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 5
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).
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All on the 31st day of December, 1863.
SERIES I, VOL. 33, PAGE 466
Is part of the report of the organization of the Army of the Potomac as it was on January 31, 1864, and shows that the Third Division and all its Brigades were on that day precisely as shown by Vol. 29, Part 2, Page 602, on Dec. 31, 1863.
SERIES I, VOL. 33, PAGE 744-5. Headquarters Sixth Army Corps, March 26, 1864.
General Order No. 14.
The Third Division (Prince's) Sixth Corps, will be reorgan- ized to consist of two Brigades, as follows :
First Brigade-To be composed of the One Hundred and Sixth and One Hundred and Fifty First New York Volunteers, Fourteenth New Jersey Volunteers, Tenth Vermont Volunteers, and Eighty Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers to be commanded by Brig. Gen. W. II. Morris.
Second Brigade-One Hundred and Tenth, One Hundred and Twenty Second, and One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio Volun- teers, Sixty Seventh, and One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Sixth Maryland Volunteers, to be commanded by Brig. Gen. D. A. Russell.
The general staff officers of the Third Brigade, broken up by this order, will turn over the public property for which they
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51
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
are accountable, to the proper staff officers of the other Brigades of the Division, and will report in person at these headquarters for assignment.
All enlisted men with Third Division belonging to Regiments serving with other Divisions will be relieved and ordered to re- join their Regiments.
Brig. Gen. D. A. Russell is assigned to the command of the Second Brigade, Third Division, and will report to Brigadier General Prince.
By command of Major General Sedgwick.
M. T. MeMAIION, Assistant Adjutant General.
SERIES I, VOL. 33, PAGE 1042.
Organization of the Army of the Potomac, Maj. Genl. George G. Meade, U. S. Army, commanding, on April 30, 1864, showed :
The Sixth Army Corps, commanded by Maj. Gen. John Sedg- wick, consisting of the First, Second and Third Divisions, present.
The Third Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. James B. Ric- ketts, having a First, Second and Artillery Brigade, of which the Second Brigade was commanded by
Col. Benjamin F. Smith.
6th Maryland, Col. John W. Horn.
110th Ohio, Col. J. Warren Keifer. 122nd Ohio, Col. William II. Ball. 126th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Aaron W. Ebright.
67th Pennsylvania, Col. John F. Stanton.
138th Pennsylvania, Col. Mathew R. McClennan.
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PAGES 112, 127, 146, 161, 174, 205, 728, 730, 732, 734, 735, 744, 747.
Page 112. Organization of the Army of the Potomac, May 5, 1864, shows same as that for April 30, 1864, as to Third Division, except that "Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour was in command of the Second Brigade; Col. Benjamin F. Smith was in command of the 126th Ohio; and only a detachment of the 67th Pennsylvania, commanded by Capt. George W. Guss, was present of that Regi- ment. ''
nl.
t.
1 1
52
THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PART 1, PAGE 188
Gives general summary of casualties in the Army of the Potomac and the 9th Corps, from the Rapidan to James River, May 5-June 24, 1864, covering the period of operations on the north side of the James River, and terminating with the cavalry engagement at Saint Mary's Church June 24.
Killed. Wounded.
Captured or Missing. Aggre.
0. Men.
0.
Men.
0.
Men.
The Wilderness
May 5-7 . . ..
143
2,103
569
11,468
138
3,245
17,666
Spottsylvania C. II., May 8-21. . . North Anna, Pam- unkey and To- topotomy, May 22-June 1
174
2,551
672
12,744
62
2,196
18,399
41
550
159
2,575
17 644
3,986
Cold Harbor, Be- thesda Church, June 2-15 .
143
1,702
433
8,644
35
1,781
12,738
Todd's Tavern to James River
(Sheridan), May 9-24
7
57
16
321
10
214
625
Trevilian Raid
(Sheridan),
June 7-24
14
136
43
695
25
599
1,512
522
7,099 1,892
36,447
287
8,679
54,926
.
. .
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PART 1, PAGES 198 TO 209. (Both included)
Show the organization of the Army of the Potomac, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade commanding, as it was on May 31, 1864, including the Field Return of that Army for June 1, 1864.
Page 205. Shows the Third Division, Sixth Corps. Brig. Gen. James B. Ricketts, commanding. Second Brigade, Col. Benjamin F. Smith.
6th Maryland, Col. John W. Horn.
9th New York Heavy Artillery, Ist and 3rd Battalions, Lieut. Col. William II. Seward, Jr .. 110th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Otho II. Binkley.
122nd Ohio, Col. William II. Ball.
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53
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
126th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Aaron W. Ebright.
67th Pennsylvania, Col. John F. Stanton.
138th Pennsylvania, Col. Mathew R. McClennan.
Field Return of the Army of the Potomac for June 1, 1864. Command.
Present for duty. Aggre- 0. Men.
gate.
Second Corps
1,431
26,986
28,327
Fifth Corps
939
18,382
17,321
Sixth Corps
850
19,540
20,390
Ninth Corps
729
17,418
18,147
Cavalry Corps
613
11,807
12,420
Artil. Battal. with reserve army train ....
29
676
705
Dismounted Cavalry Train Guard.
43
2,674
2,717
Headquarters, Squadron 1st Ind. Cavalry
4
114
118
First Mass. Cavalry
4
110
114
N. Y. Engineers (Det.)
5
211
216
U. S. Engineers Battalion.
5
329
334
Provost Marshal's General Command .. ..
63
1,003
1,066
Total
4,625
99,250
103,875
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PART 1, PAGES 160, 161, 174, 182, 183, 188.
Shows return of casualties in the Union forces from May 21 to June 2, 1864-North Anna, Pamunkey and Totopotomy, on pages 160 to 164, both included.
3rd Division, 6th Corps, Brig. Gen. James B. Ricketts; Second Brigade, Col. B. F. Smith.
Captured or Killed. Wounded. Missing. O. Men. O. Men. O. Men.
Ag.
6th Maryland
1
1
122nd Ohio
2
5
...
1
138th Pennsylvania
. ..
...
. ..
1
Total 2nd Brigade.
.
3
7
10
Total 1st Brigade.
3
18
1
22
Page 161. Total 3rd Div .. .
6
25
.. 1 32
.
..
1
. .
1
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PART 1, PAGES 166 TO 180.
(Both ineluded.)
Show casualties Army of the Potomac and 9th Army Corps at Cold Harbor, Bethesda Church, June 2-15, 1864.
7
126th Ohio
1
54
THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Page 174 shows those in the 3rd Division, 6th Corps, com- manded by
Brig. Genl. James B. Ricketts. Second Brigade, Col. Benjamin F. Smith.
Captured or Killed. Wounded. Missing. O. Men. O. Men. O. Men. Ag.
6th Maryland
4
..
. .
1
34
9th New York Heavy Ar- tillery, 1st and 3rd
Battalions
16
5
121
1 5
148
110th Ohio
5
1
45
1
52
122nd Ohio
1
3
3
42
49
126th Ohio
1
.
. . .
..
.
1
14
6
21
138th Pennsylvania
1
5
1
55
5
67
Total 2nd Brigade. .
3
34
10
316
1
18
382
Total 1st Brigade.
13
86
13
378
2
41
533
Page 174. Total 3rd Div ... 16 120 23 694 Officers killed or mortally wounded.
Pages 182-3.
Lieut. James Hartley, 122nd Ohio Infantry.
Lieut. Charles P. MeLaughlin, 138th Pennsylvania Infantry.
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PAGES 137 TO AND INCLUDING PART OF 153,
Show the casualties in the Army of the Potomac in the battles about Spottsylvania Court House, Virginia, May 8 to 21, 1864.
Page 146 reports as to 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 6th Corps, commanded by
Col. Benjamin F. Smith.
Captured or Killed. Wounded. Missing. O. Men. O. Men. Men.
6th Maryland
1
1 4
4 28
.
...
1 78
67th Pennsylvania
1
12
2
15
138th Pennsylvania
. .
1
11
12
Total Second Brigade.
2 28
3
121
3
157
Total Third Division.
3 42
6 249
6
334
Total First Brigade.
1 14
3 128 3
177
. .
.
6
110th Ohio
34
122nd Ohio
. .
1
1 10
12
126th Ohio
1 20
56
.
.
3
59
915
.
.
. .
. . .
.
10
11
67th Pennsylvania
29
2
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OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
PAGES 150 AND 152.
Show the officers killed or mortally wounded in said Spott- sylvania battle.
Of 6th Maryland, Lieut. David G. Orr. Of 126th Ohio, Captain Reuben Lampton.
Page 149 shows the casualties in said battles about Spott- sylvania Court House, Virginia, during May 8 to 21, both included, as follows :
Killed. O. Men.
Wounded. 0. Men.
Captured or Missing. O. Men.
Ag
Army of the
Potomac .
153
2,086
595
10,631
47
1,742
15,253
9th Army Corps. ..
21
465
77
2,114
15 454
3,146
Totals
174
2,551
672
12,7.45
62
2,196
18,399
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PAGE 127, TO AND INCLUDING PAGE 136,
Shows the casualties in the Army of the Potomac in the bat- tle of The Wilderness, Va., on May 5th, 6th and 7th, 1864.
Page 127 shows for Second Brigade, 3rd Division, Sixth Corps.
Brig. Genl. Truman Seymour captured by the enemy.
Col. Benjamin F. Smith succeeded to the command.
Captured or
Killed. 0. M.
0. M. 0.
M.
Staff
1
.. .
6th Maryland
2
22
8
104
34 25
148
122nd Ohio
1
17
4
106
1
47
176
126th Ohio
1
21
7
118
2
60 19
65
138th Pennsylvania
1
20
2
95
.
32
150
Total Second Brigade.
6 103
27
562
1
217
919
Total Third Division ..
7
112
27
615
5
225
991
Total First Brigade ...
1 9
0
53
1
8
72
- n-
18 9 1 :1 7 2
-
Wounded. Missing. Ag.
1 170
110th Ohio
1
16
6 100
209
67th Pennsylvania
7
39
1
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THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Officers of Second Brigade killed or mortally wounded : Captain Adam B. Martin, killed, 6th Maryland. Major William S. MeElwain, 110th Ohio.
Captain John M. Smith, 110th Ohio. Lieut. Joseph MeKnight, 110th Ohio. Captain Joseph Work, 122nd Ohio. Captain Jonathan S. MeCrady, 126th Ohio.
Lieut. Robert Hilles, 126th Ohio.
Lieut. John E. Essick, 138th Pa. Lieut. John HI. Fisher, 138th Pa.
Page 133 shows total casualties on May 5, 6 and 7th in the battle of the Wilderness were:
Killed. O. Men.
0.
Wounded. Men.
Captured or Missing. 0. Men.
Ag.
Army of the
Potomac .
127
1,879
513
10,292
137
3,078
16,026
Ninth Army Corps
16
229
56
1,176
1
167
1,640
Totals
143
2,108
569
11,468
138
3,245
17,666
SERIES I, VOL. 37, PART 2, PAGE 551 ..
Organization of the Union forces commanded by Maj. Genl. David Hunter, U. S. Army, July 31, 1864.
EXTRACT FROM PAGE 547, VOL. 37, PART 2.
Sixth Army Corps (Wright). Present for duty 634 officers. 11,611 men; aggregate present 16,175; aggregate present and absent 31,260; pieces of artillery-field 24.
EXTRACT FROM PAGE 551, VOL. 37, PART 2. Third Division (6th Corps). Brig. Gen. James B. Ricketts. First Brigade-Col. William Emerson. 14th New Jersey, Maj. Peter Vredenburgh, Jr. 151st New York, Lieut. Col. Thomas M. Fay. 106th New York, Capt. Samuel Parker. 10th Vermont, Col. William W. Henry. Second Brigade -- Col. John F. Staunton. 6th Maryland, Capt. John J. Bradshaw. 110th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Otho II. Binkley. 122nd Ohio, Col. William II. Ball.
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OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
126th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Aaron W. Ebright. 67th Pennsylvania, Lieut. John F. Young. 138th Pennsylvania, Col. Matthew R. MeClennan.
9th New York Ileavy Artillery, Major Charles Burgess.
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PART 1, PAGES 728 TO 735, BOTII INCLUDED.
Report of Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour, commanding Second Brigade, Third Division, Sixth Corps, of operations May 5-6, 1864, at The Wilderness, Va .- pages 728-9 and 730.
Report of Col. J. Warren Keifer, pages 730-735 both ineluded. Williamstown, Mass, August 12, 1864.
General : I have the honor to submit the following report of my command, the Second Brigade, Third Division (Ricketts) in connection with the battles of May 5th and 6th, in The Wilder- ness.
To this Brigade I was assigned on the morning of the 5th in- stant. It consisted of the 110th Ohio (Col. J. W. Keifer) ; One Ilundred and Twenty Second Ohio (Col. William H. Ball) ; One Ilundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio (Col. B. F. Smith) ; One Hun- dred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania (Col. M. R. McClennan), to which was attached a Battalion of the Sixty Seventh Pennsyl- vania, and the Sixth Maryland (Col. J. W. Ilorn).
During the morning I was directed to report to you (then commanding First Division, Sixth Corps), and was posted on the extreme right of the line of battle then forming; the Sixth Mary- land and One Hundred and Tenth Ohio were placed in the first line, the latter Regiment on the right; the One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio, One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsyl- vania, and One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio, in a second line, in the order named, from left to right, the latter Regiment being well thrown baek to protect the right flank. The position was on gently rolling ground, thiekly covered with trees. The enemy was directly in front. About 5 p. m. an advance was made and the enemy's skirmishers driven back some distance, so as to clear the ground in our immediate front. About 6 o'clock an at- tack was made along the line, and under the impression that we overlapped the enemy's left, and that he was weak in our front, from the detaching of troops to his right, I was to swing around so as to take him in flank. A vigorous advance was made and
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53
THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
the enemy was soon found, but sheltered by log breastworks and extending so far beyond me that his fire came upon the prolonga- tion of our line with the greatest severity.
Under these circumstances it was impossible to gain any de- cided advantage. Ground somewhat in advance of our original position was, however, held. The Sixth Maryland and One Hun- dred and Tenth Ohio suffered very severely ; the Sixth Maryland losing 180 officers and men in killed and wounded, and the One Hundred and Tenth losing 113. Major MeElwain, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, was unfortunately killed-one of the best and bravest officers of my command. Captain Smith and Lieutenant Mcknight of the same Regiment were mortally wounded, both excellent officers. Captain A. B. Martin and Lieut. Alexander F. Myers of the Sixth Maryand were also lost (two of the choicest officers of that superior Regiment), and during the night there was close firing by which a number fell. Among others the gal- lant Colonel Keifer was disabled, after having conducted himself with distinguished courage and energy during the day. The enemy through the night was constantly strengthening his line; the cutting and felling of trees was continued, and the movement of guns to his left was distinctly heard. On the morning of the 6th Brig. Genl. Alexander Shaler reported to me with a part of his Brigade, which was immediately used in the extension of my right. The additional force did not much more than compensate for the loss of space due to the casualties of the preceding after- noon, and the closing in to General Neil's Brigade, on my left, for the same cause. The second line of my Brigade now replaced the first, and at 7 o'clock another attack was ordered, and the two Brigades moved forward impetuously, but when within a few rods of the enemy's works received such discharge of musketry as entirely to deprive the attack of impulsion. The fire from the enemy's artillery was also severe and close. In spite of the superb steadiness of the men and the best efforts of their brave officers of both Brigades, no decisive advantage could be claimed. The enemy's line still extended beyond our right, and our formation was even now thin and weak for attacking. The casualties were again very heavy. The One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania lost 153 during the day, with two of the finest young officers-Lieuts. J. H. Fisher and John E. Essick.
Of the 122nd Ohio, Captain Work was killed, known for a
59
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
noble coolness in battle, an officer held in high esteem by his Regiment, and Captain Harding, Lieutenants Kilburn and Nie- meyer were, unfortunately, severely wounded. Captain R. M. Lyons of the One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio, Capt. O. W. France, Capt. J. S. McCready and Lieut. Robert Hilles, among the choicest and best of officers, were killed. During the day directions were received to strengthen our line, by laying up log shelters, which was effected, except on the extreme right of Genl. Shaler's line, where contact was so close, and exposure so great as to for- bid this work by day. The two Brigades were now, virtually, in a single line, the One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania and One Hundred and Tenth Ohio being alone held in the second line as supports. Just before sunset the enemy made an attack by throwing a Brigade around the right and directly into the rear of my line, which was rolled up with great rapidity. Portions of the command faced to the rear and held their position for a short time, but were compelled to give way. The One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania was promptly moved to check the enemy's advance, but yielding to the temporary panic, also fell to the rear. Near the termination of this attack, while riding to- ward the enemy to ascertain his force and position, I was taken prisoner. Lieut. A. J. Harrison, Acting Assistant Adjutant General of my staff, while bravely exerting himself to rally our men, was severely wounded, and fell into the enemy's hands. To Capt. J. W. Ross, Brigade Inspector, and my aides, Lieut. C. N. Jackson, Lieut. Daniel Peek, and Lieut. J. A. Gump, as well as to Lieut. Harrison, I am indebted for the display of the highest soldiery qualities on every occasion, and I acknowledge my indebtedness for their constant attention to duty. And I cannot fail to men- tion Surgeon J. S. Martin, Fourteenth New Jersey, for gallant conduct, in remaining under close fire and attending faithfully upon many severely hurt, who, from our situation, could not readily be moved. His example was glorious. In the movements of my command, I am pleased to say that it behaved with the most commendable gallantry, and the conduct of every officer and man so far as I know, was praiseworthy and exemplary. That after two such combats, worn and fatigued, they should have failed before comparatively fresh troops, will be justly considered as no more than was to be expected, nor was it more than antici- pated and expressed to the then commander of the Corps. The right of the line was perfectly unsupported, and of necessity so
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60
THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
thin, that successful resistance to such a flank attack was at least improbable. The commanders of Regiments, without exception, are recommended, to your favorable notice-Colonels Smith, Keifer and IIorn more particularly, for prominent gallantry and efficiency.
The report of Brigadier General Shaler accompanies this. I respectfully commend him to your consideration for the personal bravery and intelligence with which he handled his Brigade.
Very respectfully, General, your obedient servant,
T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier General.
Maj. Gen. II. G. Wright, Commanding Sixth Army Corps.
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PART 1, PAGES 172 TO 735, BOTH INCLUDED.
Report of Col. J. Warren Keifer, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade.
IIdqrs. Second Brig., Third Div., Sixth Army Corps, Camp near Cedar Creek, Va., November 1, 1864.
Captain : I have the honor to make the following report of operations of this command, commencing May 4, 1864. and end. ing Juy 9, 1864 :
This Brigade was composed May 4, 1864, of the One Hundred and Tenth, One Hundred and Twenty Second and One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio, Sixth Maryland, and One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania Infantry Regiments, and a detach- ment of men from the Sixty Seventh Pennsylvania, temporarily attached to the One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania. The Regiments were commanded respectively by myself, Col. W. II. Ball, Lieut. Col. E. W. Ebright, Col. John W. Horn and Col. M. R. McClennan. The Brigade was commanded on that day by Col. B. F. Smith, One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio. The Brigade moved from its camp near Culpepper Court House, Va., at daylight on the 4th of May and crossed the Rapidan river at Germanna Ford about sunset of the same day and bivouacked for the nght on the bank of the river. Early on the morning of the 5th of May, Brig. Gen. T. Seymour assumed command of the Brigade, relieving Colonel Smith.
FIRST EPOCII.
The Brigade moved about 8 a. m. upon the Germanna Ford road, leading to the Fredericksburg and Orange Court House
-
61
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
pike, but had not proceeded far until orders were received to re- turn to and guard the ford and pontoon bridges, which it did. At abont 11 a. m. the Brigade again marched toward the turn- pike above named, and arriving near it was halted upon a hill to the right of the road upon which it had marched. About 1 p. m. orders were received for the Brigade to proceed to the right of the line, and report to General II. G. Wright, commanding a di- vision of the Sixth Corps. Heavy firing had already commenced along the line. This Brigade went into position in two lines about 2 p. m., upon the extreme right of the army, the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio and Sixth Maryland in the front, and the One Hun- dred and Twenty Second Ohio, One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania, and One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio in the rear line. Under orders from Brigadier General Seymour, skir- mishers were advanced from the two Regiments in the front line, who soon brought on a brisk skirmish. Capt. Luther Brown, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, and Capt. C. K. Prentiss, Sixth Mary- land, who were in command of our skirmishers, pressed the enemy's skirmishers back for a short distance. and closely en- gaged them until about 5 p. m., when an advance of the Brigade was made. I received orders from General Seymour to assume general charge of the first line, to press the enemy, and, if pos- sible, outflank him upon his left. The troops charged forward in galant style, pressing the enemy back by 6 p. m. about one-half mile, when we came upon him, upon the slope of a hill, intrenched behind logs, which had been hurriedly thrown together. During the advance the troops were twice halted, and a fire opened, kill- ing and wounding a considerable number of the enemy. The front line being upon the extreme right of the army, and the troops upon its left (said to have been commanded by Brigadier General Neil), failing to move forward in conjunction with it, I deemed it prudent to halt, without making an attack upon the enemy's line. After a short consultation with Col. John W. Horn, I sent word to Brigadier General Seymour that the advance line of the Brigade was unsupported upon either flank, and that the enemy overlapped the right and left of the line and was apparently in heavy force, rendering it impossible for the troops to attain suc- cess in a further attack. This word was sent by Lieut. Gump of General Seymour's staff. I soon after received orders to attack at once. Feeling sure that the word I sent had not been received, I delayed until a second order was received to attack. I accord-
- st 2, 1, (1 I
1
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62
THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
ingly made the attack without further delay. The attack was made about 7 p. m. The troops were in a thick and dense wilder- ness. The line was advanced to within 150 yards of the enemy's works, under a most terrible fire from the front and flanks. It was impossible to succeed, but the two Regiments, notwithstand- ing, maintained their ground, and kept up a rapid fire for nearly three hours, and then retired, under orders, for a short distance only. I was wounded about 8:30 p. m. by a rifle ball passing through both bones of the left forearm; but did not relinquish command until 9 p. m. The troops were required to main- tain this unequal contest under the belief that other troops were to attack the enemy on his flank. In this attack the Sixth Mary- land lost in killed two officers and 16 men, and 8 officers and 132 men wounded, and the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio lost one officer and 13 men killed, and 6 officers and 93 men wounded. making an aggregate in the Two Regiments of 271.
Maj. William S. MeElwain, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, who had won the commendations of all who knew him, for his skill, judgment and gallantry, was among the killed. Capt. John M. Smith and Lieut. Joseph MeKnight, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, and Capt. Adam B. Martin, Sixth Maryland, were mortally wounded and have since died. Capt. J. B. Van Eaton and Lieuts. II. II. Stevens and G. O. MeMillen, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio; Major J. C. Hill, Capts. A. Billingslea, J. L. Goldsborough, J. J. Bradshaw and J. R. Roieyar, and Lieuts. J. A. Schwartz, C. A. Damuth, and D. J. Smith, Sixth Maryland, were more or less severely wounded. All displayed the greatest bravery and de- serve the thanks of the country. Col. John W. Horn, Sixth Maryland, and Lieut. Col. O. II. Binkley, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, deserve to be specially mentioned for their courage; skill and ability ; Captains Brown, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, and Prentiss, Sixth Maryland, distinguished themselves in their suc- cessful management of skirmishers.
From reports of this night attack, published in the Richmond papers, it is known that the rebel Brig. Gen. J. M. Jones (con- manding the Stonewall brigade), and many others were killed in the attack.
In consequence of my wound, I was not with the Brigade after the battle of the Wilderness, during its memorable and bloody campaign, until August 26th, 1864, and I am unable to give its movements and operations from personal knowledge.
63
-
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
The Brigade was commanded by Brig. Gen. T. Seymour, until his capture, May 6, 1864, after which, with the exception of short intervals, it was commanded by Col. B. F. Smith, One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio. Colonel Smith is now absent from the Brigade.
Early on the morning of the 6th of May, the Brigade formed in two lines of battle, and assaulted the enemy's works in its front-the One Hundred and Twenty Second and One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio, and One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania in the front line, and the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio and Sixth Maryland in the rear line. The Brigade was still the extreme right of the army. The assault was not vigorously made, but the enemy was found in too great numbers, and too strongly fortified to be driven from his position. After suffering very heavy loss, the troops were withdrawn to their original position, where slight fortifications were thrown up. In the charge the troops behaved most gallantly. 'The One Hundred and Twenty Second, and One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio, and One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania lost very heavily. About 2 p. m. Brigadier General Shaler's Brigade of the First Division, Sixth Army Corps, took position upon the right of the Brigade, and became the extreme right of the army. Skirmishing continued until about sunset, when the enemy turned the right of the army, and made an attaek upon its flank and rear, causing the troops to give way rapidly, and compelling them to fall back for some distance before they were re-formed. So rapid was the enemy's advance upon the flank and rear, that time was not given to change front to meet him, and some confusion occurred in the retreat. Few prisoners were lost in the Brigade. The lines were soon re-established, and the progress of the enemy stopped. An attack was made by the enemy upon the re-established line about 8 p. m., but was handsomely repulsed. Unfounded reports were circulated that the troops of this Brigade were the first to give way when the first attack of the enemy was made. It is not im- proper to state here that no charges of bad conduct are made against the troops upon its right, but this Brigade remained at its post and successfully resisted a simultaneous attack from the front until the troops upon its right were doubled back and were retreating in disorder through and along its lines.
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