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 18
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Lieut .- Col. Olcott and Capt. Paine were prisoners for several months, not being exchanged until late in the sum- mer. During the continement the former was one of the Union officers placed under fire of our batteries at Charles. ton. It was thought for several days that he had been killed. He was a good commander and a brave soldier. and during the campaign his absence was severely felt not only in the regiment but throughout the brigade.
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HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The following morning found ns near Wilderness Tavern, and that day was spent in fortifying a defensive line. The same evening our march was continued over the Chaneel- lorsville battle-field to Piny Branch church. Here we halted for breakfast, and then following the Spottsylvania road came up to the 5th Corps at three P.M., then engaging the enemy. Shortly after the whole of Upton's Brigade formed line on the right of the Spottsylvania road to support a threatened attack ; but demonstrations being made on our right flank, a change of front in that direction was ordered about dark. All night the troops lay on their arms in this position. Soon after daylight the brigade, being relieved, moved to the left of the Spottsylvania road and spent the time in building rifle-pits.
During the day several casualties oceurred from artillery fire. The regimental flag floating over our works was rent by a solid shot, which, passing to our rear, struck a tree, under which was standing one of Col. Oleott's horses, and, falling upon the saddle, broke the animal's back. Oppor- tunity was now afforded to make one of the most notable charges in the history of the war.
The enemy did not attempt to attack our front, and in the afternoon of the 10th we determined to assault them. Some of the commanders expressed their belief that the enemy's position in our front could not be carried. Not so with Col. Upton. He thought it might be taken with a well-organized column, and, if properly supported, might be held. A doubting leader was not wanted, and Col. Up- ton was assigned the task. He selected the 121st for the honored position of right and front, the 5th Maine on the left-front, and 96th Pennsylvania in the centre,-all of his own brigade.
Col. Upton, in his official report of that sanguinary eon- fliet, said, ---
" The point of attack was at an angle near the Scott House, about half a mile to the left of the Spottsylvania road.
"The enemy's intrenchments were of a formidable char- acter, with abatis in front, and surmounted by heavy logs, underneath which were loop-holes for musketry. In the re-entrant to the right was a battery, with traverses between the guns. About one hundred yards to the rear was an- other line of works, partly completed and occupied by a second line of battle.
" The position was in an open field, about two hundred yards from a piece of wood. A wood-road led from our position directly to the point of attack. The ground was looked over by Gen. Russell and myself, and regimental comminanders were also required to see it, that they might understand the work before them.
" The column of attack, consisting of twelve regiments, formed in four lines of battle, lying down in the piece of wood as soon as in position. The line was formed from right to left, as follows: First line, 121st New York, 96th Pennsylvania, 5th Maine. Second line, 49th Pennsylvania, 6th Maine, 5th Wisconsin. Third line, 43d New York, 77th New York, 119th Pennsylvania. Fourth line, 2d, 5tlr, and 6th Vermont.
" Our position was so close that no commands were to be given in getting into position. The pieces of the first
line were loaded and capped ; those of the other lines were loaded only. Bayonets were also fixed.
. " The 121st New York and 96th Pennsylvania Volunteers were instructed to turn to the right and charge the battery as soon as the works were carried. The 5th Maine was to wheel to the left and open an enfilading fire upon the enemy. The second line was to halt at the works and engage the front. The third was to lie down behind the sceond, and await orders. The fourth was to advance to the edge of the wood, lie down, and await the issue of the charge. . . . All the officers were instructed to respect the command ' forward' constantly from the commencement of the charge till the works were carried.
" At ten minutes before six P.M., Capt. Dalton brought me the order to attack as soon as the column was formed. and stated that the artillery would eease firing at six P.M. Twenty minutes elapsed before all the preparations were completed, when, at the command, the line rose, moved noiselessly to the edge of the wood, and then, with a wild cheer, rnshed for the works. Through a terrible front and flank fire, the column advanced quickly, gaining the parapet. Here occurred a deadly hand-to-hand conflict. The enemy, sitting in their pits, with picees upright, loaded. and bayonets fixed, ready to impale the first who should leap over, absolutely refused to yield the ground. The first of onr men who tried to surmount the works fell pierced through the head by musket-balls. Others, seeing the fate of their comrades, held their pieces at arms' length, and fired down- wards, while others, poising theirs vertically, hurled them down upon the enemy, pinning them to the ground. . .
"The struggle lasted but a few seconds. Numbers prevailed, and, like a resistless wave, the column poured over the works, quickly putting hors du combat those who resisted, and sending to the rear those who surren- dered.
" Pressing forward, and expanding to the right and left. the second line of intrenehments and the battery fell into our hands. The column of assault had accomplished its task. The enemy's lines were completely broken, and an opening had been made for the division which was to have supported. but it did not arrive.
" Reinforcements arriving to the enemy, our front and both flanks were assailed. The impulsion of the charge being lost, nothing remained but to hold the ground. I accordingly directed the officers to form their men ontside the works, and open fire, and then rode baek over the field. to bring forward the Vermonters in the fourth line.
" Night had arrived ; our position was three-quarters of a mile in advance of the army, and, without prospect of >up- port, was untenable. Gen. Russell, meeting me at the edge of the wood, gave me the order to withdraw. I wrote the order, and sent it along the line by Capt. Gorton, of the 121st New York Volunteers, in accordance with which. under cover of the darkness. the works were evacuated. the regiments returning to their former camp.
"Our loss in this assault was about 1000 in kft .. wounded, and missing. The enemy lost at least 100 in killed at the first intrenchments, while a much heavier i . was sustained in his efforts to regain them. We captarel over 1000 prisoners and several stand of colors.
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HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
"Our officers and men accomplished all that could be expected of brave men.
" They went forward with perfect confidenee, fought with unflinching courage, and retired only upon the receipt of a written order, after having expended the ammunition of their dead and wounded comrades."
The 121st had 1 offieer-Capt. Chas. A. Butts-and 32 men killed, and a large number wounded. Among the latter was Maj. Galpin, Capts. Kidder, Jackson, and Cronkite, and Lieuts. Foote, Johnson, and Tucker. Lieut. Foote, with a squad of his men, had reached the rebel battery, and was attempting to turn the captured guns against the enemy, when he was severely wounded, and fell into their hands, and for months afterwards was reported as killed, but subsequently known to be a prisoner. Lient. Johnson and Capt. Cronkite were wounded as they mounted the top of the rifle-pit side by side,-the former being piereed through the leg with a bayonet. Capt. Butts was first wounded in erossing the open field, and, while men were assisting him to our rear, he received another shot, and was instantly killed.
We reoeeupied our old line that night and the following day, and on the morning of the 12th the 121st again mingled in one of the most terrible contests of modern time. Of that engagement, Col. Upton, in his official report, says :
" May 11 the brigade made some, unimportant changes of position. Early on the 12th it moved with the division towards the right flank of the army, but to the left again at 7 A.M., arriving in rear of the 2d Corps at 9.30 A.M. The right flank of this eorps being threatened, Gen. Rus- sell direeted me to move to the right, at double-quick, to support it. Before we could arrive it gave way. As the 95th Pennsylvania Volunteers reached an elevated point of the enemy's works, about six hundred yards to the right of the Sendrum House, it received a heavy volley from the second line of works. Seeing that the position was of vital importance to hold, and that all the troops had given way up to this point, I halted the 95th Pennsylvania Volun- teers, faced to the front, and eaused it to lie down. Its left rested near the works connecting with the 2d Corps, while its right lay behind a erest oblique to the works. Had it given way the whole line of intrenchments would have been recaptured, and the fruit of the morning's vic- tory lost, but it held the ground till the 5th Maine and 121st New York eame to its support, while the 96th Penn- wylvania Volunteers passed on its right. Shortly after the 3d and Vermont Brigades arrived. a section of Gillis' battery ol' the 5th United States Artillery, under Lieut. Metcalf, rane up and opened fire, but was immediately charged, and lout nearly every horse, driver, and cannoncer.
" The enemy charged up to his works within a hundred foot of the guns, but a well-directed fire from the infantry Irhind the crest prevented his farther advance. At the point where our line diverged from the works the opposing lines came in contact, but neither would give ground."
And for eighteen hours raged the most sanguinary con- flirt of the war. The point remained in our possession at the close of the struggle, and is known as the " Angle."
At this "angle" and within the enemy's rifle-pits stood a rul oak tree, behind which many of the enemy would crouch,
and, thus protected, would pick off the eannoneers, and for a time prevented the men from firing the guus. Lieut. Weaver, of the 121st, with a part of the regiment, was directly in front of this tree, and he dirceted the men to keep up a constant fire on that point, and so prevent the rebels from putting their heads above the works.
Hour after hour this terrible fire raged, dealing death with such precision that, had not fresh squads of men been sent forward to take the places of the killed and wounded, but few would have remained to tell the tale. After this fire had been kept up for several hours the men saw the tree tottering, and about an hour afterwards, from the eon- stant piercing of Minic-bullets, it fell with a loud erash along and inside of the enemy's pits, amid the shouts of the men.
The following placard is found inseribed on a seetion of the " red-oak," which is now in the ordnance museum at Washington. From the presentation notice, it will be ob- served that Gen. Miles elaims the eredit of holding the position in front of this tree until it fell; but the writer has substantial proof from offieers who witnessed the trans- action that Upton's brigade was in its immediate front, and that offieer directed Lieut. Weaver, of the 121st, to keep a continuous fire in that direction, which he did until the tree went erashing into the midst of the enemy:
PLEASE DO NOT HANDLE.
Seetion of a red-oak which stood inside intrenehments near Spott- sylvania Court-House, and was eut down by musket-balls, in an attempt to recapture the works previously carried by the Second Corps, Army of the Potomac, May 12, 1864.
PRESENTED
to the Hon. Secretary of War by Brevet Maj .- Gen. N. A. Miles, eom- manding First Division, Seeond Corps, Army of Potomae.
Dimension : 5 feet high, 22 inehes in diameter.
After this engagement the 121st had but 4 company officers and 185 men on duty.
The regiment and brigade were held in reserve, and fre- quently changed position to support other troops, until, on the morning of May 14, they were ordered to eross the Ny river and seige Myres' Hill to the left and in front of the 5th Corps. From this position to the Ny river the regi- ment assisted in extending a picket-line. A sharp engage- ment occurred at this point, with slight losses to our troops. May 21 we marched from Myres' Hill and reached Guinea Station the following day, after which, crossing the Mata- pony river, we eneamped near Lebanon church. On the 23d the march was resumed, and the North Anna river was erossed on the following day. On the 25th they moved to the right, crossed the Virginia Central railroad at Noel's Station, and tore up the track for some distance. Next day the regiment reerossed the North Anna and aecom- panied the trains to Chesterfield Station. Mary weary marches followed before the plain at Cold Harbor was reached. June 1, line of battle was formed at five P.M .. and a terrific battle ensued. The 2d Connecticut Heavy Artillery, that had been previously assigned to our brigade, was placed in front and bravely bore the shock of the bat- tle, their loss being very heavy, while that of the 121st.
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IIISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
with the other regiments of the brigade, was slight. The enemy's rifle-pits were carried in our immediate front, and the position held. Other parts of the line were less sue- cx-ful, and the battle was undecisive.
Twelve days were spent in this position, each regiment in the brigade taking its turn in manning the rifle-pits, which, in our front, were within fifty yards of the enemy's line. Frequent casualties occurred, for there was no pro- tection from the almost constant fire, except when lying down behind the rifle-pits.
At eleven P.M., June 12, the army moved towards the Chickahominy, the 121st, with its brigade, guarding the artillery-train, and reached the James river, where it en- camped on the 16th instant. The following day they were transported from Wilson's Wharf to Bermuda Hundred, and rejoined the corps near Point of Roeks.
June 18, we moved in front of the works at one A.M., to support an attack on Longstreet's Corps, but the order being countermanded, we returned to our former_position. June 19, we marched in front of Petersburg, and our bri- gade relieved Stannard's, on the right, at ten P.M., intrench- ing during the night.
On the 21st inst. we were relieved by Stannard's Brigade, and proceeded across the Jerusalem plank-road to the left of the 2d Corps, and next day advanced and met the enemy ; but before beginning an attack the latter retired. June 29, the 121st with the corps reached Reams' Station, and, after destroying much of the traek, returned to the Jerusa- lem plank-road July 2.
On the 9th inst., the 6th Corps was ordered to march at ten P.M., and morning found it at City Point, awaiting trans- portation to Washington. At five P.M. the 121st embarked on the steamer " Tappahannock," and arrived at Washington, two P.M., 12th inst., and immediately marched up Seventh street to Fort Massachusetts, which was being menaced by Early's rebel troops. The Union skirmishers had been driven within a few hundred yards of the fort, and, no doubt, Early imagined it would soon fall into his possession. A part of the Gth Corps was immediately deployed to attack him, while Upton's Brigade was held in reserve. The contest was short, sharp, and decisive, Early being routed, and, finding the old 6th Corps in his front, began a rapid retreat toward Virginia that night.
On the 14th inst., we proceeded to Poolville, and next day the 121st and 95th Pa., of Upton's Brigade, with Capt. Cowan's battery, and a squadron of cavalry, were detached from the corps, and marched toward Conrad's Ferry on the , Potomac. The cavalry crossed the ford that evening, the enemy making no resistance beyond a few discharges of artillery. The next day we marched to White's Ford, which we crossed Sunday, 17th, and rejoined our brigade and corps near Leesburg, and camped along the Leesburg and Alexandria railroad. The following day we marched through Snicker's Gap, and found Gen. Crooks, with his command, engaging the enemy along the Shenandoah river, and we were ordered to his support. The following morn- ing the 121st, with its division, crossed the river, but finding the enemy had retired, encamped about three miles there- from. While here the regiment was well supplied with delicious mutton from the farm of a rebel officer. A
large quantity of hams were also stored in his building, ready for southern markets, and when the troops returned next day nearly every member of the 121st was carrying several days' supply of this food. It is needless to add that the rebel officer was not at home.
The following day we recrossed the river, marching towards Washington, and three days afterwards passed over Chain bridge, and at two P.M. eneamped near Tenallytown.
The regiment now expected to be sent back to Peters- burg; but, instead, after two days of rest, began a series of marches to and from Virginia, erossing and reerossing the Potomac. Leaving Tenallytown, July 26, under a burning heat, we passed through Rockville, Hyattstown, and Ur- bana, reaching Jefferson at two A.M., July 29. Resuming the march that afternoon, via Knoxville and Weavertown, weerossed the Potomac on a ponton-bridge, about three miles west of Harper's Ferry, and encamped for the night. Next day marched to latter place, and, after a few idle hours along the railroad, encamped near by. The following day we recrossed the river, moving in the direction of Jefferson, which we passed through with colors unfurled and bands playing, just as the people were going from church, remind- ing us of a country village in central New York on a Sabbath day. That night we bivouacked about three miles from Frederick. Several men were prostrated by sunstroke during the day.
Another week was past in fitful marches, and by Satur- day, August 6, we again brought up at Harper's Ferry, erossing the river that afternoon and eneamping three miles from the village. Four days later we passed through Charlestown, to the place where John Brown was confined and executed, the bands playing the melody dedicated to him. We then moved up the Shenandoah valley as far as Strausburg. passing through Winchester and Middletown, and, after unimportant skirmishes, retraced our steps, closely followed by Early's command. and encamped three miles from Charlestown. Not being aware of imminent danger, on the 21st the regiment was ordered to clean muskets, preparatory to the regular Sunday inspection.
About nine A.M., however, they were interrupted by the sharp erack of muskets along the picket line, a half-mile distant. Instantly the drums beat the " long roll." the men hastily reunited the parts of their weapons, struck tents, and in less than ten minutes moved at double-quick for the picket line, which was then falling back. Our men were inne. diately deployed as skirmishers, and at once began to engage the approaching enemy. They moved past our right flank, and doubtless hoped to interpose themselves between us and Harper's Ferry, thus cutting off our retreat. The brigade commander, Col. Upton, discerning their action, ordered the 121st to move quickly by the right flank, which it did. at the same time advancing to the front and gaining posse- sion of a rocky chiff that the enemy failed to reach. The rebels attempted repeatedly to drive our men from the posi tion, but were stubbornly resisted until three A M. next day. with a loss on our side of two killed and six wounded.
Lient .- Col. Olcott returned from his southern prison about this time, and was again in command of the regiment. Also Capt. Paine had returned to duty, both of whom had been regularly exchanged. .
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HISTORY OF OTSEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK.
This cheek gave ample time for our trains to move baek under cover of the works at Harper's Ferry. These being safe in the rear, we abandoned our position, and early in the forenoon of the 22d inst. were in position near the ferry, building rifle-pits in anticipation of an attack. Here we remained a day or two, then advaneed to Halltown, and August 29 were ordered forward to Charlestown to support the cavalry engaging the enemy near Smithfield.
About this date our new commander, Gen. Sheridan, as- sumed the leadership of all the armies in the valley, and it was soon evident that a thoroughly competent officer was to lead us to vietory.
A few days were necessarily consumed in organizing the forces, and in the mean time the 121st, with its brigade, moved to the left, near Berryville, remaining nearly two weeks. The time was pleasantly spent in picket-duty, drill, and dress parade; and, toward the elose of our stay, Gen. Upton reviewed the brigade, which was then in fine con- dition.
This was the longest rest the 121st had been allowed since they broke camp at Hazel river, May 4, and was greatly enjoyed.
Our army was visited by Lt .- Gen. Grant, and there were numerous eonjeetures concerning the future. Many sup- posed that this personal visit would result in the returu of the 6th Corps to Petersburg, while others predicted an early battle with the enemy. We did not wait long, however, for Sept. 18, the day following Gen. Grant's departure, orders were given to march at an early hour the next morning.
The 121st, with its brigade and corps, moved promptly at four A.M., and about eight A.M. reached the Opequan ereek at the point where the road from Harper's Ferry aud Berryville leads towards Winchester.
The 6th Corps crossed this stream at nine A.M., and iun- mediately deployed in line of battle in an open field about a half-mile beyond the stream. The 1st Division, com- manded by Gen. Russell, except Upton's brigade, whichi was held in reserve, formed on the right, and the 2d and 3d Divisions of the corps formued in the order named on his left. Here, in view of the church spires of Winchester, we waited nearly two hours for the dilatory 19th Corps to come up and advance to our right.
Near eleven A.M. they were in position, and the line was ready to advance. The delay, however, had given Early ample time to bring up reinforcements ; which he did, aud a brisk artillery fire was opened ou both sides.
At eleven p.M. the lines moved forward in firm order, when the enemy's infantry opened a galling fire, but at the same time fell back about five hundred yards, while our forees continued to advance.
The firing was general along the whole line, and the wounded were fast falling to the rear. Presently the enemy charged, and, coming near the Union lines, were met by a destructive volley from the 6th Corps; but that moment the 19th Corps gave way, exposing the right of Russell's division to a flank fire. Instantly, Gen. Cpton moved his brigade to the frout at double-quick, and posting it in the open gap made by the 19th Corps, ordered the men to lie down in the woods, and not discharge a musket
until direeted. They came exultingly within fifty yards of our line, when the order to fire was given. Our men obeyed, and followed up with a charge, driving theur iu confusion aeross the field and into the woods beyond. For Gen. Upton's dispatch iu moving the 121st with the brigade into that exposed gap, Gen. Sheridan afterwards credited him and his eommaud with turning the tide of battle that day.
But soon we were obliged to separate our military con- neetion with our esteemed commander, for Gen. Russell being killed in this engagement the command of the division devolved upon Gen. Upton, who was hituself wounded in our final charge, just as we were driving the enemy peil- mell through Winchester.
In this brilliant action the 121st lost but two men killed, although many were wounded. Lt. Heath was one of the latter.
This defeat eost the enemy, in addition to their killed and wounded, 4000 prisoners, 15 battle-flags, and 5 eannon.
Closely pursued, they fell back to their strong position at Fisher's Hill, where our army again vigorously attacked them, about evening, Sept. 22. The cavalry and a eonsid- erable portion of our infantry had reached their left flank, while the 6th Corps assaulted them in front. The battle did not eease until after dark, when, finding their flank effectually turned and the 6th Corps pressing hard in frout, they became panic-stricken and fled up the valley. 16 eannon, several battle-flags, and over 1000 prisoners were captured. The loss was slight in the 121st; also throughout onr whole army.
From this place we marched to Harrisonburg, about ninety miles from Harper's Ferry, without opposition.
Our long line of communication could not be gnarded against the ineursions of guerrilla bands, and therefore it became necessary to subsist the army on the surrounding country. Large droves of eattle and sheep were frequently brought in by our foraging parties, and, with plenty of flour, found in neighboring mills, the men were well sup- plied with good food.
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