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 4
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On the 21st day of October marched to Catletts Station. My Brigade remained at the latter-named place until October 23, when in compliance with an order emanating from Corps Headquarters, marched to Bristoe Station, and relieved Brigadier General Mer- ritt's command, stationed at that place.
My Brigade was relieved, at Bristoe Station, by the First Army Corps, October 24, and in accordance with orders from Di- vision Headquarters, rejoined the Division at Catletts Station, October 25, 1863. The Brigade changed position, under the di- rection of Division Commander, about 9 p. m., to cover the ford over Cedar Run near Weaverville.
On the 26th, about 9 p. m., the Brigade again changed posi- tion, and formed line of battle, with the left resting on railroad, about 11/2 miles north of Catletts Station.
At 3 p. m., October 28th, I received orders from Division Headquarters to proceed with my Brigade to near Bealeton Sta- tion, and relieve the Third Brigade, Third Division (Colonel Smith's). Marched the same evening, relieved Colonel Smith's Brigade, and encamped on the right of railroad, about two miles from Bealeton Station, which position the Brigade still occupies.
During the time included in this report, nothing of any special importance occurred in the operations of my Brigade. My orders were, with one exception, received from or through the Division Commander, in many instances on the march, from the
39
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
Division Commander in person. Considering the amount of rations (eight days), constantly required to be kept on the person of the soldier, and the loss of sleep, occasioned by night marching, the troops in my command endured the march very well. Eight men are yet absent, and unaccounted for, who straggled upon the march. From the best information, it is thought that they were not captured, but wilfully separated themselves from the com- mand and escaped to the rear. The officers were, with few ex- ceptions, prompt in the discharge of their important duties, and especially was this the case upon the part of Regimental Com- manders. All were separated from their baggage, during the march to the rear, and suffered uncomplainingly the many incon- veniences and privations.
Lieutenants Hathaway, Yarger and Black, members of my staff, rendered all possible assistance on the march, in keeping the command together, keeping up stragglers from other commands as well as my own, and aided in carrying out orders generally.
I am, Lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient and humble servant,
J. WARREN KEIFER, Colonel Commanding.
Lieut. J. Johnson, Acting Assistant Adjutant General.
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PART 1, PAGES 562-3-4.
No. 4.
Report of Col. J. Warren Keifer, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of action at Kelly's Ford, and skirmish at Brandy Station.
IIdqrs. Second Brig., Third Div., Third Army Corps,
Camp at Brandy Station, Va., Nov. 10, 1863.
Sir: I have the honor to report, in compliance with circular order of this date, from Headquarters Third Division, Third Army Corps, the following movements and operations of my com- mand, since leaving our camp four miles south of Warrenton Junction, Va.
My Brigade is composed of the Sixth Maryland, One Hun- dred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania, and One Hundred and Twenty Second, and One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry Regiments, commanded respectively by Cols. John W. Horn, M. R. McClennan, William II. Ball and Lieut. Col. W. N. Foster.
On the night of the 6th inst., at 11:30 o'clock, I received a
1
40
THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
written order from Division Headquarters, to report with my Brigade at Division Headquarters at daylight on the 7th inst., in readiness to march, the men to have eight days rations on their persons. I reported in accordance with the order. At 8 a. m. my Brigade moved in rear of the First Brigade of the Third Division, toward Kelly's Ford, over the Rappahannock river, arriving at that place about 1 p. m. The Brigade was massed near a brick church about one-third of a mile from Kelly's Ford, as directed by a verbal order from Division Headquarters. About 2:30 p. m. we changed position to the heights to the left of the ford, as directed by a similar order from Division Headquarters. I re- ceived orders from Division Headquarters to cross the Rappahon- noek about 5 p. m. After some temporary delay at the pontoon bridge, I crossed the river and bivouacked the troops in line of battle by battalions in mass, in the rear of the Third Brigade, facing in a southerly direction. The Brigade was put in position, under direction of General Carr, commanding Third Division. Two hundred men were detailed by me from the Sixth Maryland Infantry, under command of Major J. C. Hill, of the same Regi- ment, for picket duty, as directed by verbal orders from Division headquarters. I personaly assisted in posting the pickets in front of the Third Division, Third Corps, causing them to connect with pickets of the First and Second Divisions of the Third Corps on the right and left.
A circular order was received from Division Headquarters to have the men under arms at daylight, and in readiness to march.
At 4 a. m., November 8, a verbal order was received to detail two Regiments immediately to make a reconnaisance to the front. Accordingly, the One Hundred and Twenty Second and One IIun- dred and Tenth Ohio Infantry were detailed, and under command of Col. William II. Ball, One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Infantry, proceeded to make the reconnaissance, taking with them one Company of the Sixth Maryland Infantry, that had been on picket. The reconnaissance advanced about 11/2 miles, discover- ing the enemy in no force. At the late camp of the enemy, 3 officers and 35 enlisted men were captured.
My Brigade was then ordered to take the advance of the Division and Corps, which was the advance of the army. The march was resumed in the direction of Brandy Station, Va., Sixth Maryland Infantry in advance of the Brigade. About 21/2 miles
41
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
from Brandy Station, and on the line of the Orange and Alex- andria railroad, the advance encountered the rebels in consider- able force, principally cavalry and horse artillery. After a short halt my command was disposed in order of battle, to advance and drive the enemy from a hill which he occupied in some force, with artillery in position. The Brigade was formed with the Sixth Maryland Infantry upon the right, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry upon the right of the railroad, and in the center the One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania Infantry up- on the left supported by the One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Infantry upon the right of the railroad, in front of the 110th Ohio and Sixth Maryland Infantry Regiments. Skirmishers were advanced from each Regiment. The 138th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry was ordered to deploy to the left of the rail- road, as soon as an advance was ordered.
The One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio was ordered to closely support the 138th Pennsylvania. An order was received from Division Headquarters, to advance two Companies as skir- mishers, one upon each side of the railroad. One Company from the 110th Ohio, commanded by Lieutenant Fox, and one Company from the 138th Pennsylvania, commanded by Captain Fisher, were advanced. An order was received from Division Headquar- ters to move forward two Regiments of my Brigade. Accord- ingly the 110th Ohio and 138th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry were ordered forward. The 138th Pennsylvania soon came under the enemy's artillery fire. The skirmishers were rapidly pushed forward, supported by the two Regiments named, and the hill was soon carried. Captain Lazarus C. Andrews, 138th Pennsyl- vania, fell, mortally wounded. Orderly Sergeant A. G. Rapp, 138th Pennsylvania, lost his left arm and was otherwise slightly wounded. Five other members of this Regiment received slight, but not dangerous wounds. As soon as the hill was gained, I ordered the skirmishers and the two Regiments that were in ad- vance to pursue the enemy.
The pursuit was continued, with constant skirmishing, until the enemy was driven past Brandy Station, at which place the troops were ordered to halt by an order from Brigadier General Carr. The enemy placed artillery in position and shelled my Brigade, wounding two men slightly in the 122nd Ohio Infantry. The Brigade bivouacked near Brandy Station until this morning, when orders were received for it to go into camp at the Station, in which position it still remains.
42
THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Officers and men were prompt in obeying orders. The man- ner in which they performed the services required of them fully warrants me in saying that when more important and dangerous duties are assigned to them they will willingly and cheerfully discharge them. Special commendation is due Colonel MeClen- man and his Regiment for their splendid conduct on the 8th in- stant. The Regiment was on that day for the first time under fire. Captain Andrews, who fell mortally wounded, was a brave and accomplished soldier. Ilis loss is deeply regretted by all who knew him.
Surgeon C. P. Harrington, chief surgeon of the Brigade, also Lieutenants Hathaway, Black and Yarger, members of my staff, each cheerfully performed his duty, and all proved themselves competent and skillful officers.
I beg most respectfully to represent that the eight days rations required to be carried upon the person of the soldiers prevented rapid movements essential to the accomplishment of important ends in engaging or pursuing the enemy.
I am, Lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. WARREN KEIFER, Colonel Commanding.
PAGE 671, VOL. 29.
Report of organization of Army of the Potomac, Major Gen- earl George G. Meade commanding, November 20, 1863, showed the Third Division, Third Corps, Brig. Gen. Joseph B. Carr com- manding; in which the Second Brigade commanded by Col. J. Warren Keifer, still consisted of the Sixth Maryland, 110th and 122nd Ohio and 138th Pennsylvania.
PAGE 682, VOL. 29
Showed the report of casualties in the Union troops in the Mine Run (Virginia) campaign, November 26-December 2, 1863, shows that in the Second Brigade, Third Division, commanded by Col. J. Warren Keifer, the casualties were as follows:
Killed. Wounded. 0. M. 0. M.
Ag.
6th Maryland
10
3 39 52
110th Ohio
1
5
. . 25
31
122nd Ohio
.
5
1 32 38
138th Pennsylvania
8
3
40
51
.
-
Total
1 28
7 136
172
43
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PAGES 780, 781, 782, 783.
Report of Col. J. Warren Keifer, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade.
Camp at Brandy Station, December 3rd, 1863.
Lieutenant : I have the honor to report the movements and operations of my command from November 26, 1863, to this date, as required by circular order of this date from Division Head- quarters.
The command marched from Brandy Station at 8 a. m., No- vember 26th, and arrived at Jacob's Ford, on the Rapidan river, at 2 p. m. Before starting from Brandy Station, 200 men were de- tailed from the 110th Ohio Infantry, under command of Major O. II. Binkley, as Corps train guard. About 4 p. in. the troops crossed the ford, and marched about 3 miles on a road leading to the turnpike road from Orange Court House to Fredericksburg. The troops were then countermarched to within 11/2 miles of the ford, where they bivouacked for the night. My Brigade marched in the rear of the Third Brigade, which was the advance of the Division on that day.
The march was resumed at 7 a. m., Nov. 27th, and toward the turnpike road. above named. On this day the First Brigade was in advance of the Division, and the Second Brigade marched in its rear. Brisk firing commenced in the advance about 12 m., between the enemy and the Second Division of the Third Corps. After some delay my Brigade was ordered by Brigadier General Carr into the woods, with directions to form upon the left of the First Brigade, commanded by Brigadier General Morris. On ac- count of the density of the undergrowth in the woods, and the absence of roads, it was with some difficulty that I succeeded in reaching the position designated.
Upon arriving in the vicinity of the enemy's fire, I discovered they occupied a hill to my front, upon the slope of which were posted the troops of General Morris' Brigade. I determined at once to carry that hill and occupy it, deeming it the only de- fensible position that could then be taken. As I was marching my troops by the left flank, and along the hollow behind the hill, I ordered the two advancing Regiments (110th and 122nd Ohio) as soon as they had become unmasked, upon General Morris' left, to move by the right flank, in line of battle, carry the erest of the hill, and take post behind a fence upon its summit. The 6th
44
THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Maryland and 138th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiments were or- dered to file in rear of the two Ohio Regiments, and take position upon their left, from right to left in the order named. The hill was carried, and the fence gained with slight loss. On account of misunderstanding an order the 122nd and 110th Ohio Regi- ments momentarily fell back a short distance, but upon being ordered back retook their position and became immediately en- gaged with a heavy force of the enemy.
The right of the Brigade was found to be in advance of the First Brigade, leaving it in great danger of being turned by the enemy. I promptly reported this fact to General Morris, and urged him to advance his line, and also occupy the crest of the hill, which he did after a slight delay. The Ohio regiments main- tained their position until near dark, when, their ammunition be- ing exhausted, they were relieved. The Sixth Maryland was under a heavy fire from the commencement of the action until near its close, and maintained its ground gallantly.
Two assaults were made upon my line, the first in front of the Sixth Maryland, and the second in front of the One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania. The enemy was formed in columns of attack not less than three regiments deep. He was both times repulsed with very heavy loss. During these assaults Cols. John W. Ilorn of the 6th Maryland, and M. R. MeClennan of the 138th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiments, distinguished themselves by their superior courage and gallantry. The Sixth Maryland remained in its position until the battle was about ended. It was relieved about 6 p. m. Its supply of ammunition was also exhausted. The 138th Pennsylvania was withdrawn at night, and after the close of the engagement. The Brigade bivouacked for the night a short distance to the rear of the battle ground. The men were supplied with ammunition immediately upon their withdrawal. The enemy's loss in my front was very heavy. ITis killed and wounded were left upon the field. During the engagement, with rare exceptions, the officers and men be- haved gallantly, and deserve high commendation. I take pleasure in mentioning the uniform good conduct of Col. W. HI. Ball, 122nd Ohio; Lieut. Col. W. N. Foster, 110th Ohio; Col. J. W. Ilorn, 6th Maryland, and Col. M. R. MeClennan, 138th Pennsylvania In- fantry, Regimental commanders. They remained at their posts, and with skill and bravery urged on their men. Lient. Col. M. M. Granger, Maj. J. C. Hill, Captains, Sells, Ross, Cornyn, Guss, Wal-
45
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
ter Stewart, Prentiss, Bradshaw, Martin, Beaver, Rouzer, Spang- ler, Moore, MeElwain and many others deserve high commenda- tion. Col. MeClenman was severely wounded in the foot late in the action and was obliged to leave the field. Lieutenant James A. Fox, 110th Ohio Infantry, was killed. He commanded a Com- pany, and, as upon former occasions, distinguished himself. He rose from the ranks to his position in the army. He was not only brave, but an accomplished gentleman and soldier. Ile com- manded the esteem of all who knew him. His loss will be deeply deplored by his many friends.
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PAGES 782-3.
The total killed in my Brigade was one officer and 32 en- listed men ; wounded, 7 officers and 137 enlisted men. A list of the casualties by regiments is hereto appended.
On the morning of the 28th, the enemy having retreated, the Brigade was marched to a point between the plank and turnpike roads leading from Fredericksburg to Orange Court House. A short halt was made near Robertson's Tavern. The troops were put in position facing the enemy, where he was strongly posted behind Mine Run, between us and Orange Court House, and cov- ering the two roads named. The troops bivouaced in their posi- tion until 2 p. m. November 29, when my Brigade, under the di- rection of Brigadier General Carr, was formed for an attack in line of battle, and in rear of the Third Brigade, Third Division, Third Army Corps (Colonel Smith). The attack was not made.
At 4 a. m., November 30, was marched to the left upon the plank road, and again formed as before, for an attack. which was again abandoned. About 2 p. m. the Brigade, with the other troops of the Division, was marched to its late position near the center of the whole line. The troops bivouacked in this position until 7 p. m., December 1, 1863, when orders were received from Brigadier General Carr to march in advance of the Division. The troops marched to the Rapidan river, and crossed at Culpepper Ford, about 4 a. m., December 2. The troops bivouacked about sundown near Richardsville. At 12 o'clock midnight the march was resumed for Brandy Station, at which place the Brigade arrived about 6 a. m., December 3, and went into camp, where it still remains.
During the march temporary delays were occasioned by get-
46
THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
ting upon the wrong road, and also by artillery and teams stall- ing on bad roads. This latter was particularly the case upon the niarch to Culpepper Ford, on the night of the 1st instant.
On the entire campaign my orders were received from Brig- adier General Carr, commanding division. I beg further to report that many sick were conveyed from Brandy Station in am- bulanees, to their great injury and the inconvenience of the troops. The ambulances being required for the conveyance of the wounded, many of these men, although unable to perform the day and night marches, had to be sent to their regiments.
The wounded received all possible care and attention at the hands of the medical officers. Surgeon C. P. Harrington, chief surgeon of the Brigade; Assistant Surgeons Richards, Bryant, Owens, Cady, Thornton and Foreman, were actively engaged in care of the wounded. The last named remained upon the field during the engagement of the 27th of November, and amid the danger rendered important service to the severely wounded.
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PAGE 783.
In conclusion, I beg to acknowledge the important service rendered by Lieutenant William A. Hathaway, Acting Assistant Adjutant General ; Lieut. Samuel J. Yarger, Acting Inspector Gen- eral, and Lients. Thomas S. Black and E. S. Norvell, Acting Aides- de-Camp, on my staff.
During the engagement they each displayed care, courage and excellent skill. For their prompt action in conveying orders upon the field, and skill exhibited in posting troops, I cannot too highly commend them. They also deserve commendation for their efficiency in the movement of troops upon the march, during the entire campaign.
I am, Lieutenant, with high esteem, your obedient and humble servant,
J. WARREN KEIFER, Colonel Commanding.
Lieut. J. Johnson, Acting Assistant Adjutant General.
-
Summary of casualties by Brigades in Third Division, Sixth
47
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
Army Corps, at the battle of Cedar Creek, Va., on the 19th day of October, 1864.
Captured or
Killed. Wounded. - Missing.
O. Men. O. Men.
O. Men. Ag.
First Brigade
4 34
15 190
243
Second Brigade
4
60
19 311
1
18
413
Third Division 8 94 34 501 1 18
656
On the 10th day of November, 1864, Sheridan placed his "Army of the Shenandoah" in cantoments constructed south of Kernstown; and on the 3rd of December the Sixth Army Corps, under orders from Lieut. General Grant, moved by cays to Wash- ington, D. C., and thence, by steamers, to City Point, Va. A few days later the One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio was in the lines before Petersburg, holding the curtain between Forts Keene and Wadsworth, just west of the Weldon railroad.
In January, 1865, it moved with the Corps to the left, when Grant extended his lines beyond Hatcher's Run, and was placed in position near Fort Fisher.
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PART 2, PAGE 94.
The garrison of the forts in the harbor; the guards at Davids Island and Rikers Island; Battery C, Fifth U. S. Artillery, and the First Delaware Battery will not be Brigaded and their com- mands will report direct to these Headquarters.
The original organizations of the troops from the Army of the Potomac will be resumed as soon as the temporary service upon which they are now engaged has terminated.
By order of Brigadier General Canby.
C. T. CHRISTENSEN, Assistant Adjutant General.
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PART 2, PAGE 122.
Organization of the Army of the Potomac, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, U. S. Army, commanding, on Aug. 31, 1863.
(See pages 118 to 129), shows present- The 3rd Corps, Maj. Genl. W. II. French commanding.
The 3rd Division, Brig. Genl. Washington L. Elliott com- manding.
48
THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
And the Second Brigade of said Division- Col. John W. Horn. 6th Maryland, Maj. Joseph C. Hill. 110th Ohio, Col. J. Warren Keifer. 122nd Ohio, Col. William H. Ball.
138th Pennsylvania, Col. Mathew R. McClennan.
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PART 2, PAGE 140
Shows among the troops in the Department of West Virginia, Brig. Genl. Benjamin F. Kelley, U. S. Vols., commanding, on Aug. 31, 1863, at Martinsburg, W. Va. :
Col. Andrew T. MeReynolds. Infantry Brigade. Lieut. Col. Thomas F. Wildes.
116th Ohio, Capt. William Myers.
122nd Ohio (detachment), Capt. Benjamin F. Sells.
87th Pennsylvania (five Companies), Maj. Noah G. Ruhl.
12th West Virginia, Maj. William B. Curtis.
Maryland Battalion (Potomac Home Brigade) Cavalry, Com- pany B, Capt. William Firey.
1st New York Cavalry, Maj. Timothy Quinn.
12th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Col. Lewis B. Pierce.
1st and 3rd West Virginia Cavalry (detachments), Capt. Geo. W. McVicker.
30th New York Battery, Lieut. Alfred Von Kleison.
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PART 2, PAGE 145.
Report of troops in the Department of the East, Maj. Gen. John A. Dix, U. S. Army, commanding, August 31, 1863, City and Harbor of New York.
Brig. Gen. Edward R. S. Canby.
Showing among said troops :
Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. Thomas II. Ruger.
14th Indiana, Lieut. Col. E. H. C. Cavins. 27th Indiana, Col. Silas Colgrove. 2nd Massachusetts, Col. Wm. Cogswell. 3rd Michigan, Col. Byron R. Pierce.
7th Michigan, Maj. Sylvanus W. Curtis.
49
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
1st Minnesota, Capt. Henry C. Coates. 4th Ohio, Major Gordon A. Stewart. 5th Ohio, Col. John II. Patrick. 7th Ohio, Col. Win. R. Creighton. 8th Ohio, Maj. A. II. Winslow. 29th Ohio, Col. Wmn. T. Fitch. 66th Ohio, Lient. Eugene Powell. 110th Ohio, Col. J. Warren Keifer. 122nd Ohio, Col. Wm. II. Ball. 126th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Wm. II. Harlan. 3rd Wisconsin, Col. Wm. Hawley. 2nd Connecticut Battery, Capt. John W. Sterling.
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PART 2, PAGE 167.
Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., Sept. 11, 1863. Brigadier General Williams, Assistant Adjutant General.
General: General Canby telegraphs that the following Regi- ments are enroute to the Army of the Potomac: The Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, Twenty Ninth, Sixty Sixth, One Hundred and Tenth, One Hundred and Twenty Sixth and One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio.
The 2nd Massachusetts, First Minnesota, Third Wisconsin, Fourteenth and Twenty Seventh Indiana, Seventh Michigan, Third and Fourth Vermont, Thirty Third New Jersey and First Delaware, and Seventh Massachusetts Batteries; and the Second, Third, Eleventh, Fourteenth, Seventeenth and Twelfth U. S. In- fantry are waiting transportation. The Third Michigan, Second, Fifth and Sixth Vermont, and Fifth Michigan will sail as soon as relieved. These Regiments have been ordered to march from Alexandria.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant General.
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PART 2, PAGE 602.
In the organization of the Army of the Potomac, Maj. Genl. John Sedgwick, U. S. A., (Maj. Genl. George G. Meade tempor- arily absent), commanding.
50
THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Page 602 shows present a part of the Third Corps, Maj. Genl. Wm. II. French commanding, its
Third Division-Brig. Gen. Joseph B. Carr.
First Brigade, Brig. Genl. William HI. Morris.
Third Brigade, Col. Benjamin F. Smith. The Second Brigade. Col. J. Warren Keifer commanding.
6th Maryland, Maj. Joseph C. Ilill.
110th Ohio, Captain Wm. S. MeElwain.
122nd Ohio, Col. Wm. II. Ball.
138th Pennsylvania, Capt. George W. Guss, and also an
Artillery Brigade of eight Batteries commanded by Capt. O'Neil W. Robinson.
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