USA > New York > Disaster, struggle, triumph. The adventures of 1000 "boys in blue," from August, 1862, to June, 1865 > Part 21
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Thursday, December 1st .- The Corps commenced preparation for winter quarters, pursuant to orders from army head-quarters.
Tuesday, December 6th .- The 6th Corps rejoin the Army of the Potomac, and occupy a position at the right of the 2d Corps. The 5th Corps and the 3d Division of the 2d Corps, under General WARREN, moved south on a raid down the Weldon railroad.
Friday, December 9th .- A portion of the 1st Division of the 2d Corps, and a portion of the 6th Corps, under General MILES, made a demonstration towards Southside railroad; crossed Hatcher's run, driving the enemy before them; advanced to Gravelly run, and bivouacked in a storm of hail and snow. The Regiment held the whole Brigade line; one Regiment in each Brigade being detailed to hold the line of each Brigade.
Sunday, December 25th .- In comfortable winter quarters. Ground frozen and covered with snow. Weather cold. All quiet along the lines. The sick in hospital supplied by the medical purveyor of the army with poultry, fruits, vegetables, and deli- cacies, in abundance.
321
CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD.
1865.
Sunday, January 1st,-Quiet continues along the lines, except in front of the 9th Corps. Weather cold, ground frozen and covered with snow.
Sunday, January 8th .- Deserters from the enemy, in large numbers, have come in nearly every night for the past twenty days.
Friday, January 13th .- Weather has changed from cold to warm, with heavy rains. Heavy cannonading on the right, quiet in front.
Sunday, January 15th .- Weather mild and pleasant. The Division hospitals inspected by Major-General HUMPHREYS, and the general and medical officers of the Corps.
Friday, January 20th .- Desertions from the enemy continue. Heavy cannonading on the right and in front of Petersburg.
Tuesday, January 24th .- Rebel rams and gunboats came down the James river, threatening City Point. The Corps under march- ing orders.
Tuesday, January 31st .- The whole army received marching orders. Petersburg shelled. Heavy cannonading. Sick and wounded sent to City Point.
Sunday, February 5th .- The cavalry, the 5th Corps, and 2d and 3d Divisions of the 2d Corps, moved to the left, toward Southside railroad, and engaged the enemy across Hatcher's run. The 1st Division held the Corps line. Weather cold and snowing fast.
Thursday, February 9th .- Fighting across Hatcher's run con- tinued. Our lines were advanced, and WARREN intrenched him- self firmly, and held his position. The 2d and 3d Divisions of the 2d Corps returned to their former positions.
February 22d .- A salute of 100 shotted guns fired into Peters- burg, in honor of WASHINGTON's birthday, and the fall of Charles- ton. Heavy rains. Deserters from the enemy in large numbers. Over 400 took the oath of allegiance on this day. Military rail- road extended to Hatcher's run from the Yellow Tavern.
Wednesday, March 1st .- Heavy rains continue. No army movements.
Tuesday, March 14th .- Sick and wounded sent to general hospital. Sutlers and citizens ordered out of the army lines. Surplus baggage ordered to be sent away. The army put in marching condition. Weather fine and warm. Roads good.
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126TH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
Saturday, March 25th .- The enemy attacked and captured Fort Steadman, on the line of the 9th Corps, at 4 A. M .; but it was immediately recaptured with 1,758 rebel prisoners. At the same time the 6th, 2d and 5th Corps charged and captured the rebel picket line in their front, intrenched and held it. A gene- ral engagement ensued, lasting until dark. Our army captured this day 2,800 prisoners and ten battle-flags. The loss in the 1st Division, 2d Corps, was over 400; falling largely on the "Irish Brigade."
Sunday, March 26th .- Wounded sent to City Point. All quiet along the lines.
Monday, March 27th .- President LINCOLN, and Generals GRANT, SHERMAN and SHERIDAN held a conference at City Point. The enemy attempted to retake the captured picket line in front of the 6th Corps, but were repulsed. Each man ordered to have four days rations in haversack.
Tuesday, March 28th .- The 24th Corps crossed to the south of the James river, and at night relieved the 2d and 5th Corps. The Regiment has seventy-five men present for duty.
Wednesday, March 29th .- The 2d and 5th Corps, with the cavalry, crossed Hatcher's Run, advanced to the Boydton plank- road, and extended the line to near Denweddie Court-house, driving the enemy before them, with sharp fighting. The Regi- ment on the skirmish line from eleven A. M.
Thursday, March 30th .- Rained hard all night, and until noon of this day. Head-quarters of Generals GRANT and MEADE moved across Hatcher's run. The 5th Corps advanced its line beyond the Boydton road. The 2d Corps advanced nearly four miles beyond Gravelly run. SHERIDAN engaged the enemy on the left at Dinwiddie Court-house. The Regiment still on the skirmish line, near the site of Arnold's mill.
Friday, March 31st .- Morning dark and rainy. At eight A. M. heavy fighting commenced, extending from Hatcher's Run to the extreme left. The 24th, 2d, 5th and Cavalry Corps engaged. The whole line advanced. The 2d Corps intrenching beyond the Boydton plank road. The 126th had opportunity to cook rations for the first time in three days. Losses in the Corps over 600. The 1st Division losing 350. Losses in the Regiment, one killed, and three officers and several enlisted men wounded.
.
323
CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD.
Saturday, April 1st .- Wounded sent to City Point. Heavy fighting along the cavalry line on the left all day. At ten A. M.,, the 1st Division, under General MILES was detached and marched to the support of the 5th Corps. At ten P. M., a terrific cannona- ding was opened on the enemy and continued all night.
Sunday, April 2d .- At four A. M., the enemy made an attack. along the whole line. The 6th and 9th Corps were massed in front of Petersburg, and broke the enemy's line. The 24th, 2d, 5th and Cavalry Corps advanced upon the left. By ten A. M. the rebel army was in full retreat, the Union forces hotly pursuing .. The 1st Division, under orders of General SHERIDAN, marched, at daylight, up the White Oak road, toward Petersburg, and attacked the enemy there in heavy force, broke his lines, and. drove him across Hatcher's Run by Sutherland's Depot. General SHERIDAN complimented the Division, and reports his belief that if he could have retained this Division he could have crushed the. enemy at that time at Sutherland's Depot. The Division now rejoined the Corps, and the 3d Brigade attacked the enemy in their works at Sutherland's Depot, and, after repeated charges, carried the enemy's works, and captured several guns and some hundreds of prisoners. General MADILL, commanding the Bri- gade, having been wounded in the second charge, General MACDOUGAL then gallantly led the Brigade, and though he received a severe wound in the arm, he still rode his horse and kept his command. This was the first time the Southside rail- road was cut, except by raiding parties.
Monday, April 3d .- The enemy in retreat. The Corps pursue on the Namazic road toward Amelia Court-house. Fighting with the enemy's rear guard.
Tuesday, April 4th .- Heavy rains. Roads in bad condition. The Corps making corduroy roads. Some skirmishing. The Regiment was detailed as wagon-guard, and was with the trains all day, marching and making corduroy road; a fatiguing day's work.
Wednesday, April 5th .- At four P. M. the Corps arrived at Jettersville, on the Dansville railroad. The 5th and 6th Corps within supporting distances, and the cavalry on the left, cutting off LEE's course south.
21
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126 TH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
Thursday, April 6th .- The army in motion at six A. M. The 2d Corps pursue the enemy on the Lynchburg turnpike. A sharp skirmish at Amelia Springs' House. The Corps marched twenty miles this day, and captured 1,000 prisoners, several guns, a large quantity of small arms, 400 wagons, including Corps, Division, Brigade and ambulance trains, and a half a million dollars of confederate currency, just from the press. The 3d Brigade pressed closely the enemy's rear all day, causing them to aban don several pieces of artillery and a wagon train ; the captured commissary stores furnishing the Brigade provisions. The Bri- gade encamped near Sailor's Creek.
Friday, April 7th .- The army in motion at daylight. The 2d Corps reached the Lynchburg railroad, at High Bridge, at two P. M., and attacked the enemy while they were trying to destroy the bridge, drove them from the position, captured sixteen heavy guns, and about 500 prisoners; continued the march along the north side of the railroad; arrived at Farmville at four P. M .; found the enemy intrenched; fought them until dark and drove them again, with a loss to the Corps of about 300 killed and wounded, largely from the 1st Division. The Regiment, being in the woods and fighting from behind trees, suffered no loss. General SMYTHE, formerly Colonel Ist Delaware Volunteers, killed. The wounded sent to Burkesville Station.
Saturday, April 8th .- The army in motion at an early hour. The Corps continue the pursuit through the day on the Lynch- burg pike, with light skirmishing. The Division in advance, and the 3d Brigade leading the Division, pressed the enemy's rear all day. The Regiment was detailed as flankers, and were in the advance and on the left, and captured many rebel stragglers and chickens. At seven P. M., as New Store was reached, some rebel cavalry were put to flight by the Regiment, and one piece of artillery was captured. The enemy were pressed till midnight, when a halt was made for rest and rations.
Sunday, April 9th .- The pursuit continued from four A. M. till near noon, when the column was halted near Appomattox Court- house, and a flag of truce from LEE was sent to GRANT request- ing an interview for the purpose of surrendering his army. In the afternoon the surrender of LEE's army commenced. At five P. M. General MEADE rides along the lines of the army. Bands
325
CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD.
are playing, drums beating, and the artillery firing salutes, with blank cartridges. The wildest enthusiasm prevails. Men embrace. Color-bearers, waving their colors, are caught up and borne on men's shoulders. Cheers rise, in a swelling chorus, along the lines of the army, and roll back and forth and reverbe- rate through the forests and fields. Rain fell all night.
Monday, April 10th .- A rainy day. The army rest. The rebel army being paroled and furnished with rations.
Tuesday, April 11th .- At ten A. M. the army took up its line of march to Burkesville by different routes. The 2d and 6th Corps moved on the Lynchburg pike. The latter Corps in advance. Encamped for the night at New Store. Rain con- tinued. Roads in bad condition.
Wednesday, April 12th .- Marched at five A. M. Encamped for the night at Farmville. Roads nearly impassable.
Thursday, April 13th .- It rained all night. Sick sent to rebel hospital at Farmville. Marched at seven A. M., and advanced but five miles. Encamped for the night. Roads growing worse.
Friday, April 14th .- Marched at four A. M. Reached Burkes- ville at eleven A. M., and went into camp. Communication opened with Petersburg, and supplies and mails received.
Sunday, April 16th .- The assassination of President LINCOLN officially announced to the army.
Tuesday, April 18th .- The Division changes camp to the south of Burkesville, along the Dansville railroad. Division hospital established at the Miller House. The Regiment fixed up a very nice camp ; drew new clothes; drilled enough for exercise, and enjoyed themselves much while here.
Wednesday, April 19th .- The occasion of the funeral obsequies of the President observed throughout the army.
Sunday, April 23d .- The 6th Corps detached from the Army of the Potomac, and march for Danville, N. C.
Tuesday, May 2d .- Broke camp and marched toward Rich- mond.
Saturday, May 6th .- Arrived at Broad Rock race course in the morning, and halted two miles from Manchester.
Sunday, May 7th .- Resumed the march, and passed through Richmond. The Regiment greeted by the 148th New York Volunteers. It being the first time the two Regiments had met
326
126TH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
while in the service. Weather hot. March rapid and exhaust- ing.
Wednesday, May 11th .- Passed through Fredericksburg.
Sunday, May 14th .- Arrived near Alexandria, and went into camp.
Tuesday, May 16th .- Move camp. Encamp near Bailey's Cross Roads.
Tuesday, May 23d .- The GRAND REVIEW. March at four A. M. Crossing Long Bridge to Washington at sunrise, and march in review, with a front of forty men, rank and file num- bering eighty. Return to camp at sunset; having marched twenty-four miles.
Tuesday, May 30th .- FINAL REVIEW of the 2d Corps by General MEADE, which was witnessed by the President, Governor FENTON, and other distinguished officers. More than a thousand distinguished citizens, ladies and gentlemen were present.
Friday, June 2d .- Orders received for the Regiment to be mustered out of service, and sent to the State rendezvous.
Saturday, June 3d .- Regiment mustered out.
Sunday, June 4th .- Regiment took freight cars at Washington for Elmira, N. Y.
Tuesday, June 6th .- Regiment arrived at Elmira last night, and at daylight left the cars and marched into town, meeting their former Colonel JAMES M. BULL. Barracks are assigned them, where they await final payment.
Friday and Saturday, June 16th and 17th .- The Regiment, 221 strong, receive final payment and discharge.
1
SUMMARY STATEMENT
OF THE
STRENGTH OF THE REGIMENT AND OF ITS LOSSES AT DIF- FERENT PERIODS DURING ITS TERM OF SERVICE.
The Regiment was mustered into the service with thirty-nine officers and nine hundred and fifty-six enlisted men. Total, nine hundred and ninety-five. And was mustered out with only two hundred and twenty-one men.
At the battle of Harper's Ferry its loss, in killed, was one officer and fifteen enlisted men; in wounded, four officers and thirty-five enlisted men. Total, fifty-five.
On the 30th of June, 1863, it numbered thirty-nine officers and six hundred and sixty enlisted men, present and absent.
On the 2d of July, 1863, it went into the battle of Gettysburg with two field officers, one Adjutant, three Surgeons, one Chap- lain, and twenty-seven line officers and four hundred and seventy- seven enlisted men, bearing arms, present for duty.
At the battle of Gettysburg its loss, in killed, was six officers and fifty-five enlisted men ; in wounded, seven officers and one hundred and sixty-one enlisted men. Total, two hundred and twenty-nine.
On the 30th of September, 1863, there were present for duty two field officers, eleven line officers and two hundred and forty- two enlisted men, with arms. This number is about the same as it was on the 14th of October following, when the battles of Auburn Ford and Bristow Station occurred.
At Auburn Ford the Regiment lost five enlisted men killed, and seventeen wounded. At Bristow Station it lost six killed and thirteen wounded. Total on that day, forty-one.
On the 31st of January, 1864, there were present for duty three field officers, eight line officers, and two hundred and thirty- two enlisted men.
In the action at Morton's Ford, February 6th, 1864, there were
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126 TH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
three enlisted men killed and nineteen wounded. Total, twenty- two.
On the 4th of April, 1864, two line officers and one hundred enlisted men were detailed as provost guard at head-quarters 2d Army Corps, and remained on such duty till the muster-out of the Regiment.
On the 6th of June, 1864, Colonel BAIRD made a report to General HANCOCK, then commanding the Corps, from which the following is an extract : " At the opening of the campaign from the Rapi- dan to Petersburg, the strength of the Regiment present and absent was twenty-six commissioned officers and four hundred and ninety-six enlisted men; of whom eight officers were on detached service, two absent sick, and one absent with leave, and one hundred and sixty-three enlisted men on detached ser- vice, one hundred and eleven absent sick (principally from wounds), three in arrest, making a total of two hundred and seventy-seven absent. The number present for duty was fifteen commissioned officers and one hundred and eighty-eight enlisted men, including twelve musicians.
"During the present campaign, of those present for duty, there have been killed, wounded or missing, eight commissioned officers and one hundred and twenty-one enlisted men, but during the campaign both officers and men have joined the Regiment, so that at the present time the number present for duty is one Lieu- tenant-Colonel, one Adjutant, one Acting Quartermaster, three Captains, three Lieutenants, and sixty-nine enlisted men."
After this came the fearful losses before Petersburg. The Regiment lost, in killed or mortally wounded, during the first week before Petersburg, from the 15th to the 22d of June, its Lieutenant-Colonel, Adjutant, one Captain and two Lieutenants ; and, in wounded, one Captain and one Lieutenant; leaving, on the 22d of June, no field officer in command, and only one of the line officers, which were reported present for duty on the 6th of the month. Its losses in enlisted men were also severe.
During its term of service the Regiment lost sixteen commis- sioned officers, killed in action or died of wounds received in battle. A loss of officers in action greater, in proportion to its number of officers, than that suffered by any other Regiment from this State, and excelled by but few in the service.
329
SUMMARY STATEMENT.
Of the officers who returned with the Regiment, Surgeon HAM- MOND, Chaplain HARRISON, and Captain T. E. MUNSON, alone remained of the thirty-nine original officers who were mustered into the service two years, nine months and twelve days before.
The following are the only Regiments that lost more officers, killed in action, during the war, than the 126th New York Vol- unteers :
1st Maine Artillery Volunteers. Served first as infantry ; then was recruited to twelve Companies as artillery. Lost twenty-one officers.
31st Maine Infantry Volunteers. Served from March 1st, 1864, to July 15th, 1865. Lost seventeen officers.
5th New Hampshire Volunteers. Served from October 22d, 1861, to June 28th, 1865. Lost eighteen officers.
20th Massachusetts Volunteers. Served from August 29th, 1861, to July 16th, 1865. Lost seventeen officers.
14th Connecticut Volunteers. Served from August 23d, 1862, to May 21st, 1865. Lost seventeen officers.
8th New York Artillery (first called the 129th New York Infantry). Served from August, 1862, to June 5th, 1865. Lost nineteen officers.
48th New York Volunteers. Served from September 10th, 1861, to September 1st, 1865. Lost seventeen officers.
61st Pennsylvania Volunteers. Served from September 7th, 1861, to June 28th, 1865. Lost seventeen officers.
62d Pennsylvania Volunteers. Served from August 31st, 1861, to July 13th, 1864. Lost seventeen officers.
63d Pennsylvania Volunteers. Served from August 1st, 1861, to September 9th, 1864. Lost eighteen officers.
145th Pennsylvania Volunteers. Served from September, 1862, to May 31st, 1865. Lost eighteen officers.
Of these Regiments, however, the following were re enlisted as veterans, and recruited up with officers and men : 5th New York Volunteers; 20th Massachusetts Volunteers; 48th New York Volunteers; 61st Pennsylvania Volunteers; 62d Pennsylvania Volunteers, and 63d Pennsylvania Volunteers. The 14th Con- necticut Volunteers received large additions in recruits and con- scripts, and had a corresponding addition to its officers.
NAMES AND DATES OF BATTLES
IN WHICH THE REGIMENT WAS ENGAGED.
Harper's Ferry, September 13th, 14th and 15th, 1862. Gettysburg, July 2d, 3d and 4th, 1863. Auburn Ford, October 14th, 1863, in the morning. Bristow Station, October 14th, 1863, in the afternoon. Mine Run, November 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th, 1863. Morton's Ford, February 6th, 1864. Wilderness, May 6th and 7th, 1864. Po River, May 10th, 1864. Spottsylvania, May 12th to 18th, 1864. North Anna, May 23d to 27th, 1864. Tolopotomy, May 29th to 31st, 1864. Cold Harbor, June 1st to 12th, 1864. Front of Petersburg, June 16th, 17th and 18th, 1864. At left of Petersburg, June 22d, 1864. Deep Bottom, July 26th, 1864.
Strawberry Plains, August 14th to 20th, 1864. Reams' Station, August 25th, 1864. Assault on the lines around Petersburg, March 25th, 1865. Boydton Plank Road, March 29th to 31st, 1865. Sutherland's Station, April 2d, 1865. Farmville, April 7th, 1865.
Appomattox, April 9th, 1865.
-
HISTORY OF THE COLORS
OF THE
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT NEW YORK STATE VOLUNTEERS.
The Colors received by the Regiment, on its organization, at Geneva, in August, 1862, were presented by some of the patriotic ladies of the twenty-sixth senatorial district. The occasion was a pleasant one, with appropriate speeches on the presentation and acceptance of the flag, which, of course, was to be brought back after the rebellion should be crushed, and returned to the ladies who gave it; its folds inscribed all over with the names of hard fought fields, where victories had been won in the cause of our glorious Union. Luckless flag ! It was carried to Harper's Ferry, and, with nearly a score of others, went as a trophy of war to STONEWALL JACKSON.
The next Colors were received from the Government, upon the return of the Regiment to Virginia, after its exchange; and in the first battle in which they were borne (Gettysburg) they received seven musket shots, and were twice torn by shells.
In that dreadful charge of the 3d Brigade, on the 2d of July, 1863, the flag was carried by Sergeant ERASMUS E. BASSETT, of Company B, and, almost in the moment of victory, it was seen to falter, for its bearer was shot in the leg; but it did not fall. Rallying his guard, and cheering those around him, the young soldier pressed on regardless of his wound; but another shot from a rebel, not five paces distant, pierced his heart, and he fell dead, without a struggle or a groan. Not unavenged, however, for a shot from one of the Color-guard laid that rebel dead by the side of his victim.
Sergeant BASSETT was as good as he was brave. Amiable in temper, and ever attentive to his duties, he possessed the esteem of his comrades and superiors, and died beloved by all.
334
126TH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
Upon the fall of BASSETT, Sergeant AMBROSE BEDELL, of Com- pany E, seized the Colors, and bore them through that engage- ment, notwithstanding a wound in the hand, and carried them the next day, when the enemy charged our lines on Cemetery Hill; but another shot tore his hand and arm so that the Colors fell from his grasp. They were seized, before they touched the ground, by an officer, and delivered to Corporal HENRY MATTOON, Company D, who carried them for a few minutes, when he, too fell, shot through the neck and shoulder; and private THEODORE P. VICKERY caught them and bore them up for an instant, when he too was shot, and fell, severely wounded. Yet, through the smoke and blaze of battle, the Regiment could say: Our flag is still there ! For private LEWIS CLARK, Company K, a modest, deli- cate youth, with a slender frame, but a big heart, snatched the Colors, as they were falling, and bore them aloft in advance of the line. For this gallant act he received the commendation of General HAYS, who witnessed it, and was promoted to a Ser- geantcy.
After the battle of Gettysburg, Sergeant MILO H. HOPPER, Company D, took the Colors and carried them through the bat- tles of Auburn, Bristow, Mine Run, Morton's Ford, and in the campaigns of 1864, from the Rapidan to Petersburg, till the 9th of June, at Cold Harbor, when he was appointed Sergeant-Major, and Sergeant JAMES HARPER, Company G, took the Colors and carried them till the 22d of June, 1864. On that day the 2d Corps was advanced, leaving a gap between its left and the right of the 6th Corps, and BARLOW's Division, being on the left of the 2d Corps, was moved forward into a partially wooded country, beyond any position previously held by our forces, without flank- ers or any other protection to its left; when the enemy, evidently understanding our movements, advanced a large force around BARLOW's left, and closed up on him from front, flank and rear, and BARLOW himself barely escaped capture, while the larger portion of several of his Regiments were surrounded by the enemy and made prisoners. But the 3d Brigade (to which the 126th belonged), under MACDOUGAL, fought its way out of the pocket, retreating as they fought, but with great loss, for the fighting was at such close quarters that no sooner was a man shot down than the enemy was upon him. Captain MORRIS BROWN,
335
HISTORY OF THE COLORS.
JR., commanding the Regiment, was instantly killed, and JAMES HARPER, the Color-bearer, was shot and fell into the hands of the enemy; but THEODORE P. VICKERY, who was wounded at Get- tysburg, while carrying the Colors, was at hand in this time of need to bear again that battle torn flag, but a fatal bullet pierced his body, and he fell, lifeless. MILO H. HOPPER, who had sacredly guarded the Colors through the terrible battle scenes of nearly a year unscathed, and who had so recently resigned his trust to JAMES HARPER, was also stricken down by a bullet through the right thigh.
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