USA > Pennsylvania > History of the First Regiment Infantry, National Guard of Pennsylvania > Part 2
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
COMPANY K-Captain, Henry D. Welsh; Ist Lieutenant, David A. Wælpper; 2d Lieutenant, John Wandell.
COMPANY L-Captain, Isaac Starr, Jr .; Ist Lieutenant, Benoni Frishmuth ; 2d Lieutenant, John A. Jenks.
This regiment was discharged September 26th, 1862. In an order issued by Governor Bradford, of Maryland, soon after the battle of Antietam, he says: "To Governor Curtin, of Pennsylvania, and the militia of his State, who rallied with such alacrity at the first symptoms of an invasion, our warmest thanks are also due. The readiness with which they crossed the border, and took their stand beside the Maryland brigade, shows that the border is, in all respects, but an ideal line, and that in such a cause as now unites us Pennsylvania and Mary- land are but one."
When it became known that General Lee and his entire army was north of the Potomac, and marching on Pennsyl- vania, Governor Curtin, on June 26th, 1863, issued his pro- clamation, declaring that the enemy in force was advancing upon the border, and calling for sixty thousand men, to be mustered into the service of the State for ninety days; but to remain only so long as the safety and honor of the Common- wealth should require.
The regiment promptly responded and was the first one mustered in under this call and known as the Thirty-second 1
Regiment, P. M., with the following officers:
-
18
FIELD AND STAFF : Colonel, Charles S. Smith; Lieut .- Colonel, Isaac Starr, Jr .; Major, Frank P. Nicholson; Adjutant, George S. Bethell; Quarter-Master, Edwin Watson; Ass't- Surgeons, William Darrah, Jr., Thos. A. Downs; Chaplain, J.W. Huntington ; Sergeant Major, John J. Rutherford; Commissary Sergeant, George A. Smith; Quarter-Master Sergeant, J. P. Broomall; Hospital Steward, Samuel Meader.
COMPANY A-Captain, Jas. D. Keyser; Ist Lieutenant, W. W. Hollingsworth: 2d Lieutenant, Amos. Lanning.
COMPANY B-Captain, Charles S. Jones; Ist Lieutenant, J. McCreight; 2d Lieutenant, Geo. Dodd, Jr.
COMPANY C-Captain, Wm. W. Allen; Ist Lieutenant, Jno. W. Powell; 2d Lieutenant, J. Lowrie Bell.
COMPANY D-Captain, J. Ross Clark; Ist Lieutenant, Chas. E. Willis; 2d Lieutenant, Harry F. West.
COMPANY E-Captain, Jacob Laudenslager; Ist Lieutenant, James Muldoon; 2d Lieutenant, Franklin C. Garrigues.
COMPANY F-Captain, Harry C. Kennedy; Ist Lieutenant, Benj. H. Dusenberry; 2d Lieutenant, Robert M. Banks.
COMPANY G-Captain, Henry J. White ; Ist Lieutenant, Jas. C. Wray; 2d Lieutenant, Thos. H. Mudge.
COMPANY H-Captain, George W. Kern; Ist Lieutenant, Mortimer L. Johnson; 2d Lieutenant, David Jones.
COMPANY I-Captain, Geo. W. Blake; Ist Lieutenant, W. Maris, Jr .; 2d Lieutenant, John C. Sullivan.
COMPANY K-Captain, William W. Keys; Ist Lieutenant, David A. Woelpper: 2d Lieutenant, Silas H. Safford.
The regiment left Camp Russell, Harrisburg, June 28, 1863, and marched across the Susquehanna river, and went into camp about a mile above the fortifications. Broke camp July Ist, and marched toward Carlisle; after a tedious tramp
-
19
arrived at Carlisle in the evening and were greeted with much enthusiasm by the citizens, Brisbin's brigade being the first _ body of Union troops that had entered the town since its evac- uation by the Confederates; they had been in town but a short time when the place was attacked by the Confederate General Fitz-Hugh Łee, in force. His summons to Major-General Smith, U. S. A., commanding the division, to surrender the place, was refused; the brigade held the town all night under a steady fire from the enemy's guns of shell, grape and canister; in this engagement several men of the regiment were wounded, one mortally. The government barracks were fired and destroyed by the Confederates. Advancing from the town in the morning, it was discovered that the entire force of the enemy had retreated. Remained in camp upon the barracks ground until Saturday morning, July 4th, when the brigade marched over South Mountain to Pine Grove Furnace, and on the 6th inst. arrived at Gettysburg turnpike after a severe march, and encamped at "Newman's Tavern," on said turnpike; on the 7th broke camp and marched to Waynesboro', arriving at 6 P. M., and went into camp about one mile from the town, where they remained until the IIth. Orders were issued to break camp at 7 A. M., and after a march of about eight miles, the brigade crossed the line into Maryland. A reconnaissance was ordered in force to capture a party of Confederate cavalry. during which companies K and G secured prisoners; on the 13th broke camp and marched to Hagerstown, where they formed a close junction with the Army of the Potomac; orders were received to hold themselves in readiness for service; part of the brigade (Blue Reserves), under General Kilpatrick, were ordered into action and had a brisk skirmish, having nine of their men wounded; on the 14th the brigade was again ordered into line of battle, at 7 A. M., and remained in line until orders
20
were received that the whole of the Confederate army had re-crossed the Potomac. The brigade remained in camp until 21st, when they were ordered to break camp, and marched to Hagerstown, thence to Green Castle, Pa., where the regiment encamped on the same spot as they did in Sep- tember, 1862, remaining until 25th, when they received march- ing orders. Started for Chambersburg, arriving at 11 A. M., and went into camp, remaining until 26th, when they embarked for Philadelphia, where they arrived on the 27th, and on the Ist of August the regiment was mustered out of the service by Lieut .- Colonel Starr, mustering officer.
We note the following from Bates' History of Pennsylvania Volunteers :
/
" Further services for which the militia had been called, was no longer required, and during the months of August and September the majority of the men were mustered out.
"With few exceptions they were not brought to mortal con- flict. They nevertheless rendered most important service. They came forward at a moment when there was pressing need. Their presence gave great moral support to the Union army, and had that army been defeated at Gettysburg, they would have taken the places of the fallen, and would have fought with a valor and desperation worthy of veterans. Called suddenly to the field from the walks of private life, without a moment's opportunity for drill or discipline, they grasped their niuskets, and by their prompt obedience to every order showed their willingness-all unprepared as they were- to face an enemy before whom veterans had often quailed, &c."
On the 4th of August, 1863, the following General Order was issued, on account of the Thirty-second Regiment, P. M.,
1
-
21
having been mustered out of the service and again becoming the First Regiment of the Reserve Brigade:
HEADQUARTERS FIRST REGIMENT, G. R. R. B.
Philadelphia, August 4th, 1863.
GENERAL ORDERS.
The undersigned re-assumes the command of the First Regiment, Grey Reserves, Reserve Brigade, organized and officered as it was previous (viz. June 25th) to being mustered into the service of the State as the Thirty-second Regiment, P. M.
By order of C. S. SMITH,
Signed,
Colonel Comd' g.
GEORGE S. BETHELL, Adjutant.
Nothing of importance occurred in the regiment after the campaign of 1863 until its re-organization under the new militia law of 1866. Although receiving very little support or encouragement from the City or State, it managed by individual efforts to maintain a high state of discipline and drill, and was ever ready to respond to any duty imposed upon it by the authorities.
On the 15th day of October, 1866, Col. Charles M. Prevost issued the following order :
HEADQUARTERS
FIRST REGIMENT, G. R. R. B.
Philadelphia, October 15, 1866.
GENERAL ORDER, No. I.
The undersigned having been commissioned by the Gov- ernor of Pennsylvania Colonel of this Regiment, hereby assumes command.
22
The following officers are appointed on the staff:
JAMES W. LATTA, Adjutant. JOHN M. KOLLOCK, Surgeon.
WILLIAM A. ROLIN, Quarter-Master. WILLIAM H. KERN, Paymaster.
They will be obeyed and respected accordingly.
· (Signed) CHARLES M. PREVOST.
Colonel Prevost on January 27th, 1867, appointed George A. Smith Quarter-Master Sergeant and H. L. Elder Com- missary Sergeant.
At a stated meeting of the Board of Officers, held Dec. 4th, 1867, Brevet Colonel and Major Wm. McMichael was nom- inated for Lieutenant-Colonel, and elected to that position December 7th, 1867, and on the 14th inst. Brevet Colonel and Adjutant James W. Latta was elected Major.
On January 11, 1868, Lieut .- Colonel Wm. McMichael was elected Colonel (Col. Prevost having been promoted to Major- General), and on January 20th issued the following General Orders:
HEADQUARTERS
FIRST REGIMENT, G. R. R. B.
Philadelphia, January 20, 1868.
GENERAL ORDERS, No. I.
Brevet Major R. Dale Benson is hereby announced Adju- tant of the Regiment. He will be obeyed and respected ac- cordingly.
By command Col. McMICHAEL, (Signed)
J. O. GILLER, Act. Adjutant.
23
On January 18th, 1868, Major James W. Latta was elected Lieut .- Colonel, and March, 1868, Adjutant R. Dale Benson ivas elected Major. Geo. H. North appointed Adjutant Sept. 1868. November, 1868, Lieut .- Colonel James W. Latta was elected Colonel. January, 1869, R. Dale Benson was elected Lieut .- Colonel and Captain Jas. D. Keyser Major.
In July, 1869, the Regiment had a very successful encamp- ment at Cape May, N. J., from 16th to 23d inst., and was honored by a visit from General U. S. Grant, then President of the United States. The encampment was called Camp Upton, in honor of Brevet Major-General E. Upton, U. S. A., and the following letter from that official explains itself:
S WILLOWBROOK, AUBURN, N. Y. August 19th, 1869.
MY DEAR COLONEL:
I regret exceedingly that your letter of July 7th, apprising me of the proposed encampment of your regiment at Cape May and your purpose to name your camp after me, did not reach me in time to elicit a suitable response. Although apres coup, it is not too late to express my appreciation of the honor you conferred upon me, and now that your encampment is terminated I heartily congratulate you on the success attend- ing your efforts.
Commendations of the appearance and discipline of the Gray Reserves, while at Cape May, have reached me from various sources and of such a nature as to inspire the hope that, under your command, assisted by your zealous and efficient officers, the regiment will place itself in the front rank of the militia of the United States.
Your commencement has been most auspicious. Your regiment has been reviewed by his Excellency, the President,
€
24
and received such marks of his distinguished approbation as to make it conspicuous before the country. This position you must hold. The Gray Reserves constitute the First Regi- ment of Infantry of Pennsylvania, you and your officers should be content with nothing less than making it the first in drill and discipline not only in your State, but, if possible, in the country. I shall ever take a deep interest in your regi- ment, and if you but continue to display the high soldierly qualities which distinguished you in the field, its success will be assured.
With high esteem, very truly yours (Signed) E. UPTON, But. Maj .- General, U. S. A.
To Col. JAMES W. LATTA,
Commanding Gray Reserves.
The following communication was received from gentlemen sojourning at the Stockton House, Cape May, during the time of the encampment of the command at Cape May :
STOCKTON HOTEL, JULY 23, 1869.
A large number of the guests of the Hotel having met in Parlor A, amongst whom were the following gentlemen :
Gen. J. T. Owen. Geo. J. Presbury, Jr.
Matthew Baird. John B. Sexton.
A. W. Markley. John J. Thomas, W. W. Harding.
Thomas Dolan.
Samuel B. Thomas.
H. B. Ashmead.
M. Hall Stanton. Jos. W. Page.
Arthur Thatcher, Jr.
H. B. McCauley. Saml. R. Phillips. Jas. J. Mullin.
Thomas T. Tasker, Jr. Wm. F. Hughes.
25
Gen. Wm. McCandless.
Gen. H. H. Bingham.
John L. Bispham.
Col. P. C. Ellmaker.
John Penrose.
Raymond Damman.
George H. Colket.
John C. Bullitt.
Col. John Clark.
Gen. W. J. Sewell.
C. Jones York.
James H. McKee.
Theo. Megargee.
J. L. Stichter.
Lewis Waln Smith.
G. W. Lauman.
Thomas Sparks.
Peter Gardner.
H. T. DeSilver.
and many other gentlemen, on motion L. Waln Smith, Deputy Attorney General, State of Pennsylvania, was called to the chair, and Captain Harrison T. DeSilver appointed secretary.
General Owen, in presenting the resolutions hereto attached, premised by eulogizing the excellent conduct of officers and men of the Gray Reserve Regiment and of the marked success of the Reception Ball given at this house; as well as the great pleasure afforded the people of the island by the various enter- tainments given at Camp Upton.
Whereas, We have, in common with the other houses on Cape Island, enjoyed for the week ending to-day, a series of entertainments given under the auspices or in behalf of the Gray Reserve Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia, under com- mand of Col. James W. Latta, which has been performing a tour of duty at Camp Upton : therefore.
Resolved, That we express to the Field, Line and Staff Officers, the commissioned and non-commissioned Officers and Privates, Drum Corps and Band of the Regiment, our sense of obligation and high appreciation of the uniform courtesy and soldierly bearing of officers and men of the command during their sojourn at Cape May.
26
Resolved, That the result of our observation of the rounds of camp duty performed by this command, the beneficial effect of camp discipline, the opportunity for prolonged squad, company and battalion drills, leads us to recommend to the citizen soldier "camping out," as the best method within their reach of learning the art of war, as well as of improving their physical health.
Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings, signed by the president and secretary, be forwarded to the commanding officer of the regiment.
(Signed) LEWIS WALN SMITH, Chairman H. G. DESILVER, Secretary.
The following order was issued from Division Headquarters. owing to the designation of "First" in the line of the militia of the State being disputed by other regimental organizations :
HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, P. M.
Philadelphia, December 1, 1869.
General J. W. HOFFMANN,
Commanding 2d Brigade.
GENERAL :
I have the honor to inform you that the Adjutant-General's Department has decided that the "Gray Reserve" Regiment is entitled to the designation of the First Regiment of the First Division, Pennsylvania Militia, and it will be hereafter .so called and known.
I am yours, very respectfully, (Signed) JAMES STARR, Lieut .- Col. and Div. Inspector.
Headquarters 2d Brigade, Ist Div., P. M., Philadelphia, Dec. Ist, 1869.
OFFICIAL. (Signed) WILLIAM A. HOFMANN, A. A. D. G.
27
During the interval between 1869 and 1874 nothing occurred to call the regiment into active service. Their thorough drill and discipline was fully maintained, and on all public occasions where the military were present, they received the full enco- mium of the public. Among the special occasions on which the regiment was paraded, was the unveiling of the statue of Abraham Lincoln, late President of the United States, in Fair- mount Park, which occurred on September 12th, 1871.
The soldierly appearance of the regiment on their eleventh anniversary, called forth the following General Order of the . Colonel commanding;
HEADQUARTERS FIRST REGIMENT INFANTRY, N. G. P. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION.
Philadelphia, April 20th, 1872.
GENERAL ORDER No. 8.
The Colonel commanding congratulates the command on its magnificent appearance, high soldierly bearing, excellent deportment and well executed marching and manœuvering on the occasion of the parade in commemoration of the Eleventh Anniversary.
It was his good fortune to meet on the evening of that day Maj .- General Meade, U. S. A., the General commanding the Division, the Adjutant-General of the State, the General com- manding the Brigade, and many prominent citizens of former military experience.
Their encomium, passed upon the display, warrant the belief that the impression thus made, will, if our efforts to excel be continued, insure a distinguished and lasting reputation.
By order of Col. JAMES W. LATTA.
(Signed)
BENJ. P. WILSON, Adjutant.
1
28
The regiment also participated in the funeral ceremonies of Maj .- General George G. Meade, U. S. A., which occurred Nov. IIth, 1872.
On the 25th day of November, 1872, the regiment left the city to participate in the parade of Evacuation Day, in New York city, and was the guests of the 7th Regiment, N. G. S. N.Y. returning home on the 26th, on which day the Colonel com- manding issued the following :
HEADQUARTERS FIRST REGIMENT INFANTRY, N. G. P. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION.
Philadelphia, November 26, 1872.
GENERAL ORDER, No. 22.
The Colonel commanding congratulates the command upon the great success that attended the excursion to New York on the 25th inst.
Its results surpassed and exceeded all that has been hitherto done; the press, the people and the soldiery of both our own and our sister city unite in universal encomiums on the drill, discipline, marching and excellent military and gentlemanly deportment of the entire regiment. The ovation on Broad- way, the enthusiastic reception at the Stock Exchange, the review at the City Hall Park, almost faultless in its execution, have added new and brighter laurels to your history, and will ever be pleasing reminiscences to all the participants.
This expedition, it is believed, has done much to improve the tone of public sentiment towards the encouragement of the National Guard service, and to you it should be but a further incentive to strive by continued application and strict atten- tion and obedience to all orders and instructions to earn a
29
Municipal, State and National reputation that shall stamp this regiment as the peer of all its fellows in all that serves to make the true American soldier.
By order of Col. JAMES W. LATTA. Signed,
BENJ. P. WILSON, Adjutant.
On the 20th of January, 1873, the Regiment proceeded to Harrisburg to participate in the inaugural ceremonies of Gov- ernor elect, Maj .- General John F. Hartranft, on the following day.
Colonel James W. Latta having been appointed by his Excellency, Governor Hartranft, Adjutant-General of the State, with rank of Major-General, Lieut .- Colonel R. Dale Benson was, on the 4th day of June, 1873, elected Colonel of the regi- ment, J. Ross Clark Lieut .- Colonel, and Charles K. Ide Major.
At a meeting of the Board of Officers held November 5th, 1873, the following preamble and resolution were unanimously adopted :
Whereas, Colonel James W. Latta has been appointed Ad- jutant-General by his Excellency John F. Hartranft, Governor of the Commonwealth, thereby removing him from the com- mand of our regiment, and
Whereas, it is meet and proper to give some expression of the opinion of the officers of the regiment which he has so long and ably commanded, therefore
Resolved, That while we regret the loss we have sustained by the advancement of an officer so competent to command and so deserving of our steady support, we take this occasion to congratulate him upon his appointment and promotion so well deserved, and his Excellency, the Governor, upon the selection he has made of an officer, whose military record is
30
an indication of his entire fitness for the position to which he has been called.
During March, 1874, there was some trouble among the railroad hands employed at Susquehanna Depot, with every indication of becoming a serious matter, and the First Regi- ment was again ordered to active duty. The following is the official report of operations in that direction by the Colonel commanding :
HEADQUARTERS FIRST REGIMENT INFANTY, N. G. P. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION.
Philadelphia, April 9th, 1874.
Lieut .- Col. A. P. BARBER,
A. A. G., 9th Div., N. G. P.
SIR:
I have the honor to report, in conformity to instructions from the Major-General commanding 9th Division, N. G. P., that in accordance with the following telegraphic order from His Excellency, the Governor and Commander-in-Chief, re- ceived at 11.50 P. M. on the 28th of March, viz:
Col. R. DALE BENSON,
Ist Regiment Inf., Philadelphia.
Have your command in readiness to move to Susquehanna Depot not later than noon to-morrow. Have telegraphed General Prevost.
Signed, JOHN F. HARTRANFT.
immediate measures were taken to place my command in marching order. At 8.20 A. M. on 29th of March, I received Special Orders No. from Headquarters Ist Division, N. G. P., (certified copy herewith marked "A") directing me to proceed
--
3I
at II o'clock A. M., via Pennsylvania Central Rail Road to Susquehanna Station on the Philadelphia and Erie Rail Road, and to provide my command with three days' rations and ten rounds ammunition per man. It being Sunday, and the notice being but 21/2 hours before the hour designated to move, and being compelled to send three miles for the ammunition as ordered, it was utterly impracticable to supply the men with proper rations; subsistence was, however, furnished by the regimental Quartermaster for immediate necessity, though inadequate. A staff officer was despatched to the magazine for ammunition as ordered, and I reported my command at 10.40 A. M., to the Assistant Adjutant-General of the division as prepared to move.
Just previous to the hour fixed to move, I 'received verbal instructions from Major General Prevost, countermanding Special Orders, No. above referred to, and directing me to hold my command in readiness to move at three hours' notice. In compliance with instructions from his Excellency, the Governor, I then directed that the command should be placed under arms every three hours, the rolls of the several companies called and report of each made to my Headquarters, which instructions were literally carried out until 7.30 P. M. March 29th, when verbal instructions were received for the regiment to proceed to the North Penna. R. R. depot and embark for Susquehanna Depot.
The command left said depot at 8.50 P. M., under instruc- tions as set forth in Special Orders, No. 6, Headquarters Ist Division, N. G. of Pa., (certified copy herewith, marked "B"), to report to Major-General Osborne at Susquehanna Depot. Information having been received that transportation had only been arranged as far as Bethlehem, upon arrival at that point at Il o'clock, I immediately telegraphed to Superintendent of
32
Lehigh and Susquehanna Division Central R. R. of N. J., at Mauch Chunk, for motive power, and communicated with his 1 Excellency, the Governor, in compliance with his telegraphic instructions.
A locomotive having arrived, we left Bethlehem at 12.25 A. M., March 30th, and were joined at Mauch Chunk by Brig. Genl. John D. Bertolette, of the Governor's staff, who, reporting at each point to his Chief of our progress en route, obviated the necessity of my communicating the same, information as ordered by the Governor in his telegraphic instructions. Every effort was made to push forward to the designated point, but from unavoidable delays in obtaining motive power, we did not reach Ninevah Junction, on the Jefferson Branch of the Erie Railway, until II o'clock A. M., March 30th. Upon receipt of information that the latter station was the nearest point to Susquehanna Depot that transportation could be obtained, no trains moving on the Erie Railway, the regiment dis-embarked and marched to Susquehanna Depot, where I reported my command to Major-General Osborne, for duty at 12.10 P. M., and requested that his Excellency the Governor might be advised of our arrival.
Quarters were assigned the regiment in the machine shop of the Erie Railway, which it occupied until relieved from duty.
The regular and daily routine of garrison duty was imme- diately ordered, interior guards posted, &c., and the strictest military discipline enforced, and I take pleasure in stating, that at the, several regular roll calls each day commandants of companies -reported every man present or properly accounted for.
By verbal instructions from your Headquarters, my com- mand was relieved from duty at 2.30 P. M. April Ist, and
33
ordered to march to Ninevah Junction, embark and proceed to Philadelphia; we left Ninevah Junction at 4 P. M., and reached depot of P. R. R., at Philadelphia, at 8.30 A. M., April 2d.
After providing coffee for the command, reported to Major- General Prevost every officer and man present or accounted for; was relieved from duty and proceeded to armory, when the regiment was dismissed.
Enclosed herewith is a report, marked "C," of the strength of the command as reported to your Headquarters, showing the number of officers and men on duty. I take great pleasure in testifying to the efficiency and promptness on the part of the chiefs of the several departments on the staff of the Major- General commanding, under trying circumstances, and that every facility and comfort was extended to my command that lay in the power of the Major-General commanding. The nature of the service in which we are engaged, permits me to say, and I.but speak the sentiment of the officers and men of my command when I record it, that they consider it to have been a distinguished privilege to have reported to and served under the command of the Major-General commanding 9th Division, N. G. of Pa.
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.