NEWS: Casualties, 53rd Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, December 20, 1862, Blair County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Marlene Stone
<MMSGemstone@aol.com>

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_________________________________________ 

Williamsburg, Dec. 20, 1862
Ed. Standard:
  Dear Sir,: - We have just learned the extent of the butchery, on last 
Saturday week, in Company D, (late Capt. McKiernan's,) 53rd Regt. P. V. 
As usual they were in the hottest of the action, and the gallant old 
53rd lost more than two-thirds of her men.  In Company D. Sergt. Wm. 
McKiernan, as true a man as ever lived was killed.  I know what I am 
saying, and I tell you that a better Orderly Sergeant or braver man has 
not been sacrificed to further the ends of unholy Abolitionism, headed 
by Stanton.  Sergt. McKiernan served faithfully as a private in the 
three months service, and when his brother raised a company for the 
war, he and his schoolmate, C. B. Wilson, were among the first to 
enroll their names.  They were always ready for duty, and never lost a 
day.  Sergt. Wilson was killed at the battle of White Oak Swamp.  
Sergt. McKiernan passed through all the battles of the peninsula and 
Antietam, and now lies beyond the Rappahannock.  His recommendation by 
Col. Brooke for First Lieutenant was sent in a month ago.  He was a 
brave and true soldier, a kind and dutiful son, and a loving and 
affectionate brother.  May he rest in peace.
  Of the same company Sergt. Hiram Steller was mortally wounded; Segts. 
Gibbs and Musset wounded in arm slightly; Corp. Ammerman killed; Corp. 
Jos. Ganoe missing; Chas. Miler wounded in ankle; Thos. McGuire in leg, 
very severely; Geo. Beyer in both legs, badly.  Lieut. John T. Potts 
was in command of the company and was wounded in the breast and arm 
very severely.  Every officer and non-commissioned officer in the 
company was killed or wounded. Poor fellows! they were under fire all 
day, and fired over one hundred rounds.  The bereaved ones have our 
heartfelt sympathy.

Democratic Standard, Hollidaysburg, Pa., Wednesday Morning, December 
24, 1862