Part 4

CAPT. R. G. DILL, commander of Co. H, is a native of Newcastle, Pa. He volunteered April 15th, 1861, as a PRIVATE in Co. B, 12th Pa., Infantry, and remained in connection with this command until its expiration of term of service, when he re-enlisted in Co. E, 102nd Pa. For his gallantry displayed in action he was afterwards promoted to CORPORAL in his Company. In consequence of a disability contracted in the service he was honorably discharged; but upon recovery he immediately returned to the field; this time in Co. F, 103rd Pa. He was wounded in the left hand at the battle of Malvern Hill, July 1st, 1862, and again severely wounded, in left leg below the knee, in the Skirmish at Blount's Mills, April 7th, 1863. He received the appointment of CAPTAIN in this Regiment, April 2nd, 1864, and continued in command of his Company in all its duties and actions to the final muster out. This officer, whose ability, experience and bravery, commend him to all, is a most worthy commander.

He has taken part in the following actions, viz.: Williamsburg, May 5th, 1862; Seven Pines, May 31st, 1862; Skirmish at Seven Pines, June 27th and 28th, 1862; Malvern Hill, July 1st, 1862; Chantilly, Sept. 1st, 1862; Skirmish at Williamsport, Sept. 19th, 1862; Skirmish at Blount's Mills, N.C., April 7th, 1863; Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19th and 20th, 1864; Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 29th and 30th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864; skirmish on Bermuda Front, Dec., 1864; Farra's Island, at Dutch Gap Canal, Jan. 25th, 1865; and capture of Richmond, April 3rd, 1865.

FIRST LIEUT. JOHN P. HAWXHURST.

FIRST LIEUT. JOHN P. HAWXHURST, of Co. H, is a native of Otsego, Wis., and the son of a widow. He volunteered Aug. 15th, 1862, in Co. G, 1st U.S. Sharp-shooters. At the battle of Gettysburg, July 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 1863, he was severely wounded in his left hand. On account of this wound he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. He is particularly mentioned for his distinguished bravery in his services with the 1st U.S. Sharp-shooters. He was appointed FIRST LIEUTENANT in this Regiment, April 13th, 1864, and assigned to Co. H. He has served as commanding officer of Co. C, 23rd U.S.C.T., and as Pioneer officer, Headquarters 3rd Brig. 1st Div. 25th Corps. His services and gallantry in his connection with this command have won for him the uniform testimony of a good officer.

He has participated in the following engagements, viz: Chancellorsville, May 3rd and 4th, 1863; Gettysburg, July 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 1863; Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19th and 20th, 1864; Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 29th and 30th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864; skirmish on Bermuda Front, Dec., 1864; Farra's Island, at Dutch Gap Canal, Jan. 25th, 1865; and capture of Richmond, April 3rd, 1865.[5]

[5] For history of Second Lieut. Daniel J. Hogan of Co. H, see history, of First Lieut. Hogan, Co. E.

CAPT. J. B. REYNOLDS.

CAPT. J. B. REYNOLDS, commander of Co. I, is a native of Tivoli, Blue Earth county, Minn., and whose grand-father, George Reynolds, served in the eventful struggle of the Revolution until the Independence of the Colonies was triumphantly secured. The Captain volunteered first, April 22nd, 1861, as a PRIVATE in Co. E, 3rd Wis. Infantry, which Regiment was commanded by Col., now Maj. Gen., Scuyler Hamilton. At the battle of Chancellorsville, May 3rd and 4th, 1863, he was severely wounded in his left arm, by reason of which wound he was afterwards transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. He was afterwards appointed CAPTAIN in this Regiment, April 13th, 1864, and assigned to the command of Co. I. In this position he has participated with it in its actions and duties up to final discharge of Regiment.

The unexceptionably good moral conduct of the men of this Company, and their discipline and bravery, very favorably represent the character, ability and worthiness of their commander, who has taken part in the following actions, viz: Chancellorsville, May 3rd and 4th, 1863; Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19th and 20th, 1864; Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 29th and 30th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864; skirmish on Bermuda Front, Dec., 1864; Farra's Island, at Dutch Gap Canal, Jan. 25th, 1865; and capture of Richmond, April 3rd, 1865.

FIRST LIEUT. S. B. KITCHEL.

FIRST LIEUT. S. B. KITCHEL, of Co. I, is a native of Auburn, N.Y. His worthy grand-father was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. The Lieutenant first volunteered, Aug. 21st, 1862, as a PRIVATE in the 8th Independent Co. N.Y. State Sharp-shooters, and is particularly complimented for his acts of great gallantry in connection with this organization. He was appointed FIRST LIEUTENANT in this Regiment, April 10th, 1864. He has served as A.A.D.C., on Staff Brig. Gen. Commanding 3rd Brig. 4th Div. 9th Corps, and also 3d Brig. 1st Div. 25th Corps. As an officer he has always displayed the true characteristics of one worthy of his position.

He has been in the following engagements, viz: Siege of Suffolk, June, 1863; Blackwater, June, 1863; Mine Run, Nov. 27th, 1863; Rappahannock Station, Nov. 7th, 1863; skirmish at Haymarket, Dec. 2nd, 1863; Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19th and 20th, 1864; Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 29th and 30th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864; skirmish on the Bermuda Front, Dec., 1864; Farra's Island, Jan. 25th, 1865; and capture of Richmond, April 3rd, 1865.

SECOND LIEUT. JAMES B. MOORE.

SECOND LIEUT. JAMES B. MOORE, of Co. I. By order of the War Department, this officer was cashiered and dismissed the service of the United States, for drunkenness, in accordance with sentence of General Court Martial, Headquarters 3rd Div. 9th Corps. Approved Nov. 4th, 1864.

SECOND LIEUT. A. SINCLAIR.

SECOND LIEUT. A. SINCLAIR, of Co. I, is a native of Erie, Pa. He volunteered as a PRIVATE in Co. C, 16th Pa. Cavalry, Jan. 4th, 1864. He was immediately detailed by Gen. Copeland as Chief Clerk at the Draft Rendezvous of Pittsburg, Pa., and retained in this office until Dec. 21st ensuing, when under orders from the War Department, requiring all effective men of volunteers to be sent to their regiments in the field, he joined his command. He was appointed SECOND LIEUTENANT in this Regiment and assigned to Co. I, April 9th, 1865, in place of Second Lieut. Moore, cashiered and dismissed. This officer has manifested fine executive ability.

CAPT. H. V. MARTIN.

CAPT. H. V. MARTIN, commander of Co. K, is a native of New York City. Both his grand-fathers were heroes of the Revolution of 1776, and others of his ancestry served in the War of 1812. He volunteered April 23rd, 1861, immediately after the attack on Sumpter, in Co. A, 10th N.Y. Vols., which Regiment was one among the first two-year organizations from N.Y. State to enter the field. Its career proved it to be a splendid command. It was particularly selected by Generals Butler and Wool to do garrison duty in Fort Monroe. In its connection with the Army of the Potomac, it was associated with Syke's Division of the 5th Corps, and afterwards with the 2nd Corps, and was chosen Headquarter Guards to Gen. Sumner, when in command of the Right Grand Division of the Army. On its retiring from service, at the expiration of term, Gen. French takes the opportunity of reciting its achievements and distinguished bravery in a published Circular. Capt. Martin had enlisted as a PRIVATE in this Regiment, was promoted to SERGEANT in his Company, July, 1861, and afterwards to ORDERLY SERGEANT. He became acting SERGEANT MAJOR of the Regiment, July, 1862, and was promoted to SECOND LIEUTENANT of Co. H, Oct. 25th, 1862. He received also the promotion to FIRST LIEUTENANT and ADJUTANT of his Regiment, Feb., 1863. These promotions were awarded him on account of his fine ability and distinguished services. At the battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13th and 14th, 1862, he received a wound on the cheek.

He was appointed CAPTAIN in this Regiment, April 8th, 1864, and assigned to the command of Co. K. In his connection with this Regiment he has won the name of a fine officer and most worthy commander, whose moral character is unimpeachable, and whose Company has been complimented for its high standard of discipline, efficiency and bravery.

He has served as Judge Advocate General Court Martial at Headquarters 4th Div. 9th Corps; and Judge Advocate General Court Martial 1st Div. 25th Corps; and also Provost Marshal of the Post of Brownsville, in the Western District of the Department of Texas. This latter office he held up to date of order mustering out this command. This officer is also recommended for Captaincy in the regular service by the Examining Board for officers of the regular army, appointed in the field by order of the War Department.

He has shared in the following battles, viz: Big Bethel, June 10th, 1861; Skirmish at Shelltown, July, 1861; skirmish at Cherry Stone Creek, July, 1861; capture of Norfolk, May 10th, 1862; Gaines' Mills, June 27th, 1862; Chickahominy, June 28th, 1862; Malvern Hill, July 1st, 1862; second Bull Run, Aug. 30th, 1862; Antietam, Sept. 17th, 1862; skirmish at Shepherdstown Ford, Sept. 20th, 1862; Fredericksburg, Dec. 13th, 1862; Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19th and 20th, 1864; Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 29th and 30th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864; skirmish on Bermuda Front, Dec., 1864; Farra's Island, at Dutch Gap Canal, Jan. 25th, 1865; and capture of Richmond, April 3rd, 1865.

FIRST LIEUT. S. P. STACEY.

FIRST LIEUT. S. P. STACEY, of Co. K, is a native of Springfield, Bradford county, Pa., and the only son of a widow. Both his grand-fathers were actively engaged in the Revolutionary War, and his father, Joseph Stacey, served as a soldier in the war of 1812. The Lieutenant was a member of an Independent Company of Cavalry of Springfield, previous to the rebellion. He volunteered, April 22nd, 1861, as a PRIVATE, in Co. H, 6th Pa. Reserves, and was promoted to CORPORAL in his Company. His name is intimately associated with the history of the brave Pennsylvania Reserves for deeds of great gallantry. He was appointed SECOND LIEUTENANT of Co. C, 171st Pa. Infantry, Dec., 1862, and remained with this command until its final discharge by reason of expiration of term of service. In response to the earnest call for men to recruit the thinned ranks of our army, and with a noble exhibition of patriotism, he entered the field as a volunteer PRIVATE, in Co. I, 148th Pa. Vols. At the battle of second Bull Run, Aug. 30th, 1862, he was wounded by a Buck-shot in the left leg, which continues in the limb. At the battle of Antietam he suffered a severe wound by a ball entering below the left eye. He was appointed FIRST LIEUTENANT of this Regiment, April 14th, 1864. In his connection with this command he has shown himself to be an officer of military experience, ability and undoubted bravery.

He has participated in the following engagements, viz.: Drainesville, Dec. 20th, 1861; skirmish at Catlett's Station, March, 1862; skirmish at Ton Stall Station, April, 1862; Malvern Hill, July 1st, 1862; skirmish at Rappahannock Station, Aug., 1862; Thoroughfare Gap, Aug., 1862; Second Bull Run, Aug. 30th, 1862; South Mountain, Sept. 14th, 1862; Antietam, Sept. 17th, 1863; White Oak River, Feb, 1863; Blount's Creek, April 7th, 1863; Mine Run, Nov. 27th, 1863; Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19th and 20th, 1864; Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 29th and 30th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864; skirmish on the Bermuda Front, Dec., 1864; Farra's Island, Jan. 25th, 1865; and capture of Richmond, April 3rd, 1865.

SECOND LIEUT. R. C. PHILLIPS.

SECOND LIEUT. R. C. Phillips, of Co. K, is a native of Naples, N.Y., and whose grand-father, Daniel Phillips, won great distinction as a soldier in the war of 1812. The Lieutenant enlisted, Aug. 2nd, 1862, as a PRIVATE in Co. C, 44th N.Y. Vols., which command was associated with the 5th Corps. At the battle of Gettysburg, July 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 1863, he was severely wounded in the left shoulder and breast. He was appointed SECOND LIEUTENANT of this Regiment June 8th, 1864, but in consequence of severe illness he was unable to report before Sept. 1st, ensuing. He has been Pioneer Officer 1st Brig. 4th Div. 9th Corps, and Assistant Provost Marshal 1st Div. 25th Corps. His intelligence and services entitle him to confidence and esteem.

He has taken part in the following actions, viz.: Antietam, Sept. 17th, 1862; Chancellorsville, May 3rd and 4th, 1863; skirmish at Middletown, Va., June 21st, 1863; Gettysburg, July 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 1863; Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 29th and 30th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864; skirmish on Bermuda Front, Dec., 1864; Farra's Island, at Dutch Gap Canal, Jan. 25th, 1865; and capture of Richmond, April 3rd, 1865.

SUTLER.

THOMAS MCCABE, of Elmira, N.Y., was appointed Sutler of this Regiment, April 18th, 1864, and remained in this position up to date of its final discharge. As a gentleman of strictly honest dealings, sobriety and intelligence, his relation with this command was throughout satisfactory. He possessed the confidence and esteem of the officers and men.

SERGT. MAJ. R. B. FORTEN.

SERGT. MAJ. R. B. FORTEN, of Philadelphia, was appointed SERGEANT MAJOR of this Regiment, April 8th, 1864, from a private of Co. A. He died June, 1864. This colored soldier, who was formerly a resident of London, in Europe, possessed a liberal education, was intelligent and cultivated in no ordinary degree, but even to a most favorable comparison with our own race. He discharged the duties of his position with ability and entire satisfaction. WESLEY JACKSON, (colored) Sergeant of Co. C, was appointed SERGEANT MAJOR, July 1st, 1865, for distinguished bravery in action, and in place of George S. Massey reduced to the ranks. JOHN C. BROCK, of Carlisle, Pa., was appointed QUARTER MASTER SERGEANT, of the Regiment from Commissary Sergeant. JOSEPH S. HILL, Sergeant of Co. C, was appointed COMMISSARY SERGEANT of the Regiment, in place of John C. Brock promoted. The officers in command, as well as others of the Field, Staff and Line, take great pleasure in giving their uniform testimony in favor of the good degree of intelligence, true bravery and faithfulness of the afore-mentioned colored non-commissioned officers.

EDWARD S. PERKINS, (white) of Athens, Pa., and Hospital Steward, U.S. A., was assigned to this Regiment, March 11th, 1864. At the battle of Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864, he was taken prisoner by the enemy, and confined in Libby Prison until Feb. 5th, 1865, when he was paroled. Upon discharge of this Regiment he was assigned to the 62nd U.S.C.T.

THE REGIMENT.

We take pleasure in mentioning the patriotism, energy and great activity of the Supervisory Committee who had in charge the recruiting and organizing of colored troops at Philadelphia, during the war. Their success in the undertaking, resulted not only complimentary to themselves, but it was also most opportune to the Government, by adding to our armies an important element to aid in obtaining the complete victory; and according to another view of the case, by introducing the stone that had been so long rejected, or preserved only as a stumbling stone, but which the builders would then take up in establishing and cementing a stronger and better Union.

The First Battalion of the 43rd Regt. U.S.C.T., composed of Companies A, B, C, D, E and F, was recruited and organized, March, 1864, at Camp William Penn, Philadelphia, and left Camp, April 18th, under command of Lieut. Col., now Brevet Col., H. Seymour Hall. It proceeded by railroad and steamer to Annapolis, Md., and there joined the 9th Corps, under command of General Burnside. It was associated with the 1st Brig. of the 4th Div. of this Corps, commanded by General Ferrero. The Corps took up its march April 23d, to join the Army of the Potomac. On their way through Washington they were reviewed by President Lincoln, in the presence of many other public officers, and a large assembly of citizens. As these were the first colored troops destined to the Potomac Army, their soldierly appearance and movements were closely scanned. In passing in Review they saluted gracefully with their Colors and by loud hurrahs that Great Emancipator of their race. This, as President Lincoln afterwards expressed himself, was most gratifying to him, and riveted the confidence he had in the devotion of the Freedmen, and their efficiency to do a full share in the struggle. According to the public press, also, the occasion inspired the hearts of the large assembly who witnessed it, with a great degree of favor and interest. On that same day they crossed the Long Bridge into Virginia, and camped near Alexandria. They had now returned under the Starry Flag to the soil of their oppressors, ready by great achievements in the field and with their lives, to express their sincere gratitude to "Massa Lincoln," and seal their devotion to the Union. Much as the so-called Confederacy and its _emissaries in the North_ feigned contempt and ridicule in the case of employing this troop, the true sequel is that they regarded its advent with no flattering prospects for the success of the Rebellion, but rather, as it was, a stunning blow. Going from Alexandria by way of Fairfax C.H., and Centerville, they arrived at Manassas Junction, and were immediately stationed to do guard duty on the railroad. Afterwards they were quickly marched by Rappahannock Station and over the Rapidan to reinforce the right of the army, which had been partially broken on that day. During the celebrated Wilderness Campaign, and up to Cold Harbor and Old Church, their position was on the right flank of the army. In these engagements they manifested great steadiness and intrepidity under severe fire, and immediately proved themselves a reliable troop. Their losses in these actions were comparatively light. Company G, under command of Capt. A. D. Wright, joined the First Battalion of the Regiment, June 6th, near Old Church, Va. June 12th, they marched by White House Landing and New Kent C.H., crossing the Chickahominy at Jones' Bridge, to the James River, where they took up a position protecting the crossing of the army. They passed over the James on the 17th, and next day marched to the front before Petersburg. Here they were employed by working parties in the trenches and on fortifications, under the almost constant fire of the enemy. The field works and the "Covered Way," leading to the front line were mostly constructed by the colored troops.

Preparatory to the battle of July 30th, this Battalion of the 43rd Regiment, with the addition of Co. G, moved up through the "covered way" to the ravine at the mouth of the Mine, and there awaited the explosion and the order to charge. Under command of the brave Brevet Col. Hall, at that time Lieut. Col., they advanced nobly to the charge, behaving with great coolness and gallantry, taking the works which the enemy stubbornly tried to retain, and capturing prisoners and colors. The lack of an ultimate and permanent triumph on that day, was, by no means or measure, the fault of this troop, but on account of other failures and neglects, as was afterwards reported by the Investigating Committee. In this battle it would be difficult to enumerate particular cases of great bravery, where all seem to vie with each other in the brilliancy and gallantry of their achievements. Colored non-commissioned officers fearlessly took command after their commandants (white commissioned officers) were killed, or borne severely wounded from the field, and led on the attack to the close. As each brave color bearer was shot down, another and another would immediately grasp the National emblem, all riddled with balls, and plant it further on the enemies line. In this terrific engagement, this Battalion, of the 43rd, had its Colors almost entirely cut up by the fire, and the Color Staffs splintered and broken. Its casualties were, one officer killed, ten severely wounded, including the gallant Col. Hall, who sustained the loss of his right arm, and two taken prisoner; and twenty-eight men killed, ninety-four wounded and twelve missing. It was afterwards discovered that the missing were men rendered helpless by reason of severe wounds, and whom the Rebels deliberately put to death on the field, by bayoneting them. The following is an extract from the official report of the Brigade commander, relative to that battle. "The 43d Regt. U.S.C.T. charged over the crest of the Crater, and right upon the enemies works, carrying them, capturing a number of prisoners, a Rebel battle flag, and re-capturing a stand of National colors. Lieut. Col. H. Seymour Hall, commanding 43rd Regt. U.S.C.T., lost his right arm while bravely leading his Regiment." Here on this, as on many other fields during this war, for the sacred cause of our Republican Liberties, Free Institutions and Union, the blood of the Anglo-Saxon and the African mingled very freely in the full measure of a devoted offering.

Companies H, I, and K, of this Regiment, left Camp William Penn, Philadelphia, under orders, July 11th, 1864, in a Provisional Battalion commanded by Lieut. Col. Wagner, 88th Pa. Vols., and proceeded by railroad to Havre-de-grace, Md. At this point Company I, was detached, and sent to Gunpowder Bridge. The remainder of the Battalion passed on, by transport, to Fort McHenry, and marched through Baltimore, taking a position near Birney Barracks, in the defences of the city, which was threatened by a bold and extensive Rebel raid. These Companies again joined at Camp Casey, Va., and under command of Maj. Horace Bumstead, embarked on the steamer "Highland Light," for City Point. They arrived before Petersburg, Aug. 3rd, when Maj. Bumstead took command of the Regiment entire. After the fight of July 30th, and until the advance on the Weldon Railroad, this Regiment served industriously with the spade, working in the trenches and on almost every part of the extensive line before Petersburg; and the impregnability of the position afterward, was, to a great measure, the result of their toil. In the engagements of the Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19th and 20th, and Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 29th and 30th, its losses were comparatively few. In the battle of Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, it held the position of skirmishers on the advance of the 9th Corps line of battle, and most gallantly assisted in repulsing the repeated charges of Hill's Corps. In face of a severe fire it hastily constructed two lines of breast works. Its losses in this action were, one officer killed and four wounded, and seven men killed, eighteen wounded and one taken prisoner.