History of Ontario Co., New York, Part 36

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The last engagement of the Eighty-fifth closed their career in victory. The battles of March 8 and 10, near Kinston, North Carolina, under General Scho- field, wherein some of the regiment engaged while yet but a week from having been exchanged, is thus recounted. On the 9th of March the enemy were seen preparing to attack, and the regiment, with bayonet, cup, and plate, hurried to fortify its position. Late in the day the skirmish line was assailed, but held its ground. The preparations on the morning of the 10th betokened serious work. The men were drawn up behind works built during the night, in four ranks: the front line to fire, the others to load. Artillery took part in the rear, and an ominous silence prevailed; all old soldiers have experienced it,-they know what it means. The position of the Eighty-fifth before Kinston was on the extreme left of an irregular square of rifle-pits in the pine woods. The line, six miles in extent, rested,-the right on the Neuse, the left on the Trent road. The woods in front of the works had been slashed for about eighty yards. At

ten the enemy advanced upon the skirmish line, which fell slowly back to the works. The rebels came close after, in long line, yelling loudly and moving straight forward. At the edge of the slashing the artillery opened with grape and spherical-case, and the hate-inspiring cheers were renewed as the foe came on with a rush. Then came the command, "Steady ! Fire low ; Fire !" and all along the line began a fire of musketry, which, for a time, was constant; the heavier crash of cannon sounded the bass in this murderous war-music: The firing ceased, the smoke lifted, and the enemy who could had fallen back. A ringing Union cheer broke out, and was carried far away to the right. A skirmish line thrown out gathered up about two hundred prisoners, and the wounded were being brought in, when a desperate charge was made on the right and the works entered. A Western division held the line and drove them out again. A charge on the right near by was repulsed, when a rebel section opened with shell a quarter-mile in front. At a call for volunteers to take the guns, Company A responded ; shot all the horses, drove off or killed the gunners, but failed to get the cannon. The rebels left at night, crossed the Neuse, and burned the bridge. Hoke took nine companies at Plymouth, but the tenth helped to whip him at Kinston. The war ended, and the Eighty-fifth, returning to New York, was mustered out June 27, 1865. When, December 3, 1861, it left for Washington, one thousand men marched in its ranks; during the term of service two hundred recruits were received. Its soldiers laid down their lives upon battle-fields, in the swamps of Virginia and North Carolina, and in the prisons of Andersonville, Macon, and Florence, until less than two hundred and eighty officers and men could be found to receive their discharges from the government they loved and served so well.

The Ninety-eighth Regiment .- By December 25 some five hundred men had gone into camp at Lyons, Wayne county, and so many had enlisted from that county that it received the appellation of the Wayne County Regiment. The organization was mustered into the United States service from January 25 to Feb- ruary 8, 1862. The commanding officer was Colonel William Dutton. Two companies of the Ninety-eighth were from Ontario. Lieutenant Adams and Lieutenant Williams each engaged in recruiting service, and were promoted to captaincies. . The regiment was ordered to Washington, where it was placed in the Third brigade of Casey's division. On the 29th of March, 1862, the winter having been passed in the discipline of drill and the routine of the camp, the Ninety-eighth marched to Alexandria, and, on the last of the month, embarked upon the " Elm City" steamer with five companies of the Eighty-fifth, and were conveyed to Fortress Monroe, disembarked, and marched inland, going into camp about five miles from Hampton. Passing over the evacuation of York- town and the battle of Williamsburg, we find the Ninety-eighth crossing the Chickahominy river at Bottom's Bridge, and going into camp three miles beyond. Next morning, in the midst of a steady rain, the First and Third brigades were ordered upon a reconnoissance. A mile and a half northward the skirmishers became engaged, and the troops hastened forward. Near the West Point and Richmond Railroad the artillery wheeled about with pieces ready for action, the infantry was formed directly in the rear, and the men ordered to lie down. A wreath of rich white smoke curled upward from a gap in the woods in front; a boom, a hiss, and a shell burst near General Naglee, in command. Faster and hotter came the shells, leveling trees, tearing up the ground, and mangling the artillery horses. For two hours the Ninety-eighth lay exposed to this fire, and then the force on the left gave way. The Ninety-eighth then heard the command to advance; and this it did with such spirit that the retreating troops at once rallied, turned, and joined in the forward movement. The rebels retreated, leaving on the field sixty-four killed and fourteen wounded. On May 29, Casey's division was located far in advance, in an open field, with woods in front occupied by the enemy in force. Two miles to the rear lay Couch, posted in a line of woods. The masses of the rebel army were rapidly gathered, and at one o'clock, from out the woods in front, the unprepared soldiers saw the long, heavy lines of the enemy advancing. It was an unequal fight, forty thousand against six thousand; and they seeing their first battle, yet for three long hours did this division, unsus- tained, maintain their ground until completely flanked and threatened with anni- hilation; then only did it retire as best it could. The Ninety-eighth might with pride inscribe "Seven Pines" upon their banner, to have been of those who so long withstood the brunt of action with the flower of the rebel army. At White Oak Swamp the regiment fought bravely to check the rebel attempt upon the line of retreat, and with the army fell back to Malvern Hill, and thence once more to Northern Virginia. The command was engaged at Petersburg, Cold Harbor, Chapin's Farm, and in the attack upon Fort Darling. On the expiration of the term of service the non-veterans were mustered out, and the regiment, composed of veterans and recruits, was retained in the army until August 31, 1865, when, in accordance with orders from the war department, the men were mustered out, and once again returned to the pursuits and comforts of civil and peaceful avocations.

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HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY, NEW YORK.

One Hundred and Second Regiment .- The fresh call for troops, and the exi- gency of the country, aroused the sentiment of patriotism in some who had done well their part for a term, and had retired again to their civil life, and with them went others whose going was a dernier ressort to save the land from impending ruin. Among these was Captain M. E. Cornell, who had nobly served from April 19, 1861, a three months' term in the Cleveland Light Artillery, in which he was promoted lieutenant, and given command of a section. Aided by his brothers George and Stephen, a company was recruited, during the winter of 1861-62, from the western part of Ontario and eastern of Livingston county. Early in the spring of 1862, the company entered the service in the One Hundred and Second regiment, Van Buren's Light Infantry, commanded by Colonel Thos. B. Van Buren. The regiment was organized for three years, and the last company was mustered into service in April, 1862.

The regiment was ordered to Virginia, where it was attached to the army corps of General Banks. While the regiment was in the Shenandoah valley, Captain Cornell performed the duties of major. On August 9, the terrible battle of Cedar Mountain was fought, in which the One Hundred and Second took a prominent and active part, having many men killed and wounded. When the army retreated from the Rapidan the regiment proceeded to Washington, where, in the reorganization of troops, the One Hundred and Second formed part of the grand army upon which devolved the task of driving the rebel legions from Maryland soil.

As a part of Franklin's corps, the One Hundred and Second went into the great battle of Antietam. Early in the day the brigade of General Green, to which the One Hundred and Second belonged, was ordered to dislodge a rebel force posted in a piece of woods, from which they were seriously annoying our troops.

The brigade consisted of four regiments, the One Hundred and Second New York, the Third Maryland, and the One Hundred and Ninth and One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania. They advanced until close to the woods, when the rebels poured a deadly volley into their very faces. The whole line was thrown into confusion. Captain Cornell sprang to the front, and exhorted his men to rally and advance. The brigade recovered, and, advancing, drove the enemy through and beyond the woods, and held the ground; but Cornell, struck in the forehead, " foremost fighting, fell." The regiment was engaged at Chancellorsville and Get- tysburg, in the East; and under Grant fought at Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and Ringgold ; and upon the Atlanta campaign, in Hooker's Star Corps, at Resaca, May 15, 1864, Dallas, Altoona, Pine Hill, and in the siege of Atlanta. The final muster-out of veterans and recruits took place upon July 21, 1865.

The One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York Volunteers was recruited in Ontario, Yates, and Seneca counties, and companies for this regiment went into camp at Geneva early in August, 1862. The regiment was organized on August 20, and two days later mustered into the United States service. Of regimental officers from Ontario, there were Colonel E. Sherrill, of Geneva; Lieutenant- Colonel James M. Bull, of Canandaigua; Major W. H. Baird and Sergeant- Major D. C. Farrington, of Geneva.

Company D was recruited in western Ontario. The first enlistment was July 22, and company organization dates August 9. A reward of two hundred dollars for the first company raised in Ontario County for the One Hundred and Twenty- sixth, was paid Company D by H. B. Gibson, of Canandaigua. The original line officers were Captain Philo D. Phillips, Lieutenant Charles A. Richardson, and Lieutenant Spencer F. Lincoln.

Company E was principally raised at Geneva, and was organized August 14, with Henry D. Kipp, captain ; George E. Pritchett, first lieutenant; and John H. Brough, second lieutenant.

Company F was raised but in part in Ontario County. Captain Isaac Shimer recruited a part of the company at Geneva, First Lieutenant Ira Munson, a part in Seneca county, and a third part was raised in western Ontario, by Second Lieutenant Ten Eyck Munson.

Company G was raised throughout the district. Captain John F. Aikins re- cruited in Seneca, Lieutenant Frederick Stewart in Yates, and Lieutenant San- ford H. Platt in Ontario, and organized August 15.

Company H was recruited in eastern Ontario, within the towns of Phelps and Manchester. The first line officers were Captain Orin J. Herendeen, First Lieu- tenant George N. Redfield, Second Lieutenant Alfred R. Clapp.

Company K was enlisted in Ontario. A part were recruited at Canandaigua, by Captain Charles M. Wheeler and First Lieutenant H. Clay Lawrence, and the remainder at Naples, by Second Lieutenant Isaac A. Seamans.

The One Hundred and Twenty-sixth took cars for Baltimore, which was reached August 21, and reported to General Wool, who sent the command to Harper's Ferry for duty and discipline. General Lee having resolved on carrying the war into the north, advanced rapidly in that direction, making Harper's

Ferry an objective point. His plan of operations opportunely fell into McClel- lan's hands, but he failed to prevent such a concentration of the enemy at that point as, in command of an officer like Colonel Miles, with thousands of new troops, brave, but inexperienced, insured its surrender, and the consequent tem- porary loss to the service of what later proved to be the best troops in the service. The indignation felt by the loyal masses against Colonel Miles was great for per- mitting the enemy to occupy Maryland Heights, and a misdirected public opinion threw the blame upon the new Ontario regiment; and it was made to smart under the stigma of cowardice, when it should have been lauded for a bravery and resolution honorable to a veteran regiment.

On September 12, Maryland Heights were held by the Thirty-second Ohio, two companies of the Thirty-ninth New York, and a few Maryland troops, all under command of Colonel Ford, who having heard that a strong force of the enemy, under McLaws and Barksdale, were moving on his position, called for reinforcements. The One Hundred and Twenty-sixth was supplied with a day's rations, eighty rounds of ammunition, and ordered to his aid. The regiment reached the Heights on the afternoon of the day, after a rapid, toilsome march. A and F were left to guard approach by the Sandy Hook road; D, I, and C, were halted about half-way up the slope, while the left wing, under Colonel Sherrill, deploying on the ridge, became immediately engaged with the enemy, who had gained the crest by Solomon's Gap. Skirmishing increased in severity, so that C and I were moved up to give their aid. Night came on and closed the action. With the approach of daylight, the enemy came up in strong force, delivering their fire and flanking the Union troops, who were ordered behind the defenses. The One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York and part of the Thirty-second Ohio were well posted, and Company D having been brought up, the line was in readiness for the attack. After a pause, the rebel forces advanced to the abattis, and from both sides heavy discharges were delivered. Finally the rebel attack slack- ened, and it was evident that a flanking movement was in progress. Captain Phillips, acting as major, was ordered by Colonel Sherrill to deploy D and C on the double-quick diagonally down the mountain side. In executing the order, a body of the enemy were met, slowly working their way up, and an action began in which the rebels were kept at bay. In the conflict, two men were mortally and five severely wounded. The enemy now renewed their efforts in front with resolution, and the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth returned their fire with vigor and great steadiness. Colonel Sherrill, regardless of safety, stood upon the logs exposed to the enemy, directing and encouraging his men. A shot struck him in the face, and he was carried to the rear, while the men, aroused to avenge their loss, and confident of their strength, continued the engagement. An order came from Colonel Ford to withdraw. Captain Phillips refused to obey, as it was given verbally. The other regiments receiving the order retired, and the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth had then no option and fell back steadily to the rear of the Lookout. Here the line was reformed across the ridge and over the declivity, and Colonel Sammons came up from the ferry with his regiment as a reinforce- ment. The companies of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth on the left knew nothing of what was transpiring, and hearing the enemy giving orders at the breastworks, Lieutenants Richardson and Redfield went up far enough to see that the intrenchment was in rebel possession, and then rejoining their commands, led them by a detour to the rear of McGrath's battery, which opened with shell upon the enemy at the abandoned breastworks. The withdrawal was not at once im- proved by the enemy, who feared to advance upon the new, unknown position, fearing strategic movement, and weakened by a heavy force sent to defend Cramp- ton's Pass against General Franklin's advance upon South Mountain. The One Hundred and Twenty-sixth being without a regimental officer, chose Captain Phillips to command, and stood ready for action, when at three P.M. a peremp- tory order came to return to Bolivar Heights. With deep surprise the One Hun- dred and Twenty-sixth obeyed. McGrath's battery was thrown down the moun- tain, and a position abandoned which, held, might have been fraught with events of the highest value to the Union cause. Upon such accidents hinge the lives and destinies of nations !

All reliable accounts corroborate the statement that the regiment behaved well, and with proper management could have held their advantageous position and averted disaster; but bravery was futile where the commander was imbecile. The corps of Franklin was but five miles away; the Army of the Potomac was march- ing to the rescue, and a few hours would have brought relief, but Jackson knew his peril, massed his forces, planted his batteries, and sent in an order to sur- render. The cavalry, refused permission from Miles, dashed out upon the Sharps- burg road, captured a wagon train and a body of the enemy, and rejoined our forces. General Franklin, unconscious of the momentous necessity, delayed advance, and so Jackson had time to complete his arrangements, open his batteries, and compel a surrender of well-nigh twelve thousand men.

With saduess the paroled men set out for Annapolis, one hundred miles dis-

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HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY, NEW YORK.

tant. On the 17th of September, they heard the thunder of the guns at Antie- tam, and indulged in reflections of what might have been with a brave and effi- cient commander on Maryland Heights. Ordered to Camp Douglas, Chicago, the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth therein took up their abode, with no happy ex- perience, for a period of two months. Taunted with cowardice when they had burned with indignation at a compelled retreat, ordered to drill when they had given their parole of honor not to do any act militating against the Confederacy, the men resented these imputations and refused to do duty, while many, unjustly recorded as deserters, sought their homes till such time as their exchange should once more set them free. The regiment suffered much from sickness, many died, and on October 19 the sick list of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth numbered one hundred and eighty names.

The glad tidings of exchange were received on November 19, and four days later came orders for a start next day for Washington, there to be armed and equipped to resume duty. Joyfully the discomforts of Camp Douglas were left, but behind them were one hundred sick comrades. Assigned to Casey's division, Twenty-second corps, they went into camp at Arlington Heights, drew tents, and December 20, receiving arms, went on picket duty, which service was continued until the 24th of June, when the brigade composed of the Eleventh, One Hun- dred and Twenty-fifth, Thirty-ninth, and One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York regiments, was sent to join Hancock as his Third brigade, Third division of the Second army corps. Again Lee had swept northward, up into Pennsyl- vania, and Meade had been placed in command of the old Potomac army. The advance of each army had encountered at Gettysburg, and to this point the com- manders gathered their forces; Lee, holding back to make his plan a certainty, permitting the distant corps of Meade to come up into position. The One Hun- dred and Twenty-sixth saw troops almost innumerable marching by, while its sick were removed, its surplus baggage sent off, and then, on the 26th of June, it marched to Gum Springs and camped with the division. Then a long, hard march was made, and on June 30 a distance of thirty-three miles was traveled, and next day reaching Taneytown, the distant thud of cannon told of a battle impending. Not now as when Antietam was heing fought, but free-hearted, full of ardor, and determined to wipe out by one heroic action the foul aspersion upon their good name, the Third brigade marched to the great battle-field, and tired, but resolved, took their place in line, to the left of the cemetery at Gettysburg. Next day the brigade was placed as support for two batteries fronting Meade's headquarters, near the northern extremity of the ridge, and the men looked excitedly upon Hood's contest with Vincent's . division of Sykes' corps for the possession of Little Round Top. Sickles had advanced with temerity to high ground, some distance beyond the general line, and ere he could withdraw an attack by Lee in heavy force made it next to impossible. He met the assault, and sent back cry for help. All the forces sent by Meade were in vain ; the line was broken, and Sickles was wounded. Humphreys and Birney fought nobly. Hancock, taking command, ordered in one body of troops after another, and again the imperative call for reinforcement came back. Then the Third brigade gladly heard and quickly obeyed the orders, "Fix bayonets; shoulder arms; left face; forward, march !" A mile southward, towards Round Top, was swiftly passed over; then halting, facing westward, the line was formed: on the left, the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth; in the centre, the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth ; on the right, the One Hundred and Eleventh, and in reserve, the Thirty-ninth. The tide of battle and disaster poured towards them. From a ravine, concealed by tree and brush till near at hand, poured forth the routed Excelsior brigade, closely pursued by Barksdale's brigade, MeLaw's division, of the corps of Longstreet. The Third brigade charged down the slope, giving and receiving a deadly volley, and pressing through the woods to the opening beyond, where the confused and staggered rebels were desperately attempting to hold their ground. The loss was fearful, and the line was wavering, when in front was heard a voice uttering male- dictions, and urging on the enemy. The men knew it to be Barksdale, and it re- called the deeply-venomed sting of " Harper's Ferry Cowards." "Harper's Ferry!" was the battle-cry as the furious brigade swept madly but grandly forward. Barksdale fell, riddled by musket-balls; his men, lately exultant, were cut down by scores, driven before the bayonet, while many threw themselves prone upon the ground, and threw up their hands in token of surrender. A rebel battery now opened at short range and cut great gashes in the line, which closed up and kept steadily on. No halt was made till the order was given, and then, proudly, grandly, the diminished line, in beautiful alignment, retired over that body-strewed field, bearing with them recaptured artillery and a brass cannon, the prize of C and A. Colonel Willard, commanding the brigade, was killed by a cannon-ball. Colonel Sherrill took his place, and Lieutenant-Colonel Bull assumed command of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth.

This notable charge restored the Union lines, and gave opportunity for the Third army corps to fall back from its exposed position to its proper place in the

general array. The contest just outlined was a subject of much comment by National and Confederate writers, and all agree that the carnage was terrible, in- volving great loss of officers and men. The brigade held its ground till night- fall, and then marched back to Cemetery Hill, to the right of the previous posi- tion.

Early July 3, Captains Scott, Shimer, Wheeler, and Herendeen, and their com- panies, were detailed to skirmish with the enemy in front. The enemy had a heavy line of good marksmen, and the work was of the most trying character. Three of these four captains were killed. Lieutenant Brown, of C, was wounded, and many of the men were killed or wounded. Towards noon it became plain that a great movement was in progress, and every part of our lines being prepared, all lay by their post in suspense. It was near one P.M., when two cannon-shots broke the silence, and then from one hundred and thirty long-range cannon came an ap- palling roar, preceded at the Union position by a deluge of iron, riddling the tree, earth, horse, man, and even tearing up the sods upon the graves in the cemetery as lightning-bolts rend the forest-trees.

Well the troops, besides officers, knew from experience that this storm of artil- lery presaged the charge, and, while the ranks lay close, well-nigh one hundred Union cannon sent back their stern reply. The batteries lost many men, and of a number of volunteers called from the brigade to work the guns a portion were killed. Ninety long minutes this unnatural storm lasted, and the Union cannoniers, by order, diminished their fire, and then the artillery ceased. From Seminary Hill, a mile and a half in front, came in sight Pickett's veteran Virginians, be- hind them Pettigrew's Carolinians, a charging array of eighteen thousand men. Onr men looked upon their sweeping, well-adjusted lines with admiration. The three-fold line came on as if upon parade, and their steady, serried ranks betokened a mortal contest when they struck the expectant line. The Union artillery awoke to startling life, and, double-shotting their guns, poured a decimating storm of missiles through the advancing array, which closed each gap and moved unflinch- ingly forward. Three lines, each a mile in length, came within range of the Second and Third divisions of the Second army corps, which yet remained silent. Within twenty rods, and the Union infantry opened so hot, so murderous a fire that the rebel array was broken and routed, over thirty stand of colors were taken, thousands of prisoners were captured, and the ground thickly strewed with dying and the dead. The One Hundred and Twenty-sixth captured five stand of colors. Colonel Sherrill was mortally wounded, and died early next day. Colonel McDougal, of the One Hundred and Eleventh, next in command, was wounded, and Lieutenant-Colonel Bull succeeded to brigade command. Major Phillips was dangerously ill at Washington, and Captain Coleman led the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth, which lost sixty killed, two hundred wounded, captured twice their own number of prisoners, killed and wounded equal to their number, and covered its name with honor. At night, Lee began his retreat. On July 4 the rebel sharpshooters were vigilant, and fired at everything that moved. Within a stone barn, with narrow windows, a party found protection, and annoyed the Union lines so that General Hays ordered the barn to be taken. Colonel Bull, com- manding the Third brigade, called for volunteers from the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth. Jno. B. Geddis, Lieutenant of Company D, responded and led the movement, followed by most of the regiment. In crossing a rail-fence five men were shot, yet the rest pushed on along a fence extending towards the barn. The rebels now concentrated so deadly a fire that the attempt was abandoned, and a return was made, bringing in the wounded, and last of the band came Geddis, bringing up the rear. For gullantry, Lieutenant Geddis was later brevetted major, and had a commission as lieutenant colonel, but was not mustered in through the reduced numbers of the regiment. On the night of the 4th, Captain Munson was in charge of the picket line. Then began the pursuit of Lee, through rain and mud. July 10 saw the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth guard to a train, the 11th on picket, and recalled to join a force sent out to learn the whereabouts of the enemy. The regiment passed through Crampton's Gap, and, amid rain and in the darkness, passed the night in building a breastwork of rails and earth. A mail was here received,-the first for weeks. Preparations were completed on the 13th for a battle, but all remained quiet, and the news came next day that the enemy had made good his retreat into Virginia. On the 26th, the Third brigade had reached White Plains, where some of the regiment, while out gathering blackberries, were captured by guerrilla bands, taken to southern prisons, and there perished in suffering. The army lay a month at rest. A dress parade was held on August 22, 1863, when two hundred men were in line, while Company B came out with but five men. General Longstreet was sent to aid Bragg, and turned the tide against Rosecrans at Chickamauga. General Meade, learning of Lee's weakened army, advanced to occupy Culpepper. The Third brigade, marching around Cedar Mountain to Robertson's river, went on picket duty there for several days. The Army of the Potomac was now reduced by trans- ferring the Eleventh and Twelfth army corps, under Hooker, to Grant, at Chat-

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History of Ontario Co., New York, Part 36

Author: Publication date: Publisher: Number of Pages: 391

Author:
Publication date:
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 391