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Gc 973.74 P38peg 1763022
M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
Gc
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00825 1057
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012
http://archive.org/details/historyoffiftys00penn
HISTORY
OF THE
FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT,
PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
First Brigade, First Division, Third Corps, and Second Brigade, Third Division, Second Corps, Army of the Potomac.
COMPILED BY
JAMES M. MARTIN,
E. C. STROUSS,
R. G. MADGE, R. I. CAMPBELL,
M. C. ZAHNISER.
1
1763022
F 8349 .8485
Pennsylvania infantry. 57th regt., 1S01-1865.
History of the Fifty-seventh regiment, Pennsylvania veteran volunteer infantry ... Comp. by James M. Mar- tin, E. C. Strouss, R. G. Madge, R. I. Campbell, M. C. Zahniser. Meadville, Pa., McCoy & Calvin, printers, 19-3]
196 p. front., pl., ports. 20mm.
SHELF GARD
1. U. S .- Hist .- Civil war-Regimental histories -- Pa. inf .- 57th. I. Martin, James M., of 57th regt. Penn. infantry, 1861-1865, comp. II. Strouss, Ellis C., joint comp.
Recat
166185
Library of Congress E527.5.57th: 6-28555
4
1
Monument of 57th Pa. Vet. Vols., at Sherfy's house on the battlefield of Gettysburg. The monument was dedicated with impressive ceremonies on July 2. 18ss.
McCoy & Calvin, Printers, Meadville, Pa.
136183
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE
FIFTY-SEVENTH
PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS, LIVING AND DEAD, AND TO THEIR CHILDREN, AND TO THEIR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN, FOREVER, IS THIS VOLUME DEDICATED.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Organization of the Regiment -- Camp Curtin-Departure for Washington-In Old Virginia-Colonel Maxwell Resigns- Colonel Campbell 9-17
CHAPTER II.
We Embark for the Peninsula-Yorktown-Camping in the Mud-Peach Orchard-Artillery Practice-Battle of Wil- liamsburg 18-28
CHAPTER III.
Battle of Fair Oaks-Death of Major Culp-Increasing Sick List-Advancing Our Lines-The Seven Days' Battles- Glendale or Charles City Cross Roads -- The Fifty-Seventh Under Captain Maxwell as Rear Guard-Malvern Hill- Retreat to. Harrison's Landing 29-42
CHAPTER IV.
Camp Life at Harrison's Landing-Major Birney Assigned to the Command of the Regiment-Transferred to Gen- eral Birney's Brigade-Evacuation of Harrison's Land- ing and the Peninsula-The Army of the Potomac is Sent to Reenforce General Pope. 43-52
.
CHAPTER V.
Second Bull Run Campaign-Battle of Chantilly-Death of General Kearny-His Body Escorted to Washington by a Detachment of the Fifty-Seventh-Retreat to Alexan- dria-Conrad's Ferry-Colonel Campbell Rejoins the Regiment 53-60
CHAPTER VI.
On to Richmond Once More-Foragers Captured-General Mcclellan Superseded by General Burnside-The March to the Rappahannock-Battle of Fredericksburg. .. 61-68
دخلون
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VII.
Camp Pitcher-The "Mud March"-General Hooker in Com- mand of the Army-Resolutions Adopted by the Fifty- Seventh-Re-assignment to the First Brigade-Anecdote of Colonel Campbell-Drill and Inspection-Adoption of Corps Badges-The Chancellorsville Campaign-Jackson Routs the Eleventh Corps-A "Flying Dutchman"-In a Tight Place-General Hooker Disabled-General Sedg- wick's Movements-A New Line Established-Strength of the Fifty-Seventh and Its Losses 69-81
CHAPTER VIII.
Back Again in Our Old Camp-Cavalry Battle at Brandy Station-The March to Gettysburg-Hooker's Request for Troops at Harper's Ferry-Asks to be Relieved from the Command of the Army-We Arrive at Gettysburg- Battle of July 2d-Strength of the Fifty-Seventh-Its Losses-General Graham Wounded and Captured- Wounding of General Sickles-Battle of July 3d-July 4th-The Confederates Retreat-General Sickles Asks for a Court of Inquiry-President Lincoln to Sickles- A Visit to the Battlefield Twenty-five Years Later 82.04
CHAPTER IX.
We Leave Gettysburg-Rebel Spy Hung-French's Division Joins the 3d Corps-Enemy's Position at Falling Waters-He Escapes Across the Potomac-In Old Vir- ginia Again-Manassas Gap-Camp at Sulphur Springs- Movement to Culpepper-Eleventh and Twelfth Corps Sent West-Lee's Efforts to Gain Our Rear-Skirmish at Auburn Creek-Warren's Fight at Bristow Station- Deserter Shot-Retreat of the Enemy-Kelly's Ford- Mine Run Campaign-The Regiment Re-enlists-The "Veteran Furlough"-Recruiting-Presented with a New Flag by Governor Curtin-Back to the Front-General Grant Commands the Army-Reorganization-The Wil- derness Campaign-Three Days of Hard Fighting-Loss in Fifty-Seventh 95-110
1
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER X.
The Movement to Spottsylvania Court House-General Sedg- wick Killed-Hancock's Grand Charge of May 12th- Great Capture of Prisoners, Guns and Colors-The Fa- mous Oak Tree-Ewell's Effort to Capture Our Wagen- Train-Losses in the Fifty-Seventh at Spottsylvania- Movement to North Anna River-Fight at Chesterfield Ford-We Cross the Pamunkey-Skirmish at Haw's Shop and Totopotomoy Creek-Battle of Cold Harbor -- Our Colors Struck and Badly Torn by a Piece of Shell-Flank Movement to the James River-March to Petersburg --- Severe Fighting at Hare's Hill-Battle of June 22d --- Losses in the Fifty-Seventh-Fort Alex. Hays-Peters- burg-We Move to the North Side of the James-Straw- berry Plains-Return to Petersburg-The "Burnside Mine" -- General Mott in Command of Our Division- Deep Bottom-Other Marching and Fighting Around 111-125 Petersburg
CHAPTER XI.
Recruits-Dangerous Picket Duty-Muster-out of Old Regi- ments-Composition of the Brigade-Expedition Against the South Side Railroad-Battle of Boydton Plank Road or Hatcher's Run-Disguised Rebels Capture Our Picket Line-Election Day-Thanksgiving Dinner of Roast Tur- key-Change of Camp-Raid on Weldon Railroad-A Hard March' Returning-"Applejack"-General Hum- phreys in Command of the Second Corps. 126-137
CHAPTER XII.
Disbanding of Companies A and E-Regiment Organized Into a Battalion of Six Companies-Consolidation of the Eighty-Fourth with the Fifty-Seventh Pennsylvania- Necessity for Changing the Letter of Some of the Com- panies-Confusion in Company Rolls Growing Out of It -- Officers of the Consolidated Regiment-Another Move Across Hatcher's Run-The Regiment Again Engaged with the Enemy-Great Length of the Line in Front of Petersburg-A Lively Picker Skirmish-Battle Near Watkin's House-Enemy's Picket Line and Many Pris- oners Captured 138-146
-
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIII.
Beginning of Our Last Campaign-Battle of Five Forks- On Picket Duty on Old Hatcher's Run Battlefield-Jubi- lant Rebels-Enemy's Lines Broken-Petersburg and Richmond Evacuated-In Pursuit of the Enemy-Battle of Sailor's Creek-High Bridge-General Mott Wounded- Lee's Army Breaking Up-Appomattox-Joy Over the Surrender-On the Backward March-Camp at Burkes- ville Junction 147-156
CHAPTER XIV.
Departure from Burkesville-Marching Through Richmond- The March to Washington-Passing Over Old Battle- fields-Camp at Bailey's Cross Roads -- Grand Review of the Army of the Potomac-The Order of March-The Fifty-Seventh Ordered Mustered Out-Names of En- gagements in which the Regiment Participated-Its Casualties-We Start for Harrisburg-Finally Paid and Discharged-Farewell Address of Our Field Officers 157-163
Appendix A .- Roster of Officers 164-169
Appendix B .- Medical Report of Surgeon Lyman for year 1862 170-175
Appendix C .- Address of Lieut .- Col. L. D. Bumpus at the Dedication of the Regimental Monument at Gettysburg, July 2d, 1888 176-189
Appendix D .- Reminiscences of the Fifty-Seventh Regiment by Gen. William Birney .190-196
PREFACE.
When the idea of publishing the History of the Fifty- Seventh Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers was first con- ceived and a committee appointed to prepare the manu- script for the same, the chief difficulty to be met with was to confine the limits of the work to such a size that the price of the book would be such that it might be placed within the means of all the survivors of the regiment.
The committee regrets that the muster-out rolls of the regiment were not accessible, nor could they be copied · from the rolls at Washington, D. C.
Even if the rolls could have been copied and published in the book, it would have greatly added to the price of the work and would have required a much greater fund than the committee had on hand for that purpose.
A great deal of pains have been taken and the marches, campaigns and battles of the regiment have been carefully studied, and it is to be hoped that they will be found to be accurately described.
If the labor of the committee will meet the approval of those who have marched and fought with the gallant old regiment, it will be duly appreciated by those compiling the work.
J. M. MARTIN, E. C. STROUSS, R. G. MADGE, ROBERT I. CAMPBELL, M. C. ZAHNIZER, B. F. SMITH,
Committee.
6
3
5
-----
.
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE 57TH PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS.
1. J. M. Martin.
3. R. G. Madge.
5. M. C. Zahnizer.
- E. C. Strouss.
R. I. Campbell.
6. B. F. Smith,
HISTORY
OF THE
FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT,
PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
CHAPTER I.
BY J. M. MARTIN.
Organization of the Regiment-Camp Curtin-Departure for Washington-In Old Virginia-Colonel Maxwell Resigns- Colonel Campbell.
The sanguinary battle, and almost disgraceful rout of the Union army under General McDowell at the first Bull Run in July, 1861, convinced the authorities at Washington that the insurrection of the slave states was not a mere spasm of anger at their defeat in the preceding presidential election to be crushed out by the levy of 75,000 troops, undisciplined and indiffer- ently equipped, in a three months' service of holiday soldiering, and that Secretary Seward's prophecy that a sixty days' campaign would restore the Union and bring peace to the nation was a dream destined not to be realized. Acting on this conviction a call was made for 300,000 volunteers to serve for three years, or during the war.
1
IO
HISTORY FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT
To meet the emergency, evident to many, who were not disposed to accept the prophecy of the Sec- retary of State, Andrew G. Curtin, whose name will go down in history as "Pennsylvania's War Gov- ernor," organized, equipped and had put in training that superb body of men, "The Pennsylvania Re- serves," who through all the four years of bloody conflict to follow, were to find the place their name indicated, on the skirmish and picket line, and in the front of the battle, were the first to respond, and none too quickly, for the safety of the Nation's Capital. In obedience to this call other regiments and battalions were promptly organized and forwarded so that by September 1, 1861, Arlington Heights and the envi- ronments of Washington were thickly studded with the camps of these new levies, and out of the mass was being moulded, under the hand of that skillful drill master, General George B. McClellan, that mighty host known in history as the Army of the Potomac, whose valiant deeds in the cause of Union and Lib- erty are co-eternal with that of the Nation.
At the first, regiments were recruited and mus- tered from single cities, towns and counties, but as time passed and the first flood of recruits were mus- tered into service, companies and squads, to the num- ber of a corporal's guard, were gathered from dis- tantly separated districts, and rendezvousing at some common camp were consolidated into regiments and battalions. Such was the case in the organization of the 57th Pennsylvania Volunteers, the place of rendez-
II
PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS.
vous and final mustering being in Camp Curtin at the State Capital.
The roster of the regiment, by company. shows the different sections of the state whence recruited, viz :
Company A, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties,
Company B, Mercer county.
Company C, Mercer county.
Company D, Tioga county.
Company E, Allegheny, Mercer and Lawrence counties.
Company F, Mercer county.
Company G, Bradford county.
Company H, Bradford county.
Company I, Mercer and Venango counties.
Company K, Crawford county.
Thus it will be seen at a glance on the state map that there were representatives in the regiment from Wyoming county in the east; thence along the northern border of Crawford, Mercer, Venango and Lawrence counties in the extreme west. Before, how- ever, the final rendezvous of these several companies at Camp Curtin there were smaller camps established for recruiting in several localities, notably that at Mercer, Mercer county, where it may be said was established the original regimental headquarters.
The Hon. William Maxwell, a graduate of West Point, but at that time pursuing the peaceful avoca- tion of the practice of law in that county, was, about September 1, ISO1, authorized by Governor Curtin to recruit a regiment for the service. With this in view he established a rendezvous camp outside of
12
HISTORY FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT
the borough limits of the town of Mercer, on North Pittsburg street, in a field given for that purpose by the late Hon. Samuel B. Griffith, and which was named in honor of the donor, "Camp Griffith." Here temporary barracks were erected and a regular system of camp duties inaugurated, and the usually quiet hamlet of Mercer became the scene of quite active military enthusiasm; the still breezes of the Neshan- nock being stirred by the beat of drums and shrill notes of fife. In two or three weeks after the estab- lishing of this camp a large number of volunteers were recruited who farmed the nucleus of what after- wards became Companies B, C, E, F and I, of the regiment. When the number of these recruits became sufficient for the formation of a battalion Colonel Maxwell transferred them to Camp Curtin. In making this transfer the men were taken in conveyances over- land to the "Big Bend" on the Shenango and there embarked on a canal boat for Rochester, Beaver county, and thence by the only line of railway, the Pittsburg, Ft. Wayne & Chicago, to Pittsburg and Harrisburg. Along the way from Camp Griffith to the Ohio these recruits enjoyed a continual ovation ; the last, alas! that many in that band ever received. At Pittsburg they were joined by others from Alle- gheny and a small contingent from the northeastern part of Lawrence county, who cast their fortunes with Company E.
Arriving at Camp Curtin the regiment was rapid'y filled up to the required ten companies by the addition of Companies A, D, G, H and K.
+چوزمو
COL. WILLIAM MAXWELL.
13
PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS.
In the latter part of October the regiment was organized and mustered into the United States service.
Immediately following the mustering, clothing was distributed, and stripped of every habiliment and insignia of the citizen and arrayed in forage caps, dark blue blouses, sky blue pants and army brogans the regiment marched to the armory in the city and received its equipment-Springfield muskets and car- tridge boxes. An impressive ceremony, one not to be forgotten by those present, was the committing by Governor Curtin with appropriate words to the care of the regiment the colors :
The starry flag, With stripes of red and white, And field of azure blue.
Sacred emblem of our Union, in defense of which many who that day stood as stalwarts in those ranks, gave health, and limb, and life in the three years to follow.
Thus fully inducted into service the regiment set- tled down to the daily routine of camp duty, drill and guard mounting, waiting for the call to the more heroic service at the front beyond the Potomac.
To those accustomed to the dainties of the home table and unstinted in their access to the larder, the black coffee and indigestible sea biscuits, with the suggestive initials "B. C." stamped upon them, soon mollified their love of camp life and cultivated a crav- ing desire to terminate the "cruel war" at the earliest
14
HISTORY FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT
date possible, even at the risk of being hurt or hurt- ing somebody in the attempt.
During the month of November that destructive pest of the camp, measles, broke out in the regiment, and proved to many a foe more to be dreaded than the bullets of the enemy; besides, to go a soldiering in defense of one's country and be ambushed by a dis- ease that at home was regarded as a trifling affliction of childhood, was a source of real humiliation.
About December 14th orders were received to transfer the regiment to Washington. The transfer was anything but a pleasure jaunt. Instead of the commodious and comfortable passenger coaches, the ordinary box freight cars were used, and packed in there, that cold December night of transfer was truly one of misery. The cars were seatless, consequently the Turkish style of sitting had to be adopted by all who did not prefer to stand or were so fortunate as to obtain a seat in the side doors from which the feet could swing with freedom. The night was exceed- ingly chilly and with no facilities for warmth the dis- comfort was at the maximum. The day following, the regiment arrived at Washington, where it was lodged for the night in the "Soldiers' retreat," the hard floors of which were as downy pillows to our wearied and cold stiffened limbs. The next day we marched out of the city, passing the Capitol, and formed camp near the Bladensburg road. It was now the dead of winter, a Washington winter, with fre- quent storms of rain, sleet and snow. The camp was on the lowlands and the regiment experienced to the
15
PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS.
full the disagreeableness of the mud and slush of "My Maryland." Here we had our first introduction to the Sibley tent, a species of canvas tepee of the western Indian pattern, each of which afforded shelter to a dozen men. A small sheet iron stove, with the pipe braced against the center pole, diffused warmth, while a hole in the canvas at the apex afforded an exit for the pungent smoke of the green pine used for fuel.
It was while in camp at this place we first heard the booming of the enemy's guns away to the west- ward across the Potomac. These deep notes were of such frequent recurrence that all were fully convinced that a battle was in progress. Steed-like "we snuffed the battle from afar," and many were the expressed fears that victory would perch upon our banners, and the war be ended ere we should reach the Virginia shores.
Alas! poor, ignorant mortals that we were! Little dreaming of what scenes of carnage and hot battle we should be called to witness before the last notes of the hostile guns should be heard. The next morning the papers brought us the news of the battle of Dranes- ville and the repulse of the enemy, and our sorrow was deep and loud spoken, that we were not forwarded and permitted, at once, to put an end to this southern fracas! Such was our confidence of easy victory!
While in this camp the measles again broke out in the regiment. Many of the men had contracted severe colds during that night of dismal ride from Harris- burg, and cases of pneumonia were numerous, many proving fatal, while others lingered for months in
.
16
HISTORY FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT
hospitals, either to be discharged on account of dis- ability or to again return to their companies mere wrecks of their former selves.
In February, 1862, the regiment broke camp, and crossing the Potomac, took its place in the left wing of the army near Fort Lyon, below Alexandria. Here in the organization of the army it was assigned to Jameson's brigade of Heintzelman's division, which later, upon the organization of the army corps, con- stituted the first brigade, first division, third corps, commanded respectively by Generals Jameson, Hamil- ton and Heintzelman, General Hamilton later being superseded in division command by that intrepid and fearless fighter, General Philip Kearny, whom the enemy dubbed with the uneuphoneous soubriquet of the "One Armed Devil." The brigade as then organ- ized consisted of the 57th, 63d, 105th Pennsylvania regiments and the 87th New York, and from that date so long as the old Third corps existed these Pennsyl- vania regiments retained their place side by side. Our associations were most pleasant, many last friend- ships were formed, and the courage of each was ever held in highest esteem by the others.
On March Ist, Colonel Maxwell resigned his com- mission as colonel of the regiment and was succeeded by Colone! Charles T. Campbell. Colonel Campbell was by education and choice an artillerist, and had seen service on that arm in the Mexican war. He had had command of a battery of Pennsylvania artilley in the three months' service, and had been commissioned by Governor Curtin colonel of artilley and had re-
-
..:
Military service of GEN. CHARLES T. CAMPBELL. Born in Franklin County, Pa., in 1822.
Succeeded Col. William Maxwell in command of the 57th Pennsylvania Volunteers. Col. Campbell was a veteran of two wars, the war with Mexico, under Taylor and Scott. He served in the civil war. as Colonel of the Ist Pennsylvania Artillery, and was afterwards assigned to the 57th Pennsylvania Volunteers. Died at Scotland, South Dakota, April 15, 1895.
-
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PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS.
cruited and organized the first Pennsylvania regiment of light artillery as part of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps. When, however, the regiment entered the United States' service, such an organization was deemed impracticable and the regiment as a compact body was disbanded and the batteries assigned to the several corps. Thus Colonel Campbell found himself a colonel in commission without a command. But he was enlisted for the war and with uncomplaining pa- triotism he willingly took his place where duty called. At the first the members of the regiment were im- pressed with the thought that they had "caught a Tartar." Tall and commanding in figure, gruff voiced and with sanguinary hair and whiskers, the colonel did not give the impression of being a weak- ling, but it was not long until they began to realize that beneath the rough exterior there beat a consid- erate and tender heart and in the gruff voice there was a soft chord, and soon the name "Charley" was more frequently on the lips about the camp fires than the more stately title of "Colonel." These character- istics of the new commander were manifested in many acts that the men appreciated. He was always ready to take the rough side of soldier life and share priva- tions with the rank and file, and at the end of a hard day's march he would lie down with only the heavens for a covering with any of the boys rather than ask a detail to erect his headquarter tents. And many a comrade can remember when on camp guard and the weather was threatening, hearing that gruff voice calling from his tent door: "Officer of the day, re- lease the guards and send them into their quarters!"
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HISTORY FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT
CHAPTER II.
BY J. M. MARTIN.
We Embark for the Peninsula-Yorktown-Camping in the Mud-Peach Orchard-Artillery Practice-Battle of Wil- liamsburg.
On the 17th of March the regiment embarked and steamed down the Potomac, past Mount Vernon, of hallowed memories, on its way to Fortress Monroe, whither the army was being transferred to enter upon the historic and ill-fated Peninsular campaign. Upon arrival it went into camp near the ancient, but then recently burned town of Hampton, crumbling brick walls and charred chimneys being the only remaining monuments to mark the site of the once pleasant vil- lage, the beginning, to us, of the scenes of the war's "rude desolations." while protruding from the placid waters of the bay were to be seen the masts of the "Cumberland," that but a few days before had gone down with flag flying before the onset of the ram "Merrimac," while over by the Ripraps peacefully floated low on the waters the little "Monitor" that. David-like, had single-handed put to flight this Goliath of the rebellion, that had defied our navy ; a veritable "tub on a plank."
On the morning of April 4 the grand advance was begun. Across the narrow neck of land that divided the waters of the Chesapeake and James, the
19
PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS.
magnificent hosts of the Army of the Potomac, stretching from shore to shore, moved forward to the fortified post of the enemy at Yorktown. Battlefields, like history, repeat themselves. It is said the plains of Esdraelon have been the theater of a greater number of conflicts at arms than any other known portion of the globe, so here at Yorktown, where the Sons of Virginia, Pennsylvania and others of the thirteen colonies humbled the British under Cornwallis in 17SI, and whose lines of entrenchments were yet visible, were again to meet in 1862, the sons of these sires of revolutionary fame, in martial combat, not shoulder to shoulder, as then, but in opposing pha- lanx. The line of advance of the 57th was by the main road leading from Hampton to Yorktown by way of Little and Big Bethel, the latter place being the scene of General B. F. Butler's unfortunate night venture of 1861.
The afternoon of the second day's march brought the advance of the army in front of the enemy's for- midable works around Yorktown and along the War- wick river. For the space of nearly a mile, immedi- ately in front of the town, the country was open, scarcely a tree or a shrub impeding the view of the fortifications, whose embrasures bristled with heavy ordnance. With drums beating and colors flying we marched boldly along the way and filing off into the open fields deliberately proceeded to pitch our tents and make our camp in the very jaws, as it were, of these frowning batteries. Whether it was a fear of bringing on a general engagement, or amazement at
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