History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5; prepared in compliance with acts of the legislature, Vol. I, Part 171

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 171

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).

Norton, Charles. do

Sept.

2, '64,

Not on muster-out roll.

Pennock, John L .... .do

Mar. 25, '64, 3 Not on muster-out roll.

Peters, Richard W. .do Oct. 15, '64,

Not on muster-out roll. 1

Painter, Montgom'y .. do Sept. 7, '61,

3 Not on muster-out roll.

Russell, John ... do ..... Jan. 13, '64, 3 Not on muster-out roll.

Ryan, Michael.

.do .....! Dec. 12, '61, 3 Not on muster-out roll.

3 Not on muster-out roll.

Not on muster-out roll.

Krein, Peter ..

May

20, '63,

Not on muster-out roll.

Myers, Charles H. .. do

Not on muster-out roll.

Marsh, George M do

Mar. 25, '64,

Mixdof, Oscar

.do

Sept. 5, '64,

May 16, '63, 3 Not on muster-out roll.

Not on muster-out roll.

M'Clellan, John M ..

Sept. 7, '61,

7, '61, 3 Not on muster-out roll.

Cole, Abraham. Dumont, Lewis.

.do

Ennis, George W.

Sept. 7, '61, 3 Not on muster-out roll.

Frankford, Jacob.

Jan. 25, '64,

Not on muster-out roll.

Graner, Gustave ...

Not on muster-out roll.

Chillson, John W

8, '64, 3 Not on muster-out roll.

3 Not on muster-out roll.

Wcidmaier, Fred'k .do

Oct. 27, '64,

Mar. 21, '64,

1013

THREE YEARS' SERVICE.

NAME.

RANK.

DATE OF MUSTER INTO SERVICE.

TERM-YEARS.

REMARKS.

Saunders, Warren .. Private

Jan. 12, '64, 3

Not on muster-out roll.

Sinclair, William.

Jan. 15, '64,

Not on muster-out roll.

Shampno, John. .. do

Aug. 15, '64,

1 Not on muster-out roll. 3 Not on muster-out roll.

Sharp, Lewis

Mar. 22, '64,

Steel, Calvin .. do

Feb. 29, '64,

3 Not on muster-out roll.

Shields, Patrick.

Oct. 26, '64,

1 Not on muster-out roll. Not on muster-out roll. Not on muster-out roll.

Sunderland, Geo. W .. do

Oct. 25, '64,

Smither, Benj. F. .do

Mar. 17, '64,

3 Not on muster-out roll.

Shenfelder, Peter ... .do

May 28, '66,

3 Not on muster-out roll.

Stoll, Isaac. do

Sept. 7, '61,

S Not on muster-out roll.

Thomas, Patrick

April 5, '64, 3 Not on muster-out roll

Wakins, Daniel G ... .do Feb. 23, '64, 3 Not on muster-out roll.

Wilson, Jonathan ... .. .. do Sept. 25, '64, | 1 | Not on muster-out roll.

Shearer, Peter ....

Sept. 24, '64,

FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, FIRST CAVALRY.

INTHE First Pennsylvania Cavalry was recruited, company A in Juniata L county, B in Montgomery, C in Mifflin, D in Cameron and Clinton, E in Centre. Clinton and Clearfield, F in Greene, G in Blair, HI in Fayette, I in Washington, K in Allegheny and Washington, L in Berks, Lebanon and Lan- caster and M in Berks. The first seven companies rendezvoused at Camp Curtin, where they were mustered into the State service during the months of July and August, 1861, and thence moved to Camp Jones, near Washington. Three companies H, I and K, rendezvoused at Camp Wilkins, at Pittsburg, where they were mustered into the State service during the month of August, and soon after joined the other companies at Washington. Company L was mustered into the United States service as an independent company, on the 30th of July, and was stationed in the city of Baltimore, where it remained five months. Company M was mustered into the United States service, also, as an independent company, on the 5th of August, and was stationed in Baltimore from the 6th of August, until the 3d of October, when it was ordered to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where, in conjunction with the Fourth Wisconsin Infantry, and Nim's Battery, all under command of Major General Lockwood, it was engaged in scouting and picketing. Numerous excursions were made down the bay, in which smugglers were overhauled, and large quantities of contraband goods seizen. On a scout made to Pontateague Landing, the company captured seven cannons, caissons, and harness; and again at Eastville, a cannon and about fifteen hundred stands of small arms.

The men were, for the most part, from the rural districts, well formed and hardy, good riders, and accustomed to the use and care of horses. Few were dismounted by accident or awkwardness while on drill. Some had belonged to militia, cavalry companies, and a few of both officers and men were expe- rienced soldiers; but most were unaccustomed to arms. The five companies which first assembled in Camp Curtin, had effected an organization by the choice of Captain Hastings, of the regular army, Colonel, and Captain Owen Jones, Major; but failing to secure a sufficient number of companies for a regi- ment, the officers elected declined the command. The three companies from camp at Pittsburg, also had a partial organization, under the title of the Sixth Cavalry; but failing to perfect it, they were attached to the First. In the early days of the war little countenance was given to the cavalry arm of the service, and these companies were suffered to remain some time in camp in an unor- ganized state, the company officers having little knowledge of cavalry tactics, and the command making little or no progress in drill.

Finally, on the first of September, through the kind offices of General Stoneman, Chief of Cavalry, and the influence of Governor Curtin, Lieutenant

1015

ORIGIN AND ORGANIZATION.

1861

George D. Bayard, of the Fourth Regular Cavalry, a young officer of great promise, and of considerable experience in Indian warfare, was selected to com- mand, and the organization was completed by the choice of Jacob Higgins, Captain of company G, Lieutenant Colonel, and Owen Jones, Captain of com- pany B, Major. Drill was now commenced in earnest, and prosecuted with a zeal characteristic of its enterprising commander. The line officers were daily instructed by him, and they in turn instructed their subordinates, and put their lessons in practice on the field, under his immediate supervision. The men were at first armed with sabre and pistol, and ten carbines to each company, which number was subsequently increased until each man was supplied with one. A part of the horses were selected by the company officers, and were chosen with special reference to cavalry service. The remainder were selected by Colonel Bayard himself from the government corral at Washington. Under good care and training these horses became notable for excellence, and many of them remained the best after several lots of fresh animals had been worn out. This regiment was organized as the Fifteenth of the Reserve Corps, the law authorizing the organization of the corps requiring "onc regiment of cavalry." It joined the division at its camp at Tenallytown, where it remained until the 10th of October, when it moved to Camp Pierpont, Virginia. Here details of one officer and thirty men were daily sent during the winter on picket, and fre- quent expeditions were made into the country.

On the 27th of November, Colonel Bayard was ordered to scout the country beyond Difficult Creek, a small stream crossing the pike about six miles from camp, and make a descent on Dranesville, a village seven miles further on. Marching all night and arriving at the village just before daylight, several houses were quickly surrounded, and a search for guerrillas, reported to har- bor there, commenced. Several suspicious persons were arrested, and after a half hour's halt, he took up the march for camp. Two miles from town, the head of the column was fired on by guerrillas concealed in the pine thickets by the roadside. Detachments were immediately dismounted and pushed into the woods, and in a few minutes had killed or captured the whole party. Assistant Surgeon Samuel Alexander, and private Joseph Hughling, company D, were killed, and two men were severely wounded. Colonel Bayard was slightly wounded, and had his horse killed under him.

Five companies, under Lieutenant Colonel Higgins, participated in the battle of Dranesville. At the opening of the engagement, the cavalry was or- dered to push forward, and compel the enemy to unmask his position. Colonel Higgins sent two companies, H and I, under Captain Streck, forward on the road north of the town, while companies C, D and E, under Captain Taylor, charged directly through it, and pushed on until the enemy, opening on their flank and rear, compelled them to withdraw. The infantry now became en- gaged, and the cavalry was ordered to the support of Easton's Battery, where it remained until the close of the action, which resulted in the total route of the enemy.

On the 3d of January, 1862, Lieutenant Colonel Higgins resigned, and Major Jones was promoted to succeed him. Adjutant S. D. Barrows, who had pre viously been commissioned Second Major, was now promoted to First Major, and Richard J. Falls was commissioned Second Major.

On the 7th of January, the two independent companies, L and M, which had been stationed in Baltimore, joined the regiment. Upon the opening of the

1016

FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT-FIRST CAVALRY.

1862

spring campaign it moved with the army towards Manassas, and after ten days of most exhausting service, exposed to pelting rain, sleet, and snow, it returned to Falls Church, where it remained until the advance of M'Dowell upon the Rappahannock. Starting on the 9th of April, it marched to Catlett's Station, where it performed scouting and picket duty until the middle of the month. On the 17th two battalions, supported by the Second New York Cavalry, skir- mished with the enemy, driving him towards Falmouth, and late at night the men slept a few hours at the feet of their horses. At two o'clock the march was resumed, squadron L and M leading. The morning was clondy and in- tensely dark, and as the command was moving quietly along, it was suddenly brought to a halt by a barricade across the road, from which a heavy fire of musketry was poured into the very faces of the men. They were immediately withdrawn, and the command was deployed to attack the enemy upon his flanks. At daylight he fell back, and Colonel Bayard occupied Falmonth. Encamping a short distance from the town, the regiment was engaged in picket duty along the Rappahannock, and had frequent skirmishes with the enemy across the river. On the night of the 13th of May, a party of the enemy attacked and attempted to re-capture a schooner in charge of men from the First New Jersey Cavalry. Five companies, F, G, H, L and M, turned ont, and after a brief but sharp skirmish drove off the enemy, brought the schooner in, and rescued the men on board, several of whom were wounded.

Colonel Bayard having been appointed a Brigadier General, Lieutenant Colonel Jones was elected Colonel, and First Major Barrows, Lieutenant Colo- nel. On the 25th of May, when M'Dowell commenced his advance overland to join M'Clellan, the regiment crossed the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg, and marching rapidly towards Richmond, reached on the evening of the 27th a point on the Pamunky River, within fifteen miles of M'Clellan's right wing, the enemy falling back as it advanced, and the whole route showing evidences of a hasty retreat. At this juncture, when all were jubilant over the prospect of soon joining the grand army, orders were received to return immediately to Fredericksburg. Stonewall Jackson, cutting loose from the rebel army, was in the Shenandoah Valley with a heavy force, and M'Dowell was ordered to the support of Banks and Fremont, concentrating in Jackson's front. Re-crossing the river on the 28th, it marched with the brigade, via Catlett's Station and Thoroughfare Gap to Front Royal, which was reached on the 1st of June. With but an hour's rest, the command proceeded at full gallop towards Stras- burg, and when near the town crossed the Shenandoah River, where it came up with Jackson and skirmished with his rear until dark. General M'Dowell not having arrived upon the ground, the brigade, consisting of a battalion of the Bucktails, the Second Maine Battery, the First New Jersey Cavalry, and the First Pennsylvania Cavalry, proceeded alone, and driving the enemy's rear guard out of Strasburg, were soon after joined by the advance of Fremont's army, entering from another direction. A gallop of six miles brought the com- mand again upon the enemy's batteries,* and after three attacks, drove them

* "Near Woodstock another attack was made on the rear guard. The extreme rear was held by Caskie's Battery, supported by about two hundred men from Patton's command, as sharp- shooters. This was regarded by Ashby as sufficient to hold the enemy in check ; and his cav- alry was quietly pursuing its way, in advance of the artillery, when the enemy's horsemen gallantly charged through the sharp-shooters on the guns, captured some of the cannoneers and nearly succeeded in cutting off the retreat of a rifled piece. It was withdrawn, however,

1862

STRASANDU WOODSTOCK AND HARRISONBURG. 1017

beyond Woodstock. Thus for eight days it was constantly under the fire of his guns, making his "retreat," says Cooke, "one long battle between the Con- federate rear and the Federal vanguard." Bayard's Brigade was pressing hotly to strike Jackson, and delay him until General Shields reached Port Republic, there to intercept his retreat, and no efforts were spared to break through the obstinate impediment which Ashby, who commanded the rear guard, presented, and force Jackson to turn and defend himself. At Harrisonburg a severe fight occurred, in which the First New Jersey first, and later the Bucktails and the First Cavalry engaged a vastly superior force of the enemy, inflicting severe loss. On the 8th, the command participated in the battle of Cross Keys, but being in reserve was but slightly engaged. On the following day it led the advance of the centre column to Port Republic, where it arrived too late to ar- rest the flames to which the enemy had consigned the bridge across the Shen- andoah.

On the 10th, the command returned down the valley, and after a halt of two days at Mount Jackson, returned through Front Royal to Manassas, which place it reached on the 283, having been engaged thirty days in incessant and fatiguing duty, having in that time marched nearly four hundred miles, and skirmished and fought almost constantly, in the face of a powerful and vigilant foe, led by his most trusted leaders. Suffering severely in this campaign, the regiment remained at Manassas two weeks to rest and re-fit. It then marched with the advance of Pope, who had recently been placed in command of the army of Northern Virginia, to Culpepper, whence it made various marches and performed important duty. On the 1st of August, General Bayard advanced to the Rapidan, where he was engaged for eight days in guarding the fords for several miles along the river against a wily foe, and watching at all points in- land for his approach from above and below. Jackson finally advanced in force, and on the night of the 7th of August, forced a crossing at several points and attempted in the darkness to capture the entire brigade; but was so skillfully baffled as to succeed in carrying off but two men. On the first alarm the out- post rallied upon the reserve, holding the enemy in check until the regiment withdrew to Robertson River. When within two miles of the stream, the differ- ent detachments of the brigade on picket were rapidly withdrawn, and before they were all in, the advance of Jackson's army came dashing up the road. Captain Taylor, at the time, was in conversation with General Bayard, and be- fore they were aware of the enemy's presence, a shower of bullets came whist- ling by them. General Bayard cried out to the Captain "deploy your squad- ron at once, and hold the enemy in check until the brigade is safely over the ford." Men never obeyed an order more promptly nor behaved more gallantly than they did in deploying under a heavy fire of musketry; they held the enemy in check until the brigade was safely over. Its loss was two killed and two wounded.

The command slowly withdrew towards Cedar Mountain, and though under

in safety, a portion of the enemy rapidly following, and, before they were aware of the intended attack on them, the Confederate cavalry was thrown into disorder. The men retreated in con- fusion, and ran into the rear of the Forty-eighth Virginia,-then passing along a narrow cause- way with a ravine on one side and a steep embankment on the other,-and so sudden was the appearance of the disorganized cavalry in the midst of the infantry, that a number of men . were knocked down before they could get out of the way." Stonewall Jackson, J. Eston Cooke, (Rebel,) p. 164. .

128

1862

1018

FORTY-FOURTH! REGIMENT-FIRST CAVALRY.

a brisk fire of artillery supported by Jackson's whole force, by skillful ma- nœuvring, the enemy's pursuit was so completely baffled, that nearly the whole day was spent in moving the eight miles, from the point of attack on the pre- vious evening. Here the command formed and held the position until Gen- eral Banks' force arrived, keeping a determined front and slowly giving ground as the weight of the enemy's overwhelming force pushed it back. The regi- ment was in front on the following day as advance skirmishers, and supported Knapp's Battery. At a crisis in the battle, this battery was in imminent peril. A charge of the cavalry was ordered. The first battalion, under Major Falls, dashed upon the enemy, broke his lines of infantry, and turning, fought its way back. Of the two hundred and sixteen men who charged, only seventy- one returned mounted, so severe was the enfilading fire of the enemy's infantry from right to left. The advance of the enemy was checked, and the battery saved. The third battalion, commanded by Colonel Barrows, after the battle had opened, was withdrawn from the skirmish line, and stationed in rear of the centre. The second, posted on the extreme right, was at one time entirely cut off, but succeeded in cluding the trap prepared for it, and came in under cover of night. Upon the retreat of Pope, on the 19th of August, Bayard's command, now increased to five regiments, formed the rear guard. Contesting the ground stubbornly until it reached the Rappahannock, the cnemy suddenly attacked with great impetuosity, with the design of cutting off retreat. The First New Jersey and Second New York Cavalry, unexpectedly struck while forming, were broken and thrown into confusion. The First Pennsylvania having passed on in advance, upon the first alarm, drew up in line ready to receive an attack, and stood one half in the open field and the other concealed by a wood. As the enemy came on, the regiment charged on him from the front, and sweeping around came suddenly upon his rear. The other two regiments having now rallied and re-formed, joined in the charge, completing his utter route.

After crossing the river, which was effected without molestation, a detach- ment of four companies, under Major Ray, was sent to Beverly Ford, on picket. Upon being relieved, it was suddenly attacked while scattered, the horses hav- ing been turned loose to graze; but rallying with great steadiness, the com- mand was withdrawn without loss. On the evening of the 28th, the regiment having the advance of Sigel's command, moved between Jackson's rear and Longstrect's advance, on the Thoroughfare Gap Pike, capturing nearly two hundred prisoners of Jackson's stragglers. The same night the regiment, with Ricketts' Division of infantry, held the Gap for six hours against the attacks of Longstreet. On the following morning, Colonel Jones made a reconnoissance toward Centreville, and received the fire of a light battery which opened the battle of Bull Run. During the two days of fighting, the regiment was posted on the extreme left of the army, and as it fell back towards Washington, was engaged with other cavalry in arresting the stampede. With a force of one hundred horses and two hundred available men, it went into camp near Mun- son's Hill, on the first of September, and picketed the approaches to the city, where it remained six weeks, detachments being sent out occasionally for spe- cial duty. In September, Lieutenant Colonel Barrows resigned, and was suc- ceeded by Captain John P. Taylor, of Company C. Upon the return of M'Clel- lan's army from the Maryland campaign, the regiment, with other cavalry, moved in advance along the Blue Ridge, occasionally skirmishing with the enemy, and arrived at Rappahannock bridge on the night of the 8th of No-

1862

1019

BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG.

vember, in time to save it from destruction by the enemy. The regiment, now in command of Lieutenant Colonel Taylor, approached stealthily and surprised the enemy, driving him from his camp, capturing all his tents, officers' arms, clothing and camp equipments.

On the 11th of December, the regiment arrived at Falmouth, in front of Fredericksburg, and two companies, I and K, were sent across the river on one of Franklin's pontoons, to picket between the enemy's out-posts and the bridge. On the following morning, the regiment crossed and joined the squadron on picket, when it was ordered to deploy as skirmishers, and advance until the enemy was found. A mile from the river, just beyond the railroad, he was met, when General Bayard, who had rode to the front, ordered the regiment to fall back. This retrograde movement was followed by the rebel skirmishers, sup- ported by his battle line, which at once opened fire. It was promptly replied to by the carbineers, who held their position until relieved by the infantry skirmishers of the Reserves. On the following day the regiment was deployed as skirmishers on the left wing, where it was under fire of the enemy's artil- lery. At three o'clock in the afternoon, when the storm of battle was raging fiercest, General Bayard, now in command of the whole cavalry force, was struck by a shell and instantly killed. The original commander of the First Cavalry, he had endeared himself to its members not less by his devotion to their instruction and improvement, than by the heroism which he displayed in the hour of danger.

From Fredericksburg the regiment moved to Belle Plain Landing, where it went into winter quarters. Each alternate ten days during the winter was spent on picket along the Rappahannock, in the vicinity of King George Court House. On the 19th of January, 1863, the regiment turned out with the army to make another attempt to cross the river and give battle to the enemy. After three days splashing and floundering, the movement was abandoned, and the troops, drenched, bespattered and half frozen, returned to their camps. Soon afterwards Colonel Jones resigned, and Lieutenant Colonel John P. Taylor was commissioned Colonel, Major David Gardner, Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain William T. M'Ewen, of company C, Major. On the 17th of February, Major M'Ewen, with four companies, F, G, L and M, made a scout on the neck below the Court House, destroying a number of barges and boats employed in smug- gling. Two nights after, companies I and K, under Major Gaston, made a similar expedition to Westmoreland Court House, destroying a large boat and capturing a smuggler's wagon loaded with silks, shoes, fancy goods and im- perial tea.

On the 12th of April the regiment broke camp and moved on the spring campaign. Headquarters were established at King George Court House, and it was engaged in picketing the river from Falmouth to Port Conway. On the morning of the 26th, a scouting party was sent under Lieutenant Colonel Gardner to Leedstown. At noon, Colonel Taylor, with Lieutenant Kennedy and an escort of six men, moved out to mect it. Eight miles beyond the vi- dette line, Colonel Taylor's party was fired on by dismounted cavalry in am- bush, and at the first volley, three of the number fell dead or mortally wounded, their bodies riddled with bullets. Colonel Taylor had his cap shot from his head, and Lieutenant Kennedy his horse wounded. Both narrowly escaped cap- ture. Colonel Gardner was apprized, by one of Colonel Taylor's men who es- caped, of the enemy's position in his rear, by which he was enabled to evade them

1863

1020

FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT-FIRST CAVALRY.

and come safely in, bringing some prisoners and contraband property. On the Sth of May, abandoning the position which the regiment had held, it moved to Falmouth, and on the 28th, to Warrenton, doing picket duty in the mean- time.

Moving to Kelly's Ford, it crossed on the 9th of June, and was immediately engaged in the battle of Brandy Station. The Cavalry Corps was commanded by General Pleasanton. At two P. M. the First and Fourth Divisions, under Buford, moved to Beverly Ford, and the Second and Third, under Gregg, to Kelly's Ford, where they bivouacked for the night. Crossing the river early on the following morning, Gregg moved out four miles to Stevensburg, where he left Colonel Duffy with the Second Division, to protect his flank, and pro- ceeded with the Third Division direct to Brandy Siation, The Second Brigade, composed of the First Pennsylvania, First New Jersey, and the First Maryland, under command of Colonel Wyndham, took the advance, followed by the First Brigade, Colonel Kilpatrick. On arriving at Brandy Station, the enemy opened with his artillery, which was promptly answered, and the First Mary- land, in two battalions, charged upon his battery. At the same time, wheeling his regiment to the right, Colonel Taylor led a desperate charge upon the left and rear of the foe, reaching the Barbour House, where were General Stuart, his staff, and body guard, surrounded by cavalry. Here a desperate encounter ensued, the men using the cavalrymen's true weapon, the sabre, with terrible effect. A number of prisoners were brought off, including Stuart's Assistant Adjutant General. At this point the enemy was heavily re-inforced, and the command was obliged to withdraw, but disputing the ground manfully as it went, until it reached a new line of battle. Here it was joined by Duffy. The enemy failing to attack, Gregg moved toward Rappahannock Station, where he was again engaged, the First Pennsylvania supporting a battery. An artil- lery duel was kept up for nearly two hours, when Colonel Taylor was ordered. to report, with his command, to General Buford, at Beverly Ford. Upon its arrival it was ordered to the extreme right, where it was hotly engaged, dis- playing its usual skill and gallantry. The loss in this engagment was three killed and eleven severely wounded. The enemy was grievously broken and dispirited.

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History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5; prepared in compliance with acts of the legislature, Vol. I, Part 171

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