The Civil War Adams County July-December, 1862 Transcriber’s Note: Often the print of this paper is bad, faded and hard to read. Anything the transcriber was not sure of is marked by a (?). Always verify everything via a second source. July 1, 1862 Deserters The following is a list of deserters from Captain James Adair’s Company F, 87th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. Any one arresting any one of these and delivering them to the military authorities at Baltimore, will be entitled to compensation by law. William Klingle, 23, 5’11”, dark complexion, brown eyes, black hair Albert Stouffer, 18, 5’9”, dark complexion, blue eyes, light hair Jacob Deardorff, 23(?) 28(?), 6’, fair complexion, grey eyes, light hair Jacob Eckert, 31(?), 5’9”, dark complexion, blue eyes, dark hair Joseph Houck, 33(?), 5’11”, fair complexion, blue eyes, light hair George Ford, 23, 5’8”, fair complexion, blue eyes, red hair James Steinour, 22(?), 5’2’(?), dark complexion, blue eyes, dark hair Michael McCurty, 30, 5’7”, fair complexion, grey eyes, black hair James Adair Captain Commanding Company F 87th Regiment July 15, 1862 Deserters The following is a list of deserters from Company I, 87th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. Any one arresting any one of these and delivering them to the military authorities at Baltimore, will be entitled to compensation by law. T.S. Pfeiffer, Captain Sgt. Christian W. Kehm Henry Fleming Joseph Grove Albert Grove Adolph Jenick John Keckler (see Sept. 2 issue re John Keckler) Solomon McMaster Henry Miller Frederick Reidinger Jacob Shanefelter Henry Swope Albert Zimmerman Captain Chritzman of this place who was in the Battle of Fair Oaks, returned home on Tuesday last from the hospital in Philadelphia where he had been taken. When wounded, he was standing with one foot on the back of a rifle pit when a musket ball struck him near the ankle of the left leg and gliding around the bone, lodged near the knee where it was taken out, flattened on both sides. He was able to move about town a little on Saturday last. He is improving rapidly although looking thin and is in hopes in a short time of returning to active service. His company which was cut up a great deal, is being filled up again by recruits in Philadelphia. Two of his company, Messrs. Kehms(?), who were wounded, have also returned home. Mr. Cor(?), who was slightly wounded, is also here. Wert and Cassat were killed. George Weikert of the Keystone Rangers, Capt. Hunter, has also returned home from the Frederick Hospital, where he has been confined in sickness for several months. 1st Lt. Adair, Company F, 87th Pa. Regiment, has been promoted to captain in room of Captain Martin, resigned; 2nd Lt. Norris to be 1st Lt.; Orderly Sgt. Baker to be 2nd Lt. The non-commissioned officers will take one step higher. July 8, 1862 Among the many brave Pennsylvanians of General McCall’s Division who fought in the severe battles before Richmond, was Captain Bailey’s company of this place. We have nothing later from them than Saturday week, letters to the latter day having been received by their friends here. They mention that previous to that day, Capt. Bailey was slightly wounded, Craig M. Wisotskey of the place killed, Joseph Hamilton (son of William S. Hamilton, Esq.), Mathias Siplinger of Huntington, Hiram Lady of Franklin, and G.C. Carson of Menallen were wounded. The regiment was in the bloody fight of Monday but we have not heard how our company fared as the dead and wounded of General McCall’s Division were not recovered, the Rebels having possession of the ground. We are anxiously waiting for further intelligence. It gives us pain to state that in a late account of the killed and wounded before Richmond, we have seen the name of Adjutant Stewart, 1st Pa. Reserves, being wounded and a prisoner. He is the son of Dr. Stewart of Petersburg. Lt. Col. McIntyre, 1st Pa., was wounded in the leg. We have heard since the above was in type that Captain Bailey had made a brilliant and successful charge on the Rebels in the fight of Monday with three companies—which is confirmed by the following hasty note from Hon. E. McPherson dated Washington, July 4, 9:00 p.m. “I have just seen Lt. Graham of Carlisle of the 1st Pa. Reserves, wounded in the arm. He was disabled on Monday afternoon at 6:00 and was carried from the field. Immediately before being wounded, he saw Capt. Bailey, with his company, returning with three other companies from a charge in which about 100 Rebels were taken prisoner and marched to the rear. After being taken to the hospital he heard from the doctor that Adjutant (he does not give the name but it was probably Stewart) was very badly wounded in the groin and it was felt mortally. He did not see him nor does he know the result. He is not aware that any other of our company were wounded. The ground fought over on Monday was left in the possession of the Rebels and the badly wounded were not carried off.” Dr. James Cress of this place has been appointed Assistant Army Surgeon on board the Daniel Webster. After the Battle of Fair Oaks, within the space of forty hours, from the time they began operations, Drs. Cress and Taylor dressed the wounds of 1,500 soldiers. Died, on the field of battle before Richmond, on the 26th June, Craig Wisotzkey, of this place, aged 21 years, 8 months, 23 days. Died, on the 19th June, at the residence of Charles S. Wright, Butler Twp., Robert H., son of Aaron and Sarah Hackney, Frederick Co., Virginia, 18 years, 11 months, 19 days. The deceased had sought refuge among us from the cruelties of the Rebel Army and it is thought that the hardships and excitement in doing so fastened disease upon him, which took the form of typhoid pneumonia, which ended his life after a sickness of about four weeks. July 15, 1862 R.G. Harper, Esq. Dear Sir: The first reliable intelligence that we have received from Company K, Capt. J.F. Bailey, since the battles at White Oak Swamp, White Oak Tree, and Charles City Cross Roads on Monday, 30th ult., and the Battle of Turkey Bend on Tuesday, July 1, was received here last evening and as it contains information of deep interest to your readers I hasten to lay the intelligence before your eyes. Last evening I received a letter from Hon. E. McPherson: “I had written relative to Adj. W.W. Stewart who is wounded and a prisoner, as Col. Roberts this morning informed me. He is wounded through the thigh—a flesh wound, no bones broken. He was left with our other wounded on Monday on the field when the troops left that night or Tuesday morning for another position. Capt. Bailey is missing; Lt. Sadler is safe; also Corp. Rosser. I believe W.B. Metcalfe is in the hospital in Philadelphia and wounded in the foot. I have not heard of others but will be on the lookout. A very interesting letter was received from Lt. J.D. Sadler by Wm. Brandon, Esq., dated Camp on the James River, July 4, 1862. It gives a graphic account of the movements in which the 1st Regiment was concerned from Thursday, 26th ult., when the Battle of Mechanicsville was fought. He writes: Last Thursday week we were attacked by General Stonewall Jackson, fought him, our brigade repulsing at all points with great slaughter, retreating in good order. We continued to retreat until we arrived at this point the day before yesterday and fought four desperate battles on our way down. At the third one about twelve miles from here the Reserve Corps was attacked with great fury about the middle of the afternoon on Monday. We came nearly being surrounded and had to fall back fighting them desperately until re-enforcements came up, then we drove them from the field. In this section, John C. Brandon was wounded, a ball passing through two muscles of his left arm, about half way between the elbow and the shoulder. It was a slight wound. Isaac M. Brandon was not wounded but they both remained at the hospital and as we retreated early in the morning on Tuesday, I suppose they are in the hands of the Rebels. Dr. Caufmann’s boys were both wounded—Corp. H.W. Caufmann slightly in the breast and Charles with his leg shot off above the ankle. (Will had said before he would never be shot in the back and brave boy, that wound in his breast will prove how faithfully he kept his word, and he will bear that honored scar as long as he lives.) Adjutant Stewart was wounded in the thigh—only a flesh wound; David M. Stewart, I think is a prisoner. I saw him when the fight was almost over going off the field, being exhausted he may have lain down and fallen into the hands of the enemy in the morning. Wm. Mumper is wounded in the breast, a flesh wound, and is in their hands. Sgt. Houck is wounded and I fear will die. (See Aug. 5 issue for more on Sgt. Houck) The boys fought nobly and although thrown into confusion by conflicting orders and the loss of two officers, they stood upon the line, contesting every inch of the ground, falling back when forced to do so and then rallying again, they stood side by side and the regiments and companies all mixed up, thought only of holding the masses of Rebels at bay. We have been retreating and of course cannot tell what the enemy’s loss is but it was immense in every battle. We have slipped through their fingers and on Tuesday we whipped them sorely in a large engagement. E.W. Ilgenfritz of this place, now in Company H, 7th Pa. Reserves, writes to Mr. A. Grove that he was in three battles on the 26th, 27th, and 30th ult., and that they were almost cut to pieces in the three fights. The company has 27 men left. No officers any more in the company. The highest officer left is the 5th Sgt., and also two corporals. The company is from Mechanicsburg and they have the 1st lieutenant of Captain B. Henderson’s Company from Carlisle (another captain I presume). He was wounded in the hip but not badly and says he will stick to his regiment and fight for the Union as long as he can creep. York Springs July 12, 1862 J.A.G. James Pierce of this place received a letter from his son who is with Captain Bailey’s company a few days ago dated the 4th July near Richmond which he has given us for publication: I must tell you of our last day’s fight. We were ordered to go out on picket when we had retreated to within three miles of the James River. There was considerable fighting along the line all night. We returned to camp about 7:00, got something to eat and were taking a little rest when we were ordered into line and taken out to support the cavalry pickets again. The Rebel sharp shooters came upon us and drove our pickets in; the bullets were whistling around us all the time until we were called into camp when we found them all drawn up in line of battle; we were posted in the rear to charge bayonets. After some time the firing ceased and we were thinking while laying down in line that it was a false report of the enemy coming in force when all at once they came upon us in great force and opened fire. We repulsed them twice, taking a great many prisoners. But after quelling them several times, and receiving no relief, three regiments against four brigades of Rebels, they flanked us and poured in a broadside, making us skedaddle; then we rallied and made a charge but they took our battery, Company B, and spiked the cannon. We received re-enforcements immediately after this and took the battery back again but it was of no account, they were burnt out anyhow. I must say I never thought anyone could be in such a hot fight and escape. I saw Captain Bailey come out with two prisoners but after that I heard he had gone in again and since then I have heard nothing from him. Some say he was wounded and left on the field but no one knows anything certain except he is missing. We numbered 88 when we went into that battle and now we have just 58—30 men killed, wounded or missing. We know of P. Rouck and C. Kaufmann that we think are dying (? Or dead?). We retreated back about eight miles down the river where we had the greatest battle yet—but we were not called on this time so we just looked on. They commenced early—they thought they had us in a tight place but after severe firing all day in the evening the tide turned and we routed them taking several thousand prisoners, running them beyond the late battle ground. We retreated back some seven miles when we camped on the same place we are now. We are without blankets or anything else taking it in the cool and as it rained here all day we got it somewhat cooler than we cared for. Yesterday we were drawn up in line of battle again and the Rebels shot at us and killed a few of our men while we wondered why our artillery did not reply. But pretty soon we heard ours booming and soon the shells did not come over our heads any more and we had taken two regiments of infantry and two pieces of artillery. We have not bothered with them since. We have been receiving large reinforcements and they are going ahead. Shaw The following are sick and wounded and are in our hospitals in Baltimore. We find their names in the report of Hon. M.R. Lawry, one of the commission appointed by Gov. Curtin to look after the sick and wounded of Pennsylvania. Henry Welty, native of Gettysburg, 5th Wisconsin Regiment, fever, doing well Eb. H. Bentley, 101st Regiment, Gettysburg, general disability; been sick since last December, no better, but frequently asks for his discharge George C. Carson, 1st Regiment Reserves, wounded in left breast, doing well, anxious to go home on furlough, will return, is full of fight, P.O. Bendersville Joseph B. Yates, 101st Regiment, wounded Fair Oaks, right thigh, Mummasburg, has papers, prefers going home Daniel Decker, of New Oxford, 87th Regiment, rheumatism, getting better, desires to go home. A number of letters have been received from Capt. Bailey’s company giving accounts of the bloody battle before Richmond and the loss of the company. The accounts vary but as well as we are able to gather from them, the following may be nearly correct: Killed: Craig Wisotskey Wounded: Captain Bailey, Adjutant Stewart, Joseph Hamilton, Hiram Lady, G.(?)C.(?) Carson, M.S. Siplinger, W.B. Metcalfe, Philip Houck (mortally), W. Mumper, W.H.(?) Caufmann, Charles E. Caufmann, John Branden, Isaac Branden, Henry Monteer, Newton Durborow Missing: Kitzmiller, Tawney, Thompson, Boocher(?) A number of the wounded are in the hands of the Rebels. It is thought that 30 are missing from this company Owens K. Davis of this place has been appointed Assistant Master Mechanic in the Government Workshops at Alexandria, Virginia July 22, 1862 Mrs. Harvey D. Sweeney of this place received a letter a few days ago announcing the death of her son Henry, a young man about 18 years of age. He had enlisted in an Illinois cavalry regiment and was killed by the discharge of a revolver in the hands of a comrade. The ball entered his back and caused his death a short time afterwards. This sad affair occurred in camp near Corinth. He was a brave boy having distinguished himself in the Battles of Fort Donelson and Pittsburg Landing (Shiloh). Among those in the Baltimore hospital we notice the following: Joseph Yates of Company K, 101st Regiment of a gun shot wound and is getting well; Eta(?) H. Bentley, general disability, now well, makes himself useful and is a favorite with the surgeon. August 5, 1862 That warm friend of the soldiers and their comfort, John A. Gardner, Esq., of Pennsylvania, has been on a visit to several hospitals east to search out our sick and wounded. He tells us that David Stewart, Isaac Brandon, Corp. Taney, Andrew Blocher, Corp. Kitzmiller and Sgt. Dewey are all uninjured and were taken prisoner at Richmond. Isaac Brandon was exchanged and is now at Philadelphia under typhus fever. Houck is also there and improving. Adjutant Stewart, H.(?) W. Kaufman and C.M. Kaufman are on David’s Island above New York, are well attended and improving. David Stewart is at a Baltimore Hospital. From Adjutant Stewart he learned that all of the company were saved except Capt. Bailey and David Sheffer of Petersburg of whom there was not the slightest intelligence after the battle. It gives us pleasure to state that Sgt. Houck of Capt. Bailey’s company who was reported as having been mortally wounded and afterwards died, is still alive; and arrived at Philadelphia on Thursday last on the steamer Commodore from City Point, Virginia with a large number of sick and wounded. He is represented as being wounded in the side and arm. His father, Jesse, went yesterday to see him, much rejoiced to know that he who had been mourned over as dead was yet spared. Among those killed before Richmond on the 1st July was Corp. Lewis R. Owings, Company E, 82nd Regiment, P.R., formerly of this county, aged 19 years, 24 days. We mentioned last week that Professor Gilbert of Philadelphia, formerly of this place, had taken the place of Dr. Cuyler at Fortress Monroe. This is an error. Dr. Gilbert, who succeeds Dr. Cuyler, has been a prominent surgeon in the army for a number of years and is from New York. Professor Gilbert was at the seat of war twice, once as an aide to the surgeons with General Smith before Yorktown and again in charge of the medical corps on board the steamer Spaulding at White House, Virginia. This led to the error. The extensive practice of Dr. Gilbert prevents his acceptance of any permanent position abroad; although he is, voluntarily, one of the consulting surgeons to a military hospital in Philadelphia which does not interfere with his regular professional duties. 2nd Lt. Crossen of Co. K, 101st Regiment, in a letter to Capt. Chritzman, says that they had to cover the retreat of the army; that for three days and three nights the regiment was the rear guard, the Rebels following them within three miles of camp when they commenced to shell the camp but General Shields came up on the right of them and captured all their pieces and 500 prisoners. The company, at the date of this letter, which was 9th July, numbered but 37 men, seven of whom would be discharged on account of sickness. Lt. Crossen says he is carrying a musket himself as one officer is enough to command all the men in the company. They were camped on a high hill and engaged in building batteries and felling trees. A tribute of respect was printed in this issue; paid by Company F, 23rd Regiment to the memory of Orderly Sgt. Frederick A. Huber, who fell mortally wounded while gallantly leading the company at the Battle of Fair Oaks. We are pleased to learn that our friend Wm. W. Wright, Esq., of this county, has been appointed to superintend of the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad, with his headquarters at Aquia Creek. Died, at Berlin, Illinois, of diarrhea contracted in camp, David R. Scott, formerly of this place, and a member of Company C, 6th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, aged about 21. August 26, 1862 Sgt. Lashell, of this place, took with him on Friday morning last, 28 young men, recruited here and they are now at Carlisle where they will remain a week or two until the organization is complete. The following are the names of the men: James S. Welty George Shields Charles Weaver Samuel S. Wempler John M. Willard Joseph Meals Wm. H. Pierce Jacob Kitzmiller Nichols F. Weigle Baltzer S. Benner Beniah C. Snyder Wm. G. Sheffer John K. Marshall John E. Benner Andrew B. Lowe John W. Wierman Thomas W. Girt(?) Wm. F. Bowers George W. Kinter(?) George W. Hildebrand David Shreffer Howard Becker John H. Martin Charles M. Braugh Wm. H. Small Wm. H. Bornitz David Tawney James Swisher The company of Capt. Shipley of this county is attached to the 127th Regiment and has one south. The company is filled up to the requisite number of men recruited in Philadelphia and two lieutenants were given them. Our townsman, John Wilson, a private in Capt. Chritzman’s company, was wounded at Fair Oaks and died at Cleftburn Hospital, Washington, D.C., a few days ago. He was recovering from his wounds but took diphtheria and died. He was about 26. September 2, 1862 It appears that Private John Keckler, son of Christian Keckler, of this county, who was advertised as a deserter from Capt. Pfeiffer’s company, is now in the 2nd Flying Artillery in the Army of the Potomac and was in the Seven Days fight on the Peninsula, acting most bravely. He had gotten tired of the inactivity of being a railroad guard and moved his quarters into more active service. Rev. Charles K. Sumwalt has been appointed colonel of the 138th Regiment. It is composed of two companies from Adams (Capt. J.P. McCreary and J. Walters), four from Montgomery, three from Bedford and one from Bucks. Captain McCreary’s company is on the right and is Company A; Captain Walters’ is the color company. They have a colonel who is all fire and energy who will never be in the rear of his regiment. We learn that Col. Sumwalt’s regiment passed the junction on Saturday on their way to Washington where they now probably are. They were all in fine health and spirits. At last account, Capt. Shipley’s company was near Arlington Hts., on the Virginia side near Washington—all well and in good spirits. Died, on Thursday, 25th Aug., in the hospital at Camp Jessle(?), Va., Wm. Gwinn Little, of Gettysburg, a private in Captain Pfeiffer’s company. This is the second son lost to Esais(?) T. Little of this place in serving their country; and he himself, lying in the hospital at Baltimore. The remains were brought here for interment. Died, at the hospital near Moscow, Mississippi on the 1st day of July last, Henry Clay Sweeney, son of D.H. Sweeney of this place, aged 17 years, 10 months, 9 days. His death was caused by a wound received on the last day of June. This brave soldier, though young in years, had seen much hard service in the defense of his country. He was at the taking of Ft. Henry, Ft. Donelson, and the battle at Pittsburg Landing (Shiloh). He belonged to the 4th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, U.S.A. He joined at the beginning of the war and his last words were: “this is a cause worth dying for.” John F. McCreary’s Company Captain John F. McCreary, Gettysburg 1st Lt. Jacob W. Cress, Straban 2nd Lt. George A. Earnshaw, Gettysburg 1st Sgt. H.W. McKnight, Pennsylvania College 2nd Sgt. J.C. Leivensberger, Cumberland 3rd Sgt. John F. Biesecker, Franklin 4th Sgt. John G. Frey, Gettysburg 5th Sgt. Isaac H. Moose, Liberty 1st Corp. D.M. McKnight, Pennsylvania College 2nd Corp. Henry G. Grossman 3rd Corp. Albert J. Rontson(?), Littlestown 4th Corp. Elijah Diehl, Oxford 5th Corp., Peter Thorn, Gettysburg 6th Corp. Alex Dewalt, Franklin 7th Corp. Basil H.(?) Norris, Franklin 8th Corp. John M. Yeagy, York Springs Musician: Frank Wunderlick, Gettysburg, William B.(?) Zecker, Gettysburg Wagoner: Stephen Currens, Straban Privates: Gettysburg: Frederick Barbraham John Barmuth Emory McG Guinn Wm. A. Hennigh Daniel S. Kitzmiller Jacob A. Kitzmiller David F. Kitzmiller John Koch Baltzer Masser(?) Fritz Bahmann Wm. O. Sweeney Charles E. Shorb John Davidson Pennsylvania College: Lewis W. Detrich Henry J. Moritz David L. McKenzie George Hemminger Franklin: Wm. P. Biesecker Jacob H. Biesecker Hiram Gilbert Samuel G. Kennal Wm. H. Stultz Winfield Conver Daniel Dewalz Wm. Huntzelman Joseph W. Linn Wm. A. Hake(?) Dake(?) Cumberland Nathaniel Butt Charles Dixon George W. Harper Marcus(?) J. Hamilton John C. Slider Keller Culp Leander Hammelbaugh Wm. H. Houghtelin Charles F. Ogden John T. Weikert Straban: David Cress(?) Oliver Hartzell John Osborn John Engelbert Ephraim Here(?) Herr(?) John H. Walker Emery Will Hamiltonban: Joseph H.(?) Bennett Israel J. Miller George W. Miller John Miller Ephraim Miller Zachariah Hondeshell(?) Wm. Strasbaugh John M. Tate Freedom: Christian Byers Wm. H. Epley John A.B. Myers Peter Deardorff Oliver Plank John Orr Mount Joy: John F. Crouse Mount Pleasant: Amos Detrick Thaddeus F. Croft(?) George Lawrence Walter Barman John P. Nary(?) Germany: John L. Crabbs Littlestown: George E. Booth(?) Jacob A. Miller Elias Stonesifer Thomas Faelon(?) Faclon(?) John Staub(?) Oxford: Levi(?) Beck Henry L. Hersch Wm. Eltz(?) Peter Miller Abbotstown: Albert Bey(?) McSherrytown: J.F. Lookenbill Bendersville: John F. McClure Petersburg: Amos S. Snyder Caledonia Springs John Wagaman(?) Captain I.(?) R. Shipley’s Company, 127th Regiment P.V., Colonel Jennings Captain I.(?) R. Shipley, Round Hill 1st Lt. James S. Shoemaker 2nd Lt. Jerome W. Henry 1st Sgt. Augustus A. Welsh, York Springs 2nd Sgt. Charles G. Miller, York Springs 3rd Sgt. James Young, Allentown, Pa. 4th Sgt. David Early, Palmyra 5th Sgt. Benjamin W. Early, Palmyra 1st Corp. Samuel G. Sheafler(?), Round Hill 2nd Corp. George A. Wolf, York Springs 3rd Corp. Wm. H. Parney, Palmyra 4th Corp. Reuben R.(?) Newhart, Allentown 5th Corp. Michael Baker, New Oxford 6th Corp. John M. Signer, Palmyra 7th Corp. Thaddeus G. Stevens, Round Hill 8th Corp. Jas. E. Wierman, York Springs Musician: Simon Wheeler, Harrisburg; Edward F.A. Clark, Hampton Wagoner: David Munsdorff, Round Hill Privates: Eli Arnold, York Springs Francis Alexander, Palmyra Valentine Auge, Allentown Andrew Blasser(?), York Springs Daniel L. Baker, New Oxford Jacob Black, Palmyra Daniel Black, Palmyra Martin Baker, Palmyra Joseph F. Buff, Harrisburg Peter Bachman, Allentown John C - - - - y, Harrisburg George Day, York Springs James M. Davis, York Springs Aaron Druckenmiller, Allentown Joseph Early, Palmyra Thaddeus Fickle, York Springs Adam Frantz, Palmyra Francis Fidell, Harrisburg Theodore P.(?) or F.(?) Gardner, York Springs John Gelvin, York Springs Christian Hanson, Harrisburg Michael James, Allentown Anthony Kindt, Allentown Wm. Livingston, York Springs James W. Livingston, York Springs Eli Lentz, York Springs Jacob Loser(?), Palmyra Charles Lillianstein, Harrisburg Alfred Lentz, York Springs John Leslie(?), Annville Edward J. Menear(?) McNear(?), York Springs Daniel S. Myers, Round Hill Jacob H. Myers, Round Hill Levi Mumpler, York Springs John H. Miller, Palmyra John C.(?) Mark, Bellview Daniel Miller, Allentown John Monaghan, Harrisburg Henry Myers, Harrisburg Jeremiah Nipple, Bellview Joseph Nieff, Palmyra Edward Norman, Allentown John H. Osborn, York Springs Brad Peckham, Palmyra Henry Rupp, York Springs John A. Robb, Bellview Wm. Rankin, Allentown Henry Rhodes, Allentown Joseph Stough, New Oxford Philip S. Sheaffer, Round Hill Edward Stevens, Round Hill Jacob Stambaugh, York Springs John W. Sheaffer, Round Hill Jacob S. Sheaffer, Round Hill Jacob Shaffer, Palmyra John H. S - - - - , Palmyra John A. Shultz, York Springs Andrew Trimmer, Round Hill Uriah Vanorsdel, York Springs George W. Welsh, York Springs Adam Wendling, Palmyra Lewis Wilhelm, Palmyra Martin Weltmer(?), Palmyra Elijah Walborn, Bellview John Yann, Allentown John E. Heickes, York Springs Wm. H. Myers, Palmyra Lt. Cress of Captain McCreary’s Company has been appointed adjutant of the 138th Regiment under Col. Sumwalt. He is an active, energetic officer and will well fill the post. Company K of the 1st Pennsylvania Reserves (late Capt. Bailey’s) was in the recent battles in Virginia. We have learned that Robert Turner, Amos Gardner and John Hildebrand are among the wounded and are now in the hospital at Washington. September 9, 1862 Letter from Camp from Oscar McMillen a member of Horner’s Cavalry Bolivar, Virginia, Sept. 4, 1862 Dear Sister: I arrived here safely last night after our last rather unfortunate trip to Loudoun(?) County. I was captured by the Rebels on Tuesday afternoon about 2:00 and was released on parole. But I will give you a short account of our trip and adventure. We left here early Monday morning and got to Waterford about noon. Four of the Rebel scouts had just left, taking with them one of Captain Menn’s Loudoun Rangers; a squad of our men were dispatched to Point of Rock for Menn’s Company; about 15 of them got to it about 5:00. Shortly afterwards we galloped to Hillsborough, captured three Rebels and went back a few miles and stopped at a farm house and fed our horses and slept in the barn. At day break we started again, we traveled about 10 miles and stopped again to feed; in half an hour we were off again and got to Leesburg about noon and halted outside of town and set out a reconnoitering party who captured a Rebel cavalryman in town. After finding out there were Rebels about in force, Captain Cole commanding, fell back in good order to save himself from attack in the rear. On our right, there was a cornfield about one mile long. After we got about half way to the end of it, the Rebels charged us. About 60 or 70 of us took off in a gait after Captain Cole, the Rebels following us when we rallied and drove them back. But one of their squadron got in our rear and we were between two fires. We struck to the woods and kept up a running fight for about three miles when my horse fell and hurt herself. I took off to the bushes and ran about 100 yards when I surrendered and had to give up my arms. One of our company, George Sease, from near Emmitsburg, was shot through the body; James Scott, Edmund Wible, Jas. (or Jos.) Wills, Jacob and Samuel McNair, were wounded and Captain Hunter and ten of us taken prisoner and paroled yesterday. Wills has a saber but on the back of his head and Wible a saber cut on the back—neither wound serious and both are about. Captain Hunter and two lieutenants of Captain Curl’s company were paroled to remain in Leesburg but I think they will be released in a day or two. One of Captain Mann’s men and one of Captain Curl’s were killed and 15 to 20 wounded in the other companies, several severely. One Rebel captain, one lieutenant and several privates were killed and a good number wounded. We had about 130 men on our scout; about 50 will cover our loss in killed, wounded, and prisoner. We were taken by the 2nd Virginia Cavalry, Col. Mumford, and were outnumbered four to one, besides citizens who turned out in force. After we were captured we were taken back to Leesburg and later about four miles towards Manassas where we were kept until yesterday morning when we were paroled. We then made our way to camp where we arrived this morning. I hardly expected to get out of the field alive but a kind Providence watched over and protected me. I expect to be home shortly. What I regret most is that now I can do nothing to help drive back the traitor horde. Oscar September 16, 1862 Captain Bailey’s company was in the fight between Middletown and Boonesboro Sunday and we have the painful intelligence to communicate that Lt. Sadler who was in command was killed and also Jeremiah Naylor and Peter Miller. Lt. Minnigh of this place was slightly wounded; also Samuel Eyster of Emmitsburg. The remains of Lt. Sadler were brought home for burial yesterday by Lt. Minnigh. On Monday last our forces at Harper’s Ferry under the command of Col. Miles surrendered to the Rebels under the command of General Jackson. There were eleven members of Captain Horner’s cavalry there who were paroled: 1st Lt. W.A. Horner Bugler (first name illegible) J. Coble Jas. A. Scott Oliver O. Welch Hiram J. King Corp. M.S. Plowman Samuel A. Bostick Jas. McCullough Jacob B. Myers E. Wallace Mehring Reuben A. Flohr Paroled on Monday, 15th inst.: D. Wilson Longwell Wm. J. McFarland Robert E. Crooks A.N. Fritchey and Joseph V. Test were captured on picket duty last Friday and not paroled. These five surrendered after a short fight to 15 Rebels after two of them were wounded. The remainder of the company is now at Chambersburg having cut their way through the Rebel lines. Welsh and Privates of the Horse(?) Horne(?) Brigade, after the surrender, rescued the flag from the Rebels and brought it home with them yesterday. September 23, 1862 All the paroled prisoners of Captain Hunter’s Cavalry who were captured near Leesburg and Harper’s Ferry have been ordered today to report themselves at Annapolis on Monday next for service in another quarter—probably to meet the Indian insurrection in the northwest. The following is an extract from a letter from the son of Wm. B. Brandon, Esq., of York Springs District, a member of Captain Bailey’s company who has been a prisoner and has just been released. Annapolis, Sept. 15, 1862 My Dear Friends: After so long a silence and no knowing anything about each other, how much more pleasant to me to pen a few lines if nothing more. We started from Belle Island on Saturday morning at 10:00 and a happier set of boys you never saw when we set our feet outside the guards beat. We arrived here this morning. We are now in the camp called “Camp of Instruction” two miles west of Annapolis. We are paroled but cannot be exchanged too soon. I would like to get home to see you all first but our country’s call is one of greater importance. I now tell you of my treatment at the hands of the Rebels. My health was good all the time with the exception of one or two weeks about the time of the first 3,000 exchanges or I should have been along with them but not being able to walk, I was compelled to stay behind. We did not get a lot more times than satisfied us, all the time we were there—sometimes went without a mouthful for 36 hours; what we did get was good only that it lacked salt. To close, I will tell you that I am healthy, ragged and barefoot. Yours Affectionately, John Died, at Key West, Florida, on the 30th August, of yellow fever, Gregory McCreary, aged 24(?), of the Regiment of N.Y Volunteers, 18 years, 2 months, son of Rev. James C. McCreary, of Great Bend, Pa., formerly of this county. Sept. 30, 1862 A Tribute of Respect was printed in this issue to J.D. Sadler, Company K, 1st Regiment P.V., who died while gallantly leading his company in defense of the Union. October 14, 1862 We have just learned that Lt. McNair, who now commands “Horner’s Cavalry”, made a dash with forty of his men upon the rear of Stuart’s Cavalry when they were crossing the Potomac and captured seven Rebels, seven horses and a wagon. Among the Rebels was Warren Danner, formerly of this place, who was in the Rebel cavalry when they were here and two men who had been paroled prisoners. Lt. McNair got off safely with his prizes by a rapid movement. A number of our country friends were captured by the Rebel cavalry and taken with them. (Transcriber’s note, the Rebels had made a raid into Pennsylvania—details of which were in another column of this issue.) Those we know of are John B. Paxton, Esq., of Fairfield; Sanford Shroder; Mr. Martin; John and Andrew Hartman. John Hartman made his escape from them in the night near Woodborn and returned. The rest have not been heard from. Mr. Shroder was in a sulky with his little son when he met the Rebels. They immediately stopped him and took his two horses, broke up the buggy, and carried him off, placing his son on one of their jaded horses to go home. It gives us pleasure to mention that Sgt. Lashell of the “Anderson Troops” has been promoted to captain. October 21, 1862 Rev. Wm. Barnshaw, formerly of this county, has resigned as captain of the 49th Regiment, Pa. Volunteers, and proposes to making an application to the War Department for an active command in the field. He has acquired considerable information in military affairs since he entered the army and enlisted as his heart is in the service of his country, he would make an efficient and popular officer. No less than seven physicians have been drafted in this county: Doctors Shorb, Seiss, Peffer, Hendrix, White, Shue, Pierson. Died, on Friday last in this place, John Z. Hollebaugh, 36 years, 9 months. He served in Horner’s Cavalry six months when he was discharged for disability (consumption). His remains were followed to the grave on Saturday by McCreary’s Home Cavalry, the Odd Fellows, and a large number of relatives and friends. Peace to his ashes. Died, on the 12th inst., Susannah Catharine, daughter of Michael Rice of Franklin Twp., 5 years, 13 days. Died on the 13th inst., Samuel Grant, son of Henry Swartz, Cumberland Twp., 6 months, 3 days. Died, on the 13th isn’t., Menallen Twp., Sarah Ellen, eldest daughter of Wm. Yeatts, 13(?) years, 7 months, 21(?) days. Died, on the 7th inst., Willie Ambrose, son of John and Martha Ganes(?), 3 years, 10 months, 29(?) days. Died, on the 11th inst., Tyrone Twp., Harriett Emma, daughter of Samuel and Mary Hondeshell, 6 months, 11 days. Departed this life at Emmitsburg, on the morning of the 8th inst., after a short illness, Miss Sallie A. Kuchs, youngest daughter of Isaac Krebs, of Winchester, Va., but formerly of Adaams County, 20 years, 8(?) months, 16 days. Possessed of a lively and amiable disposition, she was called beloved as a friend and esteemed as a companion. She was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Winchester and came to abide for a time with her brother, Rev. W.A. Krebs, pastor of the Reformed Church. Our youthful sister died without the presence of dear relatives and friends who because of the troubled state of the country could not be with her in her last moments and even now are unadvised of their loss. Our former very worthy townsman Wm. W. Paxton, Esq., was elected assistant judge for Franklin Co., at the late election. Captain Lee’s Company of the 14th Pa. Cavalry is full. Theodore T. Tate of this place is 1st lieutenant and his brother Perry J. Tate is adjutant of the regiment. Our friend Samuel Diller of Hanover is one of the most determined Union men and patriot in the country and his family all share the same feelings. His has five sons three of whom, Cyrus, W.S., and Luther are in the service as volunteers; the remaining two, Adam and Simon have been drafted. November 4, 1862 We learn that another of our soldiers, Mr. Mumper, who was supposed to have been killed at White Oak Swamp, before Richmond, has turned up alive. He was wounded in the hand and a prisoner and could not write nor procure any one to do so for him. He was a member of Capt. Bailey’s company and was wounded in the same battle with his captain. Reports have reached us that Capt. Bailey is yet alive as he was only wounded in the arm, and the hospital to which he was taken was captured by the Rebels. The rumor appears to be well founded. The following persons have thus far enlisted under Lt. King for service at Fortress Monroe: Ephraim Fohl George King Jeremiah Stover Henry W. Forbert Franklin Mickley Jacob Stickel Clarence G. Morel David Hunt George Robinson George Fisher Oliver T. Hartzell Lewis Burns David McDaniel James Wade November 11, 1862 We believe the swearing in of the drafted men and the substitutes has been gone through by the mustering officer. The number of substitutes is about 275. The election of company officers has taken place with the following results: Straban and Tyrone—Capt. John Gulliland 1st Lt. Jacob C. Pittendorf 2nd Lt. W. Nelson Sanders Franklin: Capt. Jacob H. Plank 1st Lt. John E. Hartman 2nd Lt. John Plank Butler and Menallen: Capt. Nash G. Camp 1st Lt. Noah B.(?) Snyder 2nd Lt. Isaac Miller Huntington and Latimore: Capt. C.A. Peacock 1st Lt. J.L. Chronister 2nd Lt. David Day Mt. Pleasant and Berwicks: Capt. Jacob E. Miller 1st Lt. George Y Hoffman 2nd Lt. Wm. C. Beck Hamiltonban and Liberty and part of Freedom: Capt. E. McGinley 1st Lt. Charles J. Siften 2nd Lt. David Stewart Reading and Hamilton: Capt. L.S. Stonesifer 1st Lt. J.Q. Schwartz 2nd Lt. Washington Brenizer German and Union: Capt. G.W. Shull 1st Lt. Wm. J. Bart 2nd Lt. George K. Duttera(?) Oxford and Conewago: Captain Wm. H. Brou- - er(?) 1st Lt. Franklin Martin 2nd Lt. Alfred Helsel Cumberland, Mount Joy and part of Freedom: Capt. Hugh G. Scott 1st Lt. J. E. White 2nd Lt. H.H. Jacobs November 18, 1862 We announce with regret the death of Wm. J. Walker of Bendersville and David Stoner of Mummasburg, members of Capt. Walter’s Company, 138th Regiment, now on duty at the Relay House between Baltimore and Washington. Mr. Walker died on the 16th and his remains arrived here Wednesday and were taken in charge by friends. He leaves a wife and small family who were dependent on him for support. His age was 41. Mr. Stoner’s remains arrived on Thursday and were also taken in charge by friends. His age was 21 years, 10 days. Both died of typhoid fever near the same time. They were good soldiers and much esteemed by all who knew them. Our friend, Thomas Blocher, Esq., has three sons in the Union Army—Andrew, Oliver and Edward and he has gone himself having enlisted in Col. Roberts’ Regiment for artillery service at Fortress Monroe. November 25, 1862 More than a year ago, Capt. John Horner raised a cavalry company from this county. No company has performed more efficient service and arduous duties. In the same company, his eldest son William Horner holds the position of lieutenant and was made a prisoner at Harper’s Ferry where he was lying sick at the time of the surrender. Another son, Silas, is a member of the same company and still another son Lt. J. Ross Horner of the 20th N.Y. Regiment was killed in the Second Battle of Bull Run. Her is another family nearly every member of which have given themselves to the service of their country. We learn that on Friday week while the 87th Pennsylvania was on its march to New Creek, John Colehouse of the vicinity of Littlestown, a member of Capt. Adair’s Company, met an instant death from the accidental discharge of the musket of Frederick Dusman. It seems that as they were walking along a path in the woods Dusman was about to change the position of his musket on his shoulder when the hammer caught in his coat and the piece discharged and the ball lodged in the head of Colehouse. He fell dead. His remains, wrapped in a blanket, were buried on the spot and the grave marked. Dusman is deeply grieved by this sad and sudden end of his friend and mess mate. Died, on the 12th inst., at the Military Hospital at the Relay House, of typhoid fever, Luther Hoffman, in the 26th year of his age. His body was sent home and buried in the cemetery at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church near New Chester, where also many of his kindred rest. Died, on the 23rd ult., in the military hospital at Camp Relay, 9 miles below Baltimore, of inflammation of the lungs, John, son of Levi Osborn, ---- years (illegible), 11 months, 23 days. The deceased belonged to Capt. McCreary’s Company, 138th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. After two weeks suffering he went to his long home with the hope of blessed immortality. His body was returned to his family and now rests in the church yard near New Chester, Adams County. December 9, 1862 The irregular election at Camp Gettysburg for lieutenant colonel a few days ago was at once set aside, the idea of Col. Fahnestock being ineligible under the rule being incorrect; and the officers are: Col. Buehler, Lieutenant Col. Fahnestock and Major Camp, who will beyond doubt be commissioned by the government. Lt. Morgan Warren of this place and late of the 12th Illinois Regiment was on Tuesday last unanimously elected captain of the company composed of men from Butler and Menallen Twps., in place of Capt. Nash G. Camp who has been elected major of the regiment. On Thursday last, Isaac Hess, a drafted man from Latimore Twp., died in the hospital here of typhoid fever. Everything that medical skill could do was done for him but to no avail. He sank rapidly from the beginning and never rallied. His remains were taken to Latimore Twp., on Friday. He leaves a wife and several children. While the wife was watching by his bedside, a few hours before his death, the sad intelligence of the death of one of her children at home was communicated to her. God comfort her in the duress of this double affliction. Jacob A. Gardner, Esq., of Petersburg, having been duly authorized by his men, has received from the county commissioners the bounty due to Captain Shipley’s company, $25 each, nine month volunteers. Died, on the 1st November, in Frankfort, Ky., Charles Moritz of Mountpelier, Blackford Co., Indiana, son of Nicholas Moritz of this county, aged 35 years, 11 months, 19(?) days. He volunteered on the 6th August in the 75th Regiment Illinois Volunteers and went with the regiment to Frankfort, Ky., where he was taken ill and died in the hospital on the 1st November. He leaves a wife and four small children to mourn his early death. December 16, 1862 Lt. McKnight of Capt. McCreary’s company in the Relay House, has resigned on account of ill health; and Sgt. Lewelsberger has been elected in his place. The 165th Regiment is the regiment of the men drafted who left “Camp Gettysburg” a few days ago. It is now fully organized. Col. Buehler, Lt. Col. Fahnestock and Major Camp have received their commissions and yesterday morning the two former left here for their command now at Fortress Monroe. Henry H. Hossler, Andrew Pottorf and Lewis Brady(?), who were drafted after the first quota had been done, to fill vacancies, had a hearing before the court on Saturday last on a Writ of Habeas Corpus and were discharged on the ground that the draw by the commissioners above the quota was illegal and void. Died, Saturday last, at the hospital in this place of typhoid fever, Henry Hoffman of Scotland, Franklin Co., Pa., of the 165th Regiment, in the 25th year of his age. His remains were taken home for burial. Died, on the 6th inst., at Camp Relay, John Peter, son of David Slaybauth, 19 years, 6 months, 8 days. His body was returned to his family and buried in the Bermudian Church yard. December 30, 1862 We learn that a few days ago in a picket skirmish with some Rebel cavalrymen near Harper’s Ferry, Samuel Wilson, George Spangler and Theodore Fites of Captain Hunter’s Cavalry were taken prisoner and a young Weikert was wounded in the leg. On the other hand, our boys captured a Rebel captain, a lieutenant and some privates. We regret to learn that our former young townsman Thomas Skillen or Shillen, of this borough, who went in a volunteer regiment from Franklin County, was mortally wounded at the Fredericksburg battle and has since died. R. G. Harper, Esq. Dear Sir: From letters that have been received from Fredericksburg since the battle, I learn that the casualties in Company I, 127th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers are: Killed: Lt. James S. Shoemaker Lt. Wm. W. Reed Corp. Wm. H. Forney Wounded: Col. Jennings, slightly Sgt. Charles G. Miller, dangerously John A. Shultz, mortally S.G. Stevens, slightly Alfred Lentz, slightly Sam G. Shaeffer, slightly George Day, slightly George W. Welsh, slightly Joseph Stouch, slightly The regiment was exposed to heavy fire of the enemy for a considerable length of time and they behaved as veterans. From the fact that both Lt. Shoemaker of Lebanon County and John A. Shultz of York Springs were both shot in the face, is evidence that their faces were to the foe and this company, if another opportunity offers, will give a good account of itself. Company K, Capt. W.W. Stewart of the 1st Pa. Reserve Corps, was not in the battle having been detailed for duty as provost guard on the Aquia Creek Railroad J.A.G. Transcribed by Christine Spencer, April, 2008