Civil War Letters of Thomas H Scott

Civil War Letters of Thomas Scott

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"THE ONONDAGAS" A History of the 122d Regiment, New York Volunteers Compiled by Kathy Crowell, Fayetteville, NY, 1998. Material based on "The Veteran's Column in Fayetteville's "Weekly Recorder" and other selected items. Maj. Andrew W. Wilkin, Co. H, was editor of the column during its 1888 to 1893 history.

September 21, 1862 - Skirmish at Williamsport, MD Although we were under rather annoying artillery fire on the18th of Sept. 1862 at Antietam while the enemy were slowly withdrawing their forces after the conflict of the previous day, yet the real list of staying qualities was not offered until three days later near Williamsport where the enemy had crossed the Potomac into Virginia. (Jeb) Stuart's division of rebels had re-crossed the river and formed line of battle when part of Couch's division felt the presence of Stuart's skirmishers. Quickly forming lines of battle, the 122d then numbering over 900 men, was in the front line on the left of a Brigade and no other troops within sight on the left, nor did we hear any firing in that direction. Our regimental front covered at least three hundred yards or more. The enemy's advance indicated that the left of their line would come in collision with the right of the regiment and at a decided disadvantage being subject to an enfilading fire. Our regiment had been in the field but a few days and were objects of much solicitude to the brigade officers, and for that matter to the other regiments associated with us. Maj. Hamblin of the 65th N. Y. had been assigned to help drill and put us in a fighting condition. We were in a piece of timber near Williamsport, the left of the line, in a slight depression and in front of a gradual rise of ground that prevented us from seeing any object beyond the crest. The right of the regiment rested on a better position for observation and defense. Soon there was sharp firing on the right and all on the left supposed that the right companies had got in a volley on the enemy's flank. Maj. Hamblin then on the left of the line hurried to the right. The boys of "B" company have ever since believed that "A" company had the first chance at the enemy, but if we are wrong and have been, these 28 years mistaken as to facts, of course the joke is against us. Maj. Hamblin remained with the left wing, but seemed anxiously looking for someone in the line to go out in front; yet unwilling to send anyone on the perilous undertaking of finding the enemy as he told the writer afterward, for he found the danger from the rear would be greater than from the front. Saluting him as he passed, I asked him if he wanted someone to go out in front? "Yes, we want to know just where the enemy are posted," he said, then added, "but you are not going alone, are you?" Charles F. Carlisle and Sergt. James Spurlock stepped out of the ranks, saying in low firm tones, "I will go too." With the injunction "Find the enemy and report their position but don't expose yourselves when you can find cover," we moved out to the crest of the rising ground, and behind safe cover watched the stealthy advance of the rebel skirmish line. Soon I saw the rebel line of battle advancing, but not parallel with our formation. Knowing that they would come in collision with the right wing of our regiment first, I turned to go back when a bullet from the rebel line struck a tree beside which stood Lieut. Col. Dwight, who had come out to see for himself. Urging him to get out of danger and warn the right wing that the enemy were very close I remained as long as it was prudent under the circumstances. I just rejoined my company when the right wing of the regiment received their first baptism of fire and in the few rounds sent the enemy back on their reserves. They had enough for once, little dreaming that they had met raw troops in their first fight. The cool steadiness of the men and officers called for the very flattering commendations from the brigade and division commanders, and from that hour the 122d N. Y. Vols. had a proud name in the several brigades and divisions of the army with which they were assigned. To my inquiry which prompted him to come out to the front, the gallant Dwight replied: "I went out expecting one or more of you would be killed or wounded, and I could not let you fall in the hands of the enemy." "Perhaps I was rash," he added, "but I think I must take some risk as well as the men." The gallant Dwight yielded his life at Petersburg, Sergt. Spurlock at Rappahannock Station; Carlisle at the Wilderness was shot through the lungs, and still lives, an invalid for life. The experience of that day was a lesson by which I profited many times during the war, and I give the lesson in brief for some young reader may profit by it. In action do quickly what you are ordered to do. Don't approach the enemy on a straight course. Keep cool, and gain cover often. In line of battle keep your place and you will soon believe that you can defy bullets (Thomas H. Scott, Co. B).

My Dear Friend:--Time and space forbid my answering all your inquiries at this time; but I will tell you something of the hospital service, and the care of the badly wounded, for nearly all the Union men with slight wounds, or those not requiring amputation have been sent to northern hospitals. The field hospitals under the command of a medical director are the most extensive and well appointed of the war, and the wounded command the zealous care of the surgeons, and the members of the Sanitary Commission, as also the spiritual attention of the Christian Commission, giving solace and comfort to the dying. The call for surgeons to aid in caring for the twenty thousand or more wounded has been more than filled, and from time forward there will be the best possible service for the unfortunate friend and foe alike. The hospital tents are large and airy and the surroundings kept scrupulously clean. The tents are arranged in long avenues near good water, and yet not close together as the effluvia would be almost intolerable. The lst, 2d, 3d, 5th and 11th corps lost heavily, and the number of double amputations in the long avenue for that class of wounded is so great that we will refer you to the official report. Four large tents are devoted to the legless and one to the armless heroes who in spite of their sad condition are quite cheerful. These have survived the shock of amputation, and are in fair way to recover. They have the best care, good food, and the most skillful wound dressers attend them. Having charge of one of the wards, my time for sleep or writing is rather limited and although I get about with the aid of a cane I want to get back to my regiment and have sent for orders to return, so you may send your next letter to the 122d. If I were intending to become a surgeon the practical lessons given here would be invaluable. Dr. Bennett who has immediate charge is skillful and rarely loses a case where the wounded has an even chance of life. One case of removal of the leg at the hip joint is in fair way of pulling through. You as a surgeon know that even in the great hospitals of the North few such amputations are successful. The great heart of the people is very tender, and aid the government in every way caring for the unfortunates, lavish in the expenditure of money that friend and foe may live. Of course after such a sanguinary battle thousands died before they could be cared for, but with marvelous rapidity the service was put in working systematic order. You ask about the dressing of amputations? Water is taking the place of oil, and is far better, reducing excessive inflammation, and preventing gangrene which, by the way, is easily controlled and more easily prevented. The number of wounded and killed in the battles of the lst to 3d was over 50,000, and the loss in prisoners about 10,000, or in all fully 60,000 men. The rebel loss in total killed was fully 60 per cent as they did heavy charging on batteries at close quarters. Some day the truth will be told as to the losses on both sides, and I expect my estimate to be verified. And twenty-five years from now, when all the rancor of the struggle ended, the survivors of Gettysburg will be friends, and glad to meet each other. Now Doctor, don't regard me less loyal to "the flag and the Union," the fact is we rather like those wounded men of Pickets' Division in our charge, and can't helpit. One of them is looking at me inquiringly while I am writing this letter, and I read his thoughts: A letter home! Will I write it for him? Yes. Ever Your Friend (Thomas H. Scott, Co. B, field hospital near Gettysburg, July 20, 1863).

Dear Friend:--Your letter of Dec.15 was duly received and read to some of the boys from Euclid and vicinity. The kindly interest manifested by you for their safety and welfare is duly appreciated by all. Since the battle of Gettysburg we have been in only one sharp fight--the battle of Rappahannock Station, where our company had a sad experience from the explosion of a shell in our midst. I will briefly give you the details of the affair, as you have undoubtedly read the general results of the battle as published. When Gen. Sedgwick's corps advanced to the attack of the fortifications (which by the way were upon the wrong side of the river) we were ordered to support the artillery on the right of our line. The artillery fighting soon became interesting and somewhat exciting to our line which lay just behind the artillery. The enemy could distinguish our line from their fortifications, and having a fine range sent the shells close to the backs of the men lying close to the earth. At last one, a percussion shell, struck the knapsack of Peter Bradt of Centerville, exploding at the line of file closers, (the sergeants) wounding Lieut. Gilbert and killing two sergeants, Ruggles and Spurlock, and two privates, Cooney and Kelley, who were accidentally out of the line. Bradt (Brott) was completely paralyzed and may never recover (Letter to Dr. James F. Johnson by Thomas H. Scott, Co. B., Camp of 122d N. Y. V. Dec. 25, 1863).

Peter Brott enlisted in "B" Co. when the regiment was organized in 1862 serving faithfully in the ranks, except while on detail duty, up to Nov. 7, 1863, when at the battle of Rappahannock Station he was disabled from the concussion of a shell which tore away his knapsack and cartridge box. Being almost totally paralyzed he was unfitted for active duty, and after being discharged returned to Centerville, Onondaga Co. where he still resides. Of all the close calls, and narrow escapes, his was the most remarkable we ever saw. Develois Stevens, a member of "G" Co., was wounded in the wrist while on the skirmish line at the battle of Rappahannock Station. As soon as he recovered from his wound he returned to his Co. and was mustered out with the regiment. He then went west and now owns a farm of 160 acres in Illinois, is married and has seven children (a sketch of old comrades provided by Andrew W. Wilkin, Co. H, January 3, 1890). The cause of the shell exploding was a frying pan carried in the knapsack. All the Clay boys escaped without a scratch. William J. Anderson (Co. B) had a narrow escape, being beside one who was literally torn to pieces. It was a trying time for the boys and I think that I was the only one in the company who did not pray earnestly and audibly. Of course I was glad to hear them pray, even in such a place. For about an hour our cannon roared, then suddenly ceased; our lines are closing in; the bayonet decides the contest. Gladly the men spring forward and join in the charge. While the gallant Upton and the brave men of New York, Wisconsin, Maine and other states pressed on under a murderous fire a column of our own boys made a dash along the river bank and got possession of the rebels' pontoon bridge. The works were carried and the victory complete. "Johnny could not run away." The movement on "Mine Run" was destitute of any permanent results except a large number of cases of pneumonia and rheumatism among the men. The 6th Corps lay in line of battle for 18 hours upon the frozen ground waiting for orders to charge through Mine Run creek that was too deep in our front for a horseman to cross, and covered with ice an inch in thickness. Of course the movement was deemed necessary or it would not have been made. We are now located at Brandy Station where the army will probably go into winter quarters. Just now Mosby and his noted band of guerrillas (Mosby's Rangers) are the chief source of annoyance. I believe his band could be destroyed or captured if the right man was chosen for the leader of the undertaking. You say that the draft is a perpetual menace to many of the able-bodied men at home. Say to those at Euclid who plan battles and great campaigns that we deeply sympathize with them in their mental suffering, begging leave to suggest a remedy: Enlist at once and ask to be assigned to the 122d; we need recruits and will be glad to receive them in our ranks; will stand by them in every danger, divide with them the last hardtack, and if they fall in battle will write beautiful eulogies of their heroism to friends at home. Can they ask more? There will be many more great battles in old Virginia and here will be the ending of the struggle. The war may not end in two years but it should end now, and there would be peace before the spring campaigns could be put in motion, but for theblind folly of the rebel government. "Whom the Gods wish to destroy they first make mad," will perhaps be illustrated in the final collapse of rebeldom. Neither draft riots nor copperheads can save the rebel cause. Vainly will they reach after the plumage of the bird of liberty to bedeck their new love, the filthy buzzard of the South. There will be peace at last and it will be worth all the blood and suffering it costs. You ask do the soldiers realize the issues at stake in this war? I answer yes; they know too just what the condition of every Union soldier would be if the rebellion is not stamped to death; and the more the subject is discussed by them the better for the nation at large, for it begins to dawn on their minds since the great battle of Gettysburg that the Union cause is in the custody of the common soldier and that great victories may be won despite poor generalship. With sincere regard, I remain as ever, and with a Christmas greeting to all (Letter to Dr. James F. Johnson by Thomas H. Scott, Co. B., Camp of 122d N. Y. V. Dec. 25, 1863.)

The Battle of Spotsylvania (May 9-12, 1864) The smoke of battle had scarcely cleared, the moans of the wounded and dying were still heard over all that tragic field of the Wilderness where for two days, May 5th and 6th, the armies of the Union and Secession had fought the greatest musketry battle of modern times when the army of Grant and Meade hastened toward Spotsylvania Court House, the object being to place the Union Army between General Lee's army and Richmond. One day the armies had rested and reorganized their shattered regiments and brigades. At dusk, May 7th, the Fifth Corps marched off for Spotsylvania, followed by the Sixth Corps at midnight. The Fifth Corps, commanded by General Warren, on reaching Alsop's farm, encountered a strong opposition from Longstreet's Corps, led by General Anderson. This was at 8 A. M., May 8th and at 11 A. M. the Sixth Corps took position and cleared the flanks forming a line of battle. General Robinson's Division of the Fifth Corps lost heavily in the contest. General Sedgwick assumed command and prepared to drive the enemy from their position which they had rapidly fortified and was so situated that their batteries could sweep the approaches with an iron storm. Night put an end to the contemplated charge, and on the morning of the 9th the entire army was on the ground to take part in the struggle. This was a sad day for the veterans of the Sixth Corps. Their commander, General John Sedgwick, one of the bravest and most competent officers in the army, fell pierced through the head by a bullet from the enemy's sharp shooters. He enjoyed the confidence of the entire army, the love of his own corps, who never faltered when he gave command, "forward." How quickly the news spread through the corps. "Sedgwick is killed" was spoken in whispers. Brave men's eyes were moistened with tears and their speech was thick and husky as they told their comrades of the tidings. The positions of the Union forces are as follows: On the right the Second Corps, the Fifth on the left of the Second, the Sixth to the left of the centre and the Ninth on the left. Our front is a dense forest, reaching down nearly to the Po river, along which our army lays conforming with the bends in the stream for a distance of six or seven miles. The fighting along the lines is merely skirmishing to-day, but if all signs are not at fault there will be desperate work to-morrow. General Lee occupied an admirable position for defense, and in this battle made the most of a defense fight. His line was protected on either flank and the centre well out to the crest of the high ground; his entire line being fortified with two lines of breastworks and redoubts for artillery at the angles. The morning of the10th was fair and warm at sunrise. The Fifth and Sixth Corps moved forward to carry Laurel Hill. The effort failed to dislodge the enemy. The charge was repeated by the same corps, but after long and desperate fighting they fell back to their main line. At 4 P. M the Fifth and Sixth Corps, with a portion of the Second Corps again made two assaults upon the enemy's line, each line being obliged to retire when victory seemed within their grasp. The slaughter of our brave boys was terrible, nearly 7,000 in those two assaults, besides heavy losses in the morning. The demon of war in its desperate frenzy seemed to possess the contending hosts. The continuous roar of artillery and musketry, the wild cheering of the assaulting columns, the yells of defiance from the rebel fortifications, the smoke of battle filling the woods with its sulphurous odor and hanging like a pall over the entire field, all made up a scene that can never be forgotten by the participants. During the battle, as it swayed from right to left, a charging column of 2,000 re-enlisted veterans commanded by Colonel Upton penetrated the enemy's lines and captured 1,000 prisoners and fifteen pieces of artillery (Thomas H. Scott, Co. B).

The Veterans' Charge Upon Laurel Hill, May 10th, 1864 The failure of the Union forces in effecting a lodgment within the enemy's breastworks determined the desperate assault last mentioned. It was a grand sight when those gallant veterans marched out forming for the charge. Every man had served more than two years, and had been engaged in at least twenty battles. Each one wore upon his sleeve the insignia of a re-enlisted veteran who had served for two years or more. Their discipline had been such that their movements were perfect and their soldierly bearing most impressive; and their courage often tried had never faltered at any danger. A finer body of men could not be found in all the armies of the Union. There was something sublime in the steadiness of their marching and their seriousness, yet resolute, faces that told us plainer than words could tell us that they fully recognized the desperate character of the undertaking. Every man a hero, many faces blanched, and every lineament hardened for the fearful struggle. They knew that bloody work was before them and that many would not return. Their great comrades saw them move off, grieved that they too were not allowed to take part. (If Gen. Meade had known the wishes of the lst Division of the fighting Sixth, and heeded them, the results of that charge would have been far different; the enemy's center would have been pierced, and a general rout of their forces followed.) Steadily they approached the enemy's line and were soon under fire. With fixed bayonets they pressed forward under a terrible musketry fire, and were soon in a hand to hand encounter with the enemy over their breastworks. The fighting was desperate, but in a few moments they gained the works and a thousand prisoners are in their hands, with fifteen pieces of the enemy's artillery. The rebels could not afford to lose the works without an effort to regain them. That was quickly made, and by a heavy force. The support promised Col. Upton did not appear. Great masses of rebels were hurled upon the gallant Union band already decimated and weakened by the custody of so many prisoners of war. Receiving no support, Col. Upton at last gave the order to retire leaving the captured guns for the enemy. His loss in the charge and retreat was nearly 1200 while that of the rebels was over 1500, including the prisoners. Gen. Mott's Division had been ordered to support the veterans, but failed to render any aid to the gallant band who had made one of the grandest charges in the annals of war. The Britons charge at "Balaklava" has been sung wherever their flag floats, while a grander, fiercer charge is merely known in the history as one of the incidents in the war of the rebellion. The gallant veterans returned with decimated marks and took their places with their regiment with that soldierly modesty characteristic of the Americans. They had performed their duty, made a grand assault, lost heavily, thought tenderly of the fallen comrades, and were ready for the next charge to be made on the right. The grandeur of that charge is impressed with vivid coloring. In the deadly charge we see them Fighting like heroes, dying like men; Onward they charge, nor heed the leaden hail. The rear of battle, the shrieking deadly shell Stays not their advance, as they tread Over the wounded, the dying and dead Upon the breastworks, mid sheets of flame For the glory of their flag, and the veterans' fame." (Thomas H. Scott, Co. B)

The Salient (The Bloody Angle) The severe fighting of May 10 with its fearful losses to both sides was to the advantage of the enemy, for they held their position and continued to strengthen the weak points during the night. The continuous rattle of musketry, the thundering artillery, the shrieking, exploding shells, the hurrying masses of troops over the wounded and dying, the air darkened by the dense smoke of battle--all tended to make the scene one of awful grandeur and indescribable horror. Night came on and over that scene of blood and human suffering; the stars shone dimly through the sulphurous atmosphere producing a faint phosphorescent light in the eyes of the dead. Both armies sought their wounded and buried their dead, conscious that the battle was only begun. On the morning of the 11th both armies were slow in renewing hostilities. Some sharp skirmishing occurred during a heavy rainstorm at 2 P. M.; the Sixth Corps' skirmish line drove the enemy's skirmish line back nearly to their main line of works at the salient of their right center; a position of great strength and rendered almost impregnable by the skill of competent engineers. The night of the 11th was very dark and a heavy mist was falling which greatly aided Gen. Hancock to place his Corps (the 2d) close up to the front without giving the rebels warning of the movement. The 5th and 6th Corps occupied the front. Shortly after midnight on the morning of the 12th, the 2d Corps took position in the rear of the left of the 6th and the right of the 5th Corps. At 3 o'clock a heavy fog settled down over the field that would soon be made historic by the heroic valor of the contestants. Hancock's corps advanced cautiously, passing through the lines of the 5th and 6th Corps close up to the skirmish line. The Divisions of Gen. Barlow and Birney were massed in two columns for assault anxiously waiting for the hour 4:30 to charge upon a position rendered almost impregnable by Gen. A. P. Hill's corps. The moment for action is at hand, the two divisions move forward and pass over our skirmish line; then with wild cheering they rush forward upon the rebel salient, tear away the abatis in front, clamber over the breastworks in spite of the enemy's opposition and capture over 4,000 of Gen. Johnson's division. The rebel General Stuart was also made a prisoner. Hundreds in their efforts to escape were shot down in their flight. Eighteen pieces of artillery, 5,000 small arms and 20 stands of colors were trophies of the grand charge. The rebel forces in rear of Johnson fell back, and were evidently greatly demoralized. Another charge at this critical juncture would have severed the right of the rebel army and entailed great disaster to Lee's army. Gen. Early's divisions had fallen back to the second line of breastworks and nearly an hour elapsed before our forces again moved forward to attack Early, who had just received reinforcements from Hill and Anderson. The result of the second charge of Gen. Hancock's corps was rather disastrous, for they encountered the reinforcements to Early who forced the 2d back to the breastworks captured at daybreak. They held the "angle," however, until the Sixth Corps took position on the left. Now ensues a fearful struggle for possession of the angle or salient. The rebel forces are hurled against us in reckless disregard of all means to lessen the loss of life. Sometimes they would reach the breastworks, and a hand-to-hand fight ensued. Repulsed with terrible loss, they hurled their shattered lines upon us with frenzied valor, but all in vain. The angle was a slaughter pen and both sides fought like incarnate heroes offering themselves a willing sacrifice to the God of War. Battery after battery was hurried up to hold the position, but before the horses could be detached they were shot down. The slaughter among our brave artillery men was appalling, but while enough were left to man the guns they stood to their work like "men of iron with nerves of steel." Pages could be written of personal deeds of heroism among those gallant artilleryman. It will suffice to say that when their guns were silent we knew there was none left to man them. At 8:30 the Fifth corps engaged the enemy with artillery and musketry. Gen. Burnside also on our extreme left seems to have found the enemy. The enemy on our front are coming again; time 8:45, three lines the skirmishers report. Now ensued a most desperate struggle for the possession of "the salient," or as the enemy called it, "the angle." The Demon of War feasted on human blood! Men fought like maniacs, a savage gleam in their eyes as the men of the North and South looked in each other's faces over the points of their bayonets. The nitrous vapors seemed to burn their throats and nostrils, and if ever the smoke of battle turned men to demons it was here. The trenches of the breastwork on the inside were wide and deep, but not deep enough to hold the dead, while in the woods in front of the lst division of the Sixth corps and the right of the Second corps the dead lay in heaps. The small trees and shrubbery were cut off evenly by the well directed fire of our men as it mown by giants. Still the battle rages along the lines and the enemy is loathe to give up the coveted "angle." But the 2d and 6th were not dismayed. Ammunition was brought up and hurriedly distributed when a lull in the fighting permitted. The battlefield presents a sight that would sicken anyone not inured to the horrors of war. Dead men and horses everywhere the eye may turn; deserted cannon and caissons were standing sentinels over their heroic dead. But the works won in the early morning are held to the end. With the exception of Gettysburg, Spotsylvania was the greatest contest between the North and South. The aggregate losses were forty thousand men. The soldiers of both armies who took part in that battle will ever remember "the angle" or as it was fitly termed by one of our officers, "The place where soldiers fought like fiends and died like men." Another has term it, "An angle of death, one hideous Golgatha." At 10 P. M. we are relieved and go to the rear to get water, food and rest. Our regiment had been on the skirmish line for 18 hours and in battle nearly as long, without food and water but a canteen of water to each man. We reach a small stream and those who choose make coffee, and after a luxurious supper of hard grimy hard tack, lie down to sleep and perchance dream of our fallen dead and our dear ones at home. (Thomas H. Scott, Co. B)

My Dear Old Friend: Your solicitude for the safety of the young men from Clay and vicinity, who have had ample opportunity to exhibit their metal for the past sixty days, is duly appreciated by the only one left present for duty of the large number that enlisted with me in Capt. Chamberlain's company. The campaign has been thus far the most destructive in the annals of modern warfare. I believe our losses since May 4th are at least seventy five thousand men; many regiments are reduced to a mere remnant. Our boys from Clay have fared badly, as you will see by the following list of casualties since the opening of the campaign. The battle of the Wilderness reduced our numbers to four, James Anderson, William Auborn, John Geissel and myself; Charles Carlisle, E. L. Sloot, Johnathan J. Brownell, Daniel W. Rowley were seriously wounded, and Horatio Knight was taken prisoner. Anderson was badly wounded at Cold Harbor and Auborn and Geissel with slight wounds are in the hospital. James B. Robinson of A Co., one of our Clay boys, lost an arm at Cold Harbor. To-day I am the only one of the 122d from Clay present for duty, and as the campaign has thus far been decidedly unfortunate to our regiment, we are not inclined to look backward or think of the past. I am proud of the boys who enlisted with me and hope ere long to greet some returning to duty. Henry H. Hewes, now a lieutenant, came over to make us a visit the 4th inst. His company is reduced to seven men, and he looks as if all his friends are dead. Hewes shows the wear of the campaign, and I doubt whether his friends at Euclid would recognize him. Half of the army are unfit for duty but Uncle Sam and the Sanitary Commission are doing grandly by a change of diet. Lemons and onions are freely issued, and with pickles and other vegetables, the condition of the army will greatly improve. A mild form of scurvy prevails, undoubtedly produced by poor and insufficient food, and very bad water. You ask me if I think the war will end this fall as the people expect and demand. It may be presumptuous for me to give an opinion being only an enlisted man, but as this is a private letter I will answer you. No, not this fall. There is too much to accomplish. It is true that we have invaded Petersburg, and as Gen. Grant proposes to destroy the army of Lee, he will take his own time and spare the men in the future, for he cannot afford, and the country does not demand, the costly sacrifice of life that would ensure from storming their stronghold. The war will end in due time by a complete surrender, unless the weak-kneed patriots of the north repudiate Honest Abe Lincoln and elect a President who will make peace on any terms. I will make the prediction that the War will end in one year, and end in complete victory to the Union cause. Please keep this letter for me if I return to friends and home. (Thomas S. Scott, Co. B, sharpshooter, Camp of 122d N.Y. Vols. near Petersburg, VA. July 6, 1864).

After twenty-five years of peace, many of the important engagements of the late war are but vaguely understood by the general reader. The historian collects the facts of battles as best he can from the reports of commanding officers; but those reports convey but little of the details of the real fighting, and the importance of movements or the general results of campaigns. Few people understand how barely the capital of the nation escaped capture in July, 1864. The defeat of the Federal forces at Monocacy in Maryland placed the capital and Baltimore in great danger. General Early's army of 30,000 men were at its very fortifications on the afternoon of July 12th and but for the delay in attack the city might have been taken before the arrival of the Sixth corps. On the night of the 19th of July the Second division of the Sixth received orders to move to City Point, on the James river, below Richmond. Vague rumors of the dangers that beset Washington were circulated, and on arriving at City Point transports were in readiness. The division embarked rapidly and were soon on the way to the beleaguered capital. The First division soon followed, and with all possible speed hurried forward. The Second division disembarking at the foot of Seventh street at 2 P. M. on the 11th immediately marched out to Fort Stevens, whose guns were silenced by the enemy's sharp shooters. The attempt to capture Washington had thrown the population into a state of great excitement. They greeted the passing troops heartily, and brought ice water to them without limit. The weather was intensely warm, and as they had been two days closely packed on the transports with very bad water to drink, the kindly acts of the grateful citizens caused hundreds to fall on the march to the fortifications. "God bless you," and "You will save us," greeted the worn and sweltering troops as they passed through the streets. Halting at Fort Stevens for a few moments, the Third brigade, Second division, Sixth corps, hurriedly passed outside the fortifications and employed, taking distance on the advance in a manner that elicited the applause of the President, military commanders, and the principal members of Congress, who had come out to the front to witness the engagement. A double skirmish line was formed, and in a brief time rebel skirmishers were flying back to their reserves. At once the guns of Fort Stevens and De Russey opened fire and sent their compliments to the enemy, who were rapidly moving forward a line of battle. About two miles out on the main road the rebels made a decided stand. It was the intention of the commander, no doubt, to draw the rebels on to a general engagement, as the troops were so well concealed that the enemy did not discover them lying in line of battle expecting a general attack. Now began a desperate engagement between this double skirmish line with their small reserves and a line of battle of the enemy. In the immediate front of the Forty-third and One Hundred and Twenty-second New York volunteers and the Sixty-first Pennsylvania volunteers, a strong force of the enemy lay behind a board fence. Their fire was well directed, and in the gathering darkness (for it was getting dark at 8:30) our men were directed to concentrate their fire on the lower board of the fence at short range. Our line was getting thinned, but the men protected themselves as best they could and poured such an incessant fire on the prostrate enemy that it compelled them to retreat in disorder. Here was a double skirmish line of disciplined troops, well officered, that met and drove back, after a severe engagement, a full line of battle. In no other engagement of our three year's service did we witness so many acts of individual valor and daring, and particularly among the men and officers of the Forty-third New York volunteers. The gallant, but hasty, Colonel Visher lost his life by his own imprudence. Each regiment engaged vied with the others to hold their ground and force back the enemy. One thing is certain. Early got enough of the Sixth corps that evening to induce him to get out of Maryland at once. I witnessed one of the most tragic scenes of the war during the engagement. I got a safe position at a point where the enemy's lines were in easy range, and with one of my companions lay down behind a low pile of cedar posts and directed our fire on the heads of the enemy as they raised up to take aim. Five men of the Sixty-first Pennsylvania came and lay down beside us. To my remonstrance, when I warned them that the firing of so many would call forth a concentrated fire from the enemy, they paid no heed. They fought well for a time, and in the darkness that gradually settled down on the contest like a funeral pall, we did not notice that their guns were silent and the five lay as if asleep. Yes, they were all asleep, in the sleep "that knows no wakening here," as I found with horror upon trying to rouse them to action. Placing my hand on the head of the man to my right, I found the brain and blood oozing from the wound of the deadly minie bullet. Reaching over to the others I found they, too, were dead. Hastily rising to leave the sickening presence of the dead men, wondering how I escaped the fate that befell them on that fatal spot, I received a disabling wound in the arm that sent me to the rear. The next morning I went over the ground at daybreak, and visited the pile of posts riddled with bullets. My escape the night before was owing to a large flat stone leaning against the posts, scarred by many bullets. The rebel loss in killed and wounded was heavy for the number engaged on our side. The enemy hastened away, crossing over into Virginia at Edward's Ferry. One day's delay, and in all probability Washington would have been captured, for General Early aided by Breckenridge would have had easy work in entering the city by a night assault. Forts Stevens and De Russey were silent, for the rebel sharp shooters concealed in rifle pits were close to the works and had complete control of the guns. But, by delay, the opportunity was lost and Washington saved. In an enclosure rest the dead of the Second division. Their graves should be sacred to the citizens of Washington. The wounded are scattered over New York and Pennsylvania. Within sight of the dome of the Capitol, aye, almost under its shadows, Colonel Bidwell's brigade fought a vastly superior force and compelled them to fall back, leaving their dead and wounded on the field. The historian dwells but briefly on this engagement, but no movement of the war had a greater stake at issue. A prominent rebel gave as a reason why Early did not attack Washington on the 11th, was that Gen. Breckenridge opposed the movement. We do not credit the story, but if it is true then we should give him credit, for his conscience saved him from raising his hand for the destruction of the capitol where he but four years before occupied the chair of vice-president. Will the whole truth ever be known? (Possibly Thomas H. Scott, Co. B).

In our engagement yesterday, our regiment lost in killed and wounded as follows: Wounded Thomas H. Scott, Co. B, slight contusion of right elbow

My Dear Friend:- Your letter of the 6th inst. reached me about ten days ago, and I hasten to reply that you may know your friends and acquaintances are safe after the recent battles, Winchester the 9th and Fisher's Hill the 22d inst. Believing that you would greatly prefer a brief description of the battle to a pen picture of the famed Shenandoah Valley which you ask for, I will write of the stirring incidents of the past week, and tell you of this beautiful historic valley in a future letter. The army for the past six weeks has been ever on the march and making demonstrations. The recent battles reveal the policy of the commander in its true light. We were only to hold the army of Gen. Early here while Sherman carried out his plans in Atlanta. Then Early was to be crushed and this store house of the rebels laid waste. It is a veritable granary for the entire rebel army in Virginia. The newspapers say that the battle of the 19th was a great victory. Yes, it was, but I think it cost us nearly 5,000 men, and the battle of Fisher's Hill the 22d was far more demoralizing to the enemy and cost us less than 1,000 men. I will write only of what I saw. On the morning of the 19th the 6th Corps turned out at 10 o'clock and we soon were ready to march. Extra ammunition was distributed which was good evidence that this time there was to be a fight. We marched rapidly toward Opequan Creek, crossing it at daylight, and our division soon drove out the enemy from their breast works on the right of their line and held the position while the balance of the army under Sheridan took position on the right. The position held by our brigade commanded a fine view of the entire field and although subjected to a galling fire of infantry and artillery, our position was held with comparative light loss in killed and wounded, but lost very few as prisoners. From 10 o'clock until 5 P. M. there was presented one of the grandest battles of the war and almost entirely in the open field; the lines being very close at times and each side fighting as if the fate of their respective governments depended on the issue. At 4:30 o'clock the enemy were being heavily pressed all along the line and we were ordered to charge in our front; the enemy on our right were slowly yielding ground. The order is forward all along our lines and with a mighty rush, yet with wonderful well drawn lines, the field was cleared of the rebel army, who fled through Winchester in wild disorder. The enemy left three or four thousand of their wounded, and twenty-five hundred prisoners were taken in the final charge. The rebel army lost not less than 7,000 men, and our loss will nearly equal theirs except in prisoners. I think that 60,000 men were in the fight, nearly equally divided. It was a grander battle than Antietam where 140,000 men were in line, and the loss was at least half greater at Winchester with less than half the number engaged. It was worth five years of a lifetime to witness and take a humble part in such a battle. The enemy retreated all night and on the morning of the 20th took a strong position at Fisher's Hill south of Strasburg which they fortified in a manner that seemed to make their position secure from assault. On the 20th, Sheridan's army found their way disputed. On the 21st the 6th Corps took possession of the outer rifle pits about half a mile in front of the main line of defense. The 19th Corps also advanced their lines on our left, the 8th Corps with a division of cavalry making wide detour to gain a position on the enemy's left. We slept on our arms that night expecting orders at any moment, and when daylight revealed the fact that the rebels had worked hard all night in building abatis, we wished that the charge had been ordered a day earlier. The position of the enemy had an ugly look and when Gen. Sheridan pointed out a stronghold and ordered our division Commander Gen. Getty to take it and hold it, it was not clear that victory would be sure. I felt just at that the future was uncertain for every man in Getty's command. At 12 p.m. we heard picket firing on the left and at 2 p.m. we were held ready for a charge. The topography of the ground in front of our division prevented our charging in line of battle until we were under a heavy fire. The long expected signal from Crook on our right, that the rebel left is turned, came in long continuous rolls of musketry and the incessant boom of cannon. "Now for their cannon." In column, the brigades of Getty rush forward, across a shallow, rocky creek, form line of battle with precision and charge the redoubt, as you may picture in your mind, fiends incarnate, or heroes triumphant. Strong arms upturn the sharp abatis, and despite the leader hail and storm of iron, the glittering line of bayonets sweep on and over their breastworks. The victory was soon complete, and when the poets of the next century seek a battle scene to blend in heroic verse, Fisher's Hill should be considered without a rival in all that makes battle grand and war commendable; for such achievement shows the possibilities of the American soldier (Thomas H. Scott, Co. B).

My Dear Old Friend: I promised you to write after every battle, giving you details &c. We have as you will see by the papers fought and won two great battles: One the19th and the other the 22d. The engagement of the 19th was an all day fight and was severely contested with heavy losses to both sides. The final charges which ended the battle was grand, each division vying with the other to gain ground and rout the enemy. We drove them through Winchester on the run, and they did not halt until they reached Fisher's Hill a strong position about three miles south of Strasburg. This they had fortified and it was not an inviting position to attack. Of course all knew that the rebs must be routed, but how and by whom was not clear until their skirmishers were driven in and over lines in position. We knew that the 8th Corps (Crook's command) was sent off on our right and that seemed to greatly relieve us of any fear of defeat, for as usual the 6th Corps was in the center, and in our front things looked rather ugly for a charge. The shelling from a strong redoubt was most annoying to our 2d Division while we were waiting for something to occur that would send the division forward to the assault. At last we hear Gen. Crook's cannon on the rebel left flank, mingled with the rattle of musketry. We knew that Crook was master of the field at that point, and that our charge would succeed. Then the 6th Corps made a splendid charge in column until the ground permitted a proper formation, which was made intuitively by the Brigades as it seemed, and up the steep hill the lines swept on conscious that victory was in our grasp, and the fight would soon be ended. Our flag was the first upon the rebel redoubt closely followed by that of the 43d N. Y. The rebel army was not only flanked out by Crook's 8th Corps but cut in two by the 6th Corps. Many prisoners and guns were captured and this morning finds us at Woodstock waiting for rations. I think that we owe much of our success in the final charge, to the splendid dash and rapid movement of Crook's 8th Corps. Sheridan's success since the morning of the 19th has been great, and unless Early gets reinforcements the campaign in the Valley is practically ended. I have only time to add, that the only loss among the boys from your town in the122d during the recent battles was John Geissel of "B" Co. With sincere regard to yourself and all other veterans of 1812 I remain, Faithfully Your Friend, (Thomas H. Scott, Co. B, to Dr. J. F. Johnson, from camp near Harrisonburg, October 26, 1864).

On the 2d day of April, 1865, the enemy's lines at Petersburg were broken by the 6th Corps being hurled back upon the city. A strong skirmish line was formed under the command of Major Clapp and a sharp skirmish with the enemy ensued. The "rebs" hurriedly brought up a battery of Napoleon guns stationing them on a sharp eminence directly upon our flank. The Major's attention was called to the danger of allowing them to take the position as it was at short range. His reply was, "my orders are to drive back the enemy's skirmish line; we will do that if we can." But the boys on the left of the line were not willing to stand the fire of those cannon on their flank, and were only too willing to obey the order to charge the battery. It was quickly silenced and the charging companies meekly returned to meet an angry Major's scathing rebuke. He was glad the guns were silenced but "orders had been disobeyed." No one knew who gave the orders and the offense was condoned (Thomas H. Scott, Co. B)

Post-War The Regiment returned to Syracuse in the summer of 1865 with three hundred and forty privates and the following officers: Line Officers Second Lieutenant Thomas Scott

Our losses during our three years service were: killed in action 5 officers, 59 enlisted men; died of wounds 1 officer and 29 men; died of disease 3 officers, 68 men; accidentally killed 2 men; drowned 1 man; died in rebel prisons 14 men, a total of 179 deaths. The number of wounded reached to nearly 500, making the total casualties of the regiment more than one-half of the original number.