JJBRARV OF CONGRESS -*-*^ ^ ^ W^*' LIBRARY OF C ONGI^ESS. Shelf Y^Q^>i UNITED STATES OF AMEEIOA. IVUh Compliments of sunvirons' association, 109th PENNA. VETEEAN VOLS. The locjtli Regiment Penna. Veteran Volunteers AN ADDRESS DELIVERED AT THE UNVEILING OF THEIR MONUMENT ON GULPS HILL GETTYSBURG, PA., SEPTEMBER II, I889 MOSES VEALE Major logih Penna. Veteran Volunteers PHILADELPHIA 1890 x,yO 1 D^t^ lAMEi Beai.e, Printer, 7iy Sansora Street, Philadelphia. UPON the first call of the President for three months' troops, Henry J. Stainrook answered the call and served as captain for the full term in the 2 2d Regiment, and immediately upon his return to Philadelphia offered his services for three years or during the war. His services were accepted, he was commissioned as colonel, and authorized to raise the 109th Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry Volunteers — Curtin Light Guards — so called in honor of the patriotic and gallant War Governor of Pennsylvania. December 20, 1861, the regiment was mustered into the United States service, and from then until May 9, 1862, was drilled and disciplined for the field, and on this date received marching orders, arriving in Washington May 10, 1862. From this date until May 24, 1862, continued drilling, and discipline was main- tained ; and when the officer detailed by the War Department to inspect the troops encamped around Washington, for the purpose of selecting those who were found to exhibit sufficient drill, discip- line and soldierly bearing to be forwarded to the front, the 109th was immediately selected and ordered to march. While in Washington the regiment was in the Military District of Washington, Department of the Rappahannock. On May 25, 1862, the regiment arrived at Harpers Ferry, Va., and was assigned to Cooper's Brigade, United States forces at Harpers Ferry. May 27 an advance was made by Cooper's Brigade, consisting of 109th Penna. Vols., iiith Penna. Vols., 60th N. Y. Infantry, 78th N.Y. Infantry, io2d N.V. Infantry, 3d Maryland Infantr), and 4 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH 2d District of Columbia Infantry, as far as Bolivar Heights; and on the afternoon of May 29 Stonewall Jackson's Division appeared in front, advancing from Charlestown. General Cooper opened artillery fire upon the advancing column, and the enemy replied, maintaining for the period of one hour or more an artillery duel, the infantry remaining simply in support; this was the baptism of fire of the 109th, the first sound of the enemy's guns, but a sound which the regiment was destined to hear without intermission until the close of the war. On June 2, 1862, Cooper's Brigade was assigned to Sigel's Division, Department of Shenandoah. After marching through Charlestown, Winchester, Kernstown and Middletown, to Cedar Creek, it was assigned to First Brigade (Gen. Cooper), Second Division (Gen. Sigel), Second Corps (Gen. Banks), Army of Virginia (Gen. Pope). July 5, 1862, the division marched to Front Royal, through Manassas Gap to Warrenton, Va. , and from there to Little Wash- ington, where the regiment encamped until August i, 1862, when orders were received to march, and they crossed Hazel River, through Culpeper Court-house to Cedar or Slaughter Mountain, where on August 9, 1862, the battle of Cedar or Slaughter Moun- tain was fought. In this battle the 109th was not to be a mere spectator or held in support of artillery, but was to engage in the real and fierce contest of war. The battle was opened by the artillery and con- tinued for nearly an hour, when the infantry were ordered to advance ; and although the first battle in which the 109th had engaged, the order was obeyed by the men and most of the officers with the spirit and determination of veterans. During the artillery firing Colonel Stainrook was severely wounded, but refused to leave the field and remained in command during the entire battle. PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 5 The advance was made, and the order given " fire at will " ; the First Brigade, ab this time commanded by Gen. Prince, was on the left of the line, the division being commanded by Gen. Augur, and the corps by Gen. Banks. The 109th was flanked on the right by the 3d Maryland. The advance was commenced late in the afternjQon, the entire brigade in line, with steady march and delib- erate firing ; but soon, as the enemy was brought into closer contact and the sheet of flame from their line of musketry became contin- uous, the firing of our troops became more rapid, and the smoke and flame of the two lines became commingled. At this time the 109th was without adjutant or field officer, except the wounded colonel, but there was no wavering ; the line was steady and the firing continuous. Soon darkness commenced to settle upon the field, and yet the 109th maintained its ground. At this time the regiment received an enfilading fire from the right, and the colonel, supposing the fire was from the regiment of our own brigade on the right, which in the darkness and smoke had misdirected its fire, dispatched an ofificer with orders to stop this enfilading, when it was discovered that the entire corps on our right, including the regiments of our brigade, had fallen back, and that the logth was flanked on the right by the enemy, and unsup- ported on the left. The colonel gave the order to fall back, and all obeyed the order except a few — more rash than wise — who attempted to advance with the colors ; some of these paid the penalty of serving in Libby Prison. This battle was to the regiment like fire to silver — it purged it of its dross, and purified the remainder by the blood of their dead and wounded comrades and their own tried courage and patriotism. After Cedar or Slaughter Mountain, Banks* Corps fell back to Culpeper, and from there was, with the Army of Virginia, with- drawn behind the Rappahannock ; and the 109th, with other 6 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH commands, for a week or ten days were engaged in guarding the fords of the river, repulsing all attempts of the enemy to cross. They were then withdrawn across Bull Run, forming the rear-guard of the army, destroying an immense amount of ammunition, burn- ing wagon-trains and cars. The regiment crossed Bull Run Septem- ber I, 1862. During the battle of Antietam the regiment was not actually engaged, but its commanding officer. Colonel Stainrook, was in command of the brigade, which — with the exception of the 109th — was actively and severely engaged. Colonel Stainrook displayed, as he did in every battle, great bravery and skill. After the battle of Antietam the 109th crossed the Potomac into Maryland, passing through Frederick, Maryland, across South Mountain and Antietam, and from thence to Loudon Heights. Under the reorganization of the Army of the Potomac in September, the regiment was assigned to Second Brigade, Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, and remained in Second Brigade until November, 1862, when it was assigned to Third Brigade, Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, and stationed on Bolivar Heights, and remained here until December 10, 1862. Receiving orders to join the army at Fredericksburg, passing through Leesburg and Fairfax to Dumfries, Va., where after a slight skirmish they returned to Fairfax Station, on Orange and Alexan- dria Railroad, the 109th went into camp until January 17, 1863, when orders were received to join the army at Fredericksburg, making the march to Acquia Creek over roads which would ordi- narily be considered almost impassable \ the artillery and wagons sinking to the hubs, and horses and mules sometimes almost lost to view in their struggles to draw the wagons and artillery through the mud. In April the regiment was assigned to Second Brigade, and on PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 7 April 27, 1863, all leaves of absence and furloughs were recalled, and orders were given to march. This line of march was com- menced with haversacks and five days' rations, sixty rounds of ammunition, and knapsacks, overcoats and extra shoes; but the second day's march found overcoats and extra shoes lining the roads or piled in great heaps, hundreds of them being burned to prevent them from falling into the hands of tlie enemy. After a tiresome march the Twelfth Army Corps crossed the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford, and the Rapidan at Germania Ford. On April 30, 1863, the 109th Regiment had a skirmish with the pickets of Anderson's Division, Army of Northern Virginia. The Rappahan- nock and Rapidan were crossed before the enemy was aware of the army's presence. On May i, 1863, the Second Ikigade, Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, consisted of 29th, 109th, iiith, 124th, and 125th Penna. Infantry Vols. This brigade was placed on the right of the plank road, and ordered to make trenches and erect breastworks, which they did with the aid of bayonets and tin plates. The 109th had but one field officer, the colonel. On the right of the 109th was the iiilh Penna. Vols. , and on the left tlie 124th and 125th Penna. Vols. On the morning of May i the brigade advanced beyond its line about one and a (jnarter miles, and formed in line of battle with the Third Brigade on the left, and the left of the Third Brig- ade resting on the plank road. In this line of battle they advanced through a dense thicket and undergrowth for almost one mile, when the brigade [)assed into an open plain and received a brisk fire from a battery of the enemy posted in a wood. This attack was replied to by Knap's Battery. The brigade crossed over the open space to a road which passed to and around the right of the army line, u]ion ground considerably elevated above the line of temporary 8 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH breastworks. Gen. Kane, commanding the brigade, desired mak- ing a stand, deeming the position an important one, commanding the right of the line, and consequently communicated his views to Gen. Geary, but orders were received by him to cover with his command the withdrawal of the division. So well con- vinced was Gen. Kane of the importance of this ])osition, and so anxious was he to give the enemy battle, that three distinct orders were received before he returned. The enemy, seeing our troops falling back, poured into them rajjid volleys of infantry and artillery shot, but Kane's Brigade covered the withdrawal in a most masterly manner, and — in the words of Gen. Geary's report — "prevented the least confusion in the ranks in a movement always requiring great tact and delicacy, united with firmness of will and purpose." Our line having been regained, a line of skirmishers was sent out under command of Colonel Stainrook, of the 109th, supported by the Second Brigade, with orders to ascertain the exact whereabouts of the enemy and check their advance. Tliis brave and skillful soldier most admirably handled this line, and advanced until supe- rior numbers drove him in, but not until he inflicted upon them severe loss. During the night the earthworks were strengthened, and — owing to the scarcity of intrenching tools — sabre-bayonets, tin plates, pieces of boards, and in some cases the bare hands, were used to .scrape up the dirt. On the morning of the 2d, indications of a movement of the enemy were visible, which continued during the day. About five p. m. the 109th with the Second Brigade was ordered to proceed forward on the right of the plank road, and after advancing about two hundred yards the enemy's fire was drawn and our advance was made through the woods under a severe and galling fire. When a distance of some five hundred yards was reached, the enemy was discovered drawn u]) in line of battle PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. o in heavy force, but in a short time orders were received to fall back within the lines, which was done in good order. About six p. m., May 2, Stonewall Jackson, taking advan- tage of the unguarded position of the right, passed along the road and, falling upon the Eleventh Corps, drove them in a demoralized condition from their position, the enemy being checked only by the Twelfth Corps standing firm. During the night heavy and contin- uous firing was kept up along the front, and about eight o'clock a. m.. May 3, the 109th, with Second Brigade, was in the trenches, exposed to a terribly raking and enfilading fire of the enemy's artillery. At the same time attacks were made upon front and flank by his infantry. The 109th, with Second Brigade, being in such an exposed position, received this fire with most damaging eff'ect. Some of the solid shot from the artillery literally scooped the line of the 109th, but they maintained their position without wavering until ordered to march out by the left flank, which they did with the steady march of troops on parade, and this without a field oiificer. After marching some distance to the rear, the 109th was ordered to again take position in the front, and, countermarch- ing, they took position with the Second Brigade in a line of defence in a woods to the north of the Chancellorsville House. On May 4 orders were received to change position to the vicinity of the headquarters of the general commanding the corps, and to erect and strengthen breastworks. During this and the following day, this position was occupied. On the morning of May 6 the io9tli crossed the Rappahannock at United States Ford, and the liattle of Chancellorsville passed into history. This was one of the most brilliantly conceived campaigns of the war, and executed to a certain point with consummate skill, and yet a most impotent conclusion. During this fight, while Col. Stainrook, commanding the joyth, was speaking words of encouragement to his men and lO THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH exposing himself to great danger, a ball from the enemy entered his breast and with a few words he fell dead. A braver soldier never lived ; a truer patriot never breathed. Had he lived until experience developed his natural ability, there would have been few if any more skilled officers in the army. Gen. Geary in an official report says, "I notice the death of Col. Stainrook, of the 109th, who gallantly fell while encouraging his men. A brave and accom- plished officer, his loss is one over which I cannot but express the convictions of my most heartfelt regret." Truth compels me to record an incident of this battle which occurred at the time of the colonel's death. The senior captain, with a number of the men, including the then color-sergeant, ran ignobly from the field, taking with them the colors of the regiment. They did not reappear upon the field until the fighting was over, when the captain was compelled through shame to resign, and the color-sergeant received condign punishment from his comrades, suffered disgrace, and had the colors taken from him. This does not disgrace the regiment nor the brave fellows who were not participants in it; but it only makes their deeds the brighter. The 109th returned to Acquia Creek and there remained until General Lee commenced his offensive-defensive campaign by invad- ing Pennsylvania. On June 13, 1863, commenced the pursuit of the army under Gen. Lee, and on June 30 the advance of the Twelfth Army Corps encountered a portion of Lee's army near Littlestown, Pa., result- ing in a skirmish. June 30 the 109th encamped at Littlestown, and on the morning of July i marched to the Two Taverns, and halted until about half-past two p. m. the same day, when Gen. Geary, commanding the division, received orders to march. The 109th was in the Second Brigade of Geary's Division, the brigade being in command of Colonel Cobham. PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. \\ On arriving witliin two miles of Gettysburg on the Baltimore Turnpike, the 109th with the Second Brigade was halted and re- mained until the morning of July 2, 1863. Although the 109th was within supporting distance, it was not actively engaged in the battle of Gettysburg on July i. In the history of the United States the first, second and third days of July, 1863, will ever stand as pivotal days, and the battle of Gettysburg not only as a pivotal battle of the rebellion, but as having the most imi)ortant bearing and influence upon humanity and the world's history. It is not excelled, if equalled, by any human event since the world's creation. Every event helping to make up the great historical event of the battle of Gettysburg is important, and its mention is justifiable. Gen. Geary, after placing his division on the line of march from the Two Taverns on the Baltimore Turnpike, with two staff- officers rode rapidly ahead towards Gettysburg, and arrived at Ceme- ctery Hill, where stood Gen. Hancock in command of the troops then on the field, being the First and Eleventh Army Corps. Gen. Geary dismounted and saluted Gen. Hancock. Gen. Hancock said, "General, where are your troops?'' and Gen. Geary replied that two brigades of his division were then advancing on the Baltimore Turnpike. Gen. Hancock then said, "Do you see that knoll or hill?" pointing to Little Round Top, "that is the key to this position, and if we can gain position on it before the enemy, we ran form a line and fight a battle, but if the enemy secures it first, Ave will be compelled to fall back about seven miles to Pipes' Creek. In the absence of Gen. Slocum, I will order you to take possession of that hill." Gen. Geary turned to one of his staff, an officer of the 109th, and gave orders to have the troops with one battery of artillery (Knap's) leave the turnpike, and double-quick diagonally across the fields and take the i)osition. When Geary's troops arri- I 2 THE OXK HL'XDRED AND X/NTH ved, some of the enemy's cavalry were on the opposite side. The 147th Penna. Vols, and 5th Ohio took position on Little Round Top, and the other regiments of the First and Third Brigades to their right, and to the left of the Eleventh Army Corps. About half-past five a large body of infantry was seen advancing on the Emmettsburg Road, and when nearlj' opposite the position of the 147th Penna. and 5th Ohio, went into bivouac. These troops were discovered to be Gen. Sickles' Third Army Corps. This speedy formation of the left of the line to Little Round Top frustrated the enemy's design, which would, if successful, have proven disastrous to the entire position. This position was maintained until half-past seven a. m., on July 2, when Gen. Sickles, with Third Army Corps, relieved the First and Third Brigades of Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps. These brigades being relieved moved to the right of the First Army Corps, where they w^ere joined by the 109th with Second Brigade. The Third Brigade was formed in line, left resting on the right of First Army Corps, at nearly a right angle with First Army Corps, on a steep rock mount which was a continuation of Cemetery Hill. The 109th was formed with its left on the right of the Third Brig- ade, at an angle of about forty-five degrees forward, conforming its line to the crest of the ridge, and the iiith Penna. on the right of the 109th Penna. Breastworks w-ere immediately thrown up along the entire line. Skirmishers were thrown out to the creek, where the enemy's pickets were encountered. During July 2 very little fighting was done on the left of the line, but about four p. m. the enemy opened a most fierce attack on the left and centre of the line. Between half-past six and seven p. m. the 109th with Second Brigade and First Brigade were ordered to the right ac ross Rock Creek, as was supposed for the pur- pose of reinforcing the left and centre of the line which was so PENNS YL VAN! A J 'E TEA' A A' J 'OL UNTEERS. I 3 fiercely attacked ; but after marching a long distance to the right, and away from a short and direct line to the point needing re-in- forcement, the 109th with the P'irst and Second Brigades were halted on the Baltimore 'i'urnpike, with the left of the line resting on Rock Creek, and right on the turnpike. Gen. Green with the Third Brigade had been ordered to attenu- ate his line, so as to cover the entire Twelfth Corps front ; the enemy, however, discovering the withdrawal of the First Division from the extreme right, and two brigades from the First Division left, made a most vigorous and iurious attack upon Gen. Green ; his front and right were attacked before he had succeeded in occupying the Second Division entrenchments, and the enemy succeeded in occupying the entrenchments evacuated by the P'irst Division. The enemy seemed desperately determined to roll up Gen. Green's little brigade, and occupy the entire entrenchment of the Twelfth Army Cor[)s, and thus secure the vantage-ground of the right of our army line. But Gen. Green and his little command were equal to the occasion, and with the most determined courage and gallantry, during an incessant attack of two and a half hours from vastly superior numbers, repelled four separate and furious charges, without losing a foot of ground. The First and Eleventh Corps sent the gallant old General sup- port. The enemy, meeting this determined resistance, discontinued their attack about ten j). m., July 2. The 109th with the Second and First Brigades had continued in position on the turnpike and Rock Creek from half-past seven until nine p. m., when the 109th with the Se(-(>nd Brigade was ordered to return to its original posi- tion. On entering the woods, and within two hundred yards of the breastworks, the 109th and Second Brigade was met by a sliarp fire. Without replying the brigade was withdrawn to the turnpike in the rrar of, and jjast Gen. Green's right, where it was again met 14 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH with a volley, showing conclusively that the enemy was occupying the intrenchments to the right of Green. During Gen. Green's engagement with the enemy, to meet the attack on his flank, the 137th New York, which held the right of his brigade, changed front, forming a right angle to the rifle-pits, thus covering the right of the entire brigade. It being injudicious to attack the enemy in the night in their new position, the 137th New York was relieved, and the Second Brigade was formed in double line at right angles with the Third Brigade, the iiith Penna. taking position with its left resting on the Third Brigade, and 109th Penna. on the iiith Penna. right. Between the 109th Penna. and the iiith Penna. with the enemy in their front, was a shallow ravine. Before daylight on the morning of July 3, the First Brigade was placed in position on the right of the 109th Penna., and in extension of the line of 109th and I nth, the brigade's right extending almost to the turnpike. Gen. Geary, by a staff-ofiicer of the 109th, reported the situation to Gen. Slocum, and on July 3, between one and two o'clock, a. m. had posted in position opposite the centre of the line of the Twelfth Army Corps, and slightly to the right of the Second Division's right, so as to command the ravine formed by Rock Creek, six twelve-pound pieces of "F" Battery, 4th United States Artillery, four twelve- pound pieces "K" Battery, 5th United States Artillery, and six guns of a Maryland Battery. Lockwood's Brigade, composed of the ist Eastern Shore Maryland Regiment, and the 150th New York, was placed in a position to support the artillery. About half-past three a. m., July 3, the artillery opened from every gun a most furious fire, and continued without interruption between ten and fifteen minutes. At the same time the 109th Penna., with infontry of the Second and Third Brigades, made a most furious attack. This tremendous assault of infantry and artillery at first seemed PENNSYLVANIA VETRRAN VOLUNTEERS. 15 to stagger the enemy, but they soon rallied and with three divisions, Johnson's, Rodes' and Early's, charged heavily on our front and right, yelling in their peculiar style. They were met at every point by the unswerving line and deadly fire of the 109th and the Second and Third Brigades, these troops not yielding an inch of ground ; line after line of the enemy broke under the steady fire, but the pressing masses from behind rushed forward to take their places. After from twenty minutes to a half hour the artillery again opened fire with shell, and continued rapidly without ceasing for fifteen minutes, the infantry firing continuing. At about five a. m., the 147th Penna. on the right of the 109th Penna. charged and carried a stone wall occupied by the enemy. About eight a. m. the enemy redoubled their efforts, massing all their forces with the intention of carrying the position at all hazards, so that they could take the Baltimore Turnpike. Gen. Slocum, fearing the overwhelm- ing force of the enemy might prove too much for the Second Divis- ion of the Twelfth Army Corps, secured reinforcements from the Sixth and First Army Corps. These reinforcements were not how- ever called into active service, except a part of Shaler's Brigade. About twenty-five minutes past ten, two brigades of Johnson's Division having formed in column by regiments, charged upon the right occupied by the 109th and Second Brigade. Gen. Geary in an official report says of the charge, "They met the determined men of Kane's little brigade, which though only six hundred and fifty strong, poured into them so continuous a fire that when within seventy paces, their columns wavered and soon broke to the rear. This was the last charge ; as they fell back our troops rushed for- ward, driving the rebels in confusion over the intrenchments, and ending every attempt of the enemy to obtain ])ossession of the right of the line and the P>altimore Turnj)ike. The enemy's loss was very severe, as nine hundred were buried by our troops in I'ront of the line of the Second l)ivision. Twelfth Aruiy Corps." I 6 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH At lialf-past ten a. in., July 3, the 109th was relieved and marched out, taking position near the Baltimore Turnpike, where they remained until half-past twelve p. m. They then returned to the position, on right of the Third Brigade, which they first occu- pied in the breastworks. Gen. Geary in an official report says of the Second Brigade, "It sustains the most excellent reputation as a high-toned brigade." They retained this position in the breast- works until the morning of July 4, when it was discovered that the enemy had withdrawn and was retreating. On July 5, the entire army was in pursuit of Gen. Lee, and after crossing South Mountain on July 12, found him occupying a position on the heights of Marsh Run in front of Williamsport. The Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, of which the 109th was a part, held the extreme left of our army line, wliich place was directly opposite the right of Gen. Lee's army fiicing us in front of Williamsport. The Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, took position about twelve o'clock m. on July 12, and pickets were ordered to be thrown out ; Captain Ralston of the 109th was in com- mand of the division picket-line. One of Gen. Geary's staff- officers, an officer of the 109th, requested the privilege of passing outside of the picket line on recognizance, and with one orderly passed on the road to the left of the line leading to Williamsport. When a considerable distance inside of the enemy's vidette line, he called at a farm-house not far from the road, and inquired whether any Confederates had been there, and was answered. Yes, several officers had takeii dinner there but a short time before, and that not far from the road a short distance further on, "a field was full of cannon." \x\ this field the enemy had massed their artillery before crossing the river. Here was Gen. Lee with the swollen waters of the Potomac in his rear, and without means of crossing his artillery, pontoons having been swept away. And here defeat must cause the PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. I 7 surrender of his entire army. The staff-officer returned to division headquarters, and reported what he had heard to Gen. Geary, and Gen. Geary, accompanied by this staff-officer, reported to Gen. Slocura, commanding the Twelfth Army Corps. When Gen. Slocum had heard the staff-officer's statement he said "Geary, take your division, make an advance and feci the enemy." As Geary was about to leave Gen. Slocum' s quarters to carry out this order, a staff-officer from Geu; Meade reported to Gen. Slocum, with Gen. Meade's compliments, that Gen. Meade would hold a council of war. Gen. Slocum then said to Gen. Geary, "Don't make any movement until I return from Gen. Meade." No advance was made until July 14, when Gen. I^ee had constructed a pontoon bridge of lumber collected from canal boats and the ruins of wooden houses. The advance on July 14 was a failure, as the last of Gen. Lee's army had crossed when we arrived at the river. After this the line of march was taken for Catlett's Station, Va., where the 109th Regiment arrived July 29, having marched from Gettysburg, since July 5, two hundred and four miles. The regiment remained at Catlett's Station until August 5, and from August 5 until September 18 it was on duty along the Rapidan, and from September 18 until September 28 it was on duty near Brandy Station, Va. On September 28 the regiment was relieved from duty with the Army of the Potomac, and with the Twelfth Army Corps and Eleventh Army Corps, under Gen. Hooker, ordered west to the re- lief of the army at Chattanooga, and reached Murfreesboro, Tenn., October 6, and operated against Confederate cavalry from Nashville to Murfreesboro. During this time the Confederates held pos- session of the cast bank of the Tennessee River from Chattanooga to below Kelly's P'erry, holding both Brown's Ferry and Kelly's Ferry, and preventing the furnishing of supplies to the army at 1 8 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH Chattanooga by the Tennessee River. To supply the army at Chattanooga was becoming difficult and almost impossible, and the opening of the Tennessee River l)erame a necessity. October 25 the regiment was ordered from Stevenson, Ala., to the front. They arrived at Bridgeport, Ala., October 27, crossing the Tennessee River, and struck the Memphis and Charleston R. R. near Lookout Mountain. At about five o'clock on the afternoon of October 28, they camped in Wauhatchie Valley. The Eleventh Army Corps encamped about three miles in advance, near Brown's Ferry. The troops encamped in Wauhatchie Valley, near Lookout Mountain, consisted of the 29th Penna. Vols., 109th Penna. Vols., iiith Penna. Vols., 78th N. Y. Vols., 137th N. Y. Vols., 149th N. Y. Vols., and four guns of Knap's Battery. The 29th Penna. Vols, was posted on picket. About half-past eleven p. m. the pickets were partly driven and the trooj^s were at once placed in line. The iiith Penna. Vols, on the right, the 109th Penna. Vols, on the left of the iiith, the 137th N. Y. on the left of the 109th Penna. Vols., and the 78th N. Y. on the left of the 137th N. Y., and the four guns of Knap's Battery were placed in the rear of the iiith and 109th on rising ground, so as to fire over the infantry and be supjiorted. The firing on the pickets at half-past eleven proved to be a feint, and the troops lay upon their arms. Between twelve p. m. and half-past twelve a. m. on October 28, the enemy charged, firing with tremendous fury, driving in the pickets, and then commenced one of the most furious and important battles of the war. The Army of the Cumberland was then on short rations, and supplies were impossible except by the Tennessee River. These fourteen hun- dred troops of the Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, covered Kelly's Ferry. This must be maintained or the enemy would com- mand the Tennessee River. From three to five thousand of Stone- PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 1 9 wall Jackson's old troops were thrown against us for the purpose of either capturing our little command, or annihilating it, and gain- ing possession of Kelly's Ferry. They poured into us three con- centrated fires, from front and right and left flanks, but this little band of brave and tried Army of Potomac troops fought with steady and determined desperation, not giving way a single foot. The 109th fought without a field officer, under the command of a captain, but every man realized the importance of the fight and his own individual importance, where so few were fighting against so many. From half-past twelve to half-past three o'clock this desperate fight continued. At one time it did appear as though the enemy would gain the rear of our right and capture the guns of our bat- tery, but by a most timely movement one piece was throvv-n across the road on the right, which gave the enemy a raking fire and saved the flank. As the guns of the battery flashed the enemy would pour such a deadly fire into them, that both commissioned officers were killed, twenty-four of the men out of forty-eight were killed or wounded, and thirty-seven of the forty-eight horses were killed. At the end of three hours the enemy retired, leaving in our hands one hundred and fifty-three killed, including six commissioned officers, and fifty-two wounded, including three officers, making the enemy's loss in killed and wounded, according to the statistics of most battle-fields, about one thousand. In this fight the 109th added another page of honor to its history, of which every man engaged in this battle might feel justly proud. Gen. Geary in an official report says, "The enemy precipitately hurled their main body without skirmishers upon the left where the 137th N. Y., the 109th Penna., and the two left companies of the mth Penna., met them with intense and well direc ted fire. And the actual fighting throughout the battle was sustained in conjunction with the artil- 20 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH lery by the 137th N. Y., the 109th Penna., the iiith Penna., and a portion of the 29th Penna. numbering eight hundred and fifty of- ficers and men." Gen. Geary further says of the conduct of the 137th N. Y., the 109th Penna., and iiith Penna., in sustaining the brunt of the battle, " I cannot speak too highly, they acquitted them- selves in a manner deserving all the commendation that a commander can bestow upon them, and which I take pleasure in mentioning officially." Previous to the battle of Lookout Mountain the Second Divi- sion Twelfth Army Corps maintained a line extending from the confluence of Lookout Creek and the Tennessee River on the left to the top of Raccoon Mountain on the right. On the morning of November 24, 1863, the 109th Penna. and 78th N. Y. were placed on the right of these defences, while the balance of the division was withdrawn to charge Lookout Mountain. Although the 109th Penna. was not actively engaged in the fight, its position in reserve was ex- ceedingly important, and the War Department authorizes the battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and Ringgold inscribed upon the colors of the 109th Penna. Veteran Volunleers. These battles therefore become a part and parcel of the history of the 109th. About four o'clock on the morning of November 24, 1863, the Second Division Twelftli Army Corps, with some other troops, temporarily assigned under the command of Gen. Geary, crossed the railroad at Wauhatchie Junction and marched to a point about two and one-half miles up Lookout Creek, and here the entire command massed behind a hill which effectually secured it from view from the mountain. Throwing a bridge across the creek at this point the skirmishers and picket-line crossed, surprised and captured the en- my's picket-line without firing ; forty-two pickets were captured. Four pieces of light artillery, twelve-pounders, were placed on Bald Hill near the junction of the creek and river, and four pieces of PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 2 1 artillery on a hill opposite Lookout Point and behind Bald Hill. ']'\vo pieces of twenty-pound Parrotts were placed in the gap to the right and one section of howitzers commanded the approach to the lower bridge, and four pieces of Knap's Battery were posted on an eminence to the left of Kelly's Ferry Road from which it commanded the sides of Lookout. About half-past eight o'clock the entire column commenced to cross the bridge, the Second Brigade in advance moved rapidly up the hill-slope by the right flank in a direct line from the crossing to the wall of the crest ; the Third Brigade followed and joined the Second Brigade's left. Gen. Whittaker's Brigade crossed, followed by First Brigade, Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps. The line of battle as formed faced to the front was, Second Brigade with iiith and 29th Penna. on the right ; Third Brigade with four regiments in the centre; First Brigade on the left in echelon with 66th Ohio and three companies of 5th Ohio in reserve. This constituted the front, covering the slopes from the mound of the crest to Lookout Creek. The 8th Kentucky, 35th Indiana, 99th and 40th Ohio re- spectively in order from the right of Whittaker's Brigade formed the second line in support, about three hundred and fifty yards to the rear of the front line, his right resting opposite Second Brigade's centre ; about one hundred yards in the rear of the supporting line were the 96th Illinois and 51st Ohio, also of Whittaker's Brigade. This formation and distances were maintained until the farthest point gained on the mountain. A heavy line of skirmishers had been advanced and covered the entire front through the day's move- ments, and the flanks were kcjjt so intact that the supporting line was perfectly secure, excepting from sharj^shooters on the crest. About nine o'clock the whole line moved forward, the right, held by the 29th Penna., kept in close contact with the ragged pre- cii)ice of the summit ; the left was instructed to govern its move- 2 2 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH ments by those of the front line on tlie riglit, the extreme left resting near the creek, the guide being the upper curvature of the mountain. The movement was quite rapid over the steep sides of the mountain which slojjcd at nearly an angle of forty-five degrees, breaking into numerous successive ravines from fifty to a hundred feet in depth, overcome by clambering almost perpendicular ascents and descents. When the right and centre had progressed about one mile and a quarter, the enemy's pickets were encountered and driven back upon their main advance body, a mile beyond a part of a series of fortifications, rugged nature and artificial, occupied by a brigade of the enemy. With fixed bayonets our troops charged at double-quick over all obstructions, regardless of the active work of the sharpshooters in the gorges and from the crest and the heavy musketry in front, and with wild enthusiasm made a sudden and vigorous assault. The Third Brigade and the iiith Penna., closing in with the enemy, and the 29th Penna. on the right, hurled them- selves upon their flank with furious effect. The enemy offered a sturdy but brief resistance and soon yielded and threw down their arms. This was the first success in the charge upon Lookout Moun- tain. Many of the enemy were killed and wounded and the balance of the brigade were taken prisoners, with small arms, cam]) equij^age, and four rebel flags, were captured by the 149th and 60th N. Y. regiments. The prisoners were sent to the rear to be disposed of by Gen. Whittaker's command. The command without halting upon the site of the victory, pressed eagerly forward in original Ibrmation. Many were the ob- structions now surmounted at every step, ravines, i)recipices, im- mense boulders, abbatis, slashings and carefully constructed works. Keejiing the right firm against the barrier of the mountain top, the right, having the shorter line, made more advance with less marching than the balance of the line. PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 23 Before reaching the next line of the enemy, the right of the line encountered the almost perpendicular pyramid of Lookout Point, the line being obliqued to the right so as to keep the rock forthe right to rest upon. This brought the line to the most elevated accessible ix)int of the mountain, short of the most elevated peak. At this point a rebel regiment was observed making a hasty descent through a pass from the westerly crest upon our flank. The 29th Penna. changed front to rear and succeeded in capturing the entire rebel regiment and thus counteracted this flank movement of the enemy. At this time our artillery opened upon the enemy's fortifications, the missiles flying over our troops into their lines. The artillery ceased and the Third Brigade and left of the Second Brigade charged the fortifications, who offered a stout resistance, but the Third Bri- gade pressed them hotly while the right of the Second poured in its flanking fire with such vigor that the enemy sullenly fell back from work to work until they were driven from each strong lodgement. During this time the enemy opened with three pieces of light artillery from the crest and for twenty minutes made every effort to enfilade our lines, but their guns could not be sufficiently depressed to reach our ranks, and their missiles burst with trivial effect over the heads of the First Brigade, which unseen by the enemy was sweeping up the rough declivity just below the plateau. Being baffled with their artillery they hurled shell and hand grenades from the cliffs, but our lines moved so rapidly that they were mostly ineffective. Our lines still pressed on, pushing the enemy with such vigor that they could not recover, and their front wavered more and more each stand, until their falling back became a flight. This was about twelve o'clock noon. The Second Brigade ad- vanced about eight l.undred yards around the point so as to com- mand the enemy's flank and protect our own. At this point the brigade passed the mountain side at almost a ])crpendicular angle, 24 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH and when the brigade's right reached the desired point, their column was closed up, and with backs firm against the acclivity, presented a front toward Chattanooga Creek. At the same time the Third Brigade charged through the Peach Orchard taking the works en- circling it and driving the enemy from a stone Avail jiarallel with our line. The 137th and 60th N. Y., dashed through the 3'ard of the "White House," where the enemy had two pieces of artillery in position, c-apturing them and their gunners, throwing the colors of the i37ih N. Y. on the guns, as token of cai)ture. Our troops were fired with enthusiasm and on they went over the successive belts of ranij^arts inclosing the level area which the rebels reluctantly yielded. We had progressed about five hundred yards beyond the " White House " with our riglit, and in front of the mountain road, when the routed rebels rallied upon a large body of the enemy, three brigades being covered by the woods and rocks. Our men were imbued with irresistible ardor and vigorously engaged them. Whittaker's Brigade was halted at the stone wall of the " White House" and several of his regiments were formed about two hun- dred yards to the rear and left of it. A part of one of his regiments moved up to the support of the left of the line but was soon with- drawn. The enemy made several charges and were as often driven back to their original line. While the Third Brigade combatted the masked forces in front, the Second Brigade opened an oblique fire on the enemy's flank which enfiladed their lines and made their situation untenable. The impenetrable fog, which had for some time lingered above, now settled down upon and below the Third Brigade and it became impossible to direct fire upon the enemy unseen with- out endangering our own men ; the fog prevailed during the balance of the day. The left of our line was still striving for the old road leading from the mountain into Chattanooga Valley, when at half- past twelve an order from Gen. Hooker commanded a halt along PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 25 the crest. We had gone already beyond the intended point. The ground occupied by our line was very abrupt. The Second Brigade flag floated from the highest ])oint yet gained on the 24th. The officers and men manifested an eagerne.ss to go forward. At a])out one o'clock the enemy made an assault in force upon our left, but our men stood firm and soon forced the enemy back to cover. From two o'clock p. m., of the 24th, and during the afternoon, night and early morning of the 25th, the Second Division was re- lieved at different times by Col. Grose's Brigade, Gen. Whittaker's Brigade and Gen. Carlin's Brigade. During the night of the 24th and morning of the 25th but little firing was done, but the men suf- fered considerably from cold. Before daylight of the 25th Gen. Geary gave orders for small reconnoitering parties to gain the sum- mit with ladders and plant the colors on top had the enemy evacu- ated. The colors of the 8th Kentucky ascended on the eastern side of the ridge and the 29th Penna. on the western. They stood upon the summit about the same time, but the 8th Kentucky having the shorter line was the first to unfurl the flag from the gigantic cliffs, but almost the same instant the 29th Penna. unfurled their flag and the "white star," the symbol of the division which carried Look- out Mountain. The enemy had evacuated, and from ten thousand throats burst forth the wildest shouts of patriotic enthusiasm. The victory was complete and without measure in its importance. At shortly after ten o'clock on tlie morning of the 25th, pursu- ant to orders from Gen. Hooker, the Second Division, preceded by Osterhaus' and Cruft's Divisions, marched down the mountain toward Mission Ridge, upon the left of which the rebel troops withdrawn froui Lookout and Chattanooga Valley had been placed in position in extension of the entire rebel line. Our troops descended into Chattanooga Valley taking the rebel route. The enemy disputed the advance of the column with artillery for a short 26 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH time, but was driven back and one of their guns captured. At about three o'clock in the afternoon our column turned to the left and followed the base of Mission Ridge. Osterhaus moved down the eastern base and Cruft was getting a foothold to sweep along the crest line, when our division advanced along the western base with five batteries and parallel to the enemy's front and toward their right. The First and Second Brigades were puslied forward along the base and the Third Brigade in support of the artillery opened a battery on the enemy's flank and rear, com- pelling them to fall back; at the same time continuing a brisk artillery fire upon them. The division was then formed in column of brigades with the First Brigade in front and the Second Brigade in second line. They scaled the craggy sides of the ridge, moving obliquely to effect a junction with the right of Gen. Palmer's Fourteenth Corps. The rebel retreat at this time had fairly started, and our effort was made to cut them off. The descent of the ridge was a difficult work, but was accomplished in good order amid shouts and cheers. As our line of battle gained the summit Johnston's Division of the Fourteenth Corps attained the adjoining cliff on the left. At six p. m. our junction was complete and the left of the ridge was ours. The balance of the army was successful and the entire range was taken from the enemy. Pursuant to orders we descended to the western base of the ridge and bivouacked for the night in the enemy's winter quarters. Several hundred prisoners were taken. At ten o'clock on the morning of the 26th, under orders from Gen. Hooker, our division marched through Rossville Gap, fol- lowing tlie line of retreat of the left of the enemy's army on the road to Graysville. Tlie main body of the enemy retreated rapidly. Our division having j)assed Pea Vine Creek and Chickamauga Swamp at ten p. m. it was ascertained that the enemy had forces PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 27 on Pidgeon Hill. Osterhaus' advance commenced skirmishing ; our First Brigade was hastily moved to the front, doubled on Osterhaus' column, and formed in line at right angles with the Ringgold Road. The Second Brigade was drawn up in line in an open field about three hundred yards to the rear. Skirmishers were inniiediately thrown to the front, scaled the hills and drove the rebel rear-guard from the ridge. Our division was within four miles of Ringgold. We bivouacked for the night at the foot of Pidgeon Hills. At daylight on the 27th we marched from bivouac, in rear of Osterhaus' Division. At eight o'clock we man bed rapidly through the town of Ringgold under a musketry fire from the ridge beyond. A short distance beyond, the Western and Atlantic Railroad ran through a gap in Taylor's Ridge, running in the same general direction as Mission Ridge ; through this gap the whole of Bragg's retreating army had passed towards Dalton up to the time of our arrival, leaving one division in position on the ridge to dispute our passage. At half-past seven, Osterhaus, in advance, had formed his line at the foot of the hill, and assaulted the ridge under severe fire from the enemy. Al)out eight o'clock our First Brigade passed to the left to scale the mountain and if possible gain the summit, attack the enemy in flank and charge with vigor along the ridge. The brigade was formed about three-quarters of a mile from the gap parallel with the railroad in two lines in echelon ; the 66th Ohio and 28th Penna. in front, and the 7th Ohio and 147th Penna. one hundred yards in rear. The movements were made with rapidity, passing across a large open field to the foot of the ridge, under a severe fire from the summit. The two lines were here deployed into a single line of l)attle, throwing the 7th Ohio and \\1^\\ Penra. on the left. About five hundred feet above was the enemy pouring down a rapid deadly fire. The brigade steadily descended the 28 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH Steep sides of the hill. Our fire was withdrawn until about half way up, when the whole line opened upon the enemy on the summit and pressed on. The 7th Ohio on the right of the regiment on the extreme left was compelled to move through a ravine. The enemy massed at this point, and poured into this regiment a most deadly enfilad- ing fire ; it received and returned it unflinchingly and pressed on until within twenty-five yards of the summit, but the enemv, strongly reinforced, was overpoweringly superior, with advantage of position. The regiment, having lost its gallant colonel, and twelve out of its thirteen officers and nearly one-half its men, was retired. The 147th Penna. on the extreme left gained a position near the top, but both flanks of this regiment were endangered by the falling back of the 7th Ohio. The 28th Penna. and 66th Ohio, well protected on the right, held their ground about forty yards below the crest line, and engaged the eneni}', but owing to the overpowering strength of the enemy they could not advance and were ordered to form on the line below. These brave troops had contended for two and one-half hours against overwhelming numbers and against the enemy in almost impregnable position. As soon as the First Brigade was moved to the rear and left, the Second Brigade was brought up and massed behind a large stone depot on the confines of the town, toward the ridge. The Third Brigade was halted in reserve four hundred }ards in the rear in the main street of Ringgold. The Second Brigade had remained but a few minutes under shelter, when the enemy with artillery and musketry was pressing back some of Osterhaus' regiments on the right. The Second Brigade moved to his support on the double-cpiick, cros.sed the railroad under severe fire and took position in front on a mound to the left of the railroad and gap, facing the ridge. The advance PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 29 of the enemy's line was checked and hurled back towards the ridge. The Third Brigade was brought up as soon as the Second was sent to tlie reliff of the right, and was disposed in column of regiments, en masse, behind the stone depot. The fight raged in front and at twenty minutes of eleven a. m. Osterhaus on the entire right was giving way. The Third Brigade was at once ordered to the right at double-quick. l"he troops in compact order swept over an open swampy space of nearly half a mile, while the enemy poured into them grape, canister and musketry. Arriving at the point of the right of the Second Brigade, the line was formed with 137th N. Y. on the left joining the Second Brigade on tlie right, and 149th N. Y. on the right of the brigade. They at once engaged the enemy and compelled them to recoil, and soon to seek protection upon the ridge in the sides of the gap. About fifteen minutes after retiring, the enemy ad- vanced artillery to the edge of a belt of woods at the mouth of the gap with infantry support, and at the short range of one hundred yards commenced hurling shrapnel into our lines. A detachment of sharpshooters from the 149th N. Y. succeeded in driving the enemy with the artillery from their position, after the enemy had sustained a considerable loss. At about noon, one section of Knap's Penna. Battery and one section of Landgraeber's howitzers, were placed in position on the right of the Third Brigade, and in front of the gap. They soon silenced the enemy's guns and drove back their infantry. At this same time, one section of Knap's Battery opened from the line near our left upon the enemy which had massed in front of the First Brigade. At one o'clock, Oster- haus scaled the mountain, and our Third Brigade pushed their skirmishers into the gap, the 149th N. Y. capturing two flags. The enemy were driven back, and, after five hours contest, the 30 THE ONE HUiYDRED AND NINTH ridge was in our possession. On the morning of December ist the Second Division marched from Ringgold to their old encamp- ment in Lookout Valley. For the distinguished and most gallant service of the Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, of which the 109th Penna. was a part at the Battle of Lookout Mountain, Gen. Grant, who was then in command of the army at Chattanooga, ordered a special review of this division, at which all of the dis- linguished officers serving at this ])ki