History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5; prepared in compliance with acts of the legislature, Vol. I, Part 140

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902. cn
Publication date: 1869
Publisher: Harrisburg, B. Singerly, State Printer
Number of Pages: 1360

USA > Pennsylvania > History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5; prepared in compliance with acts of the legislature, Vol. I > Part 140

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Swank, Benjamin ... do Oct. 27, '61, 3

Shannon, Curtis R .. --

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June 20, '61, 3

Shultz, William

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Mar. 6, '62, 3

Transferred to Battery C, 5th United States Ar- tillery, November 20, 1862.

Swaggers, Emery ... .. do

June 20, '61,

Transferred to 2d U. S. Artillery, Oct. 11, 1862. 3

Streiby, Samuel M .do

June 20, '61,

Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Dec. 12, '61. 3

Vankirk, Archib'd .. do: June 20, '61, 3 Mustered out with company, Juno 11, 1864.

Vankirk, Arthur ... .do

Wallace, Wm. B.

.. do

Sept. 2, '63, 3

Weeby, William .....

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Mar. 20, '62, 3 Captured at Charles City Cross Roads, June 30, 1862-died at Richmond, Va .- date unknown. Transferred to 191st regiment P. V., June 1, '64. Juno 20, '61, 3 Died, dato unknown, of wounds received at Wilderness, May, 1864-Vet.

Young, John M

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June 20, '61, 3 Deserted May 10, 1863.

TERM-YEARSCOCOCO cococo costs soon

Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Dec. 29, '61. Transferred to 191st reg. P. V., June 1, '64-Vet. Died April 2, 1863.

Wounded at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862-dis- · charged on Surgeon's certificate, June 29, 1863. Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.

Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, June 18, '62. Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Nov. 20, '62. Tr. to Battery C, 5th U. S. Art., Nov. 20, 1862. Wounded at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862-disch. on Surgeon's certificate, September 12, 1862. Transferred to 191st regiment P. V., June 1, '64. Wounded at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862 -- disch. on Surgeon's certificate, November 27, 1862. Discharged February 11, 1864, by order of Secre- tary of War, to accept promotion.

Killed at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862. Wounded at Galnes' Mill, June 27, 1862-disch. on Surgeon's certificate, January 6, 1863.

3 Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Dec. 12, '61. Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Mar. 27, '62. Wounded at Gaines' Mill, Juno 27, 1862-disch. on Surgeon's certificate, January 31, 1863.

Transferred to 191st regiment P. V., June 1, '64. Deserted August 30, 1862.

Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.

3 Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.

3 Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Dec. 12, '61. 3 Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Nov. 24, '62. 3 Transferred to 191st regiment P. V., June 1, '64. Transferred to 191st reg. P. V., June 1, '64-Vet. Killed at Bull Run, August 29, 1862.

3 3 Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. 3 Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, Aug. 4, '61. 3

Wounded at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862-disch. on Surgeon's certificate, October 11, 1862.

Transferred to 191st reg. P. V., June 1, '64-Vet. Transferred to 191st regiment P. V., June 1, '64. Transferred to 191st regiment P. V., June 1, '64. Killed at Bull Run, August 30, 1862. Killed at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862.

Transferred to 191st regiment P. V., June 1, '64. Prisoner-died at Richmond, Va., Aug., 1862. Wounded at Wilderness, May 8, '64-mustered out with company, Juno 11, 1864.

Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864. Transferred to 191st regiment P. V., June 1, '64. Transferred to 191st regiment P. V., June 1, '64. Accidentally killed, while on duty, Sept. 10, '61. Transferred to 191st regiment P. V., June 1, '64. Transferred to 191st regiment P. V., June 1, '64. Mustered out with company, June 11, 1864.

Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, May 5, '62. Wounded ot Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862-disch. on Surgeon's certificate, January 10, 1863.

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Imbrie, David .. do

June 20, '61,

FORTIETH REGIMENT, ELEVENTH RESERVE.

TI THE companies comprising the Eleventh Reserve Regiment were recruited, A in the county of Cambria, B and E in Indiana, C and D in Butler, F in Fayette, G in Armstrong, H and I in Westmoreland, and K in Jefferson. Most of these companies were raised for the three months' service, but failing of acceptance still preserved their organizations, and when the call for the Re- serve Corps was issued, marched to the rendezvons at Camp Wright, near Pitts- burg. The men had little or no military experience save that gathered from militia trainings; but they were generally familiar with the use of the rifle, were native born, of a hardy race, above the medium size, and inured to labor on farms and in the lumber districts. Upon their entrance to camp they were mustered into the State service, and rigidly drilled by companies. On the 1st of July, the regiment was organized by the choice of the following officers: Thomas F. Gallagher, of Westmoreland county, Colonel; James R. Porter, of Indiana county, Lieutenant Colonel; and Samuel M. Jackson, of Armstrong county, Major. Colonel Gallagher was possessed of considerable military ex- perience, and at once commenced battalion drill. The men were here furnished, by the State, with clothing and blankets of superior quality.

On the 24th of June, in obedience to the order of Governor Curtin, the regi- ment marched to Harrisburg, where it was supplied with arms and accoutre- ments, and on the following day moved to Baltimore and bivouacked on Fed- eral Hill. On the 26th, it proceeded to Washington and encamped near the Park, where, on the 29th and 30th, it was mustered, nine hundred strong, into the service of the United States.

Soon afterwards the Eleventh was placed in the Reserve camp at Tenally- town, where the arms received from the State were exchanged for United States muskets, and the men were industriously instructed in the manual of arms, target exercise, police, camp and picket duty. Much attention was given to skirmish drill and bayonet exercise, and the skill acquired proved of inestima- ble value on many a contested field. Sanitary regulations were strictly en- forced, and as a consequence there was little sickness. The Reverend Adam Torrence was appointed Chaplain, and held regular religious exercises on the Sabbath, which were well attended. Details were made from this regiment to work on the forts forming a part of the cordon of' defences of the Capital, and Fort Pennsylvania and others were in part the work of their hands. A school for the instruction of officers was established, which met for recitation twice a week, and was continued until active campaigning commenced. A report of

1861

846

FORTIETHI REGIMENT-ELEVENTH RESERVE.

the proficiency of each officer, and accounting for absentees, was regularly made to division headquarters. The regiment was assigned to the Second Bri- gade* of the Reserve Corps.

During the month of September the Eleventh was ordered to Great Falls, Maryland, sixteen miles above Washington, to picket the Potomac from a short distance below to a point six miles above. Here, in a part where the river is quite narrow and the banks precipitous and rocky, the men for the first time came face to face with the rebels. Much curiosity existed to get a view of the enemy, and it was not long before a friendly conversation was opened by the pickets from the rocks that lined either shore. A truce was agreed upon which was kept until a South Carolina regiment was placed on duty, when one of our pickets, going to the river to bathe, unsuspecting danger, was shot and severely wounded. This was the signal for hostilities, and company G was quickly placed in position and a lively skirmish ensued. In the meantime the rebels opened with a six gun battery, throwing over a hundred solid shots. The fire was rapid and well directed, the shots entering the buildings in which the men were quartered; but none were hurt.

From Tenallytown the regiment moved with the division and took position in line with the army, to the left of the Georgetown and Leesburg pike, beyond Langley and not far from Lewinsville. General M'Call, in making report of the condition of the regiment about this time, says: "This is a well drilled regiment, and with the improved arms, with which it is now supplied, would be very effective." Here the officers put forth untiring energy to perfect them- selves in a knowledge of their duties, and to drill and discipline their men. Before the cold weather came, the quarters were made comfortable; the foun- dations were of logs, surmounted by tents; the bunks were constructed of small poles covered with cedar boughs; and each cabin was supplied with a small sheet- iron stove. Lieutenant Colonel Porter having resigned on account of physical disability, Major Jackson was elected to fill the vacancy, and Captain Robert Litzinger, of company A, was elected Major.

On the 6th of December, the Second Brigade, supported by the Third, the Eleventh Regiment in advance, was ordered on a foraging expedition to Gun- nell's farm, near Dranesville, and captured two spies, with three of their asso- ciates, and brought in fifty-seven wagon loads of grain, seven horses, two oxen and one wagon. This trespass upon the enemy's territory brought on the battle of Dranesville. For when the Third Brigade, a few days later, went out for a similiar purpose, it was met by the enemy prepared to contest the ground. In the engagement which ensued the Second Brigade was held in reserve, and marched to the support of the Third, but before it arrived upon the field the victory had been won.

Preparatory to the opening of the spring campaign, extra clothing and blankets were boxed and sent to Washington, and on the 10th of March, the regiment broke up winter-quarters and marched on the Georgetown and Lees- burg pike, to a point where the Springdale road branches to the left, when the

* Organization of the Second Brigade, Brigadier General George G. Meade; Reserve Corps, Major General George A. M'Call. Third (32d) Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel Horatio G. Sickel; Fourth (33d) Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel Robert G. March; Seventh (36th) Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel Elisha B. Harvey; Eleventh (40th) Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel Thomas F. Gallagher; Thirteenth (42d, Bucktail) . Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel Charles J. Biddle.

1862

BATTLE OF GAINES' MILL.

847

rain, which had been falling from the time it left camp, had rendered the march- ing exceedingly hard, and by the time it reached Hunter's Mills, the men were completely exhausted. Here the regiment encamped, using for the first time the small shelter tent. The enemy having evacuated his entrenched camp, and thus wholly changed the object of the campaign, the regiment proceeded by forced march to Alexandria. This march, in consequence of the heavy and almost impassable nature of the roads, and the constant falling of a cold rain, was ever remembered by the men during their three years of service, as the severest test of their endurance to which they were called upon to submit. The regiment encamped near Fairfax Seminary, and owing to the condition of the ground and inadequate shelter, many of the men were soon prostrated by sickness. Major Litzinger, who had for some time been absent on account of sickness, resigned on the 1st of April, 1862, and Adjutant Peter A. Johns was elected to fill the vacancy, and Lieutenant Robert A. M'Coy, of company A, appointed Adjutant. On the 9th of April, the division having been assigned to the First Corps, under General M'Dowell, it moved to Catlett's Station, where it encamped for a short time, and thence moved to Falmouth. A month later it was detached from M'Dowell's Corps and ordered to the Peninsula, where it was attached to the corps commanded by General Fitz John Porter, and was at once sent to the front, taking position near Mechanicsville, in the immediate presence of the enemy. Having the greatest confidence in their officers, and with a year of discipline and drill, the men were in excellent con- dition for field service, and longed for an opportunity to show their prowess.

On the 25th of June, the entire regiment, with field and line officers, was ordered on picket duty, the line skirting the Chickahominy, with the right rest- ing on a swamp, which on the following day was the left of the line of battle. The strictest vigilance was enjoined, and neither officers nor men were allowed to sleep during the night. Shortly after noon of the 26th, a battery of the enemy opened fire upon our pickets, but without effect. At three o'clock P. M. the battle of Mechanicsville, which was principally fought by the First and Third brigades of the Reserve Corps, had fairly opened, and was raging with great fury. Though not actively engaged in the battle, the regiment was under fire, and company A, towards evening, at the request of General Seymour, was placed in line connecting with the left of the Seventh, and was deployed as skir- mishers. It remained on picket duty until morning, when it was formed and covered the rear of the brigade in falling back to Gaines' Mill.

Here the rebels, in overwhelming force, fell upon the single corps of Fitz John Porter, drawn up with the Chickahominy in rear, and separated from the rest of the army by that stream. On reaching the field the Eleventh was first ordered to the support of Weed's Battery of the Fifth United States artillery, but was afterward moved forward and formed in the second line of battle. Thoroughly exhausted by want of sleep, many of the men laid down amid the roar of cannon and were soon oblivious to the terrible carnage at the front. This to many was their last sleep. The position was an admirable one for de- fence, and had breast-works been erected, for which there had been ample time, a terrible slaughter of brave men might have been saved, and a grievous defeat turned into joyous victory. Whilst in position on the second line, an order was received from General Meade directing one company of the Eleventh to be detached for fatigue duty. Company B, Captain Daniel S. Porter, was im- mediately detailed, and late in the afternoon the rest of the regiment was ordered

848

FORTIETH REGIMENT-ELEVENTH RESERVE. 1862

into action near the centre of the general line of battle, and under cover of a dense wood, relieving the Fourth New Jersey, which had been fighting gal- lantly, and had nearly exhausted its ammunition. Just before going into bat- tle, General M'Call, who was at the front, and General Martindale, who had charge of that part of the line, both spoke encouragingly to the men and said, that, as they were going upon a part of the line which was weakest, they would be expected to hold it at all hazards. That expectation was not disappointed; for when line after line of the enemy's fresh troops bore down upon them in deadly conflict, they met such volleys from the men of the Eleventh as sent them staggering back-volleys that seemed like a continuous stream of fire. But unfortunately for the regiment the troops on both flanks were driven back by superior numbers, and it was left to contend alone in the terrible conflict. The wood in which it fought, with its dense foliage, was soon dark with the smoke of musketry and artillery, and the officers were unaware of the critical position in which they were placed, until it was discovered that the regiment was suffer- ing from a fire on its flanks. While in this perilous situation, Major Johns pro- ceeded to the left to ascertain if our own troops were not firing into its ranks, and was captured in the attempt. The enemy was now pressing on in front and upon both flanks, and the ammunition was nearly spent. At this crisis Colonel Gallagher ordered Adjutant M'Coy to proceed to the rear and report the condition of affairs to General Meade, but on reaching the open field he at once comprehended the situation; for nine rebel battle flags were visible on flanks and rear. He at once communicated the facts to the Colonel, assuring him that the entire Union line, with the exception of the Fourth New Jersey, seemed to have retreated. Colonel Gallagher, hoping still with the aid of the New Jersey regiment, to cut his way out by a movement to the left, at once ordered the command to fall back. No sooner was this movement commenced than the enemy, who had been fighting in front, raised a yell and charged upon the retreating column. But suddenly facing about the regiment poured so de- structive a volley into the faces of the rebel horde as to cool their ardor, and completely check their firey onset. Fighting and retreating until it reached the open field, it there found itself completely surrounded, with ranks sadly thinned and broken, ammunition nearly gone, and all chance of escape cut off. To con- tend longer was madness and the entailing of a useless slaughter. The only alternative was to surrender, and that gallant body of men became prisoners of of war .* Forty-six of their number were killed, and one hundred and nine wounded.

* EXTRACT FROM GENERAL. M'CALL'S OFFICIAL REPORT .- 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 Regi- ment of the Reserves, Colonel Gallagher commanding. This regiment of Meade's Brigade had, in the course of the afternoon, relieved the Fourth New Jersey Regiment, Colonel Simp- son, (Major 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 en- veloped in the smoke of battle continued the fight after the rest of the line had retired, having been closely engaged with a rebel regiment 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 sur- rounded, a strong force having already taken position in his immediate rear. The situation of theso two brave regiments, which had so nobly maintained their ground after all had retired, was

849

1862

BELLE ISLE AND LIBBY PRISON.

It was in the dusk of the evening when the surrender was made, and though worn out with two days' of marching and fighting, the men were hurried to the rear, and many of them, including Colonel Jackson, Adjutant M'Coy and Lieutenant Coder, were compelled to march to Richmond without rest or food, where they arrived at four o'clock on the following morning, and after being marched about the city for a spectacle to the inhabitants, who at this early hour were all out to behold the fruits of victory, they were incarcerated in Libby prison. On the following day Colonel Gallagher, and the rest of the regiment who were able to travel, were brought in. A few days later the men were separated from the officers and transferred to Belle Isle, a sandy island in the James River, entirely devoid of shade trees or shelter to shield them from the burning sun. In Richmond "The Government" bore arbitrary sway and none dared question its authority or give aid or comfort to the captives. With in- sufficient clothing and unwholesome food this captivity was endured until Au- gust 5th, when a cartel was agreed upon and the men were sent to Aiken's Landing, and were there furnished transportation to Harrison's Landing. A week later the officers followed them.

While the main body of the regiment was in the Richmond prisons, Captain Porter's company, which was on detached duty and escaped captivity, repre- sented it in the corps. It numbered over one hundred men, and in the engage- ment at Charles City Cross Roads fought with determined bravery, losing nine killed and fifteen wounded. Upon assembling at Harrison's Landing, the Eleventh was greatly reduced in numbers. In consequence of the hardships of the campaign, the recent imprisonment, and the diseases contracted in the swamps of the Chickahominy and the James, a large number were disqualified for active duty, while one hundred and thirty non-commissioned officers and privates had been detailed from its ranks to guard the general hospital at Cra- ney Island, near Fortress Monroe. Strenuous efforts were made by Colonel Gallagher to have this detail returned, but without success.

With ranks thus depleted, the regiment proceeded to Falmouth, where Lieu- tenant Colonel Jackson assumed command, Colonel Gallagher, on account of sickness, having been left at Fortress Monroe. The division, now under com- mand of General Reynolds, marched by Kelly's Ford and Warrenton, to Gaines- ville, a distance of seventy miles, where it joined the main body of Pope's army now engaged in the second Bull Run campaign. Had Generals Franklin and Porter, who had a much shorter distance to march, shown the same enterprise and earnestness in moving their commands as was exhibited by the gallant Reynolds, a grievous defeat might have been averted.

Here for a second time the Reserves were attached to M'Dowell's Corps. Late on the afternoon of the 29th of August, the Eleventh, now forming a part of the Third Brigade, was moved forward under a galling fire of grape, and en- gaged the enemy's infantry. Unable to carry the position, the troops were with- drawn, and as night had now come on laid down on their arms to rest. Their position, however, soon became very uncomfortable, for stragglers, better known in the army as the "Coffee Brigade," had kindled small fires to boil their much

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 Gallagher or Colonel Simpson, or the brave men of their respective regiments, on ac- count of this ill turn of fortune; . but, on the contrary, they are entitled to the credit of having held their ground until it was tenable no longer .- Moore's Rebellion Record, Comp. Vol., p. 666. 107

850

FORTIETH REGIMENT-ELEVENTH RESERVE.

1862

coveted beverage, by which the enemy discovered the regiment's bivouac and opened upon it with a long range battery, throwing solid shot with some effect.

On the following morning the regiment was placed upon the skirmish line, though only armed with smooth-bore muskets. Fortunately it sustained little injury until withdrawn. At three o'clock P. M., the enemy made a heavy as- sault upon the position held by the Reserves. The Eleventh was quickly ad- vanced to the top of a small ridge, in an open field, and was soon at close range with the enemy. Here the smooth-bore guns were most servicable, dealing deadly volleys upon the foe, the Fifth Texas, the two lines pressing close until the prostrate dead were indiscriminately mingled. At length the enemy hav ing turned our flank, enfiladed the line with such effect that the regiment was forced to retire. The loss was fourteen killed and forty-four wounded. Among the wounded were Captain Stewart, Adjutant M'Coy and Lieutenants Jones, Kennedy, Coder and Johnson.

The campaign in Maryland followed hard upon the defeat of Pope. The Reserves were now commanded by General Meade, and the regiment by Lieu- tenant Colonel Jackson, Colonel Gallagher having succeeded to the command of the Third Brigade. The enemy was first encountered strongly posted in the passes of South Mountain. The Reserves were drawn up to the right of the road leading to Turner's Gap, held by the corps of Hill and Longstreet. The Eleventh held the left centre as the line advanced to the attack, and moved on up the steep acclivity of the mountain, receiving a deadly fire from the enemy securely posted behind trees and rocks. In the midst of the engagement Colo- nel Gallagher fell severely wounded. Colonel Jackson, with great personal bravery, held his regiment well in hand, cheered on his men and successfully reached that deadly height. In the progress of the ascent, when the battle was raging hottest and the victory was still doubtful, Corporal Koons, (after- wards killed at Fredericksburg,) who was possessed of great powers of mimickry, crowed lustily, like a cock uttering the note of triumph. The familiar sound, heard amid the pauses of the battle, so inspirited the men that they went forward with renewed zeal to assured victory. The loss was fifteen killed and twenty- eight wounded. Among the former were Captain Brady and Lieutenant Wal- ter F. Jackson, and of the latter Colonel Gallagher, Captain Nesbit, who died from the effects of his wounds, Captain Bicrer, Quartermaster Torrence and Lieutenant Kennedy.

Although the regiment was reduced to a mere fragment of its original strength, having less than two hundred effective men, yet it moved promptly with the division to the field of Antietam and bore an important part in that sanguinary battle. The loss here was seven killed and seventeen wounded. After the battle the regiment went into camp, near Sharpsburg, in a condition of general destitution-blanketless, shoeless, moneyless, and in tattered uni- forms. While here, Governor Curtin made a strong effort to have the corps removed to the State, promising to send it back to the field in a short time re- cruited and re-organized, but without success.

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History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5; prepared in compliance with acts of the legislature, Vol. I, Part 140

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902. cn Publication date: 1869 Publisher: Harrisburg, B. Singerly, State Printer Number of Pages: 1360

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902. cn
Publication date: 1869
Publisher: Harrisburg, B. Singerly, State Printer
Number of Pages: 1360