History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 23

Author: McIntosh, W. H. cn; Everts, Ensign, and Everts, Philadelphia, pub
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Ensign and Everts
Number of Pages: 976

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

feld, and slept under blankets. The next day's march brought them to Snick- erville. Here were found the Thirteenth and One Hundred and Fortieth, and pleasant calls were interchanged. The weather changed to cold and nipping ; the men shivered around the'r camp-fires, and gladly heard the order to " fill in." They marched to Upperville, when foraging way freely indulged in, and blazing fires, kindled from rails, were employed to offset the depression of a prevailing enow.storm. Culonel Palmier was here in temporary command of the brigade. The company of Captain Yale was presented with beautiful colors by the ladies of the town of Brightun. The regiment lett Upperville for Warrenton, where it made a brief stay. Orders came, November 16, to march to Falmouth. Thence a very aupleasant trip was made to Belle Plain, a place for the landing of sup- plies on Potumac creek, which enters the river at this point, -a mud-covered dut of several hundred acres, dreary and houseless. The brigade was here employed in unloading supplies shipped to the army. Two hundred wagons were loaded per bour, and fur miles the road was blocked by the unending trains, coming enipty, returning loaded. On December 7 the One Hundred and Eighth was relieved and went into camp acar Falmouth, as preparations progressed for a battle.

On the morning of December 12 the regiment crossed the ponton bridge over the Rappahannock, and drawing up su line along vue vi the streets of Freder- icksburg, stacked arms and remained there till next morning. The.order to advance was given and obeyed. A brief halt was made near by a large church, being prepared for the division hospital. The building was just then a target for rebel artillerymen. The fourth shot went through the church and the line of the regiment, wounding two Dieu.

The division of French, of Sumner's corps, was drawn up for a charge, with the One Hundred and Eighth in the front line. Then was performed a dued of beroism which won for the participants undying honor. The following extract 'attests the fact : " It soon became evident that the first ridge uf bills, on which the enemy was posted behind carthworks, could not be carried except at the point of the bayonet. Accordingly, General Summer ordered French's Jivisiva to charge on the batteries. Huward's division was drawn out in support. The . troops sprang forward to obey the order with much enthusiasm. Steadily they marched across the plain and never faltered until within a few yards of the ridge, when suddenly met by a giling fire from rebel infantry posted behind a stone wall A momentary confusion ensued ; then, re-furming, the men retired to a ravine within musket-shot. Reinforced hy the second division, the line advanced at s double quick, under a concentrated fire of infantry and artillery. The loss was terrible; the shock was uah. arable; a halt ensued ; the centre gave way and fed; it was rallied and brought back." Again and again, but vainly, the attempt to dislodge the rebel artillery was made. Then Sumner brought all his cannon tu play, and the roar of cannon was incessant. Night came, and with difficulty the wounded were removed. The army recrossed the river, and the One Hundred and Eighth returned to its old camp reduced in numbers, and for a time suffering from sickness. On January 20 they took part in the mud campaign, and on their return settled quietly dowo to pass the winter in quarters. Save heavy details of men for picket, there was little call for duty, and till the close of Fel- ruary they were yet in camp near Falmouth.

On March 5, the Second corps was reviewed by General Hooker. Colonel Pal- mer was discharged March 2, aud Charies J. Powers was promoted colonel on *the 13th. Francis E. Pierce was at the same time promoted lieutenant-colonel, and Harmon Hogaboom, major. Numerous minor promotions were made at this period, and payment of the troops and a long rest put them in good spirits. Oo the morning of April 28 the Third division left camp at sunrise, and the regi- ment was halted to build corduroy for passage of trains. About three P.M .. of April 30, they marched to the fonts of the Rapidan, and crossed at United States ford, ten miles abovo Fredericksburg. Pushing on till ten r.sr., a recent battle- gruund was reached. A batch of prisoners passing, one remarked that, " Farther on you'll catch hell," aud his expression proved a prophecy. On May 1, at sunrise, the Second brigade, umler General Hays, marched upoo a reconnuis- sunce, without result. At sunset of next day, Jackson, with twenty thousand men, came on a charge upon the Eleventh corps, driving them by thousands. Amid the wild tumult, the brigade was seen advancing boldly into the caldron of the conflict, and there stood fast. The voice of Colonel Powers was heard saying, " Don't disgrace the One Hundred and Eighth! Don't disgrace the Third Division !" and they did not. It was nine P.M. when the rebels charged in masses amid the words and darknexa, and opened a fierce tire, which maged till midnight. At sunrise uf May 3 unearthly yelping announced a rebel charge near division headquarters, and a hot fight ensued. There w.w a lull for a time, and then again the gray ranka swept out fromu the words, only to be driven back. The Ono Hundred and Eighth came firth from the conflict with honor and untarnished faine. They had fought splendully, and more than justified the high expectation entertained of them from previous activos. Twu men were killed, and

thirty four wounded. There were sharp passages at arms on the two following Ju -. and oa May o the regiment re-crossed the Rapidan, and returned to Fallen', in good spirits. Lee resolved to invade the north, and the Potonise army bei i of the determination with exultuition, and gladly broke camp for the raped ruan h, and deadly grapple. The regiuneut left Falmouth Juue 14, and suffering ommi from heat and dust, marched night and day northward. Camping at Union umul- a rest was taken; then starting at three a.M., the old Bull Run ti-ld was pa- over, the run was forded, and June 20 a halt was made at Gainesville, while boas, picket details were sent out. The march was continued to Frederick City, Mary. land, where a hult of five days ensucd. The enemy was encountered by Reyn- olds, at Gettysburg, and thither the columns hastened with a swift, steary mation, which indicated the peril threatened, and a challenge 'accepted. The bravery of the regiment in the great battle of Gettysburg was uotable. Plac-i in support of a battery which made rare execution among the rebels, they charge -! in two lines to take it. They were niet at the brow of the hill hy the One Ilutr. dred and Eighth, and given a deadly greeting. The struggle was fearful Ninety of one hundred and twenty horses of the battery were killed, and the batterymen nearly swept off, when the brave captain called on the Que Huadni and Eighth for help. The men sprang forward, hauled the guns below the brut of the hill. Loads of canister were thrown in, and the olen, putting their shoulders to the wheels, pushed the guns to the brow to be discharged. While the contest continued, General Hays, attempting to bring up a regiment, point-l to the One Hundred and Eighth, saying, " See how that gallant band fight !" The men gave no grouod, and fought to win or die. Their loss way severe. There were fourteen killed, seventy-seven wounded, and forty-eight missing. Tocal. one hundred and forty-six. The loss of three commissioned officers killed, aut nine wounded, is an index to the struggle. After the action, the army followed Lee to the Potomac, aod ou July It the One Hundred and Eighth lay at Harper . Ferry. Two days later, ordery came to march ; and on the 221, Upperville Gas passed, and a hait made at Ashby's Gap. Warrenton was reached on the 20th. and there a protracted stay was made. A miduight recoonoissance was made na September 24, to dislodge an outpost. The enemy fled, the buildings were tirel. and the regiment, returning, heard the long rell beating in the rebel camps, which were effectively stirred up.

On October 10 the regiment left Culpepper Court-House and started toward Washington. Two army corps had been sent west, and Lee, aware of the fact, had begun a flank movement. On the morning of the 12th the Second con- formed in line two miles west of Culpepper. The armies, marching on parallel roads, came in collision at Cedar Run. The One Hundred and Eighth was m.s by the fire of a rebel battery, and attacked on the flank. Skirmishurs Were throwu out, and a charge of cavalry repulsed. Meade concentrated his forces at Centreville. It was about three P.M. of the 14th when the Third division reachel Bristoe station. The enemy had come in position to attack the rear of the Fitth corps, and opened heavily from a hill-side upon the division. The division ordered on the double-quick to gain possession of the railroad cut. The rules were seen hastening for the same point. The national troops won, and with cheers opeued vigoruusly from cover upon the enemy. Then gaining the rel-4 flaok, the Second brigade drove them in disorder, capturing four canuen. (xo flags, and four hundred and fifty meu. About eleven P.st. orders came to "fad in quietly," and the march was resumed to Blackburn Ford, where the enemy die- monstrated heavily. Next day they were found to have fallen back to Cuijkque and the army rested iu camp. On November 7 the regiment marchel to Kelly > Ford and encamiped. Three days later the emmups were early astir. and hy suture- the columns were on the mad On the 10th the One Hundred and Eighth we located at a point on the Culpepper and Fredericksburg Railroad. The last of November, Meale advanced to the Rapidan. Worren crossed and marched south- ward, and developed the enemy at Mine Run. The army arrival, and etch awaited attack. Warren marched to turn the rebel flank, and reached pariton at dark. Moruing came, and the enemy had so strengthened his defense- tien attack seemed presumptuous, and was uut urade. The corps returned to their old camps on December 2, built winter quarters near Stevensburg, and enjoyed a long rest.

A reconnaissance was made February G, 1964, at Morton's Ford, on the Baye- Jun. The brigade way in line a mile north of the ford at right A. M. of that dir. and awaited the arrival of the division. The Third brigade gained the month bank, deployed as skirmishers, and silvaneed close upon the reint hatte ru -. About ene P.M. the Second brigade fordel the stream and formul line of battle in the rear of a house situated un rising ginund to the lett amd month of the topi. Shelly come finely over the lines, and twice struck them, causing would rend- tive The brizule lay behind the home in security till five pyt, wien the city opened with a tull battery from high ground to the right and front omne thuisnul yards distant. Immediately following camo an impetuous attack of infantry ul-A

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

the skirmish line, which was being driven on the right when the Second brigade uvaneed to the crest of the hill. The One. Ilundred and Eighth lay down on the crest ouar the house, while the Fourteenth Connectient www sent to remain lost grunn.I and hold it. They were hard pressed, and the One Hundred and Eighth aod Tenth New York were sent to the same place, when the three regiments usde a firm advance of five hundred yards. Musketry continued till after dark. Relieved at ten P.M. by the Second division, and recrossed to the former position. The corps retired, leaving the brigade as rear guard. On the evening of the 7th, the Fourteenth Connecticut being left on picket, the brigade returned to camp.

A grand review was held on February 23, and five days later the five corps were reduced to three,-the Second, Fifth, and Sixth. Warren had the Fifth, Hancock the Second, and Sedgwick the Sixth. May. 1864, found U. S. Grant general of the national artnies. Ile had two objectives: Sherman was to move upwa Atlanta and Meade upon Richmond. On May 3 the One Hundred and Eighth left winter quarters ucar Mortun's Ford and joined the brigade under Car- rull. at Stevensburg, at midnight. Gibbon's division. with the rest of the old Second corps, pushed on to Ely's Ford, on the Rapidan; crossed May 5, unop- pused, and bivouacked at Chanceilorsville. In the action of May 6 the One Hundred and Eighth was engaged, and suffered a los of four killed and forty- two wounded. Eight of twelve officers who went into battle were wounded. Colonel Powers, while gallantly leading the command, was struck and severely injured. Lieutenant-Colonel Pierce was wounded in the right hand, and Adja- tant Parsons was also badly hurt. For duys there was now continuons heavy fighting under oppressive heat. On May 11 several desperate charges had been made upon formidable riffe-pits of the rebels, and were repulsed. About four A.M. of May 12, during the prevalence of a heavy mist, the Second corps, formed in line of brigades, approached, undiscovered, the rebel works, and, with a lond battle-ery, rushed forward aud quickly carried a part of the main line, capturing four thousand prisoners and two general officers. The enemy rallied, and fought with reckless bravery, fully equaled by our own men. On May 18 the regiment had lost nine killed and ninety-three wounded or missing, and the eighty which remained evinced the same fine spirit, and stood their ground with the same fear- less determination, so characteristic of the command from the very first. Three days Ister, Captaio Joseph Deverell was in command, and other officers on duty were Lieutenants Kavanaugh, Duttoo, and Locke, while the regiment was at Marye's Heights, Fredericksburg. Early and late the One Hundred and Eighth had marched, when on Sunday afternoon. May 29, a halt was made near the bank of the Pamunkey, twenty or more miles from Richmond. Next day, Warren's advance was attacked by Powell's corps at Tolopotomy creek, and repulsed by Barlow'a division.

On June 3, at Cold Harbor, a charge was made by the One Huodred und Eighth and other regiments. Lieutenant John S. Kinleyside was killed, and sharp skirmishing continued through the day. At sunset the rebels made a fu- rious charge on the breastworks, but were repulsed with severe loss. Deverell was wounded in the assault, and the command devolved upon Lieutenant P. C. Kar- anaugh. With lives two hundred yards apart. the air was alive with whistling wod mewling balls and burstiog shells, and. the contest knew no cessation. On June 5, Wm. H. Smith, of G, was killed and buried side by side with Kenley- side, Wood, and Skinner, killed on the 3d. On June 12, after eight days and nighta of constant skirmishing on the front line, which was not at several points more than fifty to seventy-five yards apart, the regiment left Cold Harbor, and by continued marching reached Charles City Court-House on the 14th. James river was crossed at ten P.s., and the march was terminated within two and a half Diiles of Petersburg, when the work of besieging was begun. The regiment was employed ou fatigue duty and fort-building until September 24, when they took prition on the front line near Fort Ilill, and from behind their works and gopher bules witnessed daily artillery dorls, and became accustomed to the sound of shot and shell. Winter came, and still the besieged held on gripping the enemy at Petersburg. Ou January 27, 1865, salvos of artillery announced the fall of Furt Fisher, North Carolina. After a previous attack the rebels had shouted across the lines, " Have yo'uns heard from Fort Fisher ?" Now the retort went back, " We 'uns have heard from Fort Fisher." As the months went by, the One Hundred and Eighth gained strength by the return of the wounded and convalescent. It Was claimed that few if any regiments in the field, after nearly three years' arduous wirvice, could show a better record in maintaining its original members. But alwent two dozen reernits were received. The command was ever firm, steady. vigilant, and self-disciplined. The banner presented by the ladies of Brighton and londonoit was ever cherished with pride and defended with devotion. Hatcher's Run was a hard battle, and the fierce assaults of the enemy were as often strruly repulsed. A review of the Serotud and Third divisions of the See- ond corps was hehl in March. The One Hundred and Eighth sostained a cred- inable part under command of Lieutenant Colonel Pierce. The struggle ended

with che surrender of Lee, aud the regiment rested in camp at Borksville until May 2, when the warch began towards Washington. Oo the evening of the 13th a bult was made eight miles from Alexandria, on Munsen's Ifill. On May 31 the ears were taken for home, where, having arrived on June 1, a most enthosi- astic reception was given them. In the companies there were one hundred and sixty-nine enlisted men, all hearty, suo-hurued, and travel-stained. Well was it said at such a time,-

"O day thrice lovely, when at length the soldier Returns butue into life; when he hecomes A fellow-wan among his fellow-men. The colors are onfurleil, the cavalcade Marshals, the caps and helmets are all garlanded With green boughs, the last plundering of the fields." i

The court-house bell struck a signal a quarter to seven, and, as if by magic, the streets were crowded with people. The several military and civie societies proceeded to the Geoesce Valley depot aud escorted the regiment to the court- house, where a welcome was uttered by Mayor Moore. Cheers were given, the column re-formed, and at the Brackett House a supper enjoyed and the meo dis- missed to gladden many a home, faithful as soldiers, estimable as citizens.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

THE ONE HUNDRED AND FORTIETH NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.

SCARCELY had the One Hundred and Eighth received orders to leave for the seat of war. when a new regiment, the Fourth. from Monroe, was authorized, and by the middle of Angust, 1862, one company was full, and others rapidly being formed. The regiment was full and mustered into the United States service on September 13, for three years, at Camp Porter, Rochester. On September 8 Patrick H. O'Rorke was commissioned colonel. Louis Ernst was commissioned lieutenant-colonel two days later. On November 10 Milo L. Starks became major, and Ira C. Clark was the first adjutant ; surgeon, Theodore F. Hall; as- sistant surgeons, William C. Slayton and O. Sprague Payne.

On September 15 the young ladies of Rochester presented the regimeot with a beautiful stand of colors, and four days later the cars were taken for Washing- ton tia Eloiira, where arms and accoutrements were obtained. A week was passed on Arlington Heights, and September 29 a march was made to Washing- too, where the men lay on the sidewalks that night. Cars were taken for Sandy Hook, Maryland, where picket duty and drill occupied the time till October 25. The regiment was brigaded under Jackman, Geary's division of Slocum's corps. Colonel Ernst was in command till the arrival of Colonel O'Rorke on October 8. There were then nine hundred and thirty men in the camp. The first death in the regiment was that of Patrick Moran. Marching, on Octoher 28, across the ponton bridges over the Potomac and Shenandouh, the One Hundred and Fortieth wound their way in the midst of romantic scenery to Alvaden Heights, hivouacked, and sent four hundred men on picket ; marched to Snicker's Gap, ascended the mountain, and saw the Shenandoah two miles away on the other side, and the camp-fires of the enemy in plain view. The air was cold and searching for men without tents, blankets, and fires, and at daylight, November 3, they moved to the edge of a wood and boilt fires, and tuade themselves more comfortable. Several days were passed expecting an attack, which was not attempted. The regiment was detached and joined to Warren's brigade, Sykes' division of Porter's corps.

Marching orders were reevived on the evening of November 3, and next morn- ing the One Hundred and Fortieth took up the line of march, and passing through Middlebury, whose secesh females begrodged the men water to fill their canteens, encamped for the night in the woods two miles beyond. Renewed the march next morning, and eneonutering a snow-storm at White Plain. continued on to near Warrenton, and there encaroped. The boom of cannon sounded not far ahead, and the expectation of a battle was general. Mcclellan was relieved and Burn- side took command. Ile resolved on a winter campaign. Lee had retired south of the Rappahannock. It was determined to move upon Fredericksburg. No- vember 17, the One Hundred and Fortieth started at noon for Falmonth. No roud was followed, and it seemed indifferent whether advance was made by day or bighit, so both were used ; and on November 23, the command went into camp a brief march from the river, and shortly afterwards proved to within three miles of Frederick-borg. Remaining here till December 10, the attentions of drill and picket cumployed the tumor. Various resorts were had to obtain protection fnan the wet and cold by stockade and by banking earth around tents. The split- cation of a day's rations per man is a remembrancer to the veteran, and a cari- osity to the citizen. Two small spoonfuls of sugar, two of coffee, eight to tive

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

" bard-tack" the size of soda-crackers and a trifle thicker, a piece of salt pork wbich fried would make three to four ordinary slices, and occasional fresh beef, which was fried with the pork. Dishes were a tin cup and plate. spoon, knife, and ferk. Each cooked for himself. la squads of four, one carried a frying. pan. In this crackers were soaked and fried. Cans, with wire from the broken telegraph for bails, were used to mike coffre. Water was poured in from the can- tece. The pail was held over the fire and when the water had reached the boil- ing point, coffee was thrown in, effervesord for a minute, and the meal was ready. Beans, rice, and occasional desiccated vegetables were added at times. Marching orders were received on December 10, aud at three A.M. the regiment was called op. Camp was left at six A. M., with seven hundred and two men. Three hours' marching brought the One Hundred and Fortieth upon the heights opposite Fredericksburg, where the men lay all day expecting momentarily to be ordered to move. Cannonading began with a crash at twenty minutes past five, and was kept up all day. On the memorable 13th of December the One Hundred and Fortieth was ordered to march, but was halted when half a mile was gone over. A short time before dark the division received erders te cross, Sykes' regulars in advance. Several streets of the city were traversed. and as night had come the line of battle was formed, and at half-past six p.M. marched into the field back of the city, within musket-shot of the enemy, and lay on their arms all night. The battle scene was vivid, unearthly, and exciting. Artillery thundered from either side; red spouts of flame burst from the guns; and shells whizzed and crashed among the houses. Later all became quiet, and at daybreak the command was ordered to the city, and lay in house and yard awaiting orders. At eight P.M. the regiment was drawn up in line and posted te protect the crossing of the army. It was one of the last to leave the city, and reached the north bank at daybreak of the 15th, barely escaping being left behind by the removal of bridges. Linger- ing a day or two at Falmouth, they finally returned to the old camp and estab- lished winter quarters.

On January 20 a general movement was attempted ; the brigade marched two and a balf miles and encamped, wet and weary. Rain poured down all night. Next day, after a toilsome effort, the troops turned into pine woods, and stayed be- tween two and three days. The mind deepened. Wagons and artillery stuck fast. The whole army was employed to build corduroy, and move the guns and pontons back. The regiment returned to camp on the 24th, a tired and huogry band, but glad to see their old quarters. Promotions, parades, and picket were topics of camp talk till April 20, when, under Hooker. the army once more awak- ened to action. Extra clothing and baggage were packel and sent to Washing- ton ; wagons were loaded, and so were haver acks. Furloughed men returned, and on the 27th the regiment was on the march towards the Rappahannock. The third day's march was long and tiresome; the river was crossed by the men in water to the waist-belt, and hivouac was made ten miles from Chancellorsville. Ou the next day this historie spot was reached, and the day passed in quiet.

On May 1 the division was ordered to move and attack the enemy. A brief, manly address was given by Colonel Ernst to the One Hundred and Fortieth, and the advance began under fire of artillery. The Union batteries responded, and the troops advanced to near the hill where their guus were planted, and there formed line of battle. A halt of a quarter-hour was made, when, the shells coming each moment faster, the regiment started on a double-quick towards their battery. The men discarded koapsacks and blankets in preparation to advance, when the regulars were seen retreating, followed by the enemy. The regiment retired to their last night's bivouac; formmed line, and stacked arms, At evening the pick- ets were driven in, and the hostile lines of battle were seen advancing, when the One Hundred and Fortieth began its first engagement. The men. lying down or kneeling, opened and kept up a steady tire till ordered to cease. As the rebels re- tired the regiment celebrated their success by a ringing cheer.

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History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 23

Author: McIntosh, W. H. cn; Everts, Ensign, and Everts, Philadelphia, pub Publication date: 1877 Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Ensign and Everts Number of Pages: 976

Author: McIntosh, W. H. cn; Everts, Ensign, and Everts, Philadelphia, pub
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Ensign and Everts
Number of Pages: 976