USA > New York > Monroe County > History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences > Part 24
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At two A.M., May 2, the regiment marched past Chancellorsville .- a single brick house,-and soon the whole corr were busied in felling trees and throwing up works. At five P.M. a crash of' musketry and a continued cheer announced the charge of Stonewall Jackson upon Howard's Eleventh corps. Unsuspecting their danger, the men had thrown up light pits, fronting southward. when from their right rear the gray masses were seen advancing. The corps was routed. The Third corps was rapidly thrown in front of the enemy, while the Filth was ordered forward to sustain them. The One Hundred and Fortieth was double- quicked through woods, and drawn up in rear of a battery, which fired a few shots. There was no response. and the battery withdrew. The regiment moved at two A.M., and was stationed along the edge of an open field, and lay down with orders to charge with the bayonet, without firing a shot, if an enemy should ap- pear. Morning came, and the men threw op works and built abattis. The corps of Sickles held their grantul unaided, repelled each rebel alvance, and captured a large number of prisoners.
On May 4 the pickets kept up a constant fire, while the regiment awaited an
attack. Their loss was two killed and eleven wounded. Colutiel O'Rourke w.13 personally complimented by General Hooker for his owo conduct und that of the regiment in this action. The movement by Hocker was a costly and disgraceful failure. but the troops bore np proudly, and, recrossing the river, took their way to the old camp-ground at Falmouth, but not to remain Lee marched his arty northward, and the old Potomac army followed rapidly. The One Hundred and Fortieth left camp at night, June 13, and marched till three A.M. next day. Their route lay through woods, across lots, and, at times, upon roads. till Hanov. r Court-House was reached and a few hours' rest taken, and then a march uf' twenty- five miles to Weavertown, where they arrived at sunset, wearied and dust-covered.
On the ltith a long, trying march began at six A.M. By two P.M. this per- severing regiment had reached Manassas Junction. A halt was made. and !!.. strugglers, weary and foot-sore, mostly got in before the march was resumed. The army marched to cover Washington, and found Lee headed northward. Tre encounter began July 1, at Gettysburg. On the 2d the One Hundred and Fortieth was hotly engaged, and lost heavily. Colonel O'Rorke fell at the head of the regiment while holding and waving the colors, struck by a sharpshooter's bul t. Capt tins Sibley, Starks, and Speir, and Lieutenants Klein and MeGiriw T.re wounded. The loss in the regiment up to the night of July 4. in killed, wound-1. and missing, was one hundred and ninety. Out of seventy men of the wii Thirteenth whe, on the discharge of that regiment, had on November 10, 1-62. joined the One Hundred and Fortieth, eighteen were killed and twenty wounded.
Following this battle, long and weary marches were made, desperate encounters had, and many a brave man hurried to his death. Promotions filled vacancies. until of the original staff which took the regiment from Rochester not one remained. Able and meritorious men filled their places. After marching autoss the Rappahannock and Rapidan, and countermarching, the regiment settled down for the winter at Warrenton Jnuction. Loy shanties, cach with a good fireplace. were built, and, with the light duty of guarding a part of the railroad, time Duex-l pleasantly.
On January 7, 1864, the brigade was changed to zouares, and donned their new, handsome uniform with pleasure. The cloth was of good quality; in color. a dark blue trimmed with red. The pants were bag-style, gathered at the waist and knees. Leather and cloth leggings inclosed the limb from knee to ankle. There was a short jacket, representing jacket and vest, with red trimmings. 1 blue, red-bound sash was about the waist, and caps were red, with blue tassel an I white torban. The camp put on the appearance of a city. Streets were graded and ditched. Each log hut was uniformn in size with its neighbor, and upon each door was a number and the names of those within. On February 11 three min- isters of the Christian Commission put up a tent, and held religious service each evening and every Sunday. Many soldiers attended, and much religious matter was distributed to them.
In May the army had fuund a leader, and once more, and for the last time. began its march upon Richmond. The Rapidan was crossed. and the enemy encountered in the second growth of pines denominated " the Wilderness." On Thursday afternoon, May 5. the One Hundred and Fortieth charged upon the enemy over an open field from one-fourth to a half-mile wide. In a pieve vi woods ou the farther side was the enemy, behind strong breastworks. As the zouaves advanced in gallant style they were received with a galling fire. bet pushed en elose upon the rebel front withinut faltering. The fire redoublel. and became terrific. For twenty minutes the comhat lasted, when columos of the enemy were thrown upon cach flank, and extended far to their rear, threatening capture or annihilation. The few left to contend with so many fell back. when nearly surrounded. The loss to the regiment was twenty-two killed, one hun.itt-i and forty-four wounded, and one hundred and two missing,-a total of two hun- dred and sixty-eight. At eight p.M., May 7, the One Hundred and Furtieth ort out and marched all night to the left, reaching Spottsylvania at six A.M. ut th- next day. They were immediately seut into action, and, alone, charged a hul. beliird which lay a body of the enemy. These were driven abent half a mix. when a hot fire was opened in front and upon the right. Colonel George Ryan. who had been commissioned August 10, 1863. fell mortally wouwled. Major Milo L. Starks, commissioned November 10, 1863, received a death-shot through the head, and Captain John Buckley, acting adjutant, had his right leg bruk. :. He crawled to a rail fence, bandaged his limb with a handkerchief, pulled li- hat over his fic, and lay quiet till one of the men, discovering him, caronad him on his back to a place of security. In this action the les was eight killed. titty- two wounded, and five missing. Total, sixty-tive. The loss in the two hatt! . was thirty killed, one hundred and ninety-six wounded, and one hundred and even missing. *
" Days of danger, nights of waking." Constant on the battle field, the hardy aurvivors sustained the honor of their organization and of their country. as the columns moved from right to left and. crossing the James, environed l'eter-burg.
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The Fifth corps reached a position within two miles of the city at cleven P.M. The Fourteenth was not in the charge next day, uor was the Second division, of which ita brigade was numbered the First.
Winter pissed, and the lines were extended to the south and west under stout noistance. At eight & M . February 5, 1965, camp was left and the line of march taken down the Halifax road, to take part in a movement at Hatcher's run. The Ungsle lay iu line till midnight, when it moved back on the Vaugh road and oc- cupiel a line of breastworks a mile west of the run on the left of the road. Gnome's cavalry was skirmishing heavily with the enemy when, at ane P.M. of the tith, the Fifth corps moved to their support. The One Hundred and Forty-sixth al One Hundred and Fortieth New York were deployed to relieve the cavalry, which advanced to engage the rebel infantry. They were roughly handled, and full Track confusedly, followed by the enemy. The First brigade, led by General Winthrop, was ordered up, encountered the attacking lines, and drove them to wek shelter in the woods. Again an attempt was made to advance over the open field, but was repulsed by the brigade, which particularly distinguished itself, the troops fighting with great bravery and spirit. The One Hundred and Fortieth hut two killed and fourteen wounded. Relieved at ave P.M . the men replenishel their cartridge-boxes and went ou picket, covering the road to Dabusy's mailis.
The march of Sherman had reached Goldsboro', and Grant resolved to win Richmond without his aid. A simultaneous effort was made all along the length- eued line, and Lee, abandoning the defenses, moved rapidly westward.
The pursuit of the Army of Northern Virginia began at one o'clock, March 28, and the regiment marched till ten P.M. On April 1, while the cavalry were dis- mounting and coming up in the woods, the First brigade came into position. Cautiously and silently the troops stole near the enemy, halted briefly to align their ranks, and then, with a long, wild cry, rushed forward upon the flank and wear of the rebels, but fifty yards away. A terrible volley was fired, and the rebels by hundreds, dropping their muskets, threw up their hands, and, 'as prisoners, bruke for the Union lines on a ruu. On April & the men were on the march with tireless step and swinging stride till long after midnight. Each threw him- self on the ground, supperless, to sleep. Aroused at five A.M., and in five min- ntes the column was moving off, leaving many of the regiment asleep. At seven A.M. a halt, a cup of coffee, then on again across lots, heedless of roads. A mile or more in advance was heard a brisk musketry fire. The supply train of the cavalry are seen coming from a piece of woods. Into the woods went the corps, moving by platoons in paratiei columns tor a mile. " we are glad you have come, boys," says a cavalryman. Two regiments of cavalry have been holding two rebel brigades in check all the morning, although driven a mile and a half. Lines of battle were formed through the woods. Cavalry were posted, then forward with fixed hayoocts. Emerging from the woods and from the ridge. the Union battle formation was seen. Over a beautiful, rolling country stretched concentric lines, four in number, at intervals apart of two hundred yards, and extending for miles. Lee was surrounded. Four corps and Sheridin'a cavalry were arrayed, and bat- teries atood ready in position. Upon a fine ridge, a half-mile distant, was seen the rebel lice of works. The skirmish line advances slowly. " Forward!" goes down the lines, and they move steadily on. The artillery is silent. The skir- mishers are close upon the works, when a hasty movement is seen in the rebel lines, as of retreat. From the right comes the command, " Halt !" The lines are perfect and excitement is intense. Another cry comes down the lines, " Lee has surrendered !" A momentary stillness, then hats and caps were flung in the air. There was cheering, crying, singing, and shouting,-a tumult of heartfelt glad- ness. " Forward!" and the advance was made one hundred and fifty to two hun- drel yanls. "Halt! Stack arms!" General Ayres rode up in front of the adres of the One Hundred and Fortieth, and, amid a breathless stillness and with oneutered head, thus spoke: " I have the honor to announce to the army the surrender of General Lee, in accordance with terms now being agreed upon." There were many weary miles between Rochester, in September, 1862, and Appo- nattes, Virginia, April 9, 1865, but all was forgotten in glad vietory.
The return was made to Washington, where the regiment was mustered out of Arvice June 3, 1865, and on the 6th returned to Rochester, under cominand of Culone! William S. Grantsync. It went out a thousand strong, had addition of six to wern hundred recruits, and came back with two hundred and ninety men. The One Hundred and Fortieth took part in seventeen regular hattles, whose full Aclimation demands a volume. An outline we have given far less than their de- MITIng, yet in its veracity most valuable.
CHAPTER XXIX.
THE ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FIRST AND ONE HUNDRED AND EIONITY-EIGHTH NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, AND THE FIFTY-FOURTH NEW YORK NATIONAL OUARD.
THE One Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment was organized at Lockport. It was mustered into United States service on October 22, 1862, for three years. The command lett Lockport, October 23, with ten full companies, making a thousand men, under command of Colonel William Emerson. Company E was raised in Rochester, by Captain Peter Imo, who went with it to the field. The regiment was first engaged in guarding drafted men, at Baltimore, Maryland. They were in barracks upon an elevation commanding a view of the city from its northwest limits, and, in connection with the routine of drill, were, on November 8, guarding the Stewart Mansion hospital. Ordered to western Virginia, camps Were made at various points, and in May, 1863, it lay at Buckhannon. Virginia. For a long period unengaged, its time finally canie, and at Wapping Heights, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Coll Harbor, Petersburg, and Monocacy they bore themselves with credit. The One Hundred and Fifty-first entered the engage- ment at Monocacy, on July 9, 1864, with two hundred and forty muskets. Four days later the regiment had but ninety-two men in line. It had lost twenty-one killed ; the rest were wounded or missing. It was engaged at Opcquan, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek. Edward S. Russell, of Rochester, was commissioned adjutant on January 31, 1865, and Captain John C. Schoen, of Monroe, was killed in action at Cold Harbor, on June 3, 1864. The One Hundred and Fifty- first returned home the last of June, 1865, having been mustered out of United States service on June 20. A hearty greeting was received at Lockport on their arrival. During the last of November, 1864, the companies had been reduced to five, and constituted a battalion. It came back with twenty-one officers and three hundred and eight enlisted men. Company E, under command of Captain George J. Oakes, as well as the entire regiment, were handsomely entertained during their brief sojourn at Rochester, and the mayor briefly addressed the Monroe men at a dinner given them at the Brackett House.
The One Hundred and Eighty-eighth was a one-year regiment, organized at Rochester, and mustered into service in the fall of 1864. It was commanded by Colonel John McMahon, commissioned October 10. It was engaged at Hatcher's Run; to what extent it was otherwise useful we have not been able to ascertain.
The Fifty-fourth Regiment, New York National Guard, was an organization highly deserving of houorable mentinn. From its ranks went scores of officers, whose ability and discharge of duty attested the discipline and character of the organi- zation. On July 16, 1863, the regiment was ordered to New York city. to assist to quell the riots which had resulted in an effort to enforce the draft. The com- mand, under Colonel Clark, left Rochester four hundred strong, and arriving at Albany, were halted, as fears of a disturbance were there prevailing. They re- turned home on the 23d, having received from Eli Perry, mayor of Albany, a testimonial of soldierly good conduct. The capture of thousands of prisoners from the southern army led to the establishment of a prison at Elmira, and the Fifty-fourth was employed as a portion of the guard. There were at one time nine thousand rebel soldiers at this place, and the regiment saw much service. When the war closed the veterans from the front were met by this organization as a guard of honor, and escorted through the streets of the city. Although as a regiment in ne battles, yet the influence of its presence. and the service actually performed by its members, place it among the most meritorious.
CHAPTER XXX.
THE THIRD AND THE SIXTH NEW YORK CAVALRY.
THE Third Regiment New York Cavalry, early known as the " Van Allen Cav- alry," was mustered into United States service during the summer of 1861. The field and staff officers originally were: Colonel, James H. Van Allen; lieutenant-colonel, Simon H. Mix, of Rochester ; major, John Mix ; surgeon, William HI. Palmer ; assistant surgeon, John L. Van Alstyne; and regimental adjutant, Samnel C. Pierce. Five companies of the regiment were from Monroe County. The Third proceeded to Washington, where it was quartered September 6, 1861, two miles north of the city. Two companies were sent to General Banks' headquarters, and a Rochester company, under Captain Charles Fitzsimmons, was detailed as his body-guard. On October 7, 1, C. F. II, and K, under Major Lewis, were in camp at Darnstowu, Maryland. The remaining companies were at Poolesville.
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
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The commandl at Darnstown left the place October 21. and arrived at Edwards ferry, two miles below Bill's Binff, just after the disastrous crossing. The cavalry Were taken a 'nous the river on the 2'50, upon a canil-boat, to rec innoitre, A party of the enemy appeared from the words and attacked the pickets, but were repelled. A portion of a company advanced next day within sight of the rebel camp and received the fire of the pirkets. The command then recrussed the Potomac, and was onlered to join the regiment at Poole ville.
The work of scouting and picket occupied the time during the winter, and early in March, 1862, the regiment set out for Harper's Ferry, eroverel, and pro- ceeded to Berryville. Major Mix, with a battalion, had cotered this place March 7, close on the heels of the rebel cavalry. A charge was made hy part of the regiment during Banks' advance from Winchester which was creditable to the participants. Adjutant George E. Gourand an'l Lieutenant Cheseboro, with a platoon, charged a squad of rebel cavalry at Newtown, pursued them four miles. and made six prisoners. On April 20 the regiment was at Washingt .u, and pro- ceeded thence to Newbern, North Carolina On December 11. General Fuster left Newbern on an expedition looking towards the capture of Guldsboro' and Weldon, and the interruption of milmy! communication on this line. Colonel Ven Allen had resigned April 8, 1802. and Culouel Mix at once succeeded bimo. That officer employed the Third Cavalry to scout the advance and protect the sides of Foster's line of march, and also to protect houses from stragglers along the road. The force moved up the Trent river mad, a distance of ten miles, and halted for the night. The march was resomed at sunrise, and at night the col- umn encamped in line of battle, within eleven miles of Kinston. Colonel Mix's cavalry skirmished all day with the enemy, and clearel the way for advance. At seven o'clock in the morning the march was resumed at slow pace, the enemy ap- pearing in force serco miles from Kinston, at the junction of the Whitehall and maio Kinston roads. Mix's cavalry drove the enemy like chaff, and the infantry. charging, carried the rebel battery. The march was resumed to wirbio three and a half miles of Kinston. At daybreak. next morning, the Third began its ad- vance, feeling their way cautiously op the road for two miles, when the rebel pickets were struck, and driven three-fourths of a mile back upon the rebel breast- works. 'Here were six thousand troops under General Evans. A battle ensued, . and eleven guns and four hundred prisoners were trophies of the contest. Cap- tain Cole, with Company K, charged the enemy at Southeast creek, but was unable to cross, from the bridge being partly uistantled. Siajor Garrard's bat- talion distinguished itself. Captain Jacobs charged, and saved an important bridge, over which the United States forces entered Kinston. In a close contest the Third routed the Second North Carolina cavalry. From Kinston, K was sent down the river to attack a battery planted to prevent the passage of the Union gunboats. Captain Cole found a semicircular work one and a half' miles in extent, and within was a fort containing seven cannon-ao eight-inch columbiad. two thirty two-pound iron quos, and four sis-pound pieces. A guard fled and left the smaller guns loaded and primed. The heavy guns were spiked and their carriages burned. The cavalry took the light guos back with them to Kinston, where they arrived at midnight. Cule was sent with his trophies aod two recap- tured brass guns to Newbero, and on his way took a number of prisoners. On April 18, Companies A and E captured the battle-flag of the Seventh Confederate cavalry, in a gallaot and successful charge against superior numbers. This flag was presented to the regiment by Major-General J. G. Fuster, commander of the Eighteenth army corps, in an order highly laudatory. "as a distinguished mark of the favor aod appreciation in which Colonel Mix's enmmand is held." On May 8 the company of George W. Lewis, which fought at Bull Run as infantry, with the old Thirteenth, and was sub equently transferred to the Third cavalry, us Company K, or a part of it, returne.l home and were mustered out. They were bat thirty-four in number. Ou May 4. Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis, with Companies A, E, F, and G, left Newbern upon a reconnaissance. A bridge at Mill creek, thirteen miles out, had been destroyed. This was rebuilt by three P.M., and the force rule forward to Young's Crossing. eight miles, and thero learned that a company of rebel cavalry were in the vicinity. The night was bright and moon-lit, and pursuit was monde for twelve to fifteen miles. when the rebel camp was seen by the road side. Company E. Captain Stearns, in advance, charged across a narrow bridge, which swn broke down. Those over galloped up to the camp, demanding a surrender; the enemy fired, and turmed to run. The fre was returned, and two men killed. Fourteen prisoners and thirty-six horses were taken, and at daybreak next day Newbern was reached.
May 21, an expedition under Colonel Jones, of the Fifty-eighth l'ennsylvania volunteers, four empanies of the Third under Captun JJacobs, and a howitzer battery, with other trumps, left Newlera. Twoty miles unt a halt was made to build a bridge, which was cromed at une P.M. At daybreak the rebel pirkets were found and driven in. Line way forined, and the breastworks were men ex- tending along the Goldsboro' and Morehead Railroad. Colonel Jones, with part of
the force, had marched during the night to the railroad, followed down toward, the rebel positina, and then struck into the woods. He eut his own way through to the rear of the enemy's first and second lines, between the second and thinl As they came in view they were taken for reinforcements, and the I'ninn force in front received the rebel fire. With a cheer the line advanced, capturing a twche. pound howitzer, its captain aod command, and one hundred and eighty men of the Fifty-sixth North Carolina. The enemy lust fifty killed and woundel. General Garnett narrowly escaped capture. The force, on its return, was closely followed and shelled by a battery. Next day a heavy force under Ransom attackel Jones' camp, shelling his works, aud then charging. The cavalry arrived, and the enemy fell back.
On July 18 Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis embarked a force, in which were Com- panies A, B, and F, of his regiment, and proceeded to Fort. Anderson, where he landed. The column moved forward seventeen miles to Swift creek and encamped. Early next day he proceeded to Greenville, on Tar river, thence to Sparta, and bivouacked till six A.M. of the 20th. Here Major Jacobs, who hul been promoted, June 23, from captain, was detached to Rocky Mount. on the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, with six companies. At evening a train way seen in motion as the advance neared the road. Private White, of A. Thinh cavalry, galluped alongside the locomotive, sprang from his horse and upon the cab. Hle placed his revolver at the head of the engineer, reversed the engine, and brought back the train, on which fifteen of the enemy were found and cap- tured. The main column was rejoined at Tarboro', eight hundred bailes of cotion being destroyed on the way. Sharp skirmishing took place during the day, while public stores were being destroyed. Return was begun, while the rebel cavalry following annoyed the reat.
The idea of a furlongh for thirty days, after a re-enlistment as veterans, was generally carried out during the winter and spring of 1864. Oo Jannary It, 1864, about three hundred men had veteraned. and came home with Colonel Mis. The remainder of the regiment remained at Newport News, under Lieutenant- Colonel Lewis. On May + General Kautz set out from Getty's Station on a great raid, to cut the Weldon and Richmond Railroad. His command consisted of two brigades. The first, under Colonel Mix, embraced the Third New York and the First District of Columbia cavalry. The enemy became apprised of the movement, and placed strong guards at their bridges. A crossing was effected at Wall Bridge, and by dark the cavalry were at Wakefield, on the Norfolk and Petersburg Rail- road, and tore up a loog stretch of track. Next morning Captain Pierce. of the Third, dashed into Lyttleton, and made a capture of wagons loaded with ammint- nition and supplies. At Bellamy's Bridge, over the Nottaway, the enemy were behind rifle-pits on the farther side, and the flooring of the bridge had been taken up. Pierce, with his squadron dismounted, charged across, and drove the enemy into the woods. Repairing the bridge with fence rails, the command cros-ed and moved rapidly to Stony Creek station, aod there defeated the Holeom Legion. At White's Bridge and at Jarrett Station there were desperate encounters. and the destruction of the road at these points delayed the transit of troops going north- ward. Resting at Sussex Court-House, the command headed for City Point. scattering opposition. At dark the Petersburg and Norfolk Railroad was reachel. the track torn up and the bridge burned. City Point was gained May 4. with one hundred and fifty prisoners. The Third lost three killed and seven woundel
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