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 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17
Recruits for the army arrived daily, among them a large num- ber of bounty jumpers. Desertions from this class were frequent- Many of these deserters were apprehended, tried and shot to death by musketry. The One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth with its Brigade was called out to witness one of these sad executions. The doomed man was a member of the Sixty-Seventh Pennsyl- vania Regiment. The incidents connected with these executions were indeed deeply affecting. The detail of the party to do the firing, the escort, the slow tread of the dead march, the victim seated on his coffin, the last duties, the fatal word fire, all these formulas were oppressively solemn.
109
EVENTS OF 1865.
BATTLE OF PETERSBURG, MARCH 25TH, 1865.
On the twenty-fifth of March, the One Hundred and Twenty- Sixth Regiment with other troops formed in line, and under a severe musketry and artillery fire, advanced to the Union picket line, preparatory to making a charge. Then at a given signal, at three o'clock P. M., in the face of murderous volleys of mus- ketry, charged on the enemy's strongly entrenched picket line and drove them from their works, capturing the works and over two hundred prisoners. A concentrated heavy artillery fire was now opened by the enemy on the captured works, but notwith- standing they were thereafter held by our troops. The One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment was the first to enter and carry the works. Col. Smith led the Regiment with great gal- lantry in this action. In this charge the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment lost one man killed and four wounded, one of whom died of wounds.
SKIRMISH AT PETERSBURG, MARCH TWENTY-SIXTH.
On the twenty-sixth of March, the One Hundred and Twenty- Sixth Regiment still occupied the captured works, and was en- gaged all day in a severe skirmish with the enemy. On the night of the twenty-fifth, those constant blazing streams of fire from the enemy's skirmish line will ever remain visible in the memory. At dark the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regi- ment was relieved and returned to camp.
The Union hosts were steadily closing in on the defenders of the "lost cause." Sheridan and Warren, in the early morning of April first, began dispositions for the battle of Five Forks. Humphrey's Corps (Second) at the left of Hatcher's Run, and Wright's (Sixth Corps), Park's (Ninth Corps), and Ord's (Army of the James), were waiting their last order to leap into the works of the Rebels. The desperate attempt of the Rebels to capture Fort Steadman, and break through the Union lines had failed, and they had retired sullenly and disheartened.
110
EVENTS OF 1865.
The close of April first announced the complete triumph of Sheridan and Warren at Five Forks. The shouts of victory had scarcely died away, when by Grant's order, the Union guns in position before Petersburg were opened on the Confederate lines from right to left, from the Appomattox to Hatcher's Run.
BATTLE OF PETERSBURG, APRIL SECOND.
An engagement of two armies being the highest exertion of human might, constitutes one of the most sublime and fearfully magnificent spectacles, that can be presented to the eye of the be- holder. No pencil can paint, no pen can describe, the awful picture of this battle in all its terrible grandeur.
At three o'clock on the morning of the second of April, 1865, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment took its position in the front line of battle to participate in the charge made by the Sixth Corps on the enemy's strongly entrenched main line of works. A terrific bombardment had been opened at two o'clock by all the artillery in position on the National line of works, from the Appomattox to Hatcher's Run, which was replied to by all the enemy's artillery. This cannonade continued until four o'clock in the morning, when the assault was commenced on the works. The terrific booming of nearly four hundred pieces of artillery, which shook the surrounding country with their fearful detonations, the screams of shot and shell, the awful roll of mus- ketry, the wild yell of the combatants, all combined on that morning to make up one of war's most horrid dramas. The lines were formed for the assault in the rear of entrenched picket line taken from the enemy on the 25th of March. During the form- ation of the lines the troops were exposed to a severe fire from the enemy, several being killed and wounded. At four o'clock A. M., the lines moved swiftly forward. From thousands of Rebel muskets there came a sheet of smoky flame, a crash, a rush of leaden death, a storm of shot and shell like the fall of rain drops. Passing over a double line of abattis, a deep ditch and strong earthworks, a hand to hand struggle ensued in the
111
EVENTS OF 1865.
enemy's works, in which many brave men fell. By daylight the entire line in front of the Sixth Corps was taken with all its ar- tillery in position and thousands of prisoners. The One Hun- dred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Corps then turned to the left and pressed vigorously along the rear of the enemy's works as far as Hatcher's Run, taking the entire line of works, a large number of prisoners and twelve pieces of artillery. From Hatcher's Run the troops hastened back to the place where the attack was first made, and then moved to the right, up the Boyd- ton road towards Petersburg, and were formed fronting Peters- burg on the left, and in support of the Ninth Corps.
And so ended the battle of Petersburg, the last in which the Regiment participated. In connection with this battle it should be mentioned that the Surgeons of the One Hundred and Twen- ty-Sixth Regiment, also Chaplain J. K. Andrews, and Hospital Steward Wm. Foster, deserve the highest commendation for their great skill and energy in taking care and kindly ministering to the many sick and wounded during the service of the Regiment. In the time of battle they made the greatest exertion in the line of their duty, in removing the wounded from the field, and in caring for them in the best manner that could be done. The efficient and noble service of these medical officers should not be forgotten. The One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment per- formed an important part in this assault, and was highly com- plimented for its gallantry. Captains J. W. Moffat and C. E. Patterson especially distinguished themselves, and received there- for brevet appointments of Major of U. S. Volunteers. In the absence of senior officers, Capt. Patterson took command of the Regiment on going into action. As the Regiment advanced and passed over the skirmish line, Capt. Moffat then in charge of the skirmish line, relieved Capt. Patterson, being slightly his senior in rank, and took command of the Regiment during the remainder of the action. Sergeant Milton Blickensderfer, of Company E, captured a battle flag. In this assault the Regiment lost one en- listed man killed, and one officer and eight enlisted men wounded.
112
EVENTS OF 1865.
This engagement led to the evacuation by the enemy of Pe- tersburg and Richmond, which took place on the night of April second. On the morning of April third the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with the army commenced the pursuit of the enemy by the Appomattox River road, in the direction of Burksville Junction. The pursuit was continued on the fourth and fifth of April, and just after dark on the fifth the Regiment with its corps went into position facing Amelia C. H., at Jetters- ville, and threw up slight earthworks. After evacuating Rich- mond and Petersburg, Lee's army had concentrated at Amelia C. H., where it was now waiting to receive supplies. The Na- tional army was now squarely across Lee's pathway of retreat, and in possession of Richmond and Danville Railroad, Lee's only important avenue of supplies from Danville and Lynch- burg. Early on the morning of the sixth of April the Regiment with the Sixth Corps advanced in line of battle toward Amelia C. H. After the troops had advanced about three miles infor- mation was received that Lee's army during the night had left Amelia C. H., and had passed by the left flank of the Union army. The troops were now marched back by the way of Jet- tersville. At this place the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment was detached at ten o'clock, A. M., of the sixth to guard prisoners.
BATTLE OF SAILOR'S CREEK.
As before stated, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regi- ment was detached at Barksville to guard prisoners. It did not participate in this battle as an organization, but some members of the Regiment, on detached duty did take part in this battle, among whom were members of the Brigade Sharpshooters. Therefore a description of this sharp little engagement is now given. Gen. Sheridan's cavalry were moving on a road parallel and one mile to the left of Lee's retreating column, with the most strenuous endeavors to head off the Confederates. Near Deatonsville Sheridan charged on the flank of the enemy's col- umn, piercing it and capturing four hundred wagons, sixteen guns,
REV. JONATHAN S. Mº CREADY CAPT. CO. H 126TH REGT. O.V. I.
*
113
EVENTS OF 1865.
and many prisoners. By this blow Ewell's corps, which was following the train, was cut off from Lee's main body. Sheridan resolved to hold Ewell until Wright's Corps should come up. Seymour's Division, which was leading the Sixth Corps, with Gen. Keifer's Brigade in advance, now came up, and vigorously pressed the enemy one mile to and across Sailor's creek. The enemy being cut off by Sheridan's cavalry, was forced to give battle and for this purpose formed his line behind Sailor's creek. Artillery was brought within range of the enemy and opened a vigorous fire upon him. Seymour and Wheaton's Divisions of the Sixth Corps were soon upon the ground and formed for the attack. A concentrated artillery fire was opened on the enemy's center, under cover of which, the troops advanced through and across the swamp, and charged up the steep hills on which the enemy was posted. A severe conflict ensued as the lines of the opposing forces came together. A number of men were bayo- netted on both sides. Ewell's gallant veterans stoutly resisted until they were enveloped by cavalry and infantry, when they threw down their arms and surrendered. Among the six thou- sand men made prisoners were Gens. Ewell, Kershaw, Custis Lee and Pickett.
Gen. Keifer in his official report of this battle states that "Major Wm. G. Williams, One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Ohio, commanding the Sixty-Seventh Pennsylvania, was partic- ularly gallant." He also speaks of the "most commendable conduct of Richard Netz, of Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth O. V. I., mounted orderly, who carried the Brig- ade flag."
The One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment and a Wis- consin regiment in charge of two thousand prisoners, now com- menced a march destined for City Point. It continued the march on the seventh and eighth, and bivouacked at night at Wilson's Station on the South Side railroad. On the tenth and eleventh the march was continued as far as Petersburg, where the Regiment bivouacked over night. On the twelfth the Regi-
8
114
EVENTS OF 1865.
ment continued the march to City Point, where the prisoners were delivered to the authorities at that place. During the march on the tenth, the Regiment was officially informed of the surrender of Gen. R. E. Lee's Army. This information created the wildest enthusiasm. Prolonged cheers rent the air, and the most exciting demonstrations of joy were manifested for the vic- tory which now crowned their arms, after three years of perilous and arduous service, and for the bright and cheering prospects of a speedy return of peace. On the fourteenth of April the Regiment took the cars at City Point and went by the South Side Railroad to Burksville Junction, where it rejoined the Corps, then encamped near that place.
In the meantime, while the Regiment was detached from its Corps, the surrender of the Rebel Army of Northern Virginia, under Gen. Lee, had taken place at Farmville, Virginia, April ninth.
SURRENDER OF LEE. GRANT TO LEE.
APRIL 7, 1865.
To GENERAL R. E. LEE,
Commanding Confederate States Army :
GENERAL-The result of the last week must convince you of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia in this struggle. I feel that it is so, and re- gard it as my duty to shift from myself the responsibility of any further effusion of blood, by asking of you the surrender of that portion of the Confederate States army known as the Army of Northern Virginia.
Very respectfully, your obed't serv't,
U. S. GRANT, Commanding Armies United States.
LEE TO GRANT. APRIL 7, 1865.
GENERAL-I have received your note of this date. Though not entirely of the opinion you express of the hopelessness of
115
EVENTS OF 1865.
further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia, I reciprocate your desire to avoid useless effusion of blood, and, therefore, before considering your proposition, ask the terms you will offer, on condition of its surrender.
[Signed.]
R. E. LEE, General.
To Lieut. Gen. U. S. Grant.
GRANT TO LEE.
APRIL 8, 1865.
GENERAL R. E. LEE,
Commanding Confederate States Army :
GENERAL-Your note of last evening, in reply to mine of same date, asking conditions on which I will accept the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, has been received. In reply, I will say that peace being my first desire, there is but one condi- tion I insist upon, viz : that the men surrendered shall be dis- qualified from taking up arms again against the Government of the United States until properly exchanged. I will meet you, or designate officers to meet any officers you may name, for the purpose of arranging definitely the terins upon which the sur- render of the Army of Northern Virginia will be received.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
U. S. GRANT,
Lieut. Gen. Commanding United States Armies.
LEE TO GRANT.
APRIL 8, 1865.
GENERAL-I received, at a late hour, your note of to-day, in answer to mine of yesterday. I did not intend to propose tlie surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, but to ask the terms of your proposition. To be frank, I do not think the emergency has arisen to call for the surrender, but as the restora- tion of peace should be the sole object of all, I desire to know whether your proposals would tend to that end. I cannot, there- fore, meet you with a view to the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, but as far as your proposition may affect the
116
EVENTS OF 1865.
Confederate States Army forces under my command, and tend to the restoration of peace, I should be pleased to meet you at ten A. M. to-morrow, on the old stage road to Richmond, be- tween the picket lines of the two armies.
Very respectfully, &c.,
To Lieutenant General Grant.
R. E. LEE.
GRANT TO LEE.
APRIL 9, 1865.
To GENERAL R. E. LEE,
Commanding Confederate State Army :
GENERAL-Your note of yesterday is received. As I have no authority to treat on the subject of peace, the meeting proposed for ten A. M. to-day could lead to no good. I will state, how- ever, General, that I am equally anxious for peace with your- self, and the whole North entertain the same feeling. The terms upon which peace can be had are well understood. By the South laying down their arms they will hasten that most desirable event, save thousands of human lives, and hundreds of millions of property not yet destroyed. Sincerely hoping that our diffi- culties may be settled without the loss of another life, I subscribe myself, very respectfully, &c.,
U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant General.
LEE TO GRANT.
APRIL 9, 1865.
GENERAL-I received your note of this morning on the picket line, whither I had come to meet you, and ascertain definitely what terms were embraced in your proposition of yesterday, with reference to the surrender of this army. I now request an in- terview in accordance with the offer contained in your letter of yesterday for that purpose.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE, General. To Lieut. Gen. Grant, Commanding U. S. Armies.
117
EVENTS OF 1865.
GRANT TO LEE.
APRIL 9, 1865.
GENERAL LEE,
Commanding Confederate States Armies :
Your note of this date is but this moment (11:50 A. M.,) re- ceived, in consequence of my having passed from the Richmond and Lynchburg road to the Farmville and Lynchburg road. I am, at this writing, about four miles west of Walters' Church, and will push forward to the front, for the purpose of meeting you. Notice sent to me on this road, where you wish the inter- view to take place, will meet me.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant General.
GRANT TO LEE.
APPOMATTOX COURT HOUSE, April 9.
GENERAL R. E. LEE, Commanding Confederate States Army :
In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of the eighth instant, I propose to receive the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia on the following terms, to-wit: Roll of all the officers and men to be made in duplicate, one copy to be given to an officer designated by me, the other to be re- tained by such officers as you may designate, the officers to give their individual paroles not to take arms against the Govern- ment of the United States until properly exchanged, and each company or regimental commander sign a like parole for the men of their commands. The arms, artillery, and public property to be parked and stacked, and turned over to the officers appointed by me to receive them. This will not em- brace the side-arms of the officers, nor their private horses or baggage. This done, each officer and man will be allowed to re-
118
EVENTS OF 1865.
turn to their homes, not to be disturbed by the United States au- thorities, so long as they observe their parole and the laws in force where they may reside. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant General.
LEE TO GRANT. HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA, April 9, 1865.
LIEUT. GEN. U. S. GRANT,
Commanding United States Forces :
GENERAL-I have received your letter of this date, contain- ing the terms of surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, as proposed by you. As they are substantially the same as those expressed in your letter of the eighth inst., they are accepted. I will proceed to designate the proper officers to carry the stipula- tions into effect.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE, General.
The scene at the surrender was imposing and sublime. The various Corps of the Army unfurled their flags, and the bands were ordered to play. The joy and exultation of the great army that a long and bloody war had ended, was unbounded. The pitied remnants of that once bold and defiant army were sad to behold. The Rebel Army, as a power, was no more. The men were paroled and furnished with rations and transportation to their homes. As they passed our camps, to look upon them, only excited charity and pity ; there were mutual congratula- tions that the war had ended. At this, the height of our re- joicings, in the rain and mud, waiting for orders along the wires which followed the army in all its movements, came the thrilling and astounding intelligence that President Lincoln had been as- sassinated. The receipt of this sad news caused a cloud of gloom to pervade the entire army.
119
EVENTS OF 1865.
At Burksville Junction, the Regiment with the army observed the nineteenth day of April as a day of lamentation for the as- sination of President Lincoln. Services were held by the Chap- lains of the army. Appropriate addresses were delivered, and flags were draped in mourning and carried at half mast.
CHAPTER X.
Forced March to Danville, Va .- Johnston Surrenders-The War Over-Return by Rail to Richmond-March to Washington, D. C .- Mustered out-By Rail to Columbus, Ohio-Receive Final Discharge.
On the twenty-third of April the Sixth Corps was detached from the Potomac Army, with orders to push through as rapidly as possible and join Sherman's Army to assist in the capture of Johnston's Army. The One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regi- ment with its Corps continued the march on the twenty-third and twenty-fourth, and bivouacked for the night at Clark's Ford of the Staunton river. On the twenty-fifth the march was con- tinued via Mt. Loyd, across the Banister river to Halifax C. H., where the troops bivouacked for the night. On the twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh the march was continued to Danville, Vir- ginia, crossing the Dan river, where the troops went into camp two miles south of Danville. At Danville the march termin- ated, Gen. Johnston's Army having surrendered to Gen. Sher- man on the twenty-sixth at Greensboro, North Carolina. The joy of the troops was unbounded at this intelligence. The war was now ended, and visions of home and friends seemed near at hand. The Regiment remained at Danville till the sixteenth of May, when it took the cars and went by the Richmond & Dan- ville railroad to Richmond, Virginia, arriving there on the sev- enteenth. It went into camp near Manchester, and remained one week. On the twenty-fourth of May the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Corps was reviewed in Rich- mond, Virginia, and at once began a march for Washington, D.C. Crossing the Chickahominy river the march was continued twenty-eight miles to Hanover C. H., where the Regiment bivou- acked for the night. On the twenty-fifth the march was con- tinued twenty miles, crossing the Pamunky river and reaching
121
EVENTS OF 1865.
Chesterfield Station, where the Regiment bivouacked for the night. On the twenty-sixth the march was continued for twelve miles, to near Guinea Station. It rained all night; got wet through. The men cut boughs on which to spread their blankets and lie down, lulled to sleep by the pattering rain. The Regi- ment remained here two days. On the twenty-ninth the march was continued eighteen miles to Fredericksburg, where the Reg- iment bivouacked for the night. On the thirtieth of May the march was continued eighteen miles to Stafford C. H., where the Regiment bivouacked at night. On the thirty-first continued the march for eighteen miles to Dumfries, and bivouacked for the night. On the first of June continued the march fifteen miles, via Occoquon and across Occoquon creek to Fairfax C. H., and bivouacked for the night. On the second of June continued the march fourteen miles, to Bailey's Cross Roads, on the south side of the Potomac river, five miles from Washington D. C., where the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with the Sixth Army Corps went into camp. This ended a long and arduous march of seven days, a distance of over one hundred miles, and was the last march performed by the Regiment.
On the second of June the General-in-chief issued the follow- ing farewell address:
SOLDIERS OF THE ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES :- By your patriotic devotion to your country, in the hour of danger and alarm, your magnificent fighting, bravery and endurance, you have maintained the supremacy of the Union and the Constitu- tion, overthrown all armed opposition to the enforcement of the laws, and of the proclamation forever abolishing slavery-the cause and pretext of the rebellion-and opened the way to the rightful authorities to restore order and inaugurate peace on a permanent and enduring basis on every foot of American soil. Your marches, sieges and battles, in distance, duration, resolution and brilliancy of results, dim the luster of the world's past military achievements, and will be the patriot's precedent in defense of liberty and right in all times to come. In obedience to your
122
EVENTS OF 1865.
country's will, you left your homes and families and volunteered in her defense. Victory has crowned your valor, and secured the purpose of your patriotic hearts; and with the gratitude of your countrymen, and the highest honors of a great and free nation can accord, you will soon be permitted to return to your homes and families, conscious of having discharged the highest duty of American citizens. To achieve these glorious triumphs, and secure to yourselves, your fellow-countrymen and posterity, the blessings of free institutions, tens of thousands of your gallant comrades have fallen and sealed the priceless legacy with their blood. The graves of these, a grateful Nation bedews with tears, honors their memories, and will ever cherish and sup- port their stricken families.
U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant General.
On the eighth of June the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Regiment with its Corps crossed the Potomac river at Long Bridge, and marched in grand review through the principal streets of Washington City.
The Corps was reviewed by President Johnson, Gen. Grant, Gen. Meade, Gen. Wright and many other distinguished officers, after which the Corps returned to camp at Bailey's Cross Roads. On the twenty-fifth of June, 1865, the One Hundred and Twen- ty-Sixth Regiment was mustered out of the United States service at Bailey's Cross Roads by Major Robinson, of the One Hun- dred aud Sixth New York Infantry Volunteers. Its total strength at muster out was five hundred and ninety-seven officers and menl.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.