Chronological History
of …
… Company E …
Fourth
1861 – 1864.
H. S. SEAGE, Historian. Approved by the old
4th Infantry association at its meeting, June 22, 1897. Thompson & Van Buren,
Printers, HISTORY OF COMPANY E, 4th To the President and Comrades
Company E, 4th
Agreeable to the appointment made at your annual meeting held at
At the breaking out of the war, or the spring of 1861, there was a
company of State militia located at
On the 7th of May 1861 a special session of the Legislature
was convened by call of Governor Austin Blair and in a four days’ session it had
clothed the Governor with full power to raise ten regiments and to borrow one
million dollars for purposes of equipment.
About May 16th this militia company of Hillsdale tendered its
services to the Governor, under the President’s call of May 3, 1861. And on order of Adjutant General John
Robertson, dated Detroit May 20, 1961, in General Order No. 24, it was announced
that the 4th Regiment Infantry is hereby formed and will consist of
the following companies:
Peninsular Guard, Sturgis.
Barry Guard,
Smith Guard, Monroe.
Dexter Union Guard, Dexter.
Hillsdale Volunteers, Hillsdale.
Grosvenor Guard, Jonesville.
Tecumseh Volunteers, Tecumseh.
When these companies reported to Adrian, June 10, 1861, as per order for
rendezvous the “Hillsdale Volunteers” were given the alphabetical designation of
E and assigned to take position in the regimental line as the 7th
company from the right, and on the 20th day of June it, with the
whole of the regiment, was mustered into the U.S. service for three years, or
during the war. Its roster at that
time was as follows:
Captain – Geo. W. Lombard, Hillsdale.
1st Lieutenant – Chas. C. Doolittle, Hillsdale.
2nd Lieutenant – Chas. B. Parsons, Hillsdale.
Chas. N. Marvin, 1
(orderly) Sergeant.
Wm. H. Thiell,
2 Sergeant.
J. D. Emerson,
4
“
J. W. Hewitt,
5
“
Chas. J. Fletcher,
1 Corporal.
Ira Williams,
2
“
R. Watson Seage,
3
“
H. H. Abbot,
4
“
David C. Brock,
5
“
Levi Courtright,
6
“
Jas. Tarsney,
7
“
Wm. F. D. McCarty
8
“
Musicians
Wm. F. Feister,
Eli Burke.
Wagoner,
Wm. F. Bristol.
Privates.
W. H. Abbott.
D. C. Allen.
M. A. Luce.
R. N. Ainsworth.
F. Miller.
Benj. Best.
S. H. Mallory.
C. A. Brown.
M. A. Merrifield.
A. K. Barker.
Geo. Moon.
S. Bolles.
Eli Metty.
G. W. Brown.
H. W. Magee.
W. Bird.
J. D. Neal.
T. B. Burch.
Alex.
C. V. Burnett.
Thos. Pestle.
W. H. H. Birge.
J. A. Quackenbush.
J. D. Critchfield.
Wm. Ross.
Geo. Comfort.
A. Randall.
Joe. Crisler.
C. H. Ruport.
Isaac Chase.
J. D. Rolph.
A. H. Dolph.
Jake Rudolph.
C. M. Drake.
Justin Russell.
J. F. Dugon.
Joe. Stephens.
W. H. Dildine.
Phil Stanbach.
C. W. Decker.
Amos Strong.
D. Fox.
O. P. Stone.
F. B. Forncrook.
G. H. Stacey.
J. Fleming.
Wm. H. Smith.
W. R. Fuller.
Chas. H. Smith.
J. Farlay.
Jno. W. Stevens.
Peter Fornia.
W. C. Simons.
N. Green.
J. K. Spence.
O. Gilchrist.
M. W. Taylor.
T. Gregory.
Ed. M. Taylor.
A. F. Gleason.
T. Van Walkenburgh.
G. E. Gates.
A. M. Wilbur.
J. H. Harroun.
J. M. Whittmore.
J. M. Hall.
Arch. Wier.
H. L. Hartson.
W. W. Wright.
D. J. Henderson.
Geo. T. Ward.
G. W. Hughes.
F. C. Waller.
J. H. Hullinger.
L. Wright.
M. F. Hunt.
W. H. Worden.
Thad Huff.
David Worden.
E. D. Iliff.
O. F. Weaver.
S. A. Jennison.
This company and regiment was clothed in grey suits and armed with buck
and ball muskets. It left the State
with the regiment June 25, 1861, and arrived at
But some minor points will be of interest to Company E, survivors and
friends of those noble boys, who gave all, even life, for the old flag. First Lieutenant Chas. C. Doolittle was
promoted captain Sept. 1, ’61, and assigned to command of Company H, and was
afterward wounded at Gaines Hill, June 28, ’62; made colonel of 18th
Mich. Infantry July 27, ’62; brigadier general May 11, ’65 and brevet major
general volunteers July 13, ’65.
Capt. Geo. W. Lombard was promoted lieutenant colonel of the regiment
July 1, ’62, and colonel of the regiment July 3, ’63, and died May 6, ’64 of
wounds received the day before in the Wilderness Battle. Second Lieutenant Chas. B. Parsons was
promoted first lieutenant of the company Sept. 1, ’61, and captain of the
company July 1, ’62, and resigned March 3, ’63. These vacancies were filled by
appointments by the governor of the State as follows:
Geo. Monteith as captain, April 1, ’63, and assumed command of the
company April 10, ’63. Left the
company June 9, ’63 to go on Colonel Sweitzer’s staff.
Robert Campbell as first lieutenant July 1, ’62, but never acted with the
company; was assigned as quartermaster of the regiment Sept. 1, ’62.
Geo. L. Maltz from Company I was promoted first lieutenant and assigned
to Company E, March 24, 1864.
J. D. Emerson was promoted second lieutenant Sept. 3, 1862, and first
lieutenant Dec. 13, 1862; wounded at Laurel Hill; mustered out June 30,
1864.
May 16, ’63 the following non-commissioned officers were appointed: first
corporal, T. Tarsney, second corporal A. C. Lake, third corporal, H. S. Seage,
fourth corporal, M. T. Hunt, fifth corporal, H. L. Hartson, sixth corporal, E.
Taylor, seventh corporal, Wm. Fuller, eighth corporal, R. N. Ainsworth, and
second corporal A. Barker reduced to ranks.
April 1, ’63, Sergeant Major R. W. Seage promoted to second lieutenant
and assigned to Company I, and discharged on account of wounds received at
Gettysburg. Afterward first
lieutenant and quartermaster new fourth.
Sergeant James W. Vesey, Company C, promoted second lieutenant November
18, 1862, and assigned to Company E; died June 3, ’64, of wounds received near
Richmond, Va.
Lieutenant M. Millard, second lieutenant, July 26, ’64, first lieutenant,
Oct. 24, 1865; mustered out Feb. 11, 1866. Never served with company. Chronological Record. Oct. 10, 1861. Recruits arrived at Minor’s Hill under
Major De Golyer, and of these Geo. Beebee, J. W. Brown, Chas. T. Hartson, H. S.
Seage, Frank Shadbolt, Thomas Tarsney, Thomas Terwilliger, James Terwilliger,
James Thompson were assigned to Company E. Oct. 18, 1861. Boys fired a bomb shell in the street
and wounded one man. Oct. 22, 1861. Was called up at 4 A.M. to march to
Leesburg. Order countermanded. Oct. 26, 1861. Went with the regiment on Grand Review
to Halls Hill. Nov. 8, 1861. Companies E and H called out double
quick to arrest depredators at a farm house about half-way to Falls Church. Nov. 9, 1861. Grand review of army by General
McClellan. Nov. 10, 1861. Company raised tents on logs. Nov. 20, 1861. Grand review by General McClellan and
President Lincoln at Bailey’s cross roads; about 100,000 soldiers in review. Nov. 21, 1861. Camp Guard No. 12 shot Guard No. 13. Dec. 14, 1861. Regiment put up a pole on color line and
placed thereon a “brazen rooster.” Dec. 17, 1861. Brigade had sham fight. Dec. 19, 1861. Brigade had sham fight. Dec. 22, 1861. Avery Randell died in regiment hospital;
funeral by Chaplain Strong. Dec. 25, 1861. One pint oysters issued to each man for
Christmas dinner. Company raised an
arch at the end of street, as did also all the companies. Whiskey issued in evening and all of
Company C tight. Jan. 9, 1862. Received new guns, Springfield
Rifles. Jan. 14, 1862. R. W. Seage promoted Sergeant, and C. H.
Smith to Corporal. Jan. 16, 1862. Orders for vaccination, and most of the
company were vaccinated. Jan. 27, 1862. Lawrence Wright placed under arrest for
shooting a cow while on picket. Feb. 2, 1862. Company G presented Captain D. D.
Marshall with a sword. Feb. 5, 1862. Company had a snow-balling bout on the
parade ground. Feb. 12, 1862. Began drill in bayonet exercise. Feb. 14, 1862. Regiment started at 5 o’clock A.M. and
marched to Vienna Station which rebels had attacked. Burned depot and tore up railroad, found
no rebels and returned to camp at night. Feb. 21, 1862. Built company cook shanty. Feb. 22, 1862. Washington’s birthday was celebrated by
regiment forming hollow square in four ranks, and listened to “Farewell Address
of Washington,” read by Adjutant Earle.
Speeches by colonel, lieutenant colonel, major and others, and nine
cheers for the flag. Feb. 24, 1862. Hard gale blew down all our tents. March 8, 1862. Grand dance in companies streets at
night. Orders came to have 60
rounds of cartridges and three days rations, and began packing up. March 9, 1862. Broke camp Minors Hill early morning and
started for Vienna where we worked repairing railroad. March 10, 1862. About twelve o’clock noon, we started
and marched within about two miles of Fairfax and camped for the night. Found that the rebels had deserted their
position. March 15, 1862. Started at 6 o’clock A.M. for
Alexandria. Rained hard all
day. Camped for the night in the
deserted camp of the 64th New York. March 16, 1862. President Fairfield, of Hillsdale
College, visited us. March 17, 1862. Left the dirty old camp and moved out in
the grubs four miles from Alexandria. March 18, 1862. Wat Simons and Gus Barker were tied up
for leaving camp for Fort Corcoran without leave. March 21, 1862. Packed up and marched to Alexandria, and
at 2 P.M. went on board flag steamer Daniel Webster. March 22, 1862. Steamed away at 10 A.M. down the Potomac
River, and on reaching Chesapeake Bay, were joined by the gun boats. March 23, 1862. Nine A.M. out of sight of land. At 3 P.M. landed at Fortress Monroe, and
marched about three miles inland and camped. March 25, 1862. Marched inland about two miles and
camped. March 27, 1862. Marched to Big Bethel, and returned to
camp at night. Twenty-four miles
hard march and boys strewed the road with overcoats, blankets and extra
clothing. Colored refugees came to
camp in large numbers. March 28, 1862. Orderly Sergeant Tarsney had a row with
“town boys,” so known, and pulled off his chevrons. March 30, 1862. Company stationed at Burnt Bridge on
picket. March 31, 1862. Returned to camp and put up brush
tents. April 1, 1862. Refugees ordered into camp by themselves
But captain and first lieutenant kept “Tom Ball” and “John Moran” as
servants. April 2, 1862. Orders to march in morning. April 4, 1862. Broke camp at 3 A.M. and started in
direction of Yorktown, took in two rebels at Little Bethel. Camped for the night at Cockletown. Found here several barrels of
molasses. Boys reveled in molasses
all night. Had the effect to give
all the diarrhae. April 5, 1862. Marched about three miles and came in
view of fortifications of Yorktown.
Rebels greeted us with solid shot and shell. Marched by right flank and reached a
deep ravine. Griffin ran his
battery up on the plain in front of rebels work and opened fire. Regiment moved up to support
battery. “Tom Ball,” Lieutenant
Parsons darkey servant, for protection got his head and shoulders in a cracker
box. April 6, 1862. But little firing to-day. April 7, 1862. But little firing; rained hard. April 9, 1862. Ordered back and went into camp in peach
orchard. From this time to May
4th, nothing outside of the routine of siege duty. Building fortifications and making
roads. Captain Wood of Company C
was killed April 19, and on 20th, David Worden died in hospital. Constantly under fire from rebel
forts. Our line of breast works
from the woods to the York River on the right of the line ran frequently across
the line of works thrown up by Washington in the battle of Yorktown in
1781. Directly in front of our line
was a tall chimney, (house having been burned down) and a rebel sharpshooter had
taken position in the fire place of the chimney at its second story and pulled
out brick, leaving a hole through which he kept up a fire on us. Griffin ran up a gun and soon made a
ruin of chimney, reb and all. A
Barbetts gun placed on the angle of the white sand-bag fort of the rebs annoyed
us constantly. We had a heavy
battery masked in the wood in front, but did not want to unmask by firing. So “California Joe” was placed half way
the lines in a “gopher” hole and his telescope rifle kept that gun silenced. May 4, 1862. Learned the rebels had evacuated
Yorktown. Packed up and formed line
in front of rebs works to keep others from going over the ground, as rebs had
secretly buried torpedoes in front of their works. May 6, 1862. Had music at parade. Being the first since leaving Hampton,
April 3d. May 8, 1862. Packed up, went through fortifications
and village of Yorktown, and embarked on board steamer Vanderbilt. May 9, 1862. Landed at West Point in pontoon
boats. Horses walked the gang plank
into the river and swam ashore.
Went into camp about one-half mile from the river. May 13, 1862. Started at four a.m. for New Kent Court
House which was reached in the afternoon. May 15, 1862. Struck tents and packed up, stood around
in the rain nearly all day then put up tents again. May 16, 1862. Struck tents and marched all day to
White House landing. May 17, 1862. Nearly all the company went down to the
river for a bath. May 18, 1862. Orders read that Porter’s was designated
as the provisional corps of the army, and that General Morrell was to command
the first division and Colonel McQuade our brigade (2d). May 19, 1862. Marched to Tunstalls Station, 6
miles. May 21, 1862. Marched about 6 miles and camped. May 22, 1862. Marched about 6 miles and camped. May 24, 1862. Marched at 4 A.M. in a drenching rain,
reached the Chickahominy river about 10:00 A.M.; found a force of rebels at New
Bridge; had a fight, 117 rebels killed and many wounded, drove the rebels across
the river and held the bridge. On
returning to camp was met by General McClellan who complimented us on the
victory. Piper of Company B. was
killed and was carried back to camp.
First one of the regiment killed in action. May 25, 1862. Whole brigade turned out to attend
Piper’s funeral. This camp was
named camp Michigan, in honor of the victory of the 24th. May 26, 1862. Marched at 3 A.M. about 4 miles and
camped at Gains Mill on the Chickahominy river. May 27, 1862. Started at 4 A.M. for Hanover Court
House; ran against rebels and drove them back. Colonel Lee and 1,000 rebel prisoners
taken. May 28, 1862. A corporal and eight men of Company E
detailed for picket. May 29, 1862. Went back to camp which was reached
about 12 at night. June 1, 1862. On picket at New Bridge Captain DuPuy
shot and killed our company dog. June 9, 1862. Turned out for review by Spanish General
Prim. June 26, 1862. Heavy firing upon our right; ordered to
the right and was engaged in fight at Mechanicsville. June 27, 1862. Fell back to Gains Hill and was engaged
about 11 A.M. Hard battle many
killed. June 28, 1862. Crossed White Oak Swamp and was
stampeded at night by mule train. June 29, 30, 1862. Marched toward James River and ran
against rebels at New Market. July 1, 1862. Battle of Malvern Hill, Colonel Woodbury
killed. Daylight found us on the
march toward Harrisons landing; mud so deep that long ropes were attached to the
cannon and strung through the infantry and so dragged. July 3, 1862. Rebels shelled us and regiment was
ordered out to front but soon returned and went into camp in mud six inches
deep. July 8, 1862. Reviewed by President Lincoln. July 21, 1862. Received A tents, laid out new camp and
got out of the mud. July 31, 1862. Rebels shelled camp from opposite or
south side James River. Aug. 2, 1862. Crossed the river but found no
rebels. Companies E and A thrown
out as scouts. Company E fired upon
by Company A through mistake. No
damage done. Re-crossed river and
reached camp at night. Aug. 10, 1862. Ordered to pack and send knapsacks to
wagon train and be ready to march on call. Aug. 14, 1862. Broke camp about midnight and marched
down the river. Passed Charles City
Court House about 1:30 A.M. Camped
for the balance of the night at Barts Ferry. Aug. 16, 1862. Resumed march and passed through
Williamsburg; camped beyond. Aug. 17, 1862. Resumed march and passed through
Yorktown to our old camp in the peach orchard. Aug. 19, 1862. Arrived at New Port News about noon, and
about 3:00 P.M. went on board steamer Belvidere. Aug. 20, 1862. Arrived at Aquia Creek about 10:00 A.M.
landed and marched about eight miles.
Other regiments of the brigade went by rail. Aug. 21, 1862. Resumed march by day-break. Arrived near Fredericksburg about
noon. Aug. 22, 1862. Resumed march about midnight. Bivouacked along the road for a little
sleep. Aug. 23, 1862. Reached Barretts Fort this morning. Aug. 27, 1862. Started at 7:30 A.M. and marched to
Bealton Station 21 miles. Aug. 28, 1862. Started at 2:30 A.M. and after going
about one mile laid in the road till daylight. Resumed march to Bristoe Station. A fight was had here yesterday and
station, bridge, and railroad were destroyed. A number of rebels were found here
wounded, went beyond station and camped for night. Aug. 29, 1862. March left in front of Manassas Junction
and then by left flank to railroad across bridge to cross Bull Run. Formed lines facing the west, laid in
line all day. Heavy fighting to our
right all day. Could see the
charging and counter charging on the plains to our right and front. About 4:00 P.M. General Griffen fired
two shots at rebels, and we were ordered to advance, but as we were ready to
move General Porter came up and countermanded the order, placed Griffen under
arrest. This was known as the
battle of Groveton or second Bull Run under General Pope. Held our position all night. Aug. 30, 1862. Marched before sunrise and stopped
beside the road just in the outskirts of Centerville. Drew rations and then ordered to the
front again. Marched only a little
way when we about faced and marched into Centerville and camped on its outskirts
all night. Streets were full of troops falling back toward Washington. Aug. 31, 1862. Packed up and went back in front of the
fortifications just west of the village and formed line. Dr. Chamberlain arrived, having been
left with wounded at Malvern Hill. Sept. 2, 1862. Started about 1:30 A.M., but did not get
out of Centreville until after daylight.
Arrived at Fairfax about noon.
Stopped at Langdon on Chain Bridge road for the night. Sept. 3, 1862. Resumed march and camped again in the
old camp at Minors Hill. Sept. 6, 1862. William Bird and several of the boys
left on the peninsula wounded, and prisoners arrived. Broke camp about 11 P.M. and marched
near Fall Church and camped. Sept. 9, 1862. Our knapsacks with which we had parted
August 10, at Harrisons landing arrived, but they were not the fat, hearty
knapsacks we left behind. Sept. 11, 1862. Regiment received one barrel sanitary
stores; Company E’s share was one can of cherries and two bottles of jelly, and
it was agreed that each member of the company should draw a card and the three
first aces was to draw the supplies, which was done. Sept. 12, 1862. Broke camp at daylight and marched to
Washington, passed through the city, turned north and camped for the night at
Silver Springs. Sent knapsacks back
to train. Sept. 13, 1862. Started at daylight, passed through
Rockville and Leesburg, camped for the night near Clarksville, Maryland. As we passed through the town citizens
lined the streets with offerings of milk, fresh bread, coffee, and cold ham. Sept. 14, 1862. Started at 6 A.M., passed through
Clarksburg and Hyattstown. Reached
Frederick City about 6 P.M. and camped. Sept. 15, 1862. Started about 6 A.M. and marched through
the city. Great demonstration by
the people. Stonewall Jackson and
his corps passed through two or three days before, and had levied heavy
contributions on the people. Camped
at night near Middletown. Sept. 16, 1862. Started at 3:30 A.M. Rebels destroyed bridge at
Middletown. So we had to ford the
creek. Passed through Boonsboro,
Turners Gap and Keedeesville, camped just beyond. Sept. 17, 1862. Wakened at daylight by heavy cannonading
about three miles to the front.
Reached battle field of Antietam about 9 A.M. Heavy fighting on our right and
front. Ordered to the right, but
shortly about faced and returned to first position in rear of centre of
army. Heavy fighting on our left
with Burnside. Sept. 18, 1862. But little firing to-day. Mostly picket. About 2 P.M. march toward left wing of
army. Sept. 19, 1862. Marched at five A.M. to left and front,
crossed Antietam Creek by stone bridge where Burnside; had hard fighting on the
17th, passed over Lee’s ground and on through the little village of
Sharpsburg. The town was full of
rebel wounded. Went on to the
Potomac river and formed line. Our
batteries engaged the rebels on opposite side. Our regiment asked to cross at
Shepherdstown ford. Filed into the
canal, jumped the tow path, waded the river, scaled the heights on the Virginia
side, and captured six guns, rebel flag and nine prisoners. Sept. 20, 1862. The Corn Exchange regiment of
Philadelphia (twelve companies) relieved us last night. Rebels attacked “Corns” this morning and
balance of brigade ordered to cross in support, but before support could get
over the “Corns” broke and were pushed over the rocks and most of the regiment
captured, killed or wounded. Picket
and camp duty until October 3. Oct. 3, 1862. Grand review by General McClellan and
President Lincoln. On return to
camp found O. F. Weaver had returned, bringing Geo. W. Bollis, G. I. Brewster,
H. D. Bryan, Ed. Gavette, J. H. Jagger, C. L. Northrup, T. J. Plunley, D. J.
Reed, J. Tarsney, G. D. Ward, Wm. Washburn and G. A. Walker for Company E. Oct. 9, 1862. Chaplain John Seage joined the regiment;
regiment rallied on a sutler’s wagon and left him the wagon and horses but with
harness all cut. Oct. 16, 1862. Rose at 3:00 A.M. and started on a
reconnaissance across the river into Virginia. Found rebels about three miles south of
Shephardstown. Pushed them back
about two miles, then fell back and took position for the night. Rain poured down all night and everybody
got wet. Oct. 17, 1862. Advanced about five miles. About 3 P.M. fell back and got back to
camp about 11:00 P.M. Oct. 30, 1862. Broke camp at dark and marched to within
two miles of Harpers Ferry and camped for the night. Oct. 31, 1862. Crossed river at Harpers Ferry and as
boys landed in Virginia they rallied on a sutler and cleaned him out. Went about five miles beyond and
camped. Nov. 1, 1862. Mustered for four months pay. Nov. 2, 1862. Marched at 7:00 A.M. south about 15
miles and camped at Snickersville. Nov. 3, 1862. Rallied on a lot of pigs and honey. Firing over the mountain. Nov. 6, 1862. Rose at 4:00 A.M. and marched about
twenty miles, passed through village of Middletown by platoons. Nov. 7, 1862. Very cold. Marched at daylight, but went only about
five miles and camped at White Plains Snow for the first time this winter. Nov. 8, 1862. Started at 6:00 A.M., passed through
Thoroughfare Gap at 9:00 A.M., about 2:00 P.M. camped about five miles from
Warrenton. Two recruits, A. Todd
and J. H. Perine, joined the company.
Walter Wright, F. Shadbolt and “ Nov. 9, 1862. Marched to within one mile of Warrenton
and camped. Nov. 10, 1862. Review by Corps. General McClellan took leave of the army
and General Burnside took command. Nov. 12, 1862. General Porter surrendered command of
the corps and left the army. Nov. 13, 1862. Company E and detail of two from each of
the other companies sent to do guard duty in Warrenton. Nov. 15, 1862. Major Randolph arrived from
furlough. Army began its southward
march. Nov. 17, 1862. Withdrawn as guards and started to join
the regiment. Nov. 18, 1862. Found the regiment camped about twelve
miles from Fredericksburg. Nov. 19, 1862. Marched at noon about six miles. Nov. 23, 1862. Marched to within about three miles of
Fredericksburg and camped at 8:00 P.M. in mud and rain. Nov. 30, 1862. Colonel Childs resigned and bade
regiment farewell. Lieutenant
Colonel Lombard assumed command.
Burt Brown and Tip Birge arrived from hospital. Dec. 8, 1862. Moved camp to higher ground and built
winter quarters. Dec. 11, 1862. Bombardment of Fredericksburg began
about 4:00 A.M. Dec. 12, 1862. Firing began about 8:00 A.M.; under arms
all day but did not move. Dec. 13, 1862. Rose at 4 A.M.; firing across river
began about 8 A.M. Pontoons laid
under fire and we stacked knapsacks.
Crossed about 2 P.M. and re-crossed river at once on mistaken
orders. Lieutenant Ross, of
Griffins staff came on a wild gallop and called us, “dammed cowards.” Chaplain Seage answered by calling him a
“drunken liar;” at once about faced and again crossed the river. Went through the town on a double quick
and filed to the right. Went
outside the town “swung into line” facing Maryes Hill, with 3d division
ahead. Went into fight in the
“horse shoe;” got as far as old canal and laid down. Kept up constant fire all day. Dec. 14, 1862. About 11 P.M. was relieved by Burnside’s
corps. Fell back to town and lain
down on sidewalk. Dec. 15, 1862. Town full of soldiers; ransacked the
houses. After dark rebels shelled
the town and several brick walls fell, many injured. Dec. 16, 1862. At 5 A.M. recrossed the river and
marched back to old camp. Dec. 20, 1862. “A Court of Inquiry” of all the
non-commissioned officers in the company called to consider the charge of
cowardice against Sergeant C. J. Fletcher, and he was adjudged “guilty” and was
reduced to the ranks. Dec. 22, 1862. Sergeant R. W. Seage promoted “sergeant
major.” A detail of the company dug
up the remains of Dec. 30, 1862. Marched in light order at 3 P.M. took
road leading to Barretts Ford.
Marched about eighteen miles and camped in the mud. Dec. 31, 1862. Labored march of about ten miles. Got stuck in the mud. Started back for camp, which we reached
about 10 P.M. Jan. 1, 1863. Company nearly all tight. At parade President Lincoln’s
“Proclamation of Freedom to all Slaves” read. Jan. 6, 1863. D. Fox “bucked” for refusing guard
duty. Chaplain Seage went home on
sick leave. Jan. 8, 1863. Our grand division (Hookers) reviewed by
Burnside. Jan. 18, 1863. Ed. Gavitt taken by corporal’s guard to
creek and was washed and had his hair cut. Jan. 20, 1863. Packed up and started about 3 P.M. But only marched about two miles. Jan. 21, 1863. March resumed at 10 A.M. Mud awful deep. All day going three miles. Jan. 22, 1863. Stalled in the mud after going about two
miles. Jan. 23, 1863. Given shovels and axes and marched to
“Brick Church,” to corduroy roads, so the artillery could get back. Jan. 24, 1863. Started for camp and arrived about 4
P.M. Passed wagon trains and
artillery fast in mud. Received
four months pay; two months yet back. Jan. 26, 1863. Burnside relieved and General Hooker
takes command of the army. Feb. 9, 1863. Regiment ordered to fatigue duty. Building roads leading to U.S. Ford. Feb. 21, 1863. Regiment returned from fatigue duty. March 8, 1863. Captain Parsons resigned and went
home. March 17, 1863. Regiment invited to witness St.
Patrick’s day festivities in the 9th Mass. Ended with horse races, in which two
horses were instantly killed and riders badly hurt. March 24, 1863. Quartermaster brought regiment a new
flag from Washington. A blue flag
with gold eagle. March 28, 1863. Third Corporal S. A. Jenison died in
hospital. April 7, 1863. Grand review of army near Falmouth by
President Lincoln. His two sons
were with him. April 10, 1863. Captain Geo. Monteith assigned to
company and took command. General
muster to learn strength of army, by order of Secretary of War. April 12, 1863. Colonel Jefferds took command of the
regiment. General Montague of the
Swedish army reviewed the division. April 14, 1863. Burt Brown discharged on account of
wounds and went home. April 17, 1863. Captain Monteith “officer of the day”
had hard time putting out lights. April 19, 1863. Chaplain Seage returned. April 27, 1863. 12th Corps moved past
camp. Packed up and marched about
noon. Went as far as the “Brick
Church.” Hard march; eight days’
rations. April 28, 1863. Resumed march and camped about two miles
from Rappahannock River, near the “Gold Mine.” April 29, 1863. Crossed the Rappahannock on pontoons
about 11:00 A.M. and about sundown reached the Rapidan, which we forded. Water about three and one-half feet
deep. Camped on south side on a
hill. April 30, 1863. Started about 7:00 A.M. and about 8:30
reached the Chancellorsville House.
Took the road to Fredericksburg and about 11:00 run against the
rebels. Was recalled and camped
about 11:00 P.M. near Chancellorsville House. May 1, 1863. Our brigade started toward U.S. Ford and
engaged the rebels. Fell back
fighting; formed line in the woods.
Soon fell back and took woods road and after dark got lost; thought enemy
was both in front and rear, halted and faced to front and rear, stood on arms
all night till daylight, then by the left flank and soon joined Humphrey’s
division. Then directed where to
find our division, which we joined about 6:00 A.M. on the 2nd
inst. May 2, 1863. Went to work at once cutting brush and
building log breastwork. May 3, 1863. Routed out and started at 6:00 A.M.,
without breakfast, on double quick to support 11th and
12th corps. Soon met
them in retreat without guns, hats, coats, and swung into line along river road
facing west to repel a charge of Jackson.
Opened fire and soon charged over 11th and 12th
corps works into the woods. Drove
the rebels back, then returned to position in the road. In a short time woods were discovered on
fire and could hear cries of the wounded being burned. May 4, 1863. After fire died out, deployed as
skirmishers, went into woods about one-half mile, saw many burned bodies, mostly
rebels. Adjutant report, five
killed, eleven wounded, one missing. May 5, 1863. Heavy fighting on our left. About 8 P.M. ordered to pack up and
stood waiting to move. May 6, 1863. 3 A.M., took river road and crossed at
U.S. Ford at 6 A.M. Formed line to
cover retreat. Shortly Hooker
seated on his white horse crossed and passed through the line. Boys thought him drunk, as he was held
by an aid on each side. Reached old
camps about 3 P.M. May 11, 1863. At parade regiment presented Colonel
Jefferds with a fine horse fully equipped.
Sergeant Major Seage made the presentation speech. May 12, 1863. Fourteenth N.Y. time expired, balance of
brigade escorted them to railroad.
General Meagher presented the ninth Mass. with Irish flag. May 16, 1863. The following non-commissioned officers
were announced in company:
1st Corporal Tom Tarsney, 2d, A. C. Lake, 3d, H. S. Seage,
4th, M. F. Hunt, 5th, H. Hartson, 6th, E.
Taylor, 7th, Wm. Fuller, 8th, R. N. Ainsworth and A.
Barker reduced to ranks. Put up
shade trees. May 17, 1863. Rev. McLean from Philadelphia
preached. But company preferred to
wash. Nearly every man went to
Potomac Creek. On return articles
of war were read to them. May 22, 1863. Sergeant Major Seage promoted to 2d
lieutenant and assigned to Company I. May 27, 1863. Reviewed by Governor Blair. Formed square and governor made us a
speech. Wife and niece were with
him. May 28, 1863. Paid by Major Frey. Struck tents and started at 5 P.M., and
arrived at Hartwood church at night. May 29, 1863. Resumed march to Kelley’s Ford. June 8, 1863. Chaplain Seage shot by Guerrillas, while
on the way to Aquia Creek, taking money for the boys to express home. June 13, 1863. Broke camp and marched to
Morrisville. June 14, 1863. Resumed march to Catletts Station. June 15, 1863. From June 15 to June 24, being absent
with father, have no record of the company. Joined the regiment at Aldie June
24. Resumed march through Bristow
Station and camped at Manassas Junction. June 26, 1863. Marched at 7 A.M., passed through
Leesburg. Crossed the Potomac at
Edwards ferry on pontoons. Went
beyond about seven miles and camped. June 27, 1863. Started at 6 A.M. Reached the Monscacy Aqueduct at
noon. Waded across river at 5
P.M. Passed through Bucktown and
camped near Frederick City. June 28, 1863. General Hooker superseded by General
Meade who took command of the army. June 29, 1863. Marched at 8 A.M. through Frederick,
passed northeast, reached Mt. Pleasant at noon. Frank Waller and Walker had a fight in
the ranks. Separated by Lieutenant
Maltz. Camped at night near
Liberty. June 30, 1863. Started early, passed through Liberty,
Johnstown, Middletown, Uniontown, Frizleburg and Union Mills. At Union Mills, learned that about 6,000
rebel cavalry passed through about 10 A.M. July 1, 1863. Marched at 9 A.M. and flanked Hanover to
the left about one mile, went on about eight miles and bivouacked side of the
road at 12 midnight. Heavy
cannonading to the front. One day’s
fight at Gettysburg under Reynolds and Howard. Reynolds killed and Howard lost an
arm. July 2, 1863. Started at 4 A.M. for Gettysburg and
reached the field about 9:00. Filed
to the south and east of the town.
Maneuvered around till about 1 P.M.
Took up position in the woods with Wheatfield in our rear and Little
Round Top on our left. The
cannonading was awful. Soon engaged
in a hot fight which soon became general to right and left. Rebels broke in on our right and we fell
back to Wheatfield, where we had it hand to hand. Was forced across Wheatfield. Colonel Jefferds bayoneted and our loss
in officers and men was very heavy.
In an effort to recover the flag in the fight today, Colonel Jefferds was
killed and Lieutenants R. W. Seage and M. J. Vreeland badly wounded. July 3, 1863. Colonel Jefferds’ body brought into
field hospital. Battle continued –
rebels, under Pickett, charged center of line, repulsed by Hancock with heavy
loss. July 4, 1863. Rebels retreated. From this to Sept. 3, 1863, the army
followed Lee by easy marches down the Shenandoah valley, skirmishing with the
rear occasionally, till Culpepper Court House was reached Sept. 1. Sept. 23, 1863. For an assault on an old negro woman
three men of our brigade were hanged.
Brigade formed hollow square around the scaffold. Sept. 27, 1863. Soldier of the 9th drummed
out of camp. Oct. 10, 1863. Struck tents at daylight and marched in
a southeast direction about six miles.
Put up tents but hardly got them in position when ordered to strike tents
and marched back to old camp. Oct. 11, 1863. Marched at 7 A.M. through Culpepper and
camped about 10 P.M. near Beverly Ford on north side of the river. News that Lee had crossed river to our
right and was marching north again. Oct. 12, 1863. Crossed the river and marched about
three miles; formed line of battle on a hill. In a little while the Michigan Brigade
of Cavalry came in sight and formed line facing south. Soon the rebel cavalry came to view and
then we witnessed a splendid cavalry charge, driving the rebels back. Oct. 13, 1863. Fell back about 1 A.M. across the
river. Camped at night near
Catlett’s Station. Oct. 14, 1863. Started at 7 A.M., passed Bristol
Station about three miles when heavy firing was heard in rear and we were
ordered back double quick. Reached
Bristol at dark but fighting had ceased.
General Warren of 2d corps captured here twelve guns from rebel General
Hill, also 600 prisoners. Fell in
about 10 P.M. and marched beyond Manassas Junction, crossed Bull Run and camped
at two o’clock at night. Oct. 15, 1863. Started at 7 A.M. and marched to
Chantilla. General Kearney had a
fight here before we got up.
Kearney was killed. Kept on
the Fairfax C. H., and camped at 11 A.M., the boys played out. Oct. 16, 1863. Struck tents at 5 P.M. in a drenching
rain and marched to Centerville.
Waded across several creeks and camped for the night drenched to the
skin. Oct. 18, 1863. Took back track at 4 A.M. to within a
mile of Fairfax C. H., and filed into woods and ordered to make a good camp. So
we cut all the underbrush, got up tents in good order and then ordered to strike
tents and march to Fox Mills and camped at 10 P.M. Oct. 19, 1863. Tom Tarsney arrived; marched at 8 P.M.
to the left and struck the Centerville pike road. Here our regiment and the 32d Mass. were
detailed to guard wagon train.
Marched about fifteen miles. Oct. 20, 1863. Resumed march to Gainsville, where we
camped at 8 P.M. Oct. 21, 1863. Resumed march, passed through Buckland,
joined the brigade here and camped. Oct. 22, 1863. The officer of the day staked our
company streets. Put up tents in
regular form. Received back
mail. Inspection at 5 P.M. Oct. 23, 1863. Only camp duty. Nothing important. Oct. 24, 1863. Rained all day. Immediately after dinner general call
sounded. Packed up and started in
the rain and mud. Camped at 8
P.M. All went to bed wet and
cold. Oct. 25, 1863. Packed up about noon and moved a few
rods to right in the wood. Officer
of the day staked out camp; cut underbrush and put up tents on line. Policed camp while eating dinner; heard
heavy cannonading near Bristol Station.
Continued about an hour. Oct. 27, 1863. Ordered to keep haversacks packed and
ready to move. Oct. 28, 1863. Nothing important; only guard and camp
duty. General Bartlett assigned to
the command of our brigade. Oct. 29, 1863. Teams arrived with headquarter and line
officers tents. Oct. 30, 1863. Called at 4 o’clock A.M., started about
7 on the road toward Warrenton Junction via. Auburn. Struck the Warrenton branch of railroad
at Three Miles station. Camped. Oct. 31, 1863. Regiment mustered for pay. Nov. 1, 1863. Regimental inspection, after which
marched to headquarters tents where Chaplain Seage had Sunday services. Nov. 2, 1863. Orders for all sick to report to
surgeon. Geo. Hughes reported sick
with rheumatism; 10 A.M. struck tents, moved to the left, joined third brigade,
camped. 8 P.M., details made for
picket. Nov. 3, 1863. Whole regiment went out on picket 9
o’clock A.M. Nov. 4, 1863. Regiment still on picket. Nothing important. Nov. 5, 1863. Drew rations of soft bread. Sergeant Abbott drew thirty-seven
rations, but we only mustered thirty-four men. Nov. 6, 1863. About 11 A.M. regiment returned from
picket. Nov. 7, 1863. Called at 4 A.M., packed up, started
about 7. Went to Rappahannock
Station. Formed line of
battle. Regiment ordered in support
for the skirmishers advanced to the edge of the woods. Shortly Captain Martin, chief of
ordnance, planted two batteries in front of the regiment and shelled rebels’
works. At night 3d brigade on
charge took the fort with 300 prisoners and seven guns. Nov. 8, 1863. Called at 4:30 o’clock A.M. Started on the road toward Kelley’s Ford
where we crossed the river on pontoons.
While waiting for rear to close up General Meade and staff came along,
gave them a hearty cheer. Camped at
night about two miles from Ford.
Rations very scarce. Nov. 9, 1863. Rose at sunrise, no breakfast. Boys yelling for hardtack. About 1 P.M. Bartlett ordered brigade
drill to discipline us for yelling hardtack at him. Came in from drill. Immediately general
call sounded and we marched.
Crossed river. Camped at
night. Very cold, snowed first this
season. Nov. 10, 1863. Rose in the morning, found everything
covered with snow. Rations issued,
after breakfast took road for Morristown.
Went into camp three miles from Bealton Station. Nov. 11, 1863. Nothing of importance. Very cold. Nov. 13, 1863. Six men and a corporal detailed for
picket. Nov. 14, 1863. Rained all afternoon and night. Nov. 15, 1863. Picket detail arrived in camp about
noon. No Sunday service on account
of cold. Received orders to be
ready to march at a moment’s notice. Nov. 16, 1863. Company drew clothing. Snowed. Parade and inspection. Non-commissioned officer Tarsney reduced
to the ranks. Corporal H. S. Seage
assigned as color bearer. Nov. 17, 1863. Nothing of importance. Nov. 18, 1863. Rose at 4 A.M. Crossed the river at Kelley’s Ford and
went about two miles beyond and camped in old quarters of the rebels. Corporal A. C. Lake arrived from York
hospital. Nov. 19, 1863. Brigade inspection. Nov. 20, 1863. Rained all day. Company began building winter
quarters. Nov. 21, 1863. Dress parade and inspection. Nov. 22, 1863. Nothing of importance. Nov. 23, 1863. Started at daylight, marched toward
river, after going about two miles found artillery stuck in the mud. Ordered to about face and go back to
camp. Rained hard all day. Nov. 24, 1863. Rain ceased about noon. Nov. 25, 1863. Adjutant General Robertson of Michigan
arrived and brought the regiment six new snare drums and a bass drum. Dress parade and music. Nov. 26, 1863. Thanksgiving day. Started at sunrise and crossed the
Rapidan river about one and one-half miles above Ely’s Fork, two miles beyond
struck the plank road leading to Chancellorsville, followed this road about one
mile, camped for the night. Nov. 27, 1863. Resumed march about 6 A.M. following the
plank road within three miles of Chancellorsville. Then took cross-road and came out on the
Gordensville pike. Shortly after
the rebel cavalry made a dash on the rear of our division wagon train and
captured two ambulances, one headquarter wagon, fourteen ammunition wagons, also
made prisoners of Tim. Burch and Wm. Smith. About 2 P.M. firing began to the front
and about 4 P.M. we filed to left in woods and formed line of battle. On arms all night. Nov. 28, 1863. Packed up early, moved down the right of
the line and threw up breastworks.
Rain, very muddy. Nov. 29, 1863. Arose early, got on the extreme right of
line and relieved 6th corps.
About 3 P.M. received orders to storm the rebel position. Laid down on arms for the night. Nov. 30, 1863. Called up about 1 o’clock A.M. to get
ready for the assault, moved toward the rebel left and formed line in the
woods. Warren’s attack on our
extreme left having failed we were not ordered in, so stayed in the woods and
froze all day; at dark ordered back to our first position. This was known as the battle of Mine
Run. Dec. 1, 1863. About 6 P.M. started for the rear, took
the Turnpike. Our regiment ordered
to guard ordnance train; to hasten the march train was ordered to cross-road
through the woods; this road was so rough that the boys kept falling down all
night. Dec. 2, 1863. Crossed the Rapidan River at Germania
Ford; camped in woods about one mile beyond. Shortly after Colonel Sweitzer,
commanding the brigade ordered us to resume march, marched about one-half mile,
ordered to camp for the night; started again about 7 A.M. without breakfast and
went to Stevensburgh and went into camp.
About 2 P.M. rations were issued and we had our first meal. Dec. 3, 1863. Packed early, crossed the Rappahannock
River at Rappahannock Station, from this point north our corps was deployed
along the railroad as guard. Our
(2d) brigade stationed at Bealton Station. Dec. 4, 1863. Laid out camp for winter quarters. From this date to close of the year only
camp duty. March 12, 1864. Lieutenant Vesey and Jagger had a fight
which ended in involving the whole company. Fox’s eyes blackened by Frank
Waller. March 17, 1864. Regiment invited by 9th Mass.
to witness festivities of St. Patrick’s day. March 18, 1864. Jagger filed charges and specifications
against Lieutenant Vesey. Rebel
cavalry attempted to raid on the stores at station. Long roll sounded, fell in, but remained
on arms all night at the depot. March 22, 1864. Snow fell six inches deep. April 14, 1864. All civilians ordered out of the army
lines. Rumored that General Grant
had taken command. April 20, 1864. All turned out to hunt rats in the
rubbish grounds; killed about 150. April 29, 1864. About 10 A.M. Gregg’s division of
cavalry began marching past to the front.
Said to be 7,000 strong.
Took them about four or five hours to pass. April 30, 1864.
March 26, 1863. Review of division by General Meade.