USA > New York > Chronicles of the One hundred fifty-first regiment New York state volunteer infantry, 1862-1865; > Part 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20
97
151st REGIMENT
to leave them. When the left of the line was broken and fell back in confusion, the Sixth was drawn back but did not lose its organization. In the formation of the Corps line, the 3rd divis- ion was on the left, the first brigade on the left of the division, and the 151st was on the extreme left of the corps live near the valley pike. The enemy did not follow any distance, but stopped to plunder our camps. They sent a few shells after ns just to quicken our steps but did not do nich damage. General Rick- ett was wounded early in the action, and General Getty of the Second Division was in command of the corps. We fell back probably two miles, and was some distance west of the valley pike, when General Sheridan went up the road, we could see the fugitives who were on or near the road going back towards the front and hear them cheer, but did not know what was cansing the commotion umtil an officer rode over to us and spoke to the general in command. We were about faced and the word passed along that Sheridan had come, the men went fairly wild as they hiked it back for the front as fast as they could walk for about a mile and went into line of battle, the 3rd division in a piece of woods. As soon as the line was formed the men stacked their guns and began building temporary breastworks of logs, rails, or anything they could lay their hands on. While there General Sheridan, carrying his hat in his hand, rode along the line, the men cheering till they were hoarse, that was abont half-past one P. M. The line lay there until between three and four o'clock, when the order to "forward," was given and the Sixth Corps went with a rush, the third division was for a time, hampered by having to seramble through the strip of woods, but when they did get ont of the bush they soon straightened up with the rest of the line. The enemy in our immediate front did not give us much trouble, they were too much taken up with Cutser's Cavalry, who was battering their flank. By the time the infantry reached their old camping ground of the night before, the cavalry had the enemy on the run and was following them up pretty close, and kept right on following them till far into the night, the in- fantry did not attempt any pursuit. Each regiment taking its own old camp, the rebels had done bad work with any tents or other equipage that had been left behind in the morning's rout.
The corps lay at Cedar Creek for some days after the light
7
---
98
CHRONICLES
then marched back to Kernstown, where it encamped for some time, after which it marched to Stevenson's Depot and took the cars for Washington, and then went by steamer to City Point.
The Ist Brigade Brd Division, was on the Transport Char- lotte Vanderbilt. There were great smmises among the men as to our destination. The general opinion seemed to be that we were going down the coast to meet Sherman's army, which was at that time coming up through the Carolinas.
The Steamer left Washington late in the afternoon and before next morning our destination was no secret. During the night, while yet in the river we were hailed by a picket boat, and cap- tain answered, "The .Charlotte Vanderbilt' from Washington bounded for City Point, with troops." That settled the question as to where we were going, we arrived safely at City Point, and marched to the front and took position on the left of the line. The 151st lay in camp dming the winter doing picket and gen- eral routine duty.
W'e remained in camp np to April 2nd when the final assault was made. On March 24th a detail for three days picket was callel for from the 151st, 2nd bient. Gill was officer in charge. Along the picket line was a low breastwork where the reserve lay. The videttes were posted a short distance to the front. The enemy's picket could be plainly seen from on line, also their main line of works, the timber in their front had been all slashed and rifle pits dug to shelter their pickets.
On the morning of March 25th, the enemy could be seen doubling their picket in our immediate front, shortly after a staff officer rode along the union picket line and spoke to the officers in charge of the different details. Keep your men well in hand we are going to advance the whole line, drive the enemy out of their picket line and hold it.
Lieutenant Gill reported the doubling of the enemy's pickets, and doubted if we would be strong enough to do the job, well he said 'you will have to try it,' we did try it, but could not get them out with the men we had so the whole Brigade came, stretched out like a single line of battle. The rebs got out pretty quick, our piekets took possession of their rifle pits and held them till the assault April 2nd. On the night of April 1st as soon as it was dark, Grant began forming his lines for the assault and to drown
1
99
151st REGIMENT
the noise of any movements the pieket kept up a brisk fire all along the line. Between 2 and 3 A. M. everything was ready for the final assault on the enemys works, the advance was made in three lines of battle where the lines swept forward on a double quick the enemy opened with artillery and musketry along the whole line of works. The men fell thick and fast, but did not falter. The strong abatis in front of the works checked the men for a time but they soon tore gaps large enough to let them through, and rush for the works. The men of the Sixth Corps, it is said were the first to carry the Enemy's works on their front that day, and the 151st New York was over as soon as any of their comrades."
EDWARD E. RUSSELL Sergeant Co. B.
CHARLES GILL Corporal Co. B.
CHAPTER NIH
Supplementary to Chapter XII.
In order to not disconnect Mr. Gill's story, we insert in this chapter the excellent contributions received pertaining to the different engagements to which he refers.
Extract from a letter written soon after the battle of Win- chester or Opequan, and Fishers Hill :
"The last time I wrote you we were quietly encamped near Berryville, but since that time have been in two engagements.
"Our regiment was on the skirmish line at Winchester open- ing the fight. Captains Williams and Sanders were both wonnd- ed. After the first change we were assembled and changed posi- tion to the left, and were in the column the remainder of the time. Battle raged hot most all day and was a bloody one indeed. 19th Corps on our right broke on the first change, and threatened to carry ours with it, but after rallying did nobly. For hours the opposing columns swayed back and forth in deadly confliet, until the enemy was forced from the first line of hills.
"This gave us good positions for artillery, and by 4p. M. had driven them from the last hill down onto the flats around Win- chester. As we occupied this hill we saw the right swinging around, the cavalry joining them, and well on the left flank of the enemy the latter manifesting signs of becoming searee. Just then the cavalry, saber in hand, dashed down their line, seattor- ing them in dismay, and sending those fortunate enough to es- cape whirling through the streets of Winchester all sorts. This sight from our elevated position was the most sublime we had ever witnessed, and the infantry sent up one deafening shout, and the day was won.
"I partook of my breakfast that night at 10 p. M., as it was 3 A. M. when we broke camp. Results of victory, 5 pieces, 15 battle
102
CHRONICLES
flags, 3,000 prisoners, their dead and most of wounded. The fol- lowing day marched to within one mile of Strasburg. The enemy had stopped defiantly in that strong position, on Fishers Hill. We were doubtful of Sheridan risking an attack on the enemy, but I think he was a little bloodthirsty, and more, under- stood his business.
Twenty-first was spent in reconnoitering the enemy and driv- ing his skirmishers well back into their stronghold. That night we erected some breastworks-as usual not to fight behind. Followign day the satisfactory disposition of troops was made. Crook's men extreme right reaching to the base of the North mountain, bloody 6th center, and 19th left, reaching base of the mountain on the east.
"About noon Crook's threw off all inembrances except guns, accontrements, and canteens, crept up the side of the mountain, took a small fort the Johnnies had there, pressed on and succeeded in storming quite a force on the flank, and in rear of their breastworks. During this time it was often re- marked how quiet they kept their cannon. This was believed to be their game so that when we advanced in their front, as we had a great ravine to cross, then a long hill to go up, they might overwhelmingly feed it to us. But every thing was timed ad- mirably on our side, and just as the panic seized them, the 6th and 19th sprang forward with a yell. The guns did not give ns much trouble. Then the breastworks commenced disgorging Jolmnies at the left, and as they ran to the right, spread con- sternation among the rest, and all skedaddled for the pike, Win- chester right over again. All was the greatest excitement with our troops, the stontest ran the fastest and none paid any regard to regularity or rank, and if ever shouts went up louder than at Winchester it was on this occasion. Results of this victory, 2,000 prisoners, 18 or 20 cannon, ete. This battle was won more by strategy on the part of Sheridan than by force, consequently was a cheap victory, and but little blood shed.
"Received the compliments of Capt. Williams and Sanders today, with the assurance that they were doing well in Winches- ter. We are having good times, and can join in saying, 'Bully for glorious little Phil Sheridan, who gave us undisputed pos- session of the Shenandoah Valley, and writes Victory on our Banners.' "
CK-
103
151st REGIMENT
Many of the comrades have sent contributions of a merry nature, and we are sure the inthence will be wholesome.
Being dispirited is not a normal condition, and the more brightness is indulged, the more strength and longevity is pro- moted.
The following facetious description by D. W. Grillis, of his responsibility in charge of a prisoner, will be enjoyed :
" The comrades will remember that after the battle of Fish- ers Hill we followed the enemy all night. About 9 or 10 o'clock, while on the march, the Adjt. General (Capt. Leonard I think ) came to me with a prisoner, a North Carolinan, and instructed me to care for him ntil morning. I felt quite proud of the re- sponsibility, and kept pretty close watch of him, telling him my gim was loaded for a bear. But now comes the funny part of it. About midnight the head of colmmm came to a small river which cansed a long delay towards the rear, where I was with my prisoner. Being very tired, I took my man about 50 yards to one side, placed him directly in front of me, and sat down to rest, with my gun in my hands. Having on my knapsack, it made a very good support for my back, and that was my undoing, for I fell fast asleep, and when I awoke the sun was shining brightly in my eyes and Johnny reb had campoosed, skedaddled, and 1, the commander of the brigade Sharpshooters, was all alone in my gl- no shame. Well to make a long story short, I soon got my bearings and started for the front as fast as my stiff legs could carry me; after going a few miles I came up to where the army was in camp getting breakfast. But my trouble was not yet over. I knew the Adjutant Gen. would soon be around to know what I had done with my Johnny, and sure enough, before I could get a cup of coffee to brace my nerves for the ordeal, up rode the aforesaid Captain, saying to me, 'Sergeant, what did you do with the prisoner ?' I gave him my best regulation salute and answered, 'I turned him over to the Provost Guard.' 1 im- mediately joined the Ananias club. But that was a long time ago and I trust I have been expelled from said club for non- payment of dues."
A letter from Albert A. Waring, dated "October 22, 1864, and anniversary of muster in," is an excellent report of the Cedar Creek engagement: "Will try to explain to yon the move-
104
CHRONICLES
ments on the day of the fight, which was October 19th. Our forces were in camp on the Cedar run, 8th corps on the left, 19th center, and same position our corps ocenpied the first time up the valley; 6th farther to the right and cavalry connecting from there to the west mountains. During the night of the 18th the enemy had sneceeded in throwing a force over the monn- tains, around the left flank of the Sth corps pickets, and so cantiously as not to surprise the latter. At another point they professed to be a relief for our pickets, the night being dark and no fires allowed on the lines, this thing worked and they of course marched the old pickets where I should not want to go. By the way I was in command of 100 of our regiment on picket. in our front, having gone ont the night before for 24 hours.
" Well the Johnnies having every thing fixed to their liking. made a grand assault on the 8th and 19th corps at about 4 A. M. Gen. Wright was in command of the army, Sheridan being ab- sent for the time. They took the 8th so by surprise that they broke and fled, and soon the 19th commenced breaking and all hands came piling back on the 6th in confusion. The enemy fol- lowed np their advantage and gave us a most murderons fire, to which we could not reply on account of the stragglers from other corps. The enemy took from us about 200 cavalry, wagons,, 24 pieces artillery and 2000 or 3000 prisoners of war; also drove our forces about one mile north of Middletown ; here they rallied and made a stand. As I said I was on picket and was not allowed to fall back or charge the line until 8 A. M.
"When the enemy had driven our left most back to the town, then for fear of being eut off we passed back as quickly as pos- sible, keeping well to the west of the pike. We did not start on retrograde movement a minute too soon, for the Jolies had just got their eyes upon us and undoubtedly had marked ns for their victims. We did not strike the pike until we had arrived about half way between Middletown and Newtown, where the hospital was; and I wanted to go to the front in preference to hearing the groans and witnessing the sights I there saw, and I was soon privileged to do so, for at 11 A. M. Sheridan came dashing in from the rear, as he passed the hospital told them they conld move back to Newtown, but no farther. Told the stragglers to go to the front for our army should go no farther
105
151st REGIMENT
to the rear, but should sleep that night where we did the night previous. This inspired the troops with new courage, and had an effect equal to many reinforcements. He soon made the dis- position of troops to suit him, cansed breast works to be con structed along the line, then dashed along the entire line, and in their front. Three rousing cheers went up and we were ready for any task. A general advance was sounded at about 2 P. M. and we did advance, making no halts of any account until, true to his work, Sheridan had taken us back to our old camping ground, at which place we arrived about an hour before sunset.
"In the meantime Custer had out his way through on their left flank striking the pike just this side of Fisher's Hill, captur- ing 31 pieces artillery, their ambulance train, a large supply train, and a great many prisoners. All the artillery we had lost we also re captured. I have counted 43 pieces of theirs in our hands and more have come in since. So the result of the day's fighting was, ground lost and re-taken, 24 pieces lost and re-taken, with about 50 pieces of theirs, and their loss in wagons and prisoners is much greater than ours, we have also recovered our wounded and dead.
"Our division lost very heavily in the attack in the morning. 10th Vt. lost 3 officers killed and 7 wounded. Being on picket as we were was the salvation of our regiment, although Capt. Wiles was wounded badly in the arm, the Sergeant-Major had his skull grazed with a bullet, Sergeant Co. G. lost a leg. Gen. Wright had a scratch on his chin. Gen. Ricketts was shot through the breast, but they have hopes of his recovery. Gen Bidwell was killed. We have become pretty well reduced in officers. Kim- ball commanded the regiment; MeManis is sick, all the Lieuten- ants for duty are Meseroll, Wolcott, Rowley and Waring.
"Have been on picket twice in succession, the last time they took me off while I was officer of the day and had been clean- ing camp all day, but no matter, my time is going on, and as long as they leave me a whole head I can stand it."
Eugene Neid relates in a funny way how he and Jim Van Zandt borrowed a rig: "After the battle of Cedar Creek a de- tail of about twenty men, half from Co. E, the other half from, I think Co. D or A, were sent to guard a wagon train to Martins- burg and back. While waiting for the wagons to get loaded, a
106
CHRONICLES
fellow about my size and another about the size of James Van Zandt borrowed a cart in one place, harness in another, but we found the horse in a field trying to get something to eat. The next morning we hitched to the cart to carry onr knapsacks. After we got along about a mile, we were obliged to abandon the rig beside the road and carry Mr. Knapsack. The horse may be there yet,-ask Jim Van Zandt."
Seth Beeman jocosely describes the Cedar Creek "racket :"
"I am reminded of the Cedar Creek racket of October 19, 1864, when the Johnnies got in their early and deadly work. The planning of that work was done by Gen. J. B. Gordon of the Confeds, and he came near losing his life and the life of his horse at the finishing up of the day's battle.
"The Johnnies had a signal station on the mountain south- east of our camp, and they could see the whole camp, and locate every piece of artillery of the Yanks ,so they knew the ground and encampment 'right smart' before they set out.
"They found a passage along the mountain, where they could march single file, and flanked on pickets on the left, waded across the river and got inside of our lines, then made the rush and racket that followed, and any one who was there knows a lit- tle something of what that was. The left was thrown into con- fusion and ront. Gen Bidwell was killed in his tent, and a gen- eral stampede followed and the old sixth Corps happened to be on the right of the line and got in shape to do some fighting as it fell back to near Middletown and finally came to a stand. Gen. Gordon wanted Gen. Early to bring up his artillery and fire into the sixth Corps, as they made such a strong fight in falling back, but Jubal was so elated over the success of the undertaking, mixed up with some commissary that he allowed it was glory enough for one day, and to let the Yanks on the right retire in good order. The Johnnies started to pick up the plunder, and while that was going on Sheridan came up; the Yanks got over their scare and went to the front, and before night the tide set in the other way, and the Johnnies were on the git for Fishers Hill and Gen. Gordon, the planner of the raid, to save himself from capture, rode his horse down a steep precipice amongst rocks and rubbish, where, he said 'twould be danger- our for a rabbit to venture on the run, and before he reached
107
151st REGIMENT
MELVIN M. CONKLIN Co. A.
WILLIAM H. DAVIS Co. A.
J
EDWIN W. JOHNSON Co. A.
JAMES H. VAN ZANDT Co. A.
108
CHRONICLES
the bottom of the precipice, he was going one way and his horse another, and they both lay there for some time; finally he be- gan to try to move and he found he was in pretty fair condition, got up and went to his horse, and with a little urging, his horse got np; he mounted him and rode towards Dixie, a disappointed Confederate Gen, and a little wiser than he was 'gist' at day- light that morning."
M. M. Conklin tells of the part he and Lient. Waring took in the second charge before Petersburg works, March 25, 1865 : "We had been detailed on the 24th for picket duty, (not certain whether the whole regiment or a part) expecting to be relieved the morning of the 25th; no relief came. We could see that the rebels had brought their relief, but none went back. So we knew something would happen. The boys did not feel much like ad- vaneing under the circumstances. However they all did in the first charge. But in the second the reinforcements seemed (to some) sufficient to carry the line, at any rate the line was cap- tured. Lient and I were the only ones of our regiment. Lieut. used his saber to loosen up the soft earth, and I used my tin plate to scoop np a rifle pit. There were some rebel sharp-shoot- ers in a house directly in our front. An aid came along and said to Lient. Waring, 'send some of your men ont there and burn the house.' Lient. replied, .They are not my men, I have only one man here.' "
The extraets from Mr. Conklin's diary, which he supplies, are interesting in their entirety as representing events of the regiment during the last days of the American Conflict.
April 2 .- "The army massed and made a charge about 4 A. M., took the whole line, capturing prisoners and cannon. Met the 2nd Corps which was successful also, We all moved to the right, came on the rebel lines in front of Petersburg; captured most of the forts before dark. Our loss was not very heavy. Rebs very great ; moved farther to the right and bivouacked for the night."
April 3 .- "Petersburg was evacuated during the night; went back to our old camp, got our knapsacks and then took up the line of march after the Reb Army."
April 4 .- "It was officially announced that Richmond was ours, the cheers fairly shook the earth."
109
151st REGIMENT
April 6 .-- >Sailor Creek. Made an advance to capture Lee. An awful march through woods, field and swamps, but found no Lee. We then struck the road in persuit ; it was the most severe march of all, came upon him about + r.'M .; there found 'Old Phil' who ordered us in a charge before we were fairly in line; went through woods and field, driving the enemy at every step; came to a deep slough; though Robs made a stand in the woods on the hill, charged under a murderous fire; the slough was so deep that I liked not to have got out ( Ruben Plummer pulled me out ). Lieut. Hays was killed just as we struck the bank. We drove them, capturing Gen. Ewell and 10,000 men, Ihurrah!"
AApril 9 .- "Started about 8 s. M., marched us pretty hard for 10 miles, halted, lay there about an hour when news came that Lee had surrendered, which was abont 3 r. M. Hurrah, three times three Hurrah! Such enthusiasm never was witnessed be- fore. Everything was flying in the air and shouting, hollering and firing of guns fairly deafened one; to look on you would think they were all crazy."
April 11 .- "Started the back track about 6 A. M., went into camp about 8 miles from Farmville.
April 13 .- " Rained very hard; our Reg. was detailed as guard for the Artillery Brigade. Arrived at Burk Station about 5 P. M. ; did not see the Artillery Brigade; went into camp, Val. Wilson joined us at the station."
April 15 .- "News came to us this evening that the President, Secretary Seward and son were assassinated; terrible blow to the Army."
April 19 .- "The Presidents funeral is held today, all work of all kinds is suspended; it is a very sad and mournful day in the Army. Divine services are held in most Regts."
April 23 .- "Got up at 2 A. M .; had orders to march at day- light; we took the road towards Danville."
AApril 27 .- "Started at 6 A. M., arrived at Danville 3 P. M., went about a mile beyond and camped in the woods; telegraph re- port that Booth was killed and his accomplice captured."
April 28 .- "Report of Johnston's surrender; a salute was fired and the 6th Corps was very jubilant."
May 15 .- "Mostly inspection; drew clothing; a new flag; rumored that we move forward; official report that Jeff Davis was captured."
110
CHRONICLES
May 16. - . Pack up call was somded and we were detailed as guard for the Div. Wagon train; started for Richmond; the rest of the Corps took the cars."
May 21. "Arrived at Manchester. Drew soft bread."
May 21. "Broke camp at 5 a. M. Marched to Richmond ; passed in review before Gen. Halleck ; left the city at 9:30 A. M .; On to Washington."
June 2. "Started at 6 a. M., went into camp about 2 p. M. near Bailey's Cross Roads, about 6 miles from Washington."
.Jime 8 .- "The 6th Corps passed in review through Washing- ton at 10 A. M."
The honor conferred by President Lincoln and the angelic ministrations of women, was appreciated by J. Charles Gill, who tells of his experience in hospital :
".I was wounded in the assault on the rebel works at Peters- burg, Va., on the morning of April 21, 1865, shot through the neck just back of the throat, the ball passing within a half inch of the jugular vein ; was taken to the Fiel I Hospital at City Point with the other wounded over Gen. Grant's military railroad and we were not in Pullman cars either. On the Sun lay follow- ing, April 9th, president Lincoln visited the hospital; there were a number of officers with him, but they remained at the door, while the President walked down the long aisle between the rows of cots and spoke to and shook hands with every man in the ward. It was that hand shake that I have always considered the greatest honor that ever came to me. From the nature of my wound I could not lie down but had to sit up on the bed in a very uncomfortable position; one day a lady of the State of Maine Christian Commission came in, she asked me if I didn't have a support for my back. I said no; she went to the Hospital carpenter and had a triangular shaped support, with straps across, made and brought it to me with two large pillows, and fixed me up fine; wipe I my face and hands with a damp cloth, then put her hand down my back under by shirt and gave it a good rubbing. When she got through I felt like a new man. Another lady was kind enough to bring me a drink of fresh milk every morning, which I appreciated very much. The nurses we had were soldiers, detailed for the purpose; kind, but rongh, and anything a woman would do for ns was like the visit of an angel."
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.