepid Corps.
The Brigade occupied the left of the Division, and the Sev
enty-sixth the extreme left of the Brigade ; so that the left
flank of the Regiment was uncovered. On the right of the
Seventy-sixth was the Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania. Through
the woods came the rebel bullets, tearing the trees and shriek
ing overhead, while just ahead came the cheers and yells of
the opposing troops, and the awful din of battle in all its fury.
Hatch's Brigade of King's Division had preceded Double-
day's Brigade, and was now heavily engaged. As our
Brigade entered the wood, the Adjutant of the First Brigade
came rushing out of the noise and confusion, shouting : —
" Our Brigade cannot sustain itself much longer, as we are
nearly out of ammunition ! For God's sake, to the front !"
On rushed Doubleday's Brigade, only impeded by the staff
officers, who rode in front, and continually along the line gave
the order, " Steady, boys, steady !" The upper edge of the
woods was soon gained, and there was witnessed fighting in
good earnest. The wood was bounded by a fence, close by
which Hatch's Brigade stood fighting as though the fate of the

Battle of South Mountain. 153
country depended upon their heroic conduct. There was an
open space of a hundred feet beyond the fence, filled with
rebels, who, hiding behind rocks, and in depressions of the
surface, poured volley after volley into Hatch's Brigade,
which, in turn, fell upon the ground to load, then arose and
returned the deadly salute. While thus heroically contesting
the ground, Doubleday's Brigade rushed with a shout to their
rescue. Hatch's Brigade fell back for rest, while the Seventy-
sixth and its fellows poured their deadly hail upon the enemy.
Charge after charge was made by the rebels, to break through
the Union lines, but each one was handsomely repulsed, and
thus for half an hour this Brigade stood its ground against
vastly superior numbers, conscious that if the line was broken,
with no reserves on which to rely, the defeat would prove
annihilation. Charles E. Stamp, of Company A, who was promoted to
color-bearer for gallantry in saving the colors at Gainesville,
was carrying the colors on this occasion. As the Regiment
was ordered to advance, not obeying quite as promptly as this
hero desired, he rushed forward about a rod in advance of the
Regiment, while the bullets were falling thickly around him,
and, planting the flag staff firmly in the ground, shouted,
" There, come up to that !" But he made too good a mark,
and before the Regiment had time to obey the order, a fatal
ball pierced his forehead, and " Charley Stamp," one of the
truest and best men in the Regiment, was mustered out of the
army militant, and mustered into the army triumphant.
The Seventy-sixth was probably never engaged in a more
severe and deadly fight than at South Mountain. During the
whole battle, the range was so short, and both sides fired with
such precision, that the volleys told with awful effect. Colo
nel Wainwright coolly rode along the line and directed the
men to fire low ; and never was powder and ball rammed into

154 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
guns with greater energy, or discharged with greater rapidity,
or more damaging effect.
The enemy, finding that bayonet charges on their part
would be of no avail against the steady lines of the Union
forces, resorted to one of those tricks which, in every battle
thus far, had been attempted upon our Regiment. A small
thicket of bushes ran along parallel with and not more than
ten or fifteen rods from the fence behind which was posted
the Seventy-sixth. The order was given to fire into this
thicket, when the cry came out : —
" For God's sake, stop firing ! You are killing your own men !"
General Hatch, now in command of the Division, happened
to be near by, and ordered the firing to cease, which was obeyed,
though the men were well satisfied it was.a repetition of the ruse
played at Gainesville and Bull Run. Scarcely had the firing
ceased when two regiments of the enemy, the Eighteenth and
Nineteenth Virginia, came out silently and swiftly, marching
by the left flank, then, suddenly fronting, advanced within
twenty paces of our left, kneeled down and poured a most ter
rific volley into our ranks. Fortunately the dark back ground
of the woods prevented them from seeing our men clearly,
and their aim was mostly too high. Eighteen or twenty of
our men, however, fell, among them Colonel Wainwright, who
was wounded in the arm. His favorite horse was killed about
the same time. Quickly rising and tying a handkerchief
around his arm where the ball entered, he gave the order to
fire, at the same time discharging the six " barrels of his
revolver at the enemy. The remnant of those two rebel reg
iments will never forget that volley ! They were so near that
the blaze of our guns almost reached their faces, and when
the smoke of the volley had cleared away, the sight was truly
appalling. The rebel dead were literally piled in heaps, and
among them was Colonel Strange, of the Nineteenth Virginia,

Gallant Repulse of a Flank Attack. 155
while the remainder, who had escaped, were rushing in wild
disorder to their cover in the thicket.
There was a lull in the battle. By the blunder of a staff
officer, the Seventy-sixth, and another regiment of the Brigade
were ordered to fall back about a mile, while they were re
lieved bv other troops. As they were about obeying, Captain
Goddard, of Company F, called the attention of Colonel
Wainwright to something moving in a cornfield on the left.
It was soon decided to be the enemy, engaged in a flanking
movement. Changing front to the rear, always a very diffi
cult manceuver during an engagement, the. Seventy-sixth New
York, and a portion of the Seventh Indiana, which was on
the right, met the rebels with such a fire as completely and
definitely changed their purpose. So well was the effect of
the gallant repulse of this flank movement understood in the
army, and by the commanding generals, that General McClel
lan honorably mentions -the Seventy-sixth in his report of the
campaign. The Seventy-sixth was at this point relieved, though the
order of the staff officer relieving, was soon after counter
manded. The ground was very rough, but the Regiment fell
back with great steadiness. This was the last determined
attempt of the enemy at South Mountain. Colonel Wain
wright, despite his wound, which was quite severe, was
almost in ecstacies, as he addressed his fragment of a Regi
ment upon their soldierly bearing and heroic deeds in this
battle. He seemed at a loss for words to express his gratitude
to them, and his sense of the value of their services in defeat
ing these repeated attempts to flank the army, and which, if
accomplished, would have lost to us the important battle of
South Mountain.
During this, battle, General Hatch, in command of the
Division, was severely wounded, and General Doubleday took
command of the Division.

156 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V,
It had now become so dark that neither side could see the
other, and our men only aimed at the flashes of the rebel
muskets, and these soon ceased. The order was given to the
Brigade to cease firing. No one knew the position or strength
of the enemy in front, so advance would be worse than folly ;
and there stood our men, silently and grimly, at the fence,
while several minutes of silence ensued. All was still as though
no battle had been raging, except now and then a groan from
the wounded, or the sound of a rammer, as it sent down the
ball for the next discharge. This silence was of short dura
tion. Just as our men were congratulating themselves that
this battle was over, the rebels, thinking that our troops had
retreated, rushed forward towards the fence, at the same time
pouring in a volley of musketry. The fire was too high to
cause any damage, though the balls tearing through the trees,
and bringing down a shower of twigs and leaves, plainly told
what havoc a better aim would have inflicted. Our men
were prepared to meet them, and they were compelled to fall
back before the fire of our line.
The firing had nearly ceased. Our Division, relieved by
General Rickett's, was drawn up in line, as if for a review,
and our Brigade ordered to lie down on their arms about a
hundred feet from the fence, ready for a night attack, which
seemed probable. For a time the firing was heard on the left,
now coming nearer, bringing the sad indication that our men
were being driven, and then receding, showing us to be victo
rious, until it finally ceased, and the battle of South
Mountain was a recorded victory to the Union arms.
We have not the report of the losses of the Seventy-sixth in
this battle, but something of an idea can be formed of the
severity of the conflict in which they took so conspicuous a
part, when we state that in this contest for the possession of
Turner's Gap, the loss on our part, along the whole line, was

Patriotism of thb Seventy-sixth. 157
three hundred and twenty-eight killed, and fourteen hundred
and sixty-three wounded.
Colonel Wainwright was forced, in consequence of his
wound, to leave the Regiment, to rejoin it at Warrenton some
seven weeks afterwards.
Whatever we may think of General McClellan's course at
Alexandria, in failing to reinforce General Pope, the people
will give him credit for the skill with which he handled the
disorganized troops of both his and Pope's defeated armies,
and while on the march after the retreating enemy, so organ
ized them as to win a victory, at such great disadvantage, over
the victorious army of Lee.
For the proper organization of an army, General McClellan
had few, if any, equals. His chief fault consisted in the kid-
glove style in which he fought them after they were organized ;
or, perhaps, more properly speaking, the hesitating manner in
which he marched them to the fight.
The Seventy-sixth always enjoyed the proud consciousness
that the Regiment was composed of the very best material.
The men, for the most part, went to war from patriotic
motives ; they were led by gallant and brave officers, and these
facts gave them self-confidence. But to this had been added
that drill which, for the last two or three months, had been
disciplining and giving tone to their naturally patriotic char
acters, until no Regiment in the field stood higher in soldierly
qualities. Charles E. Stamp was but a sample. Colonel Wainwright,
after this heroic fighting, might well afford to say he felt proud
to command such a regiment.
It cannot be denied that men who fight for principle are
more to be depended upon in circumstances calculated to test
the heroism of men, than those who are fighting simply for
pay, or to serve a period of enlistment into which they were

158 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
induced to enter by large bounties offered, or to avoid conscrip
tion. This was well shown by comparison of the Seventy-
sixth, as a sample, and the regiments that entered the service
in 1864. Of the latter there were some good regiments ; but
in the main they consisted of men who could about as easily have
been bought by a large bounty from the enemy ; and one-half
of the number enlisted, either deserted before reaching the
field, or proved " dead beats " after arriving there.

CHAPTER XIII.
After the Battle of South Mountain— Decided Union Victory— Appearance of
the Battle Field— Pursuing the Rebels— Ben Van Valkenburg Captures
Nine Prisoners— Battle of .Antietam— Terrible Slaugher— Another Victory-
Description of the Field after the Battle— Failure to Reap the Golden Har
vest. September 15th. — This clay has revealed the horrors of last
night's work. Neither side then knew the extent of the injury
it was inflicting upon the other ; but to-day, the Union army
has before it the results of the battle in all their terrible
reality. When the gray morning broke in the east, and the
men of the Seventy-sixth arose from their earthy bed, there
at the rail fence, as though they were statuary, stood Rickett's
Division, guns loaded, bayonets fixed, ready for a repetition
of last night's assaults. Thus had they stood all night, mo
mentarily expecting the attack, but it came not ; and now, as
the light revealed the field, no rebel army was to be seen.
Before them, however, were spread the unmistakable evidences
of the deadly volleys which the Seventy-sixth and their com
rades had poured into the -rebel ranks. The dead lay thickly
scattered, in some instances piled one upon another, over the
field. So closely had the enemy approached our lines, in their
desperate charges, that more than thirty of their dead lay
within ten paces of the fence which had marked the boundary
of the Union advance. The men were not long in venturing
over into this bivouac of rebel dead. Here lay a poor fellow

160 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
with his head upon his arm, and his eyes closed as though in
sleep ; here another, with gun clenched fast in his hand, and a
determined look still upon his face ; there, where the fire had
been more deadly, lay several, the one across the other, as if
the heat of battle had melted a battalion, and they had all
fallen. It was a sickening sight, as they lay with their eyes,
as they were for the most part, open and staring toward
heaven. All animosity, at such a time, yields to the better
impulses of our nature, and we wonder how it is that man can
lift his hand to slay his brother. We forget the cause of the
strife, and, as we contemplate these faces, and think of their
darlings who will never again behold them, till they meet on
the other shore, we involuntarily drop a tear for the misguided
men we killed but yesterday.
In the foremost of the fight lay Colonel Strange, of the
Nineteenth Virginia. Evidently a man of character, he had
died as any brave man could wish to, if die he must, — in the
front, with his face to his foes. His death had evidently been
instantaneous, for he still held in his hand the sword which he
was swinging at the time when death summoned him to his
final account, while on his countenance was depicted that
stern determination to succeed which had brought him so near
our lines. Nor was he alone in his determination to pierce
the Union lines, for a few feet to his left lay another officer,
and still further on, a young lieutenant, whose intelligent and
even handsome countenance attracted general attention.
" Poor fellows !" our men could but exclaim.
What a lesson is this for all future time ! What an awful
reckoning is in reserve for those who, for ambitious, unholy
ends, when the country was at peace, and prosperity spread
her mantle over the whole land, could thus foment discord,
and, with nothing to settle except the consciousness that they
were oppressing three million human beings, could call the

After the Battle of South Mountain. 161
sword from its scabbard to thus inflict ruin and destruction upon
themselves ! Surely, " whom the gods destroy, they first make
mad." These men who now lie with their faces upturned,
came not here for love of war, nor to redress any real griev
ances, but because stimulated and urged forward by the few
leading spirits, whose custom it had long been to rule the
South ; controlling the political, social and religious organiza
tions, and arrogating to themselves the intelligence and moral
worth of that section. Those men, and not these slain, are
responsible for all this havoc. Many of these dead were never
induced to enter the service ; but were actually conscripted to
fight for an institution in which they had no interest, and for
which they had no respect.
One of our men venturing further than his comrades, dis
covered a long, gaunt " gray-back," about seventeen years of
age, concealed behind a stump, without weapons. On finding
himself discovered, he leaped forward, exclaiming, "Don't
shoot ! Don't shoot ! I'm your prisoner." He was taken
before the General, and there satisfied every one who heard
his child-like story, that he never voluntarily entered the ser
vice. He detailed the manner in which he had been
conscripted, drilled, and finally brought up this mountain to
be shot at, and concluded as follows : —
" I told 'em I was a coward and couldn't fight, but they
drove me up here, where I came near being killed; so I
dropped, and crawled behiud a stump and waited there all
•night." This was no solitary instance in which the cradle was robbed
to furnish recruits for the rebel army.
In the cornfield where the Seventy-sixth repulsed the last
attempted flank movement, the rebel dead were literally piled
in heaps. Our loss was much less, but the sight there was
indeed very sad. The dead heroes were gathered together

162 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
and ranged in rows, side by side, each regiment by itself, that
so far as possible, their comrades and acquaintances should
perform for them the simple and sad rites of burial upon the
battle-field. No sermon was delivered ; no hymn sung ; no
salute fired, and no coffin,, not even the plain box, enclosed
their remains ; but a trench was dug, the blankets wrapped
around the dead, and they were covered from the sight of
their sorrowing comrades.
This battle was one of the most decisive Union victories of
the war. The rebels, utterly routed, ran in wild confusion down
the mountain side, throwing away their guns, knapsacks, and
whatever tended to impede their progress. Had night been
delayed two hours longer, the whole rebel army must una
voidably have been captured or annihilated ; for when
darkness closed the battle, the Union army had surrounded
the rebels on three sides, with but one possible way of retreat,
and that was through a narrow ravine, which the batteries
could easily have rendered impassable. As it was, night fur
nished a means of escape which was well improved.
Our fragment of a Brigade was now permitted to light
fires and make coffee. The hard tack and coffee were hardly
disposed of, before orders were received to march towards
Boonesborough. The wounded were placed in ambulances
and sent back to Frederick, while the able-bodied went for
ward, this time in search of their retreating foe.
To follow a retreating foe has a much better effect upon an
army, than to retreat before a victorious enemy. The last
month had verified this. While coming from Gainesville and
Bull Run, the men attempted to keep cheerful ; but they
could not rid themselves of the fact that they had been beaten
and were retreating. Now, as they went forward, their jokes
and merry laughter plainly told of the change that had come
over them. Nothing is so exhilarating to the soldier, as an
occasional victory.

Ben. Van Valkenburg's Raid. 163
The country was filled with rebel stragglers, and though
many were driven in at the point of the sabre, by the rebel
cavalry, very many fell into our hands.
An incident connected with one of the men of the Seventy-
sixth, while it furnishes a sample of the courage and Yankee
ingenuity prevalent in the Regiment, also illustrates the
demoralized condition of the rebel army : — Benjamin Van
Valkenburg, a corporal in Company I, had been detailed as
orderly at the headquarters of General Doubleday. As the
Division moved down the mountain, the day following the
battle, " Ben." descried a fine farm house a mile or so distant,
and visions of chickens and other contraband, induced him
to gallop on ahead of the column, until he found himself in
advance of the front line of skirmishers. On entering the
yard, he rode around the house, intent on striking some sort of
a bargain for as much poultry as would be required by the
General's mess, including the orderlies, when, instead of the
smiling face of the housewife, he suddenly confronted seven
stalwart rebel soldiers sitting on the porch, with rifles danger
ously convenient. The rebels stared at Ben., who returned
the compliment. To use his own expression, he felt " mightily
scared ;" but to run was to receive seven rebel bullets in the
back, and that was a portion of Ben.'s body which could not
with his consent be thus desecrated. Summoning all his
courage, he drew his revolver, dashed resolutely up to the
rebels and ordered them to surrender ! All threw down their
arms save one, who swore he would never surrender for any
Yankee. Ben. leveled his six-shooter at the head of the diso
bedient rebel, and gave him half a minute to make up his
mind. With a bitter oath, down went his gun, also. " Fall
in !" shouted Ben. The first impulse of his undrilled battal
ion was to disobey orders ; but all demurring was silenced by
a flourish ofthe revolver. Ben. had not failed to observe that

164 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
officers on horses ride behind their commands, and in this
particular case it was a safe position. Having formed his line,
the order was given, "Forward, march !" As they passed out
through the gate, they met two other rebels, well armed.
Our commandant ordered them to " fall in !" Supposing the
squad to be Union skirmishers, they readily obeyed, and a
short march brought the Corporal, with his nine prisoners, to
the Division commander. General Doubleday was so pleased
with this daring act, that he offered Van Valkenburg a com
mission ;' but his reply was as full of genuine simplicity and
honesty, as his achievement had been of heroism and cour
age:— " I am much obliged to you, General," said the Corporal,
" but I am uneducated and unfitted for an office. I came
here to fight, and that I am willing to do."
The General declared himself honored by association with
men of such modest courage, and ever afterwards Ben. was a
favorite at Division headquarters.
Nothing occurred to impede the progress of the Union army
in their hunt for the rebels, until the sixteenth of September.
Towards evening of that day, the skirmishers reported the
enemy in the vicinity of Antietam Creek. The Brigade con
tinued its march until after dark, when it bivouacked for the
night. Pickets were thrown out in advance of the regiments,
and the remainder lay down for a night's rest.
In the morning, as it became sufficiently light to clearly
distinguish objects, the pickets of the Seventy-sixth found the
rebel pickets so near that they might almost, in some instances,
shake hands. The position was a delicate one for both sides ;
but by mutual consent, due deference was paid to their short
acquaintance as individuals and no picket firing was indulged
in by either side. The Seventy-sixth lay behind a fence in a
depression of the earth, on the Hagerstown pike. A state of

Battle of Antietam. 165
inaction was not, however, long indulged in. Shortly after
daylight, a heavy' fire was opened by the rebel artillery, occu
pying a little eminence about half a mile distant. Our
artillery was soon brought to a small elevation about forty
rods in rear of the Seventy-sixth, and from daylight until
about ten o'clock, a brisk artillery duel was carried on over
the heads of our men. Usually the balls and shells passed
harmlessly over their heads ; but now and then a shell with an
improper fuse would burst in quite too close proximity for the
enjoyment of the men ; and occasionally a ball fired at too
small an elevation, and falling short of its intended object,
would plow up the soil, scattering the dust and stones promis
cuously over the Regiment.
This being placed between the fires of two armies, while it
is very exciting, is too much like holding an apple upon one's
head, to be shot off as a target. The marksman may be ordi
narily correct in his aim, but the position of the man under
fire is more a post of honor than enjoyment.
The Seventy-sixth had, however, proved its courage under
much more severe tests than this, and to one unaccustomed to
. such scenes, their indifference was truly remarkable.
About ten o'clock the Regiment was ordered to the right to
support a battery. The enemy, at this point, was protected by
a piece of woods, and a stone wall running along in front,
while the Union battery and its supports were entirely unpro
tected. The Regiment was not under infantry fire at this
battle. About four P. M., Lieutenant Byram was sent about half a
mile, with Company A, to watch the enemy and check his
advance from a certain direction. No enemy, however, made
his appearance. Two of the men visited an adjacent farm
house and procured a large quantity of fresh bread and sweet
butter, and Company A enjoyed a feast near the battle-field,

166 The .Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
which, for a time, diverted their minds from the dangers
which surrounded them. That night the men slept upon their
arms, expecting a renewal of the fight the next morning. The
men stood by their guns, momentarily expecting the opening
of the fight, but it came not, and soon it was found that the
enemy had again retreated during the night.
By military men, Antietam is considered as one of the most
scientific battles of the war. Surely, if the destruction of
your enemy is a mark of science, this battle is held in due
appreciation. The fighting, as a whole, was truly terrific.
Standing upon an eminence, and taking in the whole battle
field at one view, as we look upon a vast picture, the sight was
magnificent, if that word may be applied to the awful carnage
of a closely contested battle, where a stern determination to
win a victory is displayed on both sides. From every hillock
in this vast extent of uneven landscape, came the puffs and
wreaths of smoke, showing the location of the batteries of
artillery and regiments of infantry. For several miles the
earth trembled as the battalions belched forth their terrible
thunders, while an unceasing rattle of musketry filled the in
tervals. Soon out from this field of fire, and smoke, and .
thunderings came the sad evidences of the awful work there
going forward. First, an occasional wounded man, and then
they became more frequent, until towards noon a continual
stream of wounded and dying poured to the rear. Some with
broken arms ; others limping along ; while others, unable to
move, were brought in on stretchers or in ambulances, or in
the arms of their companions, covered with blood, and many
already in the last agonies. The sight was a heart-sickening
one, and one which, under other circumstances, would have
been unendurable ; but in war, bloodshed and carnage are ex
pected, and one comes to look upon them as a matter of
course.

Desolations of War. . 167
On the seventeenth the Regiment was engaged all day sup
porting a battery, so that it did not share very largely in the
fight. Several, however, were wounded.
During the battle, General Hooker received a painful wound,
which compelled him to withdraw from the field. This was a
great loss at this time, for General Hooker was a fighting man,
and to him more, perhaps, than any other one man is due the
honor of the Union victory at Antietam.
The enemy having retreated, the battle-field, which had
been so closely contested foot by foot, remained in our posses
sion. The enemy carried off all except the more severely
wounded ; yet the scenes of the battle-field were most sicken
ing the next morning. For miles where the battle had raged
most fiercely, the ground was covered with dead officers, sol
diers and horses, while guns, knapsacks, haversacks, canteens,
and all the other implements of warfare, were thickly sprinkled
over the field. . In many places, the field had been taken and
retaken several times, so that with the graybacks were often
mingled the "boys in blue."
Before this battle, the neighborhood in which it was fought,
had been an interesting farming community. But a fortnight
before, it had been dotted over with farm-houses filled with
happy families, while the goddess of peace and plenty was
about to fulfill her golden promises. The barns were already
stored with hay and the earlier grains, while the large and
luxuriant cornfields, and fields of later grains, and extensive
orchards, bending with their rich loads of apples and peaches,
spoke cheerfully of pleasant evenings around the domestic
firesides. In the midst of this little Eden valley, was the
well-attended brick church, from which the light of Christian
ity had radiated until meeting the rays of similar influences,
they had nearly obliterated the last traces of human slavery.
But how severely had this beautiful valley suffered. The

168 The -Seventy-sixth, Regiment N. Y. V.
horses and hungry soldiers had eaten up the cornfields and.
cereals. The fruit had been prematurely plucked. Every
house, barn and outbuilding had been pierced by the shot and
shells of the contending hosts ; and now, the day after the
battle, not a family remains in that recently so densely popu
lated region. The little church standing by the roadside in
an important position, seems to have been the focal point
where the wrath of the contending armies met, for a hundred
cannon solid-shot have pierced it, while thousands of bullets
have marred its sacred walls. In this church, lying upon its
hard benches, are many of the enemy, more severely wounded,
one of whom, in delirium, is raving like a madman : but for
the most part they bear their fate with remarkable resignation.
Can it be they believe they are dying to uphold or perpetuate
any great moral principle ? Charity compels us to believe it ;
but the belief impeaches their oft-repeated claims to superior
intelligence. For two days our army was actively engaged in burying the
dead. Long trenches were dug, into which they were piled,
and to-day thousands sleep their last sleep on that fated
field, while those who held them most dear, will visit in vain
their final resting-place, in hope of finding some mark by
which they may identify the spot sacred to them as the home
of their cherished dead.
Several days' rest was now given to the Union army, to re
cruit from the effects of the last two severe struggles. The
enemy had been severely repulsed — sent headlong down the
western slope of South Mountain, to be again defeated and
driven from the field at Antietam, and everybody prophesied
both in the army and out of it, that the enemy would be driven
into the 'Potomac, or captured, and at the lapse of this brief
period of time, no one can doubt that a vigorous movement
upon our part would have accomplished the one or the other

Halting. 169
of these desirable results. For some reason, the Union army
halted on the very threshold of its successes, and the disor
ganized rebel army was permitted to recross the Potomac, to
choose again its own field for defensive warfare.
While the army thus rested, large numbers swarmed from
the North in search of« friends who had fallen in battle.
Daily funeral processions marched along the Hagerstown pike,
bearing, for burial in their Northern cemeteries, the caskets
that so lately contained those manly spirits which, as fathers,
sons and brothers, these mourning pilgrims had so highly
prized. It was, indeed, a mournful sight ; but they had not
died in vain. The rebel invaders had been hurled from the
soil of loyal Maryland, and the North was thus protected from
the ravaging tread of the implacable foe. Over their broken
caskets will be preached many a patriotic sermon, and at the
sight of this new evidence of the wickedness of this rebellion,
many a new resolve will be made, to take form in action on
future battle-fields. Thus temporarily-successful efforts of
rebel hands will be the very means of rendering the success
ephemeral. For some unaccountable reason, the successful armies of the
Potomac and Virginia remained over a whole month of fine
weather idle. The roads were splendid. The men were
anxious to end the work they had to do, and return to their
friends and peaceful avocations, elated with success, and
anxious to reap the fruits of their late desperate struggles, by
the capture of the enemy ; daily impatiently inquiring when
the order to move would come, and yet it was delayed. Sum
mer had yielded to autumn, and soon it would be winter, when
of necessity the campaign must be ended. Privates saw this.
Non-commissioned, commissioned officers, and even generals
as high, in rank as commanders of divisions, saw it. But
somehow, further up the scale, on the top of the wheel, or

170 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
near it, there was a cog gone, or out of shape, or something ;
so the army did not move. We might as well say it. " The ,
right man was not in the right place," in command of this
impatient army. Too much West Point science had weak
ened his strategy ; or the film of future expectancy had
obstructed his vision, so that he could not see the rich harvest
which he could reap by one day's rapid march, and half a
day's active fighting on the north side of the Potomac. The
people became tired of the delay. The newspaper assurances
that General McClellan was about to capture the whole rebel
army became stale, so that the ragged news-boys slyly winked
with one eye, as they cried it out, as much as to say, " It may
sell the papers, but will sell the people," until the kind and
forgiving spirit of President Lincoln could bear the delay no
longer, and General McClellan was ordered forward.

CHAPTER XIV.
On the March— John Brown— Jeff. Davis— Rainy Experiences— Return of Cloth
ing Left at Alexandria— Confiscation in the Army— Capture of the Blue
Ridge Passes— Fight at Ashby's Gap— Guarding Rebel Property— Foraging—
Honey— Chickens— Marching Orders.
October 2ith. — The Division of General Doubleday, was
to-day ordered to Bakersville, a little village about six miles
further up the Potomac. The men had been in camp since
the eighteenth of September, and five weeks of the dull rou
tine of camp, life 'usually gives relish to orders to march,
though it were to march into battle.
In this instance, so much time had been given the rebels to
escape, after the demonstrations of our strength, that the idea
of an immediate fight was by no one indulged. It was to be
a hunting excursion, the most forbidding feature of which,
was the probable distance to be traveled before the game
would be found. Before night the Brigade had reached the
camp assigned them, and our pickets guarded the Potomac to
keep the rebels from effecting a crossing, which they would
have attempted with about the eagerness that an intelligent
child thrusts its hands into a fire in which it has just been
severely burned.
Scarcely had the men encamped for the night, when the
rain commenced to pour down in torrents, which to the fact
that the evenings were now getting cool, added the further

172 The Seventy-sixth Regment N- Y. V.
gloomy prospect of muddy roads and wet camping-grounds.
Rain in camp is not so much to be dreaded ; but it is ever an
unwelcome visitor on the march, and especially in changing
camps, where it becomes necessary to pitch tents upon the
ground thoroughly saturated with water.
The stay at this point was to be brief. Orders were given
for the preparation of three days' cooked rations, which
usually means a march ; and finally, on the twenty-sixth of
October, the marching order came.
The day was exceedingly stormy. The rain poured down
in torrents ; the roads were universally muddy ; the wagons
rolled slowly along, nearly to the hubs in the mud ; the men
waded through it, with the rain dripping from their knapsacks,
and their shelter tents wrapped about them thoroughly
soaked ; yet never was army happier. One might well sup
pose that their late experiences would have saddened their
hearts, and deprived them of all feelings of hilarity, while the
gloominess of their surroundings was enough to weigh down
their spirits. But, somehow in the army, the more severe the
rain and the deeper the mud, the more jokes and stories. To
day, as they marched so near the spot where John Brown became
a martyr to the cause of liberty, the whole army struck up the
song : — " John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave,
While his soul goes marching on."
What a desecration of the day, and the very soil, this must
have seemed to any " F. F. V," who, skulkin'gly, listened to
the song, and slyly witnessed the marching of this liberty-
loving army. It may be necessary to distribute whisky rations
on a hard march ; but to keep the rain out, and revive the
spirits, experience gives the preference to the loyal inspiration
of such a song. While there is no depression consequent upon
it, it lifts the soul to a proper appreciation of the duty to be

John Brown — Jeff. Davis. 173
performed, and nerves the soldier in his crusade for the right.
John Brown was misguided, we may conclude, judging from
a certain stand-point ; but it is a great pity his spirit did not
enter more largely into the men high in command of our
armies at the time of which we write. The hero who, with
his handful of men and one cow, could frighten the State of
Virginia, and, in fact, the whole South, would not have sat
quiet five long weeks, after two decisive victories, to permit
his vanquished foe to build bridges over which to escape in
safety to his home ! Who shall say that the spirit of John
Brown did not whisper courage and manly resolves in the ears
of our soldiery, as they approached the place which his daring
deed has wrenched from oblivion and made historic ?
" We'll hang Jeff. Davis on a sour apple tree 1"
Shouted the " boys in blue," as they plodded along through
the rain and the mud, and the two quotations were very
fittingly sung in the same stanza. The spirit that made Jeff.
Davis President, hung John Brown. The spirit that applaud
ed the freedom-loving sacrifice of John Brown, would very
properly return the hanging compliment to Jeff. Davis. These
spirits of liberty and slavery are antagonistic, and he was a
wise and true statesman who declared that they can never
live at peace in this Government. The one has gone down
very shortly after it vented its spite upon the defenseless head
of poor John Brown, while his name will live to be sung in
the nursery, and the camp of Freedom's sons forever. We
could have wished, if that were best — of which we express no
opinion — that John Brown might not have been so rash as to
throw himself into the hands of the rebels, nor do we worship
him above all the other apostles of freedom ; but, as a repre
sentative of freedom, we desire to see his disinterested sacrifice
on the altar of human rights accepted.
The night of the twenty-seventh of October was passed in

174 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
bivouac at' the western entrance to Crampton's Gap, in the
South Mountains. The hastily prepared cup of coffee was
swallowed, and soon the men, wet and tired, had found that
sleep which they so much needed.
October 28£A. — The Division reached Berlin, a small village
on the Maryland side of the Potomac, which had been chosen
as the crossing-place into Virginia. The weather had now
cleared up, and everything wore a more pleasant countenance ;
though the men suffered considerably from the chilliness of
the night air.
The Regiment at four P. M. encamped about a mile out of
the village. These were, indeed, stirring times. The whole
army was concentrating here, preparatory to crossing. The
village is situated on the railroad and canal, and was made
the depot of supplies for the whole army until it reached
Warrenton. Many of the sick and wounded left by the Regiment at
Fredericksburg, Gainesville, Bull Run and South Mountain,
had rejoined the Regiment during the halt, after the battle of
Antietam, and were illy prepared to endure the severe march
which had already been made. They had been completely
saturated, and had marched nearly all night. The wind blew
bitterly cold, and when they finally went into camp, it was
only to pass the remainder of the night without sleep, huddled
about the camp fires in the vain attempt to get warm and dry.
An instance will tend to illustrate : —
Captain Swan, of Company H, had recently returned to
the Regiment, partially recovered from a severe wound in the
hip, received in battle. He, however, marched with his Com
pany from Bakersville. When the Regiment went into camp
for the remainder of the night, the Captain sought a little
sleep, by burrowing under a hay-stack. Thus ensconced, with
his rubber blanket wrapped around him, he fell into an uneasy

Incidents of the March. 175
doze, soon, however, waking with a shivering sensation
throughout his entire body, especially the under side. On
rising, a torrent of water poured out of his blanket, down
into his boots, filling them to overflowing ! His position had
been such, that the water from the stack dripped down upon
and into the folds of his blanket, which, being water-proof,
refused egress to the sometimes precious fluid. The Captain
estimated that he thus secured to himself three or four pails
full of pure water, uncontaminated by contact with rebel
soil ! Those who sleep in warm beds, in clean, dry rooms, can
scarcely be made to appreciate such soldier experiences.
At Berlin, the Regiment remained two days. Here were
received the knapsacks that had been left on the march from
Fredericksburg to Culpepper. It was' a sad sight, as they
were brought up to the Regiment for distribution. The
names of the owners were printed upon them. Not more
than half of those owners were here to claim them ! As the
men looked them over, and read the names, a feeling of
sadness came over them at this reminder of the terrible havoc
which the last five months had wrought.
" That's poor Ed's ; he wants no knapsack now !"
" This one belonged to. Charlie ; he was killed at Gaines
ville !"
" Here is Johnny's ; poor fellow ! He was shot through the
head at Bull Run !"
" This is Charley Stamp's ; he died game at South Moun
tain !"
" Here is Bill's ; he was killed at Antietam !"
Such were the expressions of the men, until the bronzed
soldier turned away with a heavy heart and tearful eye, from
those evidences of the awful work in which he was engaged.
Many garments were packed and sent home, as sad mementoes
to surviving friends, but many were left, never to be seen by
the friends of the honored dead again.

176 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
But camp life is not all gloom. Sad remembrances will
present themselves in a variety of forms ; but they are so
quickly succeeded by a counterpart, that, on the whole, camp
life averages, in point .of exciting sport, with most of the avo
cations of life.
There is always a set of men present in camp who make
a living by selling articles to the soldiers at exorbitant prices.
At Riker's Island we saw them sell a pistol to a boy for four
teen dollars, worth about five. At Camp Brightwood they
sold " Cal." Totman a bottle of "villainous compound," called
whiskey, for a dollar, worth, perhaps twenty-five cents. In
the case now in hand, the man offered boots for sale at exorbi
tant prices. The boys had an equitable interpretation of the
confiscation act, whether it was legal or not, and as this fellow
mentioned his prices, they concluded it a proper case wherein
to enforce confiscation. Some one cried out, " Rim ! rim !
rim !" This was caught up by others, until the cry went
through the camp.
Now, " Rim," in camp, means, " Seize and confiscate."
" We rimmed that chap beautifully." " Didn't we rim that
Johnny garden, though !" " Hurra, boys, here's a fellow with
whisky ; let's rim him." These were the camp phrases ap
plied to confiscation.
" In the case at bar," as the lawyers say, the wagon -load of
boots was soon " rimmed," and the property that was to extort
enormous sums from the men proved an unprofitable invest
ment. Report was made at headquarters, where these army
leeches were as thoroughly detested as in the ranks. It was
necessary, however, to investigate the matter. The Major, a
Captain and a Lieutenant were appointed a commission to
examine the tents and bring to trial any man found with the
confiscated property. Notice was given in due form to the
orderlies, who in turn promulgated the order to the men to be

Leaving Maryland. 177
ready for the inspection of their tents. Of course the men
were soon ready, and no boots were found, though every tent
was looked into. A few days after, the men looked much
better in the new boots they had just " purchased."
October 28th. — Everything being in readiness, the troops
commenced moving over the pontoon bridges into Virginia.
It was with some regret that the army left the loyal, or at
least semi-loyal, atmosphere of Maryland, for bitter-secession
Virginia. This State has been called the " Mother of Presi
dents ;" but the Seventy-sixth had found her the breeder of
vile reptiles instead, which hissed and thrust their poisonous
fangs into the national existence, until the men began to con
clude that the fact that her sons had become Presidents was
attributable more directly to their cunning intrigue in securing
place, than any royal blood that run in the veins of the now
disloyal mother. It was not, therefore, without regrets that
the men again set foot upon her " sacred soil." But soldiers
have no discretion, and on they went, until they had marched
ten miles into the State. Here the Regiment remained two
clays. On the first day of November, the Brigade was sent about
fifteen miles to Snicker's Gap, to prevent an attack from the
enemy in that direction. It was only accompanied by a cav
alry force under General Pleasanton, and remained three days
from six to ten miles in advance of the main army. The
enemy was at that time on the west side of the Blue Ridge, in
the Valley of the Shenandoah.
The Brigade to which the Seventy-sixth was attached, was,
at this time, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Hofmann, of
the Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, a most gallant officer.
During the three days that it was supporting General Pleas
anton, it was continually more or less under fire. The cavalry
would go out and stir up the rebels, as the dog starts up the
M

178 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
game, then, retreating to its supports, the infantry would pour
in such deadly volleys that the rebels would in turn retreat.
These gaps in the mountains were important points, and no
good general could be induced to march past them without
so securing them that the rebels could not come through and
cut off his supplies. It was for this purpose that General
Pleasanton and Hofmann's Brigade were sent out. Each of
these gaps was guarded by rebel skirmishers, with strong re
serves, and each was in turn taken and held by General
Pleasanton. At Ashby's" Gap, our Brigade did the work; nobly. De
ployed as skirmishers, they advanced slowly up the well
wooded sides of the narrow opening, drove in the enemy's
pickets, rallied on our own reserves, and advanced in line of
battle, had a sharp fight with the rebel reserves, and finally
drove them altogether out of this important passage.
Here, as everywhere else during the war, the negroes ren
dered signal service by acting as guides.
While at Ashby's Gap, an incident occurred, which illus
trates the estimation in which the Seventy-sixth Regiment
was held by the Brigade Commander.
Colonel Hofmann had advanced with the Fifty-sixth Penn
sylvania, and Ninety-fifth New York to take a battery, leaving
the Seventy-sixth as a reserve. He failed in the attempt, and
openly declared that if he had taken the Seventy-sixth, in the
place of either of the others, he could have taken the battery.
The enemy were finally driven through Ashby's Gap, and
thus ended the running fire which had been kept up for three
days, and extended over from twelve to fifteen miles.
November Bd. — The cavalry and Brigade of infantry, hav
ing accomplished the object in view in their detail, joined the
Division near Union. The Seventy-sixth was here detailed to
guard the rebel property, which they did to the entire satis-

• Guarding Rebel Property. 179
faction of their loyal selves, whether they satisfied the disloyal
owners or not.
A region visited by an army, is generally left in some such
a plight as Egypt after the locusts had swarmed over it. The
neighborhood of Union had felt very little of the devastating
influences of war. Nestled at the foot of the eastern slope of
the Blue Ridge, in the rich and beautiful valley between that
range and the Bull Run Mountains, at some distance from any
public thoroughfare, it had thus far escaped the bitter experi
ences of other portions of the " Mother of Presidents." It
was, therefore, literally " overflowing with milk and honey."
But, with all its blessings, the inhabitants had forgotten their
allegiance to the Government that had protected them, and,
except as policy dictated, made no secret of their sympathy
for the rebel cause. The privates in the army understood
that such men were entitled to no particular protection from
the Union forces ; indeed, they very properly supposed that
the fat poultry, and pigs, and mutton, which abounded there
would quite as properly feed the Union soldiery, as its secesh
owners, while the honey in the neighborhood would add a
relish to hard tack not to be ignored.
It was difficult for Union soldiers to stand guard over rebel
property, while its gouty owner sat on his porch talking dis
loyalty, and his daughters turned up their aristocratic noses
and flirted contemptuously by, as though their protectors were
beneath their notice. But poultry and honey furnish an ex
cellent panacea for all such insults and wounded feelings, and
the men of the Seventy-sixth applied the remedy skilfully
and in allopathic doses.
One old secessionist had himself stood guard over his swarms
of bees during the day, not quite liking the protection which
his conscience told him the Union army should give them.
They stood upon a rack in his yard, and had attracted the at-

180 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y.«V.
tention of our men. About four o'clock in the morning,
fearing the old man might have fallen asleep, and his bees not
properly guarded, Lieutenant Myers, with a proper guard,
visited the premises. The rack had disappeared, and with it
the hives of bees. Fearing that their services might have
been tendered too late, they visited the wood-house in search
of the lost property ; but after stumbling over divers boxes,
casks, and piles of wood, their convictions were strengthened
that the honey had escaped their guardian care. At last, as
they were about leaving the premises, they cast a lingering
look behind, when they discovered the bee rack against the
window of the bedroom where its owner slept, and on the
rack was one solitary hive. The window was open, and the
hive was convenient ; but so was the old gentleman. Honey
is sweet, and so was the sleep which the old man was enjoy
ing, so they took the one and left the other to its owner.
This hive of honey, after the bees were smoked out, sweetened
many a ration for the Regiment, while the description of its
capture deprived it of none of its sweetness.
In the earlier part of the same night, certain poultry yards
had been guarded in much the same manner.
" Mister," said Frank F. Pratt, of Company A, accompa
nied by a squad, " have you any chickens ?"
" I have a few," replied the secessionist, " and will sell them
to you."
" Where are they ?"
" Out in those trees," said "secesh." " There, you climb up
and get what you want, and then you can go up and do the
same," pointing first to one and then to another of the boys.
This was too slow a process ; so the boys all climbed up
together, each taking a separate tree. No sooner had they
seized those nearest them, than the others flew away.

Foraging. 181
" Hallo, there ! here go the chickens," shouted " secesh,"
as he rushed off in pursuit of the wanderers. ,
The men descended, but the proprietor was gone, and time
was precious. They could not wait to pay.
The boys always justified themselves with the proposition
that if a man leaves his ninety and nine chickens in the tree,
to seek the one that flies away, he has no right to complain at
the absence of the ninety-nine thus abandoned, when he shall
again return.
Similar experiences were not wanting with reference to all
the delicacies, as well as substantials, necessary to make camp
life pleasant.
The men were congratulating themselves upon a little quiet
camp life in this region of plenty, when, after a stay of twen
ty-four hours, the order came to march !
The honey was stored in all descriptions of receptacles —
oyster and milk cans, sardine-boxes, and whatever was at hand
that was honey-proof, while the supply of chickens packed in
haversacks and knapsacks precluded the necessity for the usual
order to distribute three days' rations. Could a vote have
been taken in the army at this time, there would have been
very few dissenting voices to General Pope's order to forage
and subsist on the enemy.
So bitterly opposed to the Union army and cause were the
people of this region, that one gouty old land owner, seeing
the boys drinking and filling their canteens at his well, rushed
out and took the handle from the pump, and carried it into
the house, and then, with the effrontery peculiar to Virginians,
went to headquarters and asked for, and actually obtained, a
guard to protect his private property !
Another incident is related to us by a friend, where a sol
dier, at a later period of the war, entered a house and asked

182 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
for milk, offering to pay for the same. The " daughter of
Virginia " refused him, on the ground that she had none.
This he did not believe, and it was not until he had threat
ened to demolish her piano with the butt of his musket, that
she produced milk in plenty from under her bed. Most people
will agree with us in saying that he was a generous soldier who
insisted upon paying for the milk he thus obtained.

CHAPTER XV.
March to Warrenton— " What Guns Do You Carry?"— Snow Storm— General
McClellan Leaves the Army— Colonel Wainwright Returns to the Regiment
—Warrenton to Falmouth— Continually Changing— Arrive at Fredericksbueo
—Another Battle Imminent.
On the morning of November third, the Regiment took up
its line of march, and continued on until nine o'clock P. M.,
when it arrived at a little village called Upperville, where a
rest of a three days was given. The weather had now become
cold, and the men suffered severely.
Nothing noteworthy occurred, except hard marching, until
the Regiment reached Warrenton, on the sixth of November.
The last day before reaching that place, the men marched
eighteen miles, and were extremely pleased to receive the
orders to halt and go into camp. Though weary with march
ing, the Regiment entered Warrenton with much lighter
hearts than when two months and a half before, they retreated
through its streets. The rebels had very lately been here, and
about four hundred of its wounded were still in its hospital.
While at a halt in the streets of Warrenton, the Seventy-
sixth chanced to be directly in front of a building occupied as
a rebel hospital. The windows were filled with rebels, anx
ious to get a view of our troops.
"What regiment is that?" shouted a "Johnny," from a
window.

184 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
" Seventy-sixth New York," was the proud reply.
" Is that so ? Then you are the cusses that gave it to us so
at Gainesville. Say, boys, what kind of guns be them you
carry ?"
" Come down and look at them, if you would like to know."
" Wall, I'd like to know, for I reckon they are different
from any other, for they send a bullet through seven men at
once if they stand in a row."
A pause, and then another voice shouts from a different
window : —
"Say, you fellers, which of you sp'ilt the leg of General
Ewell, hey?"
But no one in the Seventy-sixth could answer. It might
"have been any one in the Regiment, for that volley leaped from
every gun, as if from one, and General Ewell will never know
the man, though he must distinctly recollect the Regiment
which, at Gainesville," deprived him of a leg.
Passing on, the Regiment went into camp about two miles
from town, where it remained four days. While here the
Regiment encountered the first fall of snow. It was not one
of your half rain, half snow storms, such as had been wit
nessed the winter before in Washington ; but a regular
Northern snow storm, wherein the snow fell a foot deep.
Colonel Wainwright here resumed command of the Regi
ment, having partially recovered from the effects of the wound
received at South Mountain.
At Warrenton, General McClellan was relieved of his com
mand of the army. The parting scene was truly affecting.
General McClellan was a kind-hearted man, and as such,
endeared himself to the men ; and now, as he rode along
the lines, the demonstrations of the men must have in some
measure, quieted his sensitive mind, naturally annoyed at
being dismissed at such a time as this. He who has the hard-

General McClellan Relieved. 185
ihood to declare that General McClellan had no good traits of
character, even for a general, does himself injustice. No gen
eral ever exhibited a better faculty for winning the confidence
and esteem of his men ; none ever took better care of his
troops; few excelled him in organizing an army; but still,
the fact was patent that he was an unsuccessful general on the
march and in the field. Those unacquainted with military
science, may not be able to point out accurately the defects in
his military character ; but there certainly was wanting the
necessary element, success. A general may be an excellent
draughtsman, and make splendid maps of intended operations ;
he may be skilled in engineering, and detect in a moment the
salient points in a given fortification ; he may understand per
fectly the science of approaches by parallels ; but if he fails
when he takes the field ; if he tires the people by his dilatory
marches, and fails to reap the results of repeated victories, the
people will consider him, and history will write him, a failure !
With all his good qualities, the halting at Yorktown ; the fail
ure at Richmond ; the failure to give support to Pope, and the
neglect to gather the fruits which the heroism of our gallant
soldiery placed in his power at South Mountain and Antietam,
must ever arise to accuse General McClellan.
November 11th. — The Regiment to-day marched about
seven miles to Fayetteville. This place consisted of one log
barn, tottering into dilapidation, one small frame house, two or
three small whitewashed negro quarters, and four or five
aged apple trees ! One of the most striking contrasts be
tween the vigorous North and sleepy South is found in the
villages of the two sections. At the North, wherever a little
village springs up, there is life and activity, and evidences of
industry and thrift ; at the South, the villages on the map
may be as numerous, with more celebrated names ; but when
visited, they are found to be thriftless and, like the western

186 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
cities during the rush of speculators, existing chiefly on paper.
The same remark applies to the Southern cities. What at
the North would be considered a fair specimen of a broken-
down manufacturing town, where some visionary speculator
had spent a fortune in building up a town, and then become
a bankrupt, while his town resolved itself back to a wilder
ness, the Southrons dub " city," mistaking the results of want
of energy, for evidences of antiquated aristocracy. Slavery
dragged the South down — freedom built up the North.
Slavery is dead, and freedom reigns universal, and the South
will yet thank the " Yankee horde " who overran their terri
tory, achieving for the South an inestimable victory over their
superstitions — a victory which the direful institution of human
slavery prevented them from achieving for themselves.
Four days of halting at Fayetteville, and away went the
troops for Falmouth. The enemy was at this time marching
down from west of the Blue Ridge to a position south of the
Rappahannock. Two days of hard marching through the rain and mud, a
bivouac in a swamp for two days, until the water actually
drove the troops away, and then another day's march brought
the Regiment to " Brooks's Station," on the railroad from
Aquia Creek to Fredericksburg. This is the same point at
which, just six months before, the Seventy-sixth bivouacked
for the night after its first day's march in Virginia.
It was now exceedingly cold, and during the few days the
Regiment remained at Brooks's Station the men were busy in
the endeavor to make themselves comfortable. This was
scarcely accomplished, when the Seventy-sixth was ordered to
Aquia Creek, on guard. Here the effort to be comfortable
was repeated ; but just as the men began to feel at home, the
order to march was again given, and away they went to Fred
ericksburg.

CHAPTER XVI.
Crossing the Rappahannock— Battle of Fredericksburg— Heroic Charge of
Doubleday's Division— Lieutenant Crandall Killed— The Rebels Driven from
a Strong Position— Seventy-sixth Guards the Battery— Night Fight— Inci
dents and Instances of Bravery— Skilful Retreat of General Burnside—
Tom Sees "De Ole House Agin "—Getting into Camp— Winter Quarters— Gen
eral Doubleday Transferred to Another Command— His Farewell Address-
Corduroying. December 11th. — All was bustle and excitement. The pon
toons, which should have been here long ago, had at length
arrived, and were moving toward the river. The movements
all indicated that the foes who had so often met, with changing
success, for the past six months, were very soon to renew their
acquaintance. December 12th. — This afternoon the Seventy-sixth crossed
the Rappahannock with the Brigade, at the lower pontoon
bridge, which it was detailed to guard. The whole army was
at this time under command of General Burnside. The First
Corps, to which the Seventy-sixth was attached, was under
General Reynolds, afterward killed at Gettysburg. The Sixth
Corps was under command of General Smith, and, with the
First Corps, constituted the left Grand Division, under Gene
ral Franklin. The place selected for its crossing was about
three miles below the city, where, after ascending a steep bank
by the river, the surface spread out into a broad plain toward
the rebel heights.

188 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V. •
Early on the morning of the eleventh, the pontoons were
brought down to the river's brink and laid, one bridge by the
Fifteenth New York Engineers, and the other by the United
States Engineers, while the cannon stood,*' heavily shotted,
upon commanding eminences, threatening destruction to the
enemy in case he attempted to interfere with the workmen.
No, duty requires more real courage than the laying of
bridges, in the face of the foe. The excitements of the field
prepare the soldier for the severest charge ; but the engineers,
without the stimulus of excitement, must march down to the
stream, though the rebel pickets and sharpshooters threaten on
the other shore. The bridges were, however, laid, and to-day
crossed in the face of the enemy.
Our forces have been shelling the city of Fredericksburg,
but as yet have elicited no reply. The signs are ominous for
to-morrow !
The Seventy-sixth was ordered to guard the bridge to pre
vent any retreat of stragglers or others, even at the point of
the bayonet, as the General said, because this Regiment could
be depended upon in any emergency.
After the experience of the past few months, the glory of
being shot at was not very highly prized. The men rather
considered it good fortune when obedience to orders required
their presence at a point not particularly exposed ; and though
in all the record of the Seventy-sixth, no instance can be found
where, as a regiment, it sought to avoid the performance of
its whole duty, yet the truth impels us to do justice to that
common instinct which there, as elsewhere, preferred safety
to danger.
Early in the morning, December thirteenth, firing com
menced all along the lines, and it soon became apparent that
a severe engagement was about to take place. The Seventy-
sixth was congratulating itself upon its good fortune in

Death of Lieutenant Crandall. 189
escaping a participation in the dangers of the fight, when,
about nine o'clock, orders were received to join the Division
moving to the front.
The fighting in this battle was mostly done with artillery,
yet in very few engagements have the casualties been greater
than in this. The ground was particularly favorable to the
rebels, and correspondingly unfavorable to us. The Union
army was obliged to march over a broad plain, without the
least protection, while the rebels occupied a commanding em
inence, from which they could pour their destructive fire over
the whole plain below.
Doubleday's Division formed the extreme left of the whole
army, and our Brigade, commanded by Colonel Cutler, formed
the right of the Division.
The battle raged from about nine A. M., until eight P. M.,
without cessation,' — our men exposed to a most destructive fire
for eleven hours, without the power to inflict any adequate
chastisement upon the enemy. The rebels were posted upon
a range of hills forming nearly a semi-circle, and in the deadly
focus was the Division of General Doubleday. The shot and
shell came from the front and each flank, and some, at times,
from near the rear, so favorable was the ground to the rebels.
Shortly after marching into line, the enemy were discovered
on the left of the Division, in a ravine that ran down to the
river, which, being skirted by dense wood, was peculiarly well-
protected. Doubleday's Division was ordered to drive them
from this strongly-intrenched position. As the Division faced
to the left, it was subjected to a galling flank fire from the
rebel batteries on the hill.
It was at this time that Lieutenant Crandall, of Company
B, was killed by what, in military language, is called a
ricochet shot. The ground was frozen, and the enemy fired
at such an angle that the balls came bounding along over the
plain, one of which struck Lieutenant Crandall.

190 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
Previous to crossing the river, an order had been received
to detail one officer from the Seventy-sixth, to remain on the
north side of the river, and care for the wounded at the hos
pital. Lieutenant Crandall was detailed for this duty. On
hearing of the order, and that his Company was going forward,
he went to Colonel Wainwright, and requested, if his men
were to go into battle, that he might accompany them. His
gallant conduct at South Mountain, where he was wounded,
did not make this request necessary to establish his character
as a soldier. Every one in the Regiment knew him as one of
the truest men that ever drew a sword in defense of the right.
Quiet, gentlemanly, educated, conscientious, he possessed just
those qualities which could not fail to endear him to every one
with whom he became acquainted. He had left a lucrative
business, a beautiful young wife to whom he was just married,
and all that made life desirable, to march at the call of his
country to her defense. When he made his request, the
Colonel at first hesitated, but observing the Lieutenant's anx
iety, he finally yielded, and substituted another to remain.
With those frowning cannon in front, it was not difficult to
find one who would consent to act as a substitute. The line
of battle had just been formed, when the bounding ball struck
the brave Lieutenant, carrying away a large portion of his
head. He was carried to the rear by Corporal C. V. Fuller,
who stood near him at the time, and there, on the southern
bank of the Rappahannock, beneath a wide-spreading oak,
rests the broken vase that contained one of America's truest
and best. A species of courage is sometimes found in bad
men ; but here was an instance of that genuine moral courage
that dared anything and everything, because by so doing he
was aiding the right. To Lieutenant Crandall, conscience and
courage were synonymous. Peace to the memory of Chauncey
D. Crandall.

Gallant Charge. 191
It was a brilliant charge made by General Doubleday's
Division, at the opening of which Lieutenant Crandall was
killed. Over that broad plain, with a severe fire of shot and
shell in front, and from the batteries on the right, which, dis
covering the movement, attempted by sharp flank firing to
prevent it, up the ascent to the thicket, from which poured
the deadly fire, rushed this tried Division. It was a severe
test of the soldier ; but they were soon amply rewarded' by
seeing the enemy retreat in haste, leaving General Doubleday
in possession of this portion of the field.
Night at last cast her mantle over the scenes of that san
guinary field, and the men needed, as they anScipated, rest.
But army anticipations are very unreal. Just as darkness
came on, two regiments that had been sent to support an im
portant battery, returned with a request that General Doub
leday send two regiments which could be relied upon in any
emergency, as it was expected the enemy would attack and
attempt to capture the battery during the night. The Gene
ral honored the Seventy-sixth New York and Second
Wisconsin with the order to support that battery. To fight
all day in such a position, has no particular relish in it. After
eleven hours hard fighting, to stand guard all night, does not
heighten the relish.
Scarcely had these regiments stumbled through the darkness
to their position as supports, when the heavens were lighted
up, and the grape, canister and solid shot fell like hail about
them. The enemy had several small pieces, which they would
load, run up near our lines in the darkness, discharge the vol
ley, then retreat hastily to repeat the movement. This was
kept up for about half an hour, our men only protecting
themselves by falling flat upon the ground, and even then
quite a number were wounded. The importance of the po
sition having attracted the attention of General Reynolds, he

192 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
sent several Regiments to the support of the battery, and the
Seventy-sixth was withdrawn.
During the firing, Captain Swan, of Company H, was
nearly blinded by the dirt thrown by a charge of canister
falling within a few feet of him. Though he could see noth
ing, he managed to crawl over a ditch and fence, when, getting
the dirt out of his eyes somewhat, he succeeded in overtaking
his company, and was led from the field.
Sergeant-Major (afterwards Adjutant) Hubert Carpenter
was here wounded by a canister shot in the forehead, and was
sent to the hospital over the river. In the morning he
returned to the Regiment, his head badly swollen, and asked
the privilege of taking his position in the line ; but Colonel
Wainwright felt constrained, in view of the wound of the
young hero, to order him back to the hospital. It is not sur
prising that such bravery should promote the private to one
of the most important positions in the Regiment.
During this engagement, Henry McFall, of Company F,
fell mortally wounded in the thigh, by the bursting of a shell.
Colonel Wainwright says of him : — " He was attended to very
bravely, under fire, by a little Assistant-Surgeon of the Nine
ty-fifth New York. Probably he sank under the shock, for
he died very shortly. On leaving, the brave fellow called out
cheerfully, ' Good-bye, Colonel,' evidently, as I thought, with
the intention of keeping up the spirits of his comrades. I
have always admired him, and should like to know how his
family are doing."
The Seventy-sixth went into this battle with one hundred
and twelve privates, and of this handful eleven were killed
and wounded.
It was expected the next day would witness a renewal of
this awful carnage ; but it passed quietly, with the exception
of an occasional salute from a solitary Whitworth gun. The

Retreat from Fredericksburg. 193
next day (Monday) was passed in about the same manner.
The fighting had been terrific along the whole line. The
enemy had witnessed the bravery and strength of the North
ern army, and that army respected the position and strength
of the enemy ; and there, for two days, the opposing armies
stood, like two giants of equal strength, neither desiring to
to renew the conflict.
At length, on Monday night, December 15th, General
Burnside having decided that the position of the enemy was
impregnable, ordered a retreat to the north side of the Rap
pahannock. History will be searched in vain for the record
of a more skillful retreat. So well was it executed, that the
next morning when the rebels awoke expecting to find our
army in their front, they beheld in amazement the vacant
field, and the river unbridged by pontoons.
Whether this failure is chargeable to General Burnside, or
to the delay of the Quartermaster-General in furnishing pon
toons, we, of course, cannot decide ; but time, and impartial
history will, no doubt, reveal the facts.
During the stay of the Seventy-sixth at Fredericksburg,
when first there, many " contrabands " came into our lines
and claimed food and protection, several of whom remained
with the Regiment. Among the more notable were " Old
Archy," " Tom," and " Bill." The latter two were quite
small boys when they first came, but three years with the
Regiment worked a wonderful change. Tom belonged to
a family living in a mansion three miles below Fredericks
burg. This mansion was used as a hospital during the battle.
Often during the marches, as the Regiment approached Fred
ericksburg, Tom, with the same feelings that animate white
men on nearing home after a long absence, would exclaim : —
" I'se gwine home to de ole house agin !"
N

194 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
He was laughed at, and assured he would never see home

" You '11 see," said Tom. " I'se gwine to see de ole house
agin ! Wonder if Mas'r '11 be dar ?"
Tom knew no fear. During the hottest of the artillery fire,
when the heavens were full of the deadly missiles, he insisted
on remaining with Captain Swan, his employer. When sent
back by the Captain, he would return under some pretense,
to see if "Massa didn't want suffin." Did the Captain
scowl at Tom's persistent efforts, his frowns would turn to
smiles at Tom's bow, and " Cap'n, I thought you might want
dis coffee, so I brung it." Finally, during the heat of the
battle, aud after Doubleday's Division had driven the enemy
a mile or more, there appeared an old house between the two
lines. Tom was missing an hour when he again appeared.
"Where have you been Tom?" inquired the Captain.
" The men said you had turned reb., and gone over to them."
" No, sar. Tom don't do dat ting ! I'se bin down dar to
de ole house."
" What have you been there for ?"
" 'Kase, dat 's de ole home ! Tole ye all de time I'se gwine
to see de ole house agin !"
Who says that under that dark surface which could thus
brave the tempest of fire from both armies to obey a human
instinct, there is not genuine humanity ? Let the lie that " the
negro is not human " remain unspoken.
Tom probably never saw " de ole house agin, " for he re
treated with the company, and was taken prisoner the next
summer, by the rebels, and that was generally equivalent to
death. A day or two after the retreat, the Seventy-sixth marched
a short distance to a wood, and for the third time commenced
to erect winter quarters. Before much progress had been

Winter Quarters. 195
made, they were marched about ten miles further to the Poto
mac, near Belle Plain. Camp was regularly laid out, and
building again commenced, when another march of two miles
up the river brought them to a thick, tangled wood. This
proved to be the real " winter quarters " which the men had
so much desired. They set briskly at work, and soon a city of
log houses, surmounted with canvas, rewarded their industry.
The troops were now hid away in the woods which cover
the rough and broken grounds lying between Aquia Creek,
Belle Plain and Fredericksburg. With the exception of now
and then a " Poor White," who had hidden himself from the
world in these pineries, it was a howling wilderness. The
trees were from four to ten inches in diameter, showing that
some time had elapsed since the " chivalry " overlooked their
colored brethren — literally speaking — as they grubbed and
hoed the last crop of corn on this land, and yet the rows of
corn hills at this day, on removing the forest, are plainly visible.
A vast change had come over the men since they first went
into camp at Meridian Hill, less than a year before. Then
the cloth tents went up awkwardly, the smoke of their sheet
iron stoves wonderfully disturbed the equanimity of their
owners, and fresh bread was considered a necessity. Now,
stoves were not thought of, but the men were evidently as
much at home, if not as happy, while sitting around their little
fireplaces in their log huts, as when they used to sit in their
quiet Northern homes on a winter evening, and hard tack had
become a fixed institution.
The men were, for the first fortnight engaged in erecting
their tents, and clearing the drill grounds, policing and pre
paring generally for winter. Then came the drill, interspersed
with court martials, until the soldiers, even in winter quarters,
found their time well employed. Leisure hours were passed
very agreeably in visiting old acquaintances in the Tenth

196 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
New York Cavalry, Fiftieth New York Engineers, One Hun
dred and Fifty-seventh New York Volunteers, and other New
York regiments.
While stationed at this point, our Division was pained at
losing their brave commander. By priority of rank, General
Doubleday was transferred to another division of the same
Corps, and General Wadsworth given the command of our
Division. The men were familiar with the principles of General
Wadsworth, and approved them ; but their first experiences
in battle were under and with General Doubleday, and they
parted with him with regret. General Doubleday was one of
those true men who went to the war from principle; With
comprehensive views of the questions involved, and the causes
of the war, "and a clear conception of the character of
the rebel leaders, and the personal motives which actuated
them, he believed what every one now realizes, that the kid-
glove style of treating them would never accomplish anything
for the Union. With him, compromise was disloyalty and
death to the Government. General Doubleday had fired the
first gun from Sumter, and there learned lessons which were
never forgotten. Men of different political views, and look
ing at this war from a different stand-point — men who could
walk the streets at night in deep study whether to espouse the
cause of the Union or the Confederacy, and the next day, on
the receipt of a commission or important command, "mouth
it " for the Union equally with the most ranting politician,
looked upon General Doubleday as an impolitic radical, and
threw every possible obstacle in his way. But the officers and
men who had witnessed his noble daring at Rappahannock,
Gainesville,. Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam and Fred
ericksburg, and were most intimately acquainted with him,
knew but to love him.

General Doubleday Transferred. 197
On taking leave of the Division, the General issued the fol
lowing brief address :
" In taking leave of this command, I desire to say one word of farewell.
Wherever the service may call me, and whatever may be my future lot, I
shall never forget the ties which bind me to this Brigade and this Division.
I shall never cease to remember the brave men who stood by my side in
some of the most stupendous battles the world ever saw. Men who fought
against such heavy odds at Gainesville and the first day at Bull Run — who
stormed the hights at South Mountain, took eight standards from the enemy
at Antietam, and held their ground so bravely at Fredericksburg, have won
my admiration and regard. I am happy to have fought by their side, and
proud of the honor of having commanded them. I wish them now at
parting, individually and collectively, all honor and success."
It was natural that the men who had followed him through
the terrible marches and scenes of difficulty and danger, on
the retreat saved by his skill, and by the same skill and cour
age, led by him to victory, and who had become proud of their
leader, should experience deep regret at parting.
Road-making and corduroying were now the order. Vir
ginia roads made in the usual method, are very unserviceable
in the army. Detachments were, therefore, sent out daily
from the different brigades, to build these corduroy roads, and
General Wadsworth, who had the idea that honest labor is not
degrading, frequently personally superintended the work, and
occasionally gave the men a little aid, to show them how it
should be done. To see a major-general condescend to assist
in road-building, was rather gratifying to the democratic ideas
of the privates, and, out of respect, they christened him. "Old
Corduroy." We have no record of the name they gave him
when, at the second Fredericksburg fight, he rode across the
Rappahannock in one of the first boats sent out to drive the
rebel sharpshooters from the opposite bank, swimming his
horse across the river. However much he prized a good road
over which to travel, there was the best of evidence that he

198 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
was by no means particular when the object was to get at the
rebels. The regret at parting with General Doubleday was very
much alleviated by a more intimate acquaintance with Gene
ral Wadsworth.
Even winter quarters afforded no sure guaranty against
the inevitable order to march, which always came when the
men had prepared to stay.

CHAPTER XVII.
A Forward Movement — The "Mud March" of Burnside— Incidents and De
scriptions—Discipline—Furloughs—The Sick Sergeant  General Burnside
Relieved by General Hooker — Review of the Army by President Lincoln.
January 20th, 1863. — General Burnside, anxious to retrieve
his reputation as a General, resolved upon a winter campaign.
He, therefore, issued the following order, which was joyfully
received by the troops, now tired of the dull routine of camp
life:— Headquarters Army of the Potomac, )
Camp Near Falmouth, Va., Jan. 20th, 1863. J
General Orders, No. 7.
The Commanding General announces to the Army of the Potomac, that
they are about to meet the enemy once more. The late brilliant actions in
North Carolina, Tennessee and Arkansas, have divided and weakened the
enemy on the Rappahannock, and the auspicious moment seems to have
arrived to strike a great and mortal blow at the rebellion, and to gain that
decisive victory which is due to the country. Let the gallant soldiers of so
many brilliant battle-fields accomplish this achievement, and a fame the
most glorious awaits them.
The Commanding General calls for the firm and united action of officers
and men, and, under the providence of God, the Army of the Potomac will
have taken the great step towards restoring peace to the country, and the
Government to its rightful authority. By command of
MAJOR-GENERAL BURNSIDE.
Lewis Richmond, Assistant Adjutant-General

200 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
The Army of the Potomac was again on the march toward
the enemy. The men were never in better spirits. They felt
assured that this time they were to cross the Rappahannock in
the face of the foe, and. there attack him ; but the hope of
success gave elasticity to their steps, and buoyancy to their
spirits, as they rushed southward.
The roads were in good condition, but about four P. M. the
rain began to fall in torrents — not one of those warm, refresh
ing rains that the men relish on the dusty march ; but a cold,
driving rain, that not only saturated the clothing, but cut the
faces of the soldiers as they staggered forward. The Virginia
roads were in a few hours converted into quagmires, through
which it required the greatest energy and perseverance to
drag the heavy trains of army wagons and artillery, at the
rate of a mile an hour. It was after dark before the Aquia
Creek and Fredericksburg Railroad was reached, at Stone
man's Switch. Here the brigades went into camp, building
huge fires around which the troops gathered, eager to warm
and dry themselves, only to lie down in the mud and rain for
the night. The rain continued unabated, and the prospect of
sleep was anything but flattering.
To add to the horrors of the night, the wind blew a perfect
gale. All night the creaking of the trees, the flapping of the
canvas of officers' tents, the orders to the guards to pin down
the canvas, and the torrents of rain descending, drove sleep
from the eyes of the weary soldiers.
The next morning, after a hasty and half-cooked breakfast,
the men continued their wade to glory. The rain had not
ceased nor abated. Ordinary mud-holes became little lakes ;
unpretending ditches were suddenly transformed to large
creeks, and the men actually waded the whole distance of
their march. Frequently their shoes would become detached
from their feet in the mire. Search for them was in vain, and

The "Mud March." 201
thus the men plodded on, sometimes with one shoe, and again
with neither. The supply, artillery, and pontoon trains were
with great difficulty moved along at all. Now, a horse, from
sheer exhaustion, lay down in his harness, and could be in
duced to go no farther. Then a mule, immersed in mud,
discouraged and exhausted, unheeding those oaths of mule-
drivers never equaled in civil life, unmindful alike of
" ye-ape's " and cruel blows, sank down in the mud and fur
nished its body to corduroy the road.
About three P. M., the Brigade reached the place selected
for its night bivouac, having waded five miles. The trains
did not, however, arrive until the next day. The whole
country in this vicinity was full of troops, and one with half
the experience of our men, would not be long in concluding
that a general battle was intended. The supply trains having
been left behind in their old parks, the men were obliged to
subsist on the contents of their haversacks, and the country
around them. They now had time to erect their shelter tents,
which they did in a beautiful grove, and though the ground
was wet, and the January weather not very favorable to com
fort, the men felt comparatively contented. Here the army
remained stationary over the twenty-second of January ; not,
however, unemployed. The arms being in bad condition,
were cleaned and polished, clothing dried and cleaned, and the
army put in order for the expected battle of the morrow.
If it rained on the south side of the Rappahannock as on
the north, the facetious rebel was not without good reason for
writing the sign and placing it in sight of our troops : — ¦
"Burnside Stuck in the Mud!"
January 23d. — This day was to have witnessed a forward
movement to the river, but a short distance, and then a hand
to hand fight with a foe that hitherto had ever proven too
strong for our army in Virginia. It seemed that the moment

202 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
they touched Virginia, they became possessed of a spell, or
our army was shorn of its strength. But instead of "forward,"
came the order " about face," and our army, thwarted by the
elements, was on its way back to the old camping-ground.
The sights which everywhere presented themselves were
strange mixtures of the painful and ludicrous. Shipwrecked-
wagons, dead and dying mules and horses, heavy pontoons
stuck in the mud, guns slowly moving along, hauled by double
the usual teams, imparted a most desolate and woe-begone ap
pearance to the whole affair.
The army which, but three days before had so cheerfully
shuffled off the ennui of camp life, now marched as cheerfully
back from the bitter experiences of those three days.
Only about thirty men and a few officers of the Seventy-
sixth, arrived with the Colonel at the old camp, the remainder
being scattered for miles along the road. They, however,
arrived during that day and the next.
The same lawless vandalism which usually attacks a
deserted camp, had made sad havoc with the camp of the
Seventy-sixth, carrying away boards, doors, split logs, and
even log cabins ; but the men were not long in repairing the
damage. Back again in camp, the Regiment continued that drill
which Colonel Wainwright deemed so essential to the success
ful soldier. . The recruit may possess true courage, and the
enthusiasm of the first campaign may carry him through
creditably ; but when he settles down to the actual life of the
soldier ; when fighting becomes a business, and enthusiasm
and thirst for glory have, in a measure, given place to other
emotions, the value of drill and discipline cannot be over-esti
mated. Hence it was that day after day was passed by the
officers, commissioned and non-commissioned, in studying the
tactics. A commodious log school-room was erected, and here

Discipline. 203
the principles of disciplining, marching and fighting men,
were studied, recitations heard, suggestions and explanations
made, etc. These officers thus educated were required to
communicate the instructions to the men under their imme
diate command, and thus the Seventy-sixth became one of the
best-drilled regiments in the service, and was a source of pride
and satisfaction to Colonel Wainwright.
" How is it, Colonel Wainwright," said Colonel Biddle, the
venerable commander of the Ninety-fifth New York, "when
I come among your men, they all salute- me, and show that
respect due my rank, while, when I go out among my d  d
hounds, they begin instead to cry, ' Clams ! Clams !' " No
more gratifying contrast could have been presented to our
Colonel. Though in civil life, all who properly conduct them
selves, are equal, yet such familiarity is very destructive to
discipline in the army.
This army was made up of fragments of armies which had
been successful in North Carolina, storming and carrying
Forts Hatteras, Clark, Macon, and the defenses of Newbern ;
fought bravely on the peninsula, and in Pope's retreat, and
finally hurled the enemy from Maryland, and it felt keenly
the disgrace of a drawn battle at Fredericksburg, and the
recent defeat by the elements. Though they had enjoyed
enough of battle to satisfy their " thirst for the 'fray," they
chafed under these defeats, and longed to meet the enemy in
a fair fight. It was necessary, however, to wait for this event
until Spring.
Furloughs were now granted to the men, but so few at a
time, that the chance of seeing home by that red tape process
was about as uncertain as a lottery ; and Yankee ingenuity
was often taxed to overcome that hesitation and uncertainty
which characterized this department. Men grew suddenly

204 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
sick, and nothing would save their lives but a trip home,
and the inhalation of Northern air ; and letters from friends
and family physicians urged the men home immediately, if
they would see their dying father, or other near relative.
A Sergeant of Company H, a hale, hearty fellow, became
dangerously sick. He was sure he would not live unless per
mitted to snuff the Northern breezes. Dr. Metcalfe,
Regimental Surgeon, kindly recommended a furlough, which
recommend, after being signed by the Colonel, was sent to
headquarters. Unfortunately for the Sergeant, the Brigade
Surgeon, whose signature only was wanting, declined signing
the petition, until he could see the man. Next morning he
proceeded to the camp of the Seventy-sixth, and, calling on
Dr. Metcalfe, went with him to the tent of the sick applicant.
Coming to the door, they knocked and were bid to come in.
Opening the door, they beheld the invalid at the table, with
a pile of wheat pancakes about eight inches high, swimming
in butter and sugar, steaming before him, while his mouth
was too full to readily respond to questions as to" his physical
condition. " My God, Dr. Metcalfe," exclaimed the surgeon ; " is that
your sick man ?"'
" I don't think," replied Dr. Metcalfe, as he turned to leave,
" that is the man. He must be out."
The doctors enjoyed the joke, but the sergeant recovered
without the trip North, and immediately on finishing his
breakfast, reported to Captain Swan for duty, laughingly re
marking that he soon got well, after being attended by two
physicians at once.
On the return of the army from the " mud march," Gene
ral Burnside was relieved by General Hooker, (January
twenty-sixth, 1863.)
One of General Hooker's first acts was the issue of an order

Abraham Lincoln. 205
that the number of absentees be returned to his headquarters,
when it was ascertained that the number, absent from that
army was two thousand nine hundred and twenty-two com
missioned officers, and eighty-one thousand nine hundred and
sixty-four non-commissioned officers and privates. Many of
these were absent from causes unknown. This was followed
by such action on the part of the new commander, as seemed
best calculated to prevent desertions — now very prevalent.
Those arrested on that charge were tried and punished. The
cavalry, heretofore very inefficient, was consolidated, and ren
dered highly useful. Whenever the roads or rivers would
permit, expeditions were sent out, and thus this hitherto unre
liable, though necessary arm, was encouraged and stimulated
by its successes, however insignificant, until it became one of
the most important components of the army.
Early in April, though the roads" were heavy and impracti
cable for artillery, General Hooker became convinced that the
army was in a condition to march upon the enemy ; and hav
ing about forty thousand nine months and two years men,
whose terms of service would soon expire, he felt it necessary
to commence operations at the earliest possible moment.
The orders to General Hooker were similar to those to Gen
eral Pope. He was required to keep in view the importance
of covering Washington, either directly, or by so operating as
to be able to punish any force sent against them;
April 9th. — The First Corps, to which the Seventy-sixth
was attached, was reviewed by President Lincoln. The elec
tion of Mr. Lincoln having been made the pretense for the
rebellion, and the Northern army having volunteered to
refute the fallacy at the point of the bayonet, it is not sur
prising that of all the men in the country, Abraham Lincoln
stood highest among the soldiery. His name was, indeed, the
talisman by which they conquered ; and whether on the march

206 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
or around the camp-fire, his anecdotes and illustrations fur
nished an inexhaustible remedy for all the ills of soldier-life.
Even the contrabands, ignorant and stupid as centuries of
oppression had made them, catching a gleam of the effulgence
of freedom just bursting upon them, in their adorations placed
" Massa Lincum " next to Deity. No wonder that the " boys
in blue " cheered lustily, and were happy, as they witnessed
the approving smile of the President, on this grand review.

CHAPTER XVIII.
Battle of Chanqellorsville— General Wadsworth Crosses the River in a Boat
in the Face of the Enemy— A Dead Rebel— Buildin8 Breastworks— Between
Two Fires— Sergeant Baker of Company H— Perilous Position of the Sevbn-
ty-bixth— A March of Twenty Miles— Entering the Battle— Shameful Conduct
of the Eleventh Corps— John Smith Arrests the Dutchman— Inefficiency of
Undrilled Nine Months Men— A Third Retreat.
General Hooker having determined to strike a blow at
the earliest practicable moment, organized a campaign to start
about the thirteenth of April. The cavalry, under General
Stoneman, was to proceed up the Rappahannock some distance,
then cross, and, sweeping down behind General Lee's position,
sever his communications with Richmond. The infantry was
to cross below Fredericksburg, and attack or pursue Lee's
army, as events should render most practicable. The cavalry
started on its mission ; but a heavy rain storm shortly after
set in, which rendered the river impassable, and operations
were suspended until a more favorable opportunity. In the
meantime the men were drilled, clothed and disciplined, and
everything betokened an advance as soon as the elements
would permit.
All was at length ready. The skies had cleared ; the roads
had become passable ; the men were well-drilled and equipped,
and everybody was hopeful. Now was the auspicious time
when the Army of the Potomac was about to wipe out the
effects of its late defeat, and all, from the general in command

208 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
to the i private in the rear rank, felt the importance of the
hour. April 28th — Orders were this day received, to march* to
the Rappahannock. Haversacks and canteens were filled, am
munition supplied, tents struck, and soon the whole army was
in motion. The plan of operations was varied somewhat from
that adopted at the beginning of the month. The cavalry
was to perform about the same task as then assigned to it —
cross the river and by getting behind the rebel army, destroy
its communication with Richmond. The bulk of the infantry
was to cross above instead of below Fredericksburg, where it
was expected the fatal blow would be struck at Lee's army.
The Fifth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Corps were to move up
the river, and crossing the Rappahannock and Rapidan rivers,
establish themselves near Chancellorsville.
General Sedgwick, with the First, Third and Sixth Corps,
was to remain in the vicinity of Fredericksburg.
Two divisions of the Second Corps, under General Couch
were held in readiness to take a position at United States
Ford, as soon as the movements of the main army should
render it practicable, and to join the main column at Chan
cellorsville, when the line should be established there.
The force moving upon Chancellorsville, excluding the two
divisions under General Couch, did not exceed thirty-six
thousand men, and the movement was conducted with such
secresy and dispatch that by the night of April thirtieth, they
had gained the position designated.
During these operations, the left of the army, in which was
the Seventy-sixth, under General Sedgwick, performed the
part assigned them in the programme, by the commanding-
general. The Seventy-sixth broke camp on the twenty-eighth of April.
A march of fifteen miles brought them to what was supposed

General Wadsworth Crossing the Rappahanook. 209
the camp for the night, one mile from the Rappahannock, and
three miles below Fredericksburg. Scarcely had the weary
soldiers laid down to rest, when a secret order to march was
given, and at eleven o'clock at night the Regiment was again
in motion. Very slow progress was made. The roads were
completely blockaded with batteries, pontoon and ammunition
trains, and the night being exceedingly dark, the men were
forced to pick their way along singly. The river was finally
reached, four miles below the city. The men of the Seventy-
sixth were ordered to stack their arms half a mile from the
river, and assist in laying the pontoon bridges. The rebel
pickets and sharpshooters lined the opposite bank, watching
the approach of our men, and prepared to pick off" any who
should attempt to cross or lay the pontoons, while their artil
lery stood frowning further up the hill. Our artillery soon,
however, opened upon the enemy, with the intention of keep
ing him out of sight behind his intrenchments.
It was in this aspect of affairs, that General Wadsworth,
commanding the Division, crossed on a pontoon, swimming
his horse beside him, before any bridge was laid, and with the
Wisconsin Brigade, drove the rebel pickets from their rifle
pit3, killing several. This bold adventure of the General did
not fail to inspire the men with confidence in their leader, who
could thus face the most imminent danger.
So hot was the rebel fire that many of the mules and horses
employed in drawing the pontoons were killed. It, therefore,
became necessary to abandon them. Ropes were attached to
the wagons, which the Seventy-sixth seized and rushed to the
river bank.
Without excitement to buoy them up, the men coolly pro
ceeded to lay the bridge, while from an embankment, rock or
tree frequently came the ominous flash, followed by the
unmusical " ping " of a Minnie ball, yet the work continued,

210 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
and in a very short time the task was completed, and the
troops crossing to occupy the identical ground occupied by
our army over four months before.
Aside from the capture of one hundred and thirty prisoners
in their rifle pits, very little fighting took place the first day.
In making the capture, a few rebels were killed. On occupy
ing the ground, one poor " Johnny " was found in a shed,
whence he had been carried by his comrades. He was dead,
and in his bosom was found a small New Testament. From his
papers, one of which contained an application to be removed
to the Southern naval service, his name was found to be 
Jasper, of Georgia. Our men kindly buried him close by
the shed, and placed a head-board at his grave, the men who
had probably killed him dropping a tear upon his rude grave.
Such instances but aggravate the crime of treason. Here was
a " poor white," who had either been forced into the rebel
army, or induced to lift a parricidal hand against the Govern
ment by those to whom he was accustomed to look for advice,
carrying that chart of right, to guide him through what he may
have been induced to believe a holy crusade in this life, to a
higher and holier existence beyond. When the acts of time
are impartially judged by Him who is unswayed by human
prejudices and human interests, the instigators of this rebel
lion will find an account against them of the magnitude of
which, even they, with all their knowledge of their own
corrupt intentions, have now but a feeble conception.
Feeling certain of a severe battle the next day, our army
employed most of the night in throwing up long lines of par
apets, by the aid of which they would be enabled, at least, to
hold their ground, if not sufficiently strong to drive the
enemy from his position. The Seventy-sixth during the night
demolished two large barns, with the timbers of which they
erected a very respectable fortification. These works were

Second Jredericksburg.. 2li
placed under charge of Colonel Wainwright, who was active
the whole night, riding several times the entire length of the
line. About two o'clock in the morning, as he was inspecting
the works, he met General Wadsworth, who, quite alone, had
crossed the river and was making a round of inspection. The
brave old General had arisen to affluence and social position
by his untiring energy and attention to business. Unlike the
other Generals, who were now embracing Morpheus in their
tents, he brought to the service of his country the same watch
ful vigilance which had made him a millionaire, and relin
quished sleep and ease, rather than neglect his duty. Had
the army been wholly commanded by men of the same spirit,
the war had not lasted four years.
During the night, Captain Swan, of Company H, received
a piece of shell in his leg. He retired quietly a few yards in
rear of his men, where he could be ready in case of need ;
but taking good care that his men were not disturbed by a
knowledge of his wound.
Scarcely had the morning light appeared, when the rebels,
discovering the position of our forces, opened their batteries
vigorously with shot and shell. The air was literally filled
with the iron hail. In every direction the ground was deeply
furrowed by the solid shot, while the bellowing of the cannon,
shrieking of shells, and whizzing and groaning of solid shot,
rendered the scene, even behind breastworks, not a little
exciting. The excitement was greatly intensified by the firing
of some of our own batteries. Several of these batteries
stationed on the heights on the north side of the river now
opened upon the enemy, firing over the infantry. The range
was so long that many of the shells burst immediately over
our own men. They were thus actually receiving the dam
aging effects of the shells of both armies.
In one instance, several men declare they saw a shell from

212 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
each army meet and burst, sending the fragments of both
directly into the ranks of the Seventy-sixth. There are well-
authenticated instances of balls found by the men of the
Regiment, firmly imbedded in each other, having met in mid
air, and fallen to the ground as one ball.
The troops, at the opening of the fire, were still using the
spades, which had employed them most of the night ; but
these" were soon relinquished, and the men sought refuge be
hind their temporary fortifications. The arms were stacked
at a distance of forty paces from the embankment, and the
fire had but just opened when a solid shot sent a whole stack
of rifles whizzing through the air.
The good effects of discipline and drill were here again dis
played. To save their arms it was necessary that the men
should leave their refuge and expose themselves to this terrific
storm, which was done with coolness and deliberation.
Among the most conspicuous for cool bravery, was Sergeant
Irving Baker, of Company H. Small in stature, but large in
patriotic courage, and strong in his determination to do his
duty, he went back and forth several times, carrying his arms
full of guns, while his escape seemed each time a miracle.
He escaped unhurt, to be, however, several times wounded
afterwards. At Gettysburg, the following July, he displayed
equal courage. The powder in the cannon tubes had become
so damp from exposure to the rain of the preceding night,
that the pieces could not be discharged. In the midst of a
most terrific fire, Sergeant Baker, with cool and steady nerve,
actually picked out the damp and primed the guns with dry
powder, an operation lasting several minutes, until he had
duly prepared seven or eight guns. This was done in the
hottest of the fighting, and while our dead and wounded were
falling around and even against him ! A story is told of Ser
geant Baker, while stationed at Fredericksburg in the summer

Private Baker's Capture. 213
of 1862, when yet a private. One night, while on guard, a
strong " six-foot " rebel came toward him, and was about to
pass the line, as though the slender boy of five feet, and nine
ty-five pounds weight, constituted no impediment.
" Halt ! Who comes there ?" demanded the little private.
The rebel, deeming no reply necessary, kept on until within
a rod of the guard, when the ominous click and steady aim of
the Enfield rifle induced him to pause.
" About, face !" said the private, with such coolness and de
termination that secesh promptly obeyed. "Forward, march !"
shouted the boy, and through the streets of Fredericksburg
the little conqueror marched the giant conquered, at each cor
ner giving the order to " file right," or " file left," until the
two appeared before Lieutenant Story, officer of the day, to
whom the prisoner was given over by his captor. The proud
and aristocratic rebel will ever have reason to respect the
manly courage of the little "Northern "mudsill," who thus, in
the middle of the night, alone captured his giant proportions,
and made him a prisoner of war. Sergeant Baker served his
time out faithfully, and was well-entitled, both by his courage
and intelligence, to a commission : yet, though four or five
times wounded, he saw his merits unheeded, while those who
were never within hearing of a battle, were given commis
sions, in consequence of outside political pressure.
The shelling lasted about three hours, when darkness put an
end to the operations of the day.
The next morning was very foggy. The Seventy-sixth was
ordered to advance part way across the plain, and do picket
duty. The fog was so dense that no difficulty was experi
enced in securing the required position, though the men were
liable at any moment to stumble against a rebel picket. Hav
ing reached the position, the fog soon after lifted, and there
stood the Seventy-sixth within a few rods of the rebel army !

214 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
To charge the enemy was not only against orders, but involved
the sure destruction of the whole Regiment, with no possibil
ity of success. They were discovered by the rebels, who were
taking aim for a destructive volley, when every man fell flat
upon the ground, and the terrible storm of bullets went safely
overhead ! Owing to inequalities in the surface, most of the
men were protected while lying upon the ground. In several
instances, however, the men were obliged to dig rifle pits with
their bayonets and knives, and thus hide their bodies from the
sight of the enemy. To advance was impossible ; to retreat
across the plain certain destruction. And there, within a few
rods of the rebels, not daring to lift a head or hand, lay the
Seventy-sixth throughout that long and perilous day. At
length the darkness of night permitted a retreat, and the Reg
iment gladly escaped " out of the jaws of death !"
During the day several were wounded. One poor fellow,
after laying in misery several, hours on the field, insisted that
he had been wounded. He was examined by two young sur
geons, who pronounced him unhurt. He still insisted that he
had a bullet in his right breast. He was about being thrust
back into his company as a " dead beat," when a more
experienced surgeon came up and commenced an examination.
Not a drop of blood could be seen, nor a wound of any kind,
and still he complained of a severe pain in the lower part of
his breast. The surgeon finally discovered on the shoulder, a
small bullet hole, scarcely perceptible. The ball had struck
the man on the shoulder, as he lay upon the ground, and pen
etrated his body nearly a foot !
Nothing is more surprising than the instances of wounds
and recoveries in the army. Wounds which, in civil life,
would be considered as surely fatal, are almost as surely cura
ble in the army. At Gainesville, Eli E. Peck, of Company
B, received a gunshot wound through the hips, the ball passing

Remarkable Recoveries from Wounds. 215
entirely through his body, and being flattened in the passage.
He lay several days upon the field, entirely unprotected from
a severe storm and the rays of the sun, and yet to-day he
experiences little inconvenience from the wound.
At the same battle, Captain Fox received a ball in his lungs,
which still remains there, and yet he is alive and engaged in
the active duties of life.
At the same battle, Captain Sager, of Company G, received
a gun-shot wound, the ball passing entirely through the body,
yet to-day he performs his accustomed duties with little incon
venience. At the battle of Gettysburg, Sergeant Cliff, of Company
F, received a wound which fractured his leg at the knee.
Unable to stir, he lay upon the field for nearly a week, ex
posed to the scorching rays of a July sun, without food or
water, and when finally taken to the hospital, his leg was
amputated near the body, and yet Sergeant Cliff plies his
needle still, and measures his customers as though he had
never been in sight of the smoke of battle.
Lieutenant Cahill carries a ball in his head, and numerous
-other instances of remarkable escapes from death are con
nected with the Seventy-sixth. Providence seems to shield
the hero who fights for his country, from many of the dangers
which surround him.
During the night the Seventy-sixth was relieved, and joined
the main body of the Left Grand Division, nearer the banks of
the river. As they retired, the rebels, thinking it a trap to
allure them into our breastworks, cried out : —
" You can't catch us in that way !"~ at the same time firing
a parting salute into the darkness.
The Regiment was soon after drawn up in rear of the
"Tayloe House," now occupied as Brigade headquarters,
when the rebels opened a brisk fire with shells, several of

216 The Seventy-sixth Regment N. Y. V.
which struck the building, and others falling among the men,
frightening the horses, and terrifying the birds, which flew
from tree to tree in the wildest confusion. None of the men
were injured.
The First Corps was now, (May 2), ordered to report to
General Sedgwick, at Fredericksburg ; but this order was
changed, and the whole Corps, crossing to the north side of
the river, was hurried on towards United States Ford,, up the
the Rappahannock a distance of about twenty miles, where
they bivouacked for the night without crossing.
The men were awakened about two o'clock on the morning
of May third, and resumed the march. Sleep had scarcely
relieved them of the wearisome effects of yesterday's march ;
but Hooker had been fighting the day before, and in the hope
that they were to set the seal of victory upon the battle, they
eagerly pressed forward towards the ford. At daylight the
river was crossed, and at six o'clock the Regiment arrived at
the battle-field. The fight soon opened with great fury. As
the Regiment crossed the river, a staff officer beckoned Colo
nel Wainwright from the column, and said : —
" The men must not know it, but all is up with the troops
on the south side. Everything now depends upon your
Corps." On reaching the field, the Fifth Corps was found in front,
behind intrenchments, perfectly quiet. The Seventy-sixth
went into camp behind them. Not far off was an artillery
battery, and the shouts of the rebels could be distinctly heard,
as they, with great courage, made several successive charges,
but were each time mowed down by the pieces, some thirty in
number, under charge of the gallant Captain Weed, after
wards killed as General at Gettysburg.
Early in the morning, General Hooker made a personal
examination of his whole line, at Chancellorsville, returning

Battle of Chancellorsville. 217
about nine o'clock to his headquarters. His right was held
by the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, under Generals Slocum
and Howard. Not feeling satisfied with the dispositions
made by these Corps, he issued the following instructions :
Headquarters .Army of the Potomac, )
Chancellorsville, May 2, 1863, 9:30 A. M. J
I am directed by the Major-General commanding, to say that the disposi
tion you have made of your Corps has been made with a view to a front
attack by the enemy. If he should throw himself upon your flank, he
wishes you to examine the ground, and determine upon the positions you
will take in that event, in order that you may be prepared for him in what
ever direction he advances. He suggests that you have heavy reserves well
in hand to meet this contingency. The right of your line does not appear
to be strong enough. No artificial defenses worth naming have been
thrown up, and there appears to be a scarcity of troops at that point, and
not, in the General's opinion, as favorably posted as might be.
We have good reason to suppose that the enemy is moving to our right.
Please advance your pickets, for purposes of observation, as far as may be
safe, in order to obtain timely information of their approach.
JAMES H. VAN ALLEN,
Brigadier-General and A. D. C.
Maj.-General Slocum, ahd Maj.-General Howard.
Information was soon brought to General Hooker that a
heavy column of the enemy was moving toward his right, for
the purpose, as was very evident, of making the flank move
ment he had already anticipated. The above instructions
were immediately sent to the Generals commanding the right,
and General Sickles, with two divisions of the Third Corps,
was ordered to follow up the movements of the enemy, now
concealed from view by the woods in front of our lines.
General Sickles promptly advanced, but did not reach the line
of the enemy's movements until the main column had passed.
He, however, captured a large number of their rear guards.
From these prisoners he learned that this column of the
enemy consisted of General Jackson's Corps, numbering
about twenty-five thousand men, and their route was over a

218 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
by-road through the forest, passing diagonally across the front
of the Union lines, and approaching within two or three miles
of the right of our army, occupied by the Eleventh Corps.
This Corps, formerly commanded by General Siegel, was com
posed chiefly of German regiments. There were in it,
however, two or three Regiments of Americans, among which
was the One Hundred and Fifty-seventh New York.
About six o'clock in the afternoon, musketry was heard on
the right, but uothing indicating a very severe engagement.
Soon, however, without any apparent cause, the Division on
the extreme right broke and ran, and, flying along the line of
the Eleventh Corps, threw that whole body into confusion and
swept it from the field. The Germans, after Pope's retreat,
had frequently taunted the Yankees with "We fight mit
Siegel — you run mit Pope !" but now the tables were turned,
and just when the whole result of the battle depended upon
their remaining firm, they broke and ran in the most cowardly
manner. In vain in that surging mass did the brave regi
ments attempt to preserve their line of battle. The cowardly
waves would overwhelm them, until regiment after regiment
fell back upon the next in the rear, and all was confusion.
All in the Eleventh Corps were not cowards, and many
instances of personal bravery are related.
John Smith, of the One Hundred and Fifty-seventh New
York, saw a large Dutchman running for dear life, towards
the rear. As he neared Smith he placed his gun between two
trees, and with one effort, snapped it in twain. On he came,
until Smith seized him by the collar, and, giving him three or
four good jerks, put him in the line, placed in his hands the
gun of a fallen hero, and compelled him to " fight mit " the
One Hundred and Fifty-seventh New York, until that Regi
ment was overwhelmed in the surging tide of retreat.
Steps were taken to arrest the fugitives and prevent the

Conduct of the Eleventh Corps. 219
communication of the panic to the whole army. Berry's Di
vision of the Third Corps, and a brigade of the Second Corps,
were ordered to cover the rear of the Eleventh Corps, and, if
possible, retake and hold the position. This was, however,
rendered impossible, by the occupation of it by a large force
of the enemy, before our troops could reach it. This giving
way of the right left General Sickles very much exposed, and
in a critical position. He, however, learning the situation of
affairs, very skillfully withdrew without much loss.
The Seventy-sixth lay as a support to a battery of thirty-six
guns. The forces under Jackson rushed forward after the
panic-stricken Eleventh Corps, until they came to this battery,
which opened a most terrific fire upon them, mowing them
down by regiments. Up came the rebel hosts, only to be
hurled back with thinned and weakened ranks. It was
during one of these charges that "Stonewall" Jackson fell
mortally wounded. The enemy being repulsed with severe
loss, active -operations ceased for the night. While this attack
was being made, General Lee was making an attack upon the
Twelfth and Second Corps, where he was promptly repulsed.
General Hooker says of this conduct of the Eleventh : —
The bad conduct of the Eleventh Corps had cost me the key of my posi
tion, and embarrassed me by contracting my sphere of action. The position
which had been held by the left of that Corps was the most commanding
one in that vicinity. In the possession of the enemy, it would enable him
with his artillery to enfilade the lines of the Twelfth and Second Corps. '
He could drive from the plain in front of the Chancellorsville House, all the
artillery posted to command the junction of the plank road and the old
pike ; and he could drive from the plain all the force that might be upon it.
To wrest this position from the enemy after his batteries were established
on it, would have required slender columns of infantry, which he could de
stroy as fast as they were thrown upon it.
This was the position of affairs on the right at .the close of
the operations of the day.

220 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
General Hooker, at nine o'clock that night, sent an order to
General Sedgwick to cross the Rappahannock, and march im
mediately on the Chancellorsville road, until he connected
with him, and to attack and destroy any force he might fall
in with on the road. He was directed to leave his trains
behind, except pack-trains of ammunition, and to be in the
vicinity of General Hooker at daylight, to fall upon the rear
of General Lee, who, it was expected, would be used up
between the two Union armies. General Gibbon was to take
possession of Fredericksburg. At midnight, General Hooker
sent the following to General Sedgwick : —
Mat 2d, 1863—13 Midnight. *»
Major-General Sedgwick :—
From the statement brought by General Hooker's aid, it seems to be of
vital importance that you should fall upon Lee's rear with crushing force.
He will explain all to you. Give your advance to one who will do all that
the urgency ©f the case requires. DANIEL BUTTERFIELD, ' Major-General, Chief of Staff.
General Sedgwick's Corps consisted of from twenty-two
thousand to twenty-five thousand men, who, with General
Gibbon to occupy Fredericksburg, were left at liberty to make
the movement directed by General Hooker. The forces of
the enemy occupying the defenses of Fredericksburg amounted
to perhaps ten thousand men. The balance of the rebel army
was in front of General Hooker, seven or eight miles above
Fredericksburg. The movement directed was commenced by General Sedg
wick, but instead of communicating with Hooker by daylight,
as directed, no demonstration was made upon the heights of
Fredericksburg until after that time, and the heights were not
carried until eleven o'clock the third of May. The enemy had
by that time discovered the movement and sent reinforce
ments to Fredericksburg offering much stronger resistance

General Sedgwick Fails to Connect. 221
to the advance of General Sedgwick than he would have met
had General Hooker's orders been obeyed.
At seven o'clock in the morning of the third, the enemy
renewed the attack, which was bravely resisted until eleven
o'clock, when a new line was chosen and taken in good order.
The position which was thus abandoned had been held at
great disadvantage, and only for the purpose of hearing of the
approach of General Sedgwick.
Shortly after the attack, General Hooker was injured by a
cannon ball, which knocked him against a pillar of the house
in which he was. The command then devolved upon General
Couch as the senior officer. After this, the operations of
neither army were carried on with much activity. For two
days assaults were made by the rebels upon exposed portions
of our line, but they were easily repulsed.
An amusing incident occurred in the rear and to the left,
illustrating the danger of relying upon undisciplined troops in
action, and the utility of persistent drill. A brigade of New
Jersey nine months men, under General Paul, afterwards shot
through the head at Gettysburg, had been stationed with one
of those interminable southern thickets directly in front of
them, through which no body of troops could possibly ad
vance — in fact, as good as a breastwork. These nine months
men had seen no service, and being near the battle-field,
every cracking bush was indicative of the advance of a large
army. While thus stationed, two or three of their own men,
having occasion to visit the thicket, chanced to step upon a
dry limb, when the unfledged warriors of the brigade, officers
and men, in imagination saw the whole of Lee's army in their
immediate front. The order to fire was scarcely given, before
a volley was poured into the thicket by the entire Brigade.
This was immediately followed by another, when the mistake
was fortunately discovered before anything serious resulted,

222 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
and the firing ceased. To the want of drill be it credited, that
though the men who caused the alarm were in plain sight,
few rods distant, neither of them was injured by this firing.
This will in part explain why nine months men never added to
the strength or efficiency of the army.
General Sedgwick had crossed the Rappahannock. Gen
eral Stoneman had failed to sever the communications of Lee's
army with Richmond. General Hooker was incapacitated by
reason of the accident which had happened to him, and to
add to the perils of the situation, a severe rain storm set in on
Tuesday, May fifth, with a fair prospect of rendering the river
impassable at the fords in a short time. Under these trying
circumstances, and in view of his instructions to cover Wash
ington and Harper's Ferry, General Hooker at length
determined to recross the river. This was accordingly done,
and on the morning of May sixth, the whole Union army was
north of the Rappahannock.
The retreat was conducted in the midst of a heavy storm.
The night was very _dark. The ground, which was almost
deluged' with water, had become muddy .and soft, and
altogether this third retreat, under the existing circumstances,
was not well calculated to inspire hopes, or strengthen the
men's attachments for soldiers' life.
In the afternoon the Seventy-sixth arrived at Falmouth,
within a mile of the camp from which they started on the
previous Saturday, wet, tired, and it will not be wondered at
if nearly discouraged at these repeated failures to accomplish
anything really decisive.
On the ninth the Regiment was moved a short distance to
a pleasant pine grove, where the men were soon at home in
buildings of their own erecting, and where, with rest and
pleasant surroundings, they soon forgot the discouragements
of the retreat.

CHAPTER XIX.
The Seventy-sixth Recruting — Ann Redmond— Trading Between the Pickets—
March of Thirty-five Miles in One Day— Colonel Wainwright Takes His Leave"
of the Seventy-sixth— Heat, Dust and Sun-stroke— Again in Maryland— Camp-
inoin the Mud— March Past South Mountain— Reception at Erederick City
—Change of Commanders— Acts of Generosity by the People— Amusing Inci"
dent— Muster for Pay— The Rolls Never Signed.
May 13th, 1863. — The Seventy-sixth had now dwindled to
a mere skeleton of its former self. Honorable service, with
the diseases incident to change of climate, water and mode of
life, had sadly thinned its patriotic ranks. At this date the
first addition of men was made. About fifty were added
from the Twenth-fourth New York Volunteers. The balance
of that regiment had been discharged on expiration of term
of service. The Regiment was still further increased on the
twenty-fourth of May, by the addition of five officers and
about two hundred men from the Thirtieth New York Volun
teers. A month was spent in this lovely camp. The thermometer
ranged high ; the air'was dry and the roads dusty ; but hidden
away in the dense pine woods, the soldiers rapidly recruited
their strength. Colonel Wainwright could not forego the drill
which he correctly deemed so essential to the efficiency of the
army. This, with the picket duty along the Rappahannock
below Fredericksburg, kept the soldiers sufficiently employed
to dispel the ennui engendered by camp life. The woods

224: The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
were full of game, especially rabbits. These were so numer
ous that often the young were trodden under foot in camp.
This gave Ann Redmond, of whom we have already spoken,
occasion for the exercise of the kindlier emotions of her
nature. For nearly two years she had stood by our sick and
wounded soldiers, marching with them hundreds of miles,
washing for them, and when in pain, kindly watching over
them and administering to their wants, and by her mirthful
conversation and hearty laugh, driving away many of those
gloomy forebodings which are the bane of the soldier's life.
Now that the soldiers no longer needed her care, she sought
to make herself useful to the brutes. Many of these young
rabbits were taken into her tent and nursed with all the fond
ness of Ann's heart ; but generally her labor was vain, as the
little pets would die from sheer fright.
As the month wore away and the pickets of the opposing
armies lined either side of the river, a friendly feeling grew
up between them, and quite an active commerce was the
result. Picket firing — never indulged in by properly disci
plined armies of civilized nations — had ceased, and the men
held daily conversations together. Then came the proposition
to exchange tobacco for coffee, which was accepted. At first
little boats of board, with paper sails, were sent across, return
ing laden with the promised article. Then the pickets grew
more familiar, and swimming the river, made visits to the
" enemy's " side, and indulged in a game of cards, and other
camp sports. Newspapers were exchanged, and a general
friendly feeling engendered. How strange that in less than
one month these trading friends were engaged in a desperate
struggle on the sanguinary field of Gettysburg, hundreds of
miles distant !
The latter part of May it became apparent from the conduct
of the rebels, and the reports brought in by our scouts, that

Orders to March. 225
General Lee was contemplating some grand movement. Gen
eral Hooker became satisfied that it was not a simple raid, but
an extensive movement of the whole rebel army, similar to
that of the year previous, which resulted in the battles of
South Mountain and Antietam. The General, comprehending
the necessity of vigorous and united effort against Lee, submit
ted to President Lincoln a proposition, that all the troops whose
operations could have any influence on those of Lee's army,
should be placed under the control of one commander. He at
the same time signified to the President, that he (General
Hooker) might not be considered in the way of this arrange
ment, as it was a position he did not desire, and only suggested
it because of the necessity he felt for concert as well as vigor
of action. In reply, General Hooker received notice that Gen
erals Heintzelman and Dix had been instructed to telegraph
him all the movements which they might ascertain or make.
Also, that directions had been given to forward military
information which might be received from General Schenck's
command. But at the same time, no authority was given
General Hooker over them nor was any commander appointed.
For two weeks the Army of the Potomac was in that state of
unrest and uncertainty which precedes a grand advance.
Orders to strike tents and prepare to march at one o'clock A.
M. would be immediately followed by orders to pitch tents,
and soon the boys were asleep as though nothing had hap
pened. This was often repeated until at last, on the twelfth
of June, the army took up its march towardWarrenton; The
men had been given rest and were now in excellent spirits,
and ready for any duty, though it led them to a renewal of
those severe conflicts, the novelty of which had long since
passed away. The Regiment was on picket at Pratt's Point
when the order to march was received, which was at two o'clock
in the morning. The night was very dark, and the men
p

226 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
stretched over an extent of four miles. It was day-light
before the last squad had arrived, and the march for camp
commenced. Before reaching camp, word was received that
the Brigade had marched. The course of the Regiment was
changed, and at one P. M., the "Brigade, having halted to
execute a deserter, was overtaken by the Regiment. The Sev
enty-sixth arrived just in time to hear the fatal volley, and the
army was immediately in motion, giving no time for rest to
our weary men.
It was nine o'clock that night before the Regiment went
into bivouac. They had been in motion nineteen hours, and
traveled thirty-five miles ! No man who endured that march
will readily forget it. The weather was hot, the roads dusty, and
many of the men, with great difficulty, managed to keep with
the Regiment. Yet with blistered feet and aching shoulders,
they plodded on. This march, unequaled in the history of
this war, would seem to entitle them to a little rest, but at
two o'clock the next morning, the men were called from their
weary bivouac, and marched twenty miles before 6 o'clock P.M.
The distance in miles will scarcely convey an adequate idea of
the labor performed. The roads were so blocked with troops
and trains that for hours little progress was made, the troops,
standing in readiness to march, the wearying effects of stand
ing about equaling those of actual marching.
The Seventy-sixth arrived at Centreville on the sixteenth,
and remained two days. While here, Colonel Wainwright
left the Regiment on account of sickness and never returned. It
could not afford to lose so able and earnest an officer. With
him, war meant fight ; and to prepare for fighting, he deemed
drill and discipline and proper selection of subordinate offi
cers absolutely necessary. Upon entering the Regiment he
commenced a regular military school. The men thought him
unnecessarily strict in, and tenacious of drill ; but they after-

Colonel Wainwright Leaves the Regiment. 227
ward, in many a severe battle, while other regiments of as
good men broke and ran, the Seventy-sixth winning for itself
laurels by its steadiness and courage, had reason to, and did,
heartily approve of those drills. To his qualities as a disci
plinarian, Colonel Wainwright added attention to the wants
of his men, their physical, mental and moral developements,
himself a model, which every man might follow with profit.
We parted with the Colonel with regret, and trust that the fu
ture pages of the history of the Regiment will convince him
that the precepts and example, the drill and discipline which
he gave the Regiment, were not given in vain.
Captain Grover, of Company A, having partially recovered
from the severe wounds received at Gainesville, and been com
missioned Major of the Regiment, now took command, and
continued such command until his death at Gettysburg.
The movements and intentions of the enemy were now
becoming well understood. They had determined upon an
invasion of Maryland, and probably Pennsylvania, with
possible ultimate intentions upon Baltimore and Washington.
The plan of General Hooker was to permit them to advance
to a favorable point, and then, while covering Washington, to
strike with the whole force at his command, and fight a decisive
battle. After leaving Centreville, on the seventeenth, the army
moved toward Leesburg. The day was extremely hot. The
march was made through a dense forest of pine shrubs, which,
while furnishing no shade to protect from the scorching rays,
prevented any good effects from cool breezes, if any existed,
in that sultry climate. The roads were filled with wagons, ¦
batteries, cavalry, infantry, artillery, all rushing, halting,
sweating. The dust arose in suffocating clouds, was inhaled
at every breath, and settling upon faces from which the perspi
ration flowed at every pore, soon rendered the face of the most

228 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
intimate friend indistinguishable in the surging crowd. Many
fell down in the ranks from sun-stroke and exhaustion. Even
officers fell from their horses from the effects of the suffocating
dust and heat. An open country was finally reached, and the
Seventy-sixth went into camp near a small creek and the Lees
burg railroad. One day of rest was given, during which
many who had fallen out the day before, came up and re
joined their commands. On the nineteenth, marched four miles
and re-encamped at Goose Creek.
At two o'clock A. M., on the twentieth, orders were re
ceived to march. The men were ready, but no order came
to " fall in," and gradually the excitement passed, and the
men settled down to camp life. The cavalry engaged the
rebels at Aldie, and our Brigade was to support the cavalry,
but that arm of the service behaved with such gallantry and effi
ciency that they won the battle and drove the enemy across
the mountains without any support from the infantry, and the
orders to our Brigade were countermanded.
On the twenty-fifth, the Regiment marched eight miles
and crossed the Potomac at Edward's Ferry. At length,
out of the secession atmosphere of " the Mother of Presidents"
of the olden time, and the breeder of traitors of the new,
and on the soil of at least semi-loyal Maryland, the men could
not repress a shout of joy. Civilians will scarcely appreciate
the change. But the soldier who has spent a year in a State
where even the " poor white trash" feel corrupted by contact
with the shadow of the old flag, without one smile of recog
nition of their heroic sacrifices, continually taunted as a Yan
kee horde of invaders, can well understand the kindly smile of
welcome from the window and door-way, while the " flag of
our Union" waves from the porch and house-top. No wonder
that our boys shook off the dust of " old Virginia" against her,
and sent up a shout for "My Maryland," wayward, erratic,

Again Out of Virginia. 229
and hesitating, though at times she had proved herself. The
men felt the inspiration as of new life, and though weary with
their march, and the rain had already set in, making the roads
slippery and heavy, they marched twenty miles, passing
through Poolesville, and going into camp near Barnesville,
Maryland. The Regiment was stationed in a cornfield where
the water stood from three to six inches between the rows of
corn. Of all the songs and rhymes written to show the beau
ties of the different seasons- and the multifarious phases of hu
man existence, we do not remember of any in which the
author fell into ecstacies over sleeping in a mud-puddle. A
strong guard was stationed about camp to prevent any escapes ;
but to the credit of the guard be it said, that the next morn
ing most of the men were found encamped in a piece of woods
on a dry knoll across the road, where they should have been
placed by the proper authorities the night before. General
Wadsworth, with characteristic kindness, bought a stack of
straw for his Division to sleep upon. The next morning at
9 o'clock, the men rolled up their wet blankets, making their
load about three times its usual weight, and marched sixteen
miles through the rain and mud. This day passed Sugar Loaf
Mountain, and went into camp at Jefferson, Maryland.
June 27th. — Marched through Middletown and camped
within a mile and a half of the battle-field of South Moun
tain. As the men came in sight of that field where so many
of their comrades offered up their lives, it is not surprising that
they inwardly shuddered at the recollection of that awful
slaughter, and speculated upon the prospect of being again
called upon to renew it. The next day marched to Frederick
City, which the patriotic and humane Whittier has made im
mortal as the home of the heroic Barbara Frietchie. To-day,
more than " Forty flags with their silver stars,
Forty flags with their crimson bars,
Flapped in the morning wind."

230 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
Old Barbara's heart rejoiced at the sight of the " glorious
ensign of our republic still full high advanced" from every win
dow and house-top as, instead of, as the year before, —
" Up the street came the rebel tread,
Stonewall Jackson riding ahead,"
now came the steady columns of " the boys in blue." What a
mingling of voices was that, as the thankful maiden's voice, in
songs and words of welcome, mingled with the coarser but
patriotic shouts of Maryland's heroic defenders !
June 28th. — To-day General Hooker was relieved of his
command, which was given to General Meade. A difficulty
had arisen between General Hooker and General Halleck, of
the latter of whom it has been remarked :¦ — " He proved his
pen to be mightier than his sword !" There were about ten
thousand troops at Harper's Ferry. General Hooker thought
the possession of that place of no practical benefit to our ar
my, and requested permission to withdraw those troops and
unite their strength with that of the army marching against
Lee. Without the Harper's Ferry troops, the armies were
about equal in numbers, and the result of a battle under those
circumstances must, at least, be doubtful. Instead of orders
to withdraw the troops from Harper's Ferry, General Hooker
received an order from General Halleck disapproving of the
withdrawal of the troops, and directing, if necessary, that the
place be strengthened by an addition of troops from Hooker's
army. General Hooker says : " On finding that I was not
allowed to manoeuvre my own army in the presence of the en
emy, and conscious that I was standing in the way of the
accomplishment of its mission, on the same day, the twen
ty-seventh of June, I sent General Halleck the following tele
graph : — June 27th, 1863—1 P. M.
Major-General Halleck :—
My original instructions were to cover Harper's Ferry and Washington.

General Hooker Relieved. 231
I have now imposed on me in addition an enemy in my front of more than
my numbers. I beg to be understood, respectfully, but firmly, that I am
unable to comply with these conditions with the means at my disposal, and
I earnestly request that I may be at once relieved from the position I oc-
cuPy- JOSEPH HOOKER,
Major-General Commanding.''
The next morning Colonel Hardie arrived with an order
from General Halleck, relieving General Hooker from com
mand and directing him to turn it over to General Meade.
This terminated the connection of General Hooker with the
Army of the Potomac. We have seen how well he fought
while connected with this army, and his subsequent fighting
above the clouds on Lookout Mountain, will make his name
shine in the annals of history, when other Generals, pampered
and petted by the War Department, will have been buried in
oblivion. In this refusal of the troops to General Hooker, as
in many other things connected with the conduct of the Gen
eral who fought his battles in the parlor in Washington, there
is much that has never been satisfactorily explained. Imme
diately after General Meade assumed command, not only was
he authorized to use the troops refused to General Hooker, but
was given other troops for which General Hooker had not ask
ed. It is the opinion of able men with the evidence fully
before them, that had General Hooker been clothed with the
power at once conferred upon General Meade, and been given
the assistance which was so freely accorded to him, the result
of the campaign might have been far more decisive than it
was. June 29th. — The Seventy-sixth was to-day detailed as wag
on guard, and marched thirty miles to Emettsburg. Much
of the way was through fields, frequently for miles upon the
double quick, and yet the men felt less weariness than on
many other marches of half the distance. The crossing of
the fields was made necessary in consequence of the blockade

232 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
of the road by ambulances, ammunition trains and troops,crowd-
ing all the main streets, and all tending in the direction of
Gettysburg. The line of march was through a most fruitful
region of country. On every side, huge cherry trees, loaded
with their ripe, delicious fruit, invited the thirsty and fruit-
hungry boys to the commission of trespasses ; but this was not
an enemy's country, and so the 'boys desisted. Had it been
in Virginia, the owner -might have congratulated himself had
his trees survived the passage of the army.
As the army neared that line which had heretofore separat
ed the free from the slave, the people grew more intensely and
heartily loyal. The road sides became lined with ladies, old
and young, — it may be homely, but especially lovely to the
Union soldiery — as each, with a pail and dipper or cup, dealt
out the cooling draughts of water, and frequently of milk, to
the thirsty heroes. Frequently loaves of fresh bread, kneaded
by loyal hands and tendered with pleasant smiles of welcome,
and aprons full of ripe cherries, were presented by blushing
young maidens with words of encouragement, giving to them
a double relish. " Take a few cherries ; they will strengthen
you for your march !" said the beautiful maiden. " You
look weary, sir, have a little milk," said the girl. " Put this
loaf of bread in your haversack," said the matron. " God
bless the heroes who defend us !" shouted the group of thank
ful Marylanders. " Three cheers for our friends !" shouted
the sergeant, and along the whole line the shout of the heroic
North thanked Maryland's generosity. Is it surprising that
this day's march of thirty miles passed off as a mere holiday
parade ? God bless the loyal females of Northern Mary
land, for the inspiration which they thus poured into the
heroic bosoms of those patriotic soldiers. Who can estimate
its influence upon them during the awful carnage of the three
days at Gettysburg ? Poor fellows ! to many of them it was

Patriotic Maryland. 233
the last kind, act they received on earth. May we not hope it
was a harbinger of that " well done, good and faithful," which
they soon after received on the other shore ?
An amusing incident occurred to-day. An old farmer living
about a hundred rods from the road, up a private lane, stood a
perfect picture of wonder and despair because he could not
convince the men that " Dare ish no road up dis way !" The
Regiment had turned up this lane for the purpose of taking
the fields to avoid the crowd in the main road, and there the
old fellow, unacquainted with the necessities of war, stood ad
dressing each officer as he came up and passed, with " My Got,
you can't go dis way !" " Tare ish no road dis way !" Yet
on moved the army, convincing even our Dutch friend by the
time the movement was completed, that there was a very
wide road that way.
At length, the Regiment went into camp at Emmettsburg.
The next morning it was moved about four miles to a creek,
separating Maryland from Pennsylvania. As the Fifty-sixth
Pennsylvania, attached to our Brigade, reached the shore of
their native State, they sent up cheer upon cheer, showing their
appreciation of " Home, sweet, sweet home." The army
was now placed in line of battle, and remained thus until
the next morning.
The Seventy-sixth was mustered for pay by Major Grover,
but it being late in the afternoon before it was com
pleted, and one company being on picket duty, the certifi
cates of muster were not signed that night by the officer.
Indeed, they were never signed by him, for before another sun
had set, Major Grover with nearly one-third of the noble men
who answered to their names at this muster, were mustered into
that great army from the roll-call of which none will be absent.
******* " Comrades, at roll-call when I shall be sought,
Say I fought till I fell, and fell where I feught,
Wounded and faint.

234 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V,
Oh, that last charge !
Right through that dread lead-storm of shrapneH and shell
Through without faltering — clear through with a yell.
Right in their midst in the turmoil and gloom,
Like heroes they dashed at the mandate of doom !
Oh, that last charge !
********* They are mustered out !
Oh, God of our fathers, our freedom prolong,
And tread down rebellion, oppression and wrong !
Oh, land of earth's hope, on the blood-reddened sod,
They died for the Nation, the Union, aud God !
They are mustered out."

CHAPTER XX.
March to Gettysburg— The Seventy-sixth Given the Post of Honor— Major Gro
ver's Order— Battle of Gettysburg— Details and Incidents— Half the Seven
ty-sixth Killed and Wounded in Half an Hour— Instances of Heroism-
Recruiting from the "Wounded " on the Field— The " Nameless Heroine " of
Gettysburg— The Aged Volunteer of Gettysburg— Sergeant Cliff, of Com
pany E— Union Victory— Old Archie— Ann Redmond.
' July 1st, 1863. — The Union Army could now be deemed
invaders no longer, though viewed from the stand-point of the
most violent secessionist. It was now upon the soil of a
State that has never been charged with treason by her bitter
est foes. The enemy, in this second attempt, had invaded the
loyal State of Pennsylvania, and were to be driven from it, or
march further into the interior of the loyal North. The men
all felt that they were now called upon to fight, not merely
for an abstract principle, but for their own hearth-stones, — not
only to sustain the Government, but for their own families, and
to preserve their homes from the desolations of war.
It had rained through the night, and the arms being loaded,
were in poor condition for fighting ; but the men set briskly
at work putting them in order, and soon the army was moving
towards Gettysburg. The Seventy-sixth was placed on the
right of the Brigade, which was on the right of the Division,
occupying the right of the First Corps. This brought the
Seventy-sixth in the extreme front in marching, and on the
extreme right in line of battle.

236 The Seventy-sesth Regiment N. Y. V.
Our Regiment, at this time, belonged to the Second Brigade,
First Division, First Army Corps. The Brigade was com
posed of the Seventy-sixth New York, Fourteenth New York,
(Brooklyn), Seventh Indiana, Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania, and
Niuety-fifth and One Hundred and Forty-seventh New York
Volunteers, and commanded by Brigadier-General Cutler.
Before noon the Regiment reached a gentle eminence, from
which a view was had of" Gettysburg. A halt was^ordered.
In front of the Corps were gathered a group of Generals and
their respective staffs, all intently surveying with their field-
glasses, the valley and hills beyond. There stood Reynolds,
the Corps Commander, even now surveying the ground where
in less than six hours he fell in front of his Corps. There was
Wadsworth,^the brave and intrepid leader of the Division ;
and Cutler, the commandant of the Brigade. Scouts were*
momentarily coming in with their reports of the position and
strength of the enemy. Then came the rush of people from
the town — gray-haired old men tottering along ; Women car
rying their children, and children leading each other, while on
the faces of all were depicted the indices of the terror and
despair which had taken possession of them.
At the side of the road opposite the Seventy-sixth was a
long row of cherry trees loaded with ripe fruit. The boys
looked and wished, yet hesitated. Just at this moment,
Major Grover rode down from the group of officers, and,
speaking in a tone audible to all, said : —
" Boys, the General charges you to be very particular to
keep strictly within the rules, and not meddle with those
cherry trees ! Be sure you don't break the trees down !" and
then turning his horse up the road, he watched intently the
group of officers beyond. The hint was understood, and the
cherries proved very palatable, though the trees did not re
main quite uninjured. The officers failed to look around

Major Grover's Order. 237
while the trees were being plundered. The cause was fully
explained afterwards. The owner of the trees occupied a
house near the Generals, and by his manner and conversation
had convinced them that, though living in a free and loyal
State, he was a secessionist*; hence Pope's foraging order was
applicable to his case. Before night his house was riddled
with shot and shell, and finally consumed, and not one in the
Union army who understood his political status, mourned over
his loss.
The cherries were hardly disposed of, when the order,
" Forward !" was given, and off at double-quick, down the
hill toward the enemy rushed the veteran regiments. The
Seventy-sixth New York being in advance, was obliged to
remove fences as they led the army through fields, gardens
and yards. It was an hour of excitement — this rushing into
the midst of a large army now plainly visible on the opposite
hills. On aproaching, and when within two miles of the town,
General Cutler was ordered to move obliquely to the left
across the fields to the ridge near the Seminary west of the
town, where the enemy were already engaging our cavalry.
He moved across the railroad with the Seventy-sixth and One
Hundred and Forty-seventh New York Volunteers and the
Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and immediately formed
in line of battle. He soon found himself engaged with a
vastly superior force of the enemy, advancing in two lines, at
short range, in front, and on his right flank. The three regi
ments under General Cutler's command, in the language of
his report, " fought as only brave men can fight, and held
" their ground until ordered to fall back by General Wads-
" worth, to the woods on the next ridge. The Seventy-sixth
" New York and Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania fell back ; the One
" Hundred and Forty-seventh New York did not receive the

238 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V. *
" order, in consequence of Lieutenant Colonel Miller being
" wounded at the moment of receiving it. Major Harney
" held the regiment to its position until the enemy were in
" possession of the railroad-cut on his left, when it was impos-
" sible for him to retire until relieved by a charge on the ene-
" my from the left by the Sixth Wisconsin, Ninety-fifth New
" York Volunteers, and Fourteenth Brooklyn, which resulted
"in capturing a large body of the enemy, and enabled Major
" Harney to bring off the remainder of his Regiment."
It was near the first of this fighting that General Reynolds
was killed, and the command of the corps devolved upon
Major-General Doubleday. About the same time Major
Grover was struck by a ball and almost instantly killed.
Major Grover was a good disciplinarian, and was missed in
the Regiment. General Cutler, in his report of the battle,

" Major Grover, commanding the Seventy-sixth New York Volunteers, a
brave and efficient officer, was killed early in the action of the first instant,
and the command devolved upon Captain John E. Cook, and most ably and
faithfully did he perform the duty."
About the same time that Major Grover was killed, Lieu
tenant Cahill, of Company B, fell, wounded in the thigh.
Captain Story, of Company B, fell mortally wounded. Lieu
tenants Carter and Button, of Company B, were wounded,
and Sergeant-Major Thomas Martin killed, the ball entering
his arm and side.
All the Regiments in this advance Brigade were fearfully
cut up. The Seventy-sixth went into the fight with three
hundred and forty-eight men and twenty-seven officers, and in
half an hour it lost two officers killed, and sixteen" wounded ;
twenty-seven men killed, and one hundred and twenty-four

Battle oe Gettysburg. 239
wounded ; making a total killed and wounded in the half
hour, of eighteen officers and one hundred and fifty-one men,
or over half the officers, and nearly half the men expended in
that brief period ! The One Hundred and Forty-seventh
New York went into the fight with three hundred and eighty
officers and men, and within the same time lost in killed and
wounded two hundred and seven. The Fifty-sixth Pennsyl
vania went into the battle with seventeen officers and two
hundred and thirty-five men, and within the same time lost in
killed and wounded, six officers and seventy-two men. It
is very seldom that an army suffers in the ratio above indi
cated. After falling back to the woods, and subsequently further
back, General Cutler received orders to advance again, aud
occupy the crest of the ridge. Although reduced by a loss of
half their numbers, the men bravely and cheerfully moved
forward to renew the fight. On his way, General Cutler was
joined by the Ninety-fifth New York, Fourteenth Brooklyn,
and Sixth Wisconsin. After occupying the old ground from
half to three-fourths of an hour, the enemy were discovered
putting a battery into position on the right flank, and moving
forward large bodies of infantry in the same direction. This
being reported to General Wadsworth, he directed General
Cutler to take such a position as he deemed proper. Leaving
the Fourteenth Brooklyn to assist the Sixth Wisconsin in sup
porting the battery, he, with the balance of the Brigade
present, changed front to the right, and endeavored to hold
the enemy in check as best he could. He had no support on
either the right or left, until about two o'clock, when a brig
ade from the Second Division formed on the right, and the
Eleventh Corps came in on the right of them. Soon after, a
column of the enemy opened on the Second Division. Gen
eral Cutler immediately pushed his Brigade through the woods

240 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
and, coming in on the flank, opened so hot a fire upon them,
that one regiment threw down their arms and surrendered.
By this time the enemy were so close on his left flank that he
again changed front, and came into line on General Robin
son's left, where he remained until out of ammunition, and
was relieved by other troops. He then fell back under the
hill and sent for ammunition.
The Eleventh Corps had now fallen back to, and were
moving into, the town, and soon the enemy appeared advanc
ing in line of battle. After waiting about twenty minutes,
General Cutler moved the Brigade to the railroad with a view
to form under cover of its bank and try to hold him in check
there, when he received an order through Colonel Bankhead,
to send three regiments to aid in repelling the enemy near the
Seminary. He immediately sent the Seventy-sixth, the Four
teenth Brooklyn, and the One Hundred and Forty-seventh
New York. These regiments remained there until General
Cutler received, orders to move his Brigade to the rear in the
best order he could. He moved off on the railroad embank
ment, and although exposed to the enemy's fire on both flanks,
the men marched with perfect steadiness and no excitement.
Their steadiness had the effect to bring the enemy to a halt,
when he threw out skirmishers, thus relieving our Brigade
from the fire of his main line on the left. This Brigade thus
completely covered the troops who were retreating on its
right from the fire of the enemy on its left. The Brigade
suffered severely while retiring. General Cutler had one
horse killed on the railroad, and another wounded going
through the town. After the death of General Reynolds, the
Corps was handled with courage and skill by General Doub
leday. In the midst of the fight he was ever-present, giving
orders to his men, and even, in some cases, "sighting" the
artillery. At one time he was nearly surrounded by the

Instances oe Heroism. 241
rebels, and only escaped by reason of their ignorance of his
rank. Instances of heroism occurred on this sanguinary field,
which, had they been witnessed in the olden time, would have
linked the names of the actors with the worshiped saints. In
the hottest of the fight, the rebels had killed nearly all the
gunners attached to Battery B, Fourth U. S. Artillery, and
were rushing up to take the Battery, when a remaining gun
ner, nearly exhausted by his almost superhuman effort to save
his battery, raised his " swab," and struck the commandant of
the rebel squad, breaking his neck. The brave gunner fell,
however, pierced through the body by rebel bayonets. His
battery was taken, but recaptured by our troops later in the
day. As the Sixth Wisconsin was advancing to the relief of the
One Hilndred and Forty-seventh New York, a fine appearing
man came deliberately up to Lieut.-Col. Dawes, commanding
the Regiment, and, taking the position of a soldier, saluted
the Colonel. Supposing he had some order to communicate,
the Colonel turned toward him, when the man, standing erect,
exclaimed : — " Tell my friends at home I died like a man and
a soldier !" Then, tearing open his coat with both hands, he
displayed a ghastly wound, and fell dead !
In another instance, the rebels had killed nearly all the
gunners in charge of one piece of our artillery, and were
advancing to capture it. Observing their movement, one of
the gunners hastily attached the horses to the gun, and was
just preparing to mount and ride off, as the rebel Lieutenant
placed his hand upon the piece and ordered him to surrender.
Instead of obeying the order, he put spurs to Jhe^ horses and
dashed off. But, as he started, theTieutenant, who had
reached the horses' side, presented a cocked pistpl at the head
of the gunner. Determined to save the gun, regardless of the
Q

242 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
danger, he dashed ahead, when the Lieutenant fired, the ball
entering the body of the gunner ; he, however, managed to
stay upon his horse until the gun was safe within our lines,
and then fell to the ground dead !
Cases of cowardice, as well as courage, were not wanting.
As the Regiment was marching near the railroad, they were
at one time deployed through the lot, along the edge of which
ran a stone wall. As they were marching along, Captain
Pierce, of Company A, discovered a man nicely rolled up in
a blanket, lying behind the wall, his head completely hidden.
Considering the care with which he was rolled in the blanket
a little unusual for a dead man, Captain Pierce proceeded to
investigate. " What are you doing here ?" inquired the Captain. " Get
up !"
" I can't. I am awfully wounded," replied the " beat."
" Where ?" inquired the Captain.
" Here," answered the coward, pointing to his side.
An examination discovered no wound. After changing the
locality of the injury several times, and each time failing to
discover blood, the Captain shouted, " Get up, you coward !
Fall in !" and Company A kept this recruit of the battle-field
in the front rank the remainder of the day.
The Brigade was now ordered to fall back through the town
to Cemetery Ridge on the south. The rebels followed closely,
so that at one time the town was occupied by portions of both
armies. The people of Gettysburg, like the bulk of the peo
ple of the free States, are heartily loyal. At many of
the doors and windows, the ladies, lads and girls stood through
that long, hot day, and passed water and food to the Union
troops. The men of the Seventy-sixth will not soon forget,
and I should fail in the performance of my duty, did I not

The "Nameless Heroine." 243
mention the " nameless heroine," who, with a cup in each
hand, so busily dealt out water to the thirsty boys, the tears of
sympathy streaming down her lovely cheeks, as the wounded
soldiers came hobbling by, until, pierced by a rebel ball, she
fell dead by the side of her pail ! We regret that we cannot
hand down her name to posterity, even in these humble pages.
The memory of her deeds and heroic sacrifice shall remain
green, though her name is unknown.
After passing through the town to Cemetery Hill, the Brig
ade was joined by the Seventh Indiana, which had come up.
By order of General Wadsworth the Seventh Indiana was sent,
to hold the crest of a hill to the right, and the balance of the
Brigade having been in action from ten o'clock A. M. to four
o'clock P. M., were allowed to rest for the night.
At the commencement of this battle, as the Regiment was
rushing forward toward the enemy, a cannon ball passed be
tween the legs of Captain Robert Story, of Company B,
plowing up the earth beyond, yet he rushed on until, half an
hour later, he lay mortally wounded, in the enemy's lines.
He was struck in the left thigh by a Minnie ball, which, on
reaching and fracturing the bone, divided into three parts.
He lingered until the sixth of August, receiving all the atten
tions which kind hearts and skillful hands could give. No
man in the- Regiment was entitled to more praise than Cap
tain Story.
To the Seventy-sixth New York is due the credit of firing
the first gun at Gettysburg, except the skirmishing done by
the cavalry. Next to the Seventy-sixth was the Fifty-sixth
Pennsylvania, one of the best regiments in the service— a reg
iment which ever vied with the Seventy-sixth in the laudable
strife to excel in achievements.
As the regiments were pushing forward, before the fighting
commenced, a gray-haired man, sixty years of age, rushed

244 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
across the fields, gun in hand, and attempted to reach the
front ; but being unable to overtake the Seventy-sixth New
York, he fell in with the Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania, and fought
with that Regiment all day. Had all the residents of Gettys
burg been equally patriotic and courageous, the result of the
first day's fighting might have been more disheartening to the
South, and rendered the terrible fighting of the next two days
unnecessary. Early in the first day's fighting, Orderly Sergeant Henry
Cliff, of Company F, fell severely wounded in his left leg.
Our troops were retreating, and he was left upon the field.
The sun was shooting down his hottest July rays. No bush
protected the brave Sergeant. y
" Please carry me to the shade of that tree," said the Ser
geant to a rebel, alluding to a large tree that stood near by.
" I shan't do it," replied the rebel ; " get some of your
d — d Yankee horde to help you. If you had been at home,
where you belonged, instead of fighting for the d — d nigger,
you would not have needed help !" and there, for five days
the Sergeant lay with a broken limb, unable to stir, almost
dying from thirst and hunger, and nearly roasting, while day
after day he watched the cool shade in its slow journey around
the tree, never quite reaching him, but advancing toward him
and then retreating, as though tantalizing him for his loyalty !
He was finally found by our men, his limb amputated, and he
still lives to tell his story.
General Pleasanton, commanding cavalry, had become fa
miliar with the country around Gettysburg, and had advised
General Meade that this was the proper place to bring on the
battle, which every one considered imminent. General Meade,
however, decided upon making a stand at another point, for
the purpose of receiving the attack of the enemy. He
accordingly selected a position on Pipe Creek, the left resting

Second Day at Gettysburg. 245
in the neighborhood of Middleburg, and the right at Man
chester. He was engaged in making arrangements for
occupying that position as soon as the enemy should by their
movements indicate the time for doing so, while the First
Corps was fighting the battle of Gettysburg, above described.
In the afternoon of the first of July, General Meade learned
that the cavalry under Buford had met a large force of the
enemy at Gettysburg ; that General Reynolds, who had gone
to his assistance with the First and Eleventh Corps, had been
killed, and a battle was then being fought. The attention of
General Meade seems then, for the first time, to have been
seriously directed to the position of Gettysburg for meeting
the enemy. He immediately sent General Hancock to inspect
and report the condition of our troops, and the character of
the ground. That night the troops were moved up and took
position on the hill south of Gettysburg.
The troops now formed in line of battle in the shape of a
horse-shoe, with the convexity toward the town. The left
facing to the northwest, was occupied by the Fifth Corps,
under General Sykes, the Third Corps, under General Sickles,
and the Second Corps, under General Hancock. The center
facing the town, by the First Corps, under General Newton.
the right by the Eleventh Corps under General Howard, and
the Twelfth Corps, under General Slocum.
The fore part of July second was spent by the Union Gen
erals in disposing their troops, and arranging for the battle.
Early in the morning, the Second Brigade was moved to the
hill and took a position between the First Brigade, and Gene
ral Green's Brigade, of the Twelfth Corps. Wasted as was
the strength of the First Corps, by the fighting of the day
before, it was not expected that they should bear the burthen
of what was to follow.
The enemy now occupied the valley at the base of Ceme-

246 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
tery Hill, and formed nearly parallel with our forces. Early
in the day skirmishing was commenced by the enemyj and
continued more or less severe until four o'clock in the after
noon, when suddenly he opened a most terrific fire upon
Cemetery Hill, held by the Eleventh Corps, and upon the
position held by the Second Corps. Our artillery, posted in
favorable positions, replied vigorously, and for two hours the
roar, and flame, and smoke of artillery, and shriek of shells
so completely filled the air, that everything else seemed for
gotten. On the left were soon observed dark masses of troops
emerging from the woods and advancing in the direction of
the Third Corps. Skirmishing in that part of the field be
came sharper. General Sickles was sent forward to ascertain
the enemy's intentions. The artillery fire ceased, and with
yells and cheers, the rattle of musketry and flash of fixed bay
onets, Longstreet's and Hill's Corps rushed against the Union
Army. The Third Corps fought manfully, but were finally
forcedto give way beneath the weight of the attacking column.
Sickles fell severely wounded, his leg being blown off by a
shell, and his Corps cut to pieces. On came the rebels with
more fury than before. The Second and Fifth Corps were
thrown into the breach. The Second Corps suffered terribly.
The Fifth Corps, including the Pennsylvania Reserves, fought
with desperate courage, and a determination to leave the field
only as conquerors. A division of the Twelfth Corps was now
called in, and about the same time General Sedgwick arrived
with the Sixth Corps. They had marched thirty consecutive
hours, their feet were sore, some without shoes, and they felt
much more like lying down in the road than fighting. But
when the situation was understood, these weary patriots
seemed strengthened by a new inspiration, and even awaited
with impatience the order to advance. At length the order
came, and like fresh troops this celebrated Corps went down

At the Close oe the Second Day. 247
the hill like an avalanche upon their almost victorious foe.
The rebel column halted, staggered, and then fell back in con
fusion, leaving their dead and wounded piled across each
other, and in our hands. About the same time, an equally
sudden dash was made by Ewell's Corps upon our right. The
suddenness of the attack, that portion of our army having
been weakened by the reinforcements sent to Sickles, gave the
enemy some advantage. Reinforcements were, however,
promptly sent up, and his advance checked.
Stung by the defeat on the left, which had sent their col
umns back in confusion, the rebels were determined, at all
hazards, to carry the right, hence the attack upon Slocum
was furious almost to madness. The First Corps, which had
covered itself all over with glory the day before, and the Sixth
Corps, which had just turned the tide so magnificently on the
left, came promptly to the support of the Twelfth Corps.
From dark until half-past nine o'clock, the battle raged with
unabated fury. The fines swayed to and fro, each in turn
advancing and falling back. At this hour the enemy made
his last desperate charge on the right wing held by Geary's
Division. He was repulsed with terrible slaughter, and re
fused to renew the attack. At ten o'clock the firing ceased
and all was quiet the remainder of the night.
Ewell had been reinforced, and held a position of some
advantage. As a matter of personal honor, General Meade
assigned the task to General Slocum of dislodging Ewell
from the position lately held by Slocum. He accordingly
made preparations for the work assigned him.
A division of the Sixth Corps was posted on the right of
the Twelfth, thus forming the extreme outpost of the right
wing. The Fifth Corps was sent over as a reserve, and Gen
eral Wadsworth's Division of the First Corps took position to
strengthen Howard's right, where it joined Slocum's left.

248 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
Thus the men lay down to refresh themselves with such sleep
as comes to him who is convinced that the morning will bring
him into the midst of a sanguinary battle. At four o'clock
the next morning, (July third) Slocum's line opened a terrific
fire on Ewell's forces. This was responded to by one of those
furious charges for which the rebels were so justly celebrated.
The charge upon the left the day before, where, with such
desperation the rebels fought our forces for three hours, and
the charge of Ewell upon the right the night before, were re
garded by the oldest officers in the army as the most obstinate
and deadly contests of the war. But this charge of the ene
my in response to Slocum's opening fire was far more furious.
With unearthly yells and utter contempt of danger and death,
for six hours they hurled their solid columns against the Union
Army. During all this time the Federal troops, firm as the
rocky foundation on which they stood, hurled the fiery shot,
and" shell, and flame into the thinning ranks of the enemy,
until he staggered and fell back entirely defeated and ex
hausted. Enemy though we are to any man or set of men who can lift
their parricidal hand against this best of Governments, we
can but admire the courage and determination displayed by
the rebels in this battle. Nothing else during the war equaled
this six hours of carnage. In front of General Geary's Di
vision were more rebel dead than the entire number of casu
alties in the Twelfth Corps.
At ten o'clock General Slocum had defeated and driven the
rebels and occupied his original position.
At two o'clock General Lee opened a terrific fire in front,
upon the First and Second Corps, from a hundred guns. Our
batteries promptly responded, and for two hours a battle with
artillery was fought such as has never before been heard upon
this continent. It was fitting that the decisive battle of Get-

Last Day at Gettysburg. 249
tysburg should have such a magnificent termination. The
Union troops were stationed upon a hill. Much of the sur
face was covered with rocks and natural depressions, so that
our men were in great part protected. The rebel infantry
was formed on the plain ubelow, and being unprotected, suf
fered severely. Their artillery was posted on the north of
Gettysburg. The shot and shells of both armies, during this
heavy artillery duel, all passed over the city. There our
wounded lay all day listening in their pain, to the shrieking
of the shells from both armies as they passed over them. Fre
quently two meeting in the air, or one falling short, would
drop into the city and there explode. In one of these instances
a sergeant of the Seventy-sixth, who had been wounded the
day before and was in the hospital, was struck by the frag
ments of a shell, and lost an arm and a leg.
General Howard's headquarters were in the Cemetery, and
were raked in a terrible manner.
At four o'clock, solid columns of rebel infantry were again
seen moving in the woods in front of the center, held by the
First and Second Corps. During the cannonading the officers
and men had been ordered to protect themselves behind the
rocks and natural fortifications ; but, on seeing the movement
in the woods, several officers went to General Doubleday, and
volunteered to carry messages to General Meade asking that
the center be strengthened. General Doubleday replied that
they might trust to General Meade ; that he undoubtedly un
derstood the condition of affairs. On came the column over
the fields, but not with the fury which marked the assault the
night before. The head of the column was directed toward
the position held by General Webb, commanding a Brigade in
the Second Corps. This Brigade opened a steady fire upon
the enemy, and the rebel General Armistead, who led the
charge, halted at a fence to steady his column. General

250 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V..
Webb, seeing this, shouted, " Charge ! the enemy is ours !"
The charge was made, and the Second Corps closing upon the
right, and the First Corps on the left, General Armistead and
thirty-five hundred men were captured. The remaining rebels
were driven back over the fields with great slaughter, and the
battle of Gettysburg was ended. No more desperate battle
was fought during the war. Each army seemed to consider
this the Waterloo of the rebellion, and fought accordingly.
The result was of the greatest importance to the Union Arms.
At the commencement of the fight, " Old Archy," of whom
we have before spoken, left the army and did not again appear
until after the battle, when he approached Captain Byram,
whose baggage he had carried, with, —
" Cap'n, I toted your baggage to de rear, for fear dem rebs
would capture it." Of course Archy had no eye upon his
personal safety.
In this battle the Seventy-sixth and One Hundred and
Fifty-seventh New York took very nearly the same part,
except the first day, and hoth suffered severely, many of their
best officers being either killed, or wounded and taken pris
oners. " Have you heard from the battle ?" anxiously inquired
Ann Redmond, of the Quartermaster-Sergeant, on the second
day of the fight. Ann had accompanied the train, and was
now thirty miles from Gettysburg.
" I have not," replied the Sergeant, " except that it has
been a severe fight."
" Then I must go and see for myself," said Ann. " Oh,
dear ! what will I and our children do if Tommy is killed ?"
and away went Ann Redmond thirty miles on foot, to learn
the fate of her husband — devotion worthy of imitation.

CHAPTER XXI.

Victory at Gettysburg Answered by Victory at Vicksburg— An Advance Or
dered— Crossing South Mountain— Watching the Enemy to See Him Safely
Across the Potomac— Following the Rebel Army— Guarding Rebel Property
—General Wadsworth Takes a Temporary Leave— Reminibcenceb— Picket Duty
on the Rappahannock— Night Experience in Camp— March to Culpepper— The
Paymaster Comes— Flag Presentation in the Second Corps— Drunken Scene-
Large Profit on Whisky— Execution of Winslow N. Allen, of Company H, for
Desertion.

Victory now perched upon our banners ! Heretofore,
whenever the Army of the Potomac had met the rebel army,
except at South Mountain and Antietam, the contest had
failed of good results to the Union cause. Now the battle
had been fairly won — won at an immense cost of fife and
limb. As the result was made known to the anxious North,
it was closely followed by the cheering news that General
Grant, who had long been beseiging Vicksburg, had finally
compelled its unconditional surrender, and our troops had
held their Fourth of July celebration within that almost im
pregnable position. Even the enemies of " forcible coercion "
could scarcely refrain from smiling at such a combination of
grand successes. On the fourth of July, the rebel movements
indicated a retreat from Gettysburg. General Gregg, twenty-
two miles from that place, on the road to Chambersburg, re
ported at eight o'clock in the morning : " The road is strewn
with wounded and stragglers, ambulances and caissons, and

252 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
there is great demoralization and confusion." This was re
ported to General Meade, but no advance was ordered. A
meeting of the corps commanders was held on the evening of
the fourth, at which General Meade requested the opinion of
every corps commander, as to the expediency of an advance.
The first question put to them was : —
" Shall this army remain here ?"
Those answering in the affirmative were Generals Birney,
Sedgwick, Sykes, Hays and Warren. In the negative, Gene
rals Newton, Pleasanton and Slocum. Doubtful, General
Howard ; and so the advance movement was delayed for the
present. Had the question been submitted to the officers of
lower grade, even to the Major-Generals commanding divisions,
where men of such character as Doubleday and Wadsworth
could have been heard, the result would undoubtedly have
been different. For the patriotic determination to crush this
rebellion, instead of dallying with it, seemed to increase as
you go downward in the scale of promotions.
Two such armies could not remain long in ignorance of
each other's intentions. Our cavalry was continually recon-
noitering the enemy's positions ; the loyal people aided by
sending in such information as they possessed, so that during
the fifth of July General Meade ordered the Sixth Corps to
advance, and on the sixth and seventh the remainder of the
army started in pursuit of the enemy. Learning that the
mountain passes through which the rebels had retreated were
strongly fortified, General Meade determined to march back
to Frederick, and thence over the mountain, where our army
had so signally defeated the rebels the year before.
July eighth, headquarters were at Middletown, and the
whole army was concentrated in and about that place and
South Mountain. Many of the weary soldiers now gazed
upon that mountain, sacred to the memory of "Charley

March from Gettysburg. 253
Stamp," and his noble hero brothers who so bravely fell on its
summit less than ten months before, and discussed the proba
bilities of a renewal of those trying scenes. Such a reflection
is not the sweetest, even to the patriot.
July ninth the troops crossed South Mountain, and the Sev
enty-sixth encamped on the west side. At night the men
slept with their accoutrements on, ready at a moment's warn
ing, to meet the enemy. But the enemy was too busily
engaged in seeking the means of escape, to make any attacks.
The next day marched to near Funkstown, where the First
Corps was drawn up in line of battle, to prevent the crossing
of the Potomac by the rebels. Orders had, however, been
given to bring on no general engagement, and there was no
firing. Instead of attacking and destroying the defeated and de
moralized army of Lee, General Meade simply watched his
crossing, keeping a respectful distance in his rear, and just
near enough to prevent his comfortable stay on the north
side of the river.
The thirteenth of July was spent in reconnoitering the
enemy's position, and General Meade says he intended to
attack Lee on the fourteenth; but during the night of the
thirteenth the enemy crossed the Potomac in safety, and Gen
eral Meade, on advancing the next morning, found the ground
evacuated, and ready for his peaceable occupation ! Thus
ended the second Maryland campaign, under Meade, an exact
repetition of the first, under McClellan. In both cases, a
defeated army was permitted to escape through a friendly
country, across the Potomac, into the hot-bed of secession.
Our troops now took the same route as on the former occa
sion, crossing the Potomac af" Berlin. As on the former
occasion, during the march to Berlin, the rain fell in torrents;
the roads were almost impassable ; the men had received no

254 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V:
clothing since leaving the camp in Virginia; hundreds of
miles had been traveled, and many of the men were barefoot,
ragged and dirty, and altogether the army presented a sorry-
looking appearance. But the river must be crossed, and the
march resumed, and veterans of so many battle-fields are not
the men to quarrel with fate, or question orders.
The Regiment arrived at Middleburg July twentieth, hav
ing marched twenty miles that day.
A marked difference was observed between the loyalty of
Maryland and disloyalty of Virginia. Flags were no longer
seen floating from the houses. No " Union rag " would be
possessed by such a people, and discretion forbade the display
of any other at this particular period. The old traitors and
young traitoresses all frowned alike bitterly, upon our men.
Yet, even the bitterest secessionist was ready to call for a
guard to compel our troops to " respect private property."
One bloated old secessionist, puffed up with that self-conceit
which is indigenous to the very soil of " the mother of Presi
dents," was the owner of a well. The thirsty troops took the
liberty, in passing, to fill their canteens, seeing which, the
burly old rebel sprang to his well, took off the pump handle
and carried it into the house, then, with characteristic impu
dence, went to the commanding general and asked for and
procured a guard to protect his property from destruction !
No wonder that narrow-minded treason was not rendered
odious to itself by such acts of generalship !
Here General Wadsworth took his leave, for a time, of the
First Division. No better or more patriotic man ever shoul
dered a musket or carried a sword. On leaving he shook the
hand of each officer and man in the Seventy-sixth, as though
they were his brothers. There was a time when a Major-Gen
eral could scarcely have found time to shake the hands of the
thousand men who composed the Regiment. Now it was an

General Wadsworth Leaves Temporarily. 255
easier matter ; for, although two hundred and fifty men had
been put into the Regiment just before marching for Gettys
burg, the whole number of officers and men now present did
not exceed eighty. General Wadsworth stated to the officers
on leaving, that he had endeavored- to get the Seventy-sixth
sent on detached duty, to enable them to recruit. " Having
failed in this," said the General, " I cannot bear to see the
small remnant of the brave old Regiment put up to be shot
at any more !"
A story is told showing the kindness of heart possessed by
General Wadsworth. Just previous to the march upon
Chancellorsville, an order was issued that no teams should be
employed, but instead thereof, pack-mules were to be used.
The order also required each man to carry ten days' rations,
(thirty pounds,) one hundred rounds of cartridges, (twelve
pounds,) extra shoes, overcoat, blanket, poncha tent, canteen
and clothing, (forty-five pounds,) musket, (eight pounds,) in
all about ninety-five pounds ! On receiving the order Gene
ral Wadsworth called his orderly : —
" Orderly!" said the General, "pack a knapsack, canteen,
haversack and cartridge-box, and roll the tent and overcoat,
and place them upon the knapsack, according to orders, and
put the whole rig on me, and hand me a gun. I am going to
see if this order can be obeyed by the men ;" and for nearly
an hour, the General paced his tent carrying the load of a sol
dier. At the end of that time, perspiring at every pore,
he commenced unloading, declaring, as he did so, " No man
can carry such a load and live ; it is preposterous !" He was
obliged to promulgate the order, but to the General's credit
be it said, no inspector came around to see that the order was
obeyed, and the men did not carry ninety-five pounds each to
Chancellorsville. July 22d. — Having rested a whole day, the Regiment

256 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
moved down to White Plains, a distance of eight miles. The
next day at sunrise the march was continued until in the
afternoon, after a march of twenty miles, the Regiment
reached Warrenton. Here a rest was given until the first day
of August. The enemy moving down the west side" of the
mountains, had as yet given no evidence of their intention,
and the Army of the Potomac was simply watching their
movements. August 1st. — The Seventy-sixth was ordered to advance to
Beverly Ford on the Rappahannock, near the place where it
was first under fire in August, 1862. Captain Byram, of
Company D, was now in command of the Regiment.
September 12th. — About two hundred and fifty conscripts
were, at this date, added to the Seventy-sixth. The Regi
ment was now, and for a month had been, engaged in doing
picket duty along the Rappahannock, one half relieving the
other each consecutive day, watching and waiting for the
enemy, who seemed anything but anxious to renew the ac
quaintance. Captain Swan had been home on a furlough, to enable him
to recover from his Gettysburg wound. He returned in the
evening of September thirteenth. Being tired, he retired to
his bunk, made by driving down four crotched stakes, and
laying two poles in the crotches, and numbers of smaller
sticks across them. He was scarcely asleep, dreaming of the
pleasant home so lately left, when his somnambulic entertain
ment was unceremoniously intruded upon. On waking he
found himself lying in the mud, while the rain was pouring in
torrents upon him. A tremendous shower coming up in the
night, had softened the ground, when the stakes gave away,
and, aided by a strong wind, the Captain was launched out
side his tent. On becoming conscious of his situation, he
crawled back into the tent, .passing the remainder of the night
on the wet earth.

Flag Presentation. 257
September lUh. — At two o'clock in the morning, orders
were received to march in one hour. To young soldiers this
would have seemed something of a hardship ; but down came
the tents, and before daylight the Regiment was on its way to
Culpepper. After a march of twelve miles a halt was ordered
and the men went into camp. Here the paymaster's welcome
face and seductive greenbacks made their appearance, and the
men were happy again.
The next day a flag presentation took place in the Second
Brigade, where a most disgraceful scene transpired. Whisky
everywhere, and under all circumstances, is a " thing of evil."
It leaves its slimy track through every lane of life, and hisses
its seductive falsehoods in the ears of every neighborhood ;
but never does it rise to the full display of its sickening diabo
lism, until it circulates unrestrained in the army. The
paymaster had been around, and somehow the sutler had man
aged, under pretense of celebrating the flag presentation, to
obtain a permit to sell a certain amount of whisky. When
once a perniit of that kind is given, it amounts practically to
an unlimited license. The result was, that there was scarcely
a sobe.r man in the Second Brigade. Nor was the poison con
fined to that camp. Money will ever command the services
of King Alcohol, if he is within commanding distance. The
First Brigade, therefore, felt the influence of this drunken
spree. The veterans had become accustomed to sober life ;
but the conscripts lately from home, had become thirsty, and
many humorous as well as painful scenes were witnessed:
In one tent were three conscripts with more money than
had commonly fallen to their lot, and more raging thirst than
had ever been experienced before.
" Say, boys let's have some liquor," said one.
"How shall we get it?" was the awkward response.
Just then, Jim  , of Company H, came in.
r

258 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
" Say, veteran, can't you get us some liquor ?" inquired the
conscript. " Well, I guess so," said Jim.
" How much do you want for a bottle ?" said conscript,
showing the money, his eye brightening at the thought.
" Well, about three dollars, I guess," replied Jim.
The money advanced, Jim, after a few moments, returned
with the coveted bottle. He knew that the three dollars
bought two bottles, one of which lay back for speculation.
" Hurrah for the veteran !" shouted the three conscripts, as
they drank the contents of the bottle. One bottle for three
empty conscripts was a small ration.
" Say, vet., can't you get us some more whisky ?" inquired
the anxious conscripts.
" No more at that price," said Jim ; " I can get another-
bottle for four dollars."
" Here is your money ; hurry !"
Jim went to his tent, poured half the contents of the
other bottle into this, filled up with water, and returned.
" Bully for the veteran !" shouted the conscripts, and the
contents of this bottle followed their late neighbor.
" Say, old feller, can't you get us another bottle ?" said the
now slightly intoxicated conscripts.
"Not for that price," said Jim. " Whisky is getting scarce
— can't get it short of five dollars."
" Well, five dollars it is, then ; here, hurry up !" and one
of them passed over a five dollar greenback.
Jim repeated the last operation, and they received the last
bottle of whisky purified with water.
The two bottles of whisky, though weakened with one of
water, had, by this time, very much affected the discretion of
the conscripts, and as their judgments failed, their appetites
became sharpened.

Drunkenness. 259
" Say, veteran, can't you get us some more whisky — we
must have it— name your price!" shouted the three con
scripts in concert.
" I can get you just two bottles more, and that's all," said
Jim. " You must give me ten dollars."
" Here's your (hie) money."
Jim went to his tent, filled the two bottles with water,
and returned them to the conscripts, who were, by this time,
very oblivious.
"Hurrah (hie) for the (hie) ve'eran !" shouted the three, in
drunken chorus. " Say, (hie) this tastes (hie) ratherm ild !
Wha' d'you think ? I guess (hie) I'm getting el'yed !"
Jim having become satisfied with his speculation, left with
his nineteen dollars profit. There was grumbling among the
conscripts the next morning ; but Jim could not be recog
nized, and his sale of water was never punished.
During the same whisky rule, Captain E. J. Swan was
walking through camp, when he was accosted with : —
" I say (hie) Cap'n i I'm (hie) awful sick !"
" What's the matter, my man ?"
"O-u-g-h (hie) don'no. O-u-g-h-oo — do git, o-o, doc'or,
Cap'n." " Is there no one in your tent to help you ?"
" Y-e-s ! o-o-g-h, Bill's there."
" Why don't you have him go for the doctor, then ?"
" 'Cause, o-o-o-u-g-h — he's (hie) he's — drunk, too, Cap'n !"
The Captain did not send for the doctor.
Drunkenness became general for the time, and Governor
Curtin, the hero of the occasion, saw little in this advent to
the army, to inspire him with confidence in the temperate
habits of Liberty's defenders. To the honor of the army be
it said, however, that this development of their worse than
beastly natures, was exceptional, and not a common occurrence.

260 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
September 21st. — Another addition of one hundred and fifty
men was made to the Seventy-sixth at this date. The Regi
ment now began to bear the proportions of the olden time.
The veterans began to appreciate their importance as veterans,
and many a sly joke was perpetrated at the expense of the
recruits. How strange to these educated soldiers of two years'
experience seemed the lengthy strides, the awkward gestures,
and the loose civilian style of the raw recruits ! How their
arms dangled from their ill-fitting coats !» How they grum
bled at sleeping on the ground, and wondered that the
Government should feed them on hard tack and salt pork.
For all the world as the veterans talked less than two years
before, and yet how strange it seemed to them after the lapse
of that time.
September 2&th. — Orders were received to march in half an
hour. At the end of that time the Regiment had struck tents
and were on the march to the Rapidan. After going about
six miles they went into camp near Raccoon Ford. Here,
late at night on the twenty-seventh, another hundred men
joined the Regiment. They were mostly substitutes and con
scripts. Among the number was Winslow N. Allen, formerly
a private in Company H, who had deserted while the Regi
ment was stationed at Washington, in the spring of 1862.
Eight of these new men were assigned to Company H, and,
strange as it may appear, Allen was assigned to the same
Company from which he had deserted. After deserting, he
had lived under an assumed name, (William Newton,) in Jef
ferson county, New York, his residence when he enlisted being
in Madison county. He was possessed of a beautiful wife and
one child, but, tempted by the bounty of three hundred
dollars, he had sold himself as a substitute, trusting to fortune
to make his escape again. As he was marched by the ser
geant down the company street, though dark, his voice was

Winslow N. Allen. 261
recognized by his former comrades. This coming to the ears
of the officers, he was arrested and placed in confinement to
await his trial for desertion. He was soon after tried, con
victed, and sentenced to be shot to death on the eighteenth of
December, 1863.
So many had been arrested and either returned to duty or
punished by imprisonment and loss of pay, that he could not
believe he would be sentenced to death. Others who had
been sentenced to be shot had- been pardoned, so that after the
decision became known to him he still indulged in hope. As
the hour drew near, however, Captain Swan, as kindly as pos
sible, assured him that all hope was vain, and that he should
prepare for his awful doom: A day or two before his death
he began to realize his situation, and to set about making
preparations to enter
" The undiscovered country, from whose bourne no traveler returns."
He seemed calm and collected, and declared himself ready
to die, if such must be his fate. So self-possessed was he, that
an hour before his execution he sat at the table with his Cap
tain, and ate a hearty dinner, after which he engaged in
writing. As the drum beat the signal to march to the place
of execution, he said : —
" Captain, you have been kind to me, which I can only
return by my prayers for your welfare." Handing the Cap
tain his pocket-book, " Take this, it is all I have, and when I
am gone, please lay this," (a fervent prayer for one in his sit
uation, printed on a card), " on my breast."
The Captain promised to do as requested. As they marched
to the mournful measure of the death march, and neared the
fatal spot where the rough coffin and gaping grave were wait
ing tp receive their victim, he seemed suddenly struck with ter
ror, and, seizing the Captain's hand with a vice-like grasp, thus
remained until they arrived at the coffin. Around him were

262 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
formed his companions whom he had deserted. The grave
which was to receive him as a loathsome criminal, was fresh
beside him. It was a severe test of his physical courage. To
none but the Captain was there the exhibition of the least
emotion. The condemned man was placed upon the foot of his coffin ;
the bandage placed over his eyes ; his hands pinioned. The
charges, specifications, findings and order for his execution
had been read. The Captain bent over him, and, his heart
almost too full for utterance, whispered : —
" Winslow, I can go no further with you ; the rest of your
dark journey is alone. Have you any last word for your wife
and child?"
" No, only tell them I love them all !" These were his
last words. The Captain stepped back a few feet ; the officer
gave the signal to the executioners ; the report as of a single
gun rang out, and Winslow N. Allen fell lifeless upon his
coffin. He had, on that day completed his twenty-sixth year. He
died without a perceptible movement of a muscle.
This was the only execution that ever occurred in the Sev
enty-sixth Regiment.

CHAPTER XXII.
The Seventy-sixth Recruited to One Thousand Men— Building Winter Quar
ters — March and Leave them— Night March— On the Retreat— Marching Thirty
Miles in Eighteen Hours— Visit to the Battle-Fields of Gainesville and
Bull Run— Sickening Sights— Retreating and Advancing— Wading Broad Run
—An Important Captube— John Miner Botts, the Loyalist— Dark and Danger
ous Night March — Battle of Mine Run— Building Winter Quarters Again —
Another March— Winter Quarters in Earnest.
September 24:th. — The idea had become prevalent that the
army would go into camp on the north bank of the Rapidan.
The men had accordingly erected a city of log houses, and
everything began to resemble camp life. At this date, how
ever, the order came about twelve o'clock to march, and at
once these houses were abandoned, and by daylight were left
about eight miles in the rear. Here again the Regiment went
into camp, and remained until October eleventh. The time
was all occupied in drilling the recruits, who had already
swelled the rolls of the Regiment to one thousand again.
Captain John E. Cook, of Company I, had been promoted
to Lieutenant-Colonel, and Colonel Livingston being still on
duty upon the examining board in Washington, the command
of the Regiment devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Cook.
Captain J. W. Young, of Company K, had also been pro
moted to Major. While lying here, General Rice assumed
command of the Brigade.
At midnight, October tenth, the men were called up to re-

264 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
ceive five days' rations. Every man failing to arise, lost his
rations. This produced no small amount of grumbling, es
pecially among the recruits. Poor fellows ! they had not yet
learned the elements of soldiering.
The rebels were reported to have retreated. They had
certainly called in their pickets, and some move was evidently
about to be made. Everybody believed the Union army was
to advance southward.
Early in the morning, (October eleventh), the Regiment
was marching back toward the river, on arriving near which
they lay in battle order behind a slight rise of ground until
dark, when a retreat was ordered. A night march of ten
miles was made before stopping. The night was so extremely
dark that a man could not be seen two paces distant. About
midnight the Regiment reached ah open field near Culpepper
and rested two hours. The night, if possible, grew darker,
and at two o'clock the troops were again on the march ; after
a march of about four miles, the regiment reached Stevens-
burg, when a halt was made.
Stevensburg is situated upon an eminence from which a
splendid view was had of the valley from which the infantry
had just ascended. Here was presented a fine view of the
contest going on in the valley below. The enemy were surely
" retreating towards us," as Paddy would say, and our forces
were evidently making the best possible time in placing the
Rappahannock between them and the enemy. The cavalry
were protecting our rear. From this eminence their splendid
charges into the enemy's advancing lines, then their retreats,
could be distinctly seen with the naked eye. Then came the
white smoke wreaths and the heavy roar of artillery, mingled
with the rattle of musketry, all speaking unmistakably of the
heroic conduct and daring of the cavalry and artillery.
About noon the infantry were hurried off again in the direc-

Again Retreating. 265
tion of Kelly's Ford, showing conclusively that General
Meade did not intend to make a stand at this point. After
a hard march of ten miles, the troops crossed the Rappahan
nock and encamped for the night four miles below Rappahan
nock Station. Here a rest of one day was given to the men.
Learning that the enemy were crossing the river farther up
with the evident intention of flanking our army, General
Meade ordered the march resumed, and at one o'clock in the
morning the Seventy-sixth, with the other infantry, started
northward at a rapid rate, marching thirty miles in eighteen
hours ! That night they went into camp near Bristow Station
on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, tired and sleepy.
Scarcely were their eyes closed, whan they were ordered up to
receive their rations! Men cannot live without food, and
when life is at stake, the soldier, like the civilian, will relin
quish sleep to secure his food. The men, therefore, arose,
drew their rations at midnight, and again laid down ; but only
to be soon aroused again by the order, " Be ready to march in
half an hour !" and at daylight, after a night of broken rest,
the troops were on the march to Centreville, twenty-five miles
distant !
It was during this day that General Warren made his cele
brated fight at Bristow Station, driving back and capturing
many of the enemy.
The next day, (October fifteenth), the Seventy-sixth took
possession of some old breastworks, and prepared to repel the
expected attack. Heavy rains were now falling, accompanied
by high winds, which leveled the tents, and rendered camp
life not only unpleasant, but dangerous.
On the morning of October eighteenth, the men were
o.rdered at three o'clock to be in readiness to march at daylight.
They prepared to obey, but with the daylight came no order
• to march, and they returned again to camp. The following

266 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
morning at four o'clock, however, in the midst of a terrific
storm of rain and wind, the march was resumed.
The enemy was expected through Thoroughfare Gap, and
the march was in that direction, over the celebrated Stone,
Bridge of first Bull Run notoriety ; over the whole Bull Run
field; past the terrible battle-field of Gainesville the Regi
ment marched to Haymarket, where a halt was ordered.
On passing Gainesville, many of the officers and men could
not resist the temptation to fall out and view the ground
whereon they fought their first battle, now sacred to the mem
ory of so many heroic comrades.
On coming upon the field where the battle was fought, the
sight was indeed sickening. Lying about in every direction
were the bleaching bones and ghastly skulls of the men who
fell in that memorable fight. The rebels had but slightly cov
ered the dead with earth, which was quickly washed off by
the heavy rains, leaving the bodies fully exposed to view. A
detail of men was sent in a few days, and these sacred remains
properly buried.
After halting at Haymarket, Lieutenant Edwin J. Swan
was sent with two companies, as pickets, near the entrance to
the Gap, to prevent a night surprise. Shortly after arriving
at their destination, a force of rebel cavalry came dashing
through the Gap, and attempted to capture the picket fine in
a body. They succeeded in capturing several and wounding
others from a company from the Second Brigade ; but by care
ful manoeuvring the two companies from the Seventy-sixth
were rescued without the loss of a man.
The next day, October twentieth, the whole Brigade
marched into the Gap, where they remained encamped until
the twenty-fourth, when they marched back through the Gap
to Gainesville. Leaving the railroad at this point, the route
was taken over the hills to Bristow Station, where another

Marching Continued. 267
camp was formed. This day's work was very severe. The
rain of the night before had thoroughly saturated every article
of the poorly sheltered men. The mud was deep, and the rain
continued to fall through the day. The men were forced
to wade through Broad Run, then nearly to their arms ! The
weather was very cold. Thus wading through mud and
streams, and nearly freezing,'_the men marched about fourteen
miles !
The Seventy-sixth remained in camp in a pleasant cedar
grove near Bristow, until November fifth. With cold fingers
the officers completed the pay rolls of their companies.
At this date orders were received to march in fifteen min
utes. Down went the tents, and the Regiment was soon
moving southward. A march until late in that very dark
night, brought the Regiment to Catlett's Station. At ten
o'clock the next day the Seventy-sixth crossed the railroad
and went into camp again. A lively cavalry skirmish was
taking place near by.
November 1th. — The men were called at four o'clock in the
morning, and at daylight started for Kelly's Ford, twenty-two
miles distant. Everything was now very dry. The rebels, to
prevent the advance of our troops, had set fire to the grass
and forests, and for nearly the entire' distance, the fire was
seen burning on every side. The roads were very rough and
the marching difficult.
While this march was being accomplished by this Division,
a sharp contest was going forward at Rappahannock Station,
the result of which was the capture of nineteen hundred and
fifty rebel prisoners, seven guns, four caissons, nine colors, and
two thousand stand of arms. It was on this occasion that the
Sixth Maine and Fifth Wisconsin so gallantly carried the two
redoubts at Rappahannock Station.

268 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
At two o'clock on the morning of the eighth, the Regiment
started for Kelly's Ford, six miles distant, arriving there
shortly before daylight. Here it was halted until noon, then
crossed the river, and marching a short distance, formed in
line of battle, and reconnoitered. Finding the road clear, the
march was resumed until sundown, when the Regiment
arrived at Brandy Station. The Second and Third Corps also
crossed at Kelly's Ford, the Fifth and Sixth Corps crossing at
Rappahannock Station. The rebels had fallen back to Cul
pepper, fighting all the way.
The next day the First Corps recrossed the river and occu
pied the trenches about Rappahannock Station. November
ninth snow fell for the first time in the season.
The object of the rebels in coming north at this time, seems
not to have been so much to bring on a decided battle, as to
destroy the transportation by means of which our forces
would be able to occupy an advanced position. They accord
ingly destroyed the railroad for a distance of twenty-three
miles. While stationed at Rappahannock, the first Corps was
engaged in repairing the railroad, which, with the picket duty
and drill of recruits, kept the men actively engaged.
While here and at Brandy Station, the officers became
familiar with the premises of that sterling old patriot, John
Minor Botts. He lived but a short distance from Brandy
Station, and his plantation was easily distinguished from those
of his neighbors. While theirs were fenceless, and general
ruin prevailed,. those of the brave old loyalist were untouched,
his house, out-houses and barns were uninjured, and about
him were to be seen very few of. those unmistakable indices of
war. Each army had passed and repassed his premises five
times, and yet he remained unharmed. The rebels respected,
and the Union men loved him. He never covered his loyalty,

John Minor Botts. 269
and yet he was so timely and proper in his declaration of it
that even the bitterest rebel could take no offense. For a
time he was imprisoned in Richmond, in company with other
loyalists. One day several of the rebel generals made them a
visit. He had slept upon the floor and fared anything but
sumptuously for nearly six months.
" Mr. Botts, why don't you come over on the side of your
State ? You could have any position you desire," said one of
the officers, temptingly.
The old man straightened himself to his fullest extent, and
showing contempt as well as courage, replied : —
" I have lived nearly sixty years under the flag of our Union,
and was never deprived of my liberty. Your rag has been in
the ascendancy but a few months, and, without committing
any offense, witness my condition ! No, sir. I prefer the old
flag !"
The old patriot remained true until even Southern tyranny
yielded, and he was set at liberty. His house was ever open
to the loyal, and there they felt as much at home as among
the loyal people of the North.
November twenty-fourth orders were received to march.
The men were up at four o'clock and struck tents, and at six
were in readiness to move. Just then the order was counter
manded and the tents put up again.
November 26th. — This day was Thanksgiving. Were
human experiences foreordained to average with the army's
experiences this day, a day of humiliation and prayer would
be much more appropriate. At four o'clock this morning all
was bustle in camp, and at six the march was commenced, and
continued at a rapid pace until nine o'clock at night. Tired,
hungry, sleepy — that was the soldier's Thanksgiving!
Camped at Ely's Ford on ground passed over by the Regiment
more than "two years ago, on the march from Fredericksburg.

270 The Seventy-sixth - Regiment N. Y. V.
What reminiscences of those two years flocked in upon those
weary heroes !
The next morning the men were called at three, and started
at four o'clock. Before daylight they crossed the Rapidan on
pontoons, and at half-past seven, after a very rapid march,
reached the Chancellorsville battle-field. Here a short rest
was allowed for breakfast, and then off for a long march into
the wilderness. The woods were full of guerrillas, who, hid
den behind trees and ledges, fired upon our men, and then
escaped by paths unknown to any but themselves.
On marched the troops in search of something, they knew
not what. At length, as night set in, the Seventy-sixth was
ordered to march through the dense forests by a private path.
Blackness was overhead, and all around ; they knew not but
this jungle was full of the enemy, yet in they plunged. The
boys who made that march of six miles through the woods, will
not fail to recollect it. The file leader, twenty-eight inches in
advance, was invisible. If one man fell, as they often did,
half a dozen came down, over him ! Mounted officers came
out so scratched by the limbs, that it was hard to recognize
them ! It was an occasion on which impulsive " cussin " was
palliated, if not pardoned.
The pike was finally reached near Robinson's tavern, Gene
ral Meade's headquarters, and the men were permitted to halt
and rest. A march of twenty miles had been made, notwith
standing the difficulties.
These long and rapid marches always indicate business
ahead, and the men hurried forward with the firm conviction
that they were soon to meet the enemy.
The next morning, (November twenty-seventh), the bugle
was sounded, and each man arose from his restless slumbers
to engage in the battle of Mine Run. After advancing about
three miles, the enemy's skirmishers were met and driven in to

Mine Run. 271
their main line. The lines of battle were formed along Mine
Run, and the fight commenced. The sound of the bugle that
would send our troops rushing in a bayonet charge upon the
enemy was now momentarily expected. Every man, recruit
and veteran, looked his duty manfully in the face, and firmly
resolved to act his part in the bloody drama ; but, after wait
ing for some time, instead of an order to charge there came
one to support the batteries.
The rebel sharpshooters were so stationed that from their
safe retreats they could pour a destructive fire into our ranks.
Aside from this, there was very little infantry firing. A
heavy artillery fire was kept up all along the line for some
time, the infantry acting as supports. This was the first fire
under which the recruits had been placed, and, to them, it
was an all-important event. As they hugged the ground, and
listened to the whizzing of bullets and screeching of shells,
the roar of artillery, and the quick crack of the sharpshooters'
rifles, they believed that Mine Run was the decisive battle of
the war. To the old veterans, the expressions of the recruits
would have seemed supremely ridiculous, had they not remem
bered the time of their initiation.
" My heavens ! There was a shell burst right over us !"
" D'ye hear that ? That was a cannon ball !"
" Who in h — 1 did that ?" exclaimed a recruit, as his coffee
cup flew into the air from- the coals he was blowing.
" Guess he did n't see the cannon ball that passed between
his legs !" said a veteran, with a complacent smile.
The recruit was not long, however, in learning the facts.
No fires were allowed, except a few coals. The recruit was
cooking his coffee, leaning over to blow the fire, when a can
non ball passing between his legs, became the author of his
catastrophe ! This incident was the basis of many a stirring
letter from the recruits to their Northern friends.

272 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
One regiment of the Brigade, the Seventh Indiana, made a
gallant charge across the stream, capturing the enemy's rifle
pits, and several prisoners, but no orders being given for the
advance of supports, they were compelled to abandon their
prize and return. During the engagement, several companies
of the Seventy-sixth were sent to the front on picket. The
sharpshooters of the enemy rendered the position of these
men very precarious. The enemy occupied one side of the
Run, and our forces were compelled to occupy the other, a
portion of the distance in the open field, on the slope of the
hill facing and in plain view of the enemy. Many of our
men were wounded while occupying this position. It became
necessary to erect breastworks, and dig rifle pits, behind and
in which the men would take refuge during the day. When
ever a head appeared above the fortifications it was sure to be
saluted by a volley of balls. It was during this dangerous
service that James Jameson, of Company D, showed the true
courage of which he was possessed. Dissatisfied, with his for
tification, he continued to run out and seize stones, and bring
them to his pit, each time receiving a volley, until he had
erected a respectable fortification, and yet not a bullet touched
him !
" I have no fears of this picket duty," said a private of
Company D, rather famous for his dislike of the smell of
powder. „
" Well, I will detail you for that service to-day," replied
Captain Byram, with a sly twinkle in his eye.
" But, Captain, I havn't any gun."
" Never mind ; here is the gun of Ed. Watrous. He is sick
to-day." The matter had gone too far to retreat. The next day, on
returning, our hero reported to the Captain the result of his
picketing : —

The Valiant Picket. 273
" I killed ten and wounded five, Captain."
" Indeed ! How many times did you fire ?"
" Just fifteen. I tell you, Captain, I drew a bead on them
and never missed once !"
Ed. Watrous heard this conversation. Stepping one side
he put down the " wormer " and drew out the same piece of
his pocket handkerchief that he put on top of the cartridge
before his gun went on picket that morning ! Charity would
impel the belief that the picket thought he had fired the gun.
A general engagement was almost momentarily expected.
But, though skirmishing was continued for three days, with
occasional heavy cannonading on both sides, and some losses,
no general engagement took place, and at the end of that
time, (five o'clock P. M., December first, 1863), suffering from
the intense cold, and hunger, the Union Army again started
on the retreat ! It seemed as though some ill-fated star
controlled the destiny of the Army of the Potomac whenever
it met the enemy on the soil of Virginia.
The Seventy-sixth arrived near Germania Ford on the
Rapidan about eleven o'clock, after a very hard march.
The next morning, (December second), the Regiment-
crossed the Rapidan, and marching ten miles, went into camp
near Stevensburg. Resting, here for the night, the retreat
was continued the next morning to near Kelly's Ford. Here
the men were ordered to erect winter quarters The veterans
had too often heard and obeyed that order, then marched
away and left them'as soon as finished, to place much faith in
the order. But building tents for others was better than
idleness in the cold, so they set briskly at work, and in a few
days the log city was completed, and the men at home again. .
The veterans were correct in supposing their labor in build
ing would be lost, for with December twenty-fourth came an
order to march, and at six o'clock A. M., they bade adieu to
s

274 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
their " city of ten streets," and, marching twelve miles, went
into camp a mile southwest of Culpepper. The ground was
well chosen in a beautiful chestnut grove, and there, after
three disappointments that winter, they built what proved to
be their real winter quarters.
It should have been mentioned that Adolphus Morse, of
Company F, was tried for desertion, and sentenced to be shot
on the twenty-seventh of November ; but through the exer
tion of Hon. R. H. Duell, and the writer, his sentence was
suspended by President Lincoln on the twenty-fifth, and after
wards commuted to imprisonment at hard labor, in Fort Jef
ferson, Florida, where he subsequently died.
The year 1863 wore away, chronicling long and weary
marches through broiling suns and dusty roads, then sleet and
rains, with muddy wadings, then severe frosts and chilling
night marches. Yet with all this added to much heroic en
durance and almost matchless fighting, the Army of the
Potomac had accomplished little of practical utility. Though
it had marched and countermarched over the entire northern
part of Virginia, across Maryland into Pennsylvania, and
back again, it passed this winter but a few miles farther
south than the winter before.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Winter Quarters— Re-Enlisting— Furloughs— Theater Established— Presenta
tion of a New Stand of Colors by the Ladies of Cherry Valley— Parting
with " The Old Flag "—A March— Engagement at Raccoon Ford— Return to
Winter Quarters— General Grant Assumes Command— General Wadsworth
Returns— Re-Organization of the Army— Preparations for a Grand Advance.

During the stay in winter quarters at Culpepper, the men
employed their time in drill, picket and police duty, very
much as during the preceding winter. Several that had been
absent in hospitals and on detached duty returned, so that
there were gathered during the winter, about one hundred
and seventy-five of the original men, about one hundred of
whom re-enlisted as veterans. In one Company, (H), thirty-
two thus re-enlisted. Under a general order, this entitled
them to a thirty-day furlough, to visit their friends, a favor
which they joyfully accepted. Many of the men had not
been home since leaving at first, nearly two years and a half
before, and the thought, after passing through so many perils,
of visiting those homes again, sent a thrill of joy through
every veteran.
January 5th, 1864. — The Seventy-sixth was, at this date,
transferred temporarily to the First Brigade. It remained
attached to that Brigade but a month, when it was again
transferred to the Second Brigade.
During the month of January, General Rice commanding

276 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
the Brigade, organized a theatrical troupe for the amusement
of his command. A large log house was erected with all the
necessary appurtenances, and on the twenty-third day of Jan
uary the theater was opened with a " grand entertainment by
the Star Troupe." _ It may be that the spirit of Shakspeare
might have detected mistakes, and directed Hamlet to renew
his advice to the players, yet nothing was ever instituted in
the army better calculated to drive away the ennui of camp
life. At this opening, one of the " boxes " was graced by
General Rice and lady, while the notables were thickly scat
tered through the democratic combination of " parquette,"
" dress " and " family circles." Never was the drama or the
comedy enacted to a more appreciative auditory than that
assembled on these cracker-box seats. Gathered in from the
log huts and canvas tents, the rough and smoky retreats of
the heroic sons of liberty, these veteran heroes had reason ta
praise in no stinted terms the General whose Yankee inge
nuity, and interest in the happiness of his men, had projected
so philanthropic an enterprise. No wonder that when a few
months after this the noble General gave up his life on the
sanguinary field, the whole command was in mourning.
February 2d. — The splendid stand of colors presented to
the Regiment at Albany, on behalf of Mrs. Campbell, had
become riddled by the balls and shells of at least eleven bat
tles, in the front ranks of which it had waved. The ladies of
Cherry Valley had conceived the noble idea of replacing
them by a new banner. The silken flag was presented on
behalf of the fair donors, in the following chaste speech for
warded by them, and was appropriately replied to by
Lieutenant-Colonel Cook, on behalf of the Regiment : —
" Lieutenant- Colonel and Privates of the Seventy-HxtJi New York Volunteers:
In behalf of the ladies of Cherry Valley, we testify to the most unsullied
pleasure in paying thi3 slight tribute to your bravery and worth. Anxious

Flag Presentation. 277
and admiring eyes have followed you ever since you bade farewell to the
hills of the Empire State. We have watched your bright career, and
marked all your fierce struggles with the foe, from Rappahannock Station
to Gettysburg. We have peculiarly sympathized with you in all your
hardships and trials, and rejoiced with you when victory has been yours.
And might we not do so ? Was not the glory ours as well as yours ? Was
it not won by our friends and brothers of the noble Seventy-sixth?
We have looked upon the torn remnants of your old flag, and the sight
of it has inspired our hearts with a new warmth towards you. It came to
us like a wounded friend, telling us of blood and carnage which we once
thought could never desolate our happy country. It told us of noble hearts
that once beat in unison with yours, but whose manly forms are now
missing from your number; whose battles of life and country ended
together ; your brothers and ours, whose work on earth is done, but whose
memory will ever live in our hearts. It told us, too, of deeds of daring
that made our hearts thrill with wonder and admiration.
Tears were shed in memory of those noble-hearted heroes, who, in rear
ing that proud standard above the heads of your gallant band, have poured
out their hearts' blood for their country, and now the folds of that sacred
relic bear witness to their loyalty, and *his, one of Cherry Valley's sons,
whose bravery saved it from the hands of the foe. As his familiar name
was spoken, the prayer, ' God bless him,' arose from many a heart. Thus
with a knowledge of your achievements still fresh upon us, we present you
anew with your country's emblem, not hoping, but knowing, that you will
protect it to the last ; for as one has well said, ' The past history of the
Seventy-sixth is sufficient guarantee that it will never be disgraced.'
In asking you to bid adieu to the old flag, we are aware that it is request
ing you, as it were, to take leave of an old friend, who has been your
talisman through many a hard-fought battle. When victory has crowned
your arms with success, its proud head has been lifted as in defiance of all
attempts of the foe to tear it from its high position, and many a loyal heart
has looked upon and blessed it. When dark clouds have hung threaten
ingly over it, past successes have cheered your hearts and bade you hope
against hope.
But this new friend will hold no second place in your affections. And
now, as we entrust to your keeping this most sacred emblem of all that is
most dear to an American heart, we pray you guard it well. Let no star
be sundered from its sister stars, but with colors undimmed, and its silken
folds unmarred, let it be bome with a firm and steady hand.
•Sergeant Joan Stephens, of Company H.

278 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
And now let the prayers of us all arise to heaven, that ' this cruel war'
may soon be 'over,' and until then may the strong arms of Divine Love,
encircle you; stay the hand of the foemen in its deadly work, and bring
you once more in safety to your homes, where loving hearts are impatiently
waiting to welcome you. MARY STACEY,
GEORGE P. ENGELL *
ELOISE CLYDE."
The old banner, like many of the heroes who welcomed it
at Albany, and followed it on the field, had been " expended
in the service," and was to be furled for deposit in the
archives of the State, as a silent but eloquent eulogist of the
services of the "Regiment it had so long accompanied. What
wonder that the boys bade it a tearful farewell, as Captain
Swan bore it away to its final post of honor ! Fourteen bul
lets, one shell and three fragments of shell had passed through
this sacred relic, and their rents will ever bear witness at the
Capital where it joined us, of the dangerous proximity of the
Seventy-sixth to the enemy.
February 6th.— The train was sent to Culpepper, and
the Seventy-sixth proceeded to Raccoon Ford on the Rapidan.
On reaching the Ford a sharp engagement took place, the
enemy being driven across the river. During the day the
sharpshooters, posted in the buildings about the Ford, seriously
annoyed our men, while they were themselves protected. In
the evening a dash was made at those buildings, and they
were burned, our troops retreating by the aid of their light.
The object of this movement was not so much to bring on an
engagement, as to ascertain the strength of the "enemy. This
accomplished, the army returned to its winter quarters. The
weather was chilly and the roads were very muddy, still the
men came wading into camp in high glee, singing camp songs,
•Since died In Ms country's service.

Christian Commission. 279
and making the woods and hills echo with their shouts and
laughter. February lUh.— The Chaplain of the Regiment, having
long since resigned, the first sermon for nearly a year, was
listened to on this day. This was preached by a member of
the Christian Commission. This noble organization will
never be duly appreciated in this life, — the results of its
labors can only be read in the light of the hereafter. The
system of army chaplains was exceedingly defective, not to
use the harsher term, pernicious. Without alluding to specific
cases, we speak of the whole system as a sad failure — as not
even an approach to the object in view in its organization.
Young ministers leaving home with the patriotic intention, of
rendering spiritual assistance and guidance, very frequently
became contaminated by the change of life and associations of
camp, and instead of remaining a beacon fight to the wreck
ing soldier, became the bad example which bred contempt for
all saintly pretensions, and thus steeled the hearts of the sol
diery against those better convictions which soldiers, of all
men, most need. The Christian Commission avoided the
evils resulting from the intimate and familiar associations be
tween chaplain and men, sending to the field for short periods
volunteer ministers, fresh and pure from their christian asso
ciations at home — men who went into the work with zeal and
with the advantage of having their defects, (and who has
them not ?) unknown, and were thus enabled to impress upon
the soldiery the truthfulness of their precepts. Many minis
ters, by remaining for some time in the army, so lost
confidence in themselves as to refuse to preach to the men
with whom they associated, when requested to do so.
February twenty-third was a proud day for the Seventy-
sixth. General Newton had a grand review of his Corps,
comprising about two thousand men. The First Brigade, (to

280 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
which the Seventy-sixth was still attached), was pronounced
the best Brigade in the Corps, and Colonel Morrow, com
manding the Brigade, tickled the pride of the Seventy-sixth
by remarking that it was the best Regiment in the Brigade.
On the sixth of March, the Seventy-sixth was transferred
from the First to the Second Brigade, from which it was
detached in January. Though attached to this Brigade by
the common dangers and privations of nearly two years, they
left the celebrated " Iron Brigade " with regret.
Thursday, March twenty-fourth, 1864, General Grant, the
hero of the West, arrived at Culpepper Court House, to take
command of the Army of the Potomac. Now that the clouds
have lifted, and we read the history of this army, we come to
understand somewhat the importance of this announcement to
the country. The halting, hesitating style of fighting which,
to that time, had characterized the movements of this army
was now at an end, and we are to record only forward marches
and an ultimate and glorious triumph ! After this the army
was to be led by a general who had no idea of his position
when he was whipped, and when other generals would have
ordered a retreat behind the Rapidan, Rappahannock, or Po
tomac ; but who never failed to follow up a defeat of the
enemy, and to gather all the laurels won by the bravery of
his army. To those who had watched his career, the advent
of General Grant into the Army of the Potomac was surely
" the gleaming of the dawning of the day."
To the Seventy-sixth there was the return of another officer
in whom they had most implicit confidence. General Wads
worth now returned to assume command of a Division  alas !
too soon to offer up his life on his country's altar !
The next day after the appearance of these generals, the
reorganization of the army commenced. By hard fighting,
severe marches, and sickly camps, the army '[had become

Reorganization of the Army. 281
greatly reduced in numbers, and though recruits had been
sent forward, many of the regiments were still mere skeletons.
This, together with some " augurs that would not bore," made
a change and " weeding out " necessary. In this consolida
tion, . the First Corps was reduced to two Divisions, and
transferred to the Fifth Corps, under command of General
Warren. One Division of the Third Corps was assigned to
the Sixth, and the other two Divisions to the Second Corps.
The First and Third Corps, though thus consolidated, and
thus losing their identity, were permitted to retain their
badges and marks of honor. The officers and men deeply
regretted this consolidation. For nearly two years they had
been identified with the First Division of the First Corps, and
that " there is something in a name " is no where more fully
recognized than in the army.
" To what Corps do you belong ?"
" To the old First," was ever a proud response, after Gettys
burg. But the loss of name was fully compensated in the minds
of the men, by the fact that their Division, (now the Fourth),
was to be commanded by the heroic and patriotic Wadsworth.
His disinterested patriotism in leaving his large and lucrative
business to fight for principle without pay ; his gallant conduct
in crossing the river at Fredericksburg, in the face of the
enemy ; his kind care of his troops, all tended to give him a
firm lodgment in the heart of each man in his command.
The Seventy-sixth was now in the Second Brigade, com
manded by General Rice, Fourth Division, commanded by
General Wadsworth, Fifth Corps, commanded by General
Warren. March 29th. — In the midst of a storm the army was re
viewed by Lieutenant-General Grant. Owing to this storm,
the men were not ordered to march in review, but the com-

282 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
manding General, accompanied by his staff, General Meade,
and other distinguished Generals, rode the length of the lines.
" The old hero looks better than I supposed."
" His pictures belie him."
" Where the divil is his pipe ?"
" There will be no halting or retreating now."
These were some of the expressions called forth by the
presence of General Grant.
Nothing except ordinary camp experiences transpired until
the latter part of April, when rumors of a march filled the
camp. The necessary camp and garrison equipage was dis
tributed ; quartermasters' stores turned in ; transportation
delivered over to the Division Quartermaster, and everything
betokened an advance of the army. The campaign of 1864,
under the new commander was about to be inaugurated.

CHAPTER XXIV.
On the March— Battle of the Wilderness— Three Companies of the Seventy-
sixth as Skirmishers— Interminable Forests— A Clearing in the Wii.dek.nesb
— Falling into an Ambush— The Three Companies Captured by the Rebels-
Confusion in the Rebel Ranks — Brigade Commanders Opinion of the Seventy-
sixth— Severe Fighting — Death of General Wadsworth— Death of Adjutant
Carpenter and Captain Bartholomew— Off for Spottsylvania.
May fourth, at one o'clock in the morning, the Second Brig
ade broke camp at Culpepper, and moved on the Rapidan
river- It consisted, at that time, of the Seventy-sixth, under
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Cook ; the Fourteenth Brook
lyn, Colonel Fowler ; the One Hundred and Forty-seventh
New York, Colonel Miller ; the Ninety-fifth New York, Col
onel Pye ; and the Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania, Colonel Hofmann.
The Brigade had present a little over two thousand men, and
was commanded by Brigadier-General J. C. Rice.
The Brigade crossed the Rapidan ovar a pontoon bridge,
at Germania Ford, about noon, and, marching to near the
Wilderness Tavern, encamped at five o'clock P. M. The
weather was fine, and men never marched with greater
alacrity than on this occasion.
At seven o'clock the next morning, the Second Brigade
moved on Parker's store about four miles distant. After
marching about two miles it was halted formed in line of bat
tle, and moved through a dense wood for the distance of nearly
a mile, when it was met by a heavy fire of musketry from an

284 The Seventy:sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
unseen enemy. Here they halted and returned the fire, when
a sharp engagement ensued. The Second Brigade at this
time occupied the left flank of the Division.
Three companies of the Seventy-sixth, B, F and E_, were,
at this point, thrown out as skirmishers, to cover the left flank,
Major Young commanding them. They soon reported the
enemy to be advancing in a line extending far beyond the left
of our forces. Almost simultaneously with this report, .the
line on the right fell back in disorder, and was followed by
this Brigade. The underbrush was very dense, and the men
found great difficulty in making their way through it. The
enemy, still unseen, continued to pour in a very destructive
fire. At the end of half a mile the officers succeeded in ral
lying about three hundred and fifty men on the crest of a
slight eminence, and prepared to hold the position. At this
moment, an aid of General Wadsworth arrived, with instruc
tions to move some distance to the rear, where the Division
was reforming. Shortly after the skirmishers were sent out
they received orders to advance their line two miles, and on
arriving at the point indicated, to remain until further orders,
and avoid bringing on a battle. This whole movement of
General Grant to the Wilderness was intended as one of his
remarkable flank movements, and no battle was intended at
that point. To this end no fires were allowed to be lighted
on the night the troops left Culpepper, and they were ordered
to make no noise.
The skirmishers marched to the required position without
meeting any opposition. In a few moments, however, heavy
firing was heard on the right, and a skirmish line at least
twice as strong as ours appeared in front, and opened a heavy
fire. Our skirmishers, and especially Company B, were in an
open field, exposed to the enemy, who were covered by the
wood. From this wood the balls came like rain, but not a

Our Skirmishers at the Wilderness. 285
rebel could be seen. The order was finally given to re
treat to another wood about twenty rods to the rear.
The rebels, seeing our skirmishers retire, and considering it
a defeat, rushed out into the open field in pursuit. No sooner,
however, had they reched the open space than they received a
most destructive fire, which sent them reeling back in disorder
to the wood again. They soon rallied and came out again
with a rush and a yell of defiance. Again were they received
with a galling fire ; but though they fell in great numbers,
considering the force engaged, they kept on until they reached
a fence about the middle of the field. A heavy fire was kept
up on both sides. Our skirmishers occupied a most danger
ous position upon the side of a hill sloping toward the
enemy, and though in the wood, there were no trees of very
large size, and they were only screened from sight by bushes.
Our men were, therefore, ordered back about fifteen rods, to a
point more heavily timbered. The enemy advanced to the
position thus abandoned. Here our skirmishers met with a
new difficulty. A portion of the line on the right gave away
and before the fact became known to the whole line, the ene
my had turned our flank. A portion of Company B was sent
to drive them back, when a severe hand to hand conflict took
place, resulting in our favor. When it was ascertained that
our skirmish line was broken, a staff officer, who had accom
panied the line, started back to learn the state of affairs in the
rear. He had not rode over fifty rods, when he found a rebel
line in rear of our skirmishers, which fired upon, wounded and
captured him. On learning the condition of affairs, an order
was silently passed up the line to assemble on the right. Com
panies F and IT, of the Seventy-sixth, and several companies
from other regiments, came down and reported the attack
upon them. The officers, about fifteen in number, now held
a council to determine what course to pursue. The situation

286 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V-
was desperate. Already the horrors of rebel prison peas
loomed up before them. The rebel skirmishers were in front.
Retreat was made impossible by a rebel line of battle in the
rear ! To add to the difficulty, so much shifting and fighting
had occurred, that the officers had lost the points of compass
and could not tell the direction of our main force. The forest
was one dense net work of dwarf -pines. It was, indeed,
properly styled, " the wilderness." The council failed to
2gree, as other councils had done before, and was summarily
broken up by the appearance at this juncture, of the negro
servant of an officer, who notified the council that a force of
rebel cavalry was near. The officer in command of our skir
mishers insisted that everything indicated that the Army of
the Potomac had been defeated, and had retreated toward the
Rapidan, and that the only way to get out of the dilemma
was to march in the direction of the sound of battle. The
order was given to fall in, and the march commenced.
About this time, as one of our men was marching in with
a rebel prisoner, a rebel colonel rode up and demanded : —
" Halt ! Where are you going ?"
" To the Union Army," replied our captor, somewhat dis
comfited at meeting two, and seeing the cocked revolver
pointing at his head.
" Give up that gun to the prisoner," said the Colonel ;
"march him back to our camp !" and away rode the Colonel.
No sooner had he gone than the rebel handed back the gun,
remarking : —
" Take it and march me to your camp. I've done with this
confederacy !" and thus the two came in.
The march of the skirmishers now commenced. Homer
D. Call, with a detachment, marched some distance in the
rear, to prevent any surprise in that direction. But, unfortu
nately, no precautions were taken against a surprise on the

The Skirmishers in Trouble. 287
flank. The detachment moved on to where two paths crossed
each other at right angles. A council was held as to the
proper path to take, which resulted, like the former, in a disa
greement. Several of the men climbed the trees, but reported
that nothing could be seen as far as the eye could reach but
interminable forests. After marching about half a mile
further, a path was discovered leading to a small house in a
clearing not far off. To this several of the men repaired, and
were informed that no armed troops had been seen about
there that day. This coming to the ears of the commandant
of the detachment, he marched his command to the house.
The Regiment had bivouacked at the Gold Mills the night
before, and it was desirable that the detachment should be di
rected thence, when they would know their whereabouts.
" Do you know where the Gold. Mills are ?" inquired the
Captain, of the " lord of the manor."
" Sartinly," was the laconic reply.
"How far is it ?"
" Wall, I reckon it is about two miles-"
" Can you take us to it ?"
" Could n't think of it, When I'm gone, who knows who
might tote off my wife and young uns. Could n't think of it,
sir." "No excuses will do, sir," replied the Captain. "You
must act as our guide."
" Oh, sir ! you would not think of taking my father ?"
pleaded the daughter. " What should we do were some acci
dent to befall him ?"
" No accident will befall him, madam," replied the Captain.
" We'll send him back safely when he puts us upon the right
track." "Will you permit me to accompany him, then?" asked the
daughter,

288 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
" Certainly." And thus with two guides, the detachment
resumed its march. They shortly reached a path which the
guides declared to be the direct road, and then asked permis
sion to return, which a staff officer mistakingly granted. It
was soon discovered that the Regiment had passed over this
road in December, on its way to Mine Run. The guide and
his daughter had scarcely left, when the detachment came to
ground which had that day been burned over, and several
dead bodies were strewn about, showing that they were even
then upon the battle-field. Advancing a few rods farther the
detachment fell into an ambush, and received a volley from a
whole rebel brigade. Being at short range, the execution was
fearful. Many fell wounded, among whom was Lieutenant
William Cahill, of Company B, wounded in the shoulder, and
one arm broken. All the wounded and about half the others
were captured on the spot. The remainder broke and ran,
but were pursued by a strong force and mostly captured.
The battle continued to rage at the front, and our prisoners
had marched but a short distance with their captors, when,
on ascending to the summit of a hill, they discovered the
Union batteries not a mile distant. These soon opened upon
the rebels and prisoners, but at such range - as to do no mate
rial damage to either. It was indeed painful to our men to be
thus fired upon by their own men.
It was now nearly dark, and immediately in front of the
rebels, and not more than fifteen rods distant was the Union
line of battle. The battle was raging with terrific fury.
Such fighting is seldom witnessed on any field. Each party
seemed to consider this the crisis, and fought with desperation.
In the midst of it a panic seized the rebels. Their wounded
poured in from the front in great numbers ; the artillery
rushed to the rear, and for a time all was _ confusion in that
portion of the line occupied by our prisoners. Had General

Capture of Our Skirmishers. 289
Grant known what our skirmishers then saw, he would have
followed up the advantage, and taking possession of the Par
ker Store road, separated the forces of Lee, and made the
victory of the Wilderness complete the first day. Our skir
mishers though prisioners were now elated at the thought of a
Union victory, , They anticipated a general panic, during
which they would escape to our lines. But unfortunately
at this point night set in and the firing ceased. Two hours
afterwards our skirmishers were on the march to Lee's head
quarters, at Parker's Store.
The following officers of the Seventy-sixth were captured
at this time :
Company B — Captain J. D. Clyde, First Lieutenant Wil
liam Cahill, Second Lieutenant James Casler.
Company F — First Lieutenant William Buchanan, Second
Lieutenant William H. Myers.
Company K — Captain E. J. Swan, First Lieutenant Homer
D. Call, Second Lieutenant Job Norwood.
As the Regiment fell back, pursuant to the orders of Gen
eral Wadsworth, Major Young not falling back as readily as
the men, was left in the enemy's lines. He was approached
by a rebel soldier, who shouted : —
" Halt ! you are my prisoner."
The Major, not relishing the order, nor considering it from
his superior, started in the direction of our lines.
" Halt ! or I'll blow your d  d brains out !" shouted the
rebel, while the Major heard the click of the lock, as the rebel
aimed at his head. The Major surrendered, and paid for his
obedience by nearly a year in the prison pens of the South.
At the time of the capture of Major Young, he was accom
panied by James Cinnamon, of Company D. Seeing the
Major surrender, Cinnamon started on double-quick for our
lines.

290 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
" Halt !" shouted the Major's captor, but Cinnamon kept
on.. The sharp crack of a rifle was heard; the ball passed
through Cinnamon's cap, but he escaped unhurt, and soon
after joined the Regiment.
In this battle, Company D was the color company. In
the sharp engagement previous to falling back, two of the
color-bearers fell wounded.- The colors were then taken by Al
bert Hilton, of Company A, who soon fell dead upon them.
Captain S. M. Byram, commanding Company D, seized the
colors, and drawing them from beneath poor Hilton, 'carried
them safely off the field. As the Captain came into the open
field, he became an object of special interest to the rebels,
who fired several volleys at him, but he escaped unharmed.
The other color was brought off by George Hawley, of
Company D, who, for his bravery, was immediately desig
nated as color-sergeant ; but his office was of short duration,
for he was killed the next day. After Hawley was killed,
Rutger B. Marsh took the colors, but fell wounded, when
James Cinnamon took them and carried them safely through.
The Regiment had suffered severely in this action. Lieu
tenant-Colonel Cook was wounded in the arm, Major Young
taken prisoner, and many others killed and wounded. The
command of the Regiment now devolved upon Captain
Byram. At six o'clock P. M., the Brigade, under command of Gen
eral Rice, moved to the support of the Second Corps, then
engaged with the enemy on the Orange Court House and
Fredericksburg plank road, about one mile in advance of the
crossing of the Brock Road, and about three miles distant
from where the Division had reformed. The route lay
through a dense wood in many places impenetrable. It was
nine o'clock in the evening when the Brigade found itself in
position, about a quarter of a mile from the plank road, and

The Seventy-sixth N. Y. .and Fifty-sixth Pa, 291
facing it. The men were permitted to lie on their ^rms until
four o'clock the next morning, when General Rice directed
the Ninety-fifth New York, and part of the One Hundred
and Forty-seventh New York to be deployed as skirmishers,
and moved forward. The position now held by the Brigade
was the extreme right of our lines. The enemy succeeded in
bringing a battery to bear, enfilading our forces from the right
flank. The two right Regiments, the Seventy-sixth New York
and Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania, changed front to the rear on
the left company, and opened fire upon the skirmishers, now
advanced to the crest of the hill about three hundred yards
distant, and drove them back. General Rice directed Colo
nel Hofmann, of the Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania, to select two
regiments and take the battery. He chose his Regiment, and
the remains of the Seventy-sixth, saying : — " If any two reg
iments can take it, they can."
These Regiments were then moved forward, and to the right,
screened by a wood, to a point nearly on a line with the bat
tery, with the intention of taking it with the bayonet. They
captured the skirmishers thrown out to protect the flanks of
the battery, but when the detachment arrived within one hun
dred yards of the edge of the wood, the movement was
discovered by the enemy, the battery was limbered up and
hastily driven to the rear about four hundred yards, where
it again opened with spherical case, and forced the detach
ment back.
The enemy, at eight A. M., came forward in strong force,
and pressed our lines back for nearly half a mile, but was in
turn compelled to fall back to his former position.
At eleven A. M. the Brigade formed in line of battle at a
rio-ht angle with the plank road. The firing had ceased
for nearly an hour, except from the enemy's sharpshooters.
At noon the enemy again came forward in great force on

292 - The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
the left of the plank road. General Wadsworth who was
present with the Second Brigade, ordered it to change front,
forming the line on the right of the plank road, and parallel
with it. He stated at the time, that the object of the move
ment was to take in flank the enemy as he came forward.
The right flank of the Brigade was exposed to the fire of the
enemy's battery, and sharpshooters posted on the hill beyond
our right, and suffered severely. This, with the impetuosity
with which the enemy came forward, broke our lines, and the
troops were forced back in confusion. The ground over which
they moved offered no favorable opportunity for rallying the
men for the first half mile. Coming, at length, to a slight
elevation, an effort was made to rally. This was only
partially successful, and they retired as far back as the Brock
Road, and a quarter of a mile north of the plank road. The
Brigade had again suffered severely in killed, wounded and
prisoners. It was while immediately in rear of the center of this
Brigade, that General Wadsworth was killed in the act of
cheering the men on. The loss of no officer in the army
would have been felt more keenly. Leaving a home of luxury
and ease for the hardship and privations of camp, and the
dangers of the field, he died as the true soldier ever desires to
die — in the line of his duty, in the thickest of the fight, with
his face to the foe — a worthy offering on the altar of the
country he died to save. Just previous to his death, General
Wadsworth shouted to the men : —
" Forward, men ! We'll take a thousand prisoners now !"
Alas ! for the frailty of human hopes !
About the time that General Wadsworth fell, Hubert Car
penter, the Adjutant of the Seventy-sixth, fell mortally
wounded, and died the next day. He was an excellent officer.

Bold Attack on the Enemy. 293
During the battle, Captain Norman G. Bartholomew, of
Company E, fell mortally wounded. He was taken to the
hospital and soon after died. We have had occasion in a
former chapter to speak of his soldierly conduct.
General Rice now directed Colonel Hofmann to reform the
Brigade, and collecting the officers and men of the Division
that were in that vicinity, to form the line in rear of the
Brock Road, the left of the line resting on the plank road;
At four P. M. the Brigade consisted of detachments from
the Seventy-sixth, Ninety-fifth, and One Hundred and
Forty-seventh New York, the Fifty-sixth, One Hundred and
Forty-second, One Hundred and Forty-third, One Hundred
and Forty-ninth, and One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania,
and a company of the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers. Most of
the detachments had their regimental colors with them, and
so severe had been the losses that the whole eight regiments
and one company formed an aggregate, at that hour, of but
four hundred and eight — less than half a regiment !
At half-past five P. M., the enemy again came forward on
the left of the plank road, and succeeded in forcing a portion
of our troops back from the line of works erected on the west
side of the Brock Road, by the Second Corps, and planting
the rebel colors upon the works. General Hancock, through
General Rice, directed Colonel Hofmann to move his Brigade
to the support of the troops at the works. The Brigade was
moved out rapidly by the right flank, and when the head of
the column arrived at the point of the works where they had
been vacated by our troops, it formed in line of battle at
nearly a right angle with the works, the men firing as fast as
they came into line. In the course of ten minutes the enemy
were driven from the works, and back into the woods from
which they had emerged. Several hundred men now sprang
over the works, and desired to follow up the enemy. Colonel

294 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
Hofmann, being uninformed as to whether they could be sup
ported or mot, felt it his duty to recall them. He then
reported his action to General Hancock, who approved it.
At eight P. M. the Brigade was relieved and ordered into
the second line of works, and at half-past three A. M., of the
seventh, again moved into the front line. At seven A. M., it
was marched three-fourths of a mile to the left, and erected
new works. At eleven A. M., it was ordered to rejoin the
Division then on the right, and half a mile beyond the road.
General Rice, who had had a special command, now returned
and assumed command of the Brigade.
At four P. M., the Brigade moved to the Lacy House, and
at ten P. M. took up the line of march for Spottsylvania.
The Brigade was now joined by the Fourteenth Brooklyn.
There is no doubt that the Union Army, at the Wilderness,
would have been considered by many generals, defeated. Gen
eral Grant, however, was possessed of the gift of not seeing, or
not heeding a Union defeat. Hence the movement continued.

CHAPTER XXV.
Bat tle of Spottsylvania— General Rice Killed—" Turn Me with My Face to
the Enemy"— "This is an Unhealthy Country, Captain ["—Continuous Night
Firing — Terrible Slaughter— Appearance of the Ground thb Next Morning
— A Camp of Dead Heroes— Battle at the North Anna— On the Plantation
of Patrick Henry— Battle Near Bethesda Church— Captain Goddard and
Lieutenant Baldwin Wounded— Losses in the Seventy-sixth— March to the
Chickahominy— Deserted Villages.
May 8th, 1864. — After marching all night, the Brigade to
which the Seventy-sixth was attached, arrived at Todd's
Tavern. Halting here for breakfast, they again moved for
ward and met the enemy at Laurel Hill.
General Rice directed the Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania and
Ninety-fifth New York to move forward and clear the enemy
from an orchard that he then occupied, about half a mile from
the road. These Regiments cleared the field, but were found
inadequate to hold it, and the Seventy-sixth and One Hun
dred and Forty-seventy New York Yolunteers, and Fourteenth
Brooklyn were sent up to their support. Subsequently they
were relieved by troops from another Division, and the Brigade
moved in rear of a ridge, where it remained until five P.
M., when it again moved forward, and to the right of the
orchard. Here breastworks were erected and occupied until
two P.M. on the tenth. At that time the Brigade under
General Rice moved forward to attack the works of the
enemy, then about six hundred yards in front. The attack

296 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
failed, and the Brigade returned to a position nearly in rear
of that which they had previously occupied. In this charge
General Rice was mortally wounded. After hiB limb was
amputated he was asked by the attending surgeon which way
he desired to be turned that he might rest more easy.
" Turn my face to the enemy," said the dying hero. These
were his last words, and indicated the true character of the
man, the soldier and the patriot. General Rice was the third
general who had been killed in less than a year, while leading
the Seventy-sixth. Reynolds, Wadsworth, Rice ! They are
enshrined in the hearts of every remaining member of the
Regiment. Colonel Fowler being the ranking officer, now assumed
command of the Brigade.
On the evening of the eleventh, the Brigade again moved
to the attack on the enemy's works. After having been in
line of battle half an hour, subjected to a severe flank fire
from the left, the Brigade was withdrawn, the attack having
been suspended. A considerable loss was sustained in killed
and wounded.
During the fighting, Lieutenant Cochran was lighting his
pipe when a ball struck the fire brand, knocking it out of his
hand, then coming in contact with his breast, knocked him
down. Arising, he coolly remarked to Captain Byram : —
" This is an unhealthy country, Captain. I believe I'll go
to the rear."
" Halloa, Cochrane," said the Captain, two days afterward ;
" I thought you had gone to the rear, wounded."
"I'm cured, Captain — can't stay there. It is quite too
lonesome away from the Regiment."
At eight A. M. on the twelfth, the Brigade again advanced
to the attack. After moving about four hundred yards, and
at the front of a ravine, the underbrush was of such a

Night Fighting. 297
character that it was found impossible to push the line through
it, and as the troops upon the right encountered the same dif
ficulty, and were unable to move forward, the Brigade was,
withdrawn. At one P. M. it was marched to the left nearly
two miles to a point where a portion of the Second Corps had
captured the works of the enemy, but had subsequently aban
doned them. The Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania, One Hundred
and Forty-seventh New York, and Fourteenth Brooklyn were
ordered to form a column to attack the works, but before the
column was formed the order was suspended.
The Brigade was then moved to a point of the works where
they were cleared of the enemy, and formed in line, nearly at
right angles with the works, the left resting on them. In this
position they were directed to fire continuously to prevent the
enemy who occupied the opposite side of the breastworks from
firing or sallying out. The Brigade continued this firing from
three P. M. until two A. M. on the thirteenth, when they
were relieved and moved to the rear. The loss sustained in
this firing was small, the troops being sheltered by the parapet
of the enemy's works, and a depression of the ground in front
of them.
Some idea may be formed of the severity of this night
battle, from the ghastly sight presented the next morning.
While thus engaged, this one Brigade fired about ten thou
sand rounds. The enemy made many efforts to fire, but there
is every reason to believe that those who made the attempt
were generally killed, as the following morning, (the enemy
having withdrawn before daylight), the pits were found filled
with rebel dead. In one pit not over fifty feet in length, were
counted thirty dead, beneath and mingled with which, were
several too severely wounded to get off the field. Horses lay
strewn over the ground, literally cut to pieces by bullets.
One green oak tree, from fifteen to twenty inches in diameter

298 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
and standing in range of our guns, was actually cut off by
bullets, and fell during the night.
Several caissons in the vicinity of the rebel troops, were left
on the ground on their retreat, because the spokes of the
wheels were so cut by our fire that they could not be moved.
Nor had our army escaped injury. As the Second Brigade
arrived on the field, they saw the ground covered for some
distance with men lying upon the ground, and covered with
tents. " Why are these fellows taking their ease, while we go in ?"
was asked by more than one of our officers.
" How cool they take it under this fire," remarked another.
" I'll learn the cause from 'them," said Lieutenant Edgcomb,
stepping in the direction of the men in the supposed bivouac.
" Get up, here," said Lieutenant Waterman, kicking one of
the men. " You can't play 'possum on us. Come, go in with
us!" " I guess you won't raise that man," said Sergeant Miles
Foster. On examination it was found the man was dead, and this
field of tents but covered a bivouac of heroic dead !
At nine A. M. on the thirteenth, the Brigade marched to
the right a distance of two miles, and at ten o'clock that night
moved to the left, over a very muddy road. At daylight it
arrived within three-fourths of a mile of Spottsylvania Court
House. It was subsequently moved a quarter of a mile
further forward, and threw up breastworks.
The time of service of the Fourteenth Brooklyn, Colonel
Fowler, having expired, that Regiment was detailed for special '
duty, and Colonel Hofmann, of the Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania,
assumed command of the Second Brigade.
At eight P. M. the Brigade encamped at Catlett's House,
near Guiness Station on the Richmond and Fredericksburg

Battle of North Anna. 299
Railroad. Moved at ten A. M. on the twenty-third, and bivou
acked at Bull's Church.
May twenty-fourth the Brigade moved at five A. M., and
halted at Campbell's Church. Repassing the church at two
P. M., it forded the North Anna River at Jericho Bridge.
As our forces approached the North Anna the rebels were
retreating, and so near were they that prisoners afterwards
taken declared they could hear our drums in camp so plainly
as to distinguish the different tunes played. The rebels under
Longstreet disputed the passage of the river. A force was
left at the ford to attract the attention of the enemy, while
the remainder of the Fifth Corps, including the Seventy-sixth,
moved to a point about half a mile further up the river.
Here they came to a piece of wood, through which ran a road
to the river. A pontoon bridge was laid, but before it
Was completed the men became so anxious to cross that they
jumped into the river and waded across. The Brigade was
formed in line of battle on the heights about half a mile above
the ford. The Ninety-fifth New York was deployed as skir
mishers. At half-past six P. M. the enemy attacked our front line of
troops then occupying the woods. The Second Brigade was
moved to the front and to the right near the skirmish line, and
formed in fine of battle about one hundred and fifty yards in
rear of it. The enemy now charged through the woods, send-
in°- up cheer .after cheer, accompanied by unearthly yells.
The brigade in front broke and passed around our left flank.
The Second Brigade, under a heavy musketry fire, changed
front to the rear on the left battalion, and formed a new line.
This was necessary to enable Captain Mink's battery, which
had been brought up and was occupying the ground between
our right and the river, to open fire. Another battery was
brought up on the right of Captain Mink's. The enemy

300 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
made several attempts to charge from the woods, but failed
and was each time driven back with severe loss. They kept
up a heavy fire from their skirmish line for over an hour, when
the firing on both sides ceased.
Captain C. A. Watkins, of Company K, Seventy-sixth Reg
iment, then threw out a line of skirmishers very rapidly, and
succeeded in capturing over one hundred prisoners, who rep
resented that they belonged to Lane's, Cook's, and Scale's
Brigades of Heath's and Wilcox's Divisions. The line was
then moved forward, and the works held until five o'clock on the
morning of May twenty-fifth. In his report of this engage
ment, Colonel Hofmann says : — ¦
" In this action the officers and men behaved splendidly. I think to
them is due the credit of saving the artillery from being cut off, and in all
probability saving the army from a terrible disaster."
The Seventy-sixth was commanded in this battle by Captain
S. M. Byram, of Company D.
May twenty-fifth the Brigade moved down the right bank
of the river several miles, then moving to the right into a wood,
formed into line of battle and erected breatworks. During
the day a heavy loss was sustained on the skirmish line, sev
eral being killed and many wounded.
May twenty-sixth at ten o'clock in the evening, the Brigade
recrossed the North Anna at Quarter's Mills, and moved on
the Pamunky River.
May twenty-seventh the march was continued to Mongo-
luck, where the Brigade bivouacked for the night. At half-
past seven the next morning the Regiment crossed the
Pamunkey on pontoons, at Hanover Town, and erected works
on the heights two miles beyond the river.
May twenty-ninth, moved to near Tolopotomoy Creek, and
formed a line of battle on the plantation formerly owned by
Patrick Henry. A great change had come over the people

The Plantation of Patrick Henry. 301
with whom he was accustomed to mingle, as well as the plan
tation which he occupied, since he enunciated those doctrines
of political faith, to uphold which this visit of the sons of
Freedom was made.
This ground was held until the next morning, when the
Brigade, having been increased by the addition of the Third
Delaware Yolunteers, two hundred and eighty-four men, and
the Forty-sixth New York Yolunteers, one hundred and forty-
nine men, moved to within one mile of Bethesda church, and
was sent to support a brigade of the Third Division of this
Corps. Scarcely had the Second Brigade got into position,
when the enemy made a heavy attack upon our lines, princi
pally to the right of this Brigade. He was driven back with
heavy loss of killed and wounded.
The ground was held until ten A. M. of the thirty-first,
when the Brigade moved half a mile forward. At seven P;
M. it was marched to the right of the Corps line to relieve the
brigade of General Bartlett. It occupied the works of that
Brigade, and was engaged with the enemy until midnight,
when it was relieved and moved to the left of the Mechanics
ville road, about half a mile in front of Bethesda church.
The instructions were to connect with the First Brigade, and
extend the line to the road. This was found to be a difficult
task, owing to the dense thicket through which it was
necessary to move the troops.
This forming a line between midnight and daylight, in the
face of the enemy, is not a pleasant task under more favorable
circumstances ; but orders must be obeyed.
The One hundred and Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania Yolun
teers, numbering one hundred and ninety-three men, was here
added to the Brigade.
At five o'clock P. M., June second, the enemy attacked
our right, which was forced back on new works, thrown up at

302 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
nearly right angles with the former line. A portion of the
old line of works was occupied by the enemy. In this attack
Colonel Pye, of the Ninety-fifth New York Yolunteers, was
mortally wounded. The Brigade remained in the new works
until ten P. M., on the fifth of June, meeting with considera
ble loss from the sharpshooters of the enemy. Captain
Goddard, commanding the Seventy-sixth, was severely
wounded. Lieutenant Baldwin was also wounded, and Ser
geants Comstock, of Company E, and Snow, of Company C,
killed. As Comstock was borne past the Regiment on a
stretcher, he shouted : —
" Good bye, Seventy-sixth — this is the last of Dolph !"
At ten o'clock on the morning of the fifth of June, the
Brigade moved toward Cold Harbor, where it arrived at four
o'clock the next morning. The Fourth Delaware Yolunteers,
numbering four hundred and twenty-five men was assigned to
the Second Brigade, and reported for duty.
Here the troops remained in bivouac until eight A. M. on
the seventh, when they moved to the Chickahominy, halting
within one mile of Summer's Bridge. Colonel Hofmann, in
command of the Second Brigade, was then ordered to march
and take possession of the railroad bridge crossing the Chick
ahominy. To screen the movement from the enemy, the
march was made by a circuitous route through the woods,
to a point half a mile west of Despatch Station. The
enemy had works three-fourths of a mile beyond the bridge,
that commanded the railroad for two miles. A screen of
brush was constructed across the railroad, and two regiments
passed in rear of it to the opposite side. A heavy skir
mish line was then thrown out on both sides of the railroad,
the enemy driven across the river, and possession taken of the
east end of the bridge. A line of battle was formed about a
quarter of a mile in the rear, and pickets posted on the river,

Chickahominy to the James. 303
connecting with the First Brigade on the right, the left
extending down the river.
In driving the enemy back, the casualties to the Brigade
were five wounded.
In the afternoon the enemy opened with shot and shell upon
the screen across the railroad, supposing our troops were at
work behind it. No loss was sustained, however, except the
partial demolition of the brush screen. The Brigade re
mained in this position until ten P. M. on the twelfth, then
moved to the left, and crossed the Chickahominy on pontoons
at Long Bridge, at four o'clock on the morning of the thir
teenth. Here the troops remained until four o'clock P. M.,
when they moved to near Wilcox's landing on the James
River. On this day the Regimental Quartermaster, Lieutenant
Burnham, visited St. Peter's church, where Washington was
married. Here lie buried the dead of a century and a half
ago. The Lieutenant has preserved a copy of an inscription
upon one of the tombstones :
" Here lyethe the body of Ann Clopton, wife of William Clopton, of the
County of New Kent. She departed this life on ye 4th day of March, A.
D. 1716, in the 70th year of her age. She left two sons and four daughters,
viz :'' (naming them).
The country from the Chickahominy to the James was in
deed beautiful, though the fiery hand of war had sadly
desolated it. Though naturally very productive, so thoroughly
had it been stripped and despoiled by both armies, that
scarcely anything was raised, and prices of provisions were
almost fabulous.
New Kent Court House, Charles City Court House, and all
the villages on the route were deserted. Not even a negro,
who, like the owl, usually clings to the deserted village, was
seen to cast a shadow of blackness over the solitude. The

304 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
people had taken the sword, and had perished or been driven
out by it.
The troops had now passed over the field where, in 1862,
McClellan met with such disastrous defeat. While the accom
plishment of his plan consumed fifty-seven days in marching
from Fortress Monroe, aided by his gunboats, and all the fa
cilities furnished for transportation, General Grant had, in
forty days, without any of these advantages, marched to the
same point from the Rappahannock, fighting all the way down.
History has thus most emphatically vindicated President
Lincoln's choice of approaches to Richmond.

CHAPTER XXVI.
Crossing the James River— Fighting South of the James— Captain Byram
Wounded— Battle at the Weldon Railroad— Lieutenants Phenis and Weldon
Killed— Captain Hatch Captures a Rebel Stand of Colors— The Enemy Throw
Down Their Arms— Report of the Battle— Death of D. Webster Smith— Dan
gerous Service— Consolidation of the First Corps into One Division— Voting
in the Army.
June sixteenth, at ten o'clock A. M., the Seventy-sixth
crossed the James River on a steamboat, landing about three
miles below Windmill Point, where they remained until two
P. M., when the march was continued toward Petersburg.
Bivouacked that night two miles beyond Prince George Court
House. The Army of the Potomac was now mostly south of
the James. The objective point seemed to be Petersburg,
with ultimate designs upon Richmond.
It is doubtful whether more skillful manoeuvring has ever
characterized the movements of any army, than that of Gen
eral Grant in his march to this place. Actually beaten at the
Wilderness, and meeting a foe too strongly entrenched to be
driven out at different points, by his persistent fighting, and
those remarkable flank movements, by which he always
appeared at a point not anticipated, he succeeded in finally
placing his army in the very position where it could most
surely ultimately accomplish the object of capturing the rebel
capital and suppressing the rebellion.
June seventeenth, the Brigade moved about two miles to the
u

306 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
front, and found the enemy posted in rear of a strong line of
works. Here they formed a line of battle, and threw up
works on the west side of the Blackwater road. The enemy
fired upon our troops, and the Brigade sustained a loss of ten
men wounded.
At four o'clock on the morning of the eighteenth, the Brig
ade moved forward to attack the enemy's works. Captain
Byram commanded the Seventy-sixth. It was soon ascer
tained that the enemy had withdrawn during the night, and
that he had also abandoned his second line of works. Upon
moving forward the skirmish line, the enemy was found
posted in rear of his third line of works, with his skirmishers
thrown forward to near the railroad. The Brigade moved to
the west side of the railroad, and formed in line of battle in
a wood. At three o'clock P. M. the Brigade was formed in line of
battle on the crest of the hill, and moved forward to charge
the works of the enemy, then about seven hundred yards in
front of our works. Believing that the final blow to the re
bellion was about to be struck, the line moved forward with
spirit. The enemy immediately opened with musketry and
spherical case, and as our troops approached nearer, with can
ister. When the line had arrived near the ravine, the loss had
already been very great, for the troops were exposed to a fire
not only in front, but upon both flanks. During this galling
fire, Captain Byram fell severely wounded, and never did
further service. The command of the Regiment now devolved
upon Captain Hatch.
As the line was descending into the ravine it broke. Many
of the men returned, and only about two hundred of the
Brigade reached the opposite slope, where they found shelter
by lying on the ground. The horse of Colonel Hofmann, the
Brigade commander, was killed before the line broke, so that
he did not reach the opposite side of the ravine.

Continued Fighting. S07
The officers now rallied the men in rear of the crest from
which the line had moved when the charge commenced.
About four hundred and fifty men were thus formed in line.
An order was received at four P. M., to prepare for a second
charge at half-past five P. M. This was, however, subse
quently suspended. The troops in the ravine remained until
dark when they were withdrawn. Pickets were now thrown
out, a line of battle formed and advanced to the crest of the
hill, and breastworks thrown up. The wounded were brought
in and the dead buried. The Brigade and Regiment had suf
fered a very heavy loss in killed and wounded.
These works were occupied by the Brigade until July thirty-
first, the troops every three days relieved and relieving in turn
the First Brigade of this Division.
Colonel Hofmann, in his report, says : —
" During the campaign the officers and men of the Brigade have evinced
great bravery, patriotism and fortitude. Prom May third to July thirty-
first, a period of nearly ninety days, not more than five days passed that
they were not under the fire of the enemy."
The number of killed and wounded in this Brigade during
this period, was eighty-four officers, and fifteen hundred and
fourteen men.
The men were now permitted to rest until the eighteenth
day of August. The interim was occupied chiefly, in picket
ing, writing and receiving letters, and the performance of
those other duties incident to camp life.
August eighteenth, at five o'clock in the morning, the
Brigade left camp near the Jones House, and moved south
over the Jerusalem plank road. It numbered at this time,
fifteen hundred and seventy-one officers and men, and arrived
at the Yellow House, on the Petersburg and Weldon Railroad,
at noon. The heat was intense, the dust almost suffocating,
and the march so fatiguing that only about half the men

308 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
arrived with the Brigade. By three P. M., however, most of
the men had reported. At half-past three P. M., the Brigade
was moved to the front of a wood about half a mile north of
the Yellow House, and deployed in line of battle, the left
resting on the Railroad and facing the north.
At four P. M. the Second Brigade was detached from the
Fourth Division, and ordered to report to General Ayres,
commanding the Second Division. The Brigade soon after
relieved General Dushane's Brigade, stationed on the left of
the Railroad, opened fire upon the enemy, and in fifteen or
twenty minutes drove them back. A picket line was then
established, and breastworks erected.
August nineteenth, at four P. M., the enemy broke through
our lines about half a mile to the right of the Brigade, at the
same time attacking the line in front. The Seventy-sixth, and
other Regiments of the Brigade, remained in the works, and
repulsed the enemy in handsome style. During this engage
ment, Lieutenant Barnard Phenis, of Company H, was killed.
He is spoken of in high terms by his fellow officers.
The Brigade was moved at eight P. M. on the twentieth,
about half a mile to the rear, to a crest extending south from
the Blick House, and running parallel with and about a fourth
of a mile west of the Railroad. Breastworks were erected
during the night, and at nine o'clock the next morning the
enemy moved forward to attack our works. Their line of
battle emerged from the woods about four hundred yards in
front, and moved steadily through a field of corn to within
fifty feet of the works, when it broke and the men fled to the
woods. They had suffered very severely in killed and
wounded. During this engagement, Captain Hatch, of Company C,
Seventy-sixth Regiment, captured a stand of colors from the
enemy, displaying great bravery in the act.

Battle Weldon Railroad. 309
General Hagood's Brigade of the enemy passed over the
field to the left of our works. They were fired upon until
they had arrived at a point a little in our rear, when Colonel
Hofmann observed that a number of them had thrown away
their arms, and as they still moved forward he concluded they
intended to surrender, and ordered the firing to cease. They
halted a moment in the ravine about one hundred and fifty
yards in rear, and to the left of our works. At this point
about half of them attempted to retreat. Fire was again
opened upon them, and many were killed and wounded. Of
the number that came forward, not more than one-fourth re
gained the wood from which they had emerged.
The Brigade captured two Lieutenant-Colonels, a number
of line officers, and nearly three hundred prisoners. On the
following day two hundred stand of arms were collected, and
fifty of the enemy's dead buried in front of the Brigade. In
his official report of this battle, Colonel Hofmann, says : —
" The Fifty-sixth and One Hundred and Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania Vol
unteers, Seventy-sixth and One Hundred and Forty-seventh New York
Volunteers, and Fourth Delaware Volunteers, remained in the works and
repulsed the enemy in handsome style. ******
" The following named have received special notice : —
************ *
" Seventy-sixth New York — Captain Hatch, for gallantry in crossing the
works and capturing a stand of colors.
" Lieutenant Weldon, Seventy-sixth New York, killed on the picket line,
on the night of the twenty-first, is spoken of as having been ever faithful
in the discharge of his duties — courteous and kind in his intercourse with
his brother officers and men. ********
" Captain Burritt was obliged to leave the field of battle for the third
time, on account of wounds received. ******
" Captain Watkins, of the Seventy-sixth New York, has since discharged
the duties of the office, and rendered very efficient services on the twenty-
first, as an acting aid-de-camp."
The casualties to this Brigade in this battle, were two offi-

310 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
cers and twenty-three men killed, eight officers and ninety-
seven men wounded, and sixty-eight men missing.
There is so much sameness in camp life, that it is difficult
to describe the events of each day interestingly. During the
intervals between the different battles, after reaching the
south side of the James River, our men were continually in
the advance, with the enemy confronting them. Scarcely a
day passed that they were not under fire. Most of the time
the enemy's sharpshooters were so posted, that it was ex
tremely hazardous for our men to appear in sight. Did a man
leave the breastworks, he was sure to be greeted with a volley
of bullets. Did he show his head above the works, he imme
diately became the target of the enemy. This sort of service
was much more annoying than actual battle. Lacking
the enthusiasm and excitement of battle, it was full as dan
gerous, and instead of lasting a few hours, continued for
months. An instance occurring in the Seventy-sixth illus
trates : —
D. Webster Smith, of Company D, was on picket near
Petersburg, June twenty-first, 1864. Like the others, he had
sought in a ditch protection from the rebel bullets. He had
just finished a letter to his friends at home and loaded his gun,
when, on rising, he was fired upon, the ball taking effect in
his head, killing him instantly.
An^ order was received September twelfth, transferring
all the Regiments in the First and Second Divisions,
formerly in the First Corps, to the Third Division, to be com
manded by General Crawford. The soldier will appreciate'
the pleasant emotions of the men at this reunion of the frag
ments of the First Corps into one Division.
During this lull between the battles, the Seventh Indiana
Yolunteers was mustered out, and the remaining fragments
of that noble Regiment returned home. They had been so

YOTING IN THE ARMY. 311
closely identified with the Seventy-sixth that they seemed to
almost constitute a part of it. Together they had fought side
by side, emulating but not envying each others success, until
now they parted like twin brothers.
Reinforcements were now daily arriving by thousands, and
everything indicated that General Grant's promise to " fight
it out on this line " was to be fulfilled.
October 1st.— The One Hundred and Eighty-fifth New York
Yolunteers, commanded by Colonel Jenny, arrived on the
field. This Regiment was raised in Onondaga and Cortland
counties, was a full Regiment, and had received no drill. Un
accustomed to camp life, their introduction was rather
discouraging. A severe storm came up ; they were without
tents, had not yet learned the science of drawing comfort from
a storm while lying in the mud, and many of the poor fellows
began to think seriously of the comforts of home. The Reg
iment was assigned to the Fifth Corps with the Seventy-sixth,
and hereafter their experiences were in common.
Colonel Livingston, of the Seventy-sixth, who was absent
some time on special duty, in Washington, returned to the
Regiment and assumed command October fourteenth.
October 21st. — The hosts of civilians at home were prepar
ing for the great political contest which should determine
whether the war should be terminated by a disgraceful com
promise, or whether instead thereof, the administration which
had thus far struggled to suppress the rebellion, should,
on the eve of success, be permitted to gather in the fruits of
its" patriotic efforts. The vote was taken in the field, and so
unanimous was that of the Seventy-sixth in favor of continu
ing the administration of Abraham Lincoln, that the agent
sent by the McClellan party to secure votes, was compelled to
cover his defeat with the false charge that he was driven from
the field and not permitted to take the votes. One of the

312 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
proudest evidences of the wisdom and humanity of Abraham
Lincoln, is the fact that the soldiery, taken from comfortable,
and many from luxurious homes, transferred to the seat of
war, making forced marches at night through mud and sleet,
fighting all day in the broiling sun, frequently on half rations
and without water, and long periods without pay, would still,
like the crusaders, almost consider it a pleasure to die for the
cause, and when the question of perpetuating the rule of their
noble leader presented itself, they almost unanimously voted
in the affirmative. With such a leader, and such men to
execute his commands, no republic need despair.

CHAPTER XXVII.
On the March— First Hatcher's Run— Distributing Clothing— Sad Reminiscences
—The Re-Election op Abraham Lincoln in the Army—" Worth More to the
Country than a Victory Won "—How the Rebels Relished It— Fort Hell— The
Truce Terminated— Thanksgiving and the Northern Turkeyb.
The troops were not long permitted to rest, even in the
exposed trenches in front of Petersburg. General Grant had
a favorite plan of attack by the " smoking-out process." An
army cannot long retain its position, no matter how strongly
defended, unless it can procure supplies. General Grant uow
held the Weldon Railroad, and the Railroads to City Point
and Norfolk, and was continually threatening the Richmond
and Petersburg road. But one Railroad remained to supply
the rebel forces at Petersburg with provisions and implements
of war. This the commanding general determined to destroy,
and thus accomplish indirectly what might at least be consid
ered doubtful if attempted by direct assault.
At four o'clock on the morning of the twenty-seventh of
October, the Seventy-sixth, with the other troops of the Fifth
Corps, broke camp, and marched in the direction of Hatcher's
Run. The Regiment was at that time attached to the Third
Brigade, Third Division, Fifth Corps. It was commanded by
Colonel Livingston, and mustered but one hundred and thirty-
three muskets. The men had been so long in the trenches
that the change of scenery and the varied incidents of the
march gave a zest to the movement, so that, though the fasci-

314 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
nation of fighting had long since passed, the men actually
anticipated with pleasure anything that presented a change.
They, therefore, rushed forward with the eagerness of troops
marching to their first battle. Crossed Hatcher's Run at Arm
strong's Mills. The report of Colonel Hofmann, command
ing the Third Brigade, thus describes the battle : —
" The liue of battle was then formed, facing southwest, the right of the
line resting on the creek. The One Hundred and Forty-seventh New
York was detailed to act as flankers. The instructions were to follow the
Brigade of General Bragg, then in our front, to move parallel with and our
right resting on the creek. After moving a short distance, it was found
necessary to change the direction of the line of march from southwest to
northwest. The route was through a very dense wood, and it was with
great difficulty that even an approximation to an alignment could be pre
served. Permission was obtained from the General commanding the
Division, to move by the right flank along the bank of the creek. After
moving in this manner for about a mile, serious doubts arose whether or no
General Bragg's Brigade was still in our front. The scouts sent out to find
it, reported their inability to do so. As it was impossible to see far ahead,
the head of the column was then covered by a line of skirmishers. After
moving a short distance, the Brigade was halted and again formed in line
of battle, and a line of skirmishers thrown forward. Advancing in this
manner for about two hundred yards, a heavy line of skirmishers of the
enemy was met. They opened fire upon us, but were driven across the
creek. The action was short with light loss to us. An aid from General
Bragg arrived with directions to retire to where his Brigade was then in
line. This was about five hundred yards in our rear. We had passed his
Brigade whilst we were marching by the flank. Before the order to retire
could be executed it was countermanded. Subsequently the order was re
newed and the Brigade moved back. It was, however, in the course of an
hour, again moved forward to the line formerly occupied, and threw up a
light line of works. At two A. M. on the twenty-eighth, the Brigade was,
by order of the General commanding the Division, withdrawn and moved
across the creek, and the line of battle formed facing nearly southwest,
near the Armstrong House. At ten A. M. the Brigade moved to Fort
Cummings and thence to camp. When the direction of the line of march
was changed, the line of flankers became detached. In his efforts to regain
his proper position, Colonel Harney became lost ; supposed to have been

The First Hatcher's Run. 315
captured by the enemy. * * * The number of prisoners cap
tured by my command, was between fifty and sixty. The exact number I
am unable to give, as they were at once turned over to the Provost Marshal
of the Division, no receipt taken. The above were brought in by Captain
E. Smack, Ninety-fifth New York.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
* J. WM. HOFMANN,
Colonel Commanding Brigade.
Thus terminated the first Hatcher's Run. The men ex
pected and were fully prepared for a battle ; but no general
engagement took place. The rebels were found in too strong
force for an attack by the forces employed, and no general
movement of the army having been made, the troops returned
to their camps. The Union lines were, however, extended.
Our forces captured seven loaded teams at Stony Creek, a
dozen beef cattle, a portable forge, and nine hundred and ten
men. We lost no men captured, except a few stragglers. The
troops were scarcely in camp, when the rebels played one of
those sharp tricks incident to war.
As our pickets were on duty, they were approached by a
body of men, supposed by them to be a relief. They, however,
proved to be a body of rebels, who, taking advantage of the
illusion, surrounded our pickets and took them all prisoners.
Several soon escaped and rushing into camp gave the alarm,
so that no disastrous results followed.
The Seventy-sixth now occupied a lovely camp, and soon
the men, with that natural instinct which leads every creature
to erect a home, were busily engaged in building log huts and
erecting their tents. In a few days what was so lately an
open field and dense forest, became a compactly built city of
log houses, with their Yirginia chimnies, muddied walls, and
furnished with fire-places, cracker box tables, cracker box
seats, cracker box shelves, and beds of poles and green boughs.
Never since the Regiment entered the service, had it occupied

316 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
such pleasant quarters, if we exclude from consideration the
dangerous picket and guard duties which alternately devolved
upon them.
The weather had now become cold and rainy, and the
men who had fought a hundred days in the last one hundred
and fifty, began very naturally to hope they were now build
ing their winter quarters.
November seventh, the clothing of the Regiment, stored in
Alexandria last April as the troops were about to advance,
was brought to camp to be distributed to its owners. What
painful recollections it awakens ! Three companies now lie
in southern prisons, while large numbers of the men lie scat
tered along in Yirginia's accursed soil, from the Wilderness
to Petersburg. The God of war had rode triumphantly with
the Union Army over this sanguinary road ; but death and
bloodshed, and captivity had lurked in every thicket, sadly
thinning the loyal ranks. These heroes will answer to no
more roll-calls here; but -there will be a roll-call hereafter
where they shall muster to receive the never-fading wreaths
of the true and faithful.
November 10th, 1864. — The news of the re-election of
Abraham Lincoln reached the army at this time. Two months
and a half ago the Union-loving heart was pained to hear
cheers go up along the rebel lines, as they received the news
of the adoption of a peace platform by a powerful party at
the North. Now, that cheer is answered by one along the
entire Union lines, sending dismay to the rebel hearts, as it
informed them that their Northern friends had been van
quished. Let the Union men cheer. Custom gives that right
to the victor !
General Grant, in behalf of the army, writes the Secretary
of War:

Lincoln's Re-Election in the Army. 317
" City Point, Thursday, Nov. 10—10:30 P. M.
Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War :—
Enough seems to be known to say who is to hold the reins of Govern
ment for the next four years.
Congratulate the President for me for the double victory. The election
having passed off quietly, no bloodshed or riot throughout the land, is a
victory worth more to the country than a battle won. Rebeldom and
Europe will construe it so.
U. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General."
" Shall he be buried with christian burial that seeks his own
damnation ?" shouted a private in allusion to their former
General. " He has so effectually buried himself that the services of a
grave-digger will be quite unnecessary," replied one of the
listeners. " John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave,
While his soul goes marching on."
was sung in one part of the camp, while,
" We now begin to see de gleaming ob de dawning ob de day,"
came up from a bevy of Africa's descendants in the rear.
General Grant was right. Lincoln's election was better
than a victory on the field. A sentiment pervaded the whole
army that the rebels would now see that the loyal people
North were resolved to suppress the rebellion, not to settle it,
and with a four years' lease of power, resistance to the author
ity of the Government would be worse than useless.
Near the rebel lines was a Union fort, where for three
months there had been almost an incessant firing night and
day. So hot was this vicinity that the fort had been named
by the soldiers Fort Hell. On Wednesday night, the ninth
of November, all firing was, by mutual arrangements between
the pickets suspended, the rebels being extremely anxious to

318 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
learn the result of the election of the previous day. Enough
had been learned to justify the belief that the Union cause
had triumphed. The probable result was shouted across to
the enemy, whose chagrin was finally vented in laudations of
" Little Mac," and harsh epithets against his successful rival.
Thus the discussion which at first was carried on good-na
turedly enough, finally degenerated into the free exchange of
abusive personalities, and the truce was soon brought to a ter
mination by a sudden volley from the rebels, whose exaspera
tion knew no bounds as from our side three times three were
sent up for Lincoln and the Union. Our men, knowing the
treachery of the rebels, were not taken by surprise, and the
flash of the enemy's guns had scarcely disappeared before an
answering volley was hurled back, and for nearly an hour the
rattle of musketry was incessant. Fort Hell also joined in
the general din, and greeted the enemy with a score or two of
shells. During this cannonade, the novel exhibition of the collision
of two immense bombs in mid air was witnessed by thousands
of spectators.
No sane man will doubt that the re-election of Mr. Lincoln
was all-powerful in the speedy suppression of the slaveholder's
rebellion. The weather had now become cold, and the time was spent *
very much as though the decree had gone forth that the army
should remain here for the winter.
The cheering support of the loyal North at the polls was
quickly followed by another reminder of their gratitude to
and sympathy for the soldiery. President Lincoln had set
apart the twenty-fourth day of November as a day of thanks
giving and prayer. The loyal people North had seized upon
this opportunity to remind the soldiers of their attachment to

Thanksgiving in the Army. 319
them and their cause. Boat loads and car loads of fat turkeys,
chickens, pickles, vegetables, and other edibles, such as, though
too rare with the soldiers, are wont to grace our tables at
home, at the annual gathering around the family board, came
pouring in.
Nothing could have been devised more encouraging than
this manifestation. The avalanche of " good things," fresh
from the hands of loyalty and affection was intensely enjoyed
by rank and file. Not only did the begrimmed soldiers relish
these delicious viands for the physical gratification afforded,
but for the associations accompanying them.
A well-cooked turkey or chicken, under any circumstances
is much to be preferred to the hard tack and salt junk, min
gled with cinders, as it is fried in a half canteen between two
logs ; but this was sweetened by the recollection that mothers,
sisters and sweethearts in the far off North-land had prepared
the dressing, and as they thought of their darling ones in the
army, had ceased a moment to wipe away a tear. It proved
to the soldier that he was held in grateful remembrance at
home — that place where the true soldier cares most to be re
membered, and this thanksgiving dinner strengthened the
armies more morally, if not physically, than the addition of
thousands of men.
We cannot omit recording, however, that many complaints
were made by some regiments, that they never obtained their
proper share of these dainties so kindly sent from home. We
are credibly informed that the cause of this seeming neglect
was the greediness and dishonesty of detailed officers and
men connected with the various brigade and division head
quarters. One instance is related of a company in a New
York regiment, in the Fifth Corps, that received only twelve
and a half pounds of roast turkey, goose, and chicken for

320 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
sixty-four men, and that sadly "mushed, and covered with
Virginia sand." A general remark may not be out of place.
The soldier is largely indebted to the women of the North for
the almost numberless mementoes of friendship which they
forwarded to the soldiery in the field. Yet very many of the
articles, of necessity and luxury never reached those for whom
they were intended, but fell into unworthy hands.

CHAPTER XXVIII.
Another Advance— Hiokspohd Raid— Report op General Hopmann— March op
Fifty Miles — Consolidation op the Seventy-sixth with the One Hundred
and Forty-seventh New York— Farewell to the Sacred Number.
December 7th, 1864. — The original term of enlistment of
all the members of the Seventy-sixth Regiment expired before
this date, and had there been no re-enlistments, this history
had terminated at this point. But so many had re-enlisted
the preceding winter and spring, that two companies yet
remained. These were under the command of W. Earle
Evans, now Lieutenant, originally a private in Company F.
The patriotism of these men will continue this narrative to
the end of the war, and the triumph of the Union arms.
On the seventh a forward movement was made to the South,
known as the Hicksford raid. The following report was made
by the commandant of the Brigade : —
" Headquarters Third Brigade, Third Division, )
Fifth Army Corps, Before Petersburg, Dec. 16, 1864. j
Major E. C. Baird, A. A. G. Third LHv. :—
Major : — I have the honor to report the part taken by this Brigade in the
recent movement on Hicksford.
The Brigade broke camp on the morning of the seventh, and joined the
Division at the Jerusalem Plank Road. The Brigade consisted of the fol
lowing Regiments : — Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, Major
Jack commanding ; One Hundred and twenty-first Pennsylvania Volun
teers, Captain Barlow commanding; One Hundred and Forty-second
v

322 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
Pennsylvania Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel H. H. Warren commanding ;
two Companies of the late* Seventy-sixth New York, Lieutenant Evans
commanding; Ninety-fourth New York Volunteers, Captain Fish com
manding ; Ninety-fifth New York Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Crency
commanding; One Hundred and Forty-seventh New York Volunteers,
Captain Coey commanding, and the headquarters guard. Total 1,328
muskets. The Brigade crossed the Nottoway river at Freeman's Bridge, and moved
to and bivouacked at Sussex Court House at nine P. M.
On the eighth at seven A. M., moved toward the Weldon Railroad via
Coman's well. When about two miles beyond this place — this Brigade
leading the column — a small force of the enemy's cavalry attempted to cut
through the column, but were driven off without loss to us. At seven P. M.
the Brigade commenced destroying the Railroad. By eleven P. M. about
one mile of it was destroyed. Bivouacked, and at seven A. M. on the ninth
moved to about four miles below Jarratt's Station. There the Brigade
destroyed about three-fourths of a mile of the road, then moved to beyond
Three Creek, where about half a mile of the road was destroyed, then went
into bivouac. At seven A. M. on the tenth, moved on Sussex Court House.
Bivouacked at five P. M. when within about five miles of it.
Resumed the march at eight A. M. on the eleventh, and when within one
mile of Sussex Court House, formed line of battle and erected breastworks,
to resist a threatened attack on the rear of the column.
Subsequently moved on and crossed the Nottaway at Freeman's Bridge,
and bivouacked at eight P. M., near  church.
Resumed the march at nine P. M. on the twelfth inst., and arrived in
camp at four P. M,
The work of destroying the Railroad was done in a very thorough man
ner — all the ties burned, and all the rails bent.
The conduct of the officers and men on this expedition is deserving of
praise. There was very little straggling. The few who straggled fell into
the hands of the enemy. A nominal list of them is herewith sent, showing
the loss of men. I am, Major, Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
J. W. HOFMANN,
Brevet Brigadier-General Comd'e. Brigade.
May 27th, 1865.
[Official.] Harry G. Elder,
Brevet Major & Acting Brigade Inspector."
* The Seventy-Bixth Is here spoken of as the late Seventy-sixth, though the order consolidat
ing lt was not made by the War Department until December thirty-first.

Last Return oe the Seventy-sixth. 323
The object of the movement was the destruction of the
Weldon Railroad. The rebels were accustomed to transport
their supplies to Stony Creek by rail, and reshipping at that
point in wagons, to convey them by a circuitous route to
Petersburg. This movement of General Warren to Hicks
ford, and his cavalry to Weldon, accomplished the destruction
of this road, rendering it entirely useless to the rebels.
The troops marched in all about fifty miles on this raid,
and destroyed three long railroad bridges, about twenty miles
of railroad, one hundred barrels of apple jack or cider brandy,
and a large amount of forage and other stores, and captured
a score or two of prisoners, sustaining but a trifling loss. The
weather was intensely cold, and the men suffered severely in
their nightly bivouacs.
After the return, the troops remained in camp near Peters
burg engaged only in the ordinary routine duties of camp life
in winter quarters.
The camp was frequently enlivened by news of the advance
of Sherman, now on his great march from Atlanta to the sea
board, and of the victories of Thomas in the West. But the
armies of the Potomac and James remained for the most part
quiet in their camps.
On the thirtieth of December, 1864, the date of the last
official report previous to the consolidation, the Seventy-sixth
Regiment contained two commissioned officers and one hun
dred and sixty-five non-commissioned officers and men.
On the thirty-first of December, 1864, the following order
was issued from the War Department :

Special Orders )

War Department, Adjutant General's Office, )
Washington, December 31st, 1864. )

No. 476. ) {Extract)
********

21. Upon the receipt of this order by the Commanding General Army of

324 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
the Potomac, the remaining veterans and recruits of the Seventy-sixth New
York Volunteers will be permanently transferred to and consolidated with
the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Volunteers, the consolidated force to
bear the designation of the latter Regiment.
The Commanding General Army of the Potomac will charge tlie proper
Commissary of Musters with the execution of this order.
The consolidation effected, the Commissary of Musters will forward to
this office the transfer rolls, as directed in Circular No. 64, August
eighteenth, 1864, from this office.
************* By Order of the Secretary of War,
(Signed,) E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant General.
Official. E. D. Townsend, Ass't Adjutant General.
AdjcTpAnt General's Office, )
Albany, Sept. 14, 1866. J
Official Copy.
J. B. Stonehouse, Ass't Adjutant-General.
This order did not reach the Regiment until sometime in
January, 1865. The last report of the Seventy-sixth was
made on the fifteenth day of January. At that time the
Regiment was commanded by Captain Edward B. Cochrane,
and belonged to the Third Brigade, Third Division, Fifth
Army Corps. The following from the semi-monthly report
for February first, 1865, is the last official mention of the
Seventy-sixth : —
Seventy-sixth New York Volunteers consolidated with One Hundred and
Forty-seventh New York Volunteers, January twenty-fifth in compliance
with Special Orders No. 476, War Department, 1864. D. J. DICKSON,
Captain and Brigade Inspector.
It was a trying ordeal for these veterans as they witnessed
the departure of the fragments of company after company of
their friends ; they had sadly witnessed the exchange of the old
flag for a new one, but the most trying of all, was the relinquish
ment of that name of which they had felt so proud. The
76 th ! With what pride they had welcomed that number at

Faeewell to the Seventy-sixth. 325
the first which spoke of Bunker Hill, and Bennington, and
the Declaration of Independence! 76th!— the historic
number to which all Americans ever point with pride. But
how sacred now it had grown. The men had worn it
on their caps ; it had been printed on their knapsacks ; they
saw it on the front of the cap of the officers from whom they
received their orders ; it was written on their letters ; and in
the midst of the storm and fury of battle, when natural in
stincts led them to seek safety in retreat, they had gazed upon
the dear old flag, and drawing inspiration and courage from
that freedom's talisman, had pressed forward to victory. No
wonder that the brave boys of so many battles thus tenaciously
clung to the cherished number ; aye, as the child clings to its
mother. Battles may hereafter be fought and won. These
heroes will do their duty, but in all the fists of Regiments
covered with glory, the Seventy-sixth, always the foremost,
will not be there. Our heroes may fall in battle, but their
names will scarcely be noticed, for opposite them will no
longer stand the 76th. When we left Cortland three years
ago, we sang : —
Don't stop a moment to think, John,
Our country calls, then go ;
Don't fear for me nor the children, John,
I'll care for them, you know.
Leave the corn upon the stalk, John,
The fruit upon the tree,
And all our little stores, John,
Yes, leave them all to me.
Then take your gun and go,
Yes, take your gun and go ;
For Ruth can drive the oxen, John,
And I can use the hoe.
I've heard my grandsire tell, John,
He fought at Bunker Hill,
He counted all his life and wealth,

326 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
His country's off'ring still.
Would I shame the brave old blood, John,
That flowed on Monmouth plain ?
No, take your gun and go, John,
If I ne'er see you again.
Then take your gun and go, &c.
The army's short of blankets, John,
So take this heavy pair,
I spun and wove them when a girl,
And worked them with great care.
A rose in every corner, John,
And here's my name, you see ;
On the cold ground they'll warmer feel,
Because they're made by me.
Then take your gun and go, &c.
And, John, if God has willed it so
We ne'er shall meet again,
I'll do my best for the children, John,
In sorrow, want or pain.
On winter nights I'll teach them, John,
All that L learned at school ;
To love our country, keep her laws,
Obey the Savior's rule.
Then take your gun and go, &c.
And varied it with : — " 76 is on our banners."
Now, as the men scatter along, singly and alone, to their long
deserted homes, it will not be as members of the Seventy-
sixth ! Farewell, then, venerated number ! Farewell battle-
battle-scarred banners, that in the fiercest of the fight so
proudly bore thee! The men who followed thee on the
march and the field, have the proud consciousness that
they have done what they could to make themselves worthy
of the name, and to preserve the talismanic number un
sullied.

CHAPTER XXIX.
The Army in Winter Quarters— Negotiations of President Lincoln for Peace
—Orders to Advance— Flanking the Enemt— Second Battle of Hatcher's Run
— The Third Division, Fifth Corps, Buffers Severely— Summary of Casualties
— Changing Camp— Third "Winter Quarters."
The troops were now in winter quarters, with no expecta
tion of immediate action. Sherman was on his march to the
seaboard, and the reports of his brilliant achievements in
spired the Army of the Potomac no less than his own. The
troops, with intelligent interest, watched the dying symptoms
of the rebellion, as slowly but surely the coils of the rightful
authority tightened about it. The cold might pinch the loyal
army, and the mud prevent its advance. Yet the men looked
forward with prophetic eye to a time when, the rebellion sup
pressed, they should lay aside the implements of war, and
hasten to the more congenial walks of civil life.
The troops were pleasantly situated in their new log huts ;
but it was not home, and they welcomed the order to advance,
which came on the fourth day of February. The order
directed a detail to keep watch of the tents, while the men
went forward in search of the enemy. This looked like fight
ing, and not a mere change of camp.
The attempt at negotiation made by President Lincoln and
the rebel authorities had failed, and the army and the country
were assured that the only road to peace lay through success-

328 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
ful warfare. The defenses of Petersburg and Richmond were
nearly impregnable, and General Grant still cherished his
favorite scheme of saving his men, while he compelled the
enemy to surrender by cutting off his supplies. Another
forward movement was, therefore, determined upon in the
direction of the Southside Railroad.
At three o'clock P. M. on the fourth of February, orders
were received directing the- Fifth Corps to march the next
day. All was bustle and confusion in camp. At three
o'clock the next morning, preceded by Gregg's cavalry, the
Corps started on the road to Ream's Station. No force of the
enemy was encountered. The roads at various points were
picketed by rebel cavalry, all of whom retreated as our col
umn advanced. About noon our Corps reached Rowanty
Creek, where it was halted several hours while a bridge of
considerable length was being constructed. Towards night
the stream was crossed, and the troops went into bivouac.
During the afternoon of the fifth, the Second Corps and the
cavalry were quite sharply engaged, resulting in the advance
of our lines beyond Hatcher's Run, the capture of about two
hundred prisoners, a train of wagons and mules, and quite a
severe loss to the enemy in killed and wounded.
About one o'clock P. M. the next day, the Third Division
of the Fifth Corps, including the One Hundred and Forty-
seventh New York, was ordered to the front. Crossing the
Run they ascended the hills on the west side, and as they
were descending the opposite slope came suddenly upon the
enemy. Almost the entire surface of the country was cov
ered with a dense growth of pine. Marching through this,
upon the road to Dabney's Mills, the Division came npon a
clearing of some ten or fifteen acres. Here they found the
enemy in force. The fight soon commenced with great fury,
but was of short duration, when the rebels retreated. Our

Second Hatcher's Run. 329
Division retreated across the open field down to the edge of
the opposite wood at double-quick. The rebels kept up a
running fire, until about five o'clock, when they made a most
determined assault all along the line, evidently with the inten
tion of breaking through the line, cutting off and capturing
the Division. At the same time an attack was made in front,
and part of the Division being out of ammunition, the left
fell back on the center. Soon after, the right fell back also,
being hotly pursued by the enemy. In a short time the whole
line fell back in disorder, until they reached the breastworks
erected by the Third Division the day before. Here they
were rallied, and pouring a heavy volley into the rebel ranks,
brought them to a sudden halt. The wagons and artillery
were on their way back when the retreat commenced, but had
got fast in a swamp, and though great efforts were made by
the ordnance officer of the Division to save them, they were
obliged to abandon two.
-The enemy shortly after made an attack upon the left of
the Second Corps, near the Armstrong Road, but were re
pulsed. The loss in this engagement was quite severe, falling
mostly upon the Fifth Corps,
General Morrow, commanding our Brigade, was severely
wounded in the shoulder. '
Captain Coey, commanding the One Hundred and Forty-
seventh Regiment, was shot in the nose, the ball coming out
at the ear.
The only officers engaged in this battle, who formerly be
longed to the Seventy-sixth, were Lieutenants Martin Edg-
comb and George B. Hill.
Of the handful of the former men of the Seventy-sixth,
Lucas F. Lawrence, of Company E, was killed, and Sergeants
Miles R. Foster and John J. Evans wounded.
The weather was so intensely cold that whenever the

330 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
clothing became wet it froze to the men, and many who fell in
the battle were frozen to death before they could be removed
from the field.
February 7th. — It was determined to send a reconnoisance
over the ground occupied by the Fifth Corps the day before,
to ascertain the whereabouts of the rebels, and, if possible,
force them back to their works at Dabney's Mills. General
Crawford's Division, (the Third), of the Fifth Corps, having
led the advance the day before, and being best acquainted
with the nature of the country, was selected for the duty.
Though they had broken the day before, the cause being
understood by the commanding General, no blame attached to
the Division.
The column moved about noon, taking the Dabney's Mill
road, and after abvanciug about half a mile, struck the rebel
pickets, who fell back as our men advanced. A line of battle
was then formed and advanced cautiously through the dense
woods on each side of the road. Before going far they met
the rebels in force, when a sharp engagement immediately
commenced. The rebels were steadily driven back until they
took refuge behind their works at the mill, where they made a
determined stand. Fighting was here kept up until dark,
when our men commenced throwing up light breastworks,
and repairing those evacuated by the rebels. At twilight the
Third Division was directed to make a charge upon the ene
my's works ; but on arriving near them, the rebels were found
too strongly entrenched to make the charge practicable, and
our troops retired behind their works. During the night our
Division advanced and built a line of works in th8 immediate
front, and very near the rebel fines.
The men were without tents, and to add to their sufferings
a severe storm of snow and sleet set in, and the weather being
intensely cold, the troops were soon encased in ice. It was a

Losses at Second Hatchee's Run. 331
gloomy time, indeed. So near was the enemy that fires were
not admissible, and to the dangers of battle were added the
horrors of freezing.
The morning of February eighth dawned bright and sunny
upon the army, cheering the hearts of the brave men who had
endured and accomplished so much. The spirits of the troops,
naturally depressed by the hardships of the past three days,
and the freezing nights, now revived, and the determination
was universal to hold at all hazards the extended line of five
miles. It had been developed by this movement, that Lee had
weakened his forces at this point, by sending several divisions
against Sherman. Thus the double object of the movement
had been accomplished — the extension of our lines, and the
development of the enemy's strength.
The main losses of these engagements were sustained by
the Third Division of the Fifth Corps. The whole force of
that Division numbered about four thousand. The losses
were j — Killed, - - -
Wounded,
Missing, Total, - - - 37 " 1,143 "
Of the missing many afterwards returned to their respect
ive Regiments.
This movement extended the Union lines from the James
River to Hatcher's Run, a distance of about twenty-three
miles. During the ninth the Brigade was engaged in building cor
duroy roads, and smoothing the railroad track and converting
it into a wagon road, preparatory to occupying the grounds
thus captured as a camp.

5 Officers,

66 Men

28 "

491 "

4 "

586 "

332 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
On the tenth the Brigade returned to the old camp, and
gathering the tents and other property, moved out to the front
and for the third time that winter, commenced the erection of
winter quarters. In a few days the surrounding country was
thickly covered with tasty log huts, their canvas roofs bleach
ing in the alternate storm and sun of a Virginia winter.

CHAPTER XXX.
Another Advance— Battle of Five Forks— Eepulses and Successes— Brilliant
Charges— Important Captures— A Lull in Battle— Petersburg Evacuated—
The Rebels Retreat from Eiohmond— Pursuit of the Kebel Army—" In at the
Death "—Lee Surrenders— Rejoicing.
The armies remained in winter quarters until the latter part
of March, occupying the time in picket and police duty and
organizing and drilling, preparatory to the approaching cam
paign. The month and a half wore away and the order came to
move towards the Southside Railroad on the twenty-ninth of
March. The men were up at three o'clock in the morning,
and at daylight were on the march. From the Lieutenant-
General to the private, the whole army entertained the belief
that this was to prove the death-blow to the rebellion. The
battle-scarred veteran, therefore emulated the recruit in enthu
siasm, as they rushed forward toward the enemy. The First
Division of the Fifth Corps, containing the One Hundred and
Eighty fifth New York, was in the advance, and were soon
engaged in a sharp fight, in which the One Hundred and
Eighty-fifth lost heavily. The Third Division first marched
towards Hatcher's Run, then took a road leading nearly south.
This they pursued five or six miles, then turning to the right,
reached the Boydton Plank Road two miles from that point.
Here the One Hundred and Forty-seventh was under fire, but
the loss to the Brigade was but one killed and ten wounded.

334 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
The Brigade at this point halted and threw up several lines of
breastworks. Firing was kept up the next day at different
points along the line ; but owing to a heavy rain storm which
set in, no general engagement took place. The Brigade ad
vanced about a mile on the morning of March thirty-first,
when they were met with such a galling fire, that they were
forced back nearly half a mile, losing about one hundred men
in killed and wounded. Here was terrible fighting. The
contending forces swayed to and fro. At one time a stampede
of our whole Brigade seemed imminent ; then by the mere
force and courage of the men, the rebels were driven back
and at night our Regiment occupied a position beyond the line
from which they had been driven in the morning.
General Sheridan having been repulsed it was seen that a
change ~bf front of the Fifth Corps would be necessary to
meet any attack of the enemy on the left and rear. Accord
ingly at midnight, the Fifth Corps, leaving an interval to be
supplied by Miles's Division of the Second Corps, left its
position, and moving down the Boydtown Road toward Din
widdie, and massed at the Butler House for the purpose of
seizing the White Oak Road.
Early the next morning, April first, the Fifth Corps moved
forward, while the Second Corps commenced demonstrating
its front to mask its real intentions. The charge of the Fifth
Corps was temporarily successful, the enemy being pushed
back to a point near the White Oak Road. Here he rallied,
and in turn violently assaulted the Fifth Corps, which hastily
retired to the vicinity of the Boydtown Road, where it took
shelter behind a line of temporary works.
Miles's Division was now directed to strike the victorious
enemy on the flank, and massing his brigades, he began mov
ing to the left and west from his position on the Boydtown
Road. The remainder of the Second Corps were skirmishing.

Battle oe Five Forks. 335
About half-past ten o'clock in the forenoon, the column of
General Miles struck the rebel left in front of the Fifth Corps,
surprised it, and moving rapidly forward drove the enemy
like frightened sheep, capturing a large number of prisoners,
guns and colors, then wheeling to the right and still pursuing
the flying enemy, established himself on the White Oak Road.
Thus, after a severe engagement of several hours, our forces
had, at the cost of several hundred lives, accomplished what
was originally intended. During the day, Sheridan, con
fronted by superior numbers, was again forced to retire, and
it became necessary to threaten with larger numbers, the
masses of the enemy gathered on our left to protect the South-
side Railroad.
General Foster of the Twenty-fourth Corps had again
advanced his pickets so near to the guns of the enemy that
the gunners were unable to work them, and the two armies
occupied this position when Friday night put an end to the
operations. On Saturday morning, April first, General Sheridan having
as yet met with no important success, determined to strike
the rebels a severe blow. General Warren moved the Fifth
Corps to the rear of the White Oak Road to report to Sheri
dan, and_Miles likewise fell back and extended his Division
along the Boydtown road, facing northwest. Sheridan who
in the morning was east of Five Forks, now commenced
moving west and northwest in several columns, and meeting
the enemy in strong force, a fight was immediately com
menced. Tne Fifth Corps had, in the meantime, moved southwest
toward the Five Forks, and the enemy, struck in front and on
both flanks, soon wavered and fell back. Charges such as
had never during the war been exceeded for valor and im
petuosity, were now made by both the infantry and cavalry.

336 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
The rebel hosts were rolled back in confusion, and captured
by regiments and even brigades.
Sunday, April second, opened bright and glorious.. The
sky was undimmed, except by the battle-smoke of the previous
four days, and the haze as of an Indian Summer, which for a
week had hung over the army. To-day the hosts of-Sheridan's
prisoners were sent to City Point, apparently well pleased
with their change of condition.
General Grant had determined upon a grand wheel of the
whole line south of the Appomattox. Petersburg, the key to
Richmond, was to be attacked by one grand combined assault
upon the east, southeast, and south, by the Sixth and Ninth
Corps, while the command of General Ord, on both sides of
Hatcher's Run, moved to their support, followed by the Sec
ond Corps. Early in the morning, Turner's and Foster's
Divisions of Ord's command moved to the support of the
Sixth Corps, leaving General Birney, of the Colored Division,
to charge the enemy simultaneously with the Second Corps on
its left. The charge was almost a bloodless one. No enemy
except a few pickets were found in their front, and they con
tinued their grand right wheel until about eleven A. M., they
were on the line of the Sixth Corps, southwest of Petersburg.
The gallant Sixth and Ninth Corps had already performed
the task assigned them. The Sixth, supported by General
Ord, had advanced two miles, carried a complete line of for
midable works, including a number of forts, and seized the
Southside Railroad, while the Ninth had, by a series of
assaults, forcibly possessed three important points, and occu
pied Fort Mahone in front of Fort Hell. The three Corps
alone, captured thirty-two guns, nearly three thousand prison
ers, and large numbers of colors and small arms. The assault
was made with such rapidity that more losses were sustained
during the massing of the troops, than during the assault

Evacuation of Petersburg. 337

itself. The rebels made a bold resistance, but it was of no
avail. Determined men, white and black, with bristling bay
onets, and a resolution to " fight it out on this line," had now
grappled with treason in its stronghold, and the fate of the
rebellion was sealed. Fort after fort, batteries and rifle pits
were successively carried, and at eleven o'clock A. M., the
Southside Road, within three miles of the town, was in our
possession. The headquarters of Generals Grant and Meade, at night,
were at the Ritchie House, on the Boydtown Road, within
three miles of the town and in range of the enemy's batteries.
No one could foretell the glorious results just then in the
grasp of the loyal soldiery. Night came, and the weary sol
diery slept#upon their laurels. Bright columns of light arose
from the city, and until one o'clock on Sunday morning occa
sional shots were exchanged between the two lines. Then all
became still, and so remained until morning.
At three o'clock Sunday morning, April second, an ad
vance was made, and the enemy's works in front of the Sixth
and Ninth Corps carried, our forces capturing many prisoners
and a large number of guns. This lasted until about eight
o'clock A. M., when the fighting ceased, and all remained
quiet. At half-past four o'clock the next morning, (April third),
four reports of cavalry in front of Birney's colored troops
were heard, followed in quick succession by four shells as they
sped with their hollow, rushing sound towards Petersburg.
The troops were yet in their bivouac, and were scarcely
awakened, before cheer upon cheer rolled up along the line
until the whole line joined in the jubilee. It required no
" general orders " to explain the cause. The enemy had
evacuated Petersburg, that key to the Capital of the " Con
federacy," and were even now hastily retreating from the loyal
w

338 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
army ! It was indeed a jubilee to the battle-scarred veterans.
Nor were the colored troops of General Birney less joyful
than their white brethren in arms. As a colored regiment
marched into the city, they sang : —
" Say, darkies, hab you seen de massa,
Wid de mufstash on his face,
Go down de road sometime dis mornin',
Like he's gwine to leab de place ?"
while in every part of the army . the delight of the troops
knew no bounds.
Colonel Ely, commanding the Second Brigade, First Di
vision, Ninth'Corps, was credited with being the first ta enter
the city, and was made Provost Marshal of the town. No
sooner had his headquarters been established, than it was
thronged with rebels demanding " guards to protect private
property." So thoroughly convinced had President Lincoln become
that the city must surrender, that he had left Washington, to
be " in at the death," and arrived at Petersburg with Admiral
Porter in the afternoon.
On the same morning that our troops marched into Peters
burg, the Mayor of Richmond surrendered the keys of the
public buildings of that city to General Weitzel, who, with
his staff led the advance into the town.
The tactics of General Grant did not permit him- to squan
der his time in rejoicing over his laurels. The enemy, under
General Lee had retreated to the southwest along the Danville
Road, and the whole Union army, save a small garrison left
in each city, was, during the afternoon set in motion in that
direction. The thrilling thought of occupying this objective point of
four years' struggle, would have caused almost any other
General than Grant to linger about his prize ; but with him

Chasing the Enemy. 339
the object of the war was to suppress the entire rebellion, not
to rejoice over victories.
The race between loyalty and treason now became exciting.
General Lee, with the advantage of nearly a whole day's
march, was striving for a point of safety in the interior, but
Sheridan, with characteristic energy, was fast gaining upon
him. On- the sixth of April General Sheridan reported to
General Grant :— " Thuksdat, April 6,-11 P. M.
Lieutenant-General Grant : —
I have the honor to report that the enemy made a stand at the intersec
tion of the Burke's Station Road in the road upon which they were
retreating. I attacked them with two Divisions of the Sixth Army Corps,
and routed them handsomely, making a connection with the cavalry. I am
still pressing on with both cavalry and infantry. Up to the present time we
have captured Generals Ewell, Kershaw, Button, Corse, De Barre and
Oustis Lee, several thousand prisoners, fourteen pieces of artillery, with
caissons. If the thing is pressed I think Lee will surrender.
P. H. SHERIDAN,
Major-General Commanding.''
In their flight the enemy threw away "everything which
could impede their progress. General Sheridan pushed
forward the cavalry and infantry with great energy, captur
ing large numbers of prisoners and arms, and destroying vast
trains which the enemy were compelled to abandon.
The Fifth Corps was now under Sheridan in the advance,
and thus the few remaining members of the old Seventy-sixth
with happy hearts witnessed the death of the rebellion.
Almost every day from the second of April, when Rich
mond and Petersburg were evacuated, until Sunday, the ninth,
when Lee surrendered, the Fifth Corps was under fire from
the rear of the rebel army, yet they pressed cheerfully
onward. The march from Petersburg to Appomattox was a
long one, and from the broken and hilly character of the
country, would, under ordinary circumstances, have been con-

340 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
sidered tedious ; but flushed with success, the men made their
march of thirty miles a day, with less weariness than they had
formerly retreated half that distance. At length,- on Satur
day, the eighth of April, 1865, within a fortnight of four years
from the surrender of Fort Sumter to the rebels, General
Grant opened a correspondence with General Robert E. Lee,
looking to the surrender of the Army of Northern Yirginia.
On the following day the whole of that army surrendered
unconditionally, at Appomattox Court House. General
Grant immediately telegraphed the glorious news tG Wash
ington. The excitement and unalloyed and exuberant joy manifested
in the army at this result of their heroic sacrifices, met a
hearty response from the people as the joyful news flashed
over the land. What if the intoxicating bowl did for a mo
ment add power to the expression of gladness ! Sober voices
could scarcely do justice to the long pent up feelings, and we
pardon alcohol for this intrusion !

CHAPTER XXXI.
The Surrender op Johnston— Murder of President Lincoln— Homeward Bound-
March to Petersburg— "On to Richmond"— Fredericksburg— Crossing the Old
Camp— March to Arlington Heights— The Grand Review— Coming Home— "Ex
pended in the Service."
The surrender of Lee was soon followed by that of Johns
ton. The hopes of the South had centered upon General Lee,
who was undoubtedly their ablest chief, and with his surrender
all hopes of successful resistance to rightful authority died
out. This became apparent no less from the tone of the press
and the people, than from the surrender of all their armies.
Mr. Lincoln visited Richmond, and was welcomed with appa
rent cordiality — a feeling, alas, more apparent than real !
The day after the surrender of Lee was extremely rainy
and disagreeable, but the " boys in blue " were happy, and
remained busy, gathering up the captured property, and parol
ing the rebel troops.
At length, on Wednesday, the twelfth, ithe Fifth Corps
started on their homeward march ! The mud reminded the
army of Burnside's celebrated march, but with different feel
ings the men waded on, until the fifteenth, when the
headquarters of the Corps were established at Burkesville.
Here was received that news so shocking to loyalty everywhere,
but pre-eminently so to the army — the assassination of Presi
dent Lincoln ! No man ever enjoyed in such an eminent
degree the entire confidence and admiration of the army, and

342 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
the country, as Mr. Lincoln. His very name was the talis
man which gave courage in the fight, and endurance on the
march. His stories enlivened the camp, and his name was
was sung on the march and in the bivouac. The army has by
disloyal men been stigmatized as " Lincoln's hirelings." They
never despised the name of " Lincoln's admirers." The news
of his assassination did, indeed, sadly reverse the current of
universal rejoicings. The display of all the flags at half-mast,
the draping ol the swords, and cannon, and sleeves with
crape, the muffled drums, and saddening tones of the death-
march, but feebly told of the deep, unspeakable sorrow which
pervaded the camp. Like a clap of thunder from a clear sky,
the news fell upon the army, and it was overwhelmed with
sorrow. Men who without an unmanly emotion could march
to the cannon's mouth ; heroes who had faced death in a hun
dred forms with unpaled cheek, now wept like children, and
the army which had crushed the rebellion, felt itself crushed
by that single bullet of the assassin. Eulogy is powerless.
The future will do justice to the memory of the Great Libe
rator and Defender.
The army made slow progress, passing through Petersburg
on the third, and Richmond on the sixth of May. The men
now became fully aware that they were indeed marching
homeward. No pen can describe the emotions created by that
assurance. Home ! after all the turmoil and dangers, the pri
vations and endurances! A peaceful home of quiet and
plenty, after four years of bloody strife. No wonder that the
boys cheered and joked, and were happy, as they reeled home
ward under their heavy knapsacks !
Through Hanover Court House and Milford, often meeting
objects with which they became acquainted the year before,
while on the great campaign of 1864, the army reached oppo
site Fredericksburg, May ninth, and crossed the field where

"The Old Camp Ground." 343
they fought so bravely December thirteenth, 1862, and April
twenty-ninth, 1863. How the memory of those severe strug
gles crowded upon the remaining heroes ! Of all that gallant
Seventy-sixth which then followed the brave Doubleday up
into " the jaws of death," but about thirty now remained !
Crossing the Rappahannock on pontoons a mile below
Fredericksburg, the veteran heroes soon came in sight of the '
huts they had built in 1862. How familiar every foot of the
uneven ground !
With home in view, the conquerers could not long dwell
upon such scenes, but on through Dumfries, Fairfax Court
House, Bailey's Cross Roads, and Falls Church, a little before
sundown, May twelfth, went into camp on Arlington Heights,
on the same grounds occupied by McDowell's Corps in 1861.
Here the Corps remained until May twenty-third, when it
crossed the Potomac and took part in the great Presidential
review. Never before on this continent was there such a mar
shaling of the Sons of Freedom. Well may the spirit of
despotism abroad profit by this parade of the noble army
which crushed out the spirit of despotism in this country. Its
steel is burnished for the next conflict, whenever it shall be
precipitated. Long rows of graves and trenches mark the
resting place of hundreds of thousands of Freedom's defenders,
but they are but a tithe of the hosts that will ever rush from
the hills and valleys of the North, to "rally round the flag,"
and uphold the right, whenever endangered from any source.
Shortly after the grand review, most of the volunteer forces
were mustered out, the veteran regiments being retained until
the last. As the organizations reached their homes, they met
with such receptions as returning heroes deserve — processions,
banquets, speeches, and all the outward tokens of welcome.
Alas ! no such reception awaited the Seventy-sixth. Its time
having expired in 1864, but few of the men remained in the

344 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
service, and they had been absorbed in another organization.
It had lost its identity, and its few remaining members came
home singly and alone. But each member will ever point
with just pride to those four words which sum up its glorious
history : — " Expended in the Service !"
Such a record is more to be desired than all the chaplets an
admiring crowd can weave about the brows of an unexpended
organization. Such a record is not only a badge of honor to
the wounded heroes who survived the storm of battle ; but it
is a fitting epitaph to the memory of those brave heroes who
now lie buried in the accursed soil they died to save !
This noble Regiment, like its fellows, was not expended in
vain, if its heroic sacrifices shall conduce to the establishment
of those eternal principles of justice which are embodied in
the Declaration of Independence — principles to overthrow
which the rebellion was inaugurated.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

COLONEL NELSON WINCH GREEN.

The subject of this sketch was
bom in Pike, Allegany, (now Wyo
ming), county, New York, July
thirtieth, 1819. His father, Arnold
Green, was born in Worcester, Mas
sachusetts. The ancestors of Col
onel Green, on both sides were
Revolutionary patriots. His grand
father on his mother's side_(Roberts)
died in the Revolutionary service.
The Worcester Greens, and the
Rhode Island Greenes were origi
nally descended from the same
^ 'W" * English family. Eive brothers land
ed at Boston at an early day, and purchased lands upon which to settle. But
differing irreconcilably upon matters of religion, they agreed to separate amica
bly, the three Worcester brothers taking the lands purchased, and dropping the
final "b," and the other two retaining the final "e." Thus the Greenes went to
Rhode Island, taking a certain amount of money. From this, the Quaker branch,
came General Nathaniel Greene.
The grandmother of Colonel Green, Betsey Winch, afterward Roberts, sent her
three sons to accompany her husband to the battle of Lexington, and the latter
never returned. They we're living within hearing of the battle-field, and were
fitted out and rushed to the field after the battle commenced.
Colonel N. W. Green was trained in the elementary branches at the private
school of Harley F. Smith, of Pike, N. Y., and entered the military academy at
West Point, as a cadet, in September, 1839, in the class of Generals 17. S. Grant,

346 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
Franklin, Augur, Quinby, Ingalls, Dent and Wheaton. After remaining at the
Military Academy over three years, and being remarkably proficient in his studies,
when within a few months of graduation, he was accidentally injured, and pre
vented from entirely completing the course, though he had passed a highly
satisfactory examination in all the principal branches there taught. At the time
he received the injury, he was engaged in the light artillery drill introduced about
that time, by the celebrated Colonel Ringgold. After being thus disabled, Colonel
Green read law with Senator James R. Doolittle, then in practice in Wyoming
county. He was afterwards connected editorially with several newspapers, and
wrote "Fifteen Years Among the Mormons," a work possessing much merit as a
composition. In October, 1859, Colonel Green removed to Cortland, Cortland county, where
he has since resided.
When the rebellion became a fi^ed fact, Colonel Green evinced a desire to do all
in his power to aid the authorities. Before the idea of raising a regiment had
been started, he formed classes for drill at the village hall, and to this beginning
may justly be attributed the organization of the Seventt-sixth Regiment.
While others were doubting the possibility of raising even a Company, Colonel
Green insisted that by proper effort a Regiment might be organized, and to his
determination more than to any other one man, is due the formation of the Reg
iment. He drew the call, (on pages 20 and 21), except so far as it speaks of
himself, and immediately set about the work of organization. How well he suc
ceeded we have hack occasion to witness. A regiment of better men was never
organized, and no regiment ever improved more rapidly in discipline and the
elementary drills, than did this Regiment while the Colonel was with it. As we
marched through New York we enjoyed the proud satisfaction of hearing citizens
on the street declare that of all the regiments that had passed through the city,
this was the first in which, in marching by the right flank, the rear files kept step
with the front.
The following extracts from the findings of the Military Commission at Wash
ington, show the light in which the investigation placed him before the Court : —
The undersigned beg leave to report:— That they find nothing in the testimony adduced, de
rogatory to Colonel Green's character as a gentleman or man or honor.
This was signed by the two members who decided adversely to the Colonel.
The report then proceeds : —
All the members concur in reporting Colonel Green's proficiency in the Tactics and Regula
tions. Respectfully submitted. JOHN C. CALDWELL,
_ Colonel and President.
Seldbn Hktzel, Major and Recorder.
The legal effect of this action of the Court in this case, was an acquittal.
Through all of Colonel Green's troubles, no man has been able to point to a
corrupt act. On his trial for shooting McNett, he was fully vindicated by the
evidence of Generals Robinson, Davies and McDougal, as to his abstract right to
shoot McNett, and the failure to convict was, under the circumstances, equivalent -
to an acquittal. The jury are understood to have been six for acquittal, and six

Colonel Nelson "Winch Green. 347
for holding him for a technical " assault," being unanimous against finding an in-
tentidn to kill, which was the substance of the offense charged.
The following documents are annexed to this sketch, without note or comment,
as matter of history. The last was in the hands of the lamented President Lin
coln, and under his consideration, unacted upon, at the time of his assassi
nation : — Camp Campbell, December 5th, 1861.
To His Excellency, Governor Morgan:—
Honored Sir :— We learn from Captain A. J. McNett, of the Seventy-sixth Eegiment New
York State Volunteers, now under arrest at this camp for disobedience of orders, that he has
preferred charges against Colonel N. W. Green, commanding Seventy-sixth Regiment New
YorkState Volunteers.
Your Excellency— We, the undersigned, commissioned officers in the Seventy-sixth Regiment,
knowing the charges to De untrue and malicious, take this early opportunity to truly represent
to you our Colonel, asking your confidence in our statements, which we make without any
solicitation, or hint even, from Colonel Green. Colonel Green, commanding the Seventy-sixth
Regiment, is an earnest, patriotic and christian man. He is an energetic, thorough and compe
tent officer. He has the confidence and love of both his officers and men. We love him as a
man, respect him as an officer, and will obey him as commander of his Regiment.
Your Excellency— We thank you for the honor you have conferred upon us by placing him
in command of our Regiment, and we humbly pray your Honor, that your confidence in Colo
nel Green may not be snaken by these Blanderous charges.
Pardon us. Governor, for expressing frankly our opinion of Captain A. J. McNett in this same
paper. We have learned thoroughly to distrust both hia patriotism and his integrity. We can
not, under any circumstances, willingly suffer him to occupy any position over us, and we again
pray your Excellency to allow Colonel Green to retain his place in your confidence, and in our
Regiment. Waiting your orders to march against our enemies, we remain,
Very Respectfully,
J. C. Carmichael, Acting Lieut.-Colonel, G. I. Foster, 1st Lieut. Co, D.
J. C. Nelson, Surgeon, John H. Ballard, 2d Lieut. Co. E.
H. S. Richardson, Chaplain, Wm. W. Green, 2d Lieut. Co. F,
Andrew J. Geoveb, Capt. Co. A, E. J. Cox, 1st Lieut, Co. E,
Wm. Lansing, Capt. Co. G, E. R. Weaver, 1st Lieut. Co. C,
H. F. Robinson, Act^a Adjutant, W. S. Walcott, 2d Lieut. Co. Bf
G. D. Crittenden, Capt. Co. C, A. Sageb, 1st Lieut. Co. G,
W. H. Powell, Capt. Co. E, John Fisher, 1st Lieut. Co. K,
Oscar C. Fox, Capt. Co. B, A. P. Smith, Lieut. A. Q. M.,
J. H. Barnard, Capt. Co. F, E. D. Van Slvok, Capt. Co. K.

Adjutant-General's Office, Albany, Dec; 30, 1864.
j office.
shouse, Ass't Adjutant-Gem
Washington, December 5,

I certify this to be a true copy of the original on file in this office.
J. B. Stonehouse, Ass't Adjutant-General.

To Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of Wan-
Dear Sir :— Colonel N. W. Green, of the Seventy-sixth Regiment New York State Volunteers,
then in the "United States service, alleges that he was cited before a Court of Inquiry, In Feb
ruary, 1862, which found nothing against him. Many of the officers were opposed to his com
mand, and he was arrested and suspended from his command, and he was subsequently, on the
third day of June, 1862, without further trial, on the recommendation of the Governor of the
State of New York, by War Department Special Order No. 124, discharged the service.
Believing Colonel Green to be a loyal, brave and competent man, a well educated and effi
cient officer, and that his service may be made useful to the Government and country, I
recommend that his case be reviewed, and that the order discharging him from the service be
rescinded, if the facts that shall appear will justify it, and that he be ordered to report for duty
to General Blunt, of Kansas, or to other duty where his services may be required.
Very Respectfully, PRESTON KING.
I have confidence In Colonel Green, and believe lie has the capacity to render valuable ser
vice to the Government, as a military officer. If any arrangement can be made by which his
services can be made available, as indicated by Senator King, I shall be much gratified.
IRA HARRIS.
I concur in what is said by the Senators from New York. J. R. DOOLITTLE.
I have confidence In Colonel Green, and concur in the request of the Senators from New
York. J. H.LANE.
IN THE MATTER OF COLONEL N. W. GREEN'S CLAIM to be recognized the Colonel of
the Seventy-sixth Regiment of the New York State Yolunteers :—
statement.
N. W. Green was commissioned as the Colonel of the Seventy-sixth Regiment, by a Commis
sion under the hand and seal of the Governor of the State of New York, bearing date October
twenty-ninth, 1861, and duly mustered into the service of tbe United States, on the twentieth
day of November, 1861, by Major J. T. Sprague, U. S. Mustering Officer at Albany, N. Y. ; and
was In actual command of said Regiment, from its first organization, September, 1861, until
about the twenty-fifth day of February, 1862, when he was arrested by order of General Doub
leday, near Washington, D. C without charges or reason assigned, which arrest continued

348 The Seventy-sixth Kegiment N. Y. V.
until the twelfth day of April, 1863, at which date he was, by order of the Secretary of War,
released from arrest, and required to repair to Cortland County, N. Y., there to await further
orders ; which requirement ne obeyed,.and has remained at Cortland county untifthe present
time; and no further order has ever been made Known to him, except the order in the words
and figures following, to wit :— Wab Department, adjutakt-Genebal's Office,)
Washington, June 2, 1862. J
SPECIAL ORDER No. 124.
At the recommendation of the Governor of New York, Colonel N. W. Green, of the Seventy-
sixth Regiment New York Volunteers, is hereby discharged the service.
Order of the Secretary of War,
(Signed), L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General.
The Regiment named in said order, was mustered into the service of the United States for
three years, and their term of service does not expire until about October, 1864.
I.
The above order of the Secretary of War is amrLLiTT, and without authority of law.
1st. (11th Article of War). The President alone has authority to make an obdek discharging
a Commissioned Officer.
2d. The President (previous to the act approved July seventeenth, 1862) could make such
order only :—
1st. On the expiration of the term of service.
2d. Resignation.
3d, Partial disbandment of the army.
4th. Sentences of Court Martials.
See DeHart's Military Law, p. 228 to 243.
II.
And even after the passage of the Act, approved July seventeenth, 1862, sec. 17, enabling the
President to " dismiss and discharge " any officer " fob amy cause," &c, it is submitted that
the President cannot akbithabily discharge "without cause ; he must at least know of the
case, or hear what the charges are, and determine from some basis that the cause renders the
officer unsuitable for the public Bervice, or that his dismisBion will promote the public service.
But this power, after the passage of said Act, is not important m determining the effect or
legality or orders made before its passage. The order in question is of the date of June third,
1862 : this law cannot be said to aflect previous op.dehs, but only to confer new authority upon
the President for tbe future. III.
The legal effect of said order, No. 124, cannot be determined except by considering the power
1 of the Secretary of War at the time— and even if such an order were made by the President,
its legal effect must be determined by considering his power at the time.
The causes which led to this order are, of course, of no importance in determining the ques
tion—What is the legal effect of said order ? Were those causes deemed important, Colonel
Green is ready and willing to vindicate himself against any charge which can be invented
against him— only asking, il required to do so, that he may be informed what the charges are ;
and that their truth or falsehood may be determined by fair trial, before any legally constituted
tribunal. Such an investigation he earnestly, but respectfully, solicits, if deemed of any im
portance. IV.
But if such order, No. 124, be a nullity, then Colonel Green is, as he claims to be, the Colonel
of the Seventy-sixth Regiment ; and as such Colonel, respectfully asks that he be restored to
his command.

COLONEL WILLIAM P. WAINWKIGHT
Was bom in tlie city of New York, June tenth, 1818. He enjoyed the benefits
of a liberal education, having graduated from the University of the City of New
York. After graduating, he studied medicine, but not fancying to practice, he
never did. Soon after finishing his medical studies, he went to Europe and there
devoted his attention principally to military studies. He was a long time at Ber
lin, which was then the best point for that purpose. Since then these have been
hi3 favorite pursuit, although some connection with the militia of Dutchess
county, where he long resided, was his only practical application of them, until
the war of 1861. The militia is a poor organization for the practical operation of
military science, so that the Colonel never found much encouragement in his
favorite vocation until he entered the army. At the commencement of the war,

Colonel "William P. Wainwright.

349

he was requested to take the post of
Major in the Twenty-ninth New York
Volunteers. This was composed
chiefly of Germans, and Colonel
Wainwright understanding that lan
guage perfectly, and the officers de
siring one American, he |was finally
induced to accept the position. The
officers had mostly been educated at
the Gorman military schools, and it
k was always a source of gratification
to the Colonel that, though fearfully
cut rrp, this was one Regiment in the
Brigade that did not run at Chan
cellorsville. Shortly after the battle of Cross Keys, Colonel Wainwright was
ordered to Washington to take command of the Seventy-sixth, then at Frede
ricksburg. How earnestly he entered upon his work has been already stated in
the body of this work. The Colonel believes that the best men will be inefficient
without discipline and drill, while these aids will make tolerable soldiers of
poorer material. In a communication to the writer, the Colonel says-: —
" I can now unhesitatingly say that there are no men capable of being made such good sol
diers as our native American couhtky boys ; but they should know their ABC before being
brougntjnto the field, and their officers should have some idea of what they have a right to
require, and that neither laziness nor home associations must interfere with keeping each man
up to his work.
I believe I mentioned to you that I consider it a great subject of pride for the Seventy-sixth,
that (at least so far as I remember), they have never exhausted their cartridges on the hottest
battle-field. The action is hardly conceivable in which a good soldier, who has a full Bupply at
the commencement, should do so. Europeans are much worse about it than Americans, and
were it not that the Prussian needle gun, (being a breech-loader), never requires the muzzle to
be raised high enough to be directed above the enemy's heads, the only consequence from its
capacity of rapid discharge, would have been to make it impossible to supply the army with
cartridges." The anxiety of the Colonel that his Regiment should have the best offioers,
commissioned and non-commissioned, and be in the best state of drill and disci
pline, sometimes induced the men to believe him unnecessarily strict ; but as
they grew into soldiers, and witnessed their steady ranks as they rushed into the
jaws of death, while other regiments of equally good material, from want of dis
cipline, broke and fled, they united in one voice of praise of the Colonel.
At the battle of South Mountain, the Colonel was wounded in the arm, and his
horse killed under him. He rejoined the Regiment near Warrenton, and remained
in command at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville ; but on the march to the
North in June, 1863, his health becoming impaired, he was obliged to resign.
We have failed of our object if, in the preceding pages, we have not shown that
Colonel Wainwright was an accomplished christian gentleman and officer.
He has resumed his residence in New York City.

350

The Seventy-sixth Eegiment N. Y. V.

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOHN D. SHAUL*

Was borcfin the town of Stark, Her
kimer county, New York, December
18th, 1814. In 1839 he removed to
Springfield, where he has since re
sided. He was elected Colonel of
the Thirty-ninth New York State
Militia in 1850, of which he was in
command at the breaking out of the
rebellion. When the war had actu
ally commenced, he used every en
deavor to get the consent of his
Regiment and the permission of the
Governor to take it out as an organ
ization. On the first of October,
1861, he received an order to place his men in camp at Cherry Valley, and com
mence recruiting at that place. This order was promptly and cheerfully complied
with by the Colonel, and the companies first organized were soon after mustered
into the United States service. He closed up his large farming business at a great
pecuniary loss, and immediately directed his entire attention to the reorganization
and recruiting of his Regiment, and the drill and discipline of the men. In addi
tion to the large amount of money he was obliged to advance in recruiting, he
found it expedient, in connection with the commandant of the depot, to lend his
credit to a large amount, to secure the payment of the necessary camp expenses,
rations, &c. A large proportion of the Regiment had signified their desire to
have the Regiment go out in a body, and some had even, when requested to join
other organizations, claimed to be waiting for that purpose, and had thus excused
themselves from entering the service earlier. But now, to the great disappoint
ment of the Colonel, he found that only a very few responded to his invitation to
them to come forward and be mustered into the service. Recruiting proved very
dull. No large bounties had at that time been offered.
In January, 1862, the Regiment, only some six hundred and sixty-seven strong,
were ordered to Albany, where they arrived on the evening of the eighth, and
were soon after consolidated with the Seventy-sixth New York Volunteers, in
which Colonel Shaul took the position of Lieutenant-Colonel. There was a
strong effort made at Albany to prevent the Colonel entering the service, even in
this capacity, and as he made no pretensions at wire-pulling or political gambling,
he would have been thanklessly sent home, had not his officers and friends insist
ed that he, at least deserved this position, and should by right have it.
The Seventy-sixth went out with Green as Colonel, and Shaul as Lieutenant-

• Written by Major John W. Young.

Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew J. Grover. 351
Colonel. In February, -1862, Green was relieved, the Lieutenant-Colonel left in
command of the Regiment. Colonel Green was soon after discharged, and
Lieutenant-Colonel Shaul remained in command until the last of June, when he
was relieved by Colonel William P. Wainwright.
During the four and a half months Colonel Shaul was in command of the Regi
ment, he had, by an honest administration of military rule, and his upright and
gentlemanly conduct, gained the esteem and good will of both his officers and
men. For about three months he had command of five forts in the defenses of
Washington, D. C, and in addition to the infantry drill, he was obliged to in
struct his Regiment in the artillery drill and practice.
In May the Regiment was ordered to Fredericksburg, and again divided into
detachments for guard duty. Here the opportunities for drilling were greatly
lessened, but in order to keep up the battalion drill, the Colonel would get as
many of the men together as possible for that purpose.
While in camp near Fredericksburg, the Colonel was taken sick, and when his
command was ordered to Culpepper, he was ordered to report to Surgeon Clymer
at Washington. Here he remained some four weeks, during which time General
Pope retreated before the enemy, and the Seventy-sixth passed through Washing
ton. Knowing this, the Colonel, although he had not fully recovered, hoping by
prudence to regain his former health, was very desirous of rejoining his Regiment,
to which the Surgeon, after much objection, consented, and he again took command
of the Seventy-sixth, in camp at Sharpsburg. But, to the great disappointment of
the Colonel and his friends, in about two weeks he had a relapse, and was sent to
the Seminary Hospital at Georgetown. On the twentieth of November, 1862, hte
was honorably discharged, on account of physical disability ; not, however, until
he had consulted with the surgeon in charge, who gave it as his opinion that he
would not be able to endure the hardships of the service, and that it was his duty
to have him discharged on that account. Then the Colonel, feeling that he had
done all he could for his country in the field, and not wishing to receive remune
ration for services he could not render, cheerfully accepted his discharge, and
returned to his home in Springfield, Otsego county, where he has since resided.
His post office address is East Springfield, Otsego Co., N. Y.
He has never folly recovered from the sickness he incurred while in the service,
but considers himself able to oversee his large farming business, to which he has
returned. John Shaul, the grandfather of the Colonel, served in the Revolutionary war,
and was captured by the Indians and kept a prisoner five years. The father of
the Colonel, Daniel Shaul, served in the war of 1812.

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL ANDREW J. GROVER,*
Was born in West Dryden, Tompkins county, New York, on the twenty-second
day of December, 1830. His early advantages for an education were limited to
•Written by Rev. D. W. Bristol.

352

The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.

the privileges furnished by our com
mon schools at that time. At the
age of seven years, death deprived
him of both his parents, so he may
be said to have commenced life al
most alone. When sixteen years of
age, burning with a desire to see the
world, and prompted by a military
ardor which is so common to youth
of that age, but which in him was a
development of a peculiar adaptation
of mind for military art and science,
he enlisted in the army then being
raised for the Mexican war. .After a
brief stay in New York, he sailed with the expedition, which eventually landed
at Vera Cruz, and subsequently, led by General Scott, entered the City of Mexico
and explored the famed "halls of the Montezumas." Here he had an attack of
fever peculiar to that climate, which came near carrying him to his grave, and the
effects of which attended him to the close of his eventful and useful life, it having
caused a lameness which was often attended with excruciating pain. -
Such was his bearing as a soldier while in the army, that at the close of his term
of enlistment he was offered an office in the regular service, if he would renew
his enlistment and remain. This, however, he declined, preferring to return to
the walks of civil life. At the close of the war with Mexico^ each soldier who
was honorably discharged received a warrant for one hundred and sixty acres of
land. Colonel Grover sold his, and with the avails commenced a course of edu
cation, which he sought in the Groton, then the Ithaca, and finally in the
Cazenovia Seminaries. In these institutions he attained a fair educational train
ing, but what was better, he contracted habits of study which attended him
during his whole life. He was a keen observer of men and things, and a thor
ough student. With a keen perception and a quick apprehension, he was enabled
to master speedily whatever he undertook.
In 1852 he entered the christian ministry, in which he continued until the fall
of 1861. There his success was eminent, he having attained to a high position
for one of his age, in the church of his choice. He always won the esteem and
confidence, as well as the affection, of his people. His pulpit efforts were clear
logical and forcible, always commanding the admiration, and awakening the con
victions of his audience.
In the autumn of 1861, seeing and feeling the peril of his country, he felt it to
be his duty to throw himself into the breach, in common with thousands of his
brave countrymen, for the defense of the Government. He assisted in raising the
Seventy-sixth Regiment. Some estimate can be made of his energy and popular
ity, when it is known that in less than a month his company was full and

LlEUTENANT-CoLONEL ANDREW J. GrOVER. 353
mustered into the service of the country. His commission as Captain bears date
January seventeenth, 1862.
In the spring of 1862 he took the field and participated in the toils and dangers
of the stirring events which during that summer occurred in Northern Virginia.
He participated in the battles at Rappahannock Station, August twenty-second,
Warrenton (Sulphur) Springs, August twenty-sixth, and Gainesville, August
twenty-eighth. In this last battle he was ordered forward just in the evening twi
light, with a detachment of his company, to feel of the enemy, who were known
to be in the vicinity. On coming within rifle range, he heard the order of the
enemy to fire. Ever careful of his men, he directed them to lie down, but re
mained himself standing. Here he received two severe wounds, which, for a
time, were thought to be mortal ; one in his leg and the other in his back. Here
for an hour and a half he and his men lay, he suffering from three wounds, while
a terrific fight was waged between the two armies, the shot from either side flying
over them. When the fight was over he was brought off the field and conveyed
to Washington, where for many weeks he lay, enduring as only our brave sol
diers knew how to endure, the suffering arising from wounds received in defense
of country and great principles. When at the last he so far recovered as to return
to his home, supposing himself unfitted for further service in the army, he re
signed his commission, with the purpose of again entering upon his pastoral
duties. But he recovered rapidly, and, contrary to the expectations of all, re
gained nearly all his former soundness.
In February, 1863, without his knowledge or solicitation, he was appointed
Major of his Regiment. This was no small compliment to him from his old com
panions in arms who recommended his appointment, and is good evidence of the
high esteem in which they held him as a, companion and a soldier. After much
anxious thought he concluded to accept this unexpected call as an indication of
Providence, as to his line of duty. He accordingly bid adieu to his wife and chil
dren, and again accepted the fatigues and perils of the field. From May first to
the sixth he fought at Chancellorsville, winning the confidence of all by his mili
tary skill and bravery.
On the morning of the first of July, 1863, he was in command of his Regiment
on the eventful field of Gettysburg. He led his men with great gallantry, but,
following his orders, he led them into the crater of a volcano. Early in the battle
which opened the terrible but decisive conflict of that field, he was struck by a
rifle ball near the heart, and lived only a few moments after ; but he was com
posed and calm, looking death in the face with the same christian heroism with
which he met the enemies of his country. He gave his watch with the badges of
his rank to a comrade, requesting that they be given to his wife, and then, on the
bloody field and amidst the roar of battle, awaited the summons of the Great
Captain of salvation in the heavens. No doubt his thoughts during those brief
moments dwelt with his wife and children, whom he so tenderly loved, but whom
he was to meet no more in this life. Sometime previous to this he had been re
commended for the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, but for some reason his commission
was not received until after his death.
x

354 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
Colonel Grover was a man of superio r mental abilities, of warm attachments,
and possessed of a most generous disposftion. An ardent friend of most court
eous manners. Sometimes, when engrossed in a subject which deeply interested
him, he appeared to those who did not know him well, as impetuous ; but this
was more in appearance than reality. He had a keen 6ense of honor, and was a
man of high integrity. As a soldier, he was patriotic, prompt, strict in discipline,
and brave. No officer carried with him the confidence of his men in this respect,
to a greater extent than he did. That he stood high with his superiors, the fol
lowing letters to his bereaved family will show. Colonel Wainwright, who had
formerly commanded the Seventy-sixth, writes : —
Moeeistowjt, N. J., August 11th, 1863.
My Deae Madam :—
I am well aware that nothing can add to the comfort which the christian hope for those we
love always gives ; but it is some gratification to hear that our friends were appreciated bj
those who had opportunity of knowing them thoroughly in their peculiar vocation, and it is
especially so as to the character of a soldier in these times of active service, which bring every
point conspicuously to sight. As commanding officer of the Seventy-sixth, I had learned to
esteem and value very highly your lamented husband, for his distinguished courage on the field,
and for his knowledge or his duties, as well as his unflinching determination in performing
them. On leaving the Regiment I felt it was in good hands, and he has proved in the battle in
which he lost his life, that it was so. Such men are not only a great loss to their regiments, but
to the service, for there is a quiet influence from their example, which affects every officer
brought in contact with them. As a man and a soldier, Major Grover always appeared to me
a model, and in the management of his Company when Captain, in the gallant manner in which
he led our skirmishers at Gainesville, or more recently as commander of the Regiment at Get
tysburg, he has given every reason for those who knew him to lament his loss. With high
respect, I am, dear madam, Very sincerely your friend, WM. P. WAINWRIGHT,
Late Colonel 76th N. Y. Vols.
The following is from General L. Cutler, who at the time commanded the Brig-
age to which the Seventy-sixth was attached : —
Headquarters Secoitd Beigade, First Division, Fiest Cobps, }
In the Field, July 13th. 1863. J
My Deae Madam :—
It is my painful duty to announce to you the death of your good and brave husband, who fell
bravely leading his Regiment to the bloody battle of July first, at Gettysburg, Pa. I was with
in a few paces of Mm when he fell. He was among the bravest of the brave, and fell lamented
by all who knew him. His Regiment behaved worthy of their leader, and although losing more
than half their number, fought on through the three bloody days, and are still ready to avenge
their fallen leader and comrades, and restore the Government of the Union. Allow me to ofler
you my sincere condolence for your great loss, and to assure you that he died in a glorious
cause, and without a fear or murmur.
The body was buried on the field with the men who fell by his side. We could do no more.
I am very truly yours, L. CUTLER,
Brig.-General Commanding Brigade.
Such was the testimony of those who had the best opportunity to know him,
and who were the most capable of judging of his merits as a man and an officer.
He probably was not more virtuous or more brave than many others who went
forth in the great strife for our national existence, but he was as good and as
brave as any. In October the remains of Colonel Grover were recovered, through
the exertions of' his ever affectionate and faithful wife, and were brought to Cort
land by C. P. Cole, Esq., of the Gazette and Banner, for final interment.
The funeral services at Cortland, were conducted by the Masonic fraternity, to
which Colonel Grover belonged. Large delegations of brethren were in attend
ance from Utica, Syracuse, Homer, Marathon, Dryden, Binghamton, Cortland,
and other Lodges, and the services of the Knights Templars, under Z. C. Priest,
of Utica, as well as the Masonic burial service at the grave, under the direction of

LlEUTENANT-CoLONEL CHARLES A. WATKINS.

355

Clinton F. Paige, Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, were
solemn and impressive.
The remains of Colonel Grover now lie in the Cortland Rural Cemetery an
early and noble offering upon the altar of an imperiled country.

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL CHARLES A. WATKINS

Was born in Oneonta, Otsego coun
ty, New York, May twenty-sixth,
1838. His parents were John M.
and Julia A. Watkins. He was edu
cated at the common school. At the
time of his enlistment, Colonel Wat
kins was engaged in the hotel at
Oneonta. Receiving permission of
General Danforth to raise a company
for the Thirty-ninth New York State
Militia, then recruiting at Cherry
Valley, he disposed of his interest in
the hotel, and on the thirtieth of
November, 1861, proceeded with
thirty-two men to Cherry Valley, where they were examined and mustered into
the service. The Colonel was then unanimously elected Captain of the company,
with C. M. Gaylord as First Lieutenant. When the Thirty-ninth was ordered to
Albany, and consolidated with the Seventy-sixth, this company was consolidated
with the company being raised by Captain Young, and became Company K in the
-Seventy-sixth, with J. W. Young as Captain, and the subject of this sketch as
First Lieutenant.
While at Riker's Island, Lieutenant Watkins was ordered on detached duty at
Albany, to look after the sick. Here he remained six weeks, when he was, at his
own request, relieved, and he joined the Regiment at Meridian Hill, D. C.
On reaching Fredericksburg, Company K was assigned to duty at General
Doubleday's headquarters. While on this duty, he was sent with despatches
from General Doubleday to General McDowell's headquarters, at Manassas. On
the first of July, 1862, he was appointed Regimental Quartermaster, by Colonel
Wainwright, the duties of which office he performed until the tenth of February,
1863, when he was relieved and ordered to Company I for duty. He served suc
cessively in Companies I, E. G. and H. At the battle of Gettysburg, July first,
1863, he commanded the Color Company until toward night of the first day,
when, the Adjutant being wounded, he was appointed Acting Adjutant, by Cap
tain Cook commanding the Regiment. He continued in that position until the

356 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
Regiment reached Rappahannock Station, when he received orders from Gen
eral Rice, commanding the First Division, to report at his headquarters as Acting
Aid-de-Camp upon his staff. He remained upon the staff of the Division com
mandant, acting in the meantime as Provost Marshal, until, the Regiment
becoming deficient in officers, he was ordered back to his company. He remained
with his company until May twenty-second, 1864, when he was ordered by Colonel
Hofmann, commandant of the Brigade, to report to him as Acting Aid-de-Camp
and Brigade Inspector. He acted in this capacity until he was mustered out with
his company (C), November eighth, 1864, in front of Petersburg, Va., on expira
tion of term of service.
Lieutenant Watkins was slightly wounded at Gettysburg, July first 1863, and
the same day promoted to Captain. On the fifteenth day of October, 1864, he
was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, vice John E. Cook, mustered out on expi
ration of term.
Colonel Watkins was never reported on the sick list while in the service, and
never absent from duty while the troops were on the march. He was absent from
duty twenty-five days during the winter of 1862-3. On the twenty-third of May,
1864, Colonel Watkins was sent out by General Cutler, with thirty picked men
from the " Iron Brigade." They advanced some four miles beyond our lines, and
captured a large number of prisoners. The following extract from General
Orders, shows how well the duty was performed : —
Headquarters Second Brigade, Fourth Division, Fifth a. C.,)
In front of Petersburg, Va., August 8th, 1864. )
(Extract) General Order No. 24.
In expressing my thanks to you, I do so not only as an individual, but as commanding oflicer
of the Brigade. Had your reputation for skill and bravery as an officer no other basis than the
services you have rendered in this campaign, it would Btill rest upon a firm foundation. To the
prompt and skillful manner in which you advanced the skirmish line at Jericho Ford, on the
evening of the twenty-third of May last, was due the capture of over two hundred prisoners.
Trusting that you may safely pass through this yet unended campaign,
I am truly yours, J. W. HOFMANN,
Colonel Commanding Brigade.
At the close of the war Colonel Watkins and his father became proprietors of
the Exchange Hotel in Albany, N. Y., where he still resides.

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOHN E. COOK*
Was born in Hadley, Mass., August twenty-fifth, 1829. His parents still reside
there. At the age of fifteen, Colonel Cook commenced an apprenticeship at the
carpenter's trade, which vocation he has since pursued. In 1848 he removed to
Middleburg, Otsego Co., N. Y., where he now resides. By a drill of seven years
in the State Militia, he had acquired a taste for military life, and when the rebel
lion broke out, he was an early recruit. Organizing a company in the " Otsego
Regiment," he with it joined the Seventy-sixth, and was made Captain of Com-
"Owing to the advanced stage of this work on Colonel Cook's return from the South, his por
trait cannot appear, much to the regret of the writer, » vu™, » i™

Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Amos L. Swak. 357
pany I. On arriving at Fredericksburg in the summer of 1862, he was, in June,
made Provost Marshal of that city. He took part in all the battles during Pope's
retreat. He was commissioned Major, June twenty-fifth, 1863, and after the death
of Major Grover at Gettysburg, assumed command of the Regiment. He was
honorably mentioned by the Brigade Commander, for bravery in that battle. He
was slightly wounded at Gettysburg, but did not leave the field. He was after
wards commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel, with rank from the third of July, 1863.
At the battle of the Wilderness, May 5th, 1864, he received a gunshot wound in
the right arm, and was thus compelled to leave the Regiment, joining it, however,
about a month afterward near Petersburg, Va.
On the seventh of October, 1864, Colonel Cook was again wounded by a piece
of shell, depriving him of his command about one week. With these two excep
tions, he was in command of the Regiment from July first, 1863, to the end of his
term of enlistment, October seventh, 1864, when he was mustered out of service.
Since leaving the service, he has been engaged in business South, and chiefly in
the State of Texas.

BREYET LIEUT.-COL. AMOS L. SWAN
Was born in West Cambridge, Mass. At the age of seven years he was left fath-
erlesB, and soon after sent to live with a distant relative. In Boston he learned
the trade of machinist and locksmith, and the manufacture of philosophical and
chemical apparatus and models. At the age of twenty-one he removed to Utica
and engaged in a silversmith and jewelry establishment. In 1840 he removed to
Cherry Valley, where he has since resided. In 1843 he married the daughter of
J. K. Forrester. Since that time he has become extensively known as a manu
facturer of melodeons, in which business he is still engaged at Cherry Valley.
When the rebellion broke out,
Colonel Swan was in command of
the Union Guards, and as such vol
unteered to join the army. At the
consolidation he was the tenth in
rank, as regarded the date of his
commission, so that all the other
Captains stood above him in the
line of promotion. He remained in
the Regiment, until from the tenth
he became first in rank among the
line officers of the Regiment. He
was often in command of the Regi
ment, and ever ready for duty It
was generally remarked in the Reg-

358

The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.

iment, that Captain Swan was always in a fight, and always wounded. He
received five different wounds in the service. At the battle of Gainesville, Au
gust twenty-eighth, 1862, he received a severe wound in the hip. At Fredericks
burg he was wounded by the bursting of a rebel shell so near him that the powder
is still to be seen in his face. At second Fredericksburg, he was wounded by a
fragment of a shell in the thigh, and at Gettysburg, in July, 1863, he was
wounded twice, in the breast and right arm, by Minnie balls. Notwithstanding
all these wounds, he was only absent from his Regiment four months during
nearly three years' service.
After the campaign of 1863, while the Regiment was in winter quarters, Captain
Swan tendered his resignation on account of the wound in his hip, which made it
impossible to keep with the Regiment on long marches. He could not endure
the thought of being under pay and a nominal soldier, while he was unable to
participate in the fighting. His life had been earnest, and with him, shirking
was a crime. His resignation was reluctantly accepted. He has since been hon
ored with a commission as Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel, for "faithful and
meritorious services," and no brevet could be more worthily bestowed.

MAJOR JOHN W. .YOUNG

Was born in Springfield, Otsego
county, N. Y. He was reading law
in that town, when he entered the
service in September, 1861. One of
the first companies mustered into
the Otsego Regiment was from his
native town. With this company he
enlisted, and was very active in aid
ing its organization, and was after
wards chosen its Captain. He had
no military knowledge, but his pop
ularity among the boys secured him
this honorable and responsible posi
tion. In January, 1862, his company
was consolidated with the Seventy-sixth New York Volunteers, and he remained
a member of it until he was mustered out of service, March fourteenth, 1865, hav
ing been in the service about three and a half years. The Regiment, as a
Regiment, had been mustered out previous to this time, but at the time it was
mustered out, he was a prisoner of war.
During the three and a half years of his service, he was in every battle in which

Major John "W. Young. 359
his Regiment was engaged, up to May fifth, 1864, when he was wounded and taken
prisoner. He was twice wounded, twice captured, and twice his name appeared
among the killed. At the second Bull Run, when his Division was routed, Au
gust twenty-ninth, 1862, he, with Lieutenant Story, succeeded in bringing off
about fifty of the men, and a few of the wounded. After an unsuccessful search
until after midnight for their Regiment, they moved back a short distance from
the enemy's line, placed out a guard, and, nearly exhausted with two days' and
two nights' hard marching and desperate fighting, stretched themselves upon the
ground for a few hours' rest. At break of day, men were sent out to find the
Brigade, but it had been so badly scattered, that only a few of its men could be
found together. The Colonel was at last found, and the regimental call sounded,
and these men formed a nucleus around which the Regiment was soon gathered.
At the battle of Antietam, September seventeenth, 1862, he had command of
his Regiment, although he was then the eighth ranking Captain, all those out
ranking him being absent on account of sickness, wounds or capture. At
Gettysburg, July first, 1863, he was wounded and taken prisoner. He remained
a prisoner until the fifth, when he was left by the enemy, on account of the sever
ity of his wounds. During the fourth of July, he lay. in a house between the two
opposing picket lines, and within hailing distance of either. Fortunately, how
ever, the firing during the day was carried on with small arms only, the balls from
which could not penetrate the walls of the brick house in which he lay.
He was unable to rejoin his Regiment until October fifth, at which time his
wound had become so nearly healed that he was able to resume his command.
Just after he was wounded, he received the commission of Major, and when he
rejoined his Regiment, he entered upon the duties of that position. In Novem
ber following, he had command of his Regiment at the battle of Mine Run, and,
as he had previously done at the battle of Antietam, commanded it with great
skill. At the battle of the Wilderness, May fifth, 1864, he was taken prisoner.
Colonel Cook had been wounded early in the action, and the Major, at the time
he was captured, had command of the Regiment, and was at the front trying to
rally and urge on his men. The capture was a great surprise to him. The enemy
had' forced back the One Hundred and Forty-seventh New York, which was on
the immediate left of the Seventy-sixth, and the pine thicket in which they were
fighting, was so dense he did not discover that the left flank of his Regiment had
been turned, until the enemy appeared in his rear, in a little ravine. The fight
had become a hand to hand encounter. Those at the front and left of the ravine
cut off from the main part of the Regiment, surrounded by the enemy, whose fire
was concentrated upon them from all points, were compelled to surrender. The
loss of the Regiment was very heavy. The Major was slightly wounded just be
fore he surrendered. After he was captured he was first taken to Orange Court
House, and from there to Gordonsville the next day, and then to Lynchburg
where he was confined some two weeks. He was afterwards confined in prison
at Danville, Augusta, Macon, Charleston, Columbia, Charlotte, Raleigh and Golds
boro. He was also confined in several different jails, the longest period, at on§
time being seventeen days in the Charleston jail,

360

The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.

During the two and a half months he was confined at Charleston, he was with
the six hundred officers who were placedT;here under fire.
At Columbia he succeeded in making an escape, November twenty-eighth, but
after traveling about three hundred miles in nearly a direct line, he was recap
tured and returned to prison December twenty-sixth, having been absent four
weeks and one day. He was obliged to travel in the night time, to prevent being
discovered by the rebels. The negroes supplied him with provisions, until he got
into the mountains, where there were no negroes kept ; then he was obliged to
go to the house of a white man for food, and was recaptured by him, and conse
quently returned to prison. He was eight days returning, during which time he
was frequently placed in jails for safe keeping over night, when the party who had
him in charge halted.*
March first, 1865, he was paroled, and the same day arrived at Wilmington, N.
C, and on the fourteenth was discharged at Annapolis, on account of his Regi
ment having previously been mustered out of service.
He is now engaged practicing law, in Cooperstown, Otsego county, N. Y.

SURGEON JUDSON C. NELSON

Was born in the town of Danby,
Tompkins county, New York, June
third, 1824. He was the son of a
Baptist clergyman, in moderate cir
cumstances, with a large family, and
it was only through his own per
sonal efforts, and natural energetic
character, that he acquired a tolera-
| ble early education, being obliged
| to work on a farm during the sum-
f mer seasons, and going to school or
It teaching in winter.
* In the spring of 1845, he com
menced a course of literary and
medical reading, under the tutelage
of that eminent physician and surgeon, Professor Thomas Spencer, of Geneva,
which he continued for a term of three years, and graduated at the Geneva
Medical CoUege, in January, 1848. In March, 1848, he commenced the practice
of medicine and surgery in Truxton, Cortland county, N. Y., where he has
been successful as a practitioner, and highly honored by the community in
which he lives.

F *A full account of his escape and recapture is published in "Prison Life In thn Rnnth " hv t ion
tenant A. 0. Abbott. Published by Harper & Brothers, New York. ' y

Surgeon Judson C. Nelson. 361
Politically, Dr. Nelson has always identified himself with the Democratic party,
and was the candidate of his party for Member of Congress, in the Twenty-third
Congressional District, in 1860, when he received a very handsome complimentary
vote in his own locality. On the breaking out of the rebellion, he took decided
ground in favor of the war for the Union, and as early as April, 1861, commenced
enlisting men for the volunteer army, and when it was decided by the original
movers to organize the Seventy-sixth Regiment, he promised that his town should
raise a company of men for it, and he faithfully redeemed his pledge. He went
before the State Military Examining Board, at Albany, October eleventh, 1861,
was passed as fall surgeon, and appointed Surgeon of the Regiment then forming
at Cortland, (not numbered), by the Surgeon-General of the State, and was mus
tered into the United States service November eleventh, 1861.
During the first months there was a great amount of sickness in the Regiment,
due in a great degree to the sudden change of the men from civil to camp life, and
change of climate. Hospital stores and conveniences were not very abundant,
and the Surgeons duties were very arduous and perplexing. Nevertheless they
were discharged with a spirit of fidelity and humanity by the Doctor, that was
highly commendable, until, in consequence of his own failing health, after a
severe illness common to the climate, he was obliged on the eleventh of July,
1862, at Fredericksburg, Va., to resign his position in the Regiment altogether,
and return to his home, as the medical officers of his Division, and himself be
lieved, a confirmed invalid.
After spending some time, however, at Avon Springs, in the Genesee Valley,
he so far recovered his lost health that he returned to Washington early in Janu
ary, 1863, and by special contract with the Surgeon-General of the United States,
entered upon the duties of a medical officer in the United States General Hospital
Department at Washington, in which capacity he occupied several positions of
trust and responsibility. He served first as ward physician in Trinity General
Hospital, until its discontinuance in April, 1863. Then in Mount Pleasant Gene
ral Hospital until December, 1863, when he was put in charge of the Regular
Army Post Hospital, at Old Fort Washington, on the Potomac, opposite Mount
Vemon, where he remained until the following April, when he was relieved by
the regular Surgeon of the Post, who had been assigned to other duty. .After
being relieved at Fort Washington, he was ordered to Finley General Hospital,
and put in charge of three surgical wards, where a large amount of operative
surgery devolved upon him, and where he remained (with the exception of two
weeks on duty with Surgeon Antisell, attending sick and wounded officers), until
the expiration of his term of service in November, 1864.
On retiring from the hospital, the Doctor received the public thanks of the
Surgeon in charge, for his faithful attendance to duty, and from the inmates of
his wards a very valuable case of amputating and general operating instruments,
as a testimonial of their appreciation of his services in their severe trials and
afflictions.

362 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
After leaving the service, the Doctor resumed his old practice in Truxton,
Cortland county, N. Y., where he still remains.

SURGEON GEORGE W. METCALEE
Was born July twenty-second, 1837, at Owego, Tioga county, New York, but at
the age of two years removed with his parents to Clarkesville, in the same State,
where he passed the remainder of his childhood. He received a liberal education
and in 1854 commenced the study of medicine with his father, Dr. A. E. Metcalfe.
After thoroughly pursuing the proper preliminary studies, in 1855 he commenced
a course of lectures at the New York University Medical College, and graduated
at the. age of twenty. But the laws of New York, while they do not prevent the
practice of medicine by those who never studied it, requires those who do, to at
tain the age of twenty-one before commencing practice. He, therefore employed
the interval before attaining his majority in more thoroughly preparing himself
for his profession, and attending an additional course of lectures. In 1858 he
formed a partnership with his father, and commenced the practice of medicine in
Clarkesville. In the winter of 1861 he was married to Miss Nannie Wickham, of
that place, and removed to Erie, Pa. He had hardly commenced practice there,
when the fall of Sumter inaugurated the war, and he felt that his country called
for him. He passed a favorable examination before the Examining Board at
Albany, and on the thirteenth of September received the commission of Surgeon,
and orders to report at Cherry Valley, where a Regiment was being organized,
with the Thirty-ninth Militia as a nucleus. At tho consolidation with the Seven
ty-sixth Regiment, Dr. Metcalfe preferred to accept an Assistant-Surgeonship
with the Regiment, many of whose officers were his personal friends, and whose
men were the bone and sinew of Otsego, dear to him from his infancy, to Surgeon
with another Regiment. In this capacity he served until July thirtieth, 1862,
when Dr. Nelson, whose health had been such that he was unable to accompany
the Regiment to the field, resigned, and Dr. Metcalfe was promoted to Surgeon.
He participated, with his Regiment, in all the important battles of the Army of
the Potomac, after the return from the Peninsula, with the single exception of the
first battle of Fredericksburg, he having been left in charge of the wounded after
the battle of Antietam. He was taken prisoner at Gettysburg, but liberated on
the retaking of the town by our troops. During the bombardment, a, shell ex
ploded in the room where he was performing an amputation of the shoulder joint.
In the winter of 1863, he was appointed Surgeon in charge of Division Hospital,
which position he resigned in the spring,".to accept that of Brigade Surgeon on
the staff of the lamented General Rice, and remained on that of his successor,
General Hofmann, until mustered out of service with his Regiment.
Dr. Metcalfe is a young man of skill and experience. His present residence is
Owego, N. Y.

Adjutant H. F. Robinson.
CHAPLAIN H. STONE RICHARDSON.

363

When the war first broke out,
this eloquent advocate of human
rights was engaged as minister at
New York Mills, Oneida county, N.
Y. Having formerly preached in
Cortland county, his preferences
naturally centered upon a regiment
including so many of his former
parishioners and friends. A man of
indomitable will, burning eloquence,
and undoubted patriotism, Mr.
Richardson rendered most efficient
service in the organization of the
Regiment. The following letter, in response
to one of inquiry by the writer, gives an idea of the Chaplain's early history: —
A. P. Smith, Esq. :—
Dear Sir :— Tou ask me to give you for publication, a brief biography of my life. I thank you
for that word, "brief," for at the very best I have only time to say, that I was born in the year
1828, in the town of Nelson Madison county, N. Y. By dint of hard work. I prepared myself
for college, and was ready to enter at the age of seventeen. At«this time I (through the influ
ence of mistaken friends), changed my mind, and, going south, engaged a school in Charleston,
S. C. Here I did well pecuniarily, and was enabled to gratify my born love for sight-seeing and
travel. Three years I spent in travel, visiting most of the islands of the Atlantic, ana spending
eleven months m the south of France, among the islands of the Mediterranean, and in Italy.
I returned to Texas, and while engaged as teacher in Galveston, I volunteered to go out on
the frontier to fight the Indians and Mexicans, who were committing depredations on the bor
der of the State. I was wounded at the battle of Yuno River, and was discharged after six
months' service.
At this time, 1848, with a company of twelve men, I commenced the difllcult enterprise of
crossing this continent on mule back, without a guide or path, to California. Six months found
me a resident of Mariposa county, and one of the first squatters on the claim known as Colonel
Fremont's. At the expiration of about two years, I was elected a member of the Legislature
from Mariposa county. At the clOBe of that session I came home to Madison county.
In 1853 I united with the M. E. Church, and in 1864 commenced the active work of the glorious
ministry of Christ, in which work I was engaged, when treason stretched out its bloody hand,
to roll us backward a thousand years into abysmal barbarism.
In relation to my efforts to raise and organize the Seventy-sixth Regiment, and the amount
and character of my labor as Chaplain in that Regiment for about two years, you are well in
formed, without any statement from me. Grand old Seventy-sixth ! Thy dead are walking
above tne stars ! Thy living have palaces in the hearts of the American people !
Use as much or as little of this biography (written in twenty minutes), as you please. I have
no fear but I shall be justly named, if named at all, in your History or the Seventy-sixth.
Very Truly Yours, H. STONE RICHARDSON.
No one ever connected with the Regiment will forget the genial nature of the
Chaplain, or his readiness to lend a helping hand to a comrade in distress.

ADJUTANT HEMAN F. ROBINSON,
Son of Heman and Betsey Robinson, was bom on the thirtieth of September,
1827, at Bennington, Vermont. Descended from Revolutionary sires, and sur
rounded by reminiscences.and mementoes of the battle of Bennington, his young

364

The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.

mind was early imbued with a pat
riotic fervor and love for his country
and its glorious' flag, which caused
him to be an early and earnest vol
unteer in its service, soon after the
opening of the great rebellion. His
early education was of the character
at that time provided in the common
schools and academies of his native
town. His mind partaking of the
roving element,however, he confined
himself to dry and tedious studies,
and being an orphan, with no rela
tive or guardian to oppose his
wishes, he embarked, at the age of
fourteen, as a common sailor, on board .the good ship St. Nicholas, bound from
New York to Havre, France. Too young to bear without disgust the roughness
and privations of the life'of a common seaman, he returned home at the end of a
few months, and quietly settled down to the life of a farmer ; not, however, with
out making several subsequent attempts to get to China or Valparaiso, which
were only prevented by promises of an appointment to the United States Military
Academy, upon the list of applicants for which his name was soon after placed
by the Hon. Solomon Foot, Senator from Vermont. But, finding the list already
large, Mr. Foot advised the acceptance of a cadetship at West Point, which was
gratefully accepted, and at the age of eighteen Mr. Robinson received his appoint
ment to that position. By excessive and constant application to his studies,
preparatory to entering the Military Academy, he brought on a severe, and appa
rently incurable, attack of dyspepsia, which obliged him to resign his appointment
at the expiration of a few months, his family physician having decided, upon
examination, that Mr. Robinson was not, and never would be, physically able to
bear the Severe mental and physical training of that institution. At West Point,
under the daily drill of accomplished officers, Cadet Robinson soon excelled in all
the duties of a soldier, so far as he had been instructed, frequently calling out the
marked and public approval of his commander. Here he learned the soldierly
lessons of obedience and attention to duty, and that those lessons were well
learned is evidenced by the strictness with which he aimed to perform his duties
as Adjutant of this Regiment.
Leaving West Point in the fall of '46, broken in health and spirits, he returned
to his native village, under the shadow of the Green Mountains, in hopes of re
cruiting his failing health, but to no purpose, and it was only after a long and
distressing course of sea-sickness, on the fishing grounds, off the coast of New
England, in the year 1849, that he finally mastered his complaint, and became able
to attend to business. From this time until the breaking out of the rebellion,
Mr. Robinson was variously engaged in mercantile pursuits, civil engineering, &c,

-Adjutant Hubert Carpenter.

365

being located most of the time at Cortland, N. Y. At the breaking out of the
rebellion, his domestic affairs precluded the possibility of carrying out his pur
pose of joining the army ; but in the fall of 1861, his patriotic fervor was not to
be withstood, and he entered with his whole soul into the organization of the
Seventy-sixth Regiment. He acted as Adjutant until the fourth of October, 1861,
when he was mustered into the service as First Lieutenant of Company A, being
the first line officer mustered in the Regiment. He was immediately appointed
Adjutant of the Regiment, and mustering officer, performing the former duty
most of the time until the second day of January, 1863, when he resigned his com
mission, on account of disability, and left the service. Whilst in the service,
Adjutant Robinson contracted a chronic affection of the bowels, which will ever
remain with him, as a reminder of his field service. He was with the Regiment
during no engagement of any magnitude, except that at Fredericksbuig, Va.,
December thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth, 1862.
Entering the service purely from patriotic motives, and a sense of duty,
although through physical disability exempt by law, it is due to him to say, that
during his connection with the Regiment, he waB evidently actuated by no per
sonal ambition, and only sought, by precept and example, to instil into the minds
and hearts of his comrades a due appreciation of the duties and obligations of a
soldier, and the holiness of the cause uVwhich the services of the Regiment were
enlisted.

ADJUTANT HUBERT CARPENTER*

Was the son of William Carpenter,
of Dryden, and was born in DeWitt,
New York. When the war com
menced, our young hero was quietly
pursuing his studies at the Ithaca
Academy. Naturally modest and re
tiring, but few knew his worth, or
appreciated his ability. Had he lived
he would have become a ripe scholar,
and occupied a prominent place
among literary men. His love of
country led him to share the toils
and perils of a soldier. He resolved
that his country should first be saved,
then, if he survived the conflict with treason, he would again return to his favor-

*Written by Bev. Mr. McDougall, of Dryden, N. Y,

366 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
ite studies — Greek, Latin, French and German. Jfis entered the service with
many of the young men from Dryden, and by his fidelity and talents soon rose
to share the honors that awaited him. He enlisted the sixteenth of September,
1861, and in November, 1862, was promoted to Sergeant-Major, and in less than
one month received a Second Lieutenant's commission. In February, 1863, was
promoted to First Lieutenant. His commission as Adjutant of the Regiment
is dated June first, 1863, showing that bravery and meritorious conduct won for
him the rank to which he was justly entitled. The duties of his last position
were pleasing to his tastes, and his exact mind, and well and faithfully did he dis
charge them all. Strictly temperate in all his habits, he was a pattern for others,
both in civil and military life. When a student at McGrawville, Prof. Broekett
said of him :-— -" He was the best linguist, and the ablest mind in that institution."
In that school, (New York Central College), he filled, for a time, the position of
mathematical teacher, with great credit. Nor was he less honored as a soldier.
" There," said his Colonel to a friend, in January, 1864, (pointing to the Adjutant),
"is the head above all others, that runs the Seventy-sixth Regiment. He is
always at his post." We venture to say the War Department has no clearer or
more exact monthly reports than those which came from his pen. In addition to
all his duties on the field and in camp, he kept in phonography,* or " short
hand," a condensed history of the Regiment — all its marches, skirmishes and
battles. The Seventy-sixth Regiment has an honorable record, of which its patriotic
survivors may well be proud. It was our good fortune to mingle with the boys
while at Rappahannock Station, and to learn how they drove the enemy from the
forts and into the river, and then encamped on the spot where a Union victory
had been achieved. Adjutant Carpenter was then in the field on duty, suffering
from wounds received at the ever-memorable battle of Gettysburg. All praised
him, for all loved him, and amid the stem realities of war, learned his worth.
But few young men among us had such bright prospects — few whose future was
so promising. Still, he placed all on the altar of freedom, and in the battle of
the Wilderness, May seventh, 1864, he gave his life that his country might live.
He fell into the hands of the enemy, mortally wounded, and died the next day.
He sleeps with gallant comrades on the field of the nation's greatest conflict,
and where the fate of the Republic and the freedom of millions were so trium
phantly vindicated. Peace to his ashes and joy to his soul ! His horse escaped,
and by Lieutenant Burnham was brought to his father's house, and will be kindly
cared for, though every view of the favorite animal will bring before the father
and mother, and beloved sisters, the fallen rider— the patriot son and brother.
Many of his letters show that although he made no public profession of religion,
he had faith in God and the cause for which he freely gave his young life. "Many
of us," said he, "may fall, but God, who is ever true, -is pledged to defend the
right. Our cause is just and must prevail."

•Written out to March, 1863, for this work, by H. Perry Smith, Journal Offl.ce, Syaacuse, N. Y.

Sergeant-Major Thomas Martin. 367
LIEUTENANT U. A. BURNHAM, Q. M.,

p^.

At the time of his enlistment,

Was bom in Homer, N. Y., De
cember sixteenth, 1837. His fath
er's name was Marvin Burnham, and
his mother's maiden name was Caro
line Webster. His great grandfather,
John Bumham, was wounded in the
revolutionary war, and his two great
grandfathers on his mother's side, Se-
lah Baeon and Samuel Webster, were
both in the revolutionary war. The
latter, disguised as an Indian, assisted
in making tea of an English ship-load
in Boston Harbor'i and was with Gen
eral Gates at Burgoyne' s surrender, at
Lieutenant Bumham was engaged in

Saratoga.farming. He was educated in the common school, with academical training at
Cortland Academy. He had also taught district school. He spent nearly three
years west, engaged in teaching. He enlisted as a private in Company D, October
fourth, 1861, and on the organization of the Regiment, was made First Sergeant.
He held this position until February, 1863, when he received a commission as First
Lieutenant, and was soon after appointed Acting Regimental Quartermaster, by
Colonel Wainwright. Up to this time he had been on every march and in every
battle with the Regiment, and fortunately escaped unhurt. Of about seventy
muskets left in the Regiment after the battle of Antietam, he carried one. In
January, 1864, he was appointed A. C. M. of the Brigade, and occupied the posi
tion until March following, when the Regiment was transferred to the Second
Brigade. He was then, for a short time, Acting Assistant Quartermaster of the
Second Brigade. On the first of December, 1864, he was discharged on expiration
of enlistment. With the exception of two leaves of absence of ten days each,
Lieutenant Burnham was never absent from duty but two days during the three
years, and his attention to business was proverbial. His post-office address is
Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y.

SERGEANT-MAJOR THOMAS MARTIN
Was born at Newbridge, Ireland, November eighteenth, 1842. Enlisted into the
Seventy-sixth Regiment, from New York Mills, Oneida Co., N. Y., as a private in
Company B, in November, 1861. He was a young man of energy of character,

368

The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.

and his gentlemanly deportment and
bravery soon won the esteem of
both officers and men in the Regi
ment. He was promoted at different
times, until he was made Sergeant-
Major, and was recommended to a
Lieutenantey. He was ever ready
to perform his duty. At"the fearful
but glorious battle of Gettysburg,
in the hottest of the fight, after Ma
jor Grover had fallen, and when an
nihilation was staring the brave
Regiment in the face, Sergeant-Ma
jor Martin was struck by a ball
which entered his arm and side.
Our troops soon fell back, and the ground was occupied by the enemy. As some
of our men, taken prisoners, were passing over the field that night, they heard
the voice of the Sergeant-Major calling for water. It was given him, but as he
drank the cooling draught, it flowed from the wound in his side. .After lingering
twenty-four hours he died. He was conscious he could not live ; told his com
rades he was willing to die for his country, and requested them to inform his
parents. He breathed his last towards morning, July second, 1863. His com
rades buried him where he fell and died, and then wrote his father, as he requested
them. John C. Ross, Esq., of Utica, shortly after visited the fated field, and
removed the body to the rural cemetery at New York Mills, where, amid the
scenes of his childhood, the brave hero Bleeps until the resurrection morning.
No better record can be left of this young hero, who arose from private to ser
geant-major, with a recommend for a commission, than the letter written to his
parents the spring before his death, of which the following is an extract : —
Headquabtebs Sevekty-bixth N. Y. S. Vols., March 14th, 1863.
Deae Paeestts :—
I have just received yours of the Sth inst., and was very glad to hear that you were well, and ,
as I suppose, still 'at work; but I am not at all pleased with its tone. You seem very uneasy at
my situation. Perhaps lt IB my fault for using some words in my last, which I might have left
out, and yet have expressed the same meaning. You seem to think that I am very fearful of my
destiny, and that I can never see you again ; but I can very candidly assure you such is not the
case. I never had any more hope than I have at present. I look at this exactly in this light : —
Every man was born for some purpose, andif itismy lotto leave earth on the battle-field, I can
only say, as did Burns :— " Lord, give me grace to endure it." For, should I stay at home and
see others fighting that I might enjoy privileges equal to them, I should be a coward indeed, and
in after life I should have a conscience more guilty than Cain's. Should I remain at home at
times like the present, and find security only in the blood of others, I would be a coward, in
deed. No, iar rather would I die, or be crippled for life, for in after life I will ask no greater
honor than to have it said of me that I once belonged to the Army of the Potomac. Should it
be my happy lot to survive this rebellion, my friends and companions can only be the manly
volunteer. Think not that I dread a coming battle. Glad would I be could we be a united people
without again meeting in deadly combat ; but such cannot be, so I, at present, await my fate
very calmly. Be that as it may, I beseech you give yourself as little concern as possible. At
tend to your family ; they need all your thoughts, and thinking can do them good— it can do
very little for me. If you had another son capable of bearing arms, my advice to him would be
— " Come on ! and if thy brother fall, avenge nis enemies ; not stand back and hear his blood
calling for vengeance.
I am daily growing more rabid, asI_thinkof the rebellion, and of the noble slain. Ihavelong way I
¦- for

j

Lieutenant "William H. Ripley. 369
CAPTAIN HERSHEL W. PIERCE
Was born in Reading, Steuben coun
ty, (now Starkey, Yates county, N.
Y.,) November fourteenth, 1818. His
father, Samuel Pierce, was a native of
Otsego county, N. Y., and a soldier in
the war of 1812. His mother' 6 name
was Sally Maria Wright, and she was
born in Litchfield county, Connecti
cut. The Captain was educated a
farmer, and followed it until his twen
tieth year. He 'then turned his atten
tion to architecture and building, in
which he has since been engaged. He
- I " ' was commissioned First Lieutenant
of artillery in a company attached to the Two Hundred and Sixth New York State
Militia, by Silas Wright, when Governor. He has filled several civil offices, and
at the time of his enlistment was Supervisor of his town. In October, 1861, he
recruited twenty-five men, and took them to Cortland, and with his men was
mustered in as private. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant, January thir
teenth, 1862, to First Lieutenant March eleventh, 1862, and to Captain, December
twentieth, 1862. He was on detached duty in the recruiting service from August
sixteenth to December second, 1862. He was engaged with his Company in the
following battles : — First and second Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettys
burg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopoto-
moy, Coal Harbor, Bethesda Church, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Poplar Grove
Church, Chapel House. He was mustered out on expiration of term of enlist
ment, October tenth, 1864, at the Yellow House, Va.
Captain Pierce resides at Dundee, Yates county, N. Y.

LIEUTENANT WILLIAM H. RIPLEY

Was a descendant of Revolutionary patriots. At the age of sixteen his great
grandfather on his mother's side, entered the French war, and subsequently the
war of the Revolution, in which latter his great grandfather on his father's side
was Chaplain, and a personal friend of General Washington.
Lieutenant Ripley enlisted as a private in Company K, November first, 1861.
At the battle of Bull Run, August twenty-ninth, 1862, he received a severe wound
in the left shoulder, the ball lodging near the shoulder blade. The next morning

370

The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.

he was captured by the Sixth Vir
ginia Cavalry. After remaining
prisoner about a week, with nothing
to eat, and no attention paid to his
wound, he was paroled, and in that
condition walked to Alexandria, a
distance of twenty-eight miles. —
From .Alexandria he was sent to
Clifbourne Hospital, D. C, where
his arm was amputated at the shoul
der joint — a most painful and dan
gerous operation— seven days having
elapsed since the receipt of the
wound. He subsequently received a
commission as Second Lieutenant in
Company A, to date from September first, 1862. In June, 1863, he resigned this
commission, and, in the following September, was, on the recommendation of
General Doubleday, commissioned as Second Lieutenant in Company D, Sixth
Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps, which position he held until July thirtieth,
1866. At the time of his enlistment, Lieutenant Ripley was a tinner by occupar-
tion, with nothing but a common Bchool education; yet, though "expended in
the service," in less than a year he had, by his soldierly qualities, arisen from
private to Second Lieutenant. His post-office address ib Greene, Chenango
county, N. Y.

CAPTAIN OSCAR C. FOX

Was born at Pitcher Springs, Che
nango county, N. Y., August twenty-
third, 1830. His father, Daniel Fox,
was a native of Massachusetts, and his
mother, Harriet A. Chapman, of Con
necticut. The Captain attended dis
trict school during the winters, working
at home, and for the neighboring farm
ers, summers, until he was sixteen
years of age, when he engaged in
teaching district school. Here he suc
ceeded admirably for one of his age.
In 1852 he entered the preparatory de
partment of Central College at Mc-

Captain Robert Story. 371
Grawville, N. Y., where he remained until the Ml of 1856, when he went to Ohio
as Principal of Nelson Academy, in Portage county. He remained in this posi
tion three years, his labors being crowned with excellent success. In 1860 he left
the Academy and returned home to make arrangements for a tour of Europe ; but
before his departure, the bombardment of Fort Sumter changed his whole plan.
He determined to remain and serve his country. In May he proceeded to Bing-
hamton and enlisted in " Balcom's six foot company," remaining there about a
month ; but as there was little prospect of being mustered into service, he came
to Cortland and entered a law office temporarily, holding himself in readiness to
take the field. When the project of raising a regiment in Cortland county was
started, Captain Fox entered heartily into the work. Proceeding to his native
town he soon enlisted the minimum of a Company, and on the first day that the
camp was opened at Cortland, (September twenty-sixth, 1861), he proceeded with
about forty men to the rendezvous. He remained with the Regiment until he
received his wound at Gainesville. For several months he commanded at Fort
Slemmer, D. C, it being occupied by his company (B) only. At the battle of
Gainesville, August twenty-eighth, 1862, Company B was at the angle where the
rebel fire was the most severe. While urging his men on, Captain Fox received
a ball in the breast, which passed through his lung. It was a terrible and danger
ous wound — one from which he can never fully recover. The fall of the Captain,
whom the company idolized, created some unsteadiness for a- moment, but they
immediately recovered, and the rebels paid dearly for the cruel shot they had
given the Captain. It is no disparagement to other good officers, to say that no
better combination of talent and moral worth entered the large army of Freedom's
noble defenders. Had he not been crippled at the very outset of his military
career, there is no position in the army to which he might not have attained.
When the Regiment left Fredericksburg for Culpepper, Captain Fox was unfit
to march, but his Lieutenants being away, on sick leave, he felt it necessary to
make the attempt. He was put in command of three companies of skirmishers,
and thus, regardless of his health, he kept in the advance. With all his heroism
he was extremely modest. He loved his men, and they would have died for him.
He says in a communication to the writer : —
I felt proud of these noble, faithful boys. Uncomplaining, kind and gentlemanly always. I
have always felt that whatever success or popularity I attained in the Regiment was owing to
these men who always seemed to be striving to assist and encourage me— to overlook my faults
and mistakes, and to set me right with those who knew me less intimately. * » Lieuten
ants Crandall and Wolcott were noble men— invaluable as men of taste and culture— men of
principle. Without them I cannot conceive of such a thing as success in Company B.

CAPTAIN ROBERT STORY
Son of Robert and Elizabeth Story, was bom October seventeenth, 1832. Until
he entered the army, he was engaged in farming. A man of character and ability,
he had filled many civil offices in his town. He was one of the first to enter

372

The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.

heartily into the work of reorganiz
ing the militia regiment at Cherry
Valley, for active service. He was
chosen Second Lieutenant in Cap
tain Swan's company, October twen
ty-second, 1861. On the twenty-
second of February, 1862, he was
promoted to First Lieutenant, and
on the nineteenth of February, 1863,
was commissioned Captain "for
meritorious conduct at South Moun
tain, and bravery at Fredericksburg, ' '
with rank from December, 1862,
and assigned to command of Com
pany B. These promotions were
unsought by him, -and were won by bravery and good conduct alone. He was
present in every battle in which his Regiment was engaged from the time he en
tered the service, and never shrank from the greatest dangers and most arduous
duties. As he entered the fight at Gettysburg, July first, 1863, a cannon ball
passed between his legs, doing no injury. He rushed on toward the enemy, and
before the Regiment had been engaged half an hour, he was struck in the left
thigh by a Minnie ball which fractured the bone. The ball was split into three
pieces, two of which were the same day extracted by Drs. Metcalfe, Preston and
Barnes. He was soon after removed to the house of Mrs. William Culp, in Get
tysburg, (her husband was also in the army), where he was kindly cared for by
her and Horace Fabian, a member of his company. His wife and sister, (Mrs.
Bates, of New York), on hearing that he was wounded, hastened to Gettysburg,
and remained with him, doing all that was possible, until August sixth, when,
conscious that he was prepared to die, the hero went home to the hero's reward.
His remains were taken home and, by a sympathizing group of tearful neighbors,
and the Lodge of Odd Fellows of which he was a member, consigned to their
resting place in the family burying ground on the farm he had been wont to till.
His wife soon went to share with him the realities of the blissful hereafter.

LIEUTENANT CHAUNCEY D. CRANDALL

Was bom in Pitcher, Chenango county, N. Y., where he resided until his enlist
ment in the fall of 1861. His life of a little more than twenty-seven years, was
one of very even course, witnessing few, if any, incidents which might be consid
ered in any sense startling or uncommon. It was his chief ambition to make the

Lieutenant W. Stuart Walcott.

373

wisest use of a good common sense
and to lead a life of order, industry,
and virtue. He was a mild, obedient
child; a sober, thoughtful boy; a
modest, unassuming youth, nobly
shunning all those trifling and fool
ish habits which so often sap the
foundation of an otherwise manly
character. Nor did he confine him
self to mere morality. About two
years before his seemingly untimely
death, he made a public profession of
religion, and ever after was a stead
fast and consistent christian. When
the war commenced, he was pursuing his studies at the Cortland Academy. But
as he said, he could not confine his mind to study, while his country so much
needed his services. He believed that God would approve his motives, and
accept the act as service to Him. With this spirit he entered the service. Dur
ing the latter part of the summer of 1862, he was disabled by disease, and
confined to a hospital. Captain Fox having fallen at Gainesville, the Lieutenant,
scarcely recovered from his sickness, returned to the command of his Company,
(B). His first experiences under fire were at the battle of South Mountain, Md.,
with reference to which, Colonel Wainwright says : —
Although for the first time under fire, he faced the long continued and destructive musketry
of the enemy as if he had been in a dozen battles. And I well remember, (for I marked it) the
coolness with which he bound a handkerchief around my arm to stop the bleeding, thereby
saving me from what might have been excessive loss of blood.
In the subsequent part of this battle, Lieutenant Crandall took command of the
Regiment. At Antietam he was wounded in the hand, so as to unfit him for
service, and soon after he was permitted to visit home on a furlough. But before
he was so far recovered as to be called to his post, from a sense of duty to his men,
now without a company officer, he returned to his command, reaching the Regi-
nient just before it nlarched to Fredericksburg.
Before it had been determined to publish these biographies, the facts relating
to the death of this hero were given at pages 189 and 190, to which the reader is
referred.

LIEUTENANT W. STUART WALCOTT.

The subject of this sketch was born at New York Mills, Oneida county, N. Y.,
February eleventh, 1843. His parents were William D. and H. C. Walcott. One
of his great grandfathers was a General, and the other a Captain in the Revolu
tionary war. His father is largely engaged in manufacturing, at New York Mills,

374

The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.

as a partner of Honorable Samuel
Campbell, mentioned in the fore
part of this work. When the war
broke out, Lieutenant Walcott then,
but eighteen years of age, was pur
suing his studies at the high school,
at Clinton, N. Y. Descended from
such patriotic stock, and surrounded
by such men as Mr. Campbell and
his Either, the young Walcott could
scarcely fail to be a patriot. Know
ing the Chaplain of the Seventy-
sixth, Walcott enlisted a number of
his young comrades and joined that
Regiment. Possessed of fine per
sonal appearance, well bred and educated, he was immediately commissioned Sec
ond Lieutenant in Company B. He remained with the Regiment, continually
gaining friends, until the summer of 1862, while at Fredericksburg, Va., he was
attacked with camp or typhoid fever. After a severe illness of five months, the
surgeon giving no encouragements for renewed health for at least a year, and
being unwilling to deprive the company of the services of an officer they so much
needed, he reluctantly resigned, and was honorably discharged October thirtieth,
1862. The merits of many an officer and men are measured, not by what they
did, but what they wished to do. Had Lieutenant Walcott's health permitted, no
one knowing him will doubt that his career would have been brilliant.
He is at present engaged with his father in manufacturing, at New York Mills,
Oneida county, N. Y.

LIEUTENANT WILLIAM CAHILL,

Son of Thomas I. Cahill, late of Solon, Cortland county, N. Y., was bom in the
city of New York, whence his father moved to Solon, when the Lieutenant was
yet young. He enlisted in Company B at its organization, as a private, having
been injured about the time the war broke out, so that he was unable to enter the
service before, as he desired. Ever present for duty, and prompt to peform it he
did not long remain in the ranks. When the Regiment left Fredericksburg for
Culpepper, he was sick and so emaciated that the surgeon directed him to be
taken to a hospital in Washington, and sent an ambulance to his tent to convey
him to the cars. But determined to accompany the Regiment and share its first
dangers, he insisted that he was improving and was able to undertake the march.

Lieutenant William Cahill.

375

The surgeon finally assented. His
energy enabled him to keep with his
company. He took part in the skir
mishes at Rappahannock Station and
Warrenton Springs, and the battle of
Gainesville. At the latter place he
was struck by a pistol shot in the
head, the ball entering and lodging
between the right eye and nose, where
it still remains. It was one of those
narrow escapes which partake largely
of the miraculous. He fell, aud was
reported dead. This fortunately
proved incorrect. He was taken
prisoner, but Boon after paroled. He was sent to the hospital in New York,
where he was tendered his discharge. The-surgeon informed him that he would
never be fit for service, but this he steadily denied. He returned to the Regiment
in time to take part in the first battle of Fredericksburg. He was soon after,
(January fourteenth, 1863), promoted to Sergeant. He remained with the Regi
ment, taking part in the "Mud March," Second Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville,
and Gettysburg. March first, 1863, he was promoted to Orderly Sergeant, and as
such fought in the battle of Gettysburg. Here he displayed true heroism. In the
hottest of the fight, next to the colors of the Regiment, he was struck by a piece
of shell on the hand, which benumbed his arm, and rendered it, for a time, useless.
He, however, by rubbing, induced a return of sensibility, when the rebels had
reason to regret the provocation they had given. Immediately before the line fell
back, he was struck in the thigh by a musket ball, bringing him down. The ball
struck the bone, and, glancing around, lodged on the other side. He was taken
to the city and the ball extracted. He was captured by the rebels, and retaken on
our troops repossessing the city. He was sent to Philadelphia, but soon
returned to the command of his company, as Second Lieutenant, (July thirty-
first, 1863), which command he held until March, 1864. He was on the march
with the Regiment southward through Virginia, and participated in the battle of
Mine Run. Was promoted to First Lieutenant, February fourteenth, 1863. At
the battle of the Wilderness, May fifth, 1864, he was with his company when the
three companies, (B,F and-K), were captured. He was on this occasion severely
wounded. His left arm was broken, and the wrist joint dislocated, He also
received a Minnie ball in his body, where it still remains. In this condition he
was compelled the next day to walk twenty miles. Two weeks later, on reaching
Macon, Ga., having had no change of clothing, he was obliged to soak himself
before he could remove his clothes. Here the prisoners were all searched and
robbed of their money. The bullet hole in the Lieutenant's coat was now not
without its uses. As the robbing-sergeant approached him, the Lieutenant qui
etly slipped hiB greenbacks through the bullet hole, and thus retained his money.

376 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.
Here he found Lieutenant Myers, of the Seventy-sixth, and Lieutenants Curtis
and Coffin, of the One Hundred and Fifty-seventh New York, all from Cortland.
What these prisoners suffered in Southern prison pens has been so often related
that to write the experience of this hero, would be to repeat the same story of
cruelties, starvation, vermin, heartless disregard of life, and unparalleled diabo
lism, which puts to the blush every loyal man, as he considers even the possibility
of a return of these barbarous savages to the political status of peers to the loyal.
Sherman's successes before Atlanta, and Stoneman's advance towards Macon,
rendered this an unsafe depository for prisoners. They were therefore, July thir
ty-first, 1864, sent to Savannah and Charleston. At the former place Lieutenant
Cahill witnessed one of the peculiar attractions of the corner-Btone of the South
ern Confederacy. It became necessary to cover a trench of rubbish to prevent
disease. A man with a white skin marched in fourteen colored women, who, with
spades and bare feet, and, arms bare to the shoulder, were compelled to do the
menial service, while the white traitor looked on with whip in hand ! At the end
of six weeks, (September thirteenth), Lieutenant Cahill, with other officers, was
taken to Charleston, S. C, and placed under fire from our batteries on Morris
Island. Here they were placed in the filthiest of pens, where the shells from our
guns fell as often as one in twenty minutes, often sending showers of fragments
among our officers. To add to the horrors of the situation, the yellow fever
broke out in the prison, and for a time threatened the annihilation of the entire
company. Of fifty officers attacked, but two recovered, one of whom was Homer
D. Call, of the Seventy-sixth. Our officers were removed to Columbia, S. C,
October fifth, 1864. An arrangement was finally made by which a certain number
of sick and wounded were exchanged. Lieutenant Cahill was examined. The
surgeon directed his clerk to write, " five gunshot wounds " opposite his name,
and the next morning he was discharged. December ninth he started on a block
ade runner down the harbor for the Union lines. For the first time in many
months these brave boys hailed the " red white and blue," as it floated in front of
Fort Sumter. Cheer upon cheer rent the air, while " The Star Spangled Banner,"
and " Rally 'Round the Flag, Boys," were sung as never before. No one in the
army had a more varied experience than Lieutenant Cahill. Five times wounded,
three times a prisoner, still carrying two balls in his person, he feels proud of
each scar received in freedom's battles.
He was discharged March eleventh, 1865, and commenced the study of law. He
now resides at Minneapolis, Minnesota.

LIEUTENANT A. LYMAN CARTER
Was bom in Pitcher, Chenango county, N. Y., November fourteenth, 1829. His
parents' names Thomas and Susan L. Carter. At the time of his "enlistment,

Lieutenant Moses P. M-Arsh.

377

Lieutenant Carter was engaged with
his father as a blacksmith. He en
listed September sixteenth, 1861, as
Second Sergeant. Was with his
company at the battles of Rappa
hannock Station, Warrenton Springs,
Gainesville, Bull Run, Second Fred
ericksburg, Chancellorsville and Get
tysburg. October .twenty-ninth,
1862, he was commissioned Second
Lieutenant in Company B, vice Lieu
tenant Walcott, resigned. At the
battle of Bull Run he was captured
by the rebels, paroled and sent to
Annapolis, Md. He remained there until December fourteenth, 1862, when he
was exchanged, and immediately rejoined his Regiment. At the battle of Get
tysburg, Pa., July first, 1863, he was wounded in the foot, the ball passing into
the ankle joint, where it remained until April thirteenth, 1865, when his limb was
amputated below the knee. He was mustered out in consequence of his wound,
October ninth, 1863. After his return, and while the Administration favored
loyal Union soldters, Lieutenant Carter filled the office of Post-Master in his na
tive village. His present post-office address is Pitcher, N. Y.

LIEUTENANT MOSES PARKER MARSH,

Eldest son of Daniel B. and Mary
A. Marsh was born at McLean,
Tompkins county, N. Y., January
tenth, 1841. At an early age he be
came an earnest student. He at
tended the Cortland Academy nearly
three years. Also New York Cen
tral College. At the age of nine
teen he entered the Commercial
College and completed the course
with credit to himself. A great ad
mirer of Theodore Parker, Ralph
W. Emerson, Wendell Phillips and
Garret Smith, he became most em
phatically ' ' radical. ' '

378

The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.

He enlisted as a private in Company C, but was elected Second Lieutenant on
the organization of his Company. While at Fort Slocum in the Spring of 1862,
he acted as Adjutant of the post. On the march to Fredericksburg, in May, 1862,
he received a partial sunstroke. He, however, managed to keep with his com
pany, until it reached Fredericksburg. Here, notwithstanding his sunstroke, he
acted as aid to the Provost.Marshal until he was at length sent to Lincoln Hospi
tal, Washington D. C. On arriving at the Hospital he was attacked with a fever.
He continued to write his parents that he was not very sick, except a pain in the
head, and that he would soon be better. His father finally, in September, 1862,
sent a physician to Washington to ascertain his condition. The physician imme
diately telegraphed the father that his son was in a low condition. The father
hastened to Washington, and on the twelfth of September, started home with his
son, arriving there on the twenty-second. Friends vainly hoped the Lieutenant
had stood his journey well ; but their hopes proved evanescent, for on the twen
ty-sixth of September, surrounded by friends, he breathed his last.

LIEUTENANT MOSES M. WHITNEY

Was bom in Solon, (now Taylor),
Cortland county, October twenty-
third, 1840. His parents were Thad-
deus and Laura Whitney. His grand
father was in the war of 1812. When
enlisted, Lieutenant Whitney was a
farmer. He enlisted as private in
Company A, September twenty-sixth
18.61 ; was promoted to Seventh Cor
poral October fourth, 1861 ; to Ser
geant January ninth, 1863 ; to First
Sergeant October twenty-first, 1863 ;
to Second Lieutenant, Company C,
March sixteenth, 1864, and command
ed the company after crossing the James River to move upon Petersburg.
He was a most excellent officer. At the battle of the Weldon Railroad, August
eighteenth, 1864, he received a gunshot wound in the left thigh, fracturing the
bone. He was carried from the field to a hospital, and was discharged December
fifth, 1864, having been in the service over three years and three months. Lieu
tenant Whitney was in the following battles, besides all the skirmishes in which
the Regiment was engaged, (some twenty in all) :— Rappahannock Station,
Gainesville, Bull Run, First and Second Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettys
burg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Coal

Lieutenant Thomas F. Weldon.

379

Harbor, Tolopotomoy, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad. At the second battle of
Bull Run, he was taken prisoner and remained in rebel hands six weeks. He was
never excused from duty by a surgeon while in the service, until wounded, and
was always ready for duty.
At the close of the war he formed a partnership with Captains Vanderbilt and
Porter, of the Tenth New York Cavalry, and went into business in Baltimore,
Md., where he now resides. See pages 119 and 120.

LIEUTENANT CARLOS BALDWIN
Was bom in Groton, Tompkins
county, N. Y., November second,
1840. He enlisted October fifth,
1861, as a Corporal in Company C.
In July, 1862, while encamped at
Fredericksburg, Va., he was severe
ly attacked with fever, and two
weeks thereafter still remain a blank
in his memory. On becoming con
scious, he found himself in the hos
pital at Falls Church. He was soon
after removed to the hospital at
^¦iHP? - ¦ ?' Philadelphia. He rejoined the Reg
iment in time to take part in the
battle of First Fredericksburg, and
participated in all the battles until the third day of June, 1864. At that time,
while lying in the woods, he was struck by a ball which entered the right leg at
the knee, and came out at the thigh sixteen months after. He was taken to Arm
ory Square Hospital, Washington, where he lay forty-three days, when he was
removed to his home on a stretcher, by his father. The ball remaining in his leg,
and there being no prospect of his being able to render further service to his
country, he resigned in November, 1864, having been in the service over three
years. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant in his company (C) January thir
teenth, 1864. He carries in his pocket the ball that disabled him. His residence
is Peruville, N. Y.

LIEUTENANT THOMAS F. WELDON

Was bom at Little Falls, New York, in 1839. His parents were Patrick H. Wel
don and Margaret McGirk Weldon. He enlisted as private in the Thirty-ninth

380

The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.

New York State Militia October
twenty-first, 1861, and joined the
Seventy-sixth New York, at the con
solidation at Albany. May first,
1863, he was promoted to Second
Lieutenant, and November first,
1863, to First Lieutenant in Com
pany C, which office he held at the
xxgutt. t> time of his death. He won his
f ' ' ^1-iillP straPs by his S00-- conduct and
^a • "^4 0 brave deeds. He was wounded at
/ 'JBPIjIlP - ' H IP? Bul1 Run' AuSust twenty-ninth,
^i^i-0^^^^^^^3!''^^^^^ 1862. At the battle of Chancellors-
"^^^'- \ - §p|llP-^^^ ville, in May, 1863, he was taken pris
oner and remained a month in rebel
hands. He had scarcely time to reach the Regiment, when he took part in the
battle of Gettysburg, where he was again wounded. When our forces crossed
the Rapidan in May, 1864, Lieutenant Weldon was at his post, and remained with
his comrades through all their fiery trials on that unequaled campaign from the
Rapidan to Petersburg, and until death sealed up his glorious record. He was
killed instantly, on the Weldon Railroad, August twenty-first, 1864, being pierced
by two balls. The officers and men, on the same day, appointed a committee
consisting of Captain H. W. Pierce, and Lieutenants E. B. Cochrane and J. M.
Waterman, who drafted most flattering resolutions, among which is the fol
lowing : —

Resolved, That in the death of Lieutenant Weldon, we have lost a true friend and a genial
companion, the service one of its most courageous and thorough soldiers, and the cause of the
Union one of its most loyal and patriotic adherents. Ever gentlemanly and considerate in hiB
bearing towards every one with whom he was brought in contact, strictly temperate in his
habits, alwayB ready in the performance of every duty, as well while on the staff oi the Brigade
as while with his Regiment, and receiving, as he invariably did, the highest encomiums of his
superior officers, we feel his loss to be an irreparable one, as well to his country as to hiB imme
diate associates.
The following letter was written by his Captain, the day after his death : —
Headquaetees Seoosd Beigaee, Fotjkth Division, Fifth Coefs, )
Neak Peteesbueg, August pffid, 1864. j
James Daveupoet, Esq. :—
Sir :— It becomes my painful duty to inform you of the death of the brave and lamented Thom
as F. Weldon, of my Company, (C) Seventy-sixth New York Volunteers. He was killed in the
skirmish line, while observing the movements of the enemy whom we had Just repulsed, cap
turing a portion of Haygood's Brigade, with their colors. He was hit by two shots, both passing
through his body, killing him instantly. He never spoke, and scarcely gasped. Lieutenant
Weldon was one of the best and bravest officers I have ever known— ever ready to do his duty.
In battle he was always to be found where the leaden hail fell thickest. While he was associ
ated with me as a subaltern in my company, he formed a friendship with me as lastingas the
granite hills, and won my admiration and respect for his brave and soldierly conduct. His loss
is irreparable to the Regiment, and his comrades mourn his departure from our midst, as they
would a brother. No larger-souled patriot ever lived. His whole heart was in the cause, and
he has ever expressed his willingness to die as a soldier wishes to die— "with his face to the foe."
In the second day's fight in the Wilderness, he captured, by a brilliant movement of his picket
line, an officer and ten men, and was complimented by the Brigade commander, in his official
report. We deeply sympathize with his family and friends at home, but think the manner in which he
died while bravely defending his country's flag, will be a consolation to his friends.
I am, Bir, with great respect, your obedient servant CHARLES A. WATKINS,
Captain Co. C, Seventy-sixth N. Y. V.

Captain Samuel M. Byeam. 381
CAPTAIN CHARLES L. WATROUS,
Son of Joseph and Lydia Watrous, was bom in Freetown, Cortland county, N.
Y., January thirteenth, 1837. His ancestors were from Connecticut, and the Cap
tain, at an early age, displayed an ardent love for books. At the age of seventeen
he commenced teaching district school. He taught during the winters in his
native State, Pennsylvania and Illinois, and during the summer attended school at
New York Central College. His health failing in 1856, he went West and
remained nearly three years, returning in 1859, with improved health. He entered
Cortland academy as a student, and graduated with honor the following year. In
the fall of 1860 he entered the Junior class of the University of Michigan, where
he was pursuing his studies when the war commenced. The disaster at Bull Run
in July, 1861, determined his future course. Locking up his books he hastened
home, raised a company, and joined the Seventy-sixth at its organization. As an
officer, Captain Watrous was prompt and efficient to such an extent as to incur
the censure of harshness from his undrilled neighbor "boys." He labored zeal
ously to make his company well drilled and strictly disciplined. He was in
command of his company at Rappahannock Station, Warrenton Springs, Gaines
ville and Bull Run. In the latter battle, August twenty-ninth, 1862, he received
two gunshot wounds in his right thigh, and a Minnie ball in his left arm. The
ball passed entirely through the arm below the elbow, shattering the larger bone,
and injuring the nerve, making a severe and extremely painful wound. His arm
being useless, he was, on the nineteenth of December, 1862, mustered out for dis
ability. The following February an operation was performed upon the arm, at
Bellevue Hospital, New York City, and a portion of the bone removed. In the
autumn of 1863 the Captain returned to his college studies. Graduating soon
after, he entered the law school, from which he graduated in March, 1863. Soon
after the fall of Richmond, and collapse of the "man-owners' " confederacy, he
settled at Winchester, Va., where he now practices his profession.

CAPTAIN SAMUEL M. BYRAM,
Son of Josiah and Rhoda Byram, was born at Virgil, Cortland county, N. Y., Au
gust thirteenth, 1837. His Either commenced business in Virgil in 1825, as
clothier, and before his death in 1842, became one of the first men of his town.
He was Colonel of a militia regiment, and filled many important positions. He
reared a numerous and respectable family of children, of whom the Captain was
the eighth.
The subject of this sketch enjoyed the benefits of a common and select school
education, in his native town, and an academical course at Cortlandville
Academy. He . taught district school for a number of winters ; but hav-

382

The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.

ing a love and aptitude for mechan
ics, became a carpenter. He enlisted
as private in Company A, Septemher
nineteenth, 1861, but on the organi
zation of the company was made
First Sergeant. He was promoted to
Second Lieutenant March sixteenth,
1862; to First Lieutenant September
first, 1862, and to Captain of Com
pany D, December nineteenth, 1862.
In February, 1864, three-fourths of
his company re-enlisted, and the
Captain remained as a veteran officer.
While in the service, Captain Byram
was in the following engagements : —
Rappahannock Station, Gainesville, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam,
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna,
Coal Harbor, Tolopotomoy, Petersburg. He was sick in hospital, with typhoid
fever from shortly after Antietam, until January following. After Lieutenant-
Colonel Cook was wounded, at the Wilderness, the command of the Regiment
devolved upon Captain Byram, and he remained in command through the brilliant
campaign to Petersburg, until the eighteenth day of June, 1864, when he received
a severe wound in the groin, and was sent to the hospital at .Annapolis, Md., from
which he was honorably discharged by Special Orders from the War Department,
No. 423, the twenty-ninth day of November, 1864. At the battle of the Wilder
ness, Captain Byram distinguished himself by bringing away the colors of the
Regiment, under a most galling fire. The Captain has requested us to "mention
" Mr. Hummel' s family, and Mrs. Riley, of Harrisburg, as my good. angels while
"in hospital there, for I think I should have died but for their care; and the same
" of Miss Hall, at .Annapolis."
The Captain resides at Virgil, Cortland county, N. Y.

CAPTAIN JOHN M. WATERMAN
Was bom in the town of Decatur, Otsego county, N. Y., September eighth, 1833.
On his father's side, his great grandfather was in the Revolutionary war, and his
grandfather in the war of 1812. Lieutenant Waterman enlisted into Company I,
September twenty-seventh, 1861, under Captain JohnE. Cook. He was promoted
to Orderly Sergeant of his compauy at Albany, N. Y., January thirteenth, 1862,
and to Hospital Steward at Fort Massachusetts, D. C, May seventeenth, 1862.
He served in this capacity for several months, but was subsequently commissioned
First Lieutenant, with rank from August sixth, 1863, and assigned to duty in

Lieutenant Edward D. Yan Slyok.

383

Company A. He was present at
the battle of Mine Run, November,
1863, and was shortly after detailed
as Acting Regimental Quartermas
ter, during the absence of Lieuten
ant Burnham at headquarters. At
the battle of the Wilderness, May
fifth, 1864, Captain Pierce, of Com
pany A, having become disabled, the
command devolved upon Lieuten
ant Waterman, until the latter part
of July. He thus had command of
the company through all the battles
of Grant's brilliant campaign of
1864. August nineteenth, 1864,
Company D being without an officer, Lieutenant Waterman was assigned to the
command of that company, which he held until he was mustered out on expira
tion of term of enlistment, October twelfth, 1864. .An idea of his faithfulness
may be gained from the fact that he was with the Regiment every day after it
broke camp at the Wilderness, until he was discharged, except two days, when he
was sick. At the battle of the Wilderness, a ball passed through his clothes, in
flicting a flesh wound in the hip. At the battle of the Weldon Railroad, August
eighteenth, 1864, a ball passed through his hat. He was subsequently commis
sioned Captain, with rank from April thirtieth, 1864.
Captain Waterman spent about two years in California in 1855-6, having per
formed the journey overland. In the latter year he returned, but in 1857 removed
to Pennsylvania, where he remained three years. From 1860 to the time of his
enlistment, he was engaged reading medicine with Dr. A. P. Chamberlain, at
Westfield, Otsego county, N. Y. His present post-office address is Decatur, N. Y.

LIEUTENANT EDWARD D. YAN SLYCK

Was bom at Exeter, Otsego county, N. Y., August eleventh, 1833. His father,
Phillip Van Slyck, was a descendant of the Kinderhook family of VanSlycks, and
a relative of Martin Van Buren. His mother, Abi Rider, was daughter of Stephen
Rider, a Tolland, Connecticut, Yankee. At an early age Lieutenant Van Slyck
exhibited a love of letters, and at the age of seventeen commenced teaching dis
trict school. This he followed winters for several years, Ailing the intervening
spaces with labor on the farm. At the age of twenty-three he married Kate
Fisher, sister of Lieutenant John Fisher. She accompanied the Lieutenant to
Washington, and many of the men will acknowledge her kindness in camp, and

384:

The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. Y.

the value'of her tuition in cooking.
In the fall of 1856, Lieutenant Van
Slyck commenced reading law in the
office of R. Holland Duell, in Cort
land. In 1858, with a fellow law stu
dent, P. H. Bateson, of Ohio,
Lieutenant Van Slyck commenced
the publication of the "Republican
Banner," in Cortland, a weekly
sheet devoted to the interests of
freedom. This publication was con
tinued until October fourth, 1861,
when he sold out to enter the army.
Not being able to dispose of his paper
in season, he was delayed in raising his company ; but finally, on the twelfth of
November, he was mustered as Captain of Company K. Not filling his company
previous to the receipt of marching orders, the company was broken up at the
consolidation at Albany, and distributed among the other companies. Captain
Van Slyck, with a few men, were put into Company D, in which he became First
Lieutenant. He consented to this rather than be rendered supernumerary. On
the resignation of Quartermaster Smith, in May, 1862, Lieutenant Van Slyek was
detailed as Regimental Quartermaster. He was ordered the next day to prepare
to march. The labor, and a drenching rain which set in while working the train
from Aquia Creek to Fredericksburg, induced the typhoid fever, from which he
did not recover until the following August. He marched with the Regiment to
Cedar Mountain in August, and was with it until the battle of Gainesville.
Though an invalid, he entered this battle, in the early part of which he was
wounded by a fragment of shell breaking two of his ribs. He rejoined his Regi
ment September eighteenth, and remained several weeks ; but another relapse of
the fever occurring, and being otherwise physically incapacitated, he tendered his
resignation, which was accepted by General McClellan, October eighth, 1862.
Since February, 1863, Lieutenant Van Slyck has been publishing the "Demo
cratic Republican," at Hamilton, Madison county, N. Y.

LIEUTENANT WILLIAM H. TARBELL,

Son of Samuel and Sally Tarbell, was bom at Freetown, Cortland county, N. Y.,
February twenty-fourth, 1840. He received an academical education at McGraw-
ville, N. Y. Enlisted at -the organization of the Seventy-sixth, as private in
Company D. Was promoted to Corporal before leaving Cortland ; to Sergeant in
the spring of 1863 ; then to Orderly of his company, and finally to Second Lieu-

Lieutenant Lucius Davis.

385

tenant, with rank from February
twelfth, 1863. He was sick during
the battles connected with Pope's re
treat, but joined the Regiment in
time to participate in the battle of
Antietam, and remained with the
Regiment, taking part in the battles
of Fredericksburg, (first and second),
Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. He
was severely wounded in the hip and
thigh in the latter battle, and was, in
consequence, discharged September
seventh, 1863. No officer more sin
cerely regretted being thus early
"expended in the service." His present residence is McGrawville, N. Y.

fig

LIEUTENANT LUCIUS DAYIS

Ji

Was born at McLean, Tompkins
county, N. Y., July thirtieth, 1835.
His parents' names were John L. and
Mary Boynton Davis. At the time of
his enlistment in 1861, Lieutenant
Davis was a fermer. He enlisted as a
private in Company C. At first he
was thrown out as physically incapa
ble of military duty ; but with that
| determination which afterwards won
$ so many laurels, he again applied and
, was accepted. He felt that the coun
try needed his services, and; desired
~*e^ssik' ^----•^l^gp^--5* t0 make at least an attempt to aid it
in its life-struggle. The result justified his persistency. He was in every battle
from the time he enlisted until he was discharged. At the battle of Gainesville,
he was slightly wounded in the breast. He was, in November, 1862, promoted to
Orderly Sergeant "for bravery and strict attention to business." In February,
1863, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, "for good behavior and bravery,"
with rank from November eleventh, 1862. In May, 1863, he was commissioned
First Lieutenant. At the sanguinary battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July first, 1863,
Lieutenant Davis was wounded in the hand, in consequence of which he was dis-
z

386

The Seventy-sixth Regiment N Y. V.

charged November ninth, 1863. He had in the meantime visited home and
returned to the hospital at Philadelphia, with the intention to return to the Regi
ment ; but the surgeon declared him unfit for duty, and refused to permit him to
return. Having done what he could for his country, he returned and went into
business at Marathon, Cortland county, N. T., where he now resides.
The following extract, from the  , published while he was in the service,
shows the estimation in which he was held at home : —
HONOR TO THE BRAVE.
We learn that Lucius Davis, of the Seventy-sixth Regiment, has been commended by Briga
dier-General Doubleday, for conduct in battle, which is nighly creditable and -worthy or emula
tion. Mr. Davis enlisted as a private, and has been a true soldier, standing by the Regiment in
all its difficult marches, and distinguishing himself by coolness and bravery in all its battles.
At the second battle of Bull Run, Doubleday's Brigade being in the extreme front, one of our
batteries opened upon them, through mistake, a terrific fire of shot and shell, doing them great
injury. General Doubleday himself rode forward and called for some one to go forward and
inform them of their fatal error. Although it seemed like walking into the jaws of death to
approach the thundering cannon, Mr. Davis gallantly offered his services. He delivered his
orders and returned unharmed. For this brave act he was forthwith promoted to the highest
non-commiSBioned office in his company ; and for his conduct at the battles of Antietam and
Fredericksburg, he has received a commission as Second Lieutenant, a well-merited reward for
truly distinguished services.

LIEUTENANT BAENAED PHENIS

Was a native of Cherry Valley, N.
Y. At an early age he became a
printer, which trade he pursued un
til his enlistment, in 1861, at which
time he was at work in the office of
the Cheeky Vallet Gazette. He
was unmarried, possessed of a social
nature, and was always the champion
of any one who received ill-treat
ment. He was a member of the
|^ Union Guards, and entered the Sev-
|| enty-sixth Regiment with the three
1| Cherry Valley Companies, as Ser-
§1 geant of Company H. For many
*" months he filled the office of Order
ly Sergeant of his company, and was subsequently promoted to Lieutenant.
When off duty, he was one of the "boys;" when on duty, he was strictly officer
like. This gave him a warm place in the affections of the men, and commanded
the respect of his superiors.
At the battle of the Weldon Railroad, August nineteenth, 1864, Lieutenant
Phenis was shot through the body and killed, (see page 308), as he was jumping
over a breastwork to secure a rebel flag left by the enemy just driven out by the

Lieutenant Theron 0. Guernsey.

387

Seventy-sixth. His remains were buried beneath an oak near where he fell — an
oak that, like many others, marks the last resting-place of one of Freedom's no
blest defenders.

LIEUTENANT WILLIAM STEINGHAM

Was born in Scott, Cortland county,
N. Y., March twenty-sixth, 1841. His
father, Jacob D. Stringham, served
in the war of 1812. His grandfather
was a Major of militia in the war of
1812, and his great grandfather was a
Captain in the Revolutionary war, and
was in the battle of Fort Montgom
ery. Jacob D. Stringham and Commo
dore Stringham are cousins. Lieut.
Stringham was enrolled in Company
D, September fourteenth, 1861, on the
muster of which he was made Fourth
Sergeant. When enlisted he was a
farmer. Lieutenant Stringham participated in the following battles :— - Rappahan
nock Station, Warrenton Springs, Gainesville, Bull Run, South Mountain,
Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.
On the first day of January, 1864, he enlisted as a veteran volunteer. March
sixteenth, 1864, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant. In March and April,
1864, he visited home on a thirty day furlough. Returning to the army, he went
into the battle of the Wilderness, Va., May fifth, 1864, and was killed. His body
was never recovered, and he lies undistinguishable in the great mass of heroes
who, on that closely contested field, offered themselves as sacrifices on the altar
of country.

LIEUTENANT THEEON C. GUEENSEY
Was born in Groton, Tompkins county, N. Y., January second, 1844. His parents
were Amasa C. and Loretta M. Guernsey. His grandfather, Joseph Guernsey,
was in the war of 1812. Lieutenant Guernsey enlisted as Sixth Corporal in Com
pany D, at its organization, and was promoted to First Lieutenant, with rank
from August twenty-first, 1864 ; but at the battle of Peeble's Farm, October first,
1864, he was taken prisoner, before being assigned to any company or mustering

388

The Seventy-sixth Eegiment N. Y. V.

on his commission. He was in the
following battles : — First and Second
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville,
Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness,
Laurel Hill, Petersburg, Weldon Rail
road and Hatcher's Run. He was
wounded in the wrist at Laurel Hill,
Va., May tenth, 1864. After being
taken prisoner, he was confined in
rebel prison pens at Pemberton, Rich
mond and Salisbury, and was paroled
February twenty-eighth, 1865. At
the battle of the Weldon Railroad,
Lieutenant Guernsey (then Sergeant)
commanded his Co., (D) the Cap
tain and Second Lieutenant having been wounded at the Wilderness, and the First
Lieutenant having been killed. On returning to his Regiment, he was discharged
as a supernumerary, rendered such by the consolidation with the One Hundred
and Forty-seventh Regiment. His present post-office address is Marathon, N. Y.

CAPTAIN NOEMAN G. BAETHOLOMEW.

The subject of this sketch imbibed -from birth the true spirit of the age in
which he lived, for, though youth inspired the highest enjoyment of legitimate
pleasures, manhood brought the grave responsibility of willingness to defend
principle and good order, even at the cost of life. He was born at Auburn, Cay
uga county, N. Y., March twentieth, 1836. His parents were Caleb Bartholomew
and Loraine Wheeler Gaston, both of whose ancestors were of English extraction.
His paternal grandsire, Jesse Bartholomew, was a soldier in our American army,
in the two English wars of 1776 and 1812 ; and also his maternal grandsire, James
Gaston, in the latter only. The early life of this lamented officer, though attended
with few incidents of marked significance, was still fraught with characteristics
which, developed, constituted him a devoted, fearless soldier, a strict disciplina
rian as an officer, aud a charitable superior. At the residence of his father, at
Etna, Tompkins county, N. Y., he enjoyed a liberal English education, adopting
the occupation of a moulder and machinist. September twenty-sixth, 1860, he
married Miss Mary L. Houtz, of the above place, which union gave him no chil
dren. Generous, but just, in the scale of humanity, the impending war found
him with no tie too precious to be laid upon the altar of his bleeding country.
Highly energetic and intensely muscular, of little more than medium height, and
excellent proportions, without an excess of flesh, his erect, manly form, dark eye,
dark brown hair, and light complexion, with an easy carriage and ever-buoyant
air, placed him early among the most active and gallant officers of our patriotic

Captain Norman G. Bartholomew.

389

army. Enlisting November eighth,
1861, as a private in the Seventy-
sixth Regiment, at Cortland, N. Y.',
he passed speedily through every
grade of promotion, for meritorious
conduct, to the flattering position
which he honored, and in which he
fell. He fought, unharmed, the sev
eral battles at Rappahannock Station,
Gainesville, Second Bull Run, Fred
ericksburg, Chancellorsville, and
Gettysburg successively. The dis
tinguishing events in the military
life of Captain B. occurred at the
battle near Gainesville, at Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg. At the hard-fought,
but unsuccessful, contest, near Gainesville, in August, 1862, when the enemy
massed their columns upon the worn-out Corps of McDowell, Colonel Wain
wright bearing the colors upon his own horse, as a means of keeping his Regiment
together, and rallying his men, observing the coolness, but determination, with
which Captain B., then invested with a slight command, but acting without a
commission, executed his orders, personally commended his firmness, warmly
assuring him, that his example should not pass unrewarded. In accordance there
with, a commission as Second Lieutenant was granted him, bearing even date
with that eventful day. When, in December, 1862, Burnside precipitated his
powerful army upon Fredericksburg, Lieutenant B. was detached from immediate
field duty, and placed in command of a posse of convalescents sent forward from
the different camps around Washington, who arrived too late to be armed for the
conflict, and was assigned to hospital service with them. In supplying the vacan
cies occasioned by this unfortunate fight, Colonel W., impressed with the activity
and efficiency of Lieutenant B. in that service, deemed it unjust not to promote
him equally with those other worthy officers and privates who were engaged in
duties more dangerous, but not more difficult or important. He, therefore,
caused his rank to be raised to that of First Lieutenant from that date.
Again, just at the climax of the war, the three days' fight at Gettysburg, July,
1863, which hurled back the invading rebel army and saved the trembling nation,
Lieutenant B. won those laurels which secured the immediate personal commen
dation of the commanding officer of his Regiment, and purchased for him a
Captain's commission. In a moment of imminent danger, when their fearfully
decimated numbers caused them to waver shghtly from position, Lieutenant B.,
then in command of his company, seized the national colors, sprang upon the
earthwork defenses and rallied his hard-pressed men. His commanding officer
forthwith obtained a Captain's commission for him, as a reward for his bravery
and success. His fatal change of fortune, however, was reserved to the battle of
the Wilderness, May fifth, 1864, when, having received a severe shot through the

390

The Seventy-sixth Eegiment N. Y. V.

right arm at a moment of so serious reverse to our troops, that but slight atten
tion could be given to his dangerous condition, he died from excessive loss of
blood ; passing from the carnage of war to an immortal rest, " with armor on,"
just as one imbued with true manliness could wish to die, battling for the triumph
of his cause. Brigade-Surgeon G. W. Metcalfe, after giving a detailed account of
his death, says : —
The Captain was universally beloved and respected by his fellow officers, and his death is
painfully felt by them all. No truer patriot or braver man ever lived, than N". G. Bartholomew.
He was particularly distinguished in time of battle, for cool judgment, and, at the proper mo
ment, brilliant, dashing courage."
Temporarily buried by his comrades near the scene of his death, his remains
were removed in the autumn of 1865, to the place of their final interment, Octo
ber twenty-second, with military honors, in the cemetery of his native place,
overlooked alike by the home of his youth, and thaW)f his well-beloved wife.

CAPTAIN IEA C. POTTER

The subject of this sketch was bom
July twenty-seventh, 1836, at Carl
ton, Orleans county, N. Y. His
parents were Vernon and Noa Round
Potter. His great grandfather on his
mother's side, Bartram Round, was
an officer in the Revolutionary war.
His grandfather, George Round, was
in the war of 1812. His great uncle,
, Chester Carver, was killed in the war
[ of 1812. Captain Potter's occupation
\ when he enlisted, was that of a car-
- penter. He enlisted in Company A,
September twenty-fifth, 1861, and
//»^1PMP8M«^^.^' was mustered as Second Sergeant Oc
tober fourth, 1861. April seventh, 1863, he was promoted to First Sergeant
by Colonel Wainwright. July first, 1863, he was promoted to Sergeant-
Major, by Major Cook, then commanding the Regiment. July thirty-first, 1863,
he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, with rank from February twenty-second,
1863. February seventeenth, 1864, to First Lieutenant, with rank from Novem
ber ninth, 1863, and September sixteenth, 1864, to Captain, with rank from May
fifth, 1864, the date of Captain Bartholomew's death. Captain Potter was Acting
Adjutant of the Regiment from July thirty-first to about October first, 1863. He
participated in the following battles : — Both Fredericksburgs, Chancellorsville,
Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsylvania, Coal Harbor,
North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Peeble's Farm, Hatch-

Lieutenant John H. Ballard. 391
er's Run. Though participating in so many battles, and manfully doing his whole
duty, Captain Potter was never seriously wounded. At the battle of Gettysburg,
he was slightly wounded in the hip, but was enabled to keep with the Regiment,
by his knapsack being carried on the wagons. At Laurel Hill he was slightly
wounded by a ball grazing his neck. He was discharged with his company (E),
November eighteenth, 1864, but two other men belonging to the company at the
time, out of two hundred and sixty who had been members of it. At the battle
of 1&e Wilderness, Captain Potter gained great credit' by the bold and skillful
manner in which he handled our skirmishers. On the sixth of May, his Regiment
was on the extreme right of the Corps, and very much exposed. General Rice
ordered a portion to be thrown out as skirmishers. Captain Byram commanding
the Regiment, directed the two companies on the right, E and H, of about twen
ty men each, to deploy as skirmishers, and advance some fifty or sixty rods to the
Crest of a hill, Captain Potter being the ranking officer in the two companies, as
sumed command. The country was densely covered with low pines and
occasional openings. After advancing a short distance, heavy firing was heard.
Then, through an opening, the contending armies became visible as they surged
to and fro in the contest. Our troops were evidently being driven back, and were
finally routed. Our skirmishers now commenced falling back toward the main
line ; but on reaching an elevation, discovered that the enemy in the distance, had
very much advanced their line, and were endeavoring to unite their lines in rear
of the skirmishers, and thus capture them. The position was a perilous one.
The horrors of Southern prison pens stared them in the face. At this juncture
the Captain says : —
I immediately assembled our men and prepared to make the best of our almost helpless situ
ation, As we faced to the rear we could see the enemy's two lines of battle on our right and
left rapidly advancing, now almost unopposed, momentarily nearing each other, and the open
space through which we must escape, or not at all, rapidly closing up. We had about concluded
to go to Richmond, and were speculating as to whether Libby or Belle Isle would be our stop
ping place ; but concluded to see neither until absolutely obliged to. We picked up fifteen or
twenty men, several non-commissioned officers, one lieutenant, (rebels) and started to the Fed
eral lines. Our prisoners were a squad in charge of the Lieutenant, who were in the rear pick
ing up stragglers from their lines. One was a Sergeant-Major who had been sent by the General
on our left to the General on our right, directing him to cover the open space, which order he
had delivered, and was returning to his command, when he was intercepted by us. , This order
was being carried out as fast as possible, when we discovered our perilous situation. The Ser-
feant-Major said to me after we got into our lines, that he was sure we were in a trap, as he
new the contents of the dispatch he had delivered, and that it was at that time being promptly
obeyed. Immediately on taking the prisoners, we compelled them to break their guns against
the trees, thus preventing their 'pitching in' tous, should their number increase too much. With
our prisoners, and a few union men who had been captured and sent to the rear, we started
with the determination to run the gauntlet of these two lines of battle and get into our lines,
as soon as possible. My men had orders, which they would certainly have obeyed, to shoot the
first and aU the prisoners who should show any sign of resistance or disobedience to orders.
As we came through we could easily have thrown a stone to either line of the enemy, but the
bushes aided us in our escape.
Such cool courage and strategical ability might have been profitably emulated
farther up the scale of promotion. Captain Potter's present address is Utica,
New York.

LIEUTENANT JOHN H. BALLAED,
Son of Hon. Horatio Ballard, was born in Cortland, N. Y. His ancestors were
among the first settlers of the Tioughnioga Valley. Lieutenant Ballard was pos-

392

The Seventy-sixth EEGiMENa? N. Y. V.

sessed of fine natural abilities, to
which had been added the polish of
a liberal education. In September,
1861, he enlisted as a private in Com
pany E, Seventy-sixth Regiment. In
November following he was pro
moted to Second Lieutenant, and
subsequently to First Lieutenant.
He went with the Regiment as far as
Fredericksburg, Va., where, in Au
gust, 1862, in consequence of a severe
indisposition, he was forced to re-
SS^11|PR ^HP^ sign. I" October, 1863, he was ap-
- ^35s» pointed to a clerkship in the office of
the Secretary of State, which position he held until June, 1863, when he again
entered the army as First Lieutenant of Company B, in the One Hundred and
Fifty-seventh Regiment N. Y. V. He was at Folly Island in the fall and winter
of 1,863-4. On the twenty-second of February, 1864, the Regiment was ordered
to Florida. Lieutenant Ballard served with the Regiment there until the close of
June following, when he was obliged to resign in consequence of continued ill
health. He reached home on the fourth of July, 1864, with the fatal disease fas
tened upon him, and lingered until the twenty-third of November, 1864, when he
died. In the quiet Rural Cemetery, which overlooks his beautiful native village,
he sleeps the sleep of death. His friends may well mourn his early death ; but
let them be assured that death never comes too soon, if it finds us in the line of
duty, and that life is not given in vain which is given for country.

CAPTAIN JOHN H. BAENAED

Was bom in Lee, Oneida county, N. Y. His parents were Joel and Sarah Starr
Barnard. His grandfather, David Starr, was a Captain in the Revolutionary war.
The Captain received an academical education at the Cortland Academy, where
he was an earnest student three years. In July, 1855, he joined the Oneida Con
ference, and entered upon the sacred duties of the christian ministry, in which
profession he was engaged when he joined the army. He recruited Company F,
and was elected its Captain. Shortly after leaving Cortland, he was called back
to attend his beloved wife in her last illness, and no sooner had he performed the
last sad duty to her, than he found his way to his company, then stationed at the
forts north of Washington. He remained with Mb company, participating in the
battles of Rappahannock Station, Sulphur Springs, Gainesville and Bull Run. At

Captain James L. Goddard.

393

the latter battle he was conspicuous
for his bravery. Most of the officers
had fallen. The troops were demor
alized by the retreat of the forces on
the left, yet Captains Barnard and
Young,-by their personal courage and
efforts, did much to preserve the line
of the Seventy-sixth. When forced
to retreat, the Captain was so ex
hausted as to be unable to walk.
Seeing this, Colonel W-i-iwright,
with characteristic kindness, dis
mounted and placed the Captain on
his horse, and thus alternately riding
and walking, they reached a German
battery within the main line, where they Blept on the same blanket upon the
ground the remainder of the night. Colonel Wainwright spoke in high terms of
the conduct of Captain Barnard on this occasion. He continued with his com
pany on the march through Washington, D. C, until about ten miles in Maryland,
when, his health failing, he was ordered by the Colonel to return to Washington,
where he resigned on account of physical disability, September sixteenth, 1862,
having been just one year in the service. Much has been said about the demoral
izing influence of the army; but Captain Barnard was one, at least, who
maintained his integrity unsullied. He preaches at present, at Vernon, N. Y.

CAPTAIN JAMES L. GODDAED

Was born in Greenfield, Franklin county, Mass., in 1832. His parents, Levi and
Alice Davis Goddard, removed to Truxton, Cortland county, N. Y., in 1842. His
father died two years after, leaving six children in limited circumstances. They
were obliged to rely upon their own exertions for a livelihood, and at the age of
fourteen, the subject of this sketch commenced to learn the wagon-maker's trade,
Possessing a roving disposition, at the age of twenty he resolved on a sea voyage,
and immediately started for Boston, where he shipped upon a sperm whaler for
two years. The vessel cruised around the Bermudas and Western Islands, and
meeting with no success, returned to Boston in eight months. After a voyage to
Liverpool, and working at his trade in Dumfries, Scotland, about two months,
Captain Goddard returned to Truxton, where he remained two years. This
proved too quiet for him, and he again started for the sea. He shipped at New
Bedford, for three years, in an Arctic Ocean whaler. Leaving New Bedford in
the fall, he arrived at Honolulu in the spring. Proceeding thence to the Arctic

394

The Seventy-sixth Eegiment N. Y. V.

they cruised until fall, suffering in
describably, and obtaining no oil.
They then returned to the Sandwich
Islands, anchoring in the harbor of
Helo. He here left the ship and took
another that was to cruise on the
coast of Lower California. The
Captain threatening one day to re
turn Goddard and four companions
to the ship they had left, they re
solved to escape. Locking the offi
cers in the cabin one night, the five,
with two others, started in an open
boat for the shore, twenty-five miles
"^WJItflllillP^ distant. They forgot, in their haste,
to take water, and while exploring the country for it, the others were captured,
but Goddard escaped. After working for an Englishman about two months, at
Cape St. Lucas, he started for Mazetlan, Mexico. Here he was pressed aboard a
Mexican man-of-war, but was soon after discharged, through the influence of the
American Consul. From there he went to Valparaiso, South .America, and from
thence to Conception, where he resided about a year. While here; in the winter
of 1861, hearing of the troubles in the United States, he started for home, intend
ing to ship on board a man-of-war at New York. Visiting his home in Truxton,
he learned that the Seventy-sixth was being organised at Cortland. He enlisted
as a private in Captain Lansing's company (G), but on the election of officers was
made Second Lieutenant. He was promoted to First Lieutenant February twen
ty-second, 1862, and to Captain, and assigned to Company F, July eleventh, 1862.
He was subsequently brevetted Major by Governor Fenton. He was in all the
battles with the Regiment, except the Wilderness, which was fought while he
was home on a leave of absence. Returning on the twelfth of May, he assumed
command of the Regiment, which position he held until the third of June, 1864,
when he was wounded and came home. He was honorably discharged August
eighteenth, 1864, on account of his wound. During his service he was several
times wounded, the last time by a piece of shell, which cut his face open, and
came very near proving fatal. Soon after his discharge he was married to Miss
Fannie Twentyman, and has now settled down to a farmer's life in Truxton.

LIEUTENANT WILLIAM WALLACE GEEEN.

The subject of this notice was born at Mixville, Allegany county, N. Y., Au
gust fifteenth, 1843. His father, Benjamin T. Green was brought up a merchant,
and removed to Jersey City in 1856, the better to accommodate himself to his

Lieutenant William Wallace Geeen.

395

business in New York, which he
Wished his son to follow. The boy
was sent, for a time, to the Penning
ton Seminary, N. J., and when the
rebellion burst upon the astonished
country, his father had but just
placed him to business in New York.
| But from the firing upon Fort Sum-
i| ter, dry goods, accounts and trade
|§ marks had no further attractions for
p him. Commerce was tame when
f? glory was to be won. He at once,
I embraced every opportunity for mil
itary drill, which he seemed to mas-
- -**e^gs^^^^5' - ter -tpvitli an intuition that marked
him a natural soldier ; and when the crushing news of the Bull Run disaster of
1861 shook the public heart, young Green would no longer delay. He was of rev
olutionary blood, and although scarcely eighteen "years of age, he comprehended
the greatness of the cause at stake. The country was in danger, and manhood
and muscle were wanted. As no other way seemed to open, he was about to
enlist as a private in one of the volunteer organizations of Jersey City, when he
heard the welcome call of his uncle, Colonel Nelson W. Green, for volunteers, at
Cortland, N. Y., who was then organizing the Seventy-sixth Regiment. Among
the very first of the many other mere boys who appeared at Camp Campbell, was
the youthful subject of this sketch. His kindliness, and the compactness of his
character, and his peculiar reticence, at once gave him position among his com
rades. He took the drill in spirit and in detail as if by instinct, and when the
permanent organization was made, he was elected, without opposition, Second
Lieutenant of Company F, upon his own merits. From first to last, the drill and
discipline of Company F were mainly due to him ; and it is conceded that he
opened the skirmish drill in the Regiment, and that his company excelled in this
important branch of the tactics. It is to the credit of Lieutenant Green that the
noble men of Company F were attached to him with no common devotion. The
company was recruited mostly from Dryden, Tompkins county. They were from
the farms, and stores, and workshops — superior, representative men, few of whom
wanted ability to command, and many afterwards won commissions. Such were
the men of Company F, and of such had Lieutenant Green won the confidence
and command. The survivors of this magnificent Regiment still speak of Lieu
tenant Green with enthusiasm ; but his young frame, unused to hardships, was
unequal to the unusual strain and exposure of a military campaign. At Cortland,
at Albany, at Riker's Island, at Meridian Hill, he had never been excused from
duty, and he was never absent. But at Fort Totten, where the headquarters of
the Regiment was located in the spring of 1862, he was suddenly stricken down
with pneumonia, a fearful disease, then prevalent in camp. By careful manage-

396

The Seventy-sixth Eegiment N: Y. V.

ment, his father was able to get him home, and* although a vigorous constitution
at length partially prevailed over the first attack, he did not recover. Once after
many months, his enthusiasm to join his comrades overruled the remonstrance of
his physician and friends, and he made his way as far as Washington, to rejoin his
company, then in front ofFrederickBburg. But he was speedily sent home by
the surgeon, with the crushing assurance that he was permanently disabled.
Still determined, he clung to the forlorn hope of restoration in time to go to
battle, until he was finally admonished by the increasing weakness and final fail
ure of his lungs, that he must surrender.
After eighteen months' service, just upon the threshold of a cherished career,
when ambition, and patriotism, and loyalty alike called him to the front, he was
honorably discharged November twenty-fifth, 1863, with a broken constitution
and dissatisfied in spirit ; having unwillingly missed that opportunity from the
perils of which true genius and patriotism will pray his country maybe spared on
her account ; but which, having come, he will on his own account, not willingly
let pass unimproved.
Lieutenant Green has not fully recovered from the effects of this unfortunate
disability.

LIEUTENANT WILLIAM H. MYEES,

Son of John F. and Maria Myers, was
born at Cortland, Cortland county,
N. Y., December twenty-fifth, 1840.
He received an academical education
at the Cortlandville academy, and at
the age of sixteen, commenced to
learn the carpenter's trade of his
father. The firing upon Fort Sum
ter, and the assault upon the Massa
chusetts men in Baltimore aroused
his young spirit, and he determined
to enter Company H, Twenty-third
Regiment New York volunteers,
raised in Cortland in the early sum
mer of 1861 ; but from this he was
dissuaded by his friends. When the attempt was made to raise the Seventy-sixth
he immediately joined with his companions. He enlisted as private, and at the
organization of the company, was made Corporal. He was soon after promoted
to Sergeant, and filled successively the different non-commissioned offices of his
company, and Sergeant-Major of the Regiment, and was finally commissioned as

Lieutenant William H. Myers. 397
Lieutenant, with fair prospects of promotion, had he not been captured and de
tained from duty in Southern prisons. He participated in the battles of Rappa
hannock Station, Warrenton Springs, Gainesville, Bull Run, South Mountain,
Antietam, First and Second Frederisksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and the
Wilderness. In the latter battle, May fifth, 1864, he was captured in the skirmish
line, with his entire company (F) and two other companies of the Seventy-sixth,
(see pages 284 to 289). The firet day of our Lieutenant's captivity was extremely
sultry ; but he was, with about thirty officers and seven hundred men, marched
twenty-five miles, suffering severely from fatigue and heat. At two o'clock on
the morning of the seventh, they were huddled into box cars, and started for
Gordonsville. After being penned in a filthy wood house over night they were
started for Lynchburg. Traveling through Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Colum
bia, &c, the party finally arrived at Macon, Ga. Here they remained, enduring
all that humanity is capable of, until July thirtieth, when about six hundred, in
cluding Lieutenant Myers, were placed in box cars and forwarded, they knew not
where, but, as it eventually proved, to Savannah. Here they were placed in a
high brick enclosure, which almost entirely shut out the coveted sea-breezes.
Many attempts were made at escape, most of whieh proved unsuccessful. At one
time, the ditch was completed, except opening the outer end, when, unfortunate
ly, a cow grazing stepped upon the grass immediately above the tunnel, and falling
in, revealed the plot. They remained here until September fifteenth, when they
were conveyed in cattle cars over a most dangerous road, to Charleston, to be
placed under fire of our guns, then bearing upon that hot-bed of secession. For
two weekB the loyal shells came altogether too close for comfort, but they were
the least source of the annoyances of this prison life. The grounds were filthy
beyond description — literally covered with vermin ; the rations were poor, and,
to add to the miseries of the men, the yellow fever broke out, threatening to
sweep away the entire force of loyal prisoners. Lieutenant Call, of the Seventy-
sixth Regiment, was severely attacked with this terrible scourge, and for one day
and night Lieutenant Myers watched over him with the vigilance and anxiety of
a brother. Call was then removed to the hospital, as every one believed, to die,
but, fortunately, to survive — the second one out of about fifty who were attacked.
Starvation now stared these heroes in the fece. 'The rebels finally proposed a
means of escape from starvation, which, if readily accepted, reflected no dishonor
upon the imprisoned and famished patriots. It was proposed to give five hun
dred dollars in confederate notes for every order drawn by a prisoner upon a
Northerner for one hundred dollars in gold. No wonder that each prisoner
readily recalled a Northern banker who held his gold I Any quantity of drafts
were given. With the avails they bought fresh beef at four dollars and a half per
pound; pork, eight dollars ; butter, fourteen dollars ; beans, a dollar and a half
uer pint, and they were thus kept from starvation. None of these drafts were
ever known to be paid.
On the fifth of October, the prisoners were conveyed to Columbia, S. C. Thus
were they relieved of that constant fear of a pestilence second to none in fatality,

"A
398 The Seventy-sixth Eegiment N. Y. V.
which had surrounded them at Charleston. October seventeenth they were
marched about two miles, and placed in a stockade in an open field, without cov
ering of any kind with which to shelter them from the inclement storms of the
season. The wood and water were outside the stockade, and the guard were
instructed to accompany the squads of prisoners, as, at stated times, they were
permitted to bring in these necessaries. This was afterwards changed, and a
guard placed around a piece of woods about forty rods distant, and the officers
were allowed one and a half hours each day in which to procure wood, when the
guard would come in, driving the prisoners before them. When it is understood
that the fifteen hundred prisoners were allowed but six axes, it will readily be
seen that their supply of wood was very scanty. For one hundred and thirty-
three days, no meat or grease of any kind was furnished this camp ! One day a
wild two year old hog chanced to cross the line. In an instant the whole fifteen
hundred prisoners were after him with clubs, knives, and such other weapons as
they possessed, and he was in the frying pans before his muscles ceased to trem
ble. A New Hampshire prisoner thus made him immortal : —
The black hog was seen when running through camp ;
Each man forgetting starvation and cramp.
Grunts of the hog and its running were vain ;
Never '11 he be on that camp ground again.
Starvation staring the prisoners in the face, they resolved upon desperate meas
ures to effect an escape. Lieutenant Myers several times made the attempt, but
failed. Finally, on Christmas afternoon, with Captain B. B. Porter, of the Tenth
New York Cavalry, he approached a green guard, and insisted that they had
orders to go a short distance beyond the guard upon some pretext. In the lan
guage of the Lieutenant : — " In short we lied him into a disobedience of orders,
and, strange to say, gained our point." They had with them two sweet potatoes,
and two small pieces of corn bread — about enough for a piece-meal for a child.
This would not have relieved present hunger, but they kept it choicely for future
use. From four to nine P. M. they lay upon the cold ground, not daring to stir
lest they should be taken back to camp. From nine until eleven o'clock they
were looking for the road. That night they gained ten miles, flanking Lexington,
though traveling more than twenty miles to accomplish it. Before daylight they
found a swamp which furnished a retreat through the day. Traveling under such
circumstances, through an enemy's country, where every point was new, was ex
tremely precarious. The second night, emboldened by hunger, Captain Porter
resolved to visit a negro cabin, the only dwelling-places of loyalty at the South.
He succeeded in reaching the cabin without detection, but as he was turning the
corner he came upon a huge watch dog, which came at him with great ferocity.
He beat a hasty retreat, with the dog in uncomfortable proximity as he scaled
fence after fence. As our two heroes lay trembling in the comer of the fence,
they learned with satisfaction, that the white inmates of the " big house " were
charging their " colored brethren " with nightly meetings of "niggers " from ad
joining plantations, instead of escaped Union officers.
Night after night did our heroes travel the strange Southern roads, usually in
single file, from five to ten rods apart, one reconnoitering ahead, and the other

Lieutenant William H. Myers. 399
watching approaches from the rear, sleeping during the day as well as they could
in cold, dismal swamps, one keeping watch while the other caught snatches of
sleep, without blankets, and scantily clothed, with only remnants of shoes upon
their feet. Their sufferings were intense. General Sherman had marched
through Augusta, and was now several days in advance of our fugitives, and on
the opposite side of the river. They, therefore turned their steps in the direction
of the Union army. Ignorant of the country, they Were compelled frequently to
apply to their only friends, the blacks, who never refused to aid them with gifts
of provisions, and valuable information. Night after night did they apply to the
humble shanty for the necessary food and information, and never did they apply
in vain. History will ever fall short of doing full justice to one element of our
success — that race which continually, in the very heart of the " confederacy,"
contributed in so eminent a degree to the success of our arms.
At length, after perilous night marches, encountering hounds, swimming rivers,
wading swamps, and eluding rebel sentinels, they arrived in sight of Grahams-
ville, S. C, which, they were informed, was in possession of our forces. The
night was dark, but they could see troops about their fires, cooking their evening
meals, though they could not tell whether Union or rebel. They at length re
solved to ascertain their political status, but too late found they were rebels.
Summoning that courage only given by despair, they marched straight through
the rebel camp in safety ! One rebel, happening to jostle Captain Porter, begged his >
pardon, which was readily granted . .After leaving the rebel camp they proceeded
to a negro shanty, where they were well fed, when the negro took them in charge
and started for the Union lines, but ten miles distant. .After proceeding five
miles, the negro, giving them full and minute directions, left them. They found
every point as he had described it, and at length arrived at the place where he
said the Union pickets were, but found the post deserted. He had told them in
case they did not find them here, to go to another point where the road con
verged, and here they would surely find the pickets. Buoyed with hope, Lieuten
ant Myers having but a portion of one shoe upon his foot, they hurried forward
to the point where the friendly pickets were to be found, and their long weary
days and perilous night marches were to end. Seeing two horses hitched near a
fire, around which stood two pickets with blankets bearing the welcome "U. S."
and caps of loyal fashion, they had no doubt that they had at last reached the
place of safety. Marching rapidly up to the pickets, they were accosted :—
" Halt ! Who comes there ?"
"Friends, without arms." Thank God, we are safe! thought our heroes, as
they remarked : —
" You are Yankee sentinels ?"
" Not by a d  d sight !" was the unwelcome rejoinder.
The story was a short one. After all their hair-breadth escapes and endurances
they had fallen in with the outer rebel picket, and were again prisoners. No pen
can describe their feelings of despair at that moment. Entreaty and expostula
tion were alike in vain, and though they touched the sympathies, they could not

400

The Seventy-sixth Eegiment N. Y. V.

overcome the sense of duty of their captors. The next morning they were sent
to headquarters, and were soon on the road to Charleston. The railroad was
rough and dangerous, yet on flew the cars at a fearful rate. As they came in
sight of Pocotaligo Bridge, the hearts of the patriots were cheered at the sight of
our camp stretched out over the plain, with its " Flag of Our Union " flying from
numerous headquarters ; but the pleasing sensation was sadly changed as our
forces opened their batteries upon the rebel train, and the shot and shell came in
all too close proximity to the friends for whom they were not intended. Arrived
at Charleston, our Lieutenant was soon after paroled, and the war closing about
that time, he returned to his home in Cortland, where he now resides.

LIEUTENANT HENEY CLIFF.

The subject of this sketch was
born at Gedney, Lincoln county,
England, December fourth, 1827.
He enlisted in the English army
February fifteenth, 1846, and was
discharged June eleventh, 1846. The
following is a copy of his discharge
from the English army : —
56th EEGIMENT OF TOOT.
These are to certify that 2706 Henry Cliff ,
private, born in the parish of Gedney, in
or near the town of Long Sutton, in the
county of Lincoln, was enlisted at Bury
for the aforesaid Corps, on the fifteenth of
February, 1846, at the age of 17 2-12 years.
That he has served in the army for under
age. That he is discharged in consequence
of paying the regulated sum of twenty
pounds.
Dated at Bury, Lancashire,June 8, 1846.
WM. H. EDEN, Lieut.-Col., Commanding Officer Horse Guards,
Discharge of 2706 Private Henry Cliff confirmed. w COCHRANUAe,A18r '
Chabaoctk, Good. ' "aamt . ¦".. ¦»¦¦ «.
He enlisted in Company F, Seventy-sixth Regiment, as a private, September
eighteenth, 1861, at Dryden N. Y., but was promoted to Sergeant at the organi
zation of the Regiment. He was promoted to First Sergeant December eighth,
1862, and to First Lieutenant July third, 1863. At the battle of Gainesville he
had a very narrow escape, a ball passing through his gun-stock, coat sleeve and
cap-box. At the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July first, 1863, he fell in the hottest
of the fight, severely wounded in the left leg. (See page 244). He lay upon the
battle-field unable to stir, with nothing to eat or drink, for fifty-two hours, until
the rebek retreated, when he was removed to a hospital and his limb.amputated.

Captain A. Sager.

401

He was in the following battles: — Rappahannock Station, Warrenton Sulphur
Springs, Gainesville, Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg,
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg. He was honorably discharged at Chestnut Hill
Hospital, Philadelphia, November twenty-fifth, 1863. The following certificate
shows the light in Which he was considered by the officers of the Regiment : —
Hbadqu aktees Seventy-sixth Regiment, N. T. V., January 25, 1864.
I hereby certify that Sergeant Henry Cliff, late of Company F, Seventy-sixth Regiment N. T.
Volunteers, has served honestly and faithfully in said Company until the first day of July, 1863,
when he was severely wounded in the action at Gettysburg, Pa., having been at his post during
every march, skirmish or battle in which the Regiment has been engaged up to the first of July,
above mentioned, excepting a few days after the battle of Bull Run, August thirtieth, 1862,
when he was sick. He was recommended to the rank of Second Lieutenant on the eighteenth
of January, 1863, by Colonel William P. Wainwright, then in command of the Regiment, and
afterward by Major John E. Cook, about the first of October, 1863, for promotion to the rank of
First Lieutenant. JOHN E. COOK, Lieutenant-Colonel Commwiding Regiment.
This paper was presented to President Lincoln, who, in his own hand, en
dorsed : —
I am induced to believe that Sergeant Cliff's case is a very meritorious one, and I shall be glad
if such place as he seeks in the Invalid Corps can be given him. A. LINCOLN.
April 25th, 1864.
He was never mustered upon his commission, having been discharged before
its receipt. He now resides at Dryden, Tompkins county, N. Y.

CAPTAIN AAEON SAGEE

Was born November twenty-
fifth, 1833, in Guilderland, Al
bany county, N. Y. His ances
tors were among the early Dutch
settlers along the Hudson. About
1836 ' his father, Jacob Sager,
moved with his family to the city
of .Albany, where the Captain
spent his boyhood. His educa
tional advantages were confined
to district schools. At the age
of thirteen he entered the office
of the Albany Spectatob, as an
apprentice, but failing health
soon compelled him to abandon
"** this occupation. His father,
about this time, moved to Syracuse. At the age of seventeen the Captain com
menced the study of medicine in the office of Drs. Hoyt and Mercer, where he
pursued his studies nearly five years. He then changed his residence to Cortland

402 The Seventy-sixth Eegiment N. Y. V.
village, where, after a short engagement as salesman, he, with a limited capital,
opened a drug store of his own. The spirit of the rebellion about this time de
veloping into actual war, he determined to abandon the pestle and mortar, and
take up the sword in behalf of his imperiled country. He was among the first to
aid in the organization of the Seventy-sixth Regiment. He was mustered in as
First Lieutenant of Company G, September sixteenth, 1861. Upon the resigna
tion of Captain Lansing, at Washington, D. C, the fore part of 1862, he was
promoted to Captain. He remained in command of his company while at Fred
ericksburg, and on Pope's retreat, participating in the battles of Rappahannock
Station, Warrenton Sulphur Springs and Gainesville. In the latter battle, while
cheering his men forward against greatly superior numbers, he fell wounded in
two places. One ball entered near the ankle joint, where it still remains. The
other passed entirely through his body. He was so severely wounded that word
several times reached his anxious friends that he was dead, as, through long,
weary days, he lay writhing in pain, much of the time in a state of wild delirium.
He finally partially recovered, and was, in 1863, discharged on surgeon's certifi
cate of disability. As a soldier, Captain Sager was considered a " duty man."
He was ever cheerful — on the march and in the bivouac, enlivening and cheering
the humblest soldier as well as the officer, with his pleasing stories and amusing
jests. While sharing even the last hard tack with the humblest private, with no
appearance of authority, he was ever ready to enforce discipline did the occasion
require it, fearlessly and impartially. Had he not been thus early " expended in
the service," there is no limit to the position he might have reached in the Regi
ment. He deems, however, his wounds, and the blasting of his ambition at the
very threshold of his experience as a warrior, nothing in view of the mighty re
sults which his efforts aided to accomplish.
He is now the proprietor of a drug store in Cortland village, N. Y.

CAPTAIN J. CHUECH HATCH
Was born in Groton, Tompkins county, N. Y., May eleventh, 1834. His grand
father on his father's side served in the Revolutionary war, and three of his
father's brothers in the war of 1812. The only brother of Captain Hatch enlisted
in the Second Illinois Cavalry in 1861, was captured at Fort Donelson in the
spring of 1862, and died of starvation and rebel cruelty, at Macon, Georgia, Sep
tember first, 1862. The Captain was married in 1855, to Miss Stilson, of Dryden.
His occupation, previous to his enlistment, was farming. He enlisted as a pri
vate in Company C, October twelfth, 1861, but was appointed Sergeant on the
twenty-fifth of the same month, and promoted to Second Lieutenant October
sixteenth, 1862, and to First Lieutenant February seventh, 1863. He was in com-

Lieutenant John Fisher.

403

mand of his company fromNovem"
ber eleventh, 1862, and was recom
mended for promotion to a Captaincy
June twenty-fifth, 1863, by Major A.
J. Grover, commanding the Regi
ment, and repeatedly during the fall
and winter by both Major Young
and Lieutenant-Colonel Cook, but
Captain Hatch is a true, out-spoken
patriot, and the people of the State
of New York in the dark days of
1862, placed in the executive chair
that bitter partizan, Horatio Sey
mour, and owing to a letter sent by
some of the pretended democratic
fbiends of the Captain to " Governor Satmoub," signed by one H. M. Ball, of
McLean, he was induced to " spare the feelings of the great democratic party of
McLean, and withhold his commission." Thus to please this noble band of
" pat-biots," the commission was withheld until January twenty-sixth, 1864, the
Lieutenant manfully doing his duty at the front, wondering why his recommend
ation was not heeded, and all unmindful of the treachery at home, which thus
insiduously and cowardly deprived him of his deserved promotion. He was en
gaged in all the battles and skirmishes in which the Regiment participated from
the fifth of September, 1862, to the twentieth of October, 1864, except Mine Run.
He was in the following battles and skirmishes : — South Mountain, Antietam,
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsyl
vania, North Anna, (or Jericho Ford), Coal Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad,
Poplar Grove. At the Weldon Railroad he captured the battle-flag of the Twenty-
fifth South Carolina Regiment, nearly losing his life. The flag was left in a
cornfield twenty or twenty-five rods in front of the breastworks. He was bring
ing in the flag, with fifteen or twenty rebels, when he imprudently raised the
color and was mistaken for a rebel. The Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania, on the right of
the Seventy-sixth, prepared to open fire, which was prevented by one of the Sev
enty-sixth calling out that it was Captain Hatch with prisoners. He was, for this
brave act, mentioned in the report of the Brigade commander, (see page 309).
He was discharged by reason of expiration of time, October twentieth, 1864, and
returned to his farm in McLean, N. Y.

LIEUTENANT JOHN FISHEE
Was bom at Willett, Cortland county, N. Y., March third, 1832. He received a
common school education, attending for a time the Cortlandville academy. When

404

The Seventy-sixth Eegiment N. Y. Y.

he entered the service, he was en
gaged in farming. With his broth
er-in-law, Lieutenant Van Slyck he
attempted to raise a company, but
the unexpected march of the Regi
ment to Albany, disappointed their
hopes, and their men were distribu
ted among other companies, and the
subject of this sketch was made Ser
geant-Major of the Regiment. He
was promoted to Second Lieutenant
of Company I January seventeenth,
1862, and to First Lieutenant of
Company G, in July, 1862. At the
battle of Gettysburg, July first, 1863,
he fell severely wounded, the ball passing through his arm and into his body, from
which it was afterwards extracted. While in the service he was engaged, with.
the Regiment, in the following battles: — Rappahannock Station, Warrenton
Springs, Gainesville, Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg. At
the battle of Bull Rim he was taken prisoner, paroled and sent to Annapolis, and
did not return until after the battle of Antietam. He resigned October twenty-
ninth, 1863, on account of his wound, which still very much affects his strength
and ability to labor. There were others who made more pretensions, but there
were few truer soldiers than Lieutenant Fisher. He has returned to his occupa
tion of farming, at Whitney's Point, Broome county, N. Y.

CAPTAIN WAEEEN EAELE EVANS,

Son of Clinton and Mary Duel Evans, was born in Dryden, Tompkins county, N.
Y., April thirtieth, 1843. In 1844, his parents moved to the town of Bath, Steu
ben county; N. Y., where his father was engaged in the mercantile business until
shortly before his death, in 1854. At the breaking out of the rebellion, Captain
Evans was attending school at Savana, Steuben county. He resolved to enlist in
the first company formed in his town, but was dissuaded by the entreaties of his
widowed mother. Another company was soon after formed, in which he enlisted,
but it never went to war, and was disbanded for want of the requisite number of
men. Being on a visit to his friends in Dryden, where efforts were being made to
recruit for the Seventy-sixth Regiment, he enlisted in Captain Barnard's company
(F). When the Regiment-left Albany, he was left in the hospital sick with
typhoid pneumonia, but rejoined the Regiment at Washington, D. C, about a,

Lieutenant Ealph W. Carries.

405

month after. When the Regiment
left Washington for Fredericksburg,
he was deemed unfit for duty by the
surgeon, and was left to assist in
caring for the sick, of which our
Regiment had a large number. When
the troops advanced on Culpepper,
in August, 1862, he accompanied the
sick to the hospital at Alexandria,
and then took the cars for Culpep
per. Arriving there in advance of
the Regiment, he was put into the
hospital to care for the wounded of
Cedar Mountain. He was kept at
this employment of hospital stew-
. ard, until the troops arrived at Alexandria. He then attempted to rejoin his
Regiment, but it was on the march into Maryland, and he only reached it in time
for the battle of South Mountain. Here the Color-Sergeant, Charles E. Stamp,
(see page 153), was killed, when the colors were taken by Evans and carried
through that battle and the succeeding one at Antietam. He was appointed
Sergeant November twenty-eighth, 1862, by Colonel Wainwright, for bravery and
meritorious services at Antietam. He also carried the colors at Fredericksburg,
and until the " mud march," when he was relieved and returned to his company.
He acted as First Sergeant of his company from the battle of Gettysburg until
February, 1864, when he re-enlisted as a. veteran. He received a commission as
Second Lieutenant in March, 1864, and was assigned to Company H, which com
pany he commanded until November, 1864, when he was placed in command of
the Regiment, which position he filled until December fifteenth, 1864. He was
promoted to First Lieutenant in October, 1864. He was in all the battles
from September fourteenth, 1862, to the Hicksford Raid in December, 1864. On
the night of June first, 1864, while lying in line of battle, he received a gunshot
wound in the head, and went back to the hospital, but returned and took com
mand of his company, June fourth. At the battle of the Wilderness, Va., May
fifth, 1864, Company H was nearly surrounded, but cut its way through the line,
capturing a rebel lieutenant and six men. The night before his discharge, he re
ceived a commission as Captain, but was never mustered upon it. Since his
discharge he has vindicated that other "Union," and is now settled at Bath,
Steuben county, N. Y.

LIEUTENANT EALPH W. CAEEIEE,
Son of Harley and Lavinia S. Carrier, was born in Hamilton, Madison county,
N, Y., in 1829. He received a common school education, and is a harness maker,

406

The Seventy-sixth Eegiment N. Y. V.

He enlisted in the State militia in
1847, and arose to the position of
Major, which commission he re
signed in 1866. In the summer of
1861, Major-General S. S. Burnside,
commanding a Division of militia,
tendered his Division for active ser
vice, on ten dayB' notice. Colonel
J. B. Wheeler, commanding the
Forty-third Regiment, tendered the
subject of this sketch an Adjutant's
commission. This was accepted.
But waiting until November with no
prospect of the Regiment seeing
active service, Lieutenant Carrier,
with M. B. Cleaveland, a Methodist minister, attempted to raise a company for
the Thirty-ninth Regiment, then recruiting in Cherry Valley. They had enlisted
but about thirty men, when they were ordered to join the Regiment, as it had
been ordered to Albany. At the consolidation at Albany, Carrier was made First
Sergeant of Company H. He was mustered into service January first, 1862. He
was promoted to Second Lieutenant in his company, February first, 1862. He
remained with his company through ail its experiences from Albany to Frede
ricksburg, and thence to Culpepper, and through the disheartening disasters of
Pope's retreat, participating in the battles of Rappahannock Station, Warrenton
Springs, Gainesville and Bull Run. In the latter battle, after retreating and ad
vancing twice, and while on the third retreat, he received a gunshot wound in the
left hip, from which the ball has never yet been extracted. He was taken to
Washington and Baltimore, where he was examined by the medical board, and
discharged January thirtieth, 1864. He resides at Sherburne, Chenango county,
New York.

LIEUTENANT MAETIN EDGCOMB

Was born in Groton, Tompkins county, N. Y., in 1836. His grandsires were
both in the Revolutionary war, When the war broke out, Lieutenant Edgcomb
was engaged with his brother Isaac in the harness business, in Cortland. He,.
however, left his business and enlisted in Company A, as Sergeant, under his
minister, Captain Grover. He was promoted to First Sergeant, and on the first
of December, 1864, to Second Lieutenant, and in January, 1865, to First Lieuten
ant and assigned to Company H, which company he commanded about five
months. He was with his Regiment to the battle of Second Bull Run, at which

Lieutenant Eiohard Williams.

407

he was taken prisoner. Paroled
upon the field, he was sent with
other paroled prisoners to Camp
Chase, near Columbus, Ohio, and did
not return to the Regiment until
after the battle of Gettysburg. Soon
after the battle he joined his Regi
ment and remained with it and the
different Regiments with which it
was consolidated, until the close of
the war by the surrender of Lee at
Appomattox. After rejoining his
Regiment, he participated in every
battle in which his Regiment was
engaged — a long, glorious career. In January, 1864, he re-enlisted as a veteran,
and served successively in the Seventy-sixth, One Hundred and Forty-seventh,
and was transferred to the Ninety-first New York Volunteers, but there being no
vacancy of his grade, he was mustered out as supernumerary, near Washington,
D. C, on the return of the homeward-bound army, July second, 1865. Lieuten
ant Edgcomb was engaged, with his company, in the following battles and skir
mishes : — Rappahannock Station, Warrenton Springs, Gainesville, Second Bull
Run, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Laurel Hill, North Anna, Coal Har
bor, Tolopotomoy Creek, Bethesda Church, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad,
Peeble's Farm, First and Second Hatcher's Run, Hicksford Raid, Five Forks,
Appomattox Court House. He went into the war from principle, and though
conspicuous in all the above battles, escaped unharmed. His post-office address
is Cortland village, Cortland county, N. Y.

LIEUTENANT EICHAED WILLIAMS
Joined the Seventy-sixth Regiment with the " Otsego branch," and in the con
solidation was reduced from First to Second Lieutenant of Captain Cook's com
pany, (I). He had previously served in the Seventy-first New York, and was
present at the first battle of Bull Run. On receiving his discharge, he came to
Otsego and commenced recruiting for that Regiment. He remained with his
company, faithfully doing his duty, until the second Bull Run battle, when in the
midst of the fight he was shot through the body, and lay all night in the lines of
the enemy. As he fell he begged his comrades to carry him off, but the retreat
was so precipitous that they were unable. to do so. The next morning, when
found, he was unconscious. Poor fellow ! He could not return the friendly and

408

The Seventy-sixth EeGiment N Y. Y.

sympathetic grasp of his companions, as they leaned over his fallen body. He
died the next day, August thirty-first, 1862, and was buried near Centreville, Va.
(See pages 134 and 135).

CAPTAIN EDWIN J. SWAN,
Son of Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel
A. L. Swan, was born at Cherry Val
ley, N. Y. He was a member of the
" Union Guards," and enlisted into
the service as a private in Company
H, at the age of eighteen. Being
well educated, he was soon sought
out and made clerk at headquarters,
and was soon after appointed mount
ed orderly. He was appointed Ser
geant of his company about the
time it left for the front. He was
pronounced unfit for service when
the Regiment left Fredericksburg
for Cedar Mountain, and was sent to
. the hospital at Alexandria. When he heard the guns at Second Bull Run, he at
tempted to procure leave of the surgeon to join his Reginlent. Failing in this,
he left the hospital and marched in search of his Regiment, some ten or fifteen
miles distant. On arriving at the army, he learned that the Regiment had gone
on towards Washington. Turning his weary steps toward Washington, on the
third day he reached the Seventy-sixth, To find half his comrades killed or
wounded, and among the latter his father. He remained with his company,
which he commanded at South Mountain and .Antietam. These battles so wore
upon him that he was forced to again enter the hospital, where for weeks his re
covery was considered doubtful. His youth and good constitution, however,
prevailed, and he again joined the Regiment. In the winter of 1862-3 he was pro
moted to First Lieutenant, and in September, 1863, to Captain and was assigned
to Company K. He commanded this company until the battle of the Wilder
ness, May fifth, 1864, when the whole company, with two others, was captured
by the rebels on the skirmish line, (see pages 284 to 289). Captain Swan was sent
to Macon, Ga. After several months in that prison pen, he was sent to Savannah
and thence to Charleston, S. C, and placed under the fire of the Union batteries.
Here he was kept until the fall of Charleston became a fixed fact, When he was
sent to Columbia. The approach of Sherman's army, making this place insecure,
the prisoners were loaded into freight and cattle cars, and hurried off toward

Lieutenant Job Norwood. 409
Charlottesville, N. C. When about seventy iniles on their journey, Captain Swan,
with two others, managed to cut a hole through the bottom of the car, and drop
through to the ground, where, in breathless suspense, they lay for half an hour,
until the train started on. The night was dark and so intensely cold that the
drizzling rain froze upon them as it fell. Clothed in the remnants of the uni
forms they wore nine months before, when captured, the refugees suffered beyond
description. They had heard that Sherman was approaching, and supposed that
if they could hold out a few days longer, he would arrive with his army ; but at
the end of five days of fasting and freezing, they learned to their utter dismay,
that Sherman had taken another route, and was receding instead of approaching.
Nothing could now be done, but to attempt a march to the Union lines. They
therefore, started for Tennessee. .After two months of intense suffering, they
succeeded in crossing the Blue Ridge, and reached Nashville, Tennessee, after a
journey of nearly five hundred miles. Weak, footsore and weary, these three had
traveled this whole distance through a strange country, traveling nights, resting
dayB, frequently one of the company unable to walk, except by the aid of the
others ; one night advancing ; the next day learning they had advanced in the
wrong direction, and the next night retracing their steps ; subsisting upon raw
corn, and such^other provisions as they could obtain ; fed all along their journey
by the blacks, the only class loyal to " Massa Lincum's Gov'ment ;" continually
in suspense and dread of recapture, their condition was indeed, pitiable. The
Captain has never yet recovered from the sufferings and privations of that year of
imprisonment and escape. It was a rare occurrence for so young a private to
arise to the rank of Captain in so brief a time.

LIEUTENANT JOB NOEWOOD
Joined Company E at its organisation, at Cortland, and was made Seventh Cor-
peral. He remained with his company, and on the first day of January, 1863,
was promoted to Orderly Sergeant. He re-enlisted on the first of January, 1864,
and March sixteenth, 1864, was promoted to Second Lieutenant and transferred
to Company K. At the battle of the Wilderness, May fifth, 1864, he was taken
prisoner with his company, on the skirmish line, (see pages 284 to 289). He re
mained a prisoner until March first, 1865, when he was exchanged, and was
discharged on the fourteenth day of March, 1865. He was in all the principal
battles and skirmishes in which the Regiment participated, and was ever ready to
do his duty. His present residence is Slaterville, Tompkins county, N, Y.

ROLLS OF FIELD, STAFF & COMPANIES.

See page

i345

ii

350

u

132-3

tt

360

OEIGINAL FIELD AND STAFF.
Colonel Nelson W. Gkeen, ....
Lieutenant-Colonel John D. Shaul,
Major Chaeles E. Livingston,
Surgeon Judson C. Nelson,
Assistant-Surgeon Geobge W. Metcalfe, - - " 362
Chaplain H. S. Richardson, - - - " 363
Adjutant H. F. Robinson, - - - - "363
Quartermaster A. P. Smith, Resigned May 12th, 1862.
Quartermaster-Sergeant A. J. Jabvis, Promoted to Captain and honorably dis
charged in 1865. A faithful officer.
Commissary-Sergeant William Storbs, Discharged in spring of 1862.

COMPANY A.
Aotxbew J. Geovbb, Captain. See page S51.
Chaeles H. Geoege, First Lieutenant. Resigned in 1862.
Hebschel W. Pierce, Second Lieutenant. See page 369.
Samuel M. Bybam, First Sergeant. See page 382.
Iba C. Potteb, Second Sergeant. See page 390.
Mabtin Edgcomb, Third Sergeant. See page 406.
Thomas H. MoClenthen, Fourth Sergeant. Wounded in thigh at Gainesville August 28th,
1862 ; promoted to Commissary Sergeant May, 1863, and to Sergeant-Major April, 1864, and dis
charged on expiration of time.
Norman G. Harmon, Fifth Sergeant. Promoted to First Sergeant, May 1862; to Lieutenant
December 25th, 1862: wounded; and taken prisoner at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863; commissioned
as Captain August 6th, 1863. Resigned.
Mabvin M. Mynaed, First Corporal. "Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862 ; discharged
for disability June 4th, 1863, and died at home in 1863.
David T. Williams, Second Corporal. Detached and served in ambulance corps and as forage
master, aud as wagon master in artillery brigade of Fifth Corps.
Lbander C. Dttrkee, Third Corporal. Discharged for disability.
William H. Myers, Fourth Corporal. See page 39fi.
Polemtjs W. Chafet, Fifth Corporal. Discharged for disability September 29th, 1862.
Jacob S. Knapp, Sixth Corporal. Discharged for disability February 6th, 1864.
Moses M. Whitney, Seventh Corporal. See page 378.
Oliver H. Topping, Eighth Corporal. Discharged for disability, September 1st, 1862.
Robebt Southworth, Musician. Discharged for disability, July 14th, 1863.

4:12 The Seventy-sixth Eegimekt H". T. V.
Chables O. Wood. Musician. Promoted to Drum-Major June 23d, 1863 ; transferred to Invalid
CorpB, dischargedfor disability and died.
George Z. Pulling, Wagoner. Discharged for disability January 29th, 1863.
PRIVATES.
Alexandeb, Ibvtng M. Discharged for disability January 21st, 1863.
Abnold, Frank E. Discharged at expiration of term in 1864.
Arnold, David W. Discharged for disability October 3d, 3863.
Austin, Caleb R. Discharged for disability January 15th, 1862.
Alexandee, La Grange. Discharged for disability January 13th, 1863.
Asbey, Thomas J. Wounded at Gainesville. Discharged for disability.
Allen, Geoege A. Discharged April 7th, 1863.
Bishop-Watts L. Re-enlisted January 1st, 1864 ; discharged for disability.
Beers, David C. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862, and Gettysburg July 1st, 1863.
Transferred to the "Veteran Reserve CorpB November 15th, 1863.
Buenham, Eugene A. Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps July 1st, 1863.
Beach, Hectoe S. Wounded at Gainesville ; discharged for disability January 9th, 1863.
Bennett, Isaac J. Discharged May 20th. 1862.
Brown, Alonzo D. Severely wounded at Gainesville, and discharged.
Bloomer, William H. Wounded at Gettysburg July lBt, 1863, and at the Wilderness May 5th,
1864 ; discharged with regiment at expiration oi term ; (since died).
Beach, Theodore. Discharged July 6th, 1862.
Byington, Marvin. Taken prisoner at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863.
Cole, Delos. Discharged for disability September 26th, 1862.
Cross, William E. Wounded at Warrenton Springs ; died in"ho"spital.
Carpenter, Daniel W. Wounded at Bull Run August 30th, 1862 ; re-enlisted February 28th.
1864 ; transferred to Marine Corps, AuguBt 5th, 1864.
Church, Nathan H.
Church, Alva B.
Cowlin, Matthew. Wounded at Gainesville ; discharged on expiration of term.
Cook, Claek. Wounded at Warrenton Springs ; discharged March 21st, 1863, and died at Wash
ington, D. C.
Condon, William.
Culver. Lyman. Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps February 15th, 1864, and discharged
at expiration of term.
Carpenter, Benjamin F. Killed at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863.
Campbell, Maetin P.
Deckee, Walter D. Discharged for disability November 25th, 1862, "and died soon after.
Earle, Willie L. Transferred to 14th Veteran Reserve Corps July 1st, 1863, and discharged.
Elwood, Wilson M. Discharged at expiration of term.
Edwaeds, James. Killed at Gettysburg, July 1st, 1863.
FOsteb, Miles R. Ee-enlistedrJanuary4st,1864: discharged.
Fox, William C. Killed at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863.
Gellett, Frank H. Discharged at expiration of term.
Haight, Leandee A. Discharged for disability May 20th, 1862.
Hutchings, Charles W. Wounded before Petersburg, June 22d, 1864 ; discharged.
Hall, E. George. Discharged May 22d, 1862. e u'
Henky, John B. Discharged for disability September 16th, 1862.
%TeTtaLiCMsonToTeXfw8iUn! &ken priBOner at Gettysburg July 1st, 1868, and
Hutchings, Ubiah. Discharged October 22d, 1862.
Hoyee, Aethtjb. Discharged for disability September 29th, 1863.
h™. Geoege B. Wounffed at Gettysburg July 1st, 1868; re-enlisted January 1st, 1864 : pro-
moted to Lieutenant December, 1864 ; remained to end of war. See page 329 ""•"x*- P™
Hatchings, Eufus. E. Wounded May 1st, 1863 ; transferred to Invalid Corns November 1863 •
discharged on expiration of term, November 14th. 1864. ».nuy™ra,i_»,
Halbekt, Lee. Killed at Gainesville August 28th, 1862.
Higgins, Samuel. Discharged for disability March 12th, 1863.
Haekis, Alonzo. Woundedat Gainesville August 28th, 1862 ; discharged October 22d. 1862
Hilton, Albeet L. Wounded at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863 ; killed af the Wilderness, May 5th,
ED™?mbe™lfcJ189ffi:' Wounded at Gainesville- August 28th, 1862, and dischargedfor wound
J s^9e°cbrEps faSafy 13™** "* G°U*^ -™T 1st, 1863, and transferred to Veteran Be-
Reach, Geoege G. Discharged at expiration of term, October 11th, 1864.
Loomis, Alexandee.
*Mh°1862EB' Chables M" Wotul|rtea at Bul- Eun August 29th, 1862; discharged October
Mtnaed ,'Noeman. Died at Fort Schuyler Hospital, N. Y., December 29th, 1862
^bchk|?dGfOT dsabmty? "ry l8t' 1&4 ; wounded at -*e Wilderness May 5th, 1864 ;
MOct?ief mhSlS64.E" Promoted t0 Sergeant April 12th, 1864 ; discharged on expiration of term
Mott, biNiEL. Killed at Gainesville August 28th, 1862.
Maeikle, Fkanois.
Olives, Oblanbo. Discharged for disability February 14th, 1862,

OompApNT B. 413

Owen > Haeeison W. Killed- at Gainesville August 28th, 1862.
Pottee, William B. Died at Meridian HillJJ. C, February 19th. 1862. See page 44.
Peatt, Fbanklin F. Promoted to Coporal December 11th, 1863 ; transferred to Marine Corps.
Pottee, Chauncey D. Discharged for disability September 22d, 1862.
Pottee, Waldo. Wounded at Bull Run August 30th, 1862, and discharged December 3d, 1862.
Re-enlisted in 2d Heavy Artillery ; wounded April 8th, 1865. and died same day near Richmond.
Pottee, John F. Discharged for disability February 7th, 1863.
Peatt, Chaeles F. Killed at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863.
Pease, Joseph N. Discharged July 7th, 1862.
Pi-ndae, James L.
Palmee, Lbuktub. Discharged November 8th, 1862.
Pindae, Tbuman. Wounded August 19th, 1864, at Weldon Eailroad.
Ripley, Heman. Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps February 15th, 1864.
Rounsvell, Loein S. Taken prisoner at Antietam and did not return.
Smith, Hbeman D. Promoted to Corporal February 1, 1863 ; killed at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863.
Smith, Melvin O. Wounded at Warrenton Springs August 26th, 1862, and at Gettysburg July
1st, 1863 ; discharged.
Stone, Stephen N. Discharged at Albany February 2d, 1862.
Seebee, John W. Wounded at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863, and died of wounds Angust 30th, 1863.
Smith, Selah. Discharged at expiration of term.
Stamp, Chaeles E. Promoted to color-bearer September, 1862 ; Mlled at South Mountain
September 14th, 1862. See page 153.
Tayloe, James C.
Topping, Miles.
Williams, William H. Discharged for disability February 22d, 1863.
Wateous, Moeeis E. Discharged February 11th, 1863.

COMPANY B.
Osoae C. Fox, Captain. See page 370.
Chauncey D. Ceandall, First Lieutenant. See page 378.
W. Stuabt Walcott, Second Lieutenant. See page 374.
Buelington Button, First Sergeant. Promoted to First Lieutenant December 13th, 1862 j
wounded at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863, and discharged.
A. Lyman Caetee, Second Sergeant. See page 376.
Samuel L. Blaokman, Third Sergeant. Discharged for disability 1863.
Ralph C. Swan, Fourth Sergeant. Discharged lor disability 1862.
Henky L. Tayloe, Fifth Sergeant. Killed at Gainesville August 28th, 1862.
Chaeles V. Fullee, First Corporal. Promoted to Sergeant ; wounded at Gettysburg July 1st,
1868, and discharged at expiration of term, 1864.
HenbV H Tubnee, Second Corporal. Discharged for disability and died soon after.
Amos B Mines, Third Corporal. Discharged for disability ; drafted into same company ; taken
prisoner and died in Florence, S. C, October, 1864.
Geoege H. Weeks, Fourth Corporal. Died in the summer of 1862.
Joseph McLean, Filth Corporal. Wounded at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863, and transferred to
Joseph L. Cotton, Sixth Corporal. Promoted to First Sergeant ; wounded at Bull Run Au
gust 30th, 1862 ; at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863, and Hatcher's Run February 6th, 1865 ; discharged
at close of the -war, June 20tfi, 1865, having re-enlisted. ,,,,..,
Hieam G Waenee, Seventh Corporal. Promoted to First Sergeant : wounded and taken
nrisoner at the Wilderness May 5th, 1864 ; discharged at expiration of term.
Albeet J. Wildman, Eighth Corporal. Wounded at Gainesville, Gettysburg, Petersburg and
Hatcher's Run ; re-enlisted February 28th, 1864, and discharged at the close of war, July
17th, 1865. .
Stephen Bennett, Je., Musician. .
Geoege W. Ceoss, Musician. Discharged at expiration of term.
Haevey Yates, Wagoner. Died in service in 1862.
PRIVATES.
Allen, CiSsteb'h. Killed at Gainesville August 28th, 1862.
Abnold, Allen. Detailed in February, 1862, to gunboat, and killed at explosion of the "Mound
City."
Bubnham, ElBEIDGE R. Died of typhoid pneumonia in sping of 1862.
Blackman, Theeon. Discharged at expiration of term.
Biedlebough, Theodoee. Discharged at expiration ol term.
Bush, Chaeles. Wounded at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863 ; taken prisoner and died at Anderson
ville September, 1864. , „ ... ..... . .n_
Biedlebough, Joseph R. Discharged for disability m 1862.
Bubtch, James W. Wounded at Gettysburg.
CeozieiPwilliam J. Wounded at Gainesville and the Wilderness, and taken prisoner ; dis
charged February, 1865.

414 The Seventy-sixth Reoiment N. Y. V.
Chattdlee, Lttoies'. Died at Camp Doubleday, D. C, of typhoid pneumonia, in spring of 1862.
Crozier, John. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862, and discharged for wound.
Crumb, Reuben. Discharged for disability in spring of 1862.
Cotton, James L. Killed at South Mountain September 14th, 1862.
Cotton, Hoeaoe. Wounded at the Wilderness, May 5th, 1864 ; discharged at expiration of term.
Cahill, William. See page 874.
Debar, Theodore. Wounded near Petersburg June 18th, 1864 ; discharged at expiration oi
term.
Ellsworth, David J. Discharged for disability April 12th, 1862, and died of such disability.
Eaton, Benjamin F. Wounded at Gettysburg, and discharged at expiration of term.
Fox, Daniel. Wounded at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863 ; taken prisoner at the Wilderness May
5th, 1864.
Finch, Henry. Died at Fredericksburg July, 1862.
Follett, Warren H. Died at Fairfax, Va., 1862.
Fox, Lewis H. Wounded at Gettysburg ; taken prisoner at the Wilderness ; discharged
March, 1865.
Fuller, William K. Wounded at South Mountain ; promoted to Sergeant January 14th,
1863 ; re-enlisted, came home on furlough, and died January 4th, 1865.
Fuller, Everett. Wounded at Bull Run and Gettysburg ; taken prisoner, and died at Ander-
Bonville November 1864.
Fuller, Burdett. Discharged for disability April 20th, 1864.
Fuller, Eugene E. Discharged for disability 1862.
Fuller, Morell. Dischargedat expiration of term.
Feink, Jerome. Wounded at Gettysburg ; takenprisoner at the Wilderness, and died in prison
at Florence.
Hyde, Charles A. Killed at Gettysburg July 1, 1863.
Harvey, Albert.
Haynes, Nicholas. Discharged 1862.
Johnson, Anson M. N. Was a waiter, but took a gun and went Into the fight, and was killed
at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863.
Justice, Heney. Discharged at expiration of term.
Jones, Edgar W. Died of disease after battle of Bull Run.
Lyons, Fayette.
Lason, George W. Wounded at Gettsburg; re-enlisted: takenprisoner at the Wilderness.
Lowell, Levi F. Re-enlisted and remained to the end of the war.
McLean, Peter. Discharged for disability in 1862.
Mesbenger, Mobes. Wounded at South Mountain ; discharged for disability, and re-enlisted
in another regiment.
Marble, Horatio G. Discharged for disability in 1862.
Miller, George B. Wounded at Bull Run; taken prisoner at the Wilderness; discharged
with the regiment.
Martin. Thomas. See pages 367-8.
Moon, Reuben H. Discharged at Albany for non-consent of parents.
Morgan, Milo. Captured at Wilderness and died at Andersonville August, 1864.
Parce, Jtjdbon E. Wounded at Bull Run, and discharged for wound.
Peterson DeForrest. Discharged for disability in 1862.
Phelps, John H. Discharged.
Parselow, John B." Discharged for disability in 1862.
Phillips, James A. Discharged for disability.
Pender, Theodore G. Captured at Wilderness and died at Andersonville.
Peck, Eli E. Wounded %t Gainesville, (see page 125) ; discharged for wound.
Pember, Lewis P. Discharged for disability.
Ruddock, Nathan S. Wounded at Antietam : discharged at expiration of term.
Rockwell, Henry G. Discharged at expiration of term.
Ross, Hugh. Killed at Gainesville August 28th, 1862.
Roe, George W. Discharged at expiration of term.
Soranton, Hiram D. Died at Aquia Creek December 8th, 1862.
Sutton, Henry C. Killed at Gainesville August 28th, 1862.
Swan, Palmer. Died at home on furlough in 1868.
Sharp, Thomas H. Taken prisoner and enlisted into the regular army.
Skinner, LuthBr. Died at Alexandria in 1862.
Salisbury, David. Died at Mount Pleasant Hospital in 1862.
Smith, Newton D. Discharged.
Sperry, Miles. Wounded at Gainesville : taken prisoner at theWilderness, and discharged.
Sergent, Arnold S. Discharged for disability October 18th, 1863.
Sawyer, Isaac N. Transferred to Invalid Corps. '
Stewart, James W. Discharged for disability.
Spauldiwg, James M. Wounded.
Thorington, George E. Wounded on picket at Fredericksburg, December 15th, 1862, and at
Gettysburg Julylst, 1863.
Wells, Benson W. Lost an arm at Bull Run August 29th, 1862, and discharged In conseauence
October 8th, 1862. *
White, Isaac. Discharged for disability February 27th, 1862.

Company 0. 415
COMPACT 0.

Gilman D. CBiTTENDEN.Captain. Honorably discharged.
Elias R. Weaver, First Lieutenant. Honorably discharged.
Moses P. Marsh, Second Lieutenant. See page 377.
Henry H. Howe, First Sergeant. Discharged for disability March, 1863.
Tyler Caemer, Second Sergeant. Discharged for disability March, 1863.
James C. Hatch, Third Sergeant. See page 403.
Robert G. Davidson, Fourth Sergeant. Ke-enlisted January 1st, 1864 ; promoted to First Ser
geant February 1st, 1864, and to Sergeant-Major February 5th, 1865.
Edwin Fish, Fifth Sergeant. Discharged for disability May, 1863.
Henry A. Snow, First Corporal. Wounded June 3d, 1864, and died June 15th, 1864, at Alexan
dria.
Carlos Baldwin, Second Corporal. See page 379.
George N. Shaw, Third Corporal. Transferred to Invalid Corps.
Byron C. HowELL.Fourth Corporal. Discharged for disability April 18th, 1862.
Henry Knettles, Fifth Corporal. Died in 1864.
Hallet Main, Sixth Corporal. Died of disease after Fredericksburg battle.
William A. Stubbs, Seventh Corporal. Transferred to Invalid CorpB.
Charles Howard, Eighth Corporal. Promoted to Second Sergeant ; wounded at Gettysburg :
killed at Wilderness May 6th, 1864.
Milo Lewis, Musician. Discharged at expiration of term.
- Henry R. Butman, Musician. Discharged May, 1862.
Abheb Wilcox, Jr., Wagoner. Discharged in 1862.
PRIVATES.
Austin, Benjamin H. Discharged in 1862.
Apgar, John G. Transferred to Invalid Corps in 1863, and discharged at expiration of term.
Avery, Amos. Discharged early in 1862.
Apgar, Melville B. Discharged December, 1862.
Andrews, John F. Discharged at expiration of term November 8th, 1864.
Baldwin, Newton. Re-enlisted : taken prisoner at the Wilderness ; discharged.
Bartholomew, N. G. See page 388.
Bennie, Marcus B. Promoted to Second Sergeant; discharged January, 1863.
Bradly, Daniel. Promoted to Corporal, and Killed at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863.
Bacon, Gilbert G.
Chapin, John F. Discharged.
Casteeline, William.
Cramer, Michael. Discharged.
Case, Dorsey D. Discharged at expiration of term.
Draper, Egbert. Discharged at expiration of term.
Daboll, John. Discharged in 1862.
Davis, Lucius.. See page 385.
Dimon, Daniel. Discharged at expiration of term.
Evan, Shadeaok E. Discharged in 1862.
Edgcomb, Albeet. Discharged in 1862.
Ferguson, William H.
Fulkeeson, Henry S. Killed at Gainesville August 28th, 1862.
Francis, Charles. Wounded at Fredericksburg December 13th, 1862 ; re-enlisted and dis
charged at the close of war by General Order 158.
Frees, Heney J. Promoted to Corporal and discharged at expiration of term.
Greenfield, Luther. Discharged for disability April, 1862.
Gbiswold, Daniel P. Promoted to Corporal ; lost a leg at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863, and dis
charged.
Howell, Tappan. Wounded at South Mountain September 14th, 1862, and died of wound Sep
tember 28th, 1862.
Howell, Hannibal. Killed at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863.
Heath, Anson.
Higgins, Eugene. Discharged at expiration of term.
Hughes, Chaeles. Wounded at Bull Run and Gettysburg, and discharged.
Harvey, Charles R. Died at Fredericksburg, July, 1862.
Holmes, John F. Transferred to 93d N. Y. V. at Albany in 1862.
Hicks, Amos A. Discharged at Culpepper in April, 1864.
Lambeeson, John A.
Luther, Melville A. Wounded at South Mountain September 14th- 1862, and discharged.
Lowe, Haelan P. Discharged.
Laeabee, Nelson B.
Morgan, Rodney S. Enlisted into the cavalry in December, 1862.
McGregor, Daniel. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862, (see page 122), and died soon.
Mosier, William A. Wounded at Laurel Hill May 10th, 1864 ; discharged at expiration of
term.
Monfort, Heney J. Discharged at expiration of term.
McAllister, Wattsfoed. Discharged for disability.
Main Hiram C. Discharged In 1862.
Miller, Albert W. Transferred to Invalid Corps.
MoVean, ROBEB-T.
Nobton, William D. Died of measles in Cortland, December 1861.

416 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
Newton, Buedette. Dischaged for disability in the spring of 1868.'
Ormsby, Edgar. Promoted to corporal ; wounded at Laurel Hill May, 1864, and discharged at
expiration of term.
Patterson, Edward M. Discharged for disability in 1862. „n,„.Hn-1 ftf +prm
Patterson! Edward L. Wounded at South Mountain ; discharged at expiration oi lerm.
Patterson, George F. Discharged for disability in 1862. ,-iiorHn AndArnnn.
Peck, Stiles. Taken prisoner atPoplar Grove Cfhurch December, 1864, and died in Anderson
ville prison.
Post, George M. Discharged at expiration of term.
Pratt, George F. _ M
Puterbaugh, Isaac. Discharged for disability September 14th, 1862.
Peak, William. Discharged at expiration of term.
Ryan, Henry. Wounded at Gettysburg July lBt, 1863 ; discharged at expiration of term.
Rulison, Charles H.
Smith, Bloeace H. Dischargedfor disability; drafted into same company. ,
Satterly, Ami. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862 ; re-enlisted, and discharged at close
of war, by General Order 158.
Stout, George W. Wounded at Bull Run August 30th, 1862, and died in 1863.
Stone, Edward. Discharged at expiration of term.
Taylor 3enjamin. Discharged at expiration of term.
Teeter, Cioeeo. Discharged for disability.
Teeter, Leverne E. Promoted to Sergeant; wounded at Weldon Railroad August 22d, 1864,
and discharged at expiration of term.
Tucker, William H. Discharged for disability in 1862.
Teeter, Edwaed H. Dischargedfor disability.
Topping, Martin.
Thompson, Geobge R. Killed at Gainesville, August 28th, 1862.
Wright, Oblan. Discharged at expiration of term.
Woodmanoy, Nathan. Discharged for disability in 1862.
Wood, William A. Wounded at Bull Run September 30th, 1862, and died of wound.
Wood, John L. Wounded at Gainesville September 28th, 1862, (seepage 122).
White, John A. Died at Alexandria August, 1862.
Weaver, Henry D. Promoted to Corporal and killed at Gettysburg July 1st. 1863.
Wyckoff, Alvin. Wounded at Bull Run August 80th, 1862, and at Gettysburg July 1st, 186S.
and discharged at expiration of term.
Webber, Samuel S.
Stll3on, Henry C. Discharged at expiration of term.

COMPANY D.
Charles L. Watrous, Captain. Seepage 381.
Edwaed D. Van Slyok, First Lieutenant. See pages 883-4.
GaoEaE I. Foster, Second Lieutenant. Resigned in fall of 1862. Unable to procure biography.
Ubeeto A. Buenham, First Sergeant. See page 367.
Benjamin F. Wateous, Second Sergeant. Served out his time, and discharged Mav 1865
.Milton D. Allen, Third Sergeant. Discharged in fall of 1863. '
William STEiNGHAM-Fourth Sergeant. See page 387.
Geoege W. Arnold, Fifth Sergeant. Discharged at expiration of term October 24th, 1864.

Latoisuee Stebbins, First Corporal. Wounded at Fredericksburg December iif-h 1M9 *„*
Petersburg June 22d, 1864 ; commissioned Second Lieutenant company I Apr? X'l864 ' aSd
discharged at expiration of term. e J .a--/m,«..u, iot», ana
George M. Guernsey, Second Corporal. Died at FredericksbureAnsnistM ism
Lyjian C. Galpin, Third Corporal. Discharged fl-om the ^afi?CbrM »t eiK«-.^ -.ft-.™
William H. Tabbell, Fourth Corporal. Seepage 384 ul™>la -'-"'PS at expiration of term.
Samuel D. Squibes, Fifth Corporal. Died at Fredericksburg August loth ism
Theeon C. Guernsey, Sixth Corporal. See page 887 -a-ugusc luin, ism.
^ebraa^fisl.17™^'86™11"1 &rporaL ^enl on detached duty on Mississippi Squadron
Jay Webstee, Eighth Corporal. Wounded at Chantilly. and disciinro-ort r>„t„v„ ™j ,„«,
S«e^^
Heney B. Sweatland, Musician.
Geoege O. Bowen, Musician. Transferred to Brigade Band tomb„ ooj ,0~ „ . .
discharged at close of war by General Order 168 ana Januaiy 28d,1865; re-enllsted j
Charles S. Spencer, Wagoner. Discharged In May 1862.
PRIVATES.
Buediok, Iea W. Discharged in the fall of 1862.
Bensooten, Edwin S.
B!XiST H> WouMed at S0ttt" Mottntaln September 14th, 1862, and discharged about

Company D. 4.17
BabtonT^WiLLIAM" D1 scharSe d October 22d, 1862.
Barton, Haevey C. Discharged at expiration of term in 1864.
Boyce, Lyman. Discharged for disability.
Beaoe, Feanois. Taken prisoner at the Wilderness May 6th, 1864.
Bunnell, Alonzo. Discharged at Frederick City, Md., February, 1863.
Cutlee, Geoege D. Discharged at expiration of term.
Coltin, Thomas H. Shot through the head and killed at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863.
Cinnamon, James. Promoted to Color-Sergeant for bravery, in May, 1864, Discharged at ex
piration of term, November 12th, 1864. Re-enlisted in Hancock's Veteran Corps.
Caeb, Daniel. Wounded and taken prisoner at Gainesville August 28th, 1862, and died at
Annapolis, Md., In September following.
Carr, Elijah.
Carson, James R. Discharged in September, 1862.
Clark, James B. Re-enlisted January 1st, 1864. Promoted to Corporal and discharged at ex
piration of term by General Order No. 158.
Churchill, Moetimee. Discharged in December, 1862.
Chidesteb, William. Taken prisoner at Gettysburgjuly 1st, 1863, and afterward discharged.
Culvee, Lloyd D. Re-enlisted. Taken prisoner at Wilderness May 5th, 1864, and missing from
that time.
Davenpoet, Orville. Discharged October 22d, 1862.
Evans, John J. Wounded in leg at Gettysburg July 1, 1863, and in hand at Hatcher's Run
February 6, 1865 ; promoted to Corporal December, 1863 ; re-enlisted January 1st, 1864 ; dis
charged at end of war, July 1865.
Faebee, Jacob. Taken prisoner at Gettysburg, July 1st, 1863. Did not return.
Fishee, Eugene. Re-enlisted January 1st, 1864, and promoted to Corporal August, 1864. Dis
charged at the close of war, July Sd, 1865, by General Order 158.
Grace, Dobman.
Grimes, Joseph. Killed at Gainesville August 28th, 1862.
Goodell, David.
Gabliok, Frederick A. Discharged by Secretary of War.
Habding, James. Discharged In 1862.
Hull, Noeman A.
Hereon, William. ...¦..„
Hawley, Geoege W. Wounded in leg at Bull Run August 29th, 1862 ; promoted to Corporal ;
re-enlisted January 1st, 1864 : killed May 6th,1864, carrying flag at the Wilderness. (See p. 290.)
Holden, Haben. Discharged October, 1862.
Hopkins, Lyman. Promoted to Corporal December, 1868 ; re-enlisted January 1st, 1864 ; dis
charged at close of war, by General Order 158.
Isaacs, John J. Discharged February, 1863 ; joined the 185th N. T. V., and made Second Lieu-
. tenant.
James, John L. In all battles to Antietam ; then detailed to Division Headquarters ; in flght
near Petersburg; discharged atexpiration of term, October, 1864. ..... . „„,
James, Edwaed. Wounded and taken prisoner at Gainesville ; re-enlisted January 1st, 1864 ;
killed at Wilderness May 5th, 1864.
Knapp, Henry Z. Discharged January 11th, 1863. „ . ,. ,„,,,
Kellogg, Leander M. Discharged at expiration of term, October, 1864.
Lull, James. Wounded at South Mountain September 14th, 1862 ; enlisted into the regular
army In December, 1862 ; wounded at Gettysburg.
Miner, Oscar P. Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps April 1st, 1864, and discharged April
18th, 1864, for disability.
Me?rSt?WiB™a?d S. Wounded in thigh at Coal Harbor ; also at Petersburg and Weldon
Railroad : taken prisoner at Poplar Grove Church ; discharged May 25th, 1865.
M?les,j5seph. Wounded in shoulder at Gainesville, and ^-1 'n cm?<iuence
Mantanye. William J. Taken prisoner at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863T;T-e-enlisted I ebruai y 9tn,
1£64 rSetMled tc /Brigade Headquarters October 8th, 1?64 ; discharged at close of war, by Gen
eral Order No. 158.
Norton, Parmenus A. Promoted to Corporal April, 1863 ; J.|-enli|ted January 1st, . \m$™
moted to Sergeant April, 1864 ; wounded at Laurel Hill May 8th, 1864 ; lost an arm at weioon
Railroad August 21st, 1864. Discharged.
Northrup, Martin V. B. Discharged in January, 1863.
Newbey, Floyd.
Pike, Gareet S. Re-enlisted January 1st, 1864 ; killed at the Wilderness May 5th, 1864.
Pearkins, Henry. .
Peokham, Lawton. Died March 1862.
Reagan Patrick. Taken prisoner at Bull Run August 29th, 1862. Discharged.
SS™^ '• J*£ £ t^GSrvluflulu^mtWfdischarged.
S^^^W^Dm Sanpord, ^Fayette. p Discharged ^^J^f^^S December 23d, 1863 ; promoted to
Smith ^BJ^F. discharged O cto Ferness, jiay 5th, 1864 j transferred to Veteran Reserve
COTps^discWged J^gfyMgjS. corporal June, 1862/and to Sergeant Ajjril, 1864 ; wounded
mtttt. William jn- ,Jri.-'vi„„l,  T„i,V ict itwa. rp-RTiliateri J--

SS»w«

418 The Seventy-sixth .Regiment N. Y. V.
Smith, D. Webster. Promoted to Corporal October, 1863 ; re-enlisted January 1st, 1864 ; killed
at Petersburg June 21st, 1864. (See page 310).
Stuart, James. Taken prisoner at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863; re-enlisted January, 1864 ; dis
charged at the close of war July 3d, 1865, by General Order 158.
Spenoer, John E, Discharged at expiration of term in 1864.
Spenoee, Samuel G. Wonnded at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863, and died of wound soon after.
Spencer, James B.
Sweet, William M. Wounded in hip at Bull Run August 30th, 1862, and taken prisoner ; dis
charged at expiration of term, October 4th, 1864.
Seward, Arthur R. Promoted to Corporal October 1st, 1863 ; taken prisoner at the Wilder
ness May 5th, 1864 ; discharged May, 1865.
Stalter, Bartholomew. Discharged at Fort Slocum, D. C, May, 1862.
Stuart David.
Stuart, Horace G. Killed at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863.
Taebell Simon. Wounded in arm at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863 ; taken prisoner at the Wilder
ness May 5th, 1864 ; discharged in spring of 1865.
Tuttle, James C. Re-enlisted January 1st, 1864; promoted to Corporal April 1864 ; killed at
Wilderness Mav 6th, 1864.
Veeeeau. Francis E. Wounded at Bull Run August 29th, 1862 ; died of wound In hospital
September, 1862.
Van Woemeb, David.
Vosbubg, Marion. Discharged at Fort Slocum, D. C, April, 1862.
Watrous, George E. Wounded in leg at Gainesville Angust 28th, 1862 ; re-enlisted January
1st, 1864 ; wounded at Laurel Hill May 8th, 1864 ; discharged at close of war, July 3d, 1865, by
General Order 158.
Wilson. John. Promoted to Corporal December, 1862, and to Sergeant April, 1864 ; discharged
at expiration of term, October, 18b4.
Wilcox, Frederick W. Died In Winter of 1861-2.
Watson, William R.
Watson, William W.
Wedge, Orlando. Taken prisoner at Bull Run August 29th, 1862 ; re-enlisted January 1st, 1864 ;
severely wounded in the leg at the Wilderness May 6th, 1864 ; discharged after close of war in
1865.
Wilbur, Thomas. Promoted to Corporal December, 1863 ; re-enlisted January 1st, 1864 ; dis
charged at close of war, July 3d, 1865, by General Order 158.
Wedge, Oscar. Dischargedfor disability iu fall of 1862.
Wedge, Alonzo. Discharged April, 1862.
Way, Harvey D. Wounded at Gainesville ; discharged in fall of 1862.
Fisher, John. See page 403.

COMPANY E*
William H. Powell. Captain. Eesigned March 38th, 1863. No biography.
John H. Ballard, First Lieutenaut. See page 391.
Sanfobd M. Powell, Second Lieutenant. Eesigned February 14th, 1863. No biography.
Gideon Pbentice, First Sergeant. Wounded. Discharged for disability December 8th, 1863.
James Brayman, Second Sergeant.
Daniel M. Peeey, Third Sergeant. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862, and discharged.
Thomas B. Hewitt, Fourth Sergeant.
James Wright, Fifth Sergeant.
Julius W. Bragg, First Corporal.
George B. Witlee, Second Corporal.
Cortland G. Young, Third Corporal. Deserted in 1862 ; enlisted in 22d N. T. Cavalry in Jan
uary, 1864 ; taken prisoner June, 1864 ; died at Andersonville September 14th, 1864 ; buried in
grave No. 8733.
Palmer Z. Bice, Fourth Corporal.
Oelakdo W. Hutchinson, Fifth Corporal. Died in hospital April 21st, 1862.
Charles Kenyon, Sixth Corporal,
Job Noewood, Seventh Corporal. See page 409.
Eli A. Berry Eighth Corporal. Takenprisoner at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863; exchanged De
cember 28th, 1863 ; discharged October 4th, 1864, at expiration of term.
George W. Noetheup, Musician. Discharged for disability.
Franklin Bliss, Musician.
James B. Palmeston, Wagoner. Wounded June 18th, 1864, and died of wound June 24th, 1864.
PRIVATES.
Allen, Nelson A. D.
Boyoe, Allen. Discharged for disability May 20th, 1862.

*Very many of the men of this Company are unaccounted for. because the rolls are not ac
cessible, and the officers have failed to respond to letters of inquiry. Much of the information
has been derived from Lieutenant Job Norwood. ,

Company E. 419
Boyoe, Jacob. Discharged for disability November 29th, 1862.
Barrowb, Eben E.
Beibee, Phillip.
Beazee, Feanklin.
Burton, Oren W.
Baseman, Geoege H.
Bush, James B. Killed at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863.
Cox, Edwin J.
Chapman, Hieam. Discharged April 20th, 1862.
Collins, Bartholomew.
Cheeney, Benjamin F.
Chaeee, Calvin.
Corl, Feanklin B.
Chaeee, John C. Discharged April 20th, 1862.
Crapo, Eliakim. Died at Culpepper forepart of 1864.
Comstock, Adolphus A. Promoted to First Sergeant March 16th, 1864 ; killed June 3d, 1864.
(See page 302).
Cbandall, Henry.
Chueoh, Obbis. Taken prisoner on Weldon Railroad in 1864 ; paroled at Salisbury, N. C, Feb
ruary, 1865.
Corntoed, William H.
Demarauville, Jambs S. Discharged for disability November 26th, 1862.
Duggan, James.
Dubkee, Abijah.
Doban, Silas.
Dodge, C.B. Substitute for George Love. Taken prisoner at Wilderness May 5th, 1864 ; died
at Andersonville.
Fostee, Amos. Discharged.
Finch, maeoellus.
Gowar, Thomas B.
Gibson.-Osoae. Taken prisoner July 1st, 1863, at Gettysburg, and died on Belle Isle, Va.
Hamilton, James W.
Hyde, Peter B.
Hyde, Robert H.
Haviland, Edgar D. Promoted to Sergeant January 1st, 1863 ; re-enlisted January 1st, 1864 ;
killed at the Wilderness, May 5th, 1864.
Harris, Geoege J. ' Killed at Gainesville, Augnst 28th, 1862.
Hammond, Ira.
houghtaling, emmet.
howaed, bbazilla.
Hamilton, Charles F.
Houghtaling, Milton S. Died at Aquia Creek, December 16th, 1862.
Holbeook, Warren. Killed near Petersburg June 22d, 1864.
HUNQERFORD, JAMES E.
Ives, Samuel H.
Johnson, Warren W.
Kellogg, Valda L. Discharged at expiration of term, October 4th, 1864.
Kenyon, Heney P. Wounded July 1st, 1863, at Gettysburg ; transferred to Invalid Corps De
cember 31st, 1863 ; discharged at expiration of term, November 28th, 1864.
Kelley, Edward. Lost leg at Gainesville, August 28th, 1862, and died of wound. (Seep. 126).
Kimball, Geoege D.
Lawrence, Lucas F. Killed at Hatcher's Run, Va., February 7th, 1864.
Lusk, William J.
Madison, Oelando. Discharged at expiration of term, October 8th, 1864.
Moeton, Squiee. Killed at Spottsylvania May 12th, 1864.
Morenub, William.
Mix, Joel. Died on the road to Cedar Mountain, Augnst, 1862.
Marsh, Washington,
Mooee, George W. Died in hospital.
Morse, Lewis M.
MoIntyee, Rensselaer. Died in hospital, D. C, March 31st, 1862.
Northrup, Geoege L. Promoted to Corporal ; wounded at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863 ; dis
charged December 11th, 1863.
Olney, Marion. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862.
Owen, Abnee W.
Oeton, James. Discharged for disability November 27th, 1862.
Stedwell, George. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862.
Shoultus, Seymour.
Seward, Alonzo.
Satterlee, Lyman J. Discharged at expiration of term, October 4th, 1864.
Steele, Sylvester.
Tarbox, Worden M.
Totman, Calvin. Discharged for disability. (See pages 52-3).
Trim, William. Deserted and joined another regiment.
Trowbridge, Duane.
Talbot, Josephus.

420 The Seventy-sixth Kegiment N". Y. V.
Webb, Lewis B.
Weight, William H. Re-enlisted January, 1864 ; discharged at close of war July 15th, 1865.
Wilsons Henry. Discharged for disability, June 14th, 1862.
Wood, Walter. Promoted to Sergeant June 25th, 1863 ; killed at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863.
Young, Thomas J. Discharged March, 1862.
Young, David.
Zeh, Holmes. Discharged in 1863.
Spitzeh, Richard B.

COMPANY F.
John H. Baenaed, Captain. See pageU92.
Blias A. Mead, First Lieutenant. Wounded at Antietam September 17th, 1862, and discharged.
Unable toprocure his biography.
WilliaH W. Geeen, Second Lieutenant. See page 894.
Delos V. Caldwell, First Sergeant. Discharged for disability November 22d, 1862.
Laweence M. Bankee, Second Sergeant. Killed at Gainesville August 28th, 1862. (See p. 122).
Henby Cliff, Third .Sergeant. See page 400.
Hubeet Caepentee, Fourth Sergeant. See page 363.
Oeein H. Ellis, Fifth Sergeant. Died at Fort Totten in spring of 1862.
¦Ralph E. Tuckee, First Corporal. Promoted to Sergeant ; wounded at Gettysburg July 1st,
1863; transferred to "Veteran Reserve Corps.
James H. Young, Second Corporal. Wounded.
Maeion Wilcox, Third Corporal. Discharged at Washington in 1862.
Clinton D. Bouton, Fourth Corporal. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862, and dis
charged.
LEwrs Sweet, Fifth Corporal. Discharged for disability July 9th, 1863.
John D. Teipp, Sixth Corporal. Discharged for disability April 5th, 1862 ; was afterwards one
year and three months Medical Cadet in XT. S. A.
Osmeb Hill, Seventh Corporal. Discharged for disability August 12th, 1862.
Alonzo B. Wagoneb, Eighth Corporal. Wounded at Gainesville August 2Sth, 1862, and at the
Wilderness May 6th, 1864 ; discharged September 6th, 1864.
Milton B. Haet- Musician.
John Daet, Musician.
Bowne Yates, Wagoner. Transferred to Yeteran Reserve Corps, and dischargedfor disability.
PRIVATES.
Babton, William H. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862 ; died at New York February
18th, 1863.
Bankee, Isaac W. Wounded at Bull Run August 29th, 1862 ; dischargedfor disability Febru
ary 7th, 1863. (Seepage 122).
Beadt, Simon S. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862, and Fredericksburg December
13th, 1862.
Beooks, Tea S. Discharged at Washington, D. C, in 1862,
Benton, William. Discharged for disability.
Cabd, Chestee P. Taken prisoner at the Wilderness May 5th, 1864.
Cadogan, Waltee.
coyle, lobenzo.
c4£5' iiiF19/./- Wou?™?d at Gainesville, August 28th, 1862, and at Fredericksburg December
l<3tn, 1od2. (bee page lc/2).
Compton, Silas. Discharged.
Dewey, Alfred.
Dodge, William E. Died of measles, in 1861.
Dickinson, Orville. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862.
Deapee, Richaed. Discharged in 1862.
Dunbae, Daniel. Died at Fort Massachusetts April, 1862.
Edwards, Patteeson E. Discharged 1862.
Evans, Earle. See page 404.
Fitts, Charles. Discharged in 1862.
Gee, William R. Discharged in 1862.
Glover, Chaeles. Taken prisoner at the Wilderness May 5th, 1864 ; discharged in 1865
Gifford, Allen F. Discharged in 1863. i"-—i«iiui™.
Hines, James G. Discharged at Fort Totten in spring of 1862.
Hoy, Maetin. Wounded at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863, and discharged.
Hyde, Chables G. Discharged at Washington, December 1st, 18627
Haviland, Myeon W.
Hulbeet, Edwin R.
Hemt, Geoege A. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862.
Hyde, Norman B. Discharged at Washington September, 1862
Henry, Levi S, Takenprisoner at the Wilderness May 5th, 1864, and sent to Andersonville
Hawks, William H.
Holmes, Clark.

Company G. 421
Hoffman, Thomas H. Wounded through knees at Gainesville August 28th, 1862, and died from
wounds. (See page 122).
Holden, Benjamin F. Promoted to Corporal and killed at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863.
Johnson, James. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862, and killed at Spottsylvania May
12th, 1864.
Jones, Leandeb T. Died at New York. October 2d, 1862.
Judson, Lesteb. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862, and discharged.
Lason, Geoege L. Dischargedfor disability November 1862
Labon, Henry P. Lost an arm at Bull Run August 29th, 1862 ; discharged October 9th, 1862,
Lindsay, John. Died at Fredericksburg June 27th, 1862.
Lewis, Edgar S.
McFall, Heney. Killed at Fredericksburg December 13th, 1862. (See page 192).
McFall, Lyman.
McKone, Pateick. Discharged. (See page 54).
McGbegob, DeWitt O. Wounded twice at Gainesville August 29th, 1862; Promoted to Ser
geant January 24th, 1863 ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps September 16th, 1863; re-en-
listed May 7th, 1864, in Veteran Reserve Corps.
Maston, Bbitton. Discharged at Washington in 1862. )
Millee, Feanklin'. Killed at Bull Run August 29th, 1862.
Matteson, Geoege W. Promoted to Corporal in 1862 ; wounded at South Mountain Septem
ber 14th, 1862 ; taken prisoner at the Wilderness May 5th, 1864.
Mattison, David. Taken prisoner at the Wilderness, and died at Andersonville prison.
Moese, Adolphus. Died at Fort Jefferson, Florida. (Seepage 274).
Morse, Hibam. Taken prisoner at the Wilderness May 5th, 1864, and died at Andersonville
prison.
McCoemick, Thomas.
Mann, Eugene.
Montgomery, Daniel R. Promoted to Sergeant November 28th, 1862 ; wounded at Gettys
burg July 1st, 1863.
Noewood, Wesley. Discharged for disability, and died at home in Harford.
Poetee, John W. Wounded at South Mountain September 14th, 1862 ; taken prisoner at the
Wilderness May 5tb, 1864.
Pangboen, Samuel. Wounded at Gainesville August 2Slh, 1862.
Pelham, Benjamin. Discharged in 1862.
Petees, Geoege. Promoted to Corporal July, 1862 ; wounded at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863 ; dis
charged at expiration of term October 24th, 1864.
Pebsons, William H. Transferred to Marine Corps February, 1862, and killed on the gunboat
" Mound City."
Pierce Benton
Peck, iIgbeet. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862, and discharged for disability.
Rumsey, Job B.
Remmely, Albeet. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862.
¦ Rindge, Scepty. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862, and at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863,
and discharged.
Randall, Abnee B. Taken prisoner at Wilderness May 5th, IBM, and died at Andersonville
prison September 20th, 1864.
Snook, David L.
SCHEEMERHOEN, HENEY C.
Smith, Geoege W. Lost a leg at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863, and discharged May 20th, 1864.
Sheldon, Eugene. Died at Meridian Hill, D. C, March, 1862.
Shapley, Geoege W. Wounded in leg at Second Bull Run August 30th, 1862 ; discharged Jan
uary 19th, 1863.
Tannee, Daniel. Discharged for disability September Tth, 1862.
Undeewood, Geoege W. Discharged for disability in 1863.
Vandepoole, John. Wounded at Bull Run August 30th, 1862.
Vandepoole, Simon.
Wagoner, Gaeeet L.
Weileb, Geoege F. Promoted to Sergeant; wounded at South Mountain September 14th,
1862 ; killed at Fredericksburg December 13th, 1862.
Walkee, William V.
Wood, Feanois. Killed at Fredericksburg December 13th, 1862.
Woodin, Alexandee E. Discharged for disability.
Wabren, Elon G. Taken prisoner at the Wilderness May 5th, 1864, and died at Andersonville.

COMPANY G.
William Lansing, Captain. Resigned in February, 1862, at Meridian Hill.
Aabon Sagee, First Lieutenant. See page 401.
James L. Goddard, Second Lieutenant. See page 393.

422 The Seventy-sixth Regiment N. Y. V.
Thomas Simms, First Sergeant. Promoted to Second Lieutenant, and mustered out on certifi
cate of disability.
Abeam H. Sagee, Second Sergeant. Discharged for disability at Washington,
Freeman Soheemeehoen, Third Sergeant.
Rodney L. Mobse, Fourth Sergeant.
John W- Roe, Je., Fifth Sergeant.
Samuel E. Sandees, First Corporal. Promoted to Second Lieutenant ; wounded at Gettys
burg.
Heney W. Mann, Sepond Corporal.
Homee D. Call, Third Corporal. Wounded at Fredericksburg December 13th, 1862 ; promoted
to Second Lieutenant April 13th, 1863, and to FlrBt Lieutenant March 1864 ; taken prisoner at
the Wilderness, and had Yellow Feyer at Charleston, S. C. Mustered out on expiration of
term, February 4th, 1865.
William McLean, Fourth Corporal. Wounded at Gainesville, August 28th, 1862, and dis
charged in consequence.
Levi Bullman, Fifth Corporal. Wounded at Gainesville and died of wound.
Ellis Z. Smith, Sixth Corporal. Discharged at Fort Slocum in spring of 1862.
Napoleon B. Nelson, Seventh Corporal. Died at Fort Massachusetts April, 1862.
Amasa Williams, Eighth Corporal.
Chauncey Seamans, Musician.
Edwaed B. Goodell, Musician. Discharged for disability June 27th, 1863.
Iseael Reckabd, Wagoner. Discharged for disability May, 1862. A most faithful man.
PRIVATES.
Allen, Seymoue R.
Allen, Alfeed.
Austin, Gaednee.
Ackley, De Vv itt C. Injured by a wagon in Philadelphia ; discharged in December, 1862.
Applebee, Daeius W. Discharged for disability.
BUELINGHAM, TRUMAN.
Bbewee.Edgab. Discharged for disability March, 1862.
Bacon, Geoege H. Killed at Gainesville, August 28th, 1862.
Briggs, William F. Wounded in thigh at Gainesville August 28th, 1862. Discharged Decem
ber 8th, 1862. .
Babnes, John. Lost an arm at Fredericksburg December 13th, 1862, and discharged.
Bouton, James. Discharged.
Cowlen, James. Wounded at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863 ; transferred to Invalid Corps and dis
charged at expiration of term.
Cushing, Eugene. Discharged from small pox hospital.
Cobnue, John.
Cook, Chables Wesley. Wounded at Petersburg June 18th, 1864, and discharged bv General
Order 116.
Cummings, William H. Re-enlisted February. 1864, and discharged at close of war
Coewin, Polydoee B., Jr. Wounded at South Mountain Sept. 14, 1862, and subsequently dis
charged.
Culver, Geoege M. Died on the march from Fredericksburg to Culpepper
Crawfoed Chaeles H.
Dodge, Aetemas. Killed at South Mountain September 14th, 1862
Dure, John.
Eael, William H. At the battle of Gainesville, since which, not known
Elliott, William. Discharged at expiration of term.
Galpin, William H. Wounded at Gettysburg; promoted to Corporal, then to Sergeant, and
killed at Petersburg June 18th, 1864.
Gaff, John Thomas. Died at Fort Slocum in Spring of 1862.
Gay, Feanklin L. Killed at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863.
Galvin, Michael. Killed at the Wilderness May 5th, 1864.
Hickey, James E.
Hollenbeck, Albeet. Wounded and taken prisoner at Gettysburg July 1st 1863 ¦ wounded at
Laurel Hill kay 8th, 1864, and at Petersburg/october, 1864; discharged at expSti<Tn ™ tern
October 22d, 1864. *
Hills, Charles. At Second Fredericksburg, since which, not known
Hills, Samuel. Killed at Bull Run August 29th, 1S62.
Hills, Ralph Wm. Discharged at expiration of term.
Holmes, Heney. In battle First and Second Fredericksburg ; since which, not known
Haggeety, Timothy. ' -" -"""•"¦
Jeffeey, Chaeles J. Discharged.
Jeffees, Charles W.
Kibbe, Almon W. Discharged for disability.
Lomereaux, Andrew. Discharged at expiration of term.
Lathrop, Warren S.
Merrick, Chapin W. Taken prisoner at Gainesville ; promoted to Corporal, and killed at Get

tysburg July 1st, 1868.
McLean, Daniel. Promoted to Corporal j wounded at Gettysburg Julv 1st 1863 ¦ nr
to Sergeant May 20th, 1864 ; wounded at Spottsylvania ; discharged September 20ti i»

Mueeay, Oscab. Discharged at expiration of term.
Miller, William. Promoted to Sergeant ; wounded at Gettysburg Julv 1st 1863
Matthews, David R. 6 ' •

Company H. 423
Nobles, Chaeles E. Took leave after thebattles of Gainesville and Bull Run.
Olin, Albert M. Killed at Gainesville August 28th, 1862. (See page 122) .
OeSwold, Hieonomous. Wounded at South Mountain September 14th, 1862, and discharged at
expiration of term.
O'Keefe, David. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862 ; transferred to Veteran Reserve
Corps July 1st, 1863, and discharged.
Peeby, Edwin M.
Pendee, Lyman R.
Pabkeb, SylvanusE. Detached on hospital duty.
Poolee, LaFayette. Wounded at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863.
Pooleb, William L. Wounded at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863.
Pooler, Henby D. In battleB of Gainesville, Bull Run, First and Second Fredericksburg ;
since which not known.
Rankin, William H. Missing at Gettysburg, July 1st, 1863.
Reed, Melvin. In battles of Gainesville, Bull Run, South Mountain and Second Fredericks
burg ; since which not known.
Rice, William.
Randall, Edwin N.
Seacoed, John. In battles of Gainesville, Bull Run, and South Mountain ; since which not
known.
Smith, Rufus. Died at Fort Slocum, D. C, in spring of 1862.
Scheemeehorn, Seymoub. Died at Albany in winter of 1861-2.
Steele, Geoege W. Promoted to Sergeant and First Lieutenant ; wounded at Gettysburg
July 1st, 1863; discharged at expiration of term.
Spencee, Beeteand. Died on sick ieave.
Smith, Cyeus. Discharged from a hospital.
Seebeb, John L. Promoted to Corporal ; wounded at Gettysburg July 1st, 1863.
Stone, DeWitt C.
Seamans, Henry C.
Seacoed, William B.
West, Daniel. Not known since battle of First Fredericksburg, December 13th, 1862.
Wood, John B. C.
Wattles, Lemuel. Discharged.
Wattles, William. Discharged.
Williams, Benjamin.
Weight, James B.
Payson, William.

COMPANY H.*

Amos L. Swan, Captain. See pages 857-8.
M. B. Cleaveland, First Lieutenant. Resigned March 1st, 1862.
Robeet Stoey, Second Lieutenant. See pages 371-2.
Ralph W. Carrier, First Sergeant. Seepage 405.
Barney Phenis, Second Sergeant. See page 386.
George LooMis/Third Sergeant. Discharged for disability soon after the battle of Bull Run.
James Geoege, Fourth Sergeant. A good soldier: wounded in leg at Gainesville ; re-enlisted .
taken prisoner at Wilderness, and remained at Andersonville till exchange ; discharged in
April, 1865.
Samuel Ludlam, Fifth Sergeant. Wounded at South Mountain, and discharged from the ef
fects of it.
William Hoyt, First Corporal. A good soldier; re-enlisted and served till close of war.
Jesse Howe, Second Corporal. A good soldier for every duty but fighting; re-enlisted;
wounded at the Wilderness, and transferred to Reserve Corps.
Allen W. Thompson, Third Corporal. Discharged for disability in May, 1862.
Peery Oaks, Fourth Corporal. An excellent soldier and man ; killed in battle at Gainesville,
August 28th, 1862.
Jacob J. Reese, Fifth Corporal. A good soldier, always at his post ; wounded at Gainesville ;
re-enlisted, and wounded in the other hand ; promoted to Lieutenant, and honorably dis
charged in spring of 1865.
John Russell, Sixth Corporal. A good soldier : re-enlisted and killed at Coal Harbor June,
1864,
Bbayton Campbell, Seventh Corporal. Wounded at Gainesville in right hand ,and discharged.
Othello Van Valkenbueg, Eighth Corporal. Deserted while on furlough in December, 1862.
*The record of this Company was made by its gallant Captain. Some of the harsher truths
concerning- deserters and "beats," have been omitted for the sake of uniformity. It wouldhave
been much better had the ontcers all given their men their true character, after the manner of
Captain Swan.

424 The Seventy-sixth Kegiment E. Y. V.
William A. Warner, Musician. A good boy j re-enlisted and served faithfully to the end of
the war. PRIVATES.
Allen Winslow. See pages 260, 261, 262.
Bush, Joseph. Served his three years of time as teamster and discharged.
Billings, Chaeles H. Served his three years and honorably discharged.
Baker, Ebving. One of the bravest and best of soldiers ; promoted to Sergeant-; wounded at
Gettysburg in leg and foot and in other leg at Coal Harbor, and honorably discharged. (See
pages 212, 218.) .
Bronson, Jay. A faithiul soldier : detailed with Ambulance Corps ; wounded in right arm at
Weldon Railroad; re-enlisted and served till end of war.
Belknap, Lewis H. A shirk ; re-enlisted and discharged at end of war.
Bolstee, Edwaed. A " dead beat ;" re-enlisted, got sick and put in Invalid Corps.
Bartlett, Jerome. Discharged for disability in summer of 1862.
Basworth, George. A good soldier ; killed at Gettysburg July 1st, 1868.
Babcock, Frank. Died m hospital spring of 1862.
Blackman, Lewis. A good soldier ; wounded at Bull Run August 29th, 1862 ; killed at Gettys
burg July 1st, 1868.
Bishop. Marvin P. A good soldier ; re-enlisted and killed in front of Petersburg while out as
skirmisher.
Brown, William H. Re-enlisted j promoted to Sergeant ; wounded in leg at Gettysburg. A
faithful soldier.
Clark, William. One of the best boys in the Company ; always at his post ; went through to
the end of the war. B
Clark, Charles L. Served his three years, mostly as teamster, and honorably discharged.
Crounse, George F. Deserted before the Company left Cherry Valley.
Conkey, Lanson F. Served three years and honorably discharged.
Chandler Chaeles. Discharged for disability April, 1862.
Cole, Jaspee C. Deserted from Fort Massachusetts.
Clark, John A. Died at Fredericksburg in July, 1862.
Dawson, John. A faithful and trusty soldier ; killed at Gettysburg.
Decker, Joseph H. Deserted before the Company left Cherry Valley.
Dingman, Charles R. Wounded in hand at Gainesville and discharged.
Davis, Charles. A good soldier ; re-enlisted and Berved to end of war.
Ddtchee, James H. A poor concern ; badly scared at Gainesville ; played sick : got discharged ¦
re-enlisted ; shot his leg to get off, but died from the wound.
Embeidge, Ambrose. A good soldier ; re-enlisted and served to end of the war.
Fonda, Lorenzo. Always on hand ; re-enlisted ; badly wounded in body at Coal Harbor, but
stuck through the war.
Fern, John S. A faithful teamster and wagon-master ; discharged for disability in winter of
Finnegan, John. Always ready for mischief and usually for duty ; re-enlisted and served to
end of the war.
Fenton, Thomas. A "poor stick j" discharged for pretended disability in fall of 1862.
Foland, Alfred. AIo.l soldier ; made Sergeant ; re-enlisted and went through to the end of
the war.
Fox, B. J. D. A first-class soldier ; made Sergeant ; killed at the Wilderness May 6, 1864.
Griggs, John R. Taken prisoner at second Bull Run ; exchanged and deserted from Camp
Parole, Annapolis. ^
Gross, Albert. A No. 1 soldier ; in all battles, if possible ; re-enlisted and served to end of war
Greenwood, John. A faithful fellow ; re-enlisted and served to end of war.
Green, Byron. A good and faithful soldier ; killed at Gainesville.
Howe, Henry S. Discharged for disability in summer of 1862.
Howe, Solomon. The banner soldier of the Company ; in every battle the Regiment was in ¦
slightly wounded five or six times, but never left his Company ; re-enlisted ; served till end oi
war.
Hudson, John B. A good soldier ; served three years and honorably discharged.
Hickey, John. A rough little fellow, but a good soldier ; wounded at Gettysburg : re-enlisted
and served till end of war. ° '
Hollick, August. A poor shirk ; discharged in 1863 for disability— sham.
Hereick, Henry. Discharged in 1862 for disability, (caused by drink.)
Hoag, Charles. Served three years, moBtly in hospital.
Hewell, William. Taken prisoner at second Bull Run ; deserted from Parole Canm Colum
bus, O., and never returned. "' -,"'U1JJ
Harkings, John. Served his time, but much of it in hospital.
Houston, James A. Full of pluck and fight ; lost finger at South Mountain ; re-enlisted and
served to the end of the war. ' "=--»-¦ <•""
Laning, Thomas A. Died in hospital at Washington June, 1862.
Lake, Heney. A good soldier; in many battles ; twice a prisoner ; discharged in Julv 1865
Lewis, Jqhn. Deserted from Fort Massachusets April, 1862. u'
Maeshall, Anthony. One of the best soldiers of the Regiment : in every battle ¦ alwavi reariv
for duty; re-enlisted and served to the end of the war. ' u»"ie, aiwaysreaay
Mtoge, David W. Taken prisoner at second Bull Run and deBerted from Parole Camn Colum-
bus, O., and never returned. '' v " 1L"U
McCoy, Martin. Deserted before Company left Cherry Valley.
Mickel, Haeeison. Served three years well and honorably discharged.
Mills, John. A faithful soldier ; ; discharged for disability in 1863, after the battle of Antietam.
Mahany, Walter. A rough fellow, but one of the best of soldiers; re-enlisted and served to

Company I. 425
Merry, James. Desertedfrom Fort Massachusetts 1862.
Miller, William H. Wounded at Gainesville and put into Invalid Corps, and discharged for
disability in 1863.
Muephy, Chaeles. Deserted before Company left Cherry Valley.
Newell, John F. Discharged for disability in 1864, fcom Invalid Corps.
Newkirk, William. A good young soldier ; learned to write good hand after enlisting ; re-en
listed and served to endof war.
Newkirk, John. Discharged for disability In April, 1862.
Ovseb, Fbedeeick. A poor shirk : discharged for sham disability 1862.
O'Brien, Hibam. Killed at the Wilderness ; a good, though simple soldier.
Oaks, Bussell. Discharged in 1862 for disability, and re-enlisted for one year in 1864 for a large
bounty.
Picket, Robeet. Deserted from Fort Massachusetts and never returned.
Polabd, James H. Deserted before Company left Cherry Valley.
Korick, John. Killed at Gettysburg ; a good soldier.
Stephens, John. No.l soldier : saved colors at Gettysburg and made color Sergeant for it;
re-enlisted and served to end of war.
Stanton, Jay Cady. Killed at Gainesville ; a good soldier.
Scheemeehoen, Feancis. Deserted on furlough in 1862.
Snow, Geoege. No. 1 soldier ; wounded in thigh at Gainesville, aud finally discharged in con
sequence.
Smith, William A. Discharged for disability in 1863.
Salisbuey, W. C. Discharged for disability June 23d, 1862.
Swan, Edwin J. (See page 408.)
Van Valkenburg-, John. Deserted May, 1862, and not returned.
Van Buben, John. A good and brave young soldier ; badly wounded In three places at Gettys
burg ; re-enlisted and served to the end of tne war.
Wintees .William H. Discharged for disability In summer of 1862.
Waters, Edwin. Spent most of his time as " hospital beat."
Wait, William N. A good soldier ; wounded in thigh at Gettysburg ; re-enlisted and served
faithfully to end of war, much of the time as Corporal.
Zeh, Hiram. Deserted forepart of 1862.
Lynch, George. A good Boldier ; transferred to Regulars, and afterward killed In battle.
Yottman, Abeam. Discharged for disability June 23d, 1863.
Maiohee, John. A good Boldier; badly wounded at Gettysburg and transferred to Invalid
Corps.

COMPANY I *
Tohn E Cook. Captain. (See pages 356 and 85!y
Hiram A Blodgett, First Lieutenant ; discharged. Appointed AdJ't of Regiment Jan. 2,1863.
Richaed Williams, Second Lieutenant. (See page 407.)
Tohn M Waterman, First Sergeant. (See pages 882 and 383.)
Peter S. Claek, Second Sergeant. Promoted to First Sergeant May 17th, 1862 ; to Second Lieu-
w'ilSam "/liddle, Third Sergeant. Appointed Brigade Commissary Sergeant by General
Doubleday June 1st, 1862 ; killed near Petersburg, Va., June 24th, 1861.
T yman Warner, Fourth Sergeant.
Lewis Rieenburg, Fifth Sergeant. Promoted to Sergeant October 22d, 1861 ; discharged April
22d, 1863.
Hiram Lawyer, First Corporal. Appointed Sergeant September 1st, 1863 ; killed near Peters-
WiSufiTTB Second Corporal. Discharged for disability April 24th, 1862.
William A Bishop, Third Corporal. Deserted from hospital June 1862.
Fohn U Slater, Fourth Corporal. Taken prisoner at Bull Run August 29th, 1862 ; rejoined
Company December 21st, 1862. Killed at Laurel Hill May 12th 1864.
Hezekiab Smith, Fifth Corporal. Died in hospital at Sharpsourg, Md., November 8d, 1862 of
Silas Smith Sixth Corporal. Appointed Sergeant July 1st, 1862; appointed First Sergeant and
then Second Lieutenant and transferred to Company G.
TTww-tv Sperbeck Seventh Corporal. Reduced to ranks December 24th, 1862; deserted Janua
ry 20th and brought back January 30th, 1863 ; discharged on expiration of term, December 1st,
ri¥tVE-i H Guernsey, Eighth Corporal. Died at Washington, D. C, June 8th, 1862, of fever.
o2£?ee R Bates i Musiiian. Died at Baltimore January 22d, 1863.
ClJrk CobNt™ ajoner. Re-enlisted February 24th, 18&. 
•The record of this Company is taken from the Company Bookin the possession of Lieutenant
Lavoisure Stebbins, of Homer, N. T.

426 The Seventy-sixth Eegiment N. Y. V.
PRIVATES.
Adams, Alvah. Deserted from hospital, In New York, in February, 1862.
Alger, Chables. Discharged December 1st, 1864, on expiration of term.
Bartholomew, Charles. Discharged December 1st, 1864, on expiration of term.
Bakton Darius C. Appointed Corporal November 1st, 1862, and Sergeant September 14th,
1863 ; killed May 5th, 1864, at Wilderness, Va. „-..-, ««,
BABErNGER, William L. Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps in April, 1863.
Beckeb, Edwaed H. Discharged for disability March 25th, 1862.
Bice Henby. Deserted from Fort Massachusetts, D. C, May 21st, 1862.
Bice, John J. Appointed Sergeant May 17th, 1862 ; Conoral May 25th, 1863.
Bove, Edwin A. Discharged at Washington August 26th, 1862.
Boom, William H. H. Discharged.
Boest, Maetin. Deserted May 16th, 1862.
Boest, Joseph L. Deserted at Albany January 17th, 1862.
Bouch, Chbistopheb. Deserted on the march into Maryland September 8th, 1862.
Bbayman, Chables. Died at Washington, of typhoid fever, May 30th, 1862 ; buried near "Sol
diers' Home," D. C.
Beezee, Abbam. Deserted May 14th, 1862.
Catee, John D. Re-enlisted March 30th, 1863, at Culpepper, Va. ; missing in action October
10th, 1864.
Champenoy, Harbison. Died at Home, ("Berne, N. Y.,) March 8th, 1862.
Claek, Edwaed A. Discharged for disability, April 23d, 1862.
Coons, James E. Deserted on furlough, from Albany, February, 1862.
Coons, John W. Promoted to Second Lieutenant, and transferred to Company G.
Dimond, John. Discharged at expiration of term, December 1st, 1864.
Duel, David H. Wounded at Gainesville, August 28th, 1862 ; discharged November, 1862.
Dutches, Taetellas. Deserted January 21st, 1863.
Eckebson, John. Discharged at expiration of term, December 1st, 1864.
Edwaeds, Madison. Deserted at Albany, in February, 1862.
Efner, Eeastus I. Wounded, taken prisoner and paroled at Gainesville, August 28th, 1862 ;
promoted to Coporal August 1st, 1862, and to Sergeant ; killed at Gettysburg, July 1st, 1863.
Ellis, Rabselas. Discharged January 8th, 1863, at Washington.
Field, Samuel L. Taken prisoner and paroled at Bull Run August 29th, 1862 ; deserted Janua
ry 20th, 1864.
Getteb, Jebome. Elected Second Lieutenant January 7th, 1862, and thrown out in consolida
tion of companies at Albany.
Hammomd, James H. Appointed Corporal August 1st, 1862 ; killed at Gettysburg, July 1st, 1863.
Haevey, John J. Deserted at Cherry Valley, January 5th, 1862.
Haevey, Matthias. ' Deserted at Cherry Valley, January 7th, 1862.
Haywabd, Aaeon. Appointed Corporal January 1st 1863, and Sergeant May 5th, 1864; re-en-
enlisted January 1st, 1864; took the colors, after the Color Bearer was shot down, and carried
them with honor, always beiDg at the front.
Heebon, Daniel. Deserted at Cherry Valley November 25th, 1861
Hillsley, John J. Died at Fredericksburg, Va., August 9tn, 1862, and buried there.
Keysee, Abeam. Detailed as bass drummer ; discharged December 1st, 1864.
Lawyeb, Nelson. Wounded May 12th, 1864, at Laurel Hill, Va.
Lawyee, William H. Taken prisoner at Fredericksburg December 16th, 1862, and paroled in
January.
Lockwood, Jeeemiah. Died of typhoid fever at Falls Church Hospital August 17th, 1862.
Lynes, David. Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1st, 1863.
Mattison, Chaeles S. Lost an arm, and discharged October 28th, 1863.
Mann, George D. Deserted at Cherry Valley December 16th, 1863.
Mann, Thomas J. Discharged for disability January 24th, 1864.
Manning, Adam. Deserted May 21st, 1862.
Mansohoeffer, Jacob. Taken prisoner and paroled at Gainesville August 28th, 1862 ; rejoined
company December 21st, 1862.
Mattice, Joseph H. Discharged for disability at Philadelphia, October 14th, 1862.
Mereihue, Leander E. Discharged for disability March 5th, 1862.
Mooh , Lewis. Deserted at Cherry Valley January 8th, 1862.
Nelson, Holmes H. Taken prisoner and paroled at Bull Run August 29th, 1862 ; discharged for
disability January 8th, 1863.
Oliver, Gideon. ¦ Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862 ; has never been heard from sMce.
Parsloe, Jacob. Died at Washington, October 3d, 1862, of wounds received at Gainesville Au
gust 28th -1862.
Parsloe, William H. For bravery was appointed Sergeant ; discharged at expiration of terra,
December 1st, 1864.
Pkjkins-Alvin. Deserted from Hospital at Cherry Valley in February, 1862.
Pieece, Ralph. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862; rejoined Company February 20th,
1863 ; discharged at expiration of term, December 1st, 1864.
Pbopee, Daniel M. Deserted January 19th, 1863.
Redmond, Thomas. Appointed Corporal August 1st, 1862, and Sergeant of Company E Septem"
ber 5th, 1862 ; discharged afterwards. (See page 121) .
Ruland, Amos. Appointed'Corporal November 1st, 1862 ; deserted January 21st, 1863.
Sceambling, John. Died at Hospital in Washington, D. C, May 25th, 1864, of gunshot wound.
qecoe, Leveeitt. Discharged for disability July 10th, 1862.
Shufelt, Oeison. Died at Harwood Hospital, D. C, Aprill8th, 1864.

Company K. 4.27
Smith, Andrew R. Appointed Quartermaster at Cherry Valley, October 15th, 1861 ; rendered
supernumerary by consolidation,
Smith, Nelson B. Taken prisoner and paroled at Gainesville, .Aug. '28th, 1862 ; deserted from
Parole Camp, Ohio, October 11th , 1862.
Steven, Abram. Died May 12th, 1864, of wounds received In battle.
Sullivan, John. Died in Sew York, February 1st, 1862, of jaundice.
Sweet, Stephen V. G. Deserted May 14th, 1862.
Teater, Henry. Taken prisoner at Fredericksburg, December 16th, 1862 ; paroled in January,
and not seen since.
Tompkins, Moses. Appointed Corporal September 1st, 1863 ; wounded May 5th, 1864 ; taken
prisoner.
Travee, Calvin. Discharged from hospital at expiration of term of service.
Ttgert, Geoege W. Discharged at Cherry Valley, December 30th, 1861.
Van Patten, Geoege. Died at Fredericksburg, July 2d, 1862, of fever.
Van Valkenburg, Alexander. Taken prisoner and paroled, at Gainesville, August 28th,
1862 : re-enlisted January 3d, 1864, at Culpepper.
Van Valkenburg, Benjamin. Discharged at expiration of term, December 1st, 1864. (See
pages 163 and 164).
Vosbubgh, Abram. Discharged.
Waggoner, Heney. Deserted May 14th, 1862.
Waenee, Ira. Discharged at expiration of term, December 1st, 1864.
Warner, John. Died at Cherry Valley, January 4th, 1862, of measles.
Weidman, Paul. Wounded at Gainesville, August 28th, 1862 ; supposed to have been discharged.
Weidman, Ralph. Enlisted in Second Cavalry, United States Army, 1863.
Wheeler, John R. Died near Washington, February 18th, 1862 ; burled at "Soldiers' Home."
Wright, Carpenter N. Died December 15th, 1862, at Fairfax Court House, Va.
Wright, Charles H. Discharged for disability, July 7th, 1862.
Wright, Fletohee. Discharged.
Tanson, Joseph. Died from gunshot wound, at Gainesville, August 29th, 1862.

COMPANY K*
John W. Young-, Captain. (See pages 358, 359 and 360) .
Charles A. Watkins, First Lieutenant. (See pages 355 and 356).
Chauncey M. Gaylord, Second Lieutenant. Went to Washington, D. C, on sick leave, July
15th, 1862, and was there discharged for disability, September 12th, 1862.
Caltern B. Shays, First Sergeant. Captured May 5th, 1864, at Wilderness, Va. ; sent to Ander
sonville ; paroled in December, 1864, and honorably discharged, his term having expired.
Thomas F. Weldon, Second Sergeant. (Seepages 379 and 380).
William V. Hopkins, Third Sergeant. Wounded at Gettysburg, July 1st, 1863 ; Bent to the
hospital after battle of the Wilderness, and honorably discharged.
Hibam R. Ives, Fourth Sergeant. Discharged with the Regiment.
Jefferson Febey, Fifth Sergeant. Discharged for disability, February 8th, 1864.
Andeess Dutcheb, First Corporal. Deserted May 13th, 1862.
Henby Crane, Second Corporal. Captured at Bull Run, August 30th, 1862 ; paroled, and
deserted from parole camp, Columbus, Ohio.
Samuel B. Thompson, Third Corporal. Discharged for disability In July, 1862.
James L. Casleb, Fourth Corporal. Promoted to Second Lieutenant in January, 1864 ; cap
tured at Wilderness, May 5th, 1864, (see page 289,) ; paroled March 1st, 1865 ; discharged March
14th, 1865 ; was in all the battles with the Regiment until captured.
James P. Atebell, Fifth Corporal. Discharged for disability, May 16th, 1862.
Chauncey Feeey, Sixth Corporal. Wounded at Gainesville, August28th,1862 ; discharged for
disability, December 4th, 1862.
Willis Snow, Seventh Corporal. Discharged with the Regiment.
William G. van Horn, Eighth Corporal, wounded at Gainesville, August 28th, 1862 ; trans
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, and discharged in summer of 1865.
Habbison Whitney, Musician. Transferred to 147th New York Volunteers, then to 91st New
York Volunteers, and mustered out with that Regiment.
Benjamin A. FooT-MusIcian. Promoted to Commissary Sergeant ; transferred to 147th, then
to 91st New York volunteers, and with that Regiment mustered out.
PRIVATES.
Antioe, Samuel S. Deserted May 13th, 1862.
Allen, Daniel. Discharged with the Regiment.
Bueton, Warren P. Discharged withthe Regiment.
Baldwin, William H. Captured at Wilderness, May 5th, 1864 ; paroled from Andersonville
prison in December and honorably discharged.
*The Record of this Company was made up by its former Captain, Major John W. Young, to
whom many thanks are due for his interest in this work.

428 The Seventy-sixth Kegiment N. Y. V.
Baldwin, Charles. Wounded at South Mountain, September 14th, 1862 ; sent to hospital and
honorably discharged, for wound, February 13th, 1863.
Brown, Albert. Captured at Bull Run, August 30th, 1862 ; paroled and sent to parole camp,
' Columbus, Ohio ; went home and did not return.
Bebtband, Lewis. Wounded at South Mountain, September 14th, 1862 ; sent to the hospital
and honorably discharged for the wound.
Bbazee, Samuel. Wounded in hand September 10th, 1862, and discharged on that account
December 23d, 1862.
Bellingee, John. Detailed February 16th, 1862, to gunboat service West, and subsequently
discharged.
Beckeb, Levt S. Discharged for disability, June 21st, 1862.
Cole, Joshua. Discharged for disability, June 23d, 1863 ; came back under assumed name, as
substitute, October, 1863 : deserted a day or two after, and not since heard from.
Couse, Hieam. Deserted May 20th 1862.
Ceandall, Bueton. Deserted May 20th, 1862, and killed at home by a tree falling upon him
while at work.
Chapman, Alfbed. In all the engagements with his Regiment until Gettysburg, July 1st, 1863,
when supposed to have been killed.
Chapman, Francis. Wounded at Gainesville, August 28th, 1862 ; paroled and sent to hospital ;
supposed to have been killed at Gettysburg July 1st, 1868. These two men were brothers, ana
leave a mother in England ¦ no relatives in America.
Chapfel, Elijah. Captured at Bull Run, August 29th, 1862, and paroled ; captured at Wilder
ness, May 5th, 1864, and sent to Andersonville, where he died.
Cbippen, Ezba. Wounded at Gainesville, August 28th, 1862, and died of wound the next day.
ChapiNj-Lobenzo. Discharged for disability October 24th, 1862.
Chase, William H. Promoted to Regimental Quartermaster June 5th, 1862 ; returned to Com
pany July 29th, 1862, by order of Colonel Wainwright ; discharged for disability.
Devoe, Chables W. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862, and died next day of the
wound.
Devoe, Geoege W. Severely wounded at Gainesville, August 28th, 1862 ; severely wounded at
Wilderness, May 5th, 1864, and taken prisoner ; sent to Andersonville, and there died of star
vation In prison.
Dunn, John. Died in 1861, while home on a furlough.
Dutchee, Henry C. Deserted while under charges, May 20th, 1862.
Doty, Geoege W. Was sent to the hospital sick In summer of 1862 ; did not return to the Reg
iment.
Fowler, Adalbert. Died at Patent Office Hospital, D. C, May 4th, 1862.
Geant, Seth H. Went home from Cherry Valley on sick leave, and died while at home.
Hubbard, William H. S. Deserted January 20th, 1868; had previously been a good soldier,
and been with the Regiment in all its actions.
Hemsteeet, Nathan T. Sent to hospital sick and honorably discharged.
Hammell, Petee M. Died while home on furlough.
Hannan, Michael. Wounded at South Mountain, September 14th, 1862 ; discharged for wound ;
has cork leg; resides at Cooperstown, N. Y.
Hagadoen, Nelson. Deserted before leavingthe State.
House, Chables. Transferred to 147th New York Volunteers, and to 91st New York Volun
teers, with which he was discharged at close of war, July 18th, 1865.
Ingallsbee, Silas. Went home from Albany, in January, 1862, by permission of Colonel
Green, and did not return.
Ingalls, Geoege W. Deserted before leaving the State.
Janes, Elihu O. Deserted before leavingthe State.
Jenks, Ezba G. Captured at Wilderness, v a., May 5th, 1864, and taken to Andersonville, where
he died of starvation.
Maech, Enoch D. Deserted before leaving the State.
Maequisee Barney. Wounded at South Mountain, Md., September 14th, 1862 ; discharged in
consequence, November 22d, 1862.
McKeeveb, John. Discharged for disability, July 18th, 1862.
MoGaeeity, James. Deserted near Purcellville, v a., November 2d, 1862.
MoDaniels, Alex andeb. Went home from Albany on sick furlough in January, 1862, and
died at Oaksville, Otsego Co., June 25th, 1862.
Maicos, John. Transferred to Company H.
Nobton, James. Discharged July22d, 1862, by the Secretary of War, on account of age and
size ; afterwards joined the 24th Wisconsin Volunteers.
Olds, Rosweld. Transferred to 3d New York Artillery January 17th , 1862.
Patteeson, Eeastus. Deserted January 20th, 1863; had previously been a good soldier and
in all the battles with the Regiment,
Pixley, Benjamin. Deserted before leaving the State.
Pendall, Chables W. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862.
Phelps, Joseph. Wounded at Gainesville August 28th, 1862 ; transferred to the 147th New York
Volunteers, from which he was honorably discharged.
Powell, Willliam E. Captured at Bull Run August 29th, 1862 ; killed at Gettysburg, Pa.,
July lst.1863.
Parmer, William H. Honorably discharged at expiration of term, October,1864,
Prescott, Anthony. Killed at Bull Run, Va., August 29th, 1862.
Pettie, Haeeison. Discharged for disability December 19th 1863, at New York.
Ripley, William H. (See pages 869 and 870).
Roe, Morton. Transferred to 147th New York Volunteers, with which he was discharged In
1865.

Company K. 429
Stephens, Henry H. Would run as soon as he heard the report of the enemy's guns ; dishon
orably discharged for cowardice, October 20th, 1862, by sentence of Court Martial.
Shutes, Robert. Deserted before leaving the State.
Smith, Charles H. Severely wounded at Gettysburg Julylst, 1868,— four balls passed through
his body and a shell tore open his hip ; for several months all his food passed through Bis
wounds ; discharged in October, 1864, and resides at Decatur, Otsego Co. ; wounds stillopen,
July 1st, 1866. -i
Strait, Harrison. Discharged for disability December 6th, 1863, at Alexandria.
Sitts, Elijah. Discharged for disability January 16th, 1863.
Sitts, Delevan. Discharged for disability December 10th, 1862.
Shipman, Bruce. Discharged with the Regiment in 1864.
Shall, Edwaed. Transferred to Battery M, 3d Artillery, and honorably discharged June 26th ,
1865, at Richmond, Va. ; was in twenty-eight engagements, commencing at Deep Creek, N. C,
April 2d, 1862, and ending with marching into Richmond, April 3d, 1865.
Shepherd, Richard. Killed at Bull Run, Augnst 29th, 1862.
Shaul, Orlando. Died of fever, September 5th, 1862, at Washington, D. C.
Thayer, Julius P. Discharged July 24th, 1862, because too small.
Voorhees, John. Killed at Gainesville, Va., August 28th, 1862.
Whitney, Edmund H. Discharged for disability, at Albany, January 1st, 1862.
Whitney, James H. Discharged for disability, at Washington, March 4th, 1862.
Whipple, John G. Deserted before leaving the State.
Wright, Charles H. Deserted before leaving the State.
Winn, John W. Wounded at Gainesville, August 28th, 1862.
Weight, Ebenezee. Wounded at South Mountain, September 14th, 1862, and died of his
wound the next day ; buried near the Church at that place.
Waterman, Westeen. Discharged for disability, May 17th, 1862.
Woodoook, Geoege A. Transferred to 147th New York Volunteers, with which he was dis
charged.
Walbee, John. Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, from which he was honorably dis
charged in the summer of 1865 ; resides at Springfield, N. T.
Winslow, Lester N. Killed at Gainesville, August 28th, 1862, by the side of his tent mate,
John Voorhees, killed at the same time.
Wires, Gilbert. Deserted January 20th, 1863, and joined another Regiment.
Wait, Albert. Was enticed away at Cherry Valley, November 28th, 1861, and joined the 78th
New York Volunteers.
Watebhouse, Orrin. Died at Fredericksburg, Va., June 10th, 1862, and buried there.
Yaqeb, James. Promoted to Sergent ; captured at Wilderness, May 5th, 1864 ; taken to An
dersonville ; paroled December, 1864.
Young, Nathan. Discharged for disability, at Pratt's Point, Va., March 22d, 1863 ; died on his
way home, March 24th.
Young, Ezra. Deserted May 21st, 1862 ; afterwards joined the 121st New York Volunteers,
and was captured in the summer of 1864 ; taken to Andersonville, paroled and honorably
discharged.