ROSEBERRY FAMILY
from JUDY
Star6208@aol.com
Dear Dennis, I could not wait for you to see this and perhaps you will
get a
chance to view it over the week end. I thought it was fascinating!
There is
an entire web site regarding the Roseberrys of Rogersville and Greene Co.
Pennsylvania. It appears that most of the Roseberrys of Greene Co. went to
Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Our Mitchell
line continued to use the names
Sellers, Shadrack, etc. just as our Sellers used the name
Roseberry. I used
this web site to find out why our Roseberry Sellers had that first name and
am sending you the portion I think answers the question. If you want the
entire URL please let me know. I hope this information is new for
you! Judy
Next: I want to find out about the name, Atkinson and where that came from.
26. Elizabeth Roseberry. Born on 24 Jun 1799 in Rogersville, Greene,
Pennsylvania. Elizabeth died on 22 Jan 1857; she was 57.
Elizabeth married Shadrach Mitchell, son of Thomas Mitchell (1772-1852) &
Elenor Hill (1776-1848). Born on 19 Feb 1797 in Greene County, Pennsylvania.
Shadrach died on 20 May 1875; he was 78.
They had the following children:
i. Roseberry. Born in 1818. Roseberry died in 1903; he was 85.
Roseberry first married Frances Dye. Born in 1819. Frances died in 1868; she
was 49.
Roseberry second married Phoebe Hull. Born in 1823. Phoebe died in 1895; she
was 72.
Roseberry third married Jane Unknown. Born in 1829.
ii. Thomas Hughes. Born in 1820. Thomas Hughes died in 1906; he was 86.
Thomas Hughes married Clementine Stallcup. Born in 1823. Clementine died in
1856; she was 33.
iii. Sarah. Born in 1823. Sarah died in 1911; she was 88.
Sarah first married Pleasant Stallcup. Born in 1818. Pleasant died in 1857;
he was 39.
Sarah second married Ebenezer McElroy. Born in 1806. Ebenezer died in 1875;
he was 69.
iv. Mathias. Born in 1823. Mathias died in 1843; he was 20.
v. Hiram Heaton. Born in 1825. Hiram Heaton died in 1897; he was 72.
Hiram Heaton married Annie Reid. Annie died in 1887.
vi. Benjamin Franklin. Born in 1828. Benjamin Franklin died in 1914; he was
86.
Benjamin Franklin married Laura Watson. Born in 1852. Laura died in 1924; she
was 72.
vii. Elizabeth. Born in 1830. Elizabeth died in 1867; she was 37.
Elizabeth married Orlin Boyd. Born in 1832. Orlin died in 1892; he was 60.
viii. John Vannatta. Born in 1834. John Vannatta died in 1836; he was 2.
ix. David Sellers. Born in 1836. David Sellers died in 1926; he was 90.
David Sellers married Sophia Chillison. Born in 1846. Sophia died in 1914;
she was 68.
x. Shadrach Lindsey. Born in 1838. Shadrach Lindsey died in 1930; he was 92.
Shadrach Lindsey married Fannie Belle Stark. Born in 1846. Fannie Belle died
in 1891; she was 45.
xi. Bazzle Morris Marling. Born in 1841. Bazzle Morris Marling died in 1917;
he was 76.
Bazzle Morris Marling first married Lucettie Ashford. Born in 1843. Lucettie
died in 1894; she was 51.
Bazzle Morris Marling second married Maria Unknown.
august 2003
MIKE, Thank YOU!
Send us YOUR family
names/dates/places so we can link you correctly to these
pages.
AND thank you for sharing
SELLERS.
marie, iowa
-----Original Message-----
From: mike sellers
[mailto:ceeemes@netzero.net]
Sent: Saturday, August 09,
2003 4:11 PM
To: SELLERS-L@rootsweb.com
Subject: {not a subscriber}
Dennis, Marie and All
I have been reading the
information on this sight with considerable interest
for some time. I find much of it enlightening and some
of it overwhelming.
Because I am a lazy scholar,
I have not gotten into the depths of
substantiation that you
require, but there are some things about which I
have some first hand
knowledge to whit: Roseberry
Sellers is buried in the
cemetery accross the road
from the church on the road going west out of
Waynesburg. David Sellers, who is Roseberry's
father is buried in the same
graveyard. If I had loaded my camera correctly, I
would have had photos of
those stones. Roseberry is listed as a junior officer
in the army of the
North who fought at
Gettysburg,
The main reason why I am
writing is in response to the photograph in the
roseberry section. The old man seated is Shadrack
Sellers. Next to him is
his wife Laura Ann. The youngest person in that photo is my
grandfather,
Harry Castleton
Sellers. By conjecture based on a
later photo and the fact
that he is four years older
than grandad, I would guess that the person
standing to the left end of
the line is Frank Ellsworth Sellers. Also
guessing, the one seated
next to my GGrandmother might be Fred(SM junior)
With a little more digging
in some old photos, I might be able to "identify"
some more.
================
FDHaun@aol.com
[mailto:FDHaun@aol.com]
Sent: Saturday, August 30,
2003 5:28 PM
To: Star6208@aol.com
Cc: FDHaun@aol.com;
Mari@netins.net; Sellersgen@aol.com
Subject: I found & just
sent to you information of Roseberry Sellers death.
18th Cavalry /163rd Regiment
Pennsylvania Volunteers
(Hi Judy, I came upon this
information on your Roseberry Sellers,
Please click on above.) Sending a copy of this to Marie &
Frank Sellers.//
Found a Roseberry Sellers,
2d Lieut., mus. in Aug. 29, 1862 ; pr. fr. 1st
> Serg. May 9, 1863;
killed at Germania Ford, Nov. 18, 1863. Company A,
163rd
> Reg. 18th Calvary.
> Recruited in Green
County PA.
>
> John Sellers, mus. in
Aug. 28, 1862; disch. on Gen. Order, June 10, 1865.
> Rosberry Sellers,1st
Lieut. disch. Nov. 28, 1861
>
Thomas M. Sellers, Corp;mus.
in Feb. 1, 1864; wd. Aug. 16, 1864; tr. to
Co. H, 188th Regt. P.V. June
28, 1865;Vet. Company F. 85th Inf. Regt.
Recruited/
>
A.H. Sellers, 1st Lieut. pr.
from Sergeant. to 1st Sergeant., Oct. 10, 1861;
to
1st Lieut., Aug. 4, 1862; wd. at
Wilderness; mus. out May 24, 1864. ( This
========
AUG 30, 2003
from DENNIS
FDHaun@aol.com
Regiment Cavalry (163rd Volunteers)
Organized at Pittsburgh and Harrisburg October to December,
1862. Left State for Washington, D.C., December 8, 1862. Attached to Wyndham's
Cavalry Brigade, Defenses of Washington, to February, 1863. Price's Independent
Cavalry Brigade, 22nd Corps, Dept. of Washington, to April, 1863. 3rd Brigade,
Stahel's Cavalry Division, 22nd Corps, to June, 1863. 1st Brigade, 3rd
Division, Cavalry Corps, Army Potomac, to August, 1864, and Army Shenandoah to
February, 1865. Cavalry Brigade, Army Shenandoah, to June, 1865.
SERVICE.--Duty at Bladensburg and Germantown and in the Defenses of
Washington until June, 1863. Skirmishes at Chantilly, Va., February 10 and 26,
1863. Scout from Centreville to Falmouth, Va., February 27-28. Left Fairfax C.
H. with Stahel's Division to join Army Potomac, June 25, 1863. Hanover, Pa.,
June 30. Battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 1-3. Hunterstown July 2. Monterey Gap
July 4. Smithburg, Md., July 5. Williamsport July 6. Hagerstown July 6.
Boonsboro July 8. Hagerstown July 11-13. Falling Water July 14. Battle Mountain
near Newby's Cross Roads July 24. Expedition to Port Conway September 1-3.
Lamb's Creek September 1. Advance to the Rapidan September 13-17. Culpeper C.
H. and Brandy Station September 13. Rapidan Station September 13-14.
Reconnaissance across the Rapidan September 21-23. Bristoe Campaign October
9-22. James City and Bethesda Church October 10. Near Culpeper October 11. Near
Warrenton and Brandy Station October 11. Gainesville October 14. Groveton
October 17-18. Gainesville, New Baltimore, Buckland's Mills and Haymarket
October 19. Advance to line of the Rappahannock November 7-8. (Cos.
"B," "H" at Headquarters, 5th Corps, and at Rappahannock
Station November 7. Rejoined Regiment November 19.) Germania Ford November
18. Mine Run Campaign November 26-December 2. Morton's Ford November 26.
Near Ely's Ford January 13, 1864. Demonstration on the Rapidan February 6-7.
Kilpatrick's Raid on Richmond February 28-March 4. Fortifications of Richmond
March 1. Rapidan Campaign May-June. Wilderness May 5-7. Craig's Meeting House
May 5. Todd's Tavern May 5-6. Alsop's Farm May 8. Sheridan's Raid to James
River May 9-24. North Anna River May 9-10. Ground Squirrel Church and Yellow
Tavern May 11. Brook's Church or Richmond fortifications May 12. Strawberry
Hills May 12. Line of the Pamunkey May 26-28. Demonstration on Little River May
27. Totopotomoy May 28-31. Hanover C. H. May 30. Mechump's Creek May 31. Cold
Harbor May 31-June 1. Totopotomoy and Gaines' Mill June 2. Salem Church and
Haw's Shop June 2. Haw's Shop June 3. Old Church June 10. Bethesda Church June
11. Long Bridge June 12. Smith's Store near St. Mary's Church June 15. Siege of
Petersburg June to August. Jerusalem Plank Road June 22-23. (Co. "B"
at Headquarters, 6th Corps, June 25-July 16.) White Oak Swamp July 14.
Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley Campaign August 7-November 28. Winchester August
15 and 17. Near Charlestown August 21-22. Limestone Ridge September 1.
Abraham's Creek near Winchester September 13. Battle of Opequan, Winchester,
September 19. Near Cedarville September 20. Front Royal September 21. Milford
September 22. Waynesboro September 29. Near Brock's Gap October 6. Tom's Brook
October 8-9. Cedar Creek October 13. Battle of Cedar Creek October 19. Cedar
Creek November 11. Newtown or Middletown November 12. Rude's Hill near Mt.
Jackson November 22. Expedition to Lacy Springs December 19-22. Duty at and
near Winchester until May, 1865. Scout to Edenburg March 17-19. At Cumberland,
Md., to June. Consolidated with 22nd Pennsylvania Cavalry June 24, 1865, to
form 3rd Provisional Cavalry.
Regiment lost during service 5 Officers and 55 Enlisted men killed and
mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 232 Enlisted men by disease. Total 294.
19th Regiment
FROM DENNIS
FDHaun@aol.com
18th Cavalry /163rd Regiment
Pennsylvania Volunteers
You will find this
page on this web site 18th Cavalry /163rd Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers
Below I have blacken & underlined the death Notice of Roseberry Sellers,
son of David & Elizabeth ( Mitchell Sellers of Green County Pa.
The troops for this regiment were recruited in the city of Philapelphia,
and in the counties of Greene, Crawford, Allegheny, Chester,
Somerset, Westmoreland, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Dauphin, Washington, Fayette,
Bucks, Lycoming, Indiana, and Cumberland, during the fall and winter of 1862.
They rendezvoused at Camp Curtin, where a partial organization was effected,
and horses were furnished, but without equipments. On the 8th of December, the
command moved to a camp at Bladensburg, Maryland, near Washington. Here it was
partially armed and equipped, and its drill commenced. On the ist of January,
1863, it went into Virginia, and encamped near the head of Long Bridge, and two
weeks later proceeded to Germantown, two miles from Fairfiax Court House, on
the Little River Turnpike. About the 1st of February, companies L, and M, which
had hitherto been wanting for a full complement, were added, and the
organization was completed with the following field officers:
Timothy M. Bryan, Jr., Colonel;
James Gowan, Lieutenant Colonel;
Joseph Gilmore, Major
William B. Darlington, Major
Henry B. Van Voorhis, Major
It was brigaded with the Fifth New York, and First Vermont Cavalry, under
command of Colonel Percy Wyndham, and was immediately placed on duty, picketing
the long line covering the defenses of Washington on the Virginia shore, and
scouting on its front. This was an enemy's country, the stamping ground of
Moseby and his guerrillas, and was extremely difficult duty, veterans, towards
the close of the war, often declaring that they had rather go to duty on the
picket line in face of Lee's army, than on this ground. For this perilous duty,
the Eighteenth was armed with only a condemned sabre. The character of the
enemy which it was called to meet, can be gathered by the following extract
from an officer's diary:
"They were citizens by
day, and soldiers by night. They would come within the Union lines and learn
the disposition of our pickets, and then with sufficient force, surround and
capture an out-post by night. When pursued, they scattered to their homes, and
were citizens again. If arrested and sent to Washington, they took the oath of
allegiance and were released. Some of our forces went to a house near Aldie,
and were told by the lady of the house that her husband was very sick, and
could not be seen; but they insisted, and actually found the gentlemen in bed
with his boots and spurs on. They did not pretend to fight in the open field.
Colonel Moseby said to a Union officer in Richmond, in 1864, that fighting was
not his business; that he cared nothing for taking prisoners; he only wanted
horses, arms, and equipments, to sell to the Confederate authorities."
The arms of the Eighteenth were not suited -to Moseby's wants, and on one
occasion, after having captured a squad, and finding nothing but the old
worthless sabres, he paroled the men, and sent them back to Lieutenant Colonel
Gowan, with a note, requesting him to arm his men better, for, armed as they
were, it did not pacy to capture them. On the 1st of March, Lieutenant Colonel
Gowan was honorably discharged. and Captain William P. Brinton, of the Second
Pennsylvania Cavalry, was promoted to succeed him. During thle five months of
duty here, the regiment lost three killed and about fifty captured.
Early in the spring, the brigade was associated with a brigade of Michigan
troops, under General Custer, forming a division, which was commanded by
Brigadier General Julius Stahel, and was employed in guarding the gaps of the
Blue Ridge against incursions of the enemy. Just before startilg on the
Gettysburg campaign, Smith's carbines, which had been issued to the regiment,
were exchanged for Burnside carbines.
On the 25th of June, Stahel's command left camp at Fairfax Court House, and
crossing the Potomac on the following day, proceeded by Frederick to
Middletown, for the purpose of watching the movements of the enemy, who was
already passing up the valley on the opposite side of South Mountain. At this
juncture, General Stahel was relieved by General Kilpatrick, and the division
became the Third of the cavalry corps of the army of the Potomac. The Second
New York, known as the Harris Light, was attached to the First Brigade, to the
command of which Colonel Farnsworth succeeded.
Kilpatrick reached Littlestown on the 29th, and Hanover, Pennsylvania, on the
30th, being in search of the rebel General Stuart, who, since his defeat at
Upperville, had been separated from the rebel army, and was known to be moving
through Pennsylvania. The Eighteenth was this day of the rear guard of
Kilpatrick's column, and while halting in the streets of Hanover, was suddenly
attacked by the head of Stuart's column, which was moving on a road nearly
parallel to that on which Kilpatrick had just passed. The Eighteenth was thrown
into momentary confusion, and was driven through the town before it could turn
and face the foe; but soon rallying, delivered a countercharge, in conjunction
with the Fifth New York, and rapidly drove the enemy back to the cover of his
artillery, which was immediately opened. The roar of his guns brought
Kilpatrick to the rescue, who had already started upon the march. He formed his
line of battle on the hills south of the town, while the enemy held the heights
to the north, the Eighteenth occupying the town, and barricading the streets.
Artillery firing and skirmishing was kept up, until dark, when the enemy
retired, being prevented by this interposition from joining Lee until after the
battle of Gettysburg, where his presence was much needed, and where his absence
was so greatly deplored by the rebel chieftain. The Eighteenth lost four killed
and a number wounded in the first charge.
On the 1st of July, Kilpatrick moved on to Berlin, the cannonading at
Gettysburg being faintly heard. On the 2d, he returned through Abbottstown and
New Oxford, to the rear of the enemy's left wing, where the rebel cavalry
charged, but was handsomely repulsed by Custer's Brigade, a brisk cannonade
being kept up until dark. At evening the brigade, with Kilpatrick, moved by the
rear of the Union lines to the extreme left of the field, beyond Round Top,
where it struck the enemy's right wing, and was hotly engaged during the entire
day. The surface of the country was here rough, and unfavorable for the
handling of cavalry, but towards evening Kilpatrick, who was ever eager to
strike when an opportunity presented, ordered the First Brigade to charge. It
was led by Colonel Farnsworth, who succeeded in driving the enemy in upon his
main line, but was unable to dislodge his infantry from its impregnable
position behind stone walls, and rocky, wooded heights. Colonel Farnsworth, a
gallant officer, was killed. The Eighteenth lost several wounded, but none
killed. The cannonading upon the centre of the two armies, which had been heavy
beyond example, died away, and the rain poured down in torrents as the brigade
retired.
Kilpatrick moved early on the morning of the 4th towards Maryland, passing
through Emmittsburg, and by the flank of Lee's army, striking Ewell's wagon
train at midnight, near Monterey Springs, as it was crossing South Mountain. He
immediately charged, scattering the train guard, captured two pieces of
artillery, a thousand prisoners, and two hundred wagons and ambulances. The
head of the rebel army, which was now in full retreat, was following close upon
his path, and Kilpatrick was obliged to drive at a break-neck speed down the
narrow mountain road, to escape with his captures, some of the wagons and
ambulances loaded with the severely wounded, being overturned, and plunged with
their stuffering freight headlong into the gorge below. At daylight, the foot
of the mountain was reached, and the wagons, which were still-upon wheels, were
driven into park at Smithfield, and burned.
During the day, the enemy's cavalry made its appearance in front and rear, but
Kilpatrick held him at bay until evening, when, under cover of darkness, he
moved with his prisoners to Boonesboro, and delivered them to General French's
command of infantry. Early in the day the brigade moved to Hagerstown, where
the head of the enemy's column was met. Immediately deploying column, he
ordered a charge by two battalions of the Eighteenth, commanded by Captains
William C. Lindsey, and John W. Phillips, and led by Lieutenant Colonel William
P. Brinton, in command of the regiment, and Captain Ulrich Dahlgren, acting as
volunteer aid to the commanding general. The enemy was driven through the town,
and the Colonel of the Tenth Virginia Cavalry was taken prisoner; but the
squadrons lost heavily, in consequence of having to face, with sabres, in a
narrow street, an enemy who was using pistols. Captain Dahlgren lost a leg.
Captain Lindsey was killed. The color-bearer of company A was shot dead, but
fell on his face, and died holding fast to the standard. Sergeant Joseph Brown,
of company B, was shot by a woman, who fired from a window after he had passed.
The town was occupied during the day by troops of both the contending parties,
and skirmishing and artillery firing was kept up. In the afternoon the enemy
advanced his infantry, which had arrived in large force. A squadron of the
Eighteenth, companies L, and A, was ordered to charge into the town to test the
enemy's strength. Gallantly this devoted band responded, and dashed into the
heart of the place; but few of its number returned, as the enemy had occupied
the cross-streets, and now closed in behind them. Kilpatrick was obliged to
retire before the strong infantry columns, but sullenly, contesting every inch
of ground until long after night-fall, the enemy making repeated charges upon
his artillery, and being as often repulsed. The object of this demonstration
was to delay the enemy until Buford could destroy the pontoon bridge at
Williamsport.
On the 8th, Stuart's Cavalry appeared in force at Boonesboro, whither the
division had gone, where a sharp skirmish ensued, in which the rebel leader was
driven several miles. During the three succeeding days, Meade and Lee were
manueavring and fortifying, and the cavalry rested. On the 12th, the division
occupied Hagerstown, driving in the enemy's skirmishers.
On the 14th, Kilpatrick pushed forward to Williamsport, and thence to Falling
Watters, where the main body of the enemy, during the previous night, had
crossed. A brigade, which had been left as guard on the right bank, was
charged, and about five hundred prisoners, with two pieces of artillery, were
captured. About the middle of the month the division crossed the Potomac, and
during the fall and early winter, the regiment was actively engaged in scouting
and skirmishing, meeting the enemy at Brandy Station, and at Culpepper, on the
18th of September; on the 11th of October, again near Brandy Station, where the
Eighteenth charged a force of the enemy following from Culpepper, and lost its
commander, Major Van Voorhis, three lieutenants, and fifty men by capture; on
the 13th, at Buckland Mills and New Baltimore; on the 18th of November,
in a scout across the Rapidan, where the camp equipage, regimental colors, and camp
guard, including a number of officers and men, were captured and Lieutenant
Roseberry Sellers was killed, and on the 6th of December, went
into winter-quarters near Stevensburg.
During this campaign, much hard marching and severe fighting were done by the
cavalry, but were fruitless in general results. In the engagement at Culpepper
Court House, on the 13th of September, Lieutenant David T. M'AKay was taken
prisoner, and for fifteen months was confined in rebel prisons. Major Van
Voorhis was wounded in the engagement in which he was captured, but managed to
make his escape. The disaster of the 18th of November, was no fault of
officers or men of the Eighteenth, as it was attacked by overpowering numbers
when separated from any supporting force; Captain Marshall S.
Kingsland, who was in command, and acted with great gallantry, received a
severe wound.
On the evening of February 28th, 1864, the regiment was called out of
winter-quarters to accompany Kilpatrick on his daring raid upon the rebel
capital, for the release of Union prisoners confined there, and enduring the
torments of a most fiendish captivity. For two weeks it was upon the march,
suffering from inclement weather, and frequent skirmishing and fighting. The
object of the campaign was not effected, and the gallant Dahlgren, who led one
division, was killed. After the return of the division, General Wilson
succeeded Kilpatrick, and General M'Intosh was assigned to the command of the
brigade, which was now composed of the Eighteenth Pennsylvania, Fifth, and
Second New York, Second Ohio, and First Connecticut regiments.
In the general movement of the army, which commenced on the 4th of May, the
Eighteenth led the advance from Germania Ford to Wilderness Tavern, and
pushing thence in the direction of Orange Court House, drove the enemy back to
the neighborhood of Mine Run, where it bivouackled for the night. On the
following morning it moved to the left of the Plank Road and met the advance of
the enemy under General tosser, a severe battle ensuing, which resulted in
driving him back upon his infantry supports, which were just then coming up the
road in his rear, and which proved to be Longstreet's Corps At four in the
afternoon the enemy began to withdraw from the front of the Union cavalry and
to move by its left on a road which intersected that upon which the cavalry had
advanced, and the only avenue open for its escape.
General Wilson immediately ordered the division to fall back, with the
exception of the Eighteenth, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Brinton, which
he directed to hold its ground, keeping up a show of strength, for one-half
hour, and then re-join the column if possible. That half hour seemed a long one
those gallant men, who stood in presence of an entire corps of the rebel army,
and could see by the clouds of dust which marked its course that their only way
of escape was being rapidly approached. Until the time had fully elapsed they
remained at their posts, and when the signal was given to retire, moved at
double-quick, in hope of passing the threatened point before it was reached by
the enemy. In this they were disappointed; for when the advance, under Major
Darlington, approached the junction, he found the enemy in strong force,
dismounted and holding all the approaches. The Major immediately charged with
his battalion, but was driven back by a, furious, direct and cross fire from a
foe hidden behind fences. The Second Battalion, under Major Phillips, was soon
upon the ground, and also made a most gallant charge, but was in like manner
repulsed. At this moment Major Darlington fell severely wounded. His wound was
at the, time supposed to be mortal, and he was left in the enemy's hands. He
however survived, with the loss of a leg, and was rescued by Sheridan several
days after, while on the way to Richmond with other Union prisoners. Some
confusion ensued as the battalions retired from these charges, and while they
were being re-formed, the enemy opened at. very short range with canister, The
position of the regiment was a perilous one. In front lay the enemy in strong
position; the road on the right was filled with his infantry; the battery
vomited forth its surcharged missiles on the left; and to the rear was a pine
thicket, apparently impassable for cavalry.
The enemy, seeing that the regiment was completely cut off; commenced crossing
to the road on which it had retreated, and forming in its rear. Standing alone
against overwhelming numbers, its capture seemed inevitable. The only hope of
escape was through the pines and at a given signal the regiment plunged into
the thicket, and by the most strenuous exertions succeeded in forging its way
through, and across a swamp in its rear, gaining time open woods, where it
could hold the enemy in check, with but the loss of one officer and thirty-nine
men in killed, wounded, and captured.
At evening it joined the division in camp, near Old Wilderness Tavern, where it
was received with marks of rejoicing, the eintire regiment having been reported
as capturtd. From the division headquarters a bottle of wine was sent to
Colonel Brinton, on, which was this inscription: "To the Eighteenth Pennsylvania
Cavalry, which knows how to fight into and how to fight out of a hard
place."
On the 7th the regiment moved to the east and encamped near the out-works. of
Fredericksbrurg, and on the following day proceeded to, Spottsylvania Court
House, where the Eighteenth charged into the place, then held by the enemy's
dismounted cavalry, capturing fifty prisoners and driving his cavalry back upon
his advancing infantry. On the 9th the regiment, with the main body of
Sheridan's command, moved around the right flank of Lee's army, and struck
boldly out towards Richlmond. In this exciting and difficult march, where, the
enemy sprung up on all sides, and greatly harassed and impeded its course, the
regiment participated being engaged on the 11th at Yellow Tavern, on the 12th
at Richmond, and finally, on the 16th, reached Haxali's Landing, on the James,
where supplies were obtained from the command of General Butler. After a few
days rest, Sheridan returned and re-joined the main body of the army near the
South Anna.
On the 31st the cavalry crossed the Pamunky and moved up towards Hanover Court
House, which was found in possession of Generals Fitz Hugh Lee and Wyckham, who
held all the roads leading thereto. The outposts were immediately driven in,
but finding the main body securely posted behind barricades of rails, a halt
was ordered until evening, when the Eighteenth Pennsylvania, supported by the
Second Ohio, was ordered to charge and clear the town. At twilight the charge
was made, dismounted, and though opposed by vastly superior numbers, well
covered by breast-works, was driven in utter rout and confusion, and many
prisoners were taken. Lieutenant Colonel Brinton and Major Phillips, who led
the charge, were both slightly, and Captains M. S. Kingsland and David Hamilton
severely wounded.
Early on the following morning the command started in pursuit of the foe, but
at Ashland he was met in overpowering numbers and it was compelled to fall back
again to Hanover, whence it marched to Old Church Tavern, on the road from Richmond
to White House, where it joined the main body of the army. The regiment was
immediately placed on picket and scout duty, in which it was engaged until the
movement commenced for the crossing of the James. As the army moved over the
Peninsula the Eighteenth was of the rear guard, and was subjected to severe
duty. At St. Mary's Church, on the 15th of June, the regiment was hotly engaged
with the enemy's infantry, holding him at bay for nearly five hours, and only
retired in obedience to the orders of the commanding general. The loss in the
engagement in killed, wounded, and missing, was thirty-three. Lieutenants
Samuel H. Tresonthick and Samuel H. M'Cormick were mortally wounded.
On the 17th of June the regiment crossed the James and moved to the neighborhood
of Prince George Court House. On the 23d General Wilson started with his
division, with the exception of the Eighteenth Pennsylvania and Third New
Jersey, on an expedition for the destruction of the railroads south of
Richmond. Two days before he started these two regiments had been sent to
report for duty to General Wright, commanding the Sixth Corps, which occupied a
position on the extreme left of the army. They were employed in picketing a
line of nearly five miles on Wright's left flank, involving much severe
service.
On the 23d the Eighteenth, supported by a few hundred sharpshooters, drove the
enemy from the Weldon Road, at Yellow House, and tore up a portion of the
track, but was subsequently driven back to Wright's lines. For nearly a month it
remained on duty here and then re-joined the division at Prince George Court
House.
On the 7th of August, the regiment embarked at City Point to proceed to the
Shenandoah Valley, whither two divisions of cavalry had been ordered. At
Washington, the brigade was armed with Spencer repeating carbines. Upon
reaching the Valley, active operations at once commenced, and on the 17th, the
regiment was engaged at Winchester, holding in check the columns of Early, now
pressing upon Sheridan, and three days later at Summit Station. At Charlestown
the fighting was renewed, and again at Leetown, to the right of Charlestown, in
each of which the regiment was at the front, and did good service.
On the 19th of September occurred the memorable battle of Winchester. At one
o'clock on the morning of that day, the regiment broke camp, and moving up the
Winchester Pike, crossed the Opequan at dawn, driving the enemy's pickets in
upon a brigade of infantry lying behind slight earth-works, on an eminence
easily defensible, and really the key to the enemy's entire position. With the
Fifth and Second New York deployed as skirmishers, the Eighteenth was ordered
to charge. The third battalion had the advance, and dashing forward, drove the
enemy from his works, and into a wood beyond, from which it was in turn
repulsed by a rapid fire. But at this juncture, the main body of the regiment
came up, led by Colonel Brinton, and drove the enemy for half a mile, and,
aided by the rest of the brigade, held this commanding position until Sheridan's
infantry came to its relief. General M'Intosh, who led the brigade, was
complimented by Sheridan for its gallantry and daring in this charge. Colonel
Brinton, after having his horse twice shot, and his clothing riddled with
bullets, finally fell into the enemy's hands. The loss in killed, wounded, and
missing, was twenty-four.
The casualties, " says an officer, " were much greater than those
mentioned above, but the names are now forgotten. Their unflinching bravery and
noble self sacrifice is not, and I shall ever remember, with the liveliest
emotions, the charge made by the Eighteenth on that eventful day, and how nobly
the boys stood there on that hill side, in face of the enemy's infantry line,
and re-formed, and charged again and again, until the position was taken."
After the hour's fight in the early morning, and when relieved by the Sixth
Corps, the division moved to the left, where Sheridan's whole battle line was
in full view. In the afternoon it participated in the general assault which drove
the enemy in rout, in which General M'Intosh was wounded.
On the 20th, it moved through the Luray Valley, and at Front Royal came up with
the enemy's cavalry, which was posted to dispute its progress. Major Phillips
who led the Eighteenth, was ordered to force a passage, and drive the enemy
from his works on the opposite bank. The Third Battalion, under Captain
Britton, took the advance, and dismounting, cleared the barricades with which
the road was obstructed, and boldly advanced upon the opposite bank, driving
the enemy, and securing possession of his works. Pursuit was immediately given
to the retreating foe, and on the 22d, the division came upon him, strongly
posted across the narrow valley, which is here little more than a ravine. A
sharp artillery duel ensued, but no advantage was gained.
On the following day, the main body of the enemy having been defeated, in the
meantime, at Fisher's Hill, the force upon Wilson's front withdrew, and he
pushed forward to New Market, where he met the main Union column, and drew
scanty supplies, joining in the pursuit which was pushed as far as Waynesboro.
Returning to Bridgewater, the division encamped, and when Sheridan fell back to
Cedar Creek, it retired to Brock's Gap, where, on the night of the 6th of October,
the Eighteenth, while on picket, was vigorously attacked, but succeeded in
repelling the enemy, and inflicting serious loss. The regiment lost sixteen in
killed and wounded.
On the 8th, the command moved towards Cedar Creek, the Eighteenth acting as rear
guard, and suffering from frequent and furious attacks of the enemy. Major
Phillips, who was in command, says: "In all the hard service which the
regiment did, it had no harder day's work than that of the 8th day of October,
1864. It was one continued running fight." The loss was comparatively
slight, being eight killed and wounded, and five captured. The enemy's loss was
much greater, he being obliged to attack, and the repeating carbines of the
regiment proving very destructive.
On the following day, the division faced the enemy and assumed the offensive,
advancing over the ground on which the Eighteenth had fought so desperately the
day before. The line was formed with the Eighteenth on the extreme right,
resting along the slopes of the Allegheny Ridge. At the signal to advance, the
line swept forward with resistless power, driving the enemy, under Rosser, in
confusion, capturing all his artillery, six pieces, and his entire ambulance
and wagon train. In the race for the captures, the Eighteenth was among the
foremost, and at the moment when those in advance reached the first wagon,
Lieutenant John R. Winters fell, mortally wounded, by the ball of a
sharp-shooter concealed in the wood to the left of the road.
In the battle of Cedar Creek, on the 19th of October, the Eighteenth was
engaged from early dawn until evening, when it participated with the brigade in
a brilliant charge, which closed the struggle and swept from the enemy's grasp
his guns and trains. This single brigade was accredited with the capture of
forty-five pieces. The loss in the engagement was three killed and five
wounded.
On the 12th of November the division again met the enemy's cavalry near Cedar
Creek. The brigade charged and drove him three miles. The Second Brigade, which
charged on a parallel road, was repulsed, and the enemy, following up, came in
upon the Eighteenth unawares, capturing Major Phillips, Lieutenant Blough, and
fifteen men. Soon after this the regiment went into winter-quarters near
Harper's Ferry. It subsequently participated in the descent upon Waynesboro,
whereby the remnants of Early's army were captured, and with the Fifth New York
Cavalry, was detailed to conduct the prisoners taken, amounting to fifteen
hundred, back to Winchester. On the way General Rosser repeatedly attacked,
counting confidently on the release of the prisoners, but he was foiled in
every attempt, and the prisoners were all safely delivered to the commanders at
Winchester. This virtually closed the active campaigning of the regiment. It remained
near Winchester, engaged in picketing and scouting, until after the fall of
Richmond and the surrender of Lee.
Two expeditions were made up the valley for the purpose of receiving the
paroles of returning rebel soldiers, and early in May it moved from Winchester
to Cumberland, Maryland, where it encamped, and where, on the 24th of June, the
regiment, with the exception of Company E, which was mustered out of service on
the 14th, was consolidated with the Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry, forming
the Third Provisional Cavalry. The new regiment moved to Clarksburg, West
Virginia, soon after the consolidation, and remained on duty there until the
31st of October, when it was mustered out.
Source: Bates,
Samuel P. History of the Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1861-65, Harrisburg,
1868-1871.
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