USA > New York > Wayne County > Military history of Wayne County, N.Y. : the County in the Civil War > Part 43
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Congratulatory orders were issued to the Twenty-seventh, by Major-General Sedgwick, commanding the Sixth army corps ; by General Brooks, of the division ; and by J. J. Bartlett, the old Major, now commanding the brigade. Its Colonel had become a corps commander, and from the first Bull Run, when General Porter had called the organization the "gallant Twenty-seventh," down to the muster-out, the eight battles of the regiment had proved its valor and honored the State.
We give the following orders :-
HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ARMY CORPS, May 13, 1863.
Special Order No. 920.
5. The time of service of the Twenty-seventh New York Volunteers, having expired, they will proceed to Elmira, N.
516
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Y., the place of enrollment, where they will be mustered out of service. Upon arrival there, their Arms, Equipments and public property will be turned in to the proper officers.
The Quartermaster's Department will furnish transporta- tion from Falmouth.
The General Commanding the Corps, congratulates the officers and men of the Twenty-seventh New York Volun- teers upon their honorable return to civil life. They have enjoyed the respect and confidence of their comrades and Commanders. They have illustrated their term of service by gallant deeds, and have won for themselves a reputation not surpassed in the Army of the Potomac, and have nobly earned the gratitude of the Republic.
By command of MAJ. GEN. SEDGWICK. M. T. McMAHON, A. A. G.
(Signed)
HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION SIXTH CORPS, ¿ May 14, 1863.
Special Orders No. Fifty-five.
3. In taking leave of the Twenty-seventh, New York Vol- unteers, the Brigadier-General Commanding the Division is happy to be able to bear witness to their soldierly qualifica- tions, and general good conduct.
Their action in the late campaign on the South side of the Rappahannock will be a proud record for every officer and man to carry to his home. This record is said in a few words: " You did your duty, and did it to the satisfaction of your commanders."
By order of BRIG. GEN. BROOKS.
(Signed) A. K. PARSONS, A. A. G. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, SIXTH ARMY CORPS, A. OF P., CAMP NEAR WHITE OAK CHURCH, May 12th, 1863.
General Orders No. 46.
The term of enlistment of the Twenty-seventh New York Volunteers having nearly expired, they are ordered to pro- ceed to their rendezvous at Elmira, N Y., to be mustered out of the service of the United States, on the 21st day of May.
This order severs more connections than those which bound the regiment to the military service. Two years of honorable and distinguished service have made vou soldiers. This will be your proudest title for years to come.
After the fall of your gallant and distinguished Colonel, I commanded you in the first battle of the Army of the
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MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Potomac. I have led you through all its subsequent cam- paigns, and have participated with you in a dozen battles.
I now send you to the quiet haunts of peace, with the blood of the enemy upon your honored Old Flag scarce yet dry. In separating with you, I can only give you my assurances that the honor of the regiment has ever been my care.
Our connection has been one of love, cemented by your bravery and noble deeds, and in its severance, I believe the regret to be mutual. I have always relied on you in every emergency, and you have ever responded with true patriot- ism. You leave brave comrades behind you, stretched in death upon all our battle fields. You have with you the grateful feeling that you have avenged'them. In the his- tory of the Army of the Potomac, no prouder record will be inscribed than your own.
I hope yet to see the standard of your regiment once more raised. I hope again to command you. Till then, farewell, and may God in his infinite mercy bless each and all of you.
(Signed)
Jos. J. BARTLETT, Brig. Gen. Com.
(The Official . Roster of the Twenty-seventh Infantry will be found upon the following page.)
518
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
OFFICIAL ROSTER.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S REPORT, 1868.
TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
NAME.
Date of Commission.
Date of Rank.
Remarks.
Colonels : Henry W. Slocum
June 20,'61 May 21,'61 Promoted to Brig .- Gen. of Vol- unteers Aug. 13,' 61.
Joseph J. Bartlett.
Sept. 19, '61 Aug. 9,'61
Promoted to Brig .- Gen. of Vol- unteers Oct. 7,'62.
Alexander D. Adams.
Nov. 10,'62 Oct. 4,'62 Mustered out with regt. May 3I, '63.
Lieutenant-Colonels : Joseph J. Chambers. Alexander Duncan Adams .. Joseph H. Bodine ... 1
(Brev. Col. N. Y. V.)
Majors :
Joseph J. Bartlett.
Curtiss C. Gardiner
Joseph H. Bodine
George G. Wanzer
Nov. 10,'62 Oct. 4,'62
Promoted to Col. Sept. 19, '61. Resigned July 24, '62. Promoted to Lieut .- Col. Nov. IO, '62. Mustered out with regt. May 31, 63.
Adjutants : John P. Jenkins ..
Melville W. Goodrich.
Charles E. Thompson.
Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63.
Quartermasters :
James A. Hamilton.
May 21,'61 Resigned Oct. 7, '62.
Cashiered Nov. 22, '62.
James P. Kirby Texas Angell
Nov. 10,'62 Oct. 7,'62 Jan. 23,'62 Nov. 22,'62
Mustered out with regt. May 31,'63.
Surgeon :
Norman S. Barnes. .....
July 4,'61 May 21,'61 Mustered out with regt. May 3I, '63.
Assistant Surgeons:
Barnett M, Morse
July 4,'61 May 21,'6I Aug. 18,'62 Aug. 14,'62
Resigned July 19, '62.
William H. Stuart ..
Mustered out with regt. May 3I, '63.
Chaplains : Daniel D. Buck
July 4,'61 May 22,61
Resigned Feb. 26, '62.
John G. Webster.
Oct. 16,'62 Oct. 15,'62 Resigned March 18, 63.
Captains : Joseph J. Chambers
... ... Apr. 30,'61
Promoted to Lieut .- Col. June 20, '61.
William M. Bleakley
July 4,'61 May 21,'61 |Discharged Feb. 8, '62.
June 20,'61 May 21,'61 Sept. 19,'61 Sept. I,'6I Nov. 10,'62 Oct. 4,'62 Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63.
Resigned Aug. 13, '61. Promoted to Col. Nov. 10, '62.
June 20,'61 May 21,'6I Sept. 19,'61 Sept. 1,'6I Aug. 28,'62 July 24,'62
July 4,'61 May 21,'6I Feb. 24,'62 Dec. 1,'6I Oct. 16,'62 Aug. 30,'62
Discharged Oct. 16, '61. Dismissed Aug. 30, '62.
519
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT .- (Continued.)
NAME.
Date of Commission.
Date of Rank.
Remarks.
Edwin D. Comstock
Mar. 12,'62
Feb. 8,'62
Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63.
Alexander D. Adams.
July 4,'61 |May
2,'61
Promoted to Lieut-Col. Sept. 19, '61. Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63. Promoted to Major May 21,'61.
Joseph J. Bartlett
May 2,'61
Edward L. Lewis
July 4,'61 May 21,'61 Resigned Aug. 2, '61.
Charles A. Wells.
Sept. 19,'61 Sept. 1,'61
Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63.
Henry C. Rodgers
July 4,'61 May 2,'61 Resigned July 20, '62. Resigned Nov. 27, '62.
Albert G. Northrup.
Aug. 28,'62 July 20, 62
Albert M. Tyler.
George G. Wanzer E. P. Gould
Jan. 23,'63 Nov. 27,'62 Mustered out with regt. May July 4,'61 May 7,'61 31, '63. Nov. 10,'62 Oct. 4,'62 Promoted to Major Nov. 10,'61. Mustered out with regt. May July 4,'61 May 8,'61 31, '63. Resigned Aug. 14, '62.
Peter Jay
William H. H. Brainard ...
Oct. 16,'62 Aug. 14,'62
George H. Romon
Feb. 27,'63 Nov. 27,'62
James Perkins. July 4,'61 May 7,'61 Resigned Nov. 7, '61.
Philo D. Phillips ..
Dec. 12,'61 Nov. 7,'61
Resigned April 24, '62.
H. Seymour Hall.
June 14,'62 Apr. 24,'62 Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63. Resigned Feb. 6, '62.
Charles E. Martin
July 4.'61 May II,'61
Joseph H. Bodine
Mar. 12,'62 Feb. 6,'62
Promoted to Major Nov. 10, '62.
William H. Swan.
Oct. 16,'62 July 24,'62 Resigned March 9, '63.
Sherman M. Seeley.
May 9 '63 Mar. 9,'63
Mustered out with regt. May 3I. '63
Curtiss C. Gardiner.
July 4,'61 May 13,'61 Resigned July 24, '62.
(Brev. Lieut .- Col. U. V.)}
Samuel M. Harmon.
Sept. 19.'61 Sept. 1,'61 Resigned Sept. 26, '62.
Burton Freeman
Oct. 16,'62 Sept. 26,'62
Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63. Resigned June 6, '62. Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63.
First Lieutenants :
William M. Bleakley
Apr. 30,'61 Promoted to Capt. May 21, '61.
Henry Ford.
July 4,'61 May 21,'61 Resigned Aug. I, '61.
Thomas W. Dick, Jr
Sept. 19,'61 Aug. 2,'61 Discharged Jan. 30, '62.
Benjamin Rankin.
Mar. 12,'62 Jan. 30,'62 Resigned July 30, '62.
Louis C. Bartlett
Apr. 28,'62 July 30,'62 Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63.
Henry R. White.
William H. Swan
Sept. 19,'61 Sept. 1,'61 Oct. 16,'62 July 24,'62
Crosby Hopkins
Edward L. Lewis
Charles A. Wells.
...
Jan. 23,'63 Jan. 4,'63 Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63. .. May 2,'61 Promoted to Capt. May 21, '61 .. Promoted to Capt. Sept. 19,'61. Discharged Feb. 23, '62.
George II. Hurd ..
James M. Watson
July 4,'61 May 2,'6I Promoted to Capt. Sept. 19,'61. [Promoted to Capt. Oct. 16, '62. Resigned Jan. 4, '63.
William C. Belden
July 4,'61
May 16,'61
Henry L. Archilles, Jr Seymour Peirce.
Nov. 10,'62 June 9,'62
Resigned Nov. 27, '62. Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63.
(Brev. Major U. S. V.)
Henry R. White
Sept. 19,161 Sept. I,'61
July 4,'61 May 21,'6I Sept. 19,'61 Sept. 1,'61 Mar. 12,'62 Feb. 15,'62 Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63.
520
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT .- (Continued.)
NAME.
Date of Commission.
Date of Rank.
Remarks.
Henry C. Jackson
July 4,'61
May
2,'61 Resigned Aug. 10, '61.
Edwin D. Comstock.
Sept. 19,'61
Aug. 7,'61|Promoted to Capt. Mar. 12, 62.
George A. Dickson ..
Mar. 12,'62 Feb. 8.'62 Dismissed Oct. II, '62.
William M. Nimbs.
Nov. 10,'62 Oct. 11,'62
Mustered out with regt. May 2I, '63.
Charles S. Baker.
July 4,'61
May . 7.'61
Discharged Feb. 26, '62.
Edward P. Gould.
Mar. 12,'62 Feb. 26,'62
George H. Robertson
Nov. 10,'62 Oct. 4,'62
Promoted to Capt. Nov. 10,'62. Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63.
Witliam A. Sheldon.
July 4,'61
May 8,'61
Resigned Aug. I, '61.
Lafayette Cross
Sept. 19,'61 Aug.
2,'6I
Resigned Feb. 22, '62.
Andrew Patrullo.
Mar. 12,'62 Feb. 22,'62
Resigned Jan. 18, '63.
John R. Briggs.
Feb. 27,'63
Jan. 18,'63
Mustered out with regt. May 3I, '63.
Philo D. Phillips
July 4,'61
May 7,'61
Promoted to Capt. Dec. 12, 61. Promoted to Capt. Nov. 10.'62.
Charles Rock
Nov. 10,'62 June
9,'62 Mustered out with regt. May 3I, '63.
Joseph H. Bodine
July 4,'61 May II,'61 Promoted to Capt. Mar. 12, '62. Mar. 12,'62 Feb. 6,'62 Never reported for duty.
Lewis H. Clussman.
Sherman M. Seeley.
June 14,'62 May 26,'62
Promoted to Capt. May 9, '63.
Edward C. Camp.
May 9,'63 Mar. 9,'63 Mustered out with regt. May 3I, '63.
Samuel M. Harmon
July 4,'61 May 13,'61
Davis C. Hartshorn.
Sept. 19,'61 Sept. 1,'61
Benton Freeman ..
Mar. 12,'62 Feb. 6,'62 Promoted to Capt. Oct. 16, '62.
Texas Angel.
Oct. 16,'62 Sept. 26,'62 Promoted to Quartermaster Jan. 23, '63.
Darwin Maltby.
Jan. 23,'63
Nov. 22,'62 Mustered out with regt. May 3I, '63. May 16,'61 Died Sept. II, '62, at Washing- ton, D. C., of disease.
George H. Gaskell.
Oct. 16,'62
Sept. II,'62 Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63.
Second Lieutenants : Henry Ford.
Thomas W. Dick, Jr.
July 4,'61 May 21,'61
Apr. 30,'61 Promoted to First Lieut. May 21, '61. Promoted to First Lieut. Sept. I9, '61. Discharged Jan. 30, '62.
James C. Craft.
Sept. 19,'61 Aug. 2,'61
Nicholas Christman
Mar. 12,'62 Jan. 30,'62
Resigned Nov. 20, '62.
Alexander McKay Jan. 23,'63 Nov. 20,'62 Not mustered.
William H. Swan
July 4,'61
Charles L. Gaul
Sept. 19,'61
May 2,'61 Promoted to First Lieut. Sept. Sept. 1,'6I 19, '61. Died Aug. 20,'62, at New York, of disease.
Crosby Hopkins
Oct. 16,'62 Aug. 20,'62 Promoted to First Lieut. Jan. 23, '63.
Charles Sherman.
Jan. 23,'63 Jan. 4,'63 Mustered out with regt. May 3I, '63.
Charles A. Wells.
May 2,'61 Promoted to First Lieut. May 21, '61.
John C. Fairchilds
May 9,'63 Mar. 20,'63 Mustered out with regt. May 3I,'63.
George H. Hurd.
July 4,'61 May 21,'61 Promoted to First Lieut. Sept. 19, '61.
Seymour Peirce
Dec. 12,'6I Nov
7,'61
Promoted to Capt. Sept. 19,'61. Resigned Feb. 6, '62.
William H. Coan
July 4,'61
521
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT .- (Continued.)
NAME.
Date of Commission.
Date of Rank
Remarks.
James King.
Sept. 19,'61 Sept. 1,'61 Resigned March 8, '62. June 14,'62 Mar. 8,'62 Resigned Nov. 13, '62.
John E. Ronk Eri Watson
June 23,'63 Nov. 13,'62
Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63.
Asa Park
July 4,'61 May 2,'61
Killed at Bull Run, Va., July 21, '61.
Albert G. Northrup.
Sept. 19,'6I July 21,'61
Albert M. Tyler.
Aug. 28,'62 July 20,'62
Promoted to Capt. Aug. 28, '62. Promoted to Capt. Jan. 23, '63.
Charles N. Elliot.
Feb. 27,'63 Nov. 27,'62 Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63.
Edward P. Gould.
July 4,'61 May 7,'61 Promoted to First Lieut. Mar. 12, '62.
Joseph Webster
Mar. 12,'62 Feb. 26,'62 Died July 22, '62, of wounds received at Gaines' Mills, Va. Oct. 16,'62 Promoted to First Lieut. Nov. IO, '62.
Lafayette Cross.
Nov. 10,'62 Oct. 4,'62 Mustered out with regt. May July 4,'61 May 8,'61 3I, '65. Promoted to First Lieut. Sept. 19 '61. Discharged Dec. 17, '61.
Frank E. Northrup
Sept. 19,'61 Aug. 2,'61
William H. H. Brainard ..
Mar. 12,'62 Dec. 14,'61 Promoted to Capt. Oct. 16, '62.
George H. Romon.
Frederick Randall
Oct. 16,'62 Aug. 14,'62 Promoted to Capt. Feb. 27, '63. Mustered out with regt. May Feb. 27,'63 Nov. 27,'62 31, '63.
H. Seymour Hall John R. Briggs.
July 4,'61 May 7,'61 Promoted to Capt. June 14,'62. June 14,'62 Apr. 24,'62 Promoted to First Lieut. Feb. 27, '63.
Edward H. Brady
Feb. 27,'63 Jan. 18,'63 Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63.
Oscar H. Philips
July 4,'61 May II,'61 Resigned Aug. 14, '61.
Edward Williams
Sept. 19,'61 Sept. 1,'61 Resigned Nov. 28, '62.
Edward C. Camp.
Jan. 23,'63 Nov. 28,'62 Promoted to First Lient. May 9, '63.
Harvey R. Clarke.
May y,'63 Mar. 9,'63 Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63.
Charles D. Rice
July 4,'61 May 13,'61 Resigned Aug. I, '61.
Benton Freeman.
Sept 19,'61 Sept. I,'61
Promoted to First Lieut. Mar. 12, '62.
Texas Angel.
Darwin Maltby
Willis J. Kendall.
Henry Hannington George L. Gaskell
Mar. 12,'62 Feb. 6,'62 Promoted to First Lieut. Oct. Oct. 16,'62 Sept. 26,'62 16, '62. Promoted to First Lieut. Jan. 23, '63. Feb. 27,'63 Nov 22,'62 Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63. July 4,'61 May 16,'61 Resigned Dec. 18, '61. Aug. 28,'61 July 10,'62
William H. McMahon ... (Brev. Capt. N. Y. V.) Henry Hannington.
Promoted to First Lieut. Oct. 16, '62. Oct. 16,'61|Sept. 1I,'62 Mustered out with regt. May 31, '63. Mar. 12,'62 Dec. 18,'61|Resigned July 10, '62.
34
George H. Robertson
Clinton E. Hodgeman
522
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
THIRTY-THIRD INFANTRY.
The Thirty-third Regiment from the beginning, contained a company of Wayne county men, and later in its term of service the regiment was heavily recruited at Rochester. In September, 1862, two hundred and forty recruits joined the regiment. The regiment was mustered into the service of the United States, May 22, 1861. An election being held, the following officers were chosen: Colonel, Robert F. Taylor, of Rochester ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Calvin Walker, of Geneva ; Major, Robert J. Mann, of Seneca Falls ; and Adjutant, Charles T. Sutton, of New York. The regiment was designated as the Thirty-third, and for a time was known as the Ontario Regiment. A fine flag was presented by the ladies of Canandaigua, and Colonel Taylor, on receiv- ing it, gave promise that " it should never be dishonored or disgraced."
July 8th, after a troublesome stay at Elmira barracks, the regiment departed for Washington. The Thirty-third was brigaded September 15th, with the Seventy-ninth and Forty-ninth New York, and the Forty-seventh Pennsylvania, under command of Colonel Stevens. In the formation of divisions, the Thirty-third was under General Smith, pro- moted from Colonel. A reconnoissance in force was made, September 29th, upon Vienna ; the enemy was found, and an artillery duel ensued. The division returned to camp without experiencing any loss. All winter the monotony was broken by routine of drill and an occasional brush with the enemy. With the opening of spring the Thirty-third were embarked upon transports and conveyed to Old Point Comfort. In April the army advanced upon Yorktown, and April 5th, the division was in front of Lee's Mills.
The Thirty-third was sent on picket and a company ordered to support sections of batteries. The loss in an artil- lery skirmish which succeeded was slight. The regiment was relieved after being under fire fifty-four hours. The lines drew close about Yorktown, and when a powerful bat- tery was prepared to open, the evacuation of the place was discovered to have taken place. Smith's division at once began pursuit, and overtook the rear guard at Williamsburg.
523
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Here was a heavy work named Fort Magruder, with a num- ber of redoubts stretching across between the river. The National Army advanced on these works and Hooker's advance was firmly met and forced back. Hancock was sent to flank the rebel position and found the redoubts deserted. A redoubt was occupied by Lieutenant-Colonel Corning with H, D and F, of the Thirty-third, with the colors and their guard. The rest of the regiment was deployed as skirmishers, and advanced to the front and right. Near night a rebel force came up from Williamsburg and drove the force in confusion. The cry of " Ball's Bluff" was deri- sively uttered as the national line wavered. Colonel Taylor ordered a charge with part of the regiment, when the rebels were within seventy yards. Other regiments followed, and the rebels were routed. General McClellan personally com- plimented the regiment for its veteran bearing and timely charge. The advance was renewed until the White House on the Pamunkey was reached, and picketing was done near the enemy covering Richmond. May 21, the division was in position within eleven miles of the rebel capital. An encounter occurred at Mechanicsville, wherein a charge by Davidson's brigade routed the enemy in dismay. June 5, Smith's division moved forward from Gaines' farm, and the Thirty-third was halted a thousand yards from the rebel lines, and but six miles from Richmond. They remained here until June 28. The enemy had not been idle, and Jack- son came upon the right with massed lines, and a heavy battle was fought. Its result was a retreat to the James river. The Thirty-third was left on picket during the retire- ment of the division,-a part on the line, the remainder in earthworks. A sharp shelling preceded a charge by the enemy. The pickets retired and disappeared behind the works, where all remained silent. Two Georgia regiments charged close upon the line, and were met by a volley which staggered their advance. Repeated volleys drove them with a loss of ninety-one killed, many wounded and prison- ers. Davidson's brigade formed a portion of the rear guard on the memorable retreat, and the Thirty-third occupied at White Oak swamp, the extreme right,-the post of honor.
524
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Unceasing duty was performed till the rebels were repulsed at Malvern Hill, and the army withdrew to rest at Harri- son's Landing. The enemy determined to attack the army of McDowell, numbering Thirty-eight thousand men, before McClellan could come to the rescue. The old Potomac army began to move August 16, and eight days later halted at Alexandria, whence they had gone five months since.
Again the field of Bull Run was contested, and lost to us. Pope was relieved, and McClellan again led. The Thirty- third left knapsacks at Washington, and moved with the army to encounter Lee. September 17th, was fought the battle of Antietam. The Thirty-third began their march at daybreak, and steadily as they proceeded the roar of battle deepened and swelled in volume. They came upon the field as the national troops wavered and began to break. Franklin led two divisions upon the charge. The long lines. swept forward with settled, determined tread and stern faces, and planted the National colors far in advance. It was the decisive charge of the day. Here fell fifty killed and wounded of the Thirty-third. September 19th, Smiths' division was ordered to join Couch, on the Potomac, to resist an attempted crossing of rebel cavalry. October 23d, the regiment went into camp near Bakersville. A lull in warfare followed, and the camp, the scenery, and an acces- sion of numbers, gave encouragement, and, with rest, a real enjoyment. October 29th, the Thirty-third, with its brigade, marched to Berlin, where it was joined by Colonel Taylor, Lieutenant-Colonel Corning, and over two hundred recruits, many of them from Wayne county. November 3d, the pontoon bridge was crossed, and line of march taken through New Baltimore to Catlett's station. November 17th, Aquia creek was crossed, and Burnside, having relieved McClellan, essayed the capture of Fredericksburgh, on the Rappahannock. Regimental changes were now made. Old Company D, was transferred to Companies G and K, and the Rochester company, of Captain Henry J. Griffiths, his Lieutenants being Charles D. Rossiter, and William E. Roach, became known as Company D. The Thirty-third arrived before Fredericksburgh, December IIth. A tre-
525
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
mendous cannonade, unanswered, preceded the crossing of two regiments in boats, to drive out or capture rebel skirmishers. Four bridges were then laid, and by half-past seven next morning, the Thirty-third had crossed, and drawn up in line of battle with the division, stood expectant dur- ing the day, and lay on their arms the next night. The battle of Fredericksburgh dates December 13th, 1862, -- memorable to every surviving veteran of that day. General history details the movements of armies; our record is of a regiment. Saturday morning the Thirty-third was posted in the front of these lines of battle, and for an hour sup- ported Reynold's Monroe battery, which then moved to the left, and was replaced by the First Massachusetts battery. Towards night the rebels charged the skirmish line with three regiments, but were repulsed without loss, and the next day the command was relieved and marched to the river, and enjoyed a rest.
December 19th, the regiment marched to White Oak Church, and went into winter quarters. During the suc- ceeding weeks numerous promotions were made, and the army had opportunity to recover from the depression of unsuccessful effort. Burnside essayed an advance January 20th, and scarcely had the army taken the road when a storm of rare severity began to rage, and foiled the effort. The old camp was re-occupied, and months went slowly by. Another change of commanders,-Burnside resigned, and Hooker assumed the command. During February, 1863, the Thirty-third was brigaded with the Forty-ninth and the One Hundred and Nineteenth Pennsylvania, under com- mand of Colonel Taylor. The winter had passed, and at the close of April, the army corps were again moving towards the Rappahannock. Chancellorsville was fought, and Hooker was defeated, and compelled to recross the river. Co-operative in the movement, Sedgwick's Sixth corps lay at Falmouth, where, May 8th, a courier from Hooker brought orders to storm the heights of Freder- icksburgh, and push on towards Chancellorsville.
The hills were held by a force commanded by General Barksdale, and were deemed impregnable. The Thirty-
526
MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
third crossed the river below Fredericksburgh, during the night of May 4th, and picketed till daylight, when the entire corps had gone over and had occupied the city. Twenty- four regiments were selected to charge the heights; one among them was the Thirty-third. Artillery was freely used during the movements of preparation, and by IO A. M., the order was given to advance. Mill's brigade led on the left, with the Thirty-third on the front line. Within fifteen minutes from the commencement of the charge, the national colors were planted on the rebel works. A battery enfiladed the captured works. As soon as possible the lines were formed, and with a cheer the regiment started on a run for the guns. Twenty minutes of deadly strife, and the hill-top was gained. A hurricane of cannister tore through the ranks, and seventy men were cut down, wounded or dead. A half-dozen standard bearers were shot in succession, when Sergeant Vandecar, rushing forward, raised the torn colors on his musket and went forward. As the woods were left, a shower of bullets whizzed through the lines from the rebel intantry, but on they go, up, over, and panting to rest. The rebel reserves formed, and opened a galling fire within a hundred yards. The regiment answered with a rapid fire, each man loading and firing at will and with a will. For forty minutes the hill was held unsupported. The Seventh Maine arrived, and, together, the two regiments drove the enemy out of reach of their fire. In the charge and later fight, Company D lost two killed and six wounded. During the afternoon the brigade moved to the right two or three miles, but the regiment was not engaged. The defeat of the main army left Lee free to concentrate on Sedgwick, and a bloody battle was fought during the day. During the night the rebels occupied the heights, and took post to imperil the national corps. With daylight, Mill's brigade was sent to drive off a force which threatened the line, and on the return, fortified its position. Masses of rebel troops were seen arriving. The men moved as though wearied, and extensive preparations were observed in all parts of the field for a decisive engagement. About 12 A. M., a rebel brigade advanced, and was met, repulsed, and, from a counter-
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