USA > Pennsylvania > Lives of the governors of Pennsylvania : with the incidental history of the state, from 1609 to 1873 > Part 40
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In June following, the Colonel received a communication from a friend in the rear, requesting him to permit the use of his name as a candidate for the office of Surveyor-General, to which he promptly returned the following reply : -
"CAMP RENO, June 24th, 1862.
" FRIEND B .- I thank you and my friends in Blair County for your kind intentions ; but I do most positively decline to have my name brought before the public as a candidate for office. I desire to serve my country in no other position, during the continuance of the rebel- lion, than that in which it has been my fortune to serve since Presi- dent Lincoln's proclamation calling out 75,000 volunteers."
Major-General Pope having been appointed to command the Army of the Potomac, and being threatened by a com- bined movement of the forces of Lee and Jackson, Burnside received orders, on the 12th of August, to hasten with his column to his support. Landing at Fredericksburg, he pushed forward two divisions to Cedar Mountain, where 32
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they formed a junction with McDowell's corps. But the united columns were not able to resist the enemy. In the retreat to the Rappahannock, Colonel Hartranft -temporarily commanding Ferrero's brigade- was directed to cover the rear of the Federal forces. The post was critical and respon- sible in the extreme; and while a gallant front was maintained, and every precaution taken, the Colonel's opinion was that, had not Longstreet been inevitably detained two hours, his brigade must have been cut off and captured. After con- siderable manœuvring, Pope formed in line to receive the enemy on the same ground where McDowell had fought the battle of Bull Run. Kearney held the right and Reno the left, in that part of the field where Colonel Hartranft was immediately engaged. The line of retreat was by the Cen- treville road, and the Confederates, flushed with recent suc- cesses, were advancing to deal a more decisive blow; the Federal troops being impeded by their trains and discouraged by previous reverses. To protect the trains, and keep the road clear, Graham's Battery had been placed in good position; and that he should be able to hold the ground was a matter of the last importance. Ferrero, having returned, and re- sumed command of the brigade as ranking Colonel, perceived the danger and the necessity of support, and with the 51st New York, the 21st Massachusetts, and the 51st Pennsylvania, made a stand that could not be shaken by the utmost efforts of the enemy. As soon as the attempt to drive him from his position had failed, Colonel Ferrero moved off with the 21st Massachusetts, supposing the other two regiments would follow; but Colonel Hartranft, having received orders to that effect from General Reno, remained till near midnight with his own regiment, and the 51st New York, under Lieu- tenant-Colonel Potter, for the purpose of checking any further effort to disturb the rear of the Federal column, when he received a second order from Reno, saying that Kearney's brigade would suffice to protect the retreat, and that he should retire to Centreville. Two days subsequent, General Reno's corps was moved on a line parallel with the road from
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Centreville to Fairfax Court-House, and took a new position. The cavalry reconnoitred in front, and Colonel Hartranft, with his regiment and two batteries, held the rear during the movement. When the advance of the line became engaged, Hartranft brought forward his guns -- placing his infantry in support - and opened fire on the enemy. While thus en- gaged, an aid arrived from Reno with an order directing him to abandon the ground he had assumed, and immediately take position on the right of the line. But convinced that he was right, he declined to obey; and mounting, rode to headquarters for the purpose of explanation. When he had stated the facts of the situation, the General thanked him for having taken the responsibility of disobedience, declaring that by every consideration the position should be maintained, and promising to send to his support the first available rein- forcements.
This particular series of engagements, in which Colonel Hartranft's command took a part so active and responsible, will be known in the history of the war as the battle of Chantilly. The days on which it was fought were, perhaps, the darkest and most disastrous that ever closed upon the republic. For the moment it seemed as though Kearney and Stevens had died in vain; as if it were without avail that Hartranft and his gallant companions had staked their lives to cover the retreating columns, and save the capital of the nation. But it was not in vain. The soldiers who sus- tained the defeat had displayed qualities, in their heroic attempts to avert it, which gave promise of the triumphs that crowned their arms within the two succeeding years. It has been given to the highest type of men to be greater in defeat than in victory.
After his defeat on this unfortunate field, Pope was relieved of the command of the Army of the Potomac, and McClellan restored. Still attached to Burnside's corps, Colonel Hart- ranft participated in the battle of South Mountain, the 14th of September. On the broad summit of the mountain, Ferrero's brigade had a very sharp encounter with the foe. The 17th
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Michigan, a raw but gallant regiment, first engaged, and suffered severely. General Reno, supposing it had estab- lished a line on the edge of a wood, as he had directed, ordered Colonel Hartranft forward to its support. In moving to execute the order, the regiment, unsuspicious of danger, was suddenly and fiercely opened upon from the edge of the wood. The 17th Michigan had at first driven the enemy, but failing to make good the advantage gained, their oppo- nents returned, and, waiting till the 51st was almost upon the points of their bayonets, opened a murderous fire. As quickly as possible the Colonel withdrew his command, and reforming under the protection of a fence, returned the fire until his ammunition was spent, when he was replaced by Colonel Potter with the 51st New York. The fire was thus maintained; and the cartridge-boxes having been refilled, the 51st Pennsylvania returned; and the enemy, pelted by Hart- ranft and Potter combined, finally retreated under cover of the darkness. It is well known that the gallant General Reno fell in this action, and it was the sad privilege of Colonel Hartranft to receive the last words of command that were issued from his lips.
The battle of Antietam, on the 16th and 17th, was but a continuation of that of South Mountain. Hooker's attack on the enemy's left during the afternoon of the 16th, and that of Mansfield and Sumner on the morning of the 17th, had proved complete successes. But in the meantime the troops of the Federal left and centre had remained passive spectators of the scene. About nine o'clock, however, the Ninth Corps was ordered to advance and carry the stone bridge on the extreme right of the Confederate line. Against this position, strong by nature and fortified to the utmost by the skill of the engineer, the 11th Connecticut and Cook's brigade, sup- ported by Sturgis's division, were advanced. As this column approached along the valley, it was so hotly assailed by the enemy from the opposite heights, that it was obliged to halt and reply. The troops of Sturgis gained the head of the bridge. The 2d Maryland and the 6th New Hampshire
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charged at a run with fixed bayonets, but were compelled to fall back by the accurate and concentrated fire to which they were exposed. These regiments behaved with admirable spirit; but failing of success were, after repeated efforts, withdrawn .. Burnside, though chagrined by the failure, would not yet relinquish the attempt, and so resolved to try again with troops that he had seen tested at Roanoke, Newbern, and Chantilly.
General Ferrero came dashing up to Colonel Hartranft, and said: "General Burnside orders the 51st Pennsylvania, Colonel Hartranft, to storm the bridge." The manner of communicating the order was a marked compliment. The usual mode would have conveyed it to General Ferrero, commanding the brigade, and from him to the Colonel of the 51st Pennsylvania. In the change of mode there was a special significance. Avoiding the road by which the first assailants had suffered so severely and been repulsed, the Colonel led his command along the rear of the heights overlooking the river till he gained a point directly opposite the bridge, when he faced about and moved down the slope directly against it. The moment the troops reached the open ground of the valley, the Rebel infantry on the heights poured upon them a destructive fire, and in cross- ing a fence that skirted the road, they suffered still more severely. At this point many men were killed, and two officers- Captains Hart and Bolton - were dangerously wounded. But, heedless of the death-dealing discharges, the brave fellows made directly for the bridge. Hartranft, lead- ing the attack, had paused an instant to close up the ranks, when he was joined by his gallant friend, Colonel Potter, at the head of the 51st New York. The two commanders and their regiments had on previous occasions proved each other's mettle, and now uniting, with a shout that was distinct amid the thunders of the battle, they rushed forward, and the bridge was won. Burnside's entire corps now advanced, crossed the bridge, and occupied the heights beyond. But all this gallant devotion was to no purpose. The enemy being relieved by the slackening of the fire on the left, and strength-
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ened by the arrival of a corps of fresh troops from Harper's Ferry, the Federal advance was compelled to recross the bridge, and forfeit the temporary advantage for which they had paid so dearly. The troops, however, did not retire till after a desperate contest. The 51st having exhausted its ammunition, Colonel Hartranft maintained his ground with fixed bayonets until the arrival of reinforcements obliged the enemy to withdraw. The loss of the regiment, killed and wounded, was one hundred and twenty-five, nearly one-fourth of its available strength at the opening of the conflict. Among the slain were Lieutenant-Colonel Bell and Lieu- tenants Beaver and Hunsicker, brave soldiers and estimable citizens. In view of Colonel HIartranft's services in this battle, as well as during the campaigns in North Carolina and Virginia, General Burnside entered his name on his list for promotion, as will be seen in the following letter addressed to General McClellan, September 25th, 1862:
"GENERAL :- I beg to recommend for promotion as Brigadier- Generals, Colonel William S. Clark, 21st Massachusetts Volunteers ; Colonel J. F. Hartranft, 51st Pennsylvania Volunteers ; and Colonel Edward Harland, 8th Connecticut Volunteers.
" These officers have served with me with faithfulness and distinc- tion in North Carolina, where they took a prominent part in three battles. Colonels Clark and Hartranft then served in General Pope's Virginia campaign under the immediate direction of General Reno, by whom they were highly praised, and lately they and Colonel Har- land have served with high credit to themselves in this campaign in Maryland.
" For their arduous and faithful service, in which their bravery and skill as officers has highly distinguished them, I would most strongly recommend them to your favorable notice for a well-deserved promotion."
Upon the publication of General Burnside's letter, General Heintzleman availed himself of the opportunity to congratu- late Colonel Hartranft as follows;
" COLONEL: - I have read General Burnside's letter recommend- ing Colonel Clark and yourself for Brigadier-Generals.
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"I well recollect your gallant services on General Franklin's staff at the first Bull Run battle, and have followed with interest your career in North Carolina. It will afford me much pleasure to hear that your services have been rewarded in this manner."
The promotion, however, though so richly merited, was long delayed. The Government did not intend to be unjust to any of its defenders. But if the claimants were equal in merit, they certainly were not in modesty. Colonel Hart- ranft thought only of his duty in the field, and no solicitations were made at Washington in his behalf.
The failure to pursue Lee, and the delays upon various pretences which succeeded the battle of Antietam, produced general discontent throughout the country, and with the hope of a more vigorous prosecution of hostilities, McClellan was superseded by the appointment of Burnside to the command of the army. By this change General Wilcox was placed at the head of the Ninth Corps. The enemy had retired from the field of Antietam to their intrenched heights in the rear of Fredericksburg, About the middle of December the Federal army crossed the Rappahannock, and made a general assault upon the Confederate lines. Owing to their great strength, as well as the gallantry of the defence, and prob- ably the want of hearty co-operation with the Federal com- mander on the part of some of his principal subordinates, the attack proved a decided failure, and the whole army, re- crossing the river, at once retired into winter-quarters. For two nights and a day Colonel Hartranft, commanding four regiments, held an advanced position in front of the Rebel centre, where he threw up intrenchments, and his troops were among the last to be withdrawn from the immediate presence of the enemy. The loss of his own regiment was twelve killed and seventy-four wounded.
General Burnside, being relieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac at his own request, was assigned to duty in the Department of the Ohio. In the beginning of April, 1863, Colonel Hartranft's regiment, with other
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troops and two divisions of the Ninth Corps, were ordered to Kentucky. During the spring, the 51st was posted at various points in the interior of the State, to protect the people against raids by the guerillas of Wheeler, Morgan, and Pegram.
In June, the corps in Kentucky, temporarily commanded by General Parke, was ordered to the support of Grant before Vicksburg. In all the operations following this change, Colonel Hartranft commanded a brigade, though he had not received promotion. In the climate of Mississippi his health soon began to suffer. When his brigade was ordered to accompany Sherman in his advance against Jackson, he was so prostrated as to be unable to keep the saddle, and was obliged to direct the movements of his troops from an am- bulance.
After the fall of Vicksburg and the occupation of Jackson, the Ninth Corps was returned to Burnside's command in Kentucky. The 51st took post at Camp Nelson in order to rest and refit; was thence moved to Crab Orchard; and after recruiting there, marched across the mountains, by way of Cumberland Gap, to Knoxville. Since the return from Mis- sissippi, Colonel Hartranft had been disabled by the effects of disease, but soon after the arrival of his regiment in the Valley, he so far recovered as to be able to rejoin it, and in obedience to orders immediately assumed command of the Second Division of the Ninth Corps. Stirring times were at hand. Longstreet was moving, with a greatly superior force, to cut off and capture Burnside's entire command. As sev- eral railroads there converged, Campbell's Station was his objective point in this movement, and he had the advantage of the shortest and most direct road. But his design was discovered in time to frustrate it. Colonel Hartranft marched all night, dragging Benjamin's Battery over roads that were almost impassable, and reached the Station in advance of the Rebel commander, the head of whose column soon after appeared and opened a heavy fire. But the Colonel tena- ciously clung to his position till the Federal army with all
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its trains had passed, and then, falling back, took a new position. The fight had been obstinately maintained, not for victory, but to insure retreat for the main body of the army. In the execution of this purpose the gallant subordinate made successive stands till, under cover of the darkness, his chief escaped safely into Knoxville. In the subsequent defence of that city, Hartranft's command held the road leading into it from Cumberland Gap, and by throwing a dam across a mill- stream, he flooded the surrounding country for more than a mile, and thus rendered his position perfectly secure. Long- street was delayed in his movements, and by the time he arrived, the Federal defences had been rendered impregnable. But by cutting off supplies he soon reduced the besieged to very short rations, when Sherman, dispatched by Grant with a heavy force, obliged him to raise the siege, and retire with a haste that barely saved him from destruction.
Their term of service having expired, the 51st returned home, and re-enlisting, the troops were granted at Harrisburg . a veteran furlough. As was their due, they were everywhere hailed with the warmest manifestations of welcome. Upon arriving at Norristown, Colonel Hartranft and staff, with the five companies recruited in Montgomery County, were re- ceived with the most cordial and flattering demonstrations. The orator of the day, among other remarks expressive of the public gratitude and appreciation, said : " It is to you, Colonel, that the regiment owes the character it bears. Your dis- cipline in the camp, your foresight on the march, your coolness, bravery, and judgment on the battle-field, have won the confidence . and love of your men, and made them heroes in the fight. They knew that you never ordered where you did not lead." A few days sufficed to recruit the regiment to its maximum, and upon the expiration of the furlough, it was rendezvoused at An- napolis, where the old Ninth Corps was reassembling.
A reinforcement of new recruits increased the strength of the Corps to twenty thousand men. In the absence of General Burnside, the command of the depot was intrusted to Colonel Hartranft. All the new regiments were ordered to report
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directly to him, and to his supervision was committed the whole work of equipment and reorganization.
The hero of Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, and Chatta- nooga, having been appointed Lieutenant-General and Com- mander-in-Chief, was transferred from the West to the East, and immediately upon his arrival assumed in person the com- mand of the Army of the Potomac. Henceforward there was to be no more debating, and war was to be divorced from politics.
The Ninth Corps was reviewed by President Lincoln as it passed through Washington to join the columns of Grant on the Rapidan. In the grand movements that were imme- diately inaugurated, the Corps took position between those of Hancock and Warren. Only about one-fourth of it was composed of veteran troops. Grant was now to meet Lee on the same ground where Hooker had been defeated. Battle was imminent, and the necessary dispositions were being rapidly made. The ground was aptly designated a wilderness, and its peculiar character was to give name to a battle that will be ever memorable in the country's history. The bloody issue was joined on the 6th of May. Owing to the dense undergrowth, Colonel Hartranft had some difficulty in getting his brigade into position. His instructions were to support Potter's division, which had been ordered to attack a part of the Rebel line that was posted in a woods; but the enemy were discovered to be on Hartranft's instead of Potter's front, and so the assault devolved upon his brigade, Potter supporting him on the flank of his movement. The fighting was necessarily uncertain amid the entanglement of the forest, and without decisive effect upon either side. In the after- noon General Wilcox, who commanded the division to which Colonel Hartranft's brigade was attached, arrived and as- sumed command, when the brigade was ordered to renew the assault. But so difficult was the ground, and so obstinate the resistance of the enemy, that Hartranft rode up to Wil- cox, and said: " General, this advance is against my judgment." Quickly assigning the reasons for his opinion, they were at
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once communicated to General Burnside, who expressed his approval, and directed the order for the attack to be counter- manded. Subsequent information proved that the enemy had been heavily reinforced, and disclosed the fact that Hartranft had been fighting Longstreet all day, to whose repulse he had recently contributed before the defences of Knoxville.
Colonel Hartranft kept his saddle throughout these opera- tions; but ordered the officers of his staff to dismount, and assist in directing the movements of the several regiments, as they were composed mostly of raw troops, and from the concealment of the enemy were peculiarly liable to be thrown into confusion. When the second advance was ordered, he rode along the entire front of his line, pausing to give special directions and encouragement to each regiment, though he was every moment exposed to the fire of the enemy's skir- mishers. The men being strangers to him, he felt it to be particularly important that his personal example should be such as would inspire them with firmness in themselves and confidence in their leader; and he was known to say after- ward that, as he rode along the line the morning following the battle, he heard from the troops words which assured him that he could henceforth send them anywhere, whether he went himself or not.
The great battle of Spottsylvania was fought on the 12th of May. The Ninth Corps on the morning of that day moved in columns of brigades, and crossed Nye River, about a mile and a half to the left of the position from which General Grant was directing the movements of the whole army.
Hancock's famous charge on the centre of the Rebel line was like a tornado. For the time being everything went down before it. Many prisoners and guns were taken. But his columns were dreadfully shattered by the assault; and the gallant enemy partially recovering from the dreadful shock, and bringing up their reserves, had returned, and were be- ginning to drive back the victorious assailants. But fortu- nately, at this juncture, the head of the advance column of
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the Ninth Corps struck the flank of the enemy, and arrested their progress. Meanwhile Colonel Hartranft's line was severely exposed to an enfifading fire. To escape this he changed front, pushed out skirmishers, and was about to advance in force, when he received an order from Burnside to report with his entire brigade to General Hancock. But while moving rapidly to execute the order, a countermand was received, directing him to return to the position he had just left, and attack with all his force. Before proceeding to execute the order, he desired to send out skirmishers for the purpose of feeling the enemy's position. But General Burn- side, having been recently charged with being a little dilatory in his movements, would not permit the delay. The result was the two columns met in a woods obstructed with dense undergrowth; inevitable confusion ensued, a few prisoners were taken by both parties; but nothing decisive was accom- plished on either side. Colonel Hartranft's opinion was, that had a skirmish-line been first advanced into the woods, the position and strength of the enemy would have been ascer- tained, and they could have been shelled out with little diffi- culty. From this day was dated his commission as Brigadier- General. His own judgment upon this coincidence was, that service and honors do not always correspond. The results of his fighting on the day of his promotion had been less satisfactory to himself than in any other instance during the war. He thought he had been by far more deserving after Antietam and Campbell's Station than after Spottsylvania. To cover the whole case was probably the intent of the Gov- ernment, and whatever may have been the motives for post- poning the recognition, no one will doubt its having been . richly merited before it came.
In the prosecution of the campaign portions of the Federal troops crossed the North Anna River, but after considerable fighting were withdrawn, and the entire available strength of the army was immediately thereafter concentrated at Cold Harbor, where, on the first three days of June, was fought one of the bloodiest battles of the war. On the third day
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Gen. Hartranft's brigade was posted near Bethesda Church. At six of the morning, he advanced and captured a line of works. The ultimate object of this movement was an attack upon the enemy's main line; but his judgment being that the attempt should not be made without the support of artil- lery, and the guns failing to arrive till three o'clock in the afternoon, the order of attack was countermanded by General Burnside. By declining the attempt, in the absence of artillery, an almost inevitable repulse was avoided, and many brave men were saved for a more practicable service at a future day.
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