USA > Pennsylvania > York County > Shiloh > The Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania at Shiloh. History of the regiment. The battle of Shiloh > Part 3
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"JULIUS. C. LOESTER. (Seal.)"
Witness present,
John Cavagnaro.
On May 18, 1903, a committee of two went to Shiloh to in- spect, in conjunction with members of the National Park Com- mission, the completed Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Monu- ment. Such inspection was made the following day, when it was found that the work had all been done in full accord with all the provisions of the specifications and contract.
It was therefore accepted, and so reported to the State authorities and paid for.
The following letter from the Chairman of the National 3
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Seventy-serenth Pennsylvania Regiment.
Commission, in reference to the matter, further certifies that everything is as it should be:
"War Department,
Shiloh National Military Park Commission, "Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., May 19, 1903.
"Mr. John Obreiter,
"Chairman Pennsylvania Shiloh Commission, Lancaster, Pa .:
"My Dear Sir: I have to-day, with yourself and Captain McNally, of your commission, made a critical examination of the monument, erected upon the battlefield of Shiloh by the State of Pennsylvania, to the 77th Pennsylvania Regiment of Infantry.
"I find it to be in exact accord with the design, specifications and inscrip- tions, submitted by your commission under date of February 7, 1902, approved by this commission February 14, 1902, and by the Secretary of War February 17, 1902.
"I have the honor, therefore, to advise you that, when your dedication occurs, the monument will be received by the Government of the United States.
"Yours very respectfully, "CORNELIUS CADLE, "Chairman."
From out of the fund reserved for expenses, the Commis- sion, by proper management, was enabled to have a cement or concrete pavement, eight feet wide, constructed around, on all sides of the monument. This pavement was made from the very best obtainable materials, and is first class in every respect.
It adds greatly to the general appearance of the monument, and will most effectually prevent, for all time, the growth of weeds around it, as is so often seen elsewhere.
The total cost of the monument and pavement, including all expenses, necessarily incurred, incidental to its construc- tion and erection, is fully covered by the appropriation made therefor, viz., four thousand dollars.
Itemized vouchers, showing in detail all expenditures, are on file with, and were duly approved by the Auditor General of the Commonwealth.
The Commission have conscientiously complied with and performed all the duties required of them by the Act of the General Assembly, and feel confident their work will meet with the cordial approval of all who may see and examine the results of their labor of love.
PENNSYLVANIA
ERECTED 1902
PRINT. JULIUS BIEN & CO. NEW YORK
INSPECTION OF MONUMENT.
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Shiloh National Park.
The relations existing between the members of the Commis- sion, have been, throughout its entire existence, of the most pleasant and friendly character, all worked together in full accord and harmony at all times, from the beginning to the successful finish. .
The only unpleasant feature met with, was the death of our most highly esteemed colleague, General William A. Rob- inson, than whom there did not exist a more upright, genial and kindly Christian gentleman. He was considerate and just at all times, and under all circumstances. His good ad- vice and sound judgment was always deferred to. He has, ever since his removal from our midst, been sadly missed by his fellow-commissioners.
His death occurred on the 4th day of October, 1902.
It was the unanimous opinion of his colleagues, that, out of respect for the memory of their friend and comrade, the vacancy on the Commission, caused by his death, should not be filled by any other person.
The Governor was accordingly requested to not appoint a successor to their lamented friend.
To further show their high regard and esteem for their soldier boys of 1861, the Legislature of our Commonwealth, passed an Act, which was very promptly approved by the Governor, providing for the Dedication of the Seventy sev- enth Regiment monument at Shiloh, and for the transporta- tion of all honorably discharged surviving soldiers of the reg- · iment, from their homes in Pennsylvania, to Pittsburg Land- ing, and return, in order that they might attend the cere- monies at the dedication, and once more go over their first battlefield, and meet old comrades whom they had not seen since the memorable days of forty years ago.
Such action on the part of the constituted authorities of the State, stimulates, as it should, patriotism and the love of country in the hearts of its old defenders; and such visit to the old familiar grounds of strife, will be a pleasant memory and a fertile theme of conversation with the "old boys" until they have all passed to their final reward.
The act referred to was as follows:
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Seventy-sercuth Pennsylvania Regiment.
No. 160.
AN ACT
To provide for the dedication of the Pennsylvania monument erected on Shiloh battlefield, to commemorate the service of the only Pennsylvania regiment at the battle of Shiloh, namely, the Seventy-seventh regiment of infantry; and to provide transportation for the survivors of the said Seventy-seventh regiment to and from Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, to attend said dedication; and making an appropriation therefor.
Whereas, The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, by act approved July eighteen, one thousand nine hundred and one, author- ized "The Shiloh Battlefield Commission" to decide upon the location. design, material and inscription for one monument, to commemorate the service of the Seventy-seventh regiment of infantry, the only Pennsylvania regiment at the battle of Shiloh, and to make contract for its construction, and its erection on the battlefield of Shiloh;
And whereas, Under the provisions of said aet, an appropriate monument has been constructed and erected to the said Seventy-seventh regiment. under the superintendence of the said Shiloh Battlefield Commission;
And whereas, The people of this Commonwealth have always venerated the patriotic and heroic deeds of her soldiers, and now desire, not only to commemorate the sacrifice of her sons who gave their lives for their country, but also to honor her, surviving veteran soldiers; therefore,
Section 1. Be it enacted. &c., That the Governor of the Commonwealth shall, at such time within the current year, Anno Domini one thousand nine hundred and three, as he shall deem best, appoint a day for the dedi- cation of said monument, to be called "Pennsylvania Day."
Section 2. That said dedication shall be under the control and direction of the said "Shiloh Battlefield Commission," who shall make all arrange- ments and take charge of the ceremonies on the field.
Section 3. There shall be provided and furnished, at the expense of the Commonwealth, to all surviving honorably discharged soldiers of the said Seventy-seventh regiment, Pennsylvania infantry. transportation to enable them to attend said dedication; such transportation to cover distance from the railway station in Pennsylvania nearest their respective places of resi- dence, by the shortest and most convenient route, to Pittsburg Landing. Tennessee, and return, and it shall be so arranged that the said transporta- tion shall be good for one month, and shall permit stopovers at any stations on the route, within said time of one month.
. Section 4. That the Adjutant General of the Commonwealth be and is hereby directed, authorized and empowered to provide transportation for said soldiers as aforesaid, to and from Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee. For such transportation he is authorized to pay such sums of money as shall be agreed upon, not exceeding two cents per mile; and the Adjutant General is further authorized to provide such blanks, and establish such rules for the reception of applications and the issuance of orders for transportation, as may be deemed proper, and he shall give publicity to the provisions of
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Shiloh National Park.
this act, in order that all soldiers entitled to transportation under the same may avail themselves of its benefits.
Section 5. That any person who shall personate any soldier entitled to the provisions of this act, to secure transportation under it, or use or attempt to use the transportation provided for such soldiers, or any such soldier, who, having procured such transportation, and who shall sell, barter, trade or dispose of such transportation in any manner whatever to any other person, shall be guilty of misdemeanor; and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not more than fifty dollars, or imprisoned not more than one month, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.
Section 6. That the sum of five thousand ollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby specifically appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated; that two thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, of this appropriation shall be set aside for the purpose of paying the expenses of the said "Shiloh Battlefield Commission," necessarily incurred in the performance of the duties incident to said dedication, and of such officers of the State of Pennsylvania as may be designated by the Governor to represent the State at the dedicatory ceremonies; and shall be paid on the warrant drawn in favor of said Shiloh Battlefield Commission by the Auditor General upon the State Treas- urer, upon specifically itemized vouchers, duly verified by the officers of the said commission; unexpended balances, not exceeding three hundred dollars of this sum of two thousand dollars, which is hereby set aside as aforesaid. shall be used for compiling and editing the Reports of the said Shiloh Battlefield Commission; the balance of said appropriation, namely, three thousand dollars, shall be to pay for the transportation aforesaid and all expenses incident thereto, and shall be paid on the warrant of the Auditor General, drawn in the usual manner: Provided, That the Adjutant General shall, within sixty days after the dedication of said monument, file with the Auditor General specifically itemized vouchers, showing in detail the disbursements under this act. Unexpended balances of the money herein appropriated shall revert to the State Treasury at the close of the . fiscal year ending with the thirty-first day of May, Anno Domini one thousand nine hundred and five.
Approved-The 16th day of April, A. D. 1903.
SAML. W. PENNYPACKER.
About the same time that the Seventy-seventh's monument at Shiloh was ready for dedication, another Pennsylvania monument was due to be unveiled in commemoration of the services of the Seventy-third regiment at Missionary Ridge, near Chattanooga, Tennessee.
To save time and obviate the necessity of two separate journeys south by the Governor and his staff to attend both dedication ceremonies it was decided that the two events should take place at as nearly the same time as could be con-
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Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Regiment.
veniently arranged. Accordingly Governor Pennypacker se- lected November 9, 1903, for the dedication of the Seventy- third regiment's monument on the Missionary Ridge battle- field, and Thursday, November 12, 1903, for the dedication of the Seventy-seventh's monument on Shiloh battlefield. .
With his characteristic vigor, despatch and unfailing good- nature, Thomas J. Stewart, Adjutant General of Pennsylva- nia, made all the necessary preliminary arrangements with the various railroad and steamboat companies for the com- fortable transportation of the survivors of the two regiments and the official party to the respective dedications. This labor of love was rather onerous, but General Stewart never dreams of complaining when asked to do anything for his comrades. All who profited by his foresight and thorough- ness on these dedicatory occasions loudly voiced their appre- ciation of his unwearying care for their comfort.
The regimental survivors, applying for transportation from the eastern part of Pennsylvania, were directed to go by way of Washington, D. C., over the Southern Railway, while those residing in the western part of the State were routed through Cincinnati, over the Queen and Crescent Railway, to Chatta- nooga.
On November 7, 1903, Governor Pennypacker and Staff, to- gether with many survivors of the two regiments, left Phila- delphia on a special train for Washington, D. C. Joined there by many men from other parts of the State, they took a special train on the Southern Railway for Chattanooga. This special was run under the personal supervision of Mr. Charles L. Hopkins, the Philadelphia Passenger Agent of the South- ern Railway, and had the right of way over all other trains. The chosen route was through the far-famed "Land of the Sky," Asheville, North Carolina, and down the valley of the French Broad river. The men were all very much pleased . with the first-class accommodations furnished and by Mr. Hopkins' constant attention to their comfort. None re- gretted the selection of a route which furnished them some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the United States.
The special arrived at Chattanooga on Sunday evening, No- vember S, 1903, somewhat ahead of the scheduled time. The Seventy-third's monument was dedicated the following morn-
PRINT: JULIUS BIEN & CO. NEW YORK
THE STEAMBOAT CLYDE AT PITTSBURG LANDING ON THE TENNESSEE RIVER NOV. 12, 1903, THE QUARTERS OF THE 77TH PA. SURVIVORS WHO ATTENDED THE DEDICATION OF MONUMENT.
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Shiloh National Park.
ing. Then followed, until the evening of the next day, various sight-seeing excursions over historic points near Chattanooga, such as Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Orchard Knob and Lookout Mountain. These two days on their old familiar fighting grounds were a great treat to the men of the Sev- enty-seventh, adding very much to their enjoyment of the trip.
On the evening of the tenth, the Governor and Staff, to- gether with the survivors of the Seventy-seventh left Chat- tanooga, on the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Rail- way for Johnsonville, on the Tennessee river. There they em- barked on the steamer Clyde, of the St. Louis and Tennessee River Packet Company, for Pittsburg Landing, at which place they arrived about five o'clock on Thursday morning, Novem- ber 12, 1903.
There being no adequate hotel accommodations at Pitts- burg Landing for a large party, the Clyde was held there for them during their stay.
The sun rose that day in a cloudless sky and by the time the party had been driven to the monument for the formal exercises the temperature was about sixty-five degrees, while later on a light breeze tempered, the sun's warmer rays.
The dedication ceremonies took place at the monument on the battlefield at 9.30 o'clock in accordance with the follow- ing order of exercises or programme, a fac-simile of the pro- gramme as previously issued by the Commission is here given.
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DEDICATION OF MONUMENT
. SEVENTY-SEVENTH PENNSYLVANIA
S
SHILOH BATTLEFIELD NOVEMBER 12, 1903
9
1764837
THE PENNSYLVANIA
SHILOH BATTLEFIELD COMMISSION
REQUEST YOUR PRESENCE AT
SHILOH NATIONAL MILITARY PARK,
PITTSBURG LANDING, TENNESSEE,
AT THE
:
DEDICATION OF THE MONUMENT TO THE SEVENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT,
PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS,
ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1903.
JOHN OBREITER, Chairman. S. T. DAVIS, Secretary. GEO. W. SKINNER. Treasurer.
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ORDER OF EXERCISES. 1
CAPTAIN MICHAEL MCNALLY, 77th Pa. Vols., Presiding.
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PRAYER, Jacob Isenberger, 77th Pa. Vols.
TRANSFER OF MONUMENT TO THE GOVERNOR,
John Obreiter, 77th Pa. Vols., Chairman of the State Commission.
ACCEPTANCE ON BEIIALF OF THE STATE AND TRANSFER TO THE NATIONAL GOVERNMNT,
Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker.
ACCEPTANCE ON BEHALF OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT, Col. Cornelius Cadle, Chairman of the National Commission.
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ADDRESSES,
Col. Thos. E. Rose, 77th Pa. Vols.
William L. Woodcock, 77th Pa. Vols.
General J. P. S. Gobin, National Guard of Pennsylvania.
DOXOLOGY.
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PENNSYLVANIA SHILOH BATTLEFIELD COMMISSION.
Sergt. John Obreiter, Chairman.
Capt. Samuel T. Davis, Secretary.
Capt. Geo. W. Skinner, Treasurer.
*Gen. Wm. A. Robinson.
Capt. Michael McNally.
Capt. John W. Kreps.
Sergt. Henry B. Krebs.
*Deceased.
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Dedication of Monument.
INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS OF CAPTAIN MICHAEL MCNALLY, OF THE 77th PENNSYLVANIA VOLUN- TEERS.
Y OUR Exellency, ladies and gentlemen and comrades: As Presiding Officer, on this occasion, I extend to you a soldier's cordial and fraternal welcome, in behalf of the Shiloh Battlefield Commission of Pennsylvania.
We meet to-day to dedicate this monument, in honor and remembrance of the bravery and heroism of our comrades of the 77th Pennsylvania Volunteers, whose noble sacrifice on this spot, has made it possible for you and me, to still enjoy the protection and blessings of a free and united country.
In reviewing the scenes of the past, my memory carries me back to the bloody conflict, on this field of Shiloh, and the sacrifice then made by our comrades, in their heroic efforts for the preservation of the Union.
Little can the present generation appreciate the sufferings of those noble men, who so willingly offered up their lives for their country; but, we who were with them in that memor- able conflict, bear witness to their heroic devotion to the flag, and under the dispensation of a divine Providence, we are here to-day, to praise their valor and do honor to their memory, and to mark in a fitting manner, the spot where they fell.
Comrades, let us cherish this spot, hallowed by the noble deeds of the brave men, who gave up their lives, that this nation might live.
Your Excellency, comrades, and citizens of our noble State we entrust this beautiful monument to your faithful care and keeping. Let us keep in memory this consecrated spot, hal- lowed beyond all others, by the noble deeds, and splendid courage of our fallen companions.
In conclusion, permit me to request that the gentlemen who are to speak, make their addresses brief as consistent with the limited time, for visiting other parts of the field, by com- rades and others.
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Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Regiment.
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PRAYER.
JACOB ISENBERGER, 77th Pa. Vols.
0 H! Thou God of our Fathers, we. would most reverently uncover. before Thee this day, in acknowledgement of Thy loving kindness and for Thy tender mercies which have followed us all the days of our lives up to this present moment.
Well do we remember, more than forty-one years ago, we stood on this historic battlefield, then in the vigor of young manhood. To-day our hair is turning gray, ready for the gar- ner, soon it will be said of us, that we too, have gone to join the great army on the other side.
We thank Thee that we are so highly favored to-day in meeting again, a remnant of this most gallant Pennsylvania Regiment, on this field of carnage, looking in each other's faces, taking each other by the hand, greeting each other around this most beautiful monument about to be dedicated to commemorate the past as well as to commemorate the future. We pray Thee that nothing may be said or done that would mar or interfere with our enjoyment of this meeting; and when we are done with this life and its cares, we pray Thee, Thou God of our Fathers, that we may be gathered home with our fathers in that Kingdom where Thou hast gone to prepare a place for Thy children. There will be no wars, no rumors of wars, no pestilence, no separation, no death, where all tears will be wiped away, where we shall reign with the redeemed in glory throughout all eternity. We ask it all in Jesus"name. Amen.
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Dedication of Monument.
TRANSFER OF MONUMENT TO THE GOVERNOR.
JOHN OBREITER, Chairman of the Commission.
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M R. PRESIDENT, LADIES, GENTLEMEN AND COM- RADES: It is indeed a great pleasure to see so many of your happy faces here today on this very interesting occasion. I extend to you, one and all, the heartiest greetings and bid you welcome to the field of Shiloh.
Comrades, it is more than two score years ago since you, for the first time set foot upon this soil, but how different the conditions from what they are now. Then you came here, met an armed foe and engaged him in mortal combat, now, you are on a peaceful mission, and meet only friends with kindly greetings of friendship and good will. All are now under the same flag, and all rejoice in the results of the great struggle that was then going on between the states, yet our being here to-day is the direct outcome of that former visit to Pittsburg Landing.
We are met here to-day to dedicate this beautiful monu- ment, erected by the State of Pennsylvania to commemorate the services rendered on this field by her Seventy-seventh Reg- iment of Infantry, the only regiment. from east of Ohio that participated in the Battle of Shiloh.
The Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania came to Pittsburg Land- ing with the Army of the Ohio under General Don Carlos Buell. The Second Division of Buell's Army, commanded by General Alexander McDowell McCook, was composed of the brigades of Rousseau, Kirk and Gibson, the Seventy-seventh. Pennsylvania then being a part of the command of Colonel E. N. Kirk.
Memory easily takes us back to those early spring days of 1862, the days of our borhood and youth, and to the morning of that memorable sixth day of April, while on the march southward, and yet some thirty miles from this place, when the sounds of the conflict then raging here first broke faintly
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Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Regiment.
upon our ears, becoming more and more distinct as we ad- vanced. We can almost hear it yet, the boom-boom-boom of heavy artillery. Soon couriers appear from the front with in- telligence from the battle and bringing orders to hurry for- ward with the re-inforcements; knapsacks, blankets and every- thing that would impede a rapid march, were thrown aside, an extra supply of ammunition taken, then the forward move was pushed with the utmost vigor.
The last fourteen miles of that march were made by you, my comrades, almost entirely on the double quick, reaching Savannah early in the evening. Who among you that were there, can or will, ever forget the scenes presented to view as we entered that town? The houses were all turned into hospitals and filled with wounded men brought from the bat- tle field eight miles distant. And you, my comrades, standing in those muddy streets that_whole long, terrible night in a continuous down pour of rain, without shelter of any kind. It was indeed very difficult to keep even your powder dry. However, early the next morning, before the break of day, the regiment embarked on steamboats and proceeded up the river, arrived at Pittsburg Landing at seven o'clock in the morning of the second day of the great battle that was then being fought here. After landing, the regiment, together with the rest of the Brigade, advanced in support of Rousseau, and when his men had exhausted all their ammunition, Kirk's brigade took their place on the front line of battle. At about the same time, there being imminent danger on the left of the division, by reason of an extended interval in the line on that flank, the Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania. was detached from its brigade, and sent alone, there to the left, into that gap, where it soon cleared the woods of an extremely annoy- ing lot of sharpshooters who were there concealed among the trees.
General MeCook, in his official report, says, "Being now sat- isfied that the enemy had changed his point of attack from my right to the left, I ordered Colonel Stumbangh's Seventy- seventh Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers to take a posi- tion on my extreme left. He immediately engaged the enemy. At this moment the conflict along the whole line became terri- ble.
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Dedication of Monument.
"This Regiment, partially isolated from the rest of the divi- sion, moved steadily over an open field under a heavy fire, and while there, the enemy's cavalry charged it twice, but were each time repulsed with heavy loss. Colonel Stumbaugh had the satisfaction of receiving the sword of Colonel Battle of the Twentieth Tennessee, who surrendered as a prisoner."
This is the field referred to by General McCook. The clear- ings to the south, there beyond the road, were at that time en- tirely covered by forest trees. The Regiment had advanced to this spot, Gibson's Brigade having been sent to the left of Kirk, was there to the right, but entirely concealed from our view by the smoke of battle and by undergrowth. It was heavily engaged and in danger of being forced back, when just at the opportune time, up came a section of Bouton's Illinois Battery, and yonder, in the edge of the woods went so vigor- ously into action that in a very short time it had silenced the enemy's battery there to the front. Then Bouton disap- peared toward the right of Gibson and there performed a like service.
Dodge, the historian of the Second Division, in describing. this scene, says, "The Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania, ever watchful for an advantage over the foe, succeeded in getting a flanking range on his line, and poured in a very destructive enfilading fire." The enemy soon gave way, and pursuing him into the woods, the Regiment charged upon a Confederate Battery and captured two of its guns. I remember as if it was but yesterday, while passing between those two guns, of going from the one to the other to see whether or not they were spiked. Captain MeNally tells me that he did the same thing, and the captain says they were not spiked. Leaving the guns behind, where they were doubtless picked up and turned in by some other command, which then received the credit for their capture, the Regiment pushed forward in pur- suit of the enemy, and just at the close of the fighting, cap- tured Colonel Joel A. Battle, he being the highest in rank of any Confederate prisoner taken at the Battle of Shiloh.
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