USA > Pennsylvania > The Seventh Pennsylvania veteran volunteer cavalry; its record, reminiscences and roster; with an appendix > Part 14
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 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36
SAMUEL WAGNER, Co. I ..
THOMAS G. ALLAN, Co. I.
165
THE END
had been definitely located. The order was obeyed with zeal and alacrity by the three regiments then composing the brigade-the First Wisconsin, the Fourth Michigan and the Seventh Pennsylvania. At midnight of the 9th, while the Fourth Michigan and Seventh Pennsylvania were resting in bivouac, a citi- zen reported the exact location of Davis' camp, one mile south of Irwinsville, Georgia, near the Ocmul- gee river. Minty ordered the Fourth Michigan, un- der Lieutenant Colonel Pritchard, to advance, and two hours later ordered the Seventh Pennsylvania, under Lieutenant Colonel Andress, to follow. The Fourth Michigan surrounded Davis' camp before daylight on the 10th of May. At the same time the advance of the First Wisconsin approached from the opposite direction, and being halted by the Fourth Michigan men, a skirmish took place-each suppos- ing the other to be Davis' escort-in which two of the Michigan men were killed and several of both regiments wounded. At daylight Col. Pritchard col- lected his prisoners, whom he reported as follows:
"As soon as the firing ceased I returned to camp and took an inventory of our captures, when I ascer- tained we had captured Jeff. Davis, his wife and four children; John H. Reagan, his postmaster general; Colonels Johnson and Lubbock, aides-de-camp to Davis; Burton N. Harrison, his private secretary; Major Maurand, Captain Moody, Lieutenant Hatha- way, Jeff. D. Howell (midshipman in the rebel navy) and thirteen private soldiers."
Col. Pritchard returned to Macon with his pris- oners, the Seventh halting by the roadside to permit the column to pass. From Macon Davis was taken to Atlanta; thence to Augusta; thence by boat to Savannah; then by steamship to Fortress Monroe, where he was delivered by Col. Pritchard, (who, with a guard from his regiment, had accompanied him all the way), to General Miles, for confinement in the fort.
166
THE END
The report circulated at the time that Davis had been captured disguised as a woman was stren- uously denied. On this point Col. Pritchard re- ports :
"On the afternoon of the 23rd I received or- ders from the War Department, through General Miles, directing me to procure the disguise worn by Davis at the time of his capture, and proceed to Washington and report to the Secretary of War. Accordingly I went over to the steamer Clyde, and received from Mrs. Davis a lady's water-proof cloak, or robe, which, Mrs. Davis said, was worn by Davis as a disguise at the time of his capture, and which was identified by the men who saw it on him at the time. On the morning following the balance of the disguise was procured, which con- sisted of a shawl, which was identified, and admitted to be the one by Mrs. Davis. These articles I brought to Washington, and turned them over to the Secretary of War."
No little trouble was caused by the new status of the negroes. They all realized that they were free, and their idea of freedom comprehended a vast amount of idleness and a minimum of labor. Many of the former slave holders could not, ap- parently, realize that they no longer owned these "human chattels." Naturally these divergent ideas led to trouble, and part of the duty imposed upon the officers and men of the Seventh, as of other regi- ments, was the adjustment of these difficulties.
Sherman in his "Memoirs," states that, on the 29th of April he received, at Port Royal, a letter from General Wilson, in which that officer gave a summary of his operations up to date. He had marched five hundred miles in thirty days, took six thousand three hundred prisoners, twenty-three colors, and one hundred and fifty-six guns, defeat- ing Forrest, scattering the militia, and destroying every railroad, iron establishment, and factory in
167
THE END
North Alabama and Georgia. "He spoke in the highest terms," says Sherman, "of his cavalry as 'cavalry,' claiming that it could not be excelled, and he regarded his corps as a model for modern cavalry in organization, armament and discipline. Its strength was given at thirteen thousand five hun- dred men and horses on reaching Macon. Of course, I was extremely gratified at his just confi- dence," Sherman says, "and saw that all he wanted for efficient action was a secure base of supply." This was arranged for by sending boats up the Savannah river, and establishing a post at Augusta, Georgia.
The Seventh Pennsylvania remained on duty until the 13th of August, and was the last of the brigade to leave Georgia. During the early sum- mer it was divided into detachments and distributed for duty at various places in the region. It may not be out of place here to remark, that four years' campaigning through the slaveholding States had wrought a great change in the minds of most of the Union soldiers on the slavery question. Like the great majority in the North, they entered the ser- vice with the impression that slavery did not con- cern them-that it was a patriarchal institution to be tolerated where it existed, and that it probably benefitted the negro more than it injured him. But contact with it changed his views entirely. Seeing, day after day, the hopeless longing for recognition as human beings by old and young; hearing, will- ingly or unwillingly, the stories of cruelties practiced, wrongs inflicted, and hardships endured-the revo- lution in sentiment was complete, and, before the end of the war, no soldier was willing to tolerate its existence, or have it continued as a recognized institution in the Union. Probably the great ma- jority of the men in the ranks would have opposed the elevation of the freed slaves to complete citi- zenship, but this issue never came before them while
168
THE END
in the field, and the sum of their desire was reached when Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclama- tion, and all slaves were made free.
With the cessation of hostilities came the re- lease of all the prisoners of war, and the sufferers in Andersonville were set at liberty. Among these were several members of the Seventh, including Ser- geant Hayes, of Company E, who, with some oth- ers was captured in the fight at Lovejoy. Hayes had the usual experience of prisoners in Anderson- ville, but had the good fortune to survive those cruelties. When released he was promoted to a first lieutenancy, rejoined his company at Macon in the month of June, assumed command, and contin. ued so until the end.
The Seventh was concentrated in Macon early in August to prepare for final muster out. Rolls were completed to date on August 23rd, 1865, and the regiment ordered to Harrisburg. In due course the capital of Pennsylvania was reached, and for a week the regiment lay in camp. The battle flag was returned to the State, through the Governor. "It was worn and tattered," Dornblazer says, "but not a single mark of disgrace sullied its folds." At last all details and requirements were completed, the regiment was paid and discharged, and the men went home to stay.
General Wilson in his order disbanding the cavalry corps, dated at Macon, July 2, 1865, says : "Your corps has ceased to exist! The rebellion has terminated by the establishment of your country upon the basis of nationality and perpetual amity. Your deeds have contributed a noble part to the glorious result; they have passed into history and need no recital from me. In the nine months during which I have commanded you, I have heard no re- proach upon your conduct-have had no disaster to chronicle. * * You have learned to believe your- selves invincible, and contemplating your honorable
169
THE END
deeds, may justly cherish that belief. You may be proud of your splendid discipline, no less than your courage, zeal and endurance. The noble impulsea which have inspired you in the past will be a source of enduring honor in the future. 'Peace has her victories no less renowned than war.' Do not for- get that clear heads, honest hearts, and stout arms, guided by pure patriotism, are the surest defense of your country in every peril. * * * Let your example in civil life be an incitement to industry, good order and enlightenment, while your deeds in war shall live in the grateful remembrance of your country- men. Having discharged every military duty hon- estly and faithfully, return to your homes with the noble sentiment of your martyr President deeply impressed upon your hearts: 'With malice against none, and charity for all, strive to do the right as God gives you to see the right.'"
APPENDIX
AGGREGATE OF MEN ON ROLLS
Of Companies of the Seventh Pennsylvania During Term of Service.
Company A 224
B 210
C 222
66 D 192
E 196
F
209
G
202
H
206
I 215
K 209
L 204
66
M 194
Field and Staff
51
Total in Regiment 2,534
BATTLES AND SKIRMISHES
In Which the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry Partici- pated.
Pulaski, Tenn, May 1, 1862.
Lebanon, Tenn., May 5, 1862.
Sweden's Cove, Tenn., June 4, 1862.
Murfreesboro, Tenn., July 15, 1862. Manchester, Tenn., July 27, 1862. Gallatin, Tenn., August 21, 1862.
Bear Wallow, Ky., September 20, 1862. Chaplain Hills, Ky., October 8, 1862. Lebanon, Tenn., November 15, 1862.
1
2,483
2
APPENDIX
Stone River, Tenn., Dec. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 1862; Jan. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1863.
Rover, Tenn. January 31, 1863. Unionville, Tenn., March 4, 1863. Snow Hill, Tenn., April 3, 1863.
Shelbyville, Tenn., June 27, 1863.
Sparta, Tenn., August 17, 1863.
Chickamauga, Ga., September 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 1863.
Dallas and Villa Rica, Ga., May 27, 1864.
Big Shanty, Ga., June 9, 1864.
MeAfec's Cross Roads, Ga., June 11, 1864. Noonday Creek, Ga., June 20, 1864. Flat Rock, Ga., July 28, 1864. Atlanta, Ga., August 12, 1864.
Lovejoy's Station, Ga., August 20, 1864. Vining's Station, Ga., September 2, 1864. Rome, Ga., October 12, 13, 1864. Lead's Cross Roads, Ga., November 1, 1864. Bardstown, Ky., December 29, 1864. Selma, Ala., April 2, 1865.
Columbus, Ga., April 16, 1865. Macon, Ga., May 5, 1865.
Detachments of the Seventh, acting as pickets, foragers, couriers, etc., had encounters with the ene- my that are not included in the above list. Some of these minor engagements were hotly contested, and in them men of the Seventh were killed, wounded, or captured.
OFFICERS AND MEN
Of the Sereuth Pennsylvania Commended in Orders, or Awarded Medals.
Captain Benjamin S. Dartt, C Company, for dis- tingnished services in fight at Lebanon, May 5, 1862. Captain Charles C. McCormick, L Company, for distinguished services in fight at Lebanon, May 5, 1862.
3
APPENDIX
Captain David G. May, K Company, for distin- guished services in fight at Lebanon, May 5, 1862.
Lt. Charles L. Greeno, C Company, for distin- guished services in fight at Lebanon, May 5, 1862.
Lt. Joseph G. Vale, K Company, for distinguish- ed services in fight at Lebanon, May 5, 1862.
Lt. William C. Garrett, HI Company, for distin- guished services in fight at Lebanon, May 5, 1862.
Sergt. Samuel Milmore, L Company, for distin- guished services in fight at Lebanon, May 5, 1862.
Major Jolin E. Wynkoop, highly commended for conduct at Sweden's Cove, May 6, 1862.
Major William H. Jennings, for gallantry in bat- tle of Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862.
Captain William C. Garrett, for gallantry in bat. tle of Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862.
Lt. Robert M. McCormick, for gallantry in bat- tle of Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862.
Captain Charles C. Davis, for gallantry and dis- tinguished services at Rover, March 4, 1863.
Captain William C. Garrett, for gallantry and distinguished services at Rover, March 4, 1863.
Captain Charles C. McCormick, for gallantry and distinguished services at Rover, March 4, 1863.
Lt. Richard H. Fiske, for gallantry and distin- guished services at Rover, March 4, 1863.
Lt. Charles L. Greeno, for gallantry and distin- guished services at Rover, March 4, 1863.
Lt. Joseph G. Vale, for gallantry and distin- guished services at Rover, March 4, 1863.
Captain William H. Jennings, for distinguished services and gallant conduct at MeMinnville, April 21, 1863.
Lt. Heber S. Thompson, for gallant conduct at McMinnville April 21, 1863.
Sergt. John Williams, Company F, for wounding and capturing Maj. Dick McCann, same engagement.
Corporal Edward H. Shutt, Company A, for great gallantry in killing Lt. Col. Martin in single-
4
APPENDIX
handed saber combat, same engagement. Also award- ed government distinguished service medal.
Capt. Charles C. Davis, for distinguished gallan- try at Shelbyville, June 27, 1863. Also awarded dis- tinguished service medal.
Lt. Heber S. Thompson, for gallantry at Shel- byville, June 27, 1863
Lt. Joseph G. Vale, for gallantry at Shelbyville, June 27, 1863.
Lt. Percy H. White, for gallantry at Shelbyville, June 27, 1863.
Lt. George F. Steahlin, for gallantry at Shelby- ville, June 27, 1863.
Sergt. Win. D. Peck, for gallantry at Shelbyville, June 27, 1863.
Sergt. John Keenan, for gallantry at Shelbyville, June 27, 1863.
Sergt. John H. Somers, B, for gallantry at Shel- byville, June 27, 1863.
Sergt James A. Wilson, F, for gallantry at Shel- byville, June 27, 1863.
Sergt. David J. Quade, B, for gallantry at Shel- byville, June 27, 1863.
Sergt. Snyder, for gallantry at Shelbyville, June 27, 1863.
Sergt. Edward H. Shutt, for gallantry at Shelby- ville, June 27, 1863.
Sergt. John Ennis, for gallantry at Shelbyville, June 27, 1863.
Corporal Devens, for gallantry at Shelbyville, June 27, 1863.
Corporal Thomas J. Lane, for gallantry at Shel- byville, June 27, 1863.
Corporal Chester Williams, C, for gallantry at Shelbyville, June 27, 1863.
Corporal Mason, for gallantry at Shelbyville, June 27, 1863.
Private Joshua E. Andrews, for gallantry at Shelbyville, June 27, 1863.
5
APPENDIX
Private Johns, for gallantry at Shelbyville, June 27, 1863.
Private Enoch Watkins, A, for gallantry at Shel- byville, June 27, 1863.
Private John Williams, A, for gallantry at Shel- byville, June 27, 1863.
Private Henry Benson, B, for gallantry at Shel- byville, June 27, 1863.
Private Britton Longwell, H, for gallantry at Shelbyville, June 27, 1863.
Private Heller, for gallantry at Shelbyville, June 27,1863.
Private George L. Wilcox, C, for gallantry at Shelbyville, June 27, 1863.
Private Samuel Watson, for gallantry at Love- joy, August 20, 1864.
Major Charles C. Greeno, for gallantry at Selma, April 2, 1865.
Capt. U. C. Hartranft, Co. D, for gallantry at Selma, April 2, 1865. See report of Gen. Eli. Long.
CASUALTIES IN THE SEVENTH PENNSYLVA- NIA CAVALRY.
Officers
Men 94
Total 102
Killed in battle
8
Died of disease, accidents, or in
prison
5
185
190
Total killed and died of disease,
etc.
13
279
292
The losses stated, it will be noted, are more than ten per cent. of the total number carried on the rolls of the regiment. Probably a greater percentage was discharged on account of sickness.
AMONG THE FIGHTING REGIMENTS.
Colonel Fox, in his statistical compilation of cas- ualties in the war of the rebellion, and record of
6
APPENDIX
"Three Hundred Fighting Regiments," includes twelve regiments of Cavalry, two of which-the Soy- enth and the Eleventh-are from Pennsylvania. Col- onel Fox does not claim that these three hundred regi- ments had a monopoly of the fighting, or that other regiments-more than a thousand being in the Union army-were exempt from the duties, dangers and casualties of the war; or that, in any respect, they were remiss; but simply points out the fact that these three hundred show, by the number of their killed and wounded, that they had fighting to do and did it.
MEMORIAL MONUMENT
Of the Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Caralry at Chattanooga.
On the 20th of December, 1893, General J. S. Fullerton, chairman of the Chickamauga and Chatta- nooga National Military Park Commission, ad- dressed a communication to the Chief Executive of such States as were represented by military organiza- tions in the battle of Chickamauga, and the various other engagements in the vicinity of Chattanooga, Tennessee, asking their co-operation in the work of correctly locating the positions of the organizations so engaged. In response to this request Governor Robert E. Pattison, on the 30th day of April, 1894, appointed a commission, from the survivors of these regiments and batteries, to aid in this work on ho- half of the State of Pennsylvania. This commission, consisting of ninety-six veterans, met in Harrisburg, as suggested by the Governor, and carefully consid- ered the proposition of General Fullerton. The re- sult of their deliberations and recommendations was the enactment of a law, approved July 3, 1895, ap- propriating five thousand dollars, or so much there- of as might be necessary for paying the necessary expenses of the "Chickamauga-Chattanooga Battle- fields Commission," the Executive Committee there-
APPENDIX
of, and of such officers of the State of Pennsylvania as may be designated by the Secretary of War, or the National Commission, to represent the State in the dedicatory ceremonies.
The same day another law was enacted direct- ing the Governor to appoint an Executive Commit- tee of seven persons, to be known as "The Executive Committee of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga Battle- fields Commission," to serve without compensation, and its duty to be to decide upon the designs, ma- terials and inscriptions for monuments to mark the position of each Pennsylvania command on the bat- tlefields of Chickamauga, Wauhatchie, Brown's Ferry, Orchard Knob, Lookout Mountain, Mission- ary Ridge and Ringgold, and to contract for the con- struction and erection of the said monuments, at a cost of not exceeding fifteen hundred dollars for each of the seventeen organizations representing Pennsylvania in said battles. In compliance with the provisions of these Acts, the Governor appointed the Executive Committee as follows:
Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Blakely, Seventy- eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, President.
Captain George W. Skinner, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Secretary.
Brevet Brigadier General William A. Robinson, Lieutenant Colonel Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Treasurer.
Lieutenant Sylvester W. MeCluskey, Knap's Independent Battery E.
Lieutenant Thomas H. Rickert, Seventh Penn- sylvania Volunteer Cavalry.
Lieutenant Edwin MeC. Boring, Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.
Sergeant J. H. R. Storey, One Hundred and Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.
The Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry took prompt action on the subject of erecting a suitable monu-
8
APPENDIX
ment on the memorable field of Chickamauga, and a design, with proper inscription, being agreed upon, and approved by the National authorities, the monu- ment was completed. The design-a cavalryman, fully equipped, in the act of delivering a right cut with his saber-is shown in the illustration. The inscription is as follows :
Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, 1st Brigade, 2d Division, Cavalry Corps, Minty's Brigade, Army of the Cumberland.
Encountered the enemy, Johnson's Division of Hoods' Corps, already in line of battle, on the Ring- gold road in the valley of Pea Vine Creek, three miles east of this point, at 7 a. m. September 18, 1863, where at that hour John Ward, of Company 1ยช, was killed. With the other regiments of the bri- gade engaged and retarded the enemy and prevented him from crossing Chickamauga Creek, at Reed's Bridge, until 3 p. m. Reed's Bridge was partially dismantled but restored by the enemy. The regi- ment retired with Wilder's Brigade toward Vin. iard's house, skirmishing until dark, when it dis- mounted and remained in line of battle throughout the night.
September 19th, 1863, engaged in protecting trains moving to Rossville.
September 20th, 1863, guarded left flank at Graysville, Chickamauga Station and Red House Bridge, where Scott's Brigade of Pegram's Cavalry was encountered and driven east across the creek.
September 21st, 1863, from 7 a. m. until 12 m. skirmished with the enemy who was advancing upon General Thomas at Rossville. Captain D. G. May killed.
September 22d, 1863, at Rossville Gap attacked by the enemy.
9
APPENDIX
September 23d, worked in trenches at Chatta- nooga.
Casualties, 5 killed, 18 wounded.
Organized at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Novem- ber 18th, 1861.
Disbanded at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, August 23, 1865.
The monument was dedicated on the 15th of No- vember, 1897, in presence of a large number of the members of the regiment, National, State and local officials and citizens, with the following ceremonies :
Address by Captain Heber S. Thompson, chair- man of the regiment's Monument Committee.
Prayer by Lieutenant Colonel Charles L. Greeno. Oration by Captain Joseph G. Vale.
Historical sketch by Adjutant George Steahlin.
F.
Address by Lieutenant Colonel Charles L. Greeno.
Address by Major Charles C. Davis.
A detailed account of the ceremonies attendant upon the dedication of these monuments including addresses, orations, inscriptions and historical sketches or the organizations commemorated, has been published by the State of Pennsylvania in a handsome volume.
OFFICIAL REPORTS.
From Annals of the Rebellion .- Published by the United States.
Report of Maj. John E. Wynkoop, Seventh Pennsyl- rania Caratry, including skirmishes on the Mur- freesboro road, December 26-27, at Orerall's Creek December 31, and on Manchester pike, January 5. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY.
Camp near Murfreesborough, Teun., January 6, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to report that on the morning of December 26, 1862, I was ordered with
10
APPENDIX
my regiment to move on the Murfreesborough road, in rear of the First Cavalry Brigade, the First Cav- alry Brigade being the advance of that portion of the Army of the Cumberland. After proceeding on the road about 6 miles, I was ordered with my en- tire command to the front, with instructions to uso one-half in the advance and upon the right as a line of skirmishers, keeping the other half as a support. In this order we proceeded about 3 miles, when we. commenced engaging the enemy, they falling back gradually 1 mile to a belt of wood, where they made a stubborn stand. Here there was considerable heavy firing, in which 3 of my men were wounded and 2 horses killed. I ordered one company to charge, which was done with promptness, and which caused the enemy to retire, we pressing and skir- mishing with him until night came on.
The 27th was occupied in skirmishing on the left. No casualties in my regiment this day.
Sunday, December 28, but little skirmishing; my command chiefly in camp.
Monday, December 29, was ordered on the left of General Wood's division; throwing out a line of skirmishers to the left, moved with the line of battle. No casualties.
Tuesday, December 30, ordered to form a line of couriers from the extreme left, connecting with those on the right, keeping a reserve in the center, one upon the right center, and one upon the left cen- ter. These duties were performed by the Second and Third Battalions, commanded by myself, the First Battalion being with Colonel Minty upon a reconnaissance to La Vergne; the First Battalion commanded by Captain Jennings.
Wednesday, December 31, the First Battalion absent with Colonel Minty; the Second and Third continuing as vedettes and couriers until 9 a. m., when our right fell back, creating much consterna- tion and disorder. My vedettes and line of couriera
SAMUEL, WINN, Sergt. Co. F.
-
JOHN MAGUIRE, Co. F.
11
APPENDIX
were compelled to retire, which was done in good order, the men rallying upon their chiefs.
My command being collected together, I used my utmost exertions to press the troops to the front, who were coming back in much confusion. Finding my endeavors almost useless, the greatest confusion prevailing, I dispatched a courier to General Rose- crans to know what position the cavalry should be assigned to. He directed me to take my command to the rear, which I accordingly did, and remained in the rear until about 2 p. m., when I received an or- der from Colonel Kennett (commanding cavalry division ) to bring my command upon the Murfrees- borough pike, where a portion of the cavalry were engaging the rebel cavalry. We were thrown upon the front, and were for some time under a heavy fire from the enemy under cover. The officers and men here behaved with great coolness, and deserve much credit.
The First Battalion, under command of Captain Jennings, returned from La Vergne with General Stanley and Colonel Minty. Moving rapidly to the right and front, it took up position on the extreme right of our line. Dismounting, it met the advance of the rebels, and finally fell back. Mounting and reforming, the First Battalion took up a new posi- tion on the left of the rest of the cavalry. After a half hour's more fighting, darkness brought a cessa- tion of the fighting.
The loss this day was 2 killed, 4 wounded, and 4 taken prisoners.
Thursday, January 1, I was ordered with my entire command upon the right to watch the move, ments of the enemy, who was continually moving upon the flank; considerable firing between the skir- mishers, several of my horses being killed and wound- ed. This day my regimental train was burned by the enemy while en route for Nashville, having upon
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.