USA > Pennsylvania > Dauphin County > History of the 127th regiment, Pennsylvania volunteers > Part 14
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At early dawn, on the fifth of May, 1863 an Aide of the Commanding Officer delivered an order to Major Rorer, instructing him to go to the 20th Massachusetts Regi- ment, take charge, bring them in and rush them across the pontoon bridge as quietly as possible, while the Aide took charge of the four companies of the 127th Regiment and guided them to the bridge where they were met by Col- onel Jennings and Lieutenant-Colonel Alleman. The rest of our regiment had already crossed with the division, the whole army having retreated during the night. Major Rohrer, in charge, by order of the 20th Massachusetts Regiment, crossed the pontoon bridge and reported at the Lacey House. The 20th Massachusetts went their way.
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Major Rohrer reported to Colonel Jennings. Lieutenant- Colonel Alleman said, "Major are you sick? You look so pale." Major said, "No, but I am exhausted." The Major went to the rear, and after taking strong coffee and hard tack felt much stronger.
The pontoon bridge drifted to the left bank of the river without a mishap, or the loss of a man in all this move- ment. A heavy fog was in our favor. The enemy pur- suing, and a river at your back, is a serious position for an army. Such was our position on December 15th, 1862, and on May 5th, 1863. In both instances the retreat and crossing were well managed, and with great success .. Continuously, both day and night, from May 2nd to the 5th, the regiment was on picket, on the skirmish line or in battle, with almost no rest, sleep or nourishment, reaching the limit of human endurance.
CHAPTER VII. Officers.
FIELD OFFICERS.
Colonel William W. Jennings was only twenty-four years of age when he was authorized to raise a regiment. His youth was strongly urged against his appointment ; but he proved himself old enough to handle, not only a regiment, but a brigade, with credit to himself, and re- nown to his command. He had a clear head, displayed excellent judgment, was serene, watchful and undisturb- ed under fire, and marched his men on a gallant charge, with shot and shell hurled at them thick and fast, as calmly as on dress parade. He was courageous, without being rash; and always handled his command with marked ability, securing their full confidence, and ac- quired the confidence of those higher in rank. He was a good disciplinarian, and an intelligent instructor, always presiding at the officers' school, demonstrating the com- pany and regimental moves by blocks; and answered questions intelligently without the slightest hesitation- elucidating his propositions with both ease and perspi- cuity. There was none of the martinet about him, and yet he always commanded respect. He was always cour- teous to his associate officers, kind and considerate to his subordinates, and was devoted to the regiment, which he made a part and parcel of himself. He was in turn be- loved by his regiment, and each and every man was as proud of his colonel, as Colonel Jennings was proud of the 127th Regiment. He was exemplary in conduct, ap-
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proachable, and no man could truthfully complain of any wilful oversight or neglect on his part. He grew each day in the respect and affection of his command, and no offi- cer was more popular than lie on the muster-out of the regiment.
He re-entered the service as Colonel of the 26th P. V. M. Regiment.
Lieutenant-Colonel H. C. Alleman was the administra- tive officer of the regiment, was an able assistant to Col- onel Jennings, and while in command of the regiment, proved himself a strict disciplinarian, but coupled always with considerate kindness. When he issued an order, or gave a command, he was rigid in its enforcement. He was always courteous, but never lost sight of the dignity of his position, and always aimed high, both for himself and his command. While he was delicate in physique, he hardened hinself to the trials of camp life, the exposures of picket duty, and was always considerate in the care of his men. He was so thoroughly abstemious, that he never permitted whiskey rations to be issued to the regiment ; and on one occasion, when he was peremptorily ordered in arrest by General John R. Brooke for his refusal to draw whiskey rations, he surrendered his sword, rather than violate his moral principle. He told General Brooke thiat he was responsible for the discipline and conduct of his men, and felt that they would be ungovernable under the influence of liquor, and wanted to avoid even the tenipta- tion. He said he was willing to surrender his sword, but not his moral conviction, and never his honor ! General Brooke generously returned his sword, and promptly can- celed the whiskey ration order. He remained with his command, and never applied for leave of absence during his term of service. His popularity was evidenced by a
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magnificent sword, presented to him at Camp Curtin on the return of the regiment.
He re-entered the service as Colonel of the 36th Regi- ment, P. V. E., and was the Military Governor of the Get- tysburg battlefield.
C. R. LANTZ.
Major Jeremiah Rohrer was the ideal Major. Under- standing his duties, he performed them with superior in- telligence, and always with good grace. He was a picture for a painter on horseback. He was a commanding figure on foot, but appeared to the greatest advantage mounted. He was a good judge of horse flesh, and would only be satisfied with the very best in the market. There was a dignity in his manner, and a consciousness of power, which made him self-reliant. This feature was so well understood at headquarters, that when he was selected for any special work, the details were left entirely to his judgment, and he never failed to meet the full expecta- tions of his superior officers. Whatever he did, was well and gracefully done. He could dignify the most objec- tionable work ; and the men obeyed his commands, feeling that they were dignifying themselves in its performance. While he sometimes assumed a stern look, he had a big and kind heart, which was always throbbing in unison with his command. He was popular in the regiment, and his two assistant field officers had not only full confi- dence in him, but they had the highest admiration for his manliness, his willingness, and the admirable manner in which he always performed his duties. He was brave in action ; and at the battle of Chancellorsville, he volun- tarily abandoned his detail when he saw Lieutenant-Col- onel Alleman shot from his horse, and hastened to the reg- iment, rendering gallant service during that memorable battle.
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STAFF OFFICERS.
Adjutant Augustus L. Chayne was promoted from Company "D," was its first orderly sergeant, and pro- moted to second lieutenant, and afterwards, when a vacan- cy in the captaincy occurred, he was tendered that posi- tion ; but he wisely declined, preferring to retain the post of adjutant, for which he was admirably suited, and con- ducted its multitudinous affairs with marked ability and good judgment. He was prompt, methodical and of even temperament ; and had the happy faculty of expressing firmness in an easy manner. He was genial, companion- able, never in a hurry, yet always on time. He was slightly wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, and behaved gal- lantly in both of the great battles in which the regiment was engaged.
Lieutenant Frederick R. Gilbert made a creditable rec- ord for the short time that he filled the post of quarter- master. His mercantile training and methodical business habits enabled him to quickly grasp the requirements, and he was equal to the occasion. The profits of a sutler were alluring, and he exchanged the complex duties of quarter- master, for the prospective gains of the sutlership; but when the regiment moved to the front, he concluded that the hazardous risk, would not sufficiently compensate him in life and property, so he voluntarily retired from the ser- vice.
Lieutenant John F. Orth found the duties of quarter- master much more congenial to him than the red tape de- tails of the adjutant's office, and soon settled into his new duties with a feeling of mastership of the situation. Dur- ing the service, he was aided by experienced assistants, enabling him to get along without difficulty ; but on mak-
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ing his final reports, there was an undiscoverable error of a few cents, which got him into a long and irritating con- flict with the War Department, and at the personal cost to him of nearly his entire salary. He made a good officer, and went to much trouble to gratify, as much as possible, the unreasonable importunities of persons in the regiment whom it seemed almost impossible to satisfy.
Dr. James R. Riley was commissioned surgeon of the regiment, and reported early in September. He managed to get into altercations with his superior officers, and was soon placed and kept in arrest. Finding his career of usefulness in the regiment ended, he managed to have himself transferred to another regiment, to the very great relief of the field officers.
Dr. E. H. Horner joined the regiment on its organi- zation as assistant surgeon, and when the longed-for va- cancy of surgeon was made, he was promptly appointed. He was very quiet in his manner, attended faithfully to his duties, and exhibited professional ability and tender care, which endeared him to his fellow comrades. He re- entered the service as the surgeon of the 26th P. V. M., under Colonel Jennings.
Dr. Jacob H. Vastine was mustered into the service and joined the regiment at Camp Boas early in September. His easy manners, pleasant ways and skill as a surgeon, made him quite popular, and but for the fact of his ab- sence on leave, when the vacancy of surgeon took place, he doubtless would have been promoted. He was the last person in the regiment to be mustered out of the service.
Chaplain John C. Gregg, like the surgeon and assistant surgeons, was assigned to the regiment without any voice from the officers. He had his good qualities ; but his good nature subjected him to many impositions. He was earn-
127TII REGIMENT, P. V. 185
est, patriotic and anxious to discharge his full duties. He was very proud of his position, and like most of his cloth, was not troubled with modesty in seeking his own per- sonal comfort. He took very kindly to the performance of additional duties which were assigned him. He was unfortunate in boasting of his courage, which was severe- ly tested at the battle of Fredericksburg; but he fully re- deemed himself at the battle of Chancellorsville, and se- cured respect for his subsequent bravery and usefulness.
NON=COMMISSIONED STAFF.
Sergeant-Major Charles H. Small was promoted from the rank of Company "F," and was wounded at the bat- tle of Fredericksburg, incapacitating him for duty, during most of his remaining term of service.
Clement B. Care was promoted from the ranks of Com- pany "B," to commissary-sergeant of the regiment. He was industrious, careful and devoted to the duties of the commissariat. His position was at all times very trying ; as he had a good many grumblers to satisfy ; but he exer- cised good judgment, and with his even temperament and Christian character, he made a splendid record as a faith- ful, honest and trusted commissary. He re-entered the service as captain of a company in Colonel Alleman's reg- iment.
David Campbell, of Company "H," was promoted to quartermaster-sergeant, and gave unmistakable evidence that he felt the honor of preferment. He asserted himself, and made a good assistant to the quartermaster.
Washington Porter Oglesby was promoted from the ranks of Company "B," and made hospital-steward of the
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regiment. He was intelligent, applied himself assiduously to his hospital duties, and made a most excellent officer- popular alike with the patients in the hospital, as well as with his medical superiors. He was warmly commended for the intelligent and assiduous manner in which he per- formed his official duties.
OFFICERS OF COMPANY "A."
While Company "A" was officially of, it was never with, the regiment. Its reputation was made entirely upon its independent record.
Captain F. Asbury Awl, of Company "A," entered the service as a college graduate, with military training.
He was adjutant of Colonel Richard Coulter's regiment in the three months' service. His ability as an accom- plished officer enabled him to re-enter the service as colonel of the 201st Regiment, P. V.
Lieutenant John S. Bitzer, served during his term as first lieutenant of Company "A," and after muster-out, re-entered the service again as a lieutenant.
Lieutenant Jolin S. Ensminger made a good record, and when his company was mustered out, he found no dif- ficulty in raising a company, and he re-entered the service as captain of Colonel Awl's 201st Regiment, P. V.
OFFICERS OF COMPANY "B."
Captain J. Wesley Awl, of Company "B," was one of the most accomplished officers of the regiment, and a Christian gentleman. He was able, active and a thorough
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disciplinarian. He exercised tact, good judgment, and was a very superior officer. His company idolized him, and he was immensely proud of his men, who belonged to good families and made a good record for themselves. He was amiable, but firm, dignified, without being haughty, and conscious of his power, relied upon himself. The field officers had implicit confidence in him, and he proved himself eminently worthy of their highest esteen1.
Lieutenant Albert J. Fager, of Company "B," had mili- tary training, and experience as a military instructor. He always showed a pride in his men, and in his position. He was ever ready, and obeyed an order with alacrity and with intelligence. Both his Captain and his men placed every confidence in him. He was courageous, manly and proved himself an excellent officer.
Lieutenant William McCarroll, of Company "B," was quiet, unobtrusive, but a faithful and efficient officer. He had seen active service in the Regular Army, fought the Indians, and was every inch a soldier.
OFFICERS OF COMPANY "C."
Dr. James Henderson, Captain of Company "C," was an intelligent, brave and excellent officer. He guarded the health of his men with professional care, and was very de- servedly popular with his men. He was always ready for any emergency, energetic and efficient in the discharge of his official duties. He guarded the colors of the regiment with the pride of a true patriot, and returned them unsul- lied, although tattered and torn by missiles of treason. His faithfulness and efficiency were properly appreciated at headquarters.
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MEMORIAL HISTORY
Lieutenant William R. Orth, of Company "C," was a collegian, a close student, and a painstaking officer. He gloried in the performance of his official duties, and per- formed them admirably. He was dauntless and patriotic, and was mortally wounded at the battle of Fredericks- burg. He cheered his men, and bid them leave him to his fate. He met death like a hero, without a groan, lamented not only by his company, but by the whole regiment.
Lieutenant Charles D. Wise, of Company "C," was reg- ularly promoted for merit. He was fearless, active and zealous, and discharged his regular or assigned duties well and faithfully. He was genial, but unflinching in strict performance of his allotted work. His men admired him, and he had the profound respect of his superior of- ficers for his bravery, and the energetic manner in which he performed his every duty. After his term of service he readily raised, and was Captain of a company in the 36th Regiment, commanded by Colonel H. C. Alleman.
Lieutenant David Hummel, Jr., of Company "C," was wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg on the advance battle line. He was devoted to his men, brave and scru- pulous in the performance of his official duties, and made a good record both for himself and for his company. He re-entered the service as First Lieutenant in Colonel Alle- man's 36th Regiment.
OFFICERS OF COMPANY "D."
Captain Rufus E. Cable resigned at Camp Dauphin, two days before the regiment marched to the Rappahan- nock and joined the Army of the Potomac.
Captain James B. Keene, of Company "D," had the
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proud distinction of a triple promotion, and over the heads of two lieutenants, from a non-commissioned officer, to the captaincy of the company. He was chosen for merit, and proved himself entirely worthy of the great confidence which was placed in him. He took the very best care of his men, and, while mild, he was strict in discipline, and was always prompt in executing orders. He was a gallant officer, and was slightly wounded at the battle of Freder- icksburg, while bravely leading his men in battle. He was faithful and true, beloved by every one in his company, and had the full confidence of his superior officers.
Joshua M. Wiestling, Esq., was First Lieutenant of Company "D," and gave encouraging promise of military distinction. He was, unfortunately, invalided and com- pelled to leave the service, from disability, much to his re- gret, and the united regret of his associate and superior officers.
Lieutenant William B. Osman, of Company "D," smarted under the promotion which was made over his head, and profited by the rebuke. When the regiment was mustered out of service, he lost no time in re-entering the service, determined to die or make a distinguished record. Unfortunately, he was killed in one of the great battles of the Wilderness.
Lieutenant Marcus Novinger, of Company "D," made a creditable record and was a worthy officer. He was courageous and assertive, and always took a very great in- terest in his men, and was prompt, intelligent and faithful in the discharge of his official duties. He was wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, but returned to his com- mand at the very earliest possible opportunity, and be- haved gallantly at the battle of Chancellorsville.
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MEMORIAL HISTORY
OFFICERS OF COMPANY "E."
Captain Lorenzo L. Greenawalt, of Company "E," was a quiet, but most determined man. He walked from his home in Central Pennsylvania to California, simply by force of his indomitable will. He was of fine physique, great strength, characteristically mild and gentle, but al- ways firm, and of scrupulous integrity. He acted like a father to his command, and was greatly beloved by every man in his company. He was absolutely without fear, al- ways ready, and performed his official duties with exact- ing care and punctuality. He behaved with cool and ad- mirable courage in battle, and was slightly wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg. He was a trusted officer at headquarters, made an enviable reputation as captain, and knowing his duty, he performed it with credit to himself, and honor to his government. He again entered the ser- vice as major of Colonel Jennings' 26th Emergency Regi- ment.
Lieutenant William P. Carmany, of Company "E," like Captain Greenawalt, was devoted to his men, and seemed happy in the performance of his military duties. Com- pany "E" was fortunate in its selection of officers, and they in turn were proud of the splendid material compos- ing the rank and file. Lieutenant Carmany was a capable, industrious and successful officer, and was slightly wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville.
Lieutenant Joseph A. Bowman, of Company "E," was the reflex of the strong man at the head of the company. The officers acted in harmonious unison, and the company was a model in intelligence, morality, patriotism, and in the faithful performance of their duty. Lieutenant Bow- man richly deserved the great respect shown him by his company.
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I27TH REGIMENT, P. V.
OFFICERS OF COMPANY "F."
Captain W. H. Hummel, by reason of the detachment of Company "A," held the important and responsible po- sition of commander of the right division of the regiment until after the battle of Fredericksburg, when he and his company were assigned to duty at the headquarters of General Howard. He was popular with his men, as he always had a care for them, and he had the respect of regimental headquarters, and the confidence of division headquarters. While he was not assertive, he was thor- oughly reliable, and always ready to obey an order. He maintained his position with credit to himself, and re-en- tered the service as a Captain of Cavalry.
Lieutenant John T. Morgan recruited a number of his workmen and neighbors at Fairview, in Cumberland county, and joined forces with Captain Jennings in form- ing Company "F." He was a popular officer, looked carefully after his men, made a good record for himself, as well as for the men he commanded. He was always ready for duty, and always discharged it with an intelligent zeal that made him popular both with his com- pany and his superior officers.
Lieutenant Thomas G. Sample, of Company "F," was the most aggressive officer in the company. While he was never charged with any attempt to shirk duty, he was em- phatic in maintaining his rights, and he became noted in the regiment as the one officer who would not allow him- self to be "left." He was the very antipodes of Captain Hummel, who was proverbially noted for his modesty, while Lieutenant Sample made no pretensions in that di- rection. He was the youngest officer in the regiment.
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OFFICERS OF COMPANY "G."
Captain John J. Ball, of Company "G," was a model drillmaster, without being an offensive martinet. He was of a genial disposition, kind-hearted, but soldierly and commanding in manner and appearance. He was devoted to drill, and Company "G" marched, acted and manoeu- vred as one man. Captain Ball made an excellent record, was wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, had the full confidence of his superior officers, and was beloved by every man in his command.
Lieutenant George Hynicka, of Company "G," was al- ways light-hearted and cheery. He took good care of the boys, was proud of their military accomplishments, and rendered a good account of himself. He was brave in ac- tion, alert in camp, and was an all-round popular officer.
Lieutenant Hudson Denny, of Company "G," was a faithful assistant to Captain Ball. He was an intelligent, industrious officer, took good care of his men, and performed his duties with credit to himself, and to the satisfaction of his superior officers. He was a gallant of- ficer, was wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg, and made a creditable record as a brave and accomplished officer.
OFFICERS OF COMPANY "H."
Captain John K. Shott, of Company "H," was elected First Lieutenant, and almost immediately promoted to a captaincy, without any previous military experience or advantages of mastering the details of subordinate posi- tions before assuming the command of the company. He was a quiet, unobtrusive business man of the strictest in- tegrity, of fine social position, and enjoyed the profound-
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est respect of his neighbors in Middletown. He had char- acter, business ability, the highest moral habits, and was in every respect an exemplary citizen.
He keenly felt the death of his son, Corporal Frank A. Shott, and after burying him at home, returned to Camp Dauphin very much broken, and was left in charge of the invalids and in command of the camp, reporting and re- suming command of his company early in January.
He was looked up to by his men, whom he always watched with fatherly care, and was indefatigable in his endeavors to master the requirements of his official sta- tion. He secured the affections of his men, and the re- spect of his superior officers.
Lieutenant Isaiah Willis, of Company "H," was a capa- ble and vigilant officer. He established a respectable record for himself, and while in command of his com- pany, displayed ability which secured him the confidence of his men and the respect of his superior officers.
Lieutenant James R. Schreiner, of Company "H," was tried at the battle of Fredericksburg, found wanting, and permitted to resign.
Dr. Jacob R. Knisley made strenuous efforts to recruit a company, and succeeding only in securing a few men, he was made orderly sergeant of Company "H," and on the resignation of Lieutenant Schreiner, was promoted to Sec- ond lieutenant of the company. He was one of the best subordinate officers in the regiment. He was brave, dis- played good judgment, and remarkable coolness upon the battlefield. He was selected to command the skirmish line at the battle of Chancellorsville, and gallantly led his men forward. After receiving a mortal wound, and while prostrate on the ground, he waved his sword, gallantly urging his men forward, and showed them how a brave man could die in the full discharge of his official duty.
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OFFICERS OF COMPANY "I."
Captain Ira R. Shipley, of Company "I," was in the service too short a time to make a record for himself, and by reason of physical disability, resigned on the 6th of October, 1862.
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