Military history of Wayne County, N.Y. : the County in the Civil War, Part 45

Author: Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.)
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Sodus, NY : Lewis H. Clark, Hulett & Gaylord
Number of Pages: 944

USA > New York > Wayne County > Military history of Wayne County, N.Y. : the County in the Civil War > Part 45

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The division halted near the seminary for an hour, while Companies H and M were sent on picket eight miles out. July Ist these cavalrymen fell back to within two or three miles of Gettysburgh and posted pickets on the various roads. The Eighth cavalry was the first to fire a gun in the battle of Gettysburgh. They fought partly on horseback and partly on foot, and charged the enemy boldly, to enable our infantry to form line of battle.

It is claimed that to their courage was owing at one time 'the safety of a corps of infantry. Buford's division con- taining the Eighth was ordered to dismount and fight on foot. The Second and Eleventh corps of infantry were being driven, when Buford received orders "to cover the retreat and expose flanks." He took position and there waited the onset. The veteran gray ranks came near and within easy range, received the rapid fire of Spencer's sev- en shooters, and fell back. Successive advances met like repulse and the golden moments were wisely employed. Flanks were turned as the command was forced to fall back to Cemetery Hill.

July 3d, the cavalry marched to Westminster, as guard of supply trains. On the next day the route was pursued to and beyond Frederick, and on July 6th, the enemy's wagon- train was attacked near Williamsport, and their skirmishers were driven into the village. The enemy was engaged on the 9th at Boonsboro, the 10th at Funkstown, and on the 14th at Falling Waters. Companies H and M, captured a fine twelve pound Parrott gun, and turned it on the enemy. Recrossing the Potomac, a rapid ride was made to Chesters' Gap, where the enemy had arrived three hours previously and taken strong position. After a few days scouting and picketing, the division left on the 26th for Beverly Ford, and encamped within a mile of the river.

August Ist, the rebels were attacked on Brandy Plains, and on the 3d became the assailants. A fortnight passed and camp was removed to Bristoe Station, where a like period was passed.

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MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.

September 13th, two squadrons of the Eighth accompan- ied Buford's division in an advance upon Culpepper. A derachment supported Battery D, Second New York, whose guns were kept up almost upon the line of skirmishers till the enemy turned at bay. A squadron of the Eighth, led by Lieutenant Compson, by order of General Buford, charged upon and captured a battery. The Hampton Legion swept down upon the victors and environed them for a brief space. A hand-to-hand fight of furious character ensued, and then through the enemy came the squadron at gallop, followed by a shower of balls. The division pushed on to Raccoon Ford, on the Rapidan, skirmishing with and driving the enemy. Engagements took place September 22d, at Jack Shop; October 10th, at Germania Ford ; October 11th, at Stevensburg, and for a third time at Brandy Plains, October 13th. There were skirmishes at Oak Hill, October 15th; Belton Station, October 26th ; Muddy Run, November 8th; and Locust Grove, November 27th. The regiment now went into winter quarters at Culpepper Court House, remaining there until the spring of 1864.

February 6th, 1864, Merrit's division was sent on a reconnoissance across the Rapidan at Barnetts' Ford. The Eighth in advance, I and M dismounted, advanced as skirm- ishers. The enemy permitted an advance some distance, then emerging at a double-quick from the woods, drove the men back upon the support, who advanced to their assist- ance. The cavalry fell back out of range and was reinforced by the entire regiment. Several squadrons on foot advanced and drove the enemy to shelter. Returned next day to camp.

March 9th, two hundred men returned to Monroe on a furlough of thirty-five days, as reinlisted veterans. Three- fourths of the men who left Rochester were killed, wounded, captured, or absent without leave. Seven hundred recruits had been received, and of sixteen hundred men there were ready for duty in the field but six hundred. Thirty-three actions had been fought. Three hundred men had been killed or wounded. Among the killed were Colonel Davis, Captains B. F. Foote, H. C. Cutler, B. O. Efner, and C. D.

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MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.

Follett, and Lieutenant Reeves and Smith, while Major Edmund M. Pope was held as a prisoner. General Buford having died, General Wilson was assigned to the Third Cavalry division. The division crossed the Rapidan at Germania Ford, May 4th, the Eighth in advance. The enemy were encountered next day, and the regiment nar- rowly escaped capture. The cavalry held the left from Chancellorsville to Fredericksburgh until the morning of the 9th, when General Sheridan set out on a raid towards Richmond. During the forenoon of May 11th, Stuart's and Lee's cavalry charged on the rear guard, composed of parts of the Third and Tenth New York Cavalry. The road lay through a forest, and the advance could render no aid. The enemy were checked by artillery, and finally driven off. Marching nearly all night, the outer defenses of Richmond were reached before daybreak, and several charges made to occupy the enemy while a bridge was being constructed across the Chickahominy. At two P. M. the column began to cross, and in three hours all was over. Sharp skirmishes occurred June 3d, at Hawes' Shop; 13th at White Oak Swamp; and 15th at Malvern Hill. The command then went to Petersburg and engaged in picket duty in the vicinity of Prince George Court House, until called to accompany General Wilson in a raid upon the railroads leading from Richmond. The Eighth was constantly harassed by the rebel cavalry, whom they met at Nottoway Court House, June 13d, Roanoke Station the 25th, and Stony Creek the 28th, on their return. The enemy had planted himself in a fortified position in heavy force across their way. Wilson fired signal guns, and threw up rockets for help from the troops around Petersburg. Aid was sent, but not in time. At night the command was surrounded, and at daylight the enemy closed in. A portion of the Eighth, under Major Moore and Compson, were flanked and cut off from the command. Resolved not to surrender, the detachment continued four days in a journey towards the Union lines. Stumbling upon a rebel camp, its occu- pants swarmed out, and attacked the hungry and toil-worn bands, capturing five officers and thirty-five men. The rest

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MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.

escaped amid the underbrush and darkness. The band pro- ceeded on, despairingly, with thought of southern prisons, when a mounted trooper rode up, and joyfully the party arrived once more in camp at City Point. Rested and recruited, the Eighth were present and under fire nearly all day. August 16th, in the action at Winchester, and engaged the cavalry of the enemy ; at Kearneysville, August 25th ; at Occoquan creek, September 19th ; Front Roval, September 21st; Milford, September 23d; Fisher's Hill, September 30th ; and Jones' Brook, October 8th. On the morning of October 19th, one month after the Winchester battle, the enemy rapidly and steathily advanced, made a detour of the Union 'works, and at daylight attacked the Eighth and Nineteenth army corps. All efforts to form were futile; they had no time. The compact line bore down all opposition.

General Custer, commanding the Third division, attempted to check the retreat in vain, and, pushing on to the extreme left, formed a line of battle and delayed the enemy. General Sheridan arrived and restored order and confidence. The division formed on the right and took a prominent part.

Extract from a congratulatory order issued October 2Ist, 1864, by General Custer to his division :

" Transferred from the right flank to the extreme left, you materially and successfully assisted in defeating the enemy in his attempt to turn the flank of our army. Again ordered on the right flank, you attacked and defeated a division of the enemy's cavalry, driving him in confusion across Cedar Creek. Then, changing your front to the left at a gallop, you charged and turned the left flank of the enemy's line of battle, and pursued his broken and demoralized army a dis- tance of five miles. Night alone put an end to your pursuit. Among the substantial fruits of this great victory, you can boast of having captured five battle-flags, a large number of prisoners, including Major-General Ramseur, and forty-five of the forty-eight pieces of artillery taken from the enemy that day, thus making fifty-one pieces of artillery which you have captured from the enemy within the short period of ten days. This is a record of which you may well be proud,- a record won and established by your gallantry and perse- verance."

The regiment, which had gone into winter quarters near Winchester, was suddenly attacked, November 12th, by

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MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.

Rosser's cavalry, who charged the pickets directly into camp. Within five minutes from the first shot, horses were saddled, mounted, and the line formed, and within another five min- utes the enemy were met and held at bay, until other regi- ments arriving, the scales were again turned, and the enemy was driven to seek safety south of Cedar Creek. The regi- ment made a march up the valley during December; on the last day of 1864, they were again attacked at Lacy Springs, and a hand-to-hand fight ensued. More men were wounded in this action by sabre-stroke than at any other time in the term of service. The weather was very cold, and there was much suffering before camp was regained.

Early on the morning of February 27, 1865, the division marched southward from Winchester, passed through Staunton, then turning to the left moved upon Waynes- boro, where, on March 2d, General Early was found with infantry behind breastworks. The Eighth being on the advance of Custer's command, was ordered to charge, together with the Twenty-second cavalry, upon this position. · Major Compson, in command of the Eighth, placed a bat- talion of the Twenty-second on each wing, and hisown regi- ment upon the road in the center. He then placed Sergeant Kehoe, with the regimental flag, presented by Rochester friends, by his side, and, saying "Sergeant, we'll lose the flag this time, or bring more flags back along with us!" gave the command to charge, and galloped furiously forward. Twice the rebel cannon were discharged, when over them rode the troops and captured the works. It was a slight loss, Sergeant Carr killed and twenty men wounded, compared to the magnificent results,-ten battle-flags, six guns and caissons, and thirteen hundred prisoners. It is said that Early narrowly escaped capture, his horse having been shot by Major Compson. Soon after this action Major Compson was detailed by General Sheridan as a bearer of dispatches to the Secretary of War, taking with him seventeen battle- flags, ten of which had been eaptured by the Eighth cavalry. The Eighth cavalry was ordered to Rumpuss Station, and fell in with Morgan's command of equal numbers, and routed them after a sharp fight. The property at the station

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MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.

was destroyed, and the regiment proceeded to White House landing, and thence to Petersburg. Sheridan, followed by three corps of infantry, now set out for the right flank of the enemy at Petersburg. Colonel Wells, in command of the brigade to which the Eighth was attached, was ordered, April Ist, to charge upon works three miles west of Din- widdie Court House. The Eighth, led by Major Bliss, routed the enemy and captured many prisoners, although at the loss of the color-bearer, and a large number of killed and wounded. Sheridan followed hard after the retiring army, engaging them at every opportunity, till April 8th, when a rapid detour was made from the lett flank, and the advance gained at Appomattox Station. The line was held till the infantry closed around, when a flag of truce was received by the Eighth cavalry, which was on the skirmish line, at 4 P. M., April 9th, and the surrender of the army of Northern Virginia was soon consummated The cavalry returned to Petersburg, and thence marched to Washington and took part in the grand review of May 22d. It arrived in Rochester, June 28th, under command of Colonel M. Pope. Of nine hundred and forty men who went away in 1861, one hundred and ninety came back. In the ranks came eight hundred and fifty men. The battle-flag bore the names of sixty-four actions. Among the slain were one colonel, eleven captains, two lieutenants, and one color- bearer. The organization was disbanded July 3d, and entered once more upon peaceful pursuits ; the troops of the Shenandoah are merged among the citizens, as active and industrious in business as they had been brave and untiring upon the battle-field and midnight foray.

The principal battles and skirmishes in which the Eighth Cavalry took part are as follows :

Winchester, May 20, 1861 ; Harpers Ferry, September 10, 1862 ; Snickers Gap, October 29, 1862 ; Antietam, September 16, 1862; Philimont, November 1, 1862 ; Union, November 2, 1862; Upperville, November 3, 1862; Barber's Cross Roads, November 5, 1862 ; Amosville, November 7, 1862 ; Freeman's Ford, April 15, 1863 ; Rapidan Bridge, May 4, 1863 ; Beverly Ford, June 9, 1863 ; Middleburgh, June 21,

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MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.

1863; Gettysburgh, July 1 to 3, 1863 ; Burrell's Ford, Feb- ruary 6, 1864; Craig Church, May 5, 1864 ; Yellow Tavern, May 11, 1864; Richmond defenses, February 12, 1864 ; Howe's Shop, June 3, 1864; White Oak Swamp, June 13, 1864 ; Malvern Hill, June 15, 1864; Notovay Court House, June 22, 1864 ; Roanoke Station, June 25, 1864 ; Stony Creek, June 28, 1864; Winchester, August 16, 1864 ; Summit Point, August 16, 1864; Hagertown, August 25, 1864 ; Opequan Creek, September 19, 1864 ; Front Royal, September 21, 1864; Milford, September 23, 1864 ; Toms Brook, October 19, 1864; Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864; Middle Road, November 11 and 12, 1864: Locust Spring, December 21, 1864; Waynesborough, March 3, 1865 ; Five Forks, April I, 1865; Namergin Church, April 3, 1865 ; Sailors Creek, April 6, 1865; Appomattox Court House, April 8, 1865; Lee's Surrender, April 9, 1865.

SEVENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.

The Seventy-fifth left Auburn on Saturday, the 30th of November. At Albany they were embarked on the Steamer Knickerbocker and reached the Battery at New York, December Ist. Being obliged to remain in quarters upon the boat for a time the regiment indulged in a little judicious exercise by a march through Broadway in the midst of throngs of admiring spectators. The city papers the next day contained many handsome compliments upon their fine appearance. On landing they were quartered for a day at the Park Barracks and then they were transferred by the little steamer Hunchback to Fort Columbus on Governor's Island. Here they remained only two days, while letters were written home, giving accounts of their progress thus far. On the 5th of December, 1861, the regiment was embarked on board the Baltic. About middle of the fore- noon of December 6, they sailed bearing sealed orders which upon opening proved to be directions to garrison Fort Pick- ens, Florida. At the outbreak of the war this post had been saved to the Union by the faithfulness of Lieutenant Slem- mer. Subsequently it had been garrisoned by a command under Colonel Harvey Brown. In July, Billy Wilson's Zou- aves, officially known as the Sixth Infantry New York Vol-

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MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.

unteers were also dispatched to Santa Rosa Island upon which Fort Pickens is situated. On the arrival of the Seventy-fifth, the debarkation was made with considerable difficulty, upon the south shore of the Island, any other approach being hazardous in consequence of the rebel pos- session of Fort McRae. The camp of the Seventy-fifth was named Camp Seward. It was laid out with much precision and from it, although it was now midwinter there was a fine view of the beautiful scenery of Florida with its wealth of fresh green foliage. Here, in about two weeks the regi- ment had its first experience in actual war. An artillery engagement took place in which Fort Pickens, McRae and Barrancas and all the batteries on both sides joined in a deaf- ening roar. One of the first rebel discharges dropped a solid sphere of iron near the headquarters of the Seventy- fifth. Most of the time the Seventy-fifth was out of the range being ordered to move further up the island, and at night posted a strong picket line to guard against any sur- prise from General Bragg. This was a new experience to men not yet thirty days from Auburn.

In the following months there was a varied experience in steady maintaining of the drill until the Seventy-fifth became noted for its efficiency ; and in being summoned to repel expected attacks which did not after all occur. The regi- ment suffered here from diseases incident to a change of climate, a half dozen cases or more terminating fatally. Many cases of defective sight or partial blindness arose by the reflection of the intense sunlight from the dazzling sand and sea. An intended expedition about the 7th of April, 1862, against Fort Pensacola offered the first chance of active service, but this was abandoned.

On the 9th of May, the rebels evacuated Fort Pensacola and burned all the buildings. The midnight fire was bril- liant beyond description. The next day the Seventy-fifth struck tents, packed knapsacks, and at five o'clock P. M., five companies went aboard the Harriet Lane and crossed to the main land, encamping in a piece of woods near Barrancas Bar- racks. The next day the remainder followed, though Com- pany I, was subsequently sent back to Fort Pickens for gar-

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MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.

rison duty. For a time the headquarters of the Seventy- fifth was in the vicinity of Fort Barrancas. The city of Pen- sacola was about two miles distant. Companies A and B, were detailed to guard a bridge which it was supposed the rebels would try to burn. An alarm occurring, Captain McDougal, Lieutenant Tuller of Company B, and a private went out to reconnoitre, firing their revolvers into a clump of bushes ; the Companies at the bridge were drawn up with leveled muskets and in the darkness came near firing upon the three ; as it was, the sentinels which the three had passed sent a discharge after them wounding Captain McDougall and the private, both of them in the thigh. The march next morning was attended with great caution, with every prep- aration to meet an attack and yet with considerable parade and show. The band of the Seventy-fifth led the column as it entered the place. Assembling around the flag-staff one of a company of Marines present, climbed the staff, put a cord over the pulley and the stars and stripes were immediately ran up. The Seventy-fifth was marched to another square or plaza and became a guard for the most exposed part of the city.

At Pensacola the Seventy-fifth spent four months. It was not, however, the leisure and inactivity of a dull camp life. Many alarms occurred. The Seventy-fifth was often in readi- ness to march four minutes from the tap of the drum. At midnight on the 27th of May four companies of the Seventy- fifth under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Merritt shared in a reconnoissance eight miles to the north. A line of rebel pickets being met some firing was interchanged ; several horses were captured and the object of the reconnoissance fully accomplished. A splendid patch of watermelons was also captured in this expedition, which proved a rare treat for hungry and thirsty soldiers.

Two companies of the Seventy-fifth under Major Babcock also were out that night, going by a steamer with General Meigs up the Escambia inlet. They found no rebels but did find rations of fish and pork frying which the rebels had left unceremoniously. Companies G, H and I, not long after were sent up an inlet on the steamer Creole to Hunt's Mills,

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MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.

twenty-five miles. Eighty head of fine cattle were captured and large quantities of sweet potatoes, melons and other supplies.

About the last of August the Seventy-fifth was ordered to New Orleans. At this time the regiment received new accoutrements and rifles. They embarked on the Ocean Queen and sailed on the afternoon of September Ist. Towards evening of the next day the spires of New Orleans came in sight; the activity and the shipping of a large, busy, commercial city were seen; the bustle and din of traffic were heard and at 6 o'clock the steamer was moored at the wharf. On the morning of the 3d the regiment landed and marched some five miles through the city to the United States barracks in the northeastern suburb near the Pon- chartrain Railroad.

A few days after the arrival of the main body of the Seventy-fifth Company K, which had been retained at Fort Pickens came on alone by the steamer Honduras. A month was spent in garrison duty here. New Orleans was at this time under the excellent rule of General Butler. Perfect order and cleanliness everywhere prevailed. September 28th the Seventy-fifth with the Twelfth and Thirteenth Con- necticut, the Seventh Vermont, a few companies of Louisi- ana Cavalry the Sixth Massachusets Artillery, and the First Maine Artillery were formed into "The Reserve Brigade." General Weitzel was appointed to the command of the Brigade.

October Ist the regiment returned to Greenville seven miles above New Orleans. The camp was named Camp Kearney. October 18th, a noted review occurred in New Orleans in which the Seventy-fifth appeared to excellent advantage. Ootober 24th the Seventy-fifth embarked on the steamer Laurel Hill for the LaFourche expedition. October 25th they landed and emcamped near Donaldson- ville. The next morning they were in motion again march- ing down the eastern side of Bayou La Fourche. Three miles below Napoleonville the Rebel General Morton deter- mined to resist their progress. In the skirmish that fol- lowed the Seventy-fifth was ordered to deploy at a double-

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MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.

quick cover and hold the whole left front, a maneuver which was exceedingly difficult from the nature of the ground. After an hour's contest the rebels were flanked and put to flight. The objective point, Thibodeaux, was finally reached after several engagements. At this point war was carried on effectively by the seizure of immense quantities of property not only eatables but sugar and cotton which General Butler with commendable energy sold on account of the National Government which he was defending. December 16th General Butler arrived and the Seventy-fifth became a part of his command. The enterprise of seizing the steamer John L. Cotton was undertaken January 10th. The Seventy-fifth moved to Brashaer and shared in the bat- tle of the Bayou Fourche. A lengthy account of this bat- tle cannot be given in this article. It was the first battle in which the Seventv-fifth had done active and hard work.

That Weitzel should entrust to this regiment alone out of the whole brigade, the important movements of the day, was a great honor. The regiment moved back to Camp Stevens, near Donaldsonville. February 6th, the Seventy-fifth was ordered to Brashear to do garrison duty. Here they remained about two months. The Seventy-fifth then con- tinued to share in all the active work of the Louisiana cam- paign. The next engagement of importance was that of Bisland. The Seventy-fifth occupied the center, and sus- tained the shock of the enemy's fearful cannonade at the opening of the battle. The losses in the two days' engage- ments, February 12 and 13, 1863, were slight, considering the gallantry of the regiment and the dangers to which they had been exposed. April 15th began the march to the dis- tant point of Alexandria on the Red River. Many interest- ing incidents occurred which must be looked for in fuller histories of the regiment. Reaching Alexandria May 7th, on the afternoon of the 8th, Weitzel's brigade, which included the Seventy-fifth, was ordered to pursue. They went up the river twenty miles, but soon returned to Alexandria in consequence of orders which were issued preparatory to an attack upon Port Hudson. May 17th, Weitzel's command left Alexandria. By the 25th they had reached the vicinity

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MILITARY HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.

of Port Hudson, and at sunset encamped three miles west of Port Hudson church, two miles from the enemy's works and two from the river. In the battle of the 27th, Weitzel's brigade held a prominent part, made desperate charges, engaged the enemy at fearful hazards, and the Seventy-fifth was especially prompt. Weitzel reached such a portion that he felt able to charge the highest works and penetrate the very citadel of Port Hudson. The other portions of the army not being in action, General Grover declined to give Weitzel permission. Night at length put an end to this first bloody battle. During the night, the right of the army was nearer the rebel works than any other, and the Seventy-fifth held the most advanced position of all. The regiment had lost fifteen killed, eighty-six wounded and missing. The regiment moved back, being somewhat relieved by others, and settled to the siege of Port Hudson. During days and weeks the regiment lay under fire. Saturday night, June 13th, the Seventy-fifth and the Twelfth Connecticut headed a charge which proved ineffectual, though prodigies of valor were performed. It brought on another battle which lasted all the next day. The carnage was terrible, and the number of the dead was never known. The Seventy-fifth lost eleven killed and seventy-four wounded. With sadly depleted ranks the Seventy-fifth still obeyed the call of duty. Of the eighty-four days of seige the Seventy-fifth was there forty- five. The rebel General surrendered after the news reached him that General Grant had taken Vicksburgh. To the Seventy-fifth regiment, as a reward of its bravery, was assigned the post of honor, and it led the conquering army into the citadel.

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Military history of Wayne County, N.Y. : the County in the Civil War, Part 45

Author: Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.) Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Sodus, NY : Lewis H. Clark, Hulett & Gaylord Number of Pages: 944

Author: Clark, L. H. (Lewis H.)
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Sodus, NY : Lewis H. Clark, Hulett & Gaylord
Number of Pages: 944