History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5; prepared in compliance with acts of the legislature, Vol. IV, Part 199

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902. cn
Publication date: 1869
Publisher: Harrisburg, B. Singerly, State Printer
Number of Pages: 1350

USA > Pennsylvania > History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5; prepared in compliance with acts of the legislature, Vol. IV > Part 199

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).

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ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SECOND, SEVENTEENTH CAVALRY.

B Y the call of the President, of the 2d of July, 1862, Pennsylvania was required to furnish three regiments of cavalry. The Seventeenth was one of these, and was recruited, company A in Beaver county, B in Susquc- hanna, C in Lancaster, D in Bradford, E in Lebanon, F in Cumberland, G in Franklin, H in Schuylkill, I in Perry and in the city of Philadelphia, K in Luzerne, L in Montgomery, and Chester, and M in Wayne. The companies rendezvoused at Camp Simmons, near Harrisburg, where a regimental organiza- tion was effected, on the 18th of October, with the following field officers : Josiah H. Kellogg, Colonel; John B. M'Allister, Lieutenant Colonel; David B. Hartranft, Coe Durland, and Reuben R. Reinhold, Majors. Colonel Kellogg was a captain in the First United States Cavalry, and a few of both officers and men had served in the Mexican war ; but the greater part were unskilled in military duty, being for the most part farmers, lumbermen, and mechanics, inured to toil, and fortunately the greater number were unusually good horsemen. A few days after its organization, the regiment moved to Camp M'Clellan, a short distance north of Harrisburg, where sabres and pistols were issued, and a few days later, horses and equipments, and drill was commenced in earnest, Colonel Kellogg putting forth strenuous efforts to perfect its discipline.

On the 25th of November, the regiment moved to Washington, and was encamped for several days on East Capitol Hill, after which it was ordered to the front. On the 22d of December, it reached the town of Occoquan, where Hampton's Legion was encountered, and after a sharp skirmish, was driven and pursued for some distance across the Occoquan Creek. Here, three companies, C, D, and I, under Major Reinhold, were detailcd to picket the creek, from Occoquan to Wolf Run Shoals. They were were much harassed by roving parties of partisan rangers, and on the 25th and 26th, the right of the line was attacked by a superior force, which was repulsed, and some prisoners taken. On the 27th, the detachment was ordered to re-join the regiment, which had, in the meantime, advanced to near Stafford Court House, and moved early; but when nearing Neabsco Creek, word was brought that the enemy had attacked at Dumfries, and that a column of cavalry and artillery was moving on the Telegraph Road to Occoquan. Major Reinhold immediately countermarched, and taking position on the heights, on the north bank, suc- cessfully foiled every attempt of the enemy to cross. On the following morn- ing, having been reinforced by a detachment of the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry, it crossed the stream to reconnoitre, and fell in with General Stuart's command, which immediately attacked. Bcing overpowered, it was obliged to retire, and re-crossed the creek. On the 5th of January, 1863, it re-joined the

126-VOL. IV

1002

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SECOND REG MENT,

regiment near Stafford Court House. The Seventeenth was here assigned to the Second Brigade, of the First Cavalry Division, where it was associated with the Sixth New York, Sixth United States, and Eighth Pennsylvania, commanded by Colonel Thomas C. Devin, in which it served throughout its entire term. On the 18th of February, companies C, and I, Captain Spera were ordered to escort duty with General Meade, commanding the Fifth Corps where they remained until after the battle of Chancellorsville, and during the engagement, were kept busy in the transmission of orders.

Only three regiments of cavalry, of which the Seventeenth was one, moved with the columns of Hooker on the Chancellorsville campaign, the major part having been dispatched under Averell and Stoneman, to cut the enemy's com- munications, and harass his rear. When, on the evening of the 2d of May, the enemy under Jackson had driven the entire Eleventh Corps, and was push- ing on victorious to sever the Union army, and gain its only line of retreat, few troops were in position to stay his course. At this juncture, General Pleasanton, who had been out in advance of the line on the centre, in sup- port of General Sickles, then demonstrating upon Jackson's flank and rear, happened to be returning with the Eighth and Seventeenth Pennsylvania regiments towards the centre, and had reached the breast-works, just as hordes of Jackson's men, who were pursuing the routed Eleventh Corps troops, were approaching that part of the field. Divining the condition of affairs by the evidences of rout in the Union columns, Pleasanton ordered Major Keenan, of the Eighth, to charge with all his force, and with impetuosity, which he knew was an element of the Major's nature, full upon the head of the rebel advancing column, though he knew that the execution of the order would in- volve the sacrifice of that gallant regiment. This he did, in order that, by checking for a moment the rebel onslaught, he might gain time to bring his horse artillery into position, and thus interpose some more effectual barrrier. " I immediately ran up," says General Pleasanton, "this battery of mine at a gallop, put it into position, ordered it unlimbered, and double shotted with canister, and directed the men to aim at the ground line of the parapet that the Eleventh Corps had thrown up, about two hundred yards off. Our artillery, as a general rule, overshoots, and I ordered them to fire low, because the shot would ricochet. I then set to work with two squadrons of the remaining regi- ment, [the Seventeenth Pennsylvania,] to clear this field of fugitives, and to stop what cannon and ammunition we could, and put them in position; and I managed to get twenty-two guns loaded, double shotted, and aiming on this space in front of us for about a quarter or half a mile, when the whole woods appeared alive with large bodies of men. This was just at dusk. I was going to give the word ' fire.' I had ordered those pieces not to fire unless I gave the word, because I wanted the effect of an immense shock. There was an immense body of men, and I wanted the whole weight of the metal to check them. I was about to. give the word ' fire,' when one of the soldiers at a piece said : 'General, that is our flag.' I said to one of my aids, 'Mr. Thompson, ride forward there at once, and let me know what flag that is.' He then went to within about one hundred yards, and those people cried out : 'Come on, we are friends.' He started to move on, when the whole line of woods blazed with musketry, and they commenced leaping over this parapct, and charged on the guns; and at about the same time, I saw from eight to ten rebel battle flags run up along the whole line. I immediately gave the order, ' fire,' and the fire

1003

SEVENTEENTH CAVALRY-THREE YEARS' SERVICE.

actually swept the men away; it seemed to blow those men in front, clcar over the parapet. * * * We had this fight between musketry and artillery there for nearly an hour. At one time they got within fifty yards of the guns. * * There were two squadrons of the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry left. This remaining regiment I had was composed of raw men, new troops, and all I could do with them was to make a show. I had them formed in single line, with sabres drawn, with orders to charge in casc the enemy came to the guns. They sat in rear of the guns, and I have no doubt that the rebels took them for the head of a heavy column, as the country sloped back behind them, and they could not sce what was back of them." * And thus was the mad onset of Stonewall Jackson's army checked by artillery, supported by a single line of raw cavalry. It was a trying position for the regiment, but the firm front presented, saved the day, and enabled Hooker to re-form his shattered columns, and once more present an unbroken line. Early in the evening, Sickles' troops came up and took position, in support of the guns, and the regiment was relieved. In a general order, issued immediately after the battle, General Pleasanton says : "The coolness displayed by the Seventeenth Pennsylvania Regiment, in rallying fugitives, and supporting the batteries (including Martin's,) which repulsed the enemy's attack under Jackson, on the evening of the 2d instant, has excited the highest admiration."

Under Buford and Gregg, the cavalry, on the 9th of June, crossed the Rappahannock at Beverly and Kelly's fords, and boldly attacked the enemy's cavalry, supported by his infantry. The battle raged during most of the day. At length, finding that the rebels were moving up an overpowering force, the Union cavalry retired. In this engagement the Seventeenth participated, and in the retreat was of the rear guard, where it was subjected to a heavy artillery fire. Two days after the battle, the regiment was posted to picket the line of the river, from Beverly Ford to Sulphur Springs, while the main body of the army was marching northward. It was not withdrawn until the 15th, when it re-joined the division. Early on the morning of the 21st, it was formed in line half a mile west of Middleburg, and met the enemy, repulsing his attack, and driving him in the direction of Upperville. When arrived near the town, it was ordered to charge the left flank of the foe, and in executing it, was brought under a heavy fire of his artillery. He was finally driven in confusion.

As General Buford, who commanded the division, moved northward through Maryland and Pennsylvania, he was hailed with demonstrations of rejoicing, and as he entered Gettysburg, was saluted with shouts and patriotic songs. On the night of the 30th, he encamped near the grounds of Pennsylvania College, and on the morning of the 1st of July, moved out by the Cashtown Road. At a distance of a milc and a half from town, he met the enemy in force. Dispositions were immediately made to resist his further advance, and for four hours, and until the arrival of the First Corps, Buford held at bay a third of the entire rebel army. "Buford, with his four thousand cavalry," says General Pleasanton, " attacked Hill, and for four hours splendidly resisted his advance, until Reynolds and Howard were able to hurry to the field, and give their assistance. To the intrepidity, courage and fidelity of General Buford and his brave division, the country and the army owe the field of

* Conduct of the War-1865-Vol. 1, pp. 28-9.

1004

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SECOND REGIMENT,

Gettysburg."* As soon as the infantry in force had come up, the cavalry moved upon its flanks, and during the remaining part of the battle, was active in preventing the movement of flanking columns of the enemy, and in pro- tecting the lines of communication with the base of supply. Buford's Division retired to Taneytown, on the evening of the 2d, Westminster on the 3d, and Frederick on the 5th. On the 6th, it encountered the enemy west of Boonsboro, and after a sharp fight, drove him from his position. On the following morn- ing, he renewed the attack, but was again driven, the Seventeenth Pennsyl- vania and Ninth New York having a severe encounter while upon the skirmish line. Skirmishing continued daily, until the enemy retired across the river, and the campaign was at an end.

The fall campaign was one of great activity for the cavalry. The part taken by the Seventeenth is reflected by the following extract from Captain Theodore W. Bean's manual of the regiment : "At Raccoon Ford," he says, " you left your horses under shelter, and rushed to the support of your brother comrades in arms, (Fourth New York,) who were gallantly struggling against fearful odds, and under a murderous fire of grape and canister from the enemy, saved them from capture, re-established the line, and held it until relieved by the Twelfth Army Corps, for which you received the special commendation of the division commander. In the subsequent movements of the same year, when the wily rebel chief proposed to flank the army of the Potomac, and thus gain possession of the Capital, history will accord to the regiment an honorable association with the commands that beat back his advance at Morton's Ford, Stevensburg, Brandy Station, and Oak Hill, where, holding the extreme left of the line, you skilfully changed front as a distinctive organization, by direction of your immediate commander, anticipating a well intended surprise, and repulsing, with heavy loss, a reckless charge of cavalry, for which the enemy at that time were notorious. In the counter movements of the campaign, closing with the battle of Bealton Station, and Rickseyville, the occupation of the line on the Rapidan, and the indecisive engagement at Mine Run, the regiment was present bearing its share of the toils, and sustained its proportion of losses, and, with the command, went into winter-quarters on the battle-beaten plains of Culpepper."

The regiment was engaged during the winter in picket duty, holding a long line in the direction of James City. On the 27th of February, 1864, a detachment of two hundred men, under command of Captain Spera, was ordered to report to General Kilpatrick, who, with a force of five thousand cavalry, was about to start on a raid upon Richmond. The command moved on the following day, and at Beaver Dam Station, on the Virginia Central Railroad, the work of destruction was commenced. Here, Hall's Brigade, to which Spera's detachment belonged, was sent to operate on the Fredericks- burg Railroad, and at Taylorsville met a superior force of the enemy, which it failed to dislodge ; but near Yellow Tavern, on the Virginia Central, effected the destruction of rolling stock, and there re-joined the main column. Kil- patrick approached within two or three miles of Richmond, carrying the outer works, and throwing shells into the city, but found the forces opposing him too great to be overcome, and retired by Meadow Bridge, where a sharp skirmish occurred. At New Kent Court House, the infantry of Butler was met, whence,

* Conduct of the War-Supplement-Part 2, p. 9-Pleasanton's Report.

1005

SEVENTEENTH CAVALRY-THREE YEARS' SERVICE.

some days later, the command returned by transports to Alexandria, and thence to its old camp near Culpepper.

At the opening of the spring campaign the brigade moved to Chancellors- ville, and on the 6th of May was sent to the Furnace, on the left of the line, where it met the enemy and fought dismounted, foiling numerous attempts of the rebels to turn that flank, being heavily engaged during the entire day. On the following morning it relieved Gregg's Division on the Spottsylvania Road, where the enemy was driven with heavy loss, and at night encamped at Todd's Tavern. On the 8th the fighting was renewed, in which the Seventeenth, holding the Spottsylvania Road, suffered severely. Repeated charges of the enemy were repulsed, and the position held until relieved by the Fifth Corps. On the 9th Sheridan led the cavalry on his grand raid towards Richmond. At Beaver Dam Station many Union prisoners were rescued, and large amounts of rebel stores were destroyed. At Yellow House serious fighting ensued, in which the Seventeenth, dismounted, was of the charging column, and drove the enemy. At night the regiment was put upon the picket line stretching out towards Richmond, reaching near to the rebel fortifications. Meadow Bridge, which had been destroyed, was repaired by the First Division, and in the face of the enemy, with infantry and artillery on the opposite side, the Seventeenth took the lead in crossing, and delivering a most determined charge drove him from his works in confusion. While the battle was raging a severe thunder storm set in, adding to the terror of the scene. Lieutenant Joseph E. Shultz was killed in the charge. He was shot through the heart, expiring al- most instantly. Sheridan re-joined the army of the Potomac near Chester- field Station on the 25th.

Resting but for a day, the cavalry again moved forward, and crossing the Pamunky at New Castle Ferry engaged the enemy, and after several charges drove him from his position. On the 28th two squadrons of the regiment were sent towards Hanover, encountering the enemy's skirmishers and driving them in, and on the 30th, while reaching out to open communication with the left of the army, brought on the battle of Bethesda Church. On the same day the regi- ment was engaged near Old Church Tavern, where Lieutenant John Anglun, Regimental Quartermaster, was killed, and Captain William Tice wounded. At Cold Harbor the regiment moved dismounted, and in the charge there deliv- ered, held the left of the line. In its first advance it was repulsed and suffered severe loss, but renewing the charge the enemy was routed and driven. He subsequently made repeated attempts to re-capture his lost works, but was as often driven back with loss. At daylight of the 1st of June he made a des- perate assault, determined upon victory. He was allowed to come within short range, when the artillery and repeating carbines were opened on him with ter- rible effect, the ground being covered with his slain. When relieved by the infantry, Sheridan led his cavalry in the direction of Lynchburg. On the 10th the regiment was sent to the Spottsylvania battle-ground, where, in a field hospital, thirty-five wounded Union soldiers were found in a famishing condi- tion and brought away. On re-joining the column near Trevilian Station, Sheridan was found hotly engaged. The Seventeenth was immediately sent to the front, and during the 11th and the following day was hotly engaged, sus- taining heavy losses. Finding the enemy in superior numbers, Sheridan re- turned. The Seventeenth was again engaged near White House Landing on the 21st, at Jones' Bridge on the 23d, and at Charles City Court House on the

1006 .

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SECOND REGIMENT,

24th, in each engagement sustaining considerable losses. On the 26th Sheri- dan crossed the James, but a month later returned to the left bank and moved up towards Richmond. At Ruffin's House the enemy's videttes were found and driven upon his infantry supports. On the morning of the 28th the bri- gade, dismounted, was sent to dislodge the enemy's infantry from a strong po- sition on commanding ground in front of Ruffin's. Diffieult ditches had to be erossed, but pushing resolutely forward it opened fire from the repeating car- bines, and though losing heavily, drove him out and occupied his ground. On the following day Sheridan re-erossed the James, and soon after retraced his steps for the purpose of misleading the enemy as to his real strength on the Rich- mond side. On the 30th he returned to the lines before Petersburg.

Early in August Sheridan was ordered to the command of the army in the Shenandoah Valley, and two divisions of cavalry, the First and Third, were sent to his aid. Upon the arrival of the Seventeenth in the valley, Major Rein- hold resigned and was honorably discharged, whereupon Captain Weidner H. Spera was promoted to succeed him. On the 11th of August the cavalry moved towards Newtown, driving the enemy, but at six in the evening found him in position, determined to dispute further advanee. The Seventeenth was at the front and was immediately ordered to charge. The enemy offered obstinate resistance, but was finally dislodged and retreated rapidly up the valley. On the 16th the enemy attacked the piekets of the brigade near Front Royal, the Seventeenth holding the centre of the brigade line. The division was imme- diately put in motion and repulsed the over-confident foe, capturing two bat- tle-flags and three hundred prisoners. General Devin, commanding the bri- gade, was wounded in this engagement. On the 25th the command moved for- ward to Kearnysville, where it came upon the enemy's infantry. Of the battle which ensned, General Sheridan says: "This attack was handsomely made, but instead of finding cavalry his (enemy's) infantry was encountered, and for a time doubled up and thrown into the utmost confusion. * *

This engagement was a mutual surprise, our cavalry expecting to meet the enemy's eavalry, and his infantry expecting no opposition whatever." The Union forces retired in the direction of Shepherdstown, and when near that plaec the enemy attacked Custer's Division. For the purpose of diverting attention from Cus- ter the Seventeenth was ordered to charge upon the enemy's flank. In column of fours it dashed down a narrow road, and drove a body of his infantry from a wood, ereating eonsternation in his ranks. In this charge Lieutenant James Potter was killed. For three weeks almost constant skirmishing was kept up, the Seventeenth participating in the actions at Smithfield on the 20th, at White Post on the 1st of September, at the Berryville and Buncetown crossing of the Opequan on the 7th, in which Captain Martin R. Reinhold was killed, and at Bunker Hill on the 13th.

Sheridan was now about to assume the offensive. At noon of the 18th the eavalry at Bunker Hill was ordered to break eamp and move quietly without sound of bugle, and at a mile cast of Summit Point encamped for the night, drawing sixty rounds of ammunition per man and sending all regimental bag- gage and supply trains to Harper's Ferry. At one o'clock on the morning of the 19th reville was sounded, and at two the cavalry moved towards the Ope- quan. Before daylight heavy firing was heard. The First Division moved on the road towards Stevenson Station, erossing the Opcquan, and driving the enemy from his position at the ford. The fighting was now general along the

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SEVENTEENTH CAVALRY-THREE YEARS' SERVICE.

entire line, Sheridan having moved to the attack with his entire army. Step by step the ground was disputed. When within half a mile of the Valley Pike, near the station, the enemy was discovered massing his cavalry to dis- pute the advance of Avcrell. At this juncture General Devin was ordered to charge with his brigade. With the Seventeenth in advance, the charge was made, and the enemy driven in great confusion towards Winchester, opening the way for a junction of Torbert's and Averell's commands. Moving in line up the pike towards Winchester, the enemy's line was again charged and driven from its position. The fighting was very severe. General Sheridan says in his report : "I attacked the forces of General Early over the Berryville Pike, at the crossing of the Opequan Creek, and after a most desperate engagement, which lasted from early in the morning until five o'clock in the evening, com- pletely defeated him, driving him through Winchester and capturing about two thousand five hundred prisoners, five pieces of artillery, nine battle-flags, and most of their wounded."

After the battle the regiment was ordered to report for duty to Colonel Ed- wards, Post Commander at Winchester, and was employed in guarding against the attacks of guerrillas, and in keeping open communication with the base ot supplies. On the 15th of October Major Spera was sent with a detachment to Martinsburg, and while there was ordered to escort Gencral Sheridan to the front,* and was with him in that ride rendered famous by the stanzas of T. Buchanan Recd, taking part in the great battle which completely crushed the enemy in the valley, and returned to Winchester with despatches on the 20th. Until the 27th the regiment remained on duty at Winchester, when it was re- lieved and re-joined the division. On the 19th of December General Torbert .

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History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5; prepared in compliance with acts of the legislature, Vol. IV, Part 199

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902. cn Publication date: 1869 Publisher: Harrisburg, B. Singerly, State Printer Number of Pages: 1350

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902. cn
Publication date: 1869
Publisher: Harrisburg, B. Singerly, State Printer
Number of Pages: 1350