USA > Pennsylvania > History of a cavalry company. A complete record of Company "A," 4th Penn'a cavalry, as identified with that regiment in all the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac, during the late civil war > Part 13
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19
ately after the infantry had withdrawn inside of our lines, we were attacked by the rebels, who sharply pursued us, and a most desperate fight ensued-the enemy making several fierce attacks. We, however,
19*
1
/
222
HISTORY OF A CAVALRY COMPANY.
held our position firmly, until all the disabled and non-combatants had time to get safely out of the way, when we retired gradually, in the face of the enemy, executing some very fine mounted movements under heavy fire, our regiment alone having been engaged at this time. We retired in, what is called, achelon. Moving back slowly, we reached the vicinity of our lines on the New Market Road, but through some oversight or deficient skill in the generalship, our division was massed outside of the line of works on the New Market Road, in a large open field, where, not being properly disposed of to receive the rebels, they began an attack simultaneously, from all sides, on the open ground where we were massed. The whole divi- sion was thrown into confusion. They now set sev- eral batteries very destructively at work on us, from the woods. A hasty stampede began, which, how- ever, was quickly checked, and the enemy held at bay. In this day's engagement our regiment took a very active part, and we must remark, behaved nobly. Many were killed and wounded, but none were cap- tured. In our Company we had one killed and five wounded. Corp. Hess was shot dead while on the line, his remains with the other dead that lay on the field, falling into the rebels' hands. The wounded were all secured, and sent to hospitals in the North. Among the wounded who afterwards died, was private Everhard. A complete list of these will be found annexed.
. In the evening we went into camp near Malvern Hill, and there remained until the 18th inst. In this
£
223
A DULL FOURTH AND SAD TIDINGS.
vicinity we found immense fields of green corn, and on this rare luxury the entire command feasted for a brief season. The change was very grateful, as we had not tasted any thing of the kind for a long time. On the afternoon of August 18th, our brigade was sent as guards to relieve the 1st brigade of our division. While approaching the line to be relieved, the road upon which we were marching was shelled by the enemy. Many of their missiles took effect, dealing death and destruction in our little command. Two members of our Company were seriously wounded- John Welsh having had his leg knocked completely off at the thigh, and John Balentine being like- wise badly wounded. Both were promptly con- veyed to the hospital. We relieved the first brigade, and in turn were ourselves relieved the next day.
On August 20th, we broke camp at Malvern IIill, and marched again, crossing the river at Deep Bot- tom, and the Appomattox at Point of Rocks, near to Prince George's Court House, where we arrived on the morning of the 21st. We proceeded thence, out the Jerusalem Plank Road, and did picket duty, during the night. While we were operating on the north side of the James River, the 5th army corps, had moved by the left of our lines, taking posses- sion of, and holding the Weldon Railroad. Notwith- standing the desperate efforts made by the enemy to retake it, it was still held by our unyielding army. On the evening of August 22d, we were relieved from picket duty, and marched to Gurley House, where we encamped. The roads, at this time, were
224
HISTORY OF A CAVALRY COMPANY.
in a very bad condition, on account of recent rains and stormy weather. The country, in this vicinity, being naturally swampy, was now almost totally unadapted to mounted movements. About this time, our cavalry division was alone with the Army of the Potomac, the first and third divisions, having gone with Sheridan to the Shenandoah Valley to meet Early, who with his rebel hordes, were now invading Maryland, and making demonstrations on Washing- ton. This was the noted campaign of Sheridan's- the one in which he swiftly, and terribly, "cleaned out" the Shenandoah Valley of the rebel legions, by several decisive encounters and some movements, among the most daring and brilliant of all wars. Winchester, Cedar Hill, and more particularly the 19th of October, will stand on the pages of history, in glorious emblazonry-as among the most dashing and magnificent martial demonstrations on record. Sheridan, here, showed himself, to be the compeer in genius, and valor, with such men, as Murat, Ney, and Duroc, those bright names in the history of Na- poleonic wars, which no lapse of time can ever dim, on the clear firmament of glory and renown. Our own poet Thomas Buchanan Read, has immortalized the hero of this day, in verses of rare spirit and en- ergy-in the popular lyric-" Sheridan's Ride."
.
٠٠١
225
REBEL ENCOUNTERS AND GUERILLAS.
CHAPTER XXIII.
-
REBEL ENCOUNTERS AND GUERILLAS.
K AUTZ'S Division of cavalry was, at this time, sent to the Army of the James, on the north side. We now had very much duty to per- form, and soon after, another brigade was attached to our division. Col. Smith, of the First Maine Cav- alry, had commanded our brigade, since the battle of Gravel IIill Farm, Col. Gregg having been se- verely wounded there on that day. On the 22d of August, we moved, in company with the Second Army Corps, down the Weldon Railroad, tearing up, and destroying the track as we moved along, and encamping during the night at Fort Du Chesne. On the 23d of August, we moved on down the rail- road to Reams' Station. In the evening the rebel cavalry appeared in our vicinity, driving in our pick- ets, and keeping up a brisk skirmishing, in which Capt. Parks, at the time commanding our regiment, was mortally wounded. He was a soldier of intelli- gence, true courage, and considerable dash, and was the third regimental commander that we had now lost in action. All the next day, we remained in the
1
FF Am
-
226
HISTORY OF A CAVALRY COMPANY.
vicinity of Reams' Station, the infantry proceeding down the railroad, and effectually destroying it. During the night of the 24th, and morning of the 25th, our cavalry scouts reported the presence of the enemy in the vicinity, in strong force. Gen. Hancock, on receiving this intelligence, concentrated his force at Reams' Station, and occupied some old works that had been thrown up by the 6th corps, to cover Wilson's disastrous retreat, after his famous raid in the beginning of the Petersburg campaign.
During the day, Hancock was attacked here by the enemy, in overwhelming numbers, but fought them stubbornly all day. Finally, in the evening, the rebels hurled their masses on our front, with ter- rific energy, and after repeated and successive as- saults, succeeded by the most furious charges in breaking Hancock's line at a weak point. The enemy made eleven successive charges, and the ground was literally piled up with their dead. Han- cock had had two very effective batteries in opera- tion. The enemy were, however, so much crippled by their repeated efforts, and the reception they had met, that finally, as the shades of evening fell, when they had broken Hancock's line, they were unable to follow up their advantage, or create any panic in our little force. It retired with the most stubborn front, Hancock himself, barcheaded and with a loos- ened sleeve streaming in the wind, rushing down to the guns, handling them with energy, and calling back the men, who had just deserted their post, ad- ministering at the same time a prolixity of horrible
-
L
227
REBEL ENCOUNTERS AND GUERILLAS.
oaths. He looked more like a wild man, or a soldier possessed with a restless and demoniac spirit, than a general commanding in a good cause. The field af- terwards was completely covered with the dead and dying, most of whom were abandoned during the night,-both armies mutually withdrawing.
Here we again had witnessed the brave efforts of some of the citizen soldiers from our native valley. On the morning of this day, while passing along the lines, I again discovered the Eighty-first regiment, and stopped and had a talk with a number of old ac- quaintances. Sad to relate, on the evening of this same day, many of them were dead and abandoned on the ground, which they had so heroically fought to defend. Among the killed were two officers from Mauch Chunk, Lieuts. McGee and Hoover. During this engagement Hancock ordered out some scouts, in order to discover, if possible, the enemy's force, and how they were situated. I was among those de- tailed on this duty. Passing out at the left of our lines, we succeeded in moving round the enemy's right to his rear, and there discovered that they were only lightly armed and equipped, as if merely in- tending to be absent from camp for a short period of time. Two of us became mixed up among their movements, and were discovered by the rebels. We at once made a hasty run on horseback, with bullets flying thick and fast around, the whole rebel line pouring their fire upon us. We had to cross a numi- ber of open fields, but were not even wounded. I expected every moment to fall from my horse, but
-
1
·
228
HISTORY OF A CAVALRY COMPANY.
we moved so quickly, that there was no chance for a deliberate aim. We returned to our lines in the evening, and found them retiring. I carried the in- formation to Hancock, but as the crisis of the bat- tle had already past, he paid little attention to it, and seemed to be in an excited and unapproachable humor.
In the evening, when our infantry forces were withdrawn, we were left on picket at Wood's Shop, between the Weldon Railroad and Jerusalem Plank Road. We were relieved the next evening, when we went into camp on the Jerusalem Plank Road, at Second Swamp. We might here state, by the way, that this camp now became as familiar to us as a home, during the entire balance of the eventful siege of Petersburg, as no matter what our move- ments were after this, how complicated and numerous soever, and the duty no matter how severe and ardu- ous, we always returned again to this point. Imme- diately after going into camp on Second Swamp, we were paid for four months' service, which was now very acceptable to the command. They had been out of money for a long time, and sutlers began to flock to the army, displaying their temptations profusely be- fore the troops. This exposure of their delectable stores, their coveted goods, sometimes accelerated their business to their own ruin. It was no un- common occurrence to see a sutler one minute smiling behind well-stocked counter and shelves, and the next-a riotous roar, hubbub, and indiscriminate shaking about of arms and heels intervening-to see
الله
229
REBEL ENCOUNTERS AND GUERILLAS.
the itinerant merchant stand amid empty boxes and ruinous debris, with head bowed and brain cogi- tating sorrowfully over a complete sale, but a loss as complete, and irreparable.
On the 29th of August, along with several friends, I visited the old Eleventh Penna. Vols., encamped near Fort Du Chesne, and met there some of my old comrades. We had a gay and pleasant reunion. On the 30th we had the monthly inspection by Brigade Inspector, and on the 31st we went on guard duty, relieving the Thirteenth Penna. Cavalry at Gurley
House. Our picket line was here supported by Gen. Farrero's Division of Colored Troops, a fine review of which we had seen while we were on picket. Our lines were now considerably troubled with guerillas, who continually picked our men off post. These guerillas were the military outlaws, the cowards and felons of the war. There was not, by possibility a spark of truc manhood, to say nothing of courage or valor, in their composition-the very scum of the foul wave of treason, as it rolled and blackened along the Union lines; the sloughed-off rottenness of the cancer of slavery; the fotid, decomposed humanity which even the rebel cast off from his living armies; a paltry, weasel- spirited horde, who were dragging about bodies of which they had robbed the Potter's fields of the South, ever since their first escape from the gallows. Strange to say, when we captured any of these, by the humane provisions of our government, they were treated as prisoners of war. But I can speak for myself, when I say, that I never caught
20
E
230
1
HISTORY OF A CAVALRY COMPANY.
one nor saw one, without bitterly gulping down im- pulses, which unrestrained, would have wrenched out their tongues till they blackened in death, or hung them without ceremony.
On the 2d of September, a brigade of rebel cavalry drove in our pickets, coming in on them suddenly at a gallop, and taking our reserves even by surprise. They completely cut off one detachment of thirty men, of which I was in command. After scouting round and discovering that the enemy had pursued, far along and past our flank, and that they might possibly return by the road on which we were doing duty, I concluded to cross the path by which they had gone in, on their rear, as they were now fighting our main reserve in our own rear.
I accordingly led the command to the road, and ordered them to quickly charge across. The regi- mental commander had given us up as having been captured and lost, as another small detachment or reserve had been. When, however, we made the movement successfully, and he saw us safely before him, he was surprised, and complimented us highly, on the happy issue of our effort. We had dashed across the road and into the woods on the opposite side by a circuitous movement, and had entered our own lines several miles to the right at Geary's Church, having lost two of my command, privates Drake and Drumbore, both of whom were captured through the stumbling of their horses. But they were both soon afterwards paroled. The enemy finding us well sup- ported, rapidly retired in the direction of Reams'
231
REBEL ENCOUNTERS AND GUERILLAS.
Station. Their intention had only been, to make a dash and find out what force we held in that vicinity.
On the 3d of September, we were relieved from picket duty, and returned to camp.
We were mustered for pay immediately on arriving at camp, on the July and August rolls. The changes during the time have been already remarked. We remained in camp until September 9th, preparing good, comfortable quarters, with shades arranged from brush and shrubbery. About this time an at- tack was anticipated by the enemy, on our left and rear. Strong lines of earthworks were consequently thrown across the plank road, and around the entire left and rear of the army to Prince George's Court House. On the 9th of September, our regiment was again ordered on picket duty. After remaining out three days, we were in turn relieved, and re- turned to camp. We also remained in camp three days, when our regiment, with the 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry, was ordered out in light marching order, proceeding in advance of a division of the 5th Army Corps, on a reconnoissance to and beyond Poplar Spring Church. We found the rebels, and drove in their pickets, and after reconnoitering their whole line, returned to camp. Early the next morning, the division was again hurried out in light marching order, proceeding along the Jerusalem Plank Road, the enemy's cavalry under Hampton having passed far around our left and rear, and driving in our pickets at Fort Powhattan, captured a large herd of cattle near that place. We were now on the march to
232
HISTORY OF A CAVALRY COMPANY.
intercept him, if possible, on his return. We were, however, as usual in such cases, a little too late. We came up with his rear-guard, about seventeen miles from camp, and pushed them with all possible vigor, until dark, hurrying them somewhat over the Nottaway River, where they lost a great number of the cattle, they having been driven so hard that they became very much heated, and gave out while in the water, drowning in the river by hundreds. The banks were literally lined with them for a long distance. Returning as far as Proctor's Hill in the evening, we remained in that vicinity until morning, when after reconnoitering toward Stony Creek Station, on the Weldon Railroad, we returned to camp. On the following day we were again ordered on picket duty, at Geary's Church, the weather being very warm at this time, the roads dry and parched, and water distressingly scarce. On the 21st of Sep- tember, we were relieved by infantry from the 2d Army Corps, from our accustomed picket duty, and returned to camp. We supposed from the fact of our relief by infantry, that we were now about to make another raid or reconnoissance, but we still re- mained quietly in camp for some time, having for- tunately a few days' reprieve from duty.
On September 24th, along with a number of companions, I rode along our lines in front of Peters- burg, and was greatly surprised at the strength and enormity of the work which had been performed up to this time, by our troops. The defenses of the enemy, also, were equally formidable. I. had
-
U
233
REBEL ENCOUNTERS AND GUERILLAS.
never before beheld anything to compare with them. They seemed to be impregnable, with the lines of fortifications running sometimes to within a few hundred feet of each other, within good talking distance. Here the troops of both armies would hail each other. They would also frequently notify their friends when they had been ordered to recommence firing. While encamped in front of Petersburg, the members of the respective regiments visited each other, and became very friendly and sociable. Old acquaintances had now free intercourse with one another. Many officers and men from other commands, representing our native valley, in return visited our regiment. On September 29th, we broke camp, and marched with division out at the left of the army, to the Vaughan Road, and operated in the vicinity of Col. Wyatt's residence. We here met the enemy in force, in the afternoon, and a hard fight ensued, the rebels attacking our brigade with cavalry and infantry, and gradually forcing us to re- tire with some loss. Major Peel, commanding the regiment, was captured. Captain Smith, of Co. D., was killed, and several officers and men were wounded, one officer in particular, Lieut. Harper, of Co. B., having been struck with balls in four different places. We had three men killed, and ten wounded. We, however, did not leave the line, but re- mained in position. After the engagement, we main- tained our ground for several days. On the 30th of September, Lieut. Col. Young, of our regiment, who had been absent on account of a wound, and
20*
234
HISTORY OF A CAVALRY COMPANY.
who had been ever since in Washington, arrived. - He had been in the National Capital, at the time Early had made his demonstration against the city, and had taken part in that campaign, commanding detachments from the different regiments. He con- ducted himself with great gallantry throughout the campaign, and was badly wounded for the second time. He was now detached in command of Camp Stoneman, and was present with the regiment on a visit, on leave of absence from Camp Stoneman.
ESCAPED FROM ANDERSONVILLE PRISON. 235
CHAPTER XXIV.
-
ESCAPED FROM ANDERSONVILLE PRISON.
T THE Army of the Potomac, having advanced its lines towards the South Side Railroad, during the past two days, hard fighting consequently ensued, the enemy attempting to dispute every inch of ground in that direction. Our division was posted in the rear of the new lines for several days, during which time, Capt. Andrews, of our Company, was now mustered out of service on the expiration of the original term of three years. Lieut. Col. Young, being at this time the Senior officer of the regiment, although not being present on duty with the com- mand, I was appointed by him to take the responsi- bility of acting as First Lieutenant, and of assuming the entire command of the Company, until I could be regularly commissioned, which he assured me should be done at once. The Company was now without an officer. Andrews had already been mustered out, and Lieut. Freeby was still in the hospital sick. He was also mustered out of service about this time. I accordingly proceeded to act as Lieutenant, com- manding the Company. I duly took command, Oct.
236
/
HISTORY OF A CAVALRY COMPANY.
4th, 1864. On the 6th of October, the division moved back to camp, on the Plank Road, and our regiment was immediately sent on picket on the Halifax Road, running parallel with the Weldon Railroad, and closely adjacent. We remained on picket duty until the 9th of October, when we were relieved, and at once returned to camp, having been absent nearly two weeks. On the 10th of October, Maj. Clark, our paymaster, again made his appearance, and paid the regiment for two months.
The next day, October 11th, we held in camp a regimental election, for state and county officers at home, the companies each appointing their own elec- tion judges and clerks. The regiment polled a three- fourths Republican majority vote. On the 12th of October, our regiment again went on picket, on the Halifax Road, relieving the Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry-the same regiment that we had relieved a few days before. We had fine weather during the time we were out, and saw some very jovial times.
Along the Halifax Road, from our Reserve to Fort Du Chesne, was a splendid, open, level, piece of road, over a mile in length. HIere many prominent officers and generals of the army congregated, to vary the monotony of their duty, by a display of blooded- stock in improvised horse-races. Gaily caparisoned steeds were consequently seen here, in large numbers, and some brisk competitions were likewise witnessed. It was gay and exhilarating sport to both spectator and participant. The time made, sometimes, was
237
ESCAPED FROM ANDERSONVILLE PRISON.
very good, and the cheering and interest in the re- sult were immense. The sight was a very pleasant and exciting one. Rider and horse went scouring over the plain with the speed of the wind, wheeling about and darting along, in the new delight and free- dom of unrestrained action. The horses' shoes, as thrown up in the quick movement of a gallop, glit- tered brightly in the sunlight. These stirring amuse- ments were a decided relief from the monotony, of especially the infantry duties. Our cavalry forces were continually on the move, while the dismounted troops were always in camp.
On the 14th of October, I wassent on a scout, with twenty men, to Reams' Station. We accordingly proceeded, at once, cautiously to that point, found a few of the enemy's scouts, and captured two wagons, with contraband drivers, who were gathering together supplies for the rebels. We secured seventy bushels of oats, which we found in the wagons, and several barrels of salt. We captured, also, a rebel conscrip- tion agent who was in charge of these. We brought them all in to our reserve, and sent them to Brigade Headquarters.
On the 15th we were relieved from guard duty, and returned to camp. On the day following, being Sunday, the regular Sunday morning inspection took place.
On the evening of this day the Company was des- tined to be agreeably surprised, by the sudden and unannounced arrival of Condy Galligher, an old member of the Company, who had been captured by
7
238
HISTORY OF A CAVALRY COMPANY.
the enemy at Sulphur Springs on the 12th of October, 1863, where upwards of one hundred and fifty, myself included, had been made captive. He had partici- pated in all the arduous duties and services of the Company, before having been captured, and had once before been a prisoner and paroled.
He appeared before us. on Oct. 16th, creating both surprise and delight, for in all actions he had been. a good and efficient soldier, and we had long since numbered him among the dead. An apparition from Andersonville would have been scarcely more unex- pected. He had at last then, made his escape from the ghastly terrors of cruel oppression and gaunt starvation, and from many a long, sad hour of gloomy imprisonment in Southern bastiles, in
" Those dungeon fortresses, never to be named."
He came before us released, as it were from a living grave, to relate to us, what we would not otherwise have learned, the details of our old comrades' suffer- ings in Libby Prison, Belle Isle and the sadly im- mortal Andersonville. He had made a most wonder- ful and successful release from the galling confine- ment, by slipping the guard at the gate during the evening, and after many nights of weary and anxious travel, at last entering Sherman's lines at Atlanta. From thence he had been forwarded to our regiment by way of Louisville, Ky., and Washington.
Ile brought us intelligence of the death of all our old companions in arms. All, one by one, starved,
239
ESCAPED FROM ANDERSONVILLE PRISON.
abused, insulted almost beyond human endurance, had wasted in strength, sunk in spirits, suffered in mind and body, until after twenty long, weary, sad and agonizing months, each welcomed the "bride- groom's coming," the release which the pale figure of death bore in his skeleton fingers, as he came to close the eye gently, and still the yet softly pulsing heart, in a slumber that knows not even a dream of sorrow.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.