USA > Ohio > The official war record of the 122nd regiment of Ohio volunteer infantry from October 8, 1862, to June 26, 1865. Copied from volumes 25, 27, 29, 33, 36, 37, 40, 42, 43, and 46, series I, U.S. war records, and from volumes 3 and 5 of series III > Part 2
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The heavy guns of the main fortifications-consisting of four . 20-pounder Parrotts and two 24-pounder howitzers-were served by a company of the Fourteenth (First) Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, commanded by Captain Martins. The command num- bered, according to Friday morning's return, 6,900 effective men.
On Saturday morning, at a few minutes before 8 o'clock, my cavalry patrols on the Front Royal road reported that the enemy was approaching in force. Deeming it advisable that under the circumstances the whole command should be united at Win- chester, I gave Colonel MeReynolds the concerted signal above stated. I immediately sent forward on the Front Royal and Stras- burg roads forces to observe and report the forces and movements of the enemy. That on the Front Royal road consisted of the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Eighty Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Eighteenth Connecticut Infantry, Fifth Maryland Infantry, and one section of Battery L, Fifth U. S. Ar- tillery, Colonel Ely commanding. A little over a mile from Win-
OF THE 122ND' REGIMENT, O. V. I.
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chester this force encountered a battery of the enemy's artillery, located in a wood at the right of the Front Royal road. After a short artillery skirmish, Colonel Ely retired his command to near the junction of the Front Royal and Strasburg roads, immediately south of and adjoining Winchester. The enemy did not pursue in force. Occasionally during the day small detachments of rebel cavalry approached from that direction, but were driven off by our infantry piekets, which were well protected, and directed to remain at their posts and act as skirmishers. The force on the Strasburg road consisted of the One Hundred and Tenth and One ITundred and Twenty Third Ohio, the Twelfth West Virginia Infantry, Thirteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry and Car- lin's Battery, Brigadier General Elliot commanding.
A little to the west and adjoining Winchester is a high ridge, which extends from the town south for over a mile to Mill Creek, which is known as Apple-Pie Ridge. Around the southern ter- minus of this ridge the creek and a mill-race wind across the Strasburg road, and from thence in a northerly direction across the Front Royal road, and north of that road to Hollingsworth Mills, where the race terminates and the creek takes an abrupt easterly course. The whole length of the race is about two miles. The creek and race combined afford a strong protection against cavalry, and for that reason and the additional one that stone fences and other covers abound in its vicinity, they had been adopted as a portion of my infantry picket line.
The force above designated, excepting two sections of Car- lin's Battery, stationed on the southern extremity of the ridge above described, proceeded up the Strasburg road to within a short distance of Kernstown, where it remained, encountering no enemy, excepting occasional parties of skirmishers, until about 2 p. m., when Brigadier General Elliott, through Lieutenant ( Wil- liam) Alexander, of his staff, reported to me at the place where the two sections of Carlin's battery were stationed that he could find no enemy in his front, but that there were indications that he was massing his forces on our left, in the vicinity of the Front Royal road. I then directed General Elliott to retire his force on the Strasburg road back to the creek and race above described, so as to put it in a position to support Colonel Ely on the Front Royal road or the forces in the forts, as the exigency might require. While this order was being executed, and when General Elliott's command had arrived within 600 yards of the creek and race, a
ht ed le le er d
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THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
considerable force of the enemy's infantry in two lines of battle displayed itself to our right, with the apparent intention to flank and cut off our retiring troops. I estimated the force of the enemy then in sight at 2,000.
The two sections of Carlin's battery on the ridge as above stated commanded the position of the enemy, and immediately opened on him with sufficient effect to- throw him into con- fusion, when the One Hundred and Tenth Regiment Ohio Volun- teer Infantry, Colonel Keifer, and One Hundred and Twenty Third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Wilson, charged upon him and drove him back in disorder with considerable loss. Simultaneously the Twelfth West Virginia Infantry, Colonel Klunk, engaged a large body of the enemy's skirmishers in a woods south of the ridge and on the opposite side of the creek and race, and, after holding them in check some two hours, being outflanked and greatly outnumbered, retired. Our whole force, which had been advanced on the Strasburg road, retired behind the creek and race above described. That creek and race then constituted the line of our forces in front of the town, and was held by Colonel Ely, with a portion of his Brigade, on the Front Royal road, and by General Elliott, with a portion of his Brigade, on the Strasburg road. The remainder of my forces were in the forts immediately north of the town.
Immediately after our forces had retired from the Strasburg road to the Winchester side of the creek and race, the enemy ad- vanced his skirmishers, and brisk skirmishing ensued until dark.
About 5 o'clock the enemy advanced and took possession of a picket post, surrounded by a stone wall on the south, east and west, and which commanded the Strasburg road, from which they were dislodged by two companies of the Twelfth West Virginia Volunteer Infantry.
In this affair; which occurred about 6 o'clock in the evening, we captured a prisoner, from whom I learned that he belonged to Ilays' Louisiana Brigade, which was a part of Ewell's Corps, the whole of which, and part of Longstreet's, was in our immediate vicinity. A deserter who came in shortly afterward confirmed his statement. This was the first intimation that I received that Lee's army had quietly retired before the lines of the Army of the Potomac, and performed a five or six days' march.
Telegraphie communication with my headquarters continued until 12 m. on Saturday. The Blue Ridge screened the operations
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OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
of Lee's army from me. I had always relied with implicit con- fidence upon receiving timely notice by telegraph of its advance in my direction.
On Saturday, under cover of the night, I withdrew my forces on the Strasburg and Front Royal roads in front of Winchester to the southern suburbs of the town, under orders to retire to the forts north of the town at 2 o'clock in the morning.
Colonel MeReynolds arrived with his command between 9 and 10 p. m., and was assigned to the star fort, immediately north of the main fortification. At this time it was evident that at least two Corps of Lee's army, numbering not less than 50,000 men, and abundantly supplied with artillery, were in my immediate vicinity, and that my retreat by the Martinsburg and Berryville roads was cut off. I still hoped that there had been some cor- responding action of the Army of the Potomac, and that if I could sustain myself for twenty-four hours I would be relieved.
Early on Sunday morning detachments of cavalry were sent out on the Berryville and Martinsburg roads, but were driven back by the enemy's skirmishers and sharpshooters.
From 7 o'clock on Sunday morning until 4 o'clock in the afternoon, detachments of the Eighteenth Connecticut, Fifth Maryland, and Eighty Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under the direction of Colonel Ely, continually skirmished with the enemy in front of the forts and east of town, between the Front Royal and Martinsburg roads. During this skirmishing the rebels took possession of a large brick dwelling, surrounded by dense shrubbery, on the Berryville road, about half a mile from Winchester. Our skirmishers attacked and carried the house, killing one officer and five men and captured eleven prisoners.
At one time during the day the rebels in considerable num- bers appeared in the town, but were driven out by the Eighteenth Connecticut and Eighty Seventh Pennsylvania Infantry.
On Sunday morning General Elliott, with a portion of his Brigade, Carlin's Battery, and the Twelfth West Virginia Volun- teer Infantry, took position on the ridge above described, about a quarter of a mile south of the. Romney road. He had frequent and sometimes severe skirmishing. The enemy did not, however, at any time appear before him in force.
In consequence of the overwhelming masses of the enemy about me. I kept my forces during the day well in hand and in
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THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
immediate connection with the forts.
As early as Saturday evening, after I learned of the presence of Lee's army in force, I made up my mind to act on the defen- sive, economize my forces, wait until the enemy had massed him- self for the final attack, and then, unless relieved, force my way through what might appear to be the weakest portion of his lines. My belief was superinduced by the maneuvers of the enemy on Saturday and by the ground that the real attack would come from the Romney road.
Early on Sunday morning, I ordered Captain Morgan, of the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry, with a detachment of two com- panies of that Regiment, to proceed out the Pughtown road as far as Pughtown, if practicable; thence across to the Romney road, and by that road back to the forts. I instructed him to care- fully observe the disposition and forces of the enemy, if any, in that direction. That officer returned with his command to the forts about 2 p. m., and reported that he had made the round in- dieated without meeting or detecting any traces of an enemy in that direction. Immediately west of and parallel with the ridge on which the main fortification is constructed, and about 2,000 yards distant therefrom, is another range, known as Flint Ridge, on which there was in process of construction a line of earth- works, which commanded the Pughtown and Romney roads and all the approaches from the west. These works were occupied on Sunday by the One Hundred and Tenth and part of the One IIundred and Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Battery L, Fifth U. S. Artillery, under Colonel Keifer.
The report of Captain Morgan relieved me from all appre- hension of an immediate attack in that direction, and induced me to turn my attention to the approaches in other directions. I am still at a loss to know how Captain Morgan could have made the tour which he reported without seeing or encountering the enemy, for within two hours after he made his report the enemy opened upon me from the west with at least four full bat- teries, some of his guns of the longest range, under cover of which fire he precipitated a column of infantry, at least 10,000 strong, upon the outwork held by Colonel Keifer, which, after a stubborn resistance, he carried. This outwork was commanded by the guns of the main and star forts, which were immediately brought to bear upon the enemy, driving him from the position, and afford- ing a protection to Colonel Keifer's command, under which it re-
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OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
treated, with small loss, to the main fort. The guns at the fort, and the Baltimore Battery, Captain Alexander, at the star fort, and Carlin's Battery, immediately south of the main fort, en- gaged the guns of the enemy, and an artillery contest ensued, which was maintained with energy on both sides until 8 o'clock in the evening. During its progress, I massed my troops in the main and star forts and in the rifle-pits in front of them. To my regret, the enemy made no effort to take my position by assault.
About 9 o'clock in the evening, I convened a council of war, consisting of Brigadier General Elliott, commanding First Brigade, Colonel Ely, commanding Second Brigade, and Colonel McReynolds, commanding Third Brigade. Before stating the re- sult of this council, it is proper that I should state the circum- stances by which we were surrounded. It was certain that Lee had eluded the Army of the Potomac, and was at liberty to use his whole force against us without hinderance from any source. Our position at Winchester, although affording facilities for de- fense which would enable an inferior to maintain itself against a superior number for a limited time, could not be successfully defended by the limited means at my command against such an army as surrounded me. Six principal roads, known in the army as the Romney, Pughtown, Martinsburg, Berryville, Front Royal, and Strasburg roads, lead into the town. The names of these roads indicate their course. They are all intersected and con- nected by cross-roads in close proximity to the town. Cavalry and artillery can approach the town and the forts from every direction. We had but one day's rations left, and our artillery ammunition was almost entirely exhausted. On Monday morn- ing the enemy could have brought one hundred guns to bear on us, to which we could have made no reply. Precedents which have occurred during this rebellion and in other countries would have justified a capitulation ; but I thought, and my comrades in council thought, that we owed our lives to the Government rather than make such a degrading concession to rebels in arms against its authority. The propositions concluded upon in that council were, that in consequence of the entire exhaustion of our artillery -
ammunition, it was impossible to hold the post against the over- whelming forces of the enemy, and that a further 'prolongation of the defense could only result in sacrificing the lives of our soldiers without any practical benefit to the country; that we owed it to the honor of the Federal arms to make an effort to
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THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
force our way through the lines of the beleaguering foe; that the artillery and wagons should be abandoned, and the Division, Brigade, and Regimental Quartermasters instructed to bring away all publie horses, and that the Brigades, in the order of their numbers, should march from the forts at 1 o'clock in the morn- ing, carrying with them their arms and usual supply of ammuni- tion.
The Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry was attached to the Third Brigade. The forts were evacuated at the time designated, and immediately thereafter the cannon spiked and the annnuni- tion which could not be carried by the soldiers thrown into the cisterns of the forts. The column proceeded through a ravine, avoiding the town of Winchester, about 1 mile, until it struck the Martinsburg road. It then proceeded up the Martinsburg road to where a road leads from it to Summit Station, about 41/2 miles from Winchester, when I received a message from General Elliott that he was attacked by the enemy's skirmishers. I heard the firing, and was riding forward. The enemy was on elevated ground in a woods east of the road and a field east of and ad- joining the woods. This occurred between 3 and 4 o'clock in the morning. General Elliott immediately filed the One Hundred and Twenty Third, One Hundred and Tenth, and One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Regiments to the left, and formed them in line of battle west of and in front of the woods in which the enemy was posted. Hle then advanced the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, Colonel Keifer, into the woods, to feel the enemy. This Regiment soon became actively engaged, and was immediate- ly supported by the One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio, which promptly took its position on the right of the One Hundred and Tenth.
It soon became evident that the enemy was present in con- siderable force, with at least two batteries of artillery. It was evident, however, that a retreat could not be effected excepting under cover of a heavy contest with him. The One Hundred and Tenth Ohio and One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio main- tained the contest for over an hour, occasionally falling back, but in the main driving the enemy. They captured one of the enemy's caissons, and silenced two of his guns by killing his gunners and artillery horses. Although inmediately under the gums of the enemy, they preserved their lines, and kept up an incessant. heavy, and murderous fire of musketry, under the effect of which
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OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
the enemy's right flank fell into disorder and recoiled.
During this contest, Colonel Keifer especially distinguished hinself by the display of the qualities of a brave soldier and a judicious and skillful officer.
About the time the contest commenced on my left, by my orders the Eighty Seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, Colonel Sehall. advanced against the enemy's left, but was soon driven back. I then supported the Eighty Seventh by the Eighteenth Connecti- cut and the two Regiments, under Colonel Ely, again advanced into the woods, but were again driven back. I then supported Colonel Ely with the One Hundred and Twenty Third Ohio, and again advanced the line, but it was repulsed with inconsiderable loss, the range of the enemy's guns being so elevated as to render his artillery inefficient.
At this time a signal gun fired at Winchester announced the approach of the enemy in my rear. Colonel Ely's command was again rallied, and formed in line of battle west of the Martins- burg road, and that officer again directed to engage the enemy.
At this time the One IIundred and Tenth and One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiments were still maintaining their fire on the left with unabating energy. I then gave instructions that my forces unengaged and trains should re- treat under cover of the contest, taking the Martinsburg road for a short distance, and then turning to the right. I instructed my staff officers, excepting Captain Baird, who was engaged with the One Hundred and Tenth and One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on my left, to diligently convey these instructions. They were conveyed to Colonel Washburn, com- manding the One Hundred and Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry ; Colonel Klunk, commanding the Twelfth West Virginia Infantry ; Major Adams, commanding First New York Cavalry, and Major Titus, commanding Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry. These forces immediately marched, but, instead of taking the route indicated, took a road which leads to the left through Bath, in Morgan County. They were followed by considerable bodies of the Eighteenth Connecticut and Eighty Seventh Pennsylvania, and some stragglers from the One Hundred and Twenty Third. One Hundred and Tenth, and One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Colonel Ely was instructed to fall back and retreat as soon as the troops had passed his rear. Major (John L.) MeGee and Captain Palmer, of my staff, who were at
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THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
different times dispatched to Colonel MeReynolds with his in- structions, each separately reported that they could not find that officer or any portion of his command, excepting Major Adams, with the First New York Cavalry. It was supposed that during the battle he had retreated to the right of the Martinsburg road.
About the time that I had given the directions above indi- cated, my horse was shot under me. Some time intervened before I could be remounted. When I remounted, I went in the direc- tion of the One Hundred and Tenth and the One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio, and met them falling back by the Martins- burg road.
The retreat was now in full progress-the two columns by different routes-and it was impossible to unite them. I pro- ceeded with the One Hundred and Tenth and One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Regiments, and fragments of other Regi- ments which followed after them. This portion of the command, by way of Smithfield, arrived at Harper's Ferry late in the after- noon of Monday. I was not pursued. The column that proceeded in the direction of Bath crossed the Potomac at Hancock, and subsequently massed at Bloody Run, 2,700 strong.
HIaving no report from Colonel McReynolds, I am unable to state the operations of his Brigade on Monday morning. That officer arrived at Harper's Ferry about 12 m. on Monday, unac- companied by any considerable portion of his command. The Sixth Maryland Infantry, attached to his Brigade, arrived at that place Monday evening, almost intact. His other Infantry Regi- ment, the Sixty Seventh Pennsylvania, was principally captured.
I have learned that while Colonel Ely was endeavoring to re- treat, in pursuance to directions, he was surrounded, and com- pelled to surrender, with the greater portion of the command which he led in the last charge.
The force which we encountered on Monday morning in our front was Johnson's Division, of Ewell's Corps, from 8,000 to 10,000 strong. The whole number of my Division which have re- ported at Harper's Ferry and Bloody Run and other places ex- ceeds 5,000. The stragglers scattered through the country are perhaps 1,000. My loss in killed and wounded cannot be large.
It is not my object at this time to bestow praise or cast censure, but I feel it to be my duty to say that during the late operations near Winchester generally the officers and men under my command conducted themselves with distinguished gallantry
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and deserve well of their country. If they could be again united (as they should be) under their appropriate Brigade and Regi- mental organizations, they would be formidable on any field.
It is proper that I should here refer again to the instructions under which I occupied Winchester. They were not materially changed from those above given until Thursday, June 11, 12 o'clock at night, when I received from Colonel Piatt, at Harper's Ferry, the following telegram :
In accordance with orders from Halleck, received from head- quarters at Baltimore today, you will immediately take steps to remove your command from Winchester to Harper's Ferry. You will, without delay, call in Colonel MeReynolds and such other outposts not necessary for observation at the front. Send back your heavy guns, surplus ammunition, and subsistence, retaining only such force and arms as will constitute what General Halleck designates as a lookout, which can readily and without inconven- ience fall back to Harper's Ferry.
DONN PIATT, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Chief of Staff.
I immediately telegraphed to Major General Schenck as fol- lows:
I have the place well protected, and am well prepared to hold it, as General Tyler and Colonel Piatt will inform you, and I can and would hold it, if permitted to do so, against any force the rebels can afford to bring against me, and I exceedingly regret the prospect of having to give it up. It will be cruel to abandon the loyal people in this country to the rebel fiends again.
R. II. MILROY, Major General.
Early on Friday morning, June 12, I received this telegram : Baltimore, Md., June 12, 1863-1 a. m. Maj. Gen. R. II. Milroy :
Lieutenant-Colonel Piatt, as I learn by copy of dispatch sent me, which he forwarded to you from Harper's Ferry, misunder- stood me, and somewhat exceeded his instructions. You will make all the required preparations for withdrawing, but hold your position in the meantime. Be ready for movement, but await further orders. I doubt the propriety of calling in MeReynolds' Brigade at once. If you should fall back to Harper's Ferry, he will be in part on the way and covering your flank ; but use your discretion as to any order to him.
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THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Below I give you a copy of the telegram of the General-in- Chief. Nothing heard sinee. Give me constant information. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major General, Commanding.
(Copy of General Halleck's telegram.)
Washington, June 11, 1863-12 p. m.
Harper's Ferry is the important place. Winchester is of no importance other than as a lookout. The Winchester troops, ex- cepting enough to serve as an outpost, should be withdrawn to Harper's Ferry. (The troops at Martinsburg should also be ready to fall back on Harper's Ferry.) No large amount of sup- plies should be left in any exposed position.
II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief.
Late on Friday evening I received a dispatch from General Schenek, which is lost, but which was in substance as follows :
A dispatch just received from Colonel Donn Piatt says: "I read Halleck's last dispatch by the light of his of April 30, and considered it a positive order to fall back to Harper's Ferry, and I so ordered Milroy. I have been on the ground, and gave it ad- visedly. Milroy cannot move from his present position in presence of the enemy. He has not transportation enough to move in face of the enemy, and has not cavalry he can rely upon to scout be- yond Strasburg." What are your facilities for transportation ?
This telegram I immediately answered as follows:
I can at any time, if not cut off from Martinsburg, have sufficient transportation to take all public stores from here in six hours. R. H. MILROY, Major General.
Late on Friday night, June 12, perhaps about 10 o'clock, I sent Major General Schenck this dispatch, to-wit :
The Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry had a slight skirmish with a rebel cavalry force of about 500, twelve miles from here, on the Front Royal road, this afternoon. The Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry and Eighty Seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, with one section of artillery, had a splendid little skirmish with some 400 rebel cavalry this side of Middletown at the same time. The Thirteenth skirmished with the rebels a short time, and drew them into an ambuscade of the Eighty Seventh and artillery. Eight of the rebels were killed and a number wounded, and 37.
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