USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > Gettysburg > A brief history of the Fourth Pennsylvania Veteran Cavalry, embracing organization, reunions, dedication of monument at Gettysburg and address of General W. E. Doster, Venango County Battalion, reminiscences, etc > Part 3
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My recollections of the battle are those most deeply im- pressed on my mind, as on the average mind, by the most memorable events, and revert more particularly to sights and incidents connected with Pickett's charge. My post of obser- vation was as near the summit of Little Round Top as safety of my person would allow, and was secured soon after the heavy artillery fire of the Rebels commenced, and maintained as long as anything could be seen through the darkness and the clouds and the canopy of smoke preceding darkness. Day- light was at a premium with us who were safe ; and all who were on the northeast side of Little Round Top, were com- paratively so. . They were secure from any direct fire during any time I was there. It was a grand sight, and a plain one, until about the time the Rebels' second line, or body struck the Emmettsburg road. . It was accompanied by a field bat- tery which was posted about two hundred yards west of the road, and by the time the battery got thoroughly to work their first line was hotly engaged with small arms. This, with the change of the position of the Vermont brigade, caused dense clouds of smoke to arise, which eddied overhead a little
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south, although what air was moving was coming from the southwest. About this time we were practically shut out from view, and the artillery was about all that could be definitely located. I did not hear any express fears that the charge would be successful. Most of the comrades appeared to think, with an old Reserve man, who expressed himself that our artillery would do them up before enough of them reached our lines to accomplish anything effective. I don't say, for sure, that I formed or expressed any opinion of the charge at the time, so I can't say " I told you so." However, I believe I thought the effort would prove futile, for the report was credited that we had a large reserve of re-inforcements which had not been engaged, lying within supporting distance. I remember that we were all impressed with the gallant appearance of the Rebels and the brave manner in which they maintained their alignment and organization until after cross- ing the Emmettsburg road. Gaps and rents made in their ranks by our artillery were filled by other men as if those stricken down had dropped out in obedience to a command. But the same could not be said of them after crossing the road. It seemed to me that from there it was more a struggle to get inside our lines as a place of safety, than as a place to fight. More with a view to be taken than to take. Their experience coming over having taught them that to go back was certain death.
With the operations of our regiment after leaving the spot designated by our monument, I have no personal knowl- edge, further than the Taneytown road. All I know is hear- say, but as you did at other places and other fields, I know you did your duty, and went wherever ordered. In all that has ever been said about it, I don't think it could ever be truthfully said that we refused at any time or place, to go where ordered, or do our duty. Your attendance here proves that you are good to come when called. Allow me to con- gratulate you, one and all, on the success of our meeting, and hope that with all of you the time is not misspent ; that you will carry away pleasant recollections, renewed and strength- ened affections.
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AN INCIDENT OF THE BATTLE OF ST. MARY'S CHURCH.
BY W. H. COLLINGWOOD.
READ AT CAMP-FIRE, GETTYSBURG, SEPTEMBER 11th, 1889.
One of the most thrilling incidents in the history of the Regiment was the engagement at St. Mary's Church, which occurred on June 24th, 1864. The Fourth Pennsylvania Cav- alry had been engaged in numerous battles, but there are cir- cumstances and experiences which will probably fix the battle of St. Mary's Church indelibly in the memory of our surviving comrades.
The Second Division Cavalry Corps, Gen. D. McM. Gregg commanding, was vigorously attacked by the enemy, consist- ing of two divisions of cavalry and one of infantry. After a desperate encounter we retired, but each new position taken was flanked by the enemy. In this battle the Regiment lost in killed, wounded and missing, 87 men.
Among the killed, was our beloved and courageous Col. Geo. H. Covode. Several fruitless attempts were made to carry the body of our dying Colonel from the field. One was made by Serg't James Rankin, of Co. B. He was severely wounded and compelled to retire. Another was made by Capt. Geo. W. Wilson, Co. H .; Lieut. W. H. Slick, Co. D .; Joseph N. Tantlinger, Co. D., and several other members of the Regiment whose names cannot now be recalled, who placed the body on a litter made of rails and a blanket, and had retreated but a short distance when they too, were compelled to abandon the attempt and flee before the advanc- ing enemy. Captain Wilson failed to make his escape and was felled by a blow from a Rebel musket, which broke sev- eral of his ribs. During the same day he made his escape and returned to the Regiment.
Darkness ended the contest. During the night the division retired and joined the cavalry corps the following evening, near Haxall's Landing, on the James' river.
The following day Gen. Sheridan crossed to the north side of the river. There we remained about two weeks.
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About July 4th, Hon. John Covode, father of our lamented Colonel, visited our camp to learn the particulars of his son's death, and if possible to recover his body.
Lieutenant and Acting Adjutant J. C. Paul, called on Mr. Covode at Gen. J. Irvin Gregg's headquarters, and volunteered to enter the enemy's lines, and if possible secure the body of the Colonel. Gen. Gregg being present said he could not detail the lieutenant on such a dangerous journey as entering ing the enemy's lines, but would give him a letter to Gen. D. McM. Gregg, commanding the division.
The division commander in turn, gave Lieut. Paul a note addressed to Gen. Sheridan, asking that Lieut. Paul be per- mitted to go on his errand of love.
The Lieutenant being anxious to start on his journey after dark of the same day, and feeling sure that Gen. Sheri- dan would grant the request, detailed the following comrades to accompany him : Serg'ts Sam'l King, Co. L .; H. M. Kerr, Co. E., and Albert Martin, Co. D.
After reading Gen. Gregg's letter, Gen. Sheridan told Lieut. Paul he would not detail him to enter the enemy's lines, but would not prevent him if he so desired. The Gen- eral also reminded the Lieutenant of the result in case of capture.
Lieut. Paul replied, that he and his comrades had weighed the matter well, and were willing to take all the risks.
"Then," said the General, " I will have a transport carry you across the river and remain there until you return, . You can arrange a signal with the commander of the vessel to use in case you return during the night."
The party crossed the river after dark and started on their dangerous journey. The enemy's picket line was about eight miles from the river. the intervening space being neutral territory. The exact location of the picket line not being known, the detail under Lieut. Paul proceeded in a very cau- tious manner. Finally they saw the reflection of a fire appar- ently about a half mile in their front. Serg'ts King and Kerr dismounted, and taking to the woods on either side of the road, crawled the entire distance on their hands and knees.
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They supposed the light to be at the Rebel picket reserve, and that the picket line must necessarily be in their immediate front. With this impression in mind they moved on slowly until they arrived near the fire. They found the fire was immediately in the rear of a temporary breast works, made by our division in the recent fight. Near the fire lay three "rebs," sound asleep. This was the enemy's outpost. Serg'ts King and Kerr did not disturb the watchful ( ? ) sentinels, but hurried back and made their report to Lieut. Paul. The Ser- geants offered to either kill or capture the three "Johnnies," but Lieut. Paul said " No; we will do nothing that may cause an alarm and interfere with our object." After a short con- sultation it was decided to retrace their steps. About a half a mile to the rear they took a road leading further to the left. In doing so they avoided the pickets which had been en- countered. After going some distance inside the lines the squad headed for the main road again, and from that time on their pace was rapid. After proceeding three or four miles they found two of their wounded comrades in an old log hut which had been abandoned. The poor fellows had been there for nine or ten days, without attendance, and were unable to help themselves. Their wounds were filled with maggots. and they were in a most pitiable condition. They were put in as good shape as possible under the circumstances, furnished with food and water, and were promised they should be moved to the transport on the return of the squad. The promise was faithfully fulfilled. After leaving the wounded the party again pushed forward. As they advanced they found a num- ber of dead comrades, unburied, but the time was so pressing that they could not inter the remains, much as they regretted to leave the bodies on the field. At last the squad arrived at a log cabin near which the Colonel's body had been left. They awoke the colored man who occupied the hut, and, after des- cribing certain peculiarities of the Colonel, as well as his clothes, they inquired if he had seen the body and knew where it was buried ? The colored man, whose name is unfortun- ately unknown, took the members of the detail to the spot where Lieut. Paul remembered leaving the body. After pro- curing a lantern Lieut. Paul and those with him removed the
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slight covering of earth and at once recognized Col. Covode's peculiarly formed teeth and his flannel shirt. The latter was of an odd pattern; the material having been made at his father's woolen mills, at Ligonier, Pa. The body was stripped of everything except the under clothing. After having iden- tified the remains, the detail proceeded as far as St. Mary's Church, where they found two bodies within the building.
One poor fellow had died while endeavoring to crawl out, and lay in the doorway with his head on one arm, resting on the steps of the structure. The Lieutenant and his party then retraced their steps towards the river where they arrived shortly after daylight. The following night Lieut. Paul, with 30 picked men and two ambulances, returned for the Colonel's body. Leaving the ambulances in the woods about two miles to the left of the road, they proceeded with a litter, secured the body and again retraced their steps, arriving safely in camp the following forenoon.
The body now reposes in the grave yard in which the remains of his wife and parents rest, near Ligonier, Pa.
It is to be regretted that the only participants now remembered by the writer, of the detail of 30 comrades who finally secured the body of Cel. Covode, are the following :
Capt. Wm. Hyndman, Co. A.
Capt. Frank H. Parke, Co. B.
D. R. Callen, Co. B, Allegheny. Wm. Vantassell, Co. C. Apollo.
Henry Tillburg, Co. C, Williamsport, Pa.
John C. Walters, Co. C, Jamestown, N. Y.
Albert Martin, Co. D, Cedar Rapids, Ia.
Lieut. W. H. Slick. Co. D.
Robert Von, Co. D.
Jos. N. Tantlinger. Co. D.
Henry M. Kerr, Co. E. Boston, Pa. Samuel King, Co. I ..
James M. Bethune. Co. I. Loyal Adams, Co. I.
Lieut. John C. Paul, who figured so prominently in the recovery of the body of Col. Covode, was promoted to the position of Major of the Regiment for bravery on the field.
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DEDICATION OF MONUMENT.
At 9 A. M., of September 12th, 1889, the Monument was dedicated, General W. E. Doster delivering the dedicatory address.
ADDRESS OF GEN. W. E. DOSTER.
Agreeably to the request of surviving comrades to write the history of our regiment during the Gettysburg campaign, and mindful of the necessity of attaining accuracy, I have consulted the regimental reports, made Aug. 4, Aug. 13, and Sept. 3, 1863, covering these operations, and on file in the War Department at Washington, and notes made by me at the time, and after comparing these with the recollection of other comrades, and visiting the field in 1882, 1886 and 1887, and conferring with Col. Bachelder, submit the following :
The part taken by the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry in this campaign, properly speaking, begins with the time when it formed a part of the Union Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac, that encountered and held in check the Confed- erate Cavalry, through the passes in the Blue Mountains, south of the Potomac, while the infantry of both armies was passing northward toward Pennsylvania (a movement which covered the greater part of the month of June, 1863), and ends with the return of both armies to the line of the Rappahannock, near the end of July, 1863. During this period the Fourth Penn- sylvania Cavalry was commanded by the writer, and formed part of the Third Brigade of the Second Division of the Cav- alry Corps. The brigade was commanded by Col. J. Irvin Gregg, the division by Brig. Gen. D. McM. Gregg, and the corps by Maj. Gen. A. Pleasanton. In the same brigade with our regiment were the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Lieut. Col. J. K. Robinson ; First Maine, Lieut. Col. C. H. Smith ; Tenth New York, Maj. M. H. Avery. On the general staff were Captain, later Gen. Wesley Merritt, ambulance officer: and Captain, later Gen. Custer, the latter then already dis- tinguished for his fighting on foot, in the advance, with his carbine. The three battalions of our regiment were com-
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manded by Majors Covode, Biddle and Young. Co. A by Lieut. Joseph Andrews ; B, Capt. Frank H. Parke ; C, Capt. Robert D. Martin ; D, Capt. James T. Peale ; E, Capt. Robt. A. Robinson ; F. W. K. Lineaweaver ; G, Capt. Elias L. Gil- lespie ; H, Capt. Robert J. Phipps ; I, Lieut. Francis M. Ervay; K, Capt. James R. Grant ; L, Capt. Alender P. Duncan ; M. Capt. Alfred Dart, Jr .; Adjt. Lieut. A. B. White.
The campaign may be said to have been opened by the battle of Brandy Station, June 9th, 1863, a reconnoisance intended to ascertain whether the enemy was moving North. In this battle we formed a part of Gen. Duffie's division, which crossed at Beverly Ford, intending to effect a junction with Gen. Gregg's division which crossed at Kelly's Ford. During this action we were exposed to a severe artillery fire, and recrossed in the evening at Rappahannock Station. June 17 we were engaged at Aldie. June 18th we made a charge through the town of Middleburg and drove out the enemy, but finding the position untenable we retired from it at night. Next day, June 19th, we were ordered to retake the town, but, the enemy having been heavily reinforced, we found the task more difficult. Another charge followed, and we succeeded in dislodging them, and forcing them to take position about a mile west of the town, in a piece of woods, and behind the wall of a cemetery where they made an obstinate resistance. At last, by a united charge of our regiment and the First Maine, they were repulsed, and driven back to Upperville, June 20th we rested. June 2Ist we fought in the battle of Upperville, the account of which contained in the regimental report made Sept. 3d, 1863, is as follows :
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH PENNA. CAVALRY, I September 3d, 1863. 1
SIR :- I have the honor to report that on the morning of June 21st, I received orders from Col. Gregg to mount my regiment, which was encamped in the woods about one mile from Middleburg, on the Upperville road, and to move out in column of squadrons on the left of the Tenth New York and one battalion of the First Maine, on the right of the road lead- ing to Upperville, which I accordingly did. moving at inter- vals from the protection of one knoll to another, until we had
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advanced perhaps one mile, when my pioneer corps took pos- session of a small rifled gun which had been abandoned by the enemy in his flight. After proceeding about one mile farther I was ordered to cross the road and proceed parallel to it. This I did, at the same time deploying one company, dis- mounted, as skirmishers on my front, and afterward adding one squadron on my left. In this manner we reached a point within one-half mile of the town, occasional shots being exchanged between our skirmishers and those of the enemy. Here I was ordered to form my regiment as a support to and on the left of, I think, some regular regiments. Before the order to advance was given I was ordered to support Tidball's battery, then on the rising ground on the right of the road, in full view of the town and of the enemy. 1 ** 57825
After remaining here a short time I was ordered forward to the support of the battalion of the First Maine, which had been ordered to charge and drive the enemy from and beyond the town. I immediately ordered my regiment forward at a gallop, and after passing through and beyond the town some hundreds of yards, came up with the First Maine, which was formed on the road, apparently awaiting a charge by the enemy. In a few minutes the enemy # came dashing down the road, when I ordered my two first squadrons to advance carbines to be ready to receive them. The First Maine, after firing a few shots scattered to the right and left. The fire of my regiment being too hot for him, the enemy wheeled, and I ordered a charge, which was obeyed most promptly and gallantly by both officers and men. The enemy was driven from the field, leaving a number of killed, many wounded, and several prisoners in our hands. I then deployed two squadrons in the field on the right of the road as skir- mishers, falling back some distance in the field with the prin- cipal part of my command. The enemy again charged, my men at the same time wheeling, so as to throw a flank fire into him as he passed along the road.
About twenty of my men then dashed into the road in his rear, and after a desperate hand-to-hand conflict, utterly routed and discomfited him, thus preventing his escape and
#Imboden and Robinson's Confederate Cavalry.
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causing the capture of the entire party, variously estimated at from twenty to fifty men.
The division coming up at this time, it was impossible to give the exact number. I now received orders to rally my men and fall back beyond Upperville, where I encamped for the night. During the actions of the day the regiment sus- tained a loss of one killed, three severely wounded, one slightly wounded, and two taken prisoners. *
I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. E. DOSTER, Lieut .- Col. Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry.
To LIEUT. JOHN B. MAITLAND,
Act'g Asst. Adjt .- Gen. Third Cavalry Brigade.
The rest of the brigade was not engaged in the battle. +
On June 22d we retired from Upperville, # through Mid- dleburg to Aldie, with a strong rear guard, but there was no pursuit. On June 23d we marched to Leesburg, meeting a good deal of Union infantry marching in the same direction. June 24th, 25th and 26th, we were on picket at Goose Creek, with instructions to guard all roads leading to Edward's Ferry; and learned here that Lee was in Pennsylvania and Stuart behind us.
On June 27th we were ordered to fall back on the main body at Edward's Ferry, where we crossed the Potomac by a pontoon bridge in the evening, and reunited with the Army of ยท the Potomac. The same night we pushed forward towards Frederick, Md,, but the night being dark the regiments and
* Official report, two killed, nine wounded, five missing-total sixteen.
+ My brigade was not actually engaged in the battle of Upperville, on June 2Ist, except the Ist Maine and 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry, which was sent to the support of Gen. Kilpatrick in the afternoon. They charged the enemy repeatedly, driving him from town, and capturing one piece of artillery. Report of Col. J. Irvin Gregg.
: " We took two pieces of artillery, one being a Blakely gun, together with three caissons, besides blowing up one. We captured upwards of sixty prisoners, and more are coming in, including a Lieutenant Colonel, Major, and five other officers, besides a wounded Colonel, and a large number of wounded rebels in the town of Upperville. They left their dead and wounded upon the field. Of the former I saw upwards of twenty. We also took a large number of carbines, pistols and sabres. In fact, it was a most disastrous day for the rebel cavalry. Our loss has been very small both in men and horses. I never saw the troop, behave bet- ter, or under more difficult circumstances." Report of Gen. Pleasanton.
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brigades were all in confusion, and one-half of the Fourth strayed away. On Sunday morning, June 28th, we reached Jefferson, Md., and Frederick at 5 P. M., where the lost com- panies rejoined us. At Frederick we learned that Gen. Meade had superseded Gen. Hooker. On June 29th one of our men was killed in a brawl at Frederick. The same day we left Frederick and marched to Unionville. June 30th we passed through Westminister and camped near Manchester. On July Ist, at 5 o'clock in the morning, we reached Hanover, Penn- sylvania; and slept in a wheat field. At 7 in the morning we were on the march again. Here we were told that Lee's army was at Gettysburg, that a battle had been fought, that Rey- nolds had been killed, and Howard was in command.
We arrived on the field at II o'clock, A. M., of July 2d, and encamped in a clover field on the Breiter farm, where White's Run crosses the Baltimore Pike. Soon after our arrival, about noon or early in the afternoon, I was detached from the brig- ade and ordered to report directly to Gen. Pleasanton with my regiment, at Gen. Meade's headquarters on the Taneytown road. On our arrival there, I was ordered by Gen. Pleasanton to go with a Captian of his staff and support some artillery. This officer guided us across rocks and fields, about half a mile from, and to the left of the army headquarters, and stationed us on rocky ground, with a clump of woods in our rear and artillery just in front, a short distance north of Little Round Top. Beyond the artillery was the Union infantry line. Our regiment was stationed by squadron front, partly in the woods. When we arrived the Union artillery was hotly en- graged with the Confederate artillery posted on the opposing heights of Seminary Ridge, who had caught their aim well, and directed their fire upon us. + We stood exposed to this galling fire for several hours, during which time, the better to protect the men, I ordered them to dismount. None were killed, but many horses and men wounded. At last the staff officer who had placed us in position, relieved, and led us back
+ " The enemy's guns, which had been brought up in large numbers, were wheeled into position and answered, and soon after, along all that ridge, where he had advantageously posted battery on battery, seemingly an interminable line, the fire was terrific. and the very air was filled with shot and bursting shells, like hail in the thick coming storm." S. P. Bates, Martial Deeds of Pennsylvania, pp. 25y, second day of Gettysburg.
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to headquarters. The ground we occupied, as since identified by Captains Grant, Beatty and other comrades, was on the northeast corner of the Weikerd farm, near the present Han- cock Avenue. The clump of woods has since been cut down. It is to mark this spot that our monument is erected. On reaching headquarters the writer was invited to come into the farm house, and saw Gens. Meade, Butterfield and Pleasanton, sitting together in the inner room around a table. The latter remarked that there was no occasion for exposing the cavalry further, that Gen. Meade expected an attack on his right and rear, and that I should tell Gen. Gregg to keep a sharp look- out. I sent messengers to Gen. Gregg with this message and returned to the Breiter farm with the regiment, expecting to meet the division there, but no trace of it was left. It appears that at this time Gen. Gregg was skirmishing with the enemy about two miles east of Gettysburg, on the Hanover Pike, having with him the First and the rest of the Third Brigade. (See his report of July 25th, 1863.)
At 9 P. M. on the 2d, I was ordered to report again to Gen. Pleasanton, and under his personal superintendence, our regi- ment established a picket over the whole of the left of our line to the east of Gen. Meade's headquarters, and in advance of our infantry pickets, which we held until daybreak. We remained here on the reserve, a short distance south of the army headquarters on the Taneytown road, during the artil- lery duel between the two armies, until 2 P. M. of the 3d of July, when the enemy being reported advancing on the Littles- town road in our rear, I was ordered by Gen. Pleasanton to advance toward the right and hold them in check. Under these instructions we barricaded the Baltimore Pike and thren. out a skirmish line, in which duty we were joined by the First Massachusetts Cavalry, under Lieut. Col. Curtis, who had similar orders.# Hearing cannonading to the north of us, we concluded that this was the attack we were ordered to meet. and marching in parallel columns with the First Massachu- setts, we struck the Hanover Pike, where we found Gen.
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