davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-07-21

Tribune is just the old. tried and true
friend that can carry it OUT
Comrade Edwin L. Pettyjohn, 18th Ohio,
who rose from private through all the
grades of rank to Captain. writes from llli-
nois: Il have often thought and wondered
widow, and l am glad you have taken up
this matter. With the able assistance and
advice Of The National Tribune many of
US, in fact most of us, ought to be able
to shape up proof and deposit with you,
that will insure our widows getting the
larger allowance instead of the smaller"
Comrade Josephus Hartman writes from
Nebraska: Some thoughtful comrade was
SO kind as to send me copy of your paper.
which | have read with great pleasure, and
| see in it very important thing that is.
your plan to aid the widows. | gladly
avail myself of it."
Comrade ]. L. Eby. NJ. D.. Co. G. 7th
ILL.,, sends his Preliminary Report and
writes from California as follows: Com
rade Shoppell: This is fine thing you are
doing for the old soldiers, and l am sure
they will appreciate it. l will call their
attention to it. send you other papers
to be kept with my report. They will be
safest with YOU"
Comrade Albert Hartman, Co. E, 10th
Iowa. sends his Preliminary Report. and
writes: Il am thankful for such friend
as the old soldier has in The National
Tribune Comrades around here are all
greatly interested in this very practical
move to help our widows at a time when
they all need help and comfort"
Comrade David Shirk, Co. G, 18th Pa.
Reserves, sends his Preliminary Report.
and writes: MY wife and myself both
thank you. We are getting DID, and it is
great comfort to us to have this thing
done"
Comrade c. II. Foshay, Co. G., 135th
n. T., afterwards known as 9th n. Y. II.
A., writes from Connecticut: Il herewith
send you my Preliminary Report to aid
my widow, if leave one. We hope it will
enjoy fair health, but we have been mar
ried Al years and know that separation
must come sometime"
Comrade r. w. Perrott, Sergeant, Co.
/, Oath Wis, writes: Il must express my
gratitude for your successful efforts in be-
half OF old soldiers and their widows. May
the memory of duty well performed COM
fort you in this life and be placed to your
credit in the blessed life to come"
Comrade Geo. Banner, Co. A. 10Th Ind.
Uron Brigade), writes: Il thank The Ma
tional Tribune in advance for this WELL
devised plan to help my widow, if leave
one. I doubt if she could get a pension
without this aid"
Comrade Fred Rapp, Co. G, 10th N. J.,
writes from Mitchell County, Iowa: "1n
behalf of my wife and myself l sincerely
thank you for the devoted interest you
take in the welfare Of old soldiers and
their families"
Comrade Geo. A. p. Cumming, Ser
geant, Co. B, both ILL.,, writes: I'VE thank
you very much for your kindness to your
veteran comrades and their wives. It is a
grand step in the, right direction, and de-
serves the warmest appreciation"
Comrade VIM. III. West, Sergeant, Co.
E, 7th Mo. Cav, writes: Il am old and
quite feeble, but l will make known to
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-07-21

line After a fight of 35 minutes they
were repulsed. with considerable loss. Gen.
Miles, with two brigades, participated, at
tacking the enemy on his left flank. AT
dark of the Goth, Hancock returned, by
way of Bermuda Hundred. to his old camp
before Petersburg. The Union loss in this
operation exceeded 800 men. (2O) Much
had been expected from it, but the results
were trivial
TO TIE WELDON RAILROAD.
If the movement to the north side of
the James had failed to accomplish the OBJ
ject contemplated, it had at least compelled
Lee to detach considerable force from the
lines of Petersburg. Advantage was, ac-
cordingly. taken of this fact to strike out
on the left flank, which now rested within
three miles of the Weldon Railroad. This,
as one of the chief lines of communication
for the Confederate army, presented a
tempting prize.
This operation was intrusted to Gen.
Warren, who began its execution on the
morning of the 18th, while Hancock re-
mained yet on the north side of the James.
No more than slight opposition was en-
countered on the march. and early in the
forenoon Warren established himself on
the railroad. Leaving Griffin's Division to
guard the point seized and observe the
avenues of approach from the south and
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-07-21

IT does not follow as matter of course, if man
soldier even if he is pensioner, that it
will be easy matter for his widow to get
pension. AS matter of fact widows claims
unnecessarily delayed, and in some cases never
allowed for lack of evidence, which the husband,
usually, could have supplied during his lifetime.
This important matter has been discussed, from
time to time in the columns of The National Tribune,
and has been made the subject of orders by Com
manders-in-Chief of the Grand Army, but every
appeal heretofore was deficient in essential par
tcular: safe and permanent place was suggested
for the custody of the information.
The National Tribune Co.. in practical way,
proposes to supply this deficiency. In a fireproof
room in its own building, and under lock and key to
insure privacy, it will for such papers and nfor
nation until such time they may be needed, even
such time is many years distant. The National Tribune
Co. is incorporated. Having perpetual existence,
the death of the present managers of the Company
will not disturb the business or change the custody
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-07-21
More Views of Comrades
On National
n " his

Gen. Green B. .Raum, Ex- Commissioner
Of Pensions, writes: II am gratifed to
learn that you have taken steps to have
all surviving soldiers Of our country pre-
pare and file with you for safe keeping the
evidence required by the Pension Office Of
widows applying for pensions, so that this
necessary evidence will be ready for use,
when required. This is work of great
Importance. Many widows are long delayed
in receiving pensions by the difficulty in
securing evidence of marriage, ETC., and
many others actually fail to secure pen
sions because of inability to obtain this re-
quired evidence. l earnestly recommend to
every surviving soldier that he secure this
evidence without delay and deposit it with
you for safe keeping. 1t seems needless
for the old soldiers to be assured that The
National Tribune Company will faithfully
carry out its undertakings in their behalf,
and for the benefit of their widows"
Comrade s. Camp, Co. d, 136th N. Y,
writes from North Dakota: Il am very
glad The National Tribune has taken up
such PRACTICAL plan of helping widows.
hope to God that this plan will enable
many, of them to get $12 month, who
would otherwise only get $S."
Comrade Robert Woodward. Co. G. 1O3d
Ohio. and y. s. s. Benton, writes from
Canada: Il inclose document to help my
wife secure her pension in case l prede-
cease her. She deserves all Uncle Sam
can or will contribute. l thank the grand
old National Tribune for this service, and
will do my best to encourage the BOYS to
send in their papers"
Comrade G. r. Strahan, Co. B, 7th Ind.
Cay, writes: My wife. and hope to
there is no certainty of an old veteran liv-
ing forever, send you my Preliminary
Report
Comrade Samuel s. Lintner, Co. G, 18th
ILL.,, writes: Il guess l am entitled to
some increase myself, but / am SO much
impressed with what you so clearly set
forth that will attend to my wife's in
terests first. l do want my widow, in
out all the 'haranguing' that usually follows
q widows application" Comrade Lintner's
Preliminary Report discloses that he is
entitled to an increase by reason of age,
and he is SO informed.
Comrade VIM. F. Stafford writes from
large city in New York State: My wife
and l will engage heart and hand in this
good work for the widows. Send us plenty
Of blank Preliminary Reports. We will
drive through the country and see the Com
rades. Being connected with the rail-
road, will see a great number on their
way to Reunions My wife is an enthu-
siast on this subject, and will urge ladies
to have their husbands fill the blanks"
Comrade Moses ]. Riddle, Co. E, Sd
Iowa. writes from Texas: II am much
pleased with your plan to save our widows
from being asked whole lot of annoy
ing questions, some of which they prob
ably can not answer. We comrades can
clear up such matters now just as we'll as
not. It's q good idea and The National
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-07-21

20. Hancock's loss in his own corps was
nine hundred and fifteen. In the Tenth
Corps and cavalry it is unknown.
q. Warren J.: Report of Operations on the
Weldon Railroad.
%. Gen. Lee, from the time of first
reaching Petersburg, never expected to be
able long to hold the Weldon Railroad: and
four days after his arrival he sent a warn
ing to the Richmond authorities to pre-
pare to supply his army by the Danville
line alone. The reply was that they hoped
he would do all he could to hold the Weldon
Road. To this he answered that of course
he would do all he could to hold it, but that
he had little faith in his ability to do so.
The failure of the Confederate authorities
to make any provisions in accordance with
his admonition was probably the cause of
the desperate assaults he made to dislodge
Warren.
%. Warren: Report Of Operations on the
Weldon Railroad.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-07-21
The Solemn Duty of Married Soldiers.

of the papers. No safer place in the world can be
found for the purpose.
But The National Tribune will 60 further in this
commendabIe work. 1t will assist in getting in shape
the proofs and information required The first step
for every comrade is to the few simple ques
tons that are printed below under the heading Pre-
Iiminary Report This report will disclose the
and enable The National Tribune to complete all the
proof required.
There will be no charge whatever for this service,
but it will be expected of every comrade that he
will call the attention of other married comrades
to this matter and influence them to do likewise. No
other missionary work among comrades can be pro-
ductive of more good. Many comrades who are not
subscribers to The National Tribune will not learn
of this important service if subscribers do not call
their attention to it. Extra blanks will be sent for
distribution upon request.
Comrades who attend to this matter promptly will
be taking the best possible step toward securing for
their widows the higher rate of pension: that is, $I2
a month instead of IS.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-07-21

"a. This turning movement was made by
South Carolina brigade under Gen. Hay
good, and the incidents of the attack are
thus given by Gen. Warren: Gen. Hay
goods Brigade struck part of our lips
where the troops were in echelon; they
found themselves almost surrounded. and
every one. thinking they had surrendered,
ceased firing. Troops Immediately advanced
to bring them in. when their officers COM
menced firing, and Capt. DAILY, Provost
Marshal of the Fourth Division, was shot
by Gen. Iaygood. In the mixed condition
of our men and the enemy, our line could
not fire. and many of the enemy escaped"
Warren: Report of Operations on the
Weldon Railroad.
%. The actual loss was 800 the enemy 3
must have been thrice or four times that
number. for Warren's men buried 211 of
the Confederate dead.
26. Warren: RepAst Of Operations on
the Weldon Railroad.
~. Hancock: Report Of Ream's Station.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-07-21

Is. The artillery had been previously
sent across the Appomattox, by way of
Point OF Rocks, and parked under conceal
ment within Gen. Buffers lines. 1t was
then taken to the north side Of the James
when the infantry had debarked
ID. 1t was supposed that Hancock's
troops could be readily landed by running
the boats along shore, and throwing out
gang -planks. But it was found that the
boats could not be run near enough to the
shore to effect this purpose, and the diff
Guilty was materially increased by the out
transports were ill-adapted to this use
Throughout all these operations great in
convenience arose from the lack of q few
light-draught river steamers.
IL. The Inadequate character of Bar
lows attacks Gen. Hancock attributes to
1.-THE large number OF new men in his COM
mand, and the small number Of experienced
officers. Report Of Operations at Deep
Bottom.
1S. IAN estimate Of Gen. Buffers was
furnished me, putting the enemy's strength
north Of the James at $500 men.'-IIan-
cock: Report Of Operations at Deep Bot
tom.
10. During the night the greater part of
Gen: Birneys command was massed in rear
OF the position occupied by Gen. Barlow.
The line from the New Market and NAL
vern Hill road. at point designated on
the map as the '.Potteries," to the extreme
right, was held by thin skirmish line
only. One of Gen. Motifs best brigades,
under Col. Craig (105th Pa.), was sent to
Gen. Birney. The remainder Of Motifs
Division was massed in rear Of his picket
line, except small force left at the POT
teries." Gibbons Division Temporarily
under Col. Smythe) was also massed in
rear of the skirmish lipe. and Barlow's
DivieiOn was concentrated near the fork of
the Darby and Long Bridge roads.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-07-21

west. the advance was continued north
ward along the railroad. After proceeding
mile toward Petersburg, the enemy was
found in line of battle. showing a firm dis
position to contest further progress. (21)
In the afternoon, when Warren attempted
to renew his advance, with Crawford's
Division on the right and Ayres' on the
left. the Confederates took the offensive
against the latter.
The attack of the enemy came from the
left, from the Vaughan road, the location
of which at that point was unknown to the
Union officers. 1t first fell upon the
Maryland Brigade, which was marching by
the flank to cover Ayres's left The result
was that in few minutes this brigade gave
way, thus compelling Ayres's left to fall
back, and stopping the advance on the right.
About 200 of the Marylanders were taken
cover of the 18th n. Y. III. A., which,
standing firmly, poured rapid voleys into
the enemy, driving him speedily back. This
action cost a loss of 1000 men, killed,
wounded and prisoners. But it still left
Warren in possession of the prize-the
Weldon Railroad. Here he Immediately be-
gan intrenching a position.
The possession of this line was not to
Lee matter OF vital Importance. but still
of very great Importance. (22) He, there
over-but / couldn't. l was headed t
fore, determined at all hazards to dislodge
the intrudlng force.
BAD RESULTS FROM BRACES ERROR.
The body of Confederates met by War
rem had not exceeded a division; but Lee
Immediately strengthened it by powerful re-
Inducements, and on the following after
noon (the 19th), made a sudden irrupton
on the right flank of the Union position.
Gen. Warren had directed Brig. Gen. Bragg
to establish, by means Of his brigade, a con-
nection of skirmishers on the shortest line
between the right Of his corps and the left
OF the army, then resting across the Jeru-
salem plank road. This order Gen. Bragg
did not execute, but took up another line
a mile or more to the rear. (23) On learn
ing this error, Gen. Warren instructed the
Brigadier to correct 1t; but before this
could be done the enemy broke through this
picket-line with heavy fire in column of
fours, left in front. Warren's flank was now
turned, and the Confederates, in rear of
Crawfords line, swept rapidly down to
Warren's left. Great confusion was pro-
duced by the men on the front line hastily
retiring and masking the fire of those on
the second line so that the whole of Craw-
fOrd's Division was compelled to fall back,
as was also the right of Ayres's. Twenty
five hundred prisoners fell into the hands
of the enemy, and among them Gen. ].
Hays, one of Warren's Brigade command
ers. The troops, however. still clung to
their yantageground on the railroad
In the midst of the action, the commands
of Wilcox and White Of the Ninth Corps
(about 1900 in alD, Opportunely came up
whereupon, Warren, his own lines being re-
formed, pushed forward and regained the
ground lost. The enemy, in great confu.
sion, rapidly fell back to his intrenchments
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-07-21

his corps, on the 25th, to perform this duty.
The division to which this work was this
day assigned (that of Gibbon), had, how
ever, hardly left its intrenchments when the
cavalry, which was thrown out in the direc-
ton of any hostile approach, reported the
enemy advancing. AS the Confederates
showed strong force of cavalry and infan-
try, Hancock withdrew Gibbons Division
within the intrenchments at Ream's Sta
ton, placing it on the left of the First
Division. at this time under the command
of Gen. Miles. These two small divisions
numbered but 5000 men.
The first Confederate attack was made
at z p. m. in heavy force, and fell upon
Miles's Division on the right. This was
speedily repulsed. A second and more
vigorous assault followed at brief in
terval and was likewise repulsed some of
the enemy falling within few yards of
the intrenchments. 1t should be here OBJ
served that the line Of breastworks at
Ream's Station had been constructed by
another CORPS some time before and was
very faulty located-a fact that made
the defense difficult, and materially con-
tributed to the disaster that now befell
Hancock.
DISASTER FOR HANCOCK.
The repulse Of the enemy in the pre-
vious charges had been so severe and at
tended with so heavy loss that there was
hesitation in renewing the assault. Cen
A. +. Hill, who commanded the Confed-
crate corps on the ground, was, however,
resolved to carry the position, and he or
dered the division Of Heath to do so at all
hazards To cover this attack the Con-
federates concentrated a powerful artil-
lery fire on the position, and, from the
faulty Location OF the breastwork, it took
tiancock's line in reverse, considerably
demoralizing the troops. The lombard
ment was promptly followed by the ad-
vance of a storming column, which, by an
impetuous rush, succeeded in breaking
through Miles's line. Most of the com.
mand gave way in confusion, and it was
found impossible to repair the break, for
the only reserve present was a brigade
OF Gibbons Division under Col Rugg, and
this could neither be made to 90 forward
nor to fre.(2O The Confederates then
sprang upon the artillery, and the bat
teries Of Mcknight, Perrin, and Sleeper
had to be surrendered, after being bril-
liantly served.
On the occurrence OF this disaster Gen
Hancock ordered forward the division Of
Gibbon to retake the position and guns.
The order was responded to very feebly
by the troops. who fell back to their
breastwork after receiving slight fire.
BY the loss OF this part of the line the
remainder of Gibbons Division was ex-
posed to an attack in flank and rear. so
that the troops were compelled to occupy
the reverse side of the line of intrench-
ments. The outlook was certainly yery
critical, and but for the obstinate bravery
| OF Miles's Division and the fine behavior
OF that officer himself it had been very i'll
for the Union force. Miles. however. sue
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-07-21

%. The circumstances above referred to
as causing delay are thus detailed by Han
cock: AS soon as | knew that Wilcox's
Division had been ordered down the plank
duct it up. About 5 o'clock staff officer
from Gen. Mott reported the arrival Of
200 men of Motifs Division at the forks
of the road where the Ream's Station road
leaves the plankroad. These troops would
have been Immediately ordered -; but
the staff officer stated that before he
could possibly get back with the order
Wilcox's Division would have passed, SO
that nothing would be gained. Orders,
therefore, were given to Col. McA Ulster.
commanding the force of Motifs Division,
to hold well down the plankrosd, in an
ticipation Of any attempt Of ths eaemy's
cavalry to pass to our rear. An order
glers and form them into regiment. This
order, it appears. was handed by the
Orderly bearing it to Gen. Wieoy. who.
not observing the address to Col. Neal
lister, opened the order, and thinI ing it
addressed to him, deployed, part Of his
from the battlefield. How much delay
was caused by this error is not Known;
but it is known that the division, in any
event, would not have arrived IN time to
be of ce.'-Report Of Ream's Sta
ton.
10. AutnOrlIy TOT some OF fne state
ments in the above account Of the action
at Ream's Station, is derived from let
ter from Gen. Hancock to the writ-r, de-
failing the substance of q eonve. sation
had by that officer with the Confederate
Gen. Heth, who commanded q division in
the battle. l extract the following: "Heth
would not say positively how many troops
they had at Ream's Station, but ac-
knowledges to a very heavy force OF in
fantry and cavalry. He was surprised at
learning the smallness of our force. After
they had been repulsed in the third charge
upon our works, Gen. Hill sept for Heth
and told him that he must seairy the posi-
ton. which they certainly did very hand
somely by fourth assault. ! He admits
their losses to have been very severe in
killed and wounded
30. Meade: Report of Campaign Of
1864. s~ =.
81. Meade: Report Of Operations.
81. Grant: Report of Operations.
IN