This Mighty Scourge

I have just about completed the newest Civil War title from William L. Shea, “Fields of Blood: The Prairie Grove Campaign.”  As with other titles, from Shea, “Fields of Blood” is well researched and a very quick read.  Written about an often forgotten trans-Mississippi battle, between US Brigadier General James G. Blunt’s Army of the Frontier and CSA Major General Thomas Hindman’s Trans-Mississippi Army’s 1st Corps, the Battle of Prairie Grove would have far reaching implications for Confederate strategy in the western frontier.

One particular passage of the book caught my interest as it demonstrates the fighting elan of the field officers of the Confederate army.  CSA Colonel Joseph C. Pleasants commanded an Arkansas infantry regiment in CSA Brigadier General James F. Fagan’s Brigade of CSA Brigadier General Francis S. Shoup’s Division.  Assigned the unenviable task of holding the north face of the hill, that was Prairie Grove, Fagan’s Brigade was assaulted by two separate Federal thrusts – first by the 20th Wisconsin and 19th Iowa – and then later in the afternoon by 37th Illinois and 26th Indiana.  These attacks were brutal, with the fighting devolving to hand-to-hand combat.  Supporting the Federal assaults were very well executed artillery bombardments by a superior Federal artillery, with 20 pieces.  Fagan’s Brigade was posted on the high ground, south beyond the West Cornfield.  Pleasants’ Arkansas Infantry held the right flank of Fagan’s Brigade and received a direct attack by the 19th Iowa.  Described by Columbus H. Gray, of Pleasants infantry, the fighting was most severe in an orchard, “We were all laying down and the Federals came up in fifty steps of us when our colonel ordered us to rise and fire.”(i)

During the melee around the orchard, Colonel Joseph Pleasants became one of the many Confederate casualties.  Unable to describe the heroism better than Mr. Shea, the following text, from “Fields of Blood,” describes Pleasants’ actions leading his regiment.

“Among the dozens of Rebels who fell in the orchard was Colonel Pleasants.  A bullet broke his leg, but he stayed on his horse until the animal was shot out from under him.  In excruciating pain, the forty-seven year old Virginia native was dragged clear of his horse and propped up against a tree.  When Captain Henry C. Pleasants attempted to carry his father to the rear, the older man would have none of it.  He stated that “his place was with the regiment” and that “he would take care of himself.”  Others offered to move Pleasants to the opposite side of the tree so he would be protected from enemy fire.  “No,” he said, “my boys fight so well I must see them through the charge.”  When the fighting ended, Colonel Pleasants insisted that all the other wounded members of the regiment be removed before he allowed himself to be taken to the rear.  At the hospital he refused to let surgeons dress his wound until everyone else had been looked after.  Pleasants’ selfless behavior may have contributed to his death ten days later.”(ii)

CSA Colonel Joseph C. Pleasants was a brave leader that led his men from the front.  Even after his wounding, he refused to be removed from the field until all his wounded men had been taken care of.  While Congressional Medals of Honor were never awarded to Confederate soldiers, Pleasants’ gallantry at Prairie Grove would have been deserving of such recognition had he been fighting in a blue uniform.  Today we are one country - with fifty separate state flags – flying next to one national flag.  I am proud to say that Colonel Joseph Pleasants is a true American HERO, who fought bravely, and selflessly, for what he believed in.

(i) Shea, William L., Fields of Blood: The Prairie Grove Campaign, published by The University of North Carolina Press in 2009, Pg. 177.
(ii) Shea, William L., Fields of Blood: The Prairie Grove Campaign, published by The University of North Carolina Press in 2009, Pg. 178.

Seymour “Hiram” Hall was born in Barkersville, New York on September 26, 1835.  Little is known of Hiram’s early life.  With the outbreak of the Civil War, and Abraham Lincoln’s call for 75,000 state militia volunteers on April 15, 1861, Hiram would begin recruiting soldiers for the 27th New York Infantry.  On May 21, 1861 he would be commissioned second lieutenant of Company G and be mustered into Federal service on June 15, 1861 in Elmira, New York.  On April 25, he would be promoted to captain.  He would lead his company at First Bull Run, the Peninsula Campaign, Seven Days, South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg.  The 27th New York would officially muster out of Federal service on May 31, 1863.  The three year soldiers in the 27th would be assigned to the 16th New York Battalion, commanded by Hall.(i)

The 121st New York Infantry, often called Upton’s Regulars after their second commander, Emory Upton, had been decimated during the Chancellorsville Campaign while fighting in US Major General John Sedgwick’s VI Corps, at Salem Church.  Upton, desiring to fill out his regiment requested all the able bodied three year men he could obtain.  Knowing of the 16th New York Battalion, Upton petitioned VI Corps headquarters for the men.  The men of the 16th were given the option of joining a Massachusetts battery, a Federal battery of the 121st.  Most of the men chose the 121st.  On June 16, 1863, Hall took command of Company F, 121st New York.  While the VI Corps saw little action in the Battle of Gettysburg, they were engaged in the pursuit of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia during his retreat from Gettysburg.  Seeing action during the Bristoe Campaign, from October 9–22, they would find themselves facing the Army of Northern Virginia, on opposite sides of the Rappahannock River, as winter approached. 

Many of the soldiers believed Army of the Potomac commander, US Major General George Gordon Meade, would enter the winter months with no additional fighting.  However, Meade had different ideas.  Believing he could out maneuver Lee along the Rappahannock River line, he determined to push across the river.  During the upcoming battle, Hiram Hall would provide his most valuable service to his country.

Robert E. Lee had constructed a strong bridgehead at Rappahannock Station with two artillery redoubts and connecting trenches, on the north bank.  CSA Major General Jubal Early’s 2d Corps Division manned the works, with the rest of Lee’s army south of the river commanding all the major fords.  He believed that any significant attack, by Meade, would require him to divide his forces.  Lee’s plans proved quite prescient.  On November 6, Meade ordered the I, II and III Corps to cross the Rappahannock River at Kelly’s Ford, while the V and VI Corps would push across at Rappahannock Station.  They were ordered to move on the morning on November 7.  Major General William French would command the left wing, while Sedgwick would command the right wing.  Meade’s tactical plan was to have French’s wing push across the river, at Kelly’s Ford, in an effort to divert Lee’s attention from the main attack by Sedgwick.(ii)  Once across, they would push west to join the rest of the army that had crossed at Rappahannock Station.  From there, the Army of the Potomac would push south towards Brandy Station.

On the morning of November 7, the 121st New York, with the rest of the V and VI Corps pushed south from Warrenton.  Emory Upton was commanding the Second Brigade of US Brigadier General Horatio Wright’s First Division.  With Sedgwick commanding the right wing, Wright commanded the VI Corps and US Brigadier General David Russell commanded the First Division.  Opposing them at Rappahannock Station were two brigades commanded by CSA Brigadier Generals Robert F. Hoke and Harry Hays.  Hays’ Louisianans had earned the moniker, “Louisiana Tigers,” for their fighting prowess.  Both brigades were seasoned veterans of the Army of Northern Virginia.  Once Sedgwick had his forces in place he began to pound Early’s Confederates with artillery.  He maintained this fire throughout the afternoon, causing much consternation, and many casualties at the bridgehead.  Meanwhile, Upton’s brigade, consisting of the 121st New York, 5th Massachusetts, 95th and 96th Pennsylvania were joined by US Colonel Peter Ellmaker’s Third Brigade, consisting of the 6th Maine, 5th Wisconsin, 49th and 119th Pennsylvania.  Commanded by David Russell, they were assigned the unenviable task of carrying the works manned by Hays’ “Louisiana Tigers” and Hoke’s North Carolinians.  With dusk beginning to blanket the field, Russell’s division pushed out of the woods and towards the bridgehead.  Partially protected by the railroad embankment, the division was able to get very close to the fortifications before they were engaged by Hays’ soldiers.  Upton would detach companies B and D, as skirmishers.  They were commanded by Captain John Fish.  Upton was very clear in his orders to Fish, “When the line advances upon your right, you will advance – you will drive the enemy off that crest, you will use your judgment and act as if you had a separate command: but remember one thing – I want my brigade line to get there as soon as any of them.”(iii)  Clinton Beckwith described the action, “We moved forward briskly and soon discovered the Rebel skirmish line.  They waited a good while, an age I thought, before they fired on us, and I knew someone would get hit.  Finally they let go and we started on a run after them, and they skedaddled.  One fellow waited until Jack Marden, one of our boys, got close to him, and then fired and hit Jack.  But the ball, striking something in Jack’s pocket, glanced off.  The Rebel shouted, ‘I surrender,’ but Jack shot and wounded him badly….The artillery in the fort was now firing rapidly and the cannon shots flew over us and went after our fellows who were coming up behind.  The Reb skirmishers kept falling back, but kept up a sharp fire.”(iv)  Soon, Fish and his skirmishers, along with the rest of the 121st New York, were upon the works.

Hiram Hall’s Company F was part of the attacking column.  Upon reaching the Rebel works, he was able to reform his lines.  The fighting became hand-to-hand, with several casualties coming from bayonet wounds.  With darkness quickly covering the battlefield, the action is described in “Upton’s Regulars,” by Salvatore Cilella: “(the Louisiana brigade remained) sanguine and defiant….Upton could see their colors in the gathering night, inscribed with “Cedar Run,” “Manassas Second,” “Winchester,” “Harpers Ferry,” “Sharpsburg,” “Fredericksburg,” “Chancellorsville,” and “Gettysburg.”  Without waiting for Russell for further instructions, Upton sent Capt. Seymour Hall to tell Russell that he had accomplished his mission and had reformed his lines parallel to the rifle pits that were still crawling with rebel soldiers.  He intended to attack again.”(v)  Upton had advised his men, “Boys, or rather Old 121st, I am with you again.  We are going to make a charge, and some of you will fall, but you will all go to heaven.  And I am going with you over the works.”  With that, Hall’s Company F, and the rest of the 121st New York stormed the rifle pits, performing a left face they rolled up the flank of the 6th, 54th and 57th North Carolina regiments.  Many of the Confederates surrendered and the 121st New York was able to capture a regimental flag.  All told, with the 5th Maine at their side, the 121st New York was able to capture seven Confederate flags, 103 officers, 1,300 enlisted men and 1,200 weapons.  One captured Rebel asked how many corps were involved in the attack.  When he was told only two regiments carried out the assault the “mortification” was “extreme.”  After the battle Upton reported, “The success at Rappahannock had a most electrifying effect throughout the army.”(vi)

Hall would continue to lead Company F, 121st New York Infantry, through some of the most bloody battles of the Eastern Theater: The Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, the North Anna and Cold Harbor.  In April 1864, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the 43d United States Colored Troops.  He would lead these men at the Battle of the Crater, Weldon Railroad, Boydton Plank Road, Hatcher’s Run and the Appomattox Campaign.  He would receive a brevet promotion to brigadier general on March 13, 1865.

After the war, Hall would move with his wife, Augusta, to Carrollton, Missouri and finally to Kansas.  She bore him five children: Clarence, Harry, John, Mabel and Augusta.  Seymour H. Hall would die on July 1, 1908 in Kansas City, Kansas and is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, Kansas.

For his bravery, and gallant leadership, Hall would receive two Medals of Honor on August 17, 1891 – one for his actions at Gaines’s Mill and the other for his heroism at Rappahannock Station.  The official citation reads:

Although wounded at Gaines Mill, Va., he remained on duty and participated in the battle with his company.  At Rappahannock Station, Va., while acting as an aide, rendered gallant and prompt assistance in reforming the regiments inside the enemy works.(vii)

Captain Seymour Hall is a true American HERO.

(i) Cilella, Salvatore G., Upton’s Regulars: The 121^st New York Infantry in the Civil War, published by the University Press of Kansas in 2009, Pg. 184.
(ii) Cilella, Salvatore G., Upton’s Regulars: The 121^st New York Infantry in the Civil War, published by the University Press of Kansas in 2009, Pg. 235.
(iii) Cilella, Salvatore G., Upton’s Regulars: The 121^st New York Infantry in the Civil War, published by the University Press of Kansas in 2009, Pg. 237.
(iv) Best, Isaac O., History of the 121^st New York State Infantry, published by Lieut. Jas. H. Smith in 1921, Pgs. 100–101.
(v) Cilella, Salvatore G., Upton’s Regulars: The 121^st New York Infantry in the Civil War, published by the University Press of Kansas in 2009, Pg. 240.
(vi) Cilella, Salvatore G., Upton’s Regulars: The 121^st New York Infantry in the Civil War, published by the University Press of Kansas in 2009, Pg. 243.
(vii) R.J. (Bob) Pfoft, Editor, United States of America’s Medal of Honor Recipients, Fifth Edition, Pg. 883.

David Acheson was born in Washington, Pennsylvania on January 10, 1841.  He was the third of nine children born to Alexander and Jane Acheson (Wishart).  With the outbreak of the Civil War, the Acheson boys began enlisting in the army.  John Acheson, the oldest of the Acheson boys, enlisted in the 85th Pennsylvania Infantry regiment on November 14, 1861.  John would be promoted to the rank of captain, in Company A, on February 29, 1864.  He would serve through the end of the Civil War, reaching the rank of brevet major.  David would enlist in the 140th Pennsylvania Infantry, as captain of Company C, on August 22, 1862.  Alexander (Sandie), David’s younger brother, would enlist in the 140th Pennsylvania on the same day.  Sandie would serve his entire three year enlistment, mustering out on December 9, 1864, with a rank of captain.

Captain Acheson would be well regarded by the soldiers in his company.  Through his leadership, drilling and training he would earn their trust.(i)  After a brief stint guarding the North Central Railroad the 140th Pennsylvania would be assigned to the V Corps, Middle Department, reporting to Falmouth, Virginia on December 15, 1862.  Arriving too late to participate in the debacle at Fredericksburg, the first major action the 140th would participate in would be at Chancellorsville, April 30 – May 6, 1863.  Having been transferred to the Third Brigade, First Division of US Major General Darius Couch’s II Corps, Acheson would see hard action at Chancellorsville.(ii)  US Major General Joseph Hooker’s Army of the Potomac would be brutally repulsed, retreating north across the Rappahannock River.

In June, CS General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia would take the war north of the Mason-Dixon Line.  Arriving in Pennsylvania, in late June, Lee would be opposed by a new Federal commander, US Major General George Gordon Meade.  All roads pointed to Gettysburg, where from July 1–3, 1863, 160,000 men would give battle.  On the second day of battle, new II Corps commander, US Major General Winfield S. Hancock would be ordered to support US Major General Daniel E. Sickles’ III Corps which was nearly a mile out of position.  US Brigadier General John Caldwell’s First Division would be sent to support the III Corps.  Captain David Acheson’s Company C, 140th Pennsylvania would be part of US Brigadier General Samuel Zook’s Third Brigade.  They would be sent through the retreating remnants of Sickles’ III Corps, into a rapidly advancing enemy.  Acheson, leading from the front, would be shot twice by a soldier in the 3d South Carolina Infantry.  Unfortunately, due to the speed of the approaching Confederates, Acheson’s mortally wounded body would be left on the field.  When the Confederates retreated, on July 3, Acheson’s body was recovered, and buried on the John T. Weikert Farm.  One of his soldiers carved his initials in a small boulder used as a temporary headstone.  Acheson would be re-buried near his home, in Washington, Pennsylvania, on July 15, 1863.  Fortunately the carved boulder allowed his family to find his remains.  Five years later, a member of Company C returned to Gettysburg.(iii)  Finding the boulder used as Acheson’s temporary headstone, he carved the initials deeper into the rock, allowing future generations to know where Acheson was originally buried.

Captain David Acheson served with distinction at Gettysburg, and is a true American HERO.

(i) Captain David Acheson: 140th Pennsylvania used to research this article.
(ii) The Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System was used to research this article.
(iii) U.S. Civil War Soldiers Records and Profiles, from Ancestry.com, was used to research this article.

Patrick DeLacey was born on November 25, 1835 near Carbondale, Pennsylvania.  Not much is known about DeLacey’s early life and education.  DeLacey would enlist in Company A, 143d Pennsylvania Infantry on August 26, 1862.(i)  His rank upon enlistment was sergeant.  The 143d would organize at Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania and officially muster into Federal service on October 18, 1862.(ii)

The 143d Pennsylvania Infantry would be in garrison duty around Washington City.  They would be assigned there from November 7, 1862 through January 17, 1863.  In January 1863 the 143d would be assigned to US Colonel Roy Stone’s Second Brigade, US Major General Abner Doubleday’s Third Division of US Major General John F. Reynolds’s I Corps.  At the Battle of Chancellorsville, Reynolds’s I Corps would be involved in the Federal defense of the Rappahannock River crossing at U.S. Ford.  Holding the far right flank of the defensive line, the I Corps would be instrumental in allowing US Major General Joe Hooker’s Army of the Potomac to safely retreat across the Rappahannock River, ending the primary fighting at Chancellorsville.

On July 1, 1863, during the first day’s fighting at Gettysburg, DeLacey and the 143d Pennsylvania would be posted along the Chambersburg Pike, during the initial Confederate assaults along McPherson’s Ridge.  They stayed in this advanced position throughout the fighting on McPherson’s Ridge, and would be the last Federal regiment to pull back through the streets of Gettysburg.  CSA Lieutenant General A.P. Hill recalled their fighting retreat stating they, “fought for some time with much obstinacy,” and he would never forget their color-bearer, “turning round every now and then to shake his fist at the advancing rebels.”(iii)  They would suffer 253 casualties of the 465 soldiers brought to Gettysburg – a casualty rate of 54.4%.(iv)  After their beating on July 1, the 143d Pennsylvania, and most of the I Corps, would remain in reserve near Cemetery and Culp’s Hills.  DeLacey, and the I Corps, would be involved in the pursuit of CSA General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, from July 5–24, 1863.  After the Gettysburg Campaign, the 143d Pennsylvania Infantry would be assigned various garrison duties, until the spring campaign season of 1864. 

Prior to US Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant’s Overland Campaign, the 143d Pennsylvania would be reassigned to Roy Stone’s Third Brigade, US Brigadier General James S. Wadsworth’s Fourth Division of US Major General Gouverneur K. Warren’s V Corps.  At the opening battle of the Overland Campaign, the Battle of the Wilderness, Sergeant Patrick DeLacey would provide his most gallant service to the United States.  On the second day of the battle, May 6, Stone’s brigade was posted west of Brock Road on the Orange Plank Road.  Warren’s V Corps was engaged in a hot battle against CSA Lieutenant General James Longstreet’s 1st Corps.(v)  During the fighting at this important crossroads, DeLacey ran ahead of the Federal lines, shooting a Confederate color-bearer, before returning to his own lines.  His gallantry rallied much of his brigade, and division, allowing for a successful holding action while awaiting additional reinforcements. 

DeLacey would remain in the 143d Pennsylvania Infantry through the remainder of the Civil War, fighting at Spotsylvania Court House, North Anna River, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and the Weldon Railroad.  The 143d Pennsylvania would be ordered to Hart’s Island, New York, in February 1865, to guard the prison camp there.  During his service, Patrick DeLacey would be promoted to full Sergeant Major on October 6, 1864 and Second Lieutenant on May 24, 1865.  For his actions at the Wilderness, DeLacey was awarded the Medal of Honor, on April 24, 1894.  His citation read:

Running ahead of the line, under a concentrated fire, he shot the color bearer of a Confederate regiment on the works, thus contributing to the success of the attack.(vi)

After the Civil War, Lieutenant Patrick DeLacey would run for Superior Judge in Pennsylvania.  He would die in Scranton, Pennsylvania on April 27, 1915.  He was 84.  He was buried at Saint Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, Pennsylvania.  DeLacey is a true American HERO.

(i)  Ancestry.com was used to research this article.  Click here for additional information.
(ii) The Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System was used to research this article.
(iii) Trudeau, Noah Andre, Gettysburg: A Testing of Courage, published by Harper Collins in 2002, Pg. 233.
(iv) Trudeau, Noah Andre, Gettysburg: A Testing of Courage, published by Harper Collins in 2002, Pg. 567.
(v) Rhea, Gordon C., The Battle of the Wilderness: May 5–6, 1864, published by Louisiana State University Press in 1994, Pg. 296.
(vi) R.J. (Bob) Pfoft, Editor, United States of America’s Medal of Honor Recipients, Fifth Edition, Pg. 849.

James Trimble Brown(i) was born in Pulaski, Tennessee on February 25, 1842.  Born to Neill S. Brown and Mary Anne Trimble, he was well educated by his parents.  His father was governor of Tennessee, during the Mexican War.  He would become a school teacher in Nashville.  His uncle, John C. Brown, was a major general in the Confederate Army of Tennessee. 

With the outbreak of the Civil War, young “Trim” Brown, then 19, entered the Confederate service as a 1st Lieutenant in the artillery.  During the war he would serve in all three branches of the Confederate military.  In 1862, having learned that Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest was organizing a cavalry brigade to operate in central Tennessee – where his home was located - he lobbied Major Baxter Smith to join the staff of his 8th Tennessee Cavalry regiment.  Smith later said, to The Daily American (Nashville, Tennessee), “because of my knowledge and admiration for his father and the family,” he was placed on his staff.

In July 1862, Forrest was ordered to Murfreesboro, Tennessee to seize the Federal garrison stationed there (approximately 940 men), commanded by US Brigadier Thomas T. Crittenden.(ii)  The garrison was a supply depot for the Federal Army of the Ohio, commanded by US Major General Don Carlos Buell.  Situated on the important Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, it was of strategic importance to the Army of the Ohio.  Attacking the garrison before dawn, on July 13, Forrest surprised the Federal troops, over running the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry.  During the ensuing battle, the Confederate cavalry was facing stiff opposition from the 3rd Minnesota Infantry, supporting a battery of four cannon.  Bedford Forrest, asked Smith if his cavalry could capture the hastily formed enemy line.  Smith, after looking towards his staff, determined they could and answered affirmatively.  He stated that “Trim” Brown looked like he was, “eager for the fray.”  Advancing rapidly, they captured the position, leading to a complete Confederate victory at the battle of First Murfreesboro.  Baxter Smith later said of Trim’s performance, “No one on that memorable day bore himself more gallantly or acted his part better.”(iii)

In September 1862, Trim Brown was appointed aide-de-camp of his uncle’s infantry brigade.  He performed well in the battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga.  The following year, Trim would return to the cavalry, of the Army of Tennessee, as assistant adjutant general, a position he would hold through the end of the Civil War.  He would receive brevet promotion to captain, however he would never be confirmed by the government.  His final rank would be first lieutenant, the same rank he was appointed to at the start of the war.

Brown would return to Nashville after the war, marrying Jane Foster Nichol.  They would have two sons and a daughter.  Becoming a lawyer, his ambition would earn him a reputation as one of the best attorneys in Nashville.  In 1878, Trim would run for district attorney.  On May 31, while attending Decoration Day festivities (honoring Union dead from the Civil War), he would become ill, supposedly from the heat.  His condition would worsen and he would die while being cared for by his brother-in-law, a local physician.  He was 36 years old.  A local attorney compared him to President Andrew Jackson, “In war he exhibited the heroism of a soldier.  He possessed as high an order of courage as ever characterized the Hero of Hermitage, and was as knightly and heroic in his bearing.”(iv)

His funeral was large and well attended.  It included a procession of the local militia, of which Trim was a member, two large guns and his rider-less horse followed the hearse.  The helmet he had worn rested on the horn of his saddle.  Lieutenant James Trimble Brown was interred at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.  He is a true American HERO, having fought bravely for the cause he believed in.

(i) James Trimble Brown, at Ancestry.com, was used to research this article.
(ii) Battle of Murfreesboro I, at Wikipedia, was used to research this article.
(iii) Coddington, Ronald S., Faces of the Confederacy, published by The Johns Hopkins University Press in 2008, Pg. 39.
(iv) Coddington, Ronald S., Faces of the Confederacy, published by The Johns Hopkins University Press in 2008, Pg. 41.

Francis A. Waller was born on August 15, 1840 in Gurneyville, Ohio.  Waller moved to Vernon County, Wisconsin in 1853.  After the Confederate firing on Fort Sumter, on April 12, 1861, Abraham Lincoln would issue a proclamation, on April 15, calling for 75,000 state militia, for 90 days, to suppress the rebellion of the southern states.  Waller, then 20 years of age, answered Lincoln’s call and enlisted as a private, in Company I, of the 6th Wisconsin Infantry.  Organized at Camp Randall, Wisconsin, the 6th would be officially mustered into Federal service on July 16, 1861.(i)

Waller, with his 6th Wisconsin would leave for Washington City, and would remain there until July 28, 1861.  In June 1862, the regiment would be assigned to US Brigadier General John Gibbon’s Fourth Brigade, of Rufus King’s First Division in the III Corps of the Army of Virginia.  They would see some action at Cedar Mountain on August 9.  Gibbon’s brigade, then called the “Black Hat” brigade, would be comprised of all western regiments: 2nd Wisconsin, 6th Wisconsin, 7th Wisconsin and the 19th Indiana.  On their march, to intercept CS Major General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s Left Wing, thought to be at Centreville, Virginia, the brigade would be surprised by the Confederates at the Battle of Brawner’s Farm.  The brigade would suffer terribly at this opening battle of Second Manassas, and would earn a reputation for bravery.  In September 1862, during the Maryland Campaign, they would be heavily engaged at South Mountain, earning the new nickname – Iron Brigade.  On September 17, at the Battle of Antietam, Waller, would participate in some of the hardest fighting at the Corn Field.  Again, the Iron Brigade would suffer tremendously.  From December 12–15, they would fight at the Battle of Fredericksburg.  Continuing to earn a reputation for hard fighting, they would be engaged at the Battle of Chancellorsville, in early May 1863.

CS General Robert E. Lee, determined to take the fight to the north, would invade Pennsylvania in June 1863.  The Federal Army of the Potomac, with its new commander, US Major General George G. Meade, pursued Lee.  On July 1, he found the Army of Northern Virginia at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  On that day, then corporal, Francis Waller would provide his most valuable service to the United States.  Fighting would commence early that day, between US Brigadier General John Buford’s cavalry division and CS Major General Henry Heth’s Confederate infantry division.  Buford’s dismounted cavalry was able to slow Heth’s approach to Gettysburg until US Major General John Reynold’s I Corps was able to arrive.  The Iron Brigade was part of the I Corps and was one of the first infantry brigades to arrive at the rapidly developing Battle of Gettysburg.  While the rest of the brigade (2nd Wisconsin, 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana and 24th Michigan) fought at Herbst Woods, on McPherson’s Ridge, the 6th Wisconsin was sent north of the Chambersburg Pike to reinforce US Brigadier General Lysander Cutler’s brigade.  As the battle raged, between 10:30 a.m and 11:15 a.m., the reinforced Confederate line began to push the Federals back, towards the Lutheran Seminary.  The portion of Cutler’s line, that included the 6th Wisconsin was refused, facing north, near an unfinished railroad cut.  This railroad cut proved fateful for CS Brigadier General Joseph R. Davis’ brigade, comprised of Mississippians and North Carolinians.  Davis would push three regiments of his brigade, into the cut, in an effort to flank the Federal I Corps.  Unfortunately the walls of the cut proved to high to allow accurate musket fire, or artillery support.  Pushing through the cut, the Confederates became easy targets for the Federal regiments arrayed on the south bank of the cut.  The 14th Brooklyn, 95th New York and the 6th Wisconsin opened a withering fire on the soldiers trapped in the cut.  Many of the Confederates surrendered, but plenty determined to fight their way out.  The fighting devolved to hand-to-hand combat.  During the hardest fighting, Waller engaged the color bearer of the 2nd Mississippi Infantry, Corporal William B. Murphy.  The two would fight gallantly for the cherished flag.  Waller triumphed, killing Murphy and securing the Mississippi colors.  For his brave, and selfless actions, Waller would be awarded the Medal of Honor.  During the fighting at Gettysburg, the Iron Brigade would suffer 1,212 casualties of the 1,883 soldiers (64%) that arrived at McPherson’s Ridge.(ii)

Waller would continue to serve with the 6th Wisconsin, through the remainder of the Civil War.  He would fight at Mine Run, The Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Five Forks and Appomattox Court House.  Waller would receive promotions to 2nd Lieutenant on December 21, 1864 and 1st Lieutenant on March 23, 1865.  On December 1, 1864, Waller would be awarded the Medal of Honor.  His official citation reads:

“Capture of flag of 2d Mississippi Infantry (C.S.A.). (iii)

After the Civil War, Lieutenant Waller would return to Vernon County, Wisconsin.  He would die on April 30, 1911 in Bentford, South Dakota.  He is buried at Walnut Mound Cemetery in Retreat, Wisconsin.  Francis Waller is a true American HERO.

(i) The Civil War Soldiers and Sailor System was used to research this article.
(ii) The Gettysburg National Military Park website was used to research this article.  Click here to view the transcript.
(iii) The Civil War Medal of Honor Recipients website was used to research this article.

April 20, 2009 marks the 182nd birthday of John Gibbon, career military man, and one of the most successful commanders of the Federal army, during the Civil War.(i)  Born in Holmesburg, Pennsylvania on  April 20, 1827, to Dr. John H. Gibbons and Catharine Lardner, he spent his early years in the Philadelphia area.  When Gibbon was ten years old, his family relocated to the Charlotte, North Carolina area, where his father became chief assayer of the U.S. Mint. 

After his early education, Gibbon would be appointed to the Military Academy at West Point, in 1843.  Graduating in 1847, he would be commissioned second lieutenant in the 3rd U.S. Artillery.  Gibbon would be in Mexico for the Mexican War, but would see not significant action.  Later, he would be in Florida during the Seminole War.  As an artillery instructor, as West Point, Gibbon would write, “The Artillerists Manual,” in 1859.  He would be sent west, to Utah, after the Utah War.  There he would be a captain in the 4th U.S. Artillery, stationed at Camp Floyd.(ii)

With the outbreak of the Civil War, Gibbon would still be stationed in Utah.  Although his father was a slave holder, Gibbon’s loyalty to the United States never wavered.  Three of his brothers, two brothers-in-law and a cousin, J. Johnston Pettigrew, who would be a brigadier general, fought for the Confederacy.  Brought quickly to the eastern theater, Gibbon would become chief of artillery for US Brigadier General Irvin McDowell’s division.  He would be promoted brigadier general on May 2, 1862.  Taking command of an all Western brigade, with regiments from Wisconsin, and Indiana, Gibbon would mould them into a fighting machine.  Often considered a disciplinarian, he would take good care of his troops, making sure they received adequate rations and equipment – for this, he was well respected by his men.  With the formation of US Major General John Pope’s Army of Virginia, Gibbon’s Fourth Brigade would be assigned to US Brigadier General Rufus King’s First Division of McDowell’s III Corps.  With the brigade’s new uniforms, sporting black U.S. Army Hardee Hats, that Gibbon officially requisitioned, the brigade would be called the “Black Hat Brigade.”  In late August 1862, Pope’s Army of the Virginia was searching for CS Major General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s 2nd Corps, which had been detached from CS General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, to prevent Pope from combining forces with US Major General George B. McClellan’s Army of the Potomac.  At the Battle of Cedar Mountain, on August 9, Jackson’s forces would defeat a detachment of Pope’s forces, commanded by US Major General Nathanial Banks.  After the battle, Pope believing that Jackson had moved to Centreville, pushed his two corps northeast to battle them, before the rest of Lee’s army could arrive.  With McDowell’s III Corps pushing east on the Warrenton Turnpike, towards Centreville, on August 28, they would be surprised by a flank attack near the First Manassas battlefield.  Gibbon’s brigade would be right at the center of what would be called the battle of Brawner’s Farm.  With support from US Brigadier General Abner Doubleday’s Second Brigade, Gibbon’s western men would hold the majority of one of Jackson’s divisions, at bay, for over two hours.  The battle at Brawner’s Farm would be the start of the battle of Second Manassas.  Gibbon’s “Black Hat” brigade performed extremely well, but was badly mauled.  They would would see little additional action, during Second Manassas, being held in a reserve capacity.  Unfortunately, for the Federal army, Lee was able to reunite his entire Army of Northern Virginia, crushing Pope’s Army of Virginia, on the fields of Manassas.  Like the aftermath of First Manassas, Second Manassas was a complete rout, with the army streaming back to Washington City, and Alexandria, Virginia.  Lee however, turned north, determined to invade Northern soil, and recruit new soldiers in Maryland.

In Washington, Abraham Lincoln, much to the consternation of his Cabinet (the Cabinet believed that McClellan withheld reinforcements from Pope causing the defeat at Second Manassas), would place McClellan in charge of the now combined Army of the Potomac, that included the remainder of Pope’s army.  Pope would be shuttled off to a rural command, in Minnesota.  McClellan’s reconstituted army quickly pursued Lee, on a parallel path, into Maryland.  Lee, being west of South Mountain, near Frederick, had the mountain passes, from the east, well protected.  On September 14, at what would be known as the battle of South Mountain, Gibbon’s brigade would earn a new moniker – Iron Brigade – for its offensive action at Turner’s Gap.  Facing over 5,000 Confederate troops, commanded by CS Major General Daniel Harvey Hill, on the National Road, the Iron Brigade forced their way through the gap.  They received valuable support from three divisions of US Major General Joe Hooker’s I Corps, positioned north of Turner’s Gap.  Overnight, Lee would withdraw his troops, from the South Mountain Passes, after Crampton’s Gap was captured by the Federal army.  Gibbon’s brigade, badly bruised, was able to push through Turner’s Gap, on September 15, pursuing the Army of Virginia towards Sharpsburg, Maryland.

On September 17, 1862, George McClellan’s Army of the Potomac attacked Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, near Sharpsburg, Maryland.  The battle would be named after a meandering stream, east of town – Antietam.  The carnage of that day exceeded any other one day loss our country has ever suffered; including Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge and Okinawa.  Before dawn, on what would be a warm fall day, Joe Hooker’s I Corps prepared to assault Lee’s left flank, resting not far from the Dunker Meeting House (church).  Gibbon’s Iron Brigade would take an active role in attacking Jackson’s 2nd Corps on this day, approaching through a cornfield.  Wave after wave of Federal soldiers would pass through the “corn field” and be pushed back by Lee’s rugged fighters.  Before the battle in that sector was over, the Iron Brigade would suffer terrific casualties, with their blood christening the field, which from thence forward would be known as a proper noun: The Corn Field.  The men of the west, led by John Gibbon, would once again show their elan, their fighting spirit, their strength under fire – validating their status as the Iron Brigade.  The battle of Antietam would be fought to a draw, both sides holding roughly the same position they held before the fight.  On September 18, there would be a short truce for each side to recover their wounded – and bury their dead.  On September 19, McClellan would find the Confederate army gone.  Lee had escaped over the Potomac, into Northern Virginia.  McClellan dubbed it a great victory.  Lincoln, and the civil authorities, were disturbed that McClellan did not push his tough fought victory, trapping Lee against the Potomac and decimating the army.  The “draw,” however, was good enough for Lincoln to issue his war-time measure, the “Emancipation Proclamation,” essentially freeing all slaves, in areas actively rebelling against the Federal government, on January 1, 1863.  The objectives of the war had changed.

After the battle of Antietam, John Gibbon would move to division command, commanding the Second Division of US Major General John F. Reynolds’ I Corps.  At Fredericksburg, Gibbon’s division would participate in the fighting with US Major General William Franklin’s Left Grand Division.  They would attack a well fortified position, commanded by CS Lieutenant General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson.  Like every other action, in the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Federal army would be repulsed – time, after time, after time.  The battle was considered a debacle, with the army commander, US Major General Ambrose Burnside, being removed from command, shortly after the battle.  Gibbon would be wounded leading his division, a minor wound that would take a significant time to heal.

Returning to his command, in the spring, Gibbon would find the Army of the Potomac had a new commander, US Major General “Fighting” Joe Hooker.  Hooker had planned a flanking move, west of Fredericksburg, that would allow all his corps, less US Major General John Sedgwick’s VI Corps held in Fredericksburg as a diversion, to fall on Lee’s rear, destroying his army.  Unfortunately, at the battle of Chancellorsville, Hooker’s plans fell apart and the Army of the Potomac would suffer another terrible defeat.  Robert E. Lee was able to divide his army, and with Jackson’s 2nd Corps attack Hooker’s right flank, rolling it up.  Gibbon’s division saw little action as they were held in reserve.  As in September 1862, after his victory at Second Manassas, Lee determined to take his army north of the Mason-Dixon Line.  With Hooker’s Army of the Potomac having retreated north, licking its wounds, Lee, hidden by the Shenandoah Mountains, pushed into Pennsylvania in late June. 

Meanwhile, Hooker having difficulty determining a strategy for expelling Lee from the North, was removed from command.  Taking over command, several days before the largest battle on American soil, US Major General George Gordon Meade would push his Army of the Potomac north, feeling for Lee.  Unfortunately, Lee’s army would find the Federal cavalry, commanded by US Brigadier General John Buford, at Gettysburg on July 1.  Having arrived there before the Federal infantry, Buford was able to hold an entire Confederate division, commanded by CS Major General Henry Heth, at bay, until reinforcements could arrive.  The I Corps, commanded by US Major General John F. Reynolds arrived first, followed closely by US Major General Oliver O. Howard’s XI Corps.  Reynolds would be killed early in the action.  Fortunately, the new II Corps’ commander, US Major General Winfield S. Hancock, arrived to take over the rapidly deteriorating position.  He would pull the army back through Gettysburg, and fortify Culp’s Hill, south of Gettysburg, with his II Corps making up the left flank of the army, extending south along Cemetery Ridge.  Commanding the Second Division of Hancock’s II Corps, Gibbon was very involved, at times commanding the entire corps, placing the troops of the II Corps.  The placements were very good and would have a significant impact on the outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg, on July 3.  After having been, if not repulsed, significantly held during actions on both Federal flanks, on July 2, Lee determined overnight that Meade had weakened his center during the fighting on July 2, so he would attack the center of Meade’s line on July 3.  In what would become known as Pickett’s Charge, after CS Major General George E. Pickett, Lee sent close to two divisions across the open ground towards the center of Hancock’s II Corps, holding Cemetery Ridge.  Meade had predicted this, stating to Gibbon after a late night meeting, with his commanders, “If Lee attacks tomorrow, it will be on your front.”  Meade’s warning to Gibbon was very prescient.  His division would be at the epicenter of Pickett’s attack.  Fortunately, both Hancock, and Gibbon, had prepared their defensive line well.  The II Corps was able to turn Pickett’s Charge, inflicting terrible losses on the Confederates, with only a few soldiers breaking the Federal line.  Of these was CS Brigadier General Lewis A. Armistead, a close friend of Hancock’s, from before the war, who would be mortally wounded leading his troops toward a Federal cannon.  Both Hancock, and Gibbon, would be wounded at Gettysburg.  Hancock’s wound proved more serious and troubled him for the rest of his life.  Gibbon was able to recover, and join his division, before the spring campaign season of 1864.  While recovering he would command a draft department in Cleveland.  In November, Gibbon would travel back to Gettysburg, and be at the dedication of the National Cemetery.  He and friend, Frank Haskell, also witnessed Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

In May 1864, Gibbon now back in command of his II Corps’ Division, would participate in the bloody battles soon to take place in Virginia.  With a new overall commander, US Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant, the action was sure to be fast, and brutal.  Grant had come from the west, after many successful battles, and the capture of two Confederate armies, to take over command of all Federal land forces.  Instead of having his headquarters in Washington City, Grant chose to have a field office with the Army of the Potomac, nominally under the command of Meade.  In the Overland Campaign, Gibbon’s division, and the rest of the II Corps, would participate in the bloodiest string of battles of the Civil War: The Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, North Anna and Cold Harbor.  While accumulating huge losses, estimated at 60,000 of all types, Grant’s tactical plan was to continue to push past Lee’s right flank, eventually uncovering Richmond.  If the opportunity to crush Lee’s army, outside field works, were given, he would take advantage of this.  Unfortunately, Lee was always slightly ahead of Grant, able to throw up impenetrable works, and abatis.  After the slug fest at Cold Harbor, where Gibbon’s division would again suffer serious losses, Grant was able to make one of the most amazing change-of-fronts, which has ever occurred.  With help from US Major General Benjamin Butler’s Army of the James, and US Major General Phil Sheridan’s cavalry corps, a major diversion was made, making Lee believe that Grant intended on fighting along the Cold Harbor line.  In fact, Grant put his army on the move, crossing the Chickahominy River and the James River (a feat that required building a 2,100 foot pontoon bridge) and heading south towards Petersburg, Virginia.  Gibbon would be promoted, major general volunteers, on June 7, for heroism leading his division, during the Overland Campaign.

With the Armies of the Potomac and James, now laying siege to Petersburg, and Richmond, Grant’s operational plan was to continue lengthening his lines south, and west, knowing that Lee was unable to cover his lines, with the forces he had available to him.  Eventually a breakthrough point would be found and Grant would take advantage of it.  No one would have thought that it would take ten months, and thousands of additional Federal casualties, for the breakthrough to take place.  During this time, Winfield Scott’s II Corps would be sent on a mission, to destroy track of the Weldon Railroad, lengthening Lee’s supply lines.  After pushing past Ream’s Station, on August 25, the II Corps would run into Confederate cavalry commanded by CS Major General Wade Hampton.  Additionally, Hancock now faced the infantry of CS Lieutenant General A.P. Hill.  Falling back to Ream’s Station, the II Corps fell behind crude fortifications, and would end up being badly beaten, in the battle called Second Ream’s Station.  This would be the only battle that Hancock would lose, while in independent command.  Gibbon was disheartened with his division’s performance, and would briefly command the XVIII Corps, of the Army of the James, before taking leave, due to sickness. 

After rehabilitating, Gibbon would command the newly created XXIV Corps, assigned to the Army of the James.  His corps would eventually help create the breakthrough, that Grant had waited so long for, with the capture of Fort Gregg, on April 2, 1865.  In combination with the recapture of Fort Stedman, and a Federal victory at Five Forks, on April 1, Lee would be forced to retreat, along the Appomattox River.  During the final battle, at Appomattox Court House, Gibbon’s troops would block Lee’s only escape route, forcing his surrender to Ulysses S. Grant, on April 9, 1865.  Gibbon would be one of three commissioners that would accept Lee’s formal surrender.

Gibbon would remain in the U.S. Army, after the Civil War.  His rank would revert to Colonel in the regular army.  Gibbon would command infantry, in Montana, and participate in the Indian Wars.  In 1885 Gibbon would finally receive promotion to brigadier general regular army. 

After returning east, Gibbon would become president of the Iron Brigade Association, and Commander in Chief of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.  He would die in Baltimore, Maryland on February 6, 1896.  He was 68.  Gibbon is buried at Arlington Cemetery.  His book, “Personal Recollections of the Civil War,” was published posthumously in 1928.  Major General John Gibbon is a true American HERO.

(i) John Gibbon, at BattlefieldPortraits.com, was used to research this article.
(ii) John Gibbon, at Wikipedia, was used to research this article.
(iii) Haskell, Frank A., The Battle of Gettysburg, published 1908, Pgs. 34–37.

William “Blackstone” Williams was no friend of the Republican Party, or Abraham Lincoln.  As Blackstone’s minister later stated of Blackstone he was, “staunch in the conviction that the success of that party, following the long agitation at the North of the disrupting question of slavery, had precipitated the rebellion.”(i)  However, with the firing on Fort Sumter, Williams patriotism ignited.  Leaving Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts he helped organize the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry regiment.

Coming from a wealthy family, Williams had been well educated in mathematics and drawing.  He would become an engineer and would later prosper in railroad construction.  His leadership skills became evident while organizing the 2nd Massachusetts.  Appointed first lieutenant he would muster into Federal service on May 25, 1861.  He would miss First Manassas as his regiment was assigned to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (then Virginia) through October 1861.(ii)  In March 1862 Williams, and the 2nd Massachusetts, would be involved in the pursuit of CS Major General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s army up the Shenandoah Valley.  Assigned to US Major General Nathanial Banks’ Division, the 2nd Massachusetts would continue to battle Jackson, in the Valley, through the end of Jackson’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1862.

In the summer of 1862 US Major General John Pope came east to command the Army of Virginia.  Jackson’s Army of the Valley was now part of CS General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia – a very potent fighting force.  The 2nd Massachusetts was assigned to Third Brigade (US Brigadier General George H. Gordon), First Division (US Brigadier General Alpheus Williams) of the II Corps (Banks) of the Army of Virginia.  Pope’s strategy was to draw portions of Lee’s army away from the Peninsula, where US Major General George B. McClellan’s Army of the Potomac was being pushed back, by Lee.  Robert E. Lee’s primary concern was preventing Pope’s Army of Virginia from combining with McClellan’s Army of the Potomac – which would give the Federals a huge numerical advantage.  To prevent this, after having bottled McClellan up, Lee sent Jackson’s 2nd Corps in pursuit of Pope’s Army of Virginia.

In August 1862, Pope sent Banks’ II Corps on a mission to take control of the railroad junction at Gordonsville, Virginia.  On August 9, Banks would run into Jackson’s 2nd Corps south of Culpeper and the Battle of Cedar Mountain would take place.  Gordon’s Third Brigade would be the right flank of Banks’ II Corps.  Pushing across a corn field, and a wheat field, around 5:00 PM, the brigade, including the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry, would have significant success hammering CS Colonel Charles Ronald’s Stonewall Brigade and CS Colonel T.S. Garnett’s Second Brigade.  So far the battle had gone quite well for the Federal forces.  Unfortunately, CS Major General A.P. Hill’s Light Division would arrive.  Initiating a counter attack, at 6:30 PM, CS Brigadier General James Archer’s Brigade would slam into Gordon’s Third Brigade, while CS Brigadier General William D. Pender’s Brigade slammed into Gordon’s flank, and rear.  This quick attack, by A.P. Hill’s Light Division decimated Banks’ II Corps, pushing it from the field.  The next day, General Gordon surveyed the battlefield.  Here is his vivid description, “On our left the corn-field was only sprinkled with dead, but on the wheat-field, and in the woods into which our regiments charged and by the fence where my brigade fought in line of battle, there were ghastly piles of dead.”(iii)  Included among the dead was the very popular Captain Blackstone Williams, who died while leading his troops against the devastating Confederate counterattack. 

Captain Blackstone Williams’ body was returned home.  A very large crowd attended his memorial service at the Unitarian Church of Jamaica Plain.  The pastor offered this profound eulogy to Williams, “My friends, his best eulogy cannot be spoken.  It is the silent homage to his worth, of which this immense concourse of friends is the expression; it is the unbounded confidence, respect, and love of his companions in arms…it is the eternal debt which the American Nation owes to his memory, and the enrolment (sic) of his name in the grand historical obituary of the peerless defenders of her institutions, her liberties, an her life.”(iv)

Williams’ patriotism had overcome his angst with the civilian government, when he helped organize the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry.  On August 9, 1862 his love for his country, and his men, caused Captain Williams to make the ultimate sacrifice – giving his life for his beloved country.  These actions, make Captain Blackstone Williams a true American HERO.

(i) Coddington, Ronald S., Faces of the Civil War: An Album of Union Soldiers and Their Stories, published by The John Hopkins University Press 2004, Pg. 39.
(ii) The Civil War Soldiers and Sailor System was used to research this article.
(iii) Coddington, Ronald S., Faces of the Civil War: An Album of Union Soldiers and Their Stories, published by The John Hopkins University Press 2004, Pg. 39.
(iv) Coddington, Ronald S., Faces of the Civil War: An Album of Union Soldiers and Their Stories, published by The John Hopkins University Press 2004, Pg. 41.

James Milton Pipes was born in Dotysburg, Pennsylvania on November 10, 1840.(i)  The son of Washington Pipes, and Cynthia Clark, his great-grandfather was Captain John Pipes, Jr., a veteran of the Revolutionary War.  Very little is known about the early life of James.

On August 18, 1862 J.M. Pipes enlisted in the 140th Pennsylvania Infantry at Jacksonville, Pennsylvania.  He received $27 in bounty and bonus payments for enlisting.  Upon enlisting Pipes was said to be 5’10” tall with dark hair and hazel eyes.  He listed “farmer” as his occupation.  The 140th Pennsylvania was mustered into Federal service at Pittsburg, and Harrisburg, on September 8, 1862.  The regiment would move to Parktown, Maryland, after mustering, and would be assigned to guarding the North Central Railroad until December 1862.  In mid-December 1862 they would be assigned to US Major General Darius Couch’s II Corps, Army of the Potomac.  Assigned to US Brigadier General Samuel Zook’s Third Brigade of US Major General Winfield S. Hancock’s First Division, it would see its first action at the Battle of Chancellorsville.(ii)  The 140th would see action on the first day of Chancellorsville, covering the withdrawal of US Major George G. Meade’s V Corps, to the east of the Chancellorsville Tavern.  For the rest of the battle Couch’s II Corps would hold the left perimeter, of the Federal battle line, around the Chancellor homestead.

From Chancellorsville, then Sergeant Pipes would head north with the Army of the Potomac, to Pennsylvania.  The II Corps would suffer during this march, through Maryland and then into Pennsylvania.  The 140th was still assigned to the First Division (US Brigadier General John Caldwell), Third Brigade (Zook).  During this difficult march, one member of the 140th commented, “The weather is very hot.  The dust is shoe mouth deep.”(iii)  With Darius Couch assigned to reserve command, the II Corps had a new commander: Winfield S. Hancock – now know as “Hancock the Superb.”

On July 1 the Battle of Gettysburg commenced.  North of Gettysburg, US Brigadier General John Buford’s cavalry division opened the battle against  CS Major General Henry Heth’s Division, of CS Lieutenant General Ambrose Powell (A.P.) Hill’s 3rd Corps.  Buford was able to contain Heth’s advance into Gettysburg, until US Major General John Reynolds’ I Corps, and US Major General Oliver O. Howard’s XI Corps arrived on the battlefield.  Reynold’s would be killed early in the action, with command devolving to his senior division commander, US Major General Abner Doubleday.  With the arrival of the XI Corps, command would then pass to O.O. Howard.  Hancock arriving at Gettysburg well ahead of his Corps, would rush to the battle.  Taking command of the two army corps, he would organize the fighting retreat towards Cemetery Ridge, south of Gettysburg.  Here he would quickly fortify Culp’s Hill, Cemetery Hill and with the arrival of his II Corps he would extend the army’s left flank south along Cemetery Ridge.

On July 2, with the new Army of the Potomac commander George G. Meade in overall command, the Federal line looked much like an inverted fish hook – with the barbed hook looping northeast around Culp’s Hill and the eye south of Cemetery Ridge, near Little Round Top.  That was as least the plan.  Unfortunately, US Major General Daniel Sickles had placed his III Corps a full mile west of the line, forming a large square salient.  Within this salient some of the most brutal fighting would occur at the Peach Orchard, Wheat Field and the Devil’s Den.  Meade finding Sickles out of position declined Sickles’ offer to pull back, stating, “You cannot hold this position, but the enemy will not let you get away without a fight, & it may begin now as at any time.” (iv)  How prescient Meade’s comment was.  Within a short time, a large portion of CS Lieutenant General James Longstreet’s 1st Corps would be slamming into the overextended III Corps line.

Meade would immediately order portions of Hancock’s II Corps to support Sickles’ III Corps.  Caldwell’s Division was sent towards the salient.  This included the following brigades: Colonel Edward Cross’s First Brigade, Colonel Patrick Kelly’s Second Brigade (Irish Brigade), Zook’s Third Brigade and Colonel John Brooke’s Fourth Brigade.  Sergeant J.M. Pipes’ 140th Pennsylvania was on the move with Zook’s brigade.  Prior to departing their position on Cemetery Ridge, a surreal act took place.  Father William Corby, a Catholic priest with the Iron Brigade, stood on a rock, raised his hand, and offered blessing and absolution to the soldiers heading into battle.  An officer in attendance recalled the scene, “The brigade stood in a column of regiments, closed in mass.  Father Corby…addressing the men, said that each one could receive the benefit of absolution by making a sincere Act of Contrition and firmly resolving to embrace the first opportunity of confessing his sins,….and reminded them of the high and sacred nature of their trust as soldiers…..Then, stretching his right hand toward the brigade, Father Corby pronounced the words of absolution….The service was more than impressive, it was awe-inspiring.”(v)  While Father Corby’s absolution was primarily given to the Irish Brigade, it has been well documented that other regiments, from other brigades were in attendance.  It is not hard to envision Pipes’ 140th Pennsylvania marching by this “awe-inspiring” sight, removing their hats, and saying a prayer, knowing that this might be their last.  This is obviously conjecture, on my part, but it is well documented that many men outside the Irish Brigade, including high ranking officers were there.

With Caldwell’s division pushing south, towards the Wheat Field, additional reinforcements were being pushed west, from the vicinity of Little Round Top.  These V Corps brigades were commanded by Colonel William Tilton, Colonel Jacob Sweitzer, Colonel Hannibal Day and Colonel Sidney Burbank.  Their point of convergence, with Caldwell’s division, would be a small wheat field that much of Sickles’ III Corps was being pushed towards, from the west.  They had met an unresistible Confederate force, commanded by James Longstreet, that overpowered the outer lines of Sickles’ salient at Sherfy’s Peach Orchard, crushing it, and pushing it back.  This would cause Sickles’ headquarters to be untenable.  As plans were being made to pull back, Sickles would be hit by an artillery projectile, below the right knee.  Command would pass to US Major General David Birney.

Caldwell’s Division, including Zook’s brigade, pushed towards the Wheat Field.  It was nearing 6:00 PM and the sun was beginning to move low to the horizon.  Approaching from the northeast was Zook’s brigade, including the 140th Pennsylvania.  As a sergeant, Pipes would be in command of a squad of individuals within Company A.  The 140th would reach the Wheat Field through a rocky section of woods, known then as “Stony Hill,” and would do most of its fighting just outside the field.  Pushing quickly through “Stony Hill” they would run headlong into an overpowering Confederate force, commanded by CS Brigadier General Joseph Kershaw.  Additionally, Zook’s brigade would be enfiladed from the left, by another Confederate brigade commanded by Brigadier General Paul Semmes.  This proved to much to handle, so Zook’s and Kelly’s brigades would slowly pull back.  It was during this pull back that Pipes would distinguish himself.  Falling back across the Wheat Field, Sergeant Pipes and First Lieutenant J.J. Purman, also of Company A, came upon a fallen comrade.  He asked them to help remove him from the battlefield.  With the Rebels closing in on them, they determined to place the soldier behind some rocks, hoping to protect him from enemy fire.  Carrying the soldier to the rocks, they placed him comfortably out of the way of the enemy fire.  Sergeant Pipes later wrote of what happened at the Wheat Field.

“The question confronted us: shall we be captured or take the slim chance of crossing that field?  Of course we took the chance.  We had hardly started when a wounded comrade pleaded to be taken off the field, as he could not rise.  The rebels, who were very close upon us, called, ‘Halt, you damned Yankees, Halt!’  We however, carried this comrade some thirty of forty steps and placed him behind some large boulders where he would have protection from the fire from both sides, and being trampled upon.

This occupied but a few moments, but the delay was fatal to our attempt to cross the wheat field.  We had just started on a good double-quick, when Lieutenant Purman called out: ‘I am hit!’  I was then but a few steps from him, and the next moment I received a wound in the leg, and replied: ‘I am wounded too!’   Realizing that I could not aid the lieutenant, having only one sound leg, I thought, ‘goodbye comrades,’ and using my gun for crutch, commenced to hop off the battle-field, but had only gotten a few paces, when to my surprise, I found myself right among the Confederates.”(vi)

Many of the 140th Pennsylvania had been captured.  They were removed to an old barn, then being used as a field hospital.  On July 3 the field hospital was captured by the Federal army, and Sergeant Pipes was moved to a II Corps field hospital.  After the failed charge of CS Major General George Pickett’s division, the action at Gettysburg slowly faded.  At the close of action on July 3, the Army of the Potomac held the field.  Gettysburg had been a glorious victory.  Unfortunately, Meade was in no position to mount a serious chase, and Robert E. Lee was able to reach Northern Virginia, with his Army of Northern Virginia.  Lee, in his haste was unable to retrieve his fallen soldiers – most left where they fell.

For the remainder of 1863, J.M. Pipes’ 140th Pennsylvania saw sporadic action.  They participated in action around Auburn, Virginia and Bristoe Station.  In September the II Corps was reorganized, with the 140th being assigned to US Colonel Nelson A. Miles’ First Brigade of US Brigadier General Francis Barlow’s First Division.  Winfield Scott Hancock remained in command of the II Corps.

In the spring of 1864 the United States had a new commander of all armies, Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant.  Grant had come east, from the western theater, when the U.S. Congress revived the rank of lieutenant general.  When Lincoln officially promoted him to this rank he was the first American to hold the rank, since George Washington.  Instead of commanding from an office in Washington City, Grant chose to command from the field.  Leaving George Meade in command of the Army of the Potomac, Grant would have his headquarters with the army.  This arrangement would cause some strain, as Meade felt he was second-in-command.  However, they were able to build a good working relationship, that would last through the end of the Civil War.

With the advent of spring a new campaign season opened.  Officially called Grant’s Overland Campaign, it was a series of terrific battles that would start in early May, with the Battle of the Wilderness and would result in a series of moves, by Lee’s right flank.  The II Corps, and Pipes’ 140th Pennsylvania, would be involved in all of the battles, starting with the Wilderness, moving to Spotsylvania Court House, the North Anna and culminating in early June at Cold Harbor, Virginia.  A new level of combat was achieved, during the Overland Campaign.  Grant throwing his army at prepared field works and fortifications, and then moving to the next battle.  At the Wilderness, Nelson Miles brigade would arrive on May 6, to defend the Federal position at the intersection of the Orange Plank Road and the Brock Road.  The 140th Pennsylvania would be assigned the far left flank of the II Corps.  Their position was critical, for it protected Grant’s route to move around Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia – which was accomplished overnight May 6–7.

Relocating from the Wilderness battlefield, US Major General Gouverneur Warren’s V Corps and US Major General John Sedgwick’s VI Corps, would move behind Hancock’s II Corps, and move southeast on the Brock Road.  The going was slow, moving this large of force on one road.  The II Corps, including Miles’ brigade would be the army’s rear guard – an unenviable job in the darkness of the Wilderness.  After a cavalry fight at the Todd’s Tavern the Army of the Potomac made there way towards Spotsylvania Court House.  Lee’s army would take a parallel course by way of Shady Grove Church and the Block House Bridge, arriving at Spotsylvania in time to throw up significant field works.  With the II Corps late start, they encountered significant resistance from CS Major General William Mahone’s Division, and CS Major General Wade Hampton’s Cavalry.  This fighting took place at Todd’s Tavern, with Miles’ First Brigade positioned west of the tavern, on the Catharpin Road.  With the 61st New York, and Pipes’ 140th Pennsylvania on Miles’ right flank, they took a severe beating.  Both regiments folded under the onslaught, with the next regiment in line, the 183rd Pennsylvania holding strong.  This effort, and arriving reinforcements from US Colonel Thomas Smyth’s Irish Brigade, helped the II Corps escape disaster and move to Spotsylvania.  Much can be gleaned from Hancock’s adjutant, Francis Walker, who stated, “Expectation of battle was now at its height, as it was not doubted that the Confederates were attempting to ‘counter’ upon General Meade, answering his advance upon Spotsylvania by a movement into his right and rear.”(vii)

After arriving at Spotsylvania the II Corps was positioned on the right flank, with its right posted on both sides of the Po River.  Grant had determined to punch a hole in the Confederate salient, better known as the Mule Shoe, on May 12.  He picked the II Corps to lead this assault.  After dark on May 11, the II Corps proceeded to a position near the Brown house, north of the Mule Shoe.  By 4:30 AM on May 12, the II Corps pushed off.  Nelson Miles’ First Brigade, was positioned behind Colonel John R. Brooke’s Fourth Brigade, on the left wing of the attacking formation.  Moving alongside the left flank of Smyth’s Irish Brigade, Miles’ brigade went over the Confederate works.  The movement was quick and deadly, with nary a shot being discharged before reaching the Mule Shoe.  A Pennsylvanian later stated that the Confederates fought, “…hand to hand after we reached this vantage ground (the Mule Shoe).”(viii)  This hand-to-hand fighting would wage here through much of the morning, with Barlow’s division moving to the left side of the salient.  Overnight, Lee would pull his army back to the base of the salient, further entrenching his troops.  After the bloody fighting on May 12, Grant determined to push on.  He would next meet Lee’s army at the North Anna River, where he would quickly realize he could not afford a general engagement against Lee’s position.  With a brilliant overnight movement, Grant next pushed his army to Cold Harbor.  A place that is described as neither cold, or a harbor.

On June 1 the II Corps was holding the right flank, of the Army of the Potomac, now positioned just west of Old Cold Harbor.  The Battle of Cold Harbor would be initiated by US Brigadier General John H. Martindale’s XVIII Corps division and US Brigadier General Henry Lockwood’s V Corps division.  They would slam into two Confederate divisions commanded by Brigadier General Joseph Kershaw and Major General George E. Pickett.  They would be bloodily repulsed, pulling back to their original lines.  A late evening attack by the II Corps, in an effort to turn Lee’s left flank, also failed to bring success.  Overnight, on June 1, Grant would consolidate his army closer to Cold Harbor.  Pulling the II Corps from the right flank, he would move them to the left flank, with Pipes’ 140th Pennsylvania holding the second line, on the far left flank.  Ordered to attack at 4:30 AM on June 3, Miles’ brigade was in an extremely exposed position, with orders to attack, across open ground.  Along this path, they would cross the Dispatch Station Road, seeking cover in the depression of the road.  The only regiment that could advance, against the galling fire from from CS Brigadier General Gabriel C. Wharton’s Brigade, of Virginians, was US Colonel Charles E. Hapgood’s 5th New Hampshire.  He would reach Edgar’s Salient, but would receive little support.  The supporting brigades were all held up near the Dispatch Station Road.  The 5th New Hampshire, taking 550 men into battle, would suffer 202 casualties.  Nearby, the 7th New York Heavy Artillery would suffer far worse, a total of 422 casualties. 

After another futile attack, by US Major General Horatio Wright’s VI Corps, against the Confederate center, a stalemate would take place.  The Battle of Cold Harbor proved to be one of Grant’s most costly, earning him the nickname, “Butcher Grant.”  Grant’s army would hold its lines through June 12, when it would once again brilliantly disengage from Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, stealing a march on Lee, crossing the Chickahominy and James Rivers.  Reaching Petersburg, ahead of Lee’s army, they squandered a terrific opportunity to sever Lee’s supply lines, which were effectively held by a small garrison commanded by CS General P.G.T. Beauregard.

Over the coming ten months, Grant would lay siege to both Petersburg and Richmond.  One significant battle would feature Pipes’ 140th Pennsylvania.  On August 24, in an effort to turn Lee’s right flank, Grant sent Hancock’s II Corps south, to cut the Weldon Railroad – the major supply line for the Army of Northern Virginia.  Moving south on August 24, Hancock would reach Ream’s Station and set his army to building basic fortifications.  The next day, August 25, Hancock’s faulty line would be attacked by CS Major General Henry Heth’s Division.  During the action, the Confederates would capture nine heavy guns and twelve regimental colors.  Hancock’s famous II Corps would be shattered during the fighting, losing the only independent engagement Hancock would ever fail to win.  During the fighting, Pipes, now a captain, would once again serve bravely during the incredibly “hot fight.”  In an effort to scout the flank of the Confederate forces, Captain Pipes was leading Company A, which was acting as a skirmish line.  During this action Pipes would receive a minie ball wound to his upper right arm, while attempting to aid one of his soldiers.  He would be transferred to Emory Hospital, in Washington, DC, where his arm would be amputated.  During his convalescence, on February 17, 1865, Captain Pipes would resign from the Federal army.(ix)  He would receive an artificial arm in December 1869.

After the Civil War, Captain Pipes would move to West Virginia, where his father had previously moved to.  On November 10, 1870 he would marry Martha Purdy.  They would have five children.  He would work in public service for the remainder of his life: as Treasurer of Marshall County West Virginia, West Virginia Secretary of State, pension agent in the U.S. War Department and Clerk in the U.S. Senate.  He also served as Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic’s (GAR), Department of the Potomac.

On April 5, 1898 Captain Pipes would receive his country’s highest military honor when he received two Congressional Medal of Honor citations.  The first was for his gallant service at the Wheat Field of Gettysburg.  The second was for his brave conduct, under fire, at Second Ream’s Station.  The following is the text from his citation.

While a sergeant and retiring with his company before the rapid advance of the enemy at Gettysburg, he and a companion stopped and carried to a place of safety a wounded and helpless comrade; in this act both he and his companion were severely wounded.  A year later, at Reams Station, Va., while commanding a skirmish line, voluntarily assisted in checking a flank movement of the enemy, and while so doing was severely wounded, suffering the loss of his arm. (x)

Captain J.M. Pipes, while living in Washington, D.C., became ill with pneumonia.  He would die on December 1, 1928.  He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, next to Martha, who preceded him in death in 1923.  James Milton Pipes is a true American HERO.

(i) Pipes, Robert J., James Milton Pipes Page, was used to research this article, manuscript can be viewed here.
(ii) Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System was used to research this article.
(iii) Trudeau, Noah Andre, Gettysburg: A Testing of Courage, published by Harper Collins 2002, Pg. 54.
(iv) Trudeau, Noah Andre, Gettysburg: A Testing of Courage, published by Harper Collins 2002, Pg. 326.
(v) Trudeau, Noah Andre, Gettysburg: A Testing of Courage, published by Harper Collins 2002, Pg. 303.
(vi) Pipes, Robert J., James Milton Pipes Page, was used to research this article, manuscript can be viewed here.
(vii) Rhea, Gordon C., The Battles for Spotsylvania Court House and the Road to Yellow Tavern, May 7–12, 1864, published by Louisiana State University Press 1997, Pg. 80.
(viii) Rhea, Gordon C., The Battles for Spotsylvania Court House and the Road to Yellow Tavern, May 7–12, 1864, published by Louisiana State University Press 1997, Pg. 236.
(ix) Pipes, Robert J., James Milton Pipes Page, was used to research this article, manuscript can be viewed here.
(x) R.J. (Bob) Pfoft, Editor, United States of America’s Medal of Honor Recipients, Fifth Edition, Pg. 971.

Julius Peter Garesch was born in Cuba on April 26, 1821.  His grandfather Jean Garesch would add “du Rocher” to his name to distinguish him from his older brothers.(i)  This was a common custom in France.  His parents were Vital Marie Garesche, du Rocher and Mimika Louisa Bauduy.  His father was raised Protestant, while his mother was a faithful Catholic.  Julius would be baptized Catholic as it was the only recognized church in Cuba.  Vital was in Cuba as a representative of the U.S. government and would move his family back to New York, in 1829.  Later the family would move to Wilmington, Delaware and live with Mimika’s parents.

Young Julius, and his older brother Alexander, would attend Samuel Smith’s academy.  In 1833, at the age of twelve, he would attend Georgetown College, in Washington City.  While at Georgetown, a Jesuit school, Julius formally converted to Catholicism.  Due to financial circumstances, he was not able to finish his education there and would be appointed to the Military Academy, at West Point, graduating in 1841.  He would be appointed second lieutenant and assigned to the 4th U.S. Artillery.

On February 17, 1849 Julius would marry Mariquitta de Laureal.  They would have eight children Marie Pierre (Julio), Louise, Marie, Octavie (Tavie), Louis, Edgar, Laureal and Adele.  Tavie, and Adele, would both become nuns in the Catholic church.

Garesche would serve under General Zachary Taylor during the Mexican War, where he would receive promotion to first lieutenant and brevet promotion to captain.  After the Mexican war he would serve as assistant adjutant general and would earn a brevet promotion to major.  He would be promoted by Defense Secretary, and future president of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis.

With the outbreak of the Civil War, then Lieutenant Colonel Julius Garesche applied for an adjutant generalcy.  Assigned to the War Department, in Washington City, Garesche would work under Secretary of War Edwin Stanton.  He did not like Stanton and would make his feelings known to many of his friends.  He asked for a field command, but Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas demurred, making it known that he could not spare him.  In a letter, after Garesche’s death, Major General Martin T. McMahon stated, “Mr. Lincoln several times intimated to him (Garesche) that he would be glad to make him a Brigadier General and give him a command in the field.  This he refused unless he could be permitted to serve in the field for a reasonable time with a lesser rank.”(ii) 

In the fall of 1862, US Major General William S. Rosecrans was appointed commander of the XIV Corps.  Originally the Army of the Ohio, commanded by US Major General Don Carlos Buell, it would be re-designated the Army of the Cumberland with the appointment of Rosecrans.  Close friends, with Garesche, since 1843, Rosecrans would begin lobbying to have Garesch made his Chief of Staff.  On November 5, 1862, Stanton would officially relieve Garesch of his duties, at the War Department, sending him to the XIV Corps as Chief of Staff. 

Garesch would arrive in Nashville, to join the Army of the Cumberland, on November 13, 1862.  He would be welcomed by Rosecrans, also a devout Catholic, with open arms.  They shared a common bond, in their faith, since they originally met when Rosecrans inquired about converting to Catholicism.  Each morning, while with the XIV Corps, Garesche would attend Catholic mass, conducted by Father Jeremiah F. Trecy, at Rosecrans’ headquarters tent.

The Army of the Cumberland would be on the move, towards Murfreesboro, on December 27.  Approaching Murfreesboro, on December 29, Rosecrans would find CS General Braxton Bragg’s Army of Tennessee ready for battle, along the Stones River.  The same day, writing Mariquitta, from the front, he would state,

“If we should have a battle, it will be to-morrow that it will occur, but I do not believe they will give it to us.  However, to-morrow will be their last chance: if there is no battle to-morrow, than there will be none at all.  I will keep my letter open, so as to tell you to-morrow evening how matters have gone.  Till then, my sweetest, good night.  I give you a tender kiss.”(iii)

Garesch would never finish this letter.  The next day he would be busy writing orders for a planned December 31 offensive, against the right flank of Bragg’s army.  With the first rays of sunlight, on December 31, Bragg would strike first – essentially a mirror image of the planned Federal attack, striking his enemy’s right flank.  Commanding the right flank, of the Army of the Cumberland, US Major General Alexander McD. McCook commenced a diversion on the evening of December 30.  Lighting hundreds of campfires, appearing to extend his flank, he hoped to make his wing appear stronger than it was, causing Bragg to weaken his other flank – unfortunately, it worked.  Bragg, not deviating from his original plan, moved additional troops to his left – making the next morning’s attack too much for McCook to handle.  Regiment after regiment, brigade after brigade rolled up under the tremendous Confederate assault.  Rosecrans was caught off guard.  Garesche riding to the front with Rosecrans, to survey the situation, would be instantly killed by an artillery projectile.  Splattered with his friend’s blood Rosecrans was said to say, “Brave men die in battle.  Let us push on.”  A fellow officer later finding Garesch’s body would state:

“I saw but a headless trunk: an eddy of crimson foam had issued where his head should be.  I at once recognized his figure, it lay so naturally, his right hand across his breast.  As I approached, dismounted, and bent over him, the contraction of a muscle extended the hand slowly, and slightly towards me.  Taking hold of it, I found it warm and lifelike.  Upon one of his fingers was the class-ring, that (to me) beautiful talisman of our common school.  This I removed; and, also taking his pocket Bible, I then parted…. There was no time for tears.”(iv)

Garesch’s personal belongings, and his unfinished, unsigned letter, would be returned to his wife, Mariquitta, whom he so dearly loved.  Besides his sterling military record Julius Garesch would leave behind a legacy at the Catholic church.  He was the founder, and president, of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Washington DC.(v)  Created to help distressed families, the Vincentians give time, talent and money to their local communities.  After his death his son, Louis Garesch, would write an extensive biography about his father.  Published in 1887 it would provide details of Garesche’s life, especially his devotion to his family, and his church.

Lieutenant Colonel Julius Garesch served God, his family and his country faithfully.  He is a true American HERO.

(i) The Julius P. Garesch Collection at Georgetown University.  Text from this manuscript can be found here.
(ii) Garesch, Louis, Biography of Lieutenant Colonel Julius P. Garesche, Assistant Adjutant General, US Army, published 1887, Pg. 390.
(iii) Garesch, Louis, Biography of Lieutenant Colonel Julius P. Garesche, Assistant Adjutant General, US Army, published 1887, Pg. 433.
(iv) Bobrick, Benson, Master of War: The Life of General George H. Thomas, published 2009, Pg. 153.
(v) For more information check out the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s web site by clicking here.