USA > New York > New York regiment, 1887-1895 > Part 18
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August Ist, went on board the steamer Winona, and arrive at Washington, D. C., the next day. Put baggage on cars for Harpers Ferry, but orders counter- manded before we got off. Marched through Washington to Tenallytown. 26
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
Remained there until the 14th, when we started to join General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, through Snicker's Gap. Crossed Chain Bridge and en- camped at Owl Run, Va., that night. Arrived at Leesburgh on the 17th; passed through Hamilton, and within four miles of Snicker's Gap. Here a dispatch notified us that the enemy was hurrying to cut us off at the gap. This notice was timely, and saved us a serious disaster. Immediately moved on, forded the Shenandoah river, marched nearly all night, and reached Sheridan's forces on the morning of the 18th, having marched about forty miles the previous day and night.
Fighting had been going on in that vicinity for some time before we ar- rived. . Were ordered to throw up tem- porary breast-works, which was quickly accomplished.
Early in the morning of the 21st, heavy artillery firing was heard on our right. The 6th and 8th Corps were en-
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
gaged in a heavy battle that day, and late in the afternoon our Division was moved to the right of the 6th Corps and in front of Charlestown. In this engage- ment the loss was heavy on both sides.
General Sheridan then drew his forces back to the rear of the defences of Harper's Ferry, at Halltown, the 19th Corps covering the movement. Our Regiment was put on picket duty behind Bolliver Heights, and a constant picket firing was kept up on both sides.
On the 24th, our Regiment, with the 22d Iowa and 11th Indiana, under com- mand of Colonel McCauly, advanced on the skirmish line to reconnoiter the enemy. Drove them back some dis- tance, advancing in good style under a heavy fire, and maintained our position until ordered to retire. We were under a heavy artillery fire for about two hours, and our Regiment lost one officer and twelve men.
Two officers and sixty picked men were selected to join others to advance
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
for the purpose of bringing on an engage- ment, but news came that the enemy had retired. The cavalry followed them, and occupied Charlestown.
A grand advance was ordered, and on the 3d of September we started off with four days' rations in our haversacks.
Advanced to near Berryville, where heavy artillery firing was heard in front, soon followed by musketry, gradually growing more rapid. The enemy had gained a slight advantage on the left of the 8th Corps. The 19th Corps moved quickly to their support, when the enemy fell back, but firing continued until after dark.
On the morning of the 5th, three lines of rude breastworks were thrown up in double quick time-hand, feet, bayonets, tin cups, old shoes, every thing was brought into requisition to ac- complish the work, which was completed during a heavy rain.
On the 6th, the enemy fell back to the Opequan Creek.
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
On the 7th our Regiment proceeded to the Opequan, reconnoitered the enemy, and returned the same day after accomplishing our objects.
On the 11th captured the 8th South Carolina Regiment, with all its officers.
September 17th, General Grant made a short visit to " Little Phil," which was set down as indicating hard work ahead, in which supposition we were not disap- pointed.
At I o'clock, A. M., on the 19th, a general movement of the whole army began. Skirmishing towards Opequan Creek became more and more brisk, till it assumed all the proportions of a fierce battle, lasting the whole of the day. Alternately the opposing forces were repulsed in turn, either side contesting for the superiority with the most dogged persistency. Only the ability and deter- mination of the gallant "Little Phil." could have secured success. We had 5 men killed, 4 officers and 36 men
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
wounded, and I officer and 20 men taken prisoners.
The enemy was closely followed up to Fisher's Hill, behind Strausburg, a well fortified and naturally strong posi- tion .- Gaining the point we desired on the 22d, it was determined to force the enemy up the valley, and occupy this stronghold.
The 6th Corps was thrown around to the left and rear of the enemy by the base of the mountain ; this movement took almost all day. The 8th Corps was on the left, and the 19th in the centre. When the 6th Corps reached sufficiently near, a grand movement was made, our boys forcing the centre. This action took the enemy by surprise and they retreated up the valley in tall style. About a thousand were not able to carry out their intentions, and it devolved on us to pilot them to the rear.
The chase was kept up all night, and we reached Woodstock the next morn- ing. We suffered no loss on this 31
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
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occasion. It was indeed a cheap vic- tory. We captured a number of horses and wagons, artillery, and any quantity of small arms, which our Regiment was detailed to take charge of and convey to Winchester, with the prisoners.
We left Woodstock at five P. M., and delivered the property and prisoners at Winchester, and on the 25th started for the front again, in charge of a supply train.
On the 27th, at three P. M., arrived at the front at Harrisonburg, having marched over one hundred miles in less than four days.
On the 30th, the 6th and 19th Corps advanced to Mount Crawford, the enemy showing some disposition to interrupt the Cavalry. Nothing serious being discovered, we fell back to Harrison- burg. Remained here until October 6th, when we moved back to New Mar- ket, and on the 9th arrived at Wood- stock. Marched 'till 9 A. M., arriving a short distance south of Fisher's Hill. 32
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
The enemy finding us falling back, closely followed after. We were thrown into line on either side of the road, ready for what might occur. A little skir- mishing with the rear guard was the only demonstration, and at four P. M. we were back in front of Fisher's Hill, our old position. On the 9th, General Rosier, with his artillery and cavalry, hovered about our rear, being closely watched by our cavalry. He came a little too near, however, and our cavalry dashed at him and captured seven or eight guns and a number of prisoners.
On the 1 1th of October, marched back to the north side of Cedar Creek, which we commenced fortifying. The enemy brought heavy Batteries and shelled the 8th Corps camp on the left. The trains were sent to the rear, and the troops placed in line ready for action, but the enemy appeared to be reconnoitering, and fell back to Fisher's Hill.
All remained quiet until the morning of the 19th of October. Early had re-
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
ceived large reinforcements from Rich- mond, and now made a last desperate effort to redeem his lost laurels in the valley. It was a well executed and daring move, and for a time promised success. He moved his men during the night around our left flank by the base of the Blue Ridge, in single file, many not even carrying their canteens, fearful that the least noise would be made. In this manner they succeeded in reaching Middletown, a mile and a half in the rear of our breastworks; before daylight a feint was made on our right to attract our attention in that quarter; a short time after a volley or two of musketry was heard on our left, the enemy daslı- ing on the 8th Corps in desperate fury, completely surprising them. So sudden was the attack that many were captured before they had time to leave their tents or seize their muskets. On pressed the successful mass, shouting and yelling in the wildest manner.
The 8th Corps, badly demoralized,
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
poured back on the rear of the 19th Corps, closely pursued by the enemy. Our Division was going out to recon- noiter, and were in line, but from their position could do but little, the enemy being in our rear, so that not a shot could be fired without danger to our own men. The Ist Division, 19th Corps, was sent to support the 8th Corps early in the morning, and suffered se- verely, meeting the first onslaught of the enemy. Our Division (the 2d) took position in front of the breastworks, but being of no service there, we filed to the right and fell back to the rear where we could be re-formed and occupy a posi- tion in front of the enemy.
The enemy steadily pressed us back four or five miles. Matters began to look blue, when the dashing "Little Phil" came up as fast as his noble black steed could carry him, leaving his at- tendants far in the rear. The noise of the battle had reached him at Winches- ter early in the morning. The appear- 35
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
ance of Sheridan immediately instilled new vigor, energy and determination into the men. He passed along the whole line amid the most marked enthu- siasm, telling the men they would quar- ter in their old camp again that night.
The broken lines were speedily re- formed, the General passing along hat in hand, encouraging the men. This was sufficient, and from this dates the last advent of Early in the valley.
It was now our turn. The enemy charged us, and for the first time were repulsed. We pressed on determined to win. The success of the morning turned to a most irretrievable and disas- trous defeat to the enemy. They were completely routed, suffering a terrible slaughter. Twenty-four guns captured in the morning were retaken, besides a large number of prisoners, and most of the enemy's artillery, numbering over fifty pieces. Our Regiment took 16 officers and 34 men as prisoners, in this engagement. We lost Captain Rich-
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
mond, one of the best officers in the Regiment, and a brave, noble fellow. He was shot in the afternoon, when suc- cess began to turn on our side. None braver paid the penalty of death for his country. We had 2 privates killed, 10 wounded, and 5 taken prisoners.
The cavalry pressed the beaten foe until horse flesh could do no more, taking a large number of prisoners and all sorts of war implements and mate- rials. Thus was this long day spent in fighting and running, advancing and re- treating, now one side victorious, then the other, when finally success crowned our efforts.
Major Hart, of our Regiment, on General Grover's Staff, was wounded and taken by the Rebels. He was not attended to in time, and lost so much blood as to cause his death.
On the 20th, the forces moved about three miles up the valley, overlooking Strausburg, the cavalry continuing the pursuit to Harrisonburg, capturing more
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
artillery and wagons. On the 21st moved back to our old position on Cedar Creek.
From this time until the Ist of January, 1865, the men were engaged in erecting breastworks, preparing Winter quarters, frequently moving and occasionally skir- mishing with the enemy along the lines.
The 24th of November was observed in camp as Thanksgiving Day, and all duties were stopped that could be dispensed with. Thanks to our kind friends at home, we were provided with a bountiful feast of turkeys, chickens, pies and other luxuries, and if they could have witnessed the satisfaction of the men on that occasion, it would have been ample reward for their generosity.
January 6th, 1865, moved to Harper's Ferry. Arrived in Baltimore next morn- ing and quartered in Barracks on Carrol Hill. On the 11th Colonel Waltermire took command of the Regiment, and we embarked on board the steamer Sua- Noda, for Savannah. General Grover
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
and Staff, the 128th N. Y. S. Volunteers and the 24th Iowa were on the same vessel.
On the 18th cast anchor in Warsaw Sound, eight miles from Savannah; and on the 20th the Regiment went up to the city on river boats, and were quart- ered in the Central Railroad Depot.
On the 26th were moved out to the fortifications, on the West side of the town.
February Ist, fresh bread was issued with our rations, which was a luxury to the boys so long kept on " hard tack." February 19th, fired a rousing salute on hearing of the occupation of Charleston by the Union forces. On the 22d, celebrated Washington's Birth-day in a becoming manner.
March 9th, were ordered on board the Tug boat U. S. Grant, which con- veyed us to Hilton Head, where we went into Barracks.
On the 15th, were taken on board U. S. Transport New York, a splendid 39
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
new ship, and arrived at Charletson, S. C., at one A. M., on the 16th. On the 17th took on board the 52d Penn- sylvania, a detachment of the 54th New York, and the 28th Iowa, in all about 1,600 men. Weighed anchor on the 18th at ten and a half o'clock A. M., and moved down the harbor. This gave us an excellent opportunity to see the dilapidated city and its approaches, forti- fications and defences; the latter of which were exceedingly formidable, and might be considered impregnable from the water side.
March 19th, anchored off Fort Fisher, at nine o'clock A. M., when we received orders to report at Morehead City, N. C. Reached that port on the 20th, landed on the 21st, and awaited orders.
April 5th, intelligence reached us of the evacuation of Richmond and Peters- burg, which caused great rejoicing throughout the camp. This was fol- lowed by the more encouraging news of Lee's surrender on the 9th. While
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
these great victories were being cel- ebrated, the sad intelligence of the assas- sination of President Lincoln reached camp, and cast a deep sadness over those who had been jubilant but the hour before.
May 3d, ordered to report back to General Grover, at Savannah. Break camp, and embarked on board steamer Star of the South. On the 7th, after an eventful trip, disembarked at Savannah, and found the City remarkably im- proved in appearance since we left it.
May 11th, ordered to proceed to Augusta. Took up our line of march in a heavy rain storm, and made twelve miles that day through the woods. Next day we accomplished over twenty miles. On the 14th an Orderly from General Molineux' Headquarters reached us, to hurry up our march. The 159th, 128th and 13Ist N. Y. S. Volunteers in ad- vance of all, to make Wainsborough and take the cars. Reached Augusta
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
on the 17th, pretty well used up from fatigue.
June 7th, a general review of all the troops by General Molineux, on which occasion he issued a congratulatory order to the soldiers, complimenting them for their excellent discipline, and the services they had rendered.
Here the Regiment virtually closed its campaign, nothing further of note oc- curring up to the present writing, beyond the usual routine of camp life in the city.
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
List of Field, Staff and Line Officers of the 159th Regiment at date of muster into the United States Service, November Ist., 1862:
HOMER A. NELSON, Colonel, discharged.
EDWARD L. MOLINEUX, Lieutenant-Colonel, promoted to Colonel, breveted Brigadier General, discharged.
GILBERT DRAPER, Major, promoted to Lieutenant- Colonel, killed at Irish Bend.
ROBERT LATHROP, Adjutant, killed at Irish Bend. CHARLES A. ROBERTSON, Surgeon, discharged. WILLIAM Y. PROVOST, First Assistant Surgeon, promoted to Surgeon, discharged.
CALEB C. BRIGGS, Second Assistant Surgeon, pio- moted to Surgeon.
MARK D. WILBER, Quarter-Master, discharged.
EDWARD L. GAUL, Capt. Co. A., promoted to Major and Lieutenant-Colonel, discharged.
EDWARD ATWOOD, First Lieut., discharged. WESLEY BRADLEY. Second Lieut., died of fever.
A. J. DAYTON, Capt. Co. B, discharged. HARRY TIEMANN, First Lieut., discharged. ALFRED GREENLEAF, Second Lieut., discharged.
ARIEL M. GAMWELL, Capt. Co. C, discharged. CRAWFORD WILLIAMS, First Lieut., discharged. EDWARD HUBBEL, Second Lieut., discharged.
JACOB HATTRY, Capt. Co. D, discharged. LAWRENCE LORETTE, First Lieut., discharged.
JOHN MANLY, Second Lieut., promoted to First Lieut., killed at Irish Bend.
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
WILLIAM WALTERMIRE, Capt. Co. E, promoted to Major, Lieutenant-Colonel and Colonel. NATHAN S. POST, First Lieut., discharged.
ROBERT TRAVER, Second Lieut., discharged,
ROBERT MCD. HART, Capt. Co. F., promoted to Major, killed.
WILLIAM BURTIS, First Lieut., discharged.
GEORGE W. HUSSEY, Second Lieut., promoted to Capt.
WILLIAM SLITER, Capt. Co. G. discharged.
CHARLES LEWIS, First Lieut., promoted to Colonel of the 176th Regiment.
BYRON LOCKWOOD, Second Lieut., killed at Irish Bend.
WELLES O. PETIT. Capt. Co. H, promoted to Major. CHARLES C. BAKER, First Lieut., promoted to Captain. GEORGE R. HERBERT, Second Lieut., detached.
EDWARD WARDLE, Capt. Co. I, discharged.
JOHN W. SHIELDS, First Lieut., discharged.
JACOB FINGAR, Second Lieut., discharged.
JOE B. RAMSDEN, Capt. Co. K, discharged. WILLIAM PLUNKET, First Lieut., killed at Irish Bend. DUNCAN RICHMOND, Second Lieut., promoted to Captain, killed.
Promoted from the Ranks.
William F. Tiemann to Captain
John H. Charlot
Quarter-Master
Edward Tynan
First Lieutenant =
Barzilla Ransom.
Henry M. Howard.
Christopher Branch
.€
Alfred Bruce.
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
Lambert Dingman.
First Lieutenant. 44
Andrew Rifenburgh
Edward Duffy
E. Parmley Brown.
John Day.
John A. Tiemann
1
M. A. Dunham
William Spanburgh
Second Lieutenant
Charles P. Price.
Herman Smith
List of Battles and Skirmishes in which the Regiment was engaged.
IRISH BEND, La., April 14th 1863, killed, 6 officers, 23 enlisted men ; wounded 4 officers, 69 enlisted men ; prisoners, 12. Total loss-112.
BEFORE PORT HUDSON, La., May 26th, 1853, killed, 4 enlisted men.
PORT HUDSON, La., first assault, May 27th, 1863, killed, 21 enlisted men ; wounded, 38. Total loss-59.
PORT HUDSON, second assault, June 14th, 1863, wounded, 12 enlisted men.
MANSURA, La., May 16th, 1864. No casualties.
HALLTOWN, Va., August 24th, 1864, killed, I enlisted man ; wounded, I officer, 10 enlisted men ; prisoners, I enlisted man. Total loss-13.
BERRYVILLE, September 3d, 1864, killed, I enlisted man ; wounded, 2 enlisted men. Total loss-3.
OPEQUAN, Va., September 19th, 1864, killed, 5 enlisted men ; wounded, 4 officers, 56 enlisted men ; prisoners, I officer, 20 enlisted men. Total loss-86.
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
FISHER'S HILL, Va., September 22d, 1864. No casu- alties.
CEDAR CREEK, Va., October 19th, 1864, killed, 2 offi- cers, 2 enlisted men ; wounded, 1 officer, 10 eulisted men ; prisoners, 5. Total loss-20.
General Officers under whom the Regiment served during the war.
Generals Banks, Grover, Auger, Reynolds, Emory, Birge, Sherman, Schofield, Terry, Gilmore, Thomas, Sheridan, Steedman, Wright, Canby, Birney, Moli- neux, and King.
List of Cities and Towns the Regiment has visited in the line of military service.
LOUISIANA-Baton Rouge, Donaldsonville, Carroll- ton, New Orleans, Algiers, Terra Bone, Thiladuex, Brashar City, Bayou Bueff, Berwick City, Franklin, New Iberie, Vermillionville, Washington, Bears Land- ing, Opolosus, Chaneyville, Simsport, Bayou Sara, Port Hudson, Clinton, Alexandria, Pineville, Paterson- ville, Mansura, Williamsport, Morganza, Point Coupee, Teunice Bend, and Jefferson.
VIRGINIA-Bermuda Hundred, Leesburgh, Snick- erville, Castle Burough, Berryville, Charlestown, Halltown, Harper's Ferry, Winchester, Kernstown, Newtown, Middletown, Strasburgh, Edenborough, Newmarket, Mount Jackson, Harrisonburgh, Mount Crawford, Centerville, Stephenson Station, and Burse- ville.
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
GEORGIA-Savannah, Alexandria, Waynesborough, Allen, Green, Bashaw, and Augusta.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA-Washington, Georgetown, and Tenallaytown.
NORTH CAROLINA-Willmington, and Morehead City
SOUTH CAROLINA-Hilton Head, and Charleston. MISSISSIPPI-Fort Adams.
MARYLAND-Baltimore.
River Transportation during the War.
NAME OF BOAT
FROM
TO
1863.
St. Mary Baton Rouge. .... Donaldsonville.
Empire Parish
Donaldsonville. .. Thibadaux.
Laurel Hill.
Brasher City.
Irish Bend.
Empire Parish
Symsport
Bayou Sara.
Laurel Hill.
Port Hudson.
Donaldsonville.
Gen. Banks.
Carrollton
Algiers.
1864.
James Bartlet ... . Algiers. Alexandria.
Ohio Belle .. ...
. Morganza
. Fort Adams.
Lancaster No. 3. . . Morganza. New Orleans.
Wynonah.
Bermuda Hundred .. Washington.
1865.
Clifton
. Warsaw River .... Savannah.
U. S. Grant Savannah. Hilton Head.
H. M. Wells. .U. S. T. New York. . Morehead City.
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159th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
Sea Voyages of the Regiment during the War.
NAME OF BOAT FROM TO
1862.
Northern Light. . New York.
. Baton Rouge.
1864.
Cohola . New Orleans. . Bermuda Hund.
I865.
Suwo-Noda Baltimore Savannah.
New York. . Hilton Head. Morehead City.
Star of the South. . Morehead City .... Savannalı.
List of Field, Staff and Line Officers now in command of the Regiment.
Colonel-WILLIAM WALTERMIRE.
Major-WELLS O. PETIT.
Acting Adjutant-GEORGE B. STALEY.
Surgeon-CALEB C. BRIGGS. Acting Quarter-Master-E. SPENCER ELMER.
Company A .- Capt. WILLIAM F. TIEMANN. = B .- First Lieut. JOHN DAY.
C .- First Lieut. BARZILLA RANSOM.
D .- First Lieut. E. PARMLEY BROWN.
E .- First Lieut. ANDREW RIFENBURGH.
F .- Capt. GEORGE W. HUSSEY.
16 G .- Capt. James S. REYNOLDS H .--
I .- First Lieut. EDWARD TYNAN.
K .- First Lieut. E. SPENCER ELMER.
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4
184TH REGIMENT
1.
E
NEW YORK STATE VOLUNTEERS.
9
HISTORY
OF THE
184TH REGIMENT,
NEW YORK STATE VOLUNTEERS.
An Address -
PREPARED BY
WARDWELL G. ROBINSON,
Late Colonel Commanding,
AND DELIVERED BY HIM AT THE REGIMENTAL REUNION HELD AT OSWEGO FALLS, OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK,
JUNE 5, 1895.
1
PRINTED FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION BY ORDER OF SURVIVORS PRESENT.
56557
F8349,5025
. .
PRESS OF R. J. OLIPHANT, OSWEGO, N. Y.
.
P.3200
3HT Y9938W 3W
YHAR8LI
AN HISTORICAL ADDRESS.
Fellow Soldiers and Gentlemen of the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment of New York State Infantry Volunteers :
Pursuant and in obedience to a resolution passed at a reunion of the survivors of the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment held at Pulaski in June, 1893, whereby I was requested to pre- pare and present to your body a history of the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment during the late civil war, I have the honor to present and submit the following paper.
In the outset I may be permitted to state that in the prepara- tion of this paper I have been seriously hampered and embar- rassed by the fact that for a time the regiment was separated or divided, and the further fact that I am unable to speak from per- sonal knowledge as to matters connected with what is known as the "Four Companies," or the "Shenandoah Valley Companies," also the further fact that the history of the regiment necessitates a two-fold history down to the point when the regiment became united in one organization in fact. These several facts to a great extent interfere with and mar the unity of the history.
I beg leave here to return my sincere thanks to Mr. Amos Youmans, of Fulton, N. Y .; to Mr. Squires, of New Haven, N. Y., and to Mr. M. V. Wadleigh, of Oswego, N. Y., for valuable data and assistance rendered me in the preparation of this paper, so far as the four companies are concerned; and to D. P. More- house, Esq., of Oswego, N. Y., for a substantial copy of the names of the officers and privates appearing upon the muster-in rolls of the regiment, which are hereto attached, marked "Appendix A."
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One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment,
I am unable to narrate the many sad, pathetic, and humorous . incidents connected with the regiment-the camp songs and stories sung and told in camp, on the march, and on the picket line. They must be and are left to your individual recollections, to be remembered when calling to mind this portion of your life's history, and to be repeated at the fireside to children and friends, as also rehearsed at Grand Army post camp-fires.
The moving causes of the civil war have become matters of history, and to rehearse them at this time would be inappropriate. I may, however, venture to say that in my judgment such causes were three in number :
1. The jealousy on the part of the South, occasioned by the overshadowing political importance, wealth, and prosperity of the North, West, and Northwest.
2. The doctrine of States' rights, or the reserved powers of the several States not granted to the General Government; and
3. The question of slavery.
The second and third causes or questions have been practically settled by the civil war. The first cause remains to some extent, but is rapidly being adjusted by the advancing prosperity of the South.
The progress of the war in the year 1863 and the early part of 1864 had been disastrous and barren of results to the Federal Government and army; the country at large, which was favorable to the Federal Government, was filled with consternation; the sympathizers at the North with the secessionists were outspoken in their predictions as to the triumphant success of secession, and were giving all the aid in their power to those engaged in destroy- ing the unity of the United States; Canadian lake ports were filled with those plotting the dismemberment of the country. There was a feeling of deep gloom overspreading the whole loyal North; not a city, and hardly a village, town, or school district in this State but that had maimed and wounded exemplars of the fact that a sanguinary war was raging. The North had already contributed freely in men, money, and material, and the end was
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