Part 4

The names of the following recruits had been added to the roll: William A. Jackson, Florence, Pa., mustered in as a private, Feb. 29, '64; John W. Tucker, Florence, Pa., mustered in as a private, March 1, '64; James A. Cummins, Cross Creek, Pa., mustered in as a private, March 29, '64. These additions made the number on our roll, May 1, 1864, sixty-four. Excluding those on detached duty and the absent sick and Lieut. Cook, a prisoner, and we had but 47 for all duty on the battlefield.

J. Smith Graham was promoted sergeant in vacancy caused by the death of Shindle, and James C. Lyle took Graham's place as corporal. John A. McCalmont served as corporal in the Color Guard. Lieut. Ray was by detail in command of K from May 1st through May 8th. Captains Linton and Kerr and a Lieutenant of Co. E also had command of K at different times during the absence of her own commissioned officers. Corporal Cooke says that Capt. Kerr had the command at Spottsylvania C.H.

As the writer was not with the Company when the Army of the Potomac began its famous _on to Richmond_ under Grant in May, and until the latter part of June, when the 140th was before Petersburg, he depends mostly upon what the comrades who were present can furnish for K. And he congratulates his comrades in having Corporal Cooke to aid in the matter. He speaks for K up to May 12th, when a wound laid him aside and he was no more with us. He tells us that in passing over the Chancellorsville battleground he gathered some flowers, which he sent home, and they are preserved unto this day. He tells us of the charge the 140th made in the Wilderness, when the rebels were massing to break the Union lines in a weak place. Col. Frazier, thinking we had better be doing something as the balls were falling thick about us as we lay in line of battle, received permission of Gen. Miles to go in on a charge. The Colonel gave his orders, and, it goes for the saying, they were executed. We went in on the double-quick (the double-quick of the 140th was always a run), yelling like mad, halted as we reached position beyond and over a small remnant of the Irish Brigade, then fired front, then right, then left, then front until no enemy returned our fire. Prisoners taken reported that we broke by these volleys three lines of battle, and, night coming on, they gave up their charge, thinking a large force was in their front. Gen. Hancock gave us great praise for it. So quickly was it done that but few casualties occurred. Cooke was hit on right thigh by a spent bullet, cutting clothing and breaking a pocket knife, badly bruising but not disabling him.

K took part in another charge on May 8th at Todd's Tavern, but suffered terribly there. Comrade Isaac Miller says that it was known as the "Cracker Fight," because Commissary Noble was in the act of issuing rations of crackers when the onset came. Cooke says that the 140th (except K and another Company) were on picket, under Capt. McCullough. K and the other Company were lying in the edge of a woods, along which a road ran, turning into the woods just where they lay; and the rebels came up on the opposite side of the valley and opened fire. Gen. Miles, riding along, was compelled to seek shelter. Abram Andrews of K was struck and bruised some. As Gen. Miles passed on, Col. Brady thought he would do something, and ordered part of his Regiment, lying to the right, to charge out over an open field in our front and down into the valley in open view of the rebels. Then he ordered our two companies to charge out on the left of his men, and to cheer as we went in. And there in one volley many of K fell. Cooke was first in file. The one in his rear and six to his left were killed or wounded. The killed were John Maloy and John W. Tucker. Many of the wounded were left on the field, as the Union lines were pushed back. I cannot refrain from relating what Isaac Miller told me in a letter written Aug. 19, '04. A sad story, indeed! He was severely wounded in leg and thigh. Was at the foot of the Company. John Maloy was at the head; and both fell and lay the Company's length apart. Maloy was wounded about in same place as Miller. They could not move, but could talk to each other. Miller lay there for five days, then the rebels carried him back to a barn and later to their field hospital. He plead for Maloy. But they said he was too far gone. On the eighth day he died, so they told Miller; and then, at Miller's appeal, they promised to bury him. Who could keep the tears back when told of how one of our brave comrades thus gave up his life in the service of his country? It is some relief to hear it whispered that in those long days of suffering some ladies of the farm did what they could to care for him and others like him. Let us hope it was so, and that the angels of God's love comforted him.

Cooke says that Tucker fell before him at the rail fence where we stopped to fire, pierced in the temple by a ball, and there George Sprowls had his hair combed by a ball that took the cap from his head. Cooke adds, "Then came the order to fall back to main line. It was a beautiful but sorrowful Sabbath day. Then came the Po river excursion, where the whole line in the darkness fired at a dog--the artillery duel, where a number of our boys perished as we lay behind our battery. Then the all night march through the rain and mud to Spottsylvania--the massing of troops, and, at early dawn, the famous charge of the 2nd Corps, through the open fields upon the rebel breast-works, over them and along them to the right, capturing two batteries, three Generals, with Johnson's whole Division as prisoners; on down works to right, then out towards enemy's second line. Murky, foggy, no rebels to be seen, but balls flying thick as evidence of their presence; when thud! a ball took me in the right side and arm, whirling me round and down. I was just crawling toward the protection of a small earthwork in the rear of the main works when I looked up and saw George Ralston coming along. He helped me back as far as the provo-guard, passing on our way Jim Cummins, wounded through both thighs. It was the last seen of the brave recruit of 16 years. Ralston left me sitting with my back against a tree. Then a drummer boy helped me back to an empty army wagon used as an ambulance. As chance would have it, Will Powelson, also wounded, got into same wagon and rode to the Corps hospital. We kept together until we got to hospital at Pittsburg, Pa., and remained together till he went back to the Regiment. A splendid friend. That ride in an army wagon with an ounce ball grinding around near my back bone was the most excruciating experience I ever had. I have the ball yet. Can say I caught one ball and stopped another in those two innings. How many I struck out I do not know."

On receiving an intimation of a little _coup de maitre_ on the part of Corp'l Cooke that eventful morning, I wrote him, insisting on knowing about it. I will here relate only the bare facts. Cooke was alone when he mounted a portion of the breast-works, where there were transverse sections about every 24 feet and running back about 20 feet. One of our officers had been shot down who attempted going over just before he did. As Cooke reached the top he saw about 20 Johnnies back against the muddy excavations, waving their hats and cheering vociferously. He looked as fierce as he could and yelled, "Get back here!" pointing to our rear, and those Johnnies as one man obeyed, going over the works as directed like as many monkeys; and, as he turned to look, they were going pell mell for our rear, never looking back. He says he could never devise a satisfactory explanation of their actions. But he knows of the fact, and feels confident that he helped to swell the number of prisoners that morning.

K's loss in killed and wounded that day amounted to more than one-third of those engaged. There were four killed: The Cummins brothers, Benjamin and James; Joseph Guess and John Makeown--all most excellent soldiers, as were the two killed on the 8th of May. This reduced the number on our roll to 58. Among the severely wounded was George Sprowls, who fell into the hands of the enemy. Thus our losses from the ranks on May 8th to 12th were: 6 killed, 16 wounded, and of the wounded two were prisoners--Isaac Miller and George Sprowls.

During that fearful day of struggle in the "Bloody Angle," a detail was called for from Brigade headquarters, out of the 140th--two from K--to bring off the cannon the rebels had left in their flight when Hancock charged the Salient, but which were now between the lines. Abram Andrews and Norris Metcalf volunteered from K, and they did their share of shouting when the feat was accomplished.

During the next 31 days, which brought the 2nd Corps through a number of hard marches, hotly contested skirmishes and battles to the south side of the James river, K bore an honorable part. At the time the army was withdrawn to the north side of the North Anna river, in view of a change of base, K came near having a part of its number gobbled up by the rebels. As the army was retiring, K then in command of Lieut. Kerr, was among the troops that covered the movement, and were deployed on northern bank as pickets or skirmishers. The south side bank was 25 or 30 feet higher than the north one, and was lined with old rifle pits. The rebels followed and occupied these, from which they kept up a lively fire for some time. George Hanlin says that the river was narrow, 60 or 70 feet wide, and K's line had no protection but a few trees, which they hugged tighter than they did their sweethearts as they bid them adieu when first off for war, and could only take a shot now and then. Those good old trees! We see them yet, and we'll never forget them while memory holds her throne. Late in the day the enemy ceased firing. On a reconnoitering, the true condition was found out. Earlier in the day (as ascertained later) the order had been given calling off the pickets. This was to be done stealthily. From individual to individual the word was to be quietly passed--"fall back to rear." All went well till it came to George Johnson, who was hard of hearing and did not catch the command, nor was he in a position to notice the withdrawing. So he and all those in the Company that were to his right were left. Having no orders to retire, they staid at their posts. So, near sunset, being assured by two negroes, who had crossed the river, that the Johnnies "had sure done gone," they got together, Ralston taking command. All were at sea, not knowing where the Regiment had gone. But they went directly back from the river. A few miles on they saw in camp some cavalry. Ralston approached them to ascertain whether friends or foes. Happily he found friends, and gave the "all right" signal to the boys. It was Gen. Gregg's Cavalry, and he directed the boys to remain with his command till their Regiment could be located. This was done the third day after, when the Brigade was in vicinity of Rural Plains, and they were in time for a hand in the fight at Tolopotomy Creek. Then they were, in a few days, in the battles fought at Cold Harbor. In one of these Andrew Chester was severely wounded in left leg, and was disabled from further active service.

The 15th of June found K with the Regiment, after a forced march, fighting for the possession of Petersburg. But that was too important a place for the rebels, a key to Richmond, and, having the inside way, they were there in force to resist.

In the campaign from the Wilderness to the James, K had 6 killed and 17 wounded, or more than half the number actually in line of battle. But the Company was good for service yet, and formed an integral part of the hosts that fastened themselves about Petersburg. About this time Capt. Stockton returned, and the orderly sergeant came back on the 30th day of June, having passed an examination as First Class Lieutenant.

At 3 o'clock, morning of July 25th, we are on the march, crossing the Appomattox on pontoons, two miles above City Point, and, guided by fires, we push on and cross the James at Curles Neck on muffled pontoons. Find ourselves in support of the 26th Michigan and 2nd Heavy Artillery in a charge on the enemy's works, which are captured with a battery of four heavy guns. James H. Fordyce was wounded, having a thumb shot off. Well we remember our sylvan camp retreat that night--the sound sleep, for oh, how tired we were. In line by 3 o'clock in the morning--later move to right and entrenching for security, a general line being formed. In the afternoon of the 27th it was noticed that the rebels were striking tents and moving to their right. Gen. Miles called upon Capt. Stockton to send some men out to scout for an hour to ascertain the purport or extent of this movement. Serg't B. F. Powelson with three other men responded, who went some distance to the right, making the discovery that the rebels were aiming to turn our flank. From a tree the sergeant could see a distance into the enemy's country, but no very large amount of troops. The attack made by the rebels in about an hour was successfully checked, and, at 2 o'clock next morning our part of the Brigade, serving as rear guard, quietly stole away and followed our troops, who had recrossed the river during the night, returning by night to our old quarters back of Petersburg. The object of this movement by our Corps was a ruse to draw and hold the enemy's forces north of river, while, in the blowing up of a fort, entrance to Petersburg might be made.

The heat becoming intense in camp, we indulged ourselves in building arbors for protection, each Company by turns using the Regimental baggage wagon. On this occasion Co. K was officially complimented as having the best shade and cleanest quarters.

Then came heavy fatigue work in trenches and parallels. Six hours on and six hours off, day and night. K's sober boys will remember the deep study as to what use to make of some hot whiskey issued for stimulants. Some tried stewing their hard tack in it. It did not prove of much value.

In some of the fighting about Petersburg George Johnson was wounded, but not seriously. Ofttimes the cannonading was terrific, and we were maneuvering much and there was constant activity.

When the Second Corps, on Aug. 12, '64, dropped out of their places about Petersburg, K withstood well that fearful jaunt to City Point, though the writer must confess that, owing to the extreme heat and dust it was "nip and tuck" with many of us. While awaiting transports here, on the morning of the 13th, the writer and Sergeant Graham visited the 1st Division hospital to see Miss Mary Vance, a lady from Cross Creek, Pa., whom Co. K claimed, and who all through the war gave her means, time and strength in unceasing, disinterested ministrations to the sick and wounded soldiers. We were also favored with meeting Miss Hancock, of New York, well known as a lady of unceasing patriotic zeal.

Co. K shared in surprise, when, on the morning of the 14th, we disembarked and found ourselves in the locality we occupied on the 26th of July, in Deep Bottom. And now for the first time for many of us we have opportunity of seeing that plain, quiet leader, Gen. Grant, Hancock's headquarters being near where K was left with the colors, while the Regiment was on the skirmish line. For a good part of the time in this second Deep Bottom expedition, Capt. Stockton had command of the Regiment. Co. K and part of Co. D were out on picket the second night, out on the Division's advanced position to the right, and to those who still survive there come vivid recollections of how we made the most and best of our situation, there being a home in the vicinity, with its fruit trees, a corn field and a sweet potato patch. Only things were appropriated as seemed necessary. Magill can tell you what a good supper he and the "Orderly" had together. Lieut. Burns, in charge, and myself are known to have had a dry place on which to sleep a while--a stable door, only borrowed. It was on the next day we shared in that two miles charge, the Confederate Gen. Chambliss' corpse being passed over by K in its advance, and we reached a point about six miles from Richmond. The rebels became alarmed and are heavily reinforced. This was the object of this movement--to divert attention and hold the rebel troops, while the 5th Corps secures a foothold on the Weldon railroad south of Petersburg. Protecting ourselves from being flanked, and the purpose of our maneuvers having been accomplished, on the night of the 20th the James was recrossed. During 18th, Capt. Stockton being in hospital sick, Capt. Pipes assumed command of the Regiment, and on the 20th Capt. Henry took command. We, of K, well remember that never-to-be-forgotten tramp, tramp all the night of the 20th, through darkness, rain and mud; awful and yet laughable, when men get lost, when hats, shoes, caps, etc., disappeared, as the boys stumbled on in brush and darkness. But we reach our old camping ground at Petersburg, only to find things torn up. But what matters! for Uncle Sam has other work for the valiant 2nd Corps, and off we set for the flank movement on the Weldon railroad, the seizing of this road being the main purpose in the movements. Co. K well remembers, too, the part it took in the tearing up of the railroad and its corn roasts over the fires of burning ties; and in the Ream Station engagement on Aug. 25th, in the opening of which the 140th had special work assigned it in the rear and on right, and our experience that night in falling back to a point south of Petersburg near the Weldon railroad, where substantial works were constructed.

At this point, Sept. 27, '64, K lost the First Sergeant, B. F. Powelson, who was discharged to accept a First Lieutenancy in Co. G, 41st U.S.C.T. It was a struggle to break away from comrades who had become so dear through so many days of true soldier life. And I well remember that I almost gave up to my feelings. Corporal George Ralston was promoted First Sergeant, and George A. Hanlin, corporal in Ralston's place.

In the subsequent operations of the Regiment, during the remainder of 1864, Co. K bore well its part in the general movement of the left of the Union army the 27th of October, flanking the rebel works at Armstrong's Mill, on Hatcher's Run, and in the fighting, amid the rigors of winter, on Hatcher's Run Dec. 8th to 19th, Companies D and K, under Capt. Linton, doing special guard duty before and about Ft. Fisher. Again in the early days of February, '65, in repelling the enemy in an attack on our position about Dabney's Mill, Hatcher's Run. And K shared in the marked vigilance of camp life in close proximity to a strong and alert enemy through the winter, and also in the expectancy of an early spring campaign. The Company had lost others from her roll as follows: William A. Jackson, discharged Nov. 2, '64; Jesse J. Morris, transferred to principal musician in the Regiment, Dec. 22, '64; Henry Dickson, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps; David McC. Pry, transferred Feb. 6, '65, to Veteran Reserve Corps; Johnson Toppin, Feb. 6, '65, transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps; Norris Metcalf, died March 17, '65, chronic diarrhoea, at home near Eldersville, Pa., and buried in Bethel church cemetery. Two names of persons coming in as recruits had been added to the roll: Frank Stiver, from West Virginia, enrolled as private Sept. 22, '64, and George A. Reed, Cross Creek, Pa., enrolled as private Feb. 27, '65. The number on the roll March 20, 1865, was 53. Of this number Lieut. Cook, Isaac Miller and George Sprowls were in rebel prisons; Wm. Rea, Wm. Hanlin, Jos. Corbin, Serg't Boyd, Robert Dungan, D. J. Butterfoss, Silas Cooke, Andrew Chester, B. F. Hawthorn, George Reed, James Worstell and Robert Meldoon were in hospitals or serving in the Veteran Reserve Corps. This would leave 38 on the front. Lieut. Sweeney was on Division headquarters staff duty, and several were on detached or special duty. So that only about 30 were present in line of battle.

On D. McC. Pry's transfer, Feb. 6, '65, Marshall Wright was promoted to corporal.

On the advance of the 2nd Corps, on March 25, '65, the final campaign opened. That day brought sadness to Co. K. Great activity was manifest in both contending armies. The Federal army was moving in arranging its forces for a forward movement to more closely invest the Confederates. They were desperate in defence and were trying sorties to break away. The rifle shooting from the trenches was close. Serg't Smith Graham was instantly killed, his forehead pierced with the ball of some sharp shooter. He was carried back into camp and laid in his bunk. It was a sad blow to the Company for "Smith" was held in very high esteem. As the army was all astir, he was buried near Fort Welch, and so far as known his body found there its permanent resting place.

John A. McCalmont was made sergeant in Graham's stead, and Abram Andrews was promoted to be corporal, taking the place of McCalmont.

Then followed the stern activities which soon brought the fall of Richmond, Co. K participating in the five days' constant struggle, crowned with the brilliant dash of Gen. Miles' Division (our Division) at Sunderland Station, April 2nd. And, Richmond having fallen, Co. K had its liberal share in the experiences in the rapid and close pursuit of Gen. Lee's army, in the battles of Tailor's Creek and Farmville--in the foraging in line of battle as in hot pursuit they passed through a well stocked plantation at Tailor's Creek, and in the distribution of Confederate money and other spoils of war in the trains captured in the Farmville battle. In this latter conflict Sergeants Ralston and McCalmont and Corporal Abe Andrews were taken prisoners and held till Lee's surrender. They were asked or rather ordered to give up their shoes and other effects. This they did in part, when talking and parleying would not avail. Ralston, through an officer, secured a pledge for the return of his watch at the close of the war, and when released he hunted up the party and secured the return of his effects.

When the surrender of Lee's army took place Co. K was on the advanced line, on the road leading into Appomattox C.H. from the east, and when Gen. Lee rode back through the lines toward Richmond they stood in silence, with heads uncovered, as he passed.

The war practically over, K marched leisurely back with the Regiment to Washington, D.C., and took part in the grand review, being formally mustered out near Alexandria, Va., May 31, 1865.

The following, according to official records, is the final disintegration of the Company:

Lieut. William B. Cook, discharged May 17, 1865, by order of the Secretary of War.

William M. Rea, discharged May 19, 1865, on Surgeon's certificate of disability.

Corporal William Hanlin, discharged May 20, 1865, G.O. 77 of office of Adjutant General.

Joseph Corbin, discharged May 20, 1865, G.O. 77 of office of Adjutant General.

Robert Meldoon, discharged May 20, 1865, G.O. 77 of office of Adjutant General.

Second Serg't Milton R. Boyd, honorably discharged May 27, 1865.

Robert B. Dungan, honorably discharged May 29, 1865.

George Reed, transferred to 53rd Reg't P.V., S.O. 136 A. of P., May 30, '65.

Daniel J. Butterfoss, discharged from hospital about time Company mustered out.

George Sprowls, died, drowned on Chesapeake Bay in sinking of a transport.