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Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).
HISTORY OF COMPANY K OF THE 140TH REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS.
(1862-'65.)
by
B. F. POWELSON,
(First Sergeant for Over Two Years.)
Under the Direction of
BREVET CAPT. ALECK SWEENEY
And with the Co-operation of Others of the Company.
Steubenville, Ohio:
The Carnahan Printing Company.
1906.
DEDICATION.
This little volume is, with loving remembrances and in truest
affection, dedicated to the memory of Company K's dead and living,
whose worth as volunteer soldiers, whose courage, devotion, fidelity,
sacrifice, valor and efficiency were proven in many a long and
difficult march, and in many a hard-fought battle, as well as by
their return, when the glorious work of preserving the Union had
been accomplished, to the pursuit of commendable avocations in days
of peace and prosperity, worthy indeed of the honor a grateful nation
accords them, as an integral part of the color-guard of its patriotism.
[Illustration: Late Photo of B. F. POWELSON
The Company Historian]
PREFACE.
The bulk of what is contained in this book was written with a view to
its forming a part of a book of the History of the 140th Regiment of
Pennsylvania Volunteers. At the annual reunion of this regiment at
Beaver, Pa., in 1903, it was decided to issue such a book of history
under a regimental historian, with each company furnishing its
individual part thereto, in such facts as pertained to any separate
part as played in that dreadful war drama by a company, part of a
company, or by an individual therein. This was in accord with an
expressed demand for the placing of the regiment's heroic deeds and
illustrious works in heroic record, so that the soldier's friends and
successors may ever have these before them, an inspiration and
incentive to the continued progress of their country, through a
faithful, devoted, loyal citizenship.
But after more than two years have elapsed, it is found that but few
companies have done their work and no one has been secured to serve
for the regiment. And as Co. K. has for some time practically had its
work done, and as much time and means have been required, and there is
danger through death or other untoward event that what has been done
may be lost, the company has concluded to publish a book for itself,
and to give a copy of this book to the regiment, so as thus to provide
Co. K's part to the history of the regiment, whenever the Book of
History, as at first proposed, can be issued. The earnest desire of our
company is that the Regimental History will yet be issued, and it
stands ready still to do its part towards the same.
B. F. POWELSON.
Boulder, Colo., January 2, 1906.
CONTENTS:
1. Dedication 2
2. Preface 3
3. Cursory Statement Concerning the Regiment 5
4. General History of the Company 10
5. Sketches of Those Who Have Died Since the War 46
6. Sketches of Those Living 57
7. Recapitulation of Battles, Casualties, Etc. 72
8. Conclusion 77
Cursory Statement Concerning the Regiment.
It seems fitting that a cursory view be taken of the services performed
by the Regiment so that what is written as the History of Co. K may be
understood and not seem to be too much isolated. Perhaps this can be
subserved by a swift following of the itinerancy of the Regiment, by
giving the list of, and some reference to the battles and skirmishes
fought, and by a summary of casualties.
Among the many organizations in Pennsylvania volunteer soldiery during
the Civil War, none stood higher in efficiency in service or brilliancy
in record than the One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, five companies of
which were recruited in Washington county, three in Beaver, one in
Mercer and one in Greene. Col. R. P. Roberts, of Beaver, killed at
Gettysburg, was its first Colonel. W. S. Shallenberger, now Second
Assistant Postmaster General, was its efficient Adjutant. This Regiment
is accredited with the highest per cent of casualties in action of all
the regiments enlisted in Pennsylvania. It stands fourth in this
respect in the entire army during that fearful war in the '60s.
Upon its organization, at Harrisburg, Sept. 8, 1862, the Regiment was
stationed for three months on the Northern Central R.R. with
headquarters at Parkton, Md. And there, while on important guard duty,
it was carefully drilled and schooled for military service. Then the
Regiment, on Dec. 10, '62, was ordered to the front. On the evening of
Dec. 13th, it marched out of Washington, D.C., crossing bridge over
East Branch. The route was on the Maryland side, through Piscataway to
Liverpool Point, from which we crossed on a transport vessel to Aquia
Creek landing, and thence we marched to Falmouth, Va. One week was
consumed in the marching, and the Regiment stood well the test. Then
into winter quarters, an integral part of the Army of the Potomac. The
Regiment is assigned to Col. Zook's Brigade, Gen. Hancock's Division,
and in Maj.-Gen. Sumner's Right Grand Division.
The Regiment had its baptism of blood in the Battle of
Chancellorsville, May 1-5, '63, withstanding the trying ordeal well.
Back in camp, near Falmouth, the Regiment was skillfully trimmed and
equipped for greater service. It was to have place ever after in a
Corps, whose record was most brilliant, the Second, under command of
the gallant Gen. Hancock. This Corps had in it six of the nine
regiments sustaining the greatest numerical loss in killed during the
war, aggregating 1848 out of the 2674 killed in the nine regiments. The
Regiment was in the First Division, Gen. Caldwell commanding, with Gen.
Barlow as his successor; and in the 3rd Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Zook
commanding. He being killed at Gettysburg, Gen. Miles came in command
of the Brigade. In the long and exciting march to Gettysburg,
Centerville, Gainsville, Edward's Ferry, the Monocacy and Uniontown,
Md., were important points. Uniontown was reached by forced
march--fully 35 miles--by whole Corps in a day; and our Brigade, on
July 1st, was rear-guard for wagon train, most of the 30 miles to
Gettysburg being made in the night, and, exhausted, we went on the
battle line on left center. Eloquent and pathetic was the record of the
140th at Gettysburg. The immediate casualties in the Regiment in the
fighting on the evening of July 2, '63, amounted to about 60 per cent
of the number engaged, our Lieutenant Colonel, John Fraser, being by
rank in command of Brigade through balance of the conflict at
Gettysburg. Col. Roberts was shot while in front of the Regiment to
direct it to change of position to check, if possible, the column of
the enemy flanking our right. Disastrous as was the loss of our brave
Colonel at such a time, the Regiment faltered not but held its place
till ordered out. The Regiment participated in the attempt to intercept
Gen. Lee before he could recross the Potomac, the route taken being
through Frederick City, reaching Burkittsville July 8th. Near the
vicinity of Williamsport we came in touch with the enemy, and on the
14th, near Falling Water, we took part in engagement with the rebel
rear-guard, a goodly number of them being captured. Thence our route
led us to Harper's Ferry, across on 18th to Loudon Valley, through
Hillsboro, to Snicker's Gap, to Bloomfield to Ashby Gap, where we had
skirmishing, July 22nd; then passing to Linden and east along railroad
to White Plains, and southward to Warrenton, in the vicinity of which
the command remained several days, and, passing on, reached Morrisville
July 31st. Participated in the reconnaissance-in-force at the U.S.
Ford, Aug. 31st-Sept. 4th, returning to Morrisville. Crossed over the
Rappahannock Sept. 12th; engaged the enemy at Culpepper C.H.; pressed
on to the Rapidan, southwest of Culpepper, by the 17th, where
considerable maneuvering, fortifying and fighting were done, until the
early days of October, when a retrograde movement began. October 11th
found the Regiment near Bealton Station, north of the Rappahannock.
Again the evening of the 12th found us well into the open country south
of the river; and a great demonstration was made by campfires, bands,
etc. But to no purpose, for Lee seemed bent on an attempt to dash into
Washington. So all night we tramp, crossing the river for the third
time. Taking the flank of army, we pass to Auburn Creek, sometime in
the night of 13th, in touch with the enemy most of time. Early morning
of 14th came the engagement on Auburn Hill, our Regiment being in
rear-guard of the Corps. Over to Catlett's Station by noon; then on a
run to Bristor's Station, where we fought all afternoon, winning a neat
victory. Thence to Bull Run, and to Centerville by daylight 15th. Lee
foiled, and so returns southward. In a few days we follow. In vicinity
of Fayetteville several days are spent. Extensive drilling done. The
7th of November finds the Regiment near the Rappahannock, east of the
O. & A. R.R. The 8th we are at Thoms, south of the river, where we
remain till Nov. 24th. Then came the noted movement across the cold
Rapidan, and the Mine Run engagement, Nov. 29-30, with its varied
experiences and rigorous exposures, and return to north side, and going
into winter quarters at Stevensburg Dec. 7th. On Feb. 6, '64, the
Regiment took part in the reconnaissance-in-force at Morton's Ford on
Rapidan.
May 3rd found the whole army on the move. The Regiment, crossing the
Rapidan at Ely's Ford, plunged into the Wilderness, and at once found
the Johnnies plentiful, but held them level. In battle of Todd's Tavern
May 8th. Engaged the enemy on 10th and 11th west and southwest of
Spottsylvania C.H. Then came the march in dark and rainy night, and at
earliest dawn on the 12th that most brilliant charge of whole Corps and
wholesale capture of the garrison of the salient. Here the 140th lost
52 in killed, while at Gettysburg the killed numbered 61.
In this charge Gen. N. A. Miles had command of the 1st Brigade, 1st
Division. The 140th was a part of this Brigade, and of the Regiment he
then and ever after spoke well. Gen. Miles, the lines having been
formed for the charge, sent his horse to the rear, and, placing himself
at the head of the Brigade, led it in the charge. And he and members of
his staff testify that the 140th was the first Regiment to enter the
rebel works. And we deem it worthy to be here recorded that, when the
Second Corps marched back through the vicinity of this battle, after
the surrender of Lee, Gen. Miles claimed the stump of the tree, cut
down by the dreadful rain of the missiles of war in that "bloody angle"
at Spottsylvania, and took it. And Capt. Sweeney, then on his staff, by
order conveyed it to Washington and turned it over to Secretary Stanton
with Gen. Miles' compliments. This stump is now encased in glass among
the war relics at Washington City.
Grant's "fighting it out on that line" took the Regiment on through
Bowling Green, Milford, to North Anna river, and across it, where the
enemy is given battle, near Hanover Junction, May 23-26. River is
re-crossed for another flank movement, and the 140th plods on to near
Hanovertown, where again it crosses the river, and at Totopotomy Creek
engages the enemy, May 29-31, where the brave McCollough, commanding,
fell. At Cold Harbor for days the fight goes on, and the 140th suffers
many casualties. Then Grant chose to plant his army south of the James,
and on June 13th the Regiment crossed the Chicahoming at Jones' Bridge,
and with some skirmishing about Charles City found itself on the 14th
south of the James; and on the 15th was in the engagement in front of
Petersburg. We held position for a while on the Jerusalem plank road.
On July 27th occurred our engagement with the enemy at Deep Bottom,
north side of the James. Then the return to a place in the line east of
Petersburg, where we wrought much on the defenses. Again, on Aug. 12th,
via City Point and transports, the 140th finds itself in Deep Bottom,
and fought the enemy on the flank, while the 5th Corps broke the
enemy's grip on the Weldon R.R. Then withdrawing in a tedious night
march we get back to our camp. But we set out at once south along the
Weldon R.R. till we reach Ream's Station. There miles of track are
destroyed. A. P. Hill's Corps appear to drive us off. A sharp conflict
wages through afternoon of Aug. 25th. In the shades we stole back and
took position on the railroad south of Petersburg and fortify. In that
position the fall and winter are spent, with occasional diversions.
There was the engagement at Hatcher's Run latter part of October,
another one Dec. 10th, and the Dabney's Mill on Feb. 6th, '65, constant
vigilance not allowing the enemy any rest.
The final campaign opening, the 140th was constantly in touch with the
enemy from March 25th till Lee's surrender, the special engagements
being at Sutherland Station April 2nd; Jetersville, the 5th; Sailor's
Creek, 6th; and Farmville, the 7th. The route was directly on line of
retreat of Lee's army. The 140th was on skirmish line covering road
into Appomattox C.H. the morning of April 9th, the time of the
surrender of the Army of Virginia.
The Regiment encamped at Burkville from April 13th to April 30th.
Was at Amelia C.H., May 2nd. And, passing through Richmond and on
through Fredericksburg, the 140th ended its long route of marching
at Washington, D.C., May 23, '65, from which it had set out Dec. 13,
'62, having marched an aggregate of 1108 miles, and having taken
part in 22 distinct battles, nine marked skirmishes and several
reconnaissances-in-force. The battles were in duration from six hours
to five days. With a total enrollment of 1132, 198 were killed in
action and 128 died in service. The wounded numbered 537. The total
casualties were about 850. There were present at the muster-out on May
31, '65, 295.
On the disbanding of the Regiment, its citizen soldiery again took
their places in institutions of learning, offices, shops, stores, or on
farms, or represented their constituents in places of trust, content
that they had done their duty in saving the country, and rejoicing in
seeing it rise in worth and influence to highest rank among the nations
of the world.
General History of Company K.
Company K's special part of this History of the 140th Regiment, P.V.,
is furnished by Ben. F. Powelson, who was Orderly Sergeant of the
Company for over two years, under the direction of First Lieut. Alex.
Sweeney, the only surviving commissioned officer, with his assistance
and the aid and co-operation of other members.
This Company was principally made up of young men from the strenuous
walks of life, out of good Christian homes, largely intelligent sons of
husbandry, and not a few having been or being hard-working students in
academy, college, or theological seminary, thus possessing the
fundamental qualifications for good military service. Possibly it had
as small a ratio of men unfit for such service as any called out to do
duty in the '60s. A few there were, of course, who were carried in by
the tide of excitement or selfish interest, without much consideration,
but most, nearly all of the members, entered through due reflection,
true courage and definite conviction.
Much of K's history will appear in the History of the Regiment, for in
general this company shared with other companies the movements and
service of the Regiment. It is only the purpose of this writing to
treat of what pertains specially to the record of individuals composing
the company and of what was peculiar to the company, or in which it was
affected personally or as a unit of service.
This Company was recruited during the month of August, 1862, in
Washington county, Pa., under the call for 300,000 volunteers. It was
of a composite nature, formed of squads and individuals from different
parts of the county, though the largest constituency was from the
north-western part, with Cross Creek as the center; and in consequence
of this it was frequently called the Cross Creek Company. Wm. A. F.
Stockton, son of the Rev. Dr. John Stockton, pastor of Cross Creek
Presbyterian Church, was engaged sometime in recruiting in this region,
intent on raising a company. He was assisted by B. F. Powelson, his
classmate for years, and by others. Meetings were held in Cross Creek,
Burgettstown, Eldersville, Paris, Candor and other places. One meeting
in Cross Creek Village was attended and addressed by Dr. Wishart and
Messrs. A. and David Acheson, of Washington, the county seat.
Twenty-three enlisted from Cross Creek, the first eleven being sworn in
by 'Squire Duncan on Aug. 16. Those recruited in Paris, in the extreme
northwest section of the county, footed up 20. A squad of seven
enlisted in Candor, under the supervision of Wm. B. Cook. Seven hailed
from the neighborhood of Millsboro, while four others came in from
other places in the eastern part of the county. Claysville furnished a
squad of nine. And quite a number came in from the Finley, Morris and
Donegal Townships. Alex. Sweeney, Jr., had been out in Claysville and
West Alexander in that region on a recruiting tour. He and Enoch Mounts
represented the county seat.
Those recruited in Cross Creek, Eldersville, Paris and Candor, or the
Northwest, fifty-five in number, came together on August 20th at Cross
Creek village, where a large concourse of people assembled and gave
them a hearty repast and reception. Thence, after taking leave of
relatives and friends, they were conveyed by neighbors, in wagons and
other vehicles, sixteen miles to the county seat; and there they for a
while went into camp, using for quarters the halls of the old Fair
Grounds, now the Athletic Grounds of Washington and Jefferson College.
Here all the recruits were rendezvoused, and they were kindly and
patriotically treated by the citizens of Washington, who opened their
homes and in many ways gave comfort and cheer.
On the 22nd of August the formal organization of the Company was
effected, ninety-six entered their names on the Company roll. An
election of officers was held, resulting as follows: Captain, Wm. A. F.
Stockton; First Lieutenant, Alexander Sweeney, Jr.; and Second
Lieutenant, Wm. B. Cook. The non-commissioned officers were in the main
determined upon, Geo. W. McConnell was entered as musician, and the
members of the Company began to assume military airs and were ready for
orders to go forward to active service, and these orders quickly came.
Four other Companies, recruited in Washington county, were known to be
ready for assignment to some Regiment. Orders came for the Company to
proceed at once to Camp Distribution, in old Oakland Fair Grounds near
Pittsburg. The journey to Pittsburg was rather an ovation. The enlisted
were taken in conveyances by way of the old turnpike, many of their
friends accompanying them the whole or part of the way. A halt for
dinner was made at Canonsburg, where the citizens entertained the
Company in royal style. Their loyalty and enthusiasm had a true ring,
for they had a Company ready to go into service. (This Company became
Co. G, of the 140th P.V., and furnished the Lieut. Colonel.) Camp
Distribution was reached without mishap, and there the Company was
partially equipped. And the ninety-six men were mustered into the
service of the United States as Volunteer Infantry, for three years or
during the war, by Capt. Ludington, on the 4th day of September, 1862.
The names and places of residence are as follows:
No. Names. Residence.
1. William A. F. Stockton, Captain Cross Creek
2. Alexander Sweeney, Jr., First Lieutenant Washington
3. William B. Cook, Second Lieutenant Candor
4. Benjamin F. Powelson, First Sergeant Cross Creek
5. Milton R. Boyd, Second Sergeant Claysville
6. Edward S. Alexander, Third Sergeant West Alexander
7. Thomas C. Hayes, Fourth Sergeant Cross Creek
8. Samuel K. Shindle, Fifth Sergeant Cross Creek
9. Silas Cooke, First Corporal Cross Creek
10. John D. McCabe, Second Corporal Paris
11. Isaac Donaldson, Third Corporal Candor
12. William R. H. Powelson, Fourth Corporal Cross Creek
13. George Ralston, Fifth Corporal Donegal Twp.
14. William L. Pry, Sixth Corporal Cross Creek
15. John F. Gardner, Seventh Corporal Paris
16. William Hanlin, Eighth Corporal Paris
17. George W. McConnell, Musician Paris
18. Allison, James B., Private Claysville
19. Andrews, Abram, Private Cross Creek
20. Andrews, Peter, Private Cross Creek
21. Arthur, James, Private Paris
22. Berryhill, James S., Private Cross Creek
23. Briggs, Lazarus, Private Dunningsville
24. Buchanan, Benjamin B., Private Paris
25. Butterfoss, Daniel J., Private Paris
26. Carter, George W., Private Millsboro
27. Carter, Jesse M., Private Millsboro
28. Carter, Thomas J., Private Millsboro
29. Chester, Andrew, Private Dunningsville
30. Chisholm, Isaac W., Private Candor
31. Cochran, James E., Private Paris
32. Conaway, Ezra, Private Millsboro
33. Corbin, David W., Private Cross Creek
34. Corbin, Joseph A., Private Cross Creek
35. Cummins, Benjamin H., Private Cross Creek
36. Daugherty, Michael, Private West Alexander
37. Davis, Andrew B., Private Paris
38. Day, John M., Private Morris Twp.
39. Dickson, Henry, Private Dunningsville
40. Dungan, Robert B., Private Cross Creek
41. Earnest, Benjamin F., Private Claysville
42. Fordyce, James H., Private Claysville
43. Frazier, Joseph C., Private West Alexander
44. Fulton, John, Private Paris
45. Gardner, George, Private Paris
46. Geary, William M., Private Candor
47. Golden, Isaac, Private West Alexander
48. Graham, Joseph Smith, Private Cross Creek
49. Guess, Joseph, Private West Alexander
50. Hanlin, George A., Private Paris
51. Hawthorn, Benjamin F., Private Millsboro
52. Henderson, John, Private Paris
53. Hull, Robert W., Private Paris
54. Johnson, George W., Private East Finley
55. Lyle, Robert, Private Cross Creek
56. Lyle, James C., Private Cross Creek
57. McCalmont, John A., Private Candor
58. McClurg, Robert, Private Paris
59. McConnell, Harrison, Private Paris
60. McCullough, Benjamin, Private Candor
61. McCurdy, James K., Private Eldersville
62. McElfish, Owen, Private West Finley
63. Magill, James K. P., Private Cross Creek
64. Makeown, John, Private West Alexander
65. Maloy, John, Private Donegal Twp.
66. Marshall, John, Private Claysville
67. Meldoon, Robert, Private West Alexander
68. Metcalf, Norris, Private Eldersville
69. Miller, William H., Private Donegal Twp.
70. Miller, Isaac. Private Donegal Twp.
71. Morris, Jesse J., Private Millsboro
72. Morrow, George, Private Paris
73. Mounts, Enoch, Private Washington
74. Nickeson, Colin R., Private Claysville
75. Nickeson, John W., Private Claysville
76. Noah, James L., Private Eldersville
77. Noble, Thomas L., Private Claysville
78. Porter, William, Private West Alexander
79. Pry, David McClurg, Private Cross Creek
80. Pry, Rebert A., Private Cross Creek
81. Rea, William, Private Cross Creek
82. Ruffner, William A., Private Mound City
83. Scott, Henderson, Private Paris
84. Scott, William, Private Eldersville
85. Seese, Nathaniel, Private Candor
86. Sprowls, George, Private East Finley
87. Sprowls, Jesse M., Private East Finley
88. Staley, Oliver, Private West Alexander
89. Star, George, Private West Alexander
90. Stollar, William, Private Claysville
91. Toppin, Johnson, Private Millsboro
92. Virtue, Robert, Private Cross Creek
93. Wheeler, Ulysses, Private Eldersville
94. Wilkins, Thomas, Private Cross Creek
95. Worstell, James, Private Paris
96. Wright, Marshall, Private Paris
Thence by cars on the Pennsylvania Central R.R., from Pittsburg,
with other Companies, this Company was taken to Camp Curtin,
Harrisburg, where it became an integral part of the 140th Regiment
of Pennsylvania Volunteers at the organization of same, September
8th, 1862, and received the designation of Co. K, its position
in line being the center of left wing. (A. F. D. I. C. H. E. K. G. B.)
Here the Company was fully equipped, and the few days of bivouac
on the beautiful Susquehanna were characterized by the making of
us full fledged soldiers in the Union army, the first taste of camp
life, and a number of refreshing baths in the river.
On the Regiment's being assigned to the guarding of the N.C.R.R., south
of York, Pa., Co. K was stationed at Monkton, Md., about six miles
south and distant from Parkton Md., "Camp Seward," the headquarters of
the Regiment. It had several miles of railroad to guard, the chief
point being a bridge about three miles below Monkton. Its quarters were
dubbed "Ambolin Barracks," consisting of a bunk building of two
stories, with a shed room attached as officers' quarters, and a cook
house. A flag pole stood in front of the barracks from which "Old
Glory" floated gracefully. The sergeants, a train of freight cars
having been wrecked a short time after our being located there,
resurrected a box car which had been thrown down an embankment, and
thus improvised independent quarters for themselves, near the main
building.
On October 13th the non-commissioned officers, as appointed by the
Captain on the organization of the Company, received their
certificates.
The period of duty here covered three months, the Company participating
in all the Regimental drills, inspections, etc., marching to and from
Parkton on the railroad tracks. The time was well put in, in drilling,
and in the usual routine of barrack duties. Nothing occurred to mar the
good name of the Company. The people of the vicinity were kind and
considerate, and they respected the members of Co. K as gentlemen. The
homes and assemblies of the people were open to them. Many things
occurred to render the service here a pleasant one. The corn husking
and big dinner at Bacon's plantation, the barn-floor husking and repast
at Quaker Matthews', with his many favors to the guard at the lower
bridge, and like recognitions, were greatly enjoyed by all who were
privileged to participate. The soldier's plain fare was abundantly
supplemented by the Diffendaffer's meals at from 10 cents and upwards,
with the luscious apple dumplings and peach cobblers with unstinted
measure of rich cream. Even now our mouths water as we think of those
baked apple dumplings and richest of cream! And as Corporal Cook has
written, "Where is the one who, when on guard at the upper bridge, does
not even yet have a sneaking feeling creep over him when he remembers
the old Frenchman's peach orchard, and the stuffed haversacks that got
over the back fence in some way and were found at the guard station?"
And no one in Co. K was the worse off if a few sacks of oysters were
taken from the car with broken truck, side-tracked for a day or two;
for that savory article of diet was just "too tempting," when the early
November snow banks afforded so good and safe cold storage. Even the
Captain enjoyed the extra diet, and suggested that "no trace be left
behind." And there was none. For a tracer, sent out when a shortage was
reported in Harrisburg, found none.
Several of us, too, remember very gratefully the little church up in
the woods, and that one east of Monkton, whereto occasionally we turned
our footsteps. Those days of soldiering had much of sunshine in them,
which lightened materially the burden of a rigorous but useful military
discipline. While here the Company was directed by special order to
serve as guard of honor in the burial of Gen. Dixon S. Miles, mortally
wounded at the surrender of Harper's Ferry, Sept. 15, 1862, whose body
was laid to rest in the church cemetery a few miles east of Monkton.
About the same time, too, our hearts were fired a little for more
stirring service by the distant booming of cannon on the battlefield of
Antietam.
Several of K were subjected to the ravages of fever prevailing here in
the Regiment and incident to exposure and some lack in sanitary
provisions. Silas Cooke, James C. Lyle, Thomas Wilkin, Wm. Porter, John
Henderson, A. B. Davis and John Marshall tasted of the experiences
of the hospital in the old stone church at Parkton. John Marshall was
the first of the Company's losses. While in Parkton for drill and
inspection he was badly hurt in going between two cars, and died Nov.
17th in the Regimental hospital from the injury and fever. Two others
of the Company died in this hospital: John Henderson, on Dec. 7th, and
Andrew B. Davis, on Dec. 9th. The name of Thomas L. Noble was dropped
from our roll, he being on Nov. 28th transferred to the quartermaster's
department by special order from Regimental headquarters. So, when the
order came to leave for the army in the field, near Fredericksburg,
Va., K's strength numbered but 92, and Silas Cooke, J. C. Lyle and Wm.
Porter, sick, must be left behind in hospital at Little York, Pa. Our
dead had been sent back for burial in their home burial places. Good
soldiers they were, though they never saw much of the "grim visage" of
war. On the morning of the 10th of December Co. K bid adieu to Monkton
and marched with everything to Parkton, Col. Roberts having received
orders to go to the front, the transportation to be ready that evening.
It was with some feeling of regret that the members of K left Monkton,
for they had become attached to the place and people, but the prospect
of entering into more active and stirring soldier life captivated and
filled everyone with enthusiasm, and the march to Parkton was made amid
continuous peals of glee and cheerfulness. And so, as late in the
evening the train passed down through Monkton, the generous cheering of
people and soldiers showed how strong had become the ties of
friendship.
Co. K shared with G a room in the Union Relief Association building in
Baltimore the night of the 10th. At night on the 11th, the Regiment was
crowded in old freight cars, open and destitute of arrangements for
fire. The weather was cold, and the whole night was consumed on the way
to the Capitol, causing no little suffering from cold, some keeping
"courage up" by little fires kept burning on floor or seats from
whittlings from pine benches.
Co. K was in her place as the 140th marched through Pennsylvania
avenue, Washington City, with flying colors, about 4 p.m., on the
13th, setting out for Burnside's army. The first night's camping out
was such a one as to be long remembered, in a wet bottom, with scarcely
a redeeming feature. In K's memorandum it is styled as "Camp Misery."
But the second night's lodging showed a commendable readiness for
improvement in the school of experience, and Co. K was not behind in
learning to accommodate itself to any conditions. So we dubbed that
night's lodging amid the pines "Camp Hope." And so those days of
marching, with sunshine and rain, with favorable and unfavorable news
from the battle being waged at Fredericksburg, with the varied
experiences on the way, were to the Company, a good schooling, for the
strenuous and vigorous service upon which we were entering. From Aquia
creek on to the front our illustrative lessons were those of war's
desolations. The soldiers of our defeated army, returning to their
former camping grounds, blackened with the smoke of battle, make an
impression on the mind and heart of each of us as we march by them into
a place designated for our camping ground. This was hailed as well
selected, a woods where pines and oaks abounded, timely for the
construction of winter quarters. This was at nightfall on the 20th of
December, the closing of a week of real soldiering, testing well the
men's powers of endurance. The reflections of the writer, as found in
his memoranda book, express well the sentiments prevailing that
Saturday night: "It seems refreshing to look out over our Company
as the boys, with tents pitched, rest and commune in a spirit of
contentment and good will. They sit beside blazing fires, pressed
closer and closer to them by the cold wintry air. Some are crawling
into their nests early--and gladly do they lay themselves down to
rest, to dream of the dear ones left at home and of future happy days.
Poor soldiers, rest in peace, with the consciousness that you are
endeavoring to do your duty as God gives you opportunity. Remember,
too, that while you are pilgrim soldiers here in this strange land,
amid danger, sin and death, the prayers and good wishes of thousands
follow you. Think of those loved ones in the pleasant home circle,
encircled by all that makes life happy--think of your cherished
institutions and sanctuary privileges; of your rich farms; of your
prosperous towns and cities--your enterprising factories; your
commerce; your country's religious freedom and civil liberty. Think
of the cost in the purchase of this boon--the sacrifice of our
forefathers--the shed blood of patriots. And think now of recreant
hands uplifted to destroy our government, striking from our history
its brightness, trampling under foot our glorious flag--symbol of
our might. Think of these things, and feel _proud_ of the position
you occupy--_soldiers for the Union_."
Co. K's men showed a good degree of skill and efficiency in
constructing the winter quarters, following with commendable accuracy
the general instructions. So that in the remaining days of December
the work was about fully done and the boys were _at home_ in their
village of booths, having in the same time become fairly well initiated
in the requirements of the service, embracing all kinds of drill, in
squad, Company, Regiment and Brigade, with inspections and reviews, an
extensive review of the Right Grand Division (Sumner's) having taken
place on the 23rd, Gen. Burnside being present. And K responded readily
to her share of details for special duty, and for police, guard and
picket duties. On the 18th day of January K shared in the delight of
the Regiment in receiving Springfield rifles to supplant our old
Austrian muskets. A glad good-bye to the old kickers!
In the months in camp near Falmouth, Co. K endured hardships,
severities, exposures and privations that tested physical endurance to
the utmost, and in them had a schooling that was to tell in the future
good record of the Regiment. But there were always a sufficiency of
spice and source of merriment and good cheer among the boys. Receipt of
news from friends, substantial tokens of love and care in boxes of good
things sent by them, camp fire chats and musings, little banquets
together, sometimes at the expense of the scanty income and to the
profit of the army sutler--all these were as "Lights among the
Shadows" in soldier life.
Co. K was favored in February with another visit from Col. Sam'l
Magill, of Cross Creek, the father of James K. P., one of our best
members, and a model in many excellent qualities of the true soldier.
Col. Magill had visited us while in Monkton. The Captain and Orderly
Sergeant were specially favored by visits from three of their
schoolmates, Rev. Messrs. McC. Blayney, Ewing and Wotring.
Another quotation from the writer's journal will show the temperament
and spirit of the boys of K, who did their part in giving the Regiment
its high standing in the army. "A soldier's Saturday night--Dec. 27.
The boys of K are now pretty comfortably housed in their booths. Take a
look in upon that of the sergeants, and we have a fair sample of the
sixteen in our Company, eight on either side of the Company street. The
sergeants with Drummer McConnell are snugly seated around a bright
fire. Boyd is leisurely smoking his pipe, sending out with each
ascending puff a loving sigh or thought of 'the girl he left behind' in
old Washington. Alexander is 'cogitating,' giving his mustache a twist
now and then, possibly thinking of some evening spent among the 'peach
blossoms.' It may be, however, only an endeavor of his to discover some
plan by which he can further contribute to our present happiness. He
has been faithful in this respect. Hayes is seated on his knapsack
coolly writing to ----. His look betokens a clear conscience, having as
usual performed his duty to the letter. His sage remarks settle many
points in dispute. In true affection his heart turns to loved sisters
and a beautiful home he left for his country's defense. He's with us
from purest love of country. Were it not for Shindle the spirits of our
mess would sometimes run low. His sly remarks would make round the most
elongated face on most occasions. The drummer boy, too, he fondly turns
to a dear wife at home and hates the recreants that drove him from her,
but he'll be with us with his rattling Yankee Doodle till the last one
of them be subdued. The 'Orderly' can only glance hastily into the
other fifteen, with a cheering 'how d' de?' The occupations are
various. The booth of the Candor squad for neatness and convenience
takes the lead. In it Will Powelson is quartered, who at his country's
call bid adieu to wife and little daughter. And there's Corporal Wm.
Pry, who left quite a family. The country may feel secure with such
soldiery between it and its foes."
The Company was noted for its cleanliness and good order, and for its
attentiveness to military discipline, under frequent and ofttimes most
exacting inspections. In the Adjutant's competitive inspections of
guard details Co. K frequently won, and on one occasion carried off all
the honors; on another, four out of the six. For excellence in work and
neatness in appearance it was often complimented.
On Feb. 28th, Silas Cooke, J. C. Lyle and Wm. Porter, left in hospital
at York, Pa., Dec. 10th, returned and were warmly welcomed back into
camp.
Corp'l Wm. L. Pry and Serg't Hayes were granted furloughs home for ten
days. While in camp near Falmouth the hearts of the Powelson brothers
were saddened by the news of the deaths of their two brothers, Samuel
and George, who were members of Co. D, 32nd Regiment of Mo. Vols., in
the army near Vicksburg.
On the 31st of December, '62, K records her fifth loss. This time a
desertion. We have only the official record: John Fulton, "deserted
Dec. 31, 1862, Georgetown, D.C." Our next loss was Harrison McConnell,
discharged Feb. 13, '63. In this case it appears that Harrison was a
minor, enlisting without the consent of his parents. They applying to
the U.S. courts, in Pittsburg, Pa., got a decision of release. On the
14th day of Feb., '63, Corp'l Isaac Donaldson died in camp of typhoid
fever. His death was one of triumph in Christian faith. But it cast a
gloom over the Company. We mourned the loss of a good soldier and a
kind companion.
The other losses up to the time of our breaking camp, April 28th, were
as follows: Corp'l John D. McCabe, discharged Feb. 13th, '63, on
surgeon's certificate of disability; Henderson Scott, discharged March
12, '63, special order War Department; Robert Lyle, discharged March
14, '63, surgeon's certificate of disability; Benjamin B. Buchanan,
discharged March 20, '63, surgeon's certificate of disability; Isaac
Golden, died April 15, '63, at Mt. Pleasant, D.C., and was buried in
the Military Asylum Cemetery, D.C., and David W. Corbin, died April
21, '63, in Stanton hospital, D.C., and buried in the same Military
Asylum Cemetery. These losses cut the roll of members down to 82.
John A. McCalmont was promoted to Corporal to date April 15th, '63, the
time of Donaldson's death. Jos. Smith Graham was made Corporal, to date
the time of McCabe's discharge, Feb. 13, '63.
When the Company marched out from camp on April 28th, Lieut. Sweeney
was in Washington, Pa., on leave of absence, and Musician McConnell was
at home on furlough. Robert McClurg was with the Pioneer Corps. J. H.
Fordyce, Ezra Conaway, Michael Daugherty and Ben. McCullough were on
detached duty as teamsters. Colin R. Nickeson, Owen McElfish and John
Makeown were sick and left at Falmouth. The sick in hospitals in
Washington and other places were: D. J. Butterfoss, Ben. Cummins, John
Day, Geo. Hanlin, Geo. Morrow, Enoch Mounts and Wm. A. Ruffner. In all
absent from the ranks 17, leaving 65 to cross the Rappahannock and
enter the battle of Chancellorsville, as follows: Capt. Stockton,
Lieut. Cook, Sergeants Powelson, Boyd, Alexander, Hayes and Shindle;
Corporals Cooke, Powelson, Ralston, Pry, Gardner, Hanlin, McCalmont and
Graham; Musician Morris, privates Allison, Abram Andrews, Peter
Andrews, Arthurs, Berryhill, Briggs, George Carter, Jesse Carter,
Thomas Carter, Chester, Chisholm, Jos. Corbin, Cochran, Dickson,
Dungan, Earnest, Frazier, Geary, Guess, Hawthorn, Hull, Johnson, J. C.
Lyle, McCurdy, Magill, Maloy, Meldoon, Metcalf, Wm. Miller, Isaac
Miller, J. W. Nickeson, Noah, Porter, Robt. Pry, David Pry, Rea, Wm.
Scott, Seese, Geo. Sprowls, Jesse Sprowls, Staley, Star, Stollar,
Toppin, Virtue, Wheeler, Wilkin, Worstell and Wright.
Co. K participated with the Regiment in all the five days of action,
being more or less under fire the entire time. Our first experience in
line of battle was on a by-road leading out from Plank Road, about a
mile east of Chancellorsville. Thick woods in our rear. Dense pine
thickets in front. Fences were leveled. Shells crushing in tops of
trees behind us. Balls occasionally zipping nearby, and enemy coming
nearer, but could not be seen. In those moments of trial, what a study
in human nature! The rebels came on in heavy columns. Our skirmishers
are driven in. Orders given to fall back, and our going back through
that brush was a terror. No order could be maintained. But once out of
timber and on road, we were soon right again, and ever after were ready
for the Johnnies. We had been initiated, practically blindfolded. In
that first day of May and several days following Co. K was tested in
nearly all phases of engagement, its chief work being constructing
entrenchments and _abatis_; and in the hottest conflict on the third
day, in support of Knapp's battery. In this particular service K had
some protection in an embankment of a cross road, while shot and shell
passed over in dreadful profusion. Capt. Stockton had shelter only by
a little sapling, which was cut off a few feet above him, Lieut. Col.
Frazier remarking, "rather a close call, Captain."
To a soldier in his first battle there are strange feelings and
peculiar experiences. That the members of K shared in these may be
indicated by a quotation from Corp'l Cooke's writings to me: "On the
1st day of May, '63, I saw the first wounded man as we marched out to
support the skirmish line to the right of plank road east of
Chancellorsville. The sight of the blood running down the man's face
made me blind; but it soon passed away, and I never experienced the
sensation again during the war, though I saw many worse sights. It was
then the Company had several new experiences--lying in front of a
battery to support it (in the open ground, just east of C.) lying in
the woods at night while an occasional long-tailed, comet-like shell
would shriek over us, while we buried our noses in the dirt and leaves;
the wild experience of supporting the battery behind it, while it
seemed all the artillery of the enemy was playing upon it. That Sunday
artillery duel was the most terrific experience to me of the whole war.
Yet, strange to say, there were but few casualties in K worthy of
mention. That being our first battle many things were vividly impressed
on my mind: the digging of trenches; the attack on Howard (by Jackson)
that _thundering_ Saturday night; the filing by of the 11th Corps the
next morning; the disabled cannon swung under axles; the women pale
and frightened, fleeing from the burning Chancellorsville houses,
creeping along our trenches to find a place of safety; the band
shelled while playing the "Star Spangled Banner"; the dragging off by
hand (by detail from the 140th) the remnant of our battery in front;
the falling back to a new line, and finally the retreat."
Much of our maneuvering was done in woods and tangling brush, very
annoying. K withstood its baptism in battle well, and met the
discomfiture, defeat and retreat of our army in very good spirits,
sharing in the "ups and downs" in the march in rain and mud. Many
expressed regret as we recrossed the river, for better things had been
expected.
On the north side Lieut. Sweeney and Geo. McConnell were met,
returning from their visits home. This was on the morning of May 6th.
The march thence back to our old camps was made much "as you please,"
characteristically like American soldiering; but we got there
O.K.--for supper, and that after considerable rustling. One thing was
manifest, K had parted with many of its possessions in extra clothing,
comforts, etc., and some essentials were lost. The fact is, when we
were up in support battery on the 3rd, our knapsacks left by order, at
trenches, were ransacked by camp followers. [See the Transcriber's
Note at the end of the text] fact is, when we were up in support of
battery on the 3rd, our knap- Wheeler, in arm; McCalmont, in foot;
Briggs, in back; Chester, in leg; and J. W. Nickeson, thumb shot off.
Corp'l W. L. Pry, in falling back to hospital, overcome with fatigue,
accidentally shot himself in hand.
Comrade McClurg (who was with the Pioneer Corps, which, while laying
pontoons, was shelled by the rebs and had to seek shelter till our
cavalry drove the rebs away) reports that he cut slips from apple trees
behind which he took refuge and sent them by letter to the man on his
home place, and that today he eats apples from a large tree grown from
the slips grafted on the two branches of a young tree then recently
planted. (On a visit, in June, '04, the writer saw with much
satisfaction this tree.)
On the 11th day of May, for sanitary effect, our camp was moved about a
mile, and K soon had herself in summer array. On the 13th K was
assigned to a new place in line and camp, other Companies, too, being
changed. (C, B, K, I, A, H, G, D, F, E.) This changed K from left to
right centre. On the 14th, the Orderly with a volunteer squad
beautified the Company street, planting out little pines, etc.
On the 20th day of May, '63, Wm. A. Ruffner was discharged on surgeon's
certificate of disability. And on the 21st K suffered the loss of
Corporal W. L. Pry. The accidental wound had been followed by the
amputation of the hand, and from some cause or other, it was deemed
necessary to make another amputation. This time the whole arm. But the
shock and loss of blood were too much. At 2:30 p.m. he died.
Arrangements were made to embalm the body and ship it to Cross Creek,
Pa., for interment. Serg't B. F. Powelson was given a three days' pass
to accompany the remains as far as Washington, D.C. D. McC. Pry was
promoted Corporal to fill the vacancy caused by the death of his uncle.
George Morrow, in the hospital at Washington, D.C., was reported as
discharged on May 23rd, '63, on surgeon's certificate of disability.
But a few days afterward there came the sad news of his death in the
hospital. Thus seven of our number had already succumbed to death
through sickness, and one from a wound.
To relieve the severities of soldier life friends at home had sent many
extras in food and delicacies to the members of the Company and
Regiment in camp.
The recollections of the closing days of May and the early days of
June, too, to us are very vivid: the rigid drilling, the rumors of
movements, and of Lee's army heading northward, the breaking up of camp
streets with accumulated beans, rice, etc., that the same might not
fall in the enemy's hands. And now we number ourselves for campaign and
conflict.
On our roll are now but 79 names. Exclusive of those on detached or
special duty and the sick, only about 55 or 56 were ready for the line.