This Mighty Scourge

James Barton Wiley was born in Ohio between 1836 and 1838.  By 1850 he was living with his parents, Jacob and Mary Wiley, in Noble, Ohio.  He was the oldest of seven siblings.  He was the only son of Jacob and Mary.  He would marry Catherine Coffee on February 2, 1854 in Noble County, Indiana.  Together they would have three children: Mary Jane (1856), John M. (1859) and William S. (1862).  Wiley would often go by his middle name on official records, including his marriage certificate and the 1860 Federal Census record which listed the Wiley residence in Baker, Indiana.(i)

With the outbreak of hostilities, Wiley would enlist as a private in Company H, 59th New York Infantry.  His date of enlistment was September 20, 1861 at Bellville, Ohio.  In speaking with a couple of his ancestors, this author has been unable to determine why he would enlist in a New York regiment when he lived in Indiana and entered the service in Ohio.  The only logical conclusion is that Ohio had filled her volunteer requirements and the state had not authorized the formation of additional regiments by his enlistment date.

The 59th New York was officially mustered into Federal service in November 1861 and would leave New York City on November 23.  Proceeding to Washington City they would serve in US Brigadier General James Wadsworth’s command, defending Washington, through May 1862.  In July 1862 the 59th New York would join the Army of the Potomac and be assigned to the Third Brigade (Brigadier General Napoleon J.T. Dana), Second Division (US Major General John Sedgwick) of US Major General Edwin Sumner’s II Corps.  Commanding the 59th New York was Colonel William L. Tidball.  Leaving Washington City, they would join their new command at Harrison’s Landing on the James River Peninsula.  By this time The Seven Days was over and the Army of the Potomac, commanded by US Major General George B. McClellan was preparing to leave Harrison’s Landing to return to Alexandria, Virginia.  Private James Wiley would see no action while at Harrison’s Landing.(ii)

By August 28, 1862, the II Corps was located at Fairfax Court House, Virginia, and would be involved in covering US Major General John Pope’s retreating Army of Virginia from their rout at Second Manassas.  After the defeat of Pope’s army, CSA General Robert E. Lee determined to invade the North in an effort to recruit troops and provide relief for wary Virginians who had suffered through nearly all of the fighting in the Eastern Theater.  Pushing into Maryland during the first days of September, Lee would begin an effort to recruit Marylanders who were loyal to the Confederacy – an effort that turned out to be in vain.

Meanwhile, in Washington City, McClellan began to organize the remnants of Pope’s Army of Virginia using some of them to fill the ranks of his Army of the Potomac.  A master of organization, McClellan quickly had his army back in shape.  With intelligence mounting, that Lee had pushed into Maryland, McClellan quickly began planning his movements.  On September 6, the Army of the Potomac left Washington, in several columns, to find Lee’s army.  The first action of the Maryland Campaign would occur at South Mountain on September 14, when US Major General Joseph Hooker’s I Corps would engage portions of CSA Major Generals James Longstreet and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s army wings.  The fighting at South Mountain would take place at Fox’s Gap, Crampton’s Gap and Turner’s Gap and would be intense.  Hooker was severely pressed while trying to push through the gaps.  The II Corps, including the 59th New York, would be sent to reinforce Hooker, but would arrive to find the I Corps alone at South Mountain – Lee having pulled his forces back.

On September 16, Sumner’s II Corps would be on the east side of Antietam Creek, facing the majority of Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia (CSA Major General A.P. Hill’s Light Division was at Harpers Ferry) deployed around Sharpsburg, Maryland – just west of Antietam Creek.  On the morning of September 17, Hooker’s I Corps, having crossed Antietam Creek north of the Confederates, pushed south towards the left flank of Lee’s forces.  Pushing through the “Corn Field” they would be heavily engaged against Jackson’s Left Army Wing.  With the fighting going back-and-forth, across the Corn Field, the I Corps would suffer terrible casualties.  At 7:20 a.m., McClellan would order the II Corps to reinforce Hooker’s I Corps, and US Major General Joseph Mansfield’s XII Corps which had become engaged east of the Corn Field, near the North Woods.  The plan was for Sumner’s II Corps to push towards the Dunker Church, slamming into the left of Jackson’s Confederate lines.  Two of the II Corps divisions were to attack in force.  Unfortunately, US Major General William H. French’s division would veer to the left instead of staying on Sedgwick’s Second Division’s left flank.  This would leave the Second Division, including Wiley’s 59th New York, unsupported as they pushed through the Corn Field towards the West Woods.  Crossing the Hagerstown Pike, the general order was to keep the Dunker Church on their left, and rear.  Pushing straight forward, the three brigades of Sedgwick’s division would not find the enemy in their front, but with their left flank refused and facing north into Sedgwick’s left flank.  Confusion reigned throughout Sedgwick’s division and it became especially pronounced within Dana’s brigade.  His troops, including Wiley’s 59th New York, were receiving heavy enemy fire from a direction they did not expect – their left - enfilading their lines.  Additionally, the division was receiving heavy artillery fire from CSA Major General J.E.B. Stuart’s horse artillery located on a rocky rise to their right.(iii)  Sumner, maintaining his composure, rode up and down his lines, encouraging his soldiers to remain steady.  One of Dana’s soldiers wrote home describing Sumner’s actions, “We were completely flanked on the left and in two minutes more could have been prisoners of war if Gen Sumner himself had not rode in through a terrific fire of the enemy and brought us off……My men fell around me like dead flies on a frosty morning.”(iv)  The 59th New York’s baptism of fire was harsh.  The regiment did not handle themselves well.  With the field shrouded by smoke, they fired unknowingly into the backs of the 15th Massachusetts Infantry.  Not hearing the Massachusetts men yelling at them to cease firing, they would continue to fire into them until Sumner rode up and “cussed them out.”  Sedgwick’s division was able to retreat across the Hagerstown Pike and reform.  The fighting at Antietam would move south to the Bloody Lane, where the II Corps divisions of French and US Major General Israel Richardson would continue the fight.  The fighting on the Federal right would diminish as the action at the Bloody Lane intensified.  US Major General Ambrose Burnside’s IX Corps would attack on the far left, after which the Battle of Antietam sputtered to a close.  Sergeant James Wiley, along with the 59th New York, had experienced their first major fighting, on a grand scale, at Antietam.

Wiley would continue to serve with the 59th New York through upcoming battles at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville – each being terrible Federal defeats.  Once again, after the Battle of Chancellorsville, Robert E. Lee decided to invade the North.  From July 1–3, 1863, the Army of the Potomac, commanded then by US Major General George Gordon Meade, would battle Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia in the small southern Pennsylvania town of Gettysburg.  US Major General Winfield S. Hancock now commanded the II Corps.  The Second Division was now commanded by US Brigadier General John Gibbon with the Third Brigade being commanded by Colonel Norman J. Hall.  The 59th New York was in Hall’s brigade and was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Max Thoman.  Brigadier General John Caldwell’s First Division would see action on the second day of Gettysburg, the other two divisions would not be involved.  On the third day of battle, the II Corps other divisions, commanded by US Brigadier General Alexander Hays, and Gibbon, would see significant action during CSA Major General George E. Pickett’s famous charge.  Positioned along Cemetery Ridge, Hays division held the II Corps right flank while Gibbon’s division held the left.  Gibbon received some support from US Colonel Edmund Dana’s I Corps’ brigade.  Pickett’s combined command, which included his 1st Corps Division and CSA Brigadier General J. Johnston Pettigrew’s Division and portions of CSA Major General Richard H. Anderson’s Division, both of the 3d Corps, totaled approximately 12,500 soldiers.  After CSA Colonel E. Porter Alexander’s 1st Corps artillery bombarded the Federal lines for over an hour, Pickett’s troops dressed ranks along Seminary Ridge and pushed towards Hancock’s II Corps.  It was approximately 3:00 p.m.  Crossing the fields between Seminary Ridge and Cemetery Ridge, the Confederates would start to receive artillery shelling.  Crossing a fence along the Emmittsburg Road, they pushed towards the Federal line, its soldiers well protected behind a stone wall.  As they closed to within small arms range, they received a terrible storm of lead as the Federal infantry opened on them.  The Confederate charge would be repulsed, with only a handful of regiments breaking through the II Corps’ line.  The 59th New York would receive a direct assault from the 48th Georgia Infantry regiment.(v)  During the hard fighting here, some of which was hand-to-hand, Wiley would capture the Georgia regiment’s battle flag.  He would receive the Medal of Honor for his actions at Gettysburg, on December 1, 1864.  His citation reads, “Capture of flag of a Georgia regiment.”

Meade’s Army of the Potomac would repulse Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia at Gettysburg, ending the bloodiest battle on American soil.  Lee would retreat back into Virginia, with Meade’s army slowly pursuing them, essentially “nipping at their heels.”

Wiley, and the 59th New York Infantry, would continue to serve their country.  They would be engaged in all the remaining battles in the eastern theater including Mine Run, the Overland Campaign, Petersburg Campaign and Appomattox Court House.  On June 22, 1864, during the fighting at Jerusalem Plank Road, 1st Sergeant James Wiley would be captured.  He would be sent south to the Confederate Prison at Camp Sumter – better known as Andersonville.  He would suffer, with his fellow prisoners, from malnutrition, poor drinking water and exposure to the elements.  On February 7, 1865, Wiley would die from dysentery – most likely never knowing he had been awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry at Gettysburg.  James Barton Wiley is a true American HERO.

(i) James Barton Wiley, at Ancestery.com was used to research this article.
(ii) The Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System was used to research this article.
(iii) Walker, Francis A., History of the Second Army Corps in the Army of the Potomac, Second Edition, published by Charles Scribner’s Sons in 1891, Pgs. 100–107.
(iv) Sears, Stephen W., Landscape Turned Red: The Battle of Antietam, published by Ticknor & Fields in 1983, Pgs. 227–228.
(v) Hess, Earl J., Pickett’s Charge: The Last Attack at Gettysburg, published by the University of North Carolina Press in 2001, Pg. 91.

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.

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.

Henry H. Taylor was born in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, near Galena, on July 4, 1841, to John W. Taylor and Temperance Stringfield.  Taylor would enlist, on May 9, 1861, after Abraham Lincoln’s call for 75,000 state militia, after the firing on Fort Sumter.  He would be assigned to the 45th Illinois Infantry on November 20, 1861.  The regiment would officially be mustered into Federal service on December 25, 1861, at Camp Douglas, Illinois.(i)

The 45th Illinois would fight in many of the most significant battles in the Western Theater including: Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg Campaign, Atlanta Campaign and the Carolinas Campaign.  Taylor mustered in as a private and would advance to sergeant of Company C, where he would be a color bearer.

During the fighting, at Vicksburg, Mississippi, Taylor would provide his most important service to the United States.  On June 25, 1863, after the reduction of the Third Louisiana Redan, by an underground mine, the infantry would be sent into the breach.  A Union soldier described the explosion, “All at once a dead heavy roll, a hundred shouts, and you could see nothing but a black cloud of dirt and powder smoke, throwing the earth thirty of forty feet in the air, and about half of the wall rolled over the ditch as if turned by a ponderous plow.  Instantaneous with this was the crack of a hundred cannon, as though they were all pulled off by one lanyard….while the infantry advanced with a yell that none but soldiers can give, rushed up the breastworks and a galling fire ensued between the rebs at the bottom and at the top.”(ii)  The 45th Illinois was part of US Brigadier General Mortimer D. Leggett’s First Brigade, assigned to US Major General John Logan’s First Division of US Major General James B. McPherson’s XVII Corps.  Led by Colonel Jasper A. Maltby, the 45th Illinois rushed into gaping hole left after the detonation of the mine.  The fighting would be described by Leggett as “desperate.”(iii)  Taylor, as color bearer, was in the front of his regiment.  As they clawed their way to the top of the Third Louisiana Redan, Sergeant Taylor would plant the regiment’s colors on the works.  A soldier in the 20th Illinois (in the same brigade as the 45th Illinois) described what they encountered at the redan, “The up-heaved earth was soft, and our feet sank deep into the loose dirt as we rushed over the dead and dying up the incline to the foot-wide crest of undisturbed earth, which, fortunately for the defenders of the Fort, remained to obstruct the on-slaught of the union forces.”(iv)  The fighting would continue well into the night.  The Federal troops would finally pull back about 75 feet, a position they held through the surrender, on July 4.

Taylor would receive the Medal of Honor for his valor during the fight at what would be called, “General Logan’s Canal.”  After the surrender, the 45th Illinois would be the first regiment to enter Vicksburg.  General Leggett described the scene, “The Forty-fifth Illinois was the first regiment to march into Vicksburg, receive the surrender, and hoist the flag on the court house.  The whole of one division went in on the 4th of July, and no other troops.  The Forty-fifth was part of the first brigade which I had commanded, and it was for its gallantry in breaking the Confederate line as well as for its other services in the campaign, that I gave it the front on that day.”(v)

Taylor would remain in the 45th Illinois Infantry until he mustered out on September 8, 1864, after his three year term of enlistment expired.

The following is the citation that Sergeant Henry H. Taylor received with his Medal of Honor, on September 1, 1893.

“Was the first to plant the Union colors upon the enemy works.”(vi)

After the Civil War, Taylor and his wife, Margery, would reside in Wyandotte, Kansas.  He would work as a banker.  He died on May 3, 1909 at Leavenworth, Kansas.  Sergeant Henry H. Taylor is a true American HERO.

(i) The Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System was used to research this article.
(ii) Ballard, Michael B., Vicksburg: The Campaign That Opened the Mississippi, published by The University of North Carolina Press 2004, Pgs. 367–368.
(iii) Beyer, Walter F., Keydel, Oscar Frederick, Duffield, Henry Martin, Deeds of Valor, published by Perrien-Keydel Co. 1907, Pg. 215.
(iv) Ballard, Michael B., Vicksburg: The Campaign That Opened the Mississippi, published by The University of North Carolina Press 2004, Pg. 368.
(v) Beyer, Walter F., Keydel, Oscar Frederick, Duffield, Henry Martin, Deeds of Valor, published by Perrien-Keydel Co. 1907, Pg. 215.
(vi) R.J. (Bob) Pfoft, Editor, United States of America’s Medal of Honor Recipients, Fifth Edition, Pg. 1020.

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.

John Winfield Scott was born in Mississippi, in approximately 1825.  In 1862 Scott was a merchant in New Orleans.  With the outbreak of the Civil War he would enlist as a private, in the 5th Company of the famed Washington Artillery, of Louisiana. 

The Washington Artillery Battalion was originally organized in 1838.  It would see service during the Mexican War.  Originally called the Native American Battery, it would be reorganized in 1852 and receive its new designation: Washington Artillery.  The 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Companies would be involved in many of the largest battles, in the east, including First Manassas, Fair Oaks, The Seven Days, Second Manassas, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.  They would remain with the Army of Northern Virginia through the surrender at Appomattox Court House.  The 5th Company was organized in New Orleans in April, and May 1862.  The 150 artillerists in the 5th Company would elect W. Irving Hodgson as their captain.  On March 6, 1862 they would be officially mustered into the Confederate service.(i)  Assigned to CS General Albert Sidney Johnston’s army, they would arrive at Corinth Mississippi on April 1, and be assigned to CS Brigadier General Patton Anderson’s Brigade.

J.W. Scott, who had enlisted in March 1862, would be with his artillery company at the Battle of Shiloh.  His battery would push towards US Major General William T. Sherman’s camp in the early morning hours of April 6.  With their four cannon unlimbered, firing double cannister, they would suffer greatly by musketry fire coming from infantry troops still in their tents.  After pushing through the Crossroads area of the battlefield, they would be engaged with Federal divisions commanded by brigadier generals Benjamin Prentiss, and W.H.L. Wallace.  This area be forever known as the Hornet’s Nest, and would experience some of the most brutal fighting at Shiloh.  Over the two days of fighting, at Shiloh, the 5th Company would fire over 700 artillery rounds.  Captain Hodgson, in his official report, stated, “The badly torn wheels and carriages of my battery from Minie balls will convince any one of the close proximity to the enemy in which we were.”(ii)  He complimented Scott for his gallantry at Shiloh.

The 5th Company would stay with the Army of Tennessee through the end of the Civil War.  In 1864 Scott would be promoted corporal.  He would suffer two wounds during the war, the first being at Kolb’s Farm, during the fighting at Kennesaw Mountain and the second being at Overall Creek, during CS Lieutenant General John Bell Hood’s 1864 Tennessee Campaign.  He would leave the army when he was paroled, along with the rest of his company, on May 10, 1865.

After the war, Scott would reside in Mississippi, with his last known public record being in Grand Lake, Arkansas in 1899.  His date of death is unknown.  Corporal Scott served the Confederacy bravely and should be considered an American HERO.

(i) 5th Company, Washington Artillery was used to research portions of this article.  The manuscript can be read here.
(ii)  Coddington, Ronald S., Faces of the Confederacy, Pgs. 23–24.

William B. Hincks was born in either 1841, or 1842, in Maine.  He would later move to Bridgeport, Connecticut.  On July 22, 1862, at either 19 or 20 years of age, young William would enlist in the 14th Connecticut Infantry.  He would officially muster into service at Hartford, Connecticut, on August 23, 1862.  The 14th, commanded by Colonel Dwight Morris, would arrive in Washington, D.C., on August 25, and would be placed in the Second Brigade, Third Division (US Brigadier General William French) of US Major General Edwin V. Sumner’s II Corps. 

Private Hincks was assigned to Company A, and was considered industrious, and brave.  Hincks, and the remainder of the 14th Connecticut would have little time to settle in.  After US Major General John Pope’s debacle at Second Manassas, his Army of Virginia would return to Washington, D.C.  Abraham Lincoln, with his hands tied, turned back to US Major General George B. McClellan, to command the eastern theater.  McClellan would waste little time as it was quickly determined that CS General Robert E. Lee was moving into Maryland.  McClellan would rapidly push after him along different routes, all leading through passes in South Mountain.  This would be Hincks’ first experience in battle – and it would define what the young man would expect from battle.

On September 17, 1862, at the Battle of Antietam, Sumner’s II Corps was ordered to support US Major General Joseph Hooker’s I Corps advance, on the Confederate left, along the Hagerstown Pike.  Hooker would advance through the infamous Corn Field, an area of tremendous slaughter, while the Second Division (US Major General John Sedgwick), of Sumner’s II Corps would push diagonally from the East Woods towards the Dunker Church and West Woods.  Hincks’ Division, commanded by William French, somehow became disoriented and did not guide on Sedgwick’s Division.  Instead, he marched his men in a southernly direction slowly losing sight of Sedgwick.  Coming over a rise Hincks, the 14th Connecticut and the rest of the division, became silhouetted against the sky and were decimated by musketry from the 6th Alabama commanded by a little known colonel – John Brown Gordon.  Part of CS Brigadier General Robert E. Rodes’s Brigade, they would be waiting for the Federals in a sunken road – now called Bloody Lane.  As line after line of French’s Division passed over the rise, they were met with severe musketry.  However, due to their numerical superiority, and with relief from US Major General Israel B. Richardson’s First Division, which included the Irish Brigade, the Sunken Road became untenable for the Rebels, they would be forced to pull back.  At the end of Antietam, the Second Brigade, now commanded by Dwight Morris, which included Hincks’s 14th Connecticut, would be severely punished, suffering 529 casualties.  Hincks and Company A, of the 14th Connecticut, received their “baptism of fire” and proved up to the challenge.

After Antietam, Robert E. Lee would retreat back to the safety of Virginia.  Unfortunately, McClellan was slow to react – stating he needed time to re-fit his army.  He would be removed from overall command of the Army of the Potomac on November 8, 1862.  Hincks, and the rest of the Army of the Potomac, now had a new commander, US Major General Ambrose Burnside.  Burnside immediately made plans to cross the Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg before Robert E. Lee could react.  Essentially reaching the south side of the Rappahannock first would leave the road to Richmond wide open for the Union Army.  Arriving at the Rappahannock ahead of the Army of Northern Virginia, Burnside’s plan was coming together.  Unfortunately, his pontoons had not arrived in time.  This gave Lee the necessary time to reach Fredericksburg and entrench his army – setting the stage for the Battle of Fredericksburg.

The Army of the Potomac, now divided into three Grand Divisions, brought battle against Robert E. Lee on December 13, 1862.  The battle opened on the Federal left, when US Major General William Franklin’s Left Grand Division assaulted CS Lieutenant General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson’s 2nd Corps.  Initially, the Federal forces had some success.  However, before long, Jackson’s 2nd Corps pushed Franklin’s forces back beyond the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac railroad tracks.

US Major General Edwin V. Sumner’s Right Grand Division, including the II Corps, now commanded by US Major General Darius Couch, assaulted the high ground above Fredericksburg.  Master Sergeant William B. Hincks’s 14th Connecticut was still in the Second Brigade of William French’s Third Division.  It would attack the left side of a “sunken road” heavily defended by CS Lieutenant General James Longstreet’s 1st Corps.  Having had time to organize behind the stone wall of the Sunken Road, French’s Division had no chance.  They would be roughly handled and quickly repulsed before reaching the wall.  The 14th Connecticut, now commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Sanford Perkins, would also suffer.  At the end of the battle, Burnside’s Army of the Potomac would never reach the Sunken Road and would end up retreating across the Rappahannock River on December 14.

In May 1863 Hincks would again fight with the II Corps at the Battle of Chancellorsville.  The 14th Connecticut would support the Federal lines around the Chancellor tavern, and would again suffer significant losses.  Due to their losses at Fredericksburg, the 14th was now commanded by Major Theodore Ellis.  The Army of the Potomac, under the overall command of US Major General Joseph Hooker, would suffer a terrible defeat at Chancellorsville.

After Chancellorsville the 14th Connecticut would head north, following Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, as it once again headed past the Mason-Dixon Line.  Sergeant Major Hincks would provide his country his most valuable service in early July 1863, at the Battle of Gettysburg.  The Army of the Potomac, now commanded by US Major General George Gordon Meade, would bring battle against the Army of Northern Virginia July 1–3.  By July 3, Meade’s army had established a significant line of battle, shaped like a fish hook, running from Culp’s Hill on the north to Little Round Top on the south.  The II Corps, now commanded by US Major General Winfield S. Hancock, held the center of the Union line along Cemetery Ridge.  The 14th Connecticut, still in the Second Brigade (Colonel Thomas A Smyth), Third Division (Brigadier General Alexander Hays) of the II Corps would be assigned just north of the “Angle” of Hancock’s salient on Cemetery Ridge and would maintain the brigade’s left flank.  This portion of the line would be directly in the path of CS Major General George E. Pickett’s famous charge.  Commanding the 14th Connecticut, Major Theodore Ellis would brace his men for the coming onslaught from CS Brigadier General James J. Pettigrew’s North Carolinians and Colonel Birkett D. Fry’s mixed brigade of Alabamans and Tennesseans.  The Federal troops could see Pickett’s troops coming   thefrom nearly a mile away.  Bracing, the Federals were told to hold their fire, until the Rebels came across the fence north of the Codori Farm, running along the Emmitsburg Road.  Once they crossed, the Federal artillery opened large gaping holes in the Confederate formation, which quickly closed as the Rebels reformed.  As they approached closer division, brigade and regimental commanders would allow their commands to open with musketry, further decimating the Rebel formation.

Opposing the 14th Connecticut was CS Captain Bruce Phillips’ 14th Tennessee.  As they closed in on Ellis’s regiment, the Tennesseans planted their regimental flag sporting twelve separate battle honors.  With the intensity of the Federal musketry and cannister coming from the artillery, many men of the 14th Tennessee were forced to lay down on the ground to save themselves.  Ellis seeing the flag apparently unprotected asked for volunteers to capture it.  Hincks, and two other Connecticut soldiers, leaped from behind the wall and ran towards the flag some 50 yards in the distance.  Immediately after jumping the wall, one Connecticut soldier was shot.  Outrunning his other companion, Hincks would reach the flag under tremendous fire, grab the colors, swinging his saber over the prone Confederates, and run back to the safety of his lines.

The Federal defense along Cemetery Ridge would win the day – and the battle, for Gettysburg.  Robert E. Lee would never again take his entire Army of Northern Virginia into the North.  The 14th Connecticut would remain with the Army of the Potomac for many additional battles including Mine Run, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Deep Bottom, Petersburg, Sailors’s Creek and Lee’s surrender, at Appomattox Court House.

Sergeant Major William B. Hincks would be awarded the highest military honor for his actions at Gettysburg.  On December 1, 1864 he would receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.  Following, is his citation.

During the highwater mark of Pickett’s charge on 3 July 1863 the colors of the 14th Tenn. Inf. C.S.A. were planted 50 yards in front of the center of Sgt. Maj. Hincks’ regiment.  There were no Confederates standing near it but several lying down around it.  Upon a call for volunteers by Maj. Ellis, commanding, to capture this flag, this soldier and 2 others leaped the wall.  One companion was instantly shot.  Sgt. Maj. Hincks outran his remaining companion running straight and swift for the colors amid a storm of shot.  Swinging his saber over the prostrate Confederates and uttering a terrific yell, he seized the flag and hastily returned to his lines.  The 14th Tenn. carried 12 battle honors on its flag.  The devotion to duty shown by Sgt. Maj. Hincks gave encouragement to many of his comrades at a crucial moment in the battle.(i)

After the Civil War, Sergeant Major William B. Hincks worked as a treasurer of a gas company and Secretary and Treasurer of City Savings Bank.  Hincks died at Bridgeport, Connecticut, on November 7, 1903.  He was approximately 64 years old.  Sergeant Major Hincks is a true American HERO.

(i) R.J. (Bob) Pfoft, Editor, United States of America’s Medal of Honor Recipients, Fifth Edition, Pg. 897.

Yesterday, I woke up, in my hotel, in Manassas, Virginia.  Turning the television on, the History Channel was showing a program on the 54^th Massachusetts Infantry – a unit comprised of United States Colored Troops.  Nearing its end, the program highlighted the 54^th Massachusetts charge of Fort Wagner, in Charleston, South Carolina.  I was very moved by the actions of sergeant William H. Carney.  Pulling out my book, on Medal of Honor recipients, I quickly did some research of Carney.  The following article was inspired by the program.

William Harvey Carney was born on February 29, 1840, as a slave, in Norfolk, Virginia.  Like his father, before him, Carney was able to escape, to Massachusetts, using the Underground Railroad.  At the start of the Civil War, Carney was a free man, living in the Boston area.  With Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, taking effect on January 1, 1863, Carney enlisted in the 54^th Massachusetts Infantry – the famed “colored” regiment, as a sergeant.  Organized in Readville, Massachusetts, the 54^th would be mustered into Federal service on May 13, 1863.  The commander of the 54^th was US Colonel Robert S. Gould.  Shaw was handpicked, by Massachusetts Governor John Andrew, to lead this famed regiment.  Leaving Boston, on May 28, 1863, they would be assigned to the X Corps at Hilton Head, South Carolina.  Carney, and his regiment would arrive at St. Simon’s Island on June 9.  Moving to Morris Island, from July 16–18, they would prepare for the assault on Fort Wagner.

The 54^th Massachusetts Infantry would be called upon, during the battle of Fort Wagner, to charge the Confederate works.  With daylight quickly fading, on July 18, Colonel Gould would give his regiment a moving talk, to inspire them before they charged, finishing, “Forward, Fifty-Fourth, Forward!”(i)  With a cheer, the 54^th would move across the open plain, approaching Battery Wagner.  Carney, would be leading his men, towards the ramparts.  Approaching under a withering fire, Carney would see the color bearer go down, dropping their regimental flag.  Picking the flag up, he would charge to the ramparts, planting the flag there, being wounded in the process.  Colonel Gould would also reach the works, being shot through the heart and dying instantly.  The 54^th would be forced to retreat, during which Carney would be wounded two additional times, the most serious being a shoulder wound.  He would return to the Federal lines, before falling from his wounds.  Upon reaching the lines, he stated, “Boys, I only did my duty; the old flag never touched the ground!”(ii)  Due to Carney’s wounds, he would retire from active service.

After the Civil War, William Carney would be a postal employee and a popular speaker.  On May 23, 1900, he would be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his gallantry.  Carney’s brave actions were the earliest awarded, a Medal of Honor, to a soldier in the United States Colored Troops.  His citation reads:

When the color sergeant was shot down, this soldier grasped the flag, led the way to the parapet, and planted the colors thereon.  When the troops fell back he brought off the flag, under fierce fire in which he was twice severely wounded.”(iii)

Carney died on December 8, 1908, in Boston, at the age of 68.  He is buried in the family plot at Oak Grove Cemetery in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

(i) The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, at Wikipedia.
(ii) William Harvey Carney, at Wikipedia.
(iii) R.J. (Bob) Pfoft, Editor, United States of America’s Medal of Honor Recipients, Fifth Edition, Pg. 829.

Patrick Ginley was born in Ireland, on December 22, 1822.  In 1860, young Patrick was a private in the 69^th Regiment New York National Guards. With the outbreak of the Civil War, he would volunteer for his adopted country, being assigned to Company G, 1^st New York Light Artillery.  The 1^st New York Light would serve the United States in 44 engagements, in the east, and would not muster out until 1865.

Ginley, and his 1^st New York battery would be with the Army of the Potomac, from the Peninsula Campaign, through CS General Robert E. Lee’s surrender, at Appomattox Court House.  It was during the Petersburg Campaign, that Ginley would provide his most important service – specifically on August 25, 1864 at the Battle of Ream’s Station.

In an effort, to get below Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, cutting their communications, and supplies, US Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant, would send the II Corps south of Petersburg.  Commanded by US Major General Winfield Scott Hancock, one of the most well respected commanders in the army, the II Corps would push south, along the Weldon Railroad, on August 24.  They would engage the Confederates, at Ream’s Station in this “recognizance in force,” the next day.  The Confederates were commanded by CS Major General Henry Heth.

The Battle of Ream’s Station, also called the Second Battle of Ream’s Station, was a significant defeat for the United States.  Tearing up track, on the Weldon Railroad, the II Corps would meet Heth’s Division of the 3^rd Corps at Ream’s Station.  Defending a poor position, Hancock’s Corps would be attacked, and overrun, by Heth’s single division.  During the battle, the Federals would suffer 2,750 casualties, compared to 814 for Heth’s Division.

During the battle, Ginley would be detailed for orderly service.  With his captain engaging the Confederates, in a very “hot” battle, Ginley would be sent with a message, to General Hancock.  Ginley was sent back, by headquarters staff, to find out what troops were battling US Major General Francis Barlow’s division.  Going back through the same cut, he had just traversed, Ginley, and Colonel Walker would ride through raking Confederate fire.  Unfortunately, unknown to Ginley, or Walker, a large Confederate detachment had flanked the Federals out of their works here, and they were riding directly towards them.

Walker would enter the cut first, and pull up his horse, dismounting.  It was at this time that Ginley realized they were amongst the enemy.  Attempting to turn his horse around, a Rebel volley into the works, would send his horse reeling, landing on young Patrick, who feared it had broken his leg.  Cutting himself from his horse, he found he had suffered no significant injury.  Looking around, Ginley found that he was alone, except for a lone cannon.  Ginley, and another Federal soldier charged towards the gun, without being seen by the Rebels.  With battle smoke partially hiding them, they were able to get to the gun.  It was at this time that they were seen by a Confederate, and told to get away from the gun.  Not moving, Ginley’s companion was shot dead.  Hiding behind the gun, Ginley was somewhat protected.  Pulling on the lanyard, the big gun bucked and emptied its contents into the Confederates on the breastworks – mowing a swath through them, and scattering many of them.  During the confusion, Ginley was able to escape, running most of the way across a field, before the Rebels knew he had escaped.  With yells from the enemy, and their bullets whizzing by him, and cheers from the Federals who had witnessed his heroism, Ginley made it back to his lines.  The young Irishman was not done.  Grabbing a flag, from a dead color bearer, and a saber, he ran back, and forth, across the front, rallying the Federal troops, carrying canister for the guns and in many cases actually firing the cannons.  His wild actions steadied the troops around him and brought them together in fighting order.  With a volley, from an advancing group of Massachusetts troops, the Rebels scattered.  Ginley with a cheer planted the flag on the ramparts as the “boys in blue” swarmed over the works, after the Confederates.

After the battle, Hancock would state, “Ginley, you are the hero of the day.”(i)  Later, General Grant, with his hand on Ginley’s shoulder would state,

“Private Ginley, it is not to-day nor to-morrow that you and every man undergoing the hardships of this war will be remembered by the country for his services.  But every hero sooner or later receives his just reward.  In this day of history making, when the deeds of individual valor are taking their places in the record of the War of the Rebellion, when the records are in the hands of those at Washington who helped to make them, each individual act of heroism of which there is a record will be recognized.”(ii)

On October 31, 1890, private Patrick Ginley would receive the highest honor, in the land, for his services 26 years previously, being awarded the United States Congressional Medal of Honor.  The citation read,

“The command having been driven from the works, he, having been left alone between the opposing lines, crept back to the works, put 3 charges of canister in one of the guns, and fired the piece directly into the body of the enemy about to seize the works; he then rejoined his command, took the colors, and ran toward the enemy, followed by the command, which recaptured the works and the guns.”(iii)

After receiving his Medal of Honor, Patrick Ginley would live 26 more years, dying in New York, on April 5, 1917.  He is buried at Cavalry Cemetery in Queens, New York.  For his actions, on August 25, 1864, at Ream’s Station, Virginia, Patrick Ginley is a true American Hero.

(i) The Story of American Heroism, published by J.W. Jones, 1897, p.485.
(ii) The Story of American Heroism, published by J.W. Jones, 1897, p.483.
(iii) R.J. (Bob) Pfoft, Editor, United States of America’s Medal of Honor Recipients, Fifth Edition, Pg. 875.

Joseph C. Hibson(i) was a British national, that would immigrate to the United States.  Born in England, on August 3, 1843, Hibson would end up in New York City.  With the outbreak of the Civil War, young Hibson would volunteer for service, mustering into Company C, 48^th New York Infantry.  The 48^th New York would be assigned to the Second Brigade, Second Division of the U.S. Army X Corps.  Hibson, and the rest of the 48^th New York would be involved in the capture of Fort Pulaski, in April 1862.  On July 13, 1863, the 44^th New York would take part in the assault on Fort Wagner, South Carolina.  He would expose himself to severe danger, avoid being captured and would be severely wounded.  Hibson would receive the Congressional Medal of Honor on October 23, 1897.

Citation:
While voluntarily performing picket duty under fire on 13 July 1863, was attacked and his surrender demanded, but he killed his assailant.  The day following responded to a call for a volunteer to reconnoiter the enemy’s position, and went within the enemy lines under fire and was exposed to great danger.  On 18 July voluntarily exposed himself with great gallantry during an assault, and received 3 wounds that permanently disabled him for active service.

After the war, Hibson would return to New York, where he would die on April 14, 1911.  He is buried at Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.

(i) R.J. (Bob) Pfoft, Editor, United States of America’s Medal of Honor Recipients, Fifth Edition, Pgs. 894-895.