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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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ALLEN COUNIY PJJBI IC LIBRARY
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1
THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
OF-
THE 122nd REGJMENT
OF-
.OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
FROM—
OCTOBER 8, 1862, TO JUNE 26, 1865.
COPIED FROM
Volumes 25, 27, 29, 33, 36, 37, 40, 42, 43 and 46, Series I, U. S. War Records, and from Volumes 3 and 5 of Series III.
BY
/ \
Moses Mqorhead Granger \
Who served from September 10, 1862, to December 16, 1864, as Major and Lieutenant Colonel of Said Regiment.
ZANESVILLE, OHIO
GEORGE LILIENTHAL, PRINTER
1912
■■"■\.
THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
OF
THE 122nd REGIMENT
-OF-
tm
OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
%
m
■FROM-
OCTOBER 8, 1862, TO JUNE 26, 1865.
1779045
COPIED FROM
Volumes 25, 27, 29, 33, 36, 37, 40, 42, 43 and 46, Series I, U. S. War Records, and from Volumes 3 and 5 of Series III.
BY
MOSES MOORHEAD GRANGER
Who served from September 10, 1862, to December 16, 1864, as Major and Lieutenant Colonel of Said Regiment. -
THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
OF
The 122nd Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry
From October 8, 1802, to June 20, 18(>5.
The "War of the Rebellion" lasted from April 12. 1861, to the last of June, 18G5. 2,763,670 men were furnished by the States and Territories under calls made by the President of the United States for service in the National army. These were or- ganized as
Regiments. Companies. Batt'eries.
Cavalry 258 170
Artillery 57 22 232
Infantry 1666 306
Total 1981 498 232
Making in all 2047 Regiments, having about 16.400 Regimental and Company commissioned officers.
General officers were commissioned to command the brigades, divisions, corps and armies. Laws and orders made it the duty of every commander of a detachment, company, regiment, brigade, division, corps and army, to make a written report to his com- mander of each and every skirmish, battle or action in which he was engaged, besides regular monthly and other periodical reports of himself and his command. Every commander above — in the line — could forward each report indorsing his views thereon, and all finally went to the War Department.
Other laws provided for compiling and publishing said re- ports. When published they made 128 octavo book's, each con- taining on an average over !)11 pages; total number of pages 138,579. They were designated as volumes "one," "two," and so on, including "fifty-three" ; each volume relating to a specified campaign, or campaigns, but twenty volumes were published in two separate "parts"; twelve volumes were published in three
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012
http://archive.org/details/officialwarrecoOOgran
THE OFFICIAL WAR RIOCORI)
separate "parts"; three volumes were published in four separate "parts," and one volume was published in five separate "pails." "relating speeially to the subject of the First and Second series. It embraces the annual and special reports of the Secretary of War, of the General in Chief, and of the Chiefs of the several Staff Corps and Departments; the calls for troops, and the cor- respondence between the National and several State authorities.
SERIES IV.
This consists of three volumes — serials numbered 127 to 129, both included; and contains "Correspondence, orders, reports and returns of the Confederate authorities, similar to that indi- cated for the Union officials, as of the third series, but excluding the correspondence between the Union and Confederate authori- 1 ies given in that series. "
ATLAS.
"The index to the Atlas accompanying the volumes contains a complete table of contents, to which reference should be had tor detailed information respecting the maps, sketches and illus- trations therein published. "
EXPLANATIONS.
On pages XXV to XLII, both included, in Serial No. 130— The General Index will aid anyone searching for information about any person, or fact.
As every soldier— whether a comissioned or non-commissioned officer or private— was mustered into the United States service by a "mustering officer" duly detailed for that duty, the name of every one of the 2,763,670 appears at least once in these " War Records."
Volume 130, containing 1,248 pages, is a General Index. It states that the name of every person, who is named in any officer's report as to his command, and the volumes and pages in which any of said persons name appears, in any of Serials numbered f to 12!), both included; being all of Series I, 11, III and IV, are duly indexed.
Said 130 volumes constitute "Series One" of the War Rec- ords, which Series contains "Formal reports, both Union and Con- federate, of the first seizures of United States property in the Southern States, and of all military operations in the field, with I he correspondence, orders ami returns relating specially thereto.
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. 1.
SERIES TWO.
This consists of eighl volumes — Serials numbered 114 to 121, both in »4 in led ; and contains "( 'orrespondenee, orders, reports and returns, [Tniori and Confederate, relating to prisoners of war. and (so far as the military authorities were concerned) to State or |)oli1 ical prisoners. "
SERIES THREE.
This consists of five volumes — Serials numbered 122 to 120, both included, and contains "('orrespondence, orders, reports and returns of the Union authorities, (embracing their correspondence; with the ( Jonfederate officials).
In order that cxevy person wishing to know any tact about the One Hundred and Twenty Second (122) Ohio Volunteer In- fantry may find it easily, I will copy the official records made be- tween the 8th day of October A. 1). 1802, when said Regimenl was mustered into the United States Military Service at Camp Zanesville, four miles westerly from the City of Zanesville, Ohio, by Captain Charles Convers Goddard of the 17th United States Regiment of Infantry, and the 20th day of -June A. 1). 1805, when said Regiment was mustered out of said service by 4. C. Robinson, Brevet Major and A. C. M. Third Division. 0th Army Corps, at o)' near Washington City. 1). C. ; and so report all the marches, skirmishes, actions, combats, battles and other facts in the conduct of said Regiment, and its Companies and detach- ments; and as almost ^'\^^il^y one of said reports was made by a commanding officer who never belonged to said Regiment, this publication will furnish the testimony of disinterested witnesses.
1 begin "The Official War Record of the One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry" with the following necessary
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT.
On the 24rd day of October A. D. 1802, said Regiment, under orders from David Tod, Governor of Ohio, marched from Camp Zanesville to the south ^\\(\ of Fifth street in that city; embarked upon the sternwheeled steamers "Powell" and >- Patton. " and were transported on and by them down the Muskingum river to Marietta ; traveled by railroad cars about 14 miles along the north side of the Ohio river; crossed by ferry to Parkersburg (then in Virginia); and after a few days traveled bv railroad cars to
THE OFFICIAL WAR KRCOKI)
Clarksburg (then in Virginia); and thence again by railroad ears
to New Creek Station on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad line in Allegany County, Maryland, and there made temporary camp on November 15, 1862, and were reported to Major General Robert C. Schenek, V. S. Vols.
The first report in the War Records as to said Regiment I now quote :
SERIES T. VOL. XXV, PART II, PAGES 92 AND 93, WAR RECORDS.
Winchester, Va., February 20, 1863. Maj. Genl. R. C. Schenek.
Dear Sir: Yours of the 16th hist., but postmarked 18th, reached me last evening- and I hasten to reply. Inclosed yon will find a statement showing what batteries, regiments and detaeh- ments compose my command, by which it will be seen that I have under my immediate comntand at this place two 6 gun batteries of 10 pounders (one battery being Parrott guns, and the other reg- ulation guns), six regiments of infantry, two cavalry regiments, less one company, besides, two detached companies of cavalry. These aggregate for duty, as follows: Artillery 245, Infantry 3.984. Cavalry 1,306. That portion of my command, left behind under Col. James Washburn, and now at Romney, consists of two regiments of infantry, aggregating for duty 1,385 men, and one detached company of cavalry (JO strong. I understand that there are at Romney some five or six other companies of Pennsyl- vania cavalry, of the Ringgold battalion, and a full battery.
While at New Creek I reorganized my division into two brigades: The First Brigade to consist of the Eighty- Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, the Ninth. Tenth and Twelfth Regiments Virginia Infantry, and Battery B, First Virginia Artillery, which is still its organization. This Brigade was for a time under command of Bragidier General Clusevet, but since the 12th ultimo, has been under the command of Col. George Hay of the Eighty Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania. He is a most ardent patriot, a highly honorable gentleman and an excellent officer.
The Second Brigade consisted of the 110th, the 116th, the 122nd, the 123rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Battery 1) First (West) Virginia Artillery, and was commanded by Col. dames
OF THE 122NI) REGIMENT, 0. V. I.
Washburn of the 116th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. lit: is a good officer.
Col. Washburn is left behind at Roinney with only two regi- ments of his brigade, tp-wit: the 116th and 123rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Company E Third (West) Virginia Cavalry. The other half of his brigade, to-wit: the 110th and 122nd Regiments Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Battery 1), First (West) Virginia Artillery, are here, under the temporary command of Col. J. W. Keifer of the 110th Regiment, who is also a most excellent officer. The two brigades of my command, as originally organized, was, I think, the best disposition that could be made of these eight regiments.
I should be much pleased, if the good of the service would permit, to get back the two regiments I left west of the mountains. as they are two of my old veteran regiments that went through Virginia with me last year and participated in all the battles under Fremont and Pope. (Note Aug. 13, 11)12 by Col. Granger.) (This is a mistake. The 116th and 123rd Ohio Volunteer Regi- ments were first organized in Ohio during August, September and October, 1862.)
If General Roberts is assigned to me, I would like to have him take command of my Second Brigade, if it can be gotten together, as it is the strongest in numbers.
You are informed as to the composition and strength of the forces under the rebel General Jones in my front. That force, as I am reliably informed, has recently been re-inforced by the forces under General Imboden, consisting of one battery, about 1,200 cavalry, and about 500 infantry, and they are promised the 25th and 31st Regiments Virginia Infantry, from Fredericksburg, and it is rumored that they are soon to be joined by Floyd with a force of about 6,000.
I am general with great respect, your obedient servant,
R. II. MILROY, Brigadier General.
VOL. 25, PART II. PAGES 123, 124.
General Orders No. 14.
Ildqrs. .Middle Oept., 8th Army Corps. Baltimore, Md., March 5, 1863. The following named troops of the Eighth Army Corps will constitute the Second Division, to the command, of which, General
THE OFFICIAL WAR RICCORD
R. II. Milroy, LT. S. Volunteers, is assigned:
First Brigade, Brig. (Jen. Washington L. Elliott, U. S. Volun- 1 eers, comniii nd ing —
The 110th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. J. W. Keifer.
The 116th Regimenl Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. James Washburn.
The 122nd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. \V. II. Ball.
The 123rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Col. W, T. Wilson.
Battery I), First Regimenl Virginia Volunteer Artillery, Cap- tain -John Carlin.
The First Regimenl New York Volunteer Cavalry, Col. An- drew T. MeReynolds.
The Twelfth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, Col. P. B. Pierce.
The Thirteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, Col. James A. Galigher.
Second Brigade, Col. George Hay. STth Regimenl Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Infantry, commanding:
The Ninth Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry, Col. Isaac II. Duval.
The Tenth Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry, Col. Thomas M. Harris.
The Twelfth Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry. Col. John B. Klunk.
The Eighty Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer In- fantry. Lieut. Col. John W. Sehall.
Battery L, Fifth Regiment P. S. Artillery, Captain S. F. Chaltin.
Battery B. First Regiment Virginia Volunteer Artillery, Capt. John V. Keeper.
Company K. First Regiment Virginia Cavalry, Capt. Weston Rowand.
Companies I) and K, Third Regiment Virginia Cavalry, Capt. James R. Pit.
By command of Major General Schenck.
WM. II. CHESEBROUGII, Lieutenant Colonel and Assistant Adjutant General.
.
OF THE 122NI) REGIMENT, O. V. I
VOLUME 25, PART I, PAGES 142 AND 143.
April 17, 1863, Colonel William II. Ball in command of the One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Volunteer rnfantry, with two guns of Battery I), First West Virginia Artillery. Lieutenant Chalfant commanding, marched to Stump's tannery, and returned to Winchester next day; distance marched 40 miles. Captured a lot of leather from rebel owners.
May 5, 1863, Brigadier General Washington L. Elliott, with One Hundred and Tenth, One Hundred and Twenty Second and One Hundred and Twenty Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Tenth Virginia Infantry, went on scout 'up the valley, pro- ceeding as far as Newmarket, Virginia, and returned to Winches- ter May !), 1863. Captured nine prisoners and lost five men. of Company G, 122nd Ohio Volunteers — captured near Edinlmrg, Virginia.
The above paragraphs are in the "Itinerary of the Second Division, Eighth Army Corps — April 4-May 28, 1863. Major O'eiieral Robert II. Milroy commanding said division.
VOL. 2o, PART II. PAGES 34, 92, 123, 590, PAGES 33-4-5.
Troops in the Middle Military Department (or Eighth Army Corps) Major General Robert C. Schenek, [I. S. A., commanding, January 31, 1863. Page 34. The troops at Winchester. Va.. com- manded by Major General Robert II. Milroy, [I. S. A.
1st New York Cavalry, Lieut. Col. Frederick Von Schickfuss.
110th Ohio. Lieut. Col. William N. Foster.
122nd Ohio, Col. William II. Ball.
1 Mh Pennsylvania Cavalry. Col. James A. Galigher.
87th Pennsylvania Infantry, Lieut. Col. John W. Schall.
Kith Virginia, Col. Thomas M. Harris.
9th West Virginia, Col. Isaac II. Duvall.
1.2th West Virginia, Col. John B. Klunk.
1st West Virginia Cavalry, Company K, Capt. Weston Row- a ml.
3rd West Virginia Cavalry. Company 1). Capt. James R. Utt.
1st West Virginia Artillery, Battery B, Capt. John V. Keeper.
1st West Virginia Artillery. Battery 1), Capt. John Carlin.
SERIES I, VOL. 25, PAGE 590. Ext rail from tri- monthly return of .Middle Department
10 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Eighth Army Corps, Major General Robert C. Schenck command- ing, for May 31, 1863. Headquarters, Baltimore, Maryland.
1 SECOND DIVISION.
Maj. Gen. Robert II. Milroy. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. Washington L. Elliott. 110th Ohio, Lieut. Col. William II. Foster. 116th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Thomas F. Wildes. 122nd Ohio, Lieut. Col. Moses M. Granger. 123rd Ohio, Lieut. Col. William T. Wilson. 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Col. Lewis B. Pierce. 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Col. James A. Galigher. West Virginia Battery (D), Capt. John Carlin. Second Brigade. Col. William G. Ely. 18th Connecticut, Col. William G. Ely. 87th Pennsylvania, Col. John W. Schall.
1st West Virginia Cavalry, Company K, Capt. Weston Rowand.
3rd West Virginia Cavalry, Companies D and E, Capt. James R. Utt.
5th U. S. Artillery, Battery L, Lieut. Wallace F. Randolph. Third Brigade. Col. A. T. McReynolds. 6th Maryland, Col. John W. Horn. 1st New York Cavalry, Major Timothy Quinn. 67th Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. II. B. Burnham. Baltimore (Maryland) Battery, Capt. F. W. Alexander.
SERIES I, VOL. 27, PART 2, PAGE 41. No. 383. Report of Maj. Gen. Robert IT. Milroy, U. S. Army, com- manding Second Division, of operations June 1-15.
Baltimore, Md., June 30, 1863. Colonel : 1 have been compelled by the exigencies of public duties connected with my late command to defer until the present time a report of the recent operations about Winchester.. Having no reports from Brigade commanders, and not even an oppor- tunity of conferring with them, 1 am still unable to give a detailed
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 11
report. A sense of duty to myself and to the officers and soldiers whom I had the honor to command requires that I should submit some general statements.
I occupied Winchester with my command on December 25 last, and continued in the occupancy up to Monday morning, the 15th instant, when, for reasons which will appear in the sequel of this report, I was compelled to evacuate it.
When I first occupied Winchester, the Valley of the Shenan- doah from Staunton to Strasburg was occupied by the rebel Gen- eral Jones, with a force variously estimated at from 5,000 to 6,000 men, and constituted principally of cavalry. Imboden at the same time occupied Cacapon Valley with a force composed of infantry, cavalry and artillery, estimated at 1,500 men. These were the only forces by which I was in danger of being assailed, unless by a force from Lee's army, which, it was supposed, would be prevented from hostile demonstrations in my direction by the Army of the Potomac.
The object of holding Winchester was to observe and hold in check the rebel forces in the Valley, and to secure the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad against depredations.
Late in March, in pursuance of an order issued upon my own suggestion, I stationed the Third Brigade of my Division, con- sisting of the Sixth Regiment Maryland Volunteer Infantry, Sixty Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, First Regi- ment New York Cavalry, and the Baltimore Battery, at Berry- ville, Colonel McReynolds, of the First New York Cavalry, com- manding. My instructions to Colonel McReynolds were to keep open our communication with Harper's Ferry and to watch the passes of the Blue Ridge (Snicker's and Ashby's Gaps) and the fords of the Shenandoah River known as Snicker's and Berry's. To this end he was to cause to be diligently scouted the country be- tween him and those localities, and as far south as Milwood. I was expressly instructed to undertake no offensive operations in force. Acting in accordance with these instructions, I kept my forces well in hand in the vicinities of Berry ville and Winchester, ex- cepting that during the expedition of General Jones into West Virginia, by order from your headquarters, I sent portions of them into that State. During my occupancy of Winchester, I almost continually kept out heavy cavalry scouts on the Front Royal road as far as Front Royal, and on the Strasburg road as far as Strasburg. My cavalry frequently drove the enemy's
12 THE OFFICIAL WAR RICCORD
pickets as far up the Valley as Woodstock, and I held almost un- disputed possession of the Valley as far as Strasburg until about June 1. By means of these cavalry expeditions, and information furnished me by Union citizens, I kept myself continually posted as to the rebel forces in the Valley under Jones and [mboden, and was at no time deceived as to their numbers or movements.
About June 1 the enemy became bolder, and small detach- ments of his cavalry were met as far down the Valley as Middle- town.
On Friday, June 12, for the purpose of ascertaining whether there had been any accumulation of rebel forces in my front, I sent out two strong reconnoitering parties, one on the Strasburg and the other on the Front Royal road. The one on the Strasburg road consisted of the Eighty Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer infantry. Thirteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and one section of Battery L, Fifth U. S. Artillery, under command of Colonel Schall, of the Eighty Seventh Regiment . Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. This reconnaissance was conducted with energy, in pursuance of instructions, and its results were in every way satisfactory. The expedition proceeded up the Valley, the cavalry in advance, but within supporting distance of the infantry and artillery, until it had arrived within two miles of Middletown, at which place a messenger from Major Kerwin, who was in com- mand of the cavalry, announced to Colonel Schall that a superior force of cavalry of the enemy had been discovered in line of battle immediately north of Middletown. The infantry and artil- lery were immediately concealed, the former in a dense grove to the right of the road and within 100 yards of the same, and the latter behind a ridge. Our cavalry retired, skirmishing with that of the enemy until he was drawn within reach of the tire of the infantry. Upon the first fire of our infantry the enemy re- treated precipitately, followed by our cavalry, which pursued beyond Middletown.
In this affair the enemy lost 50 (as has since been ascertained) in killed and wounded, and we took 87 prisoners.
Colonel Schall remained on the ground for an hour, during which time his cavalry scoured the country in every direction, but could detect no traces of an accumulation of rebel forces.
The prisoners taken all belonged to the Maryland Battalion and Fourteenth Virginia Cavalry, troops which had been in the Valley and on picket duty during the whole period of my occu-
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
13
pancy of Winchester. Besides, separate examinations of the prisoners disclosed that there was no accumulation of forces there. Colonel Schall made his report to me about 7 o'clock in the evening, and it relieved me from all apprehensions of an attack from the Strasburg road. It is now known that no part of Lee's army approached Winchester from that direction.
The reconnaissance on the Front Royal road was abortive. The expedition consisted of the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry, about 400 strong, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Moss. It returned to Winchester about 3 o'clock in the afternoon on Fri- day.- Its commanding officer reported that at Cedar ville, a place about 12 miles from Winchester, he had encountered a large force of the enemy, composed of cavalry, infantry, and artillery. It did not appear, however, that he had placed himself in a position to ascertain the number or character of the force which Ik; had encountered, or exercised the usual and necessary efforts to obtain that essential information. Officers of his command and reliable scouts who were present gave contradictory reports.
This report was discredited by myself and by General Elliott, my second in command. There was nothing in the report which indicated the presence of General Lee's army. It was supposed that the force on the Front Royal road could not be other than the enemy which we had faced during the occupancy of Win- chester, or that the anticipated cavalry raid of General Stuart was in progress, against either or both of which combined I could have held my position. I deemed it impossible that Lee's army, with its immense artillery and baggage trains, could have escaped from the Army of the Potomac, and crossed the Blue Ridge through Ashby's/ Chester, and Thornton Gaps in concentric columns. The movement must have occupied five or six days, and notice of its being in progress could have been conveyed to me from General Hooker's headquarters in five minutes, for tele- graphic communication still existed between Baltimore and Winchester.
On Friday night T doubled my pickets and kept out strong patrols of cavalry on the leading roads, and T also sent a mes- senger to Colonel McReynolds, at Berryville, notifying him that the enemy was reported to be in considerable force on the Front Royal road. I instructed him to keep a strong party of observa- tion in the direction of Millwood; to place his command in readi- ness to move at a moment's warning; if attacked by a superior
14 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
force, to fall back upon Winchester by the route which he might deem most practicable, and that if his command should be needed at Winchester, he would be notified by four discharges from the large guns at the main fort at AVinchester.
The whole forces under my command at this time were :
First Brigade, Brig. Gen. W. L. Elliott commanding — One Hundred and Tenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Keifer; One Hundred and Sixteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Washburn; One Hundred and Twenty Second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Ball; One Hundred and Twenty Third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Wilson ; Thirteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry, Colonel Gal- ligher; Twelfth Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry, Lieutenant- Colonel Moss, and Battery L, Fifth U. S. Artillery, Lieutenant Randolph.
The Second Brigade, Colonel Ely, Eighteenth Connecticut, com'manding — The Eighty Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Vol- unteer Infantry, Colonel Schall ; Twelfth Regiment West Virginia Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Klunk; Eighteenth Regiment Con- necticut Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Nichols; Fifth Regiment Maryland Volunteer Infantry, Captain Holton ; Battery D, First West Virginia Artillery, Captain Carlin ; Company K, First AVest Virginia Cavalry, Lieutenant Dawson, and Companies D and E, Third West Virginia Cavalry, Captain White.
The heavy guns of the main fortifications — consisting of four 20-pounder Parrotts and two 24-pounder howitzers — were served by a company of the Fourteenth (First) Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, commanded by Captain Martins. The command num- bered, according to Friday morning's return, 6,900 effective men.
On Saturday morning, at a few minutes before 8 o'clock, my cavalry patrols on the Front Royal road reported that the enemy was approaching in force. Deeming it advisable that under the circumstances the whole command should be united at Win- chester, I gave Colonel McReynolds the concerted signal a1)ove stated. I immediately sent forward on the Front Royal and Stras- burg roads forces to observe and report the forces and movements of the enemy. That on the Front Royal road consisted of the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Eighty Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Eighteenth Connecticut Infantry, Fifth Maryland Infantry, and one section of Battery L, Fifth II. S. Ar- tillery, Colonel Ely commanding. A little over a mile from Win-
OfF THE 122ND' Rlfe<t&ttT, O. V. I.
IS
Chester this force encountered a battery of the enemy's artillery, located in a wood at the right of the Front Royal road. After a short artillery skirmish, Colonel Ely retired his command to near the junction of the Front Royal and Strasburg roads, immediately south of and adjoining Winchester. The enemy did not pursue in force. Occasionally during the day small detachments of rebel cavalry approached from that direction, but were driven off by our infantry pickets, which were well protected, and directed to remain at their posts and act as skirmishers. The force on the Strasburg road consisted of the One Hundred and Tenth and One Hundred and Twenty Third Ohio, the Twelfth West Virginia Infantry, Thirteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry and Car- lin's Battery, Brigadier General Elliot commanding.
A little to the west and adjoining Winchester is a high ridge, which extends from the town south for over a mile to Mill Creek, which is known as Apple-Pie Ridge. Around the southern ter- minus of this ridge the creek and a mill-race wind across the Strasburg road, and from thence in a northerly direction across the Front Royal road, and north of that road to Hollingsworth Mills, where the race terminates and the creek takes an abrupt easterly course. The whole length of the race is about two miles. The creek and race combined afford a strong protection against cavalry, and for that reason and the additional one that stone fences and other covers abound in its vicinity, they had been adopted as a portion of my infantry picket line.
The force above designated, excepting two sections of Car- lin's Battery, stationed on the southern extremity of the ridge above described, proceeded up the Strasburg road to within a short distance of Kernstown, where it remained, encountering no enemy, excepting occasional parties of skirmishers, until about 2 p. m., when Brigadier General Elliott, through Lieutenant (Wil- liam) Alexander, of his staff, reported to me at the place where the two sections of Carlin's battery were stationed that he could find no enemy in his front, but that there were indications that he was massing his forces on our left, in the vicinity of the Front Royal road. I then directed General Elliott to retire his force on the Strasburg road back to the creek and race above described, so as to put it in a position to support Colonel Ely on the Front Royal road or the forces in the forts, as the exigency might require. While this order was being executed, and when General Elliott's command had arrived within 600 yards of the creek and race, a
.
16 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
considerable force of the enemy's infantry in two lines of battle displayed itself to our right, with the apparent intention to flank
and cut off our retiring troops. 1 estimated the force of the enemy then m sight at 2)000.
The two sections of Carlin's battery on the ridge as above stated commanded the position of the enemy, and immediately opened on him with sufficient effect to- throw him into con- fusion, when the One Hundred and Tenth Regiment Ohio Volun- teer Infantry, Colonel Keifer, and One Hundred and Twenty Third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Wilson, charged upon him and drove him back in disorder with considerable loss. Simultaneously the Twelfth West Virginia Infantry, Colonel Klunk, engaged a large body of the enemy's skirmishers in a woods south of the ridge and on the opposite side of the creek and race, and, after holding them in check some two hours, being outflanked and greatly outnumbered, retired. Our whole force, which had been advanced on the Strasburg road, retired behind the creek and race above described. That creek and race then constituted the line of our forces in front of the town, and Avas held by Colonel Ely, with a portion of his Brigade, on the Front Royal road, and by General Elliott, with a portion of his Brigade, on the Strasburg road. The remainder of my forces were in the forts immediately north of the town.
Immediately after our forces had retired from the Strasburg road to the Winchester side of the creek and race, the enemy ad- vanced his skirmishers, and brisk skirmishing ensued until dark.
About 5 o'clock the enemy advanced and took possession of a picket post, surrounded by a stone wall on the south, east and west, and which commanded the Strasburg road, from which they Were dislodged by two companies of the Twelfth West Virginia Volunteer Infantry.
In this affair; which occurred about 6 o'clock in the evening, we captured a prisoner, from whom I learned that he belonged to Hays' Louisiana Brigade, which was a part of Ewell's Corps, the whole of which, and part of Longstreet's, was in our immediate vicinity. A deserter who came in shortly afterward confirmed his statement. This was the first intimation that I received that Lee's army had quietly retired before the lines of the Army of the Potomac, and performed a five or six days' march.
Telegraphic communication with my headquarters continued until 12 m. on Saturday. The Blue Ridge screened the operations
OF THE 122NI) REGIMENT, O. V.
17
of Lee's army from me. 1 had always relied with implicit con- fidence upon receiving timely notice by telegraph of its advance
in my direction.
On Saturday, under cover of the night, 1 withdrew my forces on the Strasburg and Front Royal roads in front of Winchester to the southern suburbs of the town, under orders to retire to the forts north of the town at 2 o'clock in the morning.
Colonel McReynolds arrived with his command between i) and 10 ]). m., and was assigned to the star fort, immediately north of the main fortification. At this time it was evident that at least two Corps of Lee's army, numbering not Jess than 50,000 men, and abundantly supplied with artillery, were in my immediate vicinity, and that my retreat by the Martinsburg and Berryville roads was cut off. I still hoped that there had been some cor- responding action of the Army of the Potomac, and that if I could sustain myself for twenty-four hours I would be relieved.
Early on Sunday morning detachments of cavalry were sent out on tiie Berryville and Martinsburg roads, but were driven back by the enemy's skirmishers and sharpshooters.
From 7 o'clock on Sunday morning until 4 o'clock in the afternoon, detachments of the Eighteenth Connecticut, Fifth Maryland, and Eighty Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under the direction of Colonel Ely, continually skirmished with the enemy in front, of the forts and east of town, between the Front Royal and Martinsburg roads. During this skirmishing the rebels took possession of a large brick dwelling, surrounded by dense shrubbery, on the Berryville road, about half a mile from Winchester. Cur skirmishers attacked and carried the house, killing one officer and five men and captured eleven prisoners.
At one time during the day tin* rebels in considerable num- bers appeared in the town, but were driven out by the Eighteenth Connecticut and Eighty Seventh Pennsylvania Infantry.
On Sunday morning General Elliott, with a portion of his Brigade, Carlin's Battery, and the Twelfth AVest Virginia Volun- teer Infantry, took position on the ridge above described, about a quarter of a mile south of the Komney road. He had frequent and sometimes severe skirmishing. The enemy did not, however, at any time appear before him in force.
In consequence of the everwhelming masses of the enemy about me, I kept my forces during the day well in hand and in
18 THE OFFICIAL WAR KRCOKI)
immediate connection with the forts.
As early as Saturday evening, after I learned of the presence of Lee's army in force, I made up my mind to act on the defen- sive, economize my forces, wait until the enemy had massed him- self for the final attack, and then, unless relieved, force my way through what might appear to be the weakest portion of his lines. My belief was superinduced by the maneuvers of the enemy on Saturday and by the ground that the real attack would come from the Romney road.
Early on Sunday morning, I ordered Captain Morgan, of the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry, with a detachment of two com- panies of that Regiment, to proceed out the Pughtown road as far as Pughtown, if practicable; thence across to the Romney road, and by that road back to the forts. I instructed him to care- fully observe the disposition and forces of the enemy, if any, in that direction. That officer returned with his command to the forts about 2 p. m., and reported that he had made the round in- dicated without meeting or detecting any traces of an enemy in that direction. Immediately west of and parallel with the ridge on which the main fortification is constructed, and about 2,000 yards distant therefrom, is another range, known as Flint Ridge, on which there was in process of construction a line of earth- works, which commanded the Pughtown and Romney roads and all the approaches from the west. These works were occupied on Sunday by the One Hundred and Tenth and part of the One Hundred and Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Battery L,
Fifth U. S. Artillery, under Colonel Keifer.
L The report of Captain Morgan relieved me from all appre- hension of an immediate attack in that direction, and induced me to turn my attention to the approaches in other directions. I am still at a loss to know how Captain Morgan could have made the tour which he reported without seeing or encountering the enemy, for within two hours after he made his report the enemy opened upon me from the west with at least four full bat- teries, some of his guns of the longest range, under cover of which fire he precipitated a column of infantry, at least 10,000 strong, upon the outwork held by Colonel Keifer, which, after a stubborn resistance, he carried. This outwork was commanded by the guns of the main and star forts, which were immediately brought to bear upon the enemy, driving him from the position, and afford- ing a protection to Colonel Keifer 's command, under which it re-
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, 0. V. I. 19
treated, with small loss, to the main fort. The guns at the fort, and the Baltimore Battery, Captain Alexander, at the star fort, and Carlin's Battery, immediately south of the main fort, en- gaged the guns of the enemy, and an artillery contest ensued, which was maintained with energy on both sides until 8 o'clock in the evening. During its progress, I massed my troops in the main and star forts and in the rifle-pits in front of them. To my regret, the enemy made no effort to take my position by assault.
About 9 o'clock in the evening, I convened a council of war, consisting of Brigadier General Elliott, commanding First Brigade, Colonel Ely, commanding Second Brigade, and Colonel Mi-Reynolds, commanding Third Brigade. Before stating the re- sult of this council, it is proper that I should state the circum- stances by which we were surrounded. It was certain that Lee had eluded the Army of the Potomac, and was at liberty to use his whole force against us without hinderance from any source. Our position at Winchester, although affording facilities for de- fense which would enable an inferior to maintain itself against a superior number for a limited time, could not be successfully defended by the limited means at my command against such an army as surrounded me. Six principal roads, known in the army as the Romney, Pughtown, Martinsburg, Berryville, Front Royal, and Strasburg roads, lead into the town. The names of these roads indicate their course. They are all intersected and con- nected by cross-roads in close proximity to the town. Cavalry and artillery can approach the town and the forts from every direction. We had but one day's rations left, and our artillery ammunition was almost entirely exhausted. On Monday morn- ing the enemy could have brought one hundred guns to bear en us, to which we could have made no reply. Precedents which have occurred during this rebellion and in other countries would have justified a capitulation ; but I thought, and my comrades in council thought, that we owed our lives to the Government rather than make such a degrading concession to rebels in arms against its authority. The propositions concluded upon in that council were, that in consequence of the entire exhaustion of our artillery ammunition, it was impossible to hold the post against the over- whelming forces of the enemy, and that a further "prolongation of the defense could only result in sacrificing the lives of our soldiers without any practical benefit to the country; that we owed it to the honor of the Federal arms to make an effort to
20 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
force our way through the lines of the beleaguering foe; that the artillery and wagons should be abandoned, and the Division, Brigade, and Regimental Quartermasters instructed to bring away all public horses, and that the Brigades, in the order of their numbers, should march from the forts at 1 o'clock in the morn- ing, carrying with them their arms and usual supply of ammuni- tion.
The Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry was attached to the Third Brigade. The forts were evacuated at the time designated, and immediately thereafter the cannon spiked and the ammuni-
tion which could not be carried by the soldiers thrown into the cisterns of the forts. The column proceeded through a ravine, avoiding- the town of Winchester, about 1 mile, until it struck the Martinsburg road. It then proceeded up the fttartinsburg road to where a road leads from it to Summit Station, about 4V. miles from Winchester, when I received a message from General Elliott that he was attacked by the enemy's skirmishers. I heard the firing, and was riding forward. The enemy was on elevated ground in a woods east of the road and a field east of and ad- joining the woods. This occurred between 3 and 4 o'clock in the morning. General Elliott immediately filed the One Hundred and Twenty Third, One Hundred and Tenth, and One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Regiments to the left, and formed them in line of battle west of and in front of the woods in which the enemy was posted. He then advanced the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, Colonel Keifer, into the woods, to feel the enemy. This Regiment soon became actively engaged, and was immediate- ly supported by the One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio, which promptly took its position on the right of the One Hundred and Tenth.
It soon became evident that the enemy was present in con- siderable force, with at least two batteries of artillery- It was evident, however, that a retreat could not be effected excepting under cover of a heavy contest with him. The One Hundred and Tenth Ohio and One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio main- tained the contest for over an hour, occasionally falling back, but in the main driving the enemy. They captured one of the enemy's caissons, and silenced two of his guns by killing his gunners and artillery horses. Although immediately under the guns of the enemy, they preserved their lines, and kept up an incessant. heavy, and murderous fire of musketry, under the effect of which
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 21
the enemy's right flank fell into disorder and recoiled.
During this contest, Colonel Keifer especially distinguished
himself by the display of the qualities of a brave soldier and a judicious and skillful officer.
About the time the contest commenced on my left, by my orders the Eighty Seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, Colonel Schall. advanced against the enemy's left, but was soon driven back. I then supported the Eighty Seventh by the Eighteenth Connecti- cut and the two Regiments, under Colonel Ely, again advanced into the woods, but were again driven back. I then supported Colonel Ely with the One Hundred and Twenty Third Ohio, and again advanced the line, but it was repulsed with inconsiderable loss, the range of the enemy's guns being so elevated as to render his artillery inefficient.
At this time a signal gun fired at Winchester announced the approach of the enemy in my rear. Colonel Ely's conmuind was again rallied, and formed in line of battle west of the Martins- burg road, and that officer again directed to engage the enemy.
At this time the One Hundred and Tenth and One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiments were still maintaining their fire on the left with unabating energy. I then gave instructions that my forces unengaged and trains should re- treat under cover of the contest, taking the Martinsburg road for a short distance, and then turning to the right. I instructed my staff officers, excepting Captain Baird, who was engaged with the One Hundred and Tenth and One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on my left, to diligently convey these instructions. They were conveyed to Colonel Washburn, com- manding the One Hundred and Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry; Colonel Klunk, commanding the Twelfth West Virginia Infantry; Major Adams, commanding First New York Cavalry, and Major Titus, commanding Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry. These forces immediately marched, but, instead of taking the route indicated, took a road which leads to the left through Bath, in Morgan County. They were followed by considerable bodies of the Eighteenth Connecticut and Eighty Seventh Pennsylvania, and some stragglers from the One Hundred and Twenty Third. One Hundred and Tenth, and One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Colonel Ely was instructed to fall back and retreat as soon as the troops had passed his rear. Major (John L.) MeGee and Captain Palmer, of my staff, who were at
22 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
different times dispatched to Colonel MeReynolds with his in- structions, each separately reported that they could not find that officer or any portion of his command, excepting Major Adams, with the First New York Cavalry. It was supposed that during the battle he had retreated to the right of the Marti nsburg road.
About the time that I had given the directions above indi- cated, my horse was shot under me. Some time intervened before I could be remounted. When I remounted, I went in the direc- tion of the One Hundred and Tenth and the One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio, and met them falling back by the Martins- burg road.
The retreat was now in full progress — the two columns by different routes — and it was impossible to unite them. I pro- ceeded with the One Hundred and Tenth and One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Regiments, and fragments of other Regi- ments which followed after them. This portion of the command, by way of Smithfield, arrived at Harper's Ferry late in the after- noon of Monday. I was not pursued. The column that proceeded in the direction of Bath crossed the Potomac at Hancock, and subsequently massed at Bloody Run, 2,700 strong.
Having no report from Colonel MeReynolds, I am unable to state the operations of his Brigade on Monday morning. That officer arrived at Harper's Ferry about 12 m. on Monday, unac- companied by any considerable portion of his command. The Sixth Maryland Infantry, attached to his Brigade, arrived at that place Monday evening, almost intact. His other Infantry Regi- ment, the Sixty Seventh Pennsylvania, was principally captured.
I have learned that while Colonel Ely was endeavoring to re- treat, in pursuance to directions, he was surrounded, and com- pelled to surrender, with the greater portion of the command which he led in the last charge.
The force wrhich we encountered on Monday morning in our front was Johnson's Division, of Ewell's Corps, from 8,000 to 10,000 strong. The whole number of my Division which have re- ported at Harper's Ferry and Bloody Run and other places ex- ceeds 5,000. The stragglers scattered through the country are perhaps 1,000. My loss in killed and wounded cannot be large.
It is not my object at this time to bestow7 praise or cast censure, but I feel it to be my duty to say that during the late operations near Winchester generally the officers and men under my command conducted themselves with distinguished gallantry
'
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 23
and deserve well of their country. If they could be again united (as they should be) under their appropriate Brigade and Regi- mental organizations, they .would be formidable on any field.
It is proper that I should here refer again to the instructions under which I occupied Winchester. They were not materially • •hanged from those above given until Thursday, June 11, 12 o'clock at night, when I received from Colonel Piatt, at Harper's Perry, the following telegram :
In accordance with orders from Ilalleck, received from head- quarters at Baltimore today, you will immediately take steps to remove your command from Winchester to Harper's Ferry. You will, without delay, call in Colonel McReynolds and such other outposts not necessary for observation at the front. Send back your heavy guns, surplus ammunition, and subsistence, retaining only such force and arms as will constitute what General Ilalleck designates as a lookout, which can readily and without inconven- ience fall back to Harper's Ferry.
DONN PIATT, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Chief of Staff.
I immediately telegraphed to Major General Schenck as fol- lows :
I have the place well protected, and am well prepared to hold it, as General Tyler and Colonel Piatt will inform you, and I can and would hold it, if permitted to do so, against any force the rebels can afford to bring against me, and I exceedingly regret the prospect of having to give it up. It will be cruel to abandon the loyal people in this country to the rebel fiends again.
R. IT. MILROY, Major General.
Early on Friday morning, June 12, I received this telegram: Baltimore, Md., June 12, 1863 — 1 a. m. Maj. Gen. R. II. Milroy:
Lieutenant-Colonel Piatt, as I learn by copy of dispatch sent me, which he forwarded to you from Harper's Ferry, misunder- stood me, and somewhat exceeded his instructions. You will make all the required preparations for withdrawing, but hold your position in the meantime. Be ready for movement, but await further orders. I doubt the propriety of calling in McReynolds' Brigade at once. If you should fall back to Harper's Ferry, he will be in part on the way and covering your Hank ; but use your discretion as to any order to him.
24 THE OFFICIAL WAR KFXORD
Below I give you a copy of the telegram of the General-in- Chief. Nothing heard since. Give me constant information.
ROBT. C. SCHENCK,
Major General, Commanding.
(Copy of General Ilalleck's telegram.)
Washington, June 11, 1868 — 12 p. m. Harper's Ferry is the important place. Winchester is of no importance other than as a lookout. The Winchester troops, ex- cepting enough to serve as an outpost, should be withdrawn to Harper's Perry. (The troops at Martinsburg should also be ready to fall back on Harper's Ferry.) No large amount of sup- plies should be left in any exposed position.
II. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
Late on Friday evening I received a dispatch from General Schenck, which is lost, but which was in substance as follows:
A dispatch just received from Colonel Donn Piatt says: "I read Ilalleck's last dispatch by the light of his of April 30, and considered it a positive order to fall back to Harper's Ferry, and I so ordered Milroy. I have been on the ground, and gave it ad- visedly. Milroy cannot move from his present position in presence of the enemy. He has not transportation enough to move in face of the enemy, and has not cavalry he can rely upon to scout be- yond Strasburg. " What are your facilities for transportation?
This telegram I immediately answered as follows :
I can at any time, if not cut off from Martinsburg, have sufficient transportation to take all public stores from here in six hours. R. II. MILROY,
Major General.
Late on Friday night, June 12, perhaps about 10 o'clock, I sent Major General Schenck this dispatch, to-wit :
The Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry had a slight skirmish with a rebel cavalry force of about 500, twelve miles from here, on the Front Royal road, this afternoon. The Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry and Eighty Seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, with one section of artillery, had a splendid little skirmish with some 400 rebel cavalry this side of Middletown at the same time. The Thirteenth skirmished with the rebels a short time, and drew them into an ambuscade of the Eighty Seventh and artillery. Eight of the rebels were killed and a number wounded, and 37,
OF THE 122ND RRGIMENT, O. V. I. 25
including a captain and two lieutenants, were taken prisoners. No casualties on our side.
The enemy is probably approaching in some force. Please; state specifically whether I am to abandon this place or not.
R. II. MILROY,
Major General.
To this communication no reply was received. (See note at- tached.)
It is clear that I received no order to evacuate Winchester, excepting that of Colonel Piatt, which was annulled by the tele- gram of Major General Sehenck'on Friday, the 12th. The tele- gram above copied of the General-in-Chief was before m;e, but that is advisory in its tone, and I in common with General Schenck did not construe it as amounting to an order, or as indicating that immediate compliance was intended. I rather construed it as indicating the course which should be pursued upon an emer- gency yet to happen. This telegram, although sent as late as Thursday, the 11th, must have been written in the absence of all knowledge of the impending emergency; otherwise language calculated to hasten my action would have been used. The lan- guage contained in my telegram expressive of my confidence in my ability to hold Winchester was used with reference to any contingency which would probably happen. I did not mean that I could hold it against such an army as that which I knew to be at the disposal of General Lee, and it was no part of my duty to watch the movements of that army. My limited cavalry force did not enable me to scout beyond the Blue Ridge.
That army was faced, however, by the Army of the Potomac, between the headquarters of which and my own, by way of Wash- ington, a continuous" line of telegraphic communication existed. I believed that Lee could not move his large army, with its im- mense artillery and baggage trains, and perform a six days' march in my direction, unless I received timely notice of the important fact. The immense cavalry force at the disposal of General Hooker strengthened this confidence. Therefore, on Friday, when I perceived indications of the approach of the enemy in some force on the Front Royal road, I felt confident that it was composed of the forces which I had faced, or that tin; expected cavalry ex- pedition of General Stuart was in progress.
Acting upon this belief, I regarded it as my duty to remain at my post at Winchester.
•
26 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Lee's army, in parallel columns, once across the passes of the Blue Ridge, from the direction of Front Royal, it was impos- sible for me to retreat upon either Martinsburg or Harper's Ferry without encountering it. 1 could not at any time after Friday have retreated without encountering it, and 1 had no knowledge of its presence, as above stated, until late Saturday, when 1 learned it from prisoners.
After all, it may well be doubted whether the three days' delay, and the loss wdiich my presence at Winchester occasioned the rebel army, were not worth to the country the sacrifice which they cost it.
I am, Colonel, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
R, II. MILROY,
Major General. Lieut. Col. Donn Piatt,
Chief of Staff, Eighth Army Corps.
(NOTE : — My telegraph operator at Winchester had just commenced receiving a cipher dispatch on Saturday, the 13th, when the wire was cut between that and Martinsburg by the rebels, and nothing could be made of what was received. I have since learned from General Schenck that that dispatch was an order to me to fall back immediately to Harper's Ferry.
R. H. MILROY,
Major General.)
SERIES I, VOL. 27, PAGES 579-580.
Report of Brig. Gen. Washington L. Elliott, II. S. Army, com- manding Third Division :
Hdqrs. Third Division Third Army Corps. .
July 27, 1863.
Captain: In accordance with circular of this date from Headquarters Third Army Corps, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my division on July 23, 24 and 25 :
The division is organized as follows : First Brigade, Brig. Gen. W. II. Morris commanding; Sixth New York Artillery, One Hundred and Fifty First New York Infantry, Tenth Vermont In- fantry, Fourteenth New Jersey Infantry; the Second Brigade, Col. J. W. Keifer, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry, com- manding, 110th and 122nd Ohio Infantry, 138th Pennsylvania In-
.
OF THE 122ND RRGIMTSNT, O. V. I. 27
fantry, and 6th Maryland Infantry; the Third Brigade, Col. B. F. Smith, 126th Ohio Infantry, commanding, 126th Ohio Infantry,
106th New York Infantry, and Sixty Seventh and 87th Pennsyl- vania Infantry.
On the 23rd the division marched from Piedmont to Linden, in Manassas Gap; the Tenth Vermont Infantry detached as guard tor trains of corps.
About 5 p. m. the division advanced in order of battle to sup- port the First and Second divisions, and in the following order: The First Brigade on the left, Third Brigade on the right, and Second Brigade in reserve. The One Hundred and Sixth New York Infantry of the Third Brigade was detached by order of the Major General commanding, to report to Col. De Trobiand, Fifty Fifth New York Infantry; the remainder of the Third Brigade to report to Brigadier General Ward, commanding First Division. About dark the division bivouaced for the night.
On the 24th the division was ordered to occupy the position vacated by the advance of the First Division.
About 12 o'clock the division was ordered to march and en- camp near Piedmont. It reached there about sundown.
On the 25th the division marched via Salem to camp near Warrenton, Va.
The only casualty 1 have to report is Private John Ileffler, Company K, Sixth Maryland, severely wounded by the enemy, on the 23rd, in right leg, rendering amputation necessary.
The division having been but recently organized, and the First Brigade composed of troops unaccustomed to marching, I think it due to the division to say that the severity of the march, through mud and broken fields, was cheerfully borne, and this, too, from necessity, upon a scanty ration. The entire division, officers and men, showed a desire to press forward to engage the enemy.
I am, Captain, very respectfully your obedient servant,
W. L. ELLIOTT, Brigadier General U. S. Volunteers, commanding.
('apt. W. F. A. Torbert,
A. D. C. and A. A. A. G., Headquarters Third Corps.
Reports mentioning the 122nd Ohio are contained in volumes 25, 27, 29, 33, 36, 37, 40, 42, 43 and 46 of Series I ; and in volumes 3 and 5 of Series III.
28 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
In 186:$ said Regiment was in the Third Brigade, Third Di- vision, Third Corps —
William II. French, Major General U. S. V., commanded the Corps.
Washington L. Elliott, Brigadier General U. S. V., com- manded the Division.
Benjamin P. Smith, Colonel 126th Ohio Volunteers, com- H1
manded the Brigade.
By October 10, 1863, Brigadier General Joseph B. Carr suc- ceeded General Elliott as commander of the division; the 122nd Ohio had been transferred to the Second Brigade, which included
The Sixth Maryland, Colonel John W. Horn ;
The 110th Ohio, Major Otho H. Binkley ;
The 122nd Ohio, Colonel William II. Ball;
And the 138th Pennsylvania, Colonel Mathew R. McClennan ; and was commanded by Colonel J. Warren Keifer of the 110th Ohio.
'
SERIES I, VOL. 27, PART 3, PAGES 295-6.
Headquarters 8th Army Corps, Baltimore, June 24, 1863, 3 p. m. Brigadier General Tyler, Harper's Ferry, W. Va.
General Milroy's Inspection Report shows present there of the First New York Cavalry 18 officers and 284 non-commis- sioned officers and privates; of the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry 23 officers and 274 non-commissioned officers and privates; of the 87th Pennsylvania 9 officers and 230 non-commissioned officers and privates; of the Twelfth (West) Virginia 17 officers and 423 non-commissioned officers and privates ; of the 5th Maryland no officers and 73 non-commissioned officers and privates ; of the 6th Maryland one officer and 5 non-commissioned officers and pri- vates; of the 116th Ohio 24 officers and 429 non-commissioned officers and privates ; of the 122nd Ohio 7 officers and 104 non-com- missioned officers and privates; of the 18th Connecticut 4 officers and 172 non-commissioned officers and privates; of the 110th Ohio 3 officers and 111 non-commissioned officers and privates; total 110 officers and 2,236 enlisted men. Many are without arms or shoes, and the whole in generally bad condition.
. DON PIATT, Lieutenant Colonel and Chief of Staff.
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 29
PAGE 444. Troops on the march and not accounted for on Department Returns, June 30, 1863.
Elliott's Command. Brig. Genl. Washington L. Elliott. First Brigade. Brig. Genl. W. L. Elliott. 6th Maryland, Col. J. W. Horn. 110th Ohio, Col. J. Warren Keifer. 122nd Ohio, Col. W. II. Ball. 67th Pennsylvania, Col. J. F. Staunton. 87th Pennsylvania, Col. J. W. Schall. 138th Pennsylvania, Col. M. R. McClennan. Third Brigade, French's Division. Col. Benjamin F. Smith. 106th New York, Col. Edward C. James. 1 26th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Wm. II. Harlan.
Elliott's (First) Brigade. Officers 121, men 1,865, present 2,141. Smith's Brigade. Officers 57, men 1,135, present 1,237.
SERIES I, VOL. 27, PART 3, PAGE 446. Troops in the Department of the Susquehanna, Major General Darius N. Couch, U. S. V., commanding. June 30, 1863.
BLOODY RUN, PA.
Col. Lewis B. Pierce. 18th Connecticut. 5th Maryland. 1st New York Cavalry. One Regiment of Pennsylvania Militia.
* 11 0th Ohio, two Companies. 116th Ohio.
* 122nd Ohio, two Companies. 123rd Ohio.
12th West Va. Infantry.
1st West Va. Cavalry, Company K.
3rd West Va. Cavalry, Companies D and E.
12th Pennsylvania Cavalry.
1st West Va. Artillery, Battery D (detachment).
30 THF OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
*Both Regiments reported for same date at Maryland Heights. Detachments may have been at Bloody Jinn.
**Note by Col. Granger, Sept. !), 1912 — Some were then at Bloody Run.
SERTES I, VOL. 27, PART 3, PAGES 597-8. Headquarters Department of Washington. Office of Chief Quartermaster, July 7, 1868. Lieut. Col. J. II. Taylor, Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutant General.
Extract from letter. On July 5, 8 p. m., received order for the movement of El- liott's Brigade; at 11 p. m. was notified by General Rueher, Chief Depot Quartermaster, that early on morning of July 6 transporta- tion for 1,500 men, 150 horses would be at the depot; and George S. Koontz, the railroad agent, answered that he could load the force as soon as they came. I immediately communicated to Gen- eral Elliott, at Tenallytown, Md., and to his Brigade Quartermas- ter, that the troops should be at the Washington railroad depot not later than 6 o'clock on the morning of the next day, July 6th ; also notified Capt. McKnight, commanding the Batteries, to re- port at the same hour. At 6 a. m. exactly on July 6th I arrived at the Washington depot ; vainly sought for Mr. Koontz, railroad agent, or any one representing him. The two Batteries had ar- rived and were waiting in the rain. By accident I found an as- sistant of Agent Koontz, who informed me that a train of cars would be ready for the Batteries in a short time. As soon as the cars were ready the Batteries embarked. After considerable dif- ficulty I finally succeeded by 2 o'clock p. m. in getting from Agent Koontz cars to load and embarked the 126th Ohio, 616 offi- cers and men; the 106th New York, 611 officers and men; 67th and 87th Pa. Vols.; 12th Virginia, and 18th Connecticut — in all 1,503 officers and men, and their impedementa. In the meantime I had the remaining troops fed at the Soldiers' Rest, while trains were being prepared, and at 6:45 p. m., the balance of General Elliott's Brigade— the 110th Ohio, 116th Ohio, 123rd Ohio, 382 officers and men, Col. Keifer commanding; the 122nd Ohio, 385 officers and men; the 138th Pennsylvania, 704 officers and men; Sixth Maryland, 365 officers and men, and orderlies 7; in all 103 officers and 1,740 men were started following the Philadelphia
I
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 31
trains. At 8:30 p. m. the 175th Pennsylvania was embarked and started for Frederick. After 1 o'clock, when Mr. Koontz, rail- road agent, personally took charge of the management of the railroad, affairs assumed a more satisfactory shape than they had in the morning, and the business was transacted promptly. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ELIAS M. GREENE, Lieut. Col. Chief Quartermaster, Dept. of Washington.
SERIES I, VOL 27, PART 3, PAGE 641.
Troops in the Department of the Susquehanna, Maj. Geid. Darius N. Couch commanding, July 10, 1863.
At London, Pa. Col. Lewis B. Pierce. 1 8th Connecticut. 5th Maryland, Company D. 1st N. Y. Cavalry, detachment. 116th Ohio.
122nd Ohio, Company D. 123rd Ohio Company D. 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry. 87th Pennsylvania. 1st West Va. Cavalry, Company K. 3rd West Virginia Cavalry, Companies D and E. 12th West Va. Infantry. 1st West. Va. Artillery, Company D, detachment,
SERIES I, VOL. 27, PART 3, PAGE 694.
Headquarters Cavalry Brigade, Ilagerstown, Md., July 14, 1863. Brig. Genl. S. Williams, Assistant Adjutant General Army of the Potomac.
While at Chambersburg, and on the evening of the 12th inst., at 10 o'clock, I received orders from Major General ('ouch, whose headquarters are at that place, to take command of that portion of Major General Milroy's division that were in Pennsylvania at and about Chambersburg, London and Greencastle, and march the same to the Army of the Potomac.
32 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
In obedience therewith I had said force concentrated and moved to this place, where I arrived this evening. Finding the position of the Army of the Potomac changed, I deemed it ad- visable to wait at this point for further orders as to my advance, which I now respectfuly ask. With this object in view, 1 have taken the liberty of dispatching to your headquarters, Lieutenant Wat-kins of the First New York Cavalry. I beg to submit the following statement, exhibiting the character and strength of the command, viz. :
Lieutenant Harris Detach. 1st Va. Vol. Artillery. . . 1 25
Colonel Klunk 12th Virginia Vol. Infantry 21 433
Colonel Washburn 116th Ohio Vol. Infantry 19 397
Capt. Sells 1 12th Ohio Vol. Infantry 3 94
Capt. Kellogg 123rd Ohio Vol. Infantry 3 174
Capt. Mathewson 18th Connecticut Vol. Infantry. .7 159
Capt. Farquberg 5th Maryland Vol. Infantry 2 80
Major Ruhl 87th Pennsylvania Vol. Infantry. 9 223
Major Adams 1st New York Vol. Cavalry 12 300
Major Titus 12th Pennsylvania Vol. Cavalry. 16 275
Lieut. Clark 1st and 3rd Virginia Cavalry. ... 2 24
95 2184 T have the honor to be, General, your obedient servant,
ANDREW T. McREYNOLDS,
Colonel First New York Cavalry Commanding.
SERIES I, VOL. 27, PART 3, PAGE 811.
Troops in the Department of the Susquehanna, Maj. Gen. Darius N. Couch, IX, S. Army, commanding, July 31, 1863.
First Division. Brig. Gen. William F. Smith.
First Brigade. Col. Andrew T. McReynolds. 18th Connecticut, Maj. Henry Pedry. 116th Ohio, Col. James Washburn. 122nd Ohio, Capt. Benjamin T. Sells. 129th (123rd) Ohio, Capt. Dwight Kellogg. 87th Pennsylvania, Major Noah G. Ruhl. 12th West Virginia, Col. John B. Klunk. 1st New York Cavalry, Major Timothy Quinn.
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 33
12th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Maj. Darius Titus. West Virginia Cavalry, detachment. 30th New York Battery, Lieut. Alfred Von Kleisor. Includes straglers, convalescents, etc., as follows: (See above) Present for duty 76 officers, 3,108 men — aggregate present 3,453.
SERIES I, VOL. 27, PART 3, PAGE 794.
Organization of the Army of the Potomac, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, U. S. Army, commanding-, July 31, 1863, filling pages 794 to and including page 806.
Extract from page 799. Third Division — Third Army Corps. Organized July 10, 1863. Brig. Gen. Washington L. Elliott. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. William II. Morris. 14th New Jersey, Lieut. Col, Caldwell K. Hall. 6th New York Heavy Artillery, Col. J. Howard Kitehing. 151 st New York, Lieut. Col. Erwin A. Bowan. 10th Vermont, Lieut. Col. William AV. Henry. Second Brigade. Col. J. Warren Keifer. 6th Maryland, Col. John W. Horn. 110th Ohio, Lieut, Col. Win. N. Poster. 122nd Ohio, Col. Win II. Ball. 138th Pa., Col. Mathew R. McClennan.
Note — Detachment of 116th and 123rd Ohio, serving with the 110th Ohio since July 12.
Third Brigade. Col. Benjamin P. Smith. 106th New York, Col. Edward C. James. 126th Ohio, Col. Win. II. Harlan.
67th Pennsylvania (two Companies), Lieut. Col. Horace B. Burnham.
87th Pennsylvania (four Companies), Lieut. Col. James A. Stable
Artillery Brigade. Capt. A. Judson Clark. Maine, Light 4th Battery (D), Capt. O. W. Robinson, Jr. Massachusetts. Light 10th Battery, Lieut. Henry II. Granger.
34 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
New Jersey, Light 2nd, Battery (B), Lieut. Robert Sims.
1st New York, Light 12th Battery, ('apt. George P. MeKnight.
Keystone (Pennsylvania) Light Battery, Capt. Mathew Hastings.
1st Rhode Tsland, Light Battery (E), Lieut. Benjamin Free- born.
4th United States, Battery K, Lieut. Robert James.
The Third Corps consisted of three Divisions and was com- manded that day by Maj. Gen. AVilliam II. French, page 778, and had present for duty 764 officers, 12,731 men ; present for duty equipped, 716 officers and 10,761 men, infantry; 27 officers and 929 men, artillery ; and 48 guns. See page 806.
SERIES I, VOL. XXVII, PART 1, PAGE 492.
Headquarters Third Army Corps,
August 16, 1863. General : I have the honor to report, in compliance with circular from Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, dated August 14, 1863, the following list of re-enforcements, which joined this command between the 7th and 14th of July, which composes the Third Division :
First Brigade — Fourteenth New Jersey Volunteers, Tenth Vermont Volunteers, Sixth New York Artillery, and One Hundred and Fifty First New York Volunteers.
Second Brigade — One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteers, One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Volunteers, One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Sixth Maryland Volunteers.
Third Brigade — One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio Volun- teers, One Hundred and Sixth New York Volunteers, Eighty Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Sixty Seventh Pennsyl- vania Volunteers.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WE II. FRENCH, Major General Commanding. Brig. Gen. S. Williams,
Asst. Adjt. Gen. Army of the Potomac.
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 35
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PART 2, PAGE 46. Aug. 14, 1863. Genl. Geo. G. Meade by letter tells Genl. II. W. Ilalleck that he (Meade) had directed the 8th, 110th and 122nd Ohio Infantry Regiments, and the 7th Michigan and First Minnesota Regiments to proceed to Alexandria today and report to him (Ilalleck). He states: "These Regiments are much weaker than I supposed at the time they were detached, number- ing in the aggregate only 1,300 for duty. Other Regiments will be promptly forwarded, but I understand that the road will not probably be able to transport today more men than are already ordered.
r io-h n ,2 PAGB94' 1779045 I
General Orders No. 12.
Ildqrs. U. S. Troops in City and Harbor, New York,
New York, August 23, 1863.
Under the orders of the Major General commanding the De- partment of the East, constituting the troops of this command and division, they will temporarily organize into Brigades as fol- lows :
First Brigade — Brig. Gen. R. B. Ayres commanding; Second IT. 8. Infantry; Third II. 8. Infantry; Fourth; Sixth; Seventh; Tenth; Eleventh; Twelfth; 14th, and 17th LI. S. Infantry Regi- ments; 152nd New York; Second; Third ; Fourth ; Fifth and Sixth Vermont Infantry; 14th and 18th New York Cavalry and 7th Massachusetts Battery.
Second Brigade — Brig. Gen. Thomas II. Ruger commanding; 4th; 5th' ; 7th; Eighth; 29th; 66th; 110th; 122nd and 126th Ohio Infantry; 14th and 27th Indiana Infantry; 3rd; 5th, and 7th Michigan Infantry; Second Massachusetts; 3rd Wisconsin; First Minnesota and 2nd Connecticut Battery.
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PART 1, PAGE 220.
Organization of the Army of the Potomac, Maj. Gen. Geo. G.
Meade, II. S. Army, commanding, Oct. 10, 1863, pages 246 to 226.
Third Army Corps — Major General William II. French.
Pages 219-221.
Third Division — Brig. Gen. Joseph B. Carr.
First Brigade.
Brig. Gen. Wm. II. Morris.
14th New Jersey, Col. Wm. Truax.
36 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
151st New York, Lieut. Col. Erwin A. Bowen. 10th Vermont, Col. Albert B. Jewett. Second Brigade. Col. J. Warren Keifer.
6th Maryland, Col. John W. Horn. 110th Ohio, Major Otho 11. Binkley. 122nd Ohio, Col. William II. Hall. 1 :58th Pennsylvania, Col. Mathew R. McClennan. Third Brigade.
Col. Benjamin P. Smith. 106th New York, Maj. Andrew N. McDonald. 126th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Wm. II. Harlan. 67th Pennsylvania, Capt. Samuel Barry. 87th Pennsylvania, Col. John W. Sehall.
Artillery.
Capt. Geo. E. Randolph. Maine, Light 4th Battery, Capt, O. W. Robinson. Massachusetts, Light 15th Battery, Capt. J. II. Sleeper, Jr. New Jersey, Light, Battery B, Capt. A. J. Clark. 1st New York, Light Battery D, Capt. G. B. Winslow. N. Y., Light 12th Battery, Lieut. G. K. Dauehy. 1st R. I., Light, Battery E, Lieut. J. K. Bueklin. 4th U. S. Battery K, Lieut. Robert James. October 10, 1863. 4 Third Army Corps.
Present for duty 741 officers, 13,862 men, Infantry. Present for duty, equipped, 708 officers, 12,653 men, Infantry. Equipped 23 officers, 794 men; 42 guns Artillery.
October 20, 1863. Present for duty 784 officers, 14.015 men, Infantry. Present for duty, equipped, 738 officers, 12,762 men. Infantry. Equipped, 23 officers, 790 men, Artillery. 42 guns, Artillery.
See page 226 said Vol. 29, Part 1.
SERIES 1, VOL. 29, PART 1, PAGES 334-5-6. No. 72. Report of Col. J. Warren Keifer, 110th Ohio Infantry, com- manding Second Brigade.
Headquarters 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 3rd Corps.
Camp near Bealeton Station, Va., Nov. 3, 1863. Lieutenant : In compliance with the circular of this date
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 37
from Division Headquarters, I have the honor to report the fol- lowing movements and operations of my command (composed of the 110th and 122nd Ohio, 6th Maryland and 138th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiments) from the commencement of the march from Culpepper Court House to the present time, viz. :
On the 10th of October, 1863, my camp (located two miles from Culpepper Court House on the Sperryville road), was broken up by an order from Brigadier General Carr, commanding Third Division Third Army Corps, and the troops of my command took up a position a short distance in front of my camp, to meet an attack of the enemy should one be made.
On the morning of the 11th we left our position and marched to the rear and crossed the Rappahannock river about 11 p. m. at Freeman's Ford.
On the evening of the 12th the 138th Pennsylvania Volun- teer Infantry was detailed as train guard to the Corps ammuni- tion and ambulance trains, and did not rejoin the Brigade until October 22, 1863. On the 13th my Brigade was ordered to take the advance of the Corps and march upon the road leading to Three Mile Station on the Warrenton branch railroad. Captain Winslow's Battery, First New York Artillery, reported to me and was with my Brigade on the march to Three Mile Station.
Flankers were thrown out, and an advance guard kept well to the front. My Brigade arrived at Three Mile Station without in- cident, about 12 m. During a temporary halt at this place the Ohio troops voted. About 3 p. m. the Brigade moved in advance of the Division, for Greenwich, arriving at that place about 9 p. m. The head of the column of the First Division was engaged near Auburn. My Brigade was ordered forward to take part, but arrived after the enemy was retreating. During this day's march my Brigade was under the immediate direction of and was ac- companied by Brigadier General Carr.
On the 14th inst. I was ordered, with my- Brigade, to form the rear guard of the Third Corps. Captain McKnight, Twelfth New York Battery, reported to me to accompany the rear guard. I received verbal instructions from Brigadier General Carr to cover the rear with a good rear guard, avoid bringing on a general en- gagement, and as far as possible battle the enemy in their en- deavor to delay the main column.
The Corps arrived at Bristoe Station about 12 m. The enemy, with a small force of cavalry, and a large body of infantry, fol-
38 THR OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
lowed closely, but did not attack. They succeeded in capturing few, if any, stragglers from the Third Corps. After a short halt at Bristoe Station the Third Corps moved, by way of Manas- sas Heights towards Centerville. At Manassas Heights I received an order from a. staff officer of the General commanding, to take position and hold the heights of Manassas, until the arrival of the Fifth Army Corps. Brig. Gen. W. II. Morris, commanding First Brigade, also took position upon the heights at Manassas. Upon the arrival of the Fifth Army Corps I marched my Brigade across Bull Run at Blackburn's Ford. Under the direction of the Gen- eral commanding division, I took up a position with my command for the night, covering, with the other troops of the Third Di- vision, Mitchell's Ford. On the 14th the Division marched to Union Mills via Centerville. The troops remained at Union Mills until October 19th, 1863, when orders were received and the troops marched to near Bristoe Station. On the 20th day of October marched again to near Greenwich.
On the 21st day of October marched to Catletts Station. My Brigade remained at the latter-named place until October 23, when in compliance with an order emanating from Corps Headquarters, m/arched to Bristoe Station, and relieved Brigadier General Mer- ritt's command, stationed at that place.
My Brigade was relieved, at Bristoe Station, by the First Army Corps, October 24, and in accordance with orders from Di- vision Headquarters, rejoined the Division at Catletts Station, October 25, 1863. The Brigade changed position, under the di- rection of Division Commander, about 9 p. m,, to cover the ford over Cedar Run near Weaverville.
On the 26th, about 9 p. m., the Brigade again changed posi- tion, and formed line of battle, with the left resting on railroad, about iy2 miles north of Catletts Station.
At 3 p. ra., October 28th, I received orders from Division Headquarters to proceed with my Brigade to near Bealeton Sta- tion, and relieve the Third Brigade, Third Division (Colonel Smith's). Marched the same evening, relieved Colonel Smith's Brigade, and encamped on the right of railroad, about two miles from Bealeton Station, which position the Brigade still occupies.
During the time included in this report, nothing of any special importance occurred in the operations of my Brigade. My orders were, with one exception, received from or through the Division Commander, in many instances on the march, from the
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 39
Division Commander in person. Considering the amount of rut ions (eight days), constantly required to be kept on the person of the soldier, and the loss of sleep, occasioned by night marching, the troops in my command endured the march very well. Eight men are yet absent, and unaccounted for, who straggled upon the march. Prom the best information, it is thought that they were not captured, but wilfully separated themselves from the com- mand and escaped to the rear. The officers were, with few ex- ceptions, prompt in the discharge of their important duties, and especially was this the case upon the part of Regimental Com- manders. All were separated from their baggage, during the march to the rear, and suffered uncomplainingly the many incon- veniences and privations.
Lieutenants Hathaway, Yarger and Black, members of my staff, rendered all possible assistance on the march, in keeping the command together, keeping up stragglers from other commands as well as my own, and aided in carrying out orders generally.
I am, Lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient and humble servant, J. WARREN KEIPER,
Colonel Commanding. Lieut. J. Johnson, Acting Assistant Adjutant General.
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PART 1, PAGES 562-3-4. No. 4.
Report of Col. J. Warren Keifer, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of action at Kelly's Ford, and skirmish at Brandy Station.
Ildqrs. Second Brig., Third Div., Third Army Corps,
Camp at Brandy Station, Va., Nov. 10, 1863.
Sir: I have the honor to report, in compliance with circular order of this date, from Headquarters Third Division, Third Army Corps, the following movements and operations of my com- mand, since leaving our camp four miles south of Warrenton Junction, Va.
My Brigade is composed of the Sixth Maryland, One Hun- dred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania, and One Hundred and Twenty Second, and One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry Regiments, contmanded respectively by Cols. John W. Horn, M. R. McClennan, William II. Ball and Lieut. Col. W. N. Poster.
On the night of the 6th inst., at 11 :30 o'clock, I received a
40 THR OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
written order from Division Headquarters, to report with my Brigade at Division Headquarters at daylight on the 7th inst.,
in readiness to mareh, the men to have eight days rations on their persons. I reported in aecordanee with the order. At 8 a. m. my Brigade moved in rear of the First Brigade of the Third Division, toward Kelly's Ford, over the Rappahannock river, arriving at that place about 1 p. m. The Brigade was massed near a brick church about one-third of a mile from Kelly's Ford, as directed by a verbal order from Division Headquarters. About 2:30 p. m. we changed position to the heights to the left of the ford, as directed by a similar order from Division Headquarters. I re- ceived orders from Division Headquarters to cross the Rappahon- nock about 5 p. m. After some temporary delay at the pontoon bridge, I crossed the river and bivouacked the troops in line of battle by battalions in mass, in the rear of the Third Brigade, facing in a southerly direction. The Brigade was put in position, under direction of General Carr, commanding Third Division. Two hundred men were detailed by me from the Sixth Maryland Infantry, under command of Major J. C. Hill, of the same Regi- ment, for picket duty, as directed by verbal orders from Division headquarters. I personaly assisted in posting the pickets in front of the Third JMvision, Third Corps, causing them to connect with pickets of the First and Second Divisions of the Third Corps on the right and left.
A circular order was received from Division Headquarters to have the men under arms at daylight, and in readiness to march.
At -i a. m., November 8, a verbal order was received to detail two Regiments immediately to make a reconnaisance to the front. Accordingly, the One Hundred and Twenty Second and One Hun- dred and Tenth Ohio Infantry were detailed, and under command of Col. William II. Ball, One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Infantry, proceeded to make the reconnaissance, taking with them one Company of the Sixth Maryland Infantry, that had been on picket. The reconnaissance advanced about l1/: miles, discover- ing the enemy in no force. At the late camp of the enemy, 3 officers and 35 enlisted men were captured.
My Brigade was then ordered to take the advance of the Division and Corps, which was the advance of the army. The march was resumed in the direction of Brandy Station, Va., Sixth Maryland Infantry in advance of the Brigade. About 21/. miles
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 41
from Brandy Station, and on the line of the Orange and Alex- andria railroad, the advance encountered the rebels in consider- able force, principally cavalry and horse artillery. After a short halt my command was disposed in order of battle, to advance and drive the enemy from a hill which he occupied in some force, with artillery in position. The Brigade was formed with the Sixth Maryland Infantry upon the right, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry upon the right of the railroad, and in the center the One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania Infantry up- on the left supported by the One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Infantry upon the right of the railroad, in front of the 110th Ohio and Sixth Maryland Infantry Regiments. Skirmishers were advanced from each Regiment. The 138th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry was ordered to deploy to the left of the rail- road, as soon as an advance was ordered.
The One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio was ordered to closely support the 138th Pennsylvania. An order was received from Division Headquarters, to advance two Companies as skir- mishers, one upon each side of the railroad. One Company from the 110th Ohio, commanded by Lieutenant Pox, and one Company from the 138th Pennsylvania, commanded by Captain Fisher, were advanced. An order was received from Division Headquar- ters to move forward two Regiments of my Brigade. Accord- ingly the 110th Ohio and 138th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry were ordered forward. The 138th Pennsylvania soon came under the enemy's artillery fire. The skirmishers were rapidly pushed forward, supported by the two Regiments named, and the hill was soon carried. Captain Lazarus 0. Andrews, 138th Pennsyl- vania, fell, mortally wounded. Orderly Sergeant A. G. Rapp, 138th Pennsylvania, lost his left arm and was otherwise slightly wounded. Five other memlbers of this Regiment received slight, but not dangerous wounds. As soon as the hill was gained, I ordered the skirmishers and the two Regiments that were in ad- vance to pursue the enemy.
The pursuit was continued, with constant skirmishing, until the enemy was driven past Brandy Station, at which place the troops were ordered to halt by an order from Brigadier General Carr. The enemy placed artillery in position and shelled my Brigade, wounding two men slightly in the 122nd Ohio Infantry. The Brigade bivouacked near Brandy Station until this morning, when orders were received for it to go into camp at the Station, in which position it still remains.
42 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Officers and men were prompt in obeying orders. The man- ner in which they performed the services required of them fully warrants me in saying that when more important and dangerous duties are assigned to them they will willingly and cheerfully discharge them. Special commendation is due Colonel MeClen- nan and his Regiment for their splendid conduct on the 8th in- stant. The Regiment was on that day for the first time under fire. Captain Andrews, who fell mortally wounded, was a brave and accomplished soldier. His loss is deeply regretted by all who knew him.
Surgeon C. P. Harrington, chief surgeon of the Brigade, also Lieutenants Hathaway, Black and Yarger, members of my staff, each cheerfully performed his duty, and all proved themselves competent and skillful officers.
I beg most respectfully to represent that the eight days rations required to be carried upon the person of the soldiers prevented rapid movements essential to the accomplishment of important ends in engaging or pursuing the enemy.
I am, Lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. WARREN KEIFER, Colonel Commanding.
PAGE 671, VOL. 29. Report of organization of Army of the Potomac, Major Gen- earl George G. Meade commanding, November 20, 1863, showed the Third Division, Third Corps, Brig. Gen. Joseph B. Carr com- manding; in which the Second Brigade commanded by Col. J. Warren Keifer, still consisted of the Sixth Maryland, 110th and 122nd Ohio and 138th Pennsylvania.
PAGE 682, VOL. 29 Showed the report of casualties in the Union troops in the Mine Run (Virginia) campaign, November 26-December 2, 1863, shows that in the Second Brigade, Third Division, commanded by Col. J. Warren Keifer, the casualties were as f ollowrs :
Killed. Wounded. Ag. O. M. 0. M.
6th Maryland 10 3 39 52
1 10th Ohio 1 5 . . 25 31
122nd Ohio 5 1 32 38
138th Pennsylvania 8 3 40 51
Total 1 28 7 13(5 172
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT. O. V. I. 43
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PAGES 780, 781, 782, 783.
Report of Col. J. Warren Keifer, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade.
Camp at Brandy Station, December 3rd, 1863.
Lieutenant: I have the honor to report the movements and operations of my command from November 26, 1863, to this date, as required by circular order of this date from Division Head- quarters.
The command marched from Brandy Station at 8 a. m., No- vember 26th, and arrived at Jacob's Ford, on the Kapidan river, at 2 p. ml. Before starting from Brandy Station, 200 men were de- tailed from the 110th Ohio Infantry, under command of Major 0. II. Binkley, as Corps train guard. About 4 p. m. the troops crossed the ford, and marched about 3 miles on a road leading to the turnpike road from Orange Court House to Fredericksburg. The troops were then countermarched to within li/> miles of the ford, where they bivouacked for the night. My Brigade marched in the rear of the Third Brigade, which was the advance of the Division on that day.
The march was resumed at 7 a. in., Nov. 27th, and toward the turnpike road, above named. On this day the First Brigade was in advance of the Division, and the Second Brigade marched in its rear. Brisk firing commenced in the advance about 12 m., between the enemy and the Second Division of the Third Corps. After some delay my Brigade was ordered by Brigadier General Carr into the woods, with directions to form upon the left of the First Brigade, commanded by Brigadier General Morris. On ac- count of the density of the undergrowth in the woods, and the absence of roads, it was with some difficulty that I succeeded in reaching the position designated.
Upon arriving in the vicinity of the enemy's tire, I discovered they occupied a hill to my front, upon the slope of which were posted the troops of General Morris' Brigade. I determined at once to carry that hill and occupy it, deeming it the only de- fensible position that could then be taken. As I was marching my troops by the left flank, and along the hollow behind the hill, I ordered the two advancing Regiments (110th and 122nd Ohio) as soon as they had become unmasked, upon General Morris' left, to move by the right Hank, in line of battle, carry the crest of the hill, and take post behind a fence upon its summit. The 6th
44 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Maryland and 138th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiments were or- dered to file in rear of the two Ohio Regiments, and take position upon their left, from right to left in the order named. The hill was carried, and the fence gained with slight loss. On account of misunderstanding an order the 122nd and 110th Ohio Regi- ments momentarily fell back a short distance, but upon being- ordered back retook their position and became immediately en- gaged with a heavy force of the enemy.
The right of the Brigade was found to be in advance of the First Brigade, leaving it in great danger of being turned by the enemy. 1 promptly reported this fact to General Morris, and urged him to advance his line, and also occupy the crest of the hill, which he did after a slight delay. The Ohio regiments main- tained their position until near dark, when, their ammunition be- ing exhausted, they were relieved. The Sixth Maryland was under a heavy fire from the commencement of the action until near its close, and maintained its ground gallantly.
Two assaults were made upon my line, the first in front of the Sixth Maryland, and the second in front of the One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania. The enemy was formed in columns of attack not less than three regiments deep. He was both times repulsed with very heavy loss. During these assaults Cols. John W. Horn of the 6th Maryland, and M. R. McClennan of the 138th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiments, distinguished themselves by their superior courage and gallantry. The Sixth Maryland remained in its position until the battle was about ended. It was relieved about 6 p. m. Its supply of ammunition was also exhausted. The 138th Pennsylvania was withdrawn at night, and after the close of the engagement. The Brigade bivouacked for the night a short distance to the rear of the battle ground. The men were supplied with ammunition immediately upon their withdrawal. The enemy's loss in my front was very heavy. His killed and wounded were left upon the field. During the engagement, with rare exceptions, the officers and men be- haved gallantly, and deserve high commendation. I take pleasure in mentioning the uniform good conduct of Col. AV. II. Ball, 122nd Ohio; Lieut. Col. W. N. Foster, 110th Ohio; Col. J. W. Horn, 6th Maryland, and Col. M. R. McClennan, 138th Pennsylvania In- fantry, Regimental commanders. They remained at their posts, and with skill and bravery urged on their men. Lieut. Col. M. M. Granger, Maj. J, C. Hill, Captains, Sells, Ross. Cornyn, Guss, Wal-
OF THE 122NI) REGIMENT, O. V. I. 45
ter Stewart, Prentiss, Bradshaw, Martin, Beaver, Rouzer, Spang- lor, Moore, McElwain and many others deserve high commenda- tion. Col. McClennan was .severely wounded in the foot late in the action and was obliged to leave the field. Lieutenant James A. Fox, 110th Ohio Infantry, was killed. lie commanded a Com- pany, and, as upon former occasions, distinguished himself, lie rose from the ranks to his position in the army. lie was not only brave, but an accomplished gentleman and soldier. lie com- manded the esteem of all who knew him. His loss will be deeply deplored by his many friends.
SERIES 1, VOL. 29, PAGES 782-8.
The total killed in my Brigade was one officer and 32 en- listed men; wounded, 7 officers and 137 enlisted men. A list of the casualties by regiments is hereto appended.
On the morning of the 28th, the enemy having retreated, the Brigade was marched to a point between the plank and turnpike roads leading from Fredericksburg to Orange Court House. A short halt was made near Robertson's Tavern. The troops were put in position facing the enemy, where he was strongly posted behind Mine Run, between us and Orange Court House, and cov- ering the two roads named. The troops bivouaced in their posi- tion until 2 p. m. November 29, when my Brigade, under the di- rection of Brigadier General Carr, was formed for an attack in line of battle, and in rear of the Third Brigade, Third Division, Third Army Corps (Colonel Smith). The attack was not made.
At 4 a. in., November 30, was marched to the left upon the plank road, and again formed as before, for an attack, which was again abandoned. About 2 p. m. the Brigade, with the other troops of the Division, was marched to its late position near the center of the whole line. The troops bivouacked in this position until 7 p. m., December 1, 1863, when orders were received from Brigadier General Carr to march in advance of the Division. The troops marched to the Rapidan river, and crossed at Culpepper Ford, about -1 a. in.., December 2. The troops bivouacked about sundown near Richardsville. At 12 o'clock midnight the march was resumed for Brandy Station, at which place the Brigade arrived about 6 a. m, December 3, and went into camp, where it still remains.
During the march temporary delays were occasioned by get-
i
I
46 THE OFFICIAL WAR RFCORD
ting upon the wrong road, and also by artillery and teams stall- ing on bad roads. Tins latter was particularly the case upon the rrfarch to Culpepper Ford, on the night of the 1st instant.
On the entire campaign my orders were received from Brig- adier General Carr, commanding division. L beg further to report that many sick were conveyed from Brandy Station in am- bulances, to their great injury and the inconvenience of the troops. The ambulances being required for the conveyance of tin; wounded, many of these men, although unable to perform the day and night marches, had to be sent to their regiments.
The wounded received all possible care and attention at the hands of the medical officers. Surgeon C. P. Harrington, chief surgeon of the Brigade; Assistant Surgeons Richards, Rryant, Owens, Cady, Thornton and Foreman, were actively engaged in care of the wounded. The last named remained upon the field during the engagement of the 27th of November, and amid the danger rendered important service to the severely wounded.
I
SERIES 1, VOL. 29, PAGE 78:1
In conclusion, I beg to acknowledge the important service rendered by Lieutenant William A. Hathaway, Acting Assistant Adjutant General ; Lieut. Samuel J. Yarger, Acting Inspector Gen- eral, and Lieuts. Thomas S. Black and E. S. Norvell, Acting Aides- de-Camp, on my staff.
During the engagement they each displayed care, courage and excellent skill. For their prompt action in conveying orders upon the field, and skill exhibited in posting troops, 1 cannot too highly commend them. They also deserve commendation for their efficiency in the movement of troops upon the march, during the entire campaign.
I am, Lieutenant, with high esteem, your obedient and humble servant, J. WARREN KEIFER,
Colonel Commanding. Lieut. J. Johnson, Acting Assistant Adjutant General.
Summary of casualties by Brigades in Third Division, Sixth
:
OF' TH1C 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 47
Army Corps, at the battle of Cedar Creek, Va., on the 19th day of October, 1804.
Captured or >> Killed. Wounded. -.Missing.
0. Men. 0. Men. 0. Men. Ae
r> •
First Brigade . . . 1 ■ . . 4 34 1 5 ] 90 24:^
Second Brigade . Y 4 60 1!) 311 1 18 413
Third Division 8 04 34 501 1 18 656
On the 10th day of November, 18G4, Sheridan placed his "Army of the Shenandoah" in cantoments constructed south of Kernstown; and on the 3rd of December the Sixth Army Corps, under orders from Lieut. General Grant, moved by cays to Wash- ington, D. C, and thence, by steamers, to City Point, Va. A few days later the One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio was in the lines before Petersburg, holding the curtain between Forts Keene and Wadsworth, just west of the Weldon railroad.
In January, 1865, it moved with the Corps to the left, when Grant extended his lines beyond Hatcher's Run, and was placed in position near Fort Fisher.
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PART 2, PAGE 94. The garrison of the forts in the harbor; the guards at Davids Island and Rikers Island; Battery C, Fifth U. S. Artillery, and the First Delaware Lattery will not be Brigaded and their com- mands will report direct to these Headquarters.
The original organizations of the troops from the Army of the Potomac will be resumed as soon as the temporary service upon which they are now engaged has terminated. By order of Brigadier General Canby.
C. T. CHRISTENSEN, Assistant Adjutant General.
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PART 2, PAGE 122.
Organization of the Army of the Potomac, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, U. S. Army, commanding, on Aug. 31, 1863.
(See pages 118 to 129), shows present —
The 3rd Corps, Maj. Genl. W. II. French commanding.
The 3rd Division, Brig. Genl. Washington L. Elliott com- manding.
,
48 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
And the Second Brigade of said Division —
Col. John W. Horn. 6th Maryland, Maj. Joseph C. Hill. 110th Ohio, Col. J. Warren Keifer. 122nd Ohio, Col. William II. Ball. 138th Pennsylvania, Col. Mathew R. McClennan.
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PART 2, PAGE 140 Shows among the troops in the Department of West Virginia, Brig. Genl. Benjamin P. Kelley, U. S. Vols., commanding, on Aug. 31, 1863, at Martinsburg, W." Va. :
Col. Andrew T. McReynolds.
Infantry Brigade. Lieut. Col. Thomas P. Wildes. 116th Ohio, Capt. William Myers. 122nd Ohio (detachment), Capt, Benjamin P. Sells. 87th Pennsylvania (five Companies), Maj. Noah G. Ruhl. 12th West Virginia, Maj. William B. Curtis. Maryland Battalion (Potomac Home Brigade) Cavalry, Com- pany B, Capt. William Pirey.
1st New York Cavalry, Maj. Timothy Quinn. 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Col. Lewis B. Pierce. 1st and 3rd West Virginia Cavalry (detachments), Capt. Geo. W. McVicker.
30th New York Battery, Lieut. Alfred Von Kleison.
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PART 2, PAGE 145. Report of troops in the Department of the East, Maj. Gen. John A. Dix, U. S. Army, commanding, August 31, 1863, City and Harbor of New York.
Brig. Gen. Edward R. S. Canby. Showing among said troops :
Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. Thomas II. Ruger. 14th Indiana, Lieut. Col. E. H. C. Cavins. 27th Indiana, Col. Silas Colgrove. 2nd Massachusetts, Col. Win. Cogswell. 3rd Michigan, Col. Byron R. Pierce. 7th Michigan, Maj. Sylvanus W. Curtis.
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 49
1st Minnesota, Capt. Henry C. Coates. 4th Ohio, Major Gordon A. Stewart. 5th Ohio, Col. John II. Patrick.
7th Ohio, Col. Win. R. Creighton.
8th Ohio, Maj. A. II. Winslow.
29th Ohio, Col. Wm. T. Fitch.
66th Ohio, Lieut. Eugene Powell.
110th Ohio, Col. J. Warren Keif'er.
122nd Ohio, Col. Wm. 11. Ball.
126th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Win. II. Harlan.
3rd Wisconsin, Col. Wm. Hawley.
2nd Connecticut Battery, Capt. John W. Sterling.
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PART 2, PAGE 167.
Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C, Sept. 11, 1863. Brigadier General Williams, Assistant Adjutant General.
General: General Canby telegraphs that the following Regi- ments are enronte to the Army of the Potomac: The Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, Twenty Ninth, Sixty Sixth, One Hundred and Tenth, One Hundred and Twenty Sixth and One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio.
The 2nd Massachusetts, First Minnesota, Third Wisconsin, Fourteenth and Twrenty Seventh Indiana", Seventh Michigan, Third and Fourth Vermont, Thirty Third New Jersey and First Delaware, and Seventh Massachusetts Batteries; and the Second, Third, Eleventh, Fourteenth, Seventeenth and Twelfth U. S. In- fantry are waiting transportation. The Third Michigan, Second, Fifth and Sixth Vermont, and Fifth Michigan will sail as soon as relieved. These Regiments have been ordered to march from Alexandria.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant General.
SERIES I, VOL. 29, PART 2, PAGE 602. In the organization of the Army of the Potomac, Maj. Genl. John Sedgwick, U. S. A., (Maj. Genl. George G. Meade tempor- arily absent), commanding.
50 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Page 602 shows present a part of the Third Corps, Maj. Genl. Wm. II. French commanding, its
Third Division — Prig. Gen. Joseph B. Carr. First Brigade, Brig. Genl. William II. Morris. Third Brigade, Col. Benjamin F. Smith. The Second Brigade. Col. J. Warren Keifer commanding. 6th Maryland, M,aj. Joseph C. Hill. 110th Ohio, Captain Wm. S. McElwain. 122nd Ohio, Col. Wm. II. Ball.
138th Pennsylvania, Capt. George W. Guss, and also an Artillery Brigade of eight Batteries commanded by Capt. O'Neil W. Robinson.
All on the 31st day of December, 1863.
SERIES I, VOL. 33, PAGE 466 Is part of the report of the organization of the Army of the Potomac as it was on January 31, 1864, and shows that the Third Division and all its Brigades were on that day precisely as shown by Vol. 29, Part 2, Page 602, on Dec. 31, 1863.
SERIES I, VOL. 33, PAGE 744-5.
Headquarters Sixth Army Corps,
March 26, 1864. General Order No. 14.
The Third Division (Prince's) Sixth Corps, will be reorgan- ized to consist of two Brigades, as follows :
First Brigade — To be composed of the One Hundred and Sixth and One Hundred and Fifty First New York Volunteers, Fourteenth New Jersey Volunteers, Tenth Vermont Volunteers, and Eighty Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers to be commanded by Brig. Gen. W. II. Morris.
Second Brigade — One Hundred and Tenth, One Hundred and Twenty Second, and One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio Volun- teers, Sixty Seventh, and One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Sixth Maryland Volunteers, to be commanded by Brig. Gen. D. A. Russell.
The general staff officers of the Third Brigade, broken up by this order, will turn over the public property for which they
:
•
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
51
are accountable, to the proper staif officers of the other Brigades of the Division, and will report in person at these headquarters for assignment.
All enlisted men with Third Division belonging to Regiments serving with other Divisions will be relieved and ordered to re- join their Regiments.
Brig, Gen. 1). A. Russell is assigned to the command of the Second Brigade, Third Division, and will report to Brigadier General Prince.
By command of Major General Sedgwick.
M. T. McMAHON, Assistant Adjutant General.
SERIES T, VOL. 33, PAGE 1042.
Organization of the Army of the Potomac, Maj. Genl. George G. Meade, U. S. Army, commanding, on April 30, 1864, showed:
The Sixth Army Corps, commanded by Maj. Gen. John Sedg- wick, consisting of the First, Second and Third Divisions, present.
The Third Division, commanded by Prig. Gen. James B. Ric- kctts, having a First, Second and Artillery Brigade, of which the Second Brigade was commanded by
Col. Benjamin F. Smith.
6th Maryland, Col. John W. Horn.
110th Ohio, Col. J. Warren Keifer.
122nd Ohio, Col. William II. Ball.
126th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Aaron W. Ebright.
67th Pennsylvania, Col. John F. Stanton.
188th Pennsylvania, Col. Mathew R. MeClennan.
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PAGES 112, 127, 146, 161, 174, 205, 728, 730, 732, 734, 735, 744, 747.
Page 112. Organization of the Army of the Potomac, May 5, 1864, shows same as that for April 30, 1864, as to Third Division, except that "Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour was in command of the Second Brigade; Col. Benjamin F. Smith was in command of the 126th Ohio; and only a detachment of the 67th Pennsylvania, commanded by Capt. George W. Guss, was present of that Regi- ment."*
52 THE OFFICIAL WAR RRCORD
SERIES [, VOL. 36, PART 1, PAGE 188 Gives general summary of casualties in the Army of the Potomac and the 9th Corps, from the Itapidan to James River, May 5-June 24, 18(54, covering the period of operations on the north side of the James River, and terminating with the cavalry engagement at Saint Mary's Church June 24.
Captured or Killed. Wounded. Missing. Aggre.
0. Men. 0. Men. 0. Men. The Wilderness
May 5-7 143 2,103 569 • 11,468 138 3,245 17,666
Spottsylvania C.
II., May 8-21... 174 2,551 672 12,744 62 2,196 18,309 North Anna, Pam-
unkey and To-
topotomy, May
22-June 1 41 550 159 2,575 17 044 3,986
Cold Harbor, Be-
thesda Church,
June 2-15 143 1,702 433 8,644 35 1,781 12,738
Todd's Tavern to
James R i v e r
(S h e r i d a n),
May 9-24 7 57 16 321 10 214 625
Trevilian R a i d
(S he r i d a n),
June 7-24 14 136 43 695 25 599 1,512
522 7,099 1,892 36,447 287 8,679 54,926
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PART 1, PAGES 198 TO 209. (Both included) Show the organization of the Army of the Potomac, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade commanding, as it was on May 31, 1864, including the Field Return of that Army for June 1, 1864. Page 205. Shows the Third Division, Sixth Corps. Brig. Gen. James B. Ricketts, commanding. Second Brigade, Col. Benjamin F. Smith. 6th Maryland, Col. John W. Horn.
9th New York Heavy Artillery, 1st and 3rd Battalions, Lieut. Col. William II. Seward, Jr..
110th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Otho II. Binkley. 122nd Ohio, Col. William II. Ball.
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 53
126th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Aaron W. Ebright.
67th Pennsylvania, Col. John P. Stanton.
138th Pennsylvania, Col. Mathew R. MeClennan.
Field Return of the Army of the Potomac for June 1, 1864.
Command. Present for duty. Aggre-
0. Men; gate.
Second Corps 1,431 26,986 28,327
Fifth Corps 939 18,382 17,321
Sixth Corps 850 19,540 20,390
Ninth Corps 729 17,418 18,147
Cavalry Corps 613 11,807 12,420
Artil. Battal. with reserve army train. ... 29 676 705
Dismounted Cavalry Train Guard 43 2,674 2,717
Headquarters, Squadron 1st Ind. Cavalry 4 114 118
First Mass. Cavalry 4 110 114
N. Y. Engineers (Det.) 5 211 216
U. S. Engineers Battalion 5 329 334
Provost Marshal's General Command.... 63 1,003 1,066
Total . 4,625 99,250 103,875
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PART 1, PAGES 160, 161, 174, 182, 183, 188. Shows return of casualties in the Union forces from May 21 to June 2, 1864 — North Anna, Pamurikey and Totopotomy, on pages 160 to 164, both included.
3rd Division, 6th Corps, Brig. Gen. James B. Ricketts ; Second Brigade, Col. B. F. Smith.
Captured or Killed. Wounded. Missing. Ag. O. Men. O. Men. O. Men.
6th Maryland 1 1
122nd Ohio 2 ... 5 7
126th Ohio 1 1
138th Pennsylvania 1 1
Total 2nd Brigade 3 ... 7 10
Total 1st Brigade. . 3 ... 18 ... 1 22
Page 1 61 . Total 3rd Div 6 ... 25 ... 1 32
SERIES T, VOL. 36, PART 1, PAGES 166 TO 180. (Both included.) Show casualties Army of the Potomac and 9th Army Corps at Cold Harbor, Bethesda Church, June 2-15, 1864.
54 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Page 174 shows those in the 3rd Division, 6th Corps, com- manded by
Brig. Genl. James B. Ricketts. Second Brigade, Col. Benjamin F. Smith.
Captured or Killed. Wounded. Missing. 0. Men. 0. Men. 0. Men. Ag.
6th Maryland 4 ... 29 . . . 1 34
9th New York Heavy Ar- tillery, 1st and 3rd
Battalions 16 5 121 1 5 148
110th Ohio 5 1 45 ... 1 52
122nd Ohio 1 3 3 42 49
126th Ohio 1 10 11
67th Pennsylvania 1 ... 14 ... 6 21
138th Pennsylvania 1 5 1 55 . . . 5 67
Total 2nd Brigade.... 3 34 10 316 1 18 382
Total 1st Brigade 13 86 13 378 2 41 533
Page 174. Total 3rd Div... 16 120 23 694 3 59 915 Officers killed or mortally wounded. Pages 182-3. Lieut. James Hartley, 122nd Ohio Infantry. Lieut. Charles P. McLaughlin, 138th Pennsylvania Infantry.
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PAGES 137 TO AND INCLUDING
PART OF 153, Show the casualties in the Army of the Potomac in the battles about Spottsylvania Court House, Virginia, May 8 to 21, 1864.
Page 146 reports as to 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 6th Corps, commanded by
Col. Benjamin F. Smith.
Captured or Killed. Wounded. Missing. 0. Men. 0. Men. Men.
6th Maryland 1 1 ... 4 ... 6
110th Ohio 4 2 28 ... 34
122nd Ohio 1 1 10 ... 12
126th Ohio 1 20 ... 56 1 78
67th Pennsylvania 1 ... 12 2 15
138th Pennsylvania 1 ... 11 ... 12
Total Second Brigade 2 28 3 121 3 157
Total Third Division 3 42 6 249 6 334
Total First Brigade 1 14 3 128 3 177
OF THE 122NI) REGIMENT, O. V. I. 55
PAGES 150 AND 152.
Show the officers killed or mortally wounded in said Spott- sylvania battle. »'
Of 6th Maryland, Lieut. David G. Orr. Of 126th Ohio, Captain Reuben Lampton. Page 149 shows the casualties in said battles about Spott- sylvania Court House, Virginia, during May 8 to 21, both included, as follows:
Captured or Killed. Wounded. Missing. Ag.
0. Men. 0. Men. O. Men. A r m y of the
Potomac 153 2,086 595 10,631 47 1,742 15,253
9th Army Corps... 21 465 77 2,114 15 454 3,146
Totals 174 2,551 672 12,745 62 2,196 18,399
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PAGE 127, TO AND INCLUDING PAGE 136,
Shows the casualties in the Army of the Potomac in the bat- tle of The Wilderness, Va., on May 5th, 6th and 7th, 1864.
Page 127 shows for Second Brigade, 3rd Division, Sixth Corps.
Brig. Genl. Truman Seymour captured by the enemy.
Col. Benjamin F. Smith succeeded to the command.
Captured or Killed. Wounded. Missing. Ag. 0. M. 0. M. O. M.
Staff 1 ... 1
6th Maryland 2 22 8 104 ... 34 170
1 10th Ohio 1 16 6 100 ... 25 148
122nd Ohio 1 17 4 106 1 47 176
126th Ohio 1 21 7 118 2 60 209
67th Pennsylvania 7 ... 39 ... 19 65
138th Pennsylvania 1 20 2 95 . . . 32 150
Total Second Brigade. 6 103 27 562 4 217 919
\
Total Third Division.. 7 112 27 615 5 225 991 Total First Brigade... 1 9 0 53 1 8 72
56 THE OFFICIAL, WAR RECORD
Officers of Second Brigade killed or mortally wounded :
Captain Adam B. Martin, killed, 6th Maryland.
Major William S. MeElwain, 110th Ohio.
Captain John M. Smith, 110th Ohio.
Lieut. Joseph McKnight, 110th Ohio.
Captain Joseph Work, 122nd Ohio.
Captain Jonathan S. McCrady, 126th Ohio.
Lieut. Robert llilles, 126th Ohio.
Lieut. John E. Essick, 138th Pa.
Lieut. John II. Fisher, 138th Pa.
|
Page 133 shows total casua |
lties |
on May |
5, 6 and 7th |
in the |
|
battle of the Wilderness were: |
Captured or |
|||
|
Killed. |
Wounded. |
Missing. |
Ag. |
|
|
0. Men. |
O. |
Men. |
O. Men. |
|
|
Army of the |
||||
|
Potomac 127 1,879 |
513 |
10,292 |
137 3,078 |
16,026 |
|
Ninth Army Corps 16 229 |
56 569 |
1,176 |
1 167 |
1,640 |
|
Totals 143 2,108 |
11,468 |
138 3,245 |
17,666 |
SERIES I, VOL. 37, PART 2, PAGE 551. Organization of the Union forces commanded by Maj. Genl. David Hunter, U. S. Army, July 31, 1864.
EXTRACT PROM PAGE 547, VOL. 37, PART 2. Sixth Army Corps (Wright). Present for duty 634 officers. 11,611 men; aggregate present 16,175; aggregate present and absent 31,260; pieces of artillery — field 24.
EXTRACT FROM PAGE 551, VOL. 37, PART 2. Third Division (6th Corps). Brig. Gen. James B. Ricketts. First Brigade — Col. William Emerson. 14th New Jersey, Maj. Peter Vredenburgh, Jr. 151st New York, Lieut. Col. Thomas M. Fay. 106th New York, Capt. Samuel Parker. 10th Vermont, Col. William W. Henry.
Second Brigade — Col. John F. Staunton. 6th Maryland, Capt. John J. Bradshaw. 110th Ohio, Lieut, Col. Otho II. Binkley. 122nd Ohio, Col. William II. Ball.
fc
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 57
126th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Aaron W. Ebright.
Cwtli Pennsylvania, Lieut. John P. Young.
138th Pennsylvania, CoL Matthew R, MeClennan.
9th New York Heavy Artillery, Major Charles Burgess.
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PART 1, PAGES 728 TO 735, DOTH INCLUDED.
Report of Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour, commanding Second Brigade, Third Division, Sixth Corps, of operations May 5-6, 1864, at The Wilderness, Va.— pages 728-9 and 730.
Report of Col. J. Warren Keifer, pages 730-735 both included. Williamstown, Mass, August 12, 1864.
General : I have the honor to submit the following report of my command, the Second Brigade, Third Division (Ricketts) in connection with the battles of May 5th and 6th, in The Wilder- ness.
To this Brigade I was assigned on the morning of the 5th in- stant. It consisted of the 110th Ohio (Col. J. W. Keifer); One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio (Col. William II. Ball); One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio (Col. B. P. Smith) ; One Hun- dred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania (Col. M. R. MeClennan), to which was attached a Battalion of the Sixty Seventh Pennsyl- vania, and the Sixth Maryland (Col. J. W. Horn).
During the morning I was directed to report to you (then commanding First Division, Sixth Corps), and was posted on the extreme right of the line of battle then forming; the Sixth Mary- land and One Hundred and Tenth Ohio were placed in the first line, the latter Regiment on the right; the One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio, One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsyl- vania, and One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio, in a second line, in the order named, from left to right, the latter Regiment being well thrown back to protect the right flank. The position was on gently rolling ground, thickly covered with trees. The enemy was directly in front. About 5 p. m. an advance was made and the enemy's skirmishers driven back some distance, so as to clear the ground in our immediate front. About 6 o'clock an at- tack was made along the line, and under the impression that we overlapped the enemy's left, and that he was weak in our front, from the detaching of troops to his right, I was to swing around so as to take him in flank. A vigorous advance was made and
58 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
the enemy was soon found, but sheltered by log breastwork's and extending so far beyond me that his fire came upon the prolonga- tion of our line with the greatest severity.
Under these circumstances it was impossible to gain any de- cided advantage. Ground somewhat in advance of our original position was, however, held. The Sixth Maryland and One Hun- dred and Tenth Ohio suffered very severely; the Sixth Maryland losing 180 officers and men in killed and wounded, and the One Hundred and Tenth losing 113. Major MeElwain, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, was unfortunately killed — one of the best and bravest offieers of my command. Captain Smith and Lieutenant MeKnight of the same Regiment were mortally wounded, both excellent officers. Captain A. B. Martin and Lieut. Alexander P. Myers of the Sixth Maryand were also lost (two of the choicest officers of that superior Regiment), and during the night there was close firing by which a number fell. Among others the gal- lant Colonel Keifer was disabled, after having conducted himself with distinguished courage and energy during the day. The enemy through the night was constantly strengthening his line ; the cutting and felling of trees was continued, and the movement of guns to his left was distinctly heard. On the morning of the (>th Brig. Genl. Alexander Shaler reported to me with a part of his Brigade, which was immediately used in the extension of my right. The additional force did not much more than compensate for the loss of space due to the casualties of the preceding after- noon, and the closing in to General Neil's Brigade, on my left, for the same cause. The second line of my Brigade now replaced the first, and at 7 o'clock another attack was ordered, and the two Brigades moved forward impetuously, but when within a few rods of the enemy's works received such discharge of musketry as entirely to deprive the attack of impulsion. The fire from the enemy's artillery was also severe and close. In spite of the superb steadiness of the men and the best efforts of their brave officers of both Brigades, no decisive advantage could be claimed. The enemy's line still extended beyond our right, and our formation was even now thin and weak for attacking. The casualties were again very heavy. The One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania lost 153 during the day, with two of the finest young officers — Lieuts. J. II. Fisher and John E. Essick.
Of the 122nd Ohio, Captain Work was killed, known for a
i
OF THEJ 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 59
noble coolness in battle, an officer held in high esteem by his Regiment, and Captain Harding, Lieutenants Kilburn and Nie- meyer were, unfortunately, severely wounded. Captain R. M. Lyons of the One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio, Capt. 0. W. France, Capt. J. S. McCready and Lieut. Robert Hilles, among the choicest and best of officers, were killed. During the day directions were received to strengthen our line, by laying up log shelters, which was effected, except on the extreme right of Genl. Binder's line, where contact was so (dose, and exposure so great as to for- bid this work by day. The two Brigades were now, virtually, in a single line, the One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania and One Hundred and Tenth Ohio being alone held in the second line as supports. Just before sunset the enemy made an attack by throwing a Brigade around the right and directly into the rear of my line, which was rolled up with great rapidity. Portions of the command faced to the rear and held their position for a short time, but were compelled to give way. The One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania was promptly moved to check the enemy's advance, but yielding to the temporary panic, also fell to the rear. Near the termination of this attack, while riding to- ward the enemy to ascertain his force and position, I was taken prisoner. Lieut. A. J. Harrison, Acting Assistant Adjutant General of my staff, while bravely exerting himself to rally our men, was severely wounded, and fell into the enemy's hands. To Capt. J. W. Ross, Brigade Inspector, and my aides, Lieut. 0. N. Jackson, Lieut. Daniel Peck, and Lieut. J. A. Gump, as well as to Lieut, Harrison, 1 am indebted for the display of the highest soldiery qualities on every occasion, and 1 acknowledge my indebtedness for their constant attention to duty. And I cannot fail to men- tion Surgeon J. S. Martin, Fourteenth New Jersey, for gallant conduct, in remaining under close fire and attending faithfully upon many severely hurt, who, from our situation, could not readily be moved. His example was glorious. In the movements of my command, I am pleased to say that it behaved with the most commendable gallantry, and the conduct of every officer and man so far as I know, was praiseworthy and exemplary. That after two such combats, worn and fatigued, they should have failed before comparatively fresh troops, will be justly considered as no more than was to be expected, nor was it more than antici- pated and expressed to the then commander of the Corps. The right of the line was perfectly unsupported, and of necessity so
60 THE OFFICIAL WAR RKCORD
thin, that successful resistance to such a flank attack was at least improbable. The commanders of Regiments, without exception, are recommended to your favorable notice — Colonel? Smith, Keifer and Horn more particularly, for prominent gallantry and
efficiency.
The report of Brigadier General Shaler accompanies this. T respectfully commend him to your consideration for the personal bravery and intelligence with which he handled his Brigade.
Very respectfully, General, your obedient servant,
T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier General. Maj. Gen. IT. G. Wright, Commanding Sixth Army Corps.
SERIES T, VOL. 36, PART 1, PAGES 172 TO 785, BOTH INCLUDED.
Report of Col. J. Warren Keifer, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade.
Ildqrs. Second Brig., Third Div., Sixth Army Corps,
Camp near Cedar Creek, Va., November 1, 1864.
Captain: I have the honor to make the following report of operations of this command, commencing May 4, 1864. and end- ing Juy 9, 1864:
This Brigade was composed May 4, 1864, of the One Hundred and Tenth, One Hundred and Twenty Second and One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio, Sixth Maryland, and One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania Infantry Regiments, and a detach- ment of men from the Sixty Seventh Pennsylvania, temporarily attached to the One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania. The Regiments were commanded respectively by myself. Col. W. II. Ball, Lieut. Col. E. W. Ebright, Col. John W. Horn and Col. M. R. McClennan. The Brigade was commanded on that day by Col. B. P. Smith, One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio. The Brigade moved from its camp near Culpepper Court House, Va., at daylight on the 4th of May and crossed the Rapidan river at Germanna Ford about sunset of the same day and bivouacked for the nght on the bank of the river. Early on the morning of the 5th of May, Brig. Gen. T. Seymour assumed command of the Brigade, relieving Colonel Smith.
FIRST EPOCH.
The Brigade moved about 8 a. in. upon the Germanna Ford road, leading to the Fredericksburg and Orange Court House
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
(.1
pike, but bad not proceeded far until orders were received to re- turn to and guard the ford and pontoon bridges, which it: did. At about 11 a. in. the Brigade again marched toward the turn- pike above named, and arriving near it was halted upon a bill to the right of the road upon which it bad marched. About 1 p. in. orders were received for the Brigade to proceed to the right of the line, and report to General II. G. Wright, commanding a di- vision of the Sixth Corps. Heavy firing bad already commenced along the line. This Brigade went into position in two lines about 2 p. m., upon the extreme right of the army, the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio and Sixth Maryland in the front, and the One Hun- dred and Twenty Second Ohio, One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania, and One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio in the rear line. Under orders from Brigadier General Seymour, skir- mishers were advanced from the two Regiments in the front line, who soon brought on a brisk skirmish. Capt. Luther Brown, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, and Capt. C. K. Prentiss, Sixth Mary- land, who were in command of our skirmishers, pressed the enemy's skirmishers back for a short distance, and closely en- gaged them until about 5 p. m., when an advance of the Brigade was made. 1 received orders from General Seymour to assume general charge of the first line, to press the enemy, and, if pos- sible, outflank him upon bis left. The troops charged forward in galant style, pressing the enemy back by 6 p. m. about one-half mile, when Ave came Upon him, upon the slope of a bill, intrenched behind logs, which had been hurriedly thrown together. During the advance the troops were twice halted, and a fire opened, kill- ing and wounding a considerable number of the enemy. The front line being upon the extreme right of the army, and the troops upon its left (said to have been commanded by Brigadier General Neil), failing to move forward in conjunction with it, T deemed it prudent to halt, without making an attack upon the enemy's line. After a short consultation with Col. John \V. Horn, 1 sent; word to Brigadier General Seymour that the advance line of the Brigade was unsupported upon either flank, and that the enemy overlapped the right and left of the line and was apparently in heavy force, rendering it impossible for the troops to attain suc- cess in a further attack. This word was sent by Lieut. Gump of General Seymour's staff. I soon after received orders to attack at once. Feeling sure that the word I sent had not been received, 1 delayed until a second order was received to attack. 1 accord-
62 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
ingly made the attack without further delay. The attack was made about 7 p. m. The troops were in a thick and dense wilder- ness. The line was advanced to within 150 yards of the enemy's works, under a most terrible fire from the front and flanks. It was impossible to succeed, but the two Regiments, notwithstand- ing, maintained their ground, and kept up a rapid fire for nearly three hours, and then retired, under orders, for a short distance only. I was wounded about 8:80 p. in. by a rifle ball passing through both bones of the left forearm; but did not relinquish command until 9 p. m. The troops were required to main- tain this unequal contest under the belief that other troops were to attack the enemy on his flank. In this attack the Sixth Mary- land lost in killed two officers and 16 men, and 8 officers and 132 men wounded, and the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio lost one officer and 13 men killed, and 6 officers and 03 men wounded, making an aggregate in the Two Regiments of 271.
Maj. William S. McElwain, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, who had won the commendations of all who knew him, for his skill, judgment and gallantry, was among the killed. Capt. John M. Smith and Lieut. Joseph McKnight, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, and Capt. Adam B. Martin, Sixth Maryland, were mortally wTounded and have since died. Capt. J. B. Van Eaton and Lieuts. IT. II. Stevens and G. 0. McMillen, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio ; Major J. C. Hill, Capts. A. Billingslea, J. L. Goldsborough, J. J. Bradshaw and J. R. Roieyar, and Lieuts. J. A. Schwartz, 0. A. Damuth, and I). J. Smith, Sixth Maryland, were more or less severely wounded. Ail displayed the greatest bravery and de- serve the thanks of the country. Col. John AV. Horn, Sixth Maryland, and Lieut. Col. O. II. Binkley, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, deserve to be specially mentioned for their courage^ skill and ability; Captains Brown, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, and Prentiss, Sixth Maryland, distinguished themselves in their suc- cessful management of skirmishers.
From reports of this night attack, published in the Richmond papers, it is known that the rebel Brig. Gen. J. M. Jones (com- manding the Stonewall brigade), and many others were killed in the attack.
In consequence of my wound, I was not with the Brigade after the battle of the Wilderness, during its memorable and bloody campaign, until August 26th, 186-1, and I am unable to give its movements and operations from personal knowledge.
OF THE 122ND RRGIMRNT, O. V. I. 63
The Brigade was commanded by Brig. Gen. T. Seymour, until his capture, May 6, 18(34, after which, with the exception of short intervals, it was commanded by Col. B; P. Smith, One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio. Colonel Smith is now absent from the Brigade.
Early on the morning of the 6th of May, the Brigade formed in two lines of battle, and assaulted the enemy's works in its front — the One Hundred and Twenty Second and One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio, and One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania in the front line, and the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio and Sixth Maryland in the rear line. The Brigade was still the extreme right of the army. The assault was not vigorously made, but the enemy was found in too great numbers, and too strongly fortified to be driven from his position. After suffering very heavy loss, the troops were withdrawn to their original position, where slight fortifications were thrown up. In the charge the troops behaved most gallantly. The One Hundred and Twenty Second, and One Hundred and Twrenty Sixth Ohio, and One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania lost very heavily. About 2 p. m. Brigadier General Shaler's Brigade of the First Division, Sixth Army Corps, took position upon the right of the Brigade, and became the extreme right of the army. Skirmishing continued until about sunset, when the enemy turned the right of the army, and made an attack upon its Hank and rear, causing the troops to give way rapidly, and compelling them to fall back for some distance before they were re-formed. So rapid was the enemy's advance upon the flank and rear, that time was not given to change front to meet him, and some confusion occurred in the retreat. Pew prisoners were lost in the Brigade. The lines were soon re-established, and the progress of the enemy stopped. An attack was made by the enemy upon the re-established line about 8 p. m., but was handsomely repulsed. Unfounded reports were circulated that the troops of this Brigade were the first to give way when the first attack of the enemy was made. It is not im- proper to state here that no charges of bad conduct are made against the troops upon its right, but this Brigade remained at its post and successfully resisted a simultaneous attack from the front until the troops upon its right were doubled back and were retreating in disorder through and along its lines.
About 7 a. m. of May 7 the troops were moved a short dis- tance to the left, and threw up temporary earthworks. The enemy
64 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
made a show of attack soon after, but were driven back and severely punished by artillery fire. Skirmishing continued throughout the day. This Brigade was detached during- the bat- tle of the Wilderness from the other troops of the Division, and received orders from Major General Wright, commanding First Division, Sixth Army Corps.
(Note by Col. Granger, Aug. 30, 1012— This is the end of Col. Keifer's "First Epoch").
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PART 1, PAGE 733. SECOND EPOCH.
The march to Spottsylvania Court House was commenced at 8 p. m., May 7. The troops moved all night, and after a tedious and tiresome march, arrived in position near Spottsylvania Court House about 6 p. m., May 8, and found the enemy in front in stronS works. Immediate preparations were made for an assault, which, however, was not made.
After dark an advance was made, as near the enemy's posi- tion as possible without bringing on an engagement. The troops were rationed for the first time on the campaign at this place. Breastworks were constructed along the front line. The lamented Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick, commanding the Sixth Army Corps, was killed by a rifle shot in the head, from a rebel sharpshooter, near the Sixth Maryland Regiment, on the 9th of May. On the 10th a desperate attack was made by the enemy on the right of the Brigade, which was handsomely repulsed. In addition to the continuous and heavy skirmishing, a furious artillery fire was kept up all day. The Brigade was moved from its position, on the 11th, a short distance to the left. Constant skirmishing still continued. On the 12th the Brigade, with the Division, was formed one mile to the left, about 11a. m., in support of the thirst and Second Divisions, Sixth Army Corps, but was not heavily engaged. The One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio was de- tached about 12 m., and went to the assistance of Brigadier Gen- eral Wheaton's Brigade, Second Division, Sixth Corps. It Avas marched to the front line and engaged the enemy. Fifty rounds of ammunition were exhausted before the Regiment was withdrawn. Its loss was 16 enlisted men killed and one officer and 53 enlisted men wounded. Lieut. Col. E. W. Ebright, com- manding the Regiment, was wounded in the head. He signally
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
65
id id
,t- id st
distinguished himself in this engagement. The enemy was com- pelled to abandon his works in the night, and on the morning of the 13th was found in a new position, some distance to the rear. At evening the Brigade moved back to the position occupied upon the 12th. The morning of the 14th of May the Brigade moved to the heights on the north bank of the Ny river. The evening of the same day the Brigade charged in line of battle across the river and took the heights upon the opposite bank, from which troops of the First Division, Sixth Corps, had been driven. The Brigade at once intrenched and remained in position until the evening of the 17th, at which time it commenced to march back again to its position of the 12th. The Brigade reached its position about 6 a. m. of the 18th, and there remained under a heavy artil- lery fire from the enemy until 12 m., and then commenced a march again to its position on the south bank of the Ny river, near the Anderson house, arriving about 7 p. m. The Brigade moved forward on the 16th of May about two miles, but did not bring on a general engagement and again intrenched. Some changes were made in the line on the 21st, after which brisk skir- mishing ensued. N
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PART 1, PAGES 733 AND 734. THIRD EPOCH.
The march from the position last mentioned to the North Anna river commenced at 10 p. m., May 21, and was attended with no fighting, the Brigade having been detailed as guard for ammunition and headquarters train. On the evening of the 25th of May the Brigade was relieved from duty as train guard, and reported to Brig. Gen. J. B. Ricketts, commanding Division, and immediately went into position on the south *bank of the North Anna river. On the 26th of May the Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, commanded by Lieut. Col. W. H. Seward, joined this Brigade. On the same day the Brigade was marched about three miles to the Virginia Central railroad at Noel's Station, and immediately countermarched to its former position on the North Anna river.
FOURTH EPOCH.
Leaving this last named position and recrossing the North Anna river, about 7 p. m., commenced the march for the Pamun- key river. The Brigade reached the river and crossed at Sailor's
66 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Ford ;it 12 in. on the 28th of May; marched about two miles from it, and again halted and intrenched. The Brigade remained in position, skirmishing continually until daylight of May 30th, when it moved with the Division in a northwesterly direction, striking the Hanover Court House and Richmond turnpike at the 17th-mile post about 10 a. m. ; thence along that road to the Toto- potomoy river, arriving upon its north bank at 5 p. m., where the Brigade was formed in line of battle. In this position the Brigade remained until 12 m. of the 31st, when it was moved across the river and formed in line of battle on the south bank. Heavy skirmishing ensued throughout the remainder of the day, the enemy being in front in strong breastworks. At 12 midnight commenced the march to Cold Harbor, by way of Salem Church, arriving about 10:30 a. m., June 1, 1804. The Cavalry which pre- ceded were relieved on the skirmish line by the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, Lieutenant Colonel Binkley commanding. Intrench- ments were thrown up. About 2 p. m. the Brigade was removed from its works, a short distance to the left, and formed in four lines of battle, preparatory to a charge — the Sixth Maryland and One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania in the first line; Ninth New York Heavy Artillery in the second and third lines, and the One Hundred and Twenty Second and One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio in the fourth line. At 6 p. m. a general as- sault was made upon the enemy in his works. This Brigade car- ried the works in its front and captured several hundred pris- oners, who were taken to the rear. The captured works wrere held and the enemy forced back. Repeated efforts were made by the enemy during the succeeding night to retake the works, but he was each time repulsed with heavy loss.
ft
SERIES I, VOL. 36, PART 1, PAGES 734 AND 735.
The officers and men of the Brigade deserve great praise for their valor in this battle. I regret to say that I am unable to mention the officers who were most conspicuous. Colonels Horn and McClennan, who commanded the advance line were par- ticularly gallant in leading their men into the works. The fol- lowing communication was received, highly commending the troops for their conduct on that day:
"Headquarters Army of the Potomac.
June 1, 1864. ''Major General Wright:
"Please give my thanks to Brigadier General Ricketts and
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 67
his gallant command for tlu; very handsome manner in which they have conducted themselves today. The success attained by them is of great importance, and if followed up will materially advance our operations.
"Respectfully yours,
"GEORGE G. MEADE, "Major General Commanding. "
"June 2, 18G4. "Headquarters Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, "Brigadier General Ricketts :
"General: Major General Wright directs me to say that he transmits the within to you with great pleasure. "Your obedient servant,
"R. P. IIALSTEAD, "Captain and Aid-de-Camp."
June 2 the captured works were altered and strengthened for defensive operations. No general engagement occurred on this day, but skirmishing and artillery fire continued. On the 3rd of June, Col. John W. Horn assumed temporary command of the Brigade in consequence of the indisposition of Colonel Smith. The Brigade formed (One Hundred and Tenth and One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio in the first line, Ninth New York Heavy Artillery in the second and third lines, and the Sixth Maryland, One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio and One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania in the fourth line), moved forward about 6 a. in., June 3, a distance of 200 yards, and under a heavy fire of the enemy; intrenched using bayonets, tin cups and plates for this purpose, many officers were killed and wounded on this day. From the 3rd to the 10th gradual approaches were made to- ward the enemy's works by means of ziz-zag lines. Heavy firing was constantly kept up along the lines. The Third Division moved to the rear and left, about 2 a. m., June 11th, and halted in rear of the Second Division, Second Army Corps. At dusk the Division relieved the portion of the line then occupied by the Second Division, Second Army Corps. Colonel Smith resumed command of the Brigade June 12.
1 am. Captain, truly your obedient and humble servant,
J. WARREN KE1FER, Colonel 110th Ohio Volunteers, Commanding Brigade. Capt. Andrew J. Smith, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Div., Sixth Corps.
68 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
SERIES I, VOL. 40, PART 1, PAGES 505, 500 AND 507.
No. 159.
Report of Col. J. Warren Keifer, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations June 12- July 6.
Hdqrs. Second Brig., Third Div., Sixth Army Corps.
Camp near Cedar Creek, Va., Nov. 1, 1864.
FIFTH EPOCH.
Captain : The Brigade remained in the last named position until 10:30 p. m., June 12, when it was withdrawn and immed- iately commenced the march, with the Division and Corps, by the way of Ilopkin's Mill, Moody's Farm and Emmons Church, to Jones Bridge, across the Chickahominy river; thence by way of the Charles City Court House road to James river, near Wilcox's Landing, arriving June 14. On the afternoon of the 15th, the Brigade, with the Corps, formed lines and intrenched. On the 16th the troops Avere moved to the left and toward the river, a short distance, and again intrenched. At 5 p. m. colored troops, from the Ninth Corps, relieved the Brigade, and. with the Di- vision, it was marched to Wilcox's Landing and embarked on transports at 8 p. m. The main portion of the Brigade disem- barked at about 1 a. m., June 17, at Point of Rocks. The One Hun- dred and Twenty Second Ohio disembarked on the north bank of the Appomattox, at the confluence of that river with the James; marched and joined the Brigade at Bermuda Hundred at 10 a. m. Nothing of importance transpired at Bermuda Hundred. The Division was relieved at 3 p. m., June 19, and marched to the Corps in front of Petersburg. At 3 p. m. on the 21st the Corps moved to the extreme left of the army. The Sixth Maryland and One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, under command of Colonel H^nm, re- lieved the Cavalry, who were then engaged with the enemy. The Brigade was formed in two lines of battle, and intrenched. The 22nd of June, about 7 a. m., an advance was made of half a mile, heavy skirmishing ensuing, in consequence of which the lines were halted and intrenched. At 2 p. m. the troops were with- drawn to the position last vacated. A charge was made by the Division at 7 p. m., causing the enemy to give way precipitately After advancing two miles the troops halted and again in- trenched.
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OF THR 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 69
SERIES I, VOL. 40, PART 1, PAGES 506-507.
Orders were received from Brigadier General Ricketts June 23rd, at 6 p. m., to send three Regiments to report to Brigadier General Wheaton, commanding' Second Division, Sixth Army Corps. Accordingly the One Hundred and Tenth, One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio, and Sixth Maryland Regiments were sent. The remainder of the Brigade was withdrawn, and formed in rear of and as support for the Second Division, Sixth Army Corps. The Brigade was withdrawn about 8:30 p. m. to the posi- tion occupied on the evening of the 21st.
The works were strengthened on the 24th, and the troops were ordered to rest for the first time on the campaign ; headquar- ters and regimental wagons were also ordered up to the troops for the first time. The remainder of the Sixty Seventh Pennsyl- vania, commanded by Col. John P. Staunton, joined the Brigade June 28th. The 29th the Brigade, with the Corps, marched to Ream's Station, on the Weldon and Petersburg railroad, and formed in position and intrenched. A detail of GOO men from the Brigade aided in tearing up the railroad on the 30th of June. At 6 p. m. the troops marched, by way of the Jerusalem plank road, toward a point near the Williams House, and arrived the same night.
July 2 the Brigade went into intrenchments at the Williams House, about five miles south of Petersburg.
Colonel Staunton took command of the Brigade on the morn- ing of the 6th of July. Orders were received at 3 p. m., July 0, to march to City Point, embark for Baltimore, and from there proceed to the vicinity of Harper's Perry, Va.
Many officers who fell in this long and memorable campaign should be favorably mentioned but the already great length of this report forbids my doing it. I would do injustice to brave and valuable officers if I did not make mention of Gols. William II. Ball, John W. Horn, Mathew R. McClennan, and Lieut. Cols. A. W. Ebright, Otho II. Binkley andJMoses M. Granger. These officers endured the dangers and hardships of the entire cam- paign, and by their personal daring and good example, did much to secure the results attained. It should not be forgotten that many of the affairs mentioned in this report as skirmishes, rise to the dignity of battles, compared with many of the so reported battles of this and former wars. In justice to line officers it should not be forgotten that they were the principal actors in managing
70 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
the skirmishes, and were, often for many hours, and even days, under the fire of the enemy's sharpshooters. The men on the campaign, in addition to the many hard days fighting, suffered uncomplainingly the severe marches in the heat of summer, and often without a proper supply of water, etc.
This long campaign, more than all others, illustrates the en- durance, valor and patriotism of the American soldier.
I am, Captain, truly your obedient and humble servant,
J. WARREN KEIFER, Colonel 110th Ohio Volunteers, Commanding Brigade.
SERIES I, VOL. 40, PAGE 511. Tabular statement of losses of One Hundred and Twenty Second Regiment, Ohio Infantry Volunteers.
Ildqrs. 122nd Ohio Infantry Vols.
Sept. 10, 1864. Lieut. * * * *
I append a tabular statement of the losses during the cam- paign (a).
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Prisoners
of War. Total. 0. M. O. M. O. M. 0. M. 0. M.
Wilderness 1 17 3 108 .. 28 1 27 5 180
Spottsylvania 1 . . 22 23
Totopotomay 2 .. 5 .. 1 8
Cold Harbor 1 3 2 44 21 3 68
Petersburg 1 1
Monaracy (b) 5 . . 9 .. 10 .. 36 .. 60
2 28 5 188 .. 40 1 84 8 340 (a) — Strength of Regiment May 4, officers 3 Field and Staff, (b) — July 9 — Not embraced in report — 11 line, 490 men; ag- gregate, 504.
W. II. BALL, Col. 122nd Ohio Volunteers. Lieut. John A. Gump,
Second Brig., Third Div., Sixth Corps.
SERIES I, VOL. 43, PART 1, PAGES 225 TO 230. No. 49. Report of Col. J. Warren Keifer, One Hundred and Tenth
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
Ohio Infantry, commanding Third Division, of operations, Octo- ber 19.
I Idqrs. Second Brig., Third Div., Sixth Army Corps,
Camp before Petersburg, Va., December 15, 1864.
Major : I have the honor to report, in compliance with orders, the movements and operations of the Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, at the battle of Cedar Creek, Va., on the 19th of October, 1864:
The Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, occupied a position, in two lines, on the left of the other two Divisions of the Corps, connecting on its left with the right of the Nineteenth Corps. The Nineteenth Corps was in the center of the army, the Eighth Corps, or Army of West Virginia, being upon the extreme left, the whole army facing Cedar Creek. The troops of the Division were to the right of the turnpike, about half a mile and not to ex- ceed one mile and a half from Middletown. Marsh Run, which was difficult to cross, flowed through a ravine a very short dis- tance in rear of the Division and divided the main body of the troops of the Nineteenth from the Sixth Corps. The troops of the Division consisted of two Brigades, commanded previous to the 19th of October, 1864— First Brigade, by Colonel William Emer- son, One Hundred and Fifty First New York Volunteers; Second Brigade, by myself, and the Division by Brig. Gen. James B. Ric- ketts. The First Brigade was located upon the right and Second Brigade upon the left of the Division. The aggregate strength present for duty, in line, was 151 officers and 3,818 enlisted men. On the morning of October 19th, at early day break, some firing was heard upon the right of the army and soon after rapid firing was heard in the direction of the extreme left of the army. Be- ing in command of the Second Brigade at that time, it was im- mediately placed under arms, tents struck and wagons packed, and preparations were made for meeting any emergency. Im- mediately after the troops were formed in front of their camp, Captain A. J. Smith, Acting Assistant Adjutant General, Third Division, with others of the Division staff, reported to me with orders from General Ricketts, to assume command of the Division, General Ricketts having assumed command of the Corps. General Wright being in command of the Army, I at once turned over the command of the Second Brigade to Col. William II. Ball, One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio, and assumed command of the Division. The firing continued to grow more rapid upon the left
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THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
of the army, and it soon became apparent that the enemy de- signed to bring on a general engagement. I received an order from General Ricketts to move the Division to the turnpike, find commenced the movement, but soon after received an order to re-occupy the late position, and look out for the right, as the First and Second Divisions of the Corps had been ordered from the right across the run to the turnpike and to the support of the left of the army. The firing continued to grow more rapid upon the left and extended to the rear, parallel with the turnpike and toward Middletown. The troops upon the left had fallen back from their position in disorder, and, with small bodies of cavalry, army wagons, pack animals, etc., had crossed Marsh Run and were rushing through the lines of troops; it was only by the greatest exertions of officers that the lines could be preserved. While moving the troops back to their late position orders were received to take the hills opposite the rear of the camps of the Division. When this order was received the enemy had gained them, and a portion of my command had opened fire upon him. Colonel Ball was ordered to take the position with his Brigade. The rear line of the Second Brigade, faced by the rear rank, was ordered to charge the hills, and orders were given to the other troops of the Division to follow in close support. The troops ad- vanced in excellent order, notwithstanding a heavy fire from the enemy, but, just after the advance of the Brigade had crossed the stream, the troops of the Nineteenth Corps broke in disorder, and fell back along the stream in such numbers as to impede far- ther progress of the movement, and temporarily throw the ad- vance line into some confusion. Fearing the danger of getting my command into disorder, and at the same time having ascer- tained that the enemy had turned the left of the army, and were already advancing and threatening the rear, the troops were with- drawn from the charge, and a rapid fire opened upon the enemy, which stopped his farther progress in my front. So great were the number of broken troops of other Corps, that for a time the lines had to be opened at intervals in order to allow them to pass to the rear. In consequence of the necessary movements of the morning the divisions of the Sixth Corps were separated, and were obliged to fight independent of each other. The Third Di- vision, having faced about, became the extreme right of the army. A number of guns belonging to the Sixth Corps, were posted upon the hills on my left. These guns, under the command of Cap-
&
THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
tains McKnight and Adams, and under the direction of Colonel Tompkins, Chief of Artillery of the Sixth Corps, were admirably handled and rapidly fired, although under a heavy and close mus- ketry fire of the enemy.- After 100 artillery horses had been shot the enemy succeeded in capturing a portion of the guns, having ap- proached under cover of the smoke and fog from the left, which was unprotected, but were subsequently recaptured. The Regi- ments principally engaged in this charge were the Tenth Vermont (of the First Brigade) commanded by Colonel William W. Henry and Sixth Maryland (of the Second Brigade) commanded by (apt. C. K. Prentiss. Great galantry was displayed in this charge by officers and men. The rebels were fought hand to hand and driven from the guns. A position was taken upon the crest of a ridge facing the enemy, who by this time had thrown a force across Marsh Run, near its mouth, and were advancing along Cedar ('reek, upon my right. The right of the Third Division was extended to near Cedar Creek, and the left rested a short distance from Marsh Run. A heavy fire was kept up for a considerable period of time, and the enemy were twice driven back with heavy loss. Orders were received from Major General Wright, in per- son, to charge forward and drive the enemy, and the movement was commenced, and in conseouience of the disorder into which the enemy had previously been thrown, the movement bid fair to be a success; but owing to the enemy's appearance in heavy force, upon the left Hank of the Division, the charge was soon sus- pended, and the troops withdrawn slowly to a new position. The battle raged with great fury, the line slowly retiring, in the main in good order, from one position to another. My line was at no time driven from any position, but was withdrawn from one position to another, under orders, and each time, after the enemy had been repulsed in all attacks from the front. About 10 a. m. the troops reached a road that ran parallel to my line, and at right angles to the turnpike, and a short distance to the rear and right of Middletown. The troops had been withdrawn, not to ex- ceed one mile and a half from the position occupied in the morn- ing. At this hour the enemy suspended attacks, but concen- trated a heavy artillery fire upon the troops. In retiring, almost all the wounded of the Division were brought oft', and but few prisoners were lost. From this position the Division was moved, under orders, to the left, and formed connection with the Sec- ond Division, Sixth Corps. After General Ricketts was
.
74 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
wounded, Brig-. Gen. G. W. Getty assumed command of the Corps, from whom I received orders. The First Division, commanded hy B'rig. Gen. Frank Wheaton, was formed upon my right. Many of the troops, thrown into disorder early in the engagement, were re-formed and brought into line; those of the Nineteenth Corps were formed upon the right of the army. It was known about 10:30 a. m. that Major General Sheridan had arrived upon the field, and had assumed command of the army. Major General Wright resumed command of the Sixth Army Corps. Unfor- tunately, Colonel Emerson, commanding the First Brigade, failed to keep connection with the Second Brigade of the Division dur- ing a march to the rear, in consequence of which some delay took place in getting into proper position. As soon as a position was taken up, a heavy line of skirmishers was ordered forward from the Second Brigade to cover the front of the Division. Colonel Ball, commanding Second Brigade, accordingly ordered forward the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, and One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, under the command of Lieut. Col. Otho H. Binkley. They took up a position about 300 yards to the front, and along the outskirts of the woods. Desultory firing and skirmishing were kept up. The enemy, about 1 p. m., attempted another advance, and after a brisk fight with the skir- mishers, caused them to fall back to the main line. The attack was then immediately repulsed, and the skirmishers retook their former position. A small detachment of the Army of West Vir- ginia, under the command of Col. R. B. Hayes, of the Twenty Third Ohio, was formed upon the left of the Third Division, and connected with the right of the Second Division, Sixth Army Corps, the left of wrhich rested upon the valley turnpike, about one mile in rear of Middletown. The troops remained in position until 3:15 p. m., when a general advance was made, the order to do so having been received by me from Major General Wright. Imm'ediately after the advance commenced the troops of the Army of West Virginia were withdrawn from the line, leaving a short interval between the left of my line, and that of General G. W. Gatty, commanding the Second Division. In accordance with instructions from Major General Wright, my line was or- dered to dress to the left in the general advance, and close up all intervals. Specific instructions were given by me to Brigade commanders to dress their troops to the left in the advance, leave no intervals, and to be careful to avoid dressing them too rapidly
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 75
and closely. The troops were in one line of battle, and without reserves. When the advance commenced the Division moved forward in splendid style and very rapidly. It soon encountered the enemy in great strength and well posted. The enemy opened a deadly fire with artillery and musketry upon the troops, but for a time they continued the advance, although suffering heavy losses. The order to avoid massing the troops in the advance was not complied with by the First Brigade, the troops of which — after coming under fire — dressed hastily, and in some confusion to left, and soon became massed behind and merged into troops of the Second Brigade. In addition to the confusion that neces- sarily ensued, the right was left unprotected. The greater portion of the Division, after returning the enemy's fire vigorously for a short time, temporarily gave way. To the failure to keep the troops properly dressed, and to the fact that the Third Division moved forward too rapidly, and in advance of the troops on its right, I mainly attribute the failure to succeed in this advance. The troops upon my left also temporarily gave way. The Division lost very heavily in this attack. Not to exceed five minutes elapsed before the troops had been halted, and were again charged forward. The enemy this time gave way and were forced back several hundred yards, when he again took up a position behind a stone fence upon the face of a hill sloping toward my troops. The Division charged forward to a stone fence which was parallel to the enemy's position and about 250 yards distant therefrom. An open field lay between the opposing troops. A stone wall ex- tended at right angles from the right of my line to the left of the enemy's. A sharp and fierce mjusketry fire was kept up between the contending forces for about three quarters of an hour. Orders were received from Major General Wright, in person, to charge the enemy's position. Preparatory to giving the order for the Division to charge, I ordered Colonel Emerson to send a compe- tent staff officer, with volunteer soldiers along, and under cover of the stone wall upon the right of the line, with orders to throw themselves upon the enemy's left, and open an enfilading fire upon him. This order was immediately carried out and had the desired effect. Capt. II. W. Day, One Hundred and Sixth New York Volunteers, and Brigade Inspector of the First Brigade, was charged with the execution of the order. His gallant con- duct on that occasion was highly meritorious, and for which he deserves promotion. Lieut: Col. M. M. Granger, One Hundred
76 THE OFFICIAL WAR RTCCORD
and Twenty Second Ohio Volunteers, volunteered to assist in this strategic movement. As soon as troops could reach the flank of the enemy, the troops of the Division poured a destructive fire upon the enemy, and at once charged across the open ground, driving him in utter rout from his position. A considerable num- ber of prisoners were taken in this charge, also small arms and two battle Hags. Leander McClurg, One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio, captured the battle Hag of what he supposed to have been the Forty Fourth (rebel) Virginia Regiment, which he was forced to give up to a staff officer, not since recognized by him. Corporal Daniel P. Reigle*, Eighty Seventh Pennsylvania, cap- tured a battle flag from a color bearer of the enemy. The enemy retreated precipitately, throwing away guns, accrouterments, etc., in their flight. He was closely pursued by the infantry to and across Cedar Creek. His columns were completely routed, disor- ganized and demoralized. Troops of this Division were the first to plant colors upon the works along Cedar Creek, which had been abandoned by the Eighth and Nineteenth; Corps in the morning.
*Note by Col. Granger, Sept. 16, 1912:
"Page 148 of the second volume of General Keifer's "Slavery and Four Years of War," written by him about 1900, contains the following words:
"Colonel Moses M. Granger (122nd Ohio) voluntarily aided, and, in one sense, directed the movement of this sm'all party."
(I, (M. M. G.), add, that the 122nd Ohio Volunteers were then holding the right of the stone fence on our side of the open field).
The Cavalry of the army was hurled upon the broken and flying troops of the enemy after he had crossed Cedar Creek. Night came on and the Infantry gave up the pursuit. The aban- doned and disabled guns and caissons of the Corps were retaken upon the ground upon which they had been left in the morning.
The Cavalry, in its pursuit of the enemy, captured many of the substantial fruits of the great victory, which had been so richly earned by the hard fighting of the Infantry soldiers. The loss in killed and wounded of the Cavalry, compared to that of the Infantry, was light, which of itself proves upon whom the burden of the battle rested and was borne.
At dark the troops, under orders, went into their respective camps, from which they had been called up in the morning.
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
Many officers and soldiers spent the night in ministering to their wounded and dying comrades. Instances were not a few where the miscreant enemy had stripped the persons of our wounded of clothing, and left them without covering upon the ground. The bodies of the dead were generally robbed of all clothing and effects. It may be said, however, that many of the bodies of the enemy's dead had been robbed and stripped by their own troops. A rebel officer was killed, upon whose body was found clothing and other private effects of Captain E. M. Ruhl, Eighty Seventh Pennsylvania, who was mortally wounded in the morning.
Considering the unfortunate circumstances under which the battle commenced in the morning, and its long and sanguinary character, too much praise cannot be given to officers and soldiers, Colonel William II. Ball, commanding Second Brigade, showed superior judgment, coolness, skill and gallantry. Colonel William W. Henry, Tenth Vermont, Lieut. Cols. M. M. Granger, One Hun- dred and Twenty Second, and Otho II. Binkley, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, James W. Snyder, Ninth New York Heavy Ar- tillery, and Majors William D. Ferguson, One Hundred and Eighty Fourth New York, Charles Burgess, Ninth New York Heavy Ar- tillery, Charles M. Cornyn, One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio, and Aaron Spangler, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, to- gether with many others, were particularly efficient in the dis- charge of their important duties. m
It is impossible to mention names of the many who displayed acts of distinguished gallantry. The Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, and a Battalion of the One Hundred and Eighty Fourth New York Volunteers, commanded respectively by Maj. (now Lieut. Col.) James AY. Snyder, and Major W. D. Ferguson, for their noble behavior deserve to be specially mentioned. The for- mer Regiment had several hundred recruits and conscripts, who had just entered the service. The Battalion -of the One Hundred and Eighty Fourth New York had never before been engaged. Staff' officers of Brigades were very efficient in the performance of their duties. Lieuts. John A. Gump, Acting Assistant Adjutant General; J. T. Rorer (now Captain) Brigade Inspector; R. W. Wiley, Acting Aid-de-Camp, Second Brigade; and Captains Charles II. Leonard, Assistant Adjutant General ; II. W. Day, Brigade Inspector, First Brigade, are among the most conspicuous. Lieutenant Gump was mortally wounded and has since died.
Capts. Edgar M. Ruhl, Eighty Seventh Pennsylvania; L. D.
78 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Thompson, Tenth Vermont, and Orson Howard, Ninth New York Heavy Artillery; also Lients. \V. B. Ross, Fourteenth New Jersey; Augustus Philips, One Hundred and Eighty Fourth New York; Orrin B. Carpenter, and John Oldswager, Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, and Thomas Kilburn, One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio, were killed while valiantly discharging their duties. Capt. Wesley Devenny, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, and others of the Division, have since died of their wounds.
Lieut. R. W. Wiley, Acting Aide-de-Camp, on Second Brigade staff, was the only officer captured in the Division; he, mistaking the location of troops, rode into the enemy's lines.
Of the good conduct of the Division Staff, I cannot speak in too high terms. Capt. Andrew J. Smith, Acting Assistant Adju- tant General, throughout the whole action, displayed great bravery, skill and judgment. Capt. Osgood V. Tracy, Division Inspector; Capt. George B. Damon, Judge-Advocate of Division, and Capt. Anson S. Wood, Chief of Pioneers, each carried orders faithfully and gallantly in the thickest of the battle. Each mem- ber of the Division Staff was especially efficient and active in pre- serving lines, keeping up and urging on the troops, ('apt. George J. Oakes, Acting Ordnance Officer of the Division, deserves much credit for his energy and efficiency in supplying the troops with ammunition.
Robert Barr, Sixty Seventh Pennsylvania, Chief Surgeon of Division ; W. A. Child, Tenth Vermont, and William M. Houston, One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio, Chief Surgeons of Brigades, with the other medical officers of the Division, deserve high commendation for their great skill and energy in taking care of and ministering to the many wounded. Forty-three officers and 632 enlisted men were killed and wounded in the Division. A summary of casualties by Brigades is hereto ap- pended. Copies of Brigade and Regimental reports are herewith transmitted.
I am, Major, with high esteem, your most obedient and humble servant, J. WARREN KEIPER,
Col. 110th Ohio Volunteers, Bvt. Brigadier, General Commanding. Maj. C. A. Whittier, Acting Assistant Adjutant General, Sixth
Army Corps.
SERIES T, VOL. 40, PART 1, PAGES 218 TO AND
INCLUDING PAGE 240
Show the "Return of Casualties in the Union Forces" — Army of the Potomac — commanded by Lieut. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, June 15-30. 1864, (also the Army of the James).
OF THIS 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 79
SERIES I, VOL. 43, PART 1, PAGE 132.
Casualties in the Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, under comfmand of Col. J. Warren Keifer of the 110th Ohio, in the battle of Cedar Creek, West Virginia, on October 19th, 18(54:
First Brigade — Convmanded by Col. William Emerson, One Hundred and Fifty First New York.
Captured or
Killed. Wounded. .Missing. Ag. O. Men. 0. Men. O. Men.
14th New Jersey 1 3 1 23 28
106th New York 8 3 42 53
151st New York 1 1 11 13
184th New York (Battalion) 1 2 ... 42 45
87th Pennsylvania (Battal.) . 1 6 2 20 . . . 17 4G
10th Vermont 1 15 7 58 . . . 4 85
Total First Brigade 4 35 14 196 ... 21 270
Second Brigade — Commanded by Col. William II. Ball, One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio.
Captured or Killed. Wounded. Missing. Ag. O. Men. O. Men; O. Men.
6th Maryland 8 4 38 ... 1 51
9th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. 3 40 5 160 208
110th Ohio 5 2 27 1 ... 35
122nd Ohio 1 3 4 31 ... 6 45
126th Ohio 4 • 1 14 1 5 25
67th Pennsylvania 3 ... 26 . . . 1 30
138th Pennsylvania 2 4 36 42
Total Second Brigade.. 4 65 20 332 2 13 436
Total Third Division... 8 100 34 528 2 34 706
80 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Recapitulation.
Captured or
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Ag.
0. Men. 0. Men. 0. Men. Army o f the
Potomac 95 1,577 425 7,630 157 3,773 13,657
A r in y of t h e
James . 16 325 100 1 ,780 1 1 680 2,91 2
111 1,902 525 9,410 168 4,453 16,569
Pages 227 and 228 show the "Return of Casualties" in the Third Division, Sixth Corps, commanded by Brig. Gen. Jas. B. Ricketts, June 15-30, 1864.
First Brigade, commanded by Col. William S. Truax, Fourteenth New Jersey.
Captured or Killed. Wounded. Missing. Ag. O. Men. O. Men. 0. Men.
14th New Jersey 1 ... 3 4
106th New York 1 ... 4 ... 3 8
151st New York
87th Pennsylvania 7 ... 33 3 61 104
10th Vermont 8 ... 6 ... 2 16
Total First Brigade 17 . . . 46 3 66 132
Second Brigade, commanded by Col. Benjamin F. Smith, One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio.
Captured or Killed. Wounded. Missing. Ag. O. Men. 0. Men. 0. Men.
Sixth Maryland 2 ... 3 5
9th New York Heavy Ar- tillery, 1st & 3rd Bat 'rjes 7 7
110th Ohio 4 4
122nd Ohio 1 1
126th Ohio 1 ... 1 2
67th Pennsylvania
138th Pennsylvania
Total Second Brigade. ... 2 . . . 15 . . . 2 19
Total Third Division 19 ... . 61 3 68 151
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 81
SERIES I, VOL. 37, PART 1, PAGES 274 AND 275.
Extract from itinerary of Second Brigade, Third Division, Sixth Corps, commanded <by Col. John P. Staunton, Sixty Seventh Pennsylvania Infantry:
July i), 18(54— The Brigade became generally engaged (at Monocacy Junction, Md.,) at 2 p. m. The conflict was fierce and bloody, but at 3 p. m., the enemy having turned our left flank by force of superior numbers, the Brigade received orders to re- treat, which was done in good order. Continuing the retreat we reached Frederick and Baltimore pike, and proceeded toward Baltimore. At Newmarket we were joined by the Sixth Mary- land, Sixty Seventh Pennsylvania, and part of the One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio, which had been delayed by the slow- ness of the transports. We halted for the night near Ridge- ville. .
July 10 to 13 — AVe continued our march; halted one day at Ellicott's Mills; took cars for Baltimore; encamped near Camp Carroll; moved from thence to Druid Hill Park.
July 14 — Took cars and went to Washington; encamped near the depot.
July 15 — Left the city at 8 a. m. ; marched through George- town and Tenallytown.
July lb' and 17 — Continued the march, crossing the Potomac, passing through Leesburg,and joined the Corps at Catoctin Mountain.
July 18 — Proceeded on and crossed the Blue Ridge at Snicker's Gap; encamped on the east bank of the Shenandoah. [
July 20 — Crossed the river and marched three miles on Win- chester road, and were ordered to retrace our steps; marched all night and recrossed the mountains.
July 20 to 23 — Continued the march and finally encamped near Tenallytown, I). C.
July 27 — Broke camp and took up line of march, passing through Rockville.
July 28— Continued the march to Jefferson, near the Balti- more and Ohio railroad.
July 29 — Marched across the Potomac and encamped near Ilalltown.
July 30 — Recrossed the Potomac and marched all night.
July 31 — Continued the march to Frederick City, where we encamped.
82 THF OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
SERIES I, VOL. 37, PART 2, PAGE 547.
Abstract from returns of the Union forces commanded by Maj. Gen. David Hunter, U. S. Army, for the month of July, 186-4.
Present for duty.
Command. Officers. Men. Ag.
Department of- West Va. Present.
General Headquarters 14 14
Signal Corps (Town) 15 152 170
First Infantry Division (Thornburgh) .. . 165 4,829 5,457
Second Infantry Division (Duval) 160 3,556 4,19]
Harper's Perry and Defenses (Weber) . . . 230 6,475 7,404
West of Sleepy Creek (Kelley) 208 4.586 5,475
Kanawha Valley (Oley) 142 3,153 3,824
First Cavalry Division (Duffie) 119 2,814 3,325
Second Cavalry Division (Averell) 93 2,256 2,583
Artillery Brigade (Du Pont) 13 434 520
Frederick, Md. (Drysdale) 1 16 51
Wheeling, W. Va. (Oliver) 1 73 79
Total 1,161 28,344 34,093
Sixth Army Corps (Wright) 634 11,611 16,175
Detachment 19th Army Corps (Emory).. 338 7,315 8,577
Grand Total 2,133 47,270 58,845
PAGES 550-551.
Sixth Army .Corps, commanded by Maj. Gen. Horatio G. Wright,
First Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. David A. Russell.
Second Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. George W. Getty.
Third Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. James B. Rieketts.
First Brigade, 3rd Division, commanded by Col. William Emerson, 14th New Jersey.
Second Brigade, 3rd Division, commanded by Col. John F. Staunton, 67 th Pennsylvania.
6th Maryland, commanded by Capt. John J. Bradshaw.
110th Ohio, commanded by Lieut. Col. Otho II. Binkley.
122nd Ohio, commanded by Col. William H. Hall.
126th Ohio, commanded by Lieut. Col. Aaron W. Ebright.
67th Pennsylvania, commanded by Lieut, John F. Young.
138th Pennsylvania, commanded by Col. Mathew R. McClen- nan.
9th New York Heavy Artillery, commanded by Major Charles Burgess.
Artillery.
5th United States, Battery M, Capt. James McKnight.
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 83
SERIES J, VOL. 137, PART 2, PAGE 211.
Skirmishing began about 9 a. m. on our front; took position in the line on the right of .the 126th Ohio Volunteers. About 11 a. m. Colonel McClennan, One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanding Brigade, ordered me to send fifty men to strengthen the skirmish line. Company C and part of Company B were sent forward. About 3 p. in., we were ordered to move with the One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio, some distance to the left, to extend the line from the left of the One Hundred and Sixth New York to the pike, and near a section of Alexander's' Battery. As soon as we reached this position, the line moved forward, and drove the enemy near one fourth of a mile. We were ordered to lie down, and remained under fire for about half an hour, when the enemy turned our right flank, press- ing up to within fifty yards of my detachment. We then fell back slowly, and in order, and were among the last to leave the field. We moved toward the Baltimore pike, by order of General Wal- lace, and joined the Regiment under your command at Newmar- ket, about 9 ]). m. that day.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHARLES J. GIBSON, Second Lieutenant Company A, Commanding Detach. Col. William H. Ball, 122nd Ohio Infantry.
SERIES I, VOL. 37, PART 1, PAGE 202.
Composition and losses of the Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, commanded by Brig. Gen. James B. Ricketts, in the battle of the Monoeaey, Maryland, July 9, 1864.
First Brigade, Col. William S. Truax, 14th New Jersey, commanding.
Killed. Wounded. Missing.
O. Men. 0. Men. 0. Men. Ag.
Staff 1 1
14th New Jersey 2 22 8 79 . . . 29 140
106th New York ; 2 14 3 70 ... 44 133
151st New York 24 1 44 . . . 32 101
87th Pennsylvania 3 9 2 28 1 31 74
10th Vermont ... 5 1 19 . . . 31 56
Total First Brigade.. 7 74 16 240 1 167 505
84 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Second Brigade, Col. Mathew R. McClennan commanding.
9th New York Heavy Ar- tillery, Col. Wm. 11. Seward, Jr
110th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Otho II. Binkley
122nd Ohio, Detachment, Lieut. Chas. J. Gibson
126th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Aaron \V. Ebright. . . .
138th Pennsylvania, Maj. Lewis A. May
|
Killed. |
Wounded |
Missing. |
|||
|
0. Men. |
0. |
Men. |
0. M |
en. |
Total |
|
1 12 |
5 |
84 |
90 |
201 |
|
|
1 3 |
5 |
77 |
2 |
50 |
138 |
|
4 |
1 |
1) |
46 |
60 |
|
|
6 |
3 |
40 |
51 |
100 |
|
|
1 |
38 |
1 |
28 |
68 |
Total Second Brig.. 2 25 15 248 3 274 567
In the afternoon of July 6, 1864, the Division embarked on steamers at City Point, Va., (on the river James) under orders for Harper's Ferry. The 122nd Ohio filled its steamer, and had to place about 150 nien and Lieut. Charles J. Gibson on another. During the voyage down the James the steamer containing the 122nd Ohio met with an accident to its boilers and engine, and was repaired at Portress Monroe. It did not arrive at Baltimore until about 8 a. m., July 9, and when its train arrived at the Monoeacy, the battle was over; it was placed as a rear guard on the ridge east of the fighting ground; and as General Lewis AVal- laee, who had commanded the small Union force that had held the rebel General Early and his army all day, retreated towards Baltimore, the 122nd Ohio marched as his rear guard.
The following commissioned officers of the 110th and 122nd Ohio Infantry, and of the 87th Pennsylvania, were killed or mor- tally wounded, in the battle on the Monacacy, July 9, 1864:
Ohio. Captain William A. Hathaway, 110th Ohio, killed. Lieut. George O. McMillen, 110th Ohio, died of wound. Lieut. Jefferson O. McMillen, 122nd Ohio, killed.
Pennsylvania. Lieut. Anthony M. Martin, 87th Infantry. Lieut. Charles P. Haack, 87th Infantry. Lieut. Daniel D. Dietrick, 87th Infantry. Lieut. John P. Spangler, 87th Infantry.
OF TIIR 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
85
First Sergeant Andrew P. Linn, of Company K, 122nd Oliiu Volunteers, on the 27th of June, 1864, received a commission as First Lieutenant, but had no opportunity to find a mustering officer and be mustered in. He continued to command Company K, and was killed during the battle on the Monoeacy, July 9, 1864. lie was highly commended for courage, bravery and skill by his commanding officers.
SERIES I, VOL. 43, FART 1, FAGE 108.
On September 19, 1864, at the battle of Winchester (or the Opequan), Va., among the forces commanded by Maj. Gen. Philip II. Sheridan, U. S. Army, was :
The Third Division, Sixth Corps, under command of Brig. Gen. James B. Ricketts; its Second Brigade was on that day com- manded by Col. J. Warren Keifer, of the 110th Ohio, and con- sisted of :
6th Maryland, Col. John W. Horn, until he was wounded ; Capt. Clifton K. Frentiss then took command.
9th New York Heavy Artillery, Major Charles Burgess.
110th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Otho II. Binkley.
122nd Ohio, Col. William II. Ball.
126th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Aaron AV. Ebright, until he was killed ; then ('apt. George W. Iloge took command.
67th Pennsylvania, Lieut. John F. Young.
138th Pennsylvania, Col. Mathew R. McClennan, until wounded; Major Lewis A. May then took command.
Pages 112 and 113 state the casualties of the 6th Corps in the battle of Winchester, September 19, 1864, thus:
Captured or Killed. Wounded. Missing. Ag. 0. Men. O. Men. 0. Men.
First Division Staff 1 ... 2 3
Total First Brigade 7 4 73 ... 9 93
Total Second Brigade 3 25 11 146 185
Total Third Brigade 1 35 14 193 243
Total First Division. . 5 67 31 412 ... 9 524
SERIES I, VOL. 43, PART 1, PAGES 221-222. Report of Brig. Gen. James B. Ricketts, IT. S. Army, com- manding" Third Division, of operations, September 19-22.
THF OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Headquarters Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, Camp at Harrisonburg, Va., September 27, 1S()4.
Major: In compliance with orders, i have the honor to sub- mit a report of the operations of this Division in the late engage- ments at Opequan and Fisher's Hill.
At 2:30 a. in., September 11), 1864, this command broke camp near Clifton, Va., with orders to proceed across the country in the direction of the Opequan river; crossed the river about 7 a. m,, on the B'erryville and Winchester pike; from thence it was moved to within three miles of Winchester and formed under the crest of a hill to the right of the pike, on tin; right of the Second Division, First Brigade, Colonel Emerson on the1 left; Second Brigade, Colonel Keifer, on the right, which was the right of the Sixth Corps. This position was attained about 1) a. m. Skirmishers were thrown forward immediately for the purpose of driving the enemy's skirmishers back, that a Battery might be placed in our front. This being accomplished, the fighting was confined to the skirmish line and the artillery until 11:40 a. m. The Nineteenth Army Corps was formed about 11 a. m. upon the right of the Sixth Corps, connecting with the right of my Division. At the hour last mentioned, the whole line advanced. As soon as we commenced to advance we were exposed to a heavy artillery fire from the enemy. Major Vredenberg, commanding Four- teenth New Jersey Volunteers, who was charged with the direc- tion of the line, and while bravely urging his troops onward, was struck by a shell and instantly killed, his last words being: "Guide on me, boys; I will do the best I can." The Division moved quickly forward for about one mile, passing Mr. Dinkle's house on the right of the pike, and capturing almost all of the enemy in our immediate front.
The Nineteenth Corps did not move and keep connection with my right, and the turnpike on which the Division was dressing bore to the left, causing a wide interval between the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps. As the lines advanced the interval became greater. The enemy discovering this fact, hurled a large body of men toward the interval and threatened to take my right in flank. Colonel Keifer at once caused the One Hundred and Thirty Eighth and Sixty Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Regiment to break their connection with the right of the remainder of his Brigade and move toward the advancing columns of the enemy. Those three Regiments
i
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 87
most gallantly met the overwhelming masses of the enemy and held them in check.
As soon as the Nineteenth Corps engaged the enemy, the force in my front commenced slowly retiring. The three Regiments named were pushed forward until they came upon two batteries of eight guns, silencing them and compelling the enemy to abandon them. The three Regiments had arrived within less than 200 yards of the two batteries, when the Nineteenth Corps, after a most gallant resistance, gave way. These guns would have been taken by our troops had our Hanks been properly protected. The enemy at once came upon my right flank in large force. Suc- cessful resistance was no longer possible; the order was given for our men to fall back on the second line, but the enemy advancing at the time in force threw us temporarily into confusion. The line was soon re-formed and the enemy again driven from the house above mentioned, and our line formed about 100 yards in advance, the men protecting themselves with rails, etc. Heavy firing on both sides was kept up. While holding this line the enemy charged. twice, but was repulsed with heavy loss both times. About 4 p. m. a general advance took place, the enemy gave way before the impetuosity of our troops, and were soon completely routed. This Division pressed forward with the advanced line, to and through the streets of Winchester, to the heights beyond. Night came on and the pursuit of the enemy was stopped. The troops of my Division encamped with the Corps on the Strasburg and Front Royal roads, south of Win- chester. This Division took in this engagement 149 prisoners. This Division lost in the battle of Opequan some valiant and superior officers. Among others, the Division mourns the loss of the gallant Major Dillingham, of the Tenth Vermont Volunteers. Major Vredenburgh, commanding the Fourteenth New Jersey Volunteers, was killed instantly early in the action. He was a brave and skillful officer. Col. J. W. Horn, Sixth Maryland Vol- unteers, than whom none excelled for distinguished bravery, was severely, if not mortally, wounded. Lieut. Col. E. W. Ebright, commanding 12Gth Ohio, was killed instantly early in the action, lie was uniformly. brave and skillful. The enemy was pursued on the 20th to Fisher's Hill, about one mile and a half south of Strasburg, Va., on the Staunton pike, where he was found strong- ly fortified, in an apparently impregnable position. About 12 m. on the 21st, the Division, except the Ninth New York (Heavy
88 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Artillery) Volunteers, which was detailed as wagon guard, moved with the Corps to the right of Strasburg, Va.. and was formed again on the extreme right of the Corps. In compliance with an order from Major General Wright, I ordered forward the One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio, commanded by Captain Hoge, to aid in driving the enemy from a hill in our front. This Regi- ment soon became engaged with the enemy. The Sixth Maryland, commanded by Captain C. K. Prentiss, was soon after ordered forward to its support. After a brisk fight the two Regiments charged with the line of battle, under Colonel Keifer, and took the heights, thereby gaining a very important position, upon which the troops bivouacked for the night. Captain Prentiss dis- played great gallantry in this action.
The Division remained in the position occupied on the night of the 21st instant, until about 12 m. of the 22nd instant.
The Sixth Maryland, being on the skirmish line, was con- stantly engaged with the enemy's skirmishers. At the hour last narded. as directed by Major General Wright, the Division moved off to the right and upon the enemy's left, the Second Brigade. Colonel Keifer, forming the first line, with the First Brigade, Colonel Emerson, as a support, attacked and drove the enemy from two bills, which he held in considerable force. So rapid Avas their flight that they abandoned shelter tents, blankets and a considerable amount of infantry ammunition. During this advance the Sixth Maryland was ordered to push forward upon the extreme left of my skirmish line to resist an attack from the enemy in that direction, which it was successful in doing. In this attack portions of the One Hundred and Tenth and One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio were thrown forward as a strong. line of skirmishers under the command of Lieut. Col. M. M. Granger, One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio, Major A. Spangler, com- manding the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio. Col. Granger and Major Spangler exhibited their usual skill and good judgment in the successful management of troops. The skirmishers were pushed over the crest of the hill, and within long rifle range of the enemy's main works, in which were mounted heavy guns. The Division was formed behind the crest of the hill, confronting the enemy. Although near the enemy he was not able to do us much injury with bis artillery. Sharp skirmishing continued until about 4 p. m., when the Eighth Corps commenced, and ad- vanced some distance, farther to the right, and upon the left flank
.
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
80
and rear of the enemy. A heavy fire had heen opened upon the enemy's works by artillery to my rear and left. My skirmishers were pushed forward, with orders to halt near the enemy's works and open fire upon his gunners. The whole line soon after ad- vanced and charged the works, capturing many prisoners and guns, and dispersing the rebel infantry in all directions. As we (barged, a battery opened upon us still farther to our left. The Eighth Corps came up on our immediate right, and with them we moved forward without delay, and charged the second battery, capturing it also. At about this time the whole army commenced advancing. The Eighth Corps and my Division, being fully upon the enemy's left Hank and rear, pressed forward with wild and victorious shouts along the entire line of the enemy, from his left to extreme right, capturing all his artillery in position, and capturing and dispersing his troops. Not a Regiment or Company of the enemy left the field in anything like order. Of the number of pieces of artillery captured, this Division is entitled to the credit of capturing four at least and 219 prisoners. The Division pursued the enemy, with the Corps, all night. The pursuit of the fugitive enemy was continued by the Infantry to Harrisonburg, Va., at which place the army arrived on the 25th instant.
The loss in my Division was very light on the 22nd, consider- ing the results attained.
Throughout the two engagements, Col. William Emerson, commanding First Brigade, and Colonel J. Warren Keifer, com- manding Second Brigade, displayed great bravery and energy in the discharge of their important duties, maintaining their usual reputation for cool courage and excellent judgment and skill. The officers of their respective staffs were conspicuous for bravery and good conduct. I cannot too highly commend their gallantry. In connection with the above, I would mention the following named officers of my command who have particularly distin- guished themselves in the late engagements, and who are worthy and deserving of promotion:
Third Division Staff: Captain Andrew J. Smith, One Hun- dred and Twenty Second New York Volunteers, Acting Assistant Adjutant General; Captain Benjamin W. Richards. Additional Aid tie-Camp ; (apt. George B. Damon, Tenth Vermont Volun- teers, Judge Advocate; Capt. Robert T. Cornwell, Sixty Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, Provost Marshal; Capt. George J. Oakes. One. Hundred and Fifty First New York Volunteers, Ord-
90 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
nance Officer; Lieut. 0. V. Tracy, One Hundred and Twenty Sec- ond New York Volunteers, Division Inspector; Surgeon Robert Barr, Sixty Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, Surgeon-in-Chief.
First Brigade: Colonel William Emerson, One Hundred and Fifty First New York Volunteers, commanding' Brigade; Capt. Charles II. Leonard, Assistant Adjutant General of Volunteers; Capt. Hiram \V. Day, One Hundred and Sixth New York Volun- teers, Brigade Inspector; First Lieut. John A. Hicks, Tenth Ver- mont Volunteers, Acting Aide-de-Camp ; Fourteenth New Jersey Volunteers, Capt. William W. Conover, First Lieut. William B. Ross, One Hundred and Fifty First New York Volunteers, First Lieut. Edward E. Russell.
Second Brigade : Col. J. Warren Keifer, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteers, commanding Brigade; First Lieut. John A. Gump, One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania Volun- teers, Acting Assistant Adjutant General ; First Lieut. J. T. Rorer, One Hundred and Thirty Eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Acting Aide-de-Camp; Capt. J. P. Dudrow, One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Volunteers, Acting Aide-de-Camp; Second Lieut. R. AV. Wiley, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteers, Acting Aide-de-Camp ; Sixth Maryland Volunteers, Col. John W. Horn, Capt .Clifton K. Prentiss, Capt. J. J. Bradshaw; Ninth New York (Heavy Artillery) Volunteers, Major Charles Burgess (at Win- chester only) ; One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Volunteers, Col. William II. Ball, Lieut. Col. M. M. Granger, First Lieut. M. D. Wheeler, First Lieut. I. R. Ilendershott ; One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volnnteers, Lieut. Col. 0. II. Binkley, Major Aaron Spahgler, Capt. J. B. Van Eaton.
The already great length of this report forbids my making special mention of the many acts of daring and bravery that were performed by officers and men of my command.
A nominal list of casualties is herewith transmitted.
I am, Major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES B. RICKETTS, Brigadier General, Commanding Division. Major C. A. Whittier,
Acting Asst. Adjt. Gen., Sixth Corps.
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 91
SERIES I, VOL. 43, PAGE 118.
Recapitulation.
Union casualties in battle of Winchester, Sept. 19, 1864.
Captured or Killed. Wounded. Missing. Ag. 0. Men. O. Men. 0. Men.
Sixth Army Corps 18 193 111 1,331 .. 46 1,699
Nineteenth Army Corps.. 22 292 104 1,450 7 199 2,074
Army of West Va 6 98 34 649 . . 7 794
Cavalry 7 61 29 275 6 73 451
Grand Total 53 644 278 3,705 13 325 5,018
Ohio officers killed or mortally wounded : Lieut. James M. Lough, 2nd Cavalry. Lieut. Asa B. Carter, 34th Infantry. Capt. Alexander Trimble, 110th Infantry. Lieut. Joshua S. Deater, 110th Infantry. Lieut. Colonel Aaron W. Ebright, 126th Infantry. Capt. Thomas J. Hyatt, 126th Infantry. Lieut. Rufus Ricksecker, 126th Infantry.
SERIES I, VOL. 43, PART 1, PAGE 121.
Union casualties, battle of Fisher's Hill, Va., Sept. 21-22, 1864.
Third Division, Sixth Corps, Gen. James B. Ricketts.
First Brigade — Col. William Emerson, 151st New York Infantry.
Captured or Killed. Wounded. Missing. Ag. O. Men. O. Men. 0. Men.
14th New Jersey 3 ... ... 3
106th New York 1 2 3
151st New York 1 ... 3 4
10th Vermont . . 1 1 7 9
Total First Brigade 2 2 15 20
Second Brigade — Col. J. Warren Keifer, 110th Ohio Infantry.
Killed. Wounded. Missing. Ag.
Captured or O. Men. O. Men. O. Men.
6th Maryland 10 10
110th Ohio 3 3
122nd Ohio 1 ... 4 5
126th Ohio 6 1 24 ... 1 32
67th Pennsylvania 7 7
138th Pennsylvania 1 ... 3 4
Total Second Brigade 8 1 51 . . . 1 61
Total. Third Division 10 3 67 . . . 1 81
92 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
PAGE 124. Recapitulation.
Army casualties 21 -22nd Sept., 1864.
■t ( laptured or
Killed. Wounded. Missing.
0. Men. O. Men. 0. Men. Ag.
Sixth Army Corps 27 18 11)0 ... 3 238
Nineteenth Army Corps If) 5 81 ... 1:3 114
Army of West Va 1 7 10 142 . . . 2 162
Cavalry 2 ... 11 ... 1 14
Grand Total 1 51 33 424 ... 1!) 528
SERIES I, VOL. 43, PART 1, PAGES 113-114.
Second Division, commanded by Prig. Gen. Geo. W. Getty.
First Brigade, commanded by Prig. Gen. Prank Wheaton.
Captured or Killed. Wounded. Missing. 0. Men. 0. Men. 0. Men. Ag.
First Brigade 1 20 14 132 ... 8 175
Second Brigade, under Col. James M. Warden, then under Lieut. Col. Amasa
S.Tracy 2 21 11 211 ... 10 255
Third Prigade, under Brig.
Gen. Daniel D. Bidwell.. 3 9 13 102 ... 2 129
Total Second Division 6 50 38 445*. ... 20 559
Third Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. James P. Ricketts. First Prigade, under Col. William Emerson, of
151st New York
Total First Prigade... 3 30 17 198 ... 4 252
Second Prigade, under Col. J. Warren Keifer.
6th Maryland 1 6 5 27 . . . 3 42
9th N, Y. Heavy Artillery ... 6 2 34 42
110th Ohio 7 5 43 55
122nd Ohio 6 5 48 ... 1 60
126th Ohio 3 9 3 37 . . . 2 54
67th Pennsylvania 9 ... 28 ... 4 41
138th Pennsylvania 3 4 44 . . . 3 54
Total Second Prig.. 4 46 24 261 ... 13 348
Total Third Div... . 7 76 41 459 ... 17 600
Total Artillery Prig 1 15 16
Total Sixth Corps. . 18 193 1111,331 ... 4(5 1,699
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I. 93
December 14, 1864. Brig. Gen. L. Thomas, Adjutant General U. S. Army, Washing- ton, D. 0. General : I have the honor to request that Brvt. Brig. Gen. J. Warren Keifer, U. S. Volunteers, be assigned to duty accord- ing to his brevet rank, in order that he may obtain a command, for which he is eminently fitted, and that he has long exercised. 1 am, General, very respectfully your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier General.
Memoranda.
Lieutenant Colonel Moses M. Granger, on tender of his resignation, was honorably discharged on December 16, 1864, and Major Charles M. Cornyn promoted.
Colonel William II. Ball, on tender of his resignation, was honorably discharged on February 3, 1865. Captain John W. Ross, of Company K, was promoted to Major February 10, 1865.
SERIES I, VOL. 42, PART 3, PAGE 1095. Special Orders No. 473. War Dept., Adjt. General's Office,
Washington, December 29, 1864.
By order of the Secretary of War.
E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant General. General Orders No. 10.
Ildqrs. Army of the Potomac,
March 7, 1865. In accordance with the requirements of General Orders, No. 19, of 18(52, from the War Department, and in conformity with the reports of boards convened to examine into the services ren- dered by the troops concerned, and by the authority of the Lieu- tenant General commanding Armies of the United States, it is ordered that there shall be inscribed upon the colors or guidons of the following Regiments and Batteries serving in this Army the names of the battles in which they have borne a meritorious part, and as hereinafter specified, viz. :
First Maine Heavy Artillery — Fredericksburg, Totopotomoy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Deep Bottom, Boyd ton Road.
94 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Fourth Maine Battery — Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Wilder- ness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor.
Fifth Maine Battery — Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilder- ness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Opequon, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek.
Sixtieth Ohio Volunteers — Spotsylvania, North Anna, Peters- burg, Weldon Railroad.
One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteers — Winchester, Wilderness, -Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Monocacy, Opequon, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek.
One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Volunteers — Win- chester, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Monocacy, Opequon, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek.
One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio Volunteers — Martins- burg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Opequon, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek.
By command of Major General Meade.
GEORGE D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant General.
Memoranda The first battle of the 122nd Ohio was with Johnston's Di- vision of Ewell's Corps, including the Stonewall Brigade, on June 15, 1863, four miles north of Winchester; and its fighting there- after was against troops belonging to the Army of Northern Vir- ginia, commanded by General Robert E. Lee, the best troops of the Confederate States. The reports of our Division and Brigade commanders tell how our service in the field resulted.
NOTE— By Col. Granger, Sept. 19, 1912:
General Meade, on June 29, 1863, stationed our Major Gen- eral William H. French and his command at Frederick, Maryland, and while the army marched to Gettysburg, Pa., and fought, General French destroyed Lee's bridges across the Potomac, and kept Lee north of the Potomac until July 14. Our Brigade guarded the heavy guns from Harper's Ferry to Washington.
SERIES I, VOL. 46, PART 1, PAGE 588.
Return of casualties in the Third Division, Sixth Corps, and total in the Sixth Corps, between March 29 and April 10, 1865.
OF THE 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
95
Third Division. Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour. Staff
Captured or Killed. Wounded. Missing. 0. Men. O. Men. O. Men. Ag.
First Brigade. Col. William 8. Truax
14th New Jersey
106th New York... . . 151st New York (five
companies)
87th Pennsylvania . 10th Vermont
Total First Brig
N. Y. Light, 1st Bat
N. Y. Light, 3d Bat
Bvt. Brig. Gen. J.
Warren Keifer.
6th Maryland
Second Brigade. 9th N. Y. Heavy Artil
lery
110th Ohio
122nd Ohio
126th Ohio
• 67th Pennsylvania .... 138th Pennsylvania . . .
Total Second Brig.
Total Third Div....
Artillery Brigade.
Bvt. Maj. Andrew Cowan. First N. J. Light Bat. A 9th N. Y. H'vy, Com. L IstR. I. Light, Bat. G.. IstK. I. Light, Bat. II..
5th U. S. Bat. E
1st V'mont H'vy, Cm. D
Total Artil. Brig.. .
Total Sixth Army Corps
19
22
40
15 23 44
144 2
2
23
17
25
48
18 33
48
172
2 2
33
|
5 |
4 |
59 .. |
4 |
72 |
|
|
1 |
3 |
2 |
23 .. |
29 |
|
|
. . . |
. . . |
11 .. |
11 |
||
|
2 |
1 |
8 .. |
11 |
||
|
4 |
26 .. |
1 |
31 |
||
|
3 20 39 |
2 15 22 |
21 .. 171 .. 315 . . |
6 7 |
26 |
|
|
1 |
213 |
||||
|
3 |
386 |
22
17 187 98 1,198
29 1,529
96 THE OFFICIAL WAR RECORD
Abstract from return of the Army of the Potomac, Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, U. S. Army, commanding, for the month of April, 1865.
Aggregate Pieces Present for Aggre- present of
Command. duty. gate and Artillery
Offi. Men. present, absent. H'vy. Field
Gen. Headquarters... 35 35 41
Provost Guard
(Macy) 82 2,607 3,182 5,042
Engineer Brigade
(Benham) 57 2,333 2,899 • 4,175
Independent C o m- pany Oneida (N. Y.) C a v a 1 r y
(Batchelder) 1 31 61 102
Artillery (Hunt) .... 55 1,995 2,151 4,273 .... 56
Signal Corps (Davis) 8 123 137 151
Second Army Corps
(Humphreys) 1,154 20,984 27,627 46,246 .... 34
Fifth Army Corps
Griffin) 846 17,552 23,735 36,505 .... 36
Sixth Army Corps
(Wright) 852 18,990 23,926 34,081 .... 24
Total 3,090 64,615 83,753 130,616 .... 150
SERTES I, VOL. 46, PART 1, PAGE 7. No. 131. Report of Lieut. Col. Charles M. Cornyn, One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Infantry, of operations March 25. Headquarters 122nd Ohio Volunteers,
April 16, 1865. Captain : I have the honor to report that on the 25th of March last I received orders to have my Regiment fall in and march out in rear of the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Colonel Binkley, and form line on their right, in rear of the reserve picket-post of the Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, which was immediately in front of the camps of the Second Brigade of that Division, and within gunshot of the enemy's picket-line. Arriving there with my Regiment in heavy marching order, I learned that these Regiments were to charge the enemy's picket lines. I had my men unsling knapsacks and pile them on the field and prepare for the charge, with bayonets
OF THIS 122ND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
97
fixed. The ground over which we had to charge was marshy, and covered with brush, which impeded much the rapidity of the advance. Receiving the order from Colonel Binkley to forward, march, a triumphant shout went up from the whole line, and all started on the double-quick for the enemy's works, from behind which heavy volleys of musketry were poured into the line as it advanced. Arriving at a point over half way between our and the enemy's picket line, a check was given to the advance b}r the increased tire from the enemy, and the opening of their artillery, and an immediate fall-back took place. Many soldiers, securing themselves as well as possible behind stumps and other obstruc- tions, remained in their advanced positions rather than expose themselves to the enemy's fire in endeavoring to get to the rear. Being reorganized after the fall-back, we were re-enforced by the One Hundred and Twenty Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Ninth New York, Sixth Maryland, and Sixty Seventh Pennsylvania; formed for the second charge, which was to commence the ad- vance at the waving of the Second Brigade Hag from the reserve post. At tl:e given signal all started with a yell, fully deter- mined this time to go through, and nothing but the natural ob- structions could or did impede our advance, and I take pleasure in saying that the colors of the One Hundred and Twenty Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry were the second planted on the enemy's works; this, considering the ground over which we charged, is creditable to the color bearer of this Regiment (Serg. Peter Mast.) A list of casualties has already been forwarded.* The officers and men of the Regiment did their parts nobly, and maintained their characters as good soldiers of the Second Brigade, Third Division, Sixth Army Corps.
Respectfully, yours, C. M. CORNYN,
Lieut. Col., Commanding 122nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Capt. William L. Shaw, Acting Assistant Adjutant General.
*Shows 1 man killed and 28 men wounded.
SERIES I, VOL. 46, PART 1, PAGES 80!). 310. No. 127.
Report of Bvt. Brig. Gen. J. Warren Keifer, One Hundred