91st PA at Fredericksburg

129th Pennsylvania at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia

[see Battle of Fredericksburg]
['From the 129th Penna Reg't', Philadelphia Inquirer 18 December 1862, page 2


[Philadelphia Inquirer 18 December 1862 page 2]
FROM THE 129TH PENNA. REG'T.
Correspondence of the Inquirer.
FREDERICKSBURG, VA., Dec. 14, 1862.

A rest in this place, after the terrible fight of yesterday, gives me an opportunity of dropping you a few lines concerning the result. The terrific connonading [sic] of yesterday was continued throughout the whole day, and extended from the right to the left of the line of batteries ranged along the river. HUMPHREY'S Division had encamped for the night previous about a mile distant from the enemy, and were ordered to be in readiness to cross the river, at the middle pontoon bridge, at early dawn. The Brigade (General TYLER'S) was not moved off, however, until about ten o'clock, and reached the opposite shore about noon, continually saluted on the way by showers of Rebel shell, which served to keep up the attention of the men as to what was going on ahead and over them.

After depositing knapsacks and blankets in several buildings, so as to put the men in good fighting condition, the brigade was moved forward towards the outskirts of the town from the river. The town by this time presents a dilapidated appearance, many of the buildings have been burned down, and the rest exhibit the marks of the ultimate shelling administered to this rebellious town by both friends and foes. The town was almost deserted by the inhabitants, except, perhaps, by a few contrabands, who have been kept in such a great state of fright for the last three or four days that they do not know yet whether to welcome the new comers or not. During the whole of the time the brigade was in the town the Rebel shell fell fast and furiously over us, shattering buildings and destroying the property, though doing no other damage to the brigade than killing one and wounding another of the One-hundred and thirty-fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, at that time marching side by side in the streets with the One-hundred-and-twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers.

The brigade was now ordered to take its position in the front, covering a battery now for the first time pushed forward on the rise of ground against a formidable Rebel battery less than half a mile distant, and the approach to which was difficult, on account of several ditches, and particularly of a strong stone wall and many rifle-pits, behind and within which the Rebels had posted a strong force. The ground in front of their batteries afforded them an excellent sweep for grape and canister in case any attempt should be made, and they were ready to hail death and destruction upon any force that might be rashly thrust forward for that purpose. A public road ran along to the right of our position, and the Ninety-first and One-hundred-and-twenty-ninth Pennsylvania were at first ordered into a position on the right of the road. An unfortunate move it proved. While the position was well sheltered from the main battery, it afforded an excellent opportunity for a second battery, on the right of the first, to pour in several raking shots, which told with fearful effect, one taking effect in the Ninety-first, and the other in the One hundred-and twenty-ninth.

Lieutenant PARVIN, Company B, of the latter regiment, was mortally injured by the shell, and has since died. This position became almost too warm, and we changed to another position behind the batteries, on the crest of a small rise in the ground, the Rebel batteries being upon still higher ground. The position was only tolerably secure, as every now and then a shell would burst in among us that would almost dispel any attempt at cool, calm reflection. Horses were killed, and pieces of shell and flesh scattered in all directions. Our batteries replied vigorously, returning shot for shot, until so many of the cannoneers had been killed off by the Rebel sharp-shooters in the pits--that a call was made for men to work the guns from among the volunteer regiments.

The firing continued without intermission until the sun went down, and then a charge upon the rifle pits and stone wall was ordered, and the Jersey Blue Brigade was selected for the work. The Ninety-first occupied the right, and the One hundred-and twenty ninth the left, with the One hundred and twenty-sixth and One-hundred-and thirty fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers in their rear, who were to follow them.

At the word the regiments moved forward briskly, and with a wild hurrah they mounted the hill and advanced at a run, with bayonets fixed and in good order. As soon as the movement was perceived by the Rebs, they opened a fire of grape and cannister upon the ranks which told with fearful effect. In addition to other difficulties, the advancing line were obliged to cross a fence and over one or two other regiments, which were then lying down, and, besides, the mud was over shoe deep. Nevertheless, in spite of these obstacles, the line moved forward, through thrown into some confusion by the storm of shot and shell which filled the air more furiously than ever. The Minie balls whistled by with their fitful hiss, and the great guns of the enemy belched forth their thunder and scattered death and destruction all around.

But valor was of no avail, and the advance was first checked, and then was compelled to retire slowly from before this destructive line of fire. The officers did all that bravery and coolness could do to rally the men and continue the advance. Gen. HUMPHREYS exposed himself recklessly to the enemy's fire, having had two horses shot from under him, while his staff were all unhurt. Colonel FRICK, riding gallantly at the head of his regiment, cheered them on in the fearful advance, and afterwards, when we were checked, did his best to restore them to order and to advance once more. But valor was useless against that tempest of shot and shell, and only hurled itself on to its own destruction. During the short time that elapsed whilst the charge was being made, upwards of one hundred men of the One hundred-and-twenty-ninth had been either killed or wounded, and almost a like proportion from each of the other three regiments of the brigade. Six Captains were wounded in the charge, and one Lieutenant probably killed. Captain LAWRENCE, Company A, was dangerously wounded in the groin and spine, probably mortally. Captain THOMAS received a painful wound, whilst Captain TAYLOR, of Bethlehem, was struck by a Minie ball in the shoulder, and Captain LEIB, of Ashland, Schuylkill county, was shot by a ball in the left arm, about the elbow joint, which may take a long time to cure. The injuries received by the other officers were not so serious.

Later at night the Brigade was ordered off the field, and found quarters in Fredericksburg, only to be routed up [sic] at 10 o'clock at night to take their positions in the fields again, where they remained until after day broke, when they were again ordered from the field, and are now resting in this much shelled town.


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revised 24 Mar 10
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