History of Ontario Co., New York, Part 38

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From this time on, the regiment was constantly in the trenches, enduring with unflinching fortitude the hardships entailed by the position. Always under fire, with little opportunity for rest, constantly exposed to the burning sun by day, and with no protection from the heavy Virginia dews by night, the regiment remained in this position for more than two months. During this time it suffered much from the great scarcity of water, no rain having fallen from the 2d of June to the 19th of July, and as a consequence the air was constantly filled with clouds of fine sand, which at times became almost unendurable.

On the 29th of September, the regiment having been transferred to the First brigade, Second division, the entire Eighteenth and Tenth army corps were or- dered to cross the James, and at one o'clock on the morning of that day the One Hundred and Forty-eighth marched over the ponton-bridge at Aiken's Landing, and was soon in action, driving the enemy back to his strong fortifications at Chapin's Farm, and taking an active part in the storming and capture of Fort Harrison,-a formidable earthwork in the outer line of the Richmond defenses.

The 26th of October found the One Hundred and Forty-eighth attached to the First brigade, Second division, Twenty-fourth army corps, and in occupa- tion of Fort. Harrison, where it had been since the taking of this formidable defense. This was the nearest point to Richmond occupied by our forces. On the evening of October 26, orders came to move out to the rear of the fort and join the Third brigade of the division. Next morning the force moved around to the right towards Fair Oaks, which point was reached about nine A.M. The command struck the Williamsburg pike, near. the old hospital grounds occupied by MoClellan in 1862, and moved directly up the pike towards Richmond, the One Hundred and Forty-eighth in the advance. When within eight hundred yards of the hostile lines, the enemy opened with a battery that commanded the pike, and the regiment on the run formed in line of battle on the south side of the road. The Eleventh Vermont, a regiment one thousand strong, formed and took the advance with the expressed design of leading the assault, but the order to charge being directed to the One Hundred and Forty-eighth, that regiment had the honor of making an advance wherein the loes compared with the number engaged is almost unparalleled. Two hundred and fifteen men went into this charge, and but ninety-eight returned. One hundred and two had been cut down, killed or wounded, and fifteen captured. Among the killed was the lieutenant colonel, and many of the bravest and best men of the command.' The charge was unsno-

cessful from a failure to promptly send forward the supports. During this engage- ment, the major of the One Hundred and Forty-eighth, in command of the sharp- shooters, had pushed forward close upon the rebel line, when the fire became 50 severe that an order was given to take cover. The major, together with a score of his men, found shelter behind a wood-pile. To retire over the ridge in such close quarters was almost sure death ; to remain was capture. The rebels called on them to come in. The major inquired the terms, and the sight of the tele- scopic rifles with which the men were armed caused a profusion of promises. A woman at a house close by offered to come and escort the major to the rebel lines, saying, " We'uns won't fire on you'ens while I am with you." When the old lady reached the wood-pile she was seized by the gallant major, who, inter- posing her between himself and the enemy, called on the men to retire, and began his own retreat. The rebels set up a yell but did not open fire, and amid the cheers and laughter of our men the major and his escort reached our lines. The night of the 27th the regiment returned to Fort Harrison, where they re- mained a few days, when they were selected, together with a few other regi- ments, to accompany the general commanding to New York to aid in keeping peace in that city during the presidential election. This duty done, the One Hundred and Forty-eighth again returned to the front, and was stationed on the right of our line at Deep Bottom during the winter of 1864-65. Here the men were engaged in picket duty until March 27, when they moved with the corps under Ord to Hatcher's Run. The regiment was immediately placed in charge of the division picket line, with instructions to be ready at any moment to advance upon the Confederate picket line. On the morning of March 31, the men, responding promptly to orders, advanced and captured three hundred and ten men, which was an excess over their own force. On the morning of April 2, the One Hundred and Forty-eighth broke through the rebel line simultaneously with the advance of the Sixth army corps. On entering the intrenched lines the One Hundred and Forty-eighth swung round to the left, crossed Hatcher's Run, and captured one general officer, several officers of the line, and three hun- dred and fifty men. The regiment also captured a full battery of Whitworth guns, horses and equipage complete, together with three battle-flags and one camp and garrison flag. The One Hundred and Forty-eighth then faced about and marched towards Petersburg. At Forts Baldwin and Gregg the enemy were engaged, and the regiment took part in the capture of the former. These forts had been manned by picked men from the best of Lee's army, and the orders were to hold them at all hasards, to enable the Confederates to escape with a part of their supplies. It may be said that at no place during the war did the rebels fight with greater desperation than in these strongholds. The plain in front of the former fort was literally strown with the killed and wounded of the Union army, and in the fort lay two hundred and seventy-five rebels, killed or badly wounded. They did not surrender, but fell fighting. Their heroism socom- plished its purpose, detaining our army long enough to allow Lee to get out of Petersburg. The One Hundred and Forty-eighth lay on their arms till the morn- ing of the 3d, when it was found that Lee's army had started towards Barksville Junction. The Twenty-fourth army corps started to head them off, keeping well to the rebel loft flank; and now the result became a question of endurance between the two armies. Four days the two divisions led the corps, and the One Hundred and Forty-eighth was in the van most of that time. Near night the enemy were struck, and a short engagement resulted in a loss to the regiment of one killed and four wounded. Darkness came on, and Lee kept upon the road to Lynchburg. The race was renewed near High Bridge. Sheridan now passed the infantry, and began to harass the rebel advance. On the morning of the 9th, about three o'clock, a halt for an hour was made at Appomattox Station ; the advance was then renewed, and our lines swung around to the rebel front, the One Hundred and Forty-eighth being on the extreme left of the line. It was thought that Lee would undertake to break through on the left, and the men were ordered to be ready, and with uncommon spirit the line drew up and moved forward. In passing through the woods in front of the rebel position, a shell from one of their batteries exploded in the centre of the regiment, wounded one man, tore off several knapsacks, and damaged several guns,-it was the last shot fired from Lee's army, for before they could reload their pieces they were captured and the men dispersed. While reforming to follow up the advantage loud cheers came from the right, and soon the cry came down to them, " Lee has surrendered !" Such a glad shout as went up from those battle-scarred veterans was never before heard on this continent. Guns were discharged in the air and thrown on the ground. Men laughed, shouted, and embraced, so exuberant was the joy. The regiment remained at Appomattox until the surrender was accomplished and the debris of the rebel army cleared away, then turned to Richmond, where it re- mained till June 28, when they were mustered out, conveyed to Elmira, and paid off July 3. On July 4 the men arrived at Seneca Falls, and met a royal welcome. Little need be said in reference to either the bravery or patriotism of the One

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HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Hundred and Forty-eighth. Its noble record as a regiment has become a matter of history. The regiment was composed of able, intelligent, and influential men, who had left farm, office, and business, not for pay or bounty, but from a feeling that the country needed their services, and that the time had arrived when home attractions became of secondary importance. The battle-roll of the regiment enumerates eleven actions, namely : Swift Creek, on May 9, 1864; Clover Hill, May 15; Drury's Bluff, May 16; Port Walthall, May 26; Cold Harbor, June 15; Rowlett's House, same as last; siege of Petersburg, June 18 to August 25; Fort Harrison, September 29; Fair Oaks, October 27; Hatcher's Run, March 31, 1865; and Appomattox Court-House, April 9. The lists of casualties are found as appendices to the various histories of towns, and are so many silent witnesses to the devotion of the One Hundred and Forty-eighth to their country.

The One Hundred and Sixtieth New York Volunteers .- The One Hundred and Sixtieth New York Infantry was a three-years' regiment. It was organized in New York city, and mustered into service November 1, 1862. Company E of this regiment was mainly raised in the vicinity of Geneva, where it was organ- ized on September 3, 1862. The company officers were: Henry Moore, captain; James Gray, first lieutenant; and Nicholas MeDonough, second lieutenant. Pre- vious to their arrival at New York a handsome stand of colors was presented by the ladies of Auburn. General Banks' expedition sailed from New York under sealed orders, and among the regiments was the One Hundred and Sixtieth. For twenty-one days the novel experience of an ocean voyage was had by most who saw the illimitable expanse of water for the first time. Landing at Carroll- ton, six miles above New Orleans, the regiment, going into camp, passed several weeks in drilling and perfecting . discipline which later stood them in good ser- vice. Christmas day was made memorable by a dinner of mush and molasses, and the serving out to the men their first forty rounds of ammunition. Despite the change of climate, health and spirits continued to be excellent. On Decem- ber 16, 1862, General N. P. Banks had succeeded General Butler, and proceeded to organize the Nineteenth corps, composed of four divisions. The One Hundred and Sixtieth received orders about the 1st of January to report to General Weitzel, who was placed in command of the One Hundred and Sixtieth, One Hundred and Fourteenth, and Seventy-fifth New York, the Eighth Vermont, and the Twelfth Connecticut, which were known as the Second brigade, First division, General Augur commanding. The first engagement took place on January 13 and 14, 1863, near Pattersonville, Louisiana. The Atchafalaya river, at a point known as Butte-la-Nore, was held by a strong rebel work, and the Bayou Teche, just above its confluence, was defended by an iron-clad old river steamer called the "John K. Cotton" and by a strong earthwork. . To Weitzel's brigade was intrusted the capture of the boat and work, preparatory to further operations. Embarked on gunboats, the troops were taken up the Atchafalaya, and, debarking at the mouth of Bayou Teche, formed in line of battle, the One Hundred and Sixtieth in the centre, the Seventy-fifth on the right, by the river, and the Twelfth Connecticut on the left. The cavalry were advanced; met and skir- mished with the enemy, who made a stand at the Teche. The infantry, coming up, gave them a volley, the accompanying battery fired a round, and the rebels fled hastily. Next morning the Seventy-fifth engaged the gunboat, while the brigade advanced on the earthwork. Between the opposing forces lay a broad cane-field crossed by wide ditches, and adapted to use as rifle-pits; within these the soldiers of both forces took shelter. The One Hundred and Sixtieth, with the other regiments, speedily formed plan of action. At the word they rose, ran to the next ditch in front, and the rebels promptly evacuated and fell back. The movement was repeated, but with each repetition the resistance increased, and, reaching the "last ditch," the enemy made a stubborn stand, and could not be dispossessed. Night came, and the line fell back, and just before daylight, the gunboat being seen on fire, the expedition returned to camp.

On February 6, the One Hundred and Sixtieth and Seventy-fifth were ordered to Brashear City to relieve the Twenty-first Indiana and the Twenty-third Con- necticut. For some time the regiment was occupied in drill, picket duty, and ex- peditions. General Banks now resolved to penetrate the Red River country, and attempt the capture of vast quantities of cotton known to be stored in that region. General Richard Taylor had gathered up scattered forces and taken position. with not far from ten thousand men at Fort Birland, and had greatly strengthened the earthwork, and to it added a long line of formidable breastworks. The force under Banks was about twenty thousand strong. On the morning of April 12, the Seventy-Fifth was sent forward upon the skirmish line. The One Hundred and Sixtieth New York had the right of the line, and drove the rebel pickets back upon their main line. At three P.M. line of battle was formed, with the One Hundred and Sixtieth and Seventy-fifth in the centre. By the end of two hours three miles had been traversed under constant resistance, and the brigade, accompanied by artillery, had approached a row of cane shocks within plain sight of the rebel lines, and distant therefrom from a half to three quarters of a mile. Weitsel sus-

posted that these shocks, carelessly left, had been placed as marks of distance, and his opinion was confirmed, when, as they were reached, from works, fort, and the gunboat " Diana," a storm of shells, followed by grape and canister, hurtled through the air, and plowed up the earth on all sides. The brigade sought shelter in the nearest trench, and the Union artillery opening, a cannonade was kept up on both sides until sundown, when the firing gradually ceased; the brigade was with- drawn, and the rebel band struck up the " Bonny Blue Flag." Early on Monday morning the Twenty-first Indiana opened with two thirty-pound rifled guns upon the enemy's boats and on the rebel fort. The gunboat was driven back and after- wards destroyed; but the fort kept up its fire. About three P.M., the brigade, ex- clusive of the Seventy-fifth, which had been sent in on the flank, advanced steadily within a half-mile of the intrenchments, when the artillery fire on both sides became very lively. It was here, while the One Hundred and Sixtieth were supporting the Sixth Massachusetts battery, that Barney McGraw was killed by a piece of shell which struck his forehead as the order came to lie down.

The line remained in their position during the afternoon. Companies G and D, on the skirmish line, one hundred yards in advance, kept up a constant fire until withdrawn. Movements being made threatening his rear, Taylor evacuated during the night, and on the following morning the army advanced to Franklin. The march was continued to Opelousas, which was reached on April 20. For two weeks vehicles and vessels were employed to transport cotton to New Orleans. The One Hundred and Sixtieth was sent to New Iberia with cotton and prisoners, and returned to Opelousas to take part in the advance to Alexandria. The march thither was made rapidly. From that city, the Weitzel brigade was ordered to continue on up the river, and advanced about twenty miles, when, as the men lay at rest, a courier arrived ordering their return, and Alexandria was again reached. General Grant called on Banks to aid in the attack upon Vicksburg, but the latter resolved to attempt the reduction of Port Hudson, and removed his army thither. The lines were formed on May 26, with orders to assault next morning. Four companies of the right wing of the One Hundred and Sixtieth were detailed to guard two steamboats taken from the rebels. The other six companies were promptly in line, and advanced with the reserve brigade, on the second line into the woods. The place was naturally very strong, and General Gardner, the rebel commander, had lost no opportunity to make his defenses more formidable. At the farther edge of the woods the rebel skirmishers were strongly posted, and well supported by batteries on the hill beyond. The first line lay down as the rebel fire became severe, and past them came Weitzel's brigade down into a ravine among felled trees, into a jungle of obstruction, then up towards the rebel earth- works.

The One Hundred and Sixtieth never flinched, and was one of the first under the parapets. Company E, led by Second Lieutenant Nicholas MeDonough, reach- ing the rebel works, dug foot-holes with their bayonets, waiting, but in vain, for the order to go over. John C. Brennan, of Bristol, had his left hand shot away ; but the loss of the regiment was very small.

On the evening of June 13, Colonel Van Petten received orders to have the One Hundred and Sixtieth in line at twelve P.M., to make part of an assaulting party. Sixty rounds were issued to each man, and the brigades of the division were brought close to the point of attack. Delays occurred, and the enemy becoming aroused, strengthened his front. In the plan of attack, the Seventy-fifth New York and Twelfth Connecticut were to advance deployed as skirmishers; the Ninety-first New York was armed with hand-grenades; the Twenty-fourth Connecti- cut carried bags of cotton to fill the ditches; while in column came the Eighth Vermont, the One Hundred and Fourteenth and the One Hundred and Sixtieth New York. The advance met a tremendous fire, but, supported by the Ninety- first New York and Twenty-fourth Connecticut, they opened so rapid a return fire as to drive every rebel to cover. Weitzel brought up his remaining regiments. As Company E crossed a hill-crest, Captain Jordon and others were wounded. Captain Moore was wounded when close to the works. Three weeks of investment followed, and July 7, the tidings of the fall of Vicksburg having been received by the rebel general, he surrendered with six thousand one hundred men. The spoils included twenty heavy cannon and thirty-one field-pieces, together with a large quantity of ammunition. In recognition of gallant service, Weitsel's bri- gade was placed at the head of the column as the army entered Port Hudson. Night came, and the regiment, together with others of Angur's division, em- barking on transports, went down the river. Within a week the battle of Donald- sonville was fought, and then ensued a period of rest.

Banks now determined to make a campaign against Tezas, and set out for Sa- bine Pass. General Franklin embarked a large force, including Weitzel's brigade, and the fleet reached the Pass, where a small rebel force and a battery of field- guns defeated the attempt. The armament returned to their former camp.

The Red River campaign of 1864 was a notable example of the futility of effort by the bravest, when not governed by united and concentrated aotion.

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HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY, NEW YORK.

When the retreat began, April 9, at Subine Cross-Roads and at Pleasant Hill, the One Hundred and Sixtieth materially aided to hold the enemy in check. On April 24, at Cane River, and at Manassas Plains, the regiment was engaged, and it was said of the organization by General Weitzel, an officer well qualified to judge, and not given to extravagant phrases, that the One Hundred and Sixtieth was " an excellent fighting regiment, embracing, among officers and men, material of the highest order, so far as character and intelligence are concerned." For soldierly conduct and valuable services rendered at the battle of Pleasant Hill, the regiment received the special thanks of Generals Banks, Franklin, and Emory. The brigade was ordered north, and was engaged at Snicker's Ford, July 19; Opequan Creek, near Winchester, September 10; Fisher's Hill, September 22; New Market, September 24; New Town, October 12, and Cedar Creek, October 19. They were sent to Savannah, and the months passed quietly by without other than police duty. In July, 1865, on account of some disturbances in the interior of Georgia, the One Hundred and Sixtieth and the Seventy-fifth were sent thither to restore order. Their sojourn was transient. Order soon came for a return to Savannah, where the organization was mustered out on November 1, 1865, and the survivors, returning to their homes, sought out employment, and are to-day found active in civil as they have been brave and patriotic in their full term of military life.

Fourth New York Heavy Artillery .- Originally consisting of eight companies, the Fourth New York Artillery was organized in New York city, and its muster into United States service, for a term of three years, dates from December 13, 1861, to October 25, 1862. Company H was known as an Ontario company, and was sent to garrison one of the chain of heavy forts about Washington, and there remained during the earlier stages of the war.

On September 1, 1862, about dark, Company H left Fort Corcoran, as did Company A; the latter company for Fort Franklin, and the former for Fort Pennsylvania. Headed by the regimental brass band, the companies marched in fine style across the aqueduct bridge to Georgetown, and " fetched up" at night at " Battery Vermont," whose guns commanded "Chain Bridge." On Monday fol- lowing, H had occupied Fort Pennsylvania, situated two miles out from George- town. Lee moved into Maryland. Pope was driven back on Washington. The artillerymen lay by their guns at night, while by day, the men watching clouds of smoke far away, as evidences of battle, were in constant expectation. Septem- ber 7, the Eighteenth, Twenty-eighth, and Thirty-third Regiments had passed northward. The Twenty-eighth, starting out eight hundred strong, numbered two hundred. Captain Faurot's company was in command of Lieutenant Ellis, with a corporal for orderly, and thirteen men. Such were the ravages in the ranks by the battles before Richmond, and the brave, unavailing resistance at the second Bull Run. By the 20th of October, the works had been extended, heavy guns shifted, and preparations made for planting one hundred-pound Parrott guns, to command the roads diverging from the city. By November 20, the Fourth Heavy Artillery had assurance that they were to constitute a portion of the per- manent garrison of the vicinity of the capital. Company H lay in camp near Fort Marcy, half a mile above Chain Bridge, enjoying excellent health; the men were busily engaged in stockading for the approaching winter.

On January 9, 1863, the company was pleasantly encamped just without Fort Marcy, their tents roomy, warmed by stoves of cone shape, and altogether com- fortable, while drill and instruction were daily and thoroughly given. A few men had died, and several, who ought never to have been enlisted, were discharged. At the last date, January 9, Company H numbered one hundred and forty men. To this time, Lieutenant George W. Bemis had been in command. The captaincy had been, in Colonel George Bliss, Jr., assigned to the staff of Governor Morgan. With the new year came the promotion of Lieutenant William Arthur, Jr. The regiment won commendation at this time from General Abercrombie, a veteran officer, who, on a review, pronounced the Fourth as the best volunteer regiment he had seen.

An attempt had been made to raise a regiment, to be known as the Eleventh Heavy Artillery, and the organization was effected with fair prospects; but on oc- casion of muster-in, the officer, Colonel Marshall, rejected three hundred men as over or under age, or for physical disability. The four companies, under W. B. Barnes, mustered as major, were assigned to the Fourth Artillery on June 21, 1863, and were made the Third battalion, July 25, following. Quietly and effi- ciently duty was performed at the forts, while the war-worn veterans of the Army of the Potomac drove or were driven; and then came the battle of Gettysburg, where the disastrous failure of Lee placed a seal upon the cherished plan of the Confederacy to dictate peace upon northern soil.

The winter went slowly by. The victories of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, the defeat of Longstreet at Knoxville, raised higher the fame of Grant, and to him was given command of the army of the Union. He resolved to keep the enemy so employed in his front as to insure comparative security to his rear, and

gathered up all available forces for his final movement across the Rapidan in. the early days of May, 1864. The Fourth Heavy Artillery, such now in name, but serving as infantry, and containing in its ranks many a veteran soldier, was one of the regiments which bore part in the deadly fusillade known as the battle of the Wilderness. On May 18, five companies, A, B, F, G, and H, were engaged in a charge upon the rebel works at Spottsylvania. The men fought with great bravery, losing from these companies one hundred and fifteen men in killed and wounded, but the position proved too strong and was not carried. The ear became accus- tomed to the sound of skirmishing and the noise of cannonading, and the men lived in an atmosphere of smoke and battle. On May 23 the scene of action had been transferred to the North Anna, and six days later the contested ground was near the Tolopotomy, where, as H lay in the rifle-pits exchanging shots with the enemy, Gay and Shortaleves were wounded. On May 30 the fighting was severe and continued all along the line. The creek was crossed, and the heights beyond carried and temporarily held. Sharp skirmishing continued day after day, and bat- tles followed in rapid succession. On the 8th of June the company had eighteen men wounded, and after the heavy fighting at Cold Harbor, where Sergeant Ed- win O. Gates was wounded, the army being crossed over the James, the Fourth had reached and taken part in the advance on Petersburg, near which, on June 19, the regiment lay behind intrenchments. Augustus C. Brown, commissioned December 17, 1863, was then in command of the company. The regiment re- mained before Petersburg until about the middle of August, when the Second army corps embarked on transports, and on the morning of August 14 was landed near Deep Bottom Bridge upon familiar ground. The Fourth Artillery took part in the movements which prevented the reinforcement of the rebel army in the Shenandoah, and withdrew attention from the Weldon Railroad. The enemy made an attack upon the Union lines at Deep Bottom, and were repulsed with heavy loss to both sides. On August 20 the regiment set out for Ream's Station, on the Weldon Railroad. On the 23d the troops engaged in tearing up the road, and a number of the Fourth were taken prisoners. Intrenching at Ream's Station, the destruction of the road was continued through the day, Wednesday; but the enemy had now learned the full purport of our movement, and, marching heavy bodies of troops to the vicinity, amused our troops by skir- mishing till about four P.M. of Thursday, when an attack was made in force. The first blow struck Miles' division, and was repulsed. Hill sent Heth under severe artillery fire to renew the attempt, with orders to carry the position at all hasards. At a fourth charge the enemy were successful, and, capturing three batteries, swept off as prisoners a great number of soldiers, including many of the Fourth Artillery, and among them about forty men of Company H. The regiment took part in the siege of Petersburg during the fall and winter, and bore its part in the closing scenes in the capture of Richmond. Companies G, H, I, and K, of the Eighth New York Artillery, one hundred and seventy-six men of the One Hun- dred and Twenty-sixth New York Infantry, and two hundred and forty-two of the One Hundred and Eleventh New York, were transferred to this regiment in June, 1865. The final muster-out of service dates September 26, 1865. Com- mencing their military experiences in the semi-comforts of life in camp with months of drill, in charge of heavy cannon, they changed to the most active and exhaustive service in the field. While at Washington they looked curiously upon the war-worn veterans of Sumner, and observed with interest the rising of clouds betokening the presence of the enemy miles away ; now they lay day and night in rifle-trenches within short range of strong works manned by the flower of the rebel army. They bore with bravery and steadiness the shock of battle, and when the rebels, charging at Ream's Station, in their sheer desperation broke our lines, the captives endured with heroism the trying and health-destroying life in Southern prisons, too well known to require rehearsal. The nation does not forget her defenders, and thousands cherish with pride the recollection of their deeds in arms, and the lovers of a united and free country everywhere feel an honest and laudable pride in the Fourth Heavy Artillery and kindred organi- zations, before whose patient persistent lines the Army of Northern Virginia dashed itself in vain, and to whom, in despair of escape, their surrender was finally made.

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History of Ontario Co., New York, Part 38

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

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