The Why Of It
Residents of this area sometimes lose sight of the significance the junction of the rivers, the geographic panorama of mountains, the narrow passes towards the west have in the measuring of American history. Duncannon, through the-centuries, has played an important part in the development of America -even when it was only to provide the inn-keepers, the lock-tenders and the toll-takers to those who used this section as a passageway to other places.
    From the time when the first boatmen passed up and down the Susquehanna, it was Duncannon people, only then they were known as Clarks Ferry people or Petersburg people, who aided in guidance of travelers. The canals passed through here, and then the railroads, and now the automobiles --- and to the users of all modes of transportation, people of Duncannon have been closely associated.
    The past history of a people is partly what they are today. And other persons coming to our community and trying to understand why the old f amilies adhere to certain characteristics, can find part of the reason through a continued searching of the history of this area.
    At the beginning of the Civil War, national patriotism ran high and no other community can claim a higher temperature at that time than Duncannon. There. was no need of a draft in this community. And when the tall lumbermen of the north floated down the rivers to form the Bucktail regiment, they were joined by an entire company of men from Duncannon and Penn Township. They called them Dutchmen, for a lot of the men in the Company were. That---but mostly they were, Pennsylvanians and Americans first, and their eagerness to join one of the toughest regiments in the War. was only a reflection of the occupations they pursued in civil life.
    These members of Company, B, First Pennsylvania Rifles were rnore than Dutchmen, for they had long before gathered some of the adventurous nature of the other Bucktails, simply by being, in this geographical but important place on the map of the western seeking United States. The members of Company B were tough as only men who worked in the hellish iron works could be, or as canal-boaters and raftsmen could be or if you wish, tavernkeepers and roustabouts who were used to dealing with the traveling public of that time-a public that could only travel in discomfort and with heartv health.
    Sprinkled through the Company were farmer boys, too. But these were farmers who had placed upon them every adversity that could be placed, both by nature and by man. The plowing they did was muscular, the reaping sometimes insignificant. They, knew how to do with little, they demanded less. But only a generation away from old Europe, they stood strong and free, and wept when the flag passed by.
    Duncannon people have a great heritage, whether they are aware of it or not. In our publishing of the Bucktail history,this week, we hope that some of it will rub off on the present generations that inhabit the town, the townships around it and the county that has been recognized as sending more men into the Civil War than any other county in the Union, in proportion to its population.
    We have often heard people express their wonderment that anyone would want to live here, who have argued that what the town has to offer is disproportionate to the loyalty shown to it by its sons, to the everlasting sense of belonging that so many people like to share. Perbaps the history of' the Bucktails will help clear up some part of that mystery. At least it has for us.


From the date of organization until the expiration of their term of service. Taken from a diary kept by the author, a member, W. A. H. (Copyright secured,)
CHAPTER I
Organization --- West Virginia Campaign---Return to Harrisburg ---Leave Harrisburg for Sandy Hook. Md --- Marched to Camp Pierpont---Battle of Dranesville.
The regiment being the Thirteenth in the Pennsylvania Reserve, Volunteer Corps (of' which I shall speak more definitely hereafter,) was organized in Camp Curtin, near Harrisburg, Pa., on the 12th days of June, 1861, by the election of Charles J. Biddle, of Philadelphia, as Colonel. Thomas L. Kane was chosen Lieut-Colonel. and Roy Stone, of Warren Co.. Major.

ORGANIZATION OF THE BUCKTAIL REGIMENT.
The Bucktail Regiment was compased of the following companies, and was organized as follows:
The Anderson Rifle Guards, Co, A, of Tioga county: Capt--- Philip Holland.
The Morgan Rifles, Co. B, of Perry county; Capt.--- Langhorn Wister.
The Cameron Rifles, Co. C. of Cameron county; Capt---John A. E1dred.
The Raftman's Guards, Co. D, of Warren county; Capt,--- Roy Stone.
The Tioga Rifles, Co. E, of.Tioga county; Capt.---Alanson E. Niles.
The Irish Infantry, Co. F, of Carbon county; Capt.---Dennis McGee.
The Elk Rifles, Co. G , of Elk county; Capt. ---Hugh McDonald.
The Wayne independent Rifles, Co. H, of Chester county; Capt.---Chas. F. Taylor.
The McKean Rlfles, Co. I, of McKean county; Capt.---Wrn. T. Blanchard.
The Raftsmens Rangers, Co K, of Clearfield county; Capt.---Edwin A. Irvin.

LIST OF OFFICERS
Co. A.
Remarks.
Capt---P. Holland. killed
Capt.---J . G. Harrower. resigned
1st Lt.---E. B. Leonard, discharged
1st. Lt.---Daniel Oreatt, killed
2nd Lt.---N. B. Kinse, discharged
Co. B.
Capt.---L. Wister,    resigned
Capt.---T. B. Lewis, discharged
1st Lt--- A. Culp, resigned
1st. Lt.---Wm. Allison killed
1st Lt.---P. E. Keiser, discharged
2nd Lt.--- R. Spahr, discharged
Co. C.
Capt.---J. A. Eldrid, resigned
Capt.---L W. Gifford, discharged
Capt.--- N. B. Kinsey, discharged
1st Lt.---W. B. Jenkins, killed
1st Lt.--- W. Craven. discharged
1st Lt.--- R.B. Warner. resigned
2nd Lt.---O. D.Jenkins, discharged
2nd Lt.---M. W. Lucore, discharged
Cm D.
Capt.---Roy Stone. , resigned
Capt.--- H.W. McNeil, killed
Capt---D. McNaughton. discharged
Capt.-J. T. A. Jewett, resigned
1st. Lt.---L. R. D. Hall, discharged
2nd Lt.---Robert Hall,    killed
Co. E,
Capt.---A. E. Niles.    discharged
Capt.---S. A. Mack,    discharged
1st. Lt.---L. Truman,    discharged
1st Lt.---Wm. Taylor, discharged
2nd Lt.---G. A. Ludlow, discharged
Co. F.     -
Capt.---D. McGee, discharged
Capt.---H, D. Patton, discharged
Capt.---I. A. Wolf, discharged
1st Lt.---H. Mulligan, resigned
1st Lt.---E. Wright, discharged
2nd Lt.----C. Bitterling, killed
2nd Lt.---D. Blett,    killed
Capt---J. C. Hills, transferred
Co. G.
Capt.---Y. H. McDonald, discharged
1st Lt---. B. Winslow, discharged
1st Lt.---J. B. Doan,    resigned
2nd Lt.--- J. Sparks, resigned
2nd Lt.---. A. Wolf,    discharged
Co. H.
Capt.---Chas. F. Taylor,    killed
Capt.---I. E. Yerkes, discharged
1st. Lt.---C. Hall, discharged
1st. Lt---T. J. Roney, discharged
2nd Lt.---E. P. Dixon,     resigned
2nd Lt---J J. Swayne,    killed
2nd Lt---R. Maxwell,     died
Co. I.
Capt.---W. T. Blanchard, discharged
1st Lt.---R. F. Wood, discharged
1st. Lt.---F. Bell discharged
2nd Lt---R. A. Rice, discharged
2nd Lt.---B. B. Rice, died
Co. K,
Capt.---F. A. Irwin, discharged
Capt.---J. M. Welch, discharged
1st Lt..---W. R. Hartshorn, discharged
1st Lt.---J. P. Bard, discharged
2nd Lt.---D. C. Dale, died
   

The regiment being composed principally of backwoodsmen and men accustomed to the use of the Rifle, Gov. Curtin agreed to furnish us with that weapon
   

On the 21st of June, & Governor being called upon for troops, to go to the assistance of Colonel Wallace, then at Cumberland, Md., he sent our (The Bucktail) regiment, in company with the Fifth regiment of the Reserve Corps, Col. Simmons commanding, by way of Huntingdon, Hopewell and Bedford. Accordingly we took, passage by the Penn'a and Huntingdon and Broadtop railroads.
   

The next day we marched to Bedford, where we were very kindly received and entertained by the citizens, and where we laid in camp until the 25th of June, when we marched to Centreville and the next day to the State Line, where we encamped until. the 7th of July, whence we marched to near New Creek, Va., where a part of our regiment under the command of Lieut.-Col. Kane, had a brisk skirmish with a squad of the notorious Black Horse Cavalry.
  

Next morning after our arrival here a guide wbo had accompanied us from Cumberland was found on the porch of the depot with his head almost severed from his body. It is supposed he was murdered by some of the cavalry who were still prowling around the place.
   

A large shoe making establishment was the principal place of employment of the citizens of this place. Before we were here many days, almost every man in the regiment had captured some relic from these works.
   

From New Creek we went to Piedmont about two miles farther west. At this place the Baltimore and Ohio R.R. company, have very extensive shops for the manufacture of engines and cars, also a large roundhouse in which to keep their engines.
   

While stationed here the boys took possession of a printing office and started a daily paper, called "The Penn'a Reserve" and during our stay many interesting articles were published. We also held a grand ball in the principal hotel, and had quite a number of ladies present who were delighted with the entertainment.--- and remarked that the soldiers were not such a rough set of fellows after all. One evening one of our scouts reported a body of Confederate soldiers approaching the town, and soon great preparations were made to give them a warm reception. One of our companies were quartered in a large stone house that had been occupied as a store, we had also secured a five-pound Iron cannon and had it mounted in such a position as to guard against an approach from the railroad. We had it loaded full to the muzzle, but were fortunate enough not to have occasion to use it, or there would; certainly have been some dead Bucktails in that house as we had not fastened it sufficiently to keep it in position had we been compelled to use it. Shortly after dark some of the enemy's scouts attacked our pickets and drove them into town, but about this time a train loaded with Ohio troops came in and further-trouble was avoided by their timely appearance.
   

Here we remained until the 29th of July, when we received orders to report at Harrisburg, Pa. After a campaign of five weeks, we returned, and the Governor here gave us our rifles, which are called "Springfield rifles," we having used the old altered musket in the campaign just gone through.
   

On the 8th of August we took the cars for Sandy Hook, Md., and arrived there the next day. We were thus in the Division of, Major General Banks, and remained with him until the 25th of September, when we joined our own Division, the P. R. V. Corps, then encamped at Tennallytown, D.C.
   

On the 9th of October when the army advanced from the front of Washington, we crossed the Potomac and encamped near Langley, Va. Our new camp was named Camp Pierpont, in honor of the governor of West Virginia.
   

At this place we were ordered to build winter quarters, the department having decided that no effective movement could be made until spring. and as our moving around had been detrimental to our chances for drill, we were now ordered to engage in that duty as much as possible. and In a short time, under the Instructions of Col. Biddle, we became quite proficient in the exercises. There were also many kinds of amusements in which the boys engaged such. as ball playing, sham battles, foot races and climbing a smooth pole for a sum of money which was placed on the top, and very frequently some company would have a dance to which the other companies would have a general Invitation, and on such occasions it was really amusing to see several great over-grown men acting the part of the tender female and passed through the most difficult figures by their loving partners with all the gallantry which graces our, city ball rooms. .
   

Our living was not entirely confined to "army beans, salt horse and hard tack." Many boxes of elegant provisions were sent from home and invitations to "dine out" were frequent and such invitations were scarcely ever declined.
   

In this way the winter was passed very pleasantly' with nothing of any import until the 20th day of December, when our regiment accompanied the Third brigade of our division on a foraging expedition to Drainesville , a village some 12 miles beyond our picket line, on the road to Leesburg. This brigade was then composed of the 6th, 9th, 10th and 12th regiment--- P. R. V. C.. under command of Gen. Ord. Capt. Easton's battery A, of the 1st Penn'a. Artillery, and six. companies of the 1st Penn’a cavalry, under command of LieutCol. Higgins, also accompanied this expedition.
   

The 1st rifles (Bucktails) took the advance and encountered the enemy near Dranesville where after a contest of about an hour, in which Easton's battery did good service, the enemy was. routed. The loss in our regiment vas 4 killed and 27 wounded. The loss of the entire brigade was 45 killed wounded and missing. Here the Bucktails gained a name for bravery and soldierly bearing displayed and were acknowledged to be the best Infantry on the right wing of the army of the Potomac. Col. Biddle, having resigned about the 10th of November to accept a seat In Congress, the Rifles were afterward commanded by Lieut.-Col. Kane.

CHAPTER II
Inscription on Colors---Election of Colonel---Advance to Hunters Mill---Return to Alexandria.
   

After the battle of Dranesville, the first victory gained on the Potomac, Gov. Curtin ordered an inscription to be placed upon the flags of the regiments that participated in the engagement. After the Inscription was placed on them, the colors having "Dranesville. December 20th, 1861" beautifully inscribed upon their folds, were presented to the different regiments, which was made the occasion of a grand review, which took place on the 1lth day January, 1862, The flags were presented, and Hon. G. A. Grow, speaker of the U. S. House of Representatives made a few remarks, and was followed by Gov. Curtin and other able and distinguished speakers.   
   

To fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Col. Biddle an election of Colonel was ordered to take place on the 22nd of January. The candidates were Lieut-Col. Kane, and Hugh W. McNeil, of Company D. The election being by popular vote, it occasioned considerable excitement, and very forcibly reminded me of a general election at home with the exception of the consumption of whiskey. The result was the choice of Captain McNeil, by a handsome majority,   
   

Considerable discontent was felt by the friends of Kane at the result of the election, they contending that   
he, by right of seniority, should have been proclaimed Colonel when Biddle resigned. Those who opposed him
declared that he was not capable of commanding the regiment as he would be sure to have it destroyed by his rashness, and his mode of commanding, since the resignation of Biddle had convinced many that his chief    aim was notoriety and that he would sacrifice every man in the regiment for self elevation.
   

Another difficulty arose between Col. McNeil and Col. Campbell of 1st Pa. Artillery. Campbell had been named as a candidate for Colonel of the Bucktails, and would have willfully accepted the position, but the election was held without the Colonel being notified, which so angered him as to cause a challenge to be sent to McNeil, which was promptly accepted and arrangements made to fight, but several friends of both parties interfered and the trouble was places were adjusted without bloodshed.
   

During the winter, and in fact for many months previous many depredations had been committed by men of other regiments who in some manner had procured bucktails, and when on foraging expeditions, or anything mean or that would be likely to cause trouble, would wear them and of course the depredations were laid   
to the Bucktails. The boys soon  concluded that they would put a  step to those indignities, and  arrested every person wearing our insignia and who did not belong to the regiment  which soon caused them to abandon  their depredations, and relieved us of considerable annoyance.   
   

A Frenchmen belonging Company D  named Frank ---I never heard his other name--- was chosen drill-master, In which duty  he was a proficient. French   Frank as he was generally called, had been a soldier In the French  army for nearly twenty years and had been wounded several times while in Africa, was thoroughly    acquainted with all the latest drills, and declared that soldiering was his trade and was every inch a soldier. He drilled the regiment in bayonet exercises and skirmish drill, and the officers in the use of the sword.  It was amusing to see him take either a gun or a sword and defy any man in the regiment to draw blood or disarm him. His movements were all performed with lightning like rapidity, and he was equal to two ordinary men. I have seen him disarm our best drilled officers in an instant, throwing their sword fifteen or twenty feet away, and by a dextrous movement unclasp the bayonet from a gun and throw it a like distance, to the no small discomfort of those with whom he was contending and to the great amusement of the witnesses.
   

CHAPTER III
At Manassas Junctlon --- Marched to Falmouth --- Embarked for the Peninsula.
   On the 9th of April, 1862, we took the cars on the Orange and Alexandria railroad for Manassas .Junction. While getting on the cars a snow storm set in, which continued all day, and thus we were deprived of a view of the country through which we passed. Soon after crossing Bull Run we were ordered to get out and seek shelter for the night, and soon found a very comfortable camp, first used by the First Georgia Volunteers as winter quarters, and I must confess that these rebels displayed very good taste in building quarters for cold weather. In each hut we found a large fireplace and chimney with bunks for from four to six, far exceeding those used at Camp Pierpont. The next day we marched to Manassas Junction, and I had always supposed that it was a very strongly fortified place. I saw a few of the earthworks, but they did not appear finished. I also visited, while there, the battlefield of Bull Run and the village Centerville. The fortifications of the latter were of a more formidable character than those of Manassas.
   

While at Manassas a number of the boys while on a foraging expedition one night broke open a car and took a box which they supposed to contain whiskey but which proved to be some kind of medicine, and from the effects of which two of the party died, and others were in a precarious condition for several days.
   

We left Manassas on the 17th of April and encamped near Bristow station and on the day following marched to Cattlet station where we lay until the 26th of April, when we took up our line of march for Falmouth, and arrived there after a march of three and a half days. We encamped about one mile southeast of Falmouth and nearly opposite the famous city of Fredricksburg, then occupied by a few rebel pickets. This was perhaps one of the most beautifully decorated camps that we ever occupied. Every company done their best to make their ornaments the most conspicuous. Bowers of evergreen -were erected at the entrance of each company with the name of some favorite such as Lincoln, McDowell, Reynolds, etc., also the letter of the company. In front of the camp was a beautiful parade ground which was kept in splendid condition, and brought many visitors who were loud in their praise of our beautiful camp. While encamped here a private soldier of. Company G, who had been in the General Hospital and had only returned to the regiment a short time, shot himself one night while in his tent. The only reason assigned for this rash act was the receipt of news from home which caused his mind to be much affected. Before entering his tent-which he occupied alone --- he pulled off one of his stockings, and after placing the mizzle of his gun under his chin he placed his toe on the trigger and sent the ball crashing through his skull, killing him instantly. The ball passed through another tent and near the head of. another soldier, but he knew nothing of it until afterward.
   

Colonell McNeil was taken away from the regiment sick while here and did not return until after we arrived at Harrison's Lending on the James river.
   

On the 25th day of May four companies, C, G, H and I were detached from the regiment and under the command of Col. Kane were sent to the Shenandoah Valley. These companies were not allowed to join the re,giment until after the second battle of Bull Run. Considerable comment was indulged in upon the separation of these companies from the regiment, the most plausible reason being the humiliation suffered by Kane in being defeated in the election for Colonel of the regiment preyed upon his mind and he made the effort and succeeded in graining command of those companies who most favored his election.

The 26th of may we crossed the Rappahannock river and camped on the Heights, southwest of Fredricksburg. I at that time gave the opinion that those Heights properly fortified, could not be taken from 'the front by a million of men. The country south of the Rappahannock is very beautiful and fertile, while from Manassas to Falmouth, it is the very reverse. The people in the latter portion of Virginia are a poor, intolerable set, very ignorant and lazy. Gen. McDowell receiving orders to go to the assistance of Gen. Banks we were drawn back to the north side of the river on the 3 1 st day of May.

On the 8th day of June. we received orders to prepare to move, and after dark --- so as to cover our movements --- we broke camp and marched down the river about ten miles to Gray's Landing, where, we arrived about two o'clock in the morning. That morning we went on board the steamer South America, a dilapidated old craft which was really unsafe for the voyage which was intended. However, after embarking we steamed down the beautiful Rappahannock river, and by next morning were out upon the bosom of the Chesapeake Bay. in a fearful storm, which raged during the greater part of. the day; and many of the boys had cause to remember their experience of that day for a long time. There were very many cases of sea sickness, and at one time the captain was very anxious about the safety of the boat. We had in tow, a schooner loaded with horses, cattle, etc. which was cut adrift during the storm and shortly afterwards was oput of sight, but next morning she sailed into the mouth of the York river all right, except that some of the horses and cattle had been killed during the storm.

The country through which we passed in descending the Rappahannock River is very beautiful and fertile, and at many of the landings there were hundreds of negroes who appeared delighted at seeing us.

Tuesday afternoon we entered the York river, and next morning at thePamunkey river.

The York river is formed by the Mattapony and Pamunkey., The latter is a very crooked stream and in many places so narrow that a person could almost jump off a large boat on either side. It is also very crooked and in many places we could see a boat not more than a mile distant, and apparently going in the same direction with us, which would be from ten to fifteen miles away by the course of the river. While ascending this river we run all the points of the compass, and passed through a low, marshy and almost barren country. We arrived at White House about eight o'clock in the evening of June Ilth, and immediately debarked and camped that night a short distance from the landing.

At this time White House was Gen. McClellan's depot of supplies for the army, and was a great shipping point, coming and going, and thousands of tons of forage and supplies were piled up, and stored around the landing and was being shipped on to the army in front of Richmond

CHAPTER IV
Gen. Stewart's raid --- On picket along the Chickahominay --- At Mechanicsville.

June the 12th, we marched to Tunstall's, Station, on the Richmond and York River Railroad, and about four miles from White House.

Next morning we resumed our march and arrived at Dispatch Station about two o'clock the same afternoon, and camped a short distance from the Station, and were making ourselves as comfortable as possible when we received orders to prepare to march at a moment's notice.

This filled us with visions of a fight, and all imagined that before the sun went down in the west, a blow would be struck at what was then termed the "Doomed City.".But imagine our surprise when about two hours later we were marched slowly down the railroad in the direction of the White House. Then we were informed that Gen. Stewart had made a raid on our rear, and was supposed to be at White House. About midnight, when near Tunstall's Station, some four miles from White House, we saw a light on the railroad ahead of us, and on reaching the spot found it to be a car,loaded with corn. A few of us soon attended to this, and then followed, and after going a short distance we found a man lying on the railroad track, dead and while a few of us took him away, our commanding officer sent skirmishers to the right and left, as well as to the front. I being, one of the last named skirmishers, we went to the front and found a bridge on fire, which was soon extinguished. The skirmishers on the right and left found nothing of the enemy, and, soon came in. We resumed our march to the White House, which place we reached just as the first appearance of dawn, and being very much fatigued we soon lay down to get, if possible, an hour's sleep and rest. About seven o'clock we were aroused and again started in pursuit of the rebels, and after scouting around in vain for five or six hours we bivouaced near Tunstall's Station for the night. We soon afterwards learned that the enemy had made his escape by crossing the Chickahominy river a few miles below. Dispatch Station.

We also learned while at White House, that our immense stores of supplies had been saved by the Third Brigade of our~ Division being detained in some manner, and had just. landed in time to drive the enemy back, thus averting what would have been a serious disaster to our army.

The next morning we returned to Dispatch Station where we remained until the 18th of June, when we marched to Mechanicsville where we arrived the next day and immediately went on picket along the banks of the Chickahominy. Our Brigade was placed along Beaver Dam Creek, with the six companies of the Bucktails on the right of the Brigade.

Thus we were on the extreme right of the Army of the Potomac, and in the Fifth Corps, then commanded by Fitz John Porter. Our position was naturally a strong one. On the front of our camp was a swamp which was almost impassable, and a dam having been built at the road backed the water over a large scope of land which made it still worse so that it was a great protection to the extreme right of our regiment. The left of regiment extended to the Mechanicville and Richmond road, and was joined by the fifth reserves. A large ravine extended to the creek, thus cutting off all chances of crossing at that place. Our camp was on an elevation of at least fifty feet above the creek, and the ground was covered with a heavy growth of timber.

The village of Mechanicsville was situate about half a mile in our front, and the Chickahominy river an our left and running in a diagonal direction with our line. Our picket line was an one aide of the river --- a narrow sluggish stream --- and those of the enemy on the opposite side. A bridge crossed,the river.on the Richmond road, and at-night the pickets on both-sides were advanced to the ends of the bridge and very often would converse with each other, and exchange coffee, sugar, etc. for which the enemy would give us tobacco.

Our picket duty while here was attended to with extreme caution on both aides, and each. party were always on the alert. We all realized that a great battle was about to take place. We had already learned that If "etemal vigilance was the price of Liberty," and each watched the other at all times both night and day.

A flag of truce was sent to our lines bearing letters and dispatches for Gen. McClellan, but I did not have the opportunity of seeing this, as it took place on the right side of our regiment and I was on the extreme left.

Two or three deserters came into our lines while on duty at this place. We could distinctly see the gray backs at work on their fortifications, and from Mechanicsville we could see the church spirles and the dome of the Capitol in the city of Richmond.

CHAPTER V
Digging Rifle Pits --- Commencement of the Seven Days Engagement on the Peninsula.

While encamped in front of the Confederate capitol our orders were, to be ready for action at a moment's notice, and we were called into line on several occasion with the expectation of meeting the enemy but returned to camp without any adventure worthy of note, yet our time was passed in such a manner that we knew not, when we lay down at night, but that we might be aroused at any moment, and when we arose in the morning, we felt as if a fearful conflict would be raging before the setting of another sun.

Instead of a signal corps, our observations were taken from a number of balloons which were stationed at different points. One of these stations being near our camp we witnessed several ascensions. Very often when the balloon had attained the proper elevation for observation, the Rebel Artillerists would fire at them, and In many instances their aim was so accurate as to cause the occupants of the balloon to give the signal to be lowered with all possible speed. On one occasion Gen. McCall, our Division commander was in one of the balloons, and after going about two or three hundred feet a shell from a Confederate gun came crashing through the air in close proximity to the balloon and the signal was at once given to ascend. It was said the General remarked that "the next shot might have punched a hole in some of us."

On Saturday morning June 21st , we were aroused, up--- not by the reveille, for that was prohibited --- but by our officers, and soon fell in line, stacked arms and waited patiently for further orders, but they came not, until about 8 o'clock, when a squad was detailed from each company to dig rifle pits in front, and on either flank of our camp, I remember very distinctively, the many remonstrances given by ........................................ some of the men, who said it was utterly useless, and that the Rebels would not attack us there, but our gallant Major, Roy Stone, then in command, came around and many were the encouraging words spoken by him to his men, and his presence (and let me add here that his presence was always hailed with delight by the boys) and the interest he took caused many to relent their past objections and they fell to work thinking that the gallant Major surely knew best, and that perhaps we might yet need them. Monday and Tuesday (23 and 24) we continued working on our rifle pits, and finished them on the 25th.

We were now In a position to hold our lines against great odds, and in less than twenty four hours after they were finished, we had reason to be thankful for the forethought of Major Stone, in having us so well guarded against the formidable army which was soon to attack us. We firmly believed that had it not been for the protection rendered by these works, that we never could have checked the progress of the army by which we were overwhelmed so shortly after the completion. We also realized that many lives had been saved, for without their protection, it would have been an impossibility to have stopped their progress, and our defeat at that point would certainly have been a very disastrous affair; and caused almost, if not the total, annihilation of the Union Army.

On the morning of the 26th of June, the Bucktails and the Fifth regiment were ordered to "fall in" and were marched to Mechanicsville and the Fifth, and Companies A, E, and F, of the Bucktails were put on post, and B, D, and K were held in reserve. Colonel S. G. Simon's 5th regiment P. R.V.C. was posted along the Chickahominy, and the three companies of Bucktails occupied the extreme right of our line.

Nothing of interest took place until about 11 o'clock a.m., when our Major received orders from General John F. Reynolds, our brigade commander to take his reserve companies, and go to the right and assist the Eighth Illinois cavalry, who were skirmishing with the enemy, then advancing slowly.

We advanced to a woods a short distance above Mechanicsville and ordered to "musling knapsacks," which we left in charge of a guard. We afterwards witnessed --- from a distance --- the capture of those knap-sacks, but were entirely unable to resist the overwhelming force of the enemy that had come down on us, and silently submitted to what we could not avoid, yet it was very trying to lose everything we possessed except  the clothes on our backs. The soldier's knapsack was the only place of safety in which to carry his valuables, and many articles of. great value were deposited in that receptacle, and a soldier who would stoop so low as to interfere with another's knapsack was looked upon with as much contempt as a bank robber would be in civil life, consequently the property of a soldier when enclosed in his knapsack, was almost as safe as if enclosed in the latest improved burglar proof safe, and locked by the most difficult combination.

After being relieved of our baggage we were marched to a junction of three roads leading to Atley's Station. Company D was marched forward toward Atley's Station to support the cavalry at that point. Company K was moved forward to the left of the junction as skinnishers, and Company B, was formed at the junction.

We had scarcely reached our position when the enemy's advance commenced firing on us. We then ascertained that they were crossing in force at Meadow bridge, and this was the commencement of what is known as the Seven Days Engagement before Richmond.

CHAPTER VI
Battle of Mechanicsville --- ThreeCompanies Captured.

After a brisk skirmish with the enemy advancing from Meadow Bridge, our Quartermaster, Capt H. D. Patton, informed Capt. Wister that Colonel Simmons who was in command of the pickets, had.taken them off and the Rebels were getting in our rear, Maj. Stone then had the recall sounded on the bugle, for Companies K and D, but before they returned Company B had engaged the enemy who were approaching from Meadow Bridge. However, Company D soon came in and the Rebels being too strong for us, we with the cavalry, commenced to retreat to Mechanicsville. After considerable difficulty climbing fences and wading swamps we got to our camp; where we found the balance of our regiment except Company K. We soon heard that the gallant boys of that company had advanced beyond sound of the bugle and were surrounded and without doubt were taken prisoners, which afterward proved to be the case. On entering our camp. where it had been reported, we were cut to pieces, the boys of other companies were quite surprised. We immediately entered our rifle pits, and prepared to give the Rebels a warm reception. Captain Coopers'battery B, First Penn'a.. artillery, came up and tooj~ the place we had prepared for it. About 4 o'clock the Rebels made their appearance in our front, and commenced a brisk skirmish with a portion of the First Regiment Penn'a. R. V. C. who soon retired to their works on our right. I saw a heavy column of Rebel infantry coming in our front, and instantly our artillery opened on them, they being too far off for our rifles, as we lay behind our pits. Soon, however, the engagement, became general, and on our left the firing was very heavy, it being the second brigade of our Division engaged there. Toward evening the Rebels came down to the opposite side of the swamp in our front, but no sooner did they do so than we let loose on them with our rifles with terrible effect and in the meantime the artillery firing was very heavy. Battery B did good service, and when darkness closed the fighting for the day the groans of the Rebels were almost heart-rending. I found it almost impossible to sleep. Our loss was one killed, and four wounded, Including our Adjutant who received a wound in the head while in the pits engaged in loading and firing a rifle received from one of our wounded men. The loss in our Division, the P. R. V. C., was thirty-three killed and one hundred and fifty wounded. The enemy's loss was estimated at something over two thousand. The number engaged on our side numbered about seven thousand, and that of the enemy about four times that number.

Thus ended the first day's fight at Mechanicsville. The roar of artillery, and the shouts of our boys had ceased and the groans of the wounded men were terrible. During the night the wounded would cry and beg for water. One man who it was ascertained lay in the swamp near our lines, called for Lieutenant Weld and "French Frank" begged of Major Stone to allow him to go and see if it might be one of the boys of Company K. At last the Major consented and after considerable difficulty and danger, Frank succeeded in getting his man and bringing him into camp. He proved to be a Confederate officer who was badly wounded and --- I think died during the night. He was in all probability one of the marauders who had captured our knapsacks and by that means had gotten the name from some paper obtained therefrom. I cannot look back upon the scenes of that night, without feelings of horror that pen cannot acurately describe. During the night the Rebels were busy bringing up artillery and putting it in position and taking off the dead and wounded. Next morning as soon as the first approach of dawn was noticed, the engagement was resumed by the artillery, and at daylight the Rebel infantry began to come down upon us again with great force, and I noticed that all our infantry had left, and none of our forces were contending against the enemy, except our own regiment and Captain Cooper's battery with two companies C and G of Col. Burdan's First U. S. sharpshooters, who were attached to us temporarily. It was now 4 o'clock in the morning and the fighting was most terrific and terrible. A portion of our Company B was ordered to cross the road on our left, to take a. position held by the Fifth Penn'a. reserves the day before and which we must now hold. We crossed quickly and found we could do nothing there, and a partion of us returned, and received a terrible shower of grape, however, none were hurt. The Rebels now pressed down on us in large force, but our rifles picked them off at a fearful rate, while our artillery made sad havoc in their ranks. Thus the fight raged until 6 o'clock a.m. when me got orders to fall back to Gaines Hill. The battery drew out first, and we followed in perfect order, felling trees across the road and destroying bridges. Soon after leaving our pits we found to our great sorrow that one company E and the larger portion of Company D had remained, not having noticed our departure, and have since informed us that they never had received orders to come out. Thus they were taken, and many were the sufferings endured by these brave and gallant boys.

We then ascertained that Stonewall Jackson was moving rapidly down on our right and was likely to cut off communications with our supplies at White House Landing.

McClellen being overpowered by that formidable addition to the Confederate forces was compelled to fall back on the James river. It was with deep regret that all his well-laid plans had to be abandoned, yet the Secretary of War was deaf to his appeals for aid and refused to send him even a portion of the forty thousand men under McDowell, who were stationed along the Rappahannock river, lounging idly in their camps while their brave comrades were being slaughtered in the swamps along the Chickahominy in a vain effort to uphold the honor of our flag.

Considerable comment has been indulged in concerning McClellan's conduct of the war at that time. Many contend that he was a failure owing to his incompetency, yet all who fairly search the records and are not partial, will be forced to admit that the failure was owing to the war department refusing to co-operate with him for fear, of an invasion of the National Capital, when at the time of the engagements before Richmond it is well known that all the available forces of the Confederacy were concentrated against McClellan, and 10,000 troops would have been sufficient to have guarded against all danger in that direction. There was at least half the number guarding Washington, that was in the. army in front of the Rebel capital. Again, when we notice that in each of the engagements in front. of Richmond, our army was outnumbered by at least, two to one, yet is admitted by the enemy's report that they were defeated in every engagement, and that their loss was double that of ours. Then, had we been in possession of half the number guarding our capital, to have followed up our victory, there is no doubt.but what the city of Richmond would have been taken and the war ended then and there.

Battle of Gaines Hill --- Stonewall Jackson --- White Oak Swamp

On arriving at Gaines Hill, we had scarcely one hundred men left, yet after an hour or two, many joined us, who getting very tired, had fell behind. Here we ascertained that all the troops with us at Mechanicsville, had been ordered to fall back, and had commenced doing so at 2 o'clock in the morning, and our regiment and Coopers' battery were to hold our position until six o'clock. After a few hour's rest, during which preparations were being made for another battle, we were ordered to be ready to go in again. Very soon skirmishing began, then artillery opened, and soon the fight became general. At three o'clock, we were marched slowly up the hill to the front, then to the left, and finally got into position, and after fighting until six o'clock p.m., we found all the forces on our right and left falling back, and our ammunition being exhausted, we fell slowly back as the Irish brigade came to our relief.

The scenes of this battle field was one of fearful and imposing grandeur. As on the day previous our tired and. exhausted men were confronted by twice their number, yet stood bravely battling against such fearful odds. The gallant Capt. Easton of Company A, First Penn'a artillery, declared that he would never allow his battery to be taken while he lived. and after his horses were all killed, and nearly all of his men either killed or wounded, a fearful charge was made by the enemy and true to his word the brave Easton stood by in defense of his guns and they were taken over his dead body,

As the sun was sinking in the western sky, without a cloud, it looked like a sea of blood through the smoke of battle that filled the air. Our troops were slowly falling back, contesting every foot of ground, and, when twilight settled over the landscape, and the enemy had.paused in his victorious career, and fell back, the bloody battle was ended. The slaughter was fearful on both sides the ground was crimson with the blood of brave men and sprinkled thickly with dead and wounded. Many guns and prisoners had been left in the enemy's hands, and among them the gallant General Reynolds, our Brigade commander. The Confederates admitted a loss of 7000, killed and wounded in this engagement while the loss in killed and wounded and missing of the Union anny at Mechanicsville, and Gaines Hill is estimated at 6500.

To Illustrate or represent the feelings of General McClellan occasioned by his defeat, we need only quote the following story and stinging words to the Secretary of War: "I know that a few thousand more men would have changed this battle from a defeat to a victory. As it is, the government must not, and cannot, hold me responsible for the result. "I feel too earnestly tonight., I have seen too many dead and wounded comrades to feel other wise than that the government has not sustained this army. If you do not do so now, the game is lost.

"If I save this army now, I tell you plainly, that I owe no thanks to you or any person in Washington.

"You have done your best to sacrifice this army." I

This is an accusation from which the Secretary of War never successfully vindicated himself.

We now fully understood why our forces were ordered to fall back from Mechanicsville; it was to defeat Stonewall Jackson, in his attempt to out flank us, by a movement on Cold Harbor. He came in on our flank at Gaines Hill and there defeated us in this engagement. Darkness closed the battle, and soon afterward we crossed the Chickahominy and lay down to sleep a few hours it possible, but sleep we could not, having lost our blankets, knap.sacks and tents during the first day's engagement at Mechancsville. Next day we lay near .........................Bridge, and during the afternoon and evening many of us gathered brush and leaves to make
comfortable sleeping quarters for the night. But no sooner had we laid down than we heard the familiar voice
of our gallant Major calling to us fall in "Bucktails." We soon fell in and marched we know not where, but by
and by came to Savage station, which we passed and at daylight we found ourselves near White Oak Swamp. a
We were halted and allowed time to cook a cup of coffee and roast a piece of mess pork on a stick, which,
after eating we proceeded on our weary journey again, and at noon we had crossed the White Oak Swamp
Bridge and were now near to Charles city cross-roads. In the evening we heard that a a battle had been fought
at Savage station, but we did not learn the results. About sundown we were ordered out on the Richmond road
to do Picket duty, and I must confess hat I never spent a night with more evil forebodings since I can
remember. A portion of our lines were mixed with the Rebels, and several disturbances took place in the night
causing considerable alarm among the men. We were ordered to lay down but not to sleep, which - was almost
impossible, as we were very tired, yet, we knew that to disobey orders would be very dangerous, as we were
very close to the enemy and knew not at what moment we would be attacked. Every man was ordered to roll
the right sleeve of his coat above the elbow, and each regiment had the initials of his regiment, as a
countersign, so that if we were attacked we would be able to distinguish each other.

Sometime during the night one of the men had got into a light sleep and dreamed he was falling, and shouted at the top of his voice. Scarcely had he done so when each man was on his feet and ready for action, but Major Stone. who was always on the alert, soon gave the men to understand the cause of the alarm and soon all. became quiet, and the balance of the night way passed without anything serious occurring.

At length, however,' morning' dawned and we were relieved and marched about half a mile back to an open field, where we lay down expecting to got some rest but were soon roused up to be mustered (it being the 30th of June.) Scarcely had we got through when we heard the pickets firing, and in a short time a few shells come rather nearer to us than was agreeable, and in a few moments we fell in and were marched to the rear of a battery of Parrot guns, which opened fire immediately upon the appearance of the enemy in the field. Very soon the enemy made a charge on the battery, but they were repulsed by the lst, 2nd and 8th regiments of our Division, after which we were marched to the left of the battery, but no sooner had we got there than our men were falling back. it was here that the gallant Col. S. G. Simmons, of the Fifth P. R V. C. was shot dead, while gallantly leading a charge. We lay down, and after our forces had retreated over us, we were up and gave the advancing Rebels a volley that so completely surprised them that we reloaded and gave them a second volley before they made any response. But now they bore down on us in a tremendous heavy column, and compelled us to fall back, and while we did they poured into our ranks a most fearful volley, and as I looked up the air seemed blue with leaden hail. A Division of. the Third corps now took our place while we fell to the rear and re-formed under our gallant Major Roy Stone, when we were again marched to the front. It was now dark and we did not enter the engagement, We soon moved slowly to the rear and lay down, very nearly wom out with the hard duty of the last few days. Many of our brave boys lay upon that bloody battlefield of Charles City Cross Roads. When I reflect upon the occurances above narrated, I can scarcely realize that I was one of those fortunate creatures that escaped unhurt, for escape at that time seemed an impossibility, exposed as we were to the galling fire of the enemy.

There was fighting everywhere at this time. The enemy's artillery was thundering away on our rear guard at White Oak Swamp bridge on our right, while at the same time they came down on Porter, whose left rested on the James river, and whom the gun boats assisted by sending their awful missiles of death through the columns of the astonished, desperate and determined enemy, who being maddened at the escape of the foe, fought with a desperation never before surpassed, and scarcely ever equaled, and who were determined to break through our long lines at some point. The whole country seemed dark with the moving masses, and the summer sun went down in an ocean of rolling smoke, that heaved and rifted before, the deafening explosions which made the earth tremble. Our, wearied hungry troops moved amid the carnival of death with a heroism that mocked  at numbers, and made the last day of June, 1862, one to be remembered by the American people. The earth turned red with the blood of the dead and wounded, but still 'our glorious stars and stripes floated triumphantly over the field. Gen. McCall, our Division commander, fell into the hands of the enemy. Gen, Meade was wounded, Capt. Holland of the Bucktails was killed besides many others.

There were also very many wounded and taken prisoners. While asleep that night an orderly came around waking the boys and urging them to move on as the enemy was expected to "gobble us up" at any moment. The writer was aroused and requested some of his comrades who were near, to get up and come on, but many, among whom was Robert B. Valentine and E.B. Fleck, of the writer's company, who were too tired to get up and were consequently taken prisoners. After an imprisonment of forty-two days they returned to the regiment, and many times have talked the matter over and said they would have done much better, and avoided many hardships, had they got up and went along with the rest of the boys.

We kept moving along and by noon the next day, July Ist, were in sight of the James river. Here we saw troops drawn in line; artillery in position and everything prepared for a battle. We were marched to the rear and informed that we would not be required to enter this engagement. We were not allowed to sleep here for a terrible cannonading was very soon opened and a great battle in progress, known as the battle of Malvern Hill.

From the bluff we occupied we had a fine view of the battlefield. The booming of cannon, the sharp musketry and the heavy charges plainly told of the fierceness of the conflict. Here, the Rebels suffered a sore defeat, and. had McClellan had 30,000 fresh men he would have taken Richmond almost immediately. This, however, has been commended upon by various persons and has been very frequently contradicted, but I still assert, that Gen. McClellan would have been in Richmond before the close of that battle had reinforcements been furnished him when asked for asked for. He was that day more victorious than our army had been since under the different commanders. I was one of the Penn'a Reserves that followed the gallant McClellan through his campaigns and were I in the army to-day, I would say, "Give me back my old commander," for truly, there is great praise due him for the bravery displayed there.

The next day we marched to Harrison's Landing, and encamped. The anny was at last safe and the terrible struggle that had been kept up day and night since the 26th of June, was over. This gallant army, bleeding at every step, and leaving its dead and wounded on almost every foot of ground, had fought its way triumphantly out of the very jaws of destruction, and were now safely encamped along the James river, and although shorn of about 15,000 of its best men, were, proud and defiant as ever. The mighty effort put forth by the Rebel government had failed, and notwithstanding the failure of the government at Washington to send forth assistance in their dire extremity the Union army was now a better base to advance on Richmond than at any previous time. The whole country was surprised at the success of the movement, as they were certain that the army would be captured or destroyed, and many wondered and clamored because McDowell had not been ordered to the relief of the beleagered army, They censured the Secretary of War for injustice to McClellan in his hour of danger.

McClellan still confident that be would receive the proper assistance from the government, Issued a brilliant address to his soldiers, promising soon to lead them into Richmond. Our much lamented, and ever faithful President, Abram Lincoln, thanked him in a letter saying "I am satisfied that yourself, officers and men have done the best you could. Ten thousand thanks for it. Be assured the heroism and skill of yourself, officers and men is and forever will be, appreciated." McClellan then asked for reinforcements, which the government at Washington refused, and declared itself unable to furnish which caused him to write a letter to the Department that had an important influence on his destiny and the final cause of his removal from the army.

Nothing of any importance took place here until the Ist of August at I o'clock in the morning, when the Rebels attempted to shell our camp from a battery they had put in position on the other side of the James river. The only damage done in our lines was by a shell bursting in one of the regiments and killing one man and wounding two others, and creating a terrible panic among a lot of counterbands who were encamped along the river, many of whom were so badly frightened that they never stopped until they landed in a swamp near where our regiment was encamped; and over one mile from the river. They were the most frightened lot of negroes that the writer ever beheld, and the next morning many of them emerged from the swamp, where they had remained all night, the most dilapidated looking, mud besmeared, half drowned mortals imaginable.

Our mortar boats soon opened fire on the enemy's battery and in a very short time it was silenced. Next morning a detail was sent across the river to investigate and examine the country, and returned in the evening loaded with potatoes, flour, fowls, etc., which they had confiscated during the day. They reported that our batteries had done good service, in disabling one of the enemy's guns and killing and wounding several men and horses, and causing them to abandon their disabled guns. That ended the attack from the opposite side of the river. One day while laying quietly in camp, a shell exploded in our midst which caused great alarm, as no report of a gun had been heard, soon another, and another exploded and still the mystery was not solved. At last a cannon was discovered on a hill to our left, and a party sent out to reconnoitre. who by a roundabout movement came upon the enemy very suddenly and captured the whole force, which consisted of a gun and about a half dozen of men The mystery of the noiseless gun was then solved. They had been using gun-cotton which makes no report, yet sends the ball with a force equal to powder.

During the time the army lay at Harrison's Landing, important' changes were being made in the army around. Washington. Not only the country, but the President, was perfectly satisfied with, the military strategy as administered by the Secretary of War, and determined on introducing some other method of conducting, the movements of the army. General Pope was ordered from the west to take charge of the corps under McDowell, Banks and Fremont, also all the troops garrisoned around Washington. These troops were called the Army of Virginia, which gave him an army of about fifty thousand men. He at once concentrated his army so as to better protect Washington. It then became obvious to the President that to have two distinct armies entirely, independent of each other, with no common head but the Secretary of War whose incapacity had been fully tested, concluded to place General Nalleck, Commander in Chief of all the Armies. This officer, who had never conducted an engagement, or never fought a battle except the one at Corinth, was placed at the head of the American Armies on the 12th day of July, 1862. He at once adopted the original plan of the President, which was to move on Richmond by way of Bull Run, Gordonsville, etc., consequently the Army of. the Potomac was ordered to abandon McClellan't much coveted plan and return as once to Acquia Creek, which movement he with great reluctance and after many appeals to the authorities at Washington, finally prepared to obey.

Ship for Bell Plain--- Second Battle of Bull Run --- Battles of South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg

Shortly after arriving at Harrison's Landing Col. McNeil returned, having entirely recovered from his illness. Capt. Langhorn Wister of Company B, was by order of Gen. McClellan, detailed on recruiting service and left the regiment on the 25th day of July, 1862. He had received a wound in the foot by a piece of a shell while in the engagement at White Oak Swamps, which slightly disabled him. He, in connection with Major Roy Stone, who also left the regiment about this time, recruited and organized the 1491h and 1501h regiments of Penn' Vol., and named them the New Bucktails. Major Stone was commissioned Colonel of the 149th and Capt. Wister of the 150th. They were engaged in many important battles and, did good service. Both were severly wounded at Gettysburg, and breveted Brigadier Generals.

On this 6th of August, the prisoners who were taken during the Seven Days engagement, returned, to the regiment, except a few who were too sick at that time to be removed. Their return was hailed with delight by the boys and many were the questions asked and answered. We were informed of the terrible treatment of those who were so unfortunate as to fall into the hands of the enemy. Very many of our brave boys had died from exposure and starvation; many were so far gone as to be entirely unfit to be moved and those who did return were mostly in a deparable condition yet it was an occasion for great rejoicing in the regiment, and many who were scarcely able to move hailed the old flag with great delight and cheered to the extent of their feeble ability. Many of those who were left in prison at the time of the exchange, never returned to the regiment, and as we afterwards learned died in a short time, and their graves are marked "unknown" with many thousands who are buried on the battlefields of the great Southern rebellion.

A few days after the return of our prisoners from Richmond, we turned in our Springfield rifles and were armed with Sharp's breech-loading rifles, and Spencer repeating rifles, which were the most accurate long range guns in the service. This act of kindness in the government was highly appreciated, and greatly encouraged the boys, and was probably an incentive which afterwards --- as heretofore --- placed them on the roll of honor in the Army of the Potomac.

On the evening of the 14th of August, we were marched to the James river and embarked on board an old boat named "Kingston," which had formerly been used as a tow boat on the Chesapeake Bay. Next morning we steamed down the James river and landed at Fortress Monroe, on the 16th. A terrible storm which was raging at the time caused us to remain at that place on account of our boat being entirely unfit for the voyage to the mouth of the Potomac river.

After laying there a few days, in consequence of rough weather, we finally steamed up, and on the 20th arrived at Aquia creek, and took the cars on the Richmond, Fredricksburg and Potomac railroad for Falmouth, arriving there the same evening. hnmediately on arriving at that place we were ordered to be in readiness to march at a moment's notice, and before we had time to get our supper we were ordered to join Pope, who had superceded McClellan, and was then at Kelley's Ford, on the Rappahannock river, a few miles above Falmouth. At seven o'clock in the evening we took up our line of march, and after a few hours traveling in the dark lay down to get a little rest and sleep. At dawn the next morning we were again on the move.

On the 23rd we passed Rappahannock station, on the Orange and Alexandria railroad, near the bridge across the river, and at night camped near Fayettsville. The next day we arrived at Warrentown, and camped near the town. After moving to different points we finally joined the main army under Gen, Pope at or near, Bull Run, on the morning of August 28. You are all acquainted with the details of this terrible battle, and I have only to say that we were in the engagement from its beginning to its end. The lose in our regiment in this engagement was comparitively light, as most of our duty was skirmishing. The duty of a skirmisher is one that is attended with extreme caution and danger, and requires constant watchfulness, but as a regiment of skirmishers are often extended for miles in line, they seldom suffer so much as troops in solid columns, yet they are at all times liable to be picked off by the enemy, and have to be constantly on the look-out. Among our dead was the gallant Lieut. Robert Hall, of Company D. The loss In the Division was heavy, and that of the army about four times the number of the first battle of Bull Run'.

General Pope blamed Banks for bringing on the disastrous battle of Cedar Mountain, before he had concentrated the army, thus allowing Jackson to escape, who would have been annihilated, had Banks stood on the defensive instead of bringing on the engagement which terminated in such great slaughter to our army. Others blame McClellan for not bringing up his army in time. Others blamed Porter, who it appears failed to obey orders. There was certainly a great mistake somewhere, as many thousand men, who should have saved us from defeat were never called into action at that time. I feel confident that we never would have suffered a defeat at second Bull Run, had we been commanded by fewer officers. Most of the men had no confidence in Halleck or McDowell, and still less in Pope, but it is not for me to say how they were concerned in the defeat.

The government at Washington was alarmed at the lamented failure of Pope, and once more placed McClellan in command of the army. They saw the imminent peril which suddenly surrounded the National Capital. Lee was crossing the Potomac in the vicinity of Hagerstown, and it, was not known whether he proposed to move down upon, Washington or invade Pennsylvania. It was evident that he intended to make some strategic movement while his victorious army were exultant over their recent victory, and before our shattered and bleeding army could be reorganized.

McClellan, who wished to show no disposition for revenge at his ill treatment, at once took the field, and in a very short time was cautiously moving up the Potomac on the Maryland side. His gallant army, although shattered and foot sore, were full of spirit and determination, because their old commander was once more at their head. It needed no other incentive to urge them on the weary march, or nerve them for the daring deeds which was characteristic of their former actions, and soon the Army or the Potomac, was well on its way to check the movements of Genoral Lee.

After the battle of Bull Run the Penn'a Reserves were assigned to General Hooker's corps.

About the 10th of September, 1862, we were joined by the four companies of our regiment who had accompanied Lieut. Colonel Kane in the Shenandoah Valley. Kane had been breveted Brigadier General for meritorious conduct on the field, and was at the time of the return of those companies severely wounded, and I believe a prisoner. As I am not acquainted with the particulars, I shall leave their daring deeds to be recorded by some one better acquainted with the circumstances than I am at present. The engagements in which they participated were the Battles of Harrisnoburg, Cross Keys, Cedar Mountain, and Catlett Station. Here let me say that the gallant Col. Kane, was one of our most daring and brave officers and was beloved by all his men
On the 14th of September we were in the battle of South Mountain, and assisted in gaining a most glorious victory.

On the 16th we opened, the great battle of Antietam, Our loss was very heavy, including our Col. 'Hugh W, McNiel, as brave an officer as ever drew a sword or led a battalion; also Lieut Wm. Allison, of Company B, one of Pennsylvania's noblest soldiers.

Our Division had scarcely enough for a brigade, and regiments scarcely enough men for a company, and all were worn out and nearly naked.

After the battle of Antietam our army had received many recruits, was fully equipped and in fine condition for effective duty.

On the 26th of October, we left the vicinity of Sharpsburg, where we had been encamped since the battle of Antietam, and with the main body of the army crossed the Potomac, and moved on, via Lovettsville, Waterford, Hamilton, Unions, White Plains, and Warrenton, to the vicinity of Falmouth.

On the 18th of November, 1862, another change of commanders took place and Gen A. E. Burnside was placed at the head of the army.

Nothing of importance occurred until the battle of Fredericksburg, which took place on December 13th, 1862. We crossed the Rappahannock near Fredericksburg on the 12th and marched about two miles down the river, part of our regiment going on picket. Nothing of any moment occurred during the night.

In the morning we were relieved and formed in the rear of the picket line being under the impression that we were going to the rear, but we soon ascertained that that was not the intention. We were marched some distance to the right and ordered to unsling our knapsacks, we then marched up the river to the rear of the battery, which began firing shortly after we came up. Here we lay with nothing to disturb us except an occasional shot from the Rebel sharpshooters until about I o'clock p.m., when the line was advanced, which brought on a general engagement, and which I am entirely unable to describe. I will just say that this battle was lost under the same circumstances which occasioned the defeat at Bull Run.

Had we been supported in a proper manner, or at all, I feel confident that our army would have been victorious. The loss in our regiment, 210 killed, wounded and missing. Our division lost more here than in any previous engagement, the entire loss being over 1,800 killed, wounded and missing. in this engagement we were commanded by Capt. Chas. F. Taylor, who was afterward promoted to the position of colonel.

After the great battle we recrossed the Rappahannock river on the night of the 14th of December, and marched to near White Oak Church, where we were ordered to make our quarters as comfortable as possible, as the army intended to go into winter quarters. Here we remained quietly and very comfortablt until the 20th day of January, '63, when the great Burnside movement was begun.

The Burnside movement --- Fairfax station --- Battle of Gettysburg, Pa.---The Enemy Escapes to Virginia.

On the 20th we marched to near Falmouth, and shortly after going into camp for the night the rain began to fall in torrents, and continued during the night; our camp being on low ground, we were pretty,well overflowed before morning; however, as soon as daylight appeared, we resumed our march, and at I o'clock p.m., were halted near Bank's Fork, where we lay until next moming,when we had intended to cross the river, but the rain, still continuing to fall, had raised the water to such all extent that the stream was utterly impossible, and it was almost impossible to move troops at all, on account of the mud, in consequence of which the movement had to be abandoned, and we were ordered to return to our old camp, near White Oak Church, which was reached on the evening of the 24th. Thus ended the campaign, which was known, in the army as the "Burnside stick in the mud," and I think that the name is very appropriately applied. for never since the outbreak of the Rebellion has the army been so completely stopped in its progress as it was at that time. Public opinion censures General Burnside for this movement, but any rational man could not find fault with him, as no General would have done better under the circumstances, however, on the 25th of January, Burnside was superseded by Gen. Joseph Hooker, which in some cases was hailed with delight in anticipation of the great results that would be accomplished with his brilliant fighting qualities, which had given him the name of "Fighting Joe"; and as a corps commander. was very appropriately applied.

We remained quietly at camp at White Oak Church until the 6th of February, 1863. when we received orders to pack up and be ready to move. and no order was ever more willingly obeyed, as we were informed that the Division was to be relieved from active duty, and taken to the defense at Washington, to rest and recruit.

We marched to Belle Plain, that night and embarked on board an old canal boat, and in trying to get out of the creek the boat we were on had a hole cut through the hull by the ice and soon filled with water, which compelled us to abandon her and go on board the steamer which had us in tow, We were none too soon in getting off the leaky old craft which by the time all had left her, was half filled with water and soon went down. By our removal from the boat we were compelled to take a deck passage and were almost frozen during the voyage to Alexandria. Va., which place we reached next morning, and camped near the city until the 12th day of February, when we marched to the Orange and Alexander railroad and took the cars at Fairfax station and from thence we marched to Fairfax Court House, which we reached the same day, and went into a camp formerly occu pied by the Twelfth Vermont regiment. .

Nothing occurred to disturb us until the night of the 8th of March, when Capt. Mosley's Guerillas made a daring raid into the village of Fairfax, capturing we commander of the post, Gen. Stoughton, and a few horses. We were ordered out to follow him but were too late, as be had made good his escape.

At this place our duty was very pleasant, having nothing to do except camp guard, but during our stay the small-pox broke out among the boys, and caused considerable alarm. Our regiment escaped with but one death and I believe there were only about two or three cases in the Division that proved fatal. While here our regiment was reorganized by the appointment of Chas. F. Taylor, Colonel A. F. Niles, Lieut.Colonel, and W. R. Hartshorn Major.

On Saturday, May 2nd. 1863, the great battle of Chancellorsville, Va., was opened by Gen. Hooker's army and we distinctly heard the booming of his cannon, and waited with great anxiety the news giving the results of the battle. Sunday morning we still heard the artillery which we hoped would be a great victory., but were sadly disappointed. The whole country was disappointed at the result of that battle.

Great interest had been centered in the Army of the Potomac. Those who had faith in Hooker hoped that the remembrance of Fredericksburg was to be wiped out and that McClellan, Pope and Burnside's failures to annihilate the Confederate army would be effaced by a victory that would astonish the world. But the death of the Confederate general, Stonewall Jackson, is supposed to be the only thing that saved Hooker's army from total annihilation. As it was, he barely escaped across the Rappahannock during the night, and thus escaped from an army of less than half the number of the Army of the Potomac.

It was thought that Lee's army had been so severely punished at Chancellorsville that he would not make any immediate demonstrition against our army, but in a short time it was discovered that he was moving to Win. chester, where he fell on General Milroy, who, with part of his forces, consisting of about seven thousand men escaped to Harper's Ferry and the balance were driven towards Bloody Run in Pennsylvania.

Lee crossed the Potomac and occupied Hagerstown, Md., and then on into Penn'a, causing great panic in Harrisburg, Philadelphia and other places throughout the country.

Hooker's army marched to Fairfax Station on the 15th of June and began moving up the Potomac about the 24th. The Penn'a Reserves broke camp next day and with the army crossed the river at Edwards Ferry, reaching Frederick on the 28th of June, 1863.

Another change took place this day in the army and General George G. Meade assumed command. The announcement of this change when it was evident a great battle was about to take place, was a surprise and awakened the deepest anxiety in every breast. None, perhaps, wished him greater success than his old Division --- the Penn'a Reserves, with whom his association since the commencement of their career had endeared him. Meade was but little known outside the Reserves, in the army and the change was by many believed, as on former occasions, an error. But after it was reported that he bad cut all telegraphic communications between himself and Washington so that he would not be interfered with in that direction not only the army but the whole country applauded the act.

The fact was plainly illustrated in the past that Washington was the wrong place for the headquarters of the army and that the movements during a great battle could not be properly directed through hundreds of miles of telegraph communication. The General in Chief at Washington could look over his map and see points where a proper force might be of service and issue his orders accordingly without taking into consideration the probabilities or possibilities of their getting up in time to carry out his Plans.

Should the army have had wings his campaigns might have been carried out successfully, but as it was the failure of success in our army on many occasions can he attributed to unsuccessful directions of the General in Chief at Washington which was fully demonstrated during the latter part of the war,

On June 29th we continued our march via Union Bridge, Johnsville and Hanover, to Gettysburg. which place we reached on the afternoon of July 2nd, and entered the engagement at, or near, Little Round Top and continued in it until the close of the battle. The loss in our regiment was forty-eight killed, wounded and missing, including Col. C. F. Taylor, who was shot dead while gallantly leading a charge.

The Bucktails as also the Penn'a Reserves were attached to the Fifth corps, commanded by the gallant Sikes. The Division was commanded by Gen. S. Wiley Crawford. The position occupied by our Division was in the vicinity of Little Round Top and the Devil's Den and I need only say that they being true Pennsylvanians and many of them near their homes, fought with a valor never surpassed in the history of the war. At the time the heights around Gettysburg were rocking to the terrible thunder of cannon, and their slopes reddened with the blood of brave men and literally covered with dead and wounded, the citizens of both north and south were in a ferment of anxiety to know the result. The morning of our National holiday dawned and our guns boomed forth their challenge for the renewal of the right, but no reply being received. the news of the great victory flew over the wires spreading joy and exultation to the people of the North. To the Army the result seemed to be in doubt. The Confederate army still confronted our lines, but no general movements were made. We sincerely hoped that the terrible conflict would not be renewed. The wonderful cannonading the previous evening; the fierce charges of the enemy and the dreadful slaughter on both sides had so terribly decimated the ranks of both armies of officers and men that they felt a great reluctance in renewing the contest. Thus the ever memorable 4th day of July, 1863, passed with two great armies, men of the same country and creed, and who should never have been foes, waiting without any anxiety, yet ready for action in case of an attack. The last grand effort of the enemy on the previous day had failed, and he now waited, but hoped that be would not be forced to renew the engagement. Meade made no attempt to renew hostilities, as he had no reserve to follow up any advantage he might have gained, and scarcely any ammunition. Our army had been near defeat, and had Lee been reinforced by a few thousand troops he might have won the day.

As it was both armies had done all they could, and nothing remained for Lee to do but remove his shattered and terribly reduced army back into Virginia. The most important battle of the war was over, The fields and slopes around Gettysburg presented a sad and sickening wreck, and at a loss of over twenty-three thousand men, a great victory had been won, and the Confederacy taught a lesson which forever after kept them from invading our glorious old Keystone State.

During the night of the 4th the Confederate army retreated toward the Potomac, and the pursuit commenced on the sixth. Gen. Meade spent the 5th in gathering up, and caring for the wounded and burying the dead. Never during the war was so much interest manifested by the Sanitary Commission, in relieving the wounded of both friend and foe. Its blessed charities were distributed to all, and shed its benign radiance over the scenes of slaughter, which relieved it of half its horrors.

This, in my opinion, was the most terrible battle of the war, and many thanks are due to General Meade for the manner in which he controlled the Army of the Potomac. I feel confident that had it not been for his superior Generalship our army would have suffered a sore defeat, and a defeat at that time and place, would have proved very disastrous to the nation and the destruction, it not the entire annihilation, of the Army of the Potomac. But, thank Providence and the superior exertions of our officers and men, the foe was repulsed at every point, and finally forced to retreat from our glorious old Keystone State into Maryland, and finally, as the sequel will show, to his own intrenchment south of the Rappahannock.

Our Division being attached to the Fifth Corps de Army, we took our line of march with the army toward Maryland on the 6th of July, and proceeding via Emmitsburg, Middletown and Boonsboro, to the vicinity of Williamsport, Md., where to all appearance, the Rebels intended to make a stand, and it was the general opinion of our commanders that they could not cross the Potomac, it having swollen from the recent rains to such an extent, that it was impossible to cross it at that time. Therefore, Gen. Meade was in no hurry to attack them, and after waiting until his army was concentrated, he advanced to find to his great sorrow that nothing awaited him but empty entrenchments.

Manassa Gap --- Rappahannock Station --- Gen. G. G. Meade Presented with a sword --- Speeches of Gens. Crawford and Meade.

Before Lee reached the Potomac a heavy rain storm set in swelling the river so that it was impossible for him to cross hence, Meade was in no hurry to attack the works that had been erected for the enemy's defense. Several days had passed in getting his army concentrated and properly organized for the contest which he felt certain would terminate in the destruction of the Rebel army.

Many of his most able commanders had either been killed or wounded and his army considerably broken up by the late terrible conflict, and not until the morning of the 14th of July was the advance made. We expected to have a terrible battle as we moved forward on their earthworks, which were visible for a long distance across a great plain, and while crossing the plain we expected to be fired upon at every step but still we advanced and when we reached the works were somewhat astonished to find them vacated and the enemy safely across the river. This was a sad disappointment, not only to our army, but to the people of the North.

The clamor once more arose and the people condemned Meade for letting them escape. The people were not aware of the fact that talk of capturing an army was much easier done than the work connected with capturing it, and they were not aware of the position of either army. Lee's position was of such a character that he could have held all the forces that could possibly have operated against him. His flanks rested on the river and his lines shore and protected by works so formidable that any attempt to capture him would have resulted in fearful slaughter if not in the destruction of our army.

Lee had constructed a bridge from the timber which was in abundance in the vicinity and in all probability had his army safely across the river several days previous to our advance. The only troops that remained was a few to make a show in the works and they were captured before they could escape across the river.

Another grand chance to "bag" Lee's army had escaped and, as the people afterward found out, the work of "bagging" an army was not so easily done.

After the death of Col. Taylor, Lieut. Colonel Niles resigned on account of a wound which he had received in a battle previous to this time, becoming so troublesome as to incapacitate him from duty. The command of the regiment then devolved on Major W. R. Hartshorn, in which capacity he remained until our return home. He was an able commander and much liked by the men. The companies had been filled up with recruits and notwithstanding the heavy losses we had sustained in the engagement just ended, our regiment was in very good condition for active service.

Nothing daunted by his disappointment, he ordered an advance and with the grand army we took up our line of march for Berlin. Md., which place we reached on the 10th day of July, 1863. The next day we crossed the Potomac and proceeded via Lovettsville, Percersville and Union to Rectorstown on the Manassas Gap railroad. On July 23rd we marched toward Manassas Gap, and by evening we had passed through the Gap, where there had been a battle that but we did not arrive in time to participate in it but lay on the field that night expecting our turn in the morning. Morning came and with it the welcome news that the enemy had left during the night. We lay near the battle-field next day, and the next morning commenced our weary march back through the Gap toward Farroldsville where we took the Warrenton road and marched to Orleans that day. This was a hard day's march as the weather was very dry and warm. and we had been without rations for two days, our supply train having been sent from Rectortown to Warrenton for rations, and there being some difficulty in the transportation we were destined to be the sufferers.

The next morning, July 25th, we took up our line of march and after moving around every day, and nothing worthy of note transpiring, arrived at Rappahannock Station on the 8th of August. Nothing of any import occurred here until the 28th of August when the officers of the Penn'a Reserve Corps being desirous of presenting Major General George G. Meade with a testimonial of their esteem and admiration for his talents and skill as a leader and officer, and of their affection for him as a tried friend and courteous gentleman, offered for his acceptance a costly sword of most exquisite workmanship, and accompanied by a sash, belt and pair of gold. spurs. The blade of the sword was of the finest Damascus steel, and the scabbard of pure gold, having among the inscriptions the following: Mechanicsville, Gaines'Mill, New Market Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, Bull Run, (second) South Mountain, Antietam Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. Near the hilt, inlaid in blue enamel and gold, with precious diamonds, were the initials of General George Gordon Meade-G. G. M. and the handle of the weapon was encircled with a row of opals, amethysts, rubies and other precious jewels.

Invitations were extended to Gov. Curtin, of Penn'a, and a number of gentlemen prominent in civil and military life, who were also present. Gen. S. Wylie Crawford, the gallant commander of the Reserves, was designated as the most suitable person to present the well-deserved tribute, and ably performed the pleasant duty.

Gen. Meade then stepped forward amid the most vociferous cheering, and responded as follows: Speech of Major General Meade.

General Crawford and Officers of the Division of the Penn's Reserve Corps: --- I accept the sword with feelings of profound gratitude. I should be insensible to all promptings of nature if I were not grateful and proud at receiving a testimonial of approbation from a band of officers and men so distinguished as has been the division of the Penn'a Reserve Corps during the whole period of this war. I have a right therefore, to be proud that they should think my conduct and my service have been of such a character as to justify them in collecting here so many distinguished gentlemen as I see about me from different parts of the country, and our state, to present to me this handsome testimonial. It in effect says to me that in their judgment I have done my duty toward them and toward my country. (Applause). I began my career in this army by commanding the Second brigade of your division. I faithfully endeavored during that time that I held command and also the command of your division, to treat the officers and men in a manner that would express to them my high appreciation of their conduct as soldiers and brave men.

I am very glad, sir, that you have mentioned your distinguished guest the Governor of Penna. (Cheers). I have a personal knowledge of his patriotic efforts in behalf of the soldiers. To him the country is indebted for putting into the field in its hour of sorest need this splendid corps, and I have watched with pleasure and satisfaction the solicitude he has always shown to see that all its interests and wants are attended to. I have been with him on the occasions when he had visited the officers and men from our own state, and I know that they are indebted to him for many comforts, and that the country is indebted to him for words of eliquence which he addressed to them to inspire them with increased patriotism and courage; (Cheers). 1 am gratified that he is here to witness this presentation, and I hastily join with you, sir, in the hope that his fellow citizens will remember on election day his services in promoting the interests of the country and the suppression of the rebellion. (Long and continued cheers.)

In speaking of the pride which I experience In receiving the sword I feel myself justifled, even at the risk of being charged with egotism in saying a few words about the services rendered by this division. I say unhesitatingly, here before this assembly and I am quite sure when the history of the war is written, that the facts will vindicate me, that no division in this glorious Army of the Potomac glorious as I conceive it to be is entitled to claim more credit for its uniforrn, gallant conduct and for the amount of hard fighting it has gone through, then the division of the Penn'a Reserve Volunteer Corps. (Cheers). I do not wish to take any credit to myself in this, it is not of my own personal services of which I speak, but of the services of the soldiers --- of the privates of the Penn'a Reserve Corps. (Cheers). And I have only appeal to Drainesville, where the first success that crowned the arms of the Army of the Potomac was gained unaided and alone by a single brigade of the Penn'a Reserves. (Cheers) I have only to refer to Mechanicsville, where began the six days fighting on the peninsula, and where the whole of Longstreet's corps was held in check for several hours and victory really won by only two brigades of the Reserves. (Cheers). I refer you to New Market Cross Roads, sometimes called Glendale, and refer emphatically to that battle because certain officers of the army, not knowing the true facts of the case. and misled by the statements of others equally ignorant with themselves, and whose statements have since been proved incorrect, brought charges against the division on that occasion. I was with the division during the whole fight and until dark, where it pleased God that I should be shot down and carried off the field, I have been told that the division ran off, but I know I stayed with it until dark and my men were engaged in a hand-to-hand contest over the batteries with the enemy. (Cheers) I do not say that there were not some who ran away, but that is nothing singular --- there are cowards in every division: there are bad men in every corps. I do say, however, that the large body of the gallant men of the Penn'a Reserves remained on the field until dark. and did not leave it until the enemy had retired.

Those guns were never captured from them. (Loud cheers). They remained on the field and were not taken until 10 o'clock the next day. I refer to South Mountain, and it is not necessary for me to say much of their conduct there, for their gallant ascent of the Height in the face of the enemy and turning their left flank was witnessed by the commanding general, and they received full credit for it. (Cheers). I speak of Antietam, where on the 16th of September the Penn'a Reserve Corps always in advance, boldly attacked that portion of the Confederate army in its front without knowing its strength and continued to drive it until dark and then held the position it had gained until morning when the battle was renewed. (Cheers).

I speak again of Fredericksburg, where the Penna's Reserve Corps crossed and led the advance unaided and alone, up the Heights and held their position for half an hour while the others crossed. Had they been followed and supported by other troops their courage that day would have won a victory. (Cheers). I repeat, therefore, that I have a right to be proud and grateful when the officers and men of such a command present me, who has the honor of commanding them. (Applause).

(Several of the paragraphs of the speech have been here deleted for the sake of brevity ---- Ed.)

I thank you Gen. Crawford, for the kind manner in which you conveyed to me this elegant testimonial, and I also thank these gentlemen who have come so far to be present. I trust, sir, this sword will be required but a short time longer. Affairs and events now look as if this unhappy war might be brought to a happy termination. I have to request of you gentlemen who are in civil life that when you return home, you will spare no efforts to make the people understand that all we want is men to fill up the ranks. Send these to us. Give us the numbers and the war will soon be concluded, I think the rebels are now satisfied that their struggles are only a matter of time, as we have the force on our side, and that as they see we are bringing out that force in earnest they will yield. Permit me before I close to mention , what I intended to refer to before this but it escaped my memory. I intended to express my delight, sir, on hearing that at Gettysburg, under your command the Reserve corps enacted deeds worthy of their former reputation, showing that they had lost none of their daring, and could always be relied on in the hour and post of danger. I expected to hear this would be the case, but it was particularly gratifying to me to hear it from your immediate commander on that occasion --- Thanking you for your gallantry there, and again thanking you for your kindness, I will conclude,

Chapter XII

Advance to Cedar Mountain --- Fell back to Centerville --- Battle of Rappahannock station --- Mine Run Campaign-Bristow Station.

This was, Perhaps, one of the saddest scenes ever witnessed by the Army of the Potomac, and one calculated to very deeply impress all who witnessed it, not but what we had witnessed many scenes of sickness and death, but the manner and cause of this execution in the presence of wives of some of the doomed, who pleaded for their respite until the last moment, was of itself enough to cast a deep gloom over the army which to this day is remembered with sadness.

We remained at Rappahannock Station until the 10th day of September, when we crossed the river and advanced via Culpepper to near Cedar Mountain, where we remained quietly until the 10th of October, when it was ascertained that the enemy were making a flank movement, and we were compelled to fall back, We crossed Rappahannock river at Rappahannock Station on the night of the I lth of October and went into our old camp for the night.

The next morning we crossed the river at Beverly's Ford, and forming in line of battle waited patiently for the enemy to attack us, but they came not, and after waiting until about 4 o'clock p.m we were ordered to advance. In the meantime our cavalry were skirmishing with and driving the enemy. We advanced to near Brandy Station and halted, as we supposed, for the night, but about I I o'clock we were aroused up and ordered to march to our old camp on the north bank of the Rappahannock, which place we reached about lo'clock a.m. in the morning at dawn we turned our backs once more toward the Confederate States, and by night were near Warrenton Junction. The next morning our regiment were detailed as wagon guards and with the train proceeded toward the north. This day we escaped running into the rebels by taking the wrong road. The train of the 2nd corps was attacked and had quite a skirmish near Bristow Station. We got our train through safe and arrived at Centerville about dark. The next day we marched to Fairfax court house. We patrolled the Centerville pike until the morning of October 19th, when we marched to Bull Run and lay that night upon the old battlefield. The next day we marched to New Baltimore and camped until October 26th, then marched to near Auburn where we lay until Oct. 30, when we proceeded to Warrenton Junction. We remained here until Nov. 7, when we marched toward the Rappahannock where part of the 5th and 6th corps had a severe battle and succeeded in routing the rebels across the river, killing, wounding and capturing many of them. The next day we crossed the river at Kelley's ford and marched to near Mountain Run, where we took possession of a camp that had been evacuated rather suddenly by the rebels in their hasty retreat from the Rappahannock. We remained here without any event of notation transpiring until Nov. 24th when we marched toward the Rapidan but had only proceeded a short distance when the rain commenced falling and the roads being very muddy the orders were countermanded and we returned to our (rebel) camp.

On Nov. 26th we again broke camp and marched toward the Rapidan, at Culpepper Mine Ford, where a portion of our division (our regiment included) were put across the stream in pontoon boats and as soon as possible after we reached the southern shore we were detailed as skirmishers and advanced up the hill, expecting every moment to come in contact with the enemy, but we soon ascertained that they had fallen back to a more secure position. The next day, 27th, we marched to White Chapel and found our cavalry engaged with the enemy who were making a stubborn resistance about one mile beyond the Chapel. Our division was immediately formed in the rear of the cavalry and waited patiently for the order to "forward," but we were very agreeably disappointed; however, after waiting about one hour we received orders to move toward the right of the line. The Sixth and a portion of the Twelfth regiments, P. R. V. C., were deployed as skirmishers, and thrown in front of the division, as we moved toward an open field; after reaching our destination we were ordered to lay down our arms. We had not been long in this position until the rebels discovered our whereabouts and opened a battery on us which made the position rather a disagreeable one; however, out loss was only a few men wounded. I believe there were none killed except two or three belonging to the Sixth regiment. We remained in this place all night and the next morning were moved still further to the right; this day the rain continued to fall without intermission, which made marching very disagreeable; however, we reached Robison's tavern about 3 o'clock P.M., and encamped for the night. The rebels had held this place in the morning, but the second corps had driven them back about two miles to Mine Run, where they were very strongly fortified. The next morning we were marched to the front and were in a dangerous position (as we perceived after daylight) in case the rebels would open on us, and we came to the conclusion that we had better put up some kind of works to protect us in case of an attack. Accordingly we went to work and in about two hours had put up very good works. We remained in these works until about 3 o'clock the next morning when we were ordered to "fall in" quietly, as there was to be an assault made an the left of the relief lines. We marched (through the darkness) about two hours and finally halted in a woods, and formed ready for the expected terrible assault. After waiting for some time we were informed that the.enemy had made a dam in the creek, which made it impossible to cross, Thus the movement was abandoned and we were destined to lay the whole of the terrible cold day in the wood without fire, and some of the men were actually frozen to death. This may appear to the reader as an exaggeration, but there are many brave boys still living that can vouch as to its truth, and none of the gallant reserves can read this account without at once having the scene brought very vividly to remembrance. In the evening after dark we were marched back to where we had left our knapsacks, and laid until the evening of the 2nd of December, when we marched back and crossed the Rapidan at Germania Ford, and proceeded via Stevensburg, Culpepper and the Orange & Alexandria railroad to Bull Run bridge, where we were ordered to put up as comfortable quarters as we possibly could. as it was the intention to have us here all winter, to do guard duty at the bridge and patrol duty on the railroad. We remained at this place until the 20th of December when we received orders to move our camp to Bristow Station, where we arrived the next day, and were ordered to prepare tents sufficient for winter quarters, as it was the intention to remain here until spring. On the 12th of March, 1864, another change took place and General U. S. Grant assumed command of the armies of the Union.

At this time the army was in as fine condition perhaps as at any time during the war. The different corps were commanded by a group of officers rarely equalled, and never surpassed. The arrny was reinforced by a draft of five hundred thousand men which was made on the 10th day of March, which showed mighty preparations were being made for a vigorous spring campaign. Grant had concluded to adopt the original plan, which was to move the army of the southwest simultaneously with that of the army of the Potomac Richmond, Va., and Atlanta, Ga., were the objective points. Could those points be reached, the two mighty armies could steadily approach each other, and cut off all communication from the confederates, and at once force them to surrender. He had also determined that the army should be subject to the command of the General in Chief and not by politicians or the Secretary of War. He and our much lamented President Lincoln had come to a determined understanding on that point, and he was in no fear of being interfered with. This filled every one with hope, and the public settled down patiently into the conviction that Grant would fulfill their expectations. Grant had declared that the armies under Halleck's and Stanton's administration had worked "like a balky team" and his object was to reverse all this and when he attained his object he was ready to move.

We remained quietly at Bristow Station, with nothing to disturb us except an occasional scout after Moseby's guerillas, until the 29th of April, 1864, when we took up our line of March for Culpepper where the army of the Potomac was encamped during the winter. On the night of the 3rd of May all was in commotion in the Army of the Potomac and in the morning of the 4th we left Culpepper and crossed the Rapidan river at Germania Ford and reached Robison's tavern the same day.

Battle of the Wilderness --- Terrible Fighting.

When General Grant assumed command of the armies, he placed the army of the South West under the command of General W. T. Sherman, and Gen. G. G. Meade, as heretefore was in the immediate command of the Arrny of the Potomac. Gen. Grant, in his report says: "My instructions for that army were all through him, and were general in their nature, leaving all the details and the execution to him. The campaigns that followed proved him to be the right man in the right place."

With the movement of the Army of the Potomac, all the armies of the Union were set in motion. Sherman in the Southwest, Butler on the James and Meade on the Potomac. The tread of more than half a million men, suddenly shook the earth, as, with faces turned southward, they moved on the tottering Confederacy, and during the 4th day of May, the Army of the Potomac were engaged in securing a sure footing on the South side of the Rapidan, Gen, Butler was ordered to be in readiness to cooperate with Gen. Meade. On Butler's proper co-operation, Grant mainly depended for success; and he afterwards regretted the trust he placed in his ability to carry out successfully, the plans devolving upon him, as its failure caused considerable hard fighting and the loss of many lives.

The Army of the Potomac was divided into three Corps--- - the Second commanded by Gen. Hancock. the Fifth, by Gen. Warren, and the Sixth by Gen. Sedgwick. The cavalry was commanded by Gen. P. H. Sheridan, who led the advance, and who was to protect the immense trains, composed of over four thousand wagons, which were to accompany the army through that broken, wooded country.

On the 5th of May, 1864, the Penn'a Reserve Corps were ordered to advance, and after reaching Parker's store, we found the Fifth New York cavalry skirmishing with the Rebels and were ordered to reinforce them. Our regiment was departed along with the Seventh and part of the Eleventh regiment. and advanced to the cavalry skirmish line, and were ordered to halt. We lay in this position about two hours when we found that the Rebels were flanking us on both sides, and we were compelled to fall back, but were too late, as the Rebels had formed a skirmish line entirely around us; however, we all forced a passage except the Seventh regiment, which were not notified of our falling back and consequently were all captured except about 30 or 40 men. This day's fighting commenced the engagement which is known as The Battle of the Wilderness, and now, kind reader, please forbear with my inability to give you a minute description of the terrible battle connected with this campaign, and I will try to give you a mere outline of what we passed through. The fighting was done on such peculiar ground that it is hard to describe. Not a thousand men could be seen at once, yet for miles, in the front. thousands were engaged. The woods were alive with cries an it explosions, and the shrill clatter musketry. Booming of a cannon placed on a commanding eminence afar off, timed the wild tumult like a tolling bell. There was not wind enough to lift the smoke which hung like a pall around our heroes. The maimed, tortured and writhing, were bome to the rear in blankets and on stretchers, with eyes dull with the stupor of coming death, or bright with delirious fire,

The use of so little artillery, made this one of the most remarkable campaigns on record. Over two hundred thousand men fought in a vast jungle. There, in the depths of those ravines, under the shadows of those trees, entangled in brush wood, no fluttering of battle flags in an unhindered breeze, no solid tramp of marching battalions, no splendid strategic movements such as were witnessed on former occasions. The sullen yell of the enemy, and an answering protest of defiances was heard at intervals. How the hours lay: how rain poured on our weary heads, how we toiled to erect death barriers at each place where we were halted, and after spending hours of almost superhuman efforts to screen ourselves from the enemy's sharpshooters, we were removed to another location, there, to repeat our former operations, then weary and foot-sore, lay down, often in the water, and mud, with the expectation of snatching an hour's sleep, and be aroused in a few moments to resume our weary march.

I have often imagined that those who were in civil life, could have no idea of the hardships through which a soldier passed, and feel assured that none but those who have accompanied the Army of the Potomac through the Wilderness campaign can ever realize what was endured by the Union soldiers.
On the morning of the 6th of May we were taken to the right of our lines where we were under fire all day, and part of the day were very hotly engaged with the enemy. At night we were drawn to the center again and occupied the same grounds that we did the night before. The next morning we were ordered to make a reconnoissance in front of our works, as it was the opinion of our commanders that the enemy was falling back.

Our regiment and the 6th were deployed as skirmishers and advanced about half a mile when we came upon the enemy's skirmish line which fell back to their works, a short distance from them; our line was advanced until within fifty yards of their works, when they opened fire upon us with terrible effect and as we had accomplished our object we were ordered to fall back to our works, which was very willingly obeyed. Our loss was very heavy considering the number engaged. I think the entire loss in our regiment was twenty-nine killed, wounded and missing.

The next day, the 8th, we marched to nearby Ny river where we had a severe battle and lost very heavily. The next day, the 9th, the battle raged very furiously and I need only say that the Bucktails were always to be seen on the front line along with the remains of the Gallant Old Reserves and in this position we remained, keeping up a constant skirmish, broken at intervals by attempting to charge on the enemy works, which always resulted in serious loss to our army until the 13th of May, when we were marched to the Spottsylvania Courthouse.

The following letter. Copied from the Curwensville Herald, of Clearfield Co., Pa., written by Col. Chill W. Hazzard, of Gen. Crawford's staff to Capt. John P. Bard, editor of the Herald and formerly of Company K, old Bucktail regiment, will, in a measure, illustrate the general position of the regiment during their entire term of service.

My Dear Captain:-I have just finished reading a section of your Bucktail History and my mind goes wool gathering back in the sixties. I was on Crawford's staff about the time we crossed the North Anna, and many a time did I go out with a message to that rascal Hartshorn with "the General's compliments" and would the Ist Rifles do --- so and so. The blamed regiment was always out front somewhere and the road from headquarters to the picket line was not always a pleasant Jordan to travel.

I mind me of one day, a hot July day at that I was snoozing under a bush when an orderly touched my shoulder and said the General wished to see me. I knew almost by instinct what was wanted, and lazily rose to my feet. As I expected, orders had come. Grant was at that flanking business again; the 5th Corps was to move to the left-always to the left-and the old Reserves were to lead. Of course the Bucktails were to move first; that was always in order, and your humble servant was to so direct the officers in command, I mounted Chub, my bob tailed plug of a horse, ugly as sin, but as sure of foot as a mountain goat. Inquiring the way, I soon, arrived at the edge of a wood and an officer pointing across an open field. said, "younder they are."

Yonder they were, sure enough. But that meant a good deal to me. Across that open field in plain, sight of the Johnnies, and a target for every sharp shooter who had no better business on hand that afternoon than to kill a Yankee. But it had to be did. So I rode out into the field trying to look brave but feeling almost every other way. A few yards and the "zips" told me in plain language that across that field was the star route to heaven. What was I to do? A glance showed me the long line a Bucktails, most of whom knew me, earnestly watching the on-coming. It rather amused them for they knew very well the import of my message: that no staff officer came that way in daylight on a mission of peace. They knew that I carried an order to move. Every blamed Bucktail turned around to watch the circus and I saw them. Behind an old ice-house lay Hartshorn and his staff, I could see them plainly munching crackers and eating ice. And I could also see with equal distinctness the little spot-clouds of dust as a minnie struck the clods near me now and then. I couldn't run, for it was better to have a wound than to suffer that whole regiment to laugh and blamed if I cared to go forward.

Presently I heard, distinctly, the voice of Col. Hartshorn saying "you can't ride a horse across that field." "I have a message." "Well, dismount and walk over." That was enough, and back I went, only a few yards. Hitching Chub in the woods, I was about to debauch from the trees when a happy though struck me. If Col. Hartshorn could hear me so readily, why cross the confounded hornet's nest of a field --- why not holler the order over? That was a happy thought, sure enough, but it didn't work a cent--- not that afternoon.

Going to the top of the hill I called "Helloa, Colonel," "What is it?" "The General directs"--and so on.

Putting his hand up to his car the Colonel said, "Hey?" I yelled, "The General directs," etc. "Hey --- can't hear a word, can't hear a word."

He was only making believe --- he could hear every word but none are so deaf as them who won't hear. There was no help for it and I made ready for a run. Gathering my sabre in my band --- here she goes!

Did I make time --- did I linger to pick daisies --- did the staff officer git? You bet he did, run, puff, zip, blow, pull out, two-forty --- across I went and finally got safe behind the ice house. Meanwhile such a roar of fun, such clapping of hands, such yells ---"go it old man" "climb, brother climb," ki, hi, hi! From all along that skirmish line came words of encouragement --- just like the boys would call at a favorite horse in a country fair.

Lord bless you but I was mad. I thought of all the cussed regiments in the army the Bucktails had the bulge. And so they had that afternoon --- on me.

But I got there. Ross Hartshorn was rolling in the grass dying of laughter, the adjutant was doing the same, and as I flung myself down on the ground, wind-broken and used up, I'm afraid I said a cuss word.

But all's well, that ends well. The Adjutant soon fixed me up: A little mint from a swamp near by, a bit of whiskey, a lump of ice and half a tin of water --- where it all came from God only knows --- and so grown cooler and less scared, I drank the bottle of the squirrel hunters.

I didn't go back to where my horse was till it got cooler and evening shades made it safer to travel That was more than twenty years ago --- and I have forgiven all the Bucktails, everyone except Ross Hartshorn, him I will never forgive nor forget. I leave him to Providence.

The only silver lining to cloud is the memory of that mint julep. Even now, I hope his hearing is so restored so that if I ever meet him and offer to set 'em up he will not put his hand to his ear and say---"I can't hear a word --- not a word."

How my pencil has run on, telling this bit of a story and yet it all comes to me just now and with far more force than it will strike any of your readers. But when I think of the Bucktails I recall that run for home base, and my earnest prayers that all the balls would be high balls. Yours as of old, Chill W. Hazard

Chapter X111 (Cont'd)

At Spottsylvania Court House we were formed in battle line and ordered to dig rifle pits, which order was very promptly obeyed, as we had found out by past experience that they were not to be trifled with in case of an attack. In this position we lay until the evening of the 18th, when we advanced about two miles. The next day we lay in a wood about two miles south of Spottsylvania Court House, until

4 o'clock p.m., when we were ordered to the extreme right of our lines in consequence of a flank movement. The enemy made an attack on our wagon train. When we arrived at the place where the attack was made, we found a brigade of new troops engaging the enemy, and they fought nobly, and when darkness closed the day the enemy were surely defeated; however, the Bucktails were deployed and advanced into a deep wood where we lay all night, and I must say that it was very unpleasant and disagreeable, as we were not acquainted with the country, and could not tell what moment we would be attacked and cut to pieces. However, the night passed without anything. of note transpiring, and as soon as daylight appeared. we advanced to find that the enemy had left during the night, except about four or five hundred who had been very much fatigued. and lay down to rest and sleep, and had not waked up until the "Yanks" had to arouse them to inform them that they were Uncle Sam's prisoners. In this position we lay until the 21st of May, when we were marched to the rear and from thence to North Ann river, which we crossed and had a very terrific engagement which lasted about one hour. The enemy were trying to drive our forces into the river, but our men held their ground, and the rebels soon found their scheme to be a failure, and gave it up as a bad job. On the 24th we were marched down the river about two miles to assist Major General Burnside in skirmishing but succeeded in keeping the enemy in check, until the Ninth Corps (Burnside's) were all across the river. We lay in battle line and kept up a constant firing until the night of the 27th, when we the recrossed the North Ann river and marched toward the Pamunkey river, which we crossed on the 28th near Hanover, where we immediately proceeded to put up works. After finishing our line of works, we were advanced and put up other works until we nearly worn out with our exertions; but there were no remonstrances, as we had but a short time to serve the government, and were looking about to ascertain the most certain way of retaining our lives, and we had all learned by sad experience that we each had our own lives to secure, if possible. On the morning of the 30th of May, we commenced our last battle, and I will only say, like all our former engagements, it was sharp and terrible, and many who were living in joyous expectations of soon getting home to join with loved ones perhaps at the family altar, the next day lay cold and lifeless on that terrible battlefield that night; however, our boys did bravely, and never shall I forget the sight that met my eyes on the morning after the battle. I have never since my earliest recollection seen so terrible and heart-rending a scene as the one above narrated. This is called the Battle of Bethesda Church, and is only three miles from where we fought the battle of 'Mechanicsville on the 26th, of June, 1862.

Before closing this brief account, we feel compelled to note the effect these great battles had toward closing the war. It must be confessed that the sum total of this frightful campaign, of a month was anything but satisfactory. As Grant said, no material advantage had been gained, Nearly a hundred thousand men had disappeared in its progress and now after all the long marches and bloody battles he found himself near where McClellan had been two years previous. It was said, and truly, that he could have put his army where it was, without the loss of a man, yet the obstacles that still intervened between him and the coveted prize, were never more formidable than they had been two years previous. Assault after assault, the determined character of which had been attested by the ghastly piles of dead and wounded had been in vain, A few weeks later and the army was in front of Petersburg, yet no advantage had been gained, except that while the Confederate army was being greatly reduced, with but poor hopes of large reinforcements the Northern army was constantly receiving additions to their shattered ranks.

The, prospect, at this time, was enough to discourage any heart less resolute than Grant's. General Seigle had failed in the Shenandoah Valley, General Butler had twice lamentably failed near Bermuda Hundred, Gens. Smith and Gilmore had both failed, and the army of the Potomac had met with reverses in nearly every engagement since crossing the Rapidan.

This seems a gloomy summing up of the great campaign, yet, Grant's perseverence was not shaken, and he set about a course which subsequently proved him to be a man of sound judgement, and it was evident that he intended to make good the words of a telegram he had previously sent to the Secretary of War, viz: "I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer."

We cannot close this sketch. without mentioning the name of one whom we had followed from the time he commanded our Brigade, our Division, our Corps, and had finally been Commander of the army. After General Grant assumed the command of the armies, it is well known that General G. G. Meade, still remained In command of the army of the Potomac. To him was intrusted the management, and we assert without fear of contradicton, that his movements evinced the highest skill , and everything went with the precision and regularity of machinery. His well known ability as a commander had been fully tested on previous occasions, as well as in the campaign just gone through. To the close of the war we find him always at his Post of duty, and he should have received at least a portion of the honors to which he was entitled. We feel assured that a large majority of the soldiers, and all fair minded and unprejudiced citizens, will acknowledge that he justly merited and earned great honor for his unceasing efforts in behalf of our noble Government in closing the rebellion.

CHAPTER XIV
Taking Leave of Our Comrades. ---Return Home, Etc.

After the Battle of May 30th, our regiment was taken from the front and we began making preparations for our return home.

Before relating the incidents of our return home we beg leave to submit the following letter which we copy from the Curwensville Herald, and was written to, the Editor of that valuable journal --- Capt. J. P. Bard. as gallant an officer as ever drew a sword --- by General W. R. Hartshorn, who commanded the Bucktail regiment from the time of Col. Taylor's death, at Gettysburg, until the organization was broken up. Col, H. was then breveted Brigadier General for meritorious conduct. Capt. Bard. and Gen. Hartshorn were members of Company K, Bucktail regiment, and were very warm friends, and both were beloved by all who knew them, not only for their gentlemanly bearing, but for their gallant conduct, and the kindly interest which they manifested toward their comrades, and more especially their inferiors. The following is the letter written By Gen, W. R. Hartshorn.

 During the time, when it was my fortune to command the Bucktail regiment, there was one company which had more than its share of disagreeable duty and on some occasions, hard fighting. This was Company K. to which I had at one time belonged. I had a personal acquaintance with every member, and had known, intimately, most of them from my earliest boyhood.

Whenever It was found necessary to strengthen the picket line. at a point suddenly attacked a detachment sent on some desperate enterprise, or any other important occasion. where nerve and promptness were required. this company was generally selected.

The reason I give for pursuing this course was. first, I did not desire to have the rest of the command charge me with any favoritism shown to my own company, and secondly, I considered the men themselves were, in a mariner, proud of the distinction given them of being shot at oftener than the others, and, lastly. from my intimate knowledge of the make up and disposition of the Company, I felt assured that upon whatever duty it was called to perform, it would always do credit to itself and bring honor to the entire regiment.

It is my purpose to describe here on occasion whe the distinguished honor of leading a desperate charge was conferred on another Company.

On the 22d of May, 1864, the Fifth Corps had advanced to the North Anna river and the men were obliged to wade across in the face of a considerable force of the enemy. The Division of Penna Reserves was placed on the right. It happened that the Bucktails' position was on the ground, which surrounded a beautiful mansion, known as the Fontaine House. The enemy had reachad the vicinity in advance of us, and had succeeded in Planting a battery of artillery about 1200 yards distant on a Prominence in the rear of a house filled with sharpshooters, besides having other strong Infantry supports. Our artillery had not yet crossed the river. This battery was so annoying to the troops which had followed us and were deploying to our left, that several attempts had been made to silence or drive it away, but the sharpshooters protected in the house which was surrounded by a picket fence, were each time easily able to drive back the several regiments which had made, these attacks.

Colonel Harden, of the Twelfth regiment, who, after the wounding of Col. McCandless, had come into command of our brigade, conceived the idea that a small force could approach to position from the direction of the Fontaine House, to a much better advantage than from the direction where these attacks had been repulsed.

He therefore directed me to send two companies as skirmishers against the place who could at least drive the cannoneers from the guns whilst the larger force away to our left could make the direct attack. He gave me some detailed instructions aad I immediately turned out Companies F and ... I called the commanders of these companies to me and repeated the instructions given me by the brigade commander, adding that if the opportunity presented to boldly assault the house and drive the men away from the gun. I represented the importance in case a direct attack upon the house was made that it should be followed up in spite of every obstacle, for I well knew that if they were repulsed after arriving in close proximity to the place not a man would come back alive.

In a moment the detail was deployed in front of the regiment and it was plainly seen by evervy one what was to be done, All superfluous clothing and incumbrances were left behind, belts were tightened, here and there could be seen a couragous smile from some young fellow as he glanced proudly back at the audience which was soon to listen to the music he was about to make.

The command forward was given and the movement commenced. The direction taken was towards a piece of woods which jutted out into the open space about half the distance and somewhat to the right of the battery, which would afford a slight cover from the enemy's guns. Here was opened a furious fire from the Spencer rifles that had the effect of temporarily suspending the fire of the sharpshooters at the windows, and of the battery.

After a few moments the line could be seen again moving directly and concentratedly toward the house. I knew then it, was the determination to go in and do things right. With cheers that we could but faintly bear on account of the distance and the noise of the artillery, these brave companies rapidly closed in on the fence which surrounded the house, tore off the palings, drove away the battery, piled indiscriminately through windows and doors, and soon afterward appeared waving their Bucktail caps from the upper windows in reply to the enthusiastic cheers of thousands who had watched with painful apprehension their advance.

It is impossible to describe the tumult of enthusiasm which this deed occasioned throughout the division. Col. Ent, of the 6t" regiment, immediately on our left hurried to me and declared that it surpassed the dash and courage anything be had witnessed during the war. "Bully Bucktails" greeted them from all around. I hastened to the brigade commander and officially reported that "My companies have carried the place, sir." He looked at me and replied with some deliberation. I knew they could do it. I presume that now the Red Legs (Zouaves) can move up and take position, after which you can recall your companies." In a short time this was done and the detail came back bringing with them their dead and wounded. The companies took their place in line and the episode passed from the minds of the many who had witnessed it.

That night I remarked to the Adjutant as we curled under the one blanket we possessed in common that there were some thing a man may well be proud of. Now, I am proud that the companies that captured that house belonged to my command.

On the 31st of May, 1864 our term of service having expired we received orders to be relieved from the front. After being relieved the recruits and those having re-enlisted were taken from our ranks and after bidding them farewell, we were then marched back toward the Pamunky river with bands playing and colors flying.

Kind readers, here I beg your pardon for---what I Say (that you may deem unmanly) but when I reflect upon the scene, and think of the many dear friends with whom I took the parting hand, and think that we may never meet again, and that even as I write this, many that were there at that time are since numbered with the slain, my heart fails me and I am almost too full for utterance. We were now about to return to our homes and many were the admonitions given us by our brave comrades to still be true to our country and many were the loving epistles given us for loved ones, of our brave boys who had re-enlisted, and with whom we were now about to part, and I cannot recall the scene to mind without at once having the tearful faces of our brave boys vividly brought to remembrance. When we looked at our decimated ranks, and thought of the many bereaved families whose noble friends had fallen by our sides, fighting nobly, and whose bones now lie bleaching beneath the scorching rays of a southern sun, and of the many questions to be asked about lost ones, it filled our hearts with the deepest sorrow, for we felt the loss almost as deep as those who were bound to them by the ties of nature.

After reaching Pamunky river, we were ordered to take charge of about 700 prisoners and a large wagon train to escort to White House Landing, which place we reached on the 2nd of June, 1864. The next day we. embarked on board the steamer. "John Brooks", and the next morning after that landed at Washington City. On the morning of the 5th we went on board the cars for Harrisburg, Pa., which place we reached on the 6th and were received with much enthusiasm by the citizens.

After parading through the streets with our time-wom and tattered flags for some time, we were drawn up in close column by battallon in front of the Capitol buildings and were eloquently addressed by Maj. Rom. ford, Gov. Curtin and other able and distinguished speakers. And. eloquent, indeed, were the remarks made by those loyal men on that occasion, and as we stood before them with our bronzed features and our glorious old flags floating, the appearance too plainly told the hardships and the terrible conflicts through which we had passed, we could scarcely control our feelings when we thought of the brave comrades we had left lying cold and lifeless on the battlefields of Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, and of the extreme goodness of our Heavenly Father toward us in sparing our lives to return to our homes and friends, and those who were anxiously looking for us.

After the Speaking closed, we marched to Camp Curtin, where we remained until the 14th of June, when we were discharged from the United States service and returned to our homes. Many sorTowful faces were among those we met on account of absence of loved ones, who three short years ago had left with us, never to return and many were the questions asked and answered concerning those we had left behind. Other sad changes had occurred during our absence. Many of our friends had gone from their homes and were numbered with the dead, and many had returned maimed for life, others were languishing in hospitals with shattered limbs or broken down in health, from which they were doomed to a life of misery which only ended in death.

If, in writing the foregoing account, we have failed in describing more accurately the battles through which we have passed, we trust that our readers will pardon us. This being our first attempt at writing anything like a historical work, and being deficient in education, we feel that our feeble effort may induce some more capable, to give a full statement of facts connected with our history.

As we are about to part let me assure you that the foregoing is a faithful account of the regiment spoken of as well as the whole Penn'a Reserve, except the 3rd and 4th regiments, which were detached from the division after leaving Belle Plain for the defense of Washington city, sad I am, therefore, unacquainted with their adventures and movements.

I will here not forget to ask pardon for my seeming neglect the whole of the Gallant Old Reserves. Notwithstanding my apparent negligence, their bravery and daring deeds still stand forth in all the glory that is attendant upon so brave and adventurous a career to that in which they participated. I will, therefore, as I am only giving an account of the Old Bucktails, leave their brave and daring deeds to be recorded by someone more able and eloquent.