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 2
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On the eleventh, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regi- ment with its Corps marched sixteen miles, to Freeman's Ford of the Rappahannock river, where it arrived near midnight, waded the river and bivouacked near the Ford till morning. It remained at Freeman's Ford during the twelfth. On the thir- teenth, the Regiment with its Corps resumed the march and halted at two P. M. at Three Mile Station on the Warrenton Branch railroad. During the halt at this place, the One Hund- red and Twenty-Sixth Regiment held an election for governor, in line of battle, under the sound of musketry and cannonading. The candidates were Brough and Vallandigham. The First Division of the Third Corps being in advance, was engaged with Stewart's cavalry near Auburn Mills at the same time. The march was continued at 3 P. M., reaching Greenwich near mid- night, where the Regiment bivouacked till morning; made fifteen miles. On the same day Gen. Lee's Army arrived at Warrenton. On the morning of the fourteenth, the Regiment with its Corps continued the march to Bristow Station, where it arrived at noon.
BATTLE OF BRISTOW STATION.
On the morning of the fourteenth of October, the race for Bristow Station became hot, Lee pushing Hill and Ewell forward to gain that point before Meade should reach it. Lee failed, for when Hill approached it, the entire Potomac Army had passed it, excepting Warren's Corps, which was then in sight of the Confederates. Hill quickly turned upon Warren and brought his batteries to play upon the unexpected foe. Warren was surprised for the moment, but in the space of ten minutes, the batteries of Brown and Arnold were playing upon Hill in re- sponse, and these assisted by the Infantry Divisions of Hays and Webb soon drove the enemy and captured six of their guns,
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EVENTS OF 1863.
which they turned upon the fugitives. This put a check to Hill's further advance, although skirmishing and manœuvering was kept up all the remainder of the afternoon. Lee's loss was, be- side killed and wounded, four hundred and fifty men made pris- oners, and two battle flags. Warren's loss was about two hun- dred killed and wounded. Just at sunset Ewell came up, and Warren was now confronted by the whole of Lee's Army, but before he was ready to attack, Warren skillfully withdrew under cover of darkness and joined the main army in the morning on the Heights of Centerville. The One Hundred and Twenty- Sixth Regiment with its Corps was held in support of this en- gagement. From there it marched via Manassas Heights and across Bull Run at Mitchell's Ford, and bivouacked that night in battle line on the banks of the Bull Run. On the fifteenth of October, the Regiment with its Division continued the march, nine miles, via Centerville to Union Mills, where it bivouacked for the night. On the sixteenth of October, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Brigade marched all day through rain, mud, and swollen streams, supporting Buford's cavalry, and returned on the same day to Union Mills. The Regiment remained at Union Mills until the nineteenth of Oc- tober, when the Potomac Army commenced another forward movement. The great race ended at Bristow Station. Lee had failed in his efforts to gain Meade's rear, and after destroying the Orange & Alexandria railroad from that place to Rappahannock Station, he fell back across the Rappahannock river.
On the nineteenth of October, the One Hundred and Twenty- Sixth Regiment with its Corps marched sixteen miles, to Bristow Station, and bivouacked for the night. On the twentieth it marched to Greenwich and bivouacked for the night. On the twenty-first it marched nine miles, to Catlett's Station, and went into camp. On the twenty-second, the One Hundred and Twenty- Sixth Regiment with its Brigade, marched eight miles to Bristow Station to guard a wagon train. On the twenty-third it returned to Catlett's Station and rejoined its Division.
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EVENTS OF 1863.
BATTLE AT BEALTON STATION.
On the twenty-fourth of October, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Brigade, under Col. B. F. Smith, was detached and marched ten miles to Bealton Station, where it took position in line of battle in support of Buford's cavalry. It was under fire of the enemy's artillery during the cavalry engagement in our front. The enemy was repulsed and fell back in the direction of the Rappahannock. Our Regiment remained at Bealton Station until the twenty-seventh, when it was relieved by other troops, and returned to Catlett's Station and rejoined its Division. On the twenty-eighth of October, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Corps marched to Bealton Station and went into camp about two miles west of Bealton Station, where it remained ten days.
BATTLE AT KELLY'S FORD.
On the seventh of November, the One Hundred and Twenty- Sixth Regiment with its Corps broke camp at Bealton Station and marched at eight A. M. towards Kelly's Ford of the Rap- pahannock river, where it arrived at one P. M. and took position on the heights near the Ford. The First Division of the Third Corps, which was in advance, waded the river, and under cover of our batteries stormed the enemy's rifle-pits on the south side of the river, carrying them and capturing about five hundred prisoners. Our Regiment with its Division was held in reserve and came under the fire of the enemy's artillery. A pontoon bridge was now laid, and at dusk the One Hundred and Twenty- Sixth Regiment with the remainder of its Corps crossed over, and bivouacked in line of battle, on the south side of the Rappahan- nock, confronting the enemy. An advance was also made by the entire army on the enemy, which occupied the vicinity of Brandy Station. The First, Second and Third Corps, composing the left wing, crossed at Kelly's Ford, and the Fifth and Sixth Corps, composing the right wing, crossed at Rappahannock
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EVENTS OF 1863.
Station, where a severe engagement took place, in which our troops were victorious; sixteen hundred prisoners, four guns, eight battle flags, two thousand small arms, and the pontoon bridge were the fruits of the victory. During the night the enemy fell back toward Culpepper C. H.
BATTLE AT BRANDY STATION.
On the morning of the eighth of November, the One Hundred and Twenth Sixth Regiment with its Division, which was in the advance of the Third Corps, continued pursuit of the retreating enemy in the direction of Brandy Station. About two and one-half miles from Brandy Station, a considerable force of the enemy was encountered posted on a hill, with artillery in posi- tion. The One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Division was formed in line of battle. Two regiments from Col. Keifer's Brigade, the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio and One Hundred and Thirty-Eighth Pennsylvania, were then sent for- ward to assault the enemy's position, and soon drove the enemy and carried his position on the hill. The One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Division advanced in line of battle to support this assault, and came under the fire of the enemy's artillery. The pursuit of the enemy was continued, with constant skirmishing, until the enemy was driven past Brandy Station, at which place, the Regiment with its Division halted near evening. The enemy now placed artillery in posi- tion and shelled the Division, the One Hundred and Twenty- Sixth Regiment coming under the enemy's fire. The artillery of the Third Division returned the fire, when the enemy with- drew, and thus ended at evening the battle of Brandy Station. The Regiment bivouacked for the night at Brandy Station. On the night of the eighth of November, Lee's Army retreated across the Rapidan, leaving the Potomac Army to take quiet possession of the region the latter occupied, when the retreat toward Washington began one month previous.
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EVENTS OF 1863.
On the ninth of November, the One Hundred and Twenty- Sixth Regiment went into camp at Brandy Station, on the farm of John Minor Botts, occupying huts built by the rebels. The One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment remained in this camp about three weeks, during which time the army was at rest.
CHAPTER IV.
Advance to Mine Run -Cross the Rapidan-Battle at Locust Grove-In battle array at Mine Run-Skirmish at Mine Run-Fall back and recross Rapidan-Return to Brandy Station-In winter quarters-Army reorganized.
On the twenty-sixth of November, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Corps, broke camp at Brandy Station, and marched at eight A. M. to Jacobs' Mills Ford of the Rapidan, where it arrived at two P. M., distance ten miles. At four P. M. it crossed the river on pontoon bridges, and marched about three miles on the road leading to the Orange Turnpike, and then countermarched to within one and one-half miles of the Ford, and bivouacked for the night. The men lay down, wrapped in their blankets, but the cold wind drove away sleep from almost all eyes, the night being extremely cold.
BATTLE AT LOCUST GROVE.
On the twenty-seventh of November, at seven A. M., the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Division, re- sumed the march in the direction of Orange Turnpike, and ad- vanced slowly, with frequent halts. At twelve M. brisk mus- ketry firing commenced in advance, between the enemy and the Second Division of the Third Corps. After some delay, the Regiment with its Brigade reached the scene of action at Locust Grove. It filed off to the left into the woods, where it came under the musketry fire of the enemy, and was formed on the extreme left. It opened fire on the enemy, but it was soon dis- covered that a considerable force of the enemy was moving by its left flank to gain its rear. The Regiment was exposed to a flanking fire from the enemy's secreted lines in the thicket. The One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth with its Brigade was then or- dered to change front to nieet this new attack. The engagement
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EVENTS OF 1863.
lasted until darkness set in, when the enemy withdrew, and so ended the battle of Locust Grove. In this engagement, Adjt. L. W. Sutherland and Lieut. Petree were captured, and B. H. Bryan, private of Company B, was wounded. The Regiment bivouacked that night on the battle ground.
BATTLE OF MINE RUN.
On the morning of the twenty-eighth, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Corps, marched to near Robert- son's Tavern, and thence marched on the Orange Turnpike to Mine Run, and then filed to the left and took a position between the Orange Turnpike and the Orange Plank Road. The Regi- ment with its Corps was then formed in line of battle and en- trenched. The enemy's line was in front strongly entrenched behind Mine Run. Brisk skirmishing ensued in front of the Regiment, and the incessant popping of the skirmish line plying their grim vocation, was constantly kept up while the Regiment occupied this position. The Regiment, lying in line of battle, came under fire of the enemy's skirmishers and artillery. The Regiment remained in the same position till two P. M. of the twenty-ninth, when the Regiment with its Division was formed for an attack on the enemy. The attack, however, was aban- doned. At four P. M. on the thirtieth, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Division was marched to the left on the Orange Plank Road and again formed for an assault on the enemy's works, which was again abandoned.
SKIRMISH AT MINE RUN.
On the thirtieth of November, when the general assault was to be made on the enemy's works, the One Hundred and Twenty- Sixth Regiment was sent forward as skirmishers, and maintained a brisk skirmish with the enemy for nearly four hours, when it was relieved. At two P. M., the Regiment with its Division marched back to the position it held in the morning. The One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment, with its Corps remained
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EVENTS OF 1863.
in this position until seven P. M. of December first, when the Corps left its position and marched some distance in the direction of the Rapidan river, and bivouacked late at night. On the Second of December, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regi- ment with its Brigade, was rear guard of the army on its re- treat, and marched to Culpepper Mine Ford of the Rapidan river, where it crossed at one P. M. on pontoon bridges. It was then formed on the heights near, and remained and guarded the ford and pontoon bridge until it was taken up and removed. A skirmish took place between Rebel and Union cavalry while the bridge was being removed. The Regiment then resumed the march, and at sundown bivouacked ncar Richardsville. At midnight the march was again resumed, and on the morning of the third of December arrived at Brandy Station.
CAMPAIGN OF MINE RUN AS PARTICIPATED IN BY THE ENTIRE ARMY.
The Third and Sixth Corps were ordered to cross at Jacobs' Mills Ford and march to Robertson's Tavern, on the Orange Turnpike. The Fifth Corps was to cross at Germania Ford and march to the same point; while the First and Second Corps were ordered to cross at Culpepper Mine Ford and march to Hope Church and Parker's store on the Orange Plank Road. The right and left columns of the army, when they reached thesc points, would be in easy communication and on parallel roads leading to Orange C. H. The rebel army now lay principally in the vicinity of Orange C. H .; its right wing was protected by the defenses along Mine Run, and its left extended across the rail- road westward from Orange C. H., and was covered by the mountains of the Rapidan. Gen. Meade now proposed to cross the Rapidan below the rebel right, and suddenly sweeping around, gain the rear of the enemy's position and turn the works on Mine Run, overwhelm Ewell's Corps, which occupied the line of the defense covering the Rapidan, and cut off Hill's Corps, which was distributed along the line of the railway from Orange C. H. to Charlottesville. He would thus be able to destroy the
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EVENTS OF 1863.
two corps of his antagonist in detail, and secure a permanent lodgment at Orange C. H. Before the three corps, destined for Robertson's Tavern had reached that point, the enemy had been apprised of the movement, and Ewell's Corps had left its posi- tion, made a counter movement and was posted on the roads on which Meade proposed to advance.
Gen. Lee now penetrated Meade's designs, and made disposi- tions accordingly. He withdrew Ewell on the night of the twenty-seventh to Mine Run. Hill's corps was brought to his assistance, and he so extended his fortifications on Mine Run as to cross the two highways, Orange Turnpike and Orange Plank Road, on which Gen. Meade proposed to advance to Orange C. H. On the twenty-eighth of November, the Potomac Army ad- vanced and formed in line of battle, confronting the enemy on Mine Run.
A general attack was to be made on the morning of the thir- tieth of November. Warren's Corps and the Third Division of French's Corps was to begin the attack on the left at eight A. M., when the batteries on the center and right were to open on the foe. Sedgwick on the right was to attack Lec's left an hour later, when it was hoped that Warren's attack would cause the with- drawal of troops from that wing. French, with his own broken Corps, and the First Corps under Newton, was to menace only at first and then to advance and attack when the assault on the right and left should be successful. At the appointed hour, Meade's guns opened on the right and center, but Warren's guns were silent. The mystery was soon solved when Meade re-
ceived a message from Warren, stating that he had found Lee's position much stronger than he expected, and had taken the re- sponsibility of suspending the attack. Meade hastened to the left and found that his foe, informed of the massing of troops on his left, had concentrated his own troops in front of Warren, in men and guns in formidable array. Meade was satisfied that Warren had acted prudently, and ordered a general suspension of the attack. Meade's rations were now nearly exhausted, and his
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EVENTS OF 1863 AND 1864.
supply trains were yet beyond the Rapidan. To bring them over might expose them to disaster, as winter was at hand and rains might suddenly swell the streams and make them impassi- ble. So Meade determined to abandon the enterprise, and return to Culpepper with his army.
Soon after its return from the Mine Run campaign, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment went into winter quarters at Brandy Station, occupying huts that had been constructed by the rebels prior to November eighth, 1863. The huts were built of logs to accommodate three to five occupants. During the winter the Regiment performed heavy picket duty. It was de- tailed entire, about once in two weeks to go on picket for a tour of three successive days, and often marched a distance of six or eight miles to reach the picket line. The men suffered great hardships from the severity of the weather while on guard and picket duty. Notwithstanding, the health of the Regiment was good, and comparatively but few deaths occurred from disease. The men had provided themselves comfortable quarters, and were well supplied with good rations and comfortable clothing, sup- plemented by delicacies and articles of comfort sent by friends at home, and also supplied by the Christian and Sanitary Commis- sions; the latter having special charge of the sick in hospitals. The Regiment with army remained in winter quarters here nearly five months, during which it enjoyed its much needed rest.
The following is an extract from the army diary of Rev. J. K. Andrews, Chaplain of the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Reg- iment: "As soon as the men had completed their own quarters, a brigade chapel was erected and fitted for service. Religious service had been kept up during the entire summer campaign in the Regiment. Scarcely a week passed without both preaching and prayer meeting. An unusual interest had been developed for the last month or two. Several had professed conversion and Christians were becoming revived. The chapel was opened for service on the evening of the twentieth of January. From this on to the fourth of May, when the army broke camp, religious
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EVENTS OF 1863 AND 1864.
services were held every evening, and twice on Sabbath by the Chaplains of the Sixty-Seventh Pennsylvania and One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Ohio conjointly. These services were uni- formly well attended. God's spirit was present. A thorough religious work soon began and continued, not only to the break- ing up of winter quarters, but went on with the brigade into the following campaign. The results of this were a large number of conversions from the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth ; a general waking up to religious activity of the Christian element in the Regiment, together with reclaiming of those who had back- slidden."
The following is the official report of the Chaplain of the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment for April, 1864.
BRIGADIER GENERAL L. THOMAS,
Adjutant General U. S. A., Washington, D. C.
GENERAL: I have the honor, in compliance with general order, No. 158, to make my first monthly report (heretofore the Chap- lain's reports were to the commander of the Regiment, and quar- terly only). The moral condition of the Regiment is good and improving, better than at any time previous in its history. There have been no arrests or punishments for neglect of duty during the month, and no occasion for any. Even profanity and card playing have been abandoned by many who once indulged in these. This improvement is attributable in part to a mild but faithful discipline on the part of the officers, but very largely also, to the presence aud power of religion among us. Almost one-fourth of the Regiment are now professed Christians; of these, about forty have professed their hope within the last two or three months; others who had back-slidden have been re- claimed, and a beneficial moralizing influence has thus beeu ex- tended over the entire Regiment. Have spent the month in camp. Location elevated. Water pure and quarters comforta- ble. Duties light when not on picket. Week days usually spent in drill, target firing, and manly sports and exercises.
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EVENTS OF 1863 AND 1864.
Divine service well attended every evening and twice on Sabbath. Health of the men good-better than at any former period. Hospitals comfortable, sunshine and laughter even there. The history of this Regiment thus far shows, that whatever promotes the spiritual and religious interests of the army, promotes also its military efficiency.
Respectfully submitted, J. K. ANDREWS, Chaplain.
EVENTS OF 1864.
On the sixth of February, 1864, the One Hundred and Twenty- Sixth Regiment with its Corps made a reconnoisance through rain and mud, to Morton's Ford of the Rapidan river. After reconnoitering the enemy's position, with slight skirmishing, it returned to its camp on the seventh. It was decidedly the " mud march" of the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment. In pursuance of an order from the War Department, the Army of the Potomac was reorganized on the twenty-fifth of March. The First and Third Corps were broken up and assigned to the other Corps. The five Corps were thus reduced to three Corps, viz .: the Second under Gen. W. S. Hancock, the Fifth under Gen. G. K. Warren, and the Sixth under Gen. John Sedgwick. Near the close of April, the ninth Corps under Gen. Burnside was added to the Potomac Army, which now numbered about one hundred thousand men.
The One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment was assigned to the Second Brigade, Third Division, Sixth Army Corps. The Corps commander was Major Gen. John Sedgwick, the Division commander, Brig. Gen. Jas. B. Ricketts, and the Brigade com- mander, Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour. The Brigade was com- posed of the One Hundred and Tenth, One Hundred and Twenty-Second and One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Ohio Reg- iments, the One Hundred and Thirty-Eighth Pennsylvania,
-
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EVENTS OF 1864.
Sixth Maryland, and the Ninth New York Heavy Artillery. About the tenth of April, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Division left its winter quarters, and went into camp at Rixyville, near Culpepper, about two miles from former camp, where it remained till the fourth of May.
By an act of Congress, on the second of March, U. S. Grant was made General-in-Chief of all the armies of the United States. The Lieutenant General, on assuming chief command, established his headquarters with the army of the Potomac, com- manded by Maj. Gen. George G. Meade.
CHAPTER V.
Campaign against Richmond opens-Cross the Rapidan - Battle of the Wilderness- Advance to Spottsylvania C. II .- Battle at Alsop's Farm-Battle at Spottsylvania C. H. -Advance to North Ann-Advance to Cold Harbor-Skirmish at Dr. Palmer's Farm -Skirmish at Tolopotamy Creek-Battle at Cold Harbor-Cross James River-Engage- ment at Bermuda Hundred-Advance on Petersburg-Battle at Petersburg.
The common soldier and the subordinate officer knows nothing till ordered to move. As a soldier, he is simply to look after knapsack, haversack, canteen, gun, and cartridge box, and his own personal welfare within the limit prescribed by authority. To obey orders is the first and last duty of a soldier. To meet the enemy in deadly conflict, was the solemn duty now before the Army of the Potomac. Orders had been given the One Hun- dred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment, as well as the entire army, late on the evening of the third of May, to "pack up" at five o'clock on the following morning and be ready to move at a moment's notice.
Early on the morning of the fourth of May, 1864, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Corps broke camp near Culpepper C. H., and marched to the Rapidan river and crossed at Germania Ford about sunset of the same day, and bivouacked for the night on the bank of the river. The Po- tomac Army began the forward movement at midnight on the third of May, and on the evening of the fourth of May, it was all across the Rapidan. The Fifth and Sixth Corps crossed at Germania Ford, and advanced on the Germania road towards Old Wilderness Tavern. The Second Corps crossed at Ely's Ford and advanced to Chancellorsville. On the morning of the fifth of May, Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour took command of the Brigade to which the Regiment belonged, relieving Col. B. F. Smith, who returned to the command of the Regiment. At eight A. M., the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with
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EVENTS OF 1864.
its Corps advanced on the Germania road, but had not proceeded far, when orders were received for the Regiment with its Brigade to return and resume the guard of the Germania Ford and pon- toon bridges, which it did. The troops which preceded the Regiment had now encountered the enemy near Wilderness Tavern, and brisk musketry firing could be heard in advance. Soon wounded men were seen along the way, and the sharp ring and crack of the rifle told that sanguinary work was at hand.
BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS, MAY FIFTH.
The soldier does not live who can ever forget his emotions on going into a battle. That brief though significant order "fall in,"-the preparation, the movement, the deployment of skirmishers, the thrilling suspense preceding the first shot, the hissing and explosion of the first shell, the first volley of the skirmishers, the low, decided order of the commander to ad- vance; then the successive volleys and the roar of artillery and the appalling sight of the wounded carried to the rear, and of the calm, colorless faces of the heroic dead, upturned to Heaven's blue, silent so soon after viewing sky, sun and plains, never to be seen by the soldier again.
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