17th Maine

This data originates from: Maine at Gettysburg, Report of Maine Commissioners, prepared by The Executive Committee, 1898, for and in behalf of the State of Maine, by Charles Hamlin, Greenlief T. Stevens and George W. Verrill, of the Maine Gettysburg Commissioners' Executive Committee. 17th Maine

SEVENTEENTH MAINE REGIMENT, THIRD BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, THIRD ARMY CORPS, AT THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG.

WE have followed the fortunes of the Third and Fourth Maine regiments, the one upon the right and the other upon the left of Birney's line. At a point near the centre of this line another Maine regiment, the Seventeenth infantry, of de Trobriand's brigade, defended a no less important position. This was one of the two brigades which Sickles left near Emmitsburg to guard the mountain passes while he pressed on to Gettysburg, eleven miles away, with the rest of the corps, in response to Howard's call for assistance. But before daybreak of July 2d Colonel de Trobriand received orders to come up to Gettysburg. The brigade marched rapidly, but cautiously, up the Emmitsburg road, arriving near Gettysburg late in the forenoon. The regiment was under command of Lieut. -Colonel Merrill, ably seconded by Major West. As it passed northerly along the road beyond the Peach Orchard it received a fire from the Confederate skirmishers, screened by the woods in which they were posted, west of the road. The regiment filed off the road to the east and, passing through grass fields and across lots, halted near a growth, where the hungry boys made a hasty luncheon of hard tack and coffee. In the line, which Sickles was forming, de Trobriand first occupied the ridgy, wooded ground between the Peach Orchard and the Wheatfield. The Wheatfield was of triangular shape, about 400 yards each side : the highest portion was bounded by a cross road running along by the Peach Orchard and easterly across the north slope of Little Round Top. The Wheatfield sloped down southerly from this road, and" along its westerly side by a wood, to quite low ground, making a corner near a branch of Plum Run, with a thick alder growth on the west ; the third or southerly side was bounded by an open growth of sizable trees, a stone-wall intervening, and this wood separated the Wheatfield from Devil's Den. The Seventeenth was at first placed south of the Peach Orchard, supporting the skirmish line of the 3d Mich. De Trobriand had two regiments at the front, to the left of the latter,—the 5th Mich. , whose skirmishers connected to the 3d, near the Rose barn, also the 110th Penn., a small regiment. The largest regiment in the brigade, the 40th N Y., was in the wood, in reserve, behind these. The ball opened by a shot from a battery at the Peach Orchard, soon taken up by Smith's battery at Devil's Den, the latter drawing fire from the enemy's batteries near the Emmitsburg road farther south. Ward's brigade extended from Devil's Den, through the wood, nearly to the Wheatfield. The advance of the enemy's line of battle was such that Ward received the first contact, on an attempt by the enemy to capture Smith's battery There was a gap between Ward and de Trobriand at the south corner of the Wheatfield. To occupy this gap the Seventeenth Maine was hastened upon the double-quick by the left, taking up its position at the stone-wall, the right of the regiment extending beyond the wall to the alders. Some time after, the 40th N. Y was also taken from de Trobriand and sent to Ward's left rear, in the Plum Run valley Shortly after 4 p. m. the Seventeenth planted its colors at the stone-wall on the southern edge of the historic Wheatfield (a) There were no immediately connecting troops upon its left or right. The regiment took position just in time to receive the first and furious attack made by the enemy on that part of the line. This was made by Robertson's brigade of Hood's division, and the first struggle of the Seventeenth was with the 3d Ark. regiment. The latter, advancing towards the battery, struck the line of the Seventeenth obliquely ; the Seventeenth overlapping its left flank, threw it into confusion by a spirited enfilading fire. Their line recoiled. After a short delay they made a change of front, and brought in some of the (a) The authority for this account of the Seventeenth's battle is Captain George W. Verrill, a participant in the battle as Second Lieutenant of company C. He is also the author of all that part relating to the battle in the Wheatfield. 194 MAINE AT GETTYSBURG. 1st Texas from their right. Advancing again they made an effort to dislodge the Seventeenth from its position, but without avail. Their lines were again broken, causing a partial withdrawal of their attacking forces here, and likewise at that part of the line where they had previously pressed hard upon Ward's brigade (b) right wing of the Seventeenth, prolonging the course of the stone-wall beyond its west end, extended obliquely towards the enemy, in advance of the general position, and was thus in the air, the Georgians outflanked it when they advanced. Perceiving this, the Seventeenth promptly took measures to avert disaster. One-third of the regiment from its right was swung back to a slight rail fence which, starting from the stonewall at nearly a right angle, formed the boundary of the real wheat field. Thus two fronts were presented by the regiment, forming a salient angle at the stone-wall. The movement was accomplished, although with considerable loss, so quietly that the rest of the regiment, engaged as they were with the enemy, were not aware of it, a steady fire being kept up. The tables were turned. As the veterans of Georgia moved directly forward upon the 5th Mich, and 110th Penn., who received them face to face, this new line of the right wing of the Seventeenth took them in flank. They changed front to match the flank line of the Seventeenth and again advanced, and thus exposed their left to the reliable men of the 5th Mich. Meanwhile the enemy, that was not affected by this flanking fire, pressed forward, even up to the stone-wall, and a desperate struggle at close quarters ensued for this coveted position. At the salient angle was company B, with H, K and C at the right ; at the left of B was G the color company, and on its left, along the stone-wall, were D, I, F, A and E. All received a raking fire, particularly G, B and H, but all remained steadfast, and routed the enemy, some of whom were taken prisoners, their color-bearer, who had advanced nearly to our line, narrowly escaping capture. On that portion of the line the enemy had made no impression, and Anderson's brigade retired out of range. The fight had continued over an hour ; many had fallen, but success inspired confidence. To complete his line so as to attack the Peach Orchard in reverse, Longstreet now brought in Kershaw's South Carolina brigade of McLaws' division, which advanced, holding its left upon the Emmitsburg road and pushing forward its right to gain ground to the east, so as to assault the Orchard from the south, as it advanced, and at the same time secure a foothold 196 MAINE AT GETTYSBURG. at the Wheatfield, thus taking de Trobriand in the right flank and rear. Semmes' brigade, on the right of Kershaw, was expected to assist Kershaw and connect with Anderson's brigade. The troops of Barnes' division of the Fifth corps that had taken an excellent position on the right of de Trobriand, and had assisted in repulsing the last previous assault, were in a situation to receive a part of Kershaw's force in line. Kershaw's advance, at about 5 : 30 p. m. could be plainly seen as his regiments gained the Rose building ; as they advanced, Anderson's brigade also made another attack. The assault was most desperate, with a strength at least double that of ours ; if successful it would sweep directly across the Wheatfield, converging as it advanced. Again the Seventeenth at the stone-wall held the enemy at bay ; at its angle it repelled the attempts of Anderson after a long and persistent struggle ; but Kershaw forced back the Fifth corps forces at the " loop " and struck the flank of de Trobriand's brigade in the woods. Pushing ahead for a junction with Anderson, a portion of the assailants made for the west corner of the Wheatfield through the thick alder growth, happily there, which both impeded their rush and broke the solidity of their ranks ; they emerged through the alders within fifty paces of the flanking right wing of the Seventeenth, which awaited them at the rail fence. Here were a hundred muskets, in the hands of steady veterans, to receive them : " Aim low, boys ! make every shot tell ! " With the most frantic efforts to re-form his lines for a charge, the enemy was unsuccessful ; the men dropped as they emerged from the alders ; in a few minutes they gave it up and retreated out of sight. The Seventeenth breathed easier. But the attack of Kershaw, forcing Barnes away, in turn compelled the 5th Mich, and 110th Penn. to move rearward. Kershaw thus gained lodgment in the woods west of the Wheatfield, considerably in rear of the position of the Seventeenth. Winslow's battery, posted at the north side of the field, withdrew from its position. The Seventeenth was thus left alone, far in advance of its brother regiments and well outflanked upon its right by Kershaw- It was ordered back across the field in line of battle to the cross road before spoken of. Another attack followed before a new general line could be arranged. The enemy seeing the retrograde movement across the Wheatfield, at once moved up to the abandoned stone-wall and over it, and also to the edge of the woods west of the Wheatfield. General Birney rode up, saw the desperate situation, and also saw the Seventeenth Maine near him, which had just squatted down in the cross road and had sent for ammunition. It had expended already over forty of the sixty rounds with which it was provided (a) . Birney called upon the Seventeenth for a charge. He placed himself at the head of the regiment, and with a cheer and a rush it moved down into the Wheatfield. The enemy disappeared over the stone-wall and into the (a) Sergeant Pratt of company C (afterwards a captain), and some others, carried 80 rounds into the fight. Captain Pratt has positive knowledge that he fired 60 rounds from the stone-wall position, although there were lulls in the battle, a change of position by the company, and a slight wounding, to interrupt him in his work. This proves the time that the regiment remained at the wall to have been nearly two hours. The Sergeant did not quit the field until he received his third wound, after the charge under Birney. woods. Placing the Seventeenth about midway of the Wheatfield he ordered it to remain there and keep back the enemy, (a) The Seventeenth took upon itself without flinching this task of a forlorn hope. It was past 6 o'clock. General Sickles had just been wounded. Birney was notified and took command of the corps. Leaving the Seventeenth, he went to another part of the field, but he was not unmindful of the situation he left; (b) the gallant 5th Mich, was brought up and extended the line of the Seventeenth to the right ; the two small brigades of Barnes, who had retired from the front woods, were now resting in the woods one hundred yards in rear of the Wheatfield, but not engaged (c) ; General Birney had sent to Hancock for Second corps troops. Meanwhile the raking musketry fire of the enemy at short range, both from the stone-wall in front and the wood nearer and to the right, was making sad inroads upon the attenuated ranks of the Seventeenth and its brother regiment, as there was no protection of any sort ; occasionally the enemy would form a line and emerge from the woods as for a charge, but the firmness and confidence displayed by the Seventeenth and the 5th Mich., ready to meet him with the bayonet, apparently disheartened him. The cartridges were giving out ; every box of a dead or wounded comrade was appropriated to eke out the supply. Twenty minutes,—a half-hour,—passed, and still no signs of help ; the last cartridge was gone and the men were grimly told by the commanding officer that the Seventeenth would stay there and hold the ground with the bayonet until the last man had fallen ! (d) This small band of Third corps men successfully held the line at this critical time without assistance (a) Of this Gettysburg charge General Birney said in his official report, concerning the Seventeenth: "This regiment behaved most gallantly, and evinced a high state of discipline. Their enthusiasm was cheering, and the assistance rendered by their charge most important." As accounts of various military writers have injected several regiments into this charge led by General Birney, it is desired to emphasize the fact, that no other regiment took part in it, and no troops were brought up to aid the Seventeenth except as here narrated.—G. w. v. (b) See de Trobriand's report,—Rebellion Records, serial no. 43, page 520. (c) See Birney's report,—Rebellion Records, serial no. 43, page 483 ; also Sweitzer's report,—Ibid., page 611. (d) See Lieut.-Col. Merrill's official report,—Rebellion Records, serial no. 43, p. 522. from other infantry. The batteries in and to the east of the Peach Orchard nobly performed their work and helped to keep Kershaw's men under cover by their rapid and well-aimed fire. At last, at just about 6 : 40 o'clock, deliverance came. Caldwell's division of the Second corps readily assumed the battle on that portion of the line. Cross' brigade went in where Ward's right had rested ; after this, Kelly's brigade advanced, in line of battle, through and beyond the small remnant of the Seventeenth Maine and 5th Mich., into the edge of the wood, with a rush upon Kershaw's troops, with whom the Maine and Michigan veterans had been contending. The Seventeenth, thus relieved, collected and took along its wounded who were disabled on the field, and then, in good order, finally left the Wheatfield, handing it over, still intact, into the keeping of other Union troops. [It may not be amiss to state briefly the events of that evening, on this part of the field, after the Seventeenth was relieved. Cross' brigade advanced upon the enemy posted behind the west end of the Wheatfield stone-fence, and the wall running westerly from Devil's Den. A hot contest ensued for thirty or forty minutes, the enemy holding his ground, when the regulars of Ayres' division, Fifth corps, came in up to the east side of the Wheatfield and relieved Cross' brigade. Kelly's brigade, with that of Zook upon its right, fought fiercely with Kershaw in the woods where we left him, finally driving the latter out. About this time Brooke, with his brigade of Caldwell's division, charged across the Wheatfield, almost unresisted by the used-up and disconnected troops of Anderson, Kershaw and Semmes. By these three brigades of Caldwell the line was advanced to the farthest point held by the Third corps and extended farther south. This was about 7 r m., when, Barksdale having pushed back our regiments and batteries just north of the Peach Orchard, Longstreet brought up Wofford's fresh brigade, which advanced through the Orchard and easterly on the cross road. There was nothing to resist him; Tilton's brigade of Barnes' division had been resting in Trostle's grove, in an excellent position to defend from AYofford, but had retired. Kershaw joined to Wofford, and taking 200 MAINE AT GETTYSBURG. our lines about the Wheatfield in the right flank and rear, easily whirled out the three brigades of the Second corps, Sweitzer's brigade of the Fifth corps which was then in the Wheatfield, also the regulars of Ayres, causing heavy loss, and advanced the Confederate line to the Plum Run valley, west of Little Round Top. Here it was met by a charge of about three brigades of the Sixth and Fifth corps. These with the timely aid rendered at this point by McGilvery's batteries, in driving back Barksdale's troops, not far distant, north of the cross road, turned the tide of battle. This was about 7 : 30 p. m. The Confederates retired to the southerly and westerly sides of the Wheatfield, about where they were when the Seventeenth was relieved, nearly an hour before.] On July 3d, when Longstreet's assault was made upon the centre of Hancock's line, the Seventeenth was brought into the general line to receive it, at a point where Wilcox's column would have struck, had it got so far, but our batteries pounded this column to pieces before it reached our infantry line ; lying there, supporting the batteries, the regiment was exposed to a severe artillery fire, losing in it two killed and ten wounded, — small loss compared to that of the day before. A MARKER located upon the ground held by the regiment July 3d, during the charge, stands upon the west side of Hancock Avenue, near the monument of the 9th Mich, battery and to its right. This marker, cut from Maine granite, assumes the size and appearance of a small monument. The upper portion of the die shows rather more than the half of a square block, with one of its angles making the apex. Upon the face, matching the angles of the top, a red granite diamond, or lozenge, is inlaid, beneath which is the following inscription:

Position of the 17th Maine Inety July 3, 1863. Losing Here Killed 2, Wounded, 10. This Regt Fought July 2, in the Wheatfield, As Shown by Momument There, Losing 120.

HISTORICAL SKETCH. BY CAPTAIN GEORGE W VERRILL.
(NECROLOGIST OF SEVENTEETH MAINE REGIMENT ASSOCIATION.)

The Seventeenth Maine Regiment of Volunteers was raised by voluntary enlistments under President Lincoln's call of July 2, 1862, for three hundred thousand for three years' service. Those in the most western part of the state naturally gravitated to an appointed rendezvous at Portland, Me. The ranks were full and overflowing within about thirty days after the proclamation went forth. The following counties contributed to make up the thousand strong which formed the organization : Androscoggin, 152 ; Cumberland, 398 ; Franklin, 84 ; Kennebec, 6 ; Knox, 17 ; Oxford, 168 ; Sagadahoc, 2 ; Somerset, 3 ; York, 178 ; Aroostook, Lincoln, Penobscot and Piscataquis, 1 each ; 7 were residents of other states and 3 out of the country. Few had seen service ; some had belonged to military companies. All were anxious to learn and the "awkward squad" was apparent about "Camp King," our rendezvous, across Fore River from Portland. Some of the officers had been selected in advance—Thomas A. Roberts, for our Colonel, had been Captain of an independent military company of Portland ; his son, Charles W., a Lieutenant serving in the Tenth Maine, for our Adjutant. We were also fortunate in securing Captain George Warren West from the Tenth Maine, for our Major, a strict disciplinarian and a thorough military man. Charles B. Merrill, a lawyer of Portland, for our Lieutenant-Colonel ; his patriotic fervor impelled him into the service. As was customary, the line officers were mostly selected in recognition of recruiting services. By the time the regiment was mustered into the United States service it could perform some simple evolutions ; with its long line formed in dress parade it greatly edified the ladies who graciously attended the function. The muster-in occurred August 18, 1862. The following was the original organization :

FIELD, STAFF, AND NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.

Colonel, Thomas A. Roberts, Portland.
Lieutenant-Colonel, Charles B. Merrill, Portland.
Major, George W. West, Somerville, Mass.
Adjutant, First Lieutenant Charles W. Roberts, Portland.
Quartermaster, J. T. Waterhouse, Portland.
Surgeon, H. L. K. Wiggin, Auburn.
Assistant Surgeon, William Wescott, Standish.
Chaplain, Harvey Hersey, Calais, Vt.
Sergeant-Major, Henry L. Bartels, Portland.
Quartermaster-Sergeant, Charles W. Richardson, Portland.
Commissary-Sergeant, Josiah Remick, Portland.
Hospital Steward, Nathaniel B. Coleman, Portland.
Drum-Major, John C. McArdle, Paris.

COMPANY OFFICERS.

Co. A. Captain, William H. Savage, Portland.
First Lieutenant, Charles P. Mattocks, Portland.
Second Lieutenant, James M. Brown, Portland.
Co. B. Captain, George W Martin, Portland.
First Lieutenant, Willard M. Jenkins, Fryeburg.
Second Lieutenant, Benjamin C. Pennell, Portland.
Co. C. Captain, Augustus Goldermann, Minot.
First Lieutenant, Otho W. Burnham, Poland.
Second Lieutenant, Joseph A. Perry, Portland.
Co. D. Captain, Isaac S. Faunce, Lewiston.
First Lieutenant, Milton M. Young, Lewiston.
Second Lieutenant, John C. Perry, Portland.
Co. E. Captain, Ellis M. Sawyer, Cape Elizabeth.
First Lieutenant, George W. S. Fickett, Cape Elizabeth.
Second Lieutenant, William Roberts, Yarmouth.
Co. F. Captain, Albion Hersey, Paris.
First Lieutenant, Uriah W. Briggs, Norway.
Second Lieutenant, James M. Safford, Portland.
Co. G. Captain, Edward I. Merrill, Farmington.
First Lieutenant, Benjamin G. Ames, Phillips.
Second Lieutenant, Prescott Newman, Phillips.
Co. H. Captain, Almon L. Fogg, Westbrook.
First Lieutenant, Dudley H. Johnson, Presque Isle.
Second Lieutenant, Edward Moore, Portland.
Co. I. Captain, William Hobson, Saco.
First Lieutenant, Putnam S. Boothby, Biddeford.
Second Lieutenant, James O. Thompson, Portland.
Co. K. Captain, Andrew J. Stinson, Kittery.
First Lieutenant, John P Swasey, Canton.
Second Lieutenant, Madison K. Mabry, Hiram.

The new regiment made a brave show when on August 21st , it broke camp, marched through the streets of Portland lined with enthusiastic people, and started south " for three years or the war." We journeyed to Washington by rail and boat without interruption or accident, except the shock occasioned by finding ourselves packed into box cars at Baltimore instead of ordinary passenger cars as previously We survived the shock, however, as we did many others afterwards, common to a soldier's life. August 23d relieved the 9th R. I. in a line of forts on east branch of the Potomac, running up from the main river. The situation was admirable,—an ideal camping ground. Sickness, however, incident to change of climate, prevailed. We drilled with the heavy ordnance, as well as in infantry tactics. While we were here the battles of Second Bull Run and Antietam both occurred. The boom of cannon and steady roll of small arms in both engagements were plainly heard, although in a direct line they were distant from us thirty-five and fifty miles respectively. Joining the Army. —October 7th we bade adieu to fort life to join the Army of the Potomac in the field. On the capitol steps we rested three hours before crossing Long bridge. Our course was up the Potomac. At Upton's Hill joined Berry's brigade, Birney's (First) division, Third corps. The brigade was then composed of 1st, 37th, 55th N. Y., 2d, 5th Mich, and Seventeenth Maine, regiments. The square, red patch marking Kearny's men was proudly worn by the veterans. Raw troops were not allowed them until proof of worthiness in battle was shown. October 11th crossed into Maryland over Chain bridge, and arrived two days later near Edward's Ferry, where we remained picketing the river and canal until October 28th. Our regiment had not been supplied with tents or " shelter pieces " until October 26th, although the weather all along was cold and rainy. The hardships endured thus far doubtless lessened the effective strength of the regiment by more than 100 men, equivalent to a large battle loss, many being permanently used up. Thus we became soldiers. A remaining badge of our rawness, however, was the knapsack, bloated with relics of a past refinement, weighing from twenty pounds upwards. The knapsack became obsolete in our division in the 1864 campaign. October 28th forded the Potomac at White's Ford, where the river was waist-deep and about one-third mile wide. The army, under McClellan, moved along the foot-hills, keeping pace with Lee, who moved up the Shenandoah valley beyond the Blue Ridge. We marched via Middleburg, White Plains and Salem to Waterloo on the north fork of the Rappahannock, and we remained in this vicinity several days, during which time Burnside succeeded McClellan in command of the army. Here a new plan of operations was made, with Falmouth, on the Rappahannock, as a point for concentration. Accordingly, on November 16th the march began ; on the 2 2d we went into camp around Falmouth. The time in camp was fully occupied in drills, inspections and ineffectual attempts to keep comfortable and in health, during a very cold spell in a bleak situation, until December 11th. Battle of Fredericksburg. —Early on December 11th the regiment, under Col. Thomas A. Roberts, numbering 628 men and officers, broke camp and marched towards Fredericksburg, remaining on the north side of the river that night. Next morning we moved down the river to the left of our lines. Crossed the Rappahannock on Saturday, December 13th, at noon, on a pontoon bridge, and marched to our allotted place under shelling from the enemy's guns. Soon the enemy made an advance of infantry to turn Birney's left or seize his batteries posted in our front. To repel this attack General Berry threw out the Seventeenth to the left of the batteries in line of battle, speedily checking the onset with a few rounds. We lay on the field subjected to frequent shelling until our army retired on the night of December 15th. Our loss was three killed and mortally wounded, and seventeen wounded. Next day returned to our camp, when General Birney declared in orders that the new regiments had shown themselves "fully worthy of the f Red Patch,' and I, in the name of the division, acknowledge them as members in full standing." General Berry also complimented the Seventeenth in his official report. Nevertheless, there was a feeling of disappointment in the air ; visions of valiant deeds and fierce personal encounters faded unrealized. A soldier appreciates his individuality never so much as in his first battle. The regiment changed camp ground twice during the succeeding inactivity of the army. January 20, 1863, Burnside's second campaign began. His general order was read to each regiment announcing that we "were about to meet the enemy again." Fortified with this assurance we started out, and at night brought up at Scott's Mill, near the Rappahannock, where we went into bivouac without any fires or loud sounds, for it was intended to surprise the enemy, and next morning our brigade was to lead and force the crossing. With this pleasing anticipation, and a drizzling rain, and no coffee, we slept the sleep of the just. The rain continued, and it is matter of history that we did not meet the enemy ; but we could read the derisive placard of the Johnnies across the river : " Stuck in the mud." General Hooker succeeded Burnside January 26th in com mand of the army. Improvement in rations and morale followed the change. We lost General Berry by his promotion to Major- General and command of the Second division of our corps. Before the spring campaign opened many deaths occurred, and many were discharged for "disability," including several officers who resigned. Promotions followed, to fill vacancies, and the Seventeenth was "boiled down," well-seasoned and proficient in drill. The Cedars and Chancellorsville. —April 28th the Third corps, under General Sickles, moved down the river as a feint ; thence on the 30th we marched rapidly up river, in a tortuous course, to United States Ford, arriving after midnight, and crossed the river early on May 1st. The men carried on the person eight days' rations and sixty rounds of ammunition. May 1st the regiment numbered nearly 500, rank and file, under command of Lieut. -Colonel Merrill (Colonel Roberts being absent on sick leave) The brigade was under Colonel Hayman, a regular army officer. The day passed in manoeuvring, and that night we lay upon the Plank Road, connecting to left of Eleventh corps. May 2d Sickles pushed forward several miles on a reconnaissance in force ; a lively and successful skirmish with the enemy ensued until sundown, taking prisoners. At dusk word came of the crushing attack of Jackson upon the Eleventh corps, reporting the latter to be destroyed, and that we were cut off by Jackson from the rest of our army. We silently and gloomily retraced our steps to Hazel Grove, an open plateau about a half mile from the Chancellor House. From this plateau our division made a night attack, known as the " midnight charge," upon Jackson's troops lying between us and the Plank road. The operations of Sickles' corps May 2d were known as the battle of The Cedars. Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded in the evening, and this great loss to the Confederate cause is directly traceable to General Sickles' operations. Sunday, May 3d, about 5 o'clock, General Stuart, who succeeded Jackson, resumed the battle, the weight of it falling upon Sickles' corps and a division of the Twelfth, the Eleventh corps infantry having been re-formed near the river. The battle raged furiously and incessantly until about noon. The Seventeenth, with its brigade, was placed south of the Chancellor House, in an advanced position, lying flat on the ground, supporting a battery, when the onslaught was made. The enemy's artillery played upon and over us from many cannon at Hazel Grove, and our own artillery fired over us in reply. Musketry fire from two directions also came into us from beyond our infantry lines. The enemy at one time broke through in front, and came for the battery. Our brigade at once, under the lead of General Birney, made a counter-charge, putting them to rout and taking a batch of prisoners. We then took up a new position, as the battery was withdrawn. The Seventeenth was the last infantry to go from the field south of the Chancellor House. Later in the day it was placed in a line of works at the White House. Except by heavy shelling we were not greatly molested there. At 4p.m. our brigade was advanced outside the breastworks, prepared to charge if the enemy broke our skirmish line in the woods ; but the battle in that vicinity was over. May 5th Colonel Roberts returned. May 6th we recrossed the river, our division being the last withdrawn from the front lines, and thence returned to our camp, as likewise did all others to their own. The loss in the Seventeenth in this battle was : killed and mortally wounded, 1 officer (1st Lieut. Dudley H. Johnson) and 10 enlisted men ; wounded, 5 officers (Capt. Augustus Goldermann, acting as field officer, Capt. Edward I. Merrill, 1st Lieuts. James M. Brown, Putnam S. Boothby ; 2d Lieut. ThomasW Lord) and 54 men ; also 41 taken prisoners. Total, 111. June 11th broke camp and began the march northward which culminated in the battle of Gettysburg, our route taking us to Manassas Junction, Centreville and Gum Springs, Va., from thence, on June 25th, to the Potomac, which we crossed at Edwards Ferry, on a pontoon bridge, continuing along the canal towpath to the Monocacy, where we bivouacked for the night. This day's march of thirty miles was the highest record of the regiment. Next day proceeded to Point of Rocks ; thence to Jefferson Village, Middletown, Frederick City, Taneytown, Emmitsburg and Gettysburg. The regiment took an active part in the battle of Gettysburg ; engaged in the Wheatfield July 2d for two hours and a half ; July 3d supported Daniel's 9th Mich, battery, under severe shelling. A narration of this battle is given on another page, with an account of our losses. In the pursuit of Lee's army after Gettysburg the Third corps started from the field July 7th. The regiment was reduced, through casualties and sickness, to about 150 men. The march was through Emmitsburg, Frederick City, Middletown and South Mountain Pass, reaching Antietam battlefield on the 10th. The enemy made a stand, covering Williamsport, which nearly paralyzed Meade, and caused a halt. It was a question whether to attack or not. The rank and file were eager to pitch in, but uncertainty or timidity at headquarters lasted several days, during which time Lee decamped across the Potomac into the Shenandoah Valley. Our army crossed the river on the 17th and marched on east side of Blue Ridge, reaching Manassas Gap July 2 2d. Wapping Heights. —July 23d we ran into the rear guard of Lee. The Seventeenth was in the second line, supporting the skirmishers. Our only casualty was the mortal wounding of Sergt.-Major Fred W Bosworth by a shell. Resuming the march the army passed through Salem and Warrenton, and on July 31st went into camp at Sulphur Springs, on the north fork of the Rappahannock. The Confederate army encamped beyond Culpeper ; ours around Warrenton. Both settled down to rest and recuperate. To fill our ranks three officers, Capt. Charles P Mattocks, Lieuts. J A. Perry and W H. Green, with a recruiting squad, had been sent to Portland for recruits July 24th. September 15th our army advanced down to Culpeper ; September 23d we received 160 recruits from Maine. They proved to be of good material. October 11th General Lee took the bit in his teeth. Very adroitly deceiving Meade, he got a good start upon the right flank of the latter, and a complicated race began for Centreville or some intermediate point. Auburn. —In a blind fashion both Union and Confederate columns occasionally attempted to march on the same road at the same time. This occurred on October 13th, when Stuart's cavalry got upon our road at Auburn on Cedar Run. Our sevp:nteenth regiment historical sketch. 231 brigade ran into a brigade of this cavalry and a brisk skirmish ensued for a couple of hours, engaging both arms of the service. The enemy was routed, leaving his dead and some prisoners and horses behind. The Seventeenth had one man wounded and three missing. This astounding retrograde movement ended when our troops reached Fairfax Court House on the 15th of October. Lee did not attack our forces, but spent a couple of days destroying the railroad track. On the 19th he disappeared, and Meade moved forward. Our division went into camp near Catlett's. Maj. George W- !West, having been commissioned as Colonel, was mustered to that grade October 22d, and assumed command of the regiment, which had now acquired a strength of about 375, rank and file. Kelly's Ford.—November 7th our army advanced across the Rappahannock, the Seventeenth crossing at Kelly's Ford where, behind works, some resistance was made and a few hundred prisoners secured who appeared glad to be taken in out of the cold. Next day pushed forward in line of battle to Brandy Station, from which our southern neighbors fled at our approach. We prepared comfortable quarters and enjoyed them until Meade, doubtless remembering the ides of October, attempted a counter-stroke upon Lee's right, beyond the Rapidan. Locust Grove and Mine Run.—We crossed the Rapidan at Jacob's Ford in the evening of November 26th, and stopped for the night about a mile farther on. Next day, November 27th, the Third division took the lead and struck the enemy Our (First) division moved forward, formed, and was held in support. Those in front gave way Advancing in line beyond these men, new to battle, we met the enemy, and a fierce musketry conflict ensued, until every round of our ammunition was expended. Just at this moment a brigade of the Sixth corps (in which was the Sixth Maine regiment) came up, moved beyond our right flank, turned that of the enemy, gave him some volleys routing him, and the field was ours. This action occurred at a villa called Locust Grove. This stand-up fight caused us a grievous loss, inflicted unnecessarily through the incompetency or recklessness of some officer, superior to the regimental, who directed the Seventeenth to take the place of the regiment it relieved ; thus bringing the line of the regiment nearly perpendicular to, and in front of, that of the enemy, who, at short range, made great havoc with our right companies, while the left of the regiment was untouched. Our loss was : killed or mortally wounded, eleven, of whom were Capt. Ellis M. Sawyer (acting as Major) and 1st Lieut. James M. Brown ; and thirty-nine wounded, of whom was 1st Lieut. F. A. Sawyer. Our picket, under Lieut. W H. Green, scooped in about a dozen prisoners the next morning. On the 28th we moved some miles and came to our general line, confronting the enemy posted and waiting for us on the heights, in his works, beyond the Mine Run, a stream of some width but generally fordable. Remained here the 29th and 30th ready to assault the works, which were of a most formidable character, at sound of a signal gun. We formed on both days to make this hopeless sacrifice, momentarily expecting the signal to advance. It did not sound, and the enterprise was abandoned. We marched all night, from dusk to sunrise, and recrossed the river without molestation ; many stragglers doubtless fell into the enemy's hands. We lost one, taken prisoner. Returned to encampment at Brandy Station and went into winter quarters. A new stand of colors, in silk, National and State, with eagles, presented by the merchants of Portland to the Seventeenth, was received February 22d. These were safely borne through the campaigns of 1864. March 24th the unwelcome order of consolidation was received. The Third corps was merged into the Second, under command of General Hancock ; the First and Second divisions becoming the Third and Fourth divisions of the Second corps. General Birney retained command of our division. The veterans of the Third corps retained their diamond patches. Brigades were also consolidated. Ours, to be commanded by Gen. Alexander Hays, thus became the Second brigade of Third division, Second corps, and was composed of the Fourth and Seventeenth Maine, 3d and 5th Mich., 63d, 57th and 105th Penn., 93d N Y and 1st U. S. Sharpshooters. Lieutenant-General Grant joined the army in April. We vacated the winter huts on the 26th of that month, encamping in shelter tents in open fields. We lay here until the general movement began on May 3d. Grant's Campaign. —The Seventeenth Maine began this campaign with 21 officers, 5 acting officers (commissioned but not mustered) and 439 enlisted men in the ranks. The officers were : Colonel, GeorgeW West ; Captains, John C. Perry (acting as Field officer), Joseph A. Perry, Benjamin C. Pennell, William H. Green, Isaac S. Faunce, Sumner S. Richards, George W Verrill ; First Lieutenants, Frederick A. Sawyer, John N. Morrill, James S. Roberts, Grenville F Sparrow, George A. Whidden, Henry L. Bartels, Wellington Hobbs; Second Lieutenants, Stephen Graffam, Franklin C. Adams, Gustavus C. Pratt, Robert H. Mathes, William H. Sturgis, Benjamin Doe. Acting officers : Sergeant-Major, Edward H. Crie ; Sergeants, Charles C. Cole, Jordan M. Hall, Joseph S. Hobbs, and Newton W Parker. In addition to these the following combatant officers of the regiment were on detailed duty in the division: Maj. Charles P Mattocks, commanding 1st U. S. Sharpshooters; Capt. Edwin B. Houghton, acting A. I. G. on First brigade staff ; Second Lieut. Walter F Noyes, commanding brigade pioneers (these went into action) Taking up the line of march at midnight, May 3d, we crossed the Rapidan on morning of the 4th at Ely's Ford proceeded thence to the battle ground of Chancellorsville, remaining there during the day and night. Battle of the Wilderness.—May 5, 1864, marched and reached Todd's Tavern about noon. The enemy—Hill's corps —having struck the Sixth corps, marching on the Brock road, we were turned upon that road and marched northward to the point where it crosses the Orange Plank road. The Seventeenth was on the right of the Second corps. About 4 p. m. we advanced in line of battle, parallel with the Brock road through thick undergrowth, until we felt the enemy In an unsuccessful effort to find connections upon our right, as ordered, the regiment became separated from the troops on our left, but advanced upon Hill and forced him back at his left flank, after a fierce stand-up tight, lasting until dark, taking about thirty prisoners. May 6th, at 5 o'clock a. m., in the same formation, we advanced again, in a general attack in line of battle, capturing a line of breastworks, routing the enemy and driving him before us a mile and a half. The Seventeenth and Fourth Maine, side by side, pushing forward, had become the point of a wedge, well driven through the enemy's lines. Arriving at an opening, crossed by the Plank road, we halted under a sharp infantry fire, and that of a couple of unfriendly field pieces, for our connections to come up. The broken lines of the enemy on our right rear, finding we had outflanked them, retreated in a mob, hundreds of them falling into our hands as prisoners, whom we directed to the rear, as we had directed those taken in the advance. Doubtless all of them were claimed by troops at our rear as their captures. Colonel West, who had already lost his horse,—shot under him,—was severely wounded and helped to the rear. Longstreet, having made dispositions, put in his corps. We successfully resisted his attack in front, but he forced an opening somewhere on the left and towards our rear, which caused our line to fall back, under orders of Colonel Walker of Fourth Maine, then commanding the brigade. Thus a glorious victory was allowed to slip which we had held firmly in our grasp ; a single brigade at the front, with us, could have secured the harvest. At noontime our whole line, thus outgeneraled, retired, fighting, in good order to the Brock road, along which breastworks were built. Later in the day we received an assault upon this line by Longstreet's corps, which was repulsed. May 7th advanced with the division, massed by brigades in columns of regiments, to find the enemy,—and we found him, lively enough with his buck shot and artillery, behind works. The regiment lost in the three days 201. Of this number 62 were killed outright or died of their wounds. The loss of officers was : killed, 2d Lieut. Benjamin Doe and acting 2d Lieut. Newton W Parker ; wounded, Col. George W West, Capt. Joseph A. Perry, 1st Lieuts. George A. Whidden (rejoined for duty May 16th), Wellington Hobbs (rejoined for duty June 28th), Henry L. Bartels, Frederick A. Sawyer, 2d Lieut. Franklin C. Adams and acting 2d Lieut. Joseph S. SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT HISTORICAL SKETCH. 235 Hobbs (rejoined for duty May 11th) Major Mattocks was captured on the skirmish out-posts, May 5th, at the first collision ; had this not occurred the regiment might have regained this field officer, after the loss of Colonel West. Owing to our lack of officers, Major Moore of the 99th Penn. was temporarily assigned to command the Seventeenth, the word coming from General Birney that he had so high a regard for the Seventeenth that he gave us the best available field officer in the division. Major Moore gallantly led us until May 16th. May 8th moved towards Spotsylvania as far as Todd's Tavern, where we built works ; not engaged, although under fire. May 9th marched southward towards the Po river. The greater portion of the regiment was sent on picket across the river under Capt. W H. Green, senior of the regimental detail. Po River.—May 10th the picket line with some supports advanced as skirmishers and drove the enemy's cavalry a long distance, back upon their infantry supports. A large force of the latter rapidly advanced upon our scattered line and upon its flanks, intending to capture the whole. Our detachments and the Fourth Maine, the whole under command of Col. Elijah Walker of that regiment, were skillfully, although with difficulty and some loss, withdrawn, rejoining the brigade on north side of the stream. The remainder of the 10th and the 11th was employed in supporting charging columns, batteries and skirmishers. Loss in the two days was one mortally wounded, seven wounded (including Capt. S. S. Richards), and two missing (never heard from and probably killed). Spotsylvania. —Roused from sleep at 10 o'clock in the evening of May 11th, we silently moved out of our works on the right of the line, and marched away in the darkness and rain. The regiment reached its destination just before daybreak May 12th, and was immediately placed in the column already formed to charge the enemy's works at the "Salient." A short rest while waiting for the heavy fog to clear. About daybreak the charging column, composed of Barlow's (First) division and our own division, moved forward side by side, without noise until the picket line was reached and captured, when some shots were fired. Then with loud cheering we rushed forward for the works, through the obstructions and up over the steep glacis, without a halt. The Seventeenth entered in the first line at the very angle of the Salient, on the inner side of which were deep traverses, a long line of hitched-up artillery, and a mass of Confederates paralyzed with consternation, probably both at our appearance and the previous disappearance of most of their comrades into our protection. Gen. Edward Johnson's division was extinguished ; about 5,000 men of it captured and he himself and his subordinate, General Steuart, prisoners of war in our hands. General Johnson was taken by Sergeant S. Frank Haskell and Private J F Totman of the Seventeenth Maine, and escorted by them to General Hancock. The six batteries and horses fell into our hands. Without stopping to re-form we pushed forward for an inner line of works, but were met by a wide-awake enemy defending it, and by the advance of converging formations. We retired, fighting, back to the captured works, and from the outside used them as a breastwork. One of the bloodiest encounters of the war, in a hand-to-hand struggle, ensued across the works, continuing all day and until nearly midnight, when the determined foe gave it up, leaving eighteen cannon and the whole Salient in our possession. A part of the Sixth corps at the proper moment came in on our right at the west angle of the Salient, and gallantly took and carried on the fierce battle. To these heroic veterans an equal share of glory and credit is due for holding fast the captured position and artillery. We took into the battle 225 muskets, with 13 officers and 4 acting officers. Our loss : 12 men killed or mortally wounded; 41 wounded, of whom were 1st Lieut. John N. Morrill and 2d Lieut. Stephen Graffam ; 5 taken prisoners ; 1 missing, probably killed ; Captain Houghton, detailed on First brigade staff, also wounded. Sergt. Edward G. Parker, carrying our national color, was killed, and Sergt. Edwin Emery, bearing the state color, was badly disabled by two wounds, the Color-guard nearly annihilated. Acting Sergt.-Major G. A. Parker was wounded. Maine was well represented here : the Third, Seventeenth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh regiments all fought at the Salient. The Sixteenth, Nineteenth, Thirty-first and Thirty-second also co-operated by assaults upon the works near by. From the 13th to 19th not engaged, except on picket. On the 16th Lieut. -Colonel Merrill returned to duty, taking command. Capt. Edward Moore also returned from a leave of absence. Fredericksburg Road. —On the 19th, at 2 a.m., the division marched about five miles to the Anderson House, on the Fredericksburg road. The army supplies came this way Ewell circled our right to strike this road in our rear. Near the trains he ran against the First Maine heavy artillery regiment, used as infantry, and another of same kind, who fought with steadiness, holding the enemy. Our division went at double-quick to the rescue, supporting the line and advancing the battle. The Seventeenth relieved the First Maine, that had lost heavily, and advanced upon the enemy, who fell back. Next morning advanced again, and the enemy fled. The regiment secured 47 prisoners (the division 500), with a loss of only one wounded and one missing. North Anna. —May 21st, at 1 a. m., with 184 muskets, we took the Guiney Station road, passed through Bowling Green, crossed the Mattapony, beyond which we bivouacked, a twenty miles march ; 22d built breastworks ; 23d marched at 5 a. m. southward, approaching the North Anna. The enemy held a redoubt near the bridge on the north side, with flanking lines to the river. Our division charged in line of battle ; our brigade, under Col. B. R. Pierce, advancing, met a fusilade, and was raked by artillery from across the river, but carried everything handsomely to the river Next day intrenched under fire on the south side. Remained here until the 27th. Loss : killed and mortally wounded, four (of whom were 1st Lieut. James S. Roberts and 2d Lieut. Walter F Noyes), and seventeen wounded. Totopotomy —At midnight, May 26th, recrossed river and marched to the Pamunkey, crossing it on the 28th, near Newcastle. Several positions and advances were made in the ensuing four days. On June 1st the enemy's line at the Totopotomy Creek, which flows into the river, was assailed with success by our division, the First brigade leading, supported by ours— our regimental loss being slight. The Seventeenth was 238 MAINE AT GETTYSBURG. this day transferred to the First brigade, commanded by Colonel Egan, and served with it until March 15, 1865. The Third Maine belonged to this brigade. Marched at midnight without halting, passing Salem church and around our army towards the left until, at 6 a. m., we halted for breakfast, after which, to the left until we joined Barlow's (First) division at the front. Cold Harbor. —June 3d a general assault was made upon the enemy's strong works, ending in failure and a fearful loss; we were held as a support to the First division and suffered slightly Remained in this vicinity until June 12th. On June 4th the re-enlisted men and recruits of the Third Maine were transferred to the Seventeenth. Many names were on the transfer rolls, but we received only 129 men carrying muskets ; these were sterling men, many of them being non-commissioned officers, for whom we found places. The vigor of our men, which had kept up remarkably until this time, suddenly collapsed. We had nearly fifty prostrated in one day. A portion of them recovered before the 12th. Losses since May 24th : one killed, four wounded, five captured. The sergeants remaining to us, who had served as officers since the campaign opened, were here mustered according to their commissions. June 12th left the works at Cold Harbor, and on the 13th marched to the James river, crossing next day at Windmill Point, and remained on the south side waiting for rations that day and night. June 15th marched to the line in front of Petersburg and bivouacked behind captured earthworks. Our strength was 16 officers and 224 enlisted men. Petersburg Assaults. —June 16th, while the roll was being called, a well-aimed shell burst in our ranks, injuring several, among them Capt. John C. Perry, commanding the regiment,—Lieut. -Col. Merrill being off duty, —and the command devolved upon Capt. Benj. C. Pennell. Soon the Seventeenth Maine and 20th Ind. were moved out and formed in line of battle without supports ; the orders were to advance and take the enemy's intrenchments and battery about fifty rods distant. We moved forward in line of buttle, over stubby but level ground, under a storm of bullets, shell and solid shot, poured SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT HISTORICAL SKETCH. 239 into us as we advanced, coming from the veterans of Lee's army Our line shriveled and the alignment was broken. We failed to reach the main line, but took and held an outwork about midway the lines. A short time elapsed when we re-formed the two regiments at this point, expecting to have a support, but none came, and we moved forward a second time, gaining some ground, but with no better success ; holding the advanced position, however, under a murderous fire until we were withdrawn towards night. Colonel Egan was wounded. The whole First division charged at sunset upon the same line, and were likewise repulsed. Our loss was : killed and mortally wounded, 16 (amongst them one of the color-bearers, Corporal Leonard Pride) ; wounded, 2 officers, Capt. John C.Perry and 2d Lieut. Jordan M. Hall, and 37 enlisted men. Next day the Seventeenth occupied a portion of the advanced line used for skirmishing, keeping up a galling fire which drove the opposing skirmishers from their pits. Captain Pennell was instantly killed while attempting to bring down with a Sharp's rifle the "stars and bars" planted on their works opposite our colors. The command of the regiment then devolved upon Capt. Edward Moore, who was succeeded the same evening by Major Gilbraith, of the 20th Ind., detailed temporarily by General Birney to this special duty with our regiment, which he well performed until July 10th, when relieved by return of Lieut. -Colonel Merrill to duty. June 18th a general assault on the enemy's works was made, with very small success but with frightful casualties. We charged at the Hare House along a ridge (overlooking the plain where the First Maine Heavy charged) . The small advancement of our lines was secured by earthworks thrown up in the night in close contact with the enemy, Here we remained in the works until relieved on the 20th by the Ninth corps. Loss since June 16th, killed and mortally wounded, one officer and 13 enlisted men ; wounded, 18 enlisted men. Jerusalem Road. —June 21st the Second corps extended the lines to the left beyond Jerusalem Road. Next day a portion of our division in this movement was outflanked and captured in the new breastworks. Our brigade was ordered to 240 MAINE AT GETTYSBURG. charge and retake these works at daybreak of the 2 2d. As we were drawn up in an open field to undertake this task each man nerved himself and prepared for the worst, in many instances leaving valuables and messages with the surgeon. The word was given ; the line moved forward in splendid style. Before half the distance was gained the enemy gave a feeble volley and left the work, which we occupied without trouble, with loss of one killed, two wounded and three missing. The regiment lay behind works after this, not engaged although at the front. July 12th the corps moved from the front and encamped, doing daily fatigue duty, levelling old works, etc. An official nominal list of our casualties for May and June was compiled, showing the number to have been 376, of whom only 32 were missing, which included those taken prisoners. Five officers were killed and fifteen wounded, being a much higher percentage than that of the enlisted men. July 26th marched to the James, crossing at Jones' Point. First Deep Bottom.—Moved forward about two miles and performed picket duty until relieved on 28th, when at dusk we recrossed the river and marched in rear of the investing lines until morning ; next evening after dark we marched to the Hare House and quietly relieved Hicks' troops of the Ninth corps in the intrenchments. This was in preparation for the famous Mine Explosion which occurred next morning, July 30th, near by us. Returned at nightfall to our camp in reserve, where we stayed until August 12th. Second Deep Bottom. —August 12th marched to City Point and embarked on steamers. At 10 p. m. steamed up the James to Deep Bottom, where we landed in the morning. Advancing on the 14th, the enemy fell back into his strong works. We were established on the picket line at a large cornfield, doing that duty until the 19th. The main attack was made on the right, by the Tenth corps and a portion of the Second corps, all under General Birney. Failure followed temporary success. Skirmishing was continuous on the picket line, punctuated with artillery fire. Colonel Chaplin of the First Maine H. A., in command of the picket, was killed quite near the Seventeenth. Our loss was only four, wounded. SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT HISTORICAL SKETCH. 241 Returning to the Petersburg lines we were put into the trenches, relieving the Thirty-second Maine and another regiment. The opposing works were about 500 yards away ; with us was Ames' N Y battery, relieved by White's Fourth Maine battery. One-third of our men were held constantly under arms in the works, with pickets in front. This was north of Fort " Hell " in an ordinarily healthy location ; many deserters came in. The opposing pickets were at first peaceable, with commercial dealings ; September 10th our picket line was advanced, which brought on a scrimmage. The brigade Officer of the Day was Capt. Edward Moore, whose duties brought him into this affair. We had a few wounded, amongst them Lieut. Joseph S. Hobbs at the main works. Then there began constant picket firing, day and night, except for a half hour at sunset, each day, by consent, when pickets were changed on both sides. We suffered a useless loss from this picket firing. Peebles' Farm and Fort Hell. —October 1st moved from the trenches, making a movement " to the left," to extend our lines and establish them with earthworks, which being accomplished we returned on the 5th and were placed in Fort Sedgwick (known as Fort " Hell ") . Mortar shelling was frequent, and on the evening of the 11th a concentrated fire from many came into our fort, descending all around and causing some loss. October 15th were withdrawn and encamped back from the works. Colonel West, who had been absent, wounded, since May 6th, returned to duty Lieut. -Colonel Merrill resigned, and took his leave of us. The regiment furnished picket details for the front. October 24th Lieut. Wellington Hobbs was killed and Lieut. George A. Whidden permanently disabled by the same bullet ; Lieut. George B. Dunn also slightly wounded, same night. Boydton Road.—October 26th the Second and Third divisions, under Hancock, inarched to the left, crossing Hatcher's Run on the 27th, and pushed to the Boydton Road. The enemy nearlv surrounded us. The Seventeenth was finally posted to guard our line of retreat, and constructed a barricade which General Hancock commended, adding," fix them so that you can fio-ht on either side." The reuiment was selected to escort the 242 MAINE AT GETTYSBURG. ambulances, filled with wounded, back to the works, in advance of the troops, after nightfall. An all-night march. October 30th we were placed in Fort Rice, remaining until November 29th, when we moved again to the left near the Peebles' House, at the southerly turn of our lines. December 7th the Fifth corps and our division, with some cavalry, all under General Warren, made an infantry raid, marching beyond the Nottaway River to Jarrett's Station on the Weldon railroad, and then destroying the railroad in a most thorough manner. Twenty miles of it was put "kors de combat" from the Nottaway to Belfield. Our troops burned many buildings on the return, as revenge upon inhabitants who had murdered men that fell out. No encounter with the enemy After this we encamped, out of the works, near Fort Dushane, as in winter quarters. 1865. Colonel West, who had been appointed to Brevet Brigadier- General for his conduct at battle of the Wilderness, arrived at the front January 8th and was placed temporarily in command of the brigade, General de Trobriand being absent, and later was assigned to command another brigade. He did not return to duty with the regiment. Captain William Hobson, in command by seniority, was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment January 18th. Hatcher's Run.—February 5th our division, under General Mott, followed by the Second division, marched to Hatcher's Run, and our brigade forced the passage of the stream under fire. The crossing was secured by forming the brigade in a crescent, one flank resting upon the south bank. The object being an extension of our works to the left, the line was established and intrenchments built, when we encamped near the Smith house, resuming camp duties, picketing, etc., and the usual routine. February 22d the 2d U. S. Sharpshooters was disbanded and its company D was transferred to the Seventeenth ; by this we gained about a dozen fine soldiers. March 15th the regiment was re-transferred to the Second brigade, now commanded by Brig. Gen. Byron R. Pierce, formerly Colonel of the 3d Mich, regiment, an ideal leader. March 25th a demonstration was made against the enemy's picket lines in our corps front, as a diversion to aid in the recovery of Fort Steadman, which the enemy had captured from the Ninth corps. Our move was successful, provoking an attack upon our corps that we repulsed, and captured prisoners. The loss of the regiment was small. Counting up the regimental casualties from August 19, 1864, to March 26, 1865, we found them to be one officer and eleven enlisted men killed and mortally wounded, and three officers and twenty-five enlisted men wounded. March 29th broke camp at 6 a. m., marched on the Vaughan road, crossed Hatcher's Run and advancing towards Boydton Road, made connection on our left with the Fifth corps. Next morning advanced in line about a mile and found the enemy's skirmishers, in view of his main line of works, from which his artillery opened. Our lines were strengthened with breastworks. At this time the strength of the regiment was about 300, rank and file. The following officers were on duty with the regiment : Lieutenant-Colonel William Hobson, commanding ; Major, Charles P Mattocks (rejoined for duty March 31st from prisoner of war since May 5, 1864) ; Adjutant, George A. Parker ; Captains, William H. Green, Isaac S. Faunce, Gustavus C. Pratt, Charles C. Cole, George B. Dunn ; First Lieutenants, Robert H. Mathes, William H. Sturgis commanding company B, Parlin Crawford commanding company F, Joseph S. Hobbs commanding company H, James M. Webb commanding company C, Schollay G. Usher, Dexter W Howard commanding company E, William H. Copp ; Second Lieutenants, Fayette M. Paine, Albert L. Bradbury, Edwin A. Duncan, Asa G Charles, Charles H. Parcher, Sumner W Burnham, Edwin W Sanborn, Thomas Snowman. Other line officers, on detailed duty in the field, were Capt. Joseph A. Perry, at division hospital ; Capt. George W Verrill, A. A. D. C. on staff of General Pierce ; 1st Lieut. Edward H. Crie, acting regimental quartermaster; 2d Lieut. Edwin Emery, brigade ambulance officer ; quartermaster Josiah Remiek, as 1st brigade quartermaster. Fall of Petersburg. —The general assault upon the defensive works was ordered for 4.30 a. m. April 2d, to commence on right of our army, after a night of cannonading. Early in the morning General Pierce sent two regiments, with an aide, to " feel " the works in front, which we found nearly evacuated, and they were secured by these, being the first from the division ; the remainder of the brigade then advanced to the works. Without delay the brigade marched towards Petersburg upon the Boydton Plank Road, sending in advance an aide and orderly to scout the way ; the enemy had fallen back to the outskirts of Petersburg, where Lee had stretched a breastwork across to the Appomattox. Approaching this line we found resistance, also an artillery fire from across the river. The Ninth and Sixth corps had carried their front, except a couple of forts. We formed, connecting with the troops of the latter on our right. It is related that while the Seventeenth was throwing up a breastwork here, about twilight, two strangers came along and stopped on the line of work, conversing together, peering and pointing in a peculiar manner. Colonel Hobson ordered them to "get out of the way," which they did without any "back talk." The strangers were afterwards discovered to be Lieut. General Grant and Maj. General Wright. Lee evacuated that night. In the morning the pursuit began, and we marched twenty miles. Stragglers from Lee were plenty. The pursuit continued energetically, and on the 5th we came up with his rear guard. Deatonsviele and Sailor Creek.—April 6th the First brigade had the lead. Lee had changed his course. About 2 p. m., when the enemy made a stand, the Seventeenth, with another of our regiments, was lent to the First brigade, to prolong its line, which at once formed and impetuously charged under a hot musket and artillery fire. The Seventeenth, after breaking their line, wheeled to the left and charged upon those Confederates who still held to their works, capturing about seventyfive prisoners, including several officers, and the battle-flag of the 21st N C. Lieutenant-Colonel Hobson was wounded in the first advance. The command of the regiment then devolved upon Major Mattocks, who detailed Captain Green to act as a field officer. The division then, in line of battle, advanced about two miles, where the enemy was again found. Then the Seventeenth was returned to its own brigade, which in turn took the advance to charge. Moving forward under musketry and artillery fire, we crossed a small stream, where we routed a skirmish line, and kept on up a ridge ; the rest of the brigade separated and moved to the left, while the Seventeenth alone made connection with the First division on our right, as planned. General Humphreys, the corps commander, was present, who at once ordered another charge, when we pressed on, completely routing the enemy, who had made a stand at some buildings, and driving him across and beyond Sailor Creek. His wagon train fell into our hands with a large batch of prisoners. It was a headquarters train, and proved rich plunder. Six barrels of whiskey was the load of one wagon, which was wisely poured into the brook. The loss was : killed and mortally wounded, seven, including 1st Lieut. Schollay G. Usher ; wounded, twenty-seven, including Lieut-Colonel Hobson, Captain Dunn, 1st Lieut. Webb, 2d Lieut. Duncan ; 1st Lieut. Hobbs was slightly wounded, but not disabled from duty. The pursuit continued next day, the Second division in the lead ; crossed the Appomattox at High Bridge, then on fire, where the enemy made some resistance, but gave way, leaving eighteen guns behind. In the afternoon came up with him, strongly intrenched, in a strong position at Farmville. Skirmishing followed, and feints of attack, the object being to detain them. In the night our foe decamped, and on the 8th the hunt began again, passing through New Store. Late at night, or rather at daylight of the 9th, got within striking distance. Sunday, April 9th, we continued the march until about noon and halted, about two miles from Appomattox C. H. The Surrender. —About four o'clock in the afternoon General Meade, coming from the front, announced the surrender of General Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia, at Appomattox Court House. April 11th marched for Burkesville Junction, remaining there until May 2d, when the long march began for Washington ; on the way passing through Richmond, Fredericksburg, and other places memorable in the long strife ; finally reaching Bailey's Cross Roads, near Washington, where we encamped and remained until mustered out of service, June 4, 1865. The regiment, under Colonel Mattocks, took part in the Grand Review in Washington on May 23d. The men whose terms of service held beyond September 30, 1865, were transferred to the First Maine Heavy Artillery regiment ; this transfer also included three officers. About 300 enlisted men and thirty officers were present June 4, 1865, to be mustered out, and these came back to Maine with the organization. A large number of our comrades were absent, wounded and sick in hospital, who were thus deprived of the great joy of returning home under the colors. The Seventeenth, returning to Maine, arrived in Portland June 8th, where it, and the Twentieth regiment, were received with enthusiasm and were highly honored by a public reception. June 10, 1865, the organization was disbanded.