USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > Gettysburg > The 109th Regiment Penna. Veteran Volunteers. An address delivered at the unveiling of their monument on Culp's hill, Gettysburg, Pa., September 11, 1889 > Part 1
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Penningbianca
The 109th Regiment
Penna. Veteran Volunteers
AN ADDRESS
DELIVERED AT THE UNVEILING OF THEIR MONUMENT ON CULPS HILL GETTYSBURG, PA., SEPTEMBER 11, 1889
BY
MOSES VEALE
Major 109th Penna. Veteran Volunteers
PHILADELPHIA 1890
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F 8349 .8734
Veale, Moses, 1832-1917.
The 100th regiment Penna. veteran volunteers. An address delivered at the unveiling of their monument on Culp's hill, Gettysburg. Pa., September 11, 1889, by Moses Veale ... Phil- adelphia (.J. Beale, printer, 1890. 40 p. front. 24cm
EHILF CARD
1. Pennsylvania infantry. 100th regt., 1861-1865. 2. U. S .- Hist .- Civil war-Regimental histories-Pa. inf .- 109th.
2-15903
Library of Congress
68955
£527.5.100th (a27c1]
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JAME; BEALE, Printer, 719 Sansom Street, Philadelphia.
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U PON the first call of the President for three months' troops,
Henry J. Stainrook answered the call and served as captain for. the full term in the 22d Regiment, and immediately upon his return to Philadelphia offered his services for three years or during the war.
His services were accepted, he was commissioned as colonel, and authorized to raise the 109th Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry Volunteers - Curtin Light Guards -so called in honor of the patriotic and gallant War Governor of Pennsylvania.
December 20, 1861, the regiment was mustered into the United States service, and from then until May 9, 1862, was drilled and disciplined for the field, and on this date received marching orders, arriving in Washington May 10, 1862. From this date until May 24, 1862, continued drilling, and discipline was main- tained ; and when the officer detailed by the War Department to inspect the troops encamped around Washington, for the purpose of selecting those who were found to exhibit sufficient drill, discip- line and soldierly bearing to be forwarded to the front, the 109th was immediately selected and ordered to march.
While in Washington the regiment was in the Military District of Washington, Department of the Rappahannock. On May 25, 1862, the regiment arrived at Harpers Ferry, Va., and was assigned to Cooper's Brigade, United States forces at Harpers Ferry.
May 27 an advance was made by Cooper's Brigade, consisting of 1ogth Penna. Vols., ILIth Penna. Vols., 60th N. Y. Infantry, 78th N. Y. Infantry, 102d N. Y. Infantry, 3d Maryland Infantry, and
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2d District of Columbia Infantry, as far as Bolivar Heights; and on the afternoon of May 29 Stonewall Jackson's Division appeared in front, advancing from Charlestown.
General Cooper opened artillery fire upon the advancing column, and the enemy replied, maintaining for the period of one hour or more an artillery duel, the infantry remaining simply in support ; this was the baptism of fire of the 109th, the first sound of the enemy's guns, but a sound which the regiment was destined to hear without intermission until the close of the war.
On June 2, 1862, Cooper's Brigade was assigned to Sigel's Division, Department of Shenandoah. After marching through Charlestown, Winchester, Kernstown and Middletown, to Cedar Creek, it was assigned to First Brigade (Gen. Cooper), Second Division (Gen. Sigel), Second Corps (Gen. Banks), Army of Virginia (Gen. Pope).
July 5, 1862, the division marched to Front Royal, through Manassas Gap to Warrenton, Va., and from there to Little Wash- ington, where the regiment encamped until August 1, 1862, when orders were received to march, and they crossed Hazel River, through Culpeper Court-house to Cedar or Slaughter Mountain, where on August 9, 1862, the battle of Cedar or Slaughter Moun- tain was fought.
In this battle the 109th was not to be a mere spectator or held in support of artillery, but was to engage in the real and fierce contest of war. The battle was opened by the artillery and con- tinued for nearly an hour, when the infantry were ordered to advance ; and although the first battle in which the 1ogth had engaged, the order was obeyed by the men and most of the officers with the spirit and determination of veterans. During the artillery firing Colonel Stainrook was severely wounded, but refused to leave the field and remained in command during the entire battle.
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The advance was made, and the order given " fire at will "; the First Brigade, at this time commanded by Gen. Prince, was on the left of the line, the division being commanded by Gen. Augur, and the corps by Gen. Banks. The 109th was flanked on the right by the 3d Maryland. The advance was commenced late in the afternoon, the entire brigade in line, with steady march and delib- erate firing ; but soon, as the enemy was brought into closer contact and the sheet of flame from their line of musketry became contin- uous, the firing of our troops became more rapid, and the smoke and flame of the two lines became commingled. At this time the 109th was without adjutant or field officer, except the wounded colonel, but there was no wavering; the line was steady and the firing continuous. Soon darkness commenced to settle upon the field, and yet the 109th maintained its ground.
At this time the regiment received an enfilading fire from the right, and the colonel, supposing the fire was from the regiment of our own brigade on the right, which in the darkness and smoke had misdirected its fire, dispatched an officer with orders to stop this enfilading, when it was discovered that the entire corps on our right, including the regiments of our brigade, had fallen back, and that the 109th was flanked on the right by the enemy, and unsup- ported on the left. The colonel gave the order to fall back, and all obeyed the order except a few - more rash than wise - who attempted to advance with the colors; some of these paid the penalty of serving in Libby Prison.
This battle was to the regiment like fire to silver -- it purged it of its dross, and purified the remainder by the blood of their dead and wounded comrades and their own tried courage and patriotism.
After Cedar or Slaughter Mountain, Banks' Corps fell back to Culpeper, and from there was, with the Army of Virginia, with- drawn behind the Rappahannock; and the 109th, with other
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commands, for a week or ten days were engaged in guarding the fords of the river, repulsing all attempts of the enemy to cross. They were then withdrawn across Bull Run, forming the rear-guard of the army, destroying an immense amount of ammunition, burn- ing wagon-trains and cars. The regiment crossed Bull Run Septem- ber 1, 1862.
During the battle of Antietam the regiment was not actually engaged, but its commanding officer, Colonel Stainrook, was in command of the brigade, which - with the exception of the 109th - was actively and severely engaged. Colonel Stainrook displayed, as he did in every battle, great bravery and skill.
After the battle of Antietam the 1ogth crossed the Potomac into Maryland, passing through Frederick, Maryland, across South Mountain and Antietam, and from thence to Loudon Heights.
Under the reorganization of the Army of the Potomac in September, the regiment was assigned to Second Brigade, Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, and remained in Second Brigade until November, 1862, when it was assigned to Third Brigade, Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, and stationed on Bolivar Heights, and remained here until December 10, 1862.
Receiving orders to join the army at Fredericksburg, passing through Leesburg and Fairfax to Dumfries, Va., where after a slight skirmish they returned to Fairfax Station, on Orange and Alexan- dria Railroad, the 109th went into camp until January 17, 1863, when orders were received to join the army at Fredericksburg, making the march to Acquia Creek over roads which would ordi- narily be considered almost impassable ; the artillery and wagons sinking to the hubs, and horses and mules sometimes almost lost to view in their struggles to draw the wagons and artillery through the mud.
In April the regiment was assigned to Second Brigade, and on
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PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS.
April 27, 1863, all leaves of absence and furloughs were recalled, and orders were given to march. This line of march was com- menced with haversacks and five days' rations, sixty rounds of ammunition, and knapsacks, overcoats and extra shoes; but the second day's march found overcoats and extra shoes lining the roads or piled in great heaps, hundreds of them being burned to prevent them from falling into the hands of the enemy. After a tiresome march the Twelfth Army Corps crossed the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford, and the Rapidan at Germania Ford. On April 30, 1863, the 109th Regiment had a skirmish with the pickets of Anderson's Division, Army of Northern Virginia. The Rappahan- nock and Rapidan were crossed before the enemy was aware of the army's presence.
On May 1, 1863, the Second Brigade, Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, consisted of 29th, 1ogth, 111th, 124th, and 125th Penna. Infantry Vols. This brigade was placed on the right of the plank road, and ordered to make trenches and erect breastworks, which they did with the aid of bayonets and tin plates. The 109th had but one field officer, the colonel. On the right of the 109th was the IIIth Penna. Vols., and on the left the 124th and 125th Penna. Vols.
On the morning of May I the brigade advanced beyond its line about one and a quarter miles, and formed in line of battle with the Third Brigade on the left, and the left of the Third Brig- ade resting on the plank road. In this line of battle they advanced through a dense thicket and undergrowth for almost one mile, when the brigade passed into an open plain and received a brisk fire from a battery of the enemy posted in a wood. This attack was replied to by Knap's Battery. The brigade crossed over the open space to a road which passed to and around the right of the army line, upon ground considerably elevated above the line of temporary
·
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breastworks. Gen. Kane, commanding the brigade, desired mak- ing a stand, deeming the position an important one, commanding the right of the line, and consequently communicated his views to Gen. Geary, but orders were received by him to cover with his command the withdrawal of the division. So well con- vinced was Gen. Kane of the importance of this position, and so anxious was he to give the enemy battle, that three distinct orders were received before he returned. The enemy, seeing our troops falling back, poured into them rapid volleys of infantry and artillery shot, but Kane's Brigade covered the withdrawal in a most masterly manner, and - in the words of Gen. Geary's report - "prevented the least confusion in the ranks in a movement always requiring great tact and delicacy, united with firmness of will and purpose." Our line having been regained, a line of skirmishers was sent out under command of Colonel Stainrook, of the 109th, supported by the Second Brigade, with orders to ascertain the exact whereabouts of the enemy and check their advance. This brave and skillful soldier most admirably handled this line, and advanced until supe- rior numbers drove him in, but not until he inflicted upon them severe loss.
During the night the earthworks were strengthened, and - owing to the scarcity of intrenching tools - sabre-bayonets, tin plates, pieces of boards, and in some cases the bare hands, were used to scrape up the dirt. On the morning of the 2d, indications of a movement of the enemy were visible, which continued during the day. About five p. m. the 109th with the Second Brigade was ordered to proceed forward on the right of the plank road, and after advancing about two hundred yards the enemy's fire was drawn and our advance was made through the woods under a severe and galling fire. When a distance of some five hundred yards was reached, the enemy was discovered drawn up in line of battle
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PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS.
in heavy force, but in a short time orders were received to fall back within the lines, which was done in good order.
About six p. m., May 2, Stonewall Jackson, taking advan- tage of the unguarded position of the right, passed along the road and, falling upon the Eleventh Corps, drove them in a demoralized condition from their position, the enemy being checked only by the Twelfth Corps standing firm. During the night heavy and contin- uous firing was kept up along the front, and about eight o'clock a. m., May 3, the 109th, with Second Brigade, was in the trenches, exposed to a terribly raking and enfilading fire of the enemy's artillery. At the same time attacks were made upon front and flank by his infantry. The 109th, with Second Brigade, being in such an exposed position, received this fire with most damaging effect. Some of the solid shot from the artillery literally scooped the line of the rogth, but they maintained their position without wavering until ordered to march out by the left flank, which they did with the steady march of troops on parade, and this without a field officer. After marching some distance to the rear, the 109th was ordered to again take position in the front, and, countermarch- ing, they took position with the Second Brigade in a line of defence in a woods to the north of the Chancellorsville House.
On May 4 orders were received to change position to the vicinity of the headquarters of the general commanding the corps, and to erect and strengthen breastworks. During this and the following day, this position was occupied. On the morning of May 6 the 109th crossed the Rappahannock at United States Ford, and the battle of Chancellorsville passed into history. This was one of the most brilliantly conceived campaigns of the war, and executed to a certain point with consummate skill, and yet a most impotent conclusion. During this fight, while Col. Stainrook, commanding the 1ogth, was speaking words of encouragement to his men and
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exposing himself to great danger, a ball from the enemy entered his breast and with a few words he fell dead. A braver soldier never lived ; a truer patriot never breathed. Had he lived until experience developed his natural ability, there would have been few if any more skilled officers in the army. Gen. Geary in an official report says, "I notice the death of Col. Stainrook, of the 109th, who gallantly fell while encouraging his men. A brave and accom- plished officer, his loss is one over which I cannot but express the convictions of my most heartfelt regret." Truth compels me to record an incident of this battle which occurred at the time of the . colonel's death. The senior captain, with a number of the men, including the then color-sergeant, ran ignobly from the field, taking with them the colors of the regiment. They did not reappear upon the field until the fighting was over, when the captain was compelled through shame to resign, and the color-sergeant received condign punishment from his comrades, suffered disgrace, and had the colors taken from him. This does not disgrace the regiment nor the brave fellows who were not participants in it ; but it only makes their deeds the brighter.
The 109th returned to Acquia Creek and there remained until General Lee commenced his offensive-defensive campaign by invad- ing Pennsylvania.
On June 13, 1863, commenced the pursuit of the army under Gen. Lee, and on June 30 the advance of the Twelfth Army Corps encountered a portion of Lee's army near Littlestown, Pa., result- ing in a skirmish. June 30 the rogth encamped at Littlestown, and on the morning of July I marched to the Two Taverns, and halted until about half-past two p. m. the same day, when Gen. Geary, commanding the division, received orders to march. The 109th was in the Second Brigade of Geary's Division, the brigade being in command of Colonel Cobham.
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PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS.
On arriving within two miles of Gettysburg on the Baltimore Turnpike, the 109th with the Second Brigade was halted and re- mained until the morning of July 2, 1863. Although the 109th was within supporting distance, it was not actively engaged in the battle of Gettysburg on July 1.
In the history of the United States the first, second and third days of July, 1863, will ever stand as pivotal days, and the battle of Gettysburg not only as a pivotal battle of the rebellion, but as having the most important bearing and influence upon humanity and the world's history. It is not excelled, if equalled, by any human event since the world's creation. Every event helping to make up the great historical event of the battle of Gettysburg is important, and its mention is justifiable.
Gen. Geary, after placing his division on the line of march from the Two Taverns on the Baltimore Turnpike, with two staff- officers rode rapidly ahead towards Gettysburg, and arrived at Ceme- etery Hill, where stood Gen. Hancock in command of the troops then on the field, being the First and Eleventh Army Corps. Gen. Geary dismounted and saluted Gen. Hancock. Gen. Hancock said, "General, where are your troops?"' and Gen. Geary replied that two brigades of his division were then advancing on the Baltimore Turnpike. Gen. Hancock then said, "Do you see that knoll or hill?" pointing to Little Round Top, "that is the key to this position, and if we can gain position on it before the enemy, we can form a line and fight a battle, but if the enemy secures it first, we will be compelled to fall back about seven miles to Pipes' Creek. In the absence of Gen. Slocum, I will order you to take possession of that hill." Gen. Geary turned to one of his staff, an officer of the 109th, and gave orders to have the troops with one battery of artillery (Knap's) leave the turnpike, and double-quick diagonally across the fields and take the position. When Geary's troops arri-
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ved, some of the enemy's cavalry were on the opposite side. " The 147th Penna. Vols. and 5th Ohio took position on Little Round Top, and the other regiments of the First and Third Brigades to their right, and to the left of the Eleventh Army Corps. About half-past five a large body of infantry was seen advancing on the Emmettsburg Road, and when nearly opposite the position of the 147th Penna. and 5th Ohio, went into bivouac. These troops were discovered to be Gen. Sickles' Third Army Corps. This speedy formation of the left of the line to Little Round Top frustrated the enemy's design, which would, if successful, have proven disastrous to the entire position.
This position was maintained until half-past seven a. m., on July 2, when Gen. Sickles, with Third Army Corps, relieved the First and Third Brigades of Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps. These brigades being relieved moved to the right of the First Army Corps, where they were joined by the 109th with Second Brigade. The Third Brigade was formed in line, left resting on the right of First Army Corps, at nearly a right angle with First Army Corps, on a steep rock mount which was a continuation of Cemetery Hill. The 109th was formed with its left on the right of the Third Brig- ade, at an angle of about forty-five degrees forward, conforming its line to the crest of the ridge, and the ILIth Penna. on the right of the 109th Penna. Breastworks were immediately thrown up along the entire line. Skirmishers were thrown out to the creek, where the enemy's pickets were encountered.
During July 2 very little fighting was done on the left of the line, but about four p. m. the enemy opened a most fierce attack on the left and centre of the line. Between half-past six and seven p. m. the tooth with Second Brigade and First Brigade were ordered to the right across Rock Creek. as was supposed for the pur- pose of reinforcing the left and centre of the line which was so
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fiercely attacked ; but after marching a long distance to the right, and away from a short and direct line to the point needing re-in- forcement, the 109th with the First and Second Brigades were halted on the Baltimore Turnpike, with the left of the line resting on Rock Creek, and right on the turnpike.
Gen. Green with the Third Brigade had been ordered to attenu- ate his line, so as to cover the entire Twelfth Corps front ; the enemy, however, discovering the withdrawal of the First Division from the extreme right, and two brigades from the First Division left, made a most vigorous and furious attack upon Gen. Green ; his front and right were attacked before he had succeeded in occupying the Second Division entrenchments, and the enemy succeeded in occupying the entrenchments evacuated by the First Division.
The enemy seemed desperately determined to roll up Gen. Green's little brigade, and occupy the entire entrenchment of the Twelfth Army Corps, and thus secure the vantage-ground of the right of our army line. But Gen. Green and his little command were equal to the occasion, and with the most determined courage and gallantry, during an incessant attack of two and a half hours from vastly superior numbers, repelled four separate and furious charges, without losing a foot of ground.
The First and Eleventh Corps sent the gallant old General sup- port. The enemy, meeting this determined resistance, discontinued their attack about ten p. m., July 2. The 109th with the Second and First Brigades had continued in position on the turnpike and Rock Creek from half-past seven until nine p. m., when the 109th with the Second Brigade was ordered to return to its original posi- tion. On entering the woods, and within two hundred yards of the breastworks, the 109th and Second Brigade was met by a sharp fire. Without replying the brigade was withdrawn to the turnpike in the rear of, and past Gen. Green's right, where it was again met
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with a volley, showing conclusively that the enemy was occupying the intrenchments to the right of Green.
During Gen. Green's engagement with the enemy, to meet the attack on his flank, the 137th New York, which held the right of his brigade, changed front, forming a right angle to the rifle-pits, thus covering the right of the entire brigade.
It being injudicious to attack the enemy in the night in their new position, the 137th New York was relieved, and the Second Brigade was formed in double line at right angles with the Third Brigade, the 11th Penna. taking position with its left resting on the Third Brigade, and 109th Penna. on the 11Ith Penna. right.
Between the 109th Penna. and the 111th Penna. with the enemy in their front, was a shallow ravine. Before daylight on the morning of July 3, the First Brigade was placed in position on the right of the 109th Penna., and in extension of the line of 109th and IIIth, the brigade's right extending almost to the turnpike. Gen. Geary, by a staff-officer of the 109th, reported the situation to Gen. Slocum, and on July 3, between one and two o'clock, a. m. had posted in position opposite the centre of the line of the Twelfth Army Corps, and slightly to the right of the Second Division's right, so as to command the ravine formed by Rock Creek, six twelve-pound pieces of "F" Battery, 4th United States Artillery, four twelve- pound pieces "K" Battery, 5th United States Artillery, and six guns of a Maryland Battery. Lockwood's Brigade, composed of the Ist Eastern Shore Maryland Regiment, and the 150th New York, was placed in a position to support the artillery. About half-past three a. m., July 3, the artillery opened from every gun a most furious fire, and continued without interruption between ten and fifteen minutes. At the same time the 1ogth Penna., with infantry of the Second and Third Brigades, made a most furious attack.
This tremendous assault of infantry and artillery at first seemed
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PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS.
to stagger the enemy, but they soon rallied and with three divisions, Johnson's, Rodes' and Early's, charged heavily on our front and right, yelling in their peculiar style. They were met at every point by the unswerving line and deadly fire of the 109th and the Second and Third Brigades, these troops not yielding an inch of ground ; line after line of the enemy broke under the steady fire, but the pressing masses from behind rushed forward to take their places. After from twenty minutes to a half hour the artillery again opened fire with shell, and continued rapidly without ceasing for fifteen minutes, the infantry firing continuing. At about five a. m., the 147th Penna. on the right of the 109th Penna. charged and carried a stone wall occupied by the enemy. About eight a. m. the enemy redoubled their efforts, massing all their forces with the intention of carrying the position at all hazards, so that they could take the Baltimore Turnpike. Gen. Slocum, fearing the overwhelm- ing force of the enemy might prove too much for the Second Divis- ion of the Twelfth Army Corps, secured reinforcements from the Sixth and First Army Corps. These reinforcements were not how- ever called into active service, except a part of Shaler's Brigade.
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