Contributed and transcribed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Christine Spencer c-spencer3@northwestern.edu _______________________________________________ Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/adams/ _______________________________________________ The Civil War Adams Sentinel January through June of 1862 January 1, 1862 On Saturday last as the noon train up was passing Rock Creek bridge near the camp grounds of the cavalry regiments, Pte. John Congdon, Company A, was instantly killed. This resulted from his being at the time on the car platform where he had struck the timbers of the bridge. He was returning from furlough intending to join his regiment there instead of at Elmira. His remains were interred in Evergreen Cemetery yesterday afternoon and the whole regiment turned out on the occasion. The different companies formed a hollow square around the grave where the body was received by the chaplain, Rev. Mr. Day who made an appropriate prayer. Letter From Camp, December 23, 1861 (Transcriber’s Note, this would have been from the Cavalry Regiment raised by Captain Horner, Keystone Rangers) Camp Conocheague Dear Mr. Harper: With a carpet back for a writing deck and a knapsack for a chair, seated in a small tent 6x8”, I will give you some few items which may be of some interest to your readers of your paper. On Wednesday last in the evening we had marching orders. In half an hour the boys were all in the saddle and ready to march, leaving but a guard in camp. Those that were left (your correspondent being one of them) received orders on Friday to strike tents and join the company. We brought our cooking utensils along together with the cooks who rode the extra horses and appeared quite merry all the time. Orderly Sgt. Horner was in command of the squad. We left Camp Conocheague at about 8:00 in the evening and reached the camp at Frederick early in the morning. We found the boys gay and happy. We are now close to the Rebel pickets one mile northwest of Williamsport, which, by the way, is a town of considerable importance at this time, on the Potomac. The citizens were thrown into excitement on Tuesday morning on a report that the Rebels had made their appearance in large numbers at Dam #5, and Falling Waters and intended to cross and plunder the town. The Union Troops are prepared for an attack which is hourly expected at the above place. A detail of guards of 32 men, 16 of the Keystone Rangers and 16 of the Cole Rangers commanded by Captain Cole and Lts. Morrison and Vernon went to look and observing a party of Rebels felling a tree. A round was fired at them and they scattered. In the evenng a party of five men went across and fired the mills. Our camp is in a pleasant situation at the edge of a pine woods one mile from the Potomac on the Greencastle Road. Some of the boys have very toasty huts built of logs plastered with mud. We are now in a battalion, Captain C. Fitzsimmons commanding. We are in excellent health and in fine spirits, hoping soon to meet the enemy to give them a warm reception. Lt. Hunter has been appointed battalion quartermaster. Yours etc., Clayton Jan. 8, 1862 Died, yesterday morning, at the hospital of the Regiment, of congestion of the lungs, Huber(?) Blanley, Company G, Captain Carpenter, of Syracuse, New York, aged about 18. Jan. 29, 1862 The 87th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, to which Captain Martin’s Company of our place belongs, has lately been attached to the brigade commanded by General Duryea of Big Bethel renown. Died, on the 21st inst., after a few days illness, Conrad Juinrich, member of Company C, Porter Guards. On the 22nd, his remains were forwarded by railroad to his family in Buffalo, N.Y. He leaves a wife and seven children. Feb. 5, 1862 Peter M. Moritz, formerly of Freedom Twp., writes home to his many friends that he had the pleasure of shooting Rebels ten days in succession and during that time knows he killed five. He was in the Battle of Lexington and was shot in the arm and taken prisoner but has since been released. Died, at Camp Buehler, Lutherville, Sunday last, of brain fever, Emmanuel J. Wisotsky, of this place, a member of Captain Martin’s Company. His remains were brought home for burial in Evergreen Cemetery on Tuesday morning. Feb. 19, 1862 Letter from Camp Horner’s Cavalry Four Locks on the C. & O. Canal, Washington Co., Md., Feb. 2, 1862 Dear Mr. Harper: Since my last letter our company has left Camp Lamm and removed to Hagerstown, Md., where Captain Horner has his headquarters. Our company has been doing guard duty for the last two weeks on the Military Telegraph leading from Frederick to Romney, Virginia. A squad commanded by Sgt. Guinn has been at this place for some time as messengers to the 1st Maryland Regiment – Col. Keelsy(?). The camp at Hagerstown is pleasantly situated on the agricultural fairgrounds. Camp Bradford, Hagerstown, Feb. 5 Last evening we received marching orders for Hancock and this morning early the shrill notes of Carle’s bugle awoke us from our slumber. After getting breakfast, we were ready for the march. We arrived at Clear Springs where we camped for the night. On Thursday morning we again took up the line of march crossing the mountains through a heavy fall of sleet and rain. At 3:00 pm we reached Hancock. The most comfortable quarters we could find was a hay loft. The town is in the possession of the soldiers. Lt. Hunter, to the regret of all, is not with us, being detained at Hagerstown by sickness. But his friends will be pleased to learn he is no in a dangerous situation. Yours, etc., Clayton Feb. 26, 1862 Just as we go to press Dr. Baugher called in and read to us a very interesting letter he had received from his son Nesbitt Baugher, Esq., a lieutenant in one of the Illinois regiments that was in the thickest of the fighting at Ft. Donelson. His account is a very graphic one and very interesting. His regiment was the first in the fort after its surrender. He escaped unhurt although the leaden balls thinned their ranks very rapidly. He was well, ready and prepared for another fight. Since the battle he has been appointed Brigade Commissary. Lt. Benner, formerly of this place, came too late for the fight, the fort being already surrendered. He was also well. March 12, 1862 Among the Rebel prisoners taken at Ft. Donelson was William E. Maurey, formerly of this place and Matthew Miller formerly of Gettysburg. Thus by their Rebel action, a stigma will ever rest upon them. March 25, 1862 Thomas N. Wierman, son of Joseph Wierman, Esq., of Huntington Twp., this county, was in the battle at Ft. Donelson. He escaped injury having only his cartridge box shot away. Sgt. E.C. (or O.) Robinson of this county was on board the Minnesota during the recent naval engagement at Newport News and of course, participated in the fight insofar as the Minnesota was concerned. Died, on the 16th inst., near this place, Wm. Brickle, 19 years, 8 months, 3(?) days. Deceased was a member of Capt. Martin’s Company, He took the fever in camp and was removed to his home where he died. April 2, 1862 A Galbraith Miller, formerly of this place (son of Hon. A.G. Miller, now of Milwaukee) is in command of the 1st Regiment Maryland Cavalry. The regiment is at Baltimore at present. April 22, 1862 The wounding of our friend Nesbitt Baugher, Esq., at the bloody battle of Pittsburg Landing (transcriber’s note, also called Shiloh), is confirmed by a dispatch in the Chicago and Warren papers. Whether severely wounded is not known. Letters were received from James Lashelle of Buell’s “Bodyguards” and from Lt. Baugher. The former writes to his friend that he is safe. “The battlefield, which was not adapted to cavalry movements, meant we did not have the privilege of participating in the fight and did not get onto the field until Tuesday morning.” He writes that Col. Staumbaugh’s Regiment was in the midst of the fight and behaved nobly. We believe Adams County has some seven or eight men in one of the companies of this regiment. We are glad to hear that Lt. Baugher who was in the thick of the fight on Sunday and severely wounded is doing well. He writes in good spirits to his father from Savannah, Tennessee under the date of April 9 a brief description of his wounds and is waiting to be moved by steamboat to Galena, Illinois. “The first wound I received was in my right leg below the knee, passing through the leg but breaking no bones. That shot knocked me down and I tried to crawl off the field when another shot took me about two inches in the right of the rectum. I thought I was getting no better fast. So I got up the best I could and while hobbling along was hit in the right shoulder. I turned around and defiantly held up my sword when a bullet split on its edge and entered my face at the cheek bone. Another bullet struck between two of my fingers, cutting them slightly. None of the wounds are dangerous. No bones are broken that I know of. I made a narrow escape of being taken prisoner. After I had been wounded, I crawled back some fifty feet and lay down behind a tree to try to rest. I must have fainted for the first thing I became aware of was a babble of voices on the other side of the log. Peering under, I saw a Rebel regiment drawn up not fifty feet from me. They advanced in line, one company passing over the log. They then began firing on our regiments but soon fell back of the log leaving me between two foes. They were, however, driven off the field and I managed to get down to the river and then by boat to the hospital.” Thomas Duphorn of Emmitsburg, a member of Captain Horner’s Cavalry, died in Hagerstown on the 13th after an illness of several weeks. He was highly esteemed. April 29, 1862 Emery F.K. Will, a step son of John Cross, Esq., of Straban Twp., was in Col. Staumbaugh’s Regiment which behaved so valiantly at Pittsburg Landing (transcriber’s note, also called Shiloh) with eight or nine others from this county. Not one of them was hurt, but Mr. Will made a narrow escape, a ball passing through the sleeves of his shirt. On Sunday evening last, a note was received by his parents from our young friend Baugher who was so severely wounded in the Battle of Pittsburg Landing (Shiloh), saying that he was in feeble condition and his symptoms unfavorable. His father, Rev. Dr. Baugher, immediately left for Quincy, Illinois, where his son is now lying. He would probably be there today. The following is an extract from the Galena Advertiser: “No braver man was on the field at Pittsburg Landing (Shiloh) then Lt. Nesbitt Baugher of Company B, 45th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers. On the morning of the first day of the battle, he was six times wounded. At each successive wound, he was urged to leave the battlefield. Five times his reply was ‘My place is here and here I shall remain.’ On the 6th shot, he lay down his sword in weakness of the body but still strong in spirit and was conducted to the rear. It is thought he may recover. He was formerly connected in business with this office.” Jno. A. Noel, son of Jacob Noel of Mt. Pleasant Twp., was among the badly wounded at the Battle of Pittsburg Landing (Shiloh), from the explosion of a shell. He was taken to Cairo where he died a week later. He was a member of Capt. Miller’s Company of Illinois Volunteers and was highly esteemed. He was about 29. It is said that James Grimes of Capt. Horner’s Cavalry Company was recently taken prisoner by Ashby’s Cavalry while on picket duty. May 13, 1862 We have seen no notice of the 101st Regiment, Pa. Volunteers, being in the fight at Williamsburg (Va.) but we observe among the names of the wounded those of Samuel Doyle, James F. Wiley and Alexander Miller of the 101st; the latter of Company K (Capt. Chritzman). From this report we should judge that our company folks are in the midst of the battle. Henry Ocher, a member of Captain Horner’s Cavalry, died at the residence of his mother in Taneytown on the 1st inst. He had been in the hospital at Hagerstown for some tome before his removal home. May 20, 1862 It is with feelings of heart felt sorrow that we record the death of Lt. Nesbitt Baugher. The sad event occurred at Quincy, Illinois to which place he was removed from the bloody battle at Pittsburg Landing (Shiloh) where he was severely wounded. It was hoped that his vigorous constitution would carry him through the fearful ordeal; but the he is not in the silent embrace of death. His remains are expected here today and he will be interred in Evergreen Cemetery. Letter from Camp: Adam Holtzworth of Capt. Chritzman’s company, 101st Pa. Regiment, in General McClellan’s Army writes to his mother and brother of this place: Near Williamsburg, Va., May 10 Dear mother and brother: We took up our march Sunday morning last to charge a Rebel fort about two miles from our camp but were greatly surprised on finding the Rebels had deserted. We went on the double quick leaving our knapsacks behind—and have not got them back yet and all our clothes in them. That night we lay in an open field without blankets or overcoats and it rained all night. In the morning we heard three cannons in our advance near Williamsburg. We started in the rain, all wet, and got to the field of battle about 3:00 in the afternoon. The Rebels fought hard, taking our battery three different times and our men retook it. We were drawn up in the line of battle and placed behind a small strip of woods where we remained for half an hour—and the Rebels knew we were there and threw shells and rounds of 32 pound shot, grape and canister among us, the shells bursting behind and in front of us, wounding Alex Miller of our company in the arm. He was the third man from me and the next shot was a 32# cannon ball right over my head where it lay the next morning. We were then marched into the woods where the battle was in full blast. In the act of firing, the Rebels gave way and our men took their forts and batteries and took possession of the field until morning. We had then expected to have another brush with them, but they had fled. So we buried our dead and left theirs on the field. We buried some of their s but not all there being too many. We took up their wounded and did the best for them that we could after we attended to our own. I suppose we lost from ten to twelve hundred killed and wounded but from what I saw the Rebels lost from twelve to fifteen hundred. We then started after the Rebels in hot haste and raised the Stars and Stripes over Williamsburg, and went on towards Richmond. Not having gone far, they finding that we were coming, threw away five of their heavy guns and any quantity of wagons. We kept them moving on the double quick time but we could not come up by them. We intended having a finishing stroke at Richmond. Perhaps this will be the last you will hear from me—God only knows—but I am determined to fight as hard as I can at Richmond. Adam Holtzworth The following letter is from Joseph M. Miller of the same company to his mother near this place. Near Williamsburg, Va., May 8 Dear Mother: We left Camp Winfield Scott on Sunday last and occupied the forts at Yorktown without opposition. The Rebels retreated to Williamsburg where they fought from early on Monday morning until near 8:00 at night. We got to the battlefield about 3:00 in the afternoon. The Rebels came very close to us, and we were in the battle about three hours. The bullets flew so close to us that had we not stooped as soon as we did, the Captain and myself would not be in eternity. But we all escaped without being hurt except for Alex Miller who was wounded in the arm. He is now doing well—and all the rest of the boys are well. The Rebels fought very hard but they had to leave and we camped on the ground until morning when we started after them. We have been chasing them ever since. Whether we will have another fight it is hard to tell. We suppose they are fighting about fifteen miles from Richmond. I am a true Union soldier and will do all I can to save our country. Joseph Miller May 27, 1862 The remains of Lt. Nesbitt Baugher arrived here by the noon train Wednesday and were buried in Evergreen Cemetery at 5:30 that evening with military honors, the Adams Rifles and Independent Blues turning out. The Odd Fellows and students of the college also formed part of the procession. We notice from the Philadelphia Inquirer of Tuesday from White House Point, near Richmond, that on the 13th inst., the 8th Pa. Cavalry made a reconnaissance towards New Kent Court House when they came upon a Rebel battery and were compelled to fall back with the loss of Anthony Busker(?) of McSherrytown, Adams Co., who was shot through the arm. We learn that C.W. Hoffman, couch maker, formerly of this place, has been in the Rebel Army for some time with his three sons. He was captured a few days ago near Linden, Virginia by General Geary’s command and is now in a prison in Washington. It is also said that another of our young townsmen, Wm. Culp, was taken prisoner at the Battle of Winchester and took the oath of allegiance to the U.S. and was released and then joined a band of guerillas and was captured again. He is good and ripe for summary process or at least ought to be. June 10, 1862 Killed and wounded at the Battle of Four Oaks, Virginia Among the killed and wounded at the Battle of Fair Oaks, in Virginia, we are deeply pained to observe the names of a number from this town and county—members of Company K under the command of our fellow townsman Henry Chritzman. The first intelligence had here of these casualties is contained in the following letter from Professor D. Gilbert: Philadelphia, June 4 D.A Buehler, Esq. Dear Sir: I have but a moment to spare before the mail closes. Among the wounded who arrived here last night from the battles on the Chickahominy River are several from Gettysburg and Adams County— Captain Chritzman was wounded in the leg—the ball entered above the ankle on the outside and was reflected or turned out of its course by the tibia, passing around this bone up to near the knee where the ball (a round or fashioned one), was extracted. He is quite comfortable, the wound is not dangerous and will in all probability be able to leave for home in ten days. I saw and examined the wound. He is in St. Joseph’s Hospital, to which all the others are being brought. Daniel Comfort and Conrad Snyder are here also but in the confusion of moving them from the station to the hospital, I could not find them. I will see them tomorrow and then write to you. Chritzman informs me Abraham Kern(?) Kerm(?) is wounded and Franklin Kern(?) Kerm(?) is killed. Edward Werta was also killed and Bingaman was wounded. You can assure the friends that they are in one of the best hospitals in this city and have everything necessary for their comfort and are attended by the best of surgeons. I will see them as often as possible. D. Gilbert Other letters received since the above from members of the company state that about one half the company were either killed or wounded or missing. The Philadelphia Inquirer on Saturday published the following: Company K Killed: Sgt. Edward Werts Wounded: Captain Henry Chritzman, Sgt. Jos. E. Abbott, Corp. John T. Cor(?) Ger(?), Corp. Conrad Snyder, Corp. Franklin Groft(?), David Adams, John Adams, Jesse Adams, James A. Bingaman, Daniel Comfort, Josiah Collins, Jacob H. Dell, Abraham Kerm(?), John Oyler, Joseph Watts, John Wilson, Samuel Warren, George Weismantle, Daniel Scheidler Missing: Wm. A. Casslat(?) Casgalt(?), Alvin Burg(?), Franklin Kerm(?), Levi(?) Lawrence, John Thompson On Friday a letter was received from the surgeon of the 23rd Pa. Regiment, with the sad intelligence that Sgt. Frederick Huber, son of Dr. Huber, of this place, was killed in the battle. He was buried on the field and the grave marked. His father has gone to the scene to bring the body home. Our young townsman, Frederick Huber, son of Dr. Huber, who was killed in the battle before Richmond, bore himself gallantly and when shot through the lungs, and being borne from the field, by his comrades, said—“tell my father I died for my country”. These were his last words. The 104th Pennsylvania Regiment lost 150 killed, wounded, and missing in the battles before Richmond. Capt. Wm. Walter of Company H, formerly of this county, was among the wounded. Captain Martin’s company of the 87th has been at the Point of Rocks temporarily. June 10, 1862 Died, Sgt. F.A Huber, son of Dr. H.S. Huber of this place. He fell in the Battle of Fair Oaks, Virginia, in front of Richmond. The deceased, soon after the beginning of the war, volunteered and connected himself with the 23rd Pa. Regiment, Col. Birney and was soon promoted to 1st Sgt., Col. Birney being promoted to Brigadier, was succeeded into the 23rd by Col. Neill who gallantly fought his regiment in the Battle of Fair Oaks against overwhelming odds for nearly four hours. When Casey’s division was attached and overwhelmed by the enemy, Couch’s Division (including the 23rd) was ordered to support it and advanced to the front. The 23rd was ordered up to support Miller’s Battery of Napoleon guns and for nearly four hours held the enemy in check who advanced with overwhelming numbers to take the battery. Again and again the enemy advanced, only to be driven back by the grape and canister and the destructive fire of the 23rd. At one time the 23rd found it necessary to make a bayonet charge, temporarily dislodging the enemy from a position they had secured. Still they returned and bolstered by fresh troops, and the contest continued until 4:00 when Miller’s Battery ran out of ammunition. Col. Neill ordered the 23rd to rally upon the colors and retreat firing and facing the foe. It was while executing this order that Sgt. Huber received the severe wound in his left breast which proved fatal. Being observed to fall, he was picked up and carried to the rear where he remarked to his attendants that he would die and requested them to leave him and return to their posts. Several friends, however, remained by him until he expired, almost half an hour after receiving the wound. His dying words were: “tell my father I died for my country”. Dr. Huber who left for the field of battle before hearing of his son’s death, succeeded in securing the body which had been interred by a surgeon of the regiment in a separate grave and returned with it on Friday last. The remains were interred in Evergreen Cemetery the same evening attended by a large concourse of friends. We learn that Capt. Horner and Lt. Morrison have resigned their offices and that Lt. Hunter has been elected captain and Wm. A. Horner appointed by the governor as 1st lieutenant and Hiram McNair 2nd lieutenant. The company, we understand, was at Winchester at last account. James Grimes of Captain Horner’s company, who was captured in Virginia a short time since by Lt. Col. Ashby’s cavalry a short time since, has returned here having been exchanged. June 17, 1862 We learn that Captain Martin of this place has resigned his captaincy of Company F, 87th Regiment and that his resignation has been accepted. We have not heard of any reason given for this but we presume it must have been a good one. Pte. John Boller of Captain Horner’s Cavalry was severely shot in the foot on the 7th inst. He and several others were scouting in the area of Berryville, Virginia about twenty miles from Harper’s Ferry. While on the way down, his carbine accidentally discharged, the ball entering his boot and inflicting a severe wound. He was placed in the hospital at Harper’s Ferry with the intention of removing him to Frederick as soon as possible. At last account he was doing well. Transcribed by Christine Spencer, March, 2008