USA > Delaware > Four years in the war. The history of the First Regiment of Delaware Veteran Volunteers, (Infantry,) containing an account of marches, battles, incidents, promotions. The names of all the officers and men who have been connected with the regiment from its organization in 1861, to the close of the war in 1865 > Part 6
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COLONEL SMYTH'S REPORT OF THE BATTLE OF CHANCELLORVILLE.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST REGT. DEL. VOLS., May 7th, 1863.
Lieutenant W. P. Seville, A. A. A. G., Third Brigade, Third Division.
Sir :- I have the honor to report that in obedience to General Orders, No 37, from Headquarters Third Division, Second Corps, the Regiment under my command marched from its camp near Falmouth, at sunrise on the morning of the 28th of April, having position in the centre of the Third Brigade. We moved up the road towards Bank's Ford, near which place we halted at 11 o'clock, A.M, and bivouacked for the remainder of the day and night. At 2 o'clock, P.M., on the following day the march was again resumed, and we halted for the night about
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two-and-a-half miles from United States Ford. On the morn- ing of the next day the march was resumed, and crossing the Rappahannock early in the evening at United States Ford, we moved up the road to Chancellorville, halting within a mile of that place, about 11, P.M. On the 1st of May, the Regiment remained in column under arms without moving. On the morning of the 2d, the enemy began shelling our position, but without effect. Late in the afternoon, the Regiment was formed in line of battle facing the right. About 6 o'clock in the even- ing, the Eleventh Army Corps having given way on the right, the Regiment was moved to the left of the Chancellorville road, four companies being thrown across the road to aid in arresting the stragglers.
After the panic had somewhat abated, we received orders from Major Norval to support Captain Franks' battery, posted in the open field to the right of the headquarters of General French; one company under command of Captain Smith being thrown forward to the edge of the woods as a picket guard, where they remained during the night. On the morning of the 3d, we were moved, by an order from General French, a short distance to the left, ready to advance to the support of the First Brigade, then moving to reinforce the Third Corps, heavily engaged with the enemy in front : while in this position a temporary breast- work, formed of knapsacks, fence-rails, and bags of earth, was crected as a protection against the fire of the enemy's infantry. About 7, A.M., the Third Corps, being hard pressed in front, gave way, and, in company with the One Hundred and Thirty- second Pennsylvania Volunteers, we advanced to the edge cf the woods, when we encountered the enemy in considerable force, and drove him for a distance of half a mile. Then the
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enemy having been reinforced, we halted, and held him in check for about three hours, when the brigade on our right gave way, allowing the enemy to gain a position on our right flank and rear. Being thus exposed to a galling fire from three directions, the Regiment changed front to the rear on the tenth company, in perfect order, and, assisted with the fire from one of the bat- teries, repulsed the enemy, when, having received orders to re- treat, we fell back in good order, and took our position in the rear of the First Brigade. The enemy having range of our position, opened upon us with shell, upon which we retired, in cbedience to orders, into the woods. Having rested for about half an hour we were ordered to the front to support the First Brigade. . Taking a position in the second line of battle, we re- mained there, frequently exposed to a hot fire of shell and mus- ketry, until 3 o'clock, on the morning of the 6th, when we took up our line of march for the river, marching left in front, and following the One Hundred and Thirty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. Without halting, we crossed the pontoon bridge at United States Ford, and reached our old camp about noon.
Our loss in the five days, during which time we were exposed to the fire of the enemy, was six killed, thirty-three wounded, and ten missing; among the wounded is Major Woodall.
The conduct of the Regiment, both officers and men, is worthy of all praise. The men who fought so bravely at Antietam and Fredericksburg forgot not their record, nor failed to add to it another page inscribed with glorious deeds of patriotic valor. Where all acted so nobly, it would, perhaps, be invidious to Inention any one particularly, yet the coolness under fire evinced Ly Lieutenant-Colonel Harris, Major Woodall, and Acting Ad-
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jutant Tanner, and the bravery of Captains Smith, Yardley, Heizer, Sparks, and Lieutenant Draper, as shown not only at the battle of Chancellorville, but in previous engagements, entitle them to especial notice. Particularly would I call the attention of the Colonel commanding to the gallant conduct of Captain Smith, always brave; at the battle of Chancellorville his bravery was more than usually conspicuous ; by his example he encouraged the men, and by his coolness aided materially in repulsing the enemy upon our flank.
Very respectfully, Your obedient servant,
THOMAS A. SMYTH,
Colonel commanding First Regiment Delaware Volunteers.
It appears from the subjoined report of Lieutenant- Colonel Harris, that a call was made upon command- ers of regiments for the names of enlisted men whose conduct in battle was praise-worthy.
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL HARRIS'S REPORT.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST DELAWARE REGIMENT, May 27th, 1863. ) Lieutenant William P. Seville, A. A. A. G.
Sir :- I have the honor to make the following report of enlisted men, in this command, according to General Order No. 53, paragraph 1, as reported by their commanding officers: Corporal William Anderson, and Private Joshua Green, or Company C. The latter was wounded at the battle of Chan- cellorville, both having been in all the battles in which the Regiment was engaged.
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They have always behaved well but, more particularly, in the battle of Chancellorville, by volunteering to go to the front, and find the enemy's position, which they did success- fully.
Sergeant Wm. Birney, Corporal Wm. Murphey, Private Jones, of Company D, all behaved with the utmost coolness and bravery, thereby showing a good example to their com- rades, and the Regiment in general. These three behaved very well in all former engagements, in which the Regiment was. Corporal Murphey was not in Fredericksburg. Ser- geant Birney, wounded at Fredericksburg in the foot. Private Richard Cox, of Company H, has behaved well in all the battles in which the Regiment was engaged. He deserves particular notice for his volunteering and accompanying Cor- poral Anderson, and Private Green of Company C, to the front.
First Sergeants David Challinger, William D. Birch, Henry G. Cavanaugh, Corporal Jacob H. Thomson, Privates Robert Wright, Benjamin Doriety, Andrew Wilkinson, and Gardner Sands, of Company I, all deserve special notice for their bravery and coolness under fire. Sergeant Challinger was in Antietam and Chancellorville, Sergeants Cavanaugh and Birch were in all the battles in which the Regiment was engaged.
Corporal Thompson was in Fredericksburg and Chancellor- ville. Privates Wright, Doriety, and Wilkinson, through all engagements with the Regiment. Wright and Wilkinson Were wounded at Fredericksburg, also Gardner Sands was in all Anyrements. The above named members of Company I all did their duty, and showed great coolness art bravery, thereby" encouraging all near them to stand fast. They have behaved so in all engagements, and all deserve special notice.
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Corporal D. G. Smith, of Company D, deserves great credit for the example he showed in all the engagements the Regi- ment has been in, was wounded at Chancellorville in the breast. Sergeant Charles J. Still, Corporal William C. Joseph, and Corporal Robert F. Burnies, and Private Peter W. Vincent, of Company E, all deserve special notice, for their daring, bravery, and coolness, in the battles in which the Regiment has been engaged. Corporals James H. Barbom, Isaac Mixion, and Charles B. Parry, Orderly Sergeant W. Ferguson, of Company K, all deserve special notice for the good example they showed to their company in the different actions in which the Regiment has been engaged. First Sergeant Matthew Rodgers, Privates William B. Murry, James Simpson, and Bernard Morris, of Company B, deserve special notice for their good conduct in different engagements. They have always been conspicuous; also, Private. Martin Daily, who went on the field and brought several wounded off, after the Regiment had been ordered off.
Privates James Gamble, Joseph Schaffner, and Jacob Schaff- ner, deserve to be mentioned, for encouraging the men to never run by their example, and while so doing were all killed. Corporal Henry Roberts, and Private Isaac Scott, Company F, deserve great credit for their bravery at Antictam, and Chancellorville, both having been wounded by so doing in each battle.
First Sergeant Kaywood, Company A, Sergeant W. Warner, Corporals W. Hanson, and Adam K. Insler, deserve great credit for their daring bravery, thereby encouraging the men ton main fast, and keep cool. They have been in all the engage- ments in which the Regiment has. Sergrant MeClung, of
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Company H, should also be mentioned for his good conduct; wounded at Chancellorville, while encouraging his men to do their duty. Corporal Samuel MeElwe deserves great credit for his heroism in all the engagements he was in. He was one of the bravest men of this command, and was killed at Chan- cellorville.
I remain, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, E. P. HARRIS, Lieutenant-Colonel commanding Regiment.
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CHAPTER IX.
THE LONG MARCH.
AFTER the battle of Chancellorville the army re- mained quiet in camp until June, when rumors became current that General Lee, with his army, was crossing the Potomac into Maryland. The secrecy of his movement, his celerity and audacity startled and animated the troops. We knew not what credit to give to the report, for there was no apparent diminution of the enemy confronting us on the opposite side of the river. We were, however, kept in readiness to march at a moment's notice.
On the 14th of June everything was packed, tents struck, and horses saddled all day. At 9 o'clock P.M. our second religious service was interrupted . by the order to "fall in." No fires were to be kindled, and everything we could not take with us
ant might be of service to the enemy was ordered to be destroyed. Hundreds of blankets and tents were cut or torn into strips, and loft in our rear. A portion of the First Delaware was on picket, and,
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after marching two or three miles, we halted for them to come up. Resuming our march we arrived at Stafford Court House at sunrise. Before we had time to feed our horses and cook coffee we were ordered to "fall in." The troops were formed in line of battle, and waited for two hours to receive the enemy if they should venture to follow. None 4 appearing, we marched on and bivouacked for the night on the bank of Aquia Creek. The weather was intensely hot, and the dust almost suffocating. Several men fell in the ranks from the effects of the heat. On the 16th we resumed our march, and halted at Dumfrees for rations. That night we en- camped at the Occoquan. Thence we marched to Fairfax station, where we remained two days, and then marched to Gainesville where we rested three or four days and received rations, the cars having come out from Alexandria.
On the 25th our division left Gainesville as wagon guard, followed closely by Rebel cavalry. We halted occasionally, and formed line of battle with artillery in position. At 9 o'clock P.M. we encamped for the night at Gum Springs. We had an opportunity of sceing the battle field of Bull Run, and the sad evidence of the shameful treatinent our soldiers received. Many had not been buried, nor even
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entirely covered. A little dirt had been thrown over them, but it had been washed off by the rains, and their head, hands, and feet were exposed. Though that was a bloody battle fought on the plains of Bull Run, and so regarded, the loss there was small compared with subsequent engagements. The Rebels had apparently removed or carefully buried their dead, for we found none of their soldiers so exposed.
On the 26th we crossed the Potomac into Mary- land at Edward's Ferry. Our route was by way of Poolesville, Barnville, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Ur- banna to the Monocacy, thence through Mount Plea- sant, Liberty, and Union Town.
On the 1st of July we halted at Tauneytown to rest, as we hoped, for the night. As yet the troops were entirely ignorant of our destination, or the whereabouts of the enemy. Our halt, however, was short; before we had time to cook coffee we were again ordered "forward." It soon became evident that the enemy was not far off. The sound of the cannon and the smoke of battle announced a battle near at hand. Before night the body of General Reynolds, who had been killed at Gettysburg, was carried past us. A disabled section of artillery was also brought to the rear, and we learned from the
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cannoniers that the enemy were in strong force, and we were needed to support and reinforce the First Corps, who had been fighting all day with various success, on the plains and in the streets of Gettys- burg. The step of our well trained soldiers became more steady and solemn as we heard the booming cannon, and saw the smoke of battle rolling up in black columns against the sky. As usual, the con- versation in the ranks ceased as we approached, and scarcely a sound was heard except the steady tramp of the moving column.
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CHAPTER X.
THE GREAT BATTLE.
ON the 1st of July we bivouacked within three miles of Gettysburg, with orders to move at an early hour in the morning. Before it was quite light on the morning of the 2d, the Second Corps was again put in motion and marched to take position in the centre of the line of battle. The corps was on the left of Cemetery Hill. The First Delaware had a position on the south side of the Emmetsburg road, and near a young apple orchard and group of trees to the left of Cemetery Hill. Opposite them on the north side of the turn- pike was a large barn on which they charged, drove out the Rebel sharp-shooters, and then burned it. Colonel Thomas A. Smyth commanded the Brigade, and Lieutenant-Colonel E. P. Harris the Regiment. During the day our line fell back by order, and as they retired Captain M. W. B. Ellegood was mortally wounded and fell on the fieldl. As the onemy's line passed over, a Rebel soldier seeing the captain not
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yet dead, raised his musket to bayonet him, but his commanding officer called on him to desist and threatened to run him through if he ever knew him to injure a wounded or fallen foe.
Captain Ellegood was a conscientious soldier, and fought from a sense of duty. But few dreaded a battle more than he, none entered more promptly, or fought better, when duty called him into action. Previously to the battle of Gettysburg he had escaped without the least injury, though his clothing had often been pierced. Besides being a brave soldier he was a good Christian man. He knew from the first that his wound was mortal, and waited with patience and resignation for the end to come. When asked what was his hope for the future, he replied, that he was all right-that his peace with God was made. He had not put off preparation for death to a dying day, but had long been a consistent member of the Methodist Church.
Lieutenant William Smyth of Company A, having taken a captured flag to headquarters, was returning to his command when he was killed. He had not long been a commissioned officer, but he gave good promise of becoming one of the best in the Regi- ment.
During the engagement, another regiment was
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detailed as skirmishers who, not being well skilled in that duty, suffered severely. They were relieved by the First Delaware, who, manœuvering so as to take advantage of any inequalities of the ground, sustained but little loss. The battle continued all day with great violence. Our lines wavered, swayed, and trembled, and it seemed that they could bear no more. The Rebels were throwing their whole force against them. On the left, near Round Top Moun- tain, there was serious apprehensions that we could not hold our ground, and orders were given detailing certain medical officers to remain with the wounded if it should be necessary to fall back. The barn in which the surgeons were operating was struck by a solid shot, and another wounded a horse standing near. All apprehension was allayed by the arrival of another corps and reinforcements sent from the right. On this and the following day our position was good and the form of our line advantageous. We held the hills south and west of Gettysburg, in- cluding Cemetery Hill, our line being somewhat in the form of a semicircle, so that either the right or left could be quickly reinforced by the other. At the close of the day, the battle being over, one in- quired of another as to the result of the fighting, Nothing seemed to have been gained or lost as to ad-
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vantage, and we rested that night where and as we could, anxiously awaiting the result of the next day.
On the 3d the fighting commenced early, continued with great violence all day, and closed disastrously to our · enemies. They had attacked our lines re- peatedly in various, if not all points, and in every instance were'repulsed. It was not generally known how decidedly the enemy were whipped till the morning of the 4th, when it was known that they were retreating and we began to bury their dead, gather in their wounded, and count the prisoners. The fruits of the battles on the 1st, 2d, and 3d of July, 1863, at Gettysburg, were appalling. Although, when the official reports were compared, the numbers of killed, wounded, and prisoners were not greatly unequal, the fact of a decided Union victory was ad- mitted on all hands, and, notwithstanding our losses and grief on account of them, all loyal hearts were cheered. On the morning of the 4th the pursuit of the retreating foe was commenced, and strong hopes were entertained that they could not recross the Po- tomac.
A heavy rain which fell, swelling the river, strengthened these hopes. They had re-crossed it after the battle of Antietam, but that, it was said, was the fault of the commanding General. They
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could not escape this time, it was confidently asserted. But they did recross, and that, too, in the face of difficulties not less than they encountered in September; 1862.
The disappointment of the loyal people was intense, and many yet wonder why it was permitted, especially with former examples before us. There may be those who know, we do not. Some who censure General McClellan, exculpate General Meade. After the battle of Antietam General Mcclellan rested his army at Harper's Ferry till the last of October, and then moved on to Warrenton, where he was relieved and General Burnside succeeded him.
General Meade, after the battle of Gettysburg, followed the enemy to the neighborhood of Warren- ton-and his army rested till September. The First Delaware, with the Third Brigade, were en- camped at Bristorburg, where we remained till September 18th, when we marched to Elk Run. On August the 31st we marched to Harford Church, in the neighborhood of Falmouth, to support Kil- patrick's cavalry making a reconnoisance, and on the 3rd returned to camp near Elkton.
On the third day of the battle the hospitals were removed to the rear. When we were nearly through loading the ambulances and sending off those who
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could walk, there burst over and around the barn, in which our division wounded were, a terrific storm of shells.
Men who had seemed utterly unable to move aroused 'themselves, and crawled to some other place, as they supposed, of safety, or at least of less danger. Horsemen, footmen, and wagons, rushed wildly across the field, or down the road, under cover of the hill in the place of danger, rather than out of it. The confusion, haste, and alarm of each one alarmed the rest, and altogether the scene was both amusing and frightful.
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The shelling endangering the hospital, did not last long, and appeared to be the result of the concentrated fire upon our batteries on Cemetery JIill. Yet, for several hours the shells came howling over the hill and falling in the field. Before night all the wounded were removed to our new place on Rock Creek. All that night, and the day and night following, our ambulances Were busy bringing in the wounded. When, finally, all were in, the little grove, containing some two or three acres, was literally filled with the victims of the demons-treason-rebellion-war.
Most of the Federal soldiers were, in a measure, protected from the rain by shelter tents, which they
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brought with them, or had been picked up by their comrades and friends for that purpose.
But the Confederates were unsheltered. Men and officers were laid on the wet ground with nothing under or over them. They lay so close that in passing from one to another to try to do something for them, great care was necessary not to step on them, and their imploring calls for re- lief or shelter was distressing, for our supplies were limited.
The railroad communication from Baltimore was interrupted, and our wagon trains were far in the rear, lest they might be captured. The battle was a desperate one. Our men fought against superior numbers with a courage worthy. of their cause; and the Confederates fought as if victory then and there would secure for them all they sought -- for- eign recognition, independence, and the overthrow of the Federal Government. But the Fourth of July witnessed them in full retreat to the Poto- mac, hotly pursued by our victorious army. Every available man was required to follow up the fleeing foe. Only a few of the medical officers were left with the wounded-too few but for the volunteer doctors and civilians who came promptly to our assistance.
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We were gratified on Sunday morning, the 5th, to find friends with stores for the wounded. Commis- sioners from the Christian Commission, and volunteer aid societies, and individuals, some of whom had harnessed their teams and driven thirty or forty miles, were there with food and clothing. In a few days hundreds of co-workers came with ample pro- visions. The surgeons were busy many days and nights at the operating tables, whilst others were constantly employed dressing wounds, or ministering to the comfort of all who required their services. Among the most useful were married and single ladies, who, prompted by the goodness of their hearts, came from their comfortable homes to undergo the discomforts and toil of a field hospital to relieve the sufferers. Many a blessing was invoked on them for their kindness. Too much praise cannot be awarded to them for their aid and sympathy. If there were not so many who deserved to be praised for their services, I should like to name some who were like minister- ing angels in the tents of the wounded.
As soon as the railroads were repaired, those whose wounds permitted their removal were sent off to general hospitals, and thus more time was allowed to bad cases. The mortality, especially among the Confederates, was very great for several days after
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the battle. The surgeon in charge of our Division Hospital assigned to me the duty of burying the dead. An idea of the scarcity of assistance and of the mortality may be inferred from the fact that, although every effort in our power was made to inter the dead, they accumulated, and lay for days un- buried. At length we were obliged to call in assist- ance from another Division Hospital. Until the army moved the chaplains of the various regiments remained with their wounded. We districted the ground, and each chaplain gave his especial attention to the wounded of his own regiment, and to those of other regiments having no chaplain lying nearest to his own. By thus systematizing and working each for his own first and then for others, all were as far as practicable sheltered. There was not a wounded man of the First Delaware who was not provided for and made comfortable. The detail of nurses left with us, and the delegation of citizens who came from Wilmington, rendered valuable aid. But to the Christian Commission, for kind and faithful nursing, the soldiers were especially indebted, for without their assistance and supplies it would not have been possible for us to give the necessary attention to the wounded. They, no doubt, saved many lives.
The Sanitary Commission poured out their stores
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of clothing and food as if they had the inexhaustible stock of the loyal North to draw from. Various aid societies, independent associations, and individ- uals were indefatigable among the wounded. The best spirit seemed to animate the great majority of those who came with their stores and willing hands to work for the sufferers.
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