,/
I>UBLIC SERVICES OP
Brevet Major-General JOHN F. HARTRANFT,
' Inion Candidate for Auditor General. E 467
Nerer Negligent, Never too Late, Nerer Defeated!
NOKKISTOWN, PA.: WILLS & IREDELL, STEAM-POWER BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS.
1868. E^-l. 7 rl^Ti !
^ f Tlie Flae of Antietam Bridge and Fort Steadman—The Banner of Victory -when. Hartranft Leads
A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
-OF —
BYT. MAJ. GEN. JOHN F. HARTRANFT, U. S. Y,
tmON CUOIDATE FOR ADDITOK GENERAL OF FENNSYITANIA.
The name of Hartramtt has penetrated EARLY LIFE. •Tery recees of the whole country, and in our Bretet Major General John Frederick Haft- Commonwealth has become a household word. ranft is a native of New Hanover townK^p* Our people do not need this or any similar Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and was publication to bring it to their notice. But born December 16, 1830. He graduated at felt desire to know there is yery generally a Union College, at Schenectady, New York, ia than has yet been told, and more of the man 1853, and was employed as a Civil Engineer fully informed concerning those to be more for some time. He assisted in running the keroic for himself, his deeds which hare won line of the Mauch Chunk and White HavflB natire State, and our glorious cause, such Railroad, which has since been conataucted, bright and unfadins laurels. and had charge ef the working party who sur-
His fellow- citixens, desiring to repay, to the veyed the route of the proposed Railroad f5roni extent of their ability, his exertions in their Chestnut Hill to Doylestown or New Hope. behalf, or at least to show that they appreci- In 1854, Sheriff Boyer, of Montgomery ate them properly, hare placed him in nomi- county, secured his services as Deputy, and nation for a high and responsible position in he continued in the Sheri£f'3 office in that oa- the popular gift, and it is now no less appro- paeity during the remainder of Mr. Boyer's priate than we beliere it will be acceptable, term of of&ee and the whole of that of Sheriff to giTe to the public this little pamphlet, con- Rudy, who was elected in 1855, and continued taining a brief record of the public serTices till 1868. In this position he became ao> of o&« of PennsylTania's noblest sons. quainted with the people of his native county »ad acquired a general reputation among all He offered himself to Gen. McDowell to serve who met him as a prompt, careful and efficient in any capacity in the approaching struggle tosiness man. where he could be useful. The General re-
Having pursued the study of the law the marked that it was scarcely "regular" to aecessary length of tiiae he was admitted do so, but that his appreciation of Col. Hart- to practice at (he bar of Montgomery county ranft's noble conduct was so high that ho in the fall of 1860. would assign him to d-uty on the Staff of Col. IN THE MILITIA. Franklin, who commanded the brigade to which the 4th Regiment had been attached. He was elected Colonel of the First Regi- Through the excitement and dangers of the day SBcnt of Montgomery County Militia in 1859, thg volunteer Aide performed good service to liaving previously been Lieutenant Colonel the army and the cause, and when at last the and Captain. The position, though neither disgraceful and disastrous retreat commenced arduous nor dangerous in time of peace, was he distinguished himself to stay the torrent.* ao mean honor, and showed the high appreci- Sword in hand he sought to restore order to ation which his fellow-citizens had for a young the panic-stricken and disorganized masses. man of less than thirty years. Col. Franklin, in his report, spoke of his ser- '61. THE TESTS OF vices with warm words of commendation, and The call to arms in April, 1861, when, after Gen. McDowell expressed regret afterward Sumpter was fired upon, President Lincoln is that he had not done justice to his valuable sued his first appetil to the heroism and devo exertions by especially mentioning him in his 4ion of the people, found Colonel Hartranft otficial report of the battle. & Democrat, attached to the political princi General Cameron, then Secretary of War, pies in which he had been reared. But it also referred with high encomiums to his con- found him none the less a patriot. From the duct on this occasion, and it formed a gal- day in which he took up arms in defence of lant commencement for a grand career. Ms country, he laid aside all ideas and theo- "FOR THREE YEARS OR THE WAR." ries of partizanship and became alone a Colonel Hartranft had no intention of re- ieroic soldier, striving always to do his duty, tiring from the service at the close of his irherever and whenever that might call him three months' campaign. A week before the io action. battle of Bull Pvun he had applied to, and ob- He losi no time in tendering the services of tained permission from, the War Department, Ms militia regiment to Governor Curtin, hav- to recruit a three years' regiment. He lost ing visited Harrisburg for that purpose on no time in commencing its organization. Gov. Tuesday the 16th of April. It was as prompt-, Curtin having added his authority to do so, ly accepted, and became the Fourth Regiment and on the iGth of November it was mustered of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Rendezvousing into service at Harrisburg, with Hartranft aa at Harrisburg on the 20th, it was speedily Colonel, and became the Fifty-First Regiment armed, equipped, and sent forward to Perry- Pennsylvania Volunteers. With its name and Tille, in Maryland, thence to Annapolis, and achievements our hero maintained a close finally to Washington. Of his service in connection for two years, since he was its this campaign it is not necessary to speak, leader and its father, to whose care and per- since no action with the enemy took place severance were due its efficiency and disci- around Washington, as is well known, till the pline, qualifying it to perform good service in FIRST BATTLE OF BULL RUN. the great cause, and to occupy a place among The term of service of his regiment had ex- the best and foremost sons of our State. jiired, and it was on the homeward march Valuing his high qualities as a comrade and' when the Battle of Bull Hun took place. Ine ;?ader, his men soon learned to repose the forward movement of our army to meet the utmost confidence in their Colonel. His coal rebels in that first grand encounter attracted black hair and moustache gave him the title Hartranft's attention and he determined not of "black John," while regardless of youth- io b&left behind when, for the first time, his ful years they dubbed him with that other tountty. needed his services in actual battle. mark of a soldier's confidence, *'Old Johnuj." 5.
IN Bt)TlNSIDE'S CAMPAIGN. posted on the left of the Centreville road, pro- tecting Graham's battery, till the retreat com- His regiment was assigned to Burnside'sl^^^^j y^r^^^ ^^^ ^^-^^^^^ l^ft ^1^^ g^U it Army, which was then organizing at Annapo-I ,3 ^^^5^^^^ one regiment only marching wUJr. serTice on the coast of North Carolina. Iq^^^^^j lis for Ferrero, while the other two were It became a part of Reno's brigade, and par-|^^^^j.^^ ^^ ^^^^^^^ ^,^^,j ^^^^^ command 0/ ticipated in the whole of Burnside's campaign. L^ Hartranft. On thia, as on the former expedition left Annapolis early in Janu-|^^^^^„j^j^^ The when everything was confusion, aaif. •ry, 1862, and on the 10th of the following |^^j ^^^^^^j ^.^^^ ^^^.^^^ ^^^ alarmed, Colonel month Col. Hartranft led his men up through j^^^^^^^^^^ remained cool, collected, and eelf- a swamp which the rebels had supposed im-|^^jj^^f j^ ^j^j^ ^^^j^^ his regiment lost eight passable, to storm the rebel works on Roanoke l^j^j^^ ^^^ wounded, and thirteen missing. contest short, sharp, andj Island. The was Again at Chantilly Hartranft met the ene- decisive. were nearly all captured, The rebels ^^.^ ^^^ ^^^-^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^ laurels to his fame. the eflfects of signal a success, in thejp^^ and 80 ^^^^^^ struggles did not overcome the contest of the campaign, were excel- initial enemy. Tired, foot-sore, and exhausted as
lent. 1 our men were, they took up the line of march. The rebel fortifications at Newbern were once more, on the 7th of September, and. attacked and carried on the 15th of March, joined the march of the Grand Army, agaiH and here again Col. Hartranft bore a con- 'under McClellan, up through Maryland, to spicuous part. The contest was a severe one, SOUTH MOUNTAIN AND ANTIETAM. loss both sides serious. The cor- and the on I
respondent of the i^. Y. Tribune, disposed The engagement at South Mountain, though naturally to speak more favorably of the New 'apparently but a prelude to the greater con- test .^t its character, York troops, in his letter said:—" The move- j Antietam, was distinct in It fought on Sunday, September 14th. and ment of Col. Hartranffs regiment was eie- was result the battle from, cuted in the most deliberate manner, andli's transferred grand proved a complete success." Nine of his|the little mountain pass to the banks of the command were wounded. Istream beyond.
. • I struggle for of the „, T. .J J i v V The && the possession1 rpass The army of Burnside remained at Newbern 1
, . iWas protracted and severe. Early in the ^., ^, i. HI- ni 1, , J. 1 ^ ' •ntil the conclusion of McClellan s disastrous!
• 1 I morning the skrimishins; commenced, and all campaign on the,, TiPeninsula, whenu a 1large, ° °
„ .^ , . . day the gallant man under Reno pushed the J XT » XT I j & f portion of it was shipped to Newport News,
, . . ,, . - i. T. 1 rebels steadily before them, till the crests of to join the Army of the Potomac. •'
-CI ,,' the hill were won and held, though at a heavy And1 J thusii- endedJ J thelu "Burnside<
•. • • loss, for the gallant chivalrous had TT .< 11- 1 J 1 ti- i« ' ^ and Reno •Henceforth it existed only in History 'fallen mortally wounded. Col. Hartranft POPE'S CAMPAIGN. 'commanded his regiment as usual, leading it
Early in August the force at Newport News to the attack up the side of the mountain, . I transferred transports to Acquia Creek, with his accil^omed bravery. That night our was by ^ and thence by railroad to Fredericksburg, men occupied the important position they had j hill, where Reno's Division arrived on the 4th of jcarried, sleeping on the summit of the j
that month. Here they joined the army under whence the ground sloped away to the valley j Pope, and thence participated in all the bat- of the Antietam. ties and skirmishes of his unfortunate cam-: Two days occupied in short movements, and
paign. The service, during the three weeks, the morning of Wednesday, September 17th, h of his command, was arduous in the extreme. ;found our army confronting the rebel hosfc. ^ From Fredericksburg to the old battle ground jSoon the intrepid Hooker, on the right, was at Bull Run, the movement was almost a con- engaged. On the left Burnside waited orders
tinuous struggle, and when the second battle, till nearly noon and then was directed to on that renowned locality took place, Colonellstorm the enemy's position on the opposite Hartranft found himself posted on almost theibank of the stream, crossing his men over same ground that he had fought upon in July the narrow stone bridge that spanned the of the preceding year. His regiment was' creek in his front. The position occupied,by 6 the rebels was one of wonderful natural The war, with its multitude of heroic and strength. The road on the East bank around grand examples, has none more noble than up Bear the stream for some distance before this. And we say no more of it than History reaching the bridge, and troopa marching on warrants and justice demands when we give it at this point were exposed to a terrible to the man who headed that splendid charge flank fire. On crossing the bridge it met an the title of a heroic man and great leader. abrupt steep bank, and deflected, nearly at When the bridge was crossed the rebels right angles, up and down the West bank abandoned their position and fled down the The bridge was therefore entirely commanded other side of the hill. The men of Hart- by the rebels. They had bad ample time for ranft's command occupied it. There was a preparation, and their artillery was posted to lull in the contest on the left, and the Colonel sweep the causeway from end to end, while visited for a few moments his wounded com- the riflemen screened from view behind trees rades in the temporary hospitals on the east and rocks, or in well-prepared rifle pits, wait- bank of the creek, giving each a word o en- ed the attack, to open a most destructiye fire. couragement and sympathy as he took him by Thus posted were the enemy. the hand. But the orders came (o " Take the Bridge.'' That night, as his men lay on the ground At about 11 o'clock Burnside ordered an at- they had won, he went through the Regiment tack. First two regiments essayed to cross and took the names of all those who had fol- this bridge of death. They struggled forward lowed him through the terrible path across a little distance, terribly cut up by the fire in the bridge. Of five hundred who were in the flank, paused, staggered, and came back. It ranks in the morning, scarcely two hundred seemed impossible that mortal men could cross were on the hill that night. Most of that by so terrible a path and live. Again the at- fearful deficiency were killed and wounded. tempt was made by fresh troops, and again Thus, Hartranft at Antietam. they were repulsed by the terrible fire. AT FREDERICKSBURG. Still the Bridge must be taken. During McClellan's inactivity while Lee
Then General Ferrero rode up to Hartranft, was escaping to a safe distance, the army lay who lay with his regiment behind a knoll a in Pleasant Valley, in Maryland, and at short distance from the stream, and said to length crossed into Virginia. Burnside was him " General Burnside directs you to take placed in command of the Army of the Poto- your regiment, and cross the bridge." Hart mac, and it commenced the movement through ranft never questioned the orders of his supe Virginia, toward Fredericksburg. The dis- riors. It was his rule always to obey. Amid tance was long and the march toilsome. the cheers of his own men, and the shouts of At Fredericksburg, when Burnside made all those who witnessed the attempt, he led his bold and nobly conceived, but disastrous forward his regiment, alone, and unsupport. attack in December, Col. Hartranft once more ed. Avoiding the unsheltered road below the led his regiment into battle. Crossing on the bridge they reached the wing walls of the .pontoon bridge in front of the town, his structure, and lay a few moments skirmish- men, who formed a part of Sturgis' Division, ing, holding the ground thus gained. A regi- as at Antietam, were sent to storm the heights ment was hurried up to support them, but the just back of Fredericksburg. The rebel situation was a terrible one. On all sideg works were carefully constructed and very men and oflficers were falling. Capt. Bolton, strong, scarcely less so than their position at of Hartranft's regiment, was shot through the Antietam. But the Division, in the face of a eheeks. Two other officers were killed. most terrible fire, reached within eighty yards Hartranft led his men to the charge, and they of the crest o f the hill it aimed to take, but dashed gallantly into the storm of leaden hail. having been fearfully weakened in numbers, Lieut. Col. Bell fell mortally wounded, the during its advance, had to halt. But it held little stream of heroes was fearfully thinned the point gained for three hours. Notwith- as they struggled forward, but by words and standing it was confronted by vastly superior example Hartranft urged them on and numbers of infantry, and enfiladed by batte- The Bridge w.».s Carried. ries on each flank, even after its ammunition "IH
had all been spent it did not gire iraj, but hare been told, however, Col. Hartranft,iritli* out the title, has been the general, in field and finalljheld its ground till properlj rsIicTad oamp, through all the campaigns from North] shortly after sunset. Carolina through Virginia, here. His popu-' Amid^the terrible storm that net them as larity is coextensive with the Division, at thej rushed up the hill, and irhile they stub- least, as well as his reputation for ability. I bornly held their position under th« galling had some curiosity to see him. He is a tall, black-haired, thin-faced man, with a heavj fire concentrated upon them, Col. Hartranft black moustache, forehead rather low, com- was with his men, coolly and calmly giving plexion bilious—one of those quiet, undemon- his orders, and fearlessly exposing his life. strative men who think twice before they That there was no child's play whete h« fought speak, and oftener don't say anything at all. Nothing appears to escape his watchful eye, at Fredericksburg, will be testified by the and you can never surprise him with news, for eurviyors of that terrible fight. Hartranft's he always appears to know all about every- regiment alone lost tweWe killed, and seren- thing. He never appears to make a mistake ty-four wounded. Among the former was in the selection of men to perform any duties; he never shows anger or passion, except you Captain Bell of Company B, from Easton, Pa. may see the whites of his eyes get yellow on MOVING TO THE WEST. provocation. Quiet and modest, the long, sure test of worth has got him the esteem and ad- battle Fredericksburg was Hartranft's last miration of the ofiBccrs of his brigade and di- in the Army of the Potomac, till it was com- vision. He is personally good-looking, and manded by the invincible, unyielding Geaht. especially handsome on horse-back, for he is the most elegant rider in the division." His regiment lay on the Rappahannock for The return of Ferrero placed Hartranft again some weeks, and then the 9th Corps was sent in command of his regiment, although a to Newport News, preparatory to a new cam- Colonel junior to him had command of the paign. Haying remained here a short time first brigade of the division. The matter was to recover from the effects of its recent hard brought to his notice but he declined of course marching and fighting, it was ordered to the to complain of the injustice, since it would West, and thither of course went Col. Hart- result to the disadvantage of a brother officer. ranft and his regiment also. Gen. Burnside urged upon him that he had long CAMPAIGN IN KENTUCKY. since earned his promotion, and offered to They left Newport News on the 26th of give him lejve of absence to visit Washington,
March, and were conveyed by transports to but lie refused, while his services were need- Baltimore. Thence the railroad arteries oi cd in the field. He was never the man to pre- our gigantic system carried them to Cincin- bcuI his own claims, nati, where they crossed the Ohio and entered AGAIN TO THE FRONT.
on brief in . a campaien Central Kentucky, ^ , -r .^. n i j. the , . , , , Early m June Corps once more set out engaged in the ofthei, . • watching° movements ,, ^ , i ., /-. x i to " travel on Its muscle. Grant was closing , rebels, and punishing the guerrillas. The . , . ,. ' ^ o o ^ v.v i i i i i j ,jj jjjg iineg stubbornly ana resolutely around
service was not likely to produce much dis-L,. ^ , rrx. v * i •' ^ Vicksburg. The enemy were about to sue- tinction, but it was arduous and severe. Inl ^^^ before the superhuman exertions of the April General Ferrero was relieved of i^^^\^rti^t QenevHl, find his \hnteui,nt, the tevvihle command of the brigade, and the commander^gt^g^n^^^ B^t a rebel army under Johnston of the Division being absent. Col. Hartranft. ^^ hurrying forward to raise the siege, and succeeded to the charge of that until June.j^^o^ ^^^^ in blue were needed in Mississippi. . when Ferrero returned. From a letter written ^he Corps left Kentucky by railroad to j to one our daily of journals at that time, wejcairo, and thence passed down the Mississippi copy the following to Hartranft.lgQ reference gteamers to Sherman's Landing opposite with the pen and ink sketch it gives of his vicksburg, where they landed on the 14th of personal appearance :— june. In a day or two they went up the Ya- " The corps is commanded by Gen. Wilcox, zoo river, to Haines' Bluff, and thence across and the 2d division by Col. Hartranft, of ths^ountry, operating principally in the rear of
61st Pennsylvania tell • Regiment. I can't „• i v . /-. i. m. *° *="^^^ ^^''''^ ^^^ ''^'^^ where the generals have got to, but I suppose' ^^'^^'^"'"S ^ «^«S«- the history of the changes and shifting mustiP^igii ^as brief but very severe. The marches be left until the end of was. From wh^C- ^waro frightful. In the langaaga of an officer. 8
"no pen can describe the Bufferings of tbt n»ir, in Tennessee, where they were just about nen." The heat Tras intense. Immens* being attacked by Longstreet. His passage elouda of dust rose CTcrywhere at the least through Kentucky and over the mountains, ; moTcment, choking the mouth and nostrils, which had to be made on horse-back by th© and making respiration almost impossible- road used for transporting supplies, was just The water was Tery scarce, and almost un- made in time, for a day after the operations drinkable when found. At the close of a day's of the rebel cavalry and guerrillas cut off* march, or at the occasional pauses to rest, communication entirely till after Longstreet the men would throw themseWes upon the abandoned his siege of Knoxville. ground and hide their heads among the sparse The arrival of their beloved Colonel at Le- shrubbery scarcely knee high, seeking shade, noir was hailed with delight by his men, for? and relief from the heat. they desired his cool head and undaunted Amid these scTcrities, Col. Hartranft was heart to lead them in battle. He at once, ia prostrated by a sun-stroke, as were many of the absence of senior officers, took command the men. But he remained on duty, haying of the Division and led it during the whole of for about a week the command of the brigade. the battles constituting On the Fourth of July, after the glorious con THE DEFENCE OF KNOXVILLE. of Grant's operations, the surren- summation Burnside knew the staunch qualities of the der of Pemberton and his garrison, the more lieutenant he had to support him in keeping against Johnston at Jackson commenced ment Longstreet at bay. The skirmish at Lenoir and on the lOlh skirmishing began between commenced the campaign. Hartranft was the forces. Hartranft had been riding in an ordered to move forward to Campbell's Sta- ambulance on the march, but when the first tion, and bold the roads which cross there. ehots of the action ??ere fired, he mounted his He marched promptly in the night with hia horse and took command as usual, though division, and some artillery and cavalry, an4 really unfit to be anywhere but in the hospital. occupied the important strategic point. Other His men remarked, as he exposed himself to troops were hurried up to his support, and at the shot and shell that were flying, that he 9 o'clock in the morning the action com- to " the little life there eeemed determined lose menced, continuing for two hours, at the end left in him." was of which time the discomfitted rebeis retired captured after eight days' Jackson was with terrible loss. Hartranft during the en- operations, and the campaign in Mississippi gagement had four brigades under him. Ifc» special order, General was at an end. In a was a battle fought against terrible odds, for and Grant highly complimented the courage the Union army numbered only six thousand discipline of the Eastern troops, and thanked men, while Longstreet led at least three times them for the valuable services they had ren- that many. Hartranft's own division con- dered him. He ordered that the names of tained only about twelve hundred men. and "Jackson" should be placed "Vicksburg" eifort to and. , Burnside's only was hold out, upon the regimental colors. save Knoxville till reinforcements could reach TO KENTUCKY AGAIN. him. In the night after the battle, therefore, The Vicksburg campaign was closed, and he withdrew towards that city, and immedi- the presence of men was more severely need- ately set abaut fortifying it. In this work ed again in Kentucky. On the 9th of August Hartranft was a most valuable assistant. Hia the Corps left Vicksburg for Cairo add came engineering knowledge came into full use. by railroad from that city to Cincinnati. At Under his direction a large dam was thrown that city Colonel Hartranft, still very much across a stream called "First Creek," which prostrated by his attack in Mississippi, re- falls into the Holston river, near the citjp. ceived a sick leave and returned to his home The water in the stream was raised to a eon- at Norristown, to recover his shattered ener- siderable height, a thousand yards along the gies. front of our army, and for at least one halJt
Having partially recovered he left again of that distance it became too deep and wid» for the field of action in. October, and on the|t» be crossed by the enemy without bridge^^ 16t]» of November, found his Regiment at Le-J^li jfn therefore a most valuable means of do — —
9
fence, and assisted not a little in repelling the roads. Here, on the 4th of January, they ^
i assaults of the stubborn Longstreet. were mustered, and all but a few men agreed The siege continued for three weeks. Mean- to re-enlist. The "veterans" received their while the suffering of our men for provisions usual furlough, and the Regiment was ordered was very great. Supplies could not be brought home to recruit. through from Crab Orchard, as they had At Norristown, on the 9th of February, at been, for the communication was cut off by the formal reception given to Colonel Hart- the rebels. There was no resource but to de- ranft and those companies belonging to Mont- pend on the country,. and this was a very gomery county, they were welcomed by B. E. poor reliance, for the people themselves had Chain, Esq., an old Democrat like Colonel an insufficient allowance of the barest neces- Hartranft, but the determined friend of his saries of life. At length, however, about the country, instead of partizan politics. One 7th of December, Longstreet gave up the siege paragraph from Mr. Chain's remarks may and withdrew. Entirely baffled by Burnside, properly be quoted here : and fearful of being cut off by Sherman, who " It is to you. Colonel, the regiment owes was marching from Chattanooga, he retreated the character it bears. Your discipline in the in haste, abandcning the coveted prize of camp, your foresight on the march, your cool- ness, bravery and judgment on the battle- Knoxville, and the control of its great line field, have won their confidence and love, and railroad. of made them heroes in the fight. They knew During all the hardships of the siege none you never ordered when you did not lead. had less idea of retreat or surrender than Your pledge has been more than redeemed. Your actions have spoken louder than words." Hartranft. To some one who inquired our ability to hold out, he answered with bis usual PREPARING FOR THE NEW CAMPAIGN. confidence, sir, modest "Forty thousand men, The furlough having expired Col. Hart- cannot take Knoxville." We have before us, ranft's regiment rendezvoused at Harrisburg, as we write this, a letter from the veteran on the 10th of March, and remained at Camp officer of a Massachusetts regiment, who for- Curtin, under charge of Lieut. CoL Schall, gets his State pride, and writes thus appre- till the 19th, when they were sent forward to ciatively of our Pennsylvania soldier : Annapolis. Here the soldiers of Burnside's " Here, in Tennessee, at the beautiful battle command were once more assembling to em- of Campbell's Station, where we were twice bark, as was supposed on some new expedi- outflanked by the enemy, Col. Hartranft was tion to the South. the man who, by charging with his Division, relieved our peril. This was done nobly, The Camp here was very extensive, for promptly, quietly, and in order, thus saving many of the regiments had been recruited to the army from confusion and disaster. their maximum strength, and there were a num- At Knoxville, his management and actions ber of new organizations, among them the seemed to me equal if not superior to those of any other officer, and this is saying much, colored troops. Col. Hartranft was made act- where all did so well. I regard Colonel Hart- ing Brigadier General and placed in command ranft as entirely competent to command a of the post. The remainder of March, and "Brigade, a Division, or even a Corps." most of April, was spent in organizing, drill- RE-ENLISTMENT OF HIS REGIMENT. ing and disciplining the new men, embracing The country never needed men worse than not only the new organizations, but the recruits she did in the great campaigns of 1864, and in the old ones. in the winter previous the Government, with Soon after, Col. Hartranft received his long admirable judgmentand forethought, began to merited promotion, as Brigadier of volun- make preparations for the contingency by teers. He fairly earned it at Antietam, and oflFering inducements to the three years' regi- nothing but his modest determination not to ments, whose time would expire in the sum- urge his own claims had prevented him from mer and fall, to re-enlist for another term. receiving it long before. He was placed in Many regiments did so, and among them command of the Ist Brigade, 3d Division, 9th
Colonel Hartranft's Fifty-first P. "V., which Army Corps, consisting of six regiments—the «ince the siege of Knoxville had been station 2d and 8th Michigan and 51st Penna., all in ed the vicinity, principally at Blaia's cross : veteran regiments, and the 17th Michigan, 10
109th N. Y., and 27th Michigan. His com- On the 7th the men were principally occu- mission as Brigadier dated from May 12th, pied in intrenching, though there ir&s consid- 18G4. erable skirmishing with the enemy, and on the GRANT'S GRAPPLE WITH TREASON— 8th they again moTcd to the left in pursuance THE WILDERNESS. of Grant's grand plan of flanking, and march- through Chancellorstille, encamped two The operations of Burnside were not to be|i»g ""ile^ ^^yo""!- The army was beyond "tho crriedoninanynew "Expedition." Grant's, and th« first epoch of the fearfu plans assigned him an entirely different fieldjWilderness," . struggle was over, of service. Late in April the arrangements, of the Lieut. -General were all made, and hej SPOTTSYLVANIA. stood ready to engage in that terrible grapplej Qn the 9th, Hartranft was again on the with the armies of the Rebellion, which willmove with his Corps. Near the Ny river the be celebrated in History for all time to come, ; Ung of battle was once more formed in the rear as the most fearful fighting ever done in any of Christ's brigade, which was at once thrown age. On the 23d of April, Burnside's forces, across the stream, and engaged the enemy, moved from Annapolis, marching across coun-jThe rebels came down upon him in front and try to Washington, and Alexandria, wherekegan to push his flanks severely, when Hart- they encamped on the 25th. They became a|ranft threw two of his regiments over the portion of Grant's army, actually in the field, stream, and the enemy was handsomely re- about the 29th. pulsed with severe loss. Sickened by his se- With Hartranft, active operations began on vere reception he made no further attacks on the 4th of Jlay, when he broke camp near our lines during the day. Warrentou Junction, and took up the line of On the 10th and 11th there was an advance march, crossing the Rappahannock and en- and retrograde movement across the Ny, but camping a mile beyond. The following day on the 12th at daylight our troops again ad- he crossed the Rapidan at Germania Ford, vanced beyond the river, and here ensued a and hurried forward with the rest of Burn- desperate engagement in the course of the Bide's forces to the support of the troops who day. The enemy opened on our troops with had been all day engaged at the Wilderness. artillery, but two guns of Captain Twitchell'a The next day—Friday, May Gth— a move-ibattery soon silenced them. Pushing reso- ment was made toward the left, and Hart-jhitely forward theenemy continually gaveway ranft's brigade was placed on the left of the'and Hartranft won two email hills', where they 5th Corps. Farther still to the left was the 2d had attempted to stand. At 2 o'clock orders Corjfe. Here the enemy were soon encounter- were given to attack, and our troops moved ed, and Burnside ordered Hartranft to carry gallantly forward. The position, like nearly the enemy's works in his front. They were the whole battle field, was wooded and over very strong, and the rebels were in force. grown with thickets. The movements of the The advance was made at 10 o'clock, in fine enemy could not be clearly perceived, and he
style, and the works were carried and held for fell in greatly superior numbers on Hartranft's a moment, but a sudden panic seized the left left. There ensued a most desperate hand-to- of the line, and the whole brigade fell back. hand fight. Prisoners were taken by both A large number of prisoners were captured on sides. The General in his oificial report says both sides. Col. Graves, of the 8th Michigan of it:— "Volunteers, was killed in the enemy's works. "The enemy's cannon poured their shot The attempt, however, was not relinquished; through my lines from the front, and his in- the line was again formed, and at half-pastiff^i^ry being in superior force on my left, my
„<•. • , line compelled to retire. The enemy #/^.,- in;^ *T,« TT I ru was four the afternoon Hartranft s men earned ..i.- e <-.
;guDa further to the right and rear, under thel On the 17th and 18th his command angaged perBonal direction of the General Command- the enemy with severe loas, the contest, on the ing the DiTision, opened fire upon the enemy, latter day, being at and did good execution in driving him back. the Norfolk and Peters- This was a repulse to my line, but the enemy burg Railroad. At both places General Hart- failed equally in his object, with a slight ad- ranft exposed himself with his usual gallant- fantage of prisoners in his favor. My loss ry, and at the latter, while the balls flew in killed and wounded was heavy. The 2d thickly about him, one cut through the Brigade, under the command of Colonel Hum- skirts phrey, moved upon the attack to my support. of his coat and another tore his coat, rest and Lieut. Col. Swift 17th Mich, was taken priso- shirt, slightly grazing the skin. His position,' ner, with the colors of his regiment, while et- carried from the rebels, on the 18th was the tempting to rally the same. Capt. Allebaugh, nearest to the 6l8t, P. v., seized the colors of his Regiment enemy's lines occupied by any after two color bearers had been shot, with portion of our army on that day, and consti- determination to rally his men. The enemy tuted a most important portion of our works appeared in oTerwhelming numbers and he f^^ the siege of Petersburg. Immediately iu forced yield.' was to , , . , , x? iu lOiui It, -iQii. iL -D • J J the rear of it the celebrated "mine" was From the 13th to the 18th the Brigade made worked into the hill, under the enemy's no movement. On the 19th it moved to the works. extreme left of the army and took up a posi- tion immediately on the left of the 6th Corps THE MINE EXPLOSION.
On the 21st the flank movement was again per- In the unfortunate action at Petersburg, on formed, and marching all night it crossed the the 30th of July, after the explosion of the Po river at 4 o'clock and encamped at 6, A mine, Hartranft again took part. Early in M., on the 22d. The 23d found our troops at the morning his brigade advanced to the the North Anna, where they remained till the "crater' caused by the explosion, and pushed 27th and again moved off. The 1st of June as far to the left as possible to occupy that found them near portion of the enemy's works not blown up. COLD HARBOR, Here two guns, partially covered with the ex- ploded dirt, were dug out by Hartranft'a and on that and the 2d there was severe skir- orders and turned the mishing with the enemy. On the following upon enemy. But it was impossible to get any further forward day Hartranft withdrew toward the left and and the began to press severely formed line near Bethesda Church and once enemy upon our men, who were rapidly becoming exhausted. more engaged the enemy. Agreeably to <^^ff^^^°^ '^^^^'^'^^ °"^ ^'^e" orders, he assaulted the enemy in his front|'^^° "P°° *«" ^e- i° ^""^^^^ ^^<^ assaulting column, and retook a line which had been lost by our P'^^^^'^' ^^ about five hundred strong, was almost army the preceding evening. Theenemy fled ani- precipitately from their position and Hart- hilated. But, strange enough as it seems, no sup- ranft's men occupied the rifle-pits. In the ports were sent forward to assist in holding movement Lieut.-Col. Schall, of the 51st P. V. the ground, and there came instead an order was killed. retire. This was done at a The position gained was within two hun- to terrible cost, for the enemy's fire swept our troops in flank dred yards of the rebel main line, and was as they fell back. Four regimental officers of exposed to an enfilading fire from their in the 1st Brigade were seriously, and one mor- fantry, which told severely upon our ranks. tally wounded, and Capt. Shorkley, of Hart- To procure cover, in default of better en- ranft's Staff, lost his right hand. Two order trenching tools, the men used their bayonets, lies in attendance upon the General were killed tincups and plates *o scoop up the soil into earthworks, and thus partially protected them- GRANT'S OPERATIONS BEFORE RICH- selves. MOND.
ACROSS THE JAMES. It will be impossible, within the limits of The successive movements by the left flank [this sketch, to do full justice to the grand op- brought the brigade of Hartranft across the orations of General Grant in the sKege of Chickahominy on the 1-lth of June, and on Petersburg, and the several movements by the 15th the Jamea was also crossed. 1 which he extended his left •areas Le^** Wa —
12
of communications, the Weldon and Danville Late in March, 1865, the nation was >rait- Railroads. To present a proper record of ing patiently for the news of the surrender or them, or even to give the reader an intelligent capture of Richmond, when it was startled by idea of their full nature, would swell our de-jthe report that Lee had assumed the offensive Bcription beyond the limits to which we mustland had boldly attacked our lines. A few confine ourselves. hours later, and the report was confirmed, but During the movements upon the Weldon with the cheering and encouraging addition Railroad, on the 19th, 20th and 21st of Au- that our troops had most brilliantly repulsed gust, General Hartranft commanded his bri- the attack in one of the hardest engagements,
gade and did good service in the three days' for its duration, of the war ; that this magnifi- fighting there. Major Belcher, of the 8th cent feat had been performed by a Division Michigan, was killed, and Major Hart, of the composed of new regiments only recently re- 51st Pennsylvania, was three times wounded cruited from Pennsylvania, but disciplined, in the engagement. The brigade lost fifteen trained, and led by a Pennsylvania General, ki'lled, seventy-nine wounded, and twenty- now, for his skill and courage, named " Thk three missing. Hero of Fout Steadman." In the engagements near Poplar Springs Gen. Hartranft, at this time, was in com- Church, commencing on the 30th of September mand of the 3d Division of the 9th Corps. It and ending on the 8th of the following month, was composed, as just stated, of Pennsylvania Gen. Hartranft had command of the 2d Bri- regiments, raised for one year, and just sent gade, instead of the 1st, and participated. In into the field. To organize and discipline the first day's fighting his little command was them no better man could have been selected almost Burrounded, the troops on the right than Hartranft, and his choice for the position having been forced to give way before su was most appropriate and fortunate. Of the perior numbers. The Brigade formed the ex. character of this battle we shall present some trcme left of the army. Two regiments on the idea by copying from a General Order issued right came rushing toward his line in confu by Gen. Parke, commanding the 9th Corps: eion, but he checked them, restored order "At four A. M., on March 26th, the enemy and re-formed them near his command. The haVing massed three divisions in front of Fort Steadman, in the lines of the Third Brigade, nature of the ground and dense growth of First Division, of this Corps, by a sudden rush timber and sorghum prevented a view of the broke the picket line, and after a gallant de- operations ol other troops. As a consequence, fence by the garrison of Fort Steadman, over- the enemy had pushed back those on the right powered it and gained possession of the Fort and a portion of the parapet on either side. far in the rear of the position of Hartranft's He then assaulted Fort Haskell and Battery brigade before he was informed of it. It was 9, but was repulsed with much loss. He at- only by the greatest skill and resolution that tempted to advance toward the Railroad, but he brought off his command in safety and re- was speedily checked, and the First Brigade, Third Division, coming up, he was forced back joined our main body on the new line which to the fort. From thence he was driven by a had been formed. charge of the Third Division, and the Second At Hatcher's Run, on the 27th and 28th of and Third Brigades, First Division, with the October, General Hartranft commanded the loss of many killed and wounded, 1,949 pris- oners, including 71 commissioned officers, and 1st Brigade of the 1st Division, 9th Corps, nine stands of colors, and the entire line which contained several of the old regiments seized by him was reoccupied, previously under him in the 3d Division. "To Brig. -Gen. J. F. Hartranft, command- THE BATTLE OF FORT STEADMAN. ing Third Division, who had charge of the as- sault, great credit is due; and his Division is Grant's gigantic combinations and resolute specially congratulated on the distinguished perseverance were beginning to effect the de- success which their good conduct has met with
sired result. Richmond tottered to its fall, in this, their first, engagement."
and the campaigns in which we had so long The "charge" and " the assault," as it is fought for its possession were about drawing termed by Gen. Parke, was the grand exploit to a close. But before giving up entirely, Lee of the day, and that which will naturally most made one more desperate effort, like the enrao-ed be dwelt upon, though the courage with which boand of a eavage animal driven to madness. Hartranft rallied his troops and stubbornly — — —
'fe
held* his position earlier in the day, was no At Fort Steadman, xiartranft iron hia Vttrrel less of importance. By the first achieTcment of Major General, an honor well-deserved. disaster wag averted, by the pecond a grand A communication from Gen. Meade, command- victory was obtained. ing the Army of the Potomac, to Gen. Parke,
Gen. Hartranft, in his official report, thus commanding the 9th Corps, was enclosed by describes his assault upon the enemy, though the latter to Gen. Hartranft, rnd in sending he refers with less fullness than we could wish it used the following complimentary lan- :— to its entire success : guage
** It was now about 7. SO A. M. when I re- "He [Gen. Parke] bids me [A. A. G.] say ceived an order from General Parke, through in connection therewith, that such prompt re- cognition of your services, on the 25th inst., one of his staff, to retake the line. . My plan by the President, the Lieutenant of attack was as follows : Orders were sent General, and out that an assault would be made by my the Major General commanding this Army, (irhole division in 15 minutes, and that the affords him the greatest pleasure, and he begs signal for the assault would be the advance of you will accept his hearty congratulations, on 'the 211th P. V. from the hills in the rear to- your well-deserved promotion." • ward Steadman. Gen. Meade's letter is as follows : " Captain Hodgkins was directed to advance with the 2d Brigade under Colonel Mathews Head Qks. Army or the Potomac, Major Bertolette with the 200th and 211th Pa. March 27th, 1865. ^Vols. on the right, and as soon as the 211th To Major General J. G. Parlce, Commanding Ninth ^P. V. could be]" put into position it was ad- Army Corps : vanced toward ^Steadman under the direction General—The commanding General directs of Captain AVatts, A. D. C, in full view of the me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter enemy. This was done for the purpose of at- of this date, recommending Brig. Gen. Hart- tracting the attention and fire of the enemy, ranft U. S. Volunteers for the Brevet of Major and cover the movements of the balance of General of Volunteers, for his conspicuous the Division, which was to carry the works. gallantry in recapturing Fort Steadman, du- This ruse was a complete success. The ene- ring the action of the 25th inst., as well as my, seeing the advance of this regiment num-, for his industry and eSiciency in organizing bering about 600 muskets, in such handsome, and disciplining his division composed of new manner, commenced to waver, when the bal-; regiments. ance of the Division charged with a will 'in; In reply, I am directed to inform you, that the most gallant style, and in a moment before the receipt of your letter, a recommen- Steadman, Batteries 11 and 12, and the entire dation of this same effect had been made by line which had been lost, was recaptured, the Commanding General to Lieut. General with a large number of prisoners, battle-flags Grant, to which a response wns received, that, and small arms. this nomination had been made to the Secre- ' After the troops had commenced moving tary of War, and a telegraphic answer return- to make this assault, I received orders not to ed that the appointment should be made. make it until a Division of the 6th Army Since then the Commanding General is in- Corps, which was on its way to support me, formed by telegraph that Brig. Gen. Hartranft had arrived. But I saw that the enemy had is brevetted Major General, and the appoint- already commenced to waver, and that success ment has been forwarded by mail. Your re- was certain. I therefore allowed the lines to commendation is, however, forwarded to com- charge. Besides this it was doubtful whether plete the record. I could have communicated with the regiments I am. General, very respectfully, on the flanks in time to countermand the Your Obdt. Servt., movement. (Signed) GEO. D. RUGGLES, " From the reports of my subordinate com- Asst. Adj't. Gertm manders as well as from my own observa- THE FINAL ASSAULT. tions, at least fifteen hundred of the prisoners, and all the battle-flags captured, were taken In the final grand assault on Petersburg, by and passed to the rear through the lines ofi when the " Confederacy" of traitors crum- my Division, but were afterward collected by bled away at last, like a rotten shell. General other troops, while but one battle-flag was Hartranft bore once more a credited to my account. The otScersaud men| distinguished were so eager to regain the lost ground, and part. Regimental commanders so desirous to main- On the 2d of April, in command of his Di- tain their several organizations, which had vision, which had fought so well at Fort been somewhat broken after charging through Steadman, and assisted also ky 1st the bomb-proofs and old works around the the Brigade forts, that little or no attention was paid to of the 1st Division, under Colonel Harriman, the trophies of this brilliant victory." he assaulted tho enemy'i works ia nr««l *t —
14
Fort Sedgwick, his column hftTing formed onlburg, alxtng (he line of the South Side Rail- the right of the Jerusalem plank road. At road, as guard to the wagon train of the army. 4.30 A. M., just at dawn the attack was made. Until Lee's surrender his men were employed On the left was Gen. Potter's Division. Thelin guarding diflFerent parts of the line of rail- works in front were known as "Miller's road, having moved as far as Nottoway Court Salient" and were very strong, protected by House, where they arrived on the 8th of April. every device of engineering skill. They ex- DETAILED AT WASHINGTON. over a line of about five hundred tended Among the many gallant men who had yards, but all fell into our hands in Hart- done the country signal service during iti ranft's impetuous charge. The pioneer part- hours of trial, only a few could be retained the abattet, and chavaux ies cut and tore away after the rebellion succumbed at BurkesTille. but complete de-frise, with great difficulty, Among those whom the Government desired success. All the guns in the works, three to remain in the service was General Hart- flags, a considerable number of battle and ranft. He was specially detailed by Presi- fell into hands. prisoners our dent Johnson to take charge of the arrange- *' charges to retake the Three determined ments for guarding the Military Commission " works," says Hartranft in his report, " were which sat for the trial of the Assassins of the " made by the enemy during the day, one at President, and to execute its mandates. «« 11.15 A. TA., the second at 1.05 P. M., and In the performance of this unpleasant but «' the last at 3. In the last charge the left of important duty he succeeded, as ever, admira- " the line held by my command was forced to bly. He entered upon the charge of the ar- retire for a short time, owing to the fact rangements at the Arsenal, when the Com- "that part of the works held by 2d Division mission commenced its sittings early in May, •* were r«t»ken by the enemy, giving a sweep- and under his direction, as subordinate to •« fire on left, but upon the ad- ing i*»k my General Hancock, the wretched malefactors, '* vance of fresh troops on the left, my men who had incurred the highest penalties of the confidence and the line was re "regained law, received their merited punishment. All " established." who had occasion to meet Gen. Hartranft dur- in the a brigade of the 6th Corps Later day ing his attendance on the Commission, testify under General Hamblin, was placed under to the faithfulness, politeness, and vigilance Hartranft. the night the position was During of his conduct. Even the wretched Harold and' taken from Btrengthened, the *hevaux-dt-friae Atzeroth returned thanks in their last mo- being placed in front. At 3 o'clock the rear ments to him for the uniform courtesy and Ekirmishers were thrown out, next morning justice of his conduct toward them. found no enemy. The rebels had fled. but GENERAL HARTRANT'S SERVICES. Grant's assault on Petersburg was successful, In his statement of his services in the army, for that stubborn city was evacuated. Gen. rendered to the War Department according tO' Hartranft's command entered the suburbs a order, in July, General Hartranft gives the few minutes before five A. M. His skirmish record of his participation in the following •rs reached the city at 4.16, a short time battles : before. On the Staflf of Col. Franklin at 1st Bull Some little question as to who is entitled to Run, commnnded Regiment at Roanoke Is- the honor of first entering Petersburg, need land, Newborn, 2d Bull Run, Chantilly, South not be argued here. Hartranft says " I urn Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Vicks- *' satiefied that my skirmishers were the first burg (not engag-jd) ; commanded Brigade at " Union troops in the city, and Colonel McCal- Jackson ; commanded Division at Campbell "mont's brigade [of Gen. H.'s command] was Station, and Siege of Knoxville ; commanded •• the first which entered the limits of the city Brigade at the Wilderness, Spottsylvania,^ in a body." North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Wel- CONCLUSION OF THE CAMPAIGN. don Railroad, Poplar Spring Church, and General Hartranft and his command saw Hatcher's Run, No. 1; commanded Division
BO more ff 'ating during the campaign. On »* Hatcher's Run, No. 2, (not engaged,) Fort 4k# M «f AfrU ke marched through Peters- Steadman, and Assault on Petersburg. Thi» :
15 embraced a period of service from April, 1861, also from patriotic considerations see that the returned soldier is honorably employed. It is the highest favor to April, during which he received forty- 1865, that can be bestowed upon him or his country. He will five day's furlough, and one sick leave, and, then soon forget his camp life, and become an indus- trious and prosperous citizen. except on these permits, was never absent from The military power of the rebellion is crushed, I majr the field. say forever, and tbe nation looms up amidst the ruins By an order of the War Department, Gen. more grand and powerful than it ever seemed before. But remember that the spirit of rebellion is still alive Hartranft was assigned to duty under General and must be carefully guarded. Let it be shorn of all
Palmer, in Kentucky. political power, for in that is concealed all it.s strength and danger. Nomination fob Auditor General. I hope soon to see the immense armies of the North and South engaged in civil and peaceful pursuits, all The Union State Convention of Pennsylva- adding their energy to restore our happy, glorious nia, which met at Harrisburg, on the 17th of country to its former wealth and prosperity. Allow me again to return my thanks for your compliment. Sept., 1865, was composed of the best men of the State, and had before it the names of nu- When the Regular Army was re-organized, merous gentlemen, in both civil and military in 1865, General Grant sent into the War De- life, for nomination to the positions of Auditor partment the name of General Hartranft for General and Surveyor General. The name of a Colonelcy. The President approved the re- Hartranft had been mentioned in connection commendation, and Hartranft was appointed with the latter position , but he declined to ac- Colonel of the 34th 'U. S. Infantry, part of cept it. It then seemed to be the general de- which was then in Tennessee. His private sire of the Convention that he should be the affairs not permitting his absence from home, candidate for Auditor General, and having and the urgencies of the times not demanding consented to become so, he was unanimously his services, he declined the appointment in declared the choice of the Union party for October. that position, after one ballot, in which he had a large plurality of votes. The result of the election of 1865 is well known. The name of Hartranft was a tower Speech. Hartranft Serenaded.—A of strength, and resulted in his election by A few nights after his nomination, a number 22,660 majority, being 2,585 more majority of his fellow-citizens waited upon him at his than Mr. Lincoln received in 1864. Since residence in Norristown, with a band of music. liis introduction into office he has discharged An address was delivered on behalf of the his numerous and responsible duties in such party by Benjamin F. Hancock, Esq., father an impartial and competent manner as to win of Major General Winfield S. Hancock, and him hosts of friends in both political parties. General Hartranft replied as follows The interests of the State have never been more zealously guarded, as is shown by the Jfy Fellow Citizens :— I thank you most sincerely for fact that notwithstanding the extraordinary ex- this compliment to-night. It assures me that you e» dorse my past public life, and that I hold your confi' penses incurred by the war, the State debt has been contest goon to be in dence and support in the public reduced more than FIVE MILLIONS OF augurated. I also thank you, Mr. Hancock, for the kind mention of my military history. Of this I will DOLLARS during the administration of act speak nor detain you but a moment. General Hartranft. The Republican party As a soldier I fell it my duty to give my humble aid owes a debt of gratitude to our candidate for to the great party which has during the rebellion so nobly supported the Government in the struggle for its thus giving the lie to the charge of extrava- existence and national honor. It put forth its strong gance so often made by our opponents. That arm and assisted the Government in filling our depleted debt was partially paid by his ranks. If this had not been done we would still be unanimous re- digging in front of Petersburg, or perhaps been compel nomination, on the 11th day of March last, led to Accept a dishonorable peace. To do this in a without a single opposition. Such an honor is righteous cause, would have been a disgrace to every soldier. If the soldier is true to himself he must be without precedent in our State, and shows with bounty true to the Union party. His pension list, his what favor our candidate is regarded by the tor his early enlistment, his right of suffrage, his pro party. His military as well as his civil record tection through life, all appeal to him. I need not say that every tffort should be made now is without blemish, and we feel satisfied that to protect and encourage labor. You well understand the people of the State will re-elect him to hia that it ie th« wealth of a nation. And, while this is so.
I present position by a large majority.
OUR LEADER RISEN FROM THE RANKS!
A WORKING MAN, FIRST IN THE FIELD, AND EVER READY WITH SWORD AND PURSE TO DEFEND HIS COUNTRY.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
or COL. JACOB MILLER CAMPBELL, UNION CANDIDATE FOR SURVEYOK GENERAL.
Jacob Miller Campbell is a native of Alle- was one of the few men who knew Aoto to build gheny township, Somerset county, Pa., and and manage successfully the greatest iron es- was born on the 20th day of NoTember, 1821. tablishment in the Union. When a mere youth his parents removed to In April, 1861, Fort Sumter was bombarded Allegheny city, where he went to school until and the first call appeared for volunteers to 1835. In that year, being fourteen years old, "rally round the flag." At the time Mr. he became an apprentice in the oflBce of the Campbell was first lieutenant of a volunteer Somerset Whtj, a Democratic newspaper, in company in Johnstown, and this company at which he remained until he had mastered as once tendered its services to the Governor, who much of the printing business as could be learn- promptly accepted them. It xvai thefirtt com- ed in a country office of that day. In 1840 he pany to enter Camp Curtin. Upon the organi- left Somerset and worked for some tima "at zation of the Third Begiment of Pennsylvania case" in the office of the Literary Examiner, Volunteers, Lieutenant Campbell was ap- a monthly magazine of considerable merit pointed Quartermaster, a position which he published In Pittsburgh. From here our filled with great acceptability until the regi- "jour printer" found his way te New Orleans ment was discharged. and into another printing office. But his ac- While yet in the "three months' service," tive nature was not satisfied. The steamboat the State of Pennsylvania asked for a loan of trade on the lower Mississippi presented in three millions of dollars, for the purpose of 1840, as does the oil business in 1865, tempt- raising and equipping the " Pennsylvania Re- ing inducements to enterprising spirits who serve Corps," which the Governor was author- care less for hard knocks than the sub- ized to call into the service of the State. This Btantial benefits which they sometimes pro- was at a time when those having money were duce>' Laying down his composing stick the loth to lend it to the Government, as it was boy of nineteen became a steamboat- man, and difficult to see or foretell what would be the for several subsequent years filled successive- result of the contest just commenced. Lieut. ly the positions of clerk, mate and part own- Campbell, however, did not share in the feel- er of a vessel, always, however, making Penn- ings of doubt and uncertainty expressed by sylvania his home, which he frequently visit- many of the community. He at once placed ed. In 1847 the iron business of our State at the disposal of the State $30,000 (all that attracted his attention, and he embarked in he possessed in the world, except his family it at Brady's Bend. In the same year he residence.) At the time the papers of the city married. In 1851 he followed the course of of Philadelphia spoke of the matter and said: to California, but did not long re- empire One of the noblest among the noble ofFer- main there, and in 1858 we find him in Johns- ings in this particular, is that of J. M. Camp- town, assisting in the conetraction of our bell, of Johnstown, Cambria county. He sub- scribed and has paid to the Treasurer of the mammoth rolling mill. . "With this splendid State, thirty thousand dollars, while he is at remained up to the enterprise he connected the same time serving as a volunteer in the breaking out of the war, holding all the time army. This is truly pledging life, fortune and an important and responsible position. He sacred honor in the cause of the country. :
Soon after Ms subscription to the State proceeded tooccupy the line of the Baltimore and whilst our troops were yet at Camp Scott and Ohio Railroad, from North Mountain it became evident that s«nie arrangement Station, 56 miles westward, to the South would be necessary to provide for the want Brancl» of the Potomac, the Regiment occupy- of the officers of his Regiment as the Govern ing ten stations at the most important points ment had not made any arrangement for their along the line. The headquarters of the Regi- pay. Many of them were without uniforn]? ment were at first at Great Cacapon, but at and were without the means to procure them. the expiration of a fortnight Col. Campbell Lieut. Campbell obtained a three dnys' leave removed them to Sir John's Run. absence, went to Pittsburgh, raispd on his of The Colonel soon discovered that his posi- responsibility $6,000, took it to camp and own tion was of a kind to call into play the experi- distributed it among such oftheoiGcers and men ence and tact of an administrative and judi- of his Regiment as stood in need of it. At the cial officer, rather than the more brusque abili- time this generous act was noticed as follows, ties of a military commander. In t.vo of the by the correspondent of the Pitt-burgh Dls- — counties through which his command extended palch (Morgan and Hampshire), there was no On last Saturday Quartermaster Campbell, recognized civil authority of any kind—all who was formerly a resident of Allegheny the officers of both counties, civil as well City, visited Pittsburgh, and ruistd, on his as own individual responsibility, for the use of military, having espoused the Southern cause. his regiment, six thousand dollars, which he As for the citizens who remained at home, to-day disbursed to the men. He has also not only were they divided in their political made arrangements for fourteen thousand adherence, personal dollars more for the same purpose, in case tht but rancor ran high Government should not make a payment soon. among them. Nearly all had grievances (real Such noble disinterestedness on the part of or imaginary) to urge, and all alike sought Quartermaster Campbell is only in keeping redress from the only power at hand. Many with his general chat acter ; indeed, his devo of the farms along the line of the road were tion to the interests of the Third Regiment is proverbial throughout the Camp. desolate, the fences prostrate, and the build- Lieut. Campbell served with his Regiment ings falling to wreck—the owners being in in General Patterson's abortive campaign in the Southern ;irmy. Many respectable house- the mouth of the Shenandoah valley and re- holds who remained were without decent shel- turned to Harrisburg with the troops of thai ter for their families, their homes having been command. He was mustered out on the 28tl, laid waste by one or the other of the contend- of July, 1861, and on the oOth of the same ing factions. month was commissioned to recruit a regi- The first duty, therefore, devolving upon ment. In due time the regiment wasraiscd, the Col. Campbell, after he had concluded a mili- companies composing it having been mainly tary exploration of the country, with the recruited through Col. Campbell's individual view of guarding against surprise, was to exertions. Eight of the companies were re- hear and determine many of these cases. As cruited in Cambria and Somerset counties, lawwas outof the questionhe resolved todecide and two in Lehigh and Northampton coun- iiUcases brought before him in equity, so far as ties. The regiment was designated the Fifty it might be within his jurisdiction to do so. Fourth. Many of the deserted farms along the line of Whilst the Fifty-Fourth Regiment was in the the road, whose owners were in the Confeder-
vicinity of Washington, in March, 1862, ii itc army, he gave out to responsible persons was selected by General Casey to escort " until such time as it should be otherwise
through that city the remains of the lanionted ordered by comp' t-t^nt and lawful authority" Colonel Cameron, (brother of the late Secre- —on condition that after the first year, " one- tary of War,) who fell at the first battle of third of the product of said land shall be paid Bull Run. over to such officer as may be designated by On the 2ftth day of March, 1862, Col. Camp- the Government of the United States, or other bell received orders to report with his Regi- authority legally competent to receive the ment to Gen. Miles at Harpers' Ferry, and in same." All the fences were to be rebuilt
accordance with instructions from that ofiBicer ivithin the first year by the parties farming the land. Thus many families -were enabled main army in the " onward march to Rich- to live in comparative comfort, who would mond," but he was not permitted to do so. otherwise have been reduced to various suffer- The Baltimore American, in speaking of the ing, perhaps to actual starvation. services of this regiment at the time, pays the Col. Campbell also required a number of Colonel and regiment the followiug compli- the most hostile and mischievous persons to ment : give bonds for their future good behavior, and "Here is a regiment which has held its ground many, who had angry dissensions of a strict- with notable fidelity, in situations alwirys per- ly personal nature, he persuaded to shake plexing, and often most perilous. Here, too, hands in his presence, and enter upon new is a commander with a head full of policy and a heart full of spirit. Set to guard, with a terms of friendship. The men under his com- comparatively insignificant force, the most subject to the mand were most stringent important militniy tholoughfare in the coun- orders to respect the private property of every try—in a region almost unanimously hostile citizen, and in no case to obstruct or annoy and overrun with partisan bands—he begins by procuring the favor, or securing the neu- the people in their lawful pursuits. By such trality, of an embittered and reckless popula- wise and truly patriotic measures, a friendly tion, by mea.sures of justice, liberality and for- understanding, expressed in many instances bearance. With discretionary instructions of amicable reciprocity, was established be from all of his superior officers with whom he has correspondence, often under circumstances tween the citizens and the soldiery, and even that would have abundantly justified him in the most obdurate Secessionists of Hampshire abandoning the road, he invariably exercises and Morgan learned to regard the quiet that discretion on the side of duty, and sticks Colonel of the Sith as "not so bad for a Yan fast by his lonely post, while the locality, and almost the existence, of his regiment is kee."; un- known to our army. Moving day and night the 25th of May, Gen. On when Banks was from one post to another, as' often as he driven down the Shenandoah Valley, General is threatened, cleverly escaping when des- Miles ordered Col. Campbell to concentrate perately beset, frequently throwing out his whole force as pickets when he hasnoreserves his Eegiment for the protection of South to fall back upon, again and again ingenious- Branch Bridge, as a large force of the enemy ly befooling his enemy by almost amusing de- were advancing in that direction from Rom- vices, he has shown himself a capable strate- gist, a vigorous faithful soldier, ney with the intention to destroy it. He commander, a and a brave man. promptly carried out the order, and after driv- Col. Campbell has on several occasions re- ing the far enemy beyond Romney, he return- quested to be relieved from duty on the rail- ed to his post at the bridge, and on the 3d of road (where, unhappily for him, he is exact- June, again deployed his command along the ly the right man in the right place), and sent into active service in the field. Had he availed line of the road as they had been before the himself of the discretionary orders given him retreat of Gen. Banks. the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company Skirmishing with the enemy's pickets was would h Campbell's Regiment temporarily to the com- ihe Rebels, is a matter for conjecture ; for mand of Gen. Franklin, but with orders to with Romney in their possession the brave and vigilant Gen. Kelly had not troops enough 'retain their position on the road, unless at that time to defend the place. threatened by a very superior force, in which When Harper's Ferry was invested Col. event he was to concentrate his regiment at Campbell procured from the west end of the Hancock, on the north side of the Potomac. road a locomotive and several open platform cars. With these he moved his men from Col. Campbell, however, never deemed it neces- point to point, wherever threatened, and sary to availLiniself of (be discretionary power always in time to checkmate the enemy and given him and nmintained his position on the preserve the 54 miles of railioad un The Wheeling (daily) Press, in speaking of ed, but sent out detachments 'wherever the found, giving no rest. tliis regiment, uses tlie following language: enemy could be them By sending out a decoy train at one time he " Whilst the newspaper press is enumerat- almost succeeded in capturing the whole rebel ing tlie gallant deeds of our army, and giving, just praise to thedifi'erent Divisions, Brigades force. Although not entirely successful in comprising it, there are many and llegitnents the attempt, the enemy was severely punish- equally meritorious who are omitted, and who ed, and a large number of them captured. are equally entiiled to the gratitude of tlicir fellow citizens. Among this class I would But they were always very careful thereafter name the 54th Ta. Vols., Col. J. ]M. Campbell. about attacking any of our trains. has been stationed along the This regiment On the 5th of July, Col. Campbell, with his line of the Baltimore and Ohio R. 11. since last command, was ordered to New Creek to form April. Abetter disciplined set of men, or a more vigilant set of olficers are not to be part of the column under Gen. Kelly, which found in the service. Col. Campbell, by his was to march to Cherry Run to prevent the deportment, his gentlemaulj'^ and unassuming Rebel force under Lee gaining possession of vigilance and fine administrative abilities, has the fords at that point, and prevent their com- endeared himself to the citizens of Berkley Morgan and Hampshire counties, and his mill ing farther west. On the IGth, Col. Camp- tary qualifications are of the highest order bell, with his brigade, was sent across the the right in the righi He is emphatically man river, and after a spirited engagement drove place, a fact of which the government appears the rebel force out of Hedgesville, and took to be well aware, as they have turned a deaf 19th they ear to all his numerous applications to be re- possession of that place. On the moved to other fields of service." came upon the enemy near the junction of the Winchester and Martiasburg road, and with , Col. Campbell continued to guard the line of the road until the 25th of December, 1862, the assistance of Gen. Averill's cavalry suc- when his regiment was once more brought to- ceeded in driving the enemy as far as Mar- gether at North Mountain station, and the tinsburg. In the meantime the rebel Gen. different posts along the road were occupied Early, with 22,000 men, made a detour to the by the 15th Virginia. Here Col. Campbell west side of North Mountain for the purpose and his regiment remained until the 6th of of capturing Gen. Kelly's entire force, which March, and all time not necessarily taken up now lay near Hedgesville. In this he entire- in scouts and expeditions after the forces of ly failed. Our force fell back in the nigh* Imboden and McNeil, was spent in perfecting across the river at Cherry Run, Col. Camp- his men in regimental drill, the long sepa- bell bringing up the rear, and holding the until all force ration of the diiferent companies of his regi- enemy in check our was across .\fter reinforcements arrived, ment rendering this essentially necessary. On the river, had again crossed the river drove the 6th of March, 1863, Col. Campbell was or- our forces and of Winchesterj dered with his regiment to Romney, and there (he enemy south when Col. his brigade, was ordered to assigned to the command of the 4th Brigade Campbell, with their stations the 1st Division, 8th Army Corps. With this return to former among mountains, where they remained force he proceeded to occupy the different Hampshire to Gth, he mountain passes, making his headquarters at doing active duty November when to Spring- Mechanicsburg Gap. "While occupying this was ordered, with his command, to him all the troops position they were in almost daily conflict field, and had assigned railroad from Cherry with the guerrilla forces of Imboden and \long the line of the in addition to his brigade. McNeil. These guerrilla chieftains had suc- Run to New Creek, ceeded in driving from these mountain passes On the 4th of Jan., 1864, he moved with all the Union forces that had ever occupied or his command to Cumberland, which point was attempted to occupy them. If they had not threatened by the forces of Rosser and Fiti- the force to attack our men they would invari- hugh Lee. Here he remained until General ably cut off their communications, capture al- Sigel took command of the Department of most every train sent out for supplies, and by West Virginia. In a reorganization of the this means compel them to evacuate their po- troops which.took place, Col. Campbell, at his sitions. Col. Campbell soon changed the as- own request, returned to the command of his pect of affairs. He did not wait to be attack- regiment. At the battle of New Market, May : : 15th, the regiment suffered severely. It oc- time flanking the enemy's right and attack- cupied the extreme left of the line, and was ing him in the rear. After the battle Colonel the last to leave the field. Campbell was assigned to the command of a We quote from the official report of that brigade, and as a special favor his own regi- battle as follows ment was transferred to it, that it might re- " Just then, as our left was falling back, main under its old commander. hotly pressed by tbeenemy, who were advanc- In all the engagements of Hunter while on with ing loud shouts, Col. Campbell ordered a his celebrated " Lynchburg Raid," Colonel charge by his gallant 54th regiment. They Campbell and his brigade took a prominent had been lying flat on the ground, and when the charge was ordered they sprang to their part. The brigade sufl'ered heavily in the at- feet with a loud yell, advanced at a double- tack upon Lynchburg, the loss in his old quick, firing as they advaaced, driving the Regiment alone being 55. On the return from enemy back for full a hundred yards, but the that place, CoL Campbell with his Brigade enemy were promptly reinforced, and, after an obstinate stand, our brave boys were again covered the retreat. On July 24th, the brigade driven back, the enemy again advancing, participated in the battle of Winchester, and while our infantry and artillery were mowing upon the fall of Col. Mulligan, Col. Campbell down their ranks at a most frightful rate. took command of his division. He continued The 54th was driven back to their original position, where they made a stand once more, in its command until its consolidation into a while the enemy still continued to receive re- brigade, consequent upon its many losses ia inforcements. About this time our right be- killed and wounded, and afterward command- gan to waver ; they were outflanked by the ed the brigade. After Sheridan came to the enemy, and compelled to give way in some confusion. The enemy then made a dash upon head of the Department, he participated ia our centre amidst a torrent of grapeshot from the engagements in the Shenandoah under our batteries, but still they advanced, and that renowned chieftain until he was muster- would have taken our batteries if they had ed out of service nearly two months after the not been promptly moved from their position. Still, the left of our forces held their position. expiration of his three years' term of enlist- Col. Curtis, with his 12th, and Col. Weddle, ment. with the 1st Virginia, stood their ground Two companies of his regiment had been bravely, and disputed it inch by inch. Col. mustered out of service, the remaining ones Campbell, with the 54th Pennsylvania, on the extreme left of our line, would not give an fearfully reduced, it was no discretionary inch whilst the enemy were flanking him on matter with, him to remain, as the orders of his left. Finally, the force of the enemy the War Department (General Order No. 36 which had been engaged on our right, came Series of 1864,) required the mustering out of sweeping down on the right of our line, com- pelling the 1st and 12th to give way. The all Colonels whose regimental organization o4th still stood, until almost surrounded, and was broken. His total period of service, in- their inevitable." capture appeared cluding the three months' campaign, it will A correspondent of the Philadelphia Press, thus be seen, covered nearly three years and Iti itB account of the battle, saya of Col. Camp- a half. bell and his Regiment Col. Campbell was never absent from his " Our loB6 in killed, wounded, and missing command except three weeks in Feb. 1864, is about nine hundred. The enemy's loss is when he was detailed by order of the Secretary certainly three times that number, aa they were mowed down like grass. of War to sit as a member of a Court of .In-' The greatest proportionate loss on our side quiry at Wheeling, Va. In addition to this was in 54th Volunteers, the Pennsylvania and absence, he has had two " leaves of absence," I may add, without disparagement to any one for ten and one for twenty days, to allow other regiment, that they are entitled to the him greatest meed of honor. Their conduct called to visit his family, and these are the only forth the admiration of their commanding times he has been absent from his command. General, and Col. Campbell and his brave men He was, with a single exception, with his com- were acknowledged as the heroes of the day. rades in every fight of his regiment or brigade, Their loss.in officer* ^as quite heavy for the | number engaged." from the time of its organization until his Under Hunter the regiment took a promi- final muster out. _ nent part in the battle of Piedmont, June 5th, Col. Campbell's record as a politician will agftin occjipying the left of the line, and this bear examination. Reared in the school of 8 LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS he voted in 1844 for appreciation o. Jackson Democracy, I ||| |i||| ill Polk and Dallas. In 1848, however, he aban- the supposed || || ||| ||| | which, he had become con- which was hor doned the party q 0^3 703 303 fl I vinced, was the champion of slavery extension In October, ^^wu, uc waa eiectea Burveyor- and the foe of Pennsylvania's best interests, General, by an immense majority, and on the and voted for the Free Soil candidates, Van 11th day of March, 1868, with his companion, Buren and Adams. His residence in the General J. F. Hartranft, was unanimously re- South had shown him the evils of slavery nominated by the Republican State Conven- and he therefore gave his vote against the tion as candidate for Surveyor-General. party which sought its extension. In 1852 he Such is, in detail, the private and public re- voted again for the Free Soil nominees. Hale cord of our candidate for Surveyor-General. and Julian, and in 1856 was the delegate from He is a shrewd business man, a public-spirit- Cambria county to the Fremont Convention. ed citizen, a good worker and an honest man. He took an active part in advocating Republi- Without having enjoyed the advantages of a can principles in his own county during that liberal education, he is, nevertheless, one of year, and at once took rank with the people of the best read men in the State. He is a clear the county as a politician of fairness, ability thinker, and remarkably cool and cautious in and zeal. Hib influence in county politics judgment. In a long acquaintance we have continued to be felt during succeeding years. rarely known him to err in his estimate of In 1859 he Avas presented by the Republicans public men, or the wisdom of public measures. of Cambria for the Senatorial nomination, in He is a man of marked sagacity. His social the district then composed of Cambria, Blair characteristics are of that class which never and Clearfield, and at the Cambria county Con- fails to create the warmest friendships, and to vention, 1865, he was again unanimously se- command the respect of all. That he is lected as the choice of the Union party of worthy of the oflBce for which he has been Cambria for Senator from the district composed nominated is conceded by those who know the of Cambria, Indiana and Jeflerson. That he man. That he and his gallant colleague. Gen. was not nominated on either occasion by the Hartranft, will be elected by overwhelming district conference, was not owing to a want of majorities, is already a foregone conclusion. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 013 700 303 A