USA > Pennsylvania > Fayette County > History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 44
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Col. Oliphant's hearing improving, along with im- provement of his general health, when, in February of 1863, a shock from the discharge of an overloaded musket kicked him over, cansing a severe contusion of the shoulder-blade and joint, which hastened the restoration of his hearing to a normal condition ; but it is yet dull, and at times inconveniently so, and the injury to the knee-joint is without much relief.
Having thus in a measure recovered from his disa- bility, in June of 1863, Col. Oliphant was appointed and commissioned in the United States Veteran Re- serve Corps with the rank of major, ordered on duty at Pittsburgh, then at Harrisburg, and in July was as- signed to the command of a detachment at Pottsville, in Schuylkill County. Promoted in August to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and in October to the rank of colonel, and assigned to the command of the second sub-district of the Lehigh, with headquarters at Pottsville, his duty there was to enforce the draft, and give protection to the coal operators who had large contracts with the government.
This was to him the most delicate and anxious period of his military service, to obey and follow out his orders and instructions fully and firmly without coming in conflict with the civil authorities.
Says The Miners Journal of April 2, 1864, " Col. Oliphant, of the 14th Veteran Reserve Corps, recently detached from this post with his command, carries with him the good wishes and kind regards of all who had the pleasure of enjoying his acquaintance; as an officer he was firm and faithful in the discharge of
1 American Standard, July, 1802.
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WAR OF THE REBELLION.
his duty, and the good order that prevailed here may in a great measure be attributed to his excellent jndg- ment. We part with him with sincere regret."
Arriving at Washington City, he was detached from the active command of his regiment and ordered on duty as the presiding officer of a board for the ex- amination of officers recommended for promotion, and when this board was discontinued he was de- tailed as the senior officer of a general court-martial in Washington.
In July of 1864, Gen. Jubal Early invaded Mary- land and threatened Washington. Col. Oliphant was sent to Philadelphia to bring down all the convales- cents from the hospitals fit for service in the defenses of the city. While mustering and equipping the men Jand communication between Philadelphia and Wash- ington was cut off by the rebels, but he took 1200 men by sea and the Potomac River into the defenses around Washington.
After Gen. Early's repulse he resumed court-martial duty, and so continued until early fall, when he was sent as senior officer of a board of inspection of men in hospitals. This duty brought him to Nashville in December, and he volunteered on the staff of Gen. Thomas for the battles of the 15th and 16th instant, in which the rebel army under Gen. Hood was de- stroyed.
Returning to Washington after these battles, he was again appointed presiding officer of a board of exami- nation, and continued on this, court-martial and special inspection duty until June 23, 1865, when he was pro- moted to the rank of brigadier-general by brevet, and assigned to the command of the Second Brigade of the garrison of Washington, with headquarters at East Capital Barracks.
While exercising this command the State trials for the murder of President Lincoln were conducted at the arsenal in Washington ; the guards were furnished from his brigade, and by special order from Gen. Augur to that effect, he largely increased the force and took command of the guard himself on the day of execution.
From this time he was actively though uncongeni- ally employed on provost duty, while Grant's and Sherman's armies were being passed through Wash- ington and disbanded, until late in November, 1865, when he was relieved and ordered home to await the further order of the War Department.
Gen. Oliphant spent the winter of 1865-66 in Har- risburg, in the service of the Pittsburgh and Con- nellsville Railroad Company, and on the Ist of July, 1866, was honorably discharged and mustered out of the military service of the United States.
In the spring of 1867 he moved to Princeton, N. J., for its educational advantages, having a large family of small boys; was admitted to the bar of that State, and resumed the practice of law.
His imperfect hearing and some impediment of speech, resulting from the paralysis, embarrassing
him in trials at the bar, and his old friend, Hon. Wil- liam MeKennan, having been appointed judge of the United States Circuit Court for the Third Circuit, including the district of New Jersey, he saw in this the probability of an appointment to office in the line of his profession more congenial to his tastes and physical condition; applied for and was appointed clerk of the court for the district of New Jersey in September, 1870. He is so employed at this writing. In the spring of 1874 he moved from Princeton to Trenton, where he now resides.
In March, 1847, Gen. Oliphant married Mary C., only child of John Campbell, of Uniontown, and has by her ten sons, all living. His wife Mary dying in October, 1875, some time thereafter he married a New Jersey lady, Miss Benlah A. Oliphant. Although of the same name, there is no consanguinity of blood between them.
Gen. Oliphant is a genial man, polite and even courtly in manners, and fond of society. His inti- mates are few, but they are stanch and true friends. He is a Republican in politics, and though not at all bitter in his advocacy of political doctrines, he is an effective public speaker.
OFFICERS AND MEN IN THE EIGHTH RESERVE FROM FAY- ETTE COUNTY.
COMPANY D.
Cyrus L. Conner, captain, must. in June 21, 1861 : captured at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862; returned to company Ang. 19, 1862; res. Dec. 25, 18G2.
S. B. Bennington, captain, must. in June 21, 1861 ; pro. from sergeant to second lieutenant Ang. 1, 1862; to captain May 1, 1863; wonuded at Fredericksburg, Va. ; must. out with compumy May 26, 1865.
Adam Jacobs, Jr., first lieutenant, must in June 21, 18G1 ; res. Jan. 7, 1862
George W. Miller, first lientenant, must. in June 21, 186] ; pro. from ser- geant to first serge.int; to first lieutenant Feb. 1, 1862; captured nt Charles City Cross-Ronds ; killed at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862.
Thomas McGee, first lieutenant, must. in June 21, 1861 ; pro. frum cor- poral to sergeant Oct. 1, 1861 ; to quartermaster-sergeant Nov. ], 1861 ; to first lieutenant March 1, 1864; app. A. R. Q. M. April 1, 1863 ; to A. C. S. 2d Brigade Oct. 8, 1863 ; to A. D. C. Jan. 26, 18G4 ; to A. D. (. to Col. Fisher, 3d Brigade, April 20, 1864; must. out with company May 26, 1864.
Robert Clark, second lieutenant, must. in June 21, 1861, traus. as second lientenant to U. S. A. Sept. 28, 1861.
Solomon G. Kropps, second lieutenant, must. in June 21, 18G1 ; pro. from first sergeant to second lieutenant Oct. 1, 1861 ; tosecond lientedant 4th Regt. U. S. Infantry April 18, 1862.
Joseph J. Bail, second lieutenant, must. in June 21, 1861 ; pro. from ser- grant to first sergeant ; to second lieutenant May 1, 1862; res. July 18, 1>62.
J. M. Annawalt, second lieutenant, must in June 21, 1861 ; pro. to second lieutenant May 1, 1863; killed at Robinson's Farm, May 10, 1864.
J. L. Shaw, first sergeant, must. in June 21, 1861 ; pro. to sergeant May 1, 1862 ; tu first sergeant July 1, 1862; must. out with company May 26, 1864.
William R. Wilkinson, sergeant, must. in June 21, 1861 ; pro, from cor- poral July 1, 18G1 ; killed at Charles City Cross-Roads, June 30, 176;2. Archibald F. Hill, sergeant, must. in June 21, 1861 ; pro. to corjenal .Inly 1, 18G1 ; to sergeant May 1, 1862; wounded at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862; di-ch. on surgeon's certificate December, 1862.
William Fullerton, sergeant, must. in June 21, 1861 ; pro. to corporal Jaly 1, 18Gl ; to sergeant Ang. 5, 1862: wouwled at Gaines' Mill; must. out with company May 26, 1864.
James B. Evans, sergeant, must. in July 8, 18G1 ; pro to corporal May 1, 1862; to sergeant Nov. 1, 18G2; nist. out with company May 20, 18Gł.
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
David C. Iluglies, sergeant, mist. in June 21, 18GI ; pro. to corporal Nov. 1, 1862 ; to sergt. Aug. 1, 1863 ; must, out with company May 26, 1864. Abram S. Haddock, sergeant, must. in June 21, 1861 ; pro. to corporal Nov. I, 1862; to sergeant Sept. 1, 1863; must. out with company May 26, 1864.
John II. Gue, corporal, must. in .Inne 21, 1861 ; pro. to corporal July 1, 1861 ; wounded at Charles City Cross-Roads; disch, on surgeon's certificate Jan. 26, 18G3.
Elias II. Dawson, corporal, must. in Oct. 14, ISG1; trans. to 191st Regt. I. V. May 15, 1864.
Edward Morgan, Jr., corporal, must. in July 8, 1861 ; pro. to corporal Nov. 1, 1862; most. out with company May 26, 1864.
Hamon Jeffries, corpsal, must. in June 21, 1861 ; pro. to corporal Nov. 1, 1862 ; wounded at Spottsylvania Court-House May 11, 1864; must. out with company May 26, 1864.
Julin Young, corporul, must. in June 21, 1861 ; pro. to corporal June 5, 1863; must. ont with company May 26, 1864.
Estep Williams, corporal, must. in July 8, ISG1 ; pro. to corporal Ang. I, 1863; wounded at Robinson's Farm, Va., May 8, 1862; absent at muster out.
E. F. Whitmer, corporal, must. in June 21, 18G1 ; pro. to corporal Ang. 1, 1863: most. out with company May 26, 1864.
Henry'C. Gapin, musician, must. in June 21, 1801 ; pro. to first lieuten- ant U. S. A. June 20, 1862.
Privates.
David Adams, must. in June 21, 1861. Jacob Archibald, must. in July 8, 1861.
Jolin Burke, must. in June 21, 1861.
William Bane, must. in July 8, 1861. James S. Binch, must. in June 21, 1861.
John F. Booth, must, in June 21, IS61. Eugene L. Beckley, must. in June 21, 1861.
John C. Bailey, must. in July 8, 1861. William N. Baker, must. in June 21, 1861. Charles E. Brawley, must. in July 8, 1861. Julin D. Brawley, must. in Juno 21, 1861. James M. Barber, must. in Sept. 2, 1861. Daniel Campbell, must. in July 8, 1801. William F. Chess, must. in June 21, 1861. David L. Croft, must. in June 21, 1861. William Clarke, must. in Sept. 2, INGL. Jacob Clarke, minst. in Sept. 2, 1861. Enoch Calvert, must in June 21, 1861. Peter Connolly, nmist. in June 21, 1861. Benjamin Clarke, must. in Sept. 2, 1861. Robert Campbell, must. in June 21, 18Gl. W. P. Dean, must. in June 21, 1861. James Devlin, must. in June 21, 1801. Frederick Danbert, minst. in June 21, 1861. John H. Ebbert, must. in July 8, 1861. Fleming Evans, mu-t in July 8, 18GI. Thomas Fewster, minst. in June 21, 1801. James E. Gaskill, must. in June 21, 1861. William K. Gregg, must. in June 21, 1861. Henry J Gottnley, minst. in June 21, 1861. Thomas Grace, minst. in July 8, 1861. Sunvel D. Gaskell, must. in Feb. 19, 1864. William H. Hoffman, must. in July 8, 1861. James Hassan, must. in July 8, 1861, Benjamin A. Hoffman, must. in July 8, 1861. Worcester Haddock, must, in June 21, 1861. James ILne, inst. in June 21, 1861. John C. Hughes, must in Sept. 2, 1861.
J. Hoxenbaugh, Jr., must. in Feb. 19, 1864. David lazeu, nist. in June 21, 1861. Robert Hanght. ma t in June 21, 18Gl. James J.wrobs, must. in Sept. 2, 1862. Benjamin Jeffries, Jr , must. in Feb. 23, 1864. Victor Jones, must, in June 21, 1861. John W. Kissinger, must. in July 8, 1861. Joseph Kennedy, omst. in Feb. 23. 1861. George W. Levitre, must in June 21, 1801. James Lucas, must in July 8, 1861. Elwin HI. Layton, must. in March 24, 1864. William Lucas, must. in Sept. 21, 1861. Mahlon Lynch, must. in Feb. 20, 1864.
Daniel Mc Williams, must. in June 21, 1861. D. McWilliams, must. in June 21, 1861.
William Moutonia, must. in June 21, 1861. Isaac Mayhorn, minst. in June 21, 1861. David Malone, must. in June 21, 1861. William C. Mitchell, must. in June 21, 1861. William Me Williams, mu-t. in Juno 21, 1861. George Ort, must. in July 8, 18GI. N. H. Patterson, must. în Feb. 19, 1864. Charles W. Page, must. in July 8, 1861. James S. Rohrer, must. in June 21, 1861. James Ryan, must. in June 21, 1861. George Raum, must. in June 21, 1801. Rudolph Rhyn, must. in July 8, 1861. Ilenry Rhyn, must. in July 29, 1861. Jamies Roland, must. in July 8, 1801. William HI. Ritchie, minst. in June 21, 1861.
Nicholas C. Rhyn, most. in June 21, 1861.
William F. Stewart, must. in June 21, 1861. David Seese, must. in June 21, 1861. James Smith, Dost. in July 8, 18GI. George W. Scott, must. in June 21, 1861. John Simmons, minst. in June 21, 1861.
Thomas Simpson, must. in June 21, 1861. Nicholas C. Swearer, must. in June 21, 18GI.
John Swearer, must. in June 21, 1861. Enos K. Straun, must. in July 8, 1861, William Sprowles, must. in June 21, 1861. William Smith, must. in June 21, 1861. John L. Taylor, must. in June 21, 1861. James Troth, naust. in June 21, 1861.
William P. Trump, must. in June 21, 1SG1. W. Il. Underwood, must. in June 21, 1861. George Waggoner, umst. in June 21, 1861.
O. A. Waggoner, must. in June 21, 1861. John W. Watkins, must. in June 21, 1861. Simeon B. Wigle, must. in June 21, 1861. George W. Winders, must. in March 24, 18G4. John Woodward, must, in June 21, 1861. David C. Winder, must. in June 21, 1861. Robert Young, must. in June 21, 1801.
COMPANY G.
S. Duncan Oliphant, captain, must. in April 24, 1861 ; pro. to lientenant- colonel Jone 28, 1861.
Jesse B. Gardner, captain, must. in April 21, 1861 ; pro. from first lien- tenant to captain June 28, 1861 ; to major Dec. 7, 1861.
William Searight, captain, must. in April 24, 1801; pro. from sergeant Doc. 30, 18G1; res. May 21, 1862.
Henry C. Dawson, captain, must. in April 24, ISGI ; pro. from sergeant to first sergeant June 28, 18G1 ; to second lientenant Nov. 15, 1861; to captain May 22, 1862; must. out with company May 24, 1864.
Jesse B. Ramsey, first lieutenant, must. in April 24, 1861 : pro. from second lieutenant June 28, 1861 ; must. out with company May 24, 1864.
Henry W. Patterson, second lieutenant, must. in April 24, 18G1; pro. from first sergeant to secund lieutenant June 28, 18GI ; to adjutant July, 1861.
II. HI. Maguilken, second lieutenant, must. in April 24, 1801 ; pro. from corporal to sergeant Jan. 28, 1867 ; to first sergeant Jan. 1, 1862; to second lieutenant June 16, 1862; must. out with company May 24, 1664.
John O. Stewart, first sergeant, must. in April 21, 1861 ; pro. from ser- geant to first sergeant ; killed at Bull Run, Ang. 30, 1862.
Martin V. B. Hazen, first sergeant; must. in April 24, 1861 ; pro. from corporal to sergeant Jan. 1, 1862; to first sergeaut; trans, to Co. G, 19Ist Regt. P. V, May 15, 1864; vet.
William Leithead, sergeant, must. in April 24, ISC1; pro. from private Jan. 1, 1862; killed at Gainesville, Ang. 28, 1862.
Albert Rohland, sergeant, must. in May 29, 18G1 ; pro. to corporal Jan. 1, 1862; to sergeant ; disch, March 26, 1863, for wounds received in action.
Thomas W. Springer, sergeant, must. in April 24, 1861 ; pro. to corporal ; to sergeant ; trans to Co. G, 191st Regt. P. V., May 15, 1864; vet. Isaac A Moore, sergeant, must. in April 24, 1861 ; pro. to corporal; to sergeant ; trans. to Go. G, 19Ist Regt. P. V., Muy 15, 1864 ; vet.
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WAR OF THE REBELLION.
Jumes W. Eberhart, sergeant, must, in July 12, 1861 ; pro. to sergeant; trans. to Co. G, 191st Regt. P. V., May 15, 1864 ; vet.
Joseph W. Sturgis, sergeant, must. in April 24, 1861 ; pro. to corporal ; to sergeant; trans. to Co. G, 191st Regt. P. V., May 15, 1864 ; vet. George B. Rutter, corporal, must. in April 24, 18G1 ; pro. to corporal Jan. 1, 1862; minst. out with company May 24, 1864.
William D. Nesmith, corporal, orust. in April 24, 1861; died Oct. 15, 1862; buried at Alexandria, Va., grave 1787.
Thomas Il. White, corporal, must. in May 21, 18GI ; died nt Camp Pier- pont, Va., Dec. 9, 1861.
William Mitchell, corporal, must. in May 23, 1861 ; killed at Fredericks- burg, Dec. 13, 1862.
Henry Larke, corporal, must. in April 24, 18G1 ; disch. May 30, 1863, for wounds received at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862.
Rawley 11. Jolliff, corporal, must. in April 24. 1861 ; traus. to Co. G, 191st Regt. P. V., May 15, 1864; vet.
James C. Darnell, corporal, must. in April 24, 1861 ; trans. to Co. G, 191st Regt. P. V., May 15, 1864; vot.
John L. Francis, corporal, must. in July 20, 1861 ; trans. to Co. G, 191st Regt. P. V., Mny 15, 1864; vet.
Henry C. Bunting, musician, must. in April 22, 1861; trans. to Co. G, 191st Regt. P. V., May 15, 1864; vet.
Julin Collins, musician, must. in April 24, 18G1; trans. to Co. G, 191st Regt. P. V., May 15, 1864; vet.
Privates.
George II. Ashcroft, mnst. in July 20, 1861.
James P. Ashcroft, must. in July 18, 1861. James Axton, must. in July 20, 1861.
Juhu Bierer, must. in April 24, 1861. Morgan Barciny, must. in Mny 24, 1861. William Buruham, must. in July 12, 1861. John Billinger. must. in Feb. 21, 1804. Jared Beach, must. in May 24, 1861. Jacob Bowers, must. in May 30, 1861. Thomas Brown, must. in May 15, 1861. Ephraim D. Daer, must. in May 24, 18G]. John T. Booth, must. in May 24, 1861. F. O'Bijen.
James C. Clark, must, in May 24, 1861. H. Cunningham, nmst. in April 24, 1861. James D. Cope, must. in July 20, 1861. Daniel F. Darr, must. in May 24, 1861. George W. Darby, minst. in April 24, 1861. Henry C. De Wolfe, must. in June 15, 1861. Henry D. Dond, must, in June 3, 1861. Suinnel Drum, must, in May 26, 1861. Cyrus Ei-lie, must in May 27, 1861. Amos Fry, must. in Feb. 21, 1864. John Grimes, must. in April 24, 1861. James Gamble, must. in Feb, 21, 1864. James Hoover, must. in May 24, 1861.
Sammel Ilixson, must. in June 19, 1861. Daniel Householder, must. in June 18, 1861. Charles Herse, must. in April 2, 1864. Isane Jaquette, must. in April 24, 1861.
Jeremiah B. Jones, must. in May 13, JSG1 ; re-enl. March 30, 1864. William Z. Kendall, must. in May 31, 1861.
Job King, must. in June 19, 1861. Nicholas Kissinger, must, in May 23, 1861. Alfred Kerr, must. in April 24, 1861. Joseph D. Long, must. in April 24, 186]. James C. McNamee, must. in May 24, 1861. Isaac N. Mitchell, must. in June 23, 1863. Michael P. Miller, must. in June 19, 1861. James Marshall, must. in May 24, 1861. John McClean, must. in April 24, 1861. Gottlieb Myers, must. in March 1, 1862. John Malone, must. in Feb. 21, 1864. James C. Malone, must. in Feb. 21, 1864. Julin II. Ne-mith, must. iu May 24, 1861. Jordan M. Nesmith, nmst. in May 23, 1861. Audrew F. Neff, mnat. in May 24, 1861. William V. Nesmith.
Levi Ogle, must. in May 14, 1861. William Peters, minst, in May 30, 1861. George Prond, must. in June 19, 1861.
Thomas J. Parker, most. in July 9. 18GI. William Philip, must. in June 10, 1861. Reuben Reed, must, in May 24, 1861.
Adoniram J. Reid, must. in April 24, 1861. David Richie, must, in May 24, 1861. James D. Ramsey, must, in April 24, 1861.
William Robland, must. in July 20, 1861.
Thomas Rhodebach, must. in Feb. 21, 1864. John R. Rutter, must. in April 24, 1861. Isaac Sampul, must. in April 24, 1861. John Sisler, must. in April 24, 1861. Sammel Sager, must, in May 23, 1861. James Smith, must. in July 18, 1861. Patrick Toohey, must. in April 24, 1861.
Joseph C. Thornton, must. in April 24, 1861.
Llewellyn Vanghan, must. in May 24, 1861.
Joseph Widdup, must. in May 24, 1861. Henry G. Whaley, must. in Nov. 20, 1863.
Joseph L. Warrick, must. in June 12, 1861. George Walker, must. in May 30, 1861.
James M. Wells, must. in April 24, 1861. Bartholomew Warman, must. in June 19, 1861.
Wilson S. Work, must. in May 26, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 15, 1863. Samnel Wilcox, must. in June 19, 18G1.
ELEVENTH RESERVE REGIMENT.
The Eleventh Reserve, or Fortieth Pennsylvania Regiment (three years' service), was made up of one company from Fayette County, two from Westmore- land, two from Indiana, two from Butler, and one from each of the counties of Cambria, Armstrong, and Jef- ferson. Most of these companies had been raised for the three months' service, but had failed of acceptance for the short term. The Fayette County company ("F," recruited at Uniontown) had for its original officers Capt. Everard Bierer, First Lieut. Peter A. Johns, Second Lieut. John W. De Ford.
The companies were rendezvoused at Camp Wright, on the Allegheny River, twelve miles above Pittsburgh, and there mustered into the State service. Early in July, 1861, the Eleventh Reserve Regiment was or- ganized under the following-named officers : Colonel, Thomas F. Gallagher ; Lientenant-Colonel, James R. Porter ; Major, Samuel M. Jackson ; Adjutant, Peter A. Johns, of Uniontown, a soldier of the Mex- ican war. On the 24th of the same month the regi- ment moved by way of Harrisburg and Baltimore to Washington, D. C., where it arrived on the 26th, and where, on the 29th and 30th, it was mustered into the United States service, about nine hundred strong. Soon afterwards the regiment marched to Tenallytown, Md., where it encamped with the other regiments of the Reserve division, under Maj .- Gen. McCall. The Eleventh was assigned to duty in the Second Brigade, under command of Brig .- Gen. George G. Meade. The other regiments composing that brigade were the Third Reserve (Col. H. G. Siekel ), the Fourth (Col. Robert G. March), the Seventh (Col. E. B. Harvey), and the Thirteenth (" Buck- tails"), under Col. Charles J. Biddle.
After a stay of about two months at Tenallytown and vicinity the regiment moved with the division (October 9th) across the Potomac, and took position in the line of the Army of the Potomac between
200
HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Langley and Lewinsville, Va., a location on which was made its winter-quarters. On the 10th of March, 1862, it moved from its winter eamp, and with the division made the marches (before mentioned in con- nection with the Eighth Reserve Regiment) to Hun- ter's Mills, on the advance towards Manassas, and thence back towards the Potomac on the Alexandria road, through almost bottomless mud and drenching rain. Arriving at Fairfax Seminary, south of Alex- andria, it went into camp, and remained on duty in that vicinity for more than three weeks. During that time the division was assigned to the First Army Corps under Gen. Irwin McDowell, and on the 9th of April it moved from Fairfax to Catlett's Station, where it eneamped for a short time, and then marched to Falmouth, on the Rappahannock. While there (May 17th) Adjt. Peter A. Johns, of Fayette County, was promoted to major, vice Litzinger, resigned.
On the 9th of June the regiment with its brigade was embarked for transportation to the Peninsula to join the Army of the Potomac. It arrived at White House, on the Pamunkey River, Va., on the 11th, and was immediately moved to the front on the Chicka- hominy, taking position on the right of the army line at Mechanicsville. In the severe battle at that place on the 26th of June the Eleventh did not take active part, though it lay for a long time under a heavy fire.
On the following day (June 27th ) in the terrific bat- tle of Gaines' Mill the Eleventh fought with the most determined bravery and suffered a great disaster. From its position in the second line it was ordered forward late in the afternoon to relieve the Fourth New Jersey, which had been closely engaged in the front line until its ammunition was almost exhausted. The Eleventh took its place unfalteringly, and deliv- ered a fire that sent the enemy staggering back from its front. But while in this advanced position the troops on its right and left were driven back by over- powering numbers, and the enemy, advancing, poured in a destructive fire on both flanks of the exposed regiment. Maj. Johns rode quickly to the left to stop the firing (supposing it to come from some of the Union troops under a mistake), and in a few moments was a prisoner in the hands of the enemy. Nearly the entire regiment soon afterwards met the same fate, as is recounted in the following extract from Gen. McCall's official report of the operations of the day, viz. : "The only occurrence of this day's battle that I have cause to regret (except the loss of many brave officers and men, whose fall I sincerely mourn ) is the capture by the enemy of a large portion of the Eleventh Regiment of the Reserves, Colonel Gal- lagher commanding. This regiment of Meade's bri- gade had, in the course of the afternoon, relieved the Fourth New Jersey Regiment, Colonel Simpson (ma- jor United States Topographical Engineers), the latter promising to support the former in case of being hard pressed. In the heat of the action, the Eleventh Regiment becoming enveloped in the smoke of battle,
continued the fight after the rest of the line had re- tired, having been closely engaged with a rebel regi- ment in front, and before the colonel was aware that he had been left alone on the field, he found himself under the fire of two regiments, one on either flank, besides the one in front. Notwithstanding the peril of his position, he gallantly kept up a galling fire on the advancing foe as he himself retired in good order on the Fourth New Jersey. Here, to crown his ill fortune, he found that he, as well as Colonel Simpson, was completely surrounded, a strong force having al- ready taken position in his immediate rear. The sit- uation of these two brave regiments, which had so nobly maintained their ground after all had retired, was now hopeless; their retreat was entirely cut off by the increasing force of the enemy, who were still advancing, and they were compelled to surrender. No censure can possibly attach to either Colonel Gal- lagher or Colonel Simpson or the brave men of their respective regiments on account of this ill turn of for- tune; but, on the contrary, they are entitled to the credit of having held their ground until it was tenable no longer." The loss of the Eleventh in the bloody encounter of the afternoon was forty-six killed and one hundred and nine wounded.
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