History of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Part 54

Author: Bean, Theodore Weber, 1833-1891, [from old catalog] ed; Buck, William J. (William Joseph), 1825-1901
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1534

USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > History of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania > Part 54

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Frederick Kremer, must. in Oct. 16, 1861 ; must. out Oct. 15, 1864, exp. of term.

Amos Kepner, must. in Feb. 26, 1864; pro. to 2d lient. U. S. C. troops Nov. 2, 1864.

Richard S. Kartsher, must. in Jan. 24, 1863; disch, by G. O. July 5, 1865.

Benneville Kulp, must. in Feb. 16. 1864 ; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps Oct. 6, 1864.

Nathan Kulp, must, in Oct. 16, 1861; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps Nov. 6, 1863.

Charles Law, must. in Oct. 12, 1864; substitute ; must. out with company July 25, 1865.

George W. Lewis, must. in Feb. 15, 1864 ; must. out with company July 27, 1865.

Oliver Lewis, must. in Det. 8, 1864 ; substitute; must, out with company July 27, 1865.

Iliram Lewis, must. in Oct. 7, 1804 ; substitute ; must. ont with company July 27, 1865.

Frederick Lemkuhl, must. in Jan. 25, 1865; must. out with company July 27, 1865.

Jeremiah Lemkuhl, 'must. in Feb. 6, 1865 ; minst. out with company July 27, 1865.

Benjamin Leister, must. in April 3, 1865 ; must, out with company July 27, 1×G5.

Christian Loch, minst. in May 19, 1864; disch. by G. O. May 15, 1865.

William 11. Lewis, must. in Feb. 15, 1864 ; trans. to Yet. Res. Corps Feb. 2, 1865.

Henry S. Leutz, must. in Oct. 16, 1861; killed at Antietam Sept. 17, 1862.

Bruno Mandley, must. in Jan. 25, 1865 ; must. out with company July 27, 1×05.

Peter L. Miller, must. in March 16, 1864; must. out with company July 27, 1865.

Enos G. Minard, must. in Jan. 16, 1865 ; must. out with company July 27, 1865.

Dwight W. Menell, must. in Sept. 30, 1864; disch. on surg. certif. Dec. 22, 1×64.

David Munsick, must. in Oct. 16, 1861 ; disch, on surg. certif. Feb. 4, 1863. Joseph C. Millhouse, must. in Oct. 16, 1861 ; trans. to regimental band Nov. 16, 1861.

Samuel MeClenman, must. in Feb. 16, 1864; must. out with company July 27. 1865.

Sammel McCarter, must. in Feb, 12, 1864 ; must. out with company July 27, 18G5.

George K. MeMiller, must. in Feb. 16, 1864 ; must. out with company July 27, 1865.

Christ. McCormick, must. in Nov. 28, 1861; mmist. out Nov. 27, 1864, exp. of term.

Reuben McKrever, must. in Oct. 16, 1x61; died nt Norristown, Pa., March 17, 1864 ; Veteran.

William McIntire, must. in Det. 16, 1861 ; captured ; died at Anderson- ville, Ga., April 10, 1864, grave 461.

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THE GREAT REBELLION.

James McGlinchy, must. in Jan. 6, 1865.

Robert McGee, must. in Oct. 16, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. lies. Corps Nov. 6, 1863.

Francis McFadden, must. in Oct. 16, 1861; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps | Nov. 6, 1863.

Hugh MeGucken, must. in Sept. - , 18G1.

George W. Neece, must. in Feb. 26, 1864 ; absent, in arrest, at muster out.

Abraham Pilkington, must. in Aug. 24. 1864; absent, in arrest, at inuster out.

William Pyle, must. in Jan. 26, 1865 ; must. ont with company July 27, 1865.

Patrick Quinn, must. in April 1, 18G5 ; must ont with company July 27, 1865.

Edwin W. Reed, must. in Oct. 16, 1861 ; must. ont with company July 1865 ; veteran.

George M. Reed, must. in Feb. 26, 1864; must. out with company July 27, 1865.

William O. Rider, must. in Feb. 14, 1864 ; must. ont with company July 27, 1865.

Frederick Reigle, must. in Feb. 20, 1864; must. out with company, July 27, 1865.

Joseph C. Rambo, must. in June I, 1861 ; absent at muster out.

Erastus Robb, must. in Oct. 13, 1864; substitute; must. out with com- pany July 27, 1865.

William H. B. Ramsey, must. in Oct. 16, 1861 : must. out Oct. 15, 1864, exp. of term.

Henry Reinhart, must. in Jan. 26, 1865.

Benjamin Rolen, must. in Oct. 16, 1861 ; trans. to regimental band Nov. 16, 1861.

Jarrett D. Scholl, must. in Oct. 12, 1864; substitute ; must. out with com- pany July 27, 1865.

James Shorthill must. in Oct. 14, 1864 ; substitute ; must. out with com- pany July 27, 1865.

Frank Sherer, must. in Oct. 14, 1864 ; substitute ; must. out with com- pany July 27, 1865.

Daniel Smith, must. in Oct. 14, 1864; substitute ; must out with company July 27, 1865.

John F. Sayres, must. in Sept. 23, 1864 ; drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 2, 1865.

Franklin Schreck, must. in Sept. 23, 1×64; drafted; disch. by G. O. June 2, 1865.

Josepl: Seylor, must. in Oct. 14, 1864; substitute; disch. by G. O. June 5, 1865.

Jacob K, Shiffer, must. in Sept. 22, 1×64 ; drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 2, 1865.

George Shuler, must. in Sept. 29, 1864; drafted; disch. hy G. O. June 2, 1865.

Henry V. Syock, must. in Sept. 27, 1864 ; drafted ; disch, by G. O. June 2, 18G5.

Henry Shaeffer, must. in Jan. 25, 1865 ; died May 4, 1865; buried in National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.

Henry Shultz, must. in Oct. 16, 1861 ; killed at Antietam Sept. 17, 1862. Jacob Sassaman, must. in Oct. 16, 1861 ; trans. to 2d U. S. Cav., date un- known.

Samuel Taylor, must. in Feb. 16, 1864 ; must. out with company July 27, 1865.

Samuel D. Torrence, niust. in Oct. 16, 1861 ; minst. ont Oct. 14, 1864 ; exp. of term.

Albert Teaney, must. in Feb. 15, 1864 ; disch. by G. O. June 3, 1865.

John Time, must. in Oct. 14, 1864 ; substitute ; disch. by G. O. June 5, 1865.

Charles Thompson, must. in Oct. 16, 1861 ; trans. to regimental band, Nov. 16, 1861.

Peter Urbine, must. in Oct. 16, 1861 ; died, date unknown.

James Waddle, must. in Oct. 12, 1864; substitute ; must. out with company July 27, 1865.

Jacob Wheatley, must. in Jan. 26, 1865; must. ont with company July 27, 1865.

Adam Wentzel, nmst. in Oct. 16, 1861 ; must. out with company July 27, 1865 ; veteran.

Howard Wilson, must. in Feb. 26, 1864; must. out with company July 27, 1865.

William S. Wicks, must. in Feb. 29, 1864; must. out with company July 27, 1865.

Jonathan Wisler, unist. in Oct. 16, 1861; must. out with company July 27, 1865 ; veteran.

George D. Williams, must. in Oct. 16, 1861 ; must. out with company 27, 1863 ; veteran.

James Wyatt, must. in Jan. 25, 1865 ; must. out with company July 27, 1×65.

Samuel D. Weidner, must. in Ort. 16, 1861 ; disch. by G. O. June 25, 1×65 ; veteran.

Alexander Woodward, must. in Sept. 27, 1864; drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 2, 1865.

Ilenry White, must. in Oct. 16, 1861; died at Washington, D. C., of wounds received in action, July 5, 1864.

Charles Wagoner, must. in Feb. 15, 1864; killed at Petersburg, Va., March 25, 1865; buried in Uth Army Corps Cemetery Meade Station, Va.

Mark Widger, must. in Oct. 16, 1861 ; disch. on surg. certif. Oct., 1862.

William White, must. in Oct. 16, 1861; disch, ou surg. errtif. Feb. 28, 1×63.

William Workizer, must. in Oct. 16, 1861; trans, to regimental band, Nov. 16, 1861.

William Wise, must. in Oct. 16, 1561 ; died Nov. 1862.

Joseph (. Young, must. in Oct. 16, 1861 ; must, out with company July 27, 1865 ; veteran.

Jobn M. Young, must. in Oct. 16, 1861 ; drowned by sinking of West l'oint. Oct. 26, 1862.

Below are the battles in which the Fifty-first Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers participated from its first entrance on the field to its retirement from camp-life,-

Roanoke Island, February 7 and 8, 1862; Newbern, N. C., March 13 and 14, 1862 ; Camden, N. C., April 19, 1862; Bull Run, Va., August 29 and 30, 1862; Chantilly, Va., September 1, 1862 ; South Mountain, Sep- tember 14, 1×62 ; Antietam, September 17 and 18, 1862 ; Fredericksburg, December 12, 13 and 14, 1×62 ; Vicksburg, Miss., June 16 to July 4, 1863 ; Jackson, Miss., July 8 to July 18, 1863 ; Campbell's Station, Tenn., No- vember 16, 1863 ; Knoxville. Tenn., November 17 to December 5, 1803; Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864 ; Spottsylvania, Va., May 12 to 14, 1864 ; Cold Harbor, Va., May 31 to June 8, 1864 ; Petersburg, Va., June 16 to Angust 18, 1864 ; Yellow Tavern, Va., August 19, 1864; Weldon Rail- road, Va., August 21, 1864 ; Ilatcher's Run, Va., October 27, 28 and 29, 1864; Petersburg, November 29, 1864, to April 2, 1865.

Skirmishes .- Kelly's Ford, 1862; Rappahannock, 1862; Warrenton, 1862; Sulphur Springs, Va., November 16, 1862; Sulphur Springs, August 24, 1862 ; Upperville, Va. 1862; Fairfax Court House, 1862; Big Black, Miss., July 6, 1863; Jackson, Miss., July 7, 1863 ; London, Tenn., November 15, 1863 ; Lenoir, Tenn., November 15, 1863 ; Rutledge, Tenn., December 16, 1863 ; Blain's Cross-Ronds, December1 8, 1863 ; Pop- lar Grove Church, 1864 ; Bethesda Church, 1864 ; Peeble's Farm, 1864 ; Ream's Station, 1864 ; Weldon Railroad, 1864 ; besides a large number of minor importance, of which there are memoranda.

Below is a perfectly reliable statement of the dis- tances traversed by the Fifty-first Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, by marches, transports and rail- way, as taken from a diary,-

From Bridgeport to Harrisburg, 95 miles ; from Harrisburg to Anna- polis, MId., 123 miles ; from Aquia Creek to Fredericksburg, 15 miles ; from Bealton to Culpepper Court House, Va., 15 miles ; from Fredericksburg to Aquia Creek, 15 miles ; from Baltimore, MII., to Paris, Ky., 778 miles ; from Nicholasville, Ky., to Cairo, III., 508 miles ; from Cairo, 111., to Nicholas- ville, Ky., 508 miles ; from Knoxville to London, Tenn., 28 miles ; from Nicholasville, Ky., to Bridgeport, Pa., 789 miles; from Bridgeport, Pa., to llarrisburg, l'a., 95 miles ; from Harrisburg to Annapolis, Md., 123 miles ; from Washington, D. C., to Harrisburg, 124 miles; from Harris- burg to Bridgeport, 95 miles: total by rail, 3311 miles. By transports from Annapolis to Fortress Monroe, tbence to Roanoke Island, to New- bern, to landing at Albemarle Sound, back to Newbern, to Ilatteras Inlet, back to Newbern, to Newport News, to Aquia Creek, to Baltimore, from Cairo to Vicksburg and back to Cairo, from City Point to Washington, from Washington to Alexandria : total, 5390 miles. By marches, total, 1738 miles ; by water, total, 5390 miles; by railway, total, 3311 miles, -- aggregate, 10,439 miles.

NOTE 1 .- " HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,

" VICKSBURG, Miss., July 31, 1863.

" In returning the Ninth Corps to its former command, it is with

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

pleasure that the general commanding acknowledges its valuable services in the campaign just closed. Aiming at Vicksburg, opportunely taking position to hold at bay Johnston's army, then threatening the forces in- vesting the city, it was ready and cager to assume the aggressive at any moment.

"After the fall of Vicksburg it formed part of the army which drove Johnston from his position near the Big Black River into his intrench- ments at Jackson, and after a siege of eight days compelled him to fly in disorder from the Mississippi Valley.

"The endurance, valor and general good conduct of the Ninth Corps are admired by all, and its valuable co-operation in achieving the final triumph of the campaign is gratefully acknowledged by the Army of the Tennessee.

" Major-General Parke will cause the different regiments and batteries of his command to iescribe upon their banners and guidons 'Vicksburg and Jackson.'

" By order of

"MAJOR-GENERAL U. S. GRANT.

"T. S. BOWERS, .I. A. Adjutant-General."

NOTE 2 .- A hidden fellowship always lurked under the blue and gray. The following episode between the pickets on the line of the Rappahan- nock by men of the Fifty-first illustrates the fact :

"The best of feeling was expressed by both parties, and if a stray hog should hy chance come within sight hoth Reb and Yank would start off in pursuit of the porker, and catch and slanghter it, and then divide it equally between them with many jocular remarks about the mode of living that each army was subject to. The commencement of cessation of hostilities by both sets of pickets began with hallooing to each other, then with the poking up of heads alwwe their rude breastworks, and then by exposing themselves outside of the works, finally feeling some conli- dence in each other, and no shots being fired aloog either line, they be- gan by advancing towards one another. Between the two picket-lines flowed a stream of water ; this was the Rappahannock of the two parties; when both parties met near the stream the following introductory re- marks took place, the Rebs asking :

"" Hallo, Yanks, what regiment ?'

" Yank-'The Fifty-first Pennsylvania.'

" Reb-'D- good boys, too.'

" Y'ank-' Say, Johanies, what regiments ?'

" Reb-' Eighty-eighth Tennessee, Second Georgia and Fourth Missis- sippi.'

" Yank-' We've met you chaps before.'

" Reb-' Yes, several times ; come across the creek.'

" Yank-' Can't see it ; will you reach your hand out ?'

" Reb-'Yes, here ; give us your hand; now, jumpl' and over one went, and in a few minutes the Fifty-first boys were on the rebel side, and in return the rebels came over to our side, and all the civilities of an enlightened race were extended to one another.

" The pickets of both lines made a treaty between themselves not to fire a gun at each other during that relief, which would be until four o'clock the next morning, and with true faith was it carried out, al- though the flag of truce expired at 5 P.M. There was not a solitary shot fired until the next relief was put on the next morning."

Colonel Bolton made a farewell address to his com- mand in the following order, as published to the regiment :

" HEADQUARTERS 518T REGT. P. V. V. "ALEXANDRIA, VA., July 26, 1865. 5

"' Officers and men of the 51st Regt. Penn. Vet. Vols. :

" In a very few days this organization will cease to exist. Our mission has been fulfilled, the armed hosts of the enemy oo longer defy us, our long, fatiguing marches and hard fighting and weary watching for the enemy, day and night, are things of the past. You have, by your patriotic devotion, assisted in establishing a country, one, graod, glorious and indeed free. For dearly four years I have been associated with you, and for over one year of that time I have had the hooor to be your com- mander. I would not be doing myself or you justice without giving ex- pression to my feelings. A thousand thanks are due to both officers and men for your prompt obedience to all my orders, and my love is increased by the remembrance of your bravery and gallantry, as you have so often displayed on many a bloody field. But, alas ! many of our organization now sleep in the valley of the dead ; they sleep in honored graves. And it is with pleasure that we can think of their many virtues, their valor in the field, and their cheerful voice in camp, and hope that they have re-

ceived their gulden reward in heaven. When all looked gloomy, you wore cheerful faces ; and when orders were exacting, you always cheer- fully obeyed. When fighting against overwhelming odds, and by superior numbers compelled to retreat, you have ever evinced that noble, praise- worthy characteristic of a good soldier, 'repulsed, but not whipped,' 'defeated, but not conquered.' I feel sad to part with you ; we may never meet again. You are about to return to your homes, and assume the garb and customs of private citizens. I am a young man ; there are amongst yon many who are old enough, perhaps, to be my father ; time has whitened your hoary locks. I candot part with yon without urging that if you have acquired bad habits, incidental to camp life, to make a firm resolve to break off at once, and show to your friends at home that you can be as good and law-abiding citizens as you have been good, brave and exemdary soldiers.

" I need not particularize separately your many deeds ; they all have been fairly won. The record you bear on your silken colors have been honestly won by the blood of your companions and the deep scars many of yon bear upon your persons. You need no marble shaft to commem- orate your many valorous deeds ; your scars, your sacrifices and the noble acts of gallantry you have displayed will be your monument. Posterity will applaud you as the redeemers of our country, the world will admire your sell'-sacrificing devotion to your country.

" I now bid you farewell, and when the war of this life is over with us, when we shall have performed our last earthly mission, may we all meet in heaven is the earnest prayer of the colonel commanding.

" With my kindest wishes for your future prosperity, 1 bid you fare- well.

"WM. J. BOLTON, Colonel Fifty-first P. V. T."

Fifty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers.

-On the 21st of August, 1861, John R. Brooke, of Pottstown, Montgomery Co., was commissioned colonel of the Fifty-third Regiment. He had served as cap- tain of the Fourth (three months') Regiment. Re- cruiting was immediately commenced, and on the 28th of September the first company was mustered into the service of the United States. Company A was recruited in Pottstown, B in Chester and Mont- gomery Counties, C in Blair and Huntingdon, D in Centre and Clearfield, E in Carbon and Union, F in Luzerne, G in Potter, H in Northumberland, I in Juniata and K in Westmoreland. During the period of its organization it occupied Camp Curtin, and while here did provost guard duty in Harrisburg. The following field officers were selected : John R. Brooke, colonel; Richard MeMichael, of Reading, Berks Co., lieutenant-colonel; and Thomas Yeager, of Allen- town, Lehigh Co., major. Charles P. Hatch, of Phil- adelphia, was appointed adjutant.

On the 7th of November it moved to Washington and encamped north of the capitol. On the 27th it crossed the Potomac, went into camp near Alexandria, and was assigned to a brigade commanded by General William H. French. It remained here during the winter of 1861-62, and was constantly drilled and disciplined in the routine of a soldier's duty, It par- ticipated in the general advance of the Army of the Potomac in March, 1862, arriving at Manassas Junc- tion, which had been evacuated by the rebels on the 12th.

On the 21st it was marched to Warenton Junc- tion to support a reconnoissance of Howard's bri- gade, which was being pushed towards the Rappa- hannock. The object having been accomplished, on the 23d it returned to Manassas and from thence to Alexandria. Upon the reorganization of the army

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THE GREAT REBELLION.

the regiment was assigned to the Third Brigade,1 First Division, Second Corps. On the 3d of April it was transferred with MeClellan's army to the Penin- sula, and formed part of the reserve division during the siege of Yorktown.

The enemy having retreated, on the 4th of May the regiment marched to Yorktown, and late on the afternoon of the same day moved through a pelting storm of rain towards Williamsburg. It was ordered back on the 6th and remained until the 12th, when it was transported to West Point, at the head of York River. Later in the month it assisted to build the grape-vine bridge across the Chickahominy. The regiment took a prominent part in the engagement at Fair Oaks on the 1st of June, where, though surprised and thrown into temporary confusion, it rallied and in a short time forced the enemy from his line. Its

Withdrawing at midnight, the Fifty-third arrived conduct on this occasion was such as to elicit the ; at Malvern Hill on the morning of July Ist, and was commendation of the generals commanding. It suf- fered a severe loss in the death of Major Yeager, who was killed in the early part of the action while gal- lantly leading his men. The regiment lost ninety-six men in killed, wounded and missing.

It bivouacked upon the battle-ground and supported a battery in position on the York River Railroad. On the 27th it moved to the right, where a deadly con- flict was raging, and was thrown forward to the as- sistance of Porter's troops. It crossed the Chicka- hominy and came under fire of the enemy at Gaines' Mill. Forming in line of battle, the com- mand covered the withdrawal of the troops, and at midnight silently recrossed the Chickahominy. Here began the memorable "change of base," in which it was the arduous duty of Summer's corps to cover the rear of the retreating army. The post of honor and of danger-the rear of the rear-guard-was assigned to the Third Brigade. At Peach Orchard, on the 29th, it participated in a fierce engagement, in which a number of casualties occurred, but none were killed. Immediately after the close of the ac- tion General Sumner rode up and complimented the regiment for its bravery, saying, "You have done nobly, but I knew you would do so." Moving to Savage Station, Sumner made another stand to check the enemy. The regiment occupied a position in a wood, parallel to the railroad, and was fortunately favored by the high-ranged shot and shell of the rebel artillery. After a short but desperate en- counter the enemy withdrew, and at midnight the line of retreat was silently resumed.

The march now began to test the endurance of the

troops, and the situation became one fraught with peril. One small brigade, standing fearlessly alone in midnight darkness, was holding in check, almost at the point of the bayonet, one-half the rebel army, while friends from whom no succor could be expected were swiftly moving to the rear. Silently the com- mand plunged into the deep shadows of White Oak Swamp. At daylight the regiment reached White Oak Creek, beyond which was its corps in bivouac. Crossing the ereek, it immediately began destroying the bridge. The advance of the enemy soon made its appearance, and commenced skirmishing, but was prevented from crossing the stream. Several of his batteries having been placed in position, opened fire and were very annoying. Although not actively en- gaged, the regiment had several killed and wounded.

almost constantly under fire, although it did not parti- vipate in the engagement. The duty assigned to it, in the retreat from the Chickahominy to the James, was of such an important nature as to merit and receive the thanks of the commanding general as well as of the intermediate commanders, and Colonel Brooke was highly complimented for the skillful and soldierly qualities displayed in conducting his command snc- cessfully through so many perils. Arriving at Har- rison's Landing the regiment remained until the 16th of August. Here the Sixty-fourth New York was temporarily attached to the Fifty-third for the pur- poses of drill, discipline and camp duty, all under command of Major Octavius S. Bull, who had been promoted to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Major Yeagher, Colonel Brooke being in commaud of the brigade and Lieutenant Colonel MeMichael ab- sent on account of sickness.

Moving via Yorktown to Newport News, it em- barked for Alexandria, where it arrived ou the 28th, and encamped on the following day at Lee's Farm, near the Aqueduct Bridge. The cannonade of the contending forces at Bull Run was distinctly heard, and the men were eager to again meet the foe. At two A.M. of the 30th, in light marching order, the command moved towards Centreville. But the battle had been fought, and Pope's army was retreating to the defenses of Washington. Reaching Centreville on the 31st, it was promptly deployed in line of battle, protecting the exposed flanks of the Union army. Here again Sumner's corps was interposed between the enemy and our retreating troops. Near Vienna theregiment, and one section of a battery were thrown forward on the Leesburg turnpike to guard the flank of the column against any sudden attack of the enemy. A force of rebel cavalry made a dash upon the Uniou troops between the pike and Chain Bridge, entirely separating the regiment from the main column. Colonel Brooke, seeing the danger and the difficulty of cutting his way through, moved his command at double-quick down the pike and thereby insured its

1 Organization of the Third Brigade (Brigadier-General William H. French), First Division (Major-General Israel B. Richardson), Second Corps (Major-General E. V. Sumner) .- Fifty-third Regiment Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, Colonel John R. Brooke; Fifty-second Regiment New York Volunteers, Colonel Frank Paul; Fifty-seventh Reginient New York Volunteers, Colonel Sammel K. Zook ; Sixty-sixth Regiment New York Volunteers, Colonel James C. Pinckney ; Second Regiment Delaware Volunteers, Colonel Henry W. Wharton ; Battery B, First New York Artillery, Captain Rufus D. Pettit.

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

safety before the enemy discovered the manœuvre. On the 3d of September it rejoined the army at Ten- allytown. On the 11th, General French, who had endeared himself to the troops of his brigade, was as- signed to the command of a division, and was suc- ceeded by Colonel Brooke.

The enemy was now marching into Maryland, and the Third Brigade moved rapidly through Washing- ton to Frederick, and thence to South Mountain, where it was held in reserve during the battle. On the 15th it moved in pursuit, skirmishing during the morning with the enemy's cavalry, drove him through Boonesboro' and Keedysville, and encountered his army in strong force on the highlands beyond Antie- tam Creek. The following day was occupied chiefly in manœuvring for position, the regiment being under artillery fire and suffering some casualties. At four A.M. of the 17th the regiment left its position on the Keedysville road, and moving a mile to the right, crossed Antietam Creek at a ford. It occupied the extreme right of the division. In front was the "sunken road" occupied by the enemy's first line. His second line was protected by a stone wall on the hill beyond. Tothe right and rear was an orchard, immediately in front of which was the cornfield where, subsequently, the battle raged with great fury. It was important to drive the enemy from this position, and the Fifty-third was chosen for the charge. Chang- ing front to the rear, and advancing at double-quick, in a short but desperate contest it drove him from his well-chosen ground. The regiment was subse- quently engaged in the hottest of the fight and shared the varying fortunes of the day. The position gained was of great importance, and was held with tenacity until the regiment was ordered to the support of a battery. Lieutenant Weaver, of Company K, a brave young officer, was mortally wounded. The loss in killed and wounded was twenty-eight.

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History of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Part 54

Author: Bean, Theodore Weber, 1833-1891, [from old catalog] ed; Buck, William J. (William Joseph), 1825-1901 Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck Number of Pages: 1534

Author: Bean, Theodore Weber, 1833-1891, [from old catalog] ed; Buck, William J. (William Joseph), 1825-1901
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1534