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COMP^lSrY "K,"
155th Pa. Volunteer Zouaves.
A Detailed History of Its Organizatioii and
Service to the Country during the
Civil War from 1802 until the
COLLAPSE OF THE REBELLION,
Together with many incidents and
reminiscences of the
Camp, the March and the Battle Field
ALSO-
Much of the History of the Grand Old 155th,
BY
I3y I^ ut Maj- D. P^Marsliali
■ASSISTED BY-
')'
MAJ. ). A. CLINB AND SERGT. W. 1). FORTER.
t \Vi\Xi
THE NE« ^*'^^,v
94634:4A
''TO THE
MEMORY OF MY FORMER COMRADES
WHO DEFENDED THE GLORIOUS UNION,
IN THE
WAR AGAINST REBELLION,
WHETHER THEY FELL UPON THE BATTLEFIELD,
OR WASTED AWAY
FROM WOUNDS AND DISEASE IN HOSPITALS AND PRISONS,
WHETHER THEY LIE
BURIED IN LONELY SOUTHERN GRAVES
OR
RETURNED HOME WITH SHATTFIRED (CONSTITUTIONS
TO SUFFER
AND SINK INTO UNTIMELY GRAVES,
THIS VOLUME
IS MOST AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED
BY
THE AUTHOR.*
Borrowed and adopted from Capt. T. J. Wright.
PRSRflCSS.
In placing tbis history before tlie public, the author can
assure his readers that this work is no fiction, but the
stern realities of life at the front, showing our many hard-
ships, marches, skirmishes and battles on many a bloody
field ; giving them in chronological order, and detailing
many incidents of dailj^ toils, camp duties, and many inci-
dents— some amusing — making a history of the true in-
wardness of a soldier's life.
This work is written at the solicitation of many of the
author's former comrades, and while he has never aspired
to be an author, nor expects to embellish this work with
flowery flights of language, he has labored to make it true
and correct as he saw, or knew, or believed it to be from
his position ; and to this end has used all available help,
but especially the letters written home to his wife, who
thoughtfully and carefully preserved every one. •
The author takes this opportunity to thank all who have
in any way contributed to the correctness of this work,
but more especially Maj. J. A. Cline and Sergt.W. D. Porter,
who have materially assisted, and wlio have contributed
to the contents of the book ; the former writing Part First,
or the inception and organization of the company.
While this was intended only for a history of Company
''K," it is virtually a brief history of the 155th Regiment
Pennsylvania Volunteers (to which in its eventful service
it was an honor and a privilege to belong) with the per-
sonal history of the company added.
Knowing that he did not see everything that others saw
or know everything that others knew, or write everything
that others could write, still he hopes the following pages
will be a welcome and interesting visitor in every home,
and especially in that of all old soldiers and their numer-
ous friends.
The Author.
CON'TENTS
INTRODUCTION.
Part First.— A Sketch of tbe Early Life of J. A. Cline,
and History of the organizatiou of the Volunteer
Company called "Loyal Union Guards," up to its As-
signment to the 155:h Regiment Pennsylvania Volun-
teer Infantry, with an Appendix by Major J. A. Cline.
CHAPTER I.
PART SECOND.
August 29th, 1862— The Assembling at Kittanning— Trip
to Pittsburgh— Harrisburg— Incidents on the Way-
Camp Curtin— Examined— Mustered— Dre\Y Camp
Equipage, Clothing, Arms — Defects of the Guns —
Start to Washington— Camp Chase, Virginia— Drilling
Begun— "A" Tents— A Ii^ight March— Drilling and
Camp Guard— Left Our Tents— The Colonel "was Awk-
ward too"— A Night Drill— Tramps and Experiences
—Back Near Washington— Exchanged Arms. Page
51-59.
CHAPTER 11.
Marching— Cannon Heard— Stonewall Jackson— Hard
March— A Day^s Rest And What We Saw— Frederick,
Md.— Night March— Straggling— South Mountain—
Antietam Battle Field— Wounded and Dead— Why
The Battle Did Not go on— In Line of Battle— Under
Fire— On Picket— Sunday Exercises— Relieved- Vis-
itors—Balloon— Mail From Home— Likes and DIf-
likes — Preaching — Beef And the Sick — Reviewed by
The President and Generals — Paymaster — Company
Cooks — Sent Money Home — Daily Programme — Big
Spring— Colonel AUabach — Wet Pickets — Mght Drill
— State Election — Flag Presented — Inspection — Or-
ders to Move — Graybacks — Shelter T^nts — Hospital
Tent. Page 60-72.
CHAPTER III.
Getting Ready to Move — Experiences of the Sick — Go-
ing to and About the Hospital — Marching — Foraging
— Honey etc. — Marching — First Death — Reviews —
General Suspended — Death in an Ambulance — Com-
pany Cooks Dispensed with — No Rest for us — Fred-
ericksburgh — Charge of 5th Corps — Hospital Duty —
A Chaplain — Good Place to Die, Poor Place to Get
Well — Digging his Own Grave — Relieved at Hospital
Building— Quarters— PicketDuty—TheSick— Marching
Orders-Sick Sent off-"Muddy March." Page 73-82.
CHAPTER IV.
Removing a Dead Comrade — Sanitary Commission — Mov.
ing Camp — Express Boxes — Selfishness — Another
Comrade Gone — Buried in that Historic Grave — Regi-
mental Surgeon — Visits from Friends — Denomination-
al Record — Lieut. Brown Sick — Visit from the Rebels
— Deaths and Depletion — Gen. Hooker — Feeding the
Army — An Alarm — Business of One Day — Governor
Curtain — Battallion Drill — More Discharges — Loss of
Company to Date — April Fools — Reviewed by Gen.
Meade — Rivaly — Our Brigade — President and Gen-
erals— Corps Review — Furloughs. Page 83-91.
Yiir
suit— Shoes and Eations— In Line of Battle— Fortifying
-Enemy Escapes— Adventure— On the Tramp— Back in
Virginia—In Line of Battle— A Best Necessary— Un-
bidden Guests— Change of Diet— Patience ]!:^eeded—
The Captain's Ham— The Kappahannock— Memory— A
Word to Company "K." Page 108-118.
CHAPTER VIIL
Across the River — Re-crossed — Bunks Gone — Fat Hog —
Pot-Pies — An Issue of Rations — Chaplain Nominated
— Regimental Promotions — Rebel Movements — Five
Deserters Executed — One Year's Service — Lieut. De-
Ford Resigns — Beauty of a Commission — Marching
Orders — Sick Sent Away — Early Breakfast — Culpep-
per— Roasting Ears — Remained in Camp — Eight Days
Rations — Another Deserter Shot — Rain and Mud —
'Tack Up"— Moved Out and Back to Camp — Falling
Back — Beverly Ford Camp — Again Across — Back
at Night — Falling Back Toward Washington. Page
119-128.
CHAPTER IX.
Marching— Rebels Close — Taken Back Five Mile — Cen*
terville — On Reserve — Wet Night — Drying Garments
— Again in the Advance Bull Run Battle-field — W^hy
March at Night— Wormy Crackers — Condemned —
Best Time to Eat Them — Short Marches — Clothing
Returned — Confidence in Gen. Meade — An Estimate
— Chaplain Mateer — Rappahannock Station — Rich-
mond Markets — Rebel Letter and Beef — Reviews —
The Sick — A Move— Mud — Going Back — Pack-up—
^X
Rapidaii — Skirmisliing--Slielled — Moved to the Eight
— Piled Knapsacks — Feeling Serious — Orders to
Charge — Mine Run — Cold Day — Shelled — Back at
Knapsacks — Falling Back — Cold Xight — A March —
Rappahannock. Page 129- L39.
CHAPTER X.
Building Winter Quarters— Another Execution — Various
Moves and Winter Quarters — Furloughs — A New
Year — Sutler's Prices— "Uncle Sam's'' Allowance— A
Recruit— Expecting an Attack— Zouave Uniform— An
Agreeable Move— Real Enjoyment— Christian Commis-
sion—Zouave Brigade— Guard at Chapel Door— Month-
ly Inspection— Chaplain's Services— Guerrillas— Sur-
roundings—Revival— A Premonition — Expecting an
Attack— More Recruits— Effects of the Revival— Tar-
get Practice— A Change. Page 140-152-
CH AFTER XI.
Recruits — The Sick — A Move Indicated — Relieved —
Marching — Across the River— Battle of Wilderness
Began— In a Bad Place— Our Loss— Battle Terriffic--
Skirmishing" -Moving to the Left— An Incident— Lau-
rel Hill" Hard Fighting — Our Loss — Fortifying---
Fighting— Advanced— All Night March— Spottsylva-
nia— Fighting CDntinued— By the Left Flank— Xorth
Anna— Rebel Charges— Repulsed— Result of Our Fire
-.-The Chaplain's Hurry— Supper— Confidence in Our
Officers— Captain's Bravery — Advancing — Skirmish
Line— Hot Place— Relieved— A Dark, Wet, Muddy
March— Army Headquarters— In Line of Battle---
Bethesda Church.-Severe Fighting— Orders to Move
—Countermanded — Lengtli of Time under Fire-
Moved to the Rear. Page 153-168.
CHAPTER XII.
Grayback's Picnic— Another Change— Our Reputation-
Drew Clothing- --Resting:--Thanksgivi n g— R e v i e ^Y—
Marching— Hospital Guard— Chickahominy Swamps—
A Stolen March— Malvern Hill- Charles City, C. H.—
Another Transfer— Crossed James River— Marched
^Q'dv Petersburgh — A Variety in Diet— Orders to be
l^eady— A Battlefield- Make a Charge— A Hot Place
—Another Charge— A Field of Carnage— A Letter-
Recapitulation— Poem Descriptive of Battle— Our
Dead Comrade — Incidents — Resting — Spent Balls.
Page 169-189.
CHAPTER XIII.
Fighting Continues— More Flanking— Grant's Object- -2nd
Corps gets Us into Trouble— Shelled Severely— Out-
side our Pickets— Drilled all Mght— Captured the
AVorks— Hungry and Sleepy— Supporting the 6th
Corps— Skirmishing Continues— Men Transferred-
Cleaning up Camp— Penn. Relief Association— Get-
ting Water— Building Forts — Abattis — Pfomotion—
Col. Gregory-Under Arms — Xumerously Inhabited-
Waked by a Shf.^ll— Combatants Trading— Wells and
Dug Roads— Moved on. Front Line— Strengthening
Works— Fort Undermined— Blown U p— C rate r—
Amount of Powder— Xoisy Time— Rebel Charge— Flag
of Truce— The Suffering Wounded— Mortar Battery-
Heat and Flies. Paae 181-191
XI
CHAPTEE XIY.
Dangerous Sport — Relieved — Left Flank Again — On Skir-
mish Line — Weldon Railroad — Relieved — Meditations
— Putting up Breastworks — An Alarm — Rebel Yell —
Tliey left us— Our Skirmish Line—Works in the Rear
—Recruits— Convalescents— Whisky and Quinine— Ex-
treme Left— Rations— Grant's Railroad— "Peace-at-any-
Price Men"— Letter to a Friend.-Letter to a "Peace
Man'"— Ready for the Rebs— Duties in Camp and Out
—Skirmish at Chapin's Farm— Paid, and Orders to
March— To the Left— Met the Enemy-.Captured Works
—They Badly Frightened-.-IS^inth Corps— We Went in
Again— Complimented— Works Turned— Meade's Es-
cape—Our Loss.
CHAPTER XV.
Promotion— Suicide— A Sum^ort — State Election— Chap
Iain's Farewell — Orders to Move — Moved to the Left
— Met the Enemy — Skirmishers' Adventures — Trouble
in the Rear — Reputation of Company "K" Some
Close Calls — Return to Camp — Another Change —
Sutler's Prices — Presidential Election— Various Sur-
geons—Rebel Deserters — Rations and Turkeys— Re-
lieved and Moved to the Rear— Early Rising— A
March — The Weldon Raid — Our Force — Destroying
R. R. — Good Living — Cooking Utensils — A Bad
.I:^ight — A Hard March-- Straggling— Met 9th Corps-
Back in our Line— What we Ateand Why-— Guerrillas
—Results of the Raid— Building Quarters— Our old
Clothing.
XII
CHAPTER XVI.
Another Year Xew Year's Calls Hot Punch Good
Dinner Wrestling Match A Sad Case Captain
Cline Promoted A Visitor Camp Incidents Eeady
to Move. ...Rowanty Creek Good Fires Short Sleep
Shiver and Shake Deployed Driving and Driven
Conduct of l!f. Y. Troops All Mixed up A Rebel
Soldier's Accounts ^o Casualties Retrospect
More Building Hunting for Boards Lieut. Huey
Promoted Names Sent in for Promotion Token of
Respect A Chapel Communion and Incidents
Promotions Getting Ready to Move A Review.
Page 192-205.
CHAPTER XVII.
Fort Steadman — Hatcher's Run — Hotly Engaged — Woun-
ded— Returned Hungry — Packed Up — Waiting — The
Major's Wound — The Coffee Battery — Moving — En-
emy Found — We Double-Quicked — Just in Time--
Quaker Road — Our Wounded — Lay on Our Arms —
Advanced — Fortified — Shelled — Rain — R e 1 i e v e d —
Again to the Rescue — Gravelly Run — Cut Loose from
the Ami}' — Come Back — Another Attempt — Joined
Sheridan — Five Forks — Scouts — Rebel — ^Rear — Sur-
rendered— Reconsider It — ^Incidents — Again Advanc-
ed— Prisoners Captured — Artillery, Etc. — Deeds of
Daring— Recommended for Promotions. Page 230-237.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Dispatch Read — South Side Railroad — Richmond Evacu-
ated—March to Head off Lee— Danville Railroad--
Fortifying— Hunting for them— Marching to Head
XIII
Them Off— Appomattox— In Their Front— On Skirmish
Line— Flag of Truce— Terms of Surrender— Our Corps
to Eemain— The Apple-Tree and Othei* Incidents-
Copy of an Old Letter— Facts in History— Post of
Honor— Eeceivihg the Surrender— Their army Dis-
perse-Homeward Bound— In Camp— Eaid on a Sutler
—Manchester— Eichmond— Washington — Tke Grand
Eeview — Mustered out — On the Cars — Eeception at
Pittsburgh— Disband ed.-Table Showing Casualties in
Each Company of the 155th Eegiment, Penn. Yol.—
Closing Word to all the Comrades, Page 238-251,
CHAPTEE XIX.
Prank of the Boys. Page 252-157.
CHAPTEE XX.
Scouts and Skirmishes without orders. Page 257-262.
CHAPTEE XXI.
Narrow Escapes. Page 2G3-265.
CHAPTEE XXIL
Organizations in which we served. Page 266-266.
CHAPTEE XXIII.
Field and Staff Officers of the 155th Peg., Pennsylvania
Volunteers. Page 267-270.
CHAPTER XXIV.
j^oster and Recapitulation of Co. ''K,'' looth Regiment ^
Pennyslvania Volunteers. Page 271-28Jr.
CHAPTER XXV.
xl List of Engagements in which we participated ; also a
table and statement giving the killed, wounded and
missing in battle during the Avar and the proportion
of those losses in battles in which Ave Avere engaged
Pao-e 285-288.
INTRODXJ CTIOIN".
This work is undertaken by the writer with a conscious-
ness of his inability to do the subject justice. He is well
aware that his pen is not that of "a ready writer." But
after waiting fur more than twenty-two years, and no one
having attempted to give a history of the 155th Kegiment,
Pennsylvania Volunteers — that noble regiment of whioji
our Company formed a part, I have felt constrained, at
the earnest solicitation of others, to undertake the work.
The writer does not have the records and other data to
enable him to give a history of the regiment. He will
only attempt to write the history of Co. K of that regi-
ment, but in doing that will necessarily give the battles
and marches and much of the history of the whole regi-
ment.
We do not claim that our Comp ny was any braver than
thousands of other companies, nor do we suppose that we
suffered more hardships than others ; but this is written as
a monument to our fallen comrades, and that our friends,
and our children, and our childrens' children may have at
least a faint idea of what we suffered from heat and cold,
rain and snow, storm and sunshine, as well as from hunger,
thirst and fatigue, to say nothing of battles, wounds and
sickness and death which lay in our path. And all for
what?
It was not because we had no homos that we loved, nor
J8 HISTORY OF COMPANY '^K,"
ecause we bad no emplojment other than carrying a
musket. Many of us were farmers and left grain and hay
in the field ready to be housed, while some left the plow
in the furrow with the horses unharnessed. Some were
mechanics and left their tools on the bench and their jobs
uncompleted. Others were students at the academy, pre-
paring themselves for future usefulness in some of the
professions. They, too, laid down their books, took up
their hats and started. There were none of us that did not
leave those behind who were near and dear, whose faces
the departing soldier w^ould never again be permitted to
see in this world — it might be a beloved wife and children,
who had been dependent upon our daily labor for their
'-iibsistence — it might be some sweet girl in whom all the
'light dreams for the future were centered — it might be a
dear father and mother whose gray hairs would be has-
tened to the grave by our absence. Again it was not igno-
rance of war and its consequences which caused us to
enlist; because the war had already continued sixteen
months and many of our acquaintances who had gone out
in the straggle earlier had already laid down their lives on
their country^s altar, or had been maimed for life. And as
the war was still going on and, as far as we could see,
apparently in its incipiency, we well knew we might expect
to encounter dangers as great as those who had gone be-
fore us.
It could not have been money that induced us to enlist,
as we were promised only |13 per month and $100 bounty,
125 in hand and the balance at the close of the period of
our enlistment, or at the close of the war, if that should
terminate before our enlistment. As far as money was
concerned we could have made far more by remaining at
home. Nor was it likely that money would have hired us to
looTH BEG. PA. VOL. 19
island up to be shot at as we did for days, and weeks, and
months. It was no love we had lor war with all its dread-
ful accompaniments that led us to enlist. Probably there
was not one of us who previously would not have shud-
dered at the very thought of participating in a battle
where the missiles of death would be flying about us as
thick as hail, where our comrades would be falling all
about us, dead, mangled and torn, and suffering more than
death, and we looking on not knowing what instant the
messenger would come for us. We were not compelled
to enlist as there had been no draft, and draft was not
entioned for months afterwards.
Then, what was it that induced us to enlist ! It was that
spirit of patriotism within us, which was more honorable,
inore noble, more grand than any of the reasons enumer-
fited above. We have no desire to boast of our bravery
or patriotism ; but our country and our country's flag was
hi danger and that too from traitorous hands. We enlist-
ed to fight for and maintain, and probably die for, our
country that it might be perpetuated and handed down to
succeeding generations, one and undivided, great and
glorious, the happy and prosperous country that we now
have — a country reaching "from sea to sea and from the
rivers to the ends of the earth," thus literally describing
Christ's Kingdom on earth, with the Atlantic on the east,
the Pacific on the west, the great lakes with the connect-
ing rivers on the north to the end of Florida on the south,
the most southern point of the United States.
As long as disputes arise in or among nations which can
not be settled by peaceful methods, and when the sword
must be appealed to for the settlement of difficulties, then
the only safety that remains to a government is in the
courage of ite soldiers. And in our government where in
20 HISTORY OF COMPANY ''K,
time of peace we have but a few thousand soldiers whose
trade is war, and where the government is "by the people,
for the people," our safety must depend on the courage and
patriotism of our citizen soldiers. In our late bloody strug-
gle the unity of our nation was preserved and the perpe-
tuity of our institutions secured by the jjatriotism and
bravery of the men who bore the musket and who led m
the deadly conflict. Argument and moral sentiment had
proved to be of no avail, diplomacy was powerless and
courage proved to be the only peacemaker.
The people of Pennsylvania and of the whole Nortli
were slow to believe that the South really meant to inaug-
urate civil war. But after several of the Southern States
had passed formal acts of secession, and when South Car-
olina began to collect forces under the leadership of Gen-
eral Beauregard with the avowed intention of taking Fort
Sumpter, in Charleston Harbor, held by Major Ander-
son and sixty man, then the Xorth began to think it possi-
ble that a war might come, and to some extent prepared
the public mind for the telegram which flashed over tbe
wires on the morning of the liith of April, 1861, to Gov-
ernor Andrew G. Curtin, in these words: '^The war i^
commenced. The batteries began flring this morning at
four o'clock. Major Anderson replied and a brisk cannon-
ading commenced. This is reliable and has just come to
the Associate Press." The threats and braggadocio of the
South had long since ceased to intimidate the Northern
peoi)le. But now, since they had tired on the flag, their
intentions could no longer be mistaken. It meant war,
bloody war ; and the appeal to arms was accepted by the
people of the North, however much they dei)lored the al-
ternative. Three days later, April 15th, Abraham Lincoln,
President of the United States, issued a proclamation^
l.JOTH REG. PA. VOL. 21
calling for 75,000 men for the term of tbree months. Six-
■"een of the regiments were called from Pennsylvania, two
f them wanted within three days, as the Capital was al-
ready strongly threatened. Pennsylvania's quota of sixteen
regiments was filled in a few days, and ten regiments ad-
ditional. On the 10th of July following, the President is-
sued a call for 500,000 more volunteers to serve "three
years or during the war." Again, July 2nd, 18G2, he
• issued a call for 300,000 men, and again, August 4th, 1<S62,
lOther for 300,000. There were various other calls made,
ip to the close of the war. Xearly every call was filled
and more than filled by the loyal people of the ^^Torth.
The aggregate number of nien furnished under all calls,
as 2,(J88,523. Of this number, Pennsylvania furnished
';(),3l'<).
The aggregate number of men furnished under all calls
-duced to three years standard was 2,154,311. Pennsyl-
ania furnished 267,558 of these.
We enlisted under the calls of July 2nd and August 4th,
It is not my intention to write a history of the war.
Other and abler pens have already done that, and no doubt
ethers will attempt it in the future.
But some reader of this work may inquire : "Why this
outpouring of men and rush to arms of millions of soldiers t
The reply will be given in as few words as possible.
Away back in the early settlement of this country the
system of human slavery was introduced. When the
"hirteen States declared their independence and became
Xation, slavery existed in all those States. l>ut in time
it was banished from all the Northern States and still re-
gained in the Southern. The North without slavery in-
reased more in wealth and power than the South did
22 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,'*
with it. More new States were added to the Union.
without slavery than with it. The Southern leader,^
and politicians saw the power and influence they once
wielded, gradually leaving them. If any suppose it was
merely a desire to perpetuate slavery that caused tii^
Southern leaders to inaugurate a civil war, they are badly
mistaken. It was a desire for power; and to hold their
power slavery must not only be perpetuated but also ex-
tended. The !N^orth had frequently, by words and acts,
declared they had no intention of interefering with that
institution where it existed, but that it should extend nO'
further so as to make slave territory out of that already
free.
The whole matter may thus be summed up: Southern
politicians saw in the rapid increase of the free States,
both in number and in population, and the strong oppo-
sition to the admission of any more slave States, that th*^
power that they had so long held was about to depart.
The only course left them was to set up an independent
government, th6 corner stone of which should be HUMAIS"
SLAVERY.
Thus it will be seen that the perpetuity and extension of
slavery was necessary for the perpetuity of their power,
and the desire for the perpetuity of their power was tLa
cause of the rebellion.
l5r)TH REG. PA. VOL.
PART FIRST,
A Sketch of the early life of J. i^ndrew Cline, and His-
tory of the Organization of the Volunteer Com-
pany called Loyal Union (luards, up to
its assignment to the 155 Reg.
Vol . Infantry, with
an Appendix
M:A.J. J. a.. CLIISTE,
Late Commanding Otiicer of 155th Pa. Vols.
-REVISED BY
BREVET MAJOR D. P. MARSHALL.
Almost twenty-six years have elapsed since the incep-
tion and organization of the Volunteer Company, then
called ^'Loyal Union Guards," under J. Andrew Cline,
Captain, and its completion to the requisite number of one
hundred men, their rendezvous in Kittanning, Armstrong
county, Penn., and movement from there by railroad to
Camp Curtin, at Harrisburg, Pa., their examination and
24 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K."
nmster into the United States service, and assignment to
the 155th Reg. Pa. Vol. Infantry as Company "K."
Since the object of writing a history of the organization
aud deeds of the Company is, that it may be a memento
:o the children of each member of the Company and from
them handed down to great grand children, that in its pe-
rusal they may contemplate the magnitude of the hard-
ships and endurance to which their fathers willingly sub-
jected themselves for the preservation of the Union while
lighting to put down the "Southern Slaveholders' Eebel-
lion;"and as the commander of the Company has been
assigned the important duty of writing the history of its
organization up to the date of muster into the United
States service, it seems eminently fitting that a brief out-
line of his life be given, embracing a few of the
leading incidents that may have led to the concep-
lion of the responsible undertaking to organize and com-
mand a volunteer company in active service in the field,
to aid in putting down the rebellion which had at that time
been in progress for a little more than a year.
I was born January 7th, A. D. 1837, in one of the pro-
verbial log cabins of those times. My father, John Cline,
then resided in a small vale or alcove, surrounded by high
hills on the north, west and south, in the northwestern
part of Westmoreland county, Pa. He was of German
parentage, and by birth a native of Pennsylvania. My
mother was of Scotch-Irish parentage, her maiden name
being McCadams; her parents emigrated to this country
when she was an infant.
The first incident to my youthful mind bearing on military
service, took place when I was between five and thirteen
years of age. My father was then elected Captain of a Mil-
itia Volunteer Company, and served in that office for seven
iri.VlH EEG. PA. VOL. 155
successive years. The service then imposed upon the
jriilitia of the state, was an annual muster and drill of three
successive days in camp. The place designated to hold
these drills for the Western district of Westmoreland
'ounty, Pa., >yas usually called ^'Clover hill." The&e an-
raial gatherings were looked forward to with considerable
interest, and the preparations a few days previous, for go-
ing into camp, gave rise to considerable inquiry as to the
duty of the soldier. But what was of paramount interest
'0 a youth, was the gay uniforms, composed of white pants,
)lue coats, the golden tasseled epauletts upon the shoul-
ler, the tall white plume in the hat, the sword and sash,
and the dashing soldier mounted upon his prancing steed.
Then the eager watch for his return (laden with a small
section of gingerbread for each child) and to listen tt) the
wonderful stories of cami) life (incident to those days) was
the height of our enjoyment.
AVhen about the of age sixteen, I enlisted in a volunteer
ompany at Leechburg, Pa., (about three miles east of
There I was born) under Capt. James Bear, and spent a
humber of days drilling in the manual of arms and com-
pany movements'^ which gave me some knowledge of a
soldier's duty. This company was abandoned after about
one year's home service, a large number of the young
-.lien having removed to other localijies.
Having had a strong desire, for several years, to make
merchandising the vocation of my life, in the month of
July, 1855, when in my eighteenth year, I learned that a
young man was wanted in the large store of Messrs.
Brown, Floyd & Co., of Kittanning, Pa., nearly twenty
miles distant from my home, and that James PI lirown, the
Mucle of John P. Fitzgerald, a very intimate friend and
school companion of mine, was the one to whom applica-
26 HISTORY OF COMPANY ^K,'
cation would have to be made to secure the position, and
that it required a recommendation of good character and
fair business qualifications. This I was informed could be
obtained from Mr. Bratton Parks, who was a brother-in-
law of Mr. Brown's, also an uncle to my young- friend and
schoolmate.
It was no small undertaking for a bashful, unsophisti-
cated young man of my age, to ask for such a paper, and
it was with many misgivings that the journey was under-
taken to see Mr. Parks, whose home was on a farm, whicii
lay along the banks of the Kiskiminetas river, about two
miles distant, and on the opposite side of the river, which
was crossed in a small skiff. Mr. Parks was in the field
plowing and received me very cordially, having been ad-
vised of the object of my visit. He soon relieved me of
all embarrassment by opening the subject, and asked sev-
eral questions as to the aim and object l had in view,
which were answered apparently satisfactorily, and he rela-
ted the old adage, saying, he supposed it was like getting
a wife, "either for better or for worse,*' and that he hopeii
in my case it wouli be for the better. He then left me iiL
charge of his team, while he went to the house and wrote
the recommendation. He soon returned with it and gave
it to me. I received it with thanks and returned to my
home.
Immediately preparations were made ^br my departure
from under the parental roof to begin a new vocation and
a life among strangers, and on Tuesday of the next week
I left home with my best suit on, a small bundle of clothes
tied up in a handkerchief, and five dollars of money in my
pocket.
Journeying three miles on foot to Leechburg. Pa., and
from there on the canal in a skiff, (which was run to carry
27
passengers to the railroad at the mouth of the Kiskimiuetas
river), under the control of Captain James Cogley, and
from there on the Allegheny railroad to Kittanning, Pa.
After a half mile walk the store room of Messrs. Brown,
Floyd & Co. was entered, and upon inquiry I was directed
to the office in the rear end of the building to Mr. James
E. Brown, where he was busily engaged writing. Upoi.
entering the office he left off writing and turned his atten-
tion to me, received my recommendation and hastily read
it, after which he asked me some questions concerning the
work and my ability to perform it, the price which they
would be willing to pay, etc. We then entered into a ver-
bal agreement, in which I was to remain for three years if
my services were satisfactory — $60 for the first, •'3=75 for the
second and $100 for the third. Mr. Brown then called one
of the clerks, and directed him to show me into the board-
ing house [Mrs. Eobinson's], which was next door to the
store building, where refreshments were served to me, the
first since leaving my home.
The first morning after ray engagement I was sent to tlje
cellar (which contained two rooms each twenty-five by
eighty feet), to put things in order and give them a
general cleaning up, which took about half a day. I thei^
went to the third floor to put in order plowshares and hoi-
lowware, which had been piled up promiscuously. This
was beginning at the bottom, and I did not relish tlie
business, but put in another half day, Mr. Brown occa-
sionally coming up to see how the work was progressing,
and giving directions how the work was to be done. Oi.
the next day this task was finished and my attention was
directed down stairs to the iron and nail room, and it was
placed in order, so that at noon 1 was directed to the gen-
eral merchandise salesroom to take a yardstick and begin
2S HISTORY OF COMPANY "K/'
measuring calico, and from that on through the whole line
of dry goods. For over two weeks it was unfold, measure
and refold, until considerable of the awkward handling of
"he measuring stick was overcome.
During this time, at short intervals, other duties were
performed, such as taking in produce and making sales.
In about three months I was introduced to nearly all the
different kinds of work in the store. Then there was a
change in the firm and a general settlement of all accounts,
and for this time I was allowed pay at the rate of seventy-
rive dollars i)er year, an increase of fifteen dollars above
contract. At this, and other changes of the firm, Mr.
James E. Brown remained business manager of both store
and Rolling mills, and at each change I was retained in the
•employ of the new firm under the tutelage of its chief: so
that at the end of the second year, my salary was increased
to two hundred dollars per annum, and boarding.
At this time there was a suspension of some of the
work in the mills, and dull times generally, and an excess
itf clerks in the store, so that it seemed we were contin-
lally treading on each others toes ; and while on a visit to
Mends in Indiana county, I was offered a remnant of a
farmers' company store (which had failed) on time pay-
uient, which I accepted, and took leave of the old store
raid began for myself; but after one year's trial it proved
to be a non paying investment, and Mr. Brown wished me
to return to his employ. I accepted his offer and placed
my brother Zachariah M. Cline in charge of my store at
Plunnille, for about six months, when I sold the entire
stock to Robert PI Brown,of Montecello,removed the goods
to Ms store and took Pig Metal for my pay — I was then in
charge of the store, Mr. Brown's confidential clerk, and
receiving a fair salary for those times ; but the war of the
15r>TH RE(I. PA. VOL. 26*
Kebellioii had opened, and several iiiiixntaiit battles
had been fought, with varyini»- results. Two of my
brothers had enlisted, Amos in Company ^'G,'' <St]j Penu-
sylvania Eeserves, and David F. in Comi>any ''F,'' 9th
Pennsylvania Reserves.
The disastrous battle of Pull Pun had been fought, ami
another brother, Zaehariah, enlisted in the 103d liegiment
Pennsylvania Volunteers. Our army under (leneral (xeo.
P. McClellan, had invested Richmond, and in the great
seven days battle, brother Amos fell into the hands of the
enemy, killed or wounded, while with hjs company su])-
l>orting- a battery, and was never heard of again.
At this time the (lovernment was calling- for more men,
and to remain at home, enjoying the comforts of peaceful
life, while brothers and neighbors were sacrificing ever^^
comfort, and even life, for the love of country was neither
endurable nor patriotic.
From the commencement of hostilities I was a close
reader of the movements of the anny, and received letters
frequently from my brothers in the fields of action, de-
scriptive of l)attles and marches. I also joined a com-
pany of young men, who took night lessons, drilling in the
use of the musket and company movements, under Capt.
William C. Peck, who had l)een a cadet at West Point
Military Academy, and who had resigned after two and a
half years' service, owing to the intolerance of Southern-
ers, who, then, were largely in majority and control of the
Academy.
I also did some drilling in the use of arms in the store
at night ; and while the lOod Regiment Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers were organizing, and in Camj) Orr, near Kittan-
ning, I was a freciuent visitor, and assisted in the com-
:iO HISTORY OF COMPANY "k,"
luiBsary department, under the directions of J. E. Brown
and J. B. Finley.
Some time in July,1862, Mr. McManns,a dismissed soldier
of tlie 78th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, returned
home, and after a time, made an effort to raise a volunteer
company. This movement I joined as a private soldier;
but after a short time occupied in trying to till the company
with volunteers, a report was received from the company
from which he was discharged, unfavorable to him on ac-
count of dissipation, and the movement was at once dis-
banded. I then concluded to make an effort to raise a
company myself^ but kept the matter a secret for a few
days, meditating how to begin the work to make it a suc-
cess. At this juncture, before having made known my
intentions to any one. Col. J. B. Finlay approached me and
asked why I did not raise a company myself, since the
other had failed? My intentions were then made known
to him, and that it was my determination to go to the
army whether a full company was raised or not. He then
encouraged me to go ahead; said that I had the ability to
perform the a\ ork, and that he would give me all the as-
sistance he could ; and with his encouragement and assist-
ance, my success was insured.
This was about the first Aveek in August, 1862. After
<'onsulting my friend. Col. Finley, a notice was prepared
and inserted in the "Union Free Press" and the ''Arm-
strong Republican," stating my object and requesting all
who wished to join the company to report at the Kittan-
idng Bank, to AVilliam Pollock and sign an enlistment
form, one of which was left at that place. I then secured a
horse and rode over a large part of the country, taking in
on my route a large number of the Aillages, and when I
heard of any one who wished to enlist, visited his home (if
155th REG. PA. VOL. 31
neeessaiy) and tliereby received iriaiiy names, on either a
legiilar enlistment foi'm, or on one especially prepared for
the company, copies of which will appear herein later.
The first place visited was Elderton. At that time a cir-
«ns or show was exhibiting- in the i)lace, and an address
was bein<4- delivered on the issues of the war by a gentle-
man (whose name I do not remember) from Indiana coun-
ty, Pa.
There had congregated a large number of people, and as
niy business had become known I was called upon at the
conclusion of the address to speak, and improved the op-
])ortunity by requesting any who wished to enlist for the
army, to meet me at the hotel immediately, as my time
was limited, and required haste, but very few came, and a
large majority rushed off to the show grounds. The peo-
l)le of the place, at that time, evidently did not realize the
enormity of the struggle going on to preserve the life of
the Nation, and I did not find anyone who was willing to
ssist in forming a company. While the show was in pro-
gress T was informed that a young man a few miles out of
town wished to enlist, but that his parents objected, and
That his father was very much oi)posed to the war for the
Union being styled a "Copperhead." I was warned that it
might not be pleasant for me, as they had threatened any
who came to induce him to leave.
Xot having anyone else in view I took my horse and
went in search of the place, but found the distance much
further than was stated, so did not reach it until after
dark. I called and asked for supper and lodging, which
was granted after some hesitation. During the evening
my business was made known, and a general discussion
of war matters was entered into, but no particular ill feel-
ing was shown toward me, and as they expected that their
32 HISTORY OF COMPANY ''K,''
son would leave tlieiii Avitliont their consent, tliey i>roni-
ised to consult with him after I left, and that he might do
as he wished, and if he went would report to me, which he
never did. The family rose early in the morning- and
breakfast was over by dayliglit, and 1 leturned to Kittan-
ning.
The next route was to Kural A'illage, where 1 met David
B. Kirkpatrick, who enlisted and took one of the enlist-
ment papers and received several names on it for the com-
pany. From thence up the \'alley as far as Kirki)atrick';S
store, near where James B. Hill resided, and who enlisted
and was authorized to receive recruits. From there X\.^
Glade Run and Dayton.
While at the latter place T met several of the students
of the Academy, and through them received an imitatioii
to meet the Faculty and students in their hall at 2 o'clock
]). m. I com|)lied, and gave them a statement of my knowl-
edge of the situation of our arndes, and the necessity of
volunteers, that the Government need not resort to draft-
ing. My remarks met with the ap})robation of the school,
yet the great sacrifice that was necessary to students, and
the consequent suspension of the school during the war,
caused most of them to delay until after my company was
tilled, and then they formed ;i com})any, of Avliich Piof.
Duff was made Ca})tain.
From theie my route lay by the way of Goheenville t >
a camp-meeting, which was in progress about five ndles
north of the last named place. I arrived there Saturday
noon, and remained over Sunday. Here 1 niet Capt. W.
C. Beck, who had previously diilled a number of us at the
court house, and who had about comjdeted the organiza-
tion of a volunteer company called the ''Finley Cadets."
On Sabbath a number had collected for drijl. and I wa.s
155th keg. pa. vol. 33
requested to assist in the drill, but declined and gave them
a short address on their duty to their country and their
God ; that we should abserve the Sabbath day and hear
the preached word by his servants, whenever it was prac-
ticable, even in the army. On Monday T left the i)lace with-
out any apparent success, few realizino- the national situa-
tion. Returning by the way of Kellersburg, on this route,
a number of ])ersons were met who afterwards enlisted.
AVhen near Kellersburg, while stopping for the night, there
was an appointment for a public meeting at the school
house, to be addressed by William Blakeley, a lawyer, hail-
ing from Kittanning, who was recruiting a cavalry com
pany. The people at the place where I was staying foi
the night, urged me to attend the meeting, and, although
I had a slight acquaintance with Mr. Blakeley, -he did not
receive me with favor, supposing my work would inter-
fere with his, and during the address made remarks det-
rimental to my interest. But through the courtesy of the
presiding officer, I was called upon to speak. So T gave
them a statement of my business, and said that it was not
my intention to interfere with any other organization, and
that it was the duty of all to stand by our Government
and put down the rebellion. My remarks were received
favorably, but 1 made no efforts to receive recruits there.
From the last named place the route selected was down
the Mahoning Valley to its mouth, and from thence to
Kittanning.
Having reciuested those who were engaged to receive
recruits, to report, Quiing my absence, to Col. Finley, it
was only on my return that 1 realized from the numerous
reports and incjuiries which had been received, the good
effect of the canvass.
From this time on the organization was completed by
o4 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
oiTespondence, notices in the papers and printed hand-
ills in the form of orders or requests to the parties who
.ad been engaged to enlist volunteers.
To give a more "definite idea of how the work of recruit-
i.u tbe company was conducted in the villages and coun-
:y districts it will be necessary to append the copies of
, apers and letters still remaining in my hands, of which
'he first in order is the enlistment papers left in the hands
■t David B. Kirkpatrick, which reads as follows, viz :
AVe, the undersigned, hereby pledge true allegiance to
^Iie United States and to the State of Pennsylvania, and
igree to form a volunteer company for three years or dur-
iig the war, under J. Andrew Oline, Recruiting Offtcer.
August 7th, 1862.
NA3IEt<!.
Willlaui F. Lono-.
NAMES.
D. B. Kirkpatrick.
Simon Schrecen^ost.
The second was left with James B. Hill, and was almost
, copy of the former, and reads as follows : We, the un-
dersigned, hereby pledge true alle/iance to the United
States, and to the State of Pennsylvania, and agree to forui
1 volunteer couipany for three years or during the war,
Luder J. Andrew Cline, Captain, August 7th, 18C2, ''Loyal
riiion Guards."
NAME^.
Samuel ^fack
William H. Vandyke.
Sauiuel Bivard.
NAMES.
James B. Hill.
Demas Welland.
Robert Thouipson.
This has the following endorsement on the back, viz :
I hereby authorize James B. Hill to receive recruits for
Ike within volunteer company and report the same to me
i-'i Kittanning. J. A. Cline.
155th REG. PA. VOL. 35
The following letters are tlionglit of sufficient interest to
give entire :
RUKAL Valley, August IS, 1862.
Mr. Andrew Cline, Respected Sir : I received your let-
ter on Friday and was pleased to hear that you are suc-
ceeding so well in raising your comi)any. I have suc-
-'ceded in raising nine recruits, and I think we can raise
■ wo or three more. I send tlieir names :
William W. Wells. K. G. Fleminj
August Snyder. J. Cowan.
D. B. Kirk])atrick. J. Br>an.
Wni. W. Caldwell.
A. Fleming.
J. L. Ewing.
I. ^roore.
0. Logan.
John Moore.
James TTaves.
D. IT. Ruffner.
I send you the entire list that is on my paper, eleven of
which you have. If you send me word where you want
1^ to move I will notify the rest. Let us know as soon
you can. Xo more, but I remain yours truly.
Wm. W. Caldwell.
Belknap, Pa., Aug. 19, 1862.
DeakSir: — I heard that you are raising a company,
then I heard it was for some other i>erson. Please let
'rie know by Friday's mail if there is no opportunity sooner.
How many men have you ? When must you have the
(>mi)any made up ? When will the Government cease
;;iking volunteers, and when will the bounties cease to be
paid ? Please answer these if you can. There are a num-
ber in this neighborhood, who, if they really thought there
would be drafting, Avould volunteer. If you are getting
A. Eckman.
J. (ralbreath.
R. ]\[cGaughey.
J. Eckman.
J. C. Kirk]>atrick.
William Russel.
0. Kinter.
36 HISTORY OF COMPANY ''iv,"
\\\) a company, I wish you ayouUI come out here a day or
two ; I will assist you all I can. I will send this by hands
of Mr. Ellenberger, who has joined Capt. McKane^s com-
pany. Yours truly. D. P. Marshall.
J. Andrew Cline.
This communication was answered, and one of the en-
listment papers sent with it, which was returned with the
names, of which the following- is a copy : We, the un-
dersigned, hereby pledge true allegiance to the United
Slates and to the State of Pennsylvania, and agree to form
a volunteer company for three years or during the wai,
called "Loyal Union Guards," under J. A. Cline, Captain,
Aug. 7, 1862.
NAMES.
D. P. Marshall.
K. O. Clever.
David Olinger.
Samson Schrecengost.
This paper had the name of the comi)any, "Loyal Unioii
Guards," which name had been adopted at the suggestion
of Col. Finley, but not generally used until after my re-
turn from canvassing the county for recruits ; I have also
on hand a letter heading handed to me bearing the hand-
writing of Col. Finley, a copy is here given :
KiTTANNING BANK,
J. E. Brown, President.
J. B. Finlay, Cashier.
KiTTANNING, Pa., Aug. 20, 1862.
By authority of his Excellency, Andrew G. Curtin, Gov-
ernor of Peinsylvania.
For Captain J. A. Cline's Com])any, M. V. B. Sproul,
John Stewart, Wm. D. Porter.
The paper left at the bank in care of "William Pollock
NAMES.
J. D. Armstrong.
G. H. Clever.
Daniel Howser.
William Chrisman.
looTH REG. PA. VOL.
37
was returned with tlurty-eijiht names attached, as record-
ed below :
We, tlie undersigned, i)ledge true allegiance to the
United States and to the State of Pennsylvania, and agree
to form a volunteer company for three years or during the
war, under J. Andrew Cline, Recruiting Officer.
August 7, 1802.
NAMES.
R. L. McGaughev,
R. C. Renter,
David Marshall,
William Whittaker,
Wm. B. Hays,
Wm. Reesman,
Wm. Wells,
J. Rufner,
August Snvder,
W. L. G. Black,
John Black,
John B. Fitzgerald,
W. P. Borland,
A. L. Wilson,
S. P. Barrett,
D. Brown,
J. C. Russe],
Thomas J. 3Iarlin,
D. L. 3lcCloskev,
NAME>^.
J. A. Cline,
D. B. Kirkpatrick,
John Moore,
Wm. W. Caldwell,
James AV. Hays,
James A. Galbreath,
Joseph L. Ewing,
John A. Fleming,
Isaac L. Moore,
K. G. Fleming,
David C. Kirkpatrick,
C. A. Logan,
AVm. Rener.
John M. Bryan,
George A. Eakman,
J. A. H. Foster,
Wm. J. Johnston,
E. A. Calhoun,
J. R. Henderson.
The above list includes names of some wIjo had been
reported on other papers, but as this was at headquarters
at time of rendezvous and was intended for all, a few
signed their names a second time.
Still another form was used, and sent out in answer to
parties who wished to enlist and who lived in localities
where there was no one authorized to receive recruits,
which were returned and their names entered on a gen-
38
era! list, which has V)eeii lost. Tlie followiu^i- is a copy,
and will coiiii)lete the list which is drawn after the man-
ner authorized under ai-niy regulations, and reads thus :
Declaration of Eecruit.
I, Kobert Brewster, desiring- to volunteer as a soldier
in the army of the United States for the term of three
years, Do Declare, that I am 36 years of age. That I have
never been discharged from the United States Service on
account of disability or by sentence of a Court Martial, or
l>y order before the ex])iration of a term of enlistment,
.and I know of no impediment to my serving honestly an«i
faithfully as a soldier for three years.
Robert Brewster.
Given at Worthington, the 23d day of August, 1862.
AYitness, F. Beck.
Volunteer Enlistment.
State of Pennsylvania, Town of Worthington :
I, Robert Brewster, born in the State of Pennsylvania
and now a resident of Armstrong county, aged 36 years,
and by occupation a laborer. Do hereby acknowledge to
ha^ e volunteered this 23d day of August, 1862, to serve
as a soldier in the Army of the Ignited States of America
for the period of three years, unless sooner discharged by
])roper authority. Do also agree to accei)t such bounty,
pay, rations and clothing as are or may be established by
law for volunteers, and I, Robert Brewster, do solemnly
swear that 1 will bear true faith and allegiance to the
United States of America, and that I will serve them hon-
estly and faithfully, against all their enemies and opi)Osers,
whomsoever, and that I will observe and obey the orders
of the President of the United States, and the orders of
155th keg. pa. vol. :;;
tlie officers ai)])oiiited over me ac('ordiii;it<> tlie Ivules aijd
Articles of War. Rojjkkt Brewstee.
Sworn and subscribed to at Worthington, this 23d day
ot August, 1862, before M. DuFFV, J. P.
Another form same as tiie above was signed by James
Donald before M. Duffy, and was Avitnessed by F. Beck at
the same time and place, but tlie soldier did not pass ex-
amination on. account of physical disability.
While there Avas a standing call for volunteers l)y the
Government at Washington to the Governors of loyal
States, and through them to the people, which had
not nearly been filled at this time, and Comi)anies anil
Regiments were organizing to till the call under the con-
trol and by the direction of the Governor. The necessary
correspondence for authority to recruit and organize the,
company, and for the direction of its movements, was left
entirely to Col. J. B. Finley, who had supervisory authority
in military affairs for the county ; hence, I gave the matte:
very little attention and have not any dates or reference
to give any extended account of the matter.
The work of recruiting being completed about the 2t)tli
day of August, I was advised that the company was want-
ed as soon as it could be assembled, and immediately had
an order i>rinted and copies sent to the recruiting agents
and enlisted men, and a notice put in the ])apersfor a gen-
eral rendezvous at Kittanning on the 25th day of August,
and for all to be i)repare(l to leave home for camp an<l tlie
field immediately.
Tins order caused a general movement, and many wlio
were hesitating at once decided to leave home, family an<l
friends to fight for their country and homes. At the ap-
pointed time one delegation after another arrived, headed
by their respective leaders — Wm. AV. Caldwell from Rural
40 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
Valley, David Brown from Dayton or Glade Run, D. P.
Marshall from Belknap, and Risden De Ford from Mahon-
ing- Valley. The streets of Kittanning were thronged with
soldiers and their friends, the latter coming to the county
seat to take leave of their friends, which to many proved
a last fond look and sad farewell, as they gave their lives
to save the life of their country.
1 had previously agreed with some of the leaders to use
my influence in the appointment to othce in order of rank,
tliose' having the largest number of recruits — all things
else being equal — Mr. De Ford, a local preacher of the
Shoemakerite persuasion, was chosen leader of the re-
cruits from the ^rahoning Valley, and had aspired to form
an independent company, partly from recruits which were
promised to me, but he did not succeed, and sent word re-
(luesting leave to bring his men into our company, the re-
quest was granted on the same conditions as the other
delegations.
During the day of rendezvous, and before I had any op-
portunity to become acquainted with Mr. De Ford, some
evil disposed persons caused him and some of his men to
fear that he would not receive the position he was entitled
to in proportion to the number of recruits, which caused
considerable discussion, and threatened to disband his
men.
As soon as the trouble was understood, a conference
was called at the office of George W. Caldwell, Esq., and
the matter was speedily adjusted to the satisfaction of all
parties. Soon after the men were formed in double col-
umn on Jefferson street, in front of the Caldwell House,
and marched up the street to the diamond, corner of Jef-
ferson and Market street, and from thence to Water street,
and thence down Water street to the Kittanning Iron
155th REG. TA. VOL. 41
Store buikling, where we came to a halt and front face.
Here, after some remarks by Colonel Finlay, he adminis-
tered an oath to the company, and then Eev. George W.
Mechlin, President of the Glade Eun Academy, made a
short address and offered up a prayer in behalf of the
company.
Urgent orders from the Governor hastened preparations,
and on Saturday afteriaoon, August 29th, we embarked in
box cars, seated on two sides with rough boards, which
were brought to the depot for our special use.
Our march through the town to the depot brought with
us a large number of citizens of the town and country —
men, women and children. A number of small boys, with
whom I had been on familiar terms, formed in line near
the place of embarkation, and waited to receive a farewell
shake of the hand ; also Mrs. Phoebe Brown, wife of my
former employer, who had been almost like a mother to
me, came from her home on Water street to the depot to
bid me good-bye ; and another, who has been close by my
side since our return from the war to the present time,
was there to bid adieu. Soon all were inside and on our
way to Harrisburg, Pa. We arrived at Pittsburgh early
in the evening and were taken to the City Hall for supper,
and from there to some empty cars.
The next morning we took passage in two old passenger
cars, attached to a train of ammunition for the army, among
which were several cars loaded with powder, and again we
were on our way, and after having crossed the Allegheny
mountains, while passing through a cut about noon, one of
the axles of a car broke and we were delayed several
hours. During this delay many of the men traveled some
distance from the track to houses and procured something
12 HISTORY OF COMPANY ''K."
to eat. Tlie damage bein^ii' repaired, we c-outimied on ow:
route.
When passing- througli the towns and villages we were
greeted by an enlliusiastie populace with cheers and wa\ -
ing of handkerchiefs by the ladies, but we were not to
have the way all smooth, and when about twenty miles
from Harrisburg, one of the cars containing powder took
iire, and the train was stopped and the conductor gave me
notice in a way not to alarm the men, to (luietly have the
men leave the cars, and get out of the way of danger,
which was done without trouble. The fire was soon ex-
tinguished, and we arrived at Harrisburg about sundown,
and were escorted to the State house and slept on the
floor in the Capitol of our State without bed or bedding.
The night was almost a sleepless one to many, and morn-
ing was anxiously looked for. At daylight Ave marched
from the Capitol building to Camp Curtin, which Avas a
short distance out of the city. Here Ave found quarters
intents put up in company style ready for our use, and we
began taking our first lessons in camp life.
Muster rolls were required to be made out at once, and
while I Avas briefly engaged on them, some were out at.
tempting company or squad drill, (^^to Avell drilled men it
would have been called "awkward scpiad driir') as there
were none who had any experience in drilling or being
drilled in company moAements. As soon as the rolls were
completed, (which Avas on the third of September), Ave
were ordered to another part of the camp to the quarters
of the Inspection Oflicer. Here we were put through a
rigid examination and all who were physically disqualified
marked off the rolls, and transportation furnished them to
return to their homes. Those who passed Avere called in-
to line and mustered into the United States service, by
ir)r)TH REG. PA. VOL. 43>
takiiig- tlie oatli, wbiclr was similar to the one in the re-
cruitinji paper last recorded. Out of one hundred anTi
twelve, about twenty were rejected on account of physi-
cal disability, and a number of youn<>- men who had not re-
ceived the re(iuired certiticate of consent from their pa-
rents were also refused muster.
Those who had not the wi'itten consent of their parents
to join the army and wished to oqtain it, with a few adults
who wished to return home on important business^ rt-
ceived leave of absence for a few days and transportation
to Kittanning and return to Camp Curtin in chari>e of Wiii.
W. Caldwell.
The lieavy loss of men in examination, brought the num-
ber below the minimum required for a full company, and
therefore we were only entitled to a tirst and secouil
Lieutenant, and as the orders Irad been received for the
company to be ready to join the 155th Ke<>'. Pennsylvaniii,
Volunteer Infantry, to which we were assigned, whicli
was then on its way from Pittsburg' to Washington, D, C,
I was advised to recommend a Lieutenant for commission
to put in charge of those mustered to meet and go for-
ward with the regiment. Risden DeFord having furnish-
ed the largest number of recruits was commissioned first
Lieutenant, and after consulting- with the other recruiting-
leaders, a partial list of non-commissioned ofhcers Avere
furnished Lieutenant DeFord, and the remainder were ap-
])ointed after I joined the company in the field. It was
with no little solicitude for the welfare of the company,
that on the fifth day of September we marched from cam|>
to the station,, and I saw them depart for the field of ac-
tion in charge of the first Lieutenant, who had little or no
exi)erience in comi)any juovements.
Having- been detained by orde. of Captain iforton. U.
44 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K."
S. A. mustering- officer at Harrisbiirg-, Pa., to wait the re-
turn of those who had obtained leave to go home, and for
the further purpose of making out a full set of descriptive
mustering- rolls, one of which was sent to the War De-
partment at Washington, D. C, one to the State Depart-
ment at Harrisburg, Pa., one with the IT. S. mustering of-
ficer, and one was retained for the use of the command-
ing officer of the company.
This work required a great deal of care, the names were
alphabetically recorded, a full description of each man
given, so it took several days to accomplish the task.
The men absent on leave, returned promptly and were
mustered into service September 11th, the company being
now filled to near its maximum. Wm. W. Caldwell, who
had the second largest number of recruits, was appointed
second Lieutenant and J. Andrew Cline-^ Captain, both
taking the required oaths ; it all being done on the same
day, September 11, 1862.
This completed the organization of the company ; 1 was
then sent to the office of Gen. W. W. Irwin to get trans-
portation for the men, and they were sent in charge of
Lieutenant Caldwell to join the company near Washing-
ton, D. C:, and I was again detained to make an additional
set of muster in rolls, which completed the work of the
organization of Company "K," 155th Regiment Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers.
During my detention at the State capital, I had given an
an order for a Captain's regulation uniform, and I also re-
ceived a message to call at a certain military store, where
a sword and sash of superior quality had been purchased
for me, the gift of James E. Brown, Esq., my former em-
ployer.
I have now finished the work assigned me, i. e.", writing
155th REG. PA. VOL. 45
the history of the organization of the Volunteer Company
called "Loyal Union Criiards/' recruited in Armstrong-
county, Penn., up to its muster into the TTnited States
Service, and assignment to the looth Kegiment Volunteer
Infantry, and their movement with the Eegiment, to join
the army of the Potomac, near Washington, D. C, but a*
I have not yet left the State capital of Pennsylvania, and
the company historian may make occasional reference to
me as commanding the company, it may be proper to state
how and where I found the company and took command.
Monday, September 14, the company muster-in rolls
were completed, signed by the proper officers, and copies
dispatched to the place, to where they were designated ;
the one for company use being safely placed in my trunk.
The tailor had my uniiorm ready, and it was but a short
time until I had doffed the garb of a citizen and donned
that of a soldier. At 1 o'clock Tuesday morning 1 board-
ed a train and was on my way to join my comi)any, arriv-
ing at Washington at 10:20 a. m.
After considerable searching for information, and being
directed from one office to another, I was informed that
the company was at Camp Chase, a distance of three or
five miles on the other side of the Potomac, and was sent
to the Provost Marshal for a pass, which was necessary
to cross the bridge over the Potomac. I then hired a
conveyance to take me and my trunk to the Kegiment,and
at 2 o'clock p. m. we were on our way and soon arrived at
Camp Chase, but found that the Regiment had gone and
no one could tell where. J was finally sent to Fort Ells-
worth, but it was not there, and as the army was on the
move, and no information could l)e received, I returned to
Alexandria to see the military Governor; he sent me to
the Pjovost Marshal, but 1 could get no information from
40 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
lihn. and was directed to return to Washington City, and
call at Gen. Casey's headquarters, but no one could give
:ne the required information there, and J was informed
That it was useless to inciuire of any highei- authority, that
the troops which had been at Camp Chase were on the
ntove. and to wait until they received further information.
I then drove to the Central Hotel, and paid the driver tiv©
dollars, which he said was a very low price for the drive.
Here I met a Lieutenant of Company "F," l.>5thEegiment,
who told nie the Kegiment had gone to the front by way
of Harper's Ferry, and was waitii)g an opportunity to go
to his company, but could not find any way to get there.
AVhile detained here searching for information in regard
to finding the location of the army, and how to get to it, a
ifeneral order to the whole army was issued at the Head-
quarters in Washington, I). C, the impoit of which was,
the baggage of all Regimental and Company officers of the
; rmy would be reduced and limited to a small hand valise,
sufficiently large to contain a single change of clothing
:iot to exceed 40 pounds, and' that the master of trains
'^ould see that all trunks and extra baggage was unloaded.
I immediately went to a dealer in trunks and exchanged a
new trunk for a hand valise and sent all extra clothing
home by express. I afterwards learned that there was a
-;eneral unloading of trunks and extra baggage, a great
deal of which was destroyed for want of a way to dispose
of it, and that the order was quite necessary, that the army
had been greatly encumbered b^' excessive baggage train 'j.
The battles of South Mountain and Antietam were in
progress and fought during these days, and everybody
was in a state of anxiety to learn the result, and when in-
formation was received of the success of our army, cheer
loaTH REG. TA. VOL. 47
aftei- cheer was given to U\e army and its officers, by tlie
quests of the hotels.
Coininuiiication was now opened with the army, and on
Saturday morning, Sept. 17, I left Washington City, taking
passage on a train on the road to Baltimore as far «s the
Kelay House, then changed cars and went to Frederick
City, Md., arriving at noon, got dinner at a hotel where I
found hve others who wished to Join their companies, but
belonging to different corps of the army, Ave joined to-
gether and hired a man who had a horse and small wagon,
to take us through to where the army was camped, near
the Potomac. We got started on our way, but found the
road rough and progression slow, reaching Boonsborougli
at night, we put up at the only hotel, (wliich was a very
poor one). The next morning (Sabbath) we continued on
"ur wjiy to Sharpsburg, whicli was the most difficult we
met, as the road was through the battle tield, and
wagons were passing to and fro from the army, timber
had been cut down across the road, which had to be pass--
od, dead horses were strewn along the road, and it was
reported that details of soldiers were burying slain rebel
soldiers wlio had been left on the tield a short distance
from the army. This made the trip both difficult and un-
pleasant. We arrived at Sliarpsburg at noon and parted,
each one taking a different direction m search of his com-«
pany, not knowing where to tindit. I took a tour through
*:amp, and visited Brigade camps, including the Chief
C(nnmander\s Headquarters, (Gen. McClellan's) and go-
ing as far as the out post on the Potomac, I returned
with the satisfaction that a few knew that there was such
a Regiment in the army, but did not know where it was
"located.
Portunatelv on mv retui'u I met a soldier on horse back
U^r V
48 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,
of whom I inquired, and he said he had passed the Kegi-
ment on his way, and would return immediately. He
kindly offered to take my valise on his horse with him.
After traveling about one udle we came to the Brigade to
which the Eegiment was attached, and here I was inform-
ed that my Regiment had been sent out on picket duty
along the Potomac, about a mile distant, whither I immedi-
ately went and met a very hearty welcome, the majority
coming forward to meet and give me a shake of the hand.
After a short rest I reported to Col. E. J. Allen, com-
mander of the Kegiment, who also received me kindly and
expressed pleasure at my arrival andre(iuested ine to take
immediate charge of the Company.
15.JTH REG. PA. VOL. 49
From a calculation taken fxom the columns of the mus-
ter-in rolls, the following figures have been adduced, which
show that the men composing Company *'K" were at the
time of their enlistment ranging in age from 1<S to 42
years, excepting the two musicians who were 15 and 17
years old respectively. The average age of the whole
company, including commissioned officers, was 23'- years.
Tlie tallest man was (> ft. 6 in., the shortest 5 ft. 5 in., the
average height of the whole company being 5 ft. 9 in.
<rheir occupations were, two blacksmiths, one boatman^
one cabinet maker, four carpenter ■, two clerks, one en-
gineer, forty-nine farmers, thirteen laborers, one post
master, one shoemaker, one mason, six students, three
leacliers, and five whose occupations were not recorded.
Many of the young men were farmers sons, who had
never been any great distance from home, and i was in-
formed one young man had never slept one night away
from his father's home previous to his enlistment. One
a student of Glade Run Academy who was betrothed to
a young lady, on the eve of his departure called at the
residence of the brave girl, and they then concluded to
call in a minister and be made husband and wife. This
man was appointed a corporal and color guard, and after-
ward was made color bearer of the regiment, at which
])ost he continued until the close of the war.
But I do not wish to lay the plot for a romance nor in-
trude upon that which belongs to the company historian,
and will close with a brief retrospect of impressions
which have been indelibly fixed on my mind during the
time which under the providence of God it was my priv-
ilege 10 be their commanding officer. Although we were
50 HISTORY OF COMPANY 'K,
comparative strangers to each other when the company
was organized, and many of the men I had never met
previous to the day of rendezvous, yet I soon learned to
regard the company as composed of my friends, and
while it would not be true to record or natural to sup-
pose that in a company of so many men there were none
who would prove recreant to duty, yet it is with the great-
est pleasure I give my testimony to the fact that there
was no company in the regiment or brigade whose gener-
al demeanor was more honorable, whose men obeyed
orders more promptly or did better service for their
country, either while in camp, on the march, in bivouac,
on ])icket duty, on the skirmish, when charging the ene
my's works or in the midst of battle, than they did. Nor
did my solicitude for the welfare of every many and the
good name of the company as to its standing as soldiers,
ever relax from the time of organization until the dis-
charge from the United States service as soldiers of the
war. If I have in any manner contributed to perpetuate
the memory of our fallen comrades, or aided in recordiu^
the deeds of valor and endurance of hardships by the
survivors of the company in their service to their com-
pany, I will feel doubly repaid for all my trouble and
labor, and I dedicate this work in the history of company
•'K" to their children and friends, cherishing a reverent
recollection, of the dead and kindest regards to surviving
comrades, praying that when life-fl battles are fought we
may all receive the welcome plaudit, "well done good and
faithful servant, etc.,'' and that all may join the army un-
der the Great Captain of our salvation, from whoso ser-
vices there is no discharge and whoise triumph nigh wjieu
men will learn war no more.
Bellefont, Kansas, March 23, 1888.
155'! H REG. PA. VOL. 51
PART SECOND
■WRITTEN BY-
BREVET MAJOR D. P. MARSHALL.
CHAPTEE I.
August 29th, 1862 — The Assembliujsr at Kittanning- — Trip
to Pittsburgh Harrisburg — liicidents on the Way
— Camp Curtin — Examined — Mustered — Drew Cainp
Equipage, Clothing, Arms — Defects of the Guns —
Start to ^ya8hing•ton — Camp Chase, Virginia — Drilling-
Begun— ^'xV Tents— A :Night March— Drilling and
Camp Guard — Left Our Tents — The Colonel *'was Awk-
ward too" — A Night Drill — Tramps and Experiences
— Back Near Washington — Exchanged Arms.
Company K was recruited principally in the townships of
Pine, Wayne and Cowanshannock, Armstrong- county.
Some wei-e from other townships, and a few Glade Rim
students were from adjoining- counties. The i>rincipal re-
cruiting* officers were J. A. Cline, Risden DeFord and W.
W. Caldwell. Our time was to date from the 18th of Au-
gust, 1862, but we did not assemble in Kittanning-, the
county seat of Armstrong county, until the 28th and 20tii,
We spent the time as we pleased until .3 p. m., Aug. oOth,
when Captain Cline formed us in line and Colonel Finlay
administered an oath to us. We then marched through
town and to the Allegheny Valley Depot. Many of us had
our wives or other dear friends to accompany us this fir ;
52 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K/^
but now there must be a parting, and to many it was a last
gad i)arting that shall never end in this world. The final
good-bye was said, and soon after 4 p. m. we boarded the
'rain for Pittsburgh.
Many of us had never traveled much, or been far from
home, and we soon began to see wonderful sights. One
good boy, Daniel Houser, remarked soon after we came
into the outskirts of Pittsburgh, while looking out of the
car, "Well, if I was to be killed to-morrow I would be well
paid, for T have seen so much already." This brave boy
aid down his young life in the service of his country a
few^ months later.
We arrived at Pittsburgh at 8 p. m., and twenty minutes
]ater marched to a train on the Pennsylvania Central; but
the train was lilled by a Michigan regiment, and had no
room for us. We were then marched to the City Hall and
treated to our suppers through the loyalty and liberality
of the citizens. No city in the Union was more noted for
its genuine hospitality and kind treatment of the Union
soldiers during the war than loyal Pittsburgh. Xo soldier
was ever allowed to leave or pass through there hungry,-
:f it was known. The fare provided was ''not hard tack
and pork," but the very best. Oh, how many a poor hun-
gry soldier enjoyed it! and how much better it tasted, be-
ing waited on by the fairest and best ladies of the city !
At 11 p. m. we marched back and took possession of
two passenger cars, but the train did not start until 4:30
next morning. We passsd along 166 miles without any
notable incident, when one of the truck wheels broke off
the locomotive. They telegraphed back to Altoona, 56
miles, for another engine. We started out to hunt some din-
ner. About fifty of us ate at one house, getting a good din-
ner at 12 1-2 cents each. When we started the train
ir)5TH REG. PA. VOL. .53
run very f;if^t to make iij) for lost time. Onr two passeiu
^er cars were attached to .i train of freight cars loaded
with ammunition. When about forty-live miles from Har-
risburgh, a si)ark from the engine caught in the roof of an
ammunition car, and the fast running of the train soon
fanned it into a flame. The train stopped as quickly as
possible. Here we took our first lesson in running front
bullets and shells. Probably the same number of people
never got off two cars in so short a time and as far away as
our legs would take us, until the train men called to us
that it was all right. There was only one man of the com-
])any brave enougli to stay with the cars, (George L. Han-
negan,) and if he had not been asleep he probably would
have been no braver than the rest of us.
We arrived at Harrisburg at 7:30 p. m., and marched to
the Capitol. We may never have the honor of a call to
the Cni)itol again, but we did have the pleasure of slee])-
ing on the l)are floor of the State House that night.
The next moining (September 1st) we ai-ose at-io'clork,
had company worship, and then marched out some dis-
tance to Cam]> Cuitin. We received one "A'' tent for ev-
ery six men, and drew blankets, cooking utensils and oiie
day'S rations and began cam]) life.
The principal event on Se]>tember 2nd was ouj- examin-
ation ])efore a board of surgeons. At that stage of the
war they Avere more paiticnlar tlian they were later in the
Service, and many men who were rejected tlien on account
of some unsoundness were gladly accepted afterwards.
Several who had come with us here, were rejected. Eveiy
one that had any defects tried to conceal them, as they did
not wish to ])e sent home.
• Here the boys circulated freely over the city, and ;ih
thev were now free from home resti-aiuts. and not vet suli'-
54 HISTORY OF C03IPANY "K,''
ject to military law, it is not strange if they were a little
wayward and disposed to appropriate everything in the
A ay of edibles that came in their way.
September 3d we were mustered into the service of the
United States for three years, or during the war, by Cap-
tain Korton, and made i)art of the 155th regiment, Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, Col. Edward J. Allen in command.
Comi)anies A, B, C, D, E, F and I were recruited in and
about Allegheny county, comi)anies G and H in Clarion
c<()unty, and company K in Armstrong county.
Company K, as organized and officered, was as follows :
Captain — John A Cline.
First Lieutenant — Risden DeFord.
Second Lieutenant — William W. Caldwell.
First Sergeant — David Brown. Age 24.
Second Sergeant — D. Porter Marshall. '* 2S.
Third Sergeant — John A Bitchey. '' 23.
Fourth Sergeant— John A. H. Foster. '' 27.
Fifth Sergeant—Frederick Sheckler. '' 34.
First Corporal — David Kirkpatrick. " S3.
Second Corporal — John D. Armstrong. " 27.
Third Corporal— David Ruffner. " 29.
Fourth Corporal — Adam L. Wilson. " 22,
Fifth Corporal— Joseph L. Ewing. " 18.
Sixth Corporal— Wm. E. McClure. '' 21.
Seventh Corporal — Robert O. Clever. ''' til.
Eighth Corporal — George A. Serene. "' 21.
Musician — James A. Galbraith. ' ' 15.
Musician — John L. Ferer. '* 17.
PRIVATES. AGE.
Abraham Bechtel, 33
Spencer P. Barrett, 22
Robert Brewster, 30
John M. Bryan, 27
Wm. G. L. Black, 20
John Black, 18
Eenjamin 5^11, 23
PRIVATES. AGE.
Charles A Logan, 20
Isaac L. Moore, 20
John Moore, 18
David Marshall, 20
William R. Mahan, 35
Robert L. McGaughey,23 .
William ]\[cGregor, 22
155th REG. PA. VOL.
55
John Cowan,
Jeliu J. Crawford,
John Carney,
George Clever,
William Chrisnian,
Ephraini A. Callioun,
Daniel Cogley,
Jacob Croyle,
John Canii)l)ell,
Benjamin 1>. Eaton,
John A. Fleming,
Kosciusko G.Fleming,
John H. Fitzgerald,
Oliver Gray,
Calvin Gray,
Christopher Hartman,
Daniel C. Hawk,
George L. Hannegan,
Daniel Ho user,
William B. Hays,
James R. Henderson,
James W. Havs,
Peter C. Hetrick,
Augustus J. Hetrick,
George J. Hetrick,
Thomas Ilosack,
James H. Hill,
William J. Johnston,
David C. Kirkpatrick,
Ninety in all ; ages averaging about 24 years.
The same day we drew clothing, each man receiving
one over<'oat, one dress coat, one i)air of pants, one cap'
on© pair of shoes, two pairs of socks, two pairs of draw-
ers and one shirt, with the promise of another. It was
the work of only a few minutes to get out of our old
clothing and into the new. Some of the old clothing was
boxed up and sent home to friends. We soon found one
36
William McCullough,
18
20
David L. McCloskey,
20
:ii}
Thomas J. Marlin,
19
23
George Nicely,
23
IS
Charles Nichols,
34
19
David dinger,
21
23
William D. Porter,
19
22
John Pettigrew%
32
21
William H. Reesman,
20
20
John C. Russell,
36
19
William B. Ramsay,
26
18
Caspar Reed,
20
25
Robert P. Shields,
42
32
M. V B. Sproul,
27
19
August Schmuck,
30
30
George M. Smith,
23
24
Simon Schrecengost,
32
18
Samson Schrecengost
19
22
George Sheckler,
21
20
Joseph Shoemaker,
2(J
18
Charles M. Smith,
28
18
George W. Thompson
24
18
Henry Up[)erman,
23
21
William Wells,
:V)
25
William Whittaker,
27
26
William Whited,
26
24
John S. Walker,
21
18
David Wolf,
21
18
Samuel Whited,
IS
50
disadvantage in our new uniforms; that is, we eouid not
pass through the camp guards as before. Then there was
no recognizable difference between us and citizens, and
we could go in and out past the guards at will. But now,
since we had put on the blue, it was different, and we
began to realize that we belonged to Uncle Sam; and we
realized it still more the next day, September 4th, when
we receired our arms — Belgian rifles, with sabre bayo-
nets, (the gun and bayonet weighing seventeen poumis)
cartridge boxes, knapsacks, haversacks and canteens.
The guns and the sabre bayonet were dangerous look-
ing weapons. The guns were said to kill at 1,000 yards,
but on examination we found they would not be dangerous
to the enemy unless we got close enough to bayonet or
club him. Some of the guns had one defect and some
another. Some of the tubes had no holes in!
Friday, Se])tember 5th, we received orders to march at
5 p. ni. The distance to the depot was two miles, and we
were six hours going that distance. AVe would march a
short distance, halt, lie down with our heads on our knap-
sack, so as to get the load off' our shoulders and ])erhaps
get a short sleep; then up and forward a few rods more
and lie down again. We arrived at the cars at 10 p. m. — ■
cattle cars of course, because soldiers did not ride in any
others. Crowded in the cattle cars with scarcely air to
breathe, this ride was to us as devoid of comfort as can
well be imagined. The train did not start until 3 a. m.
and arrived in Baltimore about 10 o^clock. Here we had
a walk of two miles or more through the city to the,
Washing-ton depot. After marching through the dusty
streets on a warm day, we began to learn how wealthy we
were. Uncle Sam had given each'of us GO or 70 pounds
besides what trinkets of our own we might wisli to have.
155th REG. PA. VOL. 57
111 giving us <*lotlung we liad not received clothing suit-
<ible for the season, but it was all heavy woolen goods,
and not being accustomed to that kind of clothes, we
suft'ered very much from the heat. We received a very
good dinner in Baltimore of l)read, cheese, coftee, bacon
and other things. We then amused ourselves as best we
could until 5 ]>. in., when we took the train for Washing-
ton, D. C, ariiving there at 10 p. m., and had supper and
quarters at the Soldiers^ Eetreat until noon next day.
The Soldier's Retreat was an institution for the accommo-
dation for such trampvS as we. The table would accom-
date about 1000 men. There was but one bed room and
one bed which would accommodate as many men as the
tables. There was on the bed neither feathers, mattress,
nor anything softer than a l)oard. But they were mind-
ful of us in placing <>uards at the doors to prevent rob-
bers from entering and stealing our wealth, and to pre-
vent any of us from wandering out in our slee]).
After dinner September 7th the regiment was ordered
to Camp C'hase.a few miles in Virginia. Army life was begin-
ning to take effect and there were live of company K that
were not able for this march. In the evening the Colonel
sent back wagons to l)ring u]) the sick. That night we
had no tents or roof over us. We thought it bad enough
but soon got accustomed to it. Here we began to drill,
and we can only form an idea of how we did it by looking
at new beginners now, and what made it worse for us,
very few of the officers knew more about it than the pri-
vate. That evening we got our "A" tents again and slept
in them that night. Next day marching ordei-s again but
did not march until sun-down. There was good mooii-
light. The dust on the road six inches deei>. For the in-
formation of those who never saw a body of troops marcli
5S HISTORY OF COMPANY **K,"
It may be well to say that they inarch in column g four
abreast, with the officers and sergeants on the flanks.
This column marching so stirred up the dust we could see
r.othinji' and it was very disagreeable. Our walk was
about 7 miles, passing through Alexandria, and soon after
iiiilting in an open field. Our tents could not keep up
with us and so we lay out again.
September 9th we drilled nearly all day, except a detail
of 0 men and a corporal, who took lessons in standing on
I'amp guard, two hours on guard and four off. 'Next day
A as si)ent in the same way. That night at dark our tents
(Ttme up again and we remained long enough with them
Ui say a last and long farewell, for they have never over-
taken us yet. We did not know it then. AVe had them
nil up and ready to turn in by 11 p. m. An hour later the
Cnionel came around waking us all up. "He was awk-
\ ard, too," for later on that duty was left to the Orderly
^Sergeant. Soon all were out in line. This no doubt was
all part of the night drill; at any rate we got accustomed
to it, but the boys never seemed to enjoy it. The next
order was to load. This, too, must have been part of the
drill, or else the officers of the regiment had become more
frightened than the men. All but the camp guards
jtiarched off about four miles and went into camp where
there were some 10,000 other raw troops. The next
morning the camp guards we had left behind came up.
Here we were brigaded with the 123rd, l.'^st and 13ord
Penn. Vol. They were nine months regiments, and with
the l.joth formed the 2nd Biigade, .'3d Division, ."ith
Oorps.
Our stay here was short. That evening our regiment,
with all tlie others, packed their knapsacks and started.
We were already becoming like a machine. We started
155th keg. pa. vol. 59
and we stopped at the will of the oommander. When he
said "get up,'' we got np.
We crossed back over the Potomac at Georgetown,
and after marching nearly all night went into camp near
Washington City. We were having varied experiences,
in about a week from the time when we left home we
were i>rotecting the National Capital. We h;id been in
different camps in Virginia and now in another week we
were again in Washington, going to some other place.
Oreen troops were likely to feel their great importance,
and that the welfare of the nation depended upon them.
Gonse(iuently they would adopt some significant name.
'Ve called ourselves the ''Loyal Union Guards,'' and when
e were wanted in line our company officers would com-
•riand us saying, "Fall in. Loyal Union Guards," but this
was soon abbreviated to "Fall in Company K."
We had already learned the i)opular war song of tlie
period, "We'll hang Jeff Davis on a sour apple tree," and
as many of our boys were good singers, we heard it
almost (continually; but notwithstanding the heartfelt sin-
cerity of the musicians, and that Jeff' Davis well deserved
what we threatened him with, yet the old traitor still lives
a!id glories in "the Lost Cause."
Our experience so far had no resemblance to a picnic,
..•ut it was out of the question for us to become lonesome
or homesick, when we had with us Tim, the student, Ted-
dy, the musician, and the Flying Dutchman from Slabtown.
September 12th, we marched to the armory in Wash-
Jhgton and exchanged our Belgian rifles for some that we
• tuld shoot with and then returned to camp.
60
CHAPTER 11.
Marcliiug- — Cannon Heard — Stonewall Jackson — Hard
March — A Day's Rest And What We Saw — Frederick,
Md. — Mght March — Straggling- — South Mountain —
Antietani Battle Field — Wounded and Dead — Why
The Battle Did is^ot go on— In Line of Battle— Under
Fire — On Picket — Sunday- Exercises^Relieved — Vis-
itors— Balloon — Mail From Home — Likes and Dis-
likes— Preaching — Beef And the Sick — Reviewed l>y
- The President and Generals — Paymaster — Company
Cooks — Sent Money Home — Daily Programme — Big
Spring — Colonel Allabach — Wet Pickets — Xight Drill
— State Election — Flag Presented — Inspection — Or-
ders to Move — Graybacks — Shelter Tents — Hospital
Tent.
September 13th, 1862. we resumed our march, traveled
nine or ten miles and went into camp at 3 p. m. This day
we first heard cannon in battle in the direction of Fred-
erick, Md., the direction in which we were marching.
During this march, if some one had followed the colunni
with a wagon train, he might have secured clothing suffi-
cient to have taken a Government contract to furnis'i
'clothing, especially overcoats.
Here we began to hear of Jackson (Stonewall). ]Many
of us knew nothing about him at first, l)ut soon learned
that he was a rebel General and a great flanker, who was
more feared by our men than was Gen. Lee, or any other
rebel. When the men would become fatigued or sleepy
' on the march, some one would be sent along to start the
report that Jackson was surrounded, or captured, or jiill-
ed, then the boys would cheer, and that would wake theui
155th REG. PA. VOL. 61
ap for a time. To-day we marclied about twelve miles.
Septembjer 15tli--this day we marched eighteen miles, it
being the longest of any so far. It was very hard carrying
the heavy loads that we carried with our warm woolen
clothes all on, and besides this it was a very warm day.
There was considerable straggling. We camped near
Frederick, Md. Here the rebels had been, four days pre-
vious, and here we began to see some of the dreadful re-
sults of war. One thing was a dead man entirely naked,
jying by a tree. He had turned as black as any negro.
Of late years there has been inquiries in newspapers as to
whom the spy was that was hanged near Frederick, Md.
It is probable that what we saw was the body of that spy.
The battle of South Mountain, a few miles from here, was
fought and won yesterday, by the Union forces.
Sei)tember 17th, we did not get orders to march until
5 p. m. There was heavy cannonading all day in the dis-
tance, which we afterwards learned was at Antietam. At
5 p. m., we fell in line and marched to the city, and through
it. We were very much cheered by the Union sentiment
of the city, and the boys ])leased with the many i)retty
girls they saw. We marched on and on, oui company
growing smaller and smaller ; the men would get so tired
and sleei>y they would drop out and lie down in a fence
corner or anywhere that was not occupied. At 12 p. m.
when we dropped out, there were eleven men left in the
company, and they said when they stopped to rest at 4 p.
m., there were only fifteen men in the Regiment, including
officers ; at midnight we had marched fourteen miles. We
were now in Fitz John Porter's corps, said to contain 40,-
000 men, all new troops.
We slept until daylight, when Ave arose and followed;
every place was full of men along the road, who had not
(32 HISTORY OF COMPANY "k/'
yet waked up. We passed over Soutlj Mountain where
the l)attle had been fought on the 14th, saw where our
men had charged up the steep mountain side, some places
nearly perpendicular, and had driven the rebels oW
the summit ; and we thought if we had ]>een there as the
rebels were, they could not have driven us off, and one
thing is certain, they never did drive us where we had half
the advantages they had there. There were still many
dead rebels, dead horses, and thousands of relics ofahanl
fought battle field remaining there. What was left of the
Regiment went into camp on Antietam battle field about
1' p. m., Sept. 18th, after an almost continuous march of
twenty-one hours. An hour or two later tlie larger part
of the company came up, having had several hours rest
and sleep, and were much better fitted for work, had there
been any. As we came near the battle field w^e found
every house, barn and shed turned into a hospital, and
filled with the wounded and dying, wounded and mangled
in every imaginable way, by shot and shell, by saber cut
and bayonet thrust. The surgeons were busy at work,
here taking off a leg, there an arm, yonder probing for a
bullet, etc. We also met many going to the rear where
there was more room for them, who w ere w^ounded, but
not so seriously that they could not walk, many of them
bloody and pitiable looking objects. Here we were look-
ing at just what we had enlisted to do to others, nor
did we know but that before the setting of tomorrow's
sun we might be lying cold in death, or lying on the sur-
geon's table as fit subjects for his knife, tis these poor fel-
lows were on whom we were looking. Our company
were soon all ready to answer roll call, except Johu
Carney and William Ohrisman who did not report. As we
. 155th kecj. pa. vol. Ga
leiuned afterwards tliey had become satisfied with wh;)t.
we had already seen and had quit and gone home.
There is a difference in the reports of liistorians in re-
gard to tliis day's proceedings. Some claim that General
McClellan intended renewing the battle that morning, but
that on examination found that the ammuuition for his bat-
teries was becoming scarce and was waiting to get a 8ii|j-
l)ly. Others claim that the rebel General Lee used a lit
tie strategy in order to get away; that he sent in a Hag of
truce with the plea that they wanted to bury the dead ami
care for the wounded. It is strange that none of our able
historians have learned the leason — that it was because
Company K of the 155th Regiment Pa. Vol. was so far
away ! ancj that we, after a contin jous march of nearly 24
hours, must have a little time to rest and get our dinner,
and then that it was too late to let the battle go on that
day ! After we ate our (trackers and drank our coffee, we
advanced a half mile and lay in line all night to be ready
at a momeut's notice ; but somehow General Lee learned
of the tra]) laid for him and left during the night. Jn the
morning we learned they had retreated during the night.
That day (September 19th) we advanced about four mile^.
We w ould march some distance and think we were near
them, form line of l>attle and advance to find they were
keeping out of reach. That night we encamped near the
Potomac river. This will always be reckoned as one of
the bloody battles of the war. Union losses — killed,
2,010; wounded, 9,41<> ; missing, 1,01.'5. Rebel losses —
killed, .3,500 ; wounded, 16,:i99; missing; 6,000.
September 20th we marched about three miles and eu-
camped three-fourths of a mile from the river. Many of
'US went to the river bluff', from where our batteries were
firing at the rebels across the river and our shari>-8hoot~
«}4
ers were popping away at every one who came in sight.
The river here was about 75 yards wide. That evening
our regiment was put out along the river bank on picket,
another new experience for us. No doubt we were
watchful that night if ever we were, knowing the rebels
were within gun shot of us. Next day was Sabbath.
We did not have to stand on picket, but were there ready
if needed. In the forenoon the company collected in two
squads on the line and had bible class and praj er meeting
and in the afternoon Lieut. DeFord preached us a very
.i;ood sermon from the text "Prepare to meet thy God,"
Amos 4-12. In the evening we were relieved by another
regiment of' our brigade and we returned to camp. We
were then in 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, ."ith Coiips.
It had been only three weeks since leaving home, we
had endured many trials and hardships, and passed
through a great many of the differeuT ])ha8es of a soldier's
life. We had not drilled very much, but the reason was,
we were too steadily on the move and had not the time or
opportunity to drill. When we enlisted, Armstrong coun-
ty promised to give us each one tifty dollars bounty, and
ou the 22nd Capt. Cline made out a roll to be returned to
the county officials, and for our friends to draw th^t
amount, we did considerable drilling. On the 24th, we
again went on picket along the banks of the Potomac and
returned to camp on the 25th. We soon learned to enjoy
picket life. There was but very little danger in it and we
were away from the daily routine and constraints of camp
life. We could eat and sleep whenever we pleased, but
must take regular turns in standing on picket, that is, two
hours on duty and four off. On the 25th we returned ta
camp, 26th we had visits from Wm. Cochran and Prof.
Thompson, of Glade Run, and next day, one by Mr. Truitt.
155th REG. PA. VOL. 65
They were emergency men, called out for a few days to
resist the threatened invasion of Pennsylvania by the
reV)els. We had a great many visits from our friends in
.other regiments, who, having heard of our advent into
military life, called around to see iis. For four days past
there has been a balloon sent up each day from near cam])
They have not reported to us what they saw, but we take
it for granted they saw something or they would not con-
tinue to go u]). That morning the report was that the
^Mail had come. AVe had been nearly a month from honie
,d no letters. "Are our dear ones dead f " Have they
forgotten us f '' Why don't they write f have been
some of the questions heard every day. Kow, when
a mail has come, what anxious hearts ! What longing
eyes ! What listening ears, to hear our names called
when the letters are being distributed ! A great many
: e doomed to bitter disappointment. There must be an
other mail that has been following us around, and has not
reached us yet. Those who have received a letter from
home or a loved one, see how they grasp it! See how
their eyes brighten ! Kow they seek some quiet corner
^o open and read; no company is needed now. Friends at
ome, no doubt you enjoyed receiving our letters, and to
know that we were still alive and able to wiite ; you did
iiot know perhaps how much we enjoyed yours.
Although obedience is the first duty of a soldier, that
does not hinder him from having his likes or dislikes. He
soon learns whether an officer is doing all he can to light-
en his burdens, and is trying to make him comfortable, or
whether he tries to show his authority by adding unnec-
essary duties and make this life more miserable. The
;>oys have already learned that our Colonel, E. J. Allen,
belongs to the former class, while our Brigade Command-
(j(> HISTORY OF COMPANY *'K,"
er, Col. Allabacli, belongs to tlie latter. The title lie
usually receives wlien he is referred to is "Old Allabaeh/'
or some other disrespectful term. On Sabbath, Septem-
ber 28th, his orders were for the brigade to drill nearly all
day, but Col. Allen did not order us out and not one com-
pany of the regiment went out.
Eev. Mr. Wallace, a laiited Presbyterian, came and v(»I-
unteered to preach a sermon at 11 a. m., and all who
wished went out to a grove where he })reached an excel-
lent sermon from Psalms 4(3-1.
A large number of the com])any are sick, mostly from.
diarrhea. Five reported to the surgeon at sick call this
morning, Hill, Calhoun, Eitchey, Foster and McCloskey,
and no wonder we were sick and had diarrhea. We had
very little to eat except fresh beef, and that almost witln-
out salt. Another difficulty was, either the surgeon did
not understand his business or else he did not have the
proper medicine, ])resumably the latter. He had only
two kinds of medicine, or pills, and with them he might
try to cure all the ailments we had. And no difference
what ailed a man, he got i)ills out of one lot or the other,
which ever first came to hand.
September 29th. The Colonel had a scjuad sent out to
get some brush to make a cover over his horse to shelter
him from the sun by day and the dew by night, as we had
both in abundance. We thought if shade was good for a
horse it might be for men too, and as we had no other
shelter, we went to the woods, got forks, poles and brush,
carried them to camp and put them over us.
October 2nd. Cramp is becoming quite common, and
a number have had it. Simon Schrecengost had a very
severe attack of it to-day. If he had not got relief he
could not have lived two hours. As it was he never ful!j
1551 H ke(t. pa. vol. 67
recovered. In a few days he was sent to the general hos-
pital near Frederick, Maryland, where he died, Decend)er
7th, 1862, the second man in the eouipany that laid <lown
liis life. When we left home, a little more than three
months previous. Simon appeared as though he niiglit t>e
the healthiest, hardiest man in the company. Kev. Mi.
Mechlin, D. 1).. of Glade Hun, looked at him and ob-
served that ''Simon Schrecengost was his beau ideal of
,1 soldier.'' Up until two daj^s ago we were encami)ed iu
- a plowed tield and the dust was very disagreeal)le. We
: then moved a short distance into a clover field where it
V is much more pleasant. October 3rd — we were receive/i
to-day by President Lincoln, Generals George F>. McClel-
lan, Fitz John Porter and others. This is a connnent
written at the time: ''McClellan is very much like his
picture, only he is of a very fair complexion. He has i*
bright eye. Lincoln looks like some old farmer, no *fo|<-
pishness, but all honesty and sincerity." Next day the
paymaster came. We were all paid in a very few minuter,
.i=27 each, $2r> of it l)eing the first installment on the $H«0
. U. S. bounty promised us, and .*2 being an enlistment fee.
The com])any receiving .'<-!,21:l in all. On the ()th we re-
ceived a general mail and there was great joy in camp.
Our principal diet thesese times was fresh beet, rice, sugar
and coffee, all to be cooked in a few camp kettles. Army
regulations call for comi)any cooks, that is, the whole com-
l>any rations to be cooked together. That system did not
suit us. The boys soon became tired of it. Instead of
s-^ each one receiving his portion out of the i)Ot after it was
cooked, we preferred leceiving our rations raw, and cook-
ing them to suit our own taste, and when we again start-
ed on the march we had it in that way.
October 8th. A large portion of the company entrusted
i58
the inoney they Avished to send home to Mr. Triiitt to car-
ry aud leave at the bank in Kittannino-, which he did to
■the satisfaction of all. Mr. Tniitt had been in the army
visiting friends.
This is our programme for each day in camp : At 5 a. m.
reveille and roll call ; at 6, breakfast call : at 7, S(iuad
drill, when the sergeants drill the company in squads ; at
8, company drill; at 9, battallion drill ; at 11, non-commis-
sioned officers' drill ; at 12, dinner ; at 2 p. m., company
drill; at 3, battallion drill; at 4, squad drill; at 5, dress
parade ; at 5:30, supper ; at 9, lights out. At 8:30 a. m. we
kad sick call, when the 1st sergeant reported the sick to
The surgeon. This was our daily routine, and not much
time for our own amusement, except when we go on pick-
et, when we have the easiest and best times.
October 10th. The sick of the company are generally
better, except A. L. Wilson and W. B. Hays, who have the
fever, and were this day sent to the hospital at Frederick
City. We had to go half a mile for water, to where there
was a very large spring of excellent water, sufficient for a
great portion, if not all of McOlellan's army. About this
time Colonel Allabach was superseded by Brigadier Gen-
eral Briggs, much to the satisfaction of all. That evening
we again went on picket. About the time we started it
began to rain. We had to go about three miles, and were
posted along the tow-path of the canal, and were not per-
mitted to make a tire at night. The ground was covered
with water, and those who had the privilege of lying down
either had to lie in water or contrive some plan to keep
them out of it. Some made piles of brush, rolled up in
their blankets and lay on top of the pile. It rained all
night, and next day was quite wet. This time we could
jiot boast of the good time we had on picket. That eve-
155th REG. PA. VOL. 69
liing- we were relieved and returned to ramp. Next day
was Sabbath. AVe did not drill, but had company inspec-
tion in the mornino- and dress parade in the evening. We
had no preaching, but the company had social religious
exercises. The Colonel had ])lanned to give us a lesson
in drilling that night, and one that, although we frequently
practiced it, we never took any great delight in. In the
evening Avord was circulated that we had to march to
meet the rebels who had come across the river. At bed
time we all lay down with orders to be ready to march at
two minutes notice. lie waited until he thought we might
all be asleei>, when the long roll beat, and every fellow got
up, rolled up his overcoat and blanket, ])uton his cartridge
box. knapsack, haversack and canteen, and in less
than tive minutes every man was in line ready to march.
All the other comi)anies of the regiment came out too.
The Colonel came along and told Capt. Cline to have the
men number off. They did so. He said, "Well done, I
only wanted to see how many and how (juick they could
get into line, and for all to go back to bed." We did so
just as it began to rain and it rained all night. We arose
on ALonday morning as wet as it was possible for us to V)e.
The Colonel selected a time for this little i)eiformance
when we were all in a very sleepy condition. The story
01 the rebels coming across and of our going out to meet
them Avas only a plan to test the courage and willingness
of the boys to turn out in case of an emergency.
Tuesday, October 11th. This was election day. Kach
company held its own election. We voted for Assembly
and U. S. Congress, with the following result in the com-
pany: democratic vote, 15; republican vote, .30; total, 45.
That evening we again went to the river on jiicket, and
had a more pleasant time. Some of the boys sickened
70
tkemselves eating' pawpaws, which grew there. The day
previous the rebels had fired across at our pickets a short
distance below and we had ordeis that if any [)ut in an
appearance for us to try our guns. Conseciuently we had
our guns ready, but they did not sliow themselves in rea(*h.
We returned to cam}) in the evening. The night of the
IGtli was another very wet and to us very unconiforta])le
jiight, and the Colonel gave orders that we need not drill
before 9 a. m., giving us a chance to get dried off. This^
day the State ]>resented to us a beautiful silk Hag. The
presentation speech was made by Adjutant (reueral
Thomas, of the State of Pennsylvania. Col. Allen re-
sponded in a most elo<|uent speech. On the 18th Hum-
]>hrey's Division crossed the river on a reconnoisance and
had a skirmish with the enemy. Again on the 20th there
were a great many troops on the move, ]>ut we did not
receive any orders. We received a visit from the In-
spector. He inspected everything — guns, cartridge boxes,
knapsacks and then our quarters. When he looked at
Ihem and saw we had no cover over us and nothing but
ground under us he said no wonder the men were sick, it
was now about six weeks since we saw our tents or had
any cover over us. Out of 87 men two are absent witii-
011 c leave, twenty are sick and unfit for duty, some with
fever and some with other diseases. Three of them have
hlready been sent to the general hospital and more had
better be sent, leaving sixty-five .for duty. Tuesday a. m.
all was bustle and confusion. We received orders to be
ready with three days rations in our haversacks. Each
one stowed away twenty-five to thirty crackers, some cot-
fee, sugar, salt and a piece of beef. About that time in
our lives some of the boys learned the fact that their gar-
ments were becoming more thickly inhabited than was
155th beg. ta. vol. 71
comfortable to the wearer. It was soon evident tliat they
were not visitors but had come to Rtay, because they were
already raising;' large families and liad lots of eggs depos-
ed about the seams and secret recesses of our under
garments, and in all their numerous hiding places. Per-
haps we had unwittingly given them an insitation to come,
• cause when we first went into the service we were more
-areless in our habits of cleanliness than we would have
been at home, or than we were after we had soldiered
- »iue time. Soldiers have many things to learn. Hence, re-
uits that went into old regiments fared better and had bet-
1 health tlian men of new regiments, wheie all wei-e green
and had not yet been educated to take care of themselves.
(3ur camj) passed along ns usual, some days on i)icket,
:liei' days drilling, but always under marching orders. On
the night of the 22nd we were awakened in the night to
■^aw rations and to get ready to move. On the 24tli
(' drew what Avas calle<l shelter tents. Each man drew
le, and as our loads were not yet complete we might
rher carry our own tent or go without. They were made
. white drilling, were about 5 1-2 feet-square, with l)ut-
:.»us on three sides, and ropes on two corners for pinning
» the ground. One alone was not of much use, two
ould make a roof with both gables open, while with three
e could make a roof and close one gable, so that usually
aree or more comrades went in a mess, fastened their
tents together and crawled under. Let us see ! How did
e accomplish it t Suppose it was a wet night and we
anted all our possessions under cover ; the dimensions,
lien fastened down on each side, are about .'i 1-2 feet
jiigh in the center. 7 feet wide, and can be made about six
f^et long. We spread our blankets, put our knapsacks in
lc back end for pillows, laid our guns and cartridge-boxes
72 HISTORY OF COMPANY 'K,*'
Oil the sides, put our haversacks wherever there was the
most room, and our shoes and clothing ditto. Our can-
teens are out yet ; we will put them in too to prevent their
being stolen. Now our goods and chattels are all provi-
ded for ; we Avill crawl in, with our head at the closed ga-
ble, and close the other end with our feet, or push our feet
outside where there is more room. Some of us did that
every night.
After getting into our parlor and bedroom, we had just
barely room for three to "spoon it.'' After awhile some
one of the three would discover that there was a protu-
berance on his body — that is, directly over one on the
ground, and from his feelings he judges the two are not on
good terms. He wants to turn, but there is not room suf-
ficient until he awakens his comrades, and all turn at once;
then perhaps some other fellow would find a protuberance,
and thus it goes all night, and night after night.
But, after all, shelter tents were much better than no
tents at all. We had been forty-four days and nights with-
out, and now we could appreciate them ; and foi' 2 years and
8 months afterwards they were the only covering we had.
About this time the regiment received a large tent, to
be used as a hospital. A sick man was admitted if he had
permission from the surgeon. When inside, there was
nothing there ; no bed, not enough straw to cover tlie
ground, no accommodations for a sick man nor a well one
either — only that he was inside a tent. There were a great
many sick in the company and regiment with fevers, yel-
low jaundice and other diseases. Up to this time about
the most severe affliction we had to contend with was com-
pany cooks, and probably much of the sickness was at-
tributable to the villainous compounds we received from
that plan of cooking.
ir)5TH REG. PA. VOL. 73
CHAPTEK III.
Oettinj[>- Eeady to Move — Experiences of the Sick — Go-
in^- to and About the Hospital — Marching — Foraging
— Honey etc. — Marching — First Death — Reviews —
General Suspended — Death in an Ambulance — Com-
pany Cooks Dispensed with — Ko Rest for us — Fred-
ericksburgh — Charge of 5th Corps — Hospital Duty —
A Chaplain — Good Place to Die, Poor Place to Get
Well — Digging his Own Grave — Relieved at Hospital
— Building Quarters — Picket Duty — The Sick — jVIarch-
ing Orders— Sick Sent off--"Muddy March.*'
October 20th, 18(»2— -Marching orders have been receiv-
ed. All that were able to go packed up and started. The
hospital tent was taken down and loaded on a wagon; the
sick who were in it were left there. Eighteen of Company
K were either in the hospital or ready to go, being unal)le
to march. As there were a goodly number unable to go
when tlie army moved away, we will relate some of their
ex])erien<'e for a few days. There were probal)ly 100 men
of the Regiment remained, and of these, our company had
a fair proportion.
Our new mode of life—our exjiosure to all kinds of
weather—our insufficiency of proper food, all helped to
bring about this state of affairs; but, perhaps, the i)rin-
cipal cause, was the dreadful mixtures gotten by our com-
pany cooks. Those who tasted will know about it, all
others must remain in ignoiance.
There was a barn al)Out one-half mile distant. Those
that were able to walk assisted those less able; here they
made themselves as comfortable as possible. James HilPs
((uarters was in a hen house over a pig pen ; Sergeant
74 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
MarslialFs was in a stall, whose previous o('('ui)ant had
been of the bovine species. There were no rations but
eoffee and some mouldy crackers. There was a reputed
surgeon left in charge. If he had had medicine and remain-
ed sober long enough to administer it, he might have prov-
en himself to be some sort of a doctor; as it was, the sick
had no means of knowing. Here tltey lay from Thursday,
October 30, to Monday, Xovember 3, when the ground was
covered with snoAV. That evening ambulances came, load-
e*l up the sick and took tliem to the canal on the Potomac
Itiver. The canal boats were full before our arrival, not
another man could get in : but the doctor had made sure
to shi{) himself and all the provisions. Here was another
•lilemma, which was solved by tbe ambulance moving off
a mile or so and dnmi)ing the sick down at a deserted
liouse to remain, as it i)roved to be, two days, when they
loaded u|> again and went about four miles, striking the
<'anal in a new place : here after a delay of four hours the
sick were put into a dirty old coal boat aljout six feet
deep and no ingress or egress, except at the open top and
■|i:it by climbing up and down a plank leaned against the
!-ide. Xecessity made It necessary for some to climb that
plank very often. The boat arrived at Sandy Hook,
Harper's Ferry, about 8 p. m. VTe were ordered to remain
iu the boat all rdght. About midnight a cold rain came on
and there was no cover on the boat. The move next
ujorning was out of the boat into the cars for Frederick,
Maryland. The car had, a very short time previously, been
used for shipping cattle, hence, the ride was very unpleas-
ant for all, especially those who were too sick to sit or
stand, and in addition to that, the wind was blowing hard
and freezing. On tlie arrival of the train at Frederick,
some were taken to hospitals in the city, in buildings tern-
15oTH REG. PA. VOL. 75
porarily used for that purpose, others were taken to the
hosjntal at Camp *'A,*' and others to Camp "B." Camp "A"
: nd '*B" were reguhir hospitals in tents. The tents were
1 rows of three. We could pass through the tirst into tlie
second, tlirougli the second into the third and out.
There were about six beds and a stove in each tent, and a
nurse to each three. Here the boys generally had good
lectors, good l)eds and good nursing, unless, as was too
ten the case,there was some villain for a nurse, who was
><► cowardly to shoulder a gun and goto the front, or too
:s]i<»nest to get employment anywhere else, and he would
re to the Government as nurse. Then when the doctor
(Mild tind it necessary to prescribe for a patient, some
-Timulant, or milk, or oysters, or some other delicacy, the
luse would get the prescription tilled and appropriate it
■" his own use, and the sick man would be none the wiser
:• better of it either, but woe unto that nnise if the doc-
" -r should learn that he had been robbing the sick. It is
ox probable that every sick or wounded man went
1 rough such e\[>erie ces as here recorded, but if he did
')t, he i)robably passed through others eciually as bad or
orse before he reached a general hospital. The wonder
is that so many have livea through it to tell of their suf-
ferings and privations.
Xow, to return to the company. We left camp Oct.
"th and marched some miles down the river, crossing
'xt day at Hari)er\s Feny, and goiug some miles into Vir-
-^nia.
XoN'ember 1st Ave remained in camp. November 2nd
we marched to Snickersville, near a pass in the mountains
ailed Snicker^s Gap. Here the advance had a skiiniish
with the enemy, and here we rested for two days.
Dui'ing the first vears of the war our (Generals were
70 HISTORY OF COMPANY "k/'
very particular about doing any thing to irritate the feel-
ings of our Southern brethren, and we had orders not to
molest any property or conliscate anything belonging to
those disloyal subjects of the best Government on earth,
and in order to prevent any acts of disobedience on the
part of the men, they would order guards placed on all
property that was iu danger of receiving this kind of a.
visit from the Union soldier. Very freijuently some old
rebel would come into cam]) and ask the commanding offi-
cer for a guard to be placed over his property, which Avas
usually granted. The men who were getting only $13 per
month learned the fact long before the officers did that
rebels were rebels, and as such did not deserve any pro-
tection from the Government, and that their property was
forfeited and ought to be contiscated.
Many of the boys went out to view the country, and as
Sherman's "bummers" had not been that way, nothing ap.
peared to be afraid of a soldier. Some of them drew up
at the residence of a wealthy planter, who l)y his own con-
fession had fought in the first battle o.f Bull Eun and now
had a substitute in the rel)el army. The surroundings
were attractive and everything plenty. The boys were in-
specting things closely, when W. D. Porter was attacked
by some bees, and he, to prevent theiu from annoying any
of his comrades who might call, took the box with him.
Calhoun, Eitchey and others had a skirmish in the poultry
yard, and there were five chickens that went to camp with
them. The guard had not yet been placed on that prop-
erty. Charley (Capt. Cline's servant) thought this was too
good a thing for him to miss, so lie started ; but by that
time the guard was there, and poor Charley was captured
and sent in under guard. Orderly Sergeant Brown made
some private arrangement with the guard, ])y which he se-
155th REG. PA. YOL. 77
cured a box of honey that night. The guards would do
those things when it could be done with safety to them-
selves. This change of diet was good medicine for the
boys. After feasting there two days we again started on
the tramp from Snicker's Gap. Next day we encamped at
White Plains and remained during the 7th.
November Sth. We were detailed as train guards and
as the train moved in the rear of the colums, we did not
get into camp until nearly midnight.
John Campbell died in the hospital at Fredelick, ^Md.,
Kov. 9th. about ten weeks after leaving home. His term
of service was short, but he gave his life in the service of
his country. His death was the first in the company, but
was soon followed by njany more. This day we marched
about tive miles and encamped in sight of Warrenton.
where we remained until the 17tli.
November 10th. We were reviewed by General George
B. ]\[cClellan, then commanding the Army of the Poto-
mac.
November 12th. Were reviewed by Gen. Fitz John
Porter, our Corps Commander. Both these Generals
were relieved in a very short time.
November 14th. Gen. McClellan rode along the lines
taking his leave.
November 15th. Isaac L. Moore died in the hospital at
Frederick. Another young life gone.
November 17th, 18th and 19th we marched hard under
the command of General A. E. Burnside, commanding
the army, and General Joseph Hooker, commanding 5th
Corps.
The death of Corjyoral William E. McClure Nov. 19tli
was peculiarly sad. He had been sick a few days, and
being unable to march, he was given a seat in an ambu-
78 HISTORY OF COMPANY ''K,"
lance, and died in tlie ambulance while on tlie move along
with the marching- column. He was a promising young
man and had already endeared hiuiself to his comrddes
by his genial disposition and his njany good qualities.
He was buried next day ])y comrades John A. Eitchey
and AV. D. Porter, in a soldier^s grave. Wm. B. Hays died
in the hospital at Frederick on the same day.
November 20th and 21st there was a regular old Vir-
ginia rain and we remained in camp.
November 22nd. Second Lieut. Wui. W. Caldwell re-
signed on account of bad health, and Orderly David
Brown was promoted to the vacancy and John A. Eitchey
was i)romoted to CW^tlerly. This day^s march l)rought us
on the hills near Fredericksburgh, Ya.
November 23rd we moved and encami)ed on what we af-
terwards called '^Louse Hill." The weather was wet ainl
cold and rations scarce, only nine hard tack a day. After
leaving Sharpsburgh each mess did its own cooking, ami
it soon began to tell on the health and spirits of the men.
Now our ai)petites were too large for Uncle Sam's allow-
ance, and nine crackers seemed about enough for one
good square meal. VYe had now become well aciiuainted
with that small insect generally called a grayback, which
kept us on the move continually, when their namesakes
over the line didn't. Between the two we never were i)er-
]iiitted to rest very long at a time. We were taken out to
our picket line, three ndles, and remained three davfs.
While we remained here we were on ])icket thtee days
out of nine.
Jacob Croyle died at Stoneman's Switch, Ya., Dec. 4th,
and Sinion Schrecengost at Frederick, Md., Dec. 7th.
The company remained in camp here until Dec. 11th, when
the ever memorable move against Lee at Fredericksbur.2;h
ir)5TH REG. PA. VOL. 79
comiiieiiced. In the battle that followed our Ive^iineiit
haduine killed and tit'ty-eiii'ht wounded, andoui- Regimenta!
tiag- had thirteen bullet holes in it.
Here is a (flotation from another writer, describing- thin
engagement : "The brave troops of the Fifth Corps
swept forward with lixed bayonets, anxious to pierce the
rebel line. In sjute of the hot tire the Cnion column
moved coolly forward over the blood soaked ground.
The tire of the rebel musketry and artillery, furious as it
was before, now became still hotter. The stone wall was
a sheet of flame that enveloped the flanks and head of the
column, yet on swept the brave boys of the Fifth Cor}»s.
never once flinching before the lead and iron hail. It was a
grand charge, yet it was not destined to be successful.''
Ils'early all these brave troops four months previous
were at home engaged in their various avocations of civil
life. The love of country and a few months military ilis-
cipline had wrought the change.
Just on the eve of the battle Coujpany '-K" was detached
from the regiment and sent to Stoneman's Switch, a few
miles from Fredericksburgh. Upon our arrival there we
found that we- were to be h()S])ital guards, and do otliet-
duty, such as sui)plying wood and water, burying tlie dcMii
etc. There were three members of the company in battle.
Corporal T. J. Marlin, who \yas one of the color guards,
and Sergeant Shecklei', and George M. Smith, who weie,
with the pioneer <M)rps. The remainder of the regiment,
after the battle, leturned to our old camp, about a mile
from where we were doing duty at the hospital. We put up.
our (piarters and made ourselves as comfortable as possi-
ble. It was always uncertain al)Out how long we might
remain in the same place, it might be only a few hours and
it might be for months.
80 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K."
January 1st, 1803, came, and with it Rev. J. M. Thomas
who had been commissioned Chaplain of our regiment.
He A isited our camp almost daily and spent a great por-
tion of the time among the sick in tlie hospital, reading?
singing and praying with the poor fellows. When the
Chaplain tirst met our captain, he told him that Company
"K" had a good reputation for morality and good music.
About this time we were mustered for two months' pay ;
there Avas four months' pay due us.
This hospital was a good place to die in, but a very poor
]>lace to get well. It was literally alive with graybacks.
One case, where after a i)oor soldier had breathed his last,
his blanket was put out on a pole and it was covered with
lice ; one portion of.it had so iiiany that the wool was
covered and the}' made it look a different color. Xo won-
der he died. One i)a]'t of our duty was to dig graves and
bury the dead. In this there was an incident that proba-
bly seldom occurs, and that is, a man helping to dig his
own graA^e. W. D. Porter and Daniel Honser were de-
tailed one day to dig a graAC for the body of a man who
had died. The soldier was interred, but in a few days his
Xorthern friends came and removed him. ' In the mean-
time Houser sickened and died and was buried in the va-
cant grave he had assisted to dig. Comrade Houser was
afterward removed to his Northern home, and Ave know
not what soldier, if any, now sleeps in that Virginia grave.
That spot of Southern soil is sacred in more than one
Northern home. Comrade Houser died January 12thy
1863. It was thought that his death Avas caused by a
sprain while loading wood on a wagon for the use of the
Iiospital.
On this same date the company was relieAcd by a com-
])any from the 123rd Pennsyhania Regiment. The boys
155th REG. PA. VOL. 81
iad complained about the amount of labor they had toper-
form ; now they complained more with the prospect of
having to go to work and build new winter quarters ; but
this work was lightened by the authorities furnishing wag-
ons for us to take our houses with us. We did not get
our quarters completed that night so ihey would shelter
us, and we would have fared badly in the heavy winter
vain that set in that night had it not been for the kindness
'it' Httsburghers, who that day had presented every man
t our regiment, and also of the 123rd regiment, with an
■ rA cloth blanket.
On tlie morning of the 14th our regiment was ordered
on picket for three days. About one dozen of the com-
I)any Avere sick and remained in camp. We had left David
Marshall and one or two others sick in the hospital at
Stoneman's Switch.
January 20th. Benjamin B. Eaton died this day at Ac.
quia Creek Hospital. The army had had marching ordeis
for about a week. The sick had been examined by tlie
surgeons, and all found unfit to march were sent to the
ospital. Some of Company '"K" were found fit subjects for
that place. After the first night out Lieutenant Brown
gave out and returned, and a little later drummer James
A. (xalbraith, who now went down never again to go out
live.
Rations were drawn and everything packed uj), and in
ihe afternoon tlie command was given to march. It
proved to be an attempt of Burnside to cross the Kappa-
hanock river about eight miles above Fredericksburg and
fiank Lee out of that stronghold, but the whole move
was destined to be a failure on account of the rain, and
this expedition to be recorded in history as ''Burnside's
Muddy March," and "Burnside^s stick in the mud.'- The
82 HISTORY OF COMPANY '%"
first night out it began to rain and continued to rain for
sixty hours. The advance got to the liver where it was
intended to cross, but the mud got so deep all were forced
to halt. It was impossible to get the artillery and wagons
along, they would sinkVight downjeverywhere. This is to
notify all future explorers in that country, that if at any
time they jdow or dig up any I". S. army wagons or any
batteries of artillery, they can credit to ^'Burnside's stick
in the mud.^' It was impossible to go forward ; the next
best thing was to try and get back. The ]>oy8 were <'alled
on to corduroy the road. We used logs, poles, brush an«'
rails; no doubt there were thousands of the latter buried
so deep in that mud that the owners have never found
them. The army returned to camp as forlorn and demor-
alized as if they had lost a battle. The men wading mva
splashing through the mud a squad in a ]>lace, the wagons
and teams stalling. The artillery with from six to twelve
horses to a gun doing the same, and everybody and every-
thing covered with mud. This ended our canjpaigning
until spring.
January 27th, Wm. AV. Whitaker was discharged on a
surgeon's certificate of disability. He was one of our tall
men. When we entered the service Ave had about a dozen
tall men^-six feet or more. In a few months they were
all dead or discharged but two, showing that large men
did not stand the wear and tear of army life as well as
small men. Those two remained to the end of the war.
15r>TH REG. PA. VOL. 8*3
chapti:r IV.
Kemoviiig a Dead Comrade — Sanitary Commission — Mov-
ing Camp — Express Boxes^-Seltishness — AnotiieL-
Comrade Gone — Buried in that Historic Grave — B.eg-
imenta] Surgeon — Visits from Friends — Number c^'
Dead — Soft Bread — Weather Betord — Denomination-
al Eecord — Lieut. Brown Sick — Visit from the Rebein
— Deaths and Depletion — Gen. Hooker — Feeding tiie*
Army — xVn Alarm — Business of One ]Jay — Governor
Curtin — Battallion Drill — More Discharges — Loss of
Company to Date — Ai)ril Fools — Reviewed by Geii,
Meade — Rivaliy — Our Brigade — Piesident and Gen-
erals— Corps Review — Furloughs.
January 30th, 186;^. John Allen came to camp to sec
about removing the body of his brother-in-law, Daniel
Houser, to the home of his friends at Concord, Armstrong
county, Pa. Wm. Allen, having procured a coffin at Fal-
mouth. Va.. and a doctor to embalm the body, we raiseif
it February 1st, it having laid in the grave 19 days, andtlie
next day he started home with the dead l>ody of our com-
rade. This day (Sabbath) the Sanitary Commission
through our Captain, presented each one with some read-
ing matter, a i)air of socks and a handkerchief. These
were the tijst gifts w^e received from that grand organiza-
tion.
For some days there had ])een a rumor of our Division
leaving ''Louse Hill" and going to another camp where we
would not have to carry our w ood so far. We had to
carry all we burned. We nsade tha^ move Fel)ruary 2d
and that made it necessary for i^ to build new quarters.
The weather was bad, sometimes raining or snowing, but
84
ive had to take it as it (^ame until we got our houses built.
February 3rd. A number of express boxes had been
received in the company. Perhaps the chief thing dur-
ing the war which afforded equal pleasure to the soldier
and his friends at home, was the sending and receiving of
boxes of good things. When these home boxes arrived
m camp, the men receiving them were like school boys,
elated over their good fortune and ready to share their
delicacies with the less favored who had not been remem-
bered.
Let us enumerate some things ordered in one box:
Gloves, vest, pudding, pickles, hatchet, nails for boot-
iieels, turkey, onions, butter, apple butter, pepper, i)aper,
envelopes, boots, stockings, honey — and then this cata-
logue was supplemented by the friends at home with doz-
ens of other necessaries and delicacies.
The packing of boxes was almost reduced to a science
The object was to crowd the greatest possil^le amount into
a given space, every corner of the box was utilized — not
stuffed with paper by those who understood their busi
iiess, thus wasting space, but filled with a potato or apple,
or a handful of peanuts, a spool of thread, or something
else useful or needed. These and other articles occupied
the spaces between carefully wrapped glass jars, or bot-
tles of preserves, or boxes of butter, or cans of condensed
milk, or well roasted chicken and turkey which each box
was likely to contain. If there was a pair of new boots
among the contents, the feet were filled with little things.
One of the boys found a pint of his favorite drink baked
in a loaf of nice, light bread.
The soldier^s manner of receiving these boxes often
served to indicate his true character. Some evidently re-
solved to give ho one the pleasure of helping him to eat
155th eeg. pa. vol. ' 85
any of his delicacies. It is recorded of one man (not o-f
our company) that he received from home a i>eck of raw
onions, and had not finished them before his company was
ordered to march. He could not carry them with him, nor
could he eat them all, so instead of invitinj>- his comrades
to "help themselves" he repacked the onions and sent
them home. Such selfishness was, however, exceptional.
February 5th. Another of our comrades, Geo. Sheck-
ler, has gone to his long home. He was one of the nuin-
bersent to the hospital at Stoneman's Switch with diar-
rhoea when the army started on the last march. The Cap-
tain had been trying to get a discharge for him, l>ut his
discharge came from a higher source. He was buried in
the same grave that comrade Houser had previously occu-
pied. Two days afterward his father came, raised the body
and took it home with him.
February 11th. The hosi>ital was that day broken up
and the sick taken to their regiments. David Marshall
had been improving, but moving him to the regiment gave
him a relapse and he lived but a few hours.
John AValker a])plied for his dischaige on ac<'ount of
deafness. It came back approved on the 16th and he
started for home.
About this time our Regimental Surgeon, Jas. M. Hoff-
uKin. was i)laced under arrest for inhumanity. He was no
doubt the most inhuman creature we had over us during
the service. If there was one si>ark of humanity about
him we were never able to discover it. After his arrest
the boys said the guards were ])laced al)out him to keep
the d — 1 from carrying him off.
February 14th. This day we were made glad by a visit
from Thomas Ritchey, Robert Calhoun and Wm. W. Mar-
shall. Each one had a boy in the comi)any,but the latter like
85 ' HISTORY OF COMPANY ^'K,"
Mr. Sheckler a few days previous, was two days too late to
see his son alive, and he too raised the body and took it
Itoine to rest in that old grave yard at Glade Eun. Five
and one-half months previous all the boys left their homes
f nil of life and youthful vigor. Now ten of the ninety, or
every ninth man is tilling a soldier's grave, all cut down
by disease, which claimed more victims than the sword.
Now we are going to give the hard tack a rest by eating-
soft bread four days in the week. Boys, do you remem-
ber how good that soft bread was ? and how nearly
every one of us ate up that little loaf that was to do us a
whole day, how we ate that at the first meal? and then
Bkirmished for the twc> next meals, until another day's loaf
was drawn I
At first our soft bread was baked in and shipi)ed from
Washington, but soon after there was a brigade bakei y
erected, and it was baked in camp.
February lOth, John M. Bryan was detached to drive
team.
February 17th, Benjamin Bell was discharged for dis"
ability.
Our \isitors, Messrs. Bitch ey, Caliioun and Marshall ac-
companied by Comrades Calhoun, Marshall and R. O. Cle-
ver, went down to the Rappahannock to get a view of
Fredericksburg. They walked along the bank a mile or
more and had a good view of the i-ity, and also of the
rebels who were on picket along their side of the river,
while ours were along our side.
February 18th, on account of ill health of J. A. Ritchey
and Marshall, Foster became acting Orderly Sergeant.
February 19th, John Carney, who deserted Sept. 17th?
was arrested and taken to the hospital.
We had plenty and a variety of weather about this time-
I
looTH REG. VA, VOL. 87
Here is a record for one week : ^loiiday, m(3e day ; Tues-
day, deep snow; Wednesday's rain and Thursday's sun
melted the snow and made mnd as deep as tlie snow was
previously ; Friday and Saturday, wind dried the mud J
Sabbath, snow a foot deep and cold.
February L'2nd, Oiiristopher Hartman was discharged for
disability. The cha|)lain desired each captain to make out
a roll of his company, with the denomination to which
each belonged. Our company was as follows : 35
iurch members, 39 church membership parentage and 16
DO church or not known ; 23 of the 3o belonged to some
branch of the Presbyterian church ; the parents of 22 of
the 39 belonged to some branch of the same church.
February 24th. Lieut. Brown having been unwell for
some time, and no prospects of his health improving in
( amp, started for the hospital in Washington City.
February 25th. Tliis day the rebels made a raid across
to our side, near Hartwood Church and drove in our
ckets. Our Division was called out and double-quicked
iDOut three miles, but when we arrived the rebels had
fallen back. We continued to do [)icket duty about tliree
iys out of nine.
March 2nd. Our drummer, James A. Galbraith, died
tJiis morning, but not unexpected to us. We had been
looking for it for several days. Poor boy ! Homesick.
ness more than anything else caused Ids death. The Cap-
tain liad sent ui) a discharge for him and it came back
"disapproved." When he learned that he went to bed
never to get up again, and lived but a short time. This
was followed two days later by the death of Jolm Carney
,vhich was very unexpected to us.
March 9th, 1803. Second Lieut, David Prown resigned
on account of continued ill healtli.
SS HISTORY OF COMPANY '^K,"
March 2l8t. J. A. H. Foster was coinmissioued 2d Lieut.
but was not mustered on account of the company being
reduced below the minimum. D. P. Marshall was pro-
moted to 1 st Sergeant.
Ever since General Joseph Hooker superseded Gen.
Burnside, which was soon after the "muddy march,'" the
army had been better fed and better clothed which soon
began to tell on the health of the army — their health be-
coming better generally. He speedily gained the good
will of the army, because one of the ({uickest ways to
reach a soldier's heart is through his stomach.
March 25th. At 1 o'clock a. m., the Colonel sent for
the Captain to report at his quarters, which he did. He
soon returned to the company and ordered the 1st Ser-
geant to notify the men to be ready to march, as Stuart's
rebel Cavalry had crossed over and were coming this Avay.
The company was waked uj) at 4 a. m., cooked and eat
breakfast About 0 a. m., formed in line and awaited orders
and they soon came, "Stack arms, but kee]) on belts and
accoutrements, and be ready to march at a moment's
notice." This proved to be the last of that alarm. Here
is the other orders for that day: 8 a. m., sick call, and
the sick report to the Surgeon for their rations of quinine
at 8:30 ; two men for guard and guard mount, at 9, three
more men for guard, between 9 and 10 o'clock three dif-
ferent squads for fatigue duty, non-commissioned officer's
drill from 11 to 12. At 2 p. m. company drill, and drilled
until 4. At 4:30 fall in for dress ])arade, and had hardly
returned to our (luarters after dress parade, when we
were again called out to see and salute the man whom we
all delighted to honor, Gov. Andrew G. Curtin. AVe were
formed in line with the rest of the Brigade — our Brigade
all being Pennsylvanians. He rode along the line accom-
155th re CI. PA. VOL. 89
])amed by a number of officers. As he passed our flag
he noticed the bullet holes that were received at Freder-
icksburg, and as he rode bark in the reiJr of the line,
pointed and called the attention of those with him to it.
Then soon after we returned to quarters, we were a^ain
called out in our company street to stack arms and to be
ready to salute liim should he pass through camp, but he
did not appear. At 7:30 the company was again called
out in line for roll call, and this ended the day's work.
'This was about the amount of work we did every day
with some variations, excei)t when the weather was bad
or we went out on picket. jSTo wonder that we enjoyed
going on picket.
While we were daily becoming more efficient in drill and
in the duties of the soldier, we were also l)ecoming moi e
familiar with the graybac'ks. Boys, do you rememl>er our
watcliing them have squad drill on a comrade's coat, or
battallion drill on his shirt? But this was no disgrace to
a soldier so long as he did not allow them to become plen-
ty. \Yhen a man would take off and throw down his
clothes, and said clothes would begin to move away, then
we thought that man had better boil his garments. Pos-
sibly they may have l)een a benefit to the country, for there
is no doul)t but tliey destroyed a great deal of bad blood
in the op])osing armies.
David C. Kirki>atrick was discharged on surgeon's cer-
tificate of disability March 28th, 1863. Sergeant John A.
Kitchey and John E. Fitzgerald were discharged Mar<*K
29th for disaliility, l)oth from ('amp Humphrey. William
B. Ramsay was disclmi ged March 30th, and Joseph Shoe-
maker same date.
We had now been in the service seven montlis and we
had lost twelve by death, and thirteen resigned or dis-
90 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K."
charged. Our membersliip was reduced from 90 to 65.
After this, neither deaths nor discharges were so fre(iueiit
aiMoni^- us. Th'ere were two reasons for this : first, we had
become acclimated and accustomed to this new mode of
life ; and second, we had learned how to take care of our
health.
April 1st. This morning we had a large number of ''April
fools" about here, but did not know whether'to give the
rebels credit for the joke or to give it to our officerSi
About 1 o'clock a. m. we were awakened with the word
that the rebels had again crossed over and were coming.
At 4 a. m. that cold morning the brigade was in line. Af-
ter standing awhile, we received orders to stack arms, go
to our quarters, and be ready for further orders, ^^bout
sun-up the order came, "Go bring in your guns."
Ajiril 2nd. We marched out two miles and were reviewed
by Gen. George G. Meade, our corps commander. Our
officers had us put on considerable style, part of it wa«
white gloves, which they bought for us. It was said there
was a rivalry among our brigade commanders to see whose
brigade would show off and make the best appearance,
and it was claimed that our brigade won the laurels ; we
liad proof of this a few days later. Our brigade went out
on picket to return on the 7th, but President Lincoln and
lady had come out on a visit to the army, and on the 6th
another brigade of our division was sent out to relieve us .
we returned to camp and immediately went to work wash-
ing our white gloves and brightening up for review.
Fext day, 7th, our brigade was reviewed by President
Lincoln, Gen. Hooker, Gen. Meade, with their staffs and
other officers. We hoped tlien the review business was
over for awhile, but before we had got back to our <{uar-
155th keg. pa. vol. 01
ters, order's came for us to prepare for corps review the
day following.
April 8th. We started out enily, marched about three
mfles, were formed in line on a broad ]>lain about one and
a half miles from Frederick sbur<^'. It was estimated tliere
vere 50,000 men present. We were reviewed by Presi-
dent Lincoln, accompanied by his wife, some Washington
(^ity ladies, and tlie dignitaries of the army. It was re-
marked by every one that tlie aj'my never was better fed,
better clotJied. in better spirits and better condition gen-
erally tlian at that time. We returned to camj) about 3
,). m., hungry and liied.
There were some fuiloughs granted, about tliis time, a
lozen or more of <-ompany "K*' made application, but
none granted us, except one to John Moore. The boys
thought it was l)ecause they did not belong to a Pittsburg
company.
92 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,'
CHAPTER Y.
Four Months' Pay — Picket and Packing up — Our Loads —
Breakfast — Relieved — Army Marching — Rear Guard-
Wading Streams — Day of Fasting and Prayer — Gen.
Hooker's Order — Reconnoitering — Fortifying— Battle
of Chancellorsville— Rain— Falling Back— Old Camp-
Incidents of the Battle— Return of Hayes— His Ac-
count—Bullet Extracted— Regiment.Transferred— Reg-
ulars — Humphrey's Speech — Reflections — Moving
Camp— Sand— Health— Arrests-Reports of the Reb-
els Moving.
April 13th, 1803, we received four months' pay. We
made the Cha])lain our agent to take the money to the ex-
press office at Acquia Creek. We sent with him, in all,
12,875, and $2,030 of this to Kittanning Bank.
On the night of the 12th we received orders to be ready
to march on short notice. At 10 p. m. next night, orders
to draw twenty rounds more ammunition, making sixty
in all ; also six days' rations, and to go on ])icket next
morning witli ths exi)ectation of not again returning to
cam}).
Tuesday morning, Ajml 11th. All went on picket ex-
cept a few who were left in camp to complete packing up.
This day they sent out and issued three days' rations to
each man. That night it began to rain, and poured down
for twelve hours. We packed twelve boxes with our over-
coats and other Clothing that we did not need in summer,
and gave them to the authorities to keep for us should we
ever need them again. Our loads now were reduced to
155th eeg. pa. vol. 93
Dine days' rations, sixty rounds of ammunition, gun, ac'
coiitrements, kna|)sack and canteen, clothiDg and tents.
April 17th. TLe rain stopped the move for that time
and we returned to our old camp.
April 19tli. Wm. G. L. Black was sent to the general
hospital.
April 21st. John Klack was sent to the hospital, and
our regiment started to do picket duty at Bank's and
United States' Fords on the Rappahannock. After march-
ing about four miles the regiment divided, the rrght wing
going to U. S. Ford, and the left, our wing, to Bank's
Ford, aljout 8 miles from camp. Here we relieved a i)art
of the 91st Pennsylvania, who had been doing duty for
ten days. The river was comparatively narrow and we
could talk with the -'Johnnies" on the other side. They in-
vited us over, but we preferred to wait until the river
would fall. It was then swollen with the rains. We
could see their rille pits and what we supposed were
masked batteries- This was the ford, we were told, where
Burnside had intended to cross over.
April I'Tth. We were relieved from picket duty, marched
some four miles until we struck another road. Here we
halted until the llth Corps, a part of Gen. Sigel's Divis-
ion passed; then our Corps came and we took our place
in the column, marched four miles more and went into
camj). Next morning the 12th Corps, the remainder of
Sigel's Division, passed us before we broke camp. The
2nd, 5th, llth and 12th Corps were now marching in this
.column up the river. At 11 a. m. we started and marched
about 14 miles and camped. Here we remained until 3 p.
m. next day, April 29th, being delayed by the troops in
front who were crossing the Rappahannock on pontoons
at Kelly's Ford. We did not cross until after dark, our
1)4
Brigade being the last to ero8S. As soou as we were
over they began takiug u}) the i)ontoons. We soon halted
and were told to be ready in a short time to fall in as rear
guard, consequently we made no preparations for staying
that night, and we suffered veiy mucli from the cold rain
which fell.
April SOtl). At 3 a. m. we started for the crossing on
the Rapidan river. In two hours we marched one-half
mile more. We then forded Broad Run, which was more
than kneie dee]) : then at 5 a. m. we^ began to march, as we
probably had never marched before, and at noon had pass-
ed over tifteen miles. This day had been set ai)art l)y the
President of the United States, as a day of fasting, humil-
iation and prayer. By noon we felt that we liad kept the
day in the matter of fasting, if nothing more. After noon
we crossed the Rapidan on foot, it was not like the Jor-
dan when the Israelites crossed over, but we found about
four feet deep of water, nearly ice cold,as it came down
from the snows of the Allegheny mountains, and it was
very swift. There was no fun to us while we were in the
river, but there was plenty of fun while standing looking
at the others crossing. There were thousands crossing as
as fast as they could. Some with clothes all on, some one-
half undressed, some all but the shoes and shirt, but the
majority were naked and their clothes tied u]) in a bundle
and hung on their guns over their shoulders, along with all
their other personal property. Then, perhaps, when they
would get out where the water was deei> and swift, their
feet would slip on a rock and down they go, and when
they got up again everything was dripping wet. There
were proba])ly 500 or more in this nude or half nude con-
dition all the time, either across, crossing or going to cross.
After all had got in proper trim again we marched out
ir)5TH KEG. PA. VOL. 95
about two miles and encamped tor tlie night, spending- au-
r other very uncomfortable time with our wet clothes from
the river and rain through the night, but next morning
^ Gen. Hooker raised our spirits and infused new life into
t our weary bodies by his famous order, which was read to
every regiment, as follows: ''Jt is with heartfelt satisfac-
tion that tiie operations of the last three days have deter-
mined that our enemy must ingloriously fly, or come out
from l>ehind their defenses and give us battle on our own
ground, where certain destruction awaits him.*' This made
us feel good for a while at least.
April 31st. After the order had been read and we had
.ill swallowed the contents, we marched on about two
miles to the place called Chancellorsville. There had al-
ready been some skirmishing about there. We lay about
there some hours when our Division went out some divSr
tance in the direction of Fredericksburg on a reconnoi'-
tering expedition, then returned and in the evening our
'Corps was ])laced on the extreme left of our line on n
^ point reaching nearly to the liver. Next day. May 1st,
Ave spent fortifying, and as our position was a good one
naturally, we now felt anxious that they woukl come and
I jittack us there.
Tn the evening the battle l)ecame very hot away on our
right. This was at the time Stonewall Jackson came
in on the right flank of the army, strikhig the Eleventh
;ind Twelfth Corjis, doubling them up and di-eadfully de-
moralizing SigeFs Division.
It was a beautiful moonlight night. We were in line of
battle nearly the whole night, and the battle raged furi-
ously. There would be some scattered shots followed l>y
the roar and crash of thousands of muskets. Then tlie
artillery would begin with their loud boom. This, mingled
96 HISTORY OF COMPANY "iv,"
with the shouts and cheers of the opposing- armies, would
gradually subside and quietness reign a few nionients,
when the same thing would be re-enacted there or in some
other portion of the army. It was during one of those
outbursts that Jackson was killed — it is generally believed
by his own men, through a mistake.
Next morning at daylight. May 3rd, we were relieved by
Sigel's Corps, and were double-quicked to the center, two
miles, where the battle was raging in all its fury. AVe were
held in close supporting distance of the front lines and
took no active part on the line until noon. We lay wliere
the balls and shells were continually falling around us,
and although they came so close that we would uncon-
c^ciously dodge, there were none of us struck.
About noon the battle partially ceased, the rebels hav-
ing been driven from their position, and our regiment was
sent out as skirmishers, and to draw the enemy out in
reach of our artillery. We passed into the woods and
soon met their skirmishers. We drove them back unti]
they retired behind their line of battle. In this advairce
James W. Hayes and John A. Fleming were shot and left
for dead. The bullets whistled all about us.
The rebels then opened on us with artillery too. We
lay down as low as possible. Oh ! how the balls, shells,
grape, cannister, etc. rattled through those woods, cutting
off brush and limbs all about us, but none of the company
were hit except Capt. Cline, who was struck with some-
thing on the neck and bruised it considerably. When
their fire slackened we fell back a half mile, behind our
artillery, the enemy following us in force. At soon as
we could get out of the way our line opened on them and
for a while it was hot, but they were forced to fall back.
About 2 p. m. we were taken back out of range, where we
155th REG. PA. VOL. 97
could get something to eat, not having had opportunity-
to eat anything that day. We were tired and sleepy as
well as hungry, and some of us lay down and slept a while
before waiting to eat. We lay in this place that night,
next day and part of next night. On Monday, May 9th,
Corporal Schuiuck was wounded in the arm l)y a rebel
sharp shooter, and was sent off to the hospital.
May 5th. We moved uj) close to the front. That after-
noon it began to rain and rained the following night. As
we had lost our blankets and extra clothing when we first
went in, and as we were so close to the rebel lines we
dare not make a fire, we suffered very much from the wet
and cold that night. During the night the army began to
lall back and to re-cross the river. Our Division was
made the rear guard and we did not start until 3 a. m.
We had about four miles to U. S. Ford and it was 9 a. m.
before all were across. The rebels had had about all
they wanted from us and gave us very little trouble in
our retreat. If our leader had not discovered that we
were whipped we would not have knoAvn it and might
have been fighting them yet. When he ordered us to
steal away from them we did so, believing that he under-
stood the business better than we did.
When we crossed the river we iiad eleven miles to our
.Id camp. It rained nearly all day and we thought this
\ as another muddy march. We reached camp in the eve-
ning and slept in our old (juarters that night after an ab-
sence of fifteen days, an<l they had been very laborious,
fatiguing days— marching hard through rain and mud and
that sometimes without our meals, wading ice cold streams
and lying all night in our wet clothing without fire. And
in addition we did not have a uood night's rest in the
98
whole time, and tlie three last days did not have our car-
tridge boxes off.
May 7th. Early this morning we received orders to he
ready to march in the evening. Geo. W. Thomjjson was
detailed for artillery service and John M. Bryan for atten-
dant at Division Hospital, and next day Corporal K.G. Flem-
ing was sent to the hospital. We remained in camp until
the iOth, when we went on picket to remain three days.
May 13th we returned to camp. !N^ow, to go back to the
battle-field. When our comrades James W. Hayes and
J. A. Fleming fell all thought they were dead. We ad-
vanced twenty or thirty rods farther before we halted and
lay down. When ^Ve fell back Ave did not pass tlieir bod-
ies and had no opportunity to bring them off.
About a week afterwards the rel)S sent in a flag of truce
requesting us to go over and get our wounded. The am-
bulances went over. One of the drivers was from our
Company. He was passing through the hospital about a
mile from the battle-ground where we left them, when
Hayes saw him and spoke to him. We may try to imag-
ine the driver's surprise. He got Hayes in his ambulance,
and on the 16th came along through our camp on their way
to the hospital at Acquia Creek. Then was our time to be
surprised, when Hayes raised up in the ambulance and be-
gan to talk to us. We felt as though one had risen from
the dead.
His story is that "he lay insensible about three hours ;
that when he came to he saw Fleming and thought he
would go to him, but found he was not able. Soon after-
wards some of the rebels came along and found him and
helped him back to the hospital, where he was until
brought away."
He was badly wounded. The ball entered his right
irK>TH REG. PA. VOL. 99
cheek and ]):isse(l back tliroiigb into bis neck. He t]ioii<>bt
that tlie ball was still there ; the surgeon thought that it"
was not. ;ind the future proved the surgeon to be mista-
ken. About 14 years afterward a lump raised on top of
liis shoulder. He had a doctor examine it, who Ojiened it
and took out the l)all which he had carried in liis body so
long.
May 17th. Sabbath. Our Chaplain preached us a good
sermon from the text "Not by might nor by power, but by
my word, saith the Lord.*'
All our Brigade (the 2nd) excepting our regiment, and all
the 1st Brigade excepting the 91st Pennsylvania, were
nine months men and their teiin having expired, they Avere
mustered out. That bi'oke up the 1st and 2nd Brigades
of the /^rd Division. On the 18th we learned that we
were to be transferred to the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division.
It was the division in which the Regulars were, and was
commanded by General Sykes. Our Brigade in that
Division was com])Osed of the 14()th and 146th Xew York,
91st and ITj^th Pennsylvania. We did not like the thought
of being so nea7;the Regulars, lest the law of strict mil-
itary discii)line might be enforced with us as it was witli
them, but in our association with them we found them
good and reliable neighbors, especially in a battle. l>ut
we were rejoiced at getting from under (Jen. Humphrey's
command. He had, we fancied, insulted us before going
into the Chancellorsville battle. He had us drawn uj* in
line so he could make us a S])eech. He began it by swear-
ing, he ended it witl^ sweaiing and had oaths mixed all
through it. He said: '^You liave come out to fight, (we
knew that) you must fight, and if you won't fight PlI make
you fight." With the oaths mixed this was about all of his
speech. We did not like to be branded cowards before
94G244A
iixr ?7
100 HISTORY OF COMPANY *%
we liad met the enemy, or shown any signs of cowardice.
Jf the boys did forgive that speech, they never forgot it.
He was like some wagon drivers, who stall before the
team does, and the first intimation the team has of any
danger of stalling is from the shouting and frothing of the
driver. In the battle of Chancellors ville, if our Generals
Itad not been whipped, we would at least have lield our
])Osition. We felt able to do that against all the forces
Lee had to bring against us.
May 25th. We left Camp Humphreys, wliere we had
been for so long a time, longer than we remained at any
other place during the whole term of service, and where
we had spent many pleasant hours as well as many sad
ones in seeing several of iKir comrades die and laid away
in the cold ground far from home and friends. We went
to Camp Sykes in the 2iid l)i\ision. Our daily routine of
camp life was the same as before, l)ut we had one annoy-
ance here that Ave did not have in any camp previous.
The whole country around us was sandy, and as it had not
rained for some time, and the wind was blowing hard, that
sand drifted along lively. It drifted so at times that we
could not see anything, our eyes, ears nose and mouth too,
were full of sand. We could not always keep our mouth$
shut. We ate sand, we drank sand, our beds were full of
it, it was iu every place. The health of the (Company was
excellent. We had no sick to report to the surgeon's call
for a long time — had not had a death in the company for
over two months except Fleming, who was killed in battle.
May 31st. Captain Cline, Sergeants Foster and Arm-
strong, Corporal Ewing and fifteen men were detailed to
go on picket, with a like number from each company of the
regiment. Soon after going out the captain in command,
for some cause was sent back under arrest. The com-
155th REG. PA. VOL. 101
inand then fell to Cai)tain Cline, he being the ranking of-
ficer.
June 2nd. He sent another ca])tain back under arrest
for -ioing outside the picket lines to see a Virginia lady.
About this time we first heard of the rebels mo^dng up the
other side of the Kai)pahannoek, which was discovered by
those who went up in the balloon daily. Part of our army
then moved up on our side of the river. This was the first
move of wliat proved to be the Gettysburg campaign.
102 HISTORY OF C03IPANY "K."
OHAPTEK VI.
Policing— Marchin|i—U. S. Ford— Trading Papers— Picket
Duty and Orders— Inspection— Marching in the Eain
and Darkness— Hard Marching and Heat— Gum Springs
— Aldie— Picket and Cavalry Supj)ort— Foraging—
Could Cook all we Got-Didn't Steal-Boarding Where
we Labored— In Line of Battle— Drilling— Pretty Faces
— Corporal Ewing- -Orders to March— Leesburgh—
Poolesville— Suffering from Heat and Fatigue— Dis-
abled by Heat— Sergeant Porter.
June 3rd, 18G3. Our pickets came in at noon. The men
were put to work i)olicing (sweeping) the streets and fixing
up as though we were going to stay all summer. We went
"to bed at 9 o'clock and at 12 were awakened and instruct-
ed to have all ready to march at 3 a. m. We drew three
days' rations, packed up and were ready, but did not start
until 4 o'clock. We took up our line of march for we
didn't know where. Our brigade did not halt until wear-
rived near U. S. Ford, at which we crossed on our retreat
from Chancellorsville. We relieved part of the First Di-
vision, who moved further up. We lay there in the thick
woods, our boys picketing on one side, the rebs on the
otiier side. Sometimes they would wade in half way, our
boys meet them, take a chew of tobacco and exchange pa-
pers. Our balloonist reported them moving up the other
side in large bodies. We did not then know where they
were going. We did picket duty each alternate day. Our
orders were to "be ready to march at ten minutes' notice."
When we lay down at night it was uncertain whether we
V70uld rise in that jdace in the morning. When we arose
155th REG. PA. VOL. 103
in tlie luonihijj;- we did not know where we would lie next
ni^ht. A soldier had to become accustomed to such
things. It would often be a satisfaction to him to know
vhere and when he is going, and what he is going for, but
such tilings are not for him to know.
June 10th. There was a detail taken out to ])ut up a
telegrapli line.
June 13th. We received orders to clean up and get
ready for regimental inspection. After we had formed in
line marching orders came to be ready at 8:30 p. m. We
were dismissed at once and returned to camp. About the
time for starting a heavy thunder shower came on and
made us wringing wet. Part of the night was so dark we
could not see anything, and we might be close enough to
tramp the heels of those in front of us, but could not see
them, ^^llere it had been dusty before the rain, now with
nrtillery and wagons and horses and men mixing it up, it
Aas splash, splash as we waded through, frequently knee-
deep; sometimes blundering in the dark and tumbling
about in the mud, so that when we saw ourselves in day-
light weresendiled piles of mud. In sixhours we marched
live ndles, and encamped near Hartwood Chiu'ch. In the
iiiorning when we awoke we found the whole corps there.
They had come in from along the river during the night.
June lltli. We marched to Catlett's Station, on the
Alexandria and Gordons ville railroad, distance 18 miles,
and all very tired. Next daj' Ave came to Manassas Junc-
tion, 20 miles. Tliis was a terribly hot day. There Avas a
great amount of straggling and a great many dropi)ed off
their feet with sunstroke, but none in our company.
June Kith. We remained in camp, Samson Schrecen-
gost was sent off to the hospital. This was the ])Iace of
which McClellan was so much afraid. It is naturally a
104
strong position, and they liad it well fortified; we counted
fifteen forts in sight.
June 17th. We started at 3 a. ni. ; we passed over the
Bull Eun battle field, and by way of Centerville, a distance
of 20 or 25 miles and went into camp near Gum Springs
about 3 p. m. This day we suffered, if possil)le, more
with the heat than before. The rain that fell on the 13th
only extended this way five or six miles, and after that we
had the dust to annoy us, with the heat which made our
suffering greater. We could not understand why we
marched so hard one day that it required next day to rest
and gather up the stragglers. We could hear cannonad-
ing west of us eight or ten miles toward Aldie, and on the
19th marched to Aldie, and got another soaking rain. We
lay down and covered up with our oil cloths, l)ut that did
not prevent it running in under us.
June 21st. We went out two miles on picket and cav-
alry support, returning next day.
We had now been confined to hard tack for several
weeks and the boys thought that here was a chance for a
change of diet. Without waiting to be refused permis-
sion to go they went, and judging from the proceeds that
came into camp, they found the hen coops, hog pens, spring
houses, cellars and many other things. George Clever
and E. A. Calhoun brought in a part of a hog. Our boys
were not greedy or selfish. They never took anything
unless they were convinced. they needed it. Our officers
thought so sudden a change of food was not necessary
for us to have, and sent out i)atrols to arrest all the raid-
ers, so that it took skill and good legs to avoid being
caught. Some of them found a mill in the neighborhood
which had some 100 barrels of flour stored up, then flour
began to come to camp in sacks, haversacks, buckets and
155th REG. PA. VOL. 105
every other way. A civilian might wonder how we
cooked everything; that never was any tlioiight to us; the
thought that troubled us most was how to get it. All we
needed to cook it was a tin plate and a (^uart can. If any
one was so fortunate as to have a frying pan or a coffee
pot, or both, "he was well fixed.
Some might think we were stealing when we were ap-
propriating these things but that is a mistake. Those
Virginians had, as they thought, gone out of the Union.
We were out to whip them into the Union again. We
were laboring and suffering for their benefit, and it was
l)roper they should board us part of the time. When they
objected to cooking for us we had to take it and cook it
ourselves. We did not have any desire for them to cook
for us, but we certainly lived well as long as we remained
in that vicinity.
We could hear cannonading nearly every day. ^^>
were in line of battle once when on reserve i)icket, but
the rebs did not come near enough for us to exchange
compliments.
June 23rd. We resumed drilling and the old customs of
camp life. We had a nice camp and were put to fixing it
up and spending a great deal of labor on it, but that was
no sign we would stay another day. Aldie had been a
thriving yillage of twenty houses at the junction of two
turnpikes. Among all the attractions of this place, but
not the least, was some calico enclosing some very pretty
faces: one especially was pronoun<'ed a beauty, but as cal-
ico among us had been rare, we might not at that tinie
have been competent judges.
Corporal J. L. Ewing gave out soon after we started ou
this march and had now become quite sick. We had no
accommodations for him or no medicine, and no way to
100 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
Bend Mill to the hospital. He suffered with something
like pleurisy.
Things passed along as usual for two days more, and we
lieard nothing more of a move until 1 a. m. of June 2Gth,
when we received orders to be ready to march at 3 a. m.
It rained before we started and rained nearly all forenoon,
making the roads slippery and bad, and our loads wet and
heavy. At noon we Avere at Leesburg. Tlie brigade was
taken to a fort on a high elevation, about a mile from the
eity. It being necessary to hold that point while the
troops were passing. When the column was past, we fol-
lowed, passing Ball's Bluff and crossing the Potomac on
pontoons at Edwards' Ferry. We felt like encamping and
expected to encamp when across the river, but were march-
ed some seven miles into Maryland, encamping near Pools.
ville. The distance this day was from thirty to thirty-tive
miles. In the forenoon we suffered from the rain and in
The afternoon by the heat. Before we halted that night
Avere a tired lot of boys, it was almost impossible to make
one leg wag aliead of the other. Had we known the dis-
tance we had to go, but few would have remained in line
but the exi)ectation of encamping soon encouraged the
boys to i)ie8s on. The light of camp tires ahead brought
joy to the heart of the weary, footsore soldier, and seemed
^o renew his strength.
On this night the demand for rest and sleep Avas greater
than the demand of hunger, and nearly all went to sleep
without making tires or having supper. About midnight
we were disturbed by a call "to draw rations.'^
The writer having become disabled by the march and
excessive heat, was compelled to lag behind, and Sergeant
W. D. Porter Avill tell the story of the campaign. No
army could produce a better soldier than Sergeant Por-
looTH REG. PA. VOL. 107
ter. His name was sent up for promotion for bravery on
^lie battle field of Five Forks, and for every engagement
:ie company was in. He never missed a battle or a
skirmish that the comi)any was in, and he and the Avriter
were all that served with the company that were not hit.
Our clothes were BOt struck that we ^ver knew anything
about.
108 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K "
CHAPTER YII.
Eulogy— Marching Again— Description of the Country—
Gen. Meade Supersedes Hooker— Other Changes-
More Marching— Gen. Meade's Order— The March a
Trying One— Loyalty— Disloyalty— In Line of Battle-
Experiences— Battle of Gettysburg— Third Corps— On
Round Top— New Yorkers— Wounded and Dying-
Sharpshooters — Long-street's Charge— Wounded— A
Change of Anns— The Loss in the Battle— The Pur-
suit—Shoes and Rations— In Line of Battle— Fortifying
"Enemy Escapes— Adventure— On the Tramp— Back in
Virginia— In Line of Battle— A Rest Necessary— Un-
bidden Guests— Change of Diet— Patience Needed—
The Captain's Ham— The Rappahannock— Memory— A
Word to Company "K."
GOHEENVILLE, ARMSTRONG Co., Pa., Jan. 17, 1888.
To THE Reader. — It is with reluctance that I relieve
Lieut. D. P. Marshall and assume the duty of giving the
part taken in the Gettysburg campaign by Company " K '^
of the 155th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers.
After the war, when that eventful period was fresh iu
my memory, I reviewed and rewrote a part of my army
letters. It is from that I give this brief history. It was
the only battle in which the Company i)articipated that
Lieut. ]Vrarshall was absent, and that through no fault of
his own. He became crippled, but marched when he could
make no advance with one foot. He would step a long
distance with the well limb and bring the other on a line
with the one ahead. His cla'm of being the largest man
in the Union Army has not been disputed.
He was a good soldier and a good officer, as every one
looTH REG. PA. VOL. 109
in the Company will testify. He was old enough to un-
derstand the nature of the contest, and was more deeply
interested in the result than those of less mature years.
That is the only way I can account for his perseverance
ander difficulties.
W. D. Porter.
GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN.
FROM POOLESVILLE, MD., BACK TO BEVERLY, PA.
June 27th, 18G3. After our hard march of the previous
day, we were again on the move at 4 a. m., and marched
to within a few miles of Frederick City, Md., fording the
Monocacy.
The valley froui the Potomac to that i>oint was quite a
ontrast to the sandy plains and untilled lields of tlie Old
Dominion. It seemed like passing from Hades into Par-
adise.
We thought we never saw such a number of beautiful
fields of golden grain — almost ready for the reaper. We
marched on the roads and did no damage to i)roperty in
that locality.
Sunday 28th. Remained encamped and enjoyed a much
needed rest. We were informed of the change in Com-
manders, Gen. Meade, our Corps Commander assumed
command of the Army of the Potomac, in place of Gen.
Hooker. The change placed Gen. Sykes in command of
the Corps, Gen. Xvres, a Regular officer, in command of
our Division and Gen. Weed of the Brigade. When the
time of the nine month men expired, the lo5th and 9Jst
Pennsylvania were transferred to the 2d Division and
brigaded with the 140th and 146th X. Y. The other two
110 HISTORY OF COMPANY ''K,"
Brigades of the Division were Eegiilars. The Division at
that time was commanded by Gen. Sykes.
Monday, June 29th. We were again on the move. We
marched hard on that day, also Tuesday and Wednesday
and part of the night, arriving within a few miles of
Gettysburg-.
On tlie March the report was circulated that Geu^
McClellan had command of the army, but the battle was
not fought under that impression, as has been stated.
Before we were engaged an order was read from Gen
Meade, commander, to "shoot anyT)newho would attempt
to leave the ranks or go to the rear without orders.'-
Our march from the Kappahannock in Virginia through
Maryland and into Pennsylvania, considering the season
and oppressive heat, was a trying one.
The trooi)S were longing for battle or anything that
would vstop the everlasting tram]), tramp from morning un-
til night, and from day to day. There were those in Fred-
erick City who were ever ready to welcouie the Union
trooi)S, and they did it with a will, but the citizens on our
route in Adams county, Pa., we considered similar to those
in Virginia. If it had been for their salvation alone that
we were liattling, the sacrifice of one army mule would
have been sufficient.
Thursday, July 2nd. A short march brought us to the
battle-tield of Gettysburg. We were not long in one i»o-
sition, but Avere kept moving from one point to another,
generally advancing in line of l)attle. On in the day we
advanced to within a short distance of Bound To]). In
my experience, when fighting was necessary, I always pre-
ferred being the first engaged. The most trying ordeal of
a soldier is to march to the scene of action amid a mass
of wounded and suffering humanity,— some being borne
1o5TH llEG. PA. VOL. ' 111
back on stretchers, otliers cripplino- back in a pitiable con-
dition, some bearing- their ills heroically, while a chance one
would make a sad lament.
I also preferred a position in tlie re<>ular line of battle
to one in the rear as a supi)ort, or reserve. A support had
to double-quick from one point to another, an I when they
were called on it was to battle with a victorious, exultin;;'
foe, at some point where the troops had wavered or been
driven back. However, the «>ood soldier was one who
performed his duty wherever ]>laced; wiio !:ei)t his
thoughts to himself, or if he must grumble, relate his
wrongs only in the ear of some sympathizing comrade.
About 4 p. m. the enemy attacked the Third Corps
which held a position about one-half mile in front of the
main line and the same distance from Eound Toj). We
were ordered to their sup])ort, but when we had double-
quicked about half the distance the order was counter-
manded. The enemy were advancing on our lelt flank
with the intention of occupying Little Kound Top. We
Avere ordered ''to about face," and doul)le-quicked back
to that point. We made Little Kound Top in time, but
none too soon, for a few minutes more would have given
the enemy possession of that commanding and f^tragetic
point of the battle-field. They attacked us with the deter,
mination of winning, but failed. They also attempted the
capture ot a battery on our right and were rei)ulsed.
The fighting continued until daikness i)ut an end to the
'conflict. Company "K"had four wounded, Foster, Cowan,
Shields and Hetrick, 1). Kirkpatiick was struck l)y a ball,
but not disabled; John Cowan died soon after fro n the
eflfect of his wound. Lieut. J. A. H. Foster had a severe
wound, which disal)led him from duty for several months.
lu the battle our regiment held a position on the hill side,
112 ■ HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
about tive roils from the summit of Little Round Top.
Our left was nearly opposite the summit and the regiment
extended from there to the right. There were no troops
on Little Round Top when we passed it on our way to the
Third Corps, and there were no Union troops there when
we came back, hence, the brigade can claim the honor of
seizing and holding that important point, with the assist-
ance of a battery that M-as placed on the summit. The
Xew Yorkers claim all the glory of the achievement. We
have not the time and space to discuss the question, or
Ave might take the honor, the same as we took the knap-
sacks of a valiant regiment from that state, at Hatcher's
Run, when after firing on our own men, threw down their
guns and knapsacks and broke for the rear. Their knap-
sacks being new and full, we obtained much that was need-
ed.
At the close of the war I was firm in the conviction
that we had performed our full share of work, in the way of
suffering and endurance, exposure and hardships, marches
and battles, and that our lot was as hard as any, save the
prisoners, but after reading the National Tribune for a
number of years, I have coni'eded all the glory of the sup-
l)ression of the Great Rebellion to New York and Ohio.
Thursday -night, July 2nd. When the fighting ceased
we commenced to fortify our line, and Avorkedat least half
the night. The hill was thickly covered with rocks Avhich
we used in erecting breastworks. In the valley below us
were many wounded, dying and dead.
If the most romantic,'or the firmest advocate of war had
been there and listened to the moans of the wounded and
dying, the whole night long, as we did, were he a human
and not a fiend incarnate, he would have longed for the
day when the '^sword will be beaten into the plowshare,
155th REG. PA. VOL. 1J3
etc." Imagine a ray of light and j>lory, followed by a dark
cloud of sorrow, suffering and death, and you have a pic-
ture of a battle field and a soldier's life in time of war.
Friday, July 3rd. Our line was not assaulted, but with
tlie break of day tlie enemy's sharpshooters commenced
tlieir deadly work. The most of the firing was fjom a
large rock called the "Devil's Den." They succeeded in
killing Gen. Weed, Col. Yoreck and many others in the
Brigade.
We received a share of the heavy cannonade that com-
menced about 1 p. m. Our elevated i)osition gave us a
good view^ of Longstreet's assaulting columns against Han-
cock's Corps on our light. Our suspense during the on-
set and our interest in the result was as great as though
the blow had been aimed at our own part of the line. The
battery on Little Round Top threw shells into the ranks
of the charging column, but they would close up and
move on.
Tlie fierce contest resulted the same as did nearly all
offensive movements by either side against a i)repared
force behind fortifications.
In the niglit we had a hea^y rain and Saturday, July
4th, continued wet. The great battle was fought. There
was some skirmishing on the line, but nothing of import-
ance occurred. We assisted in ])lacing some of the
wounded on stretchers who had lain between the lines
two days and tw^o nights.
They were still cheerful and hoi)eful. Some of those
heroic souls may be living to-day, perchance in a^ i)Oor
house, or maligned as "government paupers," and be-
grudged the pittance they receive as a pension. Our
regiment received permission to arm themselves with
Springfield rifles that were scattered over the battlefield.
114 HISTORY OF COMPANY ''k/'
ill i)lace of the old buck and ball musket tliat we formerly
earned.
In the evening- Capt. Cline was sent down from Little
Round Top in char<>e of a detail from the Brigade, to re-
lieve or establish a picket post on the other side of
"DeviPs Den,'' in the edge of the timl)er. It was so dark
they had to use a lantern to find the way.
Next morning they were ordered to advance as skir-
mishers. As they advanced over an open field to a stone
wall or fence from where a battery had been playing on
us during the fight, they momentarily expected to be shot
down by rebels concealed behind the wall, but after charg-
ing up to it, they found it deserted: the rebels had left
during the night, leaving dead horses, broken nitillery and
other debris of the battle.
After advancing about a mile farther, our skirmishers
came in sight of their cavalry rear guard, when they were
ordered to rejoin their commands, who had started in pur-
suit of the Johnnies. This day, July r)th, we advanced in
line of battle, but found no opposing force. They had
retreated and left us in undisputed possession.
Their loss : killed, 3,500; wounded, 11,500; missing, 13,-
021; total, 31,021. Our loss: killed, 2,831 ; wounded. 13,-
709 ; missing, 0,013 ; total, 23,180
It still continued wet, and we found it necessary to cord
our beds with rails to keep out of the mud.
Monday evening, July 0th. AVe left the vicinity of Get-
tysburg and started in j^ursuit of the enemy. Our long
marches had left our foot-gear in bad shape for moving
rapidly. A great many were barefooted and had to crip-
ple along as best they could. The Government supply of
provisions did not add much to our loid. E-^t'ons were
scarce and in demand. A full cartridge-box w; s consid-
155th REG. PA. VOL. j 15
ered of more iiMi)ort:iii('e tliau a fii]l liaversack. After
four days of steady hard inarcliiii<> we arrived at Antietaifi
Creek, havino- crossed Soutli INIonntain on the march. Our
advance the next few days was moderate, as we were near
tlie enemy.
Sunday, July 12th. We advanced several miles in liue
of l)attle ex])ecting a ti«>ht, l)ut met with no opposition-
AVe left some wheat-fields in <i00d condition for seeding »j
second time. Wlien the column passed over one there
was scarcely a stalk left standing. After gaining a posi-
tion near the line of the enemj-, we fortified our own arn I
made pre])arations for repelling an assaidt.
^Fonday, July 13th. There was some skirmishing ontLe
line, but no general engagement. Gen. Meade pursued
the wisest course. An assault on the enemy^s werka
would, in my (jpinion, have resulted in a i-epnlse and ;i
Fredericksburg slaughter.
Tuesday, July 14th. We advanced in line of battle, cx-
l)ectiiig to meet tlie enemy, but they had suc<'eeded in le-
crossing the Potomac. Their rear guard were taken jiiis-
oners. Three of our Company "K" boys (R. O. Clevei-. E.
A. Calhoun and (1. IT. Clever) were on the picket line tlie
iiiglit ])revious. In the morning, seeing none of The ene-
m>'. they advanced to make discoveries. On going to the
window of a Innise they saw a number of the enemy, wh(
S(^emed anxious to have full stomachs ])efore crossing Tlie
jiver into Yiiginia, by having a good breakfast. Our boy.s
went to the <loor and demanded their surrender, which
was complied witli. G. H. Clever gave chase to one out-
side, and after some thieats compelled him to surrender'.
AVhen the i)risoners saw the small foi'<-e to which tlieyhad
surrendere<l they <'oncluded ''ihat discretion was the bet-
ter part of valor." The force that captured them was only
il<(> HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
s^nall in the way of numbers ; as soldiers they were giants
and dangerous fellows to fool with. Calhoun's courage
and fearlessness cost him his life in the battle of the Wil-
derness.
R. O. Clever, after being shot through both limbs, near
the body in the battle of June 18th, 1864, carried his load
more than ten rods to a place of safety. G. H. Clever has
no rebel lead or war scars to remind him of his faithful
service.
Wednesday morning, we were again on the tramp and
;'ontinued to move every day, save one, until we arrived
at Warrentoii on the 27th. The marching, excepting one
day, was at a moderate rate. The day we left Williamsport
we made our second hardest day's march, that of twenty-
six miles across the mountains. That evening Calhoun,
]\rarlin and the writer called at a private residence and
had our suppers. It Avas the only home like uieal we bad
while in the service.
After crossing the mountains we moved down the river
lo Berlin and crossed on pontoons. Friday evening, July
10th, found us back in old Virginia. The next few days
we made our second tramp along the Loudon Valley and
compelled Lee to retreat up the Shenandoah. On the
24th, the 3rd Corps had a skirmish with the enemy at a
pass in the mountains near Piedmont, vl^he next morning
our Corps advanced in line of battle, but the enemy had
retreated in the night. We started again and arrived at
Warrenton as stated, on the 27th. All our marches dur-
ing the cami)aign were devoid of special interest or ex-
citement, except the incidents usually attending a march.
A rest was necessary to revive the fun-loving spirit of the
boys after our long, wearisome tramp. We might have
had a better feeling towards Gen. Lee in his ISTorthern
155th REG. PA. VOL. 117
raid, had he given us time to procure cainj) kettles and
liave a wash day once a week. We had an abundance of
company that was anythin«> l)nt productive of a serene
frame of mind, or Christain-like resignation. When we
had a chance for rest and sleej), our unbidden guests
would strike up a cotillion, and our only means of i)rotest-
iiig against such a proceeding, was by a liberal use of boil-
ing water ; something we had no chance of procuring when
on the march. While encami)ed near Warrenton, we had
something of a variety in the way of an "Hsau ])ottage,'^
made out of blackberries and hard tack. The berrie=i
were ])lenty and we relished the change.
Monday, Aug. 3rd, ISfJo. We started on a series of
inoves that would have tried the patience of a more saint-
ly set of men than the soldiers i)rofessed to be. On that
day we were moved about one mile and received orders to
''fix up,'' as we would likely remain for some time. We
s])ent the whole day at home cleaning, or rather camp-
clearing. With the use of forks, poles and pine toi)S, we
made ourselves comfortable bunks and expected to enjoy
the fruits of our labor, but when engaged at cooking suj*-
per, the bugle at head(iuarters sounded "i)ack up." We
moved about five miles, bnt being detained by the teams
did not encamp until near midnight.
Tuesday we received the same orders as on Monday.
We remained that night, and it ])roved to be a very wet
one. It was that night that some naughty boy stole a ham
from Capt. Cline. This was the second, and his righteous
indignation against Company 1> caused him to have the
l)oys of that Company searched. The missing treasure
was not found.
Wednesday, August 5th. We moved again and en-
camped on the banks of the Rai)pahannock, near Beverly
nS HISTORY OF rOMPANY ''K,"
j^'ord. Another short move and we did settle down for a
etay. Our camp at Beverly was in a shady grove, and the
l)oys will remember it as a pleasant one, made enjoyable
as a resting place after our wearisome campaign.
^lemory reminds- me of the dear old boys who once
Acre gathered there. Of the many brave boys who once
bivouacked on the bank of that historic stream ; some fell
)u battle-fields amid the smoke and carnage of ''grim vis-
aged war;" some died in Southern prison pens, where
"man's inhumanity "to man'' shamed the very fiends of hell ;
r-ome were permitted to return and behold the blessings
of i)eace their valor had won, when through the lingering
sufterings of disease they too answered to the last great
roll call. "
" We a little longer wait.
But how little none can^know."
The tie that bound us together does not weaken with
age, but grows stronger and stronger as time thins our
ranks and the cycle of years roll on.
I cherish the memory of the dead, and send a kind
greeting to all who are still living.
The friends and fiiend&hip of bygone days
Time, in its course may sever;
But the memory of Company "K*'
Will live with me forever.
— W. D. PORTEK.
155th REG. TA. VOL. 119
CHAPTEK Till.
Aci'0.<s the Kivei'—Re-cro8se(l— Bunks Gone— Fat Ho;n—
Pot-Pies— An Issue of Pations— Chaplain dominated
— Pe;L;imental Promotions— Rebel JNtoveuients— Five
Deserters Executed— One Year's Service— Lieu-t. De-
Ford Pesigiis— Beautj' of a Commission— Marching
Orders— Sick Sent Away— Early Bre:ikfast— Culpep-
l>er— Roasting Ears— -Remained in Camp— Eight Days
Rations— Another Deserter Shot— Rain and :\rud—
"Pack Up"— ]Moved Out and Back to Camp— Falling
Back— Beverly Ford Camp— Again Across— Back at
Xight "Falling Back Toward Washington.
August <Sth, 1863. As usual about 4 p. m. the bugle
sounded "pack up," we marched down to the Rappahan-
nock, found the pontoons laid and the 14(jth New York
■ ready across. The rebels had occupied this ground in
iLc uiorning. Our regiment was iuimediately put out on
.ticket, supported by the llOth New York. We could
-ometimes see the rebs away across the rtelds. We were
tu a si>lendid farm and what was once a- beautiful home :
: cither money nor labor had been spared in making it a
'•iiarming place, but the owners were gone and had left all
to the detested ''Yanks,'' When they returned to their
"ome, they would be able to dis<'Over the Yanks had been
there.
August 9th. We again packed up and moved down the
iver a mile and remained until 2 p. m. In the meantime
Jie pontoons had been moved down opposite us, when we
Tccrossed back to the camp we had left the day previous,
found that some persons had carried off our bunks during
120
our absence. We had made tliem by driving short forks in
the ground, then laying on cross pieces and slender poles
on top ; this was far ahead of lying on the ground. Not
knowing but our stay might be short we did not replace
them until the 12th. It was well we put them up then,
because that night we had a rain which poured down six
hours, and we had enough water to come through the tent
cloths, without having to lie in water ; we could wring the
water out of our blanket covering. One day here some
of the boys swam the river and killed a fat hog, weighing
about 200 pounds, then we all had fresh pork as long as it
kept good. •
August 13th. We had l>een ditching, sweeping and fix-
ing up camp and while at work the report came that we
would march in two hours. At 2 a. m. that night they
called for six men and a corporal to go on picket. These
idght calls were always very unwelcome, and we thought
them much too frequent for comfort and convenience.
August 14th. We were visited by that ever welcome
visitor, the dispenser of greenbacks, Avho paid us up to
Jane 30th.
Samson Schrecengost returned to the company on the
19th, having been absent sick two months. We had some
big feasts on what might be called elder berry pot-pie
while in this camp, and while the berries held out. The
usual mode of preparation was as follows: mess pans that
held two or three gallons preferred; if there was no mess
pau to be had, we got the next best vessel obtainable.
First put in a layer of berries with the stems picked out,
then a layer of crackers broken up and then a layer of
sugar; (we always had plenty of sugar) then another layer
on top as long as the supply lasted, or until there was
sufficient to supply the demand. After it was cooked we
15r)TH REG. PA. VOL. 121
set it out where all could ^et at it with their spoons, if
fortunate enough to have spoons; if not, then the next
best thing we could get. That happened before the present
mode of hotel service was discovered — of having from
live to ten separate dishes for each person. There was
one great advantage our plan had over the present plan
in the saving of time. With us, if any one did not wish
any, his share was not taken out of the pot for him, or
when he had enough he quit and the remainder was left
for his comrade. On the other hand, observe what a time
the waiters have in a hotel running from the seat of one
departed guest to another, gathering up the morsels
dished out previously without consulting the wishes of
the guests; then mixing and heating them in the pot, and
again dishing- them out for the next table. Our ])]an was
better, as we avoided all that.
Uncle Sam was then feeding his boys very well. This
day we had new potatoes issued, and got fresh beef half
the time, and salt i)ork or l)acon the other half; soft bread
half the time, dried apples frequently, besides many other
tilings too numerous to mention, consequently our health
was good.
August 26th, 1863. We all expected to witness a sight,
which most of us dreaded — the execution of live conscript
deserters from the 118th Pennsylvania, in the tirst Divi-
sion of our cori)S. We saw them mark off the ground the
day previous, when we were out on drill. The hour for the
execution, 3 p. ni., passed and we then heard that it would
not take place until the 29tli, and we hoped since there
was a respite that there would be no execution for us to
witness. The officers held a meeting about having a chap-
lain appointed for the regiment; Ca])t. Cline proposed Eev.
Harvey Marshall ; Capt. Ewing i)roposed Kev. Joseph
12:^ HISTORY OF COMPANY '*K "
Maxeer, of Clarion county, and soine one proposed Rev.
James Carotliers, of Leecliburg-. The vole was taken, to
correspond lirst with Kev. Mateer and if he could not ac-
cept, then Rev. Carothers, and next Rev. ^Marshall. We
were well pleased, feeling that among the three we were
y)retty certain to get one that would be an improvement
on the generality of army chaiilainR.
After Col. Allen's resignation, Lieut. Col. Cain had been
promoted Colonel ; Maj. A. L. Pearson to Lieutenant
Colonel, and Capt. John Ewing was prouioted to ^lajor.
It was not for us to know why we were lying here so
long in this condition of masterly inactivity ; caraj) rumors
were that Lee was gettiug ready to tiank us and drive us
l)ack toward Washington, and that it was in expectation
of a move of that kind that we had marching orders about
TWO weeks since. We shall wait and see what we shall
see.
August 27th. Received notice that James W. Hayes
was transferred to the veteran Reserve Cori)s.
August 29th. The execution of the five deserters, al-
ready referred to, took place this day about 100 rods from
our camp. The orders were for it to take place^ in the
presence of the whole corps : accordingly every man who
was able to go, was called out at 2 p. m. We marched
'j)ut and were formed in line on the declivity of a hill, fac-
ing the graves, wliich had been previously dug on another
declivity across a small stream. . Our regiment being near-
est, we had a good view of the whole scene ; we were not
more than 100 yards from the graves. The Corps was all
stationed so as to liave a good view. It was estimated
there were 2.>,000 men present. Everything Avas well ar-
ranged and all was quiet until S:'M) p. m., when we heard a
bras*^ band. All in front were immediately faced to the
15r>TH REG. PA. VOL. 123
rear, when we discovered that tliere was an aisle left up
throii.uh the center.
The band came on ]>layiii^- a funeral march, a most ])eau-
liiul and solemn piece of music. As they passed ea<'h
Ijrigade, they were saluted with muffled drums and some
solemn tune. They soon reached us, first tiie l)and, then
the Provost guard, 100 men, part of whom were to be the
executioners, then came the condemned, each one of them
attended by two guards, and preceded by his coffin, which
were each carried by four uien with white gloves and rep-
esenting pall bearers. The dress of the deserters consist-
of new government pants, nice white shirts and cajjs on
^heir heads.
Two of them were (.'atholics and were attended by a
'ath(>lic Priest; two were Protest uits and attended by a
♦Jhaplain : the tifth was a Jew and was attended by a Rab-
bi, who was easilj' known from the sentence, *' They make
'»road their phylacteries and enlarge the borders of their
garments." Next came ten men carrying shovels and in
the rear some more of the provost guard. They ]>assed
on, when we were again about faced to the front. They
})assed along opposite the open graves, each coffin was set
down in front of a grave, and each sat down on liis own
coffin, 'facing the executioners, tifty of whom were drawn
lip in line about fifteen paces from them and between them
and us. Soon all was arranged, and the iidnisters held
teir last conversation with the condemned. One of them,
a German, had risen and was standing engaged in prayer
until three minutes of four o'clock. They could not wait
any longer. One beside him, said to be his brother, kissed
'oim. He walked to where one of the others were, said to
'.)e a relative, and kissed him ; walked back and sat down
again on his coffin. An officer stepped up and bound a
124 HISTORY OF COMPANY ''K,"
white scarf over the eyes of each one ; then he stepped
back and gave the command, ''Keady aim — fire !" The
fifty guns cracked almost as one. Four of the men fell
forward, the other one fell back on his coffin, each one
said to be pierced with five bullets in his breast. Four
were dead in a moment; the other lived a minute or two.
There were two slight groans heard, but we were not cer-
tain where they came from. In a few minutes they were
in their coffins and lowered into their graves, and we filed
around and marched to cam]).
This minute description is given that all may see, who
read this, with what military exactness everything was
done and how well everything was conducted. Verymanj^
shed tears at the sight, and very few, if any, of thise who
witnessed it would ever wish to l>ehold another sight of
the same kind.
August 31st. Gol. John H. Cain resigned and called
out the regiment to say good bye. His resigiiation was
brought about by his having a few words with the Brigade
Commander when on drill.
September 3rd, 1863. It is one year to-day since we
were mustered into the V. S. Service. Then we num-
bered 90 men, now only 60. We have lost 30 by death,
discharge and resignations, 10 of the 60 absent in hospitals,
and two or three of them will never return to the
company.
September 6th. A letter from Rev. iVIateer states he
had accepted the ])osition of Chaplain, and would soon be
with us.
September 9th. First Lieut. Risden DeFord had ten-
dered his resignation on account of ill health. It had
been acce])ted and he started home on the 10th. Boys, is
not a nice thing to have a commission? Then when we
1,j5TH REG. PA. VOL. 125
get sick we can resign and j>o home, and don't have to be
draj*ged from one hospital to another until the breath is
all knocked out of us ; or when we get mad and scold the
Brigadier and the Brigadier scolds us, then we can resign,
and (luit, and don't have to go to the guard-house where
the graybacks are so plenty that there must be guards
placed about to prevent them from carrying us off. The
next time we enlist, let us all take commissions in our
pockets.
September 13th. Capt. Cline Avent on picket with a de-
tail to be out two days. This left Sergeant Marshall in
command of the Company. That evening Ave received or-
ders to have everything in readiness to move at short no-
tice. Nothing else occurred next day, only that marching
orders were not renewed until the evening of the loth,
when the orders were to pack everything except tents.
That night all who were not able to march were sent to
the hospital. We furnished six, as follows : Corporal Se-
rene, G. Reed, E. L. McGaughey, J. R. Henderson, Calvin
Gray and Wm. R. Mahan.
At 3:30 next morning the drums waked us. We got up,
ate our breakfast, and were ready to start at daylight, but
had only crossed the river, a mile distant, at 8 o'clock.
At 2 p. m. we had marched 12 miles and camped near Cul-
])epper. Next morning we were up early again, ])assed
through Culpepper, which had once been a tliriving place,
but it had suffered severely on account of secession. Af-
ter marching four miles more we halted, lay about awhile
and then had orders to put \i\) our tents, as we might stay
there three or four days. We were very well pleased with
the location, as we were close by a large Held of corn that
was then in roasting ear. It was a. feast until the corn be-
came too hard.
JUG HISTORY OF COMPANY 'K."
September 29tli. We were i)aid for months of July and
August. We still remaiued in the same camp. This thing
of when we will mareh is a very uncertain business ; some-
times we will be watching and expecting to march at any
time, and have orders to be ready for days at a time, and
then not move, but quiet down and stay for weeks. At
other times we may think we are settled down to remain
for weeks, when suddenly orders will come and we will be
on the inove in an hour. A soldier^s life may be rather a
happy one, if he only has the gift of contentment witlF
whatever condition he may be placed in. and also the gift
of resignation to do the will of his sui)eriors — obey orders
at all times
Our eight days' rations hatl been kept n\) for a long-
time. Now there Avere orders not to issue any more until
we would eat hve, thus reducing them to three days.
There was another deserter shot in the First Division
on the 26th. We would probably have been called out to
witness it had it not been so wet. We were not sorry. It
was so near that we heard the volley.
October :kd, I860, was another very wet day. We used
to enjoy wet days at home, when we could rest and look
out at it, but here, where we had to eat, sleep and be in
the rain and that red mud, it was not so pleasant. Ser-
geant Foster returned to the Company, but was not fit for
duty as his wound was not healed.
October 8th. We received orders on dress parade to
clean up and prepare for corps review next day. Kext
morning at 1 o'clock we were waked up by the bugle
sounding, "pack uj),^' "i)ack up.'^ The boys crawled out
and commenced packing up ; then the orders came to draw
eight days' rations and to be ready to march at 3 a. m.
Then all was bustle and confusion. There must be a de-
irMTH REG. PA. VOL. 127
tail to go for the rations. Tbey must l^e divided out
and stored away, and all done quickly. We then took a
round-about road for ei<jrht miles, and halted near Ivaceoou
Ford on the Rapidan river. Part of the First corps cross-
ed over, hunting- for rehs. but found none. AVe remained
there until near evening, whe we took another road an<i
came back to camp. AVe now thought the march was
over and began ])utting up our tents, but before we had
that done, we received notice that we would soon go
again, then soon after received another o'rder to umke our-
selves comfortalde until morning. At 4 a. m. the Uu^le
again waked us, l)ut did not start until 7 a. m. AVe were
again in the rear, exce]>t some cavalry. AVe passed back
through Culpepper and half way to the Ivai)pahanno<'k,
when we halted for dinnej-. The rebs were following us
skirmishing with the cavalry in our rear. AA^e Avere in line
of battle several times, but they did not come close enough
to us to exchange compliments. At sundown we cros cTi
the river back into our old camp ; distance that day, four-
teen miles. AVe i)ut up our tents over the old bunks and
])repared oui-selves for a good rest. Next morning- at 3 a.
m., waked up again with oroers to recross the river at 5:30.
We crossed and lay in line of battle, our skiiinishers close
to the rebels until 2 j). m., when our cavalry advanced on
them, killing several, and drove them as far as Cul})e])])er.
Our corjjs and the Sixth followed more than half way and
went into camp with heavy cannonading- in front. Henry
Upperman was sent to the hospital this day, sick.
That night at 10 o'clock we weie again waked up and in
15 minutes were on the back track. AA'hen on such marches
we seldom followed any roads and so it was this time.
After wading swamps, falling- in ditches and other adven-
tures, we recrossed the Rappahannock back to our F>everly
128 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
Ford camp at 5 a. in. Some of the boys lay down on the
old bunks to tiuish the night's sleep, but before they had
Time to close their eyes orders came to be ready to march
in an hour. Then we had to hurry in order to get our
breakfast before the time. This was October I3th. At
six we started, but this time we changed our direction and
started toward Washington. That day we kept near the
3'ailroad, passing Warrenton Junction and encami)ed that
night near Catlett's station, on the same ground where we
encamped the second night when on tlie Gettysburg!!
^'ampaign.
We had now eaten four of the eight day's rations. That
night we were ordered to draw four days more, keeping
the nuniber up to eight days and also keeping us up late
that night.
155th keg. ta. vol. 129
CHAPTEK i:^.
Marchingv— Rebels Close — Taken Back Five Miles — Cen-
ter ville — On Reserve — Wet Night — Drying Garments
— Again in the Advance — l>ull Run Battle-field — Why-
March at Night — Wormy Crackers — Condemned —
Best Time to Eat Them — Short Marches — Clothings
Returned — Confidence in Gen. Meade — An Estimate
— Chaplain Mateer — Rappahannock Station — Rich-
mond Markets — Rebel Letter and Beef — Reviews —
The Sick — A Move — Mud — Going Back — Pack-up —
Rapidan — Skirnushing — Shelled — Moved to the Right
— Piled Knapsacks — Feeling Serious — Orders to
Charge — ^line Run — Cold Day — Shelled — Back at
Knapsacks — Falling Back — Cold Night — A March —
Rappahannock.
October ll:th, 1863.,. Tumbled out of bed at 4 a. nw, had
breakfast ready to march at 0. We could hear cannona-
ding far in the rear — the cavalry figliting the rebels. We
stopped for dinner at Bristow Station, five miles from Man-
assas. The First and Second Divisions crossed a small
stream and stopped in a field. The Third Division (Penn-
sylvania Reserves) stopped before crossing tlie stream.
The First and Second had eaten dinner and gone a short
distance, when suddenly from a hill the rebels opened fire
on tlie Third Division, the first shell falling among the
11th Reserves, killing and wounding several. They were
firing over the Second Corps — probably did not see them
— when they turned and drove the rebels some distance.
We marched on to ]Manassas and lay until sun-down, Avhen
we were taken back about five miles on the double-quick
130 HISTORY OF COMPANY 'K/'
to prevent the rebs from flanking the Second Corps. We
saw no rebels, except some prisoners. We were told that
we were very close to them, and Avere not ])ermitted to
speak above a whisper. We remained there an hour or
two, when we fell back to Manassas, went on to Bull Rud
and forded it, being about knee-deep, and after going
about three miles farther went into camj) at four in tlie
morning. We had marched about 2,j miles that day.
About 8 a. m. we started, passing through the fortitica-
tions a,t Centerville, where we halted and were tol4 that
we were a reserve. We then marched on near to Fairfax
Court House, Meade exi)ecting a general attack by the
rebels. All remained quiet until near night, when there
was a brisk cannonade in the direction of Manassas,whiclj
we afterwards learned was a skirmish between the rebs
and Second Corps.
This was the sixth night since we had a night's rest, and
were now badly in need of it. We were permitted to lie
all night, but it rained and made us Avet and cold.
October lOth. We marched back to Centerville. October
17th, returned to canip near Fairfax C. H. We were be
coming acquainted with the road between these two
points. This evening at T) o'clock we were ordered to
pack up, were in line at six but did not march until seveu.
There was a thunder cloud getting ready to })Our out ins
contents on us. About the time we started it began to
rain in torrents. In a few minutes we were as wet as we
could get. Low ground had Avater knee deep, small vw.m
became creeks, but the harder it rained and the deeper we
ha I to wade, the louder the song and the cheer; we might
have been heard miles distant. It made matters no wor«e
to lie down, or fall down in the water: we were wet a:-K!
could not get any wetter. When we had passed over
L")5TH llEG. PA. VOL. j;jl
some four miles toward Centerville, we turned off ;iii(]
camped in a Held. The prosjject for a comfortable sleej)
that night was not very tlatterini>-. All wet, «>Tound covet-
ed with watei'. No tire, nothing- to make tiie with, notfci-
ing to stret<-h our tent cloths, nothing to keej> us out of
the water and mud. Ujit we did the l>e.st we could.
The next morning we found wood to make tiies, and the
sun came out bright so that we soon had our clotlies corn
fortal)le. AtJ> a. m. we started again for Centerville. Tlie
army had nearly all disai)])eared. The rebels were fallhig
back. Their intention seemed to have l)een toriankoui-
army and get posession of this strong position, and make
anotlier l>ull Run tight with the chan<'es in their fnvor. hvt
in the race we had 1)eaten them a few hours and now they
had to tall l)a(;k.
We did notiest here long. Centerville and its foriiri..:
tions were soon left behind. We crossed Hull J\un abuva
where we had crossed it before and encami)ed tliat night
on the ground of the second Bull Ran battle. Distance
tiaveled this day was about 15 miles.
We lay on tlie ground where the Pennsylvania res^rveB
iiad fought and were com])e]led to retreat, and where a
numbei- of them were buried so slightly that parts of tlie
skeletons were bare; these were careful]}^ covered up by
their comrades. There were some found that had net
been l)uried at all. one instance, comrades Kirk]>atrick
and Armstrong were scouting al)Out and found one; they
SHW "Jo Sch^on his belts; just then one of the 10th Re-
serves (auie up and looked at it; he said tlie dead com-
rade's name was 'Joe Sdiiek" and that his motljcr hjil
written several times to learn where he was, and all the
satisfaction they could give her was that "he was missing.''
The different i)ositions weie ]Jointed out to us, and a! I
132 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
agreed that the loss of the battle should be laid to Gen.
McDowell.
At 1 o'clock next morning, October 19th, the bugle call-
ed us up, we marched through the mud in the dark and at
daybreak struck the Manassas Railroad in about five
miles, at Gainesville, where we lay 'till noon. Some might
ask why did we not wait until daylight and then do our
marching! Well when there was so much to i)ass over a
road the point was to keep it full all the time. The 6th
Corps had passed over this same road in the early part of
the night, and there were trains both before and behind
us. After dinner we started, marched seven miles and
camped near Kew Baltimore. This was in a gap of the
Bull Run mountains where the Warrenton pike passes.
We remained in this cam]) tive davs, or until the 21th .
we had, in the meantime, laid it oti' in regular order and
cleaned it up. While here we tried an experiment, which
we never again wished to repeat. Ihe crackers issued to
us, were wormy — full of worms, break a cracker any place
and if we did not tind a worm there, we would tind Avhere
it had been and made its quarters before it moved into a
a new camp; we complained to our captain that the crack-
ers were not tit to eat. Other companies complained to
their officers : the officers carried the complaints to head-
quarters. There was a commission sent to examine the
crackers, or the worms, and they were condemned. We
gave up our wormy crackers with joy and gladness, think-
ing how nicely we had disposed of them, and now we
would get some that we could eat. They were hauled out
and thrown in a pile, until there were enough to have tilled
a small barn, and probably all that were in the Corps ; then
there were guards placed all about them. We waited that
day for another issue of crackers, and we waited the next
155th keg. pa. vol. 133
day. About this time we be^aii to linger about that large
pile and look at them with longing eyes, prompted by emp-
ty stomachs, but the guards would not i)ermit us to touch
one. Those worms were condemned to be burned, and it
was not for us to rescue them. At last they were set on
tire and burned uj). We continued to grow hungrier un-
til the third day, when they issued some more, and when
we broke them we found they were just like those we saw
burned, but we did not ask our ofticers to condemn any
more. We soon learned that the best time to eat them
was after night and before daylight. About that time in
the season a year later we found they had the same dis-
ease ; but we ate them — we inflicted punishment on those
worms ourselves.
October 24:th, 1863. Eained nearly all day. In the eve-
ning when everything was as well wet as they could get-
the bugle blew ''pack up." We marched 4 miles through
the mud, and long after night encamped near a place called
Auburn. Xext day at noon we i)acked up again and
moved a short distance, laid off a camp and began to fix
up for staying, some said a long time, and we did stay five
days. A])Out this time our heavy clothing, that we had
l)Oxed up and turned over to the authorities six months
previously, was returned to us. A good many that werewith
us then were not with us now to receive their clothing.
Some were dead, some were in the hospitals and some
discharged and at home. This caring for our clothing was
a wise provision of the (lovernment and saved us many
dollars of expense, because if we had not sent them away
we would undoubtedly have had to throw them away and
draw new ones when we needed them.
October 30th. We moved to Warrenton Junctian and
went into camp. The whole army had now acquired great
334 HISTORY OF COMPANY ''K.*'
conlidence in Gen. Meade. Old soldiers who had been in
the army since the beginning, said that he could nianceuvre
It better than any General who had ever commanded it.
Confidence in a commander is a strong element in winning
a battle.
We were well satisfied to leave all to his dijection, be-
]ie\ ing that he had the ability to manage things for the
best, and that with the blessing of God we would come
out all right. The uninitii-.ted can lia\ e but little idea of
Die skill and planning that it takes to move an army, the
^'ze of our army there, in the presence of the enemy and
tio it successfully — to have eveiything move together and
cnae out together in the right jilace. It was estimated
tiiat the wagon trains and artillery of the Army of the
Potomac would reach seventy-five miles if it was strung
oat in line.
Our Corps, with all its trains, the men four abreast.
would probaV^ly reach ten or twelve miles.
When we consider this we can understand why we so
frequently have to march in the night.
Octol)er 31st. D. L. ]\rcClosky returned from the hospi-
t HuJ.
]Novemi>ei* 3rd. Robert Brewster, G. W. Thomj)Son and
W. W. Wells were sent to the hospital.
Kcjvember 4:th. Our Chaplain, Rev. Joseph Mateer, join-
ed The regiment this day.
The evening of November <>th we were notified that
reveille would beat at four next morning and that we
would march at six a. m. We started and marched six
01' eight miles and halted in the vicinity of Rappahannock
station. Our Brigadier was in command of the ])ickets^
who advanced as skirmishers. They soon found the rebs
fi,nd drove them back, when cannonading began and con'
155th keg. pa. vol. 135
tiiHied for hours. We expected every minute to be called
on but did not receive orders to march until near sundown,
when we advanced a mile through the woods in line of
battle and halted after dark, when the iiriug- ceased. There
we lay until fotir next morning, November 8th. We moved
down the river and crossed at Kelly's Ford a])out six miles
from our staiting ])laco, and ap|)earances Avould indicate
that they had left very suddenly when our troops arrived.
We found letters, papers and other things. One paper was
a Riclimond Examiner printed ten days [jrevious. Among
other news, it gave the Kiclimond markets. Here are
some of them : Beef, $1.75 ])er pound; bacon, $2.50 and
$2.00 per lb.: eggs $2.00 and 82.25 ])er dozen ; tiour, $75.00
f>er bbl. We ha<l heaid of these prices before but thought
\ untrue.
•■'ori)oral Armstrong and (xeorge Clever had been de-
liv.led from the Company as train guards on this cam])Higu
a':id we seldom saw tliem.
November loth, ISO.). We moved a sliort distance and
went into camj). The officers told us we would probably
rtiiiain here ten days. S(^»me of us thought we would
ake ourselves as comfortable as i)0ssible, so we went to
,7t>rk and carried some of the rebel shanties about forty
)ds, rebuilt them, and had them to do duty for the Union.
In one shanty we found a letter partly written by a rebel,
lie said, ''The Yankees have gone into winter quarters and
,ve are going to stay here this winter, and we have put up
the best (luarters we have had since the war began ;-' then
a "little further on he said, "\ must cjuit ; we are going ;'?
l!ien he had dropped it and ran. We found som© beef half
j'oasted. Poor deluded creatures! they did not stay there
nil winter.
November loth. This day we heard brisk cannonading
136 HISTORY OF COMPANY "k."
toward the front and had orders to be ready to march. We
afterwards learned that our cavalry had made a dash on
the rebels, driving them.
November 19th. The Paymaster was with us, giving us
two months' pay. All those who wished it, instead of re-
ceiving the greenbacks, could have a check on the Assist-
ant Treasurer at New York for whatever part of their
wages they wished to send home. This was a great con-
venience. We had notice to be ready for Corps review
that day, but it rained and the boys rejoiced over it, for
we had no great love for reviews. We had a division re-
view the day previous.
November 22nd. Appearances indicated a move. There
were orders for the sick to be sent away to hospital. Da-
vid Wolf was sent from Company "K." Preparations con-
tinued, and in the evening of the 2r)th orders came to be
ready at an early hour next morning. At 4 a. m. tlie bugle
sounded. We packed up, ate breakfast, and at daylight
were ready to start, and about that time it began to rain.
We started toward the Eapidan, and when we had gone 2
miles we had become very wet. Our loads, which were
heavy when we started, had now become much heavier*
The wagons and artillery were beginning to stick in the
mud. That is the nature of the Virginia soil, and it takes
but very little rain to put it in that condition. We stopped,
as we supposed, to rest, but in a few minutes orders came
to return to camp. We returned, put up our tents, put on
tires, and while sitting trying to dry our clothes, were
wishing that we had the editor of the New York Herald
and a few more of those Northern editors who continually
want to know, "Why don't the army move?" along with us
in the rain and mud, with loads equal to ours, if it was
only for a short march, like this one, and they would not
looTH REG. PA. VOL. 137
have to ask again, "AVby tlon't the army move !" and they
never would ask that again. A winter campaign, witli 75,-
000 or 100,000 men, is a nice thing to talk about and write
about at home, but the reality is not so pleasant. AVe are
all well satistied with Gen. Meade's order and think he
took a wise course in countermanding the order before we
had gone too far; or we would liave had another "stick in
the mud."
]S^ovember 25th. We had settled down, and it looked
as though we might stay some time, but next morning at 4
o'clock the l)ugle again blew, "pack up." We started at
daylight, and at noon had marched 8 miles, until we came
near the Kapidan river. In the evening we crossed on
pontoons without meeting any opposition. We marched
out four miles and encami)ed near the Chancellorsville bat-
tle ground. It froze hard that night.
November 27th. At sun-up we were marching on the
plank road toward Orange Court House. The Reserves
were in front and we next. Towards noon they met the
enemy's skirmishers and drove them some distance until
the firing became pretty hot. We had stopi)ed to get some
dinner, and were scarcely done before we had to start and
double-(iuick a mile or two, when we filed off into i)ine
Avoods out of sight, in the rear of the Reserves, and lay
down because the rebs were sending their shells all about
us ])retty fast, but none of us were struck. We lay there
all night in line of battle, expecting to be attacked. Morn-
ing came and all quiet, excei)t the skirmishing on the
front. Then it began to rain, and the longer the harder.
Soon the orders came to move. About 10 a. m., all the
other troops having moved back, our Division followed.
We fell back a short distance, and then turned off to the
right to join the rest of the army that had crossed farther
138 HISTORY OF COMPANY ''K,,'
up the rive '. In the afternoon we made connection with
tkern on Uod hard pike and encami>ed for the night. At 4
a. ni., November 29th, we moved to the front line and re-
lieved the Second Corps, which moved to another posi-
tion. Here we lay in battle line, while our skirmishers
Hud theirs kei>t popjiing away at each other continually.
We could see the rebels behind and about their works on
the hill across Mine Run. About 2 ]). m. we had orders to
fix up and pile our knapsacks and to place one man as
guard over them, as we would make a charge on the rel)el
Aorks at 4 p. m. We did as instructed. AVe felt that this
was a serious business. We knew we could not expect to
i I Large on those works and all return alive. We knew
that we would be running right into the jaws^ of death.
Very many gave their money and valuables to the Chap-
lain. Some of us did not, for we felt that our time had
i3ot yet c(»me. Some of us believed that if we attacked
we would be unsuccessful, because Sal)bath day attacks
;ue generally unsuccessful.
But 4 o'clock came and passed, and all remained <iuiet.
Kight came, and we made down our beds. At la. m., No-
vember .30th, we were (luietly waked up, and our Corps.
with some other troops, moved outcpiietly to the right two
jifiiiles. where we formed in three lines to attack and flank
tliem. We were formed in the woods. It was extremely
cold and we could not have tire, nor were we allowed to
:(iiake any noise lest they might discover our position. The
first line was to charge, and if they failed then the second
line, and if they failed, then the third. The charge was
to be made at 8 o'clock. When daylight came it was
found they Avere ready for us there too. They had made
liruskdams in the creek so that the water was several feet
Icej). It was not a pleasant thought to think of wading that*
l.JOTH KKG. PA. VOL. 130
wiieii in a few minutes our clothes would be fro/en stiff:
tiien perhaps gel wounded and freeze to deatl' on the bat-
tle-field. Tlie rebs seemed to think there was something
iji tliose woods, and i)ersisted in sending their compliments
in the shai)e <»f balls and sliells, whi<-h whizzed all about
us. There were some men hit, but none in our com])any'
The good sense of our Generals i)revailed, and we did
j:ot have to make that charge, but there we laid all tliat
cold day. There was no way to kee[) waini, only by exer-
cise, and no other way to exercise as well as by runniiiu
ill a circle ; sometimes twenty or thirty running in the same
( 'rcle- at the same time. It was said that several men
froze to death during the day. J)arkness came at last and
v/e fell in and marched back near where we left in the
nnrning, where we were permitted to have tire, for the
^irst time in eighteen hours, and we did enjoy it. We re-
' iained that night and until i! p. m. next day, wheu our
corps was extended on the front line as far as we could
reach: relieving other trooi»s, when they fell back. We re-
' lained <ni the line until after dark, when we started to-
wards the Kapidan. For some reason we marched so slow
we nearly froze. We re<'rossed the Kapidan at 4 next
ctorning. Dec. 2nd, having been nine liours marching thir-
teen miles. After marching another mile we halted, made
^ome tires, spread down our blankets and lay down- It
>7as now past .">. and before S o'clock, were waked up and
started without time to get breakfast. We marched about
ten ndles more, and at 1 p. m. went into cami) near
Stephensburg, where we lay until next morning, Dec. .3i'd.
lSt»2, when we started again. We struck the railroad near
Brandy Station, and crossed the Rapi)ahannock, it be-
rng the twelftli time for some of us.
140 HISTOKY OF COMPANY "K,
"ir "
OHAPTEK X.
Building Winter Quarters — Another Execution — Various
Moves and Winter Quarters — Furloughs — A l^ew
Year — Sutler's Frices— "Uncle Sam's" Allowance— A
Eecruit— Expecting an Attack— Zouave Uniform— An
Agreeable Move— Real Enjoyment— Christian Commis-
sion—Zouave Brigade— Guard at Chapel Door— Month-
ly Inspection— Chaplain's Services— Guerrillas— Sur-
roundings—Revival— A Premonition — Expecting an
Attack— More Recruits— Effects of the Revival— Tar-
get Practice— A Change.
December 3rd, 1863. When we had marched two miles
farther we halted and drew rations. We were needing
them very much, for some haversacks had been emj^ty all
day.
Daylight, December 4th, found us in motion again. We
passed Bealeton Station and halted at Warrenton Junction.
We now found that our Corps was being scattered all
along the railroad as guards and this was our location.
Our camp was laid off and also the location of our quar-
ters.
December 5th. We went to work cutting, splitting and
carrying in timber for our winter quarters according to or-
ders from the officers. We worked hard and had most of
the timber on the ground, when about dark the bugle blew,
"pack up." We did so, but we were mad— very mad. Then
orders came that we would not start until 8 next morning.
At that time we (our Brigade) fell in and marched back to
Beeleton and camped. Next morning they told us we
155th REG. PA. VOL. 141
would likely stay there all winter ; then we all went to work
a«j;ain takini>- out timber for winter quarters. This day our
Brigadier, Gen. Gerrard, left us, being transferred to some
other command. Col. Gregory, of the Olst Pennsylvania,
was put in command of the Brigade.
December 7tli and Sth we worked hard at our houses, so
as to have them ready to move into before the next rain.
We had now been thirteen days and nights Avithout shelter
and had to take the rain and frost or freezing as it came,
There was not one of those nights that did not freeze.
December Sth. Received notice of the death of George
W. Thompson at Carver U. S. Hospital, Wasliington, D.
0., on November 29th.
December 9th. We put a few extras on our ({uarters.
We split planks for flooring and also for our bunks. By
turning up the soft side of an oak plank we had a good
substitute for mattresses and bed-springs.
December ]lth, 1803. It rained very hard all night and
next morning the water was three inches deep under the
bed. Corporal George A. Serene and ])rivates Calvin
Gray, Brewster, Reed and Mahan returned from the hos-
pital, which increased the number of men for duty from 18
to 22.
December 15th. Capt. Cline received a "leave of al)-
sence'' for ten days and started for home.
December 18th. We were called to witness another
solemn scene, the execution of John B. McMann of the
11th U. S. Infantry for desertion. We knew nothing
about it until a few hours previous. We uiarched out a
mile from camp, through the mud. Our Division was
drawn up, forming three sides of a S(iuare, all facing in
ward. Soon the[procession appeared, headed by a band of
music; next followed the executioners — eleven in number:
U*J HISTORY OF COMPANY -^K/'
tlieu four iiieii caiTviiig a cuttin ; then tlie coudeiuiied mAu
and a Ohaplaiii, followed l)y some 40 of the Provost guard.
They marched around on the iuside of the square, the baud
l)layiug. The <*ulp]'it uiarelied to the time with a tirEii
step, recoguiziug ac(iuaiut;iuces and saluting the Generilp,
;ts lie ])ussed them. We were standing about ten rods
from the grave. The coffin was laid down at the end of
tlie grave, and he kneeled down l)eside the coffin, facing
the executioners. He appeared to be engaged in prayer
for five or ten minutes. Tlie Chaplain then blindfolded
him, shook hands, and stepped ba<*k. Everything was 51,8
still as death. He remained on his knees, his head erect-
The officer gave the comuiand ))y signs, and when the guhB
cracked he fell forward on his face and knees, and in a
few minutes he was in his grave, and we were on oui- way
l)ack to camp. We had lioped, after witnessing the execu-
tion of the live deserters near Beverly Fojd, that it would
never l)e necessary to witness anothei'. ]t is a sight that
no one need be desirous of seeing. It was so arranged in
loading the guns that no one knows whether he i)ut a l)all
into the prisoner or not. The guns are loaded, one-half of
them with ball, the other half with blank cartridge, and
those that tire do not know which one has a ball or which,
has not : then, after the volley, each gun is tried to see if it
has been discharged.
])eceud>er I'Oth. Cai)t. Cline returneil to the <'om])aiiy
after an absence of ten days. About J p. m. Companies
"K" and ''E'' received orders to ])ack uj) and go dowji
the railroail and lelieve purt of the 91st Pennsylvaniaj
who were guarding ther^^. Our quarters that we had built
so nicely and with so much lard work, were to be tikeii
care of as we should probably return. About four miles
mar(;hing brought us to the place we Avere to .yuard. We
I,MTH REG. PA. VOL. It")
had not been halted lon^ enough to get our suppers wheo.
tiie balance of the regiment arrived, and ten niiniitek'^
afterward we were all on the go. We i)assed Warrentoj.
- Junction and on to Catlett's Station. We had now trav-
eled ten miles and it was past midnight. We went into
the (juarters of the lOtli Reserves, who had moved out
tliat day. Morning came and with it a drizzling cold raiu.
We hoped to get staying in our quarters but were
doomed to l)e disappointed. Eai-ly in the morning Coi'ii
panics ''!)," ''E," ''G'' and ''K'' were detailed to go down
toward Bristow Station and relieve some of the Keserves.
We mai<hed about three miles through the rain and nrm;,
each company stopping l)y itself. We squatted in tSie
w(»ods and pitched our tents on the ground. We liad
been theie about three hours when the Eegulars caiMe to
relieve us. and we started back. We ])assed Catlett";s
and ariived at Warrenton Junction at night, wet, weary
wiclvcd and muddy, very tired if not wiser men. We
have never been able to discover wh> we were marcher
day and night through rain and mud, first one dii'ectioa
and then turn and go the other way. This is likely to ] e-
iiiain one of the unsolved problems of the war. We were
now back in the same place we liad left three weeks pre-
vious. When we went away Tiie 11th Reserves came
iiere, built up the (juarters we had commenced; now they
were gone and we were ba<*k in them, but they had not
(|uite com])]eie(l them for us, as we had to clean away ttie
mud in places befoic making down our beds. We had no
means of knowing how long we might stay there. Thl,'*,
was. an important ])oint and it was necessary to have &
strong guard. The rebels had made some attempts to get
the road there. At lU ]>. m. we liad oi-ders to be ready
144 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
with our guns in our hands, as there was a raid expected,
but no "Johnnies" came.
There were a great many wanting furloughs about this
time. The regiment was allowed to send only seven at a
time for ten days, so that our prospect for furloughs was
not bright.
January 1st, 1864. 1803 is gone, who shall live to the
close of this year? The past year has l)een one of many
hardships and trials, and numberless have been the dan-
dangers we have passed through, seen and unseen, to say
nothing of the dangers from disease. Many of our dear
comrades have been laid under the sod from disease ; only
two have gone to their long home from the bullets of the
enemy. It has also been a year that most of us have not
seen home or friends ; shall it be so this year ? We hope
not, but it is hard to tell what is for us in the future. They
had been giving some furloughs, but for some reason they
had now almost stopped giving any. It was probably be-
cause so many of the older regiments were re-enlisting
and going home on veteran furloughs, that the rest of us
could not be spared then. It recjuired two years service
before a regiment could re-enlist ; we had not been that
long in the service, therefore we could not re-enlist ; if we
could, most, if not all, would have been willing.
As this was New Year's day the sutler was on hands
with chickens at one dollar each, turkeys at six to seven
dollars each. Three of us indulged in apples to the amount
of seventy-Uve cents, and had eighteen small apples, six
to each one. In the evening "Uncle Sam" sent around
some whisky for his boys, in the proportion of a quart for
twelve men, but from the way a good many of our officers
behaved, Ave thought they had about twelve quarts to
155th eeg. pa. vol. 145
every twelve men, and a few quarts to keej) over to next
day.
January 2nd. Last night was extremely cold, too cold
to sleep, too cold to sit beside the fi^*e ; water froze while
in a vessel three or four feet from a good fire. The cap-
tain and some of the boys were on picket ; they must have
suffered.
January 3rd (Sabbath). Chaplain Mateer preached for
us. It was very cold, but there were about 100 men stood
out in tlie cold to hear the sermon. He never missed an
oi)portdnity for doing good. We had unusually cold and
stormy weather from January 1st until the 9th. That day
Ave received the tirst recruit we had since we came out—
Wm. F. Cline. We needed some more, so as to make the
duty easier. The Company was so reduced that tJie boys
had to be on duty each alternate day.
From the 10th to the 16th nothing unusual occurred.
We had some alarms from guerillas or rebel cavalry, but
no attack.
January 19th. Preaching by our Chaplain from the text
"What think ye of Christ f ' Matt., Chap. 22, verse 42. In
the evening we received Zouave uniforms. We had heard
some talk, but nothing i)ositive, until they came. It was
marvelous how quickly we changed from common infantry
soldiers to Zouaves in full uniform, and no doubt the uni-
form looked as odd to others as we felt in it ; but we soon
^ learned to love it, and would have objected very strongly
to going back to the old uniform. Some of the boys be-
came very efficient in the Zouave drill, and possibly it was
, the means of saving the life of one or more when they
came in close combat with the enemy.
Let us try to have a description from the bottom up.
, The gaiters came down over the tops of the shoes, buck-
U^r V
146 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,
ling". Over these the white canvas leggins, buckling tight
around the ankles and half way to the knees ; then the
wide, dark-blue pants, with material enough in one pair to
have made two pairs of ordinary pants, and gathered with
bands at the upper and lower ends. Next, the red sash,
trimmed with yellow. This was wound about the waist.
It was about ten inches wide and ten feet long. Next came
the jacket, of the same material as the pants, and trimmed
with yellow. And, lastly, the turban, consisting of a red
fez cap, with blue tassel and a sash of white flannel about
a foot wide and ten teet long, nicely wound about the cap.
This last was seldom worn, excei)t on dress parade or
dress occasions.
Jan. 18th. This morning the guards came out in the
new uniform and everybody came out to see them.
Jan. 23rd. First Sergeant Marshall started home on a
ten day furlough.
Jan. 24th. Campanies "K" and "G" detached from the
regiment and posted near the Junction, nearly a mile from
the regiment. The regimental wagons hauled over our
quarters and we rebuilt them. We were all well pleased
with this move. It took us away from the conventional-
ities of regimental life. It put us on the railroad, where
we could see and hear what was being done, and Capt.
Cline being the ranking officer, was the commander of
our Post.
We perhaps had more real enjoyment during the three
months we remained here than during any other three
months of our service, notwithstanding the boys had to
be on guard about every alternate day and night.
Jan. 26th. E. L. McGaughey returned from hospital.
Feb. 3rd. Sergeant Marshall returned to the company
after his furlough.
15r)TH REG. PA. VOL. 147
February 4th. Corporal Scbinuck and privates P. 0.
Hetrick, Henderson and AVolf returned from the hospital.
February 6th. There were seven of Mosby's men cap-
tured and l)rouglit in that day— one of them a Major.
There was considerable cannonading in the direction of
the Kapidan, which we afterwards learned was the Third
Cori)8 across the river on a reconnoisance.
February 11th. The Christian Commission established
a i)Ost at the Junction and put up a large chapel tent
for religious services. We had brigade review the same
day. We were reviewed by General Ayres, commanding
our Division. Ours was the first Zouave Brigade in the
Union. It was comi)osed of the 140th and 146th -K. Y.,
and 155th Pa. Next day there was an inspection of camp
and of quarters. When there was no mud, our streets
were swept as clean as a floor.
February 14th (Sabbath). When we attempted to go to
preaching at the Christian Commission Chapel, we 'found a
guard posted by some drunken officers, and all who were
not dressed to please them were sent back. If they did
not go immediately they were arrested. There was one
man refused admission because he had worn a hat instead
of his fez ca]). We considered this as carrying matters too
far, and it was never attempted again.
February 17th. It was most dreadful cold weather. We
crawled in among the blankets soon after dark to avoid
freezing.
Fel)ruary IDth. Our regular monthly inspection, which
had been delayed a few days on account of the cold, came
off this day. The Inspector expressed himself as well
pleased with everything in our detachment, while he re-
ported the camp of the regiment in miserable condition,
consequently we all felt good.
148 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
February 23rd. John Pettigrew returned from the hos-
pital.
February 25th. We were paid up to the close of the
year. All the five aollar bills paid us were from the First
National Bank of Kittanning— our own county town— and
as they were the first Kational bank currency we had
seen, we considered it quite an agreeable coincidence.
Our Chaplain had meeting every night for a week, with
a crowded house, and a great deal of interest manifested.
The Christian Commission tent was so mucli crowded ev-
ery night that, in order to get in, it was necessary to go
early. ' When it was first announced there would be re-
ligious services every night, some thought it would be a
failure, but it was the other way. The interest kept on in-
creasing.
There were still souie guerrillas lurking about. They
captured a mail carrier near Beaieton and killed him by
cutting his throat. They were pursued by our meu, whO'
re-took the mail and captured two of the rebels.
February 27th was a beautiful day. We had then the
most delightful camp we ever occupied. There was no
opportunity for getting lonesome. The locomotives with
trains were pufflng about all the time. When they were
quiet there were the drivers of 70 yoke of oxen with
their "gee, wo, haw,'' close beside us The government had
twenty or more buildings there for different purposes;
some of them were for their workmen and railroad hands
to live in. It was a wood depot for supplying the loco-
motives. There was a steam saw called the 'iittleyankee"
at work cutting up the wood. Then there was a telegrapJi
office, two sutlers, a saddler shop, a news and book depot,
as well as the Christian Commission Chapel. When not
otherwise engaged, we had for outdoor exercises games
155th REG. PA. VOL. 149
of ball and pitching horse shoes. But then we did not
know what day the guerillas might give us a call, so we
had made preparations for them if they came. We had a
strong fort, and just back of camp a good rifle pit, while
around the whole brigade was an abattis or brush fence
about five miles in length. The guards were stationed on
the inside of this fence.
February 28th. There were rumors of a move, but to
our great gratiflcation it amounted to nothing more.
Fel)ruary 29th. Kev. Morgan, of Eural Village, called
to make us a visit.
March 3rd, 18()1. Some canonading out toward the
front.
March 6th. After the usual Sabbath morning duties
there was preaching at Christion Commission at 11a. m.,
bible class at 2 p. m. and preaching at nightfall conducted
by Kev. Dr. Waddell, of Ohio.
March 7th. We had an exciting game of foot ball in the
evening after drill. The 9l8t Pennsylvania returned from
their veteran furlough and built quarters near us.
March 10th. General Grant passed up in the cars go-
ing to the front.
March 12th. Our Chaplain baptized one man last Sab-
bath, a member of Company '^H,'' from Clarion county.
We had had and were then having a great revival. Mr.
Mateer numbered the converts in our regiment at 37 and
in the whole Brigade, including those at Christian Com-
mission, at 100 men. Other stations through the army
claimed about the same number of converts. The C. C. was
a grand, good organization. It will never be known in this
world the amount of good it did— the number of souls it
had been instrumental in saving.
There was nothing struck the beholder as more won-
150 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K."
derful than the way in which different denominations met
and labored together. The strict Covenanter and the
Methodist, the Calvinist and the Baptist, there was no
distinction, all were brethren there. This was certainly a
new era in the history of the church. God was drawing
the hearts of those brave soldier boys to himself, and
was preparing them for the tiery ordeal they were to en-
counter the coming summer. One instance in our com-
pany is worthy of notice. Our dear comrade and brave
soldier friend. Sergeant Fred Sheckler, who had not pre-
vious to this time manifested much interest in religion,
now became interested and we trust was truly converted
and surrendered himself wholly to the keei)ing of his
Saviour. Soon after this he became impressed with the
thought that he would not live through the next campaigu,
and so expressed himself to his brother-in-law, Wnu
Whited and Sergeant Marshall. He would not believe
otherwise than that his end was drawing near. He gave
us directions what we should do with his watch and other
articles., and also what we should write to his dear wife
and children. His premonition, if it may be called such,
was not realized until the eighteenth day of the next cam-
paign, May 23rd, 1864 when he was shot through the head
by a rebel bullet.
General Grant returned to AYashington yesterday.
Mar(?h loth. Wm. Wells returned from the general
hospital.
March 17th. There was an alarm that Stewart's rebel
cavalry were coming.
March 18th. We put on a full guard this morning, fear-
ing an attack, strengthened the abattis all around and
dug rifle pits and made every preparation for a night at-
tack.
looTH REG. PA. VOL. 151
We received two recruits that day, John Q. A. Barrett
and Reuben Barnliart.
At midnight there was an order received to send some
men to the regiment for more guns and ammunition.
The trains were collected at the Junction, the locomotives
kept steam up all night, so as to be ready to move out of
danger, or to move us to some other point if needed.
The artillery horses stood hitched up all night so as to he
ready. Tlie cause of the alarm was that their cavalry
had collected at Hartwood Church, IG miles distant, to
the number of 5,000.
March 19th. The rebels had not come and we aban-
doned tlie idea of seeing them that time.
The revival still continued. There were now about 50
converts in the regiment. The last pack of cards in our
Company were burned several days since, and now instead
of playing cards from dark to bed time, the boys went to
preaching or prayer meeting.
March 23rd, We ^vere paid up to February 29th. This
was a cold day and the snow^ ten inches deep.
March 21th. We received orders from army headquar-
ters for target practice three days in the week, and ten
rounds to a man. General Grant passed up to the front
again.
Marce 25th. Orders received to-day consolidating the
Army Corps.
March 27th. Eeceived notice that we were transferred
to the First Brigade, First Division, and that our Corps
commander would be Gen. G. K. Warren in place of Gen.
Sykes.
March 29th. Target practice ; Sergeant Armstrong best
shot. In the afternoon it began to rain, and nearly drown-
ed us that night.
152
April 1st, 1864. John C. Russell returned to Company
after an absence of 3 7 months.
In the target practice on ihe 7th, Calvin Gray was the
best shot.
April 8th. There was an order for the sutlers to leave
the army, which was an indication of a move ; but it was
not possible to move until it would stop raining and the
mud dry up. It had been raining about six days in the
week for some time.
15oTH REG. PA. VOL. 153
CHAPTEE XL
Kecriiits — The Sick — A Move Indicated — Eelieved —
Marcliino — Across the River— Battle of Wilderness
Began— In a Bad Place— Our Loss— Battle Terriffic—
Skirmishing— Moving to the Left— An Incident— Lau-
rel Hill-- Hard Fighting — Our Loss — Fortifying—
Fighting— Advanced— All Night March— Spottsylva-
nia— Fighting CDntinued— By the Left Flank— North
Anna— Rebel Charges— Repulsed— Result of Our Fire
-.-The Chaplain's Hurry— Supper— Confidence in Our
Officers— Captain's Bravery — Advancing — Skirmish
Line-Hot Place— Relieved-A Dark, Wet, Muddy
March— Army Headquarters— In Line of Battle—
Bethesda Church."Sever© Fighting— Orders to Move
—Countermanded — Length of Time under Fire-
Moved to the Rear.
April 13th, 1864. We received two recruits, John Bal-
siger and James C. Jackson.
April 14th. The sutlers left as ordered.
April 18th. We boxed up our extra clothing again and
l)ut it in care of the government.
That evening we had quite an exciting time among the
sick. Charley, Captain Cline's cook, was very bad with
typhoid fever. Then in the evening Corporal R. O. Clev-
er, was taken with a very severe pain in his side, so that
he could neither sit, stand or lie. We sent for the sur-
geon; he came and thought it was neuralgia. He gave
him medicine and at 9 ]). m. he was better. About that
time John Pettigrew, who had not been well for some
time, became deranged; he thought he was going to die,
154 HISTORY OF COMPANY ''iv,"
and was not ])repare(l. He made a great noise and every
one in hearing came to see what was the matter. We
sent for the surgeon and the preacher too; they came but
he did not become (juiet until nearly morning, when he
went to sleep. When he waked next morning he was
better.
Everything indicated a move before long.
The government had taken down some buildings and
sent them away. They were also sending away the work-
men.
April 25th. The Christian Commission Chapel tent was
taken down. It was thought that in the four regiments
of our Brigade there had been 200 conversions. The in-
terest continued to the last. Tliere would have been
communion on the 24th, but the army was in such an un-
settled condition that we did not know but we would
move before that time.
April 28th. Burnside's Corps began to come up, and
the next day they were encami)ed all about us. Thomas
Hosack returned from hospital after an absence of seyen-
teen months. Next day we were mustered for two months
more pay.
April 31st. We were relieved by the Ninth Corps,when
we started and marched 8 miles and camped near Eappa-
hannock Station. It rained enough to make it uni)leasant
to us after coming out of good quarters ; but we took it
just as soldiers take such annoyances.
May 1st, 1864. About 9 a. m. we started, crossed the
river and marched near Brandy Station ; distance 6 miles.
We renudned here until 1 p. m., May 3rd, when we start-
ed, and after marching G miles we halted near Culpepper
we supposed for the night. We went to bed, if lying-
down on the ground can be called that. About the time
155th REG. PA. VOL. 155
we bad ^ot to the middle ol* the first sleep— lip. m.—
the bugle blew "pack up," '-pack up." It was past mid-
night before we started. We made very few stoi)s and
dayligiit found us almost at the Kai)idan, at Jacob's ford.
Our Division was in advance and we were among the tirst
to cross after the cavalry which crossed at daylight and
found a few pickets, killing one. They had a strong po-
sition and were fortltied and had they been here in force,
might have given us a great deal of trouble ; we probably
stole a march on them. We camped in the wilderness live
miles from the ford and about three from Chancelloisville.
May 5th. We were preparing for a battle until 11 a.
m., whon the battle of the Wilderness was opened by our
Brigade advancing in two lines of battle, the regulars of
the Brigade were in the first preceded by a line of skir-
mishers detailed from our regiment. We advanced
through tangled thickets and thorn bushes interwoven
with briers. Soon the crack of the musket on the skir-
mish line as they advanced, indicated that the enemy Avas
not very far distant, and very soon he was met in force ;
the regulars were repulsed and our line, the second, hur-
ried forward to their support. The enemy's tire was ter-
rific but we succeded in holding them back until the regu-
lars who were being pressed back by overwhehning num-
bers, were successfully withdrawn. Then, we being sorely
pressed in front, with no support to fall back on, and the
rebels already flanking us, concluded that our better plan
was to get away from there, and the (luicker the better,
but even this was difficult through that tangled mass of
brush and briers. One member said he could see no way
t© get through and there was no time to hunta way around
so he ran over the top. Another one in the same predica-
ment saw an opening through, large enough for him to go
156 HISTORY OF COMPANY ^'K,"
endwise and he jumped through head foremost and no
doubt many others could relate similar experiences. It
was an urgent case. On one side was certain death or to
be taken prisoner which was as bad. On the other was the
hope of life and liberty. We chose the latter even at the
expense of lacerated flesh and torn garments.
In the thick woods we could not see and were not
aware that the larger part of our regiment, including the
commander, had already fallen back and we were
about surrounded before we knew it. Capt. Cline at once
took command of those other companies and parts of
companies, along with his own, and notwithstanding the
obstacles in the way, succeeded in taking them all back
when he presented them to the Colonel.
We found that two of our brave comrades, Ephraim A.
Calhoun and William McCullough were gone. None knew
positively that they w^ere killed. The last anyone saw
of them they were in the line continuing to load and
fire, and when the others broke for the rear, they
would not, but insisted we should all remain, but that was
useless, as it would have been certain death, or a rebel
prisoner, which was perhaps worse. Our wounded were
Corporal Schmuck, in hand ; Wm. F. Cline, in breast ; Wm.
H. Eeeseman, in hand and John Adams, in arm. This
ended our lighting for that day, but the battle opened
along the line for miles and the crash of musketry was
terrific. It was almost one continuous sound, and then to
think that every shot was fired at, and to kill, a human
being, one of God's own creatures. There was very little
cannonading, as there was no chance to handle artillery
in the woods.
May 6th. We were either supporting skirmishers or
building breastworks all day.
155th REG. PA. VOL. 157
Before daylight on liioining of 7th our artillery, being
posted behind breastworks and acres of timber, slashed
in front ; we were ordered on skirmish line. We advanc-
ed a half nule or more, driving them as far as we could.
When they got angry and charged on us, it was so hot
that our support gave way and we were then ordered to
fall back. When we came near our works we had orders
to double-quick over the works, so that our batteries
could open on them. They withdrew then as (luickly as
possible, out of the reach of our guns. There were none
of us struck in this engagement but wlien Sergeant ]\rar-
shall tumbled over the works he was immediately under
the muzzle of a cannon and no chance to get away until
after the tiring ceased, when he was almost deaf, and has
never recovered his hearing except in part.
Soon after dark we started on the left flank movement,
which was done by our Corps swinging off the right flank
of the army to the rear of the other Corps and then taking
a position on the left flank.
That night our corps was marching along slowly in the
rear of the 2nd corps, everyone half asleep, when we were
aroused by a clatter, then a rush and a scramble in front
and the road was empty. We did just like those in front
had done and before we were perfectly awake we had
scrambled up the bank. Those behind us did as we did
and the 5th corps had all scampered off and given the road
to two runaway horses that came down the road meeting
us. When the boys were leaving the road the guns were
clicking in every direction, and had there been a shot
tired the consequences might have been terrible. It was
natural for us at flrst thought to look for the enemy. The
2nd corps were lying on their arms ready, and a shot
would have made them think the enemy was in their rear.
158
On the other hand it was ridiculous to think of two loose
horses frightening thousands of men.
May 8th. At daylight we had reached the left of our
line, but we marched on until 10 a. m., before we encoun-
tered the rebels, where our cavalry were lighting them.
We were without rest or breakfast rajudly pushed to the
front. We charged on them driving them some distanc'e
when they being re-enforced charged and drove us a short
distance, where we held our position and fortified. In
this battle Thomas Hosack was killed, Wm. W. Wells
wounded in leg and John Pettigrew in arm. We laid on
our arms that night expecting an attack. There were sev-
eral alarms.
May 9th. We remained near the same place. There
was considerable skirmishing and shelling between the
two armies. We continued to fortify, the troops concen-
trating and preparing for a battle. Several alarms in the
night.
May 10th. There was about the usual amount of firing
until 11 a. m., when the battle began to rage in all its fury.
A ball struck John EusselPs gun, shattering the gunstock
and wounding him severely in both hands. We being
behind our works did not suffer much loss until we
were ordered out on the skirmish line. The right wing of
the regiment was ordered out under command of Ma,jor
Ewing, and at 2 j). m. the left wing, under command of
Capt. Oline, was sent out by order of Gen. Ayres. Then
we had a hot i)lace. There had been skirmish pits thrown
up previously and we did not suffer so much from the
front, but they had a raking fire on us from the left fiank
and the balls came from there zij), zip, all the time ; one
of these struck John Q. A. Barrett on the head, wounding
him and causing his death. We were in an open field and
155th REG. PA. VOL. 159
could see the rebels in the woods at the farther side of
the field. There had been fighting over this ground ear-
lier in the engagement. In front of our skirmish pits
were a number of dead men. About 4 p. m. we were or-
dered to advance. We rushed over our works, and that at
once drew^ the rebels' attention and fire on us. We ad-
vanced, crawling Hat on the ground, and here was wit-
nessed the spectacle of a live soldier rolling the body of
a dead one in front of himself for a protection.
In this advance we had two more men wounded, Da-
vid McCloskey in shoulder, and J. J. Crawford in his
thigh. In six days we had three killed, and ten wounded
severely. Wm. Whited, David Ruffner, David Wolf; S.
Schrecengost and some others were hit but not severe
enough to send them to the hospital.
About dark we w^ere relieved and moved back behind
our breast- works.
At daylight on the llth a furious cannonade began
which lasted several hours. In the evening we moved
some miles to the left.
May 12th. In the morning there was fighting to our left.
About noon we moved back toward the right ]>ut did not
remain long and started again to the left three or four
miles and lay down. Several in the regiment were wound-
ed in their beds, but Co. "K" escaped.
May 13th. We marched toward the right, put up breast
works through the day and at 10 p. m. started again to the
left. Were shelled severely by the re])els but our batter-
ies silenced them. After marching all night through the
rain and mud knee deep, we found ourselves at daylight
near Spottsylvania Court House and were immediately
put out on the skirmish line where we remained 21:
hours.
160 HISTORY OF COMPANY "k,"
This Wiis now the tenth day of the tight, and many of us
had not taken our shoes off in that time. Some of the boys
on account of fatigue had become sick and were sent to
the hospital.
May 16th. We did not do any tighting but were shell-
ed and spent balls were falling about us occasionally. Here
is an extract of an army letter of this date :
"We feel that we are on our way to Eichmond, and we
do not want to hear an order to fall bacjk. Our success
thus far has been at a fearful loss of life and it will no
doubt cost a great many lives yet to get there, but "for
ward" is tbe word.
May 17th. We lay at same place until dark, when we
advanced within half a mile of the rebels and commenced
putting up new breastworks.
May 18th. Early in the morning they started to come
and see what we were doing, but we sent them back o:a
the double quick. They then undertook to shell us out,
but we had gone there to stay as long as we pleased; be-
ing protected by our works we had no loss. Our artillery
replied and they had a hard artillery light.
May 19th. All pretty (juiet until evening, when they
made an attempt to Hank us on the right and capture our .
train. They were repulsed with a large loss in prisoners.
We were called out in line l)ut soon after were sent back
to our works, as we were not needed.
May 20th. We remained behind our works and had not
much to do only to dodge the shells they sent over. We
could see hundreds of rebs about their works, running
loose, and they looked tame, but we had learned that they
were not as docile as they appeared to be. They were
careless in their habits and when they were going to shoot
thev were not careful to point their guns away from us.
155th REG. PA. VOL. 161
May 21st. We reinained at same place until noon, when
we struck out for the left and encamped that night near
P^dgehill Seminary. Distance 10 miles.
3ray 22nd. Started again at noon, crossed the Matta
river. After marching ten ndles we stopped for the night.
AVe suffered considerable with the heat and dust. Had
some skirmishing with the rear guard of the rebels, but
drove them ahead of us. All in good spirits.
May 23rd. We marched early in the morning, came to
the North Anna river at Jericho ford and crossed by ford-
ing. We came in on a private road, where they did
not expect us and where they had only a few pickets. We
advanced three-fourths of a mile from the river.
Although the skirmishers in front kept popping away
we di I not apprehend any trouble. We lay about care-
lessly and at 0 p. m. many of us had coff'ee made, meat
fried and were Just ready to eat supper when we were or-
dered to fall in and stack our guns. Before that was done
we- heard the rebeJ yell and knew what that meant. Our
skirmishers tired a volley and were tired on in return.
Before tliey had time to reload the rebels were so close
they must get back. We did not have long to wait. X)ur
skirmishers came in pell mell, and that yell of the John-
nies seemed close Iceland Ihem, but the lu'ush was so
thick we could not see tlicm. As soon as our men were
safe we opened lire in the direction of that yell. And
such a fire ! Our boys seemed to outdo all previous ef-
forts. The line was one continual flash of tire. There
was a gradual ascent to the front and fortunately for us
the rebs did not get the proper lay of the ground and
mostly tired over our heads. It was not long until their
balls ceased to come along and we knew they were re-
pulsed when we ceased tiring. Not a man with us wavered
162 HISTORY OF COMPANY "k."
— some stood, some kneeled and some lay down. It was
not so with the Ihie on our right. Our men broke there
and if our brigade had not stood firm for them to rally on,
the battle would have been lost.
Soon after the repulse. Major Ewingeame along the line
congratulating us ; he said : "Boys, as long as you keep
up such a fire as that was, no troops in the world can
charge up to you."*
Our skirmish went out again and in half an hour the
same scene was re-enacted. They came at us on the
double quick with bayonets fixed and stood it as long as
they could, but it was not possible for them to stand such
a fire as we gave them. Ihen to make it hotter for them
our batteries posted on the other side of the river about
one mile distant, shelled tliem over our heads. Those
shells went over us screeching on the hunt for rebels, and
perhaps not more than 25 feet above us. Here there was
splendid artillery firing done. Had those shells been a
few feet lower it would have been uncomfortable for us.
Had they been a few feet higher they would have gone
over and not touched them.
But they rallied and charged on us again, being deter-
mined to kill, capture or drive us into the river. They met
with the same success as before. This last charge was
made after sundown. We nearly always had to charge
on them, but this time we had the pleasure of acting on
the defense and we rather enjoyed it.
Sergeant Sheckler was killed instantly by a bullet
through his head but it was not unexpected to him, and
we had good reason to believe he was prepared for death.
*Capt. Cline was afterwards commended to Headquarters by
one of the aids, for his bravery and the skill with which lie han-
dled his men on this ccca4?ioii.
155th REG. PA. VOL. 163
His premonition had come true, he did not live through
the campaio-u just as he said he Avould not. There were
some other similar cases in the company that we shall
relate as we come to them.
Corporal Serene was wounded in the arm and C. M.
Smith slightly in the side. Besides these there were only
six others in the regiment wounded. During the night
we put up breast works, to be ready for them should they
attack us again. We did not know how much'^ execution
we had done, but could hear the groans of the wounded
nearly all night. Heavy skirmishing all night. In the
morning we went out to view the battle ground. There
were enough remaining to show that our tire had been
deadly. We had got the proper range. Our artillery across
the river had put their shells in the right place. Every
bush and eA ery tree was marked with our balls in our
front. On half an acre there were 18 dead. Their wound-
ed were all gone and possibly many of their dead, because
we could see where they had been trailed over the leaves.
Their loss must have been terrible.
We had a joke on our Chaplain here. When the ball
0})ened he and Major Ewing were just beginning to eat
their suppers ; he (juit immediately, mounted his horse
close by and started for the rear without further cere-
mony. When he mounted his hat fell off, but he did not
wait to get it.
After the battle we eat our sui)pers that we had i)re-
pared before it l)egan, but poor Fred Sheckler was
now in his grave. When his supper was cooked he was
alive and well, now his messmates eat that same supper
alone. Next day we received an order from Gen. Meade
congratulating us on our success of the previous day.
We had ofhcers in whom we placed the utmost confi-
164 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
dence: Gen's. Grant and Meade commanding- the army,
Gen. Warren, otli Corps, Gen. Griffin, 1st Division and
Gen. Ayers, Ist Brigade. And we had no doubt about
our Captain's bravery.
Our Brigade was sometimes called Ayres' Regulars.
Rebel prisoners said they called it the "stonewall" Bri-
gade, which, of course, we received as flattering to us.
May 24th. Our pickets advanced a mile or two and
found no enemy except a few stragglers whom they
brought in. In the evening we moved one and one half
miles to the right, formed line of battle and lay on our
arms all night in a heavy rain. Waked up at 2:30 a. m.
and at daylight we advanced along the railroad toward
Hanover Junction. After marching two miles we found
them. The 146th N. Y. and four companies from our regi-
ment, our company being one of them, were sent out on
the skirmish line. We drove them back near to their
works. We remained on the line all day, and it was a
terribly hot skirmish line. If any one exposed himself to
their view for a moment, almost instantly the balls would
be whistling around thick. Part of the company had a
fence Avhich was some protection, and part of it had no
protection but to lie down and hug the ground close. We
found this would not do for all day so we crawled away to
a fence, got some rails, pushed them along to the right
place, then by using our bayonets for picks and our tin
plates for shovels Ave soon burrowed into the earth and
had breastworks in front. Comrades J. R. Henderson
jind Wm. J. Johnson were wounded, we thought neither
one dangerously, but the latter (Med in the hospital at
Washington seventeen days latter on account of his
wounds. In the afternoon our men placed a battery some
distance in our rear, firing over us at the rebels who were
155th REG. PA. VOL. 165
plainly visible across a tield. The first shot cut of a pine
tree ten inches in diameter which fell on Sergt. Marshall
and Corp. R. O. Clever, who had dug a skirmish pit near
by. Neither of them were injured as only the smaller
branches struck them.
At night we were relieved and moved back where we
could get some rest and something to eat. They had
thrown up a line of breastworks in our rear while Ave were
skirmishing in front.
That evening and night we had another heavy rain.
]\ray 26th. Skirmishing continued and so did the rain;
it rained hard and we had a very tlisagreeable i)lace to lie.
In the evening we received marching orders. We
started through the rain, mud and darkness; any one of
the three would have been uncomfortable, but the three
combined, and such Egyptian darkness as that was, remind-
ed us of the first night of our Gettysburgh campaign. We
crossed the river on i)ontoons and in the next four hours
marched four miles. We stopped to rest aw^hile, drew
three days rations and at daylight were again on the
march. At 7 a. m. halted for breakfast, resting two hours.
Started again, marched hard all day on a very crooked
road, general direction southeast. Halted at night, all
worn out with fatigue and want of sleep. We had also
suffered much from the heat and thirst. Distance this
day, about twenty miles.
At sunrise May 2.Sth, we were ready to go again. Pass-
ed army head([uarter8 at Mangohick Village. After
marching a])out eight miles, we came to the Pamunky river
and found one division of the 6th corps there with the
pontoons laid ; w^e crossed and formed line of battle on the
hill in the rear of our cavalry, who were fighting the rebels
in front. We made preparations to build breastworks, but
16G HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
soon found it was not necessary, as tlie rebels were fall^
ing back. Here we remained ail night. It did not take
long to get ready to stay all night, as it was not safe to
undress, but here some of us took our boots off for the
third time since May 4th.
May 29th (Sabbath]. Advanced two miles; formed in
line of battle. Again advanced and formed in line and
waited until noon. The army was all there then in sup-
porting distance. Again we advanced and met the ene-
my's skirmishers. We formed in line and fortified. Skir-
mishing was brisk all evening. Sergeant Foster had re-
turned to the Company. He went away sick just before
the Wilderness fight opened.
May 30th. We advanced some two miles, driving the
enemy until they disputed our advance- so strongly that
we halted and built breastworks. Then they tried to flank
us — break through the line in our rear. We changed our
line, facing south instead of west, but we were not at-
tacked. We remained behind our works that night. Next
morning we were relieved by the Ninth Corps and moved
back some distance along the road, where we rested that
day. There was hard fighting on some parts of the line.
We were now about ten miles from Richmond.
June 1st, 1864. We advanced our line a mile, the rebels
hotly contesting our advance. We then ran against their
works and thought it time to stop; we put up works but
were shifted about several times before we put up for the
night under heavy fire. All quiet during the night except
skirmish firing.
That was continued next morning and as we had no
good position for cannon, it was decided to move us back
a short distance. The 9th Corps on our right moved back,
the rebels following closely. Our Brigade not moving
1o5TH REG. PA. YOL. 167
Booii enough, they had us nearly surrounded before we
were aware of it. Our regiment being farthest to the right,
saw how things were moving, and started to get out of
that as fast as our legs and the thick underbrush would
let us, and with all our haste we were not a minute too
soon. Peter 0. Hetrick, who had a sore foot and could
not keep up, was taken j)risoner. The rebels in(iuired at
some of the 140th X. Y. who were taken and afterwards
re-captured, "What regiment wore the yellow badges'?'^
(The yellow trimmings on our uniforms). They said "they
had us surrounded two or three times, but when they
closed u}) on us, we were not there." Other regiments
that were not as far in the trap as we were, lost heavily
in prisoners. We fell back half a mile to a better and
safer position. The rebels no doubt thought we were re-
treating and would keep us on the move or capture us,
but we turned on them and punished them so severely,
they had to hunt shelter very quickly.
In this engagement E. L. McGaughey was slightly
wounded, and some others struck. Here we put up works,
remained all night, and slept well considering that we were
so well soaked with the rain.
June 3rd. There was heavy fighting all along the line
with infantry and artillery. They made several attempts
to drive us, but were repulsed every time, and must have
lost heavily. Capt. Cline was wounded in the hand while
on the skirnush line and went to the hospital, leaving 1st
Sergeant Marshall in command of the Company. John
Q. A. Barrett died this day of wounds received May
10th.
June 4th. Heavy fighting and skirmishing all along the
line. About noon we received marching orders, and were
to be relieved by the Ninth Corps, but the order was coun-
168 HISTORY OF COMPANY ^'iv,''
termanded and tlie Ninth was moved to the left, while we
were left to protect the right flank.
There were now but seven Company officers remaining
in the regiment, and it was commanded by Major Ewing,
the Colonel for some reason unknown to us having been
under arrest since the opening of the campaign. The
Adjutant had also been absent.
This was the Slst day of the fight, and in that time we
had not been out of hearing of the battle, and only two
days that we were not under fire. We had been in the
front where the hard fighting was done nearly all the time.
When we first started in the Wilderness our Generals kept
us charging the rebel works. If they had continued that
the army would soon have been cut up, but they changed
their tactics to moving by the left flank and making it so
the rebels had to charge on our works and making them
suffer, because those on the offensive always do suffer
most.
June 5th. Skirmishing continued with us, and hard
fighting on the left. In the evening we received orders to
march. When about ready to go, the rebels made an at-
tack on our skirmishers. Perhaps they wanted to know if
we were still there. This detained us, and we did not go
until 10:30 p. m., and from that time until daylight we
marched two miles, and did not halt three minutes in one
place. This was an exceedingly wearisome march. We
might have gone ten miles in the same time and not felt
worse.
155th REG. PA. VOL. 169
CHAPTER XII.
Grayback's Picnic— Another Change— Our Reputation-
Drew Clothing— Restin^i-Thanksgivi n o— R e v i e w—
Marching— Hosi)ital Guard— Chickahominy Swamps—
A Stolen March— Malvern Hill- Charles City, C. H.—
Another Transfer— Crossed James River— Marched
]S^ear Petersburg^ — A Variety in Diet— Orders to be
Ready— A Battlefield— Make a Charge— A Hot Place
—Another Charge— A Field of Carnage— A Letter-
Recapitulation— Poem Descriptive of Battle— Our
Dead Comrade— Incidents— Resting— Spent Balls.
June 0th, 1864. After daylight we marched two or three
miles farther and halted, as we supposed for breakfast,
but remained all day. In the evening the wagons came
up and the officers got a change of clothing. The gray-
backs had been enjoying a picnic on the officers as well
as on the men, but the men must endure it longer until we
could get time and opportunity to wash and boil our
clothes. We received a recruit this day, Samuel D. Reese-
man. Our Brigade was changed from 1st Brigade, Ist
Division to 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, Col. Gregory to
command our Brigade and Gen. Ayers our Division. We
were told that Gen. Ayers would not take command of
the 2nd Division unless he could have his (our) Brigade
go with him — that Gen. Griffin objected to our leaving his
Division, but had to consent. There was no doubt but
we had a good reputation botli as fighters and runners.
We could always rely on our boys staying as long as there
was the slightest hope, but when our position became too
exceedingly unhealthy, they all knew how to use their
170 HISTORY OF OOMPANY ''K,"
legs. As an evidence of tliis, up to the present time in
Company "K" we had lost but one prisoner, which may
be taken as an average in the regiment, and we had been
in a great many very close places.
Here we were fourteen miles from White House land
ing; two miles from Cold Harbor, and four from Gaines'
Hill and on the ground where Gen. McClellan manea-
vered two years before.
June 7th. We drew some needed clothing and renrain-
ed in the same camp until evening, when we moved a short
distance to a better location.
June 8th. Not much cannonading these days ; we were
getting a rest. Wagons came up this day and we got our
report books and such things and were busy making re-
ports. Sergeant Foster and EeubenBarnhart went to the
hospital. In tlie evening we had a few remarks by the
Chaplain, and then a prayer meeting, in which we could all
join with thankful hearts to God, wlio had kept us through
so many dangers, seen and unseen.
June 9th. Considerable skirmishing in front. A review
of our division by Gen. Ayres. We suffered from the
wind blowing the dust and sand.
At 11 p. m. next night we were waked up to send off
company books and desk. This indicated a move. Next
morning, at 2 a. m., June 11th, the bugle blew "pack up,''
"pack up." Then orders to be ready to march at 4 a. m.
We marched five miles in the direction of W^hite House,
then changed direction and marched towards the Cliicka-
hominy, and camped near Providence Church. We now
seemed to be a hospital guard and having a much needed
rest.
June 12th (Sabbath). All pretty quiet. Preaching at 10
a. m. In the p. m. drew some clothing, and at 4 received
ir>.jTH REG. PA. VOL. 171
orders to mareli at 6. We marclied 4 miles and halted
near the Chickahoniiny river.
The day had been extremely warm, and we had suffered
with the heat, but in these swamps we "shivered and
shook," our teeth rattled together, and we felt as if we
were about to freeze. Our officers told us we would re-
main two hours, but we were there five, and at 3 a. m. we
.started across the swamp and river, crossing- the river on
pontoons and the swamp on Corduroy road.* When we
were across, we advanced up the river two miles in the
direction of the rebels. We got a good position, halted,
and ate breakfast. Then half our Corps formed in line of
battle and built breastworks ; then spent the remainder of
the day resting and sleeping. The rebs were waiting to
receive us at Bottom's Bridge, some four miles above. We
had stolen a march on them. A scouting party that went
out two or three miles found them there preparing for us,
but we did not disturb them— just left them to their pleas-
ant anticipations of how they would whip us when we at-
tempted to cross that swamp.
In the evening we started again in a south-east direc-
tion, marched about five miles and stopped for the night
near Malvern Hill. The advance skirmished some with
the rebels.
June loth. Marched four miles and encamped nearCharles
City court house, where we remained until next day, when
we were again transferred. This time from 1st Brigade,
2nd Division, to the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, when we
moved our camp into that division. D. L. McCloskev
*The Chickahominy here was described as a "mud hole,,with a mile of
swamp on each side."
172 HISTORY OF COMPANY "k,"
died at Wasliington, D. C, of wounds received at Laurel
Hill, May 10th, 1864.
June, 16th. At an earl^' hour we moved down to the
James River and crossed on transports at Wilcox Landing.
We moved out from the river and halted until the corps
was all over. The river here was about one mile wide.
At 3 p. m. we marched in the direction of Petersburg,
distant twenty miles. The roads were dusty and water
scarce. Next morning at 1 o'clock, we reached the rear
of our lines, three miles from Petersburg, and camped for
the night. About this time rations were scarce, but still
enough to have a variety, and a change each meal. One
comrade reports, that yesterday he had beef, coffee and
two hard tack. This uiorning, fried beef and coffee; at
dinner, coffee and fried beef, and if there are no rations
issued before supper time, Avill haA^e beef without the
coffee, so that there was a change in diet every time.
The government was not to blame; rations had been is-
sued to last this day, but when we had six day's rations in
advance we would lose some or they would get wet and
we had to throw them away, so that when they let them run
out after those long terms there Avas usually a scarcity.
June 17th. Hard fighting in front of us by the 9th
Corps. We lay quiet all day, but with orders to be ready
all the time. Charles A. Logan and Robert Brewster
were sent to the hospital, sick.
June 18th. Early in the morning we were called out.
Our Corps relieved the 9th; our regiment was immediate-
ly put in the front. We passed over the battlefield of the
previous day, where there had been a dreadful slaughter.
Some bodies nearly shot away with cannon balls. About
noon our regiment and the 9 1st Pennsylvania charged the
rebels and drove them until we came to the Norfolk R. R.
155th REG. PA. VOL. 173
embankment. We made this advance and charge of lialf
a mile through a very hot tire of shells and balls of every
description without any loss to the company. We were
now within easy gun shot of the rebel works, and we em-
])loyed our time in practicing on the rebel gunners when-
ever they would attempt to lire a cannon, as well as on all
others who exposed themselves, and of course they were
watching for us as well.
In the evening we were moved a short distance to the
left and over a very exposed part of the field where the
air seemed to be tilled with death-dealing missiles; we all
passed that place without injury, and took refuge under a
bank along a small stream. Here a line of battle was
formed and bayonets tixed to make a charge on the rebel
works a short distance to the front. Soon the command
"forward," ^'double-quick" was given. The troops on our
left did not move and we were on the left of the three
regiments that charged. The instant we emerged from
that low ground into view we met an avalanche of balls.
They seemed as thick as insects of the air on a summei-
eve. It was in a cornfield and the ground dry; and those
that struck the ground reminded a person of large drops
of rain coming thick ana fast on a dusty road, while prob-
ably not one in five struck the ground there. We could
see the grape and canister bounding over the ground at
our feet. There being no men on our left ihey concen-
trated their tire all on us as far as they could shoot. But
on and on we went, though the men were falling like
leaves. We had some 250 yards to go, and we got so
close they could not depress their cannon enough to reach
us and some said they were beginning to haul off their guns.
But here we were and no support, and so many of our men
killed or wounded that we must go back, nor did their fire
174 HISTORY OF COMPANY 'k,''
cease until we were back over the bankwhere we started.
Here is an extract from a letter written by Sergeant
Marshall, Company Commander, to his wife next day after
the light: "I yesterday went into the fight with 24 as good
and as brave boys as ever shouldered guns. I brought
out 16 uninjured. Our Belknap squad is broken. David
Olinger is killed ; Sergeant Armstrong is wounded on the
lip ; Corporal R. O. Clever is shot through both thighs, a
sore, but I hope not a dangerous wound ; Color Bearer T.
J. Marlin on the chin ; John Balsiger, a recruit, shot in the
leg ; Samuel Eeeseman, a recruit, Avith us 12 days, shot
through the leg; David Ruffner in the leg — ^the bone
struck, but not broken ; David Wolf shot in the leg. Very
few of the others but what have their clothes cut. I have
not been touched yet. The regiment had twelve killed
and 66 wounded in live ndnutes or less. If we had had
the proper sui)port we would have taken their works, but
to see such slaughter and nothing accomplished it is hard.
R. O. Clever got back himself and carried everything. We
got all our Avounded back with us except Reeseman, and
at dark we brought him and Olinger off, and buried Olin-
ger. This morning (June 19th) we were brought to the
rear to rest. I have not had a night's sleep for a week —
last night not more than half an hour."
When Ave started out (May 5th) Ave had one commis-
sioned officer and 49 men. Received since, one. recruit and
one from hospital. Total 52
We have lost — killed 5
Wounded 21
Commissioned officers 1
Taken i)risoner 1
Sick and sent to the hospital 7
— ;^5
Remaining in Co., men (no commissioned officers) 17
155th REG. PA. VOL. 175
The followino- poem written by comrade Sergeant Wil-
liam D. Porter well describes this march and battle :
155th PA. YOLUJS^TEERS.
IN THE BATTLE BEFORE PETERSBURa, VA., JUNE 18, 1864.
I would not wake that ancient lyre,
The songs of which I never tire,
A hand like mine could not prolong,
Or wake from harps melodious song.
I would but strike a feeble lay
Of campaign life, one night and day,
And then will leave some trenchant pen
To write of battles o'er hill and glen,
From Antietam's blood stained tield
'Til General Lee his sword did yield.
While we obeyed our country's call,
"On to Eichmond" against "Stonewall."
Many times we changed our mess
From that battle in Wilderness.
Passing that long, that dreary way,
Marching by night, fighting hj day,
At every turn we met the foe
With breastworks high, saying, no go.
Though battles fierce did rage, the while,
We could not gain by force or guile.
At last we crossed the James's breast
To beard the lion in his nest.
And e're the sun told closing day.
We, on the march, resumed our way.
The thunder, sounding from afar,
Bespoke of war's remorseless car.
And that there was some pressing need,
That we should forward, haste with speed.
170 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
Onward we march, with but starlight
To guide our wandering steps aright,
^Til eighteen miles we had passed o'er.
Since we had left the James's shore.
The sound that echoed o'er many a hill,
Now came nearer and clearer still:
For we were on the field of strife.
That drank the blood of many a life.
If no evil would now befall
We could bivouac 'til morning call ;
Any place would do us now.
To rest our limbs and cool our brow.
Down our blankets on the earth — bare
A soldier's couch, a soldier's fare.
Sorry respite from day of toil.
Yourself at night on earth to coil.
But Morpheus did claim his right.
And in repose we passed the night.
"Keady to move," that dire command
Broke off our dreams of sweet homeland';
Kow all is stir and busy care,
A frugal meal that we might share.
The sun rose up on bayonets bright
That had arrived in dark of night.
No sound of war but this array.
Spoke not of peace or schoolboy play,
Nature was all hushed and still,
No songy birds their lays did trill,
But the buzzards in lofty flight
Viewed their feast with great delight.
Our time was short but we did steal
Coffee and crackers for a meal,
And then did rest upon the ground
155th REG. PA. VOL. 177
All ready for the bugle sound.
"Fall in, my boys, you've had your rest,
And we must hunt this hornet's nest;
To know if Lee is still on time,
Or in the night did change his line."
Our course lay o'er where battle fought
The little gained, so dearly bought.
Fragments of men profusely lay
That were slaughtered but yesterday;
Heads that lay on a mother's breast
And by loved ones fondly caressed,
Were severed here and scattered round
For cannon balls had swept the ground.
*Some inured to battle din
Did want such bones to eat soup in.
Such jesting talk among the clan
Displayed how war would harden man.
Our vidette posts are left behind.
And we are formed in battle line.
The lowest of the clan did know,
We soon must meet th 3 lurking foe.
Like hunters, when in ([uest of deer,
Each brake and dell we closely peer ;
Xot knowing but that wooded glen
Might hide a host of armed men.
This sad suspense not long did last —
We dodged our heads, but it was past.
Forward we charged, and drove them back,
'Til we had gained tlie railroad track.
ifot far across that deep ravine
The bayonet points could well be seen,
David dinger remarked that these bone? would make convenient soup
178 HISTORY OF COMPANY "iv,"
And cannon sliotted to defend
That hill against our armed men.
By the left flank we move with speed
And to the balls give little heed,
'Til we had gained one-half the space
'Cross that ravine — a resting place.
There we lay, not knowing when
Orders to charge would come again.
But closing day was nearly past
When orders came to charge at last.
Each soldier felt within his breast.
The meed would be, not a conquest,
But discipline and honor bright
AYould make" us rush into the fight.
The chieftain who did us command,
Now waved aloft his sword, in hand.
Commanding, when in battle line,
"Fix bayonets, charge, double quick time."
And at the word of his command.
Each soldier, brave, with gun in hand.
Did hie him on, with double speed,
For ne'er had Yankee son such need.
Eight in our front a redoubt rose.
All armed with our inveterate foes;
And thitherward two breastworks ran.
Bristling with bayonets of their clan.
These frowning works, wars grim array.
Were but some twenty rods away.
No sooner did we forward, start,
To enact full well, the soldiers part.
When their war whoop did rend the air;
And leaden hail, rained everywhere.
Onward, we rush, though comrades die.
looTH KEG. PA. VOL. J 79
Crying for aid and he\\) from liigli. r
There is no time to spend in tears, ' T
In woman's nursing or woman's fears,
If those frowning works are stormed
And deeds of valor are i)erformed,
We must rush on and heed no one,
Were we fathers, and they our sons.
Onward ! Onward ! we're near the place,
But — no support — what a disgrace !
Behold our ranks, how many fall ;
We ne'er can scale that rampart wall.
Onward ! — 'tis capture — worse than death,
And we'll return while there is breath.
Of all our mighty force, so large,
Three small regiments made the charge.
Had every man been a true knight.
With sword and shield and buckler bright.
Though every drop of blood was spent,
Could not have gained that battlement.
Our regiment, three hundred strong,
Eighty, hors de combat, did belong ;
Our broken ranks, our disarray,
Marked the fell havoc of the day.
Darkness now had hid from view.
The fallen braves, those men so true.
Back we'll go, though muskets play
And bring our comrade dead away.
The zipping balls told danger fraught.
But to our lines the dead we brought.
Consigning them to mother earth,
With many tears — there was a dearth.
Soldiers, sleep ! your work is done,
Never to awake with fife or drum,
180 HISTORY OF COMPANY "iv,"
Xo more you'll hear tbe erj, ''To arms,"
No more awake at wars alarms.
God grant tliat the Nation yon died to save.
Forget not the soldier, nor the soldier's grave.
W. D. Porter.
Our dead comrade, David Olinger, was a splendid sol-
dier, always ready for his rations, or for his duty, or for a
joke, and after the revival the previous winter, had attend-
ed preaching regularly. It was not known whether he was
killed instantly or not. He was seen to fall, and it was
an hour and a half until we carried him off. He was shot
through the bowels. He was buried that night, and a
board with his name placed at the head of the grave. .
Both Armstrong and Marlin got close shaves; Arm-
strong on the lip, Marlin on the chin and no charge but a
little powder. They were both narrow escapes. The
wonder was how any of us escaped. Old soldiers said
they never before saw as hot a lire as we passed through
that evening. Twenty-six days previous, at North Anna
River, we gave them such a lire as they had now given us,
but we must have been better marksmen than they were,
or else Providence was on our side, because their loss Avas
far greater than ours here.
June 19th. At daylight Ave were relieved and moved
back to a cut along the railroad for a shelter, and remained
all day. Several were struck by spent balls; E. L.
McGaughey was hit by one on the head that caused the
blood to run down over his face. We remained in the
same place until 11 p. m. next night, when we Were moved
to the rear. There wereanumber of mortars planted along
our line this day, and if they would not shoot around a
tree they would do the next best thing, shoot over and
drop the shell down on the other side, or shoot over a hill.
155th REG. PA. VOL. 181
CHAPTER XIII.
righting Continues— More Flanking— Grant's Object— L*nd
Corps gets Us into Trouble—Slielled Severely— Out-
side our Pickets— Drilled all Mglit— Captured the
Works— Hungry and Sleepy— Supi)orting the (>th
Corps— Skirmishing Continues— Men Transferred-
Cleaning up Cam})— Penn. Relief Association— Get-
ting Water— Building Forts — Abattis — Promotion-
Col. Gregory— Under Arms— Numerously Inhabited-
Waked by a Sholl— Combatants Trading— Wells and
Dug Roads— Moved on Front Line— Strengthening
Works— Fort Undermined— Blown U p— C rate r—
Amount of Powder— Noisy Time— Rebel Charge— Flag
of Truce— The Suffering Wounded— Mortar Battery-
Heat and Flies.
June 21st, 18G4. Still in the rear resting. Fighting
continued day and night ; we called it skirmishing, a few
months previous it would have been called a battle. This
was the 48th day since lighting commenced, and we had
become so accustomed to it, that it would liave been dif-
ficult for us to go to sleep without the usual sound to lull
us to sleep. Our health Avas good and we were getting
good rations. This day we drew crackers, sugar, coffee,
salt, smoked bacon, dried apples, beans, sauer kraut and
vinegar. Col. Pearson had again taken command of the
regiment. At noon we started by the left Hank and our
brigade marched one and a half miles, and lay in rear of
the Ist and .3rd Brigades as a support, with orders to be
ready all the time.
The 2nd and 6th Corps passed us, moving to the left
181^ HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
This marching "by the left flank," must have been one of
Gen. Grant's own inventions. AVe had moved by the left
flank from the Rapidan to this point and still seemed to be
moving on, nor did he setm to be afraid of Lee going to
Washington. Other Generals must protect Washington,
keep the army between the Capital and the rebel anny,
but now we had Richmond and the rebel army between us
and Washington. Grants object appeared to be to give
Lee plenty of work at home and give him no time for vis-
iting. Sergeant Foster and C. Logan returned from the
hospital.
We remained in same place until 3 p. m., June 22nd
when suddenly a brisk flght opened some distance to our
left. We afterwards learned that some of the 2nd Corps
officers became drunk and left a gap open in the line. The
rebs discovered it, marched through and surprised our
men, killing, wounding and capturing a great many. Our
Brigade was double-quicked to the place at once, and for
three hours we were subjected to the hardest shelling we
ever received. We saw one passing through the line of a
regiment marching in front of us, instantly killing three
and severely wounding four others. We saw them strike
a few feet in front of us and bound over our heads. We
heard them go close over our heads, and saw them strike
in our rear. We saw them strike nearly every place ex-
cept where we Avere. During those three hours we occu-
pied a great many different positions, but all the time un-
der this heavy fire, and still we were unharmed. About
sun-down we were placed in support of a line making a
charge, where the balls came thick and fast. We were
then shifted about until we were within three rods of the
rebel pickets. Here we were ordered to lie down. There
was only the left wing of our regiment here. There were
155th REG. PA. YOL. 183
only some small bushes to shelter us, and bright moon-
light. We lay do^yn, and we lay down as low as we could,
hugging mother earth and feeling that we were still too
much exposed. The rebel skirmishers knew we were
there, and probably could see us, for they kept sending us
their leaden comi)liments, zip, zip, and sometimes zip — thud
— then we knew some poor fellow was hit. One was Ma-
jor Ewing, who was hit on the foot. WJien we had been
in this very uncomfortable position an hour or more, we
were ordered on the skirmish line. Lieut. Bell, Acting-
Adjutant, proposed to act as guide. He became bewil-
dered and led us up to the rebel skirmish line, who, in-
stead of playing us a Yankee trick and |)ermitting us to
walk on where we would certainly have been captured,
fired almost in our faces. That was closer than we in-
tended. We fell back and took another position. Then
we marched and countermarched. We advanced and fell
back ; then advanced again. We kept this up that night
from 10 p. m. until daylight. We came to the works the
rebs had captured from the 2nd Corps. We did not
know who was in command of that line. Sometimes the
orders would come from one direction to advance ; again
from somewhere to fall back, and if we had any command-
ing officer he was certainly bewildered. By our manoeu-
vering in'those woods that night it is probable we fright-
ened the. rebels from the works, they believing there were
live or six Corps massed in there, when in reality there
were not that many companies.
When we had gotten into the works it was not safe to
raise our heads above them. This continued until 8 a. m.,
when we were relieved and sent to the rear, not having
had anything to eat for 20 hours, and not a minute's sleep.
It was a very fatiguing 17 hours that we spent under their
184 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
fire. There were a number wounded in the regiment, but
none in Oompanj/ "K." We remained here until evening
then moved two miles lo the left to support the 6th Corps;
remained there 24 hours, and then returned to the same
camp we left. While sui)porting the 6th Corps our com-
pany was put out as flankers and had a poor show for
sleep. We tried to make up for lost time on the night of
the 24th. Here we remained some days. Sergeant Mar-
shall, with the assistance of Sergeant Armstrong, made
out the pay rolls and we were mustered June 30th for
two month's pay.
Shelling and skirmishing along the front continued day
and night. The weather was exceedingly warm. Preach-
ing by the Chaplain on Sabbath and prayer meeting some
evenings.
July 2nd, 1864. The term of service of the 62nd Keg-
iment Pennsylvania Volunteers having expired, the reg-
iment was discharged except veterans and recruits, who
were transferred to our regiment. The following were
transferred to Company "K.:''
1st Lieut. Ben. Huey Private Robert Hagan
Private Jonathan Durnell " John M. Keller
" Solomon Durnell . " Thomas Kiskadden
" James Eustace " George Kribbs
" Lewis Erbanna " A. G. Lewellan
" Marion Elder " Abbot Leroy
" Wm. Elder ^' William Ong
" Martin Frank " James Pence
" Geo. H. Gaskins " James W. Pritts
'• Wm. H. Geer " Jonathan Robb
" Esau Hardin " William Eoyle
" Andrew M. Wolf
155th REG. PA. VOL. 185
This raised the aggregate of the company to 80, and
Lieut. Ben Huej took command.
July 4th. We moved on the ground formerly occupied
by the 02nd Pennsylvania Volunteers, and next day had
orders to clean up the cam}) and make i)reparations to
stay, but even this did not assure us that Ave would be
here for breakfast, so uncertain was a soldier's residence.
July 5th. Eeuben Barnhart died in Washington. We
received a visit from Mr. D. O. Brown, Mr. Rich and Miss
Murdock, as representatives of the Pennsylvania Relief
Association, who issued us some delicacies such as con-
densed milk, canned fruits, etc., besides other comforts,
and we almost daily received issues from the Sanitary
Commission; these added to our government rations, gave
us good living.
July 7th. All the trooi)S went into camp, even those
behind the works on the front line; it looked like settling
down to stay there. The rebels had an idea that it would
not be possible for us to do so, because springs and water
were so scarce, but that was a small hindrance in the eyes
of the "yanks." They immediately went at digging wells,
finding excellent water at a oepth of 8 to 18 feet. Com-
l)anies "K" and "G" dug one in partnershii).
On the Oth we began building forts. At noon we went
out and relieved the 21st Pennsylvania dismounted cavalry.
Then they relieved us at sundown and they worked until
midnight. At sunrise next morning we sent out a detail
to work and continued on four or five days until it was
finished. And as this was tlie first one, here are the di-
mensions: About 200 feet square, wall of earth about 25
feet thick at the bottom and 10 feet high, with a ditch
outside about the same width and depth. Some were
considerably larger than this one. It was generally quiet
186 HISTORY OF COMPANY ''k."
along the line; there was a quarrel between the infantry
sometimes for a short time, and a shell occasionally. On
the 10th there was a shell came over near to us on the
hunt of a brass band; it found their tent and went in, but
as they were not at home it did not get them and we had
more music.
July 12th. A detail went out to build an abattis in
in front. The Commander feared an attack that night.
There were details taken out to the front to strengthen
the works nearly every night, it being objectionable to the
rebs for us to work in daylight so near to them.
July 11th. We received notice that Sergeant Foster
was discharged to receive promotion, and he was
mustered as 2nd Lieutenant. Had promotion depended
on the amount of service done, or the amount of duty
done in the company, there would have been a great many
other promotions in the company before his, but this was
one of Col. Pearson's promotions.
July 17th, Sabbath. Chaplain preached this day from
1st Tim., 1st chapter and 15th verse. We had prayer
meeting nearly every night. Col. Gregory, of the 91st
P. V. commanding our Brigade, was one of the best men
in the Brigade He had worship regularly in his tent, at
which he required all his staff to attend, nor would he
allow any whiskey in his command.
July 18, There was a brisk engagement on the right,
and we expected an attack on our part of the line, ^exi
morning we were out under arms at 3 a. m. but were not
attacked. Had a good rain this day which was welcome,
not having had any for seven weeks.
July 20th. Reveille at 3 a. m. At daylight we moved
out to the front line to relieve part of our Brigade. The
camp we occupied here had been occupied before and to
155th heg. va. yol. 187
see the number of lice that were perched on chips, stumps
and other elevations, we uiioht reasonably suppose that it
was still numerously inhabited. We spent a busy day
policing' camp and scrai)in«>- up and burning the squatters,
but there were enough escaped, added to those we
brought with us, to make it a lively camp — for us.
July 21st. Our pickets and the Johnnies appeared to
be on good terms ; there was no firing in our front, but
our batteries and theirs occasionally exchanged compli-
ments in the shape of shells. That morning about 2 a. m.
we were waked up by a shell tiuttering over camp. Some
of our pioneers were chopping down timber in our rear
and the rebs sent over three messengers as an indication
that they did not want that timber cut.
Our line of breast works and the rebel works were about
forty rods apart, then there were the two skirmish or
picket lines between. Were it not for positive orders on
both sides, the men would have been together all the time?
they would watch until there was no officer in sight and
then trade paper for paper, sugar and coffee for tobacco
etc., but one of the most curious trades was witnessed
that day; one of our boys fixed his bayonet, one of the
rebs did the same, our man put a loaf of bread on his
bayonet, the rebel a corn cake on his, then they shouldered
arms marched close enough to reach the bread, exchanged
and each one marched back to his post. In our amuse-
ments when anything funny happens on one side the other
side will cheer. At night one side would whistle on the
dogs, then the other side would bark and imitate dogs.
While this was going on there, half a mile distant, they
were and had been firing at each other continually. As
soon as we settled down in this new camp we began to
dig wells. The rebs published in their papers that we
188 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
had to haul water from the James and Appomattox rivers.
When they wrote that they did not know that we had that
country full of wells and had splendid water. If they had
come over to visit us in the dark, they would have found
wells, rifle pits, dug roads and other places to break their
necks. These dug roads were four feet deep and ten wide
with the dirt on the exposed side, and where troops, or
wagons, or artillery could move from rear to front or back
Avithout much danger.
Captain Cline returned to the company that day; his
wound was far from being well.
July 25th, we commenced to build bomb proofs for our
protection against the mortar shells of the enemy.
July 28th, we received orders to be ready to move at
dark. We moved a mile to the right, relieving other troops
at a place where the works were very poor, and where
the rebs had mortars and guns of all descriptions in our
front.
In the morning we went to work carrying timber and
building them up, and worked very hard all day. The
rebs would not allow us to shovel in daylight, and as it
was, tbey kept dropping their shells over among us, we
thought too frequently for sport. At dark we commenced
shoveling, and at 10 o'clock received notice to hurry and
get our works secure as the ball would open at 3 a. m.,
July 30th. At that hour we had three feet of ground on
the timbers over us, and had more in front, but we were
all tired out and quit work. We were told that Burnside
(Ninth Oori)s) would put a match to the fuse under the
fort they had undermined, and that would be a signal for
firing to begin. Some of the boys went to sleep and some
remained awake watching the fort, which was in plain
view in daylight. We waited until nearly sun-up, when
155th REG. PA. VOL. 189
there was a rumble, and tlie earth shook as though in an
earth(iuake. On casting our eyes toward the fort we saw
a sight long to be remembered. At our distance we could
only guess at the amount of earth and height, but it look-
ed to us as though there was about an acre of ground
heaved up in the air from 50 to 75 feet. It is difticult to
describe it. Some compared it to a weeping willow. The
column of black earth in tha center was the highest, while
all beneath and around the black column great clouds of
white smoke rolled out. Oh ! it was grand ! But this is
only one way of viewing it. When we think how many
human beiugs went up with it, no doubt many of them
still asleep and suddenly ushered into the other world
without a moment's thought or preparation, the thought is
horrible.
There was used in this explosion, or crate^', as it was af-
terwards called, three nundred and twenty kegs of pow-
der of about 25 pounds each. This lasted but an instant,
then our pickets came running back into our line, and the
next instant our whole line opened lire. Those who did
not hear it, imagine, if you can, what kind of a roar sixty
thousand or seventy-live thousand muskets, mingled with
from four to five hundred cannon and mortars belching
away as fast as they could. The rebs did not return the
fire for some time, and even then but feebly.
The rebels made three unsuccessful attempts to retake
the fort, meeting with heavy loss each time. After main-
taining our fire for four or five hours it ceased almost en-
tirely.
The day being very warm and most of the men having
been on fatigue nearly all the previous night, crawled into
the shade and went to sleep. Xot so with the rebels, but
about noon they made another charge with three lines of
190 HISTORY OF COMPANY "k,"
battle, and before our gunners could wake up and get to
their guns tliej' had possession of the fort and that part of
the line that our men had captured. They killed and
wounded a great many of our men before they reached
our own line.
July 31st, p. m. Seeing a flag of truce going out from
our line toward the rebel recaptured line, some of us went
down that way, supposing it was to bring off the dead and
bounded, who were still lying between the lines where
they fell in yesterday's battle and exposed to the fire from
both sides, but the rebels inhumanly refused to let us re-
move them, but permitted the giving of water or stimu-
lants to them. They would not allow any shelter or
protection to be put over them to keep off the burning-
sun. We supposed these requests were refused because
they were mostly colored soldiers. The flag of truce
returned and we returned to our posts, from which we
could see those poor fellows lying there in all their misery
Nothing else of note occurred this day only that the.
pickets on our part of the line again became friendly, not-
withstanding the unpleasantness of the preceding day.
August 1st, 1861. A flag of truce was again sent to the
rebels for the same purpose as yesterday, and was again
refused. Water was again given to the wounded.
August 2nd. Another flag of truce was sent in and accept-
ed, it is said, because Gen. Grant threatened to shell and
burn Petersburg if they did not grant it. Some of the
wounded were still living and were brought off after about
seventy hours of suffering. No tongue nor pen can des-
cribe the untold suffering those i)Oor fellows endured
from the inhumanity of their fellow-man; it was probably
not equalled anywhere during the war unless it was by
their treatment of our comrades in the southern prisons.
15oTH REG. PA. VOL. 191
This was the hist performance in the act of blowing up
the fort. Both lines now occupied the same lines they
did before; there had been a great loss of life on both
sides, and we had thrown an immense amount of lead and
metal at them. A battery of ten mortars a few rods in
our rear, which threw one hundred pound shells, said that
they alone had thrown 30 tons of metal.
August 11th. Still in the same place, and we nearly
lived in our bomb proof, as it Avas the safest. The rebs
kept throwing their shells over occasional!}', and they
seemed to try to drop them right among us. The weather
was exceedingly warm, and the flies were exceedingly
bad. It was nothing new for them to eat horses alive.
Lieut. Col. Ewing had a horse killed by the flies. And
the green flies would blow about everything, from salt
l)ork to boots and shoes.
192 HISTORY OF COMPANY "k,
^^TT??
CHAPTER XIY.
Dangerous Sport — Eelieved — Left Flank Again — On Skir-
mish Line — Weldon Eailroad — Eelieved — Meditations
— Putting up Breastworks — An Alarm — Eebel Yell —
They left us— Our Skirmish Line- -Works in the Eear
—Eecruits— Convalescents— Whisky and Quinine— Ex-
treme Left— Eations— Grant's Eailroad— "Peace-at-any-
Price Men"— Letter to a Friend.-Letter to a "Peace
Man'"— Eeady for the Eebs— Duties in Camp and Out
—Skirmish at Chapin's Farm— Paid, and Orders to
March— To the Left— Met the Enemy-.Captured Works
—They Badly Frightened-.-Ninth Corps— We Went in
Again— Complimented— Works Turned— Meade's Es-
cape—Our Loss.
August 14th. 1864. There was an artillery duel this
morning for a few minutes; sometimes we had great sport
with the Johnnies; nearly every evening, we had a game
of ball with them; when we threw a shell which fell at the
right place, we did the cheering and when it missed the
mark they did it. When they shot the ride worked the
other way. That evening they threw a mortar shell a
short distance below us where one of the colored soldiers
was shoveling; its weight made it sink into the ground,
when it exploded and sent the man sprawling in the air.
The rebs saw him and shouted "there goes your dead
nigger" "gather up j'our dead nigger" etc., but our soldier
gathered himself up and walked off, only a little lame.
Then was our time to hurrah. Last night near midnight
iooTH REG. PA. VOL. 193
our ^im called •'Petersbur^h sent a few balls into the city.
Soon after they returned the compliment by sending a few
screamint«- messengers over us to disturb our slumbers.
These little incivilities were very annoying to us when we
were sleepy, the heat and flies prevented sleep in day time
and we frequently had to work part, or all the night.
Orders received not to leave camp as we were liable to
move, and at three o'clock the next morning we packed
up and being relieved by part of 9th corps we
moved back to our old camp. The 5th corps was al^
relieved in front.
Aug. 16th. We cleaned up camp and next day we had
rumors of moving. At 1 a. m. of the 18th the rebels
waked us up very rudely by opening up all their artillery
on us, then ours replied. Soon after we received orders
to be ready to move at daylight. We started by the left
flank, our Division in front. After a march of four miles
we came to our outer pickets. The different Brigades
formed in line of battle, with skirmish line in front, our
comi)any being on the skirmish line. We soon came to
the rebel cavalry pickets, who tired and fled. We ad-
vanced on the double ([uick some two miles to the Weldon
Railroad and crossed it without further oi)position. We
had again taken them by surprise— had captured another
railroad and had chosen our position before they had any
force there to (contend with us but that evening they at-
tacked the right of the new line, causing some .loss and
suffering severely themselves, but our men held their
position. We being on the extreme left the attack did
not reach us. At midnight we were relieved on the skir-
mish line and moved back to the rear.
This is the second anniversary of our enlistment. '*One
year more and our time will be out. Don't think we
194 HISTORY OF COMPANY "iv,"
are homesick. There is no danger of that now ; after being
away from home two years. We are only meditating on
the past present and future. The past and the present,
we know something about, but the future is dark. It is
well that we do not know what awaits us in the future."
"Oh? when will this wicked rebellion b'e conquered and
all this misery and bloodshed cease ! ^Ye may hope for
it sooner, but we prophecy that when it is ended our time
of enlistment will be nearly spent." (This prediction is
copied from an old letter of July 16th, 1864.)
August 19th. Wet and dreary. We moved on the
front line to where our regiment lay and began putting up
breast works. All quiet in front of us, but away on the
front toward Petersburgh they made a heavy attack prob-
ably in an effort to break through our lines and force us
to give up our position on this, to them, important railroad.
In the evening we fell in line and marched a short dis-
tance to the right, halted and remained until dark when
we returned and occupied our position on the line. Kext
day all remained quiet except some picket firing. We
strengthened our works and slashed timber in front. The
rain continued.
August 2l8t. A wet morning. Indications of an attack.
Soon we heard that rebel yell that we had heard so often.
They came on a charge to flank us, but got flanked them-
selves and but few of thit line escaped death or capture,
while ouE loss was small; our regiment not losing any.
After their sad experience on that day, losing between
two and three thousand men, they left us in undisputed
possession of their road. Soon after the battle we were
sent out on the skirmish line. That night we were so near
to them we could hear them talk, but before morning they
were gone out of hearing.
155th keg. pa. yol. 195
On the uiglit of the 22iul we received another complete
wetting. Our clotlies had now been wet five days and
nights in succession. Xext evening we were relieved and
returned to the works, having been out forty-eight hours.
\Ye put up our tents and bunks and weie busy a day or
two cleaning cauij).
Aug. 27th. Waked up at 4 a. m. with orders to be
ready to march at sunrise. Our Brigade, being relieved
by the 1st Brigade, marched some distance to the rear and
began putting up works facing to the rear. As soon as
they were up we moved along to another place and again
went to work putting up light defenses. We lay along
these works in a very swampy, unhealthy place, until the
31st, when we moved into a better camp and began fixing
up. Nearly all were out on a detail working on a fort on
the 30th. The same day our regiment received one hun-
dred and tive recruits, of which Company K received
twenty, as follows :
Daniel Barrington Henry Fox
James 0. Barnett Andrew J. Gordon
Geo. W. Collins James Haden
Peter Dietz Patrick Howe
Thomas Hoye Patrick Eowan
Philip Kribbs Edward Stang
Gideon Kribbs William Sanders
John Mix John Showaker
Joshua D. Hazlett John A. Troupe
Michael Quinn Benj. Thompson
Making the aggregate of the Company ninety-six.
September 2nd, 1804. Heavy details taken out to work
on forts and other preparations to repel the enemy,
should they attack us either from front or reai-. Charles
M. Suuth returned from hospital.
190 HISTORY OF COMPANY '^K."
Sept. 3rtl. A party of rebel eavalry drove in oiir pick-
ets in the rear, when we were taken back and waited in
our works for them, but did not see them. J. J. Crawford
and S. P. Barrett returned from hospital. Crawford was
wounded May lOth at Laurel Hill. In discussing the
matter after his return to the Company, he said he was
certain he would get another wound in the next engage-
ment in which he would participate.
As this country was very swampy and malarial, the
Medical Department recommended the issue of whiskey and
quinine. It had been issued occasionally for some time,
but it was now issued regularly twice a day in the propor-
tion of a quart a day to ten men and had an abundance of
quinine in. it. Some drank it for the whiskey and some drank
it for the (luinine. It was hard to tell which party made
the most wry faces, or which party had the most depraved
taste ; but betweea the two there was none of the issue
permitted to waste.
Sept. 6th. John C. Eussell returned to company and
next day James C. Jaclvson. With the sick and wounded
who had returned and with the recruits, we now had a
pretty full company. Were located on the extreme left of
the line. As we might be attacked on three sides, we had
fortitications on all three. There were a good many
night alarms and it was necessary for us to be on the
alert all the time as we expected them to make another
desperate effort to retake that railroad which was of so
much importance to them.
Of late Ave had not received such a variety in the issue of
rations, as we did formerly for the reason that the wagon
trains could not move through this swampy country dur-
ing the wet weather, but Grant was equal to the occasion
by having a railroad constructed from the City Point
laoTH REG. PA. VOL. 197
road some three miles below Petersburg-, inside our lines
and in a few days more it will be here, then we can
o-et rations if it does rain.
There were a class of people in the north who sympa-
thized with the south and who had endeavored to clog- the
National (Government in its struggle to suppress the re-
bellion. About this time they became very bold and
insisted that the rebellion could never be conquered— that
the war was a failure, and that tlie government should make
peace with the rebels cost what it might. They were
called ''the peace at any price men.'' The following is an
extract from a letter written by one of the company to
his sister who desired to know the sentiment of the
soldiers on that i)oint, and we are certain that it gave the
sentiment of every soldier.
"Wj:ldon Eailroad, Ya., Sept. 9th, 1864.
Dear Sister: The army is in the best of siurits
over the recent victories, both here and in the West. All
think the rebellion is on its last legs. The soldiers
do not believe in fighting and suffering for years in trying
to put down this rebellion and then have to give up all we
have gained, to rebels almost conciuered. We all want
])eace, but will fight on rather than accept it at the i)rice
of our country's lionor, or that all those now in rebellion
should not subndt to the laws of the land, and if we are
willing to suffer and fight on in order to secure an
honorable and permanent peace, surely our friends at
home should be willing with their infiuence and kind
words to encourage us, instead of continually complaining
and thus encouraging our enemies."
In this connection we publish another letter, written
some time i)revious to this, also showing the kind of a fire
198 HISTORY OF C03IPANY '"K,"
we liad to endure from tlie rear. He sent a copy of tliis
letter home from which this is copied.
Camp Humphrys, Va., April 0th, 1803.
Dear : — It is with pleasure I seat myself to answer
your letter, which I received on the 4th, along with one
from . I tind you and I differ very much in some
respects about the war and how it is conducted, but this
i8 no reason why we should differ on other points, or that
I should not have the same regard and esteem for you as
formerly. In a conversation Avhich we had in Kittanning,
when I was on my way out here, you told me 'You (I) will
never be sorry but once for what you (I) are doing, and
that will be as long as you are in the army.' Well, I am
tired of war, but no more tired of it than I was one, two
or ten years ago. I ahvays shuddered at the thought of
war; but as to being sorry that I enlisted in tliis war, you
Jiave my word for it, I am not.
"I enlisted under the impression that it was mj^ duty to
})rotect my country, and not only mine but the duty of all
to uphold and protect a government that has done so
much for us civilly, politically and morally. And my be-
lief is now as firm as ever that any one in the IS^orth who
will not support this government by all the means in his
power, must have lost all sense of shame, gratitude and
honor ; and they who would go still further and aid the
rebellion either by w^ord or deed, deserve no protection
from the country they are laboring to destroy. I say they
do not deserve its protection another day or another hour*
And as their crimes are somewhat similar to Cain's, so in-
justice, their punishment should be similar to his as ex-
plained by himself, — Genesi8,4-14.
''Do not understand me as saying that these Northern
traitors have personally imbued their hands in the blood of
155th llEG. PA. VOL. 199
their brethren, but 1 do say, and also believe, that had it
not been for the aid and comfort the South has received
from them, they would have given up long" ago. And as
they have thus protracted the war, they Iiave indirectly
caused the death of thousands of 'the best blood of our
country.' They deserve banishment from the land, if not
from the face of the earth. While they are hypocritically
crying peace, peace, they are doing their utmost to aid
the rebels and hamper the government in its efforts to
crush the rebellion and end the war.
"They are justly termed 'copperheads,' for they are a
sneaking, slimy set, who are secretly by their influence
trying to poison the minds of all with whom they come in
contact. They are equally as poisonous, but far more
cowardly, than the rattlesnake of the South.
•'You want to know what 'we soldiers think of the Con-
scription Act and of the Emancipation Proclamation.'
Well, in the first place, nothing could please us better
than to draft those at home who will not volunteer and
come out to share the hardships of war with us ; but it
pleases us still better to think that as the 'copperheads' have
not come out, but are still at home, that the draft will fall
heaviest on them. I have heard that some of them say
they 'will resist the draft.' 1 have an idea that they
will not be so foolish, but if they do and the soldiers now
in the field have an opportunity, they will be brought out
on the double quick and that at the point of the bayonet.
"As to your next query, 'what do we think of the
Emancipation Act,' 1 would say that those who have en-
listed to fight the battles of their country, have done so
from pure motives of patriotism and love of country, not
that they love war and excitement more than others. We
love our families and friends as much, our homes are as
200 HISTORY OF COMPANY ^^K,"
dear to us as the liomes of those who have not enlisted
are to them, or to those hypocritical 'peace men,' who
from their hearts wish we may never return. (I am glad
to think you are not one of these). Therefore, we soldiers
wish for a speedy, honorable and permanent peace, and
the soldiers as a general thing believe that as a means of
accomplishing this desired end, emancipation is necessary.
And as slavery is the cause of this war, if it is permitted
to continue, it may cause another war. Therefore to
make peace permanent, emancipation is necessary.
''You ask, 'how soon I will be home?' That will de-
l)end on circumstances. If my life and health are spared
and the traitors in the North are permitted to act treason
and aid the rebels, as they have been doing, the time will
be longer than otherwise. God, in his own good time, will
show a way to stop tliis, when the government shall have
been sufficiently punished for its connivance at the sin of
slavery, and when, as a nation, we are brought up to a
proper standard. Then and not until then do I expect
the army to be disbanded, and each of us to return to our
homes to live in peace. I have never had a doubt as to
the final result. God will be glorified and uiake right to
prevail in his own good time.
"Again you ask, 'Do we intend to whip the South back
into the Union ? ' Well, we intend to whip them ; we
don't care about them staying in the Union, but we are de-
termined if they go out, they shall not take a foot of the
soil with them. There are plenty of loyal people in the
United States to people the whole country, even if the
traitors of the North go too.
"Again you ask, 'Are we fighting for the Constitution or
to free the slaves!' We are fighting for the Constitu-
tion, law and order, and if in the course of the war, in or-
155th REG. PA. VOL. 201
der to accoinplisli the desired end, tlie slaves shall be
freed ; those who coiiiiueiieed the war will have no per-
sons to blame but themselves.
"I have tried to answer all your (inestionsas far as I can
recollect them. By mistake I destroyed your letter too
soon. I destroy all here as soon as answered. Yours
affectionately, D. P. Marshall."
September 15th, 1801. There were rumors that the rebs
were massing out there to retake that road. We were
called out, and lay under arms for hours, and not knowing
on which side to look for them, we remained where we
could go to the works on either side in five minutes. That
night there was one man kept up all night to wake the
boys in case of an alarm, and every other company in the
regiment took the same precaution, but we slept and
awoke in peace.
Xext day (16th) they began to crowd on our pickets,
which started brisk firing, that was kept up until the morn-
ing of the 17th. There was a party then sent out on a re-
connoisance to the front and another to the rear, but
found nothing to alarm us.
We had to spend a good portion of time drilling our re-
cruits. Our chaplain had preaching or prayer meeting ev-
ery night when the weather permitted. Musketry and can-
nonading continued, within hearing, day and night.
September 2Sth. About the usual routine of camp life
was kept up the past week. We had rather more than our
usual amount of picket duty on account of the Paymaster
being about. We did picket duty for other regiments while
they received their greenbacks, but this day we signed
muster and pay-rolls for six months' pay. In the evening-
he commenced paying us, and paid a few before night.
September 29th. At 2 a m. orders came for us to be
202 HISTORY OF COIVIPANY "iv,"
ready to march at 4 a. m. At that time we were packed
up ready, but did not move. At daylight the cavalry be-
gan to move down tlie railroad toward Reams Station.
They soon began to skirmish with the enemy. In the af-
ternoon they became so hotly engaged that they sent back
for assistance and our regiment was sent. We double-
quicked about four miles and formed battle line in front a
little before dark. Firing soon ceased, without any casu-
alties to us. In an hour we were relieved by the cavalry
and moved back to camp. This was called the battle of
Chapin's Farm. After we returned to camp our Company
and two others were paid. It was after midnight when we
lay down to rest, with orders to be readj- to march at an
early hour. Keceived two recruits — -Wm. Buckley and Pe-
ter E. Snyder.
September 30th. Daylight found us all astir. AVe had
received six month's pay just when we did not need it — ■
had not time to attend to it. We had orders to march
and those orders nearly always were connected with an
opportunity to tight, and we did not wish to carry our
money at such a time; the opportunity for losing it was
good. We put it in shape to express it; put it in care of
our Chaplain to carry to City Point, and at 8 a. m. we were
on the march tow^ard rebeldom, with the bands playing to
make them think we had a grand review. We did not
have far to go to lind their pickets, when skirmishing be-
gan. When Ave had advanced two and a half miles they
commenced shelling us, and after driving their skirmishers
another half mile, we came in sight of their works a half
mile away, across a farm. They had a strong line with
one fort where their cannon were posted. The whole line
soon received the command "forward." It was then best
man foremost, and the rebels blazing away at us as fast as
ir>5TH REG. PA. VOL. 203
tbey could. Soon alter we saw tlieiu he^^inuiiig to jiiii.
When we came to the fort we captured one cannon and 40
]>risoners and captured about 20 more along the line. In
'harging on the fort there was (luite an exciting race be-
tween Sergeant Marlin, our color bearer, and the color
bearer of another regiment to see who would tirst plant
their flag there, but ''Tim'' was too smart for the other fel
low and the fort was ours and the cannon too.
We then saw another line larther on and to where they
had taken the other cannon. After resting a few moments
we climbed over the works we already had and started for
the second line. Our blood was up, and it would have
taken considerable to stop us. The rebs must have thought
so too, because, as soon as they saw us coming, they went?
and our flag was first on this second line of works. They
were not as extensive as the first. Sergeant Porter, Cor-
poral Fleming and a few others followed a little farther
and gave them a volley, when they got in such a hurry
they threw away everything, even their guns. If we had
not become so tired charging up that long hill we might
liave been foolish enough to have gone on capturing ev-
erything until we would have taken the South Side R. K.,
only a mile or two distant, and at once put an end to the
rebellion. While we were resting and congratulating our-
selves on what we had accomplished, the 9th Corps ('ame
marching past us going to the front. It was a large Corps
and we were expecting great things from them. About
the time the last of the column passed the rebels had
either received le-enforcements or they had gathered up
courage when they saw we were not along, and charged on
the 9th Corps, driving them, we never heard where. We
had stacked our guns and were preparing for the night's
rest, when our Brigade in hot haste was hurried into line
204 HISTORY OF COMPANY ''K,"
of battle and double-quicked through the woods into the
opening where the 9th had preceded us so lately. We
found none of them, but we did find plenty of rebels com-
ing toward us and shooting at us. We charged across the
field toward them and soon checked them in their onward
career and hurled them back where they came from.
There was a battery run in here too, and some of our boys
assisted the gunners in working the guns, and received
great praise from the Captain of the battery for their
bravery and their staying qualities. We lay here until af-
ter dark under a brisk fire all the time. Then we began
to put up works for our protection, should they come
again, but before long we were relieved and moved along
the line we had taken, which was soon converted from
rebel to Yankee works and their forts filled with our guns.
It had been raining some all afternoon and rained all
night, and continued raining hard next day. We were
wringing wet. We remained at these works all that day
strengthening them and slashing timber in front.
* In the morning of October 2nd, Sabbath, they feared a
flank movement on the left by the rebels, and we were
taken back on the ground where we had fought them on
the evening of the 30th. There was considerable skir-
mishing in front and we received a severe shelling.
Here Gen. Meade made a narroAV escape ; he and his
staff were on their horses, and standing near us. A can-
non ball came along, struck his boot leg and then the
ground, throwing the mud all over one of the aids, and
then glanced. Capt. Oline was standing beside him and
saw it. In the afternoon we moved back to the right and
farther to the front than the rebel lines we had previously
occupied, where we put up another line of good works,
155th REG. PA. VOL. 205
and went into a regular camp behind them to fortify
n while, and then steal another march on them.
We did not make this move, and accomplish so much,
without loss. When we charged on the tirst line, Thomas
Kiskadden was wounded in the shoulder, and Patrick
Rowan, a recruit, had one little linger shot off, and as we
never saw him again he was marked "deserter." Then
when we went in, after the 9th corps, on the charge, J. J.
Crawford received a wound, as he prophesied a month
previous. The ball struck above the eye, glanced around
on the scull, and was cut out at the ear. James C. Jack-
son, the last one of last spring's recruits, was wounded in
the shoulder, and after we had stopped in line, a cannon
ball struck Calvin Gray, killing him instantly ; one killed
and four wounded in the Company, and tive killed and
twenty wounded in the Kegiment.
206 HISTORY OF COMPANY "k.
CHAPTER XY.
Proniotioii — Suicide— A Support— State Election— Cliap-
laiu's Farewell — Orders to Move — Moved to the Left
— Met the Enemy — Skirmishers' Adventures — Trouble
in the Rear — Reputation of Company "K" — Some
Close Calls — Return to Camp — Another Change —
Sutler's Prices — Presidential Election— Various Sur-
geons—Rebel Deserters — Rations and Turkeys— Re-
lieved and Moved to the Rear— Early Rising— A
March — The Weldon Raid — Our Force — Destroying
R. R. — Good Living — Cooking Utensils — A Bad
Mght — A Hard March — Straggling— Met 9th Corps —
Back in our Line — What we Ate and Why— Guerrillas
— Results of the Raid — Building Quarters — Our old
Clothing.
October 4th, 1864. The rebels made an attack on the
extreme left this day and were repulsed. They sent the
shells over our way pretty briskly for awhile. Received
notice that Corporal August Schmuck was promoted to a
captaincy in a colored regiment and for us to discharge
him ; also received one recruit, Philip Hellam.
October 7th. There was quite an excitement over a
suicide, committed by a recruit in company "H," he had
only been there live days. He put three charges of pow-
der and two bullets in his gun, put the muzzle in his mouth
and pulled it off with his bayonet, nearly blowing his head
off. He was on the picket line about fifty rods from camp.
He left a 1 jtter in his pocket, to his sister, saying that he
was going to do it. No reason known why he did it, only
that he was afraid the rebels would kill him.
October 8th. We received orders to fall in and 20 out
155th eeg. pa. vol. 207
to support the picket line, as tliey were going to advance
it ; we advanced tliroiigli the woods a half mile until we
came in sight of the rebels, where we halted and remained
until night, when we returned to camp. They tired a few
shots at us, but there was no one hurt. We suffered se-
verely with cold, as we could not have tire.
October 11th was the day of the State election. We
also held an election whicli resulted in eleven votes for
the republican candidate and live for the democratic.
The whole vote of the regiment was one hundred and
lifty-tliree republicans ana sixty-three democratic.
We had heavy details of men out building forts and
strengthening our line of works. AVe would have been
pleased to have the rebels come to see us often, for we
enjoyed their butting against our works far more than we
enjoyed butting against theirs.
October 21st. Gen. Grant and staff and Gen. Meade
and staff passed along the line. We slashed the timber
in front of our works. Col. Gregory was promoted to
Brigadier and Brigadier Gen. Griffin to Major Gen. that
week.
October 22nd. Lieut. Foster was detailed as Lieut, of
the Ambulance Corps.
October 23rd. Chaplain Mateer, who had l)een with us
about one year, preached his farewell sermon; Gen. Greg-
ory led in singing and prayer.
We were now jibout ready for another move by the left
flank. Our lines were so ^yell fortified that a good skir-
mish line could Jiold tliem. As we had been in every
move "by the left flank;" we tried to hoi)e that they would
let us rest in the next move, but we hardly expected it,
because any troops that had a good fighting record usually
208_ HISTORY OF COMPANY "k,"
got plenty of it to do. Our Corps, and especially our
Division, had that kind of a record.
October 26th. Orders received to pack up and send off
all extra baggage, and to be ready to move at an early
hour next day. At 3 o'clock next morning we were waked
up, and marched at 5 a. m. We traveled six miles to get
three. Soon after we got outside our lines we struck the
rebel pickets. We drove them before us until we came to
the place where we stopped at their first line of works.
We put up a slight line of works to protect ourselves,
and lay here from 10 a. m. of the 27th to 11 a. m. of the
28th. There were one hundred of our regiment on the
skirmish line, ten of them being from Company "K." When
the skirmishers had driven therebs into their works some
of them wanted to charge on them, particularly Corporal
George Clever, and George did charge and get up on their
works before they saw him. Corporal W. D. Porter and
S. Schrecengost and some of our recruits Avere nearly
there, but there were not enough to take and hold them.
When he got on the works a rebel officer saw him and
called ouf'Look at the Yankee s — of a b— ! shoot him !''
When George saw their guns raised he jumped and ran.
There were a good many shots fired at him, but all missed.
If he had had enough of the skirmishers with him he
would have taken their works from them. George always
acted as though he did not know what fear was, and we
had a good many others like him in the Company.
While this scene was being transacted on the skirmish
line, we had another in the line of battle, where the re-
mainder of the Company and Kegiment was.
W^e Avere in the second line, and it became hot all
through the woods with the rebel fire. A regiment of
new troops from Kew York, in front of us, became excited,
155th REG. PA. VOL. 209
tiled into our own men killing and wounding a great many
and then broke for the rear ; they tried to run through our
line ; some of our Kegiment became excited and wanted
too run to. Company "E" on our right nearly all broke.^
Two members of the Company who would not run, and
after vainly trying to hold the others, stepped into our
Company and said they would go into a Company they
knew would not break. This was after ten of our best
men had gone to tlie skirmish line, and more than half of
those left were recruits. This was an indication of tlie
reputation Company "K" had in a battle. We remained
firm and those of our line who broke, soon rallied and
came back into line. If we had not been in so many
harder fought battles, we would have thought this a pretty
severe one ; and it was the tirst time in all the summer's
lighting when our Company did not have killed and wound-
ed, if there were any in the Regiment. In this engage-
ment one of our recruits had i)art of the heel shot off his
shoe, another had his sleeve cut, and another a slight
mark on the shoulder. John Russell had his coffee pot
shot to pieces and about tifty holes in his gum blanket
and tent cloth. There was one killed and fifteen wounded
in the Regiment.
Septeml)er 28th. At 3 p. m. Ave returned to the camp
we left the previous morning, ])ut up our tents on the
same ground, and the whole affair seemed like a dream;
there is some recollection of marching— of the bullets
tlying thick— of lying out there in the cold one night when
ii rained nearly all night, and of a heavy load to carry
back to camj) after we had replenished our knapsacks
from those full ones thrown away by the new men when
they broke. Our move this time was not as succesful as
most of our left flank moves had been. The second
Ut.- V
210 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,
Corps, who were still faHlier to the left than we were, met
some reverse, which was the cause of our returuino- to
camp.
About this date we were changed from 2iid Brigade, 1st
Division, to 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, with Gen. Bartlett
for our Brigade Commauder.
November 4th, 1864. We had nearly all put up com-
fortable quarters. The weather was too chilly and cold
to live in our little open tents.
Here are some camp prices: Daily paper, 10 cents,
three large or five small apples, 25 cents; butter, eighty
cents per pound; but that is not dear, because it tastes so
much of the butter that it ooes not require much for a
meal.
November 8th. Day of the Presidential election.
Company "K" cast 20 votes for Abraham Lincoln and 16
for George B. McClellan.
November 11th. Sergeant Marlin went home on a fif-
teen day furlough. Eegimental Assistant Surgeon Tewks-
berry messed with Captain Cline and Lieut. Huej. He
was a doctor and a gentleman both, something we could
not say of all the surgeons we had. Dr. Wilson a former
surgeon, said that "an enlisted man was no better than a
dog, and that if his own father was an enlisted man, he
would disown him." It was a difficult matter for an en-
listed man to honor such a man. One thing certain, that
honors more than the law re(iuired were not given him.
November 19th. Lieut. Huey had been out on picket
with a detail for three days, and that morning he brought
in two rebel deserters, who came in the previous night.
They said if we lay there until spring there would be but
a small army over there ; those that did not desert would
starve to death. They said before they eame on picket
155th REG. PA. VOL. 211
post last night they drew two days' rations and ate all for
supper. They were brothers, and from !North Carolina
Others came in along the line the same night, and every
day and night. All told the same story, that the rebellion
was almost at an end. And again, a week later, the news
Avas that deserters w^ere coming in very fast. They all
told the same thing, "Confederacy gone up and rations
scarce," and of course these things cheered us. Their ra-
tions were one pound of meal and one-half pound of meat
for two days, and enough coffee in a month to make a cup.
November 26th. "Barrett is getting dinner and Fleming-
is out helping to draw our Thanksgiving^ dinner. Turkeys
have just arrived in camp. Yesterday we drew some ap-
ples at the rale of five for three men. If they did not
have to pass so many headquarters before they reached
us we would get a larger issue. We drew soft bread, beef
coffee, sugar, one potato for each man, and a turkey for
each twelve men. We will be able for our rations of tur-
key as soon as it is cooked. We defy the annals of his-
tory to show where any other army in the world had tur-
keys and other delicacies issued to the men through the
Commissary De})artment such as the Union army has been
receiving."
Appearances indicate another move ; furloughs were
stopped ; convalescents were being sent back and we
knew it all meant something. Lieut. Foster returned
from the ambulance corps.
December 1st, 18G4. Sergeant Marlin returned from
home, having been absent nineteen days.
December 6th. Lieut. Fo.^ter obtained another appoint-
ment, and has been detailed and i)laced in charge of the
nurses at City point hospital. We were relieved by the
()th corps this morning and marched five miles toward the
212 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
rear and encamped just inside our outer line of works,
near the Jerusalem Plank Road. We liad no tents over us
that night and as we were lying between the corn rows,
we received the full benetit of the rain. First it fell on
our upturned faces ; to avoid that we pulled the blankets
over our heads. Then as water is bound to seek its level,
and it did it this time, running down between the corn
rows ; we soon found there was more water under than
over us. To anyone who has not had the experience, we
can inform them that December rain water running in
about a person trying to sleep, is decidedly unpleasant.
About this time we were told to get up ; we did not need
to be waked, the water had done that. At 2 a. m. we
marched along the plank road, crossed the Xottaway river
on pontoons in the night, and at G a. m. halted for break-
last near Sussex Court House. Five miles before break-
fast, through mud and darkness, with a load as wet and
heavy as ours was, is a long road. We kept on the i)lank
road some tifteen miles farther, then turned to the right a
few miles, struck the Weldon railroad about noon, and at
1 p. m., halted near a station for dinner. The cavalry in
advance had burned the station before we came up, after
exchanging a few shots with the rebs guarding there.
They had put up winter quarters, which they had left very
unceremoniously.
We lay here until evening ; in the meantime the other
troops and the trains were coming ui). All having to
move over one road it took a good while. Our force con-
sisted of the 5th Corps and Ist Division of the 2nd Corps,
besides a few thousand Cavalry. About run down, we
received orders to fall in to go and tear up the railroad.
We had never seen anything of the kind done, but we had
seen plenty that the Johnnies had done for us, especially,
155th REG. PA. VOL. 213
when we fell back from Culpepper to Centerville, they
destroyed every foot of our road ; now we felt that we
could retaliate. We marched along the road and took our
positions on one side of the road. At the command all
took hold, and in a minute miles of the line was lying
with the ties on top of the rails. It was but the work of
a few minutes to tear the ties loose, build them up in piles,
tlirow the rails across them, set them on fire and the work
was done, ready to move on to another i)lace, with a great
fire burning every few rods. The rails would heat in the
middle, the weight at the ends would cause them to bend.
Sometimes a few of the boys would take a rail heated in
the middle, and ring it around a tree or stumj). Before we
halted at midnight, we had advanced a good many miles
down the road, and destroyed it as far as we had gone,
and had had lots of fun. We laid down tired and sleepy.
Toward morning it became very cold and we all arose
next morning shivering with the cold. Our division did
not tear up any road this day ; some others did. It gave
our boys a good opportunity to forage, which they did
with a will ; and with the experience of the past they
could do it to perfection. One squad brought in a
dressed hog weighing more than one hundred pounds.
Another party scouting about, saw a pen in the woods,
and, on close observation, saw that it contained ten big-
turkeys ; they charged, and boys of our Comi)any captured
nine of them and carried them along until evening. We
did not march far this day ; something Ave all wondered at,
if we were going on through into North Carolina, as we
thought and hoped we were. This was about 42 miles
outside our lines at Petersburg, and only a few miles from
the North Carolina line.
We camped before dark about the time it began to rain
214 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K."
and freeze. Xow was our time to eat turkey; pork and
other things we had found along the road, and thus lighten
our loads for the next day. Our cooking utensils were
not such as would have been in demand with our lady
friends at home for cooking turkeys, but soldiers were
seldom at a loss for some way to cook anythnig and eve-
rything they had to cook. On this occasion coffee pots,
frying pans, quart cans, tin cups and everything that
would hold a ])iece of turkey was brought into recjuisition.
Then we ate, and we ate, until we ate them all, and did
not desire any more. This was a bad night to lie out. It
was raining and freezing. In the morning we were up be-
fore daylight, getting ready to march, and still it was rain-
ing. The ice covered our blankets from a half inch to an
inch thick, and we had to pack up everything wet, making
our loads very heavy. The ice melting on our blankets
and running down our backs, together with the continued
rain, made it exceedingly unpleasant all day. When we
were ready to start, much to our disappointment we took
the back tracli. We started at 7 a. i\i.; marching was very
bad, the roads muddy and our loads heavy. The rule lat-
terly on a march had been to rest ten minutes out of sixty;
this day we followed that rule for three hours; after that
we did not stop to rest once, not even for dinner.
Our Division was in advance, and as we only had one
road, and the wagon train and artillery occupied it, a great
many of the • troops had to march on the flanks. Our
Brigade marched on the right flank most of the time
through fields and woods, swamps and ditches. We soon
learned that we were on a forced marched ; that the reb-
els having learned of our whereabouts, and of the depre-
dations we had done their railroad, were making an effort
to cut us off and punish us, while our object was to gain
155th REG. PA. VOL. 215
the coinniaiuliii^' position at Sussex Court House as well
as tbe roads leading into that place. If the rebels had se-
(nired that position tirst they might have seriously inter-
fered with our return.
On account of the hard marching and weight of our
loads the men now began to straggle. The farther we
marched the more were compelled to drop out of ranks.
It was very unsafe to leave the line or get far in the rear,
as the guerrillas were ready to murder every man who
came within their reach, and the rebel cavalry were follow-
ing us up in the rear, and were only held in check by our
rear guard of cavalry. When we came near the stogping
l)lace the Sergeant Major j)assed back along where the
]-egiment should be, and instructed the First Sergeant that
as soon ;ia we halted and stacked arms to report to regi-
mental head(iuarter8 how many we iiad, as the Colonel
wished to know how many men Jiad been able to keep up
in this hard march.
When we halted Company "K'' was able to report 30
men out of 46. The Adjutant could scarcely believe it,
and said, ''Have you that many up P The orderly replied,
"Yes, and if you don't believe it come and count them
yourself." The Adjutant replied, "Well that is good."
And it was. It was nearly one-half the regiment then
present. Some companies did not have enough men to
make more than one stack of guns. We had marched 21
miles in ten hours. We had gained the desired position
and were ready to rest that night, except those who had
to go on picket.
Noxt morning, (December 11th, 18G4,) we marched at
daylight and live miles brought us down to Nottoway,
where we formed on Division of the 9th Corps, ready to
assist us, had the rebels thought to annoy us. The 9th
216 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
corps SKze; e rebels on picket had told them that we were
all cut upi<<i it they were agreeably disappointed to find it
not true a. so were we. The pontoons were soon laid
and we en sed and came out two or three miles and
halted until next day, Monday. We considered ourselves
safe here from any force they could bring against us. In-
cluding cavalry. We were about equal to two corps and
only sixteen miles from our own lines, so that if Johny
had seen proper to trouble us he might have got into
trouble.
December 12th. We started early, and by 2 p. m. were
back within our own lines and went into camp, cold, tired
and worn out but not hungry. The weather had been
cold or wet all the time. We had been outside our lines
six days, and had eaten verj^ few army rations in that
time. We had poultry of all kinds, meat of all kinds
Hour, honey, molasses, jellies, apples, turnips and many
other things. The boys took these things on the principle
that we were doing those fellows a kindness by whipping
them and make them behave, and that they should board
us while we were with them at least, and we eat them on
the supposition that if they were good enough for rebels
to eat they might do for yankees. There was another ar-
ticle that we found far too plentiful, and that was apple
jack. We lost one man from our company, John L. Ferer,
our drummer, through the power of applejack. He took
too much, became unable to travel and was captured; we
never saw him again as he was drowned in April follow-
ing, after he had been exchanged and was returning to the
company. There were but few losses of men in our expe-
dition, but there were more men lost from the use of the
whisky, wine, cider,and apple jack found in the raid than
from any other cause. There were five missing from our
155th REG. PA. VOL. 217
regiment. When gom<>- away we did not destr ^^^ny pri-
vate dwellings until we found that the citizen^ ^^ re play-
ing guerilla and were murdering many of o^ men who
fell into their hands. One of our men was fb'^ijnd pinned
to the ground with a stake driven into his molith. After
that nearly every building in reach was buriifed. We did
them an immense amount of damage by destroying the
railroad. Although we held the road between that and
Petersburg, they had been shipping on it as near to our
lines as it was safe, then hauling around our left flank.
Now it was destroyed a long distance and they did not
have the iron to repair it.
We lay about until the 16th before we received any fur-
ther orders, when we were ordered to put up another lot
of winter (juarters, and many of us on the night of the
17th had them ready to stay in and to spend the 18th, Sab-
bath, in. We had been Ijdng out for thirteen days and
nights on the ground which Avas frozen solid a
large portion of the time. We still had the chimneys to
build, the doors to make and daubing to do before we
could be very comfortable. On the morning we started
on'the raid, Col. Pearson received a commission as Brevet
Brigadier General, and Lieut. Col. Ewing as Brevet Col-
onel.
The clothing we boxed u]) and sent away in the spring-
before we started on the wilderness campaign, was now
returned to us all right. P>ut, oh, how many of our dear
comrades were gone, never again to need theirs.
December 24th. There was a salute of 100 guns fired
from a fort in front of us that morning, celebrating the
capture of Savannah, Georgia, by Sherman's army.
218 HISTORY OF COMPANY ''K,"
CHAPTER XVI.
Another Year — Xew Year's Calls — Hot Punch — Good
Dinner — AVrestling Match — A Sad Case — Captain
Cline Promoted — A Visitor — Camp Incidents — Ready
to Move — Rowanty Creek — Good Fires— Short Sleep
— Shiver and Shake — Deployed — Driving and Driven
—Conduct of K. Y. Trooi)s— All Mixed up— A Rebel
Soldier's Accounts — No Casualties — Retrosi)ect —
More Building- — Hunting for Boards — Lieut. Iluey
Promoted — Names Sent in for Promotion — Token of
Respect — A Chapel — Communion ;uid Incidents —
Promotions — Getting Ready to Move — A Review.
January 1st, 18G5. Another year has gone an i a new
year has come with its hopes and fears. Ten of our com-
rades, whose prospects one year ago, were as bright as
ours, uo\^ till soldier's graves, all killed on the held of
battle, or wounded and died in the hospital. Very likely
many more of us will have to sacrihce our lives on the
altar of our country before this wicked rebellion is con-
({uered, and our misguided brethren be made to acknowl-
edge the supremacy of the glorious old stars and stripes.
Jan. 2nd, 18G5. Yesterday being Sabbath, New Years
festivities were not observed until to-day. Gen. Bartlett,
now commanding our Brigade, sent down an invitation to
all the commissioned officers of the Brigade to visit him
between the hours of 12 and 2 p. m., and also one to the
Sergeants to visit him between 3 and 5 p. m. At the
appointed hour the officers fell in and marched over to
the General's quarters. In a short time they returned.
We were not in the officers squad, therefore can not say
J-55TH KEG. PA. VOL. 219
wliat kind of a reception they had, or how much of the
(lenl's. i)unch tbey destroyed. But we know that when
The Sergeants marched over to pay their respects a httle
later there was })lenty of it tlien. There were about thirty
from the Kegiment and four of them from our Company.
We had an invitation, a few minutes conversation and all
the punch we wanted to drink and more too, conse(iuent-
ly some of the boys took more than thej' could well carry.
When we left there it Avas proposed that we visit our
Corps Commander, Genl. G. K. Warren, about three-
fourths of a mile distant, and no sooner proposed than
unanimously agreed to. On our arrival at Corps Head
quarters we had an introduction, a shake of the hand and
chatted a few minutes, when a Captain on his staff started
out and directed us to follow him ; he led us into another
tent where we found a table spread, more than large enough
for the crowd, and the table covered with all the eatables
the army afforded, including oysters and other delicacies.
It looked as though he had been expecting us or some
other hungry crowd. We did some big eating; fared
better than any time since we had that big mess of turkey.
We then returned to camp and twitted our officers. We
liad exceeded tbiem so far that they never mentioned the
proceedings of the day unless we introduced the su'bject.
After we returned to camp the most excitement was
over a wrestling match between the first Sergeants of
Go's. E. and K., each one backed and championed by his
own comi)any. It would not do to tell them that Gen.
Bartlett's punch had anything to do with it, but then
they had never been known to be guilty of such actions
before. They were two of the largest if not the awk-
wardest men in the army and it afforded a great deal of
sport for the lookers on while it lasted, iu the street before
220 HISTORY OF COMPANY 'K,"
the two companies. One man remarked that it looked
like a strong wrestle, if it was not skillful, another, after
it was over said the street looked like a bull fight. Com-
pany "K." won the day.
But all jolly days must come to an end and so did this
^ew Year's day 1865.
January 8th. Capt. J. A. Cline and Sergeant D. B«
Kirkpatrick received furloughs and started home this
morning. After we came back off the raid, Benjamin
Thompson, one of our recruits, became sick, and was sent
to Division Hospital, and being deranged he got out of
bed one cold wet night when the nurse was not looking,
run out in the dark with only shirt and drawers, and we
never again heard of him. About this time, his father
having heard he was sick, wrote to us to know how Ben
was getting. It was a sorrowful task to have to write to
him and tell him the circumstances, and that we knew
nothing about Ben. He was a brother of George's, who
died in the hospital a little more than a year previous.
January I3th. There was a great many furloughs given
then. There were two more of our company furloughed.
Colonel Ewing being in command of the regiment then,
we all stood on equal footing.
January 16th. The rebels made some demonstrations
on the left of our line, but were soon quieted. Next day
they received a salute of 100 shots from our guns in hon-
or of the capture of Fort Fisher.
Sergeant Armstrong was detailed for duty with the
Division Provost Guard, Corporal Porter acting as Ser-
geant in the company.
Jan. 23rd. Capt Oine returned from his leave of al)-
sence, having received a commission as Major during his
absence, a promotion he would have received more than a
15r>TH REG. PA. VOL. 221
year before if his bravery and other o-ood (pialities liad
been properly appreciated and rewarded. Capt. Cline
would neither swear or drink whisky nor their accompany-
ing evils, conse(iuently he was not a favorite at Head-
(juarters until after recent promotions. There were others,
some in our company and some in other companies, whose
promotions Avere held back for the same cause.
Jan. 2(>th. Sergeant Kirkpatrick returned from his fur-
lough this day. AVe were also visited by Rev. G. W.
^lechlin, of Glade Kun, who Avas laboring in the Third
Division under the appointment of the Christian Commis-
sion. Major Cline went over to the 2nd Brigade, where
General Gregory had erected a tine chapel and engaged it
for Mr. Mechlin to preach in that night. After preaching
he came back with us and remained.
Feb. 2nd, 1865. George Xicely received a furlough last
night and started home this morning. Samson Schecen-
gost is expecting to receive one and start to-morrow» Col.
Ewing started to-day on leave and Major Cline is now in
commaad of the regiment. There has been preparation
for moving for two days but things seemed to have again
settled down. Eev. Mechlin made us another visit yester-
day, and Eev. Harvey Marshall to-day; he came down from
the 0th Corps at the Yellow House where he is posted. He
made the same remark as Mr. Mechlin that with us, was
the tirst place he had gone that he felt at home.
February ith. In the evening we received notice to be
ready to march at 6 o'clock next morning, and also noti-
tied that those on picket would remain as Avell as the camp
guards.
At daylight February .jth, Sabbath, our Corps was in
line ready to march. As appearances indicated that we
might return here, we took nothing but our blankets and
222 HISTORY OF COMPANY ^'K,"
what would be absolutely necessary. Lieut. Huey was so
sick that he could not go. Sergeant Marshall was so l)ad
with the cold he could scarcely speak above a whisper,
but he went in comui-uid of the company. We marched
to the Yellow House, three miles, then south down the
Weldon railroad four miles, then southwest to Rowanty
Creek, two miles; here the rebels had works, but they
were soon routed and some of them captured. After
crossing the creek we marched northwest about six miles
until we struck the Vaughn road. Here General Warren
came near being killed or captured; he was so close to a
squad of twenty rebels, mostly dressed in our uniform,
that he asked them who they were; their reply was by a
volley, one ball going through his coat. They also tired
on Gen. Griffin. They captured a few men, when there
was a squad from our regiment sent after them who drove
them away. It was now sun down and had been freezing-
hard all day, but rails were plenty and we soon had good
tires to warm us, but lying down on the frozen ground to
sleep, with only a few pine tops and gum blankets under
us, was different from the comfortable quarters we had
left. We did not lie long enough to get the ground wariu
under us. Between 10 and 11 w^ were waked up and
started back on the Vaughn road in the direction of Peters-
burg, to Hatcher's Run, about live miles. The 2nd Corps
had captured the rebel works there during the day.
The rebels knowing that we were in their rear, no doubt
made them evacuate more speedily. When we came near
Hatcher's Run we halte4 in an open field without fire and
did not know where to find anything to make fire out of.
The best we could do was to move about and shiver and
shake to daylight, about three hours, when we saw where
to get wood and soon had fires. After breakfast we Avere
155th REG. PA. \0L. 2:^:3
])Oste(l along the rebel works and occupied i)ait of the
day in changing them to suit us. This day was cold and
we suffered very much with it.
About o 1). m. the Und and 3rd divisions of our corps
advanced and drove the rebels some distance before we
went in.
Our regiment on the left of the line and our Co. on the
the left of the regiment, and instead of a line of battle the
company deployed like a skirmish line. We drove them a
mile or more through the woods, through fallen timber
and tree tops and came to where there had once been a
saw mill and a large pile of sawdust. Some of our boys were
on the sawdust when they charged on us; tlie line on our
right had fallen back before we were aware of it. There
were not more than our companj^ there, if all of it, and the
rebels were close and the bullets coming from the right
and left and front, the rear was the only open i)lace and
we started for it.
After jum})ing logs, falling over tree tops and running
until we could hardly run, the balls were still coming-
thick as ever and the rebs seemed to be unnecessarily
close. One comrade said he did not once think of being
hit, but he did think of Libby and all the rebel prisons in
the South and which one he would rather go to, and he
also thought about home. We overtook part of our
Corps, when enough of them rallied to give the rebels a
volley and check them, so they did not crowd us so much
after that. Wlien we had gotten back nearly to the
works w^e found the -Jnd brigade of our Division in line
with fixed bayonets to pievent our going farther. This
Brigade was composed of the ISTth, ISSth and 189th K Y.,
one year regiments, and were the same that fired into our
own men October 27th. Here in front of them were the
224
men and officers of two Divisions and one Brigade of our
Division all mixed up like a mass of siieep, and of all
ranks, from General Warren down. While we were try-
ing to form a line and be ready to receive the enemy the
rebel bullets began to come in pretty thick.
Our 2nd Brigade behind us became excited and fired
up in the air, some down at the ground, but the most of
them right amongst the mass of men in their front, men
and officers fell all about; and perhaps more than fell from
the rebel fire previously. After they had fired, many of
them threw away their guns, and the whole Brigade start-
ed as fast as they could for the rear and got behind the
works, where some of those who still had their guns con-
tinued to fire at our men as they came back. Then they
made another break for the bridge and the other side of
the creek. When we came back to the works we stayed
there, stopped the rebels and began to form Company s
Eegiments, Brigades and Divisions. The Commander of
Company "K" began with two men at the run down, and
at 9 p. m were all together but three, who did not find us
until the next day. We lay on the frozen ground that
night, but before morning it began to sleet, rain and freeze
and next day was terrible bad to be without shelter.
In the summer of 1886 the writer was at Mulvane, Kan-
sas, as a delegate to Presbytery. He was a guest at the
house of Mr. Lemon. In the course of conversation we
found that both had been in the war, in Virginia, but on
different sides. In further conversation the Dabney's
Mill fight was spoken of, and we found that we had been
near together. His story was : "You drove us back a
long distance ; we had crossed the sawdust pile a few
rods into a road, where a few of us were collected. Just
then Billy Mahone came riding up who said, "Shoot, and
155th REG. PA. VOL. 225
keep up all the racket you can and hold them there two
minutes and niy men will be here.' In two minutes Ma-
hone's men came, and they immediately charged and drove
you." Here was the reason why we had to get out of
that place so suddenly. The loss in the regiment was 4
killed, 34 wounded and 14 missing. Every member of our
Company came out without a scratch. The color guard
were all struck except Corporal Fleming and Sergt. Mar-
lin, color bearer.
Feb. 13th. Our camp guards and everything we left
behind us were brought to us about eight miles from our
former camp. This was an extremely cold time and very
hard on us lying out on the frozen ground without shelter
for eight days. Some of the boys did not have their
blankets with them. This day we moved to where there
was timber and began putting up another lot of winter
<juarters. These were the fourth set of houses that sea-
son.
February 17th. We had our new quarters about com-
pleted except the floors. There was a great deal of labor
in building quarters; we had to labor under so many
disadvantages for want of tools and boards; we had no
boards for doors, or tables or floors. This morning a man
of another company came into camp carrying a nice long
board. Instantly everyone was anxious to know where
he found such a fine board and just such as we needed to
complete our houses; he pointed to some farm buildings
across the swamp and half a mile or more^ away. Ouf
camp was close to a swamp with plenty of water, some
20 rods wide. A good many started for the buildings; we
found poles and rails laid across the swamp, so that we
crossed without getting much wet, but when we arrived
at the buildings the 3d Division had taken possession and
226 HISTORY .OF COMPANY ^'K,"
there were guards all about that would not permit us to
have anything. Some went away without making- an
effort, some lingered about to see what might be donej
among the latter was Corporal Fleming. He saw a chance
for a board when the guard's back was turned, he took it
and ran down over the hill out of sight; here he put it in-
to the care of a messmate to talie to camp while he would
oo back and try for another. The messmate had been but
a short time in camp when Fleming came up out of the
swamp wet and muddy to the arm ^nts. It seemed that
he was getting another board when a guard saw him, ar-
rested him, took him to an officer at the house, who
ordered the guard to take him to Division Headquarters
(3rd Division). They started but the guard said he did
not know the way; Fleming said he did and started on,
the guard following. Fleming saw there was no cap on
his gun. He led on down opposite our camp to the edge
of the swamp and then plunged in; the guard ordered
him to halt and brought down his gun. Fleming was not
afraid of the gun as he was soon hid by the timber and
brush. He floundered on through, looking as though he
had earned the board we had for a table and a door.
Lieut. Ben Huey was mustered as Captain this day.
February 21st. S. Schrecengost returned from his fur-
lough and this morning Corporals George Clever and W.
D. Porter went home on theirs.
The names of Color Sergeant T. J. Marlin and Corporal
George Clever were forwarded to headquarters as having
distinguished themselves for bravery, and while this dis-
tinction was made, there were others, and nearly the whole
company were as good and brave soldiers as the army
could produce.
The war is rapidly coming to a close, deserters are com-
155th REG. PA. VOL. 227
iiig- in faster than ever. Sergeant Armstrong said he saw
six recently come with their guns loaded, who said they
were determined to tire back had their own men tired on
them.
February 27th. The company, as a mark of respect for
our Captain, Ben Huey, made him a present of a watcli
and chain valued at ninety-five dollars. We were again
fortunate in being situated near a Christian Commission
Chapel. It was presented and named by a church at New
Haven, Conn., and was called Quinnepiac Tabernacle.
February 28th. The paymaster came again and gave us
four month's wages.
Second Lieut. Foster was mustered as 1st Lieutenant.
March 5th, 1865. It had been previously announced that
the communion of the Lord's Supper would be administered
in the Christian Commission Chapel this day. It was a
very solemn occasion. There were present a number of
ministers of different denominations as well as members
of many different branches. Here was true brother-
ly love, here was the dawn of a better feeliug between dif-
ferent sects. Here in the army, the wall between old and
new school Presbyteiians was broken down. Here old
l)salm singers learned to sing the sweet songs of a
Saviour's love. The army was a wicked place, but if we
were to tell our friends at home that there was more
true religion here than at home they would scarcely be-
lieve it. There were requests sent here from churches
in the north asking the soldiers to pray for them that they
might have a revival as it was in the army. Religion was
no cold formality there; there was more love and zeal for
Christ there than in our northern churches, still there was
no outburst or excitement. The same spirit seemed to
animate all christians there. Eternity alone can tell how
228 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K "
inucli good the Christian Commission has been the means
of doing, both for the bodies and souls of men. The San-
itary Commission did a great work for the comfort of the
soldiers, but when the amount of means which it controled
is compared with the former, it did very little. In the
Sanitary the ofiicers came in for the first share, while in
the Christian, officers and men shared alike. Both organ-
izations looked after the bodily comfort of the soldiers^
but the Christian Commission also looked after their si)ir-
itual welfare. There were meetings in the Chapel every
night; it was usually crowded full and many that came
could not be accommodated. It held from 350 to 400
persons.
March 7th. First Sergeant D. P. Marshall was mus-
tered as 2d Lieutenant after a continuous service of two
years, less ten days, in the former rank. On the same
date Sergeant D. B. Kirkpatrick was promoted to 1st
Sergeant; Corporal W. D. Porter was promoted to Ser-
geant; Samson Schrecengost and Robert Hagan were
promoted to Corporals.
March 9th. Captain Huey having received a twenty
day's leave of absence, started home.
March 14th. Things began to indicate a move; that
morning orders were received to turn in all camp and gar-
rison equipage, and the C. C. agreed to take charge of
and express home for us all extra clothing.
John Durnell started on furlough. Sergeant Porter
and Corporal George Clever had returned. A Corps re-
view was held in the afternoon.
March 20th. Monthly inspection in the forenoon; Divis-
ion review at 2 p. m.; dress parade at 5 p. m., and a detail
of five men from each company were taken to Brigade
headquarters to gratify the curiosity of some visiting cit-
155th REG. PA. VOL. 229
zeiis who wished to see the Zouave drill; many of our
men had become quite proficient in that exercise.
Wm. Chrisman, who left us on the march to Antietam,
and who was arrested, court martialed and sentenced to
make good the lost time and forfeit ten dollars a month
for ten months, returned to us, but as he stood up to the
work so bravely and manfully in all the engagements in
which we participated until he was wounded April 1st
following, his sentence was not carried out.
E. L. McGaughey returned from his furlough home.
230 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
CHAPTER XVII.
Fort Steadman — Hatcher's Run — Hotly Engaged — Woiin
ded — Returned Hungrj^ — Packed Up — Waiting — The
Major's Wound — The Coffee Battery — Moving — En-
emy Found — We Double-Quicked — Just in Time —
Quaker Road — Our Wounded — Lay on Our Arms —
Advanced — Fortified — Shelled — Rain — R e 1 i e v e d —
Again to the Rescue — Gravelly Run — Cut Loose from
the Army — Come Back — ^Another xVttempt — Joined
Sheridan — Five Forks — Scouts — Rebel Rear — Sur-
rendered— Reconsider It — Incidents — Again Advanc-
ed— Prisoners Captured — Artillery, Etc. — Deeds of
Daring — Recommended for Promotions.
March 25th,. 1865. At 3 a. m. the rebels attacked Fort
Steadman on our right,and the heavy cannonading waked
us. In the morning early before we had breakfast, we
were called out and marched two miles or more in the di-
rection of the fort where we halted and remained until
noon, then we came back to support the 2nd Corps on the
left, who were making an advance on the rebel lines near
Hatcher's Run. About 5 p. m. the musketry became very
hot. We went in about 6 o'clock and were very hotly
engaged until after dark. We advanced until within a
short distance of the rebel works and held our position
until relieved about 9 p. m., although we had a hot place
and the regiment suffered very severely. Col. Ewing was
wounded severely in the leg. Major Cline was wounded in
the shoulder, George Clever was bruised on the arm and
Samuel Whited on the side. There were two killed in
the regiment and thirty wounded. It was nearly midnight
when we returned to camp, tired and hungry, but thank-
15oTH EEG. PA. VOL. 231
fill that we liad been preserved through another warm en-
gagement. AVe had left camp without breakfast and had
been Avithout anything to eat all day.
March 26th (Sabbath). We went to preaching in the
forenoon. Soon after dinner it was thought the rebels
were going to attack the 2nd Corps. We turned out and
stacked our guns, and had orders to pack everything ex-
erything except our tents, so as to be ready at a minute's
notice.
March 28th. We remained in the same place, but still
packed up ready to move. Ool. Ewing being wounded and
absent, Maj. Cline was in command. The Major's wound
was all sufficient to have sent him to the hospital had he
been inclined to go there, but that was not his disposition.
Neither would he ever order his men to go any place that
he would not lead them.
We now had orders to move next day at daylight- The
C.C.had what the boys called a coffee battery to take along*
It was built on a wagon with three pots and a furnace un-
der each one. They could put in coffee or tea, put fire
under it, and when they reached the place it was needed,
they were ready to supply the sick or wounded, or a line
lying in front of the enemy where coffee could not be
made. In the battle of the 25th their members were up
nearly on the front line ministering to the wants of the
wounded.
March 29th. We were up ready to move at daylight.
We started in a southerly direction to Eowanty Creek,
then turned west until noon, when we came to the rebel
telegraph road to Weldon. We turned north on this road
and crossed Gravelly Kun. The 1st Brigade of our Divis-
ion was in the advance. Here they met the rebel pickets
and drove them nearly a mile, when they met the enemy in
232 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K."
force, and in. turn were driven back with considerable loss
The 155th double-quicked up as fast as we could. We
had no time to form in line of battle. We were a little in
the rear of a battery that our men had planted there, and
the rebels were charging- on it. The 1st Brigade were all
gone and the rebels were so close that the gunners were
leaving their guns.
We immediately fired a volley at them and then charged
— best man foremost. The rebels' advance was immedi-
ately checked, and but few of them went back to tell the
tale. They were nearly all killed, wounded or captured.
Here Lieut. Marshall captured a rebel Captain and re.
ceived his sword. This was what is called the Quaker
Eoad battle. We did not get through this fight without
loss, two more of our recruits receiving wounds — G. W*
Collins and Wm Royle. We then advanced nearly a mile
farther, where we laid on our arms all night in the rain.
March 30th. It rained nearly all day. We advanced
our lines some distance and close to the rebel works,where
we built works. They shelled us severely, and there was
brisk firing by the skirmishers all day. This was the be-
ginning of our last campaign— the beginning of the end--
which at last brought glorious victory and left all the stars
in our dear old flag.
This day was too wet and the ground too soft to make
another forward movement, but early on the morning of
the 31st we were again relieved by the 2nd Corps and our
Corps again moved to the left, with Sheridan's Cavalry
still on our left.
The 2nd Division of our Corps was in the advance.
Near White Oak road they met the enemy in force, who
drove our men back on the 3rd Division and drove all
back on our Division; we checked the rebel advance and
i55TH REG. PA. VOL. 233
turning' tliem back drove tliem more than a mile. We had
it pretty warm for a while this day. They plugged the
balls in thick all about us. We had one man wounded —
31. V. B. Sproul.
Orant, in the meantime finding that whenever he ad-
vanced on the left to take in the South Side railroad he
always found the rebels there ready to meet us, deter-
mined to give Sheridan the 5th Corps to go with the Cav-
alry, let them cut loose from the rest of the army, and get
around on the rebel flank. In accordance with that plan?
in the evening our Brigade moved out two or three miles
outside of our picket lines on the left to meet the Caval-
ry. Here we met the rebel pickets and skirmished with
them. We were far enough to see where Sheridan was
fighting them but could not connect with him. We re-
mained there until midnight, and some of us at least were
very uneasy about the situation. If they were aware that
we had only one small Brigade they could get around us
in the dark and gobble us up before we could get assist-
iince. We could plainly hear them and their wagons; we
'knew they were moving but did not know where. About
midnight we marched back and joined the Corps between
2 a. m. and 3. a. m., tired, sleepy and worn out. We laid
'down in the mud and slept until daylight of April lst,1865,
when we were awakened with orders to pack up and move,
not even having time to fill up our empty stomachSjWhich"^
were complaining for want of rations.
The whole Corps now marched over the same route we
had been over the previous night, but found the rebels
had gone from their position of the night before. After
marching one and a half miles farther we joined the Cav-
^alry, when we had time to eat breakfast.
Sheridan had advanced the Cavalry to the rebel line
234 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
of works at Five Forks, so named because there were five
roads concentrated here. In the afternoon our Corps ad-
vanced near to the front line and rested awhile. Sher-
idan had a number of Cavalry scouts dressed like the
rebels. They were riding about everywhere, even among
the rebels, and were seldom detected. Some of those
scouts had discovered an opening to the right of where
they were fighting. In this opening they had neither men
nor works. Our Corps was massed opposite this place
and marched through; we were then deployed and making
a left wheel struck the rebels in the rear; we were left in
front; we opened fire on them to let them know we were
there. It was in thick woods. There were two lines of
the enemy; one line fighting our Cavalry from behind
their works, the other line was marching in their rear tow-
ard the opening we came through. They at once surren-
dered and threw down their arms, and hundreds of them
ran into our line. We would have been all right now if
'we had had a sufficient line, but we had double-quicked so
far that not more than one-half or one-third of our men
were with us — not more than a good skirmish line. We
here certainly charged on more than five times our number.
When the rebels saw this they took up their guns and re-
fused to be our prisoners. Some of us were already in
the works with them, and after surrendering to us they
wanted to change the programme and make us their pris-
oners. They did capture Solomon Durnell, but he was
only prisoner a few minutes; his captors in taking him
off ran into our 3rd Division, who re-captured him. Dan-
iel Hawk was ordered to surrender and would not. A
rebel raised his gun to club him. Hawk brought into
play part of his Zouave drill and threw his gun up above
his head in the position of "guard."
155th REG. PA. VOL. 235
The rebel struck so hard he broke both guns. Hawk
being asked what he did then, said, "I run like the d— 1."
Lieut. ]\raTshall not taking the hint to get out of that as
soon as the others, when he started, was ordered to halt,
but did not, the balls rattled all about him on the brush
like hail. He was not more than 20 or 25 yards from the
enemy when they tired. He went on, and they fired a
good many more shots at him before he got out of sight
in the woods. Then he came to a squad of rebels who
had been taken prisoners, but by some neglect or mistake
had got away and were going back to their own lines again.
He ordered them ahead of him. They had no arms, and
he had none but his sword (or cavalry sabre). They at
first refused, but after looking at the size of the man and
the uplifted sabre, they turned and marched ahead. Major
Cline started to go back when a limb struck his hat and
knocked it off and being in a hurry did not get off his
horse to pick it up. A few days later at Lee's surrender,
he saw a rebel officer wearing his hat. He went to the
rebel and wanted to get his hat, but he said he had traded
his own hat for it and gave |300 to boot. (This shows the
value of their money). The Major did not get his hat.
In this charge our regiment had taken about 100 prison-
ers. We fell back about fifty rods; most of our men that
had fallen behind had come up. We then formed line
again and advanced, driving them four or five miles before
darkness came on. In the whole engagement and chase
we estimated that the regiment captured more prisoners
than we had men in the regiment. We captured three
pieces of artillery, some wagons, ambulances, etc. In
some of our experience when we were trying to get out of
a tight place, it was best man foremost and the rebels take
the hindermost, but in this case we had a long heat and
236 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
the chase was the other waj \ Some of our best men
were guarding prisoners and some were not able to keep
up. The enemy contested the ground stubbornly and in
that way lost many prisoners. They were ^N'orth Caro-
linians and most excellent troops. Our men were about
as badly mixed up as we were at Hatcher's Run. There
was no company together. At one time they had got be-
hind a rise in the ground and were firing on us briskly;
the mass had come to a halt. Immediately Sergeant Mar-
lin, with the colors of the regiment, Sergeant Porter and
Lieutenant Marshall charged across the ravine and nearly
to the raise where the rebels were. Marlin here captured
a prisoner. When the rest saw those three there they
started, and the first man that came to them was shot and
fell the instant he came up. But soon the whole mass
was there when we charged over the hill and routed
them again; thus it went on until dark. When we halted
it was in a small field surrounded by woods. There were
probably a dozen stands of colors there, out of 60 or
more in the Oorj s, and about 100 of the men with
them. Out of that number our regiment had four and two
of them from company "K," Sergeant Porter and Color
Sergeant Marlin. The names of both were sent up for
promotion on account of bravery, but as the war ended
so soon there was no action taken.
It was too late and dark for us to advance to the South
Side Railroad that night, but it was ours at last. We had
been contending for it for seven months. We did not ac-
complish this glorious achievement without serious loss.
Poor Robert Brewster who had been with us nearly all
the time, who had marched many a weary mile and came
out of many a battle unscathed, here almost at the close
of the war, gave his life for his country.
155th REG. PA. VOL. 237
Corporal Fleming, who was one of the color guard, and
whose brother we left dead on the Wilderness battle-tield
received a bad wound in the right breast, the ball going-
through his body.
George Kribbs, Wm. Chrisman, John A. Troupe, John
Showaker and Wm. Buckley were wounded, but not seri-
ously. Our loss, seven, and the whole regiment about
thirty.
We had received a good many recruits, but this about
finished them. It was singular, but no less true and hard
to account for, that recruits were more likely to be hit
in a battle than old soldiers.
Captain Huey returned from his leave of absence on the
30th, but having been out on picket he did not participate
in this day's fighting.
:238 HISTORY OF COMPANY
CHAPTER XVIII.
Dispatch Read— South Side Railroad— Richmond Evacu-
ated—March to Head off Lee— Danville Railroad-
Fortifying— Hunting- for them --Marching to Head
Them Off— Appomattox— In Their Front— On Skirmish
Line— Flag of Truce— Terms of Surrender— Our Corps
to Remain— The Apple-Tree aiad Other Incidents-
Copy of an Old Letter— Facts in History— Post of
Honor— Receiving the Surrender— Their army Dis-
perse—Homeward Bound— In Camp— Raid on a Sutler
—Manchester— Richmond— Washington — The Grand
Review — Mustered out — On the Cars — Reception at
Pittsburgh— Disband ed.-Table Showing Casualties in
Each Company of the lo5th Regiment, Penn. Vol.—
Closing Word to all the Comrades.
April 2nd, 1865, (Sunday morning). A dispatch was read
to the troops stating that Petersburg was ours, and all
that was necessary to capture Lee's army was for us to ad-
vance from the west. It was customary to read some
flattering report when there was some hard tighting to be
done. Our minds went back to the Chancellorsville order
and other occasions.
We had been deceived so often that we did not credit
the report. We left camp about 1 p. m. and started out
expecting an engagement. We marched in line of battle
to the much coveted South Side railroad. We struck it
about 15 miles from Petersburg and it was ours without
further opposition. W^e advanced in the direction of the
city until dark when we encamped. On the left the Cav-
alry did some fighting but we were not engaged.
April 3rd. We left camp about 10 ?. m. and started "n
155th keg. pa. yol. 239
the direction of Kichmoiul, some 35 miles distant. We
marched several miles and stopi)ed a few mhiiites to rest.
While resting a dispatch came that Eichmond was evac-
uated. From what we had seen and learned, we were
prepared to believe it, and then such a shout as went up
from the old 5th Corps can only be imagined by those
who had suffered and fought as we had. Now for a word
of explanation. The South Side railroad from Peters-
l)urg ran through Burkesville and westward to Lynchburg.
The Danville railroad from Eichmond crossed the former
at Burkesville, thence southward to Danville in North
Carolina. This was the only road that Lee had left, and
on this he was making his way towards North Carolina.
In ten minutes after we received the good news we were
on the march to head Lee off and prevent him from going
to North Carolina.
But see! What is the matter with the boys! Where are
the sore feet and tired legs they had. Oh, nothing, only
they have left them behind. They have got a glimpse of
the end and home amid shouts of victory. It was won-
derful how easily we could march now, and how light our
loads were. AVe marched hard until dark Avhen we halted
for the night.
April 4th. We were on the move by daylight and
marched hard during the day. Soon after dark we struck
the Danville railroad near Burkesville, six miles ahead of
Lee's army, and about six hours after Jeff' Davis had
passed over the road going south. We were placed in
line of battle across their front, to prevent their march-
ing south to unite with Johnson. There were only our
Corps and the Cavalry all under command of Gen. Sher-
idan.
April 5th. Early in the morning we erected strong
240 HISTORY OF COMPANY ''K,^'
breastworks, and not only expected but hoped that Lee-
would give us a chance to use them. The repelling of an
attack was more to our taste than acting on the offensive-
and butting against the works of the enemy. We had per-
formed a great deal of hard labor in erecting works that
we never had the pleasure of defending, or using as a
protection in battle.
Here is an extract from a home letter, dated April 5th.
1865: "On the Richmond and Danville railroad, 43 miles
from the former and 96 from the latter place. * * I would
not be surprised if you hear of Lee's surrender before
you receive this. If he does do not do that, you may be
sure that all who get away will not be worth much. We
have put up good works here and are waiting for them to
come up here and we will end the rebellion."
But they did not come. That night the 2nd aiid 6th
Corps came to our assistance. On the morning of the 6th
we started on the hunt of the rebel army. We soon found
they had changed direction and gone toward Lynchburg-.
We followed them that day.
April 7th. Our Corps and the Corps of colored sol-
diers were sent off with the cavalry to march around them
and again head them off. We marched hard that day and
encamped that night near a college. Next morning at
sunrise we were again on the move. At noon we halted
less than an hour for dinner and did not stop again until 2
o'clock that night, with orders to be ready to march at
daylight. We were too tired to cook and eat when we stop-
ped, and we slept in the morning until we did not have
time.
After a march of two or three miles we halted. We
thought to improve the time by having breakfast, but be-
fore we had time to eat, and some were not even ready to
155th REG. PA. VOL. 241
eat, tiring began in front. Instantly the command was
**Fall in !" Here we were in front of the rebel army, with
some of our cavalry between us and them, and the rebels
not knowing that our infantry was there, proposed to cut
their way through the cavalry.
The 155th Eegiment was ordered on the skirmish line
under command of Major J. A. Cline. We passed through
the cavalry, relieving them. We then met the enemy and
drove them back i)robably a mile when we saw a flag of
truce coming. Two officers, one of them a rebel, the other
one of General Ouster's officers, came up and gave the or-
der to cease firing. We were now within 30 or 40 rods of
Appomattox Court House and about half that distance
from the house where Generals Grant and Lee afterward
met. It was a grand position for our regiment, and one of
wliich any regiment might justly boast. Here a thrilling
incident happened to Corporal G. H. Clever, which is giv-
en in his own words in Chapter XX.
It was announced that the truce would continue until 2
p. m., who;) hostilities would be resumed unless terms
were agrei'il upon previously. About 1 p. m. Gtn. Grant
and his staff officers, and General Lee with his staff, met
at the McLean House. After perhaps an hour they came
out, mounted their horses, and rode off. Lee and his staff*,
accompanied by one of Grant's staff*, rode to where the
rebel army were lying. We, being on higher ground than
they, bad a' good view of the whole proceedings. The
rebels were lying in open ground on both sides of the road.
When Lee and those with him came near, their men be-
gan to tlo(.*k to the road on both sides in a i)erfe(*t mass.
The officers rode slowly up the road and as they ])assed
along the men began to cheer. We could only conjecture,
but it looked as if the result of the conference was made
242 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
known to the men, and then they began cheering; as an
evidence of this we had the fact that they kept it up for
hours afterwards. There had been a time when their yell,
as we called it, meant business, but now we no longer
feared them. We knew we had them in our power even
if they refused to surrender. In the last few days the
rebel army had been reduced over thirty thousand, in
killed, wounded, prisoners and deserters. There were
still nearly thirty thousand men with one hundred and
seventy cannon.
The result of their interview is shown in the following
correspondence:
Appomattox Court House, Va., April 9, 1865.
General:— In accordance with the substance of my
letter to you of the 8th inst., I propose to receive the sur-
render of the Army of Northern Virginia on the following-
terms, to-wit: Eolls of all the officers and men to be
made in duplicate, one copy to be given to an officer to be
designated by me, the other to be retained by such officer
or officers as you may designate. The officers to give
their individual paroles not to take up arms against the
Government of the United States until properly ex-
changed,* and each company or regimental commander
sign a like parole for the men of their commands. The
arms, artillery and public property to be parked and
stacked and turned over to the officers appointed by me
to receive them. This will not embrace the side arms of
the officers nor the private horses or baggage. This done,
each officer and man will be allowed to return to his home,
not to be disturbed by United States authority so long as
they observe their paroles and the laws in force where
they may reside. U. S. Grant,
General R. E. Lee. Lieutenant General.
looTH REG. PA. VOL. 243
Headquarters Army of IS^orthern Virginia, ]
April 9tli, 1865. j'
General:— I received your letter of this date contain-
ing tlie terms of the surrender of the Army of Northern
Virginia, as proposed by you. As they are substantially
the same as those exi)ressed in your letter of the 8th, they
are accepted. I will proceed to designate the proper offi-
cers to carry the stipulations into effect.
li. E. Lee, General.
Lieutenant General, U. S. Grant.
Our Corps and a few other troops were designated to
remain until the paroling of General Lee^s army was com-
pleted, and to take charge of the public property. The
remainder of the army at once started back in the direc-
tion of Petersburgh.
The flag came in about 9 a. m., and the boys at once be-
gan to conjecture how long it would be until we would
get home, and it was variously estimated at from one -40
three months, so certain were they that this would end the
war.
That was an exceedingly noisy Sabbath. When the flag-
first came in and the news si)read among the men, then
there was one continued cheer for hours, so that we had
our cheer before the terms of capitulation were signed at
2 p. m. Then the rebels commenced and kept it up for
hours. They had a large number of our men prisoners
with them, said to be 1,000. In the evening they were
liberated, then they commenced and with the assistance
they received, kept up the noise to bed time.
Our Corps and the Corps of colored soldiers were
in their front. Sheridan's Cavalry were on their flanks
and the remainder of the army in their rear.
After the terms of surrender had been agreed upon.
244 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
two lilies of pickets or "iiards could not keep the men of
the two armies apart. They would mingle together and
talk and act as though they had always been the best of
friends and had not for years been trying to take each
other's lives. They were no longer enemies. In visiting
them there was an apple tree pointed out to us as the
place where Lee surrendered. We saw the tree when
there was scarcely a branch of it gone. Three days later
we saw where the tree formerly stood but it was all gone,
and even the roots were all dug up and carried off by the
relic hunters. While looking at the place where it had
stood, another relic hunter came and was hunting for
some remnant of the apple tree. We suggested that he
take a piece of a peach tree that stood a few feet distant;
lie said "no, it was under the apple tree where Lee sur-
rendered." We do not know in what way it was connect-
ed with the surrender, unless it was from there he sent
the flag of truce. Perhaps we can not describe our feel-
ings and situation better than by copying an old letter.
Clover Hill P. O., Appomattox, C. H., Ya., )
April lOth, 1865. j
My Dear Wife: — Here I am writing on rebel paper
and sitting on the chest that formerly contained the P. O.
at this place, with about 30,000 rebels lying in sight. Be
fore this reaches you and perhaps even now, you have
heard the glorious news. Such a sight I never wit-
nessed as I have here in the last thirty hours, and it is
not likely that I shall ever see another like it.
In twelve days from the time we started on this cam-
paign, we have killed, wounded and cai)tured, as nearly
as I can tell, 80,000 men of the rebel army, and the last
30,000 of them are hing here prostrate at the feet of our
victorious arni^^ I have suffered from hunger, thirst,
looTH REG. PA. VOL. 245
heat, cold, wet, fatigue and a hundred other ways, to say
nothing of the battles and dangers T have come through,
but I feel now that I am compensated for all. We all
consider the war ended or as good as ended, and the 155th
can claim tlie honor of last driving the rebels, or as Gen.
Bartlett, our Division Commander and formerly our Brig,
ade Commander, says,that "200 men of his Brigade brought
them to terms," and as there were none of our Brigade or
Division engaged but our regiment, we claim all the honor.
There were two men wounded in the regiment, but none
in Company ''K.''
Yours,
Porter.
Gen. A. L. Pearson says: "It is a fact in history that
the flag of truce came to our regiment; that we fired the
last shot and had the last man wounded."
Glorious day! !N^ot only for the Army of the Potomac,
but for the whole nation, when the stars and bars made
obeisance to the stars and stripes, and all the armament
of that formidable host of the Army of Northern Virginia
lay as a trophy beneath the flag of our common country.
Their parole papers and other arrangements were not
completed until April 12th p. m., when from among all the
Brigades of the Army of the Potomac and the Army of
the James, our Brigade was given the post of honor. That
is we were selected to receive the surrender of Lee's
Army. The following regiments composed this distin-
guished body of troops: 20th Maine, Ist and 16th Mich-
igan, 32nd Massachusetts, 83rd, 91st, 118th and 155th
Pennsylvania.
We were formed in line the length of the Brigade. The
rebel line then marched up in front of us the length
of our line, halted, faced us, stacked their arms and equip-
246 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
ments, including their colors. Then they marched away
and gave place to another part of the column. We were
six hours receiving their arms, etc. Not an unkind word
was spoken to them; some of their color bearers shed
tears when they delivered up their colors.
They then returned to camp and soon after began to
disperse, every one going where he pleased.
April loth. We started toward home, marched about
15 miles and camped for the night. Now after marching
and when tired, we did not have to go on picket; our
picket duty was now nearly ended.
April 16th. We marched through Farmville, 15 miles
from Appomattox. Soon after leaving the former place
we received the sad news of President Lincoln's assassin-
ation. Otir rejoicing was immediately turned to sorrow;
the tears were visible on many cheeks. We did not know
ttntil now, how we loved that man.
Next day we moved near Burkesville, 16 miles, and en-
camped. We lay here during the 18th but received notice
that all moving and bitsiness would be suspended during
the 19th, the day of President Lincoln's funeral.
During the four days following we marched about 45
miles more and encamped at Sutherland station, near
where we first struck the South Side railroad after the
battle of Five Forks.
April 24th. Our regiment moved on within two and
one-half miles of Petersburgh. Our Brigade was scat-
tered along the road 14 miles. On the 27th we moved up
the road ten miles and fixed up a comfortable camp.
May 1st, 1865. We now had marching orders to Man-
chester, across the James Eiver from Eichmond. Dis-
tance 35 miles. Formerly orders to march meant a fight,
but we understood this "going home." Our Quartermas-
155th REG. PA. VOL. 247
ter took all our ammunition to City Point that day and
turned it in to the proper authorities. In the thirty-two
months that we carried it we fired a great many rounds.
May 2nd. We took up our line of March for Peters-
burgh, and on through to Manchester. We halted for a
little while just before we came to the former place.
Here we saw a sutler cleaned out in a few minutes. He
had been with some troops encamped there and was about
moving. He had sent away some wagon loads of goods
and was quietly waiting until they would return for the
remainder. There were hundreds of men standing about
when by some preconcerted signal every tent rope was
cut and the whole thing collapsed; then there was a rush,
and five minutes afterwards that sutler loaded all that was
left, in a buggy, including his tent, and drove off, probably
to tell the wagons they need not return. From this time
until the army was mustered out, there were a good many
sutlers got rid of their goods. Nor was it surprising that
the boys took this plan of getting even with those men
who had been taking the advantage of them, selling them
goods at three and four prices when the boys could not
do otherwise than purchase at those prices.
May 4th. We arrived at Manchester about noon and
rested until the 6th. This gave us a good oi)portunity to
visit Richmond and see the noted places about that cap-
ital of the so-called confederacy that we had been trying
to see for nearly three years.
May 6th. We started for Washington, distant nearly
100 miles. We marched in review through Richmond
just one year and one day from the time we started in to
"fight it out on this line'^ in the wilderness.
We were nearly seven days on the march, passing
JHanover, Bowling Green, Fredericksburg and a number of
248 HISTORY OF COMPANY ^K,"
Other towns, and encamping four miles from Washington
on the 12th. Here we went into camp. About a week
later Sherman's Army came up and camped in the vicinity.
There was a grand review in contemplation. We had been
in so many reviews and always found it a A^ery laborious
day; we dreaded this one and more so because the route
laid down would require a tramp of fifteen miles.
May 23rd. The grand review came ofl" according to the
programme, and contrary to our expectations, we all en-
joyed it, although it was a very tiresome day. Captain
Huey being detained in camp, Lieutenant Marshall had
the honor of commanding the company. The regiment
was divided into six companies of forty men each, march-
ing twenty abreast along Pennsylvania Avenue.
May 24th. We received our blank muster out rolls
•and immediately went to work making them out.
June 1st, 1865. We were mustered out of the United
State's service, but did not receive transportation so we
could get aboard the cars until the morning of June 3rd.
We frequently form attachments among our neighbors
or friends. Two individuals will become more attached
to each other than to any other person, and yet they can
scarcely give a reason why. It was just the same between
regiments and other army organizations. Although we
had a love for, and a confidence in every regiment of our
Brigade, there was a stronger feeling of love and confi-
dence between our regiment and the 32nd Massachusetts
than between ours and any other. We had fought to-
gether on many a bloody field. In a tight place we knew
we could rely on them to the last man.
Early on June 3rd we fell in to march to Washing-ton to
take the train. The 32nd Massachusetts fell in too and.
escorted us to the end of the Long Bridge, three or four
IoSTH REG. PA. VOL. 249
miles, then tbey opened ranks and we marched between,
and while marching through they gave us three hearty
cheers and then parted, probably never to meet each oth-
er again in this world. It Avas nearly noon before we left
Washington and as we had to ride in freight cars, we did
not arrive so as to go into camp at Braddock's Fields
much before midnight of June 4th. Here we turned in
our arms and equipments and prepared for our final dis-
charge.
June 6th. The authorities and citizens of Pittsburgh
sent out a special train to take us into the city, where we
received a grand reception and dinner. After dinner, by
request, a part of the regiment gave an exhibition of the
Zouave drill in the Allegheny Park, which was witnessed
by thousands of people.
June 8th. Everything being completed we were finally
discharged and disbanded, most of us reaching our homes
on the 9th, just two months from the date when Lee sur-
rendered and two months and nine days before our term
of enlistment would have expired.
250
HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
CASUALTIES IN REGIMENT.
Tlie following table showing- the losses of each company
in the regiment from wounds and disease, is compiled
from the best information obtainable:
i
Killed & died of
wounds rec'd in
Died of Disease
Disabl e d and
transf d to Vet-
eran Eeserve
Corps'
Disch'd on acc't
of wounds and
Disabilities.
t
O
o
B
Co. A
10
5
1
45
61
Co. B
12
11
8
55
86
Co. C
12
5
13
44
74
Co. D
7
6
10
42
65
Co. E
16
13
9
46
84
Co. F
13
11
14
51
89
Co. G
17
12
7
49
85
Co. H
17
17
3
31
6S
Co. I
25
5
11
43
84
Co.K
12
18
7
38
75
T'l in reg
141
103
83
444
771
Original roll of regiment, 924.
Total enrolled in regiment, 1,497.
Those of us who were permitted to return to our horn es^
returned not to find our business occupations as we left
them at our country's call. Our neighbors who had re-
mained at home during those years when everything was
at war prices, had acquired wealth and fortune, while we
had to commence anew, away in the rear of the pro-
cession.
Comrades: — It is now almost 23 years since we parted.
Many who were with us then have answered the last roll
call and passed to their reward. We will only have to
155th REG. PA. VOL. 251
wait a little longer. We are all disabled by wounds or
disease. The best of us feel that we are 15 or 20 years
older than the date of our birth would denote. Are we
all armed and equipped for a last victory over death?
Have we put on the armour of Christ's righteousness, and
the shield of salvation? If we have we will all meet at
the grand roll call at our Father's right hand. Oh, how
sad ! to think that any of those noble boys — those brave
soldiers — those dear comrades, should at last be cast off.
Then let us all "fight the good tight of faith'' and "we shall
come off conquerors and more than conquerors through
Him that loved us and gave Himself for us." Our coun-
try has don© well for us, but it has not done all it should
have done, when compared with the grand result and the
immensity of what the Union Army did for the w^hole
nation. Not one soldier of that army should. ever be
compelled to spend his last days in a poor house, or suf-
fer for the necessaries of life. We are now opposed by
the same class of men who held us back on many a bloody
field.
Their weapons now are not so deadly, but they appear
to be more effective in giving them their heart's desire —
power, and in punishing us for being union soldiers.
252
Ai^my Eerainiscence!
PEANKS OF THE BOYS,
BY SERGT. W. D. PORTER.
CHAPTER XIX.
Volumes have been written and yet many things remain
a mystery. Twenty-five years have elapsed without
bringing to light the party "who stole the Captain's ham."
Our Captain, like many a fond parent, had an abiding
faith in his own boys, and at the same time was suspicious
of Company "B," a Pittsburgh company. While he was
searching that company for the missing ham, some of his
own boys were very anxious about the weight of their
own haversacks, and a scent that was altogether different
from pickled pork, or what the boys called "S. B." (ab-
breviated).
Some of his own boys did things they ought not to have
done, but when we consider their liking for good things,
and the poverty of the country, they had no place to go
but to the officers' larder, and should be forgiven.
Before this history was published, some of the boys
should have given a true version of what mystified and
proved so annoying to our worthy Captain.
A JUG HANDLE PROCEEDING.
One of the causes of the prolongation of the war, was
the unequal distribution of the "Commissary." The offi-
cers had a monopoly in the consumption of that article.
Our own Captain was a strict ])rohibitionist, but was an
looTH REG. PA. VOL. 253
exception to tbe rule. Those that needed level heads the
most, very frequently carried heads that were badly
muddled.
If the amount consumed had been equally distributed
among the men, it would have been more in accordance
with the wishes of the boys, and the officers' brains would
not have been so often muddled. This condition of affairs
caused
A SAD MISTAKE
with our boys. To be in readiness for a move one morn-
ing, we were having breakfast before daylight. One of the
boys took an officers canteen instead of his own, to cool
his coffee, and was not aware of the mistake until tasting
of the compound. He had not the time to make another
cup, and was not willing to waste so precious an article.
The poor fellow declared that he would as soon drink
water from a Virginia swamp or mud hole. The impres-
sion of that face still lives in memory if not in fact.
AIJOVE THE MARK.
A lazy leech, now a prominent newspaper man, was in
the habit of stealing wood from Company ''K," when wc
had stumps and even the roots of stumps for wood, and
had to carry it to our camp. The owner was not willing
for this midnight division of the article. The wood would
disappear, then a young Hercules prepared himself and
kept a billet of wood near his sleeping pla(;e, in readiness
for the intruder. The thief came and was plying his usual
vocation when the boomerang went on its mission. It
was designed to strike the stooping wood thief so as to
make him turn a few summersaults, but the missile Hew a
little high, barely missing his head. Had it been a few
254
inches lower, the rebs could have tallied "one" and there
would have been one bummer less to sanction vetoes.
Those who were in the army know the soldier was a
BEARER OF BURDENS,
and not always for himself. One of the worst cases of
^'appropriating," as it was called, that came under my ob-
servation while in the service, happened after our return
from the Weldon raid. The first night out it rained and
our woolen blankets became thoroughly soaked and very
heavy. Some of the boys threw their blankets away and
saved the carrying of them five days. After returning to
camp they stole some off the sleeping soldiers in other
regiments. When the blanketless soldiers awoke, with
the chills and the graybacks playing prisoner's base
along their spinal column, they had to console themselves
with the thought that they were obeying the command,
"to bear one another's burdens" — at least that was all the
consolation I had when some one stole my camp axe after
I had carried it for three days on that march.
The soldier, like the school boy, was full of mischief.
Some of it was wholesome and had a good effect, but at
times it was carried to an extreme that bordered on cruel-
ty. An everlasting railing that would try the patience of
a Job, sometimes led quiet, inoffensive fellows, who were
not addicted to even a by-word, to occasional outbursts of
profanity. Anyone that could be made a butt for jokes
was an object of commiseration. Some of the boys will
remember how they imposed on a red-faced Irishman,who
they made cut wood and do double duty in the culinary
department.
Also, when they were singing and wanted a low deep
bass, they would call on him "to make that noise in his legs."
1.55th REG. PA. VOL. 255
SQUIRT GUN WARFARE.
We had some one-sided amusement at one time with a
water propeller, or squirt gun. An expert with that in-
strument, at short range, was as certain of hitting the tar-
get as with an army musket. A dark night was necessary,
for when the battery would open there was some one
soon rushing through (?amp with fire in his eye and mur-
der in his heart, and it was necessary for the perpetrator
of the deed to beat a hasty retreat.
BRANDING PROPERTY.
In Company "K" we had a fun loving genius whoso
heart was full of melody, and who possessed a fitness for
5iny mischief. He was generous and obliging and in the
way of accommodation acted as barber for a number of
the boys. One day a soldier from another company asked
for his services, and after the usual dressing he informed
the subject that he was ''going to brand him.'^ The soldier
<Ud not object, and the barber proceeded to cut a large
"U. S.'^ close to the scalp on the back part of his head.
The sight of him was enough to make an army mule smile,
but the captain of tJie comi)any became enraged and had
ihe poor barber arrested and sent to headquarters. The
colojiel enjoyed the joke as well as any one, but to satisfy
the captain sent poor "Teddy" to the guard house for
branding government property without proper authority.
He survived his imprisonment, is still living, and as full of
fun and play as when a boy in Company "K."
"grim greaser^s" grief.
It is sometimes said when a man's pantaloons gives way
first at the knees that "he is a praying man." Soldiers
were lazy and you can easily conjecture the part of their
apparel that gave way first. Now to place a large barn
256
door coverin«>' on that part of a pair of pantaloons, follow,
tlie depressions and rising in sublime grandeur over the
elevations without a wrinkle, is an intricate piece of busi.
ness that required a i)i'ofessional hand. Many of us
thought we were experts but all the business we wanted
was to attend to our own. Some thought they were not re-
sponsible for the misdoings of shoddy contractors. Among
that number was one in the regiment called "Grim Greas-
er," a careless, indifferent soul, who had no pantaloons
where pantaloons ought to be. One night he was prepar-
ing his soft and lowly bed for a night's repose — Virginia
sand well diluted with water, was soft and low enough —
and his thoughts were, perhaps, on his distant Northern
home, and the "girl he left behind him." About that time
a reckless, dare devil soldier was passing along with a tin
of boiling coffee. The temptation was great and he acting
on the impulse of the moment, dashed the contents of the
cup in the barn door opening. Poor Greaser gave an ag-
onizing unearthly shriek, and jumped into the air as though
lifted by an explosion. He made for a stack of arms and
seizing one of the deadly weapons was determined to have
revenge for his worse than wounded feelings. The per-
petrator of the deed walked unconcernedly to his tent,
where he nearly died in raptures over his barbarous act.
If that man is still living he should be courtmartialed and
filled with hot coffee.
THE PIERIAN SPRING.
There was no incident occurred that I remember better
than one at Arlington after our return in 1865. The boys
all remember Captain Huey. He was a large, well pro-
portioned man, weighing about 200. He was every inch
a soldier, free and sociable with the boys, and liked by
every one in the camp.
155th REG. PA. VOL. 257
After our return to Washington, or its vicinity, some of
the boys were anxious to have a drink of the kind of bever-
age that congressmen use. The fountain was only access-
ible to a commissioned officer, so the boys had to plan
some other way.
We had in the Comi)any a spindle-shanked, lantern-
jawed, ramrod-backed boy, that weighed about 100. He
was as full of life and antics, as an old army camp with
graybacks. Lieut. Marshall will remember how he at-
tempted to rival our ^'balloonist," by climbing on his back
to make observations. But to proceed with my story.
He managed to secure the Captaiii's coat, and the boys
began to load him with canteens. They continued hang-
ing them on, until nearly a dozen were dangling on his
patriotic shoulders. How well I remember the martial
tread of that young Napoleon, when he started on his way
to the "Pierian Springs."
If Company "K" cannot give as glowing an account of
its achievements as some others, it may be attributed to
the fact, that some regiments had all their canteens filled^
while Company "K" only secured two.
SCOUTS AND SKIEMISHES WITHOUT OEDERS.
BY ONE OF THE BOYS.
CHAPTER XX.
Sometime between the 6th and 13th of June, 1863, I
was one of the detail under Captain Cline, sent to relieve
the picket line along the bank of the Rappahannock at
United States Ford. We marched down a deep ravine in
going to tlie river, and when we relieved the troops I
overheard the Captain in command inform our Captain, in
a subdued tone, as though he was frightened himself, or
else trying to frighten the others, "that there were rebs
258 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
ou the island in our front and for us to keep a good look
out and not show ourselves on the hills back of us." I
did not credit the report and made a trip to the hill where
I could see all over the island, and that there was not a
rebel there. Instead of being complimented by our Cap-
tain for my bravery and enterprise, he told me "not to
take that liberty again."
IN GRANT^S CAMPAIGN, MAY oOth, 1864.
In our advance after crossing the Pamunky river, I was
one of the flankers. We formed the picket line that night
and were not relieved until noon of the following day.
In the morning one of Company "H" from Curllsville.
Clarion county. Pa., and the writer, started on a scout in
front of our picket line. After gaining a position on an
elevation, we discovered the enemy about 100 yards dis-
tant. It was all woods and there was an intervening ra-
vine. Our location was the highest and we had a good
view.
The Johnnies were performing camp duties and did not
appear suspicious of any danger. The Company "H'^ boy
was like some of our frontier men with the Indians —
whenever he saw a "reb" he wanted to shoot. I cautioned
him against tiring, but after watching them for some time,
his zeal got the better of him and he pulled on a group of
them. I suppose that body of troops were not more sur-
prised at any time during' the war, but it was to us like
.throwing a stone into a hornet's nest, and we had to pull
lively for our line. I could not think of shooting at one
who was not in an attitude of defense.
WE SELDOM KNEW.
To think of the sorrow in some home, the severing of
sacred ties, the innocent and helpless without a protector,
155th REG. PA. VOL. 259
makes me thankful that 1 have do positive knowledge of
ever shooting a man. In the battle of Five Forks I took
as deliberate aim at one as I ever took at anything and
missed him entirely, as I learne<l on taking him prisoner
and infoi'ming him that he had made a narrow escape
When I missed him it is reasonable to supj^ose that I
missed all the others. The majority escaped, of those
who richly merited death as a penalty for their crimes.
AN ATTEMPTED CAPTURE, AUGUST, 1864.
When Ave were encamped at the Weldon railroad our
picket line was about one mile from camp and about the
same distance further on was the line of the enemy. Some
of us ascertained that to be the case by a little personal
experience. We were on picket duty and after being on
post for two hours, we had four hours to oiu'selves and
used some of that time in making a scout. Lieut. Ben.
Huey, of Company "K," ahd about ten of us, started out
to find something to eat different from army rations. We
came in sight of a line residence, located at one side of a
large field, that was surrounded on three sides by a heavy
growth of timber. We were about twenty rods from the
house and the field lay on our right. We discovered a
cavalry vidette at the spring house and concluded to cap-
ture him and his horse and make something by selling the
horse. Four of us, two of Company "G," Tom Anderson,
of Punxsutawney and the writer, volunteered to go around
the field to the right, keeping well in the woods, and flank
him on the left, while the remainder of our squad lay in
ambush. We came around all right and would have suc-
ceeded, but there was a No. 2 post at the house that we
had not seen. The No. 2 man saw us first and shot at us,
and that gave No. 1 a chance to make his escape. In less
time than it takes me to write it, a company of cavalry ap-
260 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
peared on the hill behmd us and commenced to make it
warm for iis.
The two Company '"G" men retreated back the way we
had come. Anderson and I started across the field and
for my part I had no desire to wait and argue the case,
but Andrews was a fiery, fearless creature, and took time
to load and fire several shots, while crossing the field.
He was a powerful man, and as fearless as any one I ever
saw. We returned to our line without the change of
rations we had promised ourselves," but thankful that we
had escaped Andersonville and all the other prisons.
Had the enemy charged on us we would have been shot
or captured.
hatcher's run. OCTOBER 27th 1864.
In our advance to Hatcher's Run, each couipany was
called on for ten volunteers to go to the skirmish line.
Company "K" furnished its quota, and among that number
were three that I remember; G.H.Clever,Samson Schrecen-
gost, and the Avriter of this reminescence. We advanced
in front of the column, and were not aware of the presence
of the enemy until receiving a volley at Hatcher's Run..
The Johnnies were on the opposite side of the stream,
and had some sharpshooters that put the balls in close to
us. We had no orders to cross, but received orders to
keep up all the racket possible, while an attack was made
on another part of the line.
The 3rd Division crossed the stream on our left, and in
the afternoon advanced in line of battle. When opposite
us they seemed to be going up the creek, but instead of
going in that direction, had obliqued to the left. The
heavy growth of timber obstructed our view and deceived
us in regard to the direction. Their advance relieved ii8
of work, when G. H. Clever, Samson Schrecengost and
i55TH REG. PA. VOL. 261
the writer, concluded to follow up and see what was going-
on. We crossed the liun and after going some distance
saw works and men in them, but thought it was some of
the 3rd Division; we moved on until nearly at the end of
the works, when we heard one say, "look at the Yankee
s — s of b — s" ! We did not wait to dispute the assertion,
but were glad to get back without an argument. After
going back a short distance, we met Gen. Crawford, com-
mander of 3rd Division. He and his orderly were riding
up. AYe informed the General of his danger ; he wheeled
his horse and went back, making his escape ; but his order-
ly was killed. I feel confident that we saved the General
from being killed, or captured. About that time the
balance of our boys came up and we again advanced to
within a few rods of the end of their works, and com-
menced to put in some good work. By that time the
enemy were engaged with a skirmish line in their front.
We were on their flank and could shoot along the line ;
but they were not willing that we should have it all our
own way, and brought up a line of battle facing us, and
began to make it warm for our little squad of skirmishers.
I had a good position and was so much interested I did
not see the others retreating. Some of the boys that were
last in leaving, told me, when I got back, "they thought I
was a goner."
Had we been supported by a line of battle, we could
have captured the works. It required our Regiment and
the 91st Pennsylvania to guard two new regiments of
New York troops, who threw their guns and knapsacks
and broke for the rear. The profiles of some New York
beauties fell into strange hands on that eventful day.
The soldiers who failed to carry such valuable mementoes
262 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
no nearer the heart than in the folds of a knapsack, were
deserving of no favors on their return home
NAREOW ESCAPES.
BY CORPORAL G. H. CLEVER.
CHAPTER XXI.
It IS common for ''old soldiers" to relate army reminis
cences or adventures that were not included in the daily
routine of army life. Almost every one had experience
of their own in that way, and some of the "closest calls"
— the most narrow escapes and the worst scrapes we had
were adventures of our own and not always strictly in
the line of duty, and in compliance with military orders.
I might relate a number, but will confine myself to two
in my own experience that will live in memory while life
lasts.
The elements and the rebels seemed determined that I
should remain in "Dixie," first by a watery grave in the
Rappahannock, second by being ordered to be shot at
Appomattox. When encamped near Beverly, a number
of us went to bathe in a dam in the Rappahannock. Be-
Tow the dam was a whirlpool, and apprehending no danger
I plunged in. The maelstrom was something like "Uncle
Sam" on a hold on, and I found it impossible to escape by
my own efforts. My comrades were standing on the dam
above me, but were powerless to render any assistance.
E. A. Calhoun was going to jump in but his comrades
prevented the attempt.
•After I had given up hope and ceased struggling, I
sank for the third time,and was caught in an under current
and carried out. I was thankful for my deliverance and
concluded I would not attempt bathing again in a place
like that.
1
155th REG. PA. VOL. 263
In the liiial "round up" of the Army of Northern Vir-
ginia at Appomattox, our regiment, the 155th, was on the
skirmish line; we were making good headway at driving
the enemy back, when the flag of truce came in and we
were ordered to cease firing. We obeyed orders, then
the rebels collected tegether and started back toward
Appomattox. An Aid came along and said "why don^t
you follow themf We told him we were ordered to stop
here. He said, "Who will volunteer and go with me'?" I
said I would go and there were two others but I cannot
remember their names. We overtook them at the old
store house; the Aid ordered the Colonel to "surrender,"
and the Colonel said "they might as well give up now as
at any time." I heard this and I ran up to the crowd and
jerked down the flag; then one of their Captains ordered
them to shoot me. A Corporal with the colors cocked
his gun and put it to my breast. I let go the flag and
took hold of his gun and pushed it to one side. Why he
did not shoot I do not know, but about that time a caval-
ryman came along and he took the flag.
lam not certain about the number of prisoners we took
but I think it was sixteen officers and thirty-five privates.
BY U. p. MARSHALL.
While others are relating some of their narrow escapes,
I will relate a little of my experience at the battle of Five
Forks, Ya., April 1st. 1865, which at that time seemed to
me to be a miraculous preservation, and now after a per-
iod of 23 years, I can see it in no other light. It did not
affect me then, but now when I look back and think of
the scene and the danger I was in, a shudder and cold
chills creep over me.
On the above date the 5th Corps, having cut loose from
264 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
the balance of the army, swung off and joined Sheridan's
Cavalry near to Five Forks, away out on the left. The
Cavalry were fighting the rebels who were behind their
works. Sheridan's scouts had discovered an opening in
the rebel works and line to the right of where they were
fighting and to the left of the line they had farther on the
right. The 5th Corps was ordered to pass through the
opening, and by making a left wheel, strike the rebels in
the rear. We did so, and having double-quicked for a
long distance, so many of our men had dropped out of the
ranks that we scarcely had enough remaining to make a
good skirmish line, when suddenly coming out of thick
woods to a small open space, we found ourselves a few
rods from and in the rear of two lines of rebels. One
line was fighting our cavalry from behind their works, the
other line was marching behind them toward the opening
in their line that we had come through. They had not
seen us until then when we opened fire on them. Being-
attacked in the rear too, they at once surrendered, threw
down their arms and many of them ran into our line. I
being in command of Company "K" thought I would be
among the first to get to them. After making a few long
strides I was almost there, when I saw them take up their
guns and commence firing again. I looked back to see
how much support I had, when I discovered that every
man had disappeared in the brush except Major Cline and
one other, I think Adj't Montooth, and they were as far
from me as I was from the rebels. I turned to get away:
the rebels ordered me to halt but I did not, and the next
instant they fired a volley at me. I have no means of
knowing how many, but from the rattle those balls made
through the brush, it seemed as though there might have
been dozens. I thought then that I was not more thau
155th REG. PA. VOL. 265
fifty or sixty feet from their line. It may have been a
very little farther. I was not hit either in my person or
clothes, although I was a good sized target. T continued
to retreat "in good order" and they fired a good many
more scattering shots at me before I got in the woods
out of their view, but there were no more volleys like that
first one. The reason they rebelled after surrendering,
was probably because they saw there were so few of us,
and the rest of our men comprehending the situation be-
fore I did, were out of sight before I was aware of it.
260 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
*
CHAPTER XXII.
ORGANIZATIONS IN WHICH WE SERVED.
September, 1862. Organization of Second Brigade, (Col.)
P. H. AlJabach;) Third Division, (Gen. A. A. Humphrey,
Fifth Corps, (Gen. Fitz John Porter ;) Regiments, 123rd
Pa., 131st Pa., 133rd Pa., all nine months regiments, and
the 155th Pa., a three years' regiment.
May 17th, 1863. We were transferred to Second Brig-
ade, Second Division, (Gen. Sykes, Fifth Corps). This Brig-
ade consisted of the 140th and 146th :N^. Y., the 91st and
155th Pa.
March 27th, 1864. The Regulars and Zouaves were con-
solidated in First Brigade, (Gen. Ayres,) First Division,
(Gen. Griffin,) Fifth Corps, (Gen. G. K. Warren) ; the 140th
and 146th Xew York and the 155th Pa. were the Zouave
part of it.
June 6th, 1864. We formed the First Brigade, (Colonel
Gregory), Second Division, (General Ayres), Fifth Corps^
(General Warren).
June 15th, 1864. Transferred to Second Brigade, (Col.
Gregory), First Division, (Gen. Griffin), Fifth Corps, (Gen.
Warren).
October 30th, 1864. Transferred to Third Brigade, (Gen.
Bartlett), First Division, (Gen. Griffin), Fifth Corps, (Gen.
Warren). The Ist and 2nd Brigades were composed most-
ly of new troops. Our Brigade were all old troops and
consisted of the 1st and 16th Mich., 32nd Mass., 83rd, 91st,
118th and 155th Penn. W^e remained in this Brigade until
we were mustered out of the service.
J
155th REG. PA. VOL. 267
CHAPTER XXIII.
FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS OF THE 155TH REG., FA. VOLS
Col. Edward J. Allen, mustered into service Sept. 5th,
18()2 ; discharged on surgeon's certificate July 21st, 18()3.
Col. John H. Cain, mustered into service September
2nd, 1862; promoted from Captain, Company C. to Maj.
Sept. 2nd, 1862 ; to Lieut. Col. December 31st, 1862 ; to
Col. July 22nd, 1863; resigned Aug. 30th, 1863.
Col. A. L. Pearson, mustered into service August 23rd,
1862; promoted from Company A to Major Dec. 31st,
1862; to Lieut. Col. November 1st, 1863; to Col. July 6th,
1861 ; to Brevet Brig. Gen. Sept. 30th, 1864 ; to Maj. Gen.
March 1st, 1865 ; mustered out with regiment June 2nd,
1865; P. O., Pittsburgh, Pa.
- Lieut. Col. James Collard, mustered into service May
1st, 1861 ; promoted from Corporal Company^ A, 38th
Regiment, Pa. Vol. Sept. 2nd, 1862 ; resigned Dec. 31st,
1862.
Lieutenant Colonel John Ewing, mustered into service
August 22, 1862; promoted from Captain Co. H., to Major
November 1, 1863; to Lieutenant Colonel, July 23, 1861;
to Brevet Colonial, September 30, 1864; wounded in leg,
March 25, 1865;^nu8tered out with regiment, June 2, 1865.
Post office, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Major John A. Cline, mustered into service September
11th 1862, promoted from Captain Company K, Janrfary
23rd, 1865, wounded in shoulder March 25th, 1865, ^mis-
tered out with regiment June 2nd, 1865; post oflace Belle-
font, Kansas.
Adjutant E. A. Moutooth, mustered into service August
23rd, 1862, promoted from 1st Lieutenant Company "A"
2QS HISTORY OF COMPANY "K."
September 2nd, 1862, to Brevet Captain and Maj or, March
13th, 1865; Commissioned Captain, Company A, May 15th,
1865; not mustered; mustered out withRegiment,June 2nd,
1865. Post Office, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Quarter Master, Frank Van Gorder, Mustered into
service September 2nd, 1862; promoted from Captain, Com-
pany E, September 2nd, 1862. Resigned November 21st,
1862.
Q. M. James B. Palmer, mustered into service August
19th, 1862; promoted from Sergeant Company C Novem-
ber 21st, 1862; mustered out with regiment June 2nd,1865.
Surgeon James M. Hoffman, mustered into service Sep-
tember 25th, 1861; promoted from Ass't Surgeon 99th
Pennsylvania Volunteers, October 15th, 1862; discharged
March 22nd, 1863. P. O. 420 Franklin Street, Reading
Pa.
Surgeon Joseph A. E. Reed, mustered into service Sep-
tember 12th, 1862; promoted from Ass't Surgeon April
10th, 1863; resigned January 2nd, 1865; P. O. Lancaster,
Pa.
Surgeon Elias C. Kitchen, mustered into service Feb-
ruary, 21st, 1864; promoted from Ass't Surgeon 182nd
Reg't Pennsylvania Volunteers January 30th,Nl865; mus-
tered out with regiment June 2nd, 1865; P. O. Brumfield-
ville. Pa.
Assistant Surgeon W. Stockton Wilson, mustered into
service September 12th, 1862; promoted to Surgeon 210th
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers September 29th, 1864;
P. O. Jersey City, N. J.
Assistant Surgeon A. D. Tewskbury, mustered into ser-
vice July 24th, 1864; out with regiment June 2nd, 1865; P.
O. Ashley, Pa.
Assistant Surgeon Charles K. Thompson, mustered in-
J
155th REG. PA. VOL. 269
to service March 3rd, 1865; out with regiment June 2nd,
1865.
ChapLiin John M. Thomas, mustered into service De-
cember 28th, 1862; resigned May 28th, 1863.
Chaplain Joseph Mateer, mustered into service Novem-
ber 5th, 1863; resigned October 26th, 1861; since dead.
Sergeant Major Wm. Shore, mustered into service Aug-
ust 23rd, 1862; promoted from Sergeant Company D
October 5th, 1861; cammissioned 2nd Lieutenant Compa-
ny -'D" March 11th, 1865; — not mustered — mustered out
with regiment June 2nd, 1865.
Sergeant Major George F. Morgan, mustered into ser-
vice August 22nd, 1862; promoted from Sergeant Compa-
ny E September 2nd, 1862, to 2nd Lieutenant Company G
December 15th, 1862.
Sergeant Major Arthur W. Bell, mustered into service
August 22nd, 1862: promoted from Sergeant Company E
December 15th, 1862, to 2nd Lieutenant Company G, Jan-
uary 10th, 1863; since dead.
Sergeant Major John H. Irwin, mustered into service
August 22nd, 1862; promoted from Sergeant Company C
January 10th, 1863, to 2nd Lieutenant Company C, Octo-
ber 5th, 1864.
Quartermaster Sergeant John G. Kalston, mustered into
service Aug. 22nd, '62 ; piomoted from Sergeant Company
F, Sept. 11th, ^62'; commissioned 2nd Lieut. Co. F May
10th, ^(j^j ; not musteied ; mustered out with regiment June
2iid, 'Go.
Commissary Sergeant AVm. B. Glass, mustered into ser-
vice Aug. 22nd, '62 ; promoted from Corporal Co. F Sep-
tember 11th, '62; discharged by General Order June Ist,
1865.
Hospital Steward ElHs C. Thorn, mustered into service.
270 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K."
Aug. 22nd, '62 ; promoted from private Company F Oct.
5th, '62 ; mustered out with regiment June 2nd, '65.
Principal Musician Hawdon Marshall, mustered into ser-
vice Aug. 22nd, '62 ; promoted from private Co. F Jan.
Ist, ^6ij ; mustered out with regiment June 2nd, ^Qo.
Principal Musician Wm. Mooney, mustered into service
Aug. 23rd, 62 ; promoted from private Co. D ; mustered
out with regiment June 2nd, -Q^j.
155th REG. PA. VOL. 271
CHAPTER XXIV.
ROSTER AND RECAPITULATION OF CO "K," 1 55TH REGIMENT
PA. VOLS.
Captain John A. Cline, mustered into service Sept. lltli.
'02 ; promoted to Major Jan. 23rd, ^65 ; woanded in neck
at Chancellors ville, Ya., May 3rd, '63 ; wounded in hand at
Bethesda Church, Ya., June 3d, '64 ; wounded in shoulder
at 2nd Hatcher's Run, A^a., March 25th, ^(j5; mustered out
with regiment June 2nd, '6r) -, Postmaster at Bellefont^
Ford county, Kansas.
Capt. Ben. Huey, mustered into service July 25th, '61 .
transferred from 62nd Pa. July 3rd, '64, as 1st Lieutenant;
l)romoted Captain Feb. 15th, '65 ; mustered out with com-
pany, June 2nd, Hio ; P. O. address, Bellvue, Kans.
First Lieutenant Risdon DeFord, mustered into service
Sept. 4th, '62 ; resigned Sept. 9th, '63.
First Lieutenant J. A. H. Foster, mustered into service
Sept. 3rd, '62 ; promoted from Sergeant to 2nd Lieut. July
15th, '64; to 1st Lieut. Feb. 35th, 'Qi) ; wounded in leg at
Gettysburg, Penn., July 2nd, '6'^ ; mustered out with com-
pany June 2nd, H)o- since dead, buried at Rural Yilla2:e,
Armstrong county, Penn.
Second Lieutenant Wm. W. Caldwell, mustered into ser.
vice Sept. 11th, '62; resigned Nov. 23rd, '62; P. O., Day-
ton, Pa.
Second Lieutenant David Brown, mustered into service
Sept. 3rd, '62 ; i)romoted from Ist Sergeant Nov. 24th, '62;
resigned March 0th, '63 : Presbyterian minister at Xewton,
Iowa.
Second Lieutenant D. Porter Marshall, mustered into
service September 3rd, 1862; promoted from Sergeant to
2<2 HISTORY OF COMPANY 'K,'^
ist Sergeant April 1st, 1863; to 2d Lieutenant March 7tli,.
1865; Brevet 1st Lieutenant, Brevet Captain and Brevet
Major, March 13th, 1865; his Brevet Commissions read:
"For bravery and good conduct during the war;" mus-
tered out with company June 2nd, 1865; P. O. Arkansas
City, Kans.
First Sergeant D. B. Kirkpatrick, mustered into service
September 3rd, 1862; out with company June 2nd, 1865;
promoted from Corporal to Sergeant December Ist, 1862;
to 1st Sergeant March 7th, 1865; wounded slightly at Get-
tysburg, Pa., July 2nd, 1863; P. O. Dubois, Pa.
First Sergeant John A. Eitchey, mustered into service
September 3rd, 1862; promoted from Sergeant to 1st Ser-
geant November 23rd, 1862; discharged for disability
March 29th, 1863; Physician, Oil City, Pa.
Sergeant J. D. Armstrong, mustered into service Sep-
tember 3rd, 1862, out with company June 2nd, 1865; pro-
moted from Corporal April 1st, 1863; wounded slightly on
face at Petersburgh, June 18th, 1861; died February 18th,
1880; buried at Concord, Armstrong county, Pa.
Sergeant Thomas J. Marlin, mustered into service Sep-
tember 3rd, 1862; out with company June 2nd, 1865; pro-
moted to Corporal December 9th, 1862; to Sergeant July
3rd, 1864; carried the colors from July 2d, 1863, to close
of the war; wounded slightly at Petersburgh, Ya., June
18th, 1864; recommended to headquarters for bravery;
Physician at Shelocta, Indiana county. Pa.
Sergeant Wm. D. Porter, mustered into service Sep-
tember 3rd, 1862; out Avith company June 2nd, 1865; pro-
moted to Corporal April 1st, 1863; to Sergeant March 7th,
1865; recommended to headquarters for bravery; P. O.
Goheenville, Armstrong county, Pa.
Sergeant R. O. Clever, mustered into the service Sep
155th REG. PA. VOL. 273
tember 3rd, 1862, promoted from Corporal to Sergeant
June 30th, 1864 ; wounded severely in both legs at Peters-.
burg, Ya., June 18th, 1861; discharged by General Order,
May 29th, 1865: post office, Bellknap, Penn.
Sergeant Fred Sheckler, mustered into service Sep-
tember, 3rd, 1862, killed at North Anna Ri^'er, May 23rd,
1861; buried on battlefield, since removed to National
Cemetery, Richmond, Ya., section C, division 3, grave 158.
Corporol George H. Clever, mustered into service Sep-
tember 3, 1862, out with company June 2nd, 1865, promot-
ed Corporal October 1st 1864; hit with balls but not dis-
abled; recommended to headquarters for bravery; post
office, Bellknap, Pa.
Corporal Robert P. Shields, mustered into service Sep-
tember 3rd, 1862, out with company June 2nd, 1865, pro-
moted Corporal October, 1st, 1864; wounded at Gettys-
burg, Pa., July 2nd, 1863.
Corporal Spencer P. Barrett, mustered into service
September 3, 1862, out with company June 2nd, 1865;
promoted Corporal January 1, 1865; postoffice. Wamego,
Kansas.
Corporal Wm. H. Geer, mustered into service August
29, 1862, out with company June 2nd, 1865; transferred
from 62nd Penn. July 3, 1864; promoted Corporal Janu-
ary 1st, 1865.
Corporal John C. Russell, mustered into service Sept.
3rd, 1862, out with company June 2nd, 1865, promoted
Corporal January 1st, 1865, wounded in both hands at
Laurel Hill, Ya.. May 11th, 1864, post office, Dayton, Penn.
Corporal Samson Schrecengost, mustered into service
September 3rd, 1862; out with company June 2nd, 1865;
wounded slightly at Laurel Hill, Ya., May 10th, gl; pro-
274
moted Corporal May 7th, 1865: since dead; buried at Bell-
knap Cemetery, Bellknap, Pa.
Corporal Robert Hagan, mustered into service August
29th, 1862; out with company June 2nd, 1865; transferred
from 62nd Pa. July 3rd, 1864; promoted Corporal March
7th, 1865.
Corporal Joseph L. Ewing, mustered in September 3,
1862; discharged from hospital, Annapolis, Maryland, Sep-
tember, 1863. Post Office, Dubois, Pennsylvania.
Corporal August Schmuck, mustered in September 11,
1862; wounded in hand at Chancellorsville, Virginia, May
3, 1863; wounded in hand at Wilderness, May 5, 1864; dis-
charged by order to accept promotion as Captain in 41st
Regiment U. S. Colored troops, September 29, 1864;
mustered out, September 30, 1865. Post Office, Emlenton,
Pennsylvania.
Corporal K. G. Fleming, mustered in September, 3,
1862: Color guarcl, Avounded through right lung at Five
Forks, Virginia, April 1, 1865; discharged from hospital at
Washington, D. C, August 18, 1865. Post Office, Solomon
City, Kansas.
Corporal Adam L. Wilson, mustered in September 3,
1862; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, July 18, 1864,
Methodist minister.
Corporal George A. Serene, mustered in September 3,
1862; wounded in arm at North Anna River, May 23, 1864;
transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, Dec, 1864, Post
Office, Brattonville, Pennsylvania.
Corporal Wm. E. McClure, mustered in September 3,
1862; died in ambulance near Falmouth, Va., November
20th, 1862
Fifer James H. Hill, mustered- in September 3rd, 1862;
1o5TH REG. PA. VOL. 275
out with company June 2nd, ISqo: P. O. Barnards, Arm-
strong county, Pa.
Bugler George M. Smith, mustered in September 3rd,
18(32; out with company June 2nd, 18(j5; promoted to reg
imental Bugler June 18, 18(33.
Drummer John L. Ferer, mustered in September 3,
1862; taken prisoner December 7th, 18(54; drowned April
18th, 1865, when returning to company.
Drammer James A. Galbraith, mustered in September
3rd, 1862; died at Stoneman's Switch Ya., March 2nd,
1863.
Abbott, Leroy, mustered in September 1st, 1861; trans-
ferred from 62nd Pa. July 3rd, 1861; discharged August
20th; 1864; expiration of term.
Adams, John, mustered in. February 19th, 1864; recruit;
wounded in arm in Wilderness, Va., May 5th, '64; dis-
charged from hospital October 28th, '64.
Barnett, James C, mustered in August 10th, '64; out
with company June 2nd, ^65-, substitute.
Bechtel, Abraham, mustered into service Sept. 3rd, '62;
out with company June 2nd, '65 ; teamster.
Balsiger, John, mustered in March 30th, 64 ; recruit ;
wounded in leg at Petersburg, Va., June 18th, '64 ; dis-
charged by General Order from hospital June 8th, '65 ; P.
O., Widnoon, Pa.
Barrington, Daniel, mustered in Aug. 16th, '64 ; substi-
tute ; absent in hospital at muster out.
Buckley, Wm., mustered in Sept. 14th, '64 ; recruit ;
wounded at Five Forks, April 1st, '65 ; absent in hospital
at muster out ; Kansas.
Bell, Benjamin, mustered in Sept. 3rd, '62; discharged
from hospital Feb. 17th, '63.
Black. Wm. G. L., mustered in Sept. 3rd, '62; transfer-
276
red to 96th Co. Y. R. 0. July, ^q'S ; discharged by Gren-
eral Order Sept. 2iid, 'e^ ; Ambrose, Pa.
Black, John, mustered in Sept. 3rd, '62; transferred to
y. R. 0. Dec. '63; P. O. Rural Valley, Pa.
Barrett, John Q. A., mustered in Feb. 4th, 'e^ ; recruit ;
died June 3rd, '6^ of wounds in head received at Laurel
Hill, Ya., Hay 10th, '6^.
Barnhart, Reuben, mustered in Feb. 4th, '04 ; recruit ;
died at Washington, D. 0., July 5th, ^q4: ; buried in Kation-
al Cemetery, Arlington, Ya.
Brewster, Robert, mustered in September 3rd, '6^ ; killed
at Five Forks, Ya., April 1st, '^o ; buried in Poplar Grove
Kational Cemetery, Petersburg, Ya., Division A, Section?
D, grave 4.
Bryan, John M., mustered in Sept. 3d, '62; deserted July
4th, '63.
Chrisman, William, mustered in September 3rd, '62; de-
serted September 17th, 62; returned January 21, '65;
wounded at Five Forks, Ya., April 1, '65-, absent in hos-
pital at muster out; P. O. Eddyville, Pa.
Cline, Wm. F., mustered in December 24th, '63; recruit;
wounded at Wilderness in breast May 5th, '64; transferred
to Company K lOlst Pa. Yol. June 2nd, 65-, accidentally
shot himself while hunting near Lake City, Mich.; buried
in Lake City Cemetery
Cowan, John, mustered in September 3rd, '62; killed at
Gettysburg, Pa., July 3rd, '63.
Carney, John, mustered in September 3rd, '62; deserted
September 17th, '62; returned February 19th, 63; died in
hospital March 4th, '63.
Calhoun, Ephraim A., mustered in September 3rd, '62;
missing in Wilderness May 5th, 64; supposed to be killed.
Croyle, Jacob, mustered in September 3, '62; died in
155th REG. PA. VOL. 277
hospital at Stoueman's Switch, Va., December 4th, '62.
Campbell, John, mustered in September 3rd, 62; died at
Frederick, Md., November 9th, '62; buried in National
Cemetery, Antietam, section 26, lot E, grave 464.
Cogley, Daniel, mustered in Sept. 3rd, '62; out with Co.
June 2nd, ^65.
Collins, George W., mustered in Aug. 6th, '64; wounded
at Quaker Koad, Va., March 29th, '65; absent in hospital at
muster out.
Crawford, Jehu J., mustered in Sept. 3rd, '62; wounded
at Laurel Hill, Va., May 10th, '64, in the thigh, and at Pre-
ble's Farm, Ya., Sept. 30th, '64, in head; absent in hospital
at muster out; P. O., Petrolia, Butler Co., Pa.
Deets, Peter, mustered in August 5th, '64; substitute
transferred to Company K, 191st Pa. Vol. June 2nd, '65.
Durnell, Jonathan, mustered in July 13th, '63; transfer-
red from 62d Pa. July 3rd, '64; transferred to Company KJ
191st Pa. Vol. June 2n4, Go.
Durnell, Solomon, mustered in July 17th, ^63; drafted;
transfered from 62nd Pennsylvania, July 3rd '64; trans-
ferred to Company K, 191, Pennsylvania Volunteer, June
2nd, '65.
Darnell, John, mustered in July 19th, '64; recruit, trans-
ferred to Company K, 191, Pennsylvania Volunteer, June
2nd, '65.
Elder, Marion, mustered in Aug 29th, '62; out with
Company June*2nd, '65; transferred from 62nd Pennsyl-
vania Volunteer, July 3rd, '64.
Eustace, James; mustered in August 29th, '63; substi-
tute, transferred from 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteers, Julj'
3rd, '64; Prisoner from to December 17th, '64; dis-
charged June 30th, '66, to date June 2nd, '65. Never
joined Company K.
278 HISTORY OF COMPANY ^K,'^
Erbainia, Lewis, mustered in August 29th, '62; substi-
tute, transferred from 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteer, ab-
sent sick at muster out. Never joined Company K.
Elder, William, mustered in August 29tli, '62; transferr-
ed from 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteer, July 3rd, '64;
wounded at Oold Harbor, June 3rd, '64; in hospital at
muster out. Kever joined Company K.
Eaton, Benjamin B., mustered in September 3rd, '62;
died at Acquia Creek, Virginia, January 20th, '63.
Fox, Henry, mustered in August 13th, '64; substitute;
out with company June 2nd, '65.
Fitzgerald, John R., mustered in September 3rd, '62;
discharged on Surgeon's certificate Xarch 29th, '63, since
dead.
Frank, Martin, mustered in July 25th, '61; transferred
from 62nd Pa. Vol. July 3rd, '64; transferred to Company
K 191st Pa. Vol. June 2nd, '65; vet.
Fleming, John x_., mustered in September 3rd, '62;
killed at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3rd, '63.
Gordon, Andrew J., mustered in August 9th, '64; out
with company June 2nd, '65; substitute.
Gray, Oliver, mustered in September 3rd, '62; out with
company June 2nd, '65; since dead.
Gaskins, George H., musterei in July 14th, '63; substi-
tute; transferred to Company K, 191st Reg. Pa. Vol. June
2nd, '65.
Gray, Calvin, mustered in Sept. 3rd, '62; killed at Pre-
ble's Farm, Va., September 30th, '64; buried in Poplar
Grove National Cemetery, Petersburg, Va., Div. E, Sec. E,
grave 409.
Hoye, Thomas, mustered in Aug. 20th, '64; out with Co.
June 2nd, ^Qo; substitute.
Hawk, Daniel C, mustered in Sei)tember 3rd, '62; out
155th REG. PA. VOL. 270
with company June 2n(l, ^G:)', P. O. Widnoon, Pa.
Hellam, Pliilip, mustered in Sept. 19tli,'64; out Avitli Co.
June 2nd, '65; recruit.
Hetrick, George J., mustered in Sept. 3rd; 'G2; out with
Co. June 2nd, '65; P. O., Brookville, Pa-
Hetrick, Aug. J., mustered in Sept. 3rd, '62; out with
Co. June 2nd, '65.
Hetrick, Peter C, mustered in Sept. 3rd, '62; out with
Co. June 2nd, '65; injured at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3rd, '63;
prisoner from June 2nd to Nov. 20th, '64; P. O., Putney-
ville, Pa.
Hartyian, Christopher, mustered in Sept. 3rd, '62; dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate Feb. 22nd, '63,
Hannegan, Geo. L. mustered in September 3rd, 1862.
Absent in hospital at muster out. , Kansas.
Hardin, Esaw mustered in November 19th,1863; drafted;
transferred from 62nd Pa. Vol., July 3rd, 1864; discharged
August 20th, '64; expiration of term.
Hazlett,JoshuaD.,mustered in August 5th,'(34; discharged
by General Order June 7 th, 1865; physician; post office
Vanderbilt, Fayette county, Penn.
Howe, Patrick, mustered in August 19th, 1864, sub-
stitute; transferred to Company K, 191st reg. Pa. Vols.,
June 2nd, 1865.
Henderson, James R. mustered in September 3rd, 1862;
wounded in head at North Anna River, May 25th, 1864;
transferred to V, R. C. June 1864.
Hayes, James W. mustered in September 3rd, 1862;
wounded in face at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3rd, 1863.
transferred to^V.'R. C. July, 1863;post office, Barnards, Pa-
Haden, James mustered in August 18th, 1864; substi-
tute; transferred to V. R. C. March, 1865.
Houser, Daniel mustered in September 3rd, 1862; died
280 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K."
at Sioneman's Switch, Ya., January 12tli, 1863; buried at
Concord, Armstrong county, Penn.
Hayes, Wm. B. mustered in September 3rd, 1862; died
at Frederick, Md., November 19th, 1862; buried in National
Cemetery, Antietara, section 26, lot E, grave 456.
Hosack, Thomas mustered in September 3rd, 1862
killed at Laurel Hill, Ya., May 8th, 1864.
Jackson, James C, mustered in March 30th, '64; wound-
ed in shoulder at Preble's Farm, Ya., Sept. 30th, '64; trans-
ferred to Company K, 191 Pa. June 2nd, '65; recruit; P
O., Widnoon, Pa.
Johnson, Wm. J., mustered in Sept. 3rd, '62; died at
Washington, D. C, July 11th, of wounds received at North
Anna Elver, Ya., May 25th, '64; buried in National Ceme-
tery, Arlington, Ya.
Kribbs, Philip, mustered in Aug. 3rd, '64; out with Co
June 2nd, '65; substitute.
Kribbs, Gideon, mustered in Aug. 3rd, '64; out with Co^
June 2nd, ^65; substitute; killed on Pa. K. E.
Kirkpatrick, D. C, mustered in September 3rd, '62; dis.
charged on Surgeon's certificate March 28th^ '63.
Kribbs, George, mustered in July 25th, '61; transferred
from 62nd Pa. July 2rd, '64; wounded at Five Forks,
Ya., April 1st, ^65; transferred to Co. K, 191st Pa. June
2nd, ^65', veteran.
Kiskadden, Thomas, mustered in July 25th, '61; trans-
ferred from 62nd Pa." July 3rd, '64; wounded in shoulder
■at Preble's Farm, Ya., Sept. 30th, '64; transferred to Co. K,
191st Pa: June 2nd, '65; veteran.
Keller, John, mustered in August 9th, '62; deserted
May 5th, '64; transferred from 62nd Pa. Yol. July 3rd, '64;
■jever joined our company.
1o5th beg. ta. vol. 1>S1
Llewellyn, Anthony G., mustered in August Hi, 't)3,
tiansfeired from &2ud Pa Vol. July 3rd, '04; transferred
to Company K 191st Pa. Vol. June 2nd, ^65; substitute.
^roore, John, mustered in Sei)temher 3rd, 62; out with
company June 2nd, '05.
Mahan, Wm. R., iiiustered in September 3rd, 02; dis-
charged by Geneial Order July 27th, 'Ga; P. O. Rural Val-
ley, Pa.
Mix, John, mustered in June 10th, '04; discharged by
General Order May 30th, '05; recruit; P. O. Bolivar N. Y.
Moore, Isaac L., mustered in September 3rd, 02; died at
Frederick, Md., November 15th, '02; buried in National
Cemetery, Antietam, section 20, lot E, grave 403.
Marshall, David, mustered in September 3rd, '02: died
at Camp Humphrey, Va, February 11th, ^()3, buried at
Glade Run, Armstrong county. Pa.
McGaughey, R. L., mustered in September 3rd, '02; out
with company June 2nd, '05; wounded slightly at Bethes-
da Church, June 2nd; again slightly at Petersburg, June
19tJi, '04; P. O. Dayton, Pa.
McGregoJ-, William, mustered in September 3rd, '02;
out with company June 2nd, '05; P. O. Echo, Penn.
McCuUough, Wm., mustered in Sept. 3rd, '02; sui)posed
to be killed at Wilderness, Va., May 5th, '04.
McCloskey, D. L., mustered in Sept. 3rd, '02; died at
Washington, D. C, June 15th of wounds received at
Spottsylvauia, Va., May 10th, '04; buried in National Cem-
tery, Arlington, Va.
Nichols, Charles, mustered in Sept 3rd, '02; out with Co.
June 2d, '05; P. O., Templeton, Pa.
Nicely, George, mustered in Sept. 3rd, '02; out with Co.
June 2nd. '05; P. O., Ford City, Pa.
Ong, Wm., mustered in Sept. 1st, 01, transi'circd from
2S2 HISTORY OF COMPANY ''k.''
CUnd P. V. July 3rd, '(U; discliarged Aug. iJOth, '64; expi-
ratioii of term.
Olinger, David, mustered in Sept. 3, '6-J; killed at Peters-
burg-, Ya., June 18tli, '64.
Petti grew, John, mustered in Sept. 3rd, '62- wounded in
arm at Laurel Hill, Va., May StL, '64; discharged on Sur-
geon's certificate November 26th, '64; P.O., Widnoon, Pa.
Pritts, James W., mustered in Nov. 19th, '63; drafted;
transferred from 62nd Pa. Vol. July 3rd, '64. discharged
Is^ov. '64; exjuration of term.
Pence, James, mustered in Feb. 5th, '64; wounded at Pe-
tersburg, Va., June 23rd, '64; transferred from 62nd Pa.
Vol. July 3rd, '64; transferred to Company K, 191st Pa.
Vol June 2nd, '65.
Quinn, iVlichael, mustered in Aug. 2()th, '64; transferred
to Co. K, 191st Pa. Vol. June 2nd, ^Go.
Reed, Gaspar, mustered in September 3rd, '62, out
with company June 2nd, '65.
Poyle, Wm., mustered in July 1 6th, ^63-, transferred
from 62nd Pa. Vol. July 3rd, 64; wounded at Quaker Road
A'a., March 29th, ^6ry, absent in hospital at muster out;
craned.
Reesenuin.Samuel D., mustered in May 10th, '64; wound-
ed through leg at Petersburg, Va., June 18th, '64. dis-
charged by (leneral Order July 1st, ^inv, recruit; P. O.
Bernards, Armstrong county, Pa.
Reeseman, W. H., mustered in September 3rd, ^62;
wounded in hand at Wilderness. V?., May 5th, 64; dis-
charged, date unknown; since dead.
Ruffner, David H., mustered in September 3rd, '62:
wounded in leg at Petersburg. Va., June 18th, '64; also
slightly wounded at Laurel Hir, May lOth, '64; absent in
liosi)ital Jit muster out: P. O. Georgeville, Pa.
l5oTH REG. PA. VOL. 283
l^aiiiKey, AVm. B., iruistered in September ord, 'OU; dis-
cliai-ged oil Surgeon's {'ertiiicate March 30th, ^Q3; P. O.
Parker, Pa.
Rowan, Patrick, mustered in Augast 20th, '04; wounded
in hand at Preble's Farm, September 30th, '04; deserted
October," '04.
Robb, Jonathan, mustered in July 17th, '03; transferred
from 02nd Pa. Vol. July 3, '04; died in hospital, date un-
known.
Sndth, Charles M., mustered in September 3rd, '02; out
with company June 2nd, '05; wounded in side at North
Anna River, May 23d, '04. P. O. Duncanville, Pa.
Sanders, Wm., mustered in September 23rd, '04; out
with company June 2nd, '05; substitute.
Showaker, John, mustered in Sept. 8th, 04; out with Co.
June 2nd, '05; wounded at Five Forks, Va., April 1st, '05;
substitute.
Stang, PMward, mustered in Sept. 10th, '04; out with Co.
dune 2nd, '05; substitute.
Snyder, Peter R., mustered in Sept. 12th, *04: out with
Co. June 2nd, '05; recruit.
Si)roul. Martin V. B., mustered in Sept. 3rd, '02; wound-
ed at Gravelly Run, Va., March 31st, 05; absent in hospital
at muster out; P. O., Apollo, Armstrong Co., Pa.
Shoemaker, Joseph, mustered in Sept. 3rd, 02: dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate March 31st, '03.
Schrecengost, Simon, mustered in Sept. 3rd, '02; died at
Frederick, Md., Dec. 7th, 02; buried in National Cemetery,
Antietam, Section 20, lot E, grave 472.
Sheckler, Ceorge, mustered in Sept. 3rd, 02; died at
Stoneman's Switch, Va., Feb. 5th, '03.
Troupe, John A., mustered in Aug. 22nd, 'Oi; wounded
■284 HISTORY OF COMPANY "K,"
at Five Forks, Ya., April 1st, ^(y^; absent in hospital at
muster out; substitute.
Thompson, George W., mustered in Sept. ord, '62; died
at Washington, D. C, ^o\. 29th, '03; buried in Military
Asylum Cemetery.
Thompson, Benjamin, mustered in August 24th, '64;
wandered from hospital Deceinber '64; supposed to be
dead; substitute.
Uppermaiv, Henry, mustered in September 3rd, '62; out
with company June 2nd, ^(jo-, P. O. Beaver Falls, Pa.
Whited, Wm., mustered in September 3rd, '62; out with
company June 2nd, '65; wounded slightly May 10th, '64,
at Laurel Hill, Va.
Whited, Samuel, mustered in September 3rd, '62; out
with company June 2nd, ^(io; wounded on side at second
Hatcher's Run, March 25, ^65.
Wells, Wm.W., mustered in September 3rd, '62; wound-
ed in leg at Laurel Hill, Ya., May 8th, '64; absent in hos-
]>ital at muster out; P. O. Cool Spring, Pa.
Whitaker, Wm., mustered in Sept. 3rd, '62; discharged
on Surgeon's certificate January 27th, '63; P. O., Barnards,
Pa.
Wolf, David, mustered in Sept. 3rd, '62; wounded at Pe-
tersburg, Ya., June 13th, 1864; absent in hospital at mus-
ter out.
Walker, John S., mustered in Sept. 3rd, '62; discharged
Feb. 16th, 'Q3,
Wolf, Andrew M., mustered in Aug. 17th, "(>3; drafted;
trnnsferrcd from 62nd P;^. Yol.; never joined Com}»any
K: (lied at Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 1865.
155th REG. PA. VOL. 185
CHAPTEK XXY.
A LIST OF ENGAGEMENTS IN WHICH WE PAKTICIPATED :
ALSO A TABLE AND STATEMENT GIVING THE KILLED,
WOUNDED AND MISSING IN BATTLE DURING THE WAR
AND THE PROPORTION OF THOSE LOSSES IN BATTLES
IN WHICH WE WERE ENGAGED.
As a company, we were not in the battle of Fredericks-
burg, but the other companieB of our Eegiuient and a few
det;iched men from our Company- took part in it.
Battle Antietam, Md., Sept. 17th, 18G2.
Battle Frederick sbur oh, Va., Dec. 13th to 16th, 1802.
Battle (^hancellorsville, Va., May 1st to 5th, 1863.
Skirmish Aldie, Va., (supporting cavalry,) June 17th, '63.
Battle Gettysburgh, Pa., July 2nd to 4th, 1863.
Skirmish Williamsport, Md., July 12th and 13th, 1863.
Skirmisli Kapidan, Va., Oct. 10th, 1863.
Battle Bristoe Station, Va., Oct. 14th, 1863.
Battle Rappahannock Station, Va., Nov. 7th, 18()3.
Battle Mine Run, Va., Xov. 27th to Dec. 2nd, 1863.
liattle Wilderness, Va., May 5th to 7th, J 861.
Battle Laurel Hill, or Peach Orchard, Va., May 8th to
llth. 1864.
Battle Spottsylvania, Va., May 12th to 21st, 1864.
Battle ::^orth Anna River, Va., May 23rd to 27th, 1864.
Battle Tolopotomy, Va., May 28th and 29th, 1864.
Battle Bethesda Church, Va., May 30th and 31st, 18()4.
Battle Cold Harbor, Va., June 1st to 5th, 1864.
Battle Petersburgh, Va., June 18th to 21st, 1864.
Battle Jerusnlem Plank Road, Va., June 22nd and 23rd,
1864.
l'8r) HISTORY OF COMPANY ''K,"
Battle ill front of Petersburgh,Ya., July 21st to 29tb,1804.
Battle ]\[iiie Explosion, Va., July 30tli, 1864.
Battle Siege of Petersburgh, Va., July 31st to August
i:)tb, 1804.
Battle Wei on Eailioad, Va., Aug. 18tb to 22nd, 1864.
Skirmish Cbapin's Farm, Ya., Sept. 29th, 1864.
Battle Preble's Farm, Va., Sept. 30th and Oct. 1st, 1864.
Skirmish Preble's Farm, Va., Oct. 8th, 1864.
Battle Hatcher's Run, (Ist), Va., Oct. 27th and 28th, *()4.
Weldon Raid, Va., Dec. 6th to lUh, 1864.
Skirmish Ro\yanty Creek, Va., Feb. 5th, 1865.
Battle Dabney's Mills, Va., Feb. 5th to 7th, 1865.
Battle Hatcher's Run, (2nd), Va., March 25th, 1865.
Battle Quaker Road, or Lewis Farm, Va., March 29th
and 30th, 1865.
Battle (Iravelly Run, or Boydton Road, Va., March 31st,
1865.
Battle Five Forks, Va., April 1st, 1865.
Battle Appomattox Court House, or Lee's surrender,
Va., April 9th, 1865.
In addition to the battles and skirmishes enumerated
above, we were formed in line of battle many times and
were frequently under the fire of the enemy, but did not
have any one injured in our Company or Regiment.
It is very difficult to get tlie exact number of casualties
during the war, as no two authorities agree on the nember.
The Provost Marshal General in 1866 reported. Union
troops killed, 61,362. The Surgeon General's office shows
the killed to be 59,860. The Adjutant General reports the
killed in battle, at 44,238, and the total number who died
from wounds 33,993. Their estimates must have been
made from different standpoints. A man might be wound-
ed and live but a few hours, when one authority would
looTH REG. PA. VOL.
2S7
i'ei>ort liim as killed in battle, Avliile another lepoits liim
as dying from wounds.
The purpose in this is to show that about one-lialf, or
nearly, of all the men killed in battle during the war, were
killed in engagements in wliich we took part.
In twenty-two of our battles and skirmishes there were
*J3.0i)l killed, 117,S44 wounded, 44,234 missing, as follows:
KILLED. WOUNDED.
Antietam, Md.
Fredericksburg, \'a.
Chancellorsville, Va.
Aldie, Ya.
Gettysburg, Pa.
Williamsport, Md.
Rappahannock Station, Va.
Mine Run, Va.
Wilderness, Va.
Spottsylvania, Va.
X'tU Anna «&Tolopotomy,Va.
Cold Harbor, Va.
Petersburg,(Junel5- 1 9,'64) Va. 1,298
Jerusalem Plank Road, Va. 604
Mine Explosion, (P't'rsb'g) Va. 504
2,010
1,180
1,512
50
2,834
83
173
5,597
4^177
591
1,905
Weldon Railroad, Va. 212
Cluipin's Farm, Va. 383
Preble's Farm, Va. 187
Haichcr's Run, Va. 150
Dabney's Mills, Xa. 232
lioydton & \VhiteOak irds, A'a. 177
Five Forks. Va. J 24
9,410
9,028
9,518
131
330
1,099
21,463
19,687
2,734
10,570
7,474
2,494
1,881
1,155
2,299
900
1,047
1,062
1,134
706
MISSING.
1,009
2,145
5,0G0
124
6,643
2
6
381
10,677
2,577
661
2,456
1,814
2,217
1,413
2,176
645
1,802
699
186
54
Total in 22 engageme'its,
Sui'geon General reports
23.991
59.860
1 1 7,844
280.040
44,234
184,791
^^S HISTORY OF COMPANY "K/'
as all the casualties in battle duiiug the war. If to the
above list we could obtain and add the losses in all our
battles and ..skirmishes not enumerated above, we believe
we could make good our claim that nearly, if not one-half,
of all the men killed or wounded in battle during the war
were killed and wounded in engagements in which we par-
ticipated.
'i.'
j\j
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