The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1888-02-01
MorNT AIRy. N. 4. Ian. 81. 1sss


War for the Union. We have been re-
quested to reciie few of oar recollections
OF the war But after SO many years of
hard fighting with this intensely cold
world, since the war, we hardly know
whero to commence with the fumbled ami
confused mass. But there is one Instance
1 distinctly remember, which seems
WORTHY Of mention, wig: The salvation Of
our old battle flag by Orderly Sesgt. Jas
O. johnson. of Co. e. Color Company
of the 18th Regt Pa. Res. Vol, at the
battle Of Laurel Hill, Va, on the 10th of
May. 1854. On that day our regiment
10 company with several other fellows
from different States of the Union, oecu-
pied an entrenched position at the edge of
u woods, about a half mile distans, with
an open teld in their trout, and batteries
ia position to harrow and cross harrow
the ground at the same time. Late in the
day we received notice that a general
charge all along tue line would DO made
about shutdown Forty rounds extra Of
ammunition were issued, coffee hastily
cooked and snmptuous meal Of hard
tack aud fat pork pnrtaken Of. Whiie
eating, my mess-mate, private George
Ketchleoge, was instantly killed by a
she'll from rebeldom bursting near u.s.
Privates Peter Snyder and w. & Joline,
Of my Company, each lost leg In the
charge soon after.
Our orders were "still charge and cold
steei,' and just as the sun kissed the
tops Of the trees on the distant hill 10 our
rear where General Sedgwick was killed
the day before, Grant gave the signal for,
ward. Our regiment advanced by divi
sion, Companies e aud + forming GEN.
tor division aud having 10 charge the
Colors. Before clearing the woods, the
troops on our right commenced to yell,
giving the enemy timely notice of our APP
proach and he replied vigorously with
shot, shell, grape and canister. The roar OF
cannon and rattle of musketry was deaf
eniug. When We reached the clearing
those fellows who yelled SO Justify 10 tho
start, broke and ran for dear life and no
power on earth or IN hades las brother
Taimage would sayl could check their
tight, and the Jig was up. Color Ser
Reant VIM. II. Weaver, of our regiment,
was bit by grape shot and fell upon hin
dag. The regiment was swept back like
chat before north west blizzard and the
rout was complete. 6ergeant johnson
seeing the Colors drop, ran TO Weaver
aud tiudiug him horse de combat, pulled
the flag from under him aud vaiuly tried
10 rally the men; but it was too bot
Waving the old battered aud torn flag In
the teeth OF the Johnnies, who had jump
| ed their pits, be gave them three bucks
aud ball aud skedaddled for our side Of
the woods.
In the meantime (aud mean time 1t
was), our boys had got bone aud seeing
johnson coming through the woods mis-
took him for rebel regiment and OF
course opened on him, for which be has
never forgiven us. even to this day. See
ing the danger from our own guns IN the
nick Of time, be lodged behind tree un
I'll the shower passed and the next minute
was safe within our works. lie had
| btaveiy saved our old battle flag, the idol
| Of the regiment, and If the Lieutenant 10
command Of The Color Company did then
| aud there kiss him under scoichiue ire
of shot and shell what Of Il? IL Is the
only recognition he has ever received fvf
the gallant act, Notwithstanding members
Of Congress have been Informed OF the
facts and suitable reward requested, and
| also the fact that other soldiers have 10.
ceived gold medals for lees heroic deco.
Many men Of Co E. 18th Rsgt r.. r.
". c., particularly distinguished them
selves during their three years, one month
| aud five days actual service. Many were
killed, many wounded, aud Of the on,
hundred and twenty three who gail,
marched down to Dixey 10 sixty.one, bul
few remain.
| Murder. old Dog Tramp was brutal,
murdered one day last week, and his re
mains placed 10 IL. G. Holcombe's bury
ing ground, leading US to believe that II
@. III. had committed the foul deed. Blu
since then Dickie's detectives have beer
az work and the murderer discovered, bu
owing to defect 10 our laws he will pro
baby never be punished, except by hi
own conscience. CART. JACK.
Joseph D. Armitage, who has jnstbee'
reelected secretary Of the Solebni.
vig:Iant Company. he's served in tina
position for thirty five consecutive years
Tue other officers are President, Jacol
!; A. Walton vice president. Edward Hell