History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5; prepared in compliance with acts of the legislature, Vol. III, Part 1

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902. cn
Publication date: 1869
Publisher: Harrisburg, B. Singerly, State Printer
Number of Pages: 1402


USA > Pennsylvania > History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5; prepared in compliance with acts of the legislature, Vol. III > Part 1


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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY


3 1833 03332 2477


GC 973.74 P38b V. Bates, Samuel P. 1827-1902. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5


HISTORY


OF


.


PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS.


1861-5;


PREPARED


IN COMPLIANCE WITH ACTS OF THE LEGISLATURE,


BY SAMUEL P. BATES, MEMBER OF THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA.


For it is a debt of justice to pay superior honors to men who have devoted their lives in fighting for their country, though inferior to others in every virtue but that of valor. Their last service effaceth all former demerits,-it extends to the public; their private demeanors reachcd only to a few .- THUCYDIDES.


VOL. III.


-


HARRISBURG : B. SINGERLY, STATE PRINTER. 1870.


·


. Allen County Public Library 900 Webster Street PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2270


Entered according to an act of Congress, in the year 1870, by SAMUEL P. BATES, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.


-


1288732


CONTENTS.


THREE YEARS' SERVICE.


EIGHTY-FIFTH REGIMENT,


1


EIGHTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT,


28


EIGHTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT,


67


EIGHTY-NINTH REGIMENT, EIGHTH CAVALRY,


111


NINETIETH REGIMENT,


151


NINETY-FIRST REGIMENT, -


186


NINETY-SECOND REGIMENT, NINTH CAVALRY,


234


NINETY-THIRD REGIMENT,


284


NINETY-FIFTH REGIMENT,


335


NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT,


382


NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT,


411


NINETY-EIGHTH REGIMENT,


463


NINETY-NINTH REGIMENT,


506


ONE HUNDREDTH REGIMENT,


553


ONE HUNDRED AND FIRST REGIMENT,


601


ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND REGIMENT,


647


ONE HUNDRED AND THIRD REGIMENT,


695


ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH REGIMENT,


733


ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTH REGIMENT,


779


ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH REGIMENT,


828


ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH REGIMENT, 854


ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTH REGIMENT, ELEVENTH CAVALRY, 902


ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH REGIMENT,


954


ONE HUNDRED AND TENTH REGIMENT,


978


ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVENTH REGIMENT, 1013


1059


ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTEENTH REGIMENT,


1183


ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEENTH REGIMENT,


1208


ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEENTH REGIMENT,


1228


ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT, THIRTEENTH CAVALRY, 1267


ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT, 1310


1


ONE HUNDRED AND TWELFTH REGIMENT, SECOND ARTILLERY, 1143


ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEENTH REGIMENT, TWELFTH CAVALRY,


PAGE.


iv


CONTENTS.


INDEX TO MAPS.


ILLUSTRATIONS OF MILITARY TERMS, . Frontispiece. MAP OF THE CAMPAIGN OF 1864, FROM THE RAPIDAN TO THE JAMES, Opposite 1


MAP OF CAMPAIGN OF 1865, FROM PETERSBURG TO APPOMATTOX COURT HOUSE, 66 865


MAP OF SHERMAN'S CAMPAIGN OF 1864-5, FROM CHATTANOOGA VIA ATLANTA AND SAVANAH, TO GOLDSBORO, N. C. - 1019


ABBREVIATIONS.


Ab. absent.


Dis. dismissed.


Priv. private.


Adj. Adjutant.


Dis'y. disability. Reg. regiment.


Asst. Assistant.


Disch. discharged. Red. reduced.


Asy. Asylum.


Div. division. Rem. removed.


Bu. buried or burial.


Exp. expiration.


Res. resigned.


Bv. brevet.


Fr. from.


Ret. returned.


Bd. band.


Fur. furlough.


Sec. section.


Capt. Captain.


G'ds. Grounds.


Sen. sentenced.


Capt'd. captured.


G. OfGeneral Order.


Serv. service.


Cem. Cemetery.


Hos. hospital.


S. O. special order.


Cert. certificate.


Lt. Lieutenant.


Surg. Surgeon.


Chap. Chaplain.


Sgt. Sergeant.


Cor. Corporal.


Mil. military. Mis. missing.


Sub. substitute.


Com. commissioned or com- missary.


Mus. mustered.


Tr. transferred.


C'y or Cav. Cavalry.


Nat. National.


Vet. veteran volunteer.


Cyp. Cypress.


Pr. promoted.


Wd. wounded.


Des. deserted.


Pl. Principal.


Wds. wounds.


Muc. Musician.


Stew. steward.


--


Turnpike.


Plank Road.


Petersburg


Pocahontas.


Petersburg & Norfolk RR ..


Prince George CHO


Point of R.


Vine


Danielmille.


RIVER


City Point


Harkuet.


River.


Hazalls


Hill.


Burnside.


Hat


Ta Rirer.


Spottsylvania CHA


Zodds Paran.


Wilderness Church.


Ely's Ford.


Hilodk Landing.


horison's Lado


Charles City C.H.


St.Mary's Chur


Po Bire.


Ny River.


Guiney's.


Massapor


RAPPAHANNOCK.


18 64.


Falmouth.


Smithfield.


Slaterville.


Hollywood


Brooke's Sta.


Stafford C.H.


Burnt Ordinary.


Belle /Plain,


daquia Landing.


RIVER


ROT


King George C.H.


R


.. 41


South Side R-AL


AP APPOMATTOX R.


Fredericerhalt VSla.


Plank Road,


Germania Ford.


Longstreet


Sedgwick.


RAPIDAN


Fort Powhattan.


Bakly.


Wight. Yamin Berny


Hancock .Mog' 18


RIVER.


CHICKAHON


River.


Banks' Ford.


WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN


Fredericksburg. 000


Bery Singers. Sarte Binter Morristury.


FROM THE RAPIDAN TO THE JAMES.


U.S.Ford.


Hancock


Bermuda Hundred.


Ridan


Weldon. R.R.


iv


CONTENTS.


INDEX TO MAPS.


ILLUSTRATIONS OF MILITARY TERMS,


MAP OF THE CAMPAIGN OF 1864, FROM THE RAPIDAN TO THE JAMES, - MAP OF CAMPAIGN OF 1865, FROM PETERSBURG TO APPOMATTOX COURT HOUSE, -


Frontispiece.


Opposite 1


66 865


MAP OF SHERMAN'S CAMPAIGN OF 1864-5, FROM CHATTANOOGA VIA ATLANTA AND SAVANAH, TO GOLDSBORO, N. C. -


66 1019


ABBREVIATIONS.


Ab. absent.


Dis. dismissed.


Priv. private.


Adj. Adjutant.


Dis'y. disability.


Reg. regiment.


Asst. Assistant.


Disch. discharged.


Red. reduced.


Asy. Asylum.


Div. division. Rem. removed.


Bu. buried or burial.


Exp. expiration.


Res. resigned.


Bv. brevet.


Fr. from.


Ret. returned.


Bd. band.


Fur. furlough.


Sec. section.


Capt. Captain.


G'ds. Grounds.


Sen. sentenced.


Capt'd. captured.


G. O General Order. Hos. hospital.


S. O. special order.


Cert. certificate.


Chap. Chaplain.


Cor. Corporal.


Mis. missing. Muc. Musician.


Stew. steward.


Mus. mustered.


Tr. transferred.


C'y or Cav. Cavalry. Cyp. Cypress.


Pr. promoted.


Wd. wounded.


Des. deserted.


Pl. Principal.


Wds. wounds.


:


Cem. Cemetery.


Lt. Lieutenant.


Surg. Surgeon.


Mil. military.


Sgt. Sergeant.


Sub. substitute.


Com. commissioned or com- missary.


Nat. National.


Vet. veteran volunteer.


Serv. service.


Turnpike.


RA


South


@ AppaxiTT


Plank Road.


Primakning


Pocało


Petersburg & Norfolk AR.


R.R.


Cout Miner.


Fort Derling


Prince George C.H.


Point a


Dutch Gap.


Hungry Station


Richmond Palombo R.R.


Ashland Sta.


Yella Taron:


Yar Marked.


Yov Market.


LING


Doesburg


filed Station.


Fort Fowhattan.


Bakker.


Courage Sintray.


Had Sta


SpottyLogia CHA


Wilderness Church.


Ford.


Wilcox Landing


RIVER


Charles Gry C.H.


long Bridge.


Dispatch Station


Wate Chimney


Ny River.


Ging's.


Bid


Burkols Bridge ..


Greek .


Brandywine.


Tunatally Ration


Vielleborg.


Falmouth.


Smithfield.


White Hon sel


Monday Badge


Sparta


hell's


Slaterville


Brooker Sta


Staffed C.H.


Fing William C.H.


tarkmille.


Bunt Ordinary.


Belle Plain


PortConany


King & Quern CJI.


Het Part.


RT


Luke Plymouth


King George C.H.


20


Senle. 10


FROM - THE RAPIDAN TO THE JAMES.


Bowling Gra


RAPPAHANNOCK


1864.


Frederidabary'all


Bery Singeris Sauce Besser Samlary.


WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN


Cold Harbor. a


Handro CA.


ANNA


Tolopatono


T.s. Ford.


CHICKAR


Baltimore Gros Reads.


Sand Ford.


Var Circle


White Oak Share


Buster Junction


BELL


Hanouk


PID


Germania Enl.


POD


Bermuda. Hun


Rimand


You Found


Bauru


Danielarille.


Plank Road


Taylor's Greek.


0


S


Mana


Chesterfield C.H.


&York Rever


Port Tobaro.


POTOMIS


St.Maryi Gur


Illustrations of Military Terms.


Bayonets .


Cheveux . de- frise .


Ibatis.


Grek Fire Shell.


Grape Shot .


Hland Girenade.


Grenade and First .


Shrapnel Shell.


Canister Shot.


Torpedo.


Percussion Torpedo.


Hot . Metal, Shell.


Thunderbolt Shell .


Fire Ball.


Bar Shot.


Chain Shot.


Bombs.


Mini Ball.


Pontoon Bridge.


Esplosive Bullet.


Poisoned Bullet.


Bastion.


Palisade .


Redoubt .


Thirteen Inch Mortar.


Ambulanse Cart .


Beny Singerly With Filteron


EIGHTY-FIFTH REGIMENT.


0' N the 1st of August, 1861, Joshua B. Howell, of Uniontown, Fayette county, received an order from the Secretary of War, to recruit a regi- *ment of infantry. Recruiting was immediately commenced, and ten compa- nies, principally from the counties of Fayette, Washington, Somerset, and Greene, rendezvoused at Camp La Fayette, near Uniontown, during the months of September and October. The men were mostly from the agricultural dis- tricts, of good physique, and with few exceptions, were destitute of military experience. On the 12th of November, the regiment was organized by the choice of the following field officers : Joshua B. Howell, Colonel; Norton M'- Giffin, of Washington county, Lieutenant Colonel; and Absalom Guiler, of Fayette county, Major. While in Camp La Fayette the regiment received a flag from the ladies of Uniontown, and clothing from the government, and drill, without arms, was commenced. Near the close of November it was or- dered to Washington. At Harrisburg the State colors were presented by Governor Curtin, and upon its arrival at the National Capital, went into camp, where it received arms, and was carefully instructed and drilled. A little later it moved to Camp Good Hope, across the East Branch of the Potomac, where it was assigned to a brigade commanded by Colonel Tidball, consisting of the Eighty-fifth and Ninety-third Pennsylvania, and the Fifty-ninth and Eighty- sixth New York. During the succeeding winter it was employed in the con- struction of works for the defence of Washington, fatigue duty greatly inter- fering with its instruction and drill. Schools, however, were established for the officers, by Colonel Howell, in which a marked efficiency was attained.


In March, 1862, the regiment was moved to Meridian Hill, where it was as- signed to General Keim's Brigade,* subsequently Wessells'. On the 20th, it left Washington, and embarking at Alexandria, with the Fourth Corps, it pro- ceeded to Fortress Monroe, where it joined the Army of the Potomac, arriving on the 1st of April. It participated in the siege operations in front of York- town, and upon the withdrawal of the enemy, joined in pursuit by the Winn's Mill Road. It was engaged at Williamsburg, with a loss of two wounded, one mortally, being advanced under a heavy artillery fire to the relief of the Ninety-third Pennsylvania, and after the enemy had been driven, moved on with the army, crossing the Chickahominy near Bottom's Bridge, on the 20th of May, and taking position a little in advance of Fair Oaks Station. The troops were immediately put to fortifying ; but the works had been only


* Organization of the Second Brigade, General Keim, Third Division, General Casey, Fourth Corps, General Keyes. Eighty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel Joshua B. Howell; One Hundred and First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel Joseph H. Wil- son; One Hundred and Third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel Theodore F. Leh- mann; Ninty-sixth Regiment New York Volunteers, Colonel James Fairman.


1-VOL. III.


.


-


2


EIGHTY-FIFTH REGIMENT.


1862


.


partially completed, when, at one P. M. of the 31st, the enemy attacked. The Eighty-fifth occupied rifle-pits on the right of the main work, a redoubt held by Hart's Battery. "The enemy," says General Casey, "now attacked me in large force on the centre and both wings, and a brisk fire of musketry extended along the two opposing lines; my artillery in the meantime throw- ing canister into their ranks with great effect. * When the charge had ceased, but not until the troops had reached the edge of the woods, the most terrible fire of musketry commenced that I have ever witnessed. The enemy again advanced in force, and the flanks having again been severely ' threatened, a retreat to the works became necessary. To be brief, the rifle- pits were retained until they were almost enveloped by the enemy-the troops, with some exceptions, fighting with spirit and gallantry."* The loss in the regiment was severe. Lieutenants James Hamilton and Thomas S. Purviance were among the killed, and Julius A. Smith mortally wounded and a prisoner. In the Seven Days' Battles the regiment was not actively engaged, and suffered little loss. Its aggregate loss in the campaign was eighty-seven killed and wounded. When M'Clellan with the bulk of his army evacuated the Peninsula, Keyes' Corps remained on duty at Fortress Monroe.


Early on the morning of December 5th, Wessells' Brigade, at this time composed of the Eighty-fifth, One Hundred and First, and One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania, and the Eighty-fifth, Ninety-second, and Ninety-sixth New York, was ordered from Suffolk, Virginia, where it had been stationed, to New- bern, North Carolina, to reinforce General Foster, in command of the Eigh- teenth Corps. Marching via Gatesville to the Chowan River, it embarked upon transports, and arrived at its destination on the 9th. Foster was upon the point of starting upon an expedition to destroy a rebel gun-boat at White Hall, on the Neuse, burn the railroad bridge near Goldsboro, and make a di- version in favor of Burnside at Fredericksburg, in which the brigade joined. On the morning of the 13th, the column reached West Creek, where the enemy was found posted to dispute the passage. Wessells had the advance. The ene- my had destroyed the bridge, and as the Union troops appeared, he opened with his artillery. Answering batteries were soon brought into play, and the Eighty-fifth was thrown to the right of the road, the Ninth New Jersey to the left, and an advance ordered. These were quickly across the. stream, and moving upon the flanks of the enemy, compelled a hasty retreat, the enemy leaving two pieces of artillery, five killed, a number wounded, and some pri- soners in the hands of the advancing regiments. The bridge wassoon repaired and the column passed over. As the command moved on the following morn- ing, it soon came upon the enemy, and line of battle was immediately formed, Wessells' Brigade having the left. As it advanced, the fire of musketry be- came lively, and the artillery opened. The town of Kingston, situated on the north bank of the Neuse, had been thoroughly fortified on all sides ex- cept that by which the column approached, and this had been regarded as im- passable by reason of impenetrable swamps on either side. But notwith- standing the natural difficulties, and the hot fire of the enemy, the troops. pushed forward, wading through mud and water, until the impediments were successfully passed. It was now three o'clock in the afternoon. The column was immediately formed for a charge, which was gallantly executed, routing the enemy and driving him across the river. As he retired, he fired the bridge;


* Moore's Rebellion Record, Vol. V, p. 80.


!


1863


3


FAIR OAKS AND FORT WAGNER.


but the pursuit was so close that the flames were arrested and the bridge saved. The loss of the regiment was nine wounded. At White Hall a brisk skirmish was had, and on the 17th the column arrived at Goldsboro, where the enemy was drawn up for the defence of the bridge, the destruction of which was a main object of the expedition. Line of battle was formed, which swept the enemy before it, driving him across the river, and burning the bridge. A considerable portion of the railroad was also destroyed, when, the object of the expedition having been attained, the force returned to Newbern. On the 1st of January, 1863, the brigade moved to the south side of the Trent River, opposite the town, where for several weeks the Eighty-fifth performed camp duty, and exercised in the skirmish drill. . Subsequently it moved to a camp about three miles west of Newbern. Towards the close of the month General Foster was ordered, with a part of his command, to South Carolina, to co-ope- rate with General Hunter in his operations against Charleston. The Eighty- fifth arrived at Hilton Head on the 1st of February. The brigade was now in command of Colonel Howell, the regiment of Lieutenant Colonel Purviance. At the beginning of April the brigade moved to Cole's Island, and crossing Folly River, landed on Folly Island. Under cover of darkness it made its way through the thick undergrowth to the head of the island. No enemy was found, and here the troops were spectators of the first bombardment of Fort Sumter by Admiral Dupont. The attack proved unsuccessful, and the fleet, with the land troops, except Howell's brigade, which was left to garrison the island, were withdrawn. General Vogdes was put in command of the post, and the force was soon after increased. Folly Island is about seven miles long and one wide. On the north-west it is separated from James Island by Folly River, a narrow but deep stream. Between the river and James Island is a wide stretch of marshes. On the south-east it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Lighthouse Inlet, about six hundred yards wide, separates it from Morris Island on the north. Roads, of which there were none, were imme- diately cut, and works erected for its defence, in which the Eighty-fifth bore its part of watching and toil.


Early in June General Hunter was superseded by General Gilmore, who immediately commenced operations to possess Morris Island. To this end . powerful batteries were erected on the north end of Folly Island. The work was performed exclusively by night, and the thick undergrowth served as a screen to the working parties. When the works were completed it was cut away, and the heavy guns, forty-four in number, were opened. The assaulting party, under General Strong, drove the enemy, and gained possession of his first line of works; but Fort Wagner, to the north, still held out. Two gal- lant assaults were made upon it, but without success; and General Gilmore determined to carry it by regular approaches. Ground was broken on the 21st of July, and the work, which was terribly exhausting, was pushed forward with the utmost vigor, day and night. Neither the heat of a tropical climate, nor the missiles of a vigilant enemy, were allowed to interfere with the labor. On the 20th of August the Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania, One Hundredth New York, and the Third New Hampshire,. were detailed to occupy the advance trenches, each twenty-four hours in turn. The trenches were shallow, and afforded little protection from the enemy's fire. On the left were his powerful guns on James Island and Fort Johnson ; in front those of Sumter, Gregg, and Wagner; and on the right Fort Moultrie. The nights were damp and cold, and during the


4


EIGHTY-FIFTH REGIMENT.


1864


day the thermometer stood at 100° in the shade. The casualties were nume- rous, and the sick list increased with alarming rapidity. The Eighty-fifth took its turn in this terrible ordeal, and on the 21st had one killed and twenty wounded, three mortally; on the 24th, one killed and seven wounded, one mor- tally; on the 27th, two killed and eight wounded, three mortally; on the 30th, four killed and eight wounded, Lieutenant Colonel Purviance being among the killed; on the 2d of September, five wounded, one mortally. The losses by sickness and casualties were becoming so alarming that Surgeon Hamlin, Medical Inspector of the department, reported that unless Wagner should soon fall, the troops would not be in a condition to longer prosecute the siege. The Eighty-fifth went upon the outer works with an aggregate strength of four hun- dred and fifty-one, and on the last day, September 2d, it could muster but two hundred and seventy fit for duty. Two unsuccessful attempts were made to surprise the garrison, and capture Fort Gregg. General Gilmore then deter -. mined to again assault Fort Wagner; but a bombardment lasting forty hours from land and sea-prelude to the intended assault which was to have been led by General Terry-compelled its evacuation. It was followed by the abandonment of the entire island, which was immediately occupied by the Union troops.


Upon the fall of Lieutenant Colonel Purviance, Captain Abraham assumed command of the regiment, Colonel Howell being in command of the brigade, and Major Campbell on the staff of General Vogdes. Soon after Major Camp- bell was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain Isaac M. Abraham to Major. In the early part of December the regiment was ordered to Hilton Head, and upon its arrival went into camp a short distance from Port Royal. Here, on pleasant camping ground, with light duty, the health and strength of the regiment rapidly improved. In February, 1864, in company with the Fourth New Hampshire, it was detailed to proceed on an expedition to White Marsh, a small island near Savannah; for the purpose of dispersing a force of the ene- my employed with a working party of three hundred negroes in throwing up fortifications. The proper dispositions were made, and a landing effected; but upon advancing, the rebel force was found to be much stronger than antici- pated, and the minor works covered by a strong fort well mounted and manned. After severe skirmishing which developed the posture of affairs, the Union forces were withdrawn and the enterprize abandoned. The Eighty-fifth lost two wounded, and one, Captain John E. Michener, taken prisoner.


About the middle of April, three divisions of the troops under General Gil- more, comprising the Tenth Corps, were ordered to Virginia, to reinforce the Army of the James. They consisted of the divisions of Terry, Turner and Ames, Terry's Division, the First, being composed of the brigades of How- ell, Hawley and Barton. The regiment left Hilton Head with many regrets, and as the Fulton, on which it was embarked, steamed out of the harbor, many a longing, lingering look was cast behind at the pleasant places and comfortable quarters which would know them no more. Upon its arrival at Gloucester Point, it was joined by the veterans, who had been absent on fur- lough, and a considerable number of conscripts. Soon after its arrival, the Tenth Corps, with the Eighteenth proceeded to Bermuda Hundred, and took position on the narrow neck of land between the James and the Appomattox. In the operations of the army which followed, the Eighty-fifth was periodically upon the picket line, and employed in fortifying, but without being seriously


5


PETERSBURG AND DEEP BOTTOM.


1864


engaged, until the 20th of May. Butler's forces had been driven back behind his fortifications, and the enemy had succeeded in capturing a line of rifle-pits in front of Terry's Division. Howell's Brigade was ordered to drive him out and re-possess them. The charge was gallantly made, and the works re-taken. The rebel General Walker, in command, had his horse shot under him, and was himself wounded and taken prisoner. The loss in the Eighty-fifth was two killed and twenty-one wounded.


The regiment remained in this position, taking its place in turn upon the picket line, and in defending the works, the enemy well fortified in front, in strong force, and eager and watchful to secure an advantage. Artillery duels were of almost daily occurrence, and picket firing rarely ceased, sometimes rising to a perfect storm. On the 14th of June, Grant's forces began to cross the James, and soon after carried the outer works before Petersburg. Being hard pressed, the enemy abandoned his works between the James and the Ap- pomattox, which were immediately occupied by the Tenth Corps, and some prisoners captured. Lee's advance crossed the James, above Fort Darling on the 16th, and during the afternoon skirmishing became very brisk. Early on the morning of the 17th, the enemy attacked the picket line in front of Howell's Brigade, the Eighty-fifth occupying the works evacuated the day previous. The fighting became very heavy, and the regiment being hard pressed by a su- perior force and obliged to yield, fell back to the rifle-pits on the old line. The loss on this and the following day, when the fighting was renewed, was five killed and twelve wounded, two mortally. On the 20th of June, the regiment accompanied the corps on an expedition to Deep Bottom, but only remained until the 25th, when, with Howell's Brigade, it returned again to camp and its place upon the lines. An agreement was entered into between the pickets on either side not to fire on each other, unless in case of an advance, and coffee, tobacco, and newspapers became subjects of daily traffic. Deserters from the enemy came in in large numbers. By the accidental explosion of a shell on the 9th of July, one man was killed, and three wounded.


On the 13th of August, the Tenth Corps in connection with the Second, under Hancock, proceeded again to Deep Bottom, where the enemy, consisting of the corps of Longstreet and Hill, were found in strong force. Hancock led the Second Corps into position along the New Market Road on the east side of Four Mile Creek, his left resting on that stream. Early on the morning of the 14th, Foster's Division of the Tenth Corps moved out to Strawberry Plains, and encountered the enemy's skirmishers, who fell back to his intrenchments. Foster's right rested on the west bank of Four Mile Creek, and Terry's Divi- sion joined Foster's left. Skirmishing was kept up until nine o'clock, when Terry's Division charged, capturing a long line of earth-works. Most of the division was protected by a wood, until within a hundred yards of the works; but the Eighty-fifth was obliged to advance over an open field, where it was fearfully exposed to the enemy's fire. The enemy retired to another and stronger line some distance in the rear, and Terry rested in the captured works until evening, when he moved to the support of Foster, who charged making further captures of earth-works, including two mortars, four eight-inch howit- zers, and a number of prisoners. Further movements were made on the fol- lowing day which resulted in some fighting, but without material advantage. The loss in the Eighty-fifth was two killed and nineteen wounded, five mor- tally. Lieutenant William T. Campbell was killed.




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