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 16
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Gen. Sedgwick determined to storm this stronghold with the 2d and 3d Divisions, while the 1st engaged the enemy on the left and covered the ponton-bridge at Frankliu's crossing. All arrangements for the charge were completed by eleven o'clock, when the batteries on both sides opened a fieree cannonade, after which the troops, in fine order, moved forward to the attack. There came moments of doubt and distrust to the ranks of the 121st as we lay supporting a battery, in full view of the charging column. We were not long in suspense, however, for our gallant comrades rushed forward in the midst of leaden hail, which was dealing death and destruction on every side, and soon, with shouts and cheers, the exulting troops gained the heights and planted their standards on the summit.
The regiment, with its division, was now ordered to join them, and, marching forward, arrived at one P.M. A brief halt then took place, to allow the men to prepare eoffee,- a privilege not granted before that day. Fires were soon started and the meal in preparation, but we were compelled to advance before many had partaken of it. As we filed into the road a few shells came tearing through the column, reminding us that the enemy were not far away.
Orders had been received from Gen. Hooker to have the 6th Corps join him at Chancellorsville without delay. The afternoon was already far advanced, when the 1st Division, under Gen. Brooks, was pushed to the front, Bartlett's Bri- gade taking the lead. No sooner was a strong line of the enemy's outposts discovered than the troops drew up in line of battle, advancing cautiously through the deep ravines and tangled brush, until they passed through an open field and approached a narrow skirt of wood and dense under- growth. Here our skirmish-line met obstinate resistance, and was unable to advance farther. Gen. Bartlett, halting his command, rearranged the ranks at the edge of the wood and waited for the 1st Brigade to come up on his right. But before they were fairly in position, our forces were or- dered to push rapidly forward. The 27th New York was ou the right, 5th Maine and 121st New York next, and the 96th Pennsylvania on the left, the 16th New York being on the skirmish-line.
The belt of wood was about two hundred yards in width, and near its opposite edge ran the Chancellorsville road, about parallel with our line of battle. This road, having a trench on either side, was a fair specimen of many Virginia turnpikes. The dirt from these made a good riffe-pit.
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We passed our skirmish-line about fifty yards from the edge of the wood, and advanced in good order, regardless of the skirmishers of the enemy; who could not be seen, but
whose well-directed fire continued to single out a victim here and there, until we came within a short distance of the Chaneellorsville road. At this point we were suddenly met by a solid sheet of flame from a rebel line, lying in the road. awaiting our approach. Fortunately this first volley was aimed too high ; for, otherwise, it would have almost anni- hilated our command at the outset. Our troops remained in rank, returning a well-directed fire, until they forced the line back across the road. But instantly a destructive fire was poured into our columns by a second line that had been concealed on the opposite side of the road. Face to face they contended, scarcely a man falling to the rear unless wounded ; until, being ordered, they retired across an open field, soon after entering the wood. Between the enemy's line of battle and the right wing of the 121st stood what was known as Salem Church. This building, sheltering many of the enemy, was charged by that wing, and a hand- to-hand encounter ensued, in which our men captured the place, and held possession a short time. This was the first encounter with the enemy in so elose an action, and won for it a deserved title for gallantry ever afterwards main- tained.
The bravery and coolness of Col. Upton, under so fierce a fire, inspired both officers and men with new confidence in their commander, and their conduet in this engagement made him proud of the regiment with which he had cast his fortune. Just before the order was given to retire the colonel's favorite horse, " Manassas," was shot through the neck, the same bullet also severing one of the bridle reins. Unable to govern the infuriated beast, which was dashing wildly towards the enemy's line, he threw himself from the saddle, to avoid capture, allowing the animal to go riderless into their rear. Some of our wounded, who had fallen into the enemy's hands, afterwards recognizing the horse. be- lieved the colonel had been killed.
Without panie our whole line retired about eight hun- dred yards, until reaching some log cabins surrounded by an orchard, and again offered battle. The closely-pursuing enemy attempted to surround our exposed left flank. bu: the remnant of the 121st, with fragments of other regi- ments of the brigade, made an heroie resistance ; and. aided by the batteries on our right, drove them back to the edge of the wood. We gladly welcomed the night that closed the day's confliet. But as darkness came over the scene a lurid flame, kindled by the fire of our batteries, was con- `suming the dry leaves and underbrush in the word in which our helpless wounded lay. Many of them, it was feared, were burned alive." Perhaps no regiment in the service suffered so great a loss, in proportion to its numbers. as the 121st during the fifteen minutes it stood gallantly before so destructive a fire.
In the engagement 4 offieers and 81 non-commissioned officers and privates were killed, and 2 officers and over Ine of the latter wounded. Among the slain were Capes. N. O. Wendell, Thos, S. Arnold, Lients. U. F. Doubleds .. .. F. E. Ford. Lients. Henry Upton and H. B. War were severely wounded. Lient. Bates was taken prisut .. . All were brave and efficient officers, and their less B. severely felt. The total loss of the regiment was 2ST out of 540 who entered the engagement. Many of our wontrici
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HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
were sent to Fredericksburg and cared for, although some of the severest cases fell into the enemy's hands, Lieut. Upton being among the number. During the night the enenty brought large reinforcements from Hooker's front, and at an early hour next morning repossessed themselves of Fredericksburg and Marye's Heights, and would have surrounded the corps completely had not our line of battle been quickly extended to the river, to hold Banks' Ford, six miles above the town. Our entire front was changed to meet them, and all day they fought desperately-but in vain-to turn the left flank of the old 6th Corps away from the river, and thus cut off all retreat. In the mean time the 121st was in line of battle, and a part of the day lay in front of Capt. Cowan's famous battery, which was send- ing repeated volleys of eanister over our heads into the rebel ranks. Conseious that we could not hold out against overwhelming numbers, that night in the darkness we moved noisclessly to Banks' Ford, where we crossed rapidly over a ponton-bridge which had been provided, the 121st with its brigade bringing up the rear.
After eight days of toil, with little sleep, we returned to our old camping-ground, worn out in body and saddened at the loss of our gallant comrades. Notwithstanding our reverses the survivors were not disheartened.
Col. Upton began immediately to reorganize the shattered ranks, and fill the places of non-commissioned officers who had been killed. Near the close of May two hundred and forty-five men were transferred to the 121st from other regiments, although many of them never performed a day's duty with that command. These recruits, whose term of enlistment was three years, had been taken from the 16th, 18th, 27th, 31st, and 32d Regiments, which were mustered into service for two years only. Notwithstanding the ad- ditions, on leaving camp the regiment numbered one hun- dred less than when it broke camp in April.
For several days we had been in readiness to move, and had indulged in much speculation concerning our future. At ten A.M., June 6, we again turned toward Fredericksburg, arriving opposite the old Franklin crossing about one P.M. After remaining on the bluff near the bridge until evening we crossed to the enemy's side on a ponton-bridge, creeted by Howe's Division on the 5th inst.
That division crossed, on the above-mentioned day, with little loss, and was in possession of nearly the same ground occupied by the 1st Division in April.
Immediately we began to build rifle-pits, and before morning had erected a regular line, to shelter us during the day. Here we remained several days (virtually as observers), wondering what next would be expected of us, when it was ascertained that Lee's army was in motion, and moving by our right. After learning this we abandoned our useless works and recrossed the river. The 121st was ordered to march down the Rappahannock a few miles, and extend a picket line from the river across the country in the direc- tion of White Oak Church, where the body of the army lay.
Sunday, June 14, proved conclusively that Lee was crossing this stream with his whole force, and moving northward. Our wounded and sick were sent to Washing- tou, and all government property removed under the super- vision of the 6th Corps. During a heavy rain, amid loud
peals of thunder and thick darkness, we began our march about midnight. Half asleep, we plodded through deep mud and broken corduroy, commencing what may be called the "Gettysburg campaign."
For a day or two the roads were very heavy, and the artillery and baggage trains experienced much difficulty. It was a grand siglit to sce an ariny so large and well equipped moving with regularity and apparent ease. Where the country and roads would permit, the trains and troops were moved in three or four lines, presenting an imposing spectaele. Obliged to protect a loug, eumber- some train, we made slow progress, until some days later, on nearing Washington, it was reduced at least one-half, very much to the relief of the whole army.
June 17 the regiment was moved from Dumfries early in the morning, and did not breakfast until eight A.M. The day was very hot, and many feil out from exhaustion aud sunstroke, filling the ambulances, and keeping the regimental surgeons busy signing passes. About noon we crossed Occoquan creek at Wolf Run Shoals, where we halted about two hours. This stop was greatly enjoyed by the men, who improved the opportunity by plunging into the cooling stream. Refreshed by their bath, hard tack, and a cup of good coffee, they renewed the march about three P.M., reaching Fairfax Station, the place of encampmeut, late in the after- noon.
Reveille was sounded at four A.M., and soon after we re- sumed our march, and about noon reached Fairfax Court- House, where we remained nearly a week. While here all needless luggage was sent to Washington for storage, and the long and ponderous train considerably reduced. On the 25th the regiment was ordered out for skirmish drill on the Leesburg road, and after advancing about three miles through field, underbrush, and wood, returned to camp greatly fatigued.
Baffled in the hope of inducing Hooker to imperil the capital, Lee moved his army north of the Potomac. This action required an advance by our troops, and accordingly we left Fairfax Court-House on the morning of June 26, passing through the village of Drainsville, and crossing the Potomae on a ponton-bridge at Edwards' Ferry.
Leaving this place at an early hour on the following morning, we passed through several important towus, and two days later encamped at Sam's creek, about fifty miles distant. Thence we marched through the beautiful village of Westminster, with colors unfurled and bands playing, and, a column of rebel cavalry having preceded us by a few hours, the people, professing strong Union sentiments, welcomed us with hearty demonstrations of joy.
That night we rested about two miles from Manchester, and remained there until the following evening, the regi- ment having marched about one hundred miles in four days. The weather was hot and sultry, but our men kept in rank remarkably well during these long and fatiguing marches. although sixty rounds of cartridges and five days' rations had been added to their camp luggage. Notwithstanding the wearisome marches of the last four days, we were now called upon to outstrip all previous efforts and perform one of the most remarkable feats of the campaign.
During the day it became known that Gen. Hooker had
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HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
nsigned and Gen. Meade sneceeded to the command of the Army of the Potomae. This news affected the men visibly, as they had great confidence in " Fighting Joe;" but they were still willing to meet the enemy bravely under their new leader. Soon after nine P.M., July 1, the troops were ordered to move, but from some cause our column was de- layed, and did not get fairly under way before cleven P.M. We were now on the broad pike leading towards Gettysburg, where, as we had learned, a part of our army had met the enemy, and, after hard fighting and heavy loss, were holding their position, although deprived of their leader, Gen. Reynolds. The ardor of the regiment was now awakened, and a rapid march continued for hours, with brief halts for rest. The brigade band enlivened the tired soldiers at in- tervals with national airs, and when the echo of their musie had died away Col. Upton would order the regimental mu- sicians to strike up one of their best marches to regulate the steps of the weary men and eheer them onward. Little straggling had occurred, but as the sun poured forth its burning rays it was evident that many were struggling hard to keep in the ranks.
It was now one P.M., and we were about eight miles from the seene . of battle. Not having breakfasted, we were allowed twenty minutes to prepare coffee, and immediately squads of soldiers, loaded with canteens, were erossing the fields in search of water, while their comrades were kindling fires. Their preparations were interrupted, however ; for, before one-half of the tiuie had expired, a staff officer rode rapidly up the pike, and, reining his horse towards the headquarter flag, where Gen. Sedgwick was reelining in the shade, informed hin that the 6th Corps was wanted at Gettysburg without delay. Orders were immediately given, and the columu moved resolutely forward to close the gap of eight miles between them and their comrades, who were menaced by Lee's hosts.
The heat was excessive, and, though some of the men gave out from sheer exhaustion, the majority followed on at a less rapid rate. At 4.30 P.M., the regiment, with the 6th Corps, reached Gettysburg and advanced within support- ing distance of the column already drawn up. We were ordered to prepare coffee before taking our position in line. The command had now completed the unprecedented march of thirty-four miles in nineteen hours, without any food, except hard taek caten on the mareh. After partaking of the coffee, greatly refreshed and with refilled canteens. we were deployed, and moved forward to the support of the 3d Corps under a sharp fire of artillery and bursting shells. For the enemy had just opened fire preparatory to Long- street's assault on this corps, which had been posted far in advance. The 121st, with its brigade and division, was in line of battle with the left flank near Round Top just as Longstreet's hosts, in overlapping columns, swept Sickles' troops across the Emmettsburg road. The enemy fought desperately to carry the position in our front and gain pos- session of this height. Charge after charge was made, but they were finally driven back by the timely arrival of the 6th Corps, and darkness put an end to the contest. One of the batteries directly in front was several times in mo- mentary possession of the enemy, but as often recovered, and they driven back with fearful slaughter.
As soon as we were in position, Col. Upton, fully real- izing our danger, and the work we might have to perform. ordered all knapsacks to be removed and left in the rear. After the enemy had been driven back, our position was somewhat advanced, being more to the left, and under cover of a narrow strip of wood, whose edge was skirted with huge boulders. Here, during the night, we rested on our arms, hearing the agonizing eries of the wounded whom we were unable to sueeor.
The enemy awaited the renewal of the battle next day. with apparent confidenee, while we were in a doubtful mood and exceedingly anxious about the result. At an early hour the battle began on the right, but in our immediate front the enemy were content with annoying us by sharpshooters and an occasional shell. We kept this position until one P.M., when more than a hundred guns were opened on Ceme- tery Ridge and Hancock's front. The enemy had eoncen- trated their artillery for a final conflict, and directed their fire so well that the ranks of our gunners were rapidly thinned, and the destruction of horses so great that some of the pieces were drawn baek by hand to prevent capture.
Our guns replied, and for nearly two hours a destructive fire was kept up on both sides. At length some of our pieces slackened their fire, to cool, leading the enemy to suppose they were effectually sileneed, while their own were still decimating our ranks. Presently the roar of artillery eeased, and instantly every man along the Union line was in his place, as by magic, his piece in hand and bayonet fixed, well knowing the enemy were preparing for a charge. Col. Upton had previously directed the men to protect them- selves as best they eould from their artillery fire, but the moment it ceased to be prepared to meet the charge. On eame the rebels in serried columns, with measured step. and pressed hard up to Haneoek's line, when his infantry opened on them with terrible effeet. Aided by canister and shell from our batteries, the Union aruis, after a terrible saeritice, compelled them to fall back in confusion, leaving the ground literally covered with their dead and wounded comrades. The main point toward which the charge was dirceted was about five hundred yards to the right of the 121st. Thus ended the fighting of that day, and, practically, the battle of Gettysburg.
The next day was dark and cloudy, and the smoke set- tled down over the field, affording a favorable opportunity for Lee's retreat, which he was improving to his utmost. at the same tique maintaining defiant attitude in our front. During the night of the 4th his army was in full retreat, and next morning the 6th Corps was ordered in pursuit. The first division led, following the Fairfield road. 1 small rear-guard kept within sight of our advancing column. but did not dispute our march before reaching Fairfield. where they were protected by a gorge in South Mountain.
After a brisk skirmish, in which a few of our men were wounded. Gen. Sedzwick decided not to make a general attack, but, if possible, to ent off Lee's retreat by reaching the Cumberland valley through one of the mountain passes farther to the south. Our progress was slow, and it was not until Tuesday evening that we began the ascent of Sonth Mountain, over a very steep and rugged road, during a drenching rain.
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HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The men had been on short rations for two days, and were in no condition for such an effort. About midnight Col. Upton, knowing the regiment was well-nigh exhausted, and many scattered along the road, ordered them to rest. A majority of both men and officers lay down that night, faint and weak from prolonged hunger.
Early next morning we descended the westerly slope, and rested near Middletown, where we received a supply of bread and fresh beef. Thenee advancing to Boonsboro', in the Cumberland valley, we made preparation for battle, but the enemy retired on our approach. At daybreak we marched forward, and soon came up with their outposts. A portion of the 121st were deployed as skirmishers, and the remainder supported a Rhode Island battery, which opened on them with good effeet. The rebels were driven back with slight loss to our side. The 11th was spent in supporting a battery and skirmishing with the enemy.
Sunday, the 12th inst., the enemy were well intrenehed around Williamsport, with their flanks resting on the river, and their centre extending near Hagerstown. Their army was drawn within the semicirele, determined to defend the position until able to cross the swollen river.
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At dawn, next morning, we moved forward cautiously, and reached Funkstown just as the enemy were departing in undue haste. Our cavalry took possession of this place after a warm skirmish, and the 6th Corps, moving to the left, came up with the main body of Lee's army. The various commands were deployed in line of battle, and moved into position, within eight hundred yards of their rifle-pits. The enemy's skirmishers annoyed us very much, being strongly posted in a wheat-field, behind the shoeks, or protected by the rocks that dotted the ledge along their line. Three strong mortise-fenees and a field of wheat separated the opposing forces.
About five P.M. Cos. E and H, of the 121st, with a detachment of the 5th Maine, were ordered on skirmish duty, and Capt. Cronkite, being the senior officer, reported to Gen. Wright for instruction. The latter led to the nearest elevation, and, pointing to their position, said, " Cap- tain, the sun is now an hour high, and you must occupy that ledge before it goes down." Some minor instructions followed, and immediately after the line was deployed and moved forward on a run, with orders to reserve fire until the last fence was passed. The men were obliged to seale fences and charge through an uneut wheat-field, and, on reaching the last one, were nearly exhausted. Here a halt was ordered to correct the line, when a bold sally followed, and the position was ours. Seven or eight, belonging to the 121st, were wounded. Co. E had five men wounded ; besides, three rebels were found among the slain.
The next day was spent in skirmishing and building rifle- pits, and on the ensuing morning, to our surprise, Lee's whole army had returned to Virginia. The regiment fol- lowed up to Williamsport, where it remained during the night, and then directed its course toward Virginia. After passing through Boonsboro', Middletown, and Burkitts- ville, we recrossed at Berlin on a ponton-bridge. Ou re- turning to this State, but fourteen line-officers were present. Col. Upton was for a time in command of the regiment which left Maryland, Mather acting as lieutenant-colonel,
and Lieut .- Col. Oleott, with Capt. Gorton, Lieuts. Bates and Walker, were left behind on account of sickness. Capt. Gulpin, Lieuts. Paine and Vanseoy, with a squad of sol- diers, were detailed to proceed to New York and return with conscripts.
Marching southward again, we passed the villages of Lov- ittsville, Uniontown, and Sniekerville, reaching Ashby's Gap on the 23d. Thenee proceeding through New Balti- more and Warrenton, we eneamped a day or two near the latter place. Shortly after the 2d Brigade, with a light bat- tery, was ordered back to New Baltimore, five miles distant, to protect the army from a surprise in that direction. This command was completely detached from its division and the 6th Corps, which remained near Warrenton, and was obliged to protect itself on all sides from the ineursions of Mosby's band. Picket duty beeuune frequent, and usually lasted two days. This eamp was in a healthy location, and with daily drills by company, regiment, and brigade, and plenty of good food, vegetables, and abundance of berries, the men had little cause for dissatisfaction.
While here, Col. Upton received permission to take the 121st outside our lines, surround a village about ten miles northeast, and attempt to capture some of Mosby's gang, whose headquarters were supposed to be there. Before daylight the town was completely shut iu by our cordon of piekets, and, as day was breaking on the quiet residents, we were pushing our lines into the streets and searching all the buildings. They, however, having learned of our approach, quickly fled from the place, and we retraeed our steps, arriving in camp late that night.
CHAPTER XXVI.
OTSEGO IN THE REBELLION.
The 121st Regiment -- Continued.
SEPTEMBER 15, the entire army moved towards Cu !- peper, and passing this place, remained several days near Stonehouse Mountain.
Lee having withdrawn all his troops to the south bank of the Rapidan, the 6th Corps proceeded to Cedar Moun- tain, on that river, October 5. After a short stay we learned that the rebel general was attempting to put his army between us and Washington. Messages from our signal officers declared Stuart's cavalry to be then at James City, and further developments proved that the bulk of Lee's army was approaching our rear. Gen. Meade at- tempted to draw them back, or, at least, gain some time for the other corps of the army, near Culpepper, to get under way. He therefore ordered the 6th Corps to build large eamp-fires, and be ready to move at a moment's notice.
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