USA > Ohio > Concise history of the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry : from the date of organization to the end of the rebellion ; with a complete roster of each company, from date of muster ; battles and skirmishes participated in, lists of the killed, wounded and missing, and other incidents of the camp and field > Part 1
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HISTORY
OF THE
One Hundred & Twenty-Sixth Reg't,
OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
Library' 425
Chas. S. White.
GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
L
3 1833 02475 2955
Gc 973.74 0h3gi Gilson, John H. Concise history of the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012
http://archive.org/details/concisehistoryof00gils
James B Ricketts
CONCISE HISTORY
OF THE
One Hundred & Twenty-sixth Regiment, OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
FROM THE
Date of Organization to the End of the Rebellion ;
WITH A
COMPLETE ROSTER OF EACH COMPANY
FROM DATE OF MUSTER.
Battles and Skirmishes Participated in, Lists of the Killed, Wounded and Missing, and ther Incidents of the Camp and Field.
COMPILED BY COMRADE J. H. GILSON,
OF COMPANY D.
SALEM, OHIO : WALTON, STEAM JOB AND LABEL PRINTER. 1883.
Allen County Public Library 900 Webster Street PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2270
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1883, by J. H. GILSON, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington. D. C.
-$17.50
Midland
1210628
INTRODUCTORY.
The object of the author of this brief history, is to present a record of all those momentous hours, acts and movements that cover the period of the service of the One Hundred and Twenty- Sixth Regiment, a record of which the survivors may well be proud-something that will serve as a souvenir to the rela- tives and friends of the brave fallen members of the Regiment, who gave up their lives in defense of their country.
The author is indebted to many members of the Regiment for aid in this effort, among whom were: Lieut. Col. T. W. Mckinney, Rev. J. K. Andrews, Chaplain; Capts. J. Weyand, G. W. Hoge, Wm. B. Kirk, S. C. Kerr, Jas. W. Moffat, C. E. Pat- terson, W. L. Dixon, and J. E. McPeck; Doctor Wm. Foster, Hospital Steward; H. S. Moses, Sergeant Major; J. P. Slen- mons, Jas. Stephenson, Jas. F. Lawyer, Wm. M. Clark, Henry J. Weaver, John M. Garven, J. M. Ebersol, W. T. Young, H. L. Thompson, and W. H. Keplinger. Chaplain Andrews gave the writer access to his diary, which embraced a period from the enlistment of the Regiment till the first of July, '64. Capt. McPeck gave access to his diary, kept from Janu- ary first to July tenth, 1864. Jas. Stephenson also furnished a copy of his diary and casualty list, kept from May fourth to December thirty-first, 1864. Wm. McVey furnished his diary, kept during the entire service of the Regiment. W. T. Young, who was a clerk at Brigade Headquarters, furnished official re- ports of the entire casualties of the Regiment. John P. Slem- mons, who is a clerk in the Adjutant General's office at Colum-
4
bus, Ohio, furnished copies of all the Company Rolls. Col. Mckinney furnished copies of official reports of the Regiment. Thanks to them all. The author is also indebted to the reports of Gen. J. Warren Keifer; "Ohio in the War," by Whitelaw Reid; Lossing's History, and Putnam's Rebellion Record, for much historical information. The writer has also used his own diary, kept during his entire term of service in the Regiment.
A full history of the Regiment can never be written. The author has only gathered up fragments of its noble record, and feels fully conscious of his inability to do justice to the heroism, sufferings and gallant service of the members of the One Hun- dred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment. Its slain heroes, its toilsome marches, the records of its battle fields, its constant place at the front, are all parts of its history that have been only faintly portrayed. The author gives this story of the Regiment, simply told, to his comrades and the public, hoping that it will receive their approval.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Regiment organized-Proceeds to West Virginia-Occupies the line of the Baltimore & Ohio R. R .- In pursuit of Imboden- Battle at Martinsburg-Retreat to Harper's Ferry-By canal to Washington, D. C.
CHAPTER II.
Regiment assigned to the Army of the Potomac-In pursuit of Lee-Battle at Manassas Gap-Encamp with army on the Rappahannock-Detached and sent to New York city -- Returns to the army.
CHAPTER III.
With army in advance to Culpepper C. H .- Encamps with army at Culpepper-Fall back to Bull Run-Battle at Bristow Station-Advance to the Rappahannock-Battle at Bealton- Cross the Rappahannock-Battle at Kelly's Ford-Advance to Brandy Station-Battle at Brandy Station-Encamps with army near Culpepper C. H.
CHAPTER IV.
Advance to Mine Run-Battle at Locust Grove-In battle array at Mine Run-Skirmish at Mine Run-Fall back from Mine Run-Return to Brandy Station-Go into winter quarters -Army reorganized.
CHAPTER V.
Campaign against Richmond opens-Cross Rapidan-Battle of the Wilderness-Advance to Spottsylvania-Battle at Al-
6
CONTENTS.
sop's Farm-Battle at Spottsylvania C. H .- Advance to North Ann-Engagement at North Ann-Advance to Cold Harbor- Skirmish at Dr. Palmer's Farm-Skirmish at Tolopotamy Creek -Battle at Cold Harbor-Cross James River-Engagement at Bermuda Hundred-Advance on Petersburg-Battle at Peters- burg.
CHAPTER VI.
Withdrawn from Petersburg-By steamship to Baltimore-By rail to Monocacy-Battle of Monocacy-Union Troops defeated -Retreat to Ellicott's Mills-By rail to Washington-In pur- suit of Early's army-Battle at Snicker's Gap-Return to Washington.
CHAPTER VII.
Proceed via Harper's Ferry to Halltown-Fall back to vi- cinity of Frederick-Assigned to Army of the Shenandoah- Advance to Halltown-Forward movement to Cedar Creek- Skirmish at Cedar Creek-Fall back to Halltown-Skirmishes at Charlestown, Halltown and Smithfield.
CHAPTER VIII.
Battle of Opequan-Battle of Flint Hill-Battle of Fasher's Hill-Pursue enemy to Mt. Crawford-Return to Cedar Creek -Battle of Cedar Creek-Skirmish at Kerntown.
CHAPTER IX.
Return to Petersburg-Join Potomac Army-Siege of Peters- burg-Battle at Petersburg, March twenty-fifth-Battle at Petersburg, April second-Fall of Petersburg and Richmond -Pursue Lee's Army-Escort prisoners to City Point-Return to army at Burksville-Lee surrenders.
CHAPTER X.
Forced march to Danville-Johnson surrenders-The war over-Return by rail to Richmond-March to Washington- Mustered out-By rail to Columbus, Ohio-Receive final dis- charge.
HISTORY
OF THE
One Hundred Twenty Sixth Regiment,
OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
CHAPTER I.
Events of 1862 and '63-Regiment enlists-Proceeds to West Virginia-Occupies the line of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad-In pursuit of Imboden-Battle at Martins- burg-Retreat to Harper's Ferry -- By canal to Washington.
The disasters of the Peninsular campaign had awakened the people and the Government to the necessity of a more vigorous prosecution of the war. The loyal governors of eighteen States signed a request that the President should increase the force. In compliance with the request, on the first of July, 1862, President Lincoln issued a call for three hundred thousand more troops for the army. The One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment vol- unteered in answer to this call. It was recruited in the follow- ing counties : Companies A, C and H, in Harrison county ; Com- pany B, in Belmont, Companies E and G, in Tuscarawas, Com- pany D, in Jefferson, Company F, in Carroll, Company I, in Fairfield, and Company K, in Perry. The different companies were assembled in camp at Mingo Station, near Steubenville, by the twenty-eighth of August. On the fourth of September the - Regiment was organized, and numbered in officers and private soldiers, 889 men. On the eighth of September it was mustered
8
EVENTS OF 1862 AND 1863.
into the United States service for three years, or during the war, by Capt. Alex. E. Drake, of the Second United States Infantry. It was first sent to Parkersburg, West Virginia, to which place it proceeded by rail, via Bellaire and Grafton, on the eighteenth and nineteenth days of September. At this place, Col. B. F. Smith took command of the Regiment, relieving acting Col. George W. McCook, in command since its organization. The Regiment remained at Parkersburg one month, perfecting its drill, and doing guard and garrison duty.
On the twentieth and twenty-first days of October, the Regi- ment proceeded by rail, via Grafton, to Cumberland, Maryland. It remained at Cumberland nearly six weeks, when it proceeded by rail to North Mountain Station on the twelfth of December, for the purpose of guarding the Baltimore & Ohio railroad from the incursions of the Rebel guerrillas under Imboden. On the twenty-second of December, the Regiment marched from North Mountain to Martinsburg, Virginia. It was quartered at this place during the winter of 1862 and '63, performing heavy camp patrol and picket duty. During this winter the Regiment was sorely afflicted, typhoid fever and small pox making sad havoc among its ranks. Six men on an average died from this disease in each company that winter. This sickness and mor- tality was mostly created by the improper quarters occupied by the Regiment, which consisted of Sibley tents with fifteen to twenty men crowded into them. Religious services were kept up regularly by Chaplain Andrews, assisted by Rev. Capt. Jonathan S. McCready, and Rev. Capt. Wm. L. Dixon. The use of the Lu- theran Church in Martinsburg was granted for Sabbath services. Daring its stay at Martinsburg, the Regiment was shown great kindness by the loyal citizens of that place. In this kindness to the sick and the well they never grew weary, from the dark night on which the Regiment pitched its camp in their midst, until the time the Regiment took up its hurried march to other scenes and places. They kindly received the sick from the Reg-
9
EVENTS OF 1863.
iment into their dwellings, where they were tenderly cared for. Those noble patriotic people will never be forgotten by the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment.
EVENTS OF 1863.
The One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment was assigned at Martinsburg to the Third Brigade, Second Division, Eighth Army Corps. The Brigade was composed of the One Hundred and Sixth New York and the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Ohio Regiments of Infantry, and Capt. Maltsby's Sixth Virginia Battery, and was under command of Col. B. F. Smith. On the tenth of April a review of the Brigade was made by Brig. Gen. B. F. Kelly, commander of the Division. On the twenty-sixth of April the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment took the cars at Martinsburg, and went by rail to New Creek Station, West Virginia. From New Creek, the Regiment with other troops, under command of Gen. Kelly, commenced a march on the morning of the twenty-seventh of April to look after the Rebel Gen. Imboden, who was making a raid through West Virginia. The Regiment arrived at Greenland Gap on the twenty-eighth of April, having marched a distance of twenty-five miles. A sharp fight had occurred at the Gap two days previous, between Imboden's cavalry and a small force of Union troops. On the afternoon of the twenty-eighth, the Regiment continued the march, eight miles, to Mount Storm, where the troops took posi- tion in line of battle and fortified. At this place, a detail from the Regiment was sent out as far as Cheat River, and blockaded the northwestern pike by falling timber. Early on the morning of the third of May, the Regiment left Mount Storm and marched nearly to New Creek, when it received orders to return to Greenland Gap. The Regiment was then countermarched, and by a forced march arrived at that place late in the evening, after an arduous day's march of nearly twenty-five miles. 'On the fourth day of May, Companies D and F were sent out on a scout and marched to near Petersburg, West Virginia, where
10
EVENTS OF 1863.
they blockaded Mosquito Pike by falling timber. They then returned to Greenland Gap and rejoined the Regiment on the sixth of May. On the seventh of May the Regiment left Green- land Gap and marched twenty-five miles to New Creek, where it arrived on the eighth and remained two weeks. On the twenty- first and twenty-second of May, the Regiment returned by the Baltimore & Ohio railroad to Martinsburg, Virginia, and re- mained there till the fourteenth of June.
BATTLE OF MARTINSBURG.
On the fourteenth of June, the One Hundred and Twenty- Sixth Regiment, with its Brigade was attacked at Martinsburg by the advance division of Gen. Lee's army, under Gen. Rodes. Gen. Lee's army was now moving northward to invade Pennsyl- vania. This invasion resulted in the battle of Gettysburg. At eleven o'clock, A. M., the troops took position in line of battle, covering the Winchester and Charlestown roads. Skirmishing ensued at eleven o'clock and was maintained during the after- noon, with a desultory fire of artillery. During the fight, Com- pany I, which had been detached to guard a point on the Balti- more & Ohio railroad, attempted to rejoin the Regiment and was captured entire by the enemy. At three o'clock an order was received to retreat by the Williamsport road, which could not be executed, as the enemy in large force occupied all the roads except the Shepherdstown road, on which our troops were now posted. At an hour before sundown the enemy opened a terrific fire from fourteen pieces of artillery, and advanced in heavy lines of battle. Capt. Maltsby's battery opened on the enemy's advancing column with great spirit. The Brigade main- tained its position as long as possible, while plunging shot and bursting shells shrieked and moaned and fluttered wrathfully around, but was compelled to evacuate Matinsburg at sundown and retreat by the Shepherdstown road, and so ended the battle of Martinsburg. Five pieces of artillery and about two hun- dred prisoners fell into the hands of the enemy. The enemy's
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EVENTS OF 1863.
cavalry followed close in the rear, and picked up many of the Regiment who were worn out with the fatigue of the long con- tinued fight. The march was continued that night to Shepherds- town, where the Potomac River was waded, the water coming up to the men's armpits. After marching all night and until ten o'clock the next morning, Harper's Ferry was reached. The One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment went into position on Maryland Heights near the Ferry, and threw up earthworks. In the vicinity of Maryland Heights and Harper's Ferry, there were at this time eleven thousand troops under command of Gen. French. The Regiment was here assigned to the Second Division, Eighth Army Corps. At the evacuation of Harper's Ferry in the latter part of June, the One Hundred and Twenty- Sixth Regiment, with its Division, was detailed to guard a fleet of canal boats on the Ohio & Chesapeake canal, convoying heavy guns, ammunition and other Government property to Washing- ton, D. C. The fleet left Harper's Ferry on the first of July and arrived at Washington on the fourth of July. Disembark- ing at Georgetown, the Regiment marched to Tenallytown and encamped.
CHAPTER II.
Regiment assigned to the Army of the Potomac-In pursuit of Lee's Army-Battle at Manassas Gap-Encamp with the army on the Rappahannock-Detached and sent to New York City-Return to the Army.
On the sixth of July, the Regiment marched through Wash- ington to the depot, and took the cars and went by rail to Frederick, Maryland, where it arrived on the seventh. On the same day the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment march- ed seven miles to Middletown, Maryland, and bivouacked for the night. On the eighth of JJuly, the Army of the Potomac marched through Middletown in pursuit of Lee's army, then re- treating from the battlefield of Gettysburg. Of this grand army words seemed meaningless to convey to the reader's mind an idea of its immensity and grandeur-the vast multitude, the martial music, the tramp, tramp, tramp of soldiers; colors flying, horses neighing, cattle lowing, the immense trains of wagons and artillery stretching for miles; and in time of battle, the rat- tling and firing of musketry, the booming of cannon, shouts of the victors, screams and moans of the wounded and dying, can be better imagined than described, but must be seen to be real- ized. From this time to the close of the war, the history of the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment is identified with that of the Army of the Potomac. In all its movements and battles and victories, the Regiment did its full share.
On the same day the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regi- ment continued its march, nine miles, to South Mountain and bivouacked on the battle field of South Mountain, near the spot where Gen. Reno fell in 1862. It was marked by a stone, on which were the words, "Here Gen. Reno fell." On the ninth of July the Regiment was assigned to the Third Brigade, Third Division, Third Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. The
13
EVENTS OF 1863.
Brigade was commanded by Col. B. F. Smith, of the One Hun- dred and Twenty-Sixth (). V. I., the Division by Brig. Gen. Carr, and the Corps by Maj. Gen. French. The One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth O. V. I., One Hundred and Sixth New York, Fourteenth New Jersey, Eighty-Seventh Pennsylvania and Tenth Vermont Regiments, composed the Brigade.
At four o'clock P. M, of the tenth of July, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment resumed the march with the army, and after marching nearly all night, going 12 miles, it bivouacked till morning at Boonesboro, Maryland. On the eleventh the Regiment continued the march, eight miles, via Keedysville and across Antietam Creek, and bivouacked for the night near Hagerstown, Maryland. On the twelfth of July, the One Hun- dred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Corps, was formed in line of battle and advanced on the enemy's position at Williams- port, Maryland, and after coming in range of their works, it was halted and entrenched. The One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Corps remained in this position during the twelfth and thirteenth. The Potomac Army had now overtaken Lee's Army, strongly entrenched on a ridge, covering the Po- tomac from Falling Waters to Williamsport, and waiting for the flood in the river, caused by the recent rains, to subside, and allow him to pass over into Virginia. A council of the commanders of the Potomac Army decided not to attack the enemy's position. On the night of the thirteenth the enemy escaped across the Potomac at Williamsport and Falling Waters. No fighting took place except slight skirmishing and a slow fire of artillery. On the morning of the fourteenth, the One Hundred and Twenty- Sixth Regiment with its Corps advanced towards the Potomac river to reconnoiter, and found that the enemy had crossed over into Virginia. On the fifteenth and sixteenth of July, the One Hun- dred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment was with the Potomac Army in pursuit of Lee, marching via Antietam battle field, Sharps- burg, across Antietam Creek and via Brownsville, reaching
14
EVENTS OF 1863.
Sandy Hook where it bivouacked for the night, making twenty- five miles. On the evening of the seventeenth the Regiment crossed the Potomac river on pontoon bridges at Harper's Ferry, forded the Shenandoah river and thence moved into the Loudon valley and bivouacked late at night; roads very muddy, marched seven miles. On the nineteenth the march was continued ; it marched nine miles up the Loudon valley, reaching Snicker's Gap, where the Regiment bivouacked for the night. On the nineteenth the Regiment with its Corps remained and guarded Snicker's Gap till evening, and continued the march, nine miles, to Union and bivouacked for the night. On the twentieth the Regiment with its Corps continued the march ten miles, to Up- perville, and bivouacked for the night. On the twenty-first and twenty-second the Regiment remained at Upperville guarding Ashby's Gap. On the evening of the twenty-second the march was continued by the Regiment till late at night, reaching Paris, where it bivouacked till morning, making seven miles. On the twenty-third of July it continued the march, twelve miles, to Manassas Gap.
BATTLE OF WAPPING HEIGHTS.
At two o'clock, P. M. of the twenty-third of July, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Division was formed in line of battle and advanced on the enemy's position on Wapping Heights. A Brigade under Gen. Spinola charged on the enemy's position, held by a Brigade under Gen. Ander- son. After a sharp fight the enemy was driven from his position. The One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Division was held in support and came under the fire of the enemy.
On the twenty-fourth of July, the Regiment marched twelve miles, from Manassas Gap to Piedmont and bivouacked for the night. On the twenty-fifth the Regiment with its Brigade was detailed as wagon train guard, and resumed march in the even- ing via Salem and Thoroughfare Gap, and bivouacked at mid- night till morning; made seven miles; heavy rain storm during
15
EVENTS OF 1863.
the night. On the twenty-sixth of July, the Regiment continued the march, nine miles, to Warrenton, Virginia, where it en- camped and remained five days. On the first of August, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Division marched eight miles to and encamped near Fox's Ford of the Rappahannock river.
After crossing the Potomac river, Lee's Army moved up the Shenandoah valley, passed through Chester Gap and took a position on the south side of the Rappahannock, in the vicinity of Culpepper C. H. The Army of the Potomac took a position on the north side of the Rappahannock river, in the vicinity of Rappahannock Station. The opposing armies now rested for some six weeks.
The One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment remained in camp for two weeks, when it was ordered with other troops to New York City to aid in enforcing the draft. On the sixteenth of August, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment was detached from the Potomac Army and marched to Bealton Station, where it took the cars and went to Alexandria, Virginia. It encamped there four days, when it embarked on the steanı transport Merrimac and sailed via Potomac river, Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean to New York City, where it arrived on the twenty-third of August. It encamped in Castle Garden Park and remained two weeks. No trouble occurred in the city during its stay there.
On the thirteenth of July, 1863, a great riot occurred in the city of New York in opposition to the draft. The draft com- menced on that day, and a large mob attempted to resist it. The building wherein the draft was going on was burned, the firemen and police were overpowered, and a tumult was continued for three days which defied all law. About four hundred persons were killed and six hundred wounded, and $2,000,000 of prop- erty destroyed by the rioters. The draft was suspended till the latter part of August.
16
EVENTS OF 1863.
On the sixth of September, the One Hundred and Twenty- Sixth Regiment embarked on the steam transport Empire State, and returned to Alexandria, Virginia, where it arrived on the eighth of September. After remaining at Alexandria three days the Regiment took up its line march to rejoin the Army of the Potomac. It marched fourteen miles on the eleventh to Fairfax C. H., and bivouacked for the night. On the twelfth and thirteenth it continued the march, thirty miles, via Centerville and Bull Run battle field, to Warrenton, and bivouacked for the night. On the fourteenth it continued the march, ten miles, and rejoined its Corps at Fox's Ford.
COL.126TH REGT. O. V. I. & BREVET BRIG.GEN.
CHAPTER INI.
With Army in the advance to Culpepper C. H .- Encamp at Culpepper-Fall back to Bull Run-Battle at Bristow Station-Advance to the Rappahannock -Battle at Bealton Station - Cross the Rappahannock - Battle at Kelly's Ford - Advance to Brandy Station-Battle at Brandy Station.
Gen. Longstreet's Corps had recently been detached from Lee's Army, and sent to the assistance of Gen. Bragg in Tennessee. The Corps of Hill and Ewell now remained. This fact induced Gen. Meade to make an advance on his weakened enemy, occu- pying the vicinity of Culpepper C. H., Virginia. Lee's Army fell back hastily before Meade's advance, and took a strong position on the south side of the Rapidan river, and Meade oc- cupied the vicinity of Culpepper C. H.
The One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Corps broke camp on the fifteenth of September, and marched to Free- man's Ford of the Rappahannock river, where it bivouacked for the night. On the morning of the sixteenth, it waded the Rap- pahannock at Freeman's Ford, crossed Hazel river and marched twelve miles to near Culpepper C. H., Virginia, and encamped on the Sperryville road. It rested here nearly one month.
SKIRMISH AT CULPEPPER C. H.
On the morning of the eleventh of October, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment, then on picket near Culpepper C. H., was attacked by the enemy's cavalry. A sharp skirmish ensued, in which the enemy was repulsed.
Gen. Meade's Army had lately been reduced in numbers by the withdrawal of the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps (Howard's and Slocum's). These were sent to the Army of the Cumber- land. The First, Second, Third, Fifth and Sixth Corps now re-
2
18
EVENTS OF 1863.
mained. Lee now felt strong enough to cope with his antagonist, and endeavored to turn his right flank and gain his rear. The hostile armies now commenced a race, on almost parallel roads, for Washington, the National capital.
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