History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 25

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

USA > New York > Monroe County > History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences > Part 25

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On June 13 Kautz's division, supported by infantry. advanced upon Petersburg skirmishing with and driving the rebel cavalry within their works. The command moved to the left, to the line of the Petersburg and Norfalk Railroadl. and en- conotered the outer works a mile away. A section of artillery was put in battery and opened, while the Third New York and Fifth Pennsylvania, under Colonel S. H. Mix, were onlered to charge opon a battery nf six guns. The gallant colonel fell, mortally wounded, while swinging his hat and calling. " Come on. men"' The severity of the rebel fire prevented his removal, and he fell into the hands of the encury.

On June 29 a sharp action took place at Reams' Station. The Third lost quite bewvily. Following this event the command went into camp at Bermuda Hundrel. At the close of the war, the regiment was, on July 21, 1865, consolidated with the First Mounted Rifles, and designated the " Fourth Provisional Cavalry."

The Sixth Curutry, "Second Ira Harris Guard," was a three-year' recipient, organized at New York city. It contained a number of Montoe men. The companies were inustered into service at varinas dates from September 12 to Be- cember 19, 1861. The first colonel was Thomas C. Devin, who was promoted to brigadier genend in March, 1865. Lieutenant-enionel. Duncan Me Vicar. killed April 30, 1802, in action near Spotsylvania Court-House, Virginia. Maur. James B. Darley, John Carwariline, and Floyd Clarkson ; regimental adjutant. John J. M.in, who was commissioned July 12, 1864, and killed in activo acar Strasburg, Virginia, October 19, 1864.

On being mustered into service the regiment went into enmp at York, Fennsyl-

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

vania. It was ordered to take part in Me Dowell's advance on Fredericksburg, and took the lead un April 17, 1862. Twelve miles beyowl Catlett > Station a rebel force was charged and sixteen prisoners taken. The Sixth bivouarked in the vacated camp of the enemy after a march of twenty-sis miles. The enemy were annoyed during the night, and in the morning gallantly charged by the Sixth. led by Colonel Kilpatrick. Although behind a barricade across the road, the rebels were driven with loss.

The commandI moved forward and foreed the enemy across the Rappahannock, to the heights beyond. Two of the three bridges were destroyed by them on sheir retreat.

On May 17 two companies, under Major Clarkson, were at White House, Vir- pinia. To merely note the actions in which the regiment bore part is Do incon- -ilerable history. When Lee moved into Maryland, in the fall of 1862, the Sixth did essential service at South Mountain. Colonel Devin, with seven companies. commanded the Harper's Ferry road, while Major farwardine, with the remain- ing five, held the enemy in check at Antietam. September 16, Colonel Devin was undered to develop the enemy in front. He crossed the stone bridge on the Sharps- burg turnpike, threw skirmishers to the front, ascertained the rebel position, and tutired under a heavy fire of shells and bullets, from a battery on the left of the pike, and from infantry in front. The command moved from the ground with a precision and coolness as if on parade.

On the advance of Burnside's corps to Frederick, as it had been the rear guard of Pope when retiring from the Rappahannock, the Sixth occupied a post of honor, and in the action at South Mountain was support for Campbell's battery.

At eleven at night, October 21, the call "to horse" was sounded in the camp of the Sixth, and it way soon on its way to Harper's Ferry. The bridges over the Potomac and Shenandoah were crossed, and the regiment joined a brigade of infantry and a battery, all under General Geary. and set out on a scout. The Sixth reached Waterford, and charged through the town. The infantry, battery, and two companies of the cavalry halted, whde the rest of the cavalry proceeded on towards Lovettsville. At a distance of four miles a rebel force was found drawa up in line. These were charged by Lieutenant Ellerheck and completely Nmuted. The command then returned to Harper's Ferry.

"From an instance all may be judged. Oo May 3 the regiment left Louisa Court-Hlvuse and reached the Fredericksburg Railroad at daybreak, May 4, burned the depot, and tore up the track for several miles. Crossing to Brock pike, rebel pickets were struck and driven in upon a battery, which was forced to return to within two miles of Richmond. Lieutenant Brunn, aid to General Winder, and eleven men, were captured inside the fortitication. The troops passed to the left of the Meadow bridge, on the Chickahomioy, tan a train into the river. and re- tindl to Hanover Bar, on the Peninsula; crossed and destroyed the ferry just in time to check the advance of' pursuing cavalry ; burned a train of thirty wagons loaded with bacon, captured a number of the enemy, and camped five miles from the river. Marched at one A.M. of the 5th to Catlett's Station. surprised three hundred cavalry, capturing two officers and thirty-three men, burned the depot and twenty thousand bushels of grain. Crossed the Mattapony, again destroying a ferry in time to check pursuit, and late at night destroyed a third train and lepot a few miles above and west of the Rappahannock. Thence a forced march ww made of twenty miles, while behind came a superior force in hot pursuit. At sunset the advance discovered a body of cavalry drawn up in line at King and Quiren Court-House. Advancing to attack, the force was found to be Union cavalry, and the Sixth, passing ou, found itself by ten A.st. of the 7th within the lines at Gloucester Point. Kilpatrick spoke in highest terms to his superior, tieneral Stoneman, of the gallant conduct of the regiment. Their battle roll re- ords the names of twenty-three actions, including the most decisive and san- quinary of the war, and the tiles of the press contain frequent notices of important wrvice rendered by them. The original members were discharged on expiration "f period of service, while veterans and recruits were retained, and, on June 17, 1x65, consolidated with the Fifteenth New York cavalry, as the Second New York provisional cavalry.

CHAPTER XXXI.

THE RIGHTS NEW YORK VOLUNTEER CAVALRY, WITH SKETCHES OF THE TWENTY-FIRST, TWENTY-SECOND, AND TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENTS.

THE Eighth Regiment New York Curatry was organized in the city of Rochester in the fall of 1561, under Colonel Samuel J. Crooks, to serve for three years. Among officers were Lieutenant-Colonel Charles R. Babbitt, Majors William L. Maarkoll and William 11. Bujamin. Regimenta! Adjutant Albert L. Ford, and Ch ychin John 1. Van Ingen.

The regunent was ordered to Washington, and went into winter quarters at Camp Sel:lon, and engaged in drill and camp routine. The men had enlisted to serve as cavalry, but for nearly a year were not mounted. They were called upon to do duty as infantry, but su strongly opposed this measure that they were re- quired but once to bear muskets. This was tu picket along the canal from Huur- per's Ferry to Washington. Shortly after this they were furnished with Hall's carbine, an inefficient weapon, and sent in the spring to General Banks, in the valley of the Shenandoah. The regiment was posted along the Winchester aad Potomac Railroad upon guard duty, when. on the morning of May 24. companies A, C, D, H, and I were ordered to Winchester to relieve the Sixteenth Maine. Four companies went by rail, I being left behind, and reached Winchester at three P.M. A was placed on picket. Reveille was blown at daybreak, and the line was formed at half-past six. The enemy came on with superior numbers. plying cannon and musket, while our men surged indiscriminately to the rear. The Eighth moved forward at half-past seven, and beheld troops of all arms rushing by. B.ills whistled past. Finally the rebels appeared at a block's dis- tance, and the order was given tu retire. A battery planted in their vacated position gave the regiment its first experience in shelling. Lieutenant-Colonel Babbitt withdrew, the last foree to leave Winchester, and as he came from the town the danger was most threatening. A battery opened at twenty ruds' distance, whilo the gray ranks were seen advancing upon the right as well as rear. A double-quick was taken for a distance, when a halt was caused from a disabled field-piece blocking the road. The men then bruke ranks and scattered. A num- ber were captured. Part took to the woods paralle! to the road and reached Bolivar Heights at midnight; others took to the Blue Ridge mountains, but found their way back. Colonel Crooks had resigned in February, and Benjamin F. Davis, a captain in the regular army, had been commissioned June 7 to com- mand the regiment. In July the Eighth was stationed at the Relay House, be- tween Washington and Baltimore. The colonel soon had his men equipped, mounted, and weil disciplined, and hardly recognizable as the straggling baud chat fled to Harper's Ferry before Jackson. Recruiting had been actively carried on at home, and by September 9 full six hundred men had joined the regiment.

About September Il the Eighth were surrounded by Jackson's force at Har- per's Ferry. A dereand to surrender was made by Jackson of Colonel Miles, the commander of the Ferry, and as it was seen that the place could not be held, Colonel Davis asked the privilege of making his escape with his regiment. Ile was refused permission. On the night of the 14th he called his oficery together. and told them of his intention. At midnight he led them across the ponton bridge, and as soon as the Maryland bank was reached, the colummu dashed on at a break-neck pace over the rocky roads of the Blue Ridge mountains, passing di- rectly through the centre of the army environing Harper's Ferry, and. in the darkness, regarded in the camp as rebel cavalry. At daylight they came upon Longstreet's ammunition-train on its way to Antietam, captured it, and turucd in the direction of Greencastle, where the regiment arrived about noon uf the 15th, and fuund Mcclellan advancing towards Antietam. In the afternoon of the 17th. the regiment was engaged until night. The Eighth followed the retreating arniy. and harassed their rear. A few days' rest was taken at llagerstown. Maryland, and October I the rebel army was pursued up the Shenandoah towards the Rappa- hannock.

An encounter took place at Snicker's Gap, Virginia, wherein a loss of men and horses was sustained. After this, in rapid succession. came the engagements of Philemont, Union, Upperville, Barber's Cross-Roads, and Amosville. The last named was the final action of the year 1862, and took place November ;. The weather had grown cold, the men were tentless. and camp way imperative. The regiment went into camp at Belle Plain, where supplies were furnished, tents and clothing drawn, and a rest enjoyed. Picket duty was performed along the Rappahannock until after the battle of Fredericksburg, when the command was ordered to Stafford Court-House, where winter quarters were built and occupied until April 13, 1863. During winter a regular routine of picket and patrol duty was performed. On February 21 three squadrons, including three new companies, came to Dumfries, and camped four miles west of the place. The region was wild and sparsely settled, covered with a scrubby growth of pines, and infested with bushwhackers well acquainted with the ground. The cavalry picketed for a distance of six or eight miles, and foraged on the people. Ou March 2 a foraging party was attacked, and two men captured. A more serious attack soon followed, involving a loss of sixteen men and twenty hurses. Actions took plico at Free- man's ford, April 14, and at Rapi-lan bridge, May 4. A prominent part w.Ls taken at Chancellersville, under Pleasanton. and heavy loss incurred. On June S the regiment marched towards Beverly Ford, which was reached at midnight. At daybreak the Eighth, in advance of the division and favored by a thick toz. dashed across the river. The foremost squadrons received a sharp volley from the rifle-pits. A L.dl struck Lieutenant Cutter, of Company B, killing him instantly

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

The piekets Aed to the main camp, whuse forre was sonn in position. The Fightb advanced in coluinn of four for a quarter of a mile, when a fire was received from skirmishers in the woods on each side of the road. while down the road were seen a force of cavalry in line and a battery in position, awaiting the order to open. Line could not be formed, and the regiment fell back to the rear of the Eighth Dlinois, and rallying, re-formed. While leading his men. Colonel Davis was killed. A rebel soldier from behind a tree had fired two shots from a resolver without effect; the third was fat.il. Adjutant Parons, wheeling bis horse, by a right cut with his sabre cleft the soldier's headl. The action continued till late at night. The regiment recrossed the river, having lost ten killed and eighteen wounded. Lee began his invasion of Pennsylvania, and close upon his columus came the division of cavalry which included the Eighth regiment. Cutlett Station was left un June 15, and halted a night on the Bull Run field. Aldie was reached just as a fight between the First division and the command of Fitzhugh Lee ended. The Eighth picketed the ground, and then moved on to Middleburg. The enemy were found in force, and the Eighth were drawn up on the extreme right in support of . battery. The enemy suffered severe loss, and were driven eight to ten miles. Aldie was left June 26, and next morning the Potomac was crossed at Edwards' Ferry. The column passed through Middleton, and camjed June 29 beyond South Mountain. Next morning the cavalry started for Emmittsburg, Maryland. Scarcely halting, they rode on towards Gettysburg, through which they pushed rapidly. The division halted near the seminary for an hour, while Companies H and M were sent on picket eight miles out. On July 1 these cavalrymen fell back to within two or three miles of trettysburg. and posted pickets on the various roads. The Eighth cavalry was the first to tire a gun in the battle of Gettysburg. They fought partly on horseback and partly on foot, and charged the enemy boldly, to enable our infaotry to form line of battle. It is claimed that to their contage was owing at one time the safety of a corps of infantry. Buferd's division. con- tuining the Eighth, was ordered to discount and fight on foot. The Second and Eleventh corps of infantry were being driven, when Buford received orders " to cover the retreat and expose flanks." He took position on Seminary Hill, and there awaited the onset. The veteran gray ranks came near, and within easy range received the rapid fire of Spencer's seven-shooters. and fell hack. Successive ad- vances met like repulse, and the golden moments were wisely employed. Flanks were turned as the command was forced to fall back to Cemetery Hill.

On July 3, the cavairy marched to Westminster as guard of supply trains. On the next day the route was pursued to and beyond Frederick, and on July 6, the enemy's wagon-train was attacked near Williamsport, and their skimuisbers were driven into the village. The enemy was engaged on the 9th at Boonsboro', the 10th at Funkstown, and on the 14th at Falling Waters. Companies H and ME captured a fine twelve-pound Parrott gun, and turned it on the enemy. Recross- ing the Potomac, a rapid ride was made to Chester's Gap, where the enemy had arrived three hours previously and taken strong position. After a few days of sconting and picketing the division left on the 26th for Beverly Ford, and en- camped within a mile of the river.

On August 1 the rebels were attacked on Brandy Plains, and on the 3d be- came the assailants. A fortnight passed and camp was removed to Bristoe Sta- tion, where a like period was passed.

* On September 13, two squadrons of the Eighth accompanied Buford's division in an advance upon Culpepper. A detachment supported Battery D. Second New York, whose guns were kept up almost upon the line of skirmishers till the enemy turned at bay. A squadron of the Eighth, led by Lieutenant Compson, by order of General Buford charged upon and captured a battery. The Hampton Legion swept down upon the victors and environed them for a brief space. A hand-to- band fight of furious character ensued, and then through the enemy came the squadron at gallop, followed by a shower of balls. The division pushed on to Raccoon Ford, on the Rapidan, skirmishing with and driving the enemy. . En- gagements took place on September 22. at Jack Shop: October 10, at Germania Ford; October 11, at Stevensburg; and for a third time at Branly Plains, on October 13. There wero skirmishes at Oak Hill, October 15; Belton Station, October 26; Muddy Run, November 3; and Locust tirove. November 27. The regiment now went into winter quarters at Chipepper Court-House, remaining there antil the spring of 1964.

On February 6, 1864. Merritt'a division was ent on a reconnuisance across the Rapidan at Barnett's Ford. The Eighth in advance. I and MI dismounted. ad- vanced as skirmishers. The enemy prruntted an advance some distance, then emerging at a double-quick from the woods, drove the men back upon the sup- port, who advanced to their assistance. The cavalry fall back out of range and was reinforced by the entire regiment. Several squadrons on font advanced and drove tho enemy to shelter. Returned next day to camp.

On March U, two hundred men returned to Monroe on a furlough of thirty- Ave days, as re-culisted veterans. Three-fourths of the men who left Rochester

were killed, wounded. captured. or absent without leave. Seven hundred recruits had been received, and of sixteen hundred men, there were ready for duty in the field but six hundred. Thirty-three actions had been fought. There hundred men had beco killed or wounded. Among the killed were Colonel Davis, l'ap- tains B. F. Fuote, H C. Cutler, B. O. Efuer, and C D. Follett, and Lieutenant Reeves and Smith, while Major Elmund M. Pope was held a prisoner. Genert Buford having died, General Wilson was assigned to the Third Cavalry division The division crossed the Rapidan at Germania Ford on May 4. the Fighth in advance. The enemy were encountered next day, and the regiment narrowly escaped capture. The cavalry held the left from Chancellorsville to Frederick burg until the morning of the 9th, when General Sheridan set out on a raid towards Richmond. During the forenoon of May 11, Stuart's and Lee's cavalry charged ou the rear guard, composed of parts of the Third and Tenth New York cavalry. The road lay through a forest, and the advance could render no ail The cuemy were checked by artillery, and finally driven off. Marching nearly all night. the outer defenses of Richmond were reached before daybreak, and several charges made to occupy the enemy while a bridge was being constructed acme the Chickshominy. At two P.M. the column began to cross, and in three hours all were over. Sharp skirmishes occurred June 3 at Hawes' Shop; 13th ai White Oak Swamp; and 15th at Malvern Hill. The command then weut tu Petersburg and engaged in picket duty in the vicinity of Prince George Court- House until called to accompany General Wilson in a raid upon the railroadds leading from Richmond. The Eighth was constantly harassed by the rebel cavalry, whom they met at Nottoway Court-House. June 23, Roanoke Statiou the 25th, and Stony Creek the 28th, on their return. The enemy had plantel himself in a fortified position in heavy force across their way. Wilson fired signal guns, and threw up mekets to call for help from the troops around Petersburg. Aid was sent, but not in time. At night the command was.surrounded. and at day- light the enemy closed in. A portion of the Eighth. under Majore Minore and Compson, were flanked and cut off from their horses and from the command. Resolved not to surrender, the detachment continued four days on a journey to- wards the Union lines. Stumbling upon a rebel camp. its occupants swarmel out, and attacked the hunger- and toil-worn band, capturing five officers and thirty- five men. The rest escaped amid the underbrush and darkness. The band pro- ceeded on, despairingly, with thoughts of southern prisoca, when a mounted trooper rode up, and joyfully the party arrived once more in camp at City Point. Rested and recruited, the Eighth were present and under fire nearly all day, Au- gust 16. in the action at Winchester, and engaged the cavalry of the enemy at Kurneystown, August 25; nt Occoquan Creek. September 19; Front Royal, September 21 ; Milford, September 23; Fisher's Hill, September 30; and Jones' Brook, October 9. On the morning of October 19, one month since the Win- chester battle, the enemy rapidly and stealthily advanced, made a detour of the Union works, and at daylight attacked the Eighth and Nineteenth army corps. All efforts to form were futile; they had Do time. The compact lines bore down all opposition.

General Custer, commaoding the Third division, attempted to check the retreat in vain, and pushing on to the extreme left. formed line of battle and delayed the enemy. General Sheridan arrived and restored order and confidence. The di- vision formed on the right and took a prominent part in the ensuing action, aa is evidenced by the following extract from a congratulatory order issued Octohet 21, 1864, by General Custer to his division : " Transferred from the right flank to the extreme left, you materially and successfully assisted in defeating the enemy in his attempt to turn the flank of our army. Again ordered on the right Alank. you attacked and defeated n division of' the enemy's cavalry, driving him in con- fusion across Cedar creek. Then, changing your front to the left at a gallop. you charged and turned the left flank of the enemy's line of battle, and pursued ins broken and demoralized army a distance of five miles. Night alone put an end to your puranit. Atuong the substantial fruits of this great victory, you can boa-t of having captured five hattle-Al:s. a large number of prisoners, including Major- General Ramseur, and forty-five of the forty-eight pieces of artillery taken from the enemy that day, thus making fifty-one pieces of artillery which you have cap tured from the enemy within the short period of ten days. This is a record of which you may well be proud,-a record won and established by your gullantry and perseverance."

The regiment, which had gone into winter quarters near Winchester. was sud- deuly attacked, on November 12. by Rosser's cavalry, who charged the pik." directly into camp. Within five minutes from the first shot, hors,4 were .1del d. mounted, and the line formed, and within another five minutes the enemy were met and held at bay, until. other regiments arriving, the scales were agaia mirm.t. and the enemy was driven to wek safety south of Cedar creek. The rezult nt made a march up the valley during December ; on the last day of 1861 they were again attacked at Lacy Springs, and a hand-to-hand fight ensued. More men

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

w.te wounded in this action by sabre stroke than at any other time in the term of menit. The weather was very cold, and there was much suffering before camp was ngained.

Early on the morning of February 27, 1865. the division marched south ward tru Winchester, passed through Staunton, then turning to the left moved upon Wwsuestru', where. on March 2. General Early was found with infantry behind breastworks The Eighth being on the advance of Custer's command, was wphered to charge, together with the Twenty-secund cavalry. upon this position. Major Compoon, in command of the Eighth. placed a battalion of the Twenty- www.nul on each wing, and his own regiment up on the road in the centre. He then Pues Sergraut Kehve, with the regimental flag, presented hy Rochester friends, ty his side, and, saying, "Sergeant, we'll lose the flag this time or bring more da: bsek along with os !" gave the command to charge, and galloped furiously f .. rward. Twice the rebel cannon were discharged, when over them rude the Inw.pers and captured the works. It was a slight loss. Sergeant Carr killed and twenty men wounded, compared to the magnificent results,-ten battle-flags, six guns and caissons, and thirteen hundred prisoners. It is said that Early nar- nowly escaped capture, bis horse having been shot by Major Compson. Soon after this action Major Compson was detailed by General Sheridan as a bearer of dispatches to the Secretary of War, taking with him seventeen battle-flags, ten of which had been captured by the Eighth cavalry.

The Eighth cavalry was ordered to Rumpuss Station, and fell in with Morgan's command of equal numbers, and routed them after a sharp fight. The property at the station was destroyed, and the regiment proceeded to White House Land- ing, and thence to Petersburg. Sheridan, followed by three corps of infantry, now met out for the right flank of the enemy at Petersburg. Colonel Wells, in com- mand of the brigade to which the Eighth was attached, was ordered, on April 1, to charge upon works three miles west of Dinwiddie Court-House. The Eighth, led by Major Bliss, routed the enemy and captured many prisoners, although at the loss of the color-bearer aod a large number of killed and wounded. Sheriden followed hard after the retiring army. engaging them at every opportunity, till April 8, when a rapid detour was made from the left flank, and the advance gained at Appomattox station. The line was held till the infantry closed around, when a flag of truce was received by the Eighth cavalry. which was on the skir- mish line, at four P.M., April 9, and the surrender of the Army of Northern Vir- Finis was soon consummated. The cavalry returned to Petersburg. and thence marched to Washington and took part in the grand review of May 22. It arrived in Rochester on June 28, under command of Colonel Edmund MI. Pope. Of nine hundred and forty men, who went away in 1861, one hundred and ninety came back. In the ranks came eight hundred and fifty men. The battle-flag bore the names of sixty-four actions. Among the slain were one colonel. eleven captains. two lieutenants, and one color-bearer. The organization was disbanded July 3. and entered once more upon peaceful pursuits; the troopers of the Shenandoah are merged among the citizens, as active and industrious in business as they had leen brave and untiring upon the battle-field and midnight foray.

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History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 25

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