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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02867 4643
Gc 973.74 N42dud Dudley, Harwood A. History of Company "K" of the 17th Regiment, N. Y. V.
Davis Cemetery Genesee Falls
HISTORY OF
COMPANY "K"
17th Regiment, N. Y. V.
Compiled by Major H. A. Dudley and Captam A. M. Whaley.
HISTORICAL RECORD OF COMPANY "K," Nerenteenth Regiment, New York Volunteers.
HE SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT, New York Volunteers (infantry) was organized at New York city to serve two years. The companies of which it was composed were raised in the counties of New York, Westchester, Rockland, Wayne, Wyoming and Chenango. It was mus- tered into the service of the United States, May 20th to 24th, 1861. Mustered out June 2d, 1863, by reason of expiration of term of service. The recruits enlisted for three years were transferred to the Twelfth regiment New York Volunteers. It was authorized to inseribe on its flag the fol- lowing battles: Hanover Court House, . Groveton, . Second Bull Run, . Antietam, . Sharpsburg, White House Landing, . Fredericksburg. Company "K" of this regiment was raised in Warsaw, New York, and the following sketch is designed to give a brief history of that Company :
On the Monday after Fort Sumpter, in the harbor of Charleston, bad been fired upon by the militia of South Carolina, the Circuit Court for Wyoming county con- vened at Warsaw, N. Y. There was a large gathering of lawyers, jurors and prominent men present, and con- siderable excitement prevailed over the collision which then seemed inevitable.
A public meeting had been called for Tuesday even- ing, and a number of gentlemen had been engaged to take part in it, among these were Judge Grover, of Allegany county, Hon. John B. Skinner, of Wyoming, Judge H. L. Comstock, Linus W. Thayer, of Warsaw, and others.
When the meeting assembled, Col. C. O. Shepard, of Arcade, who was then County Clerk of Wyoming coun- ty, was called to preside, and the writer of these lines was named as secretary. The Court House was crowded, and great enthusiasm was shown when the speakers re- ferred to sending men forward to help sustain the gov- ernment. A paper was offered for signatures and amounts to be pledged to aid the families and friends of those who would volunteer; this paper was liberally signed; quite a number of able-bodied men were ready to pledge their aid and sympathy to those who would volunteer, and as the meeting progressed it seemed that Mark Twain's suggestion, "that other people might go to the front and the stay-at-home would point to a sub- seription paper as an evidence of his interest in putting down the incipient rebellion." No volunteers appeared quite ready to offer themselves. The speakers were elo- quent in depicting the value of the government in its entirety over the whole country, and were earnest in denouncing the attack that had been made on the fort in Charleston harbor, and those who threatened the life of the government. It was evident the snbseription paper was not quite up to the importance of the occa- sion, and another paper was introduced pledging the signers to volunteer for two years in the service of the United States. This seemed practical and to mean business, and some thirty names were procured to it be- fore the meeting adjourned.
My recollection is that every man who signed that paper that night went into the service. No money was ever raised on the subscription paper, although the signers have gone into history as offering to help put down the rebellion.
Within two days a full company was raised, and the anthorities at Albany notified that they were ready for orders to go to the front; but what seemed a long delay ocenrred in obtaining authority to move. Hon. Augns- tus Frank was authorized to swear the volunteers into the State service, and every man stood up manfully when the oath was administered making him a soldier.
It was expected that Otis S. Buxton would join the company, and it was agreed that he should be one of the officers. He finally decided not to go, and Gid- eon H. Jenkins was asked to take his place. Mr. Jen- kins was a merchant, with a stock of goods on hand, but said if a customer could be found to buy his goods he would volunteer. His two sons had already gone to
Buffalo with several other men from Warsaw, and joined the 74th militia regiment, then filling up for three months' service. But subsequently the marching or- ders for this regiment were countermanded and they re- turned home and enlisted in Co. K. Judge James C. Ferris bought Mr. Jenkins' goods at a low figure, and the latter was elected captain of the company.
Some twelve or fifteen fine young men who were at- tending Prof. Monroe Weed's Academy at Wyoming, joined the company, and they were asked to select one of their number to represent them as an officer. They named Alvin M. Whaley, who was elected 2d lieuten- hut, or ensign, as he was then called. H. A. Dudley was elected Ist lieutenant.
Drilling, of rather an ancient order, was commeneed under Col. Wales Cheeney is the Court House yard. The ladies set about making every volunteer a red shirt; and these with a soft felt black hat gave the young com- pany something of a uniform, and they took the first lessons in the school of the soldier with earnestness.
The only trouble now seemed to be that orders did not come from Albany calling them into active ser- vice. If the rebellion way to be put down in sixty or ninety days, ten of those days had already gone, and the fear was expressed that we would be too late to take any part in the interesting business of quelling the se- cession movement. The company met every day ouly to be told that no orders had been received.
Ou the second Sunday after the organization had been completed, Mr. O. S. Buxton, who had not lost . bis interest in the company, took the first lieutenant to Batavia to see what could be done towards obtaining transportation for the company to Albany. Finding a friend in the streets, a visit to Deau Richmond, who was then a leading railroad man was made, with a view of sending the company to Albany even without orders. Mr. Richmond was a well known democrat, and the difference between the war democrats and the copper- heads of that party had not then been so clearly defined as afterwards appeared. Mr. Richmond had just awoke from his Sunday afternoon nap, and it was not quite cteur how he might feel about sending soldiers forward to put down the rebellion. A statement was made to him of the situation, and in his decisive and emphatic wny he blurted ont a few words at the imbecilit; at the Ad- jutant-Generals' office at Albany, when they wouldn't send men forward when they wanted to go. He took hold of the matter in a way that indicated that if he was managing the business things would move, and that right sharply. He directed that some one should go to Albany at once on his pass, and obtain the orders if possible, but in any event he would have a coach on the Central road at Attica on Monday night for these men, and that coach would run through to Albany withont change. He fulfilled his agreement to the letter.
On reaching Albany on Monday morning the messen- ger found the Adjutant-Generals' office overwhelmed with applications from all quarters. Companies and regiments were in great haste to be assigned and sent forward, and what to do with one company, three hundred
Company
K," Seventeenth Reg't, N. Y. Volunteer Infantry.
iniles away, seemed a difficult problem to a department which had such an immense amount of larger business thrust upon it than it seemed able to master. How- ever there was no help for it. Mr. Richmond had solved the transportation question, and the company was coming anyhow, and so reluctant orders wore giv- en, and telegraphed to Captain Jenkins to start at onee, which he did.
The marching of this first company from Warsaw, was one of the most effectiog local incidents in the early history of the war in the county. It was a fine com- pany of men; taken from our home people, and there were not many families who were not directly interested in their movements. Other homecompanies went later from Portage, and other places, but this one went out alone before the gravity of the situation was fully com- prehended. Rev. Dr. Nassau and Rev. Mr. Williams distributed testaments to the "boys," and some tears were shed in public, and many more in private after the train had carried them away.
Arriving at Albany on Tuesday morning, they were unartered at the Adams house, where their first soldier fare was partaken, with a half home-siek relish. The beans, the bread, and especially the coffee were got np on a different plan from what they had been accustomed to, and for the time seemed not up to the standard an- ticipated.
A visit by the officers to the Adjutant-General's office revealed the fact that just what to do with this particular company had not been decided by the angust people at that department. Chester A. Arthur, who was after- wards president of the United States, was one of the assistants in this office, and was doing all he could to unravel the perplexing questions that were crowding upon the department.
It had been hoped that the company might be at- tached to Col. Dudley Donnelly's regiment, which had been raised in this district with headquarters at Lock- port. One company of that regiment had a captain who had refused to allow his company to be sworn in nuless he had a coveted place in the list of line officers; but it was now ascertained that he had consented to take bis place in the regiment which was thus completed, and was then at the batracks at Albany.
Offers were made to Captain Jenkins that if he would take his company to Oswego, he would be made major of a regiment organizing at that place. The offer bad no effect, for the officers and men of this company were going to the front, and not back to Oswego, or Elmiru. Washington was our point of destination and we did not propose to travel in any other direction. But what to do with this company seemed a difficult problem with the war office of the state, and frequent consulta- tions were had on the subject. The "boys" did not want to stay at the Adams house any longer, and the department seemed to want to get us off; but how, or where to send us was the question. In this dilemma application was made to Gen Rathbone, who was an out. side adviser of the Adjutant General's office, and he pro- posed to send the company to New York to be attached to the 17th regiment, under command of Col. Henry S. Lansiog.
Orders to this effect were issued, and the company sent to New York by boat and reported to Col. Lan- sing, whose regiment was then ia the barracks in city Jill park, where the New York postoffice now staods. Here a second doso of army fare was administered, the food being furnished under contract, by which the sol- dier received only a thin ration of soup, brend and coffee. Here the officers were sworn into the United States service nad the men subjected to a thorough medical test. Most of them passed the doctor's office with credit, a few were thrown out. While hore news was received of the death of Col. Ellsworth, at Alexan- Aria, and the war feeling was greatly intensified by that event. We here received our muskets and uniforms, und after a short stay at Hart's Island, in New York harbor, were transferred to Washington by rail. Our first night in the capital city was spent in the basement of a church, nud as we had not yet received our camp
equipments, the floor and benches served for beds. In the morning after our arrival we were taken up to Col- lege hill, where we first went under canvas. While here we were reviewed by Hon. William H. Seward and other governmental notables, at dress parade, and joined in the Fourth of July street parade, when the troops were reviewed by President Lincoln, General Scott and other noted civiliaus and military men.
The second Sunday after arriving in Washington our regiment received orders to move down the Potomac to Alexandria. Here Co. K. was detailed to remain at the wharf in charge of the reception of military stores, while the balance of the regiment was sent np to Fort Ellsworth, ou Shuter's hill, a mile or two out from Al- exandria.
We were here at the time of the first Bull Run bat- tle, and could plainly hear the guns at that engagement, and saw the disastrous route which reached us the next day. We remained in aud about Alexandria until win- ter, and then went into camp on Hall's hill. Captain Jeukius' illuess caused his absence from the company for a considerable portion of the time after we reached Alexandria, and the command of the company devolved npon the two lieutenants.
The further history of this company will be furnished by Captain A. M. Whaley, who remained with the com- pany until the close of the term of enlistment.
While at Camp Jane, on Hall's Hill, Virginia, Solon G. Ripley and Heury C. Ferris both siekened and died. The former at the house of a Dr. Wonder, who resided wear our camp, and the latter iu a hospital at George- town. These were poble young men, and company K. felt their loss deeply. While spending the winter in this camp our regiment was brigaded with the 83d Penn- sylvania, 44th New York, 16th Michigan, 12th New York, and later the 20th Maine, with Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield in command. These regiments were all good ones, and there was considerable rivalry among all the regimeuts of the brigade to see which would show the best drill aad deportment. The time was spent in learning the school of the soldier, skirmishing, company tactics, regimental and brigade drills.
Our regiment's camp was fully patrolled and we took onr regular detail for picket duty at the extreme front of our lines, near Munson's Hill and Fall's Church, where shots were frequently exchanged with the ene- my. When the order was received to prepare to move for the spring campaign, a fintter of excitement was ex- perienced, for now actual work was before ns. We were to leave behind us our comfortable winter quar- ters; which were the Sibley tent. The 'boys' had split up logs eight feet in length to make slabs, which were set up on end in the ground in a circle, and placing the tent on top and securely fastened, together with small stoves or open hearths for fire made a permanent home. Now we must carry our homes on our back.
Major-General George B. MeClellan was seen fre- quently in our camp, and the orders came to move from him. We did not reach Manassas before orders came to return, as the rebels had withdrawn their forces from that place toward Richmond. Then came a change in the plan of campaign, in advancing by the way of the Penin- sula to Richmond. The troops were ordered on to transports to proceed down the Potomac to Hampton Roads. When we reached Fortress Mouroe, before dis- embarking at that point, we remember seeing a very peculiar craft, looking something like a large cheese- box ou a circular float. We had recently heard of the naval battle between the Monitor and the rebel Merri- mac, and now we were looking at the famous little Mon- itor. We were near enough to plainly see the dents made by the cannon balls from the rebel guns, in the irou plates of the circular turret. We could also see the masts of the two federal ships, Congress and Cum- berland, sticking out of the water, which had been re- cently sunk by the rebel Merrimac.
After disembarking with other troops, we proceeded np the river toward Yorktown. During some of our movements, in reconuoitering or moving toward York- town, we passed over the battle-field of Big Bethel,
Company "K." Seventeenth Reg't. N. Y. Volunteer Infanti;
where the trees had been toro and riddled by shot and shell. When we had arrived within a few miles of Yorktown, the booming of canton and the rattle of small arms informed us that serions work had com- menced. We had been marching fast but the noise at the front made us more anxious to be at our place in line of battle. It was raining hard and the mud was deep, but every man did his best to keep in the ranks. The enemy was soon driveu back and we resumed onr march through the mud and rain, a great many of the boys throwing away their extra blankets, and some their knapsacks to lighten their load. The enemy tried to defain us some six miles from Yorktown, but the town and fortifications were soon invested and we settled in enmp to lay siege.
At this point a flock of sheep was discovered, and a furions fusilade by gun and revolver made a racket which called out the officers to find hundreds of the boys trying to get a sheep. While some were trying to run one down a half dozen others would be firing at the same one, making it as dangerous ns on the battle- field itself. Some arrests were ninde, but many of the boys, and officers, too, had mutton for dinner.
The work of the siege seenied to proceed slowly, yet an immense amount of work was accomplished in gra- ding, making new roads, placing siege gnus and mortars at convenient places to shell the town and fortifica- tions.
Prof. Lowe, with his balloon, was stationed near onr camp to make ascensions frequently and view the rebel works and the country about. But the rebel gunners having noticed it took great delight in trying to hit the balloon. Although it was difficult to aim their pieces at an object so high, yet in a short time they made it lively to the one who ocenpied the balloon, as the shells seemed to explode all around it. Not only the danger of being hit himself but the danger of his balloon be- ing bit, and the full that would follow, made him feel like being "pulled down" at onee. Gen. Fitz John Porter, our corps commander, used to make ascensions in the balloon in front of Yorktown, and once the rope broke which came bear landing him into the rebel line. But. fortunately the right entrent seized the balloon and brought him back into the federal lines.
"The time was set and the orders given to advance to the final attack on the rebel works. The siege guns and mortars were to open fire, and a general advance was to be omde, But the rebels seem to have been well posted, for the night before the "grand opening" they left the "front seats." The next morning their forces were gone. Pursuit was immediately ordered but eare was taken to avoid the torpedoes that had been buried in the ground and other places near the breast-works, in expectation of the federal advance.
Our regiment marched through the very strong works of Yorktown, but onr orders were to take transports with some other troops, all under Gen. Franklin, and move up the York river. Thus, while the engagement was on at Williamsburg, part of the Union forces were going to West Point, Va. On the landing of the federal troops at that place they were soon attacked by the rebels but were easily repulsed, so we did not have an opportunity to take part. The federal troops concen trated at White House Landing before advancing any further toward Richmond. From there we advanced south to the Chickahominy river, some of the troops crossing that sheam. But the 5th corps, under Gen. Fitz John Porter, to which we belonged, did not eross over, but passing through Cold Harbor went into camp near Gaines' Mills. Soon orders were received for a part of the Fifth corps to advance to the right to Han- over Court Honse, for the purpose of breaking up the railroad communication between Fredericksburg and the city of Richmond. and intercept any rebel forces which might be on the way to Richmond. It was one of the bardest marches the writer ever experienced. Starting before daylight we marched some twenty miles before noon, when we came upon the enemy abont four miles from the Court Honse. The brigade which pre- ceded onrs was engaged at once, and we we were imme-
diately formed in line of battle. The 17th regiment was ordered to llauk the enemy's line, which was im- mediately done. Part of Co. K. was detailed to the skirmish line and the balance was in line of battle. We marched through a piece of wood to a fence, which way carefully taken down, then up an incline and over a hill when a charge was made. But the enemy did not wait our coming, but tled. We succeeded in capturing a brass cannon and a dozen or more of the enemy. The rebels did some "tall running." Major Bartrain being mounted captured a few, also Frank H. Johnson and some others of Co. K. boys who were on the skir- mish liue brought in some more. I saw one rebel run- ning and some of the boys after him, and as he mounted a feuce to escape he received a shot which tumbled him off to the ground. The regiment then marched some distance through the dense woods and brush in line of battle until it reached Hanover Court Honse. Here we halted and lay on our arms while the other forces were destroying the railroad. This is the place and Conrt House made famons as being the residence of Patrick Henry.
The time having arrived for us to commence our re- turn trip, firing was heard again near the place of our first engagement in the morning. We were hurried back, but before arriving the rebel forces had been driven away again, they suffering considerable loss. But still our forees were destined to have another bruch with another fresh force of rebels, which Insted notil after dark when the enemy were driven from the field, and we bivoneked on the grounds, Having accom- plished the object songht, and no more rebels appear- ing, we marched for the main army, and went into camp again near Gaines' Mills. Here Captain Whaley was siek, and here it was that his father found him at the commencement of the second days' fight.
The 17th regiment was ordered to the rear, as far as White House Landing, for the purpose of destroying the stores so they would not fall into the band of the rebel General Jackson and his forces who were coming on our flaok and rear.
General Stoneman, who had command of our troops on this occasion, had to resort to a great many difficult manonvers to keep Gen. Jackson at bay, who was press- ing ns hard. The General only had the 17th, one hat- tery of artillery, one section of cavalry and one other infantry regiment to hold them in check. He would send one piece of the battery off a mile or so from ns to draw the rebel's attention. While we would be marching as fast as we could we would hear the Gen- eral giving orders to "bear hard men" and get to the White Honse if you don't want to be taken prisoners.
Before starting Col. Lansing informed Captain Wha- ley of the order, and that he would be left in the camp in the care of his father and some more of the regi- ment, who were to stay to see to the baggage left in camp. The next morning firing was heard on our right and soon the nnion forces were planting batteries and forming lines of battle right through our camp and company streets The baggage of the regiment was gathered together and loaded on wagons and started across the river, eventually towards Harrison's Landing, on the James river. The captain was mounted on a spare horse, furnished by the Quartermaster sergeant, and accompanied by his father proceeded in the same direction. A further history of the regiment for some time, is what was reported to the writer, as he spent some time in the hospital before recovering from his sickness.
The 17th regiment accomplished what they could in carrying ont their orders, and then started to join the main army at Harrison's Landing, via. Fortress Mon- roe and James river, by transport. The regiment was ordered with other of Fitz John Porter's 5th corps for- ces, to join Pope's forces, near Bull Run. Captain Deinorest was in command of Co. K. on the 30th of Angust, 1862, and was in the thickest of the fight. He was killed, as was also color bearer, Bovee, privates Martin, Dunbar, and Gliss; Bills, badly wounded and lied in hospital a short time after. Lieutenant Christie,
Company "K," Seventeenth Reg't, N. Y. Volunteer Infantry.
who was detached to our company was also killed in this battle.
Many more of Co. K. boys were wounded in the same engagement, and the company nearly obliterated. The fragment of the company kept with the regiment and corps up through Maryland, to meet the rebel forees who intended to invade Pennsylvania, and were en- gaged in the battle of Antietam.
Captain Whaley was put in command of Co. I., Cap- tain Wilson having been killed at 2d Bull Run, while Co. K. was put under command of Lieut. Morey.
From Antietam the union forces marched leisurely down through Virginia to the Rappahannock river op- posite Fredericksburg. Alter staying in camp some days orders were received to be ready to cross the river at Fredericksburg. The pontoon bridges were laid na- der a great deal of difficulty and loss of life. The ene- my was in entrenehed works, on the hill, back of thecity.
Fighting commenced in earnest on the 13th day of December, 1862. The 17th regiment getting through the city about three or four o'clock in the afternoon und formed line of battle. Captain Whaley was soon shot in the head and taken from the field, Captain Kel- ley receiving a like fate soon after; and Adjutant Wil- son was shot in the leg. Other officers and men were- killed and wounded. The union forces not being sue- cessful in forcing the rebels from their works, hostili- ties ceused in a great measure, and the union forees very quietly evacuated the eity by returning across the pontoon bridges.
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