USA > Pennsylvania > Dauphin County > History of the 127th regiment, Pennsylvania volunteers > Part 23
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Let us remember that they have but "gone before," and we are slowly following them to that "bourn from whence no traveler returns." Many, unharmed in war, have since passed away, and others will rapidly follow.
A quarter of a century has left its time-marks on each of us, and another term of equal length will find but few remaining.
ADDRESS OF COLONEL J. WESLEY AWL, As President of the Regimental Association.
(Simply an account of the address was published, and no notes of it were found among the papers of Colonel Awl, after his death ; so that the report of this address is made entirely from memory.)
My two ranking officers have precedence ; but as one of them moved, and the other seconded the motion for my election, and their choice was unanimously confirmed by you, I see but one thing to do, comrades, submit grace- fully and make your pleasure my duty.
These annual gatherings are pleasing reminders of our early association in camp, on the march, on picket and in battle.
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I often wondered, in reading graphic accounts of great battles, how it was possible to describe the manoeuvres, the advances, the charges, and the retreats in detail, with any degree of accuracy; taking it for granted, that the nearer the describer was to the scene, the better and the more accurate would likely be his description; and then recollecting from my personal and official experience in the engagements in which I, with my company partici- pated, when I was unable to give any satisfactory accounts of the battles, much, if any beyond what pertained to my own command, only increased my wonder at the marvel- ous accounts which correspondents gave, and seemed able to give, of what they saw and heard.
But after the capture of Marie's Heights, and the re- turn of the regiment to Fredericksburg; and while I was in charge of the pontoon bridge, I felt curious to get a glimpse of the battlefield, and if possible, of the trail of the pursuing army, after the retreating enemy. So after giv- ing specific instructions to the lieutenant, whom I left in charge, I walked over the pontoon-bridge, across the plain to the Lacey House, which, from its locality, and height, commanded a fine view of Fredericksburg and the country in the rear. I went to the top of the house, and was not long in taking in the situation. It was a magnificent sight. I could see the great battlefield over which we had fought the previous day ; and could, in my own mind, imagine how a person at that distance, with good field glasses, could readily distinguish divisions, brigades and regiments ; and could also readily see where advantages are taken, and po- sitions secured ; and as men dropped, how the ranks would be closed up, presenting a solid phalanx, diminishing each time in its company or regimental front. This solved in my mind a problem, that while "distance lends enchant-
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ment to the view," it also concentrates the scope, enabling one to grasp an accurate view in a diminished picture; and I concluded that what had heretofore seemed to me an ut- ter impossibility, might be a certain fact. I could have looked upon the scene for some time with interest; but a new scene developed, which became not only interesting, but rather appalling. I saw the returning army of Gen- eral Lee marching back into their old quarters, and regi- ment after regiment filing into positions, which they evi- dently previously occupied.
The 3d Brigade had been ordered back to Fredericks- burg to hold the city. I saw at once the impossibility of our brigade holding the position any length of time against the large bodies of the enemy, apparently getting ready to either capture us, or force our speedy retreat ; so while I enjoyed the reverie, I felt it my duty to return without delay, and report the result of my observation.
This observation experience was to me a revelation, and dissipated doubts which had previously troubled me, and went very far in strengthening my faith in the accuracy of history.
As we helped to make history, this little experience of mine may be no less interesting to you, than gratifying to me.
Thanking you for your courtesy, we will now proceed to business.
ADDRESS OF MAJOR J. ROHRER,
At Its Fourth Reunion, on His Election as President of the Association.
COMRADES :- You have chosen me as your President for the ensuing year. I thank you for the compliment, and I
u
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hope to fill the office without prejudice or partiality. There is a tie of good feeling and friendship towards each other in this Association, which has also prevailed in the regi- ment, and now, that we are free citizens, let that same feel- ing still prevail amongst us; let us cherish and cultivate that feeling until we meet no more. I can only say, what I have often said before, that it always gives me so much pleasure to meet my comrades at our re-unions, and shake hands with them all. It brings back old recollections of the past, when you faced the elements in doing your duty, through snow, rain, and mud, without a murmur. You have faced the cannon's mouth like men. You stood on the picket post, in face of the enemy, the rain coming down in torrents, or the snow and storm beating your unpro- tected bodies. All these you have endured for the love of your country. I again thank you.
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ADDRESS OF COLONEL H. C. ALLEMAN, President of the Association.
On the 3rd of May, 1893, the Association held its an- nual reunion at Middletown, Pa., which was the last meet- ing attended by Colonel W. W. Jennings.
The chief burgess made the speech of welcome, and handed over the keys of the treasury, welcoming the sur- vivors of the 127th Regiment to the freedom of the bor- ough. Colonel H. C. Alleman, the President of the Asso- ciation, responded as follows :
"It joys the hearts and thrills the souls of old soldiers to witness spontaneous outbursts of patriotism, and be greeted with such a genial, such a generous, and such a gracious welcome. It makes us feel that the Union vet-
MAJOR JEREMIAH ROHRER. Late Register of Lancaster County. Merchant, Lancaster, Pa,
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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R L
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eran has not yet been wholly relegated to the shades of ob- livion, or ingloriously shelved, and labeled a "far back number."
"On behalf of my surviving comrades of the 127th Reg- iment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, I thank you, sir, the first citizen and chief magistrate of this progressive bor- ough, for the happy thoughts and beautiful manner in which you have so admirably expressed the kindly wel- come to us ; and I voice the unanimous sentiment of those comrades, in thanking one and all of the people of Middle- town for the flattering compliment of this superb recep- tion. We gladly accept your proffered hospitality with the genuine warmth, and enthusiastic gratitude of sol- diers ; and while we beg to assure you of our grateful ap- preciation of this distinguished honor, we at the same time want you to feel, that in your admiration for the citizen soldiers who nobly fought, as patriots, to uphold the su- premacy of the general government, and maintain the in- tegrity of this glorious Union, you have, by your grand demonstration to-day, tenderly touched a sympathetic chord in our hearts, which vibrates in harmonious unison with your own patriotic and generous impulses.
"When Comrade Brandt, of Company "H," one year ago, generously invited the 127th Regimental Association to hold its fifth re-union at Middletown, some fears were expressed, and yet greater fears entertained, that but lit- tle interest would be manifested in our anniversary meet- ing by either the boys of Major Rohrer's old company, or by the citizens generally of your historic borough. We have all, however, learned to know from practical experi- ence, that it is the easiest thing in the world to be mistak- en. I had full confidence in the manliness of Company "H," and from personal and long experience, I well know
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that your substantial citizens never did things by halves, or grudgingly, and that they are a whole-souled, big- hearted and liberal-minded people; so I had no phantom apprehensions, and accordingly voted for Middletown, and I am supremely proud to-day of that vote.
"Wherever we hold our reunions, we are greeted by kind friends, and are treated with marked respect and distinguished courtesy. Harrisburg led off with a grand banquet. Lebanon followed, capturing our hearts with their bountiful hospitality and prodigal entertainment. Even the reconstructed people of the classic fields of Fredericksburg were severely reminded that we command and enforce respect. Hummelstown received us with open arms, and in brotherly love treated us splendidly. But Middletown is unique in giving us the first public and official reception, tendering us the freedom of the borough, and welcoming us by its distinguished burgess and honor- able council. I think I unmistakably echo the exuberant feelings of my comrades, when I assert and emphasize the patent fact that without disparaging any of the amenities and courtesies which have heretofore been graciously showered upon us; that for patriotic manifestations, ar- tistic decorations, genial enthusiasm, official recognition, and graceful hospitality, the public spirited people of Mid- dletown have certainly won the distinctive merit of lead- ing all of the hospitable hosts before them. Like the self- asserting, meritorious wine at the marriage feast of Cana in Galilee, the "best" has cleverly been reserved for the "last."
"In passing through your gayly decorated streets today, beautifully festooned with "Old Glory," that patriotic in- spiring banner of freedom seems to have been unfurled from every house-top, and streaming from every window,
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reminding one of our own dear, dear flag. When we entered the military service of our country, the grand old War Governor of this Commonwealth presented to us a stand of colors, in the name of the Keystone State. Those beau- tiful stars and stripes, whose clustered galaxy embody the unity idea of the States; and whose white and red folds are typical of the crests of victory, and the blood of sacri- fice, all symbolic and emblematic of one united and insep- arable great nationality, constitute the American flag. That flag was our pride and our constant admiration. We carried it in triumph through every battle in which we participated. We brought back that flag, bullet-ridden, torn, tattered, and in shreds from the burning, devastat- ing missiles of treason, it is true; but untarnished, un- scathed and gloriously free from even the taint of dis- honor. I wish that idol which we worshipped in earlier years were here to-day. That flag was never sullied, pol- luted or touched by Rebel hands ; it was never trailed or lowered ; and no true soldier believes in humbling, or low- ering the great American flag.
"As Company "H" has been an important factor in mak- ing this re-union a memorable success, notwithstanding the fact that only a squad remains of the hundred Middle- town boys who enrolled themselves, and were mustered with us into the United States service nearly thirty-one years ago; I can do no less upon this public occasion, in the presence of their comrades, and of their neighbors, than add my tribute of praise to their well-earned and de- serving recognition.
"Thirty years ago to-day, Lieutenant Knisley, as brave, as manly, and as gallant an officer as ever faced the deadly fire of treason, fell, covered with mortal wounds, upon the battle-field, while leading his men on a skirmish advance.
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He knew when he received his orders from Colonel Jen- nings to command the skirmish line, that he would march directly into the very jaws of death ; and yet he never mur- mured, he never faltered, he never even quailed. He was a soldier, and knowing the inflexible duty of a sol- dier to 'obey orders,' regardless of consequences, he never shrank from any imposed responsibility ; he never shirked, and never evaded duty, even at the risk of life. He marched out on his 'forlorn hope' with a detail of his gallant com- pany, with the steady tread of a hero, brandishing his sword in the face of the enemy, in encouragement of his men. He fell proudly, with his face to the foe, pouring out his heart's blood on the gory field of Fredericksburg. He died, riddled with bullets, but covered with glory, in defending that grand old star-spangled-banner, and in preservation of the Union and the Nation, that we might live to enjoy the beneficence of the best, the freest and the noblest government on the face of the earth.
"Middletown made many valuable contributions to the army during the War of the Rebellion, and offered up many sacrifices upon the altar of her country ; and Lieu- tenant Knisley was but one of those valuable offerings, and he was but a single one of her many sacrifices.
"There was an honored custom among some of the an- cients of antiquity, to sit in judgment on the living records of the distinguished dead. Long after the retirement of great officials, or upon the death of recognized leaders, or those who unselfishly offered themselves as State victims for sacrifice; the people in their strength assembled in grand communions ; or their fellow associates of the Na- tion's Tribunal met and sat in solemn conclave, discussed, considered and scanned the virtues and the public acts of deceased mortals deserving a proud nitch in the colossal
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tower of immortality. The results of those conferences were announced in proclaimed verdicts, which became the accepted judgments of the whole community.
"After the lapse of a generation, when history can be honestly written with an impartial pen, a verdict upon the military service of your citizen soldiers who were part and parcel of the 127th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, can safely be rendered. Those who had the best means of knowing, sat in judgment upon the military records of those veterans, gave the whole matter careful considera- tion, and formulated a verdict ; while here, and now, is an appropriate and fitting occasion to promulgate it. 'Com- pany "H," of the 127th Regiment did their duty, their whole duty to their country in its life and death struggle for existence, and they did it well.' What a glorious ver- dict ! And what a noble tribute to patriotic duty! And now, that the verdict is pronounced, and judgment en- tered without appeal, their children, and their children's children have succeeded to the noblest inheritance; richer and greater than wealth; proud and enduring as fame; and priceless, and of inestimable value ; while you, and the entire community must necessarily feel a glowing pride in the splendid luster which their patriotism reflects upon the whole people."
ADDRESS OF HON. THOMAS G. SAMPLE.
Late Lieutenant of Company "F," 127th Regiment, on Taking the Chair as President of the Regimental Association.
"COMRADES :- I want to assure you that I appreciate, to the fullest extent, the honor that you have conferred upon
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me, in electing me President of the Association of the old regiment.
"We are all now on the Western side of life, and as we stop for a moment and take a retrospective glance of the time that has elapsed since we 'drank from the same con- teen,' we must all feel honored, that in our youthful days we marched, bivouacked, and fought for the greatest country, and the proudest flag of the nations of the world.
"'Old Father Time' has not dealt very gently with the boys of the 127th Regiment ; many have been mustered out finally in these piping days of peace, and those of us who are struggling along through life feel more acutely the days as they come and go. But comrades, what signi- fies that ? We stand to-day as a part of the remnant of the grandest army that the world ever knew; and when you and I and the rest of the boys who followed 'old glory' shall have passed away, the record made by the Union volunteer soldier from '61 to '65 will then become the choicest possession of this great American nation.
"The old 127th did its full duty ; and when the regiment was finally mustered out, many of the boys, keeping alive the patriotic spirit that animated them in its ranks, drifted into other commands, and were in the war at the finish.
"No grander sight was ever witnessed than the superb charge of our regiment at the battle of Fredericksburg; and the same unbroken line at Chancellorsville ; and while many of our comrades gave up their lives, and others car- ried the battle-marks upon their persons, we have the proud consolation of boasting that the 127th Regiment was among the very last, in both these great engagements, to leave the field.
"The record of the regiment has been made, and the proud facts of the gallantry displayed, and the honors
HON. THOMAS G. SAMPLE. State Superintendent of Printing. Harrisburg. Pa.
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ADJUTANT AUGUSTUS L. CHAYNE. Adjutant 127th Regiment. P. V. Merchant. Harrisburg, Pa.
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achieved, go down into history to your credit, and to the honor and glory of this great nation.
"Again thanking you for the distinguished honor you have conferred upon me; and properly appreciating the very high compliment thrust upon me, it will be my duty, and my very great pleasure, to endeavor to serve you to the best of my ability."
ADDRESS OF ADJUTANT AUGUSTUS L. CHAYNE, As President of the Association.
"FELLOW COMRADES :- While I am sorry that your par- tiality has made me your choice for the presidency of the Association during the coming year, I have never yet faltered when 'under orders,' and I shan't show the 'white feather' in the 'sere and yellow leaf of life.'
"There is one thing of which I am always fond of boasting-the pride I felt in Company "D;" and the yet greater pride I always felt, feel now, and will feel during life, in the 127th Regiment. I had great opportunities of knowing, next to the field officers, as much about the regi- ment, because of my official position, as any officer or man in it; and I want to say to you, comrades, that I have no fault to find with any officer connected with the regiment ; and I voluntarily place my testimony on record, knowing what I do, and being fully conversant with the history of the regiment from its organization, to its honorable dis- charge, that both officers and men made an exceptionally good record, of which they have a right to be proud ; and my pride is in the fact that I was Adjutant of the 127th Regiment ; and if I had the choice in the selection of any inscription upon my tomb-stone, it would be 'In memory
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of Augustus L. Chayne, late Adjutant of the 127th Regi- ment, Pennsylvania Volunteers.' That would be my pride, and that would be my glory.
"I thank you, comrades, for your kind distinction; and trust that we may repeat these pleasant re-unions many more times."
ADDRESS OF MAJOR JOHN T. ENSMINGER, Late Lieutenant of Company "A," as President of the Regi- mental Association.
"COMRADES :- I appreciate the honor of an election as President of our Association, and feel particularly hon- ored in being the first of Company "A" for that distinc- tion.
"While Company "A" was detached from the regiment during its entire term of service, both the officers and men of that company longed to join their comrades in the front, and take their proper position on the right of the regi- ment. If we had been given our choice, the regiment would have been complete in the field. We entered the service as soldiers, determined to obey orders. Our orders were for the performance of detached duty, which we per- formed creditably and honorably. That we did not see ser- vice together during our entire term, was a matter of very much regret on the part of Company "A," who feel an equal pride with each and every company of the regiment in the good record which was made by the 127th Regi- ment in the front ; but as a part of the organization we feit strongly attached to the regiment, to which we were as- signed, and we have always felt, and feel now a becoming pride as a part and parcel of the 127th Regiment. My
MAJOR JNO. T. ENSMINGER.
President of 127th Regimental Association.
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WORK
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HON. CYRUS RESSLEY LANTZ.
Attorney-at-Law, Lebanon, Pa.
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election as your presiding officer is evidence of a strong fraternal feeling, and this compliment will be the means of cementing, more firmly, Company "A" with the other companies of the regiment. Each and every member of the 127th Regiment has a right to feel proud of the record which has been made, and in our annual re-unions, we want it distinctly understood that Company "A" is loyal and true to the regiment, and as a company, did its duty faithfully and without a murmur.
"Again I thank you comrades for the partiality of your expressed confidence."
JOHN T. ENSMINGER, Lieutenant Company "A," 127th Regiment, P. V.
ADDRESS OF COMRADE C. R. LANTZ,
Delivered in the City of Harrisburg at the Re=union of the 127th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, Upon His Election as President of Said Organization,
"COMRADES :- You have kindly selected me as your pre- siding officer for the ensuing year. I thank you very heartily for this honor conferred upon me-an honor that is worthy to be bestowed upon any soldier that has worn the blue. Our meeting is fraught with many historical, memorable and pathetic reminiscences of the great civil struggle between the North and the South.
"Vividly, to-day, the scenes of our enlistment in the ser- vice of Uncle Sam, here are brought before us. The lov- ing adieu of parents, sweethearts and friends come dis- tinctly into our minds. The 'Old Oaken Bucket' by the well, and the 'old homestead,' generally, are still near and dear to us when we remember the time we left them for
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the seat of war. The place of our meeting to-day is fraught also with wonderful scenes of military eclat and excite- ment in city and camp life. Here, in the city of Harris- burg, all the regiments of that magnificent army of the Keystone State soldiery were convoked, equipped and organized. Here vividly to our minds come before us the figure of that great War Governor, Andrew G. Curtin, and the athletic, stalwart personality of our late distin- guished Colonel W. W. Jennings ; here we call to remem- brance the first acquaintanceship of the gallant line officers of our regiment ; here we remember the old Camp Curtin, where we first donned the blue uniform, and put on the army shoes ; here we first became acquainted with the camp-kettles, and rations of the soldier ; and here we en- joyed the applause and patriotism of the people, of not only this particular locality, but of the entire State of Pennsylvania. We rejoice and congratulate our regiment that we meet to-day in the same old city of Harrisburg. Many of our comrades are not with us, their bodies lie mouldering in and on the plains of Fredericksburg. I cannot recount specifically the acts, triumphs, bravery and heroism of the regiment upon the field of battle, on the bivouac, march and campaign. Sufficient to say that the 127th Regiment has gained an enviable reputation in the history of the war, and shines as a glittering star in that great contest between the North and the South, in the in- terest of the emancipation of a down-trodden and forlorn race, and the perpetuity of our government. We rejoice in the propriety of our government's great triumph. and the success of our army in the interest of freedom and civilization, the result of that great contest, and we deplore the great sacrifice and loss of life and treasure in the accomplishment for that purpose. We revere and re-
GARY
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CITT& PHOTO-ENG.CO.
COMRADE WILLIAM H. SIPLE. Co. "Il." 127th Regiment. P. V. Lumber Merchant. Pittsburg, Pa.
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gret the loss of many brave friends and comrades of our regiment, and we pray that the soothing hand of Provi- dence may abide with the widows and orphans that are left still to mourn their loss. We rejoice in the develop- ment of our national prosperity, and implore Divine Prov- idence that He may continue to bless this united and re- stored glorious country. Henceforth we shall know no distinction between the North and the South; and as one united people we shall go forward to still greater national and individual prosperity, 'a government of the peo- ple, by the people, and for the people, which shall never perish from the earth.'
"Comrades, I bespeak much interest, happiness and pleasure in our deliberations. I desire your co-operation in the affairs of our organization, and pray that you will aid your presiding officer in discharging his duties to your in- terest, your judgment, and for the advancement, enlarge- ment and continuance of our organization until the last comrade has answered the roll-call at Reveille."
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