USA > Pennsylvania > The volunteer's manual, or, Ten months with the 153d Penna volunteers : being a concise narrative of the most important events of the history of the said regiment > Part 4
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mand to move more freely. The enemy's missiles were already flying around us in all directions. The crisis had arrived. The brigade was now ordered to advance at double-quick, with directions to dish ge the enemy frota a piece of woods on our right. And gallantly did the First Brigade rusleinto the contest ! The intervening space having been cleared. a brisk fire developed itself between the contending forces. It soon bucine evident, however that our efforts to dislodge the enemy from his well-chosen position must prove ineffectual. We were but slowly gaining ground. while our losses were momentarily assuming more fearful proporuous. Unwilling to needlessly sacrifice Lis nam, Colonel Von Giisa ordered the brigade to retire, which was acevay lished in por- fect order. The losses sustained by the regiment in this brief but sharp engagement were as follows :
OFFICERS. MEN.
Killed.
1
7 72
Wounded
Missing,
125
Total 9
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The wound al being cared for and the brigade reorganized, we were ordered to ocenpy a position on the right of the cemetery, with instruc- tions to support the batteries plantel there and to hold the place at all hazards. It was now six o'clock : the firing had ceased. and the exciting scenes of the day were followed by a comparatively quiet night.
At two o'dick on the morning of the 20 soup and meat rations wo va issued tous. Greatly strengthened and refreshed, we were once more in a condition to endure whatever hardships the day wight bring forth. The position occupied by us that morning was. as alro aly stated, at the right, or cast. of the cemetery. facing the town. Jme Bitch ir ons front was battery 1 of the First Now York Artillery, while in our rear were batter; B. of the First Porusyhania, and a Foto ry of the Virs: Regular Ar Nagy. Thus posted, ve patiently avaited the op ning .; the ball. Almir six o'clock heavy firing on our left informed me that the contest had commenced, half an hour later our whole linh was en- gazed. Que bo zun the cannonade was continued at love ran duri. the greater part of the day. Severe hel at full length Lofind a lot more fence. the envagy's fire did us very little damage, and up to the time of their final charre we were permitted to remain comparatively idle spec- tators of the terrible scenes enacted around us.
The hour of four arrived, and with it increased the fury of the enemy's fire. Shell- were no longer thrown into our lines at long intervals -- they Were now -howerolmon nooshich as bail" Han Ir .Is of cannon were beiching forth their deadly missiles, while the very ground beneath us seemed to shake. The enemy's shot and shells which, hitherto had in- jured us lut little, were now doing terrible execution in our ranks. Everywhere they were seen writhing in the agonies of death. while the wonuded were shrieking for help which no one could render them.
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The enemy's fire was briskly answered by our batteries. Time and again did theyatt ant to mass their columns for the final assault. when as often they were dispersed. The intentions of the enemy to outflank us becon- ing momentarily muore apparent. a change of front became necessary, and was accomplished with bar trifling losses on our side. Nor was the move- ment made a mibibite too soon, for hardly had we occupied our new posi- tion than the enemy was scen advancing upon us in solid phalanx.
What was to be done? to meet the enemy was the only alternative. When the order to advance was given, and the contending armies met, the shock and the scene that followed were such as to defy description. It was no longer a battle. It was a hand-to-hand conflict, carried on with the valor and vindictiveness of desperation. The arms of ordinary war- fare were nolonger exclusively used. Clubs. kuives, stones, fists -- any- thing calendared to inflier pain or death was now reported to. Now alvanche des retreating. Die sort of conflict continued for fully three-quarters of an hour. At one time defeat scomed inevitable. Closely presed by the enemy, we were compelled to retire on our first line of defence, but even here the enemy followel us, while the more daring were already within our lines, and were now resolutely advanc- ing towar Is our pieces. The foremost one had already reached a piece, when. throwthe hinself over the muzzle of the cannon. he calle l out to che bysten ling gunners: " I take command of this gun!" Du sollst sie haben !" was the curt reply of the sturdy German. who, at that very moment. was in the act of firing. A second later. and the soul of the daring rebel bal taken its fight to the realms of everlasting peace. Here our reverses ended. Determined to conquer or die in the attempt. cnr men now thre y themselves upon the enemy with a resolu- Son and a Boy that soon compelled him to retire. The batteries were Pavel, die to mars, d'unedicesville redeemed !
At nightfall. the pursuit of the enemy having been discontinue l. we returned once more to the position previously held by us. Thus ended the second de : of the battle of Gettysburg.
The night pussel in silence, when, at ten o'clock on the morning of the SA. the work of slanghter was resumed. the scenes of the pre- vious day were to some extent. re-enacted. There was the same con- nonade, and the same calling fire of muskerry. both of which. how- ever. dil is very little harm. The men deployed as skirmishers were the only portion of the regiment engaged, and met with but few acci- denes.
After los Birse fatigue parties were sent out to bury the dead and bring in the worth IL.
Theirs was neither an easy nor a pleasant task to perform. In some localities the ground was literally covered with the corpses of the skin. while in others they were found pilo I up in large numbers, all testify- ing of the terrible nature of the bouffiet the previous day. Noiseles-ly our parties continued at their work of mercy, consigning friend and foe to a common grave, until the break of day admonished them to desist from their labors. Certain mysterious movenu ats of the enemy having attracted the attention of the commanding tieneral. the picket- posts were doubkd during the night, and such other precautionary mea-
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sures taken as were calculated to guard against a surprise. Everybody was on the alert. and. consequently. little sleep was enjoyed by the men that night. To ward off drowsiness a kind Provid are sent us a re- freshing shower, which continued for the space of three hours, and accomplished its ol jeet effectually.
At six o'clock on the morning of the 1th, our skirmishers. colu- manded by Lieutenant Bachschmid, were ordered to advance, with instructions to feel the position of the enemy. and. if possible. to ascer- tain the state of affairs in the borough. To accomplish the former did not require an extensive reconnaissance, for hardiy bad this . forlorn hope" advanced a few hundred pares, than the enemy made his pre- sence known, where bullets greeted them at every step; still they pushed onward, nor did they stop until their mission was accomplished. To Lieutenant Bachschmid and his small detarlucent of seventy-five men (forty-six men of the 1534 Pennsylvania. ninie men of the 51th New York, and twenty mon of the fifth New York regiments , belongs the honor of having been the first to enter the interior of the town since its evacuation. Having teken two hundred and ninety prisoners, and captured two hundred and fifty stands of arms. this party were about to enter on their return, when they were met by the brigade. which had entered the town from an opposite direction. Having formed in the square, the band struck up several national airs, after which the possession of the place was resigned to the first corps. A new position was then assigned to the brigade, which was occupied. and where we remained.until our final departure on the evening of the fifth.
The total loss of the regiment. in the various engagement neat Gettysburg, as ascertained on the 4th of July, footed up as follows :
OFFICERS. MEN. 1 10
Killed,
Wounded
Missing 1)
Total 9
IN PURSUIT OF THE ENEMY.
Information having been received that the enemy's forces were in Bill retreat. marching orders were issued at a late hour on the after- Hon of the 5th of July, and at hallgat 6 o'clock. thees southward. Be entered upour out fool's errand in chase of the fleeing Conteder- And such a march : Heavens! Marching ? No. not march- We were only floundering in the mad; or. if this should suit you beer. we were struggling with the mud for the state of five long was to ascertain whether we contact reach March Creek Bridge Mite midnight. After foundering, struggling, marching. walking. Healing, or whatever you may place to call it, for five long hours. h Creek Bridge, distant five miles from Gettysburg. was reached And what they? What a question ! Having floundered in mad for five hours, why shouldn't we be able to sleep in the mul
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C'est it, and doubtlessly would have succeeded if the walory of war from above hal not interfered with our arrangements. So, prevent ol from sleeping. we wear to whistling patriotic airs, while the rain kept beating time to our made.
Greatly "refreshed." we rose early on the morning of the sixth. At 10 o clock we let. bound for Niamort-burg, which we reached at B e clock. P. M. and where we went into cump.
When. on the following morning. the regiment was ordered to pro- ceed to Frederick Viry, five or six companies refused to obey the order to mirch; chiming that, lewhy " honestly and frithfully" served the Government of the United States for the period agreed upon, they were. in ognity, entitled to a discharge.
The companies referred to perthing in their refusal to move. the commanding officer of the reziurer at once repaired to the head- ยท quarters of the Eleventh Corps, to a quint Major-General Howard with the state of affitirs, and to urge the claims of his men. The General. however, instead of recognizing these claims. immediately ordered the Major's suspension from edemand, and the latter to be assumed by Licht-Colonel Skibarm of the Mighty-second Illinois Volunteers. under whom. convinced of the utter hopelessness of fur- ther resistance. the regiment entered uyon the march to Frederick City at 6 o'clock. A. M.
Whether or not it was just to compiel one boly of men to serve beyond their term of enlistment, because the period of others had not then expired. we shall have to the in lement of the reader.
When, in the enese of the day. it was ascertainel that the Con- federate forces biot retired from the p thborhobit of Frederick City, and that they were then in force war 3 rouesborough. we were order- ed to discontinue our march on the place, and to proceed in the di- rection of the latter. destinaing to march until lite in the evening. we encampel for the night in a locality five miles north-east of Mid- dleton.
At Kolek on the morning of the ech the march was resumed. Four hours har i marchin_ brought us to Middleton. where we restod the strinity of which we arrived wounds evening. A battle being imminent we were at cher fi rundt in'a the, but although heavy firing continued to be heredos: Inicio !!. or participation was not required. On that day the new - of the L'a of Vielsburg was officially announced tous. The evening and nodig pred ation. Relieved by several of the other Corps. We respor i love suril the afternoon of the 10th.
At 1 o'chok on the afternoon of the birth. we bezou to move in the direction of Funk try, where p lettle had been in progress since early in the morning. Arrived with five miles south of the village we encamped, and remained until the eternal of the 12th. Upon our arrived in einge a committee of four, Fountains Reeder & Buz- zard. Mient. Buobslunil and Whydain Melick. was deputed to wait on Major thereal Howard ut to confer with him respecting the expiration of war form of service. Bich withon orders from the War Department to that effect, the temporal refused to discharge the
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regiment before the 14th-assured the committee, however, that the regitient should no more be put in front.
Ar 2 o'clock on the morning of the 12th, the Division proceeded on a reconnoitering expedition in the direction of Funk-town, while we were ordered to remain until further orders. These having been received in the course of the forenoon, we broke camp at noon, and passing Funkstown about the middle of the afternoon, reached the neighborhood of Hagerstown at dusk. Having rejoined the Brigade, we encamped for the night a short distance from the town, along the eastern bank of Antietam Creek. The enemy having evacuated Ha- gerstown during the night, the town was occupied and a general advance made by our forces early on the morning of the 13th. A position below the Female Seminary was then assigned to us, where we remained until our flual departure.
By orders of Major-General Howard, the regiment was, on that day. honorably dismissed from further service in the Eleventh Corps.
After a brief but eloquent and feeling address by Col. Leop. Von Gilst. the regiment departed from Camp near Hagerstown at 5 o'clock on the morning of the 14th, and, passing through Funkstown. Boon>- borough, and Middletown on their way, arrived in the neighborhood of Frederick City the same evening.
Transportation having meanwhile been provided, we resumed our journey at 3 o'clock on the afternoon of the 15th, arriving at Balti- more at 7 o'clock P. M.
Having once more enjoyed the hospitalities of the Union Relief Association, we proceeded per rail to Harrisburg, where we arrived ou the following day, ( 15th,) at noon, after a tedious ride of thirteen hours.
On the 24th of July. after considerable delay. the regiment was Tilistpred ont of the service, and at one o'clock on the morning of the 25tl: we left Harrisburg. en route for Easton, which we reached at 10 o dock A. M.
RECEPTION OF THE 153d.
The 153d regiment, Colonel Glanz, which left Easton nine months ago, returned on July 25th. Ample and liberal arrangements had been made to extend them a cordial and gratifying reception. The concourse of people assembled was very large. At an early hour in the morning vehicles of every description began to pour in from the country, and it was estimated that at 10 o'clock, the hour at which the regiment arrived from Harrisburg, at least 5,000 people were assembled to greet the brave men who so nobly represented our county on the bloody fields of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.
Every house along the route of the procession was gaily decorated with flags and ever-greens, and the welcome given to the Regiment as it passed up Northampton street must have been very pleasing to the men. They landed and marched into town amid the firing of cannon, ringing of bells, waving of handkerchiefs by thousands of fair hands, huzzas, &c. The wounded were conveyed in carriages. Coates' Cornet Band headed the procession. Beekel's Band from Bethlehem also par- ticipated in the reception. The MeClellan Guards and Capt. Maguire's Provost Guard formed the military escort. Major Thomas W. Lynn officiated as Chief Marshall.
The regiment was taken to the Fair grounds, where a handsome cul- Iation had been prewired for there. Previous to entering the building they were welcomed to their homes by Col. Philip Johnson, who ad- dressed them as follows :--
OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE 153D REGIMENT, on behalf of your fellow-citizens of Northampton county, I bid you a hearty welcome home. Thrice welcome woble remnant of' a brave and gallant band.
"We hail the heroes shfe return, To home an 1 frien ls again. And mourn with tenis of sympathy The gallant patriots shin.
Little less than a year ago it was announced by the President of the United States, thot in order to fill up the ranks of the army it would be necessary for a draft to be made of a certain number of the able-bodied citizens of the several States.
Pennsylvania was assigned her quota, and so of the several counties. Northampton had already given many of her brave sons to the war. and it was evident that the enforening of a dead at that season of the year for the quota roppred, would be attended with a good deal of distress and very gen ral inconvenience to our people.
At this crisis you came forward and magnanimously volunteered your services, at once to relieve your follow-citizens of the draft, and take
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their places in the army, to fight their battles. woodlure whatever such service might impose, and above all. to contribute your services and sufferings, your health, and if needs be your lives to the support of the Constitution, the Government, and the Flag of your Country.
How you have di-charged these duties, your devintel ranks, your tattered and torn banner, and your long train of se orred and wennded companions, and the bloody Geller Chancellor ville and Gettysburg too well disclose. 1758064
How your services are appreciated by your friends at home. this im- mense throng. summoned by a few hours' notice of your arrival, at this basy season of the year. bears anmple testimony.
And now, while all rejoice with those who have most cause to re- joice at your return. they all mourn the fate of the gallant deal, and deeply condole with their afflicted and bereaved friends. Their best wishes have followed you on the weary march. on the lonely picket. and in the dreary winter camp; and while round your comp-fires the won- der may have passed whether they missed you at home, there were aching hearts in those dear homes that whispered earnest prayers to heaven for your welfare and your safe return.
But when they heard you were in battle. their fancies painted you, as in truth you were. midst shot and shell and leaden hail. with .if- ened sinews and weapons clenche.l. determined to humble the boll rebel to the dust, or bethe the earth in human gore-then. they did they exclaim. .. Oh. "God. be merciful. be merciful to save "
On the 24th day of September list, you left this place to enter upon a term of nine months' service. Ten months have elapsed, and you now return to us again. having fought two of the bloodiest and most destructive battles of the war and berne the brunt of beth. The list you fought on Pensylvania soil and while your friends were point to learn the heavy losses you there sustained. they were neverthel : gratified when they heard that you had declined to arei! your des of your right to quit the field, but patriotically volunteered to extend your term of service unal the last invading rebel had ignominiously retire !. This was peculiarly gratifying to your friends at home when they www that all situated as you were did not do as you did.
When you entered the military service you laid osile the rights and duties of citizens. to resume them again upon your return. his a source of great satisfaction to your friends that you return with honor on- gravel npon your escutcheons your morals unimpahol and your hands unstained with crime. How you shall discharge your detine as citizens needs no suggestions from me. Good citizens you were; port soldiers you made: good soldiers von are. good citizen- you will again he
The memory of those who have fallen will be preserved in the hearts of your fellow-citizens; the windows and wounded will be cared for art of the ational bounty, and you who have es guel unharmed well be retter find it your proncheckout that you longed to the 153 1 1. Sight of Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Others and men. one and all. once more I'll you a hearty welcome
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At the table in the Fair building they were again welcomed by Henry Green, E-q., when they were politely requested to " pitch in' and help themselves. They did not wait for a second invitadon. as all hands were tirel. Weary and hungry. Soon after the reception cere- monics and dinner were over, the soldiers might have been seen return- ing to town, singly and in squads, surrounded by their fathers, brothers and sisters, and from the affectionate greetings they received, we judged that some of the young soldiers had left sweet hearts behind them, whom they were overjoyed once more to see.
Before dark the greater part of the inen had left for their respective homes. But alas, how many parents who brought their sous here nine months ago, now had none to take home with them! Their bones lie bleaching on the bloody fields of Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylva- nia.
After the regiment had finished their dinner a splendid new sword was presented to Colonel Glanz on behalf of the officers and members of the 153d. Captain Howard Reeder presented ir on behalf of the regiment. to which Col. Glanz made an appropriate reply. remerking that while he was free to confess he dil not deserve this mark of honor, he had at all times endeavored to do everything in his power to advance the interests and promote the welfare of the members composing his regiment.
Col. Von Gilsa's Farewell Address * To the 153d Regiment, P. V.
HEADQUARTERS, FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION. ELEVENTH CORPS D'ARMES, Comp Hagerstown, July 13, 1863. )
Officers and Soldiers of the One Hundred and Fifty-Third Penn- sylvania Volunteers :
I cannot permit you to leave for your homes without addre-ing to you a few parting words. It is with the deepest regret that I see you mustered out of the Brigade, for. during your stay here, myself and the regiments of this Brigade have become so fondly attached to you, that the gap which your departure from this brigade opens, will be most deeply felt, and hard to fill again.
I must give you this testimony, and I do so with the greatest satis- faction, that you have. on every occasion, done your duty in the full- est sense of the term; with the deepest devotion have you ever re- mained faithful to the oath you had taken.
I am an oll soldier, but never did I know soldiers. who, with great- er alacrity and more good will, endeavored to fulfil their duties In the battle of Chancellorsville you have. like veterans, stood your ground against fearful odds, and, although surrounded or three sides. you did not retreat until by me commanded to do so. In the three days' battle at Gettysburg. your behaviour has put many an old sol- dier to the blush, and you are justly entitle'l to a great share of the glory which my Brigade has won for itself. by repubing the two dreaded Tiger Brigades of Jackson. In the name of your comrades of the First Brigade and myself, I now bid you a cordial f. rewell. Whenever you look back with pride upon the time of your service, remember your comrades, who now part from you with painful regrets --- think sometimes of your Commander, who ever will consider you as a dear member of his numerous family, and who will always recol- lect with pride that you have given him satisfaction and pleasure.
But remember, also, the braves in your midst, who fell on the field of honor, who have sealed with their death the truth of the oath they had sworn. Remember, Likewise, the poor relier- of these fallen ones. He ever a friend to them in the hour of necessity. and evince your gratitude to the Almighty that he has mercifully shielded you. by taking charge of the widows and orphans of your fallen comr .dos, by never forsaking them. awl lending them a helping hand whenever they need it. In the same manner be a friend to the poor invalids,
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who, though sound , and right at heart. return to their beautiful hearth- stones infirm and sick in body. God will most richly recompense you for the good you do them.
Farewell, comrades, God be with you! Lovingly remember your comrades remaining on the field of battle, and your old Brigade Com- mander,
LEOPOLD VON GILS.A. Commanding First Brigade, First Division. Eleventh Corps D' Armee.
CAMP NEAR POTOMAC CREEK BRIDGE. VA .. ) April 15, 1868. 1
To His Excellency, Andrew G. Curtin, Governor of Pennsylvania :
The undersigned. officers of the 1534 Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, would respectfully submit the following :
That a large majority, if not all of them. have now pay due them from the General Government since October 31st. 1862; that. their financial resources being nearly exhausted. and the Commissary De- partment of the Army of the Potenne refusing to sell to officers on credit such articles of subsistence as they may need. they will soon. in consequence of this unjustifiable we leer of the General Government, to pay them their just dues. find them . les exposed to actual want.
These are frets; and candidly do we submit the same to your Excel- levey, and bog leave most respectfully to request that you would deign to exert your influence to induce the Federal authorities to fulfil their obligations.
Nor would we ask your Excellongy's interference exclusively on our own account. Our men. fully one-half of whom live Auile- de- pendent upon times, should not be derived of their wayes any longer. The good of the service requires that they should be paid. If they are expected to serve chevetally they should be paid. it discipline is To be maintained. the cause of diadstaction should be removed- they should be mail.
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