The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1863-06-24
ErOrG the 5SfFl Pa. Regiment.
N-~, n n M.v0Q 1912


through some exciting scenes since
was out to Coles Greek with squad of
twelve men, and crossed the Greek and
got into their breast works. Not long
after we were gone the Rebs came down
and burned the bridge. Three days after
an expedition went out commanded by
our Col. If | don't write in connected
style, it Is because half-a-dozen Dutchmen
have come into my tent, and are all jab-
bering together. Well, the expedition
was composed of five Regiments of In
fantry aud FIVE pieces or Artillery, with
with several Companies of n Y. Cavalry.
Thursday morning, at o'clock, compa-
MES K, |, and B, started on the Dover
road, and one hour afterward the remain.
der of the expedition started. We went
/ to Coles Greek, crossed, and then went
over to the railroad and rested till sun
down. Then the 58th Pennsylvania and
the 9th massachusetts. took to the left
of the railroad, the remainder Of the ex-
pedition took the Dover road to the right
of the railroad. They were to make a
demonstration in front of the enemy's
works at Gum Swamp, while we were to
come round and attack them in the rear
We marched all uight through swamps,
briar juugles and creeks, and came upon
their rear little after sunrise.
In the mean time the other part of the
expedition had arrived In front Of their
works and had been skirmishing since
day. light AS soon as we came near
them, the 9th were sent up the railroad
to cut of their retreat, and our regiment
was divided into attacking parties, some
companies being delegated as skirmish-
ers and others held as reserves. The at
tack was now commenced by our charg-
ing, first on their camps and capturing
their wagons, &c, with so horses then
upon double line of breast works, driv-
ing them out and capturing Il pound
cannon with horses and all belonging to
it. They now commenced a pretty hot
fire from the railroad, but were soon put
IN way to get as good as they sent
Myself with about 20 men charged over
to the railroad and drove their left into
the swamp. About the same time CON-
pang appeared on the railroad above them
and we now had them between three fres,
which soon skedaddled them into the
swamp, those that did not surrender.
We took 270 prisoners 80 horses, s mules,
4 wagons, 2 ambuances, and medical
stores valued at $1,000. We came near
capturing their General with his whole
staff. There were two regiments defend
ing the breast works and one hotly ad
yancing to reinforce them with two more
pieces of artillery. After gathering up
the prisoners and other things we rested
about three hours aud then started to-
wards camp. Just as we were leaving
the Rebels came down with two pieces Of
artillery, and commenced sheliing US,
with no effect, however, but to bring our
artillery back, which had not as yet fired
a shot, and now gave them a severe shell
ling, which sent them back in a hurry
Twelve long, weary miles we marched,
crossed Coles Greek, and rested the re-
mainder Of the night in onr temporary
camp this side of Coles Greek. Along
in the night the Rebels fred on our pick
cts, and in the morning they fred o US
in the skirmish line just as we were start
ing again. About dozen shots from our
II FOUNDERS completely silenced them
and drove them back. The line then
moved on, companies K and B with one
piece of artillery formed the rear guard,
and I was sent back with two men to see
if the enemy we're following. saw no
one at the Greek, but soon after leaving
there I heard the rumbling of artillery
wagons coming down the road. | hur-
ried on and found the Regiment about
FIVE miles from where we started in the
morning We rested here and then went
on to camp, without further molestation,
!, but our peace was destined to be of short
, duration, for soon after the cavalry and
infantry had all left here but our regi-
; ment. and the artillery would have been
gone but for the jaded condition of the
horses, the Rebels came down $4,000
strong, and with II pieces of artillery,
resolved to retrieve their fortunes They
commenced an attack upon our pickets
at Neuse bridge, and sheIled company
out OF block house on cur outpost The
Colonel took part of our regiment and re-
pulsed the enemy, driving them back, but
was shot through the heart by sharp
shooter, while heading a skirmish line,
endeavoring to charge on and capture a
small mountain howtzer that was placed
in a position to greatly annoy our pckets
r When our Colonel fell the Rebels gave
t yell of oxultaton and endeavored to
; make dash and get his body, but were
repulsed with great loss, for our artillery