USA > New York > Otsego County > History of Otsego County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 15
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98
At two A.M., next morning, the march was resumed, and during the forenoon Col. Franehot met Brig .- Gen. Sloeum, commanding the 1st Division, 6th Corps. They were old friends, and to that friendship the 121st owes much of the success and renown to which it afterwards attained. The latter at onee made application to have this regiment assigned to his division, which was granted. It was joined to the 2d Brigade, then under command of Col. J. J. Bartlett, and remained in the same brigade, division, and corps during the entire terin of service.
The weather was very warm during the day, but cool at night ; and, though obliged to march now in the column with old soldiers, the regiment found it much easier than the first two days of overwork.
Marching through Rockville, the corps moved in the direction of Crampton's Gap, entering the pretty village of Jefferson at ten A.M., Sept. 14. A halt was ordered a short distance from the town, and now, for the first time, the sound of hostile eannon was heard. General Mcclellan, with the 1st and 5th Corps, had reached South Mountain, and begun the struggle for the south pass. General Frank- lin, with the 6th Corps, was directed to force the enemy from their strong lodgment in Crampton's Gap, the first pass in this range from the Potonme, and distant about five miles from that of South Mountain.
At twelve M. the corps left Jefferson and approached the enemy's position, when they opened fire from batteries on the mountain, but did no harin. The side of this mountain in most places was rocky, precipitous, and impassable, and the enemy, intrenched behind stone walls and barricades, guarded the road leading through the gap. The 1st Di- vision was in advance of the 2d, with the 121st in reserve.
About three P. M. the line moved forward through the vil- lage of Burkittsville, but was soon checked by a well-directed fire from the enemy. After a heavy eannonade front the rebels, kept up for nearly an hour, and causing much sut- fering to our troops, General Brooks' brigade of sturdy Ver- monters from the 2d Division moved forward to General Sloeum's support, inelining to the left, and struck the enemy in the flank at the same moment that his division charged them in front. The attack was successful ; the enemy, routed from their stone walls, fled in confusion over the mountain, pursued by our victorious troops. About 400 prisoners were captured by our forces. The 121st was held as a reserve and suffered no loss, but was subjected to a severe artillery fire.
Next morning the 6th Corps was ordered to pursue the enemy, falling baek toward Antietam. The 121st, except- ing two companies, sent as guard to division train, under Lieutenant-Colonel Ciark, was ordered to hold the Gap and look after the prisoners and arms. Captain Campbell was detailed acting provost-marshal, and with his company lett in command of the village of Burkittsville. Captain Galpin, with his men, took charge of the prisoners and marched them to Frederick City, Md.
Sept. 17 the regiment heard the roar of artillery from the battle-field of Antietam, about ten miles away. The result of this confliet was unknown until the inorning of the 19th inst., when Capt. Wilson, adjutant-general of our brigade, arrived from the field with orders for the 121st to join that command at onee. All the guards were ealled in. and very soon the regiment departed for the scene of strife. Passing through Sharpsburg, and over a portion of the battle-field, we rejoined the brigade in the evening.
Next morning the regiment was deployed to gather up abandoned muskets and place them in stack. Leaving Sharpsburg, in company with the 6th Corps, we arrived in the vicinity of Williamsport, about the 21st, and, after remaining two days, returned to Bakersville.
Up to this time no shelter had been provided for the men. and, to protect themselves from the weather, they were obliged to prepare tents from brushwood, cornstalks. and leaves. In fine weather the daily duty of drill and parade, with occasional pieket duty, occupied the greater portion of our time.
Col. Franehot having no taste for active field-service. and desiring to occupy his seat in congress, tended his resigna- tion. Although not a practical soldier, he had an honorable pride in the regiment which he had organized. In taking this step he simply carried out his original intention. b.a. had deferred it until this campaign was practically cud ..... Desiring to leave his command with a competent officer .- and wisely concluding Lient .- Col. Clark to be unsuited fr the position,-before resigning, he made use of his intia- ence in the selection of a successor.
.
66
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Lieut. Emory Upton, of the regular army, with the nominal rank of captain, was at this time commanding the artillery brigade of Slocum's Division, consisting of twenty guns. This officer, but twenty-three years of age, had won the confidence and esteem of Gen. Slocum and all his su- periors by his gallantry and good judgment during the Peninsular campaign, and, subsequently, at Crampton's Gap and Antictam. Col. Franchot's recommendation secured the position for Capt. Upton, who gladly accepted it, and was duly commissioned Sept. 25. For this aet alone every offieer and soldier in the regiment owes a lasting debt of gratitude to Col. Franchot. Col. Upton being formally presented to his command, was received with hearty cheers by all who had the welfare of the regiment at heart.
There were many advantages for a regiment under a regular army officer that were not readily understood at this time, but were afterwards fully appreciated by all. After receiving his commission, Col. Upton obtained leave of absence for a few days, and Lieut .- Col. Clark was left in command. Both officers and men were still without tents, although efforts had been made to obtain them. Gen. Bartlett, the brigade commander, appeared to consider this neglect a matter of little moment. In consequence of the exposure to heat by day, and cold and damp by night, siek- ness inereased at a rapid rate. One man died in camp, and a large nminber were sick and nufit for duty, before any attempt was made to alleviate our wretched condition. . A request was made to use a neighboring barn for hospital purposes, but was refused on the ground that we would move soon, and then all our siek would be sent to the hos- pital.
Oct. 1, 87 men were sick in camp, of whom over 40 were unable to walk or help themselves. Surgeon Bassett being in ill health, and nnable to bear the exposure, resigned his eharge to his associates, Valentine and Holt. Quarter- master Story, Capt. Holcomb, and Lient. Cameron were sick in camp. Capt. Clark, and also 51 privates, were ab- sent on account of sickness, making a total of 137. The regiment was now redneed to 744 men. Typhoid and camp fever, measles, and other diseases prevalent to camp life, were snatching their vietims and decimating our ranks.
Lieut .- Col. Clark being ill, Maj. Olcott was now in com- mand. Knowing the wretched condition of the sick, he resolved to give them all the protection in his power. At the imminent risk of a reprimand from his superior, he re- moved the sick to the aforementioned barn, and detailed one assistant surgeon and soldiers as irses to eare for them. Hay was spread upon the floor for beds, and, in this way, nearly 100 men were made comparatively com- fortable, and undoubtedly owed their lives to this humane aet. The baru and connecting sheds continued to be used for hospital purposes during the remainder of our stay at Bakersville.
The seeds of disease implanted by official negleet now began to reap a legitimate harvest. Sickness prevailed to an alarming extent, and at the surgeon's " call" for the sick, nearly half the regiment responded. Many who really needed medical treatment chose to remain in camp, and, being excused from duty, nursed and cared for each other. By the last of October 7 officers and 151 privates were reported
unfit for duty. The effect of so sad an experience on the morale of the regiment was far worse and more demoral- izing than the severest engagement. Notwithstanding there events, however, the eamp at Bakersville was regarded by those in good health a pleasant one. The soldiers were well fed, and supplied with an abundance of good water.
After Col. Upton assumed command, he began a rigid course of drills, which kept the men active and well em- ployed. Oct. 3, the regiment, with its division, was re- viewed by President Lincoln and Gen. Franklin. This was the first review of the 121st, but, considering the short period devoted to drill, very commendable. It was not until the last of October that the men received their over- coats and knapsacks, left at Camp Lineoln, and, about the same time, shelter-tents were distributed. The regiment, under Col. Upton, had arrived at an efficient state of dis- eipline, and was fairly drilled in company and battalion movements.
For several days orders had been issued to hold the command in readiness to move, but the final one eame Oct. 30, directing a march at six o'clock the following morning. At this time seven officers, -- Capts. Moon, Fish, Kidder, Lieuts. Bates, Van Horn, Cameron, Quar .- Mast. Story, with 123 enlisted mien, were removed to hospitals. Second Lieut. Geo. W. Davis, and nine privates, died in this camp during the month of October. Seven hundred and eleven men were present for duty, and, to their credit, it may be said, that not one was in arrest or confinement. Co. C was in command of Second Lieut. Bradt. Capt. Campbell, of Co. E, was the only active officer in his company, First Lient. Sternberg having been detailed as acting quarter- master, and the second lieutenant being sick. Capt. Ramsey, of Co. HI, had resigned. Co. I was entirely des- titute of leaders, and for nearly a month was commanded by Ord .- Sergt. Cronkite, two of the officers being in the hospital, and Lieut. J. P. Douw having previously been detailed ordnance-officer of the division.
We left camp promptly Oct. 31, and, passing through Crampton's Gap, pitehed tents for the night. The follow- ing day an easy march brought us to Berlin, on the Potoniae, where we rested overnight, waiting for a pon- ton-bridge to be thrown across the river. At 5.30 A.M. the regiment was in motion, and, with the 6th Corps, erossed the Potomae, encamping a few miles distant. Heavy can- nonading was distinctly heard in the direction of Ashby's Gap. The march continued, at intervals, until the evening of Nov. 5, when we eneamped near White Plains. We remained here three days, during which time Col. I'pton ordered a regimental court-martial of several delingnout soldiers, who were convicted of various offenses, and duly sentenced. A severe snow-storm prevailed, making the roads heavy and impeding our march.
Nov. 9 we advanced about four miles, and were reviewed by Gens. MeClellan and Burn-ide, just previous to the former's departure, and after he had relinquished his com- mand. We remained in this locality until Nov. 15, and then, after a eold and disagreeable march, arrived at Cat- lett's Station. Two days later the regiment encamped near Stafford Court-Honse, where an excellent opportunity was afforded for field exercises.
67
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Col. Upton ordered company drill in the forenoon, bat- talion at one P.M., dress parade at four r.M., and a regular school of instruction for the officers at six cach evening. This active daily life worked a wonderful improvement in the sauritary condition of the regiment, and few now re- sponded to the surgeon's morning call.
Nov. 25 was devoted to drill, as usual, and at dress parade the first promotion was made,-that of Ord .- Sergt. Cronkite, Co. I, to second lieutenant. There were also several reductions to the ranks from the non-commissioned officers in some of the companies. At the close of this month the regiment numbered 657 men, having lost but 25 during November, most of them from colds and ex- posure at Bakersville. Other changes occurred. Dr. E. S. Walker was appointed surgeon, First Lieut. Jas. D. Clyde, and Second Lieut. Chas. F. Ferguson, Co. G, were honorably discharged from the service, leaving that eom- pany without any active offieers. Nov. 9, First Lieut. Angus Cameron died at Bakersville of typhoid fever, and First Lieut. A. E. Mather, of Co. K, was transferred to Co. G.
After remaining in this locality about two weeks, Col. Upton ordered the regiment out to fell trees for winter- quarters; but that evening a command came for us to march at six o'clock the next morning, with three days' rations. The regiment started at the appointed hour, passing White Oak church, and bivouacked for the night near the Rappa- hannock, about fifteen miles distant. The roads being heavy the baggage-train did not come up, and the officers were obliged to sleep without eovering: At one A.M., through a cold, drenching rain, we marehed in the direction of Belle Plain Landing, arriving at that barren point about evening, benumbed with eold, and with garments frozen stiff.
Against the earnest protestations of Col. Upton, the superior commander ordered us to bivouac for the night on this open plain, extending into the Potomae, swept by a terrific wind, and so level that water filled the low places between the corn-hills. The garments of many of the soldiers were frozen fast in the ice during the night. This exposure seemed entirely unnecessary, as the brigade had just passed a beautiful pine forest, on the slope of a hill, about a mile from the river, and Col. Upton suggested to the commander, Col. Cake, that it would be a good place for encampment. He, however, refused to heed the sug- gestion, and compelled the men to lie in this exposed place two days and one night without fires, thus causing consid- erable siekness, and, subsequently, the death of many brave men.
December 7 we removed our camp to the pine wood, which Col. Upton had previously designated, and two days later orders came for us to be in readiness to march, with three days' rations and sixty rounds of ammunition. On the fol- lowing day we bivouacked near Fredericksburg. No tents were pitched, as we intended to cross the river that night. At 3.30 A.M. reveille was sounded, the men prepared their breakfast, and at 6.30 marched within a short distance of the Rappahannock. At 6.30 P.M. we crossed the river on ponton-bridges, under a heavy firing from the enemy's artil lery, about one mile south of Fredericksburg. This city
was now in flames, having been fired by the shells from our guns, and presented a scene grand to behold. We did not remain long on the enemy's side, but recrossed, camping for the night in the piece of wood which we had left only a few hours before.
At daylight the various commands of Franklin's left grand division, that had assembled during the night, could be distinguished by their headquarter flags. Precisely at 9.30 A.M. we again crossed the river under a fierce artillery fire, in which the 121st had one man killed. General Franklin's forces were in line of battle before noon, but not engaged that day.
All slept on their arms that night, prepared for an attack. but the enemy did not venture it. Next day, although a fearful battle was raging at Fredericksburg, our troops re- mained comparatively idle. Sunday, the 14th inst., the regiment was ordered on picket duty along the railroad. and subjected to a heavy fire, but held its position until relieved at five A.M. the following day.
We had now lost four killed and one wounded. Up to this time no decided advantage had been gained by our troops, and the night being very dark and windy, Burn-ide determined to withdraw them across the river. Soon after dark they were ordered to muffle all trappings, and move noiselessly. The 121st, with its brigade, crossed at one A. M., bivouacking in a wood near by, and. about daylight. while the men were yet asleep, a solid shot from the enemy's guns struek among them. This movement, ending in de- feat, closed our campaign for that year.
December 19, the regiment arrived near White Oak Church about noon, anticipating winter-quarters, and. having selected a camping-ground, began to cut timber and construct cabins. Our location was found undesirable. and on the 20th a change was ordered to higher ground, nearer timber, and a fine field for drill and parade.
No sooner had we arrived here than Col. Upton began a thorough system of daily drills, camp and guard duty. and a striet enforcement of all disciplinary rules,-it being his intention to make the 121st one of the best drilled and dis- ciplined regiments in the army. To aid him in his purpose, the governor consented to grant no commissions until the eandidate had first been recommended by him. These daily exercises continued until January 19, when orders eame for us to be ready to march at twelve o'clock next day, with three days' rations and sixty rounds of cartrivizes.
The weather continued favorable for several days, and Gen. Burnside, reluctant to settle down into winter-quar- ters without one more effort to win a decided victory over Lee's army, and silence his critics and rivals, determined to risk an engagement. The regiment struck tents at eleven o'clock, and, with the corps, moved promptly at noon. pes -- ing White Oak Church, and going in the direction of Banks Ford, above Fredericksburg. A few hours later, the rain began to fall, and rapidly increased until the real- were almost impassable. The soldiers, well-nigh exhaustel, w ce allowed to bivonae for the night about ten P.M.
The storm continued during the night with increasing violence, and when morning dawned the Army of the P .... mae was completely discouraged and defeated before me .. ing the enemy. Notwithstanding the march was continue ?
.
£
G8
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
4
with extreme difficulty until the troops reached Banks' Ford, where they were unable to effect a erossing. The rain showed no signs of abating, but the commander was still firm in his purpose to outflank the enemy. Our artil- lery and ponton trains were yet some distance from the river, and, on account of the bad condition of the roads, the teams were unable to extricate those that were mired. Therefore several regiments of the Vermont Brigade were detailed to take the places of the horses and mules, and drag thewu forward. All the afternoon the men were lift- ing and tugging at a ponton-carriage, or prying a cannon out of the mire, until a few of those farthest in advance were brought up to the bluff overlooking the ford.
Night came on and the discouraged troops lay down for rest, waiting for the remainder of the pontons, and pre- pared to throw a bridge aeross the river at daybreak. When morning came but few of them were in reach of the ford, the remainder being fast in the mud along the route. As soon as the heavy fog had passed away, affording a view across the river, the presence of rebel forces indicated that Lee had anticipated our advance and was ready to mect us.
The stream was now much swollen. and Gen. Burnside, unable to battle successfully with the elements, determined to abandon the undertaking, turn the army back in the direction of the old camps, and go permanently into winter- quarters. At sunrise the troops begau the march, leaving the 121st, with the other regiments of the brigade, in posi- tion at the ford to cover the retreat and observe the enemy's movements.
We remained here until the next morning, when we were ordered to take long ropes aud haul out of the mud the pontons, ammunition-wagons, and artillery, which had been left behind, thus relieving the worn-out horses and mules. The soldiers felt gloomy and discouraged, and, besides, this work was not exactly to their liking, although they knew that it was necessary. After the distribution of a barrel of " commissary" to caeh regiuient a different feeling prevailed, and in a short time they had lifted the trains and artillery from their clay beds and hauled them into position for the teams. This work completed, the regiment moved toward its old encampment beyond White Oak Church. All along the route we saw the dead bodies of horses and mules that had perished in attempting to move their heavy burdens. Although fatigued and cov- ered with mud the men kept up their lively jokes, arriving at their desolate camp about dark.
After a good night's rest, they began to remodel their old quarters, and soon the abandoned camp assumed a very comfortable appearance, and was now regarded as their winter home. Col. Upton was active in his efforts to furnish everything necessary to promote the health and comfort of the regiment. After this, the routine of drill and guard duty was resumed.
Many changes occurred among the officers during the winter and before the commencement of the spring cam- paign, viz. :
Lient .- Col. Clark, Capts. Holcomb, Moon, and Olin, and Lients. Clyde. Ferguson, Starring. Park, Kenyon, Bradt. Booles, and May resigned ; also Quartermaster Story, Capt. Edwin Clark, and Assistant Surgeon Valentine were dis-
missed ; Lieut. Angus Cameron died of typhoid fever ; Maj. Olcott was promoted to colonel, and Lient. Mather and Adjt. Arnold to captains. Cleaveland J. Campbell, of Cherry Valley, and Henry Upton received courmissions in the regi- ment, the former as captain and the latter as second lieu- tenant. Lieut. Sternberg was promoted to quartermaster, and Second Lieuts. Casler and Cronkite were made first lieu- tenants, the former being assigned to the command of Co. B, and the latter to Co. E, Capt. Douglas Campbell being absent on account of illness. The following sergeants were promoted to lieutenants : Samuel Miller, A. C. Riee, Chas. A. Butts, Thomas C. Adams, L. B. Paine, F. E. Ford, S. E. Pierce, and G. R. Wheeler.
At three P.M., April 27, the 121st left camp, and, with the 6th Corps, advanced towards Fredericksburg, and a few hours later approached the Rappahannock, near the woods where we bivouacked in December. We rested until eleven P.M., when Gen. Brooks was ordered to transfer the division across the river in pontons.
The night was very dark, and extreme caution was neces- sary on the part of both officers and men. To avoid con- fusion, loud talking was forbidden, and all orders were given in an undertone. Neither pieces were to be capped, nor bayonets fixed, for fear of accident and lest our exact posi- tion be revealed to the enemy. In order that the noise of the wagons might not be heard by them, some of our men were sent baek about half a mile to bring the pontons to the river.
Precisely at twenty minutes past four P.M., six boats were simultaneously launched, and immediately filled with officers and men. Russell's Brigade crossed first, and was quickly followed by Bartlett's. The arrangements had been con- dueted so quietly that the pickets on the opposite bank did not realize their danger until they heard the splashing of oars and saw the boats approaching, when they fired a few random shots and retired. Our line began to press the enemy's retiring skirmishers, until they were under pro- tection of their fortifications, and sheltered by frowning heights. The troops were placed in a defensive position, but little else was done during the day ; and, excepting an occasional shell from the enemy, and now and then a spirited fire along the skirmish line, nothing of importance occurred. After dark, the creetion of riffe-pits was com- meneed.
On the morning of Thursday, the 30th inst., the regiment was mustered for March and April, and that day passed in comparative quiet. The men were near their muskets, ready to seize them at a moment's notice. but at the same time enjoying their jokes, telling stories, and, in some in- stances, pitching quoits. That night we were sent on the picket line, where we remained until Friday evening.
Nothing of interest occurred until Saturday afternoon, when Pratt's Brigade, within view. drove in the enemy's picket lines, charging at double-quick. Throughout the day we had heard heavy firing in the direction of Chancel- lorsville. This continued till late in the night, and all. exulting over the encouraging tidings from General Hooker. lay down for rest, little dreaming of the struggle that was to come on the following day, and the terrible sacrifice of human lives.
69
HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
At two A.M. Sunday we formed in line of battle, and at four o'clock began an advance across the plain, under a severe artillery fire from the enemy. Pressing forward without serious opposition from their infantry, we ap- pruached the railroad at the base of the hill, where we were stubbornly resisted by sharpshooters and a well-directed fire of canister from a battery that enfiladed a part of our line. The other divisions of the Sixth Corps had passed to our right, and were pressing hard upon the enemy to gain the rear of the town. In the mean time our batteries kept up a constant fire from Stafford's Heights, on the north side of the river.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.