CHAPLAIN J. M. MICKLEY is a native of Adams county, Pa., near
the historic town of Gettysburg, and whose family connection have
always been justly celebrated for loyalty and patriotism. His
ancestors took a prominent part in the war of the Revolution, and also
in the war of 1812. Both his brother and himself, who are the only
sons of a patriotic widow, remained in the active field service until
the close of the Rebellion. He is a regular graduate of Franklin and
Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa., and of the Theological Seminary at
Mercersburg, Pa., and a regularly ordained Minister of the Gospel in
the Reformed Church of the United States.
[1] Communicated by Colonel Hall commanding 43d United
States Colored Troops.
He entered the service Dec. 2d, 1862, as Chaplain of the 177th Regt.
Pa. Infantry, and remained with this command until its muster-out.
After this he was appointed Chaplain of this Regt. In his connection
with this command he has shown himself fitted for that most delicate
and difficult position, an Army Chaplain. Month after month he has
labored most assiduously, by means of religious exercises, well
conducted schools, providing of excellent books and papers for the use
of the soldier, to contribute to the improvement of their mental,
moral and social condition; and the high esteem he has won for
himself, by his talent, piety, energy and bravery, from every officer
and man of this Regiment and also from Superior Officers and
Commandants, is ample proof of his peculiar fitness for the position.
To him two-thirds of the men of this command are indebted for their
proficiency in reading and writing. Through his disinterested labors,
also, thousands of dollars were saved by the men, and many families
kept from want. His care and attention in forwarding these funds were
so satisfactory in meeting the case. Thousands beside the above were
by him securely deposited for others. During the whole period of his
Chaplaincy he rendered invaluable service in the Camp by his untiring
and well directed efforts to do good; and on the field, often where
the battle raged fiercest, he was among the foremost to minister to
the wounded and dying physical relief and the consolations of
religion, and by his own acts of heroism to inspire others with
confidence and to deeds of valor.
He has actively participated in the following actions, viz.:
Blackwater; South Mills; Union Bridge; Deep Creek; heavy skirmish in
the Dismal Swamp; heavy skirmish on the Hickory Ground Road, Dismal
Swamp; Deserted House; siege of Suffolk; Carrsville; Hatchie's Run;
heavy skirmish on Bermuda Front; Farra's Island, near Dutch Gap Canal;
and capture of Richmond.
BVT. COL. H. S. HALL,
Commanding Regiment.