History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5; prepared in compliance with acts of the legislature, Vol. III, Part 186

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902. cn
Publication date: 1869
Publisher: Harrisburg, B. Singerly, State Printer
Number of Pages: 1402

USA > Pennsylvania > History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5; prepared in compliance with acts of the legislature, Vol. III > Part 186

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).

Early on the morning of the 23d, the enemy under Jackson approached in force, and attacked Shields' advanced brigade, near the little village of Kerns- town, four and a half miles sonth of Winchester. Shields promptly ordered his forces forward, Tyler's Brigade being assigned to the duty of attacking and turning the enemy's left flank, which had been thrown forward to a com- manding position, screened by timber and by a stone wall. The One Hundred and Tenth occupied the extreme right of the line, and in the charge upon the enemy in his sheltered position, suffered severely. Says General Shields, in his official report, "Our batteries on the opposite ridge, though admirably managed by their experienced chief, Lieutenant Colonel Daum, were soon found insufficient to check, or even retard the advance of such a formidable body. At this stage of the combat, a messenger arrived from Colonel Kimball, informing me of the state of the field, and requesting direction as to the em- ployment of infantry. I saw there was not a moment to lose, and gave positive orders that all disposable infantry should be immediately thrown forward on our right to carry the enemy's batteries, and to assail and turn his left flank, and hurl it back on the centre. Colonel Kimball carried out these orders with promptitude and ability. He entrusted this movement to Tyler's splendid brigade, which, under its fearless leader, Colonel Tyler, marched forward with alacrity, and enthusiastic joy, to the performance of the most perilous duty of the day. The enemy's skirmishers were driven before it, and fell back upon the main body, strongly posted behind a high and solid stone wall, situated on an elevated ground. Here the struggle became desperate, and for a short time doubtful ; bnt Tyler's brigade being soon joined on the left by portions of Sullivan's and Kimball's brigades, this united force dashed upon the enemy with a cheer and yell that rose high above the roar of battle, and though the rebels fought des- perately, as their piles of dead attest, they were forced back through the woods by a fire as destructive as ever fell upon a retiring foe. Jackson, with his sup- posed invincible Stonewall Brigade, and the accompanying brigades, much to their mortification and discomfiture, were compelled to fall back in disorder upon their reserve. Here they took up a position for a final stand, and made an attempt, for a few minutes, to retrieve the fortunes of the day ; but again rained down upon them the same close and destructive fire. Again cheer upon cheer rang in their ears. A few minutes only did they stand up against it, when they turned dismayed, aud fled in disorder, leaving ns in possession of the field, the killed and wounded, three hundred prisoners, two guns, four caissons, and a thousand stand of small arms. Night alone saved him from total de- struction."* The loss in the regiment was thirteen killed, and thirty-ninc wounded, out of three hundred engaged, the severe marching of the few pre- ceding days having rendered many unfit to stand in the ranks. Lieutenant William Kochersperger was mortally wounded. The regiment was compli- mented, in a special order, for gallantry in this action.

" Moore's Rebellion Record, Vol. IV, page 323, Docs.

980

ONE HUNDRED AND TENTH REGIMENT.

1862

On the morning succeeding the battle, the division advanced in pursuit of the retreating foe, as far as Harrisonburg. A few days later, the regiment was detached from the brigade, and for three weeks performed provost-guard duty at Winchester. At the end of that time it returned to Harrisonburg, and with the division moved for Fredericksburg, crossing the mountains into the Luray Valley, and thence across the Blue Ridge. In the passes of the Blne Ridge, Ashby's Cavalry hung upon the flanks of the column, greatly annoying it. On the 18th of May, in a brisk skirmish between the cavalry at Gaines' Cross Roads, company A was sent to the support of the Union forces, and suc- ceeded in driving the enemy-losing two wounded. The balance of the regi- ment was immediately ordered up, and followed in pursuit for some distance, but failed to bring the enemy to bay. Upon its arrival at Fredericksburg, the division was formed in four brigades, the One Hundred and Tenth being assigned to Colonel Carroll's Brigade, which became a part of M'Dowell's Corps.

Soon after arriving at Fredericksburg, M'Dowell's Corps was ordered back to the Shenandoah Valley, to the support of Banks and Fremont, in their enconnters with Stonewall Jackson. On reaching the Luray Valley, Shields' Division was ordered down on the right bank of the river, to Port Repub- lic, where the advance under Colonel Carroll met the advance of Jackson .. In the battle which ensued, the One Hundred and Tenth was posted on the left in a wood, with the Fifth and Sixty-sixth Ohio thrown forward as skirmishers. Seeing the right hard pressed, General Tyler ordered the regiment to the threatened point ; but before reaching it the enemy were driven, and it . returned again to its former position. By this time the enemy had come up in heavy force on the left, and outflanking it, compelled it to fall back losing some guns and prisoners. Unable to stand up against the entire force of Jackson's Army, General Tyler ordered a retreat, and the division fell hastily back to Front Royal. The loss of the regiment was considerable in killed and wounded, and especially so in prisoners.

With the brigade, the regiment retired to Cloud's Mills, near Alexandria, where it remained within the defences of Washington, for several weeks. Upon the organization of the Army of Northern Virginia, under General Pope, the brigade, now a part of Ricketts' Division, of M'Dowell's Corps. moved to Warrenton, where it remained until the close of July. It then moved for- ward to Culpepper Court House, near which, on the 9th of August, was fought the battle of Cedar Mountain, principally on the Union side by Banks' Corps. Just before dusk, Ricketts' Division was ordered up to the support of Banks, and relieved a part of his troops on the field. The One Hun- dred and Tenth was placed in support of batteries-a heavy artillery fire being kept up for some time, resulting in some loss.

After the battle, Pope advanced to the Rapidan, but soon commenced falling back towards Washington, the enemy threatening his right and rear. At Thoroughfare Gap, on the evening of the 28th, Ricketts' Division was pitted against the entire strength of Longstreet's Corps, struggling to force a pas- sage, and form junction with Jackson. By presenting a bold front and by hard fighting, the rebel chieftain was held in check by this one small division until after nightfall, when, finding that further resistance was vain, it fell back to Manassas, and on the afternoon of the 29th, arrived on the battle-ground of Bull Run. Early on the following morning, Ricketts' Division was sent to

1863

981

CHANCELLORSVILLE AND GETTYSBURG.

support Heintzelman and Reno, on the right, but later in the day was brought to the left, where, with Schenck and Milroy, and the Pennsylvania Reserves, it maintained an unequal contest with great gallantry during the afternon ; but at night, overborne by superior numbers, together with the entire army, it was forced from the field, and fell back to Centreville. The color hearer of the One Hundred and Tenth, finding his capture unavoidable, tore the colors from the staff, and concealed them about his person. He was taken prisoner, but adroitly managed to make his escape, and brought the flag safely into camp.

During the Antietam Campaign, the regiment was retained within the defences of Washington, and was posted at Arlington Heights. Re-joining the army near Harper's Ferry, the division, now under command of Gen- eral Whipple, moved with the army to the Rappahannock, and on the 13th of December, participated in the battle of Fredericksburg, being with Franklin, on the left, where it sustained severe loss, Captain John R. Kooken being mortally wounded.

On the 20th of December, Colonel Lewis, on account of physical disa- bility, resigned, and Lieutenant Colonel Crowther was promoted to Colonel, Major David M. Jones to Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain Isaac Rodgers to Major. After the battle, the regiment returned to camp at Stoneman's Switch, where, with the exception of a week of severe service in the Mud March, it remained until the opening of the spring campaign. Having been much reduced in numbers, it was, at the beginning of the year, consoli- dated into six companies. In the movement upon Chancellorsville, Sickles' Corps at first supported Sedgwick in his feint upon the left, at Franklin's Crossing. Starting from camp on the 28th, the regiment lay with the corps on the left bank of the Rappahannock, opposite the pontoons, in readiness to cross, until the morning of the 30th, when it marched away to United States Ford, and crossing the river, joined Hooker at Chancellorsville. The corps was posted on the right centre, and during the day and night of the 2d, operated on the flank of Jackson's Corps, then moving upon the right wing of the Union army, held by the Eleventh Corps. On the morning of the 3d, Sickles having fallen back to the Chancellor House, and posted his artillery with his infantry in support, the enemy attacked him there with the energy of desperation. Jackson had been mortally wounded, and his soldiers threw themselves upon the Union lines with reckless daring, to avenge his fall. Colonel Crowther was killed in this terrible encounter, and nearly half of the effective strength of the regiment was either killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. General Whipple, in command of the division, was also killed. At the conclusion of the battle, the regiment returned to camp, near Stoneman's Switch.

Under command of Lieutenant Colonel Jones, the regiment moved on the Gettysburg campaign, about the middle of June, and on the evening of the 1st of July, arrived on the field, taking position on the left, at that time forming part of De Trobriand's Brigade, of Birney's Division. In the for- mation of the Corps on the following morning, the regiment was posted at the front, across the brow of a rocky, wooded eminence to the left of, and nearly parallel with the Emmettsburg Pike. Skirmishing commenced early in the day, followed by a hot fire of artillery ; but it was not until after- noon that the battle opened in earnest. Ward's Brigade was first struck,

982

ONE HUNDRED AND TENTH REGIMENT. 1863

away towards Round Top, and two of De Trobriand's regiments, were hur- ried to his aid, leaving the latter with only a single line, withont support. Soon the tide of battle, sweeping on towards the right, reached De Trobriand .* With desperation, the rebel horde came on, but was again and again swept back by the steady fire of the One Hundred and Tenth Pennsylvania, and the Fifth Michigan. Finally, with ammunition expended and ranks terribly shattered, it was relieved by Zook's Brigade, and retired to the line which had been originally selected for the Third Corps to occupy, where it rested and entrenched, and where it remained until the close of the battle. Lieutenant Colonel Jones was severely wounded, losing a leg, and fully one-third of the regiment were either killed or wounded.

. After the battle, the regiment marched through South Mountain with the division, proceeded on to Williamsport, crossing the Potomac at that point, and followed in pursuit of Lee, as far as the Rapidan.

The regiment went into camp at Warrenton, where it remained several weeks, and thence moved to Culpepper. On the 11th of October, it fell back with the army towards the Rappahannock, and after crossing, marched back to Brandy Station on a reconnoissance. On the night of the 12th, it took position at Freeman's Ford. The close and exciting race between Meade and Lee, for the occupation of Centreville, now followed, in which the regiment participated. On the 7th of November, it again moved forward

* Deux de mes regiments, le 5e du Michegan et le 110e de Pennsylvanie etaient deployes sur une crete parsemee de bois et de rochers, au pied de laquelle un ruisseau coulait dans un petit ravin boueux. Ce ravin se bifurquait a ma gauche, au bord d'un champ de ble dont l'extremite tres resserree me separait de la 2e brigade. * * * Ward recut le premier choc. Une explosion de hurrahs, suivie aussitot d' nn violent few de mousqueterie, nous apprit que les rebelles chargeaient a travers le ravin. Les arbres nous empechaient de rein voir de l'engagement, mais le bruit assourdissant de la fusillade disait assez que c' etait nne attaque a fond et que notre tour ne serait pas long a venir. * * * Il ne me restait donc plus que deux regiments en bataille et un troisieme prolongeant ma ligne en tirailleurs, losque l'avalanche roula sur moi. Allons-y ferinc, et tenons bon. Il n'y a plus rien en reserve. * * * En effet, la pression persistante de l'attaque montrait claire- ment que nous avions affaire a des forces supcricures. Si clles nous eussent ahordes avec ensemble a la baionette, nous eussions ete defonces. Heureusement que la nature du terrain morcelait leurs tentatives, et nous permettait de les tenir a distance par la rapidite et la precision de notre feu. Jamais je n'avais vu nos hommes se battre avec une obstination pareilla. On eut dit que chacun d'eux croyait la destinee de la Republique attachee a la vigeur desesperee de ses efforts. Nous nous maintenions donc : Mais ma ligno fondait sur place. Il me semblait qu'une moitie a peu pres devait etre a bas. Restait a savoir combien durcrait l'autre moitie. * * * Je revins aussitot vers les miens, et je m'avaucai jusque dans les rangs du 5e Michigan, sachant bien que rien n'encourage autant les soldats que la presence d'un commandant superieur au milieu d'eux. Ce n'etait rien de trop. La position devenait desesperee. La gauche de Ward avait ete debordee. Le 40c de New York envoye a son aide avait en vain fourni contre l'ennemi une charge vigoureuse dans laquelle on s'etait aborde a la baionrette; la 2e brigade avait ete forcee de reculer. Le 17e du Maine, destine a arreter l avance de l'ennemi de ce cote, n'avait pu garder sa position le long de la muraille ou il presentait le flanc aux troupes qui nous attaquaient. Celles-ci, prenant sa droite en enfilade, l'avaient contraint a se replier de l'autre cote du champ de ble. Le 110e de Penn- sylvanie ne tenait plus que par lambeaux. Le Major Jones qui le commandait venait d'avoir la jambe brisee. L.e 5e du Michigan se sentait ebranle par ses pertes enormes. * * * Notre position n'etait plus tenable ; nos munitions e taient a peu pres epuisees, et de'ja quelques hommes fouilaient les gibernes des morts pour en utiliser les cartouches, lorsqu une brigade du 2e corps vint enfin nous relever au feu.

*Campagnes a L' Armee du Potomac, De Trobriand, Paris, Vol. II, page 142.

983

1864

WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN.

. to Catlett's Station, where it remained, until the railroad, which had been destroyed by the rebels, had been reconstructed to that point. It then moved on through Hanover Junction and Bealton, to Kelly's Ford. The Third Corps had the advance here, and De Trobriand's Brigade formed the attacking party. It advanced at double quick, charged the rifle-pits of the enemy, and captured over four hundred prisoners. In this attack, the regiment was thrown forward as skirmishers, and wading the river, drove the rebels from their pits. Moving forward, it reached Brandy Station on the 8th of November, and encountered there a force of rebel cavalry and light artillery, when considerable skirmishing ensued. On the 26th of November, with ten days' rations, it started on the Mine Run campaign, which proved abortive, and upon its abandonment, returned to Brandy Station, where it went into winter-quarters.

Early in January, 1864, the regiment re-enlisted, thus preserving its iden- tity, and securing for itself a veteran furlough. While absent, a large number of recruits were obtained, and upon its return was thoroughly drilled, preparatory to entering upon the Spring campaign. With the brigade, it was trans- ferred to the Second Corps, commanded by General Hancock. Major Rodgers, who had, in October, been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, in place of Lieutenant Colonel Jones, discharged for wounds received at Gettysburg, was commissioned Colonel, Captain Enoch E. Lewis, Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain Isaac T. Hamilton, Major. On the 4th of May, the regiment crossed the Rapidan, at Ely's Ford, and entered the region of the Wilderness, encamping on the old battle-field of Chancellorsville. On the morning of the 5th, the corps moved towards Shady Grove Church, and joined Warren's left; the One Hundred and Tenth being on the left of the line thus formed. On the 6th, the enemy was encountered and driven, but in turn, pushed back the Union forces to their intrenched line, where he was. bloodily repulsed, and retired from the contest. On the 8th, the corps moved on towards Spottsylvania, and on the following morning was hotly engaged in the battle which there ensued, and also at the Po River. The regiment was afterward withdrawn from the south side of the river, and formed with the Fifth Corps. For six days it had been engaged in the hard fighting which had marked the course of the army, and had lost fully one-fourth of its effective strength.

On the morning of the 12th of May, the regiment participated in the charge of the corps upon the rebel works, when it captured an entire division of the rebel army. There was little firing, the movement being shielded by a dense fog. The first and a part of the second line was taken, the first held. Lieutenant John W. Manning was killed, and Colonel Rodgers, in com- mand of the regiment, was mortally wounded. In the remainder of the bloody march to Petersburg, the regiment, still forming part of Birney's veteran division, shared in the trials and triumphs of the way, being engaged at the North Anna, Tolopotomy, Shady Grove Church, Cold Harbor, and at the Chickahominy, where, on the 3d of June, it assaulted the enemy's works with its usual energy and daring. On the 14th it crossed the James, and marched to the assistance of the Eighteenth Corps, already engaged before Petersburg. With its corps it participated in the assault upon the enemy's works on the following morning, sustaining heavy losses; Lieutenant Colonel Lewis, in command of the regiment, having his arm shattered by a minnie ball.

984

ONE HUNDRED AND TENTH REGIMENT.

1865

and Captain William A. Norton being mortally wounded. After two days of comparative quiet, the corps moved around to the south side of the city, for the purpose of possessing the Weldon Railroad, wherein the regiment was actively engaged. On the 23d, the veterans and recruits of the One Hundred and Fifteenth Regiment were consolidated with this regiment, the original term of service of the former having expired.

Late in July, the regiment moved with the corps to the north side of the · Jaines, for a feint in favor of the operations to follow the explosion of the mine, and became involved in some severe fighting near Deep Bottom. Re- turning to the south bank, it was moved up to the neighborhood of the mine, where it was held in readiness to take advantage of any opportunity for action, which should be presented. No favorable occasion offering, it was settled in the trenches in front of the city, remaining in comparative quiet until the be- ginning of November, when it moved again to Deep Bottom, and was again warmly engaged, the regiment sustaining severe losses, especially in officers. Soon after its return, the corps moved to the left of the Union lines, and be- came heavily engaged near Hatcher's Run. The regiment now returned to the front line before the city, and with the Ninety-ninth, garrisoned Fort Hell during a considerable part of the ensuing winter. In December, it joined with the Fifth Corps in a descent upon the Richmond and Danville Railroad; and upon its return, resumed its place at the front, being occasionally called out for expeditions upon various parts of the line. The Spring campaign, the last of the war, opened on the 25th of March, the rebel leader taking the initiative in his attack upon Fort Steadman. This was seized by Grant as the occasion for opening along the whole line. In the operations of the regiment on this day, Captain William Stewart was killed, and Lieu- tenant Colonel Hamilton, who had commanded the regiment since the severe wounding of Colonel Lewis, was himself severely wounded. The command now devolved on Major Frank B. Stewart, subsequently commis- sioned Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel.

On the morning of the 29th, the regiment left camp, now for the final struggle, and crossing Hatcher's Run, marched in the direction of Din- widdie Court House, at evening putting up works just in the rear of some recently abandoned by the enemy. On the 2d of April, it marched towards Petersburg, finding his works all abandoned, except those in the immediate vicinity of the city, where some skirmishing ensued. During the night, he evacuated these also. Moving on in pursuit, long columns of prisoners were met, and captive trains. On the morning of the 16th, the brigade to which the regiment was attached, was thrown forward upon the skirmish line, and soon struck the enemy, in the neighborhood of Amelia Springs, where, posted npon the heights to the west, he made a stubborn stand. The regiment sustained severe loss in killed and wounded; but finally, after hard fighting, his lines were broken and driven, his artillery captured, and towards evening, he was fleeing in complete rout-the road being strewn with wagons, tents, ammunition, and camp utensils. On the 7th, the pursuit was continued, the corps passing High Bridge, and reaching Farmville at evening, where another slight encounter took place, the regi- ment not coming into action. On the 9th, the corps arrived at Clover Ilill, where, at two in the afternoon, the news of the surrender of the rebel

1865

THREE YEARS' SERVICE.

985

army was announced, amidst the wildest demonstrations of delight. Immedi- ately taking up the homeward march, the regiment passed Burkesville and Richmond, and on the 15th of May, arrived in front of Washington, where, on the 28th of June, it was mustered out of service.

FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS.

SAME

RANK.

DATE OF MUSTER INTO SERVICE.

TERM-YRARS!

REMARKG

Wmn. D. Lewis, Jr ...

Colonel

Jan. 2, '62, 3

Resigned Dec. 20, 62-Brevet Brigadier General, March 13. 1865.

James Crowther.

... do

Dec. 23, '61,

3 Promoted from Lt. Col., March 18, 1863-killed at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863.

David M. Jones

Lt. Col. Oct. 21, '61,

Isaac Rodgers

.do

Oct. 24, '61,

3 Pr. fr. Capt. Co. A, to Maj., June 16, '62-to Lt. Col., Dec. 21, '62-disch. Oct. 9. for wds., with loss of leg, rec. at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, '63. Pr. fr. Capt. Co. B, to Maj., Dec. 21, 1862-to Lt. 3 Col., Dec. 5, '63-com. Col .. April 23. 1864-not mustered-died May 2S, of wounds received at Spotsylvania Court House, Va., May 12, 1864. Discharged Jan. 11, 1865, for wounds received at Petersburg, Va . June 16, 1864.

Enoch E. Lewis

.do

May 30, '64, 3

Frank. B. Stewart ..

.do

Sept. 16, '62,

Pr. fr. Capt. Co. H, to Maj., May 10, 1865-to Lt. Col., June 16, 1865-com. Col., June 19, 1865- not mus .- mus. out with reg., June 23, 1865. Resigned June 16. 1862.

John C. Johnson

Isaac T. Hamilton ..

Major .. .. do

Dec. 23. '61, Dec. 5, '61,

Pr. fr. Capt. Co. C, Aug. 23, 1864-com. Lt. Col., Jan. 12, 1865-not mus .- to Bvt. Lt. Col., March 25. 1865-wd. at Fort Steadman, Va., March 25, 1865-discharged May 4, 1865.

Henry C. Spillman| Adj.

Dec. 23, '61, 3 Resigned Deceinher 4, 1862

Matthias H. Jolly ...

.. do

Oct. 13. '62,

w. F. Cunningham

.do

Dec. 19, '61,

Lewis G. Stewart

.. do

Dec. 19, '61,

3 Promoted fr. Corporal Co. B, to Sergeant Major, Feb. 1. 1864-to Adj., Oct. 1, 1864-discharged on Surgeon's certificate, March 13, 1865-Vet.

William H. Shelow

... do

Oct. 24, '61,

3 Pr. from Ist Lt. Co. A, June 8, 1865-cour. Capt. Co. A, June 19, 1865-not tus. - mustered out with regiment, June 28, 1865-Vet.

Jona. T. Marshall ...

Q. M

Dec. 23, '61, 3 Discharged December 12, 1863.

Edward G. Dorsey.

.do

Dec. 30, '61,

3 Promoted from Com. Sgt., Feb. 1, '64-dis. May 25, 1864-Vet.

Samuel D. Hays.

... do

July

8, '64,

Pr. fr. Q. M. Sgt., 14th reg. U. S. A., July 8, '64- mustered out with reg .. June 28, 1865.

David S. Hays

Surg.

Dec.

4. '61,

3 Discharged by General Order, June 3, 1865.

William Church.

A. Surg

Dec.

4, 61,

3| Pr. to Surgeon 141st reg. P. V., Sept. 15, 1862.

Charles H. Wilson do

Aug.

2, '62, 3 Pr. to Surgeon 49th reg. P. V., March 24, 1863.

Philip R. Palın .. do

Sept. 16, '62, 3 Pr. to Surgeon 137th reg. P. V., Dec. 19, 1862.

George B. Pomeroy do

3 April 8, '63, 3 Pr. to Surgeon 162d reg. P. V., May 2. 1864. Pr. to Surgeon 55th reg. P. V., Sept. 17, 1864. Mustered out with regiment, June 28, 1865.

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History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5; prepared in compliance with acts of the legislature, Vol. III, Part 186

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902. cn Publication date: 1869 Publisher: Harrisburg, B. Singerly, State Printer Number of Pages: 1402

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902. cn
Publication date: 1869
Publisher: Harrisburg, B. Singerly, State Printer
Number of Pages: 1402