MILITARY: One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Second Regiment, Bucktail Brigade, Chapter 3 Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JRB & JP Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm An html version of the book with graphics, may be found at http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/1pa/military/cw/150-bucktails/150-bucktails.htm ________________________________________________ HISTORY OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, SECOND REGIMENT, BUCKTAIL BRIGADE. BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL THOMAS CHAMBERLIN, HISTORIAN OF THE SURVIVORS ASSOCIATION. REVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION, WITH COMPLETE ROSTER. PHILADELPHIA: F. McMANUS, JR. & CO., PRINTERS, 1905. 32 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH CHAPTER III. CONCERNING THE "BUCKTAIL BRIGADE". MAJOR STONE'S plan looked originally to the raising of at least four Bucktail regiments for his brigade, but such was the pressure for fresh troops at the front, and so limited the time allowed him for effecting enlistments, that but two regiments were completed-the 149 and 150th-when he was ordered to take the field. Nor was all sunshine in his efforts to realize his cherished project. With no intention of detracting from the good name or fair fame of one of the nation's illustrious defenders, it may be stated that Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas L. Kane (afterwards brigadier-general and brevet major-general of volunteers), whose aim to succeed Colonel Charles J. Biddle in the command of the 1st Pennsylvania Rifles ("Bucktails") had been thwarted by the election of Captain Hugh W. McNeil to the colonelcy, in the winter of 1861-1862, on hearing of Major Stone's movement, bestirred himself to prevent the latter from obtaining what he (Kane) had heard, or dreamed, was to be an independent command, and also to deprive it of the use of the distinguishing badge adopted by his own regiment, to which he seemed to think the latter had the exclusive right and title. Exactly what representations he made to the Secretary of War it would be unprofitable to try to ascertain; but that obstacles were thrown in the major's way can easily be inferred from the following telegraphic and written correspondence:- [Telegram.] WASHINGTON, D. C., August 13, 1862. To GENERAL RUSSELL, FOR MAJOR ROY STONE. Have just seen authorities here and corrected the error induced by inquiries and protests of Colonel Kane. If General Russell BRIGADIER-GENERAL ROY STONE. [portrait] PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS 33 advises, publish Governor's authority. Am expecting copy of my letter to General Russell. J. H. PULESTON. HEADQUARTERS PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. WASHINGTON, D. C., August 16, 1862. To MAJOR Roy STONE. MAJOR, - There is no occasion for doubt or misunderstanding as to the Bucktail Brigade. Authority from the Secretary of War to raise an independent command was not solicited, and such authority has not, to my knowledge, been claimed. The Secretary gave the assurance that the Bucktail regiments, if raised by the authority of the Governor, should be accepted and kept together as one brigade. This assurance was based upon the request of Adjutant-General Russell, made through me. As there is nothing in General Buckingham's note to conflict with either the assurance of the Secretary of War or the authority given you by the Governor, there can be no difficulty or misunderstanding about the matter, especially as you have also the authority of the Superintendent of Recruiting Service in Pennsylvania, to whom you were ordered by General McClellan to report. Respectfully, J. H. PULESTON. Military Agent of Pennsylvania. It has been deemed proper and advisable to introduce this correspondence to show that difficulties had to be overcome in organizing this new command, and to bring into relief the intelligence and activity which were displayed in putting two regiments on foot-in spite of opposition - in the incredibly short period of twenty days. At the beginning of the struggle this would scarcely have been worthy of remark; but the first great wave of patriotic emotion had passed, popular enthusiasm had greatly abated, and the war was beginning to be an old story. Then, too, a long series of defeats had had a depressing influence on the country, and enlistments are never so spontaneous as in moments of victory. Nor must it be forgotten that at the same time a score or more of other regiments were being recruited in various parts of the State, drawing their supply of men from every village and settlement, however 34 ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH isolated. All this lends brilliancy to Major Stone's achievement. Another object is aimed at in the production of these and the letters and despatches previously introduced. Claims having been made by surviving members of the 1st Pennsylvania Rifles, and by a few persons who belonged to other organizations, that the 149th and 150th Regiments were not entitled to the name of "Bucktail", it has seemed proper to show: First. - That Colonel McNeil, of the 1st Pennsylvania Rifles, urged the formation of the Bucktail Brigade, and gave the project encouragement and assistance. Second. - That Major Stone and Captain Wister, who recruited and subsequently commanded the two regiments, were original "Bucktails". Third. - That the brigade was raised as a "Bucktail Brigade" by the authority of Governor Curtin, with the approval of the Secretary of War, whose express assurance was given that the "Bucktail regiments should be kept together", and with the endorsement and co-operation of the United States Superintendent of Recruiting in Pennsylvania. If any other evidence were needed of the right of the command to the emblem worn by its members, and the appellation "Bucktail", it is found in the fact that in all the records of the State, in the records and publications of the War Department, and in Bates's "History of the Pennsylvania Volunteers", the 149th and 150th are designated as "Bucktail" regiments. Their claim is therefore as valid as that of the 1st Rifles, with even an added shade of "official" recognition. If there were anything in their conduct during the war to be ashamed of, it could easily be understood why their title should be disputed; but the story of their deeds is too clear to bring a blush to the cheek of the most exacting patriot, whether civilian or soldier. There was mortification enough, and glory enough, for all in those PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS 35 years of campaigning; and while the 150th claims no share in the enviable record made for itself by the 1st Rifles, and has no desire to profit by even a distant reflection of its fame, it asks for the undisturbed enjoyment of the name to which state and national authority entitles it, and of such honor as accrued to it from its own conduct and achievements.