History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 26

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 26

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The Twenty-first Regiment New York Cavalry was organized at Troy, New Vnrk, to serve three years. Four companies, G. L, M. and H, were from Rochester. The regiment was mustered into United States service during 1863. It was with Sigel in his southern movement up the Shenandoah, and at a later I-riedl with Hunter in his great raid, wherein it performed a gallant part. On the return of Hunter, the Twenty-first followed and harassed Early's raiders, al thereby suffered some loss. On July 13, three hundred of the Twenty-first, aml seventy of the Maryland cavalry. all under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Fitzsimmons, re-captured fifty-two wagons from Early, and burned many mor. The regiment was sharply engaged at A-hby'a Gap, where Colonel Wm. B. Tibbitts was wounded, and a loss sustained of seventy-two men killed, wounded, and missing. At Kernstown, a skirmish took place, and on July 24 a sharp action took place, where the Twenty-first lost thirty-eight men. The regiment Was retained in service until 1866, when it was mustered out by detachments.

The Twenty-second Regiment New York Cavalry was organized at Rochester. to erre three years. It was mustered into service February, 1864, and out on August 1, 1863. Ity record, though brief. is brilliant. Samuel J. Crooks was emmissioned colonel, May 4, 1864. On June 13, the regiment was engaged acne the Chickahinminy for several hours as the advance of the brigade. Lice "a. formel, and the fire of the enemy promptly returned till his withdrawal. The less was thirty killed and wounded. While upon a raid, the Twenty-second Wie eneamped at Ford'a Station ; its four squadrons were placed-two on each side of the road, at an interval. The position had scarcely been taken. when a body of the emmy charged upon the advance squadrons. When within easy carbine mn_r. the men fired, aod checked the onset. When taking the road, they fell I.s. k in the rear of the other squadrons, and showed the same front as previously. The enemy, regarding themselves as victors, charged, were roughly handled, and

withdrew. The Twenty-secoud was brigaded with the Eighth and Fifteenth New York and Third Indiana, as the First brigade, Third Cavalry division. An order issued April 9, 1865, at Appomatox Court-House, by General G. A. Custer, com- inanding, outlines the action of the Twenty-second. in common with their gallant comrades of the division : " During the past six months, although in most instances confronted by superior numbers, you have captured from the enemy, in open battle, one hundred and eleven pieces of field artillery, sixty-five battle-flags, and upwards of ten thousand prisoners of war, including seven general officers. You have never lost a gun, never lost a color, and have never been defeated : aud, notwithstanding numerous engagements in which you have borne a prominent art, including those memorable battles of the Shenandoah. you have captured every piece of artillery which the enemy has dared to open upon you. . . .

. And now, speaking for myself alone, when the war is ended, and the task of the historiaa begins, when those deeds of daring, which have rendered the name and fame of the Third Cavalry division imperishable, are inseribed upon the bright pages of our country's history, I only ask that my name may be written as that of the commander of the Third Cavalry division."

The Twenty-fourth Cavalry was organized at Auburn, for three years, aud mustered into United States service in January, 1864. It was officered by vet- eran soldiers. Its colonel was William C. Raulston ; lieutenant-colonel, Walter C. Newberry ; first major, Melzar Richards ; second major, George G. Wanzer ; adjutant, Richard L. Hill; and quartermaster, Alexander K. Cutler. Company H, Captain Charles E. Martin, and First Lieutenant Edward Pollard, wns recruited in part in Monroe.

The regiment tnoved first to Washington. and encamped near the city till April 29, 1864. The government was unable to supply horses, and the command marched as infantry to Warrenton Junction. Virginia. It was brigaded with the Fourteenth Heavy Artillery, and commanded by Colonel E. G. Marshall. The Twenty-fourth proceeded to Brandy Station, thence to Germania Ford, where the Rapidan was crossed, and next day the men were at the extreme front in the battle-field of the Wilderness, where breastworks were built, and precautions taken against assault. On the night of May 7 they began a march to the left, and nn May II arrived near Spottsylvania Court-House. Colonel Raulston, with his two regiments, nominally cavalry and artillerymen, but really inexperienced infantry, had the duty of holding the extreme lett of the front, and for service rendered received the congratulations of Major-General Burnside. Up to May 20, the regiment had suffered little loss. A battle-roll of fourteen actions shows the ser- vice rendered during a brief period. Finally mounted. they formed part of Sheridan's invincible cavalry, and at the close of the war were consolidated, June 17, 1865, with the Tenth New York as the First New York Provisional Cavalry.

CHAPTER XXXII.

FIRST REGIMENT LIGIIT ARTILLERY, BATTERY L, EIGHTEENTH BATTERY, TWENTY-SIXTH BATTERY, AND ELEVENTH AND FOURTEENTHE HEAVY AR- TILLERY.

THE First Regiment Light Artillery was organized at Elmira to serve three years. It was mustered into service from August 30 to November 19, 1861, and commanded by Colonel Guilford D. Bailey, who was killed on May 31, 1862. at Fair Oaks, Virginia, and succceded by Charles S. Wainwright, who served to the war's close. In this regiment was Battery L, better known as Reynolds' B.it- tery, after its commander John A. Reynolds, composed of Monroe County men and independent in service. We give its history as a distinet organization. The bat- tery proccedled October 8, 1861, to Albany. thence to New York. Philadelphia, and Washington, where guns and horses were supplied and camp formed. In February, 1862, it was ordered to Baltimore. and remained till May 13, when ordered to service, and took part in a reconnaissance on the 28th towards t'harles- ton. A section, under Lieutenant Loder, was engaged with the enemy near that place, and the force was driven by the enemy in turn till reinforced by the Sev- enty-eighth New York and a section under Licutenant Reynolds. The expedi- tion then returned to camp. The battery was assigned to Cooper's brigade, Sigel's division, and with that foree advanced to and beyond Winchester, and cocamped June 10 in a large open field, where it remained till ordered to Kernstown. Re- views, drills, and thorough discipline prepared the organization for the effective service soon to be rendered.

On June 19 the battery set out on the Strasburg mad for Middletown, aod en- camped near that place. The command was here joined by the Fourth and Sixth Maine, new batteries. Again on the march south ward towards the mountains.

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

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Bank with desperate Bghting. L rematuel till endangered, and, withdrawing to the right and rear, began an effective fire. A rebel regiment charged upon the battery, and were driven back amid a storm of canister. With oight cime retreat to Centreville, and thence to Fairfas Court- House, and encamped at Cpton's hill. in sight of Washington, for a day or two, and, as Lee made his way towards Maryland, was the last of the old troops to leave the defenses in poursuit, Again at Middleton, and then to Sonth Mountain and Antietam, where, on September 17, posted on high ground, the battery opened upon a rebel oppment, at one hundred and fifty yards' distance, for an hour and a half. Hooker orderal the battery forward to the left. where an attempt was made in farur battery on the night of a wood, but no position could be found. The rebel infantry. charging upoo the Uniao lines through a coru-field close in front. were stoutly rest-tel. Thompson's battery, from the crest of a slight eminence, hurled canister into the desperate ranks till horse and man were picked off, when the national trinj- began to warer and give ground. The gray lines swept on with wild yells. aud the tide seemed setting in their favor, when, clear and distinct. cine the Cuinu hurrah, as fresh divisions impelled the enemuy back and recovered the ground. Reynolds opened on a virulent battery, and silenced it. Ammunition gave out, and was repleuished frun au abandoned caissoo. A period of rest after the battle. Thirty new men and seventy horses were received, and camp made at Berlin, Maryland.

Varioos marches from point to point followed. Warrentoo. Rappahannock Station, and, on December 8, Falmouth, on the banks of the river opposite Fredericksburg, was reached. On the 12th the battery crossed, aud hurriel fur- ward on a double-quick, weot into battery, and began firing. Nest day the enemy begao a heavy fire, and maintained it. L, supported by the Thirty-third New York, opened fur a brief time, when ordered to the left of the left wing to guard that funk. A hot fire was answered as sharply as possible. with slight lins. till night Retreat followed. and L was soon in its old position, and went into winter quarters till April 18. 1863. Camp at Waugh Point was left ou that day. and at fou: P M. battery was formed on Falmouth Heights, where L remainel till April 29. On May I the battery crossed the river, and took position behind & semicircular line of breastworks with embrasures. At eight ast., May 2. two batteries of ten and twenty poonds' calibre opened at two thousand yards. The cannoniers sprang to their guus and replied. A half-dozen shots, then whiz came a shell, burst, aod a fragment disabled W. S. l'hase, of Palosyra. Crash came a ball into the midst of a lituber team, and two horses fell-shot dead. Thicker aod hotter the iron missiles emme, plugging the earthwork defense and plowing the earth around. A solid shot several the leg of Chark, Carpenter. of Palmyra. broke the legs of two hora, and ricochetted across the river. The duel continuerl for an bour aud a half, L replying with careful aim ; then, moving of a piece at a time, the river was recrossed. At four P.M. line of march was taken to the right wing, and United States Ford was reached at midnight, and the river cruased on a ponton bridge. During the battle of Chaucellorsville in position ou the es- treme right, but not engaged. Covered the retreat and returned to Waugh Puint. On May 9, John A. Reynolds was promoted major and Gilbert HI. Reyoulds commissioned captain. Lee was marching to the Potomac. aod L. reporting tu General Wadsworth. First division, pa-sed through Warrenton and Catlett's Station. and haltel at C'entriville. Leaving here June 17, the march was made north ward to Gettyshurz, where it arrived among the first. The relu.ls attacked and took the place, the battery retiring with the rest of the artsr. Captain Reyoolds was wounded. and fell into the rebel hands ; was not paroleil. aod was retaken. Lieutenant Brech tianwhile rommawulei the battery. Furious attacks were repelled. A uno was lost with all its horses on July 1. Lieutenant Wilber, with a section, was falling back. when the enetuy suddenly opened with a volley of musketry, which killed all sis horses attached to the gun and shot the harse from under Wilber. The enemy were almost within bayonet thrust. and to save the piece was impossible. The battery took position on the right slope of Cemetery Hill, and there remainest on the Set and the cheeky engaged with lwith infantry and artillery, and nearly encircled with a terrifie fire. Desperate chara were made almost to the muzzk . of the guns. A rebel was seen to rush ne to a gun and spike it. A rebel was killed hy stroke of the rammer. aut a basedet thrust was made with like effect upon another. This occurred in a l'entre ylsanta battery. Following the euetny southward, the battery was enrampeil fuly 11 "neor Middletown, Maryland. Various marches followed. till the exmauand reached Rappahannock Station on August 4, and went into camp. A winter campaign was attempted the last of November. The army forowed line of battle at Rodn rt- sou's tavern, and the enemy fall back acnes Mme run-an insightheat stream. As the L'oion lines emne in view. they found their opponents drawn up with In.1] open front, apparently challenging attack. A battle seemed imminent, and I .. with other batteries, began firing. A heavy rain set in, atal, the smoke sbrouding the sight, terwiuated the action. Both sides intrench-]; the rebels heavily

till, reaching Cedar creek, the battery ilruve un a steep hill tuthe left, formued battery, and with eighteen guns in position the three batteries were confident of their ability to hold their ground against attack. The time passel in drill and target practice. On July 3 L set out for Front Royal and encamped on the banks of the Shenandoub. Six days later tents were struck and line of warch taken through Front Royal. Gaines' Crews-roads, on to Washington, the romney seat of Rap.pa- hancock ; thence to the Rappahannock river, ouJaing sixteen mudes iu a forenoon, and on July 11, crossing the streams, a halt for the night was made, and next day found the battery in camp four miles west of Warrenton. Flere the corps uf Books assembled and remained till Avgust 9, when engaged by Jack&m. Rey- Dolds' battery, after various marches, was at Washington l'ourt-House on the 8th, when ordered to march without baggage to Culpepper, where the L'uion troups were being attacked. Fighting was going ou as the battery took position in a large field in line with three others. At dark, L advanced a short way to position on a bill. The tighting was fierce and deadly, and the ground was hotly con- tested. On the 10th of July sharp skirmishing beran carly. The horse stood bitched to the guns while two batteries felt the enemy without re-pouse. Flags of truce were eschanged to care for the wounded Jau tiver, die wand. The bat- tery was held in reserve during the subsequent activo at Cedar Mountain. and fell back with the army at Culpepper. The enemy. evotemplating a move northward. attacked McDowell on the Rappahannock. At noon of August Is the rebel skir- mishers fired upoo the cavalry stationed four miles west of the Rappabannock. There was sharp firing, but the cuemy was busy bringing up his forces. Report- ing to General McDowell. Reynolds' battery was assigned to Duryea's brigade, berein were the One Hundred and Fuurth and One Hundred and Fifth New York volunteers. About eight a.M. of August 19 the rebel guns opened on Crounse's battery of the First New York and silenced it. A section crossed the river au shelled the retiring battery. McDowell in person ordered the bat- tery ready for activo, and seat Patrick's brigade, King's division, into position three-fourths of a tuile from the river. At eleven a. M. the rebel artillery was firing heavily as L was ordered into the field. Away went the battery, the last balf-mile on a lively trut, the enemy's shell fying and bursting all around. Bat- tery was formed in front of Patrick's brigade and one thousand eight hundred yards from the enemy. The men had come upon real work for the first time. From the bi !!- creer the guns were slowly, coolly, and effectively served. and within two and a half hours the opposing battery four times ceased fring and changed positiun. Two sections now advanced. formed battery in an open feld. and drove the rebels across the river. An advance by the rebel skirmish line was greeted with canister. and checked. Night care. and the battery, remaining in position till four Friday morning, was relieved and fell back to rust. Scarcely bad this beco done wben a heavy cannonade opened, and the battery was recalled to its previous position. On August 21 the catups were aroused at three .L.M. by reported rebel crossing. About eight A.M. a battery entered a wheat-tield across the river in front. L opened upon and silenced it. and then did the same for a battery a mile to the left, partially concealed by some hay-sta.ks. General Double- day aimed the gun in several instances with good effvet. The demonstrations uf the enemy reudered a retreat essential. L retirel to Warrenton nest dar aud lay there till August 26, when it set out towards White Sulphur Springs. The sound of cannon quickeued the march; arrived near the dell. aud the hasty prepara- tions for battle were made. while appearance indicated the advance of an army. Skirmishers were deplayed right aod frout, and musketry soon opened. Sharper and yet heavier became the multitudinous crackle of int'intry fre, and the crash of twenty-four canton increased the terrific dio. L was ordered forward and took position apon a hill-crest. The U'nion infantry drove the enemy, and from the ridges beyond the river the artillery opened a heavy fire. L formed in hat- tery, and alune answered the tire of eight to ten piercy for five to seven hours. Against great odds the men fired steadily and with effect until night. Nest day the lines had fallen back, and early on the 25th L marched with the First division for Manassis Junction.

Near Bull Run the enemy were found in furce. It was decided to attack. Lieutenant Reynolds opened with a sectivo, aul drew the fire of an entire battery. The other sections took part, aod several batteries heartily responded. The rebel guns were too many, and the battery litubered up and left. About midnight the division made a detour and reached the junction. All next day the swvad Bull Ruo battle raguel, and I stood idly looking on. On the morning of August :10 all was ominously quiet. About three P.st. the battle was renewed ; I was posted in the centre, upon a rise near an orchard. with batteries open the right and hett. B.hin'l a railroad rrubankident, a male aud three-partero cji-tant, the em miy was proud. A Federal battery in front ofa nord, and von weber batteries were engaged. Suddenly shells and shot, thick and fast, vame trum the rebel right, and the l'uion batteries, as if panie-stricken, limbered up and retreated. Dne battery was ordered back, aud reopened. The rebel ialsotry advanced, and turned the U'nivo left

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Cannon were thickly planted, but finally the atteinpt was abandoned. and the army retired. On December + L was at Kelly's Furl, and finally went into winter ·juunters.

Reynolds' battery was prevent, but not engaged, at the Wilderness. On May 7, at eight P.M., moved eastward towards Spottsylvania, with Gridhu's division, Fifth army corps, in advance; engaged the enemy within two and a half miles of the villages, aided to repel a charge, and contended with a reb.1 battery. Ilutly en- paged on May 12, and acquitted itself with credit. Reached the North Anna ou the afternoon of the 23d, and opened on a body of infantry driving vur line. An evidence of the severity of the fight, it is stated that among the troops being Jriven was the Iron brigade. Aided by L and other batteries. the men turned at bay and the rebels were driven in turn. The battery was engaged in the various actions moving to the left and south, and August 21 aided in resisting au st- weinpt to drive the Union troops from the Wellon Railroad. Assigned to the Ninth army corps, the battery was distributed along the lines at Petersburg, and when the place fell into our hands L was placed in the artillery reserve. The battery reached Rochester June 20, 1565, with one hundred and thirty-seven men, and was mustered out un the 17th following.

The Eighteenth Battery Light Artillery, designated as " Mack's Battery," was raised nud organized at Rochester to go out with the One Hundred and Eighth. The company, numbering one hundred and forty men, were retained for months in camp, and finally departed on November 13, 1862. for New York. to join the Texas expedition under General Buks. Having put to sea on the transport " Illinois," orders were opened and their destination was found to be Ship Island, which was reached December 12, and thence the battery proceeded to New Orleans. In the movement upon Bisland and in the siege of Port Hudson, the bai.dry took part, and at the latter place encountered the fire of heavy siege guns. On the surrender of Port Hudson, the Eighteenth moved to New Orleans. It was occupied in various expeditions, and on May 3, 1504. was wartily engaged at Clinton, thirty-five miles from Baton Rouge, Louisiana The battery took part in the attack upon the forts at Mobile. and reached the vicinity of Spanish Fort at seven P.M. of March 20, 1865. On April 1 the command entered works seven hundred and fifty yards from the main fort, engaged the enemy's guns during two days, and at half-past five p.M., April +, a general bombardment took place. Four days of quiet, and at five P.M. of the Sth the guns again opened, and st half-past eleven P.M. the enemy were found to be evacuating. L'pou the cap- ture of the works, the Eighteenth was placed temporarily in Fort Blakely. The battery returned with one hundred and thirty-one men, and was mustered out July 20. The command was then employed in the southwest. and performed efficient service. The following is the record of actions : Pattersonville, April 12, 1863; Bisland, April 13; Comite Bridge, May 3, 1864; Port Hudson, May 24 to July 8; and et Mobile, March 27 to April 8, 1965.

The Ticenty-sixth Battery Light Artillery Was organized in Rochester, and mustered into the service of the government on February 25, 1803. It was originally commanded by J. Warren Barnes. George W. Fox, who was com- mixsinned second lieutenant December 24, 1802. by resignation of superiors, was promoted to first lieutenant and captain. and as such mustered out with the battery on September 12, 1805. The battery was ordered to the far sooth, and served in the expeditions under Banks in the southeast. and was engaged at Cane river and at Avoyelles Prairie.

The Eleventh Artillery, Colonel W. B. Barnes, was recruited at Rochester as beary artillery. The idea of service in the forts of Washington to relieve the infantry there stationed was very popular, and a number of large regiments thus raised made excellent infantry during the final campaign of the war. On June 16, 1863, Lee was known to have invaded Pennsylvania, and every available soldier was put in requisition. The Eleventh was ordered to proceed at once to Harris- bury and report to General Couch. The prospect was not relished, yet the cum- manel was consolidated into four companies, and. setting out for Harrisburg, it Trached its destination on June 25, and next morning started fur Curiisle. where a fight seemed imminent. Returning to the State capital, they relily engaged in work npon the trenches and in preparations for the defense of the place. Ordered to New York, they were distributel in the several harbor forts, and when the riots broke out Culonel Barnes tendered their services to General Woul, who directed him to pick a company of old soldiers from the regiment, arm them as infantry, and go to the city. Sixty men were » lected and led into the rotous dis- trinta. Several encounters were had with the mob without the loss of a man. By a special order of the War Department. the regiment was transferred to the Fourth Brzinu nt Artill-ry, New York volunteers, as its third battalion, on July 25 1943. William Church, the captain, was transferred om Octuiner 16, 1863, atl wonuni -- toned March 30, 1561.

The battalion was sent to Washington, and plwwl to garrison Fort Ethan Al- In, une ut' the defensive works on the south side of the Potomac. Here they

quietly remained till the spring of 1864. On the evening of March 26 march. ing orders were received, and next day. at half-past nine A.M , the Fourth liegi- ment left the furt two thousand four hundred strong, and in three hours bad marched twelve miles; went on board the cars at Alexandria, and were conveyed to Brandy Station. The regiment tuuk a prominent part in the battles of the Wilderness, Spettsylvania, North Auna, Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Decp Bottom, and Reams' Station. At the close of the day, May 6, the enemy massed on the Union right rear, and under cover of night moved upon the lines, which wavered and fell back in the campaign with slight loss. The break occurred close to the supply trains, guar led by a company of the Fourth. A battalion was ordered up, and engaged with spirit.

General Meude, by special order, said of the brigade, "The gallant manner in which this command, the greater part for the first time under fire, met and checked the persistent attacks of a corps of the enemy, led by one of their ablest generals, justifies the commanding general in the special commendation of troops who henceforward will be relied upon as were the tried veterans of the Second atul Fifth corps. at the same time engaged."

This prompt acknowledgment was well timed, and the losses of the regiment in the almost coustant cocounters from May 4 to June 17 indicate the severity of the orde.il and the stanch courage of the men. There were killed during the interval named seventeen men; wounded, one hundred and six ; and missing but twenty-foot.

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History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 26

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