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THE JAMES VERNER SCAIFE
COLLECTION
CIVIL WAR LITERATURE
THE GIFT Of
JAMES VERNER SCAIFE
CLASS OF 18B9
1919
ComaH University Library
E 527 .5 42d.T48
History of the ' Bucktails,
3 1924 026 471 023
I Cornell University
j) Library
The original of tiiis book is in
tine Cornell University Library.
There are no known copyright restrictions in
the United States on the use of the text.
http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924026471023
Gen. Thomas L. Kane
HISTORY
"BUGKTAILS"
Kane Rifle Regiment of the Pennsylvania
Reserve Corps
(13th Pennsylvania Reserves, 42nd of the Line)
Published by William H. Rauch, Historian, for the
Regimental Association
O. R. HOWARD JHOMSON
Librarian-ia-Charge
Wagner Institute Branch, .The Free Library of Philadelphia
AND
WILLIAM H. RAUCH
Historian, Regimental Association of the Bucktail or First Rifle Regi-
ment of the P. R. V. C. and Late Orderly-Sergeant Company F
WITH A DEDICATORY NOTE BY THE
HON. EDWARD A. IRVIN
Late Lieutenant-Colonel
philadelphia :
Electric Printing Company
1906
Copyright
By William H. Rauch
1906
DEDICATION
Even as the years pass away to unite with those that have
gone before, so, year by year, the men who wore the Bucktail
in their caps are passing to join their comrades, who, before
them, have entered into the life beyond the grave. But, before
the last member of the Bucktail Regiment shall have answered
to the final roll-call, it would seem fitting that a record of its
heroism and achievements should be prepared, so that the
future generations, realizing through such record, the love and
devotion that their forefathers bore to their country, may be
inspired to preserve their inheritance intact, and transmit it pure
and unspotted to the generations that shall come after them.
For these reasons, it has come about that a "History of the
Bucktails" has been written, and as the only surviving field-
officer, I have been accorded the privilege of dedicating it to
the officers and men of the regiment, and to the perpetuation of
their memories.
vi History op the Bucktails
thirteen regiments, enjoying the initial advantage of being
composed of picked men, fighting together throughout their
term of service, should through the mutual understanding and
confidence thus engendered, make for themselves a record more
easily deciphered, than they would had they been transferred
from division to division or from one army to another. Nor
were the expectations entertained in regard to the division dis-
appointed. It won for the Union army at Dranesville the first
victory on the Potomac. It opened the Seven Days' battles
upon the Peninsula, fighting unaided against tremendous odds
at Mechanicsville, and holding its position without losing one
inch of ground. At Gaines' Mill its several regiments were
ordered, one after another, to strengthen the Union lines in
whatever place they showed signs of giving way. A few days
later, standing astride the New Market Cross Road, it beat
back the attack of Lee, who strove to break through upon the
Union flank. Its regiments were the first to reach Pope when
he called for help, and seizing the height commanding the
Warrenton pike retained for the army its line of retreat. It
scaled the heights of South Mountain and opened the battle of
Antietam ; while at Fredericksburg it penetrated the Confeder-
ate line farther than any other troops. At Gettysburg, when
Sickles' corps gave way and the Union troops came flying up
the slopes of Little Round Top, closely pursued by the Confed-
erates, it, by a brilliant charge, drove back the enemy and
secured the possession of the key of the battle-field to the
Union army. It fought through the bloody campaigns of the
Wilderness and Spottsylvania, rounding out its term of service
by bloodily repulsing Ewell's corps at Bethesda Church. And
to the other twelve regiments of this division that achieved so
much, the Bucktails held a peculiar relationship. They were
infantry regiments, the Bucktails a rifle regiment. Composed
PRgFACE vii
of men for the most part from the mountainous districts of
the State, and used to the handling of fire-arms from their boy-
hood, skirmish duty fell to their lot, either for the whole
division or the brigade to which they were attached.
It has become a truism that the study of a nation can best
be pursued by the study of the individuals composing it; and
also on the other hand, that the history of an individual is
unintelligible unless his relationship to his tribe or clan is under-
stood, and the effect of the activities of this tribe or clan upon
the achievements of the nation appreciated. It might not be
amiss to regard the army as the nation, the division as the tribe
or clan, and the regiment as the individual. If we do this, not
only does the history of a regiment acquire much greater justi-
fication than regimental glorification ; but the acceptance of the
parallel involves the recognition of the fact that such a history
must detail, not only the movements of the regiment itself, but
also those of the division and army to which it was attached.
In the preparation of this history, it has been borne in mind
that a regiment is primarily a military organization, called into
being for military purposes and given military tasks to perform.
Hence while the fact that it has also a social life and existence
cannot be denied, and while the propriety of portraying that
side of its life cannot be questioned, it appears incontestable
that the inclusion of a too great amount of anecdotal matter can
only result in obscuring, if not obliterating, its military achieve-
ments. To a regiment which participated in the number of
campaigns, skirmishes and battles that the Bucktails did, this
view applies with even greater force than to regiments with a
less extensive military history.
The authors have received much kind help in the shape of
letters, diaries, clippings, &c. Two newspaper histories, one pub-
lished by the late Captain John P. Bard in the "Curwensville
viii History of the Bucktails
"Herald," and one by Comrade William A. Holland, in the
"Newport News," have been of great service, as has also the
"History of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps," in the compila-
tion of which Mr. Justin R. Sypher had the assistance of a
manuscript history of the Bucktails, written by the late Adju-
tant Roger Sherman. The frequent references to the Bucktails
in the records published by the United States Government
under the title "The War of the Rebellion : a compilation of the
"official records of the Union and Confederate Armies," have
enabled the authors to place their main reliance upon an
authoritative source.
The kindness of the following, who have especially assisted
by answering inquiries and in other ways, is acknowledged:
Lieutenant-Colonel Edward A. Irvin, Mrs. Thomas L. Kane,
Mrs. Roy Stone, Major Neri B. Kinsey, Captain William T.
Blanchard, Captain Thomas B. Lewis, Lieutenant R. D. Hall,
Lieutenant James Dixon West, Chaplain William H. D. Hat-
ton, Honorable W. W. Brown, Sergeant Jonathan V. Morgan,
Sergeant A. A. Van Orsdale, Corporal Thomas H. Ryan,
Corporal Wallace M. Moore, Corporal E. L. Brookins, Cor-
poral C. J. Smith, Comrade Firmin F. Kirk, Comrade J. A.
Roman, Comrade William A. Holland, Comrade A. D. Baker,
Comrade Henry C. White, Comrade Thomas Furlong.
Thanks are also particularly due to Miss Marion V. Smith
for her help in the tedious work of preparing the muster rolls,
and to John Thomson, Esq., for reading the final proofs.
A list of the principal works consulted will be found in the
appendix.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Dedication, iii
Preface, v
List of Illustrations, xi
Introduction, i
Genesis and Organization, 5
Campaigning in the State Service, .41
The Winter of 1861 —
Into the National Service, 55
Dranesville, 72
Camp PiErpont, .82
The Peninsular Campaign —
From Washington to White House, . . .89
MechanicsvillE, 96
Gaines' Mill, "2
New Market Cross Roads, 122
Malvern Hill, Harrison's Landing, and the
Richmond Prisons, i34
Kane's Battalion —
The Valley Campaign, i4S
Catlett's Station and Second Bull Run, . 168
X History of the Bucktails
Pope's Army of Virginia —
Groveton, 177
Second Battle of Bull Run, 189
The Maryland Campaign —
South Mountain, 197
Antietam, . 208
Burnside's Campaign —
From Antietam to Fredericksburg, .219
Fredericksburg, . 227
The Pennsylvania Invasion —
In Camp near Washington, 245
Gettysburg, 258
Centreville and the Mine Run Campaign, . . 277
With Grant Towards Richmond — .
The Wilderness, 287
Spottsylvania Court House, . . 299
North Anna and Bethesda Church, . -3^^
Muster Out, 323
Appendixes^ —
"A"— Muster Roll, 335
"B" — Regimental Association, .... 439
"C" — Survivors, 449
"D" — Printed Sources Consulted, .... 455
Index to Names and Places, 457
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
GsN. Thomas L. Kane, . . . . Frontispiece
Col. Charles J. Biddle, .... To face page 5
Original Handbill, 8
Surgeon S. D. Freeman, 36
Col. Alanson E. Niles, y-j
Gen. Roy Stone, 89
Battle of Harrisonburg — Death of Gen. Ashby, . 155
Col. Edward A. Irvin, 205
Col. Hugh W. McNeil, 208
Col. Charles F. Taylor, 245
BucKTAiL Monument — Gettysburg, Pa., . . 258
Company F at Bristoe Station, Va., .... 277
Gen. W. Ross Hartshorne, 287
Lieut. Daniel BlEtt — Maj. John A. Wolfe — Capt.
Ernest Wright, 324
Group of Bucktail Survivors, 439
The Colonel Taylor Marker — Gettysburg, Pa., . . 445
HISTORY
BUCKTAILS.
INTRODUCTION
An astute observer, even fifty years before the outbreak
of the Civil War, could have certified to its inevitableness. The
thoughts and ideas of the inhabitants of the sections termed
respectively the North and the South were at variance. The
fact that they were under one Government made it necessary
that, sooner or later, the aspirations of one must to a greater or
lesser extent become the guiding influence of the other. The
climate, the mode of life and hereditary influences of the South-
erners, all prepossessed them towards a system whose founda-
tion was that of service rendered by men held in bondage; a
negro slavery which, directed by the intelligence of the virile
white race, should develop the resources of the country. The
Northerners, descended from different lines of ancestors, felt
such service to be, not only repulsive to their sense of justice,
but inimical to the true interests of the Republic. The assertion
of the "Rights of Man" in the Constitution, made the retention
of slaves by States subscribing to it impossible, excepting by a
quibble, and the disputes in the Constitutional Convention bear
witness to the ancientness of the controversy. Later, as the
Southern States came to believe more and more firmly in the
necessity of slave labor as a necessary factor to their future
2 History of thb Bucktails
development, the dispute increased in intensity. Men like
Daniel Webster and Henry Clay, in an endeavor to reduce
friction and to insure the retention of unity, resorted to the
expedient of compromise; and beneath the spell of their
eloquence, guided by their intellectuality. Congress, in 182 1,
fathered the "Missouri Compromise." With a line established
north of which slavery could not exist, the Northerners were
content to wait till the inevitable progress of the world should
result in the abolition of slavery in the territory south of it.
But the Northern States increased in prosperity more rapidly
than those in the South, and the latter, fearing that they
would be dominated by a section holding views hostile to their
beliefs, strove to increase the territory in which they could put
into practice the views they held. The doctrine of nullification,
or State rights, added fuel to the fire. Led by Calhoun, the
paramount sovereignty of the individual States was proclaimed,
and the right of such States to annul laws passed by the
National Government, if against their interest, asserted. Upon
this ground, in 1832, South Carolina made preparations to
resist the lawful enactments of Congress, and it became neces-
sary for President Jackson to order United States troops to
move to that State to enforce the laws.
These two subjects of controversy, slavery and State sov-
ereignty, grew in the public interest. Regarding themselves as
individual States, linked together by a treaty for mutual advan-
tages, the Southern States believed it to be their ri^t to with-
draw from the Union, should such union at any time become
obnoxious to them, or work to their disadvantage.
The annexation of Texas afforded an opportunity to
increase the slave area, and the Mexican War, inspired by the
same view, quickly followed. Emboldened by these successes,
the Southern States, regardless of previously accepted com-
Introduction 3
promises, persevered in their ag;itation for an increase in the
land open to slave holders, till, in 1850, Congress passed another
ineffectual compromise.
Then the country, throughout its length and breadth,
became aware of the crisis with which it was confronted.
While in the North the abolitionists declaimed in fiery periods,
their statesmen labored to prevent the impending conflict. The
Southerners, proudly and honestly believing in the justice of
their position, sought out of the turmoil to extract some advan-
tage. With the attempted enforcement of the Fugitive Slave
law, and the decision in the Dred Scott case, the breach between
the two sections widened and reconciliation became impossible.
Kansas, torn by the contending parties who struggled on
her soil, became virtually the seat of civil war. John Brown
marched calmly to his death, confident of the ultimate victory
of his cause. Lincoln, candidate of the Republican party, was
elected, and through this victory at the polls of the Northern
people, the crisis became imminent. Governor Gist, of South
Carolina, without waiting for the inauguration of the man who,
though the choice of the people, held views hostile to both
State supremacy and the traffic in slaves, issued his famous
proclamation that it might become the duty of his State to
resist force by force, and advocated the organization of the
State militia. On December 17th the State legislature met and
formally passed a resolution dissolving the Union, till then
"subsisting between South Carolina and other States under the
"name of United States of America.'' Mississippi, Florida,
Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas followed with similar
resolutions, and early in February sent delegates to a convention
which formed a new confederacy, with Jefferson Davis as
President. Thus between the election of Lincoln and his
4 History of the. Bucktahs
inauguration, while Buchanan still held office, seven states had
openly announced their secession.
President Lincoln was inaugurated upon March 4th, 1861.
In his address he stated firmly that the doctrine of the right to
secede was erroneous and could not be entertained. That it
was his duty "to administer the present Government as it came
"into his hands, and to transmit it unimpaired by him to his
"successor." Yet the Southern States, possessing the majority
of the military officers graduated from the nation's military
schools, armed with muskets obtained from the Northern
arsenals, and proud in their belief of the justness of their cause,
hastened to throw down the gauntlet. Claiming that they now
constituted a new nation, and that the presence of United States
troops in Fort Sumter was a military occupation of territory,
belonging to the new confederation, by a foreign power, they
demanded that the Fort be evacuated. Meeting with refusal,
they commenced a bombardment on April 12th, which forced
the Fort to capitulate two days later.
The question was no longer confined to the extension or
restriction of slavery. Throughout the North the people rose
as a unit to resent the attack upon the flag which was their
glory ; to save, with their life's blood if necessary, the integrity
of the Union, and to assert with such power that it should
never again be questioned, the supremacy of the Nation over the
individual States within the limits of the Constitution.
Coi,. Charles J. Biddlr
GENESIS AND ORGANIZATION.
In October, i860, Andrew Gfegg Curtin had been elected
Governor of Pennsylvania. A graduate of the Law School at
Dickinson College, he had entered the political field twenty years
previously. He had supported both General Harrison and
General Taylor in the campaigns preceding their elections to
the Presidency, and had himself, in 1855, been appointed Secre-
tary of the Commonwealth. Influential in securing the nomina-
tion of Lincoln, he came to the Gubernatorial chair as the
representative of no uncertain policy, and possessed of an iron
determination to see that that policy should be upheld.
When the Southerners fired upon Fort Sumter, Pennsyl-
vania, with Simon Cameron as Secretary of War, with
Thaddeus Stevens bending the House to his will, and with
Governor Curtin occupying the Governor's chair at home, was
in a position to assume her proper position as one of the bul-
warks of the nation; while the Governor himself, immediately
proceeded to Washington to lend to the deliberations that must
ensue the benefit of his counsel.
In the State itself the excitement was intense. Almost
uniformly the. Northerners had refused to believe that the South
would resort to force, considering its belligerent declarations as
mere blusterings. But with the actual insult to the flag the
North realized that force must be met by force, and even before
President Lincoln issued his call for volunteers the temper of
the people had begun to make itself felt.
Thomas Leiper Kane, a resident of the northern part of
6 History of thb Bucktails
the State, who had been active in abolitionist circles, wrote
to Governor Curtin as follows :
"Greenwood, near Philadelphia.
"April 13, 1861, afternoon.
"H. E. Andrew G. Curtin,
"Governor.
"Dear Sir :
"Taking what I hear in connection with your proclama-
" tion — which has my approval — I presume you will soon call
" out the militia, neither against the South nor against the
" North, but for Pennsylvania.
"Should this be your purpose, I will feel personally obliged
" by your giving me an opportunity to serve. In the present
" exigency it should be the reverse of a disqualification that
" my associations and sympathies differ from your own.
"If desired by you I can raise a Company of McKean and
" Elk Counties — of horse.
"Very respectfully and truly,
"Your obedient servant,
"Thomas L. Kake.""
On April 15th, President Lincoln issued his call for 75,000
men for three months. On that morning Kane again placed
his services at the disposal of the Governor, telegraphing :
"Philadelphia, Monday morning.
"April 15, 1861.
"To H. E. Andrew G. Curtin, Governor, Harrisburg.
"Will you accept a Company of horse to be raised by me
' The majority of the letters and despatches here giren are in pos-
session of Mrs. Elizabeth D. Kane, who has kindly furnished copies.
Even Colonel Kane hardly realized the determination of the Southern-
ers at this time. He apparently believed that the mobilization of troops
in the North would be sufficient to quell the rebellion.
Genesis and Organization 7
" in Elk and McKean Counties. I can leave to-night and bring
" down my men in a week. My offer of service is uncondi-
" tional.
"Thomas L. Kane."
At the same time he telegraphed the Hon. J. G. Gordon
and S. M. Lawrence, at Harrisburg, requesting them to second
his offer.
Kane's telegram was forwarded to Governor Curtin at
Washington, and the same day he received the following reply :
"Harrisburg, April 15, 1861.
"To Thos. L. Kane.
"Your tender of the services of the Elk and McKean
"County Cavalry is accepted, hold yourself in readiness to
"march on short notice. Answer, stating number of men.
"Eli Sufer,
"Secy. Commonwealth."
The next day, however, Kane received the following tele-
gram:
"Harrisburg, April 16, 1861.
"To Thos. L. Kane.
"The Secretary of War has just notified the department
"that none but Infantry and Riflemen will be taken, he can
" receive none but those who carry muskets or rifles.
"Eli Slifer,
"Secy. Commonwealth."
On the 17th Governor Curtin sent the following despatch:
"Harrisburg, April 17, 1861.
" To Thos. L. Kane,
"Olean.
"The General Government want Infantry and Riflemen
8 History of thb Bucktaiw
" and refuse to accept Cavalry — arms and equipments will be
" furnished by the Government.
"A. G. CUKTIN."
Kane had, upon the receipt of the despatch of the 15th,
authorizing him to raise a force, started for the northern sec-
tion of the State. He realized by this time that war was almost
inevitable, and determined to collect men of the type required :
men used to taking care of themselves, accustomed to handling
guns, familiar with the atmosphere of the forests, dogged and
determined in character, and possessed of strong and rugged
physiques through their outdoor existence. By the evening of
the i6th, or morning of the 17th of April, he had reached
Smethport, McKean County, a scant fifteen miles from the
northernmost border of the State, and there he issued the fol-
lowing call :
"VOLUNTEER RIFLES !
"marksmen wanted !
"By authority of Governor Curtin, a company will be
" formed this week of citizens of McKean and Elk Counties,
" who are prepared to take up arms immediately, to support
"the Constitution of the United States and defend the com-
" monwealth of Pennsylvania, I am authorized to accept at
"once for service, any man who will bring with him to my
" headquarters a Rifle which he knows how to use.
"Come forward Americans, who are not degenerate from
" the spirit of '76. Come forward in time to save the city of
" Washington from capture — in time to save the flag of the
" Union there from being humbled as it has been at Fort
"Sumter.
"Thomas L. Kane.
" Smethport, April 17, 1861.
"Headquarters at the Bennett House, Smethport. Muster
vmimm mfiM
tarn
I
L
By litliority of Goyeraor €nrtln, a Com**
r will be formed this week of citizens of MoEeaa taxCL EJk Covntiea, vrbo
1. to take up anus immediately, to support tfaie Constitution oStba
_K~ ~i»~jB and defend the ocimlnonw^th of Peiia67lv9.iiia. I im atithor; ^
ito acoept at once for service, any man who will bnngiii with tiim to mf ' -
head qi;tarters a Bifle which be knows how to use.
Come'forward Americans, who are not degenerate from the spirit of '761
Come foorward in time to save the city of Washington &om aapture~iQ timB to
OBvethefle^ of the Union therefrom being humbled laa ;it ha^ been At X'ort
^^^' THOMAS L KANE
mmmrtrt, Jipra ii, leai.
IC Bead tpnurtera st the BeBBCtt Boom, Biaetli|iart. Muster KoU at the saae jplace, and question ai^
tmntiA. Aaplr withoat fiwtker notice. __,
«-r-" J. T imtBT, rsiHTKi^ unffirasB ofra^ ouujr. B. T.
^•^^,v^.^JaXdlt*i'3
Original Handbill
Genesis and Organization 9
" Roll at the same place, and questions answered. Apply with-
"out further notice.'"
Kane immediately began his canvass of McKean, Elk and
Cameron Counties. Selecting his lieutenants for the work of
recruiting with admirable discrimination, he established his
headquarters in Smethport, while his messengers on horseback
went from town to town and village to village, till from these
three counties three companies were recruited that were to
form the nucleus of the future Bucktail regiment.
At the Court House at Smethport, on the evening of the
i8th, at a meeting presided over by the Hon. B. D. Hamlin,
Colonel Kane was introduced and made an address in which
he reviewed the incidents of the last few days, read the procla-
mation of President Lincoln calling for volunteers, and an-
nounced that he had been commissioned by Governor Curtin
to raise a force of one hundred volunteers. He stated his
belief that the organization of an effective force was the best
preventative of war, and his hopes that the rallying of the
people might result in the resumption of harmony without the
shedding of fraternal blood. Suitable resolutions were passed,
looking towards the support of the projects of Colonel Kane,
and the latter resumed his work of organizing his company.
The days of recruiting were full of incident and interest.
The first man enlisted by Colonel Kane seems to have been
Hiram Woodruff, and as others followed the different com-
panies took shape.
The men from Elk County formed themselves into the
"Elk County Rifles." Kane had reached Benezett, in the
southern portion of the County, on April i8th. At that place
' This notice was printed at Olean, N. Y., and evidently before the
telegram from Secretary Slifer in regard to the Government furnishing
muskets reached Kane.
lo History of the Bucktails
the leading lumberman was Mr. Cobe Winslow, who, with the
assistance of his nephew, Thomas B. Winslow, and John A.
Wolfe, succeeded in gathering together, within twenty-four
hours after Colonel Kane's appearance 109 men and boys.
These men came from the lumber camps, chiefly in the vicinity
of Ridgway and St. Mary's, and were notified to assemble at
Benezett, which they did.
In Cameron County, John A. Eldred, assisted by C. H.
Sage and A. H. Boynton, with headquarters established at the
Emporium House, was laboring to collect a company, and
secured amongst his first recruits William B. Jenkins, Smith
E. Guthrie and George Fine. The company became known as
the "Cameron County Rifles," or "Wild Cats," and the citizens
of the vicinity, taking pride in the growing organization, did
what they could to assist in the work of recruiting, Mr. and
Miss Hitchcock being particularly prominent in securing and
presenting to the company some necessary donations.
The men from McKean County formed themselves into
the "McKean County Rifles." William T. Blanchard, who,
shortly before, while assisting in the promotion and construc-
tion of the Bradford and Pittsburg Railroad, had met Colonel
Kane, was in New York on the i8th of April. Aroused by the
firing upon Fort Sumter, he, in company with James Welch,
of Bradford, McKean County, immediately left for Bradford.
Arriving at Bradford on the evening of the 19th, upon leaving
the train, Blanchard found a crowd of persons assembled at
the station, amongst whom was James M. Blair, the Sheriff of
McKean County, who bore a letter addressed to him from
Colonel Kane, requesting the help of his co-operation, and ex-
pressing a wish that he sign his name at the head of the muster
roll of the company to be raised in McKean County. Blanch-
ard threw himself enthusiastically into the work, established
Genesis and Organization ii
his headquarters at Bradford, and collecting by the evening of
the 2ist, 34 men went with them to Smethport. At the latter
place he found that Frank Bell and Bruce B. Rice had collected
22 more men, and thus, when the two detachments were united,
McKean County had 67 men upon her roll.
Upon the arrival of the McKean County Rifles at Smeth-
port, Kane pressed Blanchard into service as his secretary, and
some days were occupied in the sending and receiving of
despatches. The men in the three companies were drawn from
sparsely settled districts, practically destitute of telegraphic
connections, and Kane could only get or keep in touch with
his various lieutenants by means of messengers on horseback.
While at Smethport the insignia by which the future regi-
ment came to be known was adopted. Opposite the Court
House, where Kane had his headquarters, was a butcher shop,
and one day James Landregan, who had enlisted in the McKean
County Rifles, noticed a deer's hide hanging outside. Crossing
the street, he pulled out his penknife, cut off the tail and stuck
it in his cap. Upon his return to headquarters, Kane noticed
his headgear, seized upon the idea suggested and instantly
announced that the force he was recruiting should be known
as "Bucktails." Without waiting a minute all who were around
headquarters rushed over to the butcher shop, knives were pro-
duced, the hide cut into strips resembling tails, and the strips
mounted in the caps of the men.
On the afternoon of the 22nd Kane administered the oath
required by the Government to those who had signed the mus-
ter roll. On the morning of the 23rd, breakfast was served at
the Bennett House at 6 a. m., after which the men were assem-
bled in the Court Room to receive their first military instruc-
tions from Kane. At 8 a. m. they were marched and filed
in the street fronting the Bennett House, where Kane proposed
12 History of the Bucktails
three cheers for the Hon. Byron D. Hamlin, President of the
first Union meeting held in McKean County since the attempt
to dissolve the Union, which were given with a will. Short
appropriate speeches were made by the Hon. Mr. Hamlin and
by the Hon. N. E. Eldred, of Wayne County, after which three
cheers were called for and given for the McKean County Rifles,
three for Colonel Kane and three for the Stars and Stripes
which hung in front of the hotel.
About 9 A. M. the command, "Forward, march," was given.
The march was a long one. The column headed across the
mountains to Cameron Station, in Cameron County, on the
Philadelphia and Erie Railroad, twenty-eight miles away.
Each man carried his own rifle, ammunition, and a coat and a
blanket, nor did the organization include a Quartermaster
to furnish wagons to carry extra baggage. At Cameron they
found the Cameron County Rifles drawn up, in true military
style, by Captain John A. Eldred, waiting to receive them.
The people of Cameron had also turned out to meet them;
torches were produced and the line came to a halt outside of
an hotel on the outskirts of the town. Colonel Kane, who had
secured and put on one of the naval coats, with brass buttons,
belongring to Dr. Elisha Kent Kane, now mounted an old dry
goods box and as the troops came to a standstill they presented
arms to him. Speeches were made, patriotic songs sung and
anvil cannons fired. Recruits were added to both companies,
while the townspeople saw to it that none went hungry.
On the morning of the 24th the march was resumed to the
Sinnamahoning Creek. Shortly before the creek was reached
the McKean County Rifles were presented with a flag, that had
been made by hand. Though not a silk one, it was cherished
as the first flag acquired by the future regiment. At the creek
the two companies were joined by the Elk County Rifles, who,
Gbnesis and Organization 13
in accordance with orders received by them, had proceeded to
that point, and also by a few men from Tioga County, who
had been recruited for the company of Alanson E. Niles, the
main body of which had already left for Harrisburg. The
three companies then marched to Sackett's Saw Mills, a short
distance above the junction of the Sinnamahoning and the West
Branch of the Susquehanna.
Here Colonel Kane had decided to purchase lumber and
make rafts on which the men could float down the river towards
Harrisburg. Each man contributed to the buying of the lum-
ber according to his resources, nor was the bill light, as the
lumber company did not permit patriotism to interfere, to any
great extent, with its business interests.
Four rafts were constructed of rough pine boards, 16 feet
long X 10 inches or 12 inches wide x Ji, inch thick. Each raft
was composed of six platforms, each about 16 feet square, made
of six layers of boards laid crosswise and fastened together with
withes, making the dimensions of each raft about 65 feet x 16
feet. On one of the rafts the thickness of one of the platforms
was increased to seven layers, and on this platform Colonel
Kane's horse, "Old Glencoe,'" was placed. At one end of each
of the rafts a large sweep or rudder was also constructed to
assist the steersman in guiding the raft.
The river below the Sinnamahoning Creek passes through
gorges and canyons, and is honeycombed with rapids, the cur-
rent at many places attaining a speed of ten miles an hour.
Boarding the rafts on the morning of the 27th, the three hun-
dred and fifteen men' started for the State capital. A short
' Also called by some of the men "Bob."
'At this late day it is extremely difficult to ascertain the exact
number of men on the four rafts, but the figure given cannot be far
from the actual number.
14 History of thb Bucktails
mast was erected on one of the rafts. To it was attached a
flag, and the top of the mast was surmounted by a buck-
tail. The swiftness of the current, and the rocks and rapids
of the river, made the journey a memorable one. Despite
the experience of the steersmen and their knowledge of rafts-
manship, time and time again the heavily loaded rafts grounded
on rocks, compelling the men to slip overboard into the cold
water and by sheer strength lift the rafts over the obstruc-
tions. Towards sunset, some four miles above Rattlesnake
Falls, in deep water, the four rafts were massed together and
the Bucktails, though soaked to the skin, thankful that they
had succeeded in shooting the rapids, celebrated the event by
singing with all their power the "Star Spangled Banner." At
Rattlesnake Falls a stop was made for the night, the people of
the place doing everything within their power to provide shel-
ter. The next morning the Bucktails were carried on the rail-
road to Lock Haven.
While Kane was thus proceeding towards Harrisburg,
Governor Curtin was experiencing difficulty in arranging for
the acceptance and organization of the various bodies of men
placed at his disposal. First he was called on by the Govern-
ment for sixteen regiments, then the State's quota was reduced
to fourteen. On April 26th Major-General Patterson called
on him for twenty-five additional regiments of infantry and one
of cavalry, but on the 30th Major Porter ordered that the mus-
tering in of troops in Pennsylvania be discontinued, as the
State's quota had been exceeded' and General Patterson's requi-
sition was countermanded. The Governor, who had already
called a session of the Legislature, realizing that though the
'By the 30th of April Governor Curtin had succeeded in having
twenty-four regiments mustered into the U. S. service exclusive of the
Scott Legion of Philadelphia.
Genesis and Organization 15
Government would not then accept the men offered, it would
shortly be in the most urgent need of them, sent a message to
the Legislature on April 30th, recommending the organization
of fifteen regiments of cavalry and infantry, exclusive of those
called into the service of the United States. Still corresponding
with the Government, the Governor, on May 2nd, again ad-
dressed the Legislature, urging it to authorize and provide for
the organization of the fifteen regiments recommended by him
in his message of April 30th. An act in accordance with his
views was drawn up, passed, and signed by him on May isth.
This act authorized the creation of a Reserve Volunteer Corps
to consist of thirteen regiments of infantry, one regiment of
cavalry and one regiment of light artillery, which should be
armed, equipped, clothed, disciplined, governed and officered in
the same manner as similar troops in the service of the United
States. The troops were to be enlisted in the service of the
State for a period not exceeding three years or the war, and
were to be liable to be mustered into the service of the United
States at such times as requisitions on the State might be made
by the President of the United States. To the various regi-
ments and companies composing the corps was given the power
to elect their own officers, to whom the Governor was to issue
commissions.
But the number of troops offered the Governor largely
exceeded the number he could accept, even with the passage
of his bill. Hence he was compelled to endeavor to stop the
influx of troops. Some attempt was made to stop Colonel
Kane and his Bucktails on their journey, but through the con-
nivance of General Jackman, of the militia, the message was
not delivered. The Hon. L. A. Mackey, of Lock Haven, also
interested himself in the matter of their acceptance, and when
transportation was refused by the authorities, he signed a check
i6 History of th^ Bucktaii^
for $480, the value of the desired transportation at Government
rates.*
On the 30th, Governor Curtin telegraphed :
"Harrisburg, April 30th.
" To Colonel Kane.
"We can only [accept] two companies of seventy-seven
"men each come via Northern Central Railroad to Harris-
" burg. Telegraph me what time you will leave that place
" that we may provide for you.
"A. G. CORTIN."
Wrangling ensued. The Bucktails were determined to
be accepted. They proceeded as far as Sunbury,' from which
place, after some days' delay, transportation for the entire body
of men was furnished in the shape of cattle cars. Elated with
overcoming the obstacles that had menaced them, they arrived
in Harrisburg on Sunday, May 4th. The Commander of the
Post at Camp Curtin ordered a band of music to meet them,
and with this band playing and the flag of the McKean County
Rifles flying, the Bucktails marched to the place assigned to
thiem.
At Harrisburg things were in a chaotic state. The mus-
tering in of troops had been stopped and the bill creating the
Reserve Corps had not been passed. Various bodies of troopS
were camped around Harrisburg, others had been stopped half
way between their homes and the capital, and still others re-
mained in the towns in which they were recruited.
On May 6th Kane was notified, by the Hon. Samuel M.
' When the matter was straightened out the State returned the
check.
'At this place the McKean County Rifles elected their officers.
The officers thus elected will be named when recording the regimental
organization.
Genesis and Organization 17
Lawrence, that arrangements had been made to muster in
his three companies as the Seventeenth regiment, but almost
immediately it was found that a Seventeenth regiment had been
mustered in at Philadelphia, rendering such action impossible.
Kane, who was determined to be in the service in some capac-
ity, succeeded in getting himself mustered in as a private on
May I2th, after which he resumed his efforts to obtain the
acceptance of his men.
When Governor Curtin signed the bill calling the Reserve
Corps into existence, he at the same time appointed George
Archibald McCair Major-General of it, and the latter speedily
brought order out of the turmoil. By the end of -May the
majority of the troops destined for the Reserve Corps had been
mustered into the State service. The grouping of the various
companies into regiments was next undertaken. By the early
part of June it had been decided that one of the thirteen regi-
ments of infantry of the Reserve Corps should be a rifle regi-
ment, and in this regiment the companies of expert marksmen
were anxious to enlist. Colonel Kane, as the organizer of
three companies of men from the wild-cat regions, was natu-
rally looked upon as the person around whom it was proper to
rally, and the following petition was presented to Major-Gen-
eral McCall :
' General McCall was a graduate of West Point. He was bom in
i8q2, graduated in 1822, served on Major-General Gaines' staff till 1836,
when he was promoted to Captain in the 4th U. S. Infantry. He served
against the Indians in Florida, and was recommended by General Worth
for the brevet of Major "for gallant conduct at Pelalicaha." He then
served under General Taylor in the Mexican War and received the
brevets of Major and Lieutenant-Colonel " for gallant and distinguished
"services in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma." In
1850 he was appointed Inspector General, U. S. A., with rank of Col-
onel, but owing to ill health resigned in 1853, and resided at West Ches-
ter till called upon by Governor Curtin.
3
i8 History op the Bucktails
"The undersigned, captains of companies now in Camp
"Curtin, present their respects to Major-General M'Call, con-
" gratulating the army of Pennsylvania upon being placed
" under such a commander. They beg not to be supposed
"desirous of interfering with Major-General M'Call's discre-
" tion in expressing a desire to have their companies united to
"form one regiment under the command of Colonel Thomas L.
"Kane. They are assured that their men are peculiarly qualified
"to serve efficiently in a regiment of rifles under Colonel Kane,
"being, with few exceptions, men of extremely hardy habits,
" and trained from boyhood to the use of arm^.
"Captains Philip Hoixand,
"Juuus Sherwood,
" George B. Overton,
"John A. Eldred,
" William T. Blanchard,
"Hugh M'Donald,
" E. A. Irvin,
" Roy Stone,
"A. E. NiLES.'"
By June 12th the regiment was organized as follows:
COMPANY A. "Anderson Life Guards."
The Anderson Life Guards were recruited in Tioga
County, chiefly from Westfield, Knoxville, Deerfield, Osceola,
Elkland, Nelson, Farmington and Lawrenceville, the headquar-
ters being established at the latter place in Russling's Hall.
Though recruiting commenced shortly after the firing on Fort
Sumter, it did not close till May 28th. The men were for the
most part lumbermen and mountaineers. The most prominent
in the work were Philip Holland, who, with a Volunteer Fire
Company that he had organized, enlisted, John G. Harrower
' "Patriot and Union,*' Harrisburg, June 13, 1861.
Genesis and Organization 19
and Neri B. Kinsey. Though a small detachment left for Har-
risburg in April, the majority did not start till the 28th of May,
when in lumber wagons and carriages they left Elkland for
Lawrenceville. From the latter place they were carried by rail,
via Elmira and Williamsport, to Harrisburg, arriving at the
latter point at 2 a. m. on May 30th, 1861.
The following company officers were elected :
Captain Philip Holland'
First-Lieutenant John G. Harrower
Second-Lieutenant Neri B. Kinsey
COMPANY B. "Morgan Rifles."
The Morgan Rifles were recruited in Perry County. Head-
quarters were established partly at the Duncannon Iron Com-
pany's warehouse, and partly in front of the Topley Hotel,
almost simultaneously with the attack on Fort Sumter. Upon
the first day thirty names were secured, among them being
Langhorne Wister, William Allison, Thomas Belton, John H.
Mutzabaugh and John W. Mutzabaugh. The citizens of the
'■ Philip Holland was born in Cloghjordan, Tipperary County, Ire-
land, on February 22, 1836. With his family he emigrated to the United
States while still a youth, and lived for a time in Elmira, N. Y., where
he was educated and where he organized a Volunteer Fire Company of
which he was elected Chief. At Elmira he also engaged in mercantile
business. Shortly before the war he removed to Lawrenceville, Pa., or-
ganizing another Volunteer Fire Company at that place, which enlisted
and became Company A, of the Bucktails, and of which he was elected
Captain. He commanded his company at Dranesville, Mechanicsville,
Gaines' Mill, and New Market Cross Roads. At Gaines' Mill he
elicited the most favorable comments from Major Stone for his skill
and bravery; at New Market Cross Roads, while bravely endeavoring
to rally the disordered troops he was killed.
Up to the time of his death he was a correspondent of the "Tioga
"County Agitator," his articles appearing over the signature of "Colonel
"Crockett." Since his death a "Phil Holland" Post, G. A. R., has been
established in his honor.
20 History of the Bucktaii^
vicinity, without exception, vied with each other in lending
their assistance, among the most active being W. W. Dickenson,
Major Joseph Dunbar and John Wister, while the women
donated haverlocks and haversacks. On May 27th, in the
presence of their townsmen, after hearing a sermon by the Rev.
Daniel Hartman in the Methodist Church, the men were put
upon railroad cars and carried to Harrisburg.
Their election for company officers resulted as follows :
Captain Langhome Wister"
First-Lieutenant John A. Culp
Second-Lieutenant Thomas Belton
'Langhorne Wister was born at "Belfield," near Germantown,
Philadelphia, September 20, 1834. He was educated at Germantown
Academy and shortly after completing his studies entered the employ of
the Duncannon Iron Company, Perry County, Pa. Upon the out-
break of the war, a company being formed at Duncannon, he accepted
its Captaincy, and with it entered the service at Harrisburg, as Company
B, of the Bucktails. He took an active part in the. early campaigns of
the regiment and was slightly wounded at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862,
but remained in the field. Upon the close of the Peninsular campaign he
in company with Major Roy Stone, returned to Pennsylvania on re-
cruiting service, the enrollment of an entire Bucktail brigade be-
ing contemplated. Owing to the scarcity of time, when two regiments
had been recruited, this idea was abandoned, Wister being elected Col-
onel of one, the isoth, and Stone the Colonel of the other, the 149th;
Colonel Wister's promotion bearing date September s, 1862. The isoth
took but slight part in tht Chancellorsville campaign, but at Gettysburg
with the other regiments of its brigade fought bravely and desperately.
Colonel Wister on July i, after the wounding of Colonel Stone, succeeded
to the command of the brigade. Later in the day he himself was
wounded in the face, but, though compelled to retire from the com-
mand, he remained upon the field, where his presence did much to ani-
mate the troops. After a short leave of absence, granted on account of
his wound, he returned and resumed command of the brigade, but
resigned February 22, 1864, and on March 13, 1865, was brevetted Briga-
dier-General, U. S. Vols., "for distinguished gallantry at the battle of
"Gettysburg, Pa. ; also for gallant conduct at the battles of Fredericks-
"burg and Chancellorsville, Va., and for meritorious services during
"the war."
Genesis and Organization 21
COMPANY C. "Cameron County Rifles."
The Cameron County Rifles formed one of the three regi-
ments recruited by Colonel Kane and came with him down the
Susquehanna to Lock Haven.
The election for company officers resulted as follows :
Captain John A. Eldrcd'
First-Lieutenant W. B. Jenkins
Second-Lieutenant Robert B. Warner
COMPANY D. "Raftsman Guards."
The Raftsman Guards were organized at Warren, Pa., on
April 28th, 1861, Roy Stone being one of the most energetic in
collecting the men who enlisted. Its members came from the
lumber districts and were similar in general character to those
recruited by Colonel Kane from Cameron, Elk and McKean
Counties ; hardy mountaineers, trained to the use of rifles since
their childhood. While waiting at Warren, endeavoring to
get the State to accept thern, the citizens contributed to their
sustenance, and Stone furnished lumber, out of which the men
constructed twelve boats, each capable of carrying ten men
Upon returning to civil life he engaged in the iron business at
Duncannon and Philadelphia, continuing in that occupation until his
death, which occurred March 19, 1891, at Philadelphia. He was never
married.
He was a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, Alli-
son Post, G. A. R., etc.
'John A. Eldred was born February, 1825, at Milford, Pike Co.,
Pa., at which place he was educated. Upon attaining manhood he fol-
lowed the lumberman's calling, but when, in 1861, upon the outbreak of
the war. Colonel Kane commenced recruiting a regiment from' the lum-
bermen in the northern part of the State, he, enlisted and was elected
Captain of Company C. Owing to rheumatism, which was too severe
to permit him to perform his duties, he was compelled to resign on
September 10, 1861. Subsequently to the war he resumed the occupa-
tion previously followed by him.
22 History of the Bucktails
with their equipments. At the same time the men were drilled
and supplied with uniforms (dark blue fatigue), but they car-
ried their own hunting rifles. Receiving a despatch from the
Governor, which assured the acceptance of the company. Stone
embarked his men on the boats prepared. Four days were
spent in rowing the one hundred and twenty-five miles down
the Allegheny River, and on May 23rd, the company arrived at
Pittsburg. As information had been received from the Gov-
ernor that but TJ men could be accepted, though the company
had been recruited up to the full strength of loi men, Stone
then communicated with Colonel Kane, expressing satisfaction
that the Raftsman Guards had been assigned to Kane's regi-
ment, but suggesting that he be permitted to bring his entire
company to Harrisburg, as should the Reserve Corps be mus-
tered into the national service the entire number would be re-
quired. On the 28th the company boarded the railroad cars,
arriving in Harrisburg the next morning, where, after obtain-
ing coffee and something to eat, the men marched to Camp
Curtin.
The election for company officers resulted as follows :
Captain Roy Stone'
First-Lieutenant Hugh W. McNeil
Second-Lieutenant John T. A. Jewett
' Roy Stone was born at Plattsburg, N. Y., October 16, 1836. He was
educated at Union College, but during his early manhood removed
to Warren, Pa., where he resided till the outbreak of the war, and
where, upon the outbreak of the war, in a manner similar to that pur-
sued by General Kane, he organized a company of hardy mountaineers
and lumbermen, known as the "Raftsman Guards," which became Com-
pany D, of the Bucktails. He had been elected Captain of the "Rafts-
"man Guards," but after their arrival in Harrisburg upon the organ-
ization of the regiment was elected its Major, and participated in
the western Virginia, Dranesville, and Peninsular campaigns. In the
latter, owing to the illness of Colonel McNeil, the command of the reg-
GENESIS AND Organization 23
COMPANY E. "Tioga Rifles."
The Tioga Rifles were recruited in Tioga County and were
composed chiefly of lumbermen and mountaineers. A circular
was issued by Alanson E. Niles and Nelson Whitney calling
for volunteers. This movement was heartily supported by
Judge R. T. White, Judge S. F. Wilson, Judge H. W. Williams,
A. P. Cone, Henry Sherwood and John F. Donolson. Head-
quarters were established in the Public Square, and a meeting
held in the Court House on April i6th. On the 17th the organ-
ization was completed, and on the i8th the men were mustered
into the State service. On the 22nd the company left for Har-
iment devolved upon him. He was slightly wounded at New Market
Cross Roads, and his courage and skill in handling his men earned for
him the warm commendation of his superior officers. Upon the close
of the Peninsular campaign, accompanied by Captain Wister, of Com-
pany B, he returned to Pennsylvania with the intention of recruiting
a brigade, to be composed of men similar in quality to the Bucktails.
Lack of time rendered it impossible to raise more than two regiments,
Major Stone being elected Colonel of the 149th and Captain Wister
Colonel of the 150th regiment. Colonel Stone was then assigned to the
command of the Second brigade. Third division. Fifth Army corps,
composed of the 143d, 149th, and isoth regiments. In August, 1862, he
married Miss Mary E. Marker. His brigade took part in the Chancel-
lorsville campaign, and later at Gettysburg achieved for itself an en-
viable record. At the latter battle Colonel Stone was severely wounded,
and on May 6, 1864, during the battle of the Wilderness, he sustained a
fall from his horse which reopened the wound. Unable to continue
active service, he was discharged by Special Order, January 27, 1865,
but not until on the preceding 7th of September he had been brevetted
Brigadier-General for "gallant service through the war, and especially
"at Gettysburg."
Subsequently to the war he was engaged in active pursuits along
the Allegheny, but when the Spanish-American War broke out, he served
as Brigadier-General of Volunteers under General Miles, taking an ac-
tive part in the occupation of Porto Rico. He was honorably discharged
December 31, i8g8.
For some years previous to his death, General Stone resided at
Morristown, N. J., at which place he died on August 6, 1905.
24 History op the Bucktails
risburg, leaving such others as should desire to enlist after the
departure of the main body to join the companies recruited by
Galonel Kane on the West Branch of the Susquehanna.
The election for company officers resulted as follows :
Captain Alanson E. Niles'
First-Lieutenant Lucius Truman
Second-Lieutenant Samuel A. Mack
COMPANY F. "Irish Infantry."
The Irish Infantry was recruited in Mauch Chunk and
East Mauch Chunk, Carbon County, Pa., the latter place being
'Alanson E. Niles was bom on October 5, 1816, at Charleston
Township, near Wellsboro, Pa. Inheriting his father's farm, he en-
gaged in agriculture during his early manhood, marrying in 1842 Miss
Angeline Austin. In 1857 he removed to Wellsboro, where, with
Aaron G. Elliott, he engaged in mercantile business under the firm name
of Niles and Elliott.
Upon the outbreak of the war he was active in organizing a com-
pany, which afterwards became Company E, of the Bucktails, he being
elected Captain. He was wounded at Dranesville, his conspicuous brav-
ery being mentioned in the official dispatches. Acting as rear-guard on
the withdrawal from Mechanicsville to Gaines' Mill he was, with parts
of Companies D and E, surrounded, cut off and captured. After
forty-five days in Libby Prison he was released and rejoined his regi-
ment. On March I, 1863, he was promoted to Major, and on May 15,
1863, to Lieutenant-Colonel. At Gettysburg he was severely wounded
in the thigh during the charge of the Reserves down the front of
Little Round Top. His wounds incapacitating him for active cam-
paigning, he resigned and was assigned to a command in the Veteran
Reserve Corps at Washington with the rank of Colonel, and in this
position it fell to his duty to hold Mosb/s Rangers in check. He was
then sent to Point Lookout, a depot for prisoners, where he remained
until Lee's surrender. Returning to Washington, he had charge of that
city, on the day of the Grand Military Review. Commissioned a Cap-
tain in the regular army, he was next assigned to command of the bar-
racks at Plattsburg, N. Y., but being still troubled by his wounds, he
was retired in 1869, with rank and pay of Captain, residing in Wells-
boro till his death, which occurred on October 8, 1891, in the German
Hospital, Philadelphia, to which place he had gone to undergo a surgi-
cal operation.
GeNfisis AND Organization 25
known at that time as "The Kettle," a name given to it by the
miners who resorted there when disputes were to be settled by
fists. Mauch Chunk had previously supplied three companies
for the war — A, I and K, Sixth Pennsylvania, — ^but inspired by
patriotism, the citizens, led by the Hon. Asa Packer, Hon.
Robert Klotz, Hon. William Lilly, Captain E. H. Ranch, Leon-
ard Yeager and C. D. Culver, determined to raise two more
companies : one, a German company, to be called "Jagers," and
captained by Charles Bitterling, the other an Irish company,
to be called the "Irish Infantry," and captained by Dennis
McGee. Headquarters were established in the Court House,
and the work of recruiting commenced, the first four men to
enlist being Conrad Vogel, George Mcintosh, Aaron Wertz
and George Eickhoff. It becoming apparent that but one com-
pany could be accepted under the State's quota, a consolidation
of the two companies took place, and shortly after, in the early
part of May, the united companies left for Harrisburg via the
Lehigh Valley and Reading Railroads, bearing with them a flag
presented to them by the women of Mauch Chunk.
The company was rather disreputable looking upon their
arrival, camp life having played havoc with their originally
somewhat shabby clothes, but through the generosity of Cap-
tain E. H. Ranch, who clothed them at his own expense, they
were soon enabled to make a somewhat better appearance.
The election for company officers resulted as follows :
Captain Dennis McGee'
' Dennis McGee was born in 1833 in Ireland, and was educated at
a college in that country. After his removal to the United States he
was employed in some furnaces at Mauch Chunk, and also kept a store
in that city. When the "Irish Infantry" was organized in Mauch
Chunk, he having been elected Captain, .went with it to Harrisburg,
where it became Company F, of the Bucktails.
26 History op the Bucktails
First-Lieutenant Hugh Mulligan
Second-Lieutenant Charles Bitterling*
COMPANY G. "Elk County Rifles."
The Elk County Rifles formed one of the three companies
recruited by Colonel Kane which came down the Susquehanna.
On their arrival at Harrisburg their numerical strength was
small. Many had been rejected as being too young, and a few
failed to pass the requisite physical examination, so that on
May 30th, Captain Winslow was still fruitlessly endeavoring to
obtain the acceptance of his men as a body. Hugh McDonald,
a veteran of the Mexican War, with a small body of men raised
in Tioga County, which be had brought to Harrisburg, was
engaged in a similar effort. Winslow meeting him, arranged
for a consolidation of the two companies, which was shortly
after effected. When preparations were made for the election
of company officers, Winslow, though he had been previously
elected Captain of the Elk County Rifles, recognizing both his
own lack of military knowledge, and the value of the training
received by McDonald, requested that for the present he be
elected to no office. U later after he had learned in the school
of experience, the men should select him to fill any vacancy that
His discharge from the service was dated May 4, 1863. Subse-
quently he engaged in mercantile pursuits, resided in Hokendauqua,
and was active in politics. He died in 1878.
'While at Harrisburg a few recruits joined the company, among
them being William H. Rauch, afterwards known both in the r^-
ment and Regimental Association as the "Little Orderly." This soubri-
quet was given to him by Captain Dennis McGee. Sergeant Ranch's
stature was less than that demanded by the military authorities, but
desirous of enlisting he persuaded John Meyers, a man over six
feet tall, who had already passed the physical examination, to do so
once again in his name. Meyers, nothing loath, did so, and Captain
McGee when appointing Rauch First- Serge ant addressed him as "Little
"Orderly," a nickname speedily seized upon by the men in the regi-
ment.
Genesis and Organization 27
might occur in the list of officers, he felt that then he would be
able to accept without injustice to them.
The election, therefore, resulted as follows:
Captain Hugh McDonald'
First-Lieutenant Jesse B. Dean
Second-Lieutenant Andrew J. Sparks
COMPANY H. "Wayne Independent Rifles."
The Wayne Independent Rifles were recruited in Chester
County, headquarters being established at Kennett Square, in
the Borough Hall. Among the first to enlist were Charles
Frederick Taylor, H. W. Taylor, Joel J. Swayne, Robert Max-
well and John D. Yerkes, and these men received able assist-
ance from B. F. Wickersham, William Chalfont, Eber W.
Sharp, James White, Joshua Taylor, Enoch Dixon and Jesse
Eversham, citizens residing in the neighborhood. Meetings
were held in near-by places, such as Chatham, and by the 23rd
of April the organization had proceeded sufficiently to permit
the establishment of a camp and the inauguration of drilling.
On May iSth, amidst patriotic demonstrations at Kennett
Square, the company left for Harrisburg, proceeding by rail-
road to Philadelphia and from thence to Harrisburg, where it
arrived about 6.30 p. m.
The election for company officers resulted as follows :
Captain Charles Frederick Taylor"
First-Lieutenant Chandler Hall
Second-Lieutenant Evan P. Dixon
'Unfortunately, efforts to obtain reliable information in regard
to Captain McDonald's life have proven futile.
'Charles Frederick Taylor, a younger brother of the author, Bay-
ard Taylor, was born on February 6, 1840, at West Chester, Pa. He
received his primary education at the local schools at Kennett Square,
to which place his father removed in 1846. Though frail in health, he
28 History of the Bucktails
COMPANY I. "McKean County Rifles."
The McKean County Rifles formed one of the three com-
panies recruited by Colonel Kane, and came with him down the
Susquehanna.
entered the University of Michigan in 1855, somewhat against the judg-
ment of his elder brother, and made rapid progress in his studies. In
1856, however, he left the University to join his brother and two sisters
in a tour through Europe, hoping in this way to improve his health.
The party visited England, Prance, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy,
but while Bayard made his celebrated visit to Lapland and Sweden,
Charles Frederick with his sisters remained at Lake Geneva.
In the spring of 1857 he, with his sisters, went to Gotha, intending
to perfect himself in the German language. Returning to America,
physically stronger, and mentally broader, in the fall of 1857, he re-
turned to college; but owing to private reasons, was compelled to
abandon his collegiate ambitions to assume the direction of his father's
farm.
With the outbreak of the Rebellion, Taylor was seized with a de-
sire to do his part to suppress it. On April 20, 1861, he called a meet-
ing of the men in the neighborhood, in the Borough Hall, commencing
immediately the organization of a company. When this company be-
came Company H, of the Bucktails, Taylor, who had been elected Cap-
tain, went with it, participating in the battles of Dranesville and Har-
risonburg. Captured at the latter, while making an effort to rescue his
Colonel, he rejoined the regiment, and owing to Colonel McNeil hav-
ing been killed at Antietam, commanded it during the battle of Fred-
ericksburg, during which he was wounded. When he recovered, he
again rejoined the regiment, and on March i, 1863, was promoted to
the Colonelcy. At the battle of Gettysburg he led his regiment in the
charge of the Reserves which saved Little Round Top to the Union
Army, but was killed shortly after, while in the woods, beyond and to
the left of the stone wall, in front of the wheatfield. He was buried
at Longwood. His brother Bayard, writing from Gotha, upon receipt
of the news of his death, said "Nobody knows how dear Fred was
"to me: through him I knew what a brother's love meant. I had
"brighter hopes for him than for myself: he was better and nobler
"than I." The Charles Frederick Taylor Post, G. A. R., erected a marker
to commemorate the spot upon which he fell, but through lack of data
the location selected was erroneous. The Regimental Association of
the Bucktails, however, on October 6, 1905, unveiled and dedicated an-
other marker, properly and correctly inscribed upon the spot where
Colonel Taylor was actually killed.
Genbsis and Organization 29
The election for company officers resulted as follows :
Captain William T. Blanchard'
First-Lieutenant Frank J. Bell
Second-Lieutenant Bruce B. Rice
COMPANY K. "Raftsmen's Rangers."
The Raftsmen's Rangers were recruited in Curwensville,
Clearfield County, headquarters being established at an hotel
known as "Good Intent and People's Line." The men were for
the most part lumbermen, drawn from the mountainous dis-
tricts skilled in the use of the axe and the rifle. On April 18th,
Edward A. Irvin, who upon the firing upon Fort Sumter and
the issuance of President Lincoln's call for troops had returned
to Curwensville from a busiqess trip, opened, with the assistance
' William Thomas Blanchard was born March 26, 1838, at Palmer,
Hampden County, Mass. He attended the common schools and for a
time the High School of that town, also spending some three months
at an academy at Warren, Mass. Leaving school he entered the mer-
cantile house of a relative in Boston. In i860 he went to New York,
under the auspices of another relative, then promoting the Bradford
and Pittsburg Railroad in the northwestern part of Pennsylvania. The
outbreak of the war caused a cessation of the construction of the road,
and Blanchard, who had met Thomas L. Kane, who was engaged in
recruiting in the lumber districts and who desired his assistance, went
immediately to Bradford. When the men arrived in Harrisburg,
Blanchard, who had been elected Captain, became with his men, Com-
pany I, of the Bucktails, and took part in the campaigns in western
Virginia and the battle of Dranesville.
Captain Blanchard's Company I was one of the four companies of
the Bucktails, selected to form Kane's battalion, which was attached to
Bayard's "Flying Brigade" during the Valley campaign of June, 1862.
On June 6th, at Harrisonburg, Captain Blanchard was wounded in both
legs, and upon this account was compelled to resign on December I,
1862. He entered the Veteran Reserve Corps, being made Captain Sep^
teraber 6, 1863.
Subsequently to the war, Captain Blanchard was engaged in the
life-insurance and coke business, but suffered so severely from the
effects of his wounds, that, since 1S99, he has been hopelessly crippled,
residing at Newport, Campbell County, Ky.
30 History of the Bucktails
of W. Ross Hartshorne, James M. Welch and John P. Bard,
a recruiting station, where names were secured rapidly, among
the first of which were those of David C. Dale, John H. Norris
and Lewis Hoover. Securing the assistance of Daniel G. Blett,
a former commander of a company in Lewistown, Pa., drilling
was commenced and continued assiduously. On May 9th
elections for officers were held, and on the following morning
at 4 A. M. the company marched to the nearest railroad station,
at that time Tyrone, thirty-six miles away. Despite the early
hour of the company's departure, the people of the neighbor-
hood assembled and a considerable demonstration was made.
Before starting, the company was presented with a silk flag by
Mrs. Jane P. Irvin.' On the arrival of the men at Tyrone, it
was discovered that transportation would be furnished for only
100 men. As the company contained 123, it was necessary to
send back 23. In deciding upon those to be left behind, the
married men were selected first, and thus it came about that
there were in the company, when it boarded the cars, only
single men.
The election for company officers resulted as follows :
Captain Edward A. Irvin'
First-Lieutenant W. Ross Hartshorne
Second-Lieutenant James M. Welch
' This flag afterwards served as the regimental colors from Second
Bull Run to Fredericksburg.
'Edward A. Irvin was born in January, 1838, at Curwensville, Pa.
He convicted his education in 1857 4t Edge Hill School, Princeton,
after which he was associated with his father in the lumber business in
his native town. In 1861 he went into business for himself, but the
outbreak of the war caused him to abandon it.
On April 20th of that year, with his father's approbation, he com-
menced to recruit a company, which became Company K, of the Buck-
tails, Irvin being elected Captain. He took part in the battles fought
by his company and with it was captured at Mechanicsville, after hold-
Gbnbsis and Organization 31
It is worthy of record that the men who enlisted in the
companies recruited by Colonel Kane, and, indeed, almost
without exception, in the other companies as well, did so shortly
after President Lincoln issued his call for 75,000 men for three
months. They believed, and were told, that it was for three
months that they were enlisting, but upon their arrival at Har-
risburg they found that the quota allotted to the State under
the call for 75,000 men had been filled. They therefore, without
murmuring, consented to be mustered in as a regiment of the
Reserve Corps, which was a body subject to military duty for
three years.'
On the I2th of June an election for regimental officers was
held, which resulted as follows:
Colonel Thomas L. Kane'
Lieutenant-Colonel Charles J. Biddle
Major Roy Stone
ing out in the Chickahominy swamps for almost a week. After being
exchanged and rejoining his regiment he was wounded at South Moun-
tain, September 14, 1862, and again at Fredericksburg, December 13,
1862. He was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel September 10, 1862, but
owing to the severity of his wounds was never mustered. On May 1,
1863, being still totally unable to perform duty, he was discharged.
While absent from the army on account of wounds, Colonel Irvin, on
October 10, 1862, married Miss Emma Augusta Graham.
Upon the conclusion of the war as he slowly regained his health
he resumed his lumber operations. He also became prominent in real-
estate and financial circles in his section of the State, and in 1904 was
elected to the Senate of Pennsylvania.
He is a member of the Pennsylvania Commandery of the Military
Order of the Loyal Legion, President of the Curwensville Bank, and
has held the office of Treasurer of the Regimental Association of the
Bucktails since its organization.
' While awaiting muster at Harrisburg the first death occurred in
the Bucktail regiment, George W. Mattison being accidentally shot by
his tent-mate. His death occurring before the date of muster, his name
is of necessity omitted from the rolls.
'Thomas Leiper Kane was bom January 27, 1822, in Philadelphia.
32 History op the Bucktails
Colonel Kane accordingly received his commission dated
June I2th, but though he had been chosen by the various com-
panies to lead them, he was cognizant of the fact that he was
His paternal great-grandfather being General Robert Van Renssalaer
and his maternal grandfather Major Thomas X,eip€r Kane, he inherited
patriot blood from both lines of his ancestry. Liberally provided for
by his father, he completed his college education at seventeen, after
which he visited England and France. During a stay of some years
in Paris, he acquired great proficiency in the French language and con-
tributed articles to several of the French magazines. Inoculated with
the teaching's of Fourier, he declined to become the heir of a wealthy
kinsman, the offer being coupled with the conditions that he assume
the name of Morrison and become an English subject. After study-
ing law he was admitted to the Philadelphia bar, but rarely practiced.
He accepted the position of Clerk of the District Court under his
father, Judge Kane, and during his incumbency, introduced reforms
that incidentally reduced his own income $2500 a year. He was also
one of the United States Commissioners.
An abolitionist at heart, he corresponded with Greeley and Emer-
son, at the same time writing upon philanthropic subjects in the press
of the day. In 1848 he became chairman of the Free Soil State Central
Committee, and upon the passage of the Fugitive Slave Law, the duties
involved in the retention of the office of United States Commissioner
being in conflict with the dictates of his conscience, he resigned the lat-
ter office. His letter of resignation was construed by his father as
contempt of court, and he was committed. This action was overruled
by Judge Grier, of the Supreme Bench, and Kane was set free, becom-
ing an active co-operator of the " Underground Railroad."
After his return from Europe, he had visited the West in 1847.
He became interested in the Mormons, met Brigham Young, and se-
cured the confidence of the misguided sect. In 1858 after Young had
called upon his people to arm themselves to resist the entrance of
United States troops, and Governor Gumming had issued a proclama-
tion, declaring the Territory to be in a state of rebellion, Kane went
to Utah, entirely at his own expense, but armed with letters from
President Buchanan, and by his tact and skill prevented bloodshed.
He founded and laid out the town of Kane, Pennsylvania, laid
out routes for some of the railroads in that section -and found the
low summit over which the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad crosses the
Alleghenies. ,
He supported a Model Infant School, adapted from the French
Salles d'Asile; was working manager of the House of Refuge; and
director of the Sunbury and Erie Railroad.
Genesis and Organization 33
a civilian and lacking in military knowledge and experience.
Believing that the satisfaction of personal ambition should not
be allowed to interfere with the best interests of the regiment
as a whole, and yielding to a patriotic impulse, Colonel Kane
resigned his commission, accompanying his resignation with a
request that Lieutenant-Colonel Biddle, who had received a
military education and who had borne arms in the Mexican
In 1853 he married Elizabeth Dennistown Wood, since Doctor of
Medicine, who survives him. His brother, Elisha Kent Kane, became
known throughout the world on account of his achievements in Arctic
explorations.
On the outbreak of the war Kane organized the Bucktail regi-
ment, but upon being elected Colonel, resigned in favor of the Mexican
War veteran, Charles J. Biddle. While with the Bucktails he was
wounded at Dranesville, captured at Harrisonburg, and his name was
frequently mentioned in the official reports. Appointed Brigadier-Gen-
eral for gallant services, September 7, 1S62, he commanded the Second
brigade. Second division, Twelfth Army corps, at Chancellorsville
Contracting pneumonia, he was in the hospital at Baltimore just before
the battle of Gettysburg, but entrusted with a message from the War
Department to General Meade, that the Confederates were in posses-
sion of the Union cipher, he secured the services of a daring Kentuckian
to drive him to the field. Stopped once by Stuart's men, their Southern
accent enabled them to escape, and Kane, though still too weak to sit
on his horse, assumed command of his brigade upon the second day's
fight. On the third day's fight his brigade, repulsed the charge of
Jackson's old division under command of General Johnson. Worn out
by wounds and exposure, Kane was compelled to resign November 7,
1863, being brevetted Major-General for "gallant and meritorious ser-
"vices at Gettysburg." Upon the conclusion of the war he resided at
his home in McKean County, but spent two winters in Philadelphia
upon inheriting the old family house on Walnut Street, where he died
December 26, 1883, of lobar pneumonia.
He was the first president of the Board of State Charities, a mem-
ber of the American Philosophical, American Geographical and Penn-
sylvania Historical Societies, in addition to being a Free-Mason. He
was the author of "The Mormons" (Philadelphia, 1850); "Alaska"
(1868) ; and "Coahuila" (1877).
Since his death there have been established, in his honor, the "Gen-
"eral Kane Post, No. 292," of Mount Union, Pa., the "Thomas L. Kane
"Post," of Washington Territory, the "Sons of Veterans, Thomas L.
"Kane Post," of Titusville, Pa., and the "U. V. L. Encampment, No. 6."
4
34 History of the Bucktails
War, be commissioned in his place.' A second election was
held and the men, acceding to his strongly expressed wishes,
cast their votes in such a way that the tellers declared Charles
J. Biddle' to have been elected Colonel and Kane Lieutenant-
Colonel.
'"Sir: I this day resign the post of Colonel of the 'Rifle Regi-
"'ment of the Reserve Volunteer Corps of Pennsylvania,' respect-
"fuUy presenting for appointment by you, to fill my place, Lieutenant-
"Colonel Charles J. Biddle, of Philadelphia, whose merits as an officer
''and a gentleman need no other advocacy on my part." ("History of
"Pennsylvania Volunteers," by Samuel P. Bates, Vol. I., p. 909.)
'Charles John Biddle was born on April 30, 1819, at Philadelphia,
Pa. After graduating at Princeton University in 1837, he studied law
and was admitted to the bar in 1840. He volunteered in the militia
for the suppression of the native American and Catholic riots in 1844.
Upon the outbreak of the Mexican War he recruited a company, of
which he was made Captain. This company was placed in a new
regiment ordered for the regular army, having for its Lieutenant-Col-
onel Joseph E. Johnson, who afterwards acquired a wide reputation in
the Confederate army. Captain Biddle took part in the actions of
Contreras, Churubusco, Molino del Rey, Chapultepec, and was present
also at the capture of the City of Mexico. In recognition of his
bravery at Chapultepec, when against General Scott's "wish and
"orders" he left a sick bed to take part in the action, he was brevetted
Major, "for gallant and meritorious conduct," while General Kearney
selected him as one of his aides-de-camp.
Upon the conclusion of the war, he resumed the practice of the
law, and in 1S53 married Miss Emma Mather. When the Rebellion
broke out he was appointed a member of the Committee of Safe^
and took an active part in the drilling of the troops. Upon the OT-
ganization of the Bucktail regiment, and Thomas L. Kane's declination
of the proffered Colonelcy, he was elected to that position, and to his
efforts were largely due the shaping and progress of the reg^iment In
October, 1861, he was elected a member of Congress, and though offered
a Brigadier-Generalship, decided that he could best serve his country
in its legislature. After the close of the war, Colonel Biddle became
one of the proprietors and editor-in-chief of the Philadelphia "Age,"
in which position he continued till his death, which occurred upon Sep-
tember 28, 1873. The bulk of his literary work was editorial, but his
essay "The Case of Major Andre," read in reply to Lord Mahon's attack
on Washington in his "History of England," drew most favorable com-
ments from the critical reviews. The essay was read before the Penn-
sylvania Historical Society and was subsequently printed.
Gbnesis and Organization 35
Wishing to put upon record their appreciation of the honor-
able and unselfish act of Colonel Kane, the Captains of the
several companies held a meeting, and passed the following
resolution :
"Resolved, That in accepting the resignation of our
"Colonel and accepting another officer in his place, which we
" do because he insists upon it — and calls on us to g^ve proof
"of our attachment and confidence in him by this sacrifice of
"feeling — we desire not to be forgotten Colonel Kane's self-
" devotion ; therefore be it
"Resolved, That we respectfully solicit Major General
"M'Call, if there is no rule in the service to prevent his doing
"so, to change the name of our regiment from the 'Rifle
" 'Regiment of the Pennsylvania Reserve' to that of the 'Kane
" 'Rifle Regiment of the Pennsylvania Reserve.'
"H. M'DoNAijj,
" John Ei^dred,
" E. A. Irvin,
"Roy Stone,
" PhIUP HoiiAND,
"Langhorn Wistbr,
" A. E. NiLES,
"Wiu^iAM T. Blanchard.'"
In compliance with this request a Special Order was issued
from Headquarters, No. 95, and approved, and made of record
by the War Department, changing the name as requested. Thus
'"History of Pennsylvania Volunteers;" by Samuel P. Bates, Vol.
I., p. 909-
36 History of the Bucktails
the official designation of the regiment became "The Kane Rifle
"Regiment of the Pennsylvania Reserve.'"
The regimental organization was shortly after completed
by the election of John T. A. Jewett, Second-Lieutenant of
Company D, as Adjutant, and the appointments of Dr. S. D.
Freeman' as Surgeon, the Rev. W. H. D. Hatton as Chaplain
and Henry D. Patton as Quartermaster.'
'The regiment was already known as the "First Rifles, Pennsyl-
"vania Reserves'"; "Forty-Second Pennsylvania Volunteers"; "Buck-
"tails"; and "Seventeenth Pennsylvania." When it first entered upon
active service it was occasionally referred to in the despatches as the
"Kane Rifles," but in a short time "Bucktails*' became the almost uni-
versal designation of the regiment and the one by which it was known
throughout the two armies, though both in the organization and cas-
ualty reports it appears as the "First Rifles" or "Thirteenth Pennsylva-
"nia Reserves."
* S. D. Freeman was bom in Potter County, Pa., on January 29,
1839. His father removed to. Shippen Township in 1832, at which
place Dr. Freeman attended the common schools. By hard study he
fitted himself to enter the office of Dr. Wisner, a practicing physician
of the borough, and a year later entered the Buffalo Medical University,
from which he graduated with high honors in 1856. He married Misi
Lacretia A. Reisdorph in 1855.
Upon the organization of the Bucktail regiment he was appointed
surgeon, but his efficiency attracting the attention of his superior offi-
cers, he was, in 1862, promoted to the position of Medical Director and
stationed at Baltimore, where he remained until the close of the war.
Subsequently he was appointed Medical Director of the North-
west Department, filling that position with headquarters at St Paul,
during Custer's campaign against the Indians. He was brevetted Lieu-
tenant-Colonel at the close of the war for meritorious services.
In 1876 he was correspondent for the Committee on Foreign Rela-
tions of the United States Senate, and visited Mexico with the com-
mittee during the complications which existed at about that time. He
established a Sanitarium at Smethport, known by his name, in which
he died on August 14, i8k)4-
•Quartermaster Patton was not officially made Quartermaster till
December. To be eligrible to the office a rank of ist-Lieutenant was
necessary; hence, in December, the latter position in Company F being
vacant, Patton was elected ist-Lieutenant and then commissioned Quar-
termaster.
Surgeon S. D. Freeman
Genesis and Organization 37
The election of Captain Roy Stone as Major created a
vacancy in Company D, and Hugh W. McNeil' was elected
Captain in his place, while John T. A. Jewett was promoted to
' Hugh Watson McNeil was bom on January 10, 1830, in Oswego,
N. Y., of Scotch parentage; his father being the Rev. Archibald Mc-
Neil, a Scotch Presbyterian minister. At eighteen he entered Yale Uni-
versity, and during his residence, which, owing to circumstances, was
abridged, stood high in his class. Resuming his studies at Delaware
College, he graduated with the degree of Master of Arts, winning in
addition to a recognition of his scholarship a reputation as an orator.
After his graduation he taught at the Union Academy for a year;
filled a position on the United States Coast Survey under Prof. Alexan-
der Bache for two years ; and then entered the United States Treasury
Department, where he remained for three years.
He was ambitious to enter the legal profession, and spent all his
leisure studying law under the preceptorship of William H. Seward,
then Senator. Though admitted to the bar in Washington City, his
health, which had been impaired by overwork, forced him to return to
New York, where he entered the law offices of Blatchford Seward. His
health still continuing poor, and pulmonary disease threatening him,
he removed to Warren, Pa., in 1858, hoping that such removal from
the vicinity of the sea would be beneficial. At this place he filled the
position of cashier of the Warren Bank, and rapidly became known and
respected by his fellow townsmen.
Upon the outbreak of the war, when Roy Stone commenced the
organization, in Warren, of the "Raftsman Guards," McNeil was
one of the first to enlist as a private; and upon, its completion was
elected Lieutenant. When the "Raftsman Guards" became Company
D, of the Bucktails, Stone, who had been previously elected Captain,
became Major of the regiment, and McNeil thus became Captain of his
company. At Dranesville, when for a short time Lieutenant-Colonel
Kane was in charge of the brigade, McNeil assumed command of the
regiment, and upon the resignation of Colonel Biddle was elected, on
January 22, 1862, to the Colonelcy. Stricken with typhoid fever, he was
unable to participate in the Peninsular campaign, but rejoined the six
companies that took part in the Seven Days' retreat, at Harrison's
Landing. These companies he commanded with marked skill at the
Second Bull Run. The entire regiment being united before the Mary-
land invasion, McNeil at South Mountain directed and encouraged his
men on to victory, but at Antietam, on September 16, 1862, while lead-
ing a charge, he was instantly killed. His body, escorted by a detach-
ment from the regiment under command of Lieutenant McNaughton,
was interred at Aubury, N. Y., with military honors.
38 History op thb Bucktails
First-Ueutenant* and D. G. McNaughton to Second-Lieu-
tenant.
With the organization completed the sacrifice of Colonel
Kane bore fruit. Colonel Biddlc was indefatigable in his
labors. Possessed of a remarkable ability to break in raw
troops and gifted with a rare power of instilling into them the
rudiments of military knowledge, he spared neither them nor
himself in his efforts to produce the results he desired.' The
calibre of the men in the regiment and their value to the Re-
serve Corps as a whole, was recognized; Major-General Mc-
Call himself taking great interest in their instruction.
The life in camp was by no means monotonous, nor the
duties assigned to the men performed without an effort. Guard
was mounted with the regularity that obtains in actual cam-
paigning and long and repeated drills taxed the regiment's
powers of endurance. The progress made was understood and
appreciated by the men themselves, but they fretted at detention
in a military training camp. They had enlisted to fight and
'The dates of the various appointments are confuted. The mut-
ter rolls show that Captain McNeil received his promotion June I, while
the election which made Stone Major did not occur till the 13th.
Moreover, they show that Jewett was promoted to Pirtt-Lieutenant on
June 12, but fail to show when he became Adjutant. Possibly, if not
probably, some elections were held in anticipation of confidently ex-
pected results of others.
'In Company D was a man by the name of Francis ('.may, a
Frenchman who had been soldiering in the Prench army for tome
eighteen years, and who had been wounded in South Africa. Known
throughout the regiment as " Prench Frank," he proved of great assist-
ance in instructing the men in the use of the sword and bayonet. Hit
dexterity was remarkable, nor, it is said, did he ever lose a contest
in which he engaged. He was appointed Drill Master, and though hit
instruction in the manual of arms was of great value in developing
the efficiency of the men, his broken English was occasionally the cause
of laughter. He was several times appointed Sergeant, but a too great
fondnesa for liquor prevented his further promotion and caused him
to be reduced to the ranks.
GunUsis and Organization 39
were anxious to engage in actual contest. Yet everything
wai uncertain. True, they had been mustered into the
State service with the other regiments of the Pennsylvania
Reserve Corps, but the Corps had neither been called for nor
accepted by the National Government. Difficulties to be over-
come before the Government could be brought to accept the
Reserves, upon the terms laid down by Governor Curtin in-
tended to insure their existence as a body and to prevent their
dissolution into isolated fragments, were plainly discernible,
and were the chief subjects of conversation when the men were
oflf duty.
But on the evening of June 21st the unexpected happened.
The men were ordered to hold themselves in readiness to march
at a moment's notice, and the usual evening's quiet gave way to
the bustle of preparation.
CAMPAIGNING IN THE STATE SERVICE.
The order to hold themselves in readiness to move, was
received with mingled surprise and delight by the Bucktails.
Throughout the length and breadth of the land, a growing
recognition of the seriousness of the task laid upon the Gov-
ernment, if it would preserve the Union intact, was everywhere
to be observed, and the men were anxious to do their part.
With the certainty of the severity of the coming contest,
came an increased knowledge of the theatre of future opera-
tions. Kentucky was attempting her role of neutrality; the
battle of Boonville, on June 17th, had secured Missouri to the
Northern cause; and all things pointed to Virginian soil, as
that doomed to sustain the fiercest struggle. Still, the Gov-
ernment failed to realize, even faintly, how desperate that
struggle was to be.
Though Virginia had thrown in her lot with the secession-
ists, the hardy mountaineers, in her western districts, remained
true to the affiliations of their forefathers. Already Colonel
Lew Wallace, with his Zouaves,' had entered Virginia and on
the nth of June defeated the Confederates at Romney ; General
Patterson was watching the enemy at Harper's Ferry; and
General McClellan was preparing to cross the State line, and
inaugurate the campaign, that was to save the Virginian loyal-
ists to the Union, by the creation of a new State, and to bear
him to the command of the army in the east.
'The nth Indiana.
41
42 History op the Bucktaii<s
[21 June 1861
Colonel Wallace remaining in the vicinity of Cumberland,
Md., where he was in danger of being overpowered, General
Scott asked Governor Curtin to forward two regiments to that
point to support him. The wisdom of the Pennsylvania Gov-
enor was becoming apparent. Pennsylvania's troops, shortly
before declined by the Government, were now urgently re-
quired. Though the men had not been sworn into the United
States service, not the slightest hesitancy was manifested.
The Buclctails and the Fifth Regiment were selected, sup-
ported by Battery A, First Pennsylvania Artillery; the entire
battalion being placed under command of the Bucktail Colonel,
— the veteran of the Mexican War — Charles J. Biddle. The
Fifth Regiment was under command of Colonel Seneca G.
Simmons, and Battery A, under Captain Charles T. Campbell.
The feeling of mutual friendliness and reliance, inaugurated
during this campaign, between the men of these three com-
mands, continued until the end of their terms of service.
Notified on the evening of the 21st, excitement ran wild, till
a few hours later, at sunrise on the 22d, the battalion was put
upon cars, opposite Camp Curtin.' The infantry regiments
had been furnished with arms, haversacks, blouses, caps, cart-
ridge boxes, knapsacks; but knew little how to manage such
baggage. About to commence hostilities, they regretted in-
tensely the inferiority of the weapons which they now received.
Most of the men, particularly those recruited by Lieutenant-
Colonel Kane and Major Stone, had brought their own rifles
to Harrisburg, but had been compelled to send them home. In
exchange for guns, the value of which had been tested in their
' No flag having been given to the regiment either by the State or
National Government, the flag that had been presented to Company E,
at Wellsboro, was used throughout the ensuing campaign as the regi-
mental colors of the Bucktails.
Campaigning in the Statb Sbrvicb 43
1861 June 23]
native forests, they now carried old-fashioned Harper's Ferry
muskets. These muzzle loading flint locks had been altered to
percussion ones; but the bore being deeper than the tube, or
nipple, formed quite a chamber behind it. The resultant kick
knocked half the men off their feet the first time they fired
them. Some genius discovered a simple remedy. Taking two
or three silver dimes, he rammed them down, effectually filling
the chamber and eliminating "back action." The usual load
was three buck-shot and one ball — "three cheers and a tiger,"
as the men expressed it.
Moving over the Huntingdon and Broad Top Railroad a
stop was made about noon at Huntingdon. The patriotic
citizens, rejoicing in signs of activity on the part of the Gov-
ernment, and at the protection which such activity afforded to
them, cheered the troop's and served refreshments to them.
Not only was an ample dinner provided, but sufficient remained
to enable the soldiers to fill their haversacks with dainties.
After dinner had been eaten, the troops again boarded the cars,
leaving them in the evening at Hopewell.
The experience of the men on the first day, cheered by the
people, fed by the women of the land, and carried on railroad
trains without effort on their part, gave them but a poor idea
of a soldier's life. At 2 a. m. the next day they were
awakened. After breakfasting the march began. The roads
were thick in dust and the day hot. Nor were the men used
to carrying their own guns, cartridge boxes, haversacks, etc.
Later, when campaigning had taught them the easiest way
of carrying their heavy accoutrements and of husbanding their
strength, the day's march of 23 miles would have been accom-
plished without much fatigue. But as yet they were green,
and even those from the lumber and wild-cat districts found
the task all that they could perform. At noon a stop was made
44 History op thb Bucktails
[33 June 1861
at Bloody Run, where the two regiments were again fed by
the appreciative townspeople. When it is remembered that
the brigade numbered about 1500 men, the effort requisite to
this deed of kindness becomes apparent. Night found the
regiments a short distance from Bedford. Here it was neces-
sary to establish the regiment's first "Field Hospital;" many
of the command being completely exhausted. The night proved
rainy, and this exposure to the rain, to those unaccustomed to
it, was far from beneficial. The camp was named "McCall,"
and two days were spent in it. Then, on the 26th, a march of
15 miles was made to Centerville; followed by one on the next
day of 8 miles, to within a quarter of a mile of the State line,
where they went into camp. Company F had been presented
with a flag by the loyal women of Mauch Chunk, upon their
organization as the "Irish Infantry." As the regiments neared
the line Lieutenant Bitterling seized the flag and, accompanied
by some members of the company, carried it across the border
and thrust its staff into the soil of Maryland. From the north
and south sides, the men discharged their muskets in salute.
Thus the colors of the Bucktail "Irish Infantry" were the first
of those of the Pennsylvania Reserves to pass the border of the
Keystone State. Though at first the men called their new
place, "Camp Mason and Dixey," they soon changed its appel-
lation to "Camp Misery and Despair." Its location made it
unsuitable for the purpose to which it was put. Situated be-
tween two hills, the ground was almost marshy. The sur-
rounding country was rough and hilly, and the water supply
inadequate. The few houses in the immediate vicinity were
of a poor type. Sickness was unwarrantably prevalent and
rations exceedingly scarce. Later the men would have rem-
edied the latter trouble themselves ; but at this time they were
Campaigning in the State Service 45
1861 July 7]
ignorant how to go about it, so that the Fourth of July was
celebrated by a fast — and three guns fired at noon.'
The real conditions of army life, first surrounded the men
at this time. Drills of some sort took place three times a day,
guard was religiously mounted, the camp policed and "sick-
"calls" responded to. Colonel Biddle labored unweariedly at
instilling the fundamentals of drill into his men. The first
regimental drill was held on the morning following the estab-
lishment of the camp upon a rough, stony hillside, and the
efforts made to execute movements but partially understood
were ludicrous. After that, company commanders devoted two
or three hours each day to drill, rapid improvement rewarding
their efforts.
Some members of Colonel Wallace's Zouaves visited the
camp in their picturesque costume of grey trousers, short grey
jackets and grey caps with red centerpieces. More fortunate
than the Bucktails, some of them were armed with Minnie
rifles.
By July 7th, Colonel Wallace having moved his camp to-
wards Romney, Va., the citizens of Cumberland, Md., deprived
of the protection which his proximity had afforded to them,
became nervous. A report was circulated that a body of rebel
cavalry was about to make a raid on the town, and a deputation
visited Colonel Biddle, begging him to advance with his bri-
gade, to protect both their lives and property. The distance
was not far, but the movement involved the actual performance
of the before tacitly accepted duty. Troops in the State ser-
vice, paid by the State, were, in aid of the National Govern-
ment, to enter the territory of a sister State. Colonel Biddle
was not a man to stand on technicalities if the needs of a
'"Done nothing to celebrate Independence — only three guns fired
"at noon — dullest 4th I ever saw." (Diary.)
46 History of the Bucktails
[7 July 1861
moment required that he ignore them. At 9 o'clock in the
evening the column was formed. Two hours later it entered
the endangered town.
The Bucktails were much disappointed at the air of quiet
that pervaded Cumberland, for the rumors that had been rife
had led them to expect that active hostilities would be prac-
tically simultaneous with the crossing of the border. Colonel
Biddle, however, perceiving that no immediate attack was to
be apprehended, camped his men in the woods outside the town,
the next morning moving the brigade to the camp formerly
occupied by Colonel Wallace's command. This camp was on an
elevated piece of ground, pleasantly situated, dry and healthy.
The Bucktails enjoyed the change, and also a shooting match
on the 9th for a prize of 50 cents.
Cumberland, Md., is situated on the border of Virginia;'
twenty miles southwest of Cumberland, and also on the State
border, is Piedmont ; and twenty miles southeast of Piedmont
is Romney. Thus a line from Cumberland to Piedmont and
from Piedmont to Romney may be said to represent two sides
of a square. If a line be drawn from Cumberland to Romney,
a triangle is formed which will include nearly all the territory
covered by the Bucktails during their present expedition. On
the line from Piedmont to Romney, about five or six miles from
the former, is a place called New Creek.'
Not being attacked by the enemy, Lieutenant-Colonel Kane
was desirous of seeking him out. With the acquiescence of
Colonel Biddle, he organized a body of scouts. This body of
men was composed of three commissioned officers ; Lieutenant-
Colonel Kane, Captain Irvin and First-Lieutenant Hartshome
'Virginia at that time; the section in which the Bucktails were
about to campaign became shortly after part of the State of West Vir-
ginia—the portion of old Virginia that remained loyal.
* New Creek, Va., in 1861 : Keyser, W. Va., to-day.
Campaigning in thb State Service 47
1861 July 13]
of Company K, and sixty men selected from the various com-
panies in the regiment. No sooner was the organization
effected than actual service commenced. On the morning of
the loth of July the "Kane Scouts" left camp, returned the
next day, but only to leave and return again. On the morning
of the 1 2th the scouts boarded the train, passed through the
Cumberland mining region, up over the Switchback, on through
the tunnel under the town of Frostburg, Md., and camped that
night by an old stone grist mill on a small stream, a few miles
from Piedmont.' It was raining very hard when the scouting
party arrived at the mill, and the darkness was intense. Each
of the scouts, supposing he was in the heart of the enemy's ter-
ritory was on the alert. Pickets were posted, but the thick
growth of bushes on each side of the creek made it difScult,
during the prevailing weather conditions, to find them after
they were posted. The commander of the scouts, kept the
Corporal of the Guard busy during the entire night looking
after the pickets.
In the morning Lieutenant-Colonel Kane divided his com-
mand into two parties," commanded respectively by himself and
Captain Irvin. Making an early start the scouts crossed the
Potomac river and entered Virginia at Piedmont, where the
Confederate cavalry, under Colonel McDonald, had been the
day before. Guards were stationed at the various approaches
of the town, while Lieutenant-Colonel Kane, with about forty
' Still, however, on the Maryland side of the Potomac.
' Inexperienced as they were, it is reported that one of these par-
ties marching along, perceived through the mist and foliage, what ap-
peared to be a rebel camp. A messenger was dispatched to the other
party, with a request that it converge, so that the two parties coming
together could assail the two flanks of the enemy and effect an easy
capture. Before the messenger could deliver the request the two roads
came together, and the supposed camp proved to be a white house and
several white-washed buildings.
48 History of the Bucktails
[13 July 1861
of his men, proceeded to reconnoiter the surrounding country.
He had not gone far before he became convinced that a force
of the enemy was encamped in the vicinity of New Creek, on
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Sergeant Kratzer, on a
horse, suddenly "pressed into service," was sent back to the
Sergeant at the Guard House, with an order commanding him
to advance with his men, at the double quick, towards New
Creek, taking cover if attacked, on the right. The Sergeant
obeyed orders, and with his men trotted along in the hot sun
for a mile or so, when coming across what he considered sus-
picious appearances, he sent out flankers on each side. Nothing
dangerous being discovered, the jog-trot was resumed, and the
Sergeant with his ten men, hot, dusty and perspiring, reported
to his Colonel.
Lieutenant-Colonel Kane had ordered that Sergeant
Kratzer remain in Piedmont with ten men ; so that he had but
fifty men, and Captain Irvin, with him. At New Creek was a
brick house, known as the Armstrong House, and of this he
took possession.
At this house a red-headed Presbyterian preacher was cap-
tured. Being an ardent secessionist, he was sworn by the
Lieutenant-Colonel to carry his compliments to Colonel McDon-
ald, with a message that though he had but fifty men, he would
be delighted to have him. Colonel McDonald, pay him a visit.
The preacher despatched, the command turned in for the night.
A youth, by the name of Kelly, whose home was in Cum-
berland, had accompanied the scouting party as guide. Shortly
after daybreak, the pickets reported the sound of horses can-
tering on a hard road. Then it was remembered that the guide
had stayed at the Station, and Captain Irvin was ordered to
take a squad of men, armed with rifles borrowed from Captain
Kelsey, of Cumberland, move across the lane, and fire into the
Campaigning in the State Service 49
1861 July 14]
flank of the advancing party. The measure was taken too late,
for the rebels coming upon the guide had cut his throat without
awakening him. The fire of Irvin's squad, however, attracted
the attention of the enemy's cavalry to it, and the men had
hardly time to reach the house, running as fast as they were
able. Inside Kane ordered his men to withhold their fire till
he gave the order. The house stood some 75 feet back of the
road or lane, and one of the men in Captain Irvin's squad,
failing to reach it, threw himself into some grass and bushes.
As the Confederates swept down the road, they commenced
firing two hundred yards away. For the first time the Buck-
tails were under fire, and for the first time heard the Con-
federates' yell. Lieutenant-Colonel Kane had tremendous diffi-
culty in restraining his men from firing. He knew, that could
he only inspire his raw command with confidence to wait till
he gave the order, the enemy would pay heavy toll for his im-
prudence in advancing against a brick house in such order.
But in many cases green soldiers under fire cannot be restrained
from answering. When the cavalry reached a point level with
the house, a private discharged his musket, and Lieutenant
Boughton, of the Third Virginia, who was in the advance,
dropped from the saddle. Hardly had the report of the solitary
gun rung out than the entire party fired. The cavalry wheeled
and retreated. With empty guns, the lust of battle upon them
for the first time, the Bucktails rushed from the house to the
pursuit. At the same time, the man who had taken refuge in
the grass, rose to his feet and discharged his rifle at the re-
treating mass.
As soon as he could gain control of his men, Kane ordered
them to bury the dead bodies of Lieutenant Boughton and
Privates Bosley and Miller, which the Confederates had left
behind them. Undoubtedly, though there was much to criti-
5
so History ot the Bucktails
[13 Jtdy i86j
cise in the conduct of his men, the victory was extremely bene-
ficial to them. Though they had fired before he gave the order,
thus discarding their opportunity to inflict the maximum of
damage on the foe; and though they had rushed from the
house with empty guns, deaf to his commands, to charge an
enemy armed with sabres and double-barrelled shot guns and
mounted on horses; yet they had been victorious and had
escaped without a single man being either killed or wounded.
When called upon to face the enemy again, they would do so
with the courage and coolness that is born of victory.
Of the enemy, several of those woimded died subsequently.
The attacking force must have been slightly over a htmdred,
and their loss in wounded about twenty.*
On the 13th, Colonel Biddle moved his brigade to the
vicinity of the bridge across the Potomac that had been burned
by the Confederates; and on the 14th, a detachment under
Captain A. J. Trout, of Company F, of the Fifth regiment,
consisting of Companies A and F, of the Fifth regiment, and
Company B, of the Bucktails, was ordered to occupy Piedmont.
This Captain Trout did, placing Captain Wister in a stone
house owned by a Mr. Hendrickson. The town was in a fer-
ment, and the arrival of Confederate troops was expected
momentarily. The Bucktails set to work to fortify the house.
They even secured a five-pound cannon, in some way, and
loaded it to the muzzle. Its discharge would have been some-
what disastrous to the defenders of the house, however, as it
was not properly fastened. Shortly after dark, on the evening
of the 15th, the picket station was attacked, but held its position
'See Kane's report to Colonel Biddle ("History of the Pennsyl-
"vania Reserve Corps"; by J. R. Sypher, p. 75-) The reports of the
skirmish do not seem to be in the series of reports published by the
Government; probably owing to the fact that the troops at this time
were still in the State service.
Campaigning in the State Service 51
1861 July 16]
obstinately. The enemy after losing five men retired, just as
some troops, destined for Rosecrans in Ohio, arrived in the
town.
On July i6th Colonel Biddle moved the entire brigade
across the Potomac to Piedmont. The bridge having been
destroyed, it was necessary to transport the baggage on the
men's backs, a task that proved exceedingly laborious. Still
by nightfall the operation was nearly completed, when a mes-
senger from Lieutenant-Colonel Kane arrived, reporting his
present position, which was somewhat an alarming one.
The Lieutenant-Colonel, ever seeking an opportunity to
fight, had, with his scouts, advanced to within a few miles of
Romney, fifteen or twenty miles from support.
Passing Ridgeville in the afternoon, the "Kane scouts,"
moving over the top of a small hill, had noticed a party of
horsemen ride out into the open plain beneath. A moment
later a series of white puffs of smoke, followed by sharp re-
ports and the whiz of the rifle balls, had caused their com-
mander to order them to fall in. The horsemen had not waited
for this movement to be completed, but disappeared. Flankers
having then thrown out the scouts had proceeded, while a mes-
senger was sent back reporting the situation to Colonel Biddle.
Halting near Romney, Kane had then taken possession of a
stone house, despite the vigorous protests of its owner, and
ordered his men to tear down a hewn log building, in its imme-
diate vicinity, and use the timber thus obtained for barricades.
The doors and windows being reinforced in this manner the
Lieutenant-Colonel had drawn from his saddle bags a small
United States flag, which was mounted over the house. A
salute was fired over it, and after three cheers had been given,
and pickets posted, the men had laid down to rest.
It was his duty to report his position to his commanding
52 History op the Bucktails
[July 1861
officer ; and he had done so. He had not retreated, however,
but proceeded farther towards Romney. He hoisted his flag
and waited for the attack which he expected at any moment.
As some of his pickets heard artillery moving, they did not
regard the situation in the same light as he did. They felt
that a stone house was ample protection against rifles, but the
introduction of artillery altered the case.
Colonel Biddle at Piedmont, upon the arrival of Kane's
messenger, put the brigade in motion, and before midnight,
arrived to find his Lieutenant-Colonel comfortably ensconced
in his improvised fort, while the scouts greeted his arrival with
three cheers for the "Colonel and his men." Though Captain
Campbell, of the artillery, wanted to try a few shots, Biddle
was obdurate and the entire brigade moved back to Piedmont.'
During their entire stay in this vicinity, daily scouting
parties were sent out from the various companies.
On the 15th Lieutenant-Colonel Fisher, of the Fifth, pro-
ceeded with Company C, of the Fifth regiment, and Companies
A and G, of the Bucktails, to New Creek. Companies C and
H, of the Bucktails were out on the 19th, and Company K on
the 14th. When not scouting or doing picket duty the men
were put through drills, and the combination of actual cam-
paigning and severe drill tasks developed the regiments with
extraordinary rapidity. The "Kane Scouts" had one other
rather curious experience. One night they arrived at a large
Virginia plantation, the proprietor of which had retired for the
night. No necessity existing for disturbing the planter, the
men made themselves comfortable. At day-break Kane sent
* Biddle's orders forbade him to attack Roitmey. The data for
the various incidents in this book have been culled and collated
from diaries, Captain Bard's "History of the Old Bucktails," and J. R.
Sypher's "History of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps."
Campaigning in the State Service 53
1861 July]
a Sergeant to waken the inhabitants of the house. The Ser-
geant knocked but received no response. "Kick," said Kane.
The Sergeant applied his heels but without avail. "Break it
"in," said Kane. The planter soon made his appearance, and
was informed by the Lieutenant-Colonel, that a more prompt
response in future would save him trouble, adding, "We have
"had the pleasure of camping on your premises over night, and
"merely called to say good morning — Good morning. Sir."
While at Piedmont, some members of the Fifth regi-
ment seized a printing ofifice, and on the i8th issued "The
"Pennsylvania Reserves." The printing office was that of A.
S. Trowbridge, editor of the "Piedmont Independent," who
had been driven from his home by the secessionists. It was
almost certainly the first, of the many papers issued during
the war, by printers and editors who had enlisted in the army.
A large shoe making establishment furnished employment
to many of Piedmont's citizens. Before the battalion left its
stock was considerably depleted, while it does not appear that
its bank account was greatly increased.
That as a whole the regiments were not beyond hope, is
proven by a naive remark. A grand ball was given at the
principal hotel, the occasion being made delightful by the
presence of the better of the ladies resident in the town. After
the affair had been in progress for some time, one of them was
heard to remark, "Really, the soldiers are not such a rough
"set of fellows after all."
The State authorities sent down a pay-master, and thus
the men obtained a little pocket money. They also received
blue pants and white flannel shirts.' The town was owned by
them.
The companies had been originally restricted to 79 men,
'"Mean color but I must not complain.'' (Diary.)
54 History of the Bucktails
[July 1861
now it had been decided to recruit them up to loi. So recruits
commenced to arrive.
Then came the report of the Union disaster of Bull Run.
The regiments were ordered back to Harrisburg. Camp was
broken on July 27th, and on July 31st the troops arrived at
Camp Curtin.' They returned by the same route that they
pursued a few weeks earlier, and at Huntingdon, were again
the recipients of a dinner from the enthusiastic citizens.
Having slept in the cars, they left the train, on the morning of
July 31st, and thus ended their first campaign.
'July 27, train to Cumberland — march to Centerville; July 38
to Bedford ; July 29 to Hopewell ; July 30, train to Harrisburg.
THE WINTER OF 1861.
I.
INTO THE NATIONAL SERVICE.
When Governor Curtin, in May, had approved the bill
inspired by himself in April, authorizing the organization of
Reserve Volunteer Corps, he had been determined that when
the Corps should be called upon to enter the National service
it should do so as a unit. When requested by General Scott
to send reinforcements to General Wallace at Cumberland, he
had done so within a few hours. Still he held before himself
the intention of forcing the Government, when accepting the
various regiments, to receive them as a corps under the com-
mand of General McCall. By June 25th he received letters
that indicated that the Government would accept the regi-
ments, but would not accept any officer ranking above Colonel.
Governor Curtin, determined to preserve the Corps' unity,
again urged the acceptance of General McCall. On July 13th
he was advised that the infantry regiments could be accepted,
with the regiment of cavalry; but not the artillery. At the
same time he was confidentially informed that McCall could
be appointed a Brigadier-General of Volunteers.
General McCall, becoming acquainted with the status of
the case, partriotically resigned the command of the Corps;
but at the same time declined the proffered Brigadier-General-
ship. Governor Curtin, inflexible and cool, again communi-
cated with the Government, urging in the strongest terms that
55
S6 History of the Bucktails
[13 July 1861
a Major-Generalship be given to General McCall, so that the
spirit of the Corps might be preserved, and that it might
enter the service as designed by him.
This letter was written on the 13th of July. The time
of the three months' troops, in the vicinity of Washington, was
nearly up, and an offensive movement by General McDowell,
who commanded them, would have to be made promptly, if
they were to do battle before being mustered out. In reality
there was no reason to suppose that these green troops could
end the contest; but action was necessary. Hence McDowell's
march towards Bull Run was commenced.
Then Governor Curtin again offered his Reserve Corps to
the Government. The seriousness of the situation confronting
them commenced to be realized by the authorities. Should the
short-term troops be victorious they would still shortly be
mustered out. Should they be defeated and mustered out after
such defeat, the case would be still worse. Moreover, in Penn-
sylvania there were fifteen regiments, equipped by the State,
ready for service, anxious to be accepted for a term of three
years, if the war did not end sooner, drilled by competent
officers and of selected physique. Such a body must of neces-
sity be worth securing, even at a sacrifice. On the 19th day of
July Governor Curtin received the following message :
"Washington, D. C, July 19, 1861.
"Governor Curtin :
"The Secretary of War desires me to communicate the
"following as his instructions: With the exceptions of the
"regiments of Colonel Biddle and Simmons, assemble at once
"all other regiments, given in your despatch of yesterday, at
"Harrisburg, where they will be immediately mustered into
"service. They will then immediately proceed to the seat of
"war as previously ordered. Their services being imperatively
Into th^ NationaIv Servics 57
1 86 1 July as]
"demanded there. If it is not done promptly these regiments
"will be prevented from taking part in the battle, and the
"responsibility will rest on yourself.
"L. Thomas, Adjutant-General.'"
The Governor realizing that he was accomplishing his end,
devoted his whole energy to moving the troops to the National
capital. Before he could do this, however, the Union troops
had been defeated at Bull Run. Then at last the Government
awoke. Ladies in Washington had driven out, on the 21st of
July, to see the new made soldiers of the Government over-
throw the despised Southern troops ; but with horror witnessed
their defenders come flying back, disordered and in confusion.
No more was the war to be regarded as a triumphal march, or
a battle as a spectacle. The conflict was to be to the bitter
end. Reinforcements were required immediately, if the vic-
torious enemy, whose flags waved within sight of the Capitol,
was to be prevented from seizing the seat of government.
Telegrams poured in on Curtin begging him to expedite the
movement of his troops. "To-morrow won't do for your regi-
"ments. We must have them to-night.'"
Colonel Biddle of the Bucktails, down at New Creek, W.
Va., hearing the reports, telegraphed :
"New Creek Bridge, Va., July 25, 1861.
"Governor Curtin :
"We trust. Governor, that you will have us ordered to
' "Andrew Gregg Curtin : his life and services," p. 270- The por-
tion of the biography dealing with the Pennsylvania Reserves consists
of little more than copies of cbrrespondence between the Governor and
the Government. Space forbids the insertion of much that is intensely
interesting.
' "Andrew Gregg Curtin : his life and services," p. 272.
58 History of the Bucktails
[25 July iS6t
"join General M'Call's division at Washington. The Ohio
"troops are near enough to amply protect this line.
"Chari^ J. BiDDLE, Colonel Commanding.'"
The regiments of the Reserve Corps were forwarded as
fast as possible, and upon their arrival at Washington and
Baltimore, owing to their magnificent appearance, were wel-
comed as saviours.
On August 1st, Governor Curtin received notice from
McCall that the entire Corps had been placed under his com-
mand. He had been appointed a Major-General, and Penn-
sylvania's "War Governor" had accomplished his design.
Under its own General, the Corps had been taken into the
service of the United States, intact.*
The exigencies of the situation made it advisable to send
two regiments to the assistance of General Banks in the vicinity
of Harper's Ferry, and on July 26th, General Scott telegraphed
to Colonel Biddle:
' "Andrew Gregg Curtin : his life and services,'' p. 274. By General
Orders, No. 2, by command of General Rosecrans, Colonel Biddle was
assigned to the command of the District of Cheat River. (O. R. I. II., p.
763.) Probably the knowledge of this order caused him to telegraph
Governor Curtin with such promptitude.
'With this exception: the military authorities decided that each
division of three brigades should have four batteries — three volunteer
and one U. S. Batteries A, B and G, of the artillery regiment, were
assigned to McCall's division under this rule, the others being ordered
to other commands. The cavalry regiment also was not regularly at-
tached to the division. Trouble was experienced in its organization,
and some of its companies were mustered into the National service
separately. Ultimately, in September, General McCall secured the ser-
vices of Captain George D. Bayard, of the regular army. Under his
energetic leadership, the regiment assumed shape, was organized, and
shortly after, with the First New Jersey, became celebrated through-
out the country as "Bayard's Flying Brigade." Sometimes it, or a por-
tion of it, operated with the Reserves, as at Dranesville; while in
1862, in the Shenandoah Valley, Kane's battalion of Bucktails was tem-
porarily attached to it.
Into the National Service 59
1861 August 6]
"Hasten with the two Pennsylvania regiments to join the
"force at Harper's Ferry." '
On July 28th, however, the Second Regiment was ordered
to Sandy Hook' to strengthen General Banks' force; so that
upon the arrival of the Bucktails and the Fifth regiment at
Harrisburg, while the Bucktails were ordered to Sandy Hook,
the Fifth regiment proceeded towards Washington.
Upon arriving at Harrisburg, Colonel Biddle ordered his
regiment into camp. Preferring a camp of his own to quarters
in Camp Curtin, he selected a site near the river. Efforts were
made to get the regiment into shape. Letters to be placed on
the men's caps were obtained, as were also blue overcoats, cot-
ton-flannel drawers and other necessary clothing. The ques-
tion of guns made serious trouble ; some of the men were anx-
ious to obtain Minnie rifles, but others knowing more about
the matter were determined not to accept such weapons. On
the 2nd, delegations from each of the companies met, and
appointed a committee, of three men from each company, to
interview the officers, and find out their intentions. They were
determined to enter the army as a rifle regiment, or remain out.
On the sth, one company was marched up to the arsenal to
receive guns. Upon seeing that they were Minnies, they de-
clined to take them, and returned to camp empty handed.
Their decision was expressed bluntly. They would not accept
such weapons; in fact they would leave the army first. The
details of the dispute are somewhat hazy ; but at all events, on
August 6th, they accepted Enfield and Springfield guns, some
receiving one kind and some the other. Both these makes
* O. R. I. LI. i., p. 427.
' Sandy Hook is on the north bank of the Potomac, nearly oppo-
site Harper's Ferry.
6o History of the Bucktaii<s
[6 August 1861
were muzzle loaders, and many were the disputes as time went
on, as to which carried the more accurately.
During the few days spent at Harrisburg, there was much
of interest to see. Camp Curtin was filled with new regiments,
and these raw recruits looked upon the Bucktails, who had
been fighting and scouting for six weeks, as veterans. By
request, one evening Colonel Biddle marched the Bucktails
down to the parade ground.
It having been aimounced the day before that they would
be put through dress parade, the camp was crowded with
visitors. The ground itself was smooth, hard and clean; the
men had taken great pains with their personal appearance ; and
their Colonel had confidence in their ability. As the companies
wheeled into line, the movement was executed with the ac-
curacy and precision of machinery ; and when the Colonel put
them through the manual of arms their execution was as near
perfect as possible. "Order — ^arms," he commanded. The blow
of the butts of the guns on the hard ground was so like the
report of a six-pounder, that the soldiers and citizens watching,
broke into cheers. Never at any future time did the regiment
acquit itself so well, and each man felt fully repaid for his
efforts when he noted the proud smiles upon the faces of
Colonel Biddle and Lieutenant-Colonel Kane.
On August the 8th, through Special Orders, No. 168, by
order of Major-General Banks, the Bucktails were assigned to
the First brigade. Colonel George H. Thomas, commanding.'
Accordingly at 10 a. m. on that date, tents were struck, by
noon the regiment had boarded the railroad cars, and next
morning was in Baltimore. Leaving the cars at 7 a. m. the
men were to march through the city to another railroad, which
ran to their destination. Colonel Biddle, anxious to avoid
'O. R. I. U. i., p. 442.
Into the Nationai, Servicb 6i
1861 August 9]
trouble, ordered his men to march with empty guns. Remem-
bering the experience of the Massachusetts troops, that had
been assaulted in Baltimore on April 19th, many secretly dis-
regarded the order and loaded their muskets. The precaution
proved unnecessary, the march being uneventful. Boarding the
railroad once more, before night they disembarked at Sandy
Hook.
At this point the Bucktails found the Second regiment.
This regiment had been having an unpleasant experience.
When it had arrived General Banks had inquired on whose
orders it had come. Ascertaining that it had come on its own
authority, he then declined to have anything to do with it,
though he assigned it camping ground. The men were shortly
brought under the influence of a report, that as they, as State
troops, had crossed the border line without being mustered into
the United States service, they were free. As is usual in such
cases the trouble was increased by officers who hoped to profit
■ by it. Rations were bad and quarters were worse. When an at-
tempt was made to muster the regiment into the United States
service, about a fourth refused to hold up their hands. The
next morning the attempt was repeated ; those who already had
been mustered by holding up their hands, being ordered to do
so again. It seemed, to these latter, harder to get in than out,
and a number declined. A third of the regiment was thus lost
and sent home in disgrace. Eleven officers were detailed to
conduct them, the order reading "this order is peremptory and
"must not be disobeyed." On arriving at Philadelphia, Gov-
ernor Curtin refused at first to receive the officers and then
showed them a telegram from General Banks' Assistant Adju-
tant-General, stating that they, as well as the men, had been
sent home, having refused to take the oath. They soon con-
vinced the Governor that the telegram was false; but on re-
62 History of the Bucktails
[9 August 1861
turning to camp they found that the men, who had been mus-
tered twice before they left, had been made to go through the
ceremony a third time; and further, that as after the third
muster the men had been informed that their absent officers
would not return, and that they, the men, would be transferred
to other companies, some companies, naturally disgusted, had
left almost in a body.'
The Bucktails had little to do while at Sandy Hook. Lieu-
tenant narrower, with a squad conducted some rebels to Fort
Henry on August the 14th; but with this exception nothing
seems to have occurred. Rations were "much as before, except-
"ing that bread was dispensed with."
On August 1 6th, orders were received to march. On the
17th, a rainy day, the regiment marched to within two miles of
Jefferson, a distance of about 13 miles. On the i8th, it covered
6 miles, reaching Point of Rocks ; on the 19th, passing Buckeys-
town, it arrived at the Monocacy river ; and on the 21st, camped
at Hyattstown. Upon this march, the regiment suffered
through the contemptible acts of secessionist sympathizers.
Disregarding the codes of civilized nations, wells were pois-
oned, and, in one case at least, a soldier asking for buttermilk
at the rear of a house, was given a glass in which deadly poison
had been put. At least three of the Bucktails died in a few
days from being poisoned, and numbers were made danger-
ously ill.'
At Hyattstown some recruits were received, and here the
' The experience of the Second regiment is quoted here for two
reasons: firstly, as a matter of justice; and secondly, as a possible
explanation as to why no attempt was made to muster the Bucktails.
(See "Our Campaigns,'' by Adjutant E. M. Woodward.)
'Entries in various diaries establish the actuality of these das-
tardly deeds : and also lead to the belief that other regiments had like
experiences.
Into thb National Service 63
1 86 1 September 19]
Nineteenth New York got into trouble. The men in, this regi-
ment had enlisted as they supposed for three months ; but the
Act of New York, of April i6, 1861, provided that the volun-
teers enlisted under it, should be liable to be turned over to the
United States Government "at all times." ' The men expected
to be mustered out on the 22nd, but the Government desired
their services for two years, and so requisitioned the State of
New York. Disappointed though they were, they would prob-
ably have acquiesced, had they been treated with less display
of force, or had the matter been fully explained to them. But
on the morning of the 22nd, the Bucktails were ordered out
with fixed bayonets, while Colonel Thomas' cavalry, disr
mounted, formed a parallel line with them. At the far end
of the line thus formed Perkin's Rhode Island battery was
unlimbered. Then the Nineteenth New York was marched,
unsuspectingly, into the lane and commanded to stack arms.
This done, they were told that the Government had need of
their services, and that those who were loyal would advance
and take their gims. Stung by the indignity of the circum-
stances 203 men refused. Colonel Thomas then ordered the
recusants under arrest. Shortly after, the Bucktails were
ordered to mount guard over them, the quarters in which they
were placed being described as an old "cow-pen." General
Banks treated the mutineers with extreme consideration. On
several occasions he addressd them himself, wisely but firmly.
The efforts of the officers and their Chaplain also had effect.
Ultimately all but 23 returned to their commands. Further
persuasion being useless, on September 17th, twenty-three
members of Company A, of the Bucktails, conducted the re-
cusants to Fortress Monroe, where they were sentenced to
" "At all times'' during two years.
64 History op the Bucktaiw
[39 August 1861
hard labor for two years. By Special Order of November 21,
1861, they were released upon consenting to serve in the Second
New York, in which regiment they made good reputations.'
On August 29th, the Bucktails marched to near Dames-
town. Colonel Thomas was detached from the brigade and
Colonel Biddle succeeded him in command. While at Dames-
town each company received two bugles. As this apportion-
ment resulted in more bugles than men with ability to blow
them, the result was far from pleasing.' The companies took
turns at guard duty; two being required to guard the camp
and one the Nineteenth New York mutineers.
By this time, too, the men were making advances both in
cookery and in obtaining food ; though their methods were still
crude. A mess-pan of green corn and potatoes was looked
upon as a delicacy. When the guards were forbidden to pass
any in, midnight parties stole out to dig potatoes and husk com.
"Beef was scarce, pork plenty, rice and beans as usual, with
"once in a while some pressed vegetables which were used to
"make soup with." Their "rations were half flour, half hard
'See "Cayuga in the Field"; by Henry and James Hall. It has
been charged, how correctly it is impossible to decide, that the trou-
ble was fanned by some of the lower officers, who intended, if the
men were mustered out, to have them re-enlisted in companies to be
formed by themselves, thus assuring to themselves higher commissions
than they then held. Adjutant Woodward, in his history of the Sec-
ond Reserves, remarks, 'In fact, they tried the same game on that
"had been so successfully played by the mutineers of our regiment,
"but they had the wrong man to deal with." ("Our Campaigns," by Ad-
jutant E. M. Woodward, p. 56.) Like the Second Reserves, the Nine-
teenth New York later proved itself to be of exceeding bravery.
* An earnest attempt made to secure the names of all the musicians
has proven futile. In the muster rolls those known certainly are given.
Some of the musicians seem to have paid less attention to their spe-
cial duties than to fighting. The band never had a Drum-Major. When
Colonel Kane drilled his battalion he had a special drill in which all
the commands were given by bugle calls.
Into the National, Service 6$
1861 September 25]
"crackers and in a while some Indian meal." The flour con-
stituted a difficulty. At first it was cooked by making a thick
dough by mixing it with water, and then frying it in grease.
This method answered "very well"; but the slap-jacks that
were attempted by the would-be-chefs were "as heavy as lead." '
If they were heavier than bread fried in grease, their weight
must have been great indeed. Later on an oven was built and
soda provided. One of the company volunteered to help and
expectations ran high. Then they "had some light bread, but
"it was sour, but this went some better than before."
On September 25th, the Bucktails and the Second regi-
ment broke camp, and marching 15 or 20 miles reached Tenal-
lytown, at which place the other regiments of the Pennsylvania
Reserve Corps were congregated, under the command of Ma-
jor-General McCall, as a division of the Army of the Potomac.
When he had established his command in pleasant camps,
General McCall had instructed his officers to use all possible
diligence in instructing their regiments in military matters.
The entire Corps proved remarkably apt, and it has been said
that it contained Sergeants fit to be Generals, and Privates
competent to command brigades. A provisional brigade organi-
zation had been made, the troops had passed in review before
President Lincoln and General McClellan; and had been pre-
sented with regimental flags by Governor Curtin, purchased
through money donated by the Pennsylvania Society of the
Cincinnati.' Then on September i6th, the brigade was regu-
'"Such messes it would have made our mothers smile could they
"but have seen us cooking." (Diary.)
' Immediately after the defeat at Bull Run, General McClellan had
been ordered east to assume command and immediately devoted his
energies to reorganizing the demoralized troops and assimilating the new
regiments that arrived daily.
"This flag presentation occurred on September 10, 1861, while the
6
66 History of the Bucktails
[25 September 1861
larly organized. The First brigade commanded by Brigadier-
General John F. Reynolds, consisted of the regiment of cavalry,
and the Fifth, First, Second and Eighth regiments; the Second
brigade, commanded by Brigadier-General George G. Meade,
consisted of the Bucktails, the Fourth, Third, Seventh and
Eleventh regiments ; the Third brigade, commanded by Colonel
McCalmont' of the Tenth, consisted of the Tenth, Sixth, Ninth
and Twelfth regiments.
Not long after the arrival of the Bucktails at Tenallytown,
they noticed that visitors to their camp were not as frequent
as to others; while the vendors of pies, apples, peanuts and
such like commodities rarely penetrated within its precincts.
It seems that the reputation of the regiment had preceded it,
and upon its arrival men of other regiments, intent on adding
to their food supply, committed their depredations under the
protection of a bucktail in their caps. It is too much to say
that no Bucktail ever violated the laws of property; but it is
certain that they were made to father many sins not their own.
Colonel Biddle prevailed upon Headquarter authorities to
issue an order prohibiting the wearing of bucktails, by men not
enrolled in his regiment, under penalty of arrest. Such was the
effect, that but little time elapsed before the regiment ceased
to be regarded as a band of Ishmaelites.
When the Bucktails came into camp on September the
25th, they were hard up, financially. The State had paid them
up to the time they had returned to Harrisburg after their cam-
BucktaiU and and regiment were at Damestown; these regiments
therefore received theirs subsequently. A spirited account of the cere-
monies at Tenallytown is to be found in Sypher's "History of the
"Pennsylvania Reserve Corps," p. 114, et seq.
' This appointment was to be in force only until the arrival of the
General who should be appointed.
Into the National Service 67
1 86 1 October 9]
paign in Maryland and Virginia.' When they left for Sandy
Hook it was supposed they were under the orders of the Gov-
ernment and that they would be mustered in promptly. But
though nearly two months had elapsed they had not been mus-
tered. When the pay-roll was made out, it was therefore
necessary to leave the column, "date of muster" blank. The
Adjutant-General, or the Paymaster, thereupon notified Colonel
Biddle, that his regiment was not in the service, but that he
would send a mustering officer immediately. Colonel Biddle
inquired if the muster would date from the time the regiment
entered the service of the United States, and was informed that
the muster would date from the date the muster was made —
that it was impossible to ante-date any muster. Colonel Biddle
promptly notified the authorities that if he and his regiment
were not then in the United States service, they never would
be. Further, that he would immediately march his regiment
back to Harrisburg, as at that place, at least, no question would
be raised as to his regiment having been mustered. The au-
thorities knew that the Bucktail Colonel was a man of his word,
and they also knew that the regiment had been actually per-
forming service under the orders of the National Government :
hence a compromise was effected. The pay-rolls were made
out "Mustered into service by order of the Secretary of War."
This was the only muster ever made of the Bucktails."
' In his message to the Legislature, January 8, 1862, Governor
Curtin stated that the expense of raising, clothing, maintaining, etc., the
Reserve Corps including "the expenses of the campaign of the two
"regiments and companies in Maryland and western Virginia, which
"were all defrayed by the State, has amounted to $855,44457." ("An-
"drew Gregg Curtin: his life and services," p. 236.)
"'One of the regiments, First Pennsylvania Rifles, were never
"mustered into the U. S. service, but have been held on their muster
"into the State service, which provided for their transfer to the United
"States." (From a communication regarding the discharge of the Re-
serve Corps sent to the War Department, by General Meade, dated
April 24, 1864. O. R. I. XXXIII., p. 92S-)
68 History of the Bucktails
[9 October 1861
On October 9th, the division was ordered to cross the
Potomac and enter the State of Virginia. To the Bucktails was
given the advance. The troops were ordered to carry two days'
cooked rations and sixty rounds of ammunition, quite a heavy
load for the majority of the regiments who had had no active
experience. By the night of the 10th camp was estabHshed at
Langley, on the southern bank of the Potwnac, some ten miles
northwest from Washington, while in honor of the loyal Gov-
ernor of the State, the men named it "Camp Pierpont."
The location of the new camp caused the division of Penn-
sylvania Reserves to become the right of the Army of the
Potomac, which by the end of October must have numbered
over 150,000 men. This force was concentrated in the vicinity
of Washington. On October i8th, having received informa-
tion, which later proved to be incorrect, that the Confederates
had abandoned the vicinity of Leesburg, General McClellan
ordered General McCall to make on the following morning a
reconnaissance to Dranesville. By the evening of the 19th, two
brigades laid at Difficult Creek, the third with the Bucktails,
sleeping at Dranesville itself.' The next day reconnaissances
were made in all directions. Companies A, G, H, I and K,
under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Kane, moved in the
direction of Hunter's Mills. Marching along the crest of a hill
the party sighted a squad of cavalry on another hill some ten
or twelve hundred yards away. The enemy passed behind the
shelter of some trees, but one of them, bolder than the rest,
stepped in front of the cover. The distance which separated
him from the Bucktails warranted his considering himself
safe. Yet Lieutenant-Colonel Kane looked around and calmly
ordered three men to pick him off. They dropped to their knees,
' See McCall's testimony, "Report of the Joint Conunittee on the
"Conduct of the War," Part II., p. 257, et seq.
Into the National Service 69
1861 October 28]
took aim and fired. Useless as the attempt to hit a man at such a
distance seemed, the volley was successful, the cavalryman
being shot through the back of his head, the ball coming out at
the eye/ Carrying his body with them, the Confederates made
off, after a sharp skirmish.'
At 8 A. M. on the 21st, General McCall was ordered by
General McClellan to return to camp, and did so. Had this
order not been issued, it is possible the massacre at Ball's Bluff,
later in the day, would have been averted.'
After the Bucktails had returned to Camp Pierpont the
weather commenced to get cold, a heavy frost occurring on the
35th. On the 28th, General McCall reviewed the troops, but
* By securing his cap dropped by those carrying away his body,
he was identified as Captain White, of the Sth Virginia cavalry. A
dispute arose as to which gun fired the successful bullet, but it seems
to be the general belief that it was an Enfield in the hands of
, of Company G. Later such feats of marksmanship became fre-
quent
'"I . . . met Lieutenant-Colonel Kane with a battalion of the
"Tigertail Rangers, who had a skirmish with a detachment of secession-
"ists at that place and routed them. . . . Colonel Kane afforded me every
"facility for the reconnaissance in his power." (Whipple's report, O. R.
1. v., p. 288.)
' See again McCall's testimony, "Report of the Joint Committee
"on the Conduct of the War," Part IL, p. 259, for particulars as to the
order. A little higher up the Potomac some Union troops, under Gen-
eral Stone, had been ordered to co-operate with McCall by making a
feint at crossing from the north to the south bank of the river. Be-
lieving the enemy not to be in force, and believing that McCall was in
supporting distance. Stone on the 21st ordered some of his troops
across. Having crossed, the troops advanced, but were pushed back to
the bluff. Stone then sent a force under Colonel Baker to their assist-
ance. The Confederates, knowing that McCall had withdrawn, im-
proved their opportunity. The battle degenerated into a massacre. The
Union troops having in default of a bridge been ferried over, were now
hurled back by an overwhelming force to the edge of the bluff, to b«
shot or drowned. Their loss was about 1000; while the Confederates
lost but iSS according to the official reports.
•JO History of the Bucktails
[28 October i86j
with this exception little happened of interest. Winter caps
and winter coats were received, also new cartridge boxes, etc. ;
then as rain and snow became more frequent, the men worked
at their winter quarters and erected fire-places.
Some time during this month, Brigadier-General Edward
O. C. Ord reported for duty to General McCall, and was as-
signed to the command of the Third brigade.
Colonel Biddle had been elected a member of Congress,
and felt it to be his duty to resign his military commission, in
order to take his seat untrammeled. A Brigadier-Generalship
was offered to him, but he declined it, believing that he could
best serve his country in its legislative body. Leaving the
Bucktails on November the 25th, his resignation was offidally
accepted on December 12th, 1861. There was a sugges-
tion made that the regiment should immediately elect Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Kane to the Colonelcy; but he, remembering
that he had once before resigned the position, felt that he would
prefer to let the men see how he administered the office before
seeking election. The vacancy therefore was not filled.
The vicious nature of the law that permitted the men in
the Reserve Corps to elect their own officers, was already com-
mencing to bear fruit in the creation of jealousies and the
formation of cliques. The Bucktails probably suffered less
than others, still they did not escape.
The principal promotions in the regiment to the middle
of December were as follows :
L. W. Gifford, Second-Lieutenant, of Company C,' was
'Leander Wallace Gifford was bom April 16, 1834, in Norwich,
McKean County, Pa. He was educated at the Smethport High School.
Upon attaining manhood he embarked in mercantile business, being
associated with N. S. Butler, Olean, N. Y. Upon the outbreak of the
war he became a member of Company C, and upon its organization
was elected Second-Lieutenant. Promoted to Captain in 1861 he par-
Into the National Service 71
1861 December iS]
promoted to Captain of Company C, to succeed Captain John
A. Eldred, who resigned ; and First-Sergeant Oscar D. Jenkins
was promoted to Second-Lieutenant.
W. R. Hartshorne/First-Lieutenant of Company K, was
transferred to the Signal Corps.' Chandler Hall, First-Lieu-
tenaqt of Company H, was promoted to Captain and Acting
Quartermaster, U. S. V. To fill the vacancy, John D. Yerkes,
Orderly-Sergeant, was elected First-Lieutenant. Second-Lieu-
tenant Evan P. Dixon, being thus passed over resigned from
the service and shortly after Joel Swayne was elected Second-
Lieutenant.'
ticipated in the Valley campaign, under Lieutenant-Colonel Kane, in
1862, being' wounded at Harrisonburg. The wound and exposure under-
mined his strength and he was compelled to resign November 17, 1862.
Subsequently to the war he resumed mercantile life at Emporium, Pa.
Then he became a partner in the firm of Hall & Kaul, at St. Mary's,
Pa. He was engaged in the drug business for a short time, but re-
moved to Washington, and under President Cleveland was appointed to
a position in the Solicitor's office of the Treasury. He afterwards be-
came a lieutenant of the watch of the Treasury, holding that position
till his death, which occurred on January 12, 1901. He was a Mason
of the 32d degree.
'This assignment took effect apparently early in the summer of
1861.
" The record of Captain Yerkes precludes the possibility of ques-
tioning his fitness. But the ability of the men to prevent officers rising
was well illustrated in his case.
THE WINTER OF 1861
II.
D R ANESVILLE.
General McClellan had risen at one leap to the command
of the army, after its defeat at Bull Run, through the prestige
of his successful campaign in western Virginia. This rapidity
of his rise deprived him of the opportunity of more active
service in minor commands. Yet he was without doubt abso-
lutely unequalled as an organizer. His ability in this respect
was phenomenal; his results were produced with remarkable
rapidity.
He knew that only well organized and drilled troops could
hope to succeed against those of the South, officered as they
were for the most part, by graduates of the United States Mili-
tary Academy. As the troops from the Northern States poured
into Washington they were, through his efforts, transformed
from recruits into soldiers. While a delay in resuming active
operations against the South, was not only desirable, but neces-
sary, an extended period of inactivity was little relished by the
North. The Confederate army not only remained in possession
of the Bull Run battle-field, in sight of Washington ; but con-
trolled the Potomac below the capital, thus crippling her com-
merce. McClellan, from his knowledge of the necessities
of an army, was desirous of obtaining an ideal equipment of
men and supplies before undertaking oflfensive movements.
Hence no operations were undertaken from July to December,
72
Dranesvihx 73
1861 December 19]
with the exception of that resulting in the disaster of Ball's
Bluff, which only served to fan the flame of desire, on the part
of the Government authorities, for action that would result in
effective retaliation. As winter came on the difficulties of such
operations increased. The soil and climate of Virginia are most
unfavorable to military movements. Without warning, storms
cause the rivers that flow across the State to rise with such
speed as to preclude their being crossed by armies, and at the
same time turn the roads into quagmires.
Notwithstanding this period of preparation, however, a
battle was fought before the year closed. On December 19th,
General McCall received reports, indicating that the enemy had
pushed a strong foraging party towards Dranesville. He im-
mediately ordered General Ord to move his brigade the next
morning in that direction, with the two- fold object of driving
away the enemy's pickets and of obtaining forage himself. To
strengthen Ord's brigade, the Bucktails, a force of cavalry, and
Captain Easton's Battery A, were ordered to accompany it.'
The Confederate foraging party, in search of hay, was
stronger than suspected. It was protected by four regiments
of infantry, aggregating 1,600 men, 150 cavalry, and a battery
of four pieces, all under the command of General J. E. B.
Stuart.'
No election having been held to fill the vacancy occasioned
by the resignation of Colonel Biddle, the command of the
Bucktails naturally devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Kane.
At this time he was lying ill in Washington. Fearful that some
active operation or forward movement would be made, while
he was absent, he had extorted promises from a friend and
his surgeon to advise him should marching orders be received.
' O. R. I. v., p. 480-481.
' Stuart's report, O. R. I. V., p. 490.
74 History of the Bucktails
[20 December i86x
Upon receiving notice of the projected reconnaissance through
these sources, he insisted on being moved. Wrapped in blan-
kets, he was carried to an ambulance and thus taken to his tent.
The next morning, to the surprise of his regiment, he took his
place on horse-back at its head.
Starting at 5 a. m. General Ord moved his column along
the road towards Dranesville. Reports had led him to believe
that the force he was likely to meet was not very strong and
was destitute of artillery. Some confusion in the movements
of his own troops caused him to enter Dranesville, 12 miles
from his starting place, with only his cavalry and artillery,
supplemented by the Bucktail and Ninth regiments which were
thrown out as flankers.
Dranesville is situated on the Leesburg pike, which runs
southeast from Leesburg to Alexandria. The road from Camp
Pierpont, over which the regiments had moved, runs into the
Leesburg pike at a sharp angle, a short distance east of Dranes-
ville, and at a still shorter distance east of this junction a road
runs, at right angles from the pike, southwest to Centreville.
South of the Leesburg pike, on both sides of the Centreville
road, there is open ground; the clearing being double the
width on the eastern side of the road than it is on the western
side. In this wide clearing there is a brick house. Beyond the
clearing and fields, on each side, are heavy woods.
As General Ord was in Dranesville, he was therefore in a
position where the Centreville road entered the pike in his rear.
While waiting for the other regiments to arrive he placed the
artillery, cavalry, Ninth regiment and two companies of Buck-
tails in positions to defend the approaches of the town. The
remaining ten companies of Bucktails, under Lieutenant-Colo-
nel Kane were ordered to occupy the pike.*
' Ord's report, O. R. I. V., p. 478.
DRAN89VlI.I.e fS
iS6i December 2oj
Kane, who during the advance to Dranesville, had been
scouting, had already noticed the brick house,' before men-
tioned, and reaHzed that it would prove of great value, should
the enemy, advancing up the Centreville road, attack on both
sides of that road. His present duty, however, was to investi-
gate the woods, between the Leesburg pike and the Potomac
river. After some distance had been covered, the regiment ar-
rived at a farm-house, and here the L,ieutenant-Colonel captured
a man accused of shooting pickets. Forwarding the captive to
the proper authorities, the regiment commenced to retrace their
steps; but hardly had they done so, when an orderly from
General Ord, delivered a message to the Lieutenant-Colonel.
The latter raised himself in his stirrups and gave the command :
"Forward, Bucktails, there's fun ahead." The men broke into
a run, came down the road to within a hundred yards of the
enemy, filed right, and came into line. The line covered the
brick house, and Lieutenant Rice, with Company I, was ordered
to take possession of the building itself.
By this time the Confederates were moving to the attack.
Captain Niles, with Company E, of the Bucktails, and Captain
Smith, with Company A, of the Ninth regiment, having been
detached and thrown forward as skirmishers, first felt the as-
sault. They now, falling back slowly before the enemy, re-
gained touch with their respective regiments.' General Ord
'The house had been occupied by General McCall in October.
(Kane's report, O. R. I. V., p. 481.)
' See map drawn by H. H. Strickler, of Company A, Ninth Regi-
ment, O. R. Atlas, Vol. I, Plate XLI. The sketch accompanying report
of General Ord., O. R. Atlas, Vol. I, plate XIII., is inferior. The
official reports of the battle, printed in O. R. I. V., are not as clear as
might be desired; but an excellent account by Colonel A. P. Sharpe,
who was on General Ord's staff, was printed some time since in the
Philadelphia Weekly "Times," and reprinted in the "Carlisle Herald."
Numerous other reports are, of course, current.
76 History of the Bucktails
[20 December x86i
ordered his artillery into position, but in its endeavor to act
promptly, the battery ran past its station and upset one of its
guns. Thus the Confederate artillery opened fire about fifteen
minutes before Captain Easton could get his guns working.'
When the battery did open, it did so with magnificent effect;
its third shot hitting the opposing battery and compelling its
withdrawal.'
When the battle assumed form the Union line was formed
by the Bucktails on the left (east of the Centreville road), a
portion of the Sixth regiment in the center and the Ninth regi-
ment on the right (both the latter west of the Centreville road).
The battery was in the rear, fronting down the Centreville road,
but on the north side of the Leesburg pike which runs at right
angles to the Centreville road. The other regiments and the
cavalry were in reserve. The Confederates had made an at-
tempt to turn the Union left flank, leaving the cover of the
woods and charging forward in good form. But the Bucktails
had met the attack with such a vigorous and well directed fire
that the Confederates had retreated to the woods.' On the
right Colonel Jackson's Ninth regiment had maintained its
position bravely.*
General Ord having placed his cavalry safely on the left
flank ; and ordered Captain Easton to right the overturned gun
and place it with two others in an advantageous position, found
'Stuart's report, O. R. I. V., p. 491.
' Easton's report, O. R. I. V., p. 489.
'According to General Stuart's report (O. R. I. V., p. 491), this
attack was made principally by the loth Alabama and 6th Carolina, both
regiments losing heavily.-
'It suffered more than necessary, through the enemy gaining the
first fire. Understanding the Bucktails were close to them, and fear-
ful of firing on members of their own brigade, one of the men had chal-
lenged the Confederate troops with, "Are you the BuckUils?" The
answer, "Yes," was but the prelude to a murderous volley.
LiEUT.-CoL. Alanson E. Niles
DRANESVILfcB "JJ
1861 December 20]
that his artillery had practically silenced the enemy's, and
showed no signs of being discomposed by the fire directed
at it.
The other regiments assigned to positions in reserve, were
sheltering themselves in ditches and under fences, as best they
could. None of the brigade, with the exception of the Buck-
tails had previously been under fire; hence General Ord's de-
cision, which he now made, to push forward his infantry, in-
volved a test of their mettle. Their task, made easier by the
wonderful practice of Captain Easton's battery, was to cross
the fields, enter the woods and drive back the enemy.
General Ord personally superintended the charge, at the
head of which Kane placed himself with his Bucktails.' The
Ninth regiment, led by the intrepid Jackson, was no less eager
to prove its valor. The column swept forward. General
Ord doing his utmost to urge on the rear regiments. In the
front. Captain Niles of the Bucktails, his tall figure rendering
him dangerously conspicuous, charged forward, till a bullet,
piercing his lung, made him drop to the ground.
Lieutenant-Colonel Kane was struck in the face by a ball
that pierced his upper jaw. A moment's halt, just sufficient to
tie a bandage of some sort, and he again, despite the pain and
loss of blood, resumed his position at the lead of his men. In
the face of such determination, resistance was useless. Break-
ing in disorder the Confederates fled.
General Ord, having heard that General McCall had
arrived on the ground, had, after he saw that the brigade had
gained the woods, formerly occupied by the Confederates, gone
to the rear to report. General McCall had ordered up the
brigade of General Reynolds to support Ord's; but before
'"Kane, at the head of his regiment leading. His and Jackson's
"regiments required no urging." (Ord's report, O. R. I. V., p. 479.)
78 History of the Bucktaii^
[30 December 1861
it arrived the battle had been won. A pursuit of half a mile
was all that was permitted, after which General McCall ordered
General Ord to withdraw his brigade. The Bucktails, who
requested a few minutes' grace, were thus deprived of the cap-
ture of a gun abandoned by their opponents.
The moral effect of the victory, thus achieved by one
brigade of the division of Pennsylvania Reserves, cannot be
overestimated. It was the first victory gained by troops in the
Army of the Potomac, and coming after the disaster of Bull
Run and the massacre of Ball's Bluff, had an added signifi-
cance. Though the number of men engaged was not large, the
battle afforded proof, both of the ability of Northern officers,
and the valor of Northern troops. General Ord's force was
little, if any, superior in numbers to that of General Stuart's;
yet he inflicted more than three times the punishment he re-
ceived, his loss being 68, to Stuart's 194.'
In a dispatch to General McClellan, General McCall said :
"Ord's brigade, with the First Rifles, and Easton's battery,
"had a brisk affair with four regiments and a battery of the
"rebels at 12 m. to-day. . . . The Rifles behaved finely.
"Lieutenant-Colonel Kane very slightly wounded, but still in the
"field."'
In his official report. General Ord says :
"The wounded oflScers, Lieutenant-Colonel Kane and Cap-
"tain NileSj of the Kane Rifles . . . were conspicuous,
"leading their men when wounded.'"
Lieutenant-Colonel Kane in his official report, says :
"Of my own officers and the men I love I am too proud
"to say more than that they all, without an exception, did their
' Ord"s report, O. R. I. V., p. 489. Stuart's report, O. R. I. V., p.
494-
•O. R. I. v., p. 473-474-
'O. R. I. v., p. 480.
Dranesviu^ 79
1861 December 20]
"duty; but it is my place to mention the courage of Captain
"Ent during the brief period when you were good enough to
"place the Sixth under my command. I cannot consider it out of
"place, either, for me to bear my own testimony to the admir-
"able conduct of Captain Easton and the brave artillerists with
"him, who served the guns of Battery A, from the regiment of
"the gallant Charles T. Campbell.
"I enclose a copy of the report of Dr. S. D. Freeman, regi-
"mental surgeon, showing a list of 3 killed and 27 wounded.
"I trust the life of Captain Niles will be spared to his friends
"and his country. He led the flankers on the left yesterday,
"and though his tall figure made him a conspicuous mark for
"the enemy's rifles, he did not cease exposing himself to cheer
"on his men until he fell. This was but little before the enemy
"retired."'
The official casualty report shows the total loss of the
brigade in killed, wounded and missing to have been 68. The
Bucktail loss was :
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total.
Officers 2 . . 2
Men 3 24 . . 27
Total 3 26 — 29'
' O. R. I. v., p. 481-482. Unfortunately, the report of the service
performed is not as full as might be desired, Kane's modesty causing
him to say, "You saw the rest." The commendatory portion has been
quoted in full as an example of Kane's generous recognition of brav-
ery, whether in his own regiment or another's. His own wound remains
unmentioned. For the short time that Kane had virtual charge of the
brigade, Captain McNeil led the regiment.
'O. R. I. v., p. 489. Kane's report, 3 killed and 27 wounded,
was therefore incorrect by one. The mention by name, excepting in
the muster rolls, of men killed or wounded in battle, does not come
within the scope of this "History," unless some particularly conspicu-
ous act of bravery was the cause of such death or wound being received.
8o History of the Bucktaiw
[20 December 1861
the largest sustained by any regiment in the brigade. The
Sixth regiment lost 15, and the Ninth 22; thus the three regi-
ments that did the fighting before the charge lost 66 men.
The Tenth and Twelfth lost i between them, the battery escaped
miraculously with a loss of l, and the cavalry was unengaged.
When the enemy fled he did so in disorder. "The
"road was strewed with men and horses ; two caissons, one of
"them blown up; a limber; a gun-carriage wheel; a quantity
"of artillery ammunition, small-arms, and an immense quantity
"of heavy clothing, blankets, etc.'"
General McCall, in ordering the division to return to Camp
Pierpont, was hampered by the want of ambulances; being
compelled to leave many of his wounded prisoners in Dranes-
ville, where they could receive proper attention. With him he
took his forage — sixteen wagon loads of excellent hay and
twenty-two of corn.'
The troops arrived at their camp the same evening, thor-
oughly exhausted. In addition to doing battle they had marched
twenty-five miles, hence they hastened to turn in as rapidly
as possible.
So rejoiced were the Nation and the Government at the
victory, that on December 28th, Simon Cameron, the Secre-
tary of War, addressed a congratulatory letter to General
McCall, in which, after expressing his delight that it had been
given to Pennsylvania troops to inspire confidence in the ulti-
A list of all the men killed or wounded in any one battle would be
meaningless, both because of its size and because it is embodied in the
muster rolls. A partial list would be obviously unfair to those omit-
ted. Yet it is probably not out of place to mention here the death of
George Cook, of Company E, after whom the G. A. R., Post 315, of
Wellsboro, is named, he being the first man from Wellsboro County
to' die in battle.
' McCall's report, O. R. I. V., p. 475.
" McCall's report, O. R. I. V., p. 476.
DRANESVILI<.e 8l
1861 December 20]
mate triumph of the cause, he added : "Other portions of the
"Army will be stimulated by their brave deeds, and men will be
"proud to say that at Dranesville they served under McCall
"and Ord.'"
Governor Curtin, through General Russell, Aide-de-Camp,
also issued a congratulatory order, commencing "The gal-
"lantry of our troops at Dranesville demands a public acknowl-
"edgment." The Governor, in addition, personally visited the
camp, to insure everything being done, that was possible, to
help and relieve the wounded.
General McCall issued another congratulatory order, and
caused both the letters from Secretary Cameron and Governor
Curtin to be read to the different regiments. The colors of
the regiments engaged in the battle were taken to Washing-
ton and on each flag, "Dranesville, December 20, r86i," was
painted in golden letters.'
■O. R. I. v., p. 477.
' See "History of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps,'' by Justin R.
Sypher, p. 140-141.
THE WINTER OF 1861
III.
CAMP PIERPONT.
After a few days had elapsed and the men in the different
regiments had satisfied those who approached them in regard
to the battle, the camp settled down to the almost mechanical
execution of routine orders. The first Christmas Day in the
army, passed with hardly an occurrence to differentiate it from
ordinary days, thus accentuating in the minds of all, the lack
of sentiment that is the dominant factor of military life. Still,
possibly with a view of recognizing the day in some degree,
Governor Curtin reviewed the division.
The winter proved cold, and snow fell in such quantities
that it, or the mud that it caused, necessitated the postpone-
ment of drills on several occasions.
The question of a Colonel to succeed Colonel Biddle
assumed a serious aspect. Colonel Biddle had been remark-
ably proficient in drilling; in fact, to his untiring efforts, and
great knowledge of the subject, was due the extremely rapid
progress that the regiment had made. Lieutenant-Colonel
Kane, on the other hand, was somewhat deficient in this branch
of military knowledge. His temperament was such that the
mechanical side of it both impressed and became irksome to
him ; hence when putting the regiment through a drill, it not
infrequently happened that he made mistakes. The unfor-
tunateness of such a condition of affairs was increased by the
82
Camp Pierpont 83
1 86 1 December]
fact that the men themselves took much pride in drilling, and
that in each company more than one man could be found
capable of commanding a regiment, if not a brigade, during a
review.
The evil results of placing in the hands of the men, the
power of electing their own officers quickly became apparent.
Every man was cognizant of the fact that the Lieutenant-
Colonel had been the inspiration of the regiment; that he had
organized it, and given to it the insignia by which it was
known ; that he had displayed the most remarkable magna-
nimity in resigning the Colonelcy to Biddle in the first place,
and in not immediately pressing for an election upon the latter's
resignation ; that he had successfully led the regiment on several
occasions; and that he had attracted the favorable notice of
his superior officers. But, on the other hand, he was not
personally popular with the men in certain companies; his
mistakes in drilling irritated them, and his extreme daring,
considered by them as more than akin to sheer recklessness,
made them loth to place themselves irrevocably under his com-
mand.
In an attempt to ease the situation, a petition was drawn
up and presented to Colonel Biddle. In it, he was begged to
return and resume command. Receiving the petition at Wash-
ington, Colonel Biddle thanked the messenger for the honor
conferred upon him by the request, but stated that he could not
accept ; that it would not be fair to his constituents, nor, under
certain circumstances that then existed, did he wish to do so.
Before the messenger left Colonel Biddle remarked further,
that there was no necessity for his accepting the invitation,
there being several Captains in the regiment fully competent
to command it
Colonel Charles T. Campbell, of the regiment of artillery.
84 History of the Bucktails
[January i8fi2
had been mentioned prominently during the canvass. As ex-
plained, the government did not accept the Pennsylvania Re-
serve artillery regiment, as a regiment ; but assigned the various
companies composing it to different commands. As a result,
Colonel Campbell must inevitably soon lose his position. A
committee who waited on him, requesting him to run against
Lieutenant-Colonel Kane, received an affirmative reply; but a
report that he drank intemperately was circulated, and his
name dropped.'
Captain Hugh McNeil, of Company D, was the only other
candidate of prominence. On January 22, 1862, an election
was held. The intense bitterness that characterized it has
hardly totally disappeared to this day; and is added proof, if
any is needed, of the wisdom of the act of the military authori-
ties shortly afterwards, suspending promotions by election.
When the votes were counted it was found that Captain Mc-
Neil had received a majority of 223,' Companies C, G, H and
I giving the largest votes for Lieutenant-Colonel Kane.
The question was decided, rightly or wrongly, and almost
immediately a better feeling prevailed. If a portion of the
regiment was disappointed because Kane had failed to secure
election that portion in no way objected to McNeil. His per-
sonality was exceedingly attractive, his ability unquestioned,
and his devotion to the regiment apparent. Kane took his
defeat philosophically ; as soon as he fully recovered from the
wound he had received at Dranesville he devoted himself to
' The report, needless to say, was criminally exaggerated and came
with poor grace from a regiment not itself immaculate. Colonel
Campbell was shortly afterwards elected Colonel of the S7th Penn-
sylvania, became known as "Fighting Charlie Campbell," and won
his commission as Brigadier-General, which was dated November 39,
1862.
' Another record says 250.
Camp Pierpont 85
1862 March]
the compilation of his system of skinnish tactics, which in
cotijunction with his own exploits was to win for him a
Brigadier-General's commission before the next winter.
During the winter the men in Company D presented a
sword to the new Colonel, their late Captain. The presenta-
tion was made by Chaplain Hatton, who, having been informed
that it was customary to do so, prefaced the presentation by a
prayer.
While at Camp Pierpont, too, many of the men learned
to write. A large number, coming from the lumber districts,
had had but scant opportunities of acquiring school educations.
Their knowledge had been that which had been gained by them
in the school of nature, and that obtained by listening to their
parents and elders. Those able to write were therefore kept
busy, either instructing their less fortunate companions, or
writing letters for them to their relations.
The principal promotions, in addition to that of Captain
McNeil to the Colonelcy, were,
W. R. Hartshome,' First- Lieutenant, Company K, who
'William Ross Hartshome was bom in Curwensville, Pa., Jan-
uary 26, 1839, and educated at Tuscarora Academy. When Colonel
Irvin recruited a company upon the outbreak of the Civil War, Harts-
horne enlisted and was elected First-Lieutenant. This company upon
its arrival at Harrisburg became Company K, of the Bucktails, but
Lieutenant Hartshome was transferred from it to the Signal Corps, and
attached to the staff of General Banks. Returning to his regiment in
February, 1862, he was promoted to Adjutant, taking part in the
Peninsular campaign, Second Bull Run and South Mountain. He was
wounded at Mechanicsville. At Antietam subsequent to the fall of
Colonel McNeil he commanded the regiment. On May 22, 1863, he was
promoted to Major, and at Gettjrsburg, subsequent to the death of
Colonel Taylor, again commanded the regiment, which, under his or-
ders, attacked and held in check the sharpshooters located in Devil's
Den. The position of Colonel remaining vacant, Major Hartshome con-
tinued to command the regiment through the Wilderness, Spottsylvania,
North Anna and Bethesda Church campaigns, after which it was mus-
86 History of the Bucktails
[January 1862
had been assigned to the Sigfnal Corps, returned and was com-
missioned Adjutant.
Thomas B. Lewis, First-Sergeant, Company B, was pro-
moted to Second-Lieutenant.
John T. A. Jewett, Adjutant and First-Lieutenant, Ccwn-
pany D, was promoted to Captain, vice Hugh W. McNeil, pro-
moted.
Thomas B. Winslow, private. Company G, was promoted
to First-Lieutenant, and John A. Wolfe, Sergeant, Company
G, was promoted to Second-Lieutenant.'
As the weeks rolled by the Government authorities, in
tered out. Elected Colonel of the igoth, he commanded it at Cold Har-
bor. The 190th and 191st regiments were then formed into a brigade
and Colonel Hartshorne by priority assumed command. On the 19th of
August, 1864, he, with almost the entire brigade, was surrounded and
captured while on the skirmish line. He was confined in the Con-
federate prisons at Salisbury and Danville, and upon the capture of
the Confederate Colonel Morris and Major Steele in Kentucky, by the
Union authorities who adjudged them to be spies, was with Major
Horton, of the 58th Massachusetts, selected by the Confederates
for retaliatory purposes. The Union authorities were notified that
treatment similar to that accorded to the captured Confederates would
be meted out to Hartshorne and Horton (O. R. II. VIII., p. 57) who
were put into irons and were at one time notified of the date set for
their execution. The Federal authorities ultimately exchanged Colonel
Morris and thus, on February 2i, 1865, obtained the release of Colonel
Hartshorne. On March 13, 1865, Colonel Hartshorne was brevetted
Brigadier-General. He was mustered out with his regiment June 28,
1865.
Subsequently to the war General Hartshorne led a quiet life. He
was Superintendent of Public Grounds at Harrisburg and was a mem-
ber of Governor Hartranft's, Governor Hoyt's and Governor Pattison's
staffs. He resided chiefly in the Juniata Valley, a citizen of Academia,
dying of cancer of the intestines on June 12, 1905, at the Philadelphia
Oncologic Hospital.
During the war, on December 15, 1863, General Hartshorne mar-
ried Miss Alice Bresse, who, with three children, survives him.
'One or two of these promotions took place after leaving Camp
Pierpont, but for convenience are included here. The actual dates ap-
pear in the muster-rolls.
Camp Pierpont 87
1862 March]
view of the increasing army camped in the vicinity of Wash-
ington, urged upon General McClellan the desirability of
prompt action, but he, fully aware of the nature of the soil
upon which he must light his campaign, was determined to
initiate no offensive movement till the weather justified it.
In one sense he had but one course open to him. The
popular cry was, "On to Richmond." No operations with a
different objective could be seriously considered. But while
he recognized this, he did not wish to march directly from the
Federal to the Confederate capital. The distance between the
two cities is only about one hundred miles, but owing to the
rivers that cross the route and the woods and swamps that
abound, it is a route that is exceedingly difficult for an invad-
ing force and one that affords many opportunities for a
resisting army. He therefore desired to transport his army
by water to a new base — Urbana or Fortress Monroe — from
whence he could move on Richmond, and if favored by fortune
reduce it before the Confederates could unite their scattered
armies. Such a plan, however, involved the withdrawal of the
bulk of the army, from the position it then occupied between
Washington and the Confederate army, and this consideration
made the acceptance of his plans by the Government doubtful.
When General Grant, in the west, captured Forts Henry
and Donelson in the early part of February, a wave of enthusi-
asm swept over the country. More than ever it became desir-
able that some victory should emanate from the east; that
some advantage should be wrested from the forces in the
vicinity of Richmond. The situation was one that from the
nature of things could not last, and President Lincoln, appar-
ently against his own judgment, acquiesced in the plans of Gen-
eral McClellan. The movement by water against Richmond
thus became a certainty.
Gen. Roy Stone
THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN
I.
FROM WASHINGTON TO WHITE HOUSE.
General McClellan had been ordered by President Lincoln
to move against the enemy at Manassas, by the 22nd of Feb-
ruary; but the General had demurred to the suggested move-
ment, proffering his own plan of advance by water instead. On
March 8th President Lincoln, who had by that time agreed to
McClellan's plan, issued an order that, in view of the con-
templated removal of troops to the Chesapeake, was intended
to insure the protection of Washington. This order directed
the retention of a certain number of troops in the vicinity of
the capital. On the 9th, the Confederates, realizing something
of the proposed movements of the Union army, withdrew from
Manassas, but the first Union troops did not embark for the
Peniijsula till the 17th.
General McClellan, had assigned to General McDowell's
First corps, to which the division of the Pennsylvania Reserves
was attached, a prominent position in the ensuing campaign
against Richmond, but the President, considering the number
of troops assigned to defend Washington insufficient, detached
the entire corps from McClellan's army, before they could be
placed on transports.
The Bucktails, believing they were to take immediate part
in the planned aggressive movement, broke camp in good spirits
89
90 History of the Bucktaii^
[lo March 1862
on March loth, and after marching eighteen miles reached
Hunter's Mills.
As the various regiments of the corps advanced through
the enemy's territory, considerable foraging was done, the chief
sufferers being farmers who possessed milk and chickens.
Hence, when Hunter's Mills was reached, orders were issued
forbi(iding the men to leave the camp, a guard being stationed
to enforce the order. Some of the Bucktails were among those
who had not taken advantage of the opportunities presented
along the roadside. They were very hungry, and Virginia
poultry is said to be fat. At all events it so happened, that at
a point where a railroad embankment formed the boundary of
the camp, the Bucktails, by dint of gum blankets, improvised a
tent. The rear of the tent also happened to be in contact with
the embankment; so that after a tunnel throug^i the embank-
ment was made, it was a simple matter for those entering the
tent to leave camp without passes. Feasting prevailed. Un-
fortunately, however, an officer broke through near the edge
and the tent was ordered removed. On the 14th, the regiment
moved in the evening, some five miles, to Difficult Creek, Then
on the 15th, during heavy rain, and after dark, they were again
put in motion. The mud was terrible and rendered all efforts
at progress void. After floundering along for a time, they
were permitted to stop at Falls Church.' The next morning,
the regiment advanced to within one mile of Alexandria, only
to learn that instead of being the first of the troops sent to the
Peninsula, they were to be left behind.
Going into camp again the members of the regiment made
the best they could of existing conditions. Captain Niles, of
'"McCall was ordered to encamp where he was, beyond Falls
"Church, he having got into the mud." McDowell's Journal, O. R. I.
LI. i., p. 62.
From Washington to White House 91
1862 April 161
Company E, who had been wounded at Dranesville, had re-
turned, and on the 20th, "oil cloth shelters" made the men njore
comfortable. The weather commenced to moderate ; the grass
came up — and some of the men sent their overcoats home. On
February 2nd, the regiment's strength had been reported :
Mean strength, 889 men ; sick, 67 men ;' at this time its condition
was probably even still better.
The Department of the Rappahannock was constituted on
April 4th, under General McDowell; and the Permsylvania
Reserves were attached to this Department. This Department,
while covering Washington, was to advance, ultimately joining
McClellan before Richmond, when he should have worked up
the Peninsula to the vicinity of the Confederate capital.
On April 9th, orders were received to march to the Orange
and Alexandria Railroad. Boarding the cars, the men lay near
Bull Run all night, five inches of snow greeting their eyes in
the morning. Leaving the cars at Manassas at 10 a. m., camp
was pitched, the snow disappearing with wonderful rapidity.
While here, some of the Bucktails broke into the army
train, and discovered a box containing a dozen bottles of good
whiskey, addressed to the Medical Director of the division, and
intended for hospital use. Delighted with the success that
attended their first escapade, the culprits were emboldened to
renew their depredations; nor when the monotony and hard-
ships of a soldier's life are considered, can they be blamed.
They discovered a box, similar in appearance to the first,
and addressed in the same manner, though they were unable
on account of the darkness to read the labels on the bottles.
Hastily they drew the corks and took deep draughts. One of
them, noticing the extremely bitter taste, called out that it was
'O. R. I. v., p. 71S.
92 History of the Bucktails
[i6 April 1862
"no bitters at all," but either he was too late, or his companions
did not heed him. At all events, the stuflF proved to be a pre-
paration of laudanum, and two of the men died from the effects
of drinking it the next morning.'
The advance from Manassas was pursued irregularly, but
on April 28th, Falmouth, on the north side of the Rappahan-
nock, almost opposite Fredericksburg, was reached.'
The Bucktails had not been long in camp before Colonel
McNeil contracted typhoid fever and was removed to a hospital,
while Lieutenant-Colonel Kane succeeded to the command.
Food was comparatively plentiful, and those who had money,
bought hams, potatoes, crackers, pies, cheese, etc. from the
people in the vicinity.'
On May 23rd, President Lincoln, accompanied by other
important personages, visited the camps, and the regiment
passed in review before him.
Then it was decided that McDowell should, on May 26th,
advance his entire force and form junction with McClellan,
who, about that time, arrived at the Chickahominy. On the
evening of the 25th, Companies C, G, H and I were detached
from the regiment and ordered to act under Lieutenant-
' Captain Bard states that Martin Kelly was of the party, and
indeed was the one to warn the others of the dangerous nature of the
liquid. Kelly afterwards gave his life for the sake of his companions
at Harrisonburg. The two facts are worth mentioning in conjunction,
as illustrating that neither venial faults, nor adventures of this type, im-
pair the inherent manhood of men, or destroy the real nobility of their
characters.
'April 17, to Bristow Station; April 18, to Catlett's Station;
April 21, moved camp; April 26, to Elm Run— 6 miles; April 27, to
White Ridge ; April 28, to near Falmouth — 16 miles.
"Probably few bought along the lines of one man, who reports
"Mud turtle — good eating"; and slightly earlier "I had a mince pie
"made of dead kittens — ^hide, hair and all — 20 cts."
Prom Washington to Whitb House 93
1S62 June 8]
Colonel Kane, with Bayard's "Flying Brigade.'" The news
came like a thunderclap to the men, but the bustle of prepara-
tion kept everybody busy, and little time was available for
either discussion or regret. Tents were ordered down; then,
tents were ordered up. On the next day. General Reynolds,
having been appointed Military Governor of Fredericksburg,
the Bucktails,'' with the other regiments belonging to the First
brigade, then commanded by him," crossed the Rappahannock
and went into camp. At the same time the Confederate Gene-
ral, Stonewall Jackson, developed his campaign in the Shen-
andoah Valley.' The main body of McDowell's forces was then
ordered towards the Valley, the division of Pennsylvania Re-
serves, commanded by General McCall, being left at Fredericks-
burg, while the orders for an advance on Richmond were
countermanded. A few days later," the First brigade was
ordered to return to the north bank of the river. This retro-
grade movement was made necessary by the Rappahannock
rising rapidly and threatening to completely isolate any troops
on its southern bank.
By the early part of June, General McClellan called on the
Government so persistently for reinforcements, that the Gov-
ernment, without waiting for General McDowell, ordered
General McCall to embark his division of Pennsylvania Re-
serves for the Peninsula. The brigade organization had been
slightly altered; and General Seymour, formerly Captain of
the U. S. Battery attached to the division, had succeeded Gen-
'The career of these four companies is given in the next book
"Kane's Battalion."
' That is the six companies left, A, B, D, E, F and K.
'They had been transferred to the ist brigade after leaving Alex-
andria.
* See next book "Kane's Battalion."
•May 31.
94 History of the Bucktails
[8 June i86z
eral Ord, who had been promoted from the command of the
Third brigade to a Major-Generalship and the command of the
Second division of the Department of the Rappahannock. The
organization then was:
McCall's Division.
Brig. -Gen. George A. McCall.
First Brigade Second Brigade
Brig. -Gen. John F. Reynolds Brig.-Gen. George G. Meade
1st Penna. Reserves 3d Penna. Reserves
2d Penna. Reserves 4th Penna. Reserves
Sth Penna. Reserves 7th Penna. Reserves
8th Penna. Reserves i ith Penna. Reserves
13th Penna. Reserves
(Bucktails)
Third Brigade
Brig.-Gen. Truman Seymour
6th Penna. Reserves
9th Penna. Reserves
loth Penna. Reserves
1 2th Penna. Reserves
Artillery.
1st Penna. Reserves, Bat. A.
1st Penna. Reserves, Bat. B.
1st Penna. Reserves, Bat. G.
Sth United States, Bat. C.
Cavalry.
4th Pennsylvania.'
•O. R. I. XII. iii., p. 311.
From Washington to White House 95
1862 June 11]
Pursuant to orders, therefore, on June 8th, the Bucktails
marched some ten miles down the river to Belle Plains, embark-
ing at that place upon the following morning on the "South
"America." Moving down the river during the day, the steamer
lay to for the night about thirty miles from the bay ; resuming
the journey on the loth, she ran down the bay and up the York
and Pamunkey rivers to White House.
On the nth the Bucktails stepped off the boat onto the
Peninsula.
THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN.
II.
MECHANICSVILLE.
It was the lot of the Bucktails and the other regiments of
Pennsylvania Reserve Corps to take such an important pajt in
the Seven Days' battles on the Peninsula, that it is necessary to
explain briefly the condition of affairs existing at the time of
their arrival.
The Peninsula is formed by the York River on the north
and the James River on the south; the general direction of
both being from the northwest to the southeast. The Penin-
sula itself is from seven to fifteen miles wide, the country
being low, flat, wooded, and in some places marshy. It loses
its character as a peninsula fifty miles from its lower end, the
York River, its northern boundary, dividing at that point into
two very much smaller rivers; the northern branch being
called the Mattapony and the lower branch the Pamunkey.
The James River is much longer than the York, and upon its
northern bank, seventy-five miles from its mouth, is situated
the Confederate capital, Richmond, the objective of McClellan's
campaign.
McClellan's forces landed on the lower end of the Penin-
sula, and by the 2nd of April were moving towards Yorktown.
To take this town, McClellan made full and correct siege prep-
arations; but as soon as they were completed, the Confed-
erates, on May 4th, evacuated it. The opposing forces next
96
Mechanicsville 97
1862 Mayl
came into real contact, at Williamsburg, on the 4th and 5th, the
Confederates evacuating that place on the morning of the 6th.
The Union army pushed forward, retarded considerably how-
ever by the poor condition of the roads. StHl on the i6th of
May the advance reached White House on the Pamunkey
River. It will be remembered, that the Pamunkey is the more
southern of the two rivers which uniting at West Point form
the York River. McClellan was supplying his army via the
York River, and its continuation, the Pamunkey; and his
base of supplies was established from this time at White House
on the Pamunkey, from which place, the Richmond and York
River Railroad runs to Richmond, a distance of about eighteen
miles.
When it is recalled that Richmond is on the north bank
of the James, while White House is on the south bank of the
Pamunkey, and that between the two flows the Chickahominy,
at this point parallel to both, it will be apparent that to attack
Richmond, McClellan was compelled to straddle the latter, in
order to retain communications with his base.' The Chicka-
hominy itself is inconsiderable, but flows through a belt of
heavily timbered swamp. The tops of the trees in the swamp
reach to about the level of the highlands on each side; and
while at parts the stream follows a single channel, more fre-
quently it flows in several. When the stream rises, even but
a little, above its summer level, it overflows the entire swamp,
three-quarters of a mile to a mile and a quarter in width. The
formidableness of such an obstacle to military operations is
'He was compelled to choose the route via the York, instead of
via the James, as the Government retained McDowell near Washington,
but promised that at the right moment he should advance overland. As
a matter of history, McDowell never was permitted to come; but one
of his divisions, the Pennsylvania Reserves, was, as already stated, for-
warded by water, arriving June 11.
8
98 History of the Bucktails
[31 May 1862
apparent. McClellan immediately commenced the construction
of bridges and on May 31st, a battle was fought at Fair Oaks,
south of the Chickahominy and only a few miles east of Rich-
mond.
With this battle, the end of which saw the Union troops
in possession of the ground for which they contended, may be
said to end the aggressive movement of McClellan. He over-
estimated the strength of his opponents ; was uncertain where
Jackson was; and declined to move without reinforcements.
By the time that active operations were again resumed, Lee
had been, or was being, reinforced, while it would seem doubt-
ful if McCIellan's reinforcements more than equalized his losses
at Fair Oaks.'
Upon leaving the "South America" at White House, the
Bucktails went into camp. So fine was the appearance of the
division, that a contemporary commented upon their apparent
efficiency,' and two officers of the Peruvian army, who were
present, expressed astonishment at their military bearing.
On the I2th the division moved down the Richmond and
York River Railroad, past Dispatch Station, to within thirteen
miles of Richmond. Shortly after the regiments had gone into
camp the next day, a report reached General McCall that the
enemy was raiding the railroad in his rear. He immediately or-
dered General Reynolds to move with the First brigade to the
relief of the guard. Though night, there was a bright moon
' McClellan telegraphed Stanton June 25, "The rebel force is stated
"at two hundred thousand." (Report of Joint Committee on the Con-
"duct of the War," Part I., p. 338.) His morning report for June 20
shows his own strength 115,102 (Report of Joint Committee on the Con-
duct of the War, Part I., p. 337). Lieutenant-Colonel Allan gives the
Confederate strength as S3.ooo upon the evacuation of Yorktown, and
80,000 upon June 26. ("The Array of Northern Virginia in 1862";
p. 6S.)
'Dr. Mark's "Peninsula Campaign."
MECHANICSVItl^ 99
1862 June 19]
shining, and the First brigade with the six companies of the
Bucktails, commanded by Major Stone, thrown forward as
skirmishers, marched rapidly back up the railroad. Eight miles
were covered, and then at Tunstall's Station the troops came
upon a train of cars which had been set on fire. The enemy had
also torn up a portion of the track; but had themselves effec-
tually disappeared.^ The next .day, the Bucktails were engaged
scouting but without result. On the isth they were ordered
forward to Dispatch Station, where upon the i6th they were
paraded for General McClellan. Much disappointment was
felt when the Commanding General failed to appear ; and still
more when the experience was repeated on the 17th.
On the 18th the regiment marched to within three miles of
Mechanicsville, moving up to that place on the 19th. In this
position they formed the extreme right advance of the army.
McClellan apparently planned to attack Richmond by
throwing forward his left; but his base of supplies being at
White House, on the north side of the Chickahominy, while
the attack was to be made on the south, a sufHclent force would
have to be left on the north side to insure the safety of his
communications. This force was under General Porter and
consisted of the Fifth corps, to which McCall's division, as-
signed the position of honor, was temporarily attached.
An army astride of a river is always in a dangerous posi-
tion, and McClellan seems early to have realized, that should
he fail to take Richmond promptly, it might be advisable to
' At this time the Third brigade was disembarking at White House.
It had been delayed, but now effectually safeguarded the stores at
White House. The troops thus checkmated in their work of destruction
were those commanded by General Stuart, then making his celebrated
raid in the rear of McClellan. Stuart took back with him 165 prisoners,
360 horses and mules, and most important, the information desired by
Lee.
loo History of the Bucktails
[19 June 1862
change his base from White House on the Pamunkey, to a
point near Richmond on the James ; withdrawing at the same
time his entire army to the south side of the Chickahominy.
Mechanicsville on the north side of the Chickahominy is
nearly due north of Richmond and the front of the Union army
extended in a quarter circle to a point on the south side of the
Chickahominy nearly due east of Richmond. The Confeder-
ates held the south bank of the Chickahominy north of Rich-
mond, within the arc of the Union front; and McCall's divi-
sion, constituting as it did the extreme right of the army, faced
them from the north bank. A mile or so east of Mechanicsville,
Beaver Dam Creek, flowing south, at right angles with the
Chickahominy, empties into that river. If Lee should attempt
to cut the Union communications by falling on its right flank,
he would cross the Chickahominy at Mechanicsville or above,
and then move down parallel with the north bank of the river.
Hence, to prevent this, while watching the Chickahominy,
McCall at the same time constructed his main line of defense
along the east bank of Beaver Dam Creek, at right angles to
the Chickahominy, throwing out skirmishers towards Mechan-
icsville and beyond.
It being important to prevent any information reaching
the enemy as to the Federal strength or position, orders were
issued forbidding the men to fire guns. Drumming also came
under ban. By the 22nd the regiments were busily engaged
in digging rifle pits; but with the exception of some shelling
indulged in by the batteries, nothing of moment occurred till
the 26th.
Before McClellan delivered his attack, Lee, on the 25th,
knowing that Jackson was close at hand, decided to assume the
offensive. Selecting the Union right flank as the point of his
assault, General Hill was ordered to cross to the north bank of
Mechanicsvii,lE ioi
1862 June 26]
the Chickahominy, unite with Jackson, and push the Union
forces backward.
Early on the morning of the 26th, Jackson, who was at
Ashland, commenced his march towards the scene of action.
Near Alley's Station, Branch's division of Hill's corps, which
had crossed higher up the Chickahominy,' and was moving
so as to unite with Jackson, came into contact with the Eighth
Illinois cavalry, driving it back in the direction of the Meadow
Bridge, which spans the Chickahominy a mile or so west of
Mechanicsville.
General McCall, in anticipation of such an attack, had in
the morning ordered the six companies of the Bucktails and
the Fifth regiment to the latter point, and at i o'clock, upon
hearing that the Union cavalry were being forced back, he
ordered Major Stone to advance with three companies to its
support. Moving forward rapidly to a point where three roads
meet. Major Stone placed Captain Wister, with Company B,
at the junction, throwing forward Captain Jewett, with Com-
pany D, on the road leading towards Atley's Station, and
Captain Irvin, with Company K, on the road leading to Cren-
shaw's Bridge. The third road was in the rear and led towards
Meadow Bridge. Near this bridge were the remaining three
companies of the Bucktails and the Fifth regiment.
Hardly had Captain Jewett succeeded in deploying Com-
pany D, when the enemy's infantry appeared in his front in
force. He opened fire on them at short range, with such effect
that they halted in confusion. As they re-formed he poured in
a second volley.'
While Company D was thus engaging the enemy in their
front, the Confederate General, A. P. Hill, had crossed Field's
' At Brooke's turnpike.
• Stone's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 414-
102 History of the Bucktaii.s
[26 June 1862
division over the Chickahominy at Meadow Bridge, meeting
with no opposition,' as orders had been given to the Union
troops to fall back to the defensive position prepared on the east
bank of Beaver Dam Creek. With the withdrawal of the Fifth
regiment and three companies of Bucktails from the vicinity
of the Meadow Bridge,' and the crossing of it by the Confed-
erates, Companies B, D and K were cut off from the oUier
troops.
Captain Wister, at the junction of the roads, found him-
self suddenly hotly engaged by the enemy approaching from
Meadow Bridge; but remembering that Companies D and K
were in front of him, he determined to hang on to his position
as long as possible in order to give them an opportunity of
withdrawing. Lieutenant Patton, the Quartermaster of the
regiment, at this moment notified him that the enemy had
crossed in force, and though the steady fire of Company B
temporarily checked the rebel advance, owing to the strength-
ening of the attack, it was soon compelled to retreat. Unable
to do so by way of Mechanicsville, Captain Wister moved
northward, contesting every inch of ground as he went, till he
gained the line at Beaver Dam Creek.'
Major Stone, who upon hearing that the guard at Meadow
Bridge had been withdrawn, had ridden forward to the junc-
tion of the roads and assisted personally in the withdrawal of
Company B, now turned back to see if he could not save Com-
pany D, under Captain Jewett. Meeting the column, he
diverted its course to the north, and assisted by a small rear
'About 3 P. M. (See Field's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 841).
'Ordered back by Colonel Simmons in command of the grand
guard. (Stone's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 414).
' Stone's report, O. R. I. XL ii., p. 414.
MeCHANICSVILLE IO3
1862 June 26"!
guard of cavalry manned by making a long detour to bring it
also safely to its position.'
Captain Irvin, with Company K, who had advanced along
the road towards Crenshaw's Bridge, had also been notified by
Lieutenant Patton of the crossing of the Meadow Bridge by
the Confederates and advised to retire. Captain Irvin, how-
ever, finding that the Lieutenant frankly admitted that he was
the bearer of no official orders, but was acting on his own
initiative, decided that he could not retreat without official in-
structions. Major Stone hearing that Captain Irvin refused
to move without orders,' made an attempt to send such orders
to him, but it was too late." The opportunity to withdraw had
ceased to exist and the company was surrounded.
When Lieutenant Patton left. Captain Irvin sent a man
back to investigate. Hardly had he gotten out of sight before
the balls commenced to fly thick. Driven back, the messenger
reported that Lieutenant Patton had reported only too truly.
Captain Irvin immediately formed his men and moved towards
the rear. Here he struck a road running to the Meadow
Bridge, upon which the Confederates were drawn up in force,
and some of the company heard the officers instructing their
men to be careful upon whom they fired, as their own troops
were approaching down the river. Captain Irvin then made an
attempt to break through at the junction of the three roads;
but by this time, that position also was strongly held, and the
company retreated to the cover of the swamps. The sound of
firing continued; but as it became constantly more distant, it
indicated only too plainly that the Union troops were being
' Stone's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 414.
' Probably through Patton, who after vainly attempting to persuade
Irvin to retreat, while there was still a chance to escape, left him.
' Stone's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 414.
104 History op the Bucktahs
[26 June 1863
withdrawn towards Mechanicsville, and Beaver Dam Creek
beyond.
Lying in the swamps the men saw the Confederate troops
pass by. At times Captain Irvin or some of the officers would
reconnoiter, only to return impressed with the impossibility of
getting out of the trap at that time. Shortly after the battle
of Mechanicsville commenced' and the company lay hiding,
listening to the cannonading and infantry fire. The idea that
the Union troops would either be beaten or would retreat, did
not occur to any of the men. When it became dark scouts
were sent out in every direction, in the hope that some place
might be discovered through which the men could slip. But
the roads and country beyond the swamp were everywhere lit
up by camp-fires. As the men had left camp in the morning
with no rations, by the next morning they were pretty hungry
and great was their disappointment to find by the sound of
firing that the battle was still further away. The conclusion
that the army was either retreating defeated, or was engaged
in the hazardous operation of making a change of base, was
irresistible. Stubborn in their determination not to surrender,
spending the days hiding like foxes, and the nights in attempt-
ing to find a place of egress, the men became unkempt and
haggard. Their nerves protested against the strain under
which they were kept, and their bodies cried for nourishment.
On the 28th, a rebel straggler, John Robb, was captured. Anx-
ious himself to get home, he offered to do what he could to
guide them to Fredericksburg. To rejoin the army, not to
escape northward, was the desire of the company, hence the
Confederate was retained as a prisoner, and starved with them.
The human physique has its limits of endurance. On the
evening of the 30th, Captain Irvin and Lieutenants Welch and
' Described later in this chapter.
MechanicsvillB 105
1862 July i]
Dale, with two or three men, went out scouting. During their
absence, the others resolved to surrender. They had eaten
nothing for five whole days. Before the plan could be put
into operation, the officers returned and Captain Irvin sternly
refused to give his assent. A council was immediately held at
which it was decided to make another attempt to escape. Keep-
ing well within the swamp on the north side of the Chickaho-
miny, the company had gradually worked down the stream, till
they were but a short distance from the bridge over which the
Virginia Central Railroad crosses to reach Richmond. The rail-
road was guarded by sentinels and trains ran across it con-
stantly. It was raised eight or ten feet above the swamp, and
rushes and briars grew close up to the embankment. Before
attempting to cross it, it was considered best to wait until it
was completely dark. During a terrific storm. Captain Irvin
advanced, climbed the embankment, crept across the tracks
between two sentinels making a vain effort to protect them-
selves from the weather, and beckoned to his men to follow.
One by one they did so, dropping down the farther side of the
embankment till all were across. The lightning ceased, but
the rain came down in torrents, and twice the way was missed.
As the light came with the morning, it was found that they
were then level with Mechanicsville but between that settle-
ment and the river. To advance, and to advance was their only
chance, it soon became necessary to cross a cleared patch of
ground, two or three hundred feet in width. One by one the
men were to endeavor to steal across. Though on a hill above
a camp of rebels was plainly visible, it was already the first
day of July, and the men who had had nothing to eat since
the 26th of June were in no mood to delay on account of
danger. Nearly the entire party succeeded in crossing before
two stragglers noticing them gave warning to the rebel camp.
io6 History op the Bucktaii^
[i Jnljr 1863
Five miles from Richmond, surrounded by forces a dozen
times their own strength, exhausted from exposure and weak
from lack of food nothing was left but surrender. As one
of the party went forward, waving a handkerchief for a flag of
truce, some of the men broke down and cried like children.
An officer who met the envoy assembled a detachment of cav-
alry and infantry, and then the worn-out company marched
out and stacked arms. They were then marched to Mechan-
icsville, where they notified their captors that they had had
nothing to eat for six days. Some effort was made to relieve
their condition, but before food could be procured the com-
pany was ordered to fall in, and was marched to Richmond.
At that place, after it became dark, the men received and
divided amongst themselves, about a half a bushel of soda
crackers.
For the sake of continuity it has been necessary to follow
the fortunes of one company throughout a week, during each
day of which the fate of the main army hung in the balance.
It is therefore necessary to return to the afternoon of the 26th.
It has been stated that three companies left at Meadow
Bridge had been ordered back, and that Major Stone had suc-
ceeded in extricating Companies B and D. Hence Companies
A, B, D, E and F fell into the positions assigned to them to
resist the main attack of the enemy at Beaver Dam Creek.
General McCall had formed his line with First brigade on the
right and the Third brigade on the left; the Second brigade
being held in reserve.*
'"On the extreme right were seven companies of the Second regi-
"ment; . . . then six companies of the First Rifles; . . . the Fifth reg-
"iment; ... the First regiment; the Eighth regiment; ... the Tenth
"regiment; ... the Ninth regiment, . . . and the Twelfth which occu-
"pied the extreme left. Meade's brigade in reserve consisted of Ae
MeCHANICSVILLB 107
1S62 June 261
General Re)molds, commanding the First brigade, formed
his line so as to take advantage of the formation of the ground ;
the Second regiment being on the extreme right, with the
Bucktails on their left. Two companies of U. S. Berdan sharp-
shooters were with the five companies of Bucktails ; the entire
seven companies being placed in rifle pits in front of Cooper's
battery.
McCall's force consisted of but about 9,500 men, while to
attack this small body, Lee had two-thirds of his army on the
north side of the Chickahominy— A. P. Hill, D. P. Hill and
Longstreet being close up ; while Jackson was rapidly getting
within touch.'
As the skirmishers were driven backward some modifica-
tions were made in the disposal of the troops, the First regi-
ment moving to the extreme right. General Lee, who had
arrived on the field, had ordered General A. P. Hill to attack
the Union right. Hill to do this had three brigades, Ander-
son's, Archer's and Field's ; and he hurled these forces against
the brigade commanded by General Reynolds. As the Con-
federates came into view the Union batteries poured in a de-
structive storm of lead. Still the enemy pushed on till within
a hundred yards of the rifle pits. Then, following their orders,
the infantry regiments commenced their fire. So rapidly and
so accurately did they ply their guns that the charging column
halted, reeled back and sought shelter in the swamp. Gen-
eral McCall, recognizing that the enemy was concentrating to
crush Reynolds' brigade, advanced Kern's battery and the Third
"Third ; the Fourth, and the Seventh." McCall's report, "Rebellion Rec-
"ord," 1864, p. 664.
' "The Army of Northern Virginia in 1862 ;" by Lieutenant-Colonel
William Allan, p. 80-81. But McCall in his report estimated his force
at that time as about 7,000. See report of battle printed in the "R«-
"belHon Record" in 1864, p. 665.
io8 History of the Bucktails
[26 June 18S3
regiment to its support. The Confederates rallied, massed
fresh troops, and once again charged forward. A Georgia and
a Louisiana regiment, wading breast high through the creek,
obtained footing on the bank held by the Reserves, till gal-
lantly charged and driven back by the Second regiment. At
the same time immense pressure was thrown on the Bucktails
and the Fifth, the two regiments holding the immediate left
of the Second. With their ammunition rapidly running out
the men stuck to their task. The contest became desperate,
but the stamina and ability of the Union troops finally gave to
them the victory and enabled them to drive the Confederates
back.'
Having failed to carry the Union right, Lee decided to
assault the Union left, held by Seymour's brigade, which was
astride of the Ellerson's Mill Road. General D. P. Hill's divi-
sion attacked savagely only to be repulsed ; and his defeat was
followed by an attempt by General Longstreet which was
equally futile.
With darkness at 9 o'clock the battle ceased. McCall's
division of Pennsylvania Reserves, with probably but slightly
over 7,000 men, had repulsed the attack of three strong divi-
sions, one division of which. Hill's, alone was estimated to
contain 14,000 men.' The total Confederate loss was reported
in the Richmond papers as not short of 2,000.' The total Union
loss was 361 killed, wounded and missing' and the loss in the
Bucktail regiment was:
' General Porter ordered forward Griffin's and Martindale's brigades
from Morrell's division, but before they could arrive the enemy had
been repulsed and they were not actively engaged.
' McCall's report : "Rebellion Record," 1864, p. 665.
" McCall's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 386.
• O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 39.
Mechanicsvii,!.? 109
1862 June 26I
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total.
Officers 2 3 5
Men 2 16 72 go
Total 2 18 75 95*
Adjutant Hartshorne was severely wounded in the head,
while the officers captured were Captain Irvin and Lieutenants
Bard and Dale of Company K.'
With the cessation of the battle, the various regiments of
the Reserves busied themselves with preparations to resume the
contest upon the following morning. Towards the close of the
action the Fourteenth New York had been ordered forward to
relieve and support the Bucktails," but Major Stone declined
to be relieved except as to picket duty, so the Bucktails slept
in the rifle pits without cover.' The surgeons, and the various
squads appointed to assist them, worked so industriously that
by 7 A. M. the next day all the wounded had been cared for,
and the killed buried.
In his official report, General McCall says :
"Where all so gallantly supported the honor of the flag it
"would seem almost invidious to particularize, but my thanks
"are particularly due to Generals Reynolds and Seymour, and
"to Colonels Simmons, of the Fifth, and Taggart, of the
'O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 38.
' Captain Wister, of Company B, was slightly wounded in the ankle
on the following day and is evidently the second officer reported
wounded. The fact that the battle of the morning of the 27th is fre-
quently considered part of the battle of Mechanicsville, will explain the
inclusion of his name here. On the other hand the men captured
that morning are credited against the losses of Gaines' Mill.
■Griffin's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 312.
* Stone's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 415.
no History of the Bucktails
[26 June 1862
"Twelfth, and Ueutenant-Colonel McCandless, of the Second.
"Major Stone, of the Rifles, who were all closely engaged.'"
Major Stone in his report of the campaign says :
"My adjutant, Lieut W. R. Hartshome, one of the best
"officers in the service, was severely wounded in the head
"on the evening of the 26th, and is doubtless taken prisoner in
"the hospital at Savage Station. Quartermaster Lieut. H. D.
"Patton, an officer of great energy and activity, was of the
"highest service to me on the 26th."'
Though the Confederate General Jaclcson had only suc-
ceeded in getting a part of his artillery into play during the
battle, during the night he pushed his force forward between
the right flank of McCall's division and the south bank of the
Pamunkey River, thus threatening McClellan's communications
with White House. To defend his communications against the
bulk of the Confederate army, McClellan would have been com-
pelled to bring the bulk of his army back to the north side of
the Chickahominy and offer general battle ; but this was almost
impossible, as the enemy was already upon his communica-
tions, and if he had offered battle he would have done so with-
out an assured retreat. To concentrate his forces south of the
Chickahominy, and make a sudden dash at Richmond was a
plan he did not consider sound ; hence he chose the only other
line of action, short of a retreat by the way he had come, a
change of base to the James River.
This involved the abandonment of White House, the burn-
ing of such stores as could not be moved, the movement of
slow and heavy wagon trains for a period of several days, and
at the end the establishment of a strong position, preparatory
to commencing new operations. Two things pre-eminently
' McCall's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 386-387.
•O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 419.
MechanicsvillE 111
1862 June 26]
were necessary : a strong rear guard on the north bank of the
Chickahominy to hold the river till the trains could be put in
motion; and strong guards later on, to prevent flank attacks
while the trains moved towards the base selected upon the
James River.
To General Porter's Fifth corps, with McCall's division of
Pennsylvania Reserves, was the duty of holding, during the
next day, the north bank of the Chickahominy assigned.
THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN.
III.
GAINES' MILL."
About daylight on the morning of the 27th, the orders to
fall back to the position selected by General Porter to dispute
the passage of the Chickahominy were received.
The operation of withdrawing troops from a position, such
as that occupied by the Reserves, is at any time a delicate one ;
and General McCall felt much apprehension at undertaking it
during daylight. Under his orders Meade's brigade left first,
then Reynolds' brigade and lastly Seymour's. To partially vdl
his rearward movement from the enemy. General McCall or-
dered active demonstrations, and General Reynolds instructed
Major Stone to hold, with his regiment and the battery, the
position he then occupied.' Major Stone deployed his men to
the right and left in an attempt to deceive the enemy and make
him believe that the entire line was still occupied. Upon open-
ing fire he received a heavy reply from the Confederates, who,
during the night, had advanced their guns to within grape-
' Called also Cold Harbor, and the Chickahominy.
* It is doubtful whether this action should not be included as part
of the battle of Mechanicsville. It has been treated in this place as a
prelude to the battle of Gaines' Mill; because as the Bucktails fell
back and were followed up they acted as skirmishers being driven in;
because their loss in this action is included in the casualty reports for
Gaines' Mill; and because as the retreat from Mechanicsville to
Gaines' Mill and the battle at the latter place occurred on the same day,
it is easier to tell the story in the way selected.
iia
Gaines' MitL 113
1862 June 27]
shot range. Their infantry, too, came forward with undimin-
ished force, filling the road towards the ford with a solid
column.
The artillery opposing the Bucktails and the battery was
more powerful than that of the previous evening. So hot did
its fire become, that the Union gunners found it impossible to
stand up to load their pieces ; still, as long as their ammunition
lasted, they, with the aid of the Bucktails, succeeded in holding
the enemy in check. About 6 a. m.. Major Stone was ordered
to fall back and rejoin the main column of the army, then
moving to take position at Gaines' Mill. His course, for a
half mile after leaving the intrenchments, was one that was
within range of the rebel batteries. The movement was neces-
sarily hurried; as in addition to the force in their front as
they fell back, the Bucktails had been flanked. Major Stone
ordered Captain Holland, with Company A, to take position
300 yards from the ford and obstruct the hostile advance.
Captain Wister, with Company B, was to destroy the bridge
at the Mill Hospital.*
Captain Niles, of Company E, was holding a detached
position with portions of Companies E and D. In some way
he did not receive the order to fall back until after the bridge
had been destroyed and the other companies had retired. He
therefore found himself left in the swamp at the border of the
creek. Both Captain Holland and Captain Wister, the latter
sustaining a wound in the ankle, performed the duties assigned
to them in a manner worthy of the greatest praise and enabled
Major Stone to bring his force within the lines. Yet the action
had cost dear. It was necessary to abandon the dead ajid
wounded; the heat was so intense that men fainted; and the
' Apparently the bridge at the EUerson's Mill Road.
9
114 History of the Bucktails
[27 June 1862
movements were executed with such rapidity that many
dropped from exhaustion and were captured.
Not half of the Bucktails in line on the morning reached
the position at Gaines' Mill, Major Stone reporting at 12
o'clock that he had but 6 officers and 125 men."
Captain Niles, hopelessly cut off, as Captain Irvin had
been the previous day, resolved to do what he could. Palling
back in the swamps and woods he engaged the Confederates
with such vigor as to mislead them; nor did they succeed in
effecting the capture of his little party till several hours had
elapsed, and an entire division had been employed to surround
them.
Bates in his "History of Pennsylvania Volunteers,'" points
out the immense service rendered by Captain Niles and his
men in thus detaining the Confederates, and affording General
Porter time to establish his troops in position.
Before surrendering, the men who had with them the
regimental flag buried or concealed it in the swamp, and thus
saved the regiment the humiliation of having their flag become
a rebel trophy.'
Major Stone, in reporting the action, commented on the
duties assigned to Captains Holland and Wister, adding:
"These were difficult and hazardous duties, and were performed
"with the coolness of veterans, and probably saved us from
"entire destruction."*
' Stone's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 416.
•Vol. I., p. 914.
" A story that has obtained currency is that the flag was not buried,
but hidden in a hollow tree, where later it was discovered by the Coa-
federates, ultimately being found in the house of Jefferson Davis. It
has proven so difficult to decide which story is correct that the authors
have reluctantly been compelled to suspend judgment
' Stone's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 416.
Gaines' Mux 115
i86a June 27]
General Reynolds complimented the command warmly, and
said "I take great pleasure in bearing testimony to the gfallantry
"and good conduct displayed by him (Major Roy Stone) while
"in command of the First Pennsylvania Rifles, at Mechanics-
"ville and Gaines' Mill, and particularly in covering the with-
"drawal of our troops from the former to the latter position on
"the morning of the 27th of June, which took place under my
"personal supervision. I know of no officer more worthy to
"be placed at the head of a brigade of light troops.'"
General Reynolds testified later that the rear guard during
the withdrawal was "a couple of pieces on the right and left,
"and one regiment supporting them; those were finally with-
"drawn simultaneously by General Seymour and myself.'"
General Seymour had selected the Ninth regiment for rear
guard duty, at his end of the line ; but it does not seem to have
had a difficult task, the brunt falling on the small body of
Bucktails. In fact General Seymour, in his official report says :
"In the absence of General Reynolds, I may say that much of
"the credit of this day belongs to him his conduct of the
"right wing is worthy of all praise Major Stone, with
"rare intelligence, prepared his position and fought it like a
"true soldier to the end.'"
General Porter had elected to place his troops on the Cur-
tis' and Gaines' farms in the arc of a circle. The two flanks
were to rest on the Chickahominy, or to be sufficiently near to
the river to obtain the advantage of such a position. In the
rear would be the bridges connecting the corps with the main
army now retreating towards the James River. To withstand
' "History of Pennsylvania Volunteers," by Samuel P. Bates, Vol.
I., p. 914-
'"Report of the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War";
Part I., p. 594.
• O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 400.
ii6 History of the Bucktails
l*} June iSSs
the Confederate assault, General Porter had but Morrell's di-
vision of three brigades; Sykes' division of three brigades;
and McCall's division of Pennsylvania Reserves, three bri-
gades ; in all 17,330 infantry. A small detachment of cavalry
and some artillery completed his resources.' To Morrell's divi-
sion was assigned the left of the line, and to Sykes' division
the right. McCall's division having been through hard fighting
was held in reserve. The cavalry was posted on the extreme
left in the hollow approaching the river ; the artillery at various
advantageous points. The position was a strong one, but Por-
ter's forces were not sufficiently large to properly occupy it.
Had axes that he sent for been supplied, artificial works could
have been made to counteract this weakness, but through a
series of mischances he failed to obtain them.
By 2 p. M., Lee was ready to attack. Not that he had as
yet fathomed McClellan's plans. On the contrary, he still be-
lieved the Union army was endeavoring to retreat down the
Peninsula, but he was desirous of cutting its communications.
He had the forces of Generals A. P. Hill, D. P. Hill, Long-
street and Jackson available — not less than 65,000 to 70,000
men — and ordered A. P. Hill to assault the Union left This
was done with tremendous spirit, a portion of the column actu-
ally piercing the Union line. Hastily the various regiments of
the Second and Third brigades of the Reserve Corps were
thrown in, regiment by regiment, at the points most in danger.
The First brigade had been posted on the extreme right to
cover the approaches from Cold Harbor and Dispatch Station
to Summer's bridge,' but General Reynolds hearing the tre-
mendous firing on the left, and having previously repulsed the
•"The Peninsula"; by Major-General A. S. Webb, p. i2g.
' Porter's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 224.
Gaines* Mill 117
i86a June 27]
enemy on his front, led his men, regiment by regiment, to the
assistance of the hardly pressed troops.'
The Bucktails, on the right of the Fifth regiment, went in
on the left of Sykes' division and the right of Morrell's.' In
tfaeir front the enemy was concealed in some woods, a battery
being visible 500 yards away.
The attack of A. P. Hill being repulsed, Lee prepared for
a general assault in force, and Porter called urgently upon
McClellan for reinforcements from the south side of the Chick-
ahominy. Ultimately he received Slocum's division, which
arrived about 4 o'clock,' and increased his force to about 30,000
men.
From the opening of the battle till about 6 p. m.^ regi-
ment after regiment, and brigade after brigade, charged for-
ward against the Federal line, only to be driven back. The
attack on the left and right being equal in power, troops could
not be withdrawn from one place to strengthen another. Only
reserves could be ordered up, as regiments having spent their
ammunition, fell back to replenish it.
As the Bucktails moved into line, they had 150 men and 6
officers.' Devoting their attention to the battery in their front,
such was the accuracy of their fire that they compelled it to
frequently change its position, finally silencing it entirely. A
little before sunset, their ammunition began to run low. Taking
advantage of the consequent slackening in their fire, the enemy
emerged from the woods and formed for a charge. The Buck-
tails delivered a well-directed volley which staggered them,
while the Fifth regiment rushed forward to within 150 yards
' Porter's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 225.
' Stone's and Seymour's reports, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 416, and O. R. I.
XL ii., p. 401.
• Porter in "Battles and Leaders of the Civil War," Vol. II., p. 339.
* Stone's report, O. R. XL ii., p. 416.
ii8 History of the Bucktails
[37 June 1863
of the enemy's lines before pouring in a volley that drove him
back.
At 6.30 p. M. the Confederates made another powerful
attack, along the entire front, pushing forward fresh troops to
oppose the greatly wearied Federals. Still the latter'^ line held
bravely and firmly against the outnumbering enemy, excepting
at one place near the center of Morrell's line. Here Hood's
Texans broke through, and before they could either be ex-
pelled, or the line altered, the Union artillery on the left was
thrown into disorder by a mass of their own cavalry rushing
amongst them.' Believing that the Confederates were upon
them, the artillery retreated precipitately, striking the infantry
and demoralizing it Fortunately, at this moment, the men
under Generals French and Meagher advanced to the support
of the shattered line.
The position held by the Bucktails and the Fifth had
become untenable. The troops on the left were retreating, and
already, to prevent disaster, the entire right of the army was
falling back, preparatory to establishing a more concentrated
line, the movement resulting in the exposure of the right of the
Bucktails to an enfilading fire. Major Stone changed front and
fired his last volley. He then attempted to take cover behind
a ridge on the right ; but, as the position was in the range of
the Union batteries, it was impossible to do so. Falling back
with the other troops, the Bucktails were then formed in the
rear of the hospital.'
With the shortening of his entire line, a shortening that
was accomplished partly deliberately, partly in haste but with-
'This cavalry was General Cooke's. He had charged forward
between the opposing lines. Porter claimed the disaster was due to this
charge, not ordered by him. The right and wrong of the matter is
much involved in doubt
' Stone's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 417.
Gain^' Mux 119
186a June 37]
out confusion/ General Porter decided to transfer his corps to
the southern bank of the river. Wagon trains, ammunition
trains, detached masses from brigades, stragglers from a hun-
dred regiments, wounded men, some on improvised stretchers,
some supported by comrades, blocked the ground about the
approaches to the bridges. The curses of the mule drivers
mingled with the short, sharp orders of the officers, and the
pleadings and expostulations of the wounded. Ultimately an
opening was made in the tangled mass and the wagons passed
over. With each vehicle or man that crossed, order developed,'
till at the last the troops filed past and fell into positions as-
signed to them on the southern bank. At the meadow edge
of the bridge, under instructions of an officer of General Mc-
Qellan's staff, Major Stone and Captain Wister halted the
stragglers and re-formed nearly 2,000 men of the Pennsylvania
Reserves.'
Here the Reserves stayed till two o'clock in the morning,
when they crossed over the new bridge from the battle-field to
the southern bank of the Chickahominy.
Towards the close of the battle the Eleventh regiment of
the Reserves, and the Fourth New Jersey, were surrounded,
through the other regiments in their vicinity falling back, and
compelled to surrender. General Reynolds, while laboring at
the task of leading troops to reinforce others, also became cut
off, and was compelled, after spending the night in the woods,
to yield himself a prisoner.
Major Stone, in his official report, gave his casualties as
' Porter's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 225.
'It is worthy of note that among those who labored to clear the
approaches was the Bucktail Chaplain, W. H. D. Hatton.
" Stone's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 417-
120 History of the Bucktails
[27 June 1863
I officer and 25 men^' and the official casualty reports give the
loss as follows:
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total
Officers 6 6
Men I 14 90 105
Total I 14 96 III'
Thus the battle of Gaines' Mill passed into history. One
corps of the Union army had borne the brunt of the attack of
two-thirds of the Confederate forces. The Union loss was
reported as 6,837 ^^^ ' the Confederate loss cannot have been
much less; and if only the killed and wounded are counted,
must have been considerably more.*
During the battle, McClellan had had on the south bank
the bulk of his army — probably nearer 70,000 than 50,000 men.
To oppose this force, had McClellan ordered it to fall upon
Richmond, the Confederates had left but 25,000 men under
General Magruder. Yet such a "noise and clatter" did Magru-
der make, that McClellan not only did not walk into Richmond,
but considered it inadvisable to send desperately required
reinforcements to General Porter's corps.
' O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 417.
'O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 40. The discrepancy occurs through Major
Stone reporting for the battle of Gaines' Mill, only the casualties occui^
ring during the afternoon's battle. The official casualty report plainly
includes the losses su£Fered during the withdrawal from the position
at Beaver Dam Creek. The confusion incident to the retreat, and the
capture or retirement of officers in command rendered accuracy ex-
tremely difficult if not impossible. The report for the campaign, given
a few pages later, is probably the most correct. The wound sustained
by Captain Wister, as explained in the previous chapter, was included
in the Mechanicsville casualties.
•O. R. I. XL ii., p. 41.
♦ See "Battles and Leaders of the Civil War" ; Vol. II., p. 342. The
capture of the nth Pennsylvania Reserves and 4th New Jersey swelled
the Union loss disproportionately.
Gaines' Mill 121
1862 June 37]
With the withdrawal of the entire army to the south bank,
involving as it did the last act of severance from the base at
White House, the thing to be achieved was the establishment
of a base from which to supply the army. In other words,
the campaign to capture Richmond was temporarily suspended
while the efforts of the General were directed to securing a
new base of supplies, from which he could later on resiune his
offensive campaign.
THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN,
IV.
NEW MARKET CROSS ROADS.'
General McClellan selected Harrison's Landing, some-
times termed Turkey Point, on the James River, as his future
base. His line of retreat was therefore nearly due south, via
Savage Station, to White Oak Swamp, and from thence to
Harrison's Landing. The impedimenta of the army consisted
of a train of five thousand wagons, with a herd of twenty-five
hundred beef cattle. More important than anything else, how-
ever, was a park of artillery commanded by General Hunt.
This constituted the reserve, and including guns, caissons, bat-
tery wagons and ammunition trains, must have totaled at least
three hundred vehicles. H this artillery could be safely con-
ducted to Malvern Hill and there placed in position, the safety
of the army while retreating to its new base was assured. Its
capture or destruction en route would entail results too unpleas-
ant to be considered.
General McClellan, determined to preserve this artillery at
all hazards, selected for its escort the division of Pennsylvania
Reserves. Cognizant of the fact that they had, alone, fought
the battle of Mechanicsville without losing one inch of ground ;
and that at Gaines' Mills they had extorted expressions of
admiration from friend and foe alike by their daring and valor,
'Called also Frazier's Farm; Nelson's Farm; Charles City Cross-
Roads; New Market Road; Glendale; and Willis Church.
New Market Cross Roads 123
1863 June 39I
he committed to their charge the vital part of the army.
Though the Reserves were exhausted with their labors, terribly
in want of sleep, and badly in need of rations, General McCall,
at 9 o'clock on the evening of the 28th, put them into motion.
The artillery they were conducting, added to that attached
to their own division, must have made a train of at least seven
miles. The night was dark and rainy, thus adding to the
unpleasantness of a duty that in no event could have been
pleasurable. Pushing along, the column arrived safely at Sav-
age Station, during the morning of the 29th.'
At this point disorder was rampant. Apart from the con-
fusion attendant on the movement of the wagon trains, the
numbers of wounded destroyed all semblance of orderly ar-
rangements. In ambulances and on stretchers; in stores and
on the ground; resting in barns or forced to seek shelter in
'It is impossible to omit mention of the tribute paid by General
McClellan to General McCall. Twice during the night-march Mc-
Clellan had sent word to McCall that he had taken the wrong road,
and upon the second occasion McCall had replied, " Give General Mc-
"Clell'an my compliments, and say to him that General McCall says
"the road he is on is narrow, the night is very dark, his train is long
"and heavy, and that it is impracticable to reverse his march; more-
■'over, the men are much fatigued from excessive duties, and must not
"be subjected to unnecessary hardships." At one o'clock General Mc-
Call arrived at General McClellan's headquarters at Savage Station.
As McCall entered General McClellan left a group of officers with
whom he was conversing, saying "Here is General McCall, the hero
"of Mechanicsville." He also asked his advice in regard to destroying
some baggage so as to gain time in moving to his new base, but re-
ceived the answer, from the man whose troops had been fought harder
than any in the army, and who were, at that moment, trudging along a
vile road in the rain ; " General McClellan, I don't know that I suffi-
"ciently understand the situation of the army to advise you; but from
"what I do know, I would fight over every inch of the ground from
"here to the James, before I would destroy a wagon. The moment
"you destroy your trains, you demoralize the army." This conversation
is reported in S3T)her's " History of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps"
(p. 248-250), whose words have been quoted for the most part.
124 History of the Bucktails
C29 June 1863
outhouses, they dominated the scene. As troops came into
the station, anxious to know if their comrades were amongst
those borne from the field, they broke ranks, each man search-
ing for what he almost feared to find. The Bucktails found
but few faces that they knew, being compelled, in the majority
of cases, to wait for the future to show them if the absent ones
were dead or only captured.
Early in the afternoon the regiment, with the other rem-
nants of the Reserves, moved forward, orders having been
received to conduct the artillery through White Oak Swamp,
and to see that it was parked on the first firm ground south
of the swamp. Leaving at the time they did, they were spared
witnessing the scenes of misery that followed the announcement
that it was impossible to carry the wounded with the army,
and that they would be left behind, to fall into the hands of,
and to be tended by, the Confederates.
Relieved of the care of the artillery reserve at 5 o'clock,
the march was resumed, along the New Market Road to a
point near where the Quaker Road crosses it. Here a halt was
made for the night. The known proximity of the enemy ren-
dered the greatest precaution still necessary. Pickets were
thrown out, and the entire regiment ordered to rest on their
arms, but not to sleep. Each man was ordered to roll up his
right sleeve, in order that he might in case of a night attack,
know friend from foe. Though several alarms occurred no
enemy appeared. At 7 a. m., on the morning of the 30th,
orders were received to retire to near where the Turkey Bridge
Road crosses the New Market Road, form line of battle, and
hold the position till the whole of the immense army trains had
passed on, in the rear, towards the James River.
The situation was this. Lee had not divined McClellan's
intentions till the 29th ; then he took steps to prevent the accom-
New Market Cross Roads 125
1862 June 30]
plishment of his opponent's plans. Jacksop fell upon the Fed-
eral rear at Allen's Farm and at Savage Station, but was
bravely repulsed. Lee then decided to attempt to break through
on the right flank of the Federal line of retreat. The army
trains and troops extended from the swamp on the north to
the James River on the south, and Lee hoped by advancing
down the New Market Road, which bisects this line of march,
to cut his opponent's forces in two and defeat them in detail.
Across this road, however. General McCall placed his terribly
diminished division of Pennsylvania Reserves, numbering at
this time not more than 6,000 men.' His line of battle was
therefore parallel to the roads pursued by the retreating Union
trains in his rear. Kearney's division was on his right flank.
Hooker's division and Summer's corps on his left. Yet while
these divisions were many times larger than his, as his division
straddled the road it was destined to be the target of the full
force of the rebel attack. This attack was to be delivered by
the troops under Generals A. P. Hill and Longstreet, who
must have had about 20,000 men.' General Lee was person-
ally present to direct the movements, being accompanied by
Jefferson Davis.
McCall formed his line with Meade's brigade on the right
and Seymour's brigade on the left. The First brigade, now
commanded by Colonel Simmons, was held in reserve. The
batteries were placed in front of the infantry; Randall's on
the right. Cooper's and Kern's in the center, and two German
batteries, accidentally attached to the division, on the left.
In the front of the division the country was open, the
' McCall's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 391.
'General McCall says, "18,000 to 20,000." (O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 391.)
Lieutenant-Colonel Allan says, "under 20,000 strong'' ("Army of North-
■'em Virginia in 1862," p. 119).
126 History of thb Bucktails
[30 June 1 86a
New Market Road, along which ran a small strip of timber,
being to the right of the clearing. On the left was a farm-
house, known as Nelson's. The clearing was about 800 yards
in width and 1,000 yards in length. In the rear of the Union
position was a wooded slope. In the front, beyond the clear-
ing, woods concealed further view. On the extreme left of
the Union position was a small creek or swamp, running at
right angles to the line of battle, heavily timbered and form-
ing the left flank. Technically, the battle-field was almost
ideal, but McCall lacked sufficient men to properly occupy it
Shortly after 2 o'clock, the Confederates commenced to
drive in the Union pickets. Then their artillery opened, and
was replied to vigorously by the Union batteries.' An attempt
was made to capture the Third regiment that had been ad-
vanced, before it could fall back into position, but desperate
fighting saved it. Then a regiment was launched at the right
center, beneath the cover of heavy artillery fire. The Seventh
reg^ent, and a portion of the Eleventh, springing to the front
of the battery, by the use of the bayonet repulsed the assault.
Before the lines could be dressed General McCall became
aware of a new movement The enemy, taking advantage of
the vigilance required by his opponent to hold the center, had
massed a force to attack the left. Heavy columns were moving
through the woods and preparing to assault, whereupon the
"Dutch" battery promptly retired to the rear. General McCall
ordered up the Fifth, Eighth, Ninth and Tenth regiments, while
at the same time he persuaded the battery to resume its position.
' General Longstreet states, that though the Union gunners could
not know it on account of the thickness of the woods, one of their
guns had the exact range of the position where President Davis, Lee,
himself, and other officers were congregated. One shell bursting in
their midst killed two or three horses and wounded one or two men.
(See "Battles and Leaders of the Civil War," VoL IL, p. 401.)
New Market Cross Roads 127
1862 June jo]
He then ordered a charge, Colonel Simmons of the Fifth leading
it over a course that ran diagonally to the left. The charge
was made with extreme gallantry, and with such impetuosity
that the Confederates fell back. Colonel Simmons fell at the
head of his column, but his men never stopped till they reached
the woods, where they captured and sent back one or two
hundred prisoners.*
General McCall had at the same time ridden up to Major
Stone of the Bucktails, who had at that moment 5 officers and
150 men of his own regiment, and 5 officers and 84 men of the
U. S. Sharpshooters, ordering him to the left.'' When the other
regiments charged forward, Major Stone accordingly moved
to the left of the battery, and then towards the rear of the
Nelson Farm House.
The danger of a successful charge was never better illus-
trated. The brigade was far in advance of the line, their leader.
Colonel Simmons, was dead, more or less disorganization had
necessarily been attendant upon their advance, and confusion
was inevitable in sending back the prisoners. From the posi-
tion which he then held. Major Stone watched the enemy
suddenly hurl fresh masses of troops on the brigade in his
front. The pressure was too great to be resisted and the
column, a moment before victorious, came flying back. The
"Dutch" battery, upon the approach of the rebels, again fled in
disorder. Major Stone, anxious to stop the rout at any cost,
ordered his men to fall upon their faces ; and Colonel McCand-
less, who with the Second regiment was in his rear, did like-
'The necessity for the charge was caused by the ill-advised ad-
vancement of six companies of the 12th regiment, which, not being prop-
erly supported, were driven back.
"Stone's report, O. R I. XI. ii., p. 417. The remnants of com-
panies D, £ and K were commanded by Lieutenant Bitterling, of com-
pany P.
138 History op the Bucktails
[30 June i86a
wise. The retreating troops came tearing back. The efforts
of Major Stone and the officers of the Second regiment to halt
and rally them were in vain. They raced over the prostrate
men towards safety and the rear. As soon as their front was
unmasked, the Bucktails rose, and for some moments poured
in a fire that held the enemy in check. Yet the men were
dropping rapidly, Captain Philip Holland, of Company A,
being shot dead while steadying his own men and attempting
to rally others. Realizing that if he stayed much longer he
would be completely surrounded. Major Stone ordered his
men to fall back, which they did slowly and in good order.*
Four hundred yards was the extent of the rearward move-
ment. There Major Stone made the Bucktails the nucleus for
rallying the fragments of the regiments that came into his
vicinity ; nor was it long before he had the colors of six regi-
ments about him, and a respectable brigade of troops properly
officered and in fighting condition.'
On the center and right, the battle raged with equal fury.
Realizing that if he could break through the line of the Reserves
he would be able to cut McClellan's army in half, and that if he
failed to do so McClellan would be able to concentrate the
'Stone's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 417. When the "Dutch" battery
fled, it struck Hooker's lines, on the left, in a state of confusion. The
six companies of the Twelfth in falling back also came upon Hooker,
while numerous soldiers, with their prisoners, moving to the rear
through his line, increased the disorder. Not cognizant of what was
really happening, and seeing only a battery flying from the field (a
battery that in reality belonged to him) ; various detachments of
troops closely pursued ; a few stragglers ; many wounded ; and in
addition, others endeavoring to get their prisoners to the rear; Hooker
wrote in " Wilkes' Spirit of the Times," November i, 1862 ; " the whole
"of McCall's division was completely routed." The action as here nar-
rated, and some remarks quoted later on, form the only comment neces-
sary upon such a verbal blunder.
" Stone's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 417:
New Market Cross Roads 129
1862 June 30]
Federal troops at the point he had selected, Lee did not hesitate
to hurl regiment after regiment at his opponent. Cooper's and
Kern's batteries in the center, and Randall's on the left, became
the points of attack. Cooper's battery was taken, retaken and
then abandoned. Kern's battery, four guns under Amsden,
hung on to its position desperately, till with ammunition com-
pletely exhausted it was compelled to withdraw.* Randall, on
the right, manfully maintained his position, though charged
repeatedly by single regiments.'
Then the Confederate commander ordered forward two
regiments," who with guns trailing advanced, without order,
but in wedge shape. So confident was Captain Randall of his
ability to repulse the assault, that he requested the Fourth
regiment, in his rear, to withhold its fire. Though his guns
tore great gaps in the advancing • host, it moved with such
momentum, that before it could be stopped it reached the
battery. The guns were overturned, the horses killed and the
defenders of the battery by sheer weight borne to the rear.
Company B, of the Fourth, stood its ground, and with a num-
ber of men from other commands fought desperately, both
with the bayonet and with clubbed guns. General McCall,
riding to the front, witnessed the fight and urged on the men
to almost superhuman efforts. The weight of the Confeder-
ate assault proved too great to be resisted by the light line of
the Reserves, and it was forced backward.
'The SSth Virginia and 60th Virginia battalion penetrated the line,
and actually gained the rear, but escaped before the Reserves could take
advantage of their precarious condition. (See Field's report, O. R. I.
XI. ii., p. 842.)
'In almost all instances charges on the part of the Confederates
were met by countercharges by the Federals.
■The 47th and 2d Virginia apparently. (See Field's report, O. R.
I. XI. ii., p. 842.) The charge by the SSth and 6oth was made simul-
taneously with this.
130 History of the Bucktails
[30 June 1863
Here McCall called upon General Kearney for reinforce-
ments, while Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson, of the Reserves,
who had collected some 500 men, moved forward to assist the
shattered line. At the same time Meagher's "Irish" brigade,
of Richardson's division of Summer's corps, moved forward
to support the left of the Reserves.
Hearing the noise of battle on the right, Major Stone
moved his battalion, consisting of the Bucktails and the frag-
ments of the other regiments that had congregated near him,
towards that wing.' It was rapidly gfrowing dark, and General
McCall was endeavoring to dress his line so as to hold the new
position to which he had been driven. Out of his staff and his
cavalry escort of a Captain and twenty men but two remained —
Corporal King and a private. Of his brigade commanders,
General Meade had been wounded and forced to retire, Colonel
Simmons, who succeeded Reynolds in command of the First
brigade, had been killed, and General Seymour had become
separated from the division. Hence McCall was compelled to
perform duties that should have been done by others. Riding
forward accompanied by Corporal King, a private, and Major
Stone, the darkness was so intense that the entire party rode
into the pickets of the Forty-Seventh Virginia. All were cap-
tured with the exception of Major Stone, who, wheeling his
horse suddenly, escaped in the darkness. Two volleys were
fired after him, but beyond a slight wound in the hand, the
Major of the Bucktails regained the Union lines unhurt.'
The battalion had utilized the time by capturing a Colonel
with a small party of men. Upon returning, Stone formed
the men across the road, a position which they maintained for
'"I moved the whole battalion ■which seemed to put itself under
"my command." (Stone's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 418.)
" Stone's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 418.
New Market Cross Roads 131
1863 June 30]
half an hour. The Confederates had sonje troops in position
to advance down the road, and had they done so, would have
struck the Federal line at its weakest point. Shortly after the
battle ceased, and before the battalion was withdrawn, Major
Stone, who had gone to the rear in search of a cannon to
strengthen his position, became so faint and dizzy from his
wound, that before he could accomplish his design he was
taken to the hospital.'
Though the Reserves had been driven from their position,
they had accomplished the duty laid upon them. "The Con-
"federates had not achieved the main object of their com-
"mander: the Federal army was not cut in twain, the line of
"retreat to the James was yet in its possession.'"
They had extorted a tremendous price for the loss which
they had suffered, and though they had been forced back the
enemy dared to occupy but little of the position from which
they had retired.' General McCall reported that he captured
dtiring the day two or three hundred prisoners and three stands
* Stone's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 418. For reports of the battle
see the remarkably numerous and detailed accounts, both by the Union
and Confederate commanders, which have been drawn upon freely. In
the confusion resultant upon an assault and defense of this character,
where men become separated from their commands, and the majority of
the officers are placed hors de combat early in the action, a greater or
less number of conflicting statements dre inevitable.
""The Army of Northern Virginia in 1862;" by Lieutenant-Colonel
William Allan, p. 119.
'No official casualty reports were made by either side for this bat-
tle. The loss of the Reserve Corps, however, may be obtained
roughly by deducting the losses at Mechanicsville and Gaines' Mill from
the total losses in the official casualty report for the operations June
2Sth to July 2nd (O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 32). This gives the loss of the
Reserves in killed, wounded and missing as 1,148. Owing to unavoid-
able confusion in reports these figures are undoubtedly inaccurate and
are merely inserted as approximate.
132 History of the Bucktails
C30 June 1863
of colors/ The Confederate reports all speak of victory, but
there is little exultation. They recognize that, though the
Union troops had been made to give ground, the line of defense
was unbroken and the object of the attack unattained.'
General Seymour in his official report of the campaign
says : "Captain L. Wister and Quartermaster H. W. Patton, of
"the First Rifles (Bucktails), are highly praised for efficient
"and gallant service. Maj. Roy Stone deserves the highest
"praise on all occasions. He relates that John Doyle, a private
"of Easton's battery, after the guns were lost, went to his
"command and, among the foremost, performed manly duty.'"
•O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 393.
' General Longstreet stated, "Well, McCall is safe in Richmond i but
"if his division had not offered the stubborn resistance it did on this
■'road we would have captured your whole army." General Pryor
repeated in substance what General Longstreet said; commending in
the highest terms, the "pluck displayed by McCall's Pennsylvania
"troops." (Extracts from report of Surgeon Marsh. O. R. I. XI.
•>-. P- 397-) General D. H. Hill wrote : "General Lee reported : 'Many
" 'prisoners including a general of division, McCall, and several bat-
" 'teries with some thousands of small arms, were taken.' But as an
"obstruction to the Federal retreat the battle amounted to nothing."
("Battles and Leaders of the Civil War;" Vol. II., p. 388.) These
comments of three Confederate leaders have been quoted here, as it was
deemed better to mention Hooker's mistaken statement some pages
earlier. They do not sound like comments upon a division "completely
"routed :" nor does it seem even a reasonable proposition that a division
in that state could hold off the enemy from 3 o'clock till dark; yet, as
has been shown, at dark the Reserves were still planted across the road.
It should not be imagined that either Hooker's troops on the left,
or Kearney's on the right, were inactive. On the contrary, in addition
to the support they gave to the two flanks of the Reserves, they were at
times fiercely engaged; and towards the close, sent reinforcements to
the hard-pressed Pennsylvanians. As, however, McCall held the centre,
and was actually straddling the road down which the Confederates
desired to advance, the full vehemence of the attack was directed at him.
'O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 405. Major Stone's comment on Doyle was:
"Private John Doyle, a stalwart giant of Captain Easton's battery, well
"known as the 'Infant,' after the loss of their guns, came as a volunteer
"to my command, where his dashing gallantry, ready wit, and evident
"enjoyment of the occasion were a continual source of encouragement
"to all about him." (O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 419.)
New Market Cross Roads 133
1862 June 30]
Major Stone in his report of the campaign says : "Sergt.
"Maj. Roger Sherman, who shared the greatest dangers with
"the most remarkable self-possession, was lost on the last
"evening, and is probably wounded and a prisoner. I beg
"leave also to mention the earnest and untiring labors of Chap-
"lain the Rev. W. H. Hatton, in caring for the wounded, en-
"couraging the exhausted, both on the field and in the hospital.'"
Speaking of the battle of New Market Cross Roads he
says: "The loss of my command in this action was much
"greater in proportion than in any of the preceding. I have
"this morning but 3 officers and 60 men of my own regiment,
"and 3 officers and 28 men of the U. S. Sharpshooters for
"duty."'
'O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 419.
'O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 418. That is, entering the field with S officers
and ISO men, the Bucktails lost 2 officers and 90 men — 60%. The
Sharpshooters proved worthy companions, losing 65% out of their
smaller number.
THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN.
V.
MALVERN HILL, HARRISON'S LANDING AND
THE RICHMOND PRISONS.
Some time during the evening of June 30th, General Sey-
mour regained touch with the division of Pennsylvania Re-
serves and assumed cc»nmand. The retreat was resumed
towards the James River, the guns between the two lines being
abandoned. It was impossible either to carry off the wounded
or to bury the dead.
General McClellan had selected Malvern Hill as the point
at which he would resist any hostile attack that might be made.
The spot was admirably adapted for the task. On the hill he
concentrated his powerful artillery, supported by masses of
infantry, partially protected by earthworks. The ground in
the immediate front was open, varying in width from a quarter
to half a mile, and, sloping gradually from the crest, was com-
pletely swept by the fire of his artillery and infantry.' At
10 A. M., on the 1st of July, the last of the Federal troops
reached their positions.'
Lee, who had by this time succeeded in uniting the two
wings of his army, attacked this naturally strong and arti-
ficially strengthened position again and ag^in between the
' Lee's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 496.
""History of the Civil War in America,'" by the Comte de Paris,
Vol. II., p. I3S.
»34
Malvern Hiu. 135
1 86a Juljr i]
hours of 3 and 9 o'clock, only to be bloodily repulsed.' His
losses were terrible, but until the closing of night he continued
to order his troops forward to destruction. The Bucktails were
under fire for a portion of the morning, but retired according
to the orders of General Seymour, to a position under a bluff.'
The location of Malvern Hill precluded the entertainment
of a proposition to permanently occupy it. McClellan therefore
ordered the retreat continued to Harrison's Landing, on the
James. The order, coming as it did, after the first real success
of the campaign, was a bitter blow to many of the officers,
Sypher stating that General Phil Kearney protested in words
ao vehement that they bordered upon insubordination.'
Yet all military critics seem to agree that the move was
necessary. During the night, therefore, the march was re-
sumed.
The official casualty report shows that McClellan's loss
during the Seven Days' retreat was 15,849 men.* The Confed-
erate loss was about 19,700 men."
The Reserve Corps, which General McCall stated was
about 7,000 strong when it went into action at Mechanicsville,
lost 3,045 men, killed, wounded and missing." McClellan must
have used during the campaign over 100,000 men ; hence while
'It has been remarked that this was the first occasion upon which
Lee attempted to storm a strong defensive position — and the last.
* Stone's report, O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 418.
* "I say to you all, such an order can only be prompted by cowardice
"or treason." ("History of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps;" p. 306.)
*0. R. I. XI. ii., p. 37. This, however, embraces 626 lost on June
2Sth. Mechanicsville was fought on the 26th and is universally con-
sidered as the opening battle of the retreat.
* The exact figures are in dispute. General Early made them I9,SS7
and "Battles and Leaders of the Civil War" gives them as 30,135. (See
"Army of Northern Virginia in 1862," by Lieutenant-Colonel William
Allan, p. 143.)
•O. R. L XL ii., p. 32.
136 History of the Bucktails
[i Julr i86a
the Reserves constituted but a fifteenth part of the army, they
suffered one-fifth of the total loss.
The Bucktails' loss during the campaign was :
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total.
Officers I 3 9 13
Men 6 48 180 234
Total 7 51 189 247*
The march from Malvern Hill was commenced at night.
The Bucktails can hardly be said to have had any sleep since
the 26th of June. On that night, at Mechanicsville, they had
obtained slight rest in the rifle pits ; on the 27th they had been
up throughout the night, crossing the Chickahominy at 2 a. M. ;
on the 28th they spent the night marching in protection of the
reserve artillery; some little rest may have been snatched on
the night of the 29th, despite the order issued forbidding sleep ;
but that of the 30th, following the close of the battle of New
Market Cross Roads, was spent in retreating to Malvern Hill.
This march to Harrison's Landing, therefore, commencing at
midnight, proved doubly exhausting. Though the night was
dark, fires along the roads prevented commands mistaking the
way. A halt was made at daybreak to enable the men to
obtain a slight rest. Then they moved forward again, and
the entire division was shortly after ordered to encamp in
some woods. A heavy rain, and the tramping of the men, had
converted the entire vicinity into a sea of mud. In the woods,
the regiments, by dint of boughs and branches, endeavored to
protect themselves from the downpour.
'O. R. I. XI. ii., p. 32. Again exact figures are impossible. The
report for Mechanicsville was 95, Gaines' Mill iii. New Market Cross
Roads 92 — ^total 298. Stragglers, and remnants of companies cut o£F or
left in the swamps, managing to regain the regiment before the com-
pilation of the campaign report, reduced the "missing or captured" item.
Harrison's Landing 137
1863 July 7]
As the Bucktails moved to their assigned position, Colonel
McNeil met them. Recovering from his fever, he had strained
every nerve to rejoin his regiment, at the earliest possible
moment. When stricken at Fredericksburg, and carried to
the hospital, his regiment had numbered between 900 and 1000
men ; now, haggard and wearied, but 64 men filed past. Man
though he was, tears rolled down his cheeks. "My God," he
cried, "where are my Bucktails? Would that I had died with
"them."
The entire army went into camp at Harrison's Landing,
on a plain some two miles wide by three miles long. The
front was protected by a hill, and the rear by the river James,
in which lay the Federal gunboats. McClellan, believing his
foe had double his own strength numerically, was not anxious
immediately to give battle. Before he decided upon a new
offensive campaign, the Confederates, by threatening Wash-
ington, compelled the withdrawal of his troops from the Penin-
sula to assist those under General Pope, and thus relieved
Richmond.
While at Harrison's Landing the time went rapidly. Each
day developed some incident of interest. On July 6th, Lieu-
tenant Kinsey returned. The next day, the Bucktails were
put to work building a bridge over Herring Creek. This creek
flows into the James, and at the point to be bridged, is in some
places 10 feet deep. The distance to be spanned was some
500 feet. Generals Porter and Seymour were extremely anx-
ious to have a bridge constructed with the greatest of expedi-
tion, but the Engineer Corps estimated that it would take
several days. In the mean time the Generals feared that
through want of communications the army might be sacrificed
in detail. Finally the matter was placed in the hands of Major
Stone, and the Bucktail lumbermen, with no material but the
138 History ot the Bucktails
[July 1863
trees that grew up<xi the banks and in the swamps, compelled
to woric while wading and swimming in the stream, wielded
their axes so effectively, and brought into play their accurate
knowledge of woodmanship so resourcefully, that, starting
work at 5 p. m., by sunrise on the following morning the bridge
was completed.
On the 8th, President Lincoln visited the camp and re-
viewed the division ; and a few days later, "Little Mac," riding
through the camp, gazed at the small remnant of the regiment
"I am sorry that there are so few Bucktails left," he said, and
what he said he meant.
Soon after the going into camp at Harrison's Landing,
Major Stone and Captain Wister, of Company B, left the regi-
ment. It was originally intended that they should return to
Pennsylvania to obtain recruits to repair the losses sustained
l^ the Bucktails during the recent campaign. But Colonel
McNeil's views embraced a larger horizon than the mere re-
habilitation of his own regiment He therefore wrote to
Governor Curtin :
"Headquarters, ist Rifles, P. R. V. C.
"Harrison's Landing, Va., July 8, 1862.
"Hon. A. G. Curtin, Governor of Pennsylvania.
" Sir : Major Stone returns to Pennsylvania on the Re-
"cruiting Service. During the severe engagements of the past
"few days, my regiment was in the hottest of the fight, under
"command of Major Stone. The Generals of the Reserve
"Corps speak in the highest terms of its efficiency, and of the
"distinguished gallantry of that accomplished officer. Where
"the Bucktails fought there was no giving way of our lines,
"and where the Major would bring up his Spartan Band, there
"brigades would re-form and hold their position. General Sey-
"mour says he cannot spare a battalion of such veterans from
Harrison's Landing 139
■S63 July]
"the service, and is desirous that its strength be at once re-
"established. The name of 'Bucktail' has become a terror to
"the enemy and an inspiration to our own men. I can speak
"impartially of the brave fellows, as it was not my privilege to
"lead them, and as to the Major, — ^to him is immediately due
"the credit of their heroic conduct on the Peninsula. A more
"extended organization would be greatly advantageous to the
"service.
" A Bucktail Brigade of light infantry would reflect addi-
"tional honor on the old Commonwealth and the Executive
"that has given the Pennsylvania army to the country. I hope
"that you may authorize Major Stone to recruit a brigade to
"be attached to the Reserve Corps. He has won his title to
"such a command by brilliant achievement on the field, that has
"elicited the commendation of his General Officers, and has a
"reputation even with McClellan.
"I am, Governor,
"Your most obedient servant,
"Hugh W. McNbii,, Colonel
"Commanding Rifles.'"
The Governor, delighted at the idea of a Bucktail brigade,
gave his support to the project. Thus Major Stone and Cap-
tain Wister set about recruiting new regiments, using the magic
of the word Bucktail as an inducement. Originally intending
to recruit four regiments, time and the urgent demand for
troops caused them to cease their labors after organizing two —
the One-Hundred-and-Forty-Ninth and One-Hundred-and-Fif-
tieth Pennsylvania — regiments that achieved for themselves
later, when called into battle, a more than enviable reputation.
Major Stone was elected Colonel of the One-Hundred-and-
' "History of the isoth regiment," by Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas
Chamberlain (revised edition), p. 16-17.
I40 History of the Bucktails
cjuir 1863
Forty-Ninth and Captain Wister Colonel of the One-Hundred-
and-Fiftieth.
Unfortunately jealousy was manifested in the matter,
various ofiicers on both sides charging others with command-
ing undue influence. The men of the Bucktail regiment re-
sented, at first dimly, and later with more energy, the wearing
of tnicktails by regiments other than their own. The insignia
had been the inspiration of their organizer, now General Kane,
and at a terrible price they had made it known and feared by
the enemy. The One-Hundred-and-Forty-Ninth at Chancel-
lorsville was for the first time actively engaged, while the One-
Hundred-and-Fiftieth did not really participate in the full fury
of a battle till Gettysburg. As before Chancellorsville, the
Bucktails had fought at New Bridge, Dranesville, Mechanics-
ville, Gaines' Mill, New Market Cross Roads, Groveton, Second
Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Har-
risonburg, Cross Keys and Chantilly, had participated in nu-
merous skirmishes, and had been ordered on difficult scouting
expeditions, their chagrin can be understood, if not defended.
The new regiments were organized as Bucktail regiments with
the approval of Colonel McNeil, and so recognized by Gover-
nor Curtin and the Secretary of War ; so that their right, as a
right, to wear bucktails, and call themselves "Bucktails" cannot
be contravened. Strong in this right, and loving the emblem
they wore in their caps, the members of the regiments referred
to themselves frequently simply as Bucktails. Had more dis-
crimination been exercised, or had the younger "Bucktails"
referred to themselves as "New Bucktails," or the "Second"
and "Third Bucktails," the most unfortunate feeling which
arose later would not have developed. Mutually brave men,
fighting under the same emblem, rarely disagree, excepting
through misunderstandings.'
' It has been thought better to state bluntly the cause of a dispute
Harrison's Landing 141
1862 August]
On August 2nd, a portion of the regiment was ordered to
the south side of the James to cut timber. This became neces-
sary, because Lee had opened fire on the shipping, on the 31st
of July, from that bank. McClellan crossed a force on August
1st, and seized the position. He then fortified it, and was
troubled no more.
On August 6th, most of the men who had been held pris-
oners in Richmond returned and general jubilation prevailed.
Yet those who thus returned, looking around upon the thinned
ranks, were afraid to ask questions. In prison they had known
nothing; now in many cases they were to seek, furtively and
in vain, for those from whom they most desired a welcome.
The majority of the officers returned on the 13th.
The organization of the division was chaotic. General
McCall, who returned with General Reynolds on the 8th, was
enthusiastically received. But the rigor of the campaign had
broken down his health. Sixty years of age, the effects of the
hardships he had endured with his men were not to be thrown
off easily. He obtained leave to visit his home in Chester
County, where he was presented with a sword by his admirers.
Doctors failing to repair the injuries inflicted upon his health,
he was shortly afterwards compelled to resign.
Before Generals McCall and Reynolds had returned. Gen-
eral Seymour had commanded the division ; now General Rey-
nolds succeeded to the command, and the Bucktails lost their
brigade commander. Colonel Roberts, of the First regiment,
that at one stage became exceedingly bitter. Fortunately the feeling
engendered is dying out. One of the highest officers in the regiments
recruited by Major Stone and Captain Wister, recently gave the writer
much pleasure by responding to an inquiry relating to the matter — " I
•'endeavor to forget it"
142 History of the Bucktails
[August 1863
commanded the First brigade;* General Seymour the Second;
and Colonel Jackson, of the Ninth regiment, the Third.
The pernicious results of permitting the men to elect their
own officers had been proven earlier, hence orders were issued
from Headquarters suspending the practice. As by the terms
of the act under which the Reserve Corps came into existence
Governor Curtin was prevented from c(»nmissioning officers
unless elected by the various regiments, this order, while pre-
venting incompetents, through their personal popularity or in-
fluence, attaining commissions, at the same time necessitated
the retention of vacancies.'
The promotions of Neri B. Kinsey from Second-Lieutenant
to First-Lieutenant, in Company A; and of R. Fenton Ward
from Hospital-Steward to Second-Lieutenant, Company I,
were, however, made before the embargo went into effect.
On August 9th, the Bucktails marched to the Landing to
turn in the Springfield and Enfield rifles that they had been
using. An abbreviated form of the trouble formerly experi-
enced at Harrisburg occurred. The regiment stood around in
the broiling sun for four hours, and were then offered inferior
weapons. Colonel McNeil declined, wheeled his men about and
marched back to camp. The next day they obtained Sharps
breechloaders.' They had round barrels, were of good carrying
'When General Meade returned shortly after, he assumed com-
mand of the brigade.
' "Section 6. — That the several companies and regiments composing
"said volunteer corps shall be entitled to elect, and the Governor shall
"commission, officers, etc." Act of May 15, 1861. As stated, later, by
act, approved February 27th, 1863, this act was amended in accord-
ance with the views of the military authorities; but till that time
the regiments were compelled to do battle dangerously under-officered.
' Though these were exchanged in 1864 for Spencers, many of the
regiment to-day consider them the best guns they ever had. Such was
the affection entertained for them by their users, that at least one in-
stance has come to the writer's knowledge, where risking trouble of
severe nature, when the order to turn them in was issued the owner
smuggled his rifle out of camp, and succeeded in getting it safely into
his own home, where it now is.
The Richmond Prisons 143
1862 June- July]
power and of extreme accuracy, were furnished with extra
hair-triggers and could be fired with either caps or fulminating
tapes.
While at camp some of the men received new clothing.
Food varied in price, watermelons being quoted at $1.25, while
tomatoes could be purchased for 3 cents apiece.
The men who returned from the Richmond prisons had
much to tell. Doubtless the prisoners captured by the Con-
federates fared much worse than those taken by the Federals.
Yet it is to be hoped, that in the majority of cases, the comment
that a Bucktair entered in his diary, on July 3rd, while a
captive, reveals the true cause: "Did not have but one meal
"to-day. Confederates hard up." The crimes committed in
many instances, however, admit of no extenuation. Hundreds
of men, through insufficient nourishment and lack of medical
and surgical attendance, became physical wrecks.'
The Bucktails were for the most part at first confined in
a tobacco storehouse in Richmond, later being removed to
Belle Island. The food varied from "crackers and fresh beef" to
"nothing till noon — ^then bread and that sour." On June 30th :
"rations twice ; and loaf of bread each time — fresh beef at noon
"and soup at night." July 3rd : "rations twice ; J4 loaf bread
"and pint of soup each time." July 28th : "drew rations twice
" — bread without salt." While at Richmond : "Coffee 75 cents
"a pound ; tea 30 cents."
While at Belle Island, a plot was formed to escape. The
' William Wallace Moore.
' Captain Bard quotes a case of a young man, whose arm had been
shot off above the elbow. The wound was never dressed, and at Belle
Island, the unfortunate man would sit pouring water over it. When the
Captain last saw him, the arteries having become closed or clogged,
the wound was healing, with the bone protruding. Experiences of this
nature are of only too frequent record. Their recital can do no good,
and it is better to leave them to the oblivionizing effects of time.
144 History of the Bucktails
[Augtut 1863
instigator and head of the movement was Roger Sherman, then
Sergeant-Major. The attempt was to be made at midnight,
but upon the morning before the time set the camp was awak-
ened by the roar of artillery, batteries having been placed on
two sides of the camp and the guard doubled. Treachery was
apparent and the crime fixed upon a soldier of the Second
Massachusetts, who as it was discovered was a Southerner
by birth. For his dirty work he obtained privileges, but never
entered the camp again excepting on one occasion. Then
the camp fell upon him so fiercely that before he could be res-
cued dozens of blows were rained upon him. Escorted by the
guard he was taken away, nor did he appear again.
While McClellan was holding his army inactive, Lee was
energetically preparing to make him withdraw. Jackson was
sent north to menace Washington and engage General Pope,
who commanded the forces retained for its defense. The plan
was simple. Sufficient troops were to move against Pope to
cause the latter to call for reinforcements. Naturally, rein-
forcements could best be supplied from the troops at Harri-
son's Landing, and if the force was reduced to any considerable
extent it must be withdrawn in toto. Further, the ground occu-
pied by General McClellan touched marshes and swamps and
the air was pestilential. On August 3rd, General McClellan
was ordered to withdraw his entire army from the Peninsula
to Acquia Creek.
In the vicinity of Washington, General Pope was clamor-
ing lustily for reinforcements. The first troops to embark
from the Peninsula would be the first to reach him; and the
first to resume doing battle with the enemy. Once again the
Pennsylvania Reserves were placed in the advance. Their
mettle had been tested; nor were those above them afraid to
assign to them work that must be performed.
KANE'S BATTALION.
I.
THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN.
In the last book it was stated that prior to the departure
of the regiment with McCall's division of the Pennsylvania
Reserves to join McClellan on the Peninsula, Company C, Cap-
tain Leander W. Gifford, Company G, Captain Hugh McDon-
ald, Company H, Captain Charles F. Taylor, and Company I,
Captain William F. Blanchard, were separated from the re-
mainder of the Bucktails ; and under command of Lieutenant-
Colonel Thomas L,. Kane attached to Bayard's "Flying
"Brigade."
Ivieutenant-Colonel Kane after his return to the regiment,
upon recovering from the wound he had received at Dranes-
ville, had devoted himself to compiling his "Instructions for
"Skirmishers," a protest against European tactics being en-
forced upon American riflemen. This outline of what he
believed to be the proper system of tactics for riflemen he
submitted to General McClellan, who, being impressed with
'It is a matter of regret that more information in regard to the
remarkable campaigns of these four companies is not obtainable. Taking
part, as they did, in the whirlwind campaign against Jackson in the
Shenandoah Valley and the complicated maneuvers of General Pope
ending in the Second Bull Run, the scarcity of data is the more lament-
able, and renders the task of their historians more difficult. Moreover,
around their achievements has grown up a mass of apochryphal litera-
ture, the existence of which has necessitated the rejection of any but
exceptionally well substantiated contributions to the scanty records.
145 II
146 HlST(»Y OF THE BUCKTAILS
[7 March 1862
the value of the suggestions contained in the paper, returned
it with the following endorsement :
"March 7th, 1862.
"Respectfully referred to General M'Call, with instruc-
"tions to detail four companies of the Kane Rifles to report to
"Colonel Kane, and until further orders to be drilled by Colonel
"Kane exclusively in the system of tactics devised by him, so
"far as the same is not inconsistent with the official system.'"
In accordance wih General McClellan's endorsement, Com-
panies C, G, H and I were placed under the tuition of
Lieutenant-Colonel Kane, but their separation, not only from
the balance of the regiment, but from the division of the Penn-
sylvania Reserves itself, came as a great surprise to the men.
While it is undeniable that the majority of the regiment at
that time was divided into two camps, with strong opinions
as to who should command them, yet on all other questions
it could be depended upon to act as a unit. The most sincere
friendliness existed from the start, and this friendliness had
been accentuated through dangers mutually endured at New
Creek and Dranesville and the winter passed in camp together.
The "Flying Brigade" to which the four companies were
attached was composed of the First Pennsylvania cavalry' and
the First New Jersey cavalry, and the men under Kane were
soon to be given an opportunity to prove the contention of their
commander, that picked riflemen, in speed, effectiveness and
stamina, were equal to cavalry.
To understand the reasons for the formation of this "Fly-
"The manuscript is now in possession of Mrs. Kane, the widow of
the late General.
'Originally intended to serve with the other regiments of the
Pennsylvania Reserves as the isth of that corps. The difficulties
encountered in recruiting and organizing this force have already been
mentioned in a previous chapter.
The VaixEy Campaign 147
1862 Mar 17I
"ing Brigade" and the movements of the Bucktail battalion, both
while with it and later with Pope, until it was reunited with
the main body of the regiment after the Second Battle of Bull
Run, it will be necessary to take a hasty survey of the events
immediately preceding its creation.
It has been narrated that on March 8th the Confederates
commenced their rearward movement from Manassas, while
the first of the Union troops destined for the Peninsula em-
barked on March 17th.
McClellan coveted and was promised McDowell's First
corps, to which McCall's division of Pennsylvania Reserves,
including the Bucktails, was attached. The Government, ever
fearful that the enemy, racing up the Shenandoah Valley, would
sweep into Washington before he could be stopped, was ren-
dered more nervous by Stonewall Jackson's brilliant perform-
ance at Kernstown on March 23rd,' and McDowell was retained
to cover Washington. On April 4th the Department of the
Rappahannock, under General McDowell, and the Department
of the Shenandoah, under General Banks, were organized.
The Bucktails as part of McCall's division, now attached
to the Department of the Rappahannock, had broken camp at
Fairfax Seminary, near Alexandria, and had joined in the
advance to Fredericksburg. The Government realized that
'While the Union troops were victorious, Jackson was able to
report "though the field is in possession of the enemy, yet the most
"essential fruits of the battle are ours." (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 383-384.)
The Confederate aim was, by making their opponents believe a large
force was prepared at any moment to debouch from the Valley on Wash-
ington, to prevent their strengthening McClellan on the Peninsula.
Whether Jackson was correct in his report may be judged from the fact
that Shields reported "The enemy's strength was about 15,000; the
"strength of our division not over 8,000" (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 33s) ; and
Jackson reported that in the battle he had only 2,742 infantry, 18 pieces of
artillery and zgo cavalry engaged, while he estimated the Federal in-
fantry engaged as "probably over 8,000." (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 383.)
148 History of the Bucktails
[17 Vat i8£3
McDowell's corps could cover Washington effectively by hold-
ing that town, and acceded to the Commanding General's re-
quest for permission to occupy it, though at the same time it
cautioned him that his duties were purely defensive.
On May 17th General McDowell was informed that Gen-
eral Shields' division of General Banks' corps had been ordered
to Fredericksburg to relieve him; and he was instructed to
advance with his whole force towards Richmond and form
junction with the Army of the Potomac as soon as Banks
arrived. As McClellan had worked up the Peninsula, and by
May i6th, with his force only a few miles distant from Rich-
mond, had established firmly his base at White House, McDow-
ell's corps would come into contact with its right McDowell
reported he would be ready to move on Saturday afternoon.
May 24th. President Lincoln was adverse to commencing the
movement on a Sunday, and the 26th was decided upon as the
date for advance. The President, the Secretary of War, some
members of the Cabinet and other distinguished personages
visited General McDowell at Fredericksburg on the 24th, leav-
ing the same evening. Lieutenant-Colonel Kane had the Buck-
tails on dress parade on the same evening that the President left.
The four companies were then attached to the "Flying Brigade"
which General McDowell ordered to advance towards Rich-
mond, to act as skirmishers for his main body.
The men, who had been chafing at their inactivity, received
the order with delight. Leaving Falmouth on the 25th, they
crossed the Rappahannock and advanced down the plank road
towards Hanover Court House, bivouacking for the first night
some twelve miles below Fredericksburg. A portion of the cav-
alry advanced to within eight miles of Hanover Court House,
and the troops were already mentally capturing Richmond
The VAi,i;eY Campaign 149
1863 May 27]
itself. In the night they received orders to return, and obeyed
dispiritedly.
The situation in the Shenandoah Valley, that bete noir of
the Government, was the cause of the recall which was ordered
by the President himself. About May i6th, Stonewall Jackson
found himself in command of the largest force he had had to
date, his own division joined with Ewell's amounting to about
17,000 men. Cognizant of the fact that Washington was in
perpetual fear of the passes from the Shenandoah Valley, and
learning that Banks' forces, which were posted at Strasburg
and Front Royal, had been terribly reduced through the sending
of Shields' division to take McDowell's place at Fredericksburg,
who in turn was to move to reinforce McClellan, he urged his
troops north. By the evening of the 22nd he was at Luray,
although the Union commanders believed him to be below Har-
risonburg. On the 23rd he overwhelmed a detachment of
Banks' army at Front Royal, and on the 2Sth struck Banks at
Winchester driving him north of the Potomac. Steps were
immediately taken by the Government, not only to stop the
advance of the bold Confederate, but to capture him with his
entire force. McDowell was ordered to move into the Valley
through Manassas Gap, Fremont was recalled from western
Virginia and Sigel and Banks were ordered to move south.
Celerity of movement was of primal importance and the "Fly-
"ing Brigade" was laid under contribution.
On May 27th McDowell's Chief of Staff issued the follow-
ing order :
"Headquarters, May 27, 1862.
"General McCall,
"Falmouth.
"General McDowell wishes you to order to Catlett's, Bay-
"ard's Brigade as now constituted, viz, two regiments of cav-
15© History of the; Bucktails
[27 May 1862
"airy, Kane's battalion of rifles, and the battery of mountain
"howitzers. . . .
"Ed. Schriver,
"Chief of Staff." '
The "Flying Brigade" reached Catlett's Station at i p. m..
May 29th and General Bayard, in answer to inquiries, gave the
strength of the Bucktail battalion with his brigade as two hun-
dred and sixty-four. The immediate presence of the brigade
at Front Royal being vitally required. Bayard was ordered to
forward the Bucktail battalion by rail, moving his cavalry and
artillery as promptly as possible.' Meanwhile Jackson, who had
been as far north as Harper's Ferry, conscious of the trap that
was being laid for him, retreated to Winchester, left that place
on May 31st, and arrived at Strasburg the same evening. His
capture seemed impossible, and he boldly waited for Winder,
who with his command was still north of Strasburg, to arrive
before continuing his retreat. Bayard's brigade was ordered
on June ist by General McDowell to advance to Strasburg, with
a view of attacking Jackson's train as it passed. Contrary to
expectations, the brigade found the train heavily protected by
artillery mounted on commanding positions about the town. To
attack such formidable works with an inferior force was out of
the question. The Confederate guns threw a few shells at their
enemies and towards night Bayard withdrew his brigfade from
the Strasburg side of the Shenandoah and encamped. The
Bucktail battalion was placed so as to command and protect the
railroad bridge across the river.
Early the next morning Colonels Karge and Kane recon-
noitered the town. Finding it abandoned, they then occupied it.
General Bayard, who also entered Strasburg, reported to Gen-
• O. R. I. LI. i., p. 639.
' See telegrams from Breck and Bayard, O. R. I. XII. 111., p. 283.
The VaucEy Campaign 151
1S62 June 2]
eral Fremont, who, with his troops constituting the Mountain
I>epartment, had reached Strasburg on the ist, and by him was
assigned the advance in the ensuing pursuit of the retreating
Confederate forces.' On the previous evening, two miles south
of Strasburg, the Sixteenth Ohio and Eighth Virginia of Col-
onel Cluseret's brigade had had an engagement with the enemy,
and General Fremont, in his general report, chronicles that
upon his arrival he found that some ten of the wounded had
already been cared for by Colonel Kane.'
With feverish energy the Union troops started in pursuit
of Jackson's force which had so cleverly slipped away, just as
the mouth of the net was being closed. Still it was neither a
parade nor a race. The rear guard was resourceful and was
perpetually obstructing the advancing Federals. Even as early
as 10 A. M. on the 2nd, the Confederates made a stand which
was only broken by the use of artillery. Eighteen miles were
accomplished in five hours, and at 5 o'clock Stahel's brigade
occupied Woodstock. In a despatch to General McDowell,
dated Woodstock, June 2nd, General Fremont says:
"Your cavalry brigade rendered good and essential service,
"and if I could have succeeded in bringing up my infantry,
"would have made the day disastrous to Jackson; but the
"rapidity of the march made this impossible, and Jackson es-
"caped dispersion.'"
In transmitting this despatch to the Secretary of War
General McDowell adds:
"I understand, unofficially, that Ashby's cavalry made an
"unsuccessful charge on the Bucktails and were themselves
"charged by Bayard and many prisoners made."*
' Bayard's report. O. R. I. XII. i., p. 677.
•O. R. I. XII. i., p. 14-IS.
' O. R. I. XII., iii., p. 324.
* O. R. I. XII., iii., p. 324.
152 History of the Bucktails
[a June iS6a
The Bucktail battalion was being put to a severe test. Day
by day it kept pace with the cavalry, "bivouacked with them
"every night during that memorable Valley campaign, as well
"as skirmished for them in every engagement they had in the
"Valley, save the one in which Colonel Wyndham was sur-
"prised."'
The fatigue incident to the exertions made on the 2nd did
not prevent the pursuit being resumed at 7 a. m. on the 3rd.
The advance was contested by the Confederates, who at Eden-
burg, five miles below Strasburg, destroyed the bridge across
Stony Creek. A difficult ford was found and used, and by noon
the bulk of the Union troops were across. Moving down the
Valley the advance was just in time to save the bridge over
Cedar (Mill) Creek at Mount Jackson, but the bridge over the
North Fork of the Shenandoah River was burned in its face.
General Bayard got his cavalry into position on an elevation
overlooking the bridge, but lack of artillery rendered it impos-
sible to save the structure.
By 6 o'clock on the morning of the 4th a pontoon bridge
had been constructed, when a sudden rise in the river made it
necessary to cut the ropes and permit the pontoon to swing to
the northern shore. The flood subsiding that evening, by 10
o'clock on the morning of the 5th, the bridge was replaced and
the pursuit resumed.
Jackson, by the destruction of the Shenandoah bridge, had
gained eighteen hours on the army that was upon his trail ; nor
was it possible for the forces under Fremont to come up to him
on that day. Eighteen miles were covered before night, how-
ever, and an early march on the morning of the 6th enabled the
Union commander to restore the lost contact. At 2 o'clock in
'From letter of Major John A. Wolfe to Captain John P. Bard,
October 22, 1885.
The Valley Caupaign 153
1862 June 6]
the afternoon the advance swept into Harrisonburg, a small
town, the name of which was destined to be forever after linked
with that of the Bucktails. The enemy being driven out, and
the line of his further retreat being uncertain, the Union
forces were ordered into camp. About 3 o'clock in the after-
noon the First New Jersey cavalry were ordered to proceed
beyond the town by General Bayard/ After proceeding about
three and a quarter miles they suddenly found themselves under
a heavy fire on both flanks and their front. The rebel ambus-
cade resulted in the loss by the First New Jersey cavalry of
thirty-two men, killed, wounded and missing, among the killed
being Captain Haines, and among the captured Colonel Percy
Wyndham and Captains Shelmire and Clark. Colonel Wynd-
ham, in addition to being captured, was also wounded.
General Fremont did not desire to precipitate a general
engagement just at that time, but Kane, who seems to have
believed that he could rescue the wounded, pleaded with such
vehemence to be allowed to advance, that permission was
granted. General Bayard, with the First Pennsylvania cavalry
and the Bucktail battalion, immediately moved forward. Gen-
eral Ashby who protected the Confederates' rear had, after the
repulse of the Union cavalry under Wyndham, ordered up infan-
try reinforcements. General Bayard from his position caught
sight of these reinforcements moving up and despatched a mes-
senger to recall the Bucktail battalion. Before the order could
be carried out, however, Colonel Kane with his little battalion —
at that moment, numbering only one hundred and four men' —
entered the woods. Coming into contact with the Fifty-Eighth
' Report of Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Karge. O. R. I. XII. i., p.
679.
'Major Wolfe, who was Lieutenant in Company G, and a partici-
pant in the battle, stated positively that only one hundred and five men
(evidently including Kane himself) were in the battle.
154 History of the Bucktails
[6 June 1863
Virginia, the Bucktails poured in such a murderous fire that a
portion of the opposing line fell back. There was a little clear-
ing in the forest at this place, and the Confederate firing line
was protected by the crest of the hill. Kane, cautioning his men
to take cover, but to "give them hell," now found himself
opposed by a considerable force, for though some of the enemy
had been driven back, yet the opposing line had through their
very retreat been consolidated and made firmer. The battalion's
orders, it was understood, were, "If you engage the enemy hold
"your position at all hazards, and reinforcements will reach
"you ;" * and even in default of such instructions neither the
men nor their gallant Colonel were accustomed to retreat in the
face of the foe. Martin Kelly, a private of Company G, took
in the situation at a glance. With quick intuition he realized
that with the exact position and strength of their opponents
unknown; the order to advance, then almost quivering on his
Colonel's lips, could only be carried out at a dreadful cost. With
heroic devotion he resolved at the price of his own life to reduce
the toll to be taken from his companions. "Colonel," he said,
"shall I draw their fire ?" As he stepped swiftly from behind a
tree, a long line of red flame showed over the crest of the hill,
and without flinching, pierced by a volley of balls, Martin
^Letter from Captain L. W. Gifford, Company C. On the other
hand, a correspondent of the Philadelphia Inquirer who was present
during Kane's conversation with General Bayard says: '"But not to
" leave poor Wyndham on the field and all our wounded' remonstrated
"my brave Colonel Kane of the Bucktails, 'and besides. General, think
'"how such a stampede as this will dishearten and demoralize the
" 'Army ; let me at 'em General, with my Bucktails.' ' Just forty min-
" 'utes I'll give you Colonel,' says General Bayard, pulling out his watch;
'"peep through the woods on our left, see what is in there, and out
"'again when the time's up.' It was my first introduction to Colonel
"Kane. 'Good bye,' he said pressing the hand of each of our group; 'I
" 'hope to see you again ; but if I don't, take it for granted that I and
" 'my Bucktails have given a good account of ourselves.' "
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ThB Valley Campaign 155
1862 June 6]
Kelly dropped dead. Colonel Kane, ever watchful and alert,
perceived at once that the line in front of him not only greatly
outnumbered his scanty command, but was stretching out to-
wards the left, threatening to envelop its flank, and instantly
he ordered a detachment of his small band to drive back the
menacing force. Wounded in the leg early in the fight, leaning
against a tree, he directed his rapidly falling men. The
opposing lines drew closer together and as the Bucktails by a
withering fire drove back the attack that swarmed towards
their flank, the rebel line appeared to crumble, and for a moment
it seemed as though success would attend the efforts of the
devoted band. At this moment General Turner Ashby, on foot,
appeared in front of the Confederate line, urging his Virginians
forward. His horse had been shot under him,' but undaunted
he sprang forward, ordering the men to cease firing and use
the bayonet. "Charge men," he shouted, "for God's sake
"charge !'" His regiment rallied for a moment. Then one of
the Bucktails took deliberate aim and fired.' With the crack
of the rifle, Ashby, the beloved General of the Confederacy, fell
dead.* Colonel Kane was wounded again in the breast and
'"Ashby was riding a horse belonging to Lieutenant Willis . . .
"he was now killed and Ashby was on foot." Lossing's "Civil War in
"America," Vol. II., p. 395.
' "Stonewall Jackson and the American Civil War," by Lieutenant-
Colonel C. F. R. Henderson, Vol. I., p. 445. Also John Esten Cooke's
"Military History of Stonewall Jackson."
' Bates states that the shot was fired by Corporal Holmes who was
lying mortally wounded on the ground. In this he is almost beyond
the slightest doubt in error. The man believed to be the real marksman
is still living, but though proud of his membership in the regiment pre-
fers to remain unnamed in this case.
*The stem Jackson valued General Ashby so highly that in his
official report he said : " as a partisan officer I never knew his superior ;
"his daring was proverbial ; his powers of endurance almost incredible ;
"his tone of character heroic, and his sagacity almost intuitive in di-
"vining the purposes and movements of the enemy." (O. R. I. XII.
156 History of the Bucktails
[6 June 1862
Lieutenant Wolfe, approaching him said : "Colonel, shall I send
"two men to carry you back, we can't stay here any longer, if
"we don't get out right speedily, we will all be captured." With
bull-dog courage the Colonel responded : "You are doing nobly
"Lieutenant, give them hell." About the time that General
Ashby fell, the First Maryland, under Colonel Bradley T.
Johnson, came to the assistance of the Fifty-Eighth Virginia.
Raging at the loss of their brigade commander and led by
Johnson, the two regiments, charging forward till but a hun-
dred and fifty feet separated the combatants, redoubled their
attack on their foes, now reduced in number to between fifty
and sixty. Convinced that the support he expected would not
arrive, with his own force but half the size it had been an hour
previously while the enemy had been strengthened by fresh
troops. Colonel Kane reluctantly, as the darkness gathered,
ordered his men to retreat Captain Taylor, of Company H,
succeeded in drawing off the survivors, numbering but fifty-
two. Unwilling to leave his commander alone, wounded, he
returned to the field, to recover the body if dead, or to assist
i., p. 712.) Colonel Kane, who a prisoner, was taken to General Ewell's
headquarters, is reported as saying that upon an officer reporting to that
General that the Confederate forces had gained a glorious victory driving
the enemy from the field, General Ewell exclaimed "General, I am aston-
"ished that you should have the face to come into my presence and claim
"a victory ; such victories would drive us to hell before we are ready to
''go. Shame I shame I that not over one hundred men should so nearly
"destroy one of my best brigades, and worse that I must lose the brave
"General Ashby who had to take command of your brigade in person in
"order to prevent defeat I would not have lost him for a regiment such
"as you." Captain John P. Bard stated that this conversation was re-
ported to him by an officer to whom Colonel Kane had repeated it
Though plainly somewhat exaggerated and distorted, it is doubtless
nearly correct, and the fact that Colonel Kane had been a classmate of
General Ewell's, and was therefore more likely to speak frankly to him,
may explain how the latter, alone amongst the Confederates seems to
have had an accurate knowledge of the strength of the Bucktail battalion.
The Valley Campaign 157
igga June 6]
him if still living. With Kane he was made a prisoner. Recog-
nizing his chivalrous conduct the Confederates offered him his
parole, but he refused, as did also Colonel Kane.
Many stories have been told about this battle. On the
Union side the loss of the Bucktails was at first underestimated,
though the bravery of the men was immediately recognized.
General Bayard, in his report, dated Harrisonburg, June 7,
1862, to Assistant Adjutant-General Breck, says :
"Colonel Kane had a fight with a regiment of infantry.
"He was wounded and taken prisoner; also Captains Taylor
"and Blanchard and Lieutenant Swayne wounded. He lost 25
"men. The Bucktails fought splendidly." '
In General Fremont's general report of the Valley cam-
paign, referring to this action, he says :
"Almost immediately after getting into the timber the
"Rifles encountered a regiment of cavalry with artillery and a
"regiment of infantry, from which they received a very dam-
"aging fire. A very severe engagement of half an hour fol-
"lowed, during which the Rifles lost upward of 40 in killed,
"wounded and missing. Colonel Kane was wounded and taken
"prisoner. Captain Taylor a prisoner, Captain Blanchard shot
"through both legs, and Lieutenant Swayne wounded. This
"noble body of Riflemen is entitled to the expression of my
"warm admiration for excellent conduct and efficiency during
"the march, and for distinguished bravery on this occasion.'"
'O. R. I. XII. i., p. 676.
'O. R. I. XII. i., p. 18. Lieutenant Swayne died in the hospital at
Harrisburg, and Captain Blanchard, although he succeeded in rejoining
the regiment near Sharpsburg, in October, was so crippled that he was
compelled to resign in December. Suffering constantly, his wounds the
seat of erysipelas, his subsequent life has been little better than daily
torture. Although not mentioned in this despatch, Captain Gifford, of
Company C, was also severely wounded, and weakened both in this
way and by exposure was compelled to resign November 17, 1862.
IS8 History of the Bucktails
[6 June 1862
The Philadelphia Inquirer of June 10, 1862, published a
report of the skirmish and gave the loss as 3 killed, 37 wounded
and 9 missing. This report has many obvious errors in the
spelling of the names. The muster rolls of Sypher's "History
"of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps" show the loss as 37 killed,
wounded and captured. Not taking into account those missing,
but not captured, the muster rolls at the end of the present vol-
ume show : Killed 7, wounded 39, captured 5. No official report
covering the loss entailed in this afFair had been discovered, but
the loss as given in the muster rolls is believed to be correct,
with the exception of two names as yet unidentified.
The fact that the regiment was engaged against troops of
Ashby's brigade led Bates in his "History of the Pennsylvania
"Volunteers," to write, so as to give the impression that the
entire Confederate brigade, infantry, cavalry and artillery were
in actual contact with Kane's battalion ; further he states that a
published rebel statement gave the Confederate loss as five hun-
dred and fifty-nine.' As a matter of fact the Confederate artil-
lery was in action, for Colonel Munford, commanding General
Ashby's brigade, in his report of this engagement dated Febru-
ary 36, 1863, says :
"As soon as our forces became engaged the Yankee cav-
"alry advanced to the support of the Bucktails. I advanced
"with my command to meet them, and getting within easy
"range, I opened with two pieces of Chew's battery, which had
"been masked in the rear of the cavalry and drove them from
"their position.'"
Whether General Bayard's orders to Colonel Kane were
to hold his position should he strike the enemy, or to return
in forty minutes, his desire and attempt to relieve the hard-
*Vol. I., p. 91 1-913-
'O. R. I. XII. i., p. 732.
Thb VAttEY Campaign 159
1863 June ti]
pressed battalion are thus established beyond dispute. That he
did not do so, was owing to his strict orders not to bring on a
general engagement, which must have inevitably resulted had
he either continued to advance or called for reinforcements.
Hard as it must have been to the intrepid cavalry leader, he
was compelled to remain inactive, and pray dumbly that his
Bucktail battalion would return before it was annihilated.
General Ewell reporting the loss sustained by his regi-
ments, gives it as follows :
Killed. Wounded. Missingf. Total.
First Maryland 6 11 — 17
Fifty-Eighth Virginia ....11 39 3 53
17 SO 3 70'
So gallant was considered the conduct of the First Mary-
land in this battle that the following order was issued :
"General Orders Headquarters Ewell's Division.
"No. 30. June 12, 1862,
"In commemoration of the gallant conduct of the First
"Maryland Regiment on the 6th of June, instant, when led by
"Col. Bradley T. Johnson, they drove back with loss the Penn-
"sylvania Bucktail Rifles in the engagement near Harrisonburg,
"Rockingham County, Va., authority is given to have one of the
"captured bucktails (the insignia of the Federal regiment)
"appended to the color staff of the First Maryland Regiment.
"By order of Major-General Ewell.
"James Barton,
"Assistant-Adjutant-General.'"
•O. R.I. XII. i., p. 783-
"O. R. I. LI. ii., p. 570. General Bradley T. Johnson in a letter
dated July 9, i^ to ist-Sergt. William H. Rauch, stated that the regi-
mental flag to which the trophy was attached was carried at the battle
of Cross Keys; during the rest of the Valley Campaign; the Seven
Days' battles; and till the regiment was mustered out on August 12,
1862. The flag and the trophy were then presented by the regiment to
Mrs. Johnsoa
i6o History op thb Bucktails
[6 June iSfiz
Had the Confederates realized the smallness of the force
with which they contended, surely this order would not have
been promulgated. As to the actual strength of the Confederate
regiments, probably no more trustworthy information can be
obtained, than that contained in the following letter from Col-
onel Johnson:
"The Woodlands, Virginia,
"Amelia Court House,
"August 8, 1898.
"T. H. Ryan, Esq.
"My Dear Sir: Your correspondence with me is very
"interesting. After 36 years I learn for the first time that you
"had only part of four companies — 104 men. I had 275 men
"present in ranks in the First Maryland and the Fifty-Eighth
"Virginia must have had 200 or more. So you fought five to
"one. Our loss was 17 killed, 50 wounded, and 3 missing (70)
"in all. A game fight for you, and I heartily congratulate you
"on it.
"This shows how little we old soldiers knew of what we
"were doing. I have always thought that you were almost
"exterminated, for I saw no one readi the other side of the field
"after you broke that covering. Anyhow, it was a pretty hard
"fight all around.
"You put three balls into my horse and would have killed
"me, dead sure, if, when the second ball struck him he had not
"thrown up his head and caught the bullet intended for me.
"Good luck to you and all the old Bucktails.
"Yours,
"BradlSy T. Johnson." '
'Thomas H. Ryan was a Corporal in Company G. General John-
son always exhibited keen interest in the doings of his sometime
opponents, until his death, October 5th, 1903, and only unavoidable cir-
cumstances prevented his attending some of the Bucktail reunions. He
had the engraving of the battle made, which is reproduced in this
volume, designing that the money obtained from the sale of copies,
Thk Vaij:<ey Campaign i6i
1862 June 6]
Thus at the lowest estimate the battalion had engaged five
times its number, and was conscious during the entire time it
was under fire, that not only were other regiments within call
of their opponents, but that at any moment the enemy could
obtain support from artillery and cavalry. The desperateness
of the combat and the accuracy of the battalion's fire are attested
by the fact that General Ashby's horse was shot a moment
before he himself fell a victim to the Bucktail marksman ; Gen-
eral Johnson's horse received three bullets ; and two successive
color bearers of the First Maryland dropped badly wounded.
Nor did the Bucktails suffer less. A newspaper correspondent
reports' that he saw at the hospital one man who though
wounded in three places had been brought back. A wounded
officer, in reply to an inquiry told him, "Why you see I was told
"to deploy some men as skirmishers and before we had moved
"thirty yards we were breast to breast with a whole regiment of
"Rebels. It was no use, of course, to fight, but as for retreat,
"I knew the Colonel would not hear of it, so we went in."
The Shenandoah Valley may be roughly described as being
formed by the Shenandoah mountains on the west and the Blue
Ridge on the east, but divided longitudinally for some fifty
miles by the Massanutten mountains, the northern extremity
of which is level with a line drawn between Front Royal and
Strasburg. The range runs southward, following the direction
of the mountains that enclose the valley, and ends slightly below
Harrisonburg. The north fork of the Shenandoah River runs
north on the west side of the range, though it is not of any size
below Mt. Jackson or New Market. The south fork, however,
should be devoted to the erection of a monument to commemorate the
Maryland line. The receipts proving very slight this plan was aban-
doned.
' Philadelphia Inquirer, June 16, 1862.
i62 History of the Bucktails
[6 June i86a
is a considerable stream for many miles, before on its northward
journey it reaches the southern extremity of the range, and
when it does, it flows northward on its eastern side.
While the force under General Fremont had been driving
Jackson down the western side of the Massanutten, a force
under General Shields had been traveling down the eastern
side ; and it was intended that the two forces should converge
at the southern end of the range, and together crush the wily
Confederate. Fremont had reached Harrisonburg on the 6th,
and Jackson, to escape, was compelled to turn at bay. Jackson's
desire was to hold the force under Fremont back, till he himself
had crossed the south fork of the Shenandoah at Port Repub-
lic, twelve miles away. If he could do this, and bum the bridge
behind him, he felt confident that he could stave off any attack
Shields might make. Hence while his main force moved down
to Port Republic to cross the river, three brigades, Elz/s,
Trimble's and Ewell's, were ordered to contest Fremont's ad-
vance at Cross Keys, a small settlement seven miles below Har-
risonburg, which owed its name to a small tavern that at one
time stood a quarter of a mile from the Union church, and had
for a sign a device with two keys crossed.
As has been seen, Fremont's desire to prevent a general
engagement had deterred Bayard from succoring the Bucktails
at Harrisonburg on the 6th. This desire seems to have been
due to his ignorance of the exact location of Shields. On the
morning of the 7th, still without definite information as to
Shields' whereabouts, Fremont sent forward a reconnaissance
in force, and learned that Jackson was preparing to resist a fur-
ther advance by him. Accordingly on the morning of the 8th,
Fremont moved forward in battle array. Bayard's cavalry,
owing to its arduous service and lack of horseshoes, being
unfitted for further movement, was temporarily left behind at
The Vau,ey Campaign 163
1862 June 8]
Harrisonburg ; but the remnant of the Bucktail battalion, which
since the beginning of the campaign had marched, skirmished
and fought foot to foot with this mounted force, was still
reported to be in condition I It was therefore attached to
Stahel's brigade. As the Union force advanced, Stahel's bri-
gade formed the left and Milro/s brigade the right, with
Schenck's brigade in support. The advance opened fire by half-
past eight; by eleven o'clock heavy firing commenced, which
lasted with great obstinacy and vehemence till four in the after-
noon.' The Confederate line extended along one of the ridges,
with which the country abounds, while the Union forces occu-
pied a parallel lower ridge. As the battle progressed the Union
formation became Stahel on the left, Milroy in the centre and
Schenck on the right. Both flanks were heavily wooded. The
Bucktails, who, since Colonel Kane and Captain Taylor had
been captured at Harrisonburg, were commanded by Captain
Hugh McDonald, of Company G, were ordered by General
Stahel to support Buell's battery of Pierrepont guns, and with
this battery, came into contact with Trimble's division, which
formed the Confederate right. As the battery, with the Buck-
tails, emerged from the woods and went into action, the enemy
dropped a few shells amongst them ; John McElhaney of Com-
pany C, being severely wounded in the leg. A member of the
Twenty-Seventh Pennsylvania, deployed in advance of the
Bucktails, was also hit. As the line of advance led down into
the hollow and along a ravine at right angles, the desired posi-
tion was attained without further damage being suffered. Cap-
tain McDonald soon found, however, that his position was too
far to the right and too directly in the range of the Union guns.
Ordering his men to move towards the left, he made them lie
down in the hollow. Though most of the shells passed safely
' Fremont's report. O. R. I. XII. i., p. 654.
i64 History of the Bucktails
[8 June 1863
over them, George C. DeBeck of Company G, was wounded
by one that dropped into their midst. Lieutenant Winslow,
who was also struck, escaped with an injury to his trousers.
As the afternoon progressed a portion of Stahel's line was
driven back, leaving Buell's battery, with its supports, exposed.
The Confederate brigade, under Trimble, moving forward as
the Union troops retreated, had worked around, till the latter
was able in his report to say, that he observed "from its fire a
"battery on the enemy's left, half a mile in front of us," and he
"promptly decided to make a move from our right flank and
"try to capture the battery." ' The position was exceedingly
complicated. General Trimble confident of success ordered por-
tions of the Thirteenth and Twenty-Fifth Virginia regiments
"to advance on the enemy in line of battle perpendicularly to
"his line and in rear of the battery.'" To assist in the move-
ment he had near him the Twenty- First Georgia, the Sixteenth
Mississippi and Fifteenth Alabama. As the menacing force
advanced Captain Buell changed position and loaded his guns,
remarking: "Boys, they've got us, but we will hurt some of
"them badly before they take my guns." Fresh from the death
trap of Harrisonburg the Bucktails muttered that they had been
in worse places before. Captain McDonald ordered them to lie
down and await the coming of the enemy, the Twenty-Seventh
Pennsylvania waiting grimly with them. Two or three minutes
later, the enemy came charging up the slope, and with a cheer
the almost surrounded troops rose and rushed forward to meet
them. Using the bayonet with deadly effect they repulsed the
attack. So carried away by their impetuosity were they that for
a time Captain Buell vainly begged them to return, so that he
might bring his guns into play. When they did return, hardly
•O. R. I. XII. i., p. 796.
• O. R. I. XII. i., p. 796.
The Valley Campaign 165
1862 June 8]
had they taken cover before a new line of attack was formed by
the Confederates, and to the terribly placed Captain of Artillery
the case appeared hopeless. Again the intrepid Bucktails vowed
that there would be much fun before the guns were lost.
An opportunity seemed to present itself. The artillery
belched forth a murderous flood of grape-shot and rapidly
limbering up, a dash was made by the imperiled battery and its
escort, towards the Union lines. So precarious had been its
position, that General Fremont, who was watching the action,
had given it up for lost, and when it emerged from the woods
flying towards safety, some Union batteries, believing that it
must be part of the Confederate artillery, opened fire upon it.'
The display of the flag of the Twenty-Seventh Pennsyl-
vania caused these batteries to cease firing, and with the loss of
one or two horses, Buell, the Bucktails, and the Twenty-Seventh
drew up within the lines.' It has been frequently claimed that
' McDonald's report, O. R. I. XII. i., p. 676.
' As with the fight at Harrisonburg, considerable vagueness has
characterized the reports not only in regard to the battle in general,
but also as to the endangered batteries of General Stahel. General
Trimble who reports the attempted capture (O. R. I. XII. i., p. 796)
does not seem to have known what battery he was attacking, nor by what
reg^iments it was saved. He places the responsibility for the failure on
the Sixteenth Mississippi. General Fremont in his general report (O.
R. I. XII. i., p. 21) states that the regiment that was repulsed by the
use of the bayonet was a Mississippi regiment; but though General
Trimble's report is slightly difficult of understanding without further
knowledge of the local topography, it is probable that the Sixteenth
Mississippi was the one driven back. Captain McDonald in his official
report (O. R. I. XII. i., p. 675), in accordance with his character, gives
a short terse account, carefully avoiding anything like the glorification
of his command. In another short report (O. R. I. XII. i., p. 658) Gen-
eral Fremont merely records the fact that "the bayonet was used to
"extricate one of our batteries from more than three regiments of the
■'enemy." The account here given is in strict accord with the various
official records, pieced together, the obscure places having been made
plainer by the account written by the late Captain John P. Bard, and
submitted by him to Major Wolfe, who was lieutenant of Company G.
i66 History op the Bucktails
[8 June i86a
had General Fremont not recalled Milroy, who was penetrating
the Confederate center, at the time Stahel was driven back, a
decided victory would have been recorded upon the Union side,
if indeed Jackson had escaped being entirely crushed. Be that
as it may, Milroy was recalled and the battle ceased.
The Bucktails had gone into the fight without a mouthful
of food in their haversacks, in fact they had had been on half
rations for several days ; doubly acceptable, therefore, was the
action of General Fremont in seeing that they were supplied
with food from his own Headquarters. Colonel Pilsen, Fre-
mont's Chief of Artillery, the next morning, sought out the bat-
talion, to thank the men in person for what they had done. As
he shook each of them by the hand tears rolled down the
deeply bronzed cheeks of Captain Buell.
The official loss of the battalion was given as follows :
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total
17 — 8*
On the morning of the 9th, General Fremont moved for-
ward to Port Republic, only to find that Jackson had crossed
the Shenandoah, leaving the bridge in flames. Shields' ad-
vance guard had been driven back ; and on the same morning
that General received orders to get his force together to
move to Fredericksburg, while Fremont, through a telegram
from the President, was ordered to pursue no farther. This
ended the Valley campaign, during which Bates estimated
that Kane's battalion, moving with Bayard's cavalry, had aver-
aged twenty miles a day, exclusive of the extra ground covered
in skirmishing. On June 7th, in a communication to Assistant
Adjutant-General Breck, General Bayard says:
' O. R. I. XII. i., p. 665. But the muster rolls show at least one man
missing. The loss, killed, wounded and missing, of the 27th Pennsyl-
vania was 93.
The Valley Campaign 167
1862 June 27]
"We have had the advance ever since we have been here,
"and have taken about 300 prisoners and released about 40 of
"Banks' men. We are utterly used up, except Lieutenant Hall's
"Griffin guns, and the Bucktails." '
A greater tribute could not have been paid. The battalion,
with a force of two hundred and sixty-four* on May 29th, was
only able on June 6th, at Harrisonburg, to put into the field one
hundred and five men. As the cavalry, utterly worn out, was
left behind at Harrisonburg, while the Bucktails moved for-
ward and took a brilliant part in the action at Cross Keys, Col-
onel Kane's contention that they could wear down mounted
forces was substantiated. Still, for the sake of the men, it was
fortunate that the experiment was not repeated. Human endur-
ance has limitations which may not with impunity be violated.
On June loth Fremont was directed to send Bayard's cav-
alry, with the Bucktail battalion, to join Shields' force.' He
himself retired to Mt Jackson, while Shields moved up the
Luray Valley. Jackson encamped at Weyler's Cave, a few
miles below Port Republic, on the 12th, and shortly after,
moving through the passes, advanced by rapid marches to aid
in the defense of Richmond, arriving in time to take active part
in the battle of Gaines' Mill on June 27th. His campaign must
be considered a brilliant strategetical victory. By skillful ma-
neuvering, with about 17,000 men, he had neutralized the
effectiveness of 60,000 or 70,000 Union troops, and prevented
reinforcements being sent to McClellan on the Peninsula.
'O. R. I. XII. i., p. 676.
•O. R. I. XII. iii., p. 284.
•O. R. I. XII. i., p. 6ss.
KANE'S BATTALION.
II.
catlett's station and second bull run.
The raid by Jackson had shown the Government the desir-
ability of not keeping scattered the forces retained to defend
Washington, while McClellan labored over the Peninsular route
towards Richmond. On June 26th, therefore, the troops under
Fremont, Banks, McDowell and Sturgis were consolidated into
the Army of Virginia, under the command of General John
Pope. The Third corps of this army was placed under General
McDowell, and to this corps Bayard's cavalry and the Bucktails
were attached. On June 26th, McClellan, on the Peninsula com-
menced his Seven Days' retreat, reaching camp at Harrison's
Landing on July 2nd. If McClellan should remain inactive, an
attack on Washington was to be apprehended. Pope, therefore,
with correct mihtary foresight, proceeded to collect his scattered
forces in front of Washington, throwing them forward along
the line of the Washington and Alexandria Railroad towards
Charlottesville.
Quick to take advantage of the situation on the Peninsula,
Lee ordered Jackson north, thus proving the sagacity of Pope's
measures. Jackson crossed the Rapidan on July 7th and 8th.
Pope, to parry the movement, advanced his army south, and on
August 9th the opposing forces came into contact at Cedar
Mountain. Bates in his "History of the Pennsylvania Volun-
168
Catlett's Station and Second Buix Run 169
i86z August 19]
"teers" ' states that the Bucktail battalion was engaged in that
action, but it seems probable that if they were, the part they
took was not a prominent one, as they then, with the Maine
Light Artillery, Third battery, formed the Headquarters corps
of General McDowell's Third Army corps.' Moreover, it seems
inconceivable that such hard fighters could participate in a battle
where the Union casualties totaled over 2,000, without losing a
man. Yet in the official casualty report,' they are not men-
tioned.
Apparently they were assigned to the Headquarters corps,
between June 28th and July 21st ; for on the former date, from
Manassas, General Bayard reported their strength as 184 — sick
13,* and on the latter date, at Fairfax, he requested that if
possible they be sent to him.* At all events their official desig-
nation August 16-31, was Corps headquarters, Third army
corps.'
The most kaleidoscopic campaign of the war succeeded the
Confederate repulse at Cedar Mountain.
Jackson retreated southward to Gordonsville, and Lee
ordered Longstreet to move up and form junction with him.
This was accomplished on the iSth of August. The Bucktail
battalion on the 19th, was at Brandy Station, and great was
•Vol. I., p. 916.
'O. R. I. XII. iii., p. 584.
•O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 136-139-
*0. R. I. XII. iii., p. 439.
•O. R. I. XII. iii., p. 488.
'That a discussion should be necessary as to whether or not the
battalion took part in such an important battle as Cedar Mountain, is
perhaps the best possible commentary on the meagreness of reliable
data connected with this campaign. Bates' misstatement, if misstate-
ment it is, is easily accounted for by supposing he believed the battalion
to have still been attached to Bayard's brigade, which lost 163 men.
Or the Headquarters Guard might have been sufficiently near to the line
of battle to have been under fire though not eng^aged.
170 History o^ the Bucktails
[19 August 1862
their pleasure, when on that date Colonel Kane returned to
them. After his capture Colonel Kane, with Captain Taylor,
had been carried across Virginia, Kane's wound unattended to
and the bullet unextracted. Finding that orders had been given
for their incarceration in a Southern prison, notorious for the ill-
treatment accorded to its occupants, and recognizing that such
an experience would jeopardize Captain Taylor's health, which
at that time showed plainly the effects of his recent exertions and
deprivations, Kane decided to accept the parole offered. With
Taylor, he was sent to Fortress Monroe, and upon his being
exchanged, he was still on crutches. His masterful spirit, how-
ever, remained dominant ; for he immediately issued orders that
"the soldiers carry at all times, until further orders, one hun-
"dred rounds of ball cartridges, forty or more rounds in the
"cartridge-box, the remainder in the haversack." Possibly he
remembered a previous experience during the expedition to
New Creek, when his scouts, with but four rounds apiece, had
been compelled to borrow cartridges from their companions,
on the promise that they would be repaid upon their return.
On the 20th, Jackson and Longstreet crossed the Rapidan,
Pope falling back behind the Rappahannock. The Bucktails,
still attached to the Headquarters Guard, were, on the 22nd,
ordered to accompany the staff trains, and marched to Catlett's
Station, where the trains were packed.* On the same day,
Jackson intended to start his raid in Pope's rear, and actually
succeeded in crossing a portion of his men higher up the Rap-
pahannock. To further confuse the Union General, Stuart,
with 1500 cavalry and two pieces of artillery, crossed the
"Though the battalion was at Headquarters, they appear in the
morning reports as in Rickett's brigaSe. The report of August 19, 1863,
gives the aggregate strength of the battalion, present and equipped ior
duty as 191. (O. R. I. XII. iii., p. 580.)
Catlbtt's Station and Sscond Bull Run 171
1862 August 22]
Waterloo and Hart's Mill bridges, moved up the Warrenton
pike, and then swung round to the right with the object of
swooping down on Catlett's Station and there destroying the
railroad bridge over Cedar Creek and bagging anything that
he could seize. With the guard protecting the train, the exact
strength of which will probably never be known, were the
Bucktails; Lieutenant Winslow, with fifteen men, being on
picket.
Early in the evening a terrific thunderstorm broke over
the camp. Stuart's force had arrived, without the Union troops
being aware of it, within a mile and a half of the Station, and
while the torrents of rain made Stuart declare that the night
was the darkest he had ever known, the darkness itself would
have prevented him from executing his designs, had not a negro
Whom he captured, and who had known him previously, given
him information. Dividing his forces, Stuart ordered Colonel
W. H. F. Lee to proceed to the place indicated by the negro as
ccmtaining Pope's personal baggage, while the First and Fifth
Virginia were ordered to attack the camp, over which the Buck-
tails stood guard.'
Moving forward they surprised and overwhelmed Lieuten-
ant Winslow and his men before they could give warning. Fol-
lowing this capture of the pickets they charged right through
the camp itself, overturned everything with which they came in
contact, and proceeded to set fire to the train.' In a moment
'With the 1st Virginia was John Singleton Mosby, then serving
as a scout attached to General Stuart's Headquarters. Later this famous
guerrilla was again to prove a thorn in the side of the hardy moun-
taineers.
• Privates W. W. Brown, Frank Wright, Thomas Malone and Lew
Jordan were in a tent together. As Stuart's men charged through the
camp a portion of their first volley tore the tent flap, while the men
sprang to their feet. With true humor Jordan stuck his head out, yell-
ing at the same time: " Hold on, you brutes, you are shooting right this
"way."
172 History op the Bucktails
[22 August 1862
Kane, with all his faculties alert, was quivering to rectify the
damage done. By prompt action he succeeded in rallying sixty-
eight men in an adjoining wood, and recognizing instantly that
the railroad bridge was the real object of the Confederates'
attack, he marched to the support of the Pumell Legion, which
had been assigned to the defense of the railroad and bridge.
Apparently before even Kane could get to the bridge the Con-
federate force, which under Captain Blackford had been sent
forward to destroy it, had desisted from their attempt to fire
the structure. In the deluge of rain, "they might just as well
"have tried to burn the creek !" ' Some attempt was made to
secure axes, but the darkness proved a hindrance. Moreover,
the bridge "was formed of double trestle work, superposed,
"which rendered destruction difficult and repair easy.'" Kane,
therefore, though he failed to find the Pumell Legion,' found
the vicinity of the bridge comparatively quiet. As the enemy
returned up the Manassas road, from out the darkness of the
trees the Bucktails poured in a volley at short range into his
face. The maddened horses stampeded. A half mile away,
however, their riders stopped them, and then set fire to the tents
and wagons of General Pope's staff. Seeking shelter behind
trees and wagons, the little band of Bucktails attempted to pick
off the cavalrymen engaged in their work of destruction, when-
ever the light of a torch betrayed that an attempt was being
made to set fire to the saturated wagons. So dark was it that
it was impossible to distinguish friend from foe, excepting by
the momentary flashes of the guns. "The animals became
"frightened, and increased the noise and confusion of the fight.
"The shooting and shouting of the men, the braying of the
' "Mosby's War Reminiscences,'' p. 249.
* Stuart's report, O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 731.
* Kane's report, O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 400.
Catlbtt's Station and Second Bull Run 173
1862 August 22]
"mules, the glare of the lightning and roll of the thunder, made
"it seem like all Pandemonium had broken loose.'"
Taking advantage of the turmoil that increased with every
moment, Kane boldly charged his men across the open field in
which the train was stationed. Contemptible as were the Buck-
tails numerically, as compared with their opponents, they at-
tacked with such fury that they drove the Confederates from
the field in confusion.
The blame for this surprise must rest on other shoulders
than those of the brave men suddenly overwhelmed. What
was the cavalry doing? With what work were the scouts en-
gaged, that fifteen hundred men, with two pieces of artillery,
were permitted to sweep down from the rear of the army in
the blackness of the night on the wagon camp, without an iota
of warning being given?
Perhaps the best commentary that can be made is that for
gallantry at Catlett's Station and at the Second Battle of Bull
Run, Colonel Kane was on the 7th of September commissioned
a Brigadier-General.'
•"Mosby's War Reminiscences," p. 248-249.
' Chagrined at the capture of his pickets, Kane thought it incum-
bent upon him to commence his official report of the night attack with
"I am sorry to report." (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 400.) But in reality no
blame can be attached to him or to the members of his battalion. Mosby,
their chivalrous, if somewhat peculiar opponent, says: "General Pope,
''unjustly censures them. Considering the surprise, I think they did
"remarkably well." ("Mosby's War Reminiscences," p. 428.) The cen-
sure by Pope, to which Mosby refers, may be found in the "Report of
"Major-General Pope" (Reports to the Joint Committee on the Conduct
of the War; Supplement, Part II., p. 130), but this censure was made
when Pope did not know the facts, for he gives the opposing force as
"not more than three hundred," whereas, Stuart in his official report (O.
R. I. XII. ii., p. 730), states he had, "say about 1,500— and two pieces of
"artillery." Bates refers to an account of the action in "Memoirs of the
"Confederate War for Independence," by Heros von Borcke, Chief of
Staff to General J. E. B. Stuart" ("Blackwood's Magazine," 1865).
174 History of the Bucktails
[23 August 1863
Colonel Kane in his report states that of the sixty-eight
men that he rallied, he lost five wounded — one mortally' — in
the charge. The Confederate loss was 25 killed, wounded and
missing, which was exceedingly slight for the damage com-
mitted, as General Stuart reported that he took over 300 pris-
oners, and also secured General Pope's uniform, horses, equip-
ments, money-chests and papers giving the strength of the vari-
ous regiments under his command and disclosing his (General
Pope's) own views in regard to his ability to defend the line
of the Rappahannock. Moreover, such a successful raid in the
rear of an army must inevitably have a bad effect on its morale.
After the Catlett's Station affair the Bucktail battalion
moved up to the Bull Run battleground' and took part in that
action. Unassigned, Colonel Kane was not the man to remain
inactive. As the Union troops came pouring in disorder over
the bridge across Cub Run, he, with his small force, attempted
to check the panic and change what almost approximated a
rout into an orderly retreat. Finding his force inadequate, he
then moved forward and picked up some pieces of artillery
No memoirs are more spirited than these of this Prussian officer, if
somewhat bombastic, exaggerated and inaccurate. Mosby likens him to
Munchausen, and his presentation of himself to Amadis of Gaul. Pos-
sibly a "Prussian Porthos"; would be a preferable sobriquet
'In the Union casualty report for the operations August i6th to
September 2nd, 1862, inclusive (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 253), the battaUon
loss is given as S wounded and 19 missing. The majority of those
missing were probably members of the picket force.
'Kane's battalion, as has been seen, took an active part in Pope's
movements to protect Washington from the Confederate advuice, up to
the night of the 23rd. The campaign culminated, on August 31st, in
the Second Battle of Bull Run. As the other companies ol the Bucktail
regiment, under Colonel McNeil, arrived with Reynolds' division of
Pennsylvania Reserves, at Rappahannock Station on August 23rd, and
took part in some of the strategetical marches between that date and
August 31st, that portion of the campaign can best be outlined in follow-
ing their movements in the next book.
Catlett's Station and Second Bui^i, Run 175
1862 September i]
under command of a Lieutenant, with which he repaired to the
Bull Run Bridge, where he found Captain Thompson with one
rifled gun, Captain Mathews with one three-inch rifled gun,
and Lieutenant Twitchell with one brass Napoleon/ The Con-
federates made no attempt to capture the bridge, and the pres-
ence of his force, small though it was, calm and undisturbed,
standing guard amidst the confusion, had a salutary effect on
the retreating troops. Night closed in rapidly, but the battal-
ion still stood guard. When, after midnight the last troops
passed over in safety, then and not till then, the Bucktails
retired, destroying the bridge behind them, in accordance with
their orders.'
The battalion was under fire at the battle of Chantilly,'
on September ist, suflfering no loss, and not being actively
engaged. From there they moved to Alexandria, where, amidst
much jubilation, they were reunited with the other six com-
panies, who after taking a spectacular part in the Peninsular
campaign, had been ordered north to assist the Army of Vir-
ginia, under General Pope, and who, though their numbers had
been depleted while taking part in the struggle before Rich-
mond, had skirmished for Reynolds' division in such a manner
' Bates is the sole authority for the names of these guns. General
McDowell in his report (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 344) states that he left the
battalion and two officers of his staff at the bridge, directing that some
pieces of artillery that were passing be placed in position on the left
bank. Curiously, neither General Sigel (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 370)
nor General Schurz (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 303), who both mention the
guns collected by General Kane, gives the names of the officers com-
manding them.
' "This brave little battalion remained until everybody had passed,
"when they destroyed the bridge and brought up the rear." General
McDowell's report. (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 344.)'
" Also called Ox Hill.
176 History of the Bucktails
[7 September 1862
as to evoke his commendation ; losing in the campaign (August
i6-September 2) 27 killed, wounded and missing.'
The consciousness that the army had been driven back to-
wards Washington, was not sufficient to prevent the men show-
ing how happy they were in the knowledge that they were to
be together in the future. Colonel Kane on the 7th of Septem-
ber received his commission as Brigadier-General, for bravery
at Catlett's Station and the Second Battle of Bull Run. Though
with his acceptance of this commission he severed his con-
nection with the Bucktails, his name remains indissolubly asso-
ciated with them.
The regiment, which had been conceived in his brain, saw
him depart from it to a larger sphere of influence confident
that his future record would justify his promotion. Nor was
this belief to be disappointed. His brevet as Major-General,
subsequent to his retirement from the army November 7, 1863,
was for "gallant and meritorious services at Gettysburg.'"
' O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 256.
'For particulars as to Brigadier-General Kane's subsequent career
see biographical note in chapter "Genesis and Organization."
POPE'S ARMY OF VIRGINIA
I.
GROVETON.
Companies A, B, D, E, F and K, under Colonel McNeil,
here referred to as the Bucktail regiment, to differentiate them
from Kane's battalion, consisting of Companies C, G, H and I,
which had been detached before the Peninsular campaign, em-
barked on the steamer "Kingston" at Harrison's Landing,
August 14th, for Aquia Creek. From thence they were to
move to the support of General Pope, who already perceived
that the Confederates, taking advantage of the situation created
by the presence of a large body of Union troops inactive on the
James River, would move in force attempting the destruction
of the forces retained before Washington. The "Kingston"
reached Aquia Creek on the morning of the 20th, where the
Bucktails were immediately disembarked and forwarded by rail
to Falmouth, near Fredericksburg.
At 10 P. M., on August 2 1 St, the division of Pennsylvania
Reserves left their camp at that point, the division organization
being again slightly changed to the following :
177 13
178 History op thb Bucktails
[21 August 1863
Reynolds' Division.
(Temporarily attached to Third Corps, Army of Virginia.)
First Brigade. Second Brigade.
Brig.-Gen. Geo. G. Meade. Brig.-Gen. Truman Seymour.
3rd Penna. Reserves. ist Penna. Reserves.
4th Penna. Reserves. 2nd Penna. Reserves.
7th Penna. Reserves. Sth Penna. Reserves.
8th Penna. Reserves. 6th Penna. Reserves.
13th Penna. Reserves (Bucktails).
Third Brigade.
Brig.-Gen. Conrad F. Jackson.
Lieut-Col. Robert Anderson.
9th Penna. Reserves,
loth Penna. Reserves.
I ith Penna. Reserves.
1 2th Penna. Reserves.
Artillery.
1st Penna, Light Art Bat A.
ist Penna. Light Art Bat B.
ist Penna. Light Art. Bat. G.
Sth U. S. Artillery Bat C
No transportation being furnished, nothing was taken with
the division excepting ammunition, and as many hospital tents
and medicines as could be packed into the altogether insufficient
two wagons provided for the purpose. As the troops moved
forward in the darkness, a heavy rain-storm broke over them
adding to their discomfort, and making it impossible for the
officers to find the desired roads. At two o'clock on the morn-
ing of the 22nd, therefore, the division halted, only some two
miles from Falmouth, to rest and await daylight. At 5 o'clock
*0. R. I. XII. iii., p. 585. General Jackson, commanding the 3rd
brigade, ruptured a blood-vessel on August 29th, Colonel Anderson suc-
ceeding. The brigade organization was accomplished by General Rey-
nolds "Orders 70," dated August 21, 1861. (O. R. I. LI. i., p. 752-753)
Groveton 179
1862 August 23]
the columns were again in motion, headed for Kelley's Ford,
twenty-seven miles from Falmouth. Soaked to the skin during
the night, the troops soon experienced a tropical heat, the ther-
mometer registering 100° and the dust and mud lying inches
thick on the roads.
During the Seven Days' Retreat the various regiments had
been reduced through disease, wounds and death to mere skele-
tons. Now, strengthened only by those who had been released
from Confederate prisons, where amid unhealthy surroundings
they had been supplied with scanty and unwholesome food, and
by those who had either recovered from illnesses or wounds,
they were called upon to perform the tasks generally allotted to
men in the prime of physical condition. Staggering along at the
utmost speed of which they were capable, men slipped from the
ranks to drink from stagnant pools, not even waiting to remove
the scum from off the surface. The First brigade, under Gen-
eral Meade, seemed in one moment to reach the limits of its
endurance. A murmur ran through its ranks and the column
halted, ignoring its officers' orders to advance. General Meade
rode back in person. Considerate as ever, he realized the cali-
bre of the men with whom he had to deal. Briefly he told them
that he recognized their sufferings; but explained that upon
their reaching a certain point, on a certain day, depended the
safety of a portion of General Pope's army and the lives of thou-
sands of soldiers. Then he asked them what they wished him
to do ; and ringing down the line came the answer : "Go ahead."
The line moved forward, nor did any men drop out again,
unless when overcome by exhaustion they did so to be picked
up by the hospital staff.
Leaving Kelley's Ford on the 23rd, the division moved to
Rappahannock Station. Finding that the rear of General
Pope's army was leaving that place, the march was continued,
i8o History op the Bucktails
[23 Augiut i8tij
and the command bivouacked for the night some three miles
from Warrenton. Here the division was united with Pope's
army, being attached to the Third corps commanded by Gen-
eral McDowell.*
On the 24th the division was marched to Warrenton, and
was posted on the heights about a mile south of the town. The
next day General Meade's brigade, to which the Bucktails were
attached, was ordered to the forks of the Sulphur Springs and
Warrenton roads, some four miles from Warrenton.*
In following the movements of Kane's battalion in the
previous book, it was stated that Pope's army repulsed the
Confederates at Cedar Mountain on August 9th. Jackson hav-
ing been joined by Longstreet crossed the Rapidan on the 20th,
Pope falling back behind the Rappahannock. On the 22nd,
Jackson crossed part of his force over the Rappahannock.' Pope
remained, standing guard over the river, but begging Wash-
ington for reinforcements. On the night of the 22nd, the river
became so swollen by the heavy rain that its passage by the
Confederates seemed impossible. Pope, therefore, prepared to
mass his army at Rappahannock Station and crush the portion
that had crossed. But before his designs could be executed,
Jackson had succeeded in getting his imperilled troops back to
the south bank. Then leaving Longstreet opposite Pope to
hold his attention, Jackson moved up the south side of the river.
On the 25th he crossed his command over the upper Rappa-
•The 2nd regiment, which had been detached to guard transpor
tation, by hard hazardous marching succeeded in rejoining the division
at Warrenton on the 26th. For their experiences see their regimental
history "Our Campaigns," by Adjutant E. M. Woodward.
' The dates of marches, and places of encampments, are taken from
General Meade's report (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 397).
'Stuart's cavalry raid on Catlett's Station on the same date, was
described in "Kane's Battalion : Catlett's Station and Second Bull Run."
Groveton i8i
1S62 August 27]
hannock' at Henson's Mill, moved north, and by a forced march
of thirty-five miles bivouacked the same night at Salem. On
the 26th, turning east, he passed through the Bull Run Moun-
tains, by Thoroughfare Gap, marched through Gainesville and
reached Bristoe Station by sunset. He destroyed the Station
at the same time sending Stuart forward to Manassas.
Pope, apparently aware that Jackson was operating to-
wards his rear, seems to have been rather uncertain as to what
to do. Sometime on the 26th, however, he plainly realized that
Jackson was in his rear and had cut his railroad communi-
cations with Washington.
It must be borne in mind that on this date, the 26th,
Jackson was near Manassas, twenty miles east of Thoroughfare
Gap. Further, Jackson's force, alone, was not sufficient to cope
with Pope's; nor could he be reinforced excepting by Long-
street's corps, which, moving north, must pass west of the Bull
Run Mountains, and to reach him debouch, as he had done,
through Thoroughfare Gap. To prevent these hostile forces
from uniting. Pope ordered McDowell to advance his own
corps, Reynolds' division temporarily attached to his corps,
and Sigel's corps, from the vicinity of Warrenton to Gaines-
ville. Accordingly, the Bucktails, with the other troops oper-
ating under General McDowell, moved forward and were in
the position assigned them at Buckland Mills, near Gainesville,
by the night of the 27th, the time fixed by General Pope for
their arrival. Gainesville is five miles east of Thoroughfare
Gap, and fifteen miles west of Manassas. McDowell's forces
were on the main roads between the two places, planted squarely
across the roads, and consisting, as they did, of over 40,000
men, were amply able to prevent any reinforcements reaching
' Called at this point the Hedgeman River.
i82 History of the Bucktails
[27 August 1862
Jackson by way of Thoroughfare Gap. Is it any wonder that
Pope looked upon Jackson as his certain game r*
Then, however, Pope ordered McDowell to move his entire
force at daylight on the 28th towards Manassas, where Jack-
son was at that time. If Jackson had remained still, he must
have been crushed ; but the Confederate General had no inten-
tion of being caught like a rat in a trap. So while McDowell
advanced southeastwardly towards Manassas Junction, Jackson
moved northwestwardly towards Groveton, thus placing him-
self in position to form junction with Longstreetl Moreover,
General Sigel's corps was so dilatory in getting under way and
clearing the Warrenton road for the Reserves that General
Reynolds complained to General McDowell. The latter Gen-
eral seems to have perceived the probable result of the order,
and upon his own responsibility detached some cavalry and
Rickett's division to dispute the passage of the Gap with Long-
street.
As the other troops, in compliance with Pope's orders,
advanced towards Manassas, the Pennsylvania Reserves were
in the center on the Warrenton turnpike, Sigel's corps on the
right and McDowell's corps on the left The plan of operation
required that the corps advance en Schelon.
While Meade's brigade was advancing along the War-
renton pike, the enemy from the heights near Groveton opened
fire upon it. Colonel McNeil moved the Bucktails forward
rapidly, and under General Meade's orders deployed them as
skirmishers ; Companies B, D, and K in the open field in front
of the enemy's battery on the left, and A, E and F through the
woods on the right of the road.'
1«T
"If you will march promptly and rapidly ... we will bag the
"whole crowd." Pope to McDowell (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 335).
'McNeil's report (O. 'R. I. LI. i., p. 131). During this campaign
the flag presented to Company K, by Mrs. Irvin was used as the regi-
mental colors and continued to be so regarded until after Fredericks-
burg, when a new flag was presented by the 149th.
Grovbton 183
1862 August aS]
"The brigade was immediately formed in line of battle
"on each side of the road, the Fourth reg^ent on the right,
"the Third and Seventh on the left, and the Eighth in reserve.
"Ransom's battery of light 12-pounders was brought to the
"front and put in action, but the range being too great, was
"withdrawn, and Cooper's battery of lo-pounder Parrotts
"substituted in its place. Seeing these dispositions, the enemy
"ceased firing and apparently withdrew. The brigade was then
"formed in line of battle under direction of the General com-
"manding the division, with Cooper's battery in the center,
"supported by the Third and Fourth regiments on the right,
"the Seventh and Eighth on the left and the First Rifles (Buck-
"tails) in advance as skirmishers.'"
Companies A, E and F of the Bucktails, after driving
back a small party of scouts which they met near Groveton,
moved by the right flank, regaining the brigade without loss.'
Captain Irvin, who was commanding Companies B, D and K,
having received orders from General Reynolds to proceed in
the direction of Sudley Springs and ascertain the strength of
the enemy in that quarter, moved in that direction. To assist
the three companies, a slight force of cavalry was placed under
his command and held the advance. Careful watch was kept
to guard against flank attacks being made on the small force
from the ravines at the sides of the road. A rebel force of
cavalry, some two and a half miles north of the Warrenton
road, retired upon being sighted, and upon a negro, more often
referred to by men in the army as "a contraband," informing
Captain Irvin that the enemy was in force in the rear of their
battery, the three companies, with their cavalry escort, moved
'Meade's report (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 397)-
•McNeil's report (O. R. I. LI. i., p. 131)-
184 History op the Bucktaii^s
[28 August 1863
to the right with the intention of obtaining fuller information.'
General McDowell, supposing the attack which caused
these dispositions to have been delivered by a rear guard or
a party of skirmishers,' ordered the advance on Manassas con-
tinued. General Reynolds, therefore, recalled the three com-
panies and cavalry under Captain Irvin. They rejoined the
regiment about 3 o'clock. Captain Irvin making report in per-
son.
Pope meanwhile, with Hooker, Kearney and Reno, had
arrived at Manassas only to find that Jackson had evacuated
it. He then ordered McDowell to divert his forces towards
Centreville. This order was obeyed. King's division of Sigel's
corps forming McDowell's right Inevitably, therefore, as
Jackson was at Groveton, King's column, when it advanced,
presented its flank to the enemy. Jackson assailed with fury,
but met with obstinate resistance. To make matters worse.
King, during the night, retired to Manassas, and Ricketts,
finding that he was unable to hold his position at the Gap,
on account of flanking movements, fell back to Gainesville and
from thence to Manassas.
Thus, on the night of the 28th, the Warrenton pike was
opened for Jackson to retreat to Longstreet, or for Longstreet
to advance to Jackson.
On the morning of the 29th, the Pennsylvania Reserves
were on a hill by the Warrenton road, near Groveton. Gen-
eral Sigel, who with his corps had moved up during the night,
forming on Reynolds' left, had received orders to "attack
"the enemy vigorously.'" At daybreak he, therefore, requested
the co-operation and support of General Reynolds' division,
'Irvin's report (O. R. I. LI. i., p. 132).
•McDowell's report (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 336).
' Sigel's report (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 266).
Grovbton i8s
i86a August 29]
which was immediately promised, General McDowell, who
arrived at daylight, directing this co-operation/
Roughly speaking, Jackson's line was formed parallel to
an unfinished railroad, which runs from the northeast to the
southwest, intersecting the Warrenton road, halfway between
Centreville and Gainesville, at an acute angle. Jackson's left,
facing east, was A. B. Hill, and his extreme right Early; the
other troops being variously disposed in the center and in
reserve.* The Union troops faced the Confederate line from
the eastward side of the unfinished railroad.
Pope's intention was to engage the enemy upon the imme-
diate front, while at the same time he sent Porter and McDow-
ell, then near Manassas, westward towards Gainesville, where
"they must very soon be in a position to fall upon the enemy's
"right flank and probably upon his rear.'"
Sigel opened his attack at 6.30; his entire infantry force,
and all his batteries, becoming promptly engaged.' His left
was held by Schenck's division, and on Schenck's left was
Reynolds' division, forming the extreme Union left. The
enemy's position being visible, the Reserves moved forward.
Meade's brigade was ordered towards Gainesville. It crossed
the Warrenton pike half a mile from Groveton, establishing
Cooper's battery on the ridge, with the Fourth, Seventh and
Eighth regiments in support. The Third regiment was posted
along the pike, up which the Bucktails were sent as skirmishers,
Colonel McNeil having been ordered to throw his line of skir-
mishers across the division front. Although Schenck and Mil-
' Reynolds' report (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 393)-
'"The Army of Northern Virginia in 1862," by Lieutenant-Colonel
William Allan, p. 244-245.
• Pope's report, "Reports to the Joint Committee on the Conduct of
"the War." Sup. Part II., p. 153.
*Sigel's report (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 266).
i86 History of the Bucktails
£29 August 1862
roy on the right were actively engaged, the Bucktails discovered
nothing until they reached the point of the previous day's battle.
Then, upon reaching Groveton, Colonel McNeil was ordered to
call in his skirmishers, move along the road westward and take
a position to protect the left flank. This he did, but in doing so
lost many men through the fire of a battery which opened upon
him. Keeping on, the Bucktails next received a heavy fire
from some Confederate sharpshooters located in a thicket and
house upon their left. Deploying on each side of the road, by
the use of the bayonet they succeeded in driving the enemy
back. Captain Irvin and some men of Company K took posses-
sion of the house, only to find that it had been used as a hospital
on the day previous, by King's division, and that the enemy was
in force with artillery a short distance away. The position was
untenable, and their orders were to rejoin their brigade, so
carrying their dead and wounded with them, the Bucktails
rejoined the other regiments under General Meade.'
For four hours the battle raged without cessation. Then
the Confederates pressed Sigel's right so hard, that in order to
save it he withdrew one of Schenck's brigades from the left.
As at this time, 10.30, Schenck and Reynolds had advanced
some two miles, this weakening of Schenck's left placed Rey-
nolds' right in a precarious condition. With great care, there-
fore, Meade withdrew his brigade "to the otlier side of the
"Warrenton pike, where a position was taken on the plateau
"near what is known as the Lewis House, which overlooks
"Groveton, and the pike leading to it'"
Other troops, especially on the Union right, had arrived in
position and been heavily engaged; but nothing was known
in regard to the flanking movement assigned to General Porter.
'McNeil's report (O. R. I. LI. i., p. 131-132).
•Meade's report (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 398).
Groveton 187
1862 August 29]
General Pope arrived at the front about i o'clock. At 2 o'clock,
firing was heard on the left, leading Pope to believe that Porter
and McDowell were attacking the Confederate right. Still
Pope knew nothing for certain until half past four, when he
sent a peremptory order to Porter to fall on the enemy's right.
This he expected Porter could do by half past five, and he also
expected McDowell to be in action shortly after. Porter never
made the flank attack. The order was delayed in delivery ; and
further Porter knew, which Pope did not, that Longstreet had
already joined Jackson and that through this juncture Jack-
son's flank, as far as he was concerned, had ceased to exist.'
At the time he considered that. Porter would commence
action, Pope ordered an attack by his other troops, Reynolds'
division being directed "to threaten the enemy's right and rear."
The Second brigade under General Seymour and the Third
brigade under General Jackson had the advance, but confronted
by overwhelming numbers, were driven back. The Bucktails,
with General Meade's First brigade, also took part in the action,
which continued until dark.'
'General Pope bitterly assailed General Porter, and through a
Court-martial had him cashiered from the army. Time, however, has
slowly disclosed the real facts of the case. Pope believed that Jackson's
right was the Confederate right, and that Longstreet was still far dis-
tant. Longstreet, however, afterwards stated that he had joined Jack-
son by noon. Hence, even had Pope's order to Porter been promptly
delivered. Porter could not have carried it out. Instead of being on
Jackson's flank, he was opposed by Longstreet's entire line which
joined Jackson's. General Grant championed General Porter's cause.
In 1878 a Board of Inquiry was appointed, to meet at West Point. This
Board reported "that in our opinion justice requires . . such action
"as may be necessary to annul and set aside the findings and sentence
"of the court-martial." President Arthur, under date of May 4, 1882,
cancelled the decision of the Court-martial, insofar as it carried dis-
qualification from holding office of trust or profit under the Government.
The report of the Board may be found O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 513-534-
'Reynold's report (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 394).
i88 History of the Bucktails
[29 August 1S62
Shortly after, the brigade was withdrawn to the position
occupied by the rest of the troops;' and the men, having been
upon short rations for several days, eagerly devoured some
crackers drawn by them.
' Meade's rep«rt (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 398.)
POPE'S ARMY OF VIRGINIA,
II.
SECOND BATTLE OF BULL RUN.
After snatching what rest was possible, the troops, early
on the morning of the 30th, prepared to resume the contest.
The general alignment of the opposing forces was not greatly
altered, excepting that the lines of battle extended farther south
of the Warrenton pike than on the previous day; the Union
line having its center thrown forward. Jackson still formed the
Confederate left, while Longstreet on the right had extended
his troops southward till they touched the Manassas Gap Rail-
road. General Pope seems to have designed to assault the
Confederate left ; while Lee, purposed to attack, and if possible
envelop, the Union left.
Reynolds' division formed the extreme Union left, and
Meade's brigade was ordered to move forward and discover
the position and force of the enemy. General Pope believed at
that time that the Confederates were retreating down the pike.'
Immediately the Bucktails advanced as skirmishers;
Cooper's battery being placed in the center with the other regi-
ments, on each side, in support. Advancing west, the brigade
received a heavy fire from the rebel batteries posted on the
ridge back of Grovetori. The Bucktails engaged the Con-
' "Every indication, during the night of the 29th, and up to 10
"o'clock on the morning of the 30th, pointed to the retreat of the
"enemy from our front." (Pope's report, "Reports to the Joint Com-
"mittee on the Conduct of the War." Sup. Part II., p. ISS-)
189
190 History op the Bucktails
[30 August 1862
federate skirmishers on the near side of Groveton, but met with
such resistance that they were compelled to give ground.
Seeing this, General Meade brought Cooper's battery into play,
and sent the Third regiment forward to assist the Bucktails.
With this support the Bucktails were able to advance, while the
brigade was established on the ridge immediately overlooking
Groveton.'
While this action was going on, Porter had moved his
troops between the opposing lines, formed in front of the Union
center, and, in accordance with his orders, attacked furiously
though unavailingly. General Reynolds, who had noticed how
stubbornly the advance of his own skirmishers had been con-
tested, had advanced with some of his staff through some
woods, and while under fire discovered that instead of the
enemy being prepared to retreat, he was merely masked pre-
paratory to making an assault in force on the Union left, after
it should have been sufficiently advanced.'
Upon reporting the true condition of affairs to the Com-
manding General, Reynolds received orders to dispose his
division so as to resist the threatened attack. The resultant
order to retreat came as a disappointment to the Bucktails, who,
having passed through the town and across a small flat, had
captured a piece of artillery. Their further advance had been
checked ; but by dint of steady work with their breech-loading
rifles, they had mantained their position, many of the men being
protected by the trees of a neighboring orchard. It being im-
possible to drag the piece with them, the Bucktails spiked it as
effectually as they could with an old bayonet.
Hardly had the various regiments regained their earlier
position in accordance with orders delivered to them, than, on
'Meade's report (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 398).
•Reynold's report (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 394).
Second BattlB ot Buix Run 191
1862 August 30]
account of the repulse of Porter's attack, and his retreat in some
disorder, the division was ordered to march across the field and
form in a position that would permit the rallying of Porter's
troops in its rear. As the regiments moved to the right, the
attack by the Confederates on the Union left commenced. The
Third brigade, before it could leave its place was assailed and
forced to form into line of battle. The First and Second bri-
gades moved on ; their ranks raked by shot and shell, and their
course diverted, both by the nature of the ground and by con-
tact with retreating masses of troops. Failing to get into proper
position. General Reynolds then ordered the two brigades to
retrace their steps. The Third brigade had, in the meanwhile,
fought gallantly to maintain its position, though it was ulti-
mately forced back.'
To understand the service now rendered by the Reserves,
it must be borne in mind, that the Union and Confederate
forces faced each other, and that both were astride of the
Warrenton pike. In the rear of the Union army, and running
in a generally parallel direction with its front, was Bull Run,
which crosses the Warrenton pike at right angles. A road
runs from Sudley Springs, some two miles north of the Warren-
ton pike, southward, in a direction generally parallel with
Bull Run, crosses the Warrenton pike, a little over a mile west
of Bull Run, and then, half a mile further on, runs over a hill
known as the Henry House Hill. It was to the right of the
house upon this hill that Re3molds now directed the First and
Second brigades. He perceived that if the Confederates should
take this hill, or so envelop it as to force its evacuation, they
would then be in position to take possession of the Warrenton
pike itself. Then, as the main bridge over Bull Run, generally
called the Stone Bridge, was where the pike crossed the stream,
' Reynolds' report (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 39S-396).
192 History op the Buck^ails
[30 August 1862
they would hold the line of the Union retreat and be in position
to destroy its lines of communication.
As the Confederates massed their forces to attack the hill,
the regiments of the First and Second brigades fell into posi-
tion. A little in front of the Henry House Hill was a rise
known as Bald Hill, and already the Confederates possessed
it. All over the field the Union forces were being driven back-
ward. The Confederates, victorious in repulsing the attack
made by the Union right, now sought to press home the thrust
they themselves had delivered against the Union left. If suc-
cessful and they gained the pike, what would be the fate of
the troops now using that pike to gain the bridge that to them
meant safety?
Gathering at the top of Bald Hill, the Confederates came
charging down the declivity prepared to ascend to the summit
of the hill that opposed them. Reynolds, ever alert, driving
his spurs into his horse's side, shouted his order: "Forward,
"Reserves!" In a moment his troops, inoculated with his enthu-
siasm, swept forward and downward. The two lines met.
Outnumbered, the Reserves fought with bulldog tenacity, by
good fortune partially protected by a road that was somewhat
depressed. Still, the First and Second regiments seemed about
to give way beneath the tremendous pressure, when General
Reynolds, "observing that the flagstaff of the Second regiment
"had been pierced by a bullet and broken, seized the flag from
"the color-bearer, and dashing to the right rode twice up and
"down his entire division line, waving the flag about his head
"and cheering on his men.'"
A mark for the rebel sharpshooters, he seemed to bear a
charmed life. The men, roused by his heroism, redoubled their
'"History of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps," by J. R. Sypher,
P- 347.
SecoND Battle of Buu, Run 193
XS62 September j]
efforts, SO that the rebel ranks gave way. With perpetual firing
the barrels of their rifles became hot Then, as the darkness
fell, the contest ceased, and wearied out, the division was re-
lieved by Buchanan's brigade of regulars. The division, fol-
lowing Sykes' division, then marched towards Centreville,
bivouacking for the night at Cub Run.'
On the 31st the brigade continued its march to Centreville,
drew some rations and then returned to Cub Run. The enemy
making dispositions with the apparent intention of forcing the
stream. General Meade deployed his regiments on each side
of the road, ordering Ransom's battery to open on the Con-
federates.
The troops remained under arms throughout the night, but
it becoming obvious the next morning, September ist, that the
enemy had withdrawn, the command was marched to Centre-
ville and from thence to Fairfax Court House, where it
bivouacked for the night. On the 2nd, it was marched to the
woods adjoining Arlington House, where it went into camp,'
and where the companies in Kane's battalion joined them and
were reunited.
' It is perhaps desirable, more especially because of the modest tone
of the reports of both General Reynolds and General Meade, to quote
the following from the report of General McDowell to General Pope:
"It was a question with me whether we could hold the Henry House
"Hill. . . It was a question of importance, on which I should have
"liked to consult you. . . . But while General Milroy gave me nothing
"whatever on which I could be justified in acting ... I received a clear
"message from that intelligent as well as gallant officer Brigadier-Gen-
"eral Meade, through one of his aides-de-camp, to the effect that if he
"could have some reinforcements sent to him in the woods on the
"Henry House Hill he could not only hold them, but drive out the
■'enemy, who were not then there in great force. Relieved from all
"doubt by this message, I exclaimed, ' Meade shall have re-enforce-
"'ments,' and immediately gave General Porter orders to send them
"forward." (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 342-343-)
'Meade's report (O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 399).
«4
194 History of the Bucktails
I2 September 1862
In rqx)rting the actions of his division throughout the
campaign, General Reynolds mentions the gallant conduct of
the brigades upon the Henry House Hill/ General Meade in
his report says: "It was the good fortune of the Reserves to
"be brought into action at this moment, and by their gallant
"bearing and firm advance to compel the enemy to retire to
"the shelter of the woods." . . . "It is due to the Pennsylvania
"Reserves to say that this charge and the maintenance of this
"position were made at a most critical period of the day."
Praising universally the conduct of his command he continues :
"At the same time, the nature of the service required of them,
"viz, picket duty and skirmishing, have placed more promi-
"nently before me the First Rifles (Bucktails), whose coolness
"and steadiness under fire, when led by their commander. Col
"Hugh W. McNeil, attracted my attention, and deserve, in mv
"judgment, particular notice."'
The official casualty report, for the operations August i6-
September 2, 1862, show the loss in the six companies of the
Bucktail regiment to have been: —
Killed. Wounded. Missing. ToUl.
5 19 3 2/
Though the repulse of the Confederates at Chantilly,* on
the 1st, proved that the Union forces, although driven back-
•O. R. I. XII. ii., p. 395.
■O. R.I. XII. ji., p. 396-399.
•O. R. I. XII., ii., p. 2S6.
•The Bucktail regiment did not take active part in this action,
though one of their men was wounded by being struck with the limber
of a cannon. Lee with designs upon the Union lines of retreat, sent
Jackson around Pope's right to strike the Little River turnpike. Only a
portion of the armies became engaged and the losses were not large,
though the death of General Kearney, will forever lend prominence to
the battle. As previously stated, Kane's battalion was also under fire
for a portion of the time that the action lasted.
SficoND Battle of Bull Run 195
1862 September 2]
ward, were able to maintain their present position and thus
insure the safety of Washington, they needed rest.
The men had marched and countermarched, fought and
skirmished, unceasingly for ten days. Their rations had been
insufficient; their sleep broken and scanty. The cavalrymen
reported that the saddles had not been removed from the backs
of their horses since the opening of the campaign, and the
condition of the animals assigned to the artillery and wagons
was no better. The army might justly be described as thor-
oughly used up.
General Pope was relieved from command of the troops
about Washington and ordered to the command of the North-
west. The Army of Virginia was united to the Army of the
Potomac, and once more the Pennsylvania Reserves came
under the command of General McClellan.
THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN,
I.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN.
Lying in camp near Arlington, the Bucktails, with the
other regiments constituting the Pennsylvania Reserves, appre-
ciated deeply the rest vouchsafed to them. The men who had
taken part in the Shenandoah Valley campaign exchanged ex-
periences with those who had lived through the terrible expe-
riences of the Seven Days' Retreat, and this relation of occur-
rences, combined with the execution of camp duties, completely
filled the all too short September days.
In the meantime. General McClellan labored to restore
order and effectiveness to the troops under his command.' The
army was reorganized, corps reconstituted, and discipline more
firmly established. Though much of this work was done while
marching to meet the enemy, between the 7th and 13th, much
was accomplished while still in the vicinity of Washington.
The camp was but a short distance from the capital, yet per-
missions to visit the city were almost without exception refused.
' McClellan seems to have known that the Army of Virginia and
Army of the Potomac would be merged into one, prior to the actual
accomplishment of the union. General Pope's ideas, do not seem to
have been so clear, as on September 4, 1S62, we find him suggesting
corps compositions to General Halleck (O. R. I. XII. iii., p. 810), and on
September Sth, asking " What is my command and where is it?" (O. R.
I. XII. iii., p. S12.) On the latter date Pope received the following from
General Halieck: "The Armies of the Potomac and Virginia being
"consolidated you will report for orders to the Secretary of War." (O.
R. I. XII. iii., p. 813.)
«97
ig8 History of the Bucktaii^s
[3 September 1M2
The elite of Washington, in handsome equipages, came driving
about the camps in the cool afternoons, returning to spend
their evenings amidst various divertisements ; but the soldiers,
only partially recovered from their arduous services, remained
in camp, being whipped into shape for another campaign by
their officers, who were glad to be again under the orders of
"Uttle Mac.'"
As by the 3rd or 4th it was apparent that Lee had with-
drawn his forces from the immediate vicinity of Washington,
it became of vital importance to ascertain his future intentions.
Gradually his plans became plain. He intended to invade
Maryland and perhaps Pennsylvania. His object was two-
fold. First, by crossing the Potomac into Maryland and ad-
vancing along its northern side, he would be threatening both
Washington and Baltimore in his rear ; he would be approach-
ing the Cumberland Valley, which g^ves access to Pennsyl-
vania; and he would also be able to re-establish communica-
tions with Richmond via the Shenandoah Valley. Second, the
Southerners believed that Maryland was, so to speak, groaning
under the Northern yoke ; and that nothing but lack of oppor-
tunity prevented thousands of the inhabitants of that State
from enlisting under the banners of the Confederacy. This
opportunity the invasion would afford.
Lee moved his troops on the Virginia side of the river
towards Leesburg, some thirty miles northwest from Washing-
ton. Arriving at this place, he then crossed his army over the
Potomac and advanced on Frederick City almost due north.
The passage of the river was made between the 4th and 7th,
and on the 8th the Confederate General issued a proclamation
"To the People of Maryland" inviting them to assist his army
' See "Antietam and Fredericksburg," by Brigadier-General F. W.
Palfrey, p. 8-9.
South Mountain 199
1862 September 8]
in regaining for them the rights of which they had been
despoiled.'
With Lee's invasion of soil regarded as Northern, his de-
signs had become obvious to McClellan, who put his army in
motion. The Union forces advanced, leisurely, towards Fred-
erick by five parallel roads ; the columns being so disposed as
to cover both Washington and Baltimore.' The general direc-
tion of the Potomac River from about two miles south of the
southern boundary of Pennsylvania (some twenty-five miles
west of Chambersburg) to Washington is from the northwest
to the southeast. Fifty miles northwest of Washington the
Potomac is increased by the waters of the Shenandoah River,
which, flowing north, empty into it at a place called Harpeiy^s
Ferry. Harper's Ferry itself is situated in the crotch of the
two rivers, being west of the Shenandoah and south of the
Potomac. The Blue Ridge, which forms the eastern boun-
dary of the Shenandoah Valley, running north close to the
eastern bank of the Shenandoah, continues to the southern bank
of the Potomac, where it is known as Loudon Heights. A
continuation of the ridge, commencing at the north side of the
river, is known as the South Mountain. A short distance to
the west of the South Mountain, commencing at the north
bank of the Potomac, is a ridge named Maryland Heights.
Harper's Ferry was held by a small Union force' under
General Miles, and Lee expected that upon his arrival at Fred-
erick it would be evacuated. In fact, to insure the safety of
the Confederate army, if it was not evacuated it would have
to be reduced. This necessity becomes apparent should we,
' For text of proclamation see O. R. I. XIX. ii., p. 601-602.
' "Campaigns of the Army of the Potomac," by William Swinton,
p. 197.
' Between 10,000 and 13,000, including the force at Martinsburg to
the northwest.
200 History op the Bucktails
(g September 1861
ignoring minor facts, consider the Cumberland Valley merely
as a natural continuation of the Shenandoah Valley, the line
of division being the Potomac River. For, if Harper's Ferry
in the Shenandoah Valley was held by the Union troops, while
Lee proceeded north into the Cumberland Valley, they would
be in his rear, able both to cut his communications and also
to assume the offensive when strengthened. Lee, finding by
the 9th that the Union troops did not intend to abandon their
position,' issued an order on that date' separating his command
in order to compass its fall. Jackson was to march to Martins-
burg to capture the small Union force stationed at that point,
or to drive it south to the Ferry ; McLaws was to take posses-
sion of the Maryland Heights; and Walker was to seize the
Loudon Heights. The various movements were to be executed
by the 12th, then the reduction of the garrison was to follow,
after which the commands were to rejoin the main body. Hill
was to remain at the western side of South Mountain, and a
cavalry force under Stuart at the eastern side, to observe and
retard the Union advance.
The rate of advance of the Union army in the meantime
had been noted, and Lee was confident that his army would
have ample time to execute his orders before McClellan would
be in a position to succor the endangered garrison.
McClellan, on his part, was unwilling to advance rapidly
until he received more definite information as to his opponent's
designs. The Bucktails, late on the 6th, had marched into
Washington over the Long Bridge, some of the men there
'The retention of Harper's Ferry as a Union post has generally
been considered as unsound. It was certainly opposed by McClellan.
• Special Orders No. 191. O. R. I. XIX. ii., p. 603-604.
South MouNTAiif aoi
i86z September la]
receiving much needed clothing.' On the 7th they arrived at
Leesboro; on the 9th they moved forward to Brookville; on
the loth they advanced four miles further; and on the nth
they reached I^isbon on the Frederick pike. While at this
place General Reynolds left the division. Governor Curtin,
alive to the peril of the impending invasion of his State, issued
a proclamation by authority of the President, calling into imme-
diate service 50,000 of the militia of the State, and General
Reynolds on the 12th, by order of the Secretary of War, pro-
ceeded to Harrisburg to organize and command these forces.
A reorganization of the division of Pennsylvania Reserves
became necessary, and was accomplished as follows :
Third Division, First Army Corps.
Brig.-Gen. George G. Meade.
Brig.-Gen. Truman Seymour.
First Brigade Second Brigade
Bri.-Gen. Truman Seymour Col. Albert L. Magilton
Col. R. Biddle Roberts
1st Penna. Reserves 3rd Penna. Reserves
2nd Penna. Reserves 4th Penna Reserves
5th Penna. Reserves 7th Penna. Reserves
6th Penna. Reserves 8th Penna. Reserves
13th Penna. Reserves
(Bucktails)
Third Brigade
Col. Thomas F. Gallj^her
LieuL-Col. Robert Anderson
9th Penna. Reserves
lOth Penna. Reserves
nth Penna. Reserves
I2th Penna. Reserves
'The four companies that had been with Kane in the Shenandoah
Valley received Sharps rifles, while in the vicinity of \yashington. The
other six companies had received them while at Harrison's Landing.
202 History of the Bucktails
[13 September 1862
Artillery
1st Peiina. Light Battery A.
1st Penna. Light Battery B.
1st Penna. Light Battery G.
Sth United States Battery C
The First army corps was commanded by General Hooker
and with the Ninth army corps, commanded by General Reno,
formed the right wing of the Army of the Potomac, General
Bumside having command of the two corps.
On the 13th the Bucktails were again in motion. They
crossed the Monocacy, three miles below Frederick, bivouack-
ing for the night near that stream. On the same evening,'
General McClellan was favored by fortune. A copy of Gen-
eral Lee's order of the 9th, making the dispositions above
summarized for the reduction of Harper's Ferry, fell into his
hands. The Union army was not more than twenty miles'
from the passes of the South Mountain, beyond which the
enemy was separated, while Franklin's corps was not more than
twelve miles from Crampton's Gap. McClellan, in an order
dated 6.20 p. m., ordered Franklin to move next morning.'
Burnside's command was to move "this evening and early
"to-morrow morning." Warned, however, by Stuart of McClel-
lan's approach, Lee commenced early on the 14th to strengthen
* Organization September 14-17, 1862. O. R. I. XIX. i., p. 171-172.
General Meade succeeded General Hooker who was wounded on the
17th, General Seymour then assumed command of the division ; Colonel
Roberts, of the ist regiment, succeeding him in command of the ist bri-
gade. Colonel Gallagher was wounded on the 14th, and Colonel Ander-
son of the 9th regiment, succeeded him in command of the 3rd brigade.
"The exact time is not known. Apparently it must have been be-
fore 6.20.
'"Twenty miles is a liberal estimate of the distance which each
■'column had to march," "Antietam and Fredericksburg," by Brigadier-
General F. W. Palfrjy, p. 23-23.
*0. R. I. XIX. i., p. 45.
South Mountain 203
1863 September 14]
the defences of the mountain passes through which the Fed-
erals must force their way, their right headed for Crampton's
Gap, and their left for Turner's Gap.
The Bucktails left camp on the morning of the 14th.
Seven miles from Frederick the regiment passed Middletown,
and in a nearby field made coffee and ate dinner. The South
Mountain is plainly visible from this point, rising some one
thousand feet in the air, its base protected by a series of ridges.
Six miles north of Crampton's Gap, which Franklin carried in
the afternoon after a rather small though spirited action, is
Turner's Gap, the pass through which Burnside was to drive
his force. The pike from Middletown to Hagerstown runs
through the Gap, which is formed by a depression of about
four hundred feet. The mountain on the north side of the pike
is divided into two crests by a narrow valley, which runs at
right angles to the road, the crest of the mountain thus being
formed of two ridges. The Gap itself is unassailable ; but by
roads running parallel to and into the main road its evacuation
can be forced.
General Burnside had under his command the Ninth corps
under General Reno, and the First corps under General
Hboker. At 6 a. m., the advance of the Ninth corps moved
to assault the left, or south side, of the pass. By brisk fighting
they reached the crest at 9 a. m., and succeeded in establish-
ing their position despite the efforts of the Confederates. To
open the Gap, it now became necessary to take the right, or
north side, of the turnpike. Reno's men were to move north
from the ground they had won in the morning, and Hooker's
corps were to advance in a sort of semi-circular movement and
close in on the pike at the summit. To do this the Pennsyl-
vania Reserves, forming the extreme right of Hooker's corps,
would have to be thrown forward till Seymour's brigade
204 History off thb Bucktails
[14 September i86z
reached the second ridge. Then while Seymour swept down
the second ridge, Magilton's and Gallagher's brigades would
advance down the ravine.
The Bucktails in accordance with their usual practice
moved forward, with about 275 men and 13 officers in line,'
acting as skirmishers for the entire division. Between 3 and
4 o'clock in the afternoon the columns were well under way,
and the Bucktails sighted by the Confederate batteries, placed
high up on the mountain, received a storm of shell. Sharp-
shooters, protected by rocks and trees, also opened upon them
and drove them to cover. All up the mountain side rocks and
boulders abound, and here and there; stone walls. When to
these features are added heavily wooded portions and frequent
depressions in the ground itself, some idea may be gathered of
the difficulty of the task laid upon the division. By both armies
guns were planted wherever it was possible to bring them into
play.
Quickly taking shelter behind trees and rocks, the Buck-
tails brought into play their accuracy of maiicsmanship.
Having in their hands Sharps rifles, they were enabled to
pick off many a Confederate, who, attempting to reload his
inferior weapon, was compelled to partially expose his person.
Then with a cheer, leaving cover for a moment, the regiment
rushed forward, and charging drove the enemy from his first
line of defense back to his second and stronger position, the
rest of the division moving up at the same time. General
Seymour, confident that his men could take the first crest, and
then by advancing through the valley seize the second, gave
the order to advance. Moving to the place where the fire was
hottest he found Colonel McNeil, and together the two officers
encouraged the men. The task was enough to cause the boldest
' McGee's report, O. R. I. LI. i., p. 155.
LiEUT.-CoL. Edward A. Irvin
South Mountain 205
1862 September 14]
to hesitate. The troops were expected to charge uphill, and
drive from an eminently strong defensive position an equal
number of opponents.* With the Bucktails deployed in single
line at intervals of from two to twenty feet the ascent was
commenced. At the rear of Company K, the Eleventh regi-
ment fell into position. Not more than a hundred and fifty
yards separated the combatants; A well-aimed bullet struck
the color bearer of the Eleventh, and immediately a Color-Cor-
poral dashed forward to raise it aloft. Realizing the peculiar
conditions of the battle, and unwilling to see lives uselessly
sacrificed, Lieutenant Welch, of Company K, of the Bucktails,
ordered him to desist.
At this time, the condition of the men was perilous. The
Confederates were sheltered more adequately than the Buck-
tails, and were doing terrible execution. Captain Irvin sprang
to the front, crying, "Forward Bucktails, drive them from their
"position." With a cheer the men rushed forward, closely
followed by the Eleventh, but before he could turn Irvin fell,
wounded in the head. Infuriated by his loss the men charged
boldly. The first ridge was gained and forcing the enemy
back, step by step, before dark Seymour's brigade rested in
'Many greatly exaggerated statements have been made by both
sides as to the relative strength of the contending forces. Brigadier-
General Palfrey, after a careful study of the case, credits the Con-
federates with having 15 brigades, and the Federals with having 18
brigades, in action; though of the 18 Federal brigades, 3 were hardly
engaged at all. Though he admits that the Federal forces probably out-
numbered the Confederates, he says, "There is no reason for sup-
"posing that these Federal brigades went into action very much stronger
"than their opponents." (Antietam and Fredericksburg, p. 38, etc.)
Lieutenant-Colonel Allan, however, maintains that the Confederates had
only 13,000 to 14,000 men, while McClellan had 30,000. (" Army of
"Northern Virginia in 1862," p. 360.) The truth is probably between
the two, but had the odds been three to one instead of three to two, it
would have been no mean achievement to have dislodged a force from
such a strong position.
2o6 History of the Bucktails
[14 September 1862
possession of the second. Magilton's and Gallagher's' brigades
had performed the work assigned to them, Reno* had moved
north as ordered, while Gibbon had pushed his demonstration
up the main road well towards the summit
If the contest was resumed in the morning it could have
but one result. The way for the army to interpose between
the fragments of the Confederate forces was open, nor as yet
had Harper's Ferry been surrendered. The price paid by the
Union General for Turner's Gap was 1,813 men, of which the
Pennsylvania Reserves lost 392. The Bucktail loss was as fol-
lows:
Killed Wounded. Missing. Total.
Officers : I 2 3
Men 10 37 47
II 39 so'
Lieutenant Bitterling, Company F, was killed and Cap-
tain Irvin, Company K, and Lieutenant Mack, Company £,
were wotmded.
General Meade in his official report, after extending praise
to General Seymour and his brigade for the successful accom-
plishment of the great object of the movement, viz. : the out-
flanking of the enemy, says : "To Colonel McNeil, of the First
"Pennsylvania Rifles, who with his regiment has always been
"in the advance, I am indebted for ascertaining the exact posi-
"tion of the enemy." *
'Colonel Gallagher was severely wounded and compelled to leave
the field.
' General Reno paid for his victory with his life.
'O. R. I. XIX. i., p. 185. The Confederate loss was for the most
part lumped with other engagements. Lieutenant-Colonel William Allan
in "The Army of Northern Virginia in 1862" estimates it at from 1000
to 1500 (p. 359). McClellan claimed 1500 prisoners.
•O. R. I. XIX. i., p. 268.
South Mountain 207
1862 September 14]
Captain McGee, who, owing to Colonel McNeil's death at
Antietam, made the official report of this battle, says : "Among
"those who particularly distinguished themselves for gallantry
"on this occasion I have to mention the following: Captain
"Edward A. Irvin (severely wounded). Captain A. E. Niles,
"Adjt. William R. Hartshome, Lieuts. James M. Welch, Lucius
"Truman, S. A. Mack, Jr. (wounded), N. B. Kinsey, David
"G. McNaughton, and Sergt.-Maj. Roger Sherman.'"
No attempt was made during the evening to descend the
mountain on its western side, and the battle of South Mountain
closed' with the oncoming of night. The day's heavy fighting,
made still more hard by the difficult climb, had rendered the
men thoroughly exhausted. The Bucktails, now reduced to
but slightly over two hundred men, with the adaptability of
seasoned campaigners, turned in promptly. If the pass was in
their possession, the objective of the campaign was still to be
secured, for Lee with his troops, scattered though they were,
lay in the plains below them. McClellan was certain to order
an advance by the next morning at the latest.
' O. R. I. LI. i.. p. is6.
' To quote Brigadier-General Palfrey again : "So much of the
"battle of South Mountain as was fought at Turner's Gap hardly, admits
"of precise description. It lasted a long time, from about seven in the
"morning till well into the evening, and a good many troops were used
"first and last, but the ground was so peculiar and so little known to
"our commanders, that much precious time and many gallant efforts
''wer« almost wasted, and it was not till the day was near its end that
"the Federal advance was conducted with ensemble. There was plenty
"of hard fighting, but much of it was sharp skirmishing, and the whole
"affair, till near the end, was rather many little battles than one con-
"nected battle." ("Antietam and Fredericksburg," p. 33.)
THE MARYLAND CAMPAIGN
II.
ANTIETAM.
A dense fog obstructed the view on the morning of the
15th/ and Lee, who, during the night had recognized the futil-
ity of contesting further the passage of the Gap, took advan-
tage of it to slip away unmolested.
Already he was establishing his army at Sharpsburg, seven
miles northwest from the simimit of the Gap, and making
preparations to consolidate his forces at that place.
Harper's Ferry,' as has been seen, is on the south bank of
the Potomac. Some ten miles above it on the north side,
though advanced eastward a mile and a half, is the small town
of Sharpsburg. The Potomac, at this point, winds so in its
course that a straight line five miles in length drawn through
the western end of the town would touch the river with both
its ends. In front of Sharpsburg flows the Antietam, which
enters the Potomac at the southern end of our imaginary line.
Not running quite parallel with the general direction of the
Potomac, the Antietam at the northern end of our imag^ary
line is about two and a half miles east of the river. Running
northward from Sharpsburg, almost midway between the Poto-
mac and the Antietam, is the Hagerstown road.
• Meade's report, O. R. I. XIX. i., p. 268.
' Harper's Ferry fell at 8 a. m. on the morning of the isth, at which
time Franklin, though re-enforced by Couch, was still two or three
miles distant
308
Coi,. Hugh W. McNeil
Antietam 209
1863 September 16]
The broad outlines of the situation can be easily stated.
Lee, stretching his line in a segment of a circle, could rest both
his flanks on the Potomac, a slight forward curvature being
sufficient to inclose Sharpsburg. In his rear he would have
the Potomac, easily fordable at that place, and in his front the
Antietam, over which there were but four bridges. Moreover,
the troops that were still in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry
could join him easily, by simply proceeding up the south bank
of the Potomac and fording the river in his rear.
Moving down the mountain side, on the morning of the
15th, the Bucktails marched to beyond JBoonsboro, a few miles
northeast of Sharpsburg. McClellan spent the day and tfie
morning following reconnoitering the position and placing his
troops. By the afternoon of the i6th he had completed his
arrangements. The three lower bridges being covered by the
enemy, he decided to throw his right across the Antietam, by
a higher unguarded bridge, and thus envelop the Confederate
left flank and drive it in upon the center. During the con-
fusion incidental to this movement, if successful, the Union
left and center were to carry the bridges in their front.
The turning movement was intrusted to Hooker's corps.
By 2 p. M. the column was in motion and crossing the stream,
some two and a half miles north of Sharpsburg. Confident in
the fighting ability of the Pennsylvania Reserves, General
Hooker placed them in the advance and General Meade gave
to Seymour's brigade the post of honor. As the troops moved
towards the northwest their left flank skirted some woods.
Reaching the end of these woods, the column swung round
and faced southward towards Sharpsburg. Four companies
of the Bucktails, fulfilling their duty as skirmishers for the
brigade, were deployed; the remaining six being held in
reserve under Lieutenant Welch. The advance was made cau-
2IO History of the Bucktails
[16 September 1862
tiously for about three-quarters of a mile, when the enemy's
pickets were discovered, extending in a Hne across a ploughed
field. At the far side of the field were some heavy woods in
which the enemy was concealed in force/ As the Confederate
infantry opened fire, the six companies held in reserve moved
up, while the brigade prepared to give active support. Some
Confederate artillery, although engaged by Cooper's battery,
succeeded in getting into play. Colonel McNeil, after about
fifteen minutes, ordered his men to charge and clear the enemy
out of the woods. With no cover to protect them, in full view
of both forces, across a field raked by artillery and covered
by a heavy force of infantry, the men were ordered to dash.
Fearless as ever, McNeil led his men in person into the open.
Seventy-five yards from their goal, the fire became so murder-
ous that the men dropped to the ground, lying flat on their faces
but pouring in shot after shot from their breech-loaders. From
time to time they would rise and run forward a few feet, only
to drop again as they caught the first flash of a volley of mus-
ketry. Though the advance amidst the increasing hail of shot
and shell was slow, yet it was steady. When but a few paces
from the fence that marked the edge of the woods. Colonel
McNeil sprang forward crying, "Forward, Bucktails, forward."
Even as he spoke, he pitched lifeless to the ground.' A mad
fury seized his men. Raging to revenge the death of the man
to whom they were devoted, they cleared the fence in an in-
stant. Outnumbered, they cared nothing. With their breech-
loading rifles and ample cover they were prepared to make the
enemy pay dearly. General Seymour, seeing that his skirmish-
ers had gained the edge of the woods, was ordering forward
'McGee's report, O. R. I. LI. i., p. 156.
' Chaplain Hatton covered the body with a blanket and watched over
it till the next morning. At the same time he kept careful watch over
three rebel prisoners.
Antietam 211
1862 September 16]
the brigade. The enemy, though fighting desperately, was
slowly being driven backward out of the woods, but darkness
compelled the men, however reluctantly, to cease the action.
The pickets of the combatants were so close together, that Gen-
eral Seymour reported that they slept foot to foot. The men
who had had nothing to eat since noon realized that with the
coming of daylight the combat would be resumed. The prox-
imity of the foe rendered it impossible that they should receive
food, and a few hours' rest was the sum of all for which they
could hope. Yet even such rest as they could snatch was not
to be undisturbed. Twice during the night the enemy attacked
their pickets only to be repulsed with heavy loss.' After the
fall of Colonel McNeil, the command fell upon Captain McGee,
of Company F. Unsuited to the work of leading the regiment,
he permitted Adjutant Hartshorne to direct the men.
During the night the commanders of both armies made
hasty preparation ; Lee to protect his threatened flank,' McClel-
lan to concentrate his attack. Hooker's corps had been formed
with Meade's division in the center, Doubleday's division being
on the right, and Rickett's on the left ; and McClellan ordered
Mansfield's corps to cross the Antietam and move up in the
rear of Hooker. Jackson opposed Hooker with two divisions,
Ewell's division being advanced to cover the open ground.
Seymour's brigade of Meade's division had pushed for-
ward to the farther edge of the woods, which run nearly par-
allel with the Hagerstown road half a mile away. East of the
road, and even with Hooker's left, was the now famous Dunker
church. There were woods west of the Hagerstown road and
• Meade's report, O. R. I. XIX. i., p. 269.
' The attack on the afternoon of the i6th was delivered so late that
darkness fell before the advantage gained could be followed up and Lee
took advantage of the darkness to strengthen the threatened flank.
212 History op the Bucktails
[17 September 18S3
a fringe of forest on its eastern side. Between this fringe and
the woods occupied by Seymour, was the cornfield in which
the bloodiest actions of the battle were to take place.' At five
o'clock in the morning' fighting was recommenced. As far as
can be ascertained it started without orders. A gun being dis-
charged, accidentally or on purpose, the close proximity of the
men and the lifting darkness made it inevitable. The Buck-
tails, skirmishers for Seymour's brigfade, became immediately
engaged with Trimble's brigade of Ewell's division.' Slowly
the Confederates were driven back towards the Hagerstown
road. In the middle of the cornfield was a ridge, behind which
a considerable force of the enemy was sheltered. As the Union
forces approached they were met with a furious fire and forced
to give ground. Thinned in numbers, having fasted since noon
of the previous day, almost exhausted by their efforts, the
position of the division of the Pennsylvania Reserves had been
further weakened by the withdrawal of Magilton's brigade to
the left. General Meade, seeing the threatening columns of
the Confederates advancing, ordered Ransom's battery to open
' "It is impossible to tell what number of troops on each side was
"engaged in this opening battle. ... As far as can be made out from the
"various reports, which are singularly wanting on both sides in clear
"topographical indications, the fighting began not far from the western
"edge of the East Woods, and resulted, after very severe losses on both
"sides, in the gradual withdrawal of the Confederates to the West
"Woods. Th ; story might be told with far greater fullness and com-
"pleteness, but for the defective character of the reports . . many of
"them are not short, but they hardly ever tell to what point of the
"compass the faces of the troops were turned, and the indefinite article
"is constantly used. A lane, a road, a fence," etc., etc. ("Antietam and
"Fredericksburg," by Brigadier-General F. W. Palfrey, p. 74-75.)
'"According to some reports, as early as 3 a. m." "The Army
"of Northern Virginia in 1862," by Lieutenant-Colonel William Allan, p.
383.
'McClellan's report. "At daylight on the 17th the action was
"commenced by the skirmishers of the Pennsylvania Reserves." O. R.
XIX. i., p. SS-S6.
Antietau 213
1862 September 17]
on them. Mag^lton's brigade then fell into line, and in con-
junction with Seymour's and Rickett's drove the enemy back,
Anderson's brigade being eventually established upon the ridge.'
As the morning advanced, the ammunition of the Bucktails
became nearly exhausted, and details were sent to the rear to
replenish it. But at lo o'clock the division was relieved, Mans-
field's and Sumner's corps moving up to continue the attack. In
the afternoon, at 2 o'clock, the division of Pennsylvania Re-
serves, having obtained food and been resupplied with ammuni-
tion, was formed on the right flank, in reserve, but was not
again actively engaged.'
Mansfield's corps, which relieved Hooker's, fought val-
iantly, but was beaten back by Hood.' Then Summer's corps
was thrown in and suffered terribly.* Thus three corps in suc-
cession had been hurled against the Confederate left without
accomplishing its destruction. Though each extracted a heavy
return, their losses had been sufficient to destroy their own
offensive effectiveness. Franklin's corps was then crossed and
advanced against the enemy that had so stubbornly resisted
three previous attacks.
On the Union left the attack had also been unsuccessful.
McClellan had ordered Burnside to carry the bridge in front
' Meade's report, O. R. I. XIX. i., p. 270.
'The 1st corps, to which the Bucktails were attached, went into
action with 13,093 men, but suffered so severely, that General Meade,
on the i8th, reported that it had only 6,729 men present for dtity (O.
R. I. XIX. i., p. 66). He, however, attributes much of this reduction
to straggling. General Hooker, during the course of the action was
wounded, and compelled, much against his will, to leave the field. Then
General Meade assumed command of the ist corps; General Sejmiour
command of the division; and Colonel Roberts command of the ist
brigade.
'General Mansfield fell mortally wounded.
' Sedgwick's division of this corps, which probably took less than
5000 men into the battle, lost over 2200.
214 History of thk Bucktails
[17 September 1863
of him at 8 A. m., but the bridge was not carried until i p. v.,
after which Bumside's troops halted till 3 p. m. At that time,
McClellan sending imperative orders to continue the advance,
Bumside's force moved.' With a lodgment effected on the
west side of the Antietam, facing the Confederate right, they
pushed forward, some of the troops reaching the outskirts of
Sharpsburg by night.*
With darkness the battle ended. Bumside's troops on the
Union left were at the town; and Franklin's forces, on the
Union right, though stationary, were holding firm. Hence
through the advance by both the Union right and left, the Con-
federate line, though not disrupted, had been driven back and
made shorter. Lee, however, in the rear of Sharpsburg was
receiving reinforcements in the shape of troops, who had
marched up the south bank of the Potomac and crossed, in his
rear, to his assistance. The total loss by the Union side was
12,410 killed, wounded and missing;* the Confederate loss has
never been accurately ascertained. Though not less than 8,000, it
was probably considerably greater.* McClellan undoubtedly had
'Bumside normally commanded the ist and 9th Corps. When
the 1st Corps was sent to the Union right he refused to command
the gth Corps, which was retained at the left, stating that by so doing
he would be acquiescing in the separation of his command which he
did not desire. Hence, when orders were sent by McClellan to Bum-
side, the latter transmitted them to General Cox, who commanded the
corps.
•McClellan's report, O. R. I. XIX. i., p. 64
•O. R. I. XIX. i., p. 200.
'The Confederates in many cases lumped their losses for the cam-
paign. By deducting the losses in other battles, Swinton and others
arrived at 8000 for Antietam. Swinton points out, however, that Mc-
Clellan reports that he buried 2700 Confederate dead (O. R. I. XIX. i.,
p. 67) and that the usual ratio of dead to wounded is 5 to i. ("Cam-
"paigns of the Army of the Potomac" by William Swinton, p. 221-222.)
This ratio would give a total of i6,aoo, even if we believe that Lee
buried none of his own dead.
Antietam 215
1862 September 17]
a larger number of men in his army than Lee had, probably
nearly two to one. But every man in the Confederate army took
active part, while two out of McClellan's six corps were hardly
engaged. Moreover, the Union troops were attacking a strong
defensive position ; and it is doubtful, when remembering that
instead of a concerted attack being made the various commands
were launched against the enemy one after the other, if at any
time during any attack the Union forces outnumbered those
resisting them.' This must be the criticism, if any criticism be
made, upon the battle. On the other hand, Lee's army, terribly
shattered, was compelled to abjectly abandon its proposed
northern raid; the safety of Baltimore and Washington was
assured, and for a time the fears of the people were allayed.
In addition, Lee, who by his invasion had hoped to largely
recruit his forces, was forced to contemplate his army, reduced
by battle and straggling to half its former strength; and to
realize that the people of Maryland, far from rushing to the
banners of the Confederacy, believed in the righteousness of
the Union, and prayed for the success of its armies.
In his official report of the battle. General Meade says : "I
"feel it also due to the memory of a gallant soldier and accom-
"plished gentleman to express here my sense of the loss to the
"public service in the fall of Col. Hugh McNeil, of the First
"Pennsylvania Rifles, who fell mortally wounded, while in the
"front rank, bravely leading on and encouraging his men, on
"the afternoon of the i6th."'
Captain McGee in his official report, referring to Colonel
McNeil's death, mentions his gallant advance at the head of his
men till pierced to the heart by a rifle ball. He also reports
' For a discussion as to this point, see Palfrey, Swinton, Allan, the
Official Records, etc., etc.
•O. R. I. XIX. L, p. 270.
2i6 History op the Bucktails
C17 September 1862
the loss of the regiment as follows : "6 killed, among whom was
"Colonel McNeil and Lieut. William Allison; 23 wounded,
"including 2 officers. Lieutenants Welch and Bell. We also lost
"in missing 10 men.'"
The official casualty report' shows the loss as 5 killed, 20
wounded, none missing; but is plainly in error, as Captain
McGee's report was not made out until September 22nd, up to
which date he positively states that nothing had been heard of
those reported missing.
The condition of the regiment was most deplorable. Re-
duced in numbers to a scant two hundred, the officers in whom
they trusted were absent, wounded, or had been killed or as-
signed to other commands.
Their Colonel had just been killed, and though Captain
Irvin had been commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel on Septem-
ber loth, he had not been mustered ; moreover, he was absent
on account of the wound received at South Mountain. Of the
Captains of companies. Captain Holland, of Company A, had
been killed on the Peninsula ; Captain Wister, of Company B,
had resigned to become Colonel of the One-Hundred-and-
Fiftieth ; Captain Gifford, of Company C, had been wounded ;
Captain Jewett, of Company D, was still in the General Hos-
pital recovering from the Peninsular campaign ; Captain Niles,
of Company E, captured on the Peninsula, had not yet returned ;
Captain Taylor, of Company H, captured at Harrisonburg, had
not yet been exchanged; and Captain Blanchard, of Com-
pany 1, had been wounded at Harrisonbui^. This left but
Captain McDonald, of Company G, and Captain McGee, of
Company F, the latter being the ranking officer, though Adju-
tant Hartshorne led the men.
' O. R. I. LI. i., p. 156.
'O. R. I. XIX. i., p. 191.
Antietam 217
1862 September 18]
The body of Colonel McNeil, under the care of lyieutenant
McNaughton, was taken to Auburn, N. Y., and interred with
military ceremonies.
Speaking of Colonel McNeil, Justin R. Sypher, in his
"History of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps,'" says: "Colonel
"McNeil was not only an accomplished scholar and a gallant
"soldier, but he was what is more and greater, a devout Chris-
"tian. The precepts of the Bible taught him by his father, he
"made the rule of his life. He entered the service of his coun-
"try from a sense of duty ; devoted to the cause of the consti-
"tution, he laid down his life a willing sacrifice on the altar of
"universal liberty, and died in the defense of republican gov-
"emment."
Lieutenant Allison had also been much beloved, and his
name is perpetuated in the G. A. R. Post 196.°
When morning came on the i8th, McClellan did not resume
the attack, preferring to wait for reinforcements then rapidly
approaching." He had captured 13 guns, 39 colors, some 15,000
stand of small-arms, and over 6,000 prisoners during the cam-
paign, and was able to state, "Not a single gun or color was lost
"by our army during these battles.'" The battle-field, small in
extent, resembled a shambles, and the victor was content to
spend the day burying his dead and giving his forces a chance
to recuperate, at the same time issuing orders to renew the
conflict on the morning of the 19th.
During the night of the i8th, however, Lee with his shat-
tered army slipped across the Potomac ; and with this crossing
ended the Maryland invasion.
' P. 395.
' His body was taken away by William McGladden and S. H. Moses,
on September S, on which date they came to fetch it.
' Couch and Humphreys arrived during the day.
*0. R. I. XIX. i., p. 67.
BURNSIDE'S CAMPAIGN.
I.
FROM ANTIETAM TO FREDERICKSBURG.
With the withdrawal of the invading foe to the south side
of the Potomac, General McClellan decided to take advantage
of the opportunity offered to rest his army for a short time.
His general supplies were scanty,' and he was terribly in want
of horses. Therefore, when reporting the retreat of the Con-
federates to General Halleck, he simply announced his intention
of occupying Harper's Ferry,' and in accordance with this plan
General Sumner took possession of that place on the 22nd. The
Bucktails went into camp near §harpsburg, and the mournful
occupation of burying the dead was continued during the 19th,
while the wounded were established in hospitals. As the men
recovered from their exertions, they exchanged visits with
those of other regiments and discussed the probable future
movements of the army.
The paucity of commissioned officers present with the
Bucktails, and the injurious effect of this lack of efficient lead-
ers, was fully recognized by General Meade. In an endeavor
to, in a sense, circumvent the provisions of the law under which
' "When the enemy recrossed the Potomac into Virginia the means
■'of transportation at my disposal were inadequate to furnish a single
"day's supply of subsistence in advance.'' McClellan's report, O. R. I.
XIX. i., p. 69.
•O. R. I. XIX. i., p. 68.
aig
220 History of the Bucktails
[30 September 1863
the Reserves had been called into existence,' he gave his ap-
proval to a petition to be circulated amongst the men. This
petition requested that Captain Taylor, of Company H, be
commissioned Colonel; that Captain Irvin, of Company K, be
commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel; and that Adjutant Harts-
home be commissioned Major.' Approved by Generals Sey-
mour and Meade, the petition was forwarded to Governor
Curtin, who, however, did not feel justified, even under the
existing circumstances, in issuing commissions to men not enti-
tled to them according to the law as it then stood. Nor were
the commissions made out till the necessary acts of the Legisi-
lature were passed in 1863.
On September 30th, Governor Curtin wrote to President
Lincoln, calling his attention to the fact that though in July,
1 86 1, the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps had entered the Gov-
ernment service numbering 15,760 men, subsequent to the bat-
tle of Antietam, the thirteen infantry regiments could not mus-
ter 4,000. He suggested that the Corps be returned to Harris-
burg, where he had little doubt that but a short time would be
necessary to recruit it up to its full strength. Not receiving
a reply from the President, he then placed himself in communi-
cation with General McClellan, who, though he thought well of
the proposition, was unable to assent to it, as he had immediate
use for the troops.
'As previously stated, the Act of May 15, 1861, required that the
regiments should elect their officers, and' the Governor appoint the offi-
cers so elected: yet, the evils resulting from this procedure had been
such that in July, 1862, an order was issued through Division Head-
quarters, directing that thereafter elections should not be held. An
act of Congress, however, providing for the acceptance of volunteer
forces, stipulated that vacancies should be filled by the Governors of
the respective States in the same manner as the original appointments
were made.
' Some of the men seem to have considered this an injustice to Cap-
tains Niles and McDonald.
Frou Antibtam to Fredericksburg 221
1862 November i]
While the regiment was occupied with its own concerns,
the authorities at Washington were anxious that operations by
the army should be immediately resumed ; yet the Commanding
General did not feel justified in moving till his supplies were in
better condition and his horses more numerous.
On the 1st of October the President visited the camp in
person. He went over the battle-fields of South Mountain and
Antietam, and on the 3rd, the Bucktails passed in review before
him.
On the 6th General McClellan received an order through
General Halleck, from the President, directing him to advance
at once.' He was given the choice of advancing down the
Shenandoah Valley, or of making an advance that would cover
Washington. On his choice, however, depended the strength
of the reinforcements promised him. Nothing of moment had
been done by the loth, when the Confederate General, Stuart,
made another of his spectacular raids. With 2,000 horse, he
circled the entire Union rear, regaining Confederate territory
unharmed. The Government, stung by this raid, continued to
urge prompt movement, but McClellan held back, pleading for
clothes and other supplies for his troops. Ultimately, upon the
26th of October, the army got under way, though even then its
rate of advance apparently did not satisfy the Government au-
thorities.
The Bucktails, strengthened slightly by those, who either
at their homes or in the hospitals had recovered their health,
marched on the 26th, some twelve miles to the vicinity of South
Mountain, proceeding to Berlin, seven miles below Harper's
Ferry, on the following day. After lying in camp two days,
on the 30th they crossed the Potomac and bivouacked that night
near Lovettsville. Resuming their march on November ist,
'O. R. I. XIX. i., p. 372.
222 History ot the Bucktails
[i November 1862
they moved forward to Hamilton. On the 3rd they moved
near Union, passing through the town the next day. Resting
on the 4th, they were again in motion on the 5th, reaching
White Plains. On the morning of the 6th, their division was
ordered to proceed to Warrenton, but when a mile away was
halted, while the Bucktails were ordered forward. Information
being received that the enemy was in possession of the town,
which is situated on high ground, half the regiment was de-
ployed as skirmishers. Charging forward they soon discovered
that there was nothing to dispute their advance, excepting a
small body of cavalry, which retired promptly upon being fired
upon. The skirmishers were then called in, and at the head
of the division, the Bucktails led the way through the town.
The route which the Bucktails, with the First corps to
which they belonged, had followed, was southward on the east-
em side of the Blue Ridge, which forms the eastern boundary
of the Shenandoah Valley. General McClellan, having decided
to advance so as to keep Washington covered, had so moved
the troops that with the First, Second and Fifth corps near
Warrenton, the Ninth corps on the line of the Rappahannock,
the Sixth corps at New Baltimore, Gainesville and Thorough-
fare Gap, and the cavalry under General Pleasanton, facing
Longstreet, six miles from Culpeper, he was able to state his
army was massed near Warrenton, "ready to act in any required
"direction" and "perfectly in hand." Though Longstreet was
near Culpeper, east of the Shenandoah Valley, Jackson still
remained in the Valley itself, and it was McClellan's intention
to fall upon his opponent before he could tmite his forces, either
defeating him in detail, or by forcing him back, to open a route
to Richmond.'
• McClellan's report, O. R. I. XIX. i., p. 88-89.
Prom Antibtam to Fredbricksburo 223
1862 November 9]
The night of the 7th was cold, and in the midst of a snow
storm, General Buckingham, riding post haste from Washing-
ton, reached General McClellan's tent, bearing an order, issued
by order of the President, removing General McClellan and
directing General Burnside to assume command.'
To the men in the army the announcement came as a
blow. "Little Mac" possessed the hearts of nine out of every
ten.
General Burnside did not assume actual command until the
9th, preferring to permit General McClellan to finish the move-
ments of the troops which he had undertaken. Then instead of
taking advantage of the separated condition of the enemy, he
decided to move to Fredericksburg, from which place he
planned to advance against Richmond." After some delay the
army was put into motion towards Fredericksburg, and the
Confederates were compelled to follow. General Burnside
reorganized the army: the Right Grand division was made to
consist of the Second and Ninth corps, under General Sumner ;
the Center Grand division of the Third and Fifth corps, under
General Hooker ; and the Left Grand division, of the First and
Sixth corps, under General Franklin. Shortly after Antietam,
General Reynolds had returned from Pennsylvania and was
assigned to the command of the First corps, to which the
division of Pennsylvania Reserves was attached. General Sey-
' General McClellan was certainly at this time the idol of the army :
to this dlay, by the survivors of the Army of the Potomac, he is proba-
bly the most loved and respected of their various commanders. His
partisans claimed that politics and intrigue caused his removal ; his
critics, that his lack of energfy and initiative were responsible for his
undoing.
* The reports and the literature of this campaign through their very
voluminousness only accentuate the indefiniteness of Burnside's inten-
tions. Swinton believed that he hoped to postpone definite operations
till the following spring.
224 History op thb Bucktails
[November 1862
mour, who had commanded the First brigade of the division at
Antietam, had been transferred to a command in South Caro-
lina; while the division itself was so reduced numerically that
the One-hundred-and-Twenty-First Pennsylvania and the One-
hundred-and-Forty-Second Pennsylvania, were attached to it.
Its organization then became :
Third Division, First Army Corps.
Ma j. -Gen. George G. Meade.
First Brigade. Second Brigade
Col. William Sinclair Col. Albert Magilton
Col. William McCandless 3rd Penna. Reserves
1st Penna. Reserves 4th Penna. Reserves
2nd Penna. Reserves 7th Penna. Reserves
6th Penna. Reserves 8th Penna. Reserves
13th Penna. Reserves 142nd Pennsylvania
(Bucktails)
I2ist Pennsylvania
Third Brigade
Brig.-Gen. C. F. Jackson
Col. Joseph Fisher
Lieut-Col. Robert Anderson
Sth Penna. Reserves
9th Penna. Reserves
loth Peima. Reserves
nth Penna. Reserves
I2th Penna. Reserves
Artillery
1st Pennsylvania light, Battery A.
1st Pennsylvania light, Battery B.
1st Pennsylvania light. Battery G.
5th United States, Battery C
' O. R. I. XXL, p. 58-59. Colonel Sinclair was wounded December
13, and Brigadier-General Jackson was killed on the same date.
From Antietam to Fredericksburg 225
1863 November]
As the Bucktails moved' towards Fredericksburg, the
orders regarding foraging that had been in force on the Penin-
sula were reissued. Private rights were to be respected, and
even fence rails were to be held sacred. Campaigning, how-
ever, had taught the men that fence rails were unequalled for
the purpose of coffee making. Apart from their easy procura-
tion they were generally dry, and easily ignited. On one occa-
sion, disregarding the orders of their Captain, the Bucktails
broke loose before his very eyes, and so improvident were they
in their use of this not too plentiful commodity, that there was
not enough left for the next morning's breakfast. That this
was done, not for the sake of insurbordination, but merely in
accordance with Napoleon's declaration that war should be
made to support war, is perhaps best illustrated by the experi-
ence of Lieutenant Ernest Wright, of Company F. The Lieu-
tenant seeing a pig, became so enamored of its charms that he
was seized with a desire to possess it. As ill-luck would have
it. General Meade, who happened to be passing, saw him, and
ordered him to halt. Whether the idea of fresh meat made the
Lieutenant reckless, or whether he did not hear, he still pursued
his quarry. Upon this General Meade rode up to him and
asked him if he did not know that he was disobeying orders;
but must have been considerably astonished at the reply he
received. In effect the Lieutenant stated that he knew he was
transgressing, but that he had little respect for orders that
commanded him to go hungry to guard the property of the
enemy. Forthwith he was arrested ; but that evening, General
Meade, upon sending to Regimental Headquarters and finding
'The dates of march are hardly important: Nov. u to Fayetteville ;
Nov. 17 to White Ridge ; Nov. i8 to Stafford Court House ; Nov. 22 to
Brooke's Station, a few miles above Falmouth, at which latter place
the army was to be concentrated.
16
226 History of the Bucktaiw
[November 1862
that his prisoner was not only a brave and good soldier, but
had also recently been promoted, ordered his release.
General Meade, indeed, seems to have had a faculty of
appearing where he was not wanted. At a later date, a party
of the "Irish Infantry," as Company F was frequently termed,
under the general direction of their "Little Orderly," had suc-
ceeded in converting a live sheep into dead mutton. The
operations on the carcass necessary to prepare it for the fire
were being, for obvious reasons, performed in the seclusion of
some woods, when General Meade and an orderly appeared.
Carrying their "dead" with them, the party retreated through
the woods, but the tall figure continued to follow them. Forced
to keep moving the men rapidly reached the far side of the
woods, beyond which were open fields. There was nothing to
do but to drop their booty and run for it. Some of them heard
the General calmly direct his Orderly to "Pick that up ;" while
it was said in camp that evening that "the General was dining
"on roast lamb."
BURNSIDE'S CAMPAIGN.
II.
FREDERICKSBURG.
Upon arriving at Brooke's Station, Captain Taylor, who
had been exchanged, and Captain Irvin, who had recovered
from the wound he had received at South Mountain, rejoined
the regiment. Great was the rejoicing throughout the ranks,
not only because of the affection felt for these officers, but also
because, by directions received from Headquarters, Captain
Taylor assumed command. Few inspections were so enjoyed
as the one held by the latter on the 23rd; nor did anything
relieve the monotony of camp life until December 4th, when
orders were received directing the regiment to hold itself in
readiness to march at a moment's notice. The long expected
advance upon Fredericksburg loomed close upon the horizon,
and everything betrayed the interest felt. On the 7th, a march
was made of some three miles, and on the 8th the regiment
arrived at a place, then termed Mrs. Gray's Bottom. The
weather became colder, and over icy roads the Bucktails on the
nth advanced to the immediate vicinity of Fredericksburg, in
full hearing of the bombardment then in progress.
Fredericksburg lies in a broken plain on the southern bank
of the Rappahannock ; the town being oblong in shape, with its
length parallel to the river. The plain, in which it is situated,
is formed by a bold ridge, partly wooded, which touching the
Rappahannock above Falmouth, pursues a course in the rear
237
228 History op the Bucktaii.s
[17 November 1U2
of the town generally parallel with the river. Six miles below
Falmouth the Massaponax Creek, flowing north, crosses the
plain and empties into the Rappahannock. Thus the plain
is best described as lying between the Rappahannock and
the ridge ; its upper end formed by the angle of the ridge and
the Rappahannock, and its lower end by the Massaponax. Mid-
way between the upper end and the Massaponax, is Deep Run,
which crossing the plain divides it into two. In the upper half
is the town itself.
When Burnside commenced his movement towards Fred-
ericksburg, the advance was given to Sumner's Grand division.
Sumner, who arrived at Falmouth upon the 17th of November,
believing that it would be comparatively easy to occupy the
town, it being then but lightly defended, requested permission
to seize it, but his request was denied by General Burnside,*
who proceeded slowly to mass his troops preparatory to taking
the town by assault. His pontoons did not arrive until later
than he expected, and this delayed him still further. The Con-
federates, fully aware of the designs of the Union commander,
made their preparations accordingly. During the weeks that
Buraside permitted them, they concentrated their forces on the
ridge back of the town. Earthwork epaulements for the pro-
tection of artillery, rifle pits for infantry, and every other form
of defense that human ingenuity could devise, were constructed.
With the guns placed in position and riflemen in the trenches,
the position became one that might well be termed impreg-
nable
Burnside when he finally decided to attack, seems to have
had no definite plan in mind. His orders were so vague in
phraseology that his subordinates were at a loss to know what
'Sumner's testimony: "Report of the Joint Conunitteee on the
"Conduct of the War." Part I., p. 657.
FrBdbricksburg 229
1862 December la]
to do. Still, at any rate, Bumside decided to cross his army
over the Rappahannock, at two places,' and then make an
attack. Sumner's Grand division was to be the Union right and
Franklin's Grand division the left, while the majority of
Hooker's Grand division was to be held in reserve upon the
northern bank. On the nth and 12th of December the troops
crossed the river.
It is probable that the Union forces amounted to about
113,000, against the Confederates' 78,000, a disparity* in num-
bers that by no means counter-balanced the unequalness of posi-
tion ; for the Union troops were to move across an open plain,
to attack a position naturally strong, and upon the defences of
which the Confederates had spent weeks of labor. Sumner's
Grand division, forming the Union right, occupied Fredericks-
burg and in fact the plain from its upper end to Deep Run.
Franklin's Grand division,' forming the Union left, extended
from Deep Run two miles towards the Massaponax. The
entire army was formed parallel to the river, with the exception
of Franklin's extreme left. This was held by the Pennsylvania
Reserves, the division being formed at practically a right angle
to the general line ; its left touching the river at Smithfield' and
its right almost connecting with the left of Gibbon's division.
The division had been ordered to assume this position to guard
* It seems to be generally admitted that this crossing could not have
been prevented by the Confederates on account of Union artillery placed
on hills on the northern side of the river, dominating the plain. General
Franklin, however, in his testimony before the Committee appointed to
inquire into the conduct of the war, maintained the opposite. (Frank-
lin's testimony : "Report of the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the
"War," Part I., p. 661.)
'"Antietam and Fredericksburg," by Brigadier-General F. W. Pal-
frey, p. 149.
'The division was strengthened by one of Hooker's corps.
* Not shown on maps ; probably an old "Southern castle."
230 History op the Bucktails
[12 December 1862
against possible attacks that might be made from the direction
of the Massaponax, a mile away.
At 5 o'clock, on the afternoon of the 12th, Bumside visited
Franklin, who requested permission to make a strong attack
the next morning. At 6 o'clock Bumside left "without con-
"senting to make the attack or without saying he would not
"do it," but he did state that orders would be received in the
course of two or three hours. After midnight Franklin sent
an Aide-de-Camp to the telegraph office, only to learn that the
orders were being prepared. About 7 o'clock on the morning
of the 13th, General Franklin received a despatch from Bum-
side's Chief of Staff, a portion of which was as follows :
"General Hardie will carry this despatch to you and remain
"with you during the day. The general commanding directs
"that you keep your whole command in position for a rapid
"movement down the Richmond road, and you will send out at
"once a division, at least, to pass below Smithfield, to seize, if
"possible, the heights near Captain Hamilton's, on this side of
"the Massaponax, taking care to keep it well supported and its
"line of retreat open." '
It would appear that Franklin was justified in believing
that his main duty was to be ready to move down the Richmond
road ; though he was at the same time ordered to make an effort
to capture the heights in front of him. This effort was to be
made by but one division, which, however, was to be well sup-
ported and to have its line of retreat assured. General Sumner,
on the Union right, seems to have received orders which were
' Franklin's testimony : "Report of the Joint Committee on the Con-
"duct of the War." Part I., p. 707-708. The injunction to keep his whole
command in readiness to move is repeated later in the order.
Fredericksburg 231
1S63 Deeestber 13]
no more definite than those sent to Franklin.' However, as a
division was to be sent to do the work of two average corps,
Franklin instructed Reynolds to order one forward, and the
choice fell upon the Pennsylvania Reserves.
The distance from the Rappahannock to the ridge at this
point is about a mile and a half. The old Richmond stage road'
runs down the middle of the plain, being slightly nearer to the
river than to the ridge. Between the road and the ridge, in a
slight depression several hundred yards in width, runs the
Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroad. The slope to the
railroad from the extreme left for the space of 300 or 400 yards
was clear; beyond it was wooded, the woods extending across
the hollow and in front of the railroad.
A heavy fog in the early morning had obstructed the view,
but lifted gradually. General Meade, upon receiving his orders
to attack, put his division in motion, advancing down the river
some seven or eight hundred yards, before, turning sharply to
the right, he moved towards the ridge. Crossing the road, con-
siderable time was lost owing to the necessity of removing
fences and bridging the side drains, so as to permit of the pas-
sage of the artillery.' The First Army corps, commanded by
General Reynolds, consisted of three divisions: Doubleday's,
Gibbon's and Meade's, and General Reynolds, when ordering
Meade to advance, notified him that he would be supported
upon his right by Gibbon, and his left covered by Doubleday.*
' "Campaigns of the Army of the Potomac," by William Swinton,
P 245-
"He finally came to the conclusion that he would attempt to do
"something, he did not know quite what, with his left, and if he suc-
"cceded to do something with his right." ("Antietam and Fredericks-
"burg," by Brigadier-General F. W. Palfrey, p. 151.)
'This road is frequently termed the Bowling Green Road.
• Meade's report, O. R. I. XXI., p. 510.
* Reynolds' report, O. R. I. XXL, p. 453.
232 History of the Bucktails
[13 December 1862
Between 9 and 10 o'clock, Meade formed his column of attack :
the First brigade in line of battle on the crest of the hollow and
facing the railroad ; the Second brigade 300 yards in the rear
of the First; and the Third brigade by the flank. The Third
brigade assumed this position to guard against an attack on the
division's left flank and rear being made from the old Rich-
mond road near the Massaponax. An attack made almost
immediately both by the artillery and infantry* from this direc-
tion confirmed the justness of the disposition. The brigade's
batteries were brought into play, and sharpshooters deployed,
with such effect that the demonstration soon ceased. It was
then decided to resume the advance and make the attempt to
penetrate the Confederate line, at the point where the woods
projected beyond the railroad. Contrary to usual custom, the
Sixth regiment had been deployed as skirmishers for the First
brigade, while the Bucktails, divided into squads, were ordered
to support the various batteries. Preparatory to the infantry
advance the batteries were ordered to shell the woods and
heights, and the Third brigade to change front, forming line
of battle on the left of the First. This movement had hardly
been executed when the enemy's battery, from the heights on
the extreme left, poured in a hail of shot. Three batteries of
the division replied, and after being in practice for half an hour
silenced it by blowing up its caissons.
The Confederate right was defended by Jackson; and to
A. P. Hill's division fell the task of resisting Meade's assault.
Archer's brigade of seven regiments was on the Confederate
right of the woods, and Lane's brigade on the left. There was
a gap of several hundred yards between the left of Archer and
the right of Lane, but both brigades had strong skirmish lines
•Stuart's Horse Artillery. See A. P. Hill's report, O. R. I. XXL,
p. 645.
FaEDERICKSBtJRG 233
1862 December 13]
pushed forward beyond the railroad; while Gregg's brigade,
500 yards in the rear, covered the space between Archer and
Lane. In addition a heavy force of artillery strengthened the
position.' Moreover, while the woods entirely concealed both
the disposition and strength of the Confederates from the
Union troops, the latter, maneuvering upon an open plain, were
in full view of their opponents.
About I o'clock General Meade gave the order to advance,
and the columns immediately moved forward. By the time the
line had advanced two or three hundred yards, General Meade
rode up to Captain Taylor, who, with his men, was supporting
the batteries, and asked him what he was doing there. Taylor
explained that he had been ordered by Colonel Sinclair to
remain with the guns, whereupon General Meade counter-
manded the order of the Brigade-Commander, and directed the
Captain to form his regiment and take his proper place in the
line. Eager to perform their duty the men were formed, and
advanced at the double-quick towards the right of the brigade ;
but the Confederates, who by that time had fully recognized the
meaning of the various movements, opened such a withering
fire that a gap was opened in the left, and into the gap. Captain
Taylor diverted his command.' Penetrating the woods, and
' "The Army of Northern Virginia in 1862," by Lieutenant-Colonel
William Allan, p. 477-478.
'These conflicting orders were responsible for the scant mention
of the regiment in the official reports. Colonel McCandless, who suc-
ceeded Colonel Sinclair in command of the ist brigade, merely states
that the Bucktails were detached to support Cooper's battery, and ad-
vanced with the 3rd brigade (O. R. I. XXI., p. 318) ; while Colonel
Anderson, in his official report of the action of the 3rd brigade (.0. R-
I. XXL, p. 521) fails to make mention of them at all. The explanation
is simple. The 3rd brigade was formed with its right almost touching
the 1st brigade's left. The Commander of the ist brigade having
detached the regiment, thought that when it moved up on his left it
was still acting with the 3rd brigade; and the Commander of the
234 History of the Bucktails
[13 December 1862
driving the rebels before them, the Bucktails reached the rail-
road. Captain Larrimer, of Company E, of the Fifth regiment,
was at this point calling upon his men for a charge. Co-oper-
ating with this force, the Bucktails endeavored to force back
their opponents, but without avail, though the attempt cost
many lives. Upon the right of the Bucktails, the One-Hundred-
and-Twenty-First was driving back the enemy, and thus re-
lieved from the pressure on their right flank, the Bucktails were
enabled to join in the advance. From ditches and rifle pits close
to the railroad the First brigade drove the Confederates ; then
they forced them back into the woods till they came to the
second parallel, capturing a large number of prisoners and
stacks of muskets.* Still they advanced till they gained the
farther side of the wood. Here a road ran in front of them
and beyond it was an open plateau in turn dominated by another
ridge. Captain Taylor, whose horse had been shot under him,
had encouraged his men on foot till he fell wounded. Up at
the front Corporal Looney, of Company G, bore aloft the silk
flag of Company K, which since the Peninsular campaign had
done service as the colors of the regiment ; and as he dropped
with his death wound, his blood spurted over the tattered flag.
Acting as a wedge of the army, the brigade had penetrated
the Confederate line, and having done so, received a terrific
fire from both infantry and artillery on both flanks, as well as
3rd brigade when it moved up on his right, thought that it had re-
joined the 1st brigade. In fact, in the ofiBcial casualty report (O. R.
I. XXL, p. 139) it appears with the 1st brigade. Captain Bard,
in his "History," is authority for the account of its co-operation at one
moment with the Sth regiment, which belonged to the 3rd brigade, and
at another moment with the 121st, which belonged to the ist brigade.
As Colonel McCandless remarks (O. R. I. XXI., p. 519), "Owing to
"the density of the woods and the unevenness of the ground over which
"we passed, the regiments became greatly confused."
' McCandless' report, O. R. I. XXL, p. 518-519.
pREDeRICKSBtrnG 235
1862 December 13]
upon the front. With its ammunition practically exhausted it
fell back. As it did so, the Second brigade advanced, and
reached nearly the same point, only to fall back in like manner.'
The Third brigade held its position in the woods for over an
hour, but a portion of it gained the summit, as had the First
and Second brigades.'
General Meade's division had done everything that had
been asked of it. It had driven the enemy from his rifle pits
and breastworks for over half a mile : had taken over 300 pris-
oners and several standards. Attacked upon three sides by the
enemy, who was being reinforced as fast as Jackson could urge
his troops to the front, the division being unsupported was
compelled to fall back. So sure were the ofiScers of their ability
to have held the ground they had won, had they been supported,
that two of the Brigade-Commanders considered it incumbent
upon them to incorporate such a statement in their reports.'
Gibbon's division, which was to have supported their right,
had been retarded, and diverted,* and Birney's division, which
had occupied the place vacated by the Reserves when they
moved to the attack, remained too far to the rear. Compelled
to relinquish what he had won. General Meade determined to
withdraw his men with as small a loss as the situation would
permit. Sending back he called for reinforcements, but none
came. With every moment the situation became more critical,
' Meade's report, O. R. I. XXL, p. 512.
' Meade's report, O. R. I. XXL, p. 512.
■ McCandless, O. R. L XXL, p. 519. Anderson, O. R. L XXL, p.
523.
* Meade testified, "General Gibbon's division — which I had under-
"stood was to have advanced simultaneously with my own, did not
■'advance until I had been driven back. It advanced until it came
"within short range of the enemy, when it halted. The officers could not
"get the men forward. . . . That delay enabled the enemy to concen-
"trate their forces and attack me on my front and both flanks." "Re-
"port of the Committee on the Conduct of the War." Part L, p. 691.
236 History op the Bucktails
[13 December 1862
till remembering that though he was fighting in the uniform
of a Brigadier-General, he had in his pocket his commission as
Major-General, he rode back to General Bimey, exclaiming:
"General, I assume the authority of ordering you up to the
"relief of my men.'" A portion of Bimey's division was imme-
diately detached and assisted in the withdrawal operations.
With empty cartridge boxes, the shattered division was again
forced to cross the open plain, which, through the enemy's fire,
resembled a ploughed field. General Reynolds and General
Meade attempted to rally the men while under fire, but not
succeeding the line was reformed on the other side of the old
Richmond road. It cannot be too persistently borne in mind
that the act of penetrating an enemy's line is a dangerous one
for the troops constituting the wedge. Necessarily subjected to
a heavy fire, they are certain to be more or less diverted from
their course, by objects with which they may meet, and to be-
come separated, more or less, after breaking through. When
woods are encountered the disorganization increases. If support
is immediately given, the captured position may be retained ; but
should delay occur in giving succor, the successful charge fre-
quently ends in a disorganized rout. The withdrawal of the
Reserves unannihilated constituted a remarkable miUtary feat.
General Meade stated that 4,500 men would be a liberal esti-
mate of the strength of the division as it went into action :' the
official casualty reports' show that the loss in killed, wounded
and missing was 1,853. Well might Meade exclaim, "My God,
"General Reynolds, did they think my division could whip
"Lee's whole army. There is all that is left of my Reserves."
The rest of the battle is soon told. Meade's division retired
'"History of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps," by J. R. Sypher,
p. 415-
' Meade's report, O. R. I. XXI., p. 512.
•O. R. I. XXI., p. 140.
Fredericksbukg 237
1863 December 13]
shortly after 2 o'clock. Sumner, on the right, had been ordered
to assault the ridge in his front and selected Couch's Second
army corps for the attack.' The divisions of Hancock and
French were ordered forward and at about i o'clock, being
thrown against an impregnable position," were destroyed : Han-
cock losing 2,032 and French 1,160 men. Howard's division,
which moved to their support, escaped with a loss of 914. Stur-,
gis' division, of the Ninth corps, had been ordered forward on
the left and made several attacks in support of the Second corps,
losing 1,007 "le"- This whole attack costing over 5,000 men,
had spent its force by half past two, and should have convinced
even the most sceptical of the futility of frontal attacks. Yet
Bumside obstinately ordered the Fifth army corps, which had
been held on the north bank of the river, to cross and attack.
So apparent was the madness of assaulting the defences the
Confederates had erected at this point that General Hooker
personally begged Bumside to desist, but without result."
Humphreys' division was selected, with Sykes' division in sup-
port. When Hooker considered that he had lost as many men
as his orders required him to lose,* he suspended the attack. In
fifteen minutes Humphreys lost 1,019 men and Sykes 228. For-
tunately it was approaching evening and the battle ceased.
' His orders seem to have been practically the same as Franklin's —
to attack with a division whose line of retreat should be kept open.
' Into how much detail shall we go in telling the story of this
"attempt to carry wooded slopes and successive crests, this advance
"against admirable troops, covered by breastworks and rifle-pits, with
"guns protected by earthworks, disposed in lines which gave both front
"and enfilading fires on their assailants as they moved up the gradual
"slope." ("Antietam and Fredericksburg," by Brigadier-General F. W.
Palfrey, p. 165.)
"Hooker's testimony: "Report of the Committee on the Conduct
"of the War," Part I., p. 668.
' His own words. Hooker's testimony : "Report of the Joint Com-
"mittee on the Conduct of the War," Part I., p. 668.
238 History of the Bucktaii,s
[13 December 1863
The Union commander was confronted with a total loss of
12,653 men ;' while the Confederates apparently lost only 5,309;'
and it should be remembered that of this number more than
two-thirds, or 3,415, fell before Franklin's attack, led by the
Pennsylvania Reserves, leaving but 1,555 to offset the Union
casualties on the right.
During the night General Burnside actually proposed to
resume the attack the next day, by forming the Ninth corps in
a column of attack by regiments, and leading it to assault in
person: yet, urgently entreated by General Sumner, he aban-
doned the idea.
Military historians have universally condemned the attack
made by the Union right. The attack made by the Union left,
led by the Reserves, is a different matter. Franklin believed
that could he secure firm lodgment on the ridge it would be
desirable, and though others consider the importance of such
position exaggerated, it is hard to see how the Confederates
could have avoided a retreat had it been held.' The remark-
able valor of the troops, who for a short time did cling to the
ridge is, however, not a matter of dispute. General Jackson
reports the attack as being made by the "main body of Frank-
"lin's grand division, supported by a portion of Hooker's" and
describes how they advanced to "within point blank range of
"our infantry" and became "thus exposed to the murderous fire
"of musketry and artillery."* General Archer, commanding a
brigade in A. P. Hill's division, reported that the Nineteenth
' All these figures are taken from the official casualty records.
' "Campaigns of the Army of the Potomac," by William Swinton, p.
253-
* See also comment of General Meade, quoted in the chapter "Cen-
"treville and the Mine Run Campaign," stating that the Union army
would have won had the Reserves been supported.
•0. R. I. XXL, p. 632.
Fr]^Erickseurg 239
i86a December 13]
Georgia and Fourteenth Tennessee were compelled to retire,
leaving about i6o prisoners. Also that the greater part of the
Seventeenth Tennessee "left the trenches in disorder.'"
In fact so rapid was their advance that General Gregg,
who, in the rear, guarded the gap between Archer and Lane,
did not believe that they could be Union troops and ordered his
men to hold their fire, paying for his mistake with his life a
moment later.'
Owing to their conflicting orders the Bucktails are practi-
cally unmentioned in the official reports, though they stand out
prominently in the casualty report:
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total.
Officers I 4 I 6
Men i8 109 28 155
!■ ■ ■ I ■ t ' ■ ■'-
Total 19 113 29 161'
thus showing a greater loss than any other regiment in their
brigade.
Lieutenant W. B. Jenkins, of Company C, was killed, while
Captains Taylor and Irvin, who had only just rejoined the
regiment, were wounded. Lieutenants O. D. Jenkins, of Com-
pany C ; D. G. McNaughton, of Company D ; T. B. Winslow,
of Company G ; and R. F. Ward, of Company I, were the other
officers to suffer.' Among the men injured was Francis Gruay,
' O. R. I. XXL, p. 657. In a letter to the Orderly-Sergeant of Com-
pany F, dated October 13, 1890, Governor Curtin said, "I will not for-
"get in this letter to you that Gen. Meade told me when you went
"through the enemy's lines at Fredericksburg with the Reserve corps,
"that he was confident he was through because the 'Bucktails' were en-
"gaged in collecting what was left in the Rebel camp : that battle was a
"slaughter, and if supported might have ended the war."
' "The Army of Northern Virginia in 1862," by Lieutenant-Colonel
William Allan, p. 487.
•O. R. LXXL, p. 139.
•Another instance of the official casualty report being in error—
6 not 4 officers were wounded.
240 History of the Bucktails
[13 December 186a
of Ojmpany D, better known as "French Frank," who besides
being Drill Master, was one of the characters of the regiment.
He was struck in the hip with a ball and as his leg remained
stiff received his discharge.'
The horror that permeated the whole battle is illustrated in
the death of Henry Jackson. A shell tore off one leg at the
knee, mangling the other. While the surgeons were preparing
in the field hospital to amputate, Jackson remained calm and
sitting upright, till a shell dropped by the table and exploding
killed him. Lew Jordan, who was acting as nurse, was killed
instantly, and Dr. Crouch wounded in the head. Others suf-
fered also, but their names have not been recorded.
When the troops had been driven back they had been
unable to carry all their dead and wounded with them. Under
a flag of truce, on the 14th, some of the Surgeons directed the
work of recovery and continued their labor on the 15th. Then
in the night, in the midst of a storm, the Reserves were
ordered to recross the river, and went into camp with the other
troops. On the morning of the i6th, therefore, Burnside had
once more concentrated his forces on the north bank of the
' His soldierly bearing in the hospital at Washington made him
friends who secured for him a position as sutler at the end of the long
bridge over the Potomac. Captain Bard is authority for the statement,
that at South Mountain, Gruay seeing three rebels behind a hay stack,
took refuge behind a tree. Then after drawing their fire by exhibiting
his cap upon a stick, he rushed forward, bagged his prey, and marched
them up to General Meade, with the remark, "General, see ze d d
"rebels, caught them behind straw stack." When the General told
him to turn them over to the Provost Marshal, he asked : "Where it
"ze Provost Marshal?" Rather surprised, the General replied that the
Marshal could be found at the foot of the hill. "Ah," said Francis,
"General I I so tired, I cannot go down ze big hill, I so nearly done
"for." Laughing, the General told him to turn his prisoners over to
some stragglers who were passing, and asked if there were any more
rebels in front. "General, I capture lot more," was the reply of the
Frenchman as he moved forward. '
Fredericksburg 241
i86z December 19]
Rappahannock, facing the enemy on the south bank, and the
book of the battle of Fredericksburg had been closed.
The Bucktails marched on the i8th to near Belle Plain,
which is six miles north of Falmouth and on the Potomac
River. On the 19th, they were ordered to make their tents as
comfortable as possible, and on the same date General Meade
reported their strength to be as follows :
Officers. Men. Total.
Present 16 273 289
Absent 8 282 290
Total 24 555 579
showing that 15 officers and 425 men were required to fill the
regiment.' Shortly after. General Meade, in accordance with
his promotion to Major-General, severed his connection with
the division to assume command of the Fifth army corps.
Upon leaving he caused a highly commendatory address to be
read in the presence of all the companies. The division was
then again reorganized as follows :
Third Division, First Army Corps.
Col. Horatio G. Sickel.
First Brigade. Second Brigade
Col. William McCandless Col. Robert P. Cummings
1st Penna. Reserves 3rd Penna. Reserves
2nd Penna. Reserves 4th Penna. Reserves
6th Penna. Reserves 7th Penna. Reserves
13th Penna. Reserves 8th Penna. Reserves
(Bucktails) 142nd Pennsylvania
12 1st Pennsylvania
• O. R. I. XXL, p. 879. The number required was obtained by as-
suming that all those reported "absent" would return, and deducting the
present and absent from the total desired.
242 History of the Bucktaiw
[20 January 1863
Third Brigade
Col. Martin D. Hardin
5th Penna. Reserves
9th Penna. Reserves
loth Penna. Reserves
nth Penna. Reserves
I2th Penna. Reserves
Artillery.
1st Penna., Battery B.
5th United States, Battery C
1st Penna., Battery G.
1st Penna., Battery A.
The weather became very cold and the troops, believing
that active operations were over for the winter, set about build-
ing winter quarters. Christmas passed uneventfully, one of the
men's diaries containing the laconic entry, "At camp, on guard.
"Our Christmas dinner bean-soup. Fine day.'" On the 30th
orders were received to be ready to march at a moment's notice,
yet the movement hung fire. General Burnside, the target for
the most scathing criticism for uselessly throwing away the
lives of his men at Fredericksburg, had decided, however, that
he could not close operations for the winter without making
another attempt. Hence he made preparations to cross his
army at the south bank at Bank's Ford, masking his intention
by feints above and below Fredericksburg. Roads were cut,
batteries planted, rifle trenches prepared and everything put
into readiness. On the night of January 20th, while the move-
ment was in progress, a terrific storm came on, and prevented
anything being accomplished successfully. The clay roads be-
came impassable and the teams were unable to drag the pon-
•O. R.I. XXI., p. 933-
' Diary of William A. Holland.
pREDERICKSBimG 243
1863 February 6]
toons to their assigned positions. The enemy became aware of
the Union Commander's intentions and watched grimly. Dur-
ing the day efforts worthy of giants were made to get the pon-
toons into position, but unavailingly. On the southern bank the
Confederates taunted their laboring opponents. The condition
of the roads almost passes belief. The army was half buried
in mud and liquid muck, in which the horses and mules sank.
The wagons were scattered about embedded up to the hubs of
the wheels, or overturned and half buried in the mud: the
ammunition trains and artillery hopelessly stalled. Efforts were
made to corduroy the road and the army staggered back.
The Bucktails took part in this "Mud March," as it has
come to be known, returning with the other troops and busying
themselves with fixing up their old quarters. Four months'
pay was distributed on January 29th, and the men, who needed
it badly, as in fact they always did, received it thankfully.
During the cold and wet they did much tailoring and made an
effort to repair the d:in-age sustained during the recent cam-
paign.
General Burnside, at his own request, was removed from
command of the army and General Hooker appointed in his
stead' on January 26th, 1863.
Although efforts made to have the Reserves sent to Harris-
burg to recuperate and recruit proved unavailing, they were
ordered to the defenses of Washington, where it was thought
much could be accomplished. On February 6th, the Bucktails
marched to Belle Plain and were put on board an old canal
boat. While endeavoring to get out of the creek, a piece of ice
'O. R. I. XXL, p. 1005. The removal of General Burnside was
inevitable, yet it is only fair to state that upon his appointment he had
stated that he felt he was incompetent, and did not wish to have the
responsibility.
244 History of the Bucktails
[7 February 1863
stove a hole in this leaky craft and a scramble was made to
board the steamer that had it in tow. Hardly had the last man
climbed aboard the steamer when the canal boat sank. Though
saved from being below water, the men were through the mis-
hap compelled to make a deck passage, and, needless to say,
were very cold before arriving at Alexandria on the following
morning.
Col. Charles F. Taylor
THE PENNSYLVANIA INVASION
I.
IN CAMP NEAR WASHINGTON.
When the Bucktails, with the other regiments constituting
the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, were ordered to the defences
of Washington, it was supposed that their duties would be
lighter and their life easier than it would be, should they remain
in camp near Fredericksburg. This was hardly the case,
excepting insofar as they, owing to their absence, failed to
participate in the battle of Chancellorsville ; for in addition to
shifting their camp on several occasions, the enemy's skirmish-
ers and guerrilla forces were almost daily and nightly in contact
with the guard, thus making picket duty unusually frequent and
severe. In fact, upon the 14th, there was almost a mutiny in
the brigade on account of some of the men having been assigned
to picket duty for seven successive days. The winter, too, was
remarkably severe, snow alternating with heavy rain making
things generally uncomfortable. Even as late as March 31st,
eighteen inches of snow were recorded; nor was this the last
fall, as on April sth, another heavy snow storm obstructed the
camp.
Yet at the same time, owing to the proximity of the camp
to the capital, and to the comparative ease with which passes
could be obtained, the change was beneficial to the men. Even
when most dangerously threatened, Washington showed but
little signs of war. That is, the theatres continued to be well
*4S
246 History of the Bucktails
[7 February 1863
patronized, the drives to be crowded with handsome equipages,
and social functions to be well attended. Indeed it is doubtful
whether the war did not actually increase the gaiety of the city,
by adding to its population.'
The Bucktails were not behind other troops in endeavoring
to avail themselves of the good things offered. Arriving at
Alexandria on the morning of the 7th, that evening foimd some
of them at the circus. Their camp was pitched about one mile
from Alexandria, and here, on the 9th, the regiment was in-
spected. Marching to the railroad on the 12th, they boarded
the cars and were carried to Fairfax Station, where they imme-
diately proceeded to fit up their quarters. The enemy being
active, men from each company in the regiment were sent out
scouting on the 15th. Fran then, to the 23rd, it rained or
snowed every day, and considerable uneasiness was occasioned
by the outbreak of small-pox. Fortunately the cases were
few and the disease did not spread, though on March 6th, it
caused the death of Austin Irvin, of Company K. The citi-
zens of the village of Fairfax were, almost to a man, secession-
ists, but being within the Union lines, they were fairly hospit-
able and civil. Still on a few occasions, when the questions of
the day were inadvertently broached, the men discovered that
familiarity with the vocabulary of swearing, waS not a posses-
sion peculiar to the army.
On the night of the 8th of March, the camp was thrown
into a turmoil. About 2.30 a. m., Mosby, with twenty-nine
of his men, rode into the town, roughly awakened Brigadier-
General Edwin H. Stoughton, and carried him off. With him,
the raiders took two Captains, thirty other prisoners with their
'Colonel Thomas Chamberlain in his "History of the isoth Penn-
■'sylvania" mentions several of the attractions that were most patronized
by soldiers. (Revised edition, chapter VII., p. 54-59.)
In Camp Near Washington 247
1863 March lo]
arms and equipments, and fifty-eight horses.' In a measure,
to guard gainst a repetition of such a humiliating experience,
the Bucktails were ordered to move their camp closer to the
village, a precaution which resulted favorably, for during the
time of their presence, Mosby's Rangers did not again penetrate
the Union line in that vicinity. Efforts had been made fre-
quently to capture this audacious raider, though without avail.
Therefore it was time that ordinary measures should be aban-
doned and strategy brought into play. Early on the 9th, four
men from each of the companies were told off, divided into four
squads, and placed in four army wagons. So well kept was the
secret of the service required of the detail, that the other regi-
ments, believing that the Bucktails were being sent to Harris-
burg to rest and recruit, while they were still retained on duty,
jeered at them. The scheme concocted was a simple one. The
expedition, far from having warlike designs, was a simple for-
aging one. The Bucktails were to conceal themselves in the
covered wjigons, escorted by a plainly insufficient detachment of
cavalry." Surely Mosby's men would snap at the bait; the
escort was very small, and four wagons would make a nice
addition to the loot already collected.
Proceeding down the pike, under the guidance of a Union-
ist, called "Yankee" Davidson, everything went peacefully, the
party putting up for the night in a bam. Hardly, however, was
the expedition under way the next morning, when the cavalry
in the advance ran into some of Mosby's men and immediately
retreated upon the wagons. The Bucktails, lying in their place
'Probably the best account of this raid is that written by Colonel
Mosby himself, published in the "Bedford Magazine" in 1892, and re-
printed in "Mosby's Rangers" by Jas. J. Williamson, p. 34-36. The
capture ruined General Stoughton, who had only been nommated Briga-
dier-General and who on account of the resultant ridicule was forced
to abandon military life.
' From the First Rhode Island.
248 History of the Bucktails
fio March 1863
of concealment, heard the cavalry come racing back, and natur-
ally inferred that the guerrillas were in full pursuit. Leaping to
their feet, they threw back the curtains of the wagons and
blazed away. Instantly the Confederates realized the trap set
for them, and not being too near to prevent such action,
wheeled and made good their escape. The hook having been
seen, it was not to be expected that the prey would bite a sec-
ond time; so the wagons were reluctantly headed for Fairfax
and the return commenced. Though the men were deprived
of the company of Mosby or his men, they were accompanied
by numerous chickens, ducks and various other delicacies that
had been confiscated; nor should it be believed that all such
booty was turned over to the Commissary Department, unless
by the Commissary Department is understood, hollows scooped
in the earth beneath sundry mattresses in various tents.'
The Union troops being engaged in digging and throwing
up rifle pits, the Bucktails had to do their share of this work.
Regimental inspections became more frequent, squads were fre-
quently detailed for scouting, and a hundred and one other
duties fell to their lot' Some of them also got into trouble
over an unauthorized flag raising and suffered through the ire
of General St. Clair.
Their pay was distributed pretty regularly, and accounts
' Colonel Mosby in his "Mosby's War Reminiscences," p. 46, refers
sarcastically to this expedition, and compares it to the Wooden Horse
of Ulysses. He is, however, in error when he states that while the
wagons were away he had gone by another route to Fairfax and never
saw them ; for he did not appear at Fairfax again on the 9th, or on the
loth, and the expedition was in contact with his men on the latter date.
The Orderly- Sergeant of Company F was one of the detail ; hence he is
in position to speak from personal knowledge.
'"Digging graves for dead horses"; "cutting wood"; "drawing
"rations," and "target shooting" for a prize of 50 cents, offered by
Colonel Taylor, are the most prominent of the entries in the diaries
about this time.
In Camp Neak Washington 249
1863 March-June]
were generally settled at such times. Many of the men were
careful and sent home the bulk of their money; in fact
some of them seem to have bought not only teams, but farms,
while in the army, though such purchases cannot have been
made entirely through their pay; others were perpetually in
debt. There were many in the regiment who made no charge
for loans, but others increased their earnings through such
means. Curiously enough, instead of a percentage being
charged, as far as can be seen by existing records, fifty cents
was the charge made, irrespective of whether the advance was
two or five dollars. It is plain at any rate that subsequent to
pay-day, fresh meat was plentiful in the camp and that "shy"
players at poker were rare.
Occasionally the men received papers and novels; but the
conduct and progress of the war proved to be the chief theme of
interest. The reports of the battle of Chancellorsville, fought
during the early days of May, were a great disappointment to
the camp,' and shook the belief not only of the army but of the
country in the ability of General Hooker.
On the isth of May the One-Hundred-and-Forty-Ninth
Pennsylvania presented the regiment with a magnificent flag
to replace the one lost in the Chickahominy swamp. This was
an exceedingly graceful action and much appreciated. It will
be remembered that Major Stone and Captain Wister had left
the regiment to recruit others, while at Harrison's Land-
ing; Major Stone had been elected Colonel of the One-Hun-
dred-and-Forty-Ninth Pennsylvania, and Captain Wister Col-
onel of the One-Hundred-and- Fiftieth Pennsylvania ; and both
'Fought May 3-4, 1863, under the direction of General Hooker.
Commencing brilliantly, the tactical advantages gained were not fol-
lowed up, and the battle ended in a virtual defeat for the Union forces.
The losses were announced as : Union, I7.I97 ; Confederate, 13,019, but
the Confederate figures are probably not accurate.
250 History of the Bucktails
[Uarch-June 1863
these regiments had received authority to wear buclctails. Hence
there was a fitness in the new Bucktails giving a flag to the old ;
nor had the unfortunate feeHng in regard to the insignia crys-
talized at that time.
While at Fairfax the regiment was reorganized. The State
Legislature passed a bill, approved February 27, 1863, author-
izing the Governor to issue commissions to fill the vacancies
in the several regiments of the Pennsylvania Reserve Volun-
teer Corps, in the same manner as similar vacancies were filled
in other Pennsylvania volunteer regiments : providing that such
appointments were made from members of the Corps. Gover-
nor Curtin acted promptly, and the chief commissions issued
were as follows :'
Field and Staff Officers: Charles Frederick Taylor,
Captain of Company H, was promoted to Colonel ; Edward A.
Irvin, Captain of Company K, was promoted to Lieutenant-
Colonel, and Alanson E. Niles, Captain of Company E, was
promoted to Major. Captain Irvin's wovmds made it imposisi-
ble for him to be mustered and he was forced to ask for his
discharge, an act the necessity for which was deplored, not
only by his brother officers, but by the men also.' Major Niles
was then promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, Adjutant Harts-
horne was promoted to Major and Sergeant-Major Roger Sher-
'The actual dates are shown in the muster rolls. A few, as there
shown, were made prior to the passage of the act. It has not been
deemed necessary to insert in this place the minor promotions, nor
intermediate appointments, i. e., appointments such as one to a Second-
Lieutenancy, followed immediately by promotion to a First-Lieu-
tenancy.
'He did not permit his withdrawal to affect his interest in the
regiment. Both during the continuation of its militant existence, and
since its muster out, Colonel Irvin has been active and prominent in
all its affairs.
In Camp Near Washington 251
1863 March-June]
man promoted to Adjutant.' Dr. Freeman had resigned in
October, 1862, and Dr. Jonathan A. Comfort was appointed
Surgeon in his place.
Of the Assistant-Surgeons, Dr. W. T. Humphreys had been
promoted to Surgeon of the One-Hundred-and-Forty-Ninth
Pennsylvania.' Dr. W. B. Jones had resigned November ist,
1862, and Dr. Daniel O. Crouch resigned June loth, 1863,' so
that the medical staff now consisted of Dr. Comfort only.
* Roger Sherman was a son of Conger Sherman, the head of the
well-known printing house, and was born in 1840. After finishing his
education he entered his father's house, serving both as compositor and
printer.
After enlisting in the Bucktail regiment he was elected Sergeant-
Major, and on May 23, 1863, promoted to Adjutant. He resigned on
March 16, 1864, and Major Hartshome in command of the regiment
in accepting his resignation (Reg't orders 19) bore witness to his faith-
ful and zealous service, and to his regret at parting with such an
officer.
During the war he kept a diary and wrote a history of the reg-
iment which he presented to Justin R. Sypher, for use in connection
with the preparation of the "History of the Pennsylvania Reserve Vol-
"unteer Corps." Mr. Sypher, on page 442 of that book, acknowledges
his indebtedness to the information contained in the manuscript. Un-
fortunately, a search made for the manuscript has proved unavailing.
Subsequently to the war Adjutant Sherman returned to his father's
printery, and in 1867 or 1869 succeeded him as the head of the estab-
lishment. He became the owner and publisher of the Encyclopaedia
Britannica, American reprint. Ninth Edition, from May i, 1883, and car-
ried its publication and sale with his business, until his death, which
occurred August 25, 1886.
'Dt. Humphreys was one of the first of the Bucktails. While
with the 149th Pennsylvania at Chancellorsville, he was promoted to
brigade-surgeon. At Gettysburg his hospital was captured by the Con-
federates, but the Doctor was released the day following the battle. In
1865-1866 and 1874-1876 he served in the Pennsylvania House of Rep-
resentatives. His death occurred in 1897.
' It will be remembered that Dr. Crouch was wounded while pre-
paring to operate upon Private Jackson at Fredericksburg. Besides his
professional skill, his sympathy with and kindness to his patients had
made him universally beloved. The announcement of his resignation
was received with deep regret.
252 History of the Bucktails
[March- June 1S63
Chaplain W. H. D. Hatton, who in addition to his spiritual
duties had always been willing to carry anununition, tend the
sick, or to do anything else within his abilities, had resigned
on account of impaired health, and this position remained
vacant. Quartermaster Henry D. Patton was promoted to
Captain and Acting Quartermaster, United States Volunteers,
and Lucius Truman, First-Lieutenant Company E, was ap-
pointed Quartermaster.*
Company Officers.
Company A. — ^John A. Harrower, ' First-Lieutenant, was
' Lucius Truman was born April 18, 1818, at Oswego, N. Y. His
father, Asa Truman, was engaged in the lumber and general merchan-
dise business, and after graduating from the Oswego Academy, Lucius
Truman was associated with him. In 1840 he married Miss Mary P.
Leach, and entered into a business partnership with William A. Stone.
Shortly after he removed to the Pennsylvania lumber regions, where he
engaged in business with John R. Bowen till 1857, when, owing to a
financial panic, the firm was dissolved. Moving to Philadelphia, he
remained there till the outbreak of the war, assisted in raising volun-
teers and was elected ist-Lieutenant of Company E, of the Bucktails.
On March i, 1863, he was promoted to Quartermaster, and when his
term of service expired re-enlisted in the 190th, continuing as Quarter-
master till mustered out, June 28, 1865.
Subsequently to the war he again went into business with Mr.
Bowen, but in 1883 was appointed Deputy Collector of Internal Rev-
enue. In 1887 he was elected County Auditor, and for some years
was Crier of the Courts. His death occurred at Wellsboro, May 23,
1890.
' John G. narrower was born on December 10, 1838, at Lindley,
Steuben County, N. Y. He attended the public schools there, and at
Lawrenceville, Pa., also taking a commercial course at Buffalo, N. Y.
Upon the outbreak of the war he enlisted in the company recruited
by Philip Holland, which became Company A, of the Bucktails, and
was elected ist-Lieutenant. After the death of Captain Holland at
New Market Cross Roads, he commanded the company at Second Bull
Run, South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg. He was com-
missioned Captain, March i, 1863, but resigned on June 22, 1863, to
become Adjutant of the i6ist New York, of which regiment his
uncle, Gabriel T. Harrower, was Colonel. He remained with this
regiment till September, 1865.
Subsequently to the war he married, engaged in the lumber business
In Camp Near Washington 253
1 86 J March- June]
promoted to Captain, vice Philip Holland, who was killed at
New Market Cross Roads. First-Lieutenant Neri B. Kinsey,
being appointed Captain of Company C, First-Sergeant Edward
B. Leonard was appointed First-Lieutenant in his place, and
Private Daniel Ch-cutt was promoted to Second-Lieutenant.
Company B. — ^Thomas B. Lewis,' was promoted to Cap-
tain, vice Captain Wister, who had been promoted to Colonel
of the One-Hundred-and-Forty-Ninth Pennsylvania Volun-
teers. Sergeant Philip E. Keiser was promoted to First-Lieu-
tenant and Sergeant Joel R. Sparr to Second-Lieutenant.
Company C. — Neri B. Kinsey,' formerly First-Lieutenant,
with Cameron and Hamilton, at Flint, Michigan, and later in Wiscon-
sin. While on a visit east in July, 1899, he was taken ill and died at
the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home, at Bath. N. Y., on July 24, 1889.
'Thomas B. Lewis was born in Ehincannon, Pa., July 25, 1837.
Educated in the public schools, he also learned the trades of blacksmith
and nailer, acquiring great efficiency in each. He was one of the first
to enroll himself as a member of the "Morgan Rifles," which, under
the Captaincy of Langhorne Wister, became Company B, of the regi-
ment. Appointed ist-Sergeant, it was not long before he was advanced
in rank, for, on December 12, 1861, he was commissioned 2nd-Lieu-
tenant. Taken prisoner at Gaines' Mill, he was paroled and subse-
quently exchanged. He remained with the regiment till its term of
service expired, when in civil life he became connected with the Penn-
sylvania Railroad. True to his early training, his love of hunting and
fishing obtained for him a wide reputation.
Bates gives the date of his commission as Captain as September
16, 1862. With the condition resulting from conflicting laws and or-
ders, it is probable that he did not receive his official commission until
after the passage of the act of February 27, 1863.
' Neri B. Kinsey was born in Watertown, Jefferson County, N. Y.,
January 29, 1836, but his father moving to Lawrenceville, Tioga County,
Pa., he was educated in the district schools, and later at the Academy,
at that place. Previous to the outbreak of the war he read law under
the late Kasson Parkhurst, of Lawrenceville. Enlisting under Captain
Holland, as a private in the "Anderson Life Guards," he was pro-
moted to 2nd-Sergeant When this organization became Company A,
he was elected and commissioned 2nd-Lieutenant. He was promoted
to ist-Lieutenant June 30, 1862, assigned to Quartermaster's Depart-
254 History op thb Bucktails
[Harch-June 1863
Company A, was promoted to Captain, vice Captain Gifford,
who resigned on account of wounds received during the Val-
ley campaign. First-Sergeant J. Wood Craven was promoted
to First-Lieutenant, and Moses W. Lucore to Second-Lieuten-
ant.
Company D. — First-Lieutenant D. G. McNaughton was
promoted to Captain, vice John T. A. Jewett, resigned ; Second-
Lieutenant Ribero D. Hall to First-Lieutenant and Sergeant
Robert Hall to Second-Lieutenant.
Company £. — Second-Lieutenant Samuel A. Mack was
promoted to Captain, vice Captain Alanson E. Niles, promoted
to Major. Sergeant George A. Ludlow was promoted to First-
Lieutenant and Sergeant William Taylor to Second-Lieutenant'
Company F. — Second-Lieutenant John A. Wolfe,' Com-
ment December i, 1862, to act as Regimental Quartermaster, and then
promoted to Captain, Company C, March i, 1863. Re-enlisting in the
igoth, he retained his rank, being commissioned Captain of Company C
of that regiment, was brevetted Major October i, 1864, for "gallant
"services at Chapel House, Va.," commissioned Major by brevet of U. S.
Volunteers to rank from March 13, 1865, for "gallant conduct at Gettys-
"burg," and discharged March 11, 1865. Wounded slightly at Gettysburg,
he suffered more severely at Spottsylvania, a Minnie ball passing through
both thighs, hitting the bone in each case. At Chapel House, Va., both
feet were injured by a shell, partially crippling him. Subsequently to
the war, Major Kinsey engaged in mercantile business, and in 1891 was
appointed Post-Master of Saginaw, Mich. In 1S90 the Major went to
the State of Washington and secured 160 acres of land from the Gov-
ernment, partially by occupation and partly through credit obtained by
war record. His pension reads, "Totally incapacitated for any manual
"labor whatever."
* Bates gives dates of commission as September 10, 1862. The dis-
pute between State and military authorities again is the cause of the
probable inaccuracy. .
'John A. Wolfe was bom March, 1840, and was educated at Boals-
burg. Pa. He enlisted as a private under General Kane, when the
latter was recruiting his companies in the lumber districts of Penn-
sylvania. He was made Sergeant of Company G, and promoted to
2nd-Lieutenant on April 23, 1862. Upon the discharge of Captain Mc-
In Camp Near Washington 255
1863 March- June]
pany G, was promoted to Captain, vice Captain Dennis McGee,
discharged. Second-Lieutenant Ernest Wright ' was promoted
to First-Lieutenant and Sergeant Daniel Blett, of Company
K, to Second-Lieutenant.
Company G. — Sergeant John L. Luther was prcnnoted to
Second-Lieutenant.
Company H. — First-Lieutenant John D. Yerkes ' was pro-
moted to Captain, vice Captain Taylor, promoted to Colonel.
Sergeant Thomas J. Roney was promoted to First-Lieutenant,
and Sergeant Robert Maxwell to Second-Lieutenant.
Company I. — First-Lieutenant Frank J. Bell' was pro-
Gee, of Company F, Wolfe was promoted to Captain of that company
— ist-Lieutenant May 2, 1863 — Captain May 4, 1863. When the reg-
iment was mustered out he re-enlisted in the igoth, being promoted
to Major. He was wounded at Petersburg June 17, 1864, and mustered
out with his regiment June 28, 1865.
Subsequently to the war he engaged in mercantile business at Snow
Shoe, Pa., Philipsburg, Pa., and Patton, Pa. After he had resided at
the latter place for four years, being troubled with his heart he re-
moved to Mt. Lake Park, Md., where he died on May 2, 1899. He was
a Free Mason, and in 1897 was president of the Regimental Association
of the Bucktails.
' Bates gives date of commission as 2nd-Lieutenant as September
14, 1862.
'John Dull Yerkes was born October 28, 1833, at New Garden,
Chester County, Pa. Educated at Marietta, Pa., after attaining man-
hood he engaged in farming, but upon the outbreak of the war speedily
enrolled himself in the company recruited by Captain Taylor. Originally
Orderly-Sergeant, he was elected ist-Lieutenant in 1861. During the
absence of Captain Taylor, he commanded Company H, and upon the
fetter's return and subsequent elevation to the Colonelcy, succeeded him
as Captain, being wounded in the first battle after his promotion —
Gettysburg. Discharged July 11, 1864, he was brevetted Major, March
13. 1865. Subsequently to the war for seventeen years he was superin-
tendent of Franklin Square, Philadelphia, dying in that city March 16,
1893-
" Frank J. Bell was born in Ceres, Allegheny County, N. Y., April
14, 1836. He was a member of the "McKean Rifles," and when that
organization became Company I of the regiment, he was elected ist-
256 History of the Bucktails
[March-June 1863
moted to Captain, vice Captain Blanchard, who resigned on
account of wounds. Second-Lieutenant R. Fenton Ward was
promoted to First-Lieutenant and Sergeant Richard A. Rice to
Second-Lieutenant.
Company K. — Second-Lieutenant James M. Welch' was
promoted to Captain, vice Captain Irvin, discharged on account
of wounds. Sergeant John P. Bard was promoted to First-
Lieutenant, and Sergeant John E. Kratzer to Second-Lieuten-
ant.
The effort made to recruit the numerical strength of the
regiment had little effect. Lieutenant Winslow, of Company B,
and Quartermaster Truman, who were sent home with that
object in view, accomplished practically nothing. A certain
number returned from the hospitals, but to offset them, others
were discharged. Still, if the ranks were depleted, the men
Lieutenant. At Antietam he was wounded in the right breast, and be-
came Captain, March i, 1863. Losing a leg at Gettysburg, he was dis-
charged on October 19, 1S63. He was brevetted Major, and served in
the Veteran Reserve Corps, being mustered out June 30, i866. Subse-
quently he studied law, being admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court
in the District of Columbia, October 26, 1869. His death occurred at
Washington on April i, 1894.
' James Miles Welch was born February 14th, 1836, near Curwens-
ville, Pa. Like many of the officers of the regiment, his boyhood
was spent in the farming and lumber districts of the State. A true son of
the soil he attended the common schools of Pike and Lawrence townships,
Clearfield County. He assisted Captain Irvin and Adjutant Hartshorne
to recruit Company K. As and-Lieutenant, though in reality filling
the position of ist-Lieu tenant, he was captured at Mechanicsville.
After Captain Irvin was wounded at South Mountain he commanded
his company till he was wounded at Antietam, a ball passing through
his breast and left lung, totally destroying the latter. Though promoted
to Captain on March 21, 1863, he was compelled through physical dis-
ability to accept a transfer to the 20th regiment. Veteran Reserve
corps on June 28, 1863. Since his return to civil life, Captain Welch has
returned to his previous occupation of farming, residing at the present
time in Republic City, Kansas.
In Camp Near Washington 257
1863 March-June]
were happy in being again intelligently and completely officered,
and when the time came to take the field once more, in the
latter part of June, they moved forward full of enthusiasm,
confident of their ability to do that which should be required of
them.
18
THE PENNSYLVANIA INVASION
II.
GETTYSBURG.
After the Confederates under Lee had forced the Union
army to assume position on the north side of the Rappahan-
nock, their best plan apparently was to assume a tactical of-
fensive. A purely defensive attitude cannot be maintained
indefinitely with any prospect of ultimate success; and while
the actual invasion of Pennsylvania was probably ill-advised,
a campaign that would force the Union army to withdraw be-
hind the Potomac was justified by the soundest military judg-
ment.
Hence, Lee commenced to dispose his troops in accord-
ance with his plans. The route liorth lay either up the Shenan-
doah Valley or east of the Blue Ridge. He had reorganized
his army into three corps, commanded respectively by Long-
street, Hill and Ewell ; and on the 31st of May these corps con-
tained 88,754 men, of whom 68,352 were ready for duty.'
To oppose him Hooker had but some 80,000 men; the
diminution being largely caused by the mustering out of sol-
diers enlisted for short terms.
During the Gettysburg campaign the Union forces were
organized in seven corps, and as there was not very much dif-
ference in the total numerical strength of the contending
' "The Campaigns of the Army of the Potomac," by William Swin-
ton, p. 310.
BucKTAii, Monument, Gettysburg, Pa.
GETTYSBURG 259
1863 June 24]
armies, it should be borne in mind that a Confederate corps
had slightly over double the strength of a Union corps ; a Con-
federate division slightly over double the strength of a Union
division, etc.
Lee sent Ewell's corps up the Shenandoah Valley while
Longstreet's corps moved up east of the Blue Ridge, Hill's
division being retained, at first, near Fredericksburg, Ewell
ousted the Union troops under General Milroy from Winches-
ter, June 15th; crossed the Potomac June 19th, two of his
divisions reaching Chambersburg on the 23rd. Longstreet,
who had fallen back behind the Shenandoah, crossed the Poto-
mac at Williamsport on June 24th, and Hill crossed at Shep-
herdstown on the same date. The invasion was a reality.
Hooker appears to have been satisfied at the beginning of
the campaign to move parallel with the line of Lee's advance,
with the idea of striking at his communications with Richmond
when a favorable opportunity should present itself. His vari-
ous corps he therefore ordered to converge upon Frederick.
In Pennsylvania the situation created a condition bordering
upon panic. Carlisle was occupied' and Harrisburg menaced.*
The Governor called for militia and preparations were made to
resist an attack on the State capital.
The Bucktails lying at Washington, with the other regi-
ments of their division, heard with mingled astonishment and
indignation, the reports that left no doubt that it was the inten-
tion of the enemy to invade their native State. They impor-
tuned their officers to lead them to defend their homes, and one
of the regiments' presented a formal petition to that effect to
their Brigade Commander. If the men were anxious to be led,
' By Ewell on the 27th.
' Jenkins was only 13 miles away on the 27th.
" The 2nd.
26o History of the Bucktails
[25 June 1863
Corps Commanders were anxious to make use of their services ;
General Reynolds, commanding the First corps, and General
Meade, commanding the Fifth corps, having both made efforts
to obtain the division. Ultimately orders were issued, directing
the First and Third brigades* to report to General Meade.
Leaving camp on the afternoon of June 25th, they marched
towards Leesburg,' and on the 27th crossed the Potomac, join-
ing the Fifth corps at Frederick on the 28th ; but, before they
reached that city they received information that General Meade
had succeeded General Hooker in command, and that General
George Sykes had succeeded General Meade in command of the
Fifth corps. The division organization was as follows:
Third Division, Fifth Army Corps.
Brig.-Gen. Samuel W. Crawford.
First Brigade. Third Brigade.
Col. William McCandless Colonel Joseph W. Fisher.
1st Penna. Reserves 5th Penna. Reserves
2nd Penna. Reserves 9th Penna. Reserves
6th Penna. Reserves loth Penna. Reserves
13th Penna. Reserves nth Penna. Reserves
(Bucktails) 12th Penna. Reserves
Artillery.
I St New York Light Battery C.
ist Ohio Light Battery L.
5th United States, Battery D.
Sth United States, Battery I."
At this time the regiment assumed, for the first time, the
Blue Maltese Cross, the badge of the Third division of the Fifth
' The 2nd brigade was retained near Washington.
' June 25 to Vienna ; June 26 to near Edward's Ferry.
• O. R. I. XXVII. i., p. 162.
GfiTTYSBURG 261
1863 July i]
corps of the Army of the Potomac, nor did it relinquish it until,
its term of service expired, it was mustered out.'
General Meade, on assuming command of the army, lost
no time in attempting reorganization, but put the army in
motion. The Bucktails marched on the 29th some distance
beyond Frederick ; crossed the Monocacy ; and on the 30th ad-
vanced to Uniontown. On July ist the march was resumed to
the Pennsylvania line, where a halt was made. At dark ammu-
nition was distributed and the regiment ordered to move at the
double quick. Stopping at Cherry Hill, early on the morning
of the 2nd, they were ordered to Gettysburg, reaching the rear
of the battle-field about noon.' While on this march Captain
Welch, of Company K, was so severely troubled with the
wound that he had received while Lieutenant at Antietam,
that he was forced to leave the regiment, being shortly after
transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. Exeedingly popu-
lar with the men in his company, they saw him depart with
regret. Lieutenant Bard then became the ranking officer of the
company, and continued so until it was mustered out.
The battle of Gettysburg commenced on July ist; and as
the division of Pennsylvania Reserves was ordered into action
at a critical moment on the second day, it is necessary to survey
'ist division, Red Maltese cross on white ground; 2nd division.
White Maltese cross on blue ground ; 3rd division, Blue Maltese cross
on white ground.
' Continuous marching saps the vitality of troops, possibly even
more rapidly than fighting. The country through which the regiment
was marching renders exact computations of distance exceedingly diffi-
cult. Air line distances are obviously ridiculous ; nor are railroad routes
much more accurate. Estimates taken from diaries show that the regi-
ment covered 30 miles on June 26; 15 miles June 28; 20 miles June
29, 18 miles June 20; and 15 miles July I. The bulk of the 27th of
June was occupied crossing the Potomac.
262 History of the Bucktails
[i July 1863
roughly the condition of the field at the time they moved for-
ward.
In the majority of great battles the bulk of the troops on
each side are concentrated both for the attack and the defense
before the action commences ; but Gettysburg may be described
as a battle which commenced at the moment that the van-guard
of the Union forces came into contact with two of the enemy's
brigades.*
Neither can the ground be said to have been selected, in the
true sense of the word, by either side. Meade knew that the
Confederates were converging on Gettysburg and therefore he
sent Reynolds forward. Lee had ordered his columns to
advance towards that point. The temper of both forces pre-
cluded retreat, hence collision was inevitable. The moment
that the two advances met fighting commenced. General
Reynolds, strong in the confidence placed in him by his com-
mander, did not hesitate; with wonderful intuition he recog-
nized the line that should be held by the Union army against
the invaders and gave instructions for the placing of General
Howard's corps on Cemetery Ridge. Thus to a former com-
mander of the brigade to which the Bucktails were attached is
due the seizure of the position which made possible the repulse
of the Confederates.' With the first day's fight this narrative
has nothing to do. It was fought to the northwest and west
of the -town ; the troops as they arrived being hastily thrown
'Archer's and Davis's, at 9 a. m. July ist
• Captain Rosengarten, a member of General Reynolds' staff, is
quoted by General Doubleday ("Chancellorsville and Gettysburg," p.
137) as authority for the statement that General Reynolds did actually
order that Howard's corps should be forn>ed on the ridge. To the
writer. Captain Rosengarten has stated that General Doubleday has not
misquoted him.
Gettysburg 263
1863 July 2]
into action. By the ensuing morning the major portion of both
armies had reached the field and been assigned to their posi-
tions.' The woods to the west and northwest of the town had
been seized by the Confederates, who had also occupied the
town itself ; but the Union army placed along Cemetery Ridge
stood at bay across the path of the enemy.
This ridge of hills or heights runs southward from Gettys-
burg, terminating in two hills called respectively Little Round
Top and Round Top : a valley intervening between the southern
side of Cemetery Ridge and northern side of Little Round Top,
and another between the southern side of Little Round Top
and northern side of Round Top. The northern end of the
ridge is close to the town of Gettysburg, but bends back, in the
form of a horseshoe, terminating in a hill known as Gulp's
Hill. A mile to the west is a ridge, known as Seminary Ridge,
running generally parallel to Cemetery Ridge and the Round
Tops, and along this ridge the Confederate army was posted,
a portion of their force, however, being so disposed as to cover
that portion of Cemetery Ridge which curves back and termi-
nates in Gulp's Hill. Hence it will be seen that the opposing
armies, for the most part, faced each other on parallel ridges,
' The positions of the contending troops on the first day render the
battlefield very confusing to the casual visitor. The positions of the
troops on the second and third days, however, were to a large extent,
unchanged, and eliminating the first day's fight, can be readily grasped.
It was at one time the fashion to belittle the first day's contest; but, it
is doubtful whether any more severe fighting took place during the three
days, than that in the woods, near where Reynolds fell. Nor should it
ever be forgotten that it was this hard fighting that made possible the
posting of the Union forces upon Cemetery Ridge, and that the pos-
session of this ridge was secured by the foresight of General Reynolds,
who had been both brigade and division commander of the Pennsylvania
Reserve corps.
264 History op the Bucktaiw
[2 July 1863
the Confederate line being extended sufficiently to cover the
flank of the Union right and also to threaten the left. In fact,
it was a flanking movement on the left that gave to the two
brigades of Pennsylvania Reserves the opportunity to render
such important service to their country.
In forming the Union line of battle, Sickles' corps, the
Third, had been instructed to take position on the left of Han-
cock, and on the same general line, which would draw it along
the prolongation of Cemetery Ridge towards Round Top. At
this point, however, the ridge is not very defined. The Em-
metsburg road runs down the valley between Cemetery and
Seminary Ridges, being elevated on an intermediate crest.
Sickles, keeping his right in touch with Hancock's, threw his
line along this crest, while to prevent leaving his left in the air,
he refused it; throwing it back through low ground towards
Round Top, thus exposing to the enemy a salient which if car-
ried would place the entire army in jeopardy. To make matters
worse neither Round Top nor Little Round Top had been oc-
cupied, their importance not having been recognized at that
time.
Looking west, from the summit of Little Round Top, is
the precipitous side of the hill itself, rocky and wooded. At
the base the ground resembles a marsh, through which, from
north to south, runs Plum Run. A little way beyond Plum
Run the ground slopes up to a wheat field, the front of which
is partially protected by a stone wall ; beyond this wheat field
is a wooded ridge, and beyond this ridge is a peach orchard.
On each side of the wheat field are woods, the woods on the
left reaching nearly to the base of Round Top, and in the gap
thus formed, between the woods and Round Top, is a rocky
formation known as "Devil's Den."
The Confederate right was held by Hood, who was in-
Gettysburg 265
1863 July 2]
structed to assail Sickles' left. Establishing his flank in Devil's
Den, Hood at about 4 o'clock pressed forward, his left extend-
ing to the Peach Orchard. The fighting was terrific, but
Sickles' position was untenable and he was driven back. By
this time, however, the First division of the Fifth corps, under
General Barnes, had reached the field and was advancing to
reinforce Sickles. General Warren, who happened to be at
that moment upon Little Round Top, immediately realized the
importance of securing the possession of the hill, and upon his
own authority detached Vincent's brigade to hold it. By in-
credible exertion Hazlett's battery was also drawn to the sum-
mit. The Confederates' had by this time, however, broken
through the flank and were running up the front slope eager to
seize the advantage point, and a savage combat ensued. Though
failing to secure the height. Hood hung on to a position in the
Devil's Den. The Confederates then attacked the peach or-
chard desperately, and the Union line, faultily placed, gave way
near the apex of the salient. In an attempt to stem the Confed-
erate tide, Barnes' division was sent to the assistance of the dis-
rupted Fifth corps. Following that Caldwell's division of Han-
cock's corps moved forward only to suffer heavy loss. Then
Ayres' division of two brigades of United States regulars went
in, meeting with momentary success till completely flanked
they lost 50 per cent., killed and wounded, as they fought their
way back. At this moment General Crawford was ordered to
charge with his division of Pennsylvania Reserves. The divi-
sion consisted of but two brigades, the First and the Third ; and
of these two the Third had been ordered to the left of Barnes'
division,' though the Eleventh regiment united itself to and
' Hood's Texans.
' Towards Round Top. The Sth and 12th belonging to the 3rd bri-
gade, together with the 20th Maine, ascended Round Top during the
night and secured its possession to the Union army.
266 History of the Bucktails
[2 July i86j
fought with, the First brigade. The men had marched the
greater portion of the night and had been forced to resume the
march during the morning. Passing up the road, frequently
referred to as the "Wheat-field road," they moved to the front.
The column was formed with the first line composed of the
Sixth, First and Eleventh, and the second line of the Bucktails
and Second, the second line being massed on the first.
The moment was a critical one. The enemy swarmed in
front of the Union line, between the wheat field and Little
Round Top. Confused masses of troops came tearing up the
rocky incline seeking safety, and the men at the battery on the
crest made preparations to spike their guns. If the rebels
should effect lodgment on Little Round Top, the Union positi(»i
was lost. And rebel uniforms were everywhere mounting the
9
heights.^ A change in the line to repel a threatened attack on
the left, caused the brigade to straighten out into a line of five
regiments,' and threw the Bucktails to the extreme left, so that
their path lay through the battery, whose men, encouraged both
by their presence and promises of assistance, stuck to their
guns.
Seizing the flag of the First regiment, whose color bearer
had been shot down. General Crawford rushed to the front,
shouting, "Forward Reserves I" Two volleys, well directed,
were poured into the enemy, before, with a cheer, the line
charged forward at a run. In the front line of the Bucktails,
Colonel Taylor, on foot,' urged his men forward, while Lieuten-
' "The plain . . . was covered with fugitives from all divisions . .
"Fragments of regiments came back in disorder, and without their arms,
"and for a moment all seemed lost." (Crawford's report, O. R, I.
XXVII. i., p. 6S3.)
• McCandless' report, O. R. I. XXVII. i., p. 657.
' Colonel Taylor declined to use his horse, and had left it in charge
of Ross Hardy of his old company.
GETTYSBURG 267
1863 July 2]
ant-Colonel Niles and Adjutant Hartshome seemed to be every-
where. Backward, down the slope, the men pushed their oppo-
nents. At the foot of the hill Lieutenant-Colonel Niles fell
wounded in the hip, but the line kept advancing. Over Plum
Run and its marshy borders they forced the Confederates.
Then up the slope towards the wheat field. At the stone wall,
the enemy made a short stand, but the impetuosity of the
Bucktails was not to be denied, and in a few moments the Con-
federates were flying through the wheat field towards the
woods at its farther side.
A few of the men leaped the wall in pursuit, but Colonel
Taylor, waving his sword, kept in front of all till he disap-
peared in the woods in front and to the left.'
The stone wall marked the limit of their intended advance,
and, taking advantage of the protection it afforded, the men
prepared to hold the ground they had wrested from the enemy.
Numerous prisoners had been captured, but they had been sent
to the rear. The wall, which runs along the front of the wheat
field, crosses the road which runs west from Little Round Top,'
and though the other regiments of the Reserves were on the
right of the road, the Bucktails were upon its left.
The advance had been made with such rapidity that before
reaching the wall many men had become separated from their
own companies and now fought in whatever command they
found themselves.' Captain Kinsey, of Company C, upon
' A published letter written by Richard Beeby, of Company H, a
participant in this charge, states that though the writer had a certain
reputation as -1 sprinter, he was unable to keep up with his Colonel.
' The road before referred to as the "Wheat-field road."
' This confusion has resulted in men from various companies claim-
ing for their own companies achievements performed by others, witb
which they happened to be fighting.
268 History of the Bucktails
[2 July 1863
reaching the stone wall, had ordered his-men to take advantage
of its cover. Then he devoted his attention to keeping in check
the fire upon his left, proceeding from Devil's Den/ The
strength and rapidity of his fire was such that but few of the
enemy advanced into the open. Lieutenant Kratzer, who was
everywhere on the field, shortly after approached Kinsey, and
told him that Colonel Taylor had sent him to see where he was
and what he was doing.* Kinsey replied that what he was
doing was obvious ; that he thought he could prevent the enemy
advancing; but, that without assistance he could no nothing
more, though if Kratzer could obtain the Colonel's permission
to bring up his Company K, to his assistance, he thought he
could rout the Confederates out of the rocks. As Lieutenant
Kratzer left, a shell from the rear passed over the heads of
Company C. One of the men said, "Captain, that means us."
The Captain replied, "No, that is one of our own shells, and is
"meant for those fellows in the rocks." A moment later an-
other shell came, taking off the arm of a Company B boy. The
boy sprang up, crying, "I won't die, I won't die." Then for a
moment, he ran in a circle, the blood spurting from the stump,
before he dropped dead. The same shell also killed a man
from Company I, hit the wall throwing part of it up in the air,
and wounded seven or eight men. Captain Kinsey's right arm
' In "Pennsylvania at Gettysburg"' it is stated that Major Harts-
horne ordered Lieutenant Kratzer to order in Company C, after the
death of Colonel Taylor, and that in accordance with these instructions
Captain Kinsey deployed his men. Captain Kinsey, however, over his
signature, states that the account is erroneous : that he was not ordered
in; that he did not deploy his company; and that what he did, he did
upon his own initiative. His account, which bears every possible evi-
dence of accuracy has been followed.
'This statement of Captain Kinsey's is of exceeding value as evi-
dence in fixing with certainty the time of Colonel Taylor's death.
Gettysburg 269
1863 July 2]
and left wrist were cut, and the fingers of his left hand torn
and lacerated, forcing him a few moments later to retire to the
hospital in the rear/
When Company K reached the wall, it was augmented by
perhaps a dozen stragglers from various companies, among
whom was Captain Mack, of Company E. Hardly had cover
been taken when the vigorous fire from the enemy, posted both
in Devil's Den and the woods, upon their left flank, attracted
the attention of the officers. Captain Mack, noticing Corporal
Brookins, of Company G, near him, ordered him to look into
the woods to see what was there. It was a dangerous proceed-
ing, but Mack, Brookins and Private Davis, of Company G,
started forward. Moving both beyond the left end of the wall,
and a short distance to the front of it, they ran into a line of
the enemy of such strength as to make them seek instant cover.
Mack and Brookins behind a tree, Davis behind a rock. At
this moment Lieutenant Kratzer, accompanied by Private Hall,
of Company K, came up. With but two or three guns amongst
them, to attack would have been madness. The little party,
sheltering themselves as best they could, were debating what
to do, when Colonel Taylor, with Lieutenant Ward, came tear-
ing forward.' "Why don't you fire?" he asked, eager as ever
'The fact that the report shows that one shell wounded an officer
of Company C, and men from Companies I and B, brings into relief
the extent of the disorder resulting from the charge. An article in the
"National Tribune" later established the fact that these two shells were
fired by a Confederate gun from an exposed knoll. This gun was then
silenced by a Union battery.
' Whether Colonel Taylor after clearing the stone wall at the head
of the charge and entering the woods, had returned to its protection,
and later moved towards the Devil's Den to ascertain what could be done
to stop the flanking fire from that direction ; or whether he reached the
position occupied by the little party by moving towards it directly
through the woods after the cessation of the forward movement by his
men, can probably never be decided with any, certainty.
270 History of the Bucktails
[2 July 1863
to lead an assault. Upon being informed that the party was
too weak to warrant an attack, he said he would order up more
men immediately. His men, fearful for his safety, called to
him to take cover. But the warning came too late, for as he
spoke a rebel took aim at him. Brookins threw his gun to his
shoulder, but the weapon missed fire. Without a word, the
Colonel dropped into Kratzer's arms, a bullet hole in his breast
To save his body from the rebels, the men carried it back to-
wards the wall. Lieutenant Ludlow, of Company E, who had
come up, helping.' Davis remained behind his rock and Captain
Mack covered the retreating party with savage shots at the
enemy. The men with the body had not proceeded far before
the man who had shot the Colonel dropped Davis, who called
to them to come back for him. First, however, they must
finish their present task. At the wall members of Company H
relieved the little party of the body and carried it back to the
Field Hospital. Remembering Davis, lying wounded behind
the rock. Captain Mack, Brookins and the rest determined to
make an effort to bring him within the lines. Whether it was
a tribute to their daring, or not, the men were not fired upon
while on this errand of mercy, but the man they rescued died
the next day.
'Apparently, Kratzer, Hall, Ward and Ludlow, started to carry
the body, but its limpness impelled Brookins to support the head. A
few others not mentioned seem to have been near. In the official re-
ports, the death of the Colonel is reported to have occurred, while, at the
head of his men, he led the charge, and this story has been quoted time
and again both in print and in orations. Letters from those who were
with him when he was shot, and which dove-tail into each other with
remarkable accuracy, considering the excitement of the moment, have
enabled the authors to record with greater accuracy the circumstances
connected with his death.
Gettysburg 271
1863 July 3]
With Colonel Taylor dead and Lieutenant-Colonel Niles
wounded, Major Hartshome was called upon once again to
conunand the regiment. The orders were not to advance be-
yond the stone wall/ but the firing on the left was so annoying
that he was tempted to order an attempt made to capture the
Den. It was, however, rapidly growing dark, and the com-
panies were ordered to shelter themselves behind the wall as
best they might, and obtain what rest was possible before morn-
ing should bring with it a renewal of the conflict.
Early the next day Major Hartshorne, alive to the fact
that the rebels posted in Devil's Den were in position to throw
an enfilading fire into his men, ordered a small body forward to
reconnoiter. "Are you going to let those fellows pick us off?
"Some of you get in there," was his comment. Those who
caught the glitter of his eye did not hesitate but moved forward.
After the skirmishers had advanced Hartshorne ordered Cap-
tains Frank Bell and John Wolfe to take their companies to
their support, their instructions being to attack and develop the
strength of the enemy.
The vicinity of Devil's Den was admirably suited to the
tactics employed by the Bucktails, as cover both of rocks and
trees abounded. Possessing Sharps rifles, they were able to
reload, when necessary, without exposing any portions of their
bodies, an advantage not possessed by their opponents. Utiliz-
ing this advantage to the utmost, they poured in a hot fire. The
fire in return immediately became severe, and as they crfept
nearer, of an intensity that plainly showed that the enemy was
far too strong numerically to be routed by the small force sent
against them. The Bucktails, therefore, stayed behind cover,
devoting themselves to picking off their antagonists whenever
chances offered. At this game they entirely outclassed the
• McCandless' report, O. R. I. XXVII. i., p. 6S7-
272 History of the Bucktails
[3 July 1863
Confederates, who, quickly realizing that their numbers were
being steadily depleted without their opponents suffering a
compensating loss, left their protection and charged. To stand
against such numbers would have been farcical, so the two com-
panies beat a hasty retreat and succeeded in rejoining the other
companies of the regiment behind the stone wall. In this re-
treat Captain Bell was so severely wounded in the leg that the
injured limb was afterwards amputated.
About noon, Lieutenant Kratzer, with Company K, made
another attempt to clear the Den of the Confederates. Deploy-
ing his men as skirmishers, he charged forward at a run.
When but a few feet separated them from their antagonists,
the Confederates springing from their cover, greeted them with
a murderous fire, while an officer called on Kratzer to surren-
der. The answer was a revolver shot. The Confederate re-
turned the shot, and Kratzer, firing again, though wounded in
the elbow, killed him. Both parties now took cover ; but shortly
after as the Confederates were preparing to make a general
assault on the Union position. Major Hartshorne recalled the
company.
With the attack on the Union left that had been finally
repulsed on the afternoon of the 2nd, by the charge of the
Pennsylvania Reserves, the Confederate attack upon that end
of the line ceased. An attack was then inaugurated against
the Union right both during the afternoon of the 2nd and the
morning of the 3rd; but by 11 o'clock on the latter day the
effort was proven to be futile. Lee then decided to assault the
center. Preparatory to launching his columns, he shelled the
position he intended to assail. From i o'clock to 3 o'clock his
one hundred and fifteen guns engaged in a contest with the
eighty guns that opposed them. General Hunt, who had charge
of the Union artillery, realizing that a charge was to follow,
GETTYSBURG 273
1863 July 3]
then ordered his guns to cease firing, gradually, in order to
make the enemy believe that he had succeeded in silencing
them. As soon as the artillery became quiet Lee ordered the
charge. Pickett's division, supported on the left by Pettigrew's
brigade, numbering probably 15,000 men, moved forward as
regularly as though on dress parade, to attack the left centre.
As the column reached the plain the Union artillery re-opened,
but any gaps made were instantly refilled. Two hundred yards
away from the Union line, Pettigrew's brigade,' upon being
heavily assailed, broke, leaving 2,000 prisoners and 15 flags
with Hay's division. Still Pickett's division advanced steadily
and with such power that it penetrated the Union line. General
Armistead, his hand upon a Union gun inside his opponent's
lines, cheering on his men. The victory was short lived. Gen-
eral Hancock threw into the gap reinforcements and shortly
after the remnant of the attacking columns retreated across the
plain. It is believed that Pickett's division lost 75 per cent, in
killed, wounded and captured.
This repulse is generally looked upon as closing the three
days' battle; but, at about 5 o'clock the First brigade of the
division of Pennsylvania Reserves was put in motion. General
Meade, who was standing upon Little Round Top, was an-
noyed, not only by sharpshooters, but by a battery posted be-
yond the wheat-field.' Hence General Sykes ordered General
Crawford to advance and clear out the woods. The First
brigade, with which the Eleventh regiment was still acting, was
accordingly formed by Colonel McCandless, the Sixth regi-
ment advancing through the woods on the left to drive out the
enemy's skirmishers. Then right through the open field the
"Composed partly of green North Carolina troops.
' See "Chancellorsville and Gettysburg" by General Abner Double-
day, p. 205.
'9
274 History of the Bucktails
[3 July 1863
regiments charged. The rebel battery opened fire, but as the
brigade approached, turned and fled. Wheeling his men, so
as to face to the left, McCandless then ordered his regiments
to advance once more. Again the line swept forward, and
though attacking a much superior force, drove the enemy be-
fore them. One brigade of the Confederates, General George
T. Anderson's Georgians, had taken position behind a stone
wall, made stronger by rails and logs. The brigade dashed
around their flank, taking over 200 prisoners, while Sergeant
James B. Thompson, of Company G, of the Bucktails, captured
the flag of the Fifteenth Georgia.
The enemy retreated a mile, and thus the brigade, probably
firing the last shots of the battle, had re-won all the ground
lost on the left by other troops on the previous day. Their
position flanked Devil's Den so completely that it was aban-
doned by the enemy, and during the evening some of the men
entered it and examined it with curiosity. In the charge the
brigade captured one i2-pounder Napoleon gun, three caissons,
seven thousand stand of arms and over two hundred prisoners.'
The brigade occupied the position won till noon of the 4th,
when, relieved by fresh troops, it moved back to the stone wall.
' Where all men are heroes comparisons are useless. So much
has been written about the battle of Gettysburg, that its chief features
are known to nearly half of the people, and its details to thousands.
Yet it is permissible to point out that Little Round Top was recog-
nized as an extremely important position — one whose possession by the
enemy would render the Union line untenable; that when the brigade,
to which the Bucktails were attached, came upon the field the Union
troops were retreating in confused masses up the slope while the Con-
federates at the same time were pushing forward; that the brigade
charging drove the enemy to the stone wall, on the far side of Plum
Run; that the brigade held that position throughout the night, and
till evening the next day, when charging forward they regained the
ground lost by Sickles, and by their flank movement compelled the
evacuation of Devil's Den.
Gettysburg 275
1863 July 3]
Excepting for this movement resulting in the evacuation
of Devil's Den, the defeat of Pickett's charge marked the close
of the battle. Lee, with his shattered forces, prepared to re-
treat towards Virginia, commencing the retrograde movement
on the 4th.
The ofGcial report of the Bucktail loss was as follows :
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total.
Officers 2 8 — 10
Men 5 31 2 38
Total 7 39 2 48'
The officers killed were Colonel Charles Frederick Taylor,
and Second-Lieutenant Robert Hall, of Company D ; and the
officers wounded, Lieutenant-Colonel Alanson E. Niles ; Cap-
tains Neri B. Kinsey, Company C ; Hugh McDonald, Company
G ; John D. Yerkes, Company H ; and Frank J. Bell, Company
I ; and Lieutenants Joel R. Sparr, Company B ; Thomas J.
Roney, Company H ; and John E. Kratzer, Cbmpany K.
Probably no officer of the Bucktails was ever better or
more generally loved than Colonel Taylor. Cultured and re-
fined he wais a favorite of the army officers who held higher
rank than he ; sympathetic and just, he was regarded with the
greatest of affection by those under him. He was the youngest
man in the Army of the Potomac holding a colonel's commis-
sion,' being but slightly over twenty-three on the day that he
met his death.' General Crawford in reporting his death refers
to him as the "gallant and brave leader of the Bucktail regi-
'O. R. I. XXVII. i., p. 180. In this case, as also in others, the
official report does not agree with the loss as shown by the muster roll.
'"History of Pennsylvania Reserve corps," by Justin R. Sypher,
p. 47S-
" Bom Feb. 6, 1840 ; died July 2, 1863, aged 23 years 4 months and
26 days.
276 History of the Bucktails
Cs July 1863
"ment," adding, "No braver soldier and patriot has given his
"life to the cause.'"
His body was taken to the family home, and interred in
Longwood cemetery, a monument principally subscribed for by
officers and men of the regiment, being erected over the grave.
A marker was placed on the battle-field, to indicate the place
he fell by the Charles Frederick Taylor Post, G. A. R. ; but as
recent investigations have proven that this marker was not
placed exactly over the spot where he fell, arrangements were
made by the Regimental Association of Bucktail or First Rifle
Regiment of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, and assented to
by the Taylor Post, to place a new marker in the correct posi-
tion.'
To Sergeant James B. Thompson, Company G, was
awarded a medal of honor for his gallantry in capturing the
flag of the Fifteenth Georgia.'
' O. R. I. XXVTI. i., p. 655.
' As previously stated this marker was dedicated upon October
6th, ig05.
•O.R.I. XXVII. ii., p. 282.
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THE PENNSYLVANIA INVASION.
III.
CENTREVILLE AND THE MINE RUN CAMPAIGN.
When he possessed definite knowledge of the Confederates'
retreat, Meade put his army in pursuit of Lee, who by the 7th
had reached the Potomac, and who, had not the river been
swollen by rain, would have crossed unmolested.' By the 12th,
however, Meade confronted Lee, who with his back to the river,
designed to cross at Williamsport. Undecided what to do,
Meade then called a council, the majority of whom voted
against giving battle. General Meade, notwithstanding, ordered
an attack for the morning of the 14th, but Lee, during the night
put his army across the river and moved away.
The Bucktails on this march to the Potomac neared the
State line on the 6th, trudging along in mud knee deep. On the
7th they covered twenty-four miles, on the 8th fifteen miles, and
on the 9th, crossing South Mountain in the rain, seven miles.
Reaching the Antietam on the loth, the regiment was on picket
duty and had skirmishes with the enemy. Still on picket duty
on the nth, they moved forward about a mile, lay practically
unmolested during the day, but at night, advancing two miles,
participated in another skirmish, after which they were relieved,
but only to lie in the battle line upon the 13th.
From this time on, until they went into winter quarters,
the regiment did but little fighting, outside of skirmishing. Yet
* General French had destroyed the pontoon bridge.
277
278 History of the Bucktails
[15 July 1863
the hardships entailed by the long marches which culminated in
the Mine Run fiasco, were such, that many of the men look back
to this period as the most trying one in all their army expe-
rience.
As Lee had withdrawn his army south of the Potomac, it
was necessary that Meade should follow, and he decided to do
so, keeping to the east of the mountains, while his opponent kept
upon the other side. The two armies, therefore, moved south-
ward, practically parallel to each other. Emerging to the east
of the mountains, by the early part of August, Lee with his
army, rested at Culpepper, a few miles south of the Rappahan-
nock river ; while Meade went into camp on the north bank near
Rappahannock Station.' During this march the men suffered
for want of food. The regiment drew no rations on July 24th,
25th and 26th. On the 27th the commissariat being again in
working order they had a "grand feast — ^hard tack and pork."
A few days later twenty-five of the Bucktails were detailed as
guard for one hundred wagons on a foraging trip, but as they
were relieved before the wagons returned it is doubtful if the
men personally profited much. Wild berries were plentiful and
upon every opportunity they went out to gather them.'
With the establishment of the camp at Rappahannock came
'The action at Manassas Gap during the march is not important
to this narrative, though the Bucktails were in skirmishing on August
24. The dates of march were about as follows: July 15, to Middle-
town — 25 miles ; July 16, to Berlin — 10 miles ; July 17, crossed the Poto-
mac— to Lovettsville ; July 18, to Wheatland — 8 miles ; July 19, 6 miles ;
July 20, to Goose Creek— 20 miles ; July 22, to Manassas Gap Railroad ;
July 25, to Orleans — 15 miles; July 26 — 7 miles; July 27, to Fayette-
ville; August 4, to Beverly Ford; August 8, to near Rappahannock
Station.
'The brigade organization remained the same, as far as infantry
regiments were concerned, but by July 21st, 1863, the Massachusetts
Light Sth battery, had replaced the Sth United States Battery I. (O. R. I.
XXVII. iii., p. 800.)
Centreviu-E and the Mine Run Campaign 279
1863 August 23]
a cessation of marching orders. The forces of General Meade
were being reduced, troops being taken from him to help Rose-
crans in the west, and also to assist in enforcing the draft laws
in New York. Hence until Lee, in the early part of September
was similarly weakened, Meade was compelled to act strictly
on the defensive.
If armies even approximated the ideal in constitution and
administration, such a rest as ensued would have been an un-
mitigated pleasure. But in addition to daily drills — division re-
views, batallion drills, brigade drills, dress parades, general in-
spections, regimental inspections, etc. — many troubles arose.
Camp followers distributed cheap whiskey and court martials
and periods in the guard house followed. Deserters were
rounded up and brigades ordered out to see them shot. Upon
some, necessarily, fell the duty of being in the firing squad or of
digging their graves." Still many pleasant things occurred.
Members of one regiment exchanged visits with those of an-
other. The One-Hundred-and-Forty-Ninth was not far away
and frequently the Bucktails would go over and see the "new
"Bucktails ;" in some cases staying over the night.
After camp had been established. Major Hartshorne held
inspection, but on September 3rd, Lieutenant-Colonel Niles,
rejoined his regiment.
On August 28th, the men and officers of the Pennsylvania
Reserve Corps, presented to General Meade, as a token of the
esteem in which they held him, a sword, sash, belt and pair of
golden spurs. Governor Curtin was present, but the actual
presentation was made by General Crawford. In his speech of
' On the 26th of August the regiment was ordered to witness the
execution of six deserters, and on the 2gth of five more. Is it any won-
der that a diary reports general drunkenness in the evening, even though
some of the men shot had been "bounty jumpers?"
28o History of the Bucktails
[23 August 1863
acceptance, General Meade, who can never be accused of hyper-
bole, paid a glowing tribute to the valor of his old division;
mentioning "Dranesville, where the first success that crowned
"the arms of the Army of the Potomac was gained, unaided and
"alone, by a single brigade." . . . "Mechanicsville, . . .
"where the whole of Longstreet's corps was held in check and
"victory really won, by only two brigades." Then he referred to
New Market Cross Roads and South Mountain ; to Antietam
where the Reserves "boldly attacked that portion of the Confed-
"erate army in its front without knowing its strength, and con-
"tinued to drive it until dark, and then held the position it had
"gained until morning when the battle was renewed ;" to Fred-
ericksburg, where the Reserves "crossed and led the advance,
"unaided and alone, up the heights," and where "had they been
"followed and supported by other troops, their courage that day
"would have won a victory." He expressed his sense of loss
through the death of General Reynolds, members of his staff,
and regimental officers ; of the three latter mentioned by name,
two were Bucktails — McNeil and Taylor.'
When General Meade became aware that Longstreet's
corps had been taken away from Lee for duty in the west, he
crossed his army over the Rappahannock and drove the Confed-
erates south of the Rapidan.' While lying in their new camp,
the division was reviewed by General Meade, who had the Mex-
ican General Cortez as his guest. At this time, too, the regi-
ments were informed that members of the infantry could,
should they so desire, be transferred to the artillery, a privi-
'The full text of the speech is given in "History of the Pennsyl-
"vania Reserve corps,'' by J. R. Sypher, p. 491-494.
'The Bucktails crossed the Rappahannock on September i6th,
moved to Cedar Mountain and went into camp on the i8th.
Centreville and the Mine Run Campaign 281
1863 October 9]
lege that was to be restricted to regiments attached to the
Army of the Potomac.
Strong efforts were also made to induce the men to
re-enlist for three years more, unless previously discharged.
The commanding officers appreciated the value of the training
that the men had received, and the ability they had acquired
through such training to fight effectively and campaign intelli-
gently, nor did they desire to see their places ^lled by raw
troops. Hence as an inducement, bounties were offered to those
who would re-enlist, supplemented by a promise of thirty days'
furlough. Not only did the officers expect that the privilege of
spending thirty days at their homes would act as a strong in-
ducement upon the men, but they calculated that the soldiers at
home on furlough would act as recruiting agents.
The various companies and regiments were frequently
formed in line to hear their officers read orders in regard to
re-enlistment. Some promptly signed, but others demurred.
Gradually the bounties increased, till, in the early part of the
year. New Jersey paid $350.00 in greenbacks per man, with an
added $2.00 per month during active service.*
At this camp, too, the medical staflf was reinforced by the
appointment of Dr. Lafayette Butler.
When General Meade received reinforcements, he decided
to assume the offensive ; but Lee, who had also been strength-
ened, came to the same decision, at the same time. The Con-
federate General intended to move his force, with extreme
rapidity, northward around the right of the Union army, fall
upon its rear and destroy its communications. Hence before
'Those who did not re-enlist seem at first to have poked fun at
the "Vetrans." An entry in a diary chronicles how the writer was
"took bad with the Vetran fever", but he adds "ate some hard tack
■'and that cured it." The cure was only transient, however, for he
shortly after fell victim to a big roll of greenbacks.
282 History of the Bucktails
rio October 1863
Meade became aware of his adversary's intentions, he was
actually moving south while Lee was marching north. When
the plans of the opposing armies became clear, the campaign
degenerated into a simple race for Centreville, a contest which
the Union army, aided by having the interior route, won. Hav-
ing been defeated in his main designs, Lee did not relish re-
treating without accomplishing something, so he moved over to
Bull Run and occupied himself with destroying the railroad
before he commenced his retrograde movement on October
i8th. Repairing the railroad as he advanced, Meade followed
the CcHifederates, going into camp, once more, south of the
Rappahannock. Thus by November 8th or 9th, the contesting
armies had resumed their former positions.'
While in their new position the Bucktails moved into the
old rebel camp, and joyfully availed themselves of its comforts.
The season being far advanced, and the soil of Virginia ren-
dering impossible active operations during winter time, the
various troops looked forward to a period of rest, bending all
their energies to making their quarters as comfortable as cir-
cumstances would permit. Yet General Meade had no inten-
tion of abandoning active operations for the winter without
'This campaign affords a good example of the toils exacted of
soldiers. October loth found the Bucktails in motion. They marched
to Raccoon Ford and then back. On the nth, they were up at 3 a. m.
and as they advanced were subjected to a fire on their rear. Then
crossing to the north side of the Rappahannock they went into camp.
On the I2th, as Meade feared his movement was premature, they were
ordered back to the south bank and headed for Brandy Station — ^then,
recalled, they marched back and crossed again to the north bank. No
doubt being left as to Lee's movements the next morning, they were or-
dered north, reaching Catlett's Station — 15 miles ; on the 14th they
reached Centreville, 21 miles. Then: Oct. 18, to Fairfax Court House;
Oct. 19, to Bull Run ; Oct. 20, to near New Baltimore ; Oct. 26, to Au-
burn; Oct. 30, to near Warrenton Junction; Nov. 7, to near Rappahan-
nock Station; Nov. 8, crossed river— camp near Mountain Ford.
Centreville and the Mine Run Campaign 283
1863 November 27]
making another attempt to inflict damage on the Southern
army. His victory at Gettysburg had resulted in the expulsion
of an invading force; he now desired to inflict a blow that
should cripple his antagonist.
Lee's army was south of the Rapidan, but scattered con-
siderably. His right was at Mine Run, a small tributary of
the Rapidan, which flowing north at right angles to that river,
empties into it at Morton's Ford, and upon this stream Lee
seems to have placed considerable reliance, as the fords across
the Rapidan below the mouth of the Run were left unprotected.
Meade with his army, north of the Rapidan, planned to cross
by these unprotected fords, carrying ten days' rations with
him, and by rapid movements turn the Mine Run defenses be-
fore Lee could concentrate his forces to oppose him. The
movement was to commence on the 26th of November,* and on
that date the army crossed the Rapidan. The success of the
movement was entirely dependent upon each corps moving in
exact accordance with the schedule compiled. But the Third
corps was three hours late in reaching the point assigned to it,
and the engineers bungled — making the pontoon bridges too
short to span the Rapidan — thus delaying the army still further
while they concocted temporary extensions. Instead of being
across early on the 26th ready to advance, the columns were
hardly in position to advance till the morning of the 27th. By
one o'clock, however, the Second corps reached the position to
which it had been ordered and opened fire. Here it should have
been joined by the Third corps, but that corps had moved by
the wrong road, got into action, and by the time it had extri-
cated itself and got into touch it was night.'
'The Bucktails were ordered nearer to the river on the 24th.
After literally wading in mud they returned to their camp.
'The Bucktails leading the division, crossed on pontoons on the
284 History of the Bucktails
la J November 1863
Necessarily the Second corps could not advance till joined
by the Third corps and hence remained near Robertson's
Tavern. The Fifth corps, to which the Bucktails were attached,*
commanded by General Sykes, moved down the Orange Plank
Road. Near White Chapel the cavalry was attacked. The
Sixth regiment of the Pennsylvania Reserves was ordered up,
but failed to drive the enemy back. The Bucktails then moved
to the right, and lay under a heavy artillery fire the entire
afternoon, two men being wounded.
Lee, who now fully understood his opponent's intentions,
had not been idle : he had moved his troops to the best possible
positions and improved his defenses. Meade, though aware
that his original plan of attack had been made impossible
through the delay in the movement of his troops, was reluctant
to abandon the attack, and spent the 28th in making an ex-
amination of the position.' Ultimately it was decided that
Warren's corps should attack the Confederate right, and Sedg-
wick's corps, supported by Sykes' corps, the Confederate left.
On the 29th, the troops were placed in position, but the
operation consumed so much time that it was too late to attack
that day. The charge was then ordered for the next morning.'
When the morning came. General Warren perceived that
the works he was. intended to carry, had been greatly strength-
ened in the night, and upon his own authority suspended the
charge, till General Meade could make a personal observation.
His judgment was confirmed by his Commanding General,
26th, then moved down the road three or four miles and bivouacked for
the night.
' Bucktails moved by daylight.
'The Bucktails were withdrawn from their position to the rear.
The cold was aggravated by a chilling rain, but this ceased towards
evening.
' The attack by Warren was to be the main one.
CENtReVILLfi AND THE MiNfi RuN CAMPAIGN 285
1863 December 5]
who then realized that it had become necessary for him to
forego all expectations of successful attack, and to prepare to
withdraw his troops and permit them to go into winter quar-
ters.
The operation of withdrawal was a delicate one. The
weather was intensely cold, and the positions of the advanced
troops precluded fires. Some of the men were frozen to death.'
On the 1st of December, everything was frozen solidly.
The Bucktails were forced to remain in the rifle pits till 5
o'clock in the afternoon, when they were withdrawn, a com-
pany at a time, rifles at the trail, eighty rods to the rear to
relieve some troops belonging to the First corps. Here at
least they were able to build a fire, but as it grew dark were
ordered to fall back towards the Rapidan. Throughout the
bitterly cold night the men were moving — about two rods at a
time. Crossing the river at 4 a. m. on the 2nd, they procured
three hours' sleep one mile north of its bank. By 7 a. m. they
were marching again, headed northeast.'
Going into camp near the old battle-field, the regiment was
divided, the right wing being two or three miles farther up the
railroad than the left. On December 5th General Meade re-
ported its strength to be :
'The Bucktails late in the afternoon were able to get near a fire,
for a short time, before being ordered back.
'Dates of march: Dec. 3 to Bealton Station; Dec. 4, to Bristoe
Station; Dec. S. to Bull Run. The official casualty report (O. R. I.
XXIX. i., p. 683) shows the Bucktail loss during the Mine Run cam-
paign as one man wounded. Between Gettysburg and the spring of
1864 there were a few slight changes in the batteries attached to the
division; and by December 31, 1863, the Organization reports (O. R. I.
XXIX, ii., p. 604) show that the nth regiment was attached to the
First Brigade.
286 History op the Bucktails
[5 December 1863
Present. Absent Total.
Officers 25 7 32
Men 355 169 524
Total 380 176 5Sff
Lieutenant-Colonel Niles, although he returned to the regi-
ment, continued to suffer from the wound he had received at
Gettysburg to such an extent as to prevent his taking part in
an active campaign. He was therefore compelled to resign,'
when the command of the regiment fell upon Major Harts-
home. Second-Lieutenant William Taylor, of Company E,
was on October loth promoted to First-Lieutenant The usual
camp interests resumed sway. Some of the officers went to the
capital, some received furloughs. Troubles having arisen.
Major Hartshorne issued orders forbidding the men to visit
the sutlers, and a few days later forbade citizens or pie-ped-
dlers to enter the camp. Recruiting agents became extremely
active, and scouting parties became necessary owing to the
never ceasing activity of Mosby.'
On December 27th, the regiment moved down the rail-
road, establishing its camp at Bristoe Station, where it re-
mained till the spring, when the army under General Grant
moved against Richmond.
•O. R. I. XXIX, ii., p. SSQ.
" Date of resignation March 28, 1864. For subsequent career see
biographical note in chapter, "Genesis and Organization."
' The reputation of the Bucktails still clung to them, an order
being read to the men relative to the stealing of hay and grain from
cars. It is but fair to state, that General Crawford denounced it as an
unfair charge against his division.
Gen. W. Ross Hartshorne
WITH GRANT TOWARDS RICHMOND.
I.
THE WILDERNESS.
The spring of 1864 was to inaugurate another campaign
against the armies of the South, but a campaign different from
those that had preceded it.
When on July 3rd, 1863, at Gettysburg, the Army of the
Potomac under General Meade had defeated the invading
force, great thankfulness had been felt throughout the loyal
States. When, in addition, on July 4th, General Grant had
received the surrender of Vicksburg, thus giving back to the
nation the Mississippi, from its source to its mouth, the jubila-
tion had become tumultuous. Yet General Meade had obtained
no decided advantage over his opponent since Gettysburg, and
the two propositions in the east that had confronted the Gov-
ernment at the beginning of the war, confronted it when nearly
three years had elapsed: the reduction of the Confederate
capital, and the protection of Washington from an active,
present and dangerous foe.
'The official casualty report for May 5-7, 1864, is given under the
heading "Battle of the Wilderness," with the following note : "Embrac-
"ing all combats under the various names of the Wilderness, Parker's
"Store, Craig's Meeting House, Brock Road, Todd's Tavern, and the
"Furnaces." The fighting during May was so continuous, and the na-
ture of the ground of such a character, that separate names were given
to what were really parts of the same battle or movement. Throughout
this campaign the grouping adopted in compiling the casualty reports
has been followed.
S87
288 History of the Bucktails
IFebruary "864
In the west, General Grant had followed up the early
successes of Forts Donelson and Henry with Vicksburg; a
little later winning another brilliant victory through the opera-
tions in the vicinity of Chattanooga. The possessor of a rec-
ord of great personal bravery during the Mexican War;
known to be desirous of securing the best material, but willing
to work with what he could obtain ; firm and inflexible in dis-
position; calm in battle; resourceful and undefeated; the
eyes of the country at large turned towards him. On Feb-
ruary 29th, 1864, Congress revived the grade of Lieutenant-
General, and on March 9th General Grant received his new
commission and assumed command of all the armies of the
United States.
Possessed of an extraordinary ability to select his sub-
ordinates. General Grant decided to make his headquarters
with the Army of the Potomac, leaving to General Sherman,
aided by General Thomas, the projected movement to Atlanta.
No longer were the various armies to operate disconnectedly.
The movements projected were to enclose the Confederates in
an ever-closing net. On the north the Cumberland and Ten-
nessee had already been regained, on the west the Mississippi ;
now, Sherman, sweeping southeastwardly to Atlanta and from
thence to the sea, was to decrease the area in rebellion ; while
at the same time the Army of the Potomac, moving overland,
would push back Lee's forces, till they reached Richmond, and
turned at bay to make a last stand.'
When General Grant assumed command of the Army of
the Potomac he realized the desire of the nation that the war
should be brought to a conclusion. Personally he did not care
for taking Richmond, excepting insofar as the operation in-
volved fighting Lee's army. To fight to-day, to-morrow, the
next day, and so on, indefinitely, till his antagonist was entirely
' The Anny of the James was also to move in co-operation.
Thb Wii,dbrnBSS 289
1864 April]
destroyed was his wish. He was no longer in the position he
had been in when, with an inferior force, he placed himself be-
tween Johnston at Jackson and Pemberton at Vicksburg, taking
both towns and over 30,000 prisoners; nor when with 15,000
men he had taken Fort Donelson defended by 20,000 men.
He knew that he had more men than Lee; that he could fill
any depletion in his ranks that might occur, while Lee could
not; and above all he knew that more men in an army are
killed through disease and hardships than fall in battle.
Humanity demanded that the war be conducted with the mini-
mum of death and illness. Better a short hard struggle than
one protracted through years. The heavier "killed in battle"
roll would be more than offset by the diminution in the number
of those who succumbed to disease, or returned to their homes
disabled for life.
By the end of April, General Grant had decided upon his
plan of campaign. At General Meade's request, the Army of
the Potomac had been reorganized from five into three corps:
the Second imder General Hancock, the Fifth under General
Warren, and the Sixth under General Sedgwick. The division
of Pennsylvania Reserves, reduced to ten regiments, remained
in the Fifth corps, the brigade organization being :
Third Division.
Brig.-Gen. Samuel W. Crawford.
First Brigade Col. Joseph W. Fisher
Col. William McCandless Third Brigade
1st Penna. Reserves Sth Penna. Reserves
2nd Peima. Reserves Sth Penna. Reserves
6th Penna. Reserves loth Penna. Reserves
7th Penna. Reserves 12th Penna. Reserves*
nth Penna. Reserves
13th Penna. Reserves
(Bucktails)
•O. R. I. XXXVI. i., p. HO.
30
ago History of the Bucktails
[30 Apra 1864
The reduction in the number of regiments was occasioned
by the Third and Fourth having been ordered to western
Virginia. Attached to General Crook's forces they maintained
the reputation of the division in skirmishes and battles, in-
cluding Cloyd's Mountain. The Ninth regiment's term expired
upon May 4th, and they were ordered home.
In planning his campaign, General Grant had two options.
The Confederates, under General Lee, lay some distance below
the Rapidan, behind the defenses at Mine Run which had
stopped Meade when he had attempted to turn them. If the
Union army, crossing the river, turned the Confederate left
flank, Lee must retreat directly upon Richmond. But such an
advance would render difficult, if not doubtful, the Union sup-
plies.' By attacking the Confederate right flank supplies could
be forwarded partially by water.' Therefore the advance by
the latter way was decided upon.
On April 30th, under command of Major Hartshome, the
Bucktails, with their division, marched to Culpeper.
Before leaving Washington they had turned in the Sharps
breech-loading rifles and received Spencer repeaters. These
latter were magniflcent weapons for skirmish work, the maga-
zine having a capacity of seven cartridges. After firing, a single
'Grant's experiences in the Commissary Department always stood
him in good stead. His forces never ran out of ammunition, nor did
they go hungry.
'It is impossible to refrain from a digression. Grant has been
repeatedly blamed for choosing the overland route, and his critics have
thought to enforce their point, by insisting that he was ultimately forced
to do what McClellan did originally from choice — operate from the
James River. But Badeau quotes a letter written by General Grant
to General Halleck on April 29, 1864, that is illuminating: "When we
"get once established on the James river." ("Military History of
"Ulysses S. Grant," Vol. II., p. 4&)
Ths Wilderness 291
1864 May 4]
movement of a lever both ejected the used shell and brought
the next one into position.
On May 4th, the regiment crossed the Rapidan at Ger-
manna Ford. Below, lay the Wilderness.
To understand what took place, it is necessary to obtain
some idea of the ground designated as the Wilderness. In
extent it covers several miles, and in every place is thickly
wooded, the thicket being broken occasionally by narrow roads.
Mineral mining having been carried on there, in the times of
Governor Spottswood, the timber had been cut down to make
fuel for the furnaces. Thus a dense undergrowth arose, min-
gled with scraggy pines, scrub oaks and hazels. Cavalry in
such territory was useless, artillery excepting at occasional
roads futile, the maneuvering of infantry forces impossible.
There are three principal roads in the Wilderness: the Ste-
vensburg plank road running southerly from the Germanna
Ford, which connects with the Brock road which in turn
emerges on the southern side of the Wilderness; and two
roads that cross the Stevensburg plank road at right angles, the
more northern of the two being the Orange and Fredericksburg
turnpike, and the more southern the Orange and Fredericks-
burg plank road. The distance between these two roads where
they cross the Stevensburg plank road is about two miles.
The line of march decided upon by General Grant in-
volved the traversing of the Wilderness by his army. He
apparently did not wish to give battle there, but such an event
was not entirely unexpected : at the same time he must have
recognized that such a jungle would prevent the bringing into
play of his preponderance of force. Almost certainly he hoped
to pass the Wilderness before Lee attacked. But Lee, recog-
nizing the immense importance of stopping the campaign in
its incipiency, also saw that the nature of the Wilderness would
292 History of thb Bucktaiw
[S May 1864
render the numerical inferiority of his forces of less moment ;
instead of waiting, he moved forward to meet his antagonist.
Before the real battle of the 6th, Grant was strengthened by
Bumside's Ninth corps, and Lee by Longstreet, with 14,000
men/ Warren's corps moved south from the Germanna Ford
in the direction of Parker's Store, which is on the Orange plank
road between two and three miles west of the point where that
road meets the Stevensburg plank road. As the Union line
of march may be described as through the Wilderness from
north to south, L,ee decided to attack the flank, by advancing
troops over both the Orange and Fredericksburg turnpike and
the Orange and Fredericksburg plank road, both of which, as
previously stated, bisect the line formed by the Stevensburg
plank road and its continuation, the Brock road.
The Reserves, early on the Sth, had moved forward till
they struck the Orange and Fredericksburg plank road, a little
west of the Stevensburg plank road. Now ordered to advance
towards Parker's Store, the command was formed with the
Bucktails on the left of the line, holding the road, and the
First regiment, at their left, at right angles to their line and
facing the road. Some time in the afternoon the enemy was
encountered. A regiment of dismounted cavalry, engaged in
the woods in the front, were being by sheer weight driven
back. Major Hartshorne ordered his regiment forward and
gave instructions to the men to conceal themselves, as far as
possible, behind the trees and logs. Then notice was sent to
the cavalry of the position assumed, and a suggestion made
that it fall back slowly behind the line formed, so as to draw
the enemy forward and into position to receive the fire of the
Bucktails. The cavalrymen, who seem to have been fighting
'Then General Grant had 116,886 men, and Lee 75,391, according
to Badeau. ("MiliUry History of Ulysses S. Grant," Vol. II., p. 94-95.)
The Wilderness 293
1864 Mar 5]
since morning, were nothing loath, and the ground itself was
extremely favorable to the execution of the plan. In the front
of the Bucktails the woods were clear of underbrush for a
hundred and fifty yards, sloping down to a small stream, and
beyond the stream the corresponding rise was also clear. While
waiting their chance, the words of the Confederate officers,
encouraging their troops, were plainly audible to the Bucktails.
The opposing infantry was urged to charge and capture the
Yankees, who "were only a handful of dismounted cavalry
"anyhow." Both the Bucktails and cavalrymen smiled.
When the cavalrymen falling back reached the farther side
of the clearing, the paucity of their number became apparent to
the Confederates, who charged boldly. The object being
achieved, the cavalrymen then quickly retreated behind the line
of the Bucktails, who immediately poured in volley after volley
from their new Spencer repeaters. The severity and unexpect-
edness of the attack demoralized the charging party and, com-
pletely routed, it retreated precipitately; though not till one
man, whom an officer was trying to persuade to make a stand
by assuring him that there was nothing in front but some dis-
mounted cavalry, was heard to exclaim : "Cavalry h — 1 : cav-
"alry don't carry knapsacks and wear bucktails."
Major Hartshome had reported to General Crawford, that
the enemy appeared to be in force upon his front, and that his
(the enemy's) line extended beyond his own right flank. Gen-
eral Crawford ordered the brigade forward, and directed
Major Hartshome to hold his position.
Wadsworth's division of the Fifth corps, to the right of
the Pennsylvania Reserves, was strengthened by the Second,
Seventh and Eleventh Reserves, and as Wadsworth then suc-
ceeded in driving back the enemy in his front, he opened a
gap between his division and the Reserves, so that the latter
294 History ot the Bucktaiw
Is May 1864
became isolated. A signal officer was despatched to General
Crawford, notifying him that if he did not withdraw his men
promptly, they would be surrounded and cut off. Great efforts
were made to save the imperilled regiments, and ultimately all
but the Seventh, which was captured, with the exception of a
few men, were extricated.'
When Major Hartshome had found that the enemy was
massing upon his left, he had ordered Companies E and K,
under command of Lieutenant Bard, to move deployed as skir-
mishers in that direction, the right of the two companies to
rest on the regiment. The right flank also being threatened,
he had then formed two other companies at right angles on the
right, so as to complete the formation of three sides of a square.
The regiment was in a dangerous position. Though the
enemy in front withheld his fire, he did so evidently only while
waiting for his flanking parties to reach the positions assigned
to them. Fortunately an Aide rode up to Major Hartshome at
this moment with orders to withdraw. A few minutes sufficed
to rally the six companies in the center and the two upon the
right, but the message failed to reach the two cf»npanies on
the left and it soon became apparent that they had been left
behind. Major Hartshome sent a special messenger after
them, though apparently they had but a slim chance of escaping.
Lieutenant Bard, when he did receive the message, had the
order passed along for the rear to close up double-quick. Then
when the companies had closed up the order to run was given.
The men started like a flash across a field, which the Con-
federates entered at the same moment from the opposite side,
' Sypher in his "History of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps'"
usually 60 clear, is slightly contradictory in his report of this operation;
so that in default of information, the movement cannot be accurately
explained excepting insofar as the Bucktails are concerned.
Thb Wiu)Brness 295
i8fi4 May 6]
then down into a small ravine, exposed on both sides to a flank-
ing fire, and then up again to join the rest of the regiment,
which gave three cheers in their honor as they appeared.
Rifle pits were thrown up in the new position, and shortly
after the battle ceased.
The Confederates had also attacked north of Warren's
corps on the Orange and Fredericksburg turnpike, and though
it must be admitted Warren's corps had been driven, yet the
net result of the day's operations was the formation of the
lines upon which the battle would Ibe fought the next day. The
lines thus drawn were practically parallel, the Union army
facing west, having its right flank near the northern boundary
of the Wilderness and its left flank near the southern boun-
dary. Moreover, Lee by moving to attack had abandoned the
entrenchments he had constructed during the winter at Mine
Run.
During the night both commanders decided to assume the
offensive as soon as it became light Grant's corps were placed
from north to south as follows : Sedgwick, Warren, Bumside
and Hancock, but as two divisions were detached from War-
ren's to strengthen Hancock's corps, the two divisions left,
Griffin's and the Reserves, were reduced to the defensive. The
battle defies description. Both armies had thrown up intrench-
ments and the day was spent in charges and counter-charges.
So dense was the wood and underbrush that the officers were
compelled to judge of the progress of the battle by the sound
of the musketry. In the midst of gloom and darkness the two
armies grappled, each endeavoring to inflict a mortal wound
on the other. No regiment knew what its neighbor did, nor
one brigade what its companion achieved.
During the greater part of the day the Bucktails were
actively engaged ; at one time, with the division, being ordered
296 History op the Bucktails
[6 May 1864
to the support of General Hancock. Their support not being
required, they were ordered back to their former position.
With darkness the battle died down, but late in the evening a
night attack on Sedgwick's corps caused the Reserves to be
ordered to its support. Again their assistance was not re-
quired and again they marched back.
With this action ended the battle of the Wilderness. The
mortality was tremendous on both sides, and the horror that
attends all battles had been increased, during the afternoon of
the 6th, by a portion of the woods catching fire and burning
scmie hundreds of the wounded to death. The official casualty
reports for the period of May 5-7, 1864, for the Army of the
Potomac and Bumside's corps, show a total of 17,666 killed,
wounded and missing:' the Confederate loss is unknown, yet
when it is remembered that they assumed the offensive as fre-
quently as their opponents, it cannot have been much less.
The loss in the Bucktail regiment was:
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total.
Officers
Men 3 31 3 37
Total 3 31 3 37*
Reconnaissances, made on the morning of the 7th, showed
General Grant that Lee was deserting his position. Neither
army was anxious to resume battle under such fearful condi-
tions and already Lee was moving southward.
One of these reconnaissances was made about noon on the
'O. R. I. XXXVI. i., p. 133.
'O. R. I. XXXVI. i., p. 124. It is a matter of regret, that the
official reports, both of this battle, and of the others during this cam-
paign, deal but slightly with individual regiments. The largeness of the
operations, and the rapidity with which battle followed battle is the
natural explanation. The other sources previously mentioned have
therefore been laid under special contribution.
The Wilderness 297
1864 May 7]
7th, when the Bucktails were ordered to advance along a
country road, deployed as skirmishers. Major Hartshorne de-
ployed Companies G and D on the right side of the road, two
other companies on the left, and held the remaining six in
reserve. Companies G and D soon met the enemy in force when
Major Hartshorne ordered up Companies F and K to their
support. These two latter companies were to deploy in the
intervals of the other two companies then engaged, making a
double line of skirmishers. Attaining the ordered formation,
a charge was made, the Confederates retreating to the protec-
tion of some rocks. It was then decided that the line in front
of the rocks should hold its position, and that the other por-
tions of the regiment should outflank the foe. Before this
could be done, an order from General Crawford was received
ordering the regiment to withdraw. Great was the chagrin
felt. Twenty minutes would have sufficed to effect the capture
of the Confederates, who numbered two or three hundred.
Though the skirmish did not last many minutes it was very
severe, the loss entailed by the Bucktails constituting the greater
part of that included in the casualty report for the three days.
Carrying its dead and wounded with it, the regiment returned
to its place in the division.^
General Grant in moving through the Wilderness had
designed to turn Lee's flank; this he had done. With the
heavy loss he had suffered, a retreat for a time while he re-
habilitated his army, or a period of rest for the same purpose,
would have been justified by precedent. The men in the regi-
ment expected it. The aftermaths of the Peninsular, Antietam
and Gettysburg campaigns were fresh in their memories. But
'In his reports of the skirmishes on this day, General Crawford
gave the loss of the Bucktails as 25 men wounded, 2 mortally. (O. R.
I. XXXVI. ii., p. 504-505.)
298 History op the Bucktaiw
If Uar 1M4
they did not at that time know their commander. Grant never
gave ground, never went back. The Army of the Potomac
had been fashioned in the first place by General McClellan and
tempered by General Meade ; now the weapon was in the hands
of one who, recognizing its workmanship and its temper,
would drive it home.
On the afternoon of the 7th, the army received orders to
move — not rearward but forward — towards Spottsylvania
Court House, on parallel roads to that pursued by its antag-
onist
WITH GRANT TOWARDS RICHMOND.
II.
SPOTTSYLVANIA COURT HOUSE."
General Grant, in drawing his line of advance through
the Wilderness, contemplated not only the turning of Lee's
right flank, but also a continuance of his march towards Rich-
mond via Spotfcsylvania. Spottsylvania is from ten to fifteen
miles below the Wilderness, Todd's Tavern being between the
two. With the cessation of the battle, and the growing cer-
tainty that Lee was withdrawing. Grant decided to move for-
ward to Spottsylvania, and to Warren's Fifth corps was given
the advance, it being ordered not to march till lo p. m., when
it was hoped that darkness would screen the movement. But
Lee's army was directed to the same goal, and by accident
arrived first.*
The Union cavalry first came into contact with the Con-
federates on the morning of the 8th, at Todd's Tavern, driving
' The official casualty report for the period May 8-zi, 1864, is headed
"Spottsylvania Court House," but a note states that the report includes
the casualties at Todd's Tavern, Corbin's Bridge, Alsop's Farm, Laurel
Hill, Ny River, Po River, The Angle or the Salient, Piney Branch
Church, Harris' Farm, Guiney's Station, etc. The contests in which the
Bucktails participated between May 8th and May 21st have therefore
been grouped together in this chapter.
'The Confederate General Anderson had been ordered by Lee
to withdraw his troops from the breastworks, camp them, and hold
them in readiness to march the next morning. Not finding a suitable
place to camp, Anderson commenced his march about the same time
that Warren did, but he had a shorter route.
199
300 History op the Bucktails
[8 Uay i8fi4
them back. Robinson's and Griffin's divisions, of Warren's
Fifth corps, were sent forward, one after the other, when in-
fantry was encountered in force. These two divisions also
pushed their opponents back, till the latter reached their in-
trenchments some three miles north of Spottsylvania Court
House. Then the fighting became severe and Crawford's
division of the Reserves, with Cutler's division, moved up
to the assistance of the two divisions of their corps that were
already engaged.
The Confederates were posted upon a ridge and were
protected by woods, thus rendering an attack a difficult and
dangerous matter. Their position was also made stronger by
a small creek. As the Bucktails came into fire they moved
into the protection of a piece of woods upon the left flank of
Griffin's division. Hardly had they done so when Major Harls-
home perceived that the Confederates had moved forward
a column to attack Griffin's flank. As in so doing their own
flank was presented to the Bucktails, without an instant's hesi-
tation the Major ordered Captain Mack to deploy with the
first platoon of his company as skirmishers. The order was
executed as promptly as it was given. Placing himself at the
head of the little squad, Captain Mack charged the enemy.
The suddenness and vehemence of the assault had the desired
effect. The attempted flank movement was abandoned, but
the price paid by the assailants was heavy. Every man in the
party was" killed or wounded, Captain Mack himself sustaining
two wounds.
The remainder of the regiment participated in a charge
on the general Confederate position, wading knee deep through
mud and water, and being raked by shrapnel. The enemy was
driven back to his second line of entrenchments; but Colonel
McCandless, who led the charge with conspicuous gallantry, fell
SpottsyIvVania Court House 301
1864 May 9]
wounded. Deprived of their leader, and more or less disor-
ganized through the distance they had advanced, the Reserves
shortly after fell back.'
Before nightfall the Sixth corps under General Sedgwick
arrived jind another attack was decided upon. The Reserves
were formed in two lines, the First brigade, now commanded
by Colonel Talley, in front, followed by the Third brigade, now
commanded by Colonel Baily, while a third line under com-
mand of Colonel Herring was ordered to support them. Three
times the line was led forward to the charge only to be each
time repulsed. Then darkness put an end to the conflict, and
during the night the Reserves fell back to the line of the army.
During the day's fighting Daniel Orcutt, Second-Lieutenant
of Company A, was killed ; Daniel Blett, Second-Lieutenant of
Company F, was severely wounded, and Captain Samuel A.
Mack, of Company E, twice wounded.'
The greater part of the 9th of May was occupied by both
sides in placing troops in position. The Union line, which was
formed from right to left by Hancock's, Warren's, Sedgwick's
and Bumside's corps, was parallel with the Confederate line;
but both lines might be described as semicircles,' the Confed-
' General Crawford who had been injured by being struck by the
top of a tree, which, cut from the main tree by a shell, fell upon him,
was unable to accompany the charge in person. When Colonel Mc-
Candless fell, Colonel Tally assumed command of the brigade, but was
shortly after captured. Then Colonel Robert A. McCoy, Assistant-
Adjutant on General Crawford's staff, ordered Colonel Ent to take
command, which the latter did, till finding Colonel Jackson the ranking
officer on the firing line, he was enabled to turn the command over to
him.
' The casualties amongst the men day by day are unknown. They
are included in the statement for May 8th to 21st.
* Naturally, this term is not accurate, the lines being for the most
part made up of straight lines, angles, etc.
3oa History of ths Bucktaii^
[9 May 1864
erate line being enclosed by the Union one. Near the center
of the Confederate line was a salient destined to be the point
of fiercest combat. The entire position of the Confederates
was one of great strength, and for the most part was established
on a ridge. Earthworks and abatis were constructed, and ^e
attack awaited with equanimity.
Early in the morning the Reserves were ordered to relieve
some troops in the Sixth corps, and took position in the en-
trenchments ; but the First brigade was soon directed to make
a reconnaissance toward the Po River. The Bucktails under
Major Hartshorne, accompanied by Colonel McCoy, were sent
forward as skirmishers, supported by the First regiment The
skirmishers advanced to the river and a battery, which accom-
panied them, shelled the enemy's trains which were passing on
the other side. Some good rifle practice was shown. A squad
of Berdan sharpshooters armed with heavy rifles with globe
sights were sent to attempt to pick ofif some sharpshooters on
the other side of the river. The time they required to load and
fire amused the Bucktails, the more especially as subsequently to
each discharge the opposing sharpshooters apparently remained
unharmed. Permission was obtained by one of the Bucktails'
officers to let his men try their skill. Measuring the distance
with his eye, he called to his first platoon, "Elevate your sights
"for 1,000 yards and fire high." The men fired almost instantly,
dropping two men and sending the others scurrying to cover.
Returning to their position the Bucktails with the division par-
ticipated in a charge about 6 p. m. It had been decided by Gen-
eral Grant to assault heavily on the following morning, and cer-
tain changes in position were considered desirable — in fact the
entire line was to draw nearer to their opponents. At the
proper moment Warren's Fifth corps moved forward on the
center, driving the enemy back half a mile. The Reserves
Spottsylvania Court House 303
1864 May 10]
repulsed on their first charge, carried the enemy's first de-
fenses on the second effort. Unable to capture the second line,
they then entrenched for the night on the ground they had won.
The next morning, the loth, the artillery played freely
upon the enemy's position, and skirmishing proceeded without
intermission, preparatory to putting in execution the Union
Commander's design to carry the works in front of him by
assault. Practically, Grant's plan was to have an assault made
upon the salient by a portion of the Sixth corps, while the other
columns were to take advantage of the efforts made by the
enemy to repulse the attack, and advance themselves. When
towards evening the attack was made. Colonel Upton command-
ing the Second brigade. First division. Sixth corps, penetrated
the second line of intrenchments, captured over a thousand
prisoners and several stands of colors, until being himself
unsupported while the enemy was reinforced, he was com-
pelled to fall back. The Pennsylvania Reserves charged, with
a column led by General Warren in person.' The point of
their attack was a densely wooded crest, crowned by earth-
works, and additionally protected by a dense thicket of low
cedars. The first charge was repulsed. Moving once again
to the task, the men fought forward and upward desperately.
Before being driven back it is claimed that men from both
Gibbon's division and Crawford's division of the Pennsylvania
Reserves reached the breastworks.' At various points charge
after charge was made without any better result, till darkness
put an end to battle. The loss on the Union side was terrible
and the Confederates, though suffering less, by no means es-
*The column included portions of both Gibbon's and Birney't
divisions of the Second corps.
' "The Virginia Campaign of '64 and '65," by Major-General A. A.
Humphreys, p. 82.
304 History ot thb Bucktaii^
[lo May 1M4
caped punishment. Though attacks had been made from end
to end of the line without apparent advantage Grant was satis-
fied. He knew now the weakest spot in his opponent's defense,
and had, by the vigor of his attack, so cowed him that he never
again undertook an offensive movement.' Grant therefore on
the following day sent his famous despatch to the Government :
"I . . . propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all
summer.'"
At the same time, he resolved to attack the salient with a
powerful force. The whole of the i ith was occupied in moving
various troops; Hancock's corps, the Second, having been
selected to make the assault. The Bucktails spent the day in
the rifle pits.
Realizing the advantage to be gained by surprise, General
Hancock charged forward in a fog at 4.30 a. m. Before his
movement was noticed he was half way to the goal. Then his
men burst into a cheer and with a rush leaped inside the salient.
So sudden was the attack that Major-General Edward John-
son and his entire division of 4,000 men were captured, as was
also Brigadier-General George Stuart. Lee recognized the
danger of permitting such a position to menace his center and
strove to retake it. Across the base of the salient he had
established other works, and now he poured men into the
salient itself. If his men on the loth had labored under the
disadvantage of defending a salient, which of necessity is
always subjected to flanking fires, their case was worse now
when they must assault a reentrant angle. Five times, during
the course of the day, distinct charges were made, each of
which was repulsed. The flags of both armies waved at the
'The attempt on the 12th to recapture the salient cannot justly
be termed an offensive operation.
•Grant to Halleck: O. R. I. XXXVI. ii., p. 627.
Spottsylvania Court House 305
1864 Maj 13]
same moment over the same breastworks, while beneath them
Federal and Confederate endeavored to drive home the bayonet
through the interstices of the logs. The fire was so intense,
that in one instance an oak tree, nearly two feet in diameter,
was cut through by bullets, and falling injured several men of
a South Carolina regiment.' The combat ceased at midnight.
In the early part of the day Warren's Fifth corps had charged
without breaking through, then the Second and Sixth corps
requiring assistance, two divisions were detached, leaving
Crawford's Pennsylvania Reserves, Colonel Kitching and a
Maryland brigade to hold Warren's entire line."
With some lesser attacks made by Lee before 4 A. M. of
the 13th, the real fighting at Spottsylvania Court House ceased.
For a week following, the troops were marched and counter-
marched, while an attempt was made to place them in a posi-
tion to make a successful assault. But Lee, watching hawk-
eyed, continued to move his troops so as to circumvent his
antagonist and to protect the threatened point, while his engi-
neers, with remarkable rapidity, threw up works whose strength
plainly rendered frontal attacks futile. Gradually the positions
of the armies altered. At the beginning. Grant's line had been
northwest of Spottsylvania Court House, but the perpetual
reaching-outs to envelop the Confederate right flank resulted
by the i8th of May in the line being due east of that point.
Each day during this period skirmishes took place, and
attacks were made, but none were important in a military sense.
General Warren's corps was ordered on the 13th to move to the
left of Bumside's corps. The previous night had been rainy
and the men had had but little sleep. The greater part of the
' "A short History of the War of Secession," by Rossiter Johnson,
p. 385.
•Warren's report, O. R. I. XXXVI. i., p. S4i.
21
3o6 History op the Bucktails
I13 May 1864
day itself was spent in constructing a shorter defense line, and
at 9*30 p. M. the march was started. Marching all nig^t
through rain and mud, over roads that none of them had trav-
elled before, and fording the Ny River, many of the men from
weariness and exhaustion gave out.* The position assigned to
Warren was a slight eminence. Some skirmishing took place
during the day, but by the night of the 14th it appears the
position was safely occupied.'
The eminence now occupied by the Reserves was on the
road that runs between Spottsylvania Court House and Fred-
ericksburg. From the crest of the hill the Court House itself
was in plain view. On the i8th an assault by the line was
ordered by General Grant. The Second and Sixth corps were
to charge forward while at the same time Warren's Fifth
corps was to open with artillery. The Second and Sixth
charged as directed, carrying both the first and second lines of
defense. Then they were recalled, as it was not General Grant's
intention to sacrifice life needlessly; and his plans for his next
movement were practically completed. General Warren had
ordered his artillery into action according to his orders. Cap-
tain Wolfe with Company F, and Lieutenant Bard with Com-
pany K, of the Bucktails were ordered to advance beyond the
skirmish line, both companies being under the command of Cap-
tain Wolfe. The two companies, F being upon the right of K,
took cover behind a slight crest. From their position, a battery
close to the Court House was plainly visible, and their instruc-
tions were to silence it. Between the Bucktails and the battery
was a line of rifle pits occupied by Confederates. As the battery
was not in play when the regiments took cover some of the men
' Warren's report, O. R. I. XXXVI. i., p. 541.
'Sypher in his "History of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps," p.
534, states that the hill was secured by a charge of the Reserves.
Spottsylvania Court House 307
1864 May 18]
anxious to obtain a better view, foolishly rose to their feet and
peered over the crest. "Git down thar, Yanks," was the com-
ment of their opponents in the rifle pits, as they poured in a
volley that caused every man to drop flat on his face. Fortu-
nately no one was hit, but a rapid fire was kept up for some
time. After that, if any one exposed himself, the sharp com-
mand, "Git down thar, Yank," which was repeated, was
promptly obeyed. General Crawford's object in thus advanc-
ing the Bucktails had been to prevent the battery they now
dominated being brought into play ; hence an Aide from Colonel
Hardin, who despite the fact that he had not fully recovered
from the eflFects of an amputation necessitated by a wound
received at Catlett's Station, had returned and succeeded to the
command of the First brigade, soon notified them not to fire
unless the enemy either opened upon them or advanced against
their position. The lull which resulted was deceptive. The
day was fine and the view beautiful. Within speaking distance
of each other, both sides were apparently under orders not to
bring on an engagement ; yet when some officers of the Union
army, anxious to obtain view of the Court House, approached
from the rear, Captain Wolfe cautioned them to be exceedingly
careful. Thinking him joking they walked boldly forward in
a group. No word of warning preceded the volley this time,
but by good fortune the officers escaped uninjured. As the
day wore on Pusey Chambers, of Company H, came up, and
having obtained permission from Lieutenant Bard, advanced
between the lines and swapped coffee for tobacco with a rebel.
On an exchange of newspapers he was victimized. The one
he received had everything of note clipped out.
The lull was not to last long. In the afternoon an
officer of Cooper's battery came forward to take bearings.
Notifying the Bucktails to count the hits, he returned to his
joS History o^ ths Bucktails
[i8 Mar 1864
battery in the rear and fired seven times, five shells hitting the
Court House itself. Towards evening the Confederates sent
out a party on the left of Company K to fell timber and dig
rifle pits. Instantly the Bucktails opened, driving off the en-
trenchers. Colonel Hardin hearing the firing sent forward to
inquire as to its cause, and upon being advised ordered the two
companies to hold their positions as long as possible. Some of
the men dug pits with their bayonets, and every other prepara-
tion possible was made to withstand the now plainly intended
assault The attack was made about 9 p. m./ and the Buck-
tails were forced back. The Eighty-Third New York had re-
lieved the picket in the rear, and word had been previously sent
back notifying their Colonel of the location of the Bucktails.
When the enemy attacked, the Bucktails advanced a little dis-
tance and then fell back rapidly, taking cover in the trees. The
night was very dark and the movement deceived the rebels,
who, upon reaching the position where the line had been formed,
fired. Guided by the flash of the muskets, the Bucktails were
able then to fire so as to inflict considerable loss. Falling back,
it was then found that part of the Eighty-Third New York had
also retreated. The two Bucktail companies became separated
in the darkness, but in the morning rejoined the regiment. The
enemy having gained the crest held and fortified it, while the
Union picket line was reinforced and re-established.'
General Grant had decided to make no further assaults on
the Confederate position. His left flank now extended as far
south as did the Confederates' right, and if he moved straight
towards Richmond his opponent must also move or have his
flank turned. Grant did not doubt which course Lee would
adopt. On the 19th preparations were made, but Lee, hoping
'Crawford's despatch, O. R. I. XXXVI. ii., p. 877.
• Crawford's despatch, O. R. L XXXVI. ii., p. 877.
Spottsylvania Court House 309
i8<4 U«7 ai]
to retard the movement, ordered Ewell to attack the Union
right. Immediately the Second and Fifth corps were moved
to the threatened point. The Reserves were ordered to oppose
the right flank of Ewell, but before they could reach position,
General Ferrero with his colored troops had repulsed the attack
at that point.' The First brigade of the Reserves, however,
advanced to the river; the Bucktails being thrown forward as
skirmishers, but with orders to advance without firing. Moving
quietly along the bank they surprised and captured a Con-
federate captain and several of his men.
The next day, May 20th, it being evident that the attack
would not be resumed, the Reserves returned to the line of the
Fifth corps, and on May 21st, shortly after 10 a. m., they
again resumed the march towards Richmond.
The casualties sustained by the Union army during the
engagements around Spottsylvania Court House, May 8-21, are
given in the official reports as 18,399.' Thus, as the casualties
sustained in the Wilderness were reported as 17,666, the total
loss May 5th to 21st was 36,065."
The Bucktail loss during the Spottsylvania operations was :
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total.
Officers I S . . 6
Men 14 59 2 75
Total 15 64 2 81*
Robert Maxwell, Second-Lieutenant of Company H, was
wounded on May 8th, dying the same evening in the hospital.
'This was the first time that colored troops took part in an imr
portant engagement in the east. Their conduct was above criticism.
•O. R. I. XXXVI. i., p. 149.
'These figures are probably inaccurate, Meade's reports (O. R. L
XXXVI. i., p. 19s) showing a heavy increase.
♦O. R. I. XXXVI. i.. p. 142.
3IO History of the Bucktails
[31 May 1864
As he had been the only remaining commissioned officer in his
company, Major Hartshome ordered Lieutenant John E.
Kratzer, of Company K, to take command of it.
The division of Reserves was made still smaller on the
17th, when the Eighth regiment, whose time had expired, left
for home. The nine regiments* remaining fought together till
and including the 30th of May. The time of some of them
expired before then, but some agreement seems to have been
made whereby they remained together and were discharged as
a unit.
Moving forward on the afternoon of the 2ist, they there-
fore entered upon the last ten days of their term of service.
'First brigade; ist, 2nd, 6th, 7th, nth and Bucktails: Second
brigade: 5th, loth and 12th.
WITH GRANT TOWARDS RICHMOND.
III.
NORTH ANNA AND BETHESDA CHURCH.
A flank march in the presence of an enemy is always diffi-
cult, but, under the generalship of Grant, the Army of the Poto-
mac performed the feat successfully. The Sixth corps moved
on the 20th and the Reserves, holding the advance of the Fifth
corps, about noon on the 21st. The army was headed for
Richmond, thus compelling Lee to abandon the works at Spott-
sylvania and once more hasten to seize a position in which he
could oppose the Union advance. Twenty miles away the
North Anna River afforded an opportunity for defense, and
as soon as he was certain that General Grant was actually
moving lyce put his own forces into motion.
The Army of the Potomac, owing to its exposed flank,
being compelled to take a slightly longer route than its oppo-
nents, found upon its arrival at the north bank of the river
that the vanguard of the Confederates faced it from the south
bank
The Bucktails reached Guiney's Station on the evening
of the 2ist. The last part of the day^s march was covered at
the double-quick, and owing to the continued heavy service
that had been exacted of the men, proved exceedingly exhaust-
ing. The regiment had become terribly reduced by the casual-
ties it had suffered, and now many of the survivors, who had
never before dropped out of the ranks, weakened by the sever-
311
312 History ot thb Bucktails
[31 U>y i8«4
ity of the campaign, fell by the wayside. When they reached
the Station, the Bucktails had in line but six officers and fifteen
men. A regiment which had been deployed by General Meade
on the high ground in front of the station, and which had
exchanged a few shots with some Confederate cavalry in the
woods, greeted the little band with, "Go in Bucktails, and
"give 'em fits." They must have numbered about 500 them-
selves.
The Bucktails soon took the place assigned to them behind
a fence, fronting an orchard. Beyond the orchard were some
open woods in which cavalry was visible. One by one the men,
obtaining permission from their officers, slipped into the orchard
and from behind the protection of the trees commenced to pick
oflF the enemy. Some attempt was made by the Confederate
officer in charge to bring his men to a charge, but the effort
resulted in nothing. The skirmish became brisk, but with every
minute the Bucktails became stronger, those who had fallen
behind on the march arriving one by one, and immediately
advancing to the support of their companions. Colonel Hardin,
as soon as the skirmish was opened, had ridden to General
Crawford, requesting that one or two regiments be ordered
forward to support "the Bucktails who are in the woods
"driving in cavalry and chickens." The regiments detailed for
support, however, did not arrive till dark, when the skirmish
was almost ended. Then, with the Sixth regiment, the Buck-
tails drove the enemy down the road towards the Gatewood
house before going into camp.
The Bucktails suffered no loss. As to the chickens re-
ferred to by Colonel Hardin, they were given to the regiment,
or at least some of them. One of the officers had a colored
servant — a contraband — ^who informed him that the house,
near which the regiment was lying, belonged to his old mis-
North Anxa 313
1(64 Usy 33]
tress. Though he feared he would be killed, he was sent to
ask for milk, eggs and chickens ; nor was his demand, backed up
by the presence of Union troops, refused. It is also probable
that some chickens, not secured in this pacific manner, found
their way into Bucktail pots. At all events, the savory smell
emanating from the camp attracted Colonel Hardin's attention
and he came to investigate. He was promptly invited to par-
ticipate, and as promptly accepted the invitation.
The men turned in, thinking that at length they would
obtain a good night's rest ; but at 2 a. m., on the morning of
the 22nd, in conjunction with a detachment of the Tenth regi-
ment, they made a reconnaissance further towards the Gate-
wood house. Surprising the enemy, they drove him to his
entrenchments a half mile beyond the house, taking possession
of the house itself, and holding it till daylight.
By 1 1 A. M. the march was resumed, the Fifth corps, with
the Reserves in the advance, reaching Bowling Green before
night.
On the morning of the 23rd the corps continued its march,
reaching the north bank of the North Anna River by i p. M.
The North Anna, which intervened between the Union army
and Richmond, flows at the point where Grant intended to
cross it, in a general direction of from west to east. Its course
is not straight, however; it makes a bend to the south and
then flows back north, so that if the river be taken to represent
military works, the southern point of this bend, looking from
the south, would be described as the apex of an opposing
salient. Lee's center was opposite this point. General Warren
with his corps struck the river some distance above the apex of
the bend, at Jericho's Ford. Lee, not expecting a crossing
at this point, had left it unprotected, so that the head of War-
ren's column wading breast high in the misnamed ford reached
314 History op rsz Bucktaii.s
[23 May 1864
the southern bank with but little opposition. A pontoon bridge
was constructed, and shortly after the entire corps crossed.
General Grant's plan involved the crossing of the river by
the Fifth corps on the right, the Ninth corps in the center and
the Second and Sixth corps on the left. General Hancock with
the Second corps struck the river about the same time that the
Fifth was crossing, but striking it below the apex of the bend,
he met with much opposition, and only succeeded in getting
two brigades across before dark. General Bumside did not
arrive with the Ninth corps till evening.
When Warren had crossed his force, he formed line of
battle with the Reserves on the left. Griffin's division in the
center and Cutler's divisitm on the right. Then the corps
advanced to a line of woods where they were ordered to in-
trench. The Confederates, now aware of the crossing, attacked
suddenly and impetuously on the center and right of the line.
The Reserves became engaged but chiefly with artillery. Ulti-
mately the attack was beaten back and the line established.
During the attack the Bucktail line was moved to the
Fountain House. In front was a deep ravine running obliquely
to the line, and on the far side of the ravine two or three bat-
teries. A farm house, also on the far side of the ravine, was
occupied by sharpshooters. As the fire from both these sources
proved destructive, two or three attempts were made to take
the positions but without avail. Then Colonel Hardin sug-
gested to Major Hartshorne that he advance a force under
cover of a strip of woods, which would aflFord protection for
half the distance.
Major Hartshorne ordered four companies to charge on
the right of the woods under Captain McDonald, four on the
left of the woods under Captain Wolfe, and two through the
center, directly at the battery, under Lieutenant Bard ; two of
North Anna 315
i8fi4 May 24]
the four companies under Captain Wolfe were to attack the
farm-house.' The charge, though made with extreme gal-
lantry, was unsuccessful, while the two companies under Lieu-
tenant Bard became separated and remained in the ravine the
entire night. Sergeant James Ross, of Company K, was or-
dered by Lieutenant Bard to go back and report to Major
Hartshorne the plight of the two companies. Any attempt to
return was dangerous, but pulling his hat over his. eyes, the
Sergeant made a run for it. As soon as he mounted the hill
he became visible to the rebels ; they opened fire, but by playing
'possum he was enabled to rejoin the Union lines. Major
Hartshorne upon receiving the report of Sergeant Ross, failed
to see how the imperiled companies could be extricated, for the
rebel pickets were within 30 yards of them, but they, taking
advantage of the darkness, crept back one man at a time till
they reached the extremity of the woods. Just before day-
light, the last man reached cover, and thus when their regiment
advanced the two companies, falling back, were enabled to
resume their places in the line.
Shortly after it became light. General Hancock found
that he could cross the river a little below where he had en-
countered resistance the day before. He therefore crossed with
the Second corps, while the Sixth corps crossed to the right of
Warren. Thus the Second corps was across below the apex
of the bend, and the Fifth and Sixth corps across above, the
Ninth corps still remaining on the northern bank. Yet General
Lee, while he had permitted both his flanks to fall back from
the river, had hung on to the apex of the bend with his center,
and the Confederate army presented the lines of a triangle
with a blunt apex, that apex being the bank of the river. By
'The Tenth regiment also took part in the attack, but data are
unavailable to indicate its exact movements.
3i6 History ov tbx Bucktaua
(34 Uv 1M4
this formation the Union army was divided into three parts:
the Second corps was on the south bank facing the eastern side
of the triangle ; the Fifth and Sixth corps were on the south
bank facing the western side of the triangle, and the Ninth
corps was on the north bank facing the blunt end of the triangle,
to carry which it must also force the passage of the river. If
it was desired to reinforce the corps on the western face of the
triangle with that on the eastern face, or vice versa, the troops
must cross the river twice to reach their positions. Some
attempts were made to extend Warren's extreme left till it
joined the right of Hancock's ; but Lee had protected the sides
and apex of his triangle with strong entrenchments and could
not be ousted.
Rarely has such a check-mate been given. After two or
three days spent in minor actions and surveying the situation,
General Grant becoming convinced that the position was im-
pregnable to assault, decided to accomplish his end by out-
flanking the enemy. This he did by withdrawing his forces to
the north bank, moving them to the left and marching once
again towards Richmond.
The Bucktails were not idle during the time preceding the
order. On Tuesday, the 24th, while the Reserves were making
a diversion in favor of Hancock's corps. Colonel McCoy with
the Bucktails and the Twelfth Massachusetts made an excursion
to the right of General Warren's corps. On this excursion a
number of stragglers were picked up.' On the 2Sth the regi-
' Captain Bard justly remarks that while orders required that
prisoners should be surrendered only to the Provost Marshal upon his
signing a receipt for them, he knew of but one or two instances,
during the entire three years that the Bucktails fought, when they
observed this rule. Being skirmishers, when they made a capture they
were always anxious to get rid of their prisoners as quickly as pos-
sible, so that they could resume their place. Hence, they generally
North Anna 317
1864 Msjr 38]
ment laid in line of battle, and on the 26th, in the evening,
crossed back to the north bank of the North Anna and took its
plac^ in the line of march.
The North Anna and the South Anna unite six or seven
miles below where the unsuccessful attempt to cross had been
made, the stream then being known as the Pamunkey River,
which in its turn flows into the York River, thirty or forty
miles farther on. General Grant when deciding upon a flank
movement made arrangements to put his army in motion
secretly at night; to move down the north bank of the North
Arma; and continuing along the north bank of the Pamunkey
to cross that river near Hanover, almost due north of Rich-
mond, which is but fifteen or twenty miles south of that point.
He succeeded in getting his army in motion without being
molested; but Lee necessarily became shortly after aware of
his adversary's designs, and abandoning his defenses once
again hurried south to interpose between the Union army and
the Confederate capital. Having the shorter route he reached
the Pamunkey before the Union cavalry advance under Gen-
eral Sheridan. A successful engagement on the part of the
latter secured the passes of the river to the Federals, and the
army moved up.
The Bucktails had bivouacked at Mrs. Orman's planta-
tion on the night of the 27th after a march of some miles ; on
the 28th they crossed the Pamunkey, and advanced two miles
on the road towards Mechanicsville. Before night the entire
army had fallen into position, and facing west, stretched from
the Pamunkey on the north almost to Cold Harbor on the
south.
turned prisoners over to the first men they met; and as a consequence
the regiment was deprived of being credited with the prisoners it
captured.
3i8 History of the Bucktails
[29 ii»j 1864
The exact position at which Lee had elected to make his
stand was unknown; hence the entire army was ordered to
make reconnoissances in force on the following day. Wright,
with his Sixth corps, was to move around the left of the Con-
federate line towards Hanover Court House ; Hancock, with the
Second corps, was ordered to the same point ; the Ninth corps
was to be held in reserve; and Warren's Fifth corps was or-
dered on the right towards Shady Grove Church.
In accordance with these instructions Griffin's division of
the Fifth corps crossed the Totopotomy, a small creek that
flows into the Pamunkey, and advanced down the road that
runs from Hanover Court House to Richmond. The Re-
serves moved down the Mechanicsville road, which was held
by a strong force of rebel cavalry, supported by Ewell's corps,
but General Crawford had decided to seize it and the
First brigade of the Reserves, under Colonel Hardin, with the
Bucktails deployed as skirmishers, was ordered forward. Con-
siderable skirmishing was indulged in as the enemy retreated.
Towards night the advance was stopped, the Bucktails biv-
ouacking on the top of a hill. The regiment's term of service
expired with the 29th; but it was apparent that the next day
it must hold its position and do battle, despite the fact it was
entitled to leave for home. Though it was impossible that the
men should not think of their homes, and wish ardently to
start for them, yet there was no disposition to shirk the extra
duty laid upon them.
With the morning of the 30th, the advance was continued,
Crawford's division crossing the Totopotomy, while Colonel
Hardin again ordered the Bucktails to deploy as skirmish-
ers. After proceeding a short distance the enemy's skir-
mishers were met, and sharp firing resulted. Protected by
some woods the Bucktails held their opponents in check for
Bethijsda Church 319
1864 May 30]
some forty-five minutes, repulsing several charges. The Con-
federates then prepared to advance in line of battle and Major
Hartshome, sending back word to Colonel Hardin that he was
being surrounded, fell back slowly to some half-finished rifle
pits. Colonel Hardin at once ordered up the First brigade, but,
discovering that he was to be attacked by an entire division,
sent word to General Crawford. Before any dispositions to
support the brigade could be made, the enemy attacked it so
vigorously that it fell back till it obtained support from Kitch-
ing's brigade of independent artillery.' The two brigades then
advanced, driving back the Confederates' right wing and center.
The right flank of the First brigade still being in danger of
being enveloped, Colonel Fisher moved up with the Third
brigade.
With this movement the formation of the battle line of
Bethesda Church, the last battle in which the Pennsylvania
Reserves took part, was completed. The First brigade was upon
an open piece of ground, and the Third brigade upon its right
across a ravine, while the left was held by Kitching's brigade.
Two pieces of artillery were placed on a ridge on the left of the
First brigade and two on its right. The infantry threw up,
with rapidity acquired by long practice, defenses constructed of
logs and rails, over which they threw earth.
By six o'clock the battle commenced along the line of the
entire corps. Cutler's and Griffin's divisions were both to the
left of the Reserves, but upon the latter fell the greatest force
of Ewell's attack.
The Reserves, conscious that the battle was the last in
which they would participate, were anxious to make it a mem-
orable one. The Confederates advanced, pouring in volley
'"Armed as infantry." ("Our Campaigns,'' by Adjutant E. M.
Woodward, p. 317.)
320 History or the Bucktails
[30 Mar 1864
after volley, only to be raked by the artillery. Then a mass
charged forward. Waiting till it had approached to within
a hundred and fifty yards, the Reserves fired with fearful efiEect.
In all the Confederates made three charges, and three
times was their flag shot down, after which no attempt was
made to again raise it.
As one of their columns came forward, moving like soldiers
on parade, the Union artillery ceased. The Bucktails, under
orders, reserved their fire until the Confederates had advanced
so close that their faces could be distinguished. Then they dis-
charged their rifles, while at the same moment the artillery re-
opened. The slaughter was so sickening that Major Harts-
home leaped to his feet and called upon his assailants to sur-
render. Some hundreds did so. Rebels or no rebels, their
behavior and bearing during the charge had won the admiration
of their captors, who did not hesitate to express it
The line of the Fifth corps held firm from end to end;
and repulsed and defeated, Ewell's corps fell back, carrying
amongst its dead one brigade and two reg^ental commanders.
Thus the Reserves completed their record, that extended from
Dranesville to Bethesda Church; but as the Bucktails had
fought with the Fifth a campaign before Dranesville, so now
on the morning succeeding the battle of Bethesda Church their
offer to do extra work in the form of skirmish duty was ac-
cepted. For the last time bringing into play the skill that had
come with long service, they cleared some woods from Confed-
erate sharpshooters, accomplishing the self-imposed task in an
hour or two.
Then they, with the other regiments, were ordered to the
rear and their active service closed.
B^HSSDA Church 321
1(64 May 31]
Their loss during the North Anna operations and at
Bethesda Church was :
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total.
Officers
Men I 2 2 5
Total I 2 2 5'
•O. R. I. XXXVI. i., p. 15&
MUSTER OUT.
As soon as the Reserves were relieved from the firing line
the separation of those who had re-enlisted from those who
were about to leave for home took place. Of the body of over
thirteen thousand men who had originally constituted the in-
fantry regiments, but one hundred and twenty-four officers
and two thousand and thirty-eight men remained in the Army
of the Potomac' The Third and Fourth regiments were in
western Virginia, and the Eighth and Ninth had previously
been mustered out.
The seventeen hundred and fifty-nine of the survivors of
the Reserve corps who re-enlisted were organized into two
regiments, the One-Hundred-and-Ninetieth and the One-
Hundred-and-Ninety-First Pennsylvania.
According to Fox the total enrollment from first to last in
the Bucktail regiment was 1,165 men.' On May 31st, 1864,
as far as can be ascertained, but 471 remained on the rolls ; of
these 154 re-enlisted in the One-Hundred-and-Ninetieth, 69
were transferred to the same regiment to serve unexpired terms,
204 were mustered out at Harrisburg, while the remaining 44
were absent, sick in hospitals, on detached duty, etc., etc.
If we add to the losses shown in the official casualty re-
ports, previously quoted in the present volume, the losses at
* These figures are taken from Sypher's "History of the Penn-
"sylvania Reserve Corps" (p. 547).
• "Regimental Losses in the American Civil War," p. 261.
3«3
324 History of the Bucktah,s
Harrisonburg, (7 killed, 39 wounded, 7 captured or missing),
Chantilly, (i wounded), the loss of the regiment throughout
its term of service is shown to be 80 killed, 438 wounded
(including those mortally wounded) and 238 captured or miss-
ing (including those wounded in addition to being captured), a
total of 756, to which must be further added the 92 killed,
wounded and missing at New Market Cross Roads, reported
by Major Stone, bringing the total killed, wounded, and cap-
tured or missing up to 848. And this total must be below the
truth, as there is no record of losses suffered in many of the
skirmishes in which the regiment participated. Fox places the
total of the killed and mortally wounded at 162' and his figures,
for the most part, vary but little from those to be obtained by
tabulating the information given in the muster rolls in the
appendix to the present volume.
Upon the completion of the organization of the One-Hun-
dred-and-Ninetieth, Major Hartshorne was promoted to Col-
onel, Captain Wolfe to Major, Lieutenant Wright to Adjutant,
while Lieutenant Truman, Dr. Comfort, Dr. Butler and Quar-
termaster-Sergeant Hunter retained their respective offices of
Quartermaster, Surgeon, Assistant-Surgeon and Quartermas-
ter-Sergeant. Captain Kinsey became Captain of Company C,
and Lieutenant Lucore was promoted to First-Lieutenant of the
same company; Sergeant Christnot was promoted to First-
Lieutenant of Company E; Lieutenant Blett became Second-
Lieutenant of Company F, and Sergeant Thompson, who was
captured on May 30th, upon his return was promoted to Captain
of the same company; Lieutenant Kratzer was promoted to
Captain of Company H, and Sergeant West to First-Lieutenant
of the same company."
' "Regimental Losses in the American Civil War," p. 261.
'Most of these officen, as well as many other Bucktails, won
Maj. John A. Wolfe
,Capt. Ernest Wright Lieut. Daniel Beett
Muster Out 335
The parting between the men was an exceedingly painful
one. It was inevitable that true and sincere friendships should
have been bom of hardships mutually endured by them, and
cemented by the esteem in which they held each other. Part-
ing for an indefinite period, even in the ordinary course of
events, it was certain that some would never meet again. And
to the ordinary uncertainty of hiunan life was added the rapa-
cious element of war. Nearly one-half were to return and
resume battle.
While the men were talking Major Hartshorne seized the
regimental flag, saying, "We'll use this,'" and till captured the
subsequent promotions, which are shown in italics in the muster rolls.
The promotions here given are those made at the time the regiment
was organized, bearing witness to the esteem with which the officers
of the Bucktails were regarded. The men that re-enlisted from the
1st, 7th, pth, two companies of the loth, nth, 12th and Bucktails were
assigned to the 190th ; those from the 2nd, 5th, 6th, 8th and loth to the
191st. The two regiments, after being organized, constituted the 3rd
brigade, 3rd division, 5th corps, and Colonel Hartshorne, by reason of
seniority, assumed command. His regiment was actively engaged till
August the igth, when, being ordered forward on skirmish work, it
was completely surrounded and captured. The captives were hurried
to the rebel prisons at Richmond, Salisbury and Danville, experiencing
treatment and hardships of an almost unbelievable nature, nearly one
hundred dying before the others were released, just prior to Lee's sur-
render. The small remnant that escaped capture, was organized under
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Pattee, was transferred to the 2nd
division commanded by General Ayers, and took part in the final cam-
paigns of the war. On April i, 1865, Lieutenant-Colonel Pattee, with his
own battalion and one from the iS7th, advanced to the support of Sheri-
dan at Five Forks. Having previously crossed the Lynchburg Railroad,
at about noon on the 9th of April, he was ordered to deploy to cover the
front of his division. The order "Bucktails, to the front," was given.
Having passed beyond the front of their own division, the battalion
was about to charge a battery, when a horseman with a white flag
appeared. Lee had surrendered and the end of the war had come.
' General Hartshorne a few weeks before his death, made this
statement to the writer of how he secured the flag. The flag was
captured with the regiment. Since the passage of the recent bill by
326 History of the Bucktails
flag of the Bucktails continued to lead the new regiment.
The troops had moved to the rear with bands playing and
colors flying. On June ist General Crawford issued the fol-
lowing farewell order :
"Sou>iERS OF the Pennsylvania Reserves: — ^To-day the
"connection which has so long existed between us is to be sev-
"ered forever.
"I have no power to express to you the feelings of grati-
"tude and affection that I bear to you, nor the deep regret with
"which I now part from you.
"As a Division you have ever been faithful and devoted
"soldiers, and you have nobly sustained me in the many trying
"scenes through which we have passed, with an unwavering
"fidelity. The record of your service terminates gloriously, and
" 'the Wilderness,' 'Spottsylvania Court house,' and 'Bethesda
" 'Church,' have added to the long list of battles and of
"triumphs that have marked your career.
"Go home to the great State that sent you forth three
"years ago to battle for her honor and to strike for her in the
"great cause of the country, take back your soiled and war-
"worn banners, your thinned and shattered ranks, and let them
"tell how you have performed your trust. Take back those
"banners sacred from the glorious associations that surround
"them, sacred with the memories of our fallen comrades who
"gave their lives to defend them, and give them again into the
"keeping of the State forever.
"The duties of the hour prevent me from accompanying
"you, but my heart will follow you long after you return, and
"it shall ever be my pride that I was once your commander,
Congress authorizing the return of the Confederate flags to the South-
em States, this flag has been returned by them, and is now in Harris-
burg.
MusTBR Out 327
"and that side by side we fought and suffered through cam-
"paigns which will stand unexampled in history. Farewell.
"S. W. CrawPord."
Guarding some six hundred prisoners, and accompanying
about one thousand wagons, the line of march was directed
towards White House Landing, which was reached on the 2nd.
There, on the 3rd, the Bucktails boarded the "John Brookes"
and landed near Washington, at 8 a. m. on the 4th.
Stopping over night at the "Soldier's Rest," the troops
were placed on railroad cars on the morning of the 5th, a stop
being made at Baltimore. On the morning of the 6th, they
reached Harrisburg.
Returning to the city from which they had set out, the
Reserves were received with the enthusiasm which, because of
their record, was their due.
"Market Street, from the river bank to the depot, on both
"sides, was one dense mass of men, women and children. We
"never before witnessed so large a gathering of our people.
"All who could get out were on the sidewalks. The old man
"of three score and ten jostled the youth of scarce one score —
"the maiden in her blushing beauty and with beaming eyes,
"ready to welcome the heroes with her sweetest smiles, stood
"by the anxious and wondering matron, solicitous, as mothers
"only can be, as to whether 'the dear boys' were not glad with
"their return home, and with eyes overflowing with tears when
"the thought called forth the inquiry as to how many mothers
"all over the State, would weep in vain for the return of their
"sons who marched forth to battle with the Reserves. This
"thronging crowd waited patiently until the court-house bell
"rang the signal, and at half-past eleven the train which car-
"ried the Reserves approached the city; while it was on the
"bridge that spans the Susquehannah another great crowd as-
338 History op the Bucktails
"sembled at the foot of Mulberry street, and as the train left
"the bridge at that locality the enthusiasm of the people broke
"forth in the wildest and most tumultuous cheering. Such a
"scene we never before witnessed. For a moment it was feared
"that hundreds would be mangled beneath the wheels of the
"cars. The rush all along Mulberry street was tremendous,
"and as the train passed over that portion of the road and
"reached the depot, the crowd increased until the avenue was
"filled with an excited, enthusiastic, and even tumultuous mass
"of human beings. While all this was going on as the train
"passed to the depot, the bells of the city were ringing, and
"from every street, avenue and alley crowds of people hurried
"to the depot.
"As soon as the train stopped, the troops began with great
"order to disembark. But there was no time offered for the dis-
"play of much discipline ; and the men were at once conveyed to
"the 'Soldiers' Retreat,' where a substantial collation awaited
"them. Before and after the men had finished their collation,
"warm greetings took place between old friends and compan-
"ions in arms. These were eloquent and impressive. We saw
"strong men grasping each other's hands while big tears glis-
"tened on their brown cheeks — we noticed other salutations,
"full of that rough sincerity which distinguishes the true sol-
"dier — while others again were perfectly uncontrollable, liter-
"ally wild with joy at finding themselves once more among their
"friends." '
Chief Marshal William H. Kepner formed a column in-
cluding the Mayor, the councilmen, the civic societies, the First
New York artillery and soldiers of 1812. As the Reserves
advanced. Governor Curtin, who, accompanied by his staff,
awaited them, bowed a welcome to the survivors of the organi-
^Harrisburg Telegraph.
MusTtR Out 329
zation which owed its existence to his foresight and ability.
Recognizing him instantly, the troops returned his salutation
with shouts and cheers, in which the people joined, while to
add to the tumult a battery fired a salute of one hundred guns.
Mayor Roumfort addressed the Reserves as follows :
"Hail, Brave SoujiErs op Pennsylvania : — In the name
"of the city of Harrisburg I greet you with a hearty welcome to
"the Capital of the State. During the three years of your ab-
"sence I have heard the most glowing accounts of your conduct
"as soldiers, and discipline as men.
"Three years ago you marched from the State Capital
"about twenty thousand strong. You now return with your
"ranks decimated to about two thousand men. We have heard
"the glorious accounts of your victories, which have resounded
"through the State from the AUeghanies to the Delaware.
"It was the intention of the citizens of Harrisburg to give
"you a dinner on this very spot to-day, but you have taken us
"by surprise. You have completely outflanked us. We had
"no time to perfect our arrangements, and it is now proposed
"that on Wednesday next, at 2 p. m., we will give you a dinner.
"We will make it at a time when you will enjoy a good meal.
"We will take you to our own firesides, to mingle with our own
"families, where you will once more realize the full pleasures
"of your own firesides, under your own vine and fig tree."
"After the address of Mayor Roumfort, Governor Curtin
"appeared on the steps of the Capitol, and then ensued a scene
"of enthusiasm scarce equalled in the history of the old State-
"House itself. After quiet was partially restored, the Governor
"proceeded to address the vast multitude. The cheers were so
"vehement during the delivery of the address, that frequently
"the voice of the speaker could scarcely be heard. He said :
"I thank you, Mr. Mayor, and the people of this city, for
330 History op the Bucktails
"this most hearty welcome. The hearts of the people are indeed
"stirred; the presence of this shattered remnant of a once
"mighty corps speaks, if I may be pardoned the expression, a
"volume in an instant ; and I am utterly at a loss to find lan-
"guage to express to you the sentiments and feelings of the
"people of Pennsylvania towards you; it may be, however,
"compressed into this brief sentence: 'You have done your
" 'whole duty to your country.'
"Three* years ago you left the State a mighty army, and
"hastened to the then endangered and beleaguered Capital of
"your country, and nearly that length of time has passed since
"at that Capital, while you were nobly guarding the citadel of
"a nation's honor, and the metropolis of a nation of freemen, I
"had the honor to commit to your care these standards, which,
"tattered and torn, but covered with the evidences of lofty
"service, you return in honor to the State to-day. You have
"never visited the State since then save once. Once you came
"back to Pennsylvania, and then we all heard of 'Round-top,' at
"Gettysburg. When the rest gave way, we heard your shouti
"around the strongholds of the foe in that devoted country, and
"to you — to the Reserves of Pennsylvania — ^belongs the honor
"of changing the tide of battle there.
"I cannot speak of your deeds, they have passed into his-
"tory, and I have not time to enumerate the battles you have
"been in. History, I repeat, has recorded all you have done
"for your country. To-day I feel proud of my office, for here,
"speaking for the whole people of Pennsylvania, and in their
"name I declare their belief that the Record op the Penn-
"SYLVANIA Reserves is without Spot or Blemish. I this
"day thank God that we, at the right moment, armed the Re-
"serves.
"Of the heroic dead I am not qualified to speak ; you have
Muster Out 331
"left them on the battle-fields of the Republic, and upon their
"graves centres the gratitude of a grateful people. I say I
"cannot speak of them ; — I am not equaj to it ; the field of the
"dead 'rushes red on my sight,' and language fails me. But I
"can welcome you to your homes, from the North to the South,
"from the East to the West, the voice of the old Common-
"wealth bids you welcome, and the people refer with pride and
"pleasure to the part this great State has borne in this contest,
"from Dranesville down to Bethesda Church, where you struck
"your heaviest blows.
"May you all find a happy welcome to your homes I May
"you ever be marked as brave men who served their country
"faithfully in times of great peril. May you never regret that
"you belonged to the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, fighting on
"every battle-field of the Republic.
"With this welcome, I bid you farewell ; / had something
"to do with making the Reserve Corps — God be blessed !
"I am not ashamed to boast in this multitudinous assem-
"blage of sunburnt, bronzed faces, that I have stood by the
"Reserve Corps in all their history. I bid you welcome freely.'"
The Bucktails went into camp at Camp Curtin to await
their muster-out. Some little conflict of authority occurred.
At first the officers at the camp demanded that the regiment
should be subject to all rules of the camp, including detail.
Captain McDonald, considering that the Bucktails had per-
formed their fair share of guard and similar duty, promptly
notified the camp authorities that he declined to permit his
regiment to be treated in the manner suggested, adding that
the Bucktails, as they were only waiting for their formal dis-
"The account of the reception accorded to the Reserves is for
the most part copied from Sypher's "History of the Pennsylvania
"Reserve Corps."
332 History of the Bucktails
charge, would enter or leave camp according to each man's
individual desire. He was informed that if that was the case
they would receive no rations. The Bucktail Captain, not the
least disconcerted, laconically remarked that he understood that
most of the men had their rifles with them; that when upon
previous occasions they had been unable to obtain rations, it
was his impression that none of them had starved, and that in
the present circumstances he "guessed they'd get along all
"right."
In the face of the Bucktail reputation the matter was
immediately and permanently dropped. The men came and
went as they pleased, while every care was taken to see that
their rations were delivered promptly.'
On June 13th the Bucktails were formally mustered out
of the United States service,' despite the fact that they had
never been mustered in. On the other hand, they were per-
mitted to depart without being mustered out of the State ser-
vice, into which they indisputably had been mustered out.' On
the 15th they received their discharges and were paid oflF.
In squads and parties the men returned to their homes,
cities and towns; and these cities and towns strove to show
their appreciation of the services rendered to the country by
their returning citizens or townsmen, by public meetings and
formal observances.
Gradually the war-worn veterans settled down and re-
' The behavior of the Bucktails, and in fact of all the Reserve Regi-
ments, while in Harrisburg, was above reproach.
'This date is given in diaries, while Captain Bard gives June 14th.
Officially the date is June nth.
'Troops mustered into State service and subsequently mustered
into the United States service naturally never were mustered out of
the State service; but the Bucktails, actually, never were mustered
into the United States service.
Muster Out 333
sumed the occupations which they had left at the call of their
country; though they watched eagerly the concluding acts of
the drama, which under the guidance of the Commander, under
whom they had last fought, speedily moved to an end.
The next spring, on April 9th, from one end of the conti-
nent to the other, the news was flashed that General Grant,
at the head of the Army of the Potomac, had received the
surrender of General Lee.
Great was the thankfulness that welled up in the hearts
of each, that the cause for which they had battled had
triumphed; and great was their pride that the army under
whose banners they had fought had in the end achieved the
victory to which, though long delayed, they had ever looked
forward with confidence.
Appendix "A.'
MUSTER ROLL.'
FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS.
Thomas L. Kane Colonel Mustered as private. May 12, 1861 — pro-
moted to Colonel, June 12, 1861— re-
signed and elected Lieutenant-Colonel,
June 13, 1861— wounded at Dranesville,
December 20, i86i — ^wounded and cap-
tured at Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862 —
promoted to Brigadier-General, Sep-
tember 7, 1862 — resigned November f,
1863 — brevetted Major-General, March
13. 1865.
Charles J. Biddle Colonel Captain of Company in Mexican War —
brevetted Major — Mustered in May 29,
promoted to Lieutenant- Colonel, June
12, 1861 — promoted to Colonel, June
13, 1861 — resigned, February i, 1862.
'The muster rolls given in Bates' "History of Pennsylvania Volunteers"
have been used as the basis of the ones here given. Known errors have been
corrected, and nnich information added from the rolls as given in Sypher's
"History of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps," as well as from duplicate mus-
ter rolls, diaries, letters, obituaries, etc., etc. Unfortunately the complete
original muster-out rolls were not on file in the Adjutant's office, when Bates
compiled his history.
The military record of each member prior or subsequent to their term
of service in the Bucktails, has, where known, been added in italics. Most
of the men who reenlisted did so in the 190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, but
unfortunately neither muster-in nor muster-out rolls were obtainable by Bates
for some of the companies. As with the exception of a small remnant the
entire regiment was captured on August 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad, and
held in prison till the spring of 1865, undoubtedly many of the men not so
marked here, should be credited as captured and held prisoners.
335
336
History op the Bucktaiw
Hugh W. McNeil Colonel Mustered in May ag, 1861— promoted
from Captain, Company D, to Colonel,
January 22, 1862 — killed at Antietam,
September 16, 1862.
Charles F. Taylor Colonel Mustered in May 28, 1861 — promoted
from Captain, Company H, to Colonel,
March i, 1863— killed at Gettysburg,
July 2, 1863.
Alanson E. Niles Lieut.-Col.. .Mustered in May 31, 1861 — promoted
from C^tain, Company E, to Major,
March i, 1863 — ^promoted to Lieuten-
ant-Colonel, May 15, 1863— wounded
at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863 — resigned
March 28, 1864— to Veteran Reserve
Corps, with rank of Colonel, 1864 — to
Captain in United States Army, 1865—
retted 1869.
Edward A. Irvin Lieut-Col.. .Mustered in May 29, 1861 — promoted
from Captain, Company K, commis-
sioned, not mustered, September lO^
1862— wounded at South Mountain,
September 14, 1862— wounded at Fred-
ericksburg, December 13, 1862— dis-
charged, account of wounds received
in action. May I, 1863.
Roy Stone Major Mustered in May 29, 1861 — promoted
from Captain, Company D, to Major,
June 13, 1861— wounded at New Mar-
ket Cross Roads, June 30, iS/Sa— pro-
moted to Colonel, 149th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, August ^p, 1862— wounded
at Gettysburg, July t, 1863—brevettei
Brigadier-General, September 7, 1864—
discharged by Special Order, January
27. 1865— Brigadier-General of Volun-
teers in Spanish-American War.
W. Ross Hartshome ...Major Mustered in May 29, 1861— promoted
from ist-Lieutenant, Company K, to
Adjutant, February, 1862— wounded
at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862— pro-
moted to Major, May 22, 1863—^0-
moted to Colonel, if>oth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, June 6, 1864— captured at
Weldon Railroad, Aug%ut 19, 1864—
brtvetted Brigadier-General, March 13,
i86s— mustered out with regipunt,
June at, 186$.
MusTBR Roll — Field and SrAtr Ori'icgRS
337
John T. A. Jewett Adjutant..
Roger Sherman Adj utant. . .
Henry D. Patton Q-Master.
Lucius Truman Q-Master . ,
S. D. Freeman
Jonathan J. Comfort
.Surgeon. ..
.Surgeon...
W. T. Humphreys As.-Surgeon,
William B. Jones As.-Surgeon,
Daniel O. Crouch As.-Surgeon.
Lafayette Butler As.-Surgeon.
■ Mustered in May 29, 1861 — promoted
from ist-Lieutenant, Company D, to
Adjutant — date unknown — promoted
to Captain, Company D, February S,
1862.
.Mustered in May 28, 1861 — promoted
from Private, Company H, to Sergeant-
Major, July 20, 1861 — captured at New
Market Cross Roads, June 30, 1862—
promoted to Adjutant, May 23, 1863—
resigned March 16, 1864.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — promoted
from ist-Lieutenant, Company F, to
Quartermaster — date unknown — pro-
moted to Captain and Acting Quar-
termaster, United States Volunteers,
December i, 1862.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — promoted
from ist-Lieutenant, Company E, to
Quartermaster, March i, 1863 — to
Quartermaster, igoth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, June, 1864 — mustered out
7vith regiment, June z8, 1865.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — resigned, Oc-
tober I, 1862.
.Mustered in December 17, 1862 — trans-
ferred to igoth Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, May 31, 1864 — brevetted Lieu^
tenant-Colonel, March 13, 1865 — mus-
tered out with regiment, June 25, 1865.
Mustered in June 21, 1861 — promoted to
Surgeon, I4gth Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, September 5, 1862 — discharged by
Special Order, January IJ, 1865.
Mustered in August 2, 1862 — resigned,
November i, 1862.
Mustered in December i, 1862 — ^wound-
ed at Fredericksburg, December 13,
1862 — resigned, June lo, 1863.
Mustered in September 30, 1863 — to As-
sistant Surgeon igotk Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 30, 1864 — discharged
June 10, 1864.
*3
338 History op the Bucktails
W. H. O. Hatton Chaplain Mustered in August 3, 1861 — resigned
November 11, 1862.
William Baker Sergt.-Maj.. . Mustered in August 15, 1862— promoted
from Private, Company H, to Sergeant-
Major, July 29, 1863 — transferred to
Company H, igoth Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864 — discharged by
General Order, June s, 1865.
William C. Hunter Q.-M.-Sergt.. Mustered in May 21, 1861 — transferred
to ipoth Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864 — Veteran — died at City Point,
Va., October 3, 1864.
John Lemon Com.-Sergt... Mustered in May 29, 1861 — promoted
from Corporal, Company K, January
I, 1863 — mustered out with company,
June II, 1864.
R. Fenton Ward Hosp.-St. .. .Mustered in May 29, 1861 — promoted to
2nd-Lieutenant, Company I, July I,
1862.
W. Wallace Brown Hosp.-St Mustered in May 16, 1861 — promoted
from Private, Company C— <iatc un-
known— wounded at Fredericksburg,
December 13, 1862 — ^honorably dis-
charged by Secretary of War, May 16,
1863— expiration of term of enlistment.
Jeremiah J. Starr Hosp.-St Mustered in May 28, 1861 — promoted
from Private, Company H, July 29,
1863 — transferred to igoth Pennsylva-
nia Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran.
Henry Zundel Pl.-Muc Mustered in May 29, 1861 — promoted
from Private, Company P, September,
1863 — mustered out with company,
June II, 1864.
COMPANY A.
RECRUITED AT LAWRENCEVILLE, TIOGA COUNTY, PA.
Mustered in June 11, 1861, for three years' service.
Philip Holland Captain
John G. Harrower Captain.. . .
Neri B. Kinsey ist-Lieut. . .
Edwin B. Leonard ist-Lieut...
Daniel Orcutt 2nd-Lieut.
Af ial K. Sayles Sergeant. . .
Edwin J. Hunt Sergeant.. .
John Hawe Sergeant.. .
Daniel S. Boardman ...Sergeant...
339
.Mustered in June n, i86i — killed at
New Market Cross Roads, June 30,
1862.
• Mustered in June 11, 1861 — promoted
from ist-Lieutenant to Captain, March
I, 1863 — resigned June 22, 1863 — to
Adjutant, i6ist New York Volunteers.
• Mustered in June I, 1861 — promoted
from 2nd-Lieutenant to ist-Lieutenant,
June 30, 1862 — transferred and pro-
moted to Captain, Company C, March
I, 1863.
. Mustered in August i, 1861 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
promoted from ist-Sergeant to ist-
Lieutenant, March I, 1863— mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864.
.Mustered in June 11, 1861 — ^promoted to
2nd-Lieutenant, March 26, 1863 — killed
at Spottsylvania Court House, May 8,
1864.
.Mustered in June 11, 1861 — wounded at
Spottsylvania Court House, May 8-21,
1864 — mustered out with company,
June II, 1864.
• Mustered in June 11, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June II, 1864.
.Mustered in June 11, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, May 18, i86a.
.Mustered in June 11, 1861— discharged
. on Surgeon's certificate, January 28,
1863.
340
History oi* the Bucktails
Andrew Godfrey Sergeant.
John M. Steele Sergeant. .
Allen A. Van Orsdale. . .Sergeant.
William N. Ramsey Sergeant.
Orrin M. Stebbins Sergeant.
Samuel O. Millsworth. .Sergeant.
John B. Wakley Corpora!..
A. John Smith Corporal..
Horace A. Stever Corporal. .
Albert A. Seeley Corporal.
George Dougherty Musician . .
. .Mustered in June ii, 1861 — transferred
to Company A, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
captured — died at Salishury, N. C. —
date unknown.
. .Mustered in July 21, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — wound-
ed at Second Bull Run, August 30,
1862 — transferred to Company A, 190th
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864
— Veteran — promoted to ist-Lieutenant
— discharged November 8, 1864, "« ac-
count of wounds received in action.
..Mustered in June 11, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, May i, 1862.
..Mustered in June 11, i86i^<aptured at
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862 — captured
at Second Bull Run, August 30, 1862 —
captured at Spottsylvania Court House,
May 19, 1864 — prisoner from May 19
to December 6, 1864 — discharged
March 31, 1865.
, .Mustered in June 11, 1861 — killed at New
Market Cross Roads, June 30, 1862.
. .Mustered in June 11, 1861 — killed at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862.
. .Mustered in June 11, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, May 10, 1862.
..Mustered in June ii, 1861 — ^wounded at
New Market Cross Roads, June 30,
1862 — discharged on account of wounds
received in action.
.Mustered in July 21, 1861 — wounded at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate, Sep-
tember 13, 1862.
.Mustered in August 21, 1861 — killed at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862.
.Mustered in June 11, 1861 — wounded and
captured at New Market Cross Roads,
June 30, 1862 — transferred to Com-
pany A, 190th Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, May 31, 1864— Veteran — ihim-
tered out with company, Junt H, 1865.
Mustek Roi,!, — Company A 34t
Heniy H. Taggart Musician. .. Mustered in June ii, 1861— mustered out
with company, June II, 1864.
Arnold, Eli S Private Mustered in June 11, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
Babcock, Thaddeus Private Mustered in July 25, 1861— killed at New
Market Cross Roads, June 30, 1862.
Baker, Albert D Private Mustered in June 11, 1861— discharged
November 17, 1862, on account of
wounds received at South Mountain,
~" September 14, 1862.
Beeman, Seymore Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — deserted
July 21, 1863.
Bogart, Wallace Private Mustered in June u, 1861 — wounded at
New Market Cross Roads, June 30,
1862 — died of wounds August 2, 1862.
Bowman, George W. ...Private Mustered in June il, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
Brimer, Uriah Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, December 9,
1861.
Bruce, Edwin T Private Mustered in August 21, 1861— killed at
Spottsylvania Court House, May 12,
1864 — Veteran.
Buck, D. Frank Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — to Veteran
Reserve Corps — date unknown — trans-
ferred from Veteran Reserve Corps
May 21, 1864 — mustered out with com-
pany, June II, 1864.
Cady, Alpheui Private Mustered in July 2, 1861 — transferred to
Company A, igoth Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran — mus-
tered out with company, June g8, 1865.
Card, Simon B Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Chase, William H Private Mustered in June 11, 1861— transferred
to Company G, September i, 1861.
Clark, Charles W Private Mustered in August 21, 1861 — wounded
at Second Bull Run, August 30, i86z —
discharged on Surgeon's certificate^
October 31, 1862.
Cobel, Nornum R Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — mustered oat
with company, June 11, 1864.
342 History of the Bucktails
Cole, James, Jr Private Mustered in August 21, 1861 — died at
Falmouth, Va., May 19, 1862.
Colgrtjve, Orner Private Mustered in June 11, 1861— mustered out
with company, June II, 1864.
Conklin, Joseph Private Mustered in July 21, 1861— wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, i86a—
died December 30, 1862.
Counselman, Wash Private Mustered in August 21, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate. May 30^ 1862.
Cowels, Henry S Private Mustered in July 2, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate — date tmknowiL
Crocket, John Private Mustered in October 25, 1864— not on
muster-out roll.
Davidson, James K Private Mustered in July 24, 1862 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
discharged February 20y 1863, on ac-
count of wounds received in action.
Davis, Leroy P Private Mustered in June 11, 1861— wounded at
New Market Cross Roads, June aa
1862 — died September 6, 1862.
Davis, Samuel S Private Mustered in July 21, 1861 — wounded at
Second Bull Run, August 30, i86a —
discharged on Surgeon's certificate,
May 4, 1863.
Dorcy, Henry S Private Mustered in August I, 1861 — transferred
to Company A, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — discharged
July 31, 1864 — expiration of term.
Doyle, George K. Private Mustered in June 1 1, 1861 — transferred to
Company A, igoth Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran— ab-
sent, on furlough, at muster-out.
Drier, Charles Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — killed at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862.
Drifuss, Solomon Private Mustered in August 15, 1862 — transferred
to Company A, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — discharged
by General Order, June i, 1865.
Drummon, Eben 6 Private Mustered in September 5, i86a — Skilled at
Fredericksburg, December 13, i86a.
Muster Roll — Company A
343
Drummond, Richard B.. Private.
Durkei, Levi Private.
Edgerton, W. S Private.
Evans, Michael Private.
Freeland, Samuel Private.
Freeman, Freedom Private.
Gee, George H Private.
Goodel, Abner Private.
Goodnough, Willard . . .Private.
Gorton, Famsworth Private.
. . . Mustered in September s, 1862 — trans-
ferred to Company A, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — trans-
ferred to 105th Company, 2nd Bat-
talion, Veteran Reserve Corps, Janu-
ary p, 1865 — discharged, expiration of
term.
...Mustered in June 11, 1861 — wounded at
New Market Cross Roads, June 30,
1862 — discharged October 14, 1862, on
account of wounds received in action.
. . . Mustered in August 21, 1861 — transfer-
red to Company A, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
mustered out with company, June s8,
1865.
...Mustered in June 11, 1864 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, January 24,
1863.
■ ••Mustered in June 11, 1861 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
captured on battlefield December 24,
1862 — discharged on Surgeon's certifi-
cate, February 23, 1863.
. . • Mustered in June ii, 1861 — ^wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
discharged on Surgeon's certificate,
July 4, 1863.
...Mustered in June 11, :86i — killed at
New Market Cross Roads, June 30,
1862.
. . . Mustered in June 11, 1861 — transferred to
Company A, 190th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, J864 — Veteran — mus-
tered out with company, June e8, 1865.
..•Mustered in June 11, 1861 — wounded at
New Market Cross Roads, June 30,
1S62 — died September 12, 1862, of
wounds.
...Mustered in June 11, 1861 — wounded at
New Market Cross Roads, June 30,
1862 — discharged October 31, 1863, on
account of wounds.
344 History of the Bucktaiw
Grover, Reuben I, PrWatc Mustered in June ii, 1861— captured at
Second Bull Run, August 30, i86a—
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Guyer, Charles Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — killed at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862.
Hardy, Michael Private Mustered in June 11, 1861— killed at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
Harrower, Gabriel T... Private Mustered in July 21, 1861 — transferred
to serve unexpired term — mustered ohI
August p, 1864.
Harvey, Hiram W Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, July 4, 1861.
Hayler, Frederick M Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, April 15, 1862.
Herrick, Pierce Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, December 9,
1861.
Hill, John Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, July 24, 1861.
Impson, Benjamin E.... Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, July 21, 1861.
Impson, Joseph C Private Mustered in August 21, 1861 — died at
Alexandria, Va., March 4, 1862.
Kimball, George Private Mustered in July 21, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, December 9,
1861.
Kinsey, Niles V. Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, April 23, 1862.
Kriner, Joseph Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — died at New
burg, Pa., August 19, 1861.
Lewis, Lewis O Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — killed at
Second Bull Run, August 29, 1862.
Lewit, William J Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, February 27,
1863.
Lyon, George E. Private Mustered in June 11, 1861— wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
transferred to Company A, 190th Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 —
Veteran — died at Bdtimore, Md.,
March 31, 1865.
MeGurc, Perry Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, December 3,
1863.
MusTKR Roi,i, — Company A
345
McCort, Patrick Private Muttered in August 3, 1863 — captured at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1863 —
transferred to United States Navy,
September, 1864.
McFall, Alexander G... Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Magee, Hugh J Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — ^wounded at
New Market Cross Roads, June 30,
1862 — ^wounded at Fredericksburg, De-
cember 13, 1862 — wounded at Spottsyl-
vania Court House, May 8, 1864 —
transferred to Company A, igoth Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 —
Veteran — mustered out with company,
June z8, 1865.
Miller, Jamea H Private.
Miller, Joseph Private.
Moorehouse, Adon Private.
Newcomer, Abraham ...Private.
O'Dell, Henry Private.
Olin, Edward Private.
Phillips, Sylvester D.. . .Private.
Phinney, Benjamin F.. ..Private.
Reed. Tip Private.
•Mustered in June 11, 1861 — deserted
March 2, 1862.
•Mustered in July 31, 1861 — deserted
July 25, 1861.
.Mustered in August 21, 1861 — wounded
at South Mountain, September 14, 1862
— deserted and joined 6th United
States Cavalry, November, 1862.
.'Mustered in March 17, 1862 — died at
Washington, D. C, June 16, 1862.
• Mustered in August 21, 1861 — transfer-
ferred to Company A, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, i86i — Vet-
eran— died at Philadelphia, Pa., Octo-
ber 31, 1864.
.Mustered in June 11, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, December,
1862.
.Mustered in June 11, i86i — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
•Mustered in June 11, 1861— mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
.Mustered in July 21, 1861— killed at
Spottsylvania Court House, May 8,
1864-
346
History op the Bucktaii^
Roher, Silas Private Mustered in June ii, i85i— wounded at
Gaines' Mill, June 37, i86a— killed at
South Mountain, September 14, 18S3.
Rowley, John R Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — deserted
September 17, 1862.
Rowley, Seeley B Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — wounded at
Second Bull Run, August 30, i8fo— fo
Veteran Reserve Corps — ^transferred
from Veteran Reserve Corps, May 31,
1864 — mustered out with company,
June II, 1864.
Seamans, Eli B Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — ^transferred
from Company I, June, 1861 — ^wounded
and captured at New Market Cross
Roads, June 30, i86a — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Seeley, William G Private Mustered in August 21, 1861 — transfer-
red to Veteran Reserve Corps, Octo-
ber, 1863.
Seeley, William R, Private Mustered in August 21, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, December 18,
1862.
Self, William E. Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — transferred to
Company A, 190th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran — mus-
tered out with company, June 28, 1865.
Smith, Cornelius J Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — transferred to
Company A, 190th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran — pro-
moted to Corporal — mustered out with
company, June 28, 1865.
Stanley, Levi Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate. May 23, 18G2.
Stebbins, Samuel Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
Stewart, Thomas P. ...Private Mustered in June 11, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate. May 13, 1862.
Sullivan, Richard B. . . . Private Mustered in July 21, 1861 — deserted and
joined 6th United States Cavalry, No-
vember, 1862.
Sullivan, T. W Private Mustered in June 11, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate— date un-
known.
Mustier Roi,i< — Company A
347
Sweet, Aser Private.
Turner, James C Private.
Van Vliet, Isaac Private.
Vasttinder, James Private.
Wakeley, Mortimer S. . . Private .
Wakeley, Samuel M. ...Private.
Walker, James Private .
Webster, Homer D Private.
Webster, James Private.
Wiles, Allison Private.
Wiles, Luther Private.
WiUonghby, Geo. W. R. Private.
Wright, WiUiam D. ...Private.
.Mustered in Juneii, 1861 — transferred to
Company A, ifioth Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran — ab-
sent, sick, at muster-out.
.Mustered in June 11, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, May 10, i86a.
.Mustered in June 11, 1861 — ^killed at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
.Mustered in August 2, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, December 9,
1861.
.Mustered in June 11, 1861 — not on mas-
ter-out roll.
.Mustered in June' 11, 1861 — wounded at
Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, transferred to
Company A, igoth Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran — cap-
tured at Weldon railroad, prisoner
from August 19, 1864, to June 5, 1865
— discharged by General Order, June
13, 1865.
.Mustered in June 11, 1861 — ^wounded at
South Mountain, Sjptember 14, 1862 —
discharged February 28, 1863, on ac-
count of wounds received in action.
.Mustered in June ti, 1861 — ^wounded at
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862 — discharged
— date unknown — on account of
wounds received in action.
.Mustered in June 11, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate—date un-
known.
.Mustei-ed in June 11, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864,
.Mustered in June 11, 1861 — transferred to
Company A, 190th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran — mus-
tered out with company, June g8, 1865.
.Mustered in June 11, 1861— killed at
New Market Cross Roads, June 30,
1862.
• Mustered in June 11, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, August 5,
1861.
COMPANY B.
RECRUITED AT DUNCANNON, PERRY COUNTY, PA.
Muatered in June 4, 1861, for three yean' lervice.
Langbome Wister Captaia.
Thomas B. Lewis Captain.
John A. Gulp ist-Lieut.
William Allison ist-Lieut.
Philip E. Keiser ist-LiMt.
Joel R. Sparr and-Lieut.
..Mustered in June 4, 1861 — ^wounded at
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862 — promottd
to Colonel isoth Pennsyltmnia Volun-
teers, September 5, i86s — wounded at
Gettysburg, July i, 1863 — resigned
February zz, 1864 — brevetted Briga-
dier-General, March 13, 1865.
. Mustered in June 4, 1861 — promoted
from ist-Sergeant to 2nd-Lieutenant
December 12, 1861— captured at Gaines'
Mill, Jane 27, 1862 — ^promoted to Cap-
tain, September 16, 1862 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
.Mustered in June 4, 1861 — resigned No-
vember I, 1861.
.Mustered in June 4, 1861 — ^promoted to
ist-Lieutenant — date unknown — killed
at Antietam, September 16, 1862.
.Mustered in June 4, 1861 — ^promoted to
ist-Sergeant, December 12, 1861 —
wounded at Second Bull Run, August
30, 1862 — ^promoted to ist-Lieutenant,
March i, 1863 — mustered out with
company, June 11, 1864.
.Mustered in June 4, 1861 — promoted to
to Sergeant, December 12, 1861 — pro-
moted to 2nd-Lieutenant, March i,
1863 — wounded at Gettysburg, July 2-3,
1863 — ^mustered out with company,
June II, 1864.
348
Mustek Roli/ — Company B
349
Frederick A. Perry Iit-Sergt.
Thoma* J. Belton ist-Sergt.
Charles W. Tiemey Sergeant. .
Robert B. Bothwell Sergeant.
John W. Mutzebaugh . . .Sergeant..
Lemuel K. Morton Sergeant. .
John O'Brien Sergeant. .
Mark Burke
Joseph H. Meek
. Sergeant .
. Corporal. .
Hirant G. Wolf Corporal..
J. H. Mutzebaugh Corporal..
•Mustered in June 4, 1S61 — promoted to
Sergeant, July s, 1863 — ^mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
.Mustered in June 4, 1861 — ^killed at Get-
tysburg, July 3, 1863.
.Mustered in June 4, 1861 — promoted to
Sergeant, November i, 1863 — mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864.
.Mustered in June 4 1861 — wounded and
captured at New Market Cross Roads,
June 30, 1862 — promoted to Sergeant,
November 20, 1863 — wounded at Spott-
sylvania Court House, May 12, 1864 —
absent, sick, at muster-out
.Mustered in June 4, 1861 — promoted
from Corporal to Sergeant, July i,
1863 — mustered out with company,
June II, 1864.
.Mustered in June 4, 1861 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
discharged. May 27, 1864 — to Veteran
Reserve Corps.
.Mustered in June 4, 1861 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
died June 4, 1864, of wounds received
at Spottsylvania Court House, May 9,
1864.
.Mustered in August 7, i86i — deserted,
June 28, 1863.
.Mustered in June 4, 1861 — wounded at
Antietam, September 16-17, 1862—
wounded at Mine Run, November 28,
1863 — mustered out with company,
June II, 1864.
.Mustered in June 4, 1861— wounded—
date unknown — mustered out with
company, June 11, 1864 — to Veteran
Reserve Corps.
•Mustered in June 4, 1861— diicharged by
General Order of War Department,
1862.
350 History oi^ the Bucktails
John W. Parsons Corporal Mustered in June 4, 1861 — ^wounded at
New Market Cross Roads, June 30,
1862 — discharged on Surgeon's certifi-
cate, November 8, 1862.
Henry J. Jones Corporal Mustered in June 4, 1861 — wounded and
captured at New Market Cross Roads,
June 30, 1862 — discharged on Sur-
geon's certificate, August i, 1863.
Jacob E. Stuckey Corporal — Mustered in June 4, 1861 — died Novem-
ber 16, 1863, of wounds received at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
Samuel Galbraith Corporal — Mustered in June 4, 1861 — killed at
Dranesville, December 20, 1861.
John A. Wilkinson Musician. ..Mustered in June 4, 1861 — discharged
August 2, 1861.
Arnold, George L Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — deserted, Au-
gust S. 1863.
Austin, Charles Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — ^wounded at
Wilderness, May 7, 1864 — absent, sick,
at muster-out.
Barth, John Private Mustered in August 8, i86i — d'scharged
on Surgeon's certificate, January 8,
1863.
Black, Isaac G Private Mustered in December 26, i86i— wound-
ed at New Market Cross Roads, June
30, 1862 — discharged on Surgeon's cer
tificate, August 22, 1862, on account of
wounds received in action.
Bolden, James Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, June 9, 186a.
Branyan, James A. Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June II, 1864.
Bruiyan, Robert H. ..-..Private Mustered in June 4, 1861— captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — ^mus-
tered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Breckbitl, Jeremiah Private Mustered in June 4, 1861— wounded at
Antietam, September 16-17, i86a—
mustered out with company, June II,
1864.
Bums, Junes E. Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, July 4, i86i.
Muster Roli, — Company B
3SI
Caswell, Edward Private.
Cook, George L Private.
Davis, Enoch R Private .
Dile, George L. Private.
.Mustered in June 4, 1861— wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, i86»—
discharged on Surgeon's certificate,
August I, 1863.
• Mustered in June 4, 1861 — wounded —
date unknown — discharged on Sur-
geon's certificate, October 28, 186a.
. Mustered in June 4, 1861— discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, July 29, 1862.
.Mustered in June 4, 1861— to Veteran
Reserve Corps — date unknown — trans-
ferred from Veteran Reserve Corps —
mustered out with company, June n,
1864.
Duncan, Joseph Private Mustered in August 3, 1S61— transferred
to i^oth Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864 — Veteran.
Ebright, George W Private Mustered in June 4, 1861— died February
28, 1862.
Etter, Jacob Private Mustered in June 4, 1861— deserted Au-
gust II, 1861.
Evans, David Private Mustered in August 3, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, November 14,
1862.
Famsworth, Samuel ...Private Mustered in January 16, 1862— transfer-
red to Company B, igoth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
promoted to Corporal — captured at
IVeldon railroad, prisoner from Au-
gust 19, 1864, to February iS, z86s—
discharged by General Order, July 3,
1863.
Fissell, John A Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — ^wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
wounded at Wilderness, May S-7, 1864
— mustered out with company, June ir,
1864.
Pissell, William A Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Fleck, Ephraim B Private Mustered in June 3, 1861 — ^wounded and
captured at New Market Cross Roads,
June 30, 1862 — discharged by General
Order, November 14, 1862 — transfer-
red to Company B. 5th United States
Cavalry.
35« History or the Bucktails
Poram, Patrick Private Mustered in June 4, 1861— died at Man-
assas, Va., April 13, 1862.
Poster, Erastus R Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, July 28, 1863 —
re-enlisted.
Foster, Prancis A Private Mustered in August 19, 1861 wounded
at Dranesville, December 20, 1861 —
discharged. May I, 1862, on account of
wounds received in action.
Furlong, Philip Private Mustered in June 4. 1861— wounded at
Second Bull Run, August 30, 1862—
discharged on Surgeon's certificate,
January 20, 1863.
Gillespie, Thomas W. ... Private Mustered in March 6, 1862— killed at
New Market Cross Roads, June 30,
1862.
Green, Thomas G Private Mustered in June 4, 1861— wounded at
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862 — mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864.
Hartzell, Isaiah Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Hayner, Edward Private Mustered in August 6, 1861 — transferred
to igoth Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864.
Holland, William A Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — wounded at
Antietam, September 16-17, 1862 —
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Hood, John Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, July 24, 1861.
Irwin, William H. H Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — ^wounded at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate, De-
cember 10, 1862.
Jamison, John Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, July 4, i86i.
Johnson, William H. ..Private Mustered in August 8, 1861— absent at
muster-out.
Jones, Nicholas Y Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Jumper, Conrad Private Mustered in March 6, i86a — ^killed at
South Mountain, September 14, 1863.
Muster Roll — Company B 353
Kugler, Charles Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — wounded at
Antietam, September 16, 1862 — trans-
ferred to igoth Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran.
Lawyer, Joseph T Private Mustered in June 4, 1861— deserted, Sep-
tember IS, 1862.
Lehman, Peter Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — died Septem-
ber 20, 1862, of wounds received at
Antietam, September 17, 1862.
Lenig, Joshua Private Mustered in March 6, 1862 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate. May 12, 1862.
Lewis, John B Private Mustered in August 6, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate. May 10, 1862.
McCallum, George Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, J-Jly 4, 1861.
McCloud, Jacob Private Mustered in June 4, 1861.
Magee, Ambrose B Private Mustered in June 4, i86i — died March
I, 1863, of wounds received at Fred-
ericksburg, December 13, 1862.
Mayall, Miles A Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — transfer-
red to igoth Pennsylvania Volunteers,
May 31, 1864 — Veteran.
Meek, John C Private Mustered in March 6, 1862 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, February 19,
1863.
Mell, John H Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — discharged —
date unknown — to Veteran Reserve
Corps.
Metz, Andrew J Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — discharged by
General Order, May 9, 1863.
Mick, Solomon Private Mustered in August 6, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, March 4, 1862.
Mitchell, Samuel M. . . . Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, September 17,
1861.
Myers, Jacob Private Mustered in June 4, 1861— discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, August 8, 1861.
Parsons, Theodore A. ..Private Mustered in March 6, 1882— killed at
New Market Cross Roads, June 30,
1862.
Pennell, John Private Mustered in August 6, 1861— wounded at
Dranesville, December 20, 1861 — dis-
charged April 28, 1862, on account of
wounds received in action.
24
354 History of the Bucktaiw
Pressley, William H. ..Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — ^mustered out
with company, June II, 1864.
Raup, George Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — killed at
Dranesville, December 20, 1861.
Rennard, Charles Private Mustered in August 8, 1861 — transfer-
red to Company D, 46th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, September 24, 1S61.
Reynolds, John Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — transferred to
Company F — date unknown.
Richard, David Private Mustered in Augusts, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, May 10, 1862.
Roberts, Thomas C Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — wounded at
Spottsylvania Court House, May S-21,
1864 — mustered out with company,
June II, 1864.
Sayers, John Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — ^killed at New
Market Cross Roads, June 30, 1862.
Seiler, John Private Mustered in August 7, 1861 — deserted
December 22, 1862.
Seiler, Reuben Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — wounded at
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862,
Seward, Levi Private Mustered in January 16, 1863 — transfer-
> red to 190th Pennsylvania Volunteers,
May 31, 1S64 — Veteran — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, December 30,
1864.
Shaeffer, Oliver Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, July 24, 1861.
Shatto, Alexander Private Mustered in August 10, 1861 — transfer-
red to igoth Pennsylvania Volunteers,
May 31, 1864.
Shatto, George W Private Mustered in August 6, 1861 — transfer-
red to igoth Pennsylvania Volunteers,
May 31, 1864.
Shatto, John E Private Mustered in August 10, 1861.
Sheibley, George W. ...Private Mustered in June 4, 1861— wounded at
New Market Cross Roads, June 30,
1862 — mustered out with company,
June II, 1864.
Sheibley, Thomas J. ...Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — wounded at
Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863— wounded
at Spottsylvania Court House, May 9,
1864 — absent, in hospital, at muster-
out.
Muster Roi,i, — Company B 355
Smith, John C Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — wounded at
Bethesda Church, May 30, 1864— ab-
sent, in hospital, at muster-out.
Snyder, Truman K. Private Mustered in January 16, i86a — discharged
by General Order, December 11, 1862.
Sparr, George H Private Mustered in October 10, i86i — captured
— date unknown — died at Chesapeake
Hospital, February 7, 1863.
Spear, Samuel Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — ^killed at Get-
tysburg, July 2, 1863.
Staehl, John F. Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — captured at
Wilderness, May 8, 1864.
Stevenson, Wm. M Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, August 7, 1861.
Sweger, Absalom Private Mustered in June 4 i86i — wounded—
date unknown — mustered out with
company, June 11, 1864.
Topley, Samuel A Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, July 28, 1862.
Valentine, Robert B. ...Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — ^wounded and
captured at New Market Cross Roads,
June 30, 1862 — ^wounded at Gettysburg,
July 2-3, 1863— mustered out witii
company, June 11, 1864.
Vanzant, James M Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate,
March 12, 1863.
Walker, James B Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Watson, George C Private Mustered in June 4, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, July 4, 1861.
COMPANY C.
TIECRUITED AT EMPORIUM, CAMERON COUNTY, PA.
Mustered in June 1, 1861, for three years' lervice.'
John A. Eldred Captain Mustered in June I, 1861— resigned, Sep-
tember 10, 1861.
Leander W. Gifford Captain Mustered in June I, 1861— promoted
from 2nd-Lieutenant to Captain, 1861
— wounded at Harrisonburg, June 6,
1862 — resigned, November 17, 1862.
Neri B. Kinsey Captain Mustered in June 11, l86l^transferred
and promoted from ist-Lieutenant of
Company A to Captain, March i, 1863
— wounded at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863
— transferred to Company C, 190th
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864
— hrevetted Major, October i, 1864 —
discharged, March 8, 1865.
William B. Jenkins ist-Lieut Mustered in June I, 1861— killed at Fred-
ericksburg, December 13, 1862.
J. Wood Craven ist-Lieut Mustered in June i, i86i — promoted
from ist-Sergeant to ist-Lieutenant,
March i, 1863 — mustered out with
company, June 11, 1864 — brevetled
Captain, March 13, 1865.
Robert B. Warner 2nd-Lieut. .Resigned— date unknown.
Oscar D. Jenkins 2nd-Lieut.. .Mustered in June i, 1861 — ^promoted
from I St- Sergeant to 2nd-Lieutenant,
November 2, 1861 — ^wounded at Frede-
ricksburg, December 13, 1862 — re-
signed, April 20, 1863.
' The dates, on which several of the men in this company were mustered
in are not known with certainty. They are therefore not given.
356
MusTBR Roll — Company C
357
Moses W. Lucore znd-Lieut..
Enoch Barnum Sergeant. .
Augustus S. Smith Sergeant..
Sydney J. Crocker Corporal.
G. W. Fine Corporal..
Akley, Levi R Private..
Akley, Reuben Private . .
Akley, Sydney L Private..,
Bennett, A. D Private..
Blair, John P Private. .
Brown, W. Wallace Private.
Burrows, Cassin Private.
Butcher, F. H Private.
Campbell, John J Private.
.Mustered in June r, 1861— promoted
from Corporal to 2nd-Lieutenant, July
I, 1863 — transferred to Company C,
190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, i864^promoted from 2nd-Lieuten-
ant to ist-Lieutenant — mustered out
with company, June 28, 1865.
• Mustered in June i, 1861 — wounded at
Dranesville, December 20, 1861 —
wounded at Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862
— wounded at Fredericksburg, Decem-
ber 13, 1862 — absent, on detached duty,
at muster-out.
■ Mustered in June i, 1861 — transferred to
190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864 — Veteran.
■ Mustered in June i, 1861 — transferred to
190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864 — Veteran.
■ Mustered in June i, 1861 — killed at Har-
risonburg, June 6, 1S62.
• Transferred to igoth Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864.
■ Discharged on Surgeon's certificate — date
unknown.
• • Transferred to 190th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864.
■ .Mustered in June i, 1861 — deserted — date
unknown.
■ .Mustered in June s, 1861 — wounded at
Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863 — transfer-
red to Company H, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers — date unknown — promoted
to Sergeant — died at Annapolis, Md.,
March 15, 1865— Veteran.
■ ■ Mustered in May 16, 1861 — transferred
from Company I, December, 1861 — pro-
moted to Hospital Steward — date un-
known.
• • Mustered in June 5, 1861 — transferred to
Veteran Corps — date unknown.
■ ■ Mustered in June i, 1861 — transferred to
cavalry regiment — date unknown.
'.Transferred to 190th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864.
3S8 History ot th« Bucktails
Campbell, Thomas Private Mustered in June I, 1861— wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, i86a —
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Canfield, Frederick Private Died of wounds received at Harrison-
burg, June 6, 1862.
Camer, Erastus Private Transferred to 190th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864.
Carney, Charles B Private Mustered in June 1, 1861— killed at South
Mountain, September 14, 1862.
Clark, James Private Mustered in June i, 1861— transferred
to 190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864— -Veteran.
Cook, George W Private Discharg^ed on Surgeon's certificate — date
unknown.
Coorst, John S Private Wounded at Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862.
Coorst, Samuel Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — transferred
to 190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864 — Veteran.
Coorst, William E Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — died — date
unknown.
Dailey, Philip Private Mustered in July i, 1861 — died — date
unknown.
Danly, John S Private Mustered in July i, 1861— killed at Har
risonburg, June 6, 1862.
Daughenbaugh, Charles.. Private Mustered in June i, i2lbi— transferred
to 190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864 — Veteran.
Davison, Reese J Private Captured at Cross Keys, June 8, i86a—
transferred to 190th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864.
DeHart, Uriah Private Mustered in June I, i86i— wounded at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862 — captured
at Catletf s Station, August 22, i86»—
transferred to 190th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864— Veteran.
Denham, E. P Private Discharged on Surgeon's certificate— date
unknown.
Doty, William Private Captured— date utiknovm— transferred to
190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864.
Dual, J. S Private Mustered in June S, 1861— deserted-
date unknown.
Muster Roll — Company C 359
Esterbrook, G. P Private Discharged on Surgeon's certificate-
date unknown.
Fairbanks, D. W Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — wounded at
Gettysburg, July 2-3, iSSjr— transferred
to igoth Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864— Veteran.
Felker, John Private Mustered in June i, i86i^aptured at
Catlett's Station, August 22, 1862 —
wounded at Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863
— transferred to 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
promoted to Corporal — date unknown.
Freeman, D. C Private Wounded at Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862
— transferred and promoted — date and
rank unknown.
French, Leonard Private Mustered in June I, 1861 — wounded and
captured at Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862
— ^wounded at Fredericksburg, Decem-
ber 13, 1862 — ^wounded at Gettysburg,
July 2-3, 1863 — mustered out with com-
pany, June II, 1864.
Gettings, John H Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — wounded and
captured at Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863
— absent at muster-out.
Gibbs, Albert E Private Mustered in June i, 1861— mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Gleason, Michael L Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — captured at
Cross Keys, June 8, 1862 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
absent at muster-out.
Greal, John Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — died — date
unknown.
Greeley, Horace H Private Discharged on Surgeon's certificate^^ate
unknown.
Green, George Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — captured at
Second Bull Run, August 30, 1862—
transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps
— date unknown.
Grow, John Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — deserted— date
unknown.
Guthrie, George Private Mustered in June I, 1861— discharged
by Special Order — date unknown.
360
History of the Bucktails
Guthrie, Smith E. .
Hanlon, Patrick B.
Haumer, Alvin . . . .
Haumer, George . . .
Hiller, Albert
Horton, Irwin
Inglesby, Russel A. .
Johnson, James A. C.
Jordon, L. T
Kirk, Firmin F.
Landers, S. W
Lindsay, Thomas H.
Lucore, Anson .
Lucore, Luther
...Private Mustered in June I, 1861 — wounded at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862 — ^mustered
out with company, June n, 1864.
. ...Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — deserted — date
unknown.
...Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — ^mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
...Private Mustered in June I, i85i — discharged
on account of wounds received in ac-
tion.
...Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
...Private Mustered in June I, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
...Private Discharged on account of wounds re-
ceived in action.
...Private Mustered in June I, 1861 — ^wounded at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862 — transfer-
red to 190th Pennsylvania Volunteers,
May 31, 1864 — Veteran.
. . . Private Mustered in June I, i86i — killed at Fred-
ericksburg December 13, 1862.
...Private Mustered in June I, 1861 — captured at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
transferred to 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
captured at Weldon railroad, prisoner
from August ig to December 31, 1864.
. . Private .... Mustered in June i, 1861 — killed at South
Mountain, September 14, 1862.
. . . Private Transferred to Company C, 190th Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 —
Veteran — promoted to Corporal — dis-
charged by General Order, May 24,
1865.
. .Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — transferred to
190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, i864~Veteran.
..Private Mustered in June I, 1861— discharged
on account of wounds received in ac-
tion.
MusTgR Roll — Company C
361
Lyons, Owen
McCann, John
McCarrick, Matthew.
McElhaney, John . . .
McGiU, J. C
McGowen, George W.
McGreggor, Chas. A.
McHenry, John A. . .
McHenry, Perry
McMahon, Simon . . .
Malone, Thomas
Mestler, G. F
Miller, J. S
Minard, B. F
Minard, Seneca F.
Moyer, Samuel C
. . .Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — transferred to
Company C, 190th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran — trans-
ferred to Company H, 14th Volunteer
Reserve Corps — discharged by General
Order, July 24, 1865.
...Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — deserted —
date unknown.
...Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
...Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — died of
wounds received at Cross Keys, June
8, 1862.
...Private Mustered in June i, 1861-— died — date
unknown.
..Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — died of
wounds received at Harrisonburg, June
6, 1862.
. .Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — deserted — date
unknown.
...Private Wounded at Fredericksburg, December
13, 1862 — absent at muster-out.
...Private Died of wounds received at Harrison-
burg, June 6, 1862.
...Private Mustered in June I, i86i — transferred
to 190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864 — Veteran.
...Private Wounded at Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862
— wounded at Antietam, September 17,
1862 — wounded at Fredericksburg, De-
cember 13, 1862 — discharged on Sur-
geon's certificate — date unknown.
..Private Mustered in June I, 1861 — died of
wounds received at Cross Keys, June
8, 1862.
..Private Mustered in June i, 1861— killed— date
unknown.
. .Private Mustered in June S, 1861— discharged on
Surgeon's certificate — date unknown.
. .Private Mustered in June 1, 1861 — deserted — date
unknown
. . Private Mustered in June I, 1861— killed at Fred-
ericksburg, December 13, 1862.
362 History of thb Bucktails
Murphy, William Private Mustered in June 5, 1861 — discharged
June 25, 1861.
Norris, John Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — transferred to
Artillery — date unknown.
CByme, James Private Mustered in Jime i, 1861 — transferred to
igoth Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864 — Veteran.
Parker, Lewis Private Mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Patterson, G. L Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate — date unknown.
Payne, William Private Mustered out with company, June 11,
1S64.
Post, Smith G Private Discharged on Surgeon's certificate— date
unknown.
Radder, John Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — discharged
on account of wounds received at Har-
risonburg, June 6, 1862.
Russel, .J. S Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate — date unknown.
Sanford, Samuel Private Mustered in June i, i86i — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate — date unknown.
Schlatzer, Orrin J Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — wounded at
New Market Cross Roads, June 30,
1862 — transferred to igoth Pennsylva-
nia Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veter-an.
Sharp, Samuel Private Mustered in June I, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Shattock, Benjamin Private Mustered in June I, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate — date unknown.
Sheely, Patrick Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Shoemaker, William ...Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — captured at
Cross Keys, June 8, 1862 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
mustered out with company, June 11,
18S4.
Sloat, William Private Discharged on Surgeon's certificate— date
unknown.
Smithers, John Private Mustered in June i, 1861— mustered out
with company, June ii, 1864,
Soper, Samuel M Private Mustered in June i, 1861— killed at Wil-
derness, May 5-7, 1864.
Muster Roll — Company C 363
Stolicker, Abraham Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — transferred to
Company C, 190th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864— Veteran— cap-
tured at Weldon railroad, prisoner
from August 19, 1864, to February 28,
1865— discharged by General Order,
June li, 1865.
Taylor, Jerome Private Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps-
date unknown.
Thall, John Private Mustered in June I, 1861— mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Titcomb, David Private Mustered in June i, 1861— died— date
unknown.
Tupper, Darius Private Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps —
date unknown.
Washburn, James E. ...Private Mustered in June i, 1861 — captured at
Catlett's Station, August 22, 1862—
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Wright, Benjamin F. ..Private Wounded at South Mountain, September
14, 1862 — wounded at Spottsylvania
Court House, May 8, i^S^— transfer-
red to Company C, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, — date unknown — captured
at Weldon railroad, prisoner August
19, 1864, to February S2, 1865— promot-
ed from private to snd-Lieutenant June
^, 1865 — promoted to ist-Lieutenant,
July 3, 1865, not mustered — mustered
out with company, June 38, 1865.
COMPANY D.
RECRUITED IN WARREN COUNTY, PA.
Muatered in May 29, 1861, for three yean' serrice.
Roy Stone
. Captain Mustered in May 29, 1861 — promoted to
Major, June 13, 1861.
Hugh W. McNeil Captain..
John T. A. Jewett Captain..
David G. McNaugbton .Captain.
Riboro D. Hall ist-Lieut.
Robert Hall 2nd-Lieut.
364
.Mustered in May 29, t86i — ^promoted
from ist-Lieutenant to Captain, June i,
1861 — promoted to Colonel, January
22, i86z.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — promoted
from 2nd-Lieutenant to ist-Lieutenant,
June 12, 1861 — promoted to Adjutant
— date unknown — promoted to Cap-
tain, February 5, 1862 — resigned, Janu-
ary 5, 1863.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — promoted
from private to 2nd-Lieutenant, June
24, 1861 — promoted to ist-Lieutenant,
March I, 1862 — ^wounded at Freder-
icksburg, December 13, 1862 — pro-
moted to Captain, March I, 1863 —
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864—brevetted Major, March 13, 1S65.
. Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862 — promoted
from Private to 2nd-L'eutenant, Febru-
ary 28, 1863 — ^promoted to isbLieuten-
ant, March I, 1863 — mustered out with
company, June 11, 1864,
..Mustered in May 29, 1861 — promoted
from Sergeant to 2nd-Lieutenant,
March i, 1863— killed at Gettysburg,
July 3, 1863.
Muster RoLt — Company D
365
James H. Masten ist-Sergt..
Harry T. Weaver Sergeant..
Edwin Muzzey Sergeant. .
Martin Hosley Sergeant..
Abraham C. Williams . . Sergeant. .
John Hamlin
Andrew J. Deming
.Sergeant.,
.Sergeant..
Benjamin Haskall Sergeant. ,
Rosco A. Hall Sergeant..
Augustus A. Trask Sergeant. .
Joseph Turbett Corporal. .
Horance Lafayette Corporal. .
Charles H. Martin Corporal..
.Mustered in May 29, i86i — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864—served in
Engineer Corps, under Brigadier-Gen-
eral Stone in Spanish-American War.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
. Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
. Mustered in May 29, i86l— ^absent at
muster-out.
. Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Gaines' Mills, June 27, 1862 — trans-
ferred and commissioned ist-Lieuten-
ant Company K, 172nd Pennsylvania
Volunteers — attached to Engineering
Staff — mustered out with company,
August I, 1863.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — transferred
to igoth Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864— Veteran.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded and
captured at Mechanicsville, June 26,
1862 — transferred to igoth Pennsylva-
nia Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran
— captured at Weldon railroad, prisoner
August ig, 1864, to March 4, 1865.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — died at
Georgetown, D. C, October 29, 1861.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — killed at
Second Bull Run, August 30, 1862.
.Mustered in May 28, i86i — Skilled at
South Mountain, September 14, 1862.
. Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged—
date unknown — on account of wounds
received at Fredericksburg, December
13, 1862.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — transferred to
igoth Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864 — Veteran.
366 History of the Bucktails
Elijah Akin Corporal. ... Mustered in May 29, 1861— discharged
September 22, 1862, on account of
wounds received at Mechanicsville,
June 26, 1862.
Thos. K. Humphreys . .Musician Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Charles Metz Musician. . . . Mustered in May 29, 1861 — ^mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Abbott, William Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— died at Alex-
andria, Va., June 15, 1862.
Barber, Henry C Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted,
March 10^ 1863.
Benton, Charles M Private Mustered in August 4, 1861 — discharged
August 14, 1862, on account of wounds
received at Mechanicsville, June 26,
1862.
Bordman, Wallace Private Mustered in July 20, i86i^^ied at
Georgetown, D. C, October 24, 1861.
Cartwright, Peter Private Mustered in August 4, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, June 20, 1862.
Chapel, Adalbert M Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — killed at New
Market Cross Roads, June 30, 1862.
Chase, George Private Mustered in September 9, 1861— captured
at Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863— trans-
ferred to 190th Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, May 31, 1864.
Clacy, David H Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — ^killed at
New Market Cross Roads, June 30,
1862.
Clark, William H Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June II, 1864— re«i-
listed in Company K, zzth Pennsylva-
nia Cavalry, August s, 1864 — discharg-
ed by General Order, June i. 1865.
Clough, Eleazer A Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, March 15,
1862.
Cobb, Myron C Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— killed at Ab-
tietam, September 17, 1862.
Collins, Cordillo Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— not on mus-
ter^ut roll.
Coughlin, Francis Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— absent at
muster-out.
Muster Roli, — Company D 367
Davis, William H Private Mustered in May 27, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Devirs, James Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
New Market Cross Roads, June 30,
1S62 — wounded at Fredericksburg, De-
cember 13, 1862 — wounded at Gettys-
burg, July 2-3, 1863 — mustered out with
company, June il, 1864.
Devoge, Theophilus Private Mustered in May 29, 1S61 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 18&4.
Doran, Briney Private. . . . • Mustered in July ao, 1861 — transferred to
igoth Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864.
Dunton, Stephen B Private Mustered in August 14, 1861 — discharg-
ed on Surgeon's certificate, September
19, 1861.
Ellis, Matthew E Private Mustered in August 8, 1861 — deserted,
February 1, 1863.
Ellison, Horance W. . . . Private Mustered in May 29, i86i — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, October 26, 1861.
Fisher, George Private Mustered in August 9, 1861 — transferred
to 190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864 — Veteran.
Flatt, Louis D Private Mustered in September 11, 1861 — dis-
charged, June S, 1863, on account of
wounds received at Mechanicsvilie,
June 26, 1862.
Freeman, Francis H Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, September 17,
1S61.
Gannon, Michael Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— captured at
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862 — mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864,
Gates, George Private Mustered in June 26, i86i — transferred
to igoth Pennsylvania yolunteers, May
31, 1864 — Veteran.
Gates, Jacob Private Mustered in July 24, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, September 29,
1862.
Geer, Nelson Private Mustered in May 29, i86i— wounded at
Dranesville, December 20, 1861 — dis-
charged, March 15, 1863, on account of
wounds received at Antietam, Septem-
ber 17, 1862.
368 History of the Bucktails
Glazier, Henry H Private Mustered in September ii, 1861 — killed
at Antietam, September 17, 1862.
Gordon, Abner M Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Green, William H Private Mustered in September 7, 1861 — died at
Falmouth, Va., May 14, 1862.
Gruay, Francis Private Mustered in July 29, 1861 — discharged
September 7, 1863, on account of
wounds received at Fredericksburg,
December 13, 1862.
Halcomb, Edward Private Mustered in May 29, i86i — transferred
from Company K, October 12, 1861 —
deserted, March 10, 1862.
Hamlin, John F Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — transferred
to 190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864— Veteran.
Hamlin, Sylvester Private Mustered in August 23, 1861 — discharg-
ed on Surgeon's certificate, March 11,
1862.
Havens, John Private Mustered in September 7, 1861 — dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate, Jan-
uary 9, 1862.
Hobert, Freeland Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
by General Order, October 20, 1862.
Hogarth, Frederick Private Mustered in August 2, i86i — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, date unknown.
Honicker, Jacob Private Mustered in August 2, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, March 16,
1862.
Horrigan, Edward Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— Skilled at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
Humphreys, Robert M... Private Mustered in February 6, 1862 — transfer-
red to Veteran Reserve Corps, March
6, 1863.
Jagers, Peter Private Mustered in July 31, 1861— transferred
from Company K, November i, 1861
— wounded at Fredericksburg, Decem-
ber 13, 1862 — transferred to Veteran
Reserve Corps, May 6, 1863.
Johnson, Amos H Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured
near Richmond, June 29, 1862 — wound-
ed at Wilderness, May 5-7, 1S64—
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Muster Roli. — Company D 369
Junkina, George O Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— killed at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
Keating, Michael Private Mustered in August 4, 1861 — transferred
to Veteran Reserve Corps, October 20,
1863.
Kennedy, Graham M — Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, March g, 1863.
Kincade, Thomas H Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
March 9, 1863, on account of wounds
received at Second Bull Run, August
30, 1862.
King, John N Private Mustered in July 29, 1861 — transferred
to Veteran Reserve Corps, December
12, 1863.
Kinnear, Robert A Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — ^mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Knopf, Frederick L Private Mustered in August 12, 1861 — ^wounded
and captured at Mechanicsville, June
26, 1861 — transferred to igoth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Vet-
eran— captured at Weldon railroad,
August 19, 1864.
Knowlton, Byron D. Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
by General Order, January 17, 1862.
Lane, Benjamin Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted,
July, 1862.
Langworthy, F. W Private Mustered in September 7, i86i— dis-
charged by General Order, January 17,
1S62.
Lasser, Lawrence Private Mustered in August 12, 1861 — transfer-
red to iQOth Pennsylvania Volunteers,
May 31, 1864 — Veteran.
Lindsey, John W Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— transferred
to Signal Corps, September, 1861.
Lyman, L. Bent Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, June 7, 1862.
M'Elheany, John Private Mustered in July 29, 1861— transferred
to 190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, Z864.
McMurray, John Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— killed at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
25
370 History of the Bucktaii^s
McMurtie, Theodore Private Mustered in August i8, 1861— transfer-
red to 41st Pennsylvania Volunteers,
January 10, 1862 — promoted to Adju-
tant— transferred to Veteran Reserve
Corps, October, 1863.
Martz, William H Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
March 9, 1863, on account of wounds
received at South Mountain, Septem-
ber 14, 1862.
Millspaugh, Oscar F Private Mustered in May 19, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, September 26,
1863.
Mitchel, Perry Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, June 10, 1863.
Morrison, James R Private Mustered in September 11, 1861 —
wounded at Spottsylvania Court
House, May 9, 1864 — transferred to
190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31. 1364-
Nutting, Charles C Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Page, William Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — ^mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864.
Powers, Patrick Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Quigley, George B Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, August I,
1862.
Rose, John P Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — killed at New
Market Cross Roads, June 30, 1862.
Runyan, Henry H Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Spottsylvania Court House, May 10,
1864 — absent, in hospital, at muster
out
Seaman, Dwight Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — transferred
to Company K, October 12, 1861.
Shawl, William H Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted, Au-
gust 2, 1862.
Silvemail, Calvin Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — died at
Damestown, Md., September 27, 1861.
Singleton, Theodore Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Steward, James Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — died of
wounds received at Antietam, Septem-
ber 17, i86a — date unknown.
Muster Roll — Company D 371
Struble, David Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— mustered out
with company, June ii, 1864.
Trask, Walter V Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, January 5,
1863.
Van Arsdale, William... Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— killed at
Wilderness, May 6, 1864.
Walker, James B Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— wounded at
New Market Cross Roads, June 30,
1862 — ^wounded at Second Bull Run,
July 30, 1862 — ^wounded at South
Mountain, September 14, 1862 — trans-
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps —
transferred from Veteran Reserve
Corps, May 21, 1864 — absent at mus-
ter-out.
Wallace, William Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, December 27,
1862.
Wedierman, Julius Private Mustered in July 26, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, August 10,
1862.
Whitlock, Samuel B Private Mustered in September 7, 1861 — dis-
charged, December 2, 1862, account of
wounds received at Antietam, Septem-
ber 17, 1862.
Whittaker, Joseph Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June n, 1864.
Williams, Prank M Private Mustered in September 11, 1861 — trans-
ferred to 190th Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, May 31, 1864.
Wood, Sylvester Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — transferred
to Veteran Reserve Corps — transferred
from Veteran Reserve Corps, May 21,
1864 — absent at muster-out.
York, Elias Private Mustered in August 4, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, June 2, 1862.
Young, John Private Mustered in August 2, 1861 — discharged
on account of wounds received at New
Market Cross Roads, June 30, 1862 —
date unknown.
COMPANY E.
RECRUITED AT WELLSBORO, TIOGA COUNTY, PA.
Muitcred in Majr 31, 1861, for three yean' icrTiGe.
Alanson E- Niles Captain Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, Jtine 26, 1862— promot-
ed to Major, March I, 1863.
Samuel A Mack Captain Mustered in May 31, 1861 — wounded at
South Mountain, September 14, 1862 —
promoted from znd-Lieutenant to ist-
Lieutenant, March i, 1863 — promoted
to Captain, June 14, 1863 — wounded at
Spottsylvania Court House, May 8-21,
1864 — mustered out with company,
June II, 1864.
Lucius Truman ist-Lieut. . .Mustered in May 29, 1861 — ^promoted to
Quartermaster, March i, 1863.
George A. Ludlow ist-Lieut. ..Mustered in May 31, 1861 — ^wounded at
Dranesville, December 20^ i85i — cap-
tured at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862
— ^wounded at South Mountain, Sq>-
tember 14, 1862 — ^wounded at Fred-
ericksburg, December 13, 1862 — pro-
moted from Sergeant to 2nd-Lieuten-
ant April 1, 1863 — promoted to ist-
Lteutenant, June 14, 1863 — discharged
September 26, 1863 — to Veteran Re-
serve Corps.
William Taylor ist-Lieut Mustered in May 31, 1861— piomoted
from Sergeant to 2nd-Lieutenant, Sep-
tember 10, 1862 — promoted to ist-Lieu-
tenant, October 10, 1863 — dismissed
April 28, 1864.
Jonathan V. Morgan Sergeant. ...Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Gaines' Mill, June 28, 1862 — wounded
at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863 — ^mustered
out with company, June II, 1864.
Muster Roi,i, — Company E
373
Lemuel Pause Sergeant .
Robert G. Christnot Sergeant.
Peter D. Walbridge Sergeant.
Jacob W. Huck Sergeant.
George W. Sears Sergeant.
Alfred Bardwell Sergeant.
George O. Derby Sergeant.
Caleb Fenton Sergeant .
Stephenson A. Campbell. Corporal.
..Mustered in May 31, 1861— absent at
muster-out.
..Mustered in May 31, 1861— captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862— trans-
ferred to Company E, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Vet-
eran—promoted to ist-Lteutenant—
killed at Petersburg, Va., June 17,
1864.
..Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862— wound
ed at Antietam, September 16-17, 1862
— wounded and captured at Bethesda
Church, May 30, 1864— transferred to
190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, J864 — Veteran — mustered out vaith
company, June i8, 1865.
..Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862— wound-
ed at Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863 — trans-
ferred to 190th Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, May 31, 1864— Veteran.
..Mustered in May 31, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, August 2,
1861.
.Mustered in May 31, i85i — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862— wound-
ed at South Mountain, September 14,
1862 — discharged. May 22, 1863, on ac-
count of wounds received at Freder-
icksburg, December 13, 1862.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — died.
May 22, 1864, of wounds received at
Spottsylvania Court House, May 8,
1864.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861 — wounded at
Second Bull Run, August 30^ 1862 —
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
374 History of the Bucktails
Edwin Roughton Corporal Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — wound-
ed at Second Bull Run, August 30,
1862 — to Veteran Reserve Corps —
transferred from Veteran Reserve
Corps, May 21, 1864 — absent at mus-
ter-out.
Wallace M. Moore Corporal... .Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862 — wounded
at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862
— wounded at Spottsylvania Court
House, May 8, '1864 — transferred to
190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
SI, 1864 — Veteran — wounded at Wel-
don railroad August 19, 1864.
James A. Christnot Corporal — Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — wound-
ed at Fredericksburg, December 13,
1862 — transferred to 190th Pennsylva-
nia Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran.
John C. Potts Corporal Mustered in June 8, 1861 — transferred to
190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864 — Veteran.
Robert Kelsey Corporal... .Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate, Janu-
ary 26, 1863.
Walton Williamson Musician Mustered in February I, 1864 — trans-
ferred to 190th Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, May 31, 1864.
Allen, Edwin R Private Mustered in May 31, 1861 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
absent, in hospital, at muster-out.
Anderson, Thomas L Private Mustered in May 31, 1861 — died at
Washington, D. C, September 26,
1862.
Bacon, Daniel Private Mustered in May 31, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, June 21, 1861.
Bacon, Morgan L Private Mustered in May 31, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, July 13, 1861.
Bassett, John J Private Mustered in May 31, 1^1— transferred to
190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864— Veteran.
MusTBR Roi<i. — Company E
375
Blackwell, William Private Mustered in August 7, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — trans-
ferred to igoth Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, May 31, 1864.
Boatman, William S Private Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — wound-
ed at Fredericksburg, December 13,
1862 — discharged on Surgeon's certifi-
cate, April 9, 1863.
Borden, Orasmus P Private Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — trans-
ferred to igoth Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran.
Bordon, Bela Private Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — wound-
ed at South Mountain, September 14,
1862 — discharged on Surgeon's certifi-
cate, January 4, 1863.
Burrell, Wesley Private Mustered in August 7, 1861 — transferred
to Company H, August 23, 1861.
Campbell, Samuel W Private Mustered in May 31, 1861 — wounded at
Dranesville, December 20, 1861 — dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate, Sep-
tember I, 1862.
Campbell, Washington. ..Private Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — cap-
tured at Second Bull Run, August 30,
1862 — wounded at Fredericksburg, De-
cember 13, 1862 — mustered out with
company, June 11, 1864.
Carney, Simon S Private Mustered in January 22, 1862 — transfer-
red to jgoth Pennsylvania Volunteers,
May 31, 1864 — Veteran.
Catlin, Lorenzo Private Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — wound-
ed at Fredericksburg, December 13,
1862 — to Veteran Reserve Corps —
transferred from Veteran Reserve
Corps, May 21, 1864 — absent at mus-
ter-out.
Chaplain, George W. ...Private Mustered in August 7, 1861— captured
at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — killed
at Spottsylvania Court House, May
10, 1864 — Veteran.
376
History of thb Bucktails
Clevdand, Martin V. . . Private .
Cole, Jacob Private.
Cook, George Private.
Corbin, Daniel Private .
Crossett, Martin Private.
Davis, Daniel G Private.
Decker, Isaac Private.
Dewey, Barzillia K Private. .
Eicholtz, Julius A Private.
English, John Private.
English, Winiam W Private.
Graves, Caleb Private.
. . Mustered in August 7. 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, October 27,
1862 — re-enlisted in Company M, 15th
New York (Engineers) — discharged
June 13, 1865.
..Mustered in March 18, 1862— discharg-
ed on Surgeon's certificate, November
3, 1862.
.-Mustered in August 7, 1861— killed at
Dranesville, December 20, 1861.
..Mustered in May 31, 1861 — wounded at
Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863 — discharged
April 25, 1864, on account of wounds
received in action.
■ Mustered in August 7, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, April 30, 1862,
on account of wounds received.
.Mustered in March 18, 1862 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, August 24,
1862.
.Mustered in August 7, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, October 14,
1862.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861 — wounded at
Dranesville, December 20, 1861 —
wounded at Wilderness, May 8, 1864 —
transferred to 190th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran — cap-
tured at Weldon railroad, August 19,
1864.
.Mustered in June 8, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, August 2,
1861.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861— transferred
to Company F, igoth Pennsylvania
Volunteers — date unknown — Veteran —
mustered out with company, June z8,
1865.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate. May 15, 1862.
Muster Roi,i. — Company E 377
Grow, Horace H Private Mustered in May 31, 1861— captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — to Vet-
eran Reserve Corps — ^transferred from
Veteran Reserve Corps, May 21, 1S64
— absent at muster-out.
Happy, Lewis Private Mustered in September 13, 1861— dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate, April
16, 1862.
Hoadley, Charles Private Mustered in August 7, 1861— captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — ^killed
at South Mountain, September 14,
1862.
Hogan, Richard Private Mustered in August 7, 1861— died at
Philadelphia, Pa., May 12, 1862.
Horn, John C Private Mustered in May 31, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, September 25,
1862.
Horton, Melvin R Private Mustered in May 31, 1861— deserted
July, 1861.
Huck, George Private Mustered in May 31, 1861— missing in
action at Wilderness, May 5, 1864.
Huck, Samuel Private Mustered in May 31, 1861— captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — ^wound-
ed at South Mountain, September 14,
1862 — captured at Fredericksburg, De-
cember 13, 1862 — mustered out with
company, June 11, 1864.
Jackson, Henry Private Mustered in August 7, 1861— captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — Skilled
at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
Johnson, Alonzo Private Mustered in August 7, 1861 — captured at
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862 — wounded
at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862
— transferred to igoth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864.
Kimball, Charles T Private Mustered in August 7, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, September 23,
1861.
Kimball, Chester F. Private Mustered in August 7, i86i — wounded
at Fredericksburg, December 13, i86a
— transferred to igoth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864.
378
History of the Bucktaii,s
Kinney, George A Private.
Kriner, Andrew J Private.
Kriner, George W Private.
Kriner, Henry Private.
Kriner, James C Private.
Lampman, DeWitt C. ..Private.,
McCabe, James Private.
McCarty, Henry H Private.
McGraflf, Lewis Private.
Manderville, Woster Private .
Martin, Thomas Private.
Mathews, John W Private.
..Mustered in August 7, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, September 23,
1861.
, . Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — wound-
ed at Fredericksburg, December 13,
1862 — ^wounded at Mine Run, Novem-
ber 26 — December 2, 1863 — ^mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861 — died at
Camp Pierpont, November 27, 1861.
.Mustered in August 7, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — wound-
ed at Fredericksburg, December 13,
1862 — died at Alexandria, Va., April
20, 1864.
.Mustered in August 7, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — trans-
ferred to 190th Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, May 31, J864— Veteran.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861 — wounded and
captured at Mechanicsville, June 26,
1862— discharged on Surgeon's certifi-
cate on accotmt of wounds received in
action— date unknown.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, November 27,
1861.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861 — died August
19, 1861.
.Mustered in August 7, i86i^«aptured at
Dranesville, December 20, 1861 — trans-
ferred to 190th Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, May 31, 1864.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, March 11,
1863 — re-enlisted as 2nd-Lieutenant in
Pennsylvania Militia.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — muster-
ed out with company, June 11, 1864.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861 — deserted,
July, 1861.
Muster Roi,i, — Company E
379
Meiner, Philip Private.
Metzgar, Amos C Private,
Morgan, William M Private.
Morrison, William Private
Hosier, Parish Private
Nott, Stephen Private
Ogden, Joseph R Private
Olmstead, James Private
Osbom, Edward Private
Mustered in June 9, 1861^-discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, February 21, 1862.
Mustered in May 31, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, February 23, 1862.
Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — died
February 2, 1864, in Libby Prison, of
wounds received at Fredericksburg,
December 13, 1862.
Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — trans-
ferred to igoth . Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran.
Mustered in May 31, 1861 — wounded at
Dranesville, December 20, 1861 — mus-
tered out with company, June 1 1, 1864.
Mustered in May 31, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, July 26, 1861.
Mustered in August 7, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, November 27,
1861.
Mustered in August 7, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, January 13,
1863.
Mustered in August 7, 1861 — wounded
at Dranesville, December 20, 1861 —
captured at Mechanicsville, June 26,
1862 — discharged on Surgeon's certifi-
cate, April 18, 1863.
Patterson, James M Private Mustered in June 3, 1861— discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, February 23, 1862.
Pitts, William L Private Mustered in May 31, t86i— transferred to
zgoth Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
SI, 1864 — Veteran.
Potter, Benjamin B. ...Private Mustered in May 31, 1861— wounded at
Dranesville, December 20, 1861— cap-
tured at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1863
— mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Ramsey, Joseph E Private Mustered in May 31, i86t— transferred
to Company H, 35th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, April sz, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, October 12,
1862.
380 History of the Bucktails
Readington, John Private Mustered in August 7, 1861 — transferred
to igoth Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864.
Roice, Edwin Private Mustered in May 31, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, June 21, 1861.
Roice, Ethial H Private Mustered in May 31, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, July 16, 1861.
Robert, Frederick Private Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — ^wound-
ed at Fredericksburg, December 13,
186a — ^wounded at Gettysburg, July 2-
3, 1863 — transferred to xgoth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Vet-
eran.
Roland, Henry C Private Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, i86a — muster-
ed out with company, June 11, 1864.
Rote, Henry I Private Mustered in May 31, 1861 — ^wounded and
captured ct New Market Cross Roads,
June 30, 1862 — killed at Fredericks-
burg, December 13, 1862.
Rothweiler, Peter Private Mustered in June 8, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — died
December 25, 1862, of wounds received
at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
Satterly, Samuel D Private Mustered in August 7, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, February 19,
1863.
Shuler, Abisah Private Mustered in May 31, 1861 — died at
Washington, D. C, December 29, 1862.
Simmons, Albert D Private Mustered in August 7, 1861 — transferred
to Company B, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864— Veteran-
captured at Weldon railroad, prisoner
from August 19, 1864, to March i, 1865
—discharged by General Order, June
12, 1865.
Smidley, William Private Mustered in August 7, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, date unknown.
Smhh, Thomas R. Private Mustered in August 7, 1861— died at
Damestown, Md., August 31, 1861.
Muster Roli, — Company E
381
Snyder, Jacob.
Spanogle, Peter B Private
Spicer, Asbury F Private
Starkweather, Joel Private
Stone, Eugene H Private
Stone, Orrin B Private
Stull, Robert Private
Sweet, Charles H PnVate
Sweet, Gustavus A Private
Totpey, Aaron B Private,
Vallance, Charles Private .
Private Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — ^wound-
ed at Fredericksburg, December 13,
1862 — transferred to 190th Pennsylva-
nia Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Vet-
eran.
.Mustered in June 8, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, January IS,
1863.
.Mustered in August 7, 1861 — deserted
May 28, 1863.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861 — ^killed near
Wilderness, May 13, 1864 — Veteran.
.Mustered in August 7, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — trans-
ferred to 190th Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, May 31, 1864.
.Mustered in March 18, 1862 — captured
at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 —
transferred to Company B, 190th Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 —
discharged March 22, 186$ — expiration
of term.
Mustered in August 7, 1861 — captured
at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 —
wounded at Second Bull Run, August
30, 1862 — discharged on Surgeon's cer-
tificate, February 25, 1863.
Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — killed
at South Mountain, September 14,
1862.
Mustered in May 31, 1861— captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — ^wound-
ed at Second Bull Run, August 30,
1862— discharged on Surgeon's certifi-
cate, October 6, 1862.
Mustered in May 31, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, January 22,
1864.
Mustered in August 7, i86i — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, September 6,
1862.
382
History of the Bucktails
Varner, Henry Private .
Vogan, John L Private.
Walters, Andrew J Private.
Walters, William H Private.
Warner, Abel S Private.
Warriner, James N. ...Private.
Waterman, Edwin S Private.
Weeks, Hiram Private.
Weidley, John H Private.
West, James M. Private .
West, Philetus A Private.
.Mustered in August 7, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, December 16,
1862.
.Mustered in June 8, 1861 — transferred
to igoth Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864 — Veteran.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — trans-
ferred to 190th Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — trans-
ferred to Company B, tgoth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Vet-
eran— captured at Weldon railroad,
prisoner from August 19, 1864, to
March 2, 1865 — discharged by General
Order, June i. 1865.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, January S,
1863.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, September 23,
1861.
. Veteran of the Mexican War — Mustered
in May 31, 1861 — wounded at South
Mountain, September 14, 1862 — absent,
sick, at muster out
.Mustered in August 7, 1861 — transferred
to Company A, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
prisoner from May 30 to December 6,
1864 — discharged by General Order,
June S9, 1865.
.Mustered in June 8, 1861 — transferred to
190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864— Veteran.
.Mustered in May 31^ 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — ^muster-
ed out with company, June 11, 1864.
.Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — trans-
ferred to 190th Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, May 31, 1864— Veteran.
MusTBR Roll — Company E 383
Whitmore, Cyrus Private Mustered in May 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — died at
Philadelphia, Pa., July 30, 1862.
Wilcox, Edwin Private Mustered in August 7, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — trans-
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps — date
unknown.
COMPANY F.
RECRUITED IN CARBON COUNTY, PA.
Muttered in May 29, 1861, for three yean' lenrice/
Captain Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
May 4, 1863.
Dennis McGee
John A Wolfe Captain Mustered in May sg, 1861 — transferred
and promoted from 2nd-Lieutenant,
Company G, to ist-Lieutenant, Febru-
ary I, 1863 — promoted to Captain, May
4, 1863 — promoted to Major 190th
Pennsylvania Volunteers, June 6, 1864
— wounded at Petersburg, June IT, 1S64
— mustered out with regiment, June
s8, 1865.
Hugh Mulligan ist-Lieut — Mustered in May 29, 1861 — resigned —
date unknown.
Henry D. Patton ist-Lieut. ..Mustered in August 13, 1861— promoted
to Quartermaster— date unknown.
Ernest Wright ist-Lieut Mustered in May 29, 1861— promoted to
2nd-Lieutenant, September 14, 1863 —
wounded at Fredericksburg, December
13, 1862 — promoted to ist-Lieutenant,
July I, 1E63— promoted to Adjutant,
igoth Pennsyhmnia Volunteers, June 6,
1864—brevetted Captain, April 1, 1865
— mustered out with regiment, June sS,
1865.
Charles BitterKng.
.2nd-Lieut... Mustered in May 29, 1861— killed at
South Mountain, September 14, 1862.
' The dates, on which several of the men in this company were mustered
in are not known with certainty. They are therefore not given.
3«4
MusTKR RoLi, — Company F
38s
Daniel Blett 2nd-L,ieut.
William H. Rauch ist-Sergt.
William Rehrig Sergeant .
John Sweeney Sergeant. .
Conrad Vogel Sergeant. .
Henry E. Swartz Corporal . .
Joseph Eyerley Corporal . .
George W. Lienell Corporal . .
William Marshall Corporal. .
George H. Mcintosh. .. .Corporal..
Joseph Shelly Corporal. .
Andrew Quinn Musician..
Henry Zundel Musician..
Armbruster, Fidel Private. . .
, .Mustered in May 29, 1861 — ^promoted
from ist-Sergeant, Company K, to
2nd-Lieutenant, July i, 1863 — ^wounded
Spottsylvania Court House May 8-21,
1864 — to znd-Lieutenant, 190th Penn-
sylvania Volunteers — died June 20,
1864, from wounds received near
Petersburg, June 17, 1864.
■ .Mustered in May 27, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
, . Mustered in July 8, 1861 — killed in ac-
tion— date unknown.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted —
date unknown.
. .Mustered in May 29, 1861 — ^killed in ac-
tion— date unknown.
. Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Antietam, September 16-17, 1862 — dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate, Sep-
tember, 1862.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864 — re-enlist-
ed in 2ioth Pennsylvania Volunteers —
captured at Petersburg, March eg, 186$.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
absent at muster out.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
— date unknown — on account of
wounds received at Second Bull Run,
August 30, 1862.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
by Special Order — date unknown.
. Killed at New Market Cross Roads, June
30, 1862.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861— deserted-
date unknown.
.Mustered in May 29, i86i — ^promoted to
Principal Musician, September, 1863.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861— wounded at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862— muster-
ed out with company, June 11, 1864.
26
386 History of the Bucktails
Beckwith, Nathaniel F.. .Private Discharged on Surgeon's certificate — date
unknown.
Beer, Philip Private Wounded — date unknown — wounded at
South Mountain, September 14, 1862 —
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Bierlingmeyer, George. ..Private Mustered in December 18, 1861 — dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate— date
unknown.
Bohn, Lawrence O Private Mustered out with company, June li,
1864.
Bott, George Private Wounded at Dranesville, December 20,
1861 — transferred to Veteran Reserve
Corps — date unknovm.
Boyle, Patrick Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted —
date unknown.
Brannon, John Private. Mustered in May 29, 1861 — killed at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
Brisbin, Dennis Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — ^mustered out
with company, June II, 1864.
Bryant, Thomas O Private Died — date unknown.
Buchanan, Andrew L.. . . Private Wounded and captured at Mechanicsrille
June 26, 1862 — died — date unknown.
Buchanan, Julius C Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Caden, John Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1S62 — discharg-
ed— date unknown.
Carnahan, Andrew Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — ^not on mus-
ter-out roll.
Carr, Patrick Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted —
date unknown.
Carroll, John Private Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps
— date unknown.
Chadwick, Everill V Private Mustered in December 31, 1861 — ^wound-
ed at New Market Cross Roads, June
30, 1862 — wounded at Gettysburg, July
2-3, 1863 — discharged on Surgeon's
certificate, December 31, 1864.
Connell, Thomas Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted,
June 22, 1861.
Connohan, John Private Died of wounds received at Frederickj-
burg, December 13, 1862.
MusTBR Raui, — Company F 387
Curtis, William Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— deserted-
date unknown.
Davis, Richard H Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— discharged
by Special Order — date unknown.
Deahn, John Private Mustered in December 18, 1861 — cap-
tured at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862
— mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Demiison, Eber Private Mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Dougherty, James Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— deserted-
date unknown.
Dougherty, Michael Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted —
date unknown.
Dugan, John Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded —
date unknown — mustered out with
company, June li, 1864.
Ebman, Frederick Private Mustered in May 29, i86i — discharged
by Special Order — date unknown.
Eickhoff, Ferdinand Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — ^muster-
ed out with company, June 11, 1864.
Eickho£F, George Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862 — mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864.
Fell, Stephen H Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Fenstermacher, John. .. .Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded
and captured at Savage Station, June
27, 1862 — discharged on Surgeon's cer-
tificate, June 25, 1863, on account of
wounds received in action.
Gable, Andrew Private Mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Gangover, Charles Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
by Special Order — date unknown.
Grisshaber, Anthony Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — ^muster-
ed out with company, June 11, 1864.
Haley, John Private Mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Hamlin, Patridc Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864.
388 History of the Bucktails
Hawk, Lynford Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864 — re-enlist-
ed in Company F, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers — captured at Weldon rail-
road— discharged by General Order,
June 16, 1865.
Heck, Isaac M Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — died — date
unknown.
Henry, William O Private Mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Hensh, Michael Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
Herman, Albert Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
New Market Cross Roads, June 30,
1862 — mustered out with company,
June II, 1864.
Hettinger, William Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Higgins, Edward L Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — ^wounded at
New Market Cross Roads, June 30,
1862 — captured at Malvern Hill — date
unknown — wounded at Wilderness,
May 5-7, 1864 — ^mustered out with com-
pany, June II, 1864.
Hills, John C Private Wounded at Fredericksburg, December
13, 1862 — transferred to Veteran Re-
serve Corps.
Hineline, Thomas Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
HoUenbach, John Private Mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
HoUenbach, Samuel Private Wounded at Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863
— mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Hooker, John M Private Discharged on Surgeon's certificate-
date unknown.
Hyatt, Charles Private Mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Janker, Theodore Private Discharged on Surgeon's certificate— date
unknown.
Jerman, David Private Mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
MusTSR Roll — Company F 389
Johler, John Private Discharged on Surgeon's certificate, date
unknown.
Kaiser, William Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
Kennedy, Patrick Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on account of wounds received at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
King, Martin Private Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps
— date unknown.
Kinsor, John W Private Mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Long, Patrick Private Wounded and captured at Mechanicsville
June 26, 1862 — ^wounded at Fredericks-
burg, December 13, 1862 — mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864.
Lucore, Stephen J Private Mustered in December 13, 1861 — dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate, Jan-
uary 23, 1864.
McCafFerty, John Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted —
date unknown.
McCullough, Francis Private Mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
McElroy, John Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted —
date unknown.
McShehan, Patrick Private Captured at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862
— deserted — date unknown.
Maloy, Barney Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted —
date unknown.
Mangold, Peter Private Died of wounds received at South Moun-
tain, September 14, 1862.
Matthews, James Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded and
captured at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862
— mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Melvin, John S Private Mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Meyers, John Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
39© History op thS Bucktails
MJddler, Charles Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— discharged
May 31, 1862— account of wounds re-
ceived at Dranesville, December 20,
1861.
Miller, Ernest Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate— date un-
known.
Munson, Henry Private Mustered in December 18, 1861— mus-
tered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Osman, John Private Captured at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862
— ^mustered out with company, June li,
1864.
Oviatt, John W Private Killed at Mechanicsville, June a6, 1862.
Pike, Alphonso A Private Mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Ramaly, Lewis Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted —
date unknown.
Rehr, William F. Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— wounded at
Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863— mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864.
Reynolds, John Private Mustered in June 4, i85i— transferred
from Company B — date unknown— de-
serted.
Rhoades, Moses Private Mustered in May ag, i86t — deserted-
date unknown.
Robbins, William D Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — killed at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
Schofield, Courtland Private Mustered in May 2g, 1861— died— date
unknown.
Scott, Thomas V. Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — transferred
to Veteran Reserve Corps— date un-
knowH.
Seelinger, Frank Private Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps-
date unknown.
Shannon, Philip Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — transferred
to Veteran Reserve Corps — date un-
known.
Sheiry, Stephen Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, i86a— died —
date unknown.
Shirmer, William Private. . . . .Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate — date unknown.
Muster Roli, — Gjmpany F 391
Shlaffly, Christian Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— killed at
South Mountain, September 14, 1862.
Smith, Williston Private Discharged on Surgeon's certificate-
date unknown.
Snulty, Charles Private Mustered in December 18, 1861— mus-
tered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Sullivan, Daniel Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — dis-
charged on account of wounds re-
ceived at Fredericksburg, December 13,
1862.
Sutter, Frederick Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
Trout, Charles Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on account of wounds received at Sec-
ond Bull Run, August 30, 1862.
Vogel, John Private Discharged on Surgeon's certificate —
date unknown.
Ward, James Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — died — date
unknown.
Waters, Peter Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — killed at Get-
tysburg, July 2-3, 1863.
Whalin, Michael Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— deserted-
date unknown.
Wertz, Aaron Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted-
date unknown.
Yohler, John Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— not on mus-
ter roll.
Zundel, George Private Mustered in December 18, 1861 — desert-
ed— date unknown.
COMPANY G.
RECRUITED IN ELK AND TIOGA COUNTIES, PA.
Mustered in May 29, 1861, for three years' service.
Hugh McDonald Captain Veteran of the Mexican War — mustered
in May 29, 1861 — wounded at Gettys-
burg, July 2, 1863 — mustered out with
company, June 11, 1864 — brevetted
Major, March 13, 1865.
Jesse B. Doan ist-Lieut. . .Mustered in May 29, 1861 — resigned.
January 11, 1862.
Thomas B. Winslow ...ist-Lieut Mustered in May 29, 1861 — promoted
from Private to ist-Lieutenant, Janu-
ary II, 1862 — ^wounded at Harrison-
burg, June 6, 1862 — captured at Cat-
lett's Station, August 22, 1862 — ^wound-
ed at Fredericksburg, December 13,
1862 — mustered out with company,
June II, 1864.
Andrew J. Sparks 2nd-Lieut.. . Mustered in May 29, 1861 — ^resigned,
April 21, 1862.
John A. Wolfe 2nd-Lieut.. .Mustered in May 29, 1861 — promoted
from Sergeant to 2nd-Lieutenant,
April 23, 1862— promoted to isbLieu-
tenant. Company F, February i, 1863.
John C. Luther 2nd-Lieut. . . Mustered in July 27, 1861 — captured at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
promoted from Sergeant to 2nd-Lieu-
tenant, March 11, 1863— captured at
Bethesda Church, May 30, 1864— dis-
charged March 12, 1865.
Seth Keys Sergeant. . .Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
392
Muster Roll — Company G 393
James B. Thompson Sergeant Mustered in June 8, 1861— captured at
Bethesda Church, May 30, 1864—
transferred to Company I, igoth Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 —
Veteran — promoted to Jst-Lieutenant
Company F, June 6, 1864 — promoted
to Captain, March l, 1863 — brevetted
Major, March 13, 1865 — mustered out
with company, June 28, 1865.
James McCoy Sergeant — Mustered in July 27, 1861 — captured at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
transferred to Company G, 190th
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864
— Veteran — promoted to ist-Lieuten-
ant — commissioned Captain, September
iQ, 1864 — not mustered — captured —
— discharged by Special Order, May
IS, 1865.
Charles G. Shearer ....Sergeant Mustered in May 29, 1861 — transferred
to Company G, igoth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
promoted to ist-Sergeant — mustered
out with company, June 28, 1863.
Richard E. Looker Sergeant Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862 — captured
at Catlett's Station, August 22, 1862 —
wounded at Spottsylvania Court
House, May 11, 1864 — transferred to
Company G, igoth Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran — ab-
sent, wounded, at muster out.
John C. Cole Sergeant Mustered in July 2, 1861 — died June 11,
1862, of wounds received at Harrison-
burg, June 6, 1862.
Dennis Fuller Sergeant Mustered in August 2, 1861 — killed at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
Charles B. Wright Sergeant. ... Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted
October 11, 1861.
Norman C. Bundy Sergeant — Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted, Au-
gust 8, 1861 — returned May 8, 1863 —
discharged May I2, 1865.
394
History oP the Bucktails
Arnold B. Lucore Corporal.
Thomas J. Stephenson . .Corporal.
Elijah S. Brookins Corporal.
John McNeil Corporal..
Samuel S. Coldwell Corporal.
John H. Evans Corporal..
John Looney Corporal. .
John C. Wray Corporal. .
Ryan, Thomas H Corporal..
Joseph Welsh Musician.
Arts, John P Private. . ,
..Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Fredericksburg, December 13, i86a —
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
..Mustered in May 29, 1861 — ^wounded at
Antietam, September 16-17, 1862 —
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
. . Mustered in July 27, 1861 — transferred
to Company G, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
wounded near Petersburg, June IJ,
1864 — mustered out with company,
June 28, 1865.
. .Mustered in May 29, 1861 — transferred
to Company G, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
died — date unknown — of wounds re-
ceived in action.
..Mustered in July 27, 1881 — captured at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps
— date unknown.
. . Mustered in May 29, i86i — died at Har-
risburg, July I, 1861.
. .Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Catletfs Station, August 22, 1862—
killed at Fredericksburg, December 13,
1862.
. .Mustered in July 27, 1861 — died at Har-
risburg — date unknown.
. .Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Antietam, September 16, 1862 —
wounded at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863
— mustered out with company, June
II, 1864.
..Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mastered
out with company, June 11, 1864.
. .Mustered in May 29, 1861 — missing at
Bethesda Church, May 30, i864r-
transferred to Company G, 190th
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31,
1864 — died of wounds received in ac-
tion, June t6, 1864— Veteran.
Muster Roi,l — Company G 395
iailey, Harrison C Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged—
July 21, 1862, on account of wounds
received at Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862.
Jarr, Wesley W Private Mustered in November i, 1862— killed
at Spottsylvania Court House, May 9,
1864.
3atenian, Levi Private Mustered in November i, 1862 — trans-
ferred to Company G, igoth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — mus-
tered out with company, June 28, 1865.
Benson, Simon B Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate. May S, 1862.
Bighanik Lafayette Private Mustered in July 27, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, December,
1862.
Sundy, Clinton A Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— wounded at
Spottsylvania Court House, May 10,
1864 — transferred to Company G, 190th
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31,
1864 — Veteran — mustered out vrith
company, June s8, 1865.
Burnet, Napoleon Private Mustered in February 10, 1864 — trans-
ferred to Company G, igoth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May. 31, 1864—
wounded — absent at muster out.
^rl, Andrew Private Mustered in November i, 1862 — trans-
ferred to Company G, igoth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — cap-
tured— died at Salisbury, N. C, Octo-
ber 2g, 1864.
Carpenter, Alvin C. ...Private Mustered in May 29, 1S61 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, July, 1861.
Zass\6a.y, James Private Mustered in July 27, 1861 — died March
7, 1862.
[^hase, William H Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — ^transferred
from Company A, September i, r86i —
discharged — date unknown — on ac-
count of wounds received at Catlett's
Station, August 22, 1862.
396
History of the Bucktaii,s
Cllne, Marcus Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— captured at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
transferred to Company G, igoth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31,
1864 — Veteran — wounded near Peters-
burg, April 6, 1865 — mustered out with
company, June s8, 1865.
Coleman, Charles K. ...Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — died Sep-
tember 23, 1862, of wounds received at
South Mountain, September 14, 1862.
Cordes, Frederick G. ...Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — transferred
to Company G, igoth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
mustered out with company, June zS,
1865.
Cummings, James C. ...Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — transferred
to Company G, jgoth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
mustered out with company, June z8,
1865.
Dailey, John F Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Wilderness, May 7, 1864— mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864.
Daniels, William Private Blustered in July 27, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, July 11, 1862.
Davis, Abraham S Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — died, July 3,
1863, of wounds received at Gettys-
burg, July 2, 1863.
Davis, Orlando P Private Mustered in July 27, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
DeBeck, Allen C Private Mustered in July 27, 1861 — captured at
Bethesda Church, May 30, 1864—
transferred to Company G, igoth
Pennsylvania Volunteers — Veteran —
prisoner from May 30 to December 13,
1864 — mustered out with company,
June 38, 1865.
DeBeck, George C Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Cross Keys, June 8, 1862 — wounded at
Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863 — ^wounded
at Spottsylvania Court House, May 13,
1864 — mustered out with company,
June II, 1864.
Muster Roll — Company G 397
Doan, Edward Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted,
June, 1861.
Elder, James H Private Mustered in July 27, 1861— discharged
— date unknown — on account of
wounds received at South Mountain,
September 14, 1862.
English, George W Private Mustered in July 27, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, November 18,
1862.
Farley, Joseph Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
transferred to Company G, ie)oth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864
— Veteran — mustered out with com-
pany, June 28, 1865.
Fuller, Benjamin Private Mustered in July 27, 1861 — died Febru-
ary II, 1863.
Furlong, Thomas Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Dranesville, December 20, 1861 — mus-
tered out May 28, 1864.
Garrison, Justus J Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, November 28,
1862.
Garrison, Tartulas J. . . .Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — ^mustered out
with company June 11, 1864.
Graham, Andrew J Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Antietam, September 16-17, 1862 —
discharged on Surgeon's certificate,
December 10, 1862.
Graham, James A Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— deserted,
August 4, 1861.
Gross, James Private Mustered in July 27, 1861 — transferred
to 6th United States Cavalry, October
38, 1862.
Gross, Thomas A Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
Henderson, David M. ..Private Mustered in May 29, 1881— discharged
by sentence of General Court Martial,
February 16, 1862.
Hoffman, Joseph N Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— captured at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862—
killed at Spottsylvania Court House,
May 12, 1864.
398 HlSTOKY OF THE BuCKTAItS
HoUingshead, James A.. Private Mustered in February lo, 1864— trans-
ferred to Company G, igoth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — mus-
tered out with company, June s8, 1865.
HoUis, James H Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, July 22, 1861.
Holly, Alanson Private Mustered in July 27, 1861— died Febru-
ary IS, 1864.
Holly, Floyd Private Mustered in July 27, 1S61— transferred
to Company G, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864—Veterai^—
mustered out with company, June z8,
1865.
Imes, John Private Mustered in July 4, 1861— wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, i86a —
transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps
— died — date unknown.
Ireland, Benjamin Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
— date unknown— on account of
wounds received at Harrisonburg,
June 6, 1862.
Johnston, Thomas B. ..Private Mustered in May 29, i86i — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Kearni, Albert Private Mustered in July 27, 1861 — not on mus-
ter-out roll.
Keller, Reuben Private Mustered in July 27, i86i — transferred
to Company G, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
absent, on furlough, at muster out.
Kelly, Martin Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — killed at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862.
Knecht, William Private Mustered in November i, 1862 — tratu-
ferred to Company G, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Vet-
eran— absent, on furlough, at muster
out.
Leeman, John A. Private Mustered in July 26, 1861 — wounded at
Antietam, September 16-17, 1862— dis-
charged— date unknown — on account
of wounds received in action.
MusTSR RoLi^ — Company G 399
Leeman, John W Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1861—
■ wounded at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863
— mustered out with company, June
II, 1864.
Lenish, Reuben W Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, August 2,
1861.
Lewis, Lewis Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — ^not on mus-
ter-out roll.
Lukens, Charles Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, July 22, 1861.
McCoy, Michael Private Mustered in July 27, 1861— discharged
by re-enlistment.
McDonald, James Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, December I,
1862.
Mahlen, Allen Private Mustered in June 8, 1861— discharged
May 24, 1863, on account of wounds
received at Fredericksburg, December
13, 1862.
Marginson, Cyrus Private Mustered in July 27, 1861— killed at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862.
Miller, John W Private Mustered in November i, 1862— *ro»M-
f erred to Company G, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — died
of wounds received in action, June i,
1864.
Montgomery, Thos. T... Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, December 4,
1862.
Nolin, Daniel Private ,Mustered in July 27, 1861— committed
suicide, May 3, 1862.
Norwood, George R. ...Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— deserted-
date unknown.
Padget, Rufus Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— deserted,
June, 1863.
Price, George H Private Mustered in June 8, 1861— transferred
to 6th United States Cavalry, October
s8, 1862.
Quay, Marshall Private Mustered in May 29, 1S61— transferred
to Company G, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864— Veteran-
mustered out with company, June e8,
1865.
400 History op the Bucktahs
Rawley, James Private Mustered in June 27, 1861 — captured a1
Catlett's Station, August 22, 1862—
transferred to Company G, 190th
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864
— discharged July 27, 1864 — expiration
of term.
Reinhart, John Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded al
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862 — discharg-
ed August 21, 1862, on account o\
wounds received in action.
Reinwald, Augustus Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
March 21, 1863, on account of wounds
received at South Mountain, Septem-
ber 14, 1862.
Robbins, Cyrus Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1BIS3— trans-
ferred to Company G, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Vet-
eran— mustered out with company,
June 28, 1865.
Robinson, Francis H. ..Private Mustered in November i, 1862 — trans-
ferred to Company G, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — died
March 2i, 1865.
Sawyer, Edward D Private Mustered in July 27, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, December 4,
1861.
Scott, George W Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — ^mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864
Shaffer, George Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, March 10,
1864
Sharrer, Robert L Private Mustered in February i, 1864 — trans-
ferred to Company G, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — mus-
tered out with company, June 28, 1865.
Shiley, John Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, July, 1863.
Showers, John Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted,
August I, 1861.
Muster RotL — Company G 401
Simers, Andrew J Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
transferred to Company G, iQOth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864
— Veteran — mustered out with com^
pany, June 28, 1865.
Sparks, Benjamin Private Mustered in July 27, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, September 14,
1861.
Spencer, John A Private Mustered in July 27, 1861 — skilled at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
Stark, Watson L Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, January 30,
1863.
Stephens, Elhannan Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
transferred to Company G, 190th
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864
— Veteran — died at Washington, D.
C, April 10, 1865.
Stewart, Jackson Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— wounded at
Antietam, September 16-17, 1862— dis-
charged January 30, 1863, on account
of wounds received in action.
Struble, John W Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
transferred to Company G, 190th
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864
— Veteran — promoted to Corporal,
April 1, 1865 — mustered out with com-
pany, June z8, 1865.
. Mustered in May 29, 1861— died, October
26, 1861.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861— killed at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862.
.Mustered in July 27, 1861— wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862—
died July 11, 1863.
.Mustered in July 27, i86i— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
»7
Sullivan, Jeremiah . .
...Private
Sylin, Willard
...Private
Tilson, Ezra P
...Private
Tubbs, Nathan H. . .
...Private
402 History of the Bucktaim
Varner, Jesse D Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
Wanzel, Christian Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
wounded and captured at Bethesda
Church, May 30, 1864— transferred to
Company G, 190th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers— Veteran — prisoner from May
30 to December 11, 1864 — mustered out
with company, June sS, 1865.
Warner, William Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — absent, on
detached duty, at muster out.
Warner, William D. ...Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted,
June 29, 1863.
Warton, James W. Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, i86a —
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864-
Watkins, William D. ..Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — ^killed by ac-
cident at Alexandria, November I,
1862.
Wenrick, John Private Mustered in July 27, 1861 — ^killed at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
Whitehead, Joel H Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — absent, on
detached duty, at muster out
Willey, Lawrence Private Mustered in December I, 1863 — trans-
ferred to Company G, igoth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — de-
serted, February 20, 1865.
Winilow, R. C Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — ^not on mus-
ter-out roll
Woodruff, Hiram Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— killed at
Gettysburg, July 2, 1863.
COMPANY H.
RECRUITED AT KENNETT SQUARE, CHESTER COUNTY, PA.
Miiitered in May 28, 1861, for three years' aervice.
Charles F. Taylor Captain.
John D. Yerkes Captain.,
Chandler Hall ist-Lieut..
Thomas J. Roney ist-Lieut..
Evan P. Dixon 2nd-Lieut.
Joel J. Swayne 2nd-Lieut.
Robert Maxwell and-Lieut.
W. Sylvester Guthrie... ist-Sergt..
Allen S. Goodwin ist-Sergt..
.Mustered in May 28, 1861 — captured at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862 — wounded
at Fredericksburg, December 13^ 1862
— commissioned Colonel, March i, 1863.
.Mustered in May 28, 1861— promoted
from Sergeant to ist-Lieutenant 1861
— promoted to Captain 1863 — wound-
ed at Gettysburg, July 2, 186^— dis-
charged July II, 1864 — brevetted Ma-
jor, March 13, 1865.
•Mustered in May 28, 1861— promoted to
Captain and Acting Quartermaster,
United States Volunteers, August 3,
1861.
•Mustered in May 28, 1861— promoted
from Sergeant to ist-Lieutenant, 1863
—wounded at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863
—mustered out with company, June
II, 1864.
. •Mustered in May 28, 1861— resigned, No-
vember 3, 1861.
. .Mustered in May 28, 1861— died at Har-
risburg of wounds received at Harri-
sonburg, June 6, 1862.
..Mustered in May 28, 1861— promoted
from Sergeant to 2nd-Lieutenant, 1863
— died of wounds received at Wilder-
ness May 8, 1864.
• •Mustered in May 28, 1861— mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
. •Mustered in May 28, 1861— mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
403
History of the Bucktails
iard Beeby . .
)b W. Pierce
. ist-Sergt.
. ist-Sergt.
les Dixon West Sergeant. .
ed Best Corporal..
ed Bahel Corporal .
;on Williams Corporal. .
in A. Howell Corporal..
I J. Donahoe Corporal..
eas Malin Corporal. .
)h P. Young Corporal. .
in Baker Corporal..
. .Mustered in May 28, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
. .Mustered in May 28, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, August 20,
1861.
..Mustered in August 16, 1861 — wounded
at Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862 — pro-
moted to Corporal— date unknown —
promoted to Sergeant — date unknown
— transferred to Company H, 190th
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864
— Veteran — promoted to ist-Lieuten-
ant — captured at Weldon railroad, Au-
gust 19, 1864 — mustered out with com-
pany, June 28, 1865.
• •Mustered in May 28, 1861 — wounded at
Catlett's Station, August 22, 1862 —
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
• ■Mustered in May 28, 1861 — ^mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864.
' •Mustered in May 28, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
' -Mustered in May 28, 1861 — discharged
August 25, 1862, on account of wounds
received at Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862.
• Mustered in May 28, i86i — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, November 12,
1862.
• Mustered in May 28, i86i — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, December 8,
i863^
• Mustered in July 22, i86t— transferred
to Company H, 190th Pennsyhnnia
Volunteers, May 31, 1864— discharged
July 22. 1864— expiration of term.
•Mustered in July 22, 1861— wounded at
Antietam, September 16-17, 1862—
wounded at Fredericksburg, Decembei
13, 1862— transferred to Company H,
190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864— discharged July 22, 1864-
piration of term.
Muster Roll — Company H 405
Aaron Baker Corporal.. . .Mustered in May 28, 1861 — wounded at
South Mountain, September 14, i86a
— wounded at Fredericksburg, Decem-
ber 13, 1862 — ^killed at Spottsylvania
Court House, May 12, 1864.
Richard Watson Musician. ..Mustered in May 28, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Alcott, David Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, July 2, 1863.
Archer, Lea T Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — transferred
to Company H, igoth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
promoted to Corporal, June 13, 1865 —
mustered out with company, June 28,
1865.
Bahel, Thomas Private Mustered in August 6, 1862 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, April 29, 1863.
Bahel, William Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Baker, Evan H Private Mustered in August 9, 1862 — wounded
at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862
— transferred to Company H, 190th
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864
discharged on Surgeon's certificate,
June 24, 1864.
Baker, William Private Mustered in August 15, 1862— promoted
to Sergeant-Major, July 29, 1863.
Barben, Joel M Private Mustered in August 3, i9&2— transferred
to Company H, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864— prisoner
from August 19, 1864, to March 2, 1865
— discharged by General Order, June
6. 1865.
Best, Andrew A Private Mustered in August 6, 1862— wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
wounded at Wilderness, May 57, 1864
—transferred to Company H, 190th
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864
— transferred to Veteran Reserve
Corps, January 25, 1865.
4o6 History of the Bucktails
Best, Thomas F Private Mustered in August 6, 1862— wounded
date unknown — transferred to Com-
pany H, jgoth Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, May 31, 1864— discharged by
General Order June Z, 1865.
Billis, James C Private Mustered in May 28, 1861— transferred
from Company K, November i, 1861 —
captured at Bethesda Church, May 30,
1864 — transferred to Company H, 190th
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864
— Veteran^
Birtsell, Edward Private Mustered in August 7, 1861 — transferred
to Company H, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
promoted to Corporal — captured — died
at Salisbury, N. C, December 15, 1864.
Bockius, Charles Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — wounded at
South Mountain, September 14, i86a
— mustered out with company, June
II, 1864.
Boozer, Charles Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
wounded at Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863
— wounded at Spottsylvania Court
House, May 8-21, 1864 — transferred to
Company H, 190th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran — dis-
charged February i, 1865 — for wounds
received at Spottsylvania Court House.
Brecht, Jonathan Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864.
Briggs, William Private Mustered in August 7, i86i — transferred
to Veteran Reserve Corps — date un-
knOTim.
Brink, John B Private Mustered in October 3, 1861— wounded
at Dranesville, December 20, 1861 —
wounded at Fredericksburg, December
13, 1862 — discharged on Surgeon's cer-
tificate, April 20, 1863.
Brink, Taylor Private Mustered in October 3, 1861 — died at
Alexandria, Va., March 16, 1864.
Muster R01.1, — Company H
407
Brown, George W. Private .
Burrell, Wesley Private.
Butler, James Private.
Carter, Harlin H Private.
Cessna, Martin Private.
Chad wick, John Private.
Chadwick, Jos. P Private.
Chambers, Pusey E. ...Private.
Chandler, Thomas Private.
Cook, Adolphus Private.
.Mustered in August 7, 1861 — captured
at Catlett's Station, August 22, 1862—
wounded at Fredericksburg, Decem-
ber 13, 1862 — mustered out with com-
pany, June II, 1864.
.Mustered in August 7, 1861 — ^transferred
from Company E, August 23, 1861 —
discharged on Surgeon's certificate,
April 23, 1863.
.Mustered in August 2, 1862 — killed at
Antietam, September, 1862.
.Mustered in March 27, 1862 — wounded
at Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862 — ^killed
at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
.Mustered in July 22, 1861 — transferred
to Company H, igoth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
captured March 15, 1864 — mustered
out ■with company, June 28, 1865.
.Mustered in January 14, 1862 — trans-
ferred to Company H, igoth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Vet-
eran—mustered out with company,
June 28, 1865.
.Mustered in May 28, 1861 — transferred
to Company H, igoth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
mustered out with company, June 28,
1865.
.Mustered in May 28, 1861 — transferred
to Company H, igoth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
.Mustered in May 28, 1861 — captured at
Catlett's Station, August 22, 1862—
transferred to Company H, igoth Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 —
Veteran — died at Annapolis, Md., De-
cember ig, 1864.
.Mustered in May 28, 1861 — captured at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862— wounded
and captured at Fredericksburg, De-
cember 13, 1862— absent, sick, at mus-
ter out.
4o8
History of the Bucktails
Coover, Andrew Private Mustered in August S, 1862 — killed at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
Coyle, James Private Mustered in August i, i86i — captured
at Catlett's Station, August 22, i86a—
captured at Fredericksburg, December
13, 1862 — transferred to Company H,
igoth Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864— discharged July ai, 1864—
expiration of term.
Cramer, Hiram Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — died July 11,
1863, of wounds received at Gettys-
burg, July 3, 1863.
Cramer, Jacob Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — captured at
Catlett's Station, August 22, 1862 — dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate, March
4, 1863-
Davidson, Edward S. ..Private Mustered in August 15, 1862 — trans-
ferred to l^th Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, May 31, i86a— prisoner from
August 19, 1864, to March 8, 1865—
discharged by General Order, June if,
1865.
Davis, George W Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — transferred
to Company H, 190th Pennsylznmia
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
mustered out with company, June J8,
Z865.
Davis, Marshall Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — died May
29, 1864, of wounds received at Spott-
sylvania Court House, May 12, 1864.
Douglas, Benjamin Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate. May 10, 1862.
Drummond, James Private Mustered in September 5, 1862 — trans-
ferred to Company H, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — 06-
sent, wounded, at muster out.
Duddy, William B Private Mustered in May 28, i86i — transferred
to 190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864 — Veteran.
Durgan, Thomas Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — ^mustered
out with company, June 11, 1861.
Fogg, Elbridge B Private Mustered in May 28, 1861— mustered out
with company. June 11, 1864.
Muster Roli, — Company H 409
Foreman, Maris H Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — transferred
to United States Signal Corps, Sep-
tember 17, 1863.
Freel, James Private Mustered in August 16, 1861— died at
Philadelphia, Pa., January 25, 1864.
Freel, Lorenzo D Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — captured at
Catlett's Station, August 22, 1862—
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Cause, Lewis T Private Mustered in May 28, 1861— captured at
Cattlett's Station, August 22, 1862—
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Cause, William T Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — captured at
Wilderness, May 7, 1864 — absent, in
Confederate prison, at muster out.
Cilmore, Richard T. ...Private Mustered in August 20, 1862— killed at
Gettysburg, July 2, 1863.
Clisson, Alfred Private Mustered in August 6, 1862 — wounded
at Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863 — trans-
ferred to Company H, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — dis-
charged by General Order, June 2,
1865.
Goodwin, Daniel Private Mustered in July 22, 1861— wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
transferred to 190th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864 — discharged
July 21, 1864 — expiration of term.
Grace, James Private Mustered in May 28, i86i — ^wounded at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862 — discharg-
ed April, 1863, on account of wounds
received at South Mountain, Septem-
ber 14, 1862.
Greenfield, Edward ....Private Mustered in May 28, 1861— wounded at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862 — trans-
ferred to igoth Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran — killed
at Cold Harbor.
Crier, Robert W Private Mustered in August S, 1862— transferred
to Company H, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864— died July
II, 1864.
4IO History op the Bucktaii,s
Gross, Ellis P Private Mustered in August S, 1862 — transferred
to Company H, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — accidentally
killed at Weldon railroad, Va., Decem-
ber 16, 1864.
Gross, Thomas P Private Mustered in August 16, 1861 — captured
at Catlett's Station, August 22, 1862 —
transferred to Contpany H, 190th
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864
— Veteran — prisoner from August 19,
1864, to April 17, 1865 — discharged by
General Order, June 9, 1865.
Hanson, Thomas Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — died Septem-
ber IS, 1862.
Hardy, Ross Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — ^mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864.
Harrigan, William Private Mustered in October 3, 1861— died July
30, 1863, of wounds received at Get-
tysburg, July 2, 1863.
Hunter, William C Private Mustered in May 21, 1861 — promoted to
Quartermaster-Sergeant, August 7,
1861.
Huss, Samuel Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — wounded at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862 — discharg-
ed on Surgeon's certificate, February
9. 1863.
Jackson, Edward P. ...Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — deserted,
June 21, 1861.
Jackson, John A Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, January 12,
1862 — re-enlisted — wounded.
Jackson, William W. ..Private Mustered in August 19, 1862 — trans-
ferred to Company H, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — dis-
charged by General Order, June t,
1865.
Jacquette, Isaac G Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — wounded at
Chantilly, September i, 1862— dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate, Sep-
tember IS, 1862.
John, Lewis S Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, January 26,
1862.
Muster Roi,!^ — Company H
4"
Kiiig, William T Private.
Land, Thomas B Private.
Leedam, Isaac Private.
.Mustered in March 1 1, 1862 — transferred
to Company H, igolh Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864— captured—
died at Salisbury, N. C, January 9,
1865 — burial record Thomas King, Jan-
uary 22, i86s.
.Mustered in May 28, 1S61— transferred
to jgoth Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864 — Veteran — promoted to Cor-
poral— transferred to Veteran Reserve
Corps — date unknown.
.Mustered in August i, 1861 — captured at
South Mountain, September 14, 1862 —
transferred to 190th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, X864— Veteran —
promoted to Corporal, January 12, 1865
— discharged by General Order, June
21, 1865.
Lynch, James H Private Mustered in May 28, 1861— wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862—
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
McClurg, Alex. A Private Mustered in August 23, 1862 — killed at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
McCuUough, Geo. W. ..Private Mustered in August 7, 1861 — transferred
to Veteran Reserve Corps — date un-
known.
Maines, Thomas B Private Mustered in May 28, l86l — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Mann, Persifer F. Private Mustered in August 6, 1862 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, June 2, 1863.
Milner, George D Private Mustered in September 6, 1862 — wound-
ed at Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863 —
transferred to Company H, 190th Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 —
captured — died at Salisbury, N. C,
September 17, 1864.
Milner, Robert Private Mustered in July 22, i86a — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, May iS^ 1863.
Montgomery, John H... Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864.
412 History of th? Bucktails
Oskins, John E Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — transferred
to Company H, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
mustered out with company, June 28,
1865.
Oskins, Robert Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, April, 1862.
Page, George W Private Mustered in August 20, 1862 — killed at
Bethesda Church, May 30, 1864.
Peirce, William Private Mustered in May 28> 1861 — discharged
July, 1862, on account of wounds re-
ceived at Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862.
Penhollow, Charles Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — killed at Get-
tysburg, July 2-3, 1863.
Penhollow, Henry Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — discharged
February 28, 1863, on account of
wounds received at Harrisonburg,
June 6, 1862.
Pennington, Thos. L. ..Private Mustered in August 6, 1862 — died De-
cember 24, 1862, at Richmond, Va., of
wounds received at Fredericksburg,
December 13, 1862.
Perry, Thomas Private Mustered in May 28I, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Pettingill, Robert B. ...Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — transferred
from Company K, October 12, 1861 —
deserted July 27, 1862.
Pratt, Edward Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — deserted Au-
gust 7, 1861.
Pusey, Joshua Private Mustered in August 23, 1862 — discharged
March 18, 1863, on account of wounds
received at Fredericksburg, December
13. 1862.
Rentz, Frederick Private Mustered in August I, 1861 — deserted
November, 1861.
Rigdon, John Private Mustered in May 28, 1861— killed at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1863.
Rigdon, William Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate — date unknown.
Raman, Joseph A Private Mustered in August 16, t86i— wounded
at South Mountain, September 14, i86a
— discharged December so, t86z, to ac-
cept promotion in Company G, 6tk
Maryland Volunteers.
Muster Roll— Company H
413
Romig, George W Private.
Sherman, Roger Private.
Smith, George Private.
Starr, Jeremiah J Private.
Steigleman, Henry C. ..Private.
Steigleman, John W. ...Private.
Stevens, Henry C Private.
Stroble, Henry Private.
Taggart, Robert Private.
Taylor, Alfred Private.
..Mustered in May 28, 1861 — captured at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
wounded at Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863
— transferred to Company H, igoth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864
— Veteran — promoted to Corporal —
promoted to Sergeant, June 13, 1865 —
mustered out with company, June 28,
1865.
..Mustered in May 28, 1861 — promoted to
Sergeant-Major, July 20, 1861.
. . Mustered in May 28, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, August 7,
i86i.
..Mustered in May 28, 1861 — captured at
Catlett's Station, August 22, 1862 — pro-
moted to Hospital Steward, July 2p,
1863.
..Mustered in May 28, 1861 — captured at
Catlett's Station, August 22, 1862 —
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
.Mustered in November 13, i86i — cap-
tured at Catlett's Station, August 22,
1862 — transferred to Company H, jgoth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864
— Veteran — promoted to Corporal —
promoted to Sergeant, June 13, 1865 —
prisoner from August 19, 1864, to
March i, 1865 — mustered out with
company, June i8, 1865.
.Mustered in May 28, 1861 — transferred
to Veteran Reserve Corps — date un-
known.
.Mustered in August I, 1861 — wounded at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862 — trans-
ferred to Company H, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Vet-
eran— absent, sick, at muster out.
. Mustered in May 28, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, August 7, 1861.
.Mustered in May 28, 1861 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
414
History ot the Bucktails
Taylor, Elwood Private.
Taylor, Isaac Private.
Taylor, James Private .
Taylor, John Private.
Taylor, William Private.
Temple, Benjamin F. ..Private.
Urban, Charles H Private.
Watts, William Private.
Way, Lindlqr E Private.
.Mustered in May 38, 1861— wounded at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862— mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864.
.Mustered in May 28, i?6i— transferred
to Company H, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864— Veteran-
absent, sick, at muster out.
.Mustered in August 11, 1862 — died De-
cember, 1862.
.Mustered in May 28, 1861— missing at
Chantilly, September 5, 1862— died at
Alexandria, Va., June 11, 1865.
• Mustered in August i, i86z— trans-
ferred to Company H, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Vet-
eran—discharged by General Order.
June z, 1865.
..Mustered in May 28, 1861 — deserted De-
cember, 1861.
..Mustered in August i, 1861 — trans-
ferred to Company H, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — V^~
eran — prisoner from August 19, 1864,
to Marth 2, 1865— discharged by Gen-
eral Order, June 9, 1865.
..Mustered in September 3, i2&2— trans-
ferred to 190th Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, May 31, 1864— died March 18,
1865.
..Mustered in August 7, 1862 — transferred
to Company H, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864— prisoner
from August 19, 1864, to March 21,
1865— discharged by General Order,
June 9, 1865.
West, Joseph D Private.
.Mustered in August 16, 1861 — discharged
November zi, 1861, to accept prona-
tion.
AAThite, Henry C Private Mustered in May 28, 1861— discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, January I, 1862.
Widdoes, Heli Private Mustered in February 25, 1864— not on
muster-out roll.
Muster Roll — Company H
41S
Williamson, Francis . . . Private Mustered in August 12, 1862 — transferred
to igoth Pennsylvomia Volunteers, May
31, 1864.
Wilson, Samuel G. Private Mustered in August 6, 1862 — discharged
March 7, 1863, on account of wounds
received at Fredericksburg, December
13. 1862.
Woodward, Milton Private Mustered in March 11, 1862 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
Yunkin, Edward Private Mustered in September 3, 1862 — discharg-
ed July I, 1863 — on account of wounds
received at Fredericksburg, December
13. 1862.
COMPANY I.
RECRUITED IN MCKEAN COUNTY, PA.
Muitered in May 30, 1861, for three years' service.'
William T. Blanchard .. Captain Mustered in May 30, 1861 — wounded at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862 — resigned
December i, 1862 — Captain, Veteran
Reserve Corps, September 6, 1863.
Frank J. Bell Captain Mustered in May 30, 1861 — wounded at
Antietam, September 17, 1862 — pro-
moted from ist-Lieutenant to Captain,
March i, 1863 — wounded at Gettys-
burg, July 2-3, 1863 — discharged Octo-
ber 19, 1863 — to Veteran Reserve Corps
— brevetted Major.
R. Fenton Ward ist-Lieut Mustered in May 30, 1861 — promoted
from Hospital Steward to 2nd-Lieu-
tenant, July i, 1862 — wounded at Fred-
ericksburg, December 13, 1862 — ^pro-
moted to ist-Lieutenant March i, 1863
— transferred to Company I, 190th
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31,
1864.
Bruce A. Rice 2nd-Lieut. .Mustered in May 30, i86i — ^wounded at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862 — died June
14, 1862, of wounds received at Cross
Keys, June 8, 1862.
Richard A. Rice znd-Lieut. .Mustered in May 30, 1861 — captured at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
promoted to 2nd-Lieutenant May i8»
1863 — wounded— date unknown — mus-
tered out with company, June 11, 1864.
* The dates on which several of the men in this company were mustered in
are not known with certainty. They are therefore omitted.
416
Muster Roi,i, — Company I
417
Edward D. Curtis ist-Sergt..
William J. Kibbe ist-Sergt..
A. Gilman Foster Sergeant...
Lorenzo B. Prosser Sergeant..
Angelo M. Crapsey . . . Sergeant.. .
A. Famham Sergeant...
Charles O. Bee Sergeant . .
John K. Haffey Sergeant. .
Ernest Rice Sergeant..
Peter B. Porter Corporal.. ,
Henry L- Duel Corporal..,
Solomon S. King Corporal.,
•Mustered in May 30, 1861 — wounded at
Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863 — discharged
on account of wounds.
.Mustered in May 30, 1861 — died Septem-
ber 18, 1862, of wounds received at
South Mountain, September 14, 1862.
.Mustered in May 30, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
.Mustered in May 30, 1861 — captured at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
.Mustered in May 30, 1861 — wounded and
captured at Fredericksburg, December
13, 1862 — discharged — date unknown.
.Mustered in May 30, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, August 6,
1861.
.Mvistered in May 30, 1861 — wounded and
captured at Fredericksburg, December
13, 1862 — died January 14, 1863, of
wounds.
.Mustered in May 30, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, February 22,
1863.
.Honorably discharged — date unknown.
• Mustered in May 30, 1861 — transferred
to Company I, igoth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
absent, sick, at muster out.
.Mustered in May 30, 186 1 — ^wounded and
captured at Catlett's Station, August
22, 1862 — transferred to 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Vet-
eran— promoted to Sergeant — wounded
— date unknown — mustered out with
company, June sS, 1865.
.Mustered in May 30, 1861 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
transferred to Company I, 190th Petu^-
sylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 —
Veteran — promoted to Sergeant —
wounded at North Anna River, Va.,
May S3, 1864 — absent, in hospital, at
muster out.
28
4i8
History of the Bucktails
Wallace W. Brewer
Joseph D. Barnes
Henry J. Hadley . . .
Frederick C. Holmes
Ferdinand Kilburn .
Alton, James T
Ames, Joseph A. . .
Austin, Charles M.
Austin, John
Austin, Joseph
Babcock, Horace G.
Bard, Leslie S.
.Corporal.... Mustered in May 30, 1861 — wounded at
Antietam, September 17, 1862 — mus-
tered out with company, June 11, 1864.
.Corporal.... Mustered in May 30, 1861 — ^wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
.Corporal.... Mustered in May 30, 1861 — killed at
Cross Keys, June 8, 1862.
.Corporal.... Mustered in May 30, 1861 — died June
14, 1862, of wounds received at Har-
risonburg, June 6, 1862.
.Musician.. .Mustered in May 30, 1861 — wounded at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862 — ^mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864.
.Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — ^wounded at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862 — discharg-
ed on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
.Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — died — date
unknowa
.Private Mustered in May 30, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
.Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — transferred
to Company 1, 190th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran — pris-
oner from August 19, 1S64, to March
2, 1865 — discharged by General Order,
June 21, 1865.
.Private Mustered in August 13, 1861 — trans-
ferred to Company I, 190th Pennsylva-
nia Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran
— promoted to Corporal — mustered out
with company, June 28, 1865.
.Private Mustered in August 13, 1861 — trans-
ferred to Company I, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — cap-
tured— died at Salisbury, N. C, Febru-
ary 20, 1865.
.Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — wounded at
South Mountain, September 14, 1B62 —
discharged — date unknown.
Muster RolI/ — Company I 419
Barnes, Thomas Private Mustered in August 13, 1861— wounded
at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863— muster-
ed out with company, June 11, 1864.
Beckwith, Samuel R. ..Private Mustered in August 13, 1861 — wounded
at Cross Keys, June 8, 1862 — promoted
to ist-Sergeant Company G, isoth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, September
2, i86z — commissioned znd-Lieittefumt,
June 15, 1863 — not mustered — mustered
out with company, June 23, 1865.
Belknap, Josiah B Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — transferred
to 190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864— Veteran.
Berts, Samuel Private Mustered in iday 30, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
Blanvelt, James O Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — transferred
to Battery A, 43rd Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers— date unknown.
Bloom, Hero Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — killed at
South Mountain, September 14, 1862.
Both, Jacob Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
Bridge, Wesley J Private Transferred to Company I, 190th Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, May 3X, 1864 —
mustered out with company, June sS,
1865 — Veteran.
Briggs, George W Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — transferred
to Company I, ipoth Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864— discharged by
General Order, June 16, 1865 — Veteran.
Brigham, Dwight W. ..Private Mustered in May 30, 1S61— transferred
to Veteran Reserve Corps — date un-
known.
Brown, W. Wallace Hosp.-St Mustered in May 16, rfdi— transferred
from 23rd New York Volunteers, 1861
— transferred to Company C, Decem-
ber, 1861.
Buchanan, Andrew L. ..Private Mustered in May 30, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
Campbell, George A. ...Private Mustered in August 13, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
420 History of the Bucktails
Case, Dennis Private Discharged on Surgeon's certificate —
date unknown.
Clark, Charles h Private Mustered in August 13, 1861 — on detach-
ed service at muster out
Close, Peter Private Mustered in August 13, 1861 — ^wounded
at Antietam, September 17, 1862 — ^mus-
tered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Clyens, Patrick H Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — ^killed at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
Coates, John R Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Cobbett, James W Private Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps —
date unknown.
Colegrove, Alpha W Private Mustered in August 13, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, December 13,
1861.
Comforth, Columbus ..Private Mustered in August 13, 1861 — wounded
and captured at Fredericksburg, De-
cember 13, 1862 — discharged June 6,
1863.
Crandall, Frank B Private Mustered in August 13, 1861 — wounded
at Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862.
Crossmire, Derrick V... Private Mustered in May 30^ 1861 — wounded at
Second Bull Run, August 30, 1862 —
transferred to Company I, igotk Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 —
Veteran — absent, sick, at muster out.
Crow, Jacob Private Discharged on Surgeon's certificate —
date unknown.
Culp, Cornelius Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — ^wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
wounded at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863 —
mustered out with company, June it,
1864.
Curtis, Nelson M Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — transferred
to Company I, zpoth Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran — mus-
tered out with company, June sS, 186$.
Curtis, William J Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate— date un-
known.
Dale, William L Private Mustered in May 30, 1861— killed at Har-
risonburg, June 6, 1862.
Muster Roti, — Company I 421
Danforth, L. Byron ...Private Mustered in May 30. 1861— transferred
to igoth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Mas
31, 1864 — Veteran — mustered out with
company, June 28, 1865.
Demars, Joseph Private Mustered in May 30, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
kno\m.
Dickinson, Chas. W. ...Private Mustered in August 13, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, October 16,
1861.
Edson, Edwin W Private Mustered in May 30, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
EUithorpe, P. G Private Mustered in May 30, 1861— died of
wounds received at Gettysburg, July
2-3, 1863.
Essington, John M Private Mustered in May 30, 1S61— transferred
to Company D, 34th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers— promoted to Sergeant — dis-
charged by order of War Department,
August 31, 1862.
Fanning, Elisha P Private...,. Mustered in May 30, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate— date un-
known.
Parr, G. Milton Private Mustered in August 13, 1861— killed at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862.
Fish, J. A Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — transferred
to Battery A, 43rd Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers— date unknown.
Freeman, B. Hill Private Mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Gould, Hosea H Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
Hamlin, Samuel C Private Mustered in May 30, 1861— wounded—
discharged — date unknown.
Hammond, Henry J. ..Private Mustered in August 13, 1861 — ^wounded
at Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862 — dis-
charged— date unknown.
Hayter, Joseph Private Killed at Fredericksburg, December 13,
1862.
Heiglei, Albert Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — wounded and
captured at Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862.
422 History ot the Bucktails
Hoop, Alfred T Private Mustered in August 13, 1861 — trans-
ferred to igoth Pennsylvomia Vohm-
teers. May 31, 1864— Veteran.
Horton, Samuel M. ...Private Mustered in May 30, 1861— captured at
Catlett's Station, August 22, i86a—
wounded at Fredericksburg, December
13, 1862 — transferred to Veteran Re-
serve Corps — June 14, 1S64.
Howard, Elijah N Private Mustered in August 13, 1861— wotmded
at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862
— mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Inglesby, Russell Private Mustered in May 30, 1861— wounded at
Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862 — discharg-
ed— date unknown.
Jewett, Sheldon Private Mustered in August 13, 1861 — wounded
and captured at Second Bull Run, Au
gust 30, 1862 — mustered out with com-
pany, June II, 1864.
Johnson, James L Private Discharged on Surgeon's certificate —
date unknown.
Keach, Robert M Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
Keener, Joseph Private Mustered in August 13, 1861 — died Au-
gust 25, 1862, of wounds received in
action.
King, Frank Private Mustered in August 13, 1861— wounded
and captured at Gaines' Mills, June 27,
1862 — transferred to 190th Pennsylva-
nia Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran.
Knapp, William A Private Mustered in August 13, 1861— on detach-
ed service at muster out
Lafferty, William A. ...Private Mustered in August 13, 1861— wounded
at Antietam, Septend>er 17, 1862 —
wounded at Fredericksburg, December
13, 1862— transferred to Zf)otk Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864—
mustered out August 13, 1864,
Lain, Robert T Private Mustered in August 13, 1861— wounded
at Dranesville, December 20^ 1861 —
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Muster Roll — Company I 423
Landregan, James Private Mustered in May 30, 1861— mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Lawrence, Charles B. ..Private Discharged on Surgeon's certificate-
date unknown.
Leher, John Private Discharged on Surgeon's certificate-
date unknown.
Little, Joseph Private Mustered in May 30, 1S61— transferred
to Company 1, 190th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
wounded at Five Forks, April I, 186$
— absent at muster out.
Losey, Frederick C Private Wounded at Antietam, September 17,
1862 — discharged — date unknown.
Lovell, P. C Private Mustered in May 30, 1S61— transferred
to Battery A, 43rd Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers— date unknown.
Magee, Henry Private Mustered in May 30, 1861— killed at
South Mountain, September 14, 1862.
Mains, John R. Private Discharged on Surgeon's certificate-
date unknown.
Mapes, Alonzo Private Mustered in August 13^ 1861— wounded
at Fredericksburg, December 13, i86z
— discharged — date unknown.
Mason, William Private Mustered in May 30, 1S61 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate — date unknown.
Maxson, William M. ..Private Killed at South Mountain, September 14,
1862.
Melison, Charles Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — ^wounded at
Cross Keys, June 8, 1862 — discharged
— date unknown.
Miles, Wistar W Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — deserted —
date unknown.
Moses, C. L. Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, September 13,
1861.
Mulvaney, Chas Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — captured at
Catlett's Station, August 22, 1862 —
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Mulvaney, William Private Mustered in May 30, 1861— mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Newpher, James Private Mustered in August 13, 1861 — died Octo-
ber 6, 1862, of wounds received at
South Mountain, September 14, 1862.
424 History of thb BucKTAn,s
Nichols, Nathaniel S... Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — died — date
unknown.
Northrop, A. Delos Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — died Septem-
ber 17, 1862, of wounds received at
South Mountain, September 14, 1862.
Page, William Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — transferred
on detached service — date unknown.
Rice, Charles P Private Mustered in August 13, 1861 — wounded
at Catlett's Station, August 22, 1862 —
wounded at Antietam, September 17,
1862 — mustered out with company,
June II, 1862.
Richardson, William ..Private Mustered in August 13, 1861 — wounded
at Harrisonburg, June 6, 1862— dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate— date
unknown.
Rifle, William H Private Mustered in August 13, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — October 20,
1862.
Robbins, Charles H Private Wounded at Harrisonburg, June 6, i86a
— wounded at Gettysburg, July 2-3,
1863 — mustered out with company,
June II, 1864.
Seamans, Eli B Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — ^transferred
to Company A, June, 1861.
Sherwood, Forrest Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — killed at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
Simons, Edgar S Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — deserted —
date unknown.
Smith, Anson P Private Mustered in August 13, 1861 — wounded
— discharged on Surgeon's certificate,
September 16, 1861.
Smith, Dennis T Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — on detached
service at muster out.
Smith, Frank T Private Discharged on Surgeon's certificate —
date unknown.
Snyder, Wesley J Private Mustered in August 13, 1861 — ^wounded
at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862
—discharged on Surgeon's certificate —
date unknown.
Muster Roll — Company I 425
Southwick, Samuel G. ..Private Mustered in August 13, i86i— fronj-
f erred to Company I, igoth Pennsylva-
nia Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran
captured — discharged by General Or-
der, June 21, 1863.
Taylor, George W Private Mustered in May 30, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
Townsmd, A. D Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — transferred
to Battery A, 43rd Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers— date unknown.
Treat, Benjamin A Private Mustered in May 30, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
Turpin, A. Jackson ...Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — deserted —
date unknown.
Vandyne, Curtis M. ...Private Discharged on Surgeon's certificate —
date unknown.
Walters, Augustus A. ..Private Mustered in May 30, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Weed, Calvin H Private Mustered in August 13, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date vm-
known.
Wells, Edgar W Private Mustered in May 30, 1S61— transferred
to iQoth Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864 — Veteran — captured at W el-
don railroad, August 19, 1864 — dis-
charged by General Order, May 24,
1865.
West, Franklin Private Mustered in May 30, 1861— died June 14,
1862, of wounds received at Cross
Keys, June 8, 1862.
Whalen, John Private Mustered in May 30, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate — date un-
known.
White, George O Private Mustered in August 13, 1861— mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864.
COMPANY K.
RECRUITED AT CURWENSVILLE, CLEARFIELD COUNTY, PA.
Muitered in May 29, 1861, for three years' wrrice.
Edward A. Irvin Captain Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862— com-
missioned Lieutenant-Colonel, Septem-
ber 10, 1862.
James M. Welch Captain Mustered in May 29, i86i — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — ^wound-
ed at Antietam, September 16-17, i86a
— promoted from 2nd-Lieutenant to
Captain, March 21, 1863 — transferred
to Veteran Reserve Corps, June iS,
1863.
W. Ross Hartshome ...ist-Lieut Mustered in May 29, 1861 — attached to
Signal Corps — ^promoted to Adjutant,
February, 1862.
John P. Bard ist-Lieut Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — ^promot-
ed from Sergeant to ist-Lieutenant,
March 17, 1863 — ^mustered out with
company, June 11, 1864 — hrevetted
Captain, March 13, 186$.
David C. Dale 2nd-Lieut. .. Mustered in May 29, 1861 — promoted
from Sergeant to 2nd-Lieutenant,
March 23, 1862 — captured at Mechan-
icsville, June 26, 1862— died February
17, 1863.
MusTSR Roi,i/— Company K 427
John Elliott Kratzer .,.2nd-Lieut... Mustered in May 29, 1861— captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — ^promot-
ed to 2nd-Lieutenant, February 17, 1863
— wounded at Gettysburg, July 2-3,
1863— promoted to Captain, Company
H, zgoth Pennsylvania Volunteers —
Veteran — captured at Weldon railroad,
prisoner from August ig, 1864, to Feb-
ruary 22, 1865 — mustered out with
company, June 28, 1865.
Thomas J. Thomson ist-Sergt. ..Mustered in May 29, 1861— captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — ^wound-
ed at Fredericksburg, December 13,
1862 — transferred to Company K, 190th
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864
— Veteran — promoted from ist-Ser-
geant to ist-Lieutenant, July 20, 1864
— mustered out with company, June
28, 1865.
Lewis Hoover ist-Sergt.. .Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — muster-
ed out with company, June 11, 1864.
Daniel Blett ist-Sergt. . .Mustered in May 29, 1861— captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — trans-
ferred and promoted to 2nd-Lieuten-
ant. Company F, July i, 1863.
John H. Norris ist-Sergt. ..Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — trans-
ferred to Company H, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Vet-
ercm — promoted to 2nd-Lieutenant —
captured — resigned January 28, 1865.
James F. Ross ist-Sergt. . .Mustered in May 29, i86i^aptured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — trans-
ferred to Company K, igoth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Vet-
eran— mustered out with company,
June !&, 1863.
William G. Addleman . .ist-Sergt. ..Mustered in May 29, 1861— wounded at
Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863 — discharged
May 24, 1864, on account of wounds
received in action.
James G. Hill Sergeant Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, May 8, 1863.
428
History o? the Bucktails
Edmund M. Curry GirporaL.
William F. Wibon Corporal..
Robert G. McCracken . .Corporal..
Alexander Robertson ...Corporal..
David M. Glenn Corporal..
Cortez Bloom Corporal. .
Abram Carson Corporal..
Samuel Reed Corporal.
Amos Swift CorporaL.
John Lemon Corporal..
John H. Wilson Corporal..
Peter C. McKee CorporaL
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded and
captured — date unknown — mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June II, 1864.
•Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 —
mustered out with company, June ir,
1864.
.Mustered in May 29, i86i — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — wound-
ed—date unknown — mustered out with
company, June 11, 1864.
, . Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — dis-
charged November 28, 1862, on ac-
count of wounds received in action.
..Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — wound-
ed and captured at Fredericksburg, De-
cember 13, 1862 — discharged March 6,
1863, on account of wounds received
in action.
..Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — wound-
ed at Fredericksburg, December 13,
1862 — discharged April 23, 1863, on ac-
count of wounds received in action.
..Mustered in July 31, 1861 — trmuf erred
to Company K, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veterans-
captured — died at Salisbury, N. C,
February 3, i86s— burial record, Jan-
uary 4, 1865.
. .Mustered in May 29, 1861 — promoted to
Commissary-Sergeant, January i, 1863.
. . Mustered in May 29, i86i^<lied Decem-
ber 9, 1861.
. . Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — mus-
tered out with company, June ri, 1864.
Muster Roll — Company K 429
John H. Coulter Musician... Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
I<orenzo D. Hile Musician. . . Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 1 1, 1864.
Addleman, John Private Mustered in October 3, 1861 — captured
at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — trant-
ferred to Company K, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — trans-
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps — date
unknown.
Bailey, Zachariah Private Mustered in May 26, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — ^muster-
ed out with company, June 11, 1864.
Bard, Richard J Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, November 20,
1861.
Barnes, John F Private Mustered in July i, 1861 — wounded at
Dranesville, December 20, 1861 — troms-
ferred to Company K, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Vet-
eran— mustered out with company,
June 28, 1865.
Barr, James L Private Mustered in March 21, l85l — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, December 3,
1862.
Billis, James C .Private Mustered in May 28, 1861 — ^transferred
to Company H, November I, 1861.
Bloom, Arnold Private Mustered in October 3, 1861 — captured
at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 —
wounded at Spottsylvania Court
House, May 12, 1864 — transferred to
190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31. 1864.
Bloom, Enos Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — ^wound-
ed at Wilderness, May 5-7, 1864— mus-
tered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Bloom, Isaiah Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — muster-
ed out with company, June 11, 1864.
Brink, John B Private Mustered in February 29, 1864— «ronj-
f erred to Company K, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — mus-
tered out with company, June z8, 1865
— Veteran.
430
History of the Bucktails
Broomatl, Joseph . .
Chase, Frank
Chatham, David R.
Clark, Charles M. . .
Cogley, Heniy
Conklin, Thomas . .
Connelly, Jacob . . . .
Conner, Arthur
Cummings, William S.
Cupples, Andrew J. . .
Derrick, William G. . .
Doughman, Gideon P.
Dunn, Manning S.
.Private Mustered in October 3, 1861— killed at
South Mountain, September 14, 1862.
, .Private Mustered in July i, 1861 — deserted, April
13. 1862.
..Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — trans-
ferred to United States Signal Corps,
August S9, 1862— captured at Second
Bull Run, August 30, 1S62.
..Private .Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, August i<^
1861.
..Private Mustered in May 31, 1861— captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, i86a — ^muster-
ed out with company, June 11, 1864.
.Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — muster-
ed out with company, June 11, 1864.
.Private Mustered in February 29, 1864 — trans-
ferred to Company K, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — pris-
oner front August 9, 1864, to April 20,
1865 — mustered out vnth company,
June 28. 1865.
.Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, November I,
1862.
.Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — ^killed
at Antietam, September 17, 1862.
.Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded at
Wilderness, May 7, 1864 — absent at
muster out.
. Private Mustered in March 28, 1864 — transferred
to 190th Pennsylvania Volunteers, May
31, 1864.
.Private Mustered in October 3, 1861 — captured
at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate, De-
cember II, 1862.
, .Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded and
captured at Fredericksburg, December
13, 1862 — mustered out with company,
June ir, 1864.
Muster Roll — Company K
431
Ennis, Levi Private .Mustered in May 29, 1861— wounded at
Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863 — mustered
out with company, June 11, 1864
Flanigan, James Private Mustered in July 31, 1864— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, November 21,
1S61.
Fleming, Francis A Private Mustered in October 3, 1861— wounded
at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862
— discharged on Surgeon's certificate —
date unknown.
Fleming, Robert R Private Mustered in February 29, 1S64— trans-
ferred to Company K, ipoth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — dis-
charged by General Order, June 8
1865.
Fogle, Adam Private Mustered in February 9, 1864 — trans-
ferred to Company K, igoth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — dis-
charged for wounds received in action.
May 30, 1864.
Frantz, A. Harrison Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — died at
Belle Isle, Va., July 15, 1862.
Frantz, James Private. .. ..Mustered in October 3, 1861 — captured
at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate, March
ID, 1863.
Frantz, M. F Private Mustered in October 3, 1861 — deserted
December i, 1862.
Freeze, Israel Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — wound-
ed at Second Bull Run, August 30,
1862 — discharged on Surgeon's certifi-
cate, May 30, 1863.
Glenn, James Private Mustered in November 18, 1S61 —
wounded at Dranesville, December 20,
1861— <lischarged May 16, 1862, on ac-
count of wounds received in action.
Groff, Charles M Private Mustered in March 28, 1864— wounded
at Wilderness, May 5-7, 1864 — trans-
ferred to Company K, igoth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — trans-
ferred to Company B, December, 1864.
432 History of the Bucktails
Granger, Burton Private Mustered in May ap, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — wound-
ed at Second Bull Run, August 30,
1862 — died October 2, 1862, of wounds
received in action.
Gunsalus, Samuel Private Mustered in March 28, 1864 — transferred
to Company K, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — discharged
by General Order, June 15, 1865.
Halcomb, Edward Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — ^transferred
to Company D, October 12, 1861.
Hall, Charles Private Mustered in July 31, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — skilled
at Antietam, September 17, 1862.
Hall, Ellis J Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — mustered out
with company, June 11, 1864.
Hall, Henry J Private Mustered in July 31, 1861 — transferred
to Company K, 190th Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Veteran —
discharged by General Order, June 2,
1865.
Haslet, John W Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — ^wound-
ed at Gettysburg, July 2-3, 1863 —
transferred to Company K, 190th Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864—
Veteran — promoted to snd-Lieutenant,
June 6, 1864 — discharged by General
Order, to date May 15, 186$.
Hennigh, William Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mecham'csville, June 26, 1862 — wound-
ed at Fredericksburg, December 13,
1862— killed at Wilderness, May 7,
1864.
Henry, James Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — killed at
Second Bull Run, August 29, 1862.
Henry, John Private Mustered in October 3, 1861— captured
at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 —
transferred to Company K, 190th
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864
— Veteran — mustered out with com-
pany, June e8, 1865.
Muster Roll — Company K 433
Henry, Joseph K. Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, July 20, 1861.
Hockenbury, Casper . . . Private Mustered in October 3, 1861— discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, April ig, 1862.
Honitter, Thomas Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, June 26, 1862.
Hosford, William B. ...Private Mustered in July i, 1861— captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate, De-
cember, 1862.
Humphrey, Thomas Private Mustered in October 3, 1861 — captured
at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 —
wounded at Antietam, September 16-
17, 1862 — discharged on Surgeon's cer-
tificate, December, 1862.
Humphrey, William W.. Private Mustered in July i, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate, April
20, 1863.
Irvin, Austin Private Mustered in July i, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — died
March 6, 1863.
Jagers, Peter Private Mustered in July 31, 1861 — transferred
to Company D, November i, 1861,
Kingston, Samuel Private Mustered in July 31, 1861— discharged
January 20, 1862, on account of wounds
received in action.
Knapp, George W Private Mustered in July i, 1861— died Septem-
ber 23, 1862, on board transport from
Richmond.
Krateer, John Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— captured at
• Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862— killed
at Second Bull Run, August 30, 1862.
Littlefield, Frost Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862— muster-
ed out with company, June 11, 1864.
Lower, Cyrus B Private Mustered in October 27, 1S63— transfer-
red to Company K, 190th Pennsylva-
nia Volunteers, May 31, 1864— promot-
ed to Corporal— prisoner from May 30,
to June 15, 1864 — mustered out with
company, June z8, 1865— Veteran.
*9
434
History of the Bucktaii,s
McClenahan, Hiram ...Private.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — transferred
to Company C, 44th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, November i, 1861 — promoted
to Corporal, January 1, 1863 — promoted
to ist-Sergeant, March i, 1862 — pro-
moted to ist-Lieutenant, February 13,
1863 — wounded July 17, 1863 — muster-
ed out with company, September 9,
1864.
McCloskey, Nathaniel A..Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — died Novem-
ber 28, 1861.
McCrum, Charles R. ...Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, April 11, 1862.
McCullough, David Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted De-
cember 8, 1862.
McDonald, Alexander ..Private Mustered in October 3, 1861 — captured
at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 —
transferred to Company K, 190th Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 —
Veteran — mustered out with company,
June s8, 1865.
McDonald, George W. . .Private.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — trans-
ferred to Company K, 190th Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — Vet-
eran— prisoner from August 19, 1864,
to May 14, 1865 — discharged by Gen-
eral Order, June 5, 1865.
McDonald, Isaiah Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — mus-
tered out with company, June 11, 1864.
Mason, Casper P Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, April 10, 1863.
Montonya, Andrew J. ..Private Mustered in May 29, 1861— captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — died
May, 1864, of wounds received in ac-
tion.
Morrow, Ephraim Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — transferred
to United States Signal Corps, Au-
gust, 1861.
Muster RoLt— Company K
435
Morrow, Francis E Private.
Mortimer, Samuel Private.
Moyer, John Private.
O'Leary, George Private.
Pettingill, Robert B. ...Private.
Pifer, Peter Private.
Rex, Reuben I Private.
Riley, Thomas Private.
Rish, John Private.
Ross, Robert W Private.
Scott, George B Private.
.Mustered in July I, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — ^wound-
ed at South Mountain, September 14,
1862 — transferred to Company K, igoth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31, 1864
— discharged, expiration of term.
• Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — ^wound-
ed at Fredericksburg, December 13,
1862 — discharged, September 10, 1863,
on account of wounds received in ac-
tion.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, January i,
1862.
.Mustered in July i, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, November 20,
1861.
■ Mustered in May 28, 1861 — transferred
to Company H, October 12, 1861.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, July 30, 1862.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — wounded —
date unknown — discharged on Sur-
geon's certificate, June 11, 1862.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862— killed at
South Mountain, September 14, 1862.
.Mustered in May 29, i86i — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — died
June II, 1864, of wounds received at
Bethesda Church, May 30, 1864.
.Mustered in October 3, 1861 — captured
at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 —
wounded at Antietam, September 16-
17, 1862 — died January 7, 1863, of
wounds received in action.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — wound-
ed at Fredericksburg, December 13,
1862 — discharged February 9, 1863, on
account of wounds received in action.
436 History op the Bocktahs
Seaman, Dwight Private Mustered in May 29, 186 1 — transferred
from Company D, October 12, 1861 —
deserted — date unknown.
Shaver, Daniel Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — wound-
ed and captured at Second Bull Run,
August 30, 1862 — discharged April 20,
1863, on account of wounds received in
action.
.Mustered in May 28, 1864 — transferred
to Company K, igoth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, May 31, 1864 — mustered
out with company, June sS, 1865.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, December 22,
1862.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862— killed at
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861— captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862— dis-
charged on Surgeon's certificate — date
unknown.
.Mustered in July 21, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, November 19,
1862.
.Mustered in May 29, 1861 — transferred
to United States Signal Corps, August
23, 1863.
.Mustered in October 3, 1861 — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, September I,
1862.
Mustered m May 29, i86r — discharged
on Surgeon's certificate, September 22,
1861.
Mustered in May 29, 1861 — deserted. Au-
gust 7, 1861.
Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862— wounded
at Fredericksburg, December 13, i86»—
mustered out with company, June 11,
1864.
Shaver, Jesse E. ...
...Private
Shirk, Joseph
...Private
Smith, D. Porter ...
...Private
Smith, Philander ...
. ..Private
Souders, Abel
...Private ]
Spargo, Peter
...Private
Spence, James
..Private ]
Spencer, Joseph G. . ,
...Private 1
Spencer, William H. ,
...Private ]
Straux, Edward D. .,
...Private 1
Muster Ror,!,^ — Company K
437
Taylor, George W.
Williams, Daniel P.
Williams, James M.
Williams, Joseph . .
.Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — captured at
Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 — wound-
ed at Fredericksburg, December 13,
1862 — discharged May 25, 1863, on ac-
count of wounds received in action.
. Private Mustered in May 29, 1861 — discharged on
Surgeon's certificate, December 22,
1862.
.Private Mustered in February 27, 1864 — died
May, 1864, of wounds received in ac-
tion.
.Private Mustered in October 3, 1861 — captured
at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862 —
transferred to Company K, igoth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, May 31,
1864 — Veteran — captured — died at Sal'
isbury, N. C, January 26, 1865.
A Group of Bucktail Survivors.
1. William H. Rauch
2. Henry H. Tagrgart
3. J. Elliott Kratzer
4. Firmln F. Kirk
5. Thomas Furlong
6. B. Frank Wright
7. Thomas H. Ryan
8. Wallace W. Brewer
9. Cornelius J. Smith
Appindiz " B.
REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
OP THB
BucKTAiL OR First Rifle Regiment of the Penn-
sylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps.
Owing possibly to the wide scattering of the survivors of
the Bucktails, no re-union was held until 1887. In May or
June of that year, the desirability of such a meeting, and of
the formation of a regimental association, seems to have im-
pressed itself almost simultaneously upon General Hartshorne,
Captain John P. Bard, Sergeant Jonathan V. Morgan and Ser-
geant William H. Ranch. After some desultory and discon-
nected efforts it was decided to hold a preliminary meeting at
Harrisburg to formulate plans for the projected meeting. A
circular was issued by Sergeant William H. Rauch, and upon
August 2, 1887, the first meeting of the survivors of the r^-
ment was held and a temporary organization effected ; Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Niks being elected President and Sergeant Rauch
Secretary, both pro tern. The object of the meeting being
stated by the President to be the making of the arrangements
necessary for a re-union to be held later in the year, committees
were appointed to further that design. Before adjournment,
Williamsport was decided upon as the place, and October 20th
and 2 1 St as the dates of meeting.
So well did the committees work that when the First Re-
union was called to order, in the room of the Reno Post, G.
A. R., one hundred and nineteen survivors answered to the
roll-call.
439
440 History of the Bucktails
A permanent organization was effected under the name
of the "Regimental Association of the Bucktail or First Rifle
"Regiment of the Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps," a
constitution adopted and officers elected.
Since that time re-unions have been held annually and
each has been characterized by the good feeling and friendship
that dominated the first. In every town or city where the
meetings have been held, the Association has been the recipient
of lavish hospitality. Parades have been held, excursions
undertaken, and orations and speeches delivered. Lasting two
or three days, the re-unions have been terminated by camp-
fires, at which the recitals of military reminiscences have been
enlivened by vocal and instrumental music.
The officers elected and the dates and places of meetings
are as follows :
first re-union, WILUAMSPORT, pa., OCTOBER 20-2I, 1887.
President — Brigadier-General W. Ross Hartshome.
Vice-President — ^Lieutenant-Colonel Alanson E. Niles.
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel Edward A. Irvin.
Secretary — Orderly-Sergeant William H. Rauch.
SECOND RE-UNION, BRADFORD, PA., SEPTEMBER 26-28, 1888.
President — Brigadier-General W. Ross Hartshome.
Vice-President — Sergeant Jonathan V. Morgan.
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel Edward A. Irvin.
Secretary — Orderly-Sergeant William H. Rauch.
THIRD RE-UNION, PHIUPSBURG, PA., AUGUST 21-22, 1889.
President — Brigadier-General W. Ross Hartshome.
Vice-President — Sergeant Jonathan V. Morgan.
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Cblonel Edward A. Irvin.
Secretary — Orderly-Sergeant William H. Rauch.
REGIMENTAL, Association 441
FOURTH RE-UNION, WELLSBORO, PA., OCTOBER I4-16, 189O.
President — Brigadier-General W. Ross Hartshorne.
Vice-President — ^Lieutenant-Colonel Alanson E. Niles.
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel Edward A. Irvin.
Secretary — Orderly-Sergeant William H. Rauch.
FIFTH RR-UNION, MAUCH CHUNK, PA., SEPTEMBER 16-18,
189I.
President — 'Brigadier-General W. Ross Hartshorne.
Vice-President — ^Lieutenant-Colonel Alanson E. Niles.
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel Edward A. Irvin.
Secretary — Orderly-Sergeant William H. Rauch.
SIXTH RE-UNION, WASHINGTON, D. C, 1892.
Held in conjunction with the Grand Army of the Republic.
SEVENTH RE-UNION, WIU.IAMSPORT, PA., OCTOBER I2-I3,
1893.
President — Comrade Firmin F. Kirk.
Vice-President — Corporal Thomas H. Ryan.
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel Edward A. Irvin.
Secretary — Orderly-Sergeant William H. Rauch.
Assistant-Secretary — Mrs. William H. Rauch.
EIGHTH RE-UNION, KANE, PA-, AUGUST 23-24, 1894.
President — Comrade Firmin F. Kirk.
Vice-President — Comrade Lewis Hoover.
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel Edward A. Irvin.
Secretary — Orderly-Sergeant William H. Rauch.
Assistant-Secretary — Mrs. William H. Rauch.
NINTH RE-UNION, I<0CK HAVEN, PA., SEPTEMBER 4-5. ^^5-
President — Comrade Firmin F. Kirk.
Vice-President — Comrade Lewis Hoover.
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel Edward A. Irvin.
Secretary — Orderly-Sergeant William H. Rauch.
Assistant-Secretary— Mrs. William H. Rauch.
442 History of th£ Bucktaii<s
TENTH RE-UNION, EMPORIUM, PA., AUGUST 26-27, 1896.
President — Captain B. Frank Wright
Vice-President — Major John A. Wolfe.
Treasurer — Lieutenant-CJolonel Edward A. Irvin.
Secretary — Orderly-Sergeant William H. Rauch.
Assistant-Secretary — Mrs. William H. Rauch.
ELEVENTH RE-UNION, SMETHPORT, PA., AUGUST I9-2O, 1897.
President — Major John A. Wolfe.
Vice-President — Cmnrade W. Wallace Brown.
Treasurer — ^Lieutenant-Colonel Edward A. Irvin.
Secretary — Orderly-Sergeant William H. Rauch.
Assistant-Secretary — Mrs. William H. Rauch.
TWELFTH RE-UNXON, KENNETT SQUARE, PA., AUGUST I4-I5,
1898.
President — Comrade W. Wallace Brown.
Vice-President — Comrade Thomas H. Ryan.
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Cblonel Edward A. Irvin.
Secretary — Orderly-Sergeant William H. Rauch.
Assistant-Secretary — Mrs. William H. Rauch.
THIRTEENTH RE-UNION, PHILADEUHIA, PA.. SEPTEMBER $-7,
1899.
President — Corporal Thomas H. Ryan.
Vice-President — Captain Leander W. Gifford.
Treasurer — lyieutenant-Colonel Edward A. Irvin.
Secretary — Orderly-Sergeant William H. Rauch.
Assistant-Secretary — Mrs. William H. Rauch.
FOURTEENTH RE-UNION, RIDGWAY, PA., SEPTEMBER I3-I5,
1900.
President — Orderly-Sergeant William H. Rauch.
Vice-President — Captain Leander W. GiflEord.
Treasurer — ^Lieutenant-Colonel Edward A. Irvin.
Secretary — Mrs. William H. Rauch.
Assistant-Secretary — Mrs. Ellen W. Foster.
RSGiMSNTAi. Association 443
FIFTEENTH RB-UNION, GETTYSBURG, PA., OCTOBER II-I2, I90I.
President — Sergeant Jonathan V. Morgan.
Vice-President — Captain J. Elliott Kratzer.
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel Edward A. Irvin.
Secretary — Orderly-Sergeant William H. Rauch.
Assistant-Secretary — Mrs. William H. Rauch.
SIXTEENTH RE-UNION, DUBOIS, PA., SEPTEMBER 16-I8, I9O2.
President — Captain J. Elliott Kratzer.
Vice-President — Comrade Michael Gannon.
Treasurer — ^Lieutenant-Colonel Edward A. Irvin.
Secretary — Orderly- Sergeant William H. Rauch.
Assistant-Secretary — Mrs. William H. Rauch.
SEVENTEENTH RE-UNION, HARRISBURG, PA., JUNE 24-25, I903.
President — Comrade Lewis Hoover.
Vice-President — Comrade Henry C. White.
Treasurer — ^Lieutenant-Colonel Edward A. Irvin.
Secretary — Orderly-Sergeant William H. Rauch.
Assistant-Secretary — Mrs. William H. Rauch.
EIGHTEENTH RE-UNION, U)CK HAVEN, PA., I904.
President — Comrade John Norris.
Vice-President — Comrade Sheldon Jewett.
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel Edward A. Irvin.
Secretary — Orderly- Sergeant William H. Rauch.
Assistant-Secretary — Mrs. William H. Rauch.
NINETEENTH RE-UNION, CURWENSVILLE, PA., OCTOBER 3-4,
1905.
President — Comrade Cornelius J. Smith.
Vice-President — Comrade Henry H. Taggart.
Treasurer — Lieutenant-Colonel Edward A. Irvin.
Secretary — Orderly-Sergeant William H. Rauch.
Assistant-Secretary — Mrs. William H. Rauch.
444 HisTOBY or the Bucktaiu
At the meeting in 1888 a committee was appointed to act
in co-operation with committees of the other regiments of the
Pennsylvania Reserve Corps relative to the erection of a Memo-
rial Building at Gettysburg for the Pennsylvania Reserves.
After some years' discussion, however, the matter was dropped
by the State authorities. A marker to indicate the spot where
the Bucktail Colonel, Charles Frederick Taylor, fell, having
been erected by the Charles Frederick Taylor Post 19, of Phila-
delphia, incorrectly lettered and inaccurately located, a com-
mittee of three was appointed to confer with the Taylor Post
and arrange for the necessary corrections. In 1903 this com-
mittee was increased to five — Captain J. Elliott Kratzer, Com-
rade Firmin F. Kirk, Corporal Thomas H. Ryan, Lieutenant-
Colonel Edward A. Irvin and Secretary William H. Rauch —
and was instructed to arrange for the cutting of a new marker
and for its erection upon the correct spot.
After the final adjournment of the Nineteenth Annual Re-
union of the Bucktails, held at Curwensville, Pa., October 4th
and 5th, 1905, a large committee was formed to go to Gettys-
burg, Pa., to dedicate the new marker which had just been
erected on the battle-field under the direction of the committee
of five, previously mentioned, designating the exact spot where
Colonel Taylor fell.
At Gettysburg the party was met by delegations from
Philadelphia, Kennett Square, Lebanon, Reading and other
places.
Friday, October 6th, 1905, had been designated as the
time for the ceremonies to take place, and on the afternoon of
that day the comrades, with their wives and children, assembled
in the woods adjoining the well-remembered wheat field.
The Coi<onel Taylor Marker, Gettysburg, Pa.
RSGiMENTAL Association 445
The marker, probably one of the finest on the battle-field, is
of dark Barre granite, three feet four inches long, two feet two
inches wide and four feet six inches high. On a polished panel
on the front, surmounted by a cap and bucktail is the following
inscription :
HERE PSLL
CHARLES FREDERICK TAYLOR,
July 2, 1863,
Age 23 Years 4 Months 26 Days,
COLONEL OF "THE BUCKTAILS"
FIRST RIFLE REGIMENT, P. R. V. C.
Erected by his Comrades and Friends.
1905.
And on the reverse side :
CHARLES FREDERICK TAYLOR,
Bom February 6, 1840.
Enrolled May 15, 1861.
CAPTAIN CO. H, I3TH PENNA. RESERVES
(FIRST rifles), may 28, 1861.
COLONEL MARCH I, 1863.
KILLED IN ACTION JULY 2, 1863.
Comrade William H. Rauch called the assemblage to order
and invoked a divine blessing upon the present undertaking and
introduced Lieutenant-Colonel Edward A. Irvin, who spoke as
follows :
Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen :
I have looked forward to the arrival of this day with considerable
anxiety, as it was selected as the time when we as Bucktails and friends,
would be called upon to unveil this handsome marker, which designates
the spot where fell one of the most gallant American soldiers who ever
drew sword.
I was pleased when I learned my comrades had selected me as their
representative on this occasion, as the relations between Col. Taylor
446 History of the Bucktails
and myself were of such a character as to afford an opportunity to
offer a tribute to one who was very dear to my heart
I am sorry, now that the day has come, that some other comrade
is not here to take my place, as illness has overtaken me, and I feel
almost unable to undertake the task assigned.
My comrades insist, however, and I beg 3rou to bear with me in the
few words I shall have to say of our fallen friend and fellow Bucktail.
An acquaintance which ripened into the warmest kind of friendship
began at Camp Curtin, upon the very first day we commenced drilling
our respective companies for the arduous task that followed later on
during the three years that were to come.
Col. Taylor called upon me at my quarters, and we talked together
of some of the difKculties that surrounded us. From that day we became
firm and fast friends.
When Col. Taylor was on parole and I was recovering from wounds,
I visited beautiful Kennett, his home, and there I learned to love this
loyal American soldier and gentleman still more. I found how true a
patriot he was, and after many a heart-to-heart talk, I was convinced
that the Government had indeed found in Col. Taylor a gem of the
first water.
Our military lives were so close that it is a pleasure in these after
years to dwell upon them. We were both wounded at Fredericksburg
and carried to the same hospital, and our promotions occurred at the
same time, he to the Colonelcy of the regiment, and I to Lieutenant-
Colonel.
My one regrret has ever been that I was not with him on this mem-
orable field, where he gave up his young life that his country might live.
But this was not to be. The Surgeon-General refused to entertain
my desire to rejoin my regiment, which was a source of disappointment
to me then, and has been ever since.
On the march to Gettysburg, I received a letter from Col. Taylor,
in which he told me of the wonderful eflSciency the regiment had
attained. His prediction then was that the regiment, in the event of
an engragement, would add another star to those already on the Buck-
tail flag.
Comrades ! Bucktails ! I do not feel able to utter what I so much
desire to say regarding the second day of July, 1863.
I can, however, see in my mind, our noble Bucktail chief leading
his regiment in a charge down yonder hill, giving to you, my comrades,
an example of heroic courage never before witnessed. How he led you
on, meeting the enemy in the conflict, how you received with cheers
the command, "Forward, Bucktails, forward," on, on, ever on, crossing
Plum Run, up to, and over the slopes to the stone fence, always for-
waid. Glorious Bucktails I Gallant Taylor! What a great day it was.
R^iu^TAL Association 447
But in that advance of the regiment the bullet came that silenced
our gallant Colonel's voice forever. History and poets must do the
rest. I can say no more.
I shall now ask you to unveil the stone, on which is inscribed the
record of the youngest Colonel of the Army of the Potomac, Charles
Frederick Taylor, who was killed when only 23 years, 4 months and
25 days old.
(Comrade Thomas H. Ryan here removed the covering from the
stone.)
Col. Taylor was born at West Chester, Pa., February 6, 1840. His
parents were Joseph and Rebecca W. Taylor. They were descended
from Quaker stock, were married in 1818, and moved to Kennett Square.
Col. Taylor was the youngest of ten children. He was educated in
the schools of the neighborhood and at Ann Harbor University.
Of the family surviving are Dr. J. Howard Taylor, of Philadelphia ;
Mrs. Charles Carey and Mrs. Charles Lamborn, of Kennett Square.
At the first call to arras young Taylor formed the company which
afterwards became Company H, of the Old Bucktails.
This stone is but a slight testimonial from his surviving comrades,
and will last long after we too have gone to the great beyond, and will
tell those of after years the whole story of a young life given for his
country and its flag.
Mrs. Charles Carey, of Kennett Square, Pa., a sister of
Colonel Taylor, responded to the address of Colonel Irvin in
a feeling manner.
The marker was then decorated with flowers and ferns,
and the comrades scattered over that portion of the field where
they had fought over forty years ago and recounted to the visi-
tors and younger generation the story of the Bucktails and
their famous charge at Little Round Top.
The Regimental Association has also given birth to others
— an honorary membership, a Bucktail Band, composed chiefly
of sons of Bucktails, a Bucktail Drum and Fife Corps at Grand
Rapids, Minn., and the "Junior Bucktail Association," the
latter composed of lineal descendants of Bucktails, and hav-
ing for its President Mr. Frank L. Beeby, son of the late
Comrade Richard Beeby, of Company H.
448 History op the Bucktails
At the meeting held in 1894, Mrs. Elizabeth D. Kane,
widow of the organizer of the Bucktails, was formally elected
the "Mother of the Regiment."
A notice of the Association would be incomplete without
mention of the printed reports of the re-unions «^ich are
issued each year. Comprising sometimes as many as sixty
pages, they are compiled by the Secretary, and contain not only
transcripts of the minutes, reports of the meetings, copies of
the addresses delivered and summaries of the doings around
the camp-fires, but also each year the names and post-office
addresses of all the surviving members of the regiment A
necrology, added annually, gives briefly the outlines of the
lives of those who pass away between the re-imions.
Appendix
SURVIVO RS.
Names and Post Office Addresses of Survivors of the Regiment Living at
Date of Publication.
Name.
Company.
Allen, Edwin R.
E
Archer, Lea T.
H
Bacon, Dr. Morgan L.
E
Bailey, Harrison C.
G
Bailey, Zachariah
K
Baker, Albert D.
A
Baker, Evan H.
H
Baker, William
H
Barben, Joel M.
H
Barnes, John F.
K
Barnes, Thomas
I
Beckwith, Nathaniel F.
F
Beer, Philip
F
Black, Isaac G.
B
Blair, John P.
C
Blanchard, William T.
I
Bloom, Arnold
K
Bloom, Enos
K
Bloom, Isaiah
K
Boardman, Daniel S.
A
Bockius, Charles
H
Bolden, James
B
Boozer, Charles
H
Borden, Orasmus P.
E
Brecht, Jonathan
H
Brewer, Wm. Wallace
I
Brookins, Elijah L.
G
Brown, Wm. Wallace
C
Bundy, Clinton A.
G
Campbell, George A.
I
Campbell, John J. t
C
30
Post Office Address.
Stoney Fork, Tioga Co., Pa.
33d and West Sts., Wilmington, Del.
Wellsboro, Tioga Co., Pa.
Mansfield, Tioga Co., Pa.
Curwensville, Clearfield Co., Pa.
Westfield, Tioga Co., Pa.
West Grove, Chester Co., Pa.
London Grove, Chester Co., Pa.
205 McAlpin St., Philadelphia.
Bethlehem, Northampton Co., Pa.
Scottville, Mason Co., Mich.
Pennfield, Clearfield Co., Pa.
Gilbert, Monroe Co., Pa.
Newport, Perry Co., Pa.
Williamsport, Lycoming Co., Pa.
Newport, Campbell Co., Ky.
Curwensville, Clearfield Co., Pa.
New Millport, Clearfield Co., Pa.
Clearfield, Clearfield Co., Pa.
Rome, Bradford Co., Pa.
3831 Reno St., Philadelphia.
Duncannon, Perry Co., Pa.
7200 Woodland Ave., Philadelphia.
Ewing, Holt Co., Neb.
Mt. Penn, Berks Co., Pa.
Backus, McKean Co., Pa.
Caledonia, Elk Co., Pa.
Treasury Dept, Washington, D. C.
Sheridanville, Allegheny Co., Pa.
San Jose, Santa Clara Co., Cal.
Eldred, McKean Co., Pa.
449
450
History of the Bucktails
Name.
Compi
Campbell, Samuel W.
E
Carney, Simon S.
E
Carpenter, Alvin T. T.
G
Catlin, Lorenzo
E
Caswell, Edward
B
Cleaveland, Martin V.
E
Cline, Marcus
G
Cole, Jacob
E
Colegrove, Alpha W.
I
Coulter, John H.
K
Covert, Samuel
C
Coyle, James
H
Cramer, Jacob
H
Crossett, Martin S.
E
Culp, Cornelius
I
Cummings, James C.
G
Daily, John F.
G
Danforth, L. Byron
I
Davis, George W.
H
Deahn, John F.
F
Dehart, Uriah
C
Deming, Andrew J.
D
Derby, George O.
E
Devirs, James
D
Devoge, Theophilus
D
Dewey, Barzillia K.
E
Dickinson, Charles W.
I
Dixon, Evan P.
H
Doughman, Gideon P.
K
Duddy, William B.
H
Duell, Henry L.
I
Dunton, Stephen B.
D
Edgerton, Whiting S.
A
English, John
E
English, William W.
E
Evans, Michael
A
Eyerley, Joseph
F
Famsworth, Samuel
B
Felker, John
C
Fenstermacher, John
F
Fisher, George
D
Fissel, John A.
B
Flatt, Louis D.
D
y. Post OflSce Address.
Prairie Farm, Barron Co., Wis.
Fairmount, Fillmore Co., Nebraska.
Michigan Soldiers' Home.
Middlebury, Tioga Co., Pa.
Columbia, Lancaster Co., Pa.
Moravia, Cayuga Co., N. Y.
30 King St, Olean, N. Y.
Antriam, Tioga Co., Pa.
Smethport, McKean Co., Pa.
Reedsville, MifHin Co., Pa.
Calvert, Lycoming Co., Pa.
Lebanon, Lebanon Co., Pa.
834 St. Louis Ave., Chicago, 111.
Verona, Oneida Co., N. Y.
Eldridge, Laclede Co., Mo.
503 N. 41st St., Philadelphia.
Mansfield, Tioga Co., Pa.
Shingle House, Potter Co., Pa.
Collins, Huron Co., Ohio.
162 Chew St, Allentown, Lehigh Co., Pa.
Milton, Northumberland Co., Pa.
Corry, Erie Co., Pa.
Wellsboro, Tioga Co., Pa.
616 W. Clinch Ave., Knoxville, Tenn.
St. Mary's, Elk Co., Pa.
1522 Olive St., Kalamazoo, Mich.
Smethport, McKean Co., Pa.
Kennett Square, Chester Co., Pa.
Grampian, Clearfield Ca, Pa.
3862 Cambridge St, Philadelphia.
Sweden Valley, Potter Co., Pa.
Penn Yan, Yates Co., N. Y.
Geraman, Chenango Co., N. Y.
Oregon Hill, Lycoming Co., Pa.
Wellsboro, Tioga Co., Pa.
Beechwood, Cameron Co., Pa.
Berwick, Columbia Co., Pa.
Benton Harbor, Berrien Co., Mich.
1S13 Peach St., Erie, Pa.
29 N. Centre St, Bethlehem, Pa.
Castana, Monona Co., Iowa.
Duncannon, Perry Co., Pa.
Corydon, Warren Co., Pa.
Survivors
451
Name.
Compi
Fleck, Ephraim B.
B
Frantz, James A.
K
Freeland, Samuel
A
Freeze, Israel
K
Furlong, Thomas
G
Gamion, Michael
D
Garrison, Tartulas J.
G
Cause, William T,
H
Gibbs, Albert E.
C
Gordon, Abner M.
D
Guthrie, Smith E.
C
Guthrie, W. Sylvester
H
Hall, Ellis I.
K
HaHRiberoD.
D
Hammond, H. J.
I
Hartzell, Isaiah
B
Hatton, John C.
D
Hatton, W. H. D.
—
Henry, John
K
Henry, Joseph K.
K
Higgins, Edward L.
F
Hill, James G.
K
Hills, John C.
F
Hollands William A.
B
Honniter, Thomas
K
Hooker, John M.
F
Hoover, Lewis
K
Horton, Samuel M.
I
Hosford, William B.
K
Huck, Samuel
E
Humphrey, Thomas
K
Humphreys, Thomas K.
D
Hunt, Edwin J.
A
Huss, Samuel S.
H
Irvin, Edward A.
K
Jackson, John A.
H
Jagers, Peter
D
Jaquette, Isaac G.
H
Jer/ett Sheldon
I
Johnson, Alonzo N.
E
Jones, Dr. William B.
—
Jones, Nicholas Y.
B
Keiser, William
F
y. Post Office Address.
Newport, Perry Co., Pa.
2725 36th Ave., Minneapolis, Minn.
Coudersport, Potter Co., Pa.
Milesburg, Centre Co., Pa.
I22S Goodfellow Ave., St. Louis, Mo.
321 E. Main St., Greensburg, Ind.
Trowbridge, Tioga Co., Pa.
2024 I St., N. W., Washington, D. C.
810 E. 2ist St., Erie, Pa.
Corry, Erie Co., Pa.
Driftwood, Cameron Co., Pa.
Racine, Racine Co., Wis.
Knox, Clarion Co., Pa.
San Angelo, Tom Green Co., Texas.
Hotchkiss, Delta Co., Col.
New Bloomfield, Perry Co., Pa.
Russell, Warren Co., Pa.
i6q2 New Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa.
Cheif, Manestee Co., Mich.
Mahaffey, Clearfield Co., Pa.
East Denmark, Oxford Co., Maine.
Terrace Park, Hamilton Co., Ohio.
155 Passaic St., Trenton, N. J.
Duncannon, Perry Co., Pa.
Clearfield Bridge, Qearfield Co., Pa.
Hokendauqua, Lehigh Co., Pa.
Lock Haven, Clinton Co., Pa.
Mountain View, Santa Clara Co., Cal.
Clarendon, Warren Co., Pa.
Lamont, Grant Co., Oklahoma Territory.
Curwensville, Clearfield Co., Pa.
Durango, La Platte Co., Col.
Austinburg, Tioga Co., Pa.
Coatesville, Chester Co., Pa.
Curwensville, Clearfield Co., Pa.
West Chester, Chester Co., Pa.
8 West 83d St., New York.
817 13th St., N. W., Washington, D. C.
Custer, McKean Co., Pa.
Wellsboro, Tioga Co., Pa.
1336 S. Eighth St, Philadelphia.
1547 Erie Ave., Williamsport, Pa.
Weissport, Carbon Co., Pa.
452
History of the Bucktails
Name.
Comp
Kellar, Reuben
G
Kelsey, Robert
E
Kimball, Chester F.
E
Kinsey, Neri B.
C
Kirk, Firmin F.
C
Knecht, William
G
Knopf, Frederick L.
D
Knowlton, Byron D.
D
Kratzer, J. Elliott
K
Kugler, Charles
B
Lain, Robert T.
I
Lampman Dewitt C.
E
Landregan, James
I
Langworthy, Frank W.
D
Leeman, John W.
G
Lemon, John
K
Lewis, Thomas B.
B
Lower, Cyrus B.
K
Lucore, Stephen J.
F
Ludlow, George A.
E
Luther, John C.
G
Lynch, James H.
H
Magee, Hugh J.
A
Mahlin, Allen
G
Mayall, Miles A.
B
McCloud, Jacob
B
McCoy, Alexander G.
A
McDonald, James
G
Meek, John C.
B
Meek, Joseph H.
B
Middler, Charles
F
Montgomery, Thos. T.
G
Moore, Wallace M.
E
Morgan, Jonathan V.
E
Morrison, James R.
D
Morrow, Ephraim
K
Moses, Calvin L.
I
Moyer, John
K
Mulvaney, Charles
I
Muzzy, Edwin
D
Norris, John H.
K
Olmstead, James B.
E
Pennell, John
B
y. Post Office Address.
Brockport, Elk Co., Pa.
Wellsboro, Tioga Co., Pa.
Wellsboro, Tioga Co., Pa.
819 Webster St., Saginaw, Mich.
Duboistown, Lycoming Co., Pa.
St. Mary's, Elk Co., Pa.
Warren, Warren Co., Pa.
Marion, Grant Co., Ind.
Curwensville, Clearfield Co., Pa.
Shermansdale, Perry Co., Pa.
253 E. Main St., Bradford, Pa.
Troy, Bradford Co., Pa.
Turtle Point, McKean Co., Pa.
Russell, Warren Co., Pa.
Guilford, Piscataquiss Co., Maine.
Lumber City, Clearfield Co., Pa.
Renovo, Clinton Co., Pa.
3819 N. H. Av., N.W., Washington, D.C.
East Bradford, McKean Co., Pa.
Sioux Falls, Minnehaha Co., S. Dakota.
Soldiers' Home, Erie, Pa.
Nottingham, Chester Co., Pa.
Elkland, Tioga Co., Pa.
Spring Grove, Surry Co., Va.
Warrensburg, Macon Co., III.
Speeceville, Dauphin Co., Pa.
Bay City, Bay Co., Mich.
Johnsonburg, Elk Co., Pa.
Shermandale, Perry Co., Pa.
Marysville, Perry Co., Pa.
453 Birch St., South Bethlehem, Pa.
Kirkman, Jefferson Co., Pa.
Mt Vernon, Linn Co., Iowa.
Wellsboro, Tioga Co., Pa.
Titusville, Crawford Co., Pa.
Dayton, Armstrong Co., Pa.
Shingle House, Potter Co., Pa.
Wellsboro, Tioga Co., Pa.
B. R. Falls, Jackson Co., Wis.
East Branch, Warren Co., Pa.
Curwensville, Clearfield Co., Pa.
Tiadaghton, Tioga Co., Pa.
629 Peffer St, Harrisburg, Pa.
Survivors
453
Name. Company.
Perry, Thomas M. H
Pifer, Peter K
Pitts, William L. E
Potter, Benjamin B. E
Pressley, William H. B
Prosser, Lorenzo B. I
Pusey, Joshua H
Rauch, William H. F
Reed, Samuel K
Reinhart, John G
Reinwald, Augustus G
Rice, Charles P. I
Rifle, William H. I
Roberts, Thomas C. B
Roman, Joseph A. H
Roney, Thomas J. H
Runyan, Henry H. D
Ryan, Thomas H. G
Sayles, Adrial K. A
Seamans, Eli 6. A
Seller, Reuben B
Seward, Levi B
Sharrer, Robert L. G
Shatto, Alexander B
Shatto, John E. B
Shaver, Jesse E. K
Shearer, Charles G G
Sheibley, George W. B
Sheibley, Thomas J. B
Simmons, Albert D. E
Simmons, Sherwood I
Smathers, John C
Smith, Frank T. I
Smith, Anson P. I
Smith, Cornelius J. A
Smith, John C. B
Southwick, Samuel G. I
Starr, Jeremiah J. H
Stephenson, Thomas J. G
Stoliker, Abraham C
Stone, Eugene H. E
Stone, Orion B. E
Post Office Address.
6509 Elmwood Ave., Oak Lane, Phila.
Grampian, Clearfield Co., Pa.
Mansfield, Tioga Co., Pa.
St. Clair, St. Clair Co., Mich.
171 1 N. 7th St., Harrisburg, Pa.
Kendall Creek, McKean Co., Pa.
ion Chestnut St., Philadelphia.
2141 N. Park Ave., Philadelphia.
Rush Centre, Rush Co., Kansw.
Togus, Kennebec Co., Maine.
Gaines, Tioga Co., Pa.
Little Valley, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y.
Hazlehurst, McKean Co., Pa.
Lake City, Wabasha Co., Minn.
Oregon City, Clackamas Co., Oregon.
808 W. 8th St., Wilmington, Del.
Fairraount, Martin Co., Minn.
Kane, McKean Co., Pa.
Westfield, Tioga Co., Pa.
Westfield, Tioga Co., Pa.
Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Pa.
Bradford, McKean Co., Pa.
Altoona, Blair Co., Pa.
Williamsport, Lycoming Co., Pa.
Duncannon, Perry Co., Pa.
Dallas, Luzerne Co., Pa.
Ashland, Jackson Co., Oregon.
Mose, Griggs Co., N. D.
Ponca, Dixon Co., Neb.
State Line Mills, McKean Co., Pa.
Columbus, Warren Co., Pa.
Brookville, Jefferson Co., Pa.
Little Valley, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y.
Smethport, McKean Co., Pa.
Addison, Steuben Co., N. Y.
New Kingston, Cumberland Co., Pa.
Smethport, McKean Co., Pa.
Monkton, Baltimore Co., Md.
Rolfe, Elk Co., Pa.
Galeton, Potter Co., Pa.
Wellsboro, Tioga Co., Pa.
Riverside, Broome Co., N. Y.
454
History of ths Bucktails
Name.
Company.
Swartz, Henry E.
F
Taggart, Henry H.
A
Taylor, William H.
H
Thompson, Thomas J.
K
Torpey, Aaron B.
£
Urban, Charles F.
H
Valentine, Robert B.
B
Van Orsdale, Allen A.
A
Van Zandt, James M.
B
Varner, Henry
E
Wakley, Samuel M.
A
Walbridge, Peter D.
E
Walker, James B.
D
Walters, William H.
E
Wanzel, Christian
G
Warner, William
G
Washburn, James E.
C
Welch, James M.
K
WeUs, Edgar W.
I
West, James Dixon
H
AVhite, Henry C.
H
Whitehead, Joel H.
G
Wiles, Luther
A
Wilkinson, John A.
B
Williams, Abraham C.
D
Williams, Daniel F.
K
Williams, Frank M.
D
Wilson, Samuel G.
H
Wilson, William T.
K
Wood, James M.
I
Wood, Sylvester
D
Wright, B. Frank
C
Yunkin, Edward
H
Post Office Address.
Mauch Chunk, Carbon Co., Fa.
Salamanca, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y.
2123 N. Fairhill St, Philadelphia.
Chama, Rio Arriba Co., New Mexico.
Hornellsville, Steuben Co., N. Y.
Lebanon, Lebanon Co., Pa.
Duncannon, Perry Co., Pa.
Hornellsville, Steuben Co., N. Y.
Middleburg, Snyder Co., Pa.
Wellsboro, Tioga Co., Pa.
Austinburg, Tioga Co., Pa.
Wellsboro, Tioga Co.. Pa.
Findlay, Hancock Co., Ohio.
Oregon Hill, Lycoming Co., Pa.
Paoli, Chester Co., Pa.
Ludington, Mason Co., Mich.
1064 Lovejoy St, Buffalo, N. Y.
709 Topeka Ave., Topeka, Kan.
Bells Run, McKean Co., Pa.
Port Deposit, Cecil Co., Md.
Kennett Square, Chester Co., Pa.
Arlington, Alexander Co., Va.
Nelson, Tioga Co., Pa.
Duncannon, Perry Co., Pa.
Butler, Butler Co., Pa.
Fleming, Center Co., Pa.
Corydon, Warren Co., Pa.
Pomeroy P. O., Chester Co., Pa.
Clearfield, Clearfield Co. Pa.
Rixford, McKean Co., Pa.
Soldiers' National Home, Va.
Smethport, McKean Co., Pa.
Mortonville, Chester Co., Pa.
Apfindiz
Printed Sources Most Frequently Consulted.
Allan, William The Army of Northern Virginia in 1863.
Bache, Richard M Life of General George Gordon Meade.
Badeau, Adam Military History of Ulysses S. Grant.
Bard, John P History of the "Old Bucktails."
Bates, Samuel P History of Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Battles and Leaders of the Civil War.
Chamberlain, Thomas J History of the 150th Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers.
Cooke, John E. Life of Gen. Robert E. Lee.
Cooke, John E. Stonewall Jackson.
Doubleday, Abner Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.
Egle, William H., editor Andrew Gregg Curtin: his life and ser-
vices.
Greeley, Horace The American Conflict.
Hall, Henry, and Hall, James Cayuga in the Field.
Holland, William A History of the First Pennsylvania Rifle
Regiment or the "Old Bucktails."
Humphreys, Andrew A The Virginia Campaign of '64 and '65.
Jackson, M. A. Life and Letters of General Thomas J.
Jackson.
Johnson, Rossiter Short History of the War of Secession.
Lossing, Benson J Pictorial History of the Civil War.
Mosby, John S. Mosby's War Reminiscences.
Nicholson, John P., comp Pennsylvania at Gettysburg.
Pollard, Edward A The Lost Cause.
Palfrey, Francis W The Antietaro and Fredericksburg.
Paris, The Comte de History of the Civil War in America.
Rauch, William H., editor Bucktail Reunions (1887-1904).
Rauch, William H., comp Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps.
"Round-Up." June 24-25, 1903. Har-
risburg. Pa.
Swinton, William Campaigns of the Army of the Potomac.
Sypher, Justin R History of the Pennsylvania Reserve
Corps.
Tenney, W. J. Military and Naval History of the Re-
bellion.
455
456 History oP ths Bucktails
United States The War of the Rebellion : a compila-
tion of the official records of the
Union and Confederate Annies.
United States Report of the Joint Committee on the
Conduct of the War.
Webb, Alexander S The Peninsula.
Williamson, James J Mosby's Rangers.
Woodward, E. M Our Campaigns (Second Reserves).
INDEX TO NAMES AND PLACES.
When names appear both in the actual text, and in the note at the bottom ei
the page, only the page number is given.
When names appear only in the notes at the bottom of the page, a small "n"
follows the page number, thus: "265n."
When reference is made to a body of troops through their commanding officer
(e. g., "McCall's division"), such reference is indexed under the name of the officer
mentioned.
PAGE
AcADEHiA, Pa 86n
Alexandria, Va. . 74, 90, 147, 175,
244, 246.
Allen's Farm, Va 125
Allison, Lieut. William 19, 216-217
Alsop's Farm. See Spottsylvania
Court House.
Amsden, Lieut. F. P 129
Anderson, Gen. G. T 274
Anderson, Gen. J. R X07
Anderson, Col. Robert. . 178, 201,
213, 224, 233n, 235n.
Anderson, Gen. R. H 299n
Angle, The. See Spottsylvania
Court House.
Antietam, Md 28n, 37n, Ssn,
140, 208 et seq., 2520, 2s6n,
261, 277, 280.
Aquia Creek, Va 177
Archer, Gen. J. J... 107, 232-233,
238, 239, 262n.
Arlington, Va. 197
Armistead, Gen. L. A 273
Armstrong House 48
Arthur, Pres. C. A. :87n
Ashby, Gen. Turner 151, 153,
155-136, '58, 161.
Ashland, Va loi
Atlanta, Ga. 288
Alley's Station, Va loi
Auburn, N. V 37n, 217
Auburn, Va 282n
Austin. See Niles, Mrs. A. (A.)
Ayres, Gen. R. B 265, 32sn
PAGE
BachE, Pkof. Auxandes 37n
Bailey, Col. S. M 301
Baker, Col. E- D 69n
Ball's Bluff, Va 69, 73, 78
Baltimore, Md.... 58, 60-61, 199,
215, 327-
Banks, Gen. N. P 58-61, 85n,
147-149, 168.
Bard, Capt. J. P. . . . 30, 92n, 109,
X52, 1560, i6sn, 234n, 24on,
256, 261, 294, 306-307, 314-
3i6n, 332n.
Barnes, Gen. James 265
Barton, Gen. James 159
Bath, N. Y 253n
Bayard, Gen. G. D s8n, 145,
iSo-i54n, 158, 162, 166-169
Bealton Station, Va aSsn
Beaver Dam Creek, Va.. lOO, 102,
X04, X06, i2on. See also
Mechanicsville.
Bedford, Pa 43, S4n
Beeby, Sergt. Richard 2670
Bell, Maj. F. J i, 29, 316,
25s, 271-272, 275.
Belle Island, Va 143
Belle Plains, Va 95, 241, 243
Belton, Sergt. T. J 19-ao
Benezett, Pa 9
Berlin, Md 221, 378n
Bethesda Church, Va..85n, 319 <(
seq., 326, 331.
Beverly Ford, Va 278a
4S7
458
History op the Bucktails.
tAOM
Biddle, Col. C. J. . 31, 33-34, 3711-
38, 42, 45-46, 50-52, 56-60,
66-67, 70, 73. 8a-83.
Biddle, Mrs. E- (M.) 3411
Birney, Gen. D. B 235-236, 30311
Bitterling, Lieut. Charles, 25-26,
12711, 206.
Blackford, Capt. W. W 172
Blair, J. M 10
Blanchard, Capt. W. T 10, 18,
29. 35. MS. 157. 216, 256.
Blett, Lieut. Daniel 30, 255,
301, 324.
Bloody Run, Pa 44
"Bob." Ste "Old Glenco" J3
Boonsboro, Md 209
Boonville, Mo 41
Borcke, Heros von I73n
Bosley, Private 49
Boston, Mass 29n
Boughton, Lieutenant 49
Bowen, J. R 252
Bowling Green, Va 313
Boynton, A. H.. 10
Bradford, Pa 10
Branch, Gen. L- O'B loi
Brandy Station, Va 169, 282n
Breck, Gen. Samuel.... ison, 157, 166
Bresse. . Ste Hartshornev Mrs. A.
Bristoe Station, Va 92n, 181,
285n-a86.
Brock Road. Set Wilderness.
Brooke's Station, Va. 225, 227
Brookins, Corp. E. S 269-270
Brookville, Md 201
Brown, John 3
Brown, Priv. W. W. I7in
Buchanan, Fres. James 4
Buckeyestown, Md 6a
Buckingham, Gen. C. P 223
Buckland Mills, Va 181
Buell, Captain 163-166
Buffalo, N. y asan
Bull Run, Va...54, 57, 72, 78, 91,
a85n. S*e also Manassas. Si*
also Second Bull Run.
Burnside, Gen, A. E... 20a, ao3,
ai3-ai4, aas, aa8-a3o, 337-
238, 242-243, 292, 295, 301,
305. 314.
Butler, Dr. Lafayette *8i, 324
Butler, N. S 7on
FAGI
CAi,Dwn.t„ GsH. J. C 26s
Calhoun, J. C a
Cameron & Hamilton 2530
Cameron, Simon 5, 80-81
Cameron, Pa 12
"Canqi Curtin" 16, 22, 4a, 54, 60
"Camp McCall" 44
"Camp Mason and Dixon" 44
"Camp Pierpont".. 68-69, 74> 80,
82 et seq.
Campbell, Gen. C F. . . 42, 52, 79,
83-84.
Carlisle, Pa 259
Catlett's Station, Va. . gan. 150^
170 et seq., 176, a83n, 307.
Cedar Mill Creek, Va 152
Cedar Mountain, Va. . j6S et seq., 180
Centerville, Pa. 44, 54n
Centreville, Va. . 74, 184-185, 193, aSa
Ceres, N. Y 3550
Chalfont, William. 27
Chambers, Priv. Pusey 307
ChambersbuTg, Pa 199, 259
Chancellorsville, Va. . . . aon, ajn,
33n, 140, 245, 249.
Chantilly, Va 140, 175, 194, 324
Chapel House, Va as4n
Chapultepec, Mexico 34n
Charles City Cross Roads. See
New Market Cross Roads.
Charlotteville, Va 16S
Chatham, Pa 27
Chattanooga, Tenn 288
Chew, Capt. R. P 158
Chickahominy. See Gaines' Mill.
Christnot, Lieut. R. G 324
Churubusco, Mexico 34n
Qark, Capt H. E 153
Clay, Henry 2
Cleveland, Pres. Grover 7in
Cloghjordan, Ireland. tgn
Cloyd's Mountain, Va 290
Qusteret, Col. G. P 151
Cold Harbor, Va. .86n, 116, 317.
See abo Gaines' Mill.
Comfort, Dr. J. J 251, 324
Cone, A. P 23
Contreas, Mexico 34n
Cook, Priv. George 80
Cooke, Gen. P. St. G iiBa
Cooper, Capt J. H..... 125, tag,
183, 185, 189-190, 210, 307.
Corbin'g Bridge. See Spotttyl-
vania Court House.
Index to Names and Pi,aces.
459
PAGE
Cortez, Gen 280
Couch, Gen. D. N.... 2o8n, 2i7n, 237
Cox, Gen. J. D 2i4n
Craig's Meeting House. See Wil-
derness.
Crampton's Gap. See South
Mountain.
Craven, Capt. J. W 254
Crawford, Gen. S. W... 260, 265-
266, 273, 275, 279, 286, 289,
a93-294, 297. 30in, 303, 305,
307, 312, 318-319, 326-327.
Crook, Gen. George 290
Cross Keys, Va.. 140, I59n, 162
et seq., 167.
Crouch, Dr. D. 0 240, 251
Culp, I^ieut. J. A 20
Culpepper, Va 222, 278, 290
Culver, C. D 25
Cumberland, Md 42, 45-46, 54n-55
Gumming, Gov. Alfred 32n
Cummings, Col. R. P 241
Curtin, Gov. A. G. .. 5-9, 14-17,
22, 39. 42, 55. S7-58, 61, 6s,
67n, 81-82, 138-140, Z42, 201,
220, 239n, 250, 279, 328-329.
"Curtin, Camp." See "Camp Cur-
tin."
Curwensville, Pa 29-3on, 256n
Custer, Gen. G. A 36n
Cutler, Gen. Lysander... 300, 314, 319
Dale, Liedt. D. C 30, 105, 109
Danville, Va 86n, 325n
Darnestown, Md 66n
Davidson, "Yankee" 247
Davis, Priv. A. S 269-270
Davis, Gen. J. R 262n
Davis, Jefferson,... 3, ii4n, I25n-i26n
De Beck, Priv. G. C 164
Deerfield, Pa 18
Dickenson, W. W 20
Difficult Creek, Va 68, 90
Dispatch Station, Va 98-99, "6
Dixon, Lieut. E. P 27. 7'
Dixon, Enoch 27
Doan, Lieut. J. B 27
Donolson, J. F 23
Doubleday, Gen. Abner 211, 231
Doyle, Priv. John 132
Dranesville, Va. . . I9n, 22n, 24n,
28n-29n, 33n, 37n, s8n, 68,
72 et seq., 84, 9i> <40> 146.
280, 320, 331.
rAGi
Dunbar, Maj. Joseph 30
Duncannon, Pa 9-2in, 2S3n
Eari,v, Gem. J. A 135, 185
East Mauch Chunk, Pa 24
Easton, Capt. Hezekiah 73, 76-79
Edenburg, Va 152
Edward's Ferry, Va 26on
Eickhoff, George 25
Eldred, Capt. J. A... 10, 12, 18,
21, 35. 71.
Eldred, Hon. N. E 12
Elkland, Pa 18-19
Elliott, Aaron G 24n
Elm Run, Va gan
Elmira, N. Y 19
Elzy, Gen. Arnold 162
Emerson, R. W 32n
Emporium, Pa. jm
Ent, Gen. W. H 79, 3oin
Eversham, E. W. 27
Ewell, Gen. R. S 149, i56n,
159, 162, 211-212, 258-259,
309, 318, 320.
Fair Oaks, Va 98
Fairfax, Va.. 169, 193, 246, 248,
250, 282n.
Falls Church, Va go
Falmouth, Va. . . 92, 148, 177-179,
225, 227-228, 241.
Farmington, Pa 18
Fayetteville, Va 225, 278n
Ferrero, Gen. Edward 309
Field, Gen. C W i02n, 107, i29n
Fine, Corp. G. W 10
Fisher, Gen. J. W.. 52, 224, 260,
289, 319.
Five Forks, Va 325n
Flint, Mich 253n
Fort Donelson, Tenn 87, 288-289
Fort Henry, "Tenn 62, 87, 288
Fort Sumter, S. C 4
Fortress Monroe, Va 63, 87, 170
Franklin, Gen. W. B.... 202-203,
2o8n, 214, 223, 229-231, 238.
Frazier's Farm. See New Market
Cross Roads.
Frederick, Md.. 198-199, 202-203,
259, 260-261.
Fredericksburg, Va.. 28n, 3an-3in,
92-93. «37, 140, 147-149. i«6,
177, i82n, 223, 225, 227 It
seq., 25211, 259, 280.
460
History op the Bucktails.
PAGE
Freeman, Mrs. L. A. (R.) 3611
Freeman, Dr. S. D 36, 79, 251
Fremont, Gen. J. C. .. 149, 151-
'S3i ISA ifi2. 165-168.
French, Gen. W. H 118, 237, 277
"French Frank." See Gruay,
Francis.
Front Royal, Va 149-150, 161
Frostburg, Md 47
Furnaces, The. See Wilderness.
Gaines, Geu. E. P i7n
Gaines' Mill, Va. . i9n-2on, 24n,
I09n, 112 et sen., iiS> 122,
I36n, 140, 167, 2S3n.
Gainesville, Va 181, 184-185, 222
Gallagher, Col. T. F 201, 204, 206
Gettysburg, Pa ... . 2on, 23n-24n,
28n, 33n, 8sn, 140, 25 in, a54n-
256n, 258 et seq., 283, 287,
330.
Gibbon, Gen. John.. 206, 229, 231,
235, 303.
Gifford, Capt. l^. W 70, 145,
1541. 1571. 216. 254-
Gist, Gov 3
"Glencoe." See "Old Glencoe."
Glendale. See New Market Cross
Roads.
Goose Creek, Va. 278n
Gordon, Hon. J. G 7
Gordonsville, Va. 169
Graham. See Irvin, Mrs. E- A.
Grant, Gen. U. S 87, i87n,
286-292, 295-299, 302-306, 308,
311. 3'3-3I4. 316-317. 333-
Gray's Bottom, Mrs., Va 227
Greeley, Horace 32n
Gregg, Gen. Maxcy 233, 239
Grier, Judge R. C 32a
GriiEn, Gen. Charles. . io8n-io9n,
ass. 300, 314, 318-319-
Groveton, Va. . 140, 177, 182 et
seq„ 189-190.
Gruay, Priv. Francis 38n, 239-240
Guineys Station, Va 311
See also Spottsylvania Court
House.
Guthrie, Priv. S. E 10
Hainss, Capt. T. R 153
Hall & Kaul 7"!
Hall, Capt. Chandler 27. 7»
Hall, Lieutenant 167
PAGE
Hall, Priv. E. J a69-27on
Hall, Lieut. R. D 254
Hall, Lieut. Robert 254, 275
Halleck, Gen. H. W. .. i97n, 219,
221, 29on.
Hamilton. See Cameron & Han-
ilton.
Hamilton, Va. 222
Hamlin, Hon. B. D 9, 12
Hancock, Gen. W. S.. 237, 264-
265, 273, 289, 295-296, 301,
304, 314-316, 318.
Hanover, Va 148, 317-318
Hardie, Gen. J. A 230
Hardin, Gen. M. D.. 242, 307-
308, 312-314, 318-319.
Hardy, Priv. Ross 26£n
Harper's Ferry, W. Va 41, 58-
59, 150, 199-200, 202, 208-
209, 219.
Harris' Farm. See Spottsylvania
Court House.
Harrisburg, Pa.. 16, 19-20, 22-23,
25-27. 29n, 31. 54. 59-60, Ssn,
201, 259, 323, 327. See also
"Camp Curtin."
Harrison, Pres. W. H s
Harrisonburg, Va.. 28n-29n, 33n,
7in, 92n, 140, 149, 153 et
seq., 162-163, 167. 324.
Harrison's Landing, Va.. 3711,
122, 134, 135, 136 et seq.,
168, 177.
narrower. Col. G. T 2520
narrower, Adjt. J. G. . . 18-19, 62, 252
Harttnan, Rev. Daniel 20
Hartranft, Gov. J. F. 86n
Hartshorne, Mrs. A. (B.) 86n
Hartshome, Gen. W. R . . 30, 46,
71, 85-86n, 109-110, 207, 211,
ai6, 220, 250-251, 256n, 267-
268n, 271-272, 279, 286, 290,
292-294, 297, 300, 302, 310,
314-315. 319-320, 324-325.
Hatton, Rev. W. H. D.. 36, 85,
•«9, 133. 2ion, 252.
Hays, Gen. Alexander 273
Hazlett, Lieut. R. C 265
Hendrickson, Mr 50
Henson's Mill, Va 181
Herring, Colonel 301
Herring Creek, Va. 137
Index to Names and Places.
461
FAGI
Hill, Gen. A. P.... loo-ioi, 107,
116-117, 125. 185, 232, 238,
2S8.
Hill, Gen. D. H 107-108, 116,
I32n, 200.
Hitchcock, Mr. 10
Hitchcock, Miss jo
Hokendauqua, Pa. 26n
Holland, Capt. Philip.. i8-ig, 33,
113-114, 128, 216, 2S2n-253,
242n.
Holmes, Corp. F. C i5Sn
Hood, Gen. J. B.... 118, 213, 264-265
Hooker, Gen. Joseph.. 125, i28n,
i32n, 184, 202-203, 209, 21 X,
2i3i 223, 229, 237-238, 243,
249, 258-260.
Hoover, Sergt. Lewis 30
Hopewell, Pa 43, 54n
Horton, Maj. E. S 86n
Howard, Gen. O. 0 237, 262
Hoyt, Gov. H. M 86n
Humphreys, Gen. A. A 2i7n, 237
Humphreys, Dr. W. T 251
Hunt, Gen. H. J 122, 272
Hunter, Sergt. W. C 324
Hunter's Mills, Va 68, 90
Huntingdon, Pa 43, 54
Hyattstown, Md 62
Irvik, Priv. Austin 246
Irvin, Col. E. A. . 18, 29, 30, 3in,
35, 46-49, 85n, 101, 103-10S,
log, ti4, 183-184, f86, 205-
207, 216, 220, 227, 239, 250,
256.
Irvin, Mrs. E. A. (G.) 3in
Irvin, Mrs. J. P 30, i82n
Jackuan, Gek IS
Jackson, Pres. Andrew 2
Jackson, Gen. C. F. . 76-77, 142,
178, 187, 224.
Jackson, Priv. Henry 240, 25 in
Jackson, Col. S. M 3oin
Jackson, Gen. T. J.. 93, 98, 100-
101, no, 116, 125, i44-i45n,
147, 149-152, 162, 166-170,
180-182, 184-185, 187, 189,
X94n, 200, 21 X, 222, 232, 235,
238.
Jackson, Miss 289
Jefferson, Md 62
Jenldni, Gen. A. G 259n
PAGR
Jenkins, Lieut. O. D 71, 239
Jenkins, Lieut. W. B 10, 21, 239
Jewett, Adjt. J. T. A... 22, 36-
38n, 86, 101-102, 216, 254.
Johnson, Gen. B. T 156, 159-161
Johnson, Mrs. B. T x59n
Johnson, Gen. Edward 33n, 304
Johnson, Gen. J. E 34n, 289
Jones, Dr. W. B 251
Jordan, Priv. Lewis 17 in, 240
Kans, Dr. B. K 12, 33n
Kane, Dr. E. D. (W.) . . 6n, 33n, 146
Kane, Judge J. K 32n
Kane, Gen, T. L. • 5-i7i 21-22,
24, 26, 28-29n, 31-35. 37«i-
38, 42, 46-53, 60, 68-7in, 73-
75. 77-79n, 82-84, 92-93. '40.
145-146, 148, 150-151. 153-158,
161, 163, 167, 170, X72-174,
176, 254n.
Kane, Maj. T. L 32n
Karge, Col. Joseph 150, isan
Kaul. See Hall & Kaul.
Kearney, Gen. Philip.. 34n, 125,
130, I32n, 135, 184, ig4n.
Keiser, Lieut. P. E 253
Kelley (Guide) 48
Kelley's Ford, Va 179
Kelly, Priv. Martin 92n, 154-X5S
Kelsey, Capt 48
Kennett Square, Pa 27
Kepner, W. H 328
Kerns, Capt. Mark 107, 125, 129
Kernstown, Va 147
Keyser, W. Va 46n
King, Corporal 130
King, Gen. Rufus 184, 186
Kinsey, Maj. N. B.. 19, 137, 142,
207, 253, 267-268, 275, 324.
Kitching, Col. C. H 305, 319
Klotz, Hon. Robert 25
Knoxville, Pa x8
Kratzer, Capt. J. E. . 48, 256, 268,
270, 272, 275, 310, 324.
Landregan, Jamss II
Lane, Gen. J. H 232-233, 239
Langley, Va 68
Larrimer, Maj. J. H 234
Laurel Hill. See Spottsylvania
Court House.
Lawrence, Hon. S. M 7, 17
Lawrenceville, Pa. . . . 18-19, 2S2n-2S3n
462
History of the Bucktails.
rAGE
Leach. See Truman, Mrs. M. P.
Lee, Gen. R. E-. 98, 100, 107-
loS, 116-117, 124-12611, 129,
13211, 134-13511, 141, 168-169,
189, I94n, 198-200, 201, 207-
209, 211, 214-215, 2x7, 258-
259, 262, 275, 277-279, 281-
284, 288, 290-392, 295-297,
299. 304-305> 308, 31X, 313,
3«S-3i8, sasn, 333-
Lee, Gen, W. H. F 171
Leesboro, Md aoi
Leesburg, Va 68, 74, 198, 260
Leonard, Lieut. E. 0 253
Lewis, Capt T. B 86, 253
Libby Priaon a4n
Lilly, Hon. William 25
Lincoln, Prea. Abraham... 3-6, 9,
65, 87, 89, 92, 138, 148-149,
220-231.
Lindley, N. Y 2530
Lisbon, Md aoi
Lock Haven, Pa 14, 31
Longstreet, Gen. James.. 108, 116,
X25'i26n, I32n, X69-170, 180,
182, 184, 187, 189, 222, 358-
359, 380, 293.
Looney, Corp. John 334
LovettsTiIIe, Va. 331, 3780
Lucore, Lieut. M. W 354, 334
Ludlow, Lieut. G. A 354, 370
Lurray, Va 149
Luther, Lieut J. L 'SS
McCall, Gen. G. A. . 17-18, 35,
38, 55-56, 58, 65, 68-70, 73,
75n, 77-78, 80-81, 93-94, 98-
loi, 106-107, >09-xi3, 116,
123, 125-132, 135, 141, 145-
147.
McCalmont, Col J. S 66
McCandless, Col. William no,
127, 234, 333n-335n, 341, 360,
266n, 27in, 373, 389, 300.
McClellan, Gen. G. B.. 41, 65, 68-
69, 73, 78, 87, 89, 91-93,
96-99, IIO, I16-XI7, 130-134,
138, 134-135, «37-i39i «4»i
I44-U9, 167-168, 195. I97i
199-300, 303, 3o6n-3o7, 3og,
311, 313-315, 317, 219-333,
39on, 398.
PAGE
McCoy, Gen. R. A 30x11, 302, 316
McDonald, Capt. Hugh.. 18, 26-
37> 3S> I45> i63-x65n, 316,
33on, 375, 314, 33S-
McDonald, Colonel 47-4"
McDowell, Gen. Irvin.. 56, 89-93,
9711, X47-XS1, X68-169, X7sn,
180-182, 184-185, 187, 193.
McElhaney, Priv. Johiu 163
McGee, Capt. Dennis 25-2611,
207, 3xon-2ii, 2x5-316, 254-
355.
McGladden, William aiTn
Mcintosh, Corp. G. H 35
Mack, Capt. S. A 24, 206-207,
254, 269-370, 300-301.
Mackey, Hon. L. A is
McLaws, Gen. Lafayette 3oo
McNaughton, Maj. D. G.. 37n-38,
207, 217, 239, 254.
McNeil, Rev. Archibald 37n
McNeil, Col. H. W.. 22, 28n, 37.
38n, 79n, 84-86, 92, 137-140,
142, 17411, 177, 182-183x1, 185-
186, 194, 204, 206-207, 210-
211, 215-2x7, 280.
Magilton, Col. A. L- ■ 201, 204,
206, 212-313, 334.
Magruder, Gen. J. B i3o
Malone, Priv. Thomas I7in
Malvern Hill, Va 122, 134 et teq.
Mana&sas, Va. . . . 89, 91-92, 147,
169, 181-183, 184-185. See
also Bull Run. See abo Second
Bull Run.
Manassas Gap, Va 149, 378n
Mansfield, Gen. J. K. F 211, 3x3
Mason. See "Camp Mason and
Dixon."
Marietta, Pa 3550
Marker. See Stone^ Mrs. M. E-
(M.).
Marsh, Dr. N. F i3an
Martindale, Gen. J. H io8n
Martinsburg, W. Va i99n-3oo
Mather. See Biddle, Mrs. E. (M.)
Mathews, Captain 175
Mattison, G. W 31B
Mauch Chunk, Pa. 24-35
Maxwell, Lieut. Robert... 37, 255, 309
Index to Names and Places.
463
PAGE
Meade, Gen. G. G. . 3311, 66-6711,
94, 112, 125, 130, 14211, 178-
180, 182, 185-187, 189-190,
193-194, 201, 206, 209, 211-
213x1, 215, 219-220, 224-226,
231-233. 235-236. 23811-241,
260-262, 273, 277-285, 287,
289-290, 298, 312.
Meagher, Gen. T. F 118, 130
Mechanicsville, Va i9n, 24n,
son, 8sn, 96 et seg., 112, 115,
I20n, 122, 136, 140, 256n,
a8o, 317.
Menco, City of 34n
Meyers, Priv. John 26n
Middletown, Md 203, 278n
Miles, Col. D. S 199
Miles, Gen. N. A 23n
Milford, Fa 2in
Miller, Private 49
Milroy, Gen. R. H 163, 166,
185, I93n, 259.
Mine Run, Va. . 278, 283 et seg.,
290, 295.
Molino del Rey, Mexico 34n
Moore, Corp. W. W. 143
Morrell, Gen. G. W io8n, 116-118
Morris, Col. J. D 86n
Morristown, K. J 23n
Mosby, Col. J. S. ... 1710, i73n-
17411, 246-248, 286.
Moses, S. H zi7n
Mt Jackson, Va 161, 167
Mt. Lake Park, Md 25Sn
Mountain Ford, Va 282n
Mulligan, Lieut. Hugh z6
Munford, Col. T. F 158
Mutzabaugh, Sergt. J. W 19
NAroLSOH 1 225
Nelson, Fa 18
Nelson's Farm. See New Market
Cross Roads.
New Baltimore, Va 222, 282n
New Bridge, W. Va 140
New Creek, W. Va.... 46, 48, S7,
146, 170.
New Market, Va 161
New Market Cross Roads, Va..
I9n, 23n, 122 et seg., 136,
140, 252n-253, 280, 324.
New York, N. Y 29n, 37n
Newport, Ky , agn
PAGE
Niles, Col. A. E-... 13, 18, 23-24,
3S, 75. 77-79. 9°, ii3-"4.
207, 216, 22on, 250, 254, 267,
271. 275. 279. 286.
Niles, Mrs. A. (A.) 240
Norris, Lieut. J. H 30
North Anna River, Va.. 85n, 311,
313 et seg., 321.
Norwich, Fa 7on
Ny River. See Spottsylvania
Court House.
"Oi,D Gi,8»coe" «3
Olean, N. Y. 7on
Orcutt, Lieut. Daniel 253, 301
Ord, Gen. E. O. C. 70, 73-78, 81, 94
Orleans, Va 278n
Osceola, Pa 18
Oswego, N. Y 37n, 252n
Overton, Capt. G. B 18
Ox Hill. See Chantilly.
Packer, Hon. Asa 25
Palmer, Mass agn
Parker's Store. See Wilderness.
Parkhurst, Kasson 253n
Pattee, Gen. J. B 32Sn
Patterson, Gen. Robert 14. 41
Pattison, Gov. R. E 86n
Patton, Capt. H. D.. 36, 102-103,
110, 132, 252, 255n.
Pemberton, Gen. J. C 289
Petersburg, Va 255n
Pettigrew, Gen. J. J 273
Philadelphia, Pa... acn, 2in, 24n,
252n, 255n.
Fhilipsburg, Pa 2S5n
Pickett, Gen. G. E 273, 27s
Piedmont, W. Va 46-48, SO-53
Pierpont. See "Camp Fierpont."
Pilsen, Col. John 166
Finey Branch Church. See Spotts-
sylvania Court House.
Flattsburg, N. Y aan, a4n
Pleasonton, Col. Alfred aaa
Po River. See Spottsylvania
Court House.
Point Lookout, Mid 24n
Point of Rocks, Md 62
Pope, Gen. John.. 137, 144-I45n,
147, 168, 170-171, I73n-i74,
177. 179-182, 184-185, 187,
189. i93n->95> '97n.
464
History of thb Bucktails.
rAGE
Port Republic, Va 163, 166-167
Porter, Gen. Fitz-John . . . . 14, 99,
xo8n, III-II2, X14-117, 119,
«37, '85-187, S90-191, ipjn.
Porto Rico 23n
Pryor, Gen. R. A 1320
Randoi,, Lieut. A. M 125, 129
Ransom, Capt. D. R 183, 193, 212
Rappahannock Station, Va. . . 179-
180, 278n, 28211.
Rattlesnake Falls, Pa 14
Ranch, Capt E. H 25
Ranch, Sergt. W. H.. 26n, I59n,
226, 239n, 248n.
Reisdorph. See Freeman, Mrs. Z^
Reno, Gen. J. L. ... 184, 202-203, >a6
Republic City, Kan 256n
Reynolds, Gen. J. F. . 66, 77, 93-
94, 98, 107, 109, 112, 115,
119, 141, 178, 181-187, 189-
194, 201, 223, 231, 236, 26a,
262-2630, 280.
Rice, Lieut. B. A 11, 29, 256
Richmond, Va.. 87, 89, 91, 93, 96-
100, X06, no, I2t, x32n, izT^
143, 148, 167-168, 222-223,
286, 288, 290, 32sn.
Ricketts, Gen. J. B.. X7on, 182,
184, 211, 213.
Ridgeville, W. Va sx
Ridgway, Pa 10
Robb, John 104
Roberts, Col. R. B 141, 201, 2130
Robertson's Tavern, Va 284
Robinson, Gen. J. C 300
Romney, W. Va 41, 45-46, 51-52
Roney, Lieut T. J 255, 275
Rosecrans, Gen. W. S 51, 279
Rosengarten, Maj. J. G 262
Ross, Sergt. J. F 3x5
Roumf ort. Mayor 329
Russell, Gen. A. L 81
Ryan, Corp. T. H x6o
Sackett's Saw Mills, Pa 13
Sage, C. H 10
Saginaw, Mich 254n
St Clair, General 248
St Mary's, Pa xo, 7in
Salem, Va xSi
Salient, The. See Spottsylvania
Court House.
PAGE
Salisbury, Va 86n, 3250
Sandy Hook, Md 59, 61-62, 67
Savage Station, Va.. no, 122-123, 12s
Schenck, Gen. R. C 163, 185-186
Schriver, Gen. Edward 150
Schurz, Gen. Carl i7Sn
Scott Gen. Winfield 34n, 42. 55
Second Bull Run. . 3on, 37n, 85n,
140, X45n, X47, X73, X74 et
seg., 176, 189 et seg., 252n.
Sedgwick, Gen. John.... 2 13, 284,
289, 295-296, 301.
Seward, Blatchford 37n
Seward, W. H 3711
Seymour, Gen. Truman.... 93-94,
108-109, 1X2, xxs, xi7n, 125,
130, 132, 134-135, X37, X4X-
X42, X78, 187, 201, 203-206,
209-213, 220, 223.
Shady Grove Church, Va 3x8
Sharp, E. W 27
Sharpe, CoL A. P 75n
Sharpsburg, Md xs7n, 208-209,
219. See also Antietanu
Shelmire, Capt J. H 153
Shepherdstown, W. Va 259
Sheridan, Gen. P. H 317, 325n
Sherman, Conger 25xn
Sherman, Adjt Roger.. 133, 144,
207, 250, 251x1.
Sherman, Gen. W. T 288
Sherwood, Henry 23
Sherwood, Capt. Julius 18
Shields, Gen. James.... I47n-i49,
162, 166-167.
Sickel, Gen. H. G 341
Sickles, Gen. D. E 264-265, 274n
Sigel, Gen Franz.. 149, i75n, 181-
182, 184-186.
Simmons, Col. S. G 42, 56,
103, 109, 125, 127, 130.
Sinclair, Col. William 224, 233
Sinnamahoning Creek, Pa 13
Slifer, Eli 7, gn
Slocum, Gen. H. W 117
Smethport Pa 8, xi, 7on
Smith, Col. L. W 75
Smithiield, Va 229
Snow Shoe, Pa a5sn
South Mountain, Md... 3 in, 37n,
85n, X40, X97, 202, etseg.,xax,
227, 24on, 2S3n, 2s6n, 377,
a8o.
Ind^x to Names and Places.
46s
PACK
Sparks, Lieut. A. J 27
Sparr, Lieut. J. R 253, 275
Spottswood, Gov. Alexander 291
Spottsylvania Court House. . . 8sn,
25411, 299 et seq., 326.
Stafford Court House, Va 225
Stahel, Gen. Julius 151, 163,
i6sn-i66.
Stanton, E. M jgn, 140, 148
Steele, Maj. Theophilus 86n
Stevens, Thaddeus 5
Stewart, Gen. G. H 304
Stone, Gen. C. P egn
Stone, Mrs. M. E. (M.) 23n
Stone, Gen. Roy.. x8, 2on-22, 31,
35. 37-38n, 42, 99, 101-103,
X06, 109-110, 112-XX5, ii7n-
i2on, 127-128, 130-133, i3Sn,
137-139, I4in, 249, 324.
Stone, Gov. W. A 252n
Stoughton, Gen. E. H 246
Strasburg, Va 149-151, 161
Strickler, H. H 7Sn
Stuart, Gen. J. E. B 73, 76n,
78, 99n, 170-171, I73n-174,
x8i,' 202, 221, 232n.
Sturgis, Gen. S. D 168, 237
Sudley Springs, Va 183, 191
Sulphur Springs, Va 180
Sumner, Gen. E. V.. 125, 213,
219, 223, 228-230, 237-238.
Sumter. See Fort Sumter.
Sunbury, Pa iS
Susquehanna River, West Branch
13. 14-
Swayne, Lieut. J. J 27, 71, 157
Sykes, Gen. George.. 116-117, 237,
26a, 273, 284.
Tagoaot, Col. J. H 109
Talley, Col. W. C 301
Taylor, Bayard 27n,-28n
Taylor, Col. C. F.. 27, Ssn, 145,
156-157, 163, 170, 216, 220,
«7. 233-234, *39, 248n, 250,
255, 266-271, 275-276, 280.
Taylor, H. W 27
Taylor, Joshua 27
Taylor, The Misses aSn
Taylor, Lieut. William 254, 286
Taylor, Pres. Zachary 5, i/n
Tenallytown, D. C 6s
Thomas, Gen. G. H 60, 63, 288
Thomas, Gen. L 57
PACK
Thompson, Captain 175
Thompson, Maj. J. B... 274, 276, 324
Thompson, Col. W. S 130
Thoroughfare Gap, Va. . .181-182, '
222.
Tioga, Pa 23
Todd's Tavern. See Spottsylvania
Court House. See Wilder-
ness.
Trimble, Gen. I. R i62-i65n, 212
Trout, Capt. A. J so
Trowbridge, A. S S3
Truman, Asa 2520
Truman, Lieut. Lucius... 24, 207,
252, 256, 324.
Truman, Mrs. M. P. (L.) 2S2n
Tunstairs Station, Va 99
Turkey Point. See Harrison's
Landing.
Turner's Gap. See South Moun-
tain.
Twitchell, Captain 175
Tyrone, Pa 30
Union, Va 22a
Uniontown, Md 261
Upton, Col. Emory 303
Urbana, Va 87
Van Rshssai,a8r, Gen. Robert... 32n
Vicksburg, Miss 287-289
Vienna, Va 26on
Vincent, Col. Strong 265
Vogel, Sergt. Conrad 25
Von Borcke. See Borcke.
Wadswobth, Gen. J. S 239
Walker, Gen. J. B 200
Wallace, Gen. Lewis 41-42, 45> 55
Ward, Lieut. R. F 142, 239,
256, 269, 27on.
Warner, Lieut. R. B 21
Warren, Gen. G. K 265, 284,
289, 292, 295, 299-303. 305-
306, 313-316, 318.
Warren, Pa 2i-22n, 37n
Warrenton, Va 180-181, 222, 282n
Washington, D. C 24n, 37n, 57-
59, 7in-73, 87, 89, 97n, 137,
144, 147-149. 168, 177, 181,
195. 197. 199-200, 215, 222,
24on, 243, 245. 2s6n, 259, 287,
290, 327.
Watertown, N. Y 253n
3»
466
History ot the Bucktails.
rAGi
Webster, Daniel 2
Welch, Capt J. M.. 30, 104, 20s,
207, Z09, 216, 256, 261.
Welch, James 10
Wellsboro, Pa 24n, 25211
Wertz, Aaron 25
West, Lieut. J. D 324
West Chester, Pa 27n
Westfield, Pa 18
Weyler's Cave, Va 167
Wheatland, Va 278n
Whipple, Gen. A. M 69n
White, Captain 69n
White, James 27
White, Judge R. T 23
White Chapel, Va 284
White House, Va . . 89, 95, 97-100,
no, 121, 148, 327.
White Oak Swamp, Va 122, 124
White Plains, Va 222
White Ridge, Va 92n, 225
Whitney, Nelson 23
Wickersbam, B. F 27
Wilderness, The.. 23n, Ssn, 2S7
et seq., 326.
Williams, Judge H. W 23
Williamsburg, Va 97
Williamsport, Md 259, 277
Williamsport, Pa. 19
Willis, Lieutenant issn
PACK
Willis Church. See New Market
Cross Roads.
Wilson, Judge S. F. 23
Winchester, Va 149-150, 259
Winder, Gen. C S «S0
Winslow, Cobe 10
Winslow, Lieut. T. B 10, 26,
86, 164, 171, 339, 256.
Wisner, Dr 360
Wister, John 20
Wister, Gen. Langhorne. . . 19-20,
230, 35, so, 101-102, I09n,
113-114, ii9-i2on, 132, 138-
141, 216, 249, 253.
Wolfe, Maj. J. A. . 10, 86, I52n-
153. '56, lesn, 254-2S5n, 271,
306-307, 314-315. 324-
Wood. See Kane, Dr. E. D. (W.)
Woodruff, Priv. Hiram 9
Woodstock, Va 151
Worth, General I7n
Wright, Capt. Ernest. . . 225, 255, 324
Wright, Priv. Frank 1710
Wright, Gen. H. G 318
Wyndham, Col. Percy i52-i54n
Ybagsb, LeONASS 25
Yerkes, Maj. J. D 27, 71, 255, 27s
Yorktown, Va 96
Young, Brigham 32n
CORRIGENDA ET ADDENDA.
Pages 11 and 29 for "Bruce B. Rice" read "Bruce A. Rice."
Page 20 for "haverlocks" read "havelocks."
Page 20 add note "Belton though elected was never commissioned."
Page 30 for "Daniel G. Blett" read "Daniel Blett"
Page 37 for "Aubury" resid "Auburn."
Page 44 for "Mason and Dixey" read "Mason and Dixon."
Pages 45, 69 and 254 for "Minnie" read "Minie."
Page 92 for "Bristow" read "Bristoe"
Page 101 line 14 for "cavalry were" read "cavalry was."
Pages 107, 108 and 116 for "D. P. Hill" read "D. H. Hill."
Pages 107, 125 and 129 for "Kern's" read "Kerns'."
Pages 125, 129 for "Randall's" read "Randol's."
Page 129 for "Randall" read "Randol."
Page 161 line 4 for "their opponents" read "its opponents."
Page 163 for "Trimble's division" read "Trimble's brigade."
Page 170 line 1 for "their pleasure" read "the men's pleasure."
Page 175 line 15 for "they moved" read "the four companies moved.'
Page 190 for "Reynold's" read "Reynolds'."
Page 193 line 19 for "joined them" read "joined it."
Page 199 for "General Miles" read "Colonel Miles."
Pages 211 and 213 for "Rickett's" read "Ricketts'."
Page 252 for "John A. Harrower" read "John G. narrower."
Page 253 line 14 for "1899" read "1889."
Page 254 line 31 for "dates of" read "date of."
Page 268 line 10 for "no nothing" read "do nothing."
Pages 394 and 458 for "E. S. Brookins" read "B. L.. Brookins."
Pages 278 and 459 for "Culpepper" read "Culpeper."
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