USA > New York > Dutchess County > Address delivered Wednesday, 28th November, 1866 : in Feller's Hall, Madalin, township of Red Hook, Duchess Co., N.Y. > Part 15
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August 11 .- Regiment marched with division at 5 A. M., and bivouacked in line of battle 3 miles from Culpepper Court-house near battle-field of Cedar Mountain, at 12 o'clock midnight. Distance marched, 22 miles.
August 13 .- The enemy having retreated. the regi- ment marched with brigade 1 mile nearer Culpepper Court-house. where encamped.
August 16 .- Regiment marched with division at 8} A. M., to Cedar Mountain battle-field, and encamped at 1 p M. Distance marched, 6 miles.
August 18 .- Orders to prepare three days' rations. and to be in readiness to march at a moment's notice, were rec ived at 2 p. M. The baggage of the regiment was loaded immediately and sent off.
August 19 .- Regiment marched with division at 9 A. M., and bivouacked at 11 p. M , 3 miles west of Rap- pahannock Station. Distance marched, 17 miles.
August 20 .- Regiment marched at 4 A. M., cro sed the river at the Station at 54 o'clock A. M. ; encamped in the afternoon 2 miles north of the Station, 1 mile east of the river. Marched, 5 miles.
August 21 .- Were ordered forward to near the river at 9 A. M., to support Captain Reynolds' Battery L, First New York artillery ; and were there occupied during the day, the most of the time under a heavy fire froin the enemy's batteries, and a part of the time from his sharpshootersalso. At night companies Dand G. under command of Lientenant-Colonel Gates, did picket duty along the river bank and at the crossing at. Noquan's Ford-the residue of the regiment, under Colonel Pratt. forming the reserve.
[J. WATTS DE PEYSTER, JR., of Tivoli, Duchess Coun- ty, N. Y., 1865, Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel N. Y. Vols .. was Junior Major of the First N. Y. Light Artillery.]
August 22 .- Were relieved at 5 A. M., by Twenty- second Regiment New York Volunteers, and returned to camp, which proved to be in range of some of the ene ny's guns. Our loss was Serg, ant Dopp, G com- pany, mortally wounded, and several others slightly.
August 23 -Marched with brigade at 10 A. M., and bivouacked at Warrenton, Va., at 8 p. M. Distance marched, 12 miles.
August 24 .- Marched 2 miles beyond Warrenton, toward White Sulphur Springs, and encamped.
August 26 .- Regiment marched at 6 o'clock for the Springs. As we approached them the enemy opened fire upon us from iwo guns planted near a large vellow house on the opposite side of the river. Gaining the cover of the trees and buildings around the Springs, company C was deployed as skirmishers. Subsequently the regiment marched across an open plain, in full range of the enemy's battery, and took up a position on the hill east of the river, and about one mile from the Springs. The skirmishing continued all day, with a loss on our part of two men wounded. Distance marched, 5 miles.
August 27 .- Regiment marched from the Springs at 12 M., and bivouacked at midnight 8 miles beyond War- renton, on the road to Gainesville. Distance marched. 15 miles.
August 28-Regiment marched at 6 A. M. and reached a point on the Centreville ro d 2 miles beyond GAINESVILLE, when halted, while the roads and woods in front were reconnoitred by General Hatch's brigade, which, with General Gibbons, were in ad- vance. The enemy were found in considerable force. and a brisk engagement ensned. The regiment was ordered up to support the troops engaged, but dark- ness put an end to the battle before it reached the field. Picketed roads the rest of the night. Dis- tance marched, 7 miles.
August 29 .- Marched at 2 A. M. for Manassas Junction, which was reached about daylight. At 10 A. M. were ordered back to yesterday's battle-field. where the action had been renewed : some 3 miles from Manassas. were ordered back, and returning to within 1 mile of the latter place, filed to the left, and marching by the Sudley Ford road across a portion of the Bull Run battle-field, were posted in support of Reynolds' battery on the left of the road and about 1 mile from Chin's house. About duck were moved forward toward GRoverox to support Blatch's brigade, which was engaged and likely to be turned on the right; were withdrawn about 10 p. M., and posting a portion of the regiment with Reynolds' and Campbell's batteries, the residue were detailed for picket on the front under command of Lieutenant- Colonel GATES.
MANASSAS OR BULL RUN ' SECOND.
August 30 .- Action opened by Campbell's battery. Regiment moved some mile and a half to the right of Siegel, where it remained until 1 o'clock p. M., part of the time under fire ; were then moved back to near Groveton, where the brigade was formed in two lines in the following order: First line. Twenty-first N. Y. Volunteers on the right, Thirty-fifth N. Y. Volun- teers on the left. Second line, Twentieth N. Y.
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State Militia on the right, Twenty-third N. Y. Volun- teers on the left. In this order advanced across an open field separating the right of our army from the enemy's left and entered the woods, near toand on the right of Groveton. Here the Fourteenth N. Y. State Militia and Thirtieth N. Y. Volunteers were drawn up in one line ; they formed on the right. The order was then given to advance, and the three lines moved slowly forward, receiving the enemy's musketry, grape and canister, which increased as we advanced. The regiment advanced to within a few yards of the railroad embankment, behind which the enemy were posted, when. a large proportion of officers and men being killed or wounded, the line fell back a few rods, closed up. advanced again with the same result, and so for the third time the effort was made to reach the enemy behind his cover. but the fire was too heavy and the men had now become too few to give a hope of success. At this juncture an a de-de- camp rode up and delivered an order from General Porter for all. the troops to retire from the woods. This was obeyed in good order, the enemy following and firing in heavy volleys. Colonel Pratt was mortally wounded early in the action and borne from the field. In the course of the night the regiment marched to Cub Run, where bivonacked.
August 31 .- Regiment marched at 4 A. M. to Cen- treville and joined brigade.
CHANTILLY-MAJOR-GENERAL KEARNY KILLED. "REFUSING TO SURRENDER."
September 1 .- Marched at 3 A. M and proceeded to Fairfax Court-bons : at 11. A. M. Were ordered to re- turn to Centreville .: after marching some 2 miles, were counter-marched and proceeded ont on the Brad- dock Road, and were posted in hne of battle behind works erected by the enemy heretofore to defend the approach to Fairfax and Centreville by that route. At 3 p. M. were, ordered to proceed up the Little River Turnpike some 2 miles, and take possession of, and hold at all hazards, a piece of woods on the left of that road. The regiment reached the further ex- tremity of the woods as the enemy's skirmishers were rapidly approaching and within 150 yards of it. Firing was immediately commenced, and continued briskly for two hours. The enemy ran up within 200 yards of the woods a mountain howitzer, sup- ported by a considerable body of cavalry, and opened a fire of grape and canister. The sharpshooters of the regiment picked off several of the gunners, and the piece was withdrawn. Soon afterward the enemy opened with shot-and shell from a gun posted by the roadside three fourths of a mile further up the
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State Militia on the right, Twenty- third N. Y. Volun- teers on the left. In this order advanced across an open field separating the right of our army from the enemy's left and entered the woods, near toand on the right of Groveton. Here the Forteenth N. Y. State Militia and Thirtieth N. Y. Volunteers were drawn up in one line ; they formed on the right. The order was then given to advance, and the three lines moved slowly forward, receiving the enemy's musketry, grape and canister, which increased as we advanced. The regiment advanced to within a few yards of the railroad embankment, behind which the enemy were posted, when, a large proportion of officers and men being killed or wounded, the line fell back a few rods, closed up. advanced again with the same result, and so for the third time the effort was made to reach the enemy behind his cover. but the fire was too heavy and the men had now become too few to give a hope of success. At this juncture an a de-de-camp rode up and delivered an order from General Porter for all- the troops to retire from the woods. This was obeyed in good order, the enemy following and firing in heavy volleys. Colonel Pratt was mortally wounded early in the action and borne from the field. In the course of the night the regiment marched to Cub Run, where bivonacked.
August 31 .- Regiment marched at 4 A. M. to Cen- treville and joined brigade.
CHANTILLY-MAJOR-GENERAL KEARNY KILLED. " REFUSING TO SURRENDER."
September 1 .- Marched at 3 A. M and proceeded to Fairfax Court-bou's ; at 11 A. M. were ordered to re- turn to Centreville .: after marching some 2 miles, were counter-marched and proceeded ont on the Brad- dock Road, and were posted in hne of battle behind works erected by the enemy heretofore to defend the approach to Fairfax and Centreville by that route. At 3 p. M. were, ordered to proceed up the Little River Turnpike some 2 miles, and take possession of, and bold at all hazards, a piece of woods on the left of that road. The regiment reached the further ex- tremity of the woods as the enemy's skirmishers were rapidly approaching and within 150 yards of it. Firing was immediately commenced, and continued briskly for two hours. The enemy ran up within 200 yards of the woods a mountain howitzer, sup- ported by a considerable body of cavalry, and opened a fire of grape and canister. The sharpshooters of the regiment picked off several of the gunners, and the piece was withdrawn. Soon afterward the enemy opened with shot.and shell from a gun posted by the roadside three fourths of a mile further up the
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turnpike. About 5 P. M., having been unable to effect a lodgment in the woods, the enemy retired, and firing ceased here, while, nearly at the same time, to the left and in front a severe engagement opened between the troops of Generals Stevens and KEARNY. At 10 P. M. the regiment was relieved by the Ninetieth Pennsylvania Volunteers. Our loss was two officers and twelve men wounded.
September 2 -Rejoined the brigade at 8 A. M., and marching with it at 2 p. M., passed through Fairfax Court-house and Annandale, and reached Upton's Hill at 10 r. M. Distance marched. 13 miles.
September 4 .- Regiment marched to Falls Church to repel a demonstration of the enemy, who had planted some guns on Bassett's Hill and deiven in our cavalry. Did picket duty that night. Distance marched, 2 miles.
September 5 .- Regiment returned to camp on Upton Hill at 1 p. M. Distance marched, 2 miles.
September 6 .- Marched at 2 A. M., crossing the Aque- duct Bridge at Georgetown, and marched through Washington, D. C. to Leesboro Md., and bivouacked at 5 P. M. Distance marched, 16 miles.
September 8 .- Marched with brigade 4 miles and bivouacked.
September 9 -Marched with brigade to Mechanics- ville. Distance, 9 miles
September 10 .- Marched from Mechanicsville with brigade to the farm of a Mr Davis, 6 miles distant.
September 11 .- Marched with brigade through Lisbon to Newmarket, a distance of 15 miles.
September 12 .- Marched with brigade to Monoc- acy Bridge and bivouacked. Distance marched. 12 miles.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN.
September 14 .- Marched with brigade at 7 A. M. passing through Frederick City and Middletown. reaching Katocton Creek about 12 M. At about 2 P. M. were ordered forward, and passing a short dis- tance beyond the creek on the Great Western Turn- pike, turned to the right, following an obscure road along the foot of South Mountain for a mile. and then turned to the left to support the Thirty- fifth N. Y. Volunteers, which was thrown forward and up the mountain side on the right of the turnpike as skir- mishers. The regiment was then deployed and fol- lowed the movement of the line of skirmishers, who advanced over the ridge of the mount in at that point and descended nearly to the turnpike. The skirmishers were recalled, and the regi ent was ordered to join the Twenty-first N. Y. Volunteers, which was on the mountain side and about midway between the two roads crossing the mountain in front.
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of Middletown. Forming on the left of the Twenty- first, the two regiments advanced up the mountain side in line of battle, preceded by a line of skirmish- ers ; arriving at the crest of the mountain, the skir- mishers became engaged with the enemy. Soon afterward the two regiments pushed forward, and passing over the mountain crest at this point, this regiment passed the line of skirmishers and poured a volley into the enemy who were lying behind a fence and in a cornfield. The action continued until some time after dark, when the firing ceased.
September 15 .- At daylight it was discovered that the enemy had retired, leaving his dead and wounded on the field. The regiment then rejoined the brigade, and soon after resumed its march toward Boonesboro, at which place it bivouacked. 2 miles further south, near Antietam Creek, at 6 p. M. Distance, 10 miles.
ANTIETAM OR SHARPSBURG.
September 16 .- Regiment marched with brigade at 6 A. M., 3 miles toward Sharpsburg, Md., when the enemy opened fire upon us with his artillery from the heights above Sharpsburg, compelling the brigade to fall back about half a mile. During the morning it ·hanged postion several times, and at 3 p. M. forded Antietam Creek and marched toward a road leading from Keedysville to the Williamsport road. Or reaching the road the enemy opened fire with his ar- tillery, compelling the regiment to pass through a shower of shell, grape and . anister to our position in a small piece of woods on the Williamsport road, which was reached at 8 p. M. Regiment slept on its arms to-night. Distance marched, 9 miles.
September 17 .- Regiment marched with brigade at 6 A. M. in line of battle, deployed across the fields and through the woods on the left of the road until it reached a narrow meadow lot between an orchard and a cornfield, in the latter of which the enemy were posted, keeping up a brisk fire of musketry. On the road leading to the right and a little to the front of this position, two sections of Battery B, Captain Camp- hell, were stationed between some stacks of straw and a barn. and in range of the enemy's sharpshooters. The brigade crossed the road and moved toward the right. After crossing the road the regiment was detached to support Battery B, which was said to be in great danger, and moved back at a double-quick, the right wing taking position near the Battery, and the left wing, under Major Jacob B. Hardenbergh, advanced along the road next to the cornfield. The infantry . fire was very heavy during all the time, commencing near the cornfield and. over a knoll in front of the battery. Major Hardenbergh pushed forward down the road, driving the enemy from the fences and the
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edge of the cornfield, and in support of the Sixth Wis consin Volunteers, which was on our left and in some. disorder. For a time the enemy were completely driven from their cover, and in their flight abandon- ing their battle flag (the bearer being shot down by Private Isaac Thomas of G Company), which was brought off by Major Hardenbergh. as was also the regimental color of the Sixth Wisconsin, which they had been compelled to leave on the field. The Wis- consin regiment falling back and the enemy advancing strongly reenforced, Major Hardenbergh fell back with his small party to the right wing. The enemy advancing, apparently with the intention of taking the battery. and drove the gunners from their pieces for a time, but the steady fire of the regiment checked and drove them back until the other regiments of the brigade reached the field to the right and in front, when the enemy were driven to the left and his rear The battery being no longer of service there, it was removed to the hill on the left of the road. After remaining in position some half an hour longer, and no enemy appe ring, fell back to a piece of woods on the same side of the road and subsequently rejoined the brigade. Our loss was 49 killed and wounded. The regiment slept on its arms to-night.
September 18 .- In line of battle all day, but the action was not renewed. Endeavored to remove some of our dead where we were engaged yesterd .y, but the enemy's sharpshooters have the range of the field.
September 19 .- Regiment marched with brigade (the enemy have retreated) at 53 A. M. to the Wil- liamsport Road over the battle-field, and bivouacked in a wood half a mile northwest of the field. Distance marched, 2 miles.
September 20 .- Information of the death of Colonel G. W. PRATT having reached the regiment, the fol- lowing order was issued :
HEADQUARTERS. ULSTER GUARD, TWENTIETH REGIMENT, N. Y. S.M., NEAR SHARPSBURG, VA., September 20, 1862. General Orders No. 47.
It is with feelings of profound sorrow that the Lieutenant-Co onel commanding announces to the " Ulster Guard" the death of its late worthy and honored commander, Colonel GEORGE W. PRATT.
While gallantly encouraging his officers and men in the final hour of the fearful combat at Manassas, on the 30th of August last, he was shot down and borne from the field. Though conscious of the serious character of his wounds, he maintained his habitual serenity and cheerfulness and forgetting self, seemed only concerned for the safety of his command and the
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issne of the battle iu which he had borne so noble, and, as it proved, so costly a part.
He was removed to Washington, and from thence to Albany, N. Y., where, surrounded by his kindred and friends, death terminated his career of usefulness and promise on the 11th inst. Though cut down in the Spring of bis manhood, he has not lived in vain. Born to wealth, and growing up in affluence, he spurned the ease and indolence which too often beguile fortune's favorites, and with an earnest energy and tireless industry, he sought to win for himself a n me honor- able in the highest walks of life. How well he suc- ceeded, the general and deep sorrow for his early death attests. When the present unholy war broke out, he was foremost in tendering his services to the Govern- ment, and surrendering the comforts and enjoyments of a home unusually attractive, he became a patient, tireless and devoted laborer in behalf of the Union. Finally, he has given his I fe to the cause, and has died a soldier's honored death in the faithful discharge of his self-imposed duties. We who have been so long associated with him in the camp and field ; we who . have shared with him the hardships, privations, fatigues and dangers of the soldier's life ; we who have witnessed his se f-denial, his dauntless courage, his ready obedience to the authority of his military superiors, and his mildness and moderation in the exercise of his own authority-we, next to those who are bereaved of husband. father, son, can best ap- preciate the loss sustained in the death of Colonel Pratt. Let us emulate his examples and be stimula- ted to increased diligence in duty, and a more entire devotion to our country and the struggle for its preservation, by the recollection of his virtnes and his sacrifices. The Lieutenant-Colonel commanding avails himse'T of this opportunity to express his satisfaction with the conduct of the officers and men of the regi- . ment who participated in the marches and battles which have rendered memorable the last forty days of this campaign. Within that time you have marched upward of 170 miles, without tents or blankets, and often without food, in the burning heat of mid-day and the : old dews of night, resting fre- quently but four hours in, twenty-four, and then upon the bare ground. There has been no murmur or com- plaint, no relaxation of obedience or discipline. The battle-fields of Normau's Ford, Warrenton Springs, Groveton, Manassas, Chantilly, South Mountain and Antietam, bear witness to your prowess and courage. Your coolness and steady bearing under heavy fire of artillery and musketry were equal to veterans, and entitle you to the highest praise the soldier can earn. Let the future correspond with the past in diligence,
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in discipline, in courage, and our friends will have no cause to blush for the reputation of the "Ulster Guard."
By order of THEODORE B. GATES,
Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding.
(Signed) A. S. SCHUTT, . First Lieutenant, Acti g Adjutant.
September 29 .- Marched with brigade at 23 p. M. to a point one mile northwest of Sharpsburg, near the Potomac River, where encamped. Distance marched, 1} miles.
October 7 -General Patrick having been assigned to duty at General Mcclellan's Headquarters, as Provost-Marshal-General of the Army of the Potomac, took leave of the brigade in the following order :
HEADQUARTERS, THIRD BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, FIRST ARMY CORPS, CAMP BARNETT, October 7, 1862.
General Orders No. 64.
The Brigadier-General commanding having been assigned to duty at the Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac by General Orders No. 161, of the 6th inst., hereby relinquishes to Colonel Rodgers, of the . Twenty-first N. Y. Volunteers, the command of the brigade he received from him 7 months ago. Only 7 months ago he assumed command ! yet the ties that bind those who, like ourselves, have shared each other's hardships and dangers, who have followed the same standard through so many battles, and gathered around it with their ranks thinned. but unbroken, when the combat was over-such ties cannot be broken by the order that relieves your General from the command.
That he must continue to take the liveliest interest in the welfare of a brigade that has never failed in the hour of peril, whether in daylight or darkness, to honor his every command, no one can doubt ; and he trusts that both officers and men will touch lightly upon his faul's, in the full conviction that, as their commander, he has endeavored to discharge his duties to them to his country and his God. He leaves von . with fervent wishes for your prosperity, and the earne-t hope that an honorable peace may soon be won, so that we may once more return to our own loved homes by the broad rivers and lakes of the Empire State.
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By order of General PATRICK. (Signed)
J. P. KIMBALL, Assistant Adjutant-General.
October 20 .- Marched with brigade at 7 A. M. to Hagerstown Turnpike, up the pike about 2 miles, then taking a road to the left, passed through Bakersville,
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and encamped about 1 mile beyond. Distance marched, 5 miles.
October 26 .- Regiment marched at 8 p. M. through a drenching rain ; but the darkness compelled it to bivouac. Marched 1} miles.
October 27 .- Regiment marched with brigade at 6 A. M., and passing through Keedysville, took the road leading to Crampton's Gap. Bivouacked at 4 P. M. Distance marched, 7 miles.
October 28 .- Regiment marched with brigade at 53 P. M, crossed South Mountain at Crampton's Gap, passed through Burkettsville, and bivouacked at 3 p. M. 2 miles north of Berlin. Distance marched, 13 miles.
October 30 .- Regiment marched with brigade at 6 P. M., crossed Potomac River on a pontoon bridge at Berlin at 8 p. M., and bivouacked on the Baltimore and Leesburg Turnpike 6 miles from Berlin at 11 P. M. Marched 8 miles.
October 31 .- Marched with brigade at 3} p. M. toward Leesburg and bivouacked at 5 p. M. Distance marclied, 2 miles.
November 1 .- Regiment marched with division at 84 A. M., passing through Wheatlands, taking the Winchester and Leesburg Turnpike, and bivouacking near Purcellville at 3 p. M. Marched 8 miles.
November 3 .- Regiment marched with division at 1 p. M. down the pike about 2 miles, turned to the left, passed through Union, and bivouacked at 8 P. M. Distance marched, 12 miles.
November 4 .- Regiment marched with brigade at 13 P. M., passed through Bloomfield, and bivouacked half a mile beyond at 42 o'clock. Distance marched, 44 miles.
November 5 .- Marched with brigade at 8 A. M., and bivouacked 3 miles north of Salem at 8 P. M. Distance marched, 18 miles.
November 6 .- Regiment marched with brigade at 6 A M., passed through Salem (General Mcclellan's Headquarters), at 8 A. M., through Warrenton at 5 p. M., and encamped at 7 p. M. 1 mile below that place on the road lead ng to White Sulphur Springs.
November 11. - Marched with brigade at 1 p. M., and bivouacked near Fayetteville at 10} p. M. Distance marched, 5 miles.
November 12 .- Marched down the road leading to Nolan's Ford to do picket duty. Distance marched, 3 miles.
November 14 .- Relieved from picket duty and returned to camp at 4 p. M. Distance marched 3 miles.
November 17 .- Regiment marched with brigade at 11 A. M., and passing through Liberty, Bealtown and
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Morrisville, bivouacked at 9 p M. 2 miles south of the latter place. Distance marched. 18 miles.
November 18 .- Marched with division at & A. M., reached Hartwood at 2 p. M., and taking the road leading to Stafford Court-house, bivouacked at 7 p. M. Distance marched, 10 miles.
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