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 6
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About 7 a. m. of May 7 the troops were moved a short dis- tance to the left, and threw up temporary earthworks. The enemy
64
THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
made a show of attack soon after, but were driven back and severely punished by artillery fire. Skirmishing continued throughout the day. This Brigade was detached during the bat- tle of the Wilderness from the other troops of the Division, and received orders from Major General Wright, commanding First Division, Sixth Army Corps.
(Note by Col. Granger, Aug. 30, 1912-This is the end of Col. Keifer's "First Epoch").
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PART 1, PAGE 733. SECOND EPOCII.
The march to Spottsylvania Court House was commenced at 8 p. m., May 7. The troops moved all night, and after a tedious and tiresome march, arrived in position near Spottsylvania Court House about 6 p. m., May 8, and found the enemy in front in strong works. Immediate preparations were made for an assault, which, however, was not made.
After dark an advance was made, as near the enemy's posi- tion as possible without bringing on an engagement. The troops were rationed for the first time on the campaign at this place. Breastworks were constructed along the front line. The lamented Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick, commanding the Sixth Army Corps, was killed by a rifle shot in the head, from a rebel sharpshooter, near the Sixth Maryland Regiment, on the 9th of May. On the 10th a desperate attack was made by the enemy on the right of the Brigade, which was handsomely repulsed. In addition to the continuous and heavy skirmishing, a furious artillery fire was kept up all day. The Brigade was moved from its position, on the 11th, a short distance to the left. Constant skirmishing still continued. On the 12th the Brigade, with the Division, was formed one mile to the left, about 11 a. m., in support of the First and Second Divisions, Sixth Army Corps, but was not heavily engaged. The One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio was de- tached about 12 m., and went to the assistance of Brigadier Gen- eral Wheaton's Brigade, Second Division, Sixth Corps. It was marched to the front line and engaged the enemy. Fifty rounds of ammunition were exhausted before the Regiment was withdrawn. Its loss was 16 enlisted men killed and one officer and 53 enlisted men wounded. Lieut. Col. E. W. Ebright, com- manding the Regiment, was wounded in the head. He signally
65
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
distinguished himself in this engagement. The enemy was com- pelled to abandon his works in the night, and on the morning of the 13th was found in a new position, some distance to the rear. At evening the Brigade moved back to the position oeenpied upon the 12th. The morning of the 14th of May the Brigade moved to the heights on the north bank of the Ny river. The evening of the same day the Brigade charged in line of battle across the river and took the heights upon the opposite bank, from which troops of the First Division, Sixth Corps, had been driven. The Brigade at once intrenched and remained in position until the evening of the 17th, at which time it commenced to march back again to its position of the 12th. The Brigade reached its position about 6 a. m. of the 18th, and there remained under a heavy artil- lery fire from the enemy until 12 m., and then commenced a march again to its position on the south bank of the Ny river, near the Anderson house, arriving about 7 p. m. The Brigade moved forward on the 16th of May about two miles, but did not bring on a general engagement and again intrenehed. Some changes were made in the line on the 21st, after which brisk skir- mishing ensued.
SERIES 1, VOL. 36, PART 1, PAGES 733 AND 734. THIRD EPOCH.
The march from the position last mentioned to the North Anna river commenced at 10 p. m., May 21, and was attended with no fighting, the Brigade having been detailed as guard for ammunition and headquarters train. On the evening of the 25th of May the Brigade was relieved from duty as train guard, and reported to Brig. Gen. J. B. Rieketts, commanding Division, and immediately went into position on the south bank of the North Anna river. On the 26th of May the Ninth New York Ileavy Artillery, commanded by Lieut. Col. W. HI. Seward, joined this Brigade. On the same day the Brigade was marched about three miles to the Virginia Central railroad at Noel's Station, and immediately countermarched to its former position on the North Anna river.
FOURTII EPOCII.
Leaving this last named position and recrossing the North Anna river, about 7 p. m., commenced the march for the Pamnn- key river. The Brigade reached the river and crossed at Sailor's
id .t- id st
1.
t 5.6.
-
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THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Ford at 12 m. on the 28th of May ; marched about two miles from it, and again halted and intrenched. The Brigade remained in position, skirmishing continually until daylight of May 30th, when it moved with the Division in a northwesterly direction, striking the Hanover Court House and Richmond turnpike at the 17th-mile post about 10 a. m .; thence along that road to the Toto- potomoy river, arriving upon its north bank at 5 p. m., where the Brigade was formed in line of battle. In this position the Brigade remained until 12 m. of the 31st, when it was moved across the river and formed in line of battle on the south bank. Heavy skirmishing ensued throughout the remainder of the day, the enemy being in front in strong breastworks. At 12 midnight commeneed the march to Cold Harbor, by way of Salem Church, arriving about 10:30 a. m., June 1, 1864. The Cavalry which pre- ceded were relieved on the skirmish line by the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, Lieutenant Colonel Binkley commanding. Intrench- ments were thrown up. About 2 p. m. the Brigade was removed from its works, a short distance to the left, and formed in four lines of battle, preparatory to a charge-the Sixth Maryland and One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania in the first line; Ninth New York Heavy Artillery in the second and third lines, and the One Hundred and Twenty Second and One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio in the fourth line. At 6 p. m. a general as- sault was made upon the enemy in his works. This Brigade car- ried the works in its front and captured several hundred pris- oners, who were taken to the rear. The captured works were held and the enemy forced back. Repeated efforts were made by the enemy during the succeeding night to retake the works, but he was each time repulsed with heavy loss.
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PART 1, PAGES 734 AND 735.
The officers and men of the Brigade deserve great praise for their valor in this battle. I regret to say that I am unable to mention the officers who were most conspicuous. Colonels Horn and MeClennan, who commanded the advance line were par- ticularly gallant in leading their men into the works. The fol- lowing communication was received, highly commending the troops for their conduct on that day :
"Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
June 1, 1864.
"Major General Wright :
"Please give my thanks to Brigadier General Ricketts and
..
67
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
his gallant command for the very handsome manner in which they have conducted themselves today. The success attained by them is of great importance, and if followed up will materially advance our operations.
"Respectfully yours, "GEORGE G. MEADE, "Major General Commanding."
"June 2, 1864.
"Headquarters Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, "Brigadier General Ricketts :
"General: Major General Wright directs me to say that he transmits the within to you with great pleasure.
"Your obedient servant,
"R. F. HALSTEAD, "Captain and Aid-de-Camp."
June 2 the captured works were altered and strengthened for defensive operations. No general engagement occurred on this day, but skirmishing and artillery fire continued. On the 3rd of June, Col. John W. Horn assumed temporary command of the Brigade in consequence of the indisposition of Colonel Smith. The Brigade formed (One Hundred and Tenth and One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio in the first line, Ninth New York Heavy Artillery in the second and third lines, and the Sixth Maryland, One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio and One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania in the fourth line), moved forward about 6 a. m., June 3, a distance of 200 yards, and under a heavy fire of the enemy ; intrenched using bayonets, tin cups and plates for this purpose, many officers were killed and wounded on this day. From the 3rd to the 10th gradual approaches were made to- ward the enemy's works by means of ziz-zag lines. Heavy firing was constantly kept up along the lines. The Third Division moved to the rear and left, about 2 a. m., June 11th, and halted in rear of the Second Division, Second Army Corps. At dusk the Division relieved the portion of the line then occupied by the Second Division, Second Army Corps. Colonel Smith resumed command of the Brigade June 12.
I am, Captain, truly your obedient and humble servant,
J. WARREN KEIFER,
Colonel 110th Ohio Volunteers, Commanding Brigade. Capt. Andrew J. Smith, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Div., Sixth Corps.
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THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
SERIES I, VOL. 40, PART 1, PAGES 505, 506 AND 507.
No. 159.
Report of Col. J. Warren Keifer, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations June 12-July 6.
IIdgrs. Second Brig., Third Div., Sixth Army Corps.
Camp near Cedar Creek, Va., Nov. 1, 1864.
FIFTH EPOCII.
Captain: The Brigade remained in the last named position until 10:30 p. m., June 12, when it was withdrawn and immed- iately commenced the march, with the Division and Corps, by the way of Hopkin's Mill, Moody's Farm and Emmons Church, to Jones Bridge, across the Chickahominy river; thence by way of the Charles City Court House road to James river, near Wilcox's Landing, arriving June 14. On the afternoon of the 15th, the Brigade, with the Corps, formed lines and intrenched. On the 16th the troops were moved to the left and toward the river, a short distance, and again intrenched. At 5 p. m. colored troops, from the Ninth Corps, relieved the Brigade, and, with the Di- vision, it was marched to Wilcox's Landing and embarked on transports at 8 p. m. The main portion of the Brigade disem- barked at about 1 a. m., June 17, at Point of Rocks. The One Hun- dred and Twenty Second Ohio disembarked on the north bank of the Appomattox, at the confluence of that river with the James ; marched and joined the Brigade at Bermuda Hundred at 10 a. m. Nothing of importance transpired at Bermuda Hundred. The Division was relieved at 3 p. m., June 19, and marched to the Corps in front of Petersburg. At 3 p. m. on the 21st the Corps moved to the extreme left of the army. The Sixth Maryland and One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, under command of Colonel Horn, re- lieved the Cavalry, who were then engaged with the enemy. The Brigade was formed in two lines of battle, and intrenched. The 22nd of June, about 7 a. m., an advance was made of half a mile, heavy skirmishing ensuing, in consequence of which the lines were halted and intrenched. At 2 p. m. the troops were witli- drawn to the position last vacated. A charge was made by the Division at 7 p. m., causing the enemy to give way precipitately After advancing two miles the troops halted and again in- trenehed.
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OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
SERIES I, VOL. 40, PART 1, PAGES 506-507.
Orders were received from Brigadier General Ricketts June 23rd, at 6 p. m., to send three Regiments to report to Brigadier General Wheaton, commanding Second Division, Sixth Army Corps. Accordingly the One Hundred and Tenth, One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio, and Sixth Maryland Regiments were sent. The remainder of the Brigade was withdrawn, and formed in rear of and as support for the Second Division, Sixth Army Corps. The Brigade was withdrawn about 8:30 p. m. to the posi- tion occupied on the evening of the 21st.
The works were strengthened on the 24th, and the troops were ordered to rest for the first time on the campaign ; headquar- ters and regimental wagons were also ordered up to the troops for the first time. The remainder of the Sixty Seventh Pennsyl- vania, commanded by Col. John F. Staunton, joined the Brigade June 28th. The 29th the Brigade, with the Corps, marched to Ream's Station, on the Weldon and Petersburg railroad, and formed in position and intrenched. A detail of 600 men from the Brigade aided in tearing up the railroad on the 30th of June. At 6 p. m. the troops marched, by way of the Jerusalem plank road, toward a point near the Williams House, and arrived the same night.
July 2 the Brigade went into intrenchments at the Williams House, about five miles south of Petersburg.
Colonel Staunton took command of the Brigade on the morn- ing of the 6th of July. Orders were received at 3 p. m., July 6, to march to City Point, embark for Baltimore, and from there proceed to the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, Va.
Many officers who fell in this long and memorable campaign should be favorably mentioned but the already great length of this report forbids my doing it. I would do injustice to brave and valuable officers if I did not make mention of Cols. William II. Ball, John W. Ilorn, Mathew R. McClennan, and Lieut. Cols. A. W. Ebright, Otho II. Binkley and Moses M. Granger. These officers endured the dangers and hardships of the entire cam- paign, and by their personal daring and good example, did much to secure the results attained. It should not be forgotten that many of the affairs mentioned in this report as skirmishes, rise to the dignity of battles, compared with many of the so reported battles of this and former wars. In justice to line officers it should not be forgotten that they were the principal actors in managing
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THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
the skirmishes, and were, often for many hours, and even days, under the fire of the enemy's sharpshooters. The men on the campaign, in addition to the many hard days fighting, suffered uncomplainingly the severe marches in the heat of summer, and often without a proper supply of water, etc.
This long campaign, more than all others, illustrates the en- durance, valor and patriotism of the American soldier.
I am, Captain, truly your obedient and humble servant, J. WARREN KEIFER, Colonel 110th Ohio Volunteers, Commanding Brigade.
SERIES I, VOL. 40, PAGE 511.
Tabular statement of losses of One Hundred and Twenty Second Regiment, Ohio Infantry Volunteers. Hdqrs. 122nd Ohio Infantry Vols.
Sept. 10, 1864.
Lieut. *
I append a tabular statement of the losses during the cam- paign (a).
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Prisoners
of War. Total.
0. M. 0. M.
0. M. O. M.
Wilderness
1
17 3 108
. . 22
.
.
..
.
. 23
Totopotomay
.
. .
. .
.
8
Cold Harbor
1
3
2
44
. .
21
3 68
Petersburg
.
.
Monaracy (b) .
5
9
1 10
. 36 0. 5
. .
1 60
2 28 5 188 40 1 84 8 340 (a)-Strength of Regiment May 4, officers 3 Field and Staff.
(b)-July 9-Not embraced in report-11 line, 490 men ; ag- gregate, 504.
W. H. BALL, Col. 122nd Ohio Volunteers.
Lieut. John A. Gump,
Second Brig., Third Div., Sixth Corps.
SERIES I, VOL. 43, PART 1, PAGES 225 TO 230. No. 49.
Report of Col. J. Warren Keifer, One Hundred and Tenth
.
M. 180
Spottsylvania
. .
2
5
1
28
1 27
1
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OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
Ohio Infantry, commanding Third Division, of operations, Octo- ber 19.
Hdqrs. Second Brig., Third Div., Sixth Army Corps,
Camp before Petersburg, Va., December 15, 1864.
Major : I have the honor to report, in compliance with orders, the movements and operations of the Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, at the battle of Cedar Creek, Va., on the 19th of October, 1864 :
The Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, occupied a position, in two lines, on the left of the other two Divisions of the Corps, connecting on its left with the right of the Nineteenth Corps. The Nineteenth Corps was in the center of the army, the Eighth Corps, or Army of West Virginia, being upon the extreme left, the whole army facing Cedar Creek. The troops of the Division were to the right of the turnpike, about half a mile and not to ex- ceed one mile and a half from Middletown. Marsh Run, which was difficult to cross, flowed through a ravine a very short dis- tanee in rear of the Division and divided the main body of the troops of the Nineteenth from the Sixth Corps. The troops of the Division consisted of two Brigades, commanded previous to the 19th of October, 1864-First Brigade, by Colonel William Emer- son, One Hundred and Fifty First New York Volunteers; Second Brigade, by myself, and the Division by Brig. Gen. James B. Ric- ketts. The First Brigade was located upon the right and Second Brigade upon the left of the Division. The aggregate strength present for duty, in line, was 151 officers and 3,818 enlisted men. On the morning of October 19th, at early day break, some firing was heard upon the right of the army and soon after rapid firing was heard in the direction of the extreme left of the army. Be- ing in command of the Second Brigade at that time, it was im- mediately placed under arms, tents struck and wagons packed, and preparations were made for meeting any emergency. Im- mediately after the troops were formed in front of their camp, Captain A. J. Smith, Acting Assistant Adjutant General, Third Division, with others of the Division staff, reported to me with orders from General Ricketts, to assume command of the Division, General Ricketts having assumed command of the Corps. General Wright being in command of the Army, I at once turned over the command of the Second Brigade to Col. William H. Ball, One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio, and assumed command of the Division. The firing continued to grow more rapid upon the left
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THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
of the army, and it soon became apparent that the enemy de- signed to bring on a general engagement. I received an order from General Ricketts to move the Division to the turnpike, and commenced the movement, but soon after received an order to re-occupy the late position, and look out for the right, as the First and Second Divisions of the Corps had been ordered from the right across the run to the turnpike and to the support of the left of the army. The firing continued to grow more rapid upon the left and extended to the rear, parallel with the turnpike and toward Middletown. The troops upon the left had fallen back from their position in disorder, and, with small bodies of cavalry, army wagons, pack animals, etc., had crossed Marsh Run and were rushing through the lines of troops; it was only by the greatest exertions of officers that the lines could be preserved. While moving the troops back to their late position orders were received to take the hills opposite the rear of the camps of the Division. When this order was received the enemy had gained them, and a portion of my command had opened fire upon him. Colonel Ball was ordered to take the position with his Brigade. The rear line of the Second Brigade, faced by the rear rank, was ordered to charge the hills, and orders were given to the other troops of the Division to follow in close support. The troops ad- vanced in excellent order, notwithstanding a heavy fire from the enemy, but, just after the advance of the Brigade had crossed the stream, the troops of the Nineteenth Corps broke in disorder, and fell back along the stream in such numbers as to impede far- ther progress of the movement, and temporarily throw the ad- vance line into some confusion. Fearing the danger of getting my command into disorder, and at the same time having ascer- tained that the enemy had turned the left of the army, and were already advancing and threatening the rear, the troops were with- drawn from the charge, and a rapid fire opened upon the enemy, which stopped his farther progress in my front. So great were the number of broken troops of other Corps, that for a time the lines had to be opened at intervals in order to allow them to pass to the rear. In consequence of the necessary movements of the morning the divisions of the Sixth Corps were separated, and were obliged to fight independent of each other. The Third Di- vision, having faced about, became the extreme right of the army. A number of guns belonging to the Sixth Corps, were posted upon the hills on my left. These guns, under the command of Cap-
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OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
tains MeKnight and Adams, and under the direction of Colonel Tompkins, Chief of Artillery of the Sixth Corps, were admirably handled and rapidly fired, although under a heavy and close mus- ketry fire of the enemy .- After 100 artillery horses had been shot the enemy succeeded in capturing a portion of the guns, having ap- proached under cover of the smoke and fog from the left, which was unprotected, but were subsequently recaptured. The Regi- ments principally engaged in this charge were the Tenth Vermont (of the First Brigade) commanded by Colonel William W. Henry and Sixth Maryland (of the Second Brigade) commanded by Capt. C. K. Prentiss. Great galantry was displayed in this charge by officers and men. The rebels were fought hand to hand and driven from the guns. A position was taken upon the crest of a ridge facing the enemy, who by this time had thrown a force across Marsh Run, near its mouth, and were advancing along Cedar Creek, upon my right. The right of the Third Division was extended to near Cedar Creek, and the left rested a short distance from Marsh Run. A heavy fire was kept up for a considerable period of time, and the enemy were twice driven back with heavy loss. Orders were received from Major General Wright, in per- son, to charge forward and drive the enemy, and the movement was commenced, and in consequence of the disorder into which the enemy had previously been thrown, the movement bid fair to be a success; but owing to the enemy's appearance in heavy force, upon the left flank of the Division, the charge was soon sus- pended, and the troops withdrawn slowly to a new position. The battle raged with great fury, the line slowly retiring, in the main in good order, from one position to another. My line was at no time driven from any position, but was withdrawn from one position to another, under orders, and each time, after the enemy had been repulsed in all attacks from the front. About 10 a. m. the troops reached a road that ran parallel to my line, and at right angles to the turnpike, and a short distance to the rear and right of Middletown. The troops had been withdrawn, not to ex- ceed one mile and a half from the position occupied in the morn- ing. At this hour the enemy suspended attacks, but concen- trated a heavy artillery fire upon the troops. In retiring, almost all the wounded of the Division were brought off, and but few prisoners were lost. From this position the Division was moved, under orders, to the left, and formed connection with the Sec- ond Division, Sixth Corps. After General Ricketts was
4L
I --
r 1 0
e 1 1
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THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
wounded, Brig. Gen. G. W. Getty assumed command of the Corps, from whom I received orders. The First Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Frank Wheaton, was formed upon my right. Many of the troops, thrown into disorder early in the engagement, were re-formed and brought into line; those of the Nineteenth Corps were formed upon the right of the army. It was known about 10:30 a. m. that Major General Sheridan had arrived upon the field, and had assumed command of the army. Major General Wright resumed command of the Sixth Army Corps. Unfor- tunately, Colonel Emerson, commanding the First Brigade, failed to keep connection with the Second Brigade of the Division dur- ing a march to the rear, in consequence of which some delay took place in getting into proper position. As soon as a position was taken up, a heavy line of skirmishers was ordered forward from the Second Brigade to cover the front of the Division. Colonel Ball, commanding Second Brigade, accordingly ordered forward the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, and One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, under the command of Lieut. Col. Otho H. Binkley. They took up a position about 300 yards to the front, and along the outskirts of the woods. Desultory firing and skirmishing were kept up. The enemy, about 1 p. m., attempted another advance, and after a brisk fight with the skir- mishers, caused them to fall back to the main line. The attack was then immediately repulsed, and the skirmishers retook their former position. A small detachment of the Army of West Vir- ginia, under the command of Col. R. B. Hayes, of the Twenty Third Ohio, was formed upon the left of the Third Division, and connected with the right of the Second Division, Sixth Army Corps, the 'left of which rested upon the valley turnpike, about one mile in rear of Middletown. The troops remained in position until 3:15 p. m., when a general advance was made, the order to do so having been received by me from Major General Wright. Immediately after the advance commenced the troops of the Army of West Virginia were withdrawn from the line, leaving a short interval between the left of my line, and that of General G. W. Gatty, commanding the Second Division. In accordance with instructions from Major General Wright, my line was or- dered to dress to the left in the general advance, and close up all intervals. Specific instructions were given by me to Brigade commanders to dress their troops to the left in the advance, leave no intervals, and to be careful to avoid dressing them too rapidly
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