-* 
 
 
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II I S T O R Y 
 
 Htgtmrnt of II $. mti H. H. 
 
 FROM ITS ORGANIZATION AT CAMP CURTIN, 
 
 HARRISBURG, PA., IN 1861, TO ITS BEING MUSTERED OUT OF 
 
 THE UNITED STATES SERVICE AT ALEXANDRIA, VA., 
 
 JULY 27th, 1865. 
 
 BY THOMAS H. PARKER, 
 
 Late Captain Co. I, 51st P. V. V. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA : 
 
 KING & BAIRD, PRINTERS, No. 607 SANSOM STREET. 
 1869. 
 
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by 
 THOMAS H. PARKER, 
 
 In the Clerk s Office of the District Court, in and for the Eastern District 
 of Pennsylvania. 
 
OFFICERS AND MEN 
 
 OF THE 
 
 51sT REGIMENT, PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, 
 
 AND 
 
 51sT REG., PA. VETERAN VOLUNTEERS, 
 
 WHOSE DEEDS OF DARING ARE AS ENDURING AS THE ROCK OF AGES. 
 
 AND TO THE MEMORY OF OUR SACRED DEAD, 
 
 WHO SEALED THEIR DEVOTION TO OUR F1AG AND COUNTRY, 
 BY SACRIFICING THEIR PRECIOUS LIVES 
 
 AN OFFERING ON THE 
 ALTAR OF THEIR COUNTRY. 
 
 THIS BOOK IS OFFERED AS A SINCERE TRIBUTE TO ACKNOWLEDGED 
 BRAVERY AND GALLANTRY, 
 
 BY THE AUTHOR. 
 
 M184013 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 IN offering this book to the public, it is hoped 
 the patient reader will forbear severe critieism, and 
 deal with the author as gently as possible ; rather 
 looking to the merit of the subject than to the uncul 
 tivated brain that put the work together. The 
 merit of this work lies principally in the heroic 
 struggle of the regiment, in the forty-seven months 
 of service, in lending its aid to the suppression of 
 the late unholy rebellion. Its hard marches its 
 untold sufferings from hunger, thirst and cold its 
 desperate and stubbornly fought battles its patient 
 endurance, fortitude and courage, have never yet 
 been fully told ; and although attempted by the 
 author in this work, he is candid enough to acknowl 
 edge that it is too feebly portrayed to give the 
 casual reader an idea of its full extent. Some may 
 say that a few of the officers are overrated in per 
 sonal bravery, and in their magnanimity towards 
 the rank and file under their command, but that 
 would dispel itself if the reader was personally 
 acquainted with those brave and generous hearts ; 
 for it is an undeniable fact, that a truly brave man 
 
VI PREFACE. 
 
 is a gentle, kind-hearted one, and through his 
 bravery he can afford to be sympathetic. 
 
 The incidents mentioned in this work are not from 
 hearsay, but are wholly from the personal obser 
 vation of the author, who was on the spot and saw 
 and heard for himself, and prides himself in saying 
 they are literally true to the letter. I have not un 
 dertaken to narrate a circumstance from the stand 
 point of view of others, and my descriptions are 
 wholly from my own optical view of the " Elephant" 
 as seen by myself. Others may differ in their views 
 and descriptions of battles, etc., yet my own will, 
 nevertheless, remain as correct as theirs. I was a 
 close observer, and not a night did I lay down, 
 either under the dark canopy of heaven, or under 
 my "little shelter," but I noted down rny jottings 
 of that day s work before I attempted sleep. 
 
 But one thing only in the compilation of this work 
 have I a sincere regret for, and that is the deficient 
 list of the wounded. It is a well known fact amono- 
 
 O 
 
 all military men engaged in the late rebellion, that 
 only the severely wounded were accounted for on 
 the muster and pay rolls of the respective com 
 panies, for all the slightly wounded would answer 
 to their names on muster-day, and -by their pres 
 ence, their wounds would seldom, if ever, be an 
 event of record. 
 
 There will be found a few digressions from the 
 leading subject, but the attending circumstances 
 
PREFACE. Vli 
 
 called them forth, and they may not be quite as 
 palatable to certain persons as might be desirable, 
 yet I can conscientiously aver that to wound the 
 feelings of any one, be their political creeds what 
 they may, has been the most foreign to my wish, 
 and if any should take umbrage at what is there 
 said, I beg them to attribute it to " an error of the 
 head and not of the heart." 
 
 T. H. P. 
 CHESTER Co., March 1, 1869. 
 
 1* 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PAET I. -1801 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Organization of the Fifty-first Regiment Recruiting of 
 Companies Roster of Field and Staff Mustered In... 9 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Arming the Fifty-first Capt. Tarbutton Amusements 
 in Camp Band organized Presentation of the State 
 Colors Address by Governor Curtiii Breaking Camp. 18 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 From Camp Curtin to Baltimore and Annapolis Com 
 panies Lettered Reviews False Alarm The "New 
 Overeoat "Preparation to go on the Fleet Serenade.. 2 1 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 II. -1862. 
 
 CHAPTEE I. 
 
 The New Year of 1862 A rough night Company drills- 
 Liquor smuggling Paid off Going aboard the Fleet... 41 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Leaving Camp Union The Cossack and Scout Burnside 
 Expedition leaves Annapolis The reception at Fortress 
 Monroe The Rip-raps The first shot heard Enthu 
 siasm of the troops Again on the ocean Storm at sea 
 ITatteras Inlet Narrow escape of the Scout Wreck 
 of the "City of New York" 43 
 
 CHAPTEE III. 
 
 Capt. Bennett More storms and wrecks The Cossack 
 in danger Loss of the Louisiana Veiling of lights 
 Scarcity of water and rations Using vinegar Heroism 
 of the Sailors in procuring water Gratitude of the 
 Soldiers to the Tars Preparations for landing Un 
 loading horses 54 
 
 CHAPTEE IY. 
 
 Over the bar Rumors of compromise Rebel gunboats 
 Advance of the Fleet to Roanoke Island Demand for 
 Surrender Its rejection Preparations for the Attack... G5 
 
CONTENTS. XI 
 
 CHAPTER Y. 
 
 Bombardment by the Fleet Landing of the Troops 
 Battle of Roanoke Island The Victory Death of O. 
 Jennings Wise Character of the Prisoners" Going into 
 Business" The Spy Garbled newspaper reports 
 Good news from all points Speech by General Reno. ... 72 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 All aboard The new Enfields Sailing of the Fleet- 
 Landing at Slocum s creek March to Newbern Battle 
 ofNewbern A patriot s death Lieut. Morris Charge 
 of the 51st Capture of the rebel works Poisoned food 
 The 51st on a scout Bridge-burning and foraging 
 Return to Camp 03 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Arrival of convalescents and fresh troops Camp Franklin 
 Proficiency of Company B Losses by sickness and 
 battle Grumblings Congratulatory orders Gen. Mc- 
 Clellan... 120 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Drilling by the bugle Maj. Schall in command On board 
 the Admiral Landing near Elizabeth City Cnrrituck 
 Courthouse March into the interior Greetings to the 
 flag Fight at Camden Repulse of Hawkin s Zouaves 
 Successful charge of the 51st Retreat of the enemy 
 Sudden return march to the ship Liberation of convicts 
 List of casualties 133 
 
XIV CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTEJR XVII. 
 
 The rebels retreating Opening of the battle of Antietam 
 The struggle at the bridge Brilliant charge of the two 
 olsts Bravery of Capt. Allebaugh The bridge stormed 
 and taken Flight of the enemy Heavy losses in the regi 
 mentDeath of Lieut, Col. Bell The battle renewed 
 Victory Retreat of the rebels southward Promotion 
 Ferrero s promise to the " Boys" 229 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 New stand of colors Review" by President Lincoln 
 Stringent orders Pleasant Valley Complimentary 
 orders Shelter tents On the move again Lovettsville 
 Lost in a snow-storm Humanity of Dr. Cutter 
 Amosville " Buying mutton " White Sulphur Springs 
 On the Rappahannock Artillery duel 244 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Falmouth Picketing the Rappahannock "Rally on the 
 sutler" Fredericksburg Demand for surrender by Gen. 
 Burnside Secret dealings with the enemy Preparing 
 to cross the river "Withdrawal of the pickets Opening 
 of the Battle of Fredericksburg 250 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Awful cannonade Crossing the pontoon Forward move 
 ment to position Destructive fire of the enemy Heavy 
 losses Death of Capt. Bell Both armies closely engaged 
 Out of ammunition Second day Picket fighting 
 Worthless shells Retreat of the army across the river 
 Burying the dead The killed and wounded 267 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PART III. -1863. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The Emancipation proclamation Winter Guarding 
 a sutler s wagons An investigation Another sutler 
 cleaned out Good things from home Suicide of Serg. 
 Jones Burnside again on the move The army stuck in 
 the mud Return to quarters End of the campaign 
 .Burnside s corps ordered West Columbus, Ohio Con 
 flict with provost guards Loss of life 282 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Cincinnati Generous reception Paris, Ky. Mt. Ster 
 ling Winchester Ilickman s Bridge Lancaster 
 Negro life and peculiarities Crab Orchard Stanford 
 Correspondence 294 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Off for Vick sburg The 8th Tennessee Lexington Cov- 
 ington Cairo, Illinois Big catfish On the Missis 
 sippi Correspondence from the regiment Sherman s 
 Landing Mortar tiring Letters to the "National 
 Defender 1 1 Description of the operations in the rear of 
 Vickslmrg 814 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Leaving Milldale McCalPs News of surrender of Vicks- 
 burg Movement toward the Big Black Sherman in 
 command Destruction on the march Tyranny of Col. 
 Le Gen dre Crossing the Big Black Bad water 
 Awful storm Correspondence The march to Jackson 
 Continuous fighting Daring of Bob Roberts Retreat 
 of the rebels Race for the Capitol Triumphant entry 
 of the 51st. .. .. 338 
 
XVI CONTENT:?. 
 
 CHAPTEE V. 
 
 Sacking of Jackson Frolicsome march to the fort 
 Grotesque costumes and rich scenes Severe marching 
 A land of plenty Rest Foraging in the cornfields 
 Arrival at the Big Black Heavy storm Mud-marching 
 Milldale again Complimentary order from Gen. 
 Grant Correspondence Resignation of Chaplain Mai- 
 lory 363 
 
 CHAPTEE VI. 
 
 Haines 1 BluiTs On the Yazoo Scenes on the Father of 
 Rivers Heaving the lead Wooding up Island No. 
 Ten Cairo, 111. Off for Ohio Railroad accident and 
 loss of life Cincinnati Speech from Gen. Burnside 
 Covington, K} . Nicholasville Camp Parke Crab 
 Orchard Garrison duty Ordered to Knoxville, Tenn. 
 The performing Zouave 378 
 
 CHAPTEE VII. 
 
 Mt. Vernon Starting for Knoxville, Tennessee Corres 
 pondence History of a Dog Newspaper extracts 
 London Racing on the march Its results Post Pitman 
 Laurel Bridge Barboursville Knobs of the Log 
 Mountains Horace Maynard Parson Brownlow 
 Crossing the Cumberland Mountains Cumberland Gap 
 Descent into Tennessee Tazewell .. 394 
 
 CHAPTEE VIII. 
 
 An infuriated she-rebel Clinch river Maynardsville 
 A loyal farmer Return of Major Bolton Arrival at 
 Knoxville Misfortunes of a Glee-club Correspondence 
 Loudon Retreat across the river Grand leap of a 
 locomotive Taking up the pontoons Flank movement 
 of Gen. Longstreet March to Lenoir Station Leiper s 
 Ferry A brave corporal Letters to the" Defender 415 
 
CONTENTS. XVll 
 
 CHAP TEE IX. 
 
 Foraging Address from Ladies Loyal League at Norris- 
 town, Pa. Reply by Major Bolton Building pontoons 
 Laying the bridge Re-enlistment proposed News 
 paper extracts and correspondence Description of the 
 Winter campaign Character and efficiency of the Union 
 and Rebel armies contrasted Material composing the 
 9th Army Corps and the 23d Army Corps Return of 
 officers from home 438 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Destruction of the pontoon bridge Approach of the 
 enemy A retreat ordered General confusion Burn- 
 side arrives on the field Change of programme 
 Advance to London Fighting and falling back 
 Skilful manoauvring Severe marching and suffering 
 Campbell s station Magnificent battle scene Repulse 
 of Longstreet Night march to Knoxville Losses in the 
 regiment 473 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 The 51st entrenched Building and breaking of the 
 dam Skill and daring of Sergeants Parker and Fair 
 Picket fighting and house burning Grand and awful 
 scenes of fire and battle Sufferings of the men Rumors 
 of relief An assault by the rebels Retaking of the 
 picket pits by Schall s brigade Constant fighting and 
 conflagration , 486 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 News from General Sherman Night attack on the left 
 Fort Sanders The network of wires Desperate charge 
 of the rebels The struggle on the parapet Repulse of 
 the enemy Disparity of losses Raising of the siege 
 Retreat of Longstreet Rutledge Blain s Cross-roads 
 Another battle^Re-enlistinent commenced Close of the 
 campaign of 1863 409 
 
XV111 CONTENTS. 
 
 PART I V.- 18 64 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 First muster of veterans- The veteran roll of honor A 
 thirty days 1 furlough Green-hide moccasins Starting 
 for home The march northward Arrival at Camp 
 Nelson, Ky. New clothing Cincinnati Preparations 
 at home for reception and welcome Proclamation of 
 Gov. Curtin Arrival at Harrisburg The welcome 
 home Affecting scenes 510 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Reorganization of the 51st Leaving home Harrisburg 
 again Taking a French" Deaths on furlough 
 Arrival at Baltimore Annapolis Camp Parole Letter 
 from Lieut. -Col. Schall Camp Bell Correspondence 
 Recruiting detail Visit from Generals Burnside and 
 Grant Preparing to go to the front 531 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Across the Potomac On the Rapidan Battle of the 
 Wilderness The woods on fire Chancellorsville 
 Battle of Spottsylvania Charge and repulse of the 3d 
 Division Terrible losses in the 51st Bravery of Capt. 
 Bisbing Capture of Capt. Allebaugh and the colors 
 Promotion of Genl. Hartranft Another day of carnage 
 Truce of the pickets Retreat of the enemy Nearing 
 Richmond Battle of Cold Harbor Death of Col. Schall 
 and Lieut. Fizone 512 
 
CONTENTS. XIX 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Progress of the advance Crossing the James Affair with 
 the Home Guards A bloody charge Severe losses in 
 the 51st In the rifle pits Another desperate rush 
 The railroad eut Daring and persistent courage of the 
 troops Frequent repulses of the enemy Close and 
 continuous fighting Efforts to connect the lines 
 Failures The 51st detailed to do the work A grand 
 success .. 502 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 A memorable shell Diversion by Gen. Lee Heavy 
 assault all along the lines Repulse of the rebels 
 Narrow escape of Gen. Hartranft Preparations for a 
 grand assault Burnside s mine Firing of the train 
 Awful explosion and loss of life Charge of the 
 colored troops Failure of the supports to come up 
 Meade s jealousy of Burnside An important statement 
 The reserve sent to the rear by Mead, during the 
 charge Repulse of our troops and heavy losses Death 
 of Lieut. Fillman Buttle of Yellow Tavern... 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Renewal of the battle Splendid Union victory Ream s 
 station Return to Yellow Tavern Fort building 
 Rebel assault repulsed Grant s railroad Capture of 
 rebel pickets Politics in camp Fight among the officers 
 "Smoked Yankees" Election in the field Dis 
 ciplining Sheridan s victory Thanksgiving turkeys 
 Fort Morton A hot place A model fort-builder 
 u Bob s" bogus dinner 581 
 
XX CONTENTS. 
 
 PART V.-1SG5, 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Shelling Fort Morton Rebel flag of truce The Peace 
 Commissioners Conference on the picket line Recep 
 tion of the rebel magnates by Genl. Grant Complimen 
 tary enthusiasm on all sides Failure of the mission 
 Shelling renewed Narrow escape of Capt. Parker 
 Movement to the left Capture and re-capture of Fort 
 Steadman Tom Troy s visit to Petersburg Capture of 
 the city Last march southward End of the war 
 Resignation of Gen. Burnside Last orJer of Col. 
 Bolton Return home of the regiment Final farewell. GOO 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Roster of Field and Staff Officers Roll of Co. A Roll of 
 Co. B Roll of Co. C Roll of Co. D Roll of Co. E 
 Roll of Co. F Roll of Co. G Roll of Co. H Roll of 
 Co. I Roll of Co. K Roll of names unassigned State 
 ment Casualties List of battles engaged in Distance 
 travelled. . C22 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Review of the services of the 51st Defence of the regi 
 ment by Colonels Bolton and McClellan Glorious his 
 tory of the Ninth Army Corps Sketches of the field 
 and staff Villains denounced Stanzas in honor of the 
 dead heroes Their widows and orphans Thanks 
 List of Cemeteries U. S. price list C92 
 
PART I.- 1861. 
 
 CHAPTEE I. 
 
 Organization of the Fifty-first Regiment Recruiting of Com 
 panies Roster of Field and Staff Mustered In. 
 
 IN writing the history of any organization no 
 matter how important or insignificant it may be it 
 is reasonable to suppose that it will be fraught with 
 some few incidents of sufficient interest to remuner 
 ate the reader, who follows the historic pen through 
 the revelations it makes of the narrative it has dis 
 closed. What can furnish a more interesting narra 
 tive than a military organization that has. nobly 
 battled with a traitor enemy for nearly four weary, 
 toilsome years ? 
 
 The subject of this history is one of peculiar in 
 terest, and calls for a more fertile brain than is pos 
 sessed by the author to do full justice to such an 
 illustrious subject as the 51st Kegiment Pennsyl 
 vania Volunteers and Pennsylvania Veteran Volun 
 teers furnishes, the career of which is one that may 
 justly be envied by regiments of a less brilliant 
 record, although they have all faithfully fulfilled 
 the mission assigned them, by standing up boldly, 
 aye, nobly, against the assaults of an unprincipled 
 enemy, whose every effort was to destroy the 
 greatest Republic entrusted to the care of him who 
 had so nobly and zealously guarded its future 
 
10 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 interest at the sacrifice of his own eventful life 
 our martyred Lincoln ! 
 
 The writer of this, though not gifted with the pen 
 eloquence of an Everett or a Bancroft, yet has been 
 a participant in all the scenes through which this 
 noble regiment has passed, from Roanoke Island to 
 the surrender of the rebel chieftains Lee and John 
 ston, and " will a round unvarnished tale deliver of 
 its whole course" of trials and dangers. And 
 though it may have defects in its execution, it shall 
 be told in a fair and impartial manner, with a strict 
 regard for truth and simplicity, in the hope that all 
 defects, wherever they exist, will be gently passed 
 over by the forbearing reader, and fairly and 
 honestly attributed to "an error of the head and 
 not of the heart." 
 
 The many sufferings which this heroic band of 
 "companions in arms" endured have remained un 
 told from these simple facts : that its career was one 
 of continual privations from its origin up to its final 
 dissolution, and that its members naturally looked 
 upon all of their toils as a matter of necessity, and 
 therefore thought it needless to complain. Other 
 regiments have suffered terribly from famine, thirst, 
 long, wearisome marches, diseases, and the various 
 engines of death incident to the battle-field, but they 
 have experienced respites from such for weeks at a 
 time ; but very seldom so with the 51st its fate was 
 to be " up and at them" all the time ; it was innocent 
 of " winter quarters," though it had partly prepared 
 them on two occasions, yet failed to remain long 
 enough to complete them. 
 
 I wish not to enter the arena to gain historical 
 notoriety, but simply to record the events of a gal- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 11 
 
 lant body of men bold, daring men such as but 
 few armies in the ancient or modern wars possessed. 
 The call for troops to defend the nation s Capitol 
 is too fresh in the memory of all to need a repetition 
 here, as is the cause which gave necessity for the 
 President s proclamation to be issued, as also the 
 noble responses to it by thousands of heroic spirits 
 throughout the land ; so that the entire world looked 
 upon the rising army with awe and admiration, to 
 behold one of such immense magnitude raised as 
 if by a magician s wand ! 
 
 The 51st Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer 
 Infantry was organized at Carnp Curtin, Harrisburg, 
 Pa., late in September, 1861, under the sole and 
 personal supervision of Col. John F. Hartranft, its 
 first commander. The companies composing the 
 regiment began to report (unassigned) at Camp Cur- 
 tin early in September, for equipment and drill, of 
 which Capt. Wm. J. Bolton s company was the 
 first in camp, having arrived on the 10th inst., 
 and was equipped and mustered into the service 
 of the State on the llth, and mustered into the 
 United States army on the 12th. Five companies, 
 principally recruited in Montgomery county, com 
 posed the right wing of the regiment. The other 
 five companies, composing the left wing, were re 
 cruited in the interior counties of the State Centre, 
 Dauphin, Snyder, Clearfield, and Northumberland 
 being well represented. The work of organization 
 was a task not without its perplexities. A large 
 number of both officers and men had seen service 
 in the "three months" call, and naturally wished a 
 position commensurate with their experience in the 
 field ; but some were doomed to disappointment. In 
 
12 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 order, however, that their claims should be fairly 
 dealt with, compromises were resorted to which gave 
 entire satisfaction to the interested ones, and accom 
 plished the desired organization. The " lettering " 
 of the companies was not attained until the organi 
 zation, and each therefore was only known as Capt. 
 
 s company till that lettering was completed. 
 
 As the various companies of recruits entered Camp 
 Curtin, they were immediately put under proper 
 drill-masters, to receive that training and discipline 
 that was so necessary to fit them for the ordeals to 
 which they were subjected on many a bloody field 
 through which they passed with so much credit to 
 themselves and the cause they defended. Some 
 companies entered camp with their full complement 
 of men, and others nearly so ; but after a few days 
 wallowing in the mud, the men became dissatisfied 
 and commenced that unsoldierly act, deserting. 
 Capt. George K. Pechin took into camp from Mont 
 gomery county eighty-one men, on the 16th day of 
 September. The second night after their arrival the 
 rain poured down in torrents, and his men were 
 forced to leave their tents to avoid being submerged 
 by the " sea of rushing waters" that had found its way 
 into the tents. The storm subsiding early in the 
 forenoon of the next day, groups, each of a half 
 dozen of the unfortunate "drowned outs," were to 
 be seen standing in the company streets discussing 
 the necessity of "going a soldiering" in that kind 
 of a way. However, the matter was well talked 
 over and conclusions arrived at, which developed 
 themselves the next morning at roll-call, when fifty- 
 four names out of the eighty-one were all that were 
 answered. Other companies suffered by this first 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 13 
 
 storm in camp, but not so much as Capt. Pechin s, 
 which presented the appearance, at one time, of the 
 total extinction of a much longer existence of the 
 company from Upper Merion. Desertions were 
 alarmingly frequent, not caused by any inefficiency 
 of, or dislike to, the officers, for all had their choice 
 of officers when they enlisted, but wholly from the 
 nature of the ground on which they were encamped, 
 it being very low and much depressed below the 
 surrounding tract, so that during a storm, which 
 occurred almost daily the first three weeks, the 
 superfluous water would seek its level in and around 
 the tents, causing great dissatisfaction to the men 
 and making them execrate soldiering and every 
 thing belonging to it. Recruits were joining daily; 
 but if two were added in day time, two would desert 
 at night. Such, in fact, was the case with the 
 company from Upper Merion, until it became a 
 serious question whether the company could be or 
 ganized in time to take its departure with the regi 
 ment for Annapolis, Md. 
 
 Another company, under the command of Capt. 
 Finley, was very unsuccessful in retaining its in 
 dividuality, from the cause of recruits not coming in 
 as fast as the urgency of the case demanded. This 
 company complained of unfair treatment by the 
 " powers that be." Capt. Finley and Lieut. George 
 Schall made a proposition to the company that, as 
 they were unable to organize, if they wished to re 
 turn to their homes, they were free to do so. None, 
 however, went home. The men feeling great respect 
 and evincing much love for the two officers, wanted 
 to go to the "front" with them, should they decide 
 to go there, by endeavoring to recruit the company 
 
14 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 for another regiment. Capt. Fin ley declined taking 
 his company into another regiment, and the day 
 of departure of the 51st coming too early to save 
 them from disbandment, Lieut. Schall entered Capt. 
 Pechin s company with about thirty-four of Finley s 
 men, the remainder being transferred by Capt. 
 Finley to a couple of other companies. The captain 
 went home to civil life, carrying the respect and love 
 of all who knew him. By this timely aid of the dis 
 banded company, Capt. Pechin was placed in a posi 
 tion to enable him to get mustered into the United 
 States service, on the 28th of November, 1861. 
 
 After the regiment was organized, the status of 
 the field and staff officers became as follows : Colonel, 
 John F. Hartranft; Lieut.-Colonel, Thomas S. Bell; 
 Major, Edwin Schall ; Quartermaster, John J. Freed- 
 ley ; Surgeon, John P. Hosack ; Asst. Surgeon, James 
 D. Noble; Adjutant, Daniel P. Bible; Chaplain, D. 
 Gr. Mallory. 
 
 A few remarks here of the personal qualifications 
 of the field and staff officers, in a military point of 
 view, may not be amiss Col. John F. Hartranft is 
 by nature a military man. Quick of perception, 
 prompt to obey, and fearless to execute, his ability 
 is beyond cavil. This assertion he has proven on 
 numberless battle-fields in places where slowness 
 to perceive his critical situation would havq.entailed 
 upon him and his command total defeat and eternal 
 disgrace, (vide his Fort Stead man affair.) With a 
 keen sense to unravel an apparently meaningless 
 manoeuvre of the enemy during an engagement, he 
 would be able to have his command posted where it 
 was bound to thwart the opposing chief of his cher 
 ished object. His promptness to obey has been 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 15 
 
 often discussed by those under bis command. Orders 
 from a superiorwere always obeyed with that prompt 
 itude and alacrity that distinguishes the true sol 
 dier from the parlor soldier. It mattered not how 
 exacting were those orders ; while others failed to 
 enforce them, "old Johnny," as his boys were wont 
 to call him, would successfully carry them out. His 
 fearlessness -to execute was the result of his indom- 
 nitable courage and his total disregard of any and 
 every danger. Who is there in or out of the army 
 that can say they ever saw Col. Hartranft dis 
 turbed in mind, or uncollected in ideas, when in the 
 heat of battle ? His coolness and bravery under the 
 most appalling circumstances have called forth en 
 comiums that the great chieftain, Gen. Grant, would 
 be* proud of. 
 
 Lieut-Col. Thomas S. Bell was all that his pre 
 decessor is ; but if any difference existed, it was only 
 in being a more strict disciplinarian. 
 
 Maj. Edwin Schall is deserving of a more elabor 
 ate biographical remark than can be here given, as 
 this is not intended for an analysis of a man s char 
 acter, but suffice it to say, that he was all that com 
 posed a true soldier and a gentleman ; kind, affable, 
 generous to a fault, but resolute and firm in all his 
 commands, rather inclined to control by suasive 
 means t^an by the iron hand, which military au 
 thority too often uses. His plan was not to punish 
 a man for an imaginary wrong, but to reason and 
 investigate, by which mode he not only saved him 
 self anxiety, but retained the love and respect of his 
 entire command. Who ever heard of him having 
 an enemy ? 
 
 Quartermaster John J. Freedley was well fitted 
 
16 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIBST REGIMENT 
 
 for his position, but was looked upon by the enlisted 
 men as careless of their interest, when in fact he 
 labored most assiduously for their comfort, both day 
 and night. But what Quartermaster ever received any 
 credit for the performance of his most arduous duties? 
 
 Surg. John P. Hosack was also one of those who 
 came in for a share of censure from the enlisted 
 men. He was undoubtedly a skilful surgeon, but 
 had very little commiseration for a wounded or sick 
 man, and went through the routine of surgery in too 
 much of a business way to please the fancy of the 
 invalid, who needed a little sympathy as well as a 
 good deal of quinine. 
 
 Asst.-Surgeon James D. Noble was the idol of the 
 invalids. He was well calculated to make a host of 
 friends in any hospital, kind in expression of fellow- 
 feeling, gentle in his administerings, courteous and 
 affable to all who sought his aid. 
 
 Adjt. Daniel P. Bible was a " brick of the first 
 water," making an efficient officer in nearly all re 
 spects. The position of an adjutant is one not to be 
 envied. He was a severe disciplinarian, attentive 
 to business, and kept the record s of the regiment in 
 a creditable state during his stay with it, which was 
 of short duration. 
 
 Chaplain Daniel Gr. Mallory was a man of no 
 mean ability, but constitutionally unfit for the ex 
 posures of camp life. He wrought hard to gather 
 in the stray sheep to his fold ; but his efforts were 
 fruitless as he eventually lost the stock on hand 
 with which he began his labors. 
 
 The 16th day of September, 1861, may be set down 
 as the day of the regiment s arrival in Camp Curtin, 
 although a few companies came previous to, and 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 17 
 
 after that date. Soon after its arrival, the men be 
 gan to experience the soldier s troubles comfortless 
 clothing, and scanty rations. Most of the men had 
 come to camp in their shirt sleeves, being led to be 
 lieve that as soon as they should arrive in camp, 
 army clothing would be issued to them ; but nothing 
 of the kind came to hand till the 1st of October, 
 except a lot of old tattered blankets and bed quilts, 
 which were issued on the 17th of September, but 
 not used by the recruits, because after carrying 
 them to their quarters it was discovered that they 
 were alive with vermin, having been used in the 
 "three months service." The men in a spirit of in 
 dignation pitched the blankets into their company 
 streets, and piling them in heaps, set them on fire, 
 committing the " gray-back veterans " to the flames. 
 They remained without blankets or quilts until 
 October 2d, when the ladies God bless them of 
 Dauphin county heard of their destitution, and 
 loaned the regiment quilts sufficient for its comfort 
 until the government could supplv it, which it did 
 on the 9th of October. The bed quilts were returned 
 to the kind hearted ladies. Up to the introduction 
 of the first issue of blankets, the boys had not ex 
 perienced any " itching " sensation ; but from the 
 blankets, a few of those "soldier s companions" 
 had unfortunately got on the men s clothing, and in 
 a few days they were all enjoying a good scratch. 
 The vermin increased with great rapidity, and each 
 soldier looked with strong suspicion on his neighbor 
 as being infested with the "nasty things," each arid 
 all having their full share, yet with much pertinacity 
 denying the existence of the insect on their persons; 
 
 still they were there, which many a sly twitch of 
 
 o* 
 
18 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIKST EEGIMENT 
 
 the arms or body silently indicated. It was some 
 times highly amusing to go outside the camp and 
 take a stroll through the fields arid among the bushes, 
 to find the boys hid away, as they supposed, where 
 no one could see them hunting their clothing over to 
 rid themselves of the " pesky" creatures. 
 
 On the 28th day of September, 1861, nearly all 
 the companies were marched into Harrisburg, and 
 mustered into the service of the United States by 
 Lieut. W. Piper, 5th U. S. Artillery. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Arming the Fifty-first Capt. Tarbutton Amusements in 
 Camp Band organized Presentation of the State Colors 
 Address by Governor Curtin Breaking Camp. 
 
 THE 51st was fully armed and equipped on the 2nd 
 day of October, with the Harper s Ferry muskets 
 from the arsenal at Harrisburg. As the men had 
 evinced a deep interest in becoming proficient in 
 the " facings," it can reasonably be supposed they 
 would feel a deeper interest in the " manual of 
 arms ; " and as they rapidly acquired the handling 
 of the musket, they were taken under the instruc 
 tions of Capt. Tarbutton, who was at that time 
 regimental drill-master of the camp. The captain 
 was the right man in the right place, and had a host 
 of friends among the boys who were fortunate 
 enough to be in bis school; for his gentlemanly, 
 urbane manners, with quaint sayings, kept them 
 always in a good humor, and they in turn did their 
 best to keep him in the same. He was a good dis- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEBES. 19 
 
 ciplinarian, kind to all, yet resolute and exacting in 
 all his commands. Every afternoon be would have 
 the regiment out for battalion drill, without arms, 
 and as the weather was somewhat cool, the boys, 
 when standing at a " front," would have their hands 
 in their pockets, art act which the captain deemed un- 
 military, and he would administer a gentle reproof to 
 them. Then by walking from the left to the right- 
 wing, he would find some one to confront who had his 
 hands snugly esconced in his pockets ; the old cap 
 tain, singling him out, would gaze on him in silence 
 long enough for the man to get his hands out ; but 
 if he failed to take the hint, the captain in his kind, 
 but gruff way, would ask him, u What are you nurs 
 ing ?" The flushed cheek indicated what effect his 
 words had. The men of the various regiments who 
 were under his tuition will remember him with 
 pleasure to their last moments. As a proof, for in 
 stance, while on a wearisome march in 1863, in Mis 
 sissippi, the 51st passed a few Pennsylvania regi 
 ments who were sitting down on the roadside for a 
 few minutes rest, when it was hailed by the usual 
 question in passing, "What regiment, boys?" 
 Keceiving "51st Pennsylvania," in reply, the ques 
 tion was asked simultaneously by a dozen voices of 
 the other regiments, "Boys, don t you wish old 
 Tarbutton had you to-day drilling you?" Thus, 
 often in passing Pennsylvania regiments, when worn 
 out with hard marching or fighting, we would be 
 asked if we not didn t wish " old Tarbutton " had us ? 
 In the evenings after dress parade, a large number 
 of the boys would congregate on the drill-ground 
 for various amusements, such as "corner or base 
 ball," wrestling, running, jumping, and tossing up 
 
20 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 each other in blankets. This latter amusement col 
 lected large crowds from the numerous other regi 
 ments in Camp Curtin, and at times was highly ex 
 citing as well as interesting. An explanation of 
 this species of amusement, perhaps, may not be un 
 interesting to the uninitiated. The first thing in 
 order was to obtain a woollen blanket of undoubted 
 strength, then as many of the boys as could secure 
 good holds at each of the four corners and sides would 
 do so, when some outsider would be kidnapped and 
 thrown per force into the blanket, and before the 
 involuntary aeronaut could regain his feet, the 
 blanket would be in motion. Raising it up a couple 
 of feet from the ground, each one pulling the blanket 
 towards himself would tighten it so as to throw the 
 man in it two or three feet up in the air, coming 
 down again on the blanket only to go up the same 
 height the second time, and in going through the 
 operation the third time, the boys would lend all 
 their efforts and strength to send him up as high as 
 they possibly could, to the height of fifteen or twenty 
 feet; catching him again in his descent only to send 
 him up still higher the next time, if possible, until 
 his piteous appeals would obtain his final release 
 from his persecutors, who then would secure another 
 victim for the blanket. Thus was many an hour 
 passed that might have been worse spent. 
 
 An amusing affair occurred just before the regi 
 ment left Camp Curtin. The rations were always 
 too much of a sameness ; the boys longed for a 
 change, and as their money was all " played out," 
 in order to gratify their appetite they had to resort 
 to strategy, which in this case was one of consider 
 able risk, as well as of profit. A party agreed, as the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 21 
 
 weather was cool, and a cattle train with some fine 
 fat hogs on it was standing on the siding opposite the 
 camp, that a piece of fresh pork would eat tolerably 
 well, providing it could be got through the guards 
 into camp. Risky as it was, the attempt was decided 
 upon. That night the aforesaid party went out of 
 camp by breaking guard and proceeded to the cars, 
 where a fine hog weighing about two hundred and 
 fifty pounds was taken out. 
 
 The killing only occupied a few minutes, and its 
 squeals were soon hushed in death ; but the untried 
 task of getting it into camp without detection, had 
 yet to be tested, for the guards had their instructions 
 to arrest all soldiers who were even suspected of 
 having been out foraging; and should a guard, 
 under any circumstance whatever, pass a soldier, 
 or, in fact, any one, into camp, across their beats, 
 they would be punished for their indiscretion. 
 Pickets were also posted outside the camp with in 
 structions to overhaul all soldiers found outside 
 without passes. Thus a party of a dozen men to 
 gether had a small chance for being successful in 
 the pork trade. As they were Hearing the pickets, 
 they were halted, and ordered to come in and give 
 themselves up ; but the challenge only served to 
 set their fertile brains to invent some strategy to 
 get into carnp with their prize to them it was a 
 cherished prize, however desperate the game had now 
 to be played. One was sent in to the picket, and 
 told a plausible tale that they were railroad 
 hands," (it being too dark for the picket to see to the 
 contrary,) and that in walking down the railroad 
 they had come across a sick soldier belonging to 
 Camp Curtin, and finding him unable to walk, they 
 
22 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 had gone for a physician who resided close by, who 
 told them the man was dangerously ill, and they 
 must not carry him all the way round to the en 
 trance gate, as it would kill him, but they must 
 keep him well wrapped up, and carry him on a 
 litter the shortest possible way into camp. The 
 tender chord of sympathy being touched, the party 
 were permitted to pass inside the picket line with 
 their charge, for which they had made a litter, by 
 taking two rails out of a fence, and laying a blanket 
 over all. On reaching the line of camp -guards, an 
 other obstacle arose, and the hog came very near 
 being deserted. They had told the guard the same 
 tale of duplicity, and were about being permitted to 
 cross the beat just as the officer of the day was 
 making his " grand round." Seeing a group of men 
 near the line, he naturally inquired their business, 
 and actually insisted on investigating the matter be 
 fore him. but they had the doctor s injunctions to 
 not allow a particle of air to blow on the invalid, 
 and they would not be responsible for the man s life 
 if the officer would violate the trust imposed on 
 them by the son of Esculapius. However, with 
 plenty of " brass/ and endless perseverance, they 
 succeeded in getting their prize into camp at one 
 o clock in the morning, after being six hours accom 
 plishing the feat. 
 
 Another incident worthy of note occurred the 
 evening before our departure for Annapolis. On 
 the afternoon before we left Camp Curtin, the boys 
 found out that the regiment was under marching 
 orders to leave the next day, consequently they 
 were intent on having a gay time before they should 
 leave. About one-half of the regiment broke guard, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 23 
 
 and went into Harrisburg to enjoy themselves. 
 Col. Hartranft, finding so many of the men absent, 
 and fearful of a disturbance taking place in town, 
 issued orders for a detail to be made to patrol the 
 town, to arrest and bring into camp all absentees. 
 When the details for each company were made, 
 many of the companies had not the required num 
 ber to send ; but all were sent that were in camp. 
 However, the tables were, confusedly turned, for 
 most of the patrolling party got somewhat inebriated, 
 and it fell to the lot of the absentees to bring to 
 camp their would be captors. 
 
 The organization of a brass band for the regiment 
 was conducted by its leader, George W. Arnold. 
 Quite a number of the performers were taken from 
 among the enlisted men, but under the skilful leader 
 ship of Lieut. Arnold, it soon compared favorably 
 with the oldest bands in camp. This band did good 
 service at the battle-fields on which the regiment was 
 engaged, in performing the ambulance duties of 
 -carrying off the wounded and burying the dead. 
 Benjamin Rowland, a member of the band, deserves 
 especial mention for the heroic manner in which he 
 did his duty at Roanoke, Newbern, and Camden. 
 Posting himself, on each occasion, where he could 
 render the most assistance, he would, on seeing a 
 comrade fall, run to his aid, while the balls of all 
 kinds flew thick, and either drag or carry him far 
 enough out of danger to enable those with stretchers 
 to get and take him to the hospital. Thus a large 
 number received the surgeon s skill soon after being 
 wounded, who might have lain on the field for hours, 
 or until the battle ceased. The entire band, as an 
 ambulance corps, deserve much praise, as hundreds 
 
24 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 of wounded soldiers can testify. The following are 
 the names on the roll of the Band of the 51st Regi 
 ment, P. V. : George W. Arnold, Leader ; George 
 Y. Hansell, James S. Baird, Alexander Earle, 
 Drummer ; Jeremiah W. Buck, Bass Drum ; William 
 Workeiser, Benjamin Rowland, Charles Day, Wilson 
 Forster, John Earp, William Williams, James Haws, 
 Justus Bockius, John C. Millhouse, Simon Britton, 
 Samuel G. Arnold, William Earl, Benjamin Wat- 
 kins, Charles Thompson, Phillip Jacobs. 
 
 The 51st struck tents several times while in Camp 
 Curtin, for sanitary reasons policing the grounds 
 sometimes, and at others changing locality. The 
 health of the regiment was not good while at this 
 camp, the men being too "green and raw " to stand 
 the exposure at first; and the change from sleeping 
 in comfortable feather beds and dry rooms to lying 
 upon the damp ground or hard boards, with but 
 scanty covering, was too sudden and severe for the 
 human constitution to bear/ The tents were of a 
 good quality but the inmates were much crowded 
 five or six in one common wedge or "A" tent 
 were forced to lie "spoon-fashion," on their sides, 
 altogether. When one became tired of lying in 
 that situation, and wished to " turn over," he had to 
 waken up all of his tent-mates to " about face," which 
 would be done sometimes with a bad grace and con 
 siderable growling. The officers were not subjected 
 to this inconvenience. They were furnished with 
 large wall tents, and at no time would more than 
 three occupy one of them. Having " bunks " erected, 
 they were nearly as comfortable as they could have 
 been at home ; in consequence, their health was not 
 affected like that of the enlisted men, who suffered 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 25 
 
 extremely with diarrhoea, dysentery, and rheuma 
 tism. The change of food, no doubt, tended in a great 
 measure to bring on the first two diseases, aided by 
 the exposed condition of the comfortless sleeping 
 quarters. Typhoid, camp, and other fevers began 
 to seize the men towards the latter part of their stay 
 in Camp Curtin. 
 
 On the 10th of October new army blankets were 
 drawn, and added considerably to the health and 
 comfort of the troops. But the seeds of the different 
 diseases had been sown, and began to take root be 
 fore this comfort arrived. 
 
 Besides the various amusements, other exercises 
 were added for the health of the men. On Sundays 
 the different companies marched to Harrisburg to 
 attend church. During the week-days they would 
 exercise one hour at squad drill," two hours at 
 "company drill" in the forenoon, and in the after 
 noon from two to three hours in " battalion drill/ 
 besides going out on dress parade." Thus the 
 exercise was sufficient in itself to keep the men from 
 sinking into ennui. 
 
 On the afternoon of the 5th of November, 1861, 
 Governor Curtin presented the 51st, 52d, and 53d 
 Eegiments, each with a stand of State colors. The 
 presentation was made by the Governor in person, in 
 the presence of a vast concourse of visitors from the 
 city, and Camps Cameron and Greble. The regi 
 ments were closed en masse respectively, and composed 
 three sides of a square. The ceremonies were very 
 imposing, and the address of the Governor was 
 listened to with marked attention. Many a brave 
 man gave vent to his feelings during the Governor s 
 speech. He told them : "I am looking hundreds in 
 
26 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 the face, who are in perfect health, but who will 
 never return to their homes, families or friends again, 
 but their memories will be enshrined in the hearts 
 of the generations of future ages." Alas ! how pro 
 phetic were his words ! Hundreds ! aye, thousands ! 
 whom he looked in the face that day, have passed to 
 " that bourne from whence no traveller returns" to 
 his home, family, or friends. After the colors were 
 presented, several bands present enlivened the scene 
 with stirring harmony, adding much to the already 
 impressive ceremony. After the 51st returned to 
 their quarters, the men appeared in better spirits, 
 believing in the adage that "Coming events cast 
 their shadows before," and now having received 
 their colors it augured that they were soon to be 
 sent to the front. Rumors of marching orders had 
 frequently been rife in camp before, but now specu 
 lations ran high that the 51st would soon meet the 
 enemy ; in fact, orders to be ready to march were 
 already in, but no definite time for going had been 
 set. Still, there loomed up in the distance a fair 
 prospect that the regiment should see one fight, at least, 
 before the war would be over. The fear of not see 
 ing one was, apparently, the greatest trouble the men 
 had. Col. Hartranft obtained the transportation for 
 the regiment on the evening of the 12th November, 
 but it was unknown to his men at the time. Early 
 on the morning of the 16th the regiment "struck 
 tents," and packed up preparatory to marching. The 
 great number of sick had been provided with quar 
 ters at the hospital, and were left behind. At noon 
 the drums beat the " assembly," and the regiment was 
 soon in " harness," eager to be off. It remained in 
 line until 4 p. M. The men, with their heavy knap- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEES. 27 
 
 sacks on all the time, kept in that trying position for 
 four hours, at last were relieved by the word of com 
 mand to Eight face, file left, march," by their colo 
 nel. It marched out of Camp Curtin with hearts full 
 of spirit and joyous anticipations, for they now felt 
 for the first time that they were a pa#t of the great 
 army of the United States of America, and entitled 
 to rank as such. 
 
 CHAPTEE III. 
 
 From Camp Curtin to Baltimore and Annapolis Companies 
 Lettered Reviews False Alarm The "New Overcoat "- 
 Preparation to go on the Fleet Serenade. 
 
 THE regiment, on leaving Camp Curtin with flying 
 colors, marched to the "siding" on the Pennsylvania 
 Central road, between the camp and ITarrisburg, to 
 where a train of thirty-seven cattle cars were in wait 
 ing to transport them to Baltimore via Northern 
 Central Eailroad. The weather was very disagree 
 able snowing, raining, and very cold. The cars 
 were filthy with manure, from being recently used 
 for cattle ; yet the men were crowded into them, and 
 forced to sit on each other s laps, or fix themselves 
 in the best way they could. Four of the cars being 
 used for the transportation of the horses belonging 
 to the regiment, and for the officers and their bag 
 gage, the remainder were for the men. 
 
 The train left at 5 P. M., and arrived next morn 
 ing (Sunday) in Baltimore, at 8 o clock, having been 
 all night on the road. The men kept themselves 
 tolerably warm until the train reached Glen Eock, 
 
28 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 about midnight, where it had to lie over about two 
 hours, to enable a passenger train to have the road, 
 and to pass the regiment. While remaining there 
 the boys disembarked, and finding they had halted 
 in front of a field of corn fodder, they immediately 
 appropriated it to their own use for bedding purposes. 
 
 The unfortunate owner, whoever he may have 
 been, must have rubbed his eyes in astonishment on 
 looking over his cornfield the next morning, and 
 finding his fodder all gone. 
 
 The regiment halted again when nearer Baltimore, 
 and this time the boys foraged in earnest. One man 
 (" scout ") went to a stately mansion a short distance 
 from the road to see what he could find lying around 
 "loose;" but on entering the front yard, he was con 
 fronted by an ugly-looking mastiff chained to the 
 gate-post. Here was a dilemma, three o clock in the 
 morning, and very dark. Outside the gate was the 
 man, inside the dog, and a little further a bake-oven, 
 wherein were stored sundry sweetmeats. By the 
 oven s side stood an apple tree, on which a number 
 of fowls were roosting. The "scout" decided to 
 steal the dog first, which he did, and then appro 
 priated whatever else he could find that he wanted 
 and didn t want. He brought to the cars, and dis 
 tributed, one dog and chain, one wash-tub, four 
 bread-pans, two one-gallon jars of preserves, and a 
 few chickens. Other parties were out, and were 
 quite as successful as the former, when the whistle 
 blew, and they were soon again steaming to the 
 Monumental city. 
 
 On the arrival of the 51st in Baltimore, it disem 
 barked, and marched by "company front" through 
 the principal streets to the other side of the city, to 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 29 
 
 the Washington depot, where the regiment was 
 treated to a cup of good coffee, bread and butter, 
 meats of various kinds, cheese, &c. After the colla 
 tion was over, the regiment again formed, marched 
 through the city by company front, and halted at 
 Pratt street wharf, where it stacked arms, and awaited 
 the loading of the baggage. While at "rest" in 
 Pratt street the regiment was visited by many Union 
 citizens, who brought fruits, cakes, and "other re 
 freshments," and distributed them with a lavish 
 hand At 6 o clock P. M., they broke "stacks," 
 and marched back to the Washington depot, and 
 there embarked for Annapolis, where they arrived 
 at 2 o clock on the morning of the 18th of Novem 
 ber, 1861. 
 
 After its arrival, while groping around in the 
 Egyptian darkness to find out their locality, they 
 were marched to the Naval Academy buildings and 
 furnished with good quarters until late in the after 
 noon of the same day, when the regiment pitched 
 tents" on the lawn in the rear of the buildings, and 
 formed " Camp Burnside," which was the first en 
 campment of the regiment in " Secessia." Nothing 
 of especial interest took place here except the final 
 touch to the organization of the regiment, and some 
 hard drilling. The lettering of the companies was 
 here completed as follows : Capt. Wm. J. Bolton, 
 Co. "A," Capt. Fernando Bell, Co. "B," Capt. Wm. 
 Allebaugh, Co. " C," Capt. Edward Schall, Co. D," 
 Capt. G. H. Hassenplug, Co. " E," Capt. R. E. Tay 
 lor, Co. "F," Capt. A. Snyder, Co. <; G," Capt. J. 
 Merril Lynn, Co. " II," Capt. Geo. K. Pechin, Co. 
 " I," Capt. John Titus, Co. " K." 
 
 After the complete organization of the companies 
 
30 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 and regiment, the "hard drilling" began in earnest. 
 The ground on which the regiment drilled was un 
 even and broken, situated on the banks of the Sev 
 ern river, which at this place flows through a tract 
 by nature washed into deep ravines and gorges, 
 covered partly with scrubby bushes and various 
 kinds of briars ; altogether an undesirable piece of 
 ground to drill on, in the views of the men, but just 
 the spot, in preference of all others, in the view of 
 Col. llartranft, to which the men will cheerfully 
 testify when they let their minds wander back to the 
 times they used to "double quick" it over one hill 
 after another, much to the gratification of their field 
 officers, who wanted to get the boys " inured " to 
 drilling on that kind of skirmish ground. While 
 here the "boys" enjoyed themselves "hugely" be 
 tween drill hours, by going boating, fishing and oys- 
 tering. 
 
 On the 3d of December, the regiment "struck 
 tents" and marched out on the railroad towards An 
 napolis Junction, about two miles from the city, and 
 formed a new camp, called " Carnp Union." This was 
 the most beautiful one the regiment ever had, 
 forming a crescent, and situated on a slightly ele 
 vated piece of ground, at the top of which was regi 
 mental headquarters, the company streets radiating 
 thence like the spokes of half a wheel, the quarters 
 of the company, or "line" officers, being at the 
 " right " of each company. 
 
 Considerable labor had been expended by the men 
 in fitting up this camp with evergreens, pines, ce 
 dars, laurel, &c. At the main entrance was a most 
 magnificently wrought " arch " of a evergreens," in 
 the centre of which, as a keystone," were the fig- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 31 
 
 ures "51, "also made of evergreens. A splendid 
 border of young pines extended all round the front 
 of the camp, giving it an aristocratic appearance. 
 Pines were planted on either side of the streets, 
 nearly shutting the tents out from the eye, and at the 
 ends of the streets were arches similar to the one at 
 the main entrance, but not so elaborate, and instead 
 of the number of the regiment being on eacli arch, 
 the letter of the company hung as a pendant. Many 
 of the tents boasted of splendid arbors over them, 
 which proved as useful as they were ornamental, 
 protecting the quarters from the violence of storms. 
 Ditches were dug around the tents for the purpose 
 of carrying oft the water during a heavy rain. The 
 tents were floored with "cord wood," on which 
 the men slept, serving to keep them off the ground, 
 and also to save them from getting wet, which was 
 frequently the case when a ditch was not sufficient 
 to carry off all the water, and would overflow. The 
 distance the water for the use of the camp had to be 
 carried made it very inconvenient, as no one could 
 go after it without a written pass, signed by the 
 company commander, and countersigned by the 
 colonel. A strong guard was posted all round the 
 camp, and they dared not let any one cross their 
 " beats." The men all too well remember that no very 
 large number of passes were signed at that time in 
 one day; and, like the "hog" business, they often 
 were compelled to resort to various methods of get 
 ting through the guard, one of which was by forging 
 passes or altering the dates on old ones. 
 
 On the 5th of December, Col. Hartranft raised a 
 flag-staff of ninety feet in height, in front of his 
 quarters, and the next morning as the sun was rising 
 
32 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 he flung to the breeze the starry flag which his regi 
 ment so nobly defended for nearly four years on 
 more than a score of bloody fields. The raising of 
 this flag-staff caused the men to conclude that they 
 were to stay in Camp Union until the close of the 
 war, which they supposed was very near at hand, and 
 the fear of being discharged from the service without 
 seeing a fight began to seize them again. It was 
 about this time that the regiment first received 
 the intimation of joining " Burnside s Coast Expedi 
 tion," which had considerable influence in allaying 
 the fear of not " getting into a fight." 
 
 While lying at this camp the regiment was sub 
 jected to hard and constant drilling, with frequent 
 reviews," the first of which took place on the 13th 
 day of December, 1861, of the entire " Coast Divi 
 sion," as far as then organized. This partial organ 
 ization at a future time formed the 2d brigade of the 
 Coast Division. This review was by Gen. Foster 
 and staff. On the next day (14th) another grand 
 review was to have taken place by Gen. Ambrose 
 Everett Burnside, but from some inexplicable cause 
 he did not attend the review, so Gen. Foster and 
 staff substituted themselves. On the 19th December 
 the Coast Division being fully organized, another 
 grand review took place by Gen. Foster, Gov. Hicks, 
 and the Legislature of the State of Maryland. On 
 the next day, the 20th. was still another review. 
 This one was for the special benefit of Gen. Burn- 
 side in f.ropria persona. On the 26th the 51st was 
 again inspected by Gen. G. B. McClellan s staff, and 
 received much credit from it for clean arms and 
 clothing, discipline and soldierly appearance. At the 
 beginning of December, 1861, the 51st had been as- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 33 
 
 signed to the 2d brigade, commanded by Col. Ed. 
 Harlan, of the 8th Connecticut Vols., in the 1st divi 
 sion, under command of Gen. Foster, and retained 
 that position for a long period of time. 
 
 The weather, toward the close of the year 18 61 
 began to give the soldiers a taste of winter. Snow 
 squalls were frequent, with a good deal of rain. 
 They had not yet learned how to make themselves 
 comfortable in their tents. But experience, and the 
 necessity of inventing, soon began to develop itself, 
 yet too late to do much towards building fire-places 
 in the tents. Even had they possessed the knowl 
 edge of keeping fires in tents, very little time was 
 afforded to do it, excepting after nightfall, when the 
 fatigue of constant drilling and other duties through 
 out the day prevented the men in a great measure 
 from laboring for their own good. The time of the 
 regiment was so " mapped out " for performing the 
 various duties that the men could scarcely get time 
 sufficient to keep their clothing and persons clean. 
 The result was, they began to be "thickly popu 
 lated," so constant were the men kept at drilling, 
 policing, on reviews, and dress parades. The latter, 
 in those days, were always a " bore," for they always 
 wound up with " passing in review," first in common 
 time, then quick time, then double quick. This last 
 movement was useless ; also a nuisance, for it only 
 tended to sweat the men.. It taking place in the 
 evenings, with no fires to dry their sweaty clothes, 
 the men were obliged to lie down in their tents on 
 the cold, damp earth, or next to it, and thereby sowed 
 the seeds of innumerable diseases that have laid many 
 a brave heart in the silent and distant grave. 
 
 About midnight of December 19th, 1861, quite an 
 
84 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 excitement was gotten up by the d Epeneuil Zouaves, 
 who were encamped on the ground that at a later 
 day was occupied by the barracks of Camp Parole. 
 For some indefinite cause, they beat the " long roll " 
 and fired several shots, creating an alarm and belief 
 that a body of rebels had attacked them. The va 
 rious neighboring regiments took the alarm, and fell 
 in line of battle, some fully equipped, some partially 
 so. A great many men were full equipped, yet in 
 their shirts and drawers only, being hatless and with 
 out shoes on their feet. The 51st was not " sold " so 
 cheap, as it was the Zouaves nearest neighbor. 
 Col. Hartranft sprang from his " couch," and, run 
 ning out doors en dishabille, soon learned that it 
 was a false alarm. 
 
 On Sundays those who could get off generally went 
 to church in the city of Annapolis, notwithstanding 
 Chaplain Mallory did all in his power to give them 
 spiritual instructions in camp, but with little or no 
 success. Lieut. George Arnold, the leader of the 
 band, was summoned to bring his band to Mr. Mai- 
 lory s quarters and discourse some sacred music, in 
 lieu of the ringing of church bells, to assemble the 
 congregation. The band, after exhausting all their 
 wind in the attempt, returned to their quarters, evi 
 dently disgusted with such a decided failure. Mr. 
 Mallory shared their mortification, and felt consider 
 ably chagrined at his unsuccessful efforts to instil 
 morality into, as he must have thought, such a 
 " heathenish " regiment. On one occasion Col. Har 
 tranft came to his rescue, by having a general 
 inspection and a long regimental drill, which was 
 supposed to be as punishment for their non-attend 
 ance at church. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 35 
 
 The troops encamped at Annapolis and its vicinity 
 at this time got the impression that the rebellion was 
 virtually over, and they looked upon the arduous 
 duties of camp life, as imposed on them, as alto 
 gether unnecessary, and they all became very much 
 dissatisfied. - Alas ! little did they know of what 
 they all had to go through ere such a blessing should 
 become a fact. Notwithstanding their onerous du 
 ties, the 51st was highly gratified in being taken out 
 skirmishing on Sunday afternoon, December 8, 1861, 
 for the first time since the men had adopted arms as 
 a profession. The regiment deployed as skirmishers, 
 and marched about seven miles towards the " Junc 
 tion." Halting in a sandy desert for a rest, the 
 regiment stacked arms in a field, and " broke ranks," 
 when the boys commenced their " first raid," but 
 only succeeded in finding an old dilapidated frame 
 building, full of leaf tobacco, of which they supplied 
 themselves to their fullest desires. They carried 
 large arm loads into camp, where they arrived after 
 nightfall, sore-footed and tired. 
 
 On the 12th of December, 1861, the 51st could 
 boast of being blessed, or cursed, for the first time 
 with having their own sutlers, Messrs. Kodermel 
 and Hartranft, the latter a relative of the esteemed 
 colonel of the 51st. Their prices were very exorbi 
 tant for the articles sold. Notwithstanding the high 
 prices, the men found the sutlers a great convenience, 
 as they kept such necessary articles as the soldier 
 most needed ; but, as the regiment had not been paid 
 since its enlistment, credit was given until pay day, 
 on orders signed by company commanders. The 
 high prices were occasioned through the difficulty of 
 obtaining the goods, as well as through the risk of 
 
36 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY -FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 loss by capture, losses in credit, and the high rates 
 of freight that sutlers were forced to pay for trans 
 portation. During the encampment at Annapolis, 
 the mails arrived very regularly, twice a day from the 
 North. Wm. Percival Schall, of Co. D, was appointed 
 mail agent for the regiment, discharging the duties 
 with much ability and strict integrity. He held the 
 position until his discharge from the service in March, 
 1865, while lying at Fort Morton, in front of Peters 
 burg, Va. After Schall s discharge, Joseph Logan, 
 drummer, of Co. E, was appointed to fill the vacancy, 
 which he did with much credit to himself until the 
 final discharge of the regiment from the service of 
 the United States. 
 
 Previous to the regiment s embarking on board of 
 the fleet, ammunition for target practice was issued ; 
 but a large quantity of it proved of a very poor kind. 
 Many of the cartridges were filled with sand, instead 
 of powder, some with nothing but the ball, and 
 some contained no balls, but were filled entirely 
 with powder. This ammunition had been put up at 
 the Washington, D. C., Arsenal, by those who cer 
 tainly did sympathize with the South. While lying 
 at Camp Union, the regiment drew a requisition for 
 a large quantity of all kinds of army clothing, pre 
 paratory for the expedition. Every man was well 
 supplied with good and comfortable clothing, which 
 made them like this camp much better than that 
 charnel camp, Camp Curtin. 
 
 A detail from the 51st was sent into Annapolis, 
 about the 10th of December, to do provost and 
 patrol duty, and remained there until within a few days 
 of their departure on the fleet. Their duty was not 
 very onerous; it consisted in arresting disorderly and 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 37 
 
 intoxicated soldiers, and those who ventured to town 
 with a pass not properly signed, or without passes. 
 The latter would generally be put under guard, 
 and escorted to their respective regimental camps, 
 and turned over to their commanders to receive 
 whatever punishment their cases called for. They 
 also had to arrest all citizens after 10 p. M., with or 
 without passes, unless they had the countersign. 
 One of the patrol, Levi Bolton, of Co. A, on one 
 occasion halted Gen. Burnside, and was about taking 
 him to the guard-house to lock him up, when the 
 general, after some studying, bethought him what 
 the countersign was, and was released. Bolton knew 
 him, but clung to him as if he was a stranger. After 
 the general was permitted to go, he gave the man 
 great credit for his vigilance and resolution. 
 
 The friends of the soldiers of the 51st made good 
 use of Adams Express while the regiment lay at 
 Camp Union, by sending boxes of good things" to 
 the boys ; but, to the eternal disgrace of the very not 
 enterprising company, the boxes and various kinds 
 of parcels remained in their offices until the major 
 part of their contents would be spoiled, and have to 
 be thrown away when the package came to be 
 opened. The writer of this has received some boxes 
 five months after being shipped. Of course nothing 
 could be used, and this at a time when it would be 
 no difficulty for them to arrive in five days. Some 
 boxes were shipped to me that have not arrived yet. 
 The writer only mentions his case as a type of thou 
 sands of others like it. 
 
 On Monday, December 23, 1861, the paymaster of 
 the U. S. A. paid the regiment its first pay due, viz., 
 two months and the fractional parts of months from 
 
38 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 enlistment up to October 31st of that year; which 
 gladdened the hearts of all, for many of the men had 
 enlisted in August preceding, and had been four 
 months without money ; consequently many of their 
 families suffered for the necessaries of life, and this 
 pay was a God-send to them. For be it known that 
 men who- enlisted in those days did so from purely 
 patriotic motives. No big bounties were in anticipa 
 tion ; in fact, there were not even little bounties ex 
 pected, but all went forth to do battle for their 
 country from a sense of duty only. 
 
 On December 26th, 1861, Col. Hartranft inaugura 
 ted a novel mode of punishment for the unruly and 
 disobedient, and all others whose crimes were of the 
 higher order, such as getting drunk, breaking guard, 
 &c. It consisted of a barrel with one end knocked 
 out, and a hole in the other sufficiently large to 
 allow the head of the culprit to protrude above it. 
 The introduction of this novelty afforded considerable 
 amusement for the boys. As an illustration, on the 
 first day of its introduction the boys "dubbed" it 
 the " overcoat," and one man, (poor fellow ! he sealed 
 his devotion to his country with his life s blood at 
 the battle of the Wilderness, Va., May 6th, 1864,) 
 had asked the colonel for a pass to go into the city, 
 and was refused, for the colonel knew he wanted to 
 go only for a drunken frolic, and would be picked up 
 by the provost guard and severely punished. But 
 on being refused, he felt bound to " win the horse or 
 lose the saddle," and broke guard, went to town, got 
 " tight," and raised " old Harry." He was fortunate 
 enough to evade the patrol, but not so fortunate in 
 evading the colonel, whom he met as he was coming 
 into camp, and who arrested and made him wear the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 39 
 
 " new overcoat." Pretty soon after he got the barrel 
 put on him a comrade came into camp eating an 
 apple. The prisoner ask ed him, as he was passing, 
 for one. His comrade offered it ; but a difficulty 
 here arose as to how he was to get hold of it, for the 
 sides of the barrel completely enveloped him, and 
 his arms hung uselessly at his side, for the lower end 
 of the barrel extended below the ends of his fingers. 
 However, it was decided that the apple should be 
 placed on the head of the barrel, and thereby he 
 might, by twisting and turning the barrel, be able to 
 eat it, if the apple would only roll to his mouth so 
 he could catch it with his teeth and get a "bite." 
 But on "diving" around to catch the fruit, the poor 
 fellow stubbed his toe, and, his hands being confined 
 by the barrel, down he went, rolling into a small 
 ditch close by, unable to help himself in the least. 
 His moans and grunts attracted the attention of the 
 guards aif well as his comrades, who went to his 
 rescue, and they soon set him on his "pins" again, 
 " a sadder if not a wiser man." He had bruised 
 himself a little, and his opinion of the new overcoat 
 ivas not very favorable. 
 
 On the 29th day of December, 1861, the regiment, 
 while out on drill, received marching orders, to 
 report at 12 o clock, noon, of the next day, on board 
 of the fleet then assembled off the Naval School at 
 Annapolis, with three days cooked rations and forty 
 rounds of ammunition to each man. Speculation 
 now ran high as to the expedition s destination. 
 Some suggested up the York river, Ya., some the 
 James river, and very few thought it possible that it 
 would go on the ocean. But all their conjectures 
 were doomed to be disappointed ! The next day 
 
40 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 and several days thereafter found the Coast Division 
 still in camp, but for what cause none could explain. 
 The vessels had been arriving for several weeks 
 past, but all that were to go had not arrived up to 
 the above date. All the preparations were being 
 made by (ren. Burnside as expeditiously as possible. 
 Loading provisions, water, and ammunition, taking 
 in coal and wood, cattle, horses, artillery, &c. f all had 
 to be done by the soldiers, and only those who 
 assisted in the stupendous labor can have any idea 
 of the magnitude of the work done. The loading 
 was not completed till the 5th of January, 1862. 
 
 On the 31st of December, 1861, the 51st was mustered 
 for two months pay, and also had a general inspection 
 by Gen. McClellan s staff. After muster and inspection 
 were over an accident occurred that deprived a man, 
 James Hamilton, of Co. I, of one of his hands. He, in 
 company with several comrades, was foolishly play 
 ing with a loaded pistol, when, either by accident or 
 design, the pistol was discharged, and the ball passed 
 through the palm of his hand, creating a frightful 
 wound, and disabling him from ever participating in 
 the various scenes of the regiment. In the evening 
 before New Year the band of the 51st honored Col. 
 Hartranft and staff with a fine serenade, after which 
 many good things were "said and done." Again, 
 following this, about midnight, Col. H. and staff were 
 flatteringly honored by a splendid serenade from the 
 magnificent band of the 51st regiment N. Y. S. Y. 
 The colonel reciprocated the honor handsomely by 
 extending an invitation to them to "come into" his 
 quarters and partake of some refreshments, to which 
 they did full justice. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 41 
 
 PART II, -186 
 
 CHAPTBE I. 
 
 The New Year of 1862 A rough night Company drills 
 Liquor smuggling Paid off Going aboard the Fleet. 
 
 THE next day, Wednesday, beginning the New 
 Year of 1862, speculations were rife as to where the 
 men and regiment would be that time next year. 
 Many of the stout hearts and buoyant spirits of the 
 51st enjoyed that day who did not see the ushering 
 in of another New Year. It was spent in hard 
 drilling. The weather was mild throughout the day, 
 but became cloudy towards night ; the wind rose 
 and blew a perfect hurricane, untenting many a poor 
 fellow, by raising his canvas house, poles and pins, 
 oft the ground, exposing them very unceremoniously 
 to all the furies of the then prevailing storm. But, 
 luckily for a great many of them, orders to march 
 that night had been received, and the wise ones slept 
 with their shoes and as much of their clothing on 
 as they conveniently could ; thus when they became 
 " unhoused," they were prepared for the emergency 
 to some extent. The order to be ready to march at 
 an hour s notice was kept a standing one, and very 
 little was done except company drilling until Janu 
 ary the 6th, 1862 ; but there was enough of that kind 
 
42 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIBST KEGIMENT 
 
 of drilling to make the boys care very little whether 
 "school kept "or not; but it had to be done, for 
 after once on the vessel, no drilling could be done 
 whatever. While waiting two weeks to embark on 
 board the fleet, stringent orders had been issued by 
 the provost marshal of Annapolis against selling 
 liquor to soldiers ; but there were a number of citi 
 zens who would smuggle a few canteensful into 
 camp at a time, and find a ready market for it at 
 exorbitant prices, thereby furnishing the soldiers 
 with as much liquor as they desired, notwithstanding 
 the provost marshal s orders against it. The soldiers 
 all carefully concealed the sources from which they 
 obtained it. One man of Company D, Jacob Fizone, 
 supplied himself with a pair of lieutenant s shoulder- 
 straps, and furnished himself and friends with all the 
 liquors they wanted, without detection. 
 
 On Sunday, January 5th, 1862, the Paymaster of the 
 U. S. A. again visited the 51st and began about noon 
 to pay off* the regiment, concluding about an hour 
 after midnight. This was the second payment to the 
 regiment, and was for the two months of November 
 and December, 1861 being the only payment the 
 51st ever received wherein it was paid up so close 
 to time, leaving only five days unpaid. 
 
 The next day was a busy one, preparing to go on 
 the fleet. The sick that were thought to be con 
 valescent had all been sent on board several days 
 before ; those who were in a more critical condition 
 had been sent to the hospitals in and around 
 Annapolis, Md., and Washington, D. 0., to remain 
 until recovered sufficiently to be forwarded, at some 
 future time, to the regiment. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEES. 43 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Leaving Camp Union The Cossack and Scout Burnsidc Ex 
 pedition leaves Annapolis The reception at Fortress Mon 
 roe The Rip-raps The first shot heard Enthusiasm of the 
 troops Again on the ocean Storm at sea Hatteras Inlet 
 Narrow escape of the Scout Wreck of the " City of New 
 York." 
 
 JANUARY 6th, 1862, found the 51st entering on 
 its ever memorable and useful career. . 
 
 At 8 A. M. it "struck tents" and prepared to va 
 cate "Camp Union." Three day s cooked rations 
 were in the haversacks. Forty rounds to eacli man 
 of "buck and ball" were in the cartridge-boxes. 
 An explanation is somewhat necessary here in 
 reference to the " buck and ball." It will be re 
 membered that the arms issued at Harrisburg to 
 the 51st were of the " Harper s Ferry pattern." 
 The ammunition for those muskets was of a very 
 primitive character when compared with the cart 
 ridge in the more advanced state of the rebellion, 
 being a giobulous ball with three buck shot at the 
 top of the cartridge. Those of a later date were 
 conical or elongated balls, without the " buck." 
 
 At noon the regiment " slung knapsacks " and 
 left for the wharf at Annapolis to embark, which it 
 began to do at 3 P. M. Six companies went on 
 board the U. S. transport steamer " Cossack," Capt. 
 Bennett, Master, viz. : companies B, D, E, G, H, and 
 I ; companies A, C, F, and K embarked on board 
 of the schooner " Scout." 
 
 Iliorht glad were the boys to have a chance to get 
 
44: HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY FIRST KEGIMKNT 
 
 rid of their overloaded knapsacks?. The day was 
 very disagreeable for marching. A snow had fallen 
 of about two inches in depth ; and although the 
 march was less than three miles, yet being unin 
 viting under foot to men burdened with heavy 
 knapsacks and unused to such marching, they felt 
 as much fatigued as they were on longer and harder 
 marches at a later time. 
 
 After all had got on the fleet, the six companies 
 on the " Cossack" under Col. Hartranft, found them 
 selves very much crowded, and huddled together 
 more like a herd of cattle than of human beings. 
 Will the government ever learn how to transport 
 its defenders with some little regard to their com 
 fort? It is a burning shame that soldiers are 
 stowed away on vessels and in cars like so much 
 merchandise ! no, not like merchandise, for that is 
 generally put in clean conveyances, but the poor 
 soldiers are frequently put to ride hundreds of 
 miles in cars that have a depth of several inches of 
 manure on the floors from the last load of cattle 
 they contained. The four companies, under com 
 mand of Lieut. Col. Thos. S. Bell, that were put on 
 the "Scout" fared much better for room and venti 
 lation than the six did. 
 
 The steamer Cossack had three decks a lower, 
 a middle or state-room deck and the hurricane 
 deck. Several companies were stowed away in the 
 hold, where the heated and fetid air was enough to 
 breed and spread a contagion throughout the whole 
 fleet. The saloon was occupied by the officers of 
 the field, staff) and line, in company with a few pri 
 vate passengers. Several of the state-rooms were 
 occupied by a number of newspaper reporters, a few 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEES. 45 
 
 U. S. government detectives, and the band of the 
 
 regiment. 
 
 The Cossack " carried two splendid steel three- 
 inch Wiard rifled guns amidships. The cooking for 
 the six companies was done in the cook-room, which 
 was located on the lower deck, amidships, and had 
 to be performed by a detail of three or four soldiers 
 daily, from some one company ; no detail could stand 
 it for more than twenty-four hours at a time, as the 
 heat was so intense, and it required them to be very 
 industrious in order to get enough cooked to last for 
 one day, as the " coppers " were not large enough to 
 cook more than what would supply two companies 
 at a time. 
 
 After getting the 51st on board the " Cossack " 
 and the " Scout," the regiment rode at anchor off An 
 napolis until fifteen minutes before nine o clock on 
 the morning of the 9th of January. At the same 
 time the entire fleet weighed anchor and steamed 
 down the Chesapeake, the " Cossack " having the 
 schooners "Scout" and "Kecruit" in tow. 
 
 The preparations for this grand expedition were 
 of the most elaborate character. For weeks before 
 starting on its destination every precaution had been 
 taken by its able commander to make success cer 
 tain, as it afterwards proved. Very little rest, by 
 day or night, was obtained by either Gen. Burnside 
 or Gen. Jesse L. Eeno. In their arduous duties they 
 were ably assisted by their brilliant staffs, (of one of 
 which was Lieut. Morris, of the 51st P. V.,) from the 
 original conception of the expedition till its final and 
 illustrious close. Somewhere near seventy or eighty 
 vessels of different kinds and classes made up the 
 fleet. It was a magnificent sight to see it under 
 
46 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 way. All the vessels started in company, but when 
 the Cossack, with her two consorts, arrived off the 
 mouth of the Potomac river only nine vessels were 
 in sight, she having distanced the entire fleet. 
 
 While running down the Chesapeake the men en 
 joyed themselves very much, having cleared room 
 enough for a cotillion set, they enjoyed dancing to 
 their heart s content, the band -furnishing excellent 
 music for the occasion. 
 
 At one o clock on the morning of the 10th the 
 " Cossack " dropped her anchor a little below the 
 mouth of the Kappahannock, on account of a dense 
 fog then prevailing, and lay by till three o clock P. M. 
 of the same day. As the 51st passed the mouths 
 of the York and other rivers, between Annapolis 
 and Fortress Monroe, the rumors as to its destina 
 tion were more prevailing, if possible, than ever be 
 fore : some even pretended to know where they were 
 going, but they were disappointed in nearly, or quite, 
 all of their conjectures. 
 
 It must be here stated, that the crowded condition 
 of the steamer began to be a serious annoyance. Al 
 though the vessel was intended to afford a reason 
 able amount of comfort to the soldiers on board, yet 
 such was not the case. Many were obliged to re 
 main up all night, so as to furnish room enough in 
 the bunks for those who slept at night ; when these 
 in turn would sleep in daylight. This continued 
 from the 6th of January to the 7th of February, 
 1862, in order to get their needed sleep and rest. 
 
 The issues of rations were of an imperfect charac 
 ter, for all had to be cooked before issued to the men, 
 there being but the one small workroom, for which 
 each company was obliged to await its turn ; and to 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 47 
 
 their credit be it said, they did wait with as good a 
 grace as possible. Still some dissatisfied spirits "had 
 to have their "growl," which appeared to benefit 
 some of them nearly as much as did their rations. 
 Both the regimental and line officers had been ap 
 pealed to for a remedy, but with no success, for they 
 were in but a very little better situation than the 
 men, and as they found it impossible to remedy their 
 own inconvenience, both officers and men were com 
 pelled to make the best of their unfortunate dilemma. 
 
 The companies that were quartered in the hold 
 suffered very much with the fetid air and heat inci 
 dent to an overcrowded vessel. Being below water 
 mark, there was no ventilation o,-ly by the very nar 
 row stairway leading to the deck, which was always 
 crowded bv those seeking egress to get a little fresh 
 air, both day and night. The gloom on the stairway 
 and in the hold rivalled the Egyptian darkness, and 
 a short piece of candle that would be lit momentarily 
 for some obvious reason, would only serve to show 
 "how thick the darkness" was. 
 
 Whenever the weather was pleasant the upper 
 decks were always crowded with the men. It af 
 forded a great relief to them from their imprisonment 
 below in stormy weather; but there being so much 
 tempestuous weather at that season of the year be 
 tween Annapolis and Hatteras Inlet, this pleasure 
 was frequently denied them. 
 
 Late in the afternoon of the 10th of January the 
 regiment arrived at Fortress Monroe, and as the 
 "Cossack" passed the man-of-war " Minnesota," the 
 51st was greeted with loud cheers from the officers 
 and the gallant tars belonging to that noble vessel. 
 An extract from a private letter describes, in the fol 
 lowing words, the scene exactly : 
 

 48 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIKST REGIMENT 
 
 "All along the beach for miles we could see the 
 people running, some on foot, some on horseback, as 
 if they (rebels) got alarmed at seeing so many thou 
 sand soldiers and so many vessels of war around the 
 fortress. It looks very warrish indeed. Everything 
 that comes to the Fortress has to hoist its colors be 
 fore it can pass. Hundreds of vessels are riding at 
 anchor here, and I should judge that not less than 
 seventy-five thousand officers, soldiers, and marines 
 cheered us as we passed in to our anchorage. The 
 cheering and welcoming by the regular men-of- wars- 
 men was uniform and full of discipline. The men 
 got high up in the rigging, appearing more like 
 flies sticking fast to fly-paper than human beings. 
 They hung to the rigging until we got directly 
 broadside with her, when they gave us three rousing 
 cheers, and as soon as these died away, they gave us 
 a single cheer more, and then came down from the 
 rigging. Their band played the Star Spangled 
 Banner. We then passed on to the next man-of-war, 
 the ill-fated Cumberland, when the same formula was 
 gone through with, and so on until we dropped an 
 chor. Then, as if preconcerted, all the bands struck 
 up Home ! Sweet Home ! " 
 
 Thus is the reception of the 51st truthfully de 
 picted in the above extract, on the arrival of the 
 regiment at the Fortress. I say the 51st, for the 
 "Cossack" had lost sight of the entire fleet long 
 before she got near the fort, excepting the two 
 schooners, "Scout" and "Recruit," that were in the 
 " Cossack s " tow. 
 
 The Cossack on her arrival at the Fortress dropped 
 the line of the two vessels in tow, and anchored off 
 the Rip-Raps, directly in front of the rebel batteries, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 49 
 
 on " Sewall s Point Va., but not near enough for 
 the "F. F. Y. s" to pay their compliments to her. 
 While lying at anchor off the Eip-Eaps, on Saturday, 
 January llth, 1862, a shot was fired from the Sawyer 
 gun mounted on the Eip-Eaps, at the " Chivalry " on 
 Sewall s Point, which, to many, aye, very many too, 
 was the first shot heard in the war by them. And 
 although a large number had begun to despond from 
 the privations already suffered, and others from 
 being so far from their homes for the first time in 
 their lives, leaving friends, kindred, homes, all, so 
 far behind, yet that one shot awakened the most 
 lively patriotism ever evinced on any occasion. 
 Their grievances were all forgotten in the twinkling 
 of a star, and all, aye, all ! were anxious, not only to 
 see a fight, but wild in their language and actions to 
 participate in one; for while remaining in Camps 
 Curtin at Harrisburg and Union at Annapolis, long 
 and loud were the complaints made, that the war 
 would be over before the regiment would get " a 
 show," as they called it. But, alas! how many 
 " shows " have they had ? Immediately on the dis 
 charge of the Sawyer gun, the rebels threw a shell at 
 the Eip-Eaps, but it exploded when about two-thirds 
 of the way, and the pieces fell harmlessly in the 
 water below. The balance of the day was occupied 
 by the contending forces with a brisk cannonading, 
 though much fiercer on the part of the rebels. 
 
 Both parties at noon met in Hampton Eoads with 
 a flag of truce, another interesting sight to the un 
 initiated. 
 
 When night began to spread her sable wings over 
 all nature, the events of the day were brought to a 
 close, and a highly animated discussion took place 
 
50 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 among men who were active participants in a far 
 more exciting scene in less than one month after. 
 
 At 9 o clock at night of the llth of January, the 
 " Cossack " again weighed anchor and stood out to 
 sea, to buffet the waves on the broad bosom of the 
 Atlantic. The two schooners were again taken in 
 tow, but on reaching the ocean, about two o clock 
 on Sunday morning, the 12th, the tow-line was 
 dropped and each vessel had to take care of itself. 
 At daylight the fleet was nowhere to be seen. The 
 North Carolina shore was in sight, but very distant. 
 About 7 o clock A. M. the wind began to rise and 
 "blew a hurricane," at noon it had died away to 
 some extent ; but the sea was rolling mountains high, 
 and right nobly did the brave old steamer ride them, 
 more like a thing of life and reason, than a huge 
 mass of inanimation. The heavy seas would strike as 
 if determined to shiver her to atoms, but she battled 
 with the surges as if fighting for her very existence, 
 and as the mighty waves would strike the ponder 
 ous sides of the vessel as if to break her to pieces, 
 she would glide over them as it were, mocking their 
 efforts to crush her. She rolled and plunged through 
 it all, with safety to herself and her precious freight 
 of brave and daring hearts. But who can give a full 
 description of the " casting up of accounts " by that 
 freight? The rolling and plunging of the steamer 
 caused sea sickness to nearly every one on board. 
 There was no sympathetic heart to beat in unison with 
 the invalid, no fair and gentle hand to assist the head, 
 while the stomach was undergoing its rigorous com 
 motions. No kindly voice to echo "New York," as 
 the poor victims of Neptune s rule lay extended on 
 deck on their stomachs, like a spread eagle, caring 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 51 
 
 very little whether " school kept or not." It was 
 somewhat amusing to witness the invalids while 
 undergoing their performance; there they lay, some 
 on the hurricane deck, with their heads projecting 
 over the ship s sides, "feeding the fishes;" some in 
 their bunks below, not able to help themselves in the 
 least, would cascade over everything about them ; 
 while those who were more fortunate, so far, stood 
 laughing at the sick comrades in their wretched 
 spasms; in a few moments longer the "Mockers" 
 themselves would be down on all fours echoing 
 "New York" to the originals. Sea sickness is a de 
 termined and relentless foe. At first only a few 
 were seized with it, but as the waves increased in 
 size, making the vessels at times nearly perpen 
 dicular in their plungings, the number of invalids 
 increased, until all or nearly all, were down on their 
 stomachs emptying their contents into old ocean and 
 other places. The pale face, the sunken eye, the 
 dishevelled hair, all bespoke the trying ordeal that 
 nearly all had had, or were passing through. The 
 motion of the vessels reminded a person of being 
 seated on a very high swing and moving to and fro 
 with great rapidity. Thus events passed on until 
 5 o clock P. M., of the 12th, when the " Cossack " 
 reached ITatteras Inlet, North Carolina. But where 
 were the Scout and the Eecruit ? neither of them had 
 been seen since the night before, when the tow-line 
 had been " cast off ." Fears for the safety of those 
 on board, began to take possession of those on the 
 Cossack; but at this juncture the imminent peril 
 that she was in, made those on her begin to think of 
 their own safety, and as self-preservation seemed to 
 
52 HISTORY OF THK FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 be the first law of nature just at that time, the Scout 
 and the Recruit were left to look out for themselves. 
 
 On arriving at Hatteras Inlet, on account of the 
 heavy-running sea, very few vessels of the fleet 
 could run in. The Cossack cruised off the Inlet till 
 nearly sundown, but was unable to enter on account 
 of the imminent risk attached to such an undertaking, 
 especially when the waves were rolling frightfully 
 high. The entrance to Parnlico Sound being very 
 narrow and shallow, the bed of the channel con 
 tinually shifting, antl the quicksands constantly 
 changing their location under the heavy sea, the 
 steamer was forced to stand off the Inlet and run 
 run out to sea again battling with the furies of the 
 ocean till sunrise next morning, when the Cossack 
 found herself over forty-five miles from the Inlet, 
 beating northwest. She then " about face " and ran 
 for the Inlet again, arriving there at 10 A. M. the 
 13th of January. 
 
 The Scout did not find the Inlet for several days. 
 Passing it on Sunday, the 12th, she beat down the 
 coast of the Carolinas, and was very near being cap 
 tured, having run within sight of land, and mistaking 
 it for Hatteras, she ran close into shore, almost under 
 the guns of a large rebel fort ; but luckily for her 
 and the four companies aboard, she made her es 
 cape and arrived at the Inlet on the 18th of the 
 month, after suffering terribly from thirst, not being 
 able to obtain fresh water. They were obliged to drink 
 vinegar to allay their thirst drinking about two 
 barrels and a half in less than three days. The 
 rations also became short, but they managed to eke 
 them out by eating raw pork during four days, 
 until they could get a fresh supply. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 53 
 
 The Cossack, on arriving at the Inlet, found a por 
 tion of the fleet had already entered in safety. The 
 sea, still very high, rendered the passing in a haz 
 ardous undertaking for any vessel, with or without 
 a pilot. On nearing the Inlet, she signalled for a 
 pilot, and when within a mile of the entrance the 
 tug-boat " Pilot Boy " answered the signal and im 
 mediately came out. Being "hailed," the Cossack 
 answered, " we want a pilot to take us into the Inlet." 
 The reply was, " It is impossible to get in through 
 such a heavy sea ; the danger of going to pieces is 
 inevitable." J.ust then the splendid and commodious 
 steamer " City of New York " attempted to run in, 
 but the rough sea, handling her as if she was a mere 
 egg-shell, threw her upon the beach, and in less than 
 twenty minutes that mammoth steamer was lashed 
 to pieces by the angry breakers. The pilot referred 
 Capt. Bennett, of the Cossack, to the present fate 
 of the " City of New York," and advised him to 
 " stand out to sea again " until it became more calm. 
 But Capt. Bennett was not to be daunted by the 
 fate of the wrecked steamer ; immediately putting on 
 a full head of steam, determining to go in or perish in 
 the attempt, and the 51st s officers and men having 
 backed " him up " in his determination, he ordered 
 the " Pilot Boy" to run in ahead of the steamer. The 
 Cossack followed, and although her bottom dragged 
 on the shoal upwards of two hundred yards, with 
 every timber creaking and groaning under the im 
 mense pressure from the headway attained, she suc 
 ceeded in getting safely inside of the breakers with 
 out any damage incurred to her or the cargo. The 
 many palpitating hearts overflowed with joy on 
 arriving in a haven of safety, at least of apparent 
 
54 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-FIEST EEGIMENT 
 
 safety. Now, that the companies B, D ; E, G, H and 
 I were in a fair kind of harbor, great anxiety 
 sprang up as to the fate of the schooner Scout with 
 the remaining four companies, A C, F and K. 
 Their probable fate had been discussed for several 
 days after the Cossack entered the Sound, and it 
 was generally believed that they had found a liquid 
 grave in the waters of the Atlantic, but on the 18th 
 of January, about 9 A. M., the schooner hove in 
 sight and ran within the Inlet, anchoring near the 
 Cossack. With eagerness, Col. Hartranft and Lieut. 
 Col. Bell met and greeted each other by a cordial 
 shaking of hands, mingling their joys together at 
 the happy result of finding each other alive, as well 
 as their respective commands. 
 
 CHAPTEK III. 
 
 Capt. Bennett More storms and wrecks The Cossack in 
 danger Loss of the Louisiana Veiling of lights Scarcity 
 of water and rations Using vinegar Heroism of the Sailors 
 in procuring water Gratitude of the Soldiers to the Tars 
 Preparations for landing Unloading horses. 
 
 CAPT. BENNETT saved a large portion of the 
 crew of the ill-fated steamer, City of New York, 
 at the imminent risk of losing his own valuable life. 
 He was a brave, daring man, never allowing any 
 thing earthly to thwart him when it was his duty to 
 perform a humane act. After rescuing many of the 
 wrecked crew, he placed them on board of his own 
 steamer, where they received every attention and 
 kindness from the officers and men of the 51st. 
 
 On the 14th another storm arose; the sea again 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 55 
 
 running tremendously high, the rain corning down in 
 torrents, the gale causing the vessels of the fleet to 
 drag their anchors and colliding or driving them 
 ashore. The Cossack was driven aground; when 
 the keel struck, it was feared that she would cer 
 tainly go to pieces, for the timbers creaked and 
 cracked as if her whole bottom had been crushed in ; 
 but such was not the case, and when it became gen 
 erally known in the regiment that she was still safe, 
 unlimited confidence was reposed in her staunchness. 
 
 The next day the storm somewhat subsided ; but 
 the sea still running high, the colonel and surgeon 
 of the 39th New Jersey, with two privates of another 
 regiment, took a surf boat, intending to visit the 
 wreck of the City of New York, but a heavy sea 
 struck the boat and capsized it, and all four souls 
 were ushered into eternity by drowning. The 
 bodies of the colonel and surgeon were recovered 
 and sent home for burial. 
 
 At the same time, a gun-boat sunk off Fort Clark; 
 also a schooner laden with army stores was sunk. 
 And, to add still more to the destruction, the Cossack 
 lent a little to complete the chapter of accidents on 
 that day. A schooner laden with lumber ran into her, 
 carried away a number of state-rooms, and tore up 
 the upper-deck on the whole of one side of the 
 "ladies saloon." The schooner s bowsprit had cut 
 into the timbers and rigging of the Cossack, like the 
 nose of a gigantic hog rooting heedless of the dam 
 age being done. Fears were entertained that the 
 schooner might saw the Cossack in two to the 
 water s edge. Every man of the 51st on the Cossack 
 felt it his duty to assist to work the stubborn monster 
 away from the steamer; and right lustily did they 
 
56 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 work, but for a long time in vain, for the rough 
 sea kept driving the two vessels together, baffling all 
 human efforts to part them. Axes were brought to 
 bear on the rigging of both vessels, and on the bow 
 sprit of the schooner, which was cut away close to 
 her bow and released the Cossack from the grasp of 
 her dangerous ally. 
 
 At 4.20 A. M., of this unlucky day, James Conway, 
 a member of Company D, died. He was buried in 
 the afternoon, on shore, near Fort Clark, at Hatteras. 
 
 On the next day several more vessels were wrecked 
 or damaged to a considerable extent. Among the 
 latter was a first-class steamboat, the " Louisiana." 
 She got aground, parted her keel and lay there 
 with her back broken, a useless mass of wood and 
 iron. The men began to despair of the success of 
 the expedition. Everything appeared to be going 
 the wrong way ; men losing their lives by drowning ; 
 the fleet getting reduced daily by disaster ; the regu 
 lar being " aground " of a half a dozen vessels at a 
 time ; water and rations scarce ; quarters uncomfort 
 able ; and last, though not least, very irregular 
 mails. The very acme at this time of the men s 
 existence was to hear the cry " Mail 1" " Mail !" An 
 extract from a private letter written at that time by 
 a private in the olst, gives a correct idea of the 
 above accounts, it says : " We have just been aground, 
 but are now afloat again. The Cossack is very much 
 strained all through. We are getting up steam to 
 run about a mile further up the sound hoping to 
 find deeper water. I can stand on our deck and 
 count nine wrecked vessels within sight. I think I 
 will quit giving you any more accounts of our end 
 less troubles ; for as soon as one vessel is relieved, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 57 
 
 another and sometimes two will need assistance, 
 and as it is nothing but a repetition of disasters, 
 there is no use of writing anything more about them. 
 I am sick of looking at those wrecked hulks. All 
 I wish is that I was at home, I would not go a sol 
 diering again in a fleet. I like it on land and would 
 willingly go again, but you could not coax me to get 
 into another scrape like this. And I don t believe 
 there is one in a thousand but that wishes the same 
 as I do. There is no hilarity on board, now, no 
 laughing and singing, I wish I was in Dixey ; they 
 all appear to have enough of Dixey. Our officers 
 are all desponding, and the men watch every look and 
 movement they happen to give or make. I have no 
 chance of knowing to any extent the sufferings on 
 the other vessels, but I see our own, and God knows 
 they are enough. If any of them are undergoing 
 what might be compared to the interest on ours, I pity 
 them. There is no telling when we shall get away 
 from here, and if we knew, it wouldn t do us any 
 good, for we have no rations, water or coal on board, 
 and what little grub the garrison in Fort Clark 
 has, would not last us more than one day. The 
 captain of this ship intends going to-day to see what 
 is to be done for us. If anything can be done, he is 
 the one that will do it, for a more resolute, deter 
 mined officer could not be found in the navy." 
 
 Thus are the trials and disappointments of the 
 regiment fully related, in addition to the anxiety 
 about not getting "mails." It must be confessed 
 that the irregularity of the mail was to be deplored ; 
 but, under the circumstances, no better facilities 
 offered for conveying it than the casual stopping of 
 the Port Koyal mail steamers at the Inlet, when out 
 
58 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 of coal or other necessaries. The Port Koyal, S. 
 C. ; mail arrived and departed once in about two 
 weeks, so the regiment received a mail at least 
 that often. 
 
 During those exciting times, the health of the 
 regiment was extremely good. The weather in the 
 South, at this period of the year, (January,) is very 
 much like the warm, murky, rainy weather up 
 North in the spring. On shipboard the changes of 
 the atmosphere were more sensibly felt, for there the 
 high winds, storms, &c., had full play. It is to be 
 wondered how the men retained so good health on 
 such scanty rations, scarcity of water, under intense 
 excitement, continuing both day and night, with the 
 weather at one hour warm enough to remain on 
 deck in their shirt sleeves, and in the next to feel 
 comfortable with a blouse and two coats on. 
 
 As long as the vessel would float, things assumed 
 a cheerful aspect, but she was nearly as much of the 
 time aground as afloat ; a dozen times a day to be 
 aground was not uncommon. 
 
 On the 16th of January, the Cossack parted her 
 anchor-chain, and thereby lost her moorings ; conse 
 quently she could only be kept stationary after that 
 event by being aground, but that was a risky busi 
 ness, for then her huge timbers creaked and groaned 
 as if she could not hold together another moment. 
 The cause of the -Cossack being aground so often 
 can only be attributed to the parties from whom the 
 Government obtained her, as she drew thirty inches 
 more water than her owners had stated she did. 
 
 When evening came all the vessels had to ex 
 tinguish their lights, or mask their windows and 
 doors to prevent the rays being seen outside the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 59 
 
 vessels. The rebels were running down from Koan- 
 oke Island on small steamers, spying out for their 
 benefit whatever could be seen. The nights being 
 dark and the Sound very rough, with the vessels 
 darkened, another schooner broke loose from her 
 moorings, and ran into the Cossack, smashing things 
 in general ; but in the course of a couple of hours 
 she was released from her " friendly antagonist." 
 
 On the 16th of January, the 51st might reasonably 
 date the true commencement of its real troubles 
 beginning with no water on the vessel, and ending 
 with no rations in the haversack, or in fact any 
 where about. The regiment began to experience 
 what soldiering is in reality. It had always been 
 accustomed to get its coffee between six and ten 
 o clock A. M., but this time it was doomed to get 
 none at all, for there was no water, with which to 
 make it. All who have been in actual service will 
 say with the writer that a cup of coffee was, under 
 all circumstances, full one-half of their living; 
 whether on the march or in camp, on the battle-field 
 or picket line, coffee, like sleep, was the great re 
 storer of tired nature. 
 
 Noon came, still no water to be had for drinking 
 or coffee. Almost fabulous prices were given to the 
 ship s steward for a half gill, a gill or half pint of 
 coffee, such quantity as he thought he could spare 
 from the crew s mess. The writer of this was for 
 tunate enough to obtain a tin cup nearly half full, 
 and was instantly offered two dollars for only one- 
 half of that portion. Late in the afternoon the first 
 mate and several seamen took two water-casks and 
 went, heaven knows where, after water, and returned 
 
60 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 by nine o clock at night with only sufficient to make 
 a little coffee, which was issued about midnight. 
 
 The 17th and 18th were two pleasant days, and 
 the boats, with crews, had to be employed in some 
 extra duty, preparatory to the sailing of the fleet up 
 the Sound ; consequently but a very limited amount 
 of water and provisions was got on board ; in fact, 
 no more than what was barely sufficient for the im 
 mediate wants of the regiment for the time being. 
 It was intended to begin in a day or two to stow 
 away a full supply for the remainder of the voyage, 
 but u man proposes, and God disposes." The next 
 day opened with a violent storm, driving nearly 
 every vessel of the fleet aground. The regiment 
 did not only suffer for water, but also for food; 
 there was none of either on board, and, being 
 aground, it was necessary to endeavor to get the 
 vessel afloat for the safety of her living cargo. The 
 rain which fell in torrents at one time furnished the 
 " boys " with a kind of water. They held their can 
 teens or cups under every available place to catch 
 the rain that ran off the decks. It must be confessed 
 that it was not very pure, being composed of the 
 washings of the decks, tobacco quids, saliva, and 
 other uninviting ingredients not necessary to men 
 tion here, but all went towards making up a cup or 
 a canteenful of the aquatic fluid. 
 
 On the 20th, an attempt was made to cross the bar, 
 but with no success, having grounded again during 
 a heavy sea. The old saying that "it s an ill wind 
 that blows nobody good," was verified in this case, 
 for by our getting aground, and also many others of 
 the fleet, the tug-boats were kept busy in relieving 
 the distresses of vessels in a worse situation than 
 
4 OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 61 
 
 the Scout and Cossack; consequently our Quarter 
 master took advantage of the situation and also of 
 the boats, and started off to the store-ship and suc 
 ceeded in getting a small supply of rations. 
 
 The Cossack remaining aground began to settle on 
 the bottom, for the high wind had driven the tide 
 out to sea. So deeply had she become imbedded in 
 mud that she remained thus till late in the afternoon 
 of the next day, when the wind shifted and the tide 
 came in again and floated her clear of the bottom. 
 Another attempt was made next day to get her over 
 the bar, but running into another vessel, she 
 
 7 o / 
 
 grounded again, and this time she went high and 
 dry. 
 
 Capt. Bennett and Col. Hartranft did all that lay 
 in their power to get her afloat once more, but with 
 out success, and in the evening the regiment was 
 transferred to the stern-wheel steamer " Union," 
 (familiarly known throughout the fleet as the 
 " Wheelbarrow,") for the purpose of lightening the 
 Cossack, that she might be got over the bar. Some 
 time in the night, after the troops had all disem 
 barked from her, four tugs drew her over the bar 
 into Pamlico Sound. 
 
 Soon after getting over the bar, George Schaffer, 
 of Co. D, died. His body was put into a rude 
 coffin and awaited such times as it could be con 
 veyed to the shore for interment. On the 21st the 
 51st fasted the entire day not an enlisted man had 
 had a mouthful of food or water since the day 
 before, and the sufferings from thirst becoming in 
 tense, a barrel of vinegar was tapped, the whole of 
 which was swallowed in less than two hours. The 
 second mate, at the risk of his life, with five seamen, 
 
62 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIKST KEGIMENT 
 
 took a boat at ten o clock at night and went after 
 water. The sea, or rather the sound, was running 
 tremendously high ; every one on board gazed on the 
 adventurous party with feelings mingled with hope 
 and fear (hope, that water might be obtained, fear, 
 that the brave hearts going after it would not return 
 again) as the frail craft was shoved away from the 
 steamer s side, fully believing they would find a 
 watery grave in the "troubled waters." At times 
 the little party would disappear in the trough" of 
 the sea, behind a huge wave, and be lost to the 
 vision of the anxious gazers for some minutes. As 
 the night was dark, they could not be discerned at 
 any great distance, but the splashing of the oars 
 could be distinctly heard, and by that it was known 
 their frail craft still floated. With what breathless 
 anxiety did that thirst-suffering regiment listen and 
 wait for their return ! Many lives seemed to depend 
 on the success of that venturesome party magnani 
 mous souls ! who were risking their lives to relieve 
 the sufferings of their fellow men. Capt. Bennett 
 gave his consent to their going, although he feared 
 no boat could live in such a sea five minutes, yet by 
 accident they might succeed in returning. And, 
 thanks to the Giver of all good, they did, with 
 enough water to give nearly a pint to each man on 
 board. 
 
 The gratitude of the soldiers developed itself by 
 presenting the second mate and each of the five sea 
 men with a splendid bowie knife, at that time the 
 only testimonials they had in their power to bestow. 
 
 Now that they had the water, where or how were 
 they to obtain food ? none, however, was got that 
 night. The next day (the 24th) another of those 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 63 
 
 violent thunder storms came up, which prevented 
 any food from coming on board that day till late in 
 the afternoon, and the men having been already so 
 long without food, their sufferings were beyond de 
 scription. 
 
 The letters written at that time to the tl loved ones 
 at home" only conveyed a faint idea of their priva 
 tions. None could have exaggerated, had they tried, 
 for the dreadful picture needed no coloring to make 
 it more impressive. 
 
 But late in the afternoon both water and rations, 
 in a limited quantity, came on board ; but it was 
 obtained, like that of the day before, at the risk of 
 the lives of those noble sailors. This time the regi 
 ment presented the mate, Mr. Stroud, with the best 
 watch that was in the possession of the men of the 
 51st, as a token of their appreciation of the efforts 
 of the sailors to procure for them the necessaries of 
 life. Early in the morning of the 25th a plentiful 
 supply of both rations and water was sent on board, 
 and the spirits of the men were raised to the highest 
 degree. During those few days of being on short 
 rations of food and water, which were only a por 
 tion of their trials, the steamer got aground and 
 stuck extremely tight. The tugs made fast to the 
 Cossack to haul her off,, but it was all in vain, for 
 they could not move her an inch. She had to lie in 
 that situation all night, which strained her very 
 much, arid compelled the troops on board to remain 
 up nearly or quite all that night the 18th. At 
 daybreak next morning two large tug boats, belong 
 ing- to Port Royal, hauled up alongside of the Cos 
 sack and took off all the men and arms, and then 
 made fast to the grounded steamer and hauled her 
 
64: HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 off at high tide, which was greatly in favor of the 
 undertaking, and the noble Cossack was once more 
 afloat. While all this was taking place, an accident 
 to the steamboat on which the 51st had embarked 
 came very near proving fatal to a large number of 
 the soldiers. As the boat on which the troops were 
 was about swinging off from the ship s side, it ran 
 into the hulk of the " Brant s Island Shoals light 
 boat," smashing the steamboat like dried leaves. 
 Several of the soldiers made narrow escapes from 
 being precipitated into the water. Several were 
 slightly wounded. Some lost their knapsacks and 
 muskets overboard. As the two vessels went crash 
 ing into each other a number of the men, in order 
 to save themselves, were obliged to jump on board 
 of the "light boat" and were unable to get back 
 again before the steamboat got clear of the wreck, 
 consequently they had to remain on it for some 
 time before their situation was made known and a 
 boat sent to their rescue. 
 
 During this time it must not be supposed that the 
 expedition was lying idle far from it. Gen. Burn- 
 side was superintending the preparations for getting 
 his forces ready for the attack on Eoanoke Island, 
 and trying to get the large number of transports 
 over the bar, transferring troops from one vessel to 
 another, loading and unloading artillery and horses. 
 
 Unloading the horses was a novel sight and 
 afforded considerable amusement to the eye wit 
 nesses. The elegant, large steamer George Peabody 
 had between two and three hundred horses on board, 
 and they were all landed safely at Hatteras Inlet, 
 although the mode of landing them seemed a little 
 barbarous. It was done in this wise : The Peabody 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 65 
 
 anchored in very deep water, within a quarter of a 
 mile of Fort Clark ; a very strong head halter, 
 with a good, strong, and very long rope, was put on 
 each horse. Eight men were in a row boat, six of 
 them rowed, one steered, and one stands to catch the 
 rope when thrown to him. The boat is rowed up to 
 within twenty-five feet of the ship s side, and the men 
 on the steamer throw the rope to the men in the boat. 
 The horse is then led to the gangway on deck, which is 
 very high from the water, and when almost to the 
 very edge of the plank, ten or twelve men give him 
 a sudden push into the sea, where he sinks fifteen 
 or twenty feet, and then he rises to the surface of 
 the water. The oarsmen in the little boat pull for 
 shore, the horse swimming after them; when once 
 on shore he is turned loose, until all are thus dis 
 posed of. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Over the bar Rumors of compromise Rebel gunboats Ad 
 vance of the Fleet to Roanoke Island Demand for Surren 
 der Its rejection Preparations for the Attack. 
 
 ON the evening of the 21st of January, the 51st 
 was again compelled to " pack up " and go on board 
 of another vessel, taking every article with them 
 they possessed, as the Cossack was to be taken over 
 the Great Bar, and everything had to be taken off to 
 enable her to go over ; even the water in her tanks 
 and boilers was drawn off to lighten her as much as 
 possible. All the vessels of deep draught had to be 
 dealt with in the same way, in order to get them 
 over. After all had got over, and lay at anchor close 
 
 to each other, they looked very much dilapidated 
 
 4* 
 
66 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 from the extremely rough usage received in the 
 numberless storms they had been subjected to, not 
 one but what sustained more or less damage; there 
 they lay, some with their upper decks carried away, 
 some, their wheel-houses staved in, others with their 
 deck cabins knocked off) bows stove, bowsprits gone, 
 and some total wrecks. 
 
 On the 22cl of January, the last vessel belonging 
 to the fleet entered the Inlet, but up to this time only 
 a few had been successful in getting on the desired 
 side of the bar. One hundred and fourteen vessels 
 floated, at this date, off Fort Clark, between the inlet 
 and the bar. The storms still prevailing to a greater 
 or less extent, continally retarded the progress of the 
 expedition very much, and gave the rebels, on 
 Roanoke Island, ample- time to strengthen their forti 
 fications and make the contest more desperate when 
 it should come on. 
 
 A rumor had gained considerable credence 
 throughout the entire fleet that the troops were to 
 be sent home in three days time, as the rebels wanted 
 ^o compromise. Many were the curses against those 
 who were supposed would favor such a scheme- 
 But the rumor was evidently started by some one 
 for the sole purpose of testing the patriotism of those 
 who only a few days before were clamorous for 
 food and water. Be that as it may, their patriotism 
 had not oozed out through such a causeless channel. 
 It was too deeply seated, had too firm a hold, and 
 sprang from motives too pure and honest to die out 
 for the want of a few mouth fuls of food and water. 
 The three days passed, aye ! three years passed ! and 
 still found the noble Burnside corps contending with 
 the uncompromising rebels ! 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 67 
 
 The appearance of things by the 26th indicated 
 an early onward movement ; everything was bustle 
 and hurry; vessels with provisions and water were 
 unloading their enormous freights on the vessels 
 containing troops. Gunboats were practising target 
 firing, also the various regiments of infantry. The 
 gunboats were nearly all over the bar, but the trans 
 ports were making but poor headway. 
 
 On the 26th the steamers Admiral and George 
 Pe^abody succeeded, after many attempts, in crossing 
 the bar, and after their success in accomplishing the 
 feat, the transports all made efforts for the same ob 
 ject, and a large number of them succeeded, adding 
 greatly to the size of the fleet already over, and the 
 expectations of getting into a battle within a very 
 few days, ran high. 
 
 The weather now began to be exceedingly fine, 
 and everything progressed encouragingly. The 
 bosom of the Sound was calm and placid as a vast 
 sheet of ice. The prospect of an early departure from 
 the anchorage and rendezvous produced a flow of 
 spirits in the men not often to be met with on the eve 
 of an important battle. 
 
 On the 28th, the mammoth steamer u Eastern 
 Queen" got over the bar, making, in all that were then 
 over, thirty-three vessels directly belonging to the 
 fleet. Gen. Burnside, who had gone to Washington 
 the week previous, now arrived. His benevolent 
 face was seen by his command, as he passed from one 
 vessel to another, and the cheers that rent the air 
 must have been most gratifying to his brave, heroic 
 spirit. The concentration of so large a fleet within 
 the waters of the Carolinas began to alarm the rebels 
 considerably. During the night of the 27th, a rebel 
 
68 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 gunboat bad successfully run tbrougb tbe wbole of 
 the fleet without detection. A rebel schooner used 
 to run down in the daytime within sight of the fleet, 
 to spy out whatsoever there was to be spied. Our 
 gunboats always gave chase to her, and a highly 
 animated race would be the result. On the 29th, the 
 total number of vessels over the bar was forty-one. 
 
 The four companies of the 51st that had been on 
 the Scout, were now transferred from that vessel to 
 the Cossack, to lighten her that she might get over. 
 The accession of those four companies did not add 
 any more comfort to the already over-crowded decks 
 and hold of the Cossack, which had just taken in 
 ninety tons of coal. They remained on the Cossack 
 until February 1st, when they again returned to 
 their own vessel. Sixty-two vessels were over the 
 bar by night of January 31st. 
 
 The steamer Union," alias " Wheelbarrow," ran 
 into the Cossack again, but did no serious damage. 
 After getting clear of the collision, the Cossack took 
 in four hundred barrels of manufactured water. This 
 was distilled from the sea water ; it did very well 
 in the absence of better ; being insipid to the taste, 
 it did not possess the virtue to allay thirst ; but 
 there was no other fresh water to be had, and the 
 fleet making hasty preparations for its departure, 
 the boys concluded that in a few days they would 
 get a drink of good water on the island after they 
 had taken it ! 
 
 A mail arrived on the 31st of January, bringing 
 letters and papers up to the 15th of the same month. 
 It had been nearly or quite three weeks since a 
 regular mail had come in before. 
 
 Guard duty and policing was as regularly per- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 69 
 
 formed as if the regiment had been on shore in camp. 
 An attempt had been made to drill the companies 
 in the manual of arms daily, but to the gratification 
 of the boys, it was found impracticable. As they 
 had to drill on the hurricane deck, the "order arms " 
 made such a racket as to make Capt. Bennett order 
 Col. Hartranft to desist in carrying out that order, 
 which was as promptly and as cheerfully obeyed as 
 if it came from some military superior. The cause 
 of Capt. Bennett s objection to drilling on the steamer 
 was that the noise incident to " order arms," pre 
 vented the ship s crew from hearing his orders, and 
 therefore the "manual" had to be abolished, much 
 to the satisfaction of the men. 
 
 On board of the Cossack, the sutlers, Messrs. Hart 
 ranft and Rodermcl, supplied the wants of the men 
 occasionally, who were fortunate enough to have 
 money, at nearly fabulous prices. Cheese was sold 
 by the lump of two and a half to three pounds for 
 $3, while at home the best was selling for fifteen cents 
 per Ib ; raisins, 75 cents per Ib. ; cigars, (sixes,) 10 
 cents each ; peaches put up in bottles, in indifferently 
 bad whiskey, $8 per bottle. A little " spree" could 
 could not be indulged in without paying dear for it. 
 For instance, a party of three persons were bent on 
 a jollification, and spent 21 in trying to get up a 
 "good feeling," but had to give it up in disgust, for 
 want of funds, and were no nearer attaining their 
 cherished object than when they began. 
 
 February the 1st saw the larger portion of the 
 fleet over the bar, and extensive preparations were 
 being made to leave the Inlet, and proceed to the 
 attack on the island. In fact, the fleet had been 
 deemed ready to go for some time, if the weather had 
 
70 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST KEGIMENT 
 
 not interfered with getting the entire fleet over the 
 bar. Since the most needed vessels were over, it 
 was determined to sail as soon as the weather would 
 permit, but it was either very foggy or very stormy. 
 Sickness now began to lay large numbers of the 
 men up, incident to an overcrowded ship, and for 
 want of purer air and better prepared food. On the 
 4th, everything was ready in detail to start up the 
 Sound the next day, as all the vessels were over the 
 bar that could be got over. At 9 o clock A. M., on 
 the 5th, the fleet left its anchorage, and had a pleas 
 ant run up the Sound to within ten or twelve miles 
 of Roanoke Island, where it arrived at dusk of the 
 evening, and dropped anchor for the night, during 
 which time Corp. George Bowman, of Co. D., died. 
 Next morning (the 6th) looked very dull, gloomy, 
 cloudy, with a heavy fog, and at 6 A. M. it set in to 
 rain. At 8 A. M., on the 6th, the fleet weighed anchor 
 again, and got under way, preceded by the gun 
 boats. The whole movement now was made with 
 slow running and with much caution. The gunboats 
 feeling every foot of their way with suspicion of 
 masked batteries on either shore, which was only a 
 short distance from the vessels, and in plain sight of 
 the more prominent forts on the island. It was also 
 necessary to use great caution in nearing the island, 
 as the Sound was filled with sunken obstacles, but all 
 were passed in safety, and after passing the "Croatan 
 Light-house," the fleet emerged into "Croatan 
 Sound." 
 
 At eleven o clock A. M. the gunboats took up their 
 position, the transports in their rear, but near enough 
 to be useful in case of need. At this juncture a flag 
 of truce was despatched to the island by Gen. Burn- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 71 
 
 side with a formal demand for the surrender of the 
 island, which demand was as formally rejected bv 
 Col. Jordan, of the rebel army. The remainder of 
 the day was occupied in making the final prepara 
 tions for the attack on the coming morrow. Orders 
 were rapidly passed from one vessel to another. The 
 Signal Corps was employed continually throughout 
 the day. The decks of gunboats were cleared for 
 action ; the brave tars were eager for the work of 
 death to commence ; orders were also flying rapidly 
 among the transports, and every preparation to en 
 sure the safe landing of the troops was made. The ex 
 citement among the soldiers became intense from 
 their eagerness to get into action. At the approach 
 of night all the orders necessary for the success of 
 the enterprise were issued and promptly complied 
 with. Each officer and man resolved on doing his 
 part nobly, that the great chieftain, Burnside, whom 
 they all loved and, revered, should be successful in 
 this, his first blow with his expedition at the rebellion. 
 Orders were issued to all the troops, that on landing 
 they were to "fall in" with any company that was 
 the most convenient, (this order was highly neces 
 sary, inasmuch as there was no telling the precise 
 locality of the enemy on shore, and they might take 
 advantage of the bustle and excitement incident to 
 landing troops in a swampy country,) providing 
 anything unusual should occur, and they had not 
 the time to join their respective commands. Knap 
 sacks and all cumbersome luggage were to be left on 
 the vessels. At dark two gunboats were sent out 
 on picket, and to reconnoitre, but found everything 
 quiet. 
 
72 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIKST REGIMENT 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Bombardment by the Fleet Landing of the Troops Battle of 
 Roanoke Island The Victory Death of O. Jennings Wise 
 Character of the Prisoners " Going into Business" The 
 Spy Garbled newspaper reports Good news from all 
 points Speech by General Reno. 
 
 ON Friday morning, (February 7th,) coffee was 
 served out at five o clock throughout the whole fleet. 
 The weather was warm, but very foggy, with a light 
 sprinkling of rain. The little tug-boats were as busy 
 as bees, steaming around and through the fleet, de 
 livering the final orders on the programme of the 
 day, and imparted the information that the attack 
 on the island would soon begin. By ten A. M. the 
 fog had nearly disappeared, and the fleet of gunboats 
 had all taken up their positions, and were now only 
 awaiting the giving of the signal to open the "ball." 
 In their rear the transports, with their eager freight, 
 were ready with their launches, gigs, row and surf 
 boats, for the disembarking of the troops when the 
 signal would be given, that the time had come to do 
 so. While these proceedings were being accom 
 plished Gens. Burnside and Eeno passed up and 
 down the entire length of the expanded fleet in their 
 beautiful " gig," amid the most enthusiastic cheers. 
 Their kindly beaming countenances inspired the men 
 to resolve " to do or die." As they returned to the 
 decks of their respective vessels, the first gun was 
 fired at Fort Bartow on the island at twenty-three 
 minutes past eleven o clock A. M., and almost before 
 the reverberation of the first gun had died away 
 the engagement became general. The infantry on 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 73 
 
 the transports were in a position to have a grand 
 view of the bombardment, which will be remembered 
 by all who witnessed it as a display of unparallelled 
 magnificence. The shell flying in all directions, 
 the thunder of the enormous guns on either side, the 
 sharp crack of the exploding shells in the air, their 
 rapid transit, and the awful crash of the timbers of 
 some gunboat, as an unexploded shell would pass 
 through her staunch sides, or mayhap through her 
 smoke-stack or boiler. The engagement raged with 
 all fury till near night, when the firing began to 
 slacken until it nearly ceased. Occasional shots were 
 exchanged during the fore- part of the night, but 
 finally ceased entirely. At five P. M., of the 7th Feb 
 ruary, the 51st embarked on board the gunboat Dela 
 ware, and landed on the island a few minutes before 
 eight o clock, in a most disagreeable swamp and a 
 heavy rain. The disembarking of the other troops 
 began about four P. M., and by nine o clock the en 
 tire body of troops were all safely landed on the 
 island. The point of landing was about one and a 
 half miles below the enemy s lower fort, in a large 
 swampy cornfield, full of muskrat holes, and the 
 night being one of dense darkness, many a leg un 
 ceremoniously entered the apertures, pitching its 
 possessor headlong into the mire. The scene of land 
 ing the troops was most sublime, grand and impos 
 ing : everything moved with chronometer exactness 
 and quiet. The troops, fully equipped for the fight, 
 should there be one, entered the launches, which, in 
 two ranks or files deep, were made fast to a hawser 
 from the stern of the preceding launch, five feet 
 apart, to the bow of the next following after. Fif 
 teen or twenty ranks, or thirty to forty boats, would 
 
74 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 be thus made fast to a single hawser, the whole taken 
 in tow of some light draught steamer, run up to the 
 shore and there landed. 
 
 The feeling of the men of the 51st at finding them 
 selves once more on land, after an imprisonment of 
 five weeks on board of an overcrowded vessel, can 
 never be fully appreciated only by those who have 
 been similarly situated. 
 
 As soon as the regiment landed it bivouacked in 
 the above-mentioned swampy cornfield, and posted 
 its pickets. The night was very rainy ; being all 
 unacquainted with the conformation of the ground, 
 and with Jthe intentions or positions of the rebel 
 troops, the pickets were posted but a short distance 
 from the main body, but in close proximity to the 
 rebel pickets ; in fact the two lines of pickets were so 
 close in many places that they could hear each other 
 breathe, but owing to the intense darkness, and the 
 thick undergrowth of the stunted pines and other 
 shrubbery, they could not distinguish each other. 
 Some pickets thought their neighbors were of their 
 own men, while others thought different, but to make 
 assurance doubly sure for their own safety, not a 
 word was uttered the whole night by either party, 
 but daylight of next morning revealed who was 
 friend and who foe. 
 
 The rebels, after capture, were asked why they 
 did not fire on the " Yanks " while on picket. They 
 replied, " We were afraid that you were too strong 
 for us to kick up a midnight fight, for we could 
 plainly see your main line by the numerous small 
 fires by which you were cooking your suppers, and 
 we saw there was enough of you to eat us up." 
 
 As soon as the 51st stacked arms and supper over, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 75 
 
 each man laid himself down on the wet ground 
 alongside of his stack, and notwithstanding the 
 heavy rain that continued to pour down all night, 
 they slept as sweetly and soundly as if resting on 
 beds of roses. Many of them on waking up next 
 morning found they had been lying in two or three 
 inches of water. 
 
 The next morning, the 8th, they were called to 
 arms at daylight, as the pickets began their work as 
 soon as it was light enough to distinguish an object, 
 consequently no breakfast could be got that morn 
 ing by the troops. By half-past six A. M. the battle 
 was fairly opened in a dense forest of pine trees, all 
 undergrown with stunted shrubbery, indigenous to 
 swamp land, but the contending forces had taken the 
 " measure " of each other. The enemy, seemingly 
 stubborn, began, retreating toward the centre of the 
 island, where they had a three-gun battery, masked, 
 and almost entirely surrounded by water from one 
 to four feet deep, being built in the centre of an ex 
 tensive swamp, with no dry ground about it save 
 the solitary public road that leads from the lower to 
 the upper end of the island, passing through the 
 fort. Access to this fort by any other than the pub 
 lic ri. ad could only be had through the deep swamp, 
 which was almost impenetrable on account of the 
 long, green chapparal briar. The 51st was kept in 
 line of battle from daylight as a reserved force until 
 about 8J o clock A. M., when, as the enemy gave way 
 to our troops, the 51st would follow up within sup 
 porting distance. While waiting in the woods for 
 orders the wounded of those who went into action 
 early in the morning began to pass on stretchers, or 
 leaning on the arms of sympathizing comrades, or 
 
76 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 crawling along as best they could, each directing his 
 course toward the hospital that had been established 
 where they bivouacked the night before. At 10 A. 
 M. the battle raged in all its fury. The enemy, under 
 cover of their fort, possessed decided advantage over 
 the Union forces, for their artillery was in a com 
 manding position and could sweep everything pass 
 ing in front of it, while the Unionists had only two 
 light marine howitzers which had been dragged into 
 " battery " by hand and were posted in a corner of 
 the woods where it was too swampy to render them 
 of much assistance to the infantry. Directly in front 
 of the rebel works the enemy had made (to use a 
 Southern phrase) a " slashing," which is the felling 
 of trees for two purposes, one is to give themselves 
 a clear and unobstructed view of the approach of 
 their enemy and a clear range for their guns ; the 
 other is, by felling trees in a confused mass, without 
 lopping off boughs, makes it difficult to pass over the 
 ground as well as dangerous. 
 
 This slashing was in length about half a mile, 
 and in breadth about four hundred yards, with the 
 above-mentioned road passing through the middle 
 lengthwise. 
 
 As the enemy fell back to the cover of their 
 battery the 51st was ordered up with the 4th Khode 
 Island volunteers, to endeavor to make a lodgement 
 on the right flank of the enemy s works. The 51st 
 made efforts to cut its way through the dense under 
 growth of briars and bushes. After penetrating the 
 swamp a couple of hundred yards it was found to be 
 impossible to get through, and the enemy already 
 discovering their whereabouts and designs, began 
 shelling and grapeing them with unrelenting fury. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 77 
 
 Col. Hartranft decided to move Ms regiment directly 
 in front of the enemy s guns and make an effort to 
 get in on their left flank. Could this latter move 
 ment have been executed with rapidity the comple 
 tion of it would have ended the battle. While the 
 51st P. V. and the 4th Rhode Island were passing in 
 front of the works and across the slashing they en 
 deavored to conceal themselves as much as possible, 
 but the enemy caught a glimpse of them as they 
 were plunging their way among the dead, dying and 
 wounded, through the deep and muddy swamp, and 
 poured into them volley after volley of grape and 
 canister shots, but with no other harm than carry 
 ing away half of the bayonet off the musket of Reese 
 Grey, of Co. D, 51st P. V. The 24th, 25th and 27th 
 Mass. Vols., and the 9th New York Vols. and 9th 
 New Jersey suffered the most at this point. The 
 swamp was strewn with their dead, dying and 
 wounded, indicative of the fierceness of the battle in 
 the early part of the day. 
 
 After passing over this place Col. Hartranft, aided 
 by Capt. Geo. R. Pechin, commenced to hack their 
 way through the briars with their swords to effect 
 the desired object of getting in on the enemy s left. 
 As every foot of passage-way was gained by them 
 the 51st followed up each step, and in turn was fol 
 lowed by the 4th R. I. While nearly on the flank 
 of the works and making efforts to get across to the 
 fort, a distance of about 150 yards, the 9th New 
 York (Hawkin s Zouaves) charged in solid column 
 up the road into the fort, capturing the three guns and 
 caissons, one of which was a Mexican 18-pounder, 
 another a Dahlgren 12-pounder, and the third one a 
 
78 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Napoleon 24-pounder, all of which had been spiked 
 with rat-tail files. 
 
 The nature of the ground around the fort made it 
 difficult to get into it, for in many places the swamp 
 was waist to arm-pit deep, no dry land in front or on 
 either flank, except the narrow road of twelve feet 
 wide, of corduroy. Tt had been raining all the 
 night before and that day ; and no doubt the rain had 
 added considerably to the advantage of the enemy, 
 by increasing the depth of. the swamp ; but it availed 
 them nothing, for at 1.30 p. M. the fort was in Burn- 
 side s possession, and the rebels fleeing to the upper 
 end of the island in dire confusion, " worse con 
 founded" by being followed by our brave "boys in 
 blue," close on to their heels. So close was the race, 
 that the fleeing "Johnnies" had strewn the roadside 
 for miles with everything that was the least cumber 
 some to them in their precipitate flight. Haversacks, 
 canteens, knapsacks, blankets, clothing of all kinds, 
 swords, bowie-knives ; pistols, cartridge-boxes, mus 
 kets, belts, and rations, literally covered the ground 
 for six miles. So anxious were they to escape the 
 invaders that they shot their mules and horses, 
 leaving them to die in the road, rather than to let them 
 fall alive into the hands of the " cussed Yankees." 
 
 The total of killed and wounded in this battle was 
 one hundred and seventy-eight Unionists and eighty- 
 three rebels, according to the records of the hospitals ; 
 only one of which was of the 51st P. V. The rebels 
 in their flight expected to have reached the upper 
 end of the island in time to get on their gun and other 
 boats, and make their escape across Koanoke Sound 
 to "Nagg s Head;" but their foe followed too close 
 for them, and arrived at the upper end of the island 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 79 
 
 as soon as they. That prince of villains, Henry A. 
 Wise, cowardly deserted his dying son, O. Jennings 
 Wise, who had been wounded and left at a farm 
 house, to die in the hands of his enemy, about two 
 miles above the fort. 
 
 At 3.30 P. M. the enemy surrendered uncondition 
 ally to the Union forces about two thousand five 
 hundred men and the same number of small arms, 
 with about thirty large siege guns, some of very 
 heavy metal. Soon after the surrender of the island, 
 a rebel gunboat arrived with a large number of 
 troops to reinforce the enemy. They, not being 
 aware yet of the surrender, began disembarking. As 
 soon as they were all on shore, Gen. Eeno politely 
 informed them that they were prisoners. Their 
 consternation can be imagined, but not described, 
 when they were informed of the surrender of the 
 island and the flight of that archtraitor, Wise, and 
 the death of 0. Jennings Wise. 
 
 They evinced much mortification at being thus 
 easily captured. Their curses were loud and of the 
 most bitter character against the garrison, for cow 
 ardly permitting them to land in ignorance of the sur 
 render, as they allege they could have got off clear, 
 if they had only been given a signal to that effect. 
 
 Now that the island had succumbed to the com 
 bined land and naval forces, the 51st, as well as 
 others, had to turn their attention to hunting up 
 quarters. In the middle of the afternoon the Union 
 troops found that the rebels had two good sized vil 
 lages of barracks built on the island, nearly sufficient 
 in number to quarter all the Union troops and thoir 
 prisoners. 
 
 Now that quarters were obtained, the victorious 
 
80 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 army turned its attention next to procure something 
 to eat. Although nearly night, many of the men of 
 the 51st had not tasted a morsel of food since the 
 night before. Large quantities of wheat flour, corn 
 meal, white and sweet potatoes, rice, beans, salt pork 
 and bacon, and sugar, with some little coffee, was 
 found in the commissary department of the C. S. A., 
 and fires were soon kindled, " slap-jacks " were made, 
 pork fried, coffee boiled, and the wants of the inner 
 man well satisfied. After their palatable meal, the 
 next thing in order was drying their clothing, which 
 was well saturated from sleeping in the rain the 
 night before ; also being in the rain all that day, and 
 from wading through the deep swamp surrounding 
 the fort and battle-ground. It was midnight when 
 the most of them had laid themselves down to rest; 
 being weary from the excitement of the day and the 
 rapid march after the retreating foe, and weak from 
 the want of food, they were soon locked up in the 
 arms of Morpheus, and enjoying tired nature s sweet 
 restorer, balmy sleep. About thirty of the regiment, 
 however, were detailed for camp guard; consequently 
 they had but little sleep that night. 
 
 Between one and two o clock in the morning all 
 hands were aroused to receive a ration of whiskey, 
 the surgeons deeming it the best time for it to be 
 given, as a good number had lain down in their wet 
 clothing, and were also very much fatigued. It was 
 an acceptable draught, even at that late hour of the 
 night. 
 
 The prisoners were gathered up on Sunday morn 
 ing, as per order of Gen. Burnside, under the per 
 sonal attendance of Maj. Schall, who, with several 
 clerks detailed from the 51st, "took an account of 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEES. 81 
 
 stock," such as the number of prisoners, their names, 
 companies, battalions, or regiments, legion, or what 
 ever else they happened to belong to, their residence, 
 township, county, and State. 
 
 The names of many of the organizations were 
 ludicrous in the extreme ; but what seemed the most 
 strange was their total ignorance of the body to 
 which they belonged, such as what regiment, brigade, 
 division, or corps. Perhaps they had no particular 
 organization beyond the company to which they 
 were attached. About five per cent, of them only 
 were able to tell how their names were spelled. 
 The names of the different organizations, as a sample, 
 were: Co. A, 0. K. Boys; Co. B, Auburn Guards; 
 Co. C, Hatteras Avengers ! Co. D, Jeff Davis Boys ; 
 Co. E, Cape Fear Boys; Co. F, Kip Van Winkle 
 Guards ; Co. G, Wake Eastern Guards ; Go s. H and 
 I were part of Wise s Legion, of Albemarle county, 
 V"a. Although the above companies were lettered, 
 yet the members of them disclaimed belonging to 
 any regiment or other organization than those men 
 tioned. They numbered four hundred and ninety - 
 seven noncommissioned officers and privates. They 
 possibly did riot belong to anything else than indi 
 vidual companies, as they had no idea of it taking 
 them long to whip the " Yankees," and probably 
 thought it useless to further organize ! 
 
 Some other organizations were pleased to style 
 themselves Mississippi Wild-cats, Louisiana Tigers, 
 Hardscrabble Kangers, &c., &c. 
 
 This duty of registering was completed on Thurs 
 day, February 13th. They were principally North 
 Carolinians and Virginians, and a few from Georgia, 
 Mississippi, and Louisiana. Take them all in all, 
 
 5 
 
82 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 they were a woful-looking set of ragamuffins. Dirty, 
 covered with vermin, and very illiterate, not more 
 than two per cent, of them being able to read and 
 write ! When one was found that could do both, he 
 was " reckoned " a " right smart " scholar. They 
 had been led to believe that the Yankees were a 
 barbarous race of people, and therefore the poor 
 devils were very much afraid that now, as they were 
 prisoners, their lives would be forfeited, and their 
 anxiety was most intense until they were assured by 
 Maj. Schall that their lives, were perfectly safe while 
 in the hands of the Union troops, and they would be 
 exchanged in a few days. 
 
 Very little is known, excepting by the participants, 
 of the difficulty experienced in following the retreat 
 ing rebels to the upper end of the island. 
 
 The 51st, in making its way out of the swamp by 
 the flank, with Capt. Wm. J. Bolton s Co. A on the 
 advance, had to pass through indefinite numbers of 
 dangerous holes. From the uneven nature of the 
 ground, one foot would not be in water perhaps over 
 five or six inches deep, the other in stepping would 
 plung into a hole of three feet deep, making the move 
 ment not only dangerous, but of excessive toil. The 
 day being one of that peculiar " murky " heat, natu 
 ral to the Carolinas in the winter season, the perspi 
 ration poured off the men from exertion in wading 
 through the swarnps and disentangling themselves 
 from the chapparal briars. 
 
 The retreat of the enemy from the fort was press, 
 ingly followed by their pursuers. The 51st followed 
 close upon their heels for upwards of five miles, 
 when, from the heated condition of the men, it was 
 obliged to halt for five minutes to rest, at an old 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEES. 83 
 
 blacksmith shop nearly two miles below the rebel 
 barracks. At the expiration of that time, it resumed 
 the march, capturing straggling rebels, dragging 
 them out of their hiding-places, and picking them 
 up wherever found. 
 
 After being assigned to quarters in the late rebel 
 barracks, the men made huge fires, and stripping 
 off their clothing, wrung out the water and dried 
 them by the fires ; then sank down on the floors of 
 their quarters, exhausted with fatigue and the ex 
 citement of their maiden fight ; all were soon asleep, 
 and many of them on being aroused to receive their 
 ration of whiskey, would drink it and be unconscious 
 of the circumstance, so completely were they over 
 come with fatigue ; but in the morning they awoke 
 considerably refreshed, and many of them took their 
 guns and went out on their u own hook" into the 
 dense swamps and pine forest, and returned in a short 
 time with one or more prisoners, of which, upwards of 
 150 were captured in this manner, who would, no 
 doubt, have made their escape from the island and 
 got clear, by way of Nagg s Head. A few hogs were 
 found running at large on the island, and the boys 
 appropriated them to their own use ; and many a 
 tit-bit was picked up in this way, that was lying 
 "around loose." Great quantities of sweet potatoes, 
 salt fish and molasses were found buried beneath the 
 sandy soil, to hide them from the invading Yankees, 
 but all to no purpose, for the latter would have dug 
 up every foot of the island, but what they would 
 have satisfied themselves that nothing was hid. 
 
 An amusing, yet not a very praiseworthy event 
 took place a few days after the capture of the island. 
 A " secesh " kept a small grocery store on the lower 
 
84 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 end of the island, about ten miles below the bar 
 racks. An enterprising " Yankee " of the 51st 
 thought that he would like to go into business " on 
 his own hook," to replenish his " sweanied pocket- 
 book." He entered the store and passed the com 
 pliments of the day with the proprietor, and en 
 quired into the commercial status of the island, to 
 all of which the " Johnny " gave very satisfactory 
 replies. When about a dozen other Yankees, from as 
 many other regiments, entered to purchase whiskey, 
 the proprietor denied having any on hand just then. 
 The 51st Yankee jumped over the counter, and po 
 litely invited the proprietor to get in front of it, as 
 he intended to "run the machine" himself. His 
 rebel majesty obeyed, and the newly installed store 
 keeper informed his customers that all they had 
 to do was to ask him for what they wanted, and he 
 wouldn t deny them, at least not until he first satis 
 fied himself that he was "just out." Three hams 
 were first asked for, but the 51st storekeeper coming 
 so recently in possession of his stock, knew not just 
 the place to put his hands on it when wanted, and 
 the former owner pretending not to know, could, or 
 would not give the information. Nothing daunted, 
 however, the Fifty- firster ransacked the whole build 
 ing, and finally found a whole barrel of hams cov 
 ered over with trash. He soon supplied the appli 
 cants with three hams, at 10 cents per pound, and 
 asking his customers the usual question, " anything 
 else, gentlemen ?" they responded by handing a 
 few canteens to " please fill." In hunting the hams, 
 he had found whiskey, and filled the canteens at 
 two dollars each. That being all they wanted, they 
 were about leaving, when the 51st Yankee thought 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 85 
 
 "he might do a brisker business by " advertising " 
 his new occupation, and therefore requested his new 
 customers to please inform the " boys of their re 
 spective regiments," that he had just opened a new 
 store on his own account, and would thank them for 
 their patronage. In about an hour his customers 
 began to flock in from all quarters, wanting generally 
 the one thing, i. e., whiskey ! which he continued to 
 supply until the stock became exhausted. He be 
 gan to think it near time for him to go to camp, and 
 therefore before he closed his store, he wrote the fol 
 lowing : " Notice. This store will be opened to 
 morrow morning, at 8 o clock. T. Troy/ and pasted 
 it on the front door. He then told the former pro 
 prietor to " Come out and run home, as I want to 
 shut up ;" but the " original " refused, and boldly 
 remonstrated with the 51st Yankee, and tried by 
 persuasion to be restored in his right, but was re 
 fused any connection with the store, by any means. 
 At length, the " old Johnny " allowed his passion to 
 run riot with sound judgment, and began to threaten 
 what he would do ; such as appealing to ll Gen. 
 Burnside, &c.," but threats fared no better than 
 suasion. The " scout " getting impatient to " shut 
 up," he told the " Johnny " that time was money, 
 and he must not make him waste it. The old man 
 got stubborn and would not leave the store, and 
 consequently was locked in; but as the key was 
 turned, he relented, and begged hard to be set at 
 liberty again, which was readily granted. The door 
 was again locked, and the key brought into camp. 
 Next morning, as per announcement, the store was 
 duly opened, and the first customer was the original 
 storekeeper himself, and soon thereafter the store 
 
86 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 was thronged with patrons till near noon, when the 
 supply ran out, and our 51st Yankee retired from 
 business to the quiet of camp-life. 
 
 For some time after the capture of the island, the 
 conveniences for cooking were poor indeed, but the 
 boys rinding plenty of sugar hid away in different 
 places, managed to make their food palatable. Wheat 
 flour and corn meal was found in considerable quan 
 tities, and they baked their "slap-jacks" as fre 
 quently as their appetites craved them. 
 
 While having the captured prisoners under guard, 
 there were seyeral night alarms created, it being 
 ascertained that the prisoners intended to effect an 
 escape. Several had made the attempt, but the guards 
 fired their pieces, and hence the alarms. Nine suc 
 ceeded in escaping, but were retaken next day. 
 
 On the llth of February, all the baggage and 
 cooking utensils were brought off the Cossack, 
 from where she had been lying since the 51st had 
 disembarked. The taking of Elizabeth on the 10th, 
 by the gunboats, was duly announced to the 51st 
 on the evening of the llth, causing much rejoicing 
 and wild speculation as to the early closing of the 
 rebellion. On the 12th, a large number of captured 
 officers and men were put on board of one of the 
 transports and sent to New York. While employed 
 as clerk in taking the names, &c., of the prisoners, 
 the writer recognized in one of the captives, a man 
 (an orderly-sergeant) belonging to Co. A, 31st Eeg- 
 iment North Carolina Vols., who had visited the 
 51st when lying at Camp Union, Annapolis, Md., 
 representing himself as a book canvasser and sell 
 ing treatises on military tactics, the writer purchas 
 ing one from him ; he said he was a sergeant in the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 87 
 
 51st New York. After obtaining his name, which 
 he gave as J. D. Gatling, of Anson county, North 
 Carolina, I brought the circumstance up in conver 
 sation with him, but he stoutly denied ever being 
 employed as a spy in any way and at any time. 
 His denial though, could not impress the writer with 
 its truthfulness, for he had still in bis possession a 
 book of the very style that was purchased, and I 
 never saw one like it before I purchased mine, or 
 afterwards until I saw the one he had after his cap 
 ture ; nor have I ever seen any since like it. He, 
 as a rarity among the rebel enlisted men, was shrewd 
 and cautious in his conversation, fully coming up to 
 the standard of what is necessary to make a suc 
 cessful spy. At the capture of Elizabeth City by 
 the gunboats belonging to the expedition, the steamer 
 " Fanny " that was captured by the rebels off Hat- 
 teras Inlet, was recaptured by Burnside s expedition 
 and restored to the service of the U. S. Government 
 in a good condition, the rebels not having time to 
 destroy her. The 51st were recipients in part of 
 8000 pounds of fresh beef presented to the Burnside 
 expedition by the citizens of the District of Columbia, 
 as a token of their appreciation of gallantry dis 
 played by the troops in taking the island. It was 
 received in a spirit of kindness, but very little of it 
 could be used, as it necessarily had to be kept too 
 long in bringing it so far. The warm, rainy weather 
 spoiled the greater portion of it. 
 
 The following extract is from a private letter 
 written at Fort Russell, on the 18th of February, 
 giving a very correct description of the island at 
 that date : " I must now give you a description of 
 this locality. Well, in the first place, it is all sur- 
 
88 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 rounded by tbe waters of Eoanoke, Croatan, Pamlico 
 and Albernarle sounds, and is situated about two 
 miles from the nearest point of the mainland. The 
 island is about ten or twelve miles long, and from 
 one to three miles wide, lying nearly level with the 
 water of the sounds. The soil is nothing much but 
 pure white sand. The lower part of the island, say 
 about four miles of it, is almost an impassable 
 swamp. In this swamp is where the battle was 
 fought, and where Fort Russell (the three-gun bat 
 tery) stands. The grass here (where it does grow) 
 is very green, and about three inches long, but noth 
 ing much grows here, except pine and cypress trees, 
 covered with a long, grayish moss, hanging in fes 
 toons of one to six feet in length. Wherever you 
 find any other kind of a tree, it is invariably covered 
 with the beautiful " mistletoe," which is now out in 
 full bloom. The prickly pear which people up 
 North propagate in flower pots, grows all over the 
 island in a wild state. The middle part of the island 
 is somewhat dryer than the lower end, having im 
 mense sand hills, some of which reach an altitude 
 of several hundred feet ; all drifted there like snow 
 drifts, by the strong winds blowing the sand from 
 the beach that skirts the Roanoke and Croatan 
 sounds. On the western shore of the island, are 
 the forts we bombarded. On the eastern shore is a 
 large fort, but only mounting two thirty- two pound 
 ers. On the upper end is an antiquated wind-mill, 
 where the islanders used to grind corn. The deni 
 zens of the island live here solely by fishing and 
 trading with the North, but since the war broke out 
 they dare not leave the island, consequently they 
 have suffered a great deal, having scarcely anything 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 89 
 
 to eat, all their provisions having been stolen from 
 them. I wish you could see their horses, I know 
 they would make you laugh. They are very small, 
 and look more like bears than what they are. They 
 have no carts, wagons or carriages. They have two 
 Dearborn wheels on an axle-tree, and two poles for 
 shafts, with a board or two nailed to them, the whole 
 constituting their vehicles of pleasure and cartage. 
 The horses wear no collars whatever, the hames, 
 resting on the bare shoulder, and a rope bridle corn- 
 pose all the harness needed or used. The cows are 
 all very small, none of which will weigh, over 200 or 
 250 pounds, and are very poor. The farmers raise 
 Indian corn and sweet potatoes, but nothing else. 
 The land is worth from $2.50 to 3.00 per acre ; 
 choice tracts $5.00 per acre. The frogs are croak 
 ing arid the crickets chirping every night. Red 
 birds, robins, blue and cat birds, are in abundance 
 here." 
 
 On the 14th of February, Colonel Hartranft 
 formed the regiment and took it, much to the 
 delight of the men, on a tour of recreation over the 
 island, to visit the different spots of interest, one of 
 which was the above-mentioned sand hills, that are 
 truly a curious freak of nature and a great curiosity. 
 The next day, the 51st paid a regimental or official 
 visit to all the forts and works on the island. As 
 the regiment entered the works, cheer upon cheer 
 would rend the air for everything and everybody. 
 All returned to their barracks highly pleased with 
 their visit. About this time the men discovered 
 that the enemy, in attempting their escape from the 
 island at its capture, had in wading out to their gun 
 boats thrown away in deep water their huge bowie- 
 
 5* 
 
90 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 knives, revolvers and muskets. Every conceivable 
 object that could be invented, was used by the men 
 to fish up the articles from the bottom of the sound, 
 and many were very successful. A large number of 
 weapons were brought to the barracks and sold for 
 exorbitant prices, as relics. The knives were very 
 massive, and of a primitive style of make, and very 
 unwieldy, yet showing as they did, the will of their 
 former owners to "hew and hack" their Yankee 
 brethren without mercy, in which, thank the Al 
 mighty, they were disappointed. 
 
 On the 16th of February, Corporal Jas. Mauger, 
 of Co. I, died. His was the first death that occurred 
 in the regiment since the capture of the island. He 
 was buried the next day on the upper end of the 
 island, in the rear of the hospital. 
 
 During the stay of the regiment on the island 
 large details were made daily for camp and garrison 
 duty, such as policing, guarding, picketing, unload 
 ing vessels, and other fatigue duty, incident to such 
 occasions. 
 
 Co. I, under command of 2d Lieut. George Schall, 
 was detailed to garrison Fort Russell, on the battle 
 ground of the 8th of the month, where he and his 
 command remained until the ordnance officer of the 
 expedition, on the 23d of February, took possession 
 of the three guns and caissons that were in the fort 
 at its capture. 
 
 Capt. Geo. E. Pechin and 1st Lieut. Geo. W. Bis- 
 bing of Co. I, were not in command of the company 
 till after the taking of Newbern, on account of severe 
 indisposition brought on by over-exertion on the 
 day of battle and by taking cold from excessive wet 
 in wading through the deep swamps. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 91 
 
 On the 25th of February, a large mail from the 
 North arrived, bringing papers which gave an ac 
 count of the taking of the island, but the 51st had 
 been accounted for as only on " reserve." Much 
 indignation was evinced, and the one-sided penny-a- 
 liners came in for a large share of genuine anathe 
 mas from those of the 51st P. V. But after a close 
 inquiry, why the 51st received so little notice from 
 the press, it was made plain enough from the fact 
 that all the troops composing the great expedition 
 were Eastern, and that the 51st P. V. was the only 
 representation from the old Keystone State. Having 
 fallen into the hands of the " Philistines," conse 
 quently their dislike and avoidance to give it (the 
 51st) any credit, was only to add lustre to their 
 own laurels. 
 
 The indignation of both officers and men was at 
 the highest pitch, on their seeing an engraving in 
 " Frank Leslie s " paper, wherein it represented the 
 51st in a false light, giving it little or no credit for 
 its participation in the battle. The reason was 
 obvious, the 51st being the only Pennsylvania regi 
 ment with Burnside, and the reporters and artists 
 all in the employ of Eastern papers, consequently 
 they had eyes only for Eastern troops. 
 
 The fishing season was just opening for shad, &c., 
 and in the time intervening between drill hours, the 
 boys would enjoy the piscatorial sport with some 
 remuneration for their labors by making good use of 
 the shad and herring nets abundant on the island. 
 
 On the 28th, the regiment was mustered for pay, 
 and immediately after muster the whole regiment 
 was detailed for general guard and picket duty. 
 
 On Saturday. March 1st, the 51st received the 
 
92 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 pleasing intelligence of the taking of Savannah, 
 Memphis, Nashville, Forts Donelson and Henry, the 
 evacuation of Manassas, and that the Mayor of Nor 
 folk had invited Gen. Wool to come there, also that 
 two rebel Tennessee regiments had expressed their 
 willingness to join the Union army, and a host of 
 other gratifying rumors, causing at night one grand 
 and general illumination of the island. Every band 
 belonging to the expedition was out playing and 
 marching through all the camps in honor of the 
 cheering news. The different regiments assembled 
 at the headquarters of Gen. Jesse L. Reno, who 
 came out and addressed the troops in a most elo 
 quent and patriotic strain for nearly half an hour, 
 proving himself an orator of the first standing as 
 well as a skilful general. At the conclusion of his 
 remarks, he paid a glowing tribute to the 51st P. Y. 
 and its daring leader, and that "there was bat one 
 blow more to be struck to end the rebellion, and in 
 that last blow the 51st should take a prominent part, 
 and have a chance to distinguish itself to its fullest 
 satisfaction." The last remark was cheered ^with 
 unbounded enthusiasm by the 51st P. Y., and was 
 joined in with by all the assembled regiments. Thus 
 passed one of the most gratifying evenings in the 
 career of the 51st. The troops then all retired 
 about midnight to their quarters, to dream of soon 
 being on their way to their "bright and happy 
 homes, so far away!" and the war at an end. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 93 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 All aboard The new Enficlcls Sailing of the Fleet Landing 
 at Slocum s creek March to Newbern Battle of Newbern 
 A patriot s death Lieut. Morris Charge of the 51st Cap 
 ture of the rebel works Poisoned food The 51st on a scout 
 Bridge-burning and foraging Return to Camp. 
 
 ON Monday, March 3d ; 1862, the 51st received 
 orders to draw three days rations, and to pack up 
 ready to move at a " moment s notice." The order 
 was speedily complied with, and in a very few 
 moments the 51st was on the march towards the 
 shore to again embark on board of " our clear old 
 Cossack." To go, where ? That last blow was to be 
 struck, but where ? That was the question. Ah ! to 
 take the Weldon Railroad, was the opinion of the 
 majority, but the minority said Newborn ; not from 
 any positive knowledge, but from reason or instinct. 
 Newbern, N. C., it was ! 
 
 After going on board of the Cossack, the steamer 
 hauled off a short distance from the island and 
 anchored until the whole fleet should be ready. 
 
 The next day, (the 4th,) the regiment received new 
 arms of a vastly superior quality over the " old Har 
 per s Ferry muskets." They were the Enfield rifled 
 muskets, and were more effective at one thousand 
 yards than the Harper s Ferry were at four hun 
 dred yards. A fair trial was obtained the next day, 
 at a floating target of five hundred yards distant, 
 which was completely riddled by the Enfield, but 
 was not reached by the Harper s Ferry. 
 
 After the 51st were embarked, that very and 
 always welcome visitant to a soldier, the mail, was 
 
94 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 sent on board. On embarking, a few of the men 
 and several officers were left back on the island, 
 sick in hospitals. A most depressing rumor now 
 found its way on board the Cossack, to the effect 
 that Gen. Banks had lost 14,000 men on the 
 Potomac. 
 
 Great anxiety was now felt by the 51st for the 
 paymaster to make his appearance before starting on 
 another tour, but they were disappointed, as he did 
 not corne for some time thereafter. Money now 
 began to be at a premium, from the fact that the 
 sound fishermen were catching large quantities of 
 shad, and selling at extremely low prices to those, 
 on board of the transports, who were fortunate 
 to have any money left from their last pay received 
 at Annapolis, Md. The constant shortness of rations 
 in the expedition forced the men in order to sustain 
 life, to purchase from the regimental sutlers, who, to 
 their shame be it said, took mean advantage of the 
 men s necessities, and charged ten prices for every 
 article sold. Many ma} r ask " why did the men 
 pay it?" I would answer by saying that, when 
 starvation is staring you in the face, and hunger is 
 already gnawing your very vitals out, it does not 
 become a matter of paltry dollars and cents, but of 
 health and life, and further, at each purchase, the 
 buyer would feed on hope^ that " a good time " might 
 soon turn up in the Commissary Department at its 
 next issue ! Occasionally the soldiers would be 
 compelled by force of circumstances, to use an army 
 phrase, to " shut up the eyes " of the fisherman, for a 
 couple of shad. The soldiers being on the trans 
 ports and the fisherman in his batteau, they would, 
 tell him to " pass up " a couple of the fish for them 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 95 
 
 to look at, but the over-confiding fisherman would 
 soon find " his eyes shut up " effectually, for the sol 
 dier had disappeared to clean his fish and pay his 
 ten cents to the cooks to fry them for him. 
 
 While lying off the island and before the departure 
 of the fleet, the small-pox began to make its appear 
 ance in the 51st, consequently once or twice a day 
 the surgeons would come on board to make exami 
 nations of each individual, and if any possessed the 
 slightest symptoms of that much dreaded disease, 
 they were immediately sent ashore to remain in the 
 hospitals until the disease either developed itself or 
 it was found that there was no infection. 
 
 On the 6th of March, another of those terrible 
 storms swept over the sounds, which lasted till the 
 afternoon of the 8th. No particular damage was 
 sustained by the Cossack, but great fears were enter 
 tained on the 7th for her safety ; both of her heavy 
 bow anchors were out, and in the violence of the 
 storm, she dragged them over a mile in twelve 
 minutes. 
 
 This second time on the Cossack was equallv as 
 bad as the first, for want of food and water. Had it 
 not been for the few shad purchased or " confiscated," 
 the suffering by hunger by the men would have been 
 without its parallel ; as it was, it was terrible beyond 
 the power of any pen to portray. 
 
 On Sunday, March 9th, 1862, orders were issued 
 for the fleet to prepare to leave their anchorage for 
 Newbern, N. C., but General Burnside had received, 
 what was supposed by him to be, reliable news, that 
 Norfolk, Va., had been taken, and the order to " take 
 up the line of movement " was countermanded, but 
 on the afternoon of the next day, the orders to 
 
96 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 start were re-issued, consequently the fleet took its 
 departure for its destination on Tuesday morning, 
 the llth, arriving at Hatteras Inlet early in the even 
 ing of the same day. The day was very rainy and the 
 men staid in their berths, enjoying themselves in 
 various amusements, and wondering if they would 
 ever again sit down to a table and get enough to 
 eat.^ 
 
 On arriving at the Inlet, Maj. Schall gave notice 
 to the men that he would go ashore in one hour 
 with a mail and bring the return one. Nearly every 
 man sat down to write his version of his trials and 
 sufferings. At the expiration of the hour the Major 
 gathered up the letters, took them ashore and re 
 turned with a very large mail, much to the gratifica 
 tion of all. Half the night was spent in perusing 
 letters and papers. 
 
 The morning of the 12th of March was one of the 
 loveliest in nature the broad bosom of the surround 
 ing waters lay as smooth as ice, and looked like one 
 vast sheet of polished silver. The whole fleet riding 
 at anchor, and everything wearing the appearance of 
 such calmness and quiet, that one would almost 
 persuade himself it was the holy Sabbath clay ; but 
 at 8 A. M., the signal corps began waving their 
 many flags, which, being interpreted, meant " to 
 weigh anchor and be off; in a few minutes all was 
 bustle and excitement, and the fleet was again under 
 way, arriving at the mouth of Neuse Eivei at half- 
 past two P. M. same day, and made a halt of three- 
 quarters of an hour, which became necessary on 
 account of numerous columns of smoke ascending 
 in the air, on either shore, looking very much as if 
 it might be numberless rebel camp-fires, but a couple 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 97 
 
 of gunboats reconnoitered the shore and found that 
 the columns of smoke were no less than the mode 
 adopted by the rebels to signal the approach of the 
 expedition to their shores. The Cossack started 
 once more and made the run with much caution, 
 the gunboats on the advance, and the transports fol 
 lowing in proper order obeying all signals as 
 promptly as if the orders were issued verbally. 
 Three days rations and sixty rounds of ammunition 
 were issued, and every other preparation made in case 
 of a forced landing having to be made. At night the 
 fleet anchored a few miles below the mouth of Slo- 
 cum s Creek, and about midnight a surgeon came 
 on board of the Cossack to deliver a lecture, in 
 secrecy, to the band of the 51st, which was consti 
 tuted an ambulance corps, in regard to its duties on 
 the battle-field. This lecture was intended only for 
 the ears of the ambulance corps, consequently all 
 others were ordered off to their quarters, but other 
 ears did hear the admonition. And of the vast im 
 portance to a wounded soldier that it might have 
 been, it is to be regretted that the lecture was not 
 delivered in the presence of the assembled regiment, 
 and as the very able lecturer defined the only cor 
 rect mode of saving life, it was necessary that all 
 should be instructed in it. For instance, if the wound 
 was of an artery, it was to be tightly bound on the 
 side next to the heart. If a flesh wound, where the 
 blood only oozed out, it was to be bound tightly on 
 the side of the wound furthest from the heart. . The 
 reason for this was, that the blood of an artery comes 
 direct from the heart to distribute itself throughout 
 the human system, and therefore it is important to 
 prevent it from reaching the wound, consequently to 
 
98 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 bandage between the heart and the wound, so as to 
 stop the flow of blood, will prevent bleeding to 
 death. The reason for bandaging below the flesh 
 wound was, the smaller blood vessels only served to 
 carry the blood back to the heart after being dis 
 tributed by the arteries, and tightly bandaging 
 the wound on the lower side also hinders the blood 
 from finding egress through the wound, and pre 
 vents fainting or death from loss of blood. If 
 wounded in any part of the body, where bandages 
 could not by unskilled hands be effectually applied, 
 the corps was instructed to fill the cavity well with 
 lint, rags, or pocket handkerchief, or whatever else 
 could be speedily brought into requisition on a bat 
 tle-field. The lecturer spoke upwards of half an 
 hour, and in that time imparted a vast deal of very 
 valuable information. Why it was delivered secretly 
 can only be conjectured, but the supposition was, 
 and is yet, that if delivered publicly it might affect 
 the nerves of those who would keep the thing in 
 their mind s eye continually, while going into battle, 
 and perhaps make them falter ! If that was the cor 
 rect theory, all that is necessary to say is, that the 
 surgeon did not know the material of which the 51st 
 was made. It cannot be denied but that cowards 
 are to be found in all large organizations, and the 
 name of a battle was, and is sufficient, to make 
 them, to use an army s vulgar phrase, " shyster out," 
 but the 51st contained as few, if not fewer, shysters, 
 than any other regiment extant. 
 
 On Thursday, 13th, soon after daylight, the Cos 
 sack ran in as close to the mouth of Slocum s Creek, 
 eighteen miles below Newbern, N. C., as she could get, 
 and the 51st disembarked at 7 A. M. The gunboats 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 99 
 
 shelled the shore for about five miles, during which 
 time the entire body of troops composing the expe 
 dition disembarked. Thousands of them were so 
 impatient to once more set their feet upon land, that 
 they would not wait to be taken off in small boats, 
 but voluntarily jumped from their vessels into the 
 water, which was to many of them up to their necks, 
 and waded to the shore, a distance of from three hun 
 dred to five hundred yards. This disembarkation 
 was so quietly conducted that one-half of the troops 
 were on terra firma before all the men knew what 
 was going on. The shelling of the woods by the 
 gunboats disturbed, and brought to light a rebel 
 cavalry encampment, about five miles above where 
 the troops landed. After the troops had landed, 
 General Burnside exhorted the men to throw nothing 
 away, as they were now where they could not replace 
 anything if lost. 
 
 By 8 A. M. the column was on the march, in a 
 drenching rain and through the muddiest mud ever 
 invented, being knee-deep and of a black, unctuous, 
 slippery character. After marching five miles towards 
 Newbern, and hugging the shore of the Neuse river, 
 the 51st came on the camp of the rebel cavalry 
 which the gunboats had routed precipitately. Every 
 thing lay around in magnificent disorder ; fires still 
 burning, breakfasts cooking, and some served up and 
 partly partaken of, showing the complete surprise 
 by the landing of several unannounced 61-pound 
 shells in the very heart of their barracks. Tired as 
 the " Yankees" were, they took their five minutes 
 rest to " go through " the baggage of the rebel offi 
 cers and the " knappies " of the men. After ran 
 sacking the camp, the 51st was about " falling in," 
 
100 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 when, unfortunately for the 51st s boys, a marine 
 battery of six pieces, that had also landed at Slo- 
 cum s Creek, halted in front of the regiment, for 
 the marines were worn out in pulling and tugging to 
 get their artillery and caissons along. 
 
 Lieut. Col. Thos. S. Bell was quietly sitting on his 
 horse when an orderly rode up to him and presented 
 him with an order, detailing the regiment nearest to the 
 battery to assist in bringing it along. Consequently 
 the 51st being unfortunately in that "fix" had to 
 " fall in " and man the rope. If marching with a 
 knapsack, sixty rounds of ammunition, a heavy rifle- 
 musket, three days rations in haversacks, and other 
 paraphernalia of war, fatigued them ; what else, than 
 exhaust them, would carrying all that and dragging 
 a heavy gun and caisson fall of shot and shell thir 
 teen miles in the remainder of the day, do ? The 
 rnud was bad enough to march over, but when pul 
 ling on the rope it would cause the men to sink in 
 two or three inches deeper. The regiment was di 
 vided into three reliefs, each relief taking its turn 
 at the rope half an hour at a time. The march now 
 became not only painfully laborious but extremely 
 slow, the gun carriages sinking in the mud up to the 
 hubs. Rain pouring down, clothing dripping wet, 
 the air sultry and " rnurky," and every thing seeming 
 to conspire to dishearten that noble band of patriots 
 who toiled and tugged to get the artillery along and 
 keep up with the advancing troops ; but its labors 
 were not confined alone to the pulling of the six 
 guns belonging to the marines, for on the landing 
 of the 51st, Capt. Bennett, of the Cossack, had two 
 splendid twelve pound Wiard rifled guns (steel) on 
 his ship, and was very anxious to participate with 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 101 
 
 the 51st in an engagement, therefore he made ap 
 plication to Gen. Burnside to be permitted to take 
 one of his guns ashore and go along with the 51st; 
 in fact he asked permission to take both guns, but 
 only one was granted. Before the 51st disembarked, 
 Capt. Bennett had his gun ashore, accompanied by 
 eighteen of his best men well armed with their 
 boarding pikes, cutlasses, and heavy navy revolvers ; 
 but owing to the great depth of mud, his men were 
 overtaken by the 51st about six miles from the land 
 ing point, completely worn out and borne down to 
 the ground, or rather mire, from sheer exhaustion. 
 On the olst coming up with Capt. Bennett, it found 
 him scarcely able to utter a word, from cheering his 
 men on in their noble work and pulling at the rope 
 himself, he became so hoarse that articulation had 
 nearly ceased, but the sight of his regiment, as he 
 always called the 51st, added joy to his overloaded 
 heart, for he knew they would help him if he would 
 only say that he needed them ; but the first party of 
 the 51st that reached him was one of the three re 
 liefs, that had just been relieved, and being jaded 
 nearly to death, they did not feel like offering their 
 services to help to pull a much heavier gun than 
 that of which they had just dropped the rope. After 
 passing a few remarks with Bennett and his men, 
 they started to pass on, but Bennett, who from a 
 little rest could talk plain enough to be understood, 
 asked them to help him along with his gun. At 
 this juncture the remainder came up and Capt. Ben 
 nett begged them to help him along, but riot prop 
 erly understanding their answer he yelled out as 
 loud as he was able, " Men ! do you want me to com 
 mit suicide ? for I swear if I can t get help from you, 
 
102 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 boys, to get my gun up, I ll blow out my brains 
 here ! That appeal to their love for him had its 
 effect, and for the balance of the march they had 
 seven guns to get through the mud. However, by 
 daylight next morning the 51st had got all the guns 
 and caissons up to within five hundred yards of the 
 enemy s works around Newbern. These seven 
 piece s of artillery were the only field pieces that 
 the expedition had on land, and for their great aid, 
 especially Capt. Bennett s gun, none ever regretted 
 the enormous amount of labor bestowed by them in 
 getting the guns up ; the men often remarked after 
 the capture of Newbern, that if they had thought 
 that Bennett and his gun would have rendered such 
 incalculable service they would have pulled with a 
 much better heart ; now that it was over they could 
 look the circumstance squarely in the face and ac 
 knowledge that only for the unceasing perseverance 
 of Bennett and his noble tars, the gun could never 
 have been brought up, and all became fully satisfied 
 in making "government mules" of themselves for 
 the time being. 
 
 At 9 o clock, P. M., the army halted for the 
 night along the roadside within a mile or there 
 abouts of the enemy s pickets, where all laid down 
 in the mud and rain and enjoyed a few hours of the 
 sweetest sleep ever enjoyed by mortals. 
 
 At 2 A. M., of the 14th, the army was again 
 in motion, the rain coming down in torrents, 
 and all hands d g all hands, rebels, every 
 thing and everybody, as well as the weather, cli 
 mate, and State. However, their ill humor only 
 served to put them in more determined fighting 
 trim. The 51st again seized hold of the long ropes 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 103 
 
 of their old friends which stuck to them as close as 
 the mod of which they could not get rid. They 
 dragged the cannon up as close to the enemy s 
 works as it was prudent to go while it was yet so 
 dark. It was only a short time till daylight, and 
 some laid down in the mud and rain to enjoy another 
 short nap, while others, looking out for the inner 
 man, busied themselves in making a cup of coffee 
 or cooking something to eat for a breakfast ; very few 
 cared about their rations ; rest and sleep were much 
 more needed at that time. 
 
 At 6 A. M., Col. Hartranft gave the command to 
 " fall in," which was complied with as promptly as the 
 circumstances would permit. It took the men some 
 time to get themselves gathered up. From their 
 laborious toil of the day and night before, perspir 
 ing and drenched with rain to the skin, young and 
 old were as sore and stiff in their joints and muscles 
 as a foundered horse, and they moved into line as if 
 they were walking on eggs and afraid of their legs 
 breaking. By the time the regiment got into line 
 on the railroad the right of the column had engaged 
 the enemy, and the musketry was terrific. Col. 
 Hartranft brought his regiment to a "front " on the 
 railroad, and ordered his men to discharge their 
 guns and reload with fresh ammunition. Although 
 the guns had only been loaded the day before, yet 
 the charges had become so wet that not over five 
 per cent, of their pieces would go off on the first 
 trial ; this was occasioned by having to pull up the 
 guns the day before and no care could be taken to 
 keep their own guns in order. However, only a few 
 moments were lost in making things all right, and 
 as soon as that was done, Lieut. Morris, aid on Burn- 
 
104 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 side s staff, came up and delivered orders to Col. 
 Hartranft to take bis men in. In less time than it 
 takes to tell it, Col. Hartranft took his regiment into 
 battle on the " double quick." It proceeded up the 
 railroad to within plain view of the enemy s fortifi 
 cations, then filing left into a rough piece of woods 
 on the " double quick " over ditches, quagmires, 
 swamps, creeks, hill and dale, until it came within 
 seventy-five yards of a three-gun rebel battery, 
 where it halted and took up a gap on the left of 
 the 9th New Jersey and the right of the 51st New 
 York. After taking its position it was commanded 
 to "lie down!" It had scarcely done so when a 
 shower of grape, canister, shrapnel and " minies " 
 came over their heads in a perfect storm. The 
 enemy had seen the regiment coming in and they 
 did their utmost to drive it out of its position, but 
 Col. Hartranft "couldn t see it" and therefore was 
 determined to stay there, warmly seconded by his 
 men. While lying there they were resting, and the 
 galling fire did not disturb them a bit more than had 
 the balls been fired in the air, for after lying there 
 half an hour awaiting orders to either open fire or 
 charge bayonets one-half of the men had fallen into 
 a sound sleep. On the right of the brigade to which 
 the 51st was attached, Capt. Bennett was posted with 
 his steel Wiard gun, doing terrible execution at each 
 discharge. His gunners, Mr. Stroud and Mr. Wil 
 son, were such adepts in ranging their gun that they 
 dismounted three of the enemy s guns in succession 
 with their first three shots and rendered a fourth 
 gun useless with their fifth. This terrible execution 
 by these gunners exasperated the rebels to such an 
 extent as to cause them to concentrate all their 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 105 
 
 available artillery fire on Capt. Bennett s gun, for 
 the purpose of driving it away from its position. The 
 solid shot and shell fairly rained into them, but 
 Bennett, Stroud, and Wilson said they would die 
 then and there before they would have it said they 
 were driven away. The battle now raged most 
 furiously, and for about one hour it was impossible 
 to tell which were to be the victors. During this 
 terrible suspense of the fate of the day, poor Wilson 
 fell at the side of his gun mortally wounded, a 
 twenty-four pound shell striking his thigh and sev 
 ering his leg from his body, fie was immediately 
 carried to the rear, and then on board of the Cos 
 sack, but died soon after. Thus was gone one noble, 
 self-sacrificing spirit, who should have lived to see his 
 patriotic endeavors brought to a peaceful and happy 
 termination. When asked, after being wounded, 
 " if he wasn t sorry that he had volunteered to 
 go ashore with his gun," he opened his eyes and re 
 plied, " I know I must die ! but should I recover 
 and the war not over, I will volunteer my other leg 
 as I did this if I can only sell it as dear, for I know I 
 knocked them ! ! " Peace to his ashes ! and may his 
 image never be driven from our sight! 
 
 About noon the battle began to oscillate, one 
 moment victory would hover over the Union army, 
 the next over the enemy, when Burnside ordered 
 the extreme right of his line to charge, aided by the 
 gunboats on the works nearest to the Neuse river. 
 It proved a success ; but with fearful slaughter to 
 the 24th and 27th Massachusetts. As soon as the as 
 sault was made, Burnside dispatched one of his aids, 
 Lieut. Morris, to Col. Hartranft, with orders to charge 
 
 on the enemy s works directly in front of the 51st. 
 
 
 
106 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Lieut. Morris on coming up to the regiment inquired 
 for Col. Hartranft, (who was on the extreme right of 
 the 51st, surveying with his eagle eye the nature of 
 the ground in case he should make a charge,) but 
 in reply was answered "he s somewheres about." 
 Lieut. Morris then stated that Burnside had sent 
 orders for the 51st P. V. to make a bayonet charge 
 on the works in their front, and if it would follow 
 him he would lead. The whole regiment instantly 
 sprang to their feet, and Morris giving the command 
 to charge " with a flourish of his sword, the regi 
 ment started on a " full run." Hartranft had evidently 
 been watching the movement with a jealous eye, and 
 ere the regiment had gone twenty-five yards, Col. 
 Hartranft s voice was heard commanding a "halt." As 
 quick as the flash of a gun the line halted, and Hart 
 ranft breaking through it, ran up to Morris and 
 passionately asked him, " what in the h-Il do you 
 mean? I command this regiment and if a charge is to 
 be made I ll make it." A hasty explanation ensued, 
 and the regiment fell back to its former position and 
 lay down, much to the gratification of the men, who 
 wanted to be led in a charge by one of their own 
 officers only. In a few moments Col. Hartranft saw 
 a slight advantage might be gained in an assault by 
 a few men on another part of the enemy s works, 
 and he ordered Lieut. Col. Bell to take the left wing 
 of the 51st P. Y. and make the charge. The enco 
 miums passed by the newspaper reporters on Col. 
 Hartranft and Lieut. Col. Bell for this brilliant 
 achievement, leave it needless for my pen to dot 
 their praise. Shortly after Col. Hartranft gave 
 orders to " rise up," "forward, double quick," when 
 in an instant seemingly Col. Hartranft and the color 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 107 
 
 bearer, were planting the colors of the 51st P. V. in 
 the three gun battery, that had been carried at the 
 point of his bayonets, bat the 51st P. V. had only 
 fairly got into the fort, when the 51st New York 
 came rushing in over the ramparts, and planted their 
 colors also on the left wing of the works. From 
 some unaccountable reason the reporter for the New 
 York Herald gave Col. Hartranft the credit of 
 taking the fort, but made a blunder in giving the 
 51st New York credit for planting their colors first 
 on the captured works. The ground passed over by 
 the 51st P. V. was decidedly a rough piece, if that 
 will explain its ruggedness. The captured fort lay 
 about midway up a very steep hill, the 51st was 
 posted also on a corresponding hill, directly in front 
 of the fort. Between the fort and where the regi 
 ment lay, was a very deep swampy ravine, the 
 bottom of this ravine had the water dammed up to 
 the depth of thirty inches and was about thirty or 
 forty yards wide. Huge trees had been felled by 
 the rebels, and thrown lengthwise and crosswise of 
 the ravine, the branches were lopped off in such 
 a way as to form an almost impregnable abattis. 
 Over this place is where the charge was made, and 
 had it been made at the time that Lieut. Morris at 
 tempted to lead, not more than one soldier out of ten, 
 of the 51st could have survived to have told the 
 tale; but Col. Hartranft, with his keen foresight and 
 sound military judgment, knew just the precise time 
 to make the charge and how to make it a success. 
 The total loss of the 51st was as follows: killed, 
 none ; wounded, ten ; among whom were privates 
 Owen Kex and Wm. W. Wiedner, of Co. D; mis 
 sing, none. It is to be regretted that the names of 
 
108 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 the others have been mislaid. Four o clock of the 
 afternoon of Friday, March 14th, found Burnside in 
 undisputed possession of the defiant city of ISTew- 
 berri and all its formidable fortifications. The 
 enemy fleeing in wild confusion towards Groldsboro 
 and Kingston, having left everything behind them 
 in the way of private property, so as not to encum 
 ber themselves with baggage, so eager were the 
 chivalry to lose sight of the despicable Yankees. 
 However, in their retreat they had set fire to the 
 splendid railroad bridge which spanned the Trent 
 river opposite the city, cutting off the remnant of 
 their retreating army, as well as preventing any 
 further pursuit by the elated victors. The retreating 
 rebels who were cut off from their comrades by the 
 burning bridge, were compelled to follow the south 
 shore of the Trent river, in order to give as much 
 distance between them and their pursuers as possible, 
 and in doing so, they had to swim across Brice s 
 creek, about three miles above the city. Many of 
 the retreating foe found a watery grave, for the 
 stream was a deep, sluggish one, of about 125 or 150 
 feet wide, and full fifty feet in depth. From what 
 information could be obtained from the negroes, at 
 least one hundred rebels were drowned in attempt 
 ing to cross the creek, either from not knowing how 
 to swim, or from fright and the excitement of the 
 chase. Hundreds had been captured on the battle 
 field, the 51st capturing seventeen prisoners and 
 three heavy guns, when it made the charge on the 
 fort, besides large quantities of small arms and 
 private property. The ground in and around the 
 rebel works was literally covered with the dead, the 
 dying, and the wounded, proving the stubbornness of 
 the sanguinary conflict. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA V. LUNTEERS. 109 
 
 The total number of effective Union men was 
 7,800, and that of the rebel force was computed by 
 a rebel officer at 19,300, showing tremendous odds 
 for the Union men to contend against. Independent 
 of their numerical strength, they possessed at least 
 fifteen field and siege guns to one of the Union army. 
 The Union gunboats were of immense service in de 
 ciding the conflict. After silencing all the water 
 batteries, they were enabled to pass the obstructions 
 in the river and lend an able hand to the land forces 
 in routing the enemy from their almost impregnable 
 strongholds. 
 
 After cessation of hostilities, the negroes began 
 to venture to visit the Union army, and many 
 laughable scenes occurred between them and the 
 " Boys in Blue." One old darkey being asked what 
 made the rebels run so, when the Yankees had come 
 to fight them, replied " that dey stuck it out, until 
 your folks began to frow (throw) dem mighty rotten 
 shot (shells) from de big gunboats. I tell ye s dey 
 made dem tote dernselves out de way, by golly dey 
 did !" Another one asked a negress what she 
 thought of the Yankees, "Why," said she, "I find 
 dey looks like our people, an I said so yesterday 
 when I seed you pass our house, for my massa had 
 always tole us dat de Yankees wa r great big people, 
 tall as dat pine tree dar, wid one eye in de centre ob 
 der for ed and one in de back of dar heds, and dat if 
 dey got a holt ob a "nigger, dey jist munched dem up 
 wid dar grate big teef, and dat would be de last of 
 de coon. Why, my massa said dat your teef (teeth) 
 was as long as der arms, and wid one crunch would 
 bite a boss in two, and a heap of ocler things, he 
 tole us bout you, but I guess he only tole us dat to 
 
110 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 try to fritin us so dat we wouldn t run away from 
 him and come to you folkses." 
 
 As soon after the battle as it could be done, the 
 51st marched up the railroad, near to the still burn 
 ing bridge, and bivouacked for the night on the 
 banks of the Neuse river, where the Trent river 
 empties its inky stream, and after hastily preparing 
 a sort of a supper, the men, spreading their blankets 
 for a night s repose on the wet ground, ]aid them 
 selves down to sleep, without any other covering thar. 
 the broad canopy of watery clouds and a drenching 
 rain, which continued to pour down with unrelenting 
 fury all night ; but wet and mud disturbed them 
 not in their sleep, for being worn down and their 
 strength exhausted by the fatigue of the day and 
 night previous, and by the intense excitement of that 
 day, they fell asleep as soon nearly as their heads 
 were on a level with their heels. 
 
 The next morning, Saturday, the 15th, the rain 
 continuing to fall and the men in their wet clothing, 
 things were about as uncomfortable as if gotten 
 up expressly to order, none of them having any 
 tents or rubber blankets. Wood and everything 
 else soaking wet, it was a long time before a fire 
 could be kindled to lend its genial warmth to dry 
 their clothing, to make a cup of coftee, to cook a 
 piece of salt junk, or to fry fat pork for their break 
 fasts. Had the little <( shelter " or D Abri tents been 
 known of in those days, what an addition they 
 would have been to the protection and comfort of 
 the marching soldier. Nothing of the kind was used 
 in the early days of the rebellion, and the tired and 
 wet soldier was contented to lay himself down to 
 sleep in the ditches on the roadsides, in rain and 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. Ill 
 
 mud, without a thought of any other protection 
 against rheumatism and the inclemency of the 
 weather than his blanket, if he was fortunate enough 
 to have one with him. During the day quarters 
 had been assigned to the 51st, about one and a half 
 miles from Newborn, in a lot of the filthiest rebel 
 barracks ever met with, consequently by nightfall 
 it was moved to its new quarters, where out of the 
 rain they had fire-places, in which to make fires to 
 warm themselves and cook ; but very little cooking 
 could be done, for on landing at Sloe urn s creek, they 
 had only three days rations in their haversacks, and 
 being three days and two nights exposed to a con 
 tinuous rain, their provisions became spoiled and 
 the most had to be thrown away. Many had to go to 
 bed supperless, but few to sleep, for the bunks were 
 literally alive with vermin, left behind bv the re 
 treating rebels. On Sunday, 16th, the regiment 
 were without a morsel of rations, excepting a little 
 raw pork, that had been discovered in a deserted 
 barrack in a rebel officer s mess chest, that had been 
 left behind. So eager were the men to eat it, that it 
 was devoured raw, for they could not wait to cook it. 
 
 Tired as the men were, they could not refrain from 
 foraging the country, and met with considerable 
 success. They brought in large quantities of various 
 kinds of food, also some of the finest horses of which 
 North Carolina could boast, with sulkies and car 
 riages, and costly harness. One splendid horse and 
 carriage were captured by Sergeant W. F. Campbell, 
 of Co. H. 
 
 Sunday, the 16th, was occupied in putting the 
 arms in order, and a general cleaning of all the ac 
 coutrements, which being done, the boys visited all 
 
112 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 the rebel fortifications on the shore of the Neuse, 
 and the battle-ground. Large numbers of the dead 
 of both armies still lay around unburied. Horses 
 laid very thick on the ground, and in piles ; one 
 pile contained seventy-three carcasses of rebel artil 
 lery horses, and close by it lay sixty- five dead rebs. 
 
 Some time in the afternoon of the day of battle, 
 D. P. Bible, 1st Lieut, and Adjutant of the olst P. V., 
 had occasion to visit ISTewbern ; and while there, he, 
 in company with several officials, visited a number 
 of deserted houses, and found what purported to be 
 old wine in one of them. Although very chary 
 about tasting it, at last he did, and finding it very pal 
 atable, his suspicions of it containing poison were 
 soon dispelled. He only took a very small quantity, 
 when he was seized with strong symptoms of being 
 poisoned. Medical aid was called in, and by skilful 
 treatment his life was placed out of jeopardy, but he 
 lay in great agony for several weeks, as well as in 
 great danger of his life. This occurrence served as 
 a salutary lesson to all, and warned the soldiers from 
 placing too much confidence in any thing they should 
 find that had been left behind by the rebel citizens. 
 Pies, cakes, preserves, wines, and liquors, had been 
 poisoned to a great extent by the rabid secessionists 
 on learning the closeness of the Union forces to their 
 city ; and believing in the ultimate capture of their 
 town, they were in hopes of taking a few more 
 "Yankee lives," even should they not be present to 
 see their victims. 
 
 On Monday, 17th, Col. Hartranft issued orders 
 to the regiment, early in the morning, to get them 
 selves in readiness for a march into the country, and 
 to take nothing with them but their arms, ammuni- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEES. 113 
 
 tion, accoutrements, and plenty of salt. The latter 
 was about all they could take in the way of rations. 
 The boys had not been informed why they were to 
 take salt with them, but they easily guessed, and 
 consequently took all they had, which was but very 
 little. At ten A. M., the regiment formed on the 
 color line, and soon thereafter was on the march; 
 Col. Hartranft and Lieut. Col. Bell leading the column 
 on horseback, Major Schall and the staff bringing 
 up the rear. The regiment marched out about ten 
 miles from Newbern to the large plantation of a 
 Peter G. Evans. The following extract from a pri 
 vate letter gives a pretty correct account: " We went 
 along a road that was new to all of us, about four 
 miles, where it ended very abruptly at a breastwork 
 thrown up across it by the rebels. (There were 
 none but our own regiment on this scout.) As soon 
 as Co. A, Capt. Wm. J. Bolton, arrived at the works, 
 a halt ensued, and the regiment took a survey in 
 front of the battery for half a mile. The enemy had 
 cut down a number of large trees, and felled them 
 across the road. A bridge, which spanned a small, 
 but deep creek, had been torn up, but our pioneers 
 very soon cleared off the fallen timber, and relaid 
 the bridge, which occupied a few minutes only, and 
 then the line moved off through mud and swamps, 
 and came out on the boundary of a four thousand 
 acre cotton plantation, belonging to Peter Gr. Evans. 
 We found on the place ninety slaves, large quanti 
 ties of cotton, some of which was in bales, some loose, 
 some in the press, and some in the gin ; also, a large 
 number of horses and cattle, 175 hogs, 50 goats, 25 
 mules, 75 ploughs, a great many carts, saw-mills, 
 
 flouring-mills, with a great quantity of flour and 
 
 6* 
 
114 HISTOBY OF THE FIFTY-PIBST BEGIMENT 
 
 corn meal in them, and about 4,000 bushels of corn, 
 all of which we took possession of. 
 
 u We arrived at this place just at sundown; and 
 when we halted for camping purposes, there was not 
 a dry thread on any of us, from perspiration, and 
 fording streams, and wading through swamps. 
 
 " We soon found out the sweet potatoes, which 
 were near a mile from where we bivouacked. Evans 
 had about 1,000 bushels of them buried in three dif 
 ferent holes. 
 
 " We stacked our arms, and made a large number 
 of fires, killed 20 hogs and 2 bullocks, and soon had 
 something to eat. I had a better supper than I have 
 had for a long time. I had a tin cup of coffee and a 
 large piece of fresh ham, which I cooked by running 
 a stick through it, and holding it over the fire until 
 done ; and having salt with me, I ate until I felt sick. 
 I then hunted up a bunch of cotton, and lay down 
 in my wet clothing, and slept like a top. The next 
 morning, at ten o clock, we loaded up the cotton and 
 other things, and left for our barracks, where we 
 arrived just before night; but I had a good breakfast 
 of roasted sweet potatoes and coffee, and I feel now, 
 after getting a couple of good meals, as if I was a 
 new man. 
 
 " This Evans is a rebel captain, and was in the 
 battle last Friday. He got wounded, was taken 
 prisoner, and died yesterday." 
 
 The next day, (19th,) after the regiment had re 
 turned to its quarters, was spent by the boys in rest 
 ing themselves, and talking over their trip of the 
 day before, and visiting the captured water batteries. 
 
 Thursday, the 20th, was another rainy day ; but 
 a large number of the boys obtained passes, and 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 115 
 
 went over to Newbern. It is a very ancient looking 
 city, with considerable thrift and stately appearance. 
 Most of the private residences being abandoned by 
 their former owners or occupants, those of the most 
 imposing and aristocratic appearance were occupied 
 by our generals and their staffs. The city abounds 
 in plenty of shade trees, which were out in full bloom, 
 reminding one of the months of May and June in 
 Pennsylvania. At one end of the city is Cedar 
 Grove Cemetery, of which the most notable feature 
 
 is the stone wall inclosure ; the wall beino 1 built of 
 
 ^ 
 
 stone that is composed of millions of petrified sea 
 shells. 
 
 Friday, the 21st, Col. Hartranft received and issued 
 orders for the 51st to be ready to move at 7 o clock, 
 that morning. The following extract from a private 
 letter gives an account of the march and its object: 
 
 " On Friday morning last, we took up our line of 
 March, at 7 o clock, for Pollocksville, situated on the 
 Trent river, twenty-three miles from Newbern, where 
 we arrived at dusk of the same day. Our object was 
 to burn the three bridges that cross, each five or six 
 miles apart. We burnt the one at Pollocksville first : 
 and then about 11 o clock that night our scouts came 
 in and told us that the third bridge, which is at Tren 
 ton, iiad been fired by Capt. Allabough and his com 
 pany, who were trying to find their way back through 
 the dark to the regiment, or what there was of it ; for, 
 in fact, there was less than four hundred of us. 
 Nearly or quite one-half of the regiment staid back 
 in quarters ; arid as the orders were for no one to go 
 who did not feel able or willing, a good number pre 
 ferred remaining in camp. 
 
 tl Well, we got back last night, and found the camp 
 
116 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 in a whirl of excitement about our safety. News bad 
 got in before us that our party had all been cut to 
 pieces ; that the rebel cavalry had surrounded us, 
 and we would not surrender; therefore, we were all 
 cut up. The 51st New York and the 9th New Jer 
 sey were just given orders to reinforce us, when they 
 saw our regimental colors crossing the railroad about 
 a mile off from our camp. We had an awful tramp 
 of it, I assure you. We had to ford eight streams of 
 water that were up to our waists, besides several 
 others that were knee deep ; and the roads Avere ex 
 ceedingly muddy. I saw some few very beautiful 
 houses, and the plantations all looked so sweet ; fruit 
 trees all out in full bloom, arid everything wearing 
 the garb of spring verdure; but every place was de 
 serted, except by slaves, who wanted us to take them 
 along with us. I wish we could, for I pity them." 
 
 When within about one mile of Pollocksville, the 
 regiment came to a halt. Co. C, Captain Allabough, 
 was detailed to march to the upper bridge at Trenton 
 to fire it ; but as it was dark when they started, it 
 grew still darker as it grew later, and their march was 
 necessarily very slow. However, about midnight he 
 succeeded in applying the torch, and it was soon 
 consumed ; after which he tl about face," and groping 
 his way back, rejoined his regiment. 
 
 Co. D, Capt. Ed. Schall, volunteered to go into 
 PollocksvilJe and burn the bridge at that place, 
 which they did in splendid style, although quite 
 early in the evening, and the inhabitants all walking 
 about the village and attending to their business. So 
 quietly and successfully did Co. D do their work, that 
 the bridge was all in flames from one end to the other, 
 and cut in two, so as it burned it would fall in the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 117 
 
 river and render it past repairing, that the citizens 
 wondered how the act could have been done so 
 quick ; but the pouring of turpentine and other in 
 gredients over the wood work was the labor of only 
 a minute ; and the application of the torch spread 
 the flames with the speed of lightning over its whole 
 surface, and the large columns of black smoke rap 
 idly ascending, notified the reserve that the work 
 was accomplished. 
 
 Co. D, Capt. Schall, was detailed to picket the 
 road on the flank of the reserves to protect it from 
 surprise, and also to picket the the rear of Co. C, 
 to prevent it from being cut off in that quarter 
 from the main body or reserves. The reserves con 
 sisted of Go s. A, I, F, E, G, K, and B, who moved 
 back to the cross or forks of the road about two 
 miles from Pollocks ville, where they bivouacked for 
 the night, and made themselves a cup of coffee, 
 leaving Co. D in the town to guard against any 
 armed force assembling in it for any treacherous 
 purposes, and leaving Co. C picketing the road lead 
 ing to Trenton. 
 
 Col. Hartranft and Lieut. Col. Bell evidently 
 evinced a great deal of uneasiness throughout the 
 whole night for the safety of Capt. Allabough and 
 his company, as it was fully expected they would 
 return at a specified time whether they accomplished 
 their task or not ; and as the full time had elapsed, 
 Col. Hartranft or Lieut. Col. Bell could be seen on 
 their horses at full gallop going up the road, unat 
 tended by an orderly, about every half hour through 
 out the night. Col. Bell, in one of his tours, captured 
 two citizens in a buggy, who were very anxious to be 
 allowed to proceed to their homes at Trenton ; but Col. 
 
118 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Bell " could not see it," and consequently brought the 
 " highly indignant chivalry " into the reserves, and 
 put them under guard for the remainder of the night. 
 They were very profuse in offering promises and 
 bribes for their liberty, but it was all in vain; and 
 in their spleen they unintentionally gave Gol. Hart- 
 ranit and Lieut. Col. Bell the highest credit that 
 words could convey for their devoted course as ex 
 ecutive officers and soldiers in fearlessly doing their 
 duty. 
 
 Early next morning Capt. Allabough and his com 
 pany found their way back to the reserves in safety, 
 which gratified Col. Hartranft and Lieut. Col. Bell 
 very much. Co. D and the pickets all being in, the 
 regiment, with its two prisoners, began the return 
 march at 7 o clock. After going three or four rniles, 
 the men began to give out with fatigue, being on the 
 long march of the day before, and up all night in the 
 rain, without shelter or food, they had become too 
 much fagged out and weak to stand the march so 
 well on the return. About the middle of the after 
 noon the regiment arrived at Evans s plantation, or 
 at least the advance of it; for the men being wet 
 and hungry, footsore and tired, they had straggled 
 to the extent of three or four miles. Col. Hartranft 
 remained with the larger portion of the regiment for 
 the first ten miles ; but seeing his men were failing 
 from being overtasked, and very much crippled with 
 painfully sore feet, he dismounted and waited for the 
 rear of his regiment to catch up to where he was ; 
 then selecting the worst cases, he gave them his horse 
 to ride alternately, and assisting with his arms to 
 support others, he helped them along as best he could, 
 until he and his "cripples" caught up to the colors, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 119 
 
 which had halted at the above-mentioned plantation, 
 pursuant to his orders. Some few of the advance 
 kept on until they arrived in camp ; but the majority 
 rested at Evans s for a couple of hours, until all were 
 up, or close enough to exclude the possibility of cap 
 ture. The halt had greatly benefited the men ; for 
 they kept in close column, with little or no straggling, 
 for the remainder of the return march, and arrived 
 in camp early in the evening, to find their long ab 
 sence had given rise to a rumor that they were all 
 " cut up," and the 51st New York and 9th New 
 Jersey were about starting out to learn the fate of 
 the " bridgeburners," and to render them whatever 
 assistance lay in their power. On arriving in camp, 
 the "Kegulation s" formalities for "breaking ranks" 
 were omitted, and each man "struck" for his res 
 pective quarters, to seek that repose he stood so 
 much in need of after the excitement and perilous 
 tramp of forty -six miles. A few, and only a few, 
 could not reach camp that night; but, from their 
 crippled condition, were obliged to throw them 
 selves down in the muddy road and quarter there, 
 coming into camp early next morning. This march 
 is one that will never be forgotten by any that par 
 ticipated in it ; and well may it be remembered ! 
 
 On Sunday, the 23d, the day after the return 
 march from Pollocksville, the vessels laden with 
 supplies were unloaded, and by the middle of the 
 afternoon, rations were issued in great abundance, 
 being the first issue of full rations since the regi 
 ment embarked on the Cossack at Koanoke on the 
 3d of the month, twenty days back, and in that 
 twenty days it is beyond the power of my pen to 
 tell in detail the trials arid sufferings of this noble 
 band of patriots ! 
 
120 HISTORY" OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Arrival of convalescents and fresh troops Camp Franklin 
 Proficiency of Company B Losses by sickness and battle 
 Grumblings Congratulatory orders Gen. McClellan. 
 
 ON" Tuesday, the 25th, all the officers and men 
 who were left invalids at the island on the depart 
 ure of the Cossack now joined their commands, 
 having arrived fully restored in health, with the ex 
 ception of a few who had been attacked with the 
 small-pox, but they soon followed thereafter. On the 
 arrival of the convalescents a mail also came, being 
 the first one since the capture of Newbern, and 
 being a rainy day (confound it, it rained all the 
 time) nothing was done but reading and writing 
 letters. 
 
 On Saturday, the 29th of March, the regiment 
 packed up and moved camp from the barracks to a 
 place nearly opposite the city of Newbern, where it 
 received the large Sibley tents, and pitched them in 
 regulation form and gave it the name of "Camp 
 Hartranft." While lying at this camp it was ex 
 pected that the enemy would make an attack on our 
 forces to recapture the city, as they were assembling 
 in strong force at Goldsboro and Kingston, and had 
 attacked the cavalry pickets and driven them in, 
 killing one and wounding several others; but the 
 anticipated attack was not made and things quieted 
 down to the regular monotony of camp life, during 
 which time the steamer Admiral arrived off the city 
 with reinforcements the 17th Massachusetts. Re 
 inforcements began to arrive almost daily, for the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 121 
 
 next day after the Admiral arrived, the Cossack 
 came in with a new regiment from Baltimore, the 
 2d Maryland, and the next day the George Peabody 
 arrived with the 79th New York. On the 2d of 
 April our regiment went to escort the 2d" Maryland 
 to its quarters, but from some unexplained cause 
 the escort did not take place and t e 51st returned 
 to its camp. 
 
 About this time Col. Hartranft received a short 
 leave of absence to visit his home in Norristown, 
 Pa. The command of the regiment fell to the lot of 
 Lieut. Col. Thomas S. Bell, which at first caused 
 considerable grumbling, for the regiment had been 
 commanded by none other than Col. Hartranft, and 
 they knew the Lieut. Col. to be a much stricter 
 disciplinarian, who would not overlook their little 
 failings with the mercy they thought their old com 
 mander would. Visions of -guard-houses, carrying 
 logs, &c., loomed up in huge array before their 
 fertile minds, but it only lasted a few days, when, to 
 their agreeable surprise, they found that not only a 
 true soldier commanded them, but a thorough gentle 
 man, and from that time up to the death of Col. 
 Bell he was honored and truly loved by all his men. 
 
 On the 3d of April the regiment again "struck 
 tents" and changed locality, leaving Camp Hartranft 
 at half-past one in the afternoon, and crossed the 
 Trent river on a new bridge that was built in place 
 of the one burned down on the retreat of the rebels 
 after the battle of Newborn, and marched through 
 the city to the outskirts at the upper end of the 
 town, and there again pitched their tents on a small 
 open lot and named it Camp Franklin." Although 
 the march was but a short one, yet the excessive 
 
122 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 heat at that time kept them until 4J p. M. before 
 they arrived at their new camping ground, perspi 
 ration rolling off the men as if it had been the month 
 of August. The next morning, the 4th, a detail of 
 one commissioned officer and six enlisted men was 
 made to go down the river to unload commissary 
 stores. Capt. J. Merrill Lynn and the six men at 
 tended to their -fatigue duty" with much energy, 
 and it was well named when it was called " fatigue 
 duty." 
 
 On the 5th a mail arrived, in which were some 
 papers that spoke very flatteringly of the services of 
 the 51st P. V., but as the reporters were all Eastern 
 men, they had as usual tacked the 4th Rhode Island 
 on to their skirts for a large slice of credit that the 
 51st did not consider them justly entitled to, and their 
 indignation at this was only equalled by the " reserve " 
 affair of the " Frank Leslie s " correspondent s ac 
 count of the battle of Roanoke. On Sunday, the 
 6th, the 51st P. V. marched into the city to church, 
 headed by its excellent band. On arriving at 
 church the regiment li stacked arms" in the street 
 and left them under the care of three guards until 
 the conclusion of the ceremonies. The Chaplain, Rev. 
 Dan l. G. Mallory, officiated, and the choir, aided by 
 a magnificent organ, lent interest and solemnity to 
 the occasion. During the stay of the regiment at 
 Camp Franklin, it marched into the city nearly every 
 Sabbath to attend Divine services. 
 
 On Monday, the 7th, Lieut. Col. Bell had inaugu 
 rated a new feature in the discipline of the 51st 
 P. V., viz.: "Regimental roll call" at daybreak, 
 compelling every officer and man who was not on 
 duty or sick to be present to answer to their names. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 123 
 
 This order compelled the men to get up a little 
 earlier than was their wont to do when answering to 
 their names at company roll-call. But the idea of 
 fetching out the lt shoulder-straps " so early and 
 giving them a taste of a morning s roll-call pleased 
 the men so well that I believe they would have risen 
 at midnight without one word of complaint, if it had 
 only been to see that " wooden man," as a certain 
 officer was termed, forced to march to the "front and 
 centre" and answer to his name. Col. Bell also 
 began his u hobby," viz., regimental drill, and with 
 that and company drill the men were kept with their 
 noses to the grindstone during the existence of 
 Camp Franklin; for the duties were continued with 
 out much intermission even after the return of Col. 
 Hartranft from his leave of absence. 
 
 Much and special attention was directed to the 
 skirmish drill and bayonet exercise by both regi 
 ment and company, and there did not exist a com 
 pany in the whole expedition that could vie with 
 Capt. Bell s Co. " B " in the bayonet exercise. Every 
 lunge, parry and carte were performed with so much 
 promptness and precision, that it looked more like 
 automatic machine work than that of men moving 
 by will. Other companies also did well, especially 
 Co. D ; but none had the training that Co. B had, 
 nor did another drill-master exist in the regi 
 ment as was Ferdinand S. Bell ; very explicit in his 
 instructions, firm in his commands, correct in his 
 orders and movements, and who could not be per 
 suaded to believe that a soldier had a right to make 
 a mistake, and so heartily did his ll boys " concur in 
 his opinions that they made no mis ake.-s. 
 
 In the beginning of April, 1862, quinine and 
 
124 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 whiskey had to be resorted to to prevent fever and 
 ague, and other diseases incident to a marshy coun 
 try. The original number of men engaged in the 
 expedition numbered about 15,000, but from vari 
 ous causes they were reduced to less than half that 
 number, say 7,000, consequently the quinine in 
 whiskey was ad ministered daily to the men as a pre- 
 ventative, but was not continued many days at a 
 time. The strength of the command was kept up by 
 constant arrivals of reinforcements. The losses of 
 the expedition, by death from disease and drown 
 ing, from the time that it took its departure from 
 Annapolis to its arrival at Hatteras, were 60, and 
 from that time up to the capture of Newbern the 
 total daily average of deaths from wounds and sick 
 ness was three and-a-half per cent, while the increase 
 of sickness became alarming to the commanding 
 officers. The 51st P. V. left Harrisburg in Novem 
 ber, 1861, with 981 officers and men, but now, say 
 1st of April, 1862, it was reduced to about 350 
 effective men, for when they formed into line to 
 escort the 2d Mary land into camp there were but 385 
 all told, and fully 35 of them were unfit for effective 
 service, leaving the above-mentioned balance of effec 
 tive men at 350. The excessive heat had began to 
 tell fearfully on the men ; diarrhoea, dysentery, ague, 
 rheumatism, camp fever and small-pox had seized 
 hold of the men and prostrated them on beds of 
 sickness that took months for their total recovery. 
 An extract from a private letter, seaking of this, 
 savs : " We are all desponding, our situation is to 
 be pitied ; out in the hottest kind of a sun or in the 
 shade, it is all the same ; your temples throb with 
 the heat as if your very skull would split. Diseases 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 125 
 
 of all kinds are seizing and reducing us so fast that 
 in three months more, at this rate, there will be noth 
 ing left of the old 51st." 
 
 Although the writer of the above had prophesied 
 that at the rate of the reduction, in three months, 
 there would be nothing left of the "old 51st," there 
 were a few, but only a few ! of the original organi 
 zation left to see the winding up of the greatest re 
 bellion that ever existed ! 
 
 The men of the 51st began now to look for the 
 paymaster, and with great anxiety too, for it had 
 been several months since they bad been paid off, 
 and they felt the double necessity of getting some 
 money, as well for their own private wants as to send 
 home to their families, who were solely dependent 
 on the absent ones for their sustenance. 
 
 If there ever was a gross injustice done the sol 
 dier it was by the Government keeping its noble 
 defenders so many long, long months without their 
 hard-earned pay. The untold misery caused by such 
 wilful carelessness about the necessities of the sol 
 diers families, can only be laid at the doors of the 
 officers, who were snugly ensconced on a cushioned 
 chair in some luxuriously-furnished parlor in the 
 city of Washington, mayhap with their feet resting 
 on an elevated object level or higher than their 
 brains, with a costly cigar in their mouths, and 
 wondering why the army don t move. Little did 
 such wretches, officers, perhaps I should have said, 
 care about the misery they were entailing on the 
 families of the soldiers by withholding their pay, as 
 long as they could get men, good, true, loyal men, 
 to bare their breasts to the enemy s bullets, that their 
 own worthless carcasses might revel in debauchery 
 
126 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 and luxury, without jeopardizing their would be 
 valuable lives to save that country they had sworn 
 to support, yet cared not to do, but rather support 
 ing the enemy by disgusting the intelligent soldier 
 with the service in which he took such pride at his 
 debut. No such paltry, deceiving plea as " can t 
 get money to pay with," was ever received by the 
 army as a truth, nor ever will, for the loyal capital 
 ists of the North throw the base falsehood back into 
 their teeth with double force, for when did the Gov 
 ernment ever appeal to them, its supporters, for a 
 loan, but what it was instantly forthcoming ? I 
 don t wish to cast any reflections on that truly good 
 man, Mr. Lincoln, for the soldiers knew that he had 
 his hands full without acting paymaster of his im 
 mense army as well as being its commander-in-chief, 
 but the unpardonable blame must rest somewhere, 
 and no doubt the guilty party feels the reproach of 
 a perjured conscience, as some of the families who 
 suffered by their neglect felt the poignancy of want. 
 Volumes might be written on the many wrongs in 
 the pay department to which the soldier has been 
 subjected, and yet the half not be told. Could the 
 Government expect its citizens to rally to its sup 
 port, sacrificing everything, life, limbs, health and 
 the pleasures of a comfortable home, while it neg 
 lected to make some necessary equivalent at the 
 proper time, instead of binding both officers and men 
 by an oath to do their duty, at the same time it 
 grossly neglected its duty ? We think not ; and yet 
 it did. To keep men six, eight, ten and even twelve 
 months without one cent of pay, is a wrong that will 
 never be forgotten by the entire army, that toiled 
 four long wearisome years, and whose families were 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 127 
 
 solely dependent on the paltry stipend allowed each 
 man per month. There may be some of the "stay- 
 at-homes" who think, that from the enormous taxa 
 tion produced by the war, the pay was large enough, 
 but it must be understood that it was not the sol 
 diers pay alone that created such a debt ; there were 
 other leaks in the ship, for which this great nation 
 should hold its servants accountable. For instance 
 a soldier whose pay was only from thirteen dollars 
 per month, up to twenty-two dollars, would be de 
 tailed as clerk in the Quartermasters Depart 
 ment, Commissary s, or at post or field headquarters, 
 with no other compensation than his pay as a sol 
 dier ; but a citizen would be employed by some, to 
 do the clerking at a salary of one hundred dollars 
 and more per month; for the same duty that the 
 soldier did. And it frequently happened the soldier 
 was far more competent than the citizen. Again, a 
 citizen would receive from twenty -five dollars per 
 month up to one hundred dollars, rations included; 
 to be wagon-masters and teamsters, while the soldier 
 would receive his little thirteen or sixteen dollars 
 per month for the same labor better performed. In 
 the name of common sense, is this justice?" For at 
 the time a battle was raging, the citizen, wagon- 
 masters and teamsters would look out for themselves, 
 and keep their trains with the supplies of ammuni 
 tion and rations so far away frum danger that they 
 could not be found when urgently needed. Was it so 
 with the soldier wagoners ? Had they to be ridden 
 after for half a day before they could be found? 
 No! The ammunition trains would be sure to be 
 found closed en masse close to a battery or batteries, 
 ready to supply the " warriors " with all the shot and 
 
128 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 shell required, and yet the citizen employes could 
 get their pay nearly always at the expiration of two 
 months. 
 
 This great disparity between the soldier s and 
 citizen s pay is only the splashings of a drop from 
 the big leak that has caused the Great Ship of State 
 to groan and creak in every timber, from its heavily 
 laden cargo of taxation. " Bed tapeism " is to 
 blame for millions of dollars foolishly squandered, 
 and has helped to swell the enormous national war 
 debt. Ordnance and ordnance stores have been 
 thrown away and destroyed when they should have 
 been saved for the government, and why ? because 
 "red tape forbade it. We suppose contractors 
 might suffer had economy been looked at. Horses, 
 mules and cattle also, were in the category of losses. 
 If a horse or mule would "give out," unhook him 
 or it and turn it loose, perhaps in a wilderness or 
 some barren country, to which the great Sahara 
 might be an oasis in comparison, without ever being 
 hunted up for service again ; and how many such 
 poor faithful animals have lain along the roadside 
 dead, when a little judicious treatment would have 
 put them on their feet again and back in their 
 wagon trains! On the return of the 51st P. V. from 
 Knoxville, Tennessee, the writer, with Philip Wam- 
 pole, of Co. D, after crossing the Cumberland Gap, 
 concluded to count the dead horses and rnules that 
 lay along the roadside. The regiment marched that 
 day seventeen miles, and at night we compared 
 notes, and reduced the miles to yards, and found that 
 it averaged a dead horse or mule for every forty-five 
 yards of the seventeen miles, and we only counted 
 those that laid close to the roadside and in plain view. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 129 
 
 Hundreds of others, no doubt, lay in the bushes and 
 off from the road that we did not see. Reader, do 
 you say that death is a natural consequence under 
 such circumstances? Granted! Yet you cannot but 
 say that thousands of mules and horses might be 
 alive at this writing, that are dead, which by "red 
 tape" are added as unavoidable losses that help to 
 swell the war debt. " Red tape " says : If a wagon 
 breaks down on the march, abandon it. If a horse 
 or rnule gets sick or tired out, or starved out, aban 
 don it, and leave it to its fate ! Uncle Sam is rich. 
 Such is the extravagance of the nation s servants, 
 of whom the nation had a right to expect better 
 things; but as this is rather a chapter of grumblings 
 than of narrative, the reader will pardon the digres 
 sion and we will "about face" and go back to the 
 history of the 51st P. V. 
 
 On the 5th of April, 1862, congratulatory orders 
 were read to the regiment on dress parade, from 
 the States of Ohio and Pennsylvania. President Lin 
 coln ; Secretary of War, E. M. Stanton ; Quar. Mas. 
 Hale, and all the heads of Departments, tendering 
 their thanks to the 51st P. V. for the gallantry dis 
 played by it at the capture of Newbern. This was 
 the first acknowledgment of its services that the 51st 
 had received. Knowing it justly deserved, the men 
 received the flattering remarks with a spirit o! 
 enthusiasm. 
 
 On Sunday, April 6th, another steamer arrived at 
 Newbern from Roanoke Island, with convalescents 
 who had been left at the Island Hospital at the 
 time of the departure of those who arrived pre 
 viously. Nothing of particular interest took place 
 in the regiment from the 6th to the 9th of April, on 
 
 7 
 
130 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 which latter date the regiment was again paid off, 
 excepting a violent thunder storm, which immersed 
 the camp-ground several inches under water during 
 the night time, and making guard duty anything but 
 pleasant, yet it had the effect of a continuation of the 
 issue of whiskey and quinine, much to the benefit 
 and the desires of the "boys." The regiment being 
 encamped on one of the open lots at the outskirts of 
 the city, it gave the boys frequent opportunities of 
 going through the city with considerable freedom ; 
 but the quinine and whiskey received in camp only 
 tended to provoke their appetites to crave whiskey 
 without the quinine, and so determined were certain 
 ones to have it, that they not unfrequently paid three 
 to five dollars, per bottle, holding about one pint. 
 Very stringent orders had been issued by Gen. Burn- 
 side and his Provost Marshal to the inhabitants and 
 citizens, forbidding them to sell spirituous or malt 
 liquors on the penalty of confiscation of their stock, 
 closing up of their places of business, fines and im 
 prisonment, but all to no purpose, for the whiskey 
 was in town and the boys did get it much as they 
 wanted and more than they needed. The query is, 
 how did they get it ? That is much easier asked 
 than answered ; but a remark made a long time after 
 by that gentlemanly and good soldier, Gen. Ed. 
 Fererro, in reference to the men of his brigade obtain 
 ing whiskey, will convey an idea of their persistent 
 efforts to procure it. He said, Were my men to 
 be cast on an island where whiskey was never 
 known to have been, and they allowed to run at 
 will, scarcely a man but what would come into 
 camp with his canteen full, even if they would have 
 to rend rojks asunder searching for it." But Lieut. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 131 
 
 Col. Bell being a strictly temperate man as well as 
 a devout Christian, was determined to stay the dis 
 order produced by excessive "bibing," and conse 
 quently in order to check it, was compelled to in 
 flict such punishment as in his sound judgment he 
 deemed best. The guard-house received a good share 
 of those whose offences were light, the log and the 
 ring were for others. Commissioned and non-com 
 missioned officers did not escape his impartial 
 decrees; while the latter were reduced to the ranks 
 again as privates, the former were under arrest in 
 their own quarters with charges preferred against 
 them, and some were requested to resign in order 
 to save exposure. So determined was the lieutenant 
 colonel to break up the vice that he turned a deaf 
 ear to all their entreaties, and made them all suffer 
 for indiscretion by whatever punishment their 
 offences merited. On the 10th of April, at dress- 
 parade, at least one dozen " non-com s" were reduced 
 to the ranks for improper conduct. A regimental 
 court-martial convened by order of Col. Bell settled 
 the cases of the commissioned officers, and discipline 
 once more reigned. 
 
 None of the crimes committed by either officers 
 or men were to be considered heinous, for had they 
 been committed in the streets of Norristown, Lewis- 
 burg, or Easton, they would have been unnoticed 
 by either the citizens or constabulary, but it was in 
 the army and considered a violation of army disci 
 pline, and a "mountain" as a necessity had to be 
 made out of less than "a rnole hill." 
 
 In looking over my notes and papers I find a 
 private letter from a member of the 51st, dated 
 Newbern, May 10th, 1862, of which I wish to insert 
 
132 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 here an extract for the purpose of showing that Gen. 
 Geo. B. McClollan had not been condemned by all 
 the soldiers on account of his politics, for be it 
 known that at that time not one soldier in ten thou 
 sand knew what his politics were. It says, "I do 
 not think any of us will be home before the 1st of 
 March, 1863. We may be home sooner, as all the 
 troops here think, but I do not, for we dare not move 
 from here until McGlellan makes a move. If he would 
 only do something towards the war it might be soon 
 ended Some give him credit for being so slow, but 
 they ain t soldiers that do, for a soldier knows bet 
 ter. They know too that it is more of sympathy 
 for the rebel cause than it is strategy in not moving 
 on and try and do some little towards ending this 
 war." As will be seen in the above extract, there 
 is not the slightest allusion made to his politics, and 
 I only give it a place in these pages for no other 
 purpose than to show that the many imprecations 
 heaped upon the heads of good loyal men for oppos 
 ing him on the grounds of his political faith, are un 
 mitigated slanders on the correct judgment of good 
 soldiers. Although the writer of the extract does 
 say that McClellan is in sympathy with the cause 
 of the South, yet he (the writer) seems to infer that 
 there iarsome other hidden reason for the General s 
 slowness to make a move, which is only judged to 
 be politics. 
 
 On Saturday, April 12th, a new feature in the 51st 
 had its birth, viz. : Saturday of each week was to be 
 devoted to the washing of clothes and a general 
 cleansing of the person, and policing of the camp. 
 Which order was faithfully kept as a standing order 
 until the disbandrnent of the regiment, whenever it 
 could possibly be enforced. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 133 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Drilling by the bugle Maj. Schall in command On board the 
 Admiral Landing near Elizabeth City Currituck Con it- 
 house March into the interior Greetings to the flag Fight 
 at Camden Repulse of Hawkin s Zouaves Successful 
 charge of the 51st Retreat of the enemy Sudden return 
 march to the ship Liberation of convicts List of casualties. 
 
 ANOTHER rumor, about this time, got bruited about 
 through the various camps, that the troops were all to 
 be sent home by the 10th of June. It served to enliven 
 the soldiers to a great extent, for it held out a good 
 prospect of once more getting where they could sit 
 down to a table, and get something better to eat than 
 that stereotyped dish of fat oily pork and " hard 
 tack," which they had been getting daily for a length 
 of time. Coffee, " hard tack," and pork for break 
 fast, dinner, arid supper, day in and day out for 
 weeks at a time without any change, was nearly as 
 bad as getting nothing to eat ; but now that they 
 had been paid off they bought little varieties such 
 as their scanty means would allow at the exorbitant 
 prices they were compelled to pay. 
 
 On Monday, April 14th, an attempt was made to 
 drill the regiment by the sound of the bugle, but the 
 boys evinced so little interest in it that after a few 
 days drilling it was abandoned. To those who had 
 no ear for music the notes of the bugle sounded all 
 alike and they could not tell what move to make by 
 its sound, but relied on the movements of those who 
 did understand for their guides; but with those who 
 did understand, its notes were anything but music 
 to them, for when on a march, they would be halted 
 for a rest, that accursed bugle would sound the 
 
134: HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 "forward," and all its music (if it was music) lost 
 its charms, as the men would rise up and move off 
 as if walking on eggs or stepping a la parrot-toed. 
 The regiment was now under the command of Maj. 
 Edwin Schall, as Lieut. Col. Bell was sitting on 
 court-martial in Newbern. The change of command 
 at this time came very acceptable to the men on 
 account of the intense heat of the daytime during 
 drill-hours, and their only trouble now while it was 
 so hot was the fear of " old Johnny " returning from 
 his leave of absence and putting them through the 
 "regimental " for three or four hours in the hot sun. 
 Maj. Schall did not fail to enforce discipline, nor did 
 he fail to drill the regiment ; but after keeping it 
 out as long as his humane heart felt was long enough 
 for his men in the rays of the scorching sun, he 
 would break ranks and let the men get a little of the 
 shade while it was going, lu must not be thought 
 as Maj. Schall was merciful to his men, that they re 
 paid his generosity with ingratitude by carelessness 
 in their drilling, for such was not the case. They 
 knew him too well and loved him too dearly for 
 that ; but on the contrary, there was not a man out 
 on drill but did his utmost to make prompt and 
 correct movements, so as to lighten the labors of 
 their mnjor, and I don t wish it to be thought here 
 that either Col. Hartranft or Lieut. Col. Bell were 
 such brutes as to be void of feeling for their men. 
 They both sympathized with their men in all their 
 trials and labors, but while sympathizing they ex 
 acted from the men all that they thought they 
 could bear, not, however, from a wish to gratify their 
 own desires, but for the purpose of making the 
 men efficient under all circumstances for the vicissi- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 135 
 
 tudes of war and the benefit of the country in its 
 hour of direst need. 
 
 On Wednesday, April 16th, 1862, began the de 
 monstration on Norfolk, Va., by receiving orders to 
 pack up and go on board of the transports. Pre 
 vious to the orders being issued a rumor had became 
 rife in camp that the 51st P. V. was to go to Balti 
 more to relieve certain troops there and to garrison 
 the city and guard the railroads diverging from that 
 place, and the issuing of the above orders filled 
 every one with delight in anticipation of being that 
 much nearer their homes and friends, for those 
 orders were the ones that were to do it, at least all 
 thought so. 
 
 By noon the regiment took up the line of march 
 for the wharf, each heart buoyant with hope of soon 
 being in the Monumental city, nor did their spirits 
 -droop until they arrived at the mouth of the Neuse 
 and were again traversing the placid waters of 
 Pamlico sound in the direction of Roanoke Island. 
 "What does this move mean?" was a question 
 asked on all sides, but none knew, even the " know 
 ing ones " shook their heads as it was beyond their 
 conjecture. 
 
 The regiment went on board of a steamboat which 
 took it about a mile down the stream, when the 
 troops embarked on the fine, commodious steamer 
 Admiral, which rode at anchor until the following 
 morning, the 17th, when at daylight the fleet re 
 ceived the signal for starting, and steam being kept 
 up all night the vessels immediately got under way. 
 Lieut. Col. Bell being at the start in command of the 
 regiment, and the expedition under the sole com 
 mand of Gen. Jesse L. Reno. Nothing occurred of 
 
136 HISTORY OF THE FJFTY-FIKST REGIMENT 
 
 any interest until 1 o clock in the afternoon, when 
 the Admiral grounded, and so effectually did the 
 steamer imbed itself in the mud that she stuck there 
 until the next morning, when three tugs came to 
 her assistance by taking off all the troops and haul 
 ing her out into deep water, after which the troops 
 re-embarked on her and she again started "like a 
 thing of life " and passed Roanoke Island with much 
 caution on account of the numerous shoals ; but as 
 she was passing from the waters of Croatan sound 
 into those of the Albemarle she unfortunately ran 
 aground again and stuck there until near two o clock 
 next morning, the 19th, when by the aid of those 
 ant-like tugs, pulling far more than might be sup 
 posed, she got afloat again and proceeded on her 
 way to a point about three miles east of Eliza 
 beth city, N. C., and one mile east of the Dismal 
 Swamp canal where it empties into the sound, arriv 
 ing at daylight; but owing to the Admiral ground 
 ing so often and so effectually the other portion of 
 the fleet had arrived some time before her, and some 
 of the troops had already landed. The gunboats 
 were already at work shelling the woods along the 
 shore and on either side of the canal. The truth 
 now of the object of the move began to develop 
 itself and all knew that a battle was imminent. 
 
 Lieut. -Col. Bell gave orders to disembark, which 
 was considerable of a task, inasmuch as the Admiral 
 could not haul up close to shore on account of her 
 deep draught of water, but getting as close to shore 
 as she could, the men of the 51st had to wade in deep 
 water for about two hundred and fifty or three hun 
 dred yards. At the given signal the boys with their 
 guns on their shoulders and their cartridge boxes fast 
 ened on the end of their bayonets to secure them 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 137 
 
 against coming in contact with the wet, leaped over 
 board in the water, which was up to the necks of 
 many of them. They all, however, landed in safety, 
 and after getting on shore stacked arms and awaited 
 orders ; about 6J A, M. they came, placing Lieut. 
 Col. Bell in command of the brigade and Maj. Schall 
 in command of the 51st P. V. At precisely 7 o clock 
 the regiment, dripping with water," took arms," and 
 began one of the most extraordinary marches on 
 record. I will here be bold enough to say, without 
 fear of contradiction, that for a single day s inarch, 
 no part of the Union army ever performed a greater. 
 For this noble band of heroes marched forty-two 
 miles and fought a hard battle of one hour and twenty- 
 five minutes duration. The marching was one of the 
 most difficult kind, being previous to the fight over a 
 long, dry and dusty road without a drop of water save 
 what stood in stagnant pools, in ditches, &c., along 
 the roadside, while the rays of a burning sun fairly 
 tl wilted " the troops down like mown grass. Very 
 little rest was given when a halt was made, and the 
 halts were "like angel s visits," few and far between. 
 Frequently would the boys pass along the request 
 for a rest from the rear of the column to the right or 
 front, to Gen. Reno. It was no place for a Union 
 soldier to straggle in any way, for they were in the 
 enemy s country and surrounded by rebel citizens 
 and rebel cavalry pickets, and therefore the men 
 were forced by necessity to request a rest when 
 finding their strength failing them and their inability 
 to keep up with the more fortunate. 
 
 On leaving the landing place, the 51st P. V. was 
 assigned to take the advance of the whole column, 
 but it must be here mentioned that the 9th N. Y. 
 
 7* 
 
138 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 
 
 (Hawkins Zouaves), had landed about midnight, and 
 were assigned a guide to lead them on the most di 
 rect road to " South Mills," Camden County, N. C., 
 which is located near the boundary betweeir^Torth 
 Carolina and Virginia. At 2 o clock in the morning 
 the 9th N. Y. left, but from a blunder of the guide, 
 whether intentional or not on his part, they were 
 taken on a wrong road, making their march some 
 ten or twelve miles further than was necessary ; but 
 at about 10 A. M. they came out on the correct road 
 in the rear of the column. At the Currituck Court 
 house cross-roads, about twelve miles from the 
 landing, their colors could be seen in the distance 
 approaching, but not distinctly enough to define 
 their nationality, and Lieut. -Col. Bell not knowing 
 there were Union troops on that road, but led to be 
 lieved that the 9th N. Y. was far on his advance, 
 and no other Union troops in that part of the State, 
 he ordered a halt, and brought his command to a 
 " front " and formed a line of battle in the road, fully 
 believing, as all did, that the approaching troops 
 were none other than the enemy, and a battle was 
 imminent. But after resting on their arms some ten 
 or fifteen minutes they were discovered to be Union 
 troops of the expedition, supposed until then to have 
 been near their journey s end ! On the 9th " coming 
 up " to the column, all parties were full of congratu 
 lations that they were again united. The Zouaves 
 on seeing the line of battle formed in the road were 
 " turning over " in their minds whether they should 
 fire a volley into the column or not, but finally con 
 cluded to " inarch on " and see what it was in their 
 front, and to their gratification they found them to 
 be their old comrades. After a short rest, the whole 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 139 
 
 column formed, with the 51st P. V. on the advance, 
 and the others in the following order : 21st Mass., 
 6th N. EL, 89th N. Y., 9th N. H v and the 9th N. Y. 
 Company A, under the command of Capt. Wm. 
 J. Bolton, was sent on the advance of the column as 
 advance guards, the pioneers marching along with 
 them carrying their guns as well as axes. The 
 column had passed through Currituck Court-house 
 without many of the citizens manifesting any very 
 large amount of affection for the old flag, but on 
 reaching a point a few miles north of Currituck, the 
 citizens were nearly wild with joy at the sight of the 
 starry ensign. Some went so far in evincing their 
 sincerity of loyalty, as to run into their houses and 
 bring out the United States flag, throwing it to the 
 breeze with long continuous cheers, accompanied 
 with joyful exclamations to the passing troops of 
 " God bless you !" "Oh, how my heart has ached and 
 yearned to see Union soldiers come !" " take anything 
 I have ! you are welcome to it, God knows you are !" 
 and many other such like expressions could be heard 
 reverberating on the air until lost in the distance t 
 but time was too precious to be lost in awaiting to 
 reply to the enthusiasm of the citizens, and the 
 column pushed on through the scorching sun, the 
 dense clouds of dust and the stifling atmosphere, un 
 til near 1 o clock P. M., when for the lack of water 
 the troops begged of Gen. Keno to give them a rest^ 
 and let them have a chance to hunt some water, and 
 get something to eat for no one had had anything 
 to eat since leaving the vessels. But in reply to the 
 request of his men, Gen. Reno, who had spied a large 
 woods about half a mile ahead of him, behind a 
 dense column of smoke, pointed to the woods and 
 
140 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FLKST REGIMENT 
 
 said, " when we get there I ll halt long enough to 
 get dinner ;" but the sound of his words had not died 
 on his lips, when to his and everybody else s sur 
 prise, a twelve-pounder cannon solid-shot struck in 
 the centre of road, close in among Co. A boys, and 
 ricochetting over the general s head landed in a 
 field on the left of the road ; but before it. was done 
 rolling, another ! and still another ! came, and then 
 shell began to screech through the air, and in less 
 time than it takes my pen to tell it, the air was filled 
 with shot, shell, grape and canister. Three or four 
 pieces of light artillery had been put in battery across 
 the road at the edge of the woods, but concealed by 
 the thick foliage of the forest, and it was some time 
 before their exact location could be discovered by 
 Gen. Eeno and staff. 
 
 The expedition had a marine battery of two 3-inch 
 guns, pulled along by the troops, which were quickly 
 placed in battery, with Cos. A and F as their sup 
 port. The remainder of the regiment "filed right" 
 into a cornfield, came to a u front," and formed line 
 of battle in plain view and easy range of the rebel 
 guns, but so thick and fast were solid shot and shell 
 poured into the regiment that it was found impos 
 sible to remain in that position any length of time; 
 consequently, the line began to waver under such 
 rapid firing, and at last was ordered to get under 
 cover of a thick woods on the far side of the corn 
 field. The 51st P. V. had been nearly a half a mile 
 in advance of the main column during the latter 
 part of the march, and therefore had to bear the en 
 tire brunt of the opening of the battle, for it was 
 fully half an hour after the first shot was fired be 
 fore any of the other troops came up. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 
 
 After the whole column had taken shelter in the 
 woods, the men sank down to the earth from sheer 
 exhaustion, and no threats, persuasion, or any other 
 means could induce the men to rise upon their 
 feet until they had a rest. Gen. Eeno and Lieut. 
 Col. Bell did all in their power to get the troops 
 up and in line, but all to no purpose; so completely 
 worn down from excessive heat and thirst, long and 
 rapid marching, and without food, the entire body 
 of troops was more dead than alive, and as they 
 could not see a rebel, they concluded that there 
 were but few of them, and they could afford to take 
 a rest, and soon settle it after being refreshed. 
 
 Up to this time the enemy had not fired a single 
 musket, but kept themselves closely concealed in a 
 very deep, wide ditch, which they were using as a 
 sort of breastwork. All the buildings between the 
 two lines had been fired by the rebels, for the ex 
 press purpose of aiding them to more perfectly ob 
 scure themselves from the vision of the approaching 
 forces, by raising many heavy columns of black 
 smoke. And no doubt it was intended by the enemy 
 for Burnside s forces to fall into an ambuscade and 
 " get gobbled up." After the men had rested a little, 
 the 51st P. V. again jumped to their feet, and were 
 soon moving toward the enemy s left flank, for the 
 purpose of capturing the rebel guns, but when, 
 within about thirty yards of the concealed foe in the 
 ditch, it received a terrific volley of musketry, that 
 brought them to a sudden halt. For the purpose of 
 reconnoitering the woods and finding out the enemy s 
 true position and strength, Cos. A and F, under 
 command of Captain Bolton, immediately deployed 
 us skirmishers, but had proceeded only a lew yards 
 
142 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 when they found themselves at right angles with the 
 ditch, on the enemy s left. The enemy was now 
 discovered, and their strength pretty correctly esti 
 mated. 
 
 The regiment was now formed in line of battle 
 and marched up to a fence running at right angles 
 with the ditch, and on the outskirts of the woods, 
 followed by that noble regiment, the 21st Mass., 
 which took up a position on the right of the 51st 
 P. Y. When Major Schall gave the command 
 "Boys, let em have it, and do it right for them, 1 
 the woods echoed far and near with the reverbera 
 tions of volleys of musketry that were poured in 
 rapid succession into the enemy s columns, soon un- 
 ditching and causing them to take shelter behind the 
 huge pine trees, but on making themselves visible, 
 and being uniformed in " blue " clothing, of which 
 they had lately captured large quantities, it gave rise 
 to the cry among the 21st Mass., " Cease firing, 51st ; 
 you are firing on our own men!" Major Schall or 
 dered the color bearers to hold up the colors, that 
 our friends might see who we were ! But no sooner 
 were the colors shown than the enemy poured volley 
 after volley into the 51st. Major Schall being now 
 fully satisfied that they were no friends of his, he 
 again ordered his command to " pour it into them, 
 again, and don t cease firing as long as you can see 
 a Johnny! " which command was cheerfully and 
 scrupulously complied with. The battle now raged 
 violently, the 51st P. V. and the 21st Mass, doing 
 terrible execution. The 9th N. Y. (Zouaves) at this 
 juncture undertook to make a charge at a distance 
 of over half a mile, in a clear field, and in plain and 
 easy range of the enemy s guns, but did not succeed 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 143 
 
 in reaching the enemy s position, being repulsed 
 with terrible slaughter and thrown into great confu 
 sion. A most murderous fire from the rebel battery 
 and musketry was concentrated on the charging 
 column. The marine battery, which accompanied 
 the expedition, replied with telling effect, but not 
 sufficient to silence any of the enemy s guns; there 
 fore that brave and energetic band of heroes were 
 forced to submit to a repulse. Although their ranks 
 were terribly thinned, yet their bravery was worthy 
 of emulation and great praise. At this juncture 
 the 6th N. H., which had been posted on the left of 
 the road, and was on the enemy s right flank, made 
 a charge across a large field, firing one of the most 
 beautiful volleys, while they were double-quicking, 
 that was possible for a set of the best drilled and 
 disciplined troops to have fired. So precise wa^ the 
 discharge that it sounded as if one man had pulled 
 the triggers of all the guns at one pressure of the 
 finger. As soon as the 6th N. H. fired the volley 
 they halted, when the 51st P. V. jumped over the 
 worm fence which they had used as a sort of rude 
 breastworks, charged on the enemy in fine style, 
 carried the enemy s position, the battle ending by 
 the retreating of the enemy, who fled on the ap 
 proach of the 51st, leaving a few of their dead and 
 wounded on the field ; but they had succeeded in 
 bearing off a large number of their dead and 
 wounded companions before the 51st made the 
 charge. The rebel forces proved to be the 3d Geor 
 gia regiment, 1,800 strong, and different independ 
 ent battalions, all under the command of Brig. 
 Gen. Branch, of South Carolina. After arriving 
 on the spot that had just been in possession of the 
 
HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 enemy, the 51st began the humane work of gath 
 ering up the wounded of both sides, caring for them 
 alike, and putting them under the charge of the va 
 rious surgeons, who had established a hospital in a 
 farm house which stood on the battle- field. As 
 soon as the wounded were cared for, the dead of 
 both armies were gathered together for burial. A 
 wagon loaded heavily with intrenching tools had 
 accompanied the expedition, but as it was found 
 necessary to return again that night in perfect quiet 
 ness, General Reno ordered the 51st P. V. to select 
 a suitable spot to conceal the tools, for two reasons, 
 viz.: One was, that the road was in too bad a condi 
 tion to haul them back to the transports, and they 
 would have to be abandoned on the way there. The 
 other reason was, that he had received information 
 from some citizens that the enemy was being largely 
 reinforced for the purpose of attacking him again 
 that night. Hence, for the purpose of getting away 
 quietly from the battle-ground, it was deemed best 
 to bury the tools to avoid the rattling noise incident 
 to the jolting of a wagon over a rough road. 
 
 About 4 P. M. the various regiments "stacked 
 arms" for the purpose of cooking whatever the men 
 might have along with them to eat, and as there 
 were no signs indicative of a move to the men, the 
 greater number of them began to hunt up places to 
 lie down to rest themselves and also to sleep, after 
 the great fatigue of the day/ Before the battle was 
 over it began to rain, and the battle-field being 
 located in a very low place caused the water to seek 
 its level in among the troops. By the time fires 
 were made the ground had become so saturated that 
 it was with difficulty that the men could find a place 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 145 
 
 to lie down, for, be it known, in those days the 
 D Abri tents were not introduced ; only a few of the 
 more fortunate ones possessed such an invaluable 
 thing as a gum or oil-cloth blanket, and therefore 
 they were unable to shelter themselves from the in 
 clemency of the weather. By night-fall, however, 
 the 51st had snugly ensconced itself in the woods 
 wherein it had fought its full share of the battle, 
 and was enjoying itself in "tired nature s sweet re 
 storer, balmy sleep," after sending out quite a strong 
 picket. But about 8 P. M., while all no, not all, 
 for Maj. Schall did not indulge in the much-coveted 
 luxury were asleep in fancied security, an order 
 was issued from headquarters to " fall in and return 
 to the transports, withdrawing, the pickets at the 
 same time." Consequently, Maj. Schall went along 
 the line and issued his orders to the officers and 
 men <c to get up and put on their things as quietly 
 as possible, for the enemy were trying to surround 
 us, and it was necessary to not talk above a whisper 
 and to prevent tincups and canteens from clashing or 
 making the least noise." On the men being awakened 
 their ideas seemed to be in a tumult of confusion, 
 for being asleep when the orders were issued, they 
 could not understand the almost inaudib e whisper, 
 the cat-like tread, and the entire stillness of those 
 already up putting on their accoutrements; but the 
 truth soon flashed across their minds that it was a 
 retreat, and also that the regiment was in a very 
 precarious situation. As each man hurriedly put 
 on his equipments he cautiously stepped out of the 
 woods and took his position on the color line, 
 greatly lamenting that he had been disturbed before 
 he got his "sleep out." By 9 P. M. the 51st were 
 
146 HISTOKY OF THE FIFL A Y-FIK3T REGIMENT 
 
 all in line and ready for the return march back to 
 the transports, where they were "bound to sleep 
 until the old tub arrived at Newbern." The 51st 
 had not to wait long before the order to "move on" 
 was given, and off it started, across the battle-field 
 to the public road leading to Currituck Court-house. 
 A deep wide ditch ran diagonally across the field and 
 the darkness of the night comparing favorably with 
 the Egyptian darkness, which could be felt, the men 
 were unable to see the ditch, and scarcely twenty 
 men out of the whole regiment escaped plunging 
 headlong into its depths. On arriving at the road 
 another invisible ditch was there to receive them, 
 but the boys took their misfortunes all in good part, 
 without uttering a single murmur or allowing them 
 selves to crack a joke above a whisper ; but had 
 their troubles ended there at the ditches all would 
 soon have been forgotten, but such was not the case, 
 for the road, which had been so filled with dust in 
 the forenoon, had now, from the falling rain, become 
 a vast bed of mortar. Yes, worse than any bed of 
 mortar could be made! for the road was full of 
 chuck-holes ten to thirty inches deep, and certainly 
 not ten feet apart, and all filled with thin, watery 
 mud, and the mire itself of an unctuous nature, 
 caused men and horses to slip as if trying to walk 
 down a steep hill on very smooth ice. Considerable 
 delay was occasioned on the first mile of the road 
 from the inability of the officers to find their picket 
 posts. As everything had to be done by whispers 
 their whereabouts was difficult to ascertain. How 
 ever, all had been relieved before 11 P. M. and then 
 the line of march began in earnest. The 51st, 
 acting as rear-guard to the column, plunged its way 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 147 
 
 through the mud without scarcely a whisper or a 
 rest until it arrived at Currituck Court-house, then 
 three miles from the landing. The pioneer corps of 
 the 51st cut away the wooden bridge which spanned 
 the Dismal Swamp Canal as soon as the regiment 
 passed over it, to prevent the enemy from pursuing 
 them should they feel inclined to do so. 
 
 On arriving at Currituck Court-house, the boys 
 visited the jail, and opened all thj cell doors, and let 
 the convicts escape. While a portion were attend 
 ing to the release of the prisoners, another party 
 had entered a well-stocked store, nearly opposite the 
 prison, that was kept by one of the most bitter seces 
 sionists extant, and in almost the same time as it 
 takes me to tell it here,^ the store was cleaned of 
 everything from a penny whistle to a hogshead of 
 molasses; store goods of all kinds, dry goods, hard 
 ware, groceries, trimmings, liquors, smoked and 
 dried meats, boots, shoes, hats, and furniture of all 
 kinds, were seized and borne away by the men who 
 were scarcely able to get along even without their 
 guns; in fact, some of the men became so jaded out, 
 that, in order to keep up with the regiment, they 
 threw away guns, cartridge-boxes, belts, haversacks, 
 canteens, &c., to prevent themselves from lagging 
 behind ! Currituck was reached by daybreak of the 
 20th of April, and the 51st arrived at the landing point 
 at or a few minutes before sunrise, thereby making 
 the hard march of forty-two miles inside of twenty- 
 four hours, besides fighting a battle, gathering the 
 killed and wounded, burying the dead and a wagon- 
 load of tools, caring for the wounded, and taking at 
 least two hours and a half of sleep. I must here state 
 that the wounded had to be left at the hospital for 
 
148 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 the want of conveyances, and consequently fell into 
 the hands of the enemy on the morning after the 
 battle. They were left in charge of a couple of sur 
 geons, who were left behind either by casting lots or 
 volunteering, as it was well known whoever did 
 remain with the wounded would be taken prisoners 
 along with their patients. Lieut. Lewis Hallman, of 
 Co. D, who received a severe and nearly fatal wound 
 in the thigh, by a grape-shot passing through it, was 
 the only wounded officer of the 51st P. V. that was 
 left behind. Those who were slightly wounded and 
 were able to hobble along did not remain at the 
 hospital, preferring to risk going along with the 
 regiment, than to remain behind and fall into the 
 hands of the rebels as captives. No tongue can. 
 express the pain and torture those poor sufferers 
 experienced in their midnight march over such an 
 abominable road, which taxed the energies of all who 
 were in health and sound in limbs. Those who 
 were taken prisoners were most shamefully used by 
 their captors, whose surgeons insisted on amputating 
 -limbs where it was known to be unnecessary, and it 
 was only through the unconquerable spirit and em 
 phatic refusal by the wounded that they were al 
 lowed to retain their mangled limbs. They suffered 
 enough, God knows ! from neglect and scanty allow 
 ances of food, without being inhumanly deprived of 
 their limbs. 
 
 The loss in killed and wounded was as follows : 
 
 Co. A. Wounded Privates Monroe Nice, slightly; John 
 Lure, slightly ; Harvey Pinch, slightly ; Joseph H. Zearioss, se 
 verely. 
 
 Co. B. Lewis H. Young, wounded and taken prisoner. 
 
 Co. C. Wounded Privates Abraham Custer, severely ; 
 John Plunkett, \vounded and captured. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 149 
 
 Co. D. 1st Lieut. Lewis Hallman, wounded in the thigh se 
 verely and taken prisoner. 
 
 Co. E. Killed Privates Benjamin II. Brouse and Wm. R. 
 Hoffman. 
 
 Co. F. Wounded and taken prisoner Private Nathaniel 
 Casselman. 
 
 Co. G. Wounded Privates Theophilus Baird and James 
 Powers. 
 
 Co. H. 1st Lieut. George Shorkley, acting adjutant ; privates 
 H. Colej McCormick, Jacob Buskirk, Jacob Lennig. 
 
 Co. I. Adam Robinson, killed by a minie ball ; Abraham 
 Wampole, wounded in the chin by a buckshot, slightly ; Corp. 
 Richard Martin, wounded in the back by a solid shot (12- 
 pounder, ) painful but not serious ; private Lewis Patterson, 
 slightly on the lips. 
 
 Co. K. None.* 
 
 CHAPTEK IX. 
 
 Skulkers on board the Admiral Escape from a solid shot 
 A beautiful country The steamer aground Col. Hartranft s 
 return Col. Bolt on s merits as an officer Bets on soon 
 getting home Skulkers wearing the barrel Orders to 
 march First issue of oil-cloth blankets Extracting whiskey 
 from a cask. 
 
 AFTER arriving at the landing the 51st began to 
 embark again on board of the Admiral, which rode 
 at anchor between 200 and 300 yards from shore, 
 compelling the men to wade out to her in water of 
 4J feet depth, and on going on board, the greatest 
 indignation was evinced by those brave boys at 
 finding some of their " tuould-\>Q companions " who, 
 to their eternal disgrace be it said, had skulked back 
 to the vessel when the regiment had started on the 
 expedition the morning before. That they went 
 ashore when the regiment did cannot be denied, but 
 they were not ashore more than a few seconds when 
 the gunboats commenced shelling the woods that 
 
 * The total of killed and wounded at Camclen, by official re 
 port, is 30 officers and men; but the casualties are not en 
 tered on the rolls, and the names of all cannot be entered on 
 the rompanv lists of their respective losses. 
 
150 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 skirted either side of the Dismal Swamp canal^and 
 those things, sometimes inappropriately termed men, 
 began to quake with fear and sought safety in the 
 staterooms of the steamer, while the true soldiers 
 were risking their lives and doing their share of the 
 work that all were paid alike for doing. During 
 the battle some ten or twelve of those cowardly 
 "shysters" had taken refuge in the rear of the 
 building which was afterwards used as a hospital, 
 until a couple of solid shot passed through the house, 
 admonishing them that danger lurked there also. 
 Had their unmanly conduct as cowards ended by 
 "shysting," to use an army phrase, it would not 
 have entailed such a stigma on their chicken hearted 
 characters ; but after the hospital was fairly estab 
 lished, those things, under the pretext of assisting to 
 dress the wounds of the sufferers, stole whatever 
 liquors and stimulants the surgeons had with them 
 to assist in the discharge of their field duties. Let 
 me in all candor ask what punishment would be suf 
 ficient for such scoundrels? "No milder name can 
 be given those men who not only kept out of harm s 
 way while their comrades did the fighting, but could 
 stoop so low as to steal the few drops of liquor that 
 were so highly necessary to stimulate the wounded 
 sufferers. May those base acts committed awaken such 
 a remorse of conscience that will never allow them 
 one moment s peace, either in this world or the next 
 to come. Some of those men belong to highly re 
 spectable families, and for their families sake I shall 
 forbear making their names public, as I do not want 
 the innocent to have a share in the disgrace of such 
 unworthy wretches. But, thank heaven ! the worst 
 of the above party are, at this writing, (Jan. 17th, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 151 
 
 1866,) in prison, complying with the sentence of a 
 court martial held at Blain s Cross Roads, in East 
 Tennessee, (about the time the 51st re-enlisted in 
 1864,) which was convened by order of Col. Har- 
 tranft, who was then in command of the 2d Divi 
 sion, 9th Army Corps. While companies A and F 
 were supporting the marine battery, Charles Hen- 
 niss, of Co. A, was sitting on the top of a pile of 
 fence-rails, within 300 or 400 yards of the enemy s 
 guns, while they were shelling the Union troops. 
 Capt. Bolton warned him of his dangerous position 
 and ordered him to get into a safer place. Henniss 
 rose up to comply with the order, and had just left 
 the rail-pile, when a twelve-pounder solid shot struck 
 the very spot he had been sitting on, hurling the 
 rails in all directions as if they were a pile of chaff 
 in a hurricane. His timely compliance with Capt. 
 Bolton s order without a doubt saved his life. 
 
 The appearance of the country in that part of 
 North Carolina, at that season of the year, was most 
 enchanting, especially in the neighborhood of Curri- 
 tuck Court-house. The face of the country is level 
 as a floor; soil of a light sandy loam ; the principal 
 productions corn, tobacco and cotton. Turpentine 
 and rosin are articles of exportation, and nearly 
 every large plantation manufactured the latter arti 
 cles to a greater or less extent. Close to the landing 
 place was a field of red clover, that certainly exceeded 
 anything of the kind the writer ever saw in the most 
 fertile spots in Pennsylvania, New York, or any of 
 the Western or Southwestern States ; it was only a 
 type of the fertility of the soil in that whole section 
 of country. Yet with a rich soil arid handsome farms 
 in every way, the citizens all wore the appearance 
 
152 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 of a thriftless, careless, indolent set of people, who 
 only lived for a day at a time. Only here and there 
 could be seen a worm fence in passable condition. 
 The houses, being frame ones, were mostly in a very 
 dilapidated condition, for be it known that through 
 out the whole South, if one end of a weather-board 
 becomes loose, instead of using a little energy by 
 putting a nail in it, the board is allowed to swing 
 in the wind until its pendulosity breaks or knocks 
 off two or three others, or breaks itself loose from the 
 other end and drops to the ground, where it is more 
 certain to remain until it rots than it is of ever being 
 used even for firewood, unless another rebellion 
 should break out and the " Yankees " get down there 
 again. Very few, comparatively speaking, of the 
 houses have cellars under them, being all built up 
 twelve to eighteen inches off of the ground. The 
 denizens all say they have no need of under ground 
 rooms, for their winters are of too mild a character 
 to freeze anything, and for that reason they have no 
 need for cellars, and I suspect there is some truth in 
 it, or at least in a great many cases ; one thing pretty 
 certain is, they don t have much of anything by the 
 time winter sets in to freeze, unless it is a few sweet 
 potatoes. It must not be taken as granted that the 
 above was written in a spirit of disparagement of 
 that country, far from it, for the writer, during the 
 whole travels of the 51st, both South and West, did 
 not see a place that fascinated him as much as North 
 Carolina, and in all sincerity he believes that a little 
 Northern tact and enterprise could, aye and would 
 make it one of the most productive States in the 
 Union. 
 
 On Sunday morning, April 20, 1862, the 51st 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUXTKKRS. 153 
 
 again embarked on board of the Admiral, for its re 
 turn to Newbern. After expressing very freely 
 their feelings to the skulkers for their cowardly con 
 duct, the worn-out heroes laid themselves down to 
 get a little sleep after such an exciting and laborious 
 march as that which they had just ended. The 
 Adjutant immediately visited the different com 
 panies to ascertain the casualties of each, and made 
 out his report of the result for headquarters. At 10 
 A. M., steam being up, the 51st left, and running 
 aground within sight of Roanoke Island, had to re 
 main so all that night. The next morning (the 21st) 
 three tugs were sent to haul the Admiral off, which 
 they succeeded in doing by 10 A. M., when the 
 Admiral again got under headway, and with cau 
 tious running reached Brant Island Shoals about 8 
 P. M., where, owing to the intense darkness and the 
 destruction of the light boat, which was used in 
 lieu of a light house, she dropped her bow anchors 
 and laid over for the night. 
 
 Next morning at daybreak the Admiral received 
 the signal from the signal corps to prepare to leave, 
 and in a few minutes thereafter she was again dash 
 ing aside the spray of Pamlico Sound, and entered 
 the mouth of the Neuse, heading for the city of 
 Newbern, where she arrived the same day at 4 p. M. 
 On nearing the wharf the boys caught a glimpse of 
 a tall, commanding form, surrounded by a vast con 
 course of soldiers and citizens who had assembled 
 to greet the returning braves once more among 
 them. An enthusiast proposed, "Three cheers and 
 a Tiger for Old Johnny ! " For, sure enough, there 
 he stood, respected and beloved by his command. 
 What he thought or felt when he was assailed by 
 
 8 
 
154 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 such deafening shouts, none but himself can tell. 
 He had returned from his leave of absence but a 
 couple of days too late to please his boys. Often, 
 very often could they be heard to say, " I wish to 
 God, Old Johnny had been with us ! " Their con 
 fidence in him as a leader was unbounded, and they 
 felt and thought, had he been with them, greater re 
 sults would have attended the "demonstration on 
 Norfolk." There always appealed an undefinable 
 desire with the boys to have Col. Hartranft with 
 them when going into battle. The writer has often 
 heard the boys say that if they should be killed 
 with " Old Johnny ," leading them, they were satis 
 fied to die, for they believed in him, his courage and 
 cool judgment, to such an extent, that if they were 
 killed under him they could not have escaped death 
 under any other commander. Yet he was not so 
 idolized when in camp, for they all feared him. But 
 when it came to the time that "tried men s souls, 
 then he was looked upon as something almost super 
 natural by them, for he could not ask them to do 
 any daring feat but what they were willing, aye, 
 eager to do his bidding, well knowing that he would 
 ask nothing of them to do that he had not the cour 
 age to do himself. It cannot be said that the writer 
 is influenced by partiality or prejudice in Col. Har- 
 tranft s favor, as I am not, and all who know me and 
 my relations with him will" bear me witness. But 
 I cannot help but admire the sublimity of the hero, 
 the bravery, the cool, calm, sound judgment of the 
 commander, the resolution and daring of the soldier, 
 and the high intelligence of the gentleman. These 
 traits of character stand out in such bold contrast 
 with those of so many other officers, that I would 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 155 
 
 not be doing justice to an able officer and a brave 
 regiment were I to either say auglit contrary to what 
 I have said, or remain silent and pass lightly over his 
 many virtues. His successor, Col. William Jordan 
 Bolton, is a soldier well-fitted to fill Col. Hartranft s 
 place, and all that I have said in regard to Col. Har- 
 tranft I can say for -Col. Bolton, with the exception 
 that the warmest friendship exists between us, which 
 was not the case with Col. Hartranft and m yself. Col. 
 Bolton, like Lieut.-Col. Schall, could command a 
 regiment till doomsday without making one enemy. 
 Yet when the boys would see " Billy," as he was 
 called, give his head a shake, they loo well knew its 
 import. It was a sure sign of determination, a reso 
 lution formed that no earthly opposition could 
 break. If " Billy " would say that such a position 
 had to be obtained and would give his head a shake, 
 that was enough ; all understood that the work was 
 half done already, for that "shake" indicated that 
 cost what it would, it must be accomplished. I will 
 here cite an instance, although this is not its pro 
 per place. After the charge on the enemy s works 
 in front of Petersburg, Va., on the 18th of June, 
 1864, Col. Bolton had issued orders to Capt Bolton 
 to take up a space that was unoccupied on the left 
 of the 51st picket line; it had been tried for two or 
 three nights by several other regiments, but being so 
 hazardous it could not be accomplished. Col. Bolton 
 said it could be done, and gave his head that well- 
 known shake which the boj^s all understood, and 
 which signified that he intended it should be done, 
 even had he to go and take it himself; but Capt. 
 Bolton was the man to do it, if it was a human pos 
 sibility, and that same night it was done in a perfect 
 
156 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 tempest of shot, shell and musketry from the rebel 
 works, that were only 75 to 80 yards distant. To 
 wards the close of the month of April, 1862, mails 
 nivived from the North nearly every day, which 
 brought papers giving succinct accounts of the prog 
 ress of the rebellion, which were of a very cheering 
 character, and all began to think that a,i order to 
 send the troops home would certainly be issued in a 
 few days. So firmly seated was this belief in the 
 minds of all the officers and men that bets of $50 and 
 100 were freely offered that the troops of the Burn- 
 side expedition would all be home by the 1st of 
 July of that year. We will here insert an extract 
 from a private letter dated " Camp Franklin, New- 
 bern, N. C v April 29th, 1862," to show how much 
 the soldiers minds were centred on soon going home. 
 " We are all waiting for a mail to come, so we may 
 see how much nearer the time is for us to go home ! 
 Home is now the conversation from morning till 
 night and from night till morning. On guard, on 
 drill, lounging in tents, pioneering, policing, march 
 ing, and at everything else, the whole talk is home ! 
 home ! ! home ! ! ! We are anxious for the papers of 
 this mail to see if the taking of Yorktown is an 
 accomplished fact, as we are all ready now for the 
 rebels to retreat from there to us here, for we are 
 now good enough to oppose 250,000. Our great 
 fort (Totten) here is done, and I tell you it is one of 
 the forts ; with it and the aid of the gunboats we are 
 ready for the enemy to retreat to this place just as 
 soon as McClellan is ready to rout them out of 
 Virginia, for it is known that Little Mac has been 
 merely killing time in that State for the purpose of 
 keeping the rebels there until we were ready, and 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTKEUS. 157 
 
 now everything is ready, I hope he will rout them 
 and drive them, as expected, right into our arms. 
 Let them come, and if they don t find themselves 
 in a hornet s nest then my judgment won t be worth 
 much, that s all. I hope they may come yet to-day, 
 for it will be the finish ing stroke to the rebellion, 
 and then pack up and go home ! to enjoy the com 
 forts of an honorable peace." 
 
 Although the enemy were not driven toNewbern 
 as an extremity, the thoughts of soon going home 
 still ran high in the brains of the boys, and it was 
 concurred in that they would be home by the 1st 
 of July, whether the rebs came or not. 
 
 A few days after the return of the 51st from the 
 South Mills or Camden affair Col. Hartranft assumed 
 command of the regiment, and on being made ac 
 quainted with the conduct of those men who skulked 
 back to the vessel, at the time the 51st was preparing 
 to leave the landing for Camden, he had them arrested 
 and put in the guard-house, and punished them by 
 putting on the overcoat" (barrel), which they wore 
 for several hours each day for two weeks; when, at 
 the expiration of that time, they were returned to 
 duty on the promise that they would go into the 
 next fight like true soldiers. But when the next 
 fight came they went off, forgetting, or rather not 
 caring about the promise they had made to escape 
 further punishment. 
 
 On the 23d of April the men of the 51st received 
 orders for a march several miles into the country, 
 causing the men to grumble a great deal, as they 
 were not in a condition to undergo any such fatigue. 
 They had not recovered from the fatigue of the 19th, 
 in fact, one-half of the regiment were sick from their 
 
158 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 exertions on that never-to-be-forgotten march. They 
 supposed that it was to be a tramp of no importance 
 whatever; but the fact of the case was, after their 
 return to camp from Camden, they became so sore 
 and stiff in their limbs that it was with many endea 
 vors that they could move about Sore feet, rheu 
 matism, &c., were the results of that painful march, 
 and Col. Hartranft wished to take the regiment out 
 on a few hours march to give them a little exercise 
 to supple their limbs, which was needed. The skin 
 on the soles of their feet peeled off from the heels to 
 the toes; blisters covering spaces the size of a silver 
 dollar were worn on the heels and other parts of the 
 men s feet; toenails worn down to the flesh, causing 
 intense pain to the sufferers; stone bruises, &c., were 
 the fruits of the long march. It must be borne in 
 mind that these brave men had not become inured 
 to the fatigues of a long march, from the fact that 
 all their travelling had been done so far by steamers 
 and railroad; but after separating themselves from 
 the naval branch of the expedition, and becoming 
 land forces exclusively, they soon took up the hard 
 ships of the march, and proved themselves inferior 
 to none in that vast army. 
 
 Thursday, April 24th, general inspection; and, 
 notwithstanding the rough usage both men and 
 accoutrements had so lately passed through, they 
 made a splendid appearance, showing good discipline, 
 drill, and cleanliness. This same day an issue of 
 oilcloth blankets was made to the 51st, which was 
 the first issue of the kind ever made to it, arid the 
 teachings of several storms had not been forgotten 
 by the men, for all or nearly all received one, and 
 valued it as worth more than anything else they 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 159 
 
 could possess, being of immense use for guard pur 
 poses in time of a storm. 
 
 On the 25th a new invoice of whiskey had been 
 received by Quartermaster Freedly, to be issued to 
 the regiment ; and, being stored away in the large 
 commissary tent, the guards that were posted at the 
 commissary after nightfall tapped a barrel and be 
 came greatly intoxicated, for which they were put 
 under guard, and wore the "o ercoat" for about ten 
 days. The mode adopted by the guard to extract 
 the whiskey was certainly an ingenious one. They 
 had taken the barrels of their guns off the stocks, 
 unscrewed the tubes, and inserted the breech of the 
 barrels in the bung-hole of the cask, and applied 
 their mouths to the muzzles, and sucked themselves 
 to intoxication ; but by some legerdemain they suc 
 ceeded in getting off with little or no punishment. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Expecting an attack Raising of Flag-staff Dirty men Re 
 lease of cowards Complimentary orders Discharges 
 Review Weak bridge Home Full rations Bathing and 
 fishing Rain Digging ditches Death Mocking birds 
 A row Changing tents Company B s bayonet drill 
 Fort Totten and gunboats Orders to move countermanded. 
 
 ON the 26th of April the whole Coast Division 
 made preparations to receive the defeated and re 
 treating rebels, who were flying ingloriously from 
 Yorktown, Va., as it was expected that they would 
 make an attempt to retake Newbern. Had they come, 
 they would have been welcomed to hospitable graves. 
 Although expecting to be attacked by the enemy 
 every minute, Col. Harfcranft had a very tall flag- 
 
160 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 staff raised near his quarters, with the stars and 
 stripes floating in the air from its top, bidding defi 
 ance to the wind and storms of that day, as well as 
 to the "Southern chivalry." Five rebels carne in 
 and gave themselves up as prisoners to Col. H., who 
 disposed of them in his usual way, by putting them 
 under guard, and sending them to division head 
 quarters. 
 
 The 27th being Sunday, it brought its usual Sun 
 day inspection by companies, which began to be 
 very necessary from the fact that Assistant Surgeon 
 Noble ordered not a few to put themselves to soak, 
 and scrub a little of the dirt off; one man in particu 
 lar, who had not participated in any of the three 
 fights and, what is more, never intended to very 
 pleadingly appealed to the surgeon to grant him his 
 discharge, on the ground of delicate health. The 
 surgeon "couldn t see it," but he could see the dirty 
 condition of the " would-be " soldier, and prescribed 
 two ablutions per day of soap and water. 
 
 Monday, 28th, possessed nothing of interest, only 
 the disappointment by the non-arrival of the mails, 
 and the daily drills of companies and regiment. The 
 next day released the prisoners at the guard-house 
 from further punishment, where they had been in 
 carcerated for their cowardice at Carnden on the 19th. 
 Their release was only conditional, on their promise 
 of going into the next battle like true soldiers. Did 
 they keep sacred that promise? We shall see, 
 Another issue of clothing took place, and the regi 
 ment vied with the best of them in soldierly appear 
 ance, inasmuch as the dirty face "party had complied 
 with the colonel s and surgeon s advice and orders. 
 
 On the 30th was regular muster for pay and 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 161 
 
 general inspection, with regimental drill and dress 
 parade. Before the dismissal of this dress parade 
 Adj. Shorkley read to the regiment a "specji.il order 
 from Gen. Burnside, complimenting the officers and 
 men of the 51st P. V. in the most flattering terms 
 for their bravery and endurance on the 19th, at 
 Camden. The order also decreed that the inscrip 
 tion, "Camden, K C., April 19th, 1862," should be 
 placed on the regimental battle-flag ; this was the 
 first order of that kind issued by Gen. Burnside to 
 any of his "Coast Division." That same day we 
 learned that the rebels loss was forty killed and 
 seventy wounded at the battle of Carnden. It is 
 necessary here to state that the same complimentary 
 orders were issued to the 89th and 9th (Hawkins 
 Zouaves) N. Y., 6th N. H., and 21st Mass. 
 
 May 1st brought with it some little excitement. 
 The roaring of cannon and the flight of rockets 
 through the night, caused Colonel Hartranft to be 
 up all night and to have his men ready to " fall in " 
 at a moment s notice, for it was predicted that the 
 retreating enemy from Yorktown was surely com 
 ing ; but at the close of the day the excitement had 
 lulled, and the officers and men went early to rest. 
 The weather was very warm and sultry, with a good 
 deal of rain, producing considerable sickness in 
 the 51st, which caused numerous applications for 
 discharges from the service on account of disability. 
 Some ten or a dozen were lucky enough to get 
 them, and went their way rejoicing at their good 
 fortune. 
 
 On the 2d, a grand review of the six regiments 
 that had participated in the affair at Camden, took 
 
 place on the parade grounds of the llth Connect- 
 
 S* 
 
162 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 icut and 21st Massachusetts, by Generals Burnside 
 and Reno, with their respective staffs. The review 
 was held on the south bank of the Trent River, near 
 its junction with Brice s creek, and about three 
 miles from Camp Franklin, at Newbern. The 51st 
 P. Y. marched up the river road on the north side 
 of the Trent, and crossed the river on an old, dilap 
 idated drawbridge, that threatened very loudly by 
 its creaking and swaying to and fro, to precipitate 
 the entire regiment into the deep and sluggish 
 stream below. The danger of crossing a weak 
 bridge is greatly enhanced by a regiment marching 
 in cadence, but is lessened greatly by adopting the 
 rout step. This the 51st can vouch for, as it has 
 crossed fully as many, if not more bridges than any 
 other regiment in the United States service during 
 the rebellion but I am digressing. The review 
 took place at one o clock P. M., and the 51st never 
 made a finer display since its organization. The 
 arms were cleaned to perfection, the men were in 
 fine condition, nearly all uniformed in new clothing, 
 and under the very best of discipline, and so well 
 were the Generals pleased with the marching of the 
 six regiments that they only " passed in review," in 
 " quick time," " and common time," " double-quick " 
 being dispensed with, and the 51st returned at three 
 p. M. to its camp at Newbern. The day was very 
 clear, and the rays of the burning sun told sadly 
 on the appearance of the men on their return to 
 camp. While marching from the drawbridge to 
 wards carnp, Col. Hartranft espied Gen. Burnsido 
 riding in his rear at full gallop. The Col. commanded 
 halt!" with the view of "coming to a front and 
 present arms," to the illustrious chieftain as he 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 163 
 
 would pass, but before the manoeuvre could be exe 
 cuted Gen. Burnside had reached the colors of the 
 regiment, and easily divining what Col. Hartranft was 
 at, raised his hat and saluting the Col. thanked him 
 for the intended honor, and remarked that he " took 
 the will for the deed." 
 
 The next day after the review was Sunday, and 
 as usual there was regimental inspection ; but the 
 boys did not care for it as they were in good spirits 
 on account of the arrival of the mails, bringing 
 a rumor with it that New Orleans had fallen and 
 that all the North Carolina troops (rebels) had sur 
 rendered. Nothing troubled them now but how soon 
 they were to go home. Home was the absorbing 
 topic for several days, as it was confidently believed 
 that the rebellion was over, and some officers were 
 so sanguine of going home that bets of 10 to 
 50 were freely offered, but no one was found 
 who had any distrust as to the early termination of 
 the war. 
 
 The regiment was now enjoying full rations arid 
 of the very best quality. Fresh beef every other 
 day and prime mess pork the intervening days, 
 with alternate clays of "hard tack" and baker s 
 bread, with beans, rice, coffee, sugar, tea, vinegar, 
 molasses, salt, pepper, &c. 
 
 The men had every opportunity to obtain any 
 little luxury that they needed, for the colored persons 
 inhabiting Newbern visited the camp every day 
 with well filled baskets of pies and cakes of endless 
 varieties, which they sold at reasonable prices and 
 found a very ready market. The men found the 
 colored women very ready and willing to do their 
 washing, at the extremely low price of only sixty 
 
164 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY -FIEST KEGIMENT 
 
 cents per dozen. While the regiment was laying 
 at this camp the men had frequent opportunities for 
 recreation ; the river being only a few yards off 
 every evening large squads would go in to bathe, 
 while others enjoyed themselves in fishing or per 
 ambulating the streets of the city. 
 
 Leave of absence to a limited few were being 
 granted to the officers connected with the Coast Di 
 vision, and among the fortunate ones was 2d Lieut. 
 Geo. Schall of Co. I. The men who received their 
 discharges departed along with Lieut. Schall on the 
 6th of May for their Northern homes and with no 
 very good opinion of Uncle Sam. There was $26 
 due them on the 1st of May, and in getting their 
 pay the cost of their clothing, over and above the 
 monthly allowance, (they having overdrawn) was 
 deducted from their pay, which left some with but 
 a trifling amount to receive, for which the govern 
 ment was falsely berated. The discharged men 
 thinking that the government donated any amount 
 of clothing that they saw fit to draw, in which, to 
 their surprise, they were mistaken. 
 
 On the night of the 5th the rain poured down in 
 cessantly until daylight, completely flooding the 
 camp, filling tents from two to ten inches deep with 
 water, driving the inmates out of their bunks to 
 seek shelter wherever they could find it. The next 
 morning Col. Hartranft had about one hundred men 
 detailed for the purpose of digging channels the 
 entire length and breadth of the carnp, to drain it 
 in case of another flood ; the task lasted several 
 days, and no doubt would have proven a success 
 had the 51st lain long enough at Camp Franklin to 
 have seen it demonstrated. Death was at work 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEES. 165 
 
 that stormy night. William Rambo, Co. I, died at 
 1 A. M., 6th of May, 1862, from camp fever, brought 
 on by exposure and fatigue during the taking of 
 Newbern. His body was embalmed in a primitive 
 way, in a coffin sealed air-tight with rosin, and sent 
 by express to his relatives in Kadnor, Delaware 
 county, Penna. The art of embalming at that time 
 was not such as the latter part of the war witnessed. 
 At the beginning of the rebellion it was no easy 
 task to get a corpse sent home, but at a later day an 
 order to Drs. Brown and Alexander, the embalmists, 
 was all that was necessary to insure the safe and 
 speedy transit of a corpse. On the 8th of May a 
 mail came in and brought the glad tidings of the 
 lownfall of Yorktown, and of the crippling of the 
 Merrimac by the Monitor, and of the great battle 
 fought at Corinth, filling the whole of the Coast Di 
 vision with such enthusiasm as only soldiers who 
 are anxious to get home could feel. 
 
 Mocking birds that hovered around the camp 
 seemed to be like affected, for they would perch 
 themselves among the branches of a fig tree that 
 stood in a private yard at one corner of the camp 
 arid warble their richest melodies until one would 
 think they would split their little throats, each one 
 seeming to try to outvie the other in making the most 
 music. I have no doubt the veterans of the 51st still 
 remember those precious songsters who afforded 
 i.hern such delicious music while patrolling their 
 guard-beats around the camp. 
 
 At 9 A. M., on the 10th of May, the 51st struck tents 
 for police purposes, the camp was thoroughly policed 
 and the tents were pitched again at 4. p. M. Dur 
 ing the policing a few of the men of Co. D had been 
 
166 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 into the city and got a few too many drinks of 
 whiskey, so that by the time they arrived in camp 
 they were ripe for a muss, but not finding any of 
 the sober ones inclined to quarrel they kicked up a 
 fight amongst themselves which threatened to be 
 come a free fight, but after a few heads were cut 
 some of the officers interfered and put a stop to the 
 riotous proceedings. After the camp was policed 
 the health of the regiment began to improve, and 
 every few days it was receiving fresh acquisitions 
 of convalescents from the various hospitals. Chap 
 lain Mallory having had a leave of absence for a 
 short time to visit his home in Norristown, returned 
 to his duties on the 8th, and on the llth the regi 
 ment was assembled on the color line and marched 
 into the city to church, where the chaplain preached 
 one of his best sermons as usual. Although the 
 camp had been thoroughly policed on the 10th, the 
 work as a military necessity had to be done over on 
 the 12th, for the purpose of pitching the Sibley 
 tents in place of the wedge or common tents. No 
 drills occurred on this day on account of exchanging 
 tents, also there was no drilling the next day, for 
 just as the companies got on the drill-ground the 
 3d New York (Morrison s) Battery came upon the 
 ground with their guns for target practice. The 
 next day the 51st P. V. and the 51st New York had 
 brigade drill, which the two regiments continued to 
 do for several days. The principal drilling of the 
 companies was the skirmish drill. Co. B, Capt. 
 Bell, was continually drilling the bayonet exercise, 
 and it cannot be gainsaid that no set of men ever 
 proved themselves more proficient in the manual 
 than Co. B did in the bayonet manual ; such pre- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 167 
 
 cision seemed incredible, for every movement was 
 as perfect as it was possible to be. The exercise is 
 one of the most graceful in the whole manual, if cor 
 rectly taught, and one of the most awkward drills 
 that can be undertaken if not correctly understood 
 by the drill- master. But in this Co. B had for its 
 instructor one who not only understood his business, 
 but had that priceless boon, patience, and right 
 heartily did Co. B appreciate their now lamented 
 captain s efforts by putting their whole souls into 
 the work, for which, as a company, they have every 
 reason to be proud of their drilling and of their 
 friend and commander, Capt. Ferd. Bell. One or 
 two other companies began the bayonet exercise, 
 but they soon got disgusted with it and themselves 
 together, for it required more patience than most 
 officers and men possessed, so they abandoned the 
 work that they had begun and left Capt. Bell and 
 his company to enjoy their well-earned laurels. 
 
 On Tuesday, May 13th, the new fort in the rear 
 of Newbern, built to co-operate \vith the infantry and 
 gunboats for the purpose of holding the city against 
 any combined movement of the enemy to retake it, 
 was finished and named " Fort Totten." The gun 
 boats on both rivers (Trent and Neuse) opened their 
 guns and fired towards the fort and its front to see 
 if the fort, with the aid of the gunboats, could cover 
 the three miles of land in front of the fort, which 
 was the only feasible way for the rebels to make an 
 attack on the ci y. The experiment was eminently 
 successful. It may be said that the doings of the 
 fort and gunboats have nothing to do with this 
 history granted, but as the fort was only a few 
 yards from Camp Franklin the artillerists and the 
 
168 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 5 1st were on very intimate terms, spending many 
 happy hours in each other s society. 
 
 On Thursday, May 15th, an order was received 
 by the colonel to have his regiment prepared to 
 move at a moment s notice, with sixty rounds of 
 cartridges and three days cooked rations. Every 
 thing was ready to move by 2 P. M., but after being 
 under arms for two hours the order was counter 
 manded. A regiment of U. S. cavalry and a bat 
 tery of regulars that was in the Coast Division, had 
 been out on picket for several days before the 51st 
 P. V. received the orders, and they reported a large 
 body of the enemy in their vicinity; through that 
 report the 51st P. Y. was to reinforce them and to 
 make an attack on the enemy to capture or disperse 
 them ; but just as the 51st P. V. was ready to move 
 the cavalry and artillery came in, bringing quite a 
 large number of prisoners with them, after a severe 
 fight of four hours duration. They reported that if 
 they had had a regiment of infantry along with 
 them they could have captured the whole force. The 
 countermanding of the order was received with de 
 light by the men, as it had been raining pretty hard 
 all day, and after the regiment was ready to march 
 the rain came down in torrents and continued to do 
 so for several hours, hence the men s delight in not 
 having to march that day. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 169 
 
 C II A P T E R XT. 
 
 Rumors Prospect of garrisoning Baltimore Changing stripes 
 Carrying the log Burnside hunting up the cooks Off to 
 Brice s creek Camp Reno Col. Hartranf t s "staff" The 
 "staff" salutes the Colonel Review by Governor Stanley 
 Amusements at Camp Reno Green snakes Fruits First 
 Payment in Greenbacks Pioneers burning bridges General 
 Speight s tomb. 
 
 AFTER this event tLe regiment calmly settled down 
 once more to drills, guard, policing, and fatigue duties. 
 It was at this time that Col. [Jartranft commenced 
 to drill the regiment by the sound of the bugle, 
 which was not altogether successful, as the whole 
 regiment was opposed to it ; but very few men 
 would take interest enough in it to learn the different 
 notes of the bugle. Some wag started a rumor that 
 the 51st P. Y. and the 51st N. Y. were to go to 
 Baltimore to do garrison duty at Fort Federal Hill, 
 as the war was so near over that a portion of the 
 North Carolina forces could easily be spared, and 
 the rumor found very ready and willing believers. 
 Nothing was talked of through the day but Balti 
 more. Baltimore was the dream at night ; it was 
 the toast at all social gatherings of the two regiments ; 
 in fact, the two regiments breathed and lived Balti 
 more. But was it to be wondered at? every cir 
 cumstance warranted it; for instance, a Convention 
 of North Carolinians was held on the 22d of May 
 to decide whether they were to remain in the Union 
 or not, and it was decided by a vote of 52 yeas to 
 82 nays ; but Grov. Clark, of that State, had not 
 recognized the Convention, and it was not known 
 what hi? views were. Then, again, Northern papers 
 
170 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 stated that seven North Carolina (rebel) regiments 
 had disbanded in Virginia, and returned home. 
 Three counties had actually thrown off their seces 
 sion allegiance, and acknowledged the authority of 
 the United States ; and, again, the men took it for 
 granted that all officers were posted up in the status 
 of affairs, but dare not reveal all they knew ; conse 
 quently, a member of Co. B, who had been a long 
 time sick, applied to Col. Hartranft for a furlough, 
 but was told by the colonel that he had better put it 
 off for a short time, as we would all have furloughs 
 before six weeks; signifying that the regiment 
 would be discharged by that time. That hint was 
 was sufficient; "Baltimore" got to a discount, and 
 Easton, Lewisburg, and Norristown rose above par! 
 Alas ! for human wishes ! 
 
 Heretofore the non-commissioned officers wore 
 their insignia of office in green braid; but, on the 
 24th of May, an order was read on dress parade, 
 prohibiting " green," and ordering all non-coms, to 
 conform to the regulation stripes of blue. The 
 order caused considerable grumbling, but the blue 
 had to go on. At the latter end of this month, 
 Col. Hartranft changed his mode of punishment 
 from wearing the barrel to " carrying the log on the 
 ring," and it was no uncommon thing to see two or 
 three refractory soldiers daily on the ring, "doing 
 penance " for their sins. 
 
 On the 26th of May, Gen. Burnside rode into 
 camp, unattended even by an orderly, for the ex 
 press purpose of satisfying himself as to the quantity 
 and quality of the rations the men were getting. 
 He did not go to the officers first for his information, 
 but direct to the men, and rode among the cooks, 
 and viewed the camp- kettles, mess-pans, and the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 171 
 
 food, and listened attentively to all the men had to 
 say on the subject. He halted at Co. D s cook-tent, 
 where coffee was in the act of being taken off the 
 fire. The General, casting a roguish eye at the 
 cook, asked him, "What do you call that?" The 
 cook replied, " Coffee, General." " Let me taste it," 
 said the old hero. A tin-cup half full was handed 
 to him, and he tasted it, with the remark, " And you 
 call that coffee, do you?" "Yes, sir," replied the 
 cook. "Now," says the General, "tell me whose 
 fault is it that that coffee is so weak ? Is it your 
 Quartermaster s ? or do the men prefer it that way ?" 
 li Oh, no, sir ; it s not the Quartermaster s fault ; he 
 issues all that we are entitled to ; but the men want 
 it three times a day, and they tell me to make it a 
 leetle weak so they can have it that often," replied 
 the cook. After visiting the men, he then went to 
 Col. Hartranft s quarters, to either praise or con 
 demn what he had discovered. On Wednesday, the 
 28th of May, the 51st P. Y. received orders to pre 
 pare to move camp the next day ; consequently the 
 following morning, (the 29tb,) the regiment struck 
 tents, and moved up to the confluence of Brice s 
 creek and the Trent river, about three miles from 
 Newbern. By night of the same day all were quietly 
 domiciled in their new quarters, although the day 
 had been one of excitement in Co. A and Co. D, for 
 a terrible fight took place in both companies, each 
 independent of the other. Although Co. A s was a 
 desperate one, it was not to be compared to Co. D s ; 
 for in it bayonets were used as clubs in knocking 
 men down, &c. There were no officers in camp at 
 the time, as they had all to go early in the morning 
 up to the new camp, to attend to laying out their 
 camp streets, &c. ; consequently the combatants had 
 
172 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 no one to interfere with them until the fighting was 
 nearly over, when one of Burnside s- staff officers, 
 accidentally riding by, came into camp, an x d quelled 
 the disturbance. This new camp was christened 
 "Camp Reno," in honor of Gen. Jesse L. Reno, who 
 was in command of a division of Burnside s expe 
 dition. His name was an honor to the camp, as few, 
 generals, if any, were his superiors in a military point 
 of view, and as a gentleman, none were. The camp that 
 bore that cherished name was little less than a fairy 
 scene. The ground surface was about ten feet above 
 the level of the two waters, Brice s creek and Trent 
 river. The creek courses within 150 yards of the 
 Trent river, where the entrance of the camp was, 
 and then turning abruptly off, it formed a horseshoe 
 bend to the fairy-like pine grove wherein the 51st P. 
 V. was encamped. Water for drinking purposes 
 had to be obtained by digging wells, of which Co. A 
 dug one and Co. K dug another. The duties at this 
 camp were very light, being more of a picketing 
 nature than otherwise. There was the usual daily 
 routine of drilling and camp guard, with one post of 
 pickets on the opposite side of the creek, about 
 three-fourths of a mile from camp. 
 
 The policing was not done by detail, it was per 
 formed by "Old Johnny s staff , 1 as it was facetiously 
 styled. This "staff" of "Old Johnny s" was com 
 posed of privates who had transgressed good disci 
 pline as soldiers, and instead of giving them a log 
 to carry on the ring, or putting them in the guard 
 house, (where instead of a punishment it often was 
 a source of recreation, for with a "deck of cards" 
 they would while away their incarceration like 
 " lords" and laugh at the "poor devils" who, by 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 173 
 
 being good soldiers, were forced to do the duty of 
 the prisoners, having to go out on guard in a heavy 
 rain.) they were formed into a fatigue party and 
 compelled to labor at something useful, such as cut 
 ting roads through the pine forests, preparing drill- 
 ground, policing camp, or any thing else that "old 
 Johnny" thought should be done. The veterans 
 who were on i is " staff" at that time can inform any 
 of our farmers the quickest method of " grubbing " 
 up stumps, for they had ample experience in that 
 line. Sometimes this "staff" would number thirty 
 men, and at other times not more than a dozen, but 
 it was generally kept up to a goodly number, for 
 as soon as any of their time expired there were 
 other candidates ready to fill their places, and thus 
 that never-to-be-forgotten " staff)" was kept re 
 cruited. A little incident connected with it will 
 not be out of place to mention here. The regiment 
 when going out for regimental-drill had to march 
 nearly half a mile through a pine woods to a large 
 cotton field which was the drill-ground. As Col. 
 Hartranft and Lieut. Col. Bell were riding at the 
 right of the regiment the "staff)" who were cutting 
 a road through the woods, were brought to a "front" 
 on the roadside under the command of Joseph Young, 
 and as the colonel and the regiment reached the left 
 of the "staff s" line the indomitable "Joe" ordered 
 a "present arms" to the passing officers and men 
 with such grace and precision, although their arms 
 were only axes, and without the least symptom of a 
 smile on the countenance of any of the " t-taff" that it 
 bothered the colonel and lieutenant colonel to tell 
 which was intended an honor or an insult. How 
 ever, Col. 11. did not recognize it as an honor for he 
 
174 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 did not " shoulder arms" in passing the " staff," but 
 gave them one of his most piercing looks amounting 
 to as much as to say "I ll investigate this," but 
 nothing was ever done in the matter. The incident 
 caused many a hearty laugh at the colonel s expense, 
 while he has laughed as heartily as any. 
 
 On the last day of May a grand review of the en 
 tire Coast Division was had in honor of the provisional 
 governor of North Carolina, Gov. Stanly. The 
 weather was very hot, but the troops bore it well ; the 
 51st P. V. had the worst of it, as it had farther to march 
 than any other regiment, for the review was held in 
 the city of Newbern, and the regiment had to march 
 there in the morning and back again to camp, as 
 the review was postponed until afternoon. The 
 regiment looked well after its arrival at Newbern 
 in the morning, but after making the march the 
 second time it was only among the average in ap 
 pearance; the extreme heat causing the men to 
 perspire very freely, and the dust settling on their 
 damp clothing could not be brushed off, but the 
 marching and their bright arms and equipments 
 were equal to the best. The regiment got back to 
 its new camp at dusk, pretty well worn out with 
 heat and fatigue, being under arms from 6 o clock 
 in the morning until dark. All such circumstances 
 as reviews and parades are ten -fold more irksome 
 than to be on the march for thrice the length of 
 t^rne. 
 
 The amusements of the men while in camp were 
 varied ; the camp being nearly surrounded by water, 
 swimming was the principal source, but fishing was 
 also indulged in with poor success. Poppy Widger 
 of Co. A, had a tent at the water s edge and had 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 175 
 
 more success in fishing than all the regiment put 
 together. Corpl. Parker with two others obtained 
 a boat and went up the creek about half a mile from 
 camp to fish. Seeing what they supposed was the 
 trunk of a tree lying in the middle of the stream, 
 they concluded to row up to it and make the boat 
 secure to the log ; the corporal taking the small 
 chain in his hand and putting one foot on the log to 
 feel its security, when lo ! the log dive<l under the 
 water, nearly precipitating the corporal headlong 
 into the stream ; the log proving to be an alligator 
 the party concluded to fish none that day, and tak 
 ing the oars they rowed back to camp at a " double 
 quick." 
 
 The first few days in the new camp the men 
 killed a very large number of green snakes which 
 they found suspended on the small trees that grew 
 along the water s edge, having the appearance of a 
 yard of green ribbon hanging there. Blackberrying 
 was another pleasure the men enjoyed; crossing the 
 creek to the opposite side it was only a few minutes 
 work to pick a mess-panful of the most luscious 
 berries that ever grew. Grapes, plums, mountain 
 cherries, mulberries, &c., were to be found in great 
 abundance and in full perfection. The men lived 
 at the "top of the pile" while in this camp; milk, 
 butter, eggs, and poultry had to suffer at their 
 hands. It must not be supposed that they stole them, 
 all was honestly paid for, as the paymaster was more, 
 prompt in visiting them at that time than he -was 
 six months after. 
 
 The regiment was again paid on the 2d day of 
 June, but this time not in gold. Greenbacks was 
 the currency. The men sent large sums of money 
 
176 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 to their homes via Adams Express. Quite a number 
 lost their pocketbooks; among the unfortunate ones 
 was Benj. Rowland, a member of the band, who lost 
 058. 
 
 On the 5th June, was held the first dress-parade 
 of Camp Reno, at which parade three sergeants 
 and four corporals were reduced to the ranks; the 
 reductions were in Cos. B and C. 
 
 On the 9th, a full brigade drill occupied nearly 
 the whole day, causing both officers and men to 
 grumble at the excess of the dose. 
 
 On the 9th of June, the pioneers belonging to the 
 51st P. Y. were detailed to proceed some fourteen 
 miles into the interior of the State for the purpose 
 of burning and destroying bridges, felling trees 
 across roads, and in other ways impeding the march 
 of the enemy, who were reported to be on their way 
 to retake Newbern. The pioneers accomplished 
 their duty and returned to Camp Reno, after an 
 absence of three days. 
 
 A hospital, which wns under the charge of Col. 
 Hartranfr, had been established close to Camp Reno, 
 in the mansion belonging to a family by the name 
 of Brount, descendants of Gen. Speight of Revolu 
 tionary fame. It required a corporal and six men 
 daily detailed to guard it, but with all the vigilance 
 of this special guard it was impossible to prevent 
 occasional depredations by visitors from other camps, 
 who were anxious to carry off some memento from 
 the premises of the deceased Revolutionary General. 
 The tomb in which Gen. Speight s remains were 
 reposing was ruthlessly destroyed by curiosity 
 seekers. The handsome marble slab that covered 
 the coffin, and contained the birth, death and mili- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 177 
 
 tary services of the deceased, was broken into frag 
 ments and carried offj leaving the coffin exposed to 
 full view. After the 51st took the property under 
 its charge such sacrilege was pretty well prevented, 
 but coming to the rescue at the eleventh hour there 
 was only a little left that needed protection. 
 
 All the large plantations throughout the South 
 have vaults or graveyards close to the mansion for 
 the interment of the deceased members of the resi 
 dent families. About two miles from camp, on the 
 opposite side of Bribe s creek, was a stately planta 
 tion of five thousand acres belonging to a " Col. Hill," 
 who was at that time an officer in the rebel army. 
 A vault on this place, close to the dwelling-house, 
 and within fifty yards of the banks of the Trent 
 river, contained a large number of coffins with the 
 remains of members of the family for several gen 
 erations back, but a visit to the place by members 
 of a Connecticut and a New York regiment, soon 
 reduced the structure to a shapeless collection of 
 ruins, having bursted the cerements of the departed 
 and piled the bones in a confused mass. As the 
 writer of this* frequently visited the above-men 
 tioned place for the purpose of plucking the luscious 
 fruit that grew close to the house, he can honestly 
 say that not one act of lawless depredation was ever 
 committed by any of the men of the 51st P. V. 
 there, or at any of the many vaults and tombs in 
 that vicinity. 
 
 All the property in this region of country was 
 abandoned by the legitimate owners, and the places 
 left to the ruthless mercy of the Yankee arrny ; but 
 in all the destruction committed by men of the 51st 
 P. V., vaults, tombs, graves, sarcophagi, etc., were 
 
178 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 held with too much reverence by them to either 
 violate the sanctity of the spot or allow others to 
 do so. 
 
 On the 12th of June, Provisional Governor Stan 
 ley of North Carolina, paid Carnp Keno a visit. 
 The Governor was delighted with it, and was loud 
 in his praise of the beauty and cleanliness of the 
 camp, and the military discipline of the regiment. 
 
 About the 12th, Colonel Hartranft detailed his 
 " staff " to construct a ferry across Brice s creek 
 and to cut a road through the forest on the opposite 
 side, to be used for various purposes, and on the 14th 
 it was finished. The ferry was put up by extending 
 a heavy cable across the creek, making the ends fast 
 on either shore, and completed with a large flat- 
 boat that had been captured, capable of carrying 
 from two hundred and fifty to three hundred men 
 across at one trip ; but in making preparations for 
 the first trip, a couple of " contrabands " in a canoe, 
 got capsized headlong into the sluggish stream, but 
 were soon rescued without any further damage than 
 a thorough ducking. 
 
 On Tuesday, June 17th, the regiment made its 
 first trip across ; after disembarking it marched 
 about two miles to a large cotton field for drill and 
 target firing, where some excellent shots were made. 
 After the exercises of the trip were over, the regi 
 ment returned to camp just in time to welcome Gen. 
 Burnside, who visited the regiment officially. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 179 
 
 CHAPTEE XII. 
 
 Rhode Island presents Gen. Burnside with a sword White 
 gloves Prizes in Co. A Resignation of Capt. Pechin 
 Promotions in Co. I Marching orders A happy night 
 " Pill business " Off to reinforce McClellan Return to camp 
 Reno Off again to McClellan On the Recruit Arrival at 
 Newport News, Va. Camp Lincoln Base-ball Quarter 
 rations Post of Honor. 
 
 ON Wednesday, June 18th, preparations were 
 made to attend a grand review, including a sword 
 presentation to General Burnside, from the people 
 of Rhode Island, for his valuable services ; but as 
 the presentation committee was not quite ready, the 
 event was postponed until the next day. The next 
 day dawned scorching hot, and as the troops began 
 to assemble on the review ground, a black cloud 
 obscured the sun and began pouring down the 
 aquatic fluid in such torrents that the review was 
 necessarily postponed until the day after. 
 
 A request was issued by Col. H. for the men to 
 purchase white gloves for the occasion, but it was 
 met with a silent and flat refusal, silent only in the 
 presence of officers, but among themselves it was 
 decided to refuse compliance, and the next day the 
 review did come off, but white gloves were scarce 
 in the 51st P. V. This review and sword presenta 
 tion was one of the most magnificent affairs that was 
 ever witnessed, as everything passed off. with the 
 strictest discipline and formality. 
 
 On June 21st, Co. Gr, Captain Blair, was detailed 
 to go out a considerable distance on picket and did 
 not return until the 30th. 
 
180 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 On the 22d, the regular Sunday company inspec 
 tion took place. This inspection was attended with 
 manifest interest on account of Captain William J. 
 Bolton offering three prizes to Co. A, respectively 
 $5, $2.50 and $1, for the cleanest arms and 
 accoutrements and the most soldierly appearance of 
 their possessors ; but so well did the members of 
 Co. A contend for the first prize, that the three 
 company officers who acted as judges were puzzled 
 to award the prizes at first, but they decided that 
 private Theodore H. Gilbert was entitled to the third 
 prize of$l. The decision for the first and second 
 prizes was then referred to Col. Hartranft, who after 
 inspecting the men, guns, etc., decided private James 
 M. Bolton entitled to the first prize, and private 
 Daniel Stout to the second prize. So close in clean 
 liness and appearance were these two men that the 
 winner of the first prize only won it by a button 
 being sewed upside down on his opponent s blouse, 
 which had been overlooked by his competitor when 
 sewing it on. It was at best a difficult award to 
 make, for there were so many to decide upon and 
 all had done their best to win the first prize that it 
 must be said, without fear of contradiction, that no 
 company in the Union army ever contained cleaner 
 guns, accoutrements, clothing and men. To Capt. 
 William J. Bolton is due the credit of inaugurating 
 a new impulse in the regiment for possessing the 
 cleanest guns, accoutrements, etc., for from that day 
 the competition ran high in all the other companies 
 of the regiment among the men, and the rivalry 
 was kept up to the final discharge of the 51st P. V. 
 
 On the 23d, Capt. George E. Pechin, of Co. I, 
 resigned his commission on account of ill health, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 181 
 
 having nearly lost his speech from disease con 
 tracted in wading the swamp at the taking of Roan- 
 oke Island on the 7th and 8th of the previous Feb 
 ruary, and on the 25th of June he left Newbern for 
 his Northern home, where he arrived in safety. 
 After receiving proper treatment he recovered his 
 speech and health. He was a good officer, a strict 
 disciplinarian, in fact too much so, for which some 
 few of his company can vouch. But the true 
 soldier could not help admiring him for his bravery 
 and coolness under all circumstances. I may be 
 pardoned for saying so much about a single line 
 officer when so many are worthy, but justice to him 
 and to his regiment demands that all the slander and 
 abuse by which his fair name has been tarnished, 
 through the malignity of two or three spiteful indi 
 viduals, should be refuted and his record be estab 
 lished as his merits deserve it to be. The slander 
 came from those who could not resign and go home 
 just when they wanted to, and it provoked them to 
 think he could be discharged and they retained. 
 
 1st. Lieut. George W. Bisbing was promoted to a 
 Captaincy on the 26th of June, 1862. 2d. Lieut. 
 George Schall was made 1st. Lieut, the same day. 
 1st. or Orderly Sergeant Mark E. Supplee was pro 
 moted 2d. Lieut, also at the same time. 
 
 On the 26th was brigade drill, which was of 
 rather more interest than usual on account of all the 
 bands in the brigade being consolidated for the 
 occasion, and giving a concert on the parade ground 
 much to the gratification of the troops in the 
 vicinity, and to Col. Ferrero in particular, who 
 commanded the brigade. 
 
 On Sunday, the 29th of June, 1862, the regiment 
 
182 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 received orders to hold itself in readiness at eight 
 hours notice, to march. Sixty rounds of ammuni 
 tion were issued to each man, and a general belief 
 arose that Burnside was going to reinforce McClel- 
 lan, in front of Richmond. The Chaplain held wor 
 ship in the afternoon, but so anxious were the men 
 to get on a move that few found their way to church, 
 and employed the day in packing up and getting 
 ready for the march ; but the order did not corne 
 that day, nor the next; still the regiment held itself 
 in readiness to march at any moment the order 
 should come. 
 
 July 1st, 1862, orders were issued that all the 
 sick would have to march, that is, all those who 
 could be kept on their feet. In the evening the men 
 began striking tents and gathering all the wood used 
 in making their bunks, empty barrels, boards and fire 
 wood, which were thrown into three large piles, each 
 as high as a two-storied house, and then setting fire 
 to them : everything of that sort about the camp was 
 consumed. During the conflagration the officers 
 and men indulged in all kinds of sport to while away 
 the time, for the light of the bonfires made the camp 
 as light as day, and no one thought of lying down 
 that night to sleep. To add more to the pleasures 
 of the evening the band enlivened the scene with its 
 best pieces of music. Some employed themselves 
 in writing in large letters caricatures of the Rebellion 
 on pieces of boards, and nailing them to the trees for 
 the edification of the rebels if they should ever come 
 that way. One of them is given here as a sample. 
 
 The 51st P. V., having studied medicine, has 
 gone into the Pill business ; will open their stock 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 183 
 
 about the 4th of July to the patronage of the South 
 ern chivalry, for the benefit of Uncle Samuel. 
 
 " N. B. In case of the death of any of the firm, 
 the business will be conducted as usual by Uncle 
 Sam & Co. After the present stock is sold out, a 
 Grand Fancy Military and Citizens Dress Ball will 
 be given in the city of Richmond, Ya. 
 
 " A. LINCOLN, Floor Manager. 
 
 "GEN. GEO. B. McCLELLAN, Ass t Floor Manager" 
 
 At 3 A. M. of July 2d the "assembly" beat, and 
 the regiment formed on the color line, and thence 
 started on the march to reinforce McClellan, in front 
 of Richmond. Arrived at Newbern at daylight and 
 immediately embarked on board of the schooner 
 Recruit, and in dropping down the river the Recruit 
 ran into the regiment s old favorite, the Cossack. 
 Capt. Bennett, of the Cossack, made his appearance 
 on deck. Notwithstanding the accident, and while 
 everything was confusion worse confounded, the 
 51st could not refrain from giving the heroic tar 
 three hearty cheers, that made the moss-covered 
 banks of the Neuse echo and re-echo. It took 
 pretty much all day for all the forces to embark and 
 get down to the mouth of Slocum s Creek, 18 miles 
 below Newbern, where the whole fleet anchored for 
 the night. The 51st experienced a dismal night on 
 board of the schooner, it raining hard and constant 
 all that time, and not having any bunks below, the 
 men were obliged to quarter on deck, most of them 
 sleeping in a sitting posture, having no room to lie 
 clown on account of the crowded state of the vessel. 
 Daylight came, the rain pouring down in torrents, 
 the air feeling very chilly, and the men dripping 
 
184: HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 wet, caused them to shiver and shake as bad as if 
 they were exposed to the wintry blasts of the more 
 northern States. The Kecruit had bad luck in get 
 ting ready to start ; everything appeared to go 
 wrong, and as the vessel was inadequately manned 
 by sailors, a detail of six men from the regiment 
 made up the deficiency, the Recruit getting under 
 weigh again about 8 A. M. of the 3d of July. The 
 other portion of the fleet got under weigh at day 
 light, and was out of sight when the Recruit got off. 
 If ever troops had reason to find fault with the Gov 
 ernment of the United States, the 51st had ample 
 grounds for complaint at this time ; cold and wet 
 to the skin ; hard tack water-soaked and useless ; 
 nearly every round of ammunition damaged by 
 water, and putting 700 or 800 men on board of a 
 vessel capable of accommodating only about 300, 
 and even that number would be crowded all these 
 combined tended greatly to vex the men. The Re 
 cruit had not proceeded far before she met the little 
 steamer Alice Price, General Burnside s dispatch 
 boat, having on board Col. Hawkins of the Zouaves, 
 (9th K Y.) who ordered the Recruit to "halt." The 
 schooner i( hove to," and received from Col. Haw 
 kins the pleasing information " to go back to New 
 born, for Richmond was taken." No sooner was the 
 information received than cheer after cheer, long 
 and load, rent the air, and the Recruit u about faced " 
 and arrived at Newbern at 6 P. M., where she 
 dropped anchor. The 51st remained on board all 
 night, with the same accommodations as the men 
 had the night before, excepting the rain. At 10J 
 A. M. the 51st disembarked, and companies A, B, C, 
 D, F, G and I arrived at Camp Reno at noon. Com- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 185 
 
 parries E, H and K did not get into camp until 4J 
 p. M. The camp was found in nearly the same 
 condition as when the regiment left. Some few 
 things that escaped burning had been carried off, 
 but a hog was found running about loose, and as 
 the men s rations were nearly exhausted, the hog 
 was shot to replenish the men s haversacks. Tents 
 were pitched ; everything soon settled down to the 
 old style of comfort, and the men enjoyed one night 
 more of good rest. But the next morning (Satur 
 day, the 5th) brought information that Eichmond 
 was not taken, and the 51st was again under march 
 ing orders, to be ready to move at a moment s 
 notice. This time the order was explicit, and Rich 
 mond was the objective point at which to bring up. 
 Consequently, at 2 A. M. on Sunday, the 6th, the 
 regiment was again found striking tents, and by 
 daybreak was on its way returning to Newbern, all 
 being on board of the Recruit at 7J A. M. Why 
 rations were not served to the men on this embarka 
 tion remained always a mystery, but such was the 
 case, and the men were complaining bitterly of the 
 gnawings of hunger. At noon the Recruit weighed 
 anchor and proceeded down the river with better 
 speed than on the previous trip. Reaching the 
 Swash, Hatteras Inlet, at dark, she lay at anchor 
 there for the night. 
 
 On Monday, the 7th, at daybreak, the Recruit left 
 her anchorage and started to pass out the Inlet, but 
 did not get far before she ran aground on the Swash 
 opposite Forts Clarke and Hatteras. The regiment 
 was taken off and landed on Hatteras Island, where 
 the men enjoyed a fine sea-bath, and collected a large 
 quantity of very beautiful sea-shells. In the mean 
 
 9* 
 
186 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 time tugs were at work to get the Recruit off, in 
 which they were successful, and by noon the regi 
 ment was once more afloat ; the vessel, crowding on 
 all her sails, reached Fortress Monroe at noon on 
 the 8th of July, 1862, making just five months and 
 twenty-eight days since the 51st P. V. left the Fort 
 ress until its return. How many manly hearts beat 
 high in anticipation of the future when the regiment 
 left the Fortress on the llth of the previous Janu 
 ary, that now, at the regiment s return, are as silent 
 in their throbs as the rude graves that encompass 
 their remains ! Peace be to their ashes ! 
 
 On arriving at the Fortress nearly all the fleet had 
 got in ahead of the Recruit. The 51st remained on 
 board of the schooner at the above place until the 
 next day, sleeping on deck as usual, but with far 
 more satisfaction, although the deck was densely 
 crowded and the night was stifling warm. If the 
 weather was hot in North Carolina, it was of a white 
 heat in Virginia. While the 51st P. Y. was lying 
 at the Fortress, President Lincoln, in company with 
 Gen. Burnside, passed the Recruit. His Excellency 
 was honored by a salute from a man-of-war at an 
 chor in Hampton Roads, and also from the Fortress. 
 
 At 6} P. M. of the 9th of July the Recruit left for 
 Newport News, arriving there at 8 P. M. The regi 
 ment remained on board all night, and disembark 
 ing the next morning at 8 A. M., it marched to a 
 camp ground about half a mile distant from the 
 point of landing. To say that the day was hot 
 would be conveying but a very faint idea of the in 
 tense heat ; red hot, hotter, hottest, comes nearer the 
 correct conception. At 10 A. M. the camp was laid 
 out and the tents pitched, everything being fixed up 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 187 
 
 as comfortably, by evening, as circumstances would 
 permit. This camp was called " Camp Lincoln," 
 in honor of the illustrious President of the United 
 States. The amusements at this camp were, fishing 
 for crabs, bathing, foraging and base-ball playing. 
 The latter was the leading enjoyment ; even the 
 officers indulged in this game with right good zest, 
 the best players being Col. Hartranft, Maj. Edwin 
 Schall, Capt. Edward Schall and Private Young, of 
 Co. B. The duties were of the usual kind brigade 
 guard, picketing, policing, with brigade, regimental 
 and company drills. The brigade was now under 
 the permanent command of Col. Ferrero, Colonel of 
 the 51st New York State Volunteers. 
 
 The rations at this camp were of the most miser 
 able description. Although convenient to Fortress 
 Monroe, the base of supplies, the men could obtain 
 but about one-fourth rations, and that of an exceed 
 ingly inferior quality. Grumbling, and justly, too, 
 was to be heard from morning until night, " nothing 
 to eat !" was to be heard at every turn. Some 
 d d McClellan for the deficiency, some Col. Fer 
 rero, some Col. Hartranft, and a very few did heap 
 their anathemas on Gen. Burnside. The scantiness 
 of the rations and the continuance of complaints 
 finally reached Capt. McKibbin s ears, Burnside s 
 Adjutant General, who reported to the old hero the 
 case, and a few days more of empty stomachs ended 
 all the trouble, for fresh bread, fresh beef, and a full 
 allowance of everything in the commissary depart 
 ment was issued without stint, so that the grumbling 
 ceased once more. The stay at Newport News was 
 of only twenty-two days duration, but in the mean 
 time the regiment experienced some hot days and 
 
188 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIEST KEGIMENT 
 
 empty stomachs. Brigade guard was established 
 the first day of the landing of the troops at Newport 
 News. The following order was issued by Col. Fer- 
 rero on the second day of being in Camp Lincoln: 
 " Coffee, at 5 A. M., streets and tents policed at 5J- A. 
 M., " peas on trencher" at 6 A. M., company drill at 7J 
 A. M., "roast beef" at 12 M., dress parade at 6} P.M., 
 brigade drill every Monday and Thursday, regimen 
 tal drill every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 
 4J p. M." It can be seen that from early morn to 
 close of day the brigade under Ferrero was to have 
 but few idle moments. Brigade guard-mounting 
 was not mentioned in the order, but still it came off 
 daily at 9 A. M. 
 
 On Sunday, 13th of July, Col. Ferrero issued an 
 order giving the post of honor to the 51st P. V. by 
 putting it on the right of the brigade. On the 14th 
 about a dozen men were detailed from the 51st P. V. 
 to guard the " Parrish farm." situated about three 
 miles from camp on the road leading to the town of 
 Hampton ; they continued living at the " top of the 
 pile " during their stay there. This same day fresh 
 bread was issued for the first time while we were 
 here. 
 
 The 16th brought a change in the hours for regi 
 mental drill from 4J to 5J P. M., on account of the 
 intense heat at the earlier hour. 
 
 The mails were very regular at Camp Lincoln, 
 coming in every afternoon at 2 o clock and going 
 out at 9 A. M. daily. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 189 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Recruiting Camp duty Robbery Preparing for the front 
 Again on the Recruit Arrival at Aquia creek and Fred- 
 ericksburg "Rat coffee" Sun strokes Camp Fererro 
 Marching orders More recruiting Officers baggage First 
 march on the Pope campaign A quarrel An extract from 
 a letter Throwing away clothing. 
 
 ON Sunday, July 20th, an order was read off on 
 dress parade detailing one commissioned officer, one 
 sergeant, and one corporal to go to Pennsylvania 
 to recruit. Capt. Lynn, of Co. H, Sergeant Martin 
 Schoch, of Co. E, and Corporal Lewis, of Co. D, 
 were detailed to proceed home for recruiting pur 
 poses. 
 
 On the 22d of July another order on camp duty 
 was read off on dress parade, as follows : Reveille at 
 5 A. M., streets and tents policed at 5.30 A. M., doctor s 
 call and breakfast at 6 A. M., company drill at 7.30 
 A. M., one hour, guard mounting at 8.30 A. M., dinner, 
 12, M., brigade and regimental drills at 4.30 P. M., 
 dress parade at 7.15, p. M. ; regiments to stack arms 
 on the color line at 9 A. M., tattoo at 8.30 p. M., taps 
 to put out lights at 9 P. M. 
 
 On the 23d of July a most disgraceful robbery 
 took place at the general hospital at Newport News. 
 Two kegs of butter, one box of gaiters, and four 
 hundred dollars in money were taken. The robbery 
 was traced to two men belonging to the 51st P. V. 
 The butter had been sold at twenty-five cents per 
 pound to any one willing to buy ; but the money 
 and gaiters were recovered, and the culprits court- 
 martialed and punished. 
 
190 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 First brigade and part of the third, with a battery 
 of six pieces, left Newport News on the 25th to go 
 to Yorktown, and speculation ran high as to the 
 early departure of the 51st P. Y. to go to the front. 
 On the 27th, three hundred wounded, sick, and well 
 prisoners arrived from before Richmond, and caused 
 much rejoicing in camp. 
 
 A novelty to the soldiers presented itself on the 
 29th of July, in the form of two white ladies, who 
 were on a visit to Newport News. 
 
 On the 30th of July the regiment was taken out 
 about three miles from camp for target firing, which 
 proved that the 51st P. V. possessed some excellent 
 marksmen. 
 
 The regiment received a complete set of new drums 
 on the 1st of August, in place of those originally 
 received at Camp Curtin, which had become unser 
 viceable" from long continuous use. In fact, this date 
 brought several incidents of interest in the history 
 of the 51st P. V. All the sick and convalescents 
 belonging to the regiment, who had been left at 
 Newbern, N. C., in the hospitals, arrived, with the 
 exception of a few, whose lives would have been 
 jeopardized by the removal. It is also the day that 
 the regiment might say its continuous marchings 
 began their birth. Marching orders were issued to 
 it that only ended in its re-enlistment in East Ten 
 nessee. The first order was to be ready to move at 
 a moment s notice, with three days cooked rations 
 and one hundred rounds of ammunition. Conse 
 quently rations were immediately issued and fires 
 kindled, and soon the camp-kettles were seething and 
 steaming with salt beef and pork, and knapsacks 
 were packed and all ready to start in three hours 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 191 
 
 after receiving orders ; but the final order to leave 
 Newport News did not come until 6 A. M. of the 2d. 
 Tents were struck at 8 A. M., and the regiment 
 marched down to the wharf, and again embarked on 
 board of the schooner Recruit, quartering on the deck 
 as before. The day was occupied in embarking the 
 remainder of the troops that was encamped at that 
 place. At 6 P. M. the Recruit swung out into the 
 stream, and left for Aquia Creek ; arriving at For 
 tress Monroe at 8 o clock in the evening, dropped 
 anchor and remained there until 1 o clock on the 
 morning of the 3d, when she again left, and entered 
 the mouth of the Potomac at 2 P. M. of the same day. 
 At 6 P. M. Gen. Burnside passed the regiment on his 
 little despatch boat, and as usual three cheers were 
 given for him with a hearty good-will. The Recruit 
 came to an anchor at 9 p. M., a little below Mount 
 Yernon, on the Potomac, and started again at 6 A. M. 
 on Monday, the 4th, and arrived at the mouth of 
 Aquia Creek at 9 A. M. But one incident worthy of 
 note occurred during the passage from Newport 
 News, and that was the drinking of rat coffee. A 
 large cauldron had been filled with ship s water the 
 night previous, for the purpose of making coffee 
 early in the morning, Some time during the night 
 a couple of rats got in the water, and being unable 
 to get out, drowned ; and, not being discovered until 
 the coffee had been made, issued, and drank, the 
 effect of the discovery can be better imagined than 
 described. 
 
 One hour after the arrival of the Recruit at Aquia 
 Greek the 51st disembarked, took the cars of the 
 "Aquia Creek and Frederic ksburg Railroad," and 
 arrived at the depot opposite to Fredericksburg at 
 
192 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIKST REGIMENT 
 
 1 P. M. On taking the cars at the creek a large 
 number of officers and men met an old acquaintance 
 in the person of Thomas Bones, Esq., who had for 
 merly been a conductor for many years on the 
 Chester Valley Railroad, Pa. It was he who had 
 rebuilt the Aquia Creek & Fredericksburg Kailroad, 
 and was now its chief superintendent. 
 
 After arriving at the station the regiment stacked 
 arms in the rear of the depot, and the sun pouring 
 down its burning rays on the unsheltered heads of 
 the troops, produced a number of sunstrokes. The 
 51st P. Y. lay here only about an hour, during 
 which time Col. Hartranft was busy in selecting a 
 suitable place for camp purposes. When he suc 
 ceeded, he immediately took the regiment about one 
 mile further back, and encamped it in a splendid 
 wheat field belonging to the notorious " Phillips " 
 farm, nearly opposite Fredericksburg. Sergeant 
 David Long, of Co. D, received a sunstroke which 
 nearly deprived him of his life, while marching from 
 the depot up to the camp ground. In faot, nearly 
 every man was more or less affected by the intense 
 heat. Companies C and G, not accompanying the 
 regiment on this trip, did not arrive till the next day, 
 (the 5th.) This did not become a legitimate camp 
 until the afternoon of the 6th, when tents arrived, 
 were immediately pitched, and then it was named 
 " Camp Ferrero," in honor of Col. Ferrero, the bri 
 gade commander. The three days rations that had 
 been cooked on the eve of departure from Newport 
 News were exhausted, and nothing more was issued 
 until the evening of the 6th ; consequently hunger 
 again stared the men in the face, and as the regiment 
 was paid off on the 5th, the scanty supply in the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 193 
 
 neighboring sutler s tents was soon bought up at 
 extravagant prices to satisfy the inner man. 
 
 One noticeable feature was observed in the appear 
 ance of the troops in Virginia and those of the 
 Burnside expedition. While the former were as 
 white in complexion as their Northern friends at 
 home were, the latter were as dark as the darkest 
 mulattoes, and had more the appearance of an army 
 of negroes than Caucasians. 
 
 On the 6th the entire brigade had dress parade, 
 and the most stringent orders were read to each reg 
 iment. Among the duties assigned to the troops 
 was the drilling of the commissioned officers daily 
 from 9 A. M. to 10 A. M., and non-commissioned 
 officers from 10.30 A. M. to 11.30 A. M. 
 
 The tents received here were the " Sibley," or 
 round tents, each to accommodate fourteen men, 
 which was about six too many, considering the 
 intense heat, but they were raised up from the 
 ground a few inches to allow the free circulation of 
 air, and bunks were put up of pine boughs a foot 
 from the earth, giving the air a chance to circulate 
 beneath them, adding much to the comfort of the 
 men. But it never failed that when a regiment 
 fixed up comfortably it soon received marching 
 orders ; and thus it was with the 51st P. Y., for on 
 the 9th orders were received to be ready to move 
 on three hours notice, and to leave all surplus cloth 
 ing behind, packed up with owner s name sewed on 
 each bundle and stowed away in large boxes for 
 that purpose, to be sent to Aquia Creek and placed 
 under guard for safe keeping. The men of the 51st 
 P. Y. know how safe their clothing was kept. When 
 they received the lot again in Pleasant Valley, Md., 
 
194 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 only about one-fifth arrived and that in a worthless 
 condition, all the best having been stolen long before 
 it was shipped to the regiment. 
 
 Although the regiment received marching orders 
 on the 9th, it did not march until the evening of the 
 12th, at 6 o clock. 
 
 On the 10th regimental inspection was held by 
 Lieut. Col. Bell, who was very severe on heavy 
 knapsacks, arid again warned the men of the conse 
 quence of carrying such heavy loads, but a great many 
 turned a deaf ear to the kindly advice, through igno 
 rance of all they had to go through before they 
 would need their surplus clothing ; could they have 
 foreseen but a fraction of their trials of the future I 
 doubt if there could have been found one who 
 would have carried even a single extra shirt. 
 
 On the llth the brigade had a drill under the 
 command of Col. Hartranft for the first time, and 
 although it was his maiden attempt, he acquitted 
 himself with the usual credit of all and everything 
 he did in a military line, viz., excelled ly none. 
 
 On the 7th another party was detailed to proceed 
 to Pennsylvania to recruit for the regiment. Lieut. 
 Jacob P. Brooks, of Co. F, Sergeant George W. 
 Patterson, of Co. I, and Sergeant John W. Fair, of 
 Co. C, were detailed, and left the same day for 
 Harrisburg, Pa. 
 
 The 51st was still in the 2d Brigade, Reno s Divi 
 sion, Burnside s Expedition, and carried its title 
 until merged into the 9th Army Corps. 
 
 On the llth, the officers who did not wish to be 
 encumbered with surplus baggage sent it home by 
 "express," as the marching orders were still held 
 good. The confusion and inconvenience incident to 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 195 
 
 a regiment being under marching orders for several 
 days, can only be known by soldiers themselves ; 
 the suspense is only to be equalled by that of a 
 criminal under sentence of death, before the precise 
 fatal day is known. 
 
 At 6 P. M. on the 12th ; the regiment formed on 
 the color line preparatory to starting on its long and 
 wearisome march. Just as the men had stacked 
 their arms a violent tornado swept over that section 
 of country, ripping and tearing the large Sibley 
 tents as though they were made of paper. The 
 tents occupied by the 51st P. Y. were, per orders, 
 left standing by the regiment when about leaving, 
 but the tornado had torn them from their positions 
 and whirled some of them a great distance, leaving 
 the camp ground nearly divested of everything like 
 a tent ; but the men, giving chase to the flying 
 tents, secured them, and they were soon put up; 
 although in a very dilapidated condition. The reg 
 iment then " fell in " line and took arms. At sun 
 down, as the regiment began to move, the rain 
 poured in torrents, filling all the creeks and ravines 
 to overflowing, and making the night s march one 
 never to be forgotten. The darkness equalled, 
 almost excelled the famous Egyptian darkness that 
 could be felt; the mud knee deep; progress very 
 slow ; halts frequent and the roads obstructed with 
 upset wagons and bemired artillery ; such were the 
 circumstances of the forepart of the night s march. 
 
 As the 51st passed the camp of the 9th New 
 York, (Zouaves,) a quarrel came near being created 
 which might have resulted in a serious fight had not 
 some of the officers of the Zouaves interfered and 
 put a stop to the inflammable language used by 
 
196 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 both parties. The foundation of the quarrel was 
 built on an article that appeared in a newspaper 
 published somewhere in the interior of Pennsyl 
 vania. The article purported to have been written 
 by an officer of the olst P. V., giving a description 
 of the battle of South Mills, Camden, 1ST. C., and 
 stating that while the 51st P. V. were hotly engaged 
 in the battle,. " Hawkins Zouaves were in the rear 
 plundering the knapsacks of the 51st P. V." The 
 writer never saw the article in question, but if such 
 a one did exist, I care not if it was officer or enlisted 
 man that wrote it, I emphatically stamp it as a base 
 and villanous falsehood ; for there was not half a 
 dozen knapsacks carried by the regiment on that 
 occasion ; and again, what few had been brought 
 from Newbern were left on board of the Admiral 
 when the regiment disembarked. Hard words 
 passed between the two regiments, and they were 
 forever afterwards rank enemies. That the article 
 had been published in the paper could not be 
 denied, for some friend of the Zouave regiment had 
 put the paper in a wrapper and mailed it to the 
 Zouaves. The regiment halted for a couple of 
 hours rest and to get breakfast at 4 A. M., on the 
 13tb, near the Yellow House, about eight miles 
 from Fredericksburg. This Yellow House must not 
 be confounded with the Yellow Tavern on the Wei- 
 don Eailroad. At 6 A. M. the regiment again moved 
 off under a scorching hot sun and in plenty of rnud ; 
 but by noon the marching began to improve as the 
 mud disappeared. The heat caused a great many 
 to lag behind, and stragglers lined the road all 
 day and night. At noon the regiment halted for 
 dinner at a secesh farm, which had a fine peach 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 197 
 
 orchard on it, the trees loaded with the ripe and 
 luscious fruit. As soon as " halt " was commanded, 
 the boys made a charge at double-quick on the 
 peaches, and only a few minutes sufficed to clear 
 the orchard of all of its choice fruit. 
 
 The writer has just got possession of a letter that 
 was sent to a friend of one of the members of the 
 51st P. V v dated Culpepper Court House, Va. 
 August 15, 1862, giving a detailed account of the 
 march from Camp Ferrero to Culpepper, in more 
 explicit language than the author of this history is 
 capable of commanding. 
 
 "### Just a few minutes before we left Camp Ferrero, I 
 wrote to you to let you know that we were about marching. 
 Well, on Monday evening, at G o clock, we left Camp Ferrero 
 in a tremendous storm, but by the time that we had crossed 
 the valley between Camp Ferrero and Falmouth, it had ceased 
 to rain. I will give you a succinct account of our march 
 as far as I have the time and abilities to make it worth reading 
 to you. Falmouth is but one and a-half miles in a straight line 
 from where Camp Ferrero lay ; but by the road we had to 
 march, on account of the mud and high hills, it was about four 
 miles. I will first give you the incidents from Camp Ferrero 
 to Falmouth. The 1st brigade composed of the Gth N. H. , 
 89th K Y., 48th P. V., and the 3d Maryland under Gen. Par 
 ker, with DurreH s Reading Artillery, about forty baggage- 
 wagons, and two companies of U. S. Dragoons, started on the 
 advance. Then our 3d brigade, under Col. Hartranft, who is 
 acting brigadier-general of this brigade, consisting of the 51st 
 P. V., 51st N. Y., and the 21st Mass. ; all under command of 
 Gen. Burnside. Well, it rained while we were starting, and 
 we left all our tents standing ; for we were to have no more 
 living in tents. It was just dark by the time we got fairly on 
 our tedious march. Nothing of interest transpired until after 
 we crossed the valley, except the numerous halts we had to 
 make in consequence of the slow progress of the battery and 
 wagon trains in getting onward. After crossing the valley, 
 and ascending one of the first ranges of hills, we had to come to 
 a halt, by the upsetting of one of the six-horse teams into a 
 
198 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 ditch, on the roadside, of about five feet deep. After halting 
 one hour for it to get out of the ditch, we started off and left it 
 in the ditch, bottom upwards. We got along very slow, for the 
 roads were very slippery. When within about one mile of Fal- 
 rnouth, the battery stuck fast in the mire, causing a long deten 
 tion again ; but, however, it got out again, and we started once 
 more, expecting to keep on going ; but, not so ; for just as the 
 wagon train was crossing a bridge at Falmouth, a wagon con 
 taining nothing but ammunition, which is very heavy, broke 
 through the bridge. Two mules were killed, and there was a 
 long stoppage, making it 12 o clock, midnight, when we reached 
 Falmouth. Four miles in six hours ! You can t imagine how 
 tedious it is to march five minutes, and stand thirty minutes, 
 with knapsacks and everything else buckled and strapped 
 up tight to your body. Well, the bridge once fixed up again, 
 we crossed over, but had not gone two hundred yards, when 
 going down a very steep hill, over goes another wagon loaded 
 with camp kettles, grub, and such baggage as the officers had 
 along. This wagon went over a high precipice, at the bottom 
 of which was a pool of water ; the wagon was broken to atoms, 
 the camp kettles and baggage all smashed up ; the mules were 
 all dragged over with it, but were very little hurt, I believe. 
 The column pushed on, and left the wagon in the hole ; but we 
 had not proceeded two hundred yards, when, bottom upwards, 
 goes another wagon ; and after that we did not bother with the 
 wagons, but pushed on until after daylight, Avhen we halted for 
 a couple of hours for the purpose of resting, eating a bite, and 
 getting a little sleep. How far we marched is more than I can 
 say, but I know we were tired. After our nap we started again, 
 and this time, our brigade being on the advance, we did not 
 stop much for the wagons ; Col. Hartranffc pushing on so as to 
 go past and let them get in the rear. Our march now became 
 very hard ; for, marching all the night before, and getting only 
 about an hour s sleep, we, as a matter of course, were jaded 
 out. Still we kept on till noon, when the 48th P. V. had a 
 brush with the guerrillas, which, caused a detention of an hour 
 or so. I did not see anything of the fight, and in fact very 
 few, except those engaged, saw anything of it ; for we hardly 
 came to a halt before we were down in the mud sound asleep. 
 I did not hear a gun fired. All I knew was that the 48th had 
 charged on guerrillas, and drove them. We started again, and 
 at 4 r. M. we halted to get water and eat a bite ; but I was so 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 199 
 
 tired, and my feet so sore, that, instead of eating, I did as hun 
 dreds of others did I laid down, and took my rations out in a 
 nap. AVe started again, but my feet, like others, were so sore 
 that I resolved, with seven others of the 51st N. Y., and one 
 other out of my company, to evade the rear guards, stop in the 
 woods all night, and run the risk of being "gobbled up" by 
 the guerrillas. We did so ; but only by the skin of our teeth ; 
 for we just got our blankets unfolded, when the rear guard 
 passed us. We even held our breaths for fear of discovery as 
 they passed within ten feet of our concealment ; but the dark 
 ness saved us. There were about one hundred men in the 
 guard. As soon as they passed us, we loaded our guns, de 
 termined to sell our lives as dear as possible should the guer 
 rillas find us. About 12 o clock, midnight, horsemen passed 
 close to us sometimes not more than six feet from us ; but I 
 can t say whether they were our pickets or guerrillas, for none 
 of us cared about making their acquaintance under the circum 
 stances ; but we judged them to be guerrillas lurking in the rear 
 of our column for the purpose of capturing stragglers as they 
 lag behind from fatigue ; but we did not lose a man. The rear 
 of the column was six or seven miles in advance of us ; for it 
 marched until midnight before it bivouacked. We got up 
 an hour before daylight, and marched on until a little after 
 daylight, when we heard the bugle sounding for the teamsters 
 to feed their mules. We knew then that we were not far off 
 from the column. So, feeling perfectly safe, we laid down and 
 took a couple hours of oh ! the sweetest sleep ! and then got 
 up, and feeling fresh, we started off and came up to the regi 
 ment just as it was getting ready to march; but this time we 
 only had about five miles to go before we got to Bealton Sta 
 tion, on the Orange and Alexander Railroad. As this road is 
 now under our control, and has been since last Saturday, we 
 took the cars for Culpepper Court-house, where we took up 
 our quarters in an open lot back of the town and pitched a few 
 tents that were got in the town ; but we had not been there 
 above an hour or so, before we were again ordered off." 
 
 After the regiment had dinner and cleaned out the 
 peach orchard, it started off towards Bealton. The 
 heat now became intense, and seemed to beat the 
 men down to, the ground despite their efforts to 
 
200 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 keep up. Knapsacks, haversacks, blankets, shirts, 
 blouses, pants, shoes and stockings, were thrown 
 away without a regret ; the road was literally cov 
 ered with clothing, most of it newly drawn ; but 
 everything that could possibly be spared was thrown 
 away ; a large number even took off the shirts they 
 were wearing, and threw them along with the other 
 things. Nearly all of those things could have been 
 saved, or at least the labor of carrying them, had 
 the men listened to the advice of Lieut.-Col. Bell 
 previous to starting on this march. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Bealton Station Culpepper The Rapidan Retreating Fight 
 at Kelly s Ford Formation of the Ninth Army Corps 
 Rappahannock Station More righting Cowardice at Sul 
 phur Springs Warrenton Hard marching and hunger 
 Stuart s "Black Horse" cavalry Warrenton Junction 
 Rest and food Junction with Union Army at Gainesville 
 Manassas Plains Severe battles. 
 
 ON Thursday, the 14th, at 10 A. M., the regiment 
 arrived at Bealton Station, on the 0. and A. R. R., 
 tired and worn out. It filed into a field close to the 
 station, stacked arms, cooked dinner, and left on the 
 cars for Culpepper at 1.30 p. M., arriving at Tele 
 graph station at 3 P. M. and at Culpepper at 4 p. M. 7 
 where it disembarked and marched to the back of the 
 town and bivouacked for an hour, when orders were 
 received to proceed about three miles further on, ar 
 riving a little before sundown and quartering in a 
 meadow. In marching from Culpepper to this place 
 the greatest surprise and enthusiasm was manifested 
 by the troops already there at the appearance of 
 Gen. Burnside s expeditionary force. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 201 
 
 The olst bivouacked in the lowest part of the 
 meadow, as there was no choice, and without tents 
 or shelter of any kind it was obliged to lie in the 
 heavy rain of its first night in this place ; but all 
 slept soundly and got up the next morning much 
 refreshed after their tedious march from Camp Fer- 
 rero. The regiment remained here until 3 p. M. of 
 the loth, when it again took up the line of march 
 and proceeded about four miles outside of the picket 
 lines to within a short distance of Eaccoon ford, on 
 the Rapidan river, where it arrived a little before 
 sundown. It had rained nearly all day and the 
 marching was most horrible. It seemed as if the 
 elements had combined to make the regiment suffer 
 all the inconvenience of being without shelter, for it 
 rained whenever the regiment had to march, and the 
 sun poured down its scotching rays upon it when 
 ever it made a halt or bivouacked. 
 
 On the 16th a detail of six men was made to ac 
 company Lieut. Hall, Assist. Quartermaster of the 
 Division, on a foraging expedition. They took three 
 wagons and went to James Somerville s mill, at Rac 
 coon ford, and loaded up the wagons with corn, much 
 against the proprietor s will, not, however, without 
 giving him proper vouchers to enable him to get his 
 pay. While Mr. Somerville was loading the corn 
 the men were foraging through the house, garden, 
 and aviary. They succeeded in getting a few 
 chickens, potatoes, onions, cabbage and a large 
 quantity of honey, both strained and in the comb. 
 After the corn was loaded it was taken to camp and 
 unloaded, and the wagons again proceeded to within 
 sight of the aforesaid corn-crib for another load, and 
 
 discovered the enemy loading corn from the same 
 
 10 
 
202 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMEiNT 
 
 crib. The teams " about faced " and went back to 
 camp on a double-quick, when it was discovered that 
 Stonewall Jackson was pitching his tents on an emi 
 nence not far off from us and close to Slaughter 
 Mountain. They were seen to signal with flags from 
 the top of Cedar Mountain in daytime and at night 
 with lights. On Monday, 18th of August, 1862, the 
 band belonging to the 51st P. V. were discharged 
 and left for their homes the same day. 
 
 The enemy was seen to be gathering a large force 
 on the top of a range of hills in the rear of Raccoon 
 ford, on the Rapidan. The discovery was made on 
 the 16th, and enough had been seen to know that it 
 was their intention to sweep down upon the "Yan 
 kees " in the night and "gobble them up at one fell 
 swoop;" but in this they met a disappointment, for 
 the hint was taken and a hurried retreat of the 
 Union forces commenced near midnight. The 51st 
 P. V. brought up the rear of the division in the re 
 treat, "Stonewall" pressing it hard succeeded in 
 capturing about a dozen of the slow-footed ones of 
 the 51st. So rapid was this retreat made that the 
 regiment passed through Stevensonburg at 7 A. M. of 
 the next day. Making the march of twenty-eight 
 miles in eight hours, without a single rest, the regi 
 ment forded several rivers and streams and finally 
 made a stand at Kelly s ford, on the Rappahannock. 
 Stonewall s forces kept close to the rear of the Union 
 troops. Shortly after arriving at Kelly s ford Maj. 
 Schall sent his brother, W. P. Schall, and James 
 Whitehead, of Co. D, to a house that was within 
 sight of the regiment to get him some butter and other 
 articles of food. They were in the house but a few 
 minutes when the rebels entered it and took them 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 203 
 
 prisoners. Nothing further transpiring after the 
 regiment halted, it went into quarters for the bal 
 ance of the day and night ; rude sheltering was put 
 up and a good night s rest enjoyed by the over- 
 marched men until towards daylight, when the regi 
 ment was aroused by the uneasiness of the enemy 
 and the firing of picket shots. Twenty rounds more 
 of cartridges were issued to the men, everything of 
 inferior value was ordered to be burnt, and letters 
 forbidden to be written, by order of Gen. John Pope. 
 Two shots were fired by Durrell s battery at a lot of 
 rebel cavalry who showed themselves at the edge of 
 the woods on the opposite side of the ford. Co. D, 
 Capt. Schall, was sent out on picket to prevent a sur 
 prise. An attack was momentarily expected, and at 
 11 A. M. of the 21st the ball opened that did not end 
 until the sound of the last gun had died away on the 
 17th of September, 1862, among the hills enclosing 
 Antietarn. The battle opened near the Rappahan- 
 nock Station at 11 A. M., and at 12 noon it began in 
 front of the 51st by the Union cavalry crossing at 
 Kelly s ford and skirmishing the woods, in which 
 the rebel cavalry were as thick as hair on a horse. 
 The 1st Brigade had met Longstreet s skirmishers 
 and had driven them back several miles. The 51st 
 P. V. supported Durrell s battery through this long 
 series of hard fighting. The fighting ended at 6 P. 
 M. in our favor, Gen. Siegel capturing nineteen guns 
 and the 48th P. V. two guns ; the loss was two 
 killed and seven wounded. That night the 51st lay 
 on their arms in one of the usual rains, and was re 
 lieved at daylight by a portion of McClellan s forces. 
 The 51st then went to reinforce McDowell at Rappa- 
 hannock Station, arriving there in time to get a cup 
 
204 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 of coftee made before the rebels opened their artil 
 lery, which they did soon after. The regiment 
 stacked arms in a stubble field north of the station. 
 
 The expeditionary forces of Burnside were 
 merged into the 9th Army Corps about the 12th of 
 August, 1862, but the men knew nothing of the 
 c ange until about the 16th. 
 
 After the 51st arrived at Rappahannock station 
 it was put on temporary reserve and again marched 
 at 4 p. M., proceeding farther up the river, halting 
 in mud and rain about every half a mile during 
 the day and night, without any rations excepting an 
 ear of green corn that was occasionally found in 
 the devastated cornfields along the line of march. 
 
 At 6 A. M. on the 23d the battle opened in good 
 earnest on both sides; the 51st was again ordered 
 on the march at that time without obtaining one 
 mouthful of food until noon, when, through the 
 violence of the severe storm, the regiment was 
 forced to a halt in the vicinity of a cornfield. The 
 thunder vieing with the artillery s roar, .and the 
 lightning with the cannon s flash. This storm will 
 be remembered by the men of the 51st from the 
 fact of a negro being killed by the lightning while 
 sitting on his mule close to the regiment. While 
 at this halt several cows were seen running at large, 
 and Col. Hartranft gave his consent to his men to 
 shoot and dress them for the use of the regiment, 
 but they were no sooner shot down than each man 
 dressed his own piece. Fires were kindled, corn 
 was pulled and roasted, and the meat thrown into 
 the ashes to cook the best it might, and with every 
 prospect of having one hearty rneal at any rate the 
 men felt satisfied ; but in this the majority were 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 205 
 
 disappointed, for orders came to march with all the 
 speed possible. Col. Hartranft who, along with the 
 other officers, were expecting a feast with their men 
 on roasted green corn and beef, secured a handful 
 of this savory meal, as the rest did, vaulted into 
 his saddle with promptness and started off again, 
 leaving the most of the food in the fires, not even 
 having time to secure it in its partially cooked 
 state. A large number of men snatched a piece of 
 meat from the hot coals and ate it as they marched 
 along, with the blood and ashes running down from 
 the corners of their mouths. Two crackers were 
 all the rations that each man had had in four days ; 
 what the officers got in that time is hard to say, but 
 it could not have been much more, as they were 
 obliged to buy their own food from the citizens, 
 who in this region had nothing scarcely to eat for 
 themselves. 
 
 That night the regiment was sent out on picket, 
 and at daylight it started for Warrenton Junction. 
 After going a few miles it halted to get something 
 to eat ; two crackers and a little tea was issued to 
 the men, and that was all they got for a breakfast, 
 which had to serve until the next day. After par 
 taking of their scanty meal the regiment again 
 started and reached Sulphur Springs at 9 p. M. on 
 the 24th. This day proved how trustworthy was 
 the word of those men who had been under arrest 
 at Newbern for cowardice. Before the column 
 halted at Sulphur Springs the rebel artillery fired 
 several rifle shells at the regiment, and one of them 
 exploding over the heads of the 51st pioneers, one 
 of whom had been of the party under arrest in 
 North Carolina, he no sooner heard the explosion 
 
206 HISTOKY" OF THE FIFTY-FIEST KEGIMENT 
 
 than be threw away his axe and ran until he felt 
 himself safe, his company officers not hearing any 
 thing of him until after his arrival in the vicinity 
 of his home in Pennsylvania. The others of his 
 ilk did not run home, but kept out of harm s way 
 until the entire campaign was over, from Kelly s 
 Ford to Washington. Some rejoined the regiment 
 at the latte r place, but no sooner did a shell ex 
 plode near them than these same men would leave 
 for safer places ; none of them can have the proud 
 satisfaction of ever saying, " I have participated in 
 one battle." Such characters as these are ever ready 
 to raise a quarrel in a bar-room or with a comrade, 
 where there is no particular danger, but put them 
 in the vicinity of a battle and their courage oozes 
 out : they then become very amiable and harmless. 
 For what could such men have enlisted ? was it to 
 make the courageous think that they too have 
 courage? I admit it requires a man "to screw his 
 courage up to the sticking point" when about 
 beginning a battle, but none is required to have 
 one s name on a muster roll. 
 
 On Monday, August 25th, the 51st P. V. again 
 took up the line of march at daybreak, on the 
 Warrenton turnpike for YVarrenton, where it arrived 
 at noon, worn out, sore of foot, and, worst of all, 
 completely famished for something to eat. Halting 
 on a small hill close to the road in an open space 
 between two woods it formed into a line of battle to 
 resist a charge from Stuart s black horse cavalry, 
 which was a short distance off manoeuvring to 
 capture the 9th Corps wagon train, or whatever else 
 they could succeed in accomplishing in that line. 
 Notwithstanding the expectation of an attack from 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 207 
 
 that celebrated cavalry every moment, Col. Ferrero 
 rode up to where Col. Hartranft had taken his 
 position. His appearance caused from his whole 
 brigade a general cry of "crackers! crackers ! hard 
 tack ! hard tack !" Ferrero, sitting on his horse, 
 turned and faced his men and exclaimed, in tones 
 partaking of anger and pity, "My God! men, I 
 have been trying to get you something to eat ever 
 since daylight. I have had every wagon in the train 
 searched to discover a single box of crackers, but 
 with no success ; but if there is a mouthful to be 
 had in the army you shall have it before you leave 
 here," and wheeling his horse he started off at full 
 gallop, amid deafening yells from the 51st P. Y. of 
 " crackers ! crackers ! " &c. The cavalry charge was 
 not made, but the 51st still kept its position, when, 
 after Ferrero s absence of an hour, he succeeded in 
 getting two boxes of hard tack for each regiment of his 
 brigade, which, when issued, gave to each man about 
 one and a half crackers, or near three ounces weight 
 of food. Hunger now began to tell on the men in 
 their marches ; their emaciated forms were getting 
 weaker and weaker at every mile marched. How 
 could it be expected that officers and men could 
 fight all day and march all night for upwards of 
 forty days and nights without more than two hours 
 rest in the twenty-four, and with less than half 
 rations on an average? but such was the experience 
 of the 51st P. V. from the 12th of August to the 
 24th day of September, 1862, the fatigues of which 
 time was increased by the continual whirl of excite 
 ment, constant heavy rains, and almost unfathomable 
 depths of mud and quicksand. 
 
208 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 The 51st P. V. left its position at 4 p. M. and 
 marched until 10 p. M., and took up a position in a 
 meadow within one mile of the Junction, where it 
 lay on its arms until daylight. The nights now 
 were becoming cold and chilly, heavy dews falling, 
 and the men very scantily clothed, some not the 
 owners of a shirt; all filthy, dirty, ragged and cov 
 ered with vermin. The soldiers could not help this 
 condition, for no time was given them to wash a 
 handkerchief, much less necessary clothing, for with 
 the perspiration, rain, mud and dust settling in and 
 upon it, without any change whatever, there was no 
 other alternative expected than to become dirty and 
 covered with foul vermin ; consequently, the night 
 was spent in misery. Gen. Reno, whenever he 
 made his appearance along the line of his division, 
 had been invariably greeted with hearty cheers, but 
 now the cheers were turned to "coffee!" "hard 
 tack!" "meat!" &c. ; and being a very humane 
 officer, it pained him exceedingly to hear the men 
 clamor for rations when he knew that he had ex 
 hausted every means to obtain them ; but still the 
 men would believe nothing else than that the officers 
 could get rations for them if they would only try. 
 But such was not the case. Col. Hartranft was 
 using every means that his fertile brain could in 
 vent to obtain a few mouthfuls for his men, but all 
 to no purpose. Had the officers had anything more 
 to eat than the men. then the appearance would 
 have been against them, but they were as a general 
 thing, on this march, much worse off than the men, 
 for while the latter got a cracker a day, some of the 
 officers did not get a mouthful for forty-eight hours. 
 Prices for a single cracker varied from ten cents to 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 209 
 
 fifty cents, and even at these exorbitant prices 
 none, or very few, changed owners. 
 
 On Tuesday, the 26th, the 51st again started on 
 its march at 7 A. M., and marched to the east side of 
 Warrenton Junction about one mile, where it came 
 to a halt for the rest of the day. While at this halt 
 the filthy condition of the men appealed to the 
 "commanding powers" for the necessity of giving 
 the men time enough to wash their clothing and to 
 rid themselves of their superfluous companions, the 
 vermin ; for it had been nearly three weeks since 
 anything had been washed by either officers or men. 
 
 This day the men had a good feast, for three days 
 full rations of coffee, sugar, hard-tack and pork 
 were issued and ordered to be cooked for the next 
 march, but so famished were the men that nearly 
 one-half of them consumed their three days rations 
 in one. The day was spent in washing clothes, 
 bathing in Broad Run, and hunting the vermin that 
 claimed entire possession of their habitations. Tired 
 and worn out as the men were, they seemingly for 
 got all their troubles as soon as they got the inner 
 man satisfied. Jokes and slang phrases once more 
 ruled the day, and all seemed as happy and con 
 tented in their misfortunes and dangers as if they 
 were in camp for all time to come. The next morn 
 ing, early, the regiment left Warrenton Junction 
 again for Warrenton village, but after marching out 
 the railroad three miles it was found that the rebels 
 had slipped by on the flank, and were making for 
 Manassas Grand Junction. The regiment " about 
 faced" and struck out for the Junction, arriving at 
 Gainesville about 8 P. M., where McClellan s forces, 
 
 having had a fight in the afternoon and been victo- 
 
 10* 
 
210 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIKST REGIMENT 
 
 rious, were encamped on the battle-field. The 51st 
 passed on over the battle-field and went into quarters 
 for the night. 
 
 On Thursday, the 28th, the 51st again started at 
 daylight for the Junction, arriving there at noon, 
 and found that the enemy had been there and ^de 
 stroyed a whole train of cars loaded with supplies 
 for the Union army. The cars were still burning 
 when the 51st arrived. At the end of a reconnois- 
 sance the regiment again started after the enemy 
 who was engaged with McDowell s forces on the 
 Plains of Manassas. The battle raged there until 
 night, and the 51st bivouacked among the fortifica 
 tions about three miles north of the Junction. 
 
 CHAPTER XY. 
 
 Second buttle of Bull Run Supporting DurrelPs battery 
 Second day s fight Longstreet s corps Desperate struggle 
 Retreat of the Union forces Gallant stand of Reno s 
 Division Rebel cunning General retreat Loss of knap 
 sacks, &c. List of casualties Arrival at Centreville. 
 
 AT daylight on Friday, the 29th, the regiment 
 prepared to march by calling in companies A, D, F 
 and I, which had been out all night on picket, and 
 before sunrise it was on its way to "Bull Run," 
 where it soon arrived amidst a greeting of solid 
 shot, shell, and railroad iron cut into lengths of fif 
 teen or twenty inches, from the rebel batteries 
 masked in the woods along the Manassas Railroad. 
 The regiment was immediately formed in line of 
 battle, with bayonets fixed, and lay down on the 
 crest of a hill, in support of Durrell s famous bat- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEES. 211 
 
 tery. The battle was now raging furiously. The 
 dying and wounded were being carried to the rear 
 by thousands ; the air was filled with the shrieking 
 and exploding shells, the ground being covered 
 with their fragments, and with the dead, dying 
 and wounded soldiers. 
 
 Durrell s battery labored incessantly in its duties, 
 and must have played sad havoc in the rebel ranks, 
 for it appeared to be a special target for about six 
 hours to all the rebel batteries within reaching dis 
 tance, during which time Col. Hartranft served in 
 person at one of the guns, rendering valuable ser 
 vices in keeping the gun at work. Although he 
 exposed his entire person for so long a time, yet he 
 would not let one of his men raise his head six 
 inches above the ground, as if he wanted the enemy 
 to think that the battery was not supported, thereby 
 inviting a charge from them. Attempts had been 
 made to flank the battery on the left, but the left 
 wing of McDowell s command checkmated those at 
 tempts, while Durrell kept dealing rapid doses of all 
 kinds of missiles of death into the multitudinous 
 ranks of the enemy, under the command of Gen. 
 James Longstreet, who seemed fated to contend with 
 the 9th Army Corps in all his future battles, for it 
 met him at Bull Run, at Chantilly, South Moun 
 tain, Antietam, atLoudon, Campbell s Station, Knox- 
 ville, Blame s Cross Roads, Spottsylvania, Cold 
 Harbor, Ream s Station, Yellow Tavern, and almost 
 anywhere along the line at Petersburg. 
 
 The battle raged all day and on to midnight. 
 Before the 51st went into battle the men divested 
 themselves of all incumbrances, such as knapsacks, 
 blankets, &c., and piled them up and left them under 
 
212 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 the guard of two men from each company. Pocket- 
 books with their contents, pistols, and all small 
 articles of value were given by the men to the 
 guards for safe keeping. 
 
 At night four companies, A, D, F and I, were 
 again sent out on picket under the command of Lieut. 
 Col. Bell. The remainder of the regiment, under 
 Col. Hartranft, remained in support of the battery 
 during the night. After the pickets were posted it 
 was found that the woods in which they were was 
 full of dead, dying and wounded rebels, lying side 
 by side with the same unfortunates of the Union 
 army. Their cries and groans in the still hours of 
 night were heartrending in the ears of the humane. 
 The numerous corpses that strewed the woods, both 
 of Federal and rebel soldiers, spoke too plainly of 
 the terrible conflict that had been going on all day 
 in that desolated place. Nothing had been gained 
 by either side during the whole day s fighting. 
 
 On Saturday morning, August 30, at daybreak, 
 Capt. Schall, with two or three of his men, had in 
 tended to penetrate the woods for the purpose of 
 discovering the position and closeness of the rebel 
 lines, but Lieut. Jos. K. Bolton, of Co. A, had al 
 ready taken such steps, and had proceeded about 
 fifty yards further into the woods when Capt. Schall 
 started ; the latter only got fairly into his search be^ 
 lore a volley of musketry was fired at Lieut. Bolton, 
 who escaped unharmed, and the balls flying over 
 Capt. Schall, at first gave the impression that he had 
 the credit of opening the second day s fight; but Co. 
 A was on the extreme left of the line and Co. I on 
 the right, and Lieut. Bolton had attracted the atten 
 tion of the rebel pickets at the same time that Capt. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 213 
 
 Schall did. The shots that were fired, however, 
 brought on the day s work of slaughter, and from 
 that moment up to 9 o clock of Saturday night, the 
 30th, the roar of artillery and the rattle of musketry 
 were beyond the power of description. It was 
 sublime to witness, but awful to participate in. 
 
 On the rebels beginning the attack, the four com 
 panies under Lieut.-Col. Bell rallied on the reserve, 
 which was only about fifteen yards in the rear of 
 their posts. Lieut.-Col. Bell immediately formed 
 the four companies in line of battle and held his po 
 sition for over an hour, when he fell back to the 
 main line and rejoined the remainder of the regi 
 ment that was still in support of Durrell s battery. 
 
 The men now began to suffer again for rations, 
 and what little there was among the men was en 
 tirely consumed for a breakfast, yet notwithstanding 
 losing so much sleep, they entered upon their duties 
 with true soldierly cheerfulness, and fought, aye 
 equalled only by those who fought best, but towards 
 noon it was becoming evident that the enemy was 
 in far superior numbers to the Union forces, as the 
 woods and plains were swarming with the rebel 
 soldiery, while our own forces were being greatly 
 reduced by " shirkers" and other causes. Towards 
 the middle of the afternoon the confusion became 
 almost as great as it did at the first Bull Eun battle, 
 colors of different regiments kept continually coming 
 out of battle, supported by some three or four men 
 only, who when questioned as to where was their 
 regiments, they invariably replied, " it s all cut up, 
 this is all that is left of us," but in a few days after 
 the battle was over it was found that those same 
 colors could boast of two or three hundred sup- 
 
214 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 porters, but such was the confusion that each man 
 seemed to " go it on his own hook " and relieved 
 himself when it was getting too hot. 
 
 About 4 P. M. the Union army began its retreat 
 to Washington. The roads had been lined all day 
 with skulkers and wounded. But of this retreat 
 Reno s division was in total ignorance. And at the 
 commencement Gen. McDowell ordered Gen. Reno to 
 take his division into battle at the left of the hospital, 
 and to occupy a position that would cover the re 
 treat, and adding at the same time, "you and your 
 command will be captured, but it can t be helped as 
 the army must be saved." Gen. Reno couldn t see 
 capture, and replied in true Yankee style, " I guess 
 not captured." Col. Hartranft took his regiment in 
 "left in front," at a double quick, and "by files on 
 your left into line," he had his regiment in line of 
 battle inside of two minutes from the time the order 
 was given to him to take his regiment in, and as 
 each file came into its place it fired by files until the 
 whole regiment had got " in line," when he gave 
 the command "let them have it now, boys, and 
 from 4 P. M. until 9 P. M. did the "boys let them 
 have it." The regiment kept up an incessant fire 
 during the whole five hours. The rebel army about 
 noon began to turn the left wing of Pope s army, 
 and had driven it back for more than a mile, nearly 
 doubling it up, and soon after it began its retreat, 
 leaving the left or rear entirely unprotected until 
 Reno s division filled up the void, which would have 
 proved fatal to a large portion of the army had 
 Reno been less prompt in getting his command into 
 position, but he saw the danger and strove to avert 
 it. Immediately in the rear of Cos. A, F, and D, was 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 215 
 
 posted a battery of four heavy guns, distant from 
 the men about twenty-five feet. This battery was 
 unable to get away when the other troops left, but 
 now finding itself supported by a fresh regiment it 
 opened on the enemy all of its guns with the fury of 
 demons. The enemy were in the woods from where 
 the " Black Horse cavalry " made their ever to be 
 remembered charge on the Union troops at the first 
 battle of Bull Run, and were but a few yards off 
 from Reno s division, separated only by a ravine that 
 extended the length of the whole line of battle. 
 After the first shots were fired by the battery, Capt. 
 Win. J. Bolton saw that his company was in great 
 danger of being torn to pieces by the discharge of 
 grape and canister, which passed only a few inches 
 over his men s heads. Notice was given to Col. 
 Hartranft, who soon had the danger obviated by a 
 change in the battery s position. 
 
 After dark, a shell was thrown into the woods 
 that set it on fire at least, it was supposed to be the 
 effect of the shell. The firing had ceased all along 
 the line except just in this one place; and as the 
 grape rattled against the trees in the woods, the 
 sounds were heard by all with perfect awe. Reader ! 
 were you there that night ? If so, you do not for 
 get those awful thugs as each gun sent its contents 
 in the woods to search for the wily foe. And if you 
 were not, I am at a loss to make you comprehend 
 its awfulness. 
 
 A short time after, it began to get dark, and while 
 the battery was using grape, a voice was heard in 
 the woods, calling, " Pennsylvania boys ! for God s 
 sake cease firing and come and get me out of this !" 
 The exclamations continued for a long time, and 
 
216 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 finally ceased. Col. Hartranft s attention was di 
 rected to the sound, and several of the men vol 
 unteered to go into the woods to bring the supposed 
 wounded Union soldier into our lines ; in fact, one 
 man, Hugh McGill, had started for the benevolent 
 object, and had reached the bottom of the ravine, 
 when he was discovered by Col. Hartranft and 
 ordered back to his company. The firing did not 
 entirely cease, but the voice still kept on calling, in 
 the most piteous tones, for aid and rescue. The 
 sympathy of nearly the whole regiment was enlisted 
 in the poor fellow s favor ; but Col. Hartranft was 
 not to be caught napping, and the only sympathy he 
 expressed was in his command " To pour it into 
 them !" which both artillery and infantry did to 
 their utmost capacity ; and the voice ceased to call 
 for any more aid. Shortly after the voice ceased, 
 Capt. Bolton discovered in the darkness a large body 
 of something moving up the ravine, at a very slow 
 and cautious pace. The firing ceased for a moment, 
 and he and his first lieutenant, Joseph K. Bolton, 
 went out a few paces in front, and soon returned 
 with the information that the rebels were sneaking 
 up to them. The regiment fired " right oblique," 
 and the battery opened at the same time with grape, 
 canister, and shrapnel, the guns being double-shot 
 ted. The ravine was soon raked clean of everything 
 like an enemy, for they quickly scampered back to 
 their lines. This affair revealed the fact that the 
 voice for aid was only a stool-pigeon trick of the 
 enemy to get the firing to cease, that, while our men 
 would be going to render aid to the wounded man, 
 they could at the same time take advantage of the 
 calm and swing around, and perhaps capture the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 217 
 
 whole division ; but Col. Hartranft was a little too 
 sharp for any of their tricks. 
 
 At 9 o clock at night, the entire Union army 
 had retreated from the battle-field with the excep 
 tion of Reno s division ; and as the enemy had not 
 fired a shot for a considerable time, it was thought 
 that they had either left or changed their position. 
 Consequently, Gen. Reno ordered his command to 
 leave theirs, and move off the battle-ground as 
 quietly as possible. 
 
 Just as the 51st P. "V. was starting, the com 
 mander of the battery ran up to Col. Hartranft and 
 shook him cordiallv by the hand, exclaiming, at the 
 same time, " Colonel, you have saved my battery !" 
 This was the truth. 
 
 In leaving the field, it was not deemed prudent 
 to go after the knapsacks, as it was known that the 
 enemy obtained possession of that portion of the 
 field long before night. The rebel cavalry had 
 made a dash and captured the guards that had been 
 left in charge of them, and plundered the knapsacks 
 of all the contents that were of any value ; conse 
 quently the 51st P. Y. lost everything it possessed 
 excepting what the men had on their persons. The 
 loss of the regiment in killed, wounded, and miss 
 ing was small .* By official report, total loss, ten. 
 
 * Co. A. Corporal Jesse Johnson, privates Lewis F. Key- 
 ser, Harvey Pinch, and Franklin R. Lindley, taken prisoenrs. 
 
 Co. D. Corporal William W. Smith, and private Dennis 
 O Neil, wounded. 
 
 Co. F. Private Thomas Deiner, wounded. 
 
 Co. G. Private John Miller, wounded. 
 
 Co. H. Privates Henry J. Warner and Jewett S. Harding, 
 wounded, Harding being taken prisoner. 
 
 Co. I. Privates Thomas Troy and Henry Derr taken 
 prisoners. 
 
 Co. K. Private James C. Gallagher, missing. 
 
218 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 The 51st reached Centreville on Sunday morn 
 ing, the 31st, a little before daylight, in a piercing 
 cold rain, which had been falling all night. The 
 men were shivering with cold, in their wet clothing, 
 from having to ford a stream neck-deep during the 
 retreat. Their situation was to be pitied, for their 
 sufferings were of coldness, wet, hunger, and fatigue, 
 from being on the march all the night before, and 
 having had no sleep for two nights previous to that. 
 Their sufferings could not be half told if it were at 
 tempted. 
 
 CHAPTBK XVI. 
 
 "Drawing clothing" On the march A surprise Battle of 
 Chantilly Death of Gen ls Kearney and Stevens Fairfax 
 Cloud s Mills Washington Burning of Middleton Battle 
 of South Mountain Terrible carnage An ambuscade 
 Death of Gen. Eeno Sufferings of the wounded Explosive 
 cartridges Defeat of the enemy. 
 
 ON arriving at Centreville the men sought such 
 shelter from the cold rain as could best be found in 
 the fortifications at that place. A small lot of 
 clothing was found stored away in boxes belonging 
 to a German regiment, and it was eagerly seized by 
 the men and applied to their own immediate use. 
 Soon after the appropriation, the Germans came 
 for their clothes, and their woful looking coun 
 tenances bespoke the sad disappointment they felt 
 at their loss, and their " Cod fer tarns " were frequent 
 and loud. The Germans were not as bad off for 
 comforts after their losses as the men of the 51st 
 were after their acquisitions, for while the former 
 had their tents to go to, with plenty to eat, the latter 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 219 
 
 had to lie out in the cold rain with wet clothing, 
 without fire and without food. 
 
 While lying at Centreville, a rumor became rife 
 that our forces were being reinforced by 50,000 
 more fresh troops, and that an " about face " had 
 been ordered for the purpose of an advance " on to 
 Richmond." Although the rumor was believed by 
 many to be false, still a large portion of the army 
 believed it true, and expressed their willingness to 
 push the thing through, and end the war as soon as 
 possible. 
 
 On Monday, September 1st, 1862, the 51st P. V. 
 moved back of Centreville to go into camp, but as 
 the men began to prepare for that purpose, they 
 were ordered to make another move for a similar 
 design, and, when in the act of erecting rude shel 
 tering, it was for the third time ordered to another 
 place. Becoming disgusted at what the men con 
 ceived to be the whimsical caprices of the com 
 manding officers, they made no further attempts to 
 protect themselves from the weather. 
 
 At 3 P. M., the 51st was ordered to proceed to 
 Fairfax Court-house, and started in ten minutes 
 after receiving its orders. At 4 p. M., very unex 
 pectedly it met the enemy at Chantilly. The 21st 
 Massachusetts being on the advance it encountered 
 the enemy first, under very peculiar circumstances. 
 A brigade of rebel infantry was filing out of a 
 neighboring woods into the Fairfax road, just as 
 Col. Clark, with his 21st Massachusetts regiment, 
 was passing the point into which the enemy were 
 filing ; the two colonels saluted each other, as each 
 officer thought they both were of the one army, and 
 as the men of the 21st Massachusetts wore overcoats 
 
220 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 a good deal of the color of the rebels the delusion 
 was complete. The two colonels rode along together 
 for a few yards, when the rebel colonel asked Col. 
 Clark, "What s your regiment, colonel?" Col. 
 Clark replied, "Its the 21st Massachusetts." "My 
 regiment is the Mississippi, and we are ene 
 mies," replied the rebel colonel, and with his men 
 made a fierce onslaught on the 21st Massachusetts, 
 capturing Col. Clark and a number of his men. The 
 51st P. Y. and the 51st New York, were about a half 
 a mile in the rear accompanied by Durrell s battery. 
 The battle opened as if by magic, the battery got a 
 position in a field close to the road, and the 51st was 
 ordered to its support. By this time the entire 
 armies of both sides that were in the vicinity of 
 Chantilly, were hotly engaged. Generals Kearney 
 and Stevens commands had attacked the enemy on 
 the latter s own choice of ground, viz., a large corn 
 field begirted by a strip of woods, but so hotly was 
 the possession of the cornfield contested for, that 
 Durrell s battery durst not fire a gun for fear of 
 killing more of Stevens and Kearney s men than it 
 would of the enemy, but just as Kearney had suc 
 ceeded in driving, the rebels from their position, an 
 ill-fated bullet pierced the hero, and he died without 
 a struggle poor Stevens fell also, and his lifeless 
 body was carried through the 51st s line to the rear. 
 Night closed in. with a piercing cold and drenching 
 rain, but the battle raged violently until 9 o clock at 
 night, when the almost Egpytian darkness put a stop 
 to any further slaughter. Pickets were put out, a 
 new style of posting them being used that was not 
 altogether military on account of its risk and unre 
 liability. The rebels had posted their pickets first 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 221 
 
 and close up to the Dlst smain line, but the darkness 
 prevented any one from being seen at a distance of 
 three feet. The 51st posted its pickets between the 
 rebels pickets and their -main line, thus rendering 
 their position one of extreme danger. Shortly after 
 the pickets were posted a rebel adjutant visited a post 
 belonging to Co. B s, 51st P. V., but thinking they 
 were his own men had very little to say to them. 
 But not so with Co. B s men, they asked him what 
 regiment he belonged to, he told them, the 3d Louisi 
 ana, " then by * * * you re my prisoner, for mine is 
 the 51st Pennsylvania," replied Private John Seibert. 
 The adjutant wanted an explanation, but John bad 
 none for him, and brought his shoulder-strapship in 
 and turned him over to Lieut.-Col. Bell. The posi 
 tion of the pickets was now understood, and after 
 capturing a couple posts of rebels, ours were quietly 
 put in a safer place. The regiment laid on its 
 arms until 4 A. M. of the 2d, when it again started 
 for Fairfax. The regiment suffered this night from 
 cold more than any time since it had been in the 
 army. Cold chilling rain fell during the whole 
 night, the men being without a gum or even a painted 
 blanket, and many without any shirt at all, only 
 their blouse and pants on, and lying all night in wet 
 grass that was not less than two feet and a half high. 
 Their condition can safely be compared to that of a 
 man being compelled to stand in cold water up to his 
 chin for eight hours in succession. 
 
 Arriving at Fairfax at sunrise of the 2d, the regi 
 ment drew a day s rations and cooked its breakfast, 
 afterwards moving to a position on the top of a hill 
 close to the town. In the afternoon, it again was on 
 its way to Cloud s Mill, where it went into camp 
 
222 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 under the guns of Fort Ellsworth, near Alexan 
 dria, Va. 
 
 On "Wednesday the 3d, the men were enabled to 
 get a little more to eat, as the sutler of the fort 
 had a large stock on hand, and the men spent their 
 money as freely as water. 
 
 On the 4th, the men drew clothing in lieu of what 
 they lost at Bull Bun, but no rations, and why it 
 was that a retreating and famished army so close to 
 Washington could not get any, is a question that 
 only the Commissary-General of the United States 
 Army at Washington, could answer. While the 
 regiment was lying here, it received quite an 
 acquisition to its ranks by the arrival of a large 
 squad of new recruits from Carnp Curtin. 
 
 At 9 P. M. the 51st again struck tents and started 
 for Washington, where it arrived at 4 o clock in the 
 morning of the 5th, and halted in a woods a short 
 distance from the city, where it bivouacked until 
 10 A. M. of the 7th. While at Washington, Gen. 
 Burnside visited the regiment, and received the usual 
 cheers from the men. It was also visited by a large 
 number of its friends from home, among whom were 
 Dr. Holstein and Mrs. Cadwalader Evans, from 
 Bridgeport, Pa. They found a few of their inti 
 mate friends sick, and distributed their delicacies to 
 them with an unsparing hand. The writer of this, 
 although an entire stranger to them, can vouch with 
 gratitude for their kindness. Having been sick for 
 several days, although I did not lose a minute s 
 duty, yet I could not eat such food as was obtained. 
 I received from Dr. H. a bottle of tomatoes that put 
 new life in me, and strengthened me greatly for the 
 next march. I merely mention this circumstance to 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 223 
 
 contradict the false impression that only a favored 
 few ever got anything from the philanthropic. 
 
 On the 7th, at 10 A. M., the regiment left Wash 
 ington, D. C., marched thirteen miles, and went into 
 quarters for the night at the cross-roads on the turn 
 pike ; left again the next morning at 6 o clock, 
 marched a couple of miles, and then laid over until 
 next day, when, at 6 A. M. (the 9th), the regiment 
 left for Brookville, where it arrived at noon, making 
 thirteen miles in six hours. In passing through this 
 section of country the troops were received with 
 strong marks of kindness. Liquors, lemonade, 
 cakes, bread, pies and fruits were distributed freely 
 to the troops by the citizens of Maryland. While 
 in camp at Brookville the men had another chance 
 to wash their clothing and for a bath, a fine stream 
 of water passing through the camp. Rations were 
 also served, for once in thirty days, in abundance. 
 Fruit being in great plenty and fully ripe, the men 
 did ample justice to it. The regiment remained at 
 Brookville until 7 o clock in the morning of Thurs 
 day, the llth, then passed through the town of Unity 
 and encamped for the night near Damascus, Md. 
 
 On the morning of the 12th a heavy rain began 
 to fall and continued until noon, making the march 
 ing painfully laborious. The roads became so slip 
 pery that it was with difficulty that the men could 
 keep on their feet. 
 
 On the 13th the regiment crossed the Monocacy 
 and laid over for the night in the vicinity of Fred 
 erick City. The army was now under the command 
 of Gen. McClellan, who had come up with Lee s 
 forces at Frederick City and given him battle, head 
 ing off the rebels from going any further north. 
 
224 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 The battle was a pretty sharp contest, in which the 
 enemy appeared to get the worst of it, for he began 
 to fall back on Middleton, toward South Mountain, 
 where he made a stand on Sunday, September 14th, 
 1862. A sharp contest ensued at Middleton be 
 tween the two armies, in which the rebels set fire to 
 a mill and dwelling houses in the town, consuming 
 everything, after which they took up their position 
 on South Mountain. At 2 o clock p. M. the 51st be 
 gan to ascend the mountain, and by 3 o clock it had 
 taken its position directly in front of the guns of 
 Durrell s battery. The men were ordered to lie 
 down, which was highly necessary, for each gun 
 belched forth its contents over the prostrate men of 
 the 51st P. V., who were in support of that battery. 
 The cannonading was terrific, as Durrell and the 
 rebel batteries were having a regular artillery duel, 
 which lasted until nearly sundown, when it ceased 
 by Durrell silencing the enemy s guns, after which, 
 as the rebels, got the worst of it, they had to limber 
 up and leave their position. The 51st was then or 
 dered further up the road, toward the summit of the 
 mountain. As it was going along a by-road it 
 passed a heap of rebel dead, forty-seven bodies, 
 piled up in a space of thirty by ten feet. The won 
 der was, how the dead got there, but on going up to 
 the top of the mountain another pile of ninety-seven 
 lay piled up across each other, and the ground in 
 the vicinity was strewn with the dead of the 17th 
 Michigan, telling plainly how the two piles of rebel 
 dead came to be there. It was the Ivth s maiden 
 fight; they had only joined McClellan s command 
 two days previous, and it was less than two weeks 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 225 
 
 since they were mustered into the United States ser 
 vice. They fought like tigers. 
 
 The 51st, along with the other part of the brigade, 
 was in a small field of about three acres, on the left 
 hand side of the road in going to the top of the 
 mountain, and as it was supposed that the enemy 
 had retreated, Gen. Reno rode up to Col. Hartranft 
 and told him to take his " regiment across the road 
 into that other field, stack arms, and let the men 
 make some coffee." Col. H. gave the command, 
 "right face; forward march," which they did until 
 they got to the corner of the field, where the bars 
 were down ; then going to the right of the regiment 
 he commanded, file right." Four companies, A, 
 F, D and I, and part of the color company, Co. C, 
 had passed into the field on the right of the road, 
 when a most murderous fire of musketry was poured 
 into them from the enemy, who was concealed in a 
 thicket that skirted the field, only about twenty or 
 thirty yards distant from the 51st. Notwithstanding 
 the suddenness of the attack, to their heroic credit 
 be it said, not a man quailed. It was now nearly or 
 quite dark, but the men came to a front" as if by 
 impulse, and although the enemy s position could 
 not exactly be seen, yet their whereabouts could be 
 near enough told by the blinding flashes of their 
 guns. The 51st poured a deadly volley into them 
 that soon cleared the skirt of woods of all rebels. 
 But the 51st P. V. did not suffer from the enemy 
 alone, for a new regiment, the 35th Mass., which had 
 only joined the brigade the day before, was in the 
 field on the other side of the road where the 51st 
 had just left, and as the enemy s balls passed the 
 
 51st they reached the 35th Mass., when that regi- 
 
 11 
 
226 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 ment, believing they were the attacked party, opened 
 a deadly fire in the direction from which the balls 
 were coming. The result was that the 51st was in 
 between two lines of musketry, and getting shot 
 down like dogs. Had not the 51st N. Y. interfered 
 and threatened to fire on the 35th if they did not 
 cease firing, God only knows when the slaughter 
 would have ceased. After the 51st had driven the 
 enemy out of ambush, Col. Hartranft ordered the 
 regiment out into the road again, to take shelter be 
 hind a stone wall enclosing the field, for the purpose 
 of using it as a breastwork. After the regiment 
 had retired beyond the wall, Co. A, under Capt. 
 Bolton. was deployed as skirmishers, and skirmished 
 in the dark until they got to where the enemy had 
 lain in ambush. The ground was thickly strewn 
 with the dead, dying and wounded of the 51st P. V.; 
 but by midnight all had been collected, and the dead 
 were laid on the roadside for burial. The dying and 
 wounded were conveyed to the hospital to receive 
 immediate attention, but the poor sufferers did not 
 receive it, or at least not until it was too late to be of 
 any service; vide Lieut. Samuel Fair, of Co. D.; 
 also, Private E. Lewis Davis, of Co. I, who was at 
 the hospital four days before his wounds were at 
 tended to, and died on the fifth day. Several others 
 were neglected at the hospitals in the same way, and 
 when the relatives or friends of the wounded men 
 would remonstrate against such heartless delay, the 
 surgeons would throw themselves on their dignity, 
 and order the "busy bodies" to leave. 
 
 As Gen. Reno, who commanded the 9th Army 
 Corps, was going back to his quarters after telling 
 Col. Hartranft to take the 51st into the field to stack 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 227 
 
 arms and make coffee, the first volley fired by the 
 ambuscade wounded him mortally in the groin and 
 thigh. His death soon followed ; but previous to 
 his death Gen. Samuel Sturgis, who was his bosom 
 friend, visited him while his wounds were being 
 dressed, and asked him, : Is it anything serious, 
 Jesse?" Reno s reply was, "Sam, it s all up with 
 me;" and being conscious of his near dissolution, 
 he, like a pure, noble and true hero, reconciled him 
 self to his fate, and soon breathed his last. Thus 
 passed away one of the army s brightest stars, as a 
 gentleman, a friend and a soldier. His bravery had 
 never been doubted, for it was of that cool, delib 
 erate, but cautious character, that inspires an army 
 to follow into the very jaws of death. Gen. J. D. 
 Cox was put in command of Reno s corps, but was 
 with it such a short time that the men had little or 
 no opportunity to judge of his fighting qualities, as 
 that, and that only, was the standard by which they 
 valued an officer. He having been sent West in 
 October, 1862, Gen. 0. B. Wilcox succeeded him in 
 the command of the 9th Corps. 
 
 All that night, after falling back to the stone wall, 
 the regiment remained on their arms, the 51st 1ST. Y. 
 doing picketing on the left of the 51st P. V. The 
 enemy kept up an incessant fire all night, by which 
 not less than thirty men of the 51st P. V. were pain 
 fully wounded, though not seriously, by the explo 
 sions of copper metallic cartridges used by the 
 enemy. They exploded with a report about as loud 
 as a pocket pistol, and could inflict a number of ag 
 gravating wounds on a single soldier at each explo 
 sion. The copper being very thin, the pieces could 
 not penetrate deep into the flesh, bat merely buried 
 
228 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 themselves beneath the skin. One cartridge had 
 wounded Private Hugh Brown in no less than 
 twenty-four places, and a large number of others 
 with nearly as many ; but in a few weeks the poison 
 ous metal, through festering, would work its way 
 out of the skin and leave a bluish mark, as if punc 
 tured with Indian or indelible ink. Between the 
 extreme chilliness of the night and the constant ex 
 plosions of the copper cartridges of the enemy, the 
 men and officers spent a wretched , supperless night, for 
 no fires could be made either to warm or cook by ; but 
 morning dawned as a most welcome deliverer from 
 cold and the enemy s firing, for just at daybreak the 
 enemy ceased firing and " skedaddled. Skirmish 
 ers were sent out by orders, and a goodly number 
 went " on their own hook," and succeeded in cap 
 turing a large number of rebels, some of whom 
 stoutly refused to surrender until they heard the 
 sharp click of the cocking of the musket, which 
 plainly told them they must soon decide whether to 
 "give up or die. They chose the former as the 
 most agreeable to their feelings.* 
 
 Their haversacks proved how proficient the rebels 
 
 * OFFICIAL REPORT OF CASUALTIES. Co. A. Corporals 
 John H. Collision, Osmon Ortlip, Benjamin Goodwin, Daniel 
 Stout and Joseph White; Privates Isaac E. Fillman, Charles 
 Fix, John Shade and Benjamin D. Jones, wounded. 
 
 Co. C. Corporal Simon P. Emery ; Privates John Hal- 
 lowell, William H. Lath, George Mercer, William Munshower 
 and Charles Rodesbaugh, wounded. 
 
 Co. D. Private Samuel Kay, killed. Lieut. Samuel Fair 
 and Privates Owen McConnell and John Richards, wounded. 
 
 Co. F. Sergeant Jacob W. Reed, wounded. 
 
 Co. H. Private Nathaniel Snyder, killed. Privates 
 John E. Leamon, Daniel S. Miller and Robert W. Passell, 
 wounded. 
 
 Co. I. Sergeant Thomas T. Schoch and Privates William J. 
 Anderson and Zachariah Campbell, killed. Privates E. Lewis 
 Davis, R. Clarkson Davis and Hugh Brown, wounded. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 229 
 
 were in foraging while in Maryland, for they were 
 all well filled with fresh baked iDiscuits and rolls. 
 How it was that the Northern press kept continu 
 ally howling that the rebels were nearly starved 
 out, and that the Union soldiers always had plenty 
 to eat, is a mystery to all except themselves, for. the 
 contrary was at all times proven by the condition of 
 the haversacks, when compared, on every battle 
 field. The haversacks of the Union soldiers might 
 contain a meagre supply of coffee and sugar, but 
 seldom anything else eatable, while those of the dead 
 or captured rebels were full of bread, rolls, biscuits 
 and cakes. This will apply to all times, excepting 
 the last few weeks of the expiring confederacy, when 
 the Union troops had all they needed and the rebels 
 a scanty supply. Many famished Union soldiers 
 have regaled themselves on the contents of a dead 
 rebel s haversack the writer of this for one. 
 
 CHAPTEE XVII. 
 
 The rebels retreating Opening of the battle of Antietam The 
 struggle at the bridge Brilliant charge of the two 51sts 
 Bravery of Capt. Allebaugh The bridge stormed and taken 
 Flight of the enemy Heavy losses in the regiment Death 
 of Lieut. Col. Bell The battle renewed Victory Retreat 
 of the rebels southward Promotion Ferrero s promise to 
 the "Boys." 
 
 THE retreat of the enemy was followed up with 
 considerable vigor until 10 A. M. of the 15th, when 
 the regiment halted to draw rations and make a cup 
 of coffee. It went into camp three times through 
 the remainder of the day, and moved as often before 
 
230 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 it went into quarters for the night, which was on the 
 ground where the enemy s battery had its position 
 during the battle, and if men ever slept soundly it 
 was on this night, as it was the first undisturbed rest 
 they had had for a number of days and nights. 
 
 T>he regiment remained at this place until 4 p. M. 
 of the 16th, as it was now on the reserve, but only 
 to get a little rest and to get rations cooked. The 
 rebels were retreating but very slowly ; consequently, 
 the progress of the Union army was also tardy; but 
 it was not idle, for it was dealing Lee some terrible 
 blows, as the dead carcasses of horses and mules of 
 the enemy, lying thickly strewn over the wide space 
 of country between South Mountain and Antietam, 
 witnessed. The regiment halted in a stubble field 
 for the night, one mile from Antietam bridge. 
 
 Daybreak of the 17th was ushered in by terrific 
 cannonading and hard musketry fighting on both 
 sides. The regiment slung knapsacks" and was 
 once more on its way to battle. When near Antie 
 tam bridge, in the edge of a cornfield, Col. Ferrero 
 rode up and ordered "the 51st to forward." Col. 
 Hartranft paid no attention to the order, for it did 
 not express itself, inasmuch as there were two 51sts 
 there, and the State was not designated. The com 
 mander of the 51st N. Y. was equally as particular 
 as Col. Hartranft was, for he smiled and turned 
 around to his regiment, and paid no attention to 
 "the 51st to forward." After a short time elapsed, 
 Ferrero came back in a towering passion, and ex 
 claimed, " Why in hell don t you forward?" Col. 
 Hartranft, who knew his duty quite as well as Col. 
 Ferrero did, perhaps considerably better, and by far 
 a braver oincer, replied, " Who do you want to for 
 ward? " Ferrero replied, " the 51st Pennsylvania." 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 231 
 
 Col. Hartranft retorted by saying, " Why don t you 
 say what you mean when you want me to move ? 
 
 The "51st Pennsylvania" did move, but only a 
 very short distance, when it halted in a flat, close to 
 a barn in the vicinity of Antietarn bridge. While 
 at this halt the remainder of the brigade came up 
 and halted in the same place. 
 
 Lieut. John J. Freedley, E. Q. M., ventured to the 
 top of a hill that overlooked the rebel batteries r to 
 gratify his curiosity in knowing the rebels position. 
 He, however, was satisfied, for he had only been 
 there a moment when a shell from a rebel gun ex 
 ploded a little above him, a piece of which struck 
 him on the shoulder, inflicting a painful wound. He 
 was taken to the rear and his wound attended to. 
 
 While the regiment was standing at this halt, the 
 1st brigade had made three ineffectual charges on 
 Antietam bridge, having been repulsed at each 
 charge with very heavy losses. The bridge is about 
 four miles from the mouth of Antietam Creek, and 
 spans the stream at the foot of very high hills on 
 either side. The one occupied by the rebels might 
 properly be called a bluff, which was full of quarry 
 holes and caverns wherein the enemy had erected 
 rude but strong breastworks that overlooked the 
 bridge, and only about ten yards distant from that 
 structure, making it a " forlorn hope " to any set of 
 men attempting to take the bridge by assault. 
 
 After the 1st brigade had made its third charge, 
 and was repulsed, Gen. Burnside, seeing the vast 
 importance of possessing the bridge, dispatched an 
 orderly to Col. Ferrero to u take the two ,51sts out 
 of the 2d brigade," and let them try it. As soon as 
 Ferrero received the orders he vaulted into his sad- 
 
232 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 die and commanded, " Attention, second brigade ! " 
 Quick as a flash the brigade was " in line." He 
 then rode up in front of the colors of the 51st P. 
 V., and spoke to the men as follows : "It is General 
 Burnside s special request that the two 51sts take 
 that bridge. Will you do it ? " The request was 
 unlocked for, and the men had not had time to 
 think of it, when Corporal Lewis Patterson, of Co. T, 
 although a temperate man, exclaimed, " Will you 
 give us our whiskey, Colonel, if we take it ? " Col. 
 Ferrero turned suddenly around to the corporal and 
 replied, " Yes, by G , you shall all have as much 
 as you want, if you take the bridge. I don t mean 
 the whole brigade, but you two regiments shall have 
 just as much as you want, if it is in the commissary 
 or I have to send to New York to get it, and pay 
 for it out of my own private purse ; that is, if I live 
 to see you through it. Will you take it ? " A 
 unanimous " Yes," went up that told of the determi 
 nation of the men to take the bridge, not in antici 
 pation of the ivluskey, but to let Gen. Burnside 
 know that his confidence in the twin regiments was 
 not misplaced nor should be abused. After a few 
 words in private by the regimental and brigade 
 commanders, the 51st P. V. led the advance. March 
 ing " by the flank " out to the road that went across 
 the bridge, it turned its back to the bridge and pro 
 ceeded in the opposite direction from the objective 
 point up the road to the top of the hill. All this 
 time the regiment was receiving volley after volley 
 of musketry, grape and shell from the rebel forces, 
 on the opposite side of the creek. On reaching the 
 top of the hill the regiment received orders " As 
 each company clears the fence the command is by 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEES. 233 
 
 company into line, " and as the companies " filed 
 left " through and over the fence, they complied 
 with the order as it had been given. After the 
 right of the regiment reached a clump of bushes on 
 the top of the hill, the command to " charge " was 
 given by Colonel Hartranft. In this field and a 
 short distance from the base of the hill whereon the 
 assaulting column was, a stone wall ran parallel 
 with the creek, and close to its edge, ending abruptly 
 at the abutment of the bridge. As the regiments 
 made the charge, the company commanders discov 
 ered that it would be an impossibility for the two 
 regiments to charge in a body across such an exceed 
 ingly narrow structure; they therefore changed 
 their course from the entrance of the bridge to the 
 stone wall along the creek. After reaching it they 
 laid under cover of the wall and opened a terrific 
 fire of musketry on the enemy, who were snugly 
 ensconced in their rude but substantial breastworks, 
 in quarry holes, behind high ranks of cord-wood, 
 logs, stone piles, &c., making it rather too hot a 
 place for the enemy to be in, and too close for 
 further resistance. They began to withdraw from 
 their position by twos and threes, singly, and in 
 whatever way they could with the most safety to 
 themselves. The distance now between the oppos 
 ing forces was only the width of the creek and a 
 narrow wagon road on the enemy s side, being not 
 over twenty-five yards. This was the nearest that 
 the enemy had had the Yankees to them during the 
 entire day of the Antietam battle, and they used 
 every exertion known in military parlance to rid 
 themselves of their now troublesome foe, but all in 
 
 vain. The 51st P. V. and the 51st New York with- 
 
 11* 
 
234 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 stood the incessant rain of solid shot, shell, grape 
 arid minies with heroic fortitude and a firmer reso 
 lution that the bridge must and should be theirs. 
 
 Captain Allebaugh, who commanded Co. C, (the 
 color company,) now resolved that the time had come 
 to take the bridge, and the regiment prepared for 
 the final struggle that was either to make them the 
 victors or the vanquished. Colonel Hartranft gave 
 the final orders for the successful accomplishment 
 of the desperate task which now lay before it. As 
 the regiment made the charge, Captain Allebaugh 
 led his company at double-quick towards a gateway 
 leading out of the field into the road that crossed 
 the bridge, but on nearing the gate his company 
 became the target of the concentrated fire of the 
 enemy on the opposite side of the stream. Here 
 his first lieutenant was struck down and his men 
 were falling at every step. He soon perceived his 
 perilous situation and flew off at a tangent by 
 " right oblique," and made a short detour from the 
 gate to the abutment of the bridge, and rushed 
 across the bridge, only himself, the three color- 
 bearers, one color-guard and his first sergeant, Wil 
 liam F. Thomas. These six men were the first to 
 cross the bridge, but the remainder of the regiment 
 followed close on their footsteps and so choked up 
 the entrance to it that a halt was necessarily made 
 on the stone structure. The enemy now deserted 
 their works and scattered and scampered over the 
 hills like a huge drove of scared sheep. The men 
 of the two 51sts were helping their fleeing enemy in 
 their flight by incessant volleys of musketry. Some 
 few who would not risk running out from be 
 hind their works in such a storm of leaden hail, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 235 
 
 surrendered by sticking pieces of newspaper on 
 the end of their rammers and holding them up above 
 (he works as a flag of truce. They were all taken 
 prisoners, while the grand achievement was now a 
 thing of the past, and the stubbornly contested 
 bridge was ours, with the aid of the sister regiment 
 the 51st New York. Colonel Hartranft cheered on 
 his men in the assault until he became so exhausted 
 that he could not make himself heard, and as he 
 reached the bridge he said, " Come on, boys, for I 
 can t halloo any more," but kept waving his hat in 
 the air as encouragement to keep on across. His 
 exhausted condition caused a great many to suppose 
 that he had been wounded, but after the work was 
 done he calmly sat down on the bridge, and on 
 inquiry it was found that he was all right. But not 
 so with a host of other heroes, for the ground from 
 the entrance on the road to the end of the bridge, 
 was strewn with the heroic dead and wounded, the 
 whole thing not occupying above twelve minutes 
 after leaving the wall ; yet in that time no less than 
 twenty -nine were killed outright, and ninety -six 
 wounded, as follows : 
 
 Lieut. Col. Bell, killed. 
 
 Co. A. Killed Corpl. James Coulston, private William 
 Somerlot. Wounded Capt. Wm. J. Bolton, serious in cheek ; 
 Corpl. Levi Bolton ; privates Jas. M. Bolton, Andrew Widger, 
 Clias. Keyser, Geo. S. Buzzard. 
 
 Co. B. None. 
 
 Co. C. Killed Lieut. David Hunsicker, Corpl. David Kane. 
 Wounded Sergt. Benjamin F. Miller, Corpl. James Sullivan, 
 Corpl. Samuel Egolf; privates Lcvi Baum, Henry Davis, 
 Wm. Gunn, Marcus A. Gross, Henry Jago, Patrick Rogan, 
 Abraham Walt. 
 
 Co. D. Killed -private Michael Mooney. Wounded 
 Sergt. John W. Gilligan, Sergt. Ed. Bennett, Corpl. William 
 Jenkins ; privates Wm. Essick, John Earle, Win. Faulkner, 
 Heritor Gillin. Geo. Hayberry, Wm. Hamburger, Wm. Mogee, 
 Saml. McDade, Isaac Sloan, Wm. McManemee. 
 
236 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Co. E. Wounded Private Jackson McFadden. 
 
 Co. F. Killed Privates, Wm. Conner, Henry Lent/, Henry 
 Shnlts. Wounded Capt. L. S. Hart, Sergt. Howard Bruce, 
 Sergt. Allen H. Fillman. Corpl. Wm. Montgomery ; privates 4 
 Jas. Dolan, D. Freas, R. Mogee. 
 
 Co. G. Killed Corpl. Jas. Dowling ; privates Miles Dil 
 lon, Wm. Wenrick, Wallace Wiggins. Wounded Corpl. 
 Geo. Armstrong, private Win. Young. 
 
 Co. H. Killed Lieut. Jacob G. Beaver, Sergts. Levi Marks, 
 Matthew Vandine ; privates Isaac Witters, Isaac Beck, Ed. 
 Bear. Wounded Lieut. Wm. F. Campbell, Sergt. Jacob H. 
 Santo ; privates Anthony Weisbacli, Daniel M. Wetzell, H. 
 C. McCormick, Jas. N. Schooley, John W. Erdly. 
 
 Co. I. Killed Sergt. J. Clark Davis, Corpl. Thomas P. 
 Davis. Wounded Sergt. Thos. H. Parker ; privates John 
 Murphy, Geo. W. S. Pcnnell, Chas. Buley, Jacob Emrich, 
 Jacob H. Myers. 
 
 Co. K. Wounded Albert Snyder, Jacob Fortner, Paul 
 McBride, Erwin Richards, Wm. Yates. 
 
 But twenty- one names are on the above list of 
 killed, and fifty-eight names of the wounded. The 
 official returns make the casualties one hundred and 
 twenty-five, which is correct; and it is to be regret 
 ted that all the names were not obtained. 
 
 After getting over the bridge the enemy retreated 
 to a large cornfield about three-quarters of a mile 
 distant. A portion of them had taken shelter be 
 hind a stone wall on an elevated piece of ground 
 whereon their artillery were in battery, but there 
 being no other regiment over the bridge but the 
 two 51sts ; it was not deemed prudent to follow up 
 the retreat inasmuch as the two regiments were 
 nearly out of ammunition, there being only an 
 average of about six cartridges to a man in the 51st 
 P. Y. A short time elapsed after the bridge was 
 taken before any other troops came forward to rein 
 force the two heroic regiments; during which time 
 the 51st P. V. stacked arms on a line parallel with 
 the creek, and about ten feet from it. A few fires 
 were then kindled by the men for the purpose of 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 237 
 
 making a cup of coffee, but as the smoke towered 
 up to the tops of the trees and rising higher than 
 the hill, it gave unmistakable evidence that the 
 Union soldiers were still in the neighborhood of the 
 bridge ; the enemy taking the smoke as a point at 
 which to range their batteries, opened their guns 
 with case-shot, shell, and grape. Lieut. Col. Bell 
 had been up the creek about one hundred and fifty 
 yards, and as he was returning towards the bridge 
 and when within fifty yards of it he met private 
 Hugh Brown, and giving him a friendly slap on the 
 shoulder, remarked as he passed him. " We did it 
 for them this time, my boy ;" but he had not taken 
 more than two or three steps when a grape-shot 
 grazed his left temple. He made a whirl round as 
 if on a pivot, fell on his side and rolled down the 
 bank of the creek to where the guns of his regiment 
 were stacked. The men rushed to his aid, and taking 
 him up they found that he had received a frightful 
 and mortal wound ; he was carried to the other side 
 of the creek in an unconscious state ; he lived only 
 a few hours after being removed to the field hospital. 
 Few as good men as he and none better, fell during 
 the whole rebellion. He was an exemplary Chris 
 tian, a faithful friend, a strict disciplinarian, but not 
 harsh, a thorough gentleman, a ripe scholar, a truly 
 patriotic and brave soldier ; in short he was one of 
 God s noblest works. Col. Hartranft and Lieut. 
 Col. Bell were so attached to each other that their 
 unfortunate separation kept the colonel in a depressed 
 state of spirits for a long time after. 
 
 After Lieut. Col. Bell had been taken off the field 
 the regiment began to awaken to another loss from 
 their ranks in the person of that gallant and well- 
 
238 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 tried soldier, Capt. Wm. Jordon Bolton ; of Co. A. 
 He received a most distressing wound in the right 
 cheek from a minie ball, which passed down his 
 neck and lodged in his shoulder. Only a few wit 
 nessed his fall, but as the men became acquainted 
 with the fact, rumor increased until it was reported 
 that he too was dead. Could the rebels have heard 
 the anathemas that were being heaped upon their 
 heads they would have fought harder than ever to 
 keep from falling as prisoners into the hands of the 
 men of the 51st P. Y. Had any been unfortunate 
 enough just then to fall into their hands it would 
 have been far more than any officer could have done 
 to save the captives from being torn to pieces by 
 the now infuriated regiment. Every man constantly 
 inquired after Lieut. Col. Bell and Capt. Bolton un 
 til it became known that Col. Bell was dead, and 
 that Capt. Bolton still lived. The death of Lieut. 
 Col. Bell creating a vacancy, Maj. Edwin Schall was 
 promoted to fill it; and Capt. Wm. J. Bolton was 
 promoted to Major, vice Edwin Schall, promoted. 
 
 While the two regiments remained at the bridge 
 the enemy kept up a terrible cannonading ; solid shot, 
 shell, case-shot, grape, &c., rained down on the de 
 voted bridge like hail. Col. Ferrero was sitting on 
 the low wall of the bridge apparently waiting for 
 orders when a rifle shell struck the mason work 
 about fifteen inches below his honor, tearing away 
 nearly the whole end of the wall without doing him 
 a particle of harm, but a mule standing a little below 
 the bridge received the shell just as it exploded, 
 tearing the poor beast to atoms. 
 
 Eeinforcements began pouring over the bridge, 
 both artillery and infantry, but like the two regi- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 239 
 
 merits that first crossed they were all totally out of 
 ammunition ; but after a considerable lapse of time 
 a quantity of all kinds of cartridges, both heavy and 
 small, arrived and was issued. The artillery pro 
 ceeded up the road parallel with the creek to take up 
 a position, but being unable to obtain an eligible one 
 were forced to retreat, and the ground thus gained 
 had to be held by infantry alone, Avhich received no 
 aid in any way from the numerous batteries that had 
 crossed and were driven back. 
 
 About 1 P. M. the 51st P. V. advanced to the brow 
 of the hill that overlooked the large cornfield, where 
 the enemy were as thick as bees in a hive. As soon 
 as it arrived in sight of the rebel batteries, it was 
 greeted by one of the most violent discharges of 
 case-shot and shells from the enemy that it ever was 
 under up to that time, but nearly all exploded di 
 rectly over the regiment, and having their original 
 force the fragments did not strike among the men as 
 thick as they did fifteen or twenty yards in their 
 rear. The line of battle all across the brow of the 
 hill was lying down, for no man could stand up and 
 live one minute, as the rebel gunners had exact 
 range, and their shell passed only about three feet 
 above the surface of the ground. A number of the 
 regiment was killed and wounded while lying here. 
 One shell went through the blue field of the colors, 
 which were, also, terribly riddled by the rebel minie 
 balls. After the 51st P. V. had lain in line of bat 
 tle one hour, it was relieved by the 45th P. V., for the 
 51st had expended its last cartridge and was holding 
 its ground by the sole dependence of the bayonet; but 
 as the 45th had corne to take its place, the most try 
 ing ordeal was to happen, viz. ; withdrawing from the 
 
240 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIKST REGIMENT 
 
 battle ground while the battle continued. Any 
 veteran prefers going into a battle instead of com 
 ing out of it while it rages. The line that is coming 
 in is bound to draw the concentrated fire of the 
 enemy to its full extent, so as to cut down all they 
 can before the relief has the opportunity of firing a 
 gun, but the relief had come and was lying down, 
 consequently the going out now of the regiment 
 would draw the same fire with the addition of the 
 flanks assisting the centre as well as the batteries in 
 front. But how the 51st P. V. withdrew in that fight 
 is only known to the men themselves, for after Col. 
 Hartranft had given the command, the only safety 
 they had was by each one withdrawing on his own 
 plans, and his own notions of extricating himself 
 from difficulties. The men began to leave separately 
 and in pairs, some sliding down the hill on their 
 backs, feet foremost, some on their stomachs, some 
 head foremost, some rolled down, some few jumped 
 to their feet and ran with their utmost speed, while 
 others lingered for a more favorable opportunity. 
 Col. Hartranft and the colors remained until the 
 very last, as he would not leave until he saw that his 
 men had all got off safely. The regiment occupied 
 nearly twenty minutes in getting off" the field, and 
 after it did get oft its ranks were found to be very 
 much thinned by the enemy s accurate gunnery. 
 
 The regiment stacked arms on the same ground that 
 it did prior to going into battle, the first stacks only 
 numbered seventeen muskets, and one broken sword 
 belonging to Capt. Geo. W. Bisbing of Co. I, which 
 was struck by a fragment of shell, as he was pre 
 paring to withdraw, and the blade severed about 
 six inches from the hilt, being a narrow escape for 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 241 
 
 the captain. He carried and used the broken sword 
 on all occasions, drills, marches, dress parades, re 
 views, &c., much to the merriment of his comrade 
 officers, until his friends at home, hearing of the in 
 cident, presented him with a superb one of Damascus 
 steel. 
 
 After the regiment had stacked its seventeen mus 
 kets, the men began to assemble on the color line 
 slowly, one or two coming in at a time, and each one 
 wondering how it was that any one arrived ahead 
 of him. They remained at this place until dark, 
 when it was sent out on the hill again to picket 
 for the night. A detail had been made of about 
 fifteen men to bury the dead, it occupying them the 
 balance of that day and nearly all of the next, con 
 sequently this detail was not with the regiment on 
 picket that night, which had solely to be done with 
 the bayonets, as there was not a dozen rounds of 
 cartridges in the whole regiment. About 12 o clock 
 that night the men received some cooked meat, 
 being the first and only food tasted by any of them 
 since the day before. The night was dark as Cer 
 berus and very chilly, and the position of the men 
 one of imminent peril. The regiment laid on the 
 hill all of that night, and the next day (18th) until 
 sundown, when it was relieved by an Ohio regiment, 
 and fell back across the bridge and went into quar 
 ters in an orchard about one mile from the bridge, 
 where it lay until the next day, (the 19th.) The 
 enemy was now in full retreat across the Potomac, 
 McClellan letting them slip quietly off instead of 
 pushing on after them, capturing as many as possi 
 ble, and harrassing them in whatever way he could. 
 
 Late in the day of the 19th the regiment left 
 
242 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 the orchard and wended its way to the mouth of 
 Antietam creek, passing over the most prominent 
 parts of the field of carnage. The ground was 
 strewn with carcasses of horses and mules, but 
 nowhere could be found any number of dead rebels, 
 as they had buried them through the night and 
 day after the battle. While the regiment was at a 
 halt, inspecting the ground whereon the rebels 
 fought, it was brought to u attention" for the pur 
 pose of hearing read off the promotions, which un 
 doubtedly were the fruits of its trials and sufferings 
 during the few past days. First in order was the 
 promotion of Gen. Burnside to Major General, the 
 next was the promotion of Col. Ferrero to Brigadier 
 General. At the conclusion of the reading of each 
 promotion three cheers were given for the advanced 
 heroes, and were gracefully acknowledged by each 
 recipient; but just as Gen. Ferrero was wheeling 
 his horse to leave, Corp. Patterson exclaimed in an 
 undertone, not intending for the general to hear him, 
 "How about that whiskey?" but the quick ears of 
 the general did hear him, and wheeling his horse 
 around he replied, with a smile, " That whiskey is 
 all right; you shall soon have it," and, true to his 
 word, it came the next day in no stinted quantities. 
 The regiment went into camp that night about a 
 mile from Antietam Iron Furnace. Companies I 
 and H ^vere sent down to the Potomac on picket, 
 where they remained until Tuesday, the 23d, when 
 the balance of the regiment came down and did 
 picket and guard duty until the next day, 
 when it was relieved at 4 p. M. by the 6th New 
 Hampshire. The regiment then marched back to 
 where the eight companies had been quartered at 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 243 
 
 the time H and I went on picket, where it went 
 into camp. 
 
 The next day orders were issued for the regiment 
 to be ready to move at 5 P. M. ? but from some un 
 known cause it did not move that night, but the 
 next (2tith) day it left for better quarters by crossing 
 Anlietam creek at the furnace and proceeding up a 
 public thoroughfare about three miles to where the 
 whole 9th Corps was encamped. At this place the 
 commanding officers of McClellan s army had a 
 friendly meeting, among the most conspicuous were 
 Gens. McClellan, Burnside, Wilcox, and Cox. 
 
 This camp was beautifully located, and the white 
 tents of McClellan s vast army dotted hills and plains 
 far as the naked eye could discern. It became a 
 wonder whence all the troops could possibly have 
 come, for not one-tenth of them had been seen at 
 either South Mountain or Antietam, and it was 
 always a source of wonder to the men while on a 
 march how it was that while moving there were 
 always apparently enough troops in the column to 
 swallow up the whole confederate force, but when 
 in a fight, two or three brigades would be about all 
 that ever could be seen, and after the battle would 
 be over it should be found that every command had 
 been engaged. The nights now became very frosty, 
 being sharply felt by the men, who were very 
 scantily clothed, although when the troops left 
 Washington they had a good supply, but owing to 
 the hard marching and fighting for so many days 
 and nights a large quantity of clotfhing was thrown 
 away by the men as being too cumbersome for a 
 forced march. 
 
 It must here be mentioned that the next day after 
 
244 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 the battle of Antietam Col. Hartranft issued orders 
 to each company commander in his regiment to 
 furnish him with a list of all the men s names 
 who lay on the hill the night after the taking of 
 the bridge, and had done picket duty with the 
 bayonet. What the object was no one could ever 
 imagine, but speculation ran on one theme and then 
 on another without coming to any definite conclu 
 sions. But the writer s inference is that it was 
 only for effect or a certain influence it would have 
 towards stimulating them to more daring deeds. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 New stand of colors Review by President Lincoln Stringent 
 orders Pleasant Valley Complimentary orders Shelter 
 tents On the move again Lovettsville Lost in a snow 
 storm Humanity of Dr. Cutter Amosville "Buying mut 
 ton" White Sulphur Springs On the Rappahannock 
 Artillery duel. 
 
 Ox Saturday, the 27th, Capt. E. Schall left camp 
 to visit his home on a short leave of absence. This 
 one incident had the effect of raising the spirits of 
 the men, for they well knew that nothing much was 
 to be done for a few days, and the} - began to make 
 their tents and themselves as comfortable as circum 
 stances would admit, their only drawback was their 
 scanty supply of rations, which still continued for 
 several more days. 
 
 The old routine of duty once more took the place 
 of marching and fighting. Roll call, drills, dress 
 parades, guarding, &c. 
 
 On the 28th a beautiful stand of colors arrived 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 245 
 
 from the friends of the regiment in Nornstown. 
 On the 29th they were presented to the regiment by 
 a Mr. Chain, one of a committee, on behalf of the 
 fair donors of that staid-like little town, accompanied 
 with a very neat and appropriate speech ; but the 
 ceremonies were very short, as orders to march had 
 come in and all began to prepare for a move. 
 .WJai^Hhe "preparations for moving were taking 
 place, the order was countermanded, and it remained 
 in camp until the 7th of October, 1862. 
 
 On the 30th of September the presentation com 
 mittee took their departure for their homes, taking 
 with them the old stand of battle- worn colors. 
 There had also this day a large number of con 
 valescents arrived from the various hospitals in and 
 around Washington, that considerably augmented 
 the ranks. 
 
 October, 1862, was a month of peace and rest to 
 the Union forces comprising McClellan s army. 
 Citizens began now to flock on the battle-fields of 
 South Mountain and Antietam from the North, 
 hunting up the remains of their deceased relatives 
 and friends, with the object of taking them home 
 for Christian burial. 
 
 On Friday, October 3d, a grand review was got 
 up in honor of the illustrious President of the 
 United States, Abraham Lincoln, by the whole body 
 of troops there encamped. President Lincoln re 
 viewed the troops with evident satisfaction, passing 
 in front of each regiment and returning the salutation 
 with dignified grace, his appearance among them 
 causing much enthusiasm. 
 
 On Saturday, the 4th, the regiment was visited by 
 a number of benevolent ladies from Montgomery 
 
246 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 county, among whom were Mrs. Wm. Carver and 
 Miss Sally Roberts, daughter of that soldier s friend, 
 Wm. B. Roberts, Esq. 
 
 While at this camp, a portion of the clothing that 
 the men had left behind them at Fredericksburg 
 arrived, adding something more to their comforts. 
 
 Orders of the most stringent character against 
 straggling were issued by McClellan, and were read 
 off to each company separately, causing a more mu 
 tinous feeling in the army than all the previous 
 orders combined could have done ; in fact, the troops 
 as a body had very little confidence in him as a 
 leader, but they had the utmost confidence in his 
 capacity as a promulgator of severe and useless or 
 ders; and whatever his prestige and glory might 
 have been, his tyranny to his army had turned all 
 kindly feelings into dislike ; for man, partaking of 
 the nature of a " hog," can be coaxed, but not driven, 
 if he once resolves to be stubborn, even in the army ; 
 and the warmest advocates for his military prowess 
 began to designate him as u only a newspaper gen 
 eral," meaning thereby that he was only made a great 
 general through newspaper puff s. 
 
 On the 6th two days full rations were issued, one 
 of which was ordered to be cooked, as the regiment 
 was under orders to march at four o clock the next 
 morning, consequently the 51st struck tents at three 
 o clock A. M., but did not leave till sunrise, when it 
 started for Pleasant Valley, only three miles distant 
 in an air line, yet the regiment had to march at least 
 ten miles in order to accomplish the three, through 
 one of the most tortuous routes that could be found 
 on the mountains. It lay over a spur of South 
 Mountain, some places of which were nearly per- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 247 
 
 pendicular. The road, which was but a bridle path 
 running across a rocky and uneven surface, and the 
 day being scorching hot, the orders against strag 
 gling were of little or no account, for by the time 
 the regiment reached the summit of the mountain 
 about one-third of the men lay along the path 
 from base to summit, panting like so many hounds 
 just in from a chase. The descent into the valley 
 was equally laborious, for when once started there 
 was no holding back. They began with " common 
 time," and passing through " quick and double- 
 quick time " reached the base on Pleasant Valley 
 side at their fullest speed, and had become so scat 
 tered that it was hard to tell where the regiment 
 was, but after the descent the men took a rest of 
 nearly an hour, with the view of giving the strag 
 glers an opportunity to catch up. Afterwards the 
 regiment re-formed, and marching a short distance 
 went into camp, where it remained until Monday, 
 the 27th of October, 1862. On the next day (the 8th ) 
 after the regiment arrived in Pleasant Valley, it was 
 again visited by a number of its friends from home, 
 among whom were Messrs. John Pywell, Alexander 
 Supplee, David Adams, Daniel Fisher and others, 
 some of them staying all night and leaving the next 
 morning at nine o clock for their homes. 
 
 On Sunday, the 12th, General Ferrero ordered a 
 brigade inspection at ten o clock in the morning, 
 but as the appearance of his brigade did not come 
 up to his expectations, he ordered another for the 
 next day, but as that one was stormy and several 
 others in succession, the inspection did not take 
 place, much to the gratification of the men. 
 
 On the 15th another order from McClellan was 
 
248 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-FIEST EEGIMENT 
 
 read against straggling, and was still more stringent 
 than any of his former ones, for one section ordered 
 the shooting down of the foot-sore, famishing, and 
 diarhoea-stricken soldiers. Straggling on a march, 
 us must be acknowledged, is one of the most perni- 
 io us vices-that ever existed in the army, but it could 
 have been greatly lessened by an ordinary amount 
 of prudence and a little humanity on the part of the 
 commanding officers. The causes for straggling are 
 to be confined principally to the following reasons. 
 First, men being poorly rationed will leave the 
 column and wander off to any house from 
 which they think they can buy, beg or steal food. 
 Secondly, being hurried on the march, their 
 strength fails from not having sufficient rest and 
 food. Thirdly, from being compelled to wear shoes 
 that have little or no shape to them, and (facetiously 
 termed u gun boats " by the men,) are either too large 
 or too small, consequently blistering the feet to such 
 an extent that makes it impossible to keep up with 
 the column when on a rapid march, for in drawing 
 shoes they must take whatever they can get, whether 
 they fit or not. Fourthly, the constant exposure 
 to all kinds of weather while on the march heat in 
 the day and cold at night, rainy weather, perspiring 
 freely, then lying down to sleep in the open air and 
 becoming chilled, diarrhoea and dysentery, chills and 
 fever, and other ailments setting in debilitates the 
 soldier so that his weakness causes him to lag behind 
 even when he is most anxious to keep up. Take the 
 cases of straggling produced by the above four 
 causes, aggregate them with all others, such as 
 shirking, &c., and it will show a decrease of at least 
 ninety per cent. This is no imaginary calculation, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 249 
 
 but it is from actual observation, and the officers who 
 would advocate the shooting down of all stragglers, 
 have none to censure for the cau.se but themselves 
 and their own inhumanity, for on all marches the 
 commanding officers have horses to carry, them, and 
 it is very easy for those on horseback to say to a 
 poor cripple who is staggering beneath a heavy 
 knapsack, sixty to one hundred rounds of cartridges, 
 a musket and his other accoutrements, " Get up 
 here," or "go to your regiment." Such remarks, 
 can be heard almost any minute after the passing of 
 a column by those who " bring up the rear." 
 
 On Thursday, 16th, heavy cannonading was heard 
 in the direction of Maryland Heights, which soon 
 brought orders "to be ready to move at a moment s 
 notice." Kations were distributed and cooked, and 
 everything was ready, but the order to go did not 
 come. Col. Hartranft at this time had temporary 
 command of the brigade, and Lieut.-Col. Schall of 
 the regiment. 
 
 While remaining in camp at Pleasant Valley the 
 regimental sutler arrived and opened his large stock 
 of goods to the soldiers, who, it must be said, patron 
 ized him liberally, notwithstanding his charges were 
 exorbitant; but as large as his prices were, his 
 profits were small in the end, for he did a credit 
 business and trusted to the honor and honesty of 
 the men to pay him on " next pay-day," but when 
 pay-day came it would be found that a large 
 number of those trusted would be absent from the 
 regiment by death, sick in hospitals, or on detached 
 service, &c., and his losses were at least fifty per cent 
 of his credit sales. 
 
 Congratulatory orders were received by the two 
 12 
 
250 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 51sts from Gen. McClellan, complimenting the two 
 regiments in most flattering terms for taking Antie- 
 tarn bridge, in which he said tl the whole day s fight 
 ing would have been lost if you had not succeeded 
 in taking that most important point, the bridge." 
 
 This order was accompanied by one of the same 
 character from Gen. A. E. Burnside. It was while 
 lying in Pleasant Valley that the 51st pitched its 
 first " shelter " or " D Abri " tents. They were issued 
 and pitched on Sunday, October 5th, 1862- The 
 death of Gen. Reno put his corps under the command 
 of Gen. Cox, who held command of it only a few 
 days, and the 2d Division was put under Gen. 
 Samuel Sturgis, Gen. Reno s particular friend, and 
 the 51st P. V. was then in the 2d Brigade, 2d Divi 
 sion, 9th Corps. 
 
 On Sunday night, October 19th, the camp of the 
 olst P. V. was visited by a hurricane, accompanied 
 by a heavy rain; the wind picking up the little 
 shelters and carrying many of them to a great dis 
 tance, leaving the inmates to receive the drenching 
 rain that was pouring down. , Whether the storm 
 had carried away important bridges or not it is hard 
 to say ; but a detail was made of all the carpenters 
 in the regiment to go to put up bridges over the 
 Potomac, near Harper s Ferry, which was two and a 
 half miles distant. 
 
 The Secretary of War had issued orders to the 
 effect that all volunteers could enlist in the regular 
 army for three years, and if one felt inclined, he 
 could enlist for three years and have whatever time 
 he had served in the volunteer army deducted. The 
 result was that about forty left the 51st P. V., and 
 went into the regulars; some in batteries, some in 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 251 
 
 cavalry, but none in the infantry, they having had 
 enough of that in the volunteers. 
 
 On Thursday, October 23d ; Col. Hartranft went 
 home on a " leave of absence," and Lieut.-Col. Schall 
 continued in command of the regiment. 
 
 On Saturday, the 25th, the regiment received 
 orders to march the next morning. Two days 
 rations were issued and cooked, but the next morn 
 ing the order was countermanded. At night another 
 storm of wind and rain visited the camp, tearing 
 tents from their fastenings, and ripping things in 
 general. 
 
 On Monday morning, October 27th, 1862, the 51st 
 P. V. struck tents and left Pleasant Valley, Washing 
 ton county, Md., on a march through Virginia, 
 bringing up at Fredericksburg. After leaving Plea 
 sant Valley, it passed through Knoxville, Md., and 
 under the Ohio and Chesapeake Canal, and crossed 
 the Potomac, at Berlin, on the pontoon bridge, into 
 Virginia, where it went into camp about two miles 
 from the river, on the Lovettsville road, (this section 
 of Virginia being considered the garden spot of the 
 State,) where it laid until Wednesday, the 29th, at 
 1 p. M., when it again struck tents and left at 3 p. M., 
 made a march of six miles, and camped for the night. 
 The next morning at daylight it again struck tents, 
 marched on the Leesburg turnpike, and again went 
 into camp at 11 A. M., on a secesh farm, making only 
 three miles this day. Eebels were hovering around 
 in the vicinity of the camp ; one was captured by 
 the men of the 51st in the farm-house. At 5 P. M. 
 pickets were sent out, but at 9 P. M. it was found 
 necessary to reinforce them, and all of Co. I were 
 sent out to picket. The whole detail, which was from 
 
252 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY FIKST REGIMENT 
 
 D and I, came in at 8 A. M. next day, having spent a 
 hard night of it on account of cold and hunger. 
 Orders had been issued against any further shooting 
 of hogs, sheep, and cattle, but still a few were shot 
 when it could be done on the sly. 
 
 After the regiment left this place, it proceeded 
 about five miles beyond Lovettsville, where it laid 
 in camp for several days, during which time the men 
 were receiving full rations. On the last day in this 
 camp the regimental sutlers arrived, and having 
 brought a large stock of tobacco, the boys enjoy ea 
 smoking and chewing as only soldiers know how 
 after being deprived of it for a long time ; but the 
 price was exorbitant, being $1.50 per plug for that 
 which was worth about forty cents. Great in 
 dignation was manifested by the boys towards the 
 sutlers for selling their tobacco to men of other regi 
 ments, as all sutlers were forbidden to sell to any 
 other but the regiment to which they were attached; 
 but in this case the 51st P. Y. had been without their 
 pay for over four months, and all that was sold by 
 the sutlers to it had to be credited until it got paid 
 oft , but what was purchased by outsiders was sold to 
 them for cash only ; hence the partiality. 
 
 A severe snow storm began on the 7th of Novem 
 ber, early in the day, and at 3 o clock the regiment 
 left its camp at Wheatland, and marched for the 
 Kappahannock. It proceeded in the face of a driving 
 and pitiless storm of snow and hail until about ten 
 o clock at night, when it became evident that the 
 division had lost its way in an ugly gorge or ravine, 
 amid a dense forest, that was only equalled by the 
 Wilderness itself. After penetrating this horrible 
 gorge to within four miles of the river, Dr. Cutter, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 253 
 
 brigade surgeon, rode to the front of the column, and 
 forbid Gen. Ferrero to proceed any farther. Gen. 
 Ferrero replied that he must cross the river that 
 night. Dr. Cutter replied that as he was responsible 
 for the health of the brigade, he protested against 
 making the men ford a river in the midst of such 
 a stormy night, when the stream was swelled to such 
 a volume as would nearly submerge the men, de 
 claring that such a step would endanger the lives and 
 health of every officer and man on foot who would 
 attempt to ford a deep river filled with floating ice ; 
 and then lying down on the snowy ground, without 
 any shelter, in their saturated clothing, would double 
 the risk. The humanity of Dr. Cutter, as well as his 
 determination to appeal to a court martial for vindi 
 cation of his authority, decided General Ferrero to 
 give the command to " about face " to his brigade, 
 and it marched back a mile or two ; then taking 
 a different road on the left, which led to another ford 
 higher up the river, but ten miles farther. After 
 proceeding up this road three miles, we bivouacked 
 for the night in a woods and on the roadside. It was 
 past midnight when the regiment arrived here, and, 
 from the good condition of the fences along the road, 
 the evidence was plain enough that that place had 
 not been visited by either army up to the present 
 stage of the rebellion. Bat in fifteen minutes there 
 after it was hard to find a panel of fence within any 
 reasonable distance. Huge fires were kindled, a cup 
 of coffee apiece was made, then rails were laid down 
 in the snow for beds, and the boys, placing their feet 
 towards the fires, soon fell into a sound sleep, not 
 withstanding their hard couch, without covering, 
 wet clothes, and shoes full of snow. Next day, at 8 
 
254 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 A. M. the regiment again was on the march, crossed 
 the river at noon, and camped near Amosville, (a 
 village that the rebels had placarded all the doors 
 with " small-pox,") exhausted and totally out of 
 rations ; but the latter soon came all right. Al 
 though the rebels had left only a few hours before, 
 the boys of the 51st P. V. found cattle, hogs, and 
 sheep in abundance, and the sharp crack of their 
 unerring muskets told too plainly of the slaughter 
 that was going on. The regiment had hardly got 
 their tents pitched when Col. Hartranft espied the 
 boys coming into camp with whole carcasses of ani 
 mals slaughtered and dressed ready for use. He 
 immediately issued the most stringent orders against 
 shooting anything belonging to the citizens, unless 
 it was first paid for ; but the only effect that the 
 order had was to make the boys go a greater 
 distance in quest of game, where their guns could 
 not be heard by " old Johnny." One of the boys shot 
 a splendid lamb, and not knowing anything about the 
 order issued, cut it up into quarters and brought 
 it into camp while Col. H. was standing in front of 
 his quarters. The man entertaining a feeling for the 
 empty haversack of Col. H., determined to make him. 
 a present of a hind-quarter of the lamb, and walked 
 up to him as innocent as an unconscious babe of the 
 existence of the order and tendered his offering of 
 meat with a graceful salute to the colonel, who gave 
 him one of those withering looks, which only the col 
 onel knows how to give a man that displeases him, 
 and inquired how he obtained it. The man knew by 
 " old Johnny s " look that something was wrong, and 
 being quick of perception he instantly guessed what 
 it was and replied in a firm tone, " I bought it." 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEES. 255 
 
 The cloud passed from the colonel s brow and he 
 took the gift with suitable acknowledgments. The 
 man returned to his tent rejoicing at his lucky 
 escape from arrest, for none of the boys had given 
 him any warning, and all were gazing on the scene 
 to see what would be the result, but no more meat 
 was given to the colonel that day. 
 
 The regiment arrived here on Saturday, at 4. p. M., 
 along with the 35th Mass. The remainder of the 
 brigade, under Gen Ferrero, had marched to Jeffer 
 son ville, a small town only a few miles from Amos- 
 ville. 
 
 On Sunday, the 9th, 1862, at 5 o clock p. M., the 
 51st received orders to pack up and join the brigade 
 at Jefferson that night. At dark it was relieved 
 by the 48th P. V., who had a battle with the enemy 
 about an hour after the 51st had left. The attack 
 was intended for the 51st, but as it had gone the 
 48th enjoyed the benefits of the contest. Having 
 arrived at Jefferson the regiment went into camp 
 with the brigade just outside of the town. 
 
 On Wednesday, Nov. 12th, 1862, the regiment 
 again left for a march to the " White Sulphur 
 Springs," where it arrived in safety after passing over 
 the Kappahannock at the point the turnpike inter 
 sects the river, a short distance from the Springs. 
 The bridge at this place had been fired by the rebels 
 to prevent the Union troops from crossing, and it 
 now lay a smouldering mass of charred timbers, be 
 ing completely demolished. The regiment had 
 barely crossed the river on the charred logs which 
 lay floating on the water, before the enemy made 
 their appearance with a large force on the opposite 
 side. After crossing the river the regiment went 
 
256 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 into camp in a field nearly opposite to the Springs 
 Mansion House," close to the turnpike. After 
 pitching tents the men began to clamor for rations, 
 having been on less thari half allowance from the 
 time they left Wheatland, Ya. ; a week before, but 
 the first day at the Springs was spent without a 
 mouthful of food of any kind. 
 
 The next day the commissary sergeant, Samuel 
 P. Stephens, succeeded in obtaining a large lot of 
 mouldy hard tack which was totally unfit for use, 
 but "hunger being the best sauce," the men tried to 
 satisfy their appetite by washing off the mould and 
 boiling them awhile, and then frying them with 
 whatever kind of grease they could get. 
 
 Two privates of Capt. Bell s, Co. B, were captured 
 on the 13th, while out on picket ; the rebel cavalry 
 made a dash on them and succeeded in taking the 
 two men with their camp kettle which was hanging 
 over the fire. The cavalry in making this dash 
 drove the pickets in, and the two captured men 
 who had been out hunting for something to eat, on 
 their return to the post were taken by the enemy. 
 Capt. Bell dismounted one of the rebel cavalry, 
 however, with a little rifle he carried with him out 
 on picket. 
 
 The lieutenant colonel and adjutant of the 35th 
 Mass, were captured at or near the same time ; they 
 had crossed the river in quest of food, and were 
 eating their dinners quietly in a large white house 
 close to the ruins of the bridge and within sight of 
 their camp, when to their surprise the rebels entered 
 the house and secured them before any alarm could 
 be given. The artillerists discovered the rebels and 
 sent a few shells in among them, which hurried the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 257 
 
 " butternuts " away from that neighborhood quicker 
 than they came into it. 
 
 On Friday, Nov. Mth, the 51st struck tents and 
 started for Fredericksburg ; but ere it had proceeded 
 one and a-half miles on its way it was furiously 
 assailed by the rebel artillery from the opposite side 
 of the Kappahannock, and only about six hundred 
 yards distant. Col. Hartranft ordered the regiment 
 to lie down, for the purpose of keeping it out of 
 range of the enemy s guns. He then proceeded to 
 the top of the hill that overlooked both the river 
 and the enemy s position, and assisted to get some 
 field-pieces into i{ battery " to return the rebel com 
 pliments. The wagon train which was in the rear 
 of the column now began to be the target for rebel 
 shells and solid shot ; one shell passed through a 
 wagon loaded with ammunition, tearing things irre 
 spectively. While this was taking place the men 
 of the 51st P. V., anxious to see what was going on, 
 crawled up to the top of the hill to get a view, but 
 had no sooner got there than the enemy directed 
 their fire on the regiment and the battery. Col. 
 Hartranft perceiving the men running around evi 
 dently exposing themselves needlessly to the 
 dangers, came running back to his regiment and 
 ordering them to "fall in," he formed a "line of 
 battle " arid marched them to a more secure position. 
 He evidently was angry at his men, for he, after 
 placing the line where he wanted it, gave the com 
 mand to " lie down, " and down they went ; as they 
 prostrated themselves he added with considerable 
 warmth, " and see that you stay there ! " He 
 then went back to the battery, when an artillery 
 
 duel began which lasted for a considerable time. 
 
 12* 
 
258 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIEST REGIMENT 
 
 Several of the batterymen were severely wounded ; 
 one of whom lost a leg and died in the ambulance 
 the next morning. 
 
 The difference between a regiment of raw re 
 cruits and one of veterans was plainly demonstrated 
 during the vigorous shelling at this place; while 
 the men of the 51st P. Y. were anxious to be on the 
 top of the hill to see all that was going on, and dar 
 ingly exposing themselves to the enemy s fire, the men 
 of the new regiment were hugging to and burrowing 
 into the ground like so many rabbits, or else seeking 
 shelter behind the trees in a neighboring woods to 
 avoid as much of the danger as possible. Fre 
 quently they would ask the old soldiers " How do 
 you do when they shell you this way," the veterans 
 
 reply invariably was " Stand and take it, you d d 
 
 fool ! how else do you suppose ?" 
 
 The firing ceased on both sides at 2 P. M., the 
 enemy getting far the worst of the attack. The 51st 
 again left and marched about six miles towards 
 Falmouth, and then camped for the night in a large 
 field not far from the river. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 259 
 
 CHAPTEK XIX . 
 
 Falniouth Picketing the Rappahannock "Rally on the sut 
 ler" Fredericksburg Demand for surrender by Gen. 
 Burn side Secret dealings "with the enemy Preparing to 
 cross the river Withdrawal of the pickets Opening of the 
 Battle of Fredericksburg. 
 
 THE next day, the 15th, the regiment left at 8 A. M., 
 making eighteen miles that day over one of the 
 most miserable roads in Virginia, and camped at 
 night in a torrent of rain, sixteen miles from Fred 
 ericksburg. The men now suffered with sore feet 
 and empty stomachs ; a meagre supply of rations, 
 however, was drawn about 10 o clock at night, and 
 was all eaten at the one meal. Early the next 
 morning the regiment again left and before night 
 had reached the " Yellow house," situate on the road 
 leading to Falrnouth, six or eight miles distant. 
 
 At 9 A. M. on the 17th, the olst left the Yellow 
 house and reached Falmouth, opposite Fredericks 
 burg, at noon. In passing Fredericksburg on the 
 left bank of the Eappahannock, the rebel pickets 
 were very visible down at the large brick 
 mill near the city. At this time there were not 
 more than a dozen rebel soldiers in the vicinity of 
 the city and on the banks of the river ; they looked 
 with astonishment at the approach of the Union 
 troops, but evinced no fear, as the river was between 
 them. Could it have been possible for Burnside to 
 have crossed the river that day, or two or three days 
 thereafter, what an ocean of loyal blood would have 
 been spared at that terrible slaughter pen. 
 
260 HISTORY OF THE FIE*fY-FIKST REGIMENT 
 
 After arriving at Falmoutb the regiment went into 
 camp about a mile from its old camp ground of the 
 August before. Are its ranks as full at its return 
 to the old spot as when it left there? The blood 
 stained fields of Manassas, Chantilly, South Moun 
 tain, Antietam and Sulphur Springs, can answer, 
 with a certainty that cannot be denied, that only 
 about one-half returned of those who were there but 
 three months before ! What sufferings! what trials! 
 what anxiety had been experienced in that short 
 time ! but with it all they had just cause to offer thanks 
 to the Giver of all Good for the complete success 
 which had thus far crowned their efforts for the per 
 petuity of a government that must be admired in all 
 future ages ! After a few clays rest and a plentiful 
 supply of rations, the men began to regain their 
 wonted gayety. The regular routine of camp duty 
 was resumed again, but the principal part of it was 
 picketing the left bank of the Rappahannock, opposite 
 Fredericksburg. The line of picket posts which fell 
 to the lot of the 51st P. Y. extended from Falmouth 
 close to the water s edge, down nearly to the railroad 
 bridge of three-fourths of a mile in extent ; once in 
 a while it would have to picket a little below the 
 bridge. Lieut. Col. Schall was nearly always in 
 command of that part of the line, having his quar 
 ters and reserve post in a ravine only a few yards 
 in the rear of the picket line. 
 
 The picketing at this place was done similar to 
 camp guarding ; the detail was divided into three 
 reliefs, and as the weather was very stormy and 
 cold, it was found the safest and most satisfactory 
 mode. The headquarters of the picket commander 
 were close to the town of Falmouth, and the men 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 261 
 
 having four hours off duty, on being relieved would 
 visit the shops and stores in the town to purchase 
 pies, baker s bread, &c. Several would enter stores 
 that were kept by a number of Israelitish gentlemen, 
 from Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York, who 
 came here to respond to the wants of the army by 
 selling very poor articles for the highest price ob 
 tainable ; but the only way the soldiers could keep 
 pace with these men, who in a business-like way 
 robbed the soldiers of their hard-earned money, 
 because they (the Jews) were the only ones that had 
 anything in that line to sell, was by what was face 
 tiously called, "rally on the sutler," and frequent 
 " rallies " were made on their stores, and only a few 
 moments sufficed to "clean out" the largest estab 
 lishment in the town. 
 
 On the 21st of November, 1862, Gen. Burnside 
 sent over a flag of truce to the civil authorities of 
 Fredericksburg, demanding the surrender of the 
 city ; stating his terms on which he would receive 
 the surrender, and giving them until eight o clock of 
 the morning of the 24th to decide on the demand, 
 accompanying it with a threat that if his request 
 was not acceded to, he would immediately open 
 his guns on the town after the expiration of the 
 allotted time. The rebels taking advantage of the 
 days of grace granted them to surrender, began 
 to run up earthworks in the rear of the city with 
 all the alacrity imaginable, and by the expiration 
 of the truce they were nearly as much prepared 
 to shell the Army of the Potomac as it was to shell 
 the city. As is well known the city was not sur 
 rendered, and the Union forces began with renewed 
 vigor to consummate the threat of the commander-in- 
 
262 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-FIEST EEGIMENT 
 
 chief. Pontoons were arriving, siege and field pieces 
 were landing, fresh troops constantly pouring in, 
 and every thing bespoke the approaching gigantic 
 struggle that was soon to take place. During all 
 these preparations, the 51st was doing picket duty 
 on one side of the river, and the rebel pickets on 
 the other side ; distance apart about 40 to 60 yards, 
 excepting near the bridge where the river was 
 somewhat wider. 
 
 Frequently the orders of the Army of the Potomac 
 would be known by the rebels before it would be 
 made public to themselves. The rebel pickets would 
 halloo over to the u Yanks" and ask "how soon are 
 you going to draw and cook them three days rations?" 
 " how soon is the balloon to be ready ?" and hosts of 
 other similar questions. Shortly after those questions 
 would be asked, the orders relating to them would 
 be read off to the different commands in the army, 
 showing conclusively that among the knowing ones 
 there were sneaking traitors who in some way tele 
 graphed to their friends in rebeldom all the most 
 important secret orders, and thus it was, while the 
 United States was doing its utmost to avoid expos 
 ure to the enemy of its plans of honorable warfare, 
 yet there were some who found a way to divulge 
 such orders and plans as were thought to be known 
 to only a certain few, and yet the traitors could 
 very seldom be detected. One circumstance, if true, 
 which the writer doubts very much, explains the 
 whole mystery: at Falrhouth is a flour and grist 
 mill, and on the opposite edge of the river, but lower 
 down, is another one of the same character, which 
 was used by the rebels as their picket head-quarters, 
 while at the rear of the Falmouth Mill is an open 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 263 
 
 lot of ground interspersed with hills and gullies. 
 Once, about midnight, one of the citizens of Falmouth 
 happened to cross this lot in the rear of the mill, and 
 hearing a "clicking " in the upper part of the build 
 ing stopped and, placing his ear against the wall, he 
 found that the noise proceeded from the loft, and 
 sounded like the clicking of a telegraphic instrument; 
 he straightway made known his discoveries to the 
 pickets nearest to the mill, who immediately reported 
 the circumstances. The place was searched, and in 
 the loft a telegraphic operator with his instruments 
 was found ; a wire was discovered to extend from 
 the loft to the basement of the mill, and thence under 
 the water of the river to the mill on the opposite 
 shore ; thus the mystery of all the exposures of the 
 orders of the Army of the Potomac was explained. 
 How true is the above, the writer is unable to say> 
 but believes it to be wholly a fabrication, although at 
 the time of the reputed discovery immense excite 
 ment was produced by it, yet the writer was unable 
 to trace the affair to anyone who knew anything 
 about the facts. 
 
 On Sunday, November 23d, 1862, orders were 
 issued to be ready to move at a moment s notice, in 
 anticipation of the refusal of the surrender of the 
 city of Fredericksburg. On Monday morning, 
 the 24th, the 51st P. Y. struck tents at day 
 light and packed up everything in quite a 
 hurry, fully expecting the shelling of the city to 
 begin before the regiment could be ready to move, 
 but not a gun was fired, and after being in "line" for 
 a considerable time the whole division was moved 
 back about one mile further, and went into carnp. 
 Ferrero s brigade formed a splendid camp in the 
 
264: HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 form of a hollow square, the 51st P. Y. and the 
 51st N. Y. forming the front, the 35th Mass, one 
 side, the llth N. H. the rear, and the 21st Mass. 
 the remaining side. The hollow was used as a 
 parade and drill ground, Gen. Ferrero s head quar 
 ters in the rear and to the left of the 21st Mass. 
 This new camp furnished much more comfortable 
 quarters for the men than the locality from which 
 they had just moved; the water had to be carried 
 for the use of the camps nearly a mile, but every 
 thing else was more convenient. The great want 
 of the army at this time was suitable clothing. Ke- 
 views were held every few days by the different 
 commanders, for the purpose of finding out the 
 wants of their men, and to see their condition. Not 
 withstanding the ragged and almost naked condition 
 of the men of the 51st P. V., their complaints ceased 
 after witnessing the deplorable condition of the men 
 of the 4th Maine regiment, who, while out on a 
 review, were marching and counter-marching over 
 the hard frozen ground in their bare feet, and with 
 only a part of a leg to their pantaloons, without 
 drawers or sufficient underclothing to keep them com 
 fortable in a room with a good fire. While the 
 whole army was suffering severely from the cold 
 blasts of winter, yet the poor men of the 4th Maine, 
 although in a far worse off state than any other regi 
 ment, bore their sufferings heroically, and did their 
 duty cheerfully and promptly. 
 
 Next to the want of clothing came the want of 
 tobacco, both for smoking and chewing ; but the 
 smokers rather had the advantage of the chewers, 
 for they smoked coffee, weeds, and dried leaves, 
 which served in a manner as a substitute for to- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEES. 265 
 
 bacco, and a very poor one it was ; but the chewers 
 were nearly crazy for a "quid" of the weed, and as 
 nothing furnished a substitute for it, they had to 
 "grin and bear it," until the paymaster should come 
 along and extricate them from their troubles, which 
 he did about midnight of December 2d, 1862, much 
 to the joy of the men whose families had been four 
 months without receiving any money for their sup 
 port in that time, excepting the miserable pittance 
 that was allowed them so begrudgingly by the 
 county relief boards, and which had been reduced 
 to so small an amount that it was only a mockery 
 in the " stay at homes " to offer it. 
 
 Everything was quietly progressing along the 
 Eappahannock towards the completion of Gen. 
 Burnside s plan of attack. So quiet in fact was it 
 carried on, that up to within ten minutes of the at 
 tack on the city, the time seemed as far distant as it 
 did three weeks before. The 51st P. V. was sent 
 down on picket at 8 o clock on Wednesday morn 
 ing, and was posted at the railroad bridge that 
 crossed the river opposite the city. The right posts 
 were stationed about one hundred and fifty yards 
 above the bridge, the centre posts at the entrance of 
 the bridge, and the left ones about forty yards below. 
 The reserves and head-quarters of the pickets were 
 in an old dilapidated mill only a few yards further 
 off to the left and rear. 
 
 Nothing transpired through the day to indicate 
 an early attack; but at 11 P. M., an officer of the 
 engineer corps, visited the post on which the writer 
 was stationed, on the extreme right, and walking out 
 to the edge of the water, he pushed a stick about a 
 foot long into the mud, leaving a few inches of it 
 
266 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 above ground. He then returned, and asked me : 
 "Who has charge of this post?" I answered: "I 
 have." He then inquired : "Are you a sergeant?" 
 "Yes, sir, I am," was the reply. "Then, sergeant, 
 I want you to watch that stick, and see if the water 
 recedes from it, or comes up to it," and adding, as he 
 turned to go away, I will be here again to-night for 
 your report." 
 
 At 2 A. M., of the llth, he returned, in company 
 with three other officers, and examined the river 
 bank for two hundred or three hundred yards above 
 the bridge, and then returning inquired "what report 
 had I to make on the state of the water at the stick ?" 
 I answered that " the water, or rather the tide, had 
 not varied one particle since he put the stick there." 
 " All right," said he, and he and his companions left 
 in a hurry; but in a few minutes Capt. McKibbin, 
 Ferrer o s chief of staff, visited the post, and asked 
 for the officer in command of the pickets, and being 
 answered that " his quarters were in the old mill 
 below the bridge," he said : " Pack up, boys, and 
 get out of here as soon as you can, for we are going 
 to open on the city as quick as you get away," and 
 added : " Sergeant, run tell your commanding officer 
 to draw in his pickets with all speed possible, and 
 get away without even the rattle of a tin cup." 
 " Yes, sir," was the reply. 
 
 The pickets were all withdrawn without the least 
 noise imaginable; for now the truth was breaking 
 upon thernthat the all-important moment had arrived. 
 They formed in line, and as the right of the column 
 filed into the road, to its surprise there it found the 
 pontoon boats all loaded, and the teams at a halt 
 within fifty yards of the river, only waiting for the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 267 
 
 pickets to get away. So quietly had all this been 
 done that even the pickets noticed no unusual noise 
 of preparations in their rear. The regiment returned 
 to its camp, and had "turned in" for a nap, when, 
 like a sharp peal of thunder, the belching forth of one 
 hundred and seventy-nine siege guns, as if fired by the 
 one single " lanyard," proclaimed in unmistakable 
 tones that there was no more sleep for that day. 
 
 The 51st P. V. was under Col. Hartranft, and in 
 Ferrero s brigade, of Sturgis s Division, of Wilcox s 
 9th Corps, of Sumner s command, the latter consist 
 ing of the 2d and 9th Corps. 
 
 CHAPTEE XX. 
 
 Awful cannonade Crossing the pontoon Forward move 
 ment to position Destructive tire of the enemy Heavy 
 losses Death of Capt. Bell Both armies closely engaged 
 Out of ammunition Second day Picket fighting Worth 
 less shells Retreat of the army across the river Burying 
 the dead The killed and wounded. 
 
 AT 4 A. M., of December 12, 1862, the cannonading 
 was terrific; the air was heavy, and the clouds of 
 smoke hung like a funeral pall over the doomed 
 city ; the rebels returned shot for shot, and the earth 
 quaked for miles around as if convulsed by some 
 hidden spasm of nature in the very centre of its 
 rotundity ; the crashing of shot and shells through 
 the houses could be heard two or three miles distant 
 from the scene of action. 
 
 In a private letter, giving a description of the can 
 nonading, the writer truthfully says: "I have been 
 
268 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 in eight battles, and hard ones at that, and if all the 
 cannonading of Eoanoke, Newbern, Bull Kun, 
 South Mountain and Antielam were put into one 
 fight, it would be nothing to compare to this ;" and 
 so it was considered at the time. By noon troops 
 bad crossed the river, some in boats and some by 
 swimming over ; the rebels contesting every inch of 
 the way. The engineer corps suffered terribly from 
 the guns of the sharp-shooters hid in the dwelling- 
 houses in the city. 
 
 The 51st P. V., at 5 A. M., of the 12th of Decem 
 ber, 1862, left its camp to assist in the capture of the 
 city. At 8 A. M., it was halted at the " Phillips 
 House," and awaited further orders. The sight from 
 this elevated position was most sublime; the entire 
 lines of the contending forces could be viewed from 
 this point. Sumner s command was all massed here 
 and ready for the order to "forward," when finally 
 it came, and the 51st P. V. moved towards the pon 
 toon bridge. As it was descending the hill in front 
 of the "Lacy House" and close to the river, the 
 rebel batteries directed their shots at it, but did no 
 further harm than to hurry the regiment across the 
 river. After crossing it, the regiment filed to the 
 left, stacked arms, and awaited further orders. Dur 
 ing this time other troops were crossing and filing 
 up the streets that ran parallel with the river. The 
 cross streets were unsafe to bivouack in, for they 
 were parallel with the enemy s guns. 
 
 The 51st P. Y. remained at its bivouac until 10 
 A. M. of the next day, (Saturday, December 13,) when 
 it formed a line and broke its stacks and started for 
 that ever memorable battle-field. After proceeding 
 a few squares towards the lower end of the town, it 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 269 
 
 was halted to allow the remainder of the brigade to 
 come up. By 12 o clock, noon, everything was 
 ready to enter the field. Col. Hartranft had hard 
 work to keep his men in a sheltered place while 
 waiting for the other part of the brigade to corne 
 up, for as quick as he would get a couple of men 
 back to their places others would slip off to peep 
 around the corners of the houses to get a glimpse of 
 the enemy. Col. Hartranft made some very narrow 
 escapes himself while using his field glass to recon 
 noitre the rebel works. The enemy could see that 
 the city was full of Union troops, and they shelled 
 it without mercy. At last the command to " for 
 ward " was given, and right cheerfully did the men 
 step off to their work. After proceeding to the 
 lower end of the city the regiment filed right, up a 
 street that terminated abruptly by a large brick-kiln 
 that extended entirely across the street, but on filing 
 in it gave the rebels a full view of its column from 
 right to left, and they opened their batteries of heavy 
 guns on the advancing troops with all the fury of 
 the demons. But Col Hartranft was equal to the 
 emergency. He halted the regiment, ordering them 
 to "close up " and lie down. The brick-kiln flank 
 ing them saved them from any shells that might pass 
 over it, but as each shell would bury itself in the 
 immense pile, the brick dust would rise in a cloud 
 that completely obscured the regiment from their 
 view. While it was lying down Col. Hartranft was 
 reconnoitering to see and find out the best way to 
 get his men into the field with as little exposure as 
 possible. Five minutes time sufficed him ; he 
 commanded " rise up ;" the men instantly sprang to 
 their feet, and taking their places he again com- 
 
270 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 manded, " Forward, double-quick." The regiment 
 followed the colonel and succeeded in reaching the 
 railroad cut without any harm. Gen. Ferrero, who 
 was in the excavation, yelled out at the top of his 
 voice to "go in and give it to them." After reach 
 ing the railroad Col. Hartranft halted his men to 
 give them their wind, as they were breathless, but 
 the halt was only for a minute, as the men were un 
 der a severe fire of musketry that enfiladed that part 
 of the track, and they again started to their assigned 
 position. After leaving the cut the way was over a 
 large clear field for nearly a third of a mile, and al 
 though this was accomplished in an incredible short 
 time, yet so severe and terrific was the shelling and 
 musketry that the regiment lost more men in reach 
 ing their position than it did in all the other part of 
 the battle. The air seemed to be so full of balls that 
 one would suppose that a finger could not be pointed 
 towards the rebel batteries without being hit on the 
 end with a bullet, and it is a mystery to the writer 
 how under the sun even one man reached alive the 
 position assigned to the regiment, it being directly 
 in face of more than a mile of earthworks, behind 
 which lay thousands of rebels, who kept up inces 
 sant volley after volley of musketry, and their bat 
 teries volleys of grape and canister, to say nothing 
 of the rifle shells that passed through the ranks and 
 went screeching and whizzing through the air. It 
 was here where Capt. Ferdinand Bell, of Co. B, was 
 killed, whose loss was most seriously felt by all in 
 the regiment, and particularly in his company. He 
 was an accomplished and unassuming gentleman, a 
 good disciplinarian, a true patriot, and as fearless as 
 he was gentle. Before the regiment had reached its 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 271 
 
 position its way was somewhat impeded by a series 
 of high board fences that inclosed some of the land, 
 and instead of the regiment being able to advance 
 in an unbroken line of battle, it had to divide into 
 several squads to pass through the apertures of the 
 fence. The boards being nailed on perpendicularly, 
 with stout nails and plenty of them, it was only here 
 and there that a board had been wrenched off, and 
 the passages through the fences were blocked up 
 with heaps of dead, dying and wounded, who had 
 to be trampled upon in order to get through. The 
 groans of the dying and wounded soldiers when 
 trodden on were heartrending in the extreme, but it 
 was no time or place to stop to evince sympathy for 
 the brave fellows who lay weltering in their gore. 
 All felt it, but as each one knew not how soon he 
 was to fall and share the same fate, he passed on 
 heedless of all cries for aid. The men of the 51st 
 were falling at every step, some killed outright, 
 some with a leg or an arm torn off, some with their 
 bowels or brains oozing out, and some falling as if 
 they had been hit, bat in fact had only fallen to im 
 press their officers that they had been wounded, and 
 thus escape proceeding any further. A few only 
 sought this subterfuge ; but it did not avail them in 
 the end, for their tricks were discovered. After the 
 battle was over and the regiment back in camp, Col. 
 Hartranft ordered all the names of the skulkers to 
 be handed to him for the investigation of their con 
 duct. Some had slipped out of the ranks of the 
 regiment while it was passing through the city and 
 sought shelter in the cellars of the houses, where 
 they remained until the battle ended. Others ac 
 companied the regiment half way across the field 
 
272 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 and then returned ; others reached the board fence 
 and lay down behind it until they saw a favorable 
 opportunity to get back; others fell on the open 
 field as if wounded, and got off in whatever way 
 they deemed best; but several of them, as they were 
 getting their cowardly carcasses off) received severe 
 wounds it was a pity they had not killed them. 
 One man had nearly reached his place when he was 
 seized with an unaccountable fear, and risked run 
 ning all the way back to the city in preference to 
 advancing ten or twelve yards further to where he 
 could lie down along with his regiment. This man 
 had proven himself a brave soldier on all other occa 
 sions, and gone into all the battles like a true sol 
 dier, and what could have turned him back at such 
 a time Col. Hartranft could not divine. When ques 
 tioned as to the cause he replied, " When I started 
 I fully intended to go through it all if I lived ; but 
 after I got to the board fence the balls so filled the 
 air that I was too much confused to know what I 
 was doing or what I was to do, and fear took com 
 plete possession of me, and I could not have ad 
 vanced another step if I had been shot for not doing 
 it." Thus it will be seen that a man who was known 
 to his whole company to have been at Eoanoke, 
 Newbern, Carnden, Bull Run, Chantilly, South 
 Mountain, Antietam and Sulphur Springs, was seized 
 with fear that took such complete possession of his 
 better judgment as to render him liable to a court 
 martial, but it is only another proof of how thick 
 the projectiles flew at that one point of the line. 
 
 After the regiment had got into position it cannot 
 be denied but what it severely punished the rebels 
 in their front, for, cold and chilly as the air was, the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLTJNTKEKS. 273 
 
 loading and firing of the muskets caused the men to 
 perspire as freely as if they were cradling in the 
 harvest field. Nearly all the rnen had one hundred 
 rounds of cartridges each, and, after expending them, 
 they turned over to the 9th New Hampshire who 
 were extended at their feet, and begged all the am 
 munition from them that they had to spare, and not 
 satisfied with that, they called on all the regiments 
 in the neighborhood to loan them a few rounds. 
 The olst New York responded handsomely, but 
 after begging and borrowing all that was available, 
 the men began to search the cartridge-boxes of their 
 dead comrades. The regiment had lain there in 
 action from 12 o clock, noon, till 4 p. M., and had 
 expended all the ammunition it could obtain ; it 
 then gave way to allow another brigade that laid at 
 its feet en masse to relieve it, when the time to do so 
 arrived. But it was impossible for any regiment to 
 get off the field during daylight, consequently the 
 relieving brigade had to wedge itself in among the 
 2d brigade as best it could. At this time there were 
 no less than eight lines of battle occupying the one 
 line. But the breadth of this line was about thirty 
 feet, and as close and solid as it was possible to 
 pack human beings. 
 
 A large and beautiful black dog belonging to the 
 51st New York, that seemed to be aware of the 
 danger of the place, continued crouched to the 
 ground, as if to keep out of the way of the missiles, 
 but being tired of his one position he endeavored to 
 change it by getting up, when a ball pierced the 
 poor faithful animal, and he sank down to rise no 
 more. He lay there in great agony until near night, 
 
 when death put an end to his sufferings. At 8 p. M., 
 
 13 
 
274 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 under cover of the darkness, all the regiments which 
 had been in battle through the day were ordered 
 to withdraw from the field to get rations and ammu 
 nition. Col. Hartranft had the good fortune to get 
 his men off in tolerable safety, notwithstanding the 
 enemy kept up a constant fire of musketry and artil 
 lery. 
 
 After leaving the field, the regiment quartered for 
 the night in a dwelling house where Gren. Ferrero 
 had made his headquarters. The night was spent 
 by both officers and men in cooking and sleeping, 
 for it was now seven days and nights since the 51st 
 P. V. had had an hour of unbroken rest, and most of 
 the time without food, consequently all went to rest 
 as soon as possible. The next day, Sunday, Dec. 14th, 
 was spent in resting and the cleaning up of arms and 
 accoutrements. At night it lay down in the antici 
 pation of another good night s rest, but that was not 
 to be, for at 7 P. M. orders were received to go out 
 on picket, and as the men were all lying down and 
 most of them being sound asleep, they received the 
 orders with some grumbling, but got up, and put 
 ting the best phase on the matter went out on picket, 
 where they remained until 12 o clock, midnight, of 
 the 15th, occupying precisely the same ground that 
 they did during the battle on the 13th. The picket 
 ing here was just about equal to the fighting on 
 Saturday, and no man, during the twenty-six hours 
 of picketing, dared to raise his head up three inches 
 from the ground, for as soon as he did it, one hun 
 dred balls would be discharged at him. On the first 
 going out of the pickets the regiment threw up a 
 shallow breastwork of about four or six inches high, 
 but could do no better for the want of tools. But, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 275 
 
 small as the affair was, it afforded a deal of protec 
 tion to the heads that lay behind it, but after awhile 
 the men got hold of tools and dug pits with eager 
 ness, and made themselves pretty secure. 
 
 The regiment was never in a tighter place than it 
 now experienced. For twenty-six hours had the 
 men to lie on their stomachs, and were deprived of 
 food, water or even the privilege of complying with 
 the demands of nature, which caused those who suf 
 fered from diarrhoea intense agony. On the second 
 night of being out the regiment contrived to get the 
 breastwork a little higher, but just as it was deemed 
 high enough for picket purposes, at midnight, Col. 
 Hartranft received orders to withdraw his men. 
 But no other troops coming to relieve him, he did 
 not deem it prudent to withdraw his regiment and 
 leave that part of the line without protection and ex 
 posed to the advance of the rebel videttes. He there 
 fore went into the city to find a regiment that was 
 willing to relieve his. But a large portion of the army 
 had already retreated, and had crossed the river and 
 returned to their old quarters, and all being anxious 
 to get over he had considerable difficulty in finding 
 any colonel to take his place. But when about giving 
 up the hunt in despair he fortunately met a German 
 colonel who readily assented to relieve him, and in 
 less than half an hour afterwards the German regiment 
 had quietly came out, and as quietly did the 51st 
 go in. The writer exceedingly regrets having for 
 gotten the name and title of the generous colonel 
 and his regiment of braves. 
 
 The incidents of the picketing are without any 
 particular interest. The shelling of the pickets by 
 the rebel batteries began to be pretty serious towards 
 
276 HISTORY OF THE FIPTY-FIKST REGIMENT 
 
 sundown of the 15th, for the enemy was receiving 
 little or no harm from Burnside s shells, as not more 
 than one out often exploded, while the enemy s nearly 
 all exploded, consequently they did not fear the Union 
 batteries, and therefore turned their guns on the 
 pickets. One very heavy shell from a rebel gun 
 exploded in among the pickets of the 21st Mass, 
 without doing any further harm than to cause them 
 as Col. Wolford said, "to huddle up closer;" not a 
 man of them raised himself up one inch, which, if 
 they had done so, it would have caused them to re 
 ceive a terrible shelling from the enemy, for they no 
 doubt were only shelling the picket line to feel it 
 and find out what force, if any, was there; but after 
 half an hour s hard shelling the enemy ceased firing 
 their heavy guns, evidently satisfied that nothing 
 was to be found out by that kind of warfare. After 
 nightfall Col. H. ordered several videttes to go out, 
 and about 10 o clock, from some unaccountable 
 cause the enemy s pickets thinking they were at 
 tacked poured a terrific volley into the 51st P. V., 
 which was returned so quick that the poor videttes 
 being between the two fires knew not what to do ; 
 one of them, L. Patterson, in fact had slyly crept up 
 to the rebel works and was listening to their conver 
 sation, which was about building breastworks, when 
 the volley was fired. As soon as the firing slackened 
 a little the videttes came tumbling over the rifle pits 
 in double quick, and complained bitterly of their 
 comrades returning the fire without first showing 
 them a chance to corne in; said one of them, "as 
 soon as the Johnnies fired I laid down, and my hair 
 flew up so quick that I lost my cap, and to mend 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 277 
 
 the matter, you cusses had to fire without letting 
 us know that you were going to." 
 
 The regiment took into this battle, not counting 
 the skulkers, 270 effective men, and came out with 
 180. Loss in killed and wounded, 90. This does 
 not include all the wounded, for a large number of 
 the slightly wounded refused to report themselves.* 
 
 The regiment after coming off picket proceeded to 
 its old camp, where it found the whole brigade had 
 been for some hours; all immediately began to fix 
 up their old quarters again for another night s rest. 
 
 After returning to camp and the last living man 
 
 * The following is the list of killed and wounded as far as 
 can be named individually. 
 
 Co. A. Killed Privates Win. Herd, Jas. Maguire, Wm. 
 Vanhorn, Washington McDade, David McMicken. 
 
 Wounded Privates A. Custer, Albanus Lare, Chas. Toy, Ed 
 ward Kellichner, Jacob H. Moydr. 
 
 Co. B. Killed Capt. Ferdinand W. Bell, Private Wm. F. 
 Strafford. 
 
 Co. C. Killed Privates Michael McMullen, Geo. H. Swee 
 ney. Wounded Privates Jos. W. Detwiler, Chas. R. Fox, 
 James Gunn, David R. Spare. 
 
 Co. D t Killed Privates Benjamin Kemmerer, John Wes 
 ley Lonsdale, John Mogee. 
 
 Wounded Lieut. Lewis Hallnian, 1st Sergt. Jonathan 
 Swallow, Sergt. Isaac Fizone, Sergt. Freeman S. Davis, Corp l. 
 Win. Dignan, Privates Elwood Lukens, Henry C. Moore, John 
 McNulty, Owen Rex, Thomas D. Smith, Samuel Sharp, Henry 
 Sutch, Albert List, John Beal, Alfred R. Gray, John G. Guyer, 
 Thomas Vanfossen, George W. Yarnall. 
 
 Co, E. Wounded Sergt. Lewis G. Titus. 
 
 Co. F. Killed Manasses Reininger. 
 
 Wounded Sergt. Wm. B. Hart, Privates Henry K. Adleman, 
 Nathan Kulp, Albert Teaney, Henry White, David Munsic, 
 Christian McCormick. 
 
 Co. G. Wounded Private Wni. Recides. 
 
 Co. H. Wounded Sergt. D. C. Brown, Sergt. Geo. Breon, 
 Sergt. Wm. Allison, John Dougherty. Missing Levi Bren- 
 singer. 
 
 Co. I. Killed Private George Krieble. 
 
 Wounded Lieut. Mark R. Supplce, Sergt. Andrew J. Lee- 
 dom. Sergt. Geo. Carney, Corp l. James Y. Shainline, Privates 
 George W. Fulton, John R. Herd, A. Me ister, and Thomas 
 McGolrich. 
 
278 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 of the Army of the Potomac that could get away 
 had crossed the river, the retreat being a complete 
 success, the pontoon boats were all taken up and 
 hauled away before daylight of the morning of the 
 16th. During the day a flag of truce was sent by 
 Burnside to Lee, and permission obtained to bury 
 our dead, the corpses of which lay unburied from 
 Saturday the 13th, to Wednesday the 17th. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 17th, a detail of about 
 thirty men was sent out of the 51st P. V. to cross the 
 river for the purpose of burying the Union dead a 
 like number was detailed from most of the other 
 regiments. They labored hard to get the task accom 
 plished that day, but it was impossible to do so, and 
 several hours of the morning of the 18th were con 
 sumed before the sacred duty could be brought to a 
 close. On the return of the detail, they were per 
 mitted to bring off such of their dead comrades as 
 could be sent home for decent burial. They reported 
 that all of the Union dead had been entirely stripped 
 of their clothing, and were left by the heartless 
 wretches in a complete state of nudity. The body 
 of J. Wesley Lonsdale, of Co. D., was brought over on 
 a stretcher, and its nudity confirmed all that was re 
 ported by the detail. The dead were buried in the 
 trenches that the 51st and other regiments had 
 thrown up while out on picket the last two nights of 
 duty on the battle field. 
 
 While our men were employed in burying the 
 dead, the rebels made them large offers for blankets, 
 blouses, shirts and overcoats, which they had with 
 them at the time. As much as $25 in greenbacks 
 were offered for a blanket or an overcoat, but none 
 were treacherous enough to sell them any, for the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 279 
 
 very money offered by the rebels had just been 
 taken out of the pockets of the Union slain. The 
 enemy must have reaped a rich harvest in rifling 
 our dead, as it is well known nearly all of them had 
 their four months pay in their pockets at the time 
 they were shot down, all of which had fallen into 
 rebel hands. 
 
 Now that the dead were buried, and things began 
 to assume their former aspect, the different regiments 
 returning to their regular camp duty, damages being 
 repaired, the wounded attended to, and all recover 
 ing from their fatigue, a few little incidents may not 
 be out of place here. 
 
 The day the 51st P. V. first crossed the bridge, a 
 regiment of cavalry came down the hill in front of 
 the " Lacy House," evidently intending to venture 
 across the river on the pontoons. It was headed by 
 a full mounted brass band. As it was descending 
 the hill, several rebel shells were fired at it, but did 
 not prevent their advance. On its arrival at the 
 foot of the hill, and directlyat the end of the bridge, 
 it halted, and struck up the popular air of " Bully for 
 You." After playing the variations they had just got 
 out the first note of " bully" when a shell exploded in 
 their midst, and in less time than it takes here to 
 tell it, not one of the band could be seen, some scam 
 pered off up the river full gallop, others down the 
 river and disappeared as suddenly as they stopped 
 their " bull," amid the shouts and cheers of all the 
 infantry at rest in the vicinity. 
 
 After the 51st P. V. had got on the field of battle, 
 Col. Hartranft discovered oneof his drummers, James 
 Chase, out there. The colonel asked him what made 
 him come out, the drummer boy replied, " Oh ! I 
 
280 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-FIKST REGIMENT 
 
 thought I d like to see the fun." He had the proud 
 satisfaction of knowing that his bravery met the 
 approval of Col. II., and also of saying what none of 
 his drummer companions could say, viz.: "that I 
 was in the whole of the Fredericksburg light of 
 my own free will," for drummers were supposed to 
 remain in the rear and guard whatever property was 
 left there by the men while in action. 
 
 Letters were received by different ones in the 
 regiment from home, inquiring how the army ap 
 peared to take the defeat. One answer to the in 
 quiries is at my disposal, which conveys the feelings 
 of a large number of the men who " were whipped." 
 The letter says: " You say, that I don t say how we 
 all take our defeat. We take that whipping like a 
 parcel of schoolboys would take a whipping, some 
 crying and whining while getting it, and then after 
 its over, one boy blames the other for getting them all 
 whipped, and finally come to the conclusion that if it 
 wasn t for the master none of them would have got 
 it. And so it is with us. we don t like the defeat. 
 Some blame Burnside, and perhaps justly, but I 
 don t think he is to blame. I am certain the heads 
 at Washington are the party that got us whipped so 
 very goot, as one of our Dutchmen says." The de 
 feat caused considerable discussion, some blame the 
 2d Corps, some the 9th, some one and others another, 
 and so on, but none knew exactly where to put the 
 blame, for all corps and all commanders came in for 
 a goodly share of censure. One thing certain is, that 
 our defeat was partly brought about by the worthless 
 large ammunition that had been shipped to Burn- 
 side for his artillery, for the writer can boldly say, 
 and without fear of contradiction, that he saw our 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 281 
 
 shells by thousands strike in the right spot, and not 
 more than one, on cm average, out of ten would explode, 
 while nine out of ten of rebel shells exploded. Our 
 gunnery was far superior to the rebels, and no blame 
 can be attached to" our brave artillerists. The rebels 
 themselves told some of the " detail to bury the dead " 
 that they found a large number of our shells loaded 
 with sawdust, split peas, and beans and sand. Gen. 
 0. B. Wilcox commanded the 9th Corps at Fred- 
 ericksburg. 
 
 Could any other than a defeat follow the use of 
 such ammunition ? It was evident to the whole 
 line of battle that our artillery was doing very little 
 to help the infantry, although the batteries were pour 
 ing in tons upon tons of iron into the rebel works, 
 but with little or no effect. 
 
 13* 
 
282 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 PART I II, -18 6 3, 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The Emancipation proclamation Winter -" Guarding a 
 
 sutler s wagons An investigation Another sutler cleaned 
 out Good things from home Suicide of Serg. Jones Burn- 
 side again on the move The army stuck in the mud Return 
 to quarters End of the campaign Burnside s corps ordered 
 West Columbus, Ohio Conflict with provost guards Loss 
 of life. 
 
 ON the 1st of January 1863, President Lincoln 
 issued his famous emancipation proclamation, and 
 on the arrival of the next mail thereafter, it was 
 known throughout the whole Army of the Potomac, 
 and caused considerable angry discussions, the 
 soldiers believing that the object, for which they 
 came into the army, namely, to restore the Union, 
 was to be u laid on the table " and henceforth they 
 were to fight only to free the negro from slavery. 
 Officers and men swore that they would neither 
 draw a sword or fire a shot in support of such a pro 
 clamation, but time wore away the prejudice and a 
 better feeling took its place. The regiment continued 
 to go down on picket along the Eappahannock every 
 other day during the remainder of its stay at 
 Fredericksburg. % 
 
 The winter now had set in in good earnest; the 
 snow was nearly a foot deep, and the mud without 
 any bottom that could be found. One morning the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 283 
 
 5 1st P. V. was relieved rather earlier than usual, on 
 account of a violent snow storm that prevailed all 
 night before ; and Lieut.-Col. Schall, out of compas 
 sion for the men, allowed them to return to camp as 
 they got relieved, instead of keeping them all to 
 gether, and taking them into camp in regular order. 
 The first post relieved was one that private Roberts, 
 of Co. A, was on ; as soon as he was relieved he left 
 for camp. After wading through the snow and mud 
 until he passed the camp of the 114th P. Y. (Collis s 
 Zouaves), and within a couple of hundred yards of 
 his own, he espied several wagons stuck in the mud, 
 on the Falmouth and Belle Plains road. Something 
 induced him to take a peep into the wagons, which he 
 did, and found them heavily laden with sutler goods.- 
 The owner of them -and the mules had gone, and the 
 property was left in charge of a negro as guard. 
 Bob having his gun with bayonet fixed, and also his 
 blanket strung around his neck, went up to the negro 
 and asked him " If he was the one that was left to 
 guard the wagons ?" Receiving an affirmative reply, 
 Bob then told him, " Well, I ve come to relieve you, 
 and your boss wants you to come and get your break 
 fast, right away." The colored man replied, " Golly, 
 
 I se glad of dat, for I se most d cold," and left 
 
 Bob to guard the wagons. But no sooner had the 
 negro got out of sight than Bob began to unload the 
 wagons and carry the articles into camp, where and 
 when he explained everything to his comrades, and 
 in less than half an hour every dollar s worth was 
 carried off. About ten o clock the proprietor re 
 turned with his mules to get his wagons out of the 
 mud, and his astonishment at seeing them all empty 
 can be better imagined than described ; but it was 
 
284 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 easy for him to tell where the goods had gone to, For 
 a hard beaten path in the snow, from the wagons to 
 the camp, was circumstantial evidence enough for 
 him to accuse the 51st P. V. of the robbery, which 
 he did, and called on Col. Hartranft to assist him in 
 his searches for his goods ; but the colonel became 
 highly indignant at the sutler for his audacity in 
 accusing his regiment of being guilty of such an act, 
 as he was at that time entirely ignorant of the rob 
 bery. The colonel referred him to Gen. Ferrero to 
 get permission to allow him to search the whole 
 brigade, as he, the colonel,, was not willing for him to 
 single out the 51st P. V. for search while other regi 
 ments were so near, and they to be exempted. So 
 the sutler went to Gen. Ferrero; but the general had 
 very little sympathy for sutlers, -and referred him to 
 the provost marshal to get a permit to search the 
 division. But the provost marshal deputized his 
 lieutenant (who was no other than a lieutenant of 
 Bob s company, 2d Lieut. Jno. Moore, of Co. A, 
 who was on the provost marshal s staff) to accom 
 pany the sutler to search the brigade for the goods, 
 holding a special order to that effect. The search 
 began at Co. A, and as soon as the sutler and Lieut. 
 Moore entered the first tent to examine knapsacks, 
 Cos. A, F, and D s boys began to remove their plun 
 der to the left of the regiment, and the search through 
 Co. A was unsuccessful ; the same with F and D. 
 But while the search was going on in Co. D, Co. I 
 boys carried their share of the goods up to A and F. 
 Being through with D, they next visited Co. I ; but 
 Co. I was just then without any commissioned 
 officers present, Capt. Bisbing having gone to Fal- 
 mouth, 1st Lieut. Geo. Schall was acting adjutant, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 285 
 
 and the 2d Lieut. M. R. Supplee, having been 
 wounded in the late battle, was at home; conse 
 quently the company was left to the command of the 
 fifth sergeant. Considerable time was lost in getting 
 the sergeant to take the responsibility on himself to 
 permit the search ; but as the boys all had ample 
 time to get the things away safely, it was concluded 
 to begin. But while searching the tents of this 
 company, the Cos. C, E, II, G, K, and B re 
 moved whatever articles they had got to the right 
 companies, and the search was useless, for not a 
 solitary thing was found belonging to him, or, if he 
 saw anything which he thought was his in the pos 
 session of the men, they would lie him out of it, and 
 bring proof on all occasions that it was just. received 
 from home by mail. After the search was completed 
 and nothing recovered, the boys who were guilty 
 gathered around the sutler to sympathize with him 
 in his loss, which was, at his estimate, between six 
 and seven thousand dollars. Many of the boys, 
 while standing talking to him, and swearing that the 
 perpetrators of the theft " ought to be shot," " hung," 
 " cart-whipped," &c., had on the sutler s shirts, socks, 
 drawers, boots, caps, vests, paper collars, neck- ties, 
 gloves, &c., and one man had the impudence to stand 
 in front of him eating pickles taken out of one of his 
 glass jars, and holding an orange that belonged to 
 the sutler in one of his hands. It must not be 
 thought that all the men in the regiment were guilty, 
 for such were not the case ; it was only a portion of 
 them that was implicated in such villanous acts, and 
 that portion was bound to "clean a sutler out" at 
 every opportunity. 
 
 About the same time a sutler pitched his tent in 
 
286 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 an open space some two hundred or three hundred 
 yards in the rear of Gen. Ferrero s quarters ; being 
 attached to no particular regiment he could not 
 claim the protection of any U. S. officers, and there 
 fore was an independent concern, and carried on his 
 business altogether on his own responsibility and 
 risk. The boys of the different regiments had 
 " spotted " the man, and were only waiting for him 
 " to get in a good supply " ere they would ll rally on 
 him." After waiting patiently for a long time the 
 " large supply " at last came. About 10 o clock at 
 night the 21st Mass, ran along the color line of the 
 51st P. V. and 51st N. Y., yelling, like so many 
 demons, "Fall in 51st Penna. ! fall in! rally on the 
 sutler !" and in a few moments the evil disposed 
 ones of the three regiments were on their way at a 
 double quick to the tent of the unfortunate trader. 
 He had shut up for the night and retired to rest, 
 but not to sleep. Soon he found his tent coming 
 down all around him, for the boys had cut all the 
 ropes. By this time some eight hundred or nine 
 hundred men from the various regiments had assem 
 bled, and the plundering became, general. Only a 
 few minutes sufficed to "clean him out," and the 
 majority of them got little or nothing; being dis 
 appointed they set his tent on fire. He then ran 
 through the mob brandishing a couple of revolvers, 
 threatening to shoot them if they didn t disperse, 
 but as they would not, he fired several shots, 
 wounding one of the 21st Mass, in the leg; this so 
 exasperated the men that he had to flee for his life, 
 and sought shelter in Gen. Ferrero s tent. The 
 general took him under his protection and dispersed 
 the men to their quarters, but ere the men all got 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 287 
 
 there Ferrero "had dispatched an orderly to all the 
 colonels of his brigade with orders to immediately 
 form their regiments on their respective color lines 
 and have the rolls called, arid all absentees to be 
 reported to him in the morning. It was now mid 
 night and the order was rigidly carried out, but the 
 culprits had all got to their quarters in time to 
 answer to their names, and the guilty ones were 
 never found out. The loss of this sutler was between 
 two thousand and three thousand dollars. He 
 gathered up the remnant of the ruins and left for 
 parts unknown. 
 
 On Friday, the 2d of January, 1863, Chaplain 
 Mallory received a large box from the " ladies of the 
 Lutheran Church of Norristown " filled with fine 
 cakes, bread, &c., also a barrel of splendid apples 
 and onions ; the articles were divided into five 
 equal parts and distributed to the five companies 
 from Montgomery county, Pa. An extract from a 
 private letter gives an idea hpw gladly the gift 
 was received, it says : 
 
 " The things were shared out to the five companies 
 from Norristown, each company s portion again 
 shared out to the men, and it gave them such a 
 feast as none, or at least very few of us, have seen 
 since the day that we left our own m little tables at 
 home, and you may be sure we enjoyed the eatables 
 with many a fervent God bless the ladies for their 
 kind consideration for us here. " 
 
 At the same time a large number of boxes that 
 had been sent from home by Adams Express" 
 during the summer and autumn of 1862 arrived, 
 but their contents were all spoiled, excepting such 
 things as tobacco, segars, and liquors, the remain- 
 
238 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 der were worthless ; but it was only in accordance 
 with all the other boxes expressed to the regiment 
 by that u reliable concern," as they would take all 
 the boxes offered, even when they knew the men 
 would never get them, or at least until their con 
 tents were damaged. 
 
 Nothing more of interest occurred since the late 
 battle than what has been already related, excepting 
 the death of Q. M. Serg. William Jones, who com 
 mitted suicide by shooting himself on the night 
 after the regiment had returned from Fredericks- 
 burg. He had been in a depressed state of feeling 
 for several days previous to his committing the act, 
 acting very strangely during the absence of the 
 regiment, but none that were left back in camp ever 
 suspected that he contemplated taking his own life. 
 He was buried in the rear of the hospital tent, and 
 a short time thereafter his remains were disinterred 
 and sent to Norristown. Corp. Christopher Wykoff, 
 of Co. F, was promoted to fill the vacancy created 
 by his death. 
 
 Gen. Burnside was now making preparations for 
 another attack on Lee at Fredericksburg, and the 
 51st P. Y. received orders to be ready to move at a 
 moment s notice, with three days cooked rations and 
 one hundred rounds of ammunition. A few days 
 after the orders had been issued, it was found that 
 the entire army was on the move, but after pro 
 ceeding a short distance the great depth of the mud 
 proved the movement to be impracticable. Wagons, 
 artillery, caissons, and everything on wheels became 
 so imbedded in the mire that horse or mule power 
 was insufficient to move them, and everything 
 "stuck fast in the mud" for two weeks afterwards. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 289 
 
 The movement was finally abandoned, and the 
 troops returned to their old quarters completely 
 worn out with the fatigue of wading through the 
 earthy mixture that appeared to be without any 
 bottom, such was its great depth. 
 
 On the 26th day of January, 1863, Gen. Burnside, 
 on leaving the army of the Potomac, took leave also 
 of the 9th Corps at the same time ; when it came 
 under Gen. Sedgewick. After Gen. Burnside was 
 ordered west to the department of the Ohio, he re 
 quested that his old corps be transferred to his new 
 command ; and two divisions were ordered to re 
 port to him. but the 3d Division was left at Newport 
 News. 
 
 Reviews now began to be the order of the day, 
 and every few days the 51st P. V. was out for that 
 duty; but on the 7th day of February, 1863, orders 
 were issued to the 51st P. V. to cook three days 
 rations and prepare to move on the following day. 
 
 On Tuesday morning, February 9th, the regiment 
 struck tents and marched to the depot and embarked 
 on the cars for Aquia creek, where it arrived in the 
 afternoon. It then embarked on board of a trans 
 port, and arrived at Newport News on February llth, 
 going into camp near its former camping ground, 
 where it lay until the 26th of March, 1863. 
 
 Nothing of especial interest occured at this camp ; 
 the regular routine of duty, such as drills, parades, 
 reviews, guarding, &c., was attended to as formerly. 
 Gen. Ferrero and a select company of officers had a 
 ball on one of the government boats, which was at 
 tended by a few of the officers of the 51st P. Y. 
 
 On the morning of the 25th March, Col. Hartranft 
 again left for his home on a leave of absence. 
 
290 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 While lying here the recruiting officers and men 
 who went home in August, 1862, from Fredericks- 
 burg to recruit, arrived about the 1st of March, after 
 being absent seven months. 
 
 The weather here was very fine, and the officers 
 and men enjoyed themselves much in the innocent 
 games of cricket and base-ball. 
 
 On the morning of Thursday, March 26th, 1863, 
 at sunrise, the 51st P. V. struck tents and embarked 
 on its tour to the far west, on board of the splendid 
 steamboat Louisiana for Baltimore, where it arrived 
 on Friday evening, the 27th. After unloading the 
 baggage the regiment marched to the depot of the 
 Northern Central Eailroad, where it arrived at 11 
 o clock at night ; but as it could not get away before 
 1 o clock of the morning of the 28th, the men took 
 a stroll through the city. Everywhere they went 
 they were treated with the utmost hospitality ; owing 
 to the fact that the boys all knew the 2d Maryland 
 Eegiment, which appeared to be a kind of a pet 
 regiment of the Baltimoreans. Many of them got 
 drunk and became riotous, but the charm of know 
 ing the 2d Maryland, saved many of them from the 
 lock-up ; others not so fortunate brought up at Fort 
 McHenry, as deserters, &c., and did not get released 
 for a long time after the regiment arrived at its des 
 tination. 
 
 At 1 A. M., of the 28th, the cars were ready, 
 and what there was left of the regiment embarked 
 once more. About 10 A. M., it arrived at Little 
 York, Pa., where the citizens had coffee ready 
 made and gave them a good breakfast, but here, as 
 in Baltimore, a few more got left behind, but suc 
 ceeded in overtaking the regiment at Marysville, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 291 
 
 above Harrisburg, by jumping on the express train. 
 At sundown of the same clay it arrived at Bridge 
 port, opposite Harrisburg, but it only remained here 
 a few minutes ; but in those few minutes a large 
 number jumped off the train with the view of going 
 home, and did not return until arrested as deserters 
 or found that they would be if they did not rejoin 
 their regiment as soon as possible. 
 
 At midnight the train arrived at Altoona, on the 
 Pennsylvania Central road. Coffee and whiskey 
 was served up here in abundance. After stopping 
 there about an hour the train again started for Pitts- 
 burg, where it arrived after crossing the Alleghany 
 mountains, on Sunday morning, March the 29th, at 
 daylight. Here the regiment was treated to a hand 
 some collation in the City Hall, by the citizens. 
 The regiment was received in a spirited speech by 
 Maj. McCook, a brother of the heroic family of 
 McCooks. After the collation was over the citizens 
 separately took the soldiers under their charge, and 
 long before night a large number of them were 
 " laid up on the platform of the car depot," being 
 too feeble to support themselves on their legs. 
 
 Although whiskey flowed as freely as water, and a 
 large number became very drunk, yet all behaved 
 themselves with propriety and decorum. The offi 
 cers allowed the men free scope as long as they be 
 haved themselves properly, and very few of them 
 gave their officers any trouble. 
 
 It was 8 p. M , of Sunday, before the regiment 
 could get away from Pittsburg, but at that time cars 
 for Cincinnati arrived, and the regiment left for Co 
 lumbus, Ohio, where it arrived at 3 o clock p. M., of 
 Monday, the 30th. The citizens of this beautiful 
 
292 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 city furnished the men with a sumptuous feast of 
 coffee, cakes, boiled eggs, ham, bread and butter, 
 and other things, to satisfy the inner man. Every 
 thing passed off very harmoniously until within a 
 few minutes of the time for starting, when a few of 
 the men of the 51st P. V., 21st Mass., and the 51st 
 N. Y. wished to take a stroll through the city, for 
 a few minutes, to see it, but they had only proceeded 
 a few yards when they were halted by the provost- 
 guards of that city, and were not allowed to proceed 
 any farther, as they had no pass; but the men seized 
 the guns of the guards and threw them over a brick 
 wall into a private yard, and as they were equal a 
 fight took place, and the guards were getting the 
 worst of it when another squad of guards came to 
 their assistance and fired on the visiting men, killing 
 one of Co. A s men and wounding three of the 21st 
 Mass. The men now rushed frantically to the cars 
 to get their muskets, with a full determination of 
 wreaking vengeance on their assailants, but the offi 
 cers coolness in the matter prevented them from 
 getting their guns and also prevented what was in a 
 fair way of becoming a terrible riot. As it was, the 
 officers had considerable difficulty in getting the 
 men to leave the ground and get on the cars, not, how 
 ever, until several of the guards had been knocked 
 down by stones and bricks that were hurled at them 
 by the exasperated men. The lieutenant in charge of 
 the guards had formed his men in line of battle on the 
 sidewalk facing the railroad, and as the stones and 
 other missiles were hurled at them they would raise 
 up their guns to fire ; the lieutenant would run along 
 the line and knock up the muzzles and beg them for 
 " God : s sake, don t fire ; " though that was just what 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEES. 293 
 
 our boys wanted them to do, for then they would 
 have disregarded all their officers commands and 
 entreaties, and seizing their guns would have anni 
 hilated the whole provost guards force. Col. Clark, 
 of the 21st Mass., now took the whole matter in 
 hand and promised the lieutenant of the guards that 
 he should hear from him again. Capt. Joseph K. 
 Bolton took an active part in trying to quell the dis 
 turbance, so that he could investigate the manner 
 and cause of the death of the member of bis com 
 pany, but the whistle of the train blew for " all 
 aboard " before the true state of the case could be 
 found out. and he was forced to forego his humane 
 intentions. 
 
 The men once more on the train it started while 
 angry words were passing between the two conflict 
 ing parties. Had not the citizens interfered on be 
 half of the stranger regime, ts the riot would not 
 have passed off as quickly as it did, but the citizens 
 unanimously decided the guards to be the aggres 
 sors, and the boys did not wish to harm or destroy 
 anything belonging to them, as they had been treated 
 kindly by all excepting the guards, who were de 
 ficient in their duties, being raw recruits and pre 
 suming to exercise more power than they possessed. 
 
294 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 
 
 CHAPTEE II. 
 
 Cincinnati Generous reception Paris, Ky. Mt. Sterling 
 Winchester Hickman s Bridge Lancaster Negro life and 
 peculiarities Crab Orchard Stanford Correspondence. 
 
 THE regiment arrived in Cincinnati early on 
 Tuesday morning, the 31st of March. Almost as 
 soon as the regiment arrived at Cincinnati a com 
 mittee of the citizens waited on Lieut. Col. Schall, 
 tendering to him and his regiment a collation that 
 was prepared for them at the Fifth street market. 
 If the hospitalities of the citizens of Maryland and 
 Pennsylvania were generous, those of the Queen 
 city were trebly so, for, not satisfied with giving the 
 troops a splendid breakfast, the citizens took the 
 men into their private dwellings and emptied their 
 haversacks of the hard-tack and pork, and filled 
 them with roast turkeys, chickens, ducks, beef, cakes, 
 pies, bread and butter, oranges, lemons, apples, pre 
 serves, and in fact everything that they thought a 
 soldier could possibly wish for. The canteens were 
 filled with brandies, wines, milk, nectar, and all 
 other kind of drinks at hand. Money in no small 
 amounts was slipped into their hands, and after all 
 had been done to please the men they begged of the 
 soldiers only to mention something else that they 
 wanted ; but where so much was given it was hard 
 to think of anything else that was needed ; and the 
 regiment left the city never to forget its kindness, 
 nor should it ever be forgotten by any man of the 
 51st P. V. 
 
 After leaving the market the regiment marched 
 through the city and halted in front of the Burnet 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 295 
 
 House, where Glen. Burnside bad bis headquarters ; 
 tbe hero came out on the balcony and made an ap 
 propriate speech to the men, after which the regi 
 ment marched to the ferr j and crossed the Ohio river 
 to Covington, Ky. Late in the evening they em 
 barked on tbe cars of the Kentucky Central Railroad 
 for Paris, Ky., where it arrived early in the morning 
 of the 1st of April, 1863. 
 
 The regiment encamped on the fair grounds about 
 half a mile from the town, and during that night was 
 done some sound sleeping, as neither officers nor men 
 had had one hour s sleep since the night of the 25th 
 of March, before they left Newport News, Va., and if 
 a regiment ever was grateful for an hour s rest from 
 the fatigues of so long a march, attended with so 
 much excitement, the 51st P. V. was for this, their 
 first sleep for a whole week. The next day was spent 
 in fixing up the camp, and resting from their long- 
 journey. At night a large number of officers and 
 men visited the town of Paris as, also, did a number 
 of the 48th P. V. They were not long in the town 
 when Capt. Nicholas, of Co. B. was assailed by some 
 Kentucky secesh scoundrels, and somewhat of a 
 riot was about to break out, when the officers of the 
 48th P. V. not understanding the cause of the quarrel, 
 "pitched in" and Nicholas came off second best, with 
 a swelled eye or two, but the mistake was discovered 
 in time and order was soon restored; the spunky little 
 captain having been determined to allow none of the 
 chivalry to advocate secession within his hearing. 
 
 On Saturday, April 4th, at daylight, the 51st P. V. 
 struck tents and left Paris for Mount Sterling, Mont 
 gomery county, Ky., where it arrived late at night 
 and completely worn out with fatigue, having 
 
296 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 marched twenty- three miles in a blinding snow storm, 
 and over a hard turnpike road. Towards noon it 
 became evident to Col. Schall that if some way to 
 .get the men s knapsacks hauled was not adopted his 
 regiment could not reach its destination that night, 
 he therefore issued orders to the men to press into 
 service any teams that could be found on the line of 
 march. It was not long before the boys found teams 
 enough to haul everything that was cumbersome to 
 carry, and by that means the regiment reached Mt. 
 Sterling at 8 J P. M., and bivouacked close to the road 
 for the night. Soon after the men had lain down to 
 sleep an order came in for thirty of them to be de 
 tailed for picket. It was amusing to hear the orderly 
 sergeants calling off the names of those whose turn 
 came for duty, not more than one out of a dozen 
 would answer, and yet the sergeants knew the men 
 were there, but it was so dark that they could not 
 find them ; after calling the entire roll they began to 
 pull the blankets down from the men s heads, and 
 peep into their faces until they found the right ones, 
 then some swearing would be done, all kinds of ex 
 cuses framed, "sickness," " sore feet," " too tired," not 
 my turn," &c, but the sergeants were inexorable and 
 out they had to go cold and wet, tired and hungry. 
 
 Next morning the regiment passed through the 
 town and went into camp about one mile from it. 
 In passing through the town a few families who were 
 undoubtedly loyal, welcomed the 51st P. Y. with 
 tearful eyes, and expressing their gratitude in catch 
 ing the men by their hands and giving them a hearty 
 shake, adding at the same time, "We are so glad to 
 see you, my dear friends," and such like expressions. 
 Their tales of sorrow nnd of nil their sufferings at 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 297 
 
 the hands of the rebel guerrillas were hurriedly told, 
 and they were too happy in seeing some sign of protec 
 tion afforded them, but alas! it was only of short du 
 ration, for in a few days all the Union troops were 
 withdrawn from that neighborhood, and the gue 
 rillas came pouncing on them the very first night 
 after our departure, and plundered them of every 
 thing movable, taking every horse belonging to 
 citizens who were in the least tainted with loyalty. 
 
 On Sunday morning, the 5th, the pickets came in 
 with five guerillas they had taken during the night ; 
 on the Tuesday following they captured seven more. 
 
 One feature in social life among the Kentuckians 
 was noticed by the Northern soldiers, viz., that the 
 women did all their journeying on horseback; if 
 they had only a fourth of a- mile to go it must be 
 done on a horse, even children would go on horse 
 back, and frequently as many as three little ones who 
 were scarcely able to walk, would be seen sitting 
 astride of a single horse going to school; after get 
 ting there the horse would be turned loose to graze 
 until school was dismissed, then the little fellows 
 would, by the help of the larger ones, remount and 
 ride home in perfect safety. 
 
 While lying at Mt. Sterling, Capt. J. Merrill Linn 
 was made Provost Marshal of the town, and com 
 pany H was detailed for provost guards. 
 
 On the 7th Col. Hartranft arrived from his home ; 
 also several other officers who had been absent 
 through wounds or sickness. At the same time was 
 brought a splendid sword for Capt. G. W. Bisbing 
 of Co. I, a present from his friends in Upper Merion 
 in consideration of his bravery, and to replace the 
 one broken at Antietarn by a fragment of an ex- 
 
 14 
 
298 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 ploded shell. While at this camp the paymaster 
 visited it and gave them, on the 14th, four months 
 pay. The men now having plenty of money, and 
 luxuries very cheap, they lived like princes. Eggs 
 were 10 cents per dozen ; flour, $4.50 to $5 per 
 bbl; chickens, $1.50 per dozen ; largest size turkeys, 
 40 cents; maple sugar, 10 cents per cake of 1J Ibs.; 
 large pies, 10 cents apiece, and everything else in 
 proportion. But it was not long before the citizens 
 got Yankeeized and raised the prices to 50 cents per 
 dozen for eggs, and all other articles at the same rate, 
 they becoming Yankeeized in a very short time. 
 
 The regiment left Mt. Sterling on the 17th for 
 Winchester, Ky., at 1.30 A. M. At 8 A. M. it halted 
 for breakfast, and after partaking of a hearty meal 
 it proceeded on its march to Winchester, where it 
 arrived at sundown, making the march of thirty-two 
 miles in one day; but one-half of the men were left 
 along the road, unable to get on any farther, from 
 fatigue and being overloaded with heavy knapsacks. 
 After getting in camp about two miles from the 
 town, two companies, C and H, under Capt. Alle- 
 baugh, were detailed for Provost Guard duty at the 
 latter place. Co. I was detailed to take charge of 
 the ferry at Boonesboro on the Kentucky river, ten 
 miles from Winchester. 
 
 On the 14th of April Capt. E. Schall, of Co. D, re 
 signed his commission and left for home. His com 
 pany escorted him into town, and presented him at an 
 other time with a splendid gold medal, inscribed on it, 
 " Presented to Capt. Edward Schall by the members 
 of Co. D, 51st Begt. Pa. Vols., as a token of their 
 love and confidence. Stanford, Ky., May 28, 1863. 
 Roanoke, Newbern, Camden, Bull Run, Chantilly, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 299 
 
 South Mountain, Antietam, Sulphur Springs, Fred- 
 ericksburg." He bade them all an affectionate fare 
 well, and parted from his men with a heart too full 
 for utterance. He was beloved by the whole regi 
 ment, and his departure drew tears from many a 
 stout heart in other companies besides his own. 
 
 On the 1st of May, 1863, the different companies 
 that were away on special duty returned to camp 
 near Winchester, and prepared to leave, which it did 
 on the 4th, for Lancaster, Ky. ; where it arrived on 
 the 9th of May. 
 
 On the night of the first day s march it encamped 
 in one of the heaviest rains that ever fell in Ken 
 tucky. The ground was under water most of the 
 night to the depth of four or five inches ; but in fact 
 this march was altogether in a rain, for it was a con 
 tinuous one for eight days and nights. On the night 
 of the third day s march the regiment encamped on 
 a farm owned by a most violent "secesh." The boys 
 had found a case of guns buried on his place not far 
 from his house. He denied knowing anything about 
 them, but his colored men declared that he and his 
 sons buried the guns on the approach of the regi 
 ment. For this piece of loyalty the boys were not 
 in the least sparing of his fences. This place is near 
 Lexington. 
 
 The fourth day s march put the regiment across 
 Hickman s Bridge, over the Kentucky river. It 
 went into camp about one mile beyond, on a rocky 
 hill a short distance from the turnpike. 
 
 The rain and darkness of this night bafnes de 
 scription. Shelter tents were of very little use, if 
 any, as a protection, for the heavy drops beat through 
 the tent cloth as if it was a collander, and the men 
 
300 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIKST REGIMENT 
 
 got up in the morning as wet as when they lay down. 
 The wagon train belonging to the brigade, which was 
 intended to accompany the regiment, did not get into 
 park until late at night. Next day the regiment did 
 not start until 8 A. M.; passing through Lancaster, 
 Ky , it halted for a long rest about one mile to the 
 left of the town, on the road to Lovetts, a small 
 town eight miles distant. This was to be the end 
 of the march, but Col. Schall received orders to pro 
 ceed to Lovetts at once, and the regiment pushed 
 on and reached the designated place at 5 P. M. of 
 Saturday, May 9th. While lying here a large batch 
 of furloughs came in, but were only signed for ten 
 days, though twenty days were asked for. The 
 twenty days had received Col. Schall s signature, 
 Col. Hartranft s and Gen. Sturgis s, but when they 
 reached Gen. O. B. Wilcox he cut them down to ten 
 days. The anger of the furloughed men knew no 
 bounds, and some refused to receive their furloughs 
 for so short a time, as it would take nearly the ten 
 days to get home and return. Those who did go 
 did not return until the 18th day. 
 
 On Sunday morning, the 10th, orders came in be 
 fore daylight for the regiment to return immediately 
 to Lancaster, and by sunrise the column was on its 
 way there, where it arrived at 11 A. M. and encamped. 
 
 On the 14th orders were issued to be ready to 
 move at a moment s notice, with three days cooked 
 rations and sixty rounds of ammunition to each 
 man, to proceed to Somerset, Ky., to head off Mor 
 gan in his contemplated raid on either Louisville or 
 Lexington. 
 
 On Monday, the 18th, the regiment moved camp 
 to a more eligible location, but scarcely had the last 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 301 
 
 tent been pinned down than the order to be ready 
 to move, &c., was renewed, but like the original one 
 it did not take the regiment off . The men kept in 
 good spirits, and hoped that the order would be 
 countermanded, as both officers and men enjoyed 
 themselves hugely by playing at base ball in day 
 time between drill hours and at night by the per 
 formance of genuine negro minstrels, who were the 
 field hands belonging to the neighboring plantations. 
 Their mode of performing and style of dress was 
 certainly very interesting. Ten or twelve would 
 form a circle in one of the company streets and the 
 oldest negro of the party would seat himself on a 
 cracker box in the centre of the circle, armed with 
 a violin, banjo, guitar or tamborine, and direct 
 affairs to suit his own original notions, which would 
 generally be of a most ludicrous character. He 
 would compose the greater part of his melodies as 
 he sung them, and accompany himself on whatever 
 instrument he had with him. But his songs were 
 of a childish nonsense, meaningless, and his com 
 panions would set up a howl for a chorus that was 
 truly laughable. Sometimes they sang songs of 
 what might be properly called serio-comico-patri- 
 otic, of which a verse or two will give an idea : 
 
 " Ingin rubber overcoat, 
 
 Gum elastic shoes, 
 John Morgan on the telegraph, 
 Trying to read the news. 
 
 " Fare you well ! fare you well ! 
 Hippa loo ! hippa loo di doodle doo. 
 
 " Jeff Davis built a breastwork, 
 
 And built it out of trash, 
 Long come de Lincomnites 
 And knocked it all to smash. 
 CHOIIUS "Hippa loo, &c." 
 
302 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 The above is a fair sample of their favorite songs. 
 How many verses it contains would be hard to say, 
 for they could sing it for an hour and not repeat 
 a verse ; nor would they be done the song then, but 
 would cease singing simply because they tired of it. 
 Their dancing was truly wonderful, surpassing any 
 thing ever exhibited by Carncross & Dixey or any 
 " pale-faced" Ethiopian band of minstrels. The men 
 of the 51st would erect a platform of boards for a 
 dancing stage, and after a long consultation among 
 the dancers two or four would be selected as the 
 champions. Divesting themselves of nearly all their 
 clothing they would " go down to it " with a hearty 
 will, and dance their "break-downs" for an hour, 
 and only quit because one of their number would 
 put in an " extra step " against which some one 
 would remonstrate. As for quitting through fa 
 tigue or heat it was absurd to think of it, for they 
 took so much pnde in dancing that they would 
 sooner drop or die than to give it up for so trifling 
 a cause as fatigue ! 
 
 But the most amusing thing was to see them open 
 their eyes and mouths when one of the regiment 
 sang for their entertainment the "Lincum Gum- 
 boats," which, at its conclusion, they pronounced 
 " one ob de berry best songs that was eber sung in 
 old Kaintuck." 
 
 This amusement continued nightly while the regi 
 ment lay in camp near Lancaster. An extract from 
 a private letter gives an idea of how the boys appre 
 ciated it, viz.: "I wish you were here in our camp 
 at nights, for we have the true Simon-pure "Ken 
 tucky Minstrels" performing nightly. Generally, 
 eight or ten of the plantation darkeys in their gro- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 303 
 
 tesque dress, and with their violins, tambos, banjos 
 and guitars. They sing their melodies and dance 
 for us from sundown till midnight, and it is dancing 
 too, for what negro is down here that can t dance ? " 
 
 It was here at this camp that the regiment had a 
 correspondent who wrote regularly once a week to 
 a newspaper published in Norristown, Pa., " The 
 National Defender" of which Col. Edwin Schall was 
 the proprietor, giving the doings of the regiment 
 from the writing of one letter to that of another, up 
 to the time of Col. Schall s death, when the paper 
 fell into other hands, and the intercourse was trans 
 ferred to the Herald and Republican. 1 Casual 
 letters from the regiment appeared in another paper, 
 the " Independent" but any and all of the correspon 
 dence was highly appreciated at home on account 
 of neglect in the men to write to their friends and 
 their homes. 
 
 One letter by a correspondent in the regiment to 
 a Lewisburg paper came very near creating a melee 
 between the 51st P. V. and the 9th New York, (Haw- 
 kin s Zouaves) this correspondent stating that the 
 9th New York was lying behind the hospital like 
 "shysters," while the 51st did the fighting for them. 
 
 How true the accusation was, it is impossible to 
 say, but it was reported that while the 51st was in 
 the said battle, one or two knapsacks belonging to 
 the men were robbed, but by whom it is hard to 
 say. It surely could not have been done by the 
 Zouaves, for they went into the fight shortly after 
 the 51st opened the battle. The robbery was more 
 likely to have been committed, if any were robbed, 
 by a few stragglers and shirkers who congregated 
 
304 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 around the hospital as soon as the enemy fired their 
 first solid shot. 
 
 On Saturday, the 25th, the orders previously 
 issued to be ready to move, were carried out ; the 
 regiment left the camp near Lancaster, Ky., ostensi 
 bly with the view to reinforce our troops at Cumber 
 land Gap; but, after marching nine miles, it was 
 halted by a courier, who brought in word that we 
 were not wanted out there, as our army had defeated 
 the enemy, and were in possession of the Gap. The 
 regiment went into camp within a short distance of 
 a small village called Crab Orchard. This short 
 march of nine miles was a most trying one ; the heat 
 was intense, the turnpike dry, the clouds of dust 
 were so dense that a man could not distinguish his 
 file-leader, and suffocation seemed inevitable ; no 
 water to be had ; springs and creeks were all dried 
 up along the whole route. The suffering for water 
 was beyond describing. So great was the thirst of 
 some of the men, that they left the ranks, and wan 
 dered four to six miles in search of water, but ob 
 tained none until noon. 
 
 On Sunday morning, the 26th, the regiment re 
 ceived orders again to push on to the Gap ; but just 
 as the regiment was moving in column, the order 
 was countermanded, and it moved across the turn 
 pike, and again pitched its tents, fully expecting to 
 stay there at least a week ; but no, for early on Mon 
 day morning, orders came again to push forward 
 with alacrity, which it did, but only for a few .miles, 
 when the regiment again halted, and again went 
 into camp about one mile beyond Crab Orchard, and 
 was informed that it would lie there for three or 
 four days; but, at 4 p. M., orders were issued to 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 305 
 
 again be ready to leave at 7 o clock in the evening 
 for a night s march to Stanford. Morgan was 
 threatening a raid on that town, and hence the move. 
 At 7 P. M. the regiment started. Lieut. M. R. Sup- 
 plee and Lieut. Wm. F. Campbell had command of 
 the rear-guard, and arrived at Stanford a little be 
 fore daybreak. This march was accomplished with 
 very little fatigue. The night was clear and cool ; 
 the moon shed its bright, silver-like rays; water was 
 everywhere plenty, and of an excellent quality. The 
 rations while in this part of Kentucky were very 
 meagre, and of an inferior quality ; the meat was 
 smoked flitch, which would have been acceptable 
 had it been sweet; but it was unfit to eat, being so 
 very rancid that none of the men would keep it 
 either in their tents or haversacks. But better 
 rations were promised in the future, as Crab Orchard 
 was to be made the commissary post for the Ten 
 nessee army. 
 
 On the 27th of May, the officers and men who 
 had received a ten days leave of absence and fur 
 loughs, returned to the regiment, being absent eigh 
 teen days instead of ten. As each one returned, his 
 arrival was hailed with interest and delight, for all 
 were bearers of some little nicety from home to the 
 absent ones. Even the few days that those soldiers 
 were home was sufficient to change their complexion 
 from a swarthy brown to nearly white, and the men 
 in the regiment, for the first time, began to find out 
 that they were nearly black from sunburn and ex 
 posure. But such was the fact, that the whitest of 
 them was darker than the darkest mulatto. One 
 thing at this camp made it very acceptable to all the 
 troops encamped at this post, and that was the op- 
 
 U* 
 
306 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 portunity of buying newspapers only one day old. 
 The line of communication from Covington, Ky., and 
 Cincinnati, O., was now uninterrupted to this place, 
 and the Cincinnati dailies found their way to the 
 51st s camp, and sold readily at ten cents per copy. 
 But the mails from the North and Bast were very 
 irregular and uncertain, and the facilities for convey 
 ing the mails from Nicholasville (the terminus of 
 the Kentucky Central Railroad) to this place, a 
 distance of only thirty-six miles, were not of the 
 first order. Stages ran from here to Nicholasville 
 twice a week, but were not trusted to carry the mail, 
 as that was only done by the military authorities ; 
 but it was a great convenience to the soldiers going 
 and returning on furloughs. The fare was highly 
 exorbitant, being $2.50 for the thirty-six miles. 
 The mails from the army were quite as irregular, if 
 judged by a paragraph copied from the "National 
 Defender," of June 23d, 1863, a paper published in 
 Norristown, Pa., in which it says : 
 
 "The latest intelligence we have from the 51st 
 regiment is that they are stationed at Memphis in 
 Tennessee. This place is said to be three hundred 
 and ninety miles from Vicksburg, where Grant is at 
 work. It was repor ed that the regiment had gone 
 there, but such were not the facts at the latest dates. 
 An engine boiler blew up as they were going down, 
 but none of the men of the 51st were injured, al 
 though three rnen of other regiments were reported 
 killed by the accident." 
 
 The mails must have been sadly out of order if the 
 above was the " latest intelligence." The regiment 
 never was stationed at Memphis. It lay over for a 
 few hours at that place while on its way to Vicks- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 307 
 
 burg, and no doubt the "latest" had its origin from 
 that fact. There were delays in the mails for the 
 "Defender s 11 correspondent. "T. H. P." dated his 
 communication from Cairo, 111., June 8th, and it did 
 not appear in the printed form till July 21st, 1863. 
 This letter gives a detailed account of the doings of 
 the regiment from June 1st, 1863, up to the writing 
 of it, as given below : 
 
 ON THE BANKS OF THE OHIO RIVER, 
 CAIRO, ILLINOIS, June 8th, 1868. 
 
 Having a few moments to spare, while we are waiting for 
 transportation from this, I will tell you what the 51st P. V. has 
 been doing since I last wrote you. On Monday afternoon, 1st 
 inst., while on dress parade, it was announced to the regiment 
 that Q. M. Serg t Samuel P. Stephens had received a first lieu 
 tenant s commission from Gov. Curtin, and was thereby pro 
 moted to regimental quarter-master of the 51st. In this pro 
 motion there was considerable sagacity displayed by our Union 
 loving governor, for no man knows the duties better of that 
 important and highly responsible post than the present incum 
 bent. He has proven himself a faithful officer in the nearly two 
 years of his connection with that Department. It was also 
 announced at the same time and place that all officers 1 baggage 
 -<vas to be reduced to thirty pounds to each officer ; and that the 
 enlisted men were to pack up all surplus clothing on the next 
 day in boxes to be sent to Hickman s Bridge, on the Ken 
 tucky river, they only to reserve a change of underclothing ; 
 and we were further ordered to carry three days rations in our 
 haversacks and five in our knapsacks. On Tuesday, 2d inst., 
 early in the forenoon, the camp was alive with "hurry and 
 bustle," being a busy day for both officers and men in packing 
 and sending off all surplus baggage, as per order, and also of 
 the sending to Lexington of forty-eight rebel prisoners who had 
 been captured by our forces near Cumberland Gap. While the 
 boys were busy boxing up their goods, a few that were idle for 
 the time being, started off on a raccoon hunt. They had been 
 gone but a few minutes, when we were surprised to see them, 
 coming into camp with a " coon " of the largest size, which they 
 
308 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 had succeeded in capturing by treeing it and then cutting down 
 the tree. The " coon " ran out of the hollow in which it had its 
 nest, and it and the boys had a severe but bloodless battle, in 
 which the "coon" came out second best, and unconditionally 
 surrendered to its overwhelming foe. It was borne into camp by 
 its captors, and afforded no little amusement to a large number 
 of the brigade. 
 
 While at Stanford, Kentucky, the boys employed their spare 
 time in an ingenious way, making finger rings, crosses, shields, 
 figures, etc., out of cannel coal, which is found in large quanti 
 ties in Kentucky. Some specimens of their art shown to me 
 were finished off in the finest style of the jeweller s art, and in 
 fact would reflect the highest credit on those skilled in the pro 
 fession. 
 
 Brig. -Gen. Ferrero returned to the 2d brigade after an absence 
 of six weeks. He was received by the brigade with loud cheers. 
 He relieves Col. Hartranft of the command of the division, and 
 the colonel thereby takes command of the brigade. 
 
 On the 3d inst., the llth N. H. and the 35th Mass, struck 
 tents and took up the line of march just at sundown for Lex 
 ington depot. A few minutes after they had left, the 51st re 
 ceived orders to be ready to leave Stanford next morning at 
 daylight for Nicholasville, Kentucky. On the 4th, as per order, 
 we were ready to leave, and at six o clock A. M. we formed 
 
 line and left that beautiful camp for ; well, I will tell you 
 
 after we get to our destination. We reached u Camp Dick Rob 
 inson, 11 distant from Stanford seventeen miles, about 4 o clock, 
 p. M., considerably fatigued and a good many sore feet, where 
 we pitched our tents for the evening. Lieut. -Col. Schall re 
 ceived orders for him to report that night at Nicholasville, but 
 the orders could not be complied with, as we were too near 
 "played out. 1 We found the 8th East Tenn. encamped at 
 this old camping ground, and they witnessed our dress parade 
 of that evening with evident satisfaction. The country be 
 tween Stanford and Lancaster is not of as high a character as 
 between Lancaster and Covington, but in buildings of all 
 kinds it compares well with any part of Kentucky that we 
 have been in. There are some private residences through 
 that section that are truly magnificent, and had I time to make 
 special notice of any of them I would do so. 
 
 On Friday morning, the 5th inst., at two o clock, reveille 
 was beat, and we left Camp Dick Robinson for Nicholasville, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 309 
 
 distant fifteen miles. We crossed Kentucky river at Hickman s 
 Bridge at sunrise, being half way of our journey on foot for that 
 day. At this point on the Kentucky river is some truly roman 
 tic scenery. On either side are rocks of limestone and bastard 
 marble of an altitude of two hundred to three hundred feet. 
 High peaks, bluffs, cliffs and yawning abysses abound in this 
 place. The Lexington pike winds round one of the lofty emi 
 nences, and at one point, about midway, the road runs close to 
 a precipice of at least three hun red feet in height, with little 
 or nothing to prevent a refractory horse from plunging headlong 
 down this dizzy height. 
 
 But I must return to our march. We reached Nicholasville 
 by 9 o clock A. M. No cars being in readiness for our trans 
 portation, we filed into a neighboring woods and took a sleep 
 of two or three hours that we had been robbed of the night 
 before. At 2 o clock p. M. cars were in readiness for us, and 
 we left Nicholasville for Lexington. We reached that beauti 
 ful city at 3 o clock p. M. and left it for Covington at 4 o clock 
 p. M. the same day. When near Paris an accident occurred that 
 came very near being the death of one of Co. B s boys, named 
 Matthew Delaney. He, along with hundreds of others, who 
 had been on the top of the cars enjoying the beautiful scenery 
 of that most beautiful of all States, Kentucky, that so enchants 
 a person, was in the act of changing his position, and being 
 near the outer edge of the roof and the cars going at the 
 highest rate of speed, causing them to sway to and fro, he lost 
 his balance, and finding that he was likely to fall he attempted 
 to save himself as much as possible by an effort to leap to the 
 ground, and no doubt the forethought saved his life. He fell 
 heavily to the ground, and, as the cars passed on, we all 
 thought him dead ; but we have since learned by those who 
 arrived here to-day, who saw him yesterday, that he was very 
 little harmed by the fall, and that he would be all right again 
 in a day or two. We arrived at Covington about 2 o clock 
 on the morning of the 6th. We slept in the cars until day 
 light and then disembarked and marched through that city to 
 the wharf on the Ohio, and then embarked on the steamboat 
 Queen City and crossed over to Cincinnati. We took the cars 
 of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad for Sandoval, 111., where 
 we arrived yesterday about 9^ o clock A. M., changed cars for 
 those of the Illinois Central Railroad, and proceeded to Cairo. 
 We passed through the entire breadth of Indiana and arrived 
 
310 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 at the town of Vincennes, on the line between Indiana and 
 Illinois, about midnight, and there we were refreshed by a cup 
 of good coffee and some bread. On Sunday, at the town of 
 De Soto, Illinois, we were furnished with ample quantities of 
 good coifee and fried beefsteaks and mutton chops. We ar 
 rived at Cairo at 10 o clock p. M., Sunday the 7th, disembarked 
 and slept on the platform of the depot. Early on Monday we 
 marched about a mile above the city awaiting for transporta 
 tion down the Mississippi river. More anon, 
 
 T. H. P. 
 
 Below we give a lettter from another correspon 
 dent, " E. S.," (Col. E. Sohall.) 
 
 NEAR VICKSBURG, Miss., ) 
 June 18th, 1863. j 
 
 We purpose at this time to give you a brief history of our 
 44 excursion" from Stanford, Kentucky, to this place. When 
 in the early part of June orders were issued to the troops to 
 reduce their baggage, and directing each soldier to carry sixty 
 rounds of ammunition, and eight days rations in haversack and 
 knapsack, we little thought in a few days thereafter we would 
 march to the rear. One and all looked for the order to " move 
 on," which was to terminate in the deliverance of East Ten 
 nessee. However, on the 3d much bustle was noticed among 
 the camps of the regiments near to us, and before dark all 
 struck tents. We were much surprised by this movement. 
 We did not know what to make of it, as the first and only in 
 timation we had of a movement was the striking of tents. 
 Then arose the question, " W.ill they go forward, and will we 
 remain behind to garrison the post?" But no one could tell. 
 However at dress parade the officers were instructed to be 
 ready to move at an early hour in the morning ; and soon 
 afterward large fires sprung up all around, over which the 
 soldiers cooked their three days rations. Ere darkness had 
 settled over us it was evident to all that our destination was to 
 the rear, and not to the front as first supposed. Of course 
 there was much speculation as to our movement. Some pre 
 dicted we were going to Yicksburg, others that we were going 
 to the rescue of Hooker, while as many more thought we were 
 going to Western Virginia, and operate against Tennessee from 
 that point. Every one believed he was right, and thus there 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 811 
 
 was a constant excitement on this subject. No doubt many as 
 they sat in front of their little tents on this beautiful evening 
 regretted the necessity which compelled them to forsake their 
 beautiful camping ground and excellent water. But regrets 
 were in vain, for necessity consults the comforts of no man. 
 Early on the morning of the 4th we bade good-by to Stanford, 
 and briskly moved toward Lexington. The day was quite 
 warm, making marching far from pleasant. It was quite evi 
 dent from the remarks of the citizens that they did not like 
 this retrograde movement. They expected the State would 
 certainly be again invaded by the rebels. Whether their fears 
 were well grounded we are not able to say, for it is very 
 seldom we receive a newspaper. As we passed through Lan 
 caster, where we were formerly encamped, we found the town 
 in possession of the young ladies, who were making prepara 
 tions to give a concert in the evening for the benefit of the sick 
 soldiers. We hope and believe they were properly encouraged 
 in their noble work. A few miles beyond the town the regiment 
 rested for several hours, after which it resumed the march, 
 reaching Camp Dick Robinson at 4 o clock. Here it was most 
 of the Kentucky regiments were organized. An East Tennes 
 see regiment was encamped here. While there, they had a 
 dress parade, which was rather awkwardly conducted, for 
 which, however, due allowance was to be made, for it was the 
 first they had with arms. Our men being anxious to show 
 these noble patriots how well an old regiment could perform, a 
 dress parade was ordered ; on which they looked with much 
 surprise, thinking it almost impossible men could become so 
 proficient in the exercise of the manual. Many, too, for the 
 first time heard the strains of a brass band. It was to them, 
 indeed, a rich treat. During the evening our men freely 
 mingled among them, obtaining from them a history of their 
 trials in East Tennessee. They are true patriots, and deserve 
 the gratitude of every American for their devotion to the 
 Union. The sacrifices made by our people are as nothing com 
 pared to those made by these exiles. At 3 o clock the next 
 morning w r e again moved forward. We passed the Kentucky 
 river shortly after daybreak. A high bridge spans the river. 
 The bluffs on the northern banks of the river rise to a great 
 height. Around this bluff the road winds. At places it is 
 quite narrow, with no railing to guard against a fractious 
 horse from leaping over the dizzy height. At some points the 
 
312 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 height is so great that it is fearful to look over. We will not 
 stop to speak of the country that has been done by other cor 
 respondents. We reached Nicholasville at about 10 o clock, 
 and were at once ordered to go on the cars waiting for us. 
 However, at our arrival at the depot, we found they were not 
 prepared for us. So we marched to a neighboring grove, and 
 rested until 1 o clock. We need not add the men were very 
 much tired by the day s marching. The pike was hard and 
 very dusty. At 1 o clock the train was in readiness for us, and 
 we at once took possession of it. We arrived at Lexington at 
 2, and remained here for several hours. We took the oppor 
 tunity to visit the cemetery, which is near to the depot. We 
 were much pleased with the monument to Henry Clay. It is 
 built of native marble, which somewhat resembles granite. 
 The yard is the most beautiful we ever saw, and those who 
 have visited Laurel Hill say that it will not bear comparison 
 with this. We left Lexington at 5 o clock, and reached Cov- 
 ington at midnight. Near Paris a private of Co. B Mat. 
 Delany fell off the cars, and was supposed to be killed. We 
 learned, however, a few days af er, that he was only slightly 
 injured. We remained in the cars until near 6 o clock, when 
 we got off, formed regiment and moved to the Ohio river. 
 Here we crossed in a ferry boat, and at once proceeded to the 
 Ohio and Mississippi rcilroad depot, where we again got on 
 the cars. We staid here long enough to get refreshments not 
 from the citizens but such as our purses secured. 
 
 We moved off at ten o clock. As we passed through the city 
 there was the usual cheering and waving of flags and handker 
 chiefs. It seemed to be, too, a festive day for the young, for as 
 we passed along the Ohio, we saw a large steamer crowded 
 with gayly dressed misses and gents, who evidently intended 
 to spend the day in one of the many beautiful groves along the 
 river. As we passed them there was quite a lively waving of 
 handkerchiefs. No doubt many of the soldiers wished, as they 
 gazed on the gay party, that this wicked rebellion was crushed, 
 so that they, too, could participate in these festive pleasures. 
 
 At four o clock in the afternoon, we received coffee at Sey 
 mour, which proved quite refreshing. Again at midnight we 
 had bread and coffee at Vincennes, 111. It was very tiresome 
 this night travelling, as the cars was most too much crowded 
 for comfort. 
 
 At Sandoval, Illinois, where we arrived early on Sunday 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 313 
 
 morning, we changed cars. We here saw the car which the com 
 pany had built for the use of the Prince of Wales while making 
 his tour through the West. It was finely arranged inside and 
 must have been very gratifying to the Prince. After the change 
 was completed, we left for Cairo, where we arrived at midnight. 
 At Ccntralia the troops were supplied with refreshments, which 
 proved very acceptable to all. 
 
 The troops disembarked at three o clock A. M. and slept the 
 remainder of the night on the platform of the depot. At eight 
 o clock the regiment moved up the banks of the river a short 
 distance, and went into camp. Towards evening the Paymas 
 ter came round to pay us, but just as he was about to com 
 mence an order came for us to go immediately on board the 
 steamer Hope. The regiment was at once formed and com 
 menced to embark on the steamer. It proved to be a very fine 
 boat, there being ample room for all. The officers were very 
 polite and gentlemanly. We left at about six o clock. 
 
 We will not stop to talk of the towns and plantations we 
 passed. This has already been done. We arrived at Memphis 
 on Wednesday morning. The day previous, we had been paid 
 by Maj. McCook, the lather of the many McCooks in the Army 
 and Navy, who have so much distinguished themselves. 
 
 We laid at Memphis all day of Wednesday and Thursday. 
 Many took the opportunity to visit it. It is really a very pretty 
 city, and we were much pleased with its appearance. We met 
 several former residents of Norristown. Among the number 
 were Squire Weaver, Al. Lindsey, and Leidy and son. The} 
 are all doing business in this city. 
 
 We left early on Friday morning. Arrived at Helena at ten 
 o clock. He-re quite a warm discussion arose between our 
 troops and those of the west. Gen. Prentiss finally interfered. 
 Instead, however, of ordering his own troops to be silent, he 
 called upon the officers of our troops to order them to be silent. 
 
 We expected all along to be fired upon by one of the many 
 bands of guerillas who prowl along the river, but we were 
 never molested, though one of the boats a short distance be 
 hind us, was fired into. 
 
 We arrived at Sherman s Landing, in sight of Vicksburg, on 
 Sunday morning at eight o clock. We at once disembarked 
 and went into camp near the landing. Near to us was the 
 celebrated canal, of which so much has been written by news 
 paper correspondents. 
 
314 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 In the evening orders came to move early in the morning. 
 At four o clock, we moved off. At an early hour we reached 
 Carthage. No boat being there to convey us across the river, 
 we stacked arms and were dismissed. This being the camping 
 ground for the numerous negroes who came into our lines, 
 there was sufficient to interest us while laying here. 
 
 A little before noon we crossed the Mississippi, landing at 
 Warrenton. We were ordered to go into camp, which we did. 
 But our stay was short, for scarcely had we erected our little 
 shelters, ere orders came to go back. The troops immediately 
 went on the transports, and in a short time we were once more 
 in Carthage. Proceeding along the banks of the river, a short 
 distance, we again went into camp ; but at dusk we again re 
 ceived marching orders. The regiment was promptly formed, 
 and we moved back to Sherman s Landing. Remained here 
 all night, and next day went on board of one of the transports, 
 and at night reached Haines Bluff on the Yazoo river. The 
 following morning we disembarked, and marched to our pres 
 ent location, which is some three miles from the landing. We 
 have thus hastily and very briefly alluded to our journey from 
 Kentucky to Vicksburg. E. S.. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Off for Vicksburg The 8th Tennessee Lexington Covington 
 Cairo, Illinois Big catfish On the Mississippi Corres 
 pondence from the regiment Sherman s Landing Mortal- 
 firing Letters to the "National Defender," Description 
 of the operations in the rear of Vicksburg. 
 
 ON the 4th June, 1863, the regiment left camp at 
 Stanford, Ky., at 6 A. M., for Vicksburg, Miss., to 
 reinforce Grant, and to assist in protecting his rear 
 from the rebel Gen. Johnston, who was hovering 
 around between the Big Black river and the lines of 
 Gen. Grant, who had Pemberton invested within the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 315 
 
 city limits of Vicksburg. The trip occupied ten 
 clays from Stanford to Sherman s Landing, La., 
 where it arrived at 10 A. M., on Sunday, June 14th, 
 1863 ; but the actual time occupied in travel was 
 eight days. The first day s march from Stanford 
 was on a very hot day, and the regiment made about 
 eighteen miles by 4 p. M., reaching and camping at 
 Camp Dick Robinson, on the Lexington turnpike, 
 about fifteen or sixteen miles from Nicholasville. 
 The great heat of the day and long marching, with 
 bat little rest, and a good part of the day s work 
 over the hard turnpike, found the men completely 
 jaded out and footsore. While preparing to put up 
 a temporary camp for the night, the men of the 8th 
 Tennessee regiment, who were encamped on the op 
 posite side of the pike, waited on Lieut.-Col. Schall, 
 and requested him to have a dress parade for their 
 benefit, as they had never seen a regiment drill or 
 on "parade." Lieut.-Col. S. replied that he "would 
 willingly do so if his men were in a fit condition to 
 appear, but they are played out, foot sore, and 
 their clothing, arms, and accoutrements are not in a 
 fit condition ; and, my friends, I can t find it in my 
 heart to order a dress parade, but I will see what 
 they say." He did see what they would say, for in 
 ten minutes after, the regiment was on the color line. 
 Tired out as every one was, it was not expected to 
 be in strict accordance with military discipline; but 
 the men actually reverenced their Lieut. -Colonel, 
 and their whole heart was in their drill to make as 
 creditable display as possible. After the parade 
 was over, the Lieut.-Colonel pronounced it equal, if 
 not superior, to any dress parade he ever held. One 
 thing sure, the splendid brass band accompanying 
 
316 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 the regiment never performed better than on this 
 occasion. The 8th Tennessee regiment witnessed 
 the dress parade with evident satisfaction as an ex 
 hibition, but as an example to them they became 
 discouraged, for, as they expressed themselves, it 
 was showing to them how to do what was an im 
 possibility to them, as they could never handle a 
 gun in that prompt way ; but Lieut.-Col. S. encour 
 aged them to " try, try again ! and in time they 
 would be as proficient in arms as was the olst P. V., 
 as his men were as green as they when first en 
 listed." The two regiments mingled very freely 
 together until time to "turn in." The next morning 
 the reveille was beat at 2 o clock, and the regiment 
 took up the line of march at precisely 3 o clock, 
 and reached Hickman s Bridge, on the Kentucky 
 river, between daylight and sunrise, being full one- 
 half of the day s march accomplished; by 9J- o clock 
 it had reached the end of its " route step march." 
 The cars to convey the regiment were not in readi 
 ness to receive it, and the men, after stacking their 
 arms in an inviting grove, laid themselves down to 
 rest and sleep ; but by noon they began to stir, and 
 strolled into town to buy some knick-knacks for 
 their comfort on their journey : pies, soft bread, 
 cheese, and last, but not least, canteens full of " old 
 Bourbon," were the articles most sought, especially 
 the whiskey. At 1 p. M., the regiment embarked on 
 the cars, and left for Lexington, where it arrived at 
 2 p. M., but, from some inexplicable cause, it did not 
 get away from that beautiful city until 4 P. M. 
 
 While waiting at this place, the men scattered like 
 a flock of scared sheep, rambling throu. b the city and 
 its suburbs, to see the sights and to lay in a fresh sup- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 317 
 
 ply of " Bourbon." At 4 P. M. the whistle blew for 
 " all aboard," and in five minutes after, the train went 
 whizzing on its way, with every man on board, to 
 the city of Covington, Ky., on the Ohio river, op 
 posite Cincinnati, where it arrived at 2 A. M. of the 
 6th of June, 1863. After waiting for daylight, the 
 regiment crossed the river, and took the cars for 
 Cairo, 111., where it arrived on Sunday night, about 
 10 o clock of the 7th of June. After sleeping on 
 the platform of the depot that night, the regiment 
 left early on Monday morning, to embark on a 
 steamer for Vicksburg ; but on arriving at the wharf, 
 there were no pilots to be obtained. The regiment 
 marched up the Ohio river about a mile from the 
 city, made fires and a cup of coffee. Here the men 
 saw, for the first time, the famous Mississippi catfish, 
 but their money being scarce, they could not pur 
 chase the coveted delicacies. Some of the officers 
 had compassion on their men, and purchased a few 
 for their own companies. Among the benevolent 
 was Capt. G. W . Bisbing, who supplied his company 
 with several fish, of which the least weighed not less 
 than twenty-five pounds, and all his company had a 
 large ration. 
 
 A little before dark, a pilot was impressed into 
 the service, and placed on the steamer Hope, and the 
 regiment embarked for Vicksburg. From some 
 cause, the steamer halted at Memphis, but the whole 
 trip is so graphically described by the correspondent 
 of the " National Defender, 1 1 that it makes comment 
 unnecessary. We give it below : 
 
318 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-F1EST REGIMENT 
 
 CAMP OF THE 51sT PENNA., 
 
 NEAR SNYDEK S BLUFF, Miss , 
 June 18<7i, 1863. 
 
 Here we are, near the " juraping-off place," surrounded by 
 cane brakes and all other kind of "breaks." We left Cairo, 
 111., on the afternoon of the 8th instant, on board of the fine 
 steamer Hope, for Memphis, Tenn. We travelled all night, 
 and thereby missed a "peep" at Island No. Ten, which we 
 passed a little before daylight, much to the regret of all on 
 board. We stopped twice to take on wood, on the 9th, and 
 had to lay over for the night on account of the Egyptian dark 
 ness that environed us. Our boat was made fast to a tree on 
 the Arkansas shore, and then we put out a number of pickets 
 for the safety of the boat and all on board. It rained all that 
 night in torrents, and I must say that it rains the easiest of 
 anything you ever saw. We have seen it rain when it was 
 thougnt impossible to do so. W T e reached Memphis, Tenn., 
 on the morning of the 10th. 
 
 Changing the subject, we were paid off on the day before and 
 I am sorry to say that the Mississippi river and also the City of 
 Memphis abounds with the "light-lingered gentry" technically 
 called pickpockets, which our boys have discovered to their 
 sorrow. Our regiment alone has been the loser of near a thou 
 sand dollars. Many of the boys had their pockets cut and 
 the contents abstracted while making purchases in the city and 
 would only find it out, when the villains had escaped with their 
 booty, as they would go to pay for their purchases. Many of 
 them lost their all. A large amount was put in the Adams 
 Express Office to be forwarded home, and those w T ho have been 
 in the habit of receiving money from the regiment will know, 
 if they are slighted this time, that the former senders of money 
 are minus through the manly art of abstraction. 
 
 The City of Memphis is a splendid place, the streets are laid 
 out with nice precision and run at right angles. There is an 
 air of aristocracy in the appearance of many of the private 
 residences, but all the large buildings are in military hands and 
 are used mostly for hospital purposes. Provisions of all kinds 
 are at high prices, cheese, 25 cts. per lb., eggs, 40 cts. per doz., 
 dried beef, 25 cts. per lb., oranges, (small) 10 cts. per piece, 
 and what is a five cent loaf of bread at home is 12 cts. or two 
 loaves for a "quarter" as they sell here, cigars (sixes) 10 cts. 
 per piece, chewing tobacco such as sold at home w r hen we left 
 for 5 cts. *i plug is selling in that city at 25 to 30 cts. per plug, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 319 
 
 sweet cakes such as we can get at home ten for a " fip " we can 
 get here three for a quarter. 
 
 We left the City of Sharpers (Memphis) at daylight (on 
 the steamer Commercial, which appeared to have no pick 
 pockets on as no one lost any money while on that boat) of 
 the 12th. Durell s battery also was on the same boat. The 
 pilot houses on all the boats have to be protected in some Avay 
 from the guerillas who infest both shores of the river and fire 
 on all boats that go up or down the stream when they can 
 do so with safety to themselves. Most of the pilots are pro 
 tected by pieces of iron boilers of an inch thick and six or 
 seven feet in height, of which one piece forms a semi-circle 
 and a piece is put on either side of the wheel, the pilot standing 
 in the concave of the half boiler, making him pretty safe against 
 bullets, but not from cannon shot. "We were not molested in 
 any way on our trip down, being escorted by several gunboats 
 past the most dangerous points. All the towns on both shores 
 from Memphis to Vicksburg have had to be burned or destroyed 
 in some way, for they afforded shelter to the guerillas and gave 
 them every opportunity to fire on the boats with impunity, the 
 pilots being their targets. The Mississippi boats bear the marks 
 of many well-directed cannon shot ; some of them I noticed had 
 as many as four shots through their pilot houses alone, and 
 some have their wheel-houses terribly shattered. 
 
 We arrived at Sherman s Landing on Sunday morning and 
 camped in the woods on the banks of the canal or famous " cut 
 off" in front of Vicksburg. The mortar boats laying under 
 cover of the high bank of the point in front of the beleaguered 
 city, keep up an incessant fire both day and night, dropping a 
 nine inch shell either in the city or the rebel entrenchments and 
 no doubt with considerable effect. Grant s army forms a semi 
 circle or crescent far below, to the rear and above the city, from 
 the shore at Warrenton to the Yazoo river. Gunboats lay be 
 low the city and fire a shot every few miimtes. The city is 
 plainly visible to the naked eye from Sherman s Landing, but 
 with the aid of glasses objects moving in the streets can be dis 
 covered quite plainly. 
 
 On the morning of the loth we marched to Carthage, Louisi 
 ana, and took the ferry-boat and crossed the river to Warren- 
 ton, on the Mississippi shore 8 miles below Vicksburg, but 
 before another boat load could get over the order was counter 
 manded and we had to re-cross and march back to Sherman s 
 
320 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Landing, which we reached by 9 o clock that night. Next 
 morning we went on board the steamer John H. Dickey and 
 steamed it up the Yazoo river to Raines Bluff. While on our 
 passage up the Yazoo we were visited with a most terrific hail 
 storm which lasted only a few minutes, however; some of the 
 hail stones were the size of a pigeon egg and pelted all who were 
 unfortunate enough to have to be on the hurricane deck, with 
 unrelenting pity. A few minutes after the storm had ceased 
 the boys descried a huge alligator laying like a log in the water, 
 but the noise of the boat disturbed him and he buried himself 
 in the " deep bosom" of the Yazoo river. I must not forget to 
 tell you a fish story, even at the risk "of it being condemned as 
 rather fishy. Lieut. Jacob P. Brooks of Co. F. took his line 
 and went down to the Mississippi river and got into a yawl and 
 dropped his line in the water and much to his gratification he 
 succeeded in hooking a catfish weighing 21 Ibs., he baited his 
 hook again and in less time than it takes me to tell it he got a 
 "cattie" weighing 35 Ibs., that being, as he thought, his share, 
 he quit fishing and went into camp with his fishy prize to enjoy 
 a fry. These fish were taken while at Sherman s Landing, and 
 numbers of other fishermen had equally as good luck in catch 
 ing fish but not such large ones. 
 
 We disembarked from the Dickey on the morning of the 17th 
 and after getting a little breakfast we took up the line of march 
 to these bluffs, and here we are now in camp enjoying a little 
 rest after fourteen days and nights constant travelling. 
 
 We are here, as I learn, for the purpose of checking Joe John 
 ston from getting in the rear of Grant, while the seige continues, 
 but from all that we can learn Peinberton cannot hold out much 
 longer, for both the citizens and the rebel troops have to depend 
 upon the Mississippi river for water, and when any one comes 
 down to the river for water our mortars drop a shell about the 
 size of a Y ankee water bucket in their vicinity and they have 
 to leave. Their mules and horses must be out of forage, for 
 while we were down at Warrenton several mules floated past 
 us that had either died of starvation or from our shells, and the 
 rebs in the city have turned several hundreds of horses, mules 
 and cattle loose which the 88th Illinois captured and have them 
 in an enclosure. One of the 88th 111., told me that last week 
 he seen as many as a dozen dead mules floating down the river 
 at one time. 
 
 The boys here are enjoying themselves in picking that de- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 321 
 
 licious fruit, the blackberry. I gathered a fine lot in a few 
 minutes yesterday. Don t it make your mouth water? Just 
 think of eating blackberries on the 17th of June. I must close 
 my letter and begin to clean up my accoutrements, as there is 
 to be a general inspection to-morrow morning at 10 o clock. 
 More anon. 
 
 Yours, &c. 
 
 T. H. P. 
 
 CAMP OF 51 ST PENNA. 
 SNYDER S BLUFF, Miss., June 21st, 1863. 
 
 On last Friday night, 19th hist., at about 11 o clock, heavy 
 cannonading commenced at Vicksburg between our forces and 
 the rebels, which equalled the bombardment of Fredericksburg, 
 Va., last December, in constant heavy thunder-like roar and 
 length of hours. It continued incessantly until 10 o clock of 
 Saturday morning, the 20th. Our pickets plainly heard the 
 musketry and the sharp shrill crack of the rifle. I have not 
 been able to find out with certainty the cause, but have been 
 informed that the rebels massed their troops and made a des 
 perate effort to cut their way out through our lines and earth 
 works, in which they were unsuccessful, for they were driven 
 back with considerable slaughter on their part and very little on 
 ours. 
 
 It has been rumored through our camp that General Grant 
 has obtained information, on reliable authority, that Pembei ton 
 has at least three months provisions within the besieged city, 
 and, therefore, the fall of that much-coveted city will be delayed 
 for a long time, as starving out will be the proper modus oper- 
 andi of achieving that great object, 
 
 I have been taking a stroll out through the country, and can 
 say for this part of the State, that if a landed proprietor would 
 offer me a farm, of any size, gratis, with a proviso that I would 
 have to live on it (or rather starve on it) I should unhesitatingly 
 decline his kind, or cruel, offer. Corn is out in tassel, and some 
 is forward enough for boiling ears to be plucked; but how they 
 manage to farm this land would puzzle a Pennsylvania farmer 
 to tell, for a more rugged country cannot be found, the face 
 of the country is broken, and possesses nothing but ravines, 
 gorges, hills, cliffs and bluffs of all altitudes bluffs and cliffs 
 overhanging deep gorges that sends a thrill of timidity through 
 a person when standing on the verge looking down the dizzy 
 
 15 
 
322 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 height. Most of these bluffs are covered with dense cane- 
 brakes, blackberry briars, and underbrush that affords harbor 
 to the venemous reptiles, such as rattlesnakes, green and gray 
 lizards, stingarees, &c., which are to be found in great numbers 
 here, but are daily growing beautifully less, for the boys are 
 continually killing them wherever they find them. 
 
 Col. Hartranft is again back in command of our regiment. 
 On last Friday he had a general inspection of the regiment, in 
 which could be seen the wide difference between the condition 
 of arms, accoutrements, clothing and persons that had been 
 exposed to all kinds of weather and inconvenience of travelling 
 both day and night without shelter for two weeks, and the 
 general inspection of yesterday. The inspection of yesterday 
 was satisfactory, and proved that a few days in camp brings 
 everything up to its original pristine brilliancy again. 
 
 Sanitary orders were issued yesterday from headquarters to 
 all the regiments of the division for cautionary measures against 
 that scourge of all sickness, the yellow fever ; it warns us not 
 to expose ourselves unnecessarily to the scorching rays of the 
 sun in day time or to the damp and chilly night air ; also, to 
 use no water for drinking or culinaiy purposes other than that 
 obtained from wells and springs, in which barrels or boxes 
 must be sunk for the purpose of guarding them against any 
 uncleanly matter finding its way into the water, which undoubt 
 edly would be the case in the event of a rain, for the current of 
 water which necessarily must flow down the deep gullies and 
 ravines would wash or carry down in its "rushing career" the 
 carcasses of dead mules and other filth that accumulates from 
 one rain till another. We are recommended to bathe our per 
 sons at least twice a week. 
 
 A report is rife in camp to-day that the rebel Lee is in Penn 
 sylvania, and within 20 miles of Harrisburg, w 7 ith his horde of 
 "bearded and beardless warriors." It causes no little excite 
 ment among the few Pennsylvania regiments that are here ; but 
 don t let them stay there ; rout them out if there is any truth in 
 the report; the majority here believe it, some few don t, and I 
 am with that few. If he is there, I think he will be apt to find 
 that he is bearding the lion in his den. 
 
 The weather here at present is very dry, and extremely hot 
 in the daytime, but quite chilly at night. The health of our 
 regiment is good. AVe are encamped on the bluffs about nine 
 miles above Vicksburg. Although not in a desirable location, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 323 
 
 yet it is far more convenient than many other regiments have, 
 for we have water at the foot of the hills, while the other regi 
 ments have to haul their water from our camp spring, which is 
 certainly one of the finest flows of water in this part of this 
 district. 
 
 The boys continue to gather daily large quantities of black 
 berries, and also a fruit resembling very close what we call at 
 home mountain cherries, but in flavor they are vastly superior, 
 being just sweet enough when fully ripe to be pronounced ex 
 cellent. 
 
 Here are now nearly three weeks since a mail has blessed the 
 eyes of the regiment. What is the matter ? Lee has not cer 
 tainly torn up the Pennsylvania Central Railroad, has he ? We 
 are becoming very impatient for a mail ; and if none comes, 
 there will be no need for us to write home any more, for you 
 folks will have to share the misfortune with us. I have just 
 been told by a gentleman, who just came down the Mississippi 
 river, that it is almost impossible for a boat to get either up or 
 down the river on account of the numerous guerilla bands that 
 infest both shores. If that is the case, it may in some measure 
 be a cause of delay in the non-receipt of our mails. 
 
 This is the greatest country that we have been injyet for in 
 sects of all descriptions. Here is where you can find your fine, 
 plump mosquitoes, sand-flies, beetles, bugs, ants, worms of all 
 kinds, ticks, and in 1 act anything in the insect line that you 
 want for the formation of a cabinet of nature s tiniest works. 
 Nature has slighted this State in the more substantial and nec 
 essary means of subsistence, and seems to have been most 
 profuse in bestowing her gifts to that State of all States, Ken 
 tucky. Art, however, has done more for Indiana and Illinois, 
 as far as can be judged by a hasty ride through those States, 
 than any other State, apart from Pennsylvania, that I have 
 been in, in north, south, east or west. In Indiana the well 
 cultivated vineyards indicate the thrift of her population, and 
 the, I might say, heavenly appearance of- their beautiful but 
 small white cottages as they stand out in bold relief on either 
 side of the Ohio and Mississippi Central Railroad, indicate a 
 refinement of taste that poets or painters might puzzle their 
 fertile imaginations to equal, so dazzling and enchanting is the 
 picture to be seen along that route. Illinois is not behind her 
 sister State, Indiana, in her artificial beauty, for there too stands 
 those beautiful white cottages that so enchant a traveller 
 
324 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 and almost makes him think that he certainly is in dreamland, 
 and the scenes before him are the works of fairies, and not of 
 mortals like himself. There, too, stand beautiful towns scat 
 tered over the widespread prairies, looking at a distance like 
 towns built by the same fairy-like hand out of the pure and 
 unpolluted snow, so white and neat are they in their appearance, 
 and wearing an air of hospitality and welcome about them that 
 baffles description. More anon. 
 
 T. H. P. 
 
 CAMP OP THE 51st P. V., SNYDER S BLUFFS, 
 MILLDALE, Miss., June 29/i. 
 
 Just as I was about beginning this week s correspondence, 
 we got marching orders, and in consequence of the move I 
 am a little late in the transmission of my weekly epistle. Since 
 writing my last I ve had a stroll of a few miles into the bowels 
 of Mississippi, and a more rugged and poverty stricken State, it 
 would be difficult to find. 
 
 On Monday, the 22d inst., the 9th Army Corps began, for the 
 first time in its history, to entrench itself against an attack from 
 the enemy, the 51st performing a goodly share of the work in 
 digging rifle pits and felling trees, so as to give our batteries a 
 clear scope of country for the use of their engines of death. 
 The breastworks extend for a number of miles protecting 
 Grant s rear from any attempt on Johnston s part to harass the 
 beseiging forces. Heavy cannonading began a little before 
 dark on the 23d, and continued all that night and throughout 
 the next day, notwithstanding a heavy rain was falling nearly 
 the whole time. On the 25th the cannonading was resumed 
 with still more vigor on the doomed city, but since then only 
 occasional shots from the mortars and heavy guns are heard. 
 
 Blackberries continue in great abundance and the troops 
 gather large quantities of them. "We are to enjoy the blessing 
 of fresh baked bread in a few days. Our regiment have al 
 ready begun the construction of an oven for that purpose, and 
 it will be eagerly sought after by the boys, for they are, beyond 
 a doubt, very tired of masticating those hard crackers, that have 
 been used by them for so long a time. 
 
 As I said above, that as we had inarching orders I am a little 
 late with this, and must necessarily be very brief, but will pro 
 mise to continue my weekly efforts as regularly as circumstances 
 will permit me to do so, for it is my wish to keep up a current 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEES. 325 
 
 of events linked together from my first letter, until our regiment 
 drops down in Main street, Norristown, after having either 
 faithfully served its three years out, or this unholy rebellion is 
 forever crushed, and the bonds of this most glorious Union 
 more firmly united and cemented together by the blood of those 
 who sacrificed luxury, ease and comfort, for the tented field, 
 and have met a soldier s grave. Many more of our comrades 
 will find a grave in this far distant land ere that peace and 
 prosperity, so much coveted, can be firmly established, but 
 what parent will refuse to shed his blood, and freely too, that 
 his offspring may inherit such a rich legacy as our forefathers 
 transmitted to us, but which some of their children have been 
 so recreant to the trust as to attempt its destruction. 
 
 The Rev. D. G. Mallory has had his Chapel Tent put up at 
 the Bluffs, and held service in it several times. It is not as well 
 attended as it should be, bnt I cannot think it is because immo 
 rality in the regiment is on the increase, but rather think it is 
 owing to the extreme heat on the one hand, and the fatigue of 
 the boys coming into camp at night after toiling all day in the 
 rifle pits, and cutting clown the dense forest which surround our 
 breastworks. The health of the regiment is still very good. 
 There were five more discharges from the regiment to-day, 
 cause, physical disabilities, two or three on account of wounds 
 received in action. The headquarter guards and teamsters of 
 this corps arrived to-day from Kentucky, on board of the stea 
 mer Prima Donna. They had 48 cannon shot and two vollies 
 of musketry fired into them while coming down the Mississippi 
 river, below Helena, Ark., by about 800 guerillas, who hold 
 that point for their murderous purposes. Five horses and 20 
 mules were killed, and one or two of the men slightly wounded. 
 Yours, &c., T. H. P. 
 
 We give below an extract from the columns of 
 the Defender, inviting attention to the correspond 
 ence from the 51st P. Y.: 
 
 "So many of our readers and the public generally are in 
 terested in the movements of the 51st that we continue the in 
 teresting letters from that source in this week s paper, to the 
 exclusion of other matters. We finish the communications 
 now on hand, and we hope hereafter to give more attention to 
 local matters." 
 
326 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 We give below a letter signed " D. G. M." pub 
 lished in the Defender, leaving no doubt on the mind 
 of the writer of this that the author is the worthy 
 Chaplain of the 51st, Rev. Gr. D. Mallory. He being 
 in feeble health while at Milldale, was left in the 
 old camp at that place, along wiih the sick and 
 convalescent of the regiment, while it was after 
 Johnston : 
 
 "MILLDALE, Vickuburg, 
 "It is the Fourth of July night. I had retired; for it is 
 said of Americans that they never go to bed, but always 
 retire. I am sure the broad clean bed, waiting patiently for 
 me at home, would blush to hear me call the thing I sleep on 
 here a bed. I had retired ; that is to say. I had taken off my 
 boots, had carefulty removed a big black bug from the inside 
 of my trowsers, had tucked the trowsers legs into my stock 
 ings, as some slight protection against the prying officiousness 
 of bugs, fleas, gnats and mnsquitocs, not desiring to collect 
 there an entomological museum, had lain down on my camp 
 cot, and covered my face and hands with a musquito net, with 
 some faint hope of composing myself to sleep. 
 
 " I was listening to a concert sung in all the parts known to 
 music and unknown by those interesting creatures, who 
 sought admission to my castle with all the perseverance and 
 persuasiveness of him who won the ear and heart of Parley, 
 the Porter. The air was saturated with the sounds of myriads 
 of katydids and locusts, and the thousand tribes of insects 
 which in a southern forest make night noisy. A toad was hop 
 ping along under my bed. I knew that a few yards off were 
 ugly lizards, green and brown and gray. In the thickest of 
 the gully at my right were snakes, if not gorgons and chime 
 ras dire. Along the road in the hollow two hundred yards to 
 my left, rattled the long train of pontoons pushing forward to 
 the front that the 9th Corps might cross the Big Black. I was 
 thinking of the fall of Vicksburg when the moon arose. 
 
 " The circumstances in which I saw the moon rise on this 
 night of the eventful Fourth of July, 1863, were very peculiar. 
 The quarters are on a hill top which, in every direction but the 
 east, terminates in very abrupt and steep hillsides, falling down 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 327 
 
 into the little valley or hollow below. The front of the tent 
 and the foot of my bed are towards the east, looking out along 
 the top of this ridge or hill. Along the side of the hill runs a 
 line of rifle pits, and on the ridge to the east, in front of the 
 quarters, is a bastion where the guns of a battery have for a 
 week past been looking out patiently, but in vain, for the rebel 
 Johnston. All sides of the tent are raised as high up from the 
 ground as they can be, so that really the tent is all roof, and 
 lying on my cot I can look out in every direction over the hills. 
 I was lying here on my back looking out through the musquito 
 bar at my feet and thinking of Vicksburg, which had just sur 
 rendered to Grant. My feet showed distinctly against the dis 
 tant sky when the moon rose above the horizon, behind the 
 soles of my feet, and peered over my toes. The moon was 
 what the astronomers call gibbous, that is, awfully swelled 
 on one side, so that the man in the moon, as he peeped over 
 my toes and laughed at me for I saw him laugh looked like 
 a boy very, very bad with the mumps in one cheek. 
 
 "As I said, I was thinking of Vicksburg. Great prepara 
 tions had been made for a Fourth of July attack on the city, 
 and for its capture. There were 180 immense siege guns in 
 position ready to open fire on the doomed city. It was ex 
 pected that the capture would occasion great loss of life and 
 limb, and all the steamers were ready to receive the wounded 
 and carry them North at once, to spare them from this fatal 
 climate. The Imperial, being the fastest boat here, was ready 
 to take the news of the capture immediately to Cairo, where it 
 could be telegraphed all over the country. A week ago the 
 principal work of the rebels was blown up and Fort Hill was 
 taken ; yesterday (the 3d) another fort was taken by the same 
 process, three of the rebels being blown from their works into 
 the Federal camp. When all was ready for the final attack the 
 rebel works were ornamented along the line with flags of truce, 
 and instead of a bloody fight a bloodless victory crowned the 
 great national festival. 
 
 " Early in the morning I listened with all my ears for the 
 opening of the fight, but heard only the national salute to the 
 Day. I say all my ears, not referring to the size, but the 
 number of them, and meaning, as the French say, all two 
 (tout deux) of them. 
 
 "A happy day, and a happy, because bloodless, victory. 
 For four days the rebels in Vicksburg had lived on one scanty 
 
328 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 meal a day, looking in vain for help from Johnston. When 
 they surrendered they had only enough for one meal left, and I 
 doubt not they would have held out one day longer if it were not 
 for the great and useless loss of life which must result from the 
 attack which they knew Grant was about to make. We shall 
 need to make heavy drafts on our commissary stores to supply 
 these 23,000 starved prisoners. 
 
 "It is reported that Port Hudson has also fallen, and that 
 20,000 prisoners were taken there. But the news is so good 
 that we are afraid to believe it. 
 
 " Vicksburg having surrendered, tw r o divisions of Grant s 
 army were left in charge of the town and the prisoners, and 
 this very day the rest of his army immediately crossed the Big 
 Black river below, while our 9th Corps crossed above, and 
 have all started off in hot pursuit of Johnston. With Grant 
 below him and Parke above him, and an immense cavalry 
 force in his rear approaching from Corinth, Johnston may find 
 himself in a jug with the stopper in. 
 
 "Well, I was thinking of these things, and wishing we 
 might soon be ordered North, when the man in the moon, 
 with his swelled cheek, peeped over my toes and laughed at 
 my misery as he saw my hands and face disfigured almost be 
 yond recognition by musquito bites. 
 
 " What with the horrible, sickening heat, and the painful 
 itching of hands and face, and the tormenting songs of the in 
 sects, who sang, Fee, fi, fo, fum, I smell the blood of a Yan 
 kee mun, and the hideous noise that filled the air and filled 
 my ears, and the provoking sneer of the moon as it rose higher 
 and higher, I was driven out of bed at midnight, and so sat 
 down to write you this ; first throwing sticks into a neighbor 
 ing tree to drive off some frightful ill-omened bird of night, 
 which had kept up a distressing screech for an hour past, more 
 gloomy than The Raven s dolorous Nevermore. 
 
 "Goodnight. D. G. M." 
 
 When the regiment arrived at Sherman s Land 
 ing, in Louisiana, it encamped directly at the fam 
 ous "cut off," or canal, where the Mississippi Fleet 
 was to traverse the river to pass the stronghold, 
 Yicksburg. On the south bank of the curved part 
 of the river, close in to the shore for shelter, lay 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 329 
 
 several mortar boats, dropping their ponderous shells 
 of two hundred pounds each into the city. 
 
 This was an interesting sight to the majority of 
 the men of the 51st, for it was the first mortar firing 
 that they had ever seen. A great many of them 
 had purchased field glasses, and they were levelled 
 on the besieged city with much satisfaction. Ani 
 mate things were quite visible in it to the naked eye, 
 and to get a glimpse at the beleagured place caused 
 the troops to assemble en masse. The enemy opened 
 a few rifled guns to disperse the " Yankees inquisi 
 tive gaze," and fired several rifle shells for that pur 
 pose, but without much effect, as the "Yankees" 
 were not to be driven away by such means. Each 
 one being enrapt with the panoramic view before 
 him, loitered there until the enemy, in order to force 
 them to go, sent in a perfect shower of heavy shells, 
 which partly had the desired effect. 
 
 After the men retired to their quarters the shelling 
 ceased, and they prepared themselves a cup of cof 
 fee, and indulged in a few moments of piscatorial 
 sport, Lieut. Jacob P. Brooke leading the van in 
 catching big " catties," he having caught two weigh 
 ing respectively twenty-one and thirty- five pounds. 
 Others fished, but had no luck like his. 
 
 The friends of the regiment had heard nothing 
 definite as to the whereabouts of the 51st, the mails 
 being so very irregular, respecting which notice was 
 given in the Defender of the arrival of a batch of 
 letters from its correspondent, w r hich appeared in the 
 columns of that paper Aug. 18, 1863, viz.: 
 
 "Our valued and prompt correspondent (PARKER) T. H. P. 
 has sent us several more of his letters, keeping us posted up in 
 the movements and doings of the 51 st regiment. Although 
 
 15* 
 
330 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 these letters date back several weeks, yet the last bring us up 
 to a late date, and they have all arrived within the past few 
 days. We shall endeavor to make room lor them all in next 
 week s Defender. The last letter was dated near Snyder s 
 Bluff, Mississippi, where they have plenty of good water. The 
 regiment expected to get back to their " Old Kentucky Home " 
 soon. So let our friends and the friends of the 51st look out 
 for an interesting correspondence in next week s paper." 
 
 In the next week s edition appeared letters dated 
 respectively July 13th, 17th and 27th, 1863 ; the 
 following notice heading them : 
 
 "We have other letters from the 51st regiment on hand for 
 next week s paper. We are thus enabled to let the many 
 friends of this regiment know what they have been doing. 
 We are under great obligations to the regular contributor, 
 T. H. P. The letters next week are an interesting continu 
 ance of the doings of the 51st." 
 
 CITY OP JACKSON, Miss., 
 July nth, 18G3. 
 
 Here we are, pitching into his honor, Joe Johnston, with 
 both iron and lead, and Yankee like, I guess he is getting rather 
 the worst ot it, too. I wrote my last to you while lying in the 
 woods, one an.d a half miles on the west side of the Big Black. 
 We left there on Tuesday, the 7th ; our advance had been 
 skirmishing all night, and succeeded in driving the rebels from 
 that side of the river. Our loss was one killed and ten wounded. 
 We crossed the Big Black river about 3 P. M. of that same day. 
 Johnston kept falling back towards Jackson under the severe 
 pressure of our troops, and our forces succeeded in driving him 
 behind his fortifications at Jackson, and on the 8th inst. the 
 battle for the city was duly inaugurated and has been kept up 
 both day and night, without intermission, up to this writing. 
 
 Our battery, belonging to the 2d Brigade, met with an acci 
 dent while crossing the Big Black. The bridge was a frail, 
 temporary structure, and the immense weight of the six heavy 
 horses and the caisson full of ammunition caused it to give way, 
 precipitating the whole mass into the river, (fifteen feet deep.) 
 The caisson being filled with shot and shell it sank to the bot 
 tom of the river, and before the drivers could cut the two 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 331 
 
 tongue horses loose they were drowned, but the four other 
 horses were cut loose and were got out in safety. The Big Black 
 river is a narrow sluggish stream, not being over thirty-five 
 or forty yards wide, but from fifteen to thirty feet in depth. 
 
 On the day that our regiment crossed the river, although our 
 progress was somewhat tardy, yet none of us experienced as 
 hard a march since we have been out, as on that day. The 
 raj r s of the sun actually bore us down to the ground. Two 
 men of the llth N. H. died on the march from sun stroke, and 
 there were a large number of coup de soliel cases in our brigade. 
 We marched until 10 o clock of that night ; about sundown 
 a terrific thunder storm arose and continued nearly all night. 
 Most of us had no covering along with us and we spent an un 
 comfortable night I assure you, in our wet clothing and on the 
 wet ground, with a wet covering over us, of clouds ; but such 
 is a soldier s life, and we must take the bitter with the sweet, 
 only the sweet don t come quite as often as the bitter, nor does 
 it last so long, but we can stand it all should it be all bitter, 
 for we have become inured to both toil and danger, and sel 
 dom give either a casual thought. 
 
 On the 8th orders were issued for each company to capture 
 a mule, for the purpose of carrying water to the regiment dur 
 ing the pending battle. It was not long after the order was 
 issued before the boys had complied with it by leading into 
 our lines about a dozen mules, which have proven themselves 
 invaluable in keeping us supplied with water, which has to be 
 brought from great distances. 
 
 We took up the line of march again at 3 p. M., on the 8th 
 inst., and proceeded out on the Clinton road, where at night 
 we halted and bivouacked for that night. On the 9th, at day 
 light, we started off again and took another road that led us to 
 the left of Jackson, and at dark halted for the night four miles 
 north of Jackson. On the 10th we left our knapsacks in the 
 woods under a small guard, and then advanced on towards the 
 enemy. At 6 o clock A. M., we crossed the railroad running 
 north from Jackson, at 10 o clock that night we laid on our 
 arms near the plantation mansion of the rebel, Col. Oscar J. 
 Stuart. We put out our pickets about thirty yards in our ad 
 vance and went to sleep, being much fatigued and not a little 
 hungry. On the llth we pushed our way through all obstacles 
 until we arrived on the extreme front and within close range 
 of the rebel breastworks, and here we found the bullets and 
 
332 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 shells flying about in a careless manner, with their rip, buzz, 
 whirr and chuck, tor each missile has its own peculiar sound, 
 and if a head should get a little above the crest of the hill it 
 would very instinctively bow it to the ground, that would 
 somtimes endanger the nasal appendage from being brought 
 in too close a contact with mother earth. We supported the 
 skirmishers for several days and it is a very unenviable position 
 to be in so long, to lay day and night on one s stomach for 
 three or four days at a time, and the balls continually flying over 
 head, each one admonishing you to lay still closer and more 
 quiet. The 9th Corps had not a very high opinion of the 
 western mode of fighting, it is too tedious to us eastern troops. 
 Had this department been under a general of the Virginia 
 department, the taking of Jackson would not have occupied 
 more than two days. The rebel works would have been car 
 ried by assault on the second day, even if attended with great 
 slaughter. But the western plan saves far more lives by its 
 cautionary movements and I believe attended with far more 
 success, but we are impatient to see Jackson succumb to the 
 force that is in his front. Yesterday, the 12th, was by far the 
 hottest day of the fight so far. There have been no casualties 
 in our regiment save one up to the present time. Sergt. Ben 
 jamin White, of Co. F, was slightly wounded in the left temple ; 
 he was taken off the field and is now improving very fast, being 
 able to walk about. Your humble correspondent also made 
 a very lucky escape yesterday. While in the act of raising 
 my rifle to get aim on a "gray back" who was walking very 
 coolly on the parapet of the fort, a minie ball struck my gun 
 near the muzzle, tearing the top band off and cutting itself in 
 two pieces and running along the stock to near the middle 
 band, when it glanced off and struck me in the thigh, causing 
 a few hours lameness. Last night picks and shovels were 
 brought out and we "went in" for digging rifle-pits, and now 
 to-day we find them a great advantage in saving of both life 
 and limbs. Our position being on the extreme left, the rifle- 
 pits extend now from one extremity to the other. Our batteries 
 occupying a range of hills in our rear, and our shot and shells, 
 with those of the rebels, keep up a lively commotion in the air 
 directly over cur heads, as they pass and repass each other in 
 their lightning speed. I must close, and I hope in my next 
 to be able to say that Jackson, the proud capital of Mississippi, 
 is in undisputed possession of loyal troops. Yours, &c., 
 
 T. II. P. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 333 
 
 JACKSON, Miss., July l!tli, 1863. 
 
 This has been another glorious day in the history of the 51st 
 P. V. This morning, at six o clock and thirty-five minutes, 
 we stacked our guns in the main street of the stubbornly fought 
 for Capital of the State of Mississippi, in front of the Capitol 
 building. The beleaguered city of Vicksburg having surren 
 dered to Gen. Grant at 10 o clock on the morning of the 4th 
 inst., we immediately packed up our "knapsacks" and started 
 off on a march that same afternoon towards the Big Black river 
 to pay our respects to his Excellency, (alias Gen.) Joe John 
 ston, who was loitering in that vicinity with his "cohort of 
 rebel warriors." After taking a circuitous route, our advance 
 came up with him at the Big Black on Sunday, the 5th, and 
 considerable skirmishing commenced, when he was driven 
 across the river with some small loss, and still smaller on our 
 side. On the evening of the 5th we halted in a woods within 
 two miles of the Big Black, awaiting the construction of a 
 bridge suitable for infantry and artillery to cross on. By three 
 o clock, P. M., of the 7th it was sufficiently finished for infantry 
 to cross, and ice did cross. I gave you in my lust all of any in 
 terest up to the time of writing. I now begin where that one 
 ended. 
 
 About 3 o clock, p. M., on the 13th, the rebels showed an 
 uneasy spirit, and displayed their lines by them all raising upon 
 their feet with bayonets fixed. We taking that for a cue to a 
 bayonet charge, the 51st, under command of Lieut. Col. Schall, 
 were instantly brought to their feet, and fixing their bayonets 
 were determined to stand and receive the charge. We had 
 been supporting another regiment in our front, who, unlike the 
 51st P. V., became highly excited, and becoming panic-stricken, 
 fled from their post, leaving their guns, haversacks and us to 
 our fate, let it be what it might. But it was not so with the 
 51st; instead of fleeing from"rebel bayonets we formed a close 
 line and advanced to the ci\ st of the hill and laid down until 
 the rebels should get within twenty or thirty yards of us, and 
 then it would have been our turn to have jumped to our feet 
 and poured a volley into their grizzled ranks and made our 
 charge, but, from what cause I am unable to say, the rebs did 
 not make the attempted charge, but we laid awaiting their 
 coming until near sundown, and finding them non esl we went 
 back to our original position. It was nearly an hour after we 
 
334 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 fixed ba} onets before the boys of the frightened regiment re 
 turned to their post, and as they did come back they came very 
 sneaking and looked self-condemned. On the morning of the 
 14th, at daylight, we were relieved by the 1st Division of the 
 9th Corps ; we then fell back near a mile to the rear ot the In 
 sane Asylum, and camped in the woods. We scarcely had 
 stacked arms before our boys were down and locked in the 
 arms of Morpheus, and enjoyed " tired nature s sweet restorer " 
 to their hearts content. They needed all the rest that they 
 could get, for they had not had an hour s complacent rest for 
 ten days. Our commissary stores are getting very low. We 
 have now been several days on half rations of sugar and three- 
 quarters rations of crackers or hard bread, and the result is the 
 boys have to hunt a good bit of their own rations by making 
 raids into cornfields for boiling ears. On the morning of the 
 14th, Johnston sent in a flag of truce, asking to suspend hostili 
 ties until 4 o clock, p. M. of that same day, to give him a chance 
 to bury his dead, and at the same time for us to come and bury 
 our dead, who laid inside of their lines, who had fallen there 
 during several charges made by our centre and right brigades. 
 The flag of truce was granted, the dead buried, as soon as 4 
 p. M. arrived, the cannons began belching forth their fire in 
 tones of thunder, and soon another "batch" of victims were 
 ready for the sacred rites of sepulture. 
 
 On the 15th we moved our camp to a more desirable location, 
 but water is our only trouble here, or we would be contented 
 to stay here a few days, but there is no water except what can 
 be got out of stagnant mud-puddles and horse-ponds, where 
 man and horse drink out of the erne puddle. A detail was 
 made of 400 men out of our brigade, on the loth, for a recon- 
 noitering party ; their object was to force their way to the Pearl 
 river, in the rear of Jackson, to find a ford or suitable place to 
 construct a bridge to cross, for the purpose of investing the 
 city and laying siege to.it. The reconnoisance proved succes- 
 ful, they finding a good place for a crossing ; they were seen 
 on the river banks by the rebel cavalry, and to that I attribute 
 the evacuation of Jackson on the morning of the 17th, at 2 
 o clock, for a rebel prisoner told me that they had seen our 
 men, and it was reported to Johnston, and he previously had 
 heard that Banks was coming up in his rear with his Port 
 Hudson forces, and he believing that we were trying to get our 
 coils around him, a la Peml&rton, he found it more safe in get- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 335 
 
 > 
 
 ting his forces into Alabama, than to remain in such jeopardy, 
 and further, Benjamin s N. Y Battery was ordered to tire one 
 shot every rive minutes, both day and night, until the night of 
 the 16th, when it ceased. This, Johntson took to be done for 
 the purpose of engrossing his attention, while our forces were 
 operating in his rear. One hundred of the reconnoitering party 
 were out of our regiment, and on returning to camp they cap 
 tured twenty or thirty head of neat cattle, and brought them into 
 camp. At 2 o clock on the morning of the 16th we again went 
 to the front to relieve the 1st division, which had been out forty- 
 eight hours. We moved half a mile still further to the extreme 
 left, and supported the skirmishers for twenty-four hours, and 
 while lying here there was some very hard fighting on the riglt 
 and right of centre. I must here state, the boys, finding it 
 impossible to obtain tobacco, even at the liberal price of $2 for 
 a twenty-cent plug, they were induced to satisfy their cravings 
 by smoking dry weeds, but now, to-day, they are "flush" with 
 tobacco, which they found large quantities of in this city, and 
 appropriated it to their own use. I will here also mention how 
 the evacuation of this city was discovered by the left. At 2 
 o clock this morning we were taken down a deep ravine, and 
 placed on picket within a few T yards of the rebel rifle-pits. As 
 soon as the light began to make its appearance, Capt. Geo. W. 
 Bisbing, of Co. I, was disposed to feel the position of the enemy. 
 As we were ignorant of the ground, it being a new place to us, 
 he sallied forth outside of our rifle-pits to make an individual 
 reconnoisance ; when Corp. Win. Dignan, of Co. D, asked 
 permission of Capt. Bisbing to accompany him in his tour, it 
 was granted, and the two directed their steps to the nearest 
 rebel rifle-pit, and to their satisfaction found them empty. 
 They had evacuated them about one hour before the discovery. 
 Yours, &c., T. II. P. 
 
 MlLLDALE, NEAR SNTDEIl S BLUFF, MlSS., 
 
 July 27th, 1863. 
 
 Well, here we are, back at our old camp ground, where, 
 thank God ! there is no more suffering for plenty of good water. 
 We left camp, in rear of the Insane Asylum, near Jackson, on 
 Monday morning at 4 o clock, and marched till noon of that 
 same day, when we came to a halt at 4 o clock p. M., at or near 
 the town of Clinton. We had a good though much needed rest, 
 and at the appointed time took up the line of march again, and 
 
336 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 marched until 11 o clock that night, making about twenty-two 
 miles under heavy knapsacks, a scorching sun through the day, 
 almost impenetrable clouds of dust, and a great scarcity of 
 water, and also a scarcity of rations. Many of us laid down 
 that night supperless, being too much fatigued to prepare what 
 little rations we had for eating. On the next morning at 4 
 o clock we were again on the march ; the orders came so un 
 expectedly early that only a few, if any, were fortunate enough 
 to break their fast, which caused not a few complaints from 
 those who went to sleep without their suppers. We were some 
 what favored in our march to-day by its being a little cloudy, 
 and a great part of it was through deeply shaded woods, and, 
 still more, the 51st was the extreme right regiment ; conse 
 quently, being at the front or head of the column, we were 
 saved the necessity of snuffing up so much dust, for nothing 
 had travelled over the road since the heavy rain which fell 
 about ten days or so before. We marched until 10 o clock A. M., 
 and then halted. As soon as we came to a halt fires were 
 lighted, and each one busily engaged in cooking breakfast. 
 Cattle were killed and rations served out to us for the day, and 
 after each had regaled themselves with such food as they had, 
 the major part of the men laid themselves down for a sleep. 
 At 3 o clock p. M. we again started off, and marched until 
 within two miles of the Big Black river, where we arrived about 
 9 o clock at night, and bivouacked in a cornfield. On Wednes 
 day morning we were moved into a woods adjoining the corn 
 field, where there was plenty of water, both for drinking and 
 bathing purposes. In this woods we laid over until 4 o clock 
 p. M., for the purpose, I was told, to give the stragglers a chance 
 of catching up to their regiments previous to crossing the Big 
 Black ; for, to tell you the truth, fully fifty per cent, of the 
 corps were stragglers, and often when the column came to a 
 halt, some companies could not stack more than five or six guns. 
 Quite a number fell dead while inarching, from excessive heat 
 and weariness. Sore feet was very prevalent ; diarrhoea also. 
 At 4 o clock P. M. of Wednesday we were once more on our 
 road, feeling considerably refreshed from our shady rest and a 
 bath in a clear, limpid stream that coursed its way through our 
 resting place. We crossed the Big Black at 5 o clock, amid a 
 suddenly sprung up thunder storm, which continued with 
 unabated fury for near an hour. Gum blankets were of great 
 value then, but there were very few of them. It was hard 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 337 
 
 marching on account of the dust before the rain ; it was mor.e 
 "horrid nice " after it, for the great depth of the mud baffled 
 all attempts at its description. Suffice it to say that it was pre 
 ferable to have the dust twice as bad as it had been before the 
 rain. We marched till 11 o clock that night, and then biv 
 ouacked along the road-side at "McCall s." At 5 o clock on 
 Thursday morning we left "McCall s," and reached this place 
 (home to me) about 9 A. M., and went into camp, where we 
 are now awaiting for transportation to take us (we suppose) to 
 Kentucky. We have orders to go on board at a moment s 
 notice. When we left the place first, we left a few sick in the 
 hospital, but on our return we find the most of them enjoying 
 once more robust health. I am sorry to have to record the 
 deaths of a few of our comrades. Paul H. Custard, private, in 
 Co. C ; he went with us on our march to Jackson, was taken 
 sick while on the march, and died on the 18th inst., at Jackson. 
 Private James Milton, of Co. I, was accidentally killed on 
 Sunday, the 12th in^st., near Jackson ; he was detached from 
 his company, and was on headquarter duty with the wagon- 
 train, going after cotton for building fortifications, and a com 
 rade of his carelessly threw his gun into the tail of the wagon, 
 the hammer striking the tail-board, causing the cap to explode 
 and the discharge of the gun. Milton was sitting on the seat 
 in the front of the wagon, the ball entering his back and came 
 out at his breast. He lived about three hours, and then breathed 
 his last, lamented by all who knew him. lie was worthy of all 
 the respect we held for him, for he was a noble, generous- 
 hearted soldier. Private Reuben Delia ven, also of Co. C, died 
 here in the hospital, while we were at Jackson. The health of 
 the regiment is not so good as it has been ; nearly every other 
 man complains of diarrhoea ; but now that we are getting a 
 little rest after our eight days fight and our hard marching, the 
 health of our regiment will improve under the skill of our sur 
 geons Rineholt and Duffell for they fully understand their 
 onerous duties, and ply themselves so willingly, and with so 
 much kindness, that we emphatically pronounce them the right 
 men in the right place. 
 
 Gen. Grant sends a congratulatory address to the 9th Army 
 Corps, in which he compliments it for its endurance, bravery, 
 drill, and discipline. In fact, he says the 9th Army Corps is the 
 best disciplined body of troops that he has ever seen. That s 
 saying a good bit. 
 
 Yours, &c., T. II. P. 
 
338 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 At the same time appeared in the paper an ex 
 tract from a letter in reference to Lieut. -Col. E. 
 Schall s humane feelings towards his men. 
 
 Col. Hartranft having been frequently called to take charge 
 of other duties than the command of his regiment, and thus 
 leaving the 51st under the command of Lieut. -Col. Edwin 
 Schall, we have often heard complimentary things written 
 home by the soldiers to their friends, of his care over and in 
 terest in his men. We cannot refrain from publishing the fol 
 lowing extract, written by a soldier in the ranks in reference to 
 the attention the Lieut. -Col. bestowed upon his men. It proves 
 conclusively that there is a deep and abiding affection between 
 the men and this officer: 
 
 " I must not let our Lieut. -Col. E. Schall pass unnoticed 
 in this place for his untiring efforts to lighten the burden of our 
 late inarch as much as was in his power to do. I speak the 
 sentiments of his whole command when I say his generous 
 deeds will live while memory sits upon its throne. lie forgot 
 himself in the interest of his men, marching at the head of his 
 regiment on foot, while the leaser able to walk were put upon 
 his horse s back. Did any other regimental commander make 
 such a sacrifice in the whole corps ? I think not." 
 
 OH AFTER IY. 
 
 Leaving Milldale McCalPs News of surrender of Vicksburg 
 Movement toward the Big Black Sherman in command 
 Destruction on the march Tyranny of Col. Le Gendre 
 Crossing the Big Black Bad water Awful storm Corres 
 pondence The march to Jackson Continuous fighting 
 Daring of Bob Roberts Retreat of the rebels Race for the 
 Capitol Triumphant entry of the 51st, 
 
 ON Monday, June 29th, the regiment struck tents 
 at Milldale, and moved out towards the Big Black 
 river about nine miles, and went into camp in a 
 woods at " McCall s." This move was in anticipation 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 339 
 
 of the surrender of Gen. Pemberton with his rebel 
 army in Vicksburg, and to place the troops in closer 
 proximity to Johnston s army, to watch his move 
 ments and to prevent him from making any attempt 
 at rescuing the army then beseiged in Vicksburg. 
 Here the 51st fitted up a most comfortable camp, 
 but it was not to be of much use, for at 10 A. M. 
 on Saturday, July 4th, 1863, Gen. Grant received 
 the surrender of Vicksburg. The fall of that place 
 rendered necessary an immediate movement against 
 Gen. Joe Johnston, who was in strong force (28,000) 
 on the Big Black river. Immediately after the sur 
 render a courier made his appearance in the road in 
 front of the 51st P. V. and publicly proclaimed the 
 downfall of the southwestern key to the great re 
 bellion. Cheer upon cheer went up for the great 
 victory, and the good news filled the hearts of the 
 soldiers with sweet anticipations of a long and quiet 
 rest from exposure to the almost tropical sun. But 
 the work was not yet done, for while all hearts were 
 beating high at the bright prospect of a speedy ter 
 mination of the war, orders came in to be ready for 
 an advance at 12 A. M. of that day. Accordingly at 
 the hour appointed the army (-11,000) under Gen. 
 Sherman was in motion, " filing right" towards the 
 enemy. The army had divided into two columns 
 and marched against Johnston by two different roads. 
 Nearly all the western troops took the road to the 
 right, while the 9th Corps proceeded on the road to 
 the left. Col. Hartranft in command of the brigade, 
 and Lieut. -Col. Schall of the regiment. Nothing in 
 terfered with the progress of the 51st until about 
 9 P. M. when in the Cimmerian darkness, the artil 
 lery so blocked up the road that the regiment pitched 
 
340 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 headlong against horses, guns and caissons, produc 
 ing so much confusion that the men were unable to 
 either find the road or their places in the ranks. 
 Lieut. -Col. Schall at once determined to bivouack 
 then and there for the night, and await the approach 
 of daylight. When it dawned such a shapeless 
 mass of confusion revealed itself to the army, that 
 they ceased to wonder why they had all lost them 
 selves the night before. Here was a caisson locked 
 in with a wagon, there the artillery horses tangled 
 up with the mule teams, another place a capsized 
 gun, another or perhaps two or three wagons over 
 turned, and the road filled with debris of the wreck 
 of the several kinds of trains, all caused by the in 
 tense darkness of the night by which the whole 
 column lost its way and bivouacked in a cotton 
 field instead of the road. Heavy black clouds like 
 wise assisted in making the darkness more opaque, 
 and almost felt. On Sunday morning, July 5th, the 
 column again unwound its coils of confusion, and 
 like a huge anaconda at the start, slowly moving off 
 until its whole length was like one perfect moving 
 panorama. The commanding officers of corps, divi 
 sions, brigades and regiments, displayed admirable 
 skill in the manner they so promptly brought out 
 order and discipline from chaos and dire confusion. 
 The day opened beautifully, clear, but hot. If there 
 is any other word to express intense heat besides 
 hot, it should be employed here, for the latter only 
 conveys but a faint meaning of that day s heat. 
 
 The sufferings of the men from sheer heat and 
 for the want of water while on this move, can only 
 be known by those who participated in it. 
 
 The regiment having corne up by noon of the oth 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 341 
 
 to Johnston s forces near the Big Black, it halted, 
 and bivouacked in a woods at the roadside oppo 
 site to a number of large buildings belonging to an 
 extensive cotton plantation. Considerable skirmish 
 ing took place, and continued that afternoon until 
 long after dark. Soon after halting at this woods, 
 several batteries of western artillery came up and 
 halted on the open ground where stood the build 
 ings. After fixing up temporary quarters for them 
 selves, they mingled freely with the 51st P. V. and 
 51st N. Y. and asked, "why have you not fired those 
 buildings?" being answered, " we can t say." they re 
 marked " they ve got to come down, that s so !" And 
 soon after, what had been costly structures, were 
 made heaps of smouldering ashes. So determined 
 were these western troops to lay waste southern 
 property, that the column in which the 9th Corps 
 marched, could distinguish the route that Sherman 
 was taking with the right wing, although many 
 miles apart. Dense columns of black smoke reached 
 to the clouds and pointed out his course by day, 
 and bright fires cast their rays high up in the sky at 
 night. 
 
 The regiment quartered in this woods until Tues 
 day the 7th at 3 p. M, (while the advance were 
 throwing a temporary bridge across the Big Black, 
 Johnston having previously destroyed it and in fact 
 all other bridges across that deep stream.) when it 
 began its march again for the river two miles dis 
 tant. But if the heat had been great previous to 
 this, the great heat of the infernal regions only could 
 compare with this Tuesday. Col. Le Gendre of the 
 51st N, Y. led the advance of the brigade, the 51st 
 P. V. following next, and when within a few yards 
 
342 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 of the river, whose banks were well shaded by a 
 thick growth of trees, came to a halt (as a couple of 
 hours more work was necessary to complete the 
 bridge in order to cross) in a sort of a half basin, 
 each flank and rear being shut in by high hills and 
 lofty eminences, excluding from this hollow all 
 chances for a circulation of air. This tyrant refused 
 to move his regiment up to the inviting shade, but 
 took good caie to seek it for himself, leaving his 
 men to suffer in the broiling sun, and compelling 
 other more humane officers from bringing their regi 
 ments up for shelter, as it was too unmilitary to 
 march one regiment past another. Lieut. -Col. Schall 
 begged of him as a necessity and for the safety of the 
 men, to move nearer the shade, so his (Schall s) men 
 could be protected from the Lot sun. But this 
 pompous French gentleman turned deaf ears to all 
 of Lieut. Col. S. s importunities. Other regimental 
 commanders appealed to him for "God s sake to go 
 on out of the scorching hot sun," but all to no pur 
 pose, (even the threats and curses of the enlisted men 
 fell on his ears as if he was dead to hearing, to hu 
 mane feelings or anything pertaining to a man who 
 held the lives of brave men as something that pos 
 sessed the sense of feeling.) Lieut.-Col. Schall find 
 ing that his pleadings could not find a tender chord 
 in the French colonel s heart, he turned to the men 
 and told them to shelter themselves in whatever way 
 they could find protection from the sun, besides 
 cautioning them in parental tones not to indulge too 
 freely in drinking water that flowed in the sluggish 
 river close by. 
 
 The men taking him at his word, sought such 
 shelter as they could find; every little ragweed only 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 343 
 
 a foot high was sought out, and a head would be 
 thrust under its branches to get what little shade its 
 tiny leaves afforded, but it is impossible to describe 
 the agony of those suffering men, but hundreds, aye, 
 thousands! who were down there can bear me wit 
 ness when I say it was all that a hell is represented 
 to be. 
 
 The obstinacy of Col. Le Grendre made him very 
 unpopular in his own regiment, as well as with the 
 officers and men of the whole brigade. As everything 
 has an end, so it was with this torture. The bridge 
 being finished by 5 p. M., the troops began to cross, 
 but the exposure in this fiery furnace told severely 
 on the strength of the men, for in less than one mile 
 of inarching no less than thirty-five men belon-jing 
 to the 35th Mass, fell from sunstroke, seventeen of 
 which proved fatal. Fifteen men of the llth N. H. 
 received sunstroke, two of whom fell dead. Several 
 of the two 51sts also suffered from sunstroke, but 
 none fatal, and all this through a man, unfit to have 
 the care of anything with feeling, being clothed with 
 a little brief authority and a pair of plated eagles on 
 his shoulders; but I am digressing. If in the past it 
 was troublesome to find water, I do not know what 
 to call it after the regiment had left the river. From 
 that liver until the regiment arrived near Jackson, 
 the only water to be obtained was from stagnant 
 ponds in fields, where horses, mules and cattle all 
 rushed wildly in along with the men to slake their 
 almost unquenchable thirst. Many of those ponds 
 contained the carcasses of dead horses, mules and 
 dogs, and were covered with a nasty revolting green 
 scum full an inch thick, and as stringy as toasted 
 cheese; the rushing in of the animals for a drink 
 
344 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 would stir up the mud and filth, making it so thick 
 that it might only be correctly compared to the 
 slime or white of an egg. Other regiments suffered 
 terribly by sickness from the use of this water, and 
 although the 51st P. V. had to use it the same as the 
 rest, yet it was surprising what little sickness it had 
 in comparison to any and all other regiments. 
 
 About 9 o clock at night of the 7th, while the 
 regiment was still on the march, a very terrific 
 thunder-storm burst in all its fury on the heads 
 of the marching troops; peal upon peal of the most 
 terrible and awful thunder that any one ever heard, 
 with not the slightest intermission, filled the angry 
 elements with a deafening roar. The vivid flashes 
 of lightning could only be compared to the ignition 
 of floating air, the rain poured down in fearful tor 
 rents ; yet on plodded the nearly drowned soldiers, but 
 so intensely bright was the flashes of lightning that 
 the whole column came to an involuntary halt, as if 
 in holy reverence to Him who rides and rules the 
 storms. It was certainly a most singular thing to 
 see the whole column halt as if the command had 
 been inven by one human voice. Not only the men, 
 but the horses that were ridden by the officers also 
 came to a halt as sudden as if shot dead at the 
 instant, nor with any amount of urging with swords, 
 whips or spurs could the animals be induced to 
 proceed a step further. Lieut. Col. Schall in his 
 correspondence to the "Defender" gives a beautiful 
 account of that night s storm, which we here give 
 below. Although some paragraphs are a repetition 
 of what is told above, yet it is full of interesting 
 matter. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 345 
 
 NEAR VICKSBURG, Miss., July 17th, 1863. 
 
 " Vicksburg has surrendered! 1 At 10 o ^ clock McPherson s 
 corps will take formal possession of the City f" was the shout of 
 a mounted officer as he rode through our camp on that bright, 
 clear morning of Independence Day. Vicksburg, indeed, had 
 fallen, and at 10 o clock our forces under McPberson marched 
 into the city and planted the glorious ensign over its once proud 
 and defiant, but now humble and subdued people. Memorable 
 as the day already is, it is doubly so, if possible, by the brilliant 
 and substantial achievement of this day. It is, indeed, as Jeff. 
 Davis has well said, the " vital point," and from this hour we 
 can see the end of this wicked rebellion. 
 
 Now, that the foe in our immediate front was conquered, and 
 his stronghold in our possession, it becomes necessary to pay 
 our respects to Johnston, who was threatening our rear and 
 promising deliverance to the beleaguered garrison of Vicksburg. 
 It was while all were quietly seated under the many shade 
 trees discussing the news of the day, that an orderly brought 
 in the following order : 
 
 HEAD-QUARTERS, OTH ARMY CORPS, 
 
 NEAR VICKSBURG, July kth, 1863. 
 GENERAL ORDERS, No. 7. 
 
 All commanders will see that their troops are well provided 
 with five days rations in haversacks and regimental wagons, 
 cartridges at the rate of 150 per man wagons not to exceed 
 three to a regiment, one for ammunition and two for cooking 
 utensils and provisions and two ambulances for the sick and 
 wounded. Great attention should be paid to providing water, 
 for which purpose each company should have a pack mule, 
 with two small kegs on a saddle to which the canteens of the 
 men can be suspended. 
 
 By command of 
 
 (Signed) Major-General J. G. PARKE. 
 
 NICHOLAS BOWEN, 
 
 Ass t Adj t Gen. 
 
 To get ready for the march was but the work of a moment. 
 The little shelter tents soon disappeared from sight, knapsacks 
 were packed, and at about 5 o clock, the regiment was formed, 
 and stacking arms, waited by the roadside for the order to move 
 
 16 
 
346 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 on. At six o clock it came. Slowly the column moved over 
 the dusty road, the long wagon train preventing rapid progress. 
 Darkness settled over us, but still we moved on. It was prob 
 ably ten o clock when the order was given to halt, and bivouac 
 for the night. The character of the ground was far from favor 
 able for troops to spend a night, on, but it was the best that 
 could be done, and so dispensing, in a great measure, with the 
 usual cup of coffee, most of us laid down to find rest in sleep. 
 
 The march was renewed the following morning at six o clock. 
 The air at first was cool, but as time passed it grew warmer. 
 We did not, however, go far before a halt was ordered, and 
 drawing up in line of battle a little from the roadside, arms 
 were stacked, and the men permitted to enjoy a rest of several 
 hours. We did not learn why this long halt was ordered, but 
 suppose there was some confusion of orders, our division mov 
 ing at the hour fixed for the first division, and thus blocking up 
 our way. 
 
 It was past noon when the march was resumed. When we 
 say it was warm, we mean it, as the soldiers with their heavy 
 knapsacks upon their backs, can testify. We halted within 
 two miles of the Big Black river, and bivouacked in the 
 woods. 
 
 During the night we heard cannonading for some fifteen 
 mintites. As we had heard of no firing through the day, 
 many thought the rebels had surprised our forces, but it did 
 not prove to be so. The firing was one-sided our men doing 
 all of it. 
 
 At mid-day we received orders to be ready to leave at four 
 o clock ; but when the hour arrived, it was changed to an early 
 hour in the morning. Towards evening we were favored with 
 a refreshing shower, which cooled the atmosphere and laid the 
 dust that had constantly swept through our camp, filling our 
 nostrils with it. The change was a delightful one, and all felt, 
 extremely happy with the prospect of enjoying a pure and 
 refreshing sleep through the night. 
 
 At noon on the 7th inst., we filed out of the woods, and pro 
 ceeded towards the Big Black river. The heat was intense 
 the bright rays of the sun telling fearfully upon the men. There 
 were no trees to interpose themselves between it and us to pro 
 tect us in a great measure from its effects. Heavy clouds of 
 dust rose and encircled us, as if our punishment was not already 
 enough. No pen can describe the reality. That hot sun 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 347 
 
 shining down upon us with all the wrath of a large furnace, 
 its very brightness dazzling your eyes, the close, stifled air, the 
 dust, dust, dust, and the long open fields over which we moved, 
 are strongly impressed upon the mind. And we never can for 
 get the weary, exhausted soldiers who marched under this hot, 
 broiling sun. How they suffered! Many laid down by the 
 way, to be picked up by the surgeons in a wild and delirious 
 state the inevitable result of sunstroke. Some there were 
 who fell down in the ranks, whom no earthly power could re 
 store to consciousness, death having done his work quickly. 
 Yes, it was an afternoon long to be remembered. The Big- 
 Black is reached. We crossed this muddy, narrow, but deep 
 stream, on a rude, hastily constructed bridge, and pushed for 
 ward for the woods ahead. At last it is reached, but it was 
 about all that human strength could accomplish. We did not 
 have all with us when we halted, for one by one had sought 
 refuge under the shade trees by the way. 
 
 We had especial cause to be thankful, for while many in the 
 regiments of our brigade and division were laid low by sun 
 stroke, all of our men escaped it. And when we again moved 
 on, most of the men had joined the regiment, having recovered 
 from the exhaustion caused by the heat. 
 
 We leisurely pursued our way until near dusk, when an 
 hour s halt was ordered, to give the troops an opportunity to 
 prepare coffee. The time was well improved. Nothing, as our 
 readers must be aware, so refreshes soldiers on the march as a 
 warm cup of coffee. 
 
 As darkness settled over us we filed out into the narrow road, 
 with our minds made up for a whole night s march. True, 
 there was no hot sun to shine upon us, but still it was very 
 close, and made marching very hard for the men ; but they, 
 almost to a man, kept up with the regiment, though, in many 
 instances, doing injury to themselves by exerting themselves so 
 much, when they ought to have been in ambulances. Perhaps 
 this spirit among the men to avoid straggling behind is owing 
 to the reputation which the regiment enjoys among its sister 
 regiments for its general good health, power of endurance and 
 excellent marching. 
 
 As the night advanced, heavy clouds arose, little gales of wind 
 sprung up, the heavens grew darker and darker, the lightning s 
 flash became more vivid, the distant roll of thunder grew 
 louder, large drops of rain commenced falling, and soon the 
 
348 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-FIEST REGIMENT 
 
 storm was upon us. It was a fearful night! The storm was 
 terrible! Never, never, did we witness such a night! The 
 lightning was incessant there was no pause, no flash of light 
 now, then darkness; but there was a continuous light, and 
 such sharp flashes as to fairly blind your eyes, and cause them 
 to suffer with pain. And, oh! what terrific thunder! Here 
 peal after peal, sharp and quick, startled us as we stood in the 
 road. And the rain! how it drenched one and all. It seemed 
 to us as if by a common impulse the whole column halted 
 when the lightning was most vivid, the thunder most terrific, 
 and the rain most copious, as if in humble recognition of the 
 power of the Great above, and as an acknowledgment of the 
 weakness and utter helplessness of man. 
 
 After the storm had somewhat subsided, we moved forward 
 about an hundred yards and bivouacked in the fields on the 
 right and left of the road. The rain continued to fall through 
 the night, and the result was that many did not get much sleep, 
 as the water would accumulate on the ground, compelling them 
 to " evacuate their position." 
 
 The night was succeeded by a bright, clear morning, and, 
 fortunately for the troops, orders were issued to cook rations 
 for three days, which was equivalent to an order to remain for 
 the greater part of the day. This afforded the men an oppor 
 tunity to dry their clothes, which was, as may be readily sup 
 posed, well improved. 
 
 At 4 o clock in the afternoon the column was again put in 
 motion. We will not stop to speak of passing incidents along 
 the road. It was 1 o clock in the morning before we halted for 
 rest and sleep. The men were quite tired, and as soon as dis 
 missed, laid down to sleep. 
 
 Early in the morning the march was resumed. At noon we 
 halted for dinner, and laid in the woods until 5 o clock. It was 
 late in the evening when we halted to bivouac for the night. 
 The heat exhausted the men very much, but more than all, the 
 scarcity of good water. Much of the time the men were com 
 pelled to drink out of ponds, the water of which our Pennsyl 
 vania farmers would deem unfit for their horses. 
 
 Friday morning more than usual stir was visible among the 
 troops, for this day they expected to engage the enemy, as he 
 was reported in our immediate front. The following order, 
 too, seemed to confirm the expectations of the troops : 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 349 
 
 HEAD-QUARTERS, SD BRIGADE, 2o Div., 
 
 July lOtft, 1863. 
 CIRCULAR : 
 
 Commandants of regiments will hold their commands in 
 readiness to move upon the enemy at a moment s notice. 
 
 Knapsacks and shelter tents will be piled on a heap, and left 
 in camp under guard of invalids. 
 By command of 
 
 J. F. HARTRANFT, 
 
 Col. Cornel g 3d Brigade. 
 (Signed) 
 G. H. McKiBBiN, A. A. General. 
 
 The distance from here to the city of Jackson was about six 
 miles. It was not long after the above order was received, that 
 the command, " fall in, " rang along the road. After the forma 
 tion of the brigade, each regimental commander was required 
 to make out a report of the number of enlisted men and officers 
 present. The total of our regiment summed up as follows : 
 twenty officers and two hundred and seventy enlisted men. 
 The whole number of enlisted men in the brigade did not ex 
 ceed one thousand and twenty. 
 
 We moved very slowly over the road and fields, as our skir 
 mishers were pushing the enemy back. There were frequent 
 haltings, and it was not till near sundown that we drew in sight 
 of the Asylum, a short distance this side of Jackson. There 
 were all sorts of rumors during the day of the enemy evacuat 
 ing the city, and our forces being in it, but which proved, like 
 most camp stories, without truth. 
 
 While watching our skirmishers advancing over the fields 
 and through the woods, we received orders to bivouac for the 
 night ; but just as the men were building their fires to cook, we 
 were again ordered forward. We marched some two miles, 
 formed in line of battle, sent pickets out, and enjoyed a very 
 good night s sleep. During the night large fires were seen in 
 the direction of the city. It was supposed by many that the 
 rebels were destroying their commissary stores preparatory to 
 evacuating the city. Such, however, could not have been the 
 fact ; for the length of time they occupied the city thereafter 
 contradicted it, and renders it impossible. 
 
 Early on Saturday morning, the brigade advanced toward 
 the city. Our progress was necessarily slow. The Asylum was 
 
350 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 * 
 
 reached at about eight o clock ; filing round it, we moved down 
 to the left. As we passed through the field several shells came 
 whizzing over us, but did no damage. The little minies, too, 
 came singing over us, but they too, did us no harm. 
 
 The skirmishers having just moved over the ground, and not 
 knowing the exact position of them, the column was halted, and 
 the desired information obtained ; after which our regiment ad 
 vanced to the support of the 2d Mich., which was then skir 
 mishing with the enemy. We formed in line of battle, our 
 right resting near the right of the skirmishers. As then the 
 whole line needed support, the regiment was so divided as to 
 be able to give proper support on the right, left, and centre. 
 
 We were visited during the day by quite a heavy shower of 
 rain. It had, at least, the good effect of cooling the atmos 
 phere, and rendering it more pleasant for those skirmishing. 
 Our skirmishers and those of the enemy kept up a very livel} 
 fire all day ; and even in the midst of the heavy rain, it did no; 
 cease. 
 
 On Sunday there was very heavy firing along the whole line. 
 It seemed as if a general engagement had taken place on oui 
 right. Such, however, was not the case. To-day we received 
 the cheering news of the defeat of Lee and the surrender oi 
 Port Hudson. How the gladsome news caused each counte 
 nance to lighten up with joy ! With Vicksburg in our pos 
 session, and now Port Hudson, too, and last, not least, the dis 
 astrous rout of Lee, there was everything to excite the liveliest 
 emotion of joy and gratitude, and to inspire each heart with 
 the double assurance that the end was near. 
 
 In the evening and all the night long, the regiment was em 
 ployed in digging rifle-pits. It was pretty hard work, the more 
 so as there was a scarcity of picks. They went, however, at it 
 with a will, and the opening of the following day disclosed to the 
 enemy a pretty strong line of pits. 
 
 On the afternoon of the 13th the enemy made a demonstra 
 tion against us, more, we suppose, for the purpose of feeling 
 our line to discover the weak points than to force on an en 
 gagement. However, whatever may have been their design, 
 they were driven back with less men than they appeared. They 
 did not repeat the demonstration. 
 
 On Tuesday we were relieved, and marched about a mile to 
 the rear. The men were very glad of the opportunity to enjoy 
 a respite from their severe duty of constant watchfulness, and 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 351 
 
 the suspense in which they were constantly kept by the position 
 of the two armies. During the afternoon of this day, hostilities 
 were suspended for several hours in order to bury the dead. 
 
 On Wednesday morning one hundred men were detailed from 
 our regiment to go on a secret expedition. They were divided 
 into two companies, one being under the command of Capt. L. 
 S. Hart, and the other under Capt. Linn. There were, besides 
 these, one hundred men detailed from the remaining regiments 
 of our brigade, making a total force of two hundred men, un 
 der command of Maj. Wright of the 51st N. Y. Their mission 
 was fully and satisfactorily accomplished, and all returned in 
 safety to the camp. This expedition, we doubt not, hastened 
 the subsequent abandonment of Jackson by the enemy. 
 
 We changed our camp to-day, moving further to the left. 
 In the evening we received orders to be ready to move at an 
 early hour to the front. 
 
 It was half past 2 o clock on Thursday morning when we 
 again moved to the front. As heretofore the skirmishers kept 
 up a continual fire through the day. In the afternoon our skir 
 mishers advanced to feel the rebel lines, but they found them in 
 force, and again fell back to the pits. It was in this demonstra 
 tion that Libol Breinholtz, of the 50th Penn., was very severely 
 wounded. 
 
 During the night the moving of wagons and artillery could 
 be very plainly heard, but being on the extreme left it was not 
 certain whether the enemy were evacuating the place, or mov 
 ing to our left with the intention of breaking it. 
 
 At 3 o clock in the morning we relieved the skirmishers in 
 our front. About daylight the order came to advance skir 
 mishers. Soon the whole line of skirmishers advanced across 
 the country. The enemy s rifle-pits were soon reached, but 
 the bird had flown, and left behind him two large seige guns. 
 
 The Second Brigade was the first to enter the city and 
 plant the colors upon the dome of the Capitol. It was matter 
 for much congratulation that our corps was the first to enter 
 the city. The Western troops, on the other hand, felt much 
 mortified, and said that we were too fast, that we had advanced 
 without orders, and like pleas for their tardiness. Our corps, 
 at least the 2d Brigade, was an hour in the city before any of 
 the Western troops arrived. Some of the men took especial de 
 light in teasing them for what they did to us when W T C first 
 joined them. As they moved towards the State-house, regi- 
 
352 HISTORY OF THE FJFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 ment after regiment, some would sing out every once and 
 awhile, " Boys, you are too late, the whiskey is all gone, the 
 9th Army Corps got all of it over an hour ago." This grated 
 harshly on their ears, not the matter of whiskey, but the fact of 
 the 9th Army Corps getting first into Jackson. Some of them 
 could not, however, with these facts before them, resist the 
 temptation to tease our men with their want of success in the 
 East and their constant retreats, &c. Whenever they did, they 
 received the following sharp repartee " Never mind, boys, we 
 walked into Jackson while you were lying asleep in the bushes 
 and firing at imaginary rebels." 
 
 The city of Jackson is the capital of Mississippi. Some parts 
 of it are quite attractive. There are a few very fine private 
 residences. It is, or rather was, a much prettier place than 
 Vicksburg. The rebels destroyed several blocks of buildings 
 the night they retreated. During the day the Western troops 
 fired quite a number of buildings, so that by night a goodly 
 portion of the city was in ashes. 
 
 In the evening we returned to our old camp. Thus ended 
 the eight days seige of Jackson. We have special reason to be 
 thankful for our deliverance from death and serious injury. 
 Of the two hundred and seventy men who, with the exception 
 of two days, w r ere constantly in the front, only one man, Sergt. 
 Benj. White, of Co. F, was seriously injured, though some ten 
 or fifteen more were grazed or struck by spent balls. 
 
 On Monday morning we commenced moving back to Vicks 
 burg. On Thursday we reached our old camp, after the most 
 severe marching our regiment ever performed. We have not 
 the time now much as we would desire to refer to the inci 
 dents of this march. We may take occasion to do so at an 
 other period. Begging pardon for the abrupt manner in which 
 we bring this letter to a close, we remain, 
 
 Yours, &c., E. S. 
 
 After the storm somewhat abated, the heaviest 
 peals of thunder over, and the lightning s flash be 
 gan to move off in the distance, the regiment with 
 the whole column moved off again, but the abund 
 ant supply of water had made further marching im 
 possible, for what had only a short time before been 
 stifling dust was now a bed of rnire, and the column 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 353 
 
 hulled for the night after floundering through the 
 mud about an eighth of a mile. When the column 
 made its involuntary halt, the men, in conversation 
 among themselves, protested against proceeding any 
 further that night they were dripping with water, 
 their boots and shoes were filled with the liquid 
 that had drenched them to the skin and ran down 
 their legs into their foot gear, and swearing that if 
 Gen. Parke wished to go on he could do so ; but they 
 were going to leave the ranks and look out for them 
 selves. Consequently when the column started off 
 again three-fifths of the men made good their word 
 by filing to either side of the road to quarter for the 
 night, so as the column moved the men kept falling 
 out at every step and not unfrequently did the offi 
 cers follow. Had Gen. Parke persisted in continu 
 ing the march that night it might be safe to say he 
 could not have mustered one hundred men out of 
 his whole command at the end of a mile. When 
 daylight appeared next day the men found them 
 selves scattered at great distances from their colors, 
 but all immediately tore down their rudely construc 
 ted quarters and began to seek out their respective 
 regiments, which they found had marched the night 
 before only a couple of hundred yards after they had 
 fallen out. They needed not to hurry themselves, 
 for after reaching their colors they found orders had 
 been issued to cook three days rations, which would 
 take several hours to accomplish. 
 
 At this place a well newly dug had been discov 
 ered. It had evidently been- dug by Johnston s 
 army, as the dirt around it indicated that it had re 
 cently been turned up. This well contained about 
 twelve feet of water. Its discovery was through the 
 
 16* 
 
354: HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 agency of an old negro man residing in the vicinity. 
 When first found the well had been dug down at the 
 sides about four feet, rudely covered over with 
 slabs, boards and brush, this basin then filled up 
 with earth even to the surface of the ground, and 
 then vehicles drawn over it to hide every vestige of 
 such a prize, by making ruts, to give it the appear 
 ance of solid ground. After being opened, so great 
 was the rush for water that the supply was exhausted 
 in a very short time. Strings were tied to tin cups, 
 canteens, buckets, mess-pans and camp kettles, and 
 lowered^to the water. A dozen would be descend 
 ing while another dozen were being hauled up, only 
 to be spilled by the men eager to grasp it and run. 
 In the middle of the afternoon orders to resume 
 the march were issued, and the column began to 
 wind around a sharp curve to the left in the road at 
 4 P. M. After marching a few miles orders were is 
 sued to the men to capture all the mules or horses 
 they could find along the line of march, and men 
 were detailed to carry out the order. They were 
 also to fasten canteens on the animals, to be filled 
 with water for the use of the men, as water was only 
 to be obtained by going a great distance for it. The 
 mules were captured, but very little water was con 
 veyed to the troops by that means, as their riders 
 preferred using their speed for their own private 
 wants, foraging for watermelons, peaches, figs, and 
 other fruits of that region, while the troops were 
 suffering with thirst. Some few yes, very few did 
 their duty honorably. A member of Co. D, Wm. 
 Jenkins, deserves especial mention ; he had cap 
 tured a jackass and not only supplied his own com 
 pany with water when he could find it, but supplied 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 355 
 
 a number of men of other companies. About 1.80 
 A. M. (the 9th) the regiment halted for the remainder 
 of the night. The men were too much fatigued to 
 make a cup of coffee, and threw themselves down on 
 the ground to get a little rest and sleep. At 6 
 o clock A. M. of the 9th they fell in again and 
 marched until noon, with only three rests in the six 
 hours. The heat was excessive, and the men began 
 to lag behind from exhaustion, although striving to 
 their utmost to keep up with their colors. March 
 ing across a large field, a beautiful grove appeared 
 in view, and when reached, the brigade halted and 
 stayed there until 5 P. M. The change from tightly 
 buckled accoutrements and the rays of a dazzling, 
 scorching sun, to the reanimating shade, cool air and 
 loosened clothing, was too enchanting to be fully ap 
 preciated by any one who never experienced pre 
 cisely the same thing. Water, too, was here ! pure, 
 limpid water, that was so often sought for but so 
 seldom found. At 5 P. M., with many regrets for 
 the good water that had to be left behind, the col 
 umn started again. Being now close on Johnston s 
 heels, the march became more tedious, the skirmish 
 ing more frequent, and the firing more rapid teams 
 and artillery blocking up the road. The regiment 
 came to a halt about 8 o clock that night, in a woods 
 close to the roadside, only a short distance from 
 Jackson. Here the men quartered for the night, 
 tolerably comfortable, if we except the scarcity of 
 water. At daylight next morning (10th) heavy 
 firing began all along the front, and preparations 
 were made for leaving to meet the enemy at once 
 and attack him before he could get behind his en 
 trenchments. Orders were issued for everything 
 
356 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 burdensome to be left behind under guard of the 
 sick and worn-out. 
 
 Col. J. F. Hartranft made his headquarters in an 
 ambulance, he being unable, from sickness, to sit 
 up, but reclining on the cushions of the seats, he 
 dispatched orders and manoeuvred his command as 
 skilfully as if able to sit on his horse and attend to 
 the details in person. He possessed for an assis 
 tant adjutant general, Capt. G. H. McKibbin a host 
 within himself and who was without a doubt one of 
 the bravest among the brave, and a fit companion 
 in courage and skill for the intrepid Hartranft. 
 
 At 6.20 A. M. of the 10th the regiment formed on 
 the color line, and the true strength of the regiment 
 taken by the adjutant and sergeant major, who re 
 ported fit for field duty, 20 officers and 251 enlisted 
 men, besides 19 enlisted men unfit to participate in 
 a battle, summing up 20 officers and 270 enlisted 
 men as the total strength of the 51st present that 
 day. 
 
 After the report was made the column again ad 
 vanced to the support of the skirmishers, who now 
 were engaging the enemy near his earthworks in 
 front of Jackson. The marching was toilsome and 
 slow, for the enemy stubbornly contested every inch 
 of ground, and would only give way when no longer 
 able to hold his position. Fifty to one hundred 
 yards would be as far as the column could move at 
 a time, making it very painful to stand in the ranks 
 until ordered to proceed. Some halts would be for 
 only a few seconds, others for an hour, and when the 
 Asylum (the first building in view on the outskirts 
 of the city) was first seen, it was nearly sundown. 
 
 The regiment drew up in line of battle in a field 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 357 
 
 about a mile west of the Asylum, stacked arms and 
 demolished the fencing preparatory to making a cup 
 of coffee, some few fires were started, when orders 
 were given to " fall in." It was now nearly dark. 
 The regiment moved by the road to the rear of the 
 Insane Asylum, into a field on the side of the road 
 opposite to the mansion of the rebel colonel, Oscar 
 J. Stuart, and there drew up in line of battle again, 
 and sent out a strong picket line about one hundred 
 yards in its front. The regiment then lay in line on 
 their arms all night. 
 
 On the morning of the llth orders were issued 
 for the 2d Brigade, 2d Division, to advance on the 
 city. Col. Hartranft not being able to get his ambu 
 lance on the field of battle, sent it to the rear out of 
 the way of the ponderous shells that now filled the 
 air. He mounted his horse, although scarcely able 
 to sit there, and led his brigade into action, making 
 his charger leap a frightful chasm that very few men 
 in sound health would dare attempt. After get 
 ting his men posted to suit him, he became so weak 
 and exhausted that he had to withdraw from the 
 field, but not from active command. The battle 
 field was his glory, and if he could not remain on it 
 he was determined not to be far from it. 
 
 It was about 9 A. M. of the llth when the regi 
 ment became engaged with the enemy. Skirmishers 
 were thrown out and the column followed to their 
 support, the 51st P. V. supporting the 2d Michigan, 
 who now were engaging the foe. The engagement 
 now became general, and wounded men were being 
 borne to the rear in large numbers. 
 
 One man of Co. A, Capt. Jos. K. Bolton, by name 
 of Robert Roberts, deserves special mention for his 
 
358 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-FIKST KEGIMENT 
 
 daring in this day s fight. While others were lying 
 as close to the ground on the brow of the hill as 
 they could get, "Bob" stood on his feet loading and 
 firing from the going in of the regiment until night, 
 exposing himself as a target the whole day to the 
 entire fire of the enemy s centre without receiving 
 a scratch. His mode to escape being hit was some 
 what original. As soon as he fired, he would drop 
 the butt of his gun on the ground, grasp it by the 
 muzzle, and dragging it after him, loading and cap 
 ping it while traversing a circle of about twenty-five 
 yards in diameter, continually keeping himself in 
 motion, standing in no place for a single instant only 
 while firing. His captain remonstrated with him 
 for foolishly exposing himself, when he could do his 
 share by lying down and firing with his regiment. 
 Capt. Bolton, though, was nearly as bad as "Bob," 
 for every few minutes he exposed himself to the 
 same dangers, to satisfy his curiosity, by trying to 
 see what effect the firing of Sherman s men was 
 having on the enemy. 
 
 When darkness set in, entrenching tools were 
 issued to the troops, for the purpose of throwing up 
 breastworks for the protection of the pickets. The 
 51st worked all night at its line of pits, and ere 
 daylight came the line was complete from right to 
 left, and it must have somewhat surprised the enemy 
 to see such a formidable work thrown up in such 
 short time. Here the regiment lay four days and 
 nights in battle. On the third day of the attack, 
 the enemy arose to their feet and " fixed bayonets" 
 for a charge upon our works. Col. Schall immedi 
 ately warned his command that the charge must be 
 repelled, let the sacrifice cost -what it may. But the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 359 
 
 regiment needed no such warning, for at the instant 
 the enemy sprang to his feet, so did the 51st, with 
 their bayonets fixed as soon as the rebels were. A 
 certain regiment that was supporting the 51st be 
 came so alarmed at the sudden appearance of the 
 enemy, and the formidable aspect of the 51st in reso 
 lutely determing to brave the coming storm, that it 
 ended in a panic, and they wildly rushed to the 
 rear, leaving the 51st to repel the threatened assault 
 as best it might. However, the charge was not made ; 
 and they came back to their old position in about 
 an hour. The 51st kept in line until dark, when 
 they again took their old posts as pickets. The 
 enemy did make a charge on the right of centre, 
 but were repulsed. 
 
 Next day, the 2d Division, 9th Army Corps, was 
 relieved by the 1st Division, 9th Army Corps, and 
 the 51st fell back to a dense pine woods near the 
 Insane Asylum, and went into camp, where all were 
 glad to get a little rest and sleep, after watching in 
 the pits four days and nights without one moment s 
 relief. Even the comfort of a good smoke, or a 
 chew of tobacco, was denied them, as neither 
 smoking nor chewing tobacco could be obtained 
 through friendship or money. Weeds, of nearly 
 all species, were obtained to smoke as a substitute 
 for tobacco many smoking ground coffee, tea, pa 
 per, in fact anything that hands could procure that 
 would burn. 
 
 Soon after getting into camp, their dreams of rest 
 and sleep were dispelled by an order calling for a 
 detail of one hundred men, to start immediately for 
 the Pearl river, on a reconnoitering party that was 
 composed of the 2d brigade alone. As might have 
 
360 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 been expected, Gren. Parke received a genuine 
 "cursing" from all hands. Although unheard by 
 him, he certainly must have felt his ears burn, for he 
 was consigned to all kinds of torture by the already 
 wornout soldiers. 
 
 After the detail started on its secret expedition, 
 the regiment changed camp, and expected to remain 
 in it at least two days ; but, in the evening, the regi 
 ment was again ordered to the front ; at 2 o clock 
 of the next morning the regiment was groping its 
 way, in silence and in darkness, through the woods, 
 ravines and gullies, to its place in front. Arriving 
 there, it relieved the 2d Michigan Sharpshooters. 
 
 In the afternoon, our troops advanced their skir 
 mishers to feel the enemy s line ; but they had no 
 need to go far, for the enemy showed too plainly, 
 that they were not only there, but in heavy force. 
 The battle lasted about an hour, and the line fell 
 back to its former position, keeping up a sharp 
 picket firing for the remainder of the day and night. 
 The batteries of both sides kept up a lively artillery 
 duel throughout the night, and a circumstance that 
 happened during the "duel," shows the correct 
 range that both sides had of each other in the 
 pitchy darkness. A little to the right of centre, 
 two shells met in their aerial flight. The explosion 
 of our shell took place on the instant of concussion, 
 directly over our picket line. It caused a very 
 peculiar sound, something like striking two ham 
 mers together. Then came the explosion. The 
 rebel shell must have been of by far the heavier 
 metal, as its force was only partially checked, for it 
 exploded only a little short of its intended object. 
 
 Next morning, the 51st was relieved of the pits, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 361 
 
 and moved about fifty yards to the rear to support 
 the pickets ; which position it occupied until mid 
 night of the 16th of July, when it was ordered to 
 take up a position on the extreme left of the whole 
 line, w. ich was being extended at least one mile 
 further in that direction and towards Pearl river. 
 This movement will never be forgotten by any who 
 participated in it. The nature of the ground was 
 unknown to any one in the brigade the darkness 
 of the night was beyond description, aided by the 
 dark foliage of the almost impenetrable forest, made 
 the progress very tedious, painful, and slow. Te 
 dious, on account of the unevenness of the ground, 
 which was full of deep, narrow ravines, whose sides 
 were as perpendicular as walls ; painful, from get 
 ting entangled and scratched in the green chapparal 
 briars falling in holes, and scrambling; to ascend 
 
 o / o 
 
 the high banks running of eyes against branches 
 of dead underbrush, and striking our legs against 
 stumps and fallen tree-trunks ; slow, through disen 
 gaging clothing, haversacks, accoutrements and guns, 
 from the limbs of felled tree -tops, briars, the dense 
 growth of underbrush and in losing their way 
 in the dark, and getting separated from each other 
 this short move occupied until near daylight. Soon 
 after getting into position, Capt. Bisbing, of Co. I, 
 with Corp. William Dignan, of Co. D, determined 
 on finding the true position of the enemy; and these 
 two sallied forth and went on until they reached 
 the rebel pits, which were empty ! This piece of 
 good news was immediately communicated to Col. 
 Schall, who ordered the regiment to "fall in," as 
 also did the 2d brigade, and at once started towards 
 Jackson. The 51st being on the advance, it had 
 
362 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 proceeded about a mile and a half when the other 
 part of the line perceived the " stars and stripes" 
 moving towards the city ; but, as soon as perceived, 
 the Western troops directly started for the same 
 point, and a race ensued for the entry first into the 
 city. Although the 51st had considerably farther to 
 march than any other part of the line, yet it was the 
 first to attain the object, and planted its colors in 
 front of the Capitol at 6.28, A. M., of July 17th, 1863. 
 This feat was received by the Western troops with 
 a very bad grace. It silenced their abuse against 
 the 9th Army Corps, for the Western troops were con 
 tinually insulting the latter by asking them lt if they 
 came out there to teach them how to retreat, and 
 show them how that Yankee Army of the Potomac 
 could run ?" But, after the fall of Jackson, whenever 
 the Eastern troops were taunted, they retaliated by 
 asking " who had to come away out here to help you 
 take a one-horse town like Vicksburg? who took 
 Jackson for you ?" Such replies had the desired 
 effect, and towards the close of the association of 
 the two armies, quite a strong friendly feeling began 
 to manifest itself between them. The loss of the 
 51st P. V. during the attack on Johnston, was as 
 follows.* 
 
 A number of deaths occurred from sickness that 
 will hereafter be accounted for. 
 
 * Co. F. Sergeant Benjamin F. White and Harry Jacobs, 
 wounded. 
 
 Co. I. Capt. George W. Bisbing, Sergt. Thomas H. Par 
 ker, and Corp. William Pope, wounded. Several more were 
 wounded, the official report says 10. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 363 
 
 CHAPTEK V. 
 
 Sacking of Jackson Frolicsome march to the fort Grotesque 
 costumes and rich scenes Severe marching A land of 
 plenty Rest Foraging in the cornfields Arrival at the 
 Big Black Heavy storm Mud-marching Milldale again 
 Complimentary order from Gen. Grant Correspondence 
 Resignation of Chaplain Mallory. 
 
 AFTER the regiment planted its colors in the front 
 of the Capitol, it stacked arms in the street in front 
 of the Capitol grounds. A detail was made to guard 
 the stacks and another to secure the prisoners who 
 were unable to get far from the city. The 51st se 
 cured about fifty of the Southern chivalry, a number 
 of whom acknowledged that they had just been pa 
 roled at Vicksburg, and had been in Jackson with 
 Johnston s army several days. 
 
 The remainder of the regiment who were not on 
 special duty broke ranks and ransacked the town 
 for tobacco, whiskey, and such valuables as had 
 been left behind by the fleeing citizens on the re 
 treat of Johnston. Tobacco warehouses had been 
 broken open, and the invaders freely supplied them 
 selves with the weed of the very best brands ; none 
 other suited them now. Whiskey was the next thing 
 to be sought out, and a copious supply was found 
 and used, but not a drunken man was to be seen in 
 the whole 9th Corps. After supplying themselves 
 to repletion with tobacco and whiskey, then private 
 property had to suffer. Grocery, dry goods, hat, 
 shoe, millinery and drug stores were broken open 
 and " cleaned out " of every vestige of their con- 
 
364 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REG-IMENT 
 
 tents ; private dwellings entered and plundered of 
 money, jewelry, and all else of any value was car 
 ried off; crockery, chinaware, pianos, furniture, &c., 
 were smashed to atoms; hogsheads of sugar rolled 
 into the street and the heads knocked in and con 
 tents spilled. 
 
 Some rabid Secessionists on leaving the city had 
 set it on fire in several places, and the Union arrny 
 on entering had tried their utmost to stay the de 
 vouring element, bat with no success, as it had got 
 too far under way, and soon some very splendid 
 buildings were reduced to ashes. 
 
 About noon the regiment was ordered to take pos 
 session of a large fort that extended across the main 
 street at its entrance to the city. As the regiment 
 was marching out it made quite a ludicrous appear 
 ance, for the men were dressed in the most laugh 
 able and grotesque habiliments that could be found. 
 Some all clad in female attire, some with hats having 
 crowns a foot high and run up to a point, some with 
 sacques on, some with mantillas, shawls, sun-bon 
 nets, frock skirts, with crinoline over all instead of 
 underneath ; in fact everything was put on that a 
 head, hand, arm, body, a foot or feet could get into, 
 and while marching out to the fort dressed in this 
 fantastical style they carried bonnet and bandboxes 
 in their hands, as if they were about to travel to 
 Europe, or going into the country to spend a few 
 days or weeks. They were followed by the colored 
 females, yelling and screaming with delight, and 
 begging the "Yankees" to u gib us dat bonnit," 
 and "Massa, do please gib me dat fruck;" still an 
 other, " Oh, de Lor bress you, dim (give) me dem 
 hoops," and so many such like expressions beset the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 365 
 
 men, that by the time they arrived at the fort the 
 colored ladies were in possession of nearly every 
 particle of clothing of female wear which the men 
 had. 
 
 Gen. Sherman, in company with several other 
 generals, passed the regiment when so bewitchingly 
 attired, and enjoyed the sight as much as any one 
 could, if the shaking of his sides by laughter was 
 any indication of his enjoyment. Gen. Ferrero also 
 met the regiment, and putting a severely stern look 
 of anger on his countenance, halted his horse as if 
 he intended to rebuke them for their unmilitary ap 
 pearance, when one of the men, who wore an old- 
 fashioned, high-crowned Dunstable bonnet, saluted 
 him with so much sany froid as to make him burst 
 out in a peal of laughter that could not be controlled, 
 and he rode off amid the cheers of the regiment. 
 
 On arriving at the fort a detail of about thirty 
 men was made to guard the two heavy siege guns that 
 had been left behind by Johnston, and the almost 
 innumerable cotton bales that had been used in the 
 construction of the work ; also, to guard some of the 
 more costly edifices and private property in the vi 
 cinity of the fort. 
 
 Towards evening of Friday, July 17th, 1863, the 
 regiment was relieved at the fort by a regiment of 
 Sherman s men. We marched back to the vicinity 
 of the Insane Asylum, and went into camp in a 
 pleasant woods. The next day (18th) the men did 
 no other duty but clean up their arms, accoutre 
 ments, and wash their very scanty stock of clothing, 
 for while on the march from "McCall s" to Jackson 
 the men threw away nearly all their clothing. New 
 blankets, pants, blouses, shirts and tents had all been 
 
366 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 left on the roadside as being too cumbersome, and at 
 the time the regiment encamped at this place scarcely 
 any man was the owner of more than one shirt, and 
 without tent or blanket to protect them from the 
 rays of the sun or to cover them during the night. 
 
 On Sunday (19th) Col. Schall had regimental in 
 spection, and if it was witnessed by any person ig 
 norant of the part the 51st acted in the taking of 
 Jackson, they would certainly have doubted that 
 those men were so destitute of clothing, or so shortly 
 before had been wallowing in the mud of the rifle- 
 pits ; for on this occasion their personal appearance 
 was characteristic of the highest discipline, and 
 received due credit from their beloved commander. 
 
 On Monday, July 20th, the regiment broke camp 
 and began to wend its way back towards Milldale, 
 distant by most direct route forty-four and one-half 
 miles, but by the circuitous route taken by the corps 
 it was full sixty-five miles. It left camp at 4 o clock 
 in the morning and marched on till 11 o clock that 
 night, when it bivouacked in a large field close to a 
 fine mansion that stood on a corner of a cross-roads, 
 about twenty -eight miles from Jackson. There was 
 scarcely thirty guns stacked with the colors, the day 
 had been very hot and sultry, water scarce and 
 filthy, and rations far too meagre for hard march 
 ing, (being only one and a half days rations issued 
 to take them back to Milldale.) The heat and ex 
 cessive marching forced the men to leave the ranks 
 and shelter themselves from the sun s rays among 
 the undergrowth of hedges and woods. The im 
 mense clouds of dust that arose through the march 
 ing column, filled the throats and nostrils almost to 
 suffocation; clothing, hair, faces, whiskers, arms and 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEES. 367 
 
 equipments were so begrimed with dust that every 
 thing and every one was of one color and one com 
 plexion ; the mouth so filled with dust that in clos 
 ing the teeth they grated as if grinding on sand. 
 
 After stacking arms for the night the men began 
 to wander through the darkness in search of water 
 to make their coffee; finally they found some less 
 than a half mile from their quarters, and as some 
 wag had started the cheering news that it was the 
 Big Black river, every one sought it, elated with 
 having clear running water to drink and for cook 
 ing ; they used it freely and all filled their canteens 
 in the dark to be ready to leave when ordered, but 
 great was their chagrin the next morning when it 
 became light enough to see what they had been 
 using so freely all through the night. When some 
 few ran to look at the river ! a glance at it told them 
 they had been awfully " sold," for instead of a river 
 it proved to be one of the most filthy and disgust 
 ing stagnant ponds that had been their lot to see 
 while in that State. 
 
 On Tuesday morning, the 21st, at 2J o clock, the 
 51st had to prepare to leave, it being broad daylight 
 that soon. The men not knowing they were to leave 
 so early, and feeling much fatigued from the previous 
 day s march, they were naturally slow about falling 
 into line, each one supposing that he would have 
 ample time to make a cup of coffee before starting. 
 Some few fires were kindled when the hour (3 
 o clock) for starting arrived, the drums beat the as 
 sembly, the men fell in unequipped and only partly 
 dressed, wondering what such a fuss was all for, but 
 the word "forward" was sounded and they were 
 
368 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 astonished at the idea of having to leave without 
 their breakfast, such as it was. 
 
 This early start was occasioned by the 51st being 
 posted on the extreme right of the corps which had 
 to take the advance of the column. To the 51st this 
 was a tl Godsend," for nothing had passed over the 
 road since the last rain had fallen, and it thereby 
 missed the stifling dust that could be seen rising like 
 heavy clouds in its rear after the whole column had 
 got into motion ; this one blessing compensated and 
 satisfied them for the loss of their breakfast. The 
 regiment marched until 8 o clock, when it halted in 
 a woods for their morning meal, half an hour being 
 allowed for that purpose. After the expiration of 
 the time it again started and marched until 10 o clock 
 A. M., when it halted in a woods for the middle of 
 the day. While here cattle were killed and issued 
 to the different regiments, but nothing else was is 
 sued, and the men being informed that they were 
 not to move until 3 p. M., struck out in small squads 
 to forage for something to eat besides fresh beef. 
 Peaches of the most luscious flavor were in abund 
 ance, apples not so plenty, but for watermelons, nut 
 megs and cantaloupes their equal was never seen in 
 the Philadelphia markets for either size or luscious- 
 ness ; consequently haversacks, blouse sleeves and 
 handkerchiefs were well filled for the resumption of 
 the night s march that was to follow. A good din 
 ner of boiled green-corn, fresh beef, stewed peaches 
 and apples, a little cabbage, &c., with a dessert of 
 melons, was highly appreciated by the officers and 
 men. Shortly after 3 P. M., the regiment again 
 started, but the heat was equal to any part of the 
 day and made it almost impossible for men to exist. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 369 
 
 After marching five or six miles they began to give 
 out. Lieut. Col. Schall saw that each man had tried 
 to outvie his companions by endurance, and as there 
 was no object to straggle for, the men sinking from 
 actual exhaustion, he dismounted from his "Bobby," 
 and placed the most wearied ones on the horse, and 
 allowed them to ride until they became a little rested, 
 when a couple more " invalids" would take their 
 places in the saddle and on the horse s back behind 
 the saddle, and thus they were helped along on their 
 weary way until 10 o clock at night, Col. S. lead 
 ing the horse most of the time for them, until the 
 regiment halted for the night in an almost limitless 
 cornfield within a few miles of the Big Black river. 
 
 Early the next morning the whole column was 
 moved into a large woods that stood like an island 
 in the cornfield, and waited there until 4 p. M., for the 
 purpose of giving all the stragglers an opportunity 
 of catching up to the corps before it crossed the Big 
 Black. Here the day was spent in pleasure, for a 
 magnificent spring gushed out of the rocks and 
 formed a fine stream for bathing, swimming, wash 
 ing of clothes, &c. ; several smaller springs added 
 their contributions to the stream, and to the delight 
 of the men these springs gushed out from be 
 tween the rocks near the surface of the ground and 
 had a perpendicular fall of about thirty feet, where 
 the water struck on a ledge of rocks and fell in a 
 mist-like shower to the bottom of the ravine twelve 
 or fifteen feet lower. Under this stream of mist 
 forty or fifty of the men would assemble for the pur 
 pose of taking a cool shower-bath. 
 
 Large fires were kindled all through the woods, 
 and the men (officers also) indulged in boiled and 
 
 17 
 
370 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 roasted green corn to their entire satisfaction. The 
 damage done to this large field of corn cannot be 
 estimated by dollars and cents. The whole column 
 had marched through the heart of it men, teams, 
 artillery, ambulances, horses, mules, and cattle, all, 
 all had traversed its length and breadth. When 
 they had passed through and halted, a well beaten 
 road, one hundred and "fifty to two hundred yards 
 wide, looked as if it might have been a public high 
 way for constant travel since the days of Noah not 
 a vestige to be seen that indicated the least sign of 
 vegetation ever growing in that well-beaten path, 
 which had only a few short hours before presented 
 seemingly an almost impregnable barrier of grow 
 ing maize. Did the damage stop here it would not 
 appear much but the ravages of the men for a 
 whole night and day w-as not inconsiderable ; be 
 sides, there were all the mules, horses, and bullocks 
 belonging to teams guns, caissons, ambulances 
 and the officers all these were fed on the green 
 fodder until they could eat no more. The drove of 
 cattle alone destroyed acres of it, after they were 
 done feeding, by roaming and chasing each other 
 over and through it. If the field was worth one 
 million of dollars before the corps squatted thereon, 
 it was not worth one thousand dollars when that 
 body left it. 
 
 This long rest afforded the stragglers full oppor 
 tunity to reach the corps and get rested. Some of 
 their feet were frightful to look at swollen to nearly 
 twice their natural size the toe-nails squeezed into 
 the flesh, from which the blood oozed out large 
 blisters on the soles, sides, arid heels of their feet ; 
 and to them alone were their sufferings actually 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 371 
 
 known. By the time the column was ready to leave 
 they had their feet well protected with pieces of 
 blankets and tents, which were wrapped around 
 them. 
 
 At 4 p. M. of that day (22d), the command to 
 "Forward!" was given, and the column started oft 
 in fine style. Dark, heavy clouds, began to gather 
 in the southwest. The distant thunder, and the 
 sharp flashes of lightning, indicated an approaching 
 storm. Two miles further was the bridge that 
 crossed the Big Black. Could it be reached before 
 the storm arrived, all would be well ; if not, another 
 night must be spent on that side of the stream. The 
 elements seemed to enter into the race as if con 
 scious of lile ; the column pushed on with vigorous 
 steps, each man determined to do his best to get over 
 the river before the storm could reach them. On, 
 on ! came the threatening clouds louder and louder 
 roared the thunder brighter and more vivid flashed 
 the lightning. Closer is the column to the bridge. 
 Only one mile, and then all will be well., Now, only 
 half a mile! Each one, with upturned face, is 
 watching the coming clouds, whose very edges 
 seemed fringed with liquid fire. A drop from the 
 clouds tells them the storm is here. Oh, what sus 
 pense ! only one fourth of a mile from the coveted 
 spot, and the awful storm breaks on their head with 
 all the fury of the demons ! 
 
 What had been, only a few moments before, sti 
 fling dust, was now an almost impassable bed of 
 mortar, making the progress painfully slow, and 
 filling the shoes full of water, rnud, and gravel. 
 
 When the head of the column reached the bridge, 
 the surface of the stream was not within six feet of 
 
372 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 the bridge s bottom. When the left reached it ; the 
 water ran over the floor at least three feet deep, 
 through which men and teams were obliged to wade. 
 The water kept on increasing in depth, so that 
 eleven teams did not succeed in getting over that 
 night. 
 
 As each rank crossed the bridge, the men broke 
 for shelter in a large log building that stood to the 
 left of the road on the west bank of the river. 
 Several smaller buildings in the vicinity were soon 
 filled to repletion. The men all remained under 
 shelter until the storm abated, which was near 
 night, when the column started again for " Mc- 
 Call s," where it arrived about 10 P. M., drenched to 
 the skin, and covered with mud from head to foot. 
 
 If the marching was hard, on account of heat and 
 dust, before the rain, it was horrid after the rain. 
 An attempt was made to march the column in the 
 road, but the men sticking fast in the mud and 
 losing their shoes, induced Col. Schall to leave the 
 road and take to the fields, as being better, but it 
 was found to be all alike ; and the men deployed on 
 their own account as skirmishers, so as to not step 
 in the footprints of any other man, as it was the 
 only manner in which they could get along ; but 
 even in this way they sank in over shoe-top. 
 
 On arriving at " McCall s," the regiment bivou 
 acked on either side of the road, close to a lot of 
 buildings, where there was a well of good water 
 but the ground whereon the men had lain all night, 
 looked in the morning more like a mammoth hog 
 pen that had been overflowed. After the regiment 
 had partaken of its morning meal of green corn and 
 cup of coffee, it again started for Milldale, about 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 373 
 
 ten miles distant, where it arrived about 8J A. M. 
 on the morning of the 23d, 1863. 
 
 An extract gives a very good account of the mud 
 and rain. The letter is dated Milldale, July 24th, 
 1863: 
 
 "We left Jackson last Monday morning at 4 o clock, and 
 got here yesterday at 83- A. M., marching day and night. It 
 is set down as being the hardest march that the 9th Army 
 
 Corps has ever done We only had a day and a half s 
 
 rations for the whole march of nearly four days, and no water 
 to be had, of much account, until Wednesday night, when an 
 other of these southern thunder-storms came up and deluged 
 everything, making marching very toilsome and killing. We, 
 as a matter of course, got very wet, for a rain seldom stops a 
 inarch, and about 11 o clock that night we lay down and slept 
 in mud almost knee deep, just as sound as if we had been 
 in the best feather beds. It is strange what a man will get 
 used to." 
 
 And again, another extract : 
 
 " On our march from Jackson we stripped cornfields, water 
 melon patches, peach and apple trees, and all the ripe fruit 
 within our reach. I had a good mess of fresh ripe figs while 
 in Jackson. I ascended a tree and eat a few. They are de 
 licious When fully ripe." 
 
 Another extract, from a private letter dated 
 July 28th : 
 
 "We are enjoying a fine rest, which we all need, God 
 knows. The regiment is very sickly ; in fact, the whole corps 
 is. It has been produced by over-heat, over-marching, and the 
 use of stagnant pond water to drink while on the march, very 
 little to eat, and the want of rest." 
 
 After getting back to Milldale, one hundred men 
 were detailed from the regiment (and the same from 
 each in the brigade), daily, to dig rifle pits, and to 
 clear off the vast wilderness in front of the earth 
 works, so as to give the mounted guns full sweep 
 
374 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 of the surrounding country in case the enemy 
 should deem it prudent to make an attack on Mc- 
 Pherson s army after the withdrawal of the Ninth 
 Corps. 
 
 An occasional dress-parade was had, for the pur 
 pose of reading off the various orders that accumu 
 lated in the adjutant s office. Among the orders 
 read, was one from General Grant, of a congratu 
 latory character, as follows : 
 
 HEAD-QUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, 
 VICKSBURG, Miss., July 31sZ, 1803. 
 
 In returning the 9tli Corps to its former command, it is with 
 pleasure that the General commanding acknowledges its valu 
 able services in the campaign just closed. Aiming at Vicks- 
 burg opportunely, taking position to hold at bay Johnston s 
 army, then threatening the forces investing the city, it was 
 ready and eager to assume the aggressive at any moment. 
 
 After the fall of Vicksburg it formed part of the army which 
 drove Johnston from his position near the Big Black river into 
 his intrenchments at Jackson, and after a siege of eight days, 
 compelled him to fly in disorder from the Mississippi Valley. 
 
 The endurance, valor and general good conduct of the 9th 
 Corps are admired by all, and its valuable co-operation in 
 achieving the final triumph of the campaign, is gratefully ac 
 knowledged by the Army of the Tennessee. 
 
 Maj. Gen. Parke will cause the different regiments and bat 
 teries of his command to inscribe upon their banners and gui 
 dons, "Vicksburg and Jackson." 
 
 By order of 
 
 Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT. 
 
 T. S. BOWERS, A. A. A. Gen. 
 
 Below will be found another letter from T. H. P., 
 the "Defender s " correspondent : 
 
 SNYDER S, NEAR VICKSBURG, August 3(Z, 18G3. 
 Another week has passed and still we are in this most mis 
 erable of all states, Mississippi. We were visited last week by 
 one of the most violent hurricanes that we have ever seen in 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 375 
 
 these parts, attended with heavy thunder, lightning and rain, 
 filling the air with the little shelter tents, boughs of trees and 
 everything else that wind could Lear aloft. Thunder storms 
 are very frequent occurrences here ; we had one on the 26th, 
 one on the 27th, and a severe one on the 28th, and another on 
 the 1st inst. The thunder here is of nearly one continual peal 
 after another, reminding one very much of the terrific bombard 
 ment of Fredericksburg, Va., last December. The rain falls in 
 torrents, causing the gorges and ravines to fill and swell to the 
 magnitude of small rivers, carrying away all bridges and 
 crossings, and even carrying away mules and other live stock. 
 The principal damage that we sustained was the loss of one 
 day s bread in the hands of the bakers, and a few pieces of 
 tents. 
 
 Since we have been back from Jackson, the boys have been 
 supplying themselves with another outfit of clothing that will 
 all be hungup "on the ground," when another hard march 
 presents. 
 
 It is fearful to contemplate the sickness of this corps ; some 
 regiments arc burying two or three every day. The 20th 
 Michigan have a fatality among them that is diminishing their 
 ranks rapidly. I have not learned what the disease is, but 
 those who are the unfortunate victims do not suffer long, three 
 or four hours are sufficient to pass them to that "bourne from 
 whence no traveller returns." We suppose it to be yellow 
 fever. If it is, the surgeons are careful to keep it shady. 
 
 Our regiment still keeps its health the best of any in the 
 whole corps, although we have had as many as fifty on the 
 sick report daily, for several days. There are, however, very 
 few serious cases, diarrhoea being the prevalent disease. 
 
 We are enjoying fresh baked bread now daily, and we now 
 can set ourselves down to our table on the ground, and "let 
 our feet hang down," and enjoy our coffee and toast and fried 
 bread, for you must know that we are all good cooks. Individ 
 uals have ovens dug in the banks and rifle pits, and carry on 
 the pie and cake baking to such an extent that your Norris 
 City family bakers would blush to think that they were not in 
 the army where they might perfect themselves in the baking 
 business. Our peach and apple pics are some, I tell you, and 
 the boys bring in large quantities of fine peaches every day, but 
 they arc used principally for pies. 
 
 There is not much prospect before us of getting away from 
 
376 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 here for a week at least to come. Some few troops of the 1st 
 Brigade, 1st Division, 9th Corps, have left here on boats, and 
 they are sending off their sick and wounded to Keokuk, Iowa, 
 as fast as they can obtain transportation for them. 
 
 Our worthy chaplain, D. G. Mallory, has tendered his resig 
 nation as chaplain to our regiment. It has been accepted, and 
 he will leave in a day or two for home. 
 
 Whiskey has been ordered to be issued to every man in the 
 whole corps until we arrive at our destination. No doubt a ju 
 dicious use of that stimulant will serve to counteract the bad 
 effects of bad water, and prove highly beneficial to the men of 
 this corps. A rumor has been rife in camp for a couple of days 
 that Charleston, S. C., has fallen, but as we cannot get any 
 news here until it becomes stale and forgotten at home, all that 
 we can do is to hope that the said rumor may prove true. 
 
 I must tell you a little of the crops of the interior of the State 
 of Mississippi, as far as I have been. The cotton crop has been 
 literally ignored. I have seen but one place wherein cotton was 
 growing and that was but a small piece of not more than three 
 acres. There is but little tobacco planted, and what little there 
 is of it will make but a very small crop, because it has been 
 worked very little, and consequently is overrun with weeds. I 
 saw but one field in with sugar cane ; it contained fifty to seventy- 
 five acres, and if its owner returns in due season to secure it, he 
 will no doubt reap a full crop. There arc immense fields of 
 beans planted, no doubt "to aid and comfort the enemy." 
 But for cornfields, Mississippi can beat all creation. A corn 
 field here is generally -computed not by acres but by miles. 
 Plenty of them contain ten to twelve square miles, in fact it is 
 impossible to find the limits of the cornfields, for almost every 
 square foot of arable land is in with corn, showing that the 
 planters invariably obeyed Jeff. Davis edict to lessen the cot 
 ton crop and enlarge the corn crop. I have not seen one stalk 
 of wheat, rye or oats. Some few gardens have the Irish pota 
 toes in very limited quantities, but vegetables are a very scarce 
 article throughout ttiis State, while fruits are vice versa, peaches, 
 apples, figs, watermelons, nutmegs and citrons, grapes and 
 Pawpaws. None of the above fruits, excepting the watermelons 
 and canteloupes, are cultivated. From every appearance they 
 grow wherever a seed accidentally falls on the ground and takes 
 root, as you will find no regularity in their position. Fresh figs 
 are delicious fruit, and are to be found in abundance through- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 877 
 
 out the State. The first crop being over, the second crop is 
 now in its height, and the few remaining citizens scattered 
 through the country bring them into camp, and sell them 
 readily at fifteen cents per dozen ; peaches sell for twenty-five 
 cents per dozen, watermelons we don t buy, we generally lay 
 siege to a patch and it soon surrenders unconditionally, to 
 our gratification, but to the mortification of Johnny Rebs. 
 
 Another order has been received from Gen. Grant, compli 
 mentary to the 9th Corps for their soldier-like bearing, bravery, 
 and endurance, and has ordered our corps commander, Gen. 
 Parke, to have "Vicksburg and Jackson" inscribed upon 
 the regimental flags of the corps. This may be chalked 
 down as one instance wherein a chieftain has seen something 
 in this corps worthy of appreciation, and proving himself 
 doubly a hero by boldly acknowledging its efficiency in face of 
 its malignant accusers. For I believe that there is not another 
 corps in the service of the United States that has seen more 
 than one-half the service that the 9th Corps has. It has done 
 more hard marching, hard fighting, and less grumbling than any 
 other corps out, and received less praise, if any, than any other 
 corps, and why is it ? Even the fate of the Antietam battle hung 
 upon the taking of the bridge by the 51st Pennsylvania and 51st 
 New York, who are a part of the 9th Corps, and I was told on 
 the best authority that McClellan said, after the bridge was 
 taken, that the fate of the battle was to be decided on charging 
 the rebels away from it. Well, we took the bridge ; but who 
 got the credit ? Did we ? From our own officers AVC did, and 
 had we black-mailed a batch of the penny-a-liners who give 
 honor to whom honor is due, our corps would have been 
 lauded to the very echo, but as it was the work of the 9th 
 corps, its paean must be sung by some future impartial historian. 
 Yours, &c., T. H. P. 
 
 While at Milldale, after coming from Jackson, the 
 surgeons of the regiment ordered a full ration of 
 whiskey (one gill) to be issued to each man early in 
 the morning, to assist in counteracting the bad 
 effects of the use of unwholesome water, and to give 
 a more healthy tone to the men s system it had its 
 desired effect. Chaplain Mallory tendered his resig- 
 
378 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIEST EEGIMENT 
 
 nation on account of ill health, a notice of which 
 appeared in the columns of the Defender. 
 
 "Rev. D. G. Mallory, the Chaplain of the 51st, since his 
 resignation and return home, and a little rest, is recuperating, 
 and will soon be himself again. His general health has much 
 improved, although the severity of their marching in Missis 
 sippi came pretty near using him up, with the soldiers them 
 selves. We can t see the point of marching men to death, 
 in such a sterile region as they were in down there." 
 
 OHAPTEE VI. 
 
 Haines Bluffs On the Yazoo Scenes on the Father of Rivers 
 Heaving the lead Wooding up Island No. Ten Cairo, 
 111. Off for Ohio Railroad accident and loss of life 
 Cincinnati Speech from Gen. Burnside Covington, Ky. 
 Nicholasville Camp Parke Crab Orchard Garrison duty 
 Ordered to Knoxville, T*enn. The performing Zouave. 
 
 ON" the 6th of August orders were issued to the 
 regiment to be ready to go on board of the boats at 
 Haines s Bluffs, on the Yazoo river, to return to 
 Kentucky on the next day. Everything was 
 packed and sent down to the landing early on the 
 morning of the 7th, the regiment soon followed ; the 
 distance from Milldale to the boats was only three 
 miles, but it was one hundred miles through torture, 
 for the heat might only be equalled by the fiery 
 furnace, at least so intense was the heat that day 
 that it took the regiment two and a half hours to go 
 the three miles, no less than twenty -two men were 
 prostrated by the rays of the sun. 
 
 On arriving at the landing the steamboat that was 
 to take the regiment on board had also to take the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 379 
 
 famous Durrell battery of Beading, and the regi 
 ment was obliged to stand in the hot sun while the 
 guns, caissons, horses, and men were being put on 
 board, to accomplish which took about two hours. 
 There being no place under which the men could 
 shelter themselves from the sun, Col. Schall en 
 deavored to get permission from the captain of the 
 boat to allow him to put his regiment on the hurri 
 cane deck, which was covered with an awning, until 
 the artillery got on board, after which he would dis 
 tribute his men over the boat to whatever quarters 
 they should be assigned; but this proposition of the 
 humane colonel was refused, and the men were left 
 standing until it became necessary to carry several 
 on board who had sunk down from the effects of the 
 sun. Col. Schall deserves the thanks of the whole 
 regiment for his kind attention to relieve the men 
 from their torture and to get them comfortable quar 
 ters on the boat. His whole heart seemed to swell 
 with sympathy for them, while he needed as much for 
 himself. He could have gone on the boat and re 
 mained there until it was ready to receive the regi 
 ment ; but no, his heart was with his men, and with 
 them he would share their trials. However, the 
 long-wished-for moment arrived, and at 12 M. the 
 men rushed pell-mell on the boat, regardless of the 
 commands of the captain and clerks of the steamer, 
 and with, the approbation of their commander, who 
 felt that the captain was too much of a brute to 
 have his wishes respected. 
 
 The men sought out such quarters as suited their 
 choice, subject only to Col. Schall s command. At 
 2 r. M. every tiling was ready for leaving the banks 
 of the sluggish Yazoo river, the hawser was 
 
380 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 loosened, and the steamer glided down the stream 
 amid the cheering of those on board and on land. 
 Several brass bands saluted our regiment as it 
 passed the boats that were loading on other regi 
 ments. 
 
 A little before sundown the steamer passed out 
 of the mouth of the Yazoo and entered the Father 
 of Rivers, when she swung around with her head up 
 stream and there "laid to for about an hour, when 
 she again started and ran all night, striking the bot 
 tom of the river every few miles. li Heaving of the 
 lead" was rather an amusing affair to the soldiers. 
 As the man that made the soundings would exclaim 
 "half twain," "twain," or "twain one," &c., the 
 soldiers would repeat it in a chorus, much to the 
 indignation of the man with the "lead." It was an 
 interesting study to the thoughtful ones to note the 
 unevenness of the bed of the Mississippi river ; 
 some places scarce water enough to float the boat, 
 and in less than half the boat s length ahead it 
 would be twenty feet more than was needed for the 
 floating palace, then in the next half length she 
 would stick fast on the bottom. 
 
 Several times the boat ran up to the shore, seem 
 ingly into the woods, to take in fuel, but only once 
 in the daytime during the whole trip up, all other 
 times were in the night. When up above the Arkansas 
 State line the steamer hauled in under a bluff to take 
 in wood. The rain poured down in torrents, the 
 night was of Egyptian darkness, but the deck hands 
 could not be prevailed on to go ashore until pickets 
 were sent out for their protection ; guerillas had 
 once been there and might be there again. The 
 pickets were sent ashore and posted themselves 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 381 
 
 only a few yards off and got a complete drenching 
 while the hands were " wooding up." To those who 
 never saw " wooding up " at night on the Mississippi 
 it would be an interesting sight the torches em 
 ployed on such occasions are of a gigantic size and 
 made of a coarsely woven wire basket, which is 
 set on the end of a staff about four feet in length, 
 pointed for the purpose of sticking in the ground ; 
 a large ball of tow, saturated with tar and turpen 
 tine, is laid in the wire basket, and when ignited, 
 burns for a long time and sheds a lurid glare on 
 surrounding objects, making one imagine that he is 
 in the place of one of the weird sisters in the witch 
 scene in Macbeth. , 
 
 A little after daylight on the morning of the llth 
 of August the regiment passed the renowned Island 
 No. Ten, between it and the eastern bank of the 
 river. It was in possession principally of colored 
 persons who were refugees from Southern rule. The 
 channel here is narrow, and assisted greatly in help 
 ing the enemy in their stubborn resistance for the 
 Union possession of that long-fought-for place. 
 
 On the 14:th the regiment disembarked at Cairo, 
 111. After lying there all that night, it embarked 
 next day on the cars of the Illinois Central Eailroad 
 for Sandoval, 111., sixty miles east of St. Louis, Mo., 
 where it changed cars for those of the broad-gauge 
 Ohio and Mississippi Eailroad, and proceeded on its 
 way to Cincinnati. All along the line of the railroad 
 the regiment was greeted with cheers, waving of 
 handkerchiefs in the hands of the fair sex, hot coffee, 
 pies, cakes, sandwiches, &c. In fact, it was a per 
 fect ovation, such as any regiment might be proud 
 to receive. Nothing transpired of any interest while 
 
382 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIKST REGIMENT 
 
 moving by rail, until within a mile or two of a small 
 hamlet called Shoals, Indiana, about one hundred 
 and fifty miles from Cincinnati, when, about 7 o clock 
 in the afternoon, the train of ten or twelve cars met 
 with a serious accident by the breaking off of a 
 flange, causing the cars to leave the track while pass 
 ing over a bridge that spanned a small, deep river. 
 The train was midway on the bridge when the first 
 car left the iron, and the three cars in the rear fol 
 lowed, cutting the ties and bridge timbers nearly off. 
 When about one hundred and fifty or two hundred 
 yards past the bridge, one car that had been running 
 on the edge of the bank, rolled down the embank 
 ment, stopping the whole train with a crash. Five 
 cars were frightfully piled upon each other, two of 
 which were reared like a combed roof. The corre 
 spondent of the Philadelphia " Press" writing from 
 Cincinnati, describes the accident in detail. Below 
 we give his own language, viz. : 
 
 "CINCINNATI, August 20th, 1863. 
 
 "Memphis looks very differently now from what it did when 
 we went along there two months ago. It was a desolate, for 
 lorn-looking place dirty, no life, no business. It seemed the 
 change of a conjurer bustle, stir, hotels, billiard-rooms, res 
 taurants, and drinking-houses (the peculiar life of many South 
 ern towns) in full course. But Memphis has other than this 
 peculiar life ; it has fine buildings, has a rich surrounding, and 
 the easiest modes of transit. It was said that the taking of 
 Vicksburg was not believed in Memphis until long after the 
 papers in the North contained the news. But Northern papers 
 of the 9th and 10th of July, received at Memphis on the 15th 
 and 16th, with their graphic accounts of it, dispelled the last 
 lingering doubt. 
 
 "Troops returning have been landed at Cairo, and passed 
 over the railroads from there to Sandoval, then on the Ohio 
 and Mississippi Road, of broad gauge, and very comfortable. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 383 
 
 Indeed, the officers of that road are to be commended for the 
 promptness with which they have furnished transportation 
 on all occasions required by the Government. There has 
 never been any delay longer than necessary to transfer the 
 baggage. Cars in abundance were always ready. Some acci 
 dents have occurred which have given rise to speculations 
 rather painful. A train, on Sunday night, having on board 
 the 51st Pennsylvania Regiment, and headquarters staff and 
 horses, was thrown from the track a mile and a-half east of 
 Shoals. It was the third or fourth car from the engine that 
 seems to have been thrown off , and went crashing along over 
 a bridge spanning a deep stream, cutting the ends of the ties 
 and sleepers completely off; and, fifty yards from the catastro 
 phe, tearing up the track some distance. A car having the 
 officers baggage rolled down the embankment, and another, 
 with horses, fell on the top of it, crushing it to pieces. Strange 
 to say, of four or five men in the car, w T ho had to be cut out of 
 the wreck, but one was killed, and he was sitting on a chair at 
 the open door of the car, and was precipitated out by the first 
 shock. Over these two cars, two others were raised up, end 
 against end like the rafters of a house. One had horses and 
 the other a company of men, (H, 51st P. V.,) with some on 
 the top, but, except the jamming they got from all being slid 
 into the one end, were not at all hurt. One horse was smoth 
 ered. One man in the baggage car was saved from smothering 
 by happening to have his nose pushed through the opening in 
 the seat of an army saddle. On the left hand side of the track 
 was another car with horses. They are put within the side 
 opening of the car, and boards nailed across, leaving the centre 
 of the car open, in which were lying four or five negroes. The 
 accident threw horses and negroes pell-mell into one end, but 
 none were hurt, though they scratched their woolly heads with 
 astonishment at this unexpected deliverance. 
 
 "One man of the lltli New Hampshire had his head and 
 legs crushed, and he had jumped from the cars. The tops of 
 the cars were full of men who had made their beds there. Not 
 one was hurt ; though some were landed on the tops of the 
 trees, and went tumbling away down into the ravine. One on 
 his descent was caught by a limb under the chin and hung 
 there. It was about 8 o clock in the evening, and most were 
 asleep. A telegraph operator brought from the neighboring 
 
384: HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 town, immediately cut the wires and telegraphed both ways. 
 Dr. Martin and son and Dr. Peck came from Washington 
 about midnight, to find all very coolly sleeping, and all things 
 quiet, notwithstanding ten cars were put Iwrs de course, 
 freighted with living beings. Indeed, the most wonderful 
 thing was the coolness of these soldiers. There was no noise 
 or confusion. The colonel superintended, and as many men 
 as could conveniently work were busy ; the rest laid down and 
 slept. Many within a car or two of the accident hardly raised 
 themselves more than on their elbow, and at that distance you 
 would hardly believe there were such a fearful scene so little 
 in advance. Old railroaders, who had been in numberless 
 smashes, said they never saw such a wreck. The work of reliev 
 ing the horses was a difficult and dangerous task, and required 
 the coolest and steadiest of men. The horses were piled all to 
 gether. There was imminent danger of the cars falling, espe 
 cially the two rafters." Old wreckers would not have done 
 as these brave men did. One went bravely in among the 
 heels of the horses to rescue a man. Some were cooking coffee 
 while the others worked, and all laid down and slept when 
 they were assured that every life was reached. The surgeon 
 of the regiment, Dr. Duffield, was cool, calm, and prompt ; 
 naturally so perhaps something of it acquired on the fields of 
 Antietam, Fredcricksburg, and such like. Col. Ilartranft and 
 Lieut. -Col. Schall were able and energetic in their management 
 of the fractures. I have heard these men speak with grateful 
 affection of these officers ; of their care in their long campaigns, 
 and of late, especially, in the campaign in Mississippi, Avhcn 
 Lieut. -Col. Schall was in command of the 2d Brigade, 2d 
 Division, as this regiment filed off at Jackson, to enter the 
 front, said, "Take good care of the men, colonel." He need 
 not say he would; he had, and did. It was what "Old 
 Johnny," as the men call Col. H., always did for them. I 
 would not wish for more honor than to have my name written 
 on the hearts of the men of a regiment as theirs arc." 
 
 A little allowance must be made for the mistake, 
 in the last paragraph by the u Press s" correspondent, 
 not intentional, wherein he says, "when Lieut. -Col. 
 Schall was in command of the 2d Brigade, 2d Divi 
 sion," &c., he certainly intended to say "Col. Hart 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 385 
 
 rarift," as it was Col. II. who was in command of the 
 brigade and Lieut.-Col. Schall of the regiment at the 
 time the " regiment filed off." 
 
 After working at the wreck until late at night, 
 and all the maimed, car-imprisoned men and horses 
 had been got out and cared for, the men lay down 
 in and on the cars to rest for the night. As soon as 
 daylight came next morning, the wreckers and the 
 men of the 51st began to clear the track of the debris, 
 which was accomplished by noon, so the train could 
 proceed on its way. But before leaving, the men 
 belonging to Co. D applied to an undertaker in 
 Shoals to make a coffin for Thomas McQuerin, the 
 soldier who was killed ; but the generous undertaker 
 wanted to know where, when, and how he was to get 
 his pay ! The amount, 10, was raised, and the 
 coffin left in the hands of the undertaker, who 
 promised that he " would have him buried if he 
 could!" The regiment having to get aboard of the 
 train, could not remain behind to see if their com 
 rade did get buried. Some doubts to that effect 
 exist at this day. After placing the body of Mc 
 Querin in the hands of the undertaker, it was found 
 that a man (name unknown) belonging to the llth 
 N. II., lay dead on a stretcher near the track, an 
 other victim of the smash up ; but as he was there a 
 stranger, it is safe to say that the poor fellow had to 
 be buried by the railroad company, as no one ap 
 peared to take any notice of him only through curi 
 osity. Although it seems inhuman to neglect a fellow 
 comrade, yet when we consider all the ghastly sights 
 of a battle-field, on which a true soldier is compelled 
 to look, they cannot do otherwise than blunt the 
 finer feelings, and an expression of sympathy rarely 
 
386 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-FIEST EEGIMENT 
 
 gets utterance. When the train arrived at Seymour 
 an ale-wagon, that was delivering ale at the hotel, 
 was besieged by a number of the 51st, and a keg of 
 the extract of malt was removed unceremoniously 
 from the wagon to the top of one of the cars; the 
 driver begged for the men not to take the keg away 
 as he was not the owner, saying, at the same time, 
 that they were welcome to the ale, and requesting 
 them to leave the keg behind; but the boys "couldn t 
 see it," and so took the keg along. 
 
 It was originally intended that the regiment should 
 leave the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad at this 
 place, and take the cars on another road for the Ohio 
 river, and proceed to Louisville, Ky. ; but, for rea 
 sons never made known, the original order was 
 countermanded, and the regiment kept on to Cincin 
 nati, where it arrived on the night of the 17th. 
 
 Before leaving the Yazoo country a number of 
 furloughs had been granted in the different regi 
 ments, the 51st coming in for a goodly share. 
 Lieut.- Col. Schall having the dating of them, gave 
 every man an extra day, making it twenty-one 
 days in which to report back to the regiment. 
 
 After arriving at Cincinnati, the regiment pro 
 ceeded to the " Burnet house," the headquarters of 
 Gen. Burnside, who made a short speech to the men 
 from the balcony. He was loudly cheered by them, 
 and when silence reigned, one man, Thomas Cornog, 
 exclaimed in reply to the general s expression that 
 they were to go into Kentucky, " We want you along 
 with us, General." The General smiled and answered, 
 "I ll be with you in heart, if not in person." The 
 regiment then proceeded to the Ohio river, and 
 crossed over to Covington, Ky., where it went into 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 887 
 
 carnp a short distance east of the city. While they 
 were pitching their tents, the paymaster arrived and 
 paid the regiment two months dues, which carne 
 very good to those who wanted to send their money 
 home. As the officers and men who had leave of 
 absence and furloughs were unable to get away be 
 fore the middle of that night, every officer and 
 man who then left for home had been entrusted 
 with large amounts to take with them, all of which 
 were promptly delivered. 
 
 Continuing in this camp several days afforded the 
 boys a fine chance of enjoying themselves in the 
 city of Cincinnati ; many of them took up their 
 quarters there and visited the camp a few minutes 
 every day. 
 
 Col. Hartranft, Capt. Jos. K. Bolton, and Capt. 
 Wm. Allebough, had left this place to enjoy their 
 " leave " at home. Capt. Bolton went home on sick 
 leave, having very sore eyes, caused by hard march 
 ing, hard fighting and exposure during the Missis 
 sippi campaign. A notice of Capt. Allebough s ar 
 rival appeared in a ISTorristown paper, viz. : 
 
 OUR REGIMENT. Capt. Allebough is home looking- well 
 after the fatigue of the late marches others from the regiment 
 are coming. AVe wish they were all home, and this wicked, 
 cruel war over. 
 
 In another issue of the same paper, appeared the 
 following : 
 
 " AT HOME. Lieut. Geo. Schall, Win. P. Schall and Sergt. 
 Geo. Smith of the 51st Reg. P. V. arrived home on furloughs 
 on Saturday last. They look well." 
 
 "SERENADE. Our band serenaded Capt. Joseph K. Bolton, 
 on last Tuesday evening. He has been home for sonic time 
 
388 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 past suffering with sore eyes. He is now, however, improving 
 and we hope ere long will be quite restored." 
 
 It will be seen that the liberal citizens of Norris- 
 town appreciated that true soldier, Capt. Jos. K. 
 Bolton, by tendering a worthy compliment to his 
 bravery and gentlemanly manners. The regiment 
 after lying in the vicinity of Covington for about a 
 week, took the cars, proceeded to Nicholasville Ky., 
 encamped almost adjoining the great Kentucky ren 
 dezvous, " Camp Nelson," and there constituted 
 "Camp Parke," in honor of Maj. Gen. John G. 
 Parke, who was in command of a division in the 
 9th Army Corps. The regiment lay in that loca 
 tion near two weeks, when it received orders to re 
 port at Crab Orchard. While at Camp Parke the 
 health of the regiment was not good, owing no doubt 
 to the over-indulgence while at Covington. One 
 man by the name of Arthur McGill, of Co. I, died 
 here from carnp fever, with only a few hours sick 
 ness. 
 
 On the 10th September, the regiment left Camp 
 Parke, reached Crab Orchard on the llth, and estab 
 lished quarters one mile north of the latter place, 
 and adjoining a large encampment of invalids. 
 While here a large number of officers and men 
 were transferred to the invalid corps, but did not 
 join their new organization until towards the close 
 of the month. 
 
 About the 14th of the month, an order was 
 issued for the regiment to report to Gen. Burnside 
 at Knoxville, East Tennessee. He had taken Cum 
 berland Gap a few days before by strategy. 
 
 Below is Burnside s report to Gen. Halleck, also 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 389 
 
 Gen. Rosecrans , who was acting in conjunction with 
 Burn side, viz. : 
 
 Official Despatches from Gens. Burnside and Bosecrans. 
 
 "WASHINGTON, Sept. 11. The following official report from 
 Gen. BUIINSTDE, concerning the capture of Cumberland Gap, 
 has been received at Headquarters : 
 
 " CUMBERLAND GAP, Sept. 9, 1863. To Maj.-Gen. HALLECK, 
 General-in-Chief: I have telegraphed you of our movements 
 up to the occupation of Knoxville by our forces. Since then a 
 cavalry force has been sent up the railroad to within a few 
 miles of Bristol, capturing some three locomotives and twenty 
 odd cars. 
 
 " Another force, composed of two regiments of infantry and 
 two of cavalry I brought to this place in person, to reinforce Gen. 
 Shackleford, who was here with two regiments of cavalry, 
 Col. De Coursey being on the Kentucky side with a brigade, 
 which I started in that direction before leaving Kentucky. 
 The infantry brigade inarched from Knoxville to this place, 
 sixty miles, in fifty-two hours. The garrison here, consisting 
 of over two thousand men and fourteen pieces of artillery, made 
 an unconditional surrender at 8 o clock P. M. to-day, with 
 out a fight. 
 
 "A. E. BTJRNSIDE, Maj.-Gen." 
 
 "The following despatch from Gen. ROSECRANS has been 
 received at Head-quarters : CAMP NEAR TRENTON, GEORGIA, 
 Sept, 9, 1863. To Maj-Gen. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: 
 Chattanooga is ours without a struggle, and East Tennessee 
 is free ! Our move on the enemy s flank progresses, while the 
 tail of his retreating column will not escape unmolested. Our 
 troops from this side entered Chattanooga about noon ; those 
 north of the river are now crossing. 
 
 "W. S. ROSECRANS, Maj.-Gen." 
 
 A great change seemed to force itself upon the 
 regiment just in the few days from the 12th to the 
 16th of September. At the last-mentioned date, 
 there were only three commissioned officers present 
 with the regiment. Col. Hartranft absent on leave, 
 
390 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Lieut.-Col. Schall in command of the 2d brigade, 2d 
 division, Maj. Wm. J. Bolton on leave of absence, 
 surgeons all absent, and only three line officers pres 
 ent for duty. Capt. Bisbing was in comma :d of 
 the regiment. The companies were commanded by 
 sergeants. 
 
 Co. A, under command of 2d sergeant. 
 
 " B, " " 1st sergeant. 
 
 " C, " 2d Lieut. Wm. F. Thomas. 
 
 " D, " " 5th sergeant. 
 
 " E, " " 1st 
 
 " F, " 1st " 
 
 " G-, " " 3d 
 
 " H, " Captain 
 
 " I, " (l 1st sergeant. 
 
 " K ; " lt 1st sergeant. 
 
 At this date (16th), the order to reinforce Burn- 
 side in Tennessee was countermanded, and the 
 brigade was distributed for the several duties below 
 mentioned. 
 
 The 51st N. Y. was stationed at Hickrnan s Bridge 
 to guard it, as they reported only forty-one men fit 
 ior duty. 
 
 The 35th Mass, and the 51st P. Y. were posted at 
 Crab Orchard, for garrison duty. 
 
 The llth N. H. were sent out to London, forty-five 
 miles from Crab Orchard, to do duty at Post Pitman. 
 
 The 21st Mass, was transferred to 1st brigade. 
 This scattering of the brigade led the men of the 51st 
 to think they were fixed now, for once in their term 
 permanently, and were to do garrison duty for a 
 certainty. This supposition wrought considerable 
 discredit on the regiment, for feeling they were 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 391 
 
 " lords and masters of the situation," they in 
 dulged too freely in Bourbon, and through its in 
 fluence, a sutler s establishment near the toll-gate 
 above Crab Orchard was " torn out," or more prop 
 erly speaking " cleaned out," of all canned fruits, 
 whiskey, tobacco, and everything else. The exact 
 participators in this outrage were never discovered, 
 or if they were, nothing was done and the affair was 
 hushed up. 
 
 The men now were having a "good time of it" 
 at least, so they supposed but " the way of the 
 transgressor is hard," and it was verified in twenty- 
 one cases of breach of discipline in the regiment. 
 Whiskey was the whole cause. It was very plenty 
 in that section of country, easily obtained, and 
 obtained it was to excess ; and for days in suc 
 cession a large number of men, also non-com s, 
 were intoxicated, until the provost marshal at Crab 
 Orchard had to issue prohibitory orders to the citi 
 zens and sutlers against selling any liquor unless 
 on an order signed by a commissioned officer. The 
 continued drunkenness of some of the men in the 
 regiment brought them to disgrace ; for no less than 
 twenty-one non-commissioned officers were reduced 
 to the ranks by their company commanders, ap 
 proved by Lieut. Col. Schall. 
 
 Even this did not seem to check it at first, but 
 the provost marshal s order coming fast on its heels, 
 had in a great measure the desired effect, and dis 
 cipline once more reigned throughout the camp. 
 
 Lieut. Col. Schall was commander of the post at 
 this place, and having his quarters a considerable 
 distance from where the regiment reposed, he could 
 not be held accountable for their conduct ; yet he 
 
392 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 did all that lay in his power, by example, per 
 suasion, and light punishments, to stop the riotous 
 behavior. 
 
 Things now began to wear a gloomy aspect, as 
 Gen. Rosecrans, who was operating with Burnside 
 in Tennessee, met with a serious cheek at the hands 
 of Bragg, Longstreet, and Johnston. The garrison 
 ing duty of the 51st P. V. began to be a little agi 
 tated, and its days were numbered. 
 
 While at this post, an adventurous Illinois Zouave 
 visited the regiment, and gave an exhibition of his 
 superior skill in handling the rifled musket. He 
 drew a vast crowd around him, and his movements 
 were watched with evident delight and much interest. 
 He certainly handled the musket with extraordinary 
 skill, showing to what beauty and perfection the 
 manual of arms can be brought, through intelligence, 
 patience, and perseverance. His bayonet exercise 
 was a complete triumph, as in fact every movement 
 was, eliciting praises and applause. His performance 
 inspired the men to imitate him, and for months we 
 could see different ones attempting to reproduce his 
 various movements such as throwing the gun, 
 with fixed bayonet, high up in the air making it 
 revolve with great speed, now the point up, now the 
 butt of the gun up, and, as it descended, he would 
 catch the piece by the point of the bayonet and re 
 volve it around his head with great velocity, passing 
 it under his arm, over his shoulder, then round his 
 neck and under the other arm, etc., etc. 
 
 But none were ever able to perform any of these 
 i eats with the same dexterity that the Zouave did. 
 Peter Undercover, of Co. C, certainly came the 
 nearest, and handled the gun with much credit. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 393 
 
 One thing like all other exhibitions, the men 
 were called on to pay for the lesson, which they did 
 by taking up a collection for the Zouave which 
 amounted to several dollars. After pocketing the 
 money, he proceeded to another camp, where his 
 performances were likewise hailed with delight. 
 His account of himself stated that he was a member 
 of an Illinois regiment, had been wounded several 
 times, captured once, and was now on his parole, 
 visiting camps, to give exhibitions to replenish his 
 portmonnaie, and to show that any one can become 
 proficient in the use of the gun, the bayonet, sword- 
 bayonet, and the sabre ; and now he was awaiting 
 his discharge from the service. 
 
 We do not know what was thought of the truth 
 fulness of his story, but we, our individual self, 
 always considered him in no other light than a rebel 
 emissary, spying out ichat supplies were stored at Crab 
 Orchard for at this time the stores at this post were 
 immense, consisting of ammunition, arms, rations, 
 harness, forage, medicines, etc., to the value of over 
 two millions of dollars, and were destined for the 
 use of the Army of the Ohio, in Tennessee. 
 
 18 
 
394 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 CHAPTEE VII. 
 
 Mt. Vemon Starting for Kuoxville, Tennessee Correspond 
 ence History of a Dog Newspaper extracts London 
 Racing on the march Its results Post Pitman Laurel 
 Bridge Barboursville Knobs of the Log Mountains 
 Horace Mayuard Parson Brownlow Crossing the Cum 
 berland Mountains Cumberland Gap Descent into Ten 
 nessee Tazewell. 
 
 WHILE at Crab Orchard, towards the close of 
 September, Capt. George W. Bisbing, in command 
 of the regiment, was ordered to take the 51st and 
 proceed along the Cumberland Gap road to a small 
 town called Mount Vernon, about fifteen miles from 
 Crab Orchard, to repair the road in that vicinity, as 
 it was becoming impassable for the teams. The 
 regiment was absent three days, when it returned to 
 camp after accomplishing its labors. 
 
 On the evening of September 29th, 1863, Lieut. 
 Col. Schall received orders to move his brigade to 
 Knoxville, East Tennessee, and to be ready to move 
 at daylight next morning, with eight days rations 
 in haversacks and knapsacks, and with sixty rounds 
 of ammunition to each man. Lieut. Col. Schall was 
 under the impression that his brigade was to go to 
 Knoxville merely to relieve the garrison at that 
 post, to enable them to go to the front ; but a couple 
 of days after the regiment s arrival there, dispelled 
 all such fancies from his rnind. 
 
 Early on the morning of October 2d, 1863, the 
 51st P. V. struck tents and prepared for its march 
 into Tennessee ; Lieut. Col. Schall in command of 
 the 2d brigade, 2d division, 9th Corps ; Capt. Wm. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 395 
 
 Allebough, Co. C, Act. Assist. Adj. Gen. on Col. 
 Schall s staff ; Capt. Geo. W. Bisbing, Co. I, in com 
 mand of the regiment ; Capt. Gaulin, Co. G, Lieut. 
 Wm. F. Thomas, Co. C, Lieut. Wrn. W. Owens, 
 Co. F, were all the line officers present with their 
 companies, the other seven companies were under 
 the command of their sergeants. 
 
 Below we copy the Defender s correspondent s 
 (T. H. P ) letter, which gives the march in full. 
 
 BIG SPRINGS, (five miles S. E. of Mt. Vernon, Ky.,) 
 
 October 3d, 1863. 
 
 Since my last to yon, our garrisoning at Crab Orchard lias 
 been knocked flat on the head by some unaccountable " military 
 necessity," and we are on a pleasant little tour (for the benefit 
 of Uncle Sam s health) of 157 miles. We are on our way to 
 Knoxville, Tenn., and have some 16 or 17 miles of the "job" 
 done. 
 
 On Tuesday evening last Lieut. Col. Schall received a tele 
 graphic order from the front to move his brigade and to bring 
 all the convalescents, from the convalescent camps, along 
 with him, and to report at Knoxville ; we were to start at 6 
 o clock A. M. on Thursday, October 1st, but as teams could not 
 be got ready by that time we did not take up the line of march 
 until yesterday morning, which was a lucky circumstance for 
 us poor devils, for it had rained the whole day and night before, 
 one of those light rains that saturates clothing and makes 
 marching very painful and laborious. After we left Crab 
 Orchard the column halted at the convalescent camp for the 
 convalescents to fall in. Capt. Allebaugh, Act. Asst. Adjt. 
 Gen. to Lieut. Col. Schall, had attended to that business, and 
 in about an hour s time they were assigned to a position in 
 the centre, the 35th Mass., being in the rear, and the provost 
 guard, acting as rear guard, followed in the rear of the column 
 to keep stragglers with their respective regiments. The march 
 now had actually began, and Capt. Geo. W. Bisbing, who is in 
 command of the regiment, " put us through " our day s march 
 by 3 o clock p. M. ; we made about ten miles over one of the 
 roughest roads that I had ever seen up to our halt of yesterday. 
 It was part of the time up steep rocky hills of considerable 
 
396 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 length, then descending those hills would try the muscles in 
 the boys bncks at every step, for as they would step from one 
 rock to another lower down, their "knappies" would come 
 against them with a surge nearly precipitating them, not to 
 bear comparison with our wagon train misfortune ; there are 
 eleven wagons with us, or rather started with us, six of the 
 teams are made up of " green " mules, and the consequence is, 
 they were not able to make more than five miles yesterday, one 
 wagon upsetting, another had to be held up with props until it 
 got unloaded, and the remainder stuck fast among the rocks 
 and mud. (How I would like to see some of our home 
 tc;msters out here with a string of six "green" mules 
 climbing these "knobs," as the natives call them.) So the 
 AV agon master, with Quartermaster Stephens consent, laid over 
 until daylight this morning. As we cannot be too far ahead of 
 our wagon train, we waited until after 10 A. M. to-day for them 
 to catch up ; they doing so we again took up the line of march, 
 the 35th Mass, leading the column being only them and the 
 51st P. V., having lost the convalescents yesterday, they not 
 being able to keep up with us. I thought, as well as others, 
 that I saw some rough roads yesterday, but the part traversed 
 to day by us is a " sweetener " for both troops and teams ; we 
 made about six or seven miles to-day, and we are now en 
 camped for the night at a place where there is plenty of good 
 water. 
 
 The teams have not all arrived yet, but as we looked up 
 the hill at whose base are our tents, we saw some coming 
 down. One would think they would roll over the mules 
 that are hitched to the wagons, for as the fore wheels roll from 
 one declivity to another the wagon appears to be about stand 
 ing on its front end, but yet they, so far, have got down safe. 
 The mules to those wagons are w r ell broken, and, like their 
 drivers, understand their work and do it. We will not reach 
 Knoxville before the 16th or 17th of this month, we have to move 
 slow for we are to have two batteries with us, viz., Benjamin s 
 six-gun battery of twenty pound Parrotts, and Edwards s 
 six-gun battery of twelve pound Parrotts. Our march must 
 necessarily be slow and tedious, for as the road to the moun 
 tains is very hilly and rocky, the artillery and wagons will not 
 be able to make very rapid inarches on such highways. It is 
 seventy-eight miles from here to Cumberland Gap and it is 
 called sixty-two miles from the Gap to Knoxville ; the road 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 397 
 
 over the mountains is very rugged from the base to summit on 
 this side is seven miles, and the descent on the other side is 
 eight miles. Some interesting events, I think, will transpire 
 in crossing the mountains, of which I will try to keep the 
 numerous readers of the Defender apprised of at as early an 
 opportunity as I can get. 
 
 We expect to reach a post called London, distant about 
 twenty-three miles from here, by next Monday, the 5th, at 
 which place we will gather into our column another regiment, 
 the llth New Hampshire, which belongs to the 2d brigade. 
 By the addition of that regiment we will make quite a formid 
 able appearance. 
 
 A number of furloughs were granted the evening before 
 we left to the boys of the different companies of the 51st 
 Pennsylvania, and the recipients of them may consider them 
 selves born under a lucky star, in getting out of this march. 
 
 We are still short of commissioned officers for line duty, 
 Capt. Gaulin, Lieuts. Owens and Thomas are all we can find 
 on the march with the regiment. More anon, 
 
 T. H. P. 
 
 LONDON, LAUREL COUNTY, KY., 
 
 October Wi, 1863. 
 
 In my last, I gave you a sketch of our march up to the close 
 of the 3d inst. I will now merely give the remainder of this 
 march in the form of a diary, with the incidents and scenery 
 that I think will interest the general reader of the Defender. 
 On Sunday the 4th inst., at 7^ A. M., we formed in line and were 
 again on the march, and in a few moments after we started 
 we crossed the Big Rockcastle river, a very diminutive stream 
 to boast of such a high-sounding title ; immediately after cross 
 ing the above rivulet, we ascended a hill far more worthy of 
 being called a mountain than the above creek a river. At 
 about one-fourth of a mile from the base of this hill we found 
 quite a number of sutlers 1 wagons, as well as others, "stuck," 
 for at this point of the road it was at an angle of at least forty- 
 five degrees perpendicular. We were nearly " stuck " as bad 
 as the teams, but by being blessed with good toe-nails we suc 
 ceeded in gaining the summit at the loss of considerable breath. 
 About 1 P. M. we had made eleven miles, and coming to the 
 above river again, Licut.-Col. Schall halted the brigade until 
 the next morning. We pitched our tents and made ourselves 
 
398 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIKST REGIMENT 
 
 tolerably comfortable notwithstanding that night was very cold 
 and frosty. 
 
 At 7 A. M. of Monday, the 5th, we again were on our march, 
 crossed the above river, and began the ascent of the famous 
 Wild Cat mountain, made famous,by the rebel chieftain Zolli- 
 coffer having his camp and fortifications on its summit. The 
 tent poles of his camp are still standing erect, but show little 
 vestige of busy camp life. While descending this mountain our 
 worthy friend George Bodey, who was driving an ambulance 
 and sitting in front, was precipitated headlong out of the wagon 
 on the ground, turning a somersault and alighting on his back; 
 it was gratifying to us all when we found that he sustained no 
 injury whatever. All along this road the rebellion has left its 
 desolating mark. The citizens having at the outset of the re 
 bellion deserted their once happy homes and either linked their 
 fates with Jeff. Davis, or gone off as refugees to some distant 
 places of safety, their houses are now occupied by loyal refu 
 gees from Eastern Tennessee, of whom the majority are pre 
 paring to return to their homes in Tennessee. It is an old 
 but true saying, that one half of the world don t know how 
 the other half lives. These refugees live in the most squalid 
 poverty, having had to leave all their property behind them and 
 seek an asylum in among these mountains where there is 
 little or no vegetation whatever, their sufferings are beyond 
 description. 
 
 W T hen our forces drove Bragg out this road through the Gap, 
 the contending forces left their marks upon the trees and in the 
 roads, for some of the trees bear the unmistakable sign of the 
 determination of both forces ; some of the trees are perforated 
 witli as many as thirty balls, some having their tops cut off by 
 a shell or cannon shot, and at short distances apart. Bragg 
 felled large trees across the roads to impede the pursuing artil 
 lery of Buell, and to blockade the roads to prevent Buell from 
 pressing his rear too severely. I have digressed a little but I 
 will return to our march first and the incidents afterwards. 
 
 We made a rapid march this day of eight miles in three 
 hours, for by half-past 11 o clock A. M. we had reached the en 
 campment of the llth N. H. of our brigade, which has been 
 out here nearly four weeks, this camp is in Laurel county, Ky., 
 near London. Just before we reached this camp we passed a 
 party of rebel prisoners who were on their way back to Lex 
 ington, Ky., they were as rough a looking set of bipeds as I 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 399 
 
 ever saw. We are now at this writing, encamped here await 
 ing the arrival of the batteries of which I made mention in my 
 last letter that is to accompany us to Knoxville. 
 
 On Tuesday the 6th in consequence of the inability of pro 
 curing supplies sufficient to feed us, our daily rations were to 
 be considerably reduced, but the reduction has proved to be of 
 little or no loss to us, although some saving to the Government 
 stores, for the surrounding mountains abound in a species of 
 game that our boys have contrived to capture and apply to 
 their own behoof and use only, the game (commonly called 
 hogs and sheep,) roams about here apparently without any 
 owners, until after shot, then an owner of mushroon order 
 springs up as the case may be, but generally with the success 
 of getting off himself without being harmed, for the boys hold 
 on to their property by that wholesome law, the right of dis 
 covery. 
 
 Wednesday 7th. This was a rainy day and had rained all 
 night, making everything disagreeable and uncomfortable in 
 camp. We are still using the little shelter tents, but they afford 
 but a very poor protection against a dashing rain. 
 
 Thursday 8th cleared off cold, a large train of wagons camped 
 here to-day, having just come in from Knoxville, they left on 
 the 1st inst., and report everything going on as well as could 
 be wished for in front, excepting the w r hole army out here are 
 upon less than half rations. They report plenty of hogs be 
 tween here and Knoxville, but unfit for use, unless we carry 
 corn along to feed them a little, and also carry a little fat to 
 fry them in. 
 
 Friday 9th. The wagon train that came in yesterday is load 
 ing up with bituminous coal to be delivered at Crab Orchard. 
 
 I understand that there are immense fields of bituminous 
 coal in this region. There ig ample mineral wealth in this part 
 of Kentucky to induce capitalists to invest largely in develop 
 ing the hidden treasures that are known to exist here, but the 
 want of railroad to some market has deterred the formation of a 
 company or corporation from being organized. It wants a few 
 enterprising Pennsylvanians out here to show them how for 
 tunes are made. 
 
 More anon, T. P. H. 
 
 The next letter of T. H. P. is dated from Knox 
 ville, Oct. 21st, 1863, as follows : 
 
400 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, 
 Oct. 21st, 1863. 
 
 Since writing my last we have reached this city and I will 
 now endeavor to give a graphic account of onr very toilsome 
 march. Just as I closed my last letter on Friday, the 9th inst., 
 the two batteries that we had been waiting several days for, 
 arrived and orders were issued to be ready to break camp and 
 leave at noon of the next day, Saturday, 10th. According to 
 orders we left at the designated time, and with the 85th INI ass. 
 and the two batteries (regulars) we made quite a column. We 
 had to leave the llth N. H. at London to await the return of a 
 supply train, which had to go back to Crab Orchard for an 
 additional supply of rations, for the purpose of acting as a guard 
 to it on its way hither. We made ten miles this day and 
 camped for the night near Laurel Bridge, in Laurel county. 
 Here we found a few hogs running in apparently a wild state 
 and we appropriated them to our use for the inner man. 
 
 On Sunday, llth, we again broke camp and left at 7 
 o clock A. M. This day we made nineteen miles over a very 
 mountainous road, at noon we halted at a roadside inn for half 
 an hour, here we had a good rest. We passed through the 
 town of Barboursville and camped about 5 p. M., on the banks 
 of that beautiful stream, the Cumberland river. On Monday, 
 12th, we left camp at 7| A. M., and made fourteen miles, forded 
 a river and camped in among the mountains at 8 o clock in the 
 afternoon. On Tuesday, 13th, left the ford at 8 o clock fore 
 noon, crossed three very high and steep mountains, and arrived 
 at Cumberland Gap at 2 P. M., in a drenching rain ; we made 
 fourteen miles this day and then camped. On Wednesday, 14th, 
 we again started at 8 o clock A. M., we crossed Cumberland 
 Mountains at the Gap, where Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennes 
 see joins. The point of State limits is marked by a large square 
 corner stone cut out and put up for that purpose. It stands at 
 the top of the mountain, on one side of the road crossing the 
 mountain. We made fifteen miles this day and camped at the 
 town of Tazewell, Tenn. Rained all day. 
 
 Thursday, 15th. This day we had to lay over for supplies 
 to arrive, our rations having run out, and also the teams being 
 entirely out of forage, and had to go out a foraging to enable 
 them to subsist on forage obtained along the line of march. 
 The train having our supplies arrived at 4 p. M. Friday, 16th, 
 left Tazewell at 9 A. M. This day we made thirteen miles and 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 401 
 
 forded the Clinch river, which was a most unpleasant duty I 
 assure you, for the water was very deep and icy cold, and the 
 river very wide with a swift current. On Saturday, 17th, left 
 the ford this morning at 8 o clock, passed through Maynards- 
 ville, County-town of Union county, made fourteen miles this 
 day, and camped twenty-one miles from Knoxville. The first 
 seven miles of this day s march was on a road that had a creek 
 of water running over the bed of the road for the whole seven 
 miles. Sunday, 18th, rained very hard all day, mud knee deep 
 and the marching of the most disagreeable character, however, 
 we made seventeen miles and camped about 5 p. M., within 
 four miles of Knoxville. Just as we were pitching our tents 
 for the night we were surprised to see our beloved major, Wm. 
 J. Bolton, Capt. L. S. Hart, and W. P. Schall come riding 
 into camp, having just returned from home. They were 
 greeted with many a hearty shake of the hands and welcomes, 
 a crowd soon gathered around them to hear the news of the 
 election which evidently was highly satisfactory to almost 
 every soldier. While here we received a mail, being the first 
 mail received since leaving Crab Orchard. It was a mam 
 moth one, reminding the boys of the large mails we used to 
 receive after we left Camp Curtin in 1801. On Monday, 19th, 
 we left camp at 9 A. M., and arrived here at Knoxville at half- 
 past 10 A. M., and went into camp where we now are. 
 
 Last night about 8 o clock we received orders to march again 
 this morning at 6 o clock, with three days rations and forty 
 rounds of ammunition to each man. Per order, we were nearly 
 ready to start this morning, when the order was countermanded, 
 to the gratification of all the troops, and especially to us, as we 
 had just came off a long, wearisome march, and man}*" of the 
 boys are entirely barefooted. One man in Co. I inarched from 
 eighty to ninety miles, over rocky roads, without anything on 
 his feet, and if we have to go on another march before the 
 clothing arrives, there will be quite a number who will have to 
 trudge it barefooted. There is no blame to be attached to any 
 one for the misfortune, as it is one of those unavoidable mis 
 haps. When we left Crab Orchard, every man was well shod, 
 many of them having two pairs of shoes when we started ; but 
 it rained nearly every day, and between the gravel in the mud 
 and the sharp pointed rocks in the roads, with upwards of thirty 
 mountains to climb, it cut out shoe leather nearly as fast as if 
 held on a grindstone. The injury done to shoes in climbing so 
 
 18* 
 
402 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 many mountains is plainly visible in the toes of the shoes ; while 
 the heels and balls of the shoes are good and very little worn, 
 the toes are cut off almost square for an inch and a half back. 
 The cause is produced by the men carrying heavy knapsacks 
 and other articles, that in climbing a mountain causes them to 
 lean very much forward, thereby throwing all their weight on 
 the toe of the shoes. Our regiment is in first-rate health, owing 
 no doubt to having a plentiful supply of the best of water while 
 on the march. The country abounds in great quantities of apples, 
 and all along the line of march the trees were loaded down 
 with this delicious fruit in every variety. Yesterday I took a 
 stroll through the city of Knoxville ; it is and has been a most 
 enterprising city. In time of peace it boasted of a population of 
 7, 000 white inhabitants. There are twelve or fourteen churches, 
 several banks, schools, machine shops, and foundries, several 
 furnaces for smelting iron, and various other works that employ 
 a large number of hands. It is the most beautiful city that I 
 have seen in any of the Southern States. Parson Brownlow is 
 here, and about starting his paper again. He passed us while 
 crossing the Cumberland mountains at the Gap, having, he said, 
 a new font of type in his carriage at the time. He is now very 
 busy in pointing out the more rabid secessionists to Gen. Burn- 
 side, who is taking care of them. 
 
 More anon, T. H. P. 
 
 While the regiment lay at Winchester, Ky., Capt. 
 E. Schall, of Co. D, resigned his commission and 
 went home. He took with him a small black dog, 
 named " General." This dog had been in the regi 
 ment before its organization at Camp Curtin. When 
 brought there, he was under four weeks of age ; as 
 he got older, he grew in size and in the affections 
 of the men. He followed the fortunes of the 51st 
 P. V. from that time up to the resignation of his 
 master, in May, 1863. "General" was with the 
 regiment at the taking of Roanoke Island, Newbern, 
 Camden, second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Moun 
 tain, Antietam, Sulphur Springs, Fredericksburg, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 403 
 
 and in all the marches from Camp Curtin to Win 
 chester, Ky. When he returned to Norristown, Pa., 
 it was only to enjoy life a few short months. A 
 notice of his death, which appeared in one of the 
 papers of that town, of October 20th, 1863, says : 
 
 "DEAD. The dog General departed last night from this 
 world. Quite a history is connected with his life. He joined 
 the 51st regiment at Harrisburg, (or we might say was impressed 
 into the service by Buglum Taylor,) he followed the for 
 tunes of the regiment through North Carolina, Virginia, Mary 
 land, and Kentucky ; he passed safely through all the battles 
 fought by that regiment ; he was the pet of the regiment as well 
 as of the 2d brigade. It is supposed that he was poisoned, inas 
 much as no mark could be found on his body. It was evidently 
 the spite work of some malicious person. His remains were 
 placed in a neat little box, and buried in the corner of a yard. 
 A small marble stone, with suitable inscriptions, marks his 
 resting place." 
 
 Another dog followed in the fortunes of the 51st P. V., and 
 made quite a record for himself. He outdid his regiment in the 
 number of his battles ; in his long career in the regiment and 
 the large number of his fights he was never known to have 
 been whipped, although attacked sometimes by four or five 
 dogs, none of them as small as himself. His owner took him 
 home, as he was being worn out with age, hard fighting, and 
 the loss of his teeth. All will remember "Tinker" and his 
 master, Sergt. John McNulty, of Co. D. 
 
 The 51st P. Y. left Crab Orchard to reinforce the 
 army already in East Tennessee, and right lustily did 
 the column push forward to its duty ; but its assist 
 ance was not needed on its arrival, as the following 
 report of Gen. Burnside to Gen. Halleck will ex 
 plain : 
 
 "KNOXVILLE, TENN., Oct. llth. 
 "Major General H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief, Washington: 
 
 On the 8th inst. the enemy held down as far as Blue Springs, 
 and a cavalry brigade of ours held Bull s Gap, supported by a 
 small body of infantry at Morristown. 
 
 14 1 accordingly despatched a brigade of cavalry around by 
 Rogersville to intercept the enemy s retreat, and with a con 
 siderable body of infantry and artillery moved to Bull s Gap. 
 
404 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY FIRST KEGIMENT 
 
 44 On Saturday, the lOtli instant, I advanced a cavalry bri 
 gade to Blue Springs, where they found the enemy strongly 
 posted and offering a stubborn resistance. 
 
 44 Skirmishing continued until about 5 o clock in the afternoon, 
 when I sent in a division of infantry, who charged and cleared 
 the woods, gallantly driving the enemy in confusion until dark. 
 
 44 During the night the enemy retreated precipitately, leaving 
 their dead on the field, and most of their wounded in our hands. 
 
 "His advance is now ten miles beyond Bristol. 
 
 44 Our loss at Blue Springs and in the pursuit was about one 
 hundred killed and wounded. 
 
 " The enemy s loss was considerably greater. 
 
 44 About one hundred and fifty prisoners were taken. 
 
 44 A. E. BURNSIDE, Major General." 
 
 About the middle of October, 1868, Gen. Kose- 
 crans was relieved of the command of the " Army of 
 the Cumberland" by Gen. Grant; this did not mate 
 rially affect the several regiments in the command, 
 more than to move them with greater celerity and at 
 an earlier period. The 2d brigade, 2d division, 9th 
 Army Corps, after reaching Tazewell, Tcim., pushed 
 on with perseverance to the end of its march, not be 
 cause its services were any more urgently needed, but 
 the change in commanders in chief caused the army 
 to be more centralized than it had been previously. 
 
 A dispatch to the ft Associated Press," announcing 
 the event, we give below : 
 
 . "GEN. ROSECRANS SUPERSEDED. A dispatch, received at 
 one o clock this morning from Louisville, announces the super 
 sedence of Gen. Roseerans by Gen. Grant, who assumes the 
 command of the armies of the Cumberland, and Ohio, and 
 Kentucky, with ample powers. Gen. Grant left for Nashville, 
 which will probably be his headquarters, yesterday morning, to 
 assume the direction of affairs at Chattanooga. Maj. Gen. 
 Thomas, the 4t obstinate fighter" at Chickamauga, takes com 
 mand of the Army of the Cumberland, and Gen. Rosecrans is 
 ordered to report at Cincinnati, by letter to the Adjutant-Gen 
 eral at Washington. Gens. Garfield and Steadman, of Rose 
 crans staff, arrived at Louisville last night." 
 
 By another dispatch from the same source, it shows 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 405 
 
 that Gen. Grant kept moving himself, which meant 
 that he intended all others to do the same thing, the 
 dispatch bearing the same date as the last one, Octo 
 ber 15, 1863: 
 
 " VICKSBUHG AFFAIRS. Gen. McPherson, since the depar 
 ture of Gen. Grant, remains in command of the Union forces 
 south of the Arkansas river down to Gen. Crocker s line at 
 Natchez. Gen. Logan is the military governor of Yicksburg. 
 Joe Johnston is in command of all the rebel troops in the 
 vicinity, and is using every effort to raise a large army by 
 conscripting every man who comes in his reach." 
 
 The dispatch not only speaks of Gen. Grant s early 
 departure from Yicksburg, but gave the men of the 
 51st P. Y. an idea how things were going on in the 
 department where they had fought and suffered so 
 much. But, as we are again digressing, we will re 
 turn to the inarch. 
 
 The march from Crab Orchard to London (Post 
 Pitman) was accomplished by the 6th; the last eight 
 or nine miles were done in a hurry, inasmuch as the 
 35th Mass, was secretly racing with the 51st P. Y., 
 and thinking they i^being raw troops) could march 
 as fast and long as older disciplined ones. But, to 
 their discredit (they being in the advance), in turning 
 an angle in the road, or when hidden by a dense 
 woods at almost every bend, they would double quick 
 along the road, until the advance of the 51st P. Y. 
 would come in view of their rear, when they would 
 assume the route step, as if they had been going at 
 that ordinary speed all the time. The men of the 
 51st caught the idea of what the 35th Mass, were 
 doing, and they put on a little more steam, with the 
 approbation of the regimental commander, Capt. 
 Bisbing. In fact, he entered into the race as heartily 
 as the men, and up to within three miles of the last 
 
406 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIEST REGIMENT 
 
 of that day s marcb, the 51st P. V. merely held their 
 own, pretending to be ignorant of the object of the 
 35th Mass. ; but on the starting in on the last three 
 miles, the two regiments being nearly a mile apart, 
 the 51st resolved to soon close up that gap. By the 
 time another one and a half miles were done, the 51st 
 were at their heels, hallooing and yelping like so 
 many hounds after a fox, for them to " push on," get 
 out of the way," &c. ; but they were nearly jaded out 
 by their exertions, and d d one another for making 
 fools of themselves and being overdone. Nearly 
 one-half of their regiment u fell out," while the other 
 part, more persevering, seemed determined to get 
 to their camp ground before the 51st could to 
 theirs; but the 51st P. V., followed by the 51st N. 
 Y., pushed on through and around the ranks of the 
 35th, and were on their camp ground with " guns 
 stacked," before the 35th " filed in " from the road. 
 This race satisfied the 35th that green troops could 
 neither march faster nor longer than veterans; and 
 they never attempted to race again, either secretly 
 or openly. 
 
 After the 51st P. V. got into camp each man began 
 to " take account of stock," in sore feet, blisters, sore 
 nails, rubbed heels, &c., and found that they were 
 rich, indeed, but not quite as flush as their oppon 
 ents, the 35th were, for every step they took through 
 camp was performed in the most delicate style, some 
 thing similar to a person walking on thorns. 
 
 This camp was in a woods about one hundred 
 yards to the left of the road, going towards the "Gap," 
 and it was as merry a camp as the regiment was 
 ever in. A sutler, belonging to Post Pitman, had a 
 goodly supply of " Bourbon," and it wasn t long be- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 407 
 
 fore the men had a full sufficiency, by paying $2.50 
 per bottle of less than a pint. The scene in camp 
 that night was ridiculous. Lieut.-Col. Schall, the 
 brigade commander, had his quarters a short dis 
 tance off , but the noise and disorderly conduct of a 
 certain few was plainly heard by him, and he visited 
 the camp in person to quell the disturbance. Seven 
 of the companies being under the command of ser 
 geants, little heed was paid by the men to their 
 threats or orders, and what few line officers were 
 present, although they endeavored to restore order, 
 seemed to enjoy the sport as much as any of the 
 men. As soon as they restored quiet in one place, 
 and got to where another noisy party was, the tu 
 mult would break out where they had just left ; thus 
 it kept them on the go, until they found their efforts 
 were fruitless, and gave it up, as no man was to be 
 found, on their appearance, who could or would tell 
 who the boisterous ones were ; and another thing, 
 the men knew their officers liked fun, and they sup 
 plied them with it freely; but when Col. Schall 
 came and complained, and appealed to their better 
 judgment, they instantly ceased their sport, not 
 through fear, but knowing him to be a strictly pious 
 man, and that such conduct wounded his feelings, 
 they, out of respect and reverence for him, brought 
 their revelry to an end for the night. 
 
 Next morning, an order was issued by Col. Schall 
 against shooting cattle, hogs, or sheep while lying 
 there ; but, with all their respect and reverence for 
 him, they could not brook that order, for their rations 
 were short, and they would not starve to please the 
 natives of that region, and before night nearly every 
 man was frying a nice piece of fresh pork or mutton. 
 
408 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 On the 9th the regiment received orders to be 
 ready to leave by noon, of the 10th. Their long 
 stay at this place was occasioned by having to take 
 two very heavy batteries along with them, which 
 could not be got ready for the march any sooner ; 
 one of which was Benjamin s celebrated New York 
 brass battery of six twenty-pounder Parrott guns; 
 the other, Edwards (regulars) six gun battery, of 
 twelve-pounders, Parrotts. 
 
 At 10 A. M. of Saturday, October 10th, the regi 
 ment struck tents and packed knapsacks prepara 
 tory to leaving Post Pitman, and precisely at 12 M. it 
 started off towards Laurel Bridge, where it arrived a 
 little before dark, and bivouacked for the night. 
 Soon after getting into quarters, the men began 
 hunting up fresh meat by shooting a few pigs and 
 sheep, much to the indignation of the citizens of the 
 neighborhood. A whiskey distillery was found at 
 this place, but every thing had been removed out of 
 sight of the Yankees. The proprietor had sixty 
 barrels of liquor stored away in the cellar of his 
 large mansion, but it was unknown to the brigade, 
 with the exception of two or three men whom an old 
 colored man had informed that he had helped to put 
 it there only a few days before. The next was a 
 hard day s march, being over a rugged and moun 
 tainous road, making about twenty miles. At noon, 
 the regiment halted for an hour and a-half at a pub 
 lic house that stood on the right side of the road ; 
 the hotel was closed, but the officers of the different 
 commands entered the rear of the house, and ob 
 tained their dinner, while the men were contriving 
 every scheme imaginable to obtain a little whiskey, 
 but with poor success. There was plenty of it, but 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 409 
 
 it could not be found, as the knowing ones kept out 
 of the way. After the officers had done their din 
 ners, and showed the men a chance of getting theirs, 
 also a good rest, the regiment again started off, and 
 passed, at 5 P. M., through Barboursville, situated 
 on the Cumberland river, and, after fording it, en 
 camped about one and a-half miles from the town, 
 on the bank of the river, in a narrow strip of woods 
 on the right of the road, and about three hundred 
 yards from it, the artillery parking between the 
 regiment s camp and the road. The men belonging 
 to the infantry viewed with envy the plentiful sup 
 ply of rations which the batterymen had, while the 
 former had only a cracker and a cup of coffee for 
 their supper. Several privates belonging to the 
 51st P. V. were detailed to serve in Benjamin s bat 
 tery, to fill vacancies occasioned by deaths and dis 
 charges. These men served with Benjamin all 
 through the Tennessee campaign, and with marked 
 distinction. One of whom, John Dunn, of Co. D, 
 deserves especial mention. One of his great feats 
 will be mentioned in the attack on Fort Sanders 
 during the siege of Knoxville, which we will men 
 tion hereafter. 
 
 The next morning the regiment broke camp, left 
 the Cumberland, made fourteen miles that day, and 
 reforded the same river higher up. The bed of this 
 stream was rocky;. the submerged stones were as 
 slippery as ice, and not a few who were trying to 
 keep themselves dry by stepping from one stone to 
 another would slip and get a ducking in the icy cold 
 water that made them feel disagreeable for some 
 time thereafter. After fording the river, the regi 
 ment filed to the left of the road, passed an old 
 
410 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 building, climbed a steep acclivity, and went into 
 camp on this high hill at about 3J- P. M., which was 
 another act of kindness of the brigade commander, 
 Lieut.-Col. Schall, and it was appreciated by the 
 whole brigade, for it gave all the men who were 
 dripping and soaked to the skin from fording, a 
 chance to dry their clothing and their persons, and 
 by the huge fires they kindled their chattering teeth 
 and shivering limbs soon resumed their natural feel 
 ings of warmth. 
 
 The regiment left this place next morning, at 8 
 o clock, (Tuesday, 13th,) filed down the hill to the 
 road where the column was forming, and immediately 
 started for the "Gap," in a cold, drizzling rain, 
 which, by noon, came down in torrents, making the 
 marching most abominable, and what added to the 
 painful labor was the crossing of the three very high 
 and rocky "knobs" of the Log Mountains, which 
 appeared to worry the men far more than crossing 
 the Cumberland Mountains, at the Gap ; their shoes 
 were filled with mud and gravel ; their clothing 
 heavy, and draggling with rain ; their scanty rations 
 unfit to eat by being soaked in rain water, and all 
 mashed up in their haversacks, and themselves shiv 
 ering with the cold. By 2 P. M. they reached the 
 base of the Cumberland Mountains, filed to the right 
 of the road, and camped in a meadow about three 
 miles from where the road began its ascent to the 
 Gap. It did not appear to be four hundred yards off , 
 from the fact that the great height of this mountain 
 makes it seem to be close, when, in reality, it is at 
 a great distance. After getting into camp, another 
 difficulty arose in the shape of want of fuel, it being 
 very scarce owing to the long occupation of that 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 411 
 
 vicinity by the rebel army previous to the surrender 
 of the Gap, and to the Union army after getting 
 possession of it. What little could be found was so 
 water-soaked as to make ignition nearly impossible, 
 but before dark, camp-fires were all ablaze. While 
 some were making the fires, others were obliged to 
 forage for their supper. Some few were a little suc 
 cessful, but only a little, while the majority had to 
 make their supper entirely of stewed apples and 
 coffee. The apples were scrubby things, and we had 
 to go back three miles to get them. This was a 
 cheerless day and night to nearly all the officers and 
 men, and its influence was keenly felt next morning 
 in preparing the morning meal. Although it was 
 intended to start early, yet the rations were so short 
 that Col. Schall deemed it more prudent to show the 
 men a chance of foraging an hour or two for their 
 breakfast, which they did with a hearty good will, 
 but with poor success. He being unable to delay 
 longer the starting, at 8 A. M. the column was under 
 way, with empty stomachs and empty haversacks, to 
 cross the Cumberland Mountains at the Gap. 
 
 While at a halt, about two miles from the summit, 
 the Hon. Horace Maynard, U. S. Representative 
 from Tennessee, and a champion of the Union, passed 
 through the regiment, and proceeded up the road to 
 the Gap. When about half-way up, (being on foot,) 
 he stopped and faced the halted troops, evidently 
 wondering if there was strength enough in that little 
 band of heroes, which lay at his feet, to insure a safe 
 entrance for him back to his own beloved State 
 which had so recently driven him away, because he 
 had dared to stand up so nobly, with his compeer, 
 Parson Brownlow, in defence of the Union, and 
 
412 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 against secession. No doubt he felt willing to risk 
 it, for after viewing the troops for ten or fifteen 
 minutes, he resumed his way, and we lost sight of 
 him until he got to Knoxville. 
 
 Parson Wm. Gr. Brownlow next came along, in a 
 two-horse carriage, accompanied by that intrepid 
 daughter who had dared to shoot down a rebel ser 
 geant on her father s door-step, while attempting to 
 force his way into the house for the purpose of 
 arresting the Parson. He seemed dejected at his 
 prospects, for he, too, like his friend Maynard, was 
 venturing back to the city of Knoxville, where 
 the " secesh " citizens had twice put the rope around 
 his neck to force him to renounce his Union senti 
 ments, and to link his fortune with theirs ; but even 
 with death staring him in the face, the brave old 
 man still stood up for his cherished principles, and 
 defied them to do their worst. He had a couple of 
 U. S. army- wagons at his service, which contained 
 his baggage and a new font of type, which he was 
 going to use, as he said, when he got back to his 
 home. He was told, perhaps he couldn t stay there, 
 when he replied " As long as Gen. Burnside remains 
 in the State, I am bound to stay, and when he leaves 
 I can tell better what I will do." Soon afterwards 
 the Parson passed on over the mountain, and reached 
 Knoxville in safety, where the secessionists would 
 as lief have seen his Satanic Majesty appear among 
 them as the Parson, for they had had their day, and 
 they now trembled in their blockade-running shoes 
 at the prospect that the Parson was about to have 
 his. They well knew he would retaliate with equal 
 severity, and justly, too; for no punishment could 
 he inflict on them that would more than compensate 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 413 
 
 for their atrociously barbarous crimes, committed 
 on him by them ; for were the whole class of 
 secessionists and their sympathizers exterminated 
 from the face of the earth, seas of blood and millions 
 of treasure would have been saved to this most pre 
 cious Government, and the nation now would not be 
 groaning under such onerous taxation. 
 
 The regiment, after a good rest, ascended the 
 mountain in a drenching rain, but not so cold as the 
 day before, and reached the Gap at 10J A. M., where 
 it halted and viewed the fortifications that were now 
 in possession of the 23d Army Corps. 
 
 How a place, so strongly fortified by nature as 
 the Gap, could be taken under any circumstances 
 whatever except by regular siege (and then only by 
 starvation), was a mystery to all thinking military 
 men. After a halt for half an hour s rest, the regi 
 ment began to descend on the Tennessee side, and 
 marched on towards Tazewell, thirteen miles south 
 of the Gap, where it went into camp at 3 p. M., 
 within half a mile of the town, on the right of the 
 road, close on the margin of a large pond, the ar 
 tillery parking on the opposite side of the road. 
 While here, an angry feeling sprung up between 
 the men of the 51st P. V. and the officers of the 
 batteries, which would have led to serious conse 
 quences had it not have been for the timely inter 
 ference of Lieut. Col. Schall. The artillery officers 
 had issued orders to their batterymen prohibiting 
 them from shooting anything like cattle, hogs, sheep, 
 or poultry, or molesting the property of any of the 
 citizens. Gen. Burnside had issued such prohibi 
 tory orders when he first entered the State, and 
 they were still in force, and were posted up all along 
 
4:14 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 the line of march in Tennessee. But, hunger defies 
 orders and officers, and the result was the shooting 
 of a shoat by one of the 51st P. V. in the field 
 wherein the artillery was parked. The man was 
 arrested by a guard belonging to the battery, at the 
 command of the artillery officer which officer, 
 legally, had a right to order the arrest, but, 
 morally, he had not; and in tLe latter light the 
 men viewed it, and were plotting a rescue, when 
 Lieut. Col. Schall was informed of the state of 
 affairs, and, as brigade commander, had the man set 
 at liberty ; arid things resumed their wonted tran 
 quillity. Lieut. Col. Schall never acted the part of 
 a tyrant in the enforcement of an order. When a 
 rigid order was to be enforced, he generally had it 
 enforced as strictly as any other commander, and at 
 the same time retained the affection of his com 
 mand, whether of a regiment or a brigade. He would 
 allow the men to forage for food when rations could 
 not be furnished by the government, even in con 
 flict with standing orders against such actions. He 
 could not see his command suffer for food when 
 plenty surrounded them, but was always careful 
 that the Union-loving citizens should suffer the least 
 by depredations committed by his men. The wagon 
 train arrived about an hour after the regiment, with 
 a scanty issue of rations, but no forage, and the 
 regiment had to lay over until the morning of the 
 16th, to give the forage train an opportunity to 
 gather forage sufficient for the remainder of the 
 march. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 415 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 An infuriated she-rebel Clinch river Maynardsville A loyal 
 farmer Return of Major Bolton Arrival at Knoxville 
 Misfortunes of a Glee-club Correspondence Loudon 
 Retreat across the river Grand leap of a locomotive 
 Taking up the pontoons Flank movement of Gen. Long- 
 street March to Lenoir Station Leiper s Ferry A brave 
 corporal Letters to the Defender. 
 
 AFTER leaving the Gap about five miles in the 
 rear, Capt. Bisbing halted the regiment near an 
 apple orchard, to enable the men to fill their can 
 teens and to rest. About one hundred yards off to 
 the right of the road stood a long one-storied house. 
 This house was visited by some of the boys for the 
 purpose of getting something to eat. They found 
 the door fastened on the inside, and they were 
 unable to gain admittance in that way ; and sup 
 posing the denizens had " skedaddled," attempted to 
 seek ingress by a side-window. But, on peering in 
 at the window, they discovered a female within, at 
 least what proved to be a female afterwards, for she 
 did not appear to be anything short of Barnum s 
 " What is it ?" Her hair stood out in a mop that 
 nothing less than a bushel basket would encompass, 
 and looked like a large bundle of tow in color. Her 
 head certainly had not been combed since the re 
 bellion broke out. As soon as she discovered the 
 men at her window, she unbarred the door, seized 
 an axe, and rushed on them with the impetuosity of 
 a tigress. The boys vacated their position, " rallied 
 on the regiment " as their reserve, and entered into 
 a war of words with the termagant, in which they 
 
416 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 came off only second-best. Her language was both 
 blasphemous and obscene, her voice shrill as a fife, 
 and with the uplifted axe she charged and re-charged 
 to drive the regiment from their resting place in the 
 road. When she found that they were Pennsylva- 
 riians, her ra?e knew no bounds, and she exhausted 
 the vocabulary of epithets on the Yankee "s of 
 b !" After leaving her premises, she still followed 
 after the regiment a short distance ; and at this time 
 the cause of her antipathy to the Pennsylvanians 
 was made manifest. It appears that her husband 
 was killed in battle in the fore part of the rebellion 
 by a Pennsylvania regiment, and the loss of her 
 husband had partly or wholly deprived her of her 
 reason, and she now was a raving maniac while in 
 sight of those whom she supposed was the cause of 
 all her trouble. How she managed to live, none 
 could tell. The rebel army had fed her while it 
 held the Gap, but now she refused all assistance 
 from the Unionists, either civilian or military. Her 
 appearance will be remembered by all who were 
 with the regiment that day, as also by thousands 
 who marched along that road afterwards, for she 
 attacked all who passed her house. 
 
 At 9 A. M., the regiment left camp and passed 
 through Tazewell, and took the road to the right or 
 east of the town for Knoxville. While passing 
 through Tazewell, a small Union flag was seen 
 hanging from a window of a house that was pointed 
 out as the residence of three sisters of Maj. Gen. 
 Kobert Patterson, of Philadelphia. Two of the 
 sisters were violent Secessionists, and the third was 
 an extreme Unionist; and it was this latter one that 
 had hung out tho Union flag. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 41? 
 
 After leaving Tazewell about twelve miles in the 
 rear, the regiment was again compelled to ford the 
 Clinch or Tennessee river. This was a most dis 
 agreeable duty, being very near half a mile wide, 
 and very deep, but with a good bed for fording, 
 consisting of gravel and small rock. After crossing 
 the river, (which took a long time to accomplish, on 
 account of such slow progress being made in ford 
 ing a deep stream with a swift current,) the regi 
 ment filed to the left of the road, and encamped 
 about 4 P. M. in a small field in the rear of an old 
 barn. Next morning (the 17th) the regiment left 
 the ford at 8 o clock, and had an exceedingly difficult 
 road to march over, it being a succession of hills. 
 For about seven miles our route lay in the bed of 
 a swift-running stream of uncertain depth now not 
 more than a couple of inches deep, then, the next 
 step, knee-deep. After crossing this elevation, the 
 regiment passed through a small village, of which a 
 large saw-mill was the principal feature, called May- 
 nardsville, the county-seat of Union county, and 
 proceeded about six miles further and went into camp 
 on a staunch Union man s farm, to the right of the 
 road, on the banks of a large creek of splendid 
 water. This man s property was under a "safe 
 guard," issued by Gen. Burnside. Consequently his 
 cattle, hogs, sheep, &c. ; with which he was amply 
 supplied, suffered from no act of the 51st P. V., if we 
 except the shooting of a fine goose by one of the men, 
 who was ignorant of the existence of the safe-guard. 
 This farmer, who was well blest with this world s 
 goods, showed that he possessed a heart susceptible 
 of kindness, for when he heard the men complain of 
 having so little to eat, he gave them permission to 
 
418 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY -FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 kill some of his sheep, which were in splendid con 
 dition, with the injunction not to kill more than 
 they would be able to consume, as he did not ap 
 prove (and justly too) of wasting that which would 
 be needed another day. The regiment had a good 
 supper that night, and without violating discipline ; 
 but the after part of the night was most cheerlessly 
 spent, for it began to rain, and the water ran in 
 under the tents rousing the sleepers to a sense of 
 their condition. Towards daylight the rain slack 
 ened a little, and the boys prepared their morning 
 rneal while they had a chance. At 7 A. M. of Sunday 
 (18th) the regiment left for another day of hard 
 marching raining copiously all day, the roads in a 
 most horrid condition, the men s clothing dripping 
 wet, and the mud of such a soft, greasy, unctuous 
 nature, and almost knee- deep, that entirely baffles 
 description. Seventeen miles to be done in that 
 kind of roads, as they were all alike; but the men 
 persevered, and, only a few straggling, reached a flat 
 or meadow on the left of the road, bounded on one 
 side by a large creek, and within four miles of Knox- 
 ville, at 5 P. M. While laying out the camp-ground, 
 preparatory to pitching tents, the regiment was sur 
 prised at the appearance of three horsemen, who 
 were dashing up the road at full gallop towards 
 the camp, but, on a closer view, it was ascertained to 
 be Maj. Wm. J. Bolton, Capt. Lane S. Hart, and 
 Private Wm. P. Schall, who had just returned from 
 their homes. This acquisition to the number of 
 commissioned officers was hailed with delight, and 
 the men evinced a deal of pleasure in having their 
 old major with them once more. On the next morn 
 ing, at 9 A. M. of the 19th, the regiment took up the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 419 
 
 line of march to complete the task of one hundred 
 arid fifty-seven miles, which they succeeded -in doing 
 at 10J A. M. of the same morning, making the one 
 hundred and fifty-seven miles in precisely eighty - 
 two hours as follows: 
 
 Oct. 3d, 10 miles, 4 hours ; 3d, 7 miles, 7 hours ; 4th, 11 
 miles, 5 hours ; 5th, 8^ miles, 3 hours ; Oth, lay over until the 
 10th; 10th, 10 miles, 5 hours; llth, 19 miles, 8^ hours; 12th, 
 14 miles, 7| hours; 13th, 14 miles, 6 hours; 14th, 15 miles, 7 
 hours ; 15th, lay over until the 16th ; 16th, 13 miles, 8 hours ; 
 17th, 14 miles, 9 hours ; 18th, 17 miles, 10 hours ; 19th, 4 miles, 
 1| hours. Total, 157 miles in 82 hours. 
 
 To the casual reader this may not seem to be 
 much of a march, but to march one hundred and 
 fifty-seven miles in eighty two hours, climbing in 
 numerable mountains, fording deep, wide, and swift- 
 current rivers, and in muddy or on rocky roads, with 
 heavy rains just half the time, but sufficient to keep 
 the men dripping wet all the time. We think it a 
 remarkable march, inasmuch as the men were so 
 scantily rationed, and carrying heavy knapsacks, 
 two to three pieces of D Abri tents, a gum and a 
 woollen blanket, plates, frying-pans, tin-cups, their 
 guns and accoutrements, making, on an average, 
 about sixty-one pounds for each man to carry, and 
 as such things always seem to get heavier the fur 
 ther they are carried, the weight appeared to be not 
 less than ninety or one hundred pounds by the time 
 the regiment arrived at Knoxville; arriving there 
 completely jaded out and very hungry, with a poorer 
 prospect than before of getting a full half-ration of 
 coffee, or hard-tack and coffee. The regiment en 
 camped in a field in the suburbs of the city, about 
 half a mile northwest of the East Tennessee and 
 Virginia Railroad depot. Soon after the tents were 
 pitched, the boys took a stroll through the city, and 
 
420 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 those who were the fortunate possessors of a few 
 "stamps" invested them in such things to eat as 
 could be found. The principal things were molasses, 
 corn meal, and tobacco, which were held at untold 
 prices. The molasses was sold at one dollar per 
 canteenf ul ; corn meal at fifteen cents per pound ; and 
 only a very limited quantity could be obtained even 
 at those prices. 
 
 A few of the men of the regiment who had formed 
 themselves into a glee-club, made the acquaintance 
 of some of the Knoxville ladies, and spent an hour 
 or two the first night after their arrival in serenading 
 their new-made acquaintances by singing " When 
 this cruel war is over/ " Who will care for mother 
 now ?" and a number of others, until 2 A. M. of the 
 22d ; and again went into the city in the evening of 
 the same date and serenaded the fair ones once more ; 
 in fact, they had spent the most of the day in town^ 
 and while there the regiment received marching 
 orders, to be ready to move in an hour and a half; 
 but of this the singers were ignorant, and at the 
 designated time for the regiment to leave, everything 
 was in readiness excepting the serenaders, who were 
 still absent. Their tentmates had packed up their 
 knapsacks, strapped on their blankets and laid all their 
 arms, accoutrements, and other property in a heap, 
 in case they returned in time to leave with the regi 
 ment but no; the regiment left them, and they lost 
 guns and all else, for when they returned to the old 
 camp-ground everything had been carried off; and 
 thinking that some of their comrades had their arti 
 cles with them for safety, returned to the city to do 
 more serenading; but on their return to the regi 
 ment, they found themselves poor indeed! which no 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 421 
 
 doubt served to teach them that a soldier has no 
 business to serenade all day and night, to the neglect 
 of his military duties. 
 
 On the 22d, the regiment left camp at Knoxville 
 at 3J P. M., and marched to the depot of the East 
 Tennessee and Virginia Kailroad, preparatory to em 
 barking for Loudon, Tennessee. The correspondent 
 of the Defender, " T. H. P.," gives the move in detail 
 as follows : 
 
 CAMP OF THE 51sT REG T P. V. 
 OPPOSITE LOUDON, TENNESSEE, Oct. 26th, 1863. 
 Yesterday we were blessed with another mail, it being 
 the second one since we left Crab Orchard, Kentucky ; the 
 boys were glad of it, I assure you, for it seems as if we are 
 shut out now entirely from the world, everything around 
 "these diggings" is literally deserted, and nothing but tents, 
 teams, soldiers, and fortifications of immense strength meet 
 the eye in all directions. On Thursday, 22d inst., at two 
 o clock P. M., we received orders to be ready to march from 
 Knoxville in one and a-half hours. In a few minutes after re 
 ceiving the orders, tents were struck, rations issued for three 
 days, forty rounds of ammunition to each man, and then all 
 were ready to leave ; but at the expiration of the time we were 
 still in camp, in fact we did not leave until six o clock in the 
 evening, when we marched to the depot of the East Tennessee 
 and Virginia Railroad, to take the cars for this place ; but as 
 there were only cars enough to take the first brigade, we were 
 marched to the rear of the depot, stacked arms and laid on the 
 platform of the depot all night. At daybreak on Friday 23d, 
 it set in a cold, heavy rain, which continued without one 
 minute s abatement in its fury until Saturday morning. At 
 about eight o clock A. M., on Friday, the cars returned for us, 
 but through the inflexible power of " red tape," we did not get 
 embarked. As soon as tl red tape " said all was ready, it was 
 discovered that the telegraph wires were cut somewhere be 
 tween the two points. A guard was immediately detailed and 
 put upon the engine and tender, which was uncoupled from 
 the train, and went a whizzing over the road on a voyage of 
 discovery, when within fifteen miles of Loudon, they found the 
 
422 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 wires clown, the chmage was repaired, and a despatch sent to 
 Knoxville to that effect. Another engine was fired up, head 
 quarters baggage and horses loaded, and at half-past one p. M. 
 we were loaded. Companies A and F were more fortunate 
 than the rest of us, they obtaining a close-covered car, the re 
 mainder of us were loaded on trucks, and being without either 
 sides or roof we were kept standing in the cold, driving rain 
 until three o clock, being but thinly clad, very few having 
 overcoats, and wet to the skin, we suffered terribly with the 
 cold. At the time the rations were issued for three days, it 
 was intended to serve us until Sunday night, but as they were 
 considerably less than half rations, some of the boys were 
 already out of "grub." Six crackers were the allowance for 
 the three days, and any ordinary man would have consumed 
 them in one day. Hunger began to gnaw the vitals of some, 
 making their cold and wet situation far from being pleasant. 
 At last the whistle blew and off we went, but not with the 
 speed of your lightning express train on the Pennsylvania 
 Central Railroad, but at about seven miles an hour. I think I 
 hear you say, that is slow travelling ! Well, it was slow, but 
 from what followed, I think we did " bully." The men on half 
 rations, the road in not quite half repair, the locomotive only 
 in half running order, and I believe it was, like the men, on 
 half rations of wood and water also, for it almost " stuck fast " 
 on every slight grade, in fact it did make a " stick " once on a 
 grade, and General Burnside, who was on the train with us, 
 told Lieutenant-Colonel Schall, who was and is in command 
 of the brigade, to get a dozen men off of each car to push the 
 train up the grade ; the men jumped off and put their 
 shoulders to the wheel, having the example set by General 
 Burnside in person, who was " leaning into it " like a " Georgia 
 Major," thinking, no doubt, that if he got stuck in the mud last 
 winter at Fredericksburg, that it should not go before this un 
 charitable world that he got stuck on railroad iron in Tennes 
 see. After a long push, a strong push, and a push altogether, 
 we got over the grade, and arrived at the end of our journey at 
 nine o clock that night. We disembarked, amid the rain and 
 dark, in mud almost knee-deep, as near dead as alive, every 
 one shivering and shaking as with a fit of ague. Teeth chat 
 tering, and knees knocking together, like castinets, each one 
 found that under the circumstances that surrounded us that we 
 would have to make the best of the most disagreeable situa- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 423 
 
 tion, and therefore each one struck out on his own hook, as it 
 was impossible to form the regiment within the narrow limits 
 of the deep cut where we disembarked. The boys of the whole 
 brigade scattered and sought such shelter as they could best 
 obtain for the night. Next morning at daylight, the regiment 
 began to collect together around the quarters of Major Bolton 
 and Captain Bisbing, and pitched their tents ; about three 
 o clock in the afternoon the regiment was formed, and we 
 moved to the side of a hill and went into regular camp, where 
 we now are. 
 
 AVe are lying on the east side of the Tennessee river, the 
 town of Loudon laying on the west bank of the river, almost 
 entirely surrounded by lofty heights, which are strongly forti 
 fied and commanding the town and surrounding country for a 
 great distance. There is a pontoon bridge laid across the 
 river that the rebels left behind them in their hurry to get 
 away. The railroad bridge, which spanned the river at this 
 point, they destroyed by fire when on their retreat. It was, no 
 doubt, a fine structure, it contained ten well-constructed piers, 
 which are nil that remain standing to mark the work of 
 peaceful times. 
 
 On Saturday, the rebels sent in a flag of truce, demanding 
 the town by three o clock of that afternoon. General Burn- 
 side "couldn t see the point" and retained the flag of truce, 
 and sent out two pieces of artillery to answer for him ; a brisk 
 engagement ensued, and the rebels fell back to a small town, 
 Philadelphia. Some of your readers may question the propri 
 ety of keeping the flag of truce, but it was only paying the 
 same party back in their own coin ; for only a few nights ago, 
 Wolford, with his command of cavalry, were in a tight place, 
 and sent in a flag of truce to the rebels for some special pur 
 pose, when the rebs retained the flag of truce, and immediately 
 deployed their columns, and had him entirely surrounded be 
 fore he was aware of the coils so adroitly placed around him. 
 He (Wolford) soon perceived his situation, and, as one of his 
 own men told me, he told his men of the predicament that they 
 were in and all that was left for them to do, was " to do or die." 
 Some succeeded in cutting their way out, but about three hun 
 dred were captured ; and General Burnside merely retained 
 their flag of truce as an equivalent. 
 
 More Anon. T. II. P. 
 
424 HISTOKYOF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 An extract from a private letter, of which we give 
 below, confirms all that 1< T. H. P. 1 asserts in his 
 correspondence, and reads almost as if one person 
 had written them both, but s they were written by 
 two distinct persons, it shows how near the two 
 persons felt under the same circumstances, which is 
 but a type of the condition and feelings of the whole 
 regiment. It says : 
 
 " Last Thursday we left camp, but not Knoxville ; we 
 struck tents at two o clock in the afternoon, but did not leave 
 till six, when we went to the depot to take the cars for some 
 where, twenty-eight or thirty miles southwest of Knoxville. 
 On arriving at the depot, there were no cars to take us, for 
 what few there was had loaded with Colonel Siegfried s brigade, 
 and we had to lie there all night on the platform of the depot, 
 without any shelter excepting the broad canopy of Heaven, 
 which wasn t tucked down around the edges, like mother used 
 to tuck the quilts in our little trundle bed, and the biting, 
 frosty wind didn t help to keep us any warmer. Before day 
 break on Friday, a heavy, cold rain set in, and kept raining 
 until last night. We all got wet to the skin while at the depot, 
 and being nearly naked, no tongue can tell what we suffered. 
 At one o clock on Friday afternoon, we were loaded on the cars, 
 or rather trucks, fo*r they were cars only used for dirt and hauling 
 wood, being without either sides or coverings, and there we 
 had to stand and take it, until three o clock, in the rain ; then 
 we started off, the cold and driving rain chilling us all to the 
 heart. Shame s sake kept many a one of us from shedding tears 
 in his distress. We arrived here at nine o clock that night, 
 more dead than alive, our teeth chattering, and our knees knock 
 ing together like castinets, we were unloaded in a ditch, along 
 side of the track, in mud to the knees, and in a cut so deep and 
 narrow that only one man could walk between it and the cars ; 
 so every fellow had to look out for himself, and the result was 
 we all got lost from each other. My tentmate and I walked 
 about a mile in the mud and dark, until we found an old log 
 hut nearly ready to fall down, and in we went, made a huge 
 fire and dried our clothes. By two o clock in the morning, we 
 lay down on some rails and went to sleep ; no, not to sleep, to 
 try to sleep, I mean. When daylight came, we left the old 
 house and went over on a high hill, made a fire, had a cup of 
 hot coffee, but nothing to eat, for on Thursday we drew rations 
 to last us until Sunday night, but as we got less than half 
 rations for that time, nearly every man w 7 as out by Friday 
 night. You ask what were we to do until to-night ? I will tell 
 you how we two did. I borrowed twenty-five cents, and Bill 
 went over to the town and bought five pounds of rye middlings, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 425 
 
 and I made a few cakes, so ice were all right. I saw one man 
 pay one dollar for a five cent loaf of bread, which he ate at 
 once. Well, the regiment did not get altogether until after sun 
 down yesterday. Burnside and his staff came along with us, 
 but they had a good comfortable passenger car. Yesterday, 
 Burnside kicked up a muss with the rebs before he ate his 
 breakfast, and they fought all day, up till dark, all around us, 
 but we did not get into the fight. He drove them back seven 
 miles, to a small town called Philadelphia, on the other side 
 of the Tennessee river. 
 
 On the arrival of the regiment at London, it dis 
 embarked, as above stated, in a ditch, in a deep cut, 
 at the terminus of the railroad track, which was 
 about one mile east of the railroad bridge, that 
 spanned, or had before its destruction, the Tennes 
 see river at Loudon ; but owing to the stormy night 
 and the dense darkness, it was impossible for the 
 regiment to form in line. The whole brigade was 
 so mixed, that the men gave up in despair of get 
 ting in their proper places that night, and all sought 
 such shelter as they could find, caring very little 
 about what became of them. As soon as daylight 
 of the next morning appeared, the men began to 
 hunt for the colors of their respective regiments, 
 and it was not until well on towards the middle of 
 the afternoon thnt all were gathered around their 
 regimental headquarters. Major Bolton, who was 
 now in command of the regiment, with Capt. Bis- 
 bing on his staff] formed his regiment and en 
 camped it on a suitable site only a short distance 
 from where it had disembarked the night before. 
 While the men were preparing places to pitch their 
 tents, it was found that the field was swarming with 
 rabbits, and the whole regiment dropped their axes 
 and hatchets to secure some of the game. Some 
 men in Companies G, H, K, and B, captured from 
 six to ten each by knocking them over with clubs 
 
 19* 
 
426 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 and stones. Nearly every man had one or two, 
 which helped them greatly to eke out their rations. 
 Our forces occupied the town of Loudon, which 
 lay on the west bank of the Tennessee river, and 
 was accessible by only a pontoon-bridge across the 
 river above the town. This bridge was laid by the 
 rebels, who were driven away from their position 
 by Burnside s furious attack on them, in which they 
 did not get time to destroy it. The beautiful ten- 
 arch railroad-bridge had been thoroughly destroyed 
 by the enemy some time previously, but did not get 
 all their cars away when they left. Nothing trans 
 pired, while lying opposite Loudon, until the night 
 of the 27th October, when orders were issued to be 
 readv to move at daylight. On the 28th instant, 
 at 5 A. M., the regiment formed in line and marched 
 down to the river where the pontoon was stretched 
 across, and filing to the right, parallel with the river, 
 drew up in line of battle facing the town. Specu 
 lation ran high as to what it all meant ; but soon 
 the object was discovered, which was the evacuation 
 of Loudon, and the destruction of all kinds of prop 
 erty that would render " aid and comfort to the 
 enemy." The engineers took possession of the pon 
 toon bridge, and as soon as the last man and last 
 mule had crossed it, the engineers "fell in" and 
 took up the boats, under the protection of the in 
 fantry, who were in line of battle in supporting dis 
 tance. Previous to taking up the bridge, a locomo 
 tive that was coupled to a number of cars standing 
 on the track in Loudon, was " fired-up" by order of 
 General Burnside, and as soon as there was enough 
 steam generated to move the train, it was turned on, 
 and the detail having charge of the job jumped off; 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 427 
 
 and the whole thing moved away slowly, as if con 
 scious of its final fate. Having about two hundred 
 yards to run, and getting a full head of steam on, it 
 was running at a good rate of speed on its approach 
 to the fatal brink. The track ran out to the first 
 archway over the water, and ended abruptly at the 
 precipice, which was about one hundred feet high. 
 As the locomotive neared the spot, it seemed as if 
 the whole army was spell- bound, each one holding 
 his breath in anxiety. At last, the huge iron horse 
 reaches the end of the track and shoots over the 
 precipice, dragging its companions in misfortune 
 into the awful abyss below. A loud crash, and a 
 cloud of steam, told that the last job of evacuation 
 was completed ; and the wreck, nearly all of which 
 was engulfed from view, lay at the bottom of the 
 river ! After the pontoon boats were taken up, they 
 were conveyed to the end of the railroad track 
 where the regiment had disembarked in the deep 
 cut. They were then hauled up to the top of the 
 embankment of the cut, and the 51st P. Y. was de 
 tailed to load them on the cars, which occupied the 
 remainder of that day and nearly all of the next. 
 There were fifty -two of the largest size pontoon 
 boats, weighing near a ton each, and being un 
 wieldy, it was a " fatigue duty" that will be long 
 remembered by the regiment. After getting the 
 last boat loaded, we took up the line of march for 
 Lenoir Station, six miles from Loudon, on the 
 railroad from the hitter place to Knoxville. Here 
 the regiment went into carnp, with a prospect of re 
 maining for the winter. The 30th and 31st of this 
 month was occupied in fitting up our abode in a 
 
428 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 comfortable manner. It. was situated on the Holston 
 river, twenty-two miles west of Knoxville. 
 
 On the 1st of November, 1863, a detail of about 
 fifty-five men were sent up the Holston river six 
 miles to do picketing at Leiper s Ferry. This de 
 tail was under the command of Gapt. Gaulin and 
 Sergt. G. W. Patterson, Co. I, and Corpl. Levi 
 Ammons, of Co. H. On the night of the 2d, the 
 rebel pickets on the opposite side of the river, only 
 a few yards wide, fired into Corpl. Ammon s relief; 
 but the corporal was of a courageous nature, and 
 stood his ground with his little band of heroes like 
 a true soldier, and fought the enemy for twenty 
 minutes, when the rebels retired to their original 
 position. 
 
 The correspondent of the Defender gives another 
 letter which treats of the operations of the 51st P. V. 
 in detail, which we here insert : 
 
 CAMP OF THE 51sT REGT. P. Y., 
 
 LENOIR, TENN., Nov. 2d, 18G3. 
 
 You see we have again changed our location since I wrote 
 my last. We left Loudon on the 29th ult., and marched to 
 this place, distant six miles from London. On the 28th ult., 
 we evacuated the town and withdrew all of our forces to this 
 side of the Tennessee river. The pontoon bridge was taken up, 
 and we were detailed to load the boats on the cars, which was 
 done, and they were sent to Knoxville A locomotive and two 
 cars that were on the Loudon side of the river had to be de 
 stroyed, and accordingly the engine was fired up, and as soon 
 as enough steam had generated to put the locomotive and cars 
 in motion, they were started off to make their last trip. They 
 ran about two hundred yards to where the track ends at the 
 bridge, and made a final leap into the depths below of the Ten 
 nessee river, with a tremendous crash and a cloud of steam, 
 and all was over. It was a grand sight to those who beheld 
 it, and was witnessed by thousands of troops and citizens. I 
 cannot pretend to give any reason why Gen. Burnside evacu- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 429 
 
 ated the town, but as he is competent to lead an army lie is 
 likewise competent to determine what is the most sagacious. 
 Part of the regiment is on picket about six miles from here, at 
 Leiper s Ferry, on the Tennessee river. There are numerous 
 foraging parties going out daily, scouring the country around for 
 miles, and always return with wagons well filled with corn, 
 &c. It is a risky business sometimes, as our parties enter a 
 large cornfield on one side, the rebels enter on the other side, 
 in considerable force, for the purpose of capturing our men, 
 but they very seldom ever succeed in a capture. The corn 
 crop in this region is a good one, and as for team supplies 
 our force might forage here for a long time. Should we stay 
 here, as some suppose, we will remain here all winter. The 
 First Division has already commenced building log huts for 
 winter-quarters, and a few of our (Second) Division are prepar 
 ing also winter-quarters, but as usual this corps will not be per 
 mitted to lay long enough in one place to enjoy more than a 
 couple of days in comfortable quarters ; the Ninth Corps must 
 be kept moving, if it is only for the sake of depriving the men 
 of a little comfort ; but we can live anywhere, anyhow, or in 
 an} 7 " place ; therefore they can t put us wrong, if they try. Col. 
 Hartranft has not arrived here yet, but is looked for daily. 
 Lieut.-Col. Schall is still in command of the brigade. Major 
 Bolton is commanding the regiment ; 1st Lieut. Gillilan is acting 
 Adjutant; Sergt. Isaac Fizone, acting Sergt. -Major ; and a 
 more gentlemanly set of officers no regiment can boast of. 
 The weather here is of a peculiar kind ; I thought it rained in 
 Mississippi, when we were there, the easiest of anything in this 
 world, but down in that State it only rained when there were 
 clouds flying, but here it rains just any time at all, whether 
 there are clouds or not ; one hour it is clear and pleasant, the 
 next one the rain comes pouring down, and if you look up you 
 wonder where all the rain comes from ; and if it clouds up in 
 the old-fashioned style for a rain, it does it up brown, I tell you. 
 It never gets tired of raining then ; it only stops because its 
 supply of the aquatic fluid is cut off. The roads are in bad con 
 dition, and it is difficult for artillery to move, the soil being of 
 a loose nature, and the almost never-ceasing rains cause the 
 mud to be very deep. The face of the country is very hilly, 
 but well watered and of a fertile quality, producing splendid 
 crops of cereals as well as of the Chinese sugar-cane. Grazing 
 is not as extensive a business here as in Kentucky, but no one 
 
430 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 can doubt but it can be carried on as profitably in this State as 
 in any of the Union. There is every facility here for it val 
 leys, hills, mountains, with splendid table-land, and well 
 watered in all sections. All that is needed now is Peace, and a 
 few enterprising capitalists to invest in natural resources of this 
 State that which will pay them a larger dividend than any in 
 vestment that can be found up North. 
 
 Furloughs are still granted, but with restrictions, subjecting 
 the men to a division court-martial if they don t report in per 
 son to their regiment at the expiration of their furlough. Sergt. 
 John Fair, of Co. C, will leave here in a few days for home 
 he receiving a furlough for twenty-five days and, as there is 
 no other going, to my knowledge, very soon again from here, 
 I mention his departure in case any one at home wished to 
 send any light parcels, such as letters, &c., to their friends in 
 the regiment, that, on his return, he will carry them. 
 
 While on dress parade a few nights ago, an address was read 
 to the regiment by Adj. Gillilan from the Ladies Union Asso 
 ciation of Norristown, signed by Miss Annie Yerkes, &c. It 
 was received in the same spirit as it was penned, and, let me 
 assure ihe ladies of Norristown and its vicinity, that while the 
 noble old Fifty-first is absent doing battle for our glorious coun 
 try, that we are ever mindful of the generous impulses that 
 prompts their gentle hearts to hold us in fond remembrance for 
 our efforts to sustain our Government, and to throw the strong 
 arm of " the Constitution as it is " around them for protection 
 for all time to come ! God bless the ladies of Norristown ! 
 More anon, T. H. P. 
 
 The Defender being in possession of a number of 
 T. H. P. s letters, notices them thus : 
 
 " None of our readers w r ill fail, of course, to read the interest 
 ing letters of our Fifty-first correspondent. See how cheer 
 fully the soldiers in that regiment sustain the trials and suffer 
 ings they are almost continually exposed to. These letters 
 from Mr. Parker, in our paper, form a continuous history of the 
 51st regiment since they have been in the field. They will be 
 important to preserve for future use. 
 
 LENOIR, EASTERN TENNESSEE, 
 
 Nov. \Wi, 1863. 
 
 Here I sit in camp nearly solitary and alone. There are, as 
 you will remember, about fifty-five men up the Tennessee 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 431 
 
 river, at Leiper s Ferry, doing picket and guard duty. Well, 
 this morning the reveille was beat at four o clock, which is two 
 hours before daylight, and soon the camp was in busy prepara 
 tions of getting breakfast. At six o clock the assembly was 
 beaten and the boys were soon " in harness." The companies 
 formed and marched out to the color line and the regiment 
 formed there and stacked arms, and the boys were then dis 
 missed with the injunction to be ready to " fall in" at a mo 
 ment s notice. Now you ask what all this meant ? I will tell 
 you as far as I can, correctly- In a day or two after we came 
 here from London, a number of men were detailed out of the 
 corps to make pontoon boats. Yesterday the boats were fin 
 ished and most of them hauled to the ferry at this post, and it 
 is the intention to lay a pontoon bridge across the Tennessee 
 river at this place to-day. The 1st brigade crossed the river 
 this morning about half-past six o clock on the ferry flat boats, 
 and I am told, but how true I cannot say, that they found 
 plenty of rebels on the other side and also were fired into by 
 the rebels. At noon orders were issued for about a hundred 
 men to be detailed out of our regiment to cross the river. Ac 
 cordingly the detail, under command of Capt. Geo. W. Bisbing, 
 left and nearly cleaned out our regiment, being but very few fit 
 for duty that escaped the detail. The bridge at this writing 
 (two o clock P. M.) is a little more than half across the river, 
 and it is confident!} 7 expected that it will be completed by this 
 evening. The engineer corps and the workmen have not been 
 interfered with by the rebels as it was first supposed they 
 would be. As soon as the bridge is finished wagons will cross 
 for the purpose of foraging. A large number of Union citizens 
 who live on the other side of the river from here, but who are 
 necessarily for their own personal safety on this side, say that 
 there is full and plenty of hay and corn over there, while others 
 say that the rebels have foraged up to within a mile or two of 
 the river and have taken everything hay, corn, cattle, sheep, 
 hogs, horses and mules, completely stripping the country and 
 citizens of every vestige of movable property, and at the same 
 time they drive eveiything Union outside of their lines into 
 ours, and the consequences are these : the aged, the sick, and 
 infirm, the young and all, have to seek a sheltering place be 
 neath some bush or in the woods within our lines and depend 
 on the cold charities of this uncharitable world for their sub 
 sistence, for they lose everything they possess in the world 
 
432 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 at the hands of the rebels. The Union families who have been 
 driven out of rebeldom are to be seen in clusters of five to ten 
 persons all huddled up together trying to make the best of 
 their unfortunate situation in the woods and in the most utter 
 destitution, for even their clothing has been taken from them. 
 It is enough to make a callous person open his heart to sym 
 pathy to hear some of the tales of sufferings of these poor Union 
 women, to hear a mother with her unconscious infant in her 
 arms tell how she has travelled all night in the woods through 
 the cold storms, with her little ones at her side, fleeing from her 
 persecutors to seek a place of safety ; and how day after day, 
 and night after night, her little ones would cry for food and to 
 be kept warm, of which the first she could not give and the 
 last she dare not do, for if she would have kindled up a fire 
 the rising column of smoke from it would have betrayed her 
 whereabouts. Some may doubt the plausibility of the above, 
 or may say there may be a few isolated cases, but let them ask 
 the very many of the 51st Pennsylvania, who have so fre 
 quently of late been out foraging for miles around the country, 
 and have never came back to camp without meeting a large 
 number of cases of the above persecutions. 
 
 We have had severe cold weather for -these three last days, 
 freezing at nights very hard. The boys feel the cold very sen 
 sibly this autumn, for they put in the two former winters with 
 scarcely knowing that it was winter at the time, but we are 
 sadly in want of overcoats and there is no telling when they 
 will arrive here, as we have been expecting clothing for some 
 time past ; it certainly will come soon. 
 
 We have been busy putting up winter quarters for these few 
 days back, as it is supposed that we are to winter somewhere 
 around here in this God-forsaken region. I think it is likely 
 that a good number will winter here, if we stay six weeks here, 
 for it will be enough to kill one-half of the regiment off. 
 
 M.y individual opinion is that we cannot stay here this win 
 ter, even if the rebels will let us, for the roads from Kentucky 
 over the mountains will be impassable, as they are nearly so 
 now, and so far all the supplies that we receive have to come 
 over that road. We are put on quarter rations of coffee and 
 sugar already, and the quartermasters have had to issue flour 
 to us instead of crackers or soft bread, and how JBurnside is to 
 keep his army here on the extreme short rations that we have 
 been on for these three last weeks all winter will puzzle not a 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 433 
 
 few. He certainly will have to do one of two things, viz., 
 either fall back to the Gap or beyond it, or push his way down 
 the railroad and form a junction with J?osecrans at Chattanooga 
 and get his supplies via Nashville. Perhaps we may make a 
 haul on the other side of the river of a month or two of the 
 rebs supplies, and should that be the case we then can stand 
 the winter very well. Our mails are somewhat deranged as 
 we are in the receipt of very light ones. We get one of these 
 light mails twice a week. I suppose one cause attributable to 
 the mails being small is, that the mail has to be transported 
 from Crab Orchard, Ky., to Knoxville, Tenn., a distance of 
 one hundred and fifty-seven miles, on pack mules, and as the 
 mail carrier hurries up his mules it cannot be that he overloads 
 his packers. More anon, 
 
 T. H. P. 
 
 KNOXVILLE, Dec. 1th, 1808. 
 
 Ere these lines can possibly reach the reader s eye the scenes 
 and incidents to which they refer will have become old ; but 
 taking it for granted that special interest is manifested in the 
 51st, we indulge the hope that they will at least receive a hasty 
 perusal. 
 
 When, on the morning of the 12th of November, we com 
 menced laying the pontoon bridges across the Holston river, 
 at Lenoir, we little thought that in a few days the work of so 
 much labor, time and patience would be destroyed. Yet such 
 was the case. Ere any of the contemplated benefits could be 
 acquired, it was sunk in the deep waters of the Holston. 
 
 Shortly after midnight on the 14th, orders came into camp 
 to be ready to move at a moment s notice. At five o clock 
 orders came to strike tents and load the officers baggage. 
 This was quickly done, and the wagons were at once sent to 
 Knoxville. 
 
 The morning was wet, cold and cheerless. The regiment 
 having stacked arms, the men were gathered around the numer 
 ous fires waiting further orders. All was bustle and excite 
 ment around us. Our pickets on the other side of the river 
 had been attacked, and fell back to this side. The pontoon 
 bridge was destroyed, and the troops from London came pour 
 ing into Lenoir. There was everything to indicate a retreat. 
 
 But at 10 o clock, Gen. Burnside arrived in a special train 
 from Knoxville, and soon thereafter there was a change of 
 
434 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 movement. The troops that had just fallen back came to an 
 "about face," and again moved to the front. The 1st Divis 
 ion of the 9th Corps, too,- was sent forward. Batteries dashed 
 wildly down the road, and we certainly expected a battle in the 
 afternoon. 
 
 Our division remained fast, although momentarily expecting 
 orders to move. The falling rain made our situation far from 
 pleasant. Slowly the day passed, and night still found us on 
 our old camp ground. Wrapping our blankets around us we 
 laid down to sleep. Hardly, however, had we done so, ere a 
 most violent rain storm arose. You can well judge our con 
 dition at this time. But the storm gradually abating, we were 
 enabled to obtain some sleep. 
 
 At 2 o clock on Sunday morning we were all aroused and 
 ordered under arms. "Shortly afterwards we moved off in the 
 direction of Loudon. The road was very bad, and the morn 
 ing being quite dark, made it extremely hard for us to get 
 along. 
 
 We arrived at Loudon shortly before daybreak. We moved 
 at once to the front, but, before reaching it, the order was 
 countermanded, and we fell back to the heights on the banks 
 of the Tennessee. There we stacked arms, and awaited the 
 orders of our officers. It soon became apparent that it was the 
 purpose of Gen. Burnside to fall back. This was evidenced by 
 our movements, as well as those of other divisions, and the 
 putting in position of our artillery. We could distinctly hear, 
 if not see, the rebel troops crossing the pontoon bridge. Slowly 
 our forces fell back, while our skirmishers engaged those of the 
 enemy. The sharp rattle of musketry and the loud roar of 
 cannon told us the enemy were pressing closely upon the heels 
 of our retiring army. As the rebels emerged from the woods, 
 the scene was exciting in the highest. 
 
 The 1st brigade of our division was sent forward and de 
 ployed as skirmishers to cover the retreat of the army, while 
 our brigade (the 2d) was held in reserve to support the 1st 
 should occasion require it. For neariy the whole day, our 
 skirmishers held the rebel advance in check, when it no longer 
 being prudent to remain, the order came to fall back. Throw 
 ing skirmishers to our left, we slowly moved back to Lenoir. 
 
 Here the men were furnished with five days rations. With 
 barely time to cook their coffee, the line of march was again 
 taken up. Our brigade followed immediately in the rear of 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 435 
 
 Benjamin s battery of twenty pound gnus. Of course the 
 laborous duty of helping it along devolved on us. The duty 
 was very severe, for the horses were nearly worn clown, and 
 the roads were in an awful condition. The whole long night, 
 amid the rain and dark, the poor soldiers toiled and labored as 
 men never did before. The cannon were dragged over the 
 steep hills and deep gullies by ropes, piece by piece, and when 
 daylight appeared we discovered that we were only three 
 miles from Lenoir having made only three miles in twelve 
 hours. But we had gone over the worst part of the road, and 
 with the assistance of some mules our progress was more rapid. 
 We succeeded in reaching the point aimed at in time and just 
 in time. The battery was saved thanks to the gallant men 
 who so nobly clung to it. l^he excellent service it rendered 
 afterwards fully compensated for all we did. 
 
 Few will forget that memorable night. How earnestly all 
 toiled to save the battery, and how well we remember the deep 
 solicitude of the commanding officers for its safety. The men 
 were wet, tired and foot-sore if not heart-sore, but they never 
 faltered or yielded to the discouragements surrounding them. 
 They bravely struggled on, and had the gratifying consolation 
 of saving the battery. What added interest to the occasion, 
 was the constant crack of the rifle, with now and then rapid 
 volleys of musketry, intermingled with the hideous yells of the 
 toe. 
 
 Monday, the 10th of November, the anniversary of our de 
 parture from Harrisburg, was destined to be another important 
 era in our history. For on this day was fought the battle of 
 Campbell Station. To reach this point it was we worked so 
 hard with the battery, in order to obtain possession of the road 
 leading to Kingston, so that the enemy could not get on our 
 front and flank. And we did not reach it any too soon, for it 
 was not long afterwards the enemy s skirmishers came swarm 
 ing down the road. Our division, under command of Col. 
 Hartranft, was in position on this road, and its peculiar duty 
 was to hold the enemy in check until the entire army at Lenoir 
 was up. It is enough to say the order was obeyed. 
 
 In the meanwhile Burnside had taken up his line of defence, 
 and as the troops came up he placed them in position. Our 
 division was on the extreme left. The enemy pressed closely 
 on the heels of our forces, shouting fiercely as they advanced. 
 Their skirmishers approached to within a few hundred yards 
 
436 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 of our line of battle. Soon in line of battle their infantry 
 advanced, and although our batteries opened with rapidity and 
 precision, yet they moved on until they reached a deep ravine 
 in our front. Our skirmishers along the whole line were en 
 gaging the enemy s skirmishers. Soon the rebels put in 
 position their "White Horse battery," which rained shell and 
 solid shot upon us. However our guns soon silenced it. But 
 other positions were taken up, and other batteries joined it, so 
 that the artillery jluel was quite lively. Their infantry was 
 eagerly seeking to turn our flanks, but our position was such 
 an admirable one, that it was no easy task for the enemy to 
 succeed. Toward evening the army fell back to another height. 
 This was done in excellent order without haste or confusion. 
 Our regiment which covered the flank of our division, and was 
 deployed as skirmishers along the edge of a w^oods, fell slowly 
 back by the left flank. As they thus fell back the enemy com 
 menced a vigorous shelling upon them, many of the shells fall 
 ing and exploding in their very midst. 
 
 When the height was reached, we again were placed in 
 position, and awaited the further movements of the enemy. 
 We did not have to wait long, for on a high commanding hill 
 to our left, the enemy in strong force appeared. To plant 
 three twenty-pound guns, and shell the hill was the work of a 
 moment. That hill was soon cleared, and it relieved the 
 anxiety of all. However, as soon as the firing ceased the 
 rebels again appeared. 
 
 But it was getting dark, and we were glad of it, for it de 
 prived the enemy of the opportunity to outflank us, which so 
 many feared. The order to retire came as darkness was settling 
 over us. Stopping a short distance beyond the field of battle, 
 to obtain ammunition, we took up the line of march for Knox- 
 ville. 
 
 I have not here attempted to give a description of the battle 
 of Campbell Station. I have merely referred to the general 
 movements without going into details. Time will not permit 
 an extended reference just now. It was, however, the most 
 beautiful battle if the term beautiful is allowable we ever 
 witnessed. Every movement of the enemy as well as of our own 
 was spread out boldly before the naked eye. The line of skir 
 mishers, the line of battle, advancing steadily and compactly, 
 the position of batteries, now limbering and rapidly dashing to 
 some other point, opened out before us like some grand panor- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 437 
 
 ama. The bursting shells, the loud roar of artillery and the 
 quick rushing clash of small arms only heightened the interest 
 of the occasion. It was, indeed, a grand spectacle, which is 
 not often witnessed, and once seen can never be forgotten. 
 
 I will not stop to speak of the long night s march; the 
 streams we crossed, waist deep ; the terrible roads and the 
 deep, deep mud. It was a hard and wearisome march. Some 
 of the men were barefooted, and all were tired and much ex 
 hausted. This was the third night we had no sleep, and the 
 want of it told fearfully upon us. Many would fall asleep the 
 moment the column halted ; and as for the officers mounted, it 
 was nowise strange to see their horses plodding along with 
 their riders fast asleep. 
 
 We reached Knoxville early in the morning. After enjoying 
 a short rest, the division was assigned its position in the defence 
 of Knoxville. A skirmish line was immediately established in 
 our front, and the work of fortifying our position commenced. 
 There was much to do, but the men went at it with that spirit 
 and activity which has ever characterized them. 
 
 The enemy had been to severely punished at Campbell Sta 
 tion that they did not follow us with their usual vigor, and thus 
 time was afforded us to strengthen our position. Our skirmish 
 line, too, was so strengthened that they could only dislodge it 
 by an advance in force. In this way we were enabled to so 
 fortify ourselves that when they did drive in our skirmish line 
 on the left, we were in a condition to receive an assault when 
 ever the enemy should see fit to deliver it. 
 
 When first we fell back to Knoxville, I confess, the prospect 
 of holding out against Longstreet was far from favorable, but 
 as each day passed, and our position was strengthened and 
 supplies accumulated, so did our confidence increase in our 
 ability to maintain ourselves. True, the duty each soldier was 
 called upon to perform was of the severest character, yet it was 
 cheerfully performed ; u school kept all the time" there were 
 no recesses, no hours for play. If the men were not on the 
 skirmish line, they were in the trenches, or working on the 
 fortifications. 
 
 But here I must stop. The letter is already too long, and 
 besides I am informed that your valuable correspondent, T. 11. 
 P., has written a very full history of the siege, which I am sure 
 will prove more interesting than anything I could possibly wrjte. 
 
 Yours, etc. 
 
438 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Foraging Address from Ladies Loyal League at Norristown, 
 Pa. Reply by Major Bolton Building pontoons Laying 
 the bridge Re-enlistment proposed Newspaper extracts 
 and correspondence Description of the Winter campaign- 
 Character and efficiency of the Union and Rebel armies con 
 trasted Material composing the 9th Army Corps and the 
 23d Army Corps Return of officers from home. 
 
 For the first few days of the 51st P. V. s being at 
 Lenoir it was highly necessary to send out all the 
 teams into the surrounding country to forage for 
 supplies for the use of the team, artillery, and 
 officers horses. A detail of five or six men to each 
 wagon was made to accompany them as guards, 
 and to assist in loading. They started early in the 
 mornings and returned at night; the wagons well 
 laden with corn, etc., and occasionally a hog or a 
 sheep was stowed away beneath the load to prevent 
 detection, as that kind of foraging was strictly for 
 bidden. 
 
 The greatest trouble that the regiment now expe 
 rienced was in the want of clothing, although on 
 scant half rations the men could, would, and DID steal 
 enough to keep them from starving; but clothing 
 could only be obtained through the regular channel, 
 namely, the quartermaster s department. 
 
 The nights were now becoming wintry cold ; and 
 so much rain falling, the men suffered terribly for 
 shoes, overcoats, and blankets. Major Wm. J. Bolton 
 received an address from the "Ladies Loyal League," 
 of Montgomery county, Pa., to the 51st P. V., and 
 was read on dress parade, two days before the regi- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 489 
 
 merit left Loudon. It was received by a hearty 
 amen ! by all the officers and men who were present. 
 The Major, who was as strong a Union man as he 
 was a brave and true soldier, replied in a spirited 
 style that mast have made a few of those hide their 
 heads in shame who had the audacity to rob the 51st 
 P. V. of their hard earned laurels, or at least endeav 
 ored to tarnish its bright escutcheon. Major Bolton 
 cared very little for himself, but when the regiment 
 was assailed he hissed in their ears: "Don t dare 
 tread on me !" and he possessed the right kind of 
 courage to carry that warning through. It must 
 not be considered that the major was fighting a po 
 litical battle, for he honored all men s political opin 
 ions that were of a loyal character ; for there were 
 Democrats that held high positions in the army that 
 were enthusiastic Union men, commonly called War 
 Democrats. Such persons, in civil or military life, 
 were both honored and appreciated by the Major; 
 but it was the Copperhead wing, or the peace-at any- 
 price party; the men who "threw up their sweaty 
 night-caps," and wore a smile of satisfaction every 
 time that victory perched on the banners of the rebel 
 confederacy and the starry flag of the Union was 
 trailed in the dust, or when a fresh batch of battle- 
 scarred veterans of the Union army were consigned 
 to those pens worse than the Black Hole of Calcutta 
 I mean Anderson ville, Belle-Isle, and Libby Prison. 
 These, these were the men that Major Bolton was 
 fighting both at home and in the field. 
 
 The following is Major Bolton s reply to the 
 Women s Loyal League of Montgomery county : 
 
 " LADIES : Your congratulatory address to the officers and 
 men of the 51st Regt. P. V. was received, and read before the 
 
440 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 regiment on dress-parade, near London, Tenn., October 27th. 
 In behalf of the regiment, I would return to you their heartfelt 
 thanks for your kind and friendly consideration of them, who 
 have perilled their lives and health for their country s honor. 
 While you acknowledge our many deeds, the hardships and 
 toils incident to the soldier s life, there are others, as you have 
 truly said, in your community, who call themselves men, who 
 are base enough to rob the soldier of his well-earned fame, and 
 place him lower than the common slave. They don t stop at 
 that, they use every and any means to embarrass the Govern 
 ment that protects and feeds them ; anything, I say, except the 
 more manly part of taking arms to destroy our country, to de 
 base the broad Stripes and bright Stars in the glory of national 
 ensigns, and to render the proud title of American citizens, a 
 hissing and a scorn among the nations. Do they stop there ? 
 No, they publicly proclaim in your streets, and in your public 
 places, and do it boastingly men who are known, and of 
 whom better things should be expected, that the 51st Regt. 
 P. V. has never done anything a regiment commanded and 
 led by one of your noblest and bravest citizens. Ladies, you 
 have addressed the wrong organization, you have given honor 
 when honor is not due, or those men are malicious liars, and 
 must account for their vile slander. Must twenty-rive long- 
 months, travelling thousands of miles by sea and laud, footsore 
 and wornout, and the participation in a dozen hard-fought 
 battles, be a blank in our history ? Must the rich blood, shed 
 by your own townsmen, be lost in vain ? 
 
 u Ah ! let the cripples who still survive let the disfigured 
 forms and haggard faces speak. Oh more ! let the poor widows 
 and orphans ot your town and county answer that infamous 
 charge. Ah ! still more. Let those noble spirits, who sleep 
 in honored graves, beneath the pines of Roanoke. the sea- 
 washed shores of Carolina, the sacred soil of Virginia, the 
 mountain tops and valleys of Maryland, the beautiful blue grass 
 region of old Kentucky, and the far-distant magnolia of Missis 
 sippi, let their noble spirits rise from their green mounds and 
 answer that unkind charge. 
 
 "As soldiers, as lovers of our country, we claim, we ask for 
 no merit. It is our unflinching duly as fieemen and true lovers 
 of human rights, to defend our common country, right, or 
 icrong. He who would not fight for his country and stand by 
 it deserves none. We are fighting for one Union, and one 
 people to defend it, and as God is just, we will accomplish our 
 end, or die in the attempt. 
 
 1 Ladies of the Women s Loyal League ! Women of America ! 
 you have done much, your devotion to your country and your 
 countrymen, has been unbounded. You could be found upon 
 the battle-field, bandaging the ghastly wounds and moisten 
 ing the parched lips of the fainting soldier. In the hospital 
 you could be found administering to your dying countrymen, 
 and speaking words of kindness to him in his last earthly 
 moments. Yet there is still more for you to do. A great re 
 sponsibility rests upon your shoulders, but you are able for the 
 task. 
 
OP PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 441 
 
 " War is a necessary evil ! it may, and it, will come upon us 
 again. This generation is fast passing away. War, disease, 
 toils, and hardships have weakened the nation. We are but 
 passing shadows ; soon we will have fought our last battle ; 
 soon must the youth of our land take our places, than how 
 necessary it is for you to teach them in their early years to 
 love their country, to fight and defend her right or wrong, 
 never to fear death in a just cause, but rather fear dishonor. 
 Teach them what treason and treachery have brought upon 
 this country ; point them to the infamous deeds of Davis, Lee, 
 Cobb, Yancey, Mason, and a host of others ; warn them from 
 following such a course ; imbue in their youthful minds to be 
 true to their country in all cases ; to submit to the will of the 
 majority ; not to commit one act, by word or deed, against 
 their country or government, or otherwise they will he sure to 
 go down to dishonorable graves. For noble examples point 
 them to a Banks, a Burnside, a Butler, a Lyon, and the gal 
 lant, the noble, the patriotic Gen. Jesse L. Reno, whose brave 
 heart dared to lead where brave men dared to follow. 
 
 " And when this cruel, this unjust, this unholy war, waged 
 against one of the best governments ever formed by man, or 
 the sun ever shone upon, by a portion of her unworthy people 
 in human shape, shall have been ended, the bells of the nation 
 shall chime forth their sweet peals of music from the Canadas 
 to the Gulf, from ocean to ocean, proclaiming to the whole 
 world that right has triumphed over treason, and that our land 
 has been blessed with peace. For the noble self-sacrificing 
 part you have taken must gladden the hearts of the philan 
 thropists, and in after times will challenge the admiration of the 
 historian, and the wonder of posterity. 
 
 "And when your countrymen shall have returned home to 
 the scenes of their childhood and youth, and to the fond affec 
 tions of their relatives and friends, know ye, then, that they 
 have returned with the full knowledge and bright consolation 
 that they have, with their blood, the lives of their companions, 
 and their strong arms, restored this government, and with the 
 regeneration she will stand forth purer, stronger, nobler than 
 ever ; and we will return with a flag pure and untarnished, 
 and indeed the flag of the free, or return not at all. 
 
 "Thanking you heartily for your kind remembrance and 
 notice of us in our feeble efforts to restore our country, we can 
 assure you that the reputation of the Old Keystone State has 
 not, and shall not suffer at our hands, and with a humble, 
 fervent prayer that the God of battles, the Supreme Ruler and 
 Director of all good, will achieve to our arms a speedy and a 
 lasting peace one that will not degrade us before the world, 
 but make us one and all, happy with the thought domestic 
 insurrections bogus neutrality, Don t dare tread on me ! 
 " 1 am, Ladies, 
 
 " Most truly and respectfully yours, 
 
 "W. JORDON BOLTON, 
 
 M(tjnr Oommn rt cling Rf-ff^ t. " 
 20 
 
442 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 On the 3d of November an order came into carnp 
 for a detail of all the carpenters in the regiment to 
 report at the saw-mill of Mr. Lenoir, proprietor of 
 "Lenoir station." This detail was immediately fur 
 nished, and the men set to work in getting out lum 
 ber to make pontoon boats to put a bridge across 
 the Holston river, about one hundred yards west of 
 where the 51st P. V. was encamped, for the purpose 
 of having more extensive foraging ground. That 
 side of the river was reported wealthy in forage of 
 all kinds, which was fully confirmed by the loyal 
 refugees who had resided there, but were forced to 
 be on the side of the river with the Union army for 
 protection, as the rebels were conscripting and im 
 pressing everything in pants that could handle a 
 gun, whether loyal or disloyal. Flat boats of small 
 capacity were at the Lenoir ferry, and a few men of 
 the 51st P. Y. had ventured over to the opposite 
 side, and seen enough to confirm the statement. 
 While the carpenters were building the boats a detail 
 of about thirty men were put to work under the 
 command of Capt. Bisbing, who was acting major 
 of the regiment at that time, to excavate and level 
 the ground, so wagons could approach and get on 
 and off the bridge, when laid. This fatigue duty 
 was continued day and night, and was not completed 
 till after the force had been increased to over one 
 hundred men, which was the day before the boats 
 were ready to be laid. Eight days were occupied in 
 digging away the bank of the river, which was about 
 fifteen feet above water level. This cut was about 
 fourteen feet deep, twenty wide at the top and fifteen 
 at the bottom, and about four hundred feet long from 
 the water to the entrance of the cut. This job was 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 443 
 
 all done by the 51st P. V. alone, and non-commis 
 sioned officers as well as the privates took their 
 turn with the shovel and pick ; even the commis 
 sioned officers did not stand idle and look on, but 
 took the pick or shovel, and evinced their interest 
 in the work by doing a share of it. By 12 o clock 
 at night of the llth, the work was completed and 
 the boats also, and hauled to the river. Everything 
 now being ready for putting down the bridge, the 
 men all returned to camp, excepting a few who were 
 left as pickets, to enjoy a few hours rest. About 4 
 o clock in the morning of the 12th, the whole division 
 was aroused by the reveille, and the men being 
 ignorant of the cause of its being beaten, sprang to 
 their feet, and out of their tents to inquire " What s 
 up," but as nothing unusual appeared, most of them 
 laid down again, for they were tired out with hard 
 work of the last eight days and nights. At 5 A. M. 
 Sergt. Fizorie, who was acting sergeant-major of the 
 regiment, went around to all the companies and 
 notified them to get up and get their breakfast, as 
 they only had half an hour to get it in. At six 
 o clock, which was scarce daylight, the "assembly" 
 was beaten, and the regiment formed on the color 
 line, stacked arms, and "broke ranks," with the 
 injunction to be ready to "fall in at a moment s no 
 tice." Soon an order came in for Maj. Bolton to 
 furnish a detail of one hundred men, fully armed and 
 equipped, to cross the river to protect the engineer 
 corps and workmen in laying the bridge. The detail 
 was put under the command of Capt. Bisbing, and 
 after leaving the camp there was not over ten men, 
 except non-commissioned officers, left in camp. 
 Nothing of special interest occurred while the bridge 
 
444 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIKST REGIMENT 
 
 was being laid, as the rebels did not show themselves 
 to interfere in the work, and by night the bridge 
 was completed, and Capt. Bisbing with his com 
 mand returned to carnp in safety. Eations now con 
 tinued scarce and the men complained bitterly of the 
 way they were treated nearly naked, more than 
 half-starved, and worn out with fatigue, and " regular 
 duty." Below we give an extract of a private letter, 
 dated from Lenoir: 
 
 " * * * * * * Yesterday being the last of the month, 
 we were mustered again for two months pay. ***** 
 It is lair to presume that we will be paid off in a few days. I 
 hope so, for we are suffering very much for tobacco and some 
 thing to eat. * * * * Since I last wrote to you we have 
 been knocked about from post to pillar one day we drive the 
 rebels, and the next they drive us and they keep us on the 
 watch both day and night. Day before yesterday our cavalry 
 had a fight at Leiper s ferry, on the Holston river, six miles 
 from here. The rebs whipped them, and we sent about forty 
 or fifty men up there out of our regiment. They are still there, 
 I believe* holding their ground. In the middle of that night 
 (Friday) the long roll was beaten ; the rain pouied in torrents, 
 and the night was tremendous dark, yet we all fell in line of 
 battle, expecting a midnight attack; but after waiting an hour 
 or so, we found that we could go back to our tents, as nothing 
 serious was known to exist but we had to hold ourselves in 
 readiness in case we were wanted. * * * * Bnrnside has 
 removed his headquarters back to Knoxville. I don t see how 
 he is to keep us here, for there is no way of getting supplies to 
 us only by wagons. Some of the regiments are on one-quarter 
 rations, and we are on less than half ratiors We drew half 
 rations of coffee, one-third rations of sugar, (i. e., one day s.) 
 to last three, half a spoonful of salt, a one pound loaf of heavy 
 bread for three days, with a little piece of fresh beef. I am 
 afraid we will have to fall back to Kentucky, or pitch into the 
 rebels in earnest, and try to get railroad communication opened 
 to Chattanooga, and then we may get a little more to eat. If 
 Bill Bolton had his way, he would either have something for 
 us to eat or get us a devil of a licking in trying for it." 
 
 While preparing to lay the pontoons an offer was 
 made to the Ninth Corps of $402 as a bounty to each 
 man that would re-enlist. This was not received at 
 first very favorably by the 51st P. V., for they were 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 445 
 
 afraid that to re-enlist was only making it appear 
 that they were satisfied with their treatment in this 
 Department, in which they expected they would be re 
 tained if they re-enlisted. The order was thoroughly 
 discussed, but not a man had expressed a willingness 
 to put down his name. The first mention made of 
 re-enlistment was on the 30th of October, 1863, but 
 attracted very little attention and still less of credit, 
 for it had not been given officially to the 51st P. V. 
 The circumstances attending it began to die out for the 
 need of explanations ; there being nothing definite 
 known about it, it was looked upon as " camp talk." 
 The following letters to the Defender give a his 
 tory of the doings of the 51st, from the laying of the 
 bridge up to date : 
 
 CAMP OF THE 51 ST REGT. P. V. 
 
 December 22d, 1863. 
 
 " Corporal Longstreet," as our boys call him, lias been med 
 dling with our affairs here now for the last four or five weeks, 
 so that our mail operations have been somewhat interrupted, 
 and leaves me with several weeks correspondence to forward 
 to your valuable sheet. I shall not attempt to apologize, for I 
 am satisfied that your many readers know, long ere this, that 
 a cog had broken out of the wheel of our marching machine, 
 and we were shut up in the city of Knoxville to make good the 
 damage done. Since I wrote my last to you, the 51st has 
 passed through an ordeal that far surpasses anything that took 
 place in the " iron days of 76," or, " the days that tried men s 
 souls." All that our forefathers suffered in those days the 
 51st have borne, and suffered with tenfold more severity. 
 Hunger, cold, fatigue, and mental anguish has far exceeded 
 anything in the annals of American Revolutionary history ; 
 but we are amply repaid for our sufferings by a most glorious 
 victory achieved over the legion of rebels who threatened at 
 one time to overwhelm us by largely superior numbers, who 
 had besieged us for eighteen days in the city of Knoxville. 
 Our work began at the completion of the pontoon bridge, laid 
 at Lenoir. 
 
446 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIKST REGIMENT 
 
 On Thursday, 12th of November, we finished laying the 
 pontoon, and our regiment was engaged all day and night in 
 cutting down the river bank for a road, so that our wagon train 
 could cross the river for forage. The next day, Friday, was a 
 day of rest, but it was not to continue, for, as I told you in my 
 last letter, the Ninth Corps must be forever on the move, if it 
 is only for the sake of moving ; but this time it was an impor 
 tant movement. 
 
 On Saturday morning, the 14th ult., at half past three o clock, 
 orders were issued to be ready to strike tents at a moment s 
 notice. Soon our camp was the scene of busy preparation 
 breaking up camp and the putting in order all the paraphernalia 
 of war knapsacks packed, breakfast over, and everything 
 accomplished in an incredibly short space of time. At 6 o clock 
 A. M. tents were struck, and we immediately formed on the color 
 side and stacked arms, and were dismissed by Maj. Bolton, 
 with the injunction to be ready to fall in at a moment s notice. 
 A cold rain had set in about daybreak, and it continued 
 throughout that day and night. Our situation was of a char 
 acter not to be envied, but, on the contrary, to be pitied ; for 
 there we sat until dark, in the pitiless peltings of a cold north 
 east winter rain, saturated to the skin and hungry. At dark 
 we broke the line of stacks, and again pitched our tents for 
 the nonce, with the orders as usual to be ready to fall in at 
 a moment s notice, but we might have remained out in the rain 
 and cold for all the comfort we derived from our wet and 
 cheerless tents; for with wet clothing, (none of us had any 
 change,) our blankets dripping, streams of water running under 
 the tents, and a piercing cold wind driving the rain completely 
 through our little shelter tents, made it rather too uninviting 
 for the god of sleep, Morpheus, to dwell with us that night, 
 consequently very few, if any, got any sleep at all, although 
 we had none for the previous forty eight hours, on account 
 of working at the bridge. On Sunday morning, the 15th, at 
 2 o clock, we struck tents again, amid a most drenching rain, 
 and started off on a march to London. The night being dark 
 and rainy, the roads rugged, and knee-deep with mud the 
 mud being of an unctuous nature, it was not an uncommon 
 thing for a dozen at a time to slip down and find themselves 
 floundering in the mire like a fresh-caught fish on the rivulet s 
 bank. We reached our destination at dawn of day, and to our 
 surprise we found that Longstreet had laid a pontoon bridge 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 447 
 
 across the Tennessee river, about seven miles below London, 
 and had crossed over in overwhelming force. Skirmishers 
 were immediately deployed, and the measures necessary been 
 taken for a battle. A few minutes after the deployment, the 
 enemy s skirmishers were met, and heavy skirmishing ensued, 
 but as they pressed on us in such heavy odds, we gradually 
 fell back in good order, and with very trifling loss. About 
 10 o clock A. M. the 51st deployed as skirmishers, and skirm 
 ished over hill and dale to within a short distance of Lenoir, 
 where we arrived a little before dark. We then halted to draw 
 rations, many of us not having tasted a morsel of food since 
 the day before. At our camping-ground where we made the 
 halt, we found the wagon and ambulance trains were all stuck 
 fast in the mud in the rear, which was blocked up for a great 
 distance ahead, retarding our retreat very much, as the enemy 
 would take every advantage of our predicament. The rebels 
 were close on our heels, and were doing their utmost to flank 
 us, so as to cut off our retreat to Knoxville. They had got 
 near enough to fire on our old camp at the teams, that were 
 there waiting to move on. While at Lenoir, the spirits of the 
 men comprising the 2d Division were raised to the highest 
 pitch of enthusiasm by the appearance of Col. Hartranft. His 
 presence seemed to inspire every man with unlimited confi 
 dence, for let us get into any tight place, if "old Johnny," 
 as the boys call him, is only with us, we all feel that we are 
 going to be " put through" at least honorably, if not as com 
 fortably as may be desired. To our gratification he assumed 
 command of the 2d Division, and then we feared no blunder ; 
 and we also knew we had a soldier that could and would do 
 his duty, and make every other man do the same. 
 
 As soon as we drew our rations we started for Knoxville, at 
 (5 P. M. Our progress was slow, for up to o clock A. M. of 
 Monday, we had only made three miles ; such was the bad 
 condition of the roads that wagons, ambulances, and the artil 
 lery had all to be extricated by the aid of the soldiers pulling 
 them through the mud. And thus we spent twelve hours in 
 going three miles. The rebs were all this time firing on our 
 left, and pressing us very hard. On Monday, the 16th, after 
 daybreak, we were able to pick our road. When within a 
 mile or two of Campbell s station, on the Knoxville and East 
 Tennessee railroad, the rebs fired on our rear guard. Near 
 this point the Kingston road joins the Loudon road, and both 
 
448 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 the rebels and us were pushing hard to gain the forks of the 
 roads the}* to get it to cut us off, and we to get it to keep 
 them from flanking us. Both parties were about at equal dis 
 tances, but we were the successful party. When the 51st 
 reached this point we formed line of battle and met them. 
 Here the battle raged fearfully for about an hour we strug 
 gling to hold our position long enough to give our batteries a 
 chance to obtain positions suitable for their work, and the 
 rebels, determined to drive us from the roads, began to pour 
 their troops upon us in untold numbers. Here at this place 
 we had several wounded, but none seriously. After our bat 
 teries had secured good positions, we then fell back, under 
 cover of Benjamin s celebrated 20-p mnders, which opened 
 on the enemy in splendid style when we reached the hill 
 whereon the battery was placed. 
 
 The most magnificent sights now appeared to view that has 
 ever befallen men to witness. It was a most fitting place for 
 such a struggle. As we stood in line of battle on the brow of a 
 gently sloping hill, we had a view of the whole battle-field. 
 Here stood Gen. Burnside, whose countenance was as calm and 
 placid as any pleasant May-day morning, radiant with smiles 
 at times when he would discover a blunder the rcbs had made, 
 and his own troops taking advantage of the mistake. His keen, 
 practised eye would peer over his own -troops, who were all in 
 line of battle, and viewed with close scrutiny the immense 
 columns of the enemy, as they poured out of the surrounding 
 woods in line of battle. Not a move was made that day at 
 Campbell s station by our own troops or those of the rebels but 
 was plainly visible to the eyes of both armies ; all their en 
 gineering, all their advances or retreats, all the positions 
 assigned and taken by both armies were to be seen as if looking 
 over a chess-board, and reminded one of a desperate game of 
 chess. Although they outnumbered us two to one, yet we 
 fought them from 9 A. M. until 5 p. M., when we fell back in 
 good order at night to Knoxville, a distance of fourteen miles. 
 We had achieved a victory over them, for we gained our ends, 
 while the enemy was defeated in his Thus were three days 
 and four nights consumed in battling with the enemy, with 
 out rest, and on less rations than we ought to have received for 
 one day. We reached the outskirts of Knoxville just at day 
 break on Tuesday, the 17th ult. Here we halted for about an 
 hour, and had a cup of coffee. Nearly all of the boys had lain 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 449 
 
 down to rest their wearied limbs, and were unconsciously falling 
 into the arms of Morpheus, to enjoy that delightful sensation, 
 "tired nature s sweet restorer," sleep, when the tocsin of war 
 again was sounded, and all were on their feet ready for any 
 emergency that might arise. Lieut. -Col. Schall, who had been 
 for a long time in command of the 2d Brigade, rode up to Maj. 
 Bolton, who was in command of the regiment, and ordered us 
 to march into the city of Knoxville, and occupy the centre of 
 the line of battle. We accordingly slung our knapsacks, and 
 by 9 A. M. we had reached the position assigned us. I need 
 scarcely add that all of our dead and wounded of the day be 
 fore fell into the hands of the enemy. We stacked arms on an 
 open lot of ground in the city, and immediately pitched our 
 tents. Col. Hartranft issued orders to impress all the idle ne 
 groes about the city, and put them at work on the fortifications, 
 as the boys of his division were too near "played out" for 
 fatigue duty. Consequently there were soon collected a motley 
 crowd of "contraband conscripts," some of whom were so 
 black that their darkness must have been beautiful to them, 
 while others were so light in color that I would have to take 
 the second look at them to convince me they were "contra 
 bands." They were all furnished with picks and shovels, and 
 by 2 o clock p. M. they had a three-gun fort and a rifle-pit 
 sufficient for the protection of two regiments, of which the 51st 
 was one. As soon as the pit was done, Maj. Bolton put our 
 regiment into it, which was the first time in the history of our 
 regiment that we were put behind anything affording protection 
 to fight, and right well did we appreciate it, for we fully de 
 termined to make these pits our graves ere the haughty enemy 
 should possess themselves of them. When day dawned on 
 Wednesday, the 18th, we found, under the cover of darkness, 
 that the rebels had surrounded us, and that we were besieged. 
 This was a busy day for us, for we were more determined than 
 before to hold our position. We therefore took hold of the 
 picks and shovels and extended our rifle-pits at least two hun 
 dred yards longer and built a large dam that backed up the 
 water from four to twelve feet deep for several miles on our 
 front and right. This project was conceived by Col. Hartranft, 
 and to show how valuable it was in the protection of the city, 
 I need only say the rebels had found out its utility, so that dur 
 ing the- whole nineteen days fighting here the enemy did not 
 attempt to make an assault or charge on our centre fortifica- 
 
 20* 
 
450 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 lions, but many and desperate were their charges on our left, 
 as they considered that the weakest point of the whole line. 
 After this dam was finished, which was 3 o clock next morn 
 ing, ten or fifteen men were selected out of the 51st P. V., to 
 occupy surrounding houses and mills, as sharpshooters. 
 
 On the morning of the 19th, the rebels having got a position 
 in our front for their battery, began shelling the three-gun fort 
 and the 51st regiment P. V. Their shots were rather close for 
 comfort ; but, uncomfortable as it was, not a solitary man left 
 the pits during the shelling. Capt. Voncleis, of the 15th In 
 diana battery, opened his three guns with such rapidity and 
 precision that the rebel battery-men could not live at their post, 
 and were forced to limber up and hunt a safer place. Aft?r 
 that demonstration on the part of the enemy, it was thought 
 advisable and highly necessary to burn all the houses in our 
 front. Consequently about forty men were detailed from the 
 51st P. V. to act as houseburners. This was the most danger 
 ous and daring work of the whole siege, for it was certain 
 death if the rebels should catch any of them either in the act 
 of firing the houses or after, as was proven in the case of Pat 
 terson, of Co. K, who had got outside the house after firing it, 
 and was shot down and then bayoneted until dead. Our sur 
 geons did not think the gun-shot wound sufficient to produce 
 death. His murderer had stripped him of his shoes, and had 
 the villain had a few moments longer time, he would have 
 stripped him of all his clothing, but our regiment making a 
 charge at about that time, drove them back into their own pits. 
 On the 20th, the rebels drove in the pickets of the 2d Maryland 
 just before daybreak, but the brigade to which the 2d Mary 
 land belongs made an attempt to regain their old picket lines, 
 in which they were successful. On the 21st, our dam having 
 filled to overflowing, in consequence of the hard rain of the 
 night before, broke, and what cost us so much labor was all 
 destroyed in less time than it takes me to tell it, and swept 
 away, in its mad, raging fury, all the material that was used. 
 Col. Hart ran ft was standing in close proximity to the scene, 
 and viewed it all with a calmness worthy of imitation. As 
 soon as the damage sustained was realized by him, he imme 
 diately had another detail made to repair it. 
 
 Yours, &c., T. II. P. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 451 
 
 The friends of the 51st P. V. relied a great deal 
 at home on the correspondence from the regiment 
 to hear the particulars of the doings and the where 
 abouts of that body, as private letters scarcely ever 
 gave any of the details, and the correspondence with 
 the paper was for the sole purpose of general in 
 formation. The editor of the paper took as much 
 interest in giving publicity to it, as his readers took 
 in perusing it. The constant moving about prevented 
 them from being mailed as regularly as they would 
 have been had facilities offered themselves, in con 
 sequence for several issues there would be no 
 correspondence published, and then when any would 
 appear there would be several letters in one paper. 
 The following paragraph copied from the Defender 
 confirms it : 
 
 ARMY LETTERS. We give up a great deal of our space, on 
 the inside, to the letters of our correspondent from the 51st 
 regiment. These letters recount the doings of this band of 
 heroes for some time past. By giving attention to this corres 
 pondence, the reader will rind much real, valuable, and 
 interesting information that will amply repay perusal. Our 
 correspondent has given a pretty clear and full account of the 
 operations of this regiment since their enlistment, the only 
 connected historical record we probably can now secure. 
 
 And then follows as complete a history as could 
 be obtained at that time under the circumstances, viz.: 
 
 BLAIN S CROSS ROADS, EAST TENNESSEE, 
 
 December 31s, 18G3. 
 
 A substantial dam-breast has been built that holds all the 
 tremendous pressure, to this writing, the 22d. There was very 
 little firing during this day, but at dark the cannonading was 
 terrific. The boys began to think that our fate was to be 
 "gobbled up," not by getting whipped, but on account of 
 rations, for we were put on still less rations from this day, all 
 that was issued to us was a quarter of a loaf of bread, made 
 from the pure bran, not having an ounce of meal in forty 
 
452 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 barrels, and a small piece of fresh beef, our coffee and sugar 
 was near played out, and that little piece of bran bread and 
 the beef was our only rations, but I shall not attempt to give 
 the details of what we had to endure until I arrive at the siege. 
 The various incidents connected with the siege and the priva 
 tions that we endured during and since the siege is sufficient 
 to call forth a letter entirely devoted to that subject alone, and 
 no doubt will be read by the many readers of the Defender, 
 as well as the many sympathetic friends of the 51st, with more 
 than usual interest. I will also add the complete list of killed, 
 wounded and missing. 
 
 Monday, 23d, the seventh clay of siege brought us a clear day, 
 and also the cheering news that 11,000 men were at Loudon as 
 the advance of a large reinforcement to our relief. Those of 
 our regiment who were not out on the front picket line had to 
 live day and night in the ditches, if I except the time they were 
 working upon the various fortifications that surrounded the city. 
 The rebels did all in their power in the night to capture our 
 whole picket line, but were only partially successful. They 
 made a desperate sally, but our boys withstood the assault and 
 succeeded in bringing a few prisoners into our lines. Our 
 houseburners immediately applied the match to about twenty- 
 five houses and succeeded in making their escape before the 
 enemy reached the burning buildings, with one exception, that 
 was a man by the name of Patterson, belonging to Co. K, and 
 also of the pioneer corps. He had fired his house but from some 
 inexplicable cause the combustion did not ignite as rapidly as 
 he desired and returning back to the house to make " assurance 
 doubly sure," he was shot down, no doubt seriously but not 
 mortally wounded. His murderer not contented with taking a 
 wounded man prisoner, repeatedly thrust his bayonet through 
 him, once entirely through his head, which thrust no doubt 
 ended the sufferer s life. He leaves a wife and seven small 
 children to mourn his loss. While the above houses were 
 burning, the air was continually filled with reports of a large 
 quantity of exploding rebel ammunition, that had been con 
 cealed in the houses, prior to the occupation of Knoxville by 
 our forces. On Tuesday 24th, the rebels charged on our 
 pickets and drove a portion of them in about three o clock 
 A. M., but by daylight we had succeeded in driving the enemy 
 back and re-established our lines ; the losses on both sides were 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 453 
 
 heavy, and considerable fighting was done all day up to 9 
 o clock at night. 
 
 On Wednesday, 25th, it was found highly necessary to 
 strengthen our picket lines, therefore the 23d Corps furnished 
 300 men, and the 9th Corps 200 men, and as the 9th Corps had 
 held the front of centre and a portion of the right, by the 23d 
 Corps furnishing a few additional men we were relieved and 
 posted to the left of centre. After this change was made there 
 was very little firing by the pickets on the line, no doubt on ac 
 count of the extreme cold weather, the men were scarcely able 
 to handle their rifles they were so benumbed six or eight more 
 houses were fired, but otherwise things had subsided. Thurs 
 day, 26th, brought us another quiet, but, if possible, a colder day 
 than the day before. The boys began thinking the continued 
 quiet omened no good, and things began to assume a mysterious 
 shape. Orders were issued to be ready to move at a moment s 
 notice. 
 
 Friday, 27th, only middling quiet. Last night, a good deal 
 of picket firing ; and several more houses were burned early this 
 morning. Shortly after daylight we were put in good heart by 
 the information that Sherman had arrived at London with 20- 
 000 more men. At such good news our hunger, raggedness and 
 nakedness, as well as our almost frozen limbs, were entirely 
 forgotten. Saturday 28th, opened with a cold rain which con 
 tinued throughout the day and night ; there was hard fighting all 
 day and night on our left, in which our pickets were driven in. 
 
 On Sunday, 29th, the fearful struggle took place. This was a 
 day of victory to our arms and of disaster to the enemy. 
 There had been hard fighting all night on the left, and about 2 
 o clock this morning the enemy made several deadly and des 
 perate charges on "Fort Sanders," fully determining to carry 
 the work if it could be done. This fort mounted several twenty 
 pounder guns of the famous " Benjamin s U. S. regular bat 
 tery." It was under the immediate command of Gen. Ferrero 
 and Lieut. Benjamin, and conclusively showed the bravery 
 and desperate daring of those two heroic officers and the brave 
 men under them. The enemy had massed a large force and 
 rushed amid the darkness in a solid phalanx up and met their 
 deaths. This desperate charge had been expected by our forces, 
 and Gen. Ferrero had anticipated their total destruction. The 
 ground in front of the fort was filled with stumps of felled 
 trees, telegraph wires had been fastened from one stump to 
 
454 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 another about a foot up from the ground, forming a complete 
 network of wire for a large circumference around, and as the 
 rebels would reach the wires, they would become entangled 
 within the meshes and fall down one upon the other, until a 
 whole brigade would form one solid heap. While in this 
 situation Benjamin s battery would play upon the confused 
 heap of humanity with grape and canister from his twenty 
 pounders, hurling hundreds of the deluded victims into eternity 
 and wounding and maiming hundreds of others. Still on would 
 rush those who were fortunate enough to escape that death to 
 meet almost as fearful a death at the parapet of the fort. As 
 they arrived at the moat which surrounded the fort, bombs 
 were used as hand grenades, the fuses cut short and then 
 ignited, would be rolled down the parapet into the crowded 
 moat and exploded in their midst, horribly mutilating the now 
 enraged enemy. So determined were they in taking this fort, 
 that some had succeeded in gaining the summit of the parapet, 
 but only to be chopped down with axes or clubs, or whatever 
 the men in the fort could get in their hands the quickest. I 
 have been assured by an eye witness, that one of the gunners 
 of the battery took a worm screw, used for drawing charges 
 out of a cannon, and thrusted it over the parapets and giving 
 it a turn, he had fastened it into the uniform of a rebel officer, 
 and screwing it still further into his clothing succeeded in pull 
 ing him into the fort a prisoner. Wasn t that cool ? Thus con 
 tinued this desperate fighting until daylight, when the enemy 
 retired out of our reach, leaving several hundred dead (500) 
 and about 600 wounded and a large number of prisoners in 
 our hands. 
 
 Gen. Burnside sent Longstreet a flag of truce about noon, 
 to come and bury the rebel dead ; the flag of truce was good for 
 five hours. The 51st had to charge on the enemy a little before 
 daybreak and retake our picket line, in which we were more 
 than successful, for we could have taken their lines too 
 had it been any advantage. Our loss was trifling, but the rebel 
 loss was heavy, and we contented ourselves with staying at 
 our post and shooting down all the " Johnnies " that ventured 
 to show themselves from behind their ditches. There are 
 many laughable incidents connected with this siege that must 
 be told hereafter, as this is not the place for them. 
 
 Monday, 30th. The drubbing " that the enemy got yesterday 
 has kept them very quiet all night. We ascertained yesterday 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 455 
 
 while the flag of truce was good, that the rehels had lost, since 
 we and they left Lenoir, o-ver 1,500 men, and our loss but 75 in 
 the two corps. On Tuesday, December 1st, we received a dis 
 patch stating that Hooker and Thomas had captured 52 guns 
 and 6,000 prisoners from Bragg. As the order was read to each 
 command nine cheers were given in honor of the victory. 
 Very little firing to-day on either side we are thinking that 
 the rebels are withdrawing their forces to raise the siege. The 
 remainder of the 51st who did not go out on picket this morn 
 ing, are engaged in building a splendid cotton and sand-bag 
 fort. 
 
 On the 2d inst., Voncleis s battery was removed from the 
 fort in the rear of our rifle pits, to the new fort erected by our 
 boys yesterday. Last night, it was necessary to go there as 
 a support to Benjamin s battery, for they were nearly out of 
 ammunition, and the supply was only kept up by discovering a 
 large number of 32 pound shells and placing them on a turning 
 lathe and reducing them suitable for the 20 pounder guns ; 
 by this means Benjamin s battery was kept effective, for with 
 the loss of that battery the loss of Knoxville was certain, and 
 our infantry ammunition was also nearly exhausted, making us 
 feel certain that if the rebels did not raise the siege in a few 
 days surrender we must, for the horses of the different batteries 
 and wagon trains were suffering terribly for provender, in fact 
 one corral of battery horses had eaten up the straw that their 
 collars were stuffed with, as well as the ropes they were picketed 
 with. Our own rations were so small, that one man could 
 consume at one meal what was given to two men for two days 
 rations. 
 
 Thursday, 3d inst., we discovered the rebels wagon trains 
 were moving up to our right, our twelve gun fort shelled them 
 with great execution, hurrying them pell mell along the river 
 road. We feel fully convinced that Longstreet is about to 
 raise the siege, as their batteries do not reply to ours ; no firing 
 on their side only from their pickets. Friday, 4th, our forts are 
 keeping up a lively commotion to-day, the cannonading is 
 deafening, but the rebels are evidently moving off as they have 
 not fired but one shot from their u Gray Horse battery" all 
 day. Saturday, 5th, and 19th day of siege. This morning set 
 in rainy, but brought us the cheering news that the siege was 
 raised about 4 o clock this morning, very much to the grati 
 fication of us poor pent-up mortals. No sooner was it ascer- 
 
456 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 tained that the enemy had vamosed, than the 51st was ordered 
 to fall in to follow up the retreat, and bring in whatever rebel 
 stragglers might be captured. We were glad of the chance of 
 getting the privilege of roaming the country once more, 
 and notwithstanding the miry condition of the roads and 
 the copious supply of the aquatic fluid falling in torrents, we 
 started off and scouted several miles around the country and on 
 the road to Cumberland Gap. We returned wet, famished and 
 fatigued at about 4 F. M. 
 
 More anon. T. H. P. 
 
 HOME AGAIN. Lieut. Col. E. Schall, Lieut. Ortlip and Sergt. 
 Fair are home on a furlough, with a chance to spend the holi 
 days with their friends at home, they are all well. They have 
 from twenty-five to thirty days leave of absence. Col. Hart- 
 ran it has been commanding a division and Schall a brigade. 
 (When will the authorities at Washington show their gratitude 
 and justice by appointing Hariranft to the position he has so 
 long since earned, that of brigader-general ?) The Col. of the 
 fifty-first has been performing the duly of major-general, while 
 the Lieut. Col. has been filling the place of a brigader. This 
 regiment, the heroes of Roanoke, Chantilly and Antietam, the 
 51st, is reduced to about one hundred and seven muskets, but 
 they all are hard knots to get over, and when called into 
 service they are the boys to give hard knocks. Major Bolton 
 has had command of the regiment, and most of the officers are 
 doing duty higher than their ranks. Few regiments in the field 
 have won greater or more unfading honors ; and may the 
 brave band yet left, all be permitted to return home in health 
 and safety, very soon, with rebellion forever crushed in the 
 land. 
 
 BLAIN S CROSS ROADS, EAST TENNESSEE, 
 
 January 1st, 1864. 
 
 In my last I closed with the raising of the siege of Knoxville. 
 I will now give you the details of what few incidents came 
 under my own notice, with a few that I have obtained from 
 reliable sources, for it is my wish to record nothing in the 
 annals of the 51st but what are undeniable facts. To begin 
 them ; on the day that the flag of truce was sent, and while it 
 (the flag of truce,) was good, Gen. Garcie of the rebel army, 
 Gen. Ferrero and Lieut. Benjamin, of Benjamin s battery, met, 
 after passing the compliments of the day, in rather a cool 
 manner. Lieut. Benjamin recognized in Gen. Garcie an old 
 West Point classmate ; they exchanged exclamations of aston 
 ishment at meeting each other as deadly enemies, who had in 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 457 
 
 their earlier days been such tried and devoted friends, although 
 on the ground on which they stood both had given undoubted 
 proofs of their daring and courage only a few hours before ; 
 each stood with hands clasped in friendship, scarcely able to 
 give utterance to each other, of their feelings ; and while their 
 hearts were filled with emotion, tears were seen to trickle down 
 their cheeks, while they gazed on each other in silence. The 
 silence was broken by Lieut. Benjamin asking Gen. Garcie 
 what he thought of the wires? Gen. Garcie replied, with a 
 braggadocia air, and told Gen. Ferrero and Lieut. Benjamin 
 that he was bound to take his fort, (Benjamin s fort.) Gen. 
 Ferrero replied, "The fort is there, general, and whenever 
 you feel like trying it on again, do so ; you will find us there 
 to meet you ; but I must tell you, that before you can get that 
 fort you have got to whip the old 9th Corps." At the men 
 tion of the Oth Corps, Gen. Garcie looked with bewilderment, 
 and, somewhat confused, asked if it was possible that the 9th 
 Corps were actually there. Gen. Ferrero assured him of the 
 fact. I must here give an explanation why the presence of the 
 9th Corps so astonished the rebels. 
 
 A day or two before the rebels made their desperate charge, 
 Gen. Longstreet made a speech to his troops to stimulate them 
 to deeds of valor, and in his speech he assured his men that 
 they could take the fort, also the city, with very little opposi 
 tion, after making a charge ; telling that there was only the 
 23d Corps in the works, and that it was composed of green 
 troops who would not stand a charge, or more than one volley, 
 and therefore victory was certain, and the conquest was to be 
 cheap. But when they made that charge and fired that one 
 volley, nearly one-half of the storming party lay silent in death, 
 for instead of finding green troops, they had met their old vete 
 ran foe whom they had met at Camden, North Carolina, on 
 the 19th of April, 1862, at Antietam, at Fredericksburg, and at 
 Jackson, Mississippi, last July. Longstreet s men told our 
 boys that they had been sold twice, once by the Yankee Gen. 
 Ferrero with the wires, and once by Longstreet, in sending 
 them against a veteran corps, under the impression of meeting 
 green troops. While the flag of truce was good, the rebel pickets 
 and our pickets mingled freely with each other, and many a 
 bargain was made between them. Trading watches, pocket 
 knives, tobacco, finger rings, buying and selling of clothing, 
 pocket-books, and such notions as each wish to possess them- 
 
458 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 selves of for mementos of the occasion. The best of feeling 
 was expressed by both parties, and if a stray hog should by 
 chance come within sight, both Reb and Yank would start off 
 in pursuit of the porker, and catch and slaughter it, and then 
 divide it equally between them with many jocular remarks 
 about the mode of living that each army was subject to. The 
 commencement of cessation of hostlities by both sets of pickets 
 began with hallooing to each other, then with the poking up 
 of heads above their rude breastworks, and then by exposing 
 themselves outside of the works, finally feeling some confidence 
 in each other, and no shots being fired along either line, they 
 began by advancing towards one another. Between the two 
 picket lines flowed a stream of water, this was the Rappa- 
 hannock of the two parties, when both parties met near the 
 stream, the following introductory remarks took place, the 
 Rebs asking : 
 
 "Hallo, Yanks, what regiment?" 
 Yank "The 51st Pennsylvania." 
 Rebs "D good boys, too." 
 Yank "Say, Johnnies, what regiments ?" 
 Reb "88th Tennessee, 2d Georgia, and 4th Mississippi." 
 Yank "We ve met you chaps before." 
 Rebs " Yes, several times ; come across the creek." 
 Yank " Can t see it ; will you reach your hand out ?" 
 Reb "Yes; here, give us your hand; now jump!" and over 
 one went and in a few minutes the 51st boys were on the rebel 
 side, and in return the rebels came over to our side, and all the 
 civilities of an enlightened race were extended to one another. 
 The pickets of both lines made a treaty between themselves, 
 not to fire a gun at each other during that relief, which would 
 be until 4 o clock the next morning, and with true faith was it 
 carried out, although the flag of truce expired at 5 p. M. There 
 was not a solitary shot fired until the next relief was put on 
 the next morning. When the new relief was posted, the rebel 
 pickets hallooed over to our boys to know what regiment ; they 
 were answered, the 51st Pennsylvania, and our boys asking 
 them, they replied, the 3d Georgia. Now we knew this to be 
 false, or partly so, for this 3d Georgia and the 51st are old 
 acquaintances, having either by accident or design met and 
 fought each other on every battle-field from the Camden, North 
 Carolina, affair, where we met them for the first time, at which 
 place they numbered about 1,400, according to their own figures, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 459 
 
 until we met at Knoxville ; and at that time that the charge 
 was made on Fort Sanders, the 3d Georgia was annihilated ; 
 what few there were who escaped death were taken prisoners, 
 and they acknowledged that that was the last of the 3d Georgia. 
 A day or two after we got our ditches dug in front of the loth 
 Indiana battery, Gen. Burnside visited us, and walked along 
 the works, which were very deep with mud from the heavy 
 rain of the night before. Those who had remained in the 
 ditches all night were terribly besmeared with mud from head 
 to foot. Gen. Burnside, with a smile beaming on his counte 
 nance, asked, in a cheering voice, "are you in comfortable 
 
 quarters, boys? 11 Barney O D replied: "Yes, General; 
 
 oh ! we are getting used to this." 
 
 "No, you ain t! no, you ain t !" hastily replied the general, 
 "you were never in pits before in your life, and how can you 
 be used to it already, were you ? Where were the pits that you 
 were in that you have got used to them?" Poor Barney 
 looked abashed, but nothing daunted, replied, "General, I 
 meant that we were getting used to the mud." " Oh! ah! yes," 
 says the general, "if you mean that I expect you are pretty 
 near used to it by this time," and tipping a wink to some 
 stranger colonel, he walked off, and went to the fort in our 
 rear. Some one said, " General, I think the rebels have a bat 
 tery planted directly in our front." The general asked for the 
 glasses, and peering through them all around the spot indi 
 cated by the speaker, took them from his eyes and remarked 
 " That there was a good position out there for the rebels to put 
 a battery, but they had none there yet. 1 1 The words had not died 
 on his lips when a shot from the battery spoken of struck close 
 to the fort, covering the general and all hands with the earth 
 it tore up ; it did no harm further than making an opening in 
 the roof of a house in which Col. Schall had his brigade head 
 quarters. During the siege, the 51st regiment had 102 men for 
 duty, that is field duty; the detail every day for the picket line 
 was 54 men. This detail was divided thus: 27 men would go 
 out on picket at 4 o clock in the morning, would not be relieved 
 until the next morning at the same time; the remaining 21 
 would go on at 6 o clock in the evening, to be relieved at the 
 same time the next evening. Now, this don t seem much, nor 
 is it, if that had been the only duty. Those men who were 
 relieved would come into the pits and get a cup of meal and 
 cook it up for their day s rations, and before they would have 
 
460 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 it cooked or baked, they would be detailed to work all day on 
 the fortifications, although they had been out on picket, with 
 out any sleep, for the previous 24 hours, and were now to work 
 all day without sleep, and not unfrequently work all night, and 
 then go out on picket again in the morning for 24 hours. I 
 have myself had to take men and put them on picket for 27 
 hours in succession, and they without sleep all that time, and 
 then detail them to dig pits for a clay or a night after coming 
 in. I ask, is it possible for men to keep themselves clean and 
 healthy on being kept occupied both clay and night, without 
 even time enough to wash their faces only once a day, to say 
 nothing of getting any clothing washed. I myself was forced 
 to wear shirts only seven weeks at a stretch, on account of not 
 getting time enough to wash one. I had attempted it several 
 times, and succeeded far enough once to get the water on the 
 fire to boil just as I was ordered to form the company immedi 
 ately to leave. It is needless to say that the "soldier bugs" 
 arid I had stubbornly contested for the shirt when I pulled it 
 off after a halt of an hour, but I came off in full possession, 
 and have not been molested since. Laying jokes on one side, 
 and looking facts in the face as they are, it is not to be supposed 
 that men who have been used as we have, since about the 14th 
 of November last, can do better than we have to keep clean. 
 More anon, T. H. P. 
 
 CAMP OF THE 51sT REGT. P. V., 
 BLAIN S CROSS ROADS, EAST TENNESSEE, Jan. 2cZ, 1864. 
 
 I send a complete list of the killed, wounded and missing of 
 the 51st Pennsylvania from the skirmish at Loudon up to the 
 present time : 
 
 Co. _ A. Samuel H. and Abram Jones, and Corp. Charles M. 
 llennis were captured ; the latter escaped. Daniel Lare, 
 wounded in the foot at Knoxville. 
 
 Co. B. Wm. Albert, captured at Leiper s Ferry; Benj. J. 
 Eiley, wounded in the leg at Knoxville, since died. 
 
 Co. C. Michael Dillon, wounded in the fingers slightly. 
 Wm. Robinson, slightly in the ankle, at Campbell s station, by 
 a spent ball. 
 
 Cos. D and E. None. 
 
 Co. F. Wm. Mclntyre, taken prisoner. 
 
 Co. G. Robert Hinton, in the hand slightly. Geo. Meiss, at 
 Blain s Cross Roads, w 7 as wounded in the shoulder by the pre 
 mature explosion of a shell from our own battery; not serious. 
 
 Co. H. Wm. H. Dougherty, killed at Knoxville. Daniel 
 Clark, taken prisoner. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEES. 461 
 
 Co. I. Geo. E. Peters, missing; supposed to have been cap 
 tured at Campbell s station. 
 
 Co. K. Edward R. Patterson, killed at Kuoxville. Sergt. 
 Franklin Sterner, in the ankle. Sergt. Wm. Mellick, in the 
 leg. Those two latter were wounded at Campbell s station. 
 Geo. Buss, wounded at Knoxville, and was taken prisoner. 
 Total killed, 2; wounded, 8; taken prisoners, 7; missing, 1. 
 
 I will now give a full account of the doings of the 51st 
 from the 6th of December to the 20th of December, 1863. 
 On Sunday, the 6th, we were pleased to hear that the pay 
 master would pay us off that day, for we thought if we had a 
 little money we could find something to buy a little of some 
 thing to eat, and help to eke out the less than quarter rations 
 which we were receiving from the commissary. In this we 
 were in a great measure disappointed, for the citizens were as 
 " hard up " for "grub " as we were. I succeeded in purchasing 
 one pound of cornmeal after walking two miles for it; some of 
 the boys were fortunate enough to get a few canteenfuls of 
 molasses at the round price of $1 per canteenful, or 67 cents 
 per quart. The prices in Knoxville are almost fabulous: 10 
 cents for a box of matches, 15 cents for a skein of thread, 10 
 cents for a six s cigar, 25 cents a glass for whiskey, 20 cents per 
 pound for fresh pork, $25 per barrel for flour, $8 to $20 for 
 boots, $10 to $22 for pants; eggs, 75 cents per dozen; poultry, 
 $1 to $1.7-3 per pair; coffee, $5 per pound; tea, $12 to $25 per 
 pound; sugar, from 50 cents to $1.25 per pound; and every 
 thing sells at the above exorbitant prices, that is when you can 
 come across them to buy. 
 
 Early on the next morning (the 7th) we received orders to 
 pack up and leave our tents stand, and our knapsacks in them, 
 and be ready to march at 7| A. M. We were ready at the ap 
 pointed time. We also were to have three days rations in our 
 haversacks, but there was not rations enough to issue for that 
 one day, and no small number of us had to go on that march 
 without breaking our fast until evening; however, being in 
 light marching trim, we made twelve miles towards Rutledge. 
 We camped at 4 p. M., and waited for the wagons to come up, 
 which they did about 5 o clock. We then got our "little 
 pint" of meal, and hastily baked it all, so as to be ready to 
 leave at a "moment s" notice. We, however did not leave 
 the next day until 11 A. M. ; we then made but 7 miles, and 
 quartered for the first time since we have been out in a large 
 house. Here we met a lad on horseback, coming from mill 
 
462 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 with a bag full of cornmeal, and not asking him whether he 
 would sell it or not, we measured it out so as to give every man 
 a quart, and paid the little chap ten cents per quart for it all. 
 It is needless to say that we had a supper that reminded us of 
 days long past, when full rations were in vogue. We spent a 
 comfortable night, and left next morning at 7^ A. M., and 
 marched to within 1 miles of Rutledge, when we halted for 
 one and a-half hours lor dinner; but ere the dinner was over, 
 we were ordered to go into camp on that ground. Not having 
 our tents with us, we cut cedars and pines, and with the aid of 
 rails, W T C made a kind of a shelter against the worst of the 
 storm. 
 
 Here we remained from the 9th to the loth, in which there 
 was nothing of interest transpired, if I except the departure of 
 Lieut. Col. Schall, who left here on the 12th for his home, 
 taking a very large amount of money home for the boys in the 
 51st to their friends, and also the arrival of a large mail, being 
 the first one for five weeks. During the time that we laid here 
 we contrived a plan by which we got a little more to eat. We 
 found a small lot of damaged wheat in an old log building, and 
 it was brought into camp, and also whenever there was an ear 
 of corn to be found, it was shelled; it and the wheat went 
 through a grinding process in an old coffee-mill, and the pro 
 duct, which was neither flour or meal, w T as worked, kneaded 
 into a paste, and then baked. It greatly relieved the "inner 
 man" from that disagreeable sensation, hunger. 
 
 On the morning of the 15th, left camp in a hurry, and formed 
 line of battle, as the rebels were driving in our advance pickets. 
 After standing in line for a couple of hours, we were taken 
 through a gorge or pass in the Clinch Mountains, to oppose any 
 flank movement on our left that the rebels might attempt; no 
 attempt, however, was made until night. We had drawn two 
 days rations of fresh beef and one of flour, and the boys had 
 their flour pretty much all wetted and their meat in the boiler 
 over the fire when orders were given for a retreat. We left in 
 quite a hurry; some threw away both meat and dough, and 
 some of the more thoughtful secured both as best they could, 
 and brought it aw^ay with them. We marched that night to 
 wards Blain s Cross Roads until 3 o clock in the morning, when 
 we halted in a cornfield until 9 o clock A. M. of the IGth; this 
 was an uncomfortable place, being mud almost knee-deep. We 
 then marched about three miles, and formed line of battle, and 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 463 
 
 constructed a rude breastwork of the surrounding fences, then 
 laid on our arms all night, wnich was a very rainy one I assure 
 yon. The 17th found us early in line of battle; but about 10 
 o clock A. M. the rebels had succeeded in driving in Wol ford s 
 cavalry skirmishers, and we then went to the front as skirmish 
 ers. Considerable skirmishing took place throughout the day. 
 We held our line with as much stubbornness as if we were a 
 large regiment; and night closing on us, found us still holding 
 our own. Next morning, the 18th, Lieut. Foster, who was in 
 command of the 51st skirmishers, advanced the line about 3 
 miles without any serious opposition. It was during the skir 
 mishing on the 17th that Geo. Meiss, of Co. K, was wounded; 
 a battery that was employed in shelling the rebel skirmishers 
 was posted in our rear, and had to throw its shot and shell 
 directly over our heads; several of the shells exploded prema 
 turely, wounding Meiss in the shoulder. 
 
 Lieut. Jacob P. Brooke arrived at his regiment while the 
 fight was going on, and immediately reported himself for duty. 
 He had been two months in trying to reach his regiment; he 
 was received by his host of friends with unrestrained enthusi 
 asm. On Saturday, 19th, five companies were sent over the 
 mountains toward Indian Ridge, to do outside picketing. 
 They stayed out two days, capturing a stray rebel occasion 
 ally. Co. I was sent out about two and a half miles to the left 
 to take charge of the cross-roads which diverge to Buffalo 
 creek, Indian Ridge road, and to Renfrau s bridge. A short 
 distance from this important post was two brigades of rebel 
 Alabama cavalry, under the command of Gen. Martin, in camp. 
 A colored man, by name John Reaves, was sent out late in the 
 afternoon after forage. His master employed him to cook for 
 him and another lieutenant of the name of Burnet, belonging 
 to the 7th Alabama cavalry. Before starting after forage, they 
 told Reaves that if he would return without any, that they 
 would whip him. This decided the contraband to get into 
 our lines if possible ; he therefore wandered about on his mule, 
 which was the finest one I ever saw, until dark, and then going 
 to a known Union man s house, he gave him a blanket to pilot 
 him into our lines. He came on to our vidette post, and was 
 taken and brought into picket quarters. I furnished him with 
 a cup of coffee that I chanced to have ; he said that it was the 
 first coffee that he had seen for two years. In answer to my 
 endless inquiries, he stated that there were two brigades en- 
 
464: HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 camped there at the ridge, of Alabama cavalry ; that they were 
 entirely destitute of both rations and clothing, that many -vere 
 barefooted, and that no rations had been issued for four days, 
 and all that they could obtain was taken from the citizens, and 
 that they would soon be "played out, 1 as some of our forces 
 were in their rear, and in fact they were entirely surrounded, 
 and could not move either wa} r ; they expected to be captured. 
 He also confirmed what other prisoners had stated, which was 
 that they had three batteries with them, of five guns each, but 
 entirely out of ammunition for both artillery and small arms. 
 I placed this Reaves in the hands of Gen. Ferrero s staff, and 
 he was taken to Gen. Parke s head-quarters. 
 
 More anon, T. II. P. 
 
 BLAIN S CROSS ROADS, EAST TENNESSEE, 
 
 January 7th, 1864. 
 
 Since writing my last, notwithstanding the rough usage 
 that the 51st have undergone since it came into this depart 
 ment, it has almost, or I might say entirely, gone into another 
 three years of re-enlistment. We have been mustered out 
 of our first scrape, and now we are mustered in again for 
 the second edition of a history of the old 51st. To many of 
 our dear ones at home this will be sad tidings. Many, very 
 many, of us struggled to decide what was our duty, we asked 
 ourselves, u Did the interest of our families or our country need 
 us the most ? to serve one at home or to serve the other in the 
 field ? At last the decision came, that while serving our country 
 in the field we could better attend to our families at home, and 
 therefore, ragged and barefooted as we are, we determined to 
 "rally once again" under that devoted old flag. (Ours is 
 more in the form of fancy fringe woik than a flag; but still 
 there is enough of it left to prove that it was a flag when Gov. 
 Curtin presented it to our care, more than two years ago.) We 
 hope in this new term to see this accursed rebellion brought 
 to a close. For the information of those at home of the friends 
 of the " veteran 51st, 1 I would say that we expect to leave here 
 in a very short time (two weeks), and go to Pennsylvania as a 
 regiment to reorganize, recruit, and for a thirty day s furlough. 
 We will try to camp, if possible, near Valley Forge, and ex 
 pect to stay long enough to recruit the regiment to its full quota. 
 
 In my last your readers accompanied me in the doings of the 
 51st up to December 20th. I will therefore ask them to <; fall 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 465 
 
 in line," and march along up to the above date (January 7th). 
 On Monday, December 21st, Capt. Gaulin, who had command 
 of the whole picket line, brought the remainder of his pickets 
 out to the cross roads where Co. I had been posted the day 
 before. After selecting suitable sites to quarter in, and getting 
 the pickets posted, we were relieved by the 35th Mass., and we 
 then returned to our camp, where we arrived at dark, and 
 found that our knapsacks and tents, as well as cooking utensils, 
 had been brought to us from the city of Knoxville, much to 
 our gratification. Some few pitched their tents that night ; but 
 early next morning Major Bolton selected a more sheltered 
 camp ground, in a woods, where we soon pitched our tents, 
 and once more "set up housekeeping" in the usual way. 
 While busy in setting " things to right," we received quite an 
 accession to our ranks, by the arrival of a number of furloughed 
 men, who had been fifty-nine days on their way, from the time 
 that they left home until their arrival in camp. The party who 
 came that day and since were twelve in all, Capts. Jos. K. 
 Bolton and Lynn, Lieuts. Wm. F. Campbell and Schoch, pri 
 vates James W. Hibbert, Philip Hattel, and others were of the 
 party, and each and all were received with a cordial greeting. 
 They all look well, and much better than when they left for 
 their homes. 
 
 On Wednesday morning, 23d, early, we went out several 
 miles to reconnoitre, and returned about two o clock p. M. 
 Nothing of interest transpired while out, and I might say since 
 then also. The last few days of the month were devoted by the 
 different companies in making out their muster and pay rolls, 
 ordnance, quarterly and monthly reports. We were mustered 
 for two months 1 pay on the 31st December. After that recruit 
 ing for the veteran corps began in earnest, as all who wished to 
 secure the bounty and premium of $402 had to re-enlist before 
 the 5th hist. The modus operandi of paying the bounty is as 
 follows, viz. : 
 
 I. Upon being mustered into service, he shall be paid one 
 month s pay in advance, $13. First instalment of bounty, $00. 
 Premium, $2. Total payment on muster, $75. II. At first 
 regular pay day (1st of March) or two mouths after muster in, 
 an additional instalment of bounty will be paid, $50. III. 
 At the first regular pay clay (1st of July) after six months ser 
 vice he shall be paid an additional instalment of bounty, $50. 
 IV. At the first regular pay day after the end of the first year s 
 
 21 
 
466 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 service (1st of Jan., 1865) an additional instalment of bounty 
 will be paid, $50. V. At the first regular pay day after eigh 
 teen months service (July 1st, 1865) an additional instalment 
 of bounty will be paid, $50. VI. At the first regular pay (Jan. 
 1st, 1866) after two years service, an additional instalment 
 of bounty will be paid, $50. VII. At the first regular pay day 
 after two and a half years service, (July 1st, 1866,) an addi 
 tional instalment of bounty will be paid, $50. VIII. At the 
 expiration of the three years (Jan. 1st, 1867) service, the re 
 mainder of the bounty will be paid, $40. 
 
 If the Government shall not require these troops for the full 
 period of three years, and they shall be mustered out, honor 
 ably, of service before the expiration of their term of enlist 
 ment, they shall receive upon being mustered out, the whole 
 amount of bounty remaining unpaid, the same as if the full 
 term had been served. The legal heirs of volunteers who die 
 in service shall be entitled to receive the whole bounty remain 
 ing unpaid ai the time of the soldier s death. 
 
 Paragraph fourth of general orders No. 376, says : In going 
 to and coming from the respective States and homes, the 
 veteran volunteers, furloughed as herein provided, will be 
 furnished with transportation by the Quartermaster s depart 
 ment. 
 
 The weather here, at present, is very cold, freezing as hard 
 in a night as it usually does in Pennsylvania at the same period 
 of winter. We have had several snow storms, the largest of 
 which we had yesterday, making it very bad for the shoeless 
 soldiers of whom their name is legion. If the United States 
 would do its duty to the soldier one-half as faithful as the sol 
 dier does his to his country, we need not now be literally naked 
 and barefooted as we are. Our neediness has only been brought 
 about by the culpable neglect of some of the whiskey-heads at 
 or around Washington, for we know that the government 
 allows ample for all departments. 
 
 More anon, T. II. P. 
 
 BLAIN S CEOSS ROADS, EAST TENN. 
 
 January 14th, 1864. 
 
 " Tis always darkest, the hour before day," is an old adage, 
 and in our case a true one. While we have been groping 
 around in darkness since our advent in this department, in the 
 shape of rags and an empty stomach, a ray of sunshine peeped 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 467 
 
 in upon us yesterday. We were the recipients of a few articles 
 in the way of clothing, viz. : one blanket to a company, two or 
 three pairs of pants, five or six shirts, one pair of drawers and 
 a few pairs of boots and shoes, also to each company. It was 
 a Godsend to those who were fortunate enough to get them ; 
 small as the issue was, many and large were the smiles it pro 
 duced. Now the "winter of our discontent is made glorious 
 summer" by that indefatigable soldier, Lieut. S. P. Stephens, 
 quartermaster of the regiment, who is away endeavoring to 
 hunt up a few more pairs of shoes for the boys. Some may think 
 that a quartermaster s post is to be envied, but I say to all who 
 think so, get a post of that kind in a department like the Cum 
 berland, and try it. It is one rather to be pitied, for no man 
 racks his brains more, whereby he may invent some means to 
 obtain supplies of clothing and rations, to appease the clamor 
 ous, half starved and naked soldiers who surround him on 
 every side, and watches with eagle eyes his every move, think 
 ing each turn or "about face " is to bring something to eat or 
 wear. Such has been our situation from morning until night, 
 that we followed with our eyes every move of that true, honest, 
 and faithful soldier, Quartermaster S. P. Stephens. He has well 
 earned the glowing title of a warm and noble-hearted man. 
 
 Last night about eight o clock orders were received to leave 
 for home. The camp was very quiet previous to the arrival of 
 the order. We were considerably chagrined a few days ago in 
 seeing the 48th Regt. P. V., in passing our camp en route for 
 home, and at the same time, a rumor got underway that as the 
 48th got off before us, we would have to remain here for two 
 or three months, consequently last night, around the camp fires, 
 speculation ran high as to when we probably might get off. 
 As I said above, the camp was quiet when the order "on to 
 Norristow r n " arrived, but as soon as the order was published, 
 the hum of voices and the hearty laughs soon betokened that 
 "good news in camp" was well received, and met with a 
 hearty response. Every one was busy, the major, the adju 
 tant, quartermaster, orderly sergeants all, all were busy in 
 folding and signing their re-enlistment papers, receiving and 
 despatching orders, reminding one of an editor s sanctum on 
 an election day everybody elbowing their way into the ad 
 jutant s office. After the agreeable surprise was over, each 
 one sought quiet in his tent to dream of home, and by midnight 
 business was at an end, and we enjoyed an unusually good 
 
468 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 sound sleep. We fully expect to leave to-morrow, provided 
 that shoes and sufficient rations can be obtained to-day for the 
 march. We will march to Nicholasville, Ky., via Cumber 
 land Gap, Barboursville, London, and Camp Nelson, each man 
 to carry six days rations and forty rounds of ammunition. The 
 distance to march is 191 miles, and we expect to make it in 
 about sixteen days from the time we start, so you may look for 
 the old 51st about the 7th of February to make "a brilliant 
 raid " into the very heart of your quiet borough of Norristown. 
 At the same time a number of raids may be made by that sly 
 little citizen soldier, Cupid, on the affections of the " dear ones " 
 at home. I hope the young ladies of your town will not turn 
 a cold shoulder to the young returned veterans, who have been 
 absent for two and a half years from them, undergoing almost 
 fabulous trials, privations, and sufferings as well for their sakes 
 as to sustain that "dear old flag." 
 
 I was considerably amused the other day, in looking over the 
 columns of the Norristown Republican, when my eyes rested on 
 a letter from the 138th Regt. P. V. The gifted correspondent, 
 signing himself "Frisket," says "we have had but one day s 
 soft bread since the 10th of October." Now, the date of his 
 letter is November 16th, being about Jive weeks that the poor 
 fellows had to eat "hard tack," or crackers. What would 
 " Frisket " say if he had been five months as we have, without 
 either soft bread or hard bread, (and I was going to say no 
 bread at all, but that would be "piling it on a little thick;") 
 only black musty flour, or coarsely ground corn meal, and 
 sometimes receives his corn on the cob of one and a half ears 
 for a day s rations, and that he would have to grind in an old 
 ricketty coffee mill. I forgot that while we were shut up in 
 Kuoxville, we did get a quarter of a one pound loaf of soft 
 doughy bread, made from bran, and as choky as any hedge 
 pear. "Frisket" is also tired of wormy crackers. If he had 
 them here to-day, I would guarantee him twenty-five cents 
 apiece for his haversack full, not of worms, but of crackers. 
 All I have to say is, if "Frisket" is tired of wormy crackers, 
 to send them to us, and we will promise to waste neither a 
 crumb nor a worm. But enough, for soldiering in all depart 
 ments has its joys and sorrows, and the 138th is not exempt. 
 
 Since writing my last the 51st has had it very easy, being 
 only twice to the front on picket, and with the exception of 
 a little fatigue duty nothing else has been asked of us. In 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 469 
 
 fact, we have long been unfit for duty, being, as your readers 
 have previously been informed, entirely destitute of clothing, 
 and in no way able to resist the cold. Our rations, also, have 
 been too meagre to do duty on, and it takes all the time of those 
 whose shoes would admit of it, to go out in the country and 
 bring some little necessaries, such as chopped corn, meat, mo 
 lasses, &c. Many of them would be gone two days, and went 
 fifteen or twenty miles to obtain enough for two or three days, 
 and that by paying untold prices for. 
 
 A lot of green hides (fresh off of the beeves) were sent out 
 to us this week for the shoeless, to make themselves coverings 
 for their feet. A good many made a sort of moccasin out of 
 them, but their utility were destroyed by the immense weight 
 of them when marching, but as there have been shoes issued 
 and more expected to-day, there will be no further need of the 
 moccasins. When we get to Camp Nelson every man will re 
 ceive a complete outfit, and when we march into Norristown, 
 we will not look as if we had been nearly naked and starved as 
 I have above described. 
 
 P. S. Since writing the above I have been positively assured 
 that we leave here on Sunday morning, the 17th inst. 
 
 T. H. P. 
 
 When the rebel General Longstreet crossed the 
 Tennessee river, his whole available force amounted 
 to about twenty-eight thousand men, who were equal 
 if not superior to Stonewall Jackson s corps of " the 
 flower of the Confederate army." Gen. Burnside s 
 total efficient force was a trifle over eight thousand 
 men. Long-street s men were in splendid condition, 
 healthy, comfortably clad, well fed ; had the sympa 
 thies of the citizens ; an immense amount of fixed 
 and unfixed ammunition; and were well posted up 
 in the geography of the country, which was of great 
 advantage to him. Besides, his whole command 
 was composed of acknowledged fighting veterans. 
 Burnside s force, on the contrary, was in an almost 
 famished condition. Sickly, nearly naked, and dirty 
 betrayed by the citizens with but a limited 
 
470 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIKST KEGIMENT 
 
 knowledge of the country destitute of all kinds 
 of ammunition, forage, and rations and only a 
 small part of his army (the 9th Corps) were fighting 
 men. The larger portion was composed of a new 
 corps (the 23d) of Western men, who were enlisted 
 for six months only, and had had no experience in 
 field service. Their principal duty was to garrison 
 such posts as the 9th Corps had taken. Thus was 
 Gen. Burnside forced into a terrible struggle against 
 an overwhelming force of highly-disciplined troops, 
 under the command of one of the South s very best 
 fighting generals. The contest, unequal as it was in 
 point of numbers and other advantages, was never 
 theless entered into by the two corps with a deter 
 mination to achieve a victory at all hazards or fill a 
 true soldier s grave. While the 9th and 23d Corps 
 were greatly inferior in numbers, they were largely 
 superior in intellect, and possessed in their officers 
 a far greater engineering talent, in which, beyond 
 cavil, Col. Hartranft was the fountain-head. It was 
 he who assisted Gen. Burnside, in his best works of 
 engineering, to a successful result. It was through 
 the true perfection, and the carrying out of all 
 plans, that the city of Knoxville, with its band of 
 heroes, did not fall into the hands of the Confed 
 erate army. No part of the entire Union army was 
 handled with more skill and bravery by its officers 
 than was that small besieged force in Knoxville. 
 All hail to Burnside ! All honor to Hartranft ! 
 
 On November 3d, 1863, Lieuts. Jacob P. Brooke, 
 of Co. F, and John S. Moore, of Co. A, left their 
 homes, where they had been on a leave of absence, 
 to rejoin their regiment. But as the enemy occu 
 pied the country between Cumberland Gap and 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 471 
 
 where the 51st was stationed, they did not succeed 
 in reaching their companies until the 18th Decem 
 ber, 1863, but just in time to take part in a heavy 
 skirmish which the 51st was engaged in at Blain s 
 Cross Eoads, East Tennessee. Their departure from 
 home was noticed in the paper published in their 
 town, viz. : 
 
 REJOINING THE ARMY. Lieuts. John S. Moore and Brooke, 
 start this week to go to their regiment, the 51st, now stationed 
 near Knoxville, Tennessee ; and we have understood that they 
 will have to march between two and three hundred miles, 
 unless they should accidentally fall in with teams going on the 
 same route as there is no public conveyance for that distance 
 to the present position of our regiment. Over this long road 
 our men had to travel, day after day, "foot-sore and weary. * 
 At home, we often wonder how men are enabled to endure 
 such marching; for many of these men were not at all accus 
 tomed to hard toil before they enrolled themselves for the de 
 fence of our flag and the suppression of this fearfully wicked 
 rebellion. Yet, our brave heroes endure all these hardships 
 without murmuring for it has to be done and is a part of 
 that plan that must be gone through with to reach the end, the 
 supremacy of our laws\)ver the whole of the United States. 
 
 Through the disarrangements of the mails and tele 
 graph, the friends of the regiment were unable to 
 obtain any reliable information concerning the 
 whereabouts of the 5 1st, or of its doings during the 
 siege, and every little item that appeared in any of 
 the newspapers of the day was greedily snatched 
 up and republished in other papers, so as to let the 
 public form their own conclusions. The following 
 are clipped from one published November 24th, 1863, 
 during the siege, no doubt relieving the minds of 
 many : 
 
 ARMY OF THE OHIO. We have further exciting news from 
 East Tennessee this morning. Parson Brownlow has found 
 it necessary to leave; Knoxville, and sends a despatch to Cin 
 cinnati stating that fighting was in progress " all about Knox 
 ville." A previous despatch, from General Burnside himself, 
 conveys the idea that everything was going well with us, and 
 that ultimate victory was certain. It is quite probable that a 
 
472 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 heavy battle lias been fought at Knoxville, and the seige of 
 that city is now going on. As the place is fortified to some 
 extent, it is believed that the rebels will not be able to dislodge 
 our forces without great loss, and probably defeat. The latest 
 reports by mail say that Generals Burnside and Hartsuff were 
 concentrating their forces to resist the advance of Gen. Long- 
 street. 
 
 " FROM Knoxville we receive nothing definite. Gen. Long- 
 street does not appear yet to have raised the siege ; for, if he 
 had, we certainly should have intelligence of it from Gen. 
 Burnside. There is no communication between Cumberland 
 Gap and Knoxville yet. Gen. Foster is idle on the Clinch river, 
 twenty miles from the Gap, where he has but a handful of 
 cavalry. He makes no attempt to advance any farther. A 
 Federal force of three thousand is said to have left Chattanooga 
 to aid Burnside, though the route taken is not very evident. 
 The Confederates are represented to be in strong force at Lou- 
 don, twenty-three miles west of Knoxville, and at Kingston, 
 ten miles northwest of London. Cannonading has been heard 
 in that direction, so that it would seem the expedition had 
 marched over the Cumberland Mountains, and was in conflict 
 with the enemy." 
 
 And again, another item in the same paper of an 
 other date : 
 
 * SIEGE OF KNOXVILLE. At the late battle of Fort Sanders, 
 the Fifty-first regiment was engaged. We have made an ex 
 tract from a correspondent of the Philadelphia Inquirer of the 
 battle, which will be found in another column. It will be seen 
 that our regiment had three killed and one wounded. We 
 have understood that all these persons were in the companies 
 from Easton. How covered with honor are these brave and 
 faithful veterans of the glorious old Fifty-first !" 
 
 And of still another date : 
 
 "FIFTY-FIRST. We have not heard anything from this 
 regiment for some time past. The report that portions of 
 it had been captured do not seem to have much truth in them. 
 The reason for not hearing from them is probably that their 
 position is so far removed from the conveniences of mail routes 
 that the receipt of letters is necessarily uncertain." 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEES. 473 
 
 CHAPTEE X. 
 
 Destruction of the pontoon bridge Approach of the enemy 
 A retreat ordered General confusion Burn side arrives on 
 the field Change of programme Advance to Loudon 
 Fighting and falling back Skilful manoeuvring Severe 
 marching and suffering Campbell s station Magnificent 
 battle scene Repulse of Longstreet Night march to Knox- 
 ville Losses in the regiment. 
 
 THE 51st, on the 12th day of November, worked 
 faithfully to get the pontoons laid across the Holston 
 river at Lenoir station, in the sweet anticipation of 
 going over the river to have a new scope of country 
 through which to forage, in order to obtain a few 
 more mouthfuls of rations to add to their already 
 meagre supply ; but in this they were again doomed 
 to disappointment, for scarcely was the last boat laid 
 when orders were issued to cut the bridge loose, 
 scuttle the boats, and sink them in the deep waters 
 of the Holston. Astonishment was depicted on 
 their emaciated countenances as they silently obeyed 
 those severe but highly necessary orders. Their 
 cups, brimful of joy, were dashed to pieces in the 
 twinkling of an eye! Speculation ran high as to 
 the cause. Were the "Johnnies" coming ? some 
 thing of the kind must be up! The "Johnnies" 
 were there but not in any great force, as only a party 
 of rebel cavalry were reconnoitering, but that was 
 enough to tell that their main body was not far off. 
 
 The laying of the bridge had been watched 
 closely by the citizens, and as soon as it was under 
 way, information had been given by some of them. 
 
 to the rebels, though the Union scouts discovered 
 
 21* 
 
474 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 them in time to prevent a surprise ; yet our pickets 
 on the other side were driven in, and the pontoon 
 bridge had to be destroyed. 
 
 On the next night, the 13th, orders came into 
 camp to be ready to move at a moment s notice. 
 Consequently, by 5 o clock A. M. of the 14th, the 
 orders were given to strike tents and send all the 
 baggage to the rear, and the assembly was beaten 
 for the regiment to "fall in on the color line." The 
 troops that were stationed at Loudon began to pour 
 into Lenoir and form line of battle. It began to be 
 evident a battle was in embryo. Artillery teams 
 and ambulances were plunging through the rain 
 and rnud, with their heads turned towards Knox- 
 ville. A retreat was on the tapis. 
 
 Gen. Burnside had removed his headquarters to 
 Knoxville, and Col. Siegfried, of the 48th P. V., 
 was in command of the division of which the 51st 
 P. Y. was in. Everything seemed to go wrong. 
 But, some time towards noon of the 14th, Gen. Burn- 
 side made his appearance, in a special car, on the 
 scene. As soon as the car stopped, and while on 
 the platform, he exclaimed, in no unmeaning tone, 
 "What does all this mean, General?" addressing 
 himself to a Gen. White, who was in command of 
 the movement. Gen. White s reply was, "We are 
 retreating, sir !" Gen. Burnside replied, " I ll soon 
 stop thiJt, sir; halt your command, and about-face 
 that artillery !" Gen. Burnside s face now flushed 
 with anger, and it became evident that he was going 
 to risk a battle at such an inauspicious moment. 
 The whole army was in great confusion, not through 
 any fear, but on account of the inefficiency of some 
 of the higher grade officers, who did not know the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 475 
 
 meaning of the commands they gave. Gen. Burn- 
 side took the whole cause of the commotion in at 
 one view, and assumed command of the field in 
 person. In fifteen minutes thereafter he had re 
 stored order, and turned the retreat into an advance 
 on the enemy opposite Loudon. He laid his plans, 
 and deployed his troops in such positions as to 
 check the enemy should he bi> coming. Excepting 
 the 2d Division of the 9th Corps, the whole force 
 moved up the railroad about half a mile and formed 
 line of battle, awaiting the approach of "the enemy. 
 Holding themselves in readiness all day in a drench 
 ing rain ; they slept on their arms that night. But, 
 about 2 o clock on Sunday morning, the 15th, the 
 troops were ordered to advance. The drum corps 
 beat the assembly, and the column, instead of 
 marching to Knoxville, were now on the road to 
 Loudon to meet the advancing enemy. The dis 
 tance was about six miles the roads in a horrible 
 condition, the men hungry and wet, but in high 
 spirits, as also was their commander, Gen. Burn- 
 side. The enemy s skirmishers were met on a high 
 hill to the east of Loudon, just at daybreak. 
 Heavy skirmishing ensued, and their further ad 
 vance was checked. Benjamin s battery obtained a 
 good position, and held it until the enemy s full 
 strength was felt. About 10 A. M. Longstreet re 
 inforced his skirmishers by a full brigade, and 
 forced Burnside to fall back. To keep up the ap 
 pearance of a heavy force, Burnside deployed 
 nearly his whole command as skirmishers, which 
 gave him a chance of falling back in splendid order. 
 The 51st was deployed as skirmishers on the ex 
 treme right of the line, with its right skirting the 
 
476 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 road from Loudon towards Lenoir, reaching Lenoir 
 about 5 P. M. During this retrograde movement 
 the troops on the left, and left of centre, were 
 pressed by the enemy most severely ; and as Burn- 
 side had made a halt at Lenoir, Longstreet endeav 
 ored to flank our left in order to cut us oft from our 
 works in Knoxville. We were drawing rations 
 while at halt at Lenoir, preparatory to our night s 
 retreat. While doing so, the enemy poured volley 
 after volley of musketry into our lines from the 
 Kingston road, with an occasional shot thrown in 
 among the teams, producing considerable excite 
 ment. While this excitement was at its height, it 
 was discovered that our troops had, from some un 
 known cause, left the Kingston road open to the 
 advance of the enemy free of all opposition. The 
 discovery of this blunder was made by Gen. Fer- 
 rero, who commanded a brigade. He immediately 
 reported his discovery to Gen. Burnside, in the 
 presence of Gen. White, whose duty it was to have 
 kept that road well guarded by his command. 
 Burnside was astonished at such a proceeding, and 
 ordered White to send troops to the left and hold 
 the road. ButFerrero volunteered to take his brig 
 ade up the hill to regain possession of the road if 
 Burnside would consent. Gen. White scowled at 
 the idea ; yet Burnside knew Ferrero too well to 
 doubt his bravery and sagacity, and gave his con 
 sent. In less time than it takes to narrate it, Fer 
 rero had his brigade on the move toward the road, 
 and by his bull terrier propensities he succeeded in 
 regaining the possession of the Kingston road, and 
 thus saving us from being cut off from Knoxville. 
 It was now drawing close on to evening, and 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 477 
 
 the 51st lay near by the railroad track at Lenoir, 
 awaiting orders, resting, drawing and cooking five 
 days rations while passing events, on all sides, 
 began to fill them with gloom. When they per 
 ceived the tall form of their old colonel, Hartranft, 
 a murmur of satisfaction went through the whole 
 regiment, although the men knew that he would not 
 take command of the 51st ; nor did they desire it, 
 for they reposed entire confidence in their present 
 commander, Major William J. Bolton ; but they 
 wanted him to take command of their division, 
 which he did, relieving Col. Siegfried. And now, 
 being officered as they wished, their gloomy feel 
 ings were dispelled Burnside commanding the 
 whole movement in person, Hartranft our division, 
 Lieut. Col. Schall our brigade, and Maj. Bolton the 
 regiment, what more could we ask for while fight 
 ing ? Being thus officered fully implied victory. 
 
 At a little before dark, the cars at Lenoir station 
 were loaded with all cumbersome articles, and at 
 once dispatched back to Knoxville ; also the wagon 
 trains, etc. As soon as everything cumbersome was 
 out of the way, orders were given to march on to 
 Knoxville that night, a distance of twenty -two miles. 
 The enemy was kept in check, but the fighting for 
 the Kingston road was severe and constant. The 
 enemy, keeping on the range of hills on our left, 
 seemed determined to outflank us, while Ferrero 
 stubbornly contested every inch, and succeeded in 
 keeping back the rebel horde sufficiently to enable 
 us to trudge through the mud of that night. Our 
 progress was terribly slow. Leaving Lenoir at 
 6 P. M., we only reached the 19 mile post on the 
 railroad at 6 A. M. of the 16th, making but three 
 
478 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 miles in twelve hours ! Who is there, living now, 
 that participated in that three mile night march, 
 that has forgotten, or ever will forget it? No pen, 
 however eloquent, can describe the toiling, the suf 
 ferings, of both body and mind during that terrible 
 dark night, with the fiends of rebellion firing and 
 yelling like so many devils close on our heels. Oh, 
 the suspense of those dark hours ! Gen. Hartranft, 
 can you forget it? Gen. William J. Bolton, can 
 you ? Men of the 51st P. V., you never will, while 
 memory holds its seat in the throbbing brain. 
 
 The 51st P. V. was detailed to assist Benjamin s 
 battery of 20-pounders through the mud. One 
 and a half inch ropes, of two hundred feet in length, 
 were attached to the guns; and with the whole regi 
 ment of men, and twelve to sixteen battery -horses 
 at a single gun, it required their uidted strength to 
 drag it through the mud for a few feet at a time. 
 After getting a gun dragged about one hundred and 
 fifty or two hundred yards, it would be left standing, 
 and all would return to work up another one -and 
 so on, until the last one would be brought up then 
 begin again and so on until the bottomless mire 
 was wrought through ; the enemy harassing us as 
 much as they could, fighting going on all around us 
 except directly in our front and on our right. To 
 leave the guns sticking in the mud, would have been 
 fatal to us, for our salvation laid in keeping posses 
 sion of that now more than priceless battery. The 
 men worked, pulled, and dragged as men never did 
 before. The poor jaded and hungry horses ap 
 peared to know the necessity of getting the guns 
 along, for, worn out as they were, the poor beasts 
 labored with a will that seemed akin to reason. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 479 
 
 Had they proved baulky and refused us their enor 
 mous strength, our fate would certainly have been 
 Andersonville or Libby. 
 
 Daylight of the 16th found us but three miles 
 from where we started the night before, but it found 
 us through the worst part of the mud, with the ad 
 vantage of being able to pick our way. 
 
 At or near Campbell s station, the roads from 
 Loudon and Kingston made a junction, and then 
 formed the road leading into the city of Knoxville. 
 To get possession of the forks of this road, was the 
 main object of both chieftains, Burnside and Long- 
 street. Could Longstreet gain it first, Burnside 
 would riot have had a road by which to reach the 
 city, as there was but the one that ran in that di 
 rection, and escape would have been impossible, at 
 least with artillery and caissons. Longstreet, fully 
 alive to the importance of the possession of that 
 point, deployed his skirmishers more to our right, 
 with the view of forcing Burnside to strengthen that 
 part of his line in order to weaken his left, that the 
 enemy might throw a force on this road sufficient to 
 crush our resistance and gain possession. The 
 enemy s advance rushed on like an avalanche, pour 
 ing volley after volley into our rear, and the rear 
 returning volley for volley until the junction was 
 reached. Hartranft was entrusted with the extreme 
 left. Burnside remained in the centre, on foot, and 
 the race was drawing to a close which was for life 
 or death. We have reached the road. A halt is 
 made. Hartranft double-quicks his division, and 
 files left into a cornfield to the right of t.ie Kingston 
 thoroughfare, and is about flanking a division of 
 the enemy in our rear, when the whole column of 
 
480 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 both armies came to a halt and the battle raged 
 most furiously for about an hour. 
 
 While this preliminary fight was going on, our 
 artillery was taking the advantage of the contest, 
 which was wholly between the infantry, by se 
 curing a splendid position. It was near noon, and 
 thus far our troops had been successful in holding 
 their ground. After the 51st had double-quicked 
 into the cornfield, CoL Hartranft discovered the 
 enemy advancing on him with an overwhelming 
 force, for the purpose of flanking him, and cutting 
 him and his division off from the main body. But 
 in this they were foiled, for by this time the artil 
 lery had got into position, and he double-quicked 
 his command to the support of the two batteries, 
 Benjamin s and Voncleis 15th Indiana, thereby 
 leading his pursuing enemy directly under the 
 range of the guns of the 15th Indiana. Finding 
 they were outgeneraled in that move, they quickly 
 fell back out of harm s way. 
 
 This was a most magnificent battle-field. It was 
 in the form of a huge basin. Burnside, Hartranft, 
 the two batteries, the 51st P. V., and the 51st N. Y., 
 occupied that part of the rim of the basin nearest 
 to Knoxville. This was the objective point that 
 Longstreet directed his best energies against. The 
 enemy occupied that part of the rim of the basin 
 farthest from Knoxville, directly opposite to that 
 of Burnside. A house, barn, and other outbuild 
 ings occupied the centre of the hollow of the basin, 
 or rather the right of centre. Between those build 
 ings and the enemy stood an orchard of large apple 
 trees. The rim of the basin, to the right of the 
 buildings, was skirted with a heavy forest, that ran 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 481 
 
 off to the right and lost itself to view. From the 
 rear of Longstreet all the way round to within a few 
 yards of our left, was also a dense forest, which 
 ended abruptly on a high bluff. The face of the 
 landscape was broken by a deep ravine between the 
 woods and the batteries. 
 
 As soon as the artillery had got into position, 
 Maj. Bolton detailed Capt. Bisbing and about two- 
 thirds of the regiment to skirmish in the woods to 
 wards the enemy on our left, because a whole brigade 
 of rebels moved off in that direction and had become 
 lost to view. The 51st started directly in front of the 
 battery, and skirmished through the field down to 
 the very centre of the hollow, and then filed to the 
 left into a field of tall dead grass, full five to six feet 
 high, that adjoined the woods. This woods was 
 very dense with underbrush and briars. After 
 reaching the edge of the woods, Bisbing commanded 
 "Lie down." After remaining in that position, 
 completely out of sight, for about half an hour, the 
 snapping of brush as if trod upon was distinctly 
 heard on the right, in the woods. In a few minutes 
 Bisbing discovered two brigades of rebels quietly 
 sneaking through the woods, as if their object was 
 to flank our batteries. He watched them intently, 
 until they had disappeared on the other side of the 
 hill or rim, and thinking their object was to move 
 around to the rear of the battery, and, by the low 
 ground outside of the rim, get up within a few yards 
 of the guns before they could be seen, he com 
 manded "Rise up," and deployed as skirmishers 
 through the woods up to its abrupt termination ; 
 but what became of the enemy could not be deter 
 mined. After returning to their post at the battery, 
 
4:82 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 the battle became highly interesting. Burnside and 
 Hartranft stood side and side by the guns, and gave 
 their orders with such coolness that a person unused 
 to such sights would think that they were alike dead 
 to all feelings of humanity. 
 
 Longstreet endeavored to get a " gray-horse bat 
 tery" into position on the right of his centre at the 
 edge of the woods. He first sent two brigades down 
 into the bottom of the hollow, where they formed 
 line of battle, ostensibly with the object of charging 
 on our artillery, and, in order to accomplish this, 
 his battery was to support them by shelling us away 
 from our guns, which then would fall an easy prey 
 into their hands; but as soon as their white horses 
 were seen to emerge from the woods, our guns were 
 turned on them with fury. They succeeded in un- 
 limbering one gun but no more: they fired two or 
 three shots, when they limbered up again, and left at 
 full gallop, finding it impossible to live under such 
 firing as our gunners displayed. The two brigades 
 still held their position ; none of our officers ap 
 peared to pay any attention to them, but they were 
 watched close. The enemy endeavored to get an 
 other position in the orchard, and Burnside allowed 
 them to do so for a few minutes only. After getting 
 fixed, as they thought, to suit themselves, they be 
 gan shelling our batteries and the 51st with tremen 
 dous velocity ; they then sent a body of troops into 
 the woods on the left of the house, &c., to flank us 
 on our right and get possession of the Knoxville 
 road ; but as they emerged from the woods, their 
 cover, they were rather stunned in finding that their 
 progress was checked, for Burnside had already a 
 strong line lying on the ground as a precaution 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 483 
 
 against any such a move on the part of the enemy. 
 A brilliant skirmish ensued between the two antag 
 onists, and although the enemy was far the stronger 
 force, yet our troops, with the aid of our batteries, 
 succeeded in making them beat a hasty retreat, and 
 abandon all further attempts by that flank. 
 
 Burnside s attention was now turned on the rebel 
 battery in the orchard that had been sending an 
 amazing quantity of rifled shells in and around the 
 two batteries and the 51st P. V. ; in fact, no atten 
 tion had been paid to the rebel artillery previous to 
 this; but it received the undivided attention of 
 Burnside and Hartranft now, for they were literally 
 covered from head to foot with dirt thrown over 
 them by the enemy s shot and shell, as they came 
 ploughing through the ground at their feet. The 
 two batteries (Benjamin s and the 15th Indiana) 
 opened in splendid style on their enemy, clearing 
 the orchard of all rebels in less than ten minutes. 
 They then made another effort to get their battery 
 into position in the corner of the woods where they 
 had made their first attempt ; as soon as they showed 
 their "gray horses" at the edge of the woods, our 
 batteries hurried them out of that by a few well- 
 directed shots. The 51st P. V. was again sent for 
 ward to skirmish the woods to our left. The two 
 brigades of rebels still being in line of battle in the 
 hollow, attention now was turned to them, and they 
 received a number of shells right in the midst of 
 their ranks, thinning them somewhat, and scattering 
 them like a flock of sheep. They sought shelter in 
 the woods on their right. The 51st was in the same 
 woods skirmishing along the top of the rirn or hill 
 towards its abrupt termination. The regiment 
 
484 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 scarcely, however, reached the battery, when the hill 
 they had just left was swarming with the foe, who 
 seemed to defy the whole of Burnside s force. They 
 came out of the woods and stood in the clear field 
 only a few yards from our guns, and cast an impu 
 dent gaze along the whole of our rear. A few men 
 of the 51st could not resist the impulse to fire, and, 
 doing so without orders, they " knocked" a few of 
 them, when our artillery belched forth death by the 
 wholesale. They then escaped back to their cover 
 in the woods. 
 
 One little incident is worthy of notice here. Sergt. 
 David Long, of Co. D, being seized with the impulse 
 to fire when the enemy exposed themselves so near 
 us, dropped on one knee and fired. The ball must 
 have entered his foe s heart, for he sprang into the 
 air about two feet, and fell dead without moving a 
 limb. It is very uncertain for a soldier to say he 
 knows that he killed one in battle, yet it will not be 
 incorrect for Sergt. Long to say so. 
 
 Night was now closing our day s work. We had 
 kept the enemy at bay for two days and a night, 
 and another half hour of daylight would in all 
 probability have seen us a captured army. The 
 enemy was tightening his coils around us ; cowards 
 had began to sneak off undiscovered to Knoxville ; 
 our lines were becoming weaker; the enemy closing 
 gradually in on us; they, in number, three to our 
 one ; they, with full supply of ammunition ; we, 
 nearly out for a great part of our artillery ammu 
 nition had been thrown out of the caissons to lighten 
 the weight. Here we were, sixteen miles from 
 Knoxville a dark and muddy road before us 
 worn out with fatigue and hunger; having had no 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 485 
 
 sleep for forty-two hours, and no chance even to make 
 a cup of coffee since the Sunday evening previous, 
 and three hours sleep was all we had for four days 
 and nights ; but the boys were all in high spirits, 
 for they saw that by showing a bold front, they 
 could accomplish much. The number of wounded 
 on our side was large, but they were nearly all sent 
 into the city ; so was everything else that was likely 
 to cause a minute s loss of time on the retreat; and 
 when night began to spread her sable mantle over 
 the bloody field, our forces were ready to withdraw 
 at a moment s notice. At last the order came, and 
 posting a strong rear-guard, the line resolved itself 
 into a marching column, and quietly withdrew in 
 good order from the scenes of that day s toils and 
 dangers, leaving its killed, a few wounded, and a good 
 many prisoners in the enemy s hands.* 
 
 Burnside s command left Campbell s station at 8 
 P. M v and marched to the outskirts of the city, where 
 it arrived at 4J A. M. of the 17th, foot-sore and 
 weary. Scarcely had the column came to a halt, when 
 the men sunk down to the ground from sheer ex 
 haustion, and fell asleep without hunting for any 
 kind of a comfortable place to lay. They had 
 forded several streams and were wet up to their arm 
 pits, still sleep stole over their benumbed senses and 
 they one and all slept the sweet sleep of the cradled 
 innocent. Nothing of interest occurred on that 
 night s march excepting the loss of a lew worn out 
 
 * The following is a list of casualties, as far as could be ob 
 tained : 
 
 Co. B. Wounded Private Beni. Reilly. Captured Wm. 
 Albert. 
 
 Co. C. Wounded Corp. Wm. Robinson. 
 
 Co. I. Captured Private George E. Peters. 
 
 Co. K. Wounded Sergts. Wm. S. Melliok and Frank B. 
 Sterner. Captured Henry C. Deutler. 
 
486 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 troops, who found it impossible to keep up with the 
 retreating column and fell prisoners into the enemy s 
 hands, and an occasional pressure of the enemy s ad 
 vance on our rear-guard. As day began to make its 
 appearance on Tuesday, the 17th of November, the 
 drums beat the reveille, but so sound did the men 
 sleep that only few, if any, heard it. Shortly after 
 the drums ceased, the stentorian voice of Maj. Bolton 
 was heard commanding "fall in;" as if by magic 
 every man sprang to his feet arid seized his gun. 
 It seemed as if each one had lain down with the in 
 tention that no other sound but "fall in" was to 
 awaken them. 
 
 CHAPTEE XI. 
 
 The 51st entrenched Building and breaking of the dam 
 Skill and daring of Sergeants Parker and Fair Picket fight 
 ing and house burning Grand and awful scenes of fire and 
 battle Sufferings of the men Rumors of relief An assault 
 by the rebels Retaking of the picket pits by Schall s brigade 
 Constant fighting and conflagration. 
 
 THE brigade under Lieut. Col. Schall formed in 
 line, and then marched by the flank into the city, 
 and through to the other side, where it took up a 
 position on the extreme right of the town, in front, 
 almost, of the railroad depot, on an elevation that 
 presented a fine view of the surrounding country. 
 
 Shortly after getting into our position, Col. Hart- 
 ranft impressed all the contrabands found running in 
 the streets, and placing picks and shovels in their 
 hands, he bade them go to work in the" trenches, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEES. 487 
 
 and by noon they had accomplished a part sufficient 
 to allow the 51st P. V. to take possession. Thus on 
 the 17th of November, 1863, was built the first 
 regular entrenchments in which they ever fought. 
 They had been in pits on the picket line in front of 
 Jackson, Miss., but not as regular breastworks on 
 the main line. This event filled them with pleasure, 
 for now they knew they need not be exposed need 
 lessly to the enemy s balls. 
 
 They began now to see the fruits of their hard toil 
 ing at the ropes of the artillery on the Sunday night 
 previous; they could perceive that by their exertions 
 that splendid battery of twenty pounder brass guns 
 had been saved to resist an incoming siege. 
 
 Longstreet now began to approach the city with 
 great caution, his long lines of infantry could be seen 
 slowly winding their way west of the outskirts of 
 the old works. 
 
 As soon as dark set in, a detail was made of fifty - 
 four men from the 51st, to go out on picket; it was 
 hard to send them, but the necessity of the case de 
 manded it. The detailed men obeyed promptly with 
 but one exceptional case of grumbling, and that was 
 by a man who could not exist without grumbling, for 
 it was his nature. Reader, if you have never been 
 on such duty, after losing as much sleep as those 
 poor men, you cannot form any idea of the agoniz 
 ing torture it is to be sent out on picket, just as you 
 had fully satisfied yourself that you were about 
 lying down to enjoy one night s quiet sleep ! Im 
 agine as you may, you cannot form a true picture. 
 They had been four days and three nights, and this 
 was to be their fourth night, with less than four 
 hours sleep. Their brains in a whirl of excitement 
 
488 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 all the time ; their mi ads racked with suspense as to 
 the result of the battles; their physical natures com 
 pletely worn down with the laborious duty which 
 kept their sinewy frames on a constant strain both 
 day and night; their shoulders aching under their 
 canteen and haversack straps ; their waists and hips, 
 galled by their waist belts, borne down with their 
 well filled cartridge boxes ; their arms aching from 
 the constant carrying of their muskets ; their backs 
 and shoulders in agony from the tightly strapped 
 knapsacks ; their feet blistered from heel to toe ; and 
 in short, cold, tired, hungry and sick ! You have 
 now their true condition, but do not think the 
 officers fared any better, they did not officers are 
 but men with the same feelings, and see the diffi 
 culties of a soldier s life with the same eyes that an 
 enlisted man does, though they are not compelled to 
 become pack mules as the private, but they are under 
 greater restraints, undergo heavier responsibilities, 
 and have duties to perform attended with far more 
 danger. 
 
 The morning of the 18th found Burnside pretty 
 thoroughly invested by his antagonist ; the siege had 
 been fully inaugurated. Our pickets had made 
 themselves a line of entrenchments, just outside of 
 the thickly settled part of the city, within three 
 hundred yards of their main line. A great many 
 houses stood between our pickets and the main line 
 of works, and the rebels made a number of sallies at 
 different periods during the siege to get possession 
 of our pits; sometimes they were successful, at 
 others they failed. 
 
 Every day, from the commencement of the siege 
 until it was raised, added strength to our fortifi- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 489 
 
 cations ; new pits were dug ; old ones enlarged ; 
 earthworks grew like magic ; beautifully constructed 
 forts dotted the entire line ; some built entirely 
 of the earth, others constructed of sand bags, 
 others of cotton bales, and the principal streets 
 were barricaded with old wagons, carts and other 
 lumber, such as could be found in the sheds 
 and stables in and around the city. Thus after 
 making the city pretty safe against assault, Col. 
 Hartranft decided to make his part of the line (the 
 extreme right) doubly safe, by damming up a creek 
 on the right of it. This creek was known by the 
 citizens as " First creek." It ran at right angles with 
 Hartranft s lines and emptied into the llolston river, 
 in the rear of the works. A street extended parallel 
 with the line of pits and crossed the creek over a 
 one arch* stone bridge. To dam up the water where 
 it entered the arch would be a task of vast im 
 portance; though laborious to perform, Col. Hart 
 ranft had not the material to build such a dam, as 
 might make it strong enough to resist the immense 
 pressure of water that would collect there, but such 
 as he had he used, and got a large detail of men 
 from his division and put them to work at it. As 
 the water rose in the dam, it became evident that 
 the material was not staunch enough to resist the 
 pressure ; but the work progressed towards com 
 pletion and the dam filled to overflowing, backed 
 up the water to the depot, to the depth of three to 
 six feet ; but it was no sooner completed and the 
 men still looking at their work, than the whole thing 
 gave way, and the water rushed like a torrent, sweep 
 ing everything in its current into the river below. 
 
 22 
 
490 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Col. Hartranft looked at the frustration of his hopes 
 with a calmness that was truly heroic. 
 
 As soon as the water subsided into its natural 
 sized channels, he had another detail made and an 
 other dam in progress. This time he secured a 
 heavy girder, about twenty-four feet long and four 
 teen by fourteen inches square ; this was let down 
 into the water so that each end might rest against 
 the respective sides of the arch, and form a strong 
 foundation on which to build the new work ; but 
 after reaching the water, from some uncontrollable 
 cause the girder missed catching on one of the walls, 
 and swung around and was passing through the 
 arch, on its way towards the river. Xo one knew 
 the depth of the water in the creek, and none cared 
 to jump in to find out; but as the foremost end had 
 entered the archway, Sergt. Parker leaped into the 
 water with his clothing on, and reached the girder 
 in time to save it from floating off. The current was 
 deep and swift, and having a very uncertain footing, 
 he could do nothing but hold the timber from get 
 ting any further away. At least two hundred men 
 stood looking on, but none would venture in to as 
 sist him. Sergt. John W. Fair, of Co. C, happened 
 to catch a glimpse of the operation, and in an in 
 stant he was aiding Sergt. Parker. The two were 
 at times so deep in water that they found a difficulty 
 in towing the heavy stick against the strong current, 
 until they got it far enough away from the arch 
 for those on dry land to assist them, after which 
 the two sergeants floated the girder into its proper 
 place. The filling in with planking taken off of the 
 bridge floor now commenced. A strong breast was 
 thus built and filled in with about one thousand 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 491 
 
 cart-loads of dirt. This time the work was a com 
 plete success. The water rose and backed up the 
 creek clear to the rebel lines. All the low ground 
 on the right of the city was flooded, varying from 
 four to six feet deep, making an insurmountable 
 barrier for a charging foe to face. This flood of 
 water made that part of the line secure, also the 
 strongest. 
 
 The next thing in order was to burn the splendid 
 mansions on the outskirts of the city, so as to pre 
 vent the enemy from placing sharpshooters in them 
 to pick off our gunners in the fortifications. 
 
 A large number of men were detailed on the vol 
 unteer system to act as sharpshooters and house- 
 burners. They were all taken out of the 51st P. Y. 
 A specified number was to come from each company. 
 Each man was fully instructed as to his duties, and 
 of his peril, if caught by the foe. They were to take 
 up their quarters in the houses two or three to a 
 house to remain there day and night, to have a pile 
 of combustible material in each room they occupied, 
 and on the first approach of the enemy towards the 
 houses, they were to apply the match, and escape, if 
 they possibly could, to the inner works ; but under 
 no circumstances were they to leave the house with 
 out firing it. To these instructions they readily 
 acceded, and volunteered to fill the detail. Nearly 
 all succeeded in firing their houses and escaping the 
 vengeance of their enemies. One man only, Patter 
 son, of Co. K, fell into their hands. He had fired 
 his house and left it; but thinking it was not burn 
 ing, he returned to apply the match the second time ; 
 but as he was leaving the house the rebels had got 
 too close on him and shot him down, but not killing 
 
492 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 him. They then thrust a bayonet through his head, 
 putting an end to his sufferings. His foe or foes 
 stripped him of his shoes, bjut our pickets charging 
 on them they escaped to their own lines. Patter 
 son s body was carried in to Dr. Reinhold s quarters, 
 and his wounds were examined by Dr. K., who pro 
 nounced him killed by the bayonet, as the gunshot 
 wound was not of itself sufficient to produce death. 
 
 Some nights as many as twenty-five houses would 
 be on fire at one time, presenting a sublime picture 
 to all who witnessed it. The city, the picket-pits, 
 and the whole surrounding country would be lighted 
 up us bright as midday. It was a sight but seldom 
 seen and never to be forgotten. 
 
 The duties of the 51st -P. Y. during the siege was 
 of an extraordinary character, having only about 
 one hundred and four men fit for efficient service. 
 One-fourth of that number would go on the picket 
 ]ine at four o clock in the morning, there to remain 
 twenty-four hours. At six o clock of the evening 
 of the same day another fourth would go on for 
 twenty-four hours. Then at four A. M. of the next 
 day the first pickets would be relieved by the third 
 fourth, and that same night the second fourth would 
 be relieved by the last fourth, and so on during the 
 entire siege. 
 
 The pickets, as relieved, would retire to their 
 quarters to prepare whatever rations, if any, they 
 had to satisfy their hunger to but a limited extent, 
 and to enjoy, as they imagined, a few hours sleep ; 
 but in this they were invariably disappointed, for a 
 detail from headquarters would be in for them to go 
 on " fatigue duty " as soon as they were relieved 
 from picket. The fatigue duty was to those- poor 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 493 
 
 fellows of the most painful kind to use the pick 
 and shovel, perhaps, for the next twenty-four hours, 
 and be relieved to go immediately out again on 
 picket, three times out of four without a morsel of 
 food to eat or to take with them. It may be doubted 
 by many that such usage of men could possibly be, 
 and the men live; but, dear reader, this is no over 
 drawn picture. If you still doubt it, ask any of the 
 participants of that siege, either officers or privates, 
 either of the 9th or 23d corps, and if you can find 
 one who will say the picture is untrue or in the least 
 overdrawn, then I stand convicted before the public 
 of a base, wilful lie, for falsehood is too genteel a 
 term to be tolerated. 
 
 And again, those same men were not only forced 
 to do duty in the above manner from the necessity 
 of the occasion incident to a siege, but they were 
 obliged to be out through the inclemency of the 
 wintry season in a mountainous section of the coun 
 try in an almost naked condition. Numbers of them 
 were without the comforts of a blanket, and still 
 larger numbers without shirts, drawers, or stock 
 ings; their blouses and pantaloons in tatters; the 
 frosty night air pinching their bare skin, without a 
 cup of warm coffee to cheer them in the long, dreary, 
 sleety night, or a spark of fire by which they might in 
 differently warm their benumbed limbs; their fin 
 gers so torpid with the constant handling of their 
 cold muskets, that it was painful to behold. Thus 
 were they, during the entire siege, worn out in mind 
 and body ; suffering from the chilling wintry blasts ; 
 nearly naked, heartsore, and weary, living on less 
 than one-fourth rations, and that of an inferior 
 quality. A large portion of their bread was made 
 
494: HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 from musty black bran, and of a pasty, doughy na 
 ture. Those who were fortunate enough to possess 
 shirts were compelled to wear them until nearly 
 ready to fall from their backs with filth and vermin, 
 their time being so occupied with their onerous 
 duties, that leisure to wash them was denied the 
 men. 
 
 Lieutenant Samuel P. Stephens, quartermaster of 
 the regiment, was indefatigable in his exertions to 
 procure the men all and every necessary that he 
 could lay his hands on, but large as his noble heart 
 was, his means to furnish supplies were of too lim 
 ited a nature for him to do much to alleviate his 
 suffering men. Visiting the works several times a 
 day, he was besought by the men "for God s sake, 
 Stevie, get us something to eat." "Poor Stevie," as 
 the boys all called him, would leave and call around 
 among the headquarters of the different commands, 
 and if he could find a single cracker or " hard tack," 
 he would appropriate it for whoever he thought had 
 the most need of it. Eeturning to his own regi 
 ment, with the hard tack buttoned up in the breast 
 of his coat, to prevent it from being seen, he would 
 listen to the tales of hunger, and bestow his scanty 
 morsel on him who was the greatest sufferer. He 
 would gaze on their shivering forms as they flitted 
 past him, and, singling out the most destitute, would 
 return to his own quarters and take a shirt, drawers, 
 or pants, and come back to make some one the re 
 cipient of his limited but generous bounty, until he 
 became as destitute of clothing as those for whom 
 his heart ached. Nothing was a trouble to him. He 
 was partial to none, but liberal to all, not from any 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 495 
 
 selfish ambition, but from the purely generous im 
 pulses of his noble, noble heart. 
 
 Major Bolton, too, was another to whom too much 
 praise cannot be given for his kindness towards his 
 command. As detail upon detail would pour in for 
 his men, he would plead with the officers until the 
 number would be reduced to the smallest amount 
 possible. Thus some one would receive the benefit 
 of an hour or two of rest. 
 
 But of all the abused men in the whole army, the 
 adjutants of the different regiments generally fare the 
 worst, whose duties are similar to that of a first or or 
 derly sergeant of a company. In fact the adjutant is 
 the orderly sergeant of the regiment. It falls to his lot 
 to fill all details from headquarters, by detailing an 
 equal number of men pro rata from each company 
 under his command. On this occasion 1st Lieuten 
 ant John E. Gillilan of Co. G was acting adjutant 
 of the 51st P. V. Whenever the boys would see 
 him coming out of his tent with a piece of white 
 paper in his hand, they were fully convinced that 
 another detail was wanted. Perhaps the men had 
 just been relieved either from picket or fatigue duty. 
 They would gather, around their first sergeant (if it 
 was a detail asked for) to know if they would have 
 to go on it. By the time they would be answered 
 in the affirmative, the adjutant s voice would be 
 heard on the left of the line inquiring for Sergeants 
 Parker and Long, who appeared to be the only ser 
 geants that the lieutenant expected to find at their 
 posts. Then would commence a parley between the 
 sergeants and adjutant, the former asserting that 
 they had no men to detail, they were all either on 
 duty or just going. If the adjutant saw a few 
 
4f6 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 around him, the sergeants would be silent, while 
 the men would all declare that they were on duty of 
 some kind. The adjutant would then ask them 
 what they were doing in at their quarters. Their 
 old stereotype answer, " We ve just come in to see 
 if there was any rations to get," was of no use. The 
 adjutant would enforce his detail, and sergeants, as 
 well as privates, would have to go to make up the 
 quota. 
 
 The enemy was desperate in his efforts to break 
 through Burnside s line. Attempts were made, 
 nightly, with no other success than breaking 
 through the picket line and capturing a few 
 pickets. 
 
 On November 23d, a rumor became circulated 
 through our troops that at Loudon there were 
 eleven thousand men coming to reinforce us, which 
 had the effect to raise Burnside stock to par, and 
 send Libby and Andersonville far below it. The 
 good news was electrical. Each man forgot his 
 troubles, and cheerfulness pervaded both corps. 
 But, as the men listened, without success, to hear 
 distant cannonading in the rear of Longstreet, and 
 the day wore on, they began to tkink they had been 
 " sold." Nevertheless, many believed it, and thus 
 it served as an encouragement for several days. 
 
 On the next morning, about 2 o clock, the enemy 
 made a desperate charge on that part of the picket 
 line held by the 51st P. V., and succeeded in 
 driving in our pickets to the main line in the city, 
 the enemy occupying the pits and a portion of the 
 ground between those two lines. 
 
 Orders were immediately despatched to Lieut. 
 Col. Schall to forward his brigade and take back 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 497 
 
 the pits before day should break. This was no easy 
 task, as the night was dark as Erebus, not even a 
 house on fire to lend its light, and the enemy were 
 in possession in strong force. However, Col. Schall 
 advanced his brigade to the rear of the railroad 
 depot by the flank, then filing left among the 
 ruins of the late fires, he brought them quietly to 
 a front and formed line of battle. Bat, from the 
 nature of the ground, and the numberless piles of 
 debris of the fallen buildings, with the many half- 
 filled cellars, holes, fallen trunks of trees, stumps, 
 etc., it was a very difficult task to make a charge in 
 the darkness of the night. Col. S. gave the orders 
 to advance ; but it was impossible to do so with an 
 unbroken line. Our men involuntarily came to a 
 halt. They began to be impatient and restive. 
 Daylight was near at hand, and soon the work must 
 either be done or the attempt abandoned. Col. S., 
 in an undertone, again gave orders to forward 
 the enemy being within fifty feet of his line, made 
 it necessary to be as quiet as possible in the move 
 ment ; but only a few in the vicinity of the lieut. 
 colonel could hear the order, and that part of the line 
 advanced a few paces, and came to a halt. Major 
 W. J. Bolton demanded of Col. Schall to know if 
 it was his object to take the pits. Col. S. replied it 
 was. Maj. Bolton asked him if he was ready, as it 
 was getting late. He was answered " Yes." Then, 
 in as loud a voice as he could command, which 
 reached to the right and left of the whole brigade, 
 Major Bolton said, " Then by G d let us take 
 them ! Forward double-quick march !" and the 
 whole line charged on the enemy like a tornado, 
 yelling like so many devils, and pouring their 
 22* 
 
498 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 volleys of musketry into the fleeing foe. The whole 
 thing, after the major gave the command, occupied 
 about thirty seconds and the work was completed. 
 
 The charge thus made afforded many a hearty 
 laugh at the expense of a great number of the men, 
 who were unfortunate enough to tumble into the 
 cellars and other places of like nature. 
 
 As the men rushed pellmell over the ruins, it 
 was no uncommon thing for a dozen of them to fall 
 together into a cellar, or some place of like charac 
 ter some with their heads up and others with their 
 heels up. 
 
 The enemy were terribly frightened, for up to 
 the time that Maj. Bolton gave the command, they 
 were not aware of their close proximity to the 
 Yankees, and a whole brigade yelling as they did, 
 made the enemy think the entire corps was coming 
 at them. 
 
 The firing on both sides was pretty brisk until 
 daybreak, when the brigade withdrew, and left the 
 pickets once more in possession of their pits. 
 
 The next day. the 25th, the picket line was 
 strongly reinforced, as the event of the night pre 
 vious had proven how much too weak it was. Five 
 hundred more men were sent out, with those already 
 there, making a strong enough force to give an ob 
 stinate fight if attacked again. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 499 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 News from General Sherman Night attack on the left Fort 
 Sanders The network of wires Desperate charge of the 
 rebels The struggle on the parapet Repulse of the enemy 
 Disparity of losses Raising of the siege Retreat of Long- 
 street Rutledge Blain s Cross-roads Another battle Re- 
 eulistrnent commenced Close of the campaign of 18G3, 
 
 ON the 26th, things had quieted down all along 
 the lines. Very few shots were fired from either 
 side. Orders were issued in the afternoon to be 
 ready to move at a moment s notice. " What is up 
 now ?" was heard on all sides. Were we getting 
 reinforced ? and were we to attack the enemy and 
 compel him to raise the siege ? Some of the more 
 hopeful thought so ; others, more desponding, 
 thought Longstreet about to attack the whole line 
 by assault ; but nothing definite could be known. 
 
 Shortly after daylight of the 27th, an order was 
 read to the troops that Sherman, with twenty thou 
 sand men, was coming to our rescue. At the con 
 clusion of the reading, cheer upon cheer reverber 
 ated through the air and penetrated the enemy s 
 line. The good news made all forget their forlorn 
 and almost hopeless condition. 
 
 On the 28th the enemy attacked the extreme left 
 of our line, shortly after midnight, with desperation, 
 driving in our pickets and feeling the strength of 
 the main line. The enemy had received secret infor 
 mation that that part of the line was the weakest, 
 which it was, hence hard fighting occurred through 
 out the day and night. That night about 11 o clock 
 
500 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 the enemy massed two full brigades under the com 
 mand of Gen. Garcie. As they now held that part 
 of our picket line, the two brigades were within 
 six hundred yards of our main line. After man- 
 oauvring around for a great length of time, the 
 enemy made a charge on Fort Sanders,* which oc 
 cupied a point a little to the right of centre. Gen. 
 Ed. L. Ferrero commanding that portion of the line 
 had taken the precaution to make such an attempt 
 on the part of the foe a failure. He had taken 
 down all the telegraph wires in and around the city, 
 and secured them to stationary objects for a num 
 ber of yards in his front, placing the wires about 
 a foot above the ground and far enough apart to 
 allow a person to walk between them, providing 
 they could see them. In the darkness the enemy 
 made his charge. They rushed like demons, yelling 
 defiance at the volleys of musketry that were poured 
 into them until they reached the wire abattis, when 
 they went to the ground in dire confusion by being 
 tripped. Lieut. Benjamin now handled his 20- 
 pounder pets with a will, pouring canister shot 
 into their confused masses while in their heaped up 
 condition. The struggle was fearful, the excitement 
 was great along the whole line. Would the enemy 
 be successful ! if so, Knoxville must fall and a sur 
 render would be inevitable. 
 
 The enemy in his desperation came on, his ranks 
 fearfully depleted ; he gains the parapet of the fort ; 
 a hand to hand fight ensues, some are in the fort 
 demanding the surrender of it with their hands on 
 
 * Named by Genl. Burnside in honor of Brig. Genl. Sanders, 
 who was mortally wounded near this point while gallantly 
 rallying his brigade, a few days prior to the final assault. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 501 
 
 the guns, with such exclamation as " Surrender, 
 you Yankee s s of b s;" but they had "reckoned 
 without their host." Many of them were laid low 
 by the blows from muskets, axe-handles, clubs, 
 stones, swabs and rammers, or anything else the 
 " Yanks" could seize most conveniently. 
 
 The enemy finally beat a retreat, or at least as 
 many of them as could get away. They had lost 
 heavily at the tripping up at the wires in killed and 
 wounded, and also heavily at the fort in killed, 
 wounded and prisoners. Ferrero s loss was com 
 paratively light, not amounting to more than 30 
 killed and wounded, while that of the enemy was 
 known to be over 500 killed, 600 wounded, and 315 
 prisoners, total 1,415. 
 
 The following account of the charge on Fort San 
 ders, is taken from the " Philadelphia Inquirer." 
 
 ARMY OF THE Oino. A delayed despatch from Knoxville, 
 dated on Monday, tells of an abortive assault of the rebels 
 upon Gen. Burnside s picket line and first lines of defences. 
 The rebels were repulsed with great slaughter, leaving their 
 dead and wounded in our hands, with a number of prisoners. 
 This was a decided check to Gen. Lougstreet, and probably 
 had something to do with his retreat subsequently. 
 
 KNOXVILLE, TENN., Nov, 29 j 
 The thirteenth day of the siege of Knoxville has been marked 
 by the most important engagement since the enemy first in 
 vested the city. The attack so long expected, a fight which, 
 in the comparison of loss on either side, finds a parallel only 
 in Gen. Jackson s battle of New Orleans. 
 
 The rebels charged across the open space which intervened 
 between the timber and fort, and which was crossed witli logs 
 and the stumps of felled trees, and came on at impetuous speed. 
 The first check was given when the foremost of the column 
 stumbled over a line of the telegraph wire, which had been 
 stretched through the low brush and coiled from stump to 
 stump out of ordinary view. As they halted here momentarily, 
 one falling over another, until the cause of the obstruction was 
 discovered, our batteries in the fort had full play. 
 
 The ambulances from both sides now met on the neutral 
 ground, and the dead were carried back to the rebel line, where 
 
502 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 they were buried by their late comrades. The officers com 
 mingled, from generals down to lieutenants, and so also did 
 the soldiers, until their officers ordered them back to their 
 places. Nearly a hundred of the rebel wounded had been 
 carried into the city and cared for at the hospital of the 9th 
 Corps. 
 
 The rebel wounded state that Gen. Longstreet issued an 
 address to the troops last night, boasting that they would all 
 take dinner in Knoxville to-day. Their repulse, when it was 
 so unlocked for, is therefore all the more disastrous and de 
 moralizing. The veteran 79th Highlanders held the post of 
 honor and danger here as they have on many another occasion, 
 and were supported by their not less valorous comrades of the 
 old 3d Mich., 29th Mass., and 100th Penn. "roundheads." 
 
 Our men, screened by the parapet of the fort and the edges 
 of the rifle-pits, lost less than twenty in killed and wounded. 
 I have not the exact list as yet, but it embraces about four 
 killed and fourteen wounded. This disparity finds a parallel, 
 as I have observed in the commencement of this letter, only in 
 the battle of New Orleans. 
 
 Among the individual acts of gallantry was that of Sergeant 
 Judge, of Company K, 79th Highlanders, who, when the bat 
 tle-flag of a Georgia regiment was raised upon the. parapet, 
 rushed out amid the bullets, and, tearing it down, carried it in 
 through the embrasures, a prize to his comrades. 
 
 While the main battle was in progress at Fort Sanders, our 
 line, further to the right, under Colonels Hartranft, Sieg 
 fried, and Schall, successfully charged and drove the rebels 
 from the position which they captured from us last night ; and 
 before the battle terminated our skirmishers at this point had 
 resumed their old places. 
 
 KILLED AND WOUNDED PENNSYLVANIA]^. 
 
 100th Pennsylvania. Killed, Aaron Templeton, Co. A, mi- 
 nie ball through head ; J. R. W. Garrittson, A, minie ball 
 through head. Wounded, Chas. McConnell, Co. E, minie 
 ball passing through right ilium ; First Sergeant Joe Kennedy, 
 minie ball, entering back of neck and passing out of mouth ; 
 Underwood, A, minie ball, slightly, in right side of neck. 
 
 50th Pennsylvania. Wounded, Samuel Hese, Sergeant Co. 
 F, slightly, scalp. 
 
 51st Pennsylvania. Killed, William Patterson, Co. K, Nov. 
 24 ; Wm. Doudy, H, Nov. 29. Wounded, 13. J. Reilly, Co. 13, 
 left thigh. 
 
 48th Pennsylvania. Killed, Corp. John Spooner, Co. H. 
 Wounded, Second Lieut. Henry Jackson, Co. G, left thigh ; 
 James Heiser, Co. I, right ear. 
 
 The 51st, we learn, have inscribed upon their flags all the 
 battles in which they have participated. This has been done 
 in accordance with orders from Gen. Burnside, and we think 
 the order a very good one, as it distinguishes the veterans from 
 the newly enlisted troops. Look upon the list of battle names 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 503 
 
 inscribed upon their flags, and then say whether or not they 
 are deserving of the praise which has been so freely lavished 
 upon them by our citizens. Read: ROANOKE, NEWBERN, 
 CAMDEN, BULL RUN, CHANTILLY, SOUTH MOUNTAIN, ANTIE- 
 TAM, SULPHUR SPRINGS, FREDERICKSBURG, VICKSBURG. JACK 
 SON, LOUDON, CAMPBELL S STATION, KNOXVILLE. 
 This is a noble record the 51st have made for themselves. 
 
 At noon of the same day Gen. Burnside sent Gen. 
 Longstreet a flag of truce to come and bury his 
 dead, which was gratefully accepted by that heroic 
 officer. 
 
 While the "truce" was good the boys of the 51st 
 P. V. met their enemies between the two lines on 
 the most friendly terms, and dealings sprung up of 
 an innocent nature between the two parties, trading 
 of knives, combs, buttons, tobacco, &c., was strongly 
 indulged in, to obtain mementoes of the occasion. 
 
 On the 30th, every man of the 51st P. V., whether 
 officer or private, who was not on other duty, was 
 engaged in building a fort, with sand-bags and cot 
 ton-bales, at the top of the hill, across the street lead 
 ing from the railroad depot, and in barricading the 
 same street from the depot up to the fort with wagons, 
 carriages and carts, for the attack on Fort Sanders 
 showed that the enemy was still anxious to capture 
 the town. It was completed on the 1st December. 
 On the 2d December, the 15th Indiana battery, that 
 was stationed in the fort, directly in the rear of that 
 part of the main line occupied by the 51st P. V., was 
 removed to the new fort just completed, leaving the 
 51st P. V. without the cover of a gun. The men 
 now saw, more than ever, the utility of the protec 
 tion afforded by the darn built by Col. liar tranft ; 
 their part of the main line was safe from a charge in 
 their front, at least. 
 
 Things now began to wear a more cheerful aspect 
 
504 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 along the whole line; the enemy was, no doubt, 
 making preparations to raise the siege by leaving ; 
 the firing was less frequent. On the 4th December, 
 but one shot was fired by their battery the whole 
 day ; and on Saturday, December 5th, (the nineteenth 
 and last day of the siege,) at 4 A. M., Longstreet left 
 the investment of the city to seek safety from the 
 vengeance of Gen. Sherman s army, who had come 
 to our rescue. Daylight convinced us that we were 
 once more free of the coils of the foe.* 
 
 As soon as it was known that Longstreet had left, 
 the 51st was ordered to follow him up, and secure 
 whatever prisoners might be found playing the lag-. 
 gard. A large number of his pickets had been left 
 on their posts, and were captured. 
 
 On Sunday, the 6th December, the paymaster, who 
 had been in Knoxville during the whole siege, and 
 unknown to any one except a few of the higher 
 grade of officers, gave notice to Maj. Bolton that he 
 would now proceed to pay his regiment, which was 
 accordingly done, filling the men with unbounded 
 joy. They were now free from the enemy, and with 
 their pockets full of money ; but the trouble was, 
 how were they to get it home, or what could they 
 buy with it ? Lieut. Col. Schall relieved them of the 
 former, by notifying them that he was going home 
 
 * Casualties at Knoxville : 
 
 Co. A. Wounded, Corp. Daniel Lare ; Corp. Charles M. 
 Henniss, captured. 
 
 Co. C. Wounded, Private Michael Dillon. 
 
 Co. G. Wounded, Private Robert Hinton. 
 
 Co. II. Killed, Private William Dougherty. Captured, 
 Private David Clarke. 
 
 Co. K. Killed, Private Edward H, Patterson. Wounded, 
 Private George Bass. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 505 
 
 in a few days, and any that wanted to send their 
 money home could do so by him a risky, thankless 
 job. His kind offer was eagerly accepted. 
 
 On the 7th, before sunrise, orders were issued to 
 the 51st to pack up and to be ready to march at 7 J 
 o clock, to leave tents stand, and with three days ra 
 tions in their haversacks! Where were they to get 
 one day s, let alone three ? At the hour designated, 
 the regiment moved off towards Butledge, making 
 about twelve miles that day, many of them without 
 tasting a morsel of food until they halted for the 
 night, when Lieut. Stephens issued a pint of corn- 
 rneal to each man. 
 
 The regiment left again the next day a little before 
 noon, and made about seven miles more towards 
 Rutledge, where they halted near a creek for the 
 night. Next morning, at 7J o clock of the 9th, it 
 left again and marched about seven and a-half or 
 eight miles, bringing them within a mile and a-half 
 of the town, then visible ; but there it had to corne 
 to a permanent halt, as Gen. Longstreet had his 
 head-quarters there, and did not care to be intruded 
 upon by the Yankees. 
 
 The weather being inclement, and they having no 
 thing with them to make shelter, they pulled down 
 the fences, and made temporary quarters with rails, 
 and cedar and pine boughs, which broke off the 
 severest of the storms. Here the 51st P. V. remained 
 for six days at perfect rest, except the foraging done 
 by individuals on their own private account, which 
 was pretty well followed up, especially by Companies 
 B, E, G, H and K, whose men seemed to be more 
 fortunate in hunting food than some of the others. 
 
 Lieut. Col. Schall left for home while the regiment 
 
506 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 was here, having in his possession several thousand 
 dollars to pay to the families of the men of the 51st, 
 when he should arrive there. 
 
 As soon as the regiment came to a halt, on the 
 9th, a small detail of pickets was sent out, and the 
 line kept up during our stay there ; but on the morn 
 ing of the loth our quiet was disturbed by being 
 suddenly ordered to " fall in " and form a line of bat 
 tle, as the pickets were being driven in at a rapid 
 rate; but after standing in line for a long time, the 
 regiment was moved to a gorge in the Clinch Moun 
 tains, a short distance on our left. The enemy not 
 advancing any further at the time, two days rations 
 of fresh beef and one of flour were issued to each 
 man ; but the men had scarcely got their flour wet, 
 and their meat on the fire, which some were frying 
 on the half of a canteen or a tin plate, or stewing it 
 in their tin cups, when it was found that the enemy 
 was close on to us, and we left in quite a hurry. 
 Some threw away their rations ; others left them on 
 the fire ; and others crammed theirs, stews and all, 
 into their haversacks, and fell in for a hasty retreat. 
 
 The regiment marched back towards Blain s Cross 
 roads that night until 3 o clock A. M., (the 16th,) and 
 camped in a cornfield, that was more like a bed of 
 mortar than if composed of earth. 
 
 At 9 o clock A. M. of the 16th, the regiment again 
 fell back about three miles, and made a stand against 
 the enemy. A rude breastwork was hastily con 
 structed on the left of the road by tearing down 
 fences, by order of Maj. Bolton, and we lay on our 
 arms that night in a drenching rain. 
 
 The next morning early the regiment was in line 
 of battle, Col. Hartranft commanding the division. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 507 
 
 About 10 A. M., Wolford s celebrated Kentucky 
 cavalry was driven in, as also was Geri. Saml. Stur- 
 gis s cavalry. The 51st was then thrown forward as 
 skirmishers, and considerable skirmishing ensued 
 throughout the day. It held its ground with much 
 stubbornness; but night closing in, brought with it 
 quietness. One man of Co. K., Geo. Meis, was 
 wounded. Next morning, Lieut. Wm. E. Foster, Co. 
 E, who was in command of the skirmishers, advanced 
 his men about three miles further without much se 
 rious opposition. Longstreet having fallen back, as 
 the following despatch of December 19th asserts: 
 
 "LOKGSTK?:ET lias returned to Bull Gap, for the supposed 
 purpose of wintering in Watuga valley, or with the view of 
 moving into North Carolina. The railroad is in operation 
 south of Knoxville to London, and the river is open to naviga 
 tion from Louclon to Chattanooga. Gen. Foster has established 
 his headquarters at Knoxville." 
 
 While the skirmish was at its height, Lieut. J. P. 
 Brooke arrived from home, amid the congratulations 
 of his host of friends, and immediately buckled on 
 his sword-belt, and entered into the work with a 
 will. 
 
 The enemy had withdrawn out of harm s way, and 
 we again settled down to quietness. On Saturday, 
 the 19th, it was found necessary to post outside pick 
 ets,, or videttes, consequently five companies D, E, 
 Gr, II and I were sent over among the mountains 
 towards Indian Eidge, which was about two miles 
 and a-half to the right of the road leading to Eut- 
 ledge. They staid two days, capturing a few rebels, 
 when Co. I, under Sergt. Parker, was sent out about 
 two and a-half miles further to the left to take up a 
 position at White s Cross-roads where they diverged, 
 one towards Buffalo Creek and one towards Chan- 
 
508 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 frau s Bridge; the other went over the Indian 
 Ridge, where a couple of brigades of Alabama cav 
 alry were known to be in camp, under the command 
 of a Gen. Martin. 
 
 On Monday, the 21st, Capt. Gaulin, of Co. G., who 
 was in command of the entire picket line, brought 
 his whole command out to where Co. I had been 
 posted the day previous ; but before night set in he 
 was relieved by the 35th Mass. On returning to 
 camp the pickets were made happy by Maj. Bolton 
 having all their tents, knapsacks, &c., brought out 
 from Knoxville. The regiment went regularly into 
 camp, where it remained to the close of its first en 
 listment, doing no duty but picketing, which many 
 of them had to do barefooted or nearly so. The 
 frosty ground would lacerate their feet ; yet there 
 was no alternative but to comply. The men while 
 here were receiving a small ear of corn per day for 
 a ration, which had to be shelled and ground, or 
 rather mashed up, in an old, rickety coffee mill ; 
 receiving the ear of corn generally about 9 o clock 
 at night, when the mill for grinding it would be in 
 constant use till daylight, before the last man would 
 have his corn ground, as there was only one mill to 
 a company, and it worn out and useless to a great 
 extent. 
 
 It was now drawing on close to the last of the 
 month, as well as the last of the year. The Gov 
 ernment had made a liberal offer to all who would 
 re-enlist for another three years. The last of the 
 month was muster day, and up to that time very 
 little was said in favor of the new enlistment. At 
 last, the 81st of December, 1863, arrived ; the regi 
 ment was mustered for two months pay ; still nothing 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 509 
 
 said about re-enlisting. Towards sundown a dress 
 parade was formed, and as it was about being dis 
 missed, Col. Hartranft appeared at the side of Maj. 
 Bolton, who was in front and centre of his regiment. 
 Col. II., through the courtesy of the Major, addressed 
 his old regiment in a short but patriotic speech, 
 urging it to re-enlist. The speech had the effect to 
 make the men think seriously about their own 
 selfish desires and of the more ennobling duty to 
 their country. The parade was dismissed at the 
 close of the speech, and the companies marched in 
 silence to their quarters, to ponder over what had 
 been said and promised by Col. Hartranft. 
 
 CASUALTIES AT BLAIN S CROSS-ROADS. Co. B. Cap 
 tured Privates Geo. Crawford, Court-land Dutt. 
 Co. F. Captured Private Wm. Mclutyre. 
 Co. G. Wounded Geo. Meiss. 
 Co. I. Captured Henry Derr. 
 
510 HISTORY OF THE FJFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 PAET IY.-18G4. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 First muster of veterans The veteran roll of honor A thirty 
 days furlough Green-hide moccasins Starting for home 
 The march northward Arrival at Camp Nelson, Ky. New 
 clothing Cincinnati Preparations at home for reception 
 and welcome Proclamation of Gov. Curtin Arrival at 
 Harrislmrg The welcome home Affecting scenes. 
 
 JANUARY 1st, 1864 ; was a busy, exciting day 
 from the fact that a few had decided to re-enlist. 
 Lieut. Wm. K. Foster was detailed to recruit for 
 veterans. Private John Siebert, of Co. B, was the 
 first man to put his name down, and it remained on 
 the roll solitary and alone for several hours; finally 
 the veterans slowly began to enrol themselves. The 
 men were not satisfied to re-enlist under some of 
 their present officers. A visit to Col. Hartranft s 
 quarters was necessary to extort promises from him 
 that such a sergeant should be commissioned captain, 
 or 1st lieutenant, or 2d lieutenant, and that their old 
 officers should be discharged as soon as their term 
 expired. If all of this should be done then they 
 would re-enlist, but not without. Col. II. made some 
 very fair promises, and that alone was the induce 
 ment of many re-enlistments. Those promises he 
 intended to carry out in good faith, but Grov. Curtin 
 stood greatly in the way of the. fulfilling them; it 
 was he that did the commissioning and not Col II. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 511 
 
 Although Col. H. tried his influence on the Governor, 
 to have his promises made good, the Governor was 
 inflexible, and the old officers still retained their 
 commissions, to be mustered out when the war 
 should be over. 
 
 On the 2d of January what few had re-enlisted 
 were marched down to the headquarters of Lieut. 
 Bartlett, an officer belonging to the U. S. regulars, 
 and acting as Commissary of Musters, who mustered 
 them in for three years longer. 
 
 Disputes now arose among the men as to who 
 should be captain or who should be a lieutenant, 
 and no more would re-enlist until that point was 
 settled, causing another visit to Col. Hartranft, who 
 again promised to accede to their wishes. Then a 
 few more enlistments would follow, and in this man 
 ner proceeded the whole work of re-enlisting, which 
 was not completed until the 5th of January, which 
 was the last day that re-enlistments would be 
 received. Up to the last hour there had been re- 
 mustered in one hundred and eighty veterans, leav 
 ing about seventy-five men who were away on other 
 service, such as special or extra duty and a few who 
 could not be induced to a second enlistment. The 
 following is the muster-in rolls of the veteran organi 
 zation : 
 
 Co. A. Capt. Jos. K. Bolton ; 1st Lieut. Abraham Ortlip; 
 2d Lieut. John S. Moore; 1st Sergt. John H. Collision; 2d 
 Sergt Benj. R. Thompson; 3d Sergt. Jacob H. Mover; 4th 
 Sergt. Osman Ortlip ; 5th Sergt, Ed. L. Evans ; 1st Corp. Frank 
 H. Mills ; 2d Corp. Geo. Ubele ; 3d Corp. Charles M. Henniss; 
 4th Corp. Levi Bolton ; 5th Corp. Jesse Herbster ; Musician, 
 John W. Shillich; Wagoner, Win. Hoffman ; Privates, George 
 Bodey, William Barr, George S. Buzzard, Henry Dickinson, 
 Isaac E. Filmari, Charles Hansell, James O Neil, Jacob Oster, 
 Washington Smith. Remustercd into service as Veteran Vol 
 unteers, under General Orders No. 191, War Dept. series of 
 1-803, by N. C. Bartlett, Lieut, 3d U. S. Artillery, Com. Mus. 
 9th Army Corps. 
 
512 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Co. B. Capt. Daniel L. Nicholas ; 1st Lieut. John H. Gen- 
 ther ; 2d Lieut. Robert M. Burrell ; Valentine Stocker, John 
 W. Meeker, Samuel A. Apple, John W. Beam, Alson Stocker, 
 Conrad Svvazer, Charles 8. Kuauss, John M. Wein, Philip A. 
 Barndt, George Johnson, Milton Ackerman, Enos Schoch, 
 Samuel F. Knapp, Henry Schooly, Matthew Delaney, Edward 
 Bullman, George W. Moser, Josiali Ackerman, Harrison Ack 
 erman, Adam Buzzard, John W. Brunner, William Colbrath, 
 Edward Hill, Thomas P. Miller, Christian B. Myers, John 
 Obeholzer, John Seibert, Charles Shark, Thomas Unangst, 
 Daniel W. Vannatta, Nicholas Wooring, Cyrus AVerkeiser, 
 Lewis H. Young. 
 
 Co. C. - Capt. William Allebaugh ; 1st Lieut. Thomas J. 
 Lynch ; 3d Lieut. William F. Thomas ; 1st Sergt. George H. 
 Smith ; 2d Sergt. John W. Fair ; 3d Sergt. Nathan H. Ram 
 sey ; 4th Sergt. Benjamin F. Miller ; 5th Sergt. Montgomery 
 Smith ; 1st Corp. Peter Undercofler ; 3d Corp. William R. 
 Gilbert ; 3d Corp. Levi W. Shingle ; 4th Corp. Patrick Kevin ; 
 5th Corp. William Robinson ; 6th Corp. John C. Umstead ; 
 7th Corp. Henry H. Lightcap ; 8th Corp. A. J. Reed ; Hugh 
 Lynch, Benjamin R. Sill, Hugh McLain, William Bean, An 
 drew J. Grim, Wm. Kooker, .Joseph Cornog, Michael Dillon, 
 Samuel Dean, H. D. Espenship, James W. Elliott, David Es- 
 penship, Jacob Fizone, Charles R. Fox, George McGinley, 
 Andrew J. CTNeil, George Pickup, Jacob B. Rinker, James 
 Sullivan, George Stout, Henry Undercofler, A. Walt, H. P. 
 Wood, Mark L. Yerger, Willam H. R. Fox, William Gunn, 
 Frank Grubb, Ellwood Hamilton, Frank Hendrick, Henry 
 Jago, Benjamin Johnson, Jacob Keely, Benjamin Kooker, 
 George W. Lightcap 
 
 Co. D. Capt. Lewis Hollman ; 1st Lieut. (vacancy) ; 
 
 3d Lieut. Jonathan Swallow ; 1st Sergt. Isaac Fizone ; 2d 
 Sergt. David Long ; John Powell, Henry Foreman, William 
 Dignan, William D. Jenkins, John McNulty, John R. Gray, 
 John L. McCoy, Andrew Fnir, John Dunn, Albert List, Wm. 
 W. Smith, Isaac Tolan, Albert Wood, Joseph Anderson, 
 Noble Creighton, William Essick, John R. Fleck, Alfred R. 
 Gray, John Johnson, Elwood Lukens, Charles Lysinger, Sam 
 uel McDade, Dennis O Neil, Barney O Domiell, Thomas D. 
 Smith, W. P. Schall, Hiram Vanfossen. 
 
 Co. E. Capt. George II. Hassenplug ; 1st Lieut. William R. 
 Foster ; 3d Lieut. Martin L. Schoch ; Francis R. Frey, Jas. L. 
 Seebold, Geo. C. Gutelius, Jno. M. Wierman, Thos/D. Reed, 
 E. G. Maize, Chas. Mills, C. Edelman, Geo. Diehl, Jno. H. 
 Sortman, Cyrus A. Eaton, Frank S. Sliaffle, Jno. W. Sheckler, 
 Peter Strubble, D. High, E. Sprowles, Levi H. Ammons, Thos. 
 S. Alauck, Geo. M. Aurand, Geo. H. Beers, Jas. P. Cornelius, 
 Thos. II. Claphan, Isaac Dolby, Jas. M. Dunkle, Jacob Miller, 
 S. M. Gregor, S. Searless. 
 
 Co. F. Capt. Lane S. Hart ; 1st Lieut. Jacob P. Brooke; 
 3d Lieut. Wm. W. Owen ; 1st Serjjt. Howard Bruce ; 3d Sergt. 
 Henry Jacobs; A. H. Fillman, ^B. F. White, Wm. B. Hurt, 
 J. W. Reed, J. Y. Guder, Wm. H. Fie, G. W. Hiltner, Silas 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 513 
 
 Kelley, W. H. Yergcr, A. Casselberry, Jno. J. Sclioll, Jos. 
 Fizone, M. Hiltner, J. W. Truscott, Thomas B. Yergcr, R. B. 
 Lindsay, E. R. Worth, J. Wood, W. C. Hansell, W. Allen, H. 
 K. Adleman, M. Boyer, J. Callendcr, E. Charles, M. II. Dunn, 
 
 E. M. Johns, W. Kulp, R. McKevin. E. W. Reed, A. Went- 
 zel, J. Wisler, G. D. Williams, S. D. Weidncr, J. C. Young. 
 
 Co. G. Capt. Peter A. Gaulin ; 1st Lieut. John R. Gillil- 
 land ; 3d Lieut. George B. Campbell ; J. Gunsalles, C. B. 
 Stoncroacl, George Decker, W. Heichel, E. Shannon, G. Du- 
 mont, D. Youts, D. C. Ammerman, L. Cartuyval, J. J. 
 Peters, J. Ammerman, J. Casker, R. Hinton, J. E. Wilt, L. 
 Bowes, J. Heinel, S. Moore, T. McCafferty, B. McHarney, P. 
 Powers, N. Rolley, G. Wertz. 
 
 Co. H. Capt. J, Merrill Linn ; 1st Lieut. William F. Camp 
 bell ; 3d Lieut, Jacob H. Santo ; II. McClure, D. G. Brown, 
 G. Breon, H. Hause, H. J. Lingennan, A. Durst, H. Fogle- 
 man, B. Dietrick, R. Baker, J. Moore. A. Bernade, G. W. 
 Carey, J. Pike, A. Henry, J. Hart/, T. P. Mars, J. Phliger, 
 P. Smith, J. II. Smith, F. Smith. 
 
 Co. I. Capt. George W. Bisbing ; 1st Lieut George Schall ; 
 2d Lieut. Mark R. Supplee ; 1st Sergt. Tliomas H. Parker ; 
 3d Sergt. George W. Patterson ; 3d Sergt. John R. Davis ; 
 4th Sergt. George Carney ; 5th Sergt. Stephen S. Davis ; 
 1st Corp. James Cameron ; 3d Corp. William Pope; 3d Corp. 
 George W. S. Pennell ; 4th Corp. Lewis Patterson ; 5th Corp. 
 John M. Engle ; Cth Corp. James Tinncy ; Musicians, J. J. 
 Tomkins, James Chase ; Privates Albert H. Bisbing, Sam 
 uel E. Bradbury, Charles Baley, Thomas Cornog, Edward 
 Doyle, Henry Clay Davis, Charles V. Evans, George W. 
 Fulton, Philip Hattel, Michael Harrington, James H. Hib- 
 bert, Frederick Holbine, Francis R. Keating. John Murphy, 
 Thomas Rinehart, Thomas Troy, Abraham Wampole. 
 
 Co. K. Capt. George P. Carman ; I st Lieut. - - (va 
 cancy) ; 3d Lieut. Franklin Beale ; J. Freyburger, J. Hawk, 
 
 F. B. Sterner, J. Vanlew, D. W. Eichman, J. C. Diller, 
 Theo. Moses, Uriah Dean, F. S. Moyer, T. C. Pierce. J. Gib 
 son, T. Oden welder, J. Barnhart, C. E. Cole, F. Truxell, 
 J. P. Huber, J. Button, D. Shingle, J. Truxell, T. Foster, M. S. 
 Adams W. D. Ritter, J. Babcock, S. Cross j;rove, A. Frey. II. 
 Gangwer, W. R. Logan, F. Schep, W. H. Vogel, J. Wine- 
 garden. 
 
 The above is the original re-enlistment muster-in rolls of the 
 51st Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers. 
 
 On the night of the 13th of January, at 11 o clock, 
 orders were received by Maj. Bolton to prepare to 
 leave Blain s Cross-roads for home, to enjoy the 
 promised thirty days furlough, and to recruit the 
 regiment. The satisfaction that only such an order 
 
 could give was instantly discernible, for when it 
 
 23 
 
514 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-FIEST KEGIMENT 
 
 came in the regiment was enjoying a quiet sleep ; 
 but all were roused up to hear " the sound of glad 
 tidings of exceeding great joy," and such whooping 
 and yelling as went through the woods that night, 
 was, as it were, enough to make the very mountains 
 tremble. It was far into the small hours of the 
 morning before perfect quiet was restored, and the 
 men sought their little shelter tents to dream of huge 
 pies, roast turkeys, beef, and the thousand other 
 delicacies that had been denied them for the past 
 two and a-half years, but which there were prospects 
 now of soon meeting on that board around which 
 loved ones would greet us as if arisen from the grave. 
 Who but the soldiers can picture to themselves the 
 joy and high anticipations that beat in every pulsa 
 tion of the soldier s heart at the prospect of a thirty 
 days furlough, with a pocket full of money? 
 
 The only trouble now among the men was, how 
 are we to march through the snow and frost bare 
 footed? Clothing of all kinds was scarce very 
 little to be had, but "Stevie" was doing his utmost 
 to relieve their necessities as far as lay in his power. 
 
 Col. Hartranft interested himself in obtaining a 
 lot of green hides for the men to make themselves 
 moccasins, that they might be able to march to 
 Nicholasville, Ky., where a complete outfit was ex 
 pected to be drawn. The hides were soon cut out 
 into coverings for the feet, and that much was a sat 
 isfaction and a hope. The men now set themselves 
 to work making them by sewing together with 
 thread and needle. Some few who understood the 
 shoemaker s delicate art of making a waxed-end had 
 rather the advantage. All were now busy as bees. 
 The major, in filling up and signing of orders, mus- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 515 
 
 ter rolls, inspection and requisition papers, ordnance 
 and quartermaster returns, and a hundred other 
 duties imposed on him as a result of re enlistment. 
 The adjutant, with settling up his books of the 
 regiment, posting and filing of orders and letters, 
 receiving and distributing orders. The quarter 
 master, with hunting up forage to issue to his teams 
 for the march, and of whatever rations he could find 
 for his men. The orderly-sergeants of the compa- 
 panies making out the discharge papers of each man, 
 who was now a veteran, filling up blank muster-out 
 and muster-in rolls for their respective companies, 
 answering the orderly s call every few minutes at 
 the adjutant s tent, filling up clothing, camp, and 
 garrison returns, making out duplicate copies of 
 ordnance returns, and seeing the orders as issued 
 were being carried out in their companies in correct 
 order, to expedite the many preparations made for 
 the " gay and happy " march that was soon to take 
 them away from so much suffering. 
 
 The men, too, were busy; those that possessed the 
 articles were washing their shirts, drawers, and stock 
 ings, sewing on buttons, patching, sewing up rips ; 
 darning stockings, mending knapsacks and haver 
 sacks, cleaning guns and accoutrements, shaving, 
 washing, &c., all, all in the sweet anticipation of soon 
 being home. 
 
 At length the happy day arrived. Monday, the 
 18th of January, 1861, the veteran 5 1st bade farewell 
 to Blain s Cross roads and at seven o clock in the 
 morning took up their line of march for home. 
 
 The evening before the snow fell to the depth of 
 three to four inches. The air ^was bitter cold, but 
 as the sun rose higher in the heavens the snow began 
 
516 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 to soften. The raw-hide moccasins retarded march 
 ing from their immense weight, being all made with 
 the hair on the outside, they held all the water, snow, 
 and mud like a sponge, each one weighing ten to 
 twelve pounds. The road in the rear of the regi 
 ment, after the first mile had been marched, looked 
 as if it had witnessed a hasty retreat. Moccasins, 
 camp-kettles, and everything that impeded marching 
 was left along the road. One man, Thomas Troy, 
 marched the whole distance from Blain s Cross 
 roads to Crab Orchard, Ky., without shoes or stock 
 ings, and was there ahead of Col. Hartranft, who was 
 on horseback, and rode far in advance of the regi 
 ment. 
 
 The regiment marched the route step. Every man 
 seemed to go on his own hook all pushing ahead 
 as fast as they were able; but from the horrible 
 condition of the roads the men were scattered from 
 front to rear, at least five miles. Some were in good 
 condition and led the column, while others were not 
 sj fortunate, and would, from necessity, be left be 
 hind to struggle along the best they could. The 
 teams followed in the rear, and as Lieut. Stephens 
 came along at the head of his train, he could see 
 here and there lying on the roadside a poor, " played 
 out " soldier, and his generous heart would well up 
 with sympathy, and express it by taking the ex 
 hausted one s knapsack and gun and putting it in 
 the train, while his poor mules would be staggering 
 under the already overloaded wagons, then getting 
 off his horse he would put the weary man on in his 
 stead, a .d foot it ahead of his train in the miry road. 
 Invariably the man thus helped along on his painful 
 march, would be reasonable enough, after riding a 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 517 
 
 couple of miles, to return the horse to " Stevie," with 
 many thanks, only for the horse to be turned over 
 to another unfortunate whom the quartermaster 
 might chance to meet. 
 
 W. Percy Schall, the mail carrier or messenger 
 of the 51st, who was in possession of a horse, did 
 the same thing, and never seemed so happy as when 
 he was walking alongside of his horse, with a poor 
 cripple riding. O, is it not beautiful to see such 
 sweet oases in such a vast desert ! 
 
 The first day s march took the regiment about 
 seventeen miles nearer home, where it encamped in 
 a woods on the left hand side of the road going to 
 wards Tazewell, Tenn. Such shelters as could the 
 most readily be put up for the night were built. 
 The air now was piercing cold. Huge log fires 
 were built in front oT the respective quarters of the 
 men, and kept burning all night to keep the wet and 
 bemired soldiers from freezing. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 19th the regiment 
 again set forth on the road to Tazewell, arriving 
 within a short distance of it, making about twenty- 
 two miles that day, and camping for the night in a 
 pine woods, surrounded by the Clinch mountains. 
 Pickets were here posted, as the rebel guerrillas 
 were scouting around and through the woods, making 
 it unsafe to camp without that precaution. It was 
 some time before sundown when the regiment reaphed 
 its camping-ground, and long after nightfall before 
 the teams got in, but later still when the last strag 
 gler arrived. The quartermaster here issued a little 
 corn meal to the men ; but their eagerness to get 
 home took away their appetite, and nothing but soft 
 bread, pies and puddings, sausage and scrapple, 
 
518 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 which stared them in the face, though a great ways 
 off, could induce them to care whether rations were 
 issued or not. 
 
 On Wednesday, the 20th, at 7 A. M., the column 
 was again in motion, and passed through Tazewell 
 and camped in a barren field on the estate of a 
 brother of Maj. Gen. Eobert Patterson, of first Bull 
 Eun notoriety. 
 
 On the 21st the regiment crossed the Cumberland 
 mountains, into Kentucky, at the Gap. 
 
 Nothing of particular interest occurred in crossing 
 the Log and Wild Cat mountains, or anywhere along 
 the line, except the passing of the different streams 
 of water, which were now worthy of the names of 
 rivers. The Clinch, the Cumberland, the Tennessee, 
 the Little Eockcastle, the Big Eockcastle, were 
 now swelled to the size of respectable rivers. These 
 rivers were all forded in October, on the advent of 
 the 51st into Tennessee; but the heavy rains and 
 deep snows melting on the mountains sent the cur 
 rents down the channels with an impetuosity that 
 was fearful to behold. Another event occurred ; the 
 regiment, after passing through Barboursville, went 
 into camp along the banks of a small creek, about 
 one and a half miles north of the town. The men 
 who were on the advance, after selecting their shelter 
 for the night, returned to the town, where a ball or 
 party was being held by the rebel citizens. Our 
 Yankees, wishing to trip it on the " light fantastic," 
 concluded they would volunteer their presence; but 
 secesh not accepting the generous offer, claimed the 
 right to eject their would-be visitors. The women 
 (for none were ladies) screamed at the top of their 
 voices, and left the room ; a fight ensued, in which 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 519 
 
 the Yankees were the victors, holding the saloon and 
 the music at all hazards, until they thought it near 
 time to get to their camp outside of the town. But 
 previous to " evacuating," each man armed himself 
 with a canteen full of pure old Bourbon, which 
 helped him along on his next day s march by 
 strengthening his spirit and weakening his muscles. 
 
 The regiment arrived at Crab Orchard on the 
 afternoon of the 28th, being ten days since it left 
 Blain s Cross Eoads. Marching through the town, it 
 went into camp in a field just outside, on the right 
 of the pike going towards Lancaster, Ky. Here was 
 met a large number of men belonging to the 51st, 
 also Lieut. Col. Schall, on his way back to rejoin his 
 regiment, after being home on a leave of absence. 
 
 On the 29th the regiment camped near Hickman s 
 Bridge, on the Kentucky river. Taking an early 
 start the next morning, it crossed the bridge at sun 
 rise, and arrived at Camp Nelson about 8 A. M., on 
 Saturday, the 30th, 1S64, making the whole distance, 
 one hundred and ninety-one miles, in eleven days 
 and one hour. 
 
 As soon as the regiment arrived at Camp Nelson 
 a full supply of all kinds of clothing was drawn and 
 issued from a large, newly-built frame storehouse. 
 The teams were turned in, if they could be termed 
 teams, for the poor mules were in a most pitiable 
 condition, worn out, galled, and in a starving condi 
 tion ; merely their skins stretched over a bony frame; 
 nothing more. They had seen terrible usage. So 
 poor and miserable were they that in the mornings 
 when they were fed for the day s march, some of them 
 had to be helped to get upon their feet so they could 
 eat their forage. Why such teams were issued to 
 
520 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Lieut. Stephens for such a long and mountainous 
 march is more than can be divined. Some that left 
 Blain s Cross Beads never reached Camp Nelson ; 
 they gave out and were left along the road, either to 
 starve to death or to be picked up by another pass 
 ing train, and to be again harnessed up in the place 
 of another mule which had given out; but one that 
 got clear of his wagon at the bridge just outside of 
 Crab Orchard made that his final resting-place. 
 The poor animal fell down from exhaustion, and the 
 gears were taken off of him so that he could get up ; 
 but in his struggles, being on the edge of the bank 
 generally found at either end of a stone bridge, he 
 began rolling down the embankment, and only 
 stopped when he rolled into the water. Not having 
 strength enough to help himself, he finally drowned. 
 
 After getting new and clean clothing, the men all 
 betook themselves to a stream of water, and gave 
 themselves such a cleaning as they had not had for 
 four months. The regiment then marched to Nicho- 
 lasville, to take cars on the Kentucky Central Rail 
 road for Covington, where it arrived on the 31st, and 
 was taken to the outskirts of the city to await fur 
 ther orders. 
 
 On February 1st the 51st crossed the Ohio river at 
 Cincinnati, and was marched up to the Fifth street 
 market-house, where it quartered for further orders, 
 and to receive the whole pay and bounty due from 
 the original enlistment and the one month s advance 
 pay, the first instalment of the $402 bounty, includ 
 ing the $2 premium for the veteran enlistment; but 
 when the rolls were presented to the paymaster, he 
 refused to pay on them, and they were rejected. 
 This cog out of the marching machine took several 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 521 
 
 claj^s to repair. A complete set of muster-out and 
 muster-in rolls had to be got out anew, which occu 
 pied nearly four days to accomplish. The most 
 rapid penmen were in great demand, and they 
 labored hard to get through as soon as possible. 
 
 While the new rolls were being made out, the 
 regiment occupied the market house on Fifth 
 street, for their quarters while in that city. The 
 officers, both field and staff , took up their quarters 
 in the various hotels of the city. While the regi 
 ment was lying here, awaiting the completion of the 
 rolls, its friends at home were making extensive 
 preparations to greet them with a hearty welcome, 
 as testified by the following, which appeared in the 
 "Defender? of January 26th, 1864, viz.: 
 
 "A joyful telegram announced to our citizens last week, from 
 Col. HARTRANFT, that the 51st regiment had generally re-en 
 listed, and would be home about the fifth of next month, or a 
 week from next Saturday. The probability is, that the time of 
 their return maybe extended beyond that point somewhat, but 
 at any rate in the course of a few days thereafter, they will be 
 amongst us. A meeting of our citizens was called last Friday 
 evening, to make suitable preparations for their reception. 
 We hope that on this occasion there may be such a hearty wel 
 come given them by the entire community as will make these 
 heroes hearts glad. We all remember the spontaneous out 
 burst of honor that was awarded the 4th regiment as it left 
 our borough on that clear, spring morning, in April, 1861, and 
 the hearty God bless you that was given our 51st as they left 
 for the front of the battle, years since. 
 
 " These men have now won for themselves imperishable 
 honor, on almost a dozen fiercely contested battlefields, and no 
 regiment among the million men that have been battling for 
 the right, have accomplished or suffered more, and in every cir 
 cumstance and position they have been placed, have come forth 
 covered with more honors and a brighter glory. (Sometimes 
 such occasions as these returns are made use of by politicians 
 and demagogues to flatter men for their own selfish purposes, 
 an outburst of popular sentiment furnishes some men with an 
 opportunity to display themselves in a windy harangue as a 
 pin lets out the contents of a gas bag.) Let the reception be a 
 grand ovation of the people to do respect to the men that have 
 fought and bled for us on many a battlefield. All hail ! all 
 honor! to the Fifty-first. WELCOME! WELCOME! THRICE 
 WELCOME HOME !" 
 
 23* 
 
522 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 "At the town meeting held last Friday evening to make 
 arrangements for the reception of the 51st regiment, after ap 
 pointing a committee to make the necessary preparations a 
 resolution was unanimously adopted, requesting the town 
 council of the borough of Norristown to appropriate a fund for 
 the purpose of paying a bounty of three hundred dollars to each 
 one of the 51st regiment that has or shall re-enlist, or to any 
 new recruit that should enlist in this regiment. This is a 
 move in the right direction, and if our loud professions of 
 respect and admiration for these war-worn heroes of a dozen 
 battle-fields mean anything, let us put our professions into 
 practice, by giving them this bounty. The resolution should 
 be made so as to authorize the payment of this bounty to every 
 veteran from our town, who shall re-enlist, no matter to what 
 regiment in active service they may be attached. We have 
 understood that a number of our citizens are in other parts of 
 the grand National Army, and if they are willing to again 
 enter the field, let the borough pay each man that counts in 
 our quota. 
 
 " This, gentlemen, must be done! We know that there has 
 been a good deal said in praise of the regiment commanded by 
 Col. HARTKANFT, but talk is cheap and quite unprofitable, 
 without corresponding deeds . And whatever question there 
 be in the minds of any of our citizens, of the appropriation of 
 money out of the common treasury to new recruits, there can 
 be nothing in the way, in furnishing those who have borne 
 their part in the terrific contests of the last three years, in re 
 ceiving a bounty. While other places are giving three hundred 
 dollars, and more too, to raw recruits, we dare not hold back 
 from showing our appreciation of the valuable services our men 
 have rendered the nation in its trial, by withholding what is so 
 manifestly their due. Every veteran from our borough, or that 
 shall represent Norristown, in any regiment, in the active future 
 operations of our army, must receive three hundred dollars 
 bounty / 
 
 "We have not much doubt but that the men that are left, 
 and now constitute what remains of the 51st regiment, 
 although reduced to less than one-fourth the full complement, 
 are really worth more than a thousand newly-enlisted soldiers 
 would be. If we have paid bounty in other cas s, as a borough, 
 and last summer paid five dollars a week to the militia, surely 
 the men who have been three years fighting, without anything 
 from our borough, should come in for a share of our good will 
 practically carried out. An appropriation by the town council 
 is the fairest way to do the thing, because then the taxes are 
 apportioned equally among our citizens. While there are 
 many men who are always willing to contribute their share to 
 this war, there are others who do not do this thing in propor 
 tion to their income and means. We shall see who will hold 
 back in such a crisis. 
 
 "After considerable delay in coming to any conclusion, be 
 tween the citizens in favor of a bounty and the borough coun 
 ties, the following has been adopted : The borough agrees to 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 523 
 
 pay two hundred and fifty dollars to each re-enlisted volunteer 
 from our borough, in the 51st regiment, and the same amount 
 to all new recruits in that regiment. It is proposed to raise the 
 necessary amount of money for this purpose, by issuing bonds 
 immediately, by the Councils, conditioned that they shall be 
 void unless the Legislature legalizes the borough loan. At 
 first, the members of the Town Council hesitated to assume the 
 responsibility of borrowing money and issuing bonds for which 
 there was no law. By the present agreement the citizens 
 generally assume a portion of the responsibility, because if the 
 loan is not legalized the man that loans the money runs the 
 risk of the loss. By this means the citizens generally are 
 deeply interested in securing an act to legalize the loan by the 
 borough. 
 
 u Some may think that it is running too great a risk in loan 
 ing money to the borough and taking a bond with the provision 
 that shall make it void in case it is not nifde legal by an 
 act of the Legislature. But there is scarcely a risk in this mat 
 ter, for the Legislature has legalized such acts with but little 
 hesitancy, and even in cases where there has been some op 
 position ; in regard to our borough there will be none to op 
 pose. A petition is in circulation, and very generally signed, 
 requesting the Legislature, at their earliest practicable moment, 
 to pass an act that shall make the bonds binding and this will 
 be done ! It seems, therefore, that so far as Norristown is con 
 cerned we have the arrangements complete, and we can con 
 fidently hope that we shall be able to find volunteers sufficient 
 now to fill our entire quota under all the calls, without resort 
 ing to that severe measure a draft. The plan seems to be upon 
 as fair a basis as could have been adopted, under the different 
 views entertained by our citizens. 
 
 44 To give a bounty to the men who are re-enlisting in the 
 regiments who have been in active service as long as the 51st 
 is an act of the simplest justice. Instead therefore of putting 
 it down to the lowest figure we should have made it as large 
 as we could possibly do it. What citizens for thirteen dollars, 
 or, with the bounty, about twenty dollars a month, would 
 agree to do the work, in marching and in camps that our heroic 
 men have done, without running the risk of life in a single 
 battle. The fact is Congress should at once make the pay of 
 a private a dollar a day, certainly as much as the commonest 
 laborer can earn at home. The admiration of the soldier s fel 
 low-citizen should not be entirely expended in that very cheap 
 article talk, but in deeds, both to the volunteer himself and to 
 his family at home. Acts, not words deeds, not fuss are the 
 claims of the hour." 
 
 And again of Feb. 2d, 1864, in the same paper : 
 
 " All the town is alive with notes of preparation in getting 
 ready for the reception of the 51st. We hope the arrangements 
 for that event will be on a scale that will eclipse anything that 
 has ever preceded it here in our borough. Let every house 
 
524 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 display its welcome to our friends coming home from the wars, 
 and every citizen show their admiration of these men that have 
 helped to keep the invader from our own soil. For terrible as 
 this rebellion has been, and as much mourning and desolation 
 as it has brought, yet we here in the North can form no idea 
 of the barren desolation it has produced through the Southern 
 States. Towns and cities destroyed all their railroads and 
 means of travel churches, school-houses, and homesteads 
 around which gathered all the associations and endearments 
 of life swept away as with a tornado. They have indeed, 
 sowed the wind and reaped the whirlwind ; a century of unin 
 terrupted prosperity cannot replace many portions of the South 
 as it was before the insane hand of rebellion was raised to de 
 stroy our government. 
 
 "Yet had it not been for the self-denying volunteer rushing 
 to the contest, our State, and our fields and homes, would have 
 shared the late visited in the South. These men have stood as 
 a wall of fire and steel between us and our enemies ; let us, as 
 we look at Gettysburg, the decisive battle of the war, remember 
 what we have been saved from. In remembering this let us 
 not fail to do honor to the returning heroes our sons and 
 brothers and dear friends. Fling out your banners and wel 
 come from every house." 
 
 It appears as if the friends of the regiment were 
 determined to furnish, enough to satisfy the inner 
 man," especially of drink, on its reception in Norris- 
 town, as the following from the Defender of Feb. 2, 
 6-i, would indicate : 
 
 It is reported that the Committee of Arrangements, ap 
 pointed by the town meeting, for the reception of the 51 st regi 
 ment, decided to purchase from Reading six or eir/ht barrel? of 
 ale. That will be more than a gallon apiece to each returned 
 soldier belonging to our borough ; and further, that funds have 
 been appropriated and a sub-committee appointed to go to 
 Reading and get this drug. We shall watch events in this 
 line, and see who this ale is really intended for. This matter 
 may need some ventilation in future. 
 
 The following is the plan of reception adopted by 
 a meeting of the citizens of Norristown : 
 
 THE RETURNING SOLDIERS. Preparations for their Recep 
 tion. Town Meeting, &c. The receipt of the despatch from 
 Col Hartranft, and announcement among our people that the 
 Fifty-firsjt had re-enlisted and were coining home to enjoy their 
 furlough, at an early day, set the public mind to work to devise 
 proper measures of welcome. A meeting was called and held 
 at Odd Fellows Hall last Friday evening for this purpose, over 
 which Colonel James Boyd presided, assisted by William H. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 525 
 
 Yerkcs and Mark Thomson as Secretaries. A committee of 
 thirty-four persons was appointed to report a suitable plan of 
 reception. The following 1 resolutions having been reported by 
 them, were unanimously adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That the day of the arrival of the 51st Regiment of 
 Pennsylvania Volunteers, in this place, be celebrated by a 
 general suspension of business, and that the regiment be wel 
 comed by a military and civic procession, and by a collation at 
 the public expense. 
 
 Resolved, That the burgess and town councils of the borough 
 of Norristowii and Bridgeport, in their official capacity, be a 
 special committee to receive and welcome the regiment, and 
 that all other citizens, without distinction, be invited to be 
 present, and participate upon the occasion. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee of arrangements, composed of 
 thirty-four members, be appointed by the Chairman, to make 
 all suitable arrangements for the purpose of effecting the object 
 of this meeting. 
 
 Resolved, That an address to the regiment, on the part of the 
 citizens of the borough of Norristown and vicinity, be prepared 
 and delivered upon the occasion, and the committee designated 
 
 B. E. Chain, Esq., to deliver the same. 
 
 The report of the committee being unanimously adopted, the 
 Chairman announced the following named gentlemen the Com 
 mittee of Arrangements: F. Sullivan, S. E. Hartranft, S. N. 
 Rich, Joseph Beerer, G. N. Corson, S. A. Kreible, James 
 Hooven, J. B. Dunlap, F. Derr, Joseph L. Allebough, Henry 
 
 C. Hill, R. E. Taylor, Lloyd Jones, Mark Thomson, E. A. 
 Banks, C. H. Stinson, Michael Mooney, Win. H. Yerkes, B. 
 M. Boyer, Charles Hunsicker, Walter H. Cooke, Win. Schall, 
 R. S. Newbold, Charles Earnest, Robert Iredell, A. B. Long- 
 aker, A. J. Anderson, L. E. Corson, J. Grier Ralston, B. B. 
 Hughes, Win. H. Holstein, Andrew Shainline, J. C. Snyder,. 
 William B. Rambo ; and, on motion, the Chairman of the 
 meeting was appointed Chairman of the Committee of Ar 
 rangements. 
 
 On motion the Committee of Arrangements were instructed 
 to extend invitations to Gens. Hancock, Burnside, and Slem- 
 mer to be present at the reception. 
 
 On motion of D. Krause, Esq., the following resolutions 
 were adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That Col. Hartranft s Fifty-first, the heroic regi 
 ment which went from our midst to do battle for the Union, 
 the Constitution, and the Flag, and amongst the foremost did 
 battle in the twelve engagements of Roanoke Island, New- 
 bern, Camden, Manassas No. 2, Chantilly, South Mountain, 
 Antietam, Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, Jackson, Campbell s 
 Station, and Knoxville, deserve all a patriotic people can 
 award to merit. 
 
 Resolved, That we, their companions and friends, give all 
 hail to them in this meeting for their services as officers and 
 privates. 
 
 Resolved, That by enlisting again after being reduced to less 
 
526 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 than half their original number in fighting the rebel army, 
 they, as officers and men, show themselves as the true stuff 
 that makes an American army, whether the war be to repel in 
 vasion, or subdue causeless, lawless, and criminal insurrection. 
 
 Resolved, That this meeting will make every suitable arrange 
 ment to give to this hero regiment such reception on arriving 
 here, as will tell our love of brave soldiers and our determined 
 resistance of treason wherever or however that may be 
 enacted. 
 
 On motion, the following resolution was unanimously 
 adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That it is the sense of this meeting, that the town 
 council of the borough of Norristown, should appropriate out 
 of the funds of the borough, at least three hundred dollars to all 
 of the 51st Regiment P. V"., who have re-enlisted in said regi 
 ment for three years or during the war, and that a bounty of 
 three hundred dollars be paid to every new man who volun 
 teers in said regiment, and is credited to this borough, to the 
 extent of our quota. 
 
 ROUTE OF ESCORT. The line will form on DeKalb street, in 
 Bridgeport, and upon the arrival of the 51st regiment, will 
 move across the upper bridge to Norristown ; thence along De 
 Kalb street to Egypt street ; down Egypt to Franklin ; coun 
 termarch up Egypt to Markley ; countermarch down Egypt to 
 Swede street ; up Swede to Oak ; down Oak to DeKalb ; down 
 DeKalb to ReifFs market house, where a collation will be 
 served up for the regiment. 
 
 At the same time Gov. Curtin issued his proclama 
 tion to fill up the regiments of Pennsylvania troops 
 in the 9th Army Corps, of which the 51st was one, 
 by recruiting. The following is the proclamation : 
 
 HEADQUARTERS P. M., ADJ T GEN S DEP T, ) 
 HARRISBURG, Jan. 21st, 1864. j 
 
 The War Department having authorized Maj. Gen. Winfield 
 S. Hancock and Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, two of the 
 most distinguished commanders in our army, to recruit the 
 2d and 9th Army Corps, now under their respective commands, 
 to fifty thousand men each, for such duty as may be specially 
 assigned to said corps by the War Department, I address my 
 self to the patriotic and loyal citizens of Pennsylvania, ear 
 nestly invoking them to .end their active aid to Gens. Hancock 
 and Burnside in the prosecution of such measures as they may 
 adopt, under the regulations of the War Department governing 
 enlistments in this State, to fill up the Pennsylvania regiments 
 and batteries of these noble corps. 
 
 They comprise the following Pennsylvania regiments and 
 batteries, viz. : 
 
 In the 3d Army Corps, commanded by Maj. Gen. Hancock, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 527 
 
 are the 53d, 69th, 71st, 72d, 81st, 100th, 116th, 140th, 145th, and 
 148th regiments, and independent batteries C and F, and bat 
 teries F and G of the 1st Pennsylvania artillery. 
 
 In the 9th Army Corps, commanded by Maj. Gen. Burn side, 
 are the 45th 48th, 50th, 5lst, and 100th regiments, and Durell s 
 independent battery D. 
 
 The reinforcement of our victorious armies in the field is the 
 only means of bringing the rebellion to an early close, and of 
 forever sealing the fountain of civil war. Let us then maintain 
 the illustrious record which those gallant armies have already 
 won, and effectively aid the government in securing a glorious 
 future to our country, by filling up the ranks now greatly 
 reduced by disease and the casualties of the field. 
 
 Full information regarding bounties and enlistments in any 
 of the Pennsylvania organizations attached to the 2d and 9th 
 Army Corps, will be found in the published circulars of Maj. 
 Gens . Hancock and Burnside. 
 
 By order of A. G. CURTIN, Gov., &c. 
 
 A. L. RUSSELL, Adjt. Gen. Penna. 
 
 On the 5th of February the complement of rolls 
 (nine to a company) were finished, and the 51st P. 
 V. V. received its full pay and allowances, and on the 
 6th marched to the railroad depot and took the mid 
 night train for the east, arriving in Harrisburg, Pa., 
 on the 8th, quartering in the Soldiers Kefreshrnent 
 Saloon, nearly opposite the lower depot. Here they 
 received a breakfast which was a disgrace to the 
 whole State. A tincup of what purported to be 
 coffee, but wasn t; only a strange, weak mixture, 
 sweetened with molasses, a slice of dry, stale bread, 
 and a chunk of strong, fat pork. Such a feast as that 
 would have been relished by the men five or six 
 weeks before, but not now, while the men were in a 
 civilized community and had plenty of money, with 
 a chance of spending it. 
 
 The saloon doors were kept closed until the long 
 table was prepared for the men to come in and eat. 
 The regiment used the adjoining rooms as quarters, 
 the officers boarding at their favorite hotels. When 
 breakfast was ready on the morning of the 9th, the 
 
528 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST EEGIMENT 
 
 saloon doors were thrown open for the soldiers to 
 enter, which they did in a respectful, orderly man 
 ner; but as the three or four on the right reached 
 the table they tasted their coffee and bread and pork, 
 but disliking all three they " about faced and marched 
 to the rear," soon followed by the whole regiment in 
 disgust, for they had not been offered such a repast 
 in States on which they had no claim. Baltimore 
 yes, rebel Baltimore did far, far better than that ! 
 The men were clamorous to get away from such un 
 precedented liberality, and wanted to get home. 
 
 Col. Hartranft, who preceded the regiment to liar- 
 risburg, telegraphed on to Norristown the following 
 dispatch, as it appeared in the Norristown papers of 
 the 8th of February. 
 
 HARRISBURG, Feb. 7th, 1864. 
 
 To JAMES BOYD : The regiment will reach Bridgeport at 1 
 o clock P. M. (Tuesday the 9th). J. F. HARTRANFT. 
 
 The following order was published on receipt of 
 the despatch : 
 
 The marshals of the several bodies who propose to partici 
 pate in the reception of the above regiment will meet at Brow- 
 er s Hotel, Monday evening, February 8th, at 6j o clock. 
 
 R. E. TAYLOR, Chief Marshal. 
 
 The Committee of Thirty-four will meet in the Council 
 Chamber at 7 o clock p. M. on Monday. 
 
 JAMES BOYD, Chairman, fyc. 
 
 Prior to the 51st leaving Harrisburg, an invita 
 tion was tendered the five companies of the left of 
 the regiment to participate in the hospitalites to be 
 offered it on its arrival in Norristown, but it was 
 repectfully declined as it only would make their 
 time a couple of days shorter to enjoy their fur 
 loughs at their respective homes, for it must be re 
 membered that those companies, B, B, G, II and K, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 529 
 
 were from a far extent of country being made up from 
 seven or eight different counties. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 9th the whole regi 
 ment was astir preparing to leave for home, com 
 panies A, C, D, F and I, for Norristown, Co. B, for 
 Easton, and the other companies to their individual 
 homes. At 8 A. M. the Norristown companies took 
 the cars and steamer for Bridgeport where it arrived 
 at twenty minutes past 1 P. M. 
 
 The cars containing the soldiers had been cut 
 loose from the train and halted near the turnpike 
 at the crossing. 
 
 The crowd that had assembled to greet the regi 
 ment beggars description ; look whatever way one 
 might, nothing but a surging, seething mass of hu 
 manity would greet the eye. The father looking 
 for his boy in blue, the mother frantic with joy, the 
 wife, how shall she be described, as she stood aloof 
 with her children clinging around her, all exerting 
 their eyes to catch a glimpse of the husband and 
 father. Sweethearts were there too, brothers and 
 sisters, friends and entire strangers were all there to 
 offer their congratulations to the returned veteran 
 volunteers. How many assembled in that throng 
 who came with their hearts beating high with the 
 joy of grasping that dear one s hand whom they fully 
 expected to meet at that happy moment ! but in 
 stead, received the stunning answer, " he is dead !" 
 How many cannot be told, but certain it is, there 
 were some amongst that class. An aged man whose 
 silvery hair betokened threescore years and ten, 
 had corne in his carriage with a daughter, and an 
 empty seat to take the loved one home where they 
 could have him all, all to themselves. The mother 
 
530 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 remained at home to have prepared something nice 
 to tempt a dainty appetite, but alas! seeing the 1st 
 sergeant of his dear " Dick s " company he elbows 
 Ijis way through ihe crowd and reaches the sergeant 
 with the inquiry, lt Has Dick got out of the cars 
 yet?" the sergeant used to seeing death around, an- 
 swered in an indifferent tone, " Why Dick s dead and 
 buried long ago, didn t you know it?" The old 
 man s heart was crushed, his chin dropped on his 
 bosom, and he returned to his daughter who was 
 sitting in the carriage awaiting the father and 
 brother s appearance, but there came no brother he 
 lay sleeping his last sleep afar off at Camp Nelson, 
 Ky. What must have been that aged mother s 
 grief when she discovered the cause of the returned 
 vacant seat in the carriage that was to have brought 
 so much joy to her (now broken) heart ! Yes, poor 
 Dick was dead, and had died two hundred miles 
 away from his regiment, or a friend who could have 
 informed his parents of his decease. It may seem 
 singular that none of his comrades in the regiment 
 had sent a line to his parents apprising them of his 
 death, but not a man that knew Dick expected any 
 thing else than to meet him at Camp Nelson and to 
 bring him home with them, but on inquiring for 
 him at that place, they were astounded to learn that 
 he died January 1st, 1864. 
 
 After the greetings were partly over at the cars, 
 several ineffectual attempts had to be made to form 
 the regiment before it was accomplished, and then 
 it was taken in hand by the committee and marched 
 over the route as published. The town wore the 
 appearance of a holiday, business was entirely sus 
 pended, and the streets were thronged with thou- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 531 
 
 sands from the distant country around. After the 
 route was traversed and the market house reached, 
 a neat speech was addressed to the veterans from 
 the steps of that- building by B. E. Chain, Esq., on 
 behalf of the committee of reception and the citi 
 zens. After which the regiment marched in to the 
 market house and enjoyed a feast worthy of the 
 name, and creditable to all who prepared it ; all the 
 delicacies of the season were there until the staunch 
 tables manifestly groaned beneath the weight. After 
 partaking of the splendid collation, the companies 
 were again formed, the men received their furloughs, 
 were dismissed for thirty days, and allowed to take 
 their guns and accoutrements home with them, under 
 the injunction to keep them clean, and to report to 
 their company commanders for duty at the expira 
 tion of thirty days. They were now to enjoy thirty 
 days of feasting and pleasure of which every minut j 
 was applied with assiduity to that purpose. 
 
 CHAPTEE II. 
 
 Reorganization of the 51st Leaving home Harrisburg again 
 " Taking a french " Deaths on furlough Arrival at Bal 
 timore Annapolis Camp Parole Letter from Lieut.-Col. 
 Schall Camp Bell Correspondence Recruiting detail 
 Visit from Generals Burnside and Grant Preparing to go 
 to the front. 
 
 ON the 9th of March the regiment, or the five 
 companies from Norristown, met in that borough to 
 take their departure for Camp Curtin at Harrisburg. 
 At an early hour they embarked on the cars of the 
 
532 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Beading railroad. At the crossing of the pike where 
 they disembarked thirty days before, their friends 
 again assembled to see them depart, with different 
 feelings to those felt on the occasion of their late re 
 ception ; then they were all smiles and joy, bat now 
 their smiles were turned to tears, their joys to al 
 most inconsolable grief. At last the locomotive s 
 whistle was sounded, and as the wheels slowly be 
 gan to revolve, the crowd and the soldiers making 
 the welkin ring with lusty cheers, were separated 
 from each other, some never to meet again. The 
 soldiers were in fine spirits and had seen pleasure 
 enough, and were well satisfied as they sped on their 
 way to camp, while their friends with sad hearts 
 turned their steps to that now more than dreary 
 home. 
 
 Arriving in Harrisburg in the early part of the 
 afternoon, the five left companies were found to be 
 already there ; the regiment formed in line, marched 
 out to Camp Curtin where Wedge and Sibley tents 
 were issued, then pitched, and the men began again 
 their old routine of camp life. 
 
 The numbers of the regiment were largely in 
 creased while home on furlough by the acquisition 
 of recruits. Eecruiting in camp went on as it did 
 in other places. 
 
 The regiment left Bridgeport under the command 
 of Lieut. Col. Schall, Col. Hartranft remaining in 
 Norristown for several days after the departure. A 
 few men also remained behind with the consent of 
 Lieut.-Colonel Schall, as also did a few without the 
 consent of any officer. It was amusing to see this 
 latter class, as they promenaded the streets of Nor 
 ristown; Col. Hartranft was a great deal on the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 533 
 
 street, and as those " stay behinds " spied " Old 
 Johnny, they would slip like a flash into a store, no 
 matter whose or what kind, and there watch until 
 Col. Hartranft would be out of sight ; but sometimes 
 when they could not elude him quick enough, they 
 would face the music " with deliberate effrontery, 
 saluting him according to army regulations and in 
 the civilian style of " Good morning, Colonel," or, 
 " How are you, Colonel ?" The colonel rarely 
 deigned a reply to the compliment paid him, but 
 putting on a withering frown, would ask, " What are 
 you doing in Norristown ?" or "Don t you know 
 your regiment has left ?" to which the truant soldier 
 would reply, " Col. Schall said I might stay till to 
 morrow," when, perhaps, Col. Schall knew nothing 
 about it, and Col. Hartranft knew perfectly well 
 that the men were lying to him 1 
 
 A few deaths from sickness occurred in the regi 
 ment while home on furlough, among whom were 
 Barney O Donnell of Co. D, and Dennis Buggy of 
 Co. I. 
 
 The regiment stayed in Harrisburg until eight 
 o clock Sunday morning, the 20th of March, when it 
 marched across the Susquehanna river, on the old 
 covered bridge, to the opposite side, to Harrisburg, 
 where cars of the Northern Central Eailroad were in 
 waiting to take it on to Baltimore. There were no 
 less than nine wagon loads of officers , camp, and 
 garrison baggage to be transported, consequently a 
 large detail was made to load the wagons at Camp 
 Curtin, to unload them at the cars, and then again 
 to load it into the cars ; all had to be carried from 
 the wagons to the cars, as the teams could not get 
 near them. 
 
534 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 A few days before the regiment left Camp Curtin, 
 about twenty of the men took what they called a 
 " French furlough," and went home again to see their 
 families, without acknowledged authority. Among 
 them was a number of sergeants and corporals. 
 Lieut.-Col. Schall felt very much incensed at them 
 for doing so, and fully determined to punish them 
 on their return ; the non-commissioned officers were 
 to be reduced to the ranks, and the privates to be 
 court-martialed. What made matters worse, was a 
 bill presented to Col. Schall, by the Reading Rail 
 road Company for fifty-eight dollars, to indemnify 
 the company for the damage done to their splendid 
 passenger cars, by some of the drunken men of his 
 regiment, in their transit from Bridgeport to Harris- 
 burg, on the 9th inst.; which bill Lieut.-Col. Schall 
 presented to the men for them to pay, but as no one 
 had had & hand in the injuring of the cars, it was 
 found impossible to collect it, Lieut.-Col. Schall paid 
 the bill himself, sooner than let it be apportioned to 
 each man of the regiment, whether guilty or not, 
 and have it deducted from the pay rolls on the next 
 pay day. When a part of the men, who had a hand 
 in the outrage, learned that Lieut.-Col. Schall had 
 settled the bill by his own private means, they were 
 willing to reimburse him, but he declined to accept 
 it. The other part of those men turned out to be a 
 portion of that number, who absented themselves 
 without leave. This determined the Lieut.-Col. to 
 make an example of them; but as the time wore on 
 the thing was finally dismissed from his mind, and 
 the men were let off with only a slight reprimand ! 
 
 At half-past ten o clock on Sunday morning, the 
 20th inst., the men and baggage being loaded, the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 535 
 
 cars started for Baltimore, where they arrived at 
 four o clock P. M. On arriving at Baltimore, it was 
 found that no preparations had been made there for 
 the transportation to Annapolis, the place of general 
 rendezvous of the 9th Army Corps, in consequence 
 the 51st had to sleep in the cars which had brought 
 them to that city. 
 
 On Monday morning, the 21st, at seven o clock, 
 wagons were obtained, and the baggage was un 
 loaded and taken to the Boston steamer s wharf, 
 where it was put on board of the steamer Georgiana; 
 the regiment had already embarked at eleven o clock 
 A. M. for Annapolis, Md., where it arrived the same 
 day at two P. M. It disembarked, fell in line and 
 marched out to the barracks at Camp Parole, about 
 two and a half miles from the city, and close to the 
 railroad, on the identical spot where it had formed 
 Camp Union in 1861-62. 
 
 While lying here a few new recruits arrived for 
 the regiment. 
 
 The 51st occupied the barracks at Camp Parole 
 until Wednesday noon of the 23d inst., when it 
 moved a few yards nearer the city, and went into 
 quarters with tents on what used to be the old Camp 
 Union parade and drill-ground ; but how different 
 everything looked to what it did then. The old, 
 well-known faces of the Camp Union comrades were 
 missed, and their places filled by new ones; the 
 beautiful evergreens that hung in profuse festoons 
 around the old camp, where are they now ? Alas j 
 they, too, have passed away, along with those brave 
 hearts that made this familiar spot a scene of mirth 
 and happiness. Where was that Norristown Band 
 that used to assemble around the flag-staff of a Sab- 
 
536 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 bath morn, and discourse its solemn and melancholy 
 music to invite the regiment up to the Chaplain s 
 tent, where they might be taught in earnest strains 
 how to prepare themselves to meet the change of 
 spheres which many so very soon made after leaving 
 that cherished spot in 1862 ! 
 
 The following is an extract from a private letter 
 that appeared in one of the Norristown papers, and 
 is supposed to have been written by Lieut.-Col. 
 Edwin Schall: 
 
 "LETTER FROM ANNAPOLIS. We make the following ex 
 tract from a private letter, lately received : 
 
 "Time worketh great changes. This is evidenced in our 
 everyday life, and most strikingly in our history as a regiment. 
 Two years and more we were encamped on the same identical 
 ground, with full ranks, and under the same chieftains. Little 
 then did we dream that once again we would camp upon these 
 plains, and prepare for another expedition of a like character. 
 How many of those who were then with us are here now. 
 When we look over our depleted ranks, sad, indeed, are the 
 thoughts that suggest themselves. Many, very many, who 
 then were the ga} r est among the ga} 7 ", the healthiest among the 
 healthy, are now sleeping their last sleep. How painfully are 
 we reminded of the truth that we are all passing away, by the 
 absence of those familiar faces we were so wont to look upon. 
 Of the field and staff, there remains only with the regiment 
 Lieut.-Col. (then Major) Edwin Schall; Col. Hartranft being 
 in command of the depot of the corps. Of the original line 
 officers, there are only ten left out of thirty, viz. : Maj. Bolton, 
 Capt. Bisbing, Capt, Bolton, Capt. Allebough, Capt. Nicholas, 
 Capt. Hart, Capt. Shorkley, Lieut. Geo. Schall, Lieut. Lynch, 
 Lieut. Foster. 
 
 "Lieut. Col. Bell, Capt. Bell, Lieut. Hunsicker, Lieut. F;iir, 
 Lieut. Beaver, fell on the field of battle ; and Capt. Schall, 
 Capt. Pechin, Capt. Snyder, Capt. Blair, Capt. Titus, Capt. 
 Taylor, Capt. Linn, Capt. Gaulin, Capt. Ilasscnplug, Capt. 
 Hallman, Lieut. Burrell, Lieut. Swallow, Lieut. Morris, Lieut. 
 Reed, Lieut. Campbell, Lieut. Kelly, Lieut. Linn, Lieut. Beale, 
 have either resigned or been transferred into the Invalid Corps, 
 or promoted. 
 
 "Of the nine hundred men then here, there are about three 
 hundred and fifty left. Many have gone to their long homes, 
 others have been discharged on account of disability. It is a 
 sad thought, that the many who to-day are in the full bloom 
 of health, will in a short time be cut down, never to rise in 
 life again. The season for .an active campaign is here, and 
 very naturally the corps will have its portion to do, and, let me 
 add, it will be no mean portion." 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 537 
 
 On Saturday, the 26th inst., the regiment again 
 struck tents, and moving to the other side of the 
 railroad, on a more elevated piece of ground, went 
 into quarters here. This was called Camp Bell, in 
 honor and memory of our lamented Lieut. -Col. Thos. 
 S. Bell, who was killed at Antietam, in 1862. 
 
 Col. Hartranft was in command of the depot of 
 the 9ih Army Corps, having his quarters in the 
 Naval School buildings near the wharf. Lieut.-Col. 
 Schall was now busily drilling his regiment, as his 
 ranks were getting well filled up by the almost 
 daily arrival of new recruits, and the arrival of the 
 non re-enlisting men, who had been transferred to 
 the llth New Hampshire, at Blain s Cross-roads, 
 East Tennessee, the day before the veteran organi 
 zation left to go home, and were now again trans 
 ferred back to their respective companies. The 
 whole of the time now, until the regiment left An 
 napolis, was occupied in drilling, both facings and 
 manual of arms. First, squad drill for an hour in 
 the morning, then company drill for two hours ; 
 company or regimental drill in the afternoon, and, 
 towards sundown, dress parade. On pleasant after 
 noons an hour or so would be devoted to a game of 
 base ball. The following is the correspondence of 
 the National Defender : 
 
 CAMP BELL, 51 ST P. V. V. 
 ANNAPOLIS, MD., April 14^, 1804. 
 
 Generals Grant and Burnside paid this Department a visit 
 yesterday, and reviewed all the regiments that are herein their 
 respective camps. They came upon us rather unexpectedly, 
 as their visit had not been heralded, like such events used to be 
 when we were here before ; but, notwithstanding their sudden 
 appearance among us, they found a highly respectable recep 
 tion, one worthy of the two greatest heroes of the day, and of the 
 
 24 
 
538 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 veteran 9tli Army Corps. General Grant arrived evening be 
 fore last. Gen. Burnsicle arrived yesterday morning at 6 
 o clock. He (Gen. B.) paid us a "flying" visit last Saturday, 
 and as he passed each camp, on either side of the road, the 
 vociferous cheering gave unmistakable evidence of his great 
 popularity. 
 
 The appearance of the camps is truly magnificent. The 
 camps are laid out with military precision, and each street, the 
 line officers marquees, and the field and staff officers quarters, 
 are gaily and gorgeously bedecked with various kinds of ever 
 greens, and the grounds laid out in ornamental gardening 
 style, such as rightangles, triangles, and in every conceivable 
 angle, each with very tasty centre pieces, making the camps 
 wear the appearance of being inhabited with "fairies." A 
 rumor is rife here just at present to the effect that the two regi 
 ments of the 2Gth and 29th United States (colored) troops 
 which left here last week for Hilton Head, S. C. , were both 
 lost last Saturday night off Cape Hatteras, during the terrible 
 storm then prevailing. It is hoped that the rumor may turn 
 out to be merely supposition, for, although their skin is black, 
 they no doubt would have carried a name worthy of the fame 
 of U. S. soldiers. The Rev. D. G. Mallery joined the regi 
 ment one day last week. He was received with much pleasure 
 by-those with whom he shared the toils and dangers in days 
 gone by. Divine worship was held in camp last Sabbath after 
 noon for the first time. We are happy to find that his voice is 
 improving, and hope soon to be able to inform you that he has 
 entirely recovered it. Lieut. S. P. Stephens, Q. M., having been 
 despatched on Monday last to Washington, D. C., per order of 
 Gen. Burnside, to draw ordnance and ordnance stores for the use 
 of the regiment, returned last evening, having accomplished his 
 mission. The arms will arrive to-day. They will be issued to 
 the recruits, and then will begin the drilling of the " manual," 
 which they have been so anxiously waiting for. Your humble 
 servant thinks their anxiety will soon be set at rest. New re 
 cruits are daily arriving, and all the old members left in East 
 Tennessee, w T ho did not re-enlist, have arrived here with the 
 llth New Hampshire, to which regiment they had been as 
 signed, while we were home enjoying our "good old thirty 
 days." They have not yet been transferred to this regiment, 
 but will be in a day or two and then our ranks will number at 
 least nine hundred men. Lieut. -Col. Schall is in attendance, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 539 
 
 personally, drilling the regiment and by his urbanity hns suc 
 ceeded in gaining the affections of the men, by which they pay 
 especial attention to their drilling and have thereby made 
 themselves proficient in the " lacings." The health of the 
 regiment is about the same as when I last wrote chills and 
 fever predominant. The weather here is a little like a human 
 being s life, composed of smiles and tears, only we have the 
 tears two-thirds of the time. The roads, in consequence, are 
 hub-deep in mud. 
 
 Our destination is not publicly known, but it is generally 
 supposed to be North Carolina. The expedition will leave 
 some time early in May. The corps has not been mapped out 
 yet, but I am informed that the same regiments will be as 
 signed to the same brigades and divisions they were formerly in. 
 There are a great many regiments of other commands to be 
 added to the 9th Corps. We have the 1st Michigan regiment 
 with us. It is chiefly composed of Chippewa Indians, and they 
 make a fine military appearance. 
 
 41 Them one hundred and twenty-five dollars" of the local 
 bounty has been looked for by the borough accredited ones 
 with intense anxiet}-, but with no success. The question is, 
 Will it be forwarded to them here, or withheld until the return 
 home of the regiment ? Base ball is enjoyed by a large num 
 ber of officers and men every afternoon, when the weather per 
 mits, and, I assure you, some very creditable playing is done 
 some that would do honor to any base ball club extant. 
 
 More anon, T. H. P. 
 
 An order was read on dress parade detailing one 
 commissioned officer and four men from the 51st 
 P. V. V., to proceed North for recruiting purposes. 
 
 On the 12th of April, Gen. U. S. Grant visited the 
 9th Army Corps, and on the next day Gen. Burn- 
 side arrived. They reviewed the 9th Corps, and 
 then visited the various camps; afterwards both 
 returned to Washington, I). C. Below will be found 
 further correspondence of the National Defender: 
 
 CAMP BELL, ANNAPOLIS, MD. 
 
 April 2(M, 1864. 
 
 NOT So. In yours of the 12th inst., the regiment was very 
 much surprised to read of the death of Judson Calleuder, who 
 
5iO HISTORY OF THE FIFTY FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 is at present alive and well. How such a report reached your 
 borough, perhaps you c;m better tell than I, but as several 
 have intimated that it was your " humble correspondent," 
 I will distinctly state, the first I knew or heard of the 
 event, was on the evening following the issue of our paper, 
 after the arrival of the evening mail, but as he is entirel} r re 
 covered from his late severe indisposition, he no doubt took 
 means to acquaint his friends that if he was : dead," he couldn t 
 see it. 
 
 [We were glad to learn that such rumors never come from 
 our correspondent. ED. ] 
 
 Capt J. Merrill Linn, of Company H, tendered his resig 
 nation last week, which was accepted ; pressure of business of a 
 private character was the cause. 
 
 Sergt. John W. Fair, of Company C, returned to the regiment 
 on last evening a week ago, from home, whither he had been 
 to make application for admission to the Philadelphia Military 
 School. He will return on the 22d inst., for the purpose of 
 perfecting himself in the various "field movements" prepara 
 tory to applying for a commission in a colored regiment. As he 
 lias had considerable practical experience in such matters, there 
 can be but little doubt in the minds of his friends, but that he 
 will pass the ordeal of the "examining board " with eclat. He 
 h?is proven himself a good soldier on more than one occasion, 
 and takes with him on his departure the good wishes of his old 
 companions in arms. Shad and other fish have come down in 
 price sufficiently low that the boys can enjoy a " feed " of them 
 without producing "Sweeny" in their pocket wallets. The 
 quantity of expressage that arrives daily for the regiment is 
 truly a matter of surprise and is daily on the increase. Boxes 
 of every conceivable size arrive and are distributed to the 
 anxious expectants. An old mail composed of letters and 
 wrappers which had been forwarded to Knoxville, Tenn., in 
 January, arrived here last week, and as we perused them 
 they brought vividly to our minds our very "straightened cir 
 cumstances" at that time. The rumor of the loss of the 26th 
 and 29th IT. S. colored regiments, that I mentioned in my last 
 letter, is without any foundation whatever. Transportation for 
 the incidental uses of the regiment, which has been a source of 
 annoyance to obtain for some time past, is now liberally granted. 
 Teams and cars can be got now with very little difficulty, and 
 our daily rations of quartermaster and commissary stores are 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 541 
 
 landed at our " doors " just when and as we want them. Several 
 colored regiments have arrived here within a few days, among 
 which was the 43d U. S. from Camp Wm. Penn, and as they 
 marched past our camp, a large number were recognized by 
 our boys as some of " Norristown s sable sons." New arms 
 and equipments were issued this week to the recruits of our 
 regiment. Our new comrades take to them " mightily." They 
 have had but three days practice in the manual of arms and 
 have made rapid strides in the acquirements of that "pretty 
 part of soldiering. " Lieut. Col. Schall has been detached from 
 his command for a few days, being detailed on a court-martial 
 that is now in session at this place. Our sutlers, Messrs. Whitney 
 and Myers, arrived here last evening, and to-day their stock of 
 goods and tents arrived. They have already pitched their tents 
 and are making every preparation to open " shop" to-morrow 
 morning ; they have not come any too soon. As they are both 
 business men and undoubtedly accommodating, they will reap 
 a rich harvest from an appreciating soldiery ; they merit a liberal 
 patronage. The health of the regiment is about as usual, with 
 no abatement in the chills and fever cases. Orders have just 
 came in to be ready to move at an hour" 1 * notice, with five days 
 cooked rations ; and all tents to be turned in, in exchange for 
 shelter tents. 
 
 More anon, T. P. II. 
 
 The time for the regiment to strike tents and go 
 to the "front" was drawing nigh to hand, and as it 
 was understood that the men could draw pay for 
 rations during their thirty days at home on veteran 
 furlough, the application was made and the money 
 paid in full, on the 21st of April. 
 
 On the 21st orders were received to turn in all 
 tents and quartermaster s stores, and prepare to 
 leave Annapolis. Three days rations were issued 
 and cooked that night. 
 
542 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Across the Potomac On the Rapiclan Battle of the Wilder 
 ness The woods on fire Chancellors ville Battle of 
 Spottsylvania Charge and repulse of the 3d Division 
 Terrible losses in the 51st Bravery of Capt. Bisbing 
 Capture of Capt. Allebaugh and the colors Promotion of 
 Genl. Hartranft Another day of carnage Truce of the 
 pickets Retreat of the enemy Nearing Richmond Battle 
 of Cold Harbor Death of Col. Schall and Lieut. Fizone. 
 
 ON Saturday, the 23d, the 51st P. Y. Y. left at 8 
 A. M. ; and marched to Alexandria, Ya., passing- 
 through Washington, crossing the Potomac on the 
 Long Bridge, and arriving at the outskirts of Alex 
 andria on the 26th. 
 
 The baggage had been put on board of a steamer 
 at Annapolis, which sailed at noon of the 23d, and 
 arrived at Alexandria at 3 -p. M. on Sunday, the 
 24th, where it awaited the arrival of the regiment. 
 
 The corps was now fully organized, and the 51st 
 P. Y. Y. was identified with the First Brigade, Third 
 Division, Ninth Army Corps. 
 
 While the regiment was at Alexandria it learned 
 of the death of one of its most promising members. 
 Below will be found an editorial obituary, which is 
 correct in all it says, except in the date of the de 
 parture of the regiment from Norristown. 
 
 "Six WEEKS. On the 10th of March the 51st regiment left 
 Norristown, in a scene of military glory, with thousands of our 
 citizens joining in the brilliant pageant. In one of the com 
 panies was a young lad of eighteen summers, who had been 
 out on two occasions for the defence of the State, and sustained 
 himself with approval to all his associates. By a course of 
 studies he had prepared himself as an engineer, and having 
 presented himself, was accepted so far as mental and practical 
 qualifications were concerned, for third assistant engineer in 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 543 
 
 the naval service ; but the standard of age prevented his ap 
 pointment for at least another year ; to put in this year actively, 
 patriotically, he enlisted. Amid the good wishes that went 
 with the regiment, he left his home. All went well, hopefully 
 gaining in health and strength, until the fatal typhoid attacked 
 him, soon turning to congestion of the brain he lingered for 
 four days, and on the 21st died! On Saturday last his cold 
 corpse was brought back to his home ! All the ambitious pro 
 ject of life extinguished in six weeks. Such was the career of 
 WASHINGTON IRVING GRIFFITH. O, what is life ! Alas ! alas, 
 there are hundreds of cases, similar in many respects to this, 
 occurring in such times. The dreams, prospects, and ambition, 
 of life all cut short in a few days." 
 
 On Wednesday, April 27th, at sunrise, the regi 
 ment left camp, marched through Alexandria to 
 about one mile beyond Fairfax Court-house, and 
 encamped near midnight, having marched about 
 eighteen miles that day. 
 
 On the 28th the regiment again left and marched 
 to Bristow s Station, on the Orange and Alexandria 
 Railroad, and encamped at sundown, making eigh 
 teen miles that day. 
 
 The next day (29th) it left Bristow s and marched 
 to Warrenton Junction, and camped at 5 P. M., having 
 marched that day fifteen miles. Here the regiment 
 lay for a few days and went out on a "reconnoitre" 
 to Warrenton on the 2d of May, leaving camp very 
 early, and not finding any foe returned late the same 
 night to the Junction. 
 
 While here a sudden death occurred that surprised 
 all. George Bodey, of Co. A, was up early and at 
 tended to Lieut.-Col. Schall s horse " Bobby," clean 
 ing and feeding him previous to saddling him for 
 the reconnoissance. After the regiment started, 
 George prepared and ate a hearty breakfast about 
 seven o clock, and was in the best of health and 
 spirits, more so than usual, when suddenly he was 
 taken sick in camp, and by noon was a corpse. He 
 
544 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 was well known throughout the whole corps for his 
 giant-like proportions. 
 
 On Wednesday, the 4th of May, the regiment 
 started again on the march, from which it had no 
 rest until the surrender of Lee and his followers. It 
 left for Rappahannock Station, where it arrived 
 before night and posted its pickets. On the 5th it 
 was aroused at 4 A. M., got a hasty breakfast, left the 
 station at 5 A. M., and arrived at Gerrnania ford, on 
 the Eapidan river, at 11 o clock A. M. After cross 
 ing the river on pontoons it went immediately to 
 the front. Arriving in front of the enemy it was 
 sent off to the right of the line, and went on picket, 
 where it remained until 4 o clock of the next morn 
 ing, when it came in and took up a position in the 
 front. At eight A. M. it was in battle with a desperate 
 foe, in a perfect wilderness, where daylight had to 
 struggle to penetrate the dense foliage. Towards 
 noon the enemy s fire slackened a trifle ; they were 
 evidently getting terribly punished. The 51st ad 
 vanced a short distance, but were driven back ; then 
 in turn the enemy was forced back, and thus it was 
 until 7 o clock p. M. on Friday, the 6th of May, on 
 which was fought " the battle," as it is properly 
 called, "of the Wilderness." The loss in the 51st 
 of killed, wounded and missing was not definitely 
 known, but it was about ninety in all. Killed, 
 twenty-five; wounded, fifty ; and missing, fifteen. 
 
 * The following list is the best that could be obtained : 
 
 Co. A. Killed Lieut. John S. Moore. Wounded Thos. 
 J. Bolfon, Clias. Fix, Daniel Hood, Osman Ortlip, John Bare, 
 Theodore H. Gilbert, Samuel Himes, Amandus Gargas. 
 
 Co. B. Killed Edward Bullman, Philip Bond. Wounded 
 George Paul. Captured Henry Mixell. 
 
 Co. C. Killed Color-sergeant Patrick Kevin. Wounded 
 Abraham Techier. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 545 
 
 The regiment was relieved about 7 P. M., and went 
 to the rear a short distance, and had a good night s 
 rest. 
 
 On the next morning, the 7th, the regiment at 4 
 o clock was again preparing a hasty cup of coffee, 
 when orders came to erect a kind of breastwork, or 
 rather barricades, which orders were promptly com 
 plied with. But they were scarcely erected, before 
 an order was given to change positions. The firing 
 from the enemy was now becoming more rapid and 
 annoying; a new position was now taken; another 
 line of defences thrown up, and the regiment awaited 
 on their arms for the coming storm of iron and 
 leaden hail to burst, in all its fury, on their devoted 
 heads. There they stood, a bulwark to their coun 
 try s cause ; but the storm was averted, and fell on 
 their sister corps of Gen. Sedgewick, who had a fear 
 ful struggle till late in the night. Soon after mid 
 night the 51st took up the line of march very slowly 
 towards Chancellorsville, and at 1 J A. M., of the 8th, 
 it was fairly underway, but had to leave all the 
 wounded behind. The woods had either been fired 
 by design on the part of the rebels, or by accident 
 from the paper that formed the cartridges ; but, be 
 that as it may, hundreds of Union soldiers, both 
 
 Co. D. Killed David H. Yerkes, William II. Showalter. 
 Wounded Noble Creighton. 
 
 Co. E. Killed Levi Ammons. Wounded John Mill- 
 house. 
 
 Co. F. Wounded Wm. W. Owens, Howard Bruce, Fran 
 cis Adleman, Thos. G. Aslitou, Elwoocl Charles, Henry White. 
 
 Q 0- G Killed John Elliott, Aaron Thatcher. 
 
 Co. II. Killed Frederick Smith. Wounded H. C. McCor- 
 mick, Harrison Bower, John E. Leamon, George Vangeeser. 
 
 Co. I. Killed John Murphy. Wounded Edward Doyle. 
 
 Co. K. Killed Frederick Scliwep. Wounded Theodore 
 Odenwelder, John Fangford, Alfred Schilling. 
 
 24* 
 
546 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 killed and wounded, were con>umed in the fiery ele 
 ment, their whereabouts and their identity forever 
 sealed to the living. Did the fire get a start by 
 design, that one act of barbarism on the part of the 
 rebels should have been adequate to have kept An 
 drew Johnson so sufficiently loyal as to carry out 
 his policy, that " treason is a crime, and should be 
 made odious." The regiment reached Hooker s 
 battle-field at Chancellorsville about noon, and 
 rested there till about 4 p. M., when it slowly 
 wended its way about one mile to the left of the 
 ruins, where it went into camp for the night. The 
 day had been intensely hot, and the dust was stifling 
 to a painful degree; water was scarce and hard to 
 obtain. 
 
 At 4 o clock on the morning of the 9th, the 51st 
 again fell in, and moved off towards the Fredericks- 
 burg plank road. The dust was even worse than it 
 was the day before, and the heat equally as great. 
 The enemy was here met, and heavy skirmishing 
 ensued between the 51st and the foe for several 
 hours, culminating in a severe battle, in which the 
 enemy left the field, and the 51st erected another 
 work of defence, expecting the battle would be re 
 newed ere the next morning. 
 
 On the morning of the 10th the 20th Michigan 
 was thrown out as skirmishers, and the 51st lay in 
 support of that regiment until 12 o clock, noon, when 
 it moved off a mile to the right of the corps, with 
 orders to erect works of defence. Trees were felled, 
 and a strong line of rifle pits was erected, it having 
 been determined to hold every inch of ground 
 gained. It was a pleasant day, and the regiment in 
 fine spirits, although their ranks were being depleted 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 547 
 
 rapidly. As the regiment finished the works, orders 
 were received for an advance. Lieut.-Col. Schall 
 immediately sent out a strong body of skirmishers, 
 and the line advanced a full half mile directly front ; 
 then making a full left wheel, advanced through the 
 woods and openings another full mile. The skir 
 mishing at times was severe, the regiment had lost 
 eleven in killed and wounded, having been sub 
 jected to an enfilading fire all night, besides a con 
 stant fire in front. 
 
 On the llth, which was rainy, at daylight, the 
 regiment commenced throwing up breastworks, but, 
 as it often happened before and afterwards, just as 
 they were completed, the regiment received orders 
 to change position, and fortify itself again immedi 
 ately, which works were completed by 3 P. M. At 
 4 P. M. orders were received to fall back to the other 
 side of a deep hollow or ravine, to go into camp and 
 cook rations; but before any fires were kindled, 
 orders were again received to advance, which was 
 done. We advanced about a mile, then " about 
 face," marched back and went into camp again about 
 10 o clock p. M., in a drenching rain. It must be 
 remembered this going into camp was merely lying 
 down on the bare ground, for the tents were all on 
 the wagon train, which was in the rear. 
 
 On the next day, the 12th, in a considerable rain, 
 the ever memorable battle of Spottsylvania was 
 fought. The regiment was roused up from a sound 
 sleep at 2 A. M., and left at 3 A. M., and crossed the 
 river to the opposite side, where it encountered the 
 enemy and drove them before it like scared sheep ; 
 then went to the support of the 2d division, when it 
 was again ordered to take up a position to the left 
 
548 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 of the 27th Michigan. In front of this situation was 
 a high crest or knoll of ground, whereon the enemy 
 had a battery and deep rifle pits. Orders were 
 given for the 51st to charge this crest, and capture 
 the guns. Six companies were sent out as skirmish 
 ers, and the regiment was advanced to make the 
 charge ; but before the charge occurred, the order 
 was countermanded, and four companies were sent 
 to the support of Hancock, who was being pressed 
 very closely by the enemy on their left. In a short 
 time the four companies returned, when a general 
 charge was made by the whole of the 3d Division, 
 9th Army Corps, but met with a repulse that sent 
 it back flying to its starting point. In this charge 
 the loss of the 5 1st was terrible in killed, wounded, 
 and prisoners, with two stand of colors. The loss 
 of the colors chagrined the men tenfold more than 
 the loss of their comrades, for by some it was looked 
 upon as a most damning disgrace, by others as a high 
 mark of credit, as showing that the regiment had 
 been in a tight place ; but be it considered a disgrace 
 by whom it may, that does not make it one. A regi 
 ment charging in such a place as that was, with 
 nearly one-half of its men shot down, and the ene 
 my at almost hand to hand encounter, with far 
 greater superiority of numbers, it seems almost a 
 miracle that any man escaped death or capture, and 
 those of the 51st P. V. V. should be proud of the 
 loss of their colors under the circumstances that 
 caused it. Had they been lost through treachery or 
 cowardice, then it would be just and proper to con 
 demn the deprivation. Again, had the State con 
 sidered it a disgrace, another flag would never have 
 been given to it. And again, had there been any 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 549 
 
 suspicion on the part of the higher rank of officers, 
 that the colors were disgracefully lost, a commission 
 would have been detailed to investigate it. No! 
 brave men of the 51st, you were not disgraced by 
 your loss. 
 
 In this charge, Capt. Geo. W. Bisbing received a 
 ball through his wrist, but nothing daunted he still 
 pushed on, with the blood streaming from his wound, 
 when another one struck him in the left side of his 
 loins, traversing his back, passed out the other side, 
 and he fell, mortally wounded. Among the captured 
 was Capt. Wm. Allebaugh, of Co. C, who, seeing his 
 colors in danger of capture, resolved to save them or 
 perish, but the enemy bearing down on his color- 
 guards in such overwhelming numbers, he was forced 
 to a surrender of himself and colors. After being 
 repulsed, the regiment reformed and went to the 
 front again, where it remained all night under arms, 
 in the midst of a heavy rain. 
 
 The next morning (the 13th) was very quiet 
 along the whole line the rain still coming down. 
 An attack from the rebels was momentarily ex 
 pected ; the utmost vigilance was exercised, but up 
 to 5 P. M. it was quiet, when at that time the enemy 
 made a demonstration in front of the 51st, which did 
 not amount to much. During this day an attempt 
 was made by the adjutant of the regiment to figure 
 up its losses. The sum total up to the night of the 
 8th was, in killed, wounded, and missing, eighty- 
 four officers and men. Among the killed were Lieut. 
 John S. Moore, of Co. A; Color-Sergeant Patrick 
 McKeevin, of Co. C ; Private David Yerkes, of Co. 
 D ; and Private John Murphy, of Co. I. Among 
 the wounded was Lieut. Win. W. Owens, of Co. ; 
 
550 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Sergt. Howard Bruce, of Co. F ; Sergt. John Mc- 
 Gilligan, and Private Noble Creighton, of Co. D ; 
 and as far as the adjutant could learn correctly from 
 the night of the 8th up to the night of the 12th, the 
 51st had sustained a loss of about two hundred. 
 Among the wounded were Capt. Geo. W. Bisbing, 
 Co. I ; Sergt. John R. Davis, Co. I, captured ; John 
 George, Francis E. Keating, John Stiver, arid ten 
 more of Co. I. Among the prisoners were Capt. 
 Wm. Allebaugh, Co. C ; Lieut. Wm. F. Campbell, 
 Co. H. The enemy were heavily in force in the 
 front of the 51st, and their batteries threw shot and 
 shell amongst the regiment constantly. Our guns 
 returned a few shots during the day. In the after 
 noon our artillery massed themselves to resist any 
 attack the enemy should attempt, but none was 
 made. 
 
 The next day, the 14th, was another disagreeable 
 day, raining nearly all the time. Heavy and rapid 
 firing began on the left and continued for about an 
 hour, when orders were issued for a general advance 
 along the whole line, but from some prudent cause, 
 no doubt, it did not take place, but as night advanced 
 it was feared that the enemy intended an attack un 
 der cover of darkness, but the night passed oft* very 
 quietly. 
 
 The 15th found the regiment occupying rifle pits, 
 and as the enemy to the right commenced a vigor 
 ous shelling about noon, the regiment dug traverses 
 for a protection against the flying shells. It was 
 while the regiment was at this work that it learned 
 with much satisfaction of the promotion of Col. 
 Ilartranft to a Brigadier-General, a promotion he 
 should have received, if justice had been done him, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 551 
 
 at the close of the battle of Antietam. The enemy s 
 works were close to ours and in full view, with their 
 battle flags flying defiantly in our faces, their bands 
 playing, and the singing of good old Methodist 
 hymns were plainly heard. In the evening things 
 were quieted down, and the greatest annoyance now 
 was the stench arising from the dead bodies that lay 
 between the two lines unburied, for neither army 
 could bury many of their dead, and the almost con 
 stant rain, with a hot air, soon caused the bodies to 
 decompose and fill the atmosphere with a most 
 offensive odor.* 
 
 On the 16th the enemy still in front kept very 
 
 * The following is but a partial list of the casualties at Spot- 
 sylvauia : 
 
 Co. A. Killed none. Wounded Jesse Freas, Jacob H. 
 Derr, Thos. F> 4 rrell, Saml. H. Freas, Charles S. Hansell, Jesse 
 Johnson, Ephraim Parvin, Henry Smith, John Baylor, Jere 
 miah Gray, Jonathan B. Ellis, Edward Hall man, Henry Mc- 
 Lain, George Smith, Joseph Supplee, Chas. Yunker. Captured 
 Chas. Yunker. 
 
 Co. B. Killed Harrison Ackerman. Wounded George 
 W. Moser, Edward Hardy. 
 
 Co. C. Killed Lieut. Thos. J. Lynch. Wounded Andrew 
 J. Grimm. Onptured Capt. Win. Allebaugh, Hillary Sloop. 
 Philip Stoffet, Joshua Kevin. Missing Michael Dillon, Ben 
 jamin Kooker. 
 
 Co. D. Wounded Harry Forman, Win. H. Body, Daniel 
 R. Yost. Captured Jeremiah Cassiday. Missing John John 
 son, Jefferson Clare. 
 
 Co. E. Wounded Jeremiah Aikey, Jacob Boop, Wm. 
 Schnure. Captured Jeremiah Aikey. 
 
 Co. F. Killed Robert Lindsay. Wounded Wm. Dreshcr. 
 
 Co. G. Killed Samuel Moore. Wounded August Rolley. 
 
 Co. H. Captured Lieut. Wm. F. Campbell, HughMcClure. 
 D. C. Brown, George Breon, Harrison Hause, D. M. Wetzell, 
 Simon Goss, John Hartz, Wm. J. Lattimer, Win. A. Miller, 
 Jacob Smith, Isaiah Smith. 
 
 Co. I. Wounded Capt. George W. Bisbing, John R. Davis, 
 John J. Stiver. Captured John R. Davis, Philip Hattel, 
 Abraham Wampole. 
 
 Co. K. Killed Lieut. Frank B. Sterner, Charles W. 
 Willett. Wounded Franklin S. Moycr, Jno. Ranks. Cap 
 tured Thos. Arbuckle, Absalom Baldwin, James Ludwig. 
 
552 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 quiet, and our artillery opened a vigorous cannon 
 ading on them, but as their reply was rather feeble, 
 it was supposed they were falling back from our 
 front. Skirmishers were sent out ; the right of the 
 line advanced over a mile ; the skirmishing was but 
 trifling. One man of Co. Gr was mortally wounded. 
 The regiment remained out all night in the picket 
 pits. Events were inactive. The bands of both 
 armies discoursed " most excellent music," and were 
 distinctly Leard by the contending foes while on the 
 line up to nine or ten o clock at night. 
 
 On the 17th the entire supply trains were ordered 
 to Fredericksburg, where a great part had been for 
 more than a week. The wounded also had all been 
 sent there, nearly every house had been taken pos 
 session of by the surgeons and turned into hospitals 
 for the wounded and dying. Every house was 
 crowded to its fullest capacity. At one time there 
 were not less than 60,000 wounded men there, and 
 the Government was transporting them to Washing 
 ton as fast as its means afforded. 
 
 A kind of cemetery outside the city, was formed 
 and long pits similar to rifle pits were dug about 
 four feet deep, seven wide, and two to three hun 
 dred long. The dead were laid on the ground, 
 wrapped in a blanket close side by side until the 
 pit was filled with bodies, then covered over with 
 dirt, with a board at the head of each, having the 
 man s name, company and regiment on it as a finish 
 to the work. 
 
 Everything remained quiet at the front all day. 
 The bands of both lines seemed to be trying to out 
 vie each other in the strength and variety of their 
 playing. At night orders were received to prepare 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 553 
 
 for a night s march at short notice, but the regiment 
 remained in its pits, as the command to "forward" was 
 not issued, but the next morning, the 18th, the plan 
 for the day s work was decided on and the order 
 was issued as follows : The 2d and 6th Corps, 
 with the 2d division of the 9th ; were to assail the 
 enemy on our right, and, if the assault should prove 
 successful, the 1st brigade of 3d division was to ad 
 vance in front of and with the 51st. The day was 
 beautiful, excepting a little too warm. Early in the 
 morning the attack was made ; the cannonading on 
 both sides was terrific; the shells filled the air with 
 that awful shriek that was enough to make the 
 stoutest heart quake; the roar of artillery and the 
 continual explosions of the shells were truly deafen 
 ing ; the enemy s works appeared to be filled with 
 artillery, and all their batteries must have been 
 massed in anticipation of an attack from Grant. 
 Several men of the 51st were badly wounded by the 
 premature explosion of our own shells. After sev 
 eral hours of severe fighting, the attack being a 
 total failure, the line assumed its old position in the 
 pits, and our artillery all moved off in the night, 
 and at two o clock of the morning of the 19th orders 
 were received by the 51st to be ready to move off 
 at a moment s notice. The order to move was given 
 at four o clock. The regiment left and the entire 
 works were abandoned. The 51st moved to the 
 left about two miles, and took up a position in the 
 rear of the 6th Corps about noon. In the evening 
 the regiment again changed its position to the left 
 of the 1st brigade, and occupied the second line of 
 battle close to the 95th and 138th Penna. regiments. 
 Here the 51st met a great many old acquaintances 
 
554 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 in the two regiments. During the entire evening 
 the cannonading on the right was very heavy. In 
 the morning the regiment moved off to the left. It 
 will be observed that it was noon before it arrived 
 at its new position, only going two miles. The slow 
 ness of this progression was caused by having to cut 
 their way through a perfect wilderness ; trees had to 
 be felled, in fact a regular road had to be cut and 
 cleared, before it could reach its position. On the 
 20th of May the front line of battle had dug them 
 selves pits, and throwing up a substantial line of 
 breastworks the 51st lay in support of those in the 
 pits. In the afternoon the skirmishers advanced 
 about half a mile. One man of the 51st was fatally 
 wounded and borne to the rear, then sent to Fred- 
 ericksburg. 
 
 The next day, the 21st, Lieut.-Col. Schall was de 
 tailed as field-officer of the day of the brigade. He 
 went on duty at midnight, and Maj. Wm. J. Bolton 
 took command of the regiment. At 3 A. M., Maj. 
 Bolton with the entire regiment went out on picket. 
 Shortly after being posted the men of the 51st and 
 the pickets of the enemy began a friendly conversa 
 tion which ended in trading tobacco, coffee, &c., but 
 unknown to any of the commanders until the field- 
 officer of the day, Lieut.-Col. Schall, discovered and 
 put a stop to it, as it was a violation of the articles 
 of war. About 2 o clock p. M., the enemy advanced 
 towards the left and drove in our skirmishers and 
 forced the 51st to fall back to the main line, but 
 Maj. Bolton rallied it again and advanced it to its 
 former position ; while the 6th Corps was engaging 
 the enemy in a severe struggle, in which the latter 
 fell back. After that it became quiet all along the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 
 
 front of the 9th Corps. Shortly after midnight and 
 early in the morning of the 22d, a rumbling noise 
 \vas heard within the enemy s li es indicating a re 
 moval of wagon trains and artillery, and at 4 o clock 
 A. M., the regiment again started off) but the enemy 
 had fled. It made a march this time of eighteen 
 miles over a tract of country which appeared as if 
 that had been the first body of troops that passed 
 over it ; fences and buildings were in good repair 
 and the soil luxuriant in crops. At night the regi 
 ment camped on the side of a woods near a small 
 stream that emptied into the North Ann. 
 
 On the 23d, the regiment left its camp at 5 o clock 
 A. M. and marched till noon, when it fell in with the 
 2d Corps, forming a junction a short distance from 
 the North Ann river, and marched till dark. The 
 advance had met the enemy and entered into a bat 
 tle. The scene of action was reached by the 2d and 9th 
 Corps at dark. The 51st immediately took up its 
 position and began to entrench itself. It was evident 
 that Grant was now nearing Richmond, for all through 
 the night the rebel locomotive whistles could be con 
 tinually heard, as if the enemy was receiving rein 
 forcements by railroad. The regiment labored 
 until long after daylight to complete their works, 
 which were made very strong, i. e., strong enough 
 to resist any ordinary shell from a field-piece. 
 Considerable cannonading all day in front, which 
 began to be very heavy. Towards dark a heavy 
 rain having set in, continued the greater part of the 
 night, making it slippery in the works of newly dug 
 earth. The 1st Division, 9th Corps, assaulted the 
 rebel works, but were repulsed with heavy loss. 
 
 A few minutes after th regiment had lain down, 
 
556 IITSTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 fully expecting a good night s sleep in their new 
 works, orders came in for it to move oil to the left ; 
 it went about half a mile and sent four companies 
 out on picket. The next morning, the 25th, the 
 four companies were relieved and rejoined the regi 
 ment. The pickets while out had a lively time of 
 it, for they kept up a constant fire all night with the 
 enemy. Just before dark both armies became rest 
 ive, culminating in a genuine artillery duel, and 
 the capture of five rebels who were after a bullock 
 that had got between the two lines. Both armies 
 now occupied an almost limitless pine forest, which 
 furnished splendid material for breastworks, to 
 which a great deal was appropriated. A new line 
 of works was built up again and the regiment lay 
 in them until the afternoon of the next day, the 
 26th, when one hundred and fifty men of the regi 
 ment were detailed and went out on picket, where 
 they learned from the enemy that Lee was killed. 
 This put our men in good spirits and seemed to 
 compensate them for all their trials of the past 
 twenty-one days fighting, but like all camp stories 
 it proved to be untrue. 
 
 Heavy firing of musketry and artillery was heard 
 on the left. Orders were received to be ready to 
 move at 11 o clock that night, but were counter 
 manded. Heavy musketry firing began at 9J o clock, 
 and continued for about one hour, when all became 
 comparatively quiet. After that picket firing the 
 enemy s bands could be distinctly heard in front 
 of the regiment until late at night, when orders were 
 again issued to move at 4 o clock the next morning, 
 27th. At the appointed hour the regiment formed 
 and moved to the left into the road, where it re 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 557 
 
 mained until 11 o clock A. M.. for further orders. 
 It afterwards started off in the direction of the North 
 Ann river, to which place the enemy had fallen back 
 and were crossing to the other side. Pickets were 
 sent out from the regiment and a position was taken 
 up, but it was again moved further to the left. The 
 pickets evidently had purposely been left on their 
 post with the view of keeping the enemy ignorant 
 of a flank movement that our troops were then 
 making on his extreme right. The affair succeeded 
 admirably, but the pickets suffered considerably, as 
 they had no support ; and not knowing that their 
 army had entirely left, they fought their adversaries 
 with desperation, losing heavily. The regiment lost 
 twenty six in killed, wounded and missing, besides 
 twelve that were known to be captured. The enemy 
 had discovered by this piece of strategy on the part 
 of Gen. Grant, that he had given them the slip and 
 crossed his whole army over the Parnunky river, 
 not far from Hanover Junction. There they met 
 our troops and desperately fought to hold them in 
 check, but this was only a "dodge" of Gen. Grant 
 to give them another go-by, which he did during 
 the night and following day.* The next morning, 
 the 28th, at 7 o clock, the 9th Army Corps was in 
 motion, with the 51st leading the advance. At 12, 
 noon, the column halted for dinner and rest, for it 
 
 * The following is a list of the casualties at North Ann 
 River: 
 
 Co. A. Captured Win. Barr, George W. Berks. 
 
 Co. C. Captured Andrew J. Bell. 
 
 Co. D. Captured Lemuel Moode, Andrew Wherle, Philip 
 Warn pole. 
 
 Co. E. Captured John W. Sheckler. 
 
 Co. H. Killed Jno. W. Erdley. Captured David Yordcr. 
 
 Co. I. Captured George B. Slough. 
 
 Co. K. Captured Alexander Deibler, Jas. S. Garrett. 
 
558 HISTORY OF TUB FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 had marched with great speed. At 1 p. M. it again 
 started on a forced march until 11 o clock that night, 
 having made nearly thirty miles that day. The 
 troops were literally jaded out, and it was beyond 
 all cavil the severest march of the whole campaign. 
 
 The next morning, the 29th, the 51st got orders 
 to leave at 4 o clock A. M. It only went about three 
 miles and was ordered to throw up breastworks. It 
 was supposed that here was to be taken a decided 
 stand; the works were first laid out with great care 
 and in regular order; they were to be sufficiently 
 strong to resist artillery. It was nearly completed 
 when orders were issued to stop. Eighty men 
 were then detailed from the 51st to go out with a 
 party to reconnoitre the enemy s works, which were 
 found to be of the most formidable character. About 
 1 P. M. the regiment fell back a little, and the whole 
 brigade was then massed in anticipation of an at 
 tack. Here we enjoyed a good night s rest. 
 
 The next morning, the 30th, the regiment, as per 
 orders, left at 6 o clock, and moved a distance of 
 five miles it arrived about 8 o clock that night. Its 
 progress was very slow, as it had to fight for every 
 foot of ground over which it marched. It was now 
 at Cold Harbor, and only eight miles from the 
 objective point, Richmond. We immediately took 
 up a position in a dense pine forest, and erected 
 works which were not completed till after mid 
 night. Skirmishers now advanced and the enemy 
 gradually retired to the outer works and fortifi 
 cations surrounding Richmond, no doubt to draw 
 our army within the range of their heavy siege 
 guns. 
 
 About 10 A. M. of the 81st, the regiment was or- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 559 
 
 dered to advance on the enemy s fortifications in 
 their front, distant about three-fourths of a mile. 
 The line was formed, and it advanced, driving the 
 enemy s skirmish line into and beyond a woods 
 directly in front of their works. Still following the 
 enemy up, they moved a good distance into the 
 woods and began to fortify. After laying out the 
 plans and commencing entrenchments, orders were 
 issued to stop. The regiment then formed line of 
 battle and awaited further mandates, which soon 
 came, to recommence fortifying; but scarcely was it 
 resumed before it was countermanded again, and we 
 were ordered to advance, which we did about four 
 hundred yards, and gained a good position on the 
 crest of a hill, where we laid on our arms all night. 
 
 Early on the next morning. June the 1st, orders 
 were received to move up a little to the right so as 
 to connect the lines with the 1st Division, 9th Army 
 Corps. New works were thrown up here, which 
 occupied most of the day. When completed, the 
 regiment sent out a skirmish line to the front 
 when the enemy, in return, advanced their main 
 line and drove in our skirmishers. The troops on 
 our extreme left fell back without firing a single 
 shot, but the left of the 3d Division, 9th Army 
 Corps, swung around, and, pouring volley after 
 volley into the enemy, drove them back to their 
 own works. The firing from both lines continued 
 through the whole night. 
 
 The next day the regiment again advanced to the 
 outskirts of the woods on the edge of the crest where 
 they had erected their former works. Between this 
 edge and the enemy s entrenchments was an ugly 
 hollow, or ravine, about fifty yards wide. IJcre they 
 
560 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 had felled trees in all directions, and made further 
 advances an utter impossibility. Their works and 
 the last named (that is, those on the edge of the 
 ravine), of the 51st, were about one hundred and 
 fifty yards apart. Our communication with the 
 rear was now cut off, as the 51st had advanced too 
 close to the enemy to allow any egress but retreat. 
 So it remained all day on the far side of the crest, 
 and built a regular fort. After dark set in, the men 
 dug out traverses in order to open up communica 
 tions with those occupying the main line, which they 
 accjmplished before daylight, and the men proudly 
 boasted of having two homes now at one time, which 
 they seemed to enjoy by spending a few hours on 
 the main line, and then returning to their second 
 home outside of all the other works some face 
 tiously terming it their "country seat" where they 
 could look at the steeples of Richmond. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 3d of June, orders 
 were received by the 3d Division, 9th Corps, to ad 
 vance to the left of its front. Lieut. Col. Schall 
 formed his regiment and moved it to its po- 
 gition in the line. At 5 o clock A. M. orders were 
 given to charge the enemy s works. It was imme 
 diately done by the whole charging party. The 
 olst, advancing with fixed bayonets at double- 
 quick, was met by the enemy, who were well pre 
 pared to receive a charge, and poured volley after 
 volley into the regiment, which kept steadily ad 
 vancing until an unpropitious bullet entered the 
 neck of Col. Edwin Schall, killing him instantly; 
 and at the same time one struck Lieut. Isaac Fizone, 
 of Co. D, killing him instantly also. It is generally 
 believed ihit the one ball killed them both, by pass- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 561 
 
 ing through Lieut. Fizone s head first, and then 
 through Col. Schall s neck afterwards; but as 
 Lieut. Fizone was a much taller man than Col. 
 Seball, it seems almost impossible, unless the former 
 was in a leaning forward position. Or again, it 
 may have, in passing through the lieutenant, struck 
 a bone that caused it to glance downward, and then 
 striking the colonel. The command of the regiment 
 now devolved on Major William J. Bolton. The 
 regiment received a check, and fell back with the 
 whole line to its works, the battle lasting the whole 
 day. The regiment suffered considerably in killed 
 and wounded.* The next day the enemy made an 
 attack on the whole line, but were handsomely re 
 pulsed, with a heavy loss. 
 
 * Below is a partial list of the casualties at Cold Harbor : 
 
 Field and staff. Killed Col. Edwin Schall. 
 
 Co. A. Killed Corp. Frank II. Mills. Wounded Sergt. 
 Jacob II. Moyer, Sergt. John H. Coulston, Corp. George 
 Uebelle, Private Geo. B. Baker, Private Jacob Sterns. 
 
 Co. B. Killed Private Cyrus Werkeiser. Wounded 
 Private Win. Draher. 
 
 Co. C. Killed Private John Upright. Wounded Abra 
 ham Walt, Mark T. Yerker. 
 
 Co. D. Killed Lieut. Isaac Fizone. 
 
 Co. E. Killed Private James M. Dunkle. Wounded 
 Private Robert Hickerne.l 
 
 Co. F. Killed Henry K. Adleman. Wounded Sylvanus 
 II. Daub. 
 
 Co. G. Killed Private Emil Held. Wounded Private 
 Charles Prescott. 
 
 Co. H. Killed Private Levi Breniuger, Private Aaron 
 Will amson. 
 
 Co. I. None. 
 
 Co. K. Killed Private David Shingle. Wounded Private 
 Win. Buoy, Private Benjamin Hank, Private John Widdell. 
 
 At the Po river. Co. F. Wounded Wilson Allen, severely. 
 
 25 
 
f>62 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY FIRST REOTMKNT 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Progress of the advance Crossing the James Affair with the 
 Home Guards A bloody charge Severe loss s in the 51st 
 In the rifle pits Another desperate rush The railroad cut 
 Daring and persistent courage of the troops Frequent re 
 pulses of the enemy Close and continuous fighting Efforts 
 to connect the lines Failures The 51st detailed to do the 
 work A grand success. 
 
 THE regiment still retained its old position in the 
 " country seat " works until the 10th of June, when 
 it moved off towards the White House, on the York 
 river, but after going fifteen miles it halted for the 
 night. Early next morning it started off towards 
 the James river, making about twenty miles this 
 day, and camping for the night along the right of 
 the road, in a barren, sandy field. On the morning 
 of the 13th, the regiment again started on a march 
 of not less than ten miles, arrived within a league 
 or two of the James river, and again camped for 
 the night. On the 14th, the regiment moved off 
 slowly on the north side of the James river, and 
 within six miles of it. Pickets were posted for the 
 night. The regiment lay here till the next d ay, 
 when it started for the landing a few miles below 
 Harrison s, on the James river, where it arrived on 
 the 16th of June, and crossed on pontoons. Early next 
 morning, the 17th, the column advanced from below 
 City Point to about five miles below Petersburg. 
 Here they were met by an army of what might be 
 properly styled "Home Guards." Lee was not or 
 had not the least idea that Grant would try the On 
 to Richmond" movement by crossing the James river, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 563 
 
 and in consequence had had no troops on that side 
 of the river therefore the resistance came from the 
 rebel element in and around the city of Petersburg, 
 Virginia, The enemy had fortifications built, with 
 but small garrisons in them. These troops, with the 
 aid of the Petersburg Home Guards, made a desper 
 ate fight, but were gradually driven back to within 
 sight of the city. The 51st charged a line of rebels 
 on a crest near the Petersburg road, and within a 
 mile of the Weldon railroad, driving them back to 
 the deep cut of the railroad nearly opposite to the 
 cemetery. Getting possession of the crest, it began 
 to entrench itself, using their tin cups and plates 
 to dig the earth. Here the regiment remained all 
 night. Its loss through that day was small. 
 
 The next day, the 18th, the regiment formed line 
 of battle to make another charge, when it was found 
 that the forces in its front had been largely strength 
 ened, and that reinforcements were pouring in at a 
 rapid rate. Lee had crossed the river with his 
 forces, and was sending troops to the front as fast as 
 they arrived. The charge, however, was made, and 
 considerably more ground was gained, but at a 
 great cost of blood, the 51st losing on that day sixty- 
 four in killed and wounded, making upwards of 
 three hundred and seventy-five casualties since it 
 had crossed the Rapidan on the 5th of May. After 
 the charge the regiment moved to the right, into the 
 woods, and erected breastworks by felling the pine 
 trees and cutting them to suitable lengths. Here 
 the regiment lay for about a week, when it was re 
 lieved and moved to the rear to rest, but load scarcely 
 reached there when it was ordered a little to the left 
 of where it previously had been lying, and was again 
 
564 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 behind the breastworks, where it lay for several 
 days. It was here that Capt. Jos. K. Bolton received 
 a slight wound on the side of the neck, from a min- 
 ie ball; and also where private James McKenna, of 
 Co. D, was killed, while in the act of filling his can 
 teen with water from a spring in a ravine in front of 
 the works, about thirty yards from the right of the 
 regiment. His death occurred on the 21st of June. 
 
 While here the officers baggage was kept on a 
 barge at the wharf at City Point. This baggage had 
 to be sent out to the front every Sunday, for the 
 officers to get a change of clean clothing. At night 
 it would be loaded on the wagon and sent back to 
 the boat for safety. It gave the officers less trouble 
 in moving about, as they had no valises to trouble 
 them. 
 
 The re iment lay in these pits for about two 
 weeks, eating, sleeping, and living entirely in them. 
 Its next move was about four hundred yards to the 
 left, in an orchard ; here it threw up rifle-pits and 
 held a very important part of the line, as well as 
 one of the most dangerous, from the fact that it was 
 on a hill directly in front of one of the largest forts 
 that the enemy had on his whole line, being the fort 
 that was blown up by Burnside on the 30th of July 
 following. The ground whereon the 51st rested 
 was that occupied by Fort Morton a short time 
 after. Between this line of pits and those of the 
 rebels the railroad ran through a deep cut, forty feet 
 deep, in the side of the hill, on which the regiment 
 lay. The rebel works were on rather a more ele 
 vated position, with a deep and ugly ravine between 
 the two lines. A creek ran through this ravine on 
 the side nearest to the enemy. Orders were received 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 565 
 
 to charge on the enemy s works. The 51st formed 
 line of battle, and started down the hill at doable 
 quick towards this ravine. Major Bolton, who was 
 now colonel, led the charge. The regiment, not 
 knowing anything of this deep railroad cut, charged 
 down to the very brink of it before they saw it, but 
 having such headway on from running down the 
 hill, they could not stop in time, and went headlong 
 down the precipice before they came to a full stop, 
 the enemy pouring volleys of grape and canister 
 into their ranks, besides their whole line of musketry 
 had full play at the same time on them. After 
 reaching the bottom of the cut they could not get 
 out, on account of the high perpendicular walls of 
 earth on each side of the track. The enemy had an. 
 enfilading fire from a battery that could rake this 
 cut clear in a few minutes. Col. Bolton double- 
 quicked his regiment down the railroad to the other 
 side of the Petersburg road to another ravine on the 
 left, then across the ravine to a knoll, where they 
 entrenched themselves for the time being That 
 night he took the regiment to the top of the hill, 
 and threw up rifle-pits on the side facing the enemy. 
 The next morning the enemy, whose works were 
 now very close, seeing ours in their front, began a 
 vigorous fire of artillery and musketry, to try to 
 drive us out of it, but to no purpose. The men re 
 turned the fire, and kept possession of the hill till 
 night, when Colonel Bolton put the regiment to 
 strengthening the works ; but as soon as daylight 
 appeared the enemy again brought to bear on our 
 front another battery that they had got into position 
 during the night before. 
 
 The regiment now had a good as well as a strong 
 
566 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST EEGIMENT 
 
 position, but was subjected to an incessant fire from 
 the batteries in front and on its right, as well as from 
 the heavy line of infantry, which was kept up day 
 and night on them by the now desperate foe, who 
 had failed to make them fall back. Shells and case 
 shot or shrapnel were rained down on them, but the 
 regiment braved it all and still remained there, oc 
 cupying pits of their own construction far in advance 
 of any other part of the line ; but in a few days that 
 part on the extreme left and south of the 51st ad 
 vanced and took up a position connecting their line 
 with that of the 51st. The line now extended from 
 the Appomattox, on the right, to near the Yellow 
 Tavern on the Weldon railroad, on the left, a dis 
 tance of about eight miles south of the city. 
 
 The line on the right advanced across the Weldon 
 railroad to the last range of hills opposite to the 
 cemetery, of which the enemy s works were in front. 
 The whole force now was in between the railroad 
 and the city, excepting that part of the road which 
 curved short and led into the depot; but it was now 
 an unbroken line from the right to the left. The foe 
 was astounded at such audacity and daring, and at 
 once determined to force them back, if possible. 
 Assaults were made and met, but our ranks re 
 mained firm and resisted all attempts to be routed. 
 The enemy chagrined at his failure, then began 
 mounting heavy siege guns, columbiads and mor 
 tars, with one battery of cohorns to the right of the 
 Petersburg road, going towards the city. With these 
 he rained a continual shower of shot and shell both 
 day and night, with the view of expelling our troops 
 from their works, and to make them fall back. In 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 567 
 
 tliis lie was partly successful. They found the pits 
 too hot to remain in them, but did not fall back. 
 
 Our troops bravely determined to keep all the 
 ground they had gained, and instead of falling back 
 they charged on the enemy s line, meeting with a 
 repulse, but not a defeat. As they had reached the 
 same hill which the enemy occupied, they laid down 
 on their stomachs and within one hundred and fifty 
 yards of the enemy s fortifications. The part of the 
 line that the 51st occupied was within one hundred 
 and eighty yards of the enemy s, and as it lay on the 
 ground it began entrenching itself, each man with 
 the aid of his tin-cup, plate or spoon, scratching a 
 little soil together and piling it up in front of his 
 head and forming a crescent shaped shelter, that was 
 a slight protection to the head only ; but even this 
 was a dangerous piece of work, for the enemy poured 
 volleys of musketry into them incessantly, and 
 although they hugged the ground close, the elevating 
 of the elbow at times while scraping the dirt together 
 placed them in great peril of getting hit by the fly 
 ing missiles that filled the air. There were a great 
 many wounded in the 51st but none killed. The 
 regiment continued there all day and kept up a 
 sharp fire at times, as a resting spell from their 
 novel mode of entrenching themselves. After night 
 set in tools were obtained, and the ground thus 
 gained in the daytime was made secure after dark 
 by rude breastworks. The line to the left of the road 
 did not connect with that of the 51st, and a junction 
 was highly necessary and all important, but from 
 the nature of the ground it was impossible for a man 
 to make the attempt and live, either daytime or 
 night. The ground was very even from the creek 
 
568 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 in the ravine clear up to the enemy s works, but rose 
 in a gradual ascent along the road from the left of 
 the rear of the 51st up to the top of the hill, and 
 across this gentle ascent was where the lines did not 
 connect. The enemy s artillery and infantry had 
 full sweep along its entire breadth, which was about 
 two hundred yards wide. On the first night after 
 the 51st had erected breastworks on their part of 
 the line, two regiments were detailed to attempt the 
 connection, and the enemy knowing that such a 
 thing would be tried by our troops, kept up a con 
 stant fire with musketry and grape, from the ap 
 proach of dark until long after daylight, to prevent 
 the connection being made. In daytime it was 
 certain death for a man to raise his head up for an 
 instant above his earthworks. The two regiments 
 made the attempt to connect the lines, but did 
 not succeed in putting a pick in the ground, as it 
 was utterly impossible for either officers or men to 
 stand and live outside the pits. Although the night 
 was very dark, yet the first attempt proved a failure. 
 The next night another detail of men, who knew 
 nothing of the danger or of the appearance of the 
 ground, made the attempt, but in less than fifteen 
 minutes they left the place in disgust, cursing Burn- 
 side, Meade, Wilcox, and all the officers in general, 
 for sending them to do what they considered an 
 impossibility. They were willing to charge on any 
 fort along the line, but they would i( be d d if they 
 were going to stay out there all night as a target 
 for cannons and muskets, without having some show 
 for their lives." 
 
 Gen. Wilcox, who commanded the division to 
 which the 51st was attached, began to despair of 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEES. 569 
 
 getting the connection made, and telling Gen. Hart- 
 ranft of the ill success of the two former attempts, 
 General Hartranft replied, that he could get a regi 
 ment that would make the conjunction. Wilcox 
 requested him to do so. Gen. Hartranft at once de 
 tailed the 51st P. V. V. to do the work, and the 38th 
 Wisconsin to furnish the 51st with sand bags. Col. 
 Bolton received the order and at once determined 
 that the junction should be effected; and giving his 
 head that ominous shake, indicating " do it or die 
 trying," he detailed his brother Capt. J. K. Bolton 
 and Lieut. Gillilan to do the work. 
 
 Capt. Bolton took one-fourth of the detail and be 
 gan at one end ; Lieut. Gillilan took another fourth 
 and began at the other end ; The other half Capt. 
 Bolton placed in the centre to work each way. By 
 midnight enough was done to admit the colored 
 company to take possession ; and soon after the de 
 fence was completed. But the 38th Wisconsin left 
 them early in the evening and went back to their 
 camp. 
 
 Col. Bolton had to report to Gen. Wilcox every 
 hour, to apprise him how the work was progessing. 
 The report had to be made in writing, and that 
 being done in the dark, must have puzzled the gen 
 eral to have read it. 
 
 While Capt. Bolton and his detail were at the 
 work, the enemy kept up a severe fire from their 
 batteries, as well as from pickets and sharpshooters, 
 but the labor went on all the same, and just before 
 daybreak Capt. Bolton had the satisfaction to com 
 plete the connection of the two lines. He received 
 the congratulations of the officers of the stranger 
 regiments to whose line he had connected his own, 
 
 25* 
 
570 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 as well as those of his fellow officers. During the 
 time that the detail was at work, the remainder of 
 the 51st was keeping up a severe fire on the enemy 
 to silence them as much as possible. Now that the 
 lines were unbroken and the pits afforded tolerably 
 fair protection, the regiment lived altogether in the 
 works both day and night. 
 
 Each company had one or two men detailed to do 
 the cooking for their respective companies, which 
 was done about five hundred yards in the rear. 
 When the rations were cooked the cooks would 
 have a dangerous duty to perform, in running the 
 gauntlet, in carrying the food in camp-kettles out to 
 the line to the men. While discharging this duty, 
 they at once became the targets for all the sharp 
 shooters within whose vision they were. It was no 
 uncommon thing for a cook to get hit while being 
 thus exposed. 
 
 CIIAPTEK V. 
 
 A memorable shell Diversion by Gen. Lee Heavy assault 
 all along the lines Repulse of the rebels Narrow escape of 
 Gen. Hartranft Preparations for a grand assault Burnside s 
 mine Firing of the train Awful explosion and loss of life 
 Charge of the colored troops Failure of the supports to 
 come up Meade s jealousy of Burnside An important state 
 ment The reserve sent to the rear by Mead, during the 
 charge Repulse of our troops and heavy losses Death of 
 Lieut. Fillman Battle of Yellow Tavern. 
 
 COL. BOLTON now transferred his quarters to the 
 rear of the pits about five yards, where he fitted 
 them up quite comfortably. He h3ld his position 
 for several days, but as the enemy s shells were con 
 tinually dropping about that distance in the rear of 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 571 
 
 the line, and it being otherwise inconvenient, he 
 moved down to the foot of the hill and put up 
 his quarters within a couple of feet of the edge 
 of the deep creek which coursed along the west 
 side of the ravine. He had just fairly got estab 
 lished, when a good sized mortar shell fell with 
 out exploding into the water, only about a foot 
 from his feet, while he was standing at the front of 
 his quarters, making him think that he hadn t got 
 a much safer place than the one he left. The shell 
 falling in the water extinguished the fuse. The 
 colonel dug it out of the rnud and cleaned it, sent it 
 home, and has it now in his possession, handsomely 
 painted in black and gold, with the inscription 
 " Petersburg, July 13th, 1864," on it. 
 
 About the 5th of July, 1864, the enemy made an 
 attempt to draw Gen. Grant away from their front 
 by a foolish diversion on their part, pretending to 
 pay the North another visit in the shape of an in 
 vasion, but Gen. Grant " couldn t see it," and only 
 sent one division of the 6th Corps. Believing the 
 ruse had succeeded and that Grant s army was re 
 duced to a mere skeleton by it, they, on the 8th of 
 July, made a charge along the whole front. Our 
 troops kept quiet in their pits until the enemy got 
 midway of the two lines, when our army sprang to 
 their feet, and pouring volleys of musketry and ar 
 tillery into their ranks, sent them back reeling in 
 less time than it took them to get there, with a 
 tremendous heavy loss on their side. The loss on 
 our side was large, but not one-tenth of theirs. The 
 51st suffered none, although occupying the part of 
 the line nearest to them. Lieut. S. P. Stephens 
 made a narrow escape from the explosion of a shell. 
 
572 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-F1KST KEGIMENT 
 
 He had been out on a visit to the defences, and while 
 there a heavy mortar shell dropped close to his feet. 
 As it was entering the ground it exploded, covering 
 him with the dirt, as he threw himself down at the 
 instant the shell passed his head, thus, perhaps, sav 
 ing his life. While the fight was going on, Gen. 
 Hartranft, who had his stars put on only a day or 
 two before, was sitting in his quarters writing, when 
 a minie ball passed through, taking one of his 
 stars off his shoulder. The General thought that an 
 informal way of reducing his rank, and kept on 
 writing as if nothing had happened, or there was no 
 further danger. The undermining of the large fort 
 which was directly in front of the 51st, and was so 
 very annoying to the regiment, was in progress at 
 the time the enemy made their charge. Great care 
 had to be exercised to keep the assailants from 
 making the discovery of the work, but as they did 
 not get as far as expected, the secret was strictly 
 kept. The subterranean passage was through the 
 hill directly under the centre of the regiment. 
 
 Nothing of anything like interest among the sol 
 diers occurred until it became known among them 
 of the attempt of Burnside to blow up the rebel 
 fort. Only that party (the 48th P. V.Y., Col. Henry 
 Pleasants commanding) engaged in the mining and 
 the 51st were in the secret. Other regiments were 
 aware that something of the kind was going on, but 
 where, they could not tell, nor had they even sus 
 pected the place. As the time for applying the 
 match was drawing to a close, and fearing the rebels 
 had got the information, it was given out that the 
 thing was a failure; but, at the same time, the 48th 
 were working like beavers. A constant fire was 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 573 
 
 kept up along the entire front, and an occasional 
 charge made by a regiment or a brigade was the 
 daily and nightly duties of all the troops. The 51st 
 improved their pits by widening them and cutting 
 them straighter. At length the awful hour for the 
 explosion was named, which was at daybreak of the 
 next day, July 30th, 1864. 
 
 All night before, orderlies were to be seen riding 
 from one end of the line to the other, delivering 
 orders to the different commanders. The troops 
 began to move into positions ; regiments began 
 pouring into the ravine in the rear of the 51st s 
 pits, and closing en masse for the desperate on 
 slaught on their enemy who was lying asleep, 
 unconscious that a mine thirty feet beneath them, 
 containing tons of powder, was about being fired. 
 
 The colored troops were to charge first, and to be 
 supported by the white troops. If the explosion was 
 successful they were to charge on into the city, sup 
 ported by an ample reserve of white soldiers. About 
 midnight the 51st vacated the pits in the front, and 
 took the position assigned it in the rear of the colored 
 troops, who now were becoming impatient from so 
 long waiting for the word " forward." This being 
 the first chance that this body of colored troops had 
 had of showing whether they would fight or not, 
 they were actually eager for it. Everything was now 
 ready and in waiting for the approach of day ; with 
 straining eyes it was watched until the tinging gray 
 of morning was seen, when instantly the match was 
 applied. Hearts now were beating high with the 
 hope for a successful result, but after waiting one, two, 
 three, four, and even five minutes! for the explosion, 
 it still did not take place. Col. Pleasarits now be- 
 
574 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 came uneasy ; the fuse had surely gone out ; day was 
 fast approaching ; an investigation was made, and the 
 truth was evident the train had refused to ignite. 
 Soon an excavation was made by the men of the 48th, 
 and a new train and fuse relaid ; the match applied, 
 the sun was nearly up, when a rumbling, trembling 
 sensation was felt under the feet of our troops in the 
 vicinity of the ill-fated fort. At the same time a 
 dark grayish mass was seen ascending in the air to 
 an altitude of about fifty feet, where, at its fullest 
 height, it seemed to remain stationary for an instant, 
 then came down in an awful crash, creating a cloud 
 of dust that was some moments in settling. As the 
 fort was viewed in its ascent and descent, it plainly 
 showed the terrible havoc that had befell it. Head 
 less trunks, arms, legs, and all parts of the human 
 frame were there mingled with the pieces of broken 
 gun-carriages, guns, blankets, etc. After the settling 
 of the upheaved earth, the command to "forward" 
 was given to the colored troops, and, leaping over 
 our breastworks, they made one of the most splendid 
 charges that had been witnessed along that whole 
 front; through the crater, and far beyond it they went 
 on the double-quick, until they were r early to the 
 suburbs of the city. The white troops failed to be 
 thrown forward in time to complete the victory, and 
 it was turned into an unsuccessful attempt. Meade 
 accused Burnside of incompetency, and had done all 
 he could to discourage the work while in progress, 
 and only through a selfishness that was unworthy 
 of an officer of rank. Gen. Burnside could not show 
 himself along the line but what he was saluted with 
 cheers by all the troops. Gen. Meade could ride the 
 whole day among his men, they scarcely deigning 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 575 
 
 to notice him. Hence the popularity of Burnsicle 
 was galling to Meade s jealous heart, and he desired 
 to see Burnside put down. 
 
 In the rear, about half a mile, was a Gen. (Smith or 
 White) with a large body of troops, closed en masse, 
 and on the reserve. There were several thousand 
 of them, and I, as Gen. Meade s accuser, and holding 
 myself responsible for the accusation, know of him 
 riding up to this Gen. White or Smith, and telling 
 him in an unofficial manner, " General, I guess 
 you might as well take your men back to camp," 
 and then rode off toward Burnside s headquarters. 
 This was done while the colored troops were still on 
 the charge, and needed all their support and reserves 
 to come up, which, if it had have been done, Peters 
 burg must and would have fallen, in spite of every 
 resistance the rebels could offer, on that 30th of July. 
 After the colored troops had almost reached the 
 city, and the white troops failing to support them at 
 the proper time, the enemy, who had been thrown 
 into confusion by the suddenness of the explosion, 
 now gathered their scattered senses and forces, and 
 turned all their guns on them that they could bring 
 to bear. They were being repulsed by the terrible 
 discharges of grape and canister from the enemy, 
 when the white troops began to move forward to 
 their assistance, but their colored comrades were 
 retreating in full force. Gen. Hartranft s division 
 succeeded in gaining the inside of the enemy s 
 works, but the colored troops were too panic-stricken 
 to be rallied again, and the few white troops could 
 not hold the works alone, and were ordered by Gen. 
 Hartranft back to their own line. Gen. Hartranft 
 had taken up his position in the crater or mine, and 
 
576 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 was in a very tight place. He and his orderlies 
 could not get out to reach the rear. The enemy s 
 attention being now turned to him and his orderlies, 
 they began to pour their musketry into them. Two 
 of his orderlies were killed, and the third and last 
 one escaped with the general, who was more willing 
 to risk getting shot than to being captured. 
 
 An extract from a private letter gives a pretty 
 correct account of it. It was written at noon on or 
 near the scene, and runs thus : 
 
 IN FRONT OF PETERSBURG, 
 
 July 30 M, Noon. 
 
 As there was one of the most desperate battles fought here 
 this morning that has occurred during- this campaign, I must 
 write to let you know that I am safe 
 
 This morning as day was breaking we were aroused by the 
 heavy quaking of the earth and the terrible cannonading. 
 The former was produced by the blowing up of the rebel forti 
 fications in front of the 51st P. V. V., (Gen. HartranfVs old 
 regiment, I believe, and I think now commanded by Col. Win. 
 Bolton from the same place that Hartranft is,) and the latter 
 bjf our artillery taking the advantage of the panic caused 
 among the rebels by the awful explosion of our mines. We 
 have taken a great many prisoners, and our loss is very heavy, 
 but not near so heavy as the rebels, for they lost about 1,200 
 men, 300 of whom were buried alive in the debris of the large 
 fort. Some of the boys who were in the mine say that the 
 heads, legs and arms, are to be seen sticking up out of the 
 ground in all parts of it. There was one division of colored 
 troops in front of our division, who made the charge, driving 
 the rebels out of their works ; then the rebels rallied and charged 
 in return on the negroes, the darkies broke and ran like scared 
 sheep. The rebs reoccupied the works out of which the darkies 
 drove them. They also tried to drive the white soldiers from 
 ours ; but the rebs soon found the whites were made of sterner 
 stuff. 
 
 Col. Bolton got mortally wounded this morning. Just this 
 minute the whole of our line of artillery has opened on the 
 rebs. My head actually aches with the infernal constant 
 racket that the musketry and 850 cannon keep up. Just im 
 agine, when each gun can be fired five times a minute, making 
 about 1,750 shots a minute, add the report of l,7f shells explod 
 ing in the air, some of them weighing 200 pounds all this is 
 independent of the firing of the rebels artillery and then you 
 can judge why my head aches. Our regiment was not engaged. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 577 
 
 After the whole of our troops had retired to their 
 own lines, the killed and wounded were principally 
 left in the hands of the enemy. A great many fell be 
 tween the two lines these were secured after night 
 by men crawling quietly out of the pits and sneaking 
 on their stomachs until they could find a body, when 
 it would be brought in. 
 
 About 11 A. M. of the 30th July the 51st had 
 taken its old position in the works. The enemy 
 still kept up a terrific fire and threw a great quan 
 tity of mortar shells, all of which were loaded to their 
 fullest capacity with iron balls of about the calibre 
 of the Harper s ferry muskets. One of these shells 
 exploded when about one hundred yards from the 
 earth ; the balls flew in all directions, one of which 
 struck Col. Bolton in the cheek, and passing down his 
 neck buried itself beneath the shoulder blade, where 
 it still remains at this day. The ball struck him pre 
 cisely in the same spot that he was wounded in by 
 a minie ball at Antietam. He was carried off the 
 field for dead, and was taken to the hospital to be 
 attended to, and the surgeons Shurlock and Rine- 
 holdt had no hope of him, still they would try their 
 best to save him, and did ; but for a long time his 
 life hung by a slender thread. The same explosion 
 caused the death of Lieut Allan H. Fillman of Co. 
 F, the ball penetrating his brain, killing him in 
 stantly. He was brought out of the pits and taken 
 to the rear, and his body sent home. His loss was 
 deeply felt by all who knew him. 
 
 He had only received his commission two days 
 before, which promoted him from commissary ser 
 geant of the regiment, and was mustered in only 
 the evening before his death. He immediately went 
 
578 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 out to the front, it might be said to meet a sudden 
 death. Some of his friends advised him not to go 
 out to his company until the next day, but he paid 
 no attention to the advice and perished. 
 
 The command of the 51st devolved on Maj. Lane 
 S. Hart, late Captain of Co. F, on account of Col. 
 Bolton s absence, wounded. Maj. Hart, like Col. 
 Bolton, was a fighting man, and his vigilance on the 
 line showed him to be no coward. A few days after 
 assuming command, on the 5th of August, the enemy 
 in retaliation for the fort which Burnside destroyed 
 for them, fired a fuse and blew up an abandoned 
 fort on the extreme left of our line, on a Friday 
 afternoon, but doing no damage as the troops had 
 moved out of it the evening before. The enemy 
 had made great preparations for an assault along 
 the whole line, but as the fort went up they were 
 chagrined to find it empty. Their preparations for 
 a charge were well known to our lines, therefore 
 Maj. Hart remained in the pits until it was ascer 
 tained no charge on his part of the line was likely 
 to take place. The enemy kept up a constant shell 
 ing and a fire of musketry day and night ; the 51st 
 returned the musketry with equal vigor. 
 
 About the first of the month (August) Lieut. 
 Wm. W. Owens, of Co. F, returned to the regiment 
 from home, where he had been on account of the 
 wound received in May, at the battle of the Wilder 
 ness, and reported for duty, but he only remained 
 with the regiment two weeks; his wounds were un- 
 healed, and the surgeons would not let him stay, 
 therefore they sent him back again on the 13th. 
 
 The day that Gen. J. G. Farke assumed command 
 of the 9th Corps, the regiment was relieved on the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 579 
 
 line and moved back to the rear near Burnside s 
 headquarters, where it went into camp to get a little 
 rest. The baggage was all brought up from City 
 Point and left in camp until the regiment should 
 go to the front again. The officers were disap 
 pointed when they received their baggage, as it was 
 in a most deplorable condition. The boat on which 
 it had been stored for safe keeping, sprung a leak 
 and sunk at the wharf in about ten feet of water. 
 The trunks and valises were got out as soon as pos 
 sible, but not until the books and papers were all 
 totally ruined, occasioning great inconvenience to 
 all. The regimental books, as well as the company 
 books, had all to be replaced, but some very valua 
 ble regimental papers were so totally defaced as to 
 be impossible to decipher them so as to be copied. 
 
 The regiment, after spending a week or so in 
 camp, went out again to their old works. The shell 
 ing and firing was as severe as before, and a man 
 had to move about very cautiously, for the enemy 
 had erected a new fort in a woods in front of the 
 right of the 1st brigade. This placed them under 
 a crossfire from the rebels. The regiment staid here 
 until the night of the 18th, when it departed and 
 marched to the left, halting about 7 A. M. on the 
 19th at the YelloW Tavern, or near it, on the Wei- 
 don railroad, where it drew three days rations, part 
 of which were salt fish (mackerel). While in the 
 act of drawing the rations, the enemy attacked them 
 in heavy force, and a terrible battle ensued till 
 dark, when they fell back, with a tremendous loss 
 in killed, wounded, and prisoners. The entire 3d 
 Division of the 9th Army Corps, and a division of 
 the 2d Corps, bore the whole brunt of the battle. 
 
580 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 The loss in the 51st was very heavy. In the "heat 
 of battle, Major Hart rode into it on his celebrated 
 horse " Gimlet," but finding him too troublesome to 
 manage he jumped off, turned his horse loose, and 
 commanded the regiment on foot. The enemy ad 
 vanced through a dense woods. The 51st occupied 
 a clear field to the right of the Yellow Tavern, and 
 after Maj. Hart took it afoot they charged on the 
 foe in fine style and drove them far into the woods. 
 Our artillery could get no position, and was conse 
 quently useless. The rebel s artillery commanded 
 the entire line. Their grape did serious execution. 
 One struck Maj. Hart just below the hip, and 
 passed through both thighs. He fell, and it was 
 thought he must die. But he received immediate 
 attention and got well, but will be a cripple the re 
 mainder of his life. 
 
 The major s horse was found two days afterwards, 
 and was returned to the groom by Gen. Peter Lyle, 
 who had captured him during the battle. 
 
 As soon as Major Hart fell, Capt. Joseph K. Bol- 
 ton, of Co. A, immediately assumed command as 
 senior officer of the regiment. The wounded were 
 directly removed to the rear, and those who were 
 able to help themselves went without assistance, 
 among whom was Lieut. J. P. Brooke, Co. F, Sergt. 
 Jno. W. Fair, Co. C, Howard E. Gordon, Thos. Kine- 
 hart, Co. I, and a great many others.* 
 
 * The following are the casualties at the Yellow Tavern, as 
 correct as could be obtained at the time : 
 
 Field and Staff. Wounded Maj. L. S. Hart, severely. 
 
 Co. A. Wounded Corp. John S. Jones. 
 
 Co. B. Captured Private Lewis Group. 
 
 Co. C. Wounded Sergt. Jno. W. Fair. 
 
 Co. E. Killed Corp. George W. Arnaud, Alfred Meckley. 
 
 Co. F. Wounded Capt. Jacob P. Brooke. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 581 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Renewal of the battle Splendid Union victory Ream s station 
 Return to Yellow Tavern Fort building Rebel assault re 
 pulsed Grant s railroad Capture of rebel pickets Politics 
 in camp Fight among the officers "Smoked Yankees" 
 Election in the field Disciplining Sheridan s victory 
 Thanksgiving turkeys Fort Morton A hot place A model 
 fort-builder " Bob s " bogus dinner. 
 
 THE 51st sent out pickets, was attacked in the 
 night, then lay on their arms till morning, and then 
 was attacked again. Monday the 21st, at daybreak, 
 the enemy made the attack with a much heavier 
 force than of the day before. They made three 
 charges the first and last was very desperate. The 
 combatants all got mixed up in the woods, and it 
 was no uncommon thing for a rebel to capture a 
 Yankee, and, as he was taking him to the rear, to 
 pass a Yankee with a captured rebel. 
 
 Bach charge was bravely repulsed, but in one the 
 2d Division of the 2d Corps was very near being 
 taken, as the enemy had got in their rear, and cut 
 them oft ; but the 3d Division, 9th Corps, attacked 
 the rebels, capturing a great many, and driving the 
 others back. 
 
 Among the rebel prisoners was Major-General 
 Fitzhugh Lee. 
 
 Their loss was, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, 
 from 8,000 to 10,000, all of which fell into our 
 
 Co. G. Wounded Lieut. C. B. Stoneroad. Captured 
 Thos. Arbuckle. 
 
 Co. H. Wounded II. J. Lingcrman. 
 
 Co. I. Wounded Howard E. Gordon, Thos. Rinehart. 
 
 Co. K. Killed William Foster, Christian Sheeks. Wound 
 ed Wm. Poust, Ed. Richards. 
 
HISTORY OF TTTE FIFTY-FTRST REGIMENT 
 
 hancU. Our loss altogether was about 500 in killed, 
 wounded, and missing.* 
 
 We lay here in line of battle all the next day 
 (22d) and that night. The next morning we moved 
 back about two hundred yards, built a fortification, 
 and at night sent out pickets. We remained at this 
 fort until 3 p. M. of the 25th, when orders were 
 issued to pack up and be ready to move in fifteen 
 minutes. At the time appointed the regiment 
 started to the relief of Hancock s corps at Ream s 
 station, on the Weldon railroad, about ten miles to 
 the left of the point from which it had started. We 
 arrived on the battle-field at dark, and found Han 
 cock s corps retreating, with the loss of their artil 
 lery. The 51st returned on the Jerusalem plank 
 road, until it got opposite to the Yellow Tavern, but 
 about two miles from it, and halted at 4 A. M. of the 
 26th, put out pickets, and, after taking a short sleep, 
 it again went back to its old quarters at the Yellow 
 Tavern, where it arrived at 8 A. M., and remained 
 there until the 31st at 4 A. M., when it proceeded 
 several miles further to the left into a perfect pine 
 wilderness, about three miles beyond Fort Hays. 
 
 * The list of casualties in the 51st P. V. V. is not full, but 
 such as it is we give it. 
 
 Co. A. Wounded Sergt. Washington Smith. Captured 
 Sergt. Benjamin P. Thompson, Corp. John A. Jordan, Private 
 Henry Me Lain, Private Win. Harff. 
 
 Co. B. Captured Private Jonathan Brooke. 
 
 Co. C. None. 
 
 Co. D. Captured Win. McManemee. 
 
 Co. E. Captured Isaac Dolby. 
 
 Co. F. None. 
 
 Co. G. Killed Christian Sheets. 
 
 Co. H. Captured Peter Smith. 
 
 Co. I. None. 
 
 Co. K. Captured Frank F. Duck, Alfred Kuntz, Solomon 
 Reish, Alfred Yohl. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 583 
 
 After putting out pickets, orders were received to 
 fell trees and use them for breastworks. Plere for 
 several days the regiment labored hard, and had 
 built a most substantial work about five feet high 
 and four hundred yards long, all out of the tall pine 
 trees that were felled ; but just as it was finished, an 
 order came in for us to move a short distance to the 
 right, and to occupy a line of unfinished works of 
 the colored troops. This was a most dismal place 
 to be in, the ground being very level and low ; it 
 partook somewhat of the nature of a huge swamp, 
 only the bottom was hard, the water several inches 
 deep in places, and the timber of gigantic size, 
 thickly undergrown with briars and bushes of all 
 kinds. Here the 51st re-commenced and finished 
 the works that had been left by the colored troops. 
 After getting it done, the complaints from the men 
 about the water caused a removal. Captain Bolton 
 advanced the regiment a short distance to the right 
 and front; here the ground w r as something better, 
 and a new work, with a large fort, was erected, and 
 the men, although closer to the enemy, were much 
 better satisfied. They would sooner be exposed to 
 their foe s shot, than to stand in water, but it took a 
 strong picket line to keep the position. 
 
 The regiment lay here for several days, then was 
 moved further to the right, and about half a mile to 
 the left of Fort Hayes, and began erecting new 
 works on the 2d September. While at this place 
 Captain B. B. Moore, of the 138th P. V., was as 
 signed as quartermaster of the 1st Brigade, 3d Di 
 vision, 9th Corps. This was a beneficial change for 
 the brigade, and especially for the 51st P. V. "V., for 
 the butchers of the brigade had been allowed, by the 
 
584 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMEXT 
 
 former quartermaster, to retain for their own profit 
 all the fat, hearts, and liver of the beeves killed Cor 
 the use of the brigade, for which they charged the 
 men from 50 cents to $1 for a heart, and from 
 $1.50 to $2.50 for a liver; but now it was different; 
 these butchers were enlisted privates, who sought to 
 be detailed on that duty, to keep from being sent 
 out to the pits. Captain Moore determined that they 
 should not charge true soldiers such high prices. 
 Twenty-five cents for a heart, and fifty cents for- a 
 liver, and nothing for the fat, was the scale of prices 
 issued under him ; and if any of the butchers were 
 not satisfied with such prices, they could return to 
 their respective regiments and carry their muskets. 
 But had he told them that they might kill cattle for 
 one-half the pay they were getting as privates, or 
 carry the gun, they would have taken the half pay 
 and staid in the rear. Fresh beef, potatoes, salt fish, 
 cod and mackerel, onions, cabbage, &c., with full 
 rations of whiskey, were issued at this place, and the 
 men lived in comfort, having clean quarters, plenty 
 of good water, in wells that were dug in each com 
 pany s street, very little fighting to do, only out on 
 the picket line, but plenty of policing and wood- 
 chopping duty. 
 
 About 3 o clock in the morning of the 10th Sep 
 tember, the enemy attacked the right of our brigade, 
 and the fight lasted till 8 A. M., at which time the 
 aggressors were charged on and driven into their 
 
 oo o 
 
 own works and out of them, our men taking posses 
 sion of their skirmish line pits. 
 
 On the 9th September Grant s City Point railroad 
 was completed to the left, where the 51st lay. This 
 railroad was a novelty in itself; no grading of any 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 585 
 
 account, the tics temporarily laid, the rails as tem 
 porarily put on them, and the track waving up and 
 down hill from the right to the left. Heavy trains 
 of ammunition and supplies would pass over the 
 track ; and when on the top of a grade or hill, a full 
 head of steam would be put on, giving the train suf 
 ficient speed and momentum to drive it up the next 
 hill opposite ; if it did not succeed, the train would 
 back down to the hollow and take a fresh start, and, 
 with the aid of the troops pushing, it would be got 
 over the ascent; but this didn t happen often, the 
 engineers knowing the draught of their train, and 
 what amount of steam was necessary, were pretty 
 successful. The engine and cars were Uncle Sam s, 
 and if they smashed up a few why he could afford 
 it. This railroad was a great benefit to the army. 
 If a small body of troops were wanted in a " hurry " 
 at any part of the line, they were put on the cars, 
 and in a few minutes could be at the point where 
 wanted; also saving the poor mules from dragging 
 heavy loads through mud from City Point to the left. 
 About 2 o clock A. M. of the 10th September the 
 troops in Fort Hays, and on the right of the 51st, 
 captured a large number of rebel pickets, who were 
 trying to get in the rear of ours. 
 
 The time of a number of the men of the 51st who 
 did not re enlist expiring on the 12th September, they 
 were discharged and on the following day left for 
 home, among them were George Brash of Co. C., 
 and Chas. Rodenbaugh. 
 
 On the 12th, orders were received changing the 
 troops in the 9th Corps, and transferring regiments 
 
 to other brigades and divisions. The 1st brigade of 
 
 20 
 
586 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 the 3d division, in which was the 51st, was trans 
 ferred as 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 9th Corps. 
 
 An attack was expected from the enemy on the 
 left of the 51st, and they had been watched closely 
 for more than a week ; on the 17th they drove in 
 our pickets, bat in tarn were driven back, only one 
 man slightly wounded in the 51st. 
 
 On the night of the 21st, the pickets in front of 
 the 51st opened a constant and rapid fire on the 
 enemy. The regiment roused up, fell in line of 
 battle and awaited further orders until daylight, 
 when it stacked arms in the works and got breakfast. 
 
 Politics now began to attract the attention of the 
 51st more than did the enemy, as the presidential 
 election was drawing nigh. The " loyal " element 
 in the regiment was far in the majority, those ad 
 vocated the re-election of Abraham Lincoln, and 
 nearly all the veterans were his advocates, in fact there 
 were but five enlisted men, veterans, who were of 
 the u disloyal" or "peace at any price party" and 
 advocated McClellan s cause. Only one of the com 
 missioned officers who were present was a McClellan 
 man, and he intended to quit the service as soon as 
 his term expired, which would be in a few weeks. 
 Although he felt that his presence in the regiment 
 was disagreeable, yet such was not the case. He 
 was an estimable gentleman, a good soldier, brave 
 and generous, and as such commanded the respect 
 of his superior officers. But being very young, and 
 having too little prudence in the matter, he allowed 
 himself to be drawn into political arguments on 
 every occasion offered, always getting the worst of 
 it ; he felt that he was alone, not respected, and dis 
 liked, when in fact there was but one in the whole 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 587 
 
 regiment that ever bore him any malice, and that 
 was a young lieutenant of the same rank, who only 
 disrelished his politics, which repugnance ended in a 
 few weeks after, on the day of the election, in a fight 
 which will be referred to in its proper place. 
 
 Several letters from the regiment written by dif 
 ferent correspondents appeared in different papers at 
 home about this time. One of them gave offence to 
 a few of the McClellan party in the town in which the 
 communications were published. They tried to find 
 out the author Cains Claudius," and sent a number 
 of letters to the 51st for that purpose, at the same 
 time endeavoring to fill their friends with enmity 
 against that writer, in which they succeeded. Sev 
 eral visited Lieut. Stephens s quarters, thinking that 
 he either wrote the obnoxious epistle or that he 
 knew who did. The lieutenant, although he knew 
 the author, who happened at that very time to be in 
 his tent, claimed to be the originator by saying to 
 them, " Why, if I did write it, ain t it true to the very 
 last letter?" They now were puzzled and replied, 
 d d if we believe you wrote it, but we will find out 
 who did, and God help him if we do." The lieutenant 
 then asked them the objection to it; they stated that 
 their friends at home told them in a letter, that the 
 author had stated that " all the copperheads in the 
 regiment and the army were bummers, shysters, 
 stragglers and deserters. Lieut. Stephens replied, 
 " W hoever sent you any such word are infernal liars, 
 for I saw the letter myself before it was sent off, and 
 it did not contain any such a sentiment," and further 
 told them he would get a cop} of the paper and see 
 if such was the case. They then visited the com 
 missary sergeant (Parker) the next day, and asked 
 
588 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 him if he was the author of the letter of a certain 
 date, over the signature of " Caius Claudius ;" they 
 were asked " Why?" they said he had written that 
 all the copperheads were bummers, &c , and they 
 were determined to find out who the author was 
 and make him retract the letter, or take a " licking," 
 but while this was going on in the sergeant s tent, 
 W. P. Schall brought the mail in, and the subject 
 was dropped until the mail was distributed. A 
 paper containing the letter in dispute was sent to 
 the sergeant and the obnoxious part was read, but 
 with an entirely different meaning, for the sentence 
 read "that all the bummers, shysters and deserters 
 were copperheads," and not that " all the copperheads 
 were bummers, &c." The difference mollified them 
 to a great extent, but was not altogether satisfactory ; 
 but they never said any more about it, only in a 
 casual conversation among the men, for they began 
 to enumerate the different cases and they found that 
 nearly if not all the deserters were of their party. 
 But the letter had caused such an excitement among 
 the few "peace democrats," that it had an injurious 
 effect on those who were lukewarm by turning them 
 into McClellanites, and the half dozen or so demo 
 crats in the regiment found their ranks swelled to a 
 dozen or fifteen. 
 
 The regiment remained here until Sunday, the 25th 
 of September, 1864, when it moved about hall a 
 mile to the right and garrisoned Fort Alexander 
 Hays; while here it was relieved from picket duty, 
 which was done in front of the fort by colored troops 
 only. The second day of the regiment s stay here 
 twenty -one deserters from the enemy came into our 
 lines. Shortly after the enemy charged on the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 589 
 
 colored pickets and drove them in, wounding a 
 great many ; when they rallied and in turn drove 
 the enemy back to their own line, and then took up 
 their old position. 
 
 The enemy now having fully discovered that the 
 " smoked Yankees " were on duty in their front, they 
 sought to annoy and harass them as much as possi 
 ble. Therefore every two or three hours they 
 would "kick up a muss" with their sable enemies 
 and compel the 51st P. V. V. and the 79th N. Y. 
 Highlanders to jump to their guns, which were all 
 the time kept " stacked " in line in the works of the 
 fort. 
 
 At night they were very troublesome, causing the 
 two regiments to jump up out of a sound sleep per 
 haps three to five times every night. Sometimes 
 the " smoked Yankees " and the " Johnnies" would 
 "kick up a muss" that would draw the whole line 
 into it for several miles in extent. The shelling 
 would be kept up by both sides. An extract from 
 a private letter gives a slight idea of the annoyance, 
 viz. : 
 
 "Our regiment and the 79th K Y. Highlanders are holding 
 and doing garrison duty at Fort Hays. The colored troops do 
 the picketing, and about every two or three hours the smoked 
 Yankees, as the secesh call them, and the rebels get at it, and 
 start a fight along the line for seven or eight miles, and both 
 parties bring all their guns and mortars into action, and it 
 beats the devil to see the shells at night flying and singing 
 through the air. It is a magnificent sight to look at, but some 
 come too close then they are not so magnificent ! My prin 
 cipal objection is that a fellow has to get up so often through 
 the night, out of a sound sleep, to run into the breastworks for 
 safety. We have sixty-five thousand rounds of ammunition 
 and six days rations stored away in the magazine in case we 
 get besieged. There are no troops of any account near us that 
 could give us any support. They have all gone far off on the 
 left, towards the Southside railroad, where they have been 
 fighting for two days and nights, but with what success I can t 
 say. We heard last night that the 51st N. Y. and the 45th P. 
 
590 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 V. V. were captured, but how true it is I can t tell. The rebs 
 have a very strong force now in our front here. They have a 
 very large fort directly opposite ours." 
 
 On the 1st October, 1864, Col. Wm. J. Bolton and 
 Lieuts. Owen and Coulston arrived here from their 
 homes, having recovered from their wounds to a 
 certain extent. 
 
 On the 4th, about 9 P. M., word went along the 
 whole line that Richmond had " gone up," and, as 
 the news spread, cheers resounded with a will, but 
 the 51st had been " sold" once before on it, as they 
 were coming down the Neuse river on the trans 
 ports, to join McClellan at the seven days fight; 
 consequently not a man "could see it," and had no 
 cheer to give. It must be stated here that while the 
 51st was at Fort Hays, it was an "independent com 
 mand," being cut loose from the brigade when the 
 troops went off to the Southside railroad. On< Satur 
 day, Oct. 8th, the regiment moved to the left, and 
 rejoined the brigade of Gen. Hartranft, near the 
 l< Peeble s Farm," not far from Hatcher s run. The 
 Election Commissioner, Mr. Samuel Jamison, arrived 
 on the 9th at the regiment, and Gen. Hartranft ex 
 tended the hospitalities of his tent to him. On Oct. 
 llth, Lieut. S. P. Stephens was detailed from the 
 regiment as quartermaster of the Artillery Brigade 
 of the 9th Corps, and left the regiment for his new 
 position on the next day. Col. Bolton then ap 
 pointed Lieut. Wm. F. Thomas to fill the temporary 
 vacancy of regimental quartermaster. Lieut. Geo. 
 H. Smith, Co. C. ; was detailed, while lying here, to 
 act as adjutant of the regiment, during the temporary 
 absence of Lieut. J. P. Brooks, who now was com 
 missioned captain Co. F, and had been home on a 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 591 
 
 leave of absence, but returned to the regiment, Oct. 
 15th, fully recovered from his wound. On the 14th 
 of October a man belonging to the 8th Michigan, 
 and who cooked for Gen. Hartranft s orderlies, was 
 detected in abstracting letters containing money 
 from the brigade mail bag, and when closely ques 
 tioned he confessed to have been doing so every day 
 for two weeks before, and that he had sent home 
 $800, besides $200 found on him at the time. The 
 regiment had been paid off on the 8th, and no doubt 
 the villain had got a considerable sum from our boys. 
 On the 15th an order was received from army head 
 quarters granting furloughs from ten to fifteen days, 
 to two men at a time from each company. On the 
 llth October the election took place for State officers, 
 resulting in a Union majority of eighty-three in the 
 regiment. As it is generally believed that the elec 
 tion in the army was influenced by threats, &c., 
 against those who wished to vote the Democratic 
 ticket, no one, no matter who, can say in truth that 
 the election in the 51st was influenced in any way 
 through the interference of Col. Bolton or his officers, 
 but on the contrary every man was persuaded by 
 Col. Bolton to go and vote just as he pleased. Lieut. 
 Geo. Schall, of Co. I, was appointed judge of the elec 
 tion, who, as all his acquaintances know, was a rank 
 Democrat. After the election was over, Lieut. Geo. 
 H. Smith, acting adjutant, accused Schall of being 
 partial towards certain voters. A quarrel ensued, 
 resulting in the "lie " being given by Lieut. Smith, 
 when Schall struck him in the face, and they grasped 
 and took it rough and tumble," in front of the ad 
 jutant s tent, and finally ended in the adjutant s 
 office, by the upsetting of Com.-Sergt. Parker, who 
 
592 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 \vas sitting in there filling out a requisition for 
 rations; the desk, table, trunks, valises, &c., with 
 the "special orders" were scattered around quite 
 freely. As the combatants were not equal in size, 
 the smaller one made up in " spunk " and agility, and 
 it became a drawn battle, when they both retired to 
 the inside of their "ditches" to make up their list of 
 casualties in killed, wounded, and missing, which 
 was very light, considering that the two antagonists 
 had brought into action all their forces. The result 
 was, one man had received a slight wound from a 
 11 hand-grenade " on the side of his face, as if there 
 had been a nail in it. The loss on the other side 
 was an internal wound in the rear of the nasal organ, 
 producing hemorrhage from that appendage to the 
 extent of nearly a teaspoonful. Why it was that 
 Col. Bolton never recognized this battle and re 
 ported it to Gren. Park", that a "special order" 
 might have been issued, for the regiment to inscribe 
 it on its battle-flag, is for the colonel to answer. 
 
 An incident of another character occurred while 
 lying near the Feeble house. Some of the com 
 pany cooks made a fire in the woods for the purpose 
 of cooking rations. After it had been burning some 
 time, a rebel shell, that had buried itself two or 
 three inches in the ground before the fire was made, 
 exploded, while seven men were sitting around it, 
 cleaning everything out. Not a spark of fire was 
 left, and, strange to say, not a man was in the least 
 harmed. 
 
 On the 17th the regiment moved a little further 
 to the right, near "Davis s house," where was insti 
 tuted Col. Bolton s "special staff," which not a few 
 will remember, particularly those who dug out the 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 593 
 
 most stumps and were the most frequent on his 
 "staff," besides the more conspicuous, who paraded 
 the parapets of the works with a small log on their 
 shoulder, for misconduct. Some for "shysting out 
 of a fight/ some for stealing, some for deserting, &c. 
 While at this camp a deserter was shot, who for 
 merly had belonged to the 2d Maryland, on Friday, 
 Oct. 21st. His crime was deserting and joining the 
 enemy s ranks. He was captured in a fight, with 
 his gun in his hands, fighting against the Union 
 army, tried by a court-martial and sentenced to be 
 shot. The place of execution was a few yards in 
 the rear of the 51st s camp. 
 
 On Oct. 22d, Saturday, these men were drummed 
 around the inside of a hollow square, formed by the 
 9th Corps, with large placards on their backs, spe 
 cifying their crimes. Two read, * I deserted in front 
 of the enemy during a fight, and skulked to the 
 rear." The other was, " I arn a coward, and have 
 been absent without leave." 
 
 At 9 o clock p. M., 22d October, a despatch was 
 received, informing the line of Sheridan s complete 
 victory over Early and Longstreet, in Shenandoah 
 Valley. The cheers began at City Point and went 
 along the whole line, a distance of sixteen miles, in 
 less than half an hour. Such cheering was never 
 heard. The rebels in our front began to cheer for 
 Me Clel .an, then our pickets took it up and cheered 
 for Lincoln, and all the bands played until midnight. 
 The enemy began shelling, to add interest to the 
 occasion, then our batteries, to increase the din and 
 noise, opened on the enemy, and a noisier night 
 was seldom heard on that line. 
 
 On October the 22d ninety-two recruits arrived 
 20* 
 
594 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 for the regiment. They were principally from Wayne 
 county, Pa. The most of them were drafted men. 
 Only a few were substitutes, whom the veterans 
 facetiously termed "subs;" and on the 24th about 
 two hundred and eight more arrived. 
 
 On the 27th the regiment (only the vets.) went out 
 to Hatcher s run on a reconnoissance in force," as 
 it was called, but it turned out to be a three days 
 fight, in which the 51st suffered severely in wounded 
 among whom were George S. Casselberry and John 
 Camden, of Co. F., who each lost a leg. 
 
 While the veterans were doing up these three 
 days fighting, the quarters of the regiment, and also 
 the property of the same, were removed back to 
 their old camp in the woods at the Feeble house, for 
 the purpose of drilling the "green recruits," who 
 certainly were "green" enough. 
 
 On the 30th the veterans returned from "their rc- 
 connoissance in force," and went into camp along 
 with the recruits, drilling now constantly and long 
 at a time. 
 
 On the 26th November, 1864, the regiment re 
 ceived quite a treat from the citizens of New York, 
 in the shape of what was to have been our Thanks 
 giving dinner, but though delayed two days, it was 
 none the less acceptable. It was a complete feast, 
 and more than could be eaten in two clays, consist 
 ing of roast turkeys, beef a la mode, apples, onions, 
 potatoes, smoking and chewing tobacco, mince pies, 
 full of brandy, and cakes. A nice little incident 
 occurred, and a very agreeable one to the lucky per 
 sons. One barrel of the turkeys was largely contrib 
 uted to by a Miss Louisa Dietz, of No. 132 William 
 street, New York, and five of the turkeys that she 
 
OP PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 595 
 
 contributed were issued, one to Col. Bolton, one to 
 Capt. Bolton, one to Capt. J. P. Brooke, and the 
 other one to Lieut. George H. Smith. Lieut. Smith, 
 whose supper was soon ready, after carving his " ra 
 tion " of turkey off the outside, attempted to force 
 his knife through the bones to get at the stuffing, 
 but it wouldn t go through on account of a hard 
 substance inside. Investigating the cause, he found 
 a bottle of the best pale brandy very ingeniously 
 stuffed into the turkey, and carefully moulded over 
 with splendid bread stuffing. 
 
 An extract from a private letter of an officer of 
 the regiment gives a better description than can the 
 writer of this work, viz. : 
 
 " * * * * Five very large turkeys, each with one bot 
 tle of the best pale brandy in them, which was very ingeniouly 
 put inside of the turkeys, and then all indications of a bottle 
 being in them were carefully concealed from view by filling 
 up the cavities with splendid bread stuffing, and tying the ends 
 of the legs on one side of the neck of the bottle, and the tail on 
 the other side, and carefully plastering all places up with 
 stuffing. This gave them the appearance of a very full stuffed 
 turkey. Now I must tell you who were the lucky ones that 
 got them, and it was all by chance, for when they were all 
 given out, no one dreamt of any such a thing as liquor being 
 in them. So last night Lieut. Smith, our adjutant, went to 
 cut up his turkey for supper, and had got the outside of it cut 
 off, when he tried to cut the turkey into halves, but his knife 
 would not go straight through, on accocnt of some hard 
 obstacle. He began then to investigate the cause by removing 
 the stuffing, when the first thing that greeted his eyes was a 
 bottle of brandy stuck in. So this morning I looked at mine, 
 and there was one sure enough. I called the colonel in and 
 treated him, and he said he must look after his, and sure 
 enough there was one in his, and one in Capt. Bolton s, then 
 Capt. Brooke thought it time for him to look, and he also 
 found one. It afforded considerable amusement for a time at 
 Miss Dietz s expense." 
 
 On the 29th November the 51st struck tents and 
 moved to the right. It arrived at Fort Morton, op 
 posite the crater, on the morning of the 30th, where 
 
596 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 it took up its quarters in bomb-proofs. A great 
 change had been made in the works while the regi 
 ment was on the left. Traverses had been dug from 
 the fort out to the ravine, near the picket line. At 
 night a detail of one hundred and eight men were 
 sent out to the front line on picket, in the pits that 
 were dug by the 51st several months before. 
 
 This was found to be a pretty hot place. The 
 heavy mortar shells were continually dropping all 
 day and night, and riot a day from that time until 
 Petersburg became evacuated was it any less ; but 
 every few days it would be worse. The routine oi 
 duty was a sameness, from ninety-eight to one hun 
 dred and ten men every day for picket, besides one 
 commissioned officer to go out with them ; twelve 
 to fifteen men daily for fatigue duty, such as cutting 
 and hauling wood, repairing works, etc. The re 
 mainder drilling, both fore and afternoon, in squad, 
 company, battalion, brigade and division drill ; regi 
 ment, brigade and division dress parades, with a 
 good deal of drilling, and winding up with passing 
 in review. 
 
 Col. Harriman, of the 37th Wisconsin, commanded 
 the brigade, although Colonel Bolton was his senior 
 officer, but from a mistake made at headquarters, 
 Col. Harriman was assigned to the command. As 
 soon as the mistake was discovered, the assignment 
 was offered to Col. Bolton. Col. Bolton thought as 
 Harriman was there he might stay, and he did. The 
 men of the 51st were dragged out on brigade drill, 
 simply because their brigade commander wanted to 
 gratify his vanity. It was not that he could teach 
 them anything, for there was scarcely a veteran but 
 could drill a brigade as well, if not better ; but he 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 597 
 
 wanted to put in exercise all his military power, to 
 show what a " big man " he was. He even formed a 
 "school for officers," so they could learn how to drill 
 the facings;" all this to attract the attention of officers 
 of higher rank. But his last attempt to establish 
 his high military fame capped the climax. It was 
 long after Lee s surrender and the end of war ; 
 and, it is supposed, all the historians had gathered 
 all the material for their literary works, (which is to 
 be regretted, as it has fallen to my lot to record it, 
 which is the penalty for being so dilatory in getting 
 this work out,) as none of them have ever said a word 
 about it, though they should, however, write out new 
 editions. He conceived an idea to perpetuate his 
 non-engineering skill, by detailing nearly the whole 
 of his brigade, for several days, to build a large fort 
 in a hollow, with the embrasures in the rear, at Black s 
 and White s Station, on the Southside railroad. 
 If history fails to record it yet, as long as the last 
 man of this brigade lives, his fame will not have 
 died out. 
 
 On the night of the 5th of December, the regiment 
 had on picket one hundred and fourteen men and 
 two commissioned officers. They captured five 
 rebels; one was an orderly, one a commissary, one 
 a second sergeant, belonging to the 59th Virginia, 
 Bushrod Johnson s division of A. P. Hill s corps, 
 and two were privates belonging to the Louisiana 
 Tigers. 
 
 Heavy firing on both sides all that night On 
 the 8th of December, Col. Bolton went home on a 
 leave of absence, the command of the 51st devolving 
 on Major Bolton. 
 
 Gen. Hartrauft invited all the officers of the 5 1st 
 
598 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 P. V. V. to dine with him on Christmas day ; some few 
 went, but most of them were debarred from accept 
 ing the invitation by field duties, etc. 
 
 The officers had another civility extended to them 
 a few days after, which was a " sell." A note had 
 been sent to the regiment, apparently from a clerk 
 in a division commissary named Eobert Young, 
 who had been formerly in the 51st New York, but 
 not re-enlisting. He had been discharged, went 
 home, and returned as a citizen to clerk for the di 
 vision commissary. This note stated that he had 
 been home and had had so many good things to eat, 
 that now being returned he felt a great sympathy for 
 the poor fellows in the pits, and therefore invited 
 them to meet at his tent on the next Saturday night, 
 and partake of some of the delicacies of the season. 
 A few of the officers had been let into the secret, and 
 they helped the " sell " on by expressing many re 
 grets that their duties prevented them from going. 
 
 As the time had arrived to take their departure 
 to " Bob s tent," they assembled at the Colonel s 
 quarters. The colonel being one "let into the 
 secret," had very little to say. One officer, little 
 afraid to go without permission to do so, asked the 
 colonel if he thought he could be spared, as so many 
 had collected to go. The colonel replied/ Yes, you 
 can go, bat don t stay too long, for there is no telling 
 how soon all hands may be wanted." Bob s tent was 
 about half a mile off) and eleven officers, the hospital 
 steward, and Martin Dunn, the one who had written 
 the invitation, started in company. When the party 
 had got a few yards from Fort Morton, one of them 
 began to suspect the trick, and asked for the note. 
 It was produced, some declaring that that was 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 599 
 
 " Bob s " writing, others had their doubts. Finally, 
 it was submitted to " Dunnie " for his decision, who 
 of all others the most anxious to make a sure "sell," 
 decided emphatically "it is Bob s writing." When 
 the party got near "Bob s" tent, "Dunnie" had to 
 leave, as the surgeons were waiting for medicine 
 that could only be got at the division doctor s. 
 "Dunnie" was coaxed to "come on," but he must 
 go for his medicine, and was let oft on the promise 
 of coming back as soon as he got the medicine. The 
 party went on to the tent, and then halted to consult, 
 as the tent didn t have a very inviting look, and they 
 appointed a couple to go in, but not to " let on to 
 Bob," until they were satisfied that all was right ; 
 but those who went in returned in a few minutes 
 and explained all. Bob hadn t returned from New 
 York vet, and Dunnie had got up the affair for a 
 " sell." The party returned and took the affair in 
 good humor, all hands enjoying a good laugh. 
 
600 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 PART V,-1865, 
 
 CHAPTEE I. 
 
 Shelling Fort Morton Rebel flag of truce The Peace Com 
 missioners Conference on the picket line Reception of the 
 rebel magnates by Genl. Grant Complimentary enthusiasm 
 on all sides Failure of the mission Shelling renewed 
 Narrow escape of Capt. Parker Movement to the left 
 Capture and re-capture of Fort Steadman Tom Troy s 
 visit to Petersburg Capture of the city Last march south 
 ward End of the war Resignation of Gen. Burnside 
 Last order of Col. Bolton Return home of the regiment 
 Final farewell. 
 
 ON January 3d, 1865, the rebels began early m 
 the day their shelling; their whole spite seemed to 
 be centred on Fort Morton, on the 51st P. V. V., 
 which partly quartered in the fort, and on the whole 
 support. Fort Morton had a battery of a few brass 
 cohorns, which threw a 24: Ib. shell, situated about 
 fifty yards in its advance. This cohorn battery had 
 the exact range of two of the enemy s forts, and as 
 soon as the enemy began their shelling they opened 
 on them in reply with tremendous vigor, causing the 
 rebels to bring in play every gun that could get the 
 range. Towards noon, it getting most too hot, Fort 
 Morton blazed away with all of her guns and mor 
 tars, and an attack seemed to be imminent. The 
 shelling now on both sides became terrific and 
 sublime. One 200 Ib. rebel shell entered the bomb 
 proof of the magazine, but did no particular harm ; 
 one fell into a tent that had just been vacated, ex 
 ploded and tore the tent to atoms. Several men were 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 601 
 
 wounded with pieces of shells. Towards Light the 
 shelling slacked up a little, and ceased altogether 
 after dark. 
 
 On the night of the 15th January a severe rain set 
 in, and flooded the tents and bomb-proofs with water 
 to the depth of from one to two feet deep. Those 
 who had no tents, and only bomb proofs, had rain 
 for three or four days after it cleared off; they being 
 covered with several feet of earth, the water soaked 
 through and made everything disagreeable by the 
 water dripping and draining through for several 
 days. 
 
 On Sunday, the 28th January, 1865, a white flag 
 was displayed in front of the enemy s works on the 
 Petersburg road, and all firing on both sides entirely 
 ceased. Capt. Parker, who was in command of the 
 brigade picket line at the time, was at the quarters 
 of the reserve pickets when a sergeant belonging to 
 the 8th Michigan reported to him that a flag of truce 
 was up, and he went out to answer it. After getting 
 on the parapet of the works, and satisfying himself 
 that it was a duly authorized flag, he reported the 
 circumstance to headquarters. Having received in 
 structions to go and meet it, to see what was the 
 desire, he divested himself of his arms, and met the 
 officer on the road midway of the two lines. After 
 passing the compliments of the day, Capt. Parker 
 inquired the cause of the " truce," and informed them 
 that he had met him for the purpose of receiving any 
 communication he had to offer. The rebel officer 
 replied that Lieut. Col. (rebel) Hatch, Assistant Com 
 missioner of Exchanges, desired an interview with 
 the chief of Gen. Grant s staff, on business of the 
 greatest importance, and wished to know how soon 
 
602 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 the captain would communicate with him. He 
 replied, " In half to three-quarters of an hour ;" they 
 then parted, each retiring within their respective 
 lines. The captain again made his report; but be 
 fore receiving any further instructions from his 
 superior officers, the flag advanced again, and he 
 met it again ; but this time two officers accompanied 
 the flag. One was an old rnan, scarcely able to walk, 
 and introduced as Alex. H. Stephens, the Vice- 
 President of the rebel confederacy, and the other the 
 Hon. Mr. Hunter, formerly U. S. senator from Vir 
 ginia. 
 
 Mr. Stephens informed Capt. Parker that he and 
 Mr. Hunter were appointed commissioners of peace, 
 and to report such information to Gen. Grant ; they 
 also requested him to inform Gen. Grant that they 
 were appointed to confer with Mr. Lincoln, and, as 
 the James river was ice-bound, they could not get 
 down that way to Washington, but wanted to corne 
 through his lines, so as to lose no time. 
 
 The captain again made his report to headquar 
 ters, when Lieut. Col. Ely ; of the 38th Wisconsin, 
 came out to the lines, and conferred in person with 
 the commissioners. 
 
 It will be remembered that Gen. Grant at this 
 time was down at Fort Fisher, Wilmington, N. C.; 
 consequently nothing could be done until he returned. 
 But in a day after Gen. Grant was on the spot, ar 
 rangements were entered into whereby the commis 
 sioners were admitted into our lines. 
 
 From the moment the flag of truce was displayed 
 the works of both lines were crowded with troops, 
 and the enemy and our men watched the whole pro 
 ceeding in silence until its import was made manifest, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 603 
 
 when, as if with one accord, the two lines of troops 
 yelled with delight at the prospects of coming peace. 
 From the right to the left of the lines, cheer upon 
 cheer was given with a hearty will, each party trying 
 to cheer the loudest. " Peace on the brain " seemed 
 now to have spread like a contagion. 
 
 Lieutenants, captains, majors, lieutenant-colonels, 
 colonels, brigadier-generals and major-generals were 
 to be seen flying on horseback in all directions, to 
 catch a glimpse of the gentlemen who were appa 
 rently to bring so unexpected a peace. 
 
 At 4 p. M. of the ever memorable Sunday, Capt. 
 Parker of the 51st P. V. V. was relieved from picket 
 by Capt. Win. W. Owens, of Co. D, who also had 
 the charge of the brigade picket line. Shortly after 
 Capt. Owens took command, the flag was again dis 
 played by an officer on the rebel pits ; Capt. Owens 
 immediately answered it by taking his white hand 
 kerchief which had the " starry banner " in bold re 
 lief on each of the four corners, placing his " truce " 
 with the four beautiful, miniature flags on an iron 
 ramrod, sallied forth to meet his " quondam friend." 
 After passing the compliments of the day, they en 
 tered into the " peace " business, which had been so 
 long getting arranged. 
 
 It was seitled that the commissioners were to be 
 admitted into our lines at between 7 and 10 A. M. of 
 Jan. 30th, but as it took so much "red tape" they 
 did not get through. Troops had assembled in a 
 surging mass to witness the entrance to our lines ; 
 they had corne from great distances and from all 
 quarters, from City Point to Ream s station, but only 
 to meet with a disappointment. 
 
 Then Capt. Owens again me.t the truce, when it 
 
604 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST EEGIMENT 
 
 was settled that they should be admitted at 5 P. M. 
 of the same day. The eager troops got the infor 
 mation and they lingered around until that time only 
 to be disappointed again. But at 5 P. M., of the 
 31st, Messrs. Stephens, Lieut. -Col. Hatch, and the 
 Hon. Mr. Hunter, accompanied by another gentle 
 man, servants, trunks, &c., were admitted to the pro 
 posed conference. Another vast assembly thronged 
 the road and the adjoining fields, and the scene 
 became very exciting. The rebel breastworks were 
 crowded with ladies and soldiers; our works with 
 soldiers only. About 4 p. M., a large, close carriage 
 was seen wending its way from the * Cockade City " 
 towards the rear of the enemy s works on the Peters 
 burg road ; it was watched with interest by all eyes 
 along both lines. The carriage halted at the works 
 and its inmates descended the steps, but as the last 
 one reached the ground the rebel soldiery burst out 
 with one accord and cheered the distinguished party, 
 while the thousands of ladies waved their snowy 
 handkerchiefs in honor of the occasion. Slowly the 
 commissioners crossed their line. On our side, in 
 the road at the point occupied by the 51st P. V. V., 
 Gen. Grant had several beautiful ambulances in 
 waiting to receive and convey the distinguished 
 gentlemen to City Point, where also was in waiting 
 a steamer to take them to Fortress Monroe. 
 
 As the commissioners entered our picket-pits those 
 on picket welcomed them with long and loud cheer 
 ing, and was taken up by the thousands assembled 
 in the rear. 
 
 As our pickets cheered, the enemy with the ladies 
 on their works, proposed and gave "three cheers 
 and a tiger for the whole Yankee army." Our 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 605 
 
 pickets acknowledged the compliment and gave the 
 same for "the whole of the Confederate army." 
 After silence was restored and while all were on 
 their works watching with interest the movements 
 of the commissioners, our boys proposed three 
 cheers for the ladies of Petersburg," which was 
 given with a deafening yell and was taken up by the 
 rebel troops with equal enthusiasm. The ladies ac 
 knowledged the compliment by the waving of their 
 white pocket-handkerchiefs. By the time these 
 compliments were passed, the commissioners had 
 reached our main line, and as they began to cross 
 over it, cheers upon cheers rent the air, by our own 
 troops and the enemy, until the rolling vehicles 
 were out of sight. The works of the main line where 
 it crossed the road had been slightly levelled down 
 to pass the gentlemen through. Mr. Stephens seemed 
 to be very feeble and very much excited, and walked 
 very slowly to the ambulance, where he had to be 
 assisted to get in. 
 
 The result of this conference with Mr. Lincoln 
 was a total failure to negotiate for peace, the com 
 missioners asking for a recognition of their Con 
 federacy and its independence. President Lincoln 
 demanded the disbandment of the whole rebel army 
 and the acknowledgment of the supremacy of the 
 Constitution and Jaws of the United States, and for 
 the return of the Southern people to their former al 
 legiance; on no other tenns would he treat for 
 
 o 
 
 peace. This they emphatically refused to accede 
 to, and the negotiations were at an end and the com 
 missioners returned home, and President Lincoln to 
 Washington. 
 
 On Feb. 1st, 1865, orders were issued to be ready 
 
606 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 to move at a moment s notice. The order to march 
 did not come, but was kept a standing one. 
 
 On the 3d, the enemy opened all along their lines 
 with artillery and musketry, and the firing continued 
 throughout the entire day and night, when at day 
 light it ceased entirely and the boys of the 51st P. 
 V. V. and those of the 56th (rebel) Virginia mingled 
 together throughout the entire day, between the two 
 lines, exchanging tobacco, coffee, playing cards, &c. 
 
 On the 5th and 6th. a battle was in progress on 
 the left and caused quite a commotion along the 
 whole line. The 51st fell in under arms, where it 
 remained until the morning of the 7th, then it broke 
 ranks and went to its quarters with injunctions to 
 be ready to "fall in" at any ir.oment. The roar of 
 artillery was incessant, but an attack was not ex 
 pected, as there was a heavy fall of rain, hail, and 
 sleet which froze as fast as it fell, making the ground 
 too slippery to stand upon. 
 
 Officers and men were now receiving leaves of ab 
 sence and furloughs whenever occasion offered, as 
 there was no prospect of an advanoe being made 
 any time soon. 
 
 The enemy indulged in another treat of shelling 
 on the 14th Feb., doing a considerable deal of dam 
 age to the quarters of the officers and men. One 
 shell dropped into a tent of Co. C, exploding, tear 
 ing it to atoms, and blowing the " kitchen utensils" 
 high in the air. Another dropped on the chimney 
 of Dr. Kineholdt s bomb-proof, knocking the whole 
 thing down ; another dropped on Col. Bolton s 
 quarters, tearing nearly the whole roof off; another 
 dropped on Lieut. Smith s adjutant s office, smashing- 
 things in general ; another dropped on the rear-end 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 607 
 
 of Capt. Parker s quarters, and after reaching the 
 logs it exploded, displacing the logs blowing off all 
 the plastering, and filling the place with smoke and 
 earth. Capt. Parker was lying on his bunk at the 
 time ; a private, Job Milne, sitting on the edge of it, 
 was blown to the front of the quarters, a distance of 
 not less than twelve feet, and strange to say neither of 
 them were harmed in the least, excepting a peculiar 
 sensation felt in the head, caused by the violent con 
 cussion. Another dropped on the quarters of Co. E 
 and G, knocking off about two cart-loads of dirt, dis 
 placing the logs and filling the place with it. 
 
 Dangerous as this constant shelling was, it was 
 impossible to keep the men in their bombproofs, 
 and it is a miracle how so many escaped death or 
 wounds. 
 
 In the front of Col. Bolton s quarter?, but in its 
 rear from the enemy, was a high pile of earth which 
 had been thrown up from a traverse that overlooked 
 the colonel s quarters and the fort. On this mound 
 would congregate a large crowd of the 51st, among 
 whom was Lieut. Valentine Stoeker, Co. B, more 
 familiarly known in the regiment as Daddy" 
 Stoeker. As soon as the shelling would begin 
 " Daddy " would mount the pile " and watch the 
 shells in their descent; and in a strain of laughter to 
 see the scampering of the men, " Daddy " would yell 
 out, " here comes another one from the woods on 
 the right, look out !" thus keeping the boys constantly 
 running from one place to another half the time when 
 no shells were in the air, but as they were falling gen 
 erally pretty fast they always obeyed the cry of the 
 boy that the "wolf "was coming, not daring like 
 those in the fable to doubt the warning. The scene 
 
608 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 would cause a big crowd to gather on the " pile " 
 with " Daddy," when the enemy would begin to shell 
 them offthe place, but never successfully, for the boys 
 would watch the shells in their flight and could tell, 
 when they were half a mile high, near the spot they 
 would fall. About the only thing the men were 
 afraid of would be the shell exploding before it 
 reached the ground. 
 
 It was generally believed that the rebels were 
 evacuating Petersburg on the 22d of February, as 
 our batteries were shelling them all day at a fearful 
 rate, and receiving very feeble replies from them. 
 Our batteries all fired shotted salutes at noon, in 
 honor of the day, being Washington s birth anni 
 versary. 
 
 Nothing of any particular interest occurred during 
 the remainder of the month of February, but the 
 incessant shelling day and night. 
 
 March brought the "beginning of the end." 
 Orders were issued to the different regiments to send 
 all their unnecessary baggage to City Point to be 
 shipped to Alexandria for storage. 
 
 The 2d, 5th and 6th Corps had vacated the works 
 on the left of the 9th, and started off still further to 
 the left. The 2d, 5th and part of the 6th Corps made 
 a foray on the enemy s right, while the remainder, the 
 greater part of the 6th and the whole of the 9th 
 Corps, held the entire line from Petersburg to near 
 Hancock s station, this occurring on the 18th of 
 March. 
 
 On the 19th, the enemy in our front suspecting a 
 move, arid in order^to feel the strength of our lines, 
 opened on Fort Morton a terrible fire, which con 
 tinued till midnight. One man, John Ornlor, Co. J, 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 609 
 
 was severely wounded and sent to the hospital. The 
 51st was in line of battle all day. 
 
 The 22d of March was very quiet in our front. 
 The enemy and our men met between the two lines, 
 having quite a sociable time and a hunt. The two 
 parties "scared up" three rabbits, and a chase en 
 sued, the "Yanks" and "Johnnies" hallooing to 
 each other "there he goes, Johnny;" "there he 
 goes, Billy Yanks;" " hit him, Johnny;" "hit him, 
 Yanks," &c. A Yank would run against a Johnny 
 and knock him over; the Johnnies would upset a 
 Yank, and all hands laugh and take it all in good 
 feeling. The Johnnies caught one, and the Yanks 
 killed two and made the Eebs a present of them. 
 
 The 25th of March inaugurated the downfall of 
 the confederacy. The rebels about 3 A. M. stealthily 
 crept upon our works, and sent a couple of their 
 men into our picket line in front of Fort Steadman, 
 apparently to give themselves up as deserters. They 
 told the pickets that a whole brigade, officers and 
 men, were ready to come into our lines to give them 
 selves up, and if they would promise not to fire on 
 them they would come. The pickets consented, and 
 at a certain signal that had previously been agreed 
 upon being given, the whole brigade came in. As 
 soon as in, the enemy captured the pickets, then 
 proceeding very quietly to Fort Steadman, where 
 the troops were in their quarters asleep, they began 
 an indiscriminate massacre of the entire garrison, 
 shooting those that tried to escape, and bayoneting 
 those who were asleep in their bunks, capturing 
 none. 
 
 Soon after they secured our picket and main 
 line, they occupied two large forts nearly in front 
 
610 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST EEGIMENT 
 
 of Gen. 0. B. Wilcox s headquarters, which was to 
 the right of Fort Morton, and turned the guns of 
 Fort Steadrnan on to the main line and against Fort 
 Morton. The battle was now assuming a formida 
 ble shape, troops were all needed where they were, 
 and the prospect was that the rebels were to have 
 it their own way. Gen. Grant had sent cars up to 
 the far left for one division of the 6th Corps to re 
 inforce this part of the line. 
 
 Gen. Ilartranft, vdio now commanded a division 
 of all new recruits, was encamped about one mile to 
 the left of Fort Steadman, and getting information of 
 what was going on formed his division and double 
 quicked it down to the battle ground, where he ar 
 rived just in time to prevent the enemy from cap 
 turing Meade s station with its valuable stores of 
 supplies. Daylight was not very distant and Gen. 
 II. was about to attempt the recapture of the lost 
 lines with his division of recruits when he received 
 orders not to try it, but to wait for the arrival of re 
 inforcements from the 6th Corp?. The general 
 waited but not long, daylight was near, but it was 
 very dark still, and he determined to make the 
 attempt by himself, if the reinforcements did not 
 soon come. After waiting a few minutes longer, 
 and making himself acquainted with the position of 
 the enemy, he quietly got his division in line of 
 battle and commanded a charge, he leading it in 
 person, that astonished the enemy and they fled in 
 a panic, but their loss was heavy, while Gen. Il s 
 was not over 130 in all. He had captured upwards 
 of 3,000 rebels, among which was Maj-Gen. Kansom 
 of Beauregard s command. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 611 
 
 The enemy bad captured Gen. McLaughlin, com 
 manding the 1st Division, 9th Corps. 
 
 The loss of the 51st was five killed three of 
 which was of Co. F, and two of Co. B. 
 
 After daylight, troops began to visit the bloody 
 field. The rebel dead laid thick all over the ground, 
 with here and there one of ours. It was truly a sick 
 ening sight; but it only went to show how fiercely 
 the raw recruits had made their charge. This one 
 
 O 
 
 act should have secured ITartranft a full major-gen 
 eral s commission had justice been done him. 
 
 On the 27th, Gen. Sheridan s command arrived, 
 and proceeded on to the extreme left, which indi 
 cated that the spring campaign had fairly opened. 
 
 On the 28th, Col. Bolton gave orders to "fall in" 
 in the works supporting Fort Morton. The 51st 
 did so, and remained in line all day and night under 
 a hot fire from the rebel batteries. In the night 
 the rebels made a simultaneous attack along the 
 whole front, driving in our pickets in face of Fort 
 Morton. This picket line was under the command 
 of Lieut. Lewis Patterson, who struggled hard with 
 his men (114) to keep them at their posts, but, being 
 principally drafted men and substitutes who never 
 had been in an engagement before that night, it was 
 impossible for one man to control their panic- 
 stricken movements. He did his duty nobly, but 
 all in vain. The line under his command was about 
 four hundred yards long, and while he would be at 
 one end of it, cheering up his men and begging 
 them for God s sake not to desert him, they were 
 doing that very thing at the other end. By the 
 time he had gone along the line two or three times 
 he found the pits empty, excepting one post of four 
 
612 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 men, who told him that they would stay at their 
 post as long as he would, and that he might depend 
 on it that they would Lot leave the pits until he left 
 or was captured. 
 
 It is to be regretted that their names were not all 
 retained. Only one, that of John M. Engle, is pre 
 served ; but they were all veterans. 
 
 Col. Bolton was not long in making the discovery 
 that the men had left the picket line, and every man 
 that had came in was hunted up, and the veterans 
 that could be spared from the support of the fort 
 were sent out along with them, with the injunction to 
 shoot the first man that attempted to leave again. 
 It was now about midnight, and the fighting was 
 severe. The bullets and the shells filled the air 
 above, below, and all around. The detail was put 
 under the charge of Sergt. George W. Patterson, a 
 "vet.," who was to take them out to Lieut. Patter 
 son. The sergeant, to punish the recruits for their 
 cowardice, instead of taking them out through the 
 traverses, took them out over the surface of the 
 ground, where they were exposed to the flying mis 
 siles until they reached their posts. Sergt. Patterson 
 turned them over to the lieutenant, who posted them 
 with a veteran on each post and they kept there too ! 
 On the 29th the fighting on the left was terrific, but 
 at evening had quieted down somewhat ; and after 
 dark the olst s pickets were again assaulted, but 
 held their part of the line. Nearly half of the 8th 
 Michigan, which joined the right of the 51st, and 
 all the 109th New York, the left, cleared out and 
 went into their carnp; but ere long they were sent 
 
 A heavy rain set in at 2 A. M. of the 30th and 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 613 
 
 dampened the "heated ardor of the enemy. He 
 ceased his assaults through the remainder of the 
 night, but kept up a destructive fire with all kinds 
 of arms. 
 
 On the 31st, the enemy began again to show some 
 uneasiness, and in the afternoon commenced shell 
 ing us and Fort Morton in splendid style. Finally, 
 Morton opened, with her cohorns, rifled guns and 
 heavy mortars, causing the rebels to concentrate 
 their fire from a half dozen forts on her, making it 
 hot, hotter, hottest ! The last battle preceding the 
 downfall of Richmond and Petersburg was now 
 inaugurated. It continued in fury and increased in 
 vigor until April 2d, at midnight, when the enemy 
 ceased firing altogether. 
 
 The 51st, for the last three days and nights, was 
 in support of Fort Morton, and the shower of shells 
 from the enemy s works served to keep them fully 
 awake. Soon after midnight huge fires were seen 
 springing up in all directions through the doomed 
 city. About 2 A.M. of the 3d of April, Fort Dar 
 ling, at Drury s Bluffs, blew up with a heavy re 
 port. Everything indicated the evacuation, and 
 Col. Bolton selected a daring man, Thomas Troy, 
 but better known in the regiment as " Scout," at 
 1 o clock on the morning of the 3d, and asked him 
 if he was willing to make an attempt to go into 
 Petersburg and see if it was evacuated. The man 
 replied "He would go." The colonel told him to 
 take off his equipments, and leave them and his gun 
 in his quarters. Tom said "No ; while he had his 
 gun he was sure of pinning one man before they 
 could take him !" 
 
 Col. B. consented for Tom to take his gun along, 
 
614: HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 and he started. In less than an hour he returned, 
 with the pleasing intelligence that the enemy hadn t 
 all left yet, but they were. getting out of it as fast 
 as they could. Tom had certainly been in the city, 
 and long enough to get a ketle tight. 
 
 Col. Bolton now ordered the skirmishers to ad 
 vance into the rebel works. They sent into camp 
 for the colonel to send them the colors. He re 
 fused, but they proceeded on and were the first to 
 enter the city. They were in there half an hour 
 before any other troops, but lost the credit because 
 they did not have their regimental colors to erect 
 there. They remained until daylight, and while in 
 town they secured some mementoes of the event 
 among which was a bell they took off of a hose- 
 carriage, and which is now in the possession of 
 Gen. William J. Bolton. 
 
 Soon after daylight, Col. Bolton gave orders to 
 pack up. The regiment struck tents, formed on the 
 color line, and came to a " rest," at which it lay 
 until 12, noon. The corps then formed in column 
 and marched into the city.* The 1st Brigade 
 
 * The list below embraces the casualties from the 17th June 
 to August, 18th, 1864, and then from November 29th, 1864, up 
 to the fall of Petersburg, April 3d, 1865. It is far from 
 complete, but the best that could be reached. 
 
 Co. A. Killed Private Levi Mattis, Private Adam W. 
 Yeager. Wounded Capt. Jos. K. Bolton, Privates Simon 
 Dobson, Lewis Myers, Lucius Lake, Jonathan Weeber. Cap 
 tured Nelson Y. Mattis. 
 
 Co. B. Killed Private John F. Ackerman. Wounded 
 Privates Henry Smith, Gabriel Fay. 
 
 Co. C. Killed Corp. Wm. Kooker, Corp. Joseph Cornog, 
 Privates Henry Fry, John McFaul, Frank Hendricks, Henry 
 Gunter. Wounded Sergt. Jno. W. Fair, Privates Wm. Hotch- 
 kiss, Henry Erhard, J. M. Favinger, Joseph Green. 
 
 Co. D. Killed Sergt. Wm. Dignan, Corp. James McKenna. 
 Wounded Corp. Jno. B. Godley, John Roshon, Everett H. 
 Staunton. 
 
 Co. E. Killed David Lenhard. Wounded Sergt. George 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 615 
 
 marched through to the upper end at Halifax, where 
 it remained until the 5th, when the regiment left at 
 1 p. M. for Sutherland s Station on the Southside 
 railroad, where Gen. Grant had his headquarters. 
 We reached here at 10 p. M. of the same day. After 
 marching into the woods, halting in column, and 
 coming to a front, Col. Bolton gave the command, 
 " By the right of companies, to the rear into col 
 umn. Battalion, right face file right march ! 
 And away they went, through the dark, over 
 stumps, logs, brush, briars, holes, cord- wood and 
 rail piles, into a peach orchard, when he commanded 
 halt! and said, "Now boys, make yourselves com 
 fortable for the night." Fires were first made, and 
 the little light they afforded assisted in putting 
 up such places as each one wished to erect for the 
 night. By li o clock every man was down and 
 asleep. When orders came to "fall in" for a night s 
 inarch, that "fall in" grated harshly on the ear, for 
 what necessity was there now for a night s march ? 
 The rebellion was over Lee couldn t get away 
 Sherman would head him off; and those were the 
 thoughts and expressions of many. 
 
 At fifteen minutes past 11 the 51st was groping 
 
 Dichl, Corp. Thos. S. Mauck, Privates Reuben Kline, John 
 Rahback. 
 
 Co. F. Killed Lieut. Allen H. Filhnan, Corp. Ed. 
 R. Worth, Corp. Josiah Wood, Privates Chas. Wagoner, 
 Samuel Gillespie. 
 
 Co. G. Killed John Blyler, Bartly McIIarney. Wounded 
 Daniel Sheets, Jeremiah Troy. 
 
 Co. H. Killed Wni. Shriner, Joseph Pareby. Wounded 
 Capt. George Shorkley, Jno. A. Nieman. 
 
 Co. I. Killed Sergt. Stephen S. Davis, Private Robt. K. 
 Felton. Wounded Sergt. Geo. Carney, Corp. John George, 
 Thos. Herdenstine. 
 
 Co. K. Killed Thos. C. Pierce, James Gibson. Wounded 
 Lieut. Jacob Fryburger, John Harris, Daniel Hoover, Win. 
 M. Stuttsman, Daniel Sleeks, N. Vancurm. 
 
616 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 its way for near a mile through the dark woods, as 
 black as midnight, on its way to Wilson s station, on 
 the Southside railroad, where it arrived on the 
 evening of the 6th, and went into camp on the rebel 
 Col. Hobbs plantation, along the road and within 
 fifty yards of the mansion. Next morning, the 7th, 
 Col. Bolton, with his field and staff, put up their 
 quarters on the lawn, within a few feet of the high 
 steps of the mansion, much to the dissatisfaction of 
 the Hobbs family ; but the place just suited Col. Bol 
 ton, and that had to be the spot. 
 
 A " starry banner " of the right kind floated from 
 the roof of the verandah of the mansion. Upon in 
 quiry how it came to be put up, Mrs. Hobbs replied 
 " that a Yankee General by the name of Hartranft had 
 given it to them yesterday, as he went by with his 
 army, and waited until he saw that we put it up, 
 and told us not to take it down." 
 
 Col. Bolton put up his regimental colors in front 
 of his quarters, much to the dislike and disgust of 
 of the dear old " Secesh " soul. At 11 p. M. of the 9th 
 we packed up and moved further up the Southside 
 railroad to Black s and White s station, to picket the 
 railroad. The regiment arrived there the next day, 
 but did not go into camp. All the companies were 
 sent out separately to guard the railroad, occupying 
 a line of near two miles, where they remained until 
 the 20th. General Burnside resigned his command 
 15th April, 1865, while the 51st lay at this place. 
 
 On the 21st the companies all again assembled at 
 the station to rejoin their colors, and went into camp. 
 While lying here the officers of the 51st P. V. pre 
 sented Gen. Hartranft with a splendid gold watch. 
 The General received it with a short but appropriate 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 617 
 
 patriotic speech, at the conclusion of which he 
 thanked them kindly for the testimonial. The reg 
 iment formed three sides of a square previous to 
 the presentation. After the ceremony was over, 
 "three cheers for Gen. Hartranft" was given with a 
 will. It was here that the assassination of President 
 Lincoln was officially announced to the regiment, 
 and the indignation knew no bounds. Men of all 
 parties united in calling it one of the most dastardly 
 acts ever perpetrated in any country. 
 
 The 1st brigade (in which was the 51st), while 
 lying at this station, was detailed to build a large 
 fort to commemorate the name of Samuel Harriman, 
 the colonel commanding the 1st brigade, but the 
 poor fellow didn t gel; his fort done, as the Secretary 
 of War ordered the 9th Corps to the vicinity of 
 "Washington, D. C. What he will do now to per 
 petuate his memory is hard to say, but his heroism 
 on the night of April 2d will never be forgotten by 
 Lieut. Patterson, who commanded at Fort Morton, 
 and the 51st P. V. V., who supported the lieutenant 
 when he (the colonel) could not induce the lieutenant 
 to spike his mortars, and get his horses to haul the 
 guns out of the fort, while the rebels were still three 
 hundred yards distant and trying to get still further 
 off. He certainly can t say the whole of the Latin 
 phrase to his friends, without blushing, " Veni, vidi, 
 vici." 
 
 On the 20th the 51st P. Y. V. left Black s and 
 White s station, on the South Side railroad, and 
 marched for City Point, where it embarked on a 
 steamer for Washington, D. C., arriving there on 
 the 24th. After the steamer arrived, it lay in the 
 stream awaiting orders, which soon came for it to 
 
 27* 
 
618 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 land ns at Alexandria, Ya. After landing, the regi 
 ment marched to the outskirts of the city, and en 
 camped, about a mile from it, in a woods, where it 
 lay until next day, the 25th, when it moved and 
 located near Fort Lyons, remaining there until the 
 next clay, when it again moved off to Tenallytown, 
 arriving a little before dark, and went into camp for 
 the night, along the roadside. Next day, the 27th, 
 it proceeded into the woods to the right of where 
 the regiment had lain the night before, and after 
 cutting out the brush and clearing up the trash, it 
 " quartered," and sat down to work on the muster- 
 rolls. It remained here until the 1st of May, when 
 it again marched back to Alexandria and encamped 
 near Gen. Curtin s headquarters, where it rested for 
 a couple of days; then it marched out about three 
 miles on the Mt. Vernon road, and went into camp 
 under the appellation of being in the "Provisional 
 Brigade," and 3d Division, 9th Corps. This site 
 was called "Camp Andrew Johnson," in honor of 
 the President of the United States. 
 
 On the 25th of May, 1865, while lying at this 
 place, the 51st P. V. V. was highly honored by a 
 visit from that estimable lady, Mrs. Harry Hill, of 
 Norristown. She spent the afternoon and evening 
 with the regiment. Our men complimented her by 
 an illumination of the whole camp in the evening, 
 and the drum corps of the regiment gave a serenade. 
 After which she received another serenade from the 
 brass band belonging to the 1st brigade. She then 
 took her departure for the night, bidding them all a 
 heartfelt farewell. 
 
 On the 27th May the regiment moved into Alex 
 andria, at the upper end of King street, and went 
 into camp. It was detailed to do the patrolling of 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 619 
 
 the city. Col. Wm. J. Bolton was appointed Military 
 Governor of Alexandria ; and Lieut.-Col. Wm. Alle- 
 baugh, exchanged as a prisoner, (having been cap 
 tured at Spottsylvania C. H. on the 12th of May, 
 1864,) now commanded the regiment. 
 
 Nearly all the drafted recruits of the 51st P. V. V. 
 were mustered out June 1st, 1865, and sent, under 
 the command of Capt. J. P. Brooke, to llarrisburg, 
 to receive their pay and final discharge. They left 
 camp at 2 o clock of the morning of Jane 2d, and 
 marched to Washington, where they took cars for 
 llarrisburg. 
 
 While here, Captains Wm. E. Foster, Jacob P- 
 Brooke, Wm. S. Mellick, and Thos. II. Parker, and 
 Lieutenants David Long, George C. Gutelius, and 
 Hugh McClure, were detailed to sit on court-martial 
 for the District of Alexandria. Their duties con 
 tinued for about four weeks. When finishing up all 
 the business pertaining to their term, they were re 
 lieved by a detail from the 2d District of Columbia 
 
 regiment. 
 
 Towards the middle of July the order to muster 
 out the 9th Army Corps was issued and sent to 
 corps headquarters in the city, where it lay for 
 several days before it was promulgated. The mus 
 ter-out rolls came into camp on the 16th of July, 
 and the company commanders went to work at them 
 immediately, to get them filled up ; all the men, too, 
 who were anxious to get home, volunteered to assist 
 in the stupendous task ; for, be it known, it was an 
 immense job every name that ever appeared on any 
 of the former rolls, from the original rnuster-in, had 
 to be accounted for on nine separate rolls. The 
 task was completed on the 27th July, 1865. 
 
 On the night of the 21st July the order to muster 
 
620 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 out the regiment arrived in carnp ; the news was 
 received with lively satisfaction. It also contained 
 a paragraph stating that all the men could retain 
 their guns and equipments at a cost of six dollars 
 per set to each man. There were only a few who 
 declined to retain those articles that had become 
 associated with them so long, in all their trials, pri 
 vations, dangers, troubles, and pleasures, and those 
 few were principally the " raw recruits." 
 
 Col. Bolton made a farewell address to his com 
 mand in the following order, as published to the 
 regiment : 
 
 HEAD-QUARTERS 51 ST REGT. P. V. V. | 
 ALEXANDRIA, VA., July 20^, 18G5. ) 
 
 Officers and men of the 51st Regt. Penn. Vet. Vols. : 
 
 In a very few days this organization will cease to exist. Our 
 mission has been fulfilled, the armed hosts of the enemy no 
 longer defy us, our long, fatiguing marches and hard fighting 
 and weary watching for the enemy, day and night, are things 
 of the past. You have, by your patriotic devotion, assisted in 
 establishing a country, one, grand, glorious, and indeed free. 
 For nearly four years I have been associated with you, and for 
 over one year of that time I have had the honor to be your 
 commander. I would not be doing myself or you justice with 
 out giving expression to my feelings. A thousand thanks are 
 due to both officers and men for your prompt obedience to all 
 my orders, and my love is increased by the remembrance of 
 your bravery and gallantry, as you have so often displayed on 
 many a bloody field. But alas ! many of our organization now 
 sleep in the valley of the dead ; they sleep in honored graves. 
 And it is with pleasure that we can think of their many virtues, 
 their valor in the field, and their cheerful voice in camp, and hope 
 that they have received their golden reward in heaven. When 
 all looked gloomy, you wore cheerful faces ; and when orders 
 were exacting, you always cheerfully obeyed. When fighting 
 against overwhelming odds, and by superior numbers compelled 
 to retreat, you have ever evinced that noble, praiseworthy char 
 acteristic of a good soldier, "repulsed, but not whipped," 
 "defeated, but not conquered." I feel sad to part with you ; 
 we may never meet again. You are about to return to your 
 homes, and assume the garb and customs of private citizens. 
 I am a young man ; there are amongst you many who are old 
 enough perhaps to be my father ; time has whitened your hoary 
 locks. I cannot part with you without urging that if you have 
 acquired bad habits, incidental to camp life, to make a firm 
 resolve to break off at once, and show to your friends at home 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 621 
 
 that you can be as good and law-abiding citizens as you have 
 been good, brave, and exemplary soldiers. 
 
 I need not particularize separately your many deeds ; they 
 all have been fairly won. The record you bear on your silken 
 colors have been honestly won by the blood of your companions, 
 and the deep scars many of you bear upon your persons. You 
 need no marble shaft to commemorate your many valorous 
 deeds ; your scars, your sacrifices, and the noble acts of gal 
 lantry you have displayed, will be your monument. Posterity 
 will applaud you as the redeemers of our country, the w r orld 
 will admire your self-sacrificing devotion to your country. 
 
 I now bid you farewell, and when the war of this life is over 
 with us, when we shall have performed our last earthly mission, 
 may we all meet in heaven is the earnest prayer of the colonel 
 commanding. 
 
 With my kindest wishes for your future prosperity, I bid you 
 farewell. WM. J. BOLTON, Colonel 51s* P. V. V. 
 
 The day of muster-out arrived, the 27th of July, 
 1865, and the regiment was mustered out of the United 
 States service by Capt. Edwin Earp, of the 1st Mas 
 sachusetts Heavy Artillery, Assistant Commissary 
 of Musters for the District of Alexandria. 
 
 On the morning of July 28th, the regiment broke 
 camp and marched to the foot of King street, amid 
 the congratulations of its friends who thronged the 
 street on both sides, where it embarked on board of 
 a steamboat for Washington ; there disembarking 
 marched to the Baltimore depot, where it had to lie 
 till near dark, when it took the cars for Baltimore. 
 On arriving there it marched to the depot of the 
 Northern Central railroad, and steamed it on to 
 Harrisburg, arriving on the 30th. It turned in its 
 books and regimental papers, unserviceable arms, 
 and those not retained by the men, and received its 
 pay and discharge papers. The five companies re 
 mained in Harrisburg until the next day, when they 
 departed for Norristown, to receive the congratula 
 tions of the " loved ones " and friends, and partake 
 of a collation served up at the Odd-Fellows Hall, 
 after which a final separation took place, and each 
 
622 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 sought the comforts and quiet of a home in civil life. 
 The next day the officers had to return to Harris- 
 burg, to settle up their accounts and indebtedness 
 with the Government and get their pay, which kept 
 them two or three days. After adjusting their ac 
 counts, a final "farewell" took place, and the last 
 obligatory vestige of the noble old 51st P. V. and 
 51st P. V. Y. was lost to the nation s view; and 
 now, since we have obtained our pay and are mus 
 tered out, free of military restraint and discipline, 
 we bid farewell to the cannon s roar, hoping it shall 
 never again be heard in battle with our own people. 
 
 CHAPTEK II. 
 
 Roster of Field and Staff Officers Roll of Co. A Roll of Co. 
 13 Roll of Co. C Roll of Co. D Roll of Co. E Roll of 
 Co. F Roll of Co. G Roll of Co. H Roll of Co. I Roll of 
 Co. K Roll of names unassigned Statement Causalties 
 List of battles engaged in Distance travelled. 
 
 Col. Jno. F. Hartranft. Promoted brigadier-general, June 8, 
 1804, and to brevet major-general, March 25, 1805. 
 
 Col. Win. J. Bolton. Promoted from captain of Co. A. to 
 major, September 17, 1802 ; then to colonel, June 20, 1804 ; then 
 to brevet brigadier-general, March 13, 1865. 
 
 Lieut-Col. Thos. S. Bell. Killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1802. 
 
 Lieut.-Col. Edwin Schall. Promoted from major to lieu 
 tenant-colonel, September 17, 1802. Killed at Cold Harbor, 
 June 3, 1804. 
 
 Lieut.-Col. Win. Allebaugh. Promoted from captain of Co. 
 C. to lieutenant-colonel, April 23, 1805 ; to brevet colonel, March 
 13, 1805. Was captured along with his colors at Spottsylvania 
 Court-house, Va., May 12, 1804; rejoined his regiment, May 1, 
 18(n. 
 
 M.-ij. Lane S. Hart. Promoted from captain of Co. F., July 
 12, 1804. Severely wounded, August 19, 1804, in battle at the 
 Yellow Tavern, on ti^e Weldon railroad, Virginia. Discharged 
 on account of wounds, December 17, 1804. 
 
 Maj. Joseph K. Bolton. Promoted from captain of Co. A., 
 January 15, 1805. 
 
 Adj. Daniel P. Bible. Resigned, June 5, 1802. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 623 
 
 Adj. George Shorkley. Promoted from 1st lieut. Co. H. to 
 adjutant, June 6, 1862. Wounded at Camden, N. C., April 19, 
 1802, and again severely wounded in front of Petersburg in 
 1804. Was promoted to captain of Co. H., April 22, 1864, and 
 to brevet major, July 30, 1864 ; then to brevet lieutenant-colonel, 
 March 25, 1865, and again to brevet colonel, April 9, 1865. 
 
 Adj. Martin L. Schock. Promoted from 1st sergeant to 2d 
 lieutenant, January 12, 1864; to 1st lieutenant and adjutant, 
 May 2, 1864. Discharged on account of wounds received in 
 action, November 2, 1864. 
 
 Adj. Jacob H. Santo. Wounded at Antietam, September 17, 
 1852. Promoted from 1st sergeant to 2d lieutenant, April 15, 
 1864 ; to 1st lieutenant and adjutant, January 15, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Quar.-Mas. Jno. J. Freedley. Promoted from 1st lieutenant 
 of Co. C., October 17, 1861. Resigned, and went home, May 11, 
 1868. 
 
 Quar.-Mas. Samuel P. Stephens. Promoted from sergeant, 
 November 16, 1861, to commissary-sergeant; then to 1st lieu 
 tenant and regimental quartermaster, May 13, 1863. 
 
 Surg. J. A. Livergood. Transferred to 101st regiment, P. V., 
 Nov. 20, 1861. 
 
 Suro;. Jno. A. Hosack. Transferred from 101st regiment, P. 
 V., November 20, 1861. Resigned, July 30, 1863. 
 
 Suro-. Win. C. Shurlock. Transferred from 100th regiment, 
 P. V., March 9, 1864. Mustered out June, 1865. 
 
 Surg. Manning F. Bowes. Mustered out with regiment, July 
 27, 1865. 
 
 Asst.-Surg. Jas. D. Noble. Resigned, July 21, 1862. 
 
 Asst.-Surg. Jno. B. Rineholdt. Mustered out, June 5, 1865. 
 
 Asst.-Surg. Chas. S. Duffell. Mustered out, November 16, 
 
 1864. Expiration of time. 
 
 Asst.-Surg. Jas. Cress. Mustered out with regiment, July 
 27, 1865. 
 
 Chaplain Danl. G. Mallory, Resigned, July 27, 1863. Re- 
 commissioned, April 8, 1864. Discharged by special order, Sept. 
 2, 1864. 
 
 Sergt.-Maj. Curtin B.Stoneroad. Promoted to 2d lieutenant 
 in Co. G., June 25, 1864. 
 
 Serg.-Maj. C. Jones Iredell. Killed by accident, August 13, 
 1862, at Aquia creek. 
 
 Serg.-Maj. Gco. C. Gutelius. Promoted to 2d lieutenant in 
 Co. E, January 14, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Sergt.-Maj. Levi Shingle. Promoted from sergeant in Co. C. , 
 Jan. i4, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Quar.-Mas. Sergt. Louis Cartuyval. Mustered out, July 27, 
 
 1865. Vole ran. 
 
 Quar.-Mas. Sergt. Christopher Wyckoff. Promoted from 
 corporal in Co. F. to quarter-master sergeant, December 13, 
 1862. Discharged bv special order, March 8, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Quar.-Mas. Sergt. Wm. L. Jones. Died, December 12, 1862. 
 
 Com. Sergt. Levi Bolt on. Promoted from corporal in Co. 
 A., December 3, 1861. Mustered out with regiment. Veteran. 
 
624 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Com. Sergt. Thos. II. Parker. Promoted to captain in Co. I., 
 December 2, 1864. Veteran. 
 
 Com. Sergt. Allen H. Filman. Promoted to 2d lieutenant in 
 Co. F., July 22, 1864. Veteran. 
 
 Hosp. Steward Martin H. Dunn. Mustered out with regiment. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Drum-Maj. Ed. D. Johnson. Mustered out with regiment. 
 
 ROLL OF CO. A. 
 
 From its organization in 1861, to its final muster out in 1865. 
 Alphabetically arranged and not according to rank. Recruited 
 
 at Norristown. 
 
 Wm. J. Bolton, captain. Promoted major, Sept. 17, 1862 ; 
 colonel, June 26, 1864 ; to brevet brigadier-general, March 13, 
 1865 ; was severely wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at the taking of 
 Antietam bridge ; was again wounded in the same spot, July 
 30, 1864, at the blowing up of the rebel fort by Gen. Burnside. 
 Mustered out with regiment July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Jos. K. Bolton, 1st lieut. Promoted captain Sept. 17, 1862; 
 then major, Jan. 15, 1865. Wounded in June, 1864, in front of 
 Petersburg, Va. Mus. out with reg. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Abraham L. Ortlip, 2d lieut. Promoted to 1st lieutenant 
 Sept. 17, 1862 ; resigned April 20, 1864. 
 
 John S. Moore, 1st sergt. Promoted to 2d lieutenant Sept. 
 17, 1862 ; to 1st lieutenant, May 3, 1864. Killed at Wilderness, 
 May 6, 1864. Buried at Wilderness cemetery. Veteran. 
 
 Jonathan B. Ellis, sergt. Discharged March 4, 1864, for 
 disability. Re-enlisted as a veteran private and was promoted 
 corporal Oct. 31, 1864. Mus. out with company. Wounded 
 May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania. 
 
 Adams, John. Promoted corporal, Jan. 15, 1865. Deserted 
 June 22, 1865, while on furlough. 
 
 Abbott, Henry. Drafted. Dis. by G. O., June 3, 1865. 
 
 Altar, Henry, priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O., June 3, 1865. 
 
 Bolton, Levi, corpl. Reduced to ranks July 4, 1862. 
 W T ounded at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. Promoted corporal, 
 March 29, 1863. Wounded May 12, 1864. Promoted commis 
 sary sergeant, Dec. 3, 1864. Mustered out with regiment, July 
 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Butz, Abraham, corpl. Discharged April 21, 1863. 
 
 Brannon, Jno. C., corpl. Reduced to ranks, Nov. 26, 1861. 
 Died at Newbern, N. C., May 21, 1862. 
 
 Barndt, Irwin, priv. Trans, to Vet. Res. Cps, Nov. 8, 1863. 
 
 Barr, Wm.,priv. Deserted and arrested, Oct. 1, 1862; sen 
 tenced to forfeit one month s pay. Captured at North Ann, 
 May 27, 1864. Dis. by G. O., May 12, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Bellman, Gotlieb, prir. Died of disease, Nov. 19, 1862. 
 
 Bennett, Jacob, priv. Discharged Dec. 2, 1862. 
 
 Bodey, George, priv. Died May 2, 1864, at Warrenton 
 Junction, Va. Veteran. 
 
1 
 
 OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 625 
 
 Bolton, Benj. F., priv. Discharged, Sept. 11, 1864, at expira 
 tion of term. 
 
 Bolton, Thos. J., priv. Wounded May 6, 1864. at the Wil 
 derness, Va. Dis. on account of wounds, Feb. 25, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Bolton, James M., priv. Wounded, Sept. 17, 1862. Dis 
 charged on account of wounds, June 25, 1863. 
 
 Bond, George, priv. Died Oct. 20, 1861, at Camp Curtin, Pa. 
 
 Buzzard, George S., corpl. Wounded, Sept. 17, 1862. Prom, 
 corporal, 1864. Mus. out with com., July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Baker, James M., priv. Discharged by G O., July 11, 1865. 
 
 Bergest, Samuel, priv. Discharged by G. O., June 3, 1865. 
 
 Block, Elijah, priv. Discharged by G. O., June 3, 1865. 
 Block, James, priv. Discharged by G. O., June 3, 1865. 
 
 Beam, Jonas, priv. Discharged by G. O., June 3, 1865. 
 
 Burkhart, Joseph, priv. Discharged by G. 0., June 3, 1865. 
 
 Brown, Win., priv. Discharged by G. O., June 3, 1865. 
 
 Bockus, Win., priv. Discharged by G. O., June 3, 1865. 
 
 Barringer, Wm. Mastered out with company, July 27, 1865. 
 
 Baker, Geo. B., priv. Wounded at Cold Harbor, June 3, 
 1864. Mustered out with company, July 27, 1865. 
 
 Baten, Jas. W., priv. Mus. out with com., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Bockus, Henry, priv. Mus. out Avith com., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Barndt, Albert, priv. Mus. out with com., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Buzzard, Saml. S., priv. Mus. out with com., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Brooks, Jonathan, priv. Trans, to Co. G., Sept. 18, 1864. 
 
 Boyer, Henry, priv. Died May 4, 1864, at Alexandria, Va. 
 
 Backen, Win., priv. Died July 1, 1865, of tonsillitis. 
 
 Bare, John, priv. Wounded May 6, 1864, at the Wilderness. 
 Died from wounds, May 30, 1864. 
 
 Berks, Geo. W., priv. Captured at North Ann, May 27, 
 1864. Died, Oct. 24, 1864, while a prisoner at Andersonville. 
 Grave, 11,434. 
 
 Berks, Archibald, priv. Deserted from Filbert street hospi 
 tal, Feb. 27, 1865. 
 
 Buzzard, Adam S., private. 
 
 Broomall, Benj., priv. Deserted at Alexandria, Va., June 
 22, 1865. 
 
 Coulston, John H., corporal. Promoted corporal, Jan. 21, 
 1862. Wounded, Sept. 14, 1862, at South Mountain. Pro 
 moted 5th sergeant, Sept. 17, 1862 ; to 4th sergeant, Sept. 28, 
 1862 ; to 1st sergeant, Oct. 1, 1863. Promoted 2d lieutenant, 
 May 3, 1864. Wounded at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864. Pro 
 moted to 1st lieutenant, Oct. 1, 1864; to captain, Jan. 15, 1865. 
 Mustered out with company, July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Clare, John, priv. Trans, to 1st U. S. Art., Oct. 27, 1862. 
 
 Caster, Abraham, priv. Deserted Oct. 1, 1862 ; sentenced 
 to forfeit one month s pay. Wounded, Dec. 13, 1862 ; died, 
 Dec. 14, 1862, from wounds received at Fredericksburg. 
 
 Campbell, Davis, priv. Deserted, April 30, and again Aug. 
 30, 1862. Discharged, June 28, 1863, at Milldale, Miss. 
 
 Carrier, Wm. A., priv. Mus. out with com., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Claycout, John, priv. Dischar d, Dec. 23, 1864. Substitute. 
 
626 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Cornog, Wm., priv. Died of disease, Aug. 18, 1801, at Fort 
 Schuyler, N. Y. 
 
 Capwell, Richard N., priv. Dis. by G. 0., June 2, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Constable, Henry, priv. Dis. by G. O., June 2, 1865. Drafted. 
 
 Collcgo, Henry, priv. Dis. by G. 0., June 2, 1865. Drafted. 
 
 Case. Enos, priv. Mus. out with company, July 27, 1865. 
 
 Carney, Win., priv. Died, Aug. 19, 1864. Buried in Gyp. 
 H. cemetery. 
 
 Coulston, Jas., priv. Killed, Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 
 Doud, Benj. F., priv. Mus. out with com., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Doud, Saml. G., drum. Trans, to Invalid Corps, Camp 
 Kelson, Ky., Nov. 8, 1863; re-enlisted, Jan. 24, 1865. Mus 
 tered out with company, July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Doud, James M., corpl. Reduced to ranks, Oct. 30, 1863. 
 Promoted corpl., June 23, 1865. Mustered out with company, 
 July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Doud, Thos., priv. Mustered out, Sept. 11, 1864. Expira 
 tion of term. 
 
 DeHaven, Isaac, priv. Transferred to battery K 1st IT S. 
 Artillery, Oct. 27, 1862. 
 
 Dickinson, Henry, corpl. Promoted corpl., June 3, 1865. 
 Mustered out with company, July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Divers, Jos., priv. Mus. out Sept. 11, 1864. Expir. of term. 
 
 Druckenmiller, Aaron, priv. Dis. by G. O , June 2, 1865. 
 
 Dobson, Simon, priv. Wounded, April 1, 1865, in front of 
 Petersburg, Va. Died, April 3, 1865, from wounds. 
 
 Derr, Jacob H., priv. Wounded at Spottsylvania Court- 
 Louse, May 12, 1864. Died of wounds, May 28, 1864. Buried 
 in Nat. Cein. at Arlington, Va. 
 
 Detinger, Saml., priv. Discharged by G. O., June 2, 1865. 
 
 Dried, Daniel, priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O., June 2. 1865. 
 
 Delingcr, Franklin, priv. Mus. out with com., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Evans, Edward L., lieut. Promoted from priv. to corpl,, 
 Jan. 21, 1862 ; tosergt., Jan. 5, 1864 ; to 2d lieut., Dec. 18, 1864. 
 Mustered out with company, July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Ellis, Jonathan B., 1st sergt. Promoted to 1st sergt, Sept. 
 17, 1862, from 2d sergt. Promoted 2d sergt., Jan. 21, 1862; 
 discharged for disability, Mar. 4, 1863 ; re-enlisted as veteran 
 private, March, 1864. Prom, corpl., Oct. 31, 1864; wounded, 
 May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania. Mus. out with com. July 27, 
 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Ecker, Danl., priv. Mus. out with com. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Evans, Chas. B., priv. Mus. out with com., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Eckhart, Geo., priv. Mus. out with com. July 27, 1865. 
 
 English, Harrison, priv. Dis. by G. O., June 20, 1865. 
 
 Fillman, Isaac E., sergt. Wounded at South Mountain, 
 Sept. 14, 1862. Promoted, Jan. 1, 1864 ; to sergt., Dec. 3, 186 i. 
 Mustered out with company, July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Fix, Chas., priv. Wounded at South Mountain, Sept, 14, 
 1862. Wounded, May 6, 1864 at Wilderness. Died of wounds, 
 June 18, 1864. Veteran. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 627 
 
 Foreman, Nathan, priv. Discharged, Feb. 18, 1803, at Long 
 Bridge, Virginia. 
 
 Foreman, Saml., priv. Dis., Jan. 25, 1863, at Philadelphia. 
 
 Franklin, Linclley R., prir. Discharged, March 4, 1803. 
 Captured, Aug. 30, 1802, at Bull Run battle. 
 
 Farrel, Thos., priv. Wounded at Spottsylvania Court house, 
 May 12, 1804. Discharged by G. O., July 24, 1805. 
 
 Florey, John, priv. Discharged by G. O., June 20, 1805. 
 
 Foos, Israel, priv. Dis. by G. O., June 2, 1805. Drafted. 
 
 Findley, Archibald, priv. Dis. by G. 0., June 2, 1805. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Foucht, Henry, priv. Dis. by G. 0., June 2, 1805. Sub. 
 
 Fischer, Lewis C., priv. Dis. by G. O., June 2, 1805. 
 
 Freas, Jesse, priv. Killed, May 12, 1804 at Spottsylvania. 
 
 Freas, Saml. II., priv. Wounded, May 12, 1864, at Spott 
 sylvania ; absent at muster out of company, July 27, 1805. 
 
 Fried, Jno. G., priv. Mus. out with com., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Gilbert, Theo. H., priv. Reduced from sergt to the ranks, 
 Jan. 21, 1802. Wounded, May 6, 1804, at the Wilderness. 
 Mustered out, Dec. 23, 1804; expiration of term. 
 
 Gray, Jeremiah, corpl. Wounded, May 14, 1804, at Spot- 
 sylvania. Prom, corpl., Mar. 10, 1804. Died, May, 10, 1804, 
 from wounds ; buried in Wilderness burial ground. 
 
 Goodwin, Benj., priv. Wounded, Sept. 14, 1862, at South 
 Mountain. Deserted, Aug. 30, 1803. 
 
 Goodwin, Jonathan, priv. Discharged, Dec. 12, 1832. 
 
 Gargas, Amandus, corpl. Promoted corpl., Dec. 3, 1804. 
 Wounded, May 0, 1864, at the Wilderness. Mustered out w*ith 
 company, July 27, 1805. 
 
 Getman, Jno., corpl. Promoted corporal, April 11, 1865. 
 Mustered out with company, July 27, 1865. 
 
 Geisinger, Fredk., priv. DCS. while on guard, May 30, 1865. 
 
 Gauker, Israel, priv. Discharged by G. O., June 2, 1865. 
 
 Gerhart, Jos., priv. Mus. out with com., July 27, 1805. 
 
 Gross, Jno. F., priv. Mus. out with com., July 27, 1805. 
 
 Hammel, Pat., priv. Mus. out, Sept. 11, 1804. Expir. of term. 
 
 Hansell, Chas. S., priv. Wounded, May 12, 1864, at Spott 
 sylvania. Mus. out with com. July 27, 1805. Veteran. 
 
 Hoffman, Wm., team. Mus. out with com. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Hay berry, Chas., priv. Trans, to 1st U. S. bat., Oct. 25, 1802. 
 
 Hennis, Jno., priv. Tran. to 1st U. S. bat y, Oct. 25, 1802. 
 
 Heard, Wm., priv. Killed, Dec. 13,1802, at Frederick sburg, 
 
 Hennis, Chas. M., sergt. Captured, Dec. 15, 1803, at Clinch 
 Mts. Escaped. Promoted from corpl. to sergt., Dec. 3, 1864. 
 Mustered out with company, July 27, 1805. Veteran. 
 
 Herbster, Jesse, corpl. Prom, corpl., May 14, 1803. Mus 
 tered out with company, July 27, 1864. Veteran. 
 
 Harff, Wm., priv. Captured, Aug. 21, 1804, at Yellow Tav 
 ern. Died at Salisbury, N. C., Nov. 3, 1804, while a prisoner. 
 
 Ilallman, Eclw., priv. Wounded, May 14, 1804, at Spottsyl 
 vania. Transf. to Vet. Res. Corps, March 4, 1865. 
 
628 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST EEGIMENT 
 
 Hood, Danl., priv. Wounded at the Wilderness, May G, 
 18G4. Deserted, Dec. 27, 18G4, from hospital. 
 
 Herbster, Win., priv. Mus. out with com. July 27, 18G5. 
 
 Himes, Saml., priv. Wounded, May 6, 18G4, at the Wilder 
 ness. Transf. to vet. res. corps, March 4, 1865. 
 
 Hueguenin, Geo. A. priv. Mus. out with com., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Horner, Win. A., priv. Mus. out by G. O., June 2, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Hildredth, Allen, priv. Mus. out with com., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Hunsinger, Clias. G., priv. Mus. out with com. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Invin, Isaac, M. D., priv. Mus. out with com., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Jordan, John A., corpl. Reduced to ranks, July 4, 1862. 
 Deserted, Oct. 31, 1862, and again, Mar. 10, 1864; but returned 
 to duty, April 12, 1864 ; taken prisoner at the Yellow Tavern, 
 Va., Aug. 21, 1864. Mus. out with com., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Jones, Saml. H., corpl. Prom, corpl., Nov. 1, 1862; taken 
 prisoner, Dec. 15, 1863, at Clinch Mountains, Term. Mustered 
 out with company, July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Jones, Abraham, priv. Taken prisoner at Clinch Mountains, 
 Tenn., Dec. 15, 1863. Mus. out with company July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Jones, Benj. D., priv. Wounded Sep. 14, 1862, at South 
 Mountain. Dis. Jan. 4, 1863, for disability. 
 
 Jones, John S., corp. Wounded Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon 
 R. R. Dis. June 3, 1865, on account of wounds. Veteran. 
 
 Johnson, Ashberry M., priv. Dis. Sep. 8, 1862, at Beaufort, 
 North Carolina. 
 
 Johnson, Jesse, corp. Captured Aug. 30, 1862, at Bull Run. 
 Mustered out Sep. 11, 1864, expiration of term. Wounded 
 May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania C. H., Va. 
 
 Johnson, Isaiah T., priv. Transf. to Vet. Res. Corps, March 
 4, 1865. 
 
 Johnson, Edward, music n. Trans, to Co. C., Sep. 18, 1864. 
 
 Jones, Ralph, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 James Wilson, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Kelichner, Edward, priv. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fred- 
 ericksburg. Mus. out Sep. 11, 1864, expiration of term. 
 
 Keyser, Chas., priv. Wounded Sep. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 Died Sep. 30, 1864, of wounds received in action. 
 
 Keyser, Lewis T., priv. Capt, Aug. 30. 1862, at Bull Run. 
 Deserted Nov. 1, 1862. 
 
 Kilpatrick, Win., priv. Died of disease, Dec. 1, 1861. 
 
 Keller, Jacob, priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O., June 2, 1865. 
 
 Kulp, Jacob W., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Kelly, Barney, priv. Deserted and returned. Mustered out 
 with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Lare, Daniel, corp. Wounded, Dec. 2, 1863, at siege of 
 Knoxville, Tenn. Mus. out Sep. 11, 1864, expiration of term. 
 
 Lare, Albanus, priv. Wounded, Dec. 13, 1862, at Freder- 
 icksburg, Va. Dis. March 24, 1863. 
 
 Lewis, Jos. N. Mus. out Sep. 11, 1864, expiration of term. 
 
 Linck, Christian, priv. Deserted July 4, 1863, arrested and 
 sent to Fort McHenry. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 629 
 
 Lysinger, Hiram, corp. Promoted to corp. Oct. 31, 1804. 
 Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Lake, Lucius, priv. Wounded April 2, 1865, at Petersburg, 
 Va, Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Moyer, Jacob H., sergt. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fred- 
 ericksbure, Va. Pro. to 3d sergt. Sept. 17, 1862. Wounded 
 June 3, 1864, at Cold Harbor, Va. Died July 11, 1864, from 
 wounds. 
 
 Mills, Frank H , corp. Prom, corporal July 4, 1862. Killed 
 at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864. 
 
 McDade, Washington, priv. Killed Dec. 13, 1862, at Fred 
 erick sburg, Va. 
 
 Maguire, James, priv. Killed Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericks- 
 burg, Va. 
 
 Markley, Jacob W., corp. Dis. Feb. 21, 1863, for disability. 
 
 McGusfan, Daniel, priv. Trans, to Inv. Corps, Nov. 8, 1863. 
 
 McMicken, David, priv. Killed Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericks- 
 burg, Va. 
 
 McKane, Andrew, corp. Pro. to corporal July 4, 1862. 
 Deserted Feb. 23, 1863. 
 
 McKane, Wm., priv. Trans, to 1st U. S. Artillery, Oct. ; 
 re-enlisted Oct. 17, 1864. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Morton, Thos., priv. Mus. out Sept. 11, 1864, expr. of term. 
 
 McCoombs, Samuel, priv. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865. 
 
 McLain, Henry, priv. Wounded May 12, 1864, at Spottsyl- 
 vania C. H. Captured Aug. 21, 1864, at the Yellow Tavern, 
 Va. Died while a prisoner at Salisbury, N. C. 
 
 Murray, Chas. A., priv. Absent, undergoing sentence of 
 general court-martial at Auburn jail, N. Y., for 9 years. 
 
 Mattis, Nelson Y., priv. Captured July 30, 1864, at the ex 
 plosion of the Burnside mine. Died at Danville, Va., Jan. 10, 
 1865. 
 
 Mattis, Levi, priv. Killed July 8, 1864, at Petersburg, Va. 
 
 Myers, Lewis, priv. Wounded June 17, 1864, at Petersburg, 
 Va. Died July 12, 1864, from wounds received in battle. 
 
 Mack, Alexander, priv. Deserter. 
 
 McMullen, James E., priv. Dis. by G. 0., June 2, 1865. 
 
 Moyer, Joseph, priv. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1835. 
 
 Miller, Samuel J., priv. Dis. by G. O., June 2, 1865. 
 
 McGrail, Thos, priv. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865. 
 
 McGlinchy, James, priv. Deserted to the enemy, Jan. 25, 
 1865, with gun and equipments. 
 
 Mason, Wm., priv. Absent sick at mus. out of co. 
 
 Nyce, Monroe, priv. Wounded April 19, 1862, at Camden, 
 North Carolina. Deserted March 29, 1863. 
 
 Nunheimer, Wm., priv. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Noll, Rudolph, priv. Dis. by G. O., June 2, 1865. Drafted. 
 
 Nathans, Lewis, priv. Dis. by G. 0., June 2, 1865. Drafted. 
 
 Ortlip, Osman, sergt, Pro. to corp., Jan. 21, 1862, to sergt. 
 1863, to 1st sergt. April 13, 1861 Wounded May 6, 1864,"at 
 the Wilderness, Va., and at South Mountain, Sep. 14, 1862. 
 Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
630 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 O Neil, James, corp. Prom, corp., April 11, 1865. Mus. out 
 with co., July 27, 1805. Veteran. 
 
 Oster, Jacob, priv. Mustered out with co., July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Pinch, Harvey, priv. Captured Aug. 80, 1862, at Bull Run. 
 Wounded April 10, 1862, at Camden, N. Carolina, and cap 
 tured at the same time. Died at Annapolis, March 31, 1804. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Pinch, Winfield 8., priv. Trans, to battery K, 1st U S. 
 Artillery, Oct. 27, 1862. 
 
 Parvin, Ephraim, priv. Wounded May 12, 1864, at Spottsyl- 
 vania. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Parker, Saml. G., priv. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Quinlan, Edward, priv. Wounded Mar. 30, 1863, at Colum 
 bus, Ohio. Died April 1, 1863, from wounds. 
 
 Rittenhouse, Jacob, priv. Mus. out September 11, 1864, 
 expiration of term. 
 
 Roberts, Robert, priv. Mus. out Sep. 11, 1864, expiration of 
 term. 
 
 Rodenbaugh, Lemuel, priv. Discharged Dec. 27, 1861. 
 
 Richards, John, priv. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Richards, David, priv. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Reed, Wm., priv. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Raunzahn, David, priv. Draft. Dis. by G. O., June 2, 1865. 
 
 Richards, James, priv. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865. 
 Substitute. 
 
 Reed, Daniel, priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O., June 2, 1865. 
 
 Roily, James, priv. Substitute. Mus. out with co., July 
 27, 1865. 
 
 Rogers, Albert, priv. Discharged by G. O., May 25, 1865. 
 
 Snpplee, Robert, sergt. Pro. 4th sergt., Sept. 17,1862. Died 
 Sept. 27, 1862. 
 
 Shillich, Jno. W., musician. Mus. out with co., July 27, 
 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Sanders, Adolph, priv. Died Nov. 10, 1861. 
 
 Schrack, David, priv. Died July 12, 1862, of disease. 
 
 Schock, Theodore, priv. Discharged Nov. 22, 1862. 
 
 Selah, Tlios., priv. Deserted Dec. 13, 1862. 
 
 Slingluff, Samuel, priv. Deserted and arrested ; sentenced 
 by general court-martial to be shot ; escaped Oct. 15, 1862. 
 
 Sensenderfer, Sol., priv. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 
 8, 1868. 
 
 Shade, Israel, priv. Deserted Dec. 11, 1862. 
 
 Shade, John, priv. Discharged Oct. 21, 1862. Wounded 
 Sept. 14, 1862, at South Mountain. 
 
 Sickle, Edwin R. W., priv. Discharged Dec. 22, 1862. 
 
 Smith, John D., priv. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Smith, Washington, sergt. Pro. corporal July 30, 1864 ; to 
 sergeant Jan. 15,1865. Wounded Aug. 21, 1864, at Yellow Tav 
 ern. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Somerlot, Wm., priv. Killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 
 
 Stout, Daniel, priv. Wounded Sept, 14, 1862, at South 
 Mountain. Discharged Dec. 29, 1862. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 631 
 
 Smith, George, priv. Wounded May 12, 1804, at Spottsylva- 
 nia. Died May 30, 1864, from his wounds. 
 
 Smith, Henry, priv. Wounded May 12, 18G4, at Spottsylva- 
 nia. Died May 14, 1804, from his wounds. 
 
 Supplee, Joseph, priv. Wounded May 9, 1864, at Spottsyl- 
 vania. Mas. out with co., July 27, 1805. 
 
 Saylor, John, priv. AVounded May 12, 1804, at near Spott- 
 sylvania. Absent at mus. out of co. 
 
 Sterns, Jacob, priv. Wounded June 3, 1804, at Cold Harbor. 
 Trans, to Vet. Ees. Corps, Mar. 4, 1805. 
 
 Scheets, Chas., priv. Trans, to Co. G, Sept, 1804. 
 
 Strayer, Samuel, priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O., June 2, 1865. 
 
 Settler, FrecTk, priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O., May 26, 1865. 
 
 Schafer, John, priv. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1805. 
 
 Stover, Abraham D., priv. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1805. 
 
 Shelley, Austin, priv. Mus. out with co., -Inly 27, 1865. 
 
 Shelley, Enos, priv. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Shimer, John W., priv. DCS. Absent in arrest at Mus. out. 
 
 Sweeny, Jacob H., priv. Trans, to co. G, Sep. 18, 1864. 
 
 Spease, Jesse, priv. No remarks on roll. 
 
 Thompson, Benj. P., 1st lieut. Pro. corp. 1802 ; to 3 1 sergt. 
 Jan. 21, 1802 ; to 2d sergt. Sep. 17, 1862 ; to 1st sergt. Oct..l, 
 1864 ; to 2d lieut. Oct. 1, 1864 ; to 1st lieut. Dec. 18, 1864. Taken 
 pris. Aug. 21, 1864, at Yellow Tavern. Mus. out with co., 
 July 27, 1805. Veteran. 
 
 Toy, Charles, priv. AVounded Dec. 13, 1802, at Fredericks- 
 burg, A r a. Discharged Nov. 22, 1804. Veteran. 
 
 Thompson. Benj.^F., priv. Died of disease, April 20, 1802, at 
 Roanoke Island, N. C. 
 
 Turner, John, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1805. 
 
 Tillson, Sinclair, priv. Substitute. Mus. out with co., July 
 27, 1805. 
 
 Uebele, George, corp. Pro. corp. Sep. 17, 1802. Wounded 
 June 3, 1804, at Cold Harbor. Died June 18, 1804, from 
 wounds received at Cold Harbor. 
 
 Vauhorn, AVm. M., priv. Killed Dec. 13, 1864, at Fredksbg. 
 
 White, Joseph, corp. AVounded Sep. 14, 1862, at South 
 Mountain. Died Sep. 15, 1802, from wounds. 
 
 AVidger, Geo. AV., priv. Dis. Nov. 14, 1862. 
 
 Widirer, Andrew, priv. AVounded Sep. 17,1862, at Antietam. 
 . Wood, Harry C. priv. Dis. April 28, 1863. 
 
 AVeeber, Jonathan, priv. AVounded June 17, 1864, in front 
 of Petersburg. Dis. March 27, 1805, on account of wounds. 
 
 Williams, Adam B., priv. Drat . Dis. by G. O., June 2, 1865. 
 
 AVadworth, Michl., priv. Draf. Dis. by G. O., June 2, 1865. 
 
 Winters, Enos, priv. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Welsh, John, priv. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Yunker, Charles, priv. Des. Oct. 31, 1862. AVounded and 
 taken prisoner May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania. Veteran. 
 
 Y eager, Adam W. priv. Killed July 15, 1864, at Petersburg. 
 
 Zearfoss, Joseph II., priv. AVounded and captured April 19, 
 1862, at Camden N. C. Deserted and dis. by order of the AVar 
 Department Jan. 27. 1865. Veteran. 
 
632 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Ziegrist, Jno., priv. Dis Mar. 6, 1863. 
 Total names on roll 227.* 
 
 ROLL OF CO. B. 
 
 Recruited in Northampton County. 
 
 Ferdinand "VV. Bell, capt. Killed at Freclericksburg, Va., 
 Dec. 13, 1862. 
 
 Daniel L. Nicholas, capt. Pro. from 2d lieut. to cap. Dec. 14, 
 1862, to brevet maj., March 13, 1865. Mus. out with co., July 
 27, 18(55. Veteran. 
 
 John H. Genther, 1st lieut. Pro. to 1st lieut. Dec. 14, 1862, 
 from 2d lieut., appointed Brigade A. A. Q. M. in 1863. Mus. 
 out at expiration of term, Oct. 9, 1864. 
 
 Valentine Stocker, 1st lieut. Pro. from 1st sergt. to 1st 
 lieut. Oct. 30, 1864. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Robert M. Burrell, 2d lieut. Dis. for disability May 2, 1864. 
 
 John W. Meeker, 2d lieut. Pro. from sergt. to 2d lieut. Oct. 
 30, 1864. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865." Veteran. 
 
 Samuel A. Apple, 1st sergt. Pro. from corp. to 1st sergt. 
 Oct 30, 1864. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 * Summary of Casualties. Killed in battle Commissioned officers, 
 1 ; nun-commissioned officers, 1 ; privates, 10 ; by accident, 1. 
 Died of wounds Non-commissioned officers, 5 ; privates, 12. Died 
 from disease non-commissioned officers, 1 ; privates, 11. Died in 
 rebel prisons non-commissioned officers,!; privates, 4. Wound 
 ed Commissioned officers, 5; non-commissioned officers, 18; 
 privates, 44. Captured - Commissioned officers, 1 ; non-commis 
 sioned officers, 3 ; privates, 13. Transferred Privates, 18. Dis 
 charged Non-commissioned officers, 3; privates, 77. Deserted 
 Non-commissioLed officers, 3 ; privates, 22. Resigned, 1. Absent, 
 sick, at muster out Privates, 3. Absent, in arrest, at muster out 
 Total, 3. 
 
 Recapitulation. Killed, 12 ; Died of wounds, 17 ; Died of disease, 
 12 ; Killed by accident, 1 ; Died in rebel prisons, 5 Total deaths, 47. 
 Woun ed, 67; Captured, 17; Transferred, 18; Deserted, 25; Re 
 signed 1 ; Absent, sick, at muster out, 3 ; Absent, in arrest, 3 ; Dis 
 charged, 80, Total, 214. Total casualties, 261. 
 
 The above account of the depletions of the ranks of Co. A 
 is reliable ; although but 227 names appear on the rolls, yet its list of 
 casualties would far exceed 261, for there is not one case in the pre 
 ceding list of wounded but what were severe ones ; none are given 
 under that head with but one exception," but those cases that had 
 to be sent to the hospitals. The slightly wounded, numbering about 
 80, if added with the severely wounded would make a grand total of 
 147 wounded, swelling the total casualties in the company to 341. 
 The officers and men of Co. A can compare records with any 
 other individual company that was in the entire service, whether 
 "regulars" or volunteers, without suffering a leaf to be plucked 
 from their crown of living laurels, as I have looked over some pretty 
 bright records in the Adjutant-General s office that have received 
 high encomiums from those who know where honor is due. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 633 
 
 John W. Beam, sergt. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Alson Stocker, sergt. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Conrad Swazer, sergt. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Chas. S. Knauss, sergt. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 AVm. J. Osterstock, sergt. Mus. out Oct. 9, 1864, expira 
 tion of term. 
 
 Geo. W. Arndt, sergt. Trans, to Vet. Res. Cor. Sep. 27, 1863, 
 
 John M. Wein, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Philip A. Barnet, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Geo. Johnson, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Milton Ackerman, corp. Mua. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Enos Schock, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Saml. F. Knapp, c< rp. Mus. out with co. July, 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. Prom. corp. May 1, 1865. 
 
 Henry Schooley, corp. Prom, to corp. July 7, 1865. Mus. 
 out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Benj. F. Ackerman, corp. Prom, to corp. July 3, 1865. Mus. 
 out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Matthew Delaney, corp. Captured May 12, 1864, at Spott- 
 sylvania C. H., exchanged and rejoined his co. April 21, 
 1865. Dis. by G. O. May 29, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Thompson Ackerman, corp. Dis., date unknown. 
 
 Saml. Moore, corp. Trans, to llth N. H. Jan. 16, 1864. Vet. 
 
 Edward Bullman, corp. Killed May 6, 1864, at Wilderness, 
 Va. Veteran. 
 
 George W. Moser, corp. Died from wounds received in 
 action, June 13, 1864, at Washington D. C. Veteran. 
 
 Jno. D. Knass, musician. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Aimer Neigh, musician. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Ackerman, Josiah, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Apple, Edward, priv. Absent sick at mus. out of co. 
 
 Arnold, Joseph, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Albert, William, priv. Captured at Leiper s Ferry, E. Tenn. 
 Died at Danville, Va., Jan. 12, 1864. 
 
 Ackerman, John F., priv. Killed July 31, 1864, at Peters 
 burg, Va., buried in 9th A. C. cemetery, at Meade s Station. 
 
 Ackerman, Harrison, priv. Killed at Spottsylvania C. H., 
 May 13, 1864. Veteran. 
 
 Andrews, Wm., priv. Deserted May 27, 1864. 
 
 Buzzard, Adam, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Brunner, John W., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Bachman. Wm. H., priv. Mus. out withco. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Bowman, Wm. L., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Burns, John, piiv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 28 
 
634: HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Boswcll, George, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Bring, Sebastian, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Bisbing, James, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Brittain, Wm. H., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Buck, John H., priv. Mus. out April 11, 1865, expiration 
 of term. 
 
 Bowes, John, priv. Mus. out Oct. 9. 1864, expir. of term. 
 
 Butz, Wm. H., priv. Dis. June 2, 1865, by G. O. 
 
 Bullman, Jack n, priv. Mus. out Oct. 9, 1864, expir. of term. 
 
 Bond, Philip, priv. Killed May 6, 1864, at the Wilderness. 
 
 Brook, Jonathan, priv. Cap. Aug. 21, 1864, at Yellow Tav. 
 
 Brown, Chas., priv. Not on rnus. out roll. 
 
 Bridges, James, priv. Not on mus. out roll. 
 
 Colbrath, Wm., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Cheney, Jeremiah, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Curtz, Philip, priv. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Crocket, Israel, priv. Mus. out Oct. 9, 1864, expir. of term. 
 
 Clifton, Allen J., priv Mus out Oct. 9, 1864, expir. of term. 
 
 Coif, John, priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Crawford, Gco., priv. Cap. Dec. 14, 163, in East Tenn., 
 exchanged Mar. 1, 1805. Mus. out Mar. 6, 1865, expir. of term. 
 
 Chambers, Chas. H., priv. Not on mus. out roll. 
 
 Putter, Keuben, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Doihl, Wm. H., priv. Mus. out Oct. 9, 1864, expir. of term. 
 
 Diehl, John H , priv. Mus. out Oct. 9, 1864, expir. of term. 
 
 Dulot, George, priv. Mus. out Oct. 9, 1864, expir. of term. 
 
 Dutt, Courtland, priv. Cap. Dec. 14, 1863, exchanged Feb. 
 26, 1865. Mus. out Mar. 3, 1865, expir. of term. 
 
 Dole, Uriah, priv. Drafted. Dis. June 2, 1865, by G. O. 
 
 Dean, George, priv. Dis. June 2, 1865, by G. O. 
 
 Draher, Wm., priv. Wounded June 3, 1864, at Cold Harbor. 
 Died June 21, 1864, from wounds received in action. 
 
 Delly, Laurence II., priv. Deserted, date unknown. 
 
 Everett, Wm. D., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Everett, Joel L., priv. Deserted Oct. 17, 1864. 
 
 Furich, Henry, priv. Wounded at Petersburg, June 20, 1864. 
 Absent in hospital at mus. out. 
 
 Frautz, Peter, priv. t^ub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Fny, Gabriel, priv. Absent wounded at mus. out of co. 
 
 Gregory, Henry, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Gosner, Jacob W., priv. Mus. out Oct. 9, 1864, expiration 
 of term. 
 
 Gerhart. Danl. II., priv. Dis. on surgeon s certificate Dec. 
 25, 1864. 
 
 Gumbcr, Jacob, priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Gosner, Chas. N., priv. . Trans, to Signal Corps Aug 1, 1863. 
 
 Godley, John B., priv. Trans, to co. D, April 30, 1864. 
 
 Group, Lewis, priv. Cap. Aug. 20, 1864. Died at Rich 
 mond, Va., Sep. 27, 1864. 
 
 Haas, Jacob, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Haas, Wm., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Hill, Edward, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. Yet. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 635 
 
 Hardy, Edward, priv. Wounded May 12, 1864, at Spottsyl- 
 vania C. H., Va. Absent in hospital at mus. out. 
 
 Hufsuiith, Wm., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. 
 
 Hixon, Theo. F, priv, Mus. out Oct. 9, 1864, expir. of term. 
 
 Henning, Miclil., priv. Mus. out Oct. 9, 1864. expir. of term. 
 
 Hiney, Chas , priv. Drafted. Dis. June 2, 1865, by G. O. 
 
 Raines, Jeremiah, priv. Draf. Dis. June 2, 1865, by G. O. 
 
 Halsted, John A., priv. Trans. Jan. 16, 1864, to llth N. II. 
 
 Heiming, Win., priv. Mus. out Oct. 9, 1864, expir. of term. 
 
 Judge, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Krcsge, Reuben, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 3, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Kustetor, John, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 3, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Knauss, Chris., priv. Dis. by G. 0. June 3, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Kresge, Emanuel, priv. Died at Phila., Pa., Nov., 7, 1864. 
 
 Kross, Lewis, priv. Not on mus out roll. 
 
 Lee. John A., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Lee, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Leary, Thos., priv. Mus out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Lottig, Aaron, priv. Mus. out Oct. 9, 1864, expir. of term. 
 
 Miller, Thos. P., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Myers, Chris. B.,priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Myers, Peter, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Mettler, Philip M., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Mixcll, Henry, priv. Captured at Wilderness May 6, 1864. 
 Absent at mus. out of co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Moore, Wm., priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Moser, Thos., priv. Mus. out Oct. 9, 1864, expir. of term. 
 
 Miller, Thos., priv. Dis. on surgeon s certificate May 15, 
 
 Miller, John. priv. Deserted. 
 
 McDonald, Ptk., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 McFall, Titus, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 McKeighan, Wilson, priv. Mus. out withco. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Nicholas, T. J., priv. Draf. Dis. by G. O., date unknown. 
 
 Newsbaum, Chas., priv. Sub. Des. Dec. 14, 1864. 
 
 Nugent, John, priv. Sub. Des. July 2, 1865. 
 
 Obenholzer, John, priv. Mus. out with co, July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Paul, Geo., priv. Wounded May 6, 1864, at Wilderness, Va. 
 Absent at mus. out of co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Poff, Henry, priv. Mus. out Oct. 9, 1864, expir. of term. 
 
 Ranch, Win. O., priv. Mus. out withco. July 27, 1805. 
 
 Reigle, John B., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Rickets, Thos., P., priv. Mus. out Oct. 9, 1864, expir. of term. 
 
 Ricker, Chas., priv. Mus. out Oct. 9, 1864, expir. of term. 
 
 Reily, Benj. J., priv. Wounded at Campbell s Station. Died 
 Nov. 28, 1863, at Knoxville. 
 
 Raub, Joshua, priv. Wounded at Campbell s Station. Died 
 Nov. 28, 1863, at Knoxville. 
 
 Ruff. Adam. priv. Des. July 28, 1864. 
 
 Reed, Chas., priv. Des. Nov. 25, 1804. 
 
 Seibcrt, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
636 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Sharp, Chas., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 18f>5. Vet, 
 
 Scott, Peter, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Scott, Henry, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Samuels, Henry, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Snyder, Andrew, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Snyder, Edwin P., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Stocker, Win., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Smith, Stephen, priv. Mus. out withco. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Shook, Abraham, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Samsell, John S. priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Seartbss, Simon, priv. Dis. July 18, 1865, by G. O. 
 
 Searfoss, Win., priv. Mus. out withco. July 27, 186"). 
 
 Steinhoff, Henry, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Schooly, John H., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Snedeker, James, priv. Absent sick at mus. out of co. 
 
 Sweeney, Jacob H., priv. Mus. out Oct. 9, 1864, expiration 
 of term. 
 
 Sheets, Charles, priv. Mus. out Oct.. 9, 1864, expir. of term. 
 
 Slator, Thos., priv. Mus. out Mar. 27, 1805, expir. of term. 
 
 Smith, Wm. A., priv. Mus. out Mar. 27, 1865, expir. of term. 
 
 Shick, Win., priv. Dis. by G. O., date unknown. 
 
 Seiple, John H., priv. Dis. by G. O. May 15, 1865. 
 
 Steiuer, Rudolph, priv. Trans. Jan. 9, 1865, to Vet. Res. 
 Corps. 
 
 Strattford, Win. F., priv. Killed Dec. 13, 1862, at Freds bg. 
 
 Stone, John, priv. Des. Nov. 26, 1864. 
 
 Stewart, Win., priv. Not on mus. out rolls. 
 
 Snyder, Win. L., priv. Not on mus. out rolls. 
 
 Titus, Joseph, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Tomer, William, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Thompson, Henry, priv. Mils, out Oct. 9, 1864, expiration 
 of term. 
 
 Thatcher, Aaron, priv. Trans. Jan. 16, 1864, to llth N. 
 Hampshire. 
 
 Unangst, Thos., priv. Died Feb. 20, 1864, at Easton, Pa. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Vannatta, Danl. W. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Woodring, Nicholas, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Williamson, Thos., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Wacht, Gabriel Z., priv. Mus out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Weidnecht, John, priv. Mus. out Oct. 9, 1864, expr. of term. 
 
 Wcidnecht, S. C., priv. Mus. out Oct. 9, 1864, expr. of term. 
 
 Woodring, Hiram, priv. Mus. out Oct. 9. 1864, expr. of term. 
 
 Warner, Henry, priv. Dis. March 16, 1865, on surg. cer. 
 
 Walters, Geo., priv. Dis. March 31, 1865, by special order. 
 
 Warner, Samuel, priv. Dis. June 2, 1865, by general order. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Werkcisor, Cyrus, priv. Killed June 3, at Cold Harbor. Vet. 
 
 Wilson, John, priv. Deserted July 2, 1865. 
 
 Wilson, Isaac, priv. Not on mus. -out rolls. 
 
 Young, Lewis II., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 186~. 
 Veteran. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 637 
 
 Zamaria, Stelio, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Total names oil the rolls 174.* 
 
 ROLL OF CO. C. 
 
 Recruited in Montgomery county, Pa. 
 
 William Allebaugh, captain. Captured at Spottsylvania 
 C. H., Va., May 12, 1864, with two of his regimental colors. 
 Rejoined his regiment May 1, 1865. Promoted lieut. -colonel 
 April 23, 1865. 
 
 William F. Thomas, captain. Pro. from 1st sergt. to 2d lieut. 
 Sept. 19, 1862 ; to 1st lieut. May 13, 1864 ; to captain April 24, 
 1865. Mus. out with co. Veteran. 
 
 John J. Freedley, 1st lieut. Pro. to II. Q. M. Oct. 17, 1861.. 
 Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. Resigned 1863. 
 
 Davis Hunsicker, 1st lieut. Pro. from 2d lieut. to 1st lieut. 
 Oct. 17, 1861. Killed at Antietam Sept. 17, 1862. 
 
 Thomas J. Lynch, 1st lieut. Pro. from 2d lieut. to 1st lieut. 
 Sept. 19, 1862. " Killed May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania. 
 
 George II. Smith, 1st lieut. Pro. from 1st sergt. to 2d lieut. 
 Aug. 8, 1864, to 1st lieut. April 25, 1865. Mus-. out with co. 
 July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 John W. Fair, 2d lieut. Pro. from sergt. to 1st sergt. Oct. 
 8, 1864, to 2d lieut. May 17, 1865. Wounded Aug. 19, 1864, at 
 Weldon Railroad, and at Petersburg, July 3, 1864. Mus. out 
 with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Nathan II. Ramsey, 1st sergt. Pro. from sergt. to 1st sergt. 
 May 17, 1865. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 * Summary. Killed Com. officers, 1 ; non-com, officers, 1 ; pri 
 vates, 5. Died of wounds Von-com. officers, 1 ; privates, 2. Died 
 of disease Privates, 2. Died in rebel prisons Privates, 2. 
 Wounded Non-com, officers, 1 ; privates, 5. Captured Non-com, 
 officers, 1; privates, 6. Transferred Non-com, officers, 2; pri 
 vates, 5. Discharged Com. officers, 2 ; non-com, officers, 3 ; pri 
 vates, 64. Deserted Privates, 12. Absent sick, at muster out of 
 co., 4. 
 
 Recapitulation. Killed, 7 ; died of wounds, 3 ; died of disease, 2 ; 
 died in captivity, 2 ; wounded, 6 ; captured, 7 ; transferred, 7 ; dis 
 charged, 51; deserted, 12; absent sick and wounded, at muster 
 out, 4. Total casualties, 101. 
 
 The casualties and other causes of the depletion of the ranks of 
 Co. B, are far more numerous than the above table radicates. It 
 is to be seriously regretted that a more full and explicit list could 
 not be obtained. Not even a single muster-out roll of Co. B, or any 
 papers whatever are to be found in the adjutant-general s office that 
 would indicate that such a company was ever in existence, or that 
 would i^ive the least clue to the correct number of wounded, or who 
 were killed, captured, or died from disease. One thing certain, the 
 company s record is equal to any of its sisters, and its record will be 
 dug out from the archives of State by some future legalized historian, 
 and its pecans will echo throughout the country. 
 
638 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Benjamin F. Miller, sergt. Wounded at Antietam Sept. 17, 
 1802. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Montgomery Smith, sergt. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Peter Undercofler, sergt. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 William R. Gilbert, sergt. Pro. from corp. to sergt. May 
 17, 1865. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran/ 
 
 Levi W. Shingle, sergt. Pro. to sergt. -major Jan. 14, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Patrick Kevin, sergt. Killed May 6, 1864, at the Wilderness. 
 Was color sergeant of the 51st P. V. V. Veteran. 
 
 William Eastwood, sergt. Discharged Jan. 10, 1863. 
 
 Samuel Fair, sergt. Pro. 2d lieut. in Co. D, Oct., 1861. Killed 
 at South Mountain Sept. 14, 1862. 
 
 William Robinson, corp. Wounded Nov. 16, 1863, at Camp 
 bell s Station, Tenn. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 John C. Umstead, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Henry H. Lightcap, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Andrew J. Reed, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Hugh Lynch, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Benjamin R. Sill, corp. Pro. corp. May 1, 1865. Mus. out 
 with co. Veteran. 
 
 Hugh McClain, corp. Pro. corp. May 17, 1865. Mus. out 
 with co. Veteran. 
 
 William Bean, corp. Pro. corp. May 25, 1865. Mus. out 
 with co. Veteran. 
 
 Andrew J. Grim, corp. Died June 6, 1864, from wounds re 
 ceived in action. Buried in National Cem y, Arlington. Vet. 
 
 William Kooker, corp. Killed June 17, 1864, at Petersburg, 
 Va. Veteran. 
 
 Jos. Cornog, corp. Killed June 17, 1864, at Petersburg, 
 Va. Veteran. 
 
 David Kane, corp. Killed Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 
 Samuel Hart, corp. Sentenced by G. C t martial to Rip Raps, 
 Aug., 1862. Discharged as being too worthless for the service. 
 
 Simon P. Emery, corp. Died of wounds at Mill Spring, 
 Sept. 29, 1862. 
 
 James Sullivan, corp. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antie 
 tam. Discharged Feb. 23, 1863, on account of wounds. 
 
 Samuel Egolf, corp. Shot through the kings at Antietam, 
 Sept. 17, 1862. Discharged Jan. 29, 1863, at Milldale, Miss. 
 Re-enlisted as veteran private Jan. 31, 1864. 
 
 Edward D. Johnson, muse. Pro. drum major March 1, 1865. 
 
 Allen, Thomas, priv. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 Mus. out Sept. 13, 1864, expir. of term. 
 
 Baum, Levi, priv. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862. Trans, to Vet. 
 Res. Corps Sept., 1863. 
 
 Bell, Andrew J., priv. Capt d at North Ann, May 27, 1864. 
 
 Briggs, Christopher, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Black, Wui. F., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Bryn, Wm. M., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 639 
 
 Barclay, Robt., priv. Mus. out willi co. July 27, 18G5. Sub. 
 
 Bryant, Chas., priv. Mus out with co. July 27, 1805. 
 
 Brauntlinger, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Barry, Win., priv. Mus. out Sept. 13, 1864, expir. of term. 
 
 Breish, George W., priv. Mus. out Sept. 13, 1864, expir. of 
 term. 
 
 Bruner, Jacob, priv. Died at Alexandria, Va., May 20, 1865. 
 
 Brown, Richard, priv. Deserter. 
 
 Custer, Abraham, priv. Severely wounded April 19, 1862, 
 at Camden, N. C. Discharged 21, 1863, on account of wounds. 
 
 Custer, Paul H., priv. Died of disease July 17, 1863, at 
 Jackson, Miss. 
 
 Creamer, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Cook, John J., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Cook, Thos. R., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Condon, James, priv. Dis. June 2, 1865, by G. O. 
 
 Carson, Michael, priv. Deserted April 4, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Deeds, Albert, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Dillon, Patrick, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Darling, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Davis, Henry, priv. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 Dis. on account of wounds. 
 
 Detwiler, Joseph W., priv. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at 
 Fredericksburg. Dis. on account of wounds April 18, 1863. 
 
 Dillon, Michael, priv. Wounded Nov. 19, 1863, at Knox- 
 ville, E. Tenn. Missing at Spottsylvania C. II., May 12, 1864. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Delia ven, Reuben, priv. Died July 18, 1863, at Jackson, Miss. 
 
 Davis, Thos., priv. Dis. May 17, 1862. Disability. 
 
 Davis, John T., priv. Absent sick, at inus. out of co. 
 
 Dean, Samuel, priv. Died at Charleston, S. C., Sept. 20, 
 1864. Veteran. 
 
 Dougherty, Michael, priv. Died at Alexandria, Va., Sept. 
 20, 1864. 
 
 Duffy, John, priv. Deserted Oct. 26, 186 i. Substitute. 
 
 Espenship, H. D., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Espenship, W. I., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Espenship, Enos D., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Elliott, Jas. W., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. Vet. 
 
 Emery, John E., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Espenship, David, priv. Dis. on surg. cert.* Sept. 20, 1864. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Erhard, Henry, priv. Died at Alexandria, Va., July 9, 1864, 
 from wounds. 
 
 Fizone, Jacob, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1835. Vet. 
 
 Fox, Charles R., priv. Wounded at Fredericksburg Dec. 
 13, 1862. Absent on furlough at mus. out of co. Veteran. 
 
 Fry, Henry, priv. Died of disease Oct. 10, 1802, at Wash 
 ington, D. C. 
 
 Fillman, Oliver A. Dis. May 29, 1863, at Rhode Island, for 
 wounds received in action. 
 
 Fox, William H. R., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
640 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Fox, Franklin "R.,priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vd. 
 
 Force, Emanuel, priv. Absent in arrest at mus. out of co. 
 
 Fitzpatrick, Patrick, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 18(5. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Farrel, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Fry, Samuel J., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Favinger, Josiah M., priv. Dis. July 6, 1865, for wounds re 
 ceived in action. 
 
 Ferrington, Matthew, priv. Dis. Dec. 31, 1862, at Wash. 
 
 Fry, Henry H., priv. Killed in front of Petersburg June 17, 
 1864. 
 
 Gunn, William, priv. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Gunn, James, priv. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericks- 
 lurg, Va. Mus. out Sept. 13, 1864, expir. of term. 
 
 Gross, Marcus A., priv. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antic- 
 tarn. Absent in arrest at mus. out of co. 
 
 Garner, Eli, priv. Died Nov. 23, 1861, at Harrisburg, Pa. 
 of disease. 
 
 Grubb, Franklin, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Green, Jos., priv. Absent wounded, at mus. out of co. Sub. 
 
 Gilland, Wm., priv. Drafted. Dis. on surg. cert. Dec. 21, 
 1864. 
 
 Gunter, Henry, priv. Drafted. Killed at Petersburg, Feb. 
 18, 1865. 
 
 Gibbs, Wm., priv. Sub. Des. April 4, 1865. 
 
 Hallowell, John, priv. Died of wounds Nov. 14, 1862, at 
 Mill Springs, Md., received Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 
 Hughes, Henry C., priv. Trans, to Co. F, Oct. 16, 1861, at 
 Harrisburg. 
 
 Hartenstine, Valentine, priv. Des. Feb. 1, 1862. Taken 
 prisoner and died in rebel prison. 
 
 Hallman, Jesse, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Hauff, Fred., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Hotchkiss, Win., priv. Absent wounded, at mus. out of co. 
 
 Holden, Geo., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Hamilton, "Elwood, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Hoover, Jacob, priv. Draf. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Hunt. Jas., priv. Draf. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Hendricks, Franklin, priv. Killed June 17,*1864, at Peters- 
 bu g. Veteran. 
 
 Inglis, Robt. A., priv. Dis. by S. 0. Nov. 25, 1864. 
 
 Jago, Henry, priv. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 Absent wounded, at mus. out of co. Veteran. 
 
 Johnson, Bcnj., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Johnson, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Jones, Ed. C., priv. MUF. out Sept. 13,1864, expr. of term. 
 
 Johns, Fred. W., priv. Mus. out. Sept. 13, 1864, expr. of 
 term. 
 
 Kile, Abraham, priv. Trans, to Inv. Corps Nov. 16, 1863, 
 at Camp Nelson, Ky. 
 
 Kevin, Gto., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 641 
 
 Keely, Jacob, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Keeler, Wm., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Kooker, Benj., priv. Miss, at Spotlsylvauia C. H. May 12, 
 1804. Veteran. 
 
 Kelly, Peter, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Kevin, Joshua A., priv. Captured. Died at Andersonville, 
 Ga., Sept, 25, 1864. Veteran. 
 
 Lath, Wm. H., priv. Died from wounds Oct. 3, 1862. Buried 
 in Military Asylum Cemetery. 
 
 Lightcap, Geo. W., priv. Mus. out with co. Ju 1 } 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Leach, Jos., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Latham, Jas. N., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Lape, Abr., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Lynch, Thos. J., priv. Killed at Spottsylvania May 12, 1864. 
 Buried in Wilderness burial grounds. 
 
 Morgan, Griffith E., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Miller, Geo., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Miller, Andrew, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Myers, Peter, priv. DCS. May 12, 1864. 
 
 Murphy, James, priv. Died Aug. 1, 1862, at Beaufort, N C., 
 of disease. 
 
 Murphy, James, priv. Died Oct. 20, 1862. Buried in Mount 
 Olivet Cemetery, Frederick, Md. 
 
 Mercer, Geo., priv. Died of wounds Oct. 3, 1862. 
 
 Munshower, Wm., priv. Died of wounds Oct 3, 1832. 
 
 McDade, Patrick, priv. Trans, to Invalid Corps Nov. 16, 
 1863. Re-enlisted Jan. 14, 18P>5. Mus. out with co. 
 
 McDevitt, James, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 McManamy, Chas., priv. Mus. out with co. j uly 27, 1865. 
 
 McVeigh, Nathaniel, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 McGill, John H., priv. Sub. Trans, to 201st P. V. Feb. 3, 
 1865. 
 
 McGinly, Geo., priv. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, date un 
 known. Veteran. 
 
 McFaul, John, priv. Sub. Killed at Petersburg Feb. 13. 1865. 
 
 McBride, Owen, priv. Deserted. Veteran. 
 
 McMullen, Michl., priv. Killed Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericks- 
 burg. 
 
 McMenamee, Jeremiah, priv. DCS. May 7, 1863, at Lancas 
 ter, Kv. 
 
 McMullen, John, priv. Des. May 7, 1863, at Lancaster, Ky. 
 
 Newman, Geo., priv. Draf. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Ostrander, Eli H., priv. Dis. by G. O. July 13, 1865. 
 
 O Neal, Andrew J. Prisoner from May 7, 1864, to April 25, 
 1865. Dis. by G. O. May 24, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Paul, Sylvester, priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Peters, John II., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 186 ). 
 
 Pickup, Geo., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1861. Vet. 
 
 Pfifer, Chas., priv. Dis. on surg. cert. June 9, 1865. 
 
 Parson, John C., priv. Dis. on surg. cert. June 9, 1865. 
 
 Plunket, John, priv. Taken prisoner April 19, 1862, at Cam- 
 den, N. C. 
 
 23* 
 
642 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Peters, Michael, priv. Dis. for disability Jan. 29, 18G3, at 
 Washington. 
 
 Rogan, Patrick, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. Dis. on account of 
 wounds Mar. 4, 1868. Re-enlisted March, 1864. 
 
 Rinker, Jacob B., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Roeder, Lewis, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Read, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Radebaugh, Charles, priv. Wounded Sept. 14, 1862, at S. 
 Mountain, Md. Des. Dec. 8, 1862, at Baltimore. Mus. out 
 Sept. 13, 1864, expr. of term. 
 
 Rogers, Allen, priv. Mus. out Sept. 13, 1864, expr. of term. 
 
 Robinson, Morris, priv. Died June 15, 1862, at Newport 
 News, of disease. 
 
 Springer, John M., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Smith, Chas., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Shaner, Wash. M., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Schmearer, C. B., priv. Mus, out with co. July"27, 1865. 
 
 Sullivan, Thos., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Sullivan, Jas., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Spare, David R., priv. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Freder- 
 icksburg, Va. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Sherman, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Shearer, Samuel J., priv. Absent in arrest at mus. out. 
 
 Sortman, Henry, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Stout, Geo., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Smith, Benj. F., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 23, 1865. 
 
 Shaffer, Jacob W., priv. Dis. by G. O. July 5, 1865. 
 
 Steltz, Wm. C., priv. Mus. out Sept. 13, 1864, expr. of term. 
 
 Sloop, Hilary, priv. Captured. Died June 10, 1864, at 
 Andersonville. 
 
 Stoffet, Philip, priv. Captured. Died March 29, 1865, at 
 Wilmington, N. C. 
 
 Sullivan, Patk., priv. Dis. May 24, 1862, at Newborn, N. C. 
 
 Snyder, John, priv. Dis. Dec. 23, 1862, at Washington. 
 
 Sweeney, George, priv. Killed Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericks- 
 burg, Va. 
 
 Tommy, Stephen, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Tochler, Abraham, priv. Dis. April 15, 1865, for wounds 
 received in action. 
 
 Tinney, Michael, priv. Dis. by gen. order June 9, 1865. 
 
 Trumbull, Geo. B., priv. Sub. ^Deserted Oct. 26, 1864. 
 
 Temperly, Thos., priv. Trans, to Invalid Corps Sept. 1, 1863. 
 
 Umstead, Jacob H., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Underkofler, H., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Upright, John, priv. Killed June 3, 1864, at Cold Harbor. 
 
 Walt, Abraham, priv. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 Discharged on account of wounds April 18, 1863. Re-enlisted 
 again as a veteran. Wounded at Bethesda Church June 1 , 1864. 
 Absent wounded at mus. out of co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 White, Charles, priv. Dis. onsurgeon scertif., date unknown. 
 
 Walters, Jacob, priv, Mus. out with co. 
 
 Wood, Henry P., priv. Mus. out with co. Veteran. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 643 
 
 Waters, James, priv. Mus. out with co. 
 
 Yerger, Mark L., priv. Absent wounded at mus. out of co. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Young, Henry K., priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 
 1865. 
 
 Young, Joseph C., priv. Trans, to Co. F Oct. 16, 1861, at 
 Harrisburg. 
 
 Total, 195 names.* 
 
 ROLL OF CO. D. 
 
 Recruited at Norristown, Montgomery County, Pa. 
 
 Edward Schall. captain. Resigned April 14, 1863. 
 
 Lewis Hallrnan, captain. Pro. from 1st lieut. to capt. April 
 14, 1863. Trans, to Invalid Corps Aug. 6, 1864, on account of 
 wound received at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862. 
 
 Win. W. Owen, capt. Pro from 1st lieut. of Co. F to capt. 
 of Co. D, Sept. 1, 1864. Wounded seriously May 6, 1864, at the 
 Wilderness. Mus. out with co. Veteran. 
 
 John Gilligan, 1st lieut. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at An tie- 
 tarn. Pro. from sergt. to 1st lieut. Aug. 12, 1864. Mus. out 
 with co. Veteran. 
 
 * A complete list of the wounded cannot be given, as the material 
 for such a purpose is not to be found in the adjutant-general s office ; 
 but the list of deceased, captured, transferred, and discharged soldiers, 
 will be found reliable and complete. 
 
 Recapitulation. Killed Commissioned officers, 2; non.-com. 
 officers, 4; privates, 8. Died from wounds Non.-com. officers, 2. 
 privates, 7. Died from disease Privates, 10. Died in rebel prisons 
 Privates, 4. Wounded two or more times Com. officers, 1 ; privates, 
 2. Wounded once Com. officers, 1 ; non.-com. officers, 5 ; privates, 
 27. Captured Com. officers, 1 ; privates, 8. Transferred Privates, 
 8. Discharged on account of wounds and disability Privates, 35; 
 non.-com. officers, 4. Resigned Com -officers, 1. Deserted Pri 
 vates, 11. 
 
 Summary. Total killed in action, 14 ; died of wounds, 9 ; died of 
 disease, 19 ; died in rebel prisons, 4 ; wounded, 30 ; captured, 9 ; trans 
 ferred, 8; discharged, 39; resigned, 1; deserted, 11. Grand total 
 loss, 141. 
 
 This list is correct and i-eliable from the original enlistment up to 
 January 1, ltG4 ; but it can readily be perceived that from that date 
 up to the final discharge of the company that only a very few cases 
 of wounded appear on the list. The company was hotly engaged at 
 the battle of the Wilderness ; still hotter at Spottsylvania C. II. ; 
 equally so at Cold Harbor ; was the target in the charge, June 17, 1804, 
 on Petersburg, as also at the Yellow Tavern and Hatcher s Run ; and 
 its loss in those battles of wounded must have been immense, and it is 
 a source of regret that it cannot be obtained. The writer saw seven 
 teen wounded of Co. C at the battle at the Yellow Tavern while the 
 battle was raging, all of which has escaped his memory, with one 
 exception ; that one is Sergt. Jno. W. Fair, who was severely wounded 
 in the foot. 
 
HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Saml., Fair, 2d lieut. Pro. from sergt. of Co. C., to 2d lieut. 
 Oct. 1, 3801. Wounded at South Mountain Sept. 14, 1862. 
 Died Sept. 21, 1862, from wounds. 
 
 Jonathan Swallow, 2d lieut. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at 
 Fredericksburg, severely. Resigned Mar. 15, 1864, on account 
 of wounds. 
 
 Isaac Fizone, 2d lieut. Pro. from sergt. to 2d lieut. May 
 3, 1864, Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg. Killed 
 June 3, 1864, at Cold Harbor, Va. Veteran. 
 
 David Long, 2d lieut. Pro. from sergt. to 2d lieut., June 
 25, 1864. Mustered out with company July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 John Powell, 1st sergt. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Henry Foreman, sergt. Discharged Mar. 24, 1865, on ac 
 count of wounds received in action. Veteran. 
 
 Wm. Dignan, sergt. Wounded at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 
 1862. Killed June 18, 1864, at Petersburg Va. Veteran. 
 
 Wm. D. Jenkins, sergt. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antic- 
 tarn. Mustered out with company, July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 John McNulty, sergt. Wounded Dec. 13, 186?, at Fred 
 ericksburg. Mustered out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 John R. Grey, sergt. Must, out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Freeman S. Davis, sergt. Wounded Dec . 13, 1862, at 
 Fredericksburg. Mus. out Sept., 19, 1864. Expiration of term. 
 
 Walter M. Thompson, sergt, Mustered out Oct. 15, 1864. 
 Expiration of term. 
 
 Penrose W. Glair, sergt. Discharged by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Edwin Bennett, sergt. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antie- 
 tam. Discharged on surgeon s certificate, Nov. 14, 1862. 
 
 John L. McCoy, corpl. Mustered out with company, July 
 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Andrew Fair, corpl. Mustered out with company, July 27, 
 1865. Veteran. 
 
 John Dunn, corpl. Served in Benjamin s battery, from 
 Oct. 1, 1863, to Jan. 1, 1864, was in the night attack on Fort 
 Sanders, Knoxville, and succeeded in capturing a rebel officer 
 by twisting a battery screw into an officer s clothing and pulling 
 him into the fort over the parapet. Mustered out with com 
 pany. Veteran. 
 
 Jas. Powers, corpl. Mustered out with company. Veteran. 
 
 Nicholas Murphy, corp. Mustered out with co. Veteran. 
 
 Albert List, corpl. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericks 
 burg. Mustered out with company Ju y 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 John Sutch, corpl. Mus. out Sept. 19, 1864. Expiration of 
 term. 
 
 John Beal, corpl. Mustered out Sept. 19, 1864. Expiration 
 of term. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg. 
 
 Isaac N. Yocum, corpl. Discharged by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Wm. W. Smith, corpl. Wounded Aug. 30, 1862, at Bull 
 Run. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. March 23, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Isaac Tolan, corpl. Discharged Aug. 2, 1863, at Hampton, 
 Va. Re- enlisted as a veteran. Deserted Sept. 3, 1864. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 645 
 
 Geo. W. Bowman, covpl. Died Feb. 4, 18G2, on board of the 
 steamer Cossack, on Pamlico sound, N. Carolina. 
 
 Richard Lewis, corpl. Pied August 11, 1803, on hoard U. S. 
 Steamer Lycoming, Mississippi river. 
 
 Albert Wood, muse. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Wm. S. Lauback, muse. Died at Newport, R. Island, July 
 27, 1864. 
 
 Jos. Moyer, muse. Dis. June 23, 1862, at Newbern, N. C. 
 
 Anderson, Joseph, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Aronimer, Albert, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Substitute. 
 
 Ackers, Wm., priv. Discharged by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Andrews, Thos., priv. Discharged by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Boyd, Thos., priv. Mustered out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Beswick, Chas., priv. Mustered out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Bumgardner, Lewis, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Browning, Thos., priv. Absent sick at muster out. 
 
 Buehler, George, priv. Sub. Mustered out with company. 
 
 Bancurt, Jonathan, priv. Drat . Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Bodey, Win. H., priv. Died May 16, 1864, of wounds re 
 ceived at Spottsylvania. 
 
 Blakeney, Chas., priv. Died at York, Pa., April 8, 1865. 
 
 Barrett, George, priv. Sub. Deserted June 17, 1865. 
 
 Boyle, John W., priv. Trail, to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept 3, 1863. 
 
 Bacon, Augustus, priv. Deserted December 11, 1861. 
 
 Clark, Saml. L.,priv. Mustered out with co., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Cramer, James, priv. Mus. out with co., July 27, 1865. 
 
 Clare, Jefferson C., priv. Missing at Spottsylvania, May 12, 
 1864. Supposed to have been killed. 
 
 Creighlon, Noble, priv. Wounded May 6, 1804, at the 
 Wilderness. Absent at mus. out of co. Veteran. 
 
 Cornog, Addison, priv. Mus. out with co. 
 
 Clark, Wm. H., priv. Mus. out with co. Sub. 
 
 Colpetzer, John, priv. Mus. out with co. Sub. 
 
 Cook, Wm. B., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. Drafted. 
 
 Cassedy, Jeremiah, priv. Captured. Died at Salisbury, N. 
 C., Dec. 4, 1864. 
 
 Creighton, Erwin, priv. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 
 6, 1863. 
 
 Conway, James, priv. Died Jan. 16, 1862, off Hatteras Inlet. 
 
 Crouthamel, Adam, priv. Deserted July 5, 1862, at New 
 port Ne\vs, Va. 
 
 Dunbar, Thos., priv. Mus. o t with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Delhi, Wm. F.- priv. Mtis. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Doan, Wm. F., priv. Drafted. Discharged for disability 
 Sept, 29, 1864. 
 
 Diamond, Patk., priv. Dis. for disability May 9, 1862. 
 
 Dellaven, John, priv. Dis. for disability Feb. 21, 1863. 
 
 Davis, Chas., priv. Dis. for disability June F, 1862. 
 
 Dewees, Wm., priv. Deserted Dec. ll, 1861. 
 
 Eilenburg, Wm., priv. Mus. out with co. Sub. 
 
646 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Essick, Wm., priv. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 Dis. on surgn s certificate Jan. 12, 1864. Veteran. 
 
 Evans, John, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. Drafted. 
 
 Easton, Walter, priv. Killed April 8, 1864, accidentally. Draf. 
 
 Earls, John, priv. Wounded September 17, 1864, at Antie 
 tam, with loss of arm. Dis. March 27, 1863. 
 
 Furlong, Henry, priv. Mus. out with co. 
 
 Fisher, James, priv. Mus. out with co. Sub. 
 
 Fleming, Hugh, priv. Mus. out with co. Sub. 
 
 Forbes, Michael, priv. Dis. Dec. 21, 1864, for disability. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Fisher, Hiram C., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Fisher, Harman G., priv. Mus. out Sept. 19, 1864. Expi 
 ration of term. 
 
 Frank, Barnard, priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Fizone, Mordecai, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 27, 1865. 
 
 Ferguson, Wm., priv. Deserted April 3, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Fleck, John R, priv. Deserted April 3, 1865. Dis. by S. 
 O. July 21, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Faulkner, W., priv. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 Dis. on account of wounds Nov. 27, 1862. 
 
 Fair, Chas., priv. Dis. on account of disability Oct. 31, 1862. 
 
 Gartner, John, priv. Mus. out with co. Sub. 
 
 Grey, Alfred K, priv. Must, out with co. Wounded Dec. 
 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg. Veteran. 
 
 Godley, John B., priv. Killed at Petersburg, July 6, 1864. 
 
 Geanger, Frank, priv. Deserted April 3, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Guyer, John, priv. Dis. for disability Feb. 21, 1863. 
 
 Guyer, John G., priv. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fred 
 ericksburg. Dis. April 4, 1863, at Washington. 
 
 Guyder, John, priv. Dis. May 31, 1862, at Newborn, N. C. 
 
 Guyer, Geo. W., priv. Dis. Oct. 31, 1862, at Harrisburg. 
 
 Gillan, Hector, priv. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 Trans, to Invalid Corps Nov. 15, 1863. 
 
 Hudson, Wm., priv. Absent sick at mus. out of co. Sub. 
 
 Hammond, Jno., priv. Mus out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Hagan, Patk., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 . Hummel, Calvin, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Hunt, Danl., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Hager, Wm. H., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. Draft. 
 
 Ilixon, Theodore, priv. Trans, to Co. B, Oct. 9, 1864. 
 
 Houser, Joseph, priv. Deserted July 12, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Hayberry, George, priv. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at An 
 tietam. Died of wounds Oct. 18, 1862. 
 
 Haiues, Henry, priv. Deserted Dec. 11, 1861, from Harrisbg. 
 
 Horan, Michael, priv. Dis. Dec. 31, 1861, for disability. 
 
 Ilenshall, Jno. priv. Dis. Dec. 31, 1861, for disability. 
 
 Hamburger, Wm. priv., Wounded at Antietam Sept. 17, 
 1862. Trans, to Invalid Corps Nov. 6, 1863. 
 
 Johnson, John, priv. Missing at Spottsylvania C. H. May 
 12, 1864. Supposed killed. Was wounded at Newbern N. C. 
 March 14, 1862. Veteran. 
 
 Jones, Warren, Priv. Dis. by G. O. July 6, 1865. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 647 
 
 Kane, John, priv. Mas. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Kobba, Fredk, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. Drafted. 
 Keppler, Wm., priv. Deserted June 14, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Kelley, James, priv. Deserted June 13, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Kay, Samuel, priv. Killed Sept. 14, 1862, at South Mountain. 
 
 Kemmerer, Benj., priv. Killed Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredksbg. 
 
 Lancaster, John, priv. Mus. out with co. Sub. 
 
 Lukens, Elwood, priv. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fred- 
 ericksburg. Mus. out with co. Veteran. 
 
 Ly singer. Chas., priv. Mus. out with co. Veteran. 
 
 Lybig, Jonathan, priv. Mus. out with co. Sub. 
 
 Lindner, Samuel, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. Draft. 
 
 Lonsdale, J. Wesley, priv. Killed Dec. 13, 1862, at Fred 
 ericksburg. 
 
 Mogee, Wm., priv. Mus. out with co. Dis. for disability 
 March, 5, 1863. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862. Re-enlisted. 
 
 Montgomery, T. J., priv. Mus. out with co. 
 
 Moocle, Lemuel, priv. Captured at North Ann, May 27, 
 1864. Absent at mus. out of co. 
 
 Mauchey, Joseph, priv. Mus. out with co. Sub. 
 
 Myers, Joseph, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. Drafted. 
 
 Moore, Henry C., priv. Dis. by G. O. May 11, 1865. Wounded 
 at Fredericksburg Dec. 13. 1862. 
 
 Messersmith, J. II., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. Draft. 
 
 Michaels, John A., priv. Deserted June 3, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Mogee, John. priv. Killed Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg. 
 
 McNamara, Patk., priv. Mus. out with co. 
 
 McDade, Saml., priv. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 
 McDade, Wm., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 McDade, Danl., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 McKenna, Peter, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 McLoughlin, James, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Substitute. 
 
 McCluskey, Barnard., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Mc.Curry, James, priv. Dis. by G. O. July 11, 1^6"). Sub. 
 
 McKenna, James, priv. Killed at Petersburg June 21, 1864. 
 Veteran. 
 
 McConnell, Owen, priv. Wounded Sept. 14, 1862, at South 
 Mountain. Discharged 1863. 
 
 McQuarness, Jas., priv. Accidentally killed August 16, 
 1863, on Ohio and Mississippi Railroad, by the smashing of the 
 train of cars in which the 51st P. V. was on transit from Vieks- 
 burg to Cincinnati. Buried at a small town called u Shoals," 
 in the vicinitv of the " smash up." 
 
 Mooney, Michael, priv. Killed Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 
 McMcekcn, Thos., priv. Dis, June 11, 1863, for disability. 
 
 McManamy, Wm., priv. Wounded Sep. 17, 1862, at Antie 
 tam. Captured at Snicker s Gap March 4, 1863. Dis. March 
 4, 1863, for disability. 
 
 McCoy, Uriah, priv. Dis. Dec. 31, 1862, for disability. 
 
 McKessick, Hugh, priv. Deserted Feb. 10, 1863, again July 
 4, 1863. 
 
 Miller, John R., priv. Dis. Feb. 2, 1863, for disability. 
 
648 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Norris, Robert, priv. Deserted Dec. 11, 1861. 
 
 O Neil, Dennis, priv. Wounded Aug. 30, 1862, at Bull Run. 
 Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Nov. 6, 1863. Re-enlisted Feb. 28, 
 1865. Mus. out with co. Veteran. 
 
 O Donnell, Barney, priv. Died while home on veteran fur 
 lough March 10, 1864. Veteran. 
 
 Olenwine, George, priv. Died May 1864. 
 
 Peasley, David, priv. Mus. out with co. 
 
 Peterson, Wm., priv. Mus. out with co. Sub. 
 
 Price, Amos M., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. Draft. 
 
 Porter, Alfred, priv. Deserted April 3, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Pollock, Wm., priv. Dis. May 29, 1862, for disability. 
 
 Rafferty, Wm. , priv. Mus. out with co. Sub. 
 
 Robinson, Robt., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. Draft. 
 
 Rhode, Henry, priv. Dis. Sept, 27, 1864, for disability. 
 
 Raifsuyder, Wm., priv. Trans, to co. K. Nov. 11, 1864. 
 
 Roshon, John, priv. Died at Petersburg from wounds Aug. 
 22, 1864. 
 
 Rex, Owen, priv. Wounded Mar. 14, 1862, at the taking of 
 Newbern, N. C. Wounded again April 19, 1862, at Camden, 
 N. C. and again Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg. Dis. on 
 account of wounds June 23, 1863. 
 
 Richards, John, priv. Died of wounds Sept. 26, 1862. 
 Buried in Military Cemetery D. C 
 
 Reider, Jacob, priv. Dis. May 1, 1862, at Newbern, N. C. 
 
 Rhoads, Thos., priv. Deserted July 11, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Smith, Nathan, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Smith, Thos. D., priv. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fred 
 ericksburg. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Sloan, Isaac, priv. Wounded Sept. 17, 1802, at Antietam. 
 Dis. Aug. 2, 1863. 
 
 Sharp, Saml., priv. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericks- 
 burg. Trans, to Invalid Corps Nov. 6, 1863. 
 
 Sutch, Henry, priv. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericks- 
 burg. Trans, to Invalid Corps Nov. 15, 1863. 
 
 Shaffer, Geo., priv. Died of disease Jan. 2, 1862, on the 
 Cossack. 
 
 Sutch, Thos. B., priv. Dis. May 21, 1862, for disability. 
 
 Smith, John, priv. Dis. Nov. 27, 1862, for disability. 
 
 Smedley, Benj., priv. Dis June 23, 1862, for .disability. 
 
 Sutch, Benj., priv. Dis. Feb. 13, 1863, for disability, 
 
 Schall, W. Percy, priv. Captured Aug. 20, 1862, at Kelly a 
 Ford, Va. Dis. by S. O. Jan. 31, 1864. Veteran. 
 
 Stadenmayer, Jacob, priv. Mus. out with Co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Spotts, Joseph, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Schlunkofer, Geo., priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Staunton, Ever t H. priv. Wounded at Petersburg Dec. 8, 
 1864. Absent at muster out. 
 
 Sands, Jacob, priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Schnier, Conrad, priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Smedley, Isaiah F., priv. Mus. out Sept. 19, 1864. Ex 
 piration of term. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 649 
 
 Smedley, Hunter, priv. Mus. out Sept. 19, 1864. Expiration 
 of term. 
 
 Smedley, Mifflin, priv. Mus. out Sept. 19, 1864. Expiration 
 of term. 
 
 Smith, Alfred, priv. Mus. out Sept 19, 1864. Expiration 
 of term. 
 
 Sarba, John, priv. Sub. Dis. by G. O. Hay, 27, 1865. 
 
 Smith, Winfield S., priv. Dis. by G. O. May 16, 1865. 
 
 Sarba, Joseph, priv. Trans, to Co. K Nov. 11, 1864. 
 
 Saurwine, Paul L., priv. Died May 6, 1864, at Wilderness. 
 
 Showalter, Wm. H., priv. Killed May 22, 1864. 
 
 Smith, Wm., priv. Sub. Deserted June 13, 1865. 
 
 Smith, Albert, priv. Mus. out on expiration of term. 
 
 Tyge, Anthony, priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Thomas, Geo. W.,priv. Draft. Dis. by G. O. June 13, 1865. 
 
 Thorp, Stephen, priv. Dis. by G. O. May 24, 1865. 
 
 Van f ossen, Hiram, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865, 
 Veteran. 
 
 Valentine, Aaron, priv. Draft. Dis. by G. O. July 25, 1865. 
 
 Vanfossen, Thos , priv. Dis. Feb. 26, 1863, on account of 
 wounds received Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg. 
 
 Weidner, Josiah, priv. Died Dec. 2, 1861, of disease at 
 Norristown. 
 
 Weidner, Wm. W., priv. Died April 16, 1862, of wounds 
 received at Newbern. 
 
 Whitehead, Jas., priv. Captured Aug. 20, 1862, at Kelly s 
 Ford, Va. Discharged for disability Jan. 4, 1863. 
 
 Werkeiser, Geo., priv. Dis. Dec. 2, 1863, for disability. 
 
 Warst, John H., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Wampold, Philip, priv. Captured at North Ann May 27, 
 1864. Absent at mus. out. 
 
 Wherle, Andrew, priv. Captured at North Ann May 27, 
 1864. Absent at mus. out. 
 
 Ward, John, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Walter, Jackson H., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 29, 1865. 
 
 Widger, Chas., priv. Mus. out Sept. 19, 1864. Expiration 
 of term. 
 
 Wanamaker, Tar. Sub. Dis. by G. O. July 14, 1865. 
 
 Weidnecht, John, priv. Trans, to Co B. Oct. 9, 1864. 
 
 Weidnecht, Saml., priv. Trans, to Co. B. Oct. 9, 1864. 
 
 West, Joseph, priv. Sub. Deserted June 3, 1865. 
 
 Ward, Hugh, priv. Deserted June 21, 1865. 
 ? Yost, Danl. R., priv. Wounded at Spottsylvania C. H. May 
 12, 1864. Absent at mus. out of co. 
 
 Yerkes, David H., priv. Killed May 6, 1864, at Wilderness. 
 
 Yeager, Francis, priv. Deserted June 17, 1864. 
 
 Yarnall, Geo. W., priv. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fred 
 ericksburg. Dis. Mar. 7, 1863, on account of wounds. 
 
 Zerner, Franz E., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Total names on the rolls, 219.* 
 
 * Summary of Casualties. Killed Commissioned officers, 1 ; non- 
 com, officers, 1 ; privates 10. Died from wounds Com. officers, 1 ; 
 
650 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 ROLL OF CO. E. 
 
 Recruited at Mifflinburg. 
 
 G. H. Haasenplug, captain. Dis. by S. O. June 11, 1864. 
 Win. R. Foster, ctfpt. Pro. from 2d to 1st Rent. Sept. 10, 
 
 1863. to capt. July 13, 1864, to brevet-major March 13, 1865. 
 Mus. out with co. "July 27, 1865. 
 
 Jno. A. Morris, 1st lieut. Pro. to assistant quarter-master, 
 and transferred to Gen. Burnside s staff March 16, 1863. 
 
 Francis R. Frey, 1st lieut. Pro. from 1st sergt. to 1st lieut. 
 Jan 13, 1865. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Martin L. Schock, 1st lieut. Pro. from 1st sergt. to 2d lieut. 
 Jan. 12, 1864, to 1st lieut. and adjutant May 2, 1864. 
 
 James L. Seebold, 2d lieut. Pro. from 1st sergt. to 2d lieut. 
 May 2, 1864, com. 1st lieut. June 12, 1864, not mustered. Dis 
 charged by special order, Dec. 10, 1864. 
 
 Geo. C. Gutelius, 2d lieut. Pro. from sergt. -major Jan. 14, 
 1865, to 2d lieut. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 John M. Wierman, 1st sergt. Mus. out with co. July 27, 
 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Thomas D. Reed, 1st sergt. Pro. to 1st lieut. Co. G, Nov. 23, 
 
 1864. Veteran. 
 
 Ellriclge G. Maize, sergt. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Charles Mills, sergt. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet, 
 Cornelius Edelman, sergt. Pro. from corp. to sergt. Jan. 15, 
 
 1865. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 George Diehl, sergt. Dis. July 11, 1865, for wounds re 
 ceived in action. Veteran. 
 
 Lewis G. Titus, sergt. Died Jan. 17, 1863, from wounds re 
 ceived Dec. 18, 1862, ^at Fredericksburg, Va. 
 
 John H. Sortman, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 privates, 7. Killed by accident Privates, 2. Died from disease 
 Non-com, officers, 5 ; privates, 6. Died in rebel captivity, 2. 
 Wounded Com. officers, 5 ; non-com, officers, 10 ; privates., 27. 
 Captured Privates, 7. Transferred Com. officers, 1; non-com, 
 officers, I ; privates, 12. Resignations Com. officers, 2. Dis 
 charged for disability, on account of wounds, and expiration of term, 
 71; deserted, 21; missing, 2. Total, 114. Add deaths, 34; 
 wounded 42. Grand total of casualties, 190. 
 
 The above list, roll, and table can be relied on as being correct as 
 far as it goes. It reaches but a very few cases of casualties, such 
 as the wounded during the veteran organization, as those cases are 
 not to be found on the papers in the adjutant-general s office. Still 
 the studious reader can judge from what Co. D has suffered in 
 its original enlistment that it did not stand at "ground arms" 
 while its sister companies were begrimed with powder and the 
 smoke of battle during their veteran organization. The men have a 
 right to be proud of their officers, and the officers an equal right to be 
 proud of their men. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 651 
 
 Cyrus A. Eaton, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Peter Strublc, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Isaac Treat, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. 
 
 Daniel High, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. Vet. 
 
 Ebert Sprowles, corp. Pro. corp. June 2, 1805. Mus. out 
 with co. July 27, 1805. Veteran. 
 
 William Kelclmer, corp. Pro. corp. June 2, 1865. Mus. 
 out with co. July 27, 1805. 
 
 Isaac G. Magee, corp. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1805. 
 
 Adam Gluse, corp. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1805. 
 
 Thomas F. Search, corp. Trans, to Co. H April 11, 1804. 
 
 Jno. C. Youngman, corp. Trans, to Co. H April 11, 1804. 
 
 Geo. W. Foote, corp. Trans, to Co. II April 11, 1804. 
 
 Levi H. Amnion, corp. Killed May 6, 1804, at the Wilder 
 ness. Buried at 9th A. C. cem., Meacfe station. Veteran. 
 
 Thos. S. Mauck, corp. Died June 20, 1864, of wounds re 
 ceived at Petersburg. Buried in Nat. Cem., Arlington. Vet. 
 
 Geo. M. Aurand, corp. Killed at Yellow Tavern on Wei- 
 don railroad, Aug. 19, 1864. Vet. 
 
 James Luker, corp. Dis. Feb. 21, 1863, for disability. 
 
 Chas. D. Kline, Jr., corp. Dis. Jan. 1804, by special order. 
 
 Joseph A. Logan, muse. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Aikey, Jeremiah, priv. Captured. Died at Andersonville. 
 Date unknown. 
 
 Barnes, Albert, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 180<5. 
 
 Black, James, priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Burkhart, Adolph, priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 
 1865. 
 
 Benner, Asher, priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Baker, Ralston, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1805. 
 
 Boop, Jacob, priv. Dis. Dec. 8, 1864, for wounds received 
 in action. 
 
 Blair, Simon S., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1805. Draft. 
 
 Bowers, George, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Bomgardner, Jno., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 5, 1865. Draft. 
 
 Benner, Lewis J., priv. Trans, to Co. H, April 11, 1804. 
 
 Beers, David II., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Barklow, Geo. E., priv. Died July 21, 1863, at Brownsville, 
 Mississippi. 
 
 Benfer, Abraham, priv. Trans, to U. S. A. Date unknown. 
 
 Burk, Geo. P., priv. Dis. May 21, 1862, for disability. 
 
 Brouse, Benj. H., priv. Killed April 19, 1802, at Camden, 
 
 Bell, Wm. H., priv. Trans, to U. S. A. Date unknown. 
 Burris, Samuel, priv. Dis. Dec. 2, 1801, for disability. 
 Cornelius, James P., priv. Mus, out with co. July 27, 1805. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Cornelius, Geo. W., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. 
 Chambers, Jas. M., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. 
 Curtis, Jeremiah F., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27. 1805. 
 Curfman, Daniel, priv. Dis. by G. O. May 15, 1865. Draft. 
 
652 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FiRST REGIMENT 
 
 Cole, Luther G., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. Draft. 
 
 Chambers, Morriu B., priv. Mus. out Sep. 22, 18G4. Ex 
 piration of term. 
 
 Chappel, Ezra, priv. Mus. or.t Sept. 22, 1864. Expirat on 
 of term. 
 
 Claphan, Thomas H., priv. Died March 13, 1864. Vet. 
 
 Dolby, Isaac, priv. Captured. Absent in hospital at mus. 
 out. Veteran. 
 
 Dolby, Abraham, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Dersham, Henry, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Dielil, Henry C., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Dewire, Alexander, priv. Absent in prison since Feb. 25, 
 1865, by sentence of general court-martial. 
 
 Dingman, Abraham, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Donnison, Aaron, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. Draft. 
 
 Dunkle, James M., priv. Killed June 3, 1864, at Cold Har 
 bor. Veteran. 
 
 Donachy, Thos., priv. D!s. Dec. 1, 1862, for disability. 
 
 Derks, John D., priv. Trans, to Reg. Army, Oct. 27, 1862. 
 
 Engle, Solomon, priv. Dis. Dec. 12, 1862, for disability. 
 
 Eidem, Henry, priv. Trans, to Reg. Army, Oct. 25, 1862. 
 
 Fletcher, Justice J., priv. Dis. by G. O, June 1, 1865. Draft. 
 
 Frederick, Jacob, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Fox, Henry D., priv. Trans, to V. R. C. Date unknown. 
 . Fetter, John, priv. Trans, to V. R. C. Date unknown. 
 
 Geninger, Wm., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. Draft. 
 
 Galloway, Geo. W., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Gordon, Jacob, priv. Trans, to V R. C. Oct., 1863. 
 
 Heitsman, Jacob, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Heitsman, Henry, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Heimback, Elias, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Hackman, Wm. R. priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Hummell, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Hilbish, Ammon, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Hanselman, David, priv. Absent in arrest at mus. out of co. 
 
 Hassenplug, John T., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Henderson, Wm., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Substitute. 
 
 Hendricks, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Substitute. 
 
 Hendershot, Christ., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Heiteman, Isaiah, priv. Trans, to Co. H, Nov. 16, 1864. 
 
 Hickernell, Robt., priv. Dred of wounds received at Cold 
 Harbor, June 3, 1864. 
 
 Hauley, Timothy, priv. Deserted April 5, 1865. Substitute. 
 
 Hansell, David, priv. Trans, to U. S. A. October 25, 1862. 
 
 Hanselman, Adam, priv. Trans, to U. S. A. Oct. 25, 1862. 
 
 Hoffman, Wm. R., priv. Killed, April 19, 1862, at Cam- 
 den, N. C. 
 
 Hoffman, Ed. J., priv. Trans, to U. S. Artillery October 
 27, 1862. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 653 
 
 Hutchinson, Henry, priv. Dis. June 17, 1862. Disability. 
 
 Harris Berryhill B., priv. Dis. June 17, 1862. Disability. 
 
 Irwin, Robert H., priv. Mus. out Sept. 22, 1864. Expr. 
 of term. 
 
 Kline, Reuben, priv. Absent wounded at mus. out. 
 
 Kline, Joel, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Kline, Daniel, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Kline, Charles, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Kline, Andrew T., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Kunkle, Samuel, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Kunkle, Jonathan, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Kidson, Fran., priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Klinger, John, priv. Discharged Aug. 10, 1864. Disability. 
 
 Kennedy, Barton, priv. Discharged by G. O. June 7, 1865. 
 
 Kelly, James T., priv. Trans, to Co. H. Nov., 1864. 
 
 Kline, Jacob L., priv. Died May 6, 1864; buried in U. S. 
 General Hospital Cemeteiy, Annapolis, Md. 
 
 Lloyd, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Lottx, Galen, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Long, Jacob, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Laudenslager, Win., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Lenhart, John, priv. Dis. by G. 0. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Lloyd, John, priv. Mus. out Sept. 22, 1864. Expr. of term. 
 
 Lydle, Chas., priv. Mus. out Sept. 22, 1864. Expr. of term. 
 
 Leinbach, Win. F. N., priv. Dis. by G. O June 1, 1865. 
 
 Laird, Saml. H., priv. Discharged by G. O. June 5, 1865. 
 
 Lenhard, David, priv. Killed June 17, 1864, at Peters 
 burg, Va. 
 
 Miller, Jacob, priv. Mus out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Miller, Henry., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Miller, James, priv. Absent in hospital at mus. out of co. 
 
 Myers, Daniel, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Masterson, Ed. J., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Substitute. 
 
 Mertz, Jacoo K., priv. Mus. out with co. July, 27, 1865. 
 
 Middaugh, John T., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Millhouse, John, priv. Wounded May 6, 1864, at Wilder 
 ness. Discharged May, 16, 1865, on account of wounds. 
 
 Moll, Joseph H., priv. Trans, to Co. H, April 18, 1864. 
 
 Meckley, Alfred, priv. Killed in battle at Yellow Tavern, 
 Aug. 19, 1864. 
 
 Mullin, Arthur, priv. Deserted June 18, 1865. Substitute. 
 
 Marsh, Charles H., priv. Deserted April 10, 1864. 
 
 McGregor, Samuel, priv. Deserted April 26, 1865. Vet. 
 
 McFadden, Jackson, priv. Discharged for wounds received 
 Sept. 17, 1862, at Autietam. 
 
 Norton, Henry M. Sub. Mus out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Or wig, Wm. P., priv. Trans, to U. S. Army Oct. 25, 1862. 
 
 Orwig, John W., priv. Trans, to U. S. Army Oct. 25, 1862. 
 
 Paul, Peter G., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Post, Victor E., priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Rule, John V., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
654 IIISTOKY OF THE FIFTY- FIKST REGIMENT 
 
 Rnhback, John, priv. Absent, wounded, at mus. out. 
 
 Rote, Joel, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Rote, Saml., priv. Discharged by G. 0. May 23, 1865. 
 
 Reed, Martin G., priv. Discharged by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Reese, Jonathan, priv. Mus. out Sept. 22, 1864. Expr. of 
 term. 
 
 Raden, Jeremiah, priv. Trans, to U. S. A. Oct. 27, 1862. 
 
 Renner, Levi, priv. Dis. Jan. 10, 1862, for disability. 
 
 Searless, Sebastian, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Schnure, George, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Schnure, Win., priv. Wounded in action. Dis. July 17, 1865. 
 
 Shriner, Josiah, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Schaffle, Frank S., priv. Dis, by G. O. May 31, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Smith, Albert E., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Sheckler, John W., priv. Dis. by G. O. May 29, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Seebold, Geo. A., priv. Mus. out Sept. 22, 1864. Expr. of 
 term. 
 
 Sholley, Wm. S., priv. Trans, to Co. H, April 18, 1864. 
 
 Seebold, Castor, priv. Died May 11, 1864, at Philadelphia. 
 
 Simmons, Thos., priv. Sub. Deserted May 17, 1864. 
 
 Shaffer, Anthony, priv. Deserted March 7, 1864. 
 
 ShrefHer, Joseph, priv. Trans, to U. S. Army Oct. 27, 1862. 
 
 Sassman, Emanuel, priv. Trans, to U. S. A. Oct. 27, 1862. 
 
 Sassman, Noah W., priv. Trans, to U. S. A. Oct. 27, 1863. 
 
 Speese, Daniel, priv. Trans, to U. S. Army Oct. 27, 1862. 
 
 Sheary, Saml. F., priv. Dis. for disability, date unknown. 
 
 Sheckler. John W., priv. Captured. Dis., date unknown. 
 
 Snyder, Henry, priv. Trans, to U. S. Army Oct. 25, 1862. 
 
 Snyder, Jonathan, priv. Trans, to U. S. Army Oct. 25, 1862. 
 
 Stizer, John T., priv. Trans, to U. S. Army Oct. 25, 1862. 
 
 Toland, Robt., priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Tucker, Samuel, priv. Deserted March 10, 1864. 
 
 Trainer, Chas. H., priv. Dis. Dec. 21, 1861, for disability. 
 
 Wilson, Chas., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 W caver, John D., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Watson, Win. S., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Wolfiuger, Joseph, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Wirt, Andrew G., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Webb, Wm., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. Drafted. 
 
 Wirt, Geo. W., priv. Died Sept. 15, 1863, at Lexington, Ky. 
 
 Woodward, C. W.. priv. Dis., date unknown, for disability. 
 
 Zechman, Melancthon, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Zimmerman, Wm., priv. Trans, to Reg. Army Oct. 25, 1862. 
 
 Total names on the rolls, 182.* 
 
 =* It will be impossible to give the faintest idea of the casualties in 
 Co. E, as it, in company with the five which constituted the 
 " left wing," appear to have ignored the propriety of entering them 
 as they happened on their regular muster and pay rolls. Those in 
 the regiment know full well that Co. E, under such a cool, 
 brave, and noted officer as Captain Win. K. Foster, must have expe- 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 655 
 
 ROLL OF CO. F. 
 
 Recruited at Norristown. 
 
 Robert E. Taylor, captain, Resigned July 27, 1863. 
 
 Lane 8. Hart. capt. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antictam, 
 again Aug. 19, 1864, at the Yellow Tavern, Va. Pro. from 1st 
 lieut. to captain July 28, 1862; to major July 21, 1864. 
 
 Jacob P. Brooke, capt. Wounded Aug. 19, 1864, at the 
 Yellow Tavern, Va. Pro. from 1st sergt. to 1st lieut. July 29, 
 1862; to capt. July 22, 1864. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Wm. W. Owen, 1st lieut, Pro. from sergt, to 2d lieut. July 
 23, 1862; to 1st lieut. July 22, 1864; to capt. Co. D, Sept. 1, 1864. 
 Seriously wounded May 6, 186 1, at the Wilderness. 
 
 Howard Bruce. 1st lieut. Pro. from 1st sergt. to 2d lieut. 
 Sept. 2, 1864; to 1st lieut, Oct. 81, 1864. W T ounded Sept. 17, 
 1862, again May 6, 1864, at the Wilderness. Mus. out with co. 
 July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Joseph C. Reed, 2d lieut. Pro. capt, and com. sub. July 22, 
 1862. 
 
 Henry Jacobs, 2d lieut. Wounded July 16, 1863, at Jackson, 
 
 rienced considerable loss, for he always led them into the thickest of 
 the fight, where the heaviest blows were most needed, and certain it 
 is, that his men did not escape the dangers incident to the conilict, 
 but shed their brave blood equally as free as those of other com 
 panies. The writer can give a voucher for this from his own obser 
 vations. At the time Colonel Hartranft double-quicked the division 
 into the cornfield at the junction of the Kingston and Knoxville 
 roads at Campbell s Station, East Tennessee, on Nov. 16, 1803, 
 seven men of Co. E were wounded, and not one of the cases ap 
 pears on the c >mpany rolls, therefore it is to be inferred that they 
 cared very little about noting down such glory, it being sufficient to 
 know that they had got a " smack." 
 
 The following tabular statement will have to suffice : 
 
 Killed in battle Non-commissioned officers, 3 ; privates, 5. Died 
 of wounds Nou-com. officers, 2 ; privates, 2. Died of disease 
 Privates, 4. Died in rebel prisons Privates, 1. Wounded Coin, 
 officers, 1; non-com, officers, 3; privates, 7. Captured Privates, 
 3. Transferred Com. officers, 2; non-com, officers, 3; privates, 
 26. Discharged Com. officers, 2 ; non-com, officers, 5; privates, 
 50. Deserted Privates, 7. 
 
 Recapitulation. Total killed and died, 14 ; wounded, 11 ; trans 
 ferred, 31 ; discharged, 57 ; deserted, 7. Grand total loss, 13. 
 
 This table shows one thing that is plain to every soldier and those 
 conversant with military matters, and that is the great disparity be 
 tween the killed and the wounded, being but eleven wounded to 
 seven killed. Even allowing but seven killed, and taking the lowest 
 percentage for wounded, it would put the wounded at thirty-five, and 
 at the highest percentage at forty-nine ; but as Co. E has done 
 some pretty hard fighting, it would be but fair to strike the medium, 
 find to put down forty-two for its wounded. Its killed and wounded 
 would no doubt equal any other company, if it could be ascertained. 
 
656 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Miss. Pro. from sergt. to 3d lieut. Nov. 1. 1864. Mus. out 
 with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Allen H. Fillman, 2d lieut. Pro. from corn, sergt. to 2d 
 lieut. July 22, 1864. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 Killed July 30, 1864, at the explosion of the Burnside mine, in 
 front of Petersburg, Va. Veteran. 
 
 Benjamin White, 1st sergt. Wounded July 16, 1863, at 
 Jackson, Miss. Pro. from sergt. to 1st sergt. April 1, 1865. 
 Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865, Veteran. 
 
 AVilliam B. Hart, 1st sergt. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at 
 Fredericksburg, Va. Prom, to captain and A. A. Gen., U. S. 
 Volunteers, April 1, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Jacob W. Reed, sergt. Wounded Sept. 14, 1862, at South 
 Mountain. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Jas. Y. Guyder, sergt. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Win. H. Fie, sergt. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Geo. W. Hiltner, sergt. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Vet. 
 
 Thos. B. Garner, sergt. Dis. Oct. 29, 1862, for disability. 
 
 Saml. P. Stephens, sergt. Promoted to com. sergt. Nov. 16, 
 1861. Veteran. 
 
 Silas Kulp, corp. Mustered out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Geo. S. Casselberry, corp. Discharged Feb. 26th, 1862 ; re- 
 enlisted as a veteran, Mar. 8, 1864. Severely wounded, with 
 loss of leg, Oct. 28th, 1864. Discharged Feb. 26, 1865, on ac 
 count of wounds. 
 
 Wm. H. Yerger, corp. Mus. out with co July 57, 1865. Vet. 
 
 William H. Yerkcs, corp. Dis. Dec. 16, 1862, to receive 
 promotion to major 179th Penn. Volunteers. 
 
 Arnold Casselberry, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 186?. 
 Veteran. 
 
 John J. Scholl, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 186">. Vet. 
 
 Jos. Fizone, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Martin Hiltner, corp. Mustered out with co. July 27, .1865. 
 Veteran. Promoted corp. April 2, 1865. 
 
 John W. Truscott, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Thos. B. Yerger, corp. Discharged Feb. 28, 1865, for disa 
 bility. Veteran. 
 
 Robt. B. Lindsey, corp. Killed May 12, 1864, at Spottsyl- 
 vania C. H., Va. Veteran. 
 
 Ed. R. Worth, corp. Killed June 18, 1864, at Petersburg, 
 Va. Veteran. 
 
 Josiah Wood, corp. Killed July 30, 1864, at Petersburg, Va. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Win. Montgomery, corp. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at An 
 tietam ; discharged Dec. 11, 1862, on account of wounds. 
 
 Chris. Wyckoff, corp. Prom, to Q. M. sergt. Dec. 12, 1862. 
 
 Henry C. Hughes, corp. Discharged May 21, 1862, at New- 
 bern, N. C. 
 
 Wm. L. Jones, corp. Died Dec. 12, 162, at Falmouth, Va, 
 
 Wm. C. Ilansell, musician. Mus. out with co. July 27, 
 1865. Veteran. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEKS. 657 
 
 Lyle, Franklin, music. Absent in arrest at muster -out of co. 
 Adams, Daniel, private. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Akleman, Francis, priv. Discharged June 13, 1865, on ac 
 count of wounds received in action. 
 
 Allen, Wilson, priv. Died June 9, 1864, from wounds re 
 ceived in action at Po river, Virginia. Veteran. 
 
 Adleman, Henry K., priv. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fred- 
 cricksburg ; killed June 3, 1864, at Cold Harbor. Veteran. 
 
 Ashton, Thos. G., priv. Wounded May 6, 1864, at the Wil 
 derness ; died June 9, 1864, from wounds. 
 
 Addy, George W., priv. Discharged for disability, May 21, 
 1862, at Newbern. 
 
 Arnold, Samuel G., priv. Trans, to rcg. band, Nov. 16, 1861. 
 Batman, John, priv. Absent sick at muster-out of co. 
 Batman, Jos., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Bidlack, James, priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O. July 18, 1835. 
 Biddler, Amile, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Buyer, Manassa J., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Bowman, George, priv. Absent in hospital at muster-out. 
 Blackmore, Darran, priv. Drafted. Dis. Dec. 22, 1864, for 
 disability. 
 
 Bousman, Henry, priv. Drafted. Dis. April 13, 1865, for 
 disability. 
 
 Burrows. Edwin A., priv. Drafted. Transferred to 201st regt. 
 P. V., Nov. 1864. 
 
 Bowie, Frank. Substitute. Dis. by G. O., May 27, 1865. 
 Baker, James F., priv. Deserted, May 6, 1864, at Wilderness. 
 Buck, Jeremiah W., priv. Trans, to reg. band, Nov. 16, 1861. 
 Buckies, Jessie M., priv. Trans to reg. band, Nov. 16, 1861. 
 Baird, James S., priv. Transf. to reg. band, Nov. 16, 1861. 
 Burgert, Adam, priv. Dis. (date unknown) for disability. 
 Boadwell, John, priv. Dis. May 21, 1862, for disability. 
 Callender, Judson, priv. Absent in hospital at muster out. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Case, John P., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Cox, Richard A., priv. Mus. out with cu. July 27, 1865. 
 Coyle, Thos., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Charles, Elwood, priv. Wounded May 6, 1864, at Wilder 
 ness ; died May 24, 1864, from wounds, at Washington. Vet. 
 Camden, John, priv. Wounded, with loss of leg, Oct. 27, 
 1864, at Hatcher s Run, Va. Died Nov. 23, 1864, from wounds, 
 at Washington. 
 
 Cremmer, James, priv. Deserted, 1865. 
 Casselman, Nathaniel, priv. Captured April 19, 1862, at 
 Camden, N. C. Supposed to be dead. 
 
 Cox, John, priv. Dis. May 21, 1862, at Newborn, N. C. 
 Comer, Wm., priv. Killed Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 Derrickson, Wm., priv. Deserted returned. Mustered out 
 with company. 
 
 Dexter, Harvey H., priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 
 1865. 
 
 29 
 
658 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Daub, Geo. W., priv. Absent in Albany prison, N. Y., by 
 sentence of general court martial. 
 
 Dunlap, Jeremiah, priv. Died June 11, 1865 ; buried at Alex 
 andria Cemetery, Va., grave 3,218. 
 
 Dreslier, Samuel, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Detwiler, Isaac, priv. Mus. out Oct. 15, 1864, expir. of term. 
 
 ^Dolan, James, priv. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam ; 
 discharged April 1, 1863, on account of wounds. 
 
 Derough, Jesse, priv. Dis. Jan. 1, 1862, for disability. 
 
 Deincr, Thos., priv. Dis. Nov. 19, 1862, on acc t of wounds 
 received July 30, 1862, at Bull Run, Va. 
 
 Daub, Sam. G., priv. Transf. to Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 6. 
 1863. 
 
 Dumming, John II., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. Draft. 
 
 Daub, Sylvanus H., priv. Wounded June 3, 1864, at Cold 
 Harbor; died June 27, 1864, from wounds. 
 
 Dresher, Wm., priv. Wounded May 12. 1864, at Spottsyl- 
 vania C. H., Va. ; died July 8, 1864, from wounds. 
 
 Doyle, William, priv. Deserted. 
 
 Day, Charles, priv. Transf. to reg. band, Nov. 16, 1861. 
 
 Dunn, Martin II., priv. Promoted to hospital steward, No 
 vember 16, 1861. Veteran. 
 
 Evans, Robt., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Earls, Alexander, priv. Transf. to reg. band, Nov. 16, 1861. 
 
 Earp, John W., priv. Transf. to reg. band, Nov. 16, 1861. 
 
 Evans, Ferd., priv. Transf. to Invalid Corps, Nov. 6, 1863. 
 
 Franklin, Win., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Freas, Daniel, priv. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam ; 
 discharged June 28, 1863, at Milldale, Mississippi. 
 
 Faulkner. Win. J., priv. Drafted. Discharged by G. O. 
 June 2, 1865. 
 
 Fisher, Jacob, priv. Dis. Oct. 1, 1862. 
 
 Griffith, William II., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Gerhart, Henry L., priv. Transf. to Invalid Corps, Nov. 16, 
 1863. Mus. out Oct. 15, 1864, expiration of term. 
 
 Groff, Henry M., priv. Dis. Mar. 8, 1862, at Newport News. 
 
 Gerhart, Wm., priv. Mus. out Nov. 27, 1864, ex. of term. 
 
 Gillespie, Sam., priv. Killed at Petersburg, June 29, 1864. 
 Buried in 9th A. C. cemetery, at Meade Station. 
 
 Griffith, Wash. I priv. Died April 1, 1864, at Annapolis. 
 
 Gibbons, Jas., priv. Deserted June 23, 1865. 
 
 llendricks, Sam., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Heller, Milton, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Heissy, David, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Heddifin, Robt., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Home, James, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Home, Ephraim, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Holler, John B., priv. Sub. Mus out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Haas, Dav., priv. Dis. by G. O. July 12, 1865. 
 
 Hay den, Geo. M., priv. Discharged by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Holmes, Geo. M., priv. Discharged, date unknown. 
 
 Higgens, Pat., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 659 
 
 Hoclson, Ed. M., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. Drafted. 
 
 Hilton, Geo., priv. Deserted. 
 
 Holmes, Jno. M., priv. Died June 21, 1862, one report says, 
 another, Nov. 21, 1801 at Norristown. 
 
 Hansell, Geo. Y., priv. Transf. to reg. band, Nov. 16, 1861. 
 
 Johns, Edwin M. , priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Jaggers, Jas., priv. Dis. May 28, 1862, at Newbern. 
 
 Jackson, Wm., priv. Deserted, Dec. 27, 1862. 
 
 Jacobs, Philip, priv. Transf. to reg. band Nov. 16, 1861. 
 
 Keins, And. J., priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Koser, Aaron, priv. Absent, in arrest, at muster out of co. 
 
 Kremer, Button P., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Kurtz, Wm. M., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Kulp, Willoughby priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Kremer, Frederick, priv. Mus. out Oct. 15, 1864, ex*, of term. 
 
 Krepner, Amos, priv. Prom, to 2d lieut. U. S. colored 
 troops, Nov. 2, 1864. 
 
 Kartsher, Richard S., priv. Dis. by G. O. July 5, 1865. 
 
 Kulp, Benneville, priv. Transf. to Vet. Res. Corps, Oct. 6, 
 1864. 
 
 Kulp, Nathan, priv. Transf. to Vet, Res. Corps, Nov r 6, 
 1864. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg. 
 
 Kreamer, Geo., priv. Deserted Oct. 21, 1861. 
 
 Lentz, Henry D., priv. Killed Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 
 Law, Chas., priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Lewis, Geo. W., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Lewis, Oliver, piiv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Lewis, Hiram, priv. Mus. out withco. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Lewis, Wm. II., priv. Trans. Feb. 2, 1865, to Vet Res. Corps. 
 
 Lemkuhl, Frcdk., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Lemkuhl, Jer., priv. Mus. out. with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Leister, Benj., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Loch, Christian, priv. Dis. by G. O. May 15, 1865. 
 
 Maudley, Bruno, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Munsick, David, priv. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fred 
 ericksburg ; dis. Feb. 4, 1863, on account of wounds. 
 
 Mogee, Robt, priv. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam ; 
 transf. to Invalid Corps Nov. 6, 1863. 
 
 McCormick, Ch n, priv. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fred 
 ericksburg. Mus. out Nov. 27, 1864, expiration of term. 
 
 Markley, Sam., priv. Dis. Mar. 6, 1863, for disability. 
 
 McSparren, Wm., priv. Dis. Mar. 14, 1863. for disability. 
 
 McFadden, Francis, priv. Trans. Nov. 6, 1863, tolnv. Corps. 
 
 McGuncken, Hugh, priv. Deserted Nov. 9, 1861. 
 
 Mclntyre, Wm., priv. Captured Dec. 15, 1863, at Clinch Mtn. 
 Gap, E. Tenn. ; died at Anderson ville, Ga., Apr. 16, 1864 
 grave 461. 
 
 Miller, Peter I., priv. Mns. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Minard, Enos G., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Menell, Dwight W., priv. Dis. Dec, 22, 1864, for disability. 
 
 Millhouse, Jos. C., priv. Transf. to reg. band Nov. 16, 1861. 
 
660 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST EEGIMENT 
 
 McClennan, Sam., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 McOarter, Sam., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 McMiller, Geo. K., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 McKevin, Reuben, priv. Died Mar. 17, 1864, at Norristown. 
 Veteran. 
 
 McGlinchy, Jas., priv. Deserted. 
 
 Neece, Geo. W., priv. Absent in arrest at muster-out. 
 
 Pilkington, Abr., priv. Absent in arrest at muster-out. 
 
 Pyle, Win., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Quin, Patrick, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Heed, Ed. AY., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Heed, Geo. M., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Rider, Win. O., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Rdgle, Fred., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Rambo, Jos. C., priv. Absent in arrest for desertion at mus 
 ter out. 
 
 Reininger, Manassas, priv. Killed Dec. 13, 1862, at Fred- 
 ericksburg. 
 
 Robb, Erastus, priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Ramsey, Win. II. B., priv. Mus. out Oct. 15, 1864, expira 
 tion of term. 
 
 Reinhart, Henry, priv. Deserted May 5, 1865. 
 
 Rowland, Beuj., priv. Transf. to reg- band Nov. 16, 1861. 
 
 Sayres, Jno. F., priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Schreck, Franklin, priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Seylor, Jos., priv. Sub. Dis. by G. O. June 5, 1865. 
 
 Shiitler, Jacob K., priv. Drafted . Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Shuler, Geo., priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Syock, Henry, V., priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. 0. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Shadier, Henry, priv. Died May 4, 1865. Buried in Nat. Cem 
 etery, Arlington. 
 
 Shultz, Henry, priv. Killed Sept. 17, 1862, at Antielam. 
 
 Sassaman, Jacob, priv. Transf. to 2d U. S. Cav., Oct. 27 
 1862. 
 
 Teany, Albert, priv. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fred- 
 ericksburg. Discharged by G. O., June 3, 1865. 
 
 Taylor, Saml., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Tarrance, Samuel D., priv. Mus. out Oct. 15, 1864. Expr. 
 of term. 
 
 Time, John, priv. Sub. Dis. by G. O., June 5, 1865. 
 
 Thompsons, Chas., priv. Trans, to reg. band, Nov. 16, 1861. 
 
 Urbiue, Peter, priv. Died Sept, 9, 1863, at Coving-ton, Ky. 
 
 White, Henry, priv. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericks- 
 burg. Died July 5, 1864, at Washington, D. C., of wounds 
 received at the Wilderness, May 6, 1864. 
 
 Wise, Wm., priv. Died Nov. 9, 1862, at Weaverton, Md. 
 
 Widger, Mark, priv. Dis. September 28, 1862, for distibilitv. 
 
 White, Wm., priv. Dis. Feb. 28. 1862, at Newport News. 
 
 Waddle, Jas., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 661 
 
 Wheatley, Jacob, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. 
 
 Wetnzel, Adam, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Wilson, Howard, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. 
 
 Weeks, Wm. S., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. 
 
 Wisler, Jonathan, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Williams, Geo. D., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Wyatt, James, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. 
 
 Weidner, Sainl. D., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 25. 1805. Vet. 
 
 Woodward, Alex., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1805. Sub. 
 
 Wagoner, Chas., priv. Killed March 25, 1804, at Fort Mor 
 ton, in front of Petersburg, at the attack on Fort Steadman ; 
 buried at Meade Station. 
 
 Workizer, Win., priv. Trans, to reg. band, Nov. 10, 1801. 
 
 Young, Jos. 0.. priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. Vet. 
 
 Young, John M., priv. Drowned by the sinking of the 
 transport "West Point," Oct. 20, 1802, at Aquia Creek. 
 
 Total names on the rolls, 210.* 
 
 * Summary of Casualties:. Killed Com. officers, 1; non-com, 
 officers, 3 ; privates, 7. Died from wounds Privates, 8. Died in 
 rebel prison Privates, 1. Died by drowning Privates,!. Died by 
 accident Non. -com. officers, 1. Wounded Ctra. officers,?; non.- 
 com. officers, 5 ; privates, 17. Captured privates, 2. Transferred 
 Com. officers, 2 ; non.-com. officers, 2 ; privates, 25. Discharged 
 Com. officers, none ; non.-com. officers, 6 ; privates, 46. Deserted 
 Privates, 11. Resigned Com. officers, 1. In arrest at muster-out, 
 Enlisted men, 0. Died from disease Privates, 6. 
 
 Recapitulation. Killed, 11; died from wounds, 8; died from 
 disease, G; died from various causes, 3 ; wounded, 29; captured, 
 2; transferred, 39. Total discharges, 53; total deserted, 11 ; total 
 resigned, 1 : total in arrest, 6. Grand total of casualties, 158. 
 
 Co. F. s list of casualties are nearer correct than some of the other 
 companies, still, in wounded it is far short of the actual number ; for 
 there was the same apathy evinced in entering the casualties on the 
 rolls as in other companies, and none ever find their names on the 
 rolls unless they are absent as wounded in the hospitals on the reg 
 ular muster day. Hundreds of wounded would sooner lie in camp 
 and suffer than to enter a field hospital, while a few would "jump" 
 at the chance of gointr to one with what has been properly termed 
 a "furlough wound." Yet, as long as a man ean crawl off the bat 
 tle field, he thinks there is no use going to the hospital ; or, if he 
 goes, as soon as the wound is dressed he is apt to be found back in 
 camp, and his case is not entered on the company s muster and pay 
 rolls. 
 
 Co. F can feel a soldierly pride when it scans over its military 
 horizon and bring to mind its first individual skirmish at Camden 
 when it and Co. A received the first shock of battle while on the ad 
 vance of the column, with the solid shot of the 3d Georgia ricochit- 
 ing along the road, then either through its ranks or over their 
 heads. Again, at Bull Run, etc., when its ranks were kept well 
 closed up through the various ordeals, and trying ones too, while 
 the enemy endeavored to flank the battery in the rear of Co. A. 
 
662 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 ROLL OF CO. G. 
 
 Recruited in Centre County, Pennsylvania. 
 
 Austin B. Snyder, capt. Resigned Feb. 12, 1862. 
 Wm. H. Blair, capt. Prom, from 1st Kent, to capt. Feb. 12, 
 1862 ; to col. 179th P. Y. Dec. 19, 1862. 
 
 Peter A. Gaulin, capt. Prom, from 2cl lieut. to 1st, Feb. 12, 
 
 1862 ; to capt. Jan. 11, 1863. Resigned Mar. 16, 1864. 
 John R. Gillilland, capt. Prom, from sergt. to 2d lieut. 
 
 Mar. 1, 1862 ; to 1st lieut. Jan. 11, 1863 ; to capt. June 5, 1864. 
 Mus. out Oct. 16, 1864, expiration of term. 
 
 Thos. D. Reed, capt. Prom, from 1st sergt. Co. E to 1st 
 lieut. Nov. 23, 1864; to capt. Feb. 11, 1865." Mus. out with 
 co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Geo. B. Campbell, 1st lieut. Prom, to 2d lieut. Jan. 11, 
 
 1863 ; to 1st lieut. June 5, 1864. Mus. out Oct. 16, 1864, expi 
 ration of term. 
 
 John Gunsalles, 1st lieut. Prom, from 1st serg. to 2cl lieut. 
 Jan. 14, 1865 ; to 1st lieut. Feb. 13, 1865. Mus. out with co. 
 July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Curtin B. Stoneroad, 2d lieut. Prom, from sergt. -major to 
 3d lieut. June 25, 1864 ; to captain, Oct. 20, 1864. Not mus 
 tered. Dis. Dec. 31, 1864, for wounds received in action Au 
 gust 19, 1864. 
 
 George Decker, 2d lieut. Prom, to 2d lieut. Feb. 13, 1865. 
 Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Wm. Hichel, 1st sergt. Prom, from sergt. to 1st sergt. Feb. 
 13, 1865. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Edward Shannon, sergt. Mus. out with co. Veteran. 
 
 Geo. Dumont. sergt. Prom, from corp. to sergt. Feb. 13, 
 1865. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran." 
 
 David Youts, sergt. Prom, from corp. to sergt. Apr. 6, 1865. 
 Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 D. C. Ammerman, sergt. Pro. from corp. to sergt., March 
 9, 1865. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Jos. A. Clark, sergt. Mus. out Oct. 16, 1864. Expr. of term. 
 
 Louis Cartuyvel, sergt. Pro. to q. m. sergt. Mar. 9, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Jos. J. Peters, sergt. Died at Bellefonte, Pa., April 5, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Adam Grassmire, sergt. Discharged for disability. 
 
 Jos. Ammerman, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 John F. Bowes, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Serdon Rolley, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Richard Lewis, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Martin Falstic, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Jacob Casher, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Chas. Heitchel, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Robt. Hinton, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Wm. Maurer, corp. Mus. out Oct. 16, 1864. Expr. of term. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 663 
 
 John E. Wilt, corp. Killed May 6. 1804, at Wilderness. Vet. 
 
 James Dowling, corp. Killed Sept. 17, 18-32, at Antietam. 
 
 Geo. Armstrong, corp. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 Discharged on account of wounds. 
 
 Hezekiah Dixon, corp. Discharged for disability. 
 
 James Holmes, corp. Discharged for disability. 
 
 Scth Brewer, musician. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Jas. Elder, musician. Mus. out Oct. 16, 1804: Expr. of term. 
 
 Ammermau, Thos., priv. Mus. out Oct. 16, 1864. Expr. 
 of term. 
 
 Arbuckle, Thos., priv. Captured. Died Jan. 1, 1865, at 
 Salisbury, N. C. 
 
 Allen, Wm., priv. Deserted Sept. 17, 1802, at Antietam. 
 
 Ammerinan, J. E., priv. Died at Covington, Ky. } date un 
 known. 
 
 Allard, John, priv. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, date unknown. 
 
 Bowes, Levi, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Berall, Lewis, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Drftd. 
 
 Brady, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Bruxton, Jarvis, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Beighton, Jacob S., priv. Mus. out Oct. 16, 1864. Expr. of 
 term. 
 
 Belcher, Henry, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. Drftd. 
 
 Bruce, James, priv. Discharged Nov. 28, 1864, for disability. 
 
 Brown, Fred k, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. Drftd." 
 
 Bowles, John, priv. Trans. Oct. 16, 1864, to Co. B. 
 
 Buoy, Wm., priv. Died July 20, 1864; bur. in Nat. Gem., 
 Arlington. 
 
 Bratton, Philip PI., priv. Trans. Oct. 16, 1864, to Co. K. 
 
 Blyler, John, priv. Killed Feb. 24, 1864, at Petersburg. 
 
 Bcightol, James, priv. Died June, 1863, at Beaufort, S. C. 
 
 Baird, Theophilus, priv. Wounded April 19, 1862, at Cam- 
 den, N. C. Discharged on account of wounds. 
 
 Bowers, Rollanel, priv. Discharged Sept., 1862, for disability. 
 
 Cayot, Lewis P., priv. Absent sick at mus.-out. Veteran. 
 
 Crossly, Wm. M., priv. Absent sick at mus.-out. 
 
 Cox, George, priv. Mus. out Oct. 16, 1864. Expr. of term. 
 
 Commer, Israel H., priv. Drafted. Discharged Feb. 3, 1865. 
 
 Carson, Fred k, priv. Drafted. Discharged by G. O. June 
 1, 1865. 
 
 Confer, John, priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Clifton, Allen J., priv. Trans. Nov. 16, 1864, to Co. B. 
 
 Cramer, H., priv. Died March 16, 1864, in Centre co., Pa. 
 
 Carey, John, priv. Sub. Deserted April 5, 1865. 
 
 Capwell, John, priv. Deserted June 25, 1865. 
 
 Callahan, Chas., priv. Trans. Oct. 27, 1862, to 2d U. S. 
 Cavalry. 
 
 Conway, Cornels, priv. Discharged for disability. 
 
 Deny, Wm., priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Dixon, John, priv. Drafted. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Davis, Wm., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Derstine, John F., priv. Mus. out Oct. 16, 1864. Expr. of 
 term. 
 
664 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Diehl, John H., priv. Trans. Nov. 1C, 1864, to Co. B. 
 
 Dtitott, George, priv. Trans, to 45th Regt. P. V., date un 
 known. 
 
 Duncan, Enos, priv. Trans. Oct. 16, 1864, to Co. B. 
 
 Darrun, Thos., priv. Sub. Deserted June 28, 1865. 
 
 Dore, Lewis, priv. Sub. Deserted July 10, 1865. 
 
 Dillon, Miles, priv. Killed Sept. 17, 1802, at Antietam. 
 
 Deckman, Daniel, priv. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. 
 
 Downing Ed., priv. Discharged for disability. 
 
 Dolan, James, priv. Wounded Feb. 8, 18(52, at Roanoke 
 Island, N. C. Discharged on account of his wounds. 
 
 Ells, Edw., priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O., June 1, 1865. 
 
 Eckley, Nicholas, priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Emel, Henry, priv. Died April 24, 1864, at Annapolis. 
 
 Etters, Benj., priv. Died May 24, 1864, at Alexandria, Va. 
 
 Fie, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Frieze, Daniel, priv. Mus. out Oct. 16, 1864. Expr. of term. 
 
 Fetzer, Andrew, priv. Drftd. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Fair, Edward, priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Force, David, priv. Discharged for disability, 1862. 
 
 Frazier, Archy, priv. Died, 1862, at Beaufort, S. C. 
 
 Fisher, John J., priv. Trans, to 2d U. S. Cav. Oct. 25, 1862. 
 
 Garis, Leonard, priv. Drafted. Discharged July 20, 1865. 
 
 Glosner, Henry, priv. Drftd. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Gossner, J. W., priv. Trans. 45th Regt. P. V. 
 
 Giles, Larry, priv. Trans, to Co. B, Oct. 16, 1864. 
 
 Gummo, James, priv. Drowned at the sinking of the " West 
 Point," 1862. 
 
 Ilollaback, Mordecai, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Hess, Andrew, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Hohn, Ferdinand, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Henderson, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Heagey, Charles, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Trans. June 2, 1865, from 200th P. V. 
 
 Hess, Wm. priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Hall, James, priv. Discharged June 1, 1865, by G. O. 
 
 Iloumell, Henry, priv. Discharged Nov. 2, 1864, for dis 
 ability. Drafted. 
 
 Hollabaugh, R. C., priv. Discharged June 1, 1865, by G. O. 
 
 Huey, Jas., priv. Discharged June 1, 1865, by G. O. Drftd. 
 
 Harrison, Samuel, priv. Dis. June 1, 1865, by G. O. Drttd. 
 
 Heine], John, priv. Discharged Junel, 1865, by G. O. Vet. 
 
 Hollabaugh, Jno., priv. Discharged Nov. 28, .1864, for dis 
 ability. Drafted. 
 
 Halsted, J. A., priv. Drafted. Deserted. Returned. Pris 
 oner from May 21, 1864, to April 21, 1865. Mus. out April 11, 
 1865. Expr. of term. 
 
 Hiiiton, Robt., priv. Wounded at Knoxville, Nov. 27, 1863. 
 
 Henning, Michael, priv. Trans, to 45th P. V., date unknown. 
 
 Harrington, Win., priv. Trans, to Co. B, Oct. 16, 1864. 
 
 Held, Emil, priv. Killed June 3, 1864, at Cold Harbor, Va. 
 
 Hall, Wm. P., priv. Died at Annapolis, 1862. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 665 
 
 Hall, Andrew, priv. Trans, from Vet. Res. Corps. Mus. 
 out expr. of term. 
 
 Heichel, Houston, priv. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, date 
 unknown. 
 
 Hoovan, Jo! n II., priv. Deserted, 1863. 
 
 Irwin, Thos., priv. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, date unknown. 
 
 Jauss, Conrad, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Jossett, Germain H. priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Johnson, Geo., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Jones, II. D., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Johnson, Barn hart, priv. Discharged, date unknown. 
 
 King, Abraham B., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 King, Charles K., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Kengle, Wm., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Kersimer, Wm. B., priv. Mus. out with cb. July 27, 1865. 
 Substitute. 
 
 Kase, Caleb, priv. Absent sick at mus. out. 
 
 Kepler, Wm., priv. Absent sick at mus. out. Drafted. 
 
 Katon, James F., priv. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, date un 
 known. 
 
 Kuton, Wesley, priv. Died Sept. 22, 1862. 
 
 Kearnes, John, priv. Dis. for disability, date unknown. 
 
 Kearnes, Martin, priv. Dis. for disability, date unknown. 
 
 Killinger, Samuel, priv. Trans, to 2d U. S. Cavalry. Oct. 
 27, 1862. 
 
 Lar^h, George, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27. 1865. 
 
 Leiby, Jacob, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Leferer, Sanders, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Lucas, Geo. B., priv. Dis. by S. O. Jan. 16, 1865. Drftd. 
 
 Lucas, James G., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. Drftd. 
 
 Lottig, Aaron, priv. Trans, to Co. B, Oct. 16, 1864. 
 
 Lucas, Jesse, priv. Trai s. to Vet. Res. Corps, date unknown. 
 
 Locb, Marx A., priv. IV! us. out at expr. of term. 
 
 Me sse, George, priv. Wounded at Blain s Cross-roads, Dec. 
 17, 1863. Mus. out at expr. of term, Oct. 16, 1864. 
 
 Moser, Thos., priv. Trans, to Co. K, Nov. 16, 1864. 
 
 Mills, David, priv. Trans, to 45th P. V., date unknown. 
 
 Montgomery, Robt., priv. Trans, to Co. B, Oct. 16, 1864. 
 
 Moore, Samuel, priv. Killed May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania 
 C. II. Veteran. 
 
 Murphy, Daniel, priv. Deserted April 5, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Moore, Wm., priv. Discharged for disability, date unknown. 
 
 Miller, John, priv. Wounded Aug. 30, 1862, at Bull Run. 
 Discharged for wounds. 
 
 Morrison, Calvin L., priv. Died at Covington, Ky., date 
 unknown. 
 
 Mackey, Wm., priv. Died, date unknown. 
 
 McCafferty, Thos., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 McMahon, Michael, priv. Discharged July 11, 1865. Drftd. 
 
 McGonnigal, John, priv. Dis. June 1, 1865, by G. O. Drftd. 
 
 Mcllarney, Barrty, priv. Killed June 17, 1804, st Peters 
 burg, Va. Veteran. 
 
 29* 
 
666 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 O Neil, Henry, priv. Deserted April 5, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Parson, George, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, ISO"!. Sub. 
 
 Pierce, Henry G., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. 
 
 Powers, Patrick, priv. Discharged April 24, 1864, for dis 
 ability. Veteran. 
 
 Price, Phineas, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. Drafted. 
 
 Fletcher, Henry, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. Drftd. 
 
 Fennel, George, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. Drftd. 
 
 Parson, Simon, priv. Dis. by G. 0. June 1, 1865. Drftd. 
 
 Poortnan, Wilson, priv. Dis. by G. 0. June 1, 1865. Drftd. 
 
 Poorman, James, priv. Dis. by G. 0. June 1, 1865. Drftd. 
 
 Peters, Samuel, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. Drftd. 
 
 Poff, Henry, priv. Trans, to Co. B, Oct. 16, 1864. 
 
 Prescott, Charles, priv. Wounded June 1, 1864, at Cold 
 Harbor, Va. Died June 4. 1864, from wounds. 
 
 Powers, James, priv. Wounded April 19, 1862, at Camden, 
 N. C. Discharged on account of wounds. 
 
 Rolley, August, priv. Captured. Died at Andersonville, 
 Ga., May 29, 1864; grave, 1,454. 
 
 Rodgers, Geo., priv. Mus. out Oct. 16, 1864. Expr. of term. 
 
 Reese, Levi, priv. Drafted. Dis. June 1, 1865, by G. O. 
 
 Rolley, Nichols, priv. Drftd. Dis. June 6, 1865, by G. O. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Ricker, Chas., priv. Trans, to Co. B, Nov. 16, 1864. 
 
 Richards, Philip, priv. Trans, to Co. K, March 24, 1864. 
 
 Rodgers, Henry, priv. Deserted July 6, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Rapp, Jacob, priv. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, date unknown. 
 
 Recides, Win., priv. Wounded Dec. 18, 1862, at Fredericks- 
 burg, Va. Discharged on account of wounds. 
 
 Roan, Henry A., priv. Died, 1863, at Covingtou, 
 
 Showers, H. D., priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Smith, Amos, priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Smith, George, priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Slattery, Jas", priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Shoppell, Edw., priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Savage, Frank, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Slack, Henry M., priv. Absent sick at muster out. 
 
 Shannon, Julius O., priv. Drftd. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Shrezer, Emanuel, priv. Drftd. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Sprole, Hezekiah, priv. Drftd. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Smith, Wm. A., priv. Trans, to Co. B, March 24, 1864. 
 
 Slater, Thos., priv. Trans, to Co. B, Nov. 26, 1864. 
 
 Stidinger, Samuel G., priv. Trans, to Co. K, Nov. 26, 1864. 
 
 Shires, Michael, priv. Trans, to 45th P. V., date unknown. 
 
 Shay, John, priv. Trans, to Co. B, Oct. 16, 1864. 
 
 Showers, Daniel, priv. Trans, to 2d U. S. Cav. Oct. 27, 1862. 
 
 Search, W^m., priv. Trans, to 2d U. S. Cavalry, Oct. 27, 1862. 
 
 Scott, Jas. A., priv. Trans, to 2d U. S. Cavalry, Oct. 27, 1862. 
 
 Sheets, Daniel, priv. Wounded July 30, 1864, at Peters 
 burg, Va. Died Aug. 1, 1864. 
 
 Sheets, Christian, priv. Killed Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon 
 Railroad, near Yellow Tavern, Va. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 667 
 
 Simon, Christian, priv. Uis. on surgeon s certificate, date 
 unknown. 
 
 Tyson, James, priv. Drftd. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Thomas, George, priv. Dis. by S. O. Jan. 27, 18G5. 
 
 Thompson, Henry, priv. Trans, to Co. B, Oct. 16, 1864. 
 
 Troy, Jeremiah, priv. Wounded at Petersburg. Died Aug. 
 1, 1864; buried in 9th A. C. Com., Meade Station. 
 
 Thatcher, Aaron, priv. Killed May 6, 1864, at Wilderness, 
 Virginia. 
 
 Taylor, Jos. B., priv. Drafted. Died Dec. 10, 1864; buried 
 in National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. 
 
 Wellar, Daniel, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Wertz, George, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Williams, James, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Waters, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Wolf, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Wertz, John, priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Womer, Daniel, priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Watson, David, priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Wilson, Wm., priv. Mus. out Oct. 16, 1804. Expr. of term. 
 
 Watson, Win., priv. Dis. by S. O., date unknown. 
 
 Woodriiig, Hiram, priv. Trans, to Co. B, date unknown. 
 
 Walker, John, priv. Drafted. Drowned April 25, 1865, in 
 Chesapeake bay. 
 
 Watts, Joseph, priv. Deserted June 13, 1865. 
 
 Whipple, Newton, priv. Dis. on surgeon s certificate. 
 
 Wcnrick, Wm., priv. Killed Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 
 Wylands, Lewis A., priv. Died, date unknown. 
 
 Wiggins, Wallace, priv. Killed Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 
 Watson, Jackson, priv. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, date 
 unknown. 
 
 Yeager, Peter S., priv. Drftd. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Young, Wm., priv. Wounded Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 Dis. for wounds, date unknown. Re-enlisted Nov. 16, 1863. 
 Killed June 18, 1864, at Petersburg, Va. 
 
 Total names on rolls, 230.* 
 
 * The rolls of Co. G are very imperfect as to the casualties. Noth 
 ing of the kind was ever entered on them except such cases as were 
 compelled to be by army regulations. It is to be deeply regretted that 
 there is no way for its noble braves to have their battle scars individu 
 ally mentioned ; in fact, so little has been recorded of the wounded 
 that a person would naturally suppose the company was always out of 
 harm s way ; but such was not the case. Co. G was always up to the 
 work, shoulder to shoulder, with her sister companies. She has the 
 undisputed honor of losing the first blood of the regiment shed in 
 battle that pf James Dolan, private, Feb. 8, 1862, at the taking of 
 Roanoke Island, N. C. That the company has suffered in wounded 
 to a terrible extent cannot be doubted ; yet they cannot be accounted 
 for ; but that does not make it any the less true, as it merely proves 
 the negligence of its officers to insert their casualties showing that 
 they fought for the good of the flag, and not for their own fame and 
 glory, completely discarding all personal honors and caring not to 
 have their achievements heralded to the world but below we will 
 
668 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 ROLL OF CO. II. 
 
 Recruited in Union, Lycoming, and Snyder Counties. 
 
 J. Merrill Linn, captain. Resigned April 4, 1864. 
 
 Geo. Shorkley, captain. Pro. from adjt. to capt. April 22, 
 18G4 ; to bvt. maj. July 30, 18G4 ; to bvt. lieut. col. March 25, 
 1865; to bvt. col. April 9, 1865. Wounded April 19, 1862, at 
 Camden, K. C., and severely wounded at the explosion of the 
 Burnside mine, July 30, 1864. Mus. out with co. July 27, 65. 
 
 Jacob G. Beaver, 1st lieut. Pro. from 2d to 1st lieut. June 
 6, 1862. Killed at Antietam, September 17, 1862. 
 
 Wm. F. Campbell, 1st lieut. Pro. from sergt. to 2d liout. 
 June 6, 1862 ; to 1st lieut. September 18, 1862. Wounded Sep 
 tember 17, 1862, at Antietam. Prisoner from May 12, 1864, 
 to March 9, 1865. Mus. out April 28, 1865. 
 
 Hugh McClure, 1st lieut. Pro. from 1st sergt. to 1st lieut. 
 May io, 1865. Captured May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania Court 
 house, Va. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Aaron Smith, 2d lieut. Pro. from 1st sergt. to 2d lieut. Oc 
 tober 23, 1862. Discharged November 7, 1863. 
 
 Jacob H. Santo, 2d lieut. Wounded September 17, 1862, at 
 Antietam. Pro. from 1st sergt. to 2d lieut. April 15, 1864 ; to 
 1st lieut. and adjt. January 15, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 David C. Brown, 3d lieut. Wounded December 13, 1862, at 
 Fredericksburg, Va. ; captured May 12, 1864. Pro. to 2d 
 lieut, March 16, 1865. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 George Breon, 1st sergt. Wounded at Fredericksburg De 
 cember 13, 1862 ; captured May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania Court 
 house. Pro. to 1st sergt. May 15, 1865. Mus. out with co. Vet. 
 
 give a summary of what casualties there can be gleaned from the rolls 
 to show that they cannot hide all their glory, if they want to. 
 
 Summary of Casiialties. Killed in battle, non-commissioned offi 
 cers, 2 ; privates, 10. Died of wounds, privates, 8. Died of disease, 
 non-com, officers, 1 ; privates, 11. Died in rebel prisons, privates, 2. 
 Died by accident, 2. Wounded, commissioned officers, 1 ; non-com, 
 officers, 1 ; privates, 11. Captured, privates, 3. Transferred, com. 
 officers, 1; non-com, officers, 1; privates, 38. Discharged, com. 
 officers, 3 ; non-com, officers, 5 ; privates, 66. Deserted, privates, 11. 
 Resigned, com. officers, 2. Absent at muster-out; privates, 5. 
 
 Recapitulation. Killed, 12; died from wounds, 8; died from dis 
 ease, 12 ; died from accident, 2 ; died in rebel prisons, 2. Total, 36. 
 Total wounded, 13; captured, 3; transferred, 40 ; discharged, 74 ; 
 deserted, 11 ; resigned, 2 ; absent sick at muster-out, 5. Total, 148. 
 Grand total of casualties, 184. 
 
 It will be observed that there is but 13 wounded to 12 killed out 
 right in battle, showing conclusively that Co. G s wounded were not 
 accounted for. Nothing in the annals o.t modern warfare ever showed 
 such a disparity of casualties, and its wounded can safely be given 
 at the lowest average percentage, which is 60 ; assuming it as con 
 ceded that it suffered more than the full or medium percentage, then 
 the medium would give 72 wounded, and the highest, 84. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 669 
 
 Jacob Nyhart, 1st sergt. Dis. September 22, 1862, on sur 
 geon s certificate. 
 
 Matthew Vandine, 1st sergt. Pro. to 1st sergt. June 6, 1862. 
 Killed September 17, 1862, at Antietam bridge. 
 
 Harrison Hause, sergt. Pro. to sergt. August 3, 1863. Cap 
 tured May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania C. H. Mus. out with co. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Geo. W. Brown* sergt. Pro. to sergt. May 21, 1865. Mus. 
 out with co. 
 
 John Alclendarfer, sergt. Pro. to sergt. May 21, 1865. Mus. 
 out with co. 
 
 James Kincaid, sergt. Pro. to sergt. June 26, 1865. Mus. 
 out with co. 
 
 Daniel M. Wetzell, sergt. Wounded at Antietam September 
 17, 1862 ; captured at Spottsylvania C. H. May 12, 1864. Dis. 
 by G. O. June 26, 1865. 
 
 Seth J. Housel, sergt. Dis. to enlist in 8th Regulars, U. S. 
 infantry, October 24, 1862. 
 
 Wm. Allison, sergt. Killed December 13, 1862, at Freder 
 ick sburg, Va. 
 
 II. J. Lingerman, corp. Wounded August 19, 1864, at 
 battle of Yellow Tavern, Va. Pro. to corp. April 14, 1865. 
 Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 John Grambling, corp. Pro. to corp. January 1, 1865. Mus. 
 out with co. 
 
 Geo. H. Knauf, corp. Pro. to corp. January 15, 1865. Mus. 
 out with co. 
 
 Alfred Durst, corp. Pro. to corp. January 1, 1865. Mus. out 
 with co. Veteran. 
 
 Henry Fogleman, corp. Pro. to corp. June 1, 1865. Mus. 
 out with co. Veteran. 
 
 Michael Lepley, corp. Pro. to corp. June 16, 1865. Mus. 
 out with co. 
 
 Andrew Knepp, corp. Pro. to corp. June 16, 1865. Mus. 
 out with co. 
 
 Dietrick Beckman, corp. Pro. to corp. June 26, 1865. Mus. 
 out with co. Veteran. 
 
 R. A. M. Harner, corp. Mus. out November 15, 1864. Ex 
 piration of term. 
 
 II. C. McCormiek, corp. Wounded at Antietam September 
 17, 1862, and again at the Wilderness May 6, 1864. Dis. by G. 
 O. June 15, 1865. 
 
 J. Backenhamer, corp. Mus. out November 15, 1864. Ex 
 piration of term. 
 
 Henry B. Wetzell, corp. Dis. May 1,~, 1865, by G. O. 
 
 Reuben Baker, corp. Dis. Dec. 30, 1864, for disability. Vet. 
 
 Peter Koser, corp. Dis. October 24, 1862, to enlist in 8th 
 Regulars, U. S. infantry. 
 
 Nicholas Nicholas, corp. Dis. Dec. 27, 1861, for disability. 
 
 Robert Henry, corp. Dis. October 24, 1862, to enlist in 8th 
 U. S. infantry. 
 
 Henry J. Warner, corp. Captured at Bull Run August 30, 
 1862. Dis. on surgeon s certificate December 5, 1862. 
 
670 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 H. Coley MeCormick, corp. Wounded at Camden, N. C., 
 April 19, 1862, at Antietam September 17, 1802. Dis. by S. O. 
 February 12, 1864. 
 
 John Quincy Adams, corp. Trans, to Vet. Reserve Corps 
 November 6, 1803. 
 
 Charles Merrill, corp. Pro. to corp. April 1, 1802 ; trans, to 
 Vet. Reserve Corps November 6, 1802. Died at Nashville 
 date unknown. 
 
 James M. Schooley, corp. Dis. December 24, 1802, for 
 wounds received at Antietam September 17, 1802. 
 
 Jacob Moore, muse. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. Vet. 
 
 Andrew Bernade, mus. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. Vet. 
 
 Charles P. McFadden, muse. Mus. out November 15, 1864. 
 Expiration of term. 
 
 All house, Peter, priv. Absent at mus. out by sen. of gen. 
 court martial. 
 
 Armpriester, Win., priv. Drafted. Mus. out with co. July 
 27, 1805. 
 
 Angstadt, Jonas, priv. Drft. Mus. out with co. July 27, 65. 
 
 Angstadt, Mabury, priv. Drft. Dis. June 28, 1805, by G. O. 
 
 Auchenbaugh, Win., priv. Dis. June 15. 1865, by G. O. 
 
 Baldwin, Eleazer, priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 65. 
 
 Blunt, James, priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Beehn, Henry, priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Brownfield, John, priv. Draft. Absent at mus. out by sen. 
 of G. C. M. 
 
 Bomgardner, Danl., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Boyer, Win., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Draft. 
 
 Boyer, Jno., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Draft. 
 
 Bordwell, Danl. C., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Bobst, David, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Benner, Lewis J., priv. Mus. out November 15, 1864. Ex 
 piration of term. 
 
 Bovver, Harrison, priv. Wounded at Wilderness May 6, 1804. 
 Dis. February 1, 1805, on account of wounds. 
 
 Boone, Daniel, priv. Dis. by G. O. June, 15, 1865. 
 
 Berkeylile. David, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 15, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Bennett, Miles, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 15, 1805. Draf. 
 
 Brensinger, Levi, priv. Cap. Dec. 13, 1802, at Fredericks- 
 burg. Killed at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864. 
 
 Beaver, Henry, priv. Dis. on surg. certif. March 18, 1803. 
 
 Beck, Isaac, priv. Killed at Antietam Sept. 17, 1802. 
 
 Bear, Edward, priv. Killed at Antietam Sept. 17, 1802. 
 
 Boightol, Thos., priv. Trans, to Co. G Nov. 28, 1801. 
 
 Britton, Simon, priv. Trans, to reo;. band Nov. 10, 1801. 
 
 Brown, Asa, priv. Died Oct. 28, 1802, at Frederick City, Md. 
 
 Buskirk, Jacob, priv. Wounded at Camden April 10, 1802. 
 Dis. on account of wounds Jan. 8, 1803. 
 
 Bastian, Peter, priv. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Nov. 6, 1803. 
 
 Bastian, Abraham, priv. Dis. Feb. 11, 1803, for disability. 
 
 Carey, Geo. W., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 671 
 
 Cusseck, Northiel, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Substitute. 
 
 Clouser, Chas., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, ISoo. Draf. 
 
 Clark, David, priv. Trans, from 2cl Mel. Vols. June 30, 1862. 
 Cap. Nov. 23, 1863, at Knoxville, Teun. Mus. out Nov. 15, 
 1864, expiration of term. 
 
 Corl, John, priv. Dis. June 15, 1865, by G. O. 
 
 Chrisher, Win. F., priv. Mus. out Nov 15, 1864, expiration 
 of term. 
 
 Christie, James, priv. Dis. Oct. 24, 1862, to enlist in the 8th 
 regiment U. S. infantry. 
 
 Cox, George, priv. Trans, to Co. G Nov. 28, 1861. 
 
 Calhoun, Wm. F., priv. Trans, to Co. G Nov. 28, 1861. 
 
 Crossmire, John J., priv Trans, to Co. G Nov. 28, 1861. 
 
 Clark, Joseph A., priv. Trans, to Co. G Nov. 28, 1861. 
 
 Doyle, Matthew, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Doyle, Jas., priv. Draf. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Dysher, Matthias, priv. Drafted. Mus. out with co. Juty 
 27, 1865. 
 
 Dumheller, Abner, priv. Drafted. Mus. out with co. July 
 27, 1865. 
 
 Dilloplains, Mahlon, priv. Drafted. Mus. out with co. July 
 27, 1865. 
 
 Dawson, John L., priv. Mus. out Nov. 15, 1864, ex. of term. 
 
 Dye, Richard, priv. Dis, on surg. certif. Feb. 8, 1863. 
 
 Dopp, John P.. priv. Dis. on surg. certif., Feb. 8, 1863. 
 
 Detlaven, Reuben, priv. Trans, to Co. C, Nov. 28, 1861. 
 
 Diblegorn, John J., priv. Dis. Oct. 24, 1862, to enlist in 4th 
 regiment U. S. cavalry. 
 
 Dougherty, W. II., priv. Killed at Knoxville Nov. 20, 1863. 
 
 Dougherty, John, priv. Wounded at Fredericksburg, Dec. 
 13, 1862. Trans. Nov. 6, 1863, to Vet. Res. Corps. 
 
 Dougherty, James, priv. Dis. Oct. 24, 1862, to enlist in 4th 
 regiment U. S. cavalry. 
 
 Doughty, Calvin, priv. Deserted Sept. 17, 1862. 
 
 Eberly, And. F., priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27,1 865. 
 
 Erwin, Frederick, priv. Mus. out Nov. 15, 1864, ex. of term. 
 
 Erdley, Jno. W., priv. Wounded at Antietam Sept. 17, 1862. 
 Killed at North Anna, May 27, 1864. 
 
 Everett, Wm., priv. Dis. Dec. 3, 1862, for disability. 
 
 Egolf, Samuel, priv. Trans, to Co. C, Nov. 28, 1861. 
 
 Espenship, David, priv. Trans, to Co. C, Nov. 28, 1861. 
 
 Fies, Henry, priv. Mus. out with Co. July 27, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Fike, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Forte, Geo. W., priv. Mus. out Nov. 15, 1864, ex. of term. 
 
 Feuring, Geo., priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O. June 25, 1865. 
 
 Frederick, Ebenezer, priv. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Nov. 
 19, 1864. 
 
 Farley, Samuel, priv. Died at Knoxville, Dec. 19, 1863. 
 Fox, Wm. II. R, priv. Trans, to co. C Nov. 28, 1861. 
 
 Frynte, Geo. II., priv. Dis. Oct. 24, 1862, to enlist in 8th 
 regiment, U. S. infantry. 
 
 Grambling, Jacob, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
672 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Getty, David H., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Gardner, Wm., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. 
 
 Gallagher, Wm., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Grier, Thos. G., priv. Mus. out Sept. 23, 1864. Died at 
 Morehead City, N. C., Oct. 6, 1864. 
 
 Goss, Simon, priv. Cap. May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania C. H. 
 Died at Florence, S. C. 
 
 Henry, Adam. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Ilefmer, Jonathan, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Hoffman, Thos., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Heffilfmger, George, priv. Absent at mus. out by sentence 
 of general court martial. Drafted. 
 
 Hertzog, Emanuel, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Hartline, Daniel, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Hartline, David, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Haas, Wm., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Drafted. 
 
 Harris, Joseph, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Hulslander, Geo. F., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Humphrey, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Substitute. 
 
 Holland, Thos., priv. Mus. out Nov. 15, 1864, ex. of term. 
 
 Ilartz, John, priv. Cap. May 12, 1864. Died June 19, 1864, 
 at Andersonville, Ga., grave 2,185). Veteran. 
 
 Harding, JewettS., priv. Wounded and pris. Aug. CO, 1862, 
 at Bull Run. Dis. Nov. 13, 1862. 
 
 Hitesman, Isaiah, priv. Mus. out Nov. 15, 1864, ex. of term. 
 
 Ilain, Henry, priv. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Nov. 6, 1863. 
 
 Hain, John, priv. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Nov. 6, 1863. 
 
 Ingerson, Ilillman, priv. Draf. Dis. by G. O. July 6, 1865. 
 
 Isidel, August, priv. Sub. Deserted June, 1865. 
 
 Jones, Thos., priv. Trans, to Co. G, Nov. 28, 1861. 
 
 Kritz, Daniel, priv. Draf. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Kelly, James T., priv. Mus. out Nov. 15, 1864, ex. of term. 
 
 Knepp, Simon, priv. Draf. Dis. by G. 0. June 15, 1865. 
 
 Krepp, Simon, priv. Draf. Dis. by G. O. June 15, 1865. 
 
 Kyszeroski, Joseph, priv. Sub. Died at Alexandria, June 
 7, 1865. 
 
 Kelly, Jas. A., priv. Died Mar. 27, 1862, at Roanoke Island. 
 
 Keiticr, Henry J., priv. Dis. Feb. 16, 1863, for disability. 
 
 Knode, Albion G., priv. Dis. Sept. 27, 1862, for disability. 
 
 Loimbacb, J. Calvin, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Lott, John W., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Leamon, John E., priv. AVounded at South Mountain, Sept. 
 14,1862; again at Wilderness, May 6, 1861. Dis. Dec. 24, 1864. 
 
 Lyon, Conrad, priv. Dis. June 15, 1865, by G. O. Drafted. 
 
 Lattimer, Wm. J., priv. Cap. Died at Florence, S. C., Oct. 
 14, 1864. 
 
 Lennig, Jacob, priv. Wounded April 19, 1862, at Camdcn, 
 N. C. Died May 3, 1862, from wounds. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 673 
 
 Lynch, Thos. J., priv. Promoted to 2d lieut. in Co. C, date 
 unknown. 
 
 Murphy, Joseph, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Moyer, Daniel, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Mocherman, Jno. H., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Moll, Joseph A., priv. Mus. out Nov. 15, 1864, ex. of term. 
 
 Man-, Thos. P., priv. Dis. Mar. 4, 1865, for disability. Vet. 
 
 Miller, Wm. A., priv. Cap. May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania. 
 Discharged June 15, 1865, by G. O. 
 
 Moore, John, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 15, 1865. 
 
 Miller, Henry, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 15, 1865. Drafted. 
 
 Myers, Wm. H., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 15, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Moyer, Daniel 13., priv. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, date 
 unknown. 
 
 Miller, John, priv. Dis. Oct. 24, 1862, to enlist in 4th U. S. 
 cavalry. 
 
 Miller, Daniel S., priv. Wounded at South Mountain, Sept. 
 14, 1862. Mus. out Nov. 15, 1864, expiration of term. 
 
 Murphy, John, priv. Dis. Sept. 22, 1862, for disability. 
 
 Miller, Jeremiah, priv. Died Dec. 2, 1861, at Annapolis, Md. 
 
 Murphy, James, priv. Trans, to Co. C Nov. 28, 1861. 
 
 Meisse, George, priv. Trans, to Co. G Nov. 28, 1861. 
 
 Miller, Samuel S., priv. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Nov. 6, 
 1863. 
 
 Marks, Levi, priv. Killed at Antietam Sept. 17, 1862. 
 
 McMurtrie, Isaac, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 McEwen, Samuel S., priv. Dis. April 18, 1864, by S. O. 
 
 Nicman, John A. Wounded June 17, 1864, at Petersburg. 
 Died August 5, 1864, from wounds. 
 
 Oakes, AVm. L., priv. Dis. June 12, 1863, for disability. 
 
 Purcell, Geo., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Phillips, A. F. C., priv. Mus. out Nov. 15, 1864, ex. of term. 
 
 Passell, Robert W., priv. Wounded at South Mountain, 
 Sept. 14, 1862. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Pareby, Joseph, priv. Killed at Petersburg, April 2, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Pearson, Jas. C. Sub. Deserted June, 1865. 
 
 Phliger, Jacob, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Rhoades, Jacob, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Rexford, Henry E., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Ream, Jacob, priv. Drafted. Dis. June 1, 1865, by G. O. 
 
 Ritter, John F,, priv. Dis. Oct. 24, 1862, to enlist in 4th U. S. 
 Cavalry. 
 
 Snyder, Nathaniel, priv. Killed at S. Mount, Sept. 14, 1862. 
 
 Smith, Peter, priv. Cap., Aug. 21, 1864, at Yellow Tavern. 
 Absent at mus. out of co. Veteran. 
 
 Smith, David, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Slottman, Danl., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Swab, Wm., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Snyder, Saml., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Shreck, Jno. V., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
674 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY- FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Swarerly, Adam, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Serwatyness, Jos., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Substitute. 
 
 Shappee, Devier, priv. Mus. out with Co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 ShatFer, Levi J., priv. Mus. out with Co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Search, Thos. F., priv. Mus. out Nov. 15, 1864. Expira 
 tion of term. 
 
 Sholley, Win., priv. Mus. out Nov. 15, 1864. Expiration 
 of term. 
 
 Smith, John D., priv. Drafted. Dis. byG. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Smith, John H., priv. Dis. June 14, 1865, for disability. Vet. 
 
 Scales, Edwin K. B., priv. Mus. out Nov. 25, 1864. Ex 
 piration of term. 
 
 Souders, Ephraim, priv. Trans, to Co. K. Nov. 10, 1864. 
 
 Shriner, Win. H., priv. Killed at Petersburg July 1, 1864. 
 
 Smith, Jacob, priv. Cap. May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania C. 
 H. Died at Andersonville, Ga., July 5, 1864; grave, 2,941. 
 
 Smith, Isaiah, priv. Cap. May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania C. 
 H. Died at Andersonville, Ga., 1864. 
 
 Smith, Frederick, priv. Killed at Wilderness May 6, 1864. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Slmler, Harrison, priv. Deserted Feb., 1864. 
 
 Stewart, Chas. R., priv. Dis. Get 27, 1863, for disability. 
 
 Sullivan, Patrick, priv. Trans to Co. C Nov. 28, 1861. 
 
 Steltz, Win., priv. Trans, to Co. C, Nov. 28, 1861. 
 
 Smith, John F., priv. Dis. Nov. 28, 1862, for disability. 
 
 Turner, James, priv. Drafted. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Taylor, Samuel, priv. Died June 15, 1864, at White House 
 Landing, Va. 
 
 Titus, Lewis G., priv. Trans, to Co E, Nov. 28, 1861. 
 
 Temple, Chas. W. A., priv. Deserted June 17, 1863. 
 
 Umstead, John C., priv. Trans, to Co. C, Nov. 28, 1861. 
 
 ,Uhl, Christian, priv. Dis. Jan. 15, 1865; disability. Drafted. 
 Vi \Updegraph, Lewis, priv. Absent sick at mas. out. 
 
 Vangeeser, Geo., priv. ""Wounded May 6, 1864, at Wilderness. 
 Dis. by G. O. June 29, 1865. 
 
 Williamson, James, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Wellings, Win. J., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Wcntzell, Jacob, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Weaver, Thos., priv. Mus. out Nov. 16, 1864. Expiration 
 of term. 
 
 Wiery, Win., priv. Dis. by sentence of G. C. martial. 
 
 Wagore, Geo., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. Drafted. 
 
 Wood, Aaron, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. Drafted. 
 
 Williamson, Aaron, priv. Killed June 3, 1864, at C. Harbor. 
 
 Wittcs, Isaac, priv. Killed Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 
 Watkins, Benj., priv. Trans, to reg l band Nov. 16, 1861. 
 
 Williams, Win., priv. Trans, to reg l band Nov. 16, 1861. 
 
 Wiesenbach, Ant y, priv. Wounded at Antietam, Sept. 17, 
 1803. Dis. April 7, 1863, on account of wounds. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 675 
 
 Wiesenbach, Leo, priv. Dis. Oct. 21, 1862, to enlist in 8th 
 U. S. Infantry. 
 
 Youngman, John C., priv, Dis. by S. 0., date unknown. 
 
 Yoder, David, priv. Cap. at North Anna May 27, 1804. Dis. 
 by G. O. June 2, 1863. 
 
 Young, David J., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Zechraan, Chas., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Total on the rolls, 236.* 
 
 ROLL OF CO. I. 
 
 Recruited in Montgomery County. 
 
 George R. Pechin, captain. Resigned June 21, 1862. 
 
 George W. Bisbina:, captain. Pro. from 1st lieut. to capt., 
 June 23, 1862. Wounded at Jackson, Miss., July 16, 1863. 
 Wounded twice at Spottsylvania C. H., May 12, 1864. Died 
 June 7, 1804, from wounds. 
 
 Thomas II. Parker, captain. Wounded at Antietam and at 
 Jackson, Miss. Pro. from com.-sergt. to capt., Dec. 2, 1864. 
 Mus. out with com. Veteran. 
 
 * Summary of Casualties in Co. H. Killed Commissioned officers, 
 1 ; non.-coui. officers, 2; privates, 13. Died of wounds Privates, 2. 
 Died in rebel prisons Privates, 5. Died of disease Non.-com. offi 
 cers 1 ; privates, 7. Captured Com. officers, 2 ; uon. com. officers, 
 4 ; privates, 11. Wounded Com. officers, 3 ; non.-com. officers, 8 ; 
 privates, 14. Discharged Com. officers, 1 ; non.-com. officers, 15 ; 
 privates, 70. Transferred Com. officers, 1 ; non.-com. officers, 2 ; 
 privates, 28. Resigned Com. officers, 1. Deserted privates, 5 ; 
 Absent, in arrest Privates, 2. Absent at mustering out Privates, 3. 
 
 Recapitulation. Total killed, 16 ; died of wounds, 2 ; died in rebel 
 prisons, 5 ; died of disease, 8 ; captured, 17 ; wounded, 25 ; discharged, 
 86 ; transferred, 31 ; resigned, 1 ; deserted, 5 ; absent in arrest, 2 ; 
 absent sick at mustering out, 3. Grand total casualties, 201. 
 
 Co. H has apparently a heavy list of casualties ; 201 out of a roll 
 of 236, leaving but 35 that were not accounted for, providing the con 
 tingencies are distributed, one to a man. But the observant reader 
 can easily detect the cause by looking over the roll and noticing that 
 some of the men furnish two or three cases ; for instance, private 
 Jewett S. Harding was wounded, captured, and discharged ; he alone 
 furnishes three cases. 
 
 Co. H. s rolls are more complete, with the exception of Co. A, than 
 any of the other companies ; still it shows for itself the deficiency in 
 its^wounded, having only one- third more wounded than killed. Its 
 average, at the lowest percentage, would put its wounded at 80 men ; 
 it is certain that that is too low. 
 
 Co. H needs no further remarks on her record. It has made it 
 as bright and as enviable as the best of them, and is fully satisiied 
 that it has honestly complied with its contract with the United States, 
 and not one dollar received without rendering its equivalent in putting 
 down the rebellion. 
 
676 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 George Schall, 1st lieut. Pro. from 2d to 1st lieut., June 23, 
 
 1862. Mus. out Oct. 24, 1864. Expr. of term. 
 
 Lewis Patterson, 1st lieut. Pro. from 1st sergt. to 1st lieut., 
 May 21, 1865. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Mark R. Supplee, 2d lieut. Pro. 2cl lieut. from 1st sergt., 
 June 23, 1862. Severely wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericks- 
 burg. Mus. out Nov. 15, 1864. Expr. of term. 
 
 Geo. W. Patterson, 2d lieut. Pro. from sergt. to 2d lieut., 
 May 21, 1865. Mus. cut with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 John R. Davis, 1st sergt. Pro. to 1st ser^t. May 21, 1865. 
 Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Captured^May 12, 1864, at 
 Spottsylvania C. H. Wounded May 12, 1864. Veteran. 
 
 Enoch B. Kirby, 1st sergt. Died Feb. 22, 1863, of diarrhoea. 
 
 George Carney, sergt. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862 again 
 June 28, 1864. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Win. Pope, sergt. Wounded July 15, 1863, at Jackson, 
 Miss. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Geo. W. S. Pennell, sergt. Wounded at Antietam, Sept. 
 17, 1862, and Aug. 19, 1864, at Yellow Tavern, Va. Mus. out 
 with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 James Cameion, sergt. Captured May 12, 1864, at Spottsyl 
 vania C. H. Mus. out with co. Veteran. 
 
 Richard Martin, sergt. Died at Camp Nelson, Ky., Jan. 2, 
 
 1863. Wounded April 19, 1862, at Camden, N. C., by a solid 
 shot. 
 
 Stephen S. Davis, sergt. Killed June 17, 1864, at Peters 
 burg, Va. Veteran. 
 
 Andrew S. Leedom, sergt. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at 
 Fredericksburg. Discharged April 9, 1863, on account of 
 wounds. 
 
 Thos. T. Sohoch, sergt. Killed Sept. 14, 1862, at South 
 Mountain. 
 
 J. Clark Davis, sergt. Killed Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 
 Geo. B. Slough, corp. Captured May 27, 1864, at North 
 Anna river. Died at Andersonville, Ga., March 28, 1865. 
 
 Jno. M. Engle, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Jas. Tinney, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Henry C. Davis, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Saml. E. Bradbury, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Henry B. Pope, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Frederick Ilolbine, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Francis R. Keating, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Jas. Y. Shainline, corp. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fred 
 ericksburg. Mus. out Sept. 27, 1864. Expr. of term. 
 
 John George, corp. Wounded July 30, 1864, at Petersburg. 
 Died from wounds Aug. 8, 1864. Veteran. 
 
 Jas. Manger, corp. Died Feb. 12, 1862, at Roanoke Island. 
 
 Thos. P. Davis, corp. Killed Sept. 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
 
 Hugh McGill, corp. Trans, to Inv., Corps, Sept. 27, 1863. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 677 
 
 John Cox, corp. Discharged for disabilitj 7 , Nov. IB, 1862. 
 
 Jacob J. Tompkins, muse. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. 
 Veteran . 
 
 Jas. Chase, muse. Absent in arrest at mus. out. Veteran. 
 
 Anderson, Levi, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Anderson, John H., priv. Dis. by G. O., June 1, 1865. 
 
 Armstrong, Ed., priv. Discharged by S. O., Oct 18, 1862. 
 
 Anderson, Win. J., priv. Killed at South Mountain, Sept. 
 14, 1862. 
 
 Buley, Chas., priv. Wounded at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 
 Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Bisbing, A. H., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Barry, Jno., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Bassert, Adam, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Bayley, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Bloom, David, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Brower, John H., priv. Drafted. Discharged by G. O., 
 June 2, 1865. 
 
 Bottorf, Martin, priv. Drftd. Dis. by G. O., June 2, 1865. 
 
 Brown, Wm., priv. Drftd. Dis. by G. O., June 2, 1865. 
 
 Brower, Jacob, priv. Drftd. Dis. by G. O., June 2, 1865. 
 
 Barrett, And. C., priv. Drftd. Dis. by G. O., June 2, 1865. 
 
 Brady, Isaac, priv. Drftd. Dis. by G. O., June 2, 1865. 
 
 Barrell, Jacob, priv. Drftd. Dis. by G. O., June 2, 1865. 
 
 Buggy, Dennis, priv. Died of disease Oct. 14, 1864. Vet. 
 
 Bangs, James, priv. Deserted May 12, 1864. 
 
 Baker, Thos. L., priv. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 8, 
 1863. 
 
 Brady, James, priv. Killed by lightning while on picket at 
 Milldale, Miss. 
 
 Buggy, Robert, priv. Deserted. 
 
 Brown, Hugh, C., priv. Wounded at South Mountain, 
 Sept. 14, 1862. Trans, to 1st U. S. Cavalry, Sept. 22, 1862. 
 
 Burns, Henry, priv. Dis. on writ of habeas corpus, 1861. 
 
 Bankuss, Henry, priv. Dis. May 1, 1862, at Newbern, N. C. 
 
 Broom, Thos. priv. Dis. Feb. 2, 1863, for disability. 
 
 Coatner, James, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Cornog, Thos., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Carey, John, priv. Drftd. Dis. by G. O., June 13, 1865. 
 
 Coleman, John N., priv. Drftd. Dis. by G. O., June 13, 
 1865. 
 
 Campbell, Zach. , priv. Killed at South Mtn., Sept. 14, 1862. 
 
 Carr, Morton C., priv. Deserted Aug. 24, 1863, at Sulphur 
 Springs. 
 
 Detterline, Joseph, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Doyle, Edward, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Digt maker, Max., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Substitute. 
 
 Dyslier, Reuben, priv. Dis. by G. O. of May 17-18, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Dorr, Henry, priv. Captured at Bull Run, Aug. 20, 1862, 
 and again Dec. 15, 1863, at Cumberland Gap., East Term. 
 Died at Belh- Isle, Mar. 25, 1864. 
 
678 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Davis, R Clarkson, priv. Wounded Sept. 14, 1862, at South 
 Mountain. Trans, to 1st U". S. Artillery, Sept. 22, 18G2. 
 
 Davis, E. Lewis, priv. Wounded at South Mountain, Sept. 
 14, 1862. Died September 24, 1862, from wounds. 
 
 Dougherty, Matthew, priv. Trans, to 1st U. S. Artillery, 
 Sept. 22, 1862. 
 
 Deeds, Jehu, priv. Dis. Oct. 18, 1862, at Pleasant Valley. 
 
 Edwards, Saml., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Evans, Chas. V., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Eck, Chas. E., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Drftcl. 
 
 Edsell, Noble, priv. Sub. Dis. by G. O., May 17, 1865. 
 
 Elliott, John, priv. Discharged by G. O., May 18, 1865. 
 
 Emrich, Jacob, priv. Wounded at Antietam Sept. 17, 1862. 
 Trans. September 28, 1863, to Invalid Corps at Camp Dick 
 Robinson, Kentucky. 
 
 Fulton, Geo. AV., priv. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862. Mus. out 
 with co. Vet. 
 
 Fox, Geo. F., priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865, 
 
 Fryer, Amos, priv. Mus. out witli co. July 27, 1865. Drftd. 
 
 Fry, Dominick, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Frieze, Samuel, priv. Dis. by G. O., June 12, 1865. Drftd. 
 
 Fetzer, Miclil. W., priv. Dis. by G. 0., June 12, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Fox, Geo. H., priv. Dis. by G. 0., June 12, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Felton, Robert K., priv. Killed at Fort Morton, Va., Feb. 
 24, 1865. Drafted. 
 
 Farley, James, priv. Deserted while on duty at Boousboro 
 Ferry, Kentucky river, Ky., May 1, 1863. 
 
 Gordon, Howard E., priv. Wounded Aug. 19, 1864, at the 
 Yellow Tavern, Va. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Gehman, Ambrose, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Gehman, Henry II., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Gimmell, Saml., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Gallagher, James, priv. Dis. by G. O., June 12, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Glisson, Geo. W., priv. Trans, to U. S. Art. Oct. 25, 1862. 
 
 Harrington, M., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Hibbert, James II.. priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Herdenstine, Thosi, priv. Wounded June 20, 1864. Died 
 Dec. 1, 1864. 
 
 Herman, John, priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Hunsberger, Henry, priv. Discharged by G. O., June 10, 
 1865. Drafted. 
 
 Hummel, Jacob, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Ilarbst, Jacob, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Drftd. 
 
 Harlin, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1805. 
 
 llessly, Wm., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 679 
 
 Hedgelen, Enoch H., priv. Dis. by G. O., June 10, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 Hall, Wm., priv. Dis. by G. O., June 10, 18(5,5. Drftcl. 
 
 Hiney, John, priv. Dis. by S. O., Oct. 26, 1864. Drftcl. 
 
 Hattle, Philip, priv. Cap. May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania C. 
 H. Died June 36, 1865, at Camp Parole, Mil. Veteran. 
 
 Heard, John, priv. Died at City Point, Va., June 25, 1864. 
 
 Heard, Thos., priv. Died at Frederick City, Md., Sep. 20, 
 1862. 
 
 Herd, John R., priv. "Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericks- 
 burg, Va. Dis. on account of wounds 1863. 
 
 Hamilton, James, priv. Des. Aug. 18, 1862, at Kelly s 
 Ford, Va. 
 
 Holigon, Peter, priv. Des. Jan. 6, 1862. 
 
 Iredell, Jas. W., priv. Dis. by S. 0. April 28, 1863. 
 
 Jenkins, John W., priv. Des. Aug. 28, 1862. 
 
 Kelley, Danl. , priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Krieble, Geo.,priv. Killed Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredkbg.. Va. 
 
 Long, George, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Ly singer, Danl., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Lyons, Saml., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Lyons, Shuman, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 10, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Morgan, Joseph, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Mulner, Ludwig, priv. Mus. [out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Substitute. 
 
 Miese, Peter, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Marbaker, Ed., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Magee, Daniel, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Milne, Job, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Martin, Robt., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Moyer, Ulrich, priv. Dis. In* G. O. June 10, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Meister, Antrim, priv. Wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fred- 
 ericksburg, Va. Dis. Oct. 24, 1864, at cxpr. of term. 
 
 Moweiy, Reuben, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 10, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Miller, Mark, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 10, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Murphy, John, priv. Wounded Sep. 17, 1862, at Antietam, 
 Md. Killed May 6, 1864, at Wilderness. Veteran. 
 
 Myers, Jacob^IL, priv. Wounded Sep. 17, 1862, slightly 
 and deserted same day, retaken Oct. 5, 1863. Absent in arrest 
 by sen. of G. C. M. at mus. out of co. 
 
 Michener, Phineas, priv. Dis. by S. O. May 1, 1862, at 
 Newbern. 
 
 ^ Myers, Saml., II., priv. Dis. by S. O. July 14, 1862, at 
 Newbern. 
 
 Myers, Geo. W., priv. Drowned at the sinking of the 
 steamer West Point in the Potomac Oct. 26, 1862. 
 
 Moore, Fredk. K, priv. Dis. Dec. 9, 1862, on surg. cer. 
 
 Milton, James, priv. Killed by the accidental discharge of a 
 comrade s gun while guard of a forage train at Jackson, Miss., 
 July 9, 1863. 
 
 McKuen, Edward, priv. Deserted June 14, 1865. 
 
 McGolrich, Thos. , priv. Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va. 
 Died from wounds Jan. 1, 1863. 
 
680 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 McGill, Arthur, priv. Died of disease at Camp Parke, Ky., 
 
 Aug. 28, 1863. 
 
 Oinlor, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 O Hara, Ptk., priv. Deserted. Dis. by an informal order, 
 Oct. 14, 1862, at Washington, D. C. 
 
 Pierce, George W.,priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Powers, Chas., priv. Mus. out Nov. 28, 1864, expr. of term. 
 
 Peters, Geo. E., priv. Cap. Nov. 16, 1863, at Campbell s 
 Station. E. Term., was held by the enemy till Feb. 27,1865. 
 Mus. out May 8, 1865, to date March 4, 1865. 
 
 Potter, Thos., priv. Dis. by G. O. July 12, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Pluck, Jacob, priv. Trans, to 1st U. S. Cav. Sep. 22, 1862. 
 
 Pugh, Levi, priv. Dis. for disability Feb. 2, 1863. 
 
 Quick, John, priv. Dis. by G. O. July 7, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Kousb, Wm. A., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Rinehart, Thos., priv. Wounded severely Aug. 19, 1864, at 
 Yellow Tavern, Va. Dis. for wounds June 2, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Rively, John, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. Recruit. 
 
 Reese, Chas., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Robinson, Adam, priv. Killed at Camden N. C. April 19, 
 1862. 
 
 Rambo, Wm., priv. Died of disease at Newborn, N. C., May 
 6, 1862. 
 
 Stiver, Francis, priv. Wounded at Gen. Pope s H. Q., at 
 Sulphur Springs, Va., Aug. 28, 1862. Dis. Nov. 28, 1864. 
 
 Stiver, John J., priv. Wounded at Spottsylvania May 12, 
 1864. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Recruit. 
 
 Schlichter, Milton, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Recruit. 
 
 Smith, Chas. A., priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 
 1865. 
 
 Snyder, Chas. H., priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 2 T, 
 1865. 
 
 Slmey, Franklin, priv. Dis. by G. O. July 22, 1865. 
 
 Springer, Jno. F., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Substitute. 
 
 Seiberet, Geo. W., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Shelley, Wm. A., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Shales, Miles D., priv. Dis. by G. O. July 22, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Straw, John, priv. Dis. by G. O. July 22, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Sunckinan, Wm., priv. Dis. by G. O. July 8, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Siedtz, Andrew, priv. Died Sep. 18, 1864, at City Point, Va. 
 
 Smiley, Geo. W., priv. Dis. for disability May 1, 1862, at 
 Newbern. 
 
 Troy, Thos., priv. Cap. at Bull Run Aug. 29, 1862, escaped 
 Nov. 1, 1862, frequently visited the enemy afterwards to gratify 
 his curiosity, was always successful in getting back to his own 
 lines. Mus. out with costly 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Treevitts, Saml., priv. " = Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Vaughn, Henry, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 10, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Verguson, James, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 10,1865. Draf. 
 
 Wampole, Abraham, priv. Wounded April 19-, 1865, at 
 Camden, N. C. Cap. or killed May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania 
 C. II., never been heard of. Veteran. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 681 
 
 Wharram, Jno. R., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Substitute. 
 
 Warner, Loman D., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Substitute. 
 
 Walker, Gotlieb, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Wails, James J., priv. Mus. out with co. Julj r 27, 1805. 
 
 Wliarton, Joshua, priv. Mus. out Nov. 28, 186-1. Expr. of 
 term. 
 
 Wilfong, Ed. K, priv. Mus. out Nov. 28, 1864, expr. of 
 term. 
 
 Wheeler, James, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Wheeler, Win., priv. Dis by G. O. June 2, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Wasson, John, priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Woodruff, Geo. W., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. Draf. 
 
 Watson, Andrew, priv. Deserted. Sep. 12, 1862. 
 
 Young, Win., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Sub. 
 
 Total names on the rolls, 189.* 
 
 * Summary of casualties. Killed Non-commissioned officers, 4 ; 
 privates, 7. Killed by accident Privates 3. Died of wounds Com 
 missioned officers, 1 ; non-commissioned officers, 1 ; privates, 3. 
 Died in rebel prisons Non-commissioned officers, 1 ; privates, 2. 
 Died of disease Non-commissioned officers, 3 ; privates, 6. Re 
 signed Commissioned officers, 1. Wounded Commissioned offi 
 cers, 5 ; non-commissioned officers, 10 ; privates, 17. Captured 
 Non-commissioned officers, 3 ; privates, 5. Discharged Commis 
 sioned officers, 2 ; non-commissioned officers, 2; privates, 53. 
 Transferred Non-commissioned officers, 1 ; privates, 7. Absent in 
 arrest at muster-out, 2. Deserters Privates, 1.1. 
 
 Recapitulation. Total killed, 11 ; killed by accident, 3; died of 
 wounds, 5; died in rebel prisons, 3; died of disease, 9; resigned, 
 1; wounded, 32; captured, 5; discharged, 57; transferred, 8; 
 absent at muster-out, 2 ; deserters, 11. Grand total casualties, 
 147. 
 
 Co. I, like all the companies in the 51st, is deficient in having its 
 wounded entered on ils rolls, but it speaks as a voucher that tbe 
 other companies casualties are put at much too low a figure, for 
 while tbe hardest fighting was going on from the 10th of May, 1864, 
 till within a few days of the last of November of that year, more 
 than one half of Co. I s enlisted men fit for duty were on special or 
 detached service away from the 51st, while the men of the other com 
 panies were nearly all with their regiment. As a proof of the truth 
 of this assertion Captain Bisbing had only 18 enlisted men with him 
 to take into battle at Spottsylvania C. H., May 12, 1864, while the 
 other companies had from 30 to 35 men to take in, and at Cold 
 Harbor Co. I had 17 men only, and that was about the highest till 
 after the first detachment of drafted recruits were sent to the regi 
 ment in October, 1864. Its list of casualties is very nearly correct, all 
 that it is deficient in is the wounded. None who remained on duty 
 after being wounded are counted in the list. The one case of Abra 
 ham Wampole is included in tbe killed, as those who were captured at 
 the time say they never saw or heard of him during their captivity. 
 He was known to have been wounded, but that is all up to this time 
 (1869) that has developed concerning him. 
 
 30 
 
682 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 ROLL OF CO. K. 
 
 Recruited in Union and Northampton Counties. 
 
 JolmE. Titus, captain. Resigned Sep. 10, 1862. 
 
 Geo. P. Carman, cap. Pro. from 1st sergt. to 2d lieut. Dec. 
 28, 18G1 ; to 1st lieut. July 26, 1862 ;to capt. Sep. 10, 1862. Mus. 
 out Nov. 12, 1864, expr. of term. 
 
 Win. S. Mellick, capt. Wounded Nov. 16, 1863, at Campbell s 
 Station, E. Tcnn. Pro. from sergt. to 1st sergt. Dec. 28, 1861 ; 
 to 1st lieut. Dec. 19, 1864 ; to capt. April 18, 1865. Mus. out 
 with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Josiah Kelley, 1st lieutenant. Resigned July 25, 1862. 
 
 John B. Linn, 1st lieut. Resigned March 9, 1863. 
 
 Jacob Fryburger, 1st lieut. Pro. from 1st sergt. to 1st lieut. 
 March 11, 1864. Wounded at Petersburg June 18, 1864. Dis. 
 for wounds Oct 3, 1864. Veteran. 
 
 Jacob Hawk, 1st lieut. Pro. from 1st sergt. to 1st lieut. 
 April 18, 1865. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 J. Franklin Beale, 2d lieut. Res. Dec. 28, 1861, re-comniis- 
 sioned Sep. 29, 1862. Res. April 7, 1864. 
 
 Frank B. Sterner, 2d lieut. Wounded at Campbell s Station, 
 E. Tenn., Nov. 16, 1863. Killed at Spottsylvania May 12, 1864. 
 
 John Vanlew, 2d lieut. Pro. from sergt. to 2d lieut. April 18, 
 1865. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Danl. W. Eichman, 1st sergeant. Pro. from sergt. to 1st 
 sergt. April 18, 1865. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 John C. Dittler, sergeant. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Geo. II. Sherry, sergt. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Theo. Mosor, sergt. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Uriah F. Dean, sergt. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Franklin S. Mover, sergt. Died June 16, 1864, of wounds 
 received at Spottsylvania C. H., May 12, 1864, buried at 
 Arlington. Veteran. 
 
 Thos. C. Pierce, sergt. Killed at Petersburg June 17, 1864. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Jas. Gibson, sergt. Killed at Petersburg July 30, 1864. Vet. 
 
 Albert Snyder, sergt. Died from wounds received at Antie- 
 tara, Sep. 17, 1862. 
 
 Thco. Oden welder, corporal. Wounded at Wilderness May 
 6, 1864. Absent at mus. out of co. July 27, 1865. Veteran. 
 
 Francis Ludwig, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Jas. Barnhart, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Chris. E. Cole, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Francis Truxell, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Rich d Berryman, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Nicholas Reinhart, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Jacob F. Colo, corp. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 John P. Huber, corp. Dis. March 18, 1865, for disability. 
 Veteran. 
 
 John Sutton, corp. Dis. by G. O. May 11, 1865. Veteran. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 683 
 
 David Shingle, corp. Killed at Cold Harbor June 3, 1864. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Jacob Truxell, corp. Killed at Petersburg July 7, 1864. Vet. 
 
 Thos. Foster, corp. Killed at Yellow Tavern., Aug. 19, 
 1864. Veteran. 
 
 Henry G. Dentler, corp. Cap. Died at Andersonville, Ga., 
 May 17, 1864. Grave 1,161. 
 
 Danl. Troxell, corp. Trans, to U. 8. Reg. Oct. 27, 1862. 
 
 Win. Buoy, corp. Died of wounds reed, at Cold Harbor. 
 
 Philip Richards, corp. Mus. out Nov. 12, 1864, expr. of term. 
 
 Montgomery S. Adams, muse. Mus. out with co. July 27, 
 186o. Veteran. 
 
 Win. D. Hitter, muse. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1863. Vet. 
 
 Philip Bratton, muse. Mus. out Nov. 16, 1864, expr. of term. 
 
 Aikey, Lewis, private. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Aikey, Zachariah, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Anderson, Sol. K., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Augenstein, Jacob, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Substitute. 
 
 Allen, Benj. P., priv. Dis. by G. O. May 15. 1865. 
 
 Atlce, Amandus, priv. Dis. by G. 0. June 1, 1865. 
 
 Arbuckle, Thos. J., priv. Cap. Died, date unknown. 
 
 Bower, Wm. D., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Betzer, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Babcock, Jos., priv. Absent sick at mus. out. Veteran. 
 
 Bentley, Frank. , priv. Dis. Feb. 25, 1865, by sen. of G. C. M. 
 
 Benfer, Danl., priv. Dis. Jan. 12, for disability. 
 
 Buss, George, priv. Wounded at Kuoxville and then cap. 
 Mus. out Nov. 12, 1864, expr. of term. 
 
 Baldwin, Absalom, priv. Cap. Died Sep. 24, 1864, at 
 Andersonville. 
 
 Bonnell, Wayne, priv. Des. June 16, 1865. 
 
 Bower, Jacob, priv. Des. July 11, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Burns, Abraham, priv. Trans, to U. S. A. Oct. 27, 1862. 
 
 Bostain, Geo. W., priv. Dis. on surg. cer. 
 
 Bower, Martin, priv. Trans, to U. S. A. Oct. 27, 1862. 
 
 Crossgrove, Sainl., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Veteran. 
 
 Cox, John T., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Covey, Matthew, B., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Crossgrove, Lemuel J., priv. Mus. out Nov. 12, 1864, expr. 
 of term. 
 
 Cliner, Jacob, priv. Trans, to V. R. C. date unknown. 
 
 Duck, Franklin F., priv. Cap. Aug. 21, 1864, at Weldon R. 
 R. Absent at mus. out of co. 
 
 Deibler, Alex., priv. Cap. at North Anna May 27, 1864. 
 Absent at mus. out of co. 
 
 Dull, Geo. N., priv. Died Sep. 19, 1864, at Alexandria, 
 grave 2,688. 
 
 Depo, Thos. T., priv. Trans, to V. R. C. 1863. 
 
 Daly, Henry A., priv. Trans, to U. S. A. Oct. 27, 1862. 
 
 Eickner, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Draf. 
 
684 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIKST EEGIMENT 
 
 Ecklcy, John., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 11, 1865. Draf. 
 Edwards, Henry, priv. Des. June 1, 1805. Draf. 
 Fangford, John, priv. Wounded May 6, 1864, at Wilder 
 ness, Va. Absent at muster-out of co. 
 
 Fritz, Daniel, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Frutchey, Fred., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Fritz, John, priv. Dis. by G. O. July 11, 1865. 
 Frey, Alpheus, priv. Deserted May 5, 1864. Veteran. 
 Foley, John F., priv. Deserted May 23, 1865. Sub. 
 Fisher, George, priv. Not on master-out roll. 
 Fisher, Thos. T., priv. Died January 12, 1862, at Annapo 
 lis, Md. 
 
 Fortner, Jacob, priv. Wounded September 17, 1862, at An- 
 tietam. Dis. on account of wounds 1862. 
 
 Gangeer, Henry, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 65. Vet. 
 Grube, Frank T. Dis. by G. O. May 12, 1865. 
 Garrett, James S., priv. Captured. Died at Andersoiiville, 
 Ga., August 18, 1864; grave, 6,140. 
 
 Geddes, John, priv. Deserted August, 1862. 
 Gallagher, James C., priv. Miss, in action at 2d Bull Run. 
 Gnner, Win., priv. Dis. for disability 1862. 
 Herzog, Daniel, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Henry, Isaiah, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 lloutz, Henry, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Ilouselmaii, Peter, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Ilemperly, Jno. F., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 HoU mau, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Huntzberger, Jesse, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Dratted. 
 
 Ilahn, Nathan M., priv. Dis. by G. O. May 11, 1865. 
 Harris, John, priv. Wounded June 17, 1864, at Petersburg, 
 Va. ; died of wound .Tune 30, 1864. 
 
 Hoover, Daniel, priv. Wounded June 17, 1864, at Peters 
 burg, Va. ; died of wounds 27, 1864. 
 
 Hoover, Chas., priv. Died at New York city Nov. 12, 1864. 
 Holden, Geo. V., priv. Dis. August, 1863. 
 Hold, Edward, priv. Trans, to Vet. Reserve Corps; date 
 unknown. 
 
 Hickcrnal, John, priv. Trans, to U. S. army Oct. 27, 1862. 
 Hummel, Christian, priv. Died June, 1862, atNewbern, N.C. 
 Krites, Win. K., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Kautfman, Xavier, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 Kramer, Jacob, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Kinney, Chas., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 13, 1865. 
 Kinney, Win. M., priv. Died October 27, 1864, at City 
 Point, Va. 
 
 Kuntz, Alfred, priv. Captured. Died November 5, 1864, 
 at Salisbury. 
 
 Kemmel, John, priv. Trans, to Vet. Reserve Corps, date 
 unknown. 
 
 Kaiser, Chas., priv. Dis. for disability, date unknown. 
 Ludwig, James, priv. Captured May 12, 1864, at Spottsyl- 
 vania. Absent at muster-out of co. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEEES. 685 
 
 Logan, Wm. R., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 65. Yet. 
 
 Lorah, Henry, priv. Dis. by G. O. July 10, 1865. Draft. 
 
 Marr, James, priv. Absent sick at mus. out of co. 
 
 Matley, Howard, priv. Absent sick at muster out of co. Dft. 
 
 Morgan, James E., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Meylert, Win. S., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 23, 1865. 
 
 Mann, Philip J., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
 
 Mills, David, priv. Mus. out November 12, 1864. Expira 
 tion of term. 
 
 Miller, Nicholas, priv. Deserted April 5, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Morse, Chas., priv. Deserted April 5, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Moore, Joseph G., priv. Trans, to Vet. Reserve Corps June 
 10, 1865. 
 
 McMullin, H. L., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. Draft. 
 
 McBride, Anthony, priv. Deserted April 5, 1865. Sub. 
 
 McBride, Paul, priv. Wounded September 17, 1862, at An- 
 tietam. Dis. December, 1862, on account of wounds. 
 
 Neifert, Jacob, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Drft. 
 
 Ocker, David G., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 O Neil, Joseph, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 65. Sub. 
 
 Proof, Alonzo, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Paege, Raleigh, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Poeth, Joseph M., priv. Dis. by G. O. July 11, 1865. 
 
 Poust, William, priv. Wounded August 19, 1864, at Yellow 
 Tavern; died September 10, 1864, from wounds. 
 
 Patterson, Ed. II., priv. Killed December 1, 1863, at the 
 siege of Knoxville, while doing duty as a houseburner. 
 
 Rossman, David, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Reese, John Lee, priv. Mus. out with co. Juty 27, 1865. 
 
 Rank, Benj., priv. Wounded June 3, 1864, at Cold Harbor. 
 
 Rider, Benj., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Reish, Solomon, priv. Captured Aug. 21, 1864, at Weldon 
 Railroad. Absent at muster-out. 
 
 Robb, Henry, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Rosenberger, Ed., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Riter, Geo. S., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Draft. 
 
 Reifsnyder, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Ritter, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Drafted. 
 
 Robinson, And., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Sub. 
 
 Royer, Saml., priv. Mus. out Nov. 12, 1864, expr. of term. 
 
 Richards, Philip, priv. Mus. out Nov. 12, 1864, expr. of term. 
 
 Reifsnyder, Wm., priv. Mus. out Nov. 12, 1864, expr. of 
 term. 
 
 Rank, Saml., priv. Dis. by G. O. May 3, 1865. 
 
 Reichley, David, priv. Dis. by G. O. May 17, 1865. 
 
 Roush, Benj. F., priv. Dis. for disability Feb. 10, 1865. 
 
 Rank, John, priv. Died May 14, 1864, of wounds received 
 at Spottsylvania C. H. May 12, 1864. 
 
 Richards, Ed. H., priv. Wounded Aug. 19, 1864, at Yellow 
 Tavern. Died of wounds Sept. 10, 1864. 
 
 Ryan, Jas., priv. Deserted April 5, 1865. 
 
686 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Rundio, Wm. T., priv. Dis. for disability Sept., 18G2. 
 
 Kichards, Erwin, priv. Wounded Sept. 17, 18G2, at Antie- 
 tam. Dis. on account of wounds Jan., 1803. 
 
 Reedy, Francis, priv. Des. Feb., 1864. 
 
 Schilling, Alfred, priv. Wounded at Wilderness May G, 18G4. 
 Absent at mus. out. 
 
 Stees, David C., priv, Mus. out with co. July 27, 18G5. 
 
 Stutzman, Wm. M., priv. Wounded in action July 1C, 18G4. 
 Mus. out with co. July 27, 18G5. 
 
 Schlegel, Peter, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 18G5. Draf. 
 
 Shaw, Robt. B., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 18G5. Sub. 
 
 Snyder, John, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Draft. 
 
 Steinberger, Edmund, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Springer, Jacob P., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Scheuck, Paul F., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Souder, Eph., priv. Mus. out Nov. 12, 1864, expr. of term. 
 
 Shires, Mich., priv. Mus. out Nov. 12, 1864, expr. of term. 
 
 Stidiuger, Saml. G., priv. Mus. out Nov. 12, 1864, expr. of 
 term. 
 
 Sarba, Jos., priv. Mus. out Nov. 12, 1864, expr. of term. 
 
 Search, Wm., priv. Dis. by sen. of G-. C. M. Feb. 15, 1865. 
 
 Summers, Cline, priv. Dis. by sen. of G. C. M. Feb. 15, 1865. 
 
 Swagers, Thos., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. Drafted. 
 
 Shafer, Thos. C., priv. Dis. by G. O. July 15, 1865. 
 
 Southard, Abram C., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 26, 1865. 
 Drafted. 
 
 Showers, Henry C., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 27, 1865. 
 
 Shafer, Geo. S., priv. Died March 18, 1864, at Harrisburg, Pa. 
 
 Schwep, Fred., priv. Killed at Wilderness, May 6, 18G4. Vet. 
 
 Scheeks, Danl., priv. Died July, 1864, of wounds received 
 at Petersburg, Va. 
 
 Scheeks, Christian, priv. Killed at Yellow Tavern, Aug. 
 19, 1864. 
 
 Singer, Lewis, priv. Trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, date unknown. 
 
 Trutt, Wm. M., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Taylor, Jos. C., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Draft. 
 
 Twigg, John T., priv. Dis. by G. O. June 1, 1865. Drafted. 
 
 Turner, Lyman B., priv. Not on mus. -out roll. 
 
 Vogel, Wm. H., priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Vet. 
 
 Vancuran, Nathaniel, priv. Wounded June 16, 1864. Absent 
 at muster-out. 
 
 Winegarden, John, priv. Vet, Wounded at June 6, 1864. 
 Absent at muster-out. 
 
 Wilson, Wm., priv. Sub. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Walker, Chas., priv. Draft. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 Wagner, Aug., priv. Draft. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. 
 
 "W rtz, Robt., priv. Dis. by G. O. May 22, 1865. 
 
 Willet, Chas. W., priv. Killed at Spottsylvania May 12, 1864. 
 
 Widdell, John, priv. Wounded June 3, 18(54, at Cold Harbor. 
 
 Watts, John, priv. Not on mus. -out roll. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 687 
 
 Yates, Win., priv. Wounded at Antietam Sept. 17, 1862. 
 Absent at muster-out. 
 
 Yoder, Seneca, priv. Mus. out with co. July 27, 1865. Draft. 
 
 Yohl, Alfred, priv. Captured. Died at Salisbury, N. C., Oct. 
 26, 1864. 
 
 Yearick, Tobias, priv. Dis. for disability Oct., 1863. 
 
 Total names on the rolls, 197.* 
 
 A ROLL OF NAMES THAT ARE UNASSIGNED. 
 
 Agen, John, priv. Enlisted March 24, 1865. 1 year. Not 
 on muster-out rolls. 
 
 Balliet, John W., priv. Enlisted Feb. 11, 1864. 3 years. 
 Not on muster-out rolls. 
 
 Bate, Joel, priv. Enlisted Feb. 22, 1864. 3 years. Not on 
 muster-out rolls. 
 
 Barthell, Lewis, priv. Enlisted March 2, 1865. 1 year. Not 
 on muster-out roll. 
 
 Coughan, Patrick, priv. Enlisted Sept. 19, 1864. 1 year. 
 Not on muster-out roll. 
 
 Clevenstine, John, priv. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1864. 1 year. 
 Not on muster-out roll. 
 
 Corey, Matthew B., priv. Enlisted Feb. 25, 1864. 3 years. 
 Not on muster-out roll. 
 
 Cole, Christopher C., priv. Enlisted July 29, 1864. 3 years. 
 Not on muster-out roll. 
 
 Collins, John C., priv. Enlisted Jan. 23, 1864. 1 year. Not 
 on muster-out roll. 
 
 Fisher, Samuel, priv. Enlisted June 4, 1864. 3 years. Not 
 on muster-out roll. 
 
 Fleishhaner, Isaac, priv. Enlisted Jan. 27, 1865. 1 year. 
 Not on muster-out roll. 
 
 Garrett, James, priv. Enlisted Feb. 26, 1864. 3 years. Not 
 on muster-out roll. 
 
 * Summary of casualties. Killed Com. officers, 1 ; non-com, offi 
 cers, 5; privates, 5. Died of wounds Non-com, officers, 3; privates, 6. 
 Died of disease Privates, 6. Died in rebel prisons Non-com, officers, 
 1; privates, 7. Wounded Com. officers, 3; non-com, officers, 4; 
 privates, 18. Captured Non-com, officers, 1 ; privates, 10. Trans 
 ferredNon-com, officers, 1 ; privates, 10. Discharged Com. of 
 ficers, 2 ; non-com, officers, 3 ; privates, 44. Resigned Com. of 
 ficers, 5. Deserted Privates, 11. Absent at muster-out Enlisted 
 men, 9. 
 
 Recapitulation. Killed, 11 ; died of wounds, 9 ; died of disease, 6 ; 
 died in rebel prisons, 8 ; wounded, 25 ; captured, 11 ; transferred, 11 ; 
 discharged, 49 ; resigned, 5 ; deserted, 11 ; absent at muster-out, 9. 
 Grand total casualties, 155. 
 
 With the exception of the wounded, this list is reliable, as the 
 rolls indicate a desire to record everything (wounded excepted) per 
 taining to a casualty incident to a military organization. 
 
 Oompany K has done a full share in the battles in which the 51st 
 participated, as its list indicates. 
 
088 HISTOEY OF THE FIFTY- FIEST REGIMENT 
 
 Hunt, Daniel, priv. Enlisted Feb. 19, 1864. 3 years. De 
 serted, date unknown. 
 
 Hercher, Charles F., priv. Enlisted Feb. 22, 1804. 3 years. 
 Not on muster- out roll. 
 
 Hummel, James, priv. Enlisted Feb. 22, 1864. 3 years. Not 
 on muster-out roll. 
 
 Kime, George, priy. Enlisted Feb. 22, 1864. 3 years. Not 
 on muster-out roll. 
 
 Keens, Alfred, priv. Enlisted Feb. 2, 1864. 2 years. Not 
 on muster-out roll. 
 
 Learcli, Wm., priv. Enlisted Jan. 29, 1864. 3 years. Not 
 on muster-out roll. 
 
 Lubold, Castor, priv. Enlisted Feb. 19, 18C4. 3 years. Not 
 on muster-out roll. 
 
 Ludwick, Jared R, priv. Enlisted Jan. 30, 1865. 3 years. 
 Not on muster-out roll. 
 
 Labor, Alonzo, priv. Enlisted Jan. 25, 1865. 1 year. Not 
 on muster-out roll. 
 
 Nixon, John T., priv. Enlisted Jan. 25, 1865. 1 year. Not 
 on muster-out roll. 
 
 Nolan, James, priv. Enlisted Mar. 24, 1865. 1 year. Not 
 on muster-out roll. 
 
 Perry, Geo. W., priv. Enlisted Feb. 25, 1864. 3 years. Not 
 on muster-out roll. 
 
 Simmons, William, priv. Enlisted April 1, 1865. 1 year. 
 Not on muster-out roll. 
 
 Troy, John, priv. Enlisted Feb. 25, 1864. 3 years. Not 
 on muster-out roll. 
 
 Thompson, John, priv. Enlisted April 4, 1865. 1 year. Not 
 on muster-out roll. 
 
 Valquette, Leon, priv. Enlisted July 16, 1864. 1 year. Not 
 on muster-out roll. 
 
 VanGeezer, Geo. R M priv. Enlisted Feb. 16, 1864. 3 years. 
 Not on muster-out roll. 
 
 Statement of 51st Regiment P. V. V. 
 
 Field and staff, com. and non-com., 33; Co. A, 227; B, 174; C, 
 195 ; D, 219 ; E, 182 ; F, 210 ; G, 230 ; H, 236 ; I, 189 ; K, 197. To 
 tal names on the roll of the 51st, 2,092. 
 
 Casualties in the field and staff. Killed, 2 ; killed by accident, 2 ; 
 wounded, 5 ; captured, 1 ; transferred, 6 ; discharged, 7 ; resigned, 5. 
 Total, 28. 
 
 Recapitulation (final). Killed, field and staff, 2; r o . A, 13; B, 
 7 ; C, 14 ; D, 12 ; E, 7 ; F, 11 ; G, 12 ; H, 1 6 ; I, 11 ; K, 11. Total, 116. 
 
 Died of wounds. Field and staff, none. Co. A, 17; B, 3 ; C, 9 ; 
 D, S ; E, 4 ; F, 8 ; G, 8 ; H, 2 ; I, 5 ; K, 9. Total, 73. 
 
 Died of disease. Field and staff, none. Co. A, 12 ; B, 2 ; C, 10 ; 
 D, 11 ; E, 4 , F, 6 ; G, 12 ; II, 8 ; I, 9 ; K, 6. Tota , 80. 
 
 Died in captivity. Field and staff, none. Co. A, 5 ; B, 2 ; C, 4 ; 
 D, 2 ; E, 1 ; F, 1 ; G, 2 , H, 5 ; I, 3 ; K, 8. Total, 33. 
 
 Wounded. Field and staff, 5. Co. A, 67 ; B, 6; C, 36 ; D, 42 ; E, 
 11 ; F, 29 ; G, 13 ; H, 25 ; I, 32 ; K, 25. Total, 291. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 689 
 
 Captured. Field and staff, 1. Co. A, 11 ; B, 7 ; C, 9 ; D, 7 ; E, 3 . 
 F, 2 ; G, 3 ; H, 17 ; I, 5 ; K, 11. Total, 70. 
 
 Discharged. Field and staff, 7. Co. A, 80 ; B, 51 ; C, 39 ; D, 71 : 
 E, 57 ; F, 53 ; G, 74 ; II, 86 ; I, 57 ; K, 49. Total, 633. 
 
 Transferred. Field and staff, 6. Co. A, 18 ; B, 7 ; C, 8 ; D, 1 4 ; 
 E, 31 ; F, 39 ; G, 40 ; H, 31 ; I, 8 ; K, 11. Total, 303. 
 
 Resigned. Field and staff, 5. Co. A, 1 ; C, 1 ; D, 3 ; F, 1 ; G, 2 ; 
 H, 1 ; I, 1 ; K, 5. Total, 19. 
 
 Killed by accident. Field and staff, 3. Co. A, 1 ; D, 3 ; F, 2 ; G, 
 2 ; I, 3. total, 12. 
 
 Deserted. Co. A, 25 ; B, 13 ; C, 11 ; D, 19 ; E, 7 ; F, 11 ; G, 11 ; 
 II, 5; I, 11; K, 11. Total, 123. 
 
 Missing. Co. C, 2 ; D, 2. Total, 4. 
 
 Absent at muster-out. In arrest. Co. A, 3 ; C, 4 ; F, 1 ; IT, 2 ; I, 
 2. 13. Sick. Co. A, 3 ; B, 4 ; C, 7 ; D, 6 ; E, 5 ; G, 5 ; H, 3 ; I, 1 ; 
 K, 9. 43. Total, 55. 
 
 Summary. Killed, 116 ; died of wounds, 73; died of disease, 80 ; 
 died in captivity, 33; died by accident, 13. Total deceased, 314. 
 Wounded, 391 ; captured, 76; discharged, 633 ; transfers, 203 ; resig 
 nations, 19 ; desertions, 133 ; missing, 4 ; absent, sick and in arrest, 
 55. Casualties total, 1,394. 
 
 This list of casualties in recapitulation of the 51st 
 Regiment P. Y. V., when sifted, will be found pretty 
 nearly correct as to the total deaths by killing and 
 other causes. In the transfers, one-third was made 
 within the regiment, the remainder outside. The 
 wounded are reported as often as injured, those who 
 were struck three times are registered as often ; this 
 is to be borne in mind, or else an incorrect impres 
 sion may be made that the idea is to swell the casu 
 alties to outdo other organizations, which has not 
 been the case. Jealousy was a stranger amongst the 
 officers and men of the 51st, and if any other regi 
 ment has a brighter escutcheon than the former, it 
 or they have the best wishes of every officer and 
 man of the 51st, to enjoy it, and none will uphold 
 them in it more than their comrades of the olst 
 P. V. Y., as they all know that it took a deal of 
 patient endurance to gain what little glory it pos 
 sesses, and also that if other regiments do outstrip 
 it, their hard knocks, like our own, were seldom re 
 ceived in. a spirit of envy. 
 
 30* 
 
690 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Below are the battles in which the 51st P. V. Y. 
 participated, from its first entrance on the field to 
 its retirement from camp-life : 
 
 Roanoke Island, Feb. 7 and 8, 1862. 
 Newborn, N. C., March 13 and 14, 1862. 
 Camden, N. C., April 19, 1862. 
 Bull Run, Va., August 29 and 30, 1862. 
 Chantilly, Va., September 1, 1862. 
 South Mountain, September 14, 1862. 
 Antietam, September 17 and 18, 1862. 
 Fredericksburg, December 12, 13, and 14, 1862. 
 Vicksburg, Miss., June 16 to July 4, 1863. 
 Jackson/Miss., July 8 to July 18, 1863. 
 Campbell s Station, Tenn., November 16, 1863. 
 Knoxville, Tenn., November 17 to Dec. 5, 1863. 
 Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. 
 Spottsylvania, Va., May 12 to 14, 1864. 
 Cold Harbor, Va., May 31 to June 8, 1864. 
 Petersburg, Va., June 16 to August 18, 1864. 
 Yellow Tavern, Va., August 19, 1864. 
 Weldon Railroad, Va., August 21, 1864. 
 Hatcher s Run, Va., October 27, 28, and 29, 1864. 
 Petersburg, November 29, 1864, to April 2, 1865. 
 
 Skirmishes. Kelly s Ford, 1862; Rappahannock, 1862; 
 Warrenton, 1862; Sulphur Springs, Va., Nov. 16, 1862; Sul 
 phur Springs, Aug. 24, 1862; Upperville, Va., 1862; Fairfax 
 C. II., 1862; Big Black, Miss., July 6, 1863 ; Jackson, Miss., 
 July 7, 1863; London, Tenn., Nov. 15, 1863; Lenoir, Tenn., 
 Nov. 15, 1863 ; Rutledge, Tenn., Dec. 16, 1863 ; Blain s Cross 
 roads, Dec. 18, 1863 ; Poplar Grove Church, 1864 ; Bethesda 
 Church, 1864; Peeble s Farm, 1864; Ream s Station, 1864; 
 Weldon Railroad, 1864 ; besides a large number of minor im 
 portance, of which there are memoranda. 
 
 Below is a perfectly reliable statement of the dis 
 tances traversed by the 51st P. V. Y., by marches, 
 transports, and railway, as taken from a Diary. 
 
 From Bridgeport to Harrisburg, 95 miles ; From Harrisburg 
 to Annapolis, Md., 123 miles ; from Aquia Creek to Fred 
 ericksburg, 15 miles; from Bealton to Culpepper C. II., Va., 
 15 miles ; from Fredericksburg to Aquia Creek, 15 miles ; 
 from Baltimore, Md., to Paris, Ky., 778 miles ; from Nicholas- 
 ville, Ky., to Cairo, 111., 508 miles; from Cairo, 111., to Nicho- 
 lasville, Ky., 508 miles; from Knoxville to Loudon, Tenn., 28 
 miles; from Nicholasville, Ky., to Bridgeport, Pa., 789 miles; 
 from Bridgeport, Pa., to Ilarrisburg, Pa., 95 miles; from 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 691 
 
 Harrisburg to Annapolis, Md., 123 miles; from Washington, 
 D. C., to Harrisburg, 124 miles; from Harrisburg to Bridge 
 port, 95 miles Total by rail, 3,311 miles. 
 
 By transports from Annapolis to Fortress Monroe, thence to 
 Iloanoke Island, to Newbern, to landing at Albemarle Sound, 
 back to Newbern, to Hatteras Inlet, back to Newbern, to 
 Newport News, to Aqnia Creek, to Baltimore ; from Cairo to 
 Vicksburg and back to Cairo ; from City Point to Washington, 
 from Washington to Alexandria. Total 5,390 miles. 
 
 By marches, total 1,738 miles; by water, total 5,390 miles; 
 by railway, total 3,311 miles. Aggregate, 10,439 miles. 
 
 The above statement is within the actual distance 
 the regiment travelled. The railroad distance has 
 been taken from the railroad surveys. The water 
 distance was obtained from the pilots, captains, and 
 officers in command of the respective vessels of 
 transportation. The marching was taken from a 
 diary that had been kept by the owner very accur 
 ately in reference to marches, and can be relied on. 
 The whole table is not ten miles either above or be 
 low the true distance ; if either one, it is below. 
 
 A few words to the disappointed. You should 
 not take it unkind in not finding your name among 
 the wounded on the rolls of your company. Every 
 thing has been done to obtain your name, when, 
 how, and where you shed your blood, everything 
 that time, expense, trouble, and vexations, with a 
 dogged perseverance, could possibly accomplish, 
 and the result is very imperfect. The aggregate of 
 the wounded of the 51st would not be one less than 
 650 cases, of which only 291 of your names stand 
 out in bold relief, while the deep scars of your 
 jagged wounds are the silent evidence that you too 
 " was there." It is to be regretted that 3 r our wounds 
 were not recorded on your company s rolls instead 
 of the names of those disgraces to their country s 
 flag the deserters. 
 
602 ITISTOEY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST KEGIMENT 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Review of the services of the 51st Defence of the regiment 
 by Colonels Bolton and McClellan Glorious history of the 
 Ninth Army Corps Sketches of the field and staff Villains 
 denounced Stanzas in honor of the dead heroes Their 
 widows and orphans Thanks List of Cemeteries U. S. 
 price list. 
 
 IN ending it must be said that the 51st Regiment 
 of Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers has no cause 
 to point to the record of any other military organi 
 zation and say their escutcheon is brighter than ours, 
 but it can, with justice and infallible truth, point 
 heavenward and say that in the performance of duty 
 during its whole military career it stands second to 
 none in the vast armies of which it was destined to 
 be a part and parcel. Its long confinement in Camp 
 Curtin in 1861, its hundreds of privations and dan 
 gers in the " Burnside Coast Expedition," both on 
 the broad bosom of the Atlantic Ocean, or on the 
 marshy soil of Roanoke Island, or the swampy mud 
 of the Neuse river, all these induced a fitness for the 
 subsequent hardships it passed through in the forty- 
 seven months of service it rendered the Union, the 
 Constitution and the laws of this unprecedented 
 Republic. It can boast with pride of its aid in de 
 stroying that last relic of barbarism, the accursed of 
 all nations, the institution of slavery." It has helped 
 to remove the libel on the country of being a Re 
 public, when it was only a Republic in name but not 
 in fact. It has battled long and hard to verify that 
 portion of the Declaration of Independence; "That 
 all men were created equal." It proved by its deeds 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 693 
 
 that its members were Union men of tbe right stamp, 
 no matter what were their politics or religion. It can 
 glory in being the only regiment that was from be 
 ginning to end with the noble Burnside. 
 
 The aspersions of its enemies have been met and 
 silenced by its brave and noble commander Col. 
 Bolton, strengthened by the conscientiousness that 
 it did its whole duty, and by receiving the full and 
 entire approbation of its influential class of friends. 
 The spleen and venom of some who belonged to 
 the "bar-room" oratory, as well as that of another 
 class of persecutors, turned back on to the venters 
 of the insidious poison, forcing them to blush and 
 hide their faces when in the presence of their braver 
 superiors. 
 
 To those it was a disgrace to wear the "livery of 
 the Lincoln minions," and thanks to those two 
 champions of a "soldier s dignity, 1 Cols. Wm. J. 
 Bolton of the 5 1st, and M. Kobert McClellan of the 
 noble 188th P. Y v who fought those calumniators 
 with similar weapons and drove them "into the last 
 ditch." Why the brave soldiers of the two regi 
 ments were so assailed and villified by those who 
 had not the courage to join their friends and with a 
 musket fight the battles of the South, can be an 
 swered by asking, why was our Saviour persecuted 
 unto death? But the time may come when they 
 will see the error of their ways, and yet turn to be 
 good, loyal citizens. 
 
 To the thousands of friends of the 51st, both in 
 Pennsylvania and New York, the thanks of the 
 entire regiment are due for their frequent and many 
 favors received and enjoyed. And now at the end, 
 the disbandrnent of the 9th corps, it is to be regretted 
 
694 HISTORY. OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 that the oldest one in the army should receive only 
 a small share of commendation due to its whole 
 meritorious course. It was slighted from its con 
 ception until its disbandment by the entire edi 
 torial staff, not because it had done nothing, but 
 each reporter having a peculiar interest in other 
 commands, could seldom find out, or see, or hear 
 anything the 9th Corps had done, and soon verified 
 the adage that " none are so blind as those who do 
 not want to see." 
 
 A spirit of jealousy, occasioned by the great 
 popularity of our commander with his own men and 
 those of other corps, by the commanders of which 
 the 9th Corps was " peddled " out, caused them, with 
 one exception, to remain silent on the merits or de 
 merits of the nobly brave 9th. That one exception 
 was an acknowledgment from the greatest of them 
 all, Gen. Grant. He rose above the petty jealousy 
 that infected even officers of far higher rank but of 
 far less honor, and dared to acknowledge in an order 
 after the siege of Yicksburg and the capture of 
 Jackson, that the 9th corps was composed of soldiers. 
 
 No corps in the whole army was used like the 9th. 
 It has been in nearly every command of the entire 
 army ; hawked about like a peddler s pack, wher 
 ever a command was in a tight place the 9th corps 
 was sure to be sent to its aid. It was under Burn- 
 side, Foster, Parke, Hooker, Sumner, Meade, Grant 
 at Vicksburg, Sherman at Jackson, McClellan and 
 Pope, and a number of others, hence the propriety 
 of its name for travelling all over rebeldom; but its 
 greatest reproach was the degradation of having the 
 colored troops attached to it. In this lies the secret 
 of the non -recognition of its services, for merit could 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 695 
 
 not be awarded to the white troops without the col 
 ored troops being sharers of the praise. The poor 
 colored soldier should not have had the chance of 
 manifesting his love for his country to the disgust 
 and horror of those who " could prove the war a 
 failure." The country was nothing to him, he was 
 only a " chattel," and what right had he to shoulder 
 a musket and spill his black blood to give freedom to 
 millions of his kindred who were living in painful 
 "luxury" in the cotton, rice and sugar fields of the 
 South, and in helping the further perpetuation of this 
 republic and in bursting the cordon of the" White 
 Man s Government?" His sphere was the cotton- 
 field with a hoe, not the battle-field with a musket ; 
 and by his not being in his proper compass the poor 
 do-nothing 9th Corps must not expect to be admitted 
 among high circles who are akin to the F. F. Vs. 
 Ye black-skinned warriors, see the damage you have 
 done through your fighting shoulder to shoulder with 
 the " small-fisted farmers, the greasy mechanics and 
 the mudsills of the North." But let the 9th Corps get 
 any praise or not, it has the satisfaction of knowing 
 that it conscientiously performed its duty and aided 
 as much as the best in putting down the rebellion 
 of 61- 65. 
 
 The respect due to the officers of the regiment 
 will always be evinced whenever occasion requires 
 and calls for it from the men lately under their com 
 mand. The esteem in which its first commander, 
 Col. John Frederick Hartranft who is now a Maj. 
 Gen. by brevet, has been shown by the suffrage of 
 his fellow-citizens in electing him for a second term 
 to the high and responsible post of Auditor-General 
 of Pennsylvania. 
 
696 IIISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 Col. W. J. Bolton, who is now a Brigadier-General 
 "by brevet, enjoys the respect and confidence of his 
 old command and the citizens of the town in which 
 he resides, and he too, like his predecessor, has en 
 joyed the perplexities of a public office by filling 
 the unpleasant one of high sheriff of his county, 
 (Montgomery.) 
 
 Lieut. -Col. Wm. Allebaugh has accomplished a vic 
 tory which proves that he, like his superior officers, is 
 held in high esteem in the town where he resides, by 
 his second elevation to a public office, the position 
 of burgess of the borough. 
 
 Major Jos. K. Bolton, an interested friend to every 
 man in the old 51st, and of all who know him, for 
 his urbanity of disposition, holds not only the 
 esteem of In s old command, but the actual love of 
 them all. 
 
 Lieut. S. P. Stephens, quartermaster, is in feel 
 ings and respect the counterpart of his superior 
 officer, the major, and enjoys the confidence of the 
 authorities at Harrisburg, and a good berth as clerk, 
 for which he is well fitted, in the Auditor-General s 
 office. 
 
 Surgeon Win. C. Shurlock was a man of no ordi 
 nary ability, and is deserving of a light biography. 
 He was a graduate of the class of the 9th of March, 
 1858, of the Jefferson Medical College, Philada. He 
 then returned to Darlington, Beaver co., Pa., and en 
 tered upon the practice of his profession, enjoying the 
 confidence of a large list of patients, until the echo of 
 the first gun that was fired upon Fort Sumter re 
 verberated among the hills of Beaver county. lie 
 then thought it was his duty to offer his services to 
 his country, He raised a company of one hundred 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 697 
 
 and ten men for the "three months service," but 
 they were not accepted, as the State s quota was 
 filled. He kept his company together, and when the 
 time arrived he entered the service as captain of 
 Co. D, of the ."Roundheads, or 100th P. V. He was 
 in the taking of Port Royal and Beaufort, S. C. 
 After which he was stricken down with disease, with 
 no prospect of ever recovering his health in that 
 climate. On the recommendation of the surgeons of 
 his regiment, he was induced to resign on the 16th 
 of December, 1861. 
 
 He went home and the change restored him to 
 health, when he again entered the service as assist 
 ant surgeon in the 100th P. V., his commission dated 
 July 15th, 1862. He served with this regiment 
 until December 28th, 1863, when he was promoted 
 to surgeon, and ordered to report for duty to the 
 51st P. V. Y. 
 
 He was mustered as surgeon of the 51st P. Y. Y. 
 on the 9th of March, 1864, and remained on duty as 
 surgeon till May 6th, 1864, when he was detailed as 
 operating surgeon at the division hospital in the 
 field, where he remained on duty till April 24th, 
 1865, when he returned to his regiment, and re 
 mained with it till June 6th, 1865, when he was 
 mustered out of the service, under orders of the War 
 Department for the reduction of the army, dated May 
 17, 1865. 
 
 Assistant-Surgeon J. B. Rineholt, whose close at 
 tention to his patients caused them to hold him in 
 high esteem, was kind and sympathetic to those who 
 were sick, but a terror to those who tried to " play 
 sick" in order to shirk any duty for which they 
 were detailed. He is living and doing a fine busi 
 ness in Muscatine, Iowa. 
 
698 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 The adjutant, Jacob H. Santo, was held in high 
 estimation by his officers and the men. Being of 
 a quiet, unobtrusive disposition, he made friends 
 wherever he went. His only fault was You are 
 detailed," &c., which he would tell you at midnight 
 as quick as midday. He is doing a good business 
 in Harrisburg, Pa. 
 
 And now, in conclusion, one circumstance that 
 occurred while at Alexandria tarnishes the fair fame 
 and the bright bearing of the 51st P. Y. Y. Its 
 atrociousness deserves that it be mentioned, although 
 it only can be wished that it could be blotted out 
 of the history of the regiment. The heinous crime 
 called for the shooting of the villains who committed 
 the deed, but through the instrumentality of the 
 friends of the accused, and the war being over, only 
 one received a slight punishment. It was the crime 
 of murder. A man belonging to the 36th New Jer 
 sey regiment had been paid off, and went to the 
 city. After taking a few drinks too many, and 
 while on his way to his camp, he stopped at the sut- 
 tler s tent of the 51st P. Y. Y., and treated a few who 
 were standing around. Some seeing that he had a 
 large sum of money about him, decided to rob him. 
 They followed him up, until from over-intoxication 
 the man lay down under a tree in the shade to sleep 
 off his potations, when the desperadoes with a stone 
 mashed in his head, and robbed him of his money, 
 leaving him dead on the roadside. The circum 
 stances call for a larger paragraph than what is given 
 here, but enough has been told to remind the 51st 
 that a spot of deep rooted rust rests on its bright 
 armor. Burnish it as you may, it will stand there 
 as a damning disgrace on the hard-earned laurels of 
 the soldier and of the regiment. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 699 
 
 We must not forget our "heroic dead ; they sleep 
 their last sleep, unmindful of the negligence of their 
 comrade survivors. They have received their re 
 ward from God, and rest in peaceful tranquillity on 
 the bloody fields of Boanoke, Newbern, Camden, 
 etc. ; and while they lie awaiting the day when the 
 angel Gabriel shall blow his trumpet to marshal the 
 hosts of the earth to render an account to the great 
 est Chieftain of all, let us bring to mind their many 
 virtues, and indelibly impress them upon our hearts 
 that we, too, may receive the promotion promised us 
 by the Dying Soldier on Calvary. But while living, 
 it is our duty to remember the great cause for which 
 they died ; for it might have been your death as well 
 as theirs ; but God had a motive for sparing your 
 lives that will be manifested in some epoch of future 
 time. 
 
 Gather bright laurels to spread on their graves, 
 
 While wrapped in their blankets they wait for the morn, 
 
 They ve camped for the night in the camp of the braves, 
 While their deeds on the records of State must be borne. 
 
 Breathe not a whisper, but what s uttered with love, 
 For their marches are over, their battles are won, 
 
 But keep their graves green, while they picket above, 
 And rear monuments high for the work they have done. 
 
 The cannon s deep roar cannot call them to battle, 
 Nor the tap of the drum command them to march, 
 
 Nor the clashing of arms or the musketry s rattle, 
 Nor arid Mississippi their silent lips parch. 
 
 They ve enlisted above in Jehovah s vast camp, 
 Not armed or equipped, but their names on his roll, 
 
 Without any enem} to flee from their tramp, 
 
 But merely on guard there, at the gate of the goal. 
 
 They re silently waiting the relief to come round, 
 That you may relieve them from guarding their post, 
 
 The countersign s given, but not in secresy bound, 
 For all can recruit for Jehovah s great host. 
 
 Then breathe not a whisper that s not uttered with love, 
 For their marches are over, their battles are won, 
 
 But keep their graves green, while they picket above, 
 And rear monuments high, for the work they have done. 
 
700 HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 As it is not in the power of any mortal to change 
 the condition of the dead, yet we can hope that they 
 are happier far than we are here, and believing that 
 he who gives his life in honorable warfare for the 
 salvation of his country finds a sure passport to his 
 Saviour s breast, we will drop a tear in memory of 
 our departed heroes, and leave them "at rest" in the 
 great camp above while we "do duty" on God s foot 
 stool here below. 
 
 But what of the widows and orphans of our noble 
 departed ? If we cannot change the condition of the 
 dead, we can of the living. Tis said that republics 
 are ungrateful. Time will tell how true that "saying " 
 is. but while we are waiting for that to happen, can 
 we see our legless, armless and otherwise crippled 
 heroes at the street corners grinding out music from 
 an organ by the meagre cent s-worth to the passers- 
 by, when situations could be offered them whereby 
 they could earn a comfortable living and at the same 
 time give a fair day s work for a fair day s wages ? 
 Some say, "they can t be trusted in responsible 
 situations." Out with the idea ! Can t be trusted ? 
 No man living can offer a situation half as respon 
 sible as the one in which the soldier lost his limb. 
 The nation s life was reposed in his hands, did he be 
 tray the trust? look at his armless sleeve, his legless 
 pants, and see how too faithful he cherished his trust, 
 and yet he is not to be trusted ! Why, forsooth ? 
 Because some displayed their vicious traits ? But 
 do not such things happen every day in civil life? 
 Let him be cared for, let his half-starved family re 
 ceive something to show that his efforts to serve and 
 save his country are appreciated ; talk is cheap, but 
 a man s arm or leg is not so lightly bought ; who of 
 you would sell a leg or an arm for the paltry sum 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 701 
 
 of eight dollars a month during the remainder of 
 your days ? No, not one ; it is not republics that are 
 ungrateful, but it is those who are counted in the 
 census of that republic that are. Are not thousands 
 crying out against the enormous taxation which 
 partly go to give the poor cripple his scanty eight 
 dollars a month ? even that is begrudged him, and 
 you would stop it if you could. Eepublics ungrate 
 ful? No! it is you who are ungrateful, not the re 
 public ! 
 
 Let us smooth their path with gentle hands, 
 As down life s current they ll be toss d, 
 
 Remove the pebbles in the sands, 
 
 And warm the heart that s chilled by frost. 
 
 Let the helpless widow of our brave soldiers re 
 ceive substantial sympathy to make the dreary home 
 one of comfort for her fatherless babes, and keep her 
 from working half the night and all the day for a 
 pittance of twenty or twenty-five cents from some 
 tyrant task-master who is not willing to see her live. 
 While everything ranges high in price it is not 
 much that some can offer who are dependent on their 
 daily labor, but there are others that can ; and to 
 those we commit the widows, the orphans, and the 
 maimed and crippled soldiers, for care. 
 
 In closing allow me to return my sincere thanks 
 to those brave soldier citizens, Major D. R. Larned, 
 General Burnside s private Secretary ; General Wm. 
 J. and Major Joseph K. Bolton, Lieut. Samuel P. 
 Stephens, Hon. Samuel P. Bates, State Historian ; 
 Mr. Kelly, Chief Clerk in the Adjutant General s 
 Office, and a host of others, for their especial acts of 
 kindness in furnishing, important information and 
 aid to the author of this work, and to all let me 
 say, "may your prosperity and shadows never be 
 less." 
 
702 HISTOKY OF THE FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT 
 
 List of the National Cemeteries and the most important Soldiers 1 
 burial places in the United States, as furnished by the Quarter 
 master-General U. S. A. 
 
 1. Alexandria, Virginia. 
 
 2. Alexandria, Louisiana. 
 
 3. Andersonville, Georgia. 
 
 4. Annapolis, Maryland. 
 
 5. Antietam, Maryland. 
 C. Arlington, Virginia. 
 
 7. Barrancas, Florida. 
 
 8. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 
 
 9. Beverly, New Jersey. 
 
 10. Beaufort, South Carolina. 
 
 11. Bristol, Pennsylvania. 
 
 12. Brownsville, Texas. 
 
 13. Camp Butler, Illinois. 
 
 14. Camp Dennison, Ohio. 
 
 15. Camp Nelson, Kentucky. 
 
 16. Carlisle, Pennsylvania. 
 
 17. Chattanooga, Tennessee. 
 
 18. Chester, Pennsylvania. 
 
 19. Chicago, Illinois. 
 
 20. City Point, Virginia. 
 
 21. Cincinnati, Ohio. 
 
 22. Cold Harbor, Virginia. 
 
 23. C ul pepper C.H., do 
 
 24. Columbus, Ohio. 
 
 25. Corinth, Mississippi. 
 
 26. Cypress Hills, New York. 
 
 27. Danville, Kentucky. \ 
 
 28. Danville, Virginia. 
 
 29. Davenport, 7o?0a. 
 
 30. Easton, Pennsylvania. 
 
 31. Evansville, Indiana. 
 
 32. Fayetteville, Arkansas. 
 
 33. Florence, Sot^A Carolina. 
 
 34. Fort Don nelson, Tennessee. 
 
 35. Fort Harrison, Virginia. 
 
 36. Fort Leavenworth, Kansas 
 
 37. Fort St. Philip, Louisiana. 
 
 38. Fort Scott, Kansas. 
 
 39. Fort Smith, Arkansas. 
 
 40. Fredericksburg, Virginia. 
 
 41. Gallipolis, OM?. 
 
 42. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. 
 
 43. Glendale, Virginia. 
 
 44. Galveston, Texas. 
 
 45. Graf ton, TF<w2 Virginia. 
 
 46. Hampton, Virginia. 
 
 47. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 
 
 48. Indianapolis, Indiana. 
 
 49. Jefferson City, Missouri. 
 
 50. Jefferson Barracks, JLfo. 
 
 51. Keokuk, Iowa. 
 
 52. Knoxville, Tennessee. 
 
 53. Lebanon, Kentucky. 
 
 54. Lexington, Kentucky. 
 
 55. Little Rock, Arkansas. 
 
 56. Logan s Cross-roads, -STy. 
 
 57. London Park, Maryland. 
 
 58. Louisville, Kentucky. 
 
 59. Marietta, Georgia. 
 00. Memphis, Tennessee. 
 
 61. Mound City, Illinois. 
 
 62. Mobile, Alabama. 
 
 63. Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 
 
 64. Nashville, Tennessee. 
 
 65. Natchez, Mississippi. 
 
 66. New Albany, Indiana. 
 
 67. Newbern, jVor^/i Carolina. 
 
 68. New Orleans, Louisiana. 
 69.. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 
 
 70. Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. 
 
 71. Pittsburg Landing, I^m. 
 
 72. Poplar Grove, Virginia. 
 
 73. Port Hudson, Louisiana. 
 
 74. Quincy, Illinois. 
 
 75. Raleigh, North Carolina. 
 
 76. Richmond, Virginia. 
 
 77. Salisbury, North Carolina. 
 
 78. San Antonia, Tfcaas. 
 
 79. Seven Pines, Virginia. 
 
 80. Springfield, Missouri. 
 
 81. Staunton, Virginia. 
 
 82. Vicksburg, Mississippi. 
 
 83. Wilmington, ^V. Carolina. 
 
 84. Wilmington, Delaware. 
 
 85. Winchester, Virginia. 
 
 86. Washington, Z). Columbia. 
 
 87. York, Pennsylvania. 
 
 88. Yorktown, Virginia. 
 
OF PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 
 
 703 
 
 Recapitulation. Alabama, 1 ; Arkansas, 3 ; Florida, 1 ; 
 Georgia, 2 ; Indiana, 3 ; Iowa, 2 ; Illinois, 4 ; District of Col 
 umbia, 1 ; Kansas, 2 ; Delaware, 1 ; Louisiana, 5 ; Mississippi, 
 3, Missouri, 3 : Maryland, 3 ; New York, 1 ; New Jersey, 1 ; 
 North Carolina, 4 ; Ohio, 4 ; Pennsylvania, 9 ; Kentucky, 6 : 
 South Carolina, 2 ; Tennessee, 7 ; Texas, 3 ; Virginia, 16 ; 
 West Virginia, 1. Total 88. 
 
 The following is the price list of United States clothing, camp and 
 garrison equipage as charged the 51st Regt. P. V. V. for the 
 year 1865. 
 
 Axes 
 
 $1 65 
 20 
 480 
 400 
 270 
 225 
 1 00 
 25 
 65 
 1 00 
 12 50 
 12 00 
 12 
 225 
 65 
 
 95 
 81 
 
 Hatchet helves 
 
 $ 7 
 4 75 
 2 32 
 2 25 
 160 
 1 75 
 48 
 700 
 2 65 
 440 
 3 10 
 
 9 80 
 106 28 
 107 31 
 239 95 
 39 95 
 45 
 
 Axe Helves 
 
 Pants 
 
 Blouses lined 
 
 Shirts flannel 
 
 do unlinod .. 
 
 do knit .. .. 
 
 Bootees sewed 
 
 Drawers, flannel 
 
 do DGftred 
 
 do knit 
 
 
 Socks 
 
 Cap cover 
 
 Blankets, woollen 
 do painted 
 do rubber 
 
 Canteens 
 
 C inip kettles 
 
 Coats, privates uniform 
 Coats over 
 
 Knapsack and straps.. 
 Tents, D Abri com 
 plete 
 
 Coat, do straps 
 Hats uniform . ... 
 
 Tents, wall 
 
 Haversacks, unpainted 
 do enamelled 
 and painted 
 
 do Sibley 
 
 do hospital 
 
 do A or wedge 
 
 Mess pans. .. 
 
 Hatchets..., 
 
 FINIS. 
 
14 DAY USE 
 
 RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED 
 
 LOAN DEPT. 
 
 RENEWALS ONLY TEL. NO. 642-3405 
 This book is due on the last date stamped below, or 
 
 on the date to which renewed. 
 Renewed books are subject to immediate recall. 
 
 
 
 /U?i > a Jo &. Shctf-AA 
 
 f. 
 
 AUG 14 1970 
 
 
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 (N5382slO)476-A-32 
 
 General Library 
 
 University of California 
 
 Berkeley 
 
YC 51219 
 
 M184013 
 
 
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 THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY