USA > New York > History and honorary roll of the Twelfth Regiment, Infantry, N.G.S.N.Y. > Part 3
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After the aforesaid evacuation, the enemy began to show themselves on Maryland Heights. Soon they be- gan to fire on a party of sharp-shooters belonging to the Twelfth. A shell thrown into the midst of the rebels quickly cleared the Heights.
Accounts say that Col. Miles neglected to place Lou- don Heights in a proper state of defense. Even his loyalty has been questioned. But it is no more than just that he should be deemed loral till convicted of disloyalty. No doubt his conduct during the attack on Harper's Ferry was censurable. And to it, the sur- render of that stronghold may be attributed.
On Sunday, September 14, 1862. the enemy placed their batteries on and surrounding Loudon Heights. They seemed to be aware that the position which they were about to attack was in a poor state of defense, hence their assault was sudden.
Regardless of the superior numbers and advantageous situation of the foc, the commandant of the Twelfth (Col. Wm. G. Ward) commenced a vigorous shelling of the rebels. So desperate was the attack. and vigorous the defense, that several gunners of the Twelfth sank down at the guns from exhaustion.
Notwithstanding the strenuous efforts of the Northern troops. the secession force got their guns in position, and opened a tremendous fire on the Chion camp. Whizzing shots and roaring shells incessantiy flow and fell among the ranks of the Twelfth Regiment. Still there was no shrinking from duty nor danger. Both officers and men manifested admirable bravery.
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HISTORY OF THE
On the following Sunday, the command was ordered to proceed to the front and attack the enemy. Every man in the Regiment seemed clectrified at the thought of having a hand-to-hand fight with the foe.
The Regiment formed with the greatest promptness, and forthwith proceeded to Bolivar Heights. On reaching there, the Twelfth found the other regiments in great confusion. But it marched on till it came within musket-shot of a Confederate regiment in ambus. cade. They reserved their fire, expecting that the Twelfth had been ordered up to clear them out. Just as the Twelfth was about to charge on the rebels, Col. Miles's Orderly rode up in hot haste, and ordered it to return immediately to Camp Hill. It seems the Regi- ment had been sent out by mistake, at which Col. Miles manifested great indignation.
On the following evening, however, by permission of Col. Miles, all the cavalry at Harper's Ferry made their escape across the pontoon bridge ; but he sternly refused to allow any of the infantry to do likewise.
Orders were given on Sunday evening to throw up earth-works against the next day's attack. The Twelfth worked long and well during the night, and completed a deep trench and a formidable earth-work. At the dawn of the following day, the Twelfth, Col. Wm. G. Ward commanding, resumed the bombardment of Lou- don Heights. The officers and men of the Regiment displayed a coolness and an intrepidity that would re- fleet honor on veterans of a hundred battles. They seemed determined to rout the enemy, and just when victory was within their reach Col. Miles raised the white flag. And thus foiled the grand efforts of loyal troops.
Gen. White then surrendered Harper's Ferry, officers retaining their baggage and swords. The Twelfth, after delivering their arms, faced about, marched back a hun- dred paces. and bivouacked in sight of their stacked arms. Several of the men, during the night, recovered a large number of muskets at the risk of their lives.
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TWELFTH REGIMENT.
On Monday evening, rolls of the different companies, written on letter paper, were sent to the rebel com- mander, and the Twelfth discharged as paroled prisoners. During the preceding night, Longstreet's corps crossed the pontoon bridge and joined Stonewall Jackson. The majority of the rebel force marched off on the following morning to Williamsport, where they crossed the Poto- mac and reinforced Lee at the battle of Antietam.
On Tuesday evening, September 16, 1862, the Twelfth Regiment were ordered to leave the rebel lines. As they marched. through Harper's Ferry, the secessionists claimed the colored cooks of the Regiment. Those not claimed were sent to Richmond with all the contrabands at Harper's Ferry.
Immediately thereafter the Regiment returned to New York, where the Mayor and Common Council received them with the honors of the metropolis. Alderman Ottiwell, President of the Reception Committee, and an honorary member of the Regiment, addressed them in most cloquent terms, and cordially thanked them in be- half of the citizens of New York for remaining and doing arduous duty at Harper's Ferry after their term of service had expired. Subsequently, the city authori- ties gave a sumptuous banquet to the officers of the Regiment.
The following companies and commissioned officers were under command of Col. Ward at Harper's Ferry at the time of its surrender :
Company B, Capt. Hansen, Lieuts. Lynch and Dauphen 70 men.
do. C, Capt. Byrne, Lieut. Burns . 70 do.
do. D, 55 do.
do. E, Capt. Mc.A ffee
67 do.
do. F, Capt. Ward, Lients. Dyott and Blair
so do.
do. HI, Capt. Heybourne, Lient. Glenn . 68 do.
do. I. Capt. Acorn, Lieuts. Ellison and Millbank 73 do.
do. K, Capt. Barclay, Lieut. Higgen- botham 70 do.
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HISTORY OF TIIE
3 men.
Field officers Staff and non-commissioned staff 7 do. Co. A, at Fort McHenry, under Capt. Ferry and Lieuts. Mandeville and Arm- strong . 73 do.
Total . 636
On the 20th of June, 1863, the command left New York for the third time, to peril their lives in defense of the American Union. Col. Wm. G. Ward was then in command. The regiment arrived at Harrisburg on the 21st, and was quartered in Camp Curtin. Departed thence on the 22d for Marysville, and from that time till the 7th of July, detachments were constantly on duty obstructing roads leading to the camp, felling trees, and digging rifle-pits.
On the last-mentioned date the Regiment moved to Carlisle, arriving there at "midnight's solemn hour," and bivonacking in the public square, while rain fell in torrents. After sleeping that night as weary soldiers sleep, they started at carly dawn for Shippensburg, fourteen miles away. Reaching there at sunset they marched nine miles more, in moonlight, to bivouac at . Greenville ; and on the Sth of July, 1863, arrived at Rock Mount. They reached Chambersburg on the 11th, and there encamped until the 14th, when the Regiment was ordered to Greencastle.
Just about this time riots broke out in the metropolis. The Government, knowing the excellent discipline of the Twelfth and its superior skill in street firing, ordered it to New York to suppress the rioters. As soon as it reached the city, heavy details were." told off," and ordered to protect the City Hall, guard the Gas Works, and other points of importance.
The Regiment's headquarters were at the City Hall, where some of the companies elected commissioned officers.
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TWELFTH REGIMENT.
Pursuant to orders from Division and Brigade head- quarters, this Regiment paraded on Thursday, October 1, 1863, in full fatigue dress, armed and equipped, and took part in the reception of the officers of the Russian Fleet by the city authorities.
Pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Officers, this command paraded, fully armed and equipped, on the 11th of June, 1864, and participated in the reception of the Thirty-Ninth Regiment, N. Y. V., " Garibaldi Guard." On the' 12th of the same month it paraded as funeral escort to the remains of Col. Orlando H. Morris, late of the Sixty-Sixth, N. Y. V.
The following extract is from the report of Col. J. H. Liebenau, Inspector General :
" October 12, 1866 .- Inspected this Regiment, which, owing to stormy weather, I was obliged to do in their armory. This is one of the regiments of which the Division ; and the city of New York have just cause to be proud. The discipline of the Regiment is unsur- passed. They are well and handsomely uniformed. The manual of arms, the loadings and firing by file, company, wing, and battalion, were handsomely executed, and reflected great credit on the officers and men, showing that officers who are carnest and untiring in their efforts, are sure to succeed in building and sustaining a good and effective regiment, such as is the Twelfth.
" COL. J. II. LIEBENAU."
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HONORARY ROLL OF THE
HONORARY ROLL.,
Col. HENRY G. STEBBINS, First Commandant of the Regiment. Elected September, 1847.
Licut. Col. JOHN J. ASTOR. Elected September, 1847.
Rev. J. T. DALY, First Chaplain. Appointed Sep- tember, 1847.
Surgeon A. BURDETT. Appointed September, 1847.
Paymaster F. W. COOLIDGE. Appointed September, 1847.
Engineer J. LIVINGSTON. Appointed September, 1847. Quartermaster T. C. FIELDS. Appointed September, 1847.
First Adjut. J. B. STEARNS. Appointed September, 1847.
Col. RICHARD FRENCH. Elected June, 1856.
Lieut. Col. HART. Elected June, 1856.
Col. JOHN S. COCKS. Elected April 25, 1857. He is the author of the best military law ever enacted in the Legislature of the Empire State. A system of street firing was invented by him, and incorporated by the Ad- jutant General in the State Regulations. Col. Cocks resigned on the 16th day of November, 1858.
Lieut. Col. II. A. WEEKS. Elected April 25, 1857 ; resigned May 30, 1859.
Maj. WILLIAM WATTS. Elected April 25, 1857 ; re- signed November 16, 1858.
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TWELFTH REGIMENT.
Maj. Gen. DANIEL BUTTERFIELD, U. S. A., was elected Commandant of the Twelfth Regiment on the 18th day December, 1860.
On the 15th of April, 1861, he served as First Sergeant of the battalion organized for the defense of Washing- ton. On the 19th of the same month he was ordered to report with his regiment, the Twelfth N. Y. S. M., to the General-in-Chief, of the United States Army, at the national capital. In compliance with said order, he sailed from New York, with his command, on the 21st day of April, 1861 ; arrived at Fortress Monroe on the 23d, tendered aid to the garrison, but none being re- quired, sailed for Annapolis. In May, 1861, he led with the Twelfth, the first movement across the Long Bridge into Virginia, under Gens. Mansfield and Heintzelman.
On the 6th of July, 1861, he was ordered with the Twelfth, to Gen. Patterson's column, at Martinsburg, Va., and shortly after having reported there, a brigade was placed under his command. Said brigade consisting of four New York regiments, and among them the Twelfth. He moved with Patterson's column until July 21, 1861. Then, he was intrusted with the defenses of Bolivar Heights, till the 3d of August, the date of the evacuation of Harper's Ferry, just two weeks beyond the Regiment's term of service.
On the 5th of August, 1861, he was mustered out of service in New York, as Colonel of the Twelfth Regi- ment. He received, on this occasion, a complimentary order from Gen. Banks. While acting as Colonel of the Twelfth N. Y. S. M., he was appointed Lientenant Colonel of the Twelfth United States Infantry, Regular Army. Rank to date from May 14, 1861.
On the 7th of September, 1861, Gen. Butterfield was appointed Brigadier General of Volunteers, and assigned to the command of the Third Brigade, Porter's Division (the famous Light Brigade). He led his " Light Brigade ?? at the dreadful siege of Yorktown ; through the des- perate battles of Hanover Court House, Mechanicsville, 2
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HONORARY ROLL OF THE
Gaines's Mills, Turkey Bend, and Malvern Hill. Though dangerously wounded at the latter engagement, he re- mained on duty, like one determined to become a martyr for his country.
He commanded the detachments sent to the south side of the James River, to cover the withdrawal of McClel- lan's forces. At Groveton, or second Bull Run, he com- manded the First Division of the Fifth Army Corps.
On the 16th of November, 1862, he assumed command of the Fifth Army Corps, and fought in the hard-fought fight of Fredericksburg. On the 29th of November, 1862, he was appointed Major General of Volunteers. On the 26th of January, 1863, Maj. Gen. Hooker ap- pointed him Chief of Staff of the Army of the Potomac.
About this time, and while performing the aforesaid duties, he originated the system of calls, picket and out- post duty. He devised the present beautiful coat of arms of the Twelfth Regiment, and the Corps Badges and Flags that were adopted and worn by the Grand Army.
Gen. Butterfield participated in the memorable battle of Chancellorsville, and was requested by Gen. Meade, who relieved Gen. Hooker, to remain on duty with him as Chief of Staff. He served accordingly, and gallantly fought in the terrific battle of Gettysburg, where he was so severely wounded, that he was compelled to retire from the field.
On the 22d of August, 1863, he entered on temporary duty with Gen. Hooker, at Washington. In the follow. ing October he was ordered, as Chief of Staff, with Gen. Hooker's command, to reinforce Rosecrans' Army of the Cumberland, Gen. Butterfield's position placed him in the thickest of the conflict. He participated in the battles of Wauhatchie, Lookout Mountain, Mission Bridge, Tenn. ; Ravine Creek, and Ringgold, Ga. In February, 1864, Gen. Grant ordered him to convey important dis- patches to Gen. Sherman, at Meridian, Miss. After his return, in April, 1864, he was assigned to the command of the Third Division. This command he held during the Atlantic campaign, till renewed attacks of the fever
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TWELFTH REGIMENT.
contracted during the peninsular campaign of 1862, com- pelled him again to leave the field. Scarcely had he re- cuperated, when he was exposed to the brunt of the battles of Buzzard Roost, Rescca, Cassville, Gilgal Church, Dallas, New Hope Church, Culp's Farm, Kene- saw, and Lost Mountain.
On the 1st of July, 1863, while doing duty as Major General of Volunteers, he was promoted to the Colonelcy of the Fifth Infantry, Regular Army. On the 13th of March, 1865, he was appointed Brevet Major General United States Army, for gallant and meritorious conduct on the battle-field. After a series of brilliant achieve- ments, he was, on the 24th of August, 1865, mustered out of the service as Major General of Volunteers, return- ing to his rank in the Regular Army.
Gen. Butterfield, is now Chief of the General Recruit- ing Department of the United States, at New York. His headquarters are in the magnificent Army Building, corner of Greene and Houston Streets. His affable and courteous demeanor, his generosity and noble character, have won for him a host of admiring friends.
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HONORARY ROLL OF THE
MAJOR GENERAL FRANCIS C. BARLOW.
" Dulce et decorum est, pro patria mori." Thus, in the expressive language of the Roman bard, spoke Fran- cis C. Barlow, when traitorous hands fired at the time- honored walls of Fort Sumter. He naturally abhorred slavery and hated rebellion. His friends knew that he was a man who always practiced his theories ; but little did they dream that an intellectual young lawyer, with a large business and bright prospects, would enter as a private among the "boys in blue." Mr. Barlow forgot personal danger and comforts, when the destruc- tion of our Republic was threatened.
Unostentatiously he joined the Twelfth Regiment, as a private, in Company F, on the 20th of April, 1861. The purity, sincerity, and nobility of his character, for- bid us attributing this remarkable condescension to any- thing, save patriotism. On the 21st of April, 1861, he departed with his regiment for Washington, to defend the nation's capital.
" All honor to him who, when danger afar Had lighted for ruin his ominous star, Left pleasure, and country, and kindred behind, And sped to the shock on the wings of the wind."
. Unlike the majority of privates, Mr. Barlow, while in camp, assiduously applied himself to the study of mili- tary tactics. ITis time was equally divided between duty, study, and repose. Merit so uncommon, could not remain long unappreciated. Hence, Col. Butterfield, who always rewarded genuine merit, offered him the position of First Lieutenant, in Company F, Twelfth Regiment, which he accepted.
Having fulfilled his period of enlistment, he returned to New York. Whilst internal enemies and external foes, were striving to demolish the gigantic and beauti-
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TWELFTH REGIMENT.
ful proportions of our Commonwealth, he could not re- main inactive. Hence, after the organization of the Sixty-First New York, he was appointed its Lieutenant Colonel. His capacious intellect, quickly learned, as if by intuition, company evolutions, grand charges of bri- gades, and all the terrible and sublime machinations of war.
Soon he was assigned, with his regiment, to the Army of the Potomac, under Gen. McClellan. During the dreary months of Autumn and Winter of 1861, Lieut. Col. Barlow resolutely and carefully studied every chapter, in the books of tactics appointed for the army. His superiors easily perceived, that he was master of the art of war ; hence, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel, when northern legions marched to the siege of Yorktown.
After the lapse of a few fearful days, was fought the terrific battle of Fair Oaks. Never was Ameri- can valor so severely tested. During the bloody con- flict, Col. Barlow's regiment lost its color-bearer and four of the color guard. The brave Gen. Howard, hav- ing lost an arm, the command of his brigade devolved on Col. Barlow. At the never-to-be-forgotten battle of Antietam, he proved himself the bravest of the brave. To his eyes, on that occasion, death scemed despoiled of its terrors. He was shockingly wounded in the groin and breast. The most eminent physicians and surgeons, pronounced his wounds curable, only by the Physician at whose command, Lazarus came forth from the tomb. And that Physician, through the instrumentality of a faithful and priceless wife, healed the wounded hero.
Scarcely had he recovered, when treason concentrated its forces at Chancellorsville. Through the long battle there fought, he gallantly led a victorious brigade ; and when leagued rebels poured upon the sunny slopes of Pennsylvania, Gen. Barlow led the same brigade through the brunt of that horrible engagement. Midst the bursting of shells and the thundering of cannon, when " death shots fell thick and fast," he fearlessly
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HONORARY ROLL OF THE
rode in front of his line, encouraging the troops and exhorting them to remain steadfast.
"The slayer death is everywhere, and many a form hath he."
Four bullets struck Gen. Barlow, and he fell from his horse to the ground. Still the fierce fight . raged, and the prostrate, bleeding General, lay on the field, exposed to the fire of friend and foc. Whilst in that deplorable condition, " he found not a generous friend, nor a pitying foc," till night's sable mantle fell upon the gory ground. When the mild moon rose up slowly and looked calmly down on the corpse-strewn battle-field, he was found by the rebel General, Early, who, while passing, discovered his rank. Supposing the spark of life to have fled, Gen. Early, though a traitor, yet a man, paused with his staff officers to learn his name, muttering in grum accents : " We can do nothing for that dead general save to give him a decent burial." Though his life-blood was fast flowing away, Gen. Barlow raised his bleeding head and feeble voice, and gave Early this grave reply : " I will live to fight you yet, General." As if gifted with knowledge of the future, these words, were fully verified, at the battle of Spottsylvania Court House.
In 1864, Gen. Barlow resumed his command, and participated in the great battles of the Wilderness. During one of these conflicts he captured a whole division of Gen. Early's troops, commanded by Gen. Johnson, with forty pieces of artillery and other valu- able spoils. IIe was promoted to a Major Generalship, while the army lay in front of Petersburg ; and when rebellion fought its last fight before Richmond, he had the gratification of beholding. the great stubborn army of the South conquered, by the valiant troops of the North.
Gen. Barlow was nominated by the Union party, of the State of New York, in the Autman of 1865, for the office of Secretary of State. The Democrats nominated Gen. Slocum, as an opposition candidate ; but Gen.
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TWELFTH REGIMENT.
Barlow was elected, by a majority of 28,000. His excel- lent executive abilities, rendered him an honor to the Government of the Empire State.
The Twelfth Regiment is proud, to have his noble name and heroic deeds, on its honorary roll. Not without cause ; for, what other regiment in our vast Re- public, can name a graduate from its ranks, with a character so illustrious and brave, as that of Maj. Gen. Francis C. Barlow ?
He now fills the important position of United States Marshal, for the Southern District of New York.
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HONORARY ROLL OF THE
BRIG. GEN. WILLIAM G. WARD.
This gentleman is a graduate of Columbia College, of the city of New York. He enlisted in the Twelfth Regiment on the 4th of March, 1854, as a private, in Company F. He served in all the non-commissioned grades, and was elected Captain of said company. On the 22d of January, 1857, Col. Cocks appointed him Adjutant of the Twelfth Regiment. In the month of March, 1860, he raised two new companies, which necessarily involved no small expenditure of personal wealth. Narrow-minded parties, jealous of his popu- larity, preferred charges against him that caused his arrest, but, when tried by a court-martial, he was honorably discharged.
On the 25th of May, 1860, he was unanimously elected Major of the Twelfth Regiment, and filled said position till the 25th of the following November, when he was chosen Lieutenant Colonel of the aforesaid command. He went to the seat of war with his regiment (Col. Butterfield commanding) in 1861.
On the 25th of October, 1861, he was elected Com- mandant of the Twelfth, vice Col. Butterfield promoted. He led his regiment to the seat of war in 1862, and manifested firmness, self-denial, and bravery at the battle of Harper's Ferry. He gave to his men a noble example of heroism and valor ; and he sympathized with them. Frequently during the siege did he relieve, in person, the exhausted gunners. His presence dispelled fear, however great the danger.
During the campaign of 1862, he acted for a time as Brigadier General.
In 1863 he went with his regiment, on what was termed the Pennsylvania campaign. The previous service of the Twelfth had worn ont its uniforms and equipments. To obtain funds from the State or National
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TWELFTH REGIMENT.
Treasuries, to purchase new uniforms, was a slow and an uncertain process. Hence, Col. Ward, with rare, but characteristic munificence, defrayed the greater part of the expense incurred in uniforming and equipping the Twelfth for the Pennsylvania campaign. It is stated, that ten thousand dollars would not cover the amounts which he has advanced from his private fortune, for the maintenance of the Twelfth Regiment, since the date of his first commission in the same.
In the month of November, 1866, Col. Ward was unanimously elected Brigadier General of the First Brigade, N. G. S. N. Y. This position he now fills, with honor to himself and entire satisfaction to all parties interested in or connected with the regiments which constitute his brigade.
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HONORARY ROLL OF THE
BREVET BRIG. GEN. FRED. T. LOCKE.
This gentleman's military connection with the Twelfth Regiment comprises a period of more than thirteen years. He was a member of Company G, " Independ- ence Guard," from which the Regiment subsequently took its distinctive name. He passed through the various non-commissioned grades, and was promoted from the post of First Sergeant, to the office of First Lieutenant. The year previous to the rebellion he
was made Adjutant of the Twelfth, under Col. Butterfield. In this capacity he served the Regiment during the first three months' campaign of the war. Immediately after he was appointed, by the President, to the important position of Assistant Adjutant General of Volunteers. He was assigned to Porter's Division, Army of the Potomac. In this capacity he acted until the capture of Yorktown. After the formation of the Fifth Army Corps, in May, 1862, he was made its Adjutant General, and promoted to a Lieutenant Colonelcy. He continued in this position during the con- tinuance of the war. In nearly all the engagements by the Potomac Army, he fought. In the campaign under Gen. Pope he also manifested incomparable bravery. On the Sth of May, 1864, Brevet Brig. Gen. Locke, whilst gal- lantly fighting under Gen. Grant, was dangerously wounded at the battle of Spottsylvania Court House. The wounds received there, were so severe, that he was necessitated to remain inactive for five weary wecks. But at the end of that time he rejoined his command, though not entirely healed.
In the Autumn of 1864, he was promoted to a full Coloneley, for distinguished gallantry, and meritorious service in the battles and marches of the campaign.
On the 9th day of April, 1865, that eventful day, whose name and date are synonymons with the over-
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