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A Brief History

6oth Regiment
Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers,
FROM
Its Formation until Final Muster Out of the
United States Service,
BY
Adjutant ANTHONY W. McDERMOTT.

Also an Account of the Reunion of tlie Survivors of the
Philadelphia Brigade
AND
PICKETT'S DIVISION of CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS,
And the Dedication of the Monument
OF THE
69th REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA INFANTRY,
at Gettysburg, July 2d and 3d, 1887,
and of the Rededication, September nth, 1889,
BY
Captain JOHN E. REILLY.

Ancient Order of Hibernians,
The Hibernian Society,

AND THE

Generous Citizens of Philadelphia,
who contributed so liberally for the erection of our
GETTYSBURG MONUMENT,
this book is dedicated.
C- r < -

INTRODUCTION.

S7TFTER a lapse of twenty-five years it would be very
p>\ difficult, without research, to write a full and
complete history of a Regiment that for more
than four years of active field service made it one of
the best-known fighting regiments of the Army of the
Potomac. Therefore, in writing this little book, we
make no pretensions to writing the history of the Sixty-
ninth Pennsylvania Regiment, which would require a
volume of no mean proportions, for its history is, in
part, a history of that Grand Old Army. In this we can
only give but a condensed statement of the services of
that veteran organization, and leave it to future his
torians to do this regiment full justice ; but we feel, at
this time, that we owe something to our generous fellow-
citizens who came to our aid, and who so nobly assisted
us to erect a shaft which marks the spot where this
regiment did valuable service at Gettysburg, and which
honors the memory of brave comrades who, with tenacious
courage, laid down their lives in defence of their State-
and country.
We trust that our efforts will be appreciated, and that
the facts set forth in this small volume may prove in
teresting to the reader, and that this book may be the
nucleus from which some more competent historian, in
the near future, may be enabled to compile a more perfect
history of the services of the gallant old Sixty-ninth
Pennsylvania Regiment.
THE AUTHORS.

A BRIEF HISTORY
OF THE
Sixty-ninth Regiment Penna. Veteran Volunteers.

ORGANIZATION.
When the States of the South broke out in rebellion against the
authority of the national government, the President of the
United States issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 men to
serve for three months, to aid in suppressing it, and to restore the
national authority. At that time the militia organizations of the
various counties in the State of Pennsylvania had held themselves
in readiness, anticipating the President's proclamation for troops,
and were the nucleus around which the citizens of our State
rallied and formed what, at other times, might be designated a
mighty army-
The Second Regiment, Philadelphia County Militia, of the
Second Brigade, First Division, Pennsylvania State Militia, was
the nucleus from which emanated the Sixty-ninth Regiment, Penn
sylvania Volunteers. The companies of this regiment were com
posed of men of Irish birth or parentage, but lacking in numbers
the complement necessary to meet the standard requirements of
the War Department — recruiting stations were opened, and the
regiment was raised to the regulation standard. Of those who
were enlisted outside of the militia, a number of them represented
other nationalities, including what are called straight-out Ameri
cans. Every religious denomination of Christianity was repre
sented, even including the "Society of Friends," of whom there
were, at least, two. There were, also, several of the Jewish per
suasion. The Philadelphia militia regiments who tendered their services
to the national government, greatly exceeded the quota assigned
to the city, and a spirit of rivalry was developed to obtain recog
nition. There was considerable delay in accepting the services of
this regiment, owing to Gen. Cadwalader, the division commander,
refusing to accept Col. P. W. Conroy as the regimental com-
5

mander, this officer having incurred the general's displeasure,
hence the acceptance of the regiment was held in abeyance ; but
through the intercession of Gen. John D. Miles, the brigade com
mander, the regiment was accepted with Joshua T. Owen, a
young lawyer of Philadelphia, as the colonel, and the regiment
was mustered into the service of the United States for three
months, to date from April 15, 1861, and designated the Twenty-
fourth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and assigned to the
department commanded by Maj. -Genl. Robert Patterson on the
Upper Potomac and in the Shenandoah Valley. While but little
fighting was done — the enemy always retreating after slight
skirmishing — yet there was considerable marching, and the men,
towards the close of their three months' service, suffered severely
from lack of food and insufficiency of clothing.
The terms of service of all three months' troops expired on the
eve of important operations, which left the government exposed
almost to the mercy of the rebels, and Gen. Patterson was forced
to suspend the task assigned to him of engaging, or holding, the
rebel Gen. Johnston at Winchester. The Twenty-fourth Regi-
' ment, however, almost to a man, tendered their services beyond
the period of their enlistment to enable the government, through
their commander, to carry out its plans until new troops would
replace them. Gen. Patterson, knowing such a small force could
not be utilized with any degree of success, declined to accept
their service beyond the period of their enlistment, and, with
grateful thanks for their patriotic offer, mustered the regiment
out of the service with all the other three months' troops. This
regiment presented a very sorry sight upon their return home in
the latter part of July, marching through the streets wearing their
overcoats in a hot, sweltering sun, their modesty preferring to
suffer from the oppressive heat rather than submit to the expos
ure from insufficient clothing.
Immediately upon arrival home, authority was sought and
granted to reorganize the regiment for a period of three years,
and the regiment was again mustered into the service of the
United States, to date from August 19, 1861, under the following
field, staff, and line officers : Colonel, Joshua T. Owen; Lieutenant-
Colonel, Dennis O'Kane; Major, John Devereux ; Adjutant,

Okn. Joshua T. Owe.v,
Our First Colonel.
I'm DliN'Nls o'Kasi, Lieut. Col.. Maktin Tschudy,
Killed at Gettysburg. ' Killed at Gettysburg.

Martin Tschudy ; Quarter-Master, J. Robinson Miles; Surgeon,
Charles C. Bombaugh ; Assistant Surgeon,. Bernard A. McNeill ;
Chaplain, Rev. Michael F. Martin. Company A— Captain,
James Duffy ; Lieutenants, John McHugh and James Dunn.
Company B — Captain, Thomas Furey ; Lieutenants, Eneas
Dougherty and Michael Cassiday. Company C — Captain, James
O'Reilly ; Lieutenants, Hugh Flood and John O'Connor. Com
pany D — Captain, James Harvey ; Lieutenants, Joseph McHugh
and T. O'Connor. Company E — Captain, Andrew McManus ;
Lieutenants, Alexander Lovett and Thomas Woods. Company
F — Captain, George C. Thompson ; Lieutenants, Hugh Mc-
Illheney and John Barnes. Company G — Captain, J. F. Von
Bierworth ; Lieutenants, Patrick Moran and Samuel McKeown.
Company H — Captain, Thomas Kelly ; Lieutenants, Edw-ard
Thompson and Thomas Carroll. Company I — Captain, Daniel
F. Gillen ; Lieutenants, Patrick S. Tinen and John McNamara.
Company K — Captain, William Davis ; Lieutenants, Joseph
Kelly and Thos. M. Taylor.

TO THE FRONT.

Upon receipt of orders from the Secretary of War, the regi
ment left the city on the 17th of September, t86i, for Wash
ington, and was sent from there to Chain Bridge, and went into
camp about one mile from the bridge, on the south side of the
Potomac river. While here the regiment was employed in
building Fort Ethan Allen, and in making roads to connect the
chain of forts erected for the defense of the Capitol.
At this place the regiment was assigned to what was then desig
nated as Baker's California Brigade, under the command of Col.
E. D. Baker, and comprised the following regiments : Sixty-
ninth, Seventy-first, Seventy-second, and shortly afterwards the
One Hundred and Sixth— all Philadelphia regiments. On the
24th of September, the regiment received its first experience, as a
three years' organization, of the realities of the war, by partici
pating in the reconnoissance in force, under Gen. W. F. Smith,
at Lewinsville, a short distance from Drainsville ; in the fighting
that ensued, the Sixty-ninth had one man wounded.
Under the impression that the enemy was in large force in the

vicinity of Munson's Hill, the regiment was ordered out late in
the night of September 29th. While on the march the strictest
silence was requested, and when near the point of rendezvous,
whi^e the column was at a halt, the troops in rear of this regiment
commenced firing on those of another regiment crossing a field
on the left of the road ; these troops being dressed in grey uni
forms, were mistaken for the enemy, the bright light from the
moon showing their color, and, at the ' same time, a few cavalry
men came dashing along the road to the rear, which added to the
alarm, and an indiscriminate firing was maintained for some
minutes all along the columns on the read. On discovering
there was no enemy, the Lieutenant-Colonel (the Colonel being
absent) ordered all firing to cease, and quiet was restored ; this
regiment lost one man killed. After remaining out all night, the
regiment returned to camp the following morning.
In the early part of October, camp was broken, and the brigade
marched to a field a few miles west of Poolesville, Md., where a
camp of observation was formed, and Winter quarters established.
A rigid course of instruction and discipline was here maintained,
the men thoroughly drilled in company, battalion, and brigade
movements. Guard, patrol, and picket duties were performed to
the letter, according to " army regulations ; " in fact, no duty was
neglected that would contribute to a perfect knowledge of mili
tary life and manoeuvres. The picket duty was performed along
the Potomac river, between Edwards Ferry and the Point of
Rocks, about five miles from camp — two companies performing a
two weeks " tour " at a time.
On the 20th of October, Gen. Stone, then in command of the
department of Virginia, sent orders for the brigade to move to
Conrad's Ferry, on the following morning. The California regi
ment to move at daylight, the rest of the brigade to follow at 7
o'clock. The former regiment did not move from camp, how
ever, until 7 o'clock A. M., and the rest of the brigade about 2
o'clock P. M. When the Sixty-ninth, Seventy-second, and the
One Hundred and Sixth regiments arrived at Conrad's Ferry,
the California regiment, or the Seventy-first Pennsylvania, had
already crossed the river on two flat boats or scows carrying about
twenty men each, one boat being used between the northern bank

and an island, the other from the island to the Virginia side or
southern bank of the river. That regiment became hotly engaged
with the enemy on a high bluff known as "Ball's Bluff," and
within a few miles of Leesburg. Col. Baker, who was leading
and commanding the Seventy-first in the battle, sent orders for
the Sixty-ninth to cross immediately. While the regiment was
preparing to move to the water's edge, Father Gillen, a Jesuit
Priest of Maryland, and well known to most all of Gen. Bank's
command for his zeal in behalf of the soldier, and his ministrations
to the sick, the wounded and dying, obtained permission to im
plore a blessing upon the men, and to administer absolution.
Through these few moments of delay, the Forty-second New
York, in its eagerness to cross, moved down, filled the scow, and
pushed off for the island. Before half of that regiment could get
across the river, the troops fighting were driven from the bluff
into the river, or were killed or captured, and this movement
passed into history as a disaster. Our well-beloved Gen. Baker
being among the slain.
Camp duties were again resumed, and the vacancy in the com
mand of the brigade was filled by the appointment of Gen. W.
W. Burns, of the Regular Army, who proved himself to be an
able brigadier, a strict disciplinarian, and thorough tactician. It
was while in this camp that the regiments of this brigade were
recognized as Pennsylvanians, and accredited to Pennsylvania's
quota. Previous to this, the brigade was thought to be accredited
to California, and was generally called the " California Brigade,"
although the men composing it were almost all Pennsylvanians,
and were principally citizens of the city of Philadelphia ; hence
forth it was known as the " Philadelphia Brigade."
OUR FIRST CAMPAIGN.
On the 25th of February, 1862, camp was again broken, and
the brigade was marched to Adamstown, a station on the Balti
more and Ohio Railroad, placed aboard cars and taken to Point
of Rocks, and on the 27 th we crossed the Potomac river on pon
toons to Harper's Ferry, Va. Gen. Sedgewick was placed in
command of the division to which this brigade belonged in place
of Gen. Stone, who was removed on account of the Ball's Bluff

10
disaster. At Harper's Ferry all the troops in the vicinity were
placed under the command of Gen. Banks, who immediately
pushed forward down the Shenandoah Valley, advancing upon
Winchester. The Philadelphia Brigade marched to Berryville,
Va., and went into bivouac. At this place the Sixty-ninth re
ceived a handsome green flag, the gift of citizens of Philadelphia,
which was turned over to the regiment by Col. J. T. Owen in a
neat speech. Gen. Banks having occupied Winchester without
much serious opposition, the division of Gen. Sedgewick, to
which this regiment belonged, returned to Harper's Ferry, where
it remained until the 24th of March, on which date the march was
made to Point of Rocks, where the division was placed on cars,
taken to Washington, and assigned to the Army of the Potomac.
On the 27th, the march was made to Alexandria, Va., crossing
the Potomac on the long bridge, and, on the following morning,
the regiment was placed aboard the ferry boat Champion and
sailed for Fortress Monroe. The captain of this boat objected to
the entire regiment being placed aboard, its registered capacity
being for but 500 persons, while the regiment numbered between
800 and 900 men. No attention, however, was paid to his pro
tests, and the men, with their arms and camp equipage, were
huddled aboard, and for nearly three days were floundering upon
the waters of the Potomac river and Chesapeake bay. The men
were obliged to work the pumps night and day to prevent the
boat from sinking. On the 30th the regiment disembarked at
Fortress Monroe and marched to Hampton, Va., encamping
until the 4th of April awaiting the arrival of the balance of the
army. While here, the men had opportunities of indulging in
oysters and other shell fish caught by themselves, and enjoyed the
sport as well as the food.
On the last-named date, the march was commenced up the
peninsula to Yorktown, where the enemy was found entrenched
behind formidable works ; this point was reached on the afternoon
of the 5th. Now had begun real soldier work. Before leaving
Washington, pieces of light canvas, about six feet square, with
buttons and button holes at regular intervals around the edge,
were distributed to the men to take the place of tents, two men,
at least, were obliged to join together to form a covering by but-

II

toning their pieces together and laying the centre across a ridge
pole, placed in the forks of two upright saplings cut for the pur
pose, about four feet high, and the two edges parallel with the
ridge were fastened to the ground, forming an A-shaped tent
without being enclosed at the ends ; to have a complete enclosure,
four men were necessary to join together — too many in such a
small space for comfort — but later, the men generally became
supplied with an extra piece through the reduction of force by
death, sickness and wounds. At Yorktown a camp was formed at
what seemed a safe distance from the enemy's lines, and no time
could now be spared for drills or camp work, but instead, work
ing details were sent to make roads, build works, and other de
tails to perform picket duty. While not actively engaged with
the enemy, yet the troops were frequently subject to the fire of
his musketry and artillery when sallys would be made to develop
our strength or discover our work, and often the regiment would
be sent to protect working parties from attack by small columns
of the enemy. Not only during the day would these attacks be
made, but frequently through the night we were harassed in the
same way. This kind of work was not only fatiguing as well as
dangerous, but it was very exhausting from lack of rest. This
work was kept up night and day until the 3d of May, when the
rebels abandoned their works and positions around Yorktown and
retreated back to Williamsburg. The regiment moved from its
camp to the west of Yorktown, close to the York river, on the
morning of the 4th of May. During the operations at Yorktown
the losses to the regiment in killed and wounded were very slight,
being one man killed and. two wounded. Before evacuating
Yorktown, the enemy had placed torpedoes in the ground close to
every object of interest or attraction about the town, so that
danger was in our way at every step. Company D had one man
killed by the explosion of one of these infernal machines, upon
which he had trodden while walking about their works. While
at Yorktown the Army of the Potomac was divided into corps de
armee. This regiment was designated as the Second Regiment,
of the Second Brigade of the Second Division, Second Army
Corps, the commander of which was Major-General E. V. Sum
ner.

On the 7th of May the regiment was placed aboard the steam
boat Daniel Webster and taken up the York river to near West
Point, disembarked and encamped until the 15th, on which day
a march was made to New Kent Court House, and on the 23d
marched to Tyler's Farm, close to the Chickahominy river.
FAIR OAKS.
On the afternoon of the 31st of May, the day of the opening of
the battle of Fair Oaks, by General Sumner's order the corps left
its encampment and made a double quick march to the Chicka
hominy and crossed on the bridge built by the corps, now his
torically known as " Sumner's Grape Vine Bridge," and imme
diately rushed to the assistance of the corps of Heintzelman and
Keys, who were heavily engaged, and in danger of being driven
into the river. The crossing was effected with great difficulty, as
the river became a mad torrent, swaying the bridge to such an
extent that its destruction was momentarily expected, and shortly
after all had crossed, the bridge was swept away.
The troops of Sumner's corps were formed in line of battle im
mediately after crossing. This regiment was formed on the
right of the First Minnesota, while on the right of the Sixty-ninth
was formed the Seventy-second Pennsylvania. No enemy appear
ing on our front, the regiment was moved to a position at right
angles with its former one and supported Rickett's Battery, which
was hotly assailed by a massed column of the enemy, who were
quickly repulsed, the battery pouring in a murderous fire of can
ister and shrapnel. The Philadelphia Brigade now moved to a
more advanced position, being " en eschelon " to that of the
First Brigade, and advanced through a wheat field to near the
edge of a wood, where this regiment captured Gen. Pettigrew,
who was wounded, and a number of other prisoners, who had
become detached from their lines. The timely arrival of this
corps (Second) thwarted the plans of the rebels, who, it seems,
were about to throw a heavy body of their troops on the right
flank of Key's corps, crush it and destroy Sumner's bridge. In
this engagement our loss was very slight, having but one officer
and two men wounded. On the following day, June ist, the
fighting was renewed, but confined almost entirely to the corps

13
on Sumner's left. The position of this regiment was again
changed, as were the other regiments of this brigade, and a new
line was formed within the ground held by the enemy but a few
days before, he retiring to lines closer to Richmond. On this
line the regiment remained for nearly one month, during which
it erected aline of works and performed almost constant picket
duty, being continually annoyed by the sharpshooters, and
almost daily subject to artillery firing, and twice the enemy made
spirited attacks that we repulsed, inflicting heavy losses; this
regiment losing three men killed and two officers and eight men
wounded. The wounded officers were Major John Devereux
and Lieutenant Moran, gallant and intrepid soldiers.
PEACH ORCHARD AND SAVAGE STATION.
On the A. M. of the 29th June, it became apparent that a retro
grade movement was inevitable. Our lines were accordingly
withdrawn some two miles to the rear, to Peach Orchard, where
we awaited the approach of the enemy. About 10 A. M. his
skirmishers came upon our lines and a sharp fire was opened and
kept up for a short while, the artillery on both sides taking part.
Finding that we could not be driven from our position, he retired
from further attack. About noon we were withdrawn to a new
position south of Savage Station. It was discovered that the
enemy was purposely amusing us, as it were, while his main body
was moving rapidly to our left, his intention being to fall upon
our lines as they were stretched out on the march and cut us in
two. He was, however, completely foiled. The staid old Sum
ner, ever reliable, who always turned up at the opportune mo
ment, now the rearguard, was on hand in the exact place where
the enemy did not want him.
At about 3 o'clock in the afternoon the Confederates came
upon our lines and immediately began the attack. The Philadel
phia Brigade received the shock of the onset, which, while it fell
principally upon the Seventy-second Pennsylvania (Philadelphia's
gallant Fire Zouaves) yet the other regiments of the brigade had
a share' in defeating the foe. Gen. Burns, our brave brigade
commander, was wounded in the face, which served only to exas
perate him, and made him more determined to administer a pun-

14
ishment that would send the enemy reeling back with all his hopes
destroyed, and crushed in spirit for the remainder of the day. As
on came the foe with exultant shouts, delivering a terrible fire,
Burns rushes to meet him with the Seventy-second, who poured
such a destructive fire, aided by the artillery, that melted his
ranks into utter feebleness and forced him to flee. The Sixty-
ninth was on the right of the Vermont Brigade, and with it ad
vanced to meet the enemy, who quickly gave way and fled, after
which this regiment was moved at a double quick to the right, to
the support of Pettit's Battery, near the railroad, against which
the Confederates were quickly advancing, their batteries open
with a raking fire of canister and shrapnel, to which our bat
teries reply with a fire more destructive and effective, which,
together with the infantry fire, forced them to abandon the attack,
leaving Sumner in complete possession of the field. Although'
we were the victors, yet as the darkness veiled our movements
we quickly move on in retreat to catch up with the rest of our
army, which we reached by daylight "on the morning of the 30th,
at White Oak Swamp. In these engagements the regiment
suffered a loss of two killed, four wounded and three captured.
GLENDALE.
At White Oak Swamp, the regiment rested until about 10
o'clock in the morning, when the march was made to Nelson's
Farm close to the Charles City Road, and parallel to the Swamp
at that point. A furious onset was made on the lines of the
Pennsylvania Reserves on our right front. Gen. Hooker was
to McCall's left, but fearing the latter officer would not be able to
hold out, moved his division to the right in support of McCall,
and called on Gen. Sumner for a brigade to strengthen his
right, who accordingly called upon the Sixty-ninth and led it to
a position in the rear of and in support of McCall's Division, who
were then being driven from their position. After forming line
of battle in a ravine at the foot of a hill on which were posted two
batteries, the men were ordered to lay down and wait until the
enemy emerged from the woods through which McCall's men
were then being driven. Gen. Sumner turned to Hooker and
said, "General, I cannot spare you a brigade, but I have brought

<C5?)XVl -- ^'

i5
you the Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania, one of the best regiments in my
corps; place them where you wish, for this is your fight, Hooker."
Though under heavy fire from the enemy's guns at the time, the
men of the Sixty-ninth gave three rousing cheers for their gallant
old Corps Commander as Sumner was leaving them with the
final instructions to wait until they could see the whites of the
enemy's eyes and to aim low. We' did not have long to wait
however, for soon the ' ' Reserves, ' ' being overpowered by num
bers, were obliged to give way, some of their regiments retreating
through our ranks in the wildest disorder, the enemy pressing so
closely after that the German battery on the hill in front ceased
firing and retreated , also abandoning some of their guns, which
were surrounded by the advancing foe, who made desperate at
tempts to capture them, but the Sixty-ninth kept up a deadly
fire on them from the foot of the hill and kept the enemy from
turning the abandoned guns on our lines. Seeing they were still
pressing forward, taking advantage of the position that the rise
of ground gave to us, the regiment instinctively jumped to their
feet and advancing in wedge shape, charged up the hill with a
cheer, met the enemy at close quarters, drove them from the
captured guns and hurled them back on their supporting lines,
changing what had but a short time before seemed to be a dis
astrous defeat to a glorious victory. So sudden and impetuous
was that charge of the Sixty-ninth, so distructive its fire delivered
into the very faces of the enemy, that he not only halted, but in
dismay and terror they turned and fled through the swamp, out
of sight, utterly routed. The day was saved and our army vic
torious, and Gen. Hooker personally complimented the regi
ment on the field for having made this, "the first successful
bayonet charge of the war, and saved the Army of the Potomac
from probable disaster. ' '
The efforts of the enemy to force the lines of our army at this
place were for the purpose of dividing it — which movement,
if successful, would undoubtedly have proved its destruction.
So proud was our brigade commander, Gen. Burns, of the
action of the Sixty-ninth in this battle, that he hailed the regi
ment in his official report as " Gallant Sixty-ninth."
The losses to the regiment in this battle were 13 men killed,

i6
3 officers and 33 men wounded, 5 enlisted men missing ; total, 54.
Extract from Gen. Hooker's report: "About 3 o'clock P. M.
the enemy commenced a vigorous attack on McCall, and in such
force that Gen. Sumner voluntarily tendered me the services
of a regiment which was posted in an open field on my extreme
right and under shelter from the enemy's artillery — this was the
Sixty-ninth Penna. Vols, under Col. Owen. * * * After
great loss, the enemy gave way, and were instantly followed with
great gallantry by Grover at the head of the First Mass. Reg't,
while the Sixty-ninth Penna., heroically led by Owen, advanced
in the open field on their flank with almost reckless daring.
* * * * As q0] Owen has rendered me no report of the
operations of his regiment, I can only express my high apprecia
tion of his services, and my acknowledgment to his chief for
having tendered me so gallant a regiment." The regiment with
drew at midnight, and, with the rest of the army, retired to Mal
vern Hill and bivouacked behind the crest.
MALVERN HILL AND ABANDONMENT OF THE PENINSULA.
On the morning of July ist the brigade was advanced from its
bivouac and sent to the support of the batteries engaged in shell
ing the enemy. The Sixty- ninth was moved in column of com
panies to a position on the slope of the hill, in rear of one of the
batteries, and in view of the enemy, who were concealed in woods
at the base of the slope and whose batteries opened fire, sending
shot and shell in close discharges, that forced us to lay flat on the
ground, which position enabled the troops to escape injury.
After remaining in this position until near noon, we were with
drawn, and, with the corps, marched to the extreme right and
massed in a thick woods, where we remained for the balance of
the day, except that about 3 o'clock in the afternoon the brigade
was marched in double quick to the centre of the army, and,
being met by Gens. McClellan and Sumner, the latter general
ordered us back to our position in the woods. This move was
made through the error of one of Sumner's staff officers, who
had mistaken the Philadelphia Brigade, on account of the green
flag of the Sixty-ninth, for Meagher's New York Irish Brigade,
who were sent for to aid the troops of Gen. Fitz John Porter

17
or Cuch, then desperately engaged on the lefc. About n P.M.,
after all fighting had ceased, the corps was started, with the
rest of the army, on its march to Harrison's Landing, on the
James River. The Sixty-ninth was given the advance of the
corps, with instructions to march rapidly and push through any
obstructions we would encounter. We arrived at the landing
shortly after daylight, in the midst of a drenching rain. An
encampment was formed in a ploughed field of the stickiest mud
that could possibly be found ; here we were allowed to rest. Our
readers can imagine the sweet repose enjoyed by troops marching
almost constantly by night, and fighting by day, for four days
and nights (some troops for seven days and nights.) Thus ended
the memorable "seven days' fighting" of the Army of the Poto
mac. When the rain had ceased, on the 3d of July, the troops
were moved to a new and more pleasant camp-ground. Efforts
were made to establish strict camp routine, but were not kept up ;
drills and inspections were, however, maintained, and fair discip
line ruled throughout the army. The spirits of the men were not
dulled on account of the change of base, and they were as ready
to meet the foe as at any time since the commencement of opera
tions in the Spring.
On the 2d of August the division lefc camp and marched to
Malvern Hill taking a circuitous route, the object being to cut off
and capture a force of the enemy who were occupying that place
as a post of observation, they having discovered our movement,
fled before its completion, and we returned to camp on the 4th
inst. During our encampment here new clothing was issued,
which was greatly needed, as the men of the Sixty-ninth, just
previous to going into the battle of Savage Station were ordered
to place their knapsacks in a pile in the woods until after the
battle, which they did, but they never recovered them, hence all
their clothing was lost by order. The government in this case
treated the men very meanly by charging them for the clothing
they had drawn to replace that so lost. We cannot but remember
gratefully the work of the sanitary and other commissions and in
dividuals who supplied us abundantly with fruits, vegetable and
other food, also their ministrations to the sick and wounded,
while in this encampment.

i8
RELIEF OF POPE.
On the 1 6th of August tents were struck, and the army marched
to Newport News where the men were allowed a few days to rest,
and to enjoy the bathing in the Chesapeake Bay, after which, the
entire brigrade was placed on board the large Pacific steamer
Baltic and brought back to Alexandria, where we were held un
til all the regiments of the corps had arrived, after which we made
a rapid march to Centreville to the assistance of Pope. The corps,
although it held a position on the right of Pope's Army did not
become actively engaged beyond some skirmishing while recon-
noitreing the positions of the enemy. After this battle the corps
marched to Chantilly where the Sixty-ninth was formed in line
of battle in support of a battery of artillery, and were subject to
the fire from the enemy's guns for a period of about two hours,
until the last of the army had passed in retreat to the defenses
of Washington, after which we resumed our march as the rear
guard, being occasionally harased by the enemy's cavalry until
a little before sunset, when we reached a place where there was a
close thicket at the edge of a woods, into this thicket a battery of
artillery was placed, supported by our brigade and the Second, en
tirely concealed from view. The enemy came dashing across the
open fields unconscious of the close presence of their opponents,
until within point blank range, when the six guns of the battery,
double shotted with canister, belched forth their-contents, almost
sweeping the charges out of existence, after this check we were
allowed to pursue our march in peace back towards the Chain
Bridge which crossed the Potomac, this place we reached early
in the morning. In these movements the losses to the regiment
were slight, there was one enlisted man killed, and several
wounded and two men captured. As we had really no rest worth
speaking of from the 30th of August until now, the 3d of Sep
tember, the men were greatly exhausted, so much so, that on the
night of the 2d on the road back to Chain Bridge, the roads
were so blocked with wagon trains that frequent halts had to be
made, during which the men almost immediately fell asleep.
During one of these shortest of halts while the troops were dozing,
some cavalry men passed along, the clinking of whose sabres led
some one under the impression that it was the enemy, and

19
shouted out to that effect, a stampede took place, men running
every direction through the woods, many of them were easily
detected the next morning as they were minus their caps.
Our brigade commander, Gen. Burns, who was wounded at
Savage Station and remained with the brigade until the end of
the seven days' fighting, was obliged to leave us at Harrison's
Landing. He was succeeded by Col. Owen until the 30th of
August, when Gen. Howard was assigned to its command.
ANTIETAM.
On the 5th of September we crossed the Potomac into Mary
land and marched to Tenallytown, to go into camp until new
plans could be put into operation. The commander of the Con
federates, however, by his crossing into Maryland, forced a
resumption of activity, and the army was again in motion.
The march was made in the direction of Frederick, Md., which
was reached on the 13th of September ; from thence we marched
to South Mountain, reaching the scene of battle at that place in
time to give support to the Ninth Corps if needed. The enemy
falling back from that place, we followed him to Keedysville, and
there began the preparations for one of the mightiest battles of
the War.
On the morning of the 17th of September we crossed the
Antietam Creek by fording, the water being waist-deep and the
current so swift that the men were obliged to lock arms by fours
to prevent being swept down the stream. After crossing, line
of battle was formed, the first and third brigades of the
division, each constituting a line, being in advance of the Phila
delphia Brigade, who were the third line of battle. An advance
was made, immediately after forming, in a southerly direction.
On coming within range of the artillery fire we came upon a line
of battle composed of troops of Fitz John Porter's corps, which
we relieved, thus bringing our advance line in contact with the
enemy, whom we forced from his position. They fell back in
good order, making several stands, until a sunken road was
reached ; this road, we believe, led into the town of Sharpsburg.
On the south side the ground was higher than that over which we
had advanced, and was covered by a thick woods ; into this the

20
enemy fell back a short distance, which enabled our lines to get
across the road and into the woods also. On this road, and close
to our position, was the " Dunkards' Church," now historically
known as a land-mark in this battle. Here the enemy made his
last stand, and here the fighting was most desperate. The range
of the Confederate artillery upon our lines was most accurate and
destructive ; every conceivable article of destruction that could
be used was here hurled against us — solid shot, shell, spherical
case, shrapnel, grape, and canister — and, judging by tho tearing
sounds through the air, the general opinion was that railroad iron,
nails, etc., were belched from the cannon's mouth, so that our
men jocularly claim that whole blacksmith-shops were discharged
from their guns against us. In addition to the artillery fire, the
lines of infantry poured in their destructive fires of musketry, and
the carnage became dreadful. A curious feature in this battle was
that, while we were driving the rebels across a corn-field toward
the " Dunkards' Church," a part of French's Division (the Third
Division, Second Corps), composed almost wholly of new troops,
was being driven back by a body of Texans ; so close were the
flanks that the left flank of our brigade almost rubbed against the
left flank of the rebels. Our brigade-line instinctively halted,
expecting an order to change front and pour into the Texans,
which would have resulted in the complete capture of that rebel
force. Why Gen. Howard permitted this opportunity to pass is
beyond conception. With two lines of battle in front of us, we
might easily have been spared for the short time it would have
taken us to defeat, if not annihilate, this force on our flank pass
ing to our rear. Gen. Howard possibly thought it his duty to
obey the orders he received ; but here was a period where discre
tion could be used to such advantage that he could have shortened
the battle, given to our arms a more complete victory, inflicted
greater losses upon the enemy, and at the same time won an
imperishable name for himself and the Philadelphia Brigade; but
Howard ordered us to forward, and we had to obey, though with
great reluctance. Rickett's battery, which belonged to our
division, almost ran over the enemy in swinging their guns in
position to bear on them.
This force of the enemy after pursuing the retreating lines of

21
French some distance to the rear, turned and performed the very
movement against us that we might or should have performed
again them, they swept back upon our rear, placing us between
two fires, when our brave old corps commander, Gen. Sumner,
accompanied by only one aide, rode up along the front of this
regiment and ordered us to move out by the right flank. Amid the
din of the battle we could not hear his command, supposing he
wanted us to make a charge, the men gave him a rousing cheer
and commenced to fix their bayonets, but our gallant old com
mander took off his cap and waved it for us to get out. At the
same time the enemy gave us to understand what Gen. Sumner
meant, by pouring destructive volleys of musketry into our rear,
and the entire division was obliged to get out of their position by
the one outlet — the right flank. We were now obliged to reform
and occupy another position, until at last the enemy retired leav
ing us in possession of the field. Our losses were 3 officers and
18 men killed, 3 officers and 54 men wounded, and 1 officer and
9 men taken prisoners. Total 88.
IN VIRGINIA AGAIN.
The day following the battle of Antietam was spent in burying
the dead and assisting the wounded from the temporary hospitals
to better and more permanent hospitals, and on the 19th, the army
moved to Maryland Heights on the Potomac, opposite Harper's
Ferry and overlooking the country for miles ; at this place we
crossed the river by fording to Harper's Ferry, Va., marching
through that town about two miles to a place called Bolivar
Heights, where an encampment was formed. Gen. Sedgewick be
ing wounded at Antietam the command of the division fell tem
porarily to Gen. Gorman, commander of the First Brigade and
senior Gen. of the division. Towards the latter part of the month
Gen. Burns returned to the command of his own (the Philadel
phia Brigade), and was joyfully received by both officers and men,
while Gen. Howard was placed in command of the division. On the
30th of October camp was again broken, the army assuming the
offensive, and a march made to Snicker's Gap, a pass through the
blue ridge mountains, here we had a light skirmish with the enemy,
the regiment losing, one man wounded and one taken prisoner.

22
On the 31st, the march was continued to the southward, " On
to Richmond" again being the cry, the regiment bivouacking at
a place called Bloomfield ; while halting here, Gen. Burns, our
brigade commander being promoted, took leave of the brigade,
amid many regrets at parting so brave and sterling a soldier, the
officers and men had learned to love him, and he was regarded
with the affections due to a parent, for he had, we might say,
brought us all to a perfect state of discipline, and to him we owe
most of our military education ; there were none of his old com
mand who did not feel that he had won his promotion, and that
he would rise to a still higher grade, as all felt sure that his abili
ties greatly exceeded his new position. Col. Owens, of this regi
ment, was placed in command of the brigade. Lieut. Col. Dennis
O'Kane assumed command of the regiment. November 3d the
march to Ashby's Gap, some miles below Snicker's was made,
and preparations began for a battle — it was thought we had come
upon the rebels in force. Lines of battle were formed and slight
breastworks were hastily constructed ; no large force of the enemy
appearing, the army moved, on the following morning, for War
renton, arriving at that place on the 9th ; the next day, the ioth,
Gen. McClellan took leave of the army, he having been relieved
of its command, the news passed from mouth to mouth, and the
army became at once, as it were, a spiritless mob, a gloom of
sadness seemed to be in the air, no commander had ever held the
affections of his men to a greater extent, his departure seemed to
be followed by that spirit of enthusiasm that had always animated
his army on entering a battle when his presence was known.
Though the honor of ending the war did not fall to him, his
troops well knew the fault was not his, as they recall to mind the
withdrawal of McDowell's force back to Washington, leaving
Jackson free to strengthen Lee's army who were held behind
their defenses at Richmond, the fall of which seemed almost cer
tain before the end of July, and the end of the war assured before
the close of 1862. The memory of our beloved commander will
ever be cherished in the hearts of the men of the old Army of the
Potomac. The command of the army was given to Gen. Burnside. The
march was resumed and on the 15th the army reached Falmouth

23
on the north bank of the Rappahannock River, a short distance
above Fredericksburg which is on the south bank. Camps
were formed here and quarters fixed for the Winter. At this place
our Col. J. T. Owen received his promotion to the rank of Briga-
deir General, and was placed in command of the (Phila.) brigade,
while Lieut. Col. D. O. Kane was made Colonel, Major Jno.
Devereux was made Lieut. Colonel, and Adjutant M. Tschudy
was made Major ; many promotions were made among the com
missioned and non-commissioned officers of the line to fill vacancies
occasioned by losses in battle.
FREDERICKSBURG.
Early on the morning of the nth of December, 1862, the regi
ment marched to Stafford Heights just opposite the city of Fre
dericksburg and was massed behind the bluff awaiting orders to
cross the Rappahannock River. Owing to the obstinate resist
ance of the enemy the pontoon bridges were not completed until
late in the afternoon, when the regiment crossed under a heavy
artillery fire and formed line of battle under shelter of the river
bank from which little protection was afforded from the annoy
ing fire of the enemy's sharpshooters, who were posted in the
houses close to the river. To break up this annoyance two com
panies of the regiment were detailed, and, with details from other
regiments of the brigade, advanced into and through the streets
of the city, firing by volleys into the houses containing the rebel
sharpshooters, and in this manner the city was almost entirely
rid of the enemy. On the 12th we were moved about through
the city from one position to another, and at intervals throughout
the day the enemy saluted us with salvos of artillery, discharging
shot and shell, doing more damage to the buildings than to their
foes. The attack upon the heights in the rear of the city was
given to the Second corps now commanded by Gen. Couch, Gen.
Sumner having command of the Right Grand Division of the
army consisting of the Second and Ninth Corps. Accordingly the
Third Division formed column of brigades, supported by the First
Division, formed in the same manner and advanced to the task
of carrying the heights bristling with batteries placed in tiers
one above the other and upon the crest, while at the base behind

24
stone walls and rifle pits were placed the infantry. As our troops
advance the enemy open a fire, so destructive that the first
column was forced to give way. The next column advances and
after getting within a few paces of the wall were obliged to retire,
their ranks so thinned by losses that had they continued in their
charge to the enemy's works, they would not have had a sufficient
force to hold them, so quickly were their lines melted away. It
now came the turn of the Second Division, of which this regiment
formed a part ; our lines were formed in the bed of an old canal
that ran across the back or southern part of the city, the right
of the Sixty-ninth resting upon the telegraph road leading to
ward Richmond, and the left connecting with the One Hundred
and Sixth Pennsylvania. Gen. Owen placing himself in front of
the brigade line, gave the command, "forward double quick,"
and led the line forward under a raking fire of artillery and
infantry ; seeiug the useless task of trying to reach the enemy's
works he wisely gave the command "halt" and "lay down,"
being- protected by a slight wooden fence, within about one
hundred yards of the first line of the rebel works, being unable to
advance further we would not retreat, our men were obliged to
lay down flat as the enemy made every effort to destroy us, or
force us to leave, his batteries still kept up their fire, while his
infantry watched their chance to pick off any of the men hazardous
enough to raise their heads. Two companies were taken from the
right and sent to a small house on the road about twenty-five
yards to the front and on a line with the dead and wounded of
the First Division, where their last s'and was made. These two
companies were to act as sharpshooters and so well did they pre
form their work of picking off the gunners, that the enemy was
obliged to bring some of his batteries to bear on the house which
they soon demolished. Late in the afternoon three more lines
of battle under Gen. Hooker advanced to our relief and en
deavored to drive the enemy from his position, but each succes
sive line broke before they could reach or pass our line, so dread
ful was the work of slaughter.
This ended the useless effort of our troops, and at 1 1 P. M. we
were withdrawn, (after recovering the colors of two regiments
which would have undoubtedly fallen into the enemy's hands),

and replaced by Sykes Division of "Regulars." On the night of
the 14th, the army was withdrawn and we returned to our camp
on the north side of the river, marching nearly the whole night
amid a drenching rain. Our losses were, 19 enlisted men killed,
5 officers, and 27 men wounded and 2 taken prisoners.
While encamped at Falmouth the regiment performed its share
of picket duty. On the 25th of February, 1863, the regiment
was called out in the night to march to United States Ford, some
miles up the Rappahannock, to resist a reported crossing by the
rebels at that point, this march was made in the face of a heavy
storm of sleet and was about as disagreeable a march as could be
made. On reaching the point of rendezvous it was discovered
that the report was a false one, and much disgusted we returned
to camp.
The citizen at home could not, we believe, realize the demora
lized condition of the army at this time ; it was little better than
an armed disagreeable mob ; all confidence in the leaders was
destroyed, and murmurings were loud and frequent against every
one in authority, and our highest commanders were treated with
contempt. Our grand old corps commander, Gen. Sumner,
resigned his position, returned to his home and died almost
immediately after, broken-hearted over the demoralized condi
tion of the army. CHANCELLORSVILLE.
Gen. Hooker was now placed in command of the army. He
proceeded at once to restore it to its former state of efficiency and
discipline, punishing the men by withholding furloughs and other
privileges until the inspectors' reports showed good discipline ; on
some occasions these inspectors were hooted from the regiment
and brigade camps, and on one occasion one of them appearing
in a camp on a day while some snow lay on the ground he was
snow-balled away. The troops, however, gradually fell into a
fair state of discipline and operations began once more.
This regiment, or rather the brigade, did not participate in the
battle proper. Being detached from the division, it was placed
under the command of Gen. Benham, Chief of the Engineer
Corps, and assigned to service at Bank's Ford, between Chancel
lorsville and Fredericksburg, guarding the pontoon bridge

26
laid at that Ford. This bridge was laid for the purpose of
enabling Gen. Sedgewick to cross to the north bank of the Rap
pahannock if he were unable to hold his own, or to admit of the
passage of troops to his assistance if events made such a. course
necessary. The brigade was moved to the south bank of the
river and found the enemy in close proximity ; line of battle was
formed and a skirmish line sent out which advanced upon and
drove him fully a mile bask, this ground was held until Sedgewick
coming up with his corps from Fredericksburg was overwhelmed
and obliged to retreat across the bridge we were holding, after
which we were withdrawn. During these movements the picket
details from this and the other regiments of the brigade were
taken across the river at Fredericksburg and bore part in the
engagement at Mary's Heights, back of the city, assisting in the
capture of the rebel battery, known as the Washington Artillery.
The failure of the army at Chancellorsville obliged Hooker to
abandon aggressive operations, and the army was returned to its
camp at Falmouth. Gen. Couch being placed in command of
the department of Pennsylvania, the command of the corps was
given to Gen. Hancock, and Gen. Gibbons was placed in com
mand of the division in place of Gen. Howard, who had been
promoted to the command of the Eleventh Corps. Under Hooker
the troops were again becoming thorough in their discipline, and
the strict routine of camp duty according to army regulations
was carried out to the letter.
AGAIN ON THE MOVE.
On the morning of the 14th of June, this regiment took up the
line of march again back towards Washington, the army having
to perform another retrograde movement. The weather was ex
tremely hot and oppressive, the march long and the roads very
dusty ; many of the men were obliged to fall out, being overcome
by the heat, on the 15th of June, while en route to Fairfax Court
House, which place was reached at about 4 P- M. On the 18th
marched to Centreville ; on the 20th marched to Thoroughfare
Gap, where the division was drawn up in line to defend the pass
against the enemy, who it was believed were marching thereto.
While here, our brigade commander was removed and replaced

27
temporarily by Col. D. W. C. Baxter, of the Seventy-second
Pennsylvania. On the 25th, it being ascertained that a force of
rebels were pushing their way around our left flank for the pur
pose of getting on our rear and cutting us off from the rest of the
army, the division hastily moved back, the Sixty-ninth being
left behind some distance as a rear guard. On approaching the
village of Haymarket we were discovered by the enemy, who
were very close upon our flank, and who- opened a very sharp fire
from his batteries on us. To save ourselves from being cut off
and captured we were obliged to run a considerable distance at
top speed, and caught up with the remainder of the division at a
small place called Gainesville ; a battery was here sent to the rear,
which we supported, and whose firing held the enemy in check
until the division was gotten well under way again. About noon
an uncomfortable and heavy drizzling rain set in, making our
march very difficult. About n P. M. we bivouacked at Gum
Springs. The latter part of this march was made over part of the
old Bull Run battlefield, where the bones of the dead in many
places were exposed above ground. On the 26th we marched to
Edward's Ferry and crossed the Potomac back into Maryland,
where we rejoined the other two divisions of the corps and rested
for the night, continuing the march to Frederick, arriving there
on the afternoon of the 28th ; we here received our new brigade
commander Gen. A. S. Webb, and marched to Uniontown, where
the order was promulgated, placing Gen. Meade in command
of the Army of the Potomac. GETTYSBURG.
On the evening of the ist of July we arrived on the field of
Gettysburg, and while on the march to this point we knew that we
were close to the enemy for we could hear the heavy artillery fire
of the First Corps who were on the advance, and later in the day
we received the sad intelligence of the death of Gen. Reynolds,
which was regarded as a calamity, for his ability as a commander
was second to none. To replace him, Gen. Hancock was sent
forward to take command of the field, Gen. Gibbons assumed
command of the corps, and Gen. Harrow command of the divi-

28
sion. Hancock at once took in the situation, and quickly placed
the troops in position as they arrived on the field.
The Sixty- ninth was placed in position shortly after sunrise on
the morning of July 2d, on Cemetery Ridge, a little below the
crest on the decline facing the enemy and behind a low stone
wall, the right resting within about thirty paces of what is now
designated as the " Bloody Angle," the left extending about the
same distance below, or south of a clump of trees of umbrella
shape, historically known as the objective point or guide for the
rebel Gen. Pickett in his advance and charge of the 3d of July.
After establishing the line of battle, a detail of two men was
taken from each company and added to details from the other
three regiments of the brigade, and were placed on picket a little
beyond the Emmettsburg pike. This line was briskly engaged
with the enemy's pickets until late in the afternoon.
About 6.30 P. M., the enemy, after driving back the lines of
the Third Corps, and flushed with success at the time, assailed the
position held by the Sixty-ninth. Wright's Georgia Brigade
made a furious assault, advancing obliquely from our left front,
forcing Brown's Rhode Island Battery — except two guns, which
were abandoned by reason of the horses being shot down — from
its position in front of this regiment ; notwithstanding the fact
that this battery were pouring charge after charge of canister shot
and shrapnel into the advancing lines, still on come the mad Geor
gians until they reach point-blank range of our rifles. We met
their charge with such a destroying fire that they were forced back
in confusion. They rally again and make a second effort, and
again are their lines broken and thinned as we pour volley upon
volley into their disordered lines, until they finally retire a dis
pirited mob, not even able to take Brown's abandoned guns,
which they twice succeeded in reaching.
Says one writer: "Wright, Wilcox and Perry pass by Hum
phries' right, but the gallant Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers,
under the command of Dennis O'Kane (Second Corps), receive
the advancing foe — Wright's Brigade — with a defiant shout, as
they shake out the folds of their green flag and pour a withering
fire at short range into the faces of their adversaries, then back
ward propelled by another volley, the men in gray and butternut

29
uniforms in confusion are driven down the slopeand across the
ground over which they had charged.' ' Our position was strength
ened by the Seventy-first Pennsylvania being placed a few paces
in our rear. The men of the Sixty-ninth were eager to give pur
suit, but were prevented by Gens. Harrow, commanding the
division, and Webb, commanding the brigade. This closed the
work of the regiment on the 2d of July. The field in our front
was thickly strewn with the dead and wounded of the enemy,
whose losses seemed very heavy, while the loss of this regiment
was but trifling in comparison. Capt. M. Duffy, of Company I,
and Lieut. Charles Kelly, two brave officers, who were exceed
ingly anxious to countercharge upon the repulsed lines of the foe,
were among the killed.
The men on this part of the field, not knowing that the lines of
the army on the right curved to our rear, and hearing the artillery
and musketry firing on Cemetery and Culp's Hills, almost directly
behind us, grew very uneasy as to the fate of the battle at those
points This uneasiness was, we believe, shared in by some ol
our immediate commanders, as Gen. Webb asked that we should
hold this position at all hazards until 4 o'clock of the next after
noon, when Gen. McClellan would be in Lee's rear with 40,000
men. This information raised the spirits of the men, which was
increased, for, as the firing grew more faint, and we heard the
cheers of our men — for we could always distinguish between a
" Union cheer" and a " Rebel yell " — we knew that we were the
victors, and we sank to rest eager for the morrow, full of hope and
confident that the end would leave us triumphant.
THE MORNING OF THE THIRD.
The morning of the 3d was passed inactively, except the firing
of the pickets in our front, which was sometimes very sharp.
About noon a stillness reigned that was deathlike and unusual at
such a time ; an anxious look could plainly be seen on the faces of
the men, and feelings of mingled dread and determination per
vaded the minds of all — a harbinger of the coming storm that was
to cover the fields with so much blood, drawn from the patriot as
well as from the traitor. It was the presage of that storm of
artillery missiles unprecedented in field battles for the number of
guns and the fury of its metallic hail. At 1 o'clock the stillness

30
was broken by the discharge of one gun from the enemy's lines —
the right of Longstreet' s position — the men start,- all gaze towards
the Confederate positions, at the same time moving quickly to
their posts. Again the air is disturbed by a sound, or rather
many sounds' almost in one, as a volley of artillery pours out its
deafening roar. The air is filling with the whirring, shrieking,
hissing sounds of the solid shot and the bursting shell ; all throw
themselves flat upon the ground, behind the low stone wall ;
nearly one hundred and fifty guns belch forth messengers of de
struction, sometimes in volleys, again in irregular but continuous
sounds, traveling through the air, high above us, or striking the
ground in front and ricochetting over us, to be imbedded in some
object to the rear ; others strike the wall, scattering the stones
around. The fire of all those batteries seems to be concentrated
on Cemetery Ridge, part of which was held by this regiment.
Our batteries reply. Battery A, Fourth United States, Lieut.
Cushing, and Brown's Rhode Island Battery, occupy the crest of
the Ridge in our rear, together with the artillery from the Round
Tops, the Old Cemetery, Cemetery and Culp's hills, but ere long
Cushing' s and Brown's are almost completely silenced, their
"' guns being dismounted, caissons exploding, battery wagons,
forges, etc., swept away, shattered into splinters, horses disem
boweled, their flesh and entrails scattered, men beheaded, limbs
torn, and bodies most horribly mangled into shapeless and un
recognizable masses of human flesh." At last, after between one
and two hours, the fire slackens, almost ceases. The Confeder
ate infantry appear upon the scene, emerging from the woods
opposite, nearly a mile distant, in two lines, followed by a battery
of artillery, which took up its position close to the woods and im
mediately opened fire, the infantry advancing over the intermedi
ate plain. The appearance of these troops was a feeling of relief
from the dread of being plowed into shreds or torn to fragments
by the solid shot or bursting shell that had so thickly filled the
air a few moments before. PICKETT'S CHARGE.
On came those two charging lines of battle with the precision
of troops on parade and the cool, steady marching of veterans,
which they were. While the enemy was advancing across the

3i
plain towards us, Col. O'Kane, commanding the regiment, or
dered the men to reserve their fire until they could plainly dis
tinguish the whites of their eyes ; he also reminded the command
of their being upon the soil of their own State, concluding his re
marks with the words, " And let your work this day be for victory
or to the death." After Pickett's lines had crossed the Emmitts-
burg pike their direction was changed, marching obliquely ' ' to the
left" until they overlapped our right and the " Angle." At this
juncture two of Cushing's guns were brought from the crest of
the ridge in the rear to the wall, and placed in position between
the men of Company I — the first company — and commenced
firing upon the advancing lines, until their ammunition became
exhausted. The gunners then retired, leaving their guns at the
wall with this regiment. When within about 20 or 30 paces of
the wall the direct march was resumed by the enemy, and shortly
after this regiment received the command to fire, and a destruc
tive fire was poured into the ranks of the foe, which staggered
him and threw his ranks into disorder. The fight now became
desperate and destructive. For some reason or another the
troops on the, right of this regiment, and between it and the
Angle, abandoned their position. The rebel commander, Gen.
Armistead, perceiving this passed through the ranks of his men,
and ran the gauntlet of the fire of the first two companies of this
regiment, I and A, and, passing a short distance beyond the right
of the Sixty-ninth, he stepped over the wall and pushed towards
the crest of the ridge and our rear, followed by his men, who
were in front of the abandoned part of the wall, thus imperilling
our right and rear, to protect which the first three companies, I,
A and F, were ordered to change front and face these flankers.
The first and second companies executed the order. The com
mander of Company F, George Thompson, being killed before
he could give the command to his men, they remained at the wall
with the regiment. This left a space between the left of A and
the right of F, through which the enemy poured, enveloping the
latter company and forcing almost all of their men over the wall
into the lines of the Confederates in front, making them prison
ers. The adjoining company, D, having more time, were enabled
to turn upon and hold the enemy at bay, using their muskets as

32
clubs, the enemy doing likewise. Corporal Bradley, of this com
pany, a powerful man, was using his piece as a club very effect
ively, but was overpowered by numbers and had his skull crushed
by a blow from a musket in the hands of a rebel. During the
melee at this point, the other two companies of the right, together
with the Seventy-first at the rear angle of the wall opposite, kept
a destructive fire crossways until the rebel Gen. Armistead at
this point fell mortally wounded, close to one of Cushing' s guns,
the muzzle of which he tried to grasp in his fall, but failed. With
the fall of this leader the fighting here ended and the enemy sur
rendered. During this fighting on the right and right centre, the
centre and left of the regiment were also desperately engaged.
The troops composing the two lines of the enemy in front of the
Sixty-ninth were the brigades of Garnett — the front line — and
Armistead, the rear and supporting line. Garnett was killed
about opposite the centre of this regiment, near the pike. Pick
ett's other brigade participating in the charge was commanded
by Kemper, and was in line on the left of Garnett and beyond
the left of this regiment. Stannard's command, flanking Kem
per, doubled his lines on those of Garnett and Armistead. Thus
were these three brigades almost all converged on the position of
this regiment, which they made desperate efforts to drive from
the wall. Some of their men in their desperation actually passed
over the wall, through the lines of the Sixty-ninth, on its left, but
never to return, as they sank to the ground in death, pierced
with bullets, Kemper falling wounded in front of our left, and the
brigade of Col. Hall coming on the scene, from the left and rear,
to our aid, followed by the Seventy-second Pennsylvania, forced
the enemy to give up the struggle, nearly all surrendering. On
the front of this regiment from six to eight flags were picked up.
THE FRIGHTFUL LOSS OF LIFE.
The regiment lost all its field officers in repulsing this charge-^-
the colonel, D. O'Kane, being mortally wounded, dying a few
hours after ; the lieutenant colonel, M. Tschudy, being killed
while rallying the right to oppose Armistead. He was also
wounded on the 2d, but refused to leave the field. The major,
J. Duffy, was desperately wounded on the left of the line. The

33
adjutant, W. Whildey, was slightly wounded near the close of
the fight. There were also 4 line officers killed and 6 wounded,
and the 2 lieutenants of Company F taken prisoners. Of the
non-commissioned officers and privates there were 39 killed, 80
wounded, and 16 taken prisoners, making an aggregate loss of
151, while the aggregate strength of the regiment on entering the
field the morning of July 2d was 258. The losses of Pickett's
Division were : of their 3 brigade commanders, 2 killed, 1 wounded;
and of the field officers of its 14 regiments but 1 escaped unhurt;
of the rank and file more than three-fourths were killed, wounded
or captured. It is doubtful if history can show as complete an
annihilation of a similar charging force as that of Pickett's Divi
sion in that desperate closing scene of the battle of Gettysburg.
It may be proper to here state that other organizations have
claimed to have fought at the stone wall, mingling with the men
of the Sixty-ninth. This claim is based on the fact of individuals
from other regiments picking up rebel flags thrown down or
abandoned by the enemy at the close of the fight, and for which
service medals have been awarded by Congress. We here
state emphatically that no regiment, company, or part thereof,
approached that part of the stone wall held by the Sixty-ninth
Pennsylvania during the period of the fighting. The Seventy-
second Pennsylvania advanced to the crest of the ridge, and per
haps a little below it; also Hall's Brigade, and, we have been
informed, other regiments approached our rear and fired upon
the enemy. Their presence and destructive firing had the effect,
no doubt, of forcing the enemy to give up the fight. When the
fighting ceased, these troops came to the wall, gathered up flags
and other trophies and returned back to their positions. The
men of the Sixty-ninth were busily engaged in sending the rebel
soldiers to the rear to be gathered in by the troops posted there,
and also in looking up their dead and wounded ; had they known,
however, that a reward would be given to those who turned in
the flags picked up off the field of battle, it is more than likely
they also would have gathered up flags. The command of the
corps was given to Gen. Warren, and that of the division to Gen.
Harrow, owing to the absence of Gens. Hancock and Gibbons
by reason of their wounds. The regiment was now commanded
3

34
by Capt. Wm. Davis, of Company K, who was the senior officer
of the regiment after the battle.
On the afternoon of the 5th, the Sixty-ninth abandoned its posi
tion at the stone wall and joined in the pursuit of the rebel army,
marching to a point on the Hagerstown and Sharpsburg pike
where line of battle was formed and preparations made to receive
an attack. After manceuvering about for two days the enemy
fled towards the Potomac river, crossing at the different fords
above Sheppardstown, and the regiment marched to Sandy Hook,
Md., and went into camp, remaining in this position until the 18th.
While here Capt. Davis was detailed for duty at Philadelphia and
Capt. Thomas Kelly was placed in command of the regiment.
Camp was now broken and the regiment again crossed the Potomac
into Virginia at Harper's Ferry, marching into the Loudon Valley
thence to Manasses Gap and to the Blue Ridge Mountains, along
which the march was kept up to near Piedmont, where it was ex
pected Lee would give battle ; preparations were made accord
ingly. Owing to the numerous and rapid marches through the
mountains, over routes inaccessible to wagons, our wagon trains
were left behind, thus making us short of food. Gen. Meade
notified the troops of the scarcity of supplies and of the proba
bility of having to subsist on such food as could be procured from
the surrounding country. No attack being made here and the
enemy still fleeing southward, the army was marched to a place
called Morrisville near the Rappahannock river and on the line
of the Orange & Alexandria Railroad, where the wagon trains
were brought forward and food once more meted out. On the
31st of August we were marched to Bank's Ford to resist a
reported crossing of the river by the enemy's cavalry, who not
appearing we marched to Kelly's Ford a kw miles further west
ward, and after a slight skirmish the river was crossed and the
march continued to Culpepper near which the brigade supported
our cavalry in a brisk fight resulting in the defeat of the enemy.
At this place the regiment performed provost duty for four days
until the remainder of the army came forward, after- which the
march was continued to the Rapidan river, relieving our cavalry
at Summerville Ford, where we went into camp near to the river,
and in view of the enemy who, not relishing the sight, brought his

35
artillery to bear upon us with such vigor as to force us to change
our camp to a position out of the range of his guns and out of his
sight. In the early part of October we were marched to the west
of Culpepper near to Madison Court House, where it was ascer
tained that Lee's army was making a movement northward along
the west side of the Blue Ridge. We remained in the vicinity of
Culpepper and Rappahannock Station until the army had started
on the march to the northward again. While waiting at this
place the troops were employed in reducing the fortifications and
in supporting the cavalry in its efforts to resist that of the enemy.
The division was now the rear guard and performed very fatigu
ing duty, marching by night and by day through fields and forest,
across streams and ravines, up and down precipitous heights,
with occasional fights and skirmishes, sometimes being obliged to
run at top speed the gauntlet of the rebel artillery, infantry and
cavalry, we continued this way for several days and nights until
Bristow Station was reached, here the enemy met us in force and
a brisk battle was the result. This regiment formed on the left
of the One Hundred and Sixth and being protected by the rail
road bank suffered but slight loss, while heavy losses were inflicted
on the enemy who were obliged to retire. The Sixty-ninth with
the rest of the brigade was detailed to accompany the wagon
trains to Centreville and on the 15th of October we rejoined the
division and marched to Bull Run where the army was formed
in battle array and waited an attack by Lee, who seemed to
have wisely concluded not to attack. After fighting an artillery
duel and failing to dislodge us from our position the enemy with
drew. On the 17th as daylight dawned upon us, the discovery
was made that Lee's army had gone ; we then marched to War
renton Junction and encamped until the 5th of November, when
the army advanced again to the Rappahannock, crossed the river
at Kelly's Ford, formed line of battle and advanced on a small
body of the enemy and drove them from their encampment, cap
turing a quantity of stores. The advance was continued to the
Rapidan which the regiment crossed at Germania Ford on the
27th of November and marched to Robertson's Farm where the
enemy was found drawn up in line of battle.

36
ROBERTSON'S FARM AND MINE RUN.
The regiment formed line of battle on the left of the Seventy -
firgt Pennsylvania, our left connecting with the First Brigade,
while the Seventy-second Pennsylvania was deployed in our
front as skirmishers. In this manner we advanced across the
field, the enemy falling back as we approached to the edge of a
wood. • Forces of the rebels appearing on our right flank, we
changed front so that a new line was formed running at right
angles with the former. The enemy made a determined attack,
so impetuous that our lines were forced to give way, and we fell
back a short distance, but rallying, we charged forward, driving
the enemy some distance beyond our former position, which we
held, despite his renewed efforts to dislodge us. Darkness com
ing on, we rested on our arms until the morning, when the Third
Corps advanced in line over us to attack the works of the enemy
on the heights along Mine Run, the Second Corps being massed
as a support. No attack being made at this point, we were with
drawn and marched to the rear, and by a circuitous route to and
beyond the left of our army. On this march the utmost quiet
ness was requested, and the men were obliged to muffle the
utensils dangling from their haversacks. Arriving at the desired
point, we were concealed in a woods, remaining until 3 o'clock
A. M. of the 30th, and, amid the darkness of the hour, we were
moved to a ravine within a few hundred yards of formidable
looking works of the enemy, and here rested. Shortly after day
light Gen. Webb addressed the brigade, informing us that we
were selected to charge the works in our front. The men being
anxious, peeped over the brow of the hill and saw that the ground
across which we were to charge was a very level, open field, of
at least 500 yards in width, swept by the guns of several forts
connected by breastworks, and which could be brought to bear
on any portion of the field. The men were intelligent enough to
take in the situation; they knew that when the next roll would be
called there would be few to answer. Each one, however, with a
grim cheerfulness, determined to make this charge a success or
surrender his life. Few there were in the brigade line that morn
ing who felt they had even a chance of returning in safety from
the attack. Watches and trinkets, to be sent to the loved ones

37
at home, were given to the chaplains, surgeons and the other
non-combatants always attached to regiments. Most of the offi
cers and men wrote their names on paper and pinned them to
their coat collars or vests, that they could be identified in the
event of their death. It is also wonderful the dread that men
have in going into battle with a pack of playing cards about
them. On this occasion enough such cards were thrown away
that one would think would fill a small wagon. Before begin
ning this attack, Gen. Warren, commanding the corps — Han
cock being absent on account of his wounds — went over to the
left of our position to some trees, one of which he ascended, and
with his glasses viewed the interior of the rebel works. While
perched in this position he became a target for the rifles of some
of the foe, but remained in this perilous position until he got a
thorough knowledge of the opposition we would have to en
counter. Becoming satisfied that the sacrifice would be too great,
he countermanded the order to charge at the risk of censure and
condemnation to himself. His explanation, however, relieved
him from blame. After nightfall we were secretly withdrawn,
leaving a detail of men behind to keep fires burning to deceive
the enemy as to our presence. These details succeeded in escap
ing capture and were each granted a furlough as a reward for
their bravery and success. Our losses in these movements were
ten officers and men killed and wounded. On the morning of
the ist of December we recrossed the Rapidan river and returned
to our camp near Stevensburg, where the corps remained until
the opening of the wilderness campaign.

RE-ENLISTMENT.
On the 14th of March, 1864, the regiment having re-enlisted,
was sent home to Philadelphia for one month on furlough before
commencing their new term. While here the friends of the regi
ment presented it with a new and handsome green flag, the old one
being presented to the city of Philadelphia, and placed in Independ
ence Hall back of the statue of Washington, where it remained for
a number of years, then mysteriously disappeared. All efforts to
trace its whereabouts seem futile. On the 14th of April the regi
ment returned to the seat of war and rejoined the corps at its old
camp. While here Major Duffy resigned owing to his wounds.
Capt. Davis was promoted to succeed him. While he was in
every way worthy of promotion, yet his appointment gave a great
deal of dissatisfaction. Not because of any ill will, but they felt
that this promotion should have gone to Capt. Thomas Kelly,
the senior captain of the regiment, who was a most thorough dis
ciplinarian and tactician, twice wounded and unfortunately absent
by reason of his wounds received at Robertson's Farm. Accord
ingly a protest was signed by nearly every commissioned and
non-commissioned officer of the regiment, and sent to Governor
Curtin, who, to his credit be it said and in spite of all opposing
influences, promised to rectify the matter by promoting Capt.
Kelly to the position of Lieut-Colonel when the regiment's num
bers were sufficient to entitle it to an officer of that rank. That
position being still vacant. WILDERNESS BATTLES.
On the 3d of May, camp was broken and the Rapidan was
crossed at Ely Ford. Gen. Hancock was again in command of
the corps, having returned from his absence on account of the
wounds he received at Gettysburg. We were marched through
part of the wilderness to Chancellorsville, and on the 5th, while
on the march to Shady Grove Church, the corps was brought
back by the Brock road to the assistance of the Sixth Corps on
the Orange Plank road ; and about 4 o'clock P. M. this brigade
became hotly engaged and a most stubbornly contested fight
ensued until dark; neither side gaining any advantage, the fight
ing ceased. About 5 o'clock on the A. M. of the 6th, the fight-

39
ing was resumed, the contest being more stubborn and desperate
than that of the evening before, but the enemy was forced to
give way, and was driven through the dense thicket for a distance
of nearly two miles when we were halted, our lines reformed, and
the fighting was renewed until noon, after which it was again
resumed on our extreme left which was finally turned, thus com
pelling our whole line to fall back to the place of its formation on
the day before — the line of the Brock road. The fighting again
ceased until about 4 P. M. when the enemy made another des
perate assault upon our lines coming to within about 50 or 75
yards of us, then halted but kept up a vigorous fire. During
the last lull the troops made good use of the time by constructing
rude breastworks of logs and partly decayed timber, of which
there was an abundance laying around. Finding they could not
force us from our position he gave up for the night. The follow
ing day we remained quiet, neither side having a disposition to
renew the contest. The difficulties under which both sides fought
can scarcely be properly described; the ground was covered with
a dense growth of pines and cedars whose branches interlaced each
other, and so low as to make the march most difficult and trying;
in addition to this there was a dense undergrowth of bushes and
vines running along the ground over which many were tripped.
It was impossible in many places to see more than 20 or 30 yards
ahead, and the use of artillery was out of the question, except
perhaps two pieces on the plank road.
The battle of both days may fairly be said to be battles
of musketry pure and simple. On the night of the seventh we
marched to Todd's tavern, where we had a slight brush with the
enemy. In the afternoon we marched to the vicinity of the Po
river, and on the 8th crossed that stream and advanced to the
Ta another small stream, where we were engaged in defending a
bridge, but were finally forced to retire. Gen. Webb being
wounded here, Gen. Owen, our former colonel, was placed in
command of the brigade. We were shifting about here from one
place to another, always under fire and often in perilous positions
until the io'.h of May, we were moved to Spottsylvania Court
house and were here employed throwing up breastworks close to
the enemy, who annoyed us by the fire of his sharpshooters and

40
skirmishing lines. About ii P. M. the regiment moved with the
corps to the left of the army and halted within a short distance of
the enemy's works where it rested.
SPOTTSYLVANIA.
At about between 3 and 4 o'clock A. M. of the 12th of May
the lines were got in readiness, and shortly after moved out and
up through a woods for a short distance, in a stealthy way, until
we came to a clearing made by the enemy felling the trees to form
an obstruction. When within about forty or fifty yards, the men
make a sudden dash forward with cheers and yells ; passing over
the pickets, they quickly mount the works. The division to
which the regiment belonged was a supporting column, but
moved up immediately, following the lines ahead, and were soon
engaged with the. troops of the enemy advancing to retake the
captured works. There was, perhaps, no more desperate struggle
for a position during the War than was the efforts of the enemy
to retake his lost works. He made five or six attempts to drive
us out, and, in his desperation, some of their men actually suc
ceeded in planting the colors of their regiments on their lost
ramparts, but they were in the end forced to give up. In one of
these charges Capt. Charles McAnally, of Company E, of this
regiment, fought a hand-to-hand struggle with a rebel color-
bearer ; while so struggling, the rebel color-guard rushed to the
assistance of their standard bearer, and would have undoubtedly
killed McAnally and saved their colors but for the heroic action
of Sergeant Hugh McKeever, who quickly dispatched one of the
guard about to fire on his captain, thus saving his life and enabling
the captain to strike down the standard bearer and capture the
flag, which he threw to the rear and continued his efforts to repel
the enemy until the struggle was over. The flag was picked up
by some one in the rear (who no doubt wears a medal), while no
report of Capt. McAnally' s struggle for its possession was ever
noted — another instance of the heedlessness of the men of the
Sixty-ninth to seek reward for special acts.
After this fight the men were kept busy moving and shifting
about from place to place night and day, frequently under heavy
fires of artillery, until the morning of the 18th of May, the regi-

4i
ment was detached from the brigade temporarily and assigned to
the Corcoran Legion.
Shortly after daylight we were moved to our position in the
woods and massed in rear of the " Legion " as a support. When
the order to advance was given the " Legion," in our front, ad
vanced on a double quick through the woods to a clearing, in
view of and close to the enemy's works, where they received the
artillery and infantry fire unflinchingly, and advanced on over
the old works captured on the 12th. The Sixty-ninth moved up
on their right and advanced with them, driving the enemy from
interior lines of rifle pits erected a short distance from the old
line. Upon reaching these works an overwhelming force of the
enemy charged upon the "Legion" on our left, and they were
forced to retire to the old line. This regiment was then with
drawn, and after dark we were marched with the corps to the
extreme left of the army, preparatory to more flank marching.
This terminated the fighting about Spottsylvania Court House.
In all this fighting, from the Rapidan to this point, nothing was
achieved that might not have been accomplished without loss of
life by other movements, yet up to this time (from May 3d to
19th), according to official reports, the losses to our army footed
up in round numbers 40,000 men — a frightful loss to contem
plate, with no results to compensate. During all these opera
tions the losses to this regiment were, in killed, wounded and
missing, two officers and 61 men. The losses are believed to
have been greater, as men have been dropped from the rolls as
deserters that others have stated were killed or died of wounds.
During this period there does not seem to have been any official
reports made as to the services of the regiment in these battles.
It is supposed that its strength before crossing the Rapidan did
not exceed 400 in the aggregate.
Among the killed was Captain Thomas Kelly, the senior officer
of the regiment, one of the bravest of officers, and always an
ardent advocate of strict, though not severe, discipline, and who,
during the short period of time that he was in command of the
regiment, brought it to such a high standard of perfection in
drill, obedience and cleanliness that the regiment was compli
mented in a special order from division headquarters while in

42
camp at Morrisville. Governor Curtin had forwarded to him his
commission as Lieutenant-Colonel over the then Major, in justice
to him as well as to the officers and men of the regiment. His
commission, however, arrived upon the day of his death.
ON THE FLANK.
Near midnigh* of the 20th of May we began the march along
the line of the Fredericksburg and Richmond Railroad, passing
through Bowling Green and Milford- After crossing the Matta-
pony river, breastworks were erected in anticipation of an attack
by the rebel army ; before completing them, a body of the enemy's
cavalry made a dash on our position, driving in our pickets, but
was quickly repulsed. About 10 A. M. of the 22d we arrived at
North Anna, where Lee's army was drawn up to resist our pas
sage across that stream. After a heavy artillery fire we made the
crossing on the afternoon of the 25th and forced the enemy back
about a mile or more behind a line of earthworks. On the after
noon of the 26th, the regiment took part in the assault on the
rebel works, and forced the enemy from a portion of his entrench
ments; the assault not being an entire success, the army was with
drawn, and another flank march to the left was made. The Sec
ond Corps remained in line on the north bank of the river until
the rest of the army got under way, after which the march was
made to the Pamunkey river, and on the 28th came up with the
enemy at Hawes' Shop, where a brisk skirmish took place, after
which we marched, during the night, around the right flank of
Lee's army to Tolopotomy creek. A great deal of manoeuvering
and a little fighting was done on the 30th. On the morning ot
the 31st, the brigade formed line of battle in a ravine through
which the creek flowed, the One Hundred and Sixth being on
our right, and the Seventy-first and Seventy- second on our left ;
we ascended the steep bank and advanced through a narrow belt
of woods, driving the enemy's pickets before us and across a nar
row clearing on the opposite side of which, along the edge of a
woods, we saw the enemy in line of battle covering the road lead
ing to Cold Harbor, and along which his columns were moving
quickly ; we advanced on a double quick almost to the road and
delivered a destructive fire, breaking their marching- columns and

43
throwing them into disorder. While their lines of battle opposite
pour in a heavy fire of musketry, and their artillery deliver a
drenching fire of canister ; being alone in this position, and no
supports coming to our aid, we were obliged to withdraw to the
rear a short distance, where we erected breastworks and rested
till the morning of the ist of June, when the enemy's skirmishers
and sharpshooters began an annoying fire which they kept up
until about 4 P. M., at which time he advanced in force in line of
battle, but was quickly repulsed.
After darkness had set in, the march to the left was renewed >
arriving at Cold Habor on the morning of the 2d, formed line of
battle and spent the day in erecting earthworks, being annoyed
occasionally by the rebel artillery. Early on the morning of the
3d, we were marched a short distance to the left, where the bri
gade was massed in rear of the third division as a support, who
advanced through a swampy woods and across an open field,
sloping gently upward towards the lines of the enemy, who
crowned its summit with formidable works. On the approach of
the advance line to the attack, the enemy pour into it a death-
dealing fire, so destructive that it was forced to retire. The Phila
delphia Brigade was immediately deployed from column into line
of battle, and advanced to within a very short distance of the rebel
works, when the enemy set all his forces of resistance to work,
hurling from the rifles of the men and the cannon of the artillery
all the death-dealing missiles of destruction at his command.
The discretion and good judgment of our commander, Gen.
Owen, saved what might have been almost total destruction by
ordering the men to lay down when within a very short distance
of the works. The soil here being very sandy, the men took
their tin cups and scooped up the soil until some shelter was
formed to protect them from the enemy's fire. Our line re
mained in this position until darkness set in, when all hands sank
to their much-needed rest, which however was of snort duration
to us ; entrenching tools being brought up we set to work with a
will, and before daylight we had constructed works strong enough
to resist the heaviest artillery fire the foe could bring to bear.
We held this position until the 12th of June, during all which
time we dare not stand up straight during the day, it being sure

44
death, as the fire of the rebel sharpshooters was so deadly. For
two days of this time the troops of both sides had formed a truce,
and the opposing lines of men became friends, chatting and trad
ing with each other, as though they had met on some friendly
business. Gen. Hancock, however, quickly broke up the truce
and ordered the men to resume their hostilities, which became as
deadly as ever. We were now constantly shelled by day, and
frequently by night. Mortar batteries were used here for the
first time by the army of the Potomac and their adversaries. It
was from here that the Seventy-first Pennsylvania left for home,
the term of service of those who first formed this splendid organi
zation, and who did not re-enlist, having some time previously
expired. The re-enlisted men and those whose terms did not yet
expire were transferred into the Sixty-ninth to the number ol 150.
The absentees being about 170, making an addition of more than
300 men to the strength of the Sixty-ninth. The Seventy-first
was the first to break up this family of Philadelphia regiments.
While we regretted parting with so gallant a regiment, yet we
felt rejoiced that there were a few at least who could return to the
embraces of parents, wives, children, and no doubt to receive the
welcoming smiles of sweethearts.
The losses sustained by the Sixty-ninth from the 18th of May
to June 1 2th, the end of the fighting at Cold Harbor were in
the aggregate forty, among the killed being Adjutant Wm. Whil-
dey killed on the 3d of June, his loss was deeply regretted by
both officers and men. On the night of the 12th of June the
march by the left flank was continued. We reached the James
River on the 14th crossing that stream from Wilcox landing to
City Point, and about midnight of the 15th arrived in front of the
defences of Petersburg, relieving the colored troops of Butler's
command. BEFORE PETERSBURG.
On the afternoon of the 16th the regiment advanced on the
works of the enemy, the One Hundred and Sixth on our right,
the Seventy-second Pennsylvania on our left. His resistance was
not very strong and we easily drove him out of the first line, con
sisting of rifle pits, to an interior and more formidable line of
fortification. After this success the troops were allowed to rest

45
for the night. On the 17th two attempts were made to capture
the rebel position but without success, although we were rein
forced by Third Division of the corps. And on the 18th another
effort was made resulting only in-defeat. In these engagements
the losses to the regiment were : seven men killed, two officers
and ten men wounded ; aggregate nineteen. On the 21st the
corps was moved to the left and the lines extended. This new
line was formed some distance to the left of the Jerusalem Plank
road, and on the 22d our lines were pushed out so close to the
rebel forts that it was with great difficulty that we were enabled to
hold our position long enough to construct earthworks which
afforded us sufficient protection to make a vigorous stand and
return a spirited fire. The position of the Sixty-ninth was on the
extreme left of the division and connecting with a Maine regiment
of the Third Division of the corps. About noon the enemy
emerged from a woods on our left front into the open field
directly in our front, these troops w earing dark uniforms formed
line of battle facing us while we had mistaken them for United
States troops and permitted them to thus form, yet we looked
with wonder at the manner and direction of their formation.
Their true character was not discovered until a battery of artillery
dashed to their front, unlimbered and opened fire, they being so
close that the range of their guns was point blank, and their
shot and shell struck into our works ploughing deep furrows and
almost smothering us from the dense dust created by the destruc
tive missiles hurled against us. We opened a fire of musketry
and poured bullets so thick and fast into the rebel ranks, that
they would have been obliged to retire, were it not for the fact
of a force of the enemy getting around upon our rear demanding
our surrender ; while we would not surrender, the regiment fell
back a short distance from the works, by the right flank, a very
difficult undertaking as we were subject to an artillery and infantry
fire from our front, and the guns from a fort on our right front
(this fort was afterwards designated ' ' Fort Hell ' ' from the con
tinuous firing kept up on our lines here), while the rebels who
were pouring down upon our rear also maintained a vigorous
fire. There was no remedy against capture but to retire ; the regi
ment lost nearly the whole of the four companies of the left wing,

46
and some of the men of other companies. Other regiments were
captured almost entirely, also a portion of Knight's New York
battery in position a little to our right. These were the first
guns the Second Corps had lost since its formation, in fact the
only guns the corps lost during its existence, they had on two
or three other occasions lost guns temporarily, but were always
able to retake them. The corps was at this time commanded by
Gen. Birney, Hancock being absent on account of his wounds.
The regiment's losses here were eight men killed, twenty-six
wounded and one officer and seventy-two men captured; aggregate
one hundred and seven. On the following day the division re-
occupied its lost ground and repaired and strengthened the earth
works constructed on the previous day. So deadly was the fire
from the guns of "Fort Hell," that it was necessary to con
struct traverses to protect the men passing to and from the rear ;
a formidable fort was built during the night, and each day after dark
until completed, this had a good effect as it often silenced the guns
of the enemy and gave some peace to the troops holding this posi
tion afterwards. This fort was generally called "Damnation."
We kept moving about, constantly changing position, erecting
earthworks, and skirmishing.
On the 27th of July the brigade was broken up. The term of
service of the Seventy-second Pennsylvania, or better known as
the Philadelphia Fire Zouaves, had expired, and this gallant and
spirited organization passed out of existence and became a part
of the history of the -War. The men who had re-enlisted, and
those whose terms of service had not yet expired, were trans
ferred into the One Hundred and Eighty-Third Pennsylvania,
commanded by Col. James Lynch, a former captain in the brigade
whose bravery won for him the colonelcy of that regiment. Many
of the men of the One Hundred and Sixth who had not re-enlisted
were also mustered out, reducing that regiment in strength to
such an extent that the remaining members were reorganized into
a battalion, and consolidated with the Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania
for field purposes only. The One Hundred and Sixth was
composed of as sturdy soldiers as could be found in the army,
and were noted for their staying qualities. It was with sadness
that we bade adieu to our sister regiments. We were cheered

47
and comforted, however, by the fact that our loss was their gain,
as they were returning to pursue the path of peace, that "blessed
peace " that we were all devoutly wishing and praying for. Our
family of regiments broken up, we were now assigned to the
Third Brigade, commanded by Gen. Thomas A. Smyth, a former
officer of the Sixty-ninth. In the evening, the regiment marched
with the corps to the north side of the James River, crossing at
a place called ' ' Deep Bottom," and made a demonstration against
Richmond, the Confederate capital. After a day or so of march-
¦ ing and skirmishing we returned to Petersburg, arriving shortly
after daylight of the 30th in the rear of the Ninth Corps. We
were here held in reserve to await the result of the explosion of
the mines that was to destroy the rebel works almost directly in
front of the city. The explosion occurred a few minutes after
our arrival ; not being a success, we were moved to the extreme
left of the army, extending the lines. On the 1 2th of August we
were marched to City Point, placed aboard transports, and
steamed up the river toward Richmond. When within a few
miles of the city, near Drury's Bluff, we were met by some of the
rebel gunboats, from which a dangerous fire was opened, aided
by the guns from forts on the bluff; this forced us to disembark
at Deep Bottom. Making another feint at Richmond, we partici
pated in some sharp fighting, and doing a great deal of marching
and digging, losing in these operations 1 killed, 2 wounded, and 12
taken prisoners. On the night of the 20th we marched back to
the lines about Petersburg. Going to the extreme left, we took
up a position in rear of the Fifth Corps as a support to that corps,
who were fighting the enemy and destroying the Weldon Rail
road in their vicinity. REAM'S STATION.
On the 23d of August Gen. Hancock took the First and Second
Divisions of the corps and marched to Ream's Station, on the
Weldon Railroad. While tearing up and destroying the rails the
enemy appeared in force, infantry and cavalry, and a hot fight
ensued. Previous to the attack we hastily constructed light
breastworks, from behind which we fought until their cavalry
attacked us from the left and rear, while their artillery poured an
enfilading fire from the left with terrible effect, and a destructive

48
fire from our front. Being so overwhelmed and nearly sur
rounded, we were withdrawn, closing the fight by making a
charge and recapturing a battery taken from our First Division.
Previous to this battle the strength of the regiment was but little
more than 200 men. The losses were: 7 enlisted men killed, 3
officers and 19 men wounded, and 10 men taken prisoners; ag
gregate, 39. Among the wounded were Colonel William Davis
and Lieutenant-Colonel James O'Reilly. Major P. S. Tinen now
assumed command of the regiment, and during the night we re
turned to the lines before Petersburg, where we were continually
changing our position, sometimes on the skirmish or picket line,
at others in the front works, and again in the rear fur rest, but
always under fire from the rebel artillery and mortar batteries.
To protect us from the deadly effects of the mortars we were
obliged to build underground quarters or bomb proofs, which the
men generally called " gopher holes," into which all would run
when their batteries would open fire.
HATCHER'S RUN, DABNEY'S MILLS, AND BOYDTON PLANK ROAD.
About 3 A. M. of the 27th of October the regiment, with the
corps, marched to the banks of a small stream called Hatcher's
Run. The bed of this stream runs through a deep ravine, on the
opposite or north bank of which the enemy had constructed a
line of breastworks. This regiment formed line of battle in rear
of the Tenth New York and advanced until coming in close con
tact with the enemy, when the regiment was pushed to the front
and ordered to charge upon the rebels, who fell back across
stream behind their defences, the regiment continuing the charge,
led by General Smyth. The water was more than waist-deep, and
the general came to the rescue of our color-bearer, who was
struggling to get across, and taking hold of him, helped him to
reach the opposite bank, followed by the regiment, in the face of
a well-directed fire ; but so determined were the men, and so
impetuous the charge, that the enemy was obliged to flee, and
the colors of the Sixty-ninth were the first to be planted on the
ramparts of the enemy's works. After a halt of half an hour the
pursuit was begun again, and the enemy met at Dabney's Mills,
from which place he was easily driven back to the Boydton plank

49
road, where a halt was made and our lines re-formed on the north
side of the road. The regiment was here divided — the right
wing, under Major Tinen, was taken to cover the left flank of the
corps, while the left wing, under the command of Adjutant
McDermott, and the One Hundred and Sixth Battalion, under
Capt. McAnally of the Sixty-ninth, were pushed on the left of the
division, forming at right angles with the corps line of battle.
The left wing and the One Hundred and Sixth advanced at once
across an open field and drove the enemy from his encampment,
capturing a lot of clothing, camp equipage, and small arms.
After driving him about half a mile, the troops deployed in skir
mishing order and kept up a lively fire on the enemy until the
ammunition was nearly all exhausted. A canvass among the men
showing but ten rounds altogether could be obtained from among
all the men, application was made at division headquarters for
a supply, but without success, and ten rounds were collected from
other troops, which were distributed to the men. With this
twenty rounds of ammunition several assaults of the enemy were
repelled by cheers and an occasional discharge from the rifles.
Instructions were received from the division commander to hold
our line at all hazards until relieved, which would be about n
o'clock P. M. No relief however came, and, after waiting until
beyond midnight, it was discovered that all our troops were with
drawn, and that the One Hundred and Sixth Battalion and the
left wing of the Sixty-ninth were left to deceive the enemy and
escape as best they could. In trying to find our way back to our
lines we marched to a camp of the rebel cavalry, and only with
the utmost quietness we were enabled to steal back to the road
leading to our lines, which we reached about 10 o'clock A. M. of
the 28th, to the surprise of our brigade commander, who had
supposed us captured. The right wing, under Major Tinen, suc
ceeded in capturing a number of the enemy who had got in the
rear of our lines and captured a number of our troops ; they
were on the way back to their own lines when captured ; our men
were, of course, released. The regiment lost 3 killed, 1 officer and
8 men wounded, and 2 captured; aggregate, 14. From this time
until February, 1865, the regiment was shifted about from point
to point, sometimes on the extreme front and again resting in the
4

5°
rear. On the morning of the 5th we were marched again to
Hatcher's Run, where a brisk fight was made, the regiment losing
1 officer and 2 men killed, and 4 men wounded. Gen. Hum
phries was now placed in command of the corps, Hancock being
relieved, and sent north to raise a corps of veteran troops. On
the 25th of March the corps made a reconnoissance to Hatcher's
Run, where some sharp fighting was done in developing the posi
tion and strength of the rebels. In this fight the regiment lost
3 men killed, 1 officer and 10 men wounded ; and on the 29th of
March the regiment was slightly engaged near Dabney's Mills,
losing 3 men wounded. During the winter the strength of the
regiment was much increased by the return of a number of con
valescents and the receiving a number of recruits. The strength
of the regiment was now raised to an aggregate of 173. There
was also an increase by the placing of the names of 300 recruits,
etc., on the records of the Sixty-ninth. These men, however,
never appeared nor performed any duty.
On the 2d of April a general movement was begun around the
right and rear of Lee's army, which forced him to abandon Rich
mond, and on the 3d of April Petersburg was evacuated, the
enemy falling back towards Lynchburg. Following in pursuit he
was forced to give fight at Five Forks, where this regiment was
slightly engaged, and again at Jettersville ; after all preparations
for a fight, he fled before giving time for our lines to form for
battle. On the morning of the 6th, line of battle being formed,
we advanced and marched in this order all the day ; occasionally
coming close upon his rear, a feeble effort would be made to re
sist us. On the 7th, the enemy made a spirited fight at High
Bridge, and endeavored to check our onward, victorious march ;
from this point on, the roads were strewn with wagons, caissons,
battery wagons, and disabled cannon ; so thickly were these vehi
cles of war along the roads at some points, that our march was
frequently delayed ; at Farmville the rebels made a determined
stand, and the most severe fighting here occurred since the fall of
Petersburg ; in this fight, Gen. T. A. Smyth, commanding our
brigade, received his mortal wound, and was, so far as we know,
the last general officer of our army to lose his life. On the morn
ing of the 8th, this regiment, with the One Hundred and Sixth

5i
Battalion, was thrown to the front as skirmishers ; marching
across country in this bne the whole day, many prisoners were
picked up, men who had become disgusted, and who considered
further fighting mere foolishness ; frequently the enemy would
halt and offer us battle until he would see our main columns ad
vancing, when he would scamper off On the morning of the 9th,
after passing Burkesville Station some distance, we halted at a
place called Clover Hills, and there remained until the surrender
of Lee became a fact. The news of the surrender was announced
by Gen. Meade, who rode through the lines of the troops, who
became hilariously wild. It would be impossible to attempt to
give a description of the scenes following the announcement of
the surrender, but that scene will live forever in the hearts of the
men who participated in that event. Our work was done ; the
Union was saved ; and the troops returned to their homes, to re
ceive the joyous welcome of fond hearts, and the congratulations
of their fellow-citizens.
The regiment participated in the grand review of the army by
the President of the United States ; a pageant of two days' dura
tion and the grandest military display of numbers ever made in
America, and, perhaps, in the world, as a review. The regiment
was mustered out of the military service of the United States on
the ist of July, 1865, and returned to Philadelphia, where it dis
banded. The whole number of men of this regiment was 1,736 ;
number killed, 164 ; wounded, 402 ; taken prisoners and missing,
136 ; the number of battles and skirmishes in which it took part
was 41.

THE RE-UNION OF JULY, 1887, AND DEDICATION
OF THE MONUMENT.
The battle of Gettysburg is conceded by all historians and
military authorities to have been the turning point in favor of the
Union cause during the war. It was one of the most complete
victories achieved by the Union army, and the large number of
combatants on both sides give it a magnitude that will compare
with the greatest of ancient and modern battles.
The desire to preservethat field for all times has become general,
and to-day Gettysburg is the Mecca of American patriotism.
The ' ' Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association " having
charge of the entire field, have invited the placing of monu
ments and tablets to mark the position where each regiment stood
and fought. Having a pride in the service performed by the
Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania, its members had a strong desire to
place a monument to mark their position, and inscribe thereon
its deeds. Its members being in the humbler walks of life, there
fore unable of themselves to erect a suitable memorial, organized
an association pledged to work to secure means, and accordingly
held the first meeting in the month of March, 1886, and decided
to appeal to our wealthy fellow -citizens and our friends in general
for assistance ; how well that appeal was responded to, will find
the answer by a visit to the battlefield, the scene of ' ' Pickett's
charge," and view the beautiful monument of the regiment
placed thereon. The inscriptions are a history themselves, placed
there by the survivors as they knew the story of Pickett's charge
and repulse.
Remembering that the war was waged for the preservation of
the Union ; to prevent certain of the States of the Union from leav
ing or severing their connection therewith, and setting up for them
selves an independent government, and believing that the States
could not peaceably exist with two or even more general heads,
and that two such unions or confederacies would tend to over
throw the peace and tranquility of all the States and destroy that
freedom, that equality and peace bequeathed to us by the great
founders of our system of government, we therefore believed
that our victory would be fruitless if all the citizens of all sections

53
of our country could not enjoy equal rights and privileges as-
guaranteed by the constitution of our country, and noticing that
bitter hatreds were kept alive by unscrupulous and designing
men, that sectional feelings were fostered which would tend to
make disunion sought for, and again destroy that peace that the
end of the war brought about, we deemed it a holy and patriotic
duty to invite our late foes to meet us in fraternal re-union on
that field that turned the tide of war and led to final success, and
there set the example of burying, forever, all animosities. In
these efforts we were joined by the other regiments composing
our brigade of Philadelphians, (the Seventy-first, Seventy-second
and One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania Regiments.) The time
selected for both the re-union and the dedication of that monu
ment was the 24th anniversary of the battles July 2d and 3d, 1887.
The survivors of the regiments composing the Philadelphia
Brigade, numbering nearly 500 men (Sixty-ninth, Seventy-first,
Seventy-second, and One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania)
proceeded to Gettysburg via the Pennsylvania Railroad on July
2d, 1887, and arrived in that town shortly after 6 o'clock P. M.
on the same date, and shortly before 9 o'clock the last of
Pickett's survivors arrived, their whole force being under the
command of Capt. C. P. Reeves. As the " Men in Gray" came
from the cars they were greeted with loud cheering by the dele
gation of the Boys in Blue, who were to escort them to their
place in line on Washington street, and immediately marched up
that thoroughfare to the circle in the centre of the town. Here
the scene was of the wildest description ; never was there greater
heartiness shown by hosts to guests, than that first greeting as
friends, extended by the 500 Philadelphia Brigade boys to
Pickett's survivors.
Red and green lights illuminated the inspiring scene, the
first of the reunion of the Blue and Gray. Roman candles were
fired by the score, the band played " Dixie," and innumerable
rockets shot into the air. A great cheer renewed again and
again as the color-guard reached the platform and unfurled the
Stars and Stripes. There was no such thing as keeping the
Philadelphians in line. They would break and rush over to re
new the slight acquaintance of twenty-four years ago.

54
' ' How are you old nian ? ' '
" Glad to see you."
"We are all together this time," and similar expressions
greeted the men of Virginia as hands were clasped in friendship
and brotherly love.
Twenty-four years have silvered the hair of most of the brigade,
and a score or more of crutches and empty sleeves gave proof of
the gallantry of the command. There was an honest pride in
the eyes of the men of "the bloody angle" as they grasped
hands and promised a glorious time of it to Pickett's heroes if
good fellowship and Philadelphia hospitality would be of any
avail. One old fellow toted his three-year-old baby around the
station all covered with minature canteens and badges of blue and
gray. He was proud of the Philadelphia Brigade, but he was
prouder of that baby than if he had captured the whole of
Pickett's division alone and single-handed. His wife was proud,
but the old man was the proudest of all.
Pickett's men marched past in review with the band playing
" Dixie " with vigor, and amid the exciting enthusiasm the Phila
delphians cheered and cheered again, while Pickett's dare-devils
gave the old-fashioned rebel yell time and time again. The sky
was brightened with red fire, rockets, and Roman candles, and
the Quakers waved their white helmets until it seemed as if they
would never tire. The " Reb " color-bearer waved the national
flag, and yell answered cheer for five minutes until the order was
given to "break ranks," and the gray was lost in the grand
personal welcome of the blue.
From that time on until the camp-fire was held all question of
command or organization was lost sight of. The boys fraternized
as only old soldiers can. Quarters were hunted up for the Vir
ginians. Valises were seized and carried by stout Philadelphia
arms, and everything that could be conceived of was done to
make the boys of the South feel that they were honored friends
and comrades. It was one grand hurrah crowded with enthu
siasm and hospitality. The little town was packed with the vete
rans, and Pickett's Division, for the first time, was in undisputed
possession. They had at last conquered the Philadelphia
Brigade

55
The County Court House was the place selected for the reunion
of Pickett' s Division and the Philadelphia Brigade. Great interest
was taken in this first camp-fire of the Blue and Gray upon the
historic battle-field at Gettysburg, and every seat in the hall was
occupied. Many ladies were present. The "boys" were tired
after their long journey and were a little late in getting from their
suppers to the hall, but the great audience waited patiently for
the exercises to begin. John W. Frazier called the meeting to
order, and said :
Knowing well the feelings that prompted the meeting I can
truly say this fraternal reunion of the Philadelphia Brigade and
Pickett's Division will indeed prove
"A union of hearts and a unioii of hands,
A union none can sever ;
A union of homes and a union of lands,
And the flag of our Union forever."
I now present to you as the presiding officer of this meeting
Comrade William S. Stockton, late a Captain of the Seventy- first
Pennsylvania, who rendered great assistance in bringing the
" Blue " and the " Grey " in re-union in this historic place.
Mr: Stockton, upon assuming the chairmanship, said that he
thanked his comrades for the honor conferred upon him, and he
would take occasion simply to remark that he believed what was
done and said here upon this fraternal gathering of the Blue and
Gray would mark a new and gratifying era in our country's his
tory. As presiding officer it was his pleasant duty to present
Colonel Charles H. Banes, president of the Philadelphia Brigade
Association, who would extend a soldier's welcome to foes in
war, but warm, devoted and lasting friends in peace. Colonel
Banes stepped forward and said :
COLONEL BANES' ADDRESS.
Fellow-citizens and Members of Pickett's Division of the Army
of Northern Virginia: An honorable and pleasing duty has been
assigned to me by the .Philadelphia Brigade of the Second Divi
sion, Second Corps, Army of the Potomac.
This veteran Brigade of the Union Army, composed of the

56
Sixty-ninth, Seventy-first, Seventy-second and One Hundred
and Sixth Regiments, Pennsylvania Volunteers, upon more than
one occasion during the dark hours of the Republic, encountered
your people in active warfare, and it fell to our lot to meet in hos
tile array and deadly conflict in what may be truly called the
crisis of the battle of Gettysburg, within the sight of the masses of
both armies on that memorable afternoon of July 3, 1863.
No thoughtful man can at this date read the history of the war
or recall its memories, and fail to see the hand of the Divine
Providence developing through trial and discipline that courage
and tenacity for principle and patriotism which exalts and enno
bles a people. We have dwelt for a few moments on the inci
dents of battle for the reason that the place and the associations
compel the reference; but to-day, soldiers of the contending
armies, we meet as citizens of a united country. The old issues
are dead and new ones confront us. We who have fought as the
Blue and the Gray can discuss the past, if need, in the light of
the present, as travelers who, after perilous journeys and conflicts
by the way, sit down on the mountain top and review the scenes
through which they have passed and the dangers of the road over
which they have journeyed.
We welcome you to this historic field and its memories with
true soldierly greeting. In the performance of this duty we
would fail to honorably acquit ourselves did we not announce to
you that the spontaneous movement of the Philadelphia Brigade
in the tender of this reception has the cordial and practical sup
port of our citizens of all classes and pursuits of life.
And now it remains for me to say to you, the men of Pickett's
Division, by authority of this Brigade Association and its friends,
that we desire that you will honor us during your stay at Gettys
burg by becoming our guests. We welcome you because you
were brave soldiers in war; we welcome you because you are
true citizens in peace, and may our stay here be one of pleasure
to each of us and of fraternal greeting that shall guide us to higher
resolves for the perpetuity of the Constitution and the Union, to
manly determination as citizens to meet conscientiously and in
the fear of God the questions and issues of the hour, and to such
an abiding faith in the magnificent destiny of the republic as will

57
lead each of us to trust that Almighty being who spoke from the
cloud and the pillar of fire to the leader of Israel, saying, ' ' Speak
to the children of Israel that they go forward, ' ' and who to-day
is calling us by His providence to higher and nobler achievments
in the cause of humanity and the government of the people.
Upon behalf of Pickett's veterans Captain C. P. Reeves, of Rich
mond, the commander of Pickett's Division Association, re
sponded as follows :
Friends and Comrades : I desire for myself and comrades to
tender you our heartfelt thanks for the kind, cordial and hearty
welcome extended us on this, an occasion never to be forgotten
by us, but cherished and remembered as a bright spot in the
checkered pathway of life.
Colonel Banes then introduced Colonel Alexander K. Mc-
Clure, of Philadelphia, who had been chosen to extend a welcome
from the citizens of Philadelphia particularly, and from the State
of Pennsylvania generally, to the Virginians. Colonel McClure
said: Soldiers of the Blue and the Gray: After the more than fra
ternal greeting so eloquently expressed by the representatives of
the survivors of the Philadelphia Brigade and of Pickett's Divi
sion, it is an easy task to speak for the City of Brotherly Love
and for the Keystone State of the Federal arch, in hearty sym
pathy with the peace and brotherhood which mark this notable
reunion. Twenty-four years ago your mutual heroism conse
crated this ground to unfading immortality. The shock in which
your respective commands met was the bloodiest of all the many
sanguinary conflicts of our civil strife, and in its issue trembled
the issue of the decisive battle of the war. It ranks with Ther
mopylae in desperate courage, but the heroism of the warriors of
Leonidas, whose inexorable Spartan laws made defeat dishonor,
regardless of position or numbers, pales before the volunteer sol
diers of Hancock and Pickett who willingly dared and died for
their convictions.
It was a strange, sad conflict. Men of the same race, in
heritors of the same heroic traditions, sovereigns in framing the
same laws, met in deadly struggle to solve great civil problems
which had vexed our most enlightened and patriotic statesmanship

58
for three-quarters of a century. The ignorant, the incon
siderate and the dishonest say that it was causeless; that it was
precipitated by the babbling demagogues who ride in the tem
pest; but no such agents could have called millions of the most
intelligent, peace-loving and generous people of the world to four
years of fraternal war. There were agitators and demagogues
who hastened war, as there are agitators and demagogues who
have hindered peace since the war ended ; but there were irrecon
cilable theories left unsettled in the foundation of the government
which ripened in intensity and enlarged in interest until peaceful
solution was no longer possible. A less heroic people could have
avoided our civil war ; but with each citizen a sovereign, the
bravest and noblest of all peoples of the earth had only the choice
between dismemberment of the Union or its jarring pillars ce
mented by the arbitrament of the sword.
Never did opposing armies accept battle with sterner purpose.
Every shotted gun hoarsely thundered the faith of the warriors
who employed it in the harvest of death. Every church of every
belief, in North and South, sent up fervent prayers to the same
God for the triumph of their respective flags, and in like manner
cal ed for thanksgiving and praise when victory came to either.
Every pulpit appealed to the patriotism of the people in the name
of the Ruler of nations, to sustain the cause of his section as a
holy duty ; and from every battle-field came heart-felt thanks
from victor and abiding faith in supplication from vanquished — all
from the same altar to the same Jehovah. Both could not
triumph, and at Appomattox came the judgment of the final
arbitrator : That the National Union shall be indissoluble and that
national sovereignty shall be omnipotent within the limitations of
its own fundamental law.
And from Appomattox came the promise not only of peace but
of brotherhood. It came to North and South from the great
Captain of the conflict. Hero and victor in war, he was no less
hero and victor in peace. Of the shattered legions of Lee, not
one left that historic field the enemy of Grant. He did more than
conquer an army ; he conquered and gathered as the greenest
laurels of his victory, the love of the Confederate warrior and the
respect of the South for the Union against which its sons had so

59
valiantly battled. * When presented to the nation as a candidate
for the highe-t civil trust of the world, his battle-cry that answered
those who reveled in the turbulence of hate, was — " Let us have
peace." Among his earliest appointments when called to the
Presidency, was the Lieutenant of Lee under whose eye the
memorable charge of Pickett's Division was made, and, later in
his administration, the Confederate soldier and statesman sat in
his cabinet.
Thus came peace and brotherhood under the inspiration of the
victor of victors in our bloody civil strife, and his dying testa
ment comes from Saratoga's shaded mount, bequeathing fraternal
love and national unity to the Blue and the Gray. Well may the
civilian welcome in hearty reunion the now silvered and furrowed
survivors of the deadly conflict on Cemetery Ridge, when such
lustrous teaching and example command it ; and I greet you in
the name of the great North, now inseparably interwoven with
the great South in sympathy, in interest, and in fellowship. Free
government is stronger at home and mightier abroad to-day
because of the wounds of civil war, and our children and our
children's children will turn to its sacrifices, its sorrows, and its
irrevocable judgments as the surest guarantee that " government
of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish
from the earth." SPEAKING FOR VIRGINIA.
Col. Wm. R. Aylett, (a grandson of the immortal Patrick
Henry, whose burning eloquence fired the hearts of his fellow
patriots to throw off the yoke of oppression), who succeeded
Gen. Armistead as commander of one of Picketts brigades when
Armistead died, having been chosen to respond on behalf of the
State of Virginia to Pennsylvania's welcome, said :
Brothers and sisters of the Keystone State, comrades of the
great battle-field, my countrymen, all : We are here to-day as
friends and kindred of a common country, sent to you by the Old
Dominion as an expression Of her love and confidence. When
your invitation reached us it touched our hearts in a tender place,
and the speech of welcome which has just been delivered so elo
quently is worthy of the orator and great State and city which he
represents. Not only do we receive and shall ever treasure the

¦6o
noble sentiments of Col. McClure as the voice of Pennsylvania
and her chief city, but also of those brave men who met us here
twenty-four years ago with a valor that we could not overcome
and who meet us here to-night with a loving welcome so dear to
us and to our people. Not only do we cherish the sentiments so
nobly expressed, so warm and true, from the hearts of our brethren
of the North, but remembering the avocation and profession of
the gifted speaker, we hear in loud tones the voice of the great
American press — -that power mightier than armies or navies,
mightier than the swords and sceptres of kings, on whose sup
porting arm the Goddess of Liberty leans, and whose daily utter
ances proclaim that peace, friendship and love once more bind
the American people with the golden bands of indissoluble and
perpetual union ; the press whose thousand tongues none can sil
ence , whose champions,
" All unbribed at Freedom's altar stand
Faithful and firm, bright warders of the land."
Yes, my countrymen, the press and the brave and generous
soldiers of our land, have brought this night and these scenes to
pass. All honor and love to both.
We come as the survivors of a great battle, which illustrated
the greatness and glory of the American people, and dropping the
curtain over the past, we hail you as our brothers and sisters with
all that love and pride which must ever thrill the hearts of all good
and true citizens of a continent of free Commonwealths.
No more does that spirit animate us which once hurled our
bodies against those impregnable heights — thank God, no more
forever. We have come forth from the baptism of blood and fire
in which we were consumed, as the representatives of a New
South, and we have long years ago ceased to bear in our hearts
any residuum of the feelings born of the conflict. Did an un
manly feeling linger in our bosoms we would not be here to-day
to grasp the hands of those who have met us with a brother's
greeting and a brother's love.
Above the ashes left by the War and over the tomb of secession
and African slavery we have created a new empire, and have built
a temple to American liberty in which you and I can worship

6i
together, and over it we have run up the Star Spangled banner,
and we cling to it with all that ancient love which should ever
dwell in the hearts of the men and women from the lands of
George Washington and William Penn. I utter it as a sentiment
that comes welling up from every bosom of Virginia and the
South, that the man who would rekindle again that feeling which
filled our land with death and tears and grief and mourning, with
graves and suffering, is not only unworthy of the high title of
American citizen, but even of that of human being, and should
find no home or friends on earth or in heaven. Let no politician,
for selfish and unworthy purposes, fan the dead embers of fratri
cidal strife, but let the great, warm and generous heart of our
nation, with the throb of the ocean, as if moved by all the tem
pests of God's whole universe, speak its thundered condemnation
of any effort so vile, wicked and unworthy. No such lessons are
taught to me by the lives or deeds of Lincoln or Grant, or come
to us as echoes from their sacred tombs. And, oh ! my country
men, what a calamity was it for the South when the assassin's
bullet struck down Abraham Lincoln ! In the midst of all the
bloody tempest he still had a soft place in his great heart for us.
And now that the storm has passed and passion has subsided,
who of the South does not love and revere his memory, and the
memory of the great captain who was kind and magnanimous in
the hour of victory at Appomattox ; who said to Lee : ' ' Let
your men take their horses home to make bread ;" who, when
he had triumphed, said : " Let us have peace," and who, in his
dying hours, declared that the greatest happiness he felt was to
see the good feelings springing up between North and South.
There is not a true man at the South to-day but who feels as if
he would like to stand at the tombs of Lincoln and Grant, to
plant a flower there and to water it with a manly tear ! In the
presence of a feeling like this, too sacred and deep for utterance,
what matters it who shall keep the battle-flags ? They passed into
your hands in brave and manly combat, untouched by dishonor,
after a baptism in blood that made the gray jacket a mantle of
glory, and we are as willing your people should keep them as ours.
They are in the hands of our government and brethren, to whom
our honor should be as dear as their own. Never again will our

62
old battle-flags wave in strife. They have gone down forever,
but they went down in glory and in honor. They are dead, and
we love and follow alone now the living flag which floats from
Key West to Behring Straits — from Bunker Hill to San Fran
cisco ! THE EMBLEM OF LIBERTY.
As we look at the banner of our country floating yonder, we
only remember that since the birth of our nation it has been the
emblem of liberty and the refuge of the oppressed ; that Southern
and Northern men bore it in triumph from Saratoga to Yorktown,
from Lundy's Lane to New Orleans, and that as united brethren
we floated it over the walls of Tripoli and the halls of the Monte-
zumas. We forget that it was ever borne against us, and as we
see around us the men of the North who have come down South
and made our homes their homes and our people their people, we
hail to-day and henceforth all Americans everywhere as brothers
and claim that our home and kindred extend from sturdy Maine
and the grand old Bay State, to where the gentle breeze sighs
through the orange groves of Florida ; from where the Missis
sippi, the Father of Waters, heaves his mighty bosom, to the
great lakes ; from the great lakes to the Pacific, where the
republican Colossus holds in his benumbed grasp the icebergs of
the Arctic, and there, in sight of the continent of Asia, proclaims
a people united for all time and great in all the triumphs of the
Anglo-Saxon race. Buried and sunk out of sight forever be the
bitter memories of the woes and griefs and sorrows of the North
and South. If we recall them at all, let it be in drama, poetry
and song, as England remembers to-day the wars of the Roses,
and the rival houses of York and Lancaster, a glorious and im
perishable record of valor and renown ; written upon the highest
rolls of fame, by both North and South, and claimed as a common
privilege and joint offering for all time to come by the whole
American people and their latest posterity.
But while speaking of the deeds and glories of our men, let
not the deeds of our women be forgotten. Oh, who can tell of
their agony suffering and self-sacrifice ! I see them now hover
ing both in your hospitals and ours, like bright and beautiful
angels of grace and mercy, ready to conduct the departing spirit

63
to paradise. Mother, daughter, sister, wife, sweetheart, they
fanned the fevered cheek, bathed the fevered brow, bedewed with
their tears the couch of the dying heroes, wafted their souls to
heaven with their sighs and prayers and put flowers over their
graves. And they could be as brave as the men, too, when it
was necessary. Why, the bravest woman I ever saw was a Penn
sylvania girl, who defied Pickett's whole division while we
marched through a little town called Greencastle. She had on a
United States flag as an apron, which she defiantly waved up
and down as our columns passed by her and dared us to take it
from her. And there was not one man of us who dared do so.
Struck by her courage and loyalty, Pickett, with hat off, gave
her a military salute, my regiment presented arms, and we
cheered her with a good old-fashioned rebel yell, which some of
you boys here have doubtless heard. God bless the true and
brave little woman, and she was as lovely as she was brave.
Would that she were here to-day that I might, in admiration of
her pluck and truth, grasp the hand of that splendid and glorious
type of American womanhood. She deserves a place by the
side of those Carthagenian maidens who cut off their tresses as bow
strings to send their lovers' arrows hissing to the Roman heart.
THE DEAD.
In coming here to-night of course there are some sad thoughts
mingled with our joys. Oh ! what a slaughter of American man
hood and valor there was on that day on your side and on ours !
What would we not give if we could recall back to life your men
and ours who so nobly fell on that fatal field ? It is not for me to
speak of their mighty valor. History has recorded it in undying
words, and forms and colors. Would that that grand and heroic
son of Pennsylvania, Hancock the Superb, were here to-day.
Would that Meade and McClellan and Reynolds and Sedgewick
were here to-night, and that Virginian, George H. Thomas, the
Hannibal of vour Army of the Tennessee. And above all, would
that Lincoln and Grant were here to see this noble sight of
brotherly love and heavenly hospitality. Lincoln and Grant, the
men who guided and directed the storm, and who, when its fury
was spent, were ready to say ' ' Peace, be still" to the boisterous

64
winds and raging waters. Were they here we would join with
you in doing them honor, for as Americans we now claim an in
terest in their glory and their graves. And who among you,
warm, generous, kind, hospitable and full of brotherly love, as
you have shown yourselves, will grudge to us or to Virginia the
proud honor or to the Union that rich contribution of Virginian
glory, when, at the roll-call of our illustrious and mighty dead,
to the names of Washington, Henry Mason, Jefferson, Madison,
Marshall and Monroe, we shall ask to add the names of Robert
E. Lee, of Stonewall Jackson, of J. E. B. Stuart and George E.
Pickett — glorious representatives of that Virginia truth and valor
and loyalty which propped the reeling fortunes of the Revolution
of '76 and bore the flag of victory flowing like a heavenly meteor
from Boston to Yorktown.
No, my dear countrymen, let none but great and noble and
kind words, thoughts and feelings henceforth animate us or sur
vive the great and bitter trials of the American people. Let us
with a love, sympathy and reverence. too deep for expression, re
spect the sufferings and repair the injuries we have inflicted upon
each other. Let us tread lightly by each soldier's grave, whether
from North or South, for he was an American brother dying for his
convictions. Let us imitate the example and follow the teachings
of Nature's great heart, who in Winter spreads the impartial
mantle of her snow on every soldier's grave ; in Spring puts
green sod and flowers upon each humble mound ; in Autumn
decks all alike with the russet and golden splendors of her falling
leaves, and in dews by night and showers by days waters them
with her tears and by the smiling sunshine of heaven warms their
cold bosoms with the rays of eternal light, direct from the centre
of the universe. Let us thank God that "grim-visaged war has
smoothed his wrinkled front," and that peace spreads her blessed
wings over our land ; that as one nation we follow but one flag,
and that but one destiny awaits the American people; and as long
as Bunker Hill and Yorktown shall lift their heights towards
heaven, above the watery main, so long will Virginia and the
South gratefully remember and cherish this night's work and
welcome. Standing here near the great battle-field, enriched by
the best blood of the North and South, with the stars of heaven

65
as our witnesses, on the soil of the dear old Keystone State, the
historic arch of the Union, the great State whose bells first rang
out, in the city of Brotherly Love, the birth of American Liberty,
on the morning of the Revolution, I pledge you with my hand,
and my heart goes lovingly and gratefully with my hand, that
Virginia and Pennsylvania, as in the days of yore, forever locked
in a loving embrace, in peace and in war, in sunshine and in
storm, will forever bear aloft the Stars and Stripes and stand
by the Union of our forefathers until the morning of the resurrec
tion. LETTERS OF REGRET.
Capt. Jno. E. Reilly of the Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania stepped
forward and read the following letters of regret from President
Cleveland and Senator Jno. Sherman, after which the meeting
adjourned. THE PRESIDENT'S LETTER.
Executive Mansion, Washington, June 24th, 1887.
I have received your invitation to attend, as a guest of the
Philadelphia Brigade, a reunion of ex-Confederate soldiers of
Pickett's Division, who survived their terrible charge at Gettys
burg, and those of the Union army still living, by whom it was
heroically resisted.
The fraternal meeting of these soldiers upon the battle-field
where twenty-four years ago in deadly fray they fiercely sought
each others' lives, where they saw their comrades fall and where
all thoughts were of vengeance and destruction, will illustrate the
general impulse of brave men and their honest desire for peace
and reconciliation.
The friendly assault there to be made will be resistless, because
inspired by American chivalry ; and its result will be glorious,
because conquered hearts will be its trophies of success. There
after this battle-field will be consecrated by a victory which shall
presage the end of the bitterness of strife, the exposure of the
sincerity which conceals hatred by professions of kindness, the
condemnation of frenzied appeals to passion for unworthy pur
poses and the beating down of all that stands in the way of the
destiny of our united country.
While those who fought and who have so much to forgive, lead
5

66
in the pleasant ways of peace, how wicked appear the traffic in
sectional hate and the betrayal of patriotic sentiment.
It surely cannot be wrong to desire the settled quiet which
lights for our entire country the path to prosperity and great
ness ; nor need the lessons of the war be forgotten and its results
jeopardized in the wish for that genuine fraternity which insures
national pride and glory.
I should be very glad to accept your invitation and be with
you at the interesting reunion, but other arrangements already
made and my official duties here, will prevent my doing so.
Hoping that the occasion will be as successful and useful as its
promoters can desire, I am.
Yours very truly,
GROVER CLEVELAND.
senator Sherman's letter.
Mansfield, Ohio, June 18th, 1887.
Your note of the 16th, inviting me to be present as the guest of
the Philadelphia Brigade at Gettysburg on the 2d, 3d and 4th
days of July next, to attend a reunion of the surviving members
of that brigade and of Pickett's Division of the Confederate
Army, is received.
It would give me pleasure to witness so interesting an event,
but an engagement made here for the 4th of July will not permit.
Such a reunion on the battle-field of Gettysburg of opposing
forces so distinguished for courage, heroism and great losses, will
be a striking and hopeful evidence of the respect that brave sol
diers always cherish for gallant enemies, and of the lessening
animosities of the war. Union soldiers readily and heartily
acknowledge the courage and honesty of purpose of Confederate
soldiers, and this feeling is, I believe, as readily reciprocated by
them. There should be no enmity or prejudice between them,
and now that all alike feel that an indestructible union binds us
together, there should be a cordial and hearty fellowship between
the "Blue and the Gray."
But this feeling should be accompanied by a sincere and hearty
desire to preserve for future ages the beneficent results of the war.
In this the South as well as the North is deeply interested. It

67
was to preserve the Union and to secure to all, the blessings of
liberty that the war was waged and won. Upon this basis there
would be no longer a danger line between Union and Confederate
soldiers, or Northern and Southern citizens, but the courage and
patriotism of both would be the common pride and heritage of
the American people. I sincerely trust the reunion proposed
will be an important step towards so desirable a result.
Very truly yours,
JOHN SHERMAN.
Before closing the account of the re-union ceremonies, we desire
to refer especially to a figure that was — from the commencement
of the ceremonies until the end of all the proceedings that brought
the Philadelphia Brigade to Gettysburg — the centre of all interest
in the enthusiastic reception to Pickett's survivors, the very
inspiration of the heartiness that made that re-union memorable
for the intensity of its fraternal greetings, that gave it a national
importance. We refer to the presence of Mrs. Gen. George E.
Pickett, the widow of the brave commander of that heroic band
of Confederates who heeded not the destroying torrent of artillery
missiles, or the piercing storm of leaden bullets from the Union
lines in their intrepid advance over the wide intervening space,
that separated the lines of the contending armies. This lady's
graceful presence gave a magnetic charm to the ceremonies.
Many persons who visited Gettysburg on this interesting occasion
with the rancor of hatred, were converted into the most intense
advocates of fraternity toward our late opponents. It was proph
esied in the Old Testament that ' ' a woman shall crush the ser
pent' s head. " We are witnesses of the fulfillment of this prophecy
in the birth, suffering, and death of a blessed Saviour ; so may we
witness that a woman also shall crush the head of the serpent of
hatred, sectionalism, and strife, and a new life of love and frater
nity be born of the inspiration of this sweet messenger from the
¦South — Mrs. George E. Pickett.
THE DEDICATION.
At noon of July 3d, 1887, the twenty-fourth anniversary of the
closing scene of the battle, the survivors of the Sixty-ninth left

68
their headquarters in the town, and marched to the spot where,
twenty-four years ago, they gave the final blow that crowned the
Union arms with success, accompanied by the Seventy-first, whose
dedication ceremonies followed those of the Sixty-ninth ; the
Seventy-second and One Hundred and Sixth, the other regiments
of the brigade and participants in Pickett's repulse, whose monu
ments already mark the spot of their heroism ; by Post 10 of the
Grand Army of the Republic, and a company of the Hibernian
Rifles, both of which organizations accompanied the brigade from
Philadelphia as an escort and firing party. Arriving at the spot
where the monument stands (at the stone wall, nearly midway
between the " clump of trees" and the "bloody angle") the
speakers and invited guests took their places on the stand erected
for the occasion. Among the guests were : Gen. Burns, one of
the old commanders of the Philadelphia Brigade ; Col. Charles H.
Banes and wife, who accompanied Mrs. Pickett; Gen. Wm. F.
(Baldy) Smith; Gen. I. J. Wistar, of the Seventy-first ; Col. J.
B. Bachelder, the Government Historian of the battle of Gettys
burg ; Col. William B. Mann and Col. John H. Taggart of the
Pennsylvania Reserves ; Col. A. K. McClure, of the Philadelphia
Times; Col. Cowan, of Cowan's Battery; Col. Aylett, Major
Edmondson, Capt. Reeves, Charles T. Loehr, and others of
Pickett's survivors. After a dirge by the band, the ceremonies
were opened by Adjutant A. W. McDermott, who said : " Com
rades, you of the Blue and of the Grey, we have assembled here
on this twenty-fourth anniversary of the closing of the battles of
Gettysburg, to dedicate this monument in commemoration of the
battle and as a memorial to our fallen comrades, who gave up
their lives that the Union might be saved. It was here that you,
my comrades of the Sixty-ninth, delivered the final blow that
gave victory to our arms ; that you met the then foe in hand-to-
hand combat and forced him (with the assistance of the Seventy-
first, Seventy-second, One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania, and
other regiments) to give up the contest. We entered this fight
with an aggregate strength of 258, and suffered a loss of 151.
I wish to say that it has often been asserted that the two compa
nies who changed front after Gen. Armistead had crossed the Wall
just above our right had given way. This is incorrect. As a

69
member of one of these companies at that time, I wish to state
here my own personal knowledge, that the wall was not aban
doned until orders were passed from the centre of the regiment to
break to the rear, and at that time Gen. Armistead had covered
about half the distance from the wall to the place near the crest,
where he received his fatal wound. I will say further that if such
orders had not been issued it would have been imperatively neces
sary to have performed the same movement, or the result would
undoubtedly have been the annihilation of the Sixty-ninth by
death or capture, as the Confederates were pouring over the wall
after their leader. This movement was not performed any too
soon, for ere these two companies had recovered from the excite
ment incident to the change of front, the Confederates had borne
so closely upon the angle of the new line that they, by their over
powering numbers, had succeeded in capturing the third company
of the regiment, Company F, now on the right at the wall. They
now called for the surrender of the rest of the line, but the Fourth
Company, D, beat them off in hand-to-hand contact, and thus
held their position at the wall until, with the fall of Armistead and
Kemper, these brave men, foes though they were, being without
a leader, gave up the contest."
Gen. Joshua T. Owen the original commander of the regi
ment was introduced as the orator, and said :
gen. owen's speech.
"Survivors of the Sixty-ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volun
teers : I salute you as the veterans not of the battle of Gettysburg
only, but of all the battles of the war of the rebellion in which the
army of the Potomac was engaged. In all probability the battle
fought right here on either side of this now historic stone wall was
the hottest contested and the most important in its effects of any
conflict of the war.
' ' On this day twenty-four years ago there was seen to emerge
from yonder woods a body of troops, whose fame has since
rivaled that of any body of equal numerical strength in ancient
or modern warfare. In. a fit of desperate courage the foremost
soldier of the rebellion dared to challenge fate itself and hazard,
upon one venture, the success or failure of the cause for which he

7°
had risked everything. The resolution was sublime in its au
dacity, but terribly disastrous in its results. The Grecian or
Roman Legions, in solid phalanx, would never have dared to
deliver such a charge, across so wide an intervening space, even
though no artillery plowed their ranks with death-dealing shot
and shell. Neither Alexander nor Caesar, Charlemagne nor
Frederick, Wellington nor Napoleon ever ordered so hazardous
a charge as that which Gen. Robert E. Lee ordered Gen. Pick
ett to make with his partially- depleted division on the 3d of July,
1863, on this historic battle-field.
" It was your good fortune, my old comrades, to withstand the
brunt of that charge, because your ranks were further advanced
than those of the other portions of the line. At the point where
the stone wall receded to the rear at a right-angle, your right flank
stood unmoved by shot or shell or rebel yell. Your line re
mained intact amid all the mad fury of that charge, until friends
and foes were commingled in a hand-to-hand conflict, where
Southern valor and Northern fortitude were put to their severest
test. During that hot conflict the men of Virginia pierced the
Union lines and the gallant Armistead fell within the ranks of the
' Philadelphia Brigade.' Nay, more, some of the men of his bri
gade placed their hands on the guns of Cushing 's Battery.
" But it was not in the power of mortals to withstand the com
bined attack of the Second Corps. Shattered into fragmentary
parts, the mad invaders of Pennsylvania's soil were driven back or
captured, and the battle' ended in the triumph of the Union arms.
Suffice it to say that you did your duty nobly and well, and, in
common with the other regiments of the Philadelphia Brigade,
won for yourselves immortal renown.
"Now that the war is over, let us rejoice that our cause — the
cause of Union and liberty — was triumphant and that our country
has prospered so greatly since its close. Let the issues of the
war, which were settled by the dread arbitrament of war, remain
undisturbed forever.
"And now what shall I say in the presence of these, our late
antagonists, but now our fellow-citizens and friends. Simply
this, that it was fortunate for the future fame of our reunited
country that when the issue was clearly made, out that the two

7i
systems of labor, slave and free, could not oexist under the same
government, the settlement of the question was committed to men
North and South, who, in the prosecution of the irrepressible
conflict, did not lower one whit the standard of American valor,
but always maintained the prestige which belongs to arms wielded
by free men."
Following the oration, Adjutant McDermott read the roll of
honor, calling out the names of those who fell in the battle, after
which Capt. Edward Thompson read the following poem for the
occasion, prefacing the reading of the poem with the following
few remarks :
Friends and Comrades : Once more we stand upon this
historic spot, not in contention with foes, but to help heal the
wounds made by the bitter struggle of twenty-four years ago,
and to erect hereon a monument commemorating our services,
and as a memorial to our fallen comrades. Thoughts of our
brave fallen companions have suggested the following few lines :
TO OUR FALLEN COMRADES.
On this historic spot we miss full many
Of the light of heart who in our perils and our sports took part ;
They died here, for man was born to die ;
For them we shed no tear, we heave no sigh,
But mark with admiration and with pride
How gallantly they fought, how bravely they died.
Is there he who worries heaven with a coward's prayer,
His life to ages, healthiness to spare ?
Who begs this boon, on a sick bed to lie ?
Of disease, inch by inch to die ?
More glorious was our lost companions lot,
To fall here where the battle raged loud and hot,
Bound to their posts on this crimson sod
Where freedom triumphed, to the breast of God,
Their last gaze fixed on our starry emblem and flag of green
That waved in glory o'er this battle scene.
The last sound that fell upon their ears,
Were their comrades' volleys and their comrades' cheers.
Like them we swear to fill a hero's grave,
Like them to perish or the Union save.
For no hatred, no desire for gold accursed
Caused us to mingle in this war at first.

72
For human wisdom, human love,
Never planned laws like those above
A government sa grand !
We shared its glories and its perils share,
And before our God who hears, we swear
The stars may fall from yon blue vault of heaven,
But not one star from our flag shall be riven,
Which o'er his troops when human rights were won,
Was waved by mankind's hero— Washington.
The earth may melt, the sun the ocean drain,
These laws shall stand, this government remain.
Col. O' Reilly turned the monument over to the Gettysburg
Battlefield Memorial Association in a neat speech, in which he said :
Gentlemen of the Gettysburg Memorial Association: I have
been delegated by my companions of the Survivors' Association
of the Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Regiment, to hand over to your
keeping this granite shaft, placed here by them commemorative
of the noble sacrifice of our many brave comrades who fell upon
this very spot twenty-four years ago to-day.
And, sirs, while this monument may recall the sorrowful part
ing of comrades who enjoyed the closest ties of friendship, it also
reminds us of the glorious deeds of valor performed by that gal
lant old regiment which so nobly held this line against the most
determined charge in the annals of modern warfare, and in which
we suffered a loss of more than fifty per cent, of our numbers.
It was after considerable solicitation of others, and consider
able doubt on our part, that the task of erecting this monument
was undertaken by us ; we were solicited and urged by many,
not of our regiment, but who knew of the noble service rendered
by the Sixty-ninth, to get our men together for this purpose. We
doubted our ability to successfully accomplish that purpose, for
our numbers were few and our means were very limited, but we
had a few determined fellows who had courageously faced Pickett's
charge, and they concluded that, as they had sufficient courage
for that, they were not afraid to undertake anything, So our good
friends in Philadelphia helped us along, and the Irish societies of
Philadelphia said that the regiment which so nobly carried through
all the battles of the war, the green flag of old Ireland, and never
permitted it to be disgraced by defeat, should not be forgotten by

73
them ; and they nobly kept their word. Their aid, together with
that of others of our fellow-citizens, encouraged us until we saw
our State coming to our assistance, and this, gentlemen, is the
result of our labors. We relinquish it to you, and ask that in
future you will care for it as one of your most valued trusts. In
after years when our children come here to view the spot where
their fathers' did so much to make this place glorious in the
history of their country, they may still find this column pointing
heavenward, indicating, as we trust, the direction in which our
brave departed comrades have taken in their flight when they
laid down their lives in this most desperate struggle.
And now, gentlemen, as we hand this monument over to you
in all its artistic beauty, so we trust that you will hand it to your
successors, and coming from those who were willing to sacrifice
all for their country, we ask that in this, their memory shall be
preserved for all future time.
Col. J. B. Bachelder responded on behalf of the Association as
follows :
I accept your beautiful monument on behalf of the Association
who, I am sure, feel proud of the trust delegated to them ; no
position on this field is more envied than that of the scene of
Pickett's Charge, because it was here that Lee made his last effort
for success. How desperate that effort was, you "boys'' know
best yourselves.
He spoke in the highest praise of the services rendered by the
regiment, and in accepting the monument promised, in behalf of
his colleagues of the Battlefield Association, to see that the beau
tiful memorial to the services of brave men, should forever re
ceive their best care and attention.
Capt. John E. Reilly being introduced, he presented, on behalf
of the regiment, to Col. J. B. Bachelder, a magnificent gold
watch and chain for the services he rendered at the War Depart
ment in having errors corrected on the list of the regiment's
casualties at Gettysburg. CAPTAIN REILLY'S SPEECH.
"Col. Batchelder, we cannot allow this opportunity to pass
without calling you to time, and as we ' think you deserve watch
ing to place a watch on you for the future.

74
" More than a year ago, sir, we had occasion to call on you for
information which you cheerfully gave us, and since that time we
have frequently been obliged to ask your aid in assisting us in
many little details which helped us very materially in the forma
tion of a correct legend which is to remain on our monument for
all future time.
In our list of casualties for the battle of Gettysburg we found
through you that our records and those at the Department in
Washington differed very considerably. According to our records
they should have been 143, and the Washington Department
records had them but 126 ; we were satisfied that we were right,
but we were not permitted to take any other than those on the
Official Records which we knew to be wrong, but how to have
them corrected we did not know. And again we had to call for
your services, knowing that you were authority on everything in
connection with this great battle. You kindly volunteered to go
to Washington and lay our case before the Department, and try
to have them correct. We finally, after considerable perseverence,
had them go over some of the reports when they found a clerical
error of eleven which brought our number up to 137, or within
six of what we claimed and still claim to be right, but they re
fused to go further into the matter notwithstanding we had the
names of those lost and particulars in each case.
You have had considerable traveling and correspondence on
our account which has taken a great deal of your time, and cost
you considerable expense. In fact we have been a great trouble
to you, but you did all of this cheerfully. And you would not
¦even permit us to reimburse you for your outlay. And as we do
not wish to appear ungrateful for those many acts of kindness,
though we may sometimes have seemed unreasonable for our
stubborn persistence in differing with the people in Washington,
whose data only you are obliged to be governed by, but when I
say to you that that stubbornness is a trait of the Irish character
which predominates in the most of us, you will make allowance
for it. It was that stubbornness, sir, which kept the Sixty-ninth
in their position on this very spot twenty-four years ago to-day ;
it was that stubbornness which made them refuse to vacate this
spot notwithstanding the pressing invitation of our friends from

75
Virginia, and it was that stubborn tenacity which made this spot
impregnable, until the last shot at Gettysburg was fired. And
now, sir, for the many acts of kindness so courteously bestowed,
permit me, on behalf of the survivors of the Sixty-ninth Penn
sylvania Regiment, to present you with this small token of their
esteem, and though coming from those of humble station in life
we trust that you will value it as a gift from men who once served
their country faithfully, and can, at least, boast of the proud
honor of being members of the gallant old Sixty-ninth Pennsyl
vania Regiment, and soldiers of the Army of the Potomac.
Take it, sir, and with it our best wishes for your future welfare;
we wish you health to wear it for many years to come, and as
you shall have frequent occasion to refer to it, we trust that you
will remember that the donors were of a regiment that did much
to make the Battle of Gettysburg glorious in the history of their
country.
Presentation to Mrs. Pickett.
At the conclusion of Capt. Reilly's speech a handsome Corps
badge (a trefoil) made of beautiful white flowers, three feet
high, which had been presented to the regiment by Mrs. Reed of
Philadelphia and received by Quarter Master Hugh McKeever,
was presented to Mrs. Pickett by Adjutant McDermott in behalf
¦of the regiment. He said : " Most respected Lady, in behalf of
my comrades of the Sixty-ninth Regiment as well as myself, I
present to you this design of beautiful flowers. The design repre
sents the badge of the Second Corps, the white flowers — the color
of the badge worn by the Second Division of that Corps, and in
which we had the honor to serve. Remembering that that brave
band of foes who desperately fought us on this spot, was command
ed by your late husband, the gallant General Pickett, we cannot let
this occasion pass without the honor of tendering you, his cherish
ed widow, some token of our love, for the warm interest you have
taken in our efforts to reunite in bonds of fraternity those sec
tions of our country so unhappily estranged by the war of twenty-
four years ago. Dear Lady, this token has but a trifling intrinsic
value and will soon lose its beauty because of its perishable
nature, but the occasion upon which we have the honor to pre
sent to you this symbolic design shall never perish from our

76
memory, nor shall the beauty of the sentiments that brought to
gether so many late foes in honorable, manly conflict on the field
of battl«», now cherished friends, brothers, ever fade from our
hearts, nor shall we ever cease to love and revere you, who have-
so kindly graced by your presence the never-to-be-forgotten cer
emonies of last evening and those of to-day. Pray accept then
this token, and with it the fervent prayers of the donors, that a
beneficent Providence will bless and prosper you and bless our
earnest endeavor for lasting reconciliation and brotherhood."
This ended the ceremonies of the dedication.
THE SIXTY-NINTH CAMP FIRE.
In the evening the Sixty-ninth invited the Pickett's Division
Association to their head quarters at the Washington House,
where a " Camp Fire " was held in the gardens attached to the
hotel, where liquid refreshments and cigars were indulged in, and
until near midnight the ' ' Fire " was kept burning ; anecdotes,
speeches and songs made the time but a "fleeting moment."'
Eloquent and pathetic speeches were made by Col. Aylett,
Major Edmondson and others of the Pickett survivors. Cols..
Bachelder and Vanderslice of the Gettysburg Memorial Associa
tion, and Col. O'Reilly, Capts. John E. Reilly, McNamara,
Fay, and others of the Sixty-ninth survivors, after which a res
olution of thanks was voted the Sixty-ninth for their pleasant re
ception, and especially Quartermaster McKeever for the liberal
quantity and thoughtfulness in the refreshing provisions made at
the entertainment. After an exchange of badges, hats and other
mementos, even to the giving of a lock of Col. O'Reilly's white-
hair to Col. Aylett, the Camp Fire adjourned.
On the morning of the 4th of July the regiment joined with
the brigade and Pickett's men and went over th<* battlefield ; at
the scene of Pickett's advance from Seminary Ridge all halted,
and many touching incidents occurred as the men of both sides
related their work on that eventful 3d of July 1863. After-
going over the battlefield, and returning to the position of the
Sixty-ninth, the survivors of that regiment and of Pickett's
Division formed in line on each side of the wall and grasping
hands were photographed. See page opposite. On the 5th, after
taking leave of the men from the South, the regiment boarded the
cars for home. Thus ended the most memorable reunion betweem
the North and the South since the close of the war.

77

REDEDICATION.

Several months after the Survivors Association of the Sixty-
ninth Regiment had contracted for the erection of their monu
ment, the State of Pennsylvania, by an act of Assembly approved
June 15th 1887, made an appropriation of $121,500 for the erec
tion of memorial tablets or monuments, to mark the positions of
Pennsylvania Commands on the battle-field of Gettysburg, July
ist, 2d and 3d, 1863, and to the Gettysburg Battle-field Asso
ciation for the purchase of land, maintaining and keeping in re
pair the battle-field. And the Governor was authorized to
appoint five Commissioners, who were to select and decide upon
the design and material for monuments, and to co-operate with
five persons representing the survivors of the several regimental,
organizations or commands, which participated in said battle, in
the location of the said monuments and selection thereof, and
when completed and properly erected,* the Commissioners to
present vouchers to the Auditor General for payment.
The Sixty-ninth Regiment having been engaged in a very
important part of that battle, and being one of the regiments
entitled to a portion of the appropriation of June 1887, selected
Col. James O'Reilly, Capt. Joseph W. Garretts, Sergt.
Hugh McKeever, Adjt. A. W. McDermott and Capt. John
E. Reilly, to represent the regiment and to co-operate with the
five Commissioners appointed by the Governor ; but as the Com
missioners did not meet to formulate rules and regulations until
after the monument of the Sixty-ninth was erected, there was no
opportunity given to submit plans and specifications to them, and
preparation having been made for the completion and the dedi
cation of the monument, on the twenty-fourth anniversary of the
battle (July 3d, 1877), and our former opponents of Pickett's
Division having accepted our invitation and made arrangements
to attend, we could not therefore postpone the ceremonies of

78
dedication ; and when our committee met the Commissioners in
Gettysburg, at their first meeting, the question was raised as to-
whether they could make vouchers for payment in our case, not
having passed upon the design and material before erection, and
subsequently on an opinion of the Attorney General, they de
cided that as we did not comply with the full requirements of the
Act of Assembly, under which they were appointed, we were-
not entitled to our portion of the appropriation, for the monu
ment erected, unless there was an enabling Act passed by the
Legislature. This necessitated the trouble and expense of having
a suplimentary Act passed by the following State Legislature.
A Bill was therefore prepared and submitted to the House of
Representatives in January, 1889, and was finally passed by the
Senate, and approved by the Governor, in June 1889, and we
were then enabled to improve our monument considerably by
placing a new base of Quincey granite, weighing over eight
tons, adding very much to the architectural beauty of the
monument, and making it one of the finest Pennsylvania monu
ments on the battle-field.
The State Commissioners, having named September nth and
1 2th, 1889, as Pennsylvania days at Gettysburg, the ceremonies of
dedication of all the monuments were to take place on those
days. On the morning of the ioth, the Survivors Association
of the Sixty-ninth, with their friends, left Philadelphia, via
Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road, for Gettysburg, stopping en
route at Harper's Ferry and Antietam, and viewing many
familiar places of war times, and the beautiful scenery surround
ing Harper's Ferry, and the field which was so hotly contested
by the Regiment at Antietam. Arriving at Gettysburg late that
night, on the morning of the nth as pre-arranged, they as
sembled around the monument on Cemetery Ridge, in front of
the famous clump of trees at the Bloody Angle, to complete the
ceremonies of dedication. In the absence of the Rev. Joseph A.
Boll, who was to open the ceremonies with prayer, Lieutenant
Colonel James O'Reilly called the assemblage to order, and in a
very able and eloquent address reviewed the services of the
Regiment from its formation until final muster out of the United
States service.

79
Speech of Col. James O'Reilly.
Comrades : Standing here on ground at once historic and
sacred, and to memory ever dear, once again, I greet you, and
to you I would say that this time, perhaps the last time as an
organized body that we shall visit this hallowed spot, we have
come to pay final tribute, final honor to our dead. Not only
those who have here fallen fighting that the Union might live, but
to all our comrades who on any of the battle-fields of the War
for the Union (and that was nearly all in which the grand old
army of the Potomac took part), offered up their lives a willing
sacrifice that this, the most beneficent form of government which
has ever blessed the earth, should be preserved and perpetuated
in all its beauty, grandeur and greatness forever.
It is written that, Whether on the scaffold high,
Or in the battle van,
The noblest place for man to die
Is where he dies for man.
Is it so ? Then I claim for these, our fallen comrades, that
they died in the fore-front of the battle for the rights of man, and
in the interest of humanity. Again it is written that, Greater love
than this hath no man, that he lays down his life for his friends •
and who so proves his love for his friends as the soldier who
willingly yields up life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in
their interest. Again I, claim for these, our comrades, that from
the gloomy beginning of the struggle in 1861 until its final and
glorious termination in 1865, that they daily offered themselves.
to death and to God, with that sublime end in view. Does any
man question this? Then to him I would say, behold a country
which under God's providence has been and is now the refuge of
God's poor, the oppressed of all nations, preserved from dis-
truction, let us hope, for ever ; behold the arch enemy of the
liberty of this and of all rations and people. Utterly discom-
fitted and thwarted in her vile purpose of disrupting and destroy
ing this government of the people, for the people, and by the
people, who, not as of yore, by brazen-armed intervention in our
affairs, but this time by most wiley and insiduous means, did all

8o
in her power to ruin and make it a dependency of hers and plun
der and impoverish the people. Of course I allude to the Gov
ernment of England, and again behold a hideous crime attoned
for, a foul blot wiped out for ever (in blood it is true), but wiped
out for ever by the enfranchisement of over four millions of
bondsmen, slaves set free, a dissevered people reunited, the bless
ings of peace restored, etc. Oh, surely, my dear comrades,
living and dead, it was a holy cause you battled for. Yea, and
God's holy ones the Priests of God were with us, they blessed
our arms and the hands that bore them, they accompanied us to
the field and daily ministered to our spiritual wants, and byword
and example did what they could to encourage us, and bless our
efforts. God bless them, Fathers Martin, Gillin, Corbin, Willits,
McKee, Dillin, and a host of others. God be with them. Com
rades, it is also written that it is a holy and a wholesome thought
to pray for the dead ; forget not this duty this day nor any day
of the time that is left you. Pray then, to the Lord of Hosts,
the God of battle, for your dead, for all the dead, whose souls, re-
baptized in their blood, went up to Him amidst scenes of strife
and carnage during those dire years of war and its attendant
calamities ; they may need our prayers, who can tell ; pray then
most ardently, I beseech you, for the soul of that heroic soldier,
Colonel Dennis O'Kane, who fell near the spot now marked by
our monument, where but a short time before he stood grimly
smiling at the stubborn resistance offered by the sturdy men
under his command to the fierce onslaught of Pickett's men ; and
forget not the other brave officers and enlisted men who, to the
number of one hundred and forty-seven fell here beside him,
and whose unparalleled bravery and stubborn courage here tossed
back the highest and mightiest wave of the Rebellion. Nor
would I have you forget those of our comrades, who fell on other
fields than this, for, Some fell on far-off fields of fame,
Some here sank down to rest,
And the dear land they loved so well,
Now folds them to her breast.
All nearly gone, yet still lives on,
The memory of those who died,
And true men like you men,
Remember them with pride.

Comrades in thus honoring the dead you do honor to the liv
ing, you honor yourselves, and that beautiful monument will tell
the story to generations yet unborn of your heroic deeds and the
deeds, the heroism of the commander's who have gone on to
" Fame's eternal camping ground." Before you they lived with
honor, they died with honor, be it yours to follow their example.
And now dear comrades as a part of the duty assigned me on this
occasion I will proceed to give our hearers a brief glimpse of the
early history of the regiment. Long before grim visaged civil
war reared his horrid front in this our land, affrighting the inhabi
tants thereof, there existed in the City of Philadelphia, State of
Pennsylvania, a body of Irish American citizen soldiery, known
as the Second Regiment Philadelphia County Volunteers. It
was numbered the Second Regiment, Second Brigade, and be
longed to the First Division Pennsylvania Militia. The material
of which it was composed (the officers and men) were recruited
or came from the humbler walks of life in that great city. They
were mostly hardy sons of toil, men who earned their bread by
the sweat of their brows, but very ambitious in a military point of
view, and very patriotic, always ready to obey the orders of their
officers, always ready to defend the authorities and assist them
whether National, State or City, ever ready to shed their blood
if necessary in defence of the honor and integrity of their adopted
country, while cherishing an ardent love for the land of their
birth. And because of the nationality of the officers and men,
and the names of the companies of which it was composed it was
frequently, and truth compels me to add derisively, styled the
" Irish Brigade," and there are here to day some who can look
back with shame and sorrow to the time when hisses derisive
cries and shouts of contempt were freely bestowed on us, and on
more than one occasion something harder in shape of bricks and
stones fell thick and fast in the ranks of the organization as it
marched through the streets of that city, the City of Brotherly
Love. But thanks to God and the services rendered by this and
kindred organizations of which there were many in the late war,
such senseless bigotry, such mean and contemptible prejudice ob
tains no more forever in this broad land. And oh ! my country
men, Irishmen, what a debt of gratitude you owe to these our
6

82
comrades, to the brave men of our race, who to the number of
one hundred and forty-four thousand (see Prof. Gould's state
ments) who went into the field in defence of our adopted country,
and made such a glorious record there. Nor does the above num
ber include the tens of thousands of Irishmen's sons, and their
immediate descendants who took part in the strife on the side of
the Government. At the outbreak of the war the above organi
zation was altered as follows : for certain cogent reasons Col.
Conroy resigned, and by the advice, and on the recommendation
of the Brigade Commander, Gen. John D. Miles, Joshua T. Owen
was elected to fill the vacancy ; Dennis Heenan remained Lieut.
Colonel ; James Harvey, beaten in the race for the majority, re
signed and organized a company for Max Einstein's regiment ;
Dennis O'Kane then Capt. of Company C, was elected Major,
and James O'Reilly fourth Sergt. of Company C was elected
captain of said company. In this order the regiment entered the
field as the Twenty-fourth Infantry Pennsylvania Volunteers for
three months' service under the call of the President for 75,000
men. The regiment faithfully performed all duties assigned it,
and was one of the two regiments who listened to the appeal of
Gen. Patterson to remain in the field after its term of service had
expired until reinforcements could arrive to defend the upper
Potomac, although over two hundred of the men were shoeless
and with underwear for breeches. Mustered out August 9th,
1861, it was immediately reorganized for three years- service as
the Second Regiment of Baker's California Brigade, afterwards
known as the Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers ; it would have
been known as the Sixty-eighth but for a few of the old officers
who were proud of the record made by their kindred of the Sixty-
ninth New York, and appealed to Col. Andrew Tippen and his
officers to exchange numbers, this they agreed to do, and the
consent of the great War Governor, Andrew G. Curtin, himself
Irish by decent, being obtained, the regiment became the Sixty-
ninth. Four of the Company Commanders, for reasons best
known to themselves, refused to remain under the former com
mandant and left the organization, these were Capts. Thomas
A. Smyth, Hugh Rodgers, James McGough and P. Murphy.
Capts. Rodgers and McGough were replaced by Capts. Thomp-

83
son and Furey, and some time after its arrival in the field it was
joined by companies under Capts. Wm. Davis and Daniel Gillen.
The complexion of the field and staff was altered by the retire
ment of Lieut. Col. Dennis Heenan, who afterwards organized
the One Hundred and Sixteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volun
teers, and the appointment to his place of Major Dennis O'Kane.
John Devereux of Chestnut Hill, and a member of the famous
Philadelphia City Troop was made Major ; Martin Tschudy, a
prominent young lawyer of West Washington Square was ap
pointed Adjutant, C. C. Bombaugh, M. D., as Surgeon, and B.
A. McNeill Assistant Surgeon, with J. Robinson Miles as Quarter
Master. During its reorganization some generous friends of the
regiment headed by Thomas Dolan, Esq., Eighth and Zane
streets, Philadelphia, procured and presented to the regiment a
beautiful green flag. On one side was painted the coat of arms
of Pennsylvania, and on the other the wolf-dog, round tower and
sun-burst of Ireland, and here let me call your attention to the
fact that the Sixty-ninth was the only regiment that went out from
the State of Pennsylvania carrying the flag of Ireland side by side
with those of the United States. Under these flags, these glorious
emblems, under officers tried and true, a sturdier, nobler hearted,
braver body of men, than those who in this regiment left Phila
delphia for Washington in the early fall of 1861, it were hard to
find. I say this as a- comrade, as one who by long association
with the majority of them before and during the war had learned
their worth. I say it because I am speaking of the dead, the
greater number having passed from scenes of strife here below to,
I fervently hope, the peaceful abode of the blessed. And without
disparagement to our comrade regiments or any body of troops
then in the field, I claim for this regiment, First, that it faith
fully performed all duties assigned to it in camp, in garrison, on
the march or in battle, never turning its rear to the enemy, except
compelled by orders from superior authority. Second, that the
regiment never lost a flag to the enemy, and on two occasions
saved the colors of other regiments from falling into the enemy's,
hands. Third, that by its desperate charge at Glendale (Nelson's
farm) it saved the day and possibly the army. Fourth, that this
regiment furnished to the service three able general officers, to

84
wit : Gen. Joshua T. Owen, a former commander ; Gen. M. Ker-
win, formerly Sergt. of Company H, and now editor and pro
prietor of the New York Tablet, and Gen. Thomas A. Smyth, who
was formerly Captain of Company H, Twenty-fourth, and whom
I believe to be the last general officer killed on the Union side dur
ing the war. Fifth, that but for the mistaken zeal in the perfor
mance of his duty and the persistant and positive refusal on the
part of Capt. Wm. McBride of the Seventy-second regiment
to permit it, the flag of this regiment would have been the first to
float over the enemy's works at Yorktown, and in all probability
the regiment would have furnished a fourth general officer to the
service, as Deven of Massachusetts, who entered the works, four
hours later was made general therefor. Sixth, that this regiment
was among the first to enter the field in defence of the Union, and
served continuously until honorably mustered out at the close of
the war by reason of its services being no longer required.
All this to your lasting credit, my comrades living ; all this to
the honor of the dead of this regiment who here and elsewhere
sleep the sleep that knows no waking.
How sleep the brave who sink to rest,
By all their country's wishes blest,
When Spring with dewy fingers cold,
Returns to deck their hallowed mould ;
Ever Freedom shall a while repair,
To dwell a weeping hermit there.
Col. O'Reilly's speech was well received and he was frequently
interrupted with applause by his comrades, and the many friends
of the regiment who were present ; he then introduced as the
orator of the day Capt. John E. Reilly, a former corporal of the
regiment, and one of its first Color-Bearers.*
Oration by Capt. John E. Reilly.
Comrades of the Sixty-ninth, we have again met, on this his
toric field, to rededicate this memorial shaft, which marks the spot
*Capt. John E. Reilly was formerly Corporal of Company H. and one of the first
Color-Bearers of the Regiment. He was badly wounded while leading the charge with
the Colors at the battle of Glendale ; was afterwards promoted to First Lieutenant and
A D. C-, First Division, Fifth Corps, and again wounded while charging the enemy's
works in front of Petersburg, and finally promoted to Oaptain at the capture of the
Weldon Railroad in August, 1864.

85
made famous by your heroic deeds. Within the twenty-five
square miles of this battle-field there are many interesting places,
where many deeds of bravery were- performed, but there was but
one Pickett's charge at Gettysburg, and on this spot, and by you,
my comrades of the Sixty-ninth, ably supported by your com
rades of the Philadelphia Brigade, was that charge met, and the
flood-tide of rebellion checked. It was here you met the flower
of the Confederate Army in hand to hand encounter, and here,
many of our brave companions laid down their lives in that ter
rible struggle.
When Hancock arrived on this field during the first day's
fight, everything was in doubt, the right wing of the army hav
ing been driven from beyond the town, the gallant Reynolds
killed, and many of the regiments panic stricken in consequence
of their loss, and it was not until he brought his own Second
Corps on the field, and deployed them along this ridge, on the
second, and the brave Warren, had secured Round Top for the
artillery, was our army secure in its position. The Sixty-ninth
was placed along the slope of this ridge, and ordered to hold
the line secure in this position, and you faithfully did what you
were told, as in every other position throughout the war, in
which you were placed, you proved faithful to the trust.
On the afternoon of the second day, the enemy in force attack
ed the left, the brave Sickels was badly wounded, and his corps
being driven from its advanced position, when gallant Hancock
came to the rescue, but so impetuous was the assault made by
the enemy, that on they came like the fury of a whirlwind, until
within a few paces of this line. The battery on your front
was driven from its position, and two of its guns were left
to the advancing enemy, who made several desperate attempts
to capture them, and was driven from them each time by your
well directed fire, until at last they were forced to retire, the guns
recovered for the battery, the contest for the day ceased, and the
Sixty-ninth nobly held their position.
On the third day, notwithstanding there had been ample time
for entrenching, there were no entrenching tools furnished, and
consequently no attempt made to strengthen this position, ex
pecting every moment a renewal of the contest, when suddenly,

86
about one o'clock, yonder ridge commenced to belch forth its
volcanic fire on your unprotected position Shot, shell, Whit
worth bolts, every missile known to modern warfare, were
thrown against this position for two long hours ; this was but the
prelude to the most desperate Infantry charge of modern times,
for soon Pickett's Division was seen marching out from the
shelter of yonder woods, with colors flying defiantly to the
breeze, and seeming to say, " We come to pierce your centre;
match us if you can." Kemper, Garnett and Armistead, 4,900
strong, with Heath's Division under Petigrew on their left, and
Wilcox's Division on their right, the whole of the attacking
column, about 13,000 men. Pickett's men had been given this
clump of trees as an objective point for their attack, and the
Sixty-ninth was the barrier between them, on they came in grand
display, and notwithstanding their ranks were being momentarily
thinned by the artillery fire from all along the ridge, they marched
forward with the steadiness of men on parade, seeming determined
to sweep all before them ; those, my comrades, were the moments
which tried men's souls, none but the bravest hearts could await
the assault which was then approaching, but as confidently as the
attacking column came, just as confidently did you await their
coming. The eyes of the whole country were at that moment
centered on Gettysburg, and fervent prayers were ascending to
the God of hosts that the sweeping flood of Rebellion should be
checked. All attention of both armies was directed to this posi
tion, for soon the giants met to determine the fate of the day,
and then was the tug of War ; on your front and in your midst,
my comrades, the pride of the rebel army was broken, demor
alized and almost annihilated. Aye, the proud and defiant cham
pions of Lee's army had met their match ; the gauntlet so
defiantly thrown down by them had been picked up, and they paid
the -penalty for their rashness ; these fields- were almost covered
with their dead, who came never to return again. Pickett's Charge
was repulsed, the country saved, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and
Pennsylvania relieved ; for had Genl. Lee's plans succeeded in
cutting through this centre position, nothing could have stayed
their onward march, and here, on this very spot, my comrades,
the flood-tide of the Rebellion reached its high-water mark, and

87
from whence it was ever after made to recede. But what frightful
cost in precious blood in these three eventful days, 40,000 mowed
down in that mighty harvest of death around this little town of
Gettysburg, and you, my comrades, contributed largely to that
number ; your gallant leaders, Col. O'Kane, and Lieut. Col.
Tschudy, were killed, and of the 258 comrades of the Sixty-
ninth Regiment, entering the fight on the second of July, 1863,
you lost in this battle in killed, wounded, and missing, fifty-five
per cent, of that number. Tennyson has immortalized in poem
the famous six-hundred, who lost at Balaklava, thirty-six and
seven-tenths per cent., and we read in history of great achieve
ments being performed on other battle-fields, but my comrades,
the deeds and glories of Grecian Phalanx and Roman Legion,
would pale before the deeds of valor performed on the field of
Gettysburg. Centuries may pass, and new generations populate
our land, yet the name of Gettysburg will not fail to call before
memory the heroic deeds enacted there. Its deeds of valor are
not chanted in undying epic, or immortal poem, yet, beside
Thermopylae and Marathon, Waterloo and Balaklava, stands the
name of Gettysburg, and coupled with that of Gettysburg, as
one of the glittering stars in the brilliant firmament of fame, will
be that of the gallant old Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania.
Many years have passed my comrades since your brave deeds
helped to make this field famous, in all these years you had no
one to sing your praise, you modestly awaited the time when the
truth of history must be known, and your deeds would then com
pare favorably with the most valiant ; you were always placed
where carnage was thickest, and you unflinchingly performed
your duty, none could do more, few did as well.
But look once more on these fields which were once the theatre
of bloody strife. The scenes have changed ; these ridges no longer
belch forth their volcanic fires ; the beaten intervale furrowed by
shot and shell is smoothed by the rolling years, the trees have
drawn their coats of bark over their wounds, the sharp volleys of
musketry have ceased, no parks of artillery awake their thunder,
no hoofs of rushing squadrons sink into the bosoms of the dying,
the shrieks of the wounded are hushed, no comrade searches for
friend, no father for son, no sister for brother, the actors have

disappeared, the dead are mingled with the dust, the survivors
scattered, and the great chieftains have fallen asleep. Horse and
rider, plume and epaulet, flashing sword and gleaming bayonet,
cannon and cannonier, trumpet and banners have all vanished,
and the sun as it rises from its purple bed, crowns the battle-field,
with jewels of the morning, and mantles the warrior's grave with
tender grass and nodding flowers, so may there come through
this great war perennial peace, may time assuage all sorrows and
heal all wounds, may the blood of the sacrifice cement and sanctify
the Union, and the principles settled by it, stand forever, may the
North and South, the East and West, our whole country, re
deemed, reformed, regenerated, unite to perpetuate the nation
over which the Star of Empire having no further west to go, will
pause, shine, and stay forever. ' '
Capt. Reilly's delivery was eloquen tthroughout, notwithstand
ing he was suffering at the time from a severe cold and sore
throat. Col.^O'Reilly then introduced Adjt. A. W. McDermott, who
gave a very full and detailed account of the regiment's move
ments, and services from the time it entered on the field at
Gettysburg, until the close of the battle (see page 27), after which
he read the names of those of the regiment who were killed
wounded and captured in the engagement, thus ending the cere
monies of dedication, all the monuments of Pennsylvania Regi
ments being handed over the next day through the Monument
Commissioners to the Gettysburg Battlefield Association.

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(97)

98

THE MONUMENT.
The contract for the erection of the monument was given to
Joseph E. Burk of Philadelphia. It is built of Quincey Granite,
and very highly polished. The base is five feet six inches square,
and three feet high, with sub-base four feet square, and two feet
high. The die in which the inscriptions are cut is two feet ten
inches square and four feet high. And the shaft or obelisk two
feet square at the base, and fourteen feet high — twenty-three feet
in all. On the corners of the die are Second Corps marks repre
senting the army corps to which the regiment belonged. On the
shaft are traced and highly polished a harp, the name of brigade,
number of division and corps, name of regiment, and Irish and
American flags crossed. On the right and left flanks of the
monument there are ten granite posts, connected with galvanized
chains, each post marking the position and bearing the inscription
of one of the companies, during the time of the engagement. The
front face of the die has the following inscription :
This position was held by the Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volun
teers July 2d and 3d, 1863.
Late on the afternoon of the 2d, this regiment assisted
in repulsing a desperate attack made by Wright's Georgia
Brigade. About one o'clock P. M. of the 3d, these lines were subjected
to an artillery fire from nearly 150 guns, lasting over one hour,
after which Pickett's Division charged this position, was repulsed
and nearly annihilated. The contest on the left and centre of this
regiment for a time being hand to hand, of the regimental com
manders attacking, but one remained unhurt. Gen. Garnett
was killed, Gen. Kemper desperately wounded, and Gen. Armis
tead after crossing the stone wall above the right of this com
mand, (two companies of which changed front to oppose him) fell
mortally wounded.
A number of Confederate flags were picked up on this front
after the battle.
A bronze plate with the State coat-of-arms is placed on the
base.

JIOXU.UK.NT U-b' U9TH. l'UNNA. RE(! fMlSNT.

99
On the rear face of the die is the following :
In memoriam of our deceased comrades, who gave up their
lives in defence of a perpetual union.
On this spot fell our commander, Col. Dennis O'Kane, his true
glory was victory or death, at the moment of achieving the for
mer he fell a victim to the latter.
While rallying the right to repulse Armistead, Lieut. Col.,
Martin Tschudy, was killed, he was also wounded on the previous
day, but nobly refused to leave the field ; the Major and Adjutant
were also wounded.
Out of an agregate of 258 the regiment suffered a loss of 137.
Erected by the surviving members, their friends and the Com
monwealth of Pennsylvania.
On the right face.
Engaged in the following battles :
Falling Water's, Ball's Cross-roads, Lewinsville, Yorktown,
Fair Oak's, Peach Orchard, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp,
Glendale, First and Second, Malvern Hill, Second, Bull Run,
Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chan
cellorsville, Thoroughfare Gap, Haymarket, Gettysburg, Rappa
hannock Station, Kelleysford, Robertson's Farm, Mine Run,
Wilderness, Po River, First and Second, Spottsylvania, Milford,
North Anna, Tolopotomy, Cold Harber, Petersburg, Jerusalam,
Plank Road, Deep Bottom, Strawberry Plains, Ream's Station,
Boydton Plank Road, First and Second, Hatcher's Run, Dab
ney's Mills, Five Forks, Jettersville, Farmville, Sailor's Creek,
Surrender of Lee.
On the left face.
This regiment was organized April 15th, 1861, from the
Second Regiment, State Militia, for three months, was desig
nated the Twenty-fourth Regiment, re-organized August 19th,
1861, as the Sixty-ninth Regiment, re-enlisted January 31st,
1864, and mustered out at the end of the War, July ist, 1865.
Aggregate strength of the regiment from organization until
mustered out, 1,736. Aggregate number of casualties, 702.

OFFICKRS OF THE
5tirvivors' Association
Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Regiment.

President,
Lieut. -Colonel James O'Reilly.
Vice-President,
Captain Michael Fay.
Secretaries,
Captain John E. Reilly, Adjutant A. W. McDermott.
Treasurer,
Captain Joseph W. Garrett.
Quartermaster,
Sergeant Hugh McKeever.
Monument Committee,
Lieut.-Col. JAMES O'REILLY, Chairman,
Sergeant HUGH- McKEEVER, Adjt. A. W. McDERMOTT,
Capt. JOS. W. GARRETT, Capt. JOHN E. REILLY.
Committee on Regimental Record,
Capt. JOS. W. GARRETT, Chairman,
Capt. EDWARD THOMPSON, Sergeant HUGH McKEEVER,
Capt. WM. F. McNAMARA, Lieut.-Col. JAMES O'REILLY,
Capt. JOHN CONNOR, Adjt. A. W. McDERMOTT,
Capt. MICHAEL FAY, Capt. JOHN E. REILLY.
(lOO)

IOI

Following are the names of the generous friends of the regi
ment who so liberally contributed towards the erection of the
monument : Col. A. K. McClure,
Col. John Devereux,
Peter S. Dooner,
Hamrick & Son,
W. M. Maris,
William E. Littleton,
Captain Blanchard,
B. Reilly,
Hugh McAleer,
I. M. Burrows,
Joseph Devlin,
Neil McMonigle,
Col. J. H. Taggart,
P. J. Walsh,
Boyle & McGlinn,
Capt. Thomas Furey,
C. Ballstatter,
B. & E. Brewing Co ,
Callaghan & McC,
B. Nickle,
L. Haas,
S. Josephs,
Isaac Norris,
Charles Joly,
W. C. White,
Thomas Cochran,
S. A. Caldwell,
Wanamaker & Brown,
S. M. Wanamaker,
Browning, King & Co.,
Jacob Reed & Sons,
M. Scully,
Captain O'Brien,
William Clark,
Jerry G. Donohue,
Capt. W. F McNamara,
Capt. John E. Reilly,
Sol. Aarons,
Michael Brady,
John P. Foley,
Sharpless & Sons,
Thackara, Sons & Co.,
M. F. Wilhere,
Rev. Father Donavan,
Richard J. Lennon,
John M. O'Brien,
Lieut. H. P. Kennedy,
R. A. Hance,
William F. Simes,
Mrs. Captain McManus,

Gen. J. T. Owens,

$

100 00

George W. Childs,

100 00

Ancient Order of Hibernians :

Division No. 7,
100 00
Division No. 3,
50 00
Division No. 5,
50 00
Division No. 19,
50 CO
Division No. 10,
50 00
Division No. 12/
50 00
Division No. 2,
50 00
Division No. 1,
25 00
Division No. 13,
20 00
Division No. 23,
17 25
The Misses Drexel,
50 00
A. J. Drexel & Co.,
50 00
Carstairs, McCall & Co.,
50 00
Henry Lewis,
50 00
Hibernian Society:
John Field,
10
OO
P. J. Walsh,
10
00
J. W. Gallagher,
5
00
M. Matthews,
5
00
Wm. Brice,
5
00
Wm. Gorman,
5
00
H. McCaffrey,
5
00
M. J. Griffin,
5
00
Phil Barry,
2
00
52 00
William T. Elbin,
34 00
William M. Singerley,
25 00
Mayor William B. Smith,
25 00
Hamilton Disston,
25 co
Speranza Literary Ass
'n,
25 00
John Baird,
25 00
P. Devine,
25 00
Eble & Herter,
20 00
Frank Siddall,
20 00
James Toomey,
20 00
Frank McLaughlin ( T
'mes),
20 00
J & P. Baltz Brewing
Co
,
15 °°
John Carrol,
15 00
Col. James O'Reilly,
14 00
Hugh McKeever,
10 00
B. K. Jamison,
10 00
I. M. Burrows,
10 00
James M. Whitecar,
10 00
Col. R. P. Dechert,
10 00
Charles H. Krumbhaar,
10 00
T. Fitzpatrick,
10 00
Young, Smvth, Field & Co.,
10 00
$10
00
10
00
10
00
10
00
IO
00
10
00
10
00
10
00
7
00
6
CO
5
20
5
00
5
00
5
00
5
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5
00
5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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102

Mrs. John McCullough,

$5 oo

Michael Kernan,

$3 00

Charles A. Bloomer,

5 oo

Matthew Judge,

3 00

Eugene McCollity,

5 oo

Thomas Cisk,

3 00

Ed. Mulligan,

5 oo

Dr. L Ott,

2 00

John McCauley,

5 oo

R. C. Llovd,

2 00

John B. O'Reilly,

5 oo

John W. Choate,

2 00

William A. Ober,

5 oo

William Bartley,

2 00

Edwin S. Stuart,

5 oo

J. C' Taxis,

2 00

John M. Maris & Co.,

5 oo

W Burrows,

2 00

John E. Hanifen,

5 oo

John Morrison,

2 00

Amos S. Atkins,

5 oo

H. J. Campbell,

2 00

Wharton Barker,

5 oo

R. S. Menamen,

2 00

William Dixey,

5 oo

James McNamara,

2 00

John J. Ridgway,

5 oo

James Lahey,

2 oo

Col. F. J. Crilley,

5 oo

Neal McBride,

2 00

Lelar & Co.,

5 oo

Robert Stinson,

2 00

John Henry,

5 oo

James Stinson,

2 00

John Slevin,

5 oo

George Nichol,

2 00

John Madden,

5 oo

Mrs. J. Binder,

2 00

James Madden,

5 oo

Patrick Devenny,

2 00

M. O'Donnel,

5 oo

Peter McAnally

2 00

Thomas P. Dillen,

5 oo

Francis H. Gartland.

2 00

Nicholas Redmond,

5 oo

James Duffy,

2 00

T. J. Dunn,

5 oo

William Gilligan,

2 00

Frank Siddall, Jr.,

5 oo

James J. Walsh,

2 00

Morrow Cochran,

5 oo

James Hendricks,

2 00

Patrick McHugh,

5 oo

John Rodgers,

2 00

P. McManus,

5 oo

Michael Flynn,

2 00

E. T. Maguire,

5 oo

Capt. William Cusack,

2 00

Michael Lyons,

5 oo

Charles Hill,

2 00

Mr. Kripps,

5 oo

John McCann,

2 00

Joseph Fite,

5 oo

Charles H. Gibson,

2 00

Thomas H. Green,

5 oo

Dr. Smith,

2 00

Col. P. Lacey Goddard,

5 oo

John Still,

2 00

Michael Magher,

5 oo

L. Thompson,

2 00

James Welsh,

5 oo

Cash— T. K.,

2 00

Frank Cassidy,

5. oo

H P. Lormell,

2 00

Capt. John Rose,

5 oo

Capt. Charles B. Tanner,

2 00

Hon. W. H. Vogdes,

5 oo

J. J. Gillin,

2 00

James Thompson;

5 oo

John Cavanaugh,

1 00

John Fanning,

5 oo

R. Cochran,

1 00

Charles H Lafferty,

5 oo

J. Walls,

1 00

A. W. McDermott,

5 oo

M. Docery,

1 00

William F. Harrity,

5 oo

W. Wray,

1 00

B F. Dewees,

5 oo

W. M. B Ball,

1 00

Charles McGlade,

5 oo

M. Maher,

1 00

Thomas Brady,

5 oo

J. J. Shields,

1 00

Capt. J. W. Garrett,

4 5o

P. C. McEntee,

r 00

Edward Wainwright,

3 00

Matthew Flannigan,

1 00

M Higgins,

3 00

James Devlin,

1 00

John McMenamin,

3 00

Thomas M. O'Brien,

i 00

"T. J. Ryan,

3 00

Richard Walsh,

1 00

F. A. North,

3 00

Dr. C. Brocker,

1 00

William Meretto,

3 00

T. J. Naulty,

1 00

John Maguire,

3 00

F. A Smith,

1 00

103

F. Boyle,

$1 oo

John Cummings,

P. F. Carlin,

I 00

James McHugh,

J. Dugan,

I oo

Charles C. Coyle,

W. Eyre,

I oo

J. B. Plumm,

P. Kennon,

I 00

J. J. Potter,

W. Brooks,

I oo

John Mclntyre,

John J. Gibbons,

I CO

John Guinane,

W. Stockman,

I oo

James J. Ragen,

C J. Benner,

I oo

Thomas Dixon,

John Buckley,

I oo

John M. O'Hara,

Ambrosia Carr,

I 00

James Brady,

John W. Baker,

I oo

Ed. Welsh,

B. Stockman,

I oo

James N. McKelvey,

Frank Tweed,

I oo

John J. Daily,

P. Loane,

I oo

John Hanertey,

Capt. W. J. Bradley,

I oo

Frank J. Carr,

J. McEvoy,

I 00

William F. Mansfield,

M. Fanning,
James Brady,

I 00

Thomas J. Dolan,

I oo

L. J. Phillips,

Joseph Shean,

I oo

James Finnigan,

Frank Mangan,

I oo

A. P. R.,

Mary E. Burrows,

I 00

George Cochran,

Joe Burrows,

I oo

Andiew Kinery,

J. McNaulty,

I 00

James McNamee,

A. McArdle,

I CO

John Brady,

Mr Brackin,

I 00

P J. McCarthy,

John E. Higgins,

I 00

F. Cassidy,

Frank P. Higgins,

I oo

William Harold,

William B. Mann,

I 00

J P. J. Sensenderfer,

John McFadden,

I oo

John McArdle,

P. Johnson,

1 00

Ed. Carey,

W. Holt,

I oo

James McGowan,

Mike Cash,

I 00

William Lee,

Richard Kearney,

I oo

James McGinley,

Henry C. Kline,

I oo

Robert Graham,

John H. Schilling,

I oo

William J. Dorman,

Darley Mitchell,

I oo

William Flanagan,

John Foley,

I oo

John Bonner,

Kate Quinn,

I oo

Charles E. Knight,

William Lawson.

I oo

M. Campbell,

Clem McCullough,

I 00

M. Heron,

George W. Bergen

I oo

Dr. Ferguson,

James Kane,

I 00

Adam Albright,

James J. Grogan,

I 00

A. H. Wagoner,

Thomas Broadhead,

I 00

Charles F. Bebyhaws,

Joseph Sweeney,

I oo

George Rodden,

Joseph Sargent,

I oo

E. G. Jackson,

P. Morris,

I 00

Jacob A. Schmitt,

James McCoIgan,

I 00

P. Meehan,

E. Gannon,

I 00

John Dugan,

John H. Brankin,

I oo

John Flynn,

James E. McLaughton,

I oo

James B Rodgers,

Stephen Wood,

I oo

T. J. Flanagan,

Daniel Allen & Son,

I oo

B J. Carrol,

John Dempsey,

I oo

James Mooney,

i

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104

P. Duffy,

$1 00

J. C. Mullikin,

$1 oo

James Roehm,

I 00

E T. Doe,

I oo

Frank Craig,

I 00

Charles E. Shanahan,

I oo

John Stockman,

I oo

Thomas H. Coffran,

I oo

John Duffy,

I oo

M. W. Higgins,

I oo

A. Rourke,

I oo

Walter C. Hughes,

I oo

E. Boyle,

I oo

J. L. Hank,

I oo

James Grahame,

I 00

E. Shanahan.

I oo

F. McLoughlin,

I oo

William H. Shuster,

I 00

R. Batters,

I 00

William Drinkhouse,

I oo

S. Cassidy,

I oo

C. R. Sherman,

I oo

John McCusker,

I 00

W. Thompson,

I 00

William Caldwell,

I oo

W S. Wilson,

I oo

Tames Ratican,

I 00

J. W. Broom,

I oo

James Kieggan,

I oo

S Hanna,

I oo

James Burnes,

1 oo

T. Rogers,

I oo

Frank Quirk,

1 oo

Lashbrook,

I 00

P. Morris,

I oo

R. Campbell,

I oo

W. McDermott,

I oo

D. Auld,

I oo

William Quirk,

1 00

C. S Austin,

I oo

James Judge,

I 00

C. A. Pearson,

I oo

James McCarey,

I oo

J Lynd,

I oo

John Grahame,

I oo

James McFall,

I CO

James Kane,

I 00

James Auld,

I OO

John Buckley,

I 00

E. K. Wined,

I oo

H. Sullivan,

I 00

F. L Du Bois,

I 00

B J. Devine,

I oo

H M. Jamison,

I oo

J. McCaffery,

I oo

Cash-B. S. W ,

I oo

L. Cassidy,

I 00

Cash— K.,

I oo

S Scharkey,

I 00

William H. Boyd,

I oo

B. Stockman,

I 00

R. G. List,

I 00

L. Ferguson,

I 00

Frank Sheeran,

I oo

John J. Clark,

I oo

W H Hacker,

I oo

Alexander McBride,

I oo

H. H. Paul,

I oo

John Fitzpatrick,

I oo

William McAllister,

I oo

E. Stillwell,

I CO

Andrew Gorman

I oo

Joseph Gabrael,

I 00

James Hughes,

I 00

J. Hefferman,

I oo

E. P. T..

I oo

B. McLaughlin,

I oo

J. V. Ellison,

I oo

James McDermott,

I 00

Boies Bottledy,

I oo

James J. O'Connor,

I 00

C. J. Heppe,

I oo

James Klein,

I oo

A. H. Seamon,

I oo

James Devlin,

I oo

C. J. Doughertey,

I oo

INDEX.

Organization and Enlistment Under— First Call for 75,000 Men, . . 5
Re-enlistment for Three Years' Service,  6
To the Front — Baptism of Fire, September, 1861  7
Munson's Hill, Va., September 29th, 1861  8
Camp Observation, Md.,  8
Ball's Bluff— Death of General Baker  9
First Campaign in 1862 — Harper's Ferry and Vicinity,  9
Fortress Monroe — Peninsula Campaign, .  10
Yorktown, Va. — Formation of Army Corps,  11
Battle of Fair Oaks,  12
Battles at Peach Orchard and Savage Station,  13
Battle of Glendale— White Oak Swamp  14
General Burns Hails the Regiment as Gallant 69th  15
First Successful Bayonet Charge Complimented by Gen. Hooker, 16
Battle of Malvern Hill  16
Harrison's Landing, Va   17
Relief of Pope, Centreville and Chantilly,  18
Battle of Antietam,   19
Fording the Potomac — In Virginia Again  21
General McClellan's Farewell at Warrinton  22
Fredericksburg,   ... 23
Chancellorsville,   . . 25
Gettysburg   27
Pickett's Charge and Repulse,  . . 30
Persuing the Enemy into Virginia Again,  34
Robertson's Farm and Mine Run  ¦ • 36
Expiration of Three Years' Service— Re-enlistment  38
Wilderness Campaign, ....  ... 38
Spottsylvania,  • .40
North Anna, Tolopotomy and Cold Harbor, ... 42
Before Petersburg,  ¦ ¦ • • • • 44
Jerusalem Plank Road, . . . .... ¦ 45
Deep Bottom,   47
Ream's Station— Weldon Railroad  47
Hatcher's Run, Dabney's Mills and Boydton Plank Road, . . 48
Surrender of Lee  5I
Reunion of the Blue and Gray  52
Colonel Charles H. Banes' Address of Welcome,  55
(105)

io6
INDEX— Continued. PAGE.
Colonel A. K. McClure's Speech,  57
Colonel Wm. R Aylett's Speech  59
President Cleveland's Letter,  65
Senator Sherman's Letter,  66
The Dedication,  67
Adjutant A. W. McDermott's Speech,  68
General J. T. Owen's Speech  -. 69
Poem by Captain Edward Thompson  . 71
Colonel James O'Reilly's Speech and Reply of Colonel Bachelder, 72
Captain John E. Rielly's Presentation Speech,  73
Presentation to Mrs. Pickett  .... . . . 75
Sixty-ninth Regiment Camp Fire,  ... 76
Rededication,  77
Speech of Colonel James O'Reilly, . .  79
Speech of Captain John E. Reilly   84
Our Honored Dead,  89
Description of Monument — List of Battles, etc.,  98
Officers of the Survivors' Association,  100
Names of Contributors to Monument Fund  101
ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE.
Our Commanders,  Frontispiece
Group— General Owen, Colonel O'Kane and Lieutenant-Colonel
Tschudy,  opposite page 7
Charge of the Sixty-ninth at Glendale,  opposite page 15
Clump of Trees, Sixty-ninth's Position at Gettysburg, opposite page 28
Group — Survivors Sixty-ninth Regiment  opposite page 71
Blue and Gray Grasping Hands,  opposite page 76
Group of Sixty-ninth Survivors and one of Pickett's Men,
opposite page 89
The Monument, . .  98

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