USA > Pennsylvania > History of the First regiment infantry, National guard of Pennsylvania (Grey Reserves) 1861-1911, pt 1 > Part 8
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1862
the name of my armny and for myself I again tender you our ac- knowledgments for your patriotic course. The manner in which the people of Pennsylvania responded to your call and hastened to the defence of their frontier no doubt exercised a great influence on the enemy."
Then followed the order of Governor Bradford, of Maryland, issued shortly after the battle of Antietam. It reads in part as follows: " To Governor Curtin of Pennsylvania and the militia of his State, who rallied with alaerity at the first symptoms of 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 respeets but an ideal line and that in such a cause as now unites us Pennsylvania and Maryland are but one."
Coincident with those stirring events there happened at the county seat of one of the largest of our eastern counties an occur- rence of some historic significance, though it seems never as yet to have found its place in history. It has only an indirect bearing upon this regimental story, illustrative, as it is, of that then ever- abiding patriotism deep in the hearts of all classes and conditions of men, old and young alike.
A company of infantry just recruited by a promising young attorney of the town had been paraded on the court-house green preparatory to muster and an election. A famous lawyer of the county, attracted by the crowd, pushed his way through to the front of the company. Well known to all of them, eminent as well for his forensic power as he was for his professional abilities, inspired by the scene and the occasion, he began an impassioned harangue, which so enthused his auditors that, unmindful of their obligation to the man who had recruited them, they at once proclaimed him for their eaptain. He was well along in his sixties. and although he had long borne the title of colonel, conferred in one of those seasons of general distribution of military titles then incident to every gubernatorial inauguration, he was an utter stranger to all things military. Our young attorney, thus summarily disposed of, a close and appreciative friend of the colonel, fully recognizing his high standing in the community and his exalted place at the bar, quietly permitted himself to drop back to the still vacant first lieutenaney. He seemed confident that when his zeal subsided and he began to view his new obligations more as substance than
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STRIKING STORY OF PATRIOTISM
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sentiment, the colonel would be inclined to withdraw. He had, however, judged too hastily, as it proved afterward, he was not to be moved from his own convictions, nor, indeed, easily to be per- suaded out of them.
The train was all ready, and captain, first lieutenant and the command were soon on their way to Harrisburg. The news of its coming and who were on board preceded its arrival at every stop. The colonel was well known through the valley, the people ever ready to greet and always anxious to hear him. Crowds welcomed him everywhere to bid him God-speed and a safe deliverance. llis speeches from the rear platform at every station were full of pathos and patriotism, more than usually effective. He always so constructed his sequences that they might lead to his well-phrased conclusion, rendered with strenuous utterance and impassioned delivery, " But, but, my friends, my mission ! My mission is the battle-field ! "
Arrived at Harrisburg, our young attorney bestirred himself to conjecture how best the colonel might be relieved without eni- barrassment. It was quite apparent, from his years alone, that he would be rather a hindrance than a help to the company's prog- ress. His early purpose was so wholly an impulse, it was hoped that when reason had the better sway he would be inclined to aban- don it. So, as the colonel had had an intimate acquaintance with Governor Curtin, in the belief that the Governor might the better impress these suggestions upon him than any one else, he secured an appointment for him at the executive chamber. There the three of them met-the governor, the colonel, and the lieutenant. There was much parley, the governor persuading, the colonel resisting. The colonel's speech was declamatory, sometimes angry. Ulti- mately, it would seem, the influence of the lieutenant prevailed rather than the governor's. Abruptly he faced his lieutenant, as if persuasion had tortured him beyond endurance, and in impas- sioned tones demanded answer to his inquiry, " Stanley! Stanley ! do yon say I ought to go home?" Indeed! Indeed, Colonel. I do." "Then by G-d, sir," so ran his haughty and imperious reply, " I will." And with remembrance doubtless of his " My mission is the battle-field " still rankling in his bosom, he made preparation for departure, and speedily sought the train. The young lieutenant was promptly made the captain and the com- pany, assigned to a regiment, soon found its way to the front.
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66
IS62
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
The nominations of Napoleon B. Kneass for colonel, Charles HI. Graff for lieutenant-colonel, and Joseph N. Piersol for major, as made by the Board of Officers, were confirmed by both election and commission. Official recognition of all the commissioned officers, field, staff, and line, and the enrolment of the non-com- missioned officers and enlisted mon appears under the head of " Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Militia 1862" in the fifth vol- ume of Bates's " History of Pennsylvania Volunteers," and the commissioned officers are also reported in the Adjutant-General's report (1866), under the same head, to rank from September 12, 1862, and as " Discharged with regiment."
The Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Militia disappeared with the campaign for which it was created. Field and staff officers com- missioned for it only necessarily therefore disappeared with it. That this was the purpose isconclusive from this special clause introduced into the commissions, all of which for the Seventh Regiment bear date September 12, 1562 : " which company, under the authority of the President, the Governor's proclamation of the fourth Septem- ber, 1862, and General Orders No. 35 and 36 went into service for the defence of Pennsylvania." The company organizations remained intact; sustained by the previous authority conferred upon their commissioned officers and the previous enlistment of their men, they became again companies of the First Regiment Infantry Gray Reserves, Reserve Brigade, First Division of the Pennsylvania Militia. Colonel Kneass published his last order, General Order No. 21, for the same day, and following his con- gratulatory order of September 26, 1862. In this order he pre- scribed for the " First Regiment Gray Reserves " bi-weekly com- pany drills, roll-calls, with reports to headquarters, property re- turns. etc., and placed the right wing under the charge of Lieuten- ant-Colonel Graff and the left under Major Joseph N. Piersol. Thereafter Colonel Kneass's name appears in the regimental rec- ords as lieutenant-colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel Graff's as major. Both returned to their former rank, and Major Piersol, having had no former rank as field officer, ceased to be of the regiment. As will subsequently appear, however, his previous efficiency was well remembered when the opportunity came to reward him. The vacant coloneley had really, therefore, not been filled in conformity with the requirements of the militia laws sinee the resignation of Colonel Ellmaker.
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1963
CHANGES IN PERSONNEL
Colonel Kneass had not been in robust health for some time. With great regret he began to realize his infirmities, and so expressed himself to the Board of Officers, when after a protracted absence in search of health he reluctantly tendered his resignation as lieutenant-colonel. The resignation was subsequently accepted, to date from January 17, 1863. Major Charles H. Graff also_ reluctantly, from a "business necessity," resigned his majority, parting with regret, as he stated in his letter of withdrawal, and assuring the Board that he would endeavor to be with them in the future should the regiment be again called into active service. His resignation was accepted to take effect February 9, 1863.
On March 4, 1863, Captain Charles S. Smith was placed in nomination for colonel. At his own request Lieutenant-Colonel Kneass's name was not considered. Major Joseph N. Piersol was nominated for lientenant-colonel. Major Piersol subsequently de- clined and Captain James Starr, Jr., was nominated in his stead. Captains J. Ross Clark and Jacob Loudenslager had at the same time been placed in nomination for this office, and both had de- clined. Captain Frank P. Nicholson, of Company HI, was nomi- nated for major. There were no other nominations, and at an election held by the brigade inspector on March 27, 1863, Charles S. Smith was elected colonel. James Starr, Jr., lieutenant-colonel, and Frank P. Nicholson, major.
On April 1, 1863, Colonel Smith published his General Order No. 4, as follows: "The undersigned having received from the Brigade Inspector of the Reserve Brigade a certificate that on the 27th day of March last he was elected Colonel of the First Regiment Infantry (Gray Reserves) Reserve Brigade, he hereby assumes the command of this regiment."
As Colonel Smith's other commissions have all been produced, and as this one as colonel cannot be found, nor any record of it discovered. it is possible the brigade inspector's return was never forwarded. or overlooked if it was. This would seem the more conclusive as among Colonel Smith's private papers is found the certificate dated March 30, 1863, on a printed form, signed " H. G. Leisenring, Brigade Inspector, Reserve Brigade, First Division P. M .. " informing him that on the 27th day of March, 1863, he had been duly elected colonel of the First. Regiment Infantry " of this Brigade."
1 severe blow fell upon the 115th Pennsylvania carly in its
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1963
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
career. Its loss at Shepherdstown, Virginia, September 20, 1862, within a month of its departure for the front, was unusually heavy. Of the officers killed in that action three were from Company D of the First Regiment: Captain Joseph W. Ricketts, Company K, 118th Pennsylvania, Second Lieutenant J. Mora Moss, of the same company, and Second Lieutenant J. Rudhall White, of Company G. Company D in fitting and expressive reso- lutions recognized the service they had rendered and the sacrifice they had made for their country, and suitable military eseort was supplied from the regiment for their funerals. Lieutenant William M. MeKeen, also of Company D, was seriously wounded in this same action as first lieutenant of Company K, 118th Pennsylvania. Although he survived the war, he subsequently died from the effects of this wound, while still in his early manhood.
Brigadier-General Francis E. Patterson withdrew from the command of the Reserve Brigade to accept his apointment of brigadier-general, United States Volunteers, on April 11, 1862. Col. C. M. Eakin, of the Third Regiment, succeeded liim as colonel commanding. General Patterson from his own special fitness and with the prestige of a distinguished military ancestry, gave promise of name and fame, destined never to be fulfilled. He died in command of his brigade in camp near Alexandria, Vir- ginia, on November 22, 1862. He was buried from his home in Philadelphia on the 26th. The troops of his old Reserve Bri- gade, the First, Second, and Third Regiments, with Col. Alfred Day in command, supplied an impressive and imposing funeral escort.
Major Thomas Hawksworth, of the 68th Pennsylvania, died at his home in Philadelphia, on January 7, 1863, of wounds received in action at the battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia. He was a mueh respected eitizen and gallant soldier. His funeral on the eleventh was largely attended and the military eseort, pursuant to Special Orders No. 7 of the 9th, from regimental headquarters, following Special Orders No. 14 from brigade headquarters, was composed of Companies A. C. G. and E, under the command of Captain Jacob Loudenslager.
Major Robert P. Desilver, paymaster of the regiment from its earliest organization, absent for some time with leave on account of ill health, died February 14, 1863. The officers of the regi- ment attended his funeral in a body and the Board by suitable
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PLANS TOWARD RENEWAL OF INTEREST
1863
resolution acknowledged the valuable service he had always ren- dered. Alexander P. Colesberry, who had been announced as aeting paymaster during Major Desilver's absence, continued as such until the appointment of Major William H. Kern, on April 1, 1863.
Col. J. Richter Jones, of the Fifty-eighth Regiment Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, a citizen of reputation, a soldier of distinction, was killed in action while in command of his regiment on May 23, 1863, at Bachelors Creek Station, near Newbern, N. C. IIis family had been prominent in Pennsylvania since the earliest days of the province. Killed in action as he had been, well sustaining the renown borne by his eminent sires, his remains were accorded a temporary resting-place in Independence Hall, where his funeral obsequies were conducted on Wednesday, June 3, 1863. Pursuant to General Orders No. 7, regimental headquarters, June 1, 1863, the regiment assembled as the military escort on the west side of Washington Square, right resting on Walnut facing west, at two and a half o'clock in the afternoon of that day and marched thence with the remains to the place of interment. Colonel Smith was in command, and Company D, Captain J. Ross Clark, escorted the colors to the point of assembling and from the place of dis- missal.
The regimental activities had been impaired and the ranks de- pleted through the usual depression ineident to a campaign in the field. Nor were the vacancies in the field officers helpful to the sitnation. The regiment certainly needed to be in charge of an offieer with the full rank of colonel. Squad and company drills were continued with fewer numbers and less zeal than before. Except as a funeral escort, the regiment had not been together for some months, for either parade or battalion drill. Colonel Smith's first General Order called upon company commanders to zealously look after the welfare of their companies and to take immediate steps to fill their ranks to the full complement of one hundred men. Lieutenant-Colonel Starr was directed to visit the right wing companies, and Major Nicholson the left, at least semi- monthly, and to see that " the manual of arms and company move- ments were strictly adhered to in conformity with the Infantry Tactics of Brig-Gen. Silas Casey," recently published by the War Department for "instruction of the Infantry in the armies of the United States whether Regulars, Volunteers, or Militia."
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1863
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
These tactics as modified changed the regimental formation and prescribed that a regiment shall be composed of ten companies, " which will be habitually posted from right to left, in the follow- ing order: First, sixth, fourth, ninth, third, eighth, fifth, tenth, seventh, second, according to the rank of captains." Colonel Smith deemed it wise, however, for a time, until the companies had restored themselves to a more substantial basis, that the old method should prevail, and so announced in this order. This avoided the shifting of position "according to the rank of the captains."
This order, published April 22, 1863, was followed May 6, 1863, by a special order providing for a regimental skeleton drill at the city armory, Broad Street below Race, on the succeeding Wednesday at eight o'clock in the evening. Besides commissioned and non-commissioned officers, who were ordered to be present, as many men as could conveniently were requested to be in attend- ance. The order called attention to certain paragraphs and articles in the tactics and stated that the movements described in them would be included in the instructions.
It was reported at a meeting of the Board of Officers on February 3, 1863, by Captain Nicholson, that if a proper appli- cation were made, the city authorities would turn over to the First Regiment the use and occupancy of the City Armory at Broad and Race Streets. The application was made accordingly, and after negotiations protracted through the intervening campaign finally granted by resolution by the Committee on Defence and Protection on October 17, 1863. Regimental headquarters, which had before been more or less fugitive, were at once established there, and the companies were directed to locate there as soon as practicable. This armory had been occupied by the Second Regiment of Home Guards, and it was when the colonel informed the Committee of Defence and Protection that his regiment had no further use for it, that that committee agreed to allow that use to pass to the First Regiment. It was doubtless Major Nicholson's observation of the coming dissolution of this Second Regiment that kept him on the alert to secure for his own regiment the privilege that had for- merly belonged to the Second, when that regiment should disap- pear. Though the resolution of the committee read for "the present," the occupancy continued until the completion of the new armory, twenty years later.
Captain George W. Briggs had resigned from the captainey of
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REPORT OF COMMITTEE
1963
Company I, January 12, 1863. Thereafter the company was for a time without commissioned officers, and First Lieutenant George F. Delleker, of Company A, was assigned to its command, where he remained until Captain George W. Blake was elected to the captaincy.
As early as January 26, 1863, the Board of Officers had taken its stand for a betterment, and appointed a committee " to take into consideration the present condition of the regiment and report what action they considered necessary to improve it." Captains Charles S. Smith and Jacob Loudenslager, Major Charles H. Graff, Lieutenant Thomas Sparks, R. Rundle Smith, and Samuel Welsh were named as the committee. On February 3, 1863, the committee made a preliminary report, and submitted a resolution, which was adopted, directing company commanders to furnish the committee with reports of the names of their commissioned officers and first sergeants, with their respective dates of appointment; number of active members; average attendance on drills; and what number could be depended on in an emergency; complete inven- tories of arms, aecoutrements, elothing, equipment, ete., now on hand and to be accounted for; and also what, if any, was the company indebtedness.
These reports were furnished full in information, thorough in detail; consolidated and tabulated by the most methodical and in- dustrious of regimental adjutants, they supplied the data from which the committee drafted its report made to the Board of Offi- cers at its meeting on March 4, 1863, and which was in part as follows :
That from the information derived from the commandants of companies, ete., they find that the Regiment is without a Colonel, a Lieut .- Colonel, Major, Paymaster and Sergeant Major. Two companies without Captains, four companies without Ist Lieutenants. That from the annexed table compiled from the reports of Commandants of companies there is on the Active Roll GIS men; average attendance at drills, 299; to be depended upon in emer- gency, 480; Muskets 950; overcoats 431; Blankets, Gum blankets, none except those belonging to the Companies; Knapsacks 483: Haversacks 739; Canteens 840; Body Belts 924; Bayonet Scabards 897; Cap pouches 910; Cross Belts 942: Cartridge boxes 945. Debts due by Companies $540.62. Expended in 1862 88,641.15. Balance in hand of Acting Payma-ter 8640.30.
Physical conditions disposed of, this report was followed by another from this same eommittee dealing solely with money mat- ters, together with its appeal to the Citizen's Bounty Fund Com- mittee. The peculiar prominence of this committee, their strength
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HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
1863
and influence in the community, render not only what they do or say of special importance, but also what they may do or say as well testifies to the character, manhood, purpose, and patriotism of those for whom they speak. Rescued from the oblivion to which through all these years this and other of these invaluable historic assets have been improvidently consigned, it is well that an opportunity is afforded to give them their proper recognition. The report here follows with the appeal :
TO THE CITIZENS' BOUNTY FUND COMMITTEE
Gentlemen: Understanding that there is still at your disposal a large portion of the funds committed to your charge, we beg leave to submit to your consideration the following statements.
The Third Regiment of Infantry (Gray Reserves) was organized in May, ISGI, for the special defence of the City. It consisted of ten companies with full ranks of one hundred men each. It was formed in consequence of other military organizations being taken into the field, and the City left without protection; principally of that class of citizens who could not leave their homes except for a limited period.
For the support of the organization not one dollar has been received from the State of Pennsylvania or the City of Philadelphia. The arms now used by the Regiment have been loaned to them by order of the Secretary of War and the equipments purehased by the Committee of Public Safety, an organization which we have a right to claim as having been auxiliary to, if not actually a part of, our Regiment, as it was appointed at one of the meetings held to promote the organization of the Regiment.
All other matters required by the Regiment have been furnished by the members themselves, over Twenty-three Thousand Dollars having been raised in the first year for that purpose.
It has furnished as officers and Privates in varions Regiments now in the field over two hundred and fifty men, and it still numbers on its roll of active members over seven hundred men.
Notwithstanding its organization was for the special defence of the City, it responded to a call of the Governor in May, 1862, for troops to quell dis- turbances in Schuylkill County, by sending on three hours' notice one hun- dred and sixty men, within twelve hours afterward by sending two hundred, and holding as many more ir reserve at their Armories in the City.
In September, 1862, they again responded to the call of the Governor for troops to defend the State from invasion by starting for Harrisburg with one thousand men in their own ranks and aceompanied by Capt. Starr's Bat- tery of four mountain howitzers and sixty men, who had attached themselves to our Regiment. Under the orders of the Governor the Regiment with the Battery proceeded to Boonsboro in Maryland and have great reason to be- lieve were enabled to render efficient aid to the General Government by its promptness.
On three different occasions besides these its services have been tendered to the General Government in times of sudden emergency. But for all its services not one dollar has ever been received for pay, for food or the neces- sary expenses ineident to leaving home.
The Regiment now feels that it has exhausted its own resources, and that while its members are still willing to give their time and services they cannot
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APPEAL OF COMMITTEE
IS63
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provide all matters necessary to render it efficient, and without aid from some quarter, it must soon be disbanded or will dwindle away.
Under these circumstances the undersigned, a committee appointed for that purpose, make this application to your Body for an appropriation to defray the following expenses :
For rent of Armories for one year. $3,000.00
" renewing equipment, lost and injured, in campaign
in Maryland 1,000.00
“ present indebtedness for armorics. 1,500.00
making overcoats (Cloth being on hand ) 1,500.00
Blankets and Gum blankets. 4,000.00
= Canteens, Haversacks, and Knapsacks 4,000.00
Making a total of. $15,000.00
These sums have been arrived at after careful calculations, and if the Regiment is to remain in existence and maintain its efficiency must be obtained this year.
Trusting that you will give a favorable consideration to this application We are, very respectfully,
Committee
CHARLES S. SMITH, Chairman, Capt. A Company CHARLES H. GRAFF, Major Com'g J. LOUDENSLAGER, Capt. E Company THOMAS SPARKS, 3rd Lieut. A Company R. RUNDLE SMITH, Sergt. A Company SAMUEL WELSH, Private A Company
Phila. Jan. 28, 1863.
On motion the report was received, the resolutions adopted and the adjutant instructed to have the resolutions printed and a copy sent to the Commandant of each company.
The times were not propitious to press for favors. The coun- try was in doubt and uncertainty. The people were wary, disaster had followed disaster-Fredericksburg in the winter, Chancellors- ville in the spring. Murfreesboro was but a drawn fight. There were no results; the end was yet afar. Money collected for one purpose was not to be diverted by its trustee to another, corelated as it might be. Should the original purpose be revived, the diver- sion might return again to plague it. But with Gettysburg and Vicksburg, the gloom was lifted, the sky had cleared, the depression was over, and the comunittee proceeded with renewed efforts to the successful end it ultimately attained. The final result was re- ported to the Board of Officers at its session of November 4, 1863. The report of the committee as then made is a fitting sequence to their first presentation of their ease and was as follows:
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